iStock/Thinkstock(CUPERTINO, Calif.) -- Apple's spaceship-like headquarters in Cupertino, California, is adorned in solar panels, a testament to the company's pledge to power its facility with 100 percent renewable energy. Were committed to leaving the world better than we found it. After years of hard work were proud to have reached this significant milestone, said Tim Cook, Apples CEO, in the press release on Monday. In addition to its HQ in California, its data centers and retail stores in 43 countries, including the U.S., U.K., China and India, run on a mix of wind energy from its farms and solar energy it has purchased. Other sources of renewable energy for Apple include biogas fuel cells and micro-hydro generation systems, and the company also taps a local utility to supply additional energy. Biogas fuel cells capture methane gas that would otherwise be emitted to the atmosphere and micro-hydro generation systems are turbines that are installed in free-flowing waterways, Mark Jacobson, the director of Stanford University's Atmosphere and Energy program, told ABC News. Apple's clean power projects directly contribute to local power grids and the tech giant works to get "materially involved" with wind and solar plants in various areas, Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, said during the Bloomberg New Energy Finance conference on Tuesday, according to GreenBiz, an online green business news publication. Apple referred ABC News to Jackson's comments at the conference when asked about its 100 percent renewable energy sourcing. When Apple does buy renewable energy from another provider for one of its locations, the company stays "true to the regional grid," Jackson said at the conference. "[This means] the renewable energy purchased by Apple is on the same regional grid that the Apple stores or data centers are on," Jacobson said, "as opposed to on a grid several states away." Jacobson explained that Apple is "creating new, clean energy that is offsetting energy that they are using. Apple is producing as much or more clean renewable electricity as they are using in all of their operations." Apple currently has 25 renewable energy projects around the world and 15 more projects in construction, according to the press release. The company did not say how much it spends to purchase renewable energy. Apple is one of 100 companies that have committed to 100 percent renewable power with the RE100 campaign, which is organized by The Climate Group with the goal of increasing demand and delivery of renewable electricity globally. There are a lot of factors to be considered for a company to be able to claim it is sourcing 100 percent renewable energy to power its facilities, said Sam Kimmins, the head of the RE100 campaign. For example, a company can't claim that a clean power plant in one country is providing renewable energy to a facility in another country. Kimmins said the campaign independently verifies the claims its members make about renewable energy. "A lot of the companies, the way they do it is they approach an agreement with a renewable energy plant," he explained. "Apple has made a great effort in their claims." Other tech companies that have committed to achieving this goal with the RE100 campaign include Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Google reached 100 percent renewable energy sourcing in 2017 and Microsoft has been sourcing clean energy since 2014, said Kimmins. By this time next year RE100 anticipates that over 200 companies will have signed on to commit to 100 percent renewable energy, Kimmins noted. For companies making the switch to renewables it can "help solve energy security, climate, and air pollution health problems associated with fossil fuels and to create jobs," Jacobson explained. Companies continuing to rely on fossil fuels may contribute to "greater morbidity and mortality due to air pollution," said Jacobson. "For example, in the U.S., 65,000 people die prematurely from air pollution from fossil fuel and biofuel combustion, and hundreds of thousands more become ill. Replacing fossil fuels with renewables avoids this problem." Apple also announced that 23 of its manufacturing partners have committed to producing Apple products with 100 percent clean energy, according to the press release. "This makes real business sense and it is defining the business of the future," Kimmins said of Apple's agreements with manufacturers on renewable energy. Some of Apple's renewable energy projects include additional wind and solar farms across China and clean-powered data centers in Iowa and Denmark. It is also working with a solar company in Japan to install solar panels on the rooftops of Japanese homes. "This is an ongoing journey for them," Kimmins said about Apple's renewable energy sourcing. "When they open new plants in new countries, they need to create renewable energy for that location." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. United States Congress(WASHINGTON) -- Democrats and several prominent Republicans, amid renewed fears President Donald Trump will remove or fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein or special counsel Robert Mueller, have renewed calls for legislation to protect the ongoing investigation into allegations of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. The measure would allow any special counsel to request an expedited judicial review of any firing, which could then be overturned while preserving investigation records. The moves come as Trump has stepped up his public and private criticism of DOJ officials and the Mueller probe, lashing out at the special counsel on Twitter and musing about firing Mueller in a meeting with military officials earlier this week, after the FBI raided the home and offices of Trumps longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Thursday that his panel will review and vote on a new bipartisan bill to protect Mueller and his investigation on April 26, although a dispute with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., over amending the proposal could impact its consideration. A number of Republicans on the committee, including Grassley, have said they are concerned that the bill is unconstitutional, impinging on the presidents executive powers. With two Republicans co-authoring the bill, it would seem that the measure would pass out of committee easily, but there is a lot of consternation in the GOP ranks about bucking a president still popular with the base. House Democrats introduced a companion bill on Thursday while voicing concerns that Trump could seek to influence the Mueller probe by replacing Rosenstein, who is supervising the investigation after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself due to his role in the Trump campaign. Firing Rod Rosenstein to me is the same as firing Bob Mueller, Rep. Swalwell, D-Calif., a member of the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees, said Thursday. Rosenstein was spotted at the White House Thursday afternoon for a previously-planned meeting regarding congressional document requests, according to a senior Justice Department official. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Wednesday that he is crafting legislation that would require that the investigative reports developed by the special counsels team be delivered to Congress in the event that Mueller is fired. Mueller is required to produce a report on his findings to Rosenstein at the conclusion of his investigation laying out the reasons why prosecution is warranted, or why prosecution should be declined. While Rosenstein is required to share that report with the relevant congressional committees, Schiff said he is concerned about political interference from the White House at DOJ. We need to protect the integrity of that investigation, he said. I have never been more concerned than I am today of the potential of his firing Mueller, or even more perniciously in a way, Mueller's boss. The activity and new warnings against firing top DOJ come as Trumps allies escalate their criticism of the Trump-nominated Rosenstein. "I would fire Rosenstein in a New York minute; without any question," Joe diGenova, a former federal prosecutor who was in discussions to join Trumps legal team, told ABC News Jonathan Karl and Rick Klein on this weeks Powerhouse Politics podcast. DiGenova, who told ABC News Wednesday he had spoken to Trump in the past 24 hours, continued to blast Rosenstein in a Wednesday night appearance on Fox News Hannity. Rod Rosenstein is so incompetent, compromised and conflicted that he can no longer serve as the deputy attorney general, he said, urging Attorney General Jeff Sessions to fire him. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who has said he doesnt believe Trump will take action against Mueller, called out those advocating Mueller be fired. Anyone advising the President in public or over the airwaves to fire Bob Mueller does not have the President or the nations best interest at heart. Full stop, his office tweeted Thursday. Congressional Republicans are also clashing with Rosenstein over his handling of the Russia investigation and DOJ production of documents to Republican oversight investigations. On Tuesday night, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes also appeared to up the pressure on DOJ and the FBI, warning on Fox News that his committee could move to hold Rosenstein in contempt of Congress or even impeach him or FBI Director Chris Wray for failing to comply for a request for documents and information in Republicans investigation into alleged political bias and abuse of governmental surveillance programs. The California Republican appeared to dial down that threat Wednesday night, after the Justice Department allowed him and Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., to review a key FBI document related to the opening of the counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign and alleged ties to Russia in 2016. A Justice official confirmed that the Republicans along with Democrats on the committee had received access to a redacted version of the document known as an electronic communication. Still, other Republicans, while they may not support Nunes threat to impeach the embattled deputy attorney general, believe that top DOJ officials, including Attorney General Jeff Sessions, should resign. I think hes one of the most decent people in Washington DC, Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, a member of the Intelligence Committee, said in an interview. But I think it was a mistake to recuse himself. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., a leading House conservative and Trump confidant, blasted DOJ officials Wednesday for the pace of document production to the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees, where Republicans are reviewing the FBIs handling of the Clinton email probe. Hes not giving us the documents and hes not doing his job, he said of Rosenstein. And if hes not going to do his job, he needs to go and find one that he will do. The frustration with the AG and the deputy AG is probably more a focus of Congress and it probably makes the Presidents dissatisfaction pale in comparison. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the second-ranking Senate Republican, who dined with President Trump and other GOP leaders last night at the White House, told ABC News that Mueller and the special counsel probe did not come up in the meeting. "It would be a mistake and there would be consequences that the president would come to regret," he said. As Trump and Republicans continue to question the agency and top law enforcement officials, Cornyn took to the Senate floor Thursday to defend the rank-and-file at the DOJ and FBI. We appreciate everything you do to protect the public safety and secure the public trust. These days its important that our appreciation for the bureau not get drowned out by the criticism, he said. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Global Ultrasonic Sensors Market to grow at a CAGR of 15.37% during 2017-2021 | Siemens, Baumer, Rockwell Automation https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1267297 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-ultrasonic-sensors-market-2017-2021-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG A sensor is a device that measures or responds to physical changes in the environment and converts signals accordingly. Sensors that use sound waves to measure distance or any obstacle between source and object are known as ultrasonic sensors. The applications for ultrasonic sensors includes measurement of the distance of target objects or materials through the air using non-contact technology. They are mostly used in places where manual detection is either risky or not possible. It is used in sectors such as industrial manufacturing, healthcare, petroleum, and automotive.The global ultrasonic sensors market to grow at a CAGR of 15.37% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global ultrasonic sensors market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the evenue generated from ultrasonic sensors only.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get Sample PDF:Technavio's report, Global Ultrasonic Sensors Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Honeywell International- Siemens- Baumer- Rockwell AutomationOther prominent vendors- Pepperl+Fuchs- Robert Bosch- OMRON- SensCompMarket driver- Growing demand for sensor technology in smart factories- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Effect of temperature on sensors- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Advent of ultrasonic fingerprinting technology- For a full, detailed list, view our reportView Complete TOC with Tables and Figures at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Low Smoke Halogen Free Flame Retardant Polypropylene (PP) Market to Record Sturdy Growth | 2023 Low Smoke Halogen Free Flame Retardant Polypropylene Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/low-smoke-halogen-free-flame-retardant-polypropylene-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5231 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene is a polymer, which provides high resistance to fire. Since, halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene possesses environment-friendly properties, its demand is significantly high in the construction industry. With the increasing demand in wires and cables applications, the market is anticipated to witnessing significant growth in the years to come.This market study is a thorough methodical research of the performance of the worldwide market for low-smoke halogen-free retardant polypropylene in past and over the period from 2016 to 2024. The study emphasizes especially on the growth boosters, challenges, opportunities, obstacles, and the prominent trends in this market in an effort to determine the pace of its progress.Browse Research Report With Complete TOC @Global Low Smoke Halogen Free Flame Retardant Polypropylene (PP) Market: Trends and OpportunitiesLow-smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene finds significant usage in the construction, electrical and electronics, and the automotive industries, owing to the high risk of fire spread in these industries, which can lead to a substantial loss of life and property. The construction industry has surfaced as the most important end-use industry in the global low smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene market. As the high amount of flame retardant plastics and polymers offers thermal insulation to the commercial and residential buildings, its usage is increasing remarkably. Biodegradable low smoke halogen-free flame retardant polymers and composites are projected to offer significant growth opportunities to the vendors of low smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene across the world in the near future.Global Low Smoke Halogen Free Flame Retardant Polypropylene (PP) Market: Regional OutlookThe key regional markets for low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene are Asia Pacific and Europe. In Asia Pacific, China holds the most prominent market for low smoke halogen-free retardant polypropylene due to the ongoing industrialization in this country, which has led to a robust growth in the construction industry in China. Overall, the Asia Pacific low smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene market is expected to experience a considerable rise in the near future, retaining its dominance. Western Europe emerged as the second-dominant regional market for low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant polypropylene market in 2014. This regional market is anticipated to report steady rise in the near future, thanks to the significant rise in the automotive industry.Request a PDF Brochure with Research Report Analysis @Companies Mentioned in the ReportSimona America Inc., Vycom Corp., Albemarle Corp., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. (DuPont), Bayer AG, Dover Chemical Corp., The Lubrizol Corp., RTP Co., Teknor Apex Co., Celanese Corp., and Lati S.p.A. are some of the leading vendors of low-smoke halogen-free retardant polypropylene across the world.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Plasterboard Market Growth and New Market Opportunities Explored 2016 - 2023 Plasterboard Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/plasterboard-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=8521 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Plasterboard are essentially used in residential and commercial frame construction as an internal wall board or a ceiling lining, giving the frames different properties such as cutting down noise transmission across the walls, eco-friendliness, and moisture accumulation in bathrooms and kitchens, depending on various additives added the final plasterboard product. Depending on the application, plasterboards are also available in a variety of sheet sizes and thickness. For example, acoustic plasterboards restrict sound while thermal plasterboards help reduce energy-loss from the buildings. With rapid urbanization across the world, especially in the emerging economies, which is leading to exponential rise of the construction industry, the global market for plasterboard is projected for a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2016 to 2023.This report on global plasterboard market is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the factors that are expected to influence the demand over the course of next few years. The report also highlights some of the trends of the market that may help the buyers plot their strategic expansion plans on in order to tap new available opportunities. The report also contains a featured section on the prominent companies that are currently functional in the market for plasterboard, evaluating their market share and analyzing their product portfolio and recent developments. The global plasterboard market can be segmented on the basis of type, form, end-use industry, and geography. By product type, the market can be categorized into standard, fire-resistant, moisture resistant, thermal, specialist, impact-resistant, and triple low-e or gas filled. On the basis of form, the global plasterboard market can be divided into tapered-edged or square-edged. Residential and non-residential buildings are two segments of the market on the basis of end-users while geographically, the report studies the lucrativeness of the regions of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.Browse Research Report With Complete TOC @Global Plasterboard Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe market is primarily driven by the increasing consumer preference for low cost and yet durable construction materials. Since plasterboards are easily installed, they are gaining popularity among the end-users as it speeds-up the construction process. The report also detects that the growing inclination toward sustainable construction methods are being preferred by the companies, which will further favor the update during the forecast period. Conversely, environmental concerns across the world is one prominent factor that may hinder the growth rate of the market for plasterboard. According to their analyst of the report, the increased investments for research and development of eco-friendly and high-performance plasterboard will open new opportunities in the near future.Currently, non-residential sector serves significantly more demand than residential segment , gaining from its benefits such as easy installation which leads to quick construction, helps in repair, and allows flexible architecture that are often preferred for the construction of non-residential buildings. By the type of product, fire-resistant segment has the maximum demand, which is a reflection of increased safety concerns and government regulations pertaining to safe construction of corporate offices and shopping centers.Request a PDF Brochure with Research Report Analysis @Global Plasterboard Market: Regional OutlookCurrently Asia Pacific, with emerging economies such as China and India wherein industrialization is at an all-time peak, contributes the maximum demand for plasterboard, and will remain the most prominent regional market over the course of next few years. The demand from North America is expected to expand at second best CAGR during the forecast period of 2016 to 2023.Companies mentioned in the research reportEtex Group, Saint-Gobain S.A., Armstrong World Industries Inc., Gypsum Management and Supply, Inc., Georgia Pacific LLC, USG Corporation, Boral Ltd., Fletcher Building Ltd., KNAUF Gips KG, LafargeHolcim Ltd., and National Gypsum Company are some of the prominent companies currently operating in global plasterboard market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market Analysis 2018 Forecasts To 2023 Global Synthetic Sizing Agents Manufacturer, Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market Share https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2448090-global-industrial-hydrogen-peroxide-market-analysis-2011-2017-and-forecast-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2448090-global-industrial-hydrogen-peroxide-market-analysis-2011-2017-and-forecast-2018 Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide MarketDescription:-Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide market 2018: Global Analysis, Industry Size, Share, Trends, Application Analysis and Growth Opportunities Forecast to 2023 To Its Research DatabaseThe global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide market will reach xxx Million USD in 2017 and CAGR xx% 2011-2017. The report begins from overview of Industry Chain structure, and describes industry environment, then analyses market size and forecast of Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide by product, region and application, in addition, this report introduces market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report.Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.):PropulsionOxidizingBleachingCompany Coverage (Sales Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Main Products etc.):Solvay SAEvonik Industries AGArkema SAAkzoNobel N.V.BASF SEEcolab Inc.Kemira OyjThe Dow Chemical CompanyMerck GroupMitsubishi Gas Chemical Company.Browse sample report @Application Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market by Region, Main Consumer Profile etc.):Pulp & PaperTextileChemical SynthesisFood ProcessingHealthcare & Personal CareRegion Coverage (Regional Output, Demand & Forecast by Countries etc.):North AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaTable of Content1 Industry Overview1.1 Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Industry1.1.1 Overview1.1.2 Development of Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 Upstream1.2.2 Downstream1.3 Cost Analysis2 Industry Environment2.1 Policy2.2 Economics2.3 Sociology2.4 Technology3 Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market by Type3.1 Segment Overview3.1.1 Propulsion3.1.2 Oxidizing3.1.3 Bleaching3.2 Market Size3.3 Market Forecast4 Major Companies List4.1 Solvay SA (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.2 Evonik Industries AG (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.3 Arkema SA (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.4 AkzoNobel N.V. (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.5 BASF SE (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.6 Ecolab Inc. (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.7 Kemira Oyj (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.8 The Dow Chemical Company (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.9 Merck Group (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.10 Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company. (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)5 Market Competition5.1 Company Competition5.2 Regional Market by Company6 Market Demand6.1 Demand Situation6.1.1 Demand in Pulp & Paper6.1.2 Demand in Textile6.1.3 Demand in Chemical Synthesis6.1.4 Demand in Food Processing6.1.5 Demand in Healthcare & Personal Care6.2 Regional Demand Comparison6.3 Demand Forecast7 Region Operation7.1 Regional Output7.2 Regional Market7.3 by Region7.3.1 North America7.3.1.1 Overview7.3.1.2 by Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico)7.3.2 Europe7.3.2.1 Overview7.3.2.2 by Country (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain etc.)7.3.3 Asia-Pacific7.3.3.1 Overview7.3.3.2 by Country (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia etc.)7.3.4 South America7.3.4.1 Overview7.3.4.2 by Country (Brazil, Argentina etc.)7.3.5 Middle East & Africa7.3.5.1 Overview7.3.5.2 by Country (Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc.)7.4 Regional Forecast8 Marketing & Price8.1 Price and Margin8.1.1 Price Trends8.1.2 Factors of Price Change8.1.3 Manufacturers Gross Margin Analysis8.2 Value Chain8.3 Marketing Channel9 Research Conclusion Table Upstream Segment of Industrial Hydrogen PeroxideBrowse full Report @About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Contact Us:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltdsales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (Us)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)Maharashtra, Pune 411028 Barrier Materials Market : Increased Usage in Several Industries Boosts the Market Demand Barrier Materials Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/barrier-materials-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=8782 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Barrier materials are on the rise as they have been widely accepted in various applications owing to their unique properties such as their high performance levels, long shelf life, and the thermal stability they provide to food products by reducing the passage of aroma, radiation, gases, and water vapor. These materials are transparent, flexible, and employed in the production of thin films and sheets for food packaging to obstruct atmospheric air and preserve the quality of food for longer durations. Barrier materials help wet foods retain moisture and dry foods absorb it. These factors are likely to propel the barrier materials market over the forecast period, apart from the growth of manufacturing sectors due to the rising industrialization around the world. Concerns over health care and social security have led to improvements in high-end barrier materials. The burgeoning food & beverages industry in Asia Pacific is expected to create more opportunities for the market over the next few years.Browse Research Report With Complete TOC @Barrier materials finds its maximum usage in food and beverages industry due to increasing demand for packaged food. For instance, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have made it mandatory to use barrier materials in packaging of food and beverages to increase the shelf life of the consumables. Barrier materials are also being increasingly used for packaging pharmaceuticals ingredients to prevent them from sensitive atmospheric temperature. Therefore increasing adoption of barrier materials in food and beverages and pharmaceutical industry will play a key role in driving the growth of this market. As food and beverage industry has increasing share worldwide, this will boost the market demand overtime.The barrier materials market has been classified by type into the following categories: PVDC, EVOH, PEN, and others. PVDC was the leading segment in 2016 and is anticipated to retain its dominance over the forecast period. PVD is an efficient polymer formed via the polymerization of vinylidene chloride monomer with a range of monomers such as unsaturated carboxyl groups and acrylic esters. It is extensively used in high-performance packaging applications in the medical, cosmetics, and food & beverages sectors. PVDCs are transparent, glossy, recyclable, scratch-proof, and printable and thereby increasingly preferred over other types. Based on end-user industry, the barrier materials market is segregated into the following groups: pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, agriculture, cosmetics, and others. Food & beverages was a rapidly expanding sector in 2016 and is estimated to remain dominant over the forecast period, driving the barrier materials market. Rising demand for convenience food products is likely to motivate this industry and thereby the barrier materials market over the predicted period.Geographically, the barrier materials market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific constituted the dominant share of the market in 2016 and is likely to retain its position over the forecast period. Rising demand for barrier materials such as EVOH, PVDC, and PEN has been a crucial factor responsible for the surge in industrialization and manufacturing activities. Increasing focus on health care and social security has led to the evolution of the barrier materials market in Asia Pacific. China is a key country in this region. North America accounted for a considerable market share due to its well-established end-user industries. Middle East & Africa is an emerging region for the barrier materials market as they are widely used for food & beverages and pharmaceuticals.Request a PDF Brochure with Research Report Analysis @Key players operating in the barrier materials market include Solvay SA, Dow Chemicals, Teijin, Kuraray Co. Ltd., and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Other major companies include Chang Chun Petrochemical, Kureha Corporation, and The Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Renewable Chemicals Market Information By Types, By Applications, By Key Players and Region Forecast To 2021 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1047 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/renewable-chemicals-market-1047 Renewable Chemicals Market Overview:This Renewable Chemicals market Research is an intelligence report with meticulous efforts undertaken to study the right and valuable information. The data which has been looked upon is done considering both, the existing top players and the upcoming competitors. Business strategies of the key players and the new entering market industries are studied in detail. Well explained SWOT analysis, revenue share and contact information are shared in this report analysis.Global renewable chemicals market has seen a prospective growth in the past few years. The several factors which are driving the global market could be considered as abundant & low-cost feedstock, technological innovations, consumer' acceptance for eco-friendly products, government support, growing popularity, and boost for rural economy.Get Sample Page Report Renewable Chemicals Link@Data integration and capabilities are analyzed to support the findings and study the predicted geographical segmentations. Various key variables and regression models were considered to calculate the trajectory of renewable chemicals market. Detailed analysis is explained and given importance to with best working models.Geographically, the segmentation is done into several key regions like North America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America. The production, consumption, revenue, shares in mill UDS, growth rate of renewable chemicals market during the forecast period of 2018 to 2021 is well explained.The ongoing market trends of renewable chemicals market and the key factors impacting the growth prospects are elucidated. With increase in the trend, the factors affecting the trend are mentioned with perfect reasons. Top manufactures, price, revenue, market share are explained to give a depth of idea on the competitive side.Each and every segment type and their sub types are well elaborated to give a better idea about this market during the forecast period of 2018 to 2021 respectively.Study Objectives of Renewable Chemicals Market:To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Renewable Chemicals MarketTo provide insights about factors affecting the market growthTo Analyse the Global Renewable Chemicals Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc.To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW)To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospectiveTo provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by types and applicationsTo provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the marketTo track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Renewable Chemicals Market.Get Browser Page Report Renewable Chemicals Link@About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Payments Landscape in Slovenia - key Trends, Latest Growth, Opportunities and Risks to 2021 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1714385 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1714385 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Latest Research Report Payments Landscape in Slovenia: Opportunities and Risks to 2021 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"GlobalDatas "Payments Landscape in Slovenia: Opportunities and Risks to 2021", report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Slovenian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including cash, payment cards, credit transfers, direct debit, and cheques during the review-period (2013-17e).The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review-period and over the forecast-period (2017-21f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together GlobalDatas research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Get Sample Copy of this report @This report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Slovenian cards and payments industry, including -- Current and forecast values for each market in the Slovenian cards and payments industry, including debit, credit, and charge cards.- Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, payment cards, credit transfers, cheques, and direct debit. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.- E-commerce market analysis.- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Slovenian cards and payments industry.- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit, and charge cards.Scope- Slovenian clearing company Bankart collaborated with Nordic payments processor Nets in September 2017. As per the agreement, Nets will deploy and manage an instant payments solution for Bankart using the formers RealTime24/7 payments solution. Bankart will provide the payments infrastructure to the Slovenian banking community, while Nets will provide payment card and account services and merchant payment solutions to financial institutions and merchants. The solution, which is set to roll out in September 2018, will provide an all-inclusive system comprising both instant payments and non-urgent payments.- To boost electronic payments in the country, banks and payment service providers are launching new payment solutions. NLB launched its mobile wallet NLB Pay in March 2018. The service allows users to save their Mastercard payment card details to the wallet and conduct in-store contactless payments in Slovenia and abroad. In March 2017, Fortumo collaborated with Telekom Slovenije to launch its carrier billing service in Slovenia. The service allows users to pay for digital content within Google Play; the purchases are then charged to the users mobile phone bill or prepaid balance. In May 2016, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank launched its mobile wallet in Slovenia. The app works via both NFC and QR codes, allowing users to make in-store payments by waving their phone over contactless terminals or by scanning a QR code at merchant outlets.- Contactless cards are expected to gain traction in Slovenia, and this will help drive payment card transaction value and volume. There were 1.8 million contactless cards in the country as of 2017. In addition to in-store purchases, contactless payments have been extended to transport. City bus operator Ljubljanski potniski promet (LPP) launched the Urbana mobile app in April 2016, which can be used to make contactless payments for LPP bus rides and to check bus schedules, among other features. The app is available to customers of all mobile operators, and works via Android mobile phones with NFC connectivity. Meanwhile integrated public transport system IJPP - which covers 37 transport providers and deploys 1,500 terminals - allows users to make payments for public transportation using contactless cards.Send An Enquiry Request @Reasons to buy- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Slovenian cards and payments industry and each market within it.- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Slovenian cards and payments industry.- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Slovenian cards and payments industry.- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Slovenia.- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Slovenian cards and payments industry.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Top Factors Driving the Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market Report https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/483894-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-crystalline-series-solar-battery-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/483894-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-crystalline-series-solar-battery-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/483894-emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-crystalline-series-solar-battery-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=483894 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Htfmarketreportinsights https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport Latest research study from HTF MI with title EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Crystalline Series Solar Battery industry or intend to be, then this study will provide you comprehensive outlook. Its vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Applications Electronics Industry, Automobile Industry, Power Generation & Other, Product Types such as [Single Crystal, Many Crystals & Other] and some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.Request Sample of EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market Report 2017 @:Key Companies/players: BYD, Manz, Sharp, Kyocera, Suniva, Honda, Ascent Solar, AUO, EnerSys, EverExceed Industrial, FIAMM, Hoppecke Batterien, SAFT, East Penn Manufacturing, Exide Technologies, GS Yuasa, LG, Samsung SDI, Panasonic, Sanyo Solar, TSMC, Yingli, Alpha Technologies & BAE Batterien.Application: Electronics Industry, Automobile Industry, Power Generation & Other, Product Type: Single Crystal, Many Crystals & Other.The research covers the current & Future market size of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux; & Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;]. The market competition is constantly growing higher with the rise in technological innovation and M&A activities in the industry. Moreover, many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. On the basis of attributes such as company overview, recent developments, strategies adopted by the market leaders to ensure growth, sustainability, financial overview and recent developments.Stay up-to-date with Crystalline Series Solar Battery market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key questions answered in this report - EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market Report 2017What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery, Applications of Crystalline Series Solar Battery, Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, Export & Import, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux; & Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;, Crystalline Series Solar Battery Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Crystalline Series Solar Battery Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Electronics Industry, Automobile Industry, Power Generation & Other]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Single Crystal, Many Crystals & Other], Market Trend by Application [Electronics Industry, Automobile Industry, Power Generation & Other];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Crystalline Series Solar Battery by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Crystalline Series Solar Battery Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Crystalline Series Solar Battery sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Buy this research report @Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a 5-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsThanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.About Author:HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us at Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Industry Global Module Market Share, and Key Country Analysis to 2025 http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2117590 http://orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-electronic-security-systems-ess-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025 http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/2117590 Market Analysis Research Report on Global Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 has been added to orbis research database.The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. The report then estimates 2018-2025 market development trends of Electronic Security Systems (ESS) industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out.Request a sample of this report @The report makes some important proposals for a new project of Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2018-2025 global Electronic Security Systems (ESS) industry covering all important parameters.This report studies the Global Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Market, analyzes and researches the Electronic Security Systems (ESS) development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.Companies Mentioned:ADT LLC (USA)Allegion plc (Ireland)ASSA ABLOY AB (Sweden)HID Global (USA)Axis Communications AB (Sweden)BIO-key, International, Inc. (USA)Bosch Security Systems (Germany)Changzhou Minking Electronics (China)CP PLUS GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)Dahua Technology Co., Ltd. (China)Diebold NixdorfDoorKing Inc. (USA)dormakaba Holding AG (Switzerland)Fermax Electronica S.A.U. (Spain)Gemalto N.V. (Netherlands)M Cogent (USA)Genetec, Inc. (Canada)Global Security Solutions (Canada)Gunnebo AB (Sweden)Browse the complete report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoFacial RecognitionHD PicturesBiometricOtherMarket segment by Application, Electronic Security Systems (ESS) can be split intoHouseholdCommercialIndustrialIf enquiry before buying this report @Some Points from Tables of Content:Chapter One: Industry Overview of Electronic Security Systems (ESS)Chapter Two: Global Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Competition Analysis by PlayersChapter Three: Company (Top Players) ProfilesChapter Four: Global Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)Chapter Five: United States Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Development Status and OutlookChapter Six: EU Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Development Status and OutlookChapter Seven: Japan Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Development Status and OutlookChapter Eight: China Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Development Status and OutlookAbout Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com Aircraft Fuel Cells Market- increasing demand with Industry Professionals: Boeing, Airbus, Serenergy Aircraft Fuel Cells Sales Market Report https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/635512-global-aircraft-fuel-cells-sales-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/635512-global-aircraft-fuel-cells-sales-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/635512-global-aircraft-fuel-cells-sales-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=635512 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Htfmarketreportinsights https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport Latest research study from HTF MI with title Global Aircraft Fuel Cells by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for Global Aircraft Fuel Cells Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Aircraft Fuel Cells industry or intend to be, then this study will provide you comprehensive outlook. Its vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Applications Civilian & Military, Product Types such as [Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Gasoline Fuel Cell & Other] and some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.Request Sample of Global Aircraft Fuel Cells Sales Market Report 2017 @:Key Companies/players: Float & Fuel Cells, Australian Fuel Cells, ARM-USA, Eagle Fuel Cells, Ballard Power Systems, Boeing, Airbus, Serenergy, Hydrogenics, Nuvera Fuel Cells, EnergyOR Technologies & Delphi.Application: Civilian & Military, Product Type: Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Gasoline Fuel Cell & Other.The research covers the current & Future market size of the Global Aircraft Fuel Cells market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia & India]. The market competition is constantly growing higher with the rise in technological innovation and M&A activities in the industry. Moreover, many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. On the basis of attributes such as company overview, recent developments, strategies adopted by the market leaders to ensure growth, sustainability, financial overview and recent developments.Stay up-to-date with Aircraft Fuel Cells market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the Global Aircraft Fuel Cells Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key questions answered in this report - Global Aircraft Fuel Cells Sales Market Report 2017What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving Global Aircraft Fuel Cells Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Aircraft Fuel Cells Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Aircraft Fuel Cells Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global Aircraft Fuel Cells Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Aircraft Fuel Cells market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Aircraft Fuel Cells market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Aircraft Fuel Cells, Applications of Aircraft Fuel Cells, Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, Export & Import, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia & India, Aircraft Fuel Cells Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Aircraft Fuel Cells Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Civilian & Military]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Gasoline Fuel Cell & Other], Market Trend by Application [Civilian & Military];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Aircraft Fuel Cells by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Aircraft Fuel Cells Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Aircraft Fuel Cells sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Buy this research report @Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a 5-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsThanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.About Author:HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us at Email Encryption Market Market Poised to Take Off by 2022 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/sample/55633 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/discount/55633 Worldwide Market Reports added Latest Research Report titled " Global Email Encryption Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 " to its Large Report database.This report studies the global Email Encryption market, analyzes and researches the Email Encryption development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, like HP,, Symantec, McAfee, Sophos, TrendMicro, Cisco, Proofpoint, Entrust, Zix Corporation, Microsoft.Request for Sample Copy of Research Report:Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers United States, EU, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia.Market segment by Type, Email Encryption can be split into On-Premises, Cloud.Market segment by Application, Email Encryption can be split into BFSI, Healthcare, Government, Retail, IT and telecom.Request for Discount @Table of ContentsGlobal Email Encryption Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Email Encryption2 Global Email Encryption Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles4 Global Email Encryption Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)5 United States Email Encryption Development Status and Outlook6 EU Email Encryption Development Status and Outlook7 Japan Email Encryption Development Status and Outlook8 China Email Encryption Development Status and Outlook9 India Email Encryption Development Status and Outlook10 Southeast Asia Email Encryption Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2017-2022)12 Email Encryption Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding/Conclusion15 AppendixList of Tables and FiguresContinue*Any special requirements about this report, please let us know and we can provide custom report.About WMRWorldwide Market Reports is your one-stop repository of detailed and in-depth market research reports compiled by an extensive list of publishers from across the globe. We offer reports across virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. The in-depth market analysis by some of the most vastly experienced analysts provide our diverse range of clients from across all industries with vital decision making insights to plan and align their market strategies in line with current market trends. Worldwide Market Researchs well-researched inputs that encompass domains ranging from IT to healthcare enable our prized clients to capitalize upon key growth opportunities and shield against credible threats prevalent in the market in the current scenario and those expected in the near future.Contact Us:Mr. ShahWorldwide Market Reports1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154,U.STel: +1 415 871 0703Email: sales@worldwidemarketreports.com 2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications 2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Appli http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/goods-1517673.html http://www.qyresearcheurope.com/ The 2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and China Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Lewy Body Dementia Treatment industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Industry analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Lewy Body Dementia Treatment industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Get a complete report sample:This report studies the Lewy Body Dementia Treatment market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the Lewy Body Dementia Treatment market by product type and application/end industries.The global Lewy Body Dementia Treatment market is valued at XX million USD in 2017 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.North America, especially the United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Lewy Body Dementia Treatment.United States plays an important role in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2017 and will be xx million USD in 2025, with a CAGR of XX.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Lewy Body Dementia Treatment in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), covering United States, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East and Africa.The major players in global and United States market, includingAxovant Sciences Ltd.BioArctic ABEisai Co., Ltd.Immungenetics AGSumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.Takeda Pharmaceutical Company LimitedOn the basis of product, the market is primarily split intoBAN-0805E-2027IntepirdineOthersOn the basis on the end users/application, this report coversHospitalClinicOthersTable of contents:Chapter 1 Methodology and Data SourceChapter 2 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Market OverviewChapter 3 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Application/End UsersChapter 4 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Market Status and Outlook by RegionsChapter 5 Global Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Market Competition by Players/ManufacturersChapter 6 United States Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Market Competition by Players/ManufacturersChapter 7 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Players/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales DataChapter 8 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Manufacturing Cost, Industrial Chain and Downstream BuyersChapter 9 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors and Market Effect FactorsChapter 10 Global Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Market ForecastChapter 11 Research Findings and ConclusionRelated Reports:2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and Europe Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and India Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and Korea Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and China Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Report on Global and Japan Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and ApplicationsContact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchTina| Sales ManagersTel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Email: sales@qyresearcheurope.com or tinaning@qyresearch.comWeb:QYResearch, established in 2007, focuses on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, and data base &seminar services. The company owns large basic databases (such as National Bureau of Statistics Database, Customs Import and Export Database, Industry Association Database, etc.), expert resources (including industry experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D in industries of energy, automotive, chemicals, medical ICT consumer goods, etc.), professional survey team (the team members obtained more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years deep expert interview experience), and excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team).Room 2901 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Global Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market 2018 -BASF, DSM, DuPont Global Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market http://cutt.us/EmrpJ http://cutt.us/AlejO www.apexmarketreports.com Apex Market Reports, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global PP Pipe industry, and estimates the future trend of Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites performance both in terms of volume and revenue.The market research report explores the Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market. The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportBASFDow ChemicalDSMDuPontPolyntAshlandAkzoNobelAdvanced Materials TechnologyShin-Etsu ChemicalLonza GmbHReichholdSwancor IndTianhe ResinThe competitive landscape of the global market for Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Markets production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market globally.Inquire Before Buying @The Global Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites Market 2018 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites production volume, data pertaining to demand and Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) for Composites across the world.About UsApex Market Reports offers elevating market research globally. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different categories. 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Key players are profiled in the report and their developments in recent years are mentioned, which helps in understanding the competitive outlook of the Global Drugs for Schistosomiasis MarketGet 15% discount on this report @The Global Drugs for Schistosomiasis Market This incorporates the overall industrial chain analysis, upstream raw materials sourcing, raw materials sources of the product major manufacturers in 2015, and downstream buyers.The report also throws light on the marketing strategy used for the study. It includes marketing channel (direct marketing, indirect marketing, and marketing channel development trend) and market positioning (pricing strategy, brand strategy, and target client).The Global Drugs for Schistosomiasis Market report also covers an analysis of the market effect factors. This includes the technology progress/risk (substitutes/threat and technology progress in the related industry), consumer needs/customer preference change, and economic/political environmentalThe key players which provide solutions in the Global Drugs for Schistosomiasis Market Merck Shin Poong Bayer EIPICO Chandra Bhagat Pharma Taj PharmaceuticalsCheck Full Report With TOC@About Us:Research Beams uniqueness lies in its highly ethical reports at economical rates because we value your relationship and growth more than money. Your growth is our aim. With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.Contact Us:Global Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United Statesphone+1 (800) 910-6452help@researchbeam.com 2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications 2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applic http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/goods-1517669.html http://www.qyresearcheurope.com/ The 2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and China Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Industry analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Get a complete report sample:This report studies the Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment market by product type and application/end industries.The global Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment market is valued at XX million USD in 2017 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.North America, especially the United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment.United States plays an important role in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2017 and will be xx million USD in 2025, with a CAGR of XX.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), covering United States, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East and Africa.The major players in global and United States market, includingBiomedica Management CorporationLeading BioSciences, Inc.NuvOx Pharma LLCOn the basis of product, the market is primarily split intoYW-356NVX-408NeutrolideLB-1148OthersOn the basis on the end users/application, this report coversHospitalClinicOthersTable of contents:Chapter 1 Methodology and Data SourceChapter 2 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Market OverviewChapter 3 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Application/End UsersChapter 4 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Market Status and Outlook by RegionsChapter 5 Global Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Market Competition by Players/ManufacturersChapter 6 United States Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Market Competition by Players/ManufacturersChapter 7 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Players/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales DataChapter 8 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Manufacturing Cost, Industrial Chain and Downstream BuyersChapter 9 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors and Market Effect FactorsChapter 10 Global Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Market ForecastChapter 11 Research Findings and ConclusionRelated Reports:2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and Europe Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and India Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and Korea Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and China Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications2018-2025 Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment Report on Global and Japan Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and ApplicationsContact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchTina| Sales ManagersTel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Email: sales@qyresearcheurope.com or tinaning@qyresearch.comWeb:QYResearch, established in 2007, focuses on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, and data base &seminar services. The company owns large basic databases (such as National Bureau of Statistics Database, Customs Import and Export Database, Industry Association Database, etc.), expert resources (including industry experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D in industries of energy, automotive, chemicals, medical ICT consumer goods, etc.), professional survey team (the team members obtained more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years deep expert interview experience), and excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team).Room 2901 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Global Ductile Iron Castings Sales Market Drivers and Challenges 2018 https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1683556&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-ductile-iron-castings-sales-market-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1683556&type=D http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Ductile Iron Castings Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.The global market for Ductile Iron Castings has been thoroughly studied with every detail in the market intelligence study with increased emphasis on various important factors such as restraints, market opportunities, and growth drivers. Each of the elements that pertain to the shaping of the market dynamics that has been analyzed and studied in detail by the research analysts, so as to offer the best and most evaluative and exhaustive study to the buyers of the report. The overview or the executive summary that has been provided in the market intelligence study has been designed in such a way so as to give a quick overview of the market for receiving information on the go. This could help readers with hands-on data needed to make quick decisions anytime during their growth journey in the market.Global Ductile Iron Castings market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Ductile Iron Castings sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingDurham FoundryPenn-Mar Castings, IncDotsonWaupaca FoundryGartland FoundryDecatur FoundryElyria & Hodge FoundriesPlymouth Foundry IncCALMETYuan Jun Fong Casting Co.NelcastGet Report Sample and Customization:The study of market segmentations that has been offered with the publication that explores some of the most significant categories of the world Ductile Iron Castings market is deemed significant for the growth of industry participants. All of the segments that have been studied elaborately in the said publication have been deeply evaluated with assistance from best of the research techniques. The analysts have dissected each of the segments and have shed light on vital factors that influence the growth of the various segments. Using this crucial information, market players could rightly shape their business plans in favor of the betterment of their growth in the global market. Segments that have been analyzed in the publication could be related to product, end use, application, and geography.A group of experienced analysts who have prepared the said report delves deep into the various factors that hinder or fuel the global market for Ductile Iron Castings. It also discovers and mentions the important trends that are emerging in the said market. Cashing in on all of these market data and statistics that have been garnered so far, it has come up with the best course of action for all the stake holders of the market.Table of ContentsGlobal Ductile Iron Castings Sales Market Report 20181 Ductile Iron Castings Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Ductile Iron Castings1.2 Classification of Ductile Iron Castings by Product Category1.2.1 Global Ductile Iron Castings Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Ductile Iron Castings Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3To Browse a Complete Report with TOC Visit @2 Global Ductile Iron Castings Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Ductile Iron Castings Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Ductile Iron Castings Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Ductile Iron Castings Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Ductile Iron Castings (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Ductile Iron Castings Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Ductile Iron Castings Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)3 United States Ductile Iron Castings (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Ductile Iron Castings Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Ductile Iron Castings Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Ductile Iron Castings Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Ductile Iron Castings Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)3.2 United States Ductile Iron Castings Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)3.3 United States Ductile Iron Castings Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)3.4 United States Ductile Iron Castings Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)4 China Ductile Iron Castings (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Ductile Iron Castings Sales and Value (2013-2018)4.1.1 China Ductile Iron Castings Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.2 China Ductile Iron Castings Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.3 China Ductile Iron Castings Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)Get discount copy @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Ductile Iron CastingsFigure Global Ductile Iron Castings Sales Volume Comparison (K Units) by Type (2013-2025)Figure Global Ductile Iron Castings Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017Figure Global Ductile Iron Castings Sales Comparison (K Units) by Application (2013-2025)Figure Global Sales Market Share of Ductile Iron Castings by Application in 2017Figure Machinery Manufacturing ExamplesFigure Global Ductile Iron Castings Market Size (Million USD) by Regions (2013-2025)Figure United States Ductile Iron Castings Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Market Growth and Consumption 2018 https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1692640&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-bio-renewable-chemicals-sales-market-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1692640&type=D http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.The global Bio-Renewable Chemicals market is carefully examined in the report compiled with the use of latest research methodologies and up-to-date data. The researchers who have penned this report are experts in the subject and possess sound knowledge about the market. Moreover, they have immense experience in market research and analysis. The report is divided into different parts such as overview, research methodology, market dynamics (drivers, restraints, trends, and opportunities), regional segmentation, and competitive landscape. With the help of this report, readers could gain strong understanding about how the market could progress in the near future.Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Bio-Renewable Chemicals sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingMyriantBASFSolazymeLanza TechEvonikLanzatechElevance Renewable SciencesBioAmberDuPontFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Each significant region of the global Bio-Renewable Chemicals market is extensively evaluated by the report authors with a view to help readers know about lucrative prospects available in different parts of the world. All of the regions studied in the report are compared based on their revenue earning and market share on year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis. This may help players to focus on important regions of the market and change or improve their business strategies accordingly. The report is considered to be a broad study of the market where players could learn about various aspects of the competitive landscape and how they could cement their position in the industry.The researchers profile some of the prominent names in the industry that the global Bio-Renewable Chemicals market belongs to. Company profiles include recent developments, market shares, revenue, and other vital factors of the players assessed in the report. The analysts have also evaluated the nature of the competitive landscape so that readers could adjust their strategies for future competition in the market.Table of ContentsGlobal Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Market Report 20181 Bio-Renewable Chemicals Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Bio-Renewable Chemicals1.2 Classification of Bio-Renewable Chemicals by Product Category1.2.1 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Glycerin1.2.4 Lactic AcidAccess the Report and full TOC @2 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)3 United States Bio-Renewable Chemicals (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)3.2 United States Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)4 China Bio-Renewable Chemicals (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales and Value (2013-2018)4.1.1 China Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.2 China Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.3 China Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)4.2 China Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)Get discount copy @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Bio-Renewable ChemicalsFigure Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Volume Comparison (K MT) by Type (2013-2025)Figure Global Bio-Renewable Chemicals Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017Figure Glycerin Product PictureFigure Lactic Acid Product PictureFigure Europe Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Japan Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Southeast Asia Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure India Bio-Renewable Chemicals Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Worldwide Tattoo Removal Market 2018 | Segments | Leading Players | Strategies | Industry Analysis and Forecasts till 2023 Market Research Future (MRFR) https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1701 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1701 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1701 The, Tattoo Removal Market inquire about report is developing with the quick pace; chiefly due the prospering Healthcare Sector. As per a current report distributed by the Market Research Future, The Tattoo Removal Industry Research report is blasting and anticipated that would pick up unmistakable quality over the conjecture time frame. The Market is anticipated to exhibit a colossal development by 2022, outperforming its past development records as far as esteem and volume.You can get easy access to sample report here, please click:Regional Analysis of Tattoo removal Market:Globally North America is the largest market for Tattoo removal. This large share is majorly due to the large number of tattoo studios in the United States and the huge tattoo loving population. North America holds the largest market share of Tattoo removal market and is anticipated to reach $1,944.4 million by the end of forecast period. Europe is the second-largest market majorly due to greater acceptance of cultures such as Goths culture for the purpose of body aesthetics.Furthermore, Asia-Pacific market is expected to be the fastest growing market for Tattoo removal due to growing tattoo acceptance in developing countries like India. China and Japan are the countries having cultural connection with the tattoos that goes long back in the history. Rising number of people opting to go for Laser therapy in order to get rid of tattoos is boosting the tattoo removal market in this region. Globally, Asia-Pacific the fastest growing region and expected to grow at the rate of 16.2% during the forecast period.Middle East & Africa have a small moderately growing market due to the poor affordability and hesitant approach of people towards body aesthetics. The gulf region has the lowest market due to conservative culture and low acceptance.However it has to be noted that although the demand for tattoo removal are quite high in developed countries like the U.S., Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Brazil and others have a disproportionate share of market considering their low income as compared to the U.S. The market of these nations is influenced to a considerable degree by the tourism and fashion industry. Advertisement and greater exposure seems to be the best strategy to be a market leader along with product development. Thus the market represents a clustered outlook.Global Tattoo Removal Market Players:The major participants of this market are Astanza, Cutera Inc, CynoSure, Dimyth, Lutronic, Syneron Medical Ltd., and Quanta System S.p.A.Key Finding:The Tattoo Removal global market and is expected to reach $4,794.9 million by 2023.Laser Therapy holds the largest share of 66% of the market.North America holds the largest market share of Tattoo removal market and is anticipated to reach $1,944.4 million by the end of forecast period.Globally, Asia-Pacific the fastest growing region and expected to grow at the rate of 16.2% during the forecast period.Any query or specific requirement? Ask to our industry expert, please click:Market Highlights:The global Tattoo Removal market has been evaluated as rapidly growing market and expected that the market will reach high growth figures. History of tattoo making goes long back in time, when it was a tradition to get the body inked. Tattoos are a part of some cultures spread across world, especially the Chinese culture. Earlier when tattooing was done only with a special cause or a reason, there were hardly any instances when people thought about removing the tattoo. Over the years tattoo industry has evolved tremendously. Since getting your body inked became a part of fashion and a style statement, Number of tattoo lovers is increased and more and more people started getting their body tattooed. As there is no special cause left for it, people get themselves inked without putting much of a thought into it, only to regret it later. Many of these tattoos are made due to immaturity. Many of the tattoo removal cases are of the tattoos made with hasty decisions. Number of young people getting inked is more. So as the body of the person grows, the shape of the tattoo changes. As a result these people opt to get rid of it which helps in the growth of the tattoo removal market. Moreover, with changing trends, the market for tattoo removal has grown. Employment policies in the current professional world regarding tattoos, Military recruitment policies, errors caused by the tattoo ink in digital body sensing devices, and poor artwork and bad quality tattoos are some of the major factors driving the growth of the tattoo removal market. On the other hand, excessive cost of the laser therapy, extended and time consuming sessions of the Laser tattoo removal, and scarring of skin due to surgical tattoo removal are some factors which can hinder the growth of the market.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 58 market data tables and 29 figures spread over 80 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth TOC & market synopsis on Tattoo Removal Market Research Report Global Forecast to 2023.Segmentation:Tattoo removal market has been segmented on the basis of treatment method which comprises of laser therapy, surgical method, topical creams and others. Laser therapy accounted for the largest market share of 66% of total market in 2016. On the basis of end user, market is segmented into Laser centers, dermatology clinics, and other. Laser centers dominated the global market with the largest market share of 60.9% of the total market in 2016....CONTINUEDFeel free to get in touch for discounts and customized details:About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Automotive Ignition System Market: 2018 Global Size, Share, Key Players - Delphi, Bosch, DENSO, Borgwarner, Federal-Mogul, Mitsubishi, Continenta, Hitachi Industry Analysis To 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4034 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-ignition-system-market-4034 Automotive Ignition System Market 2018: Global Forecast To 2023 research expands Automotive Ignition System Market key companies with all their Products, Business Strategies, Segment Overview, Financials Analysis and Key Developments, with Global Automotive Ignition System Market Analysis by Type (Conventional, Electronic and Distributor-less), By Component (Ignition Coil, Ignition Switch, Condenser, Spark Plug, Ignition Resistor and Others) and By Region To 2023.Key Companies reviewed in report are Delphi Automotive, Robert Bosch, DENSO, Borgwarner, Federal-Mogul Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Continental AG, Hitachi Automotive Systems, Diamond Electric and among others.Request Sample Report of Global Automotive Ignition System Market 2018 at: Market Scenario:Global automotive ignition system market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period, where the market value is projected to reach USD 10.8 billion by 2023. Over the years, it has been analyzed that the automotive industry has come up with several technological advancements with respect to low fuel emission and consumption per vehicle. Moreover, the strict government regulation over fuel consumption and emission have boosted the demand for ignition system across the globe. Additionally, the increasing focus on R&D activities and focus on powertrain system have created an ample scope for ignition systems among the manufacturers. Furthermore, the rising demand for petrol engine vehicles, increasing income level and emerging automotive market have pushed the demand for ignition system in the global market. On the other hand, the growing demand for electric vehicle may hinder the growth of ignition system market.Market Scope of the Report:For the purpose of these study, the global automotive ignition systems market has been segmented into types, components and regions. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into conventional, electronic and distributor-less, whereas, the components have been segmented into ignition coil, ignition switch, condenser, spark plug, ignition resistor and other.By Type:ConventionalElectronicDistributor-lessBy Component:Ignition CoilIgnition SwitchCondenserSpark PlugIgnition ResistorBy Regions:Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, and India).Europe (Germany, France, UK, and Italy).North America (US, Mexico, and Canada).Rest of the World (Brazil and Russia).Geographically, Asia-Pacific is one of the leading revenue generator of automotive ignition systems followed by North America and Europe. China, Japan and India re considered as the major market for investments owing to the rising demand for vehicles and growing economiesTable of Content:1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope Of The Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market Size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Automotive Ignition System Market, By Type4.1 Introduction4.2 Conventional4.3 Electronic4.4 Distributor-Less5 Global Automotive Ignition System Market, By Components5.1 Introduction5.2 Ignition Coil5.3 Ignition Switch5.4 Condenser5.5 Spark Plug5.6 Ignition Resistor5.7 Other6 Regional Market AnalysisContinuedBrowse Complete Report: About Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.com Pentair & AVK Continues to Lead Australia Industrial Valves Market Forecast to Grow at CAGR 14.5% till 2023: TechSci Research Report Australia Industrial Valves Market https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/australia-industrial-valves-market/1701.html https://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=1701 https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/global-industrial-valves-market/1572.html https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/india-industrial-valves-market-by-functionality-on-off-control-others-by-end-use-industry-oil-gas-petrochemicals-chemicals-fertilizers-power-others-competition-forecast-opportunities/895.html https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/global-internet-of-things-iot-services-market-by-type-professional-and-managed-services-by-application-manufacturing-healthcare-smart-homes-and-buildings-smart-cities-etc-by-region-competition-forecast-and-opportunities/805.html https://twitter.com/TechSciResearch https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsci-research Expanding renewable energy sector, robust mining industry and booming LNG gas production to drive Australia industrial valves market through 2023According to TechSci Research report, Australia Industrial Valves Market By Product Type, By End User, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013 2023, industrial valves market in Australia is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% during 2018-2023. Key factors expected to drive this growth include shift in focus from non-renewable to renewable resources such as hydro, wind and biomass for power generation, expanding water and wastewater management industry, and growing mining activities in the country. Moreover, Australia is anticipated to boost Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) production in the coming years in order to compete for the number one spot with Qatar. Rising activity in LNG production is also expected to positively influence industrial valve sales in the country over the course of next five years. Some of the major companies operating in the countrys industrial valves market include Pentair Flow Control International Pty Limited, AVK Australia Pty Ltd, Australian Valve and Engineering Pty Ltd, and Australian Pipeline Valve, among others.Browse 14 market data Tables and 26 Figures spread through 91 Pages and an in-depth TOC on "Australia Industrial Valves Market"On the basis of type, gate valves account for the largest share in Australia industrial valves market, owing to their extensive usage in mining, water management and food & beverages industry. In the coming years, industrial valves market in Queensland is anticipated to grow at the fastest pace, on the back of high population, which is resulting in higher demand for water and wastewater management, thereby propelling industrial valves market. Moreover, renewable power plants are being set up in the region, which boasts huge natural resources. Water & wastewater effluents segment is likely to be the fastest growing end use vertical in Australia industrial valves market, backed by increasing number of government initiatives towards wastewater treatment.Download Sample Report @Customers can also request for 10% free customization on this report.Increasing number of commercial construction projects, technological advancements towards high-performance and smart valves, and growing adoption of industrial valves in multiple end use verticals for flow regulation and control in piping systems are generating huge growth opportunities for stakeholders in industrial valves market. In addition to these factors, growing investments in power generation would positively influence Australia industrial valves market during the forecast period., said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.Australia Industrial Valves Market By Product Type, By End User, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013 2023 has evaluated the future growth potential of Australia industrial valves market and has also provided the statistics and information on market size, shares and trends. The report will suffice in providing the intending clients with cutting-edge market intelligence and help them in taking sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes emerging trends along with essential drivers and key challenges faced by the market.Browse Related ReportsGlobal Industrial Valves Market By Product Type (Globe Valve, Ball Valve, Butterfly Valve & Others), By Application (Oil & Gas, Refinery, Power Generation, Chemicals, Water & Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012 2022India Industrial Valves Market, By Functionality (On/Off, Control & Others), By End Use Industry (Oil & Gas; Petrochemicals, Chemicals & Fertilizers; Power; & Others), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012 2022Global Internet of Things (IoT) Services Market By Type (Professional and Managed Services), By Application (Manufacturing, Healthcare, Smart Homes and Buildings, Smart Cities, etc.), By Region, Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 2021About TechSci ResearchTechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends.ContactMr. Ken Mathews708 Third Avenue,Manhattan, NY,New York 10017Tel: +1-646-360-1656Email: sales@techsciresearch.comConnect with us on Twitter -Connect with us on LinkedIn -About TechSci ResearchTechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends.ContactMr. Ken Mathews708 Third Avenue,Manhattan, NY,New York 10017Tel: +1-646-360-1656Email: sales@techsciresearch.com Spire and YBC host breakfast seminar on the impact of demonetization in India Spire, Events, Leon Perera, Japnit Singh,Yasuyuki (Luke) Kita, Demonetization, India, Economy, Growth, Cashless, E-commerce, Rupee http://bit.ly/2HwisMb On 20 January, Spire and Yamada Business Consulting (YBC) jointly held a breakfast seminar in Singapore to explore the impact on Indias economy of the recent Rupee demonetization of high-value currency notes. Leon Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Spire Research and Consulting, Japnit Singh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Spire and Yasuyuki (Luke) Kita, General Manager of YBC (Singapore), addressed the session.Spire Singapore and YBC discussed the demonetizations impact on different industry sectors, on e-commerce and on the outlook for doing business in India in 2017.The speakers talked about how demonetization will spur growth in cashless transactions. Although the retail and car resale sector will suffer short-term damage, there is a visible shift towards modern trade and online transactions. Moreover, ease of doing business and transparency will rise, making India more investment-friendly.For more information, please visit our newsroom section here:Spire Research and Consulting was established in 2000 to address a gap in the research and consulting industry in global emerging markets. Unlike most agencies that focus on traditional consumer research, our founders saw a profound need for holistic research projects.Unit 501-502, DLF City Court,DLF Phase III, Sector 24, Gurugram 122002, IndiaTelephone: (91) 124 421 6144Fax: (91) 124 422 1934E-mail: india.info@spireresearch.com A4DM and Diverse Solutions join hands to help Real Estate Agents with Digital Marketing www.diversesolutions.com), A4DM (A4DM.in), a digital marketing agency which has recently partnered up with Diverse Solutions (a real estate technology solutions company with an aim of providing website integration for their industry leading IDX plugin for real estate agents and brokers. A4DM will extend its website services to integrate IDX for MLS listing with real estate websites and deploy diverse Solutions and top-notch CRM to manage leads.A4DM has been engaged in deploying Diverse Solutions IDX products to its clients in the US. Most real estate agents and brokers need top-up digital services after setting up MLS with highly integrated websites. Besides out of the box services, real estate agents & brokers are continuously looking into growing their customer base by reaching out to more property buyers.I developed a great partnership with A4DM and their dedication to my business goals is unmatchable. I appreciate their attention to details, digital skills & creative approach to integrating digital marketing into my new real estate website. Tessa, Founder, Tessa Parziale Real Estate (USA)Buyers usually search for these properties online and are willing to receive real-time updates of the upcoming properties, find answers to their questions and site visits. Real estate agents want to expand their online visibility in search results. A4DM ensures that their websites appear when such search queries are triggered on Google. To achieve this, A4DM create an in-depth and long-term SEO strategy employing an on-page and off-page SEO.For lead generation, A4DM utilizes social media promotion such as Facebook and Instagram. It includes creating a detailed demography of potential customers by targeting individuals who are looking to buy a new property. Facebook integrated lead forms, brand awareness campaigns, reach campaigns to promote upcoming properties while making use of static images, slideshows or videos.About A4DM, a digital marketing agencyA4DM is a digital marketing agency based in New Delhi, Lucknow & Brussels which focuses on creating digital assets and then turning them into a lead generating engine. With over a decade of digital experience, A4DM has helped international clients including India, USA, Singapore, UK, Australia, and UAE. The A4DM team of digital marketing consultants provides a complete array of digital marketing services such as social media promotion, website design & development, SEO services, Google Adwords campaigns, Facebook campaigns & lead generation services.Plot No.94, Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi High Strength Steel Market 2017: Industry Demand, Insight & Forecast to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1105595-global-high-strength-steel-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1105595-global-high-strength-steel-market-research-report-2017 In this report, the global High Strength Steel market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of High Strength Steel in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaRequest a Sample Report @Global High Strength Steel market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingArcelor MittalSSABPOSCOUnited States Steel CorporationVoestalpine AGThyssenKrupp AGBaosteelAnsteelOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoHigh Strength Low Alloy SteelsDual Phase SteelsBake Hardenable SteelsCarbon Manganese SteelsOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of High Strength Steel for each application, includingAutomotiveHoisting and Mining EquipmentAviation&MarineOthersIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal High Strength Steel Market Research Report 20171 High Strength Steel Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of High Strength Steel1.2 High Strength Steel Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global High Strength Steel Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global High Strength Steel Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 High Strength Low Alloy Steels1.2.4 Dual Phase Steels1.2.5 Bake Hardenable Steels1.2.6 Carbon Manganese Steels1.3 Global High Strength Steel Segment by Application1.3.1 High Strength Steel Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Automotive1.3.3 Hoisting and Mining Equipment1.3.4 Aviation&Marine1.3.5 Others1.4 Global High Strength Steel Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global High Strength Steel Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of High Strength Steel (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global High Strength Steel Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global High Strength Steel Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global High Strength Steel Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global High Strength Steel Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global High Strength Steel Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global High Strength Steel Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global High Strength Steel Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global High Strength Steel Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers High Strength Steel Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 High Strength Steel Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 High Strength Steel Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 High Strength Steel Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global High Strength Steel Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global High Strength Steel Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global High Strength Steel Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India High Strength Steel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global High Strength Steel Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global High Strength Steel Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America High Strength Steel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe High Strength Steel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China High Strength Steel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan High Strength Steel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia High Strength Steel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India High Strength Steel Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global High Strength Steel Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global High Strength Steel Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global High Strength Steel Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global High Strength Steel Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global High Strength Steel Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global High Strength Steel Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global High Strength Steel Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global High Strength Steel Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesContinuedAccess Complete Report @ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Mice Model Market -Growth Of The Global Industry 2017 - 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1883 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1883 https://www.tmrresearch.com/mice-model-market Global Mice Model Market: SnapshotThe global mice model market is expanding on account of the striking relevance of these models in performing biomedical research. Since the genetics, physiology, and anatomy of mice is perplexingly similar to that of humans, mice models are extensively used for conducting several researches concerned with the human body. In recent times, the discovery of new drug molecules is followed by their testing on samples of mice, which is in turn followed by inferences about human diagnostics. Moreover, the mechanism of several diseases in the human body can be compared to that of mice. Hence, the testing, diagnosis, and impact of diseases along with their counter mechanisms are studied on mice models. This has been a substantial propeller of demand because new diseases and disorders are being continually tested and scrutinized. Another key factor that drives demand within the market is the development of improved mice models that can assist the research framework. Inbred mice models are an important model type that has gained popularity across the research circles. The ease of reproducing data along with the low cost of these models against others has been the primary factor behind their popularity.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Amongst all the regional markets, the market in North America has exhibited a plush growth patterns over the past years. Europe is also expected to tread a positive growth path in the coming times. The prominence of these regions owes to the wellness of their pharmaceutical industry and favorable policies for conducting medical research.Some of the key market vendors are Charles River Laboratories, Harlan Laboratories, The Jackson Laboratory, and Taconic Biosciences.Global Mice Model Market: OverviewThe global mice model market has been growing at a healthy rate and is likely to continue at the same pace in the near future. A significant rise in the biomedical research in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector is anticipated to accelerate the growth of the global market in the forecast period. The expansion of the application base and the rising competition among the leading players are projected to supplement the growth of the global mice model market in the next few years.Request TOC of the Report @Global Mice Model Market: Key TrendsThe ongoing innovations in the mice models and the rising demand for personalized medicines across the globe are some of the important factors that are predicted to augment the growth of the global mice model market in the next few years. In addition, a significant rise in the number of research and development activities in the pharmaceutical sector is predicted to contribute tremendously towards the growth of the overall market in the next few years. On the other hand, the rising use of rat models for several research activities and the rising benefits from cryopreservation are projected to restrict the growth of the global mice model market in the coming few years. Nonetheless, the rising number of advanced mice model is likely to increase the acceptability and applicability in the near future, which will encourage the markets growth.Global Mice Model Market: Market PotentialThe advent of Crispr, which is being used as a strong tool in the biomedical research and the growing demand for humanized mice models are projected to fuel the growth of the global mice model market in the coming years. In addition, the increasing preference for mice models for research activities for rare diseases is anticipated to generate promising growth opportunities. A substantial rise in the monoclonal antibody production is likely to contribute towards the overall development of the global mice model market in the coming few years.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Mice Model Market: Regional OutlookAccording to the regional segmentation, North America is estimated to account for a massive share of the global mice model market and remain in the topmost position throughout the forecast period. Europe is estimated to register a significant growth and attain a second-leading position in the next few years. The presence of a large number of established pharmaceutical sector and the rising research activities for advanced biosciences are the key factors anticipated to fuel the growth of the mice model market in North America and Europe in the near future.Furthermore, the Asia Pacific market for mice model is expected to register a remarkable growth in the next few years, thanks to the tremendously rising demand for transgenic and knockout mice models. The rising contribution from India, China, Singapore, and Malaysia is another factor aspect encouraging the development of the Asia Pacific mice model market throughout the forecast period.Global Mice Model Market: Competitive AnalysisThe market for mice model is high competitive in nature owing to the presence of a large number of players operating in it across the globe. The expected rise in the number of players entering the global market is predicted to enhance the level of competition in the coming few years. In addition, a tremendous rise in the research and development activities is projected to benefit the key players in the global mice model market throughout the forecast period.Some of the key players operating in the mice model market across the globe are Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Horizon Discovery Group PLC (Sage Labs, Inc.), ENVIGO, Ingenious Targeting Laboratory, Trans Genic, Inc., Harbour Antibodies Bv, Janvier Labs, The Jackson Laboratory, Taconic Biosciences, Inc., Genoway, and Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. These players are making notable efforts to expand their market presence and gain a competitive edge across the globe.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Ethernet Switch Chips Market - Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment with Key Vendors Intel Corporation, Centec Networks, Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co KG The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000718 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/ethernet-switch-chips-market Ethernet Switch Chips is mainly used in local area network (LAN) technology. It is a link layer protocol in the TCP/IP stack, which defines transmission of data from one network to other device on same network. For transferring data between nodes, protocols are used. In this, there is a chip inside Ethernet switch which is a part of whole setup. Drivers for the growth of Ethernet switch chip market is with enormous growth in tablets, mobile devices, video, and private, public and hybrid clouds held to growth in networking innovation is increasing.Factors restraining market of Ethernet Switch Chip Market is lack of usage in many places and absence of knowledge regarding opportunities for using this which is acting as a hindrance in the growth of market. Apart from this. Also, Software Defined Networks (SDN) and other technological advancement are taking place rapidly. Also, modification in traditional methods by increasing bits so as to deliver more services by developing more applications and will evolving will give more create opportunities for the market.Get sample of this Report @The "Global Ethernet Switch Chips Market Analysis to 2025" is a specialized and in-depth study of the Ethernet Switch Chips industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of Global Ethernet Switch Chips market with detailed market segmentation by speed, application and geography. The global Ethernet Switch Chips Software market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Ethernet Switch Chips Software market based on speed and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Ethernet Switch Chips Software market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM). The market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 16 counties globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region. Segmentations Covered in the Ethernet Switch Chips:Overview: Global Ethernet Switch Chips By Application, By Speed, By Country, By RegionGeographical Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), South America (SAM)The report aims to provide an overview of global Ethernet Switch Chips with detailed market segmentation by component, deployment model, organization size, vertical and geography. The global Ethernet Switch Chips is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Some of the leading players in Ethernet Switch Chips:1. Cisco Systems, Inc.2. Broadcom3. Microsemi Corporation4. IC Plus Corp5. Ethernity Networks6. Cavium7. Marvell8. Intel Corporation9. Centec Networks10. Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KGGet Complete Report @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comOrganization: The Insight Partners Global Automotive Intelligence Park Assist System Market Valuable Growth Prospects and Insights on Future Scenario MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4547 https://www.mrrse.com/automotive-intelligence-park-assist-system-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/4547 https://www.mrrse.com/ This report analyzes and forecasts the market for automotive intelligence park assist system at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on revenue (US$ Mn) and volume (Units) from 2017 to 2025. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global automotive intelligence park assist system market. It also covers the impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for automotive intelligence park assist system during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the automotive intelligence park assist system market at the global and regional level.Ask for detailed Sample of the Research Report @The report comprises a detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global automotive intelligence park assist system market. Porters Five Forces model for the automotive intelligence park assist system market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Global Automotive Intelligence Park Assist System Market: SegmentationThe study provides a decisive view of the global automotive intelligence park assist system market by segmenting it in terms of component, vehicle, and region. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for automotive intelligence park assist system in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The report also covers demand for individual application segments in all the regions.The report provides the estimated market size of automotive intelligence park assist system for 2016 and forecast for the next nine years. The global market size of automotive intelligence park assist system has been provided in terms of revenue and volume. Market numbers have been estimated based on key component, technology, and regional segments of automotive intelligence park assist system market. Market size and forecast for each major component and technology have been provided in terms of global and regional/country markets.Global Automotive Intelligence Park Assist System Market: Research MethodologyIn order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research also includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants insights, and recognizing business opportunities.Request for complete TOC of this report @Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, and SEC filings, internal and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases, national government documents, statistical databases, and market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market, National government documents, statistical databases, and market reports, American Automobile Association, European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Automotive Research Association of India, Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobile (OICA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), European Commission, Factiva, etc.Primary research involves e-mail interactions, telephonic interviews, and panel interviews for each market, category, segment, and sub-segment across geographies. We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators in order to validate the data and analysis. Primary interviews provide firsthand information on market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, and outlook, etc. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe study includes profiles of major companies operating in the global automotive intelligence park assist system market. Key players in the automotive intelligence park assist system market include Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Delphi Automotive LLP, Siemens AG, Valeo, Magna International, HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, TOSHIBA CORPORATION, Clarion, NXP Semiconductors, Aisin World Corp. of America and others. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, recent developments, and SWOT analysis. The market for automotive intelligence park assist system is primarily driven by rising demand for automotive safety product.The global automotive intelligence park assist system market has been segmented as follows:By Technology Autonomous Parking Assist Semiautonomous Parking AssistBy Component Ultrasonic Sensor Camera Ultrasonic Sensor & CameraBy Region North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin AmericaHave a doubt? Speak to our analyst now!About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords and research reports.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients and customers ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact Detail (MRRSE)Website:Email: sales@mrrse.comTelephone: +1-518-730-0559 (US- Canada Toll Free)State Tower 90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, New York 12207 (United States) Third-Party Logistics Market 2018: Advanced Software and Smart Devices Carrying Out Effective Supply Chain Operation Will Add New Opportunities to 2025 The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000695 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000695 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/third-party-logistics-market Third-party logistics (3PL) firm is an external supplier that perform companys logistics function. It encompasses providers of services such as transportation, warehouse, financial and so on. 3PL can go beyond logistics and distribution and can provide specific services such as inventory management, freight payment, order processing and packaging of products.Increase in e-commerce industry and reverse logistics operations are the major drivers which help in surging the growth of third-party logistics market whereas loss of direct control on the logistics service may act as a restraining factor for this market. Advanced software and smart devices for carrying out effective supply chain operation will add new opportunities for this market in the forecast period.FREE | Request Sample Copy is Available atThe Global Third-Party Logistics Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the third-party logistics industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global third-party logistics market with detailed market segmentation by solutions, mode of transportation, services and geography. The global third-party logistics market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global third-party logistics market based on solutions, mode of transportation and services. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall third-party logistics market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM). The market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 16 counties globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.Inquire before Buying atBesides this, the report analyzes factors affecting market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these regions.Also, key third-party logistics market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Some of the key players influencing the market are Sinotrans (HongKong) Logistics Co., Ltd., UPS Supply Chain Solutions, XPO Logistics, Inc., DB Schenker, DHL Supply Chain, Nippon Express Co., Ltd., FedEx Corporation, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., Kuehne + Nagel Inc and Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. among others.View Complete Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.533, 5th Floor, Amanora Chambers,Amanora Township, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market - Robust Growth Rate During The Forecast Period 2017 - 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1922 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1922 https://www.tmrresearch.com/mice-model-market Global Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market: OverviewUbiquity of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other portable electronic devices in the past decade has had a pied piper effect on the electronic industry. Innovation is in full swing too, consistently introducing new products that offer improved performance, are durable, and cost efficient. In this scenario, the demand for semiconductor wafers, which are among the basic building blocks of any electronic device along with PCBs, ICs, MEMS, and memory devices, has escalated exponentially in the recent past. Wafer cleaning an essential operation in the fabrication of semiconductor devices, particularly for the advanced ULSI silicon circuits in next generation electronic devices. Consequently, the global wafer cleaning equipment market is projected for a robust growth rate during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market: Key TrendsDiversifying conventional application of MEMS and increase in the number of cleaning steps required by the wafer manufacturing sector are two of the key factors that are expected to fuel the demand in the global water cleaning equipment market. In addition to that, the shift to single wafer processing from conventional processes and increasing demand for smart gadgets and printed electronics are other two favorable factors that may positively influence the global wafer cleaning equipment market.The growing popularity of light emitting diode (LED) is a trend that may prove to be a boon for the global wafer cleaning equipment market in the near future. Involvement of smaller players in the recent past has substantially reduced the prices of LEDs and demand has surged, owing to their strikingly better lighting and longevity. Conversely, high capital required to establish in this market is restricting the emergence of new players with novel concepts, and thereby challenging the prosperity of the market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market: Market PotentialWith constant research in the field in the past few years, the understanding of defects and surface contamination in the semiconductor industry has evolved multi-fold. Moreover, researchers are now more aware of factors such as particle adhesion, measurement, and deposition, which has enabled them to device better removal strategies. This advancement in the technology pertaining to semiconductors is expected to boost the global market for wafer cleaning equipment during the forecast period.Global Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market: Regional OutlookChina is the most prominent country-wise market for wafer cleaning equipment, but with growing demand from the countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, Asia Pacific overall has quickly turned into the most lucrative region for the players in this market. Constantly evolving production quality standards and rapidly increasing demand for portable consumer electronics is expected to maintain an escalating demand from this region. North America is showing steady progress in the market for wafer cleaning equipment for the lack of manufacturing industries in the region.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market: Competitive AnalysisSCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd., Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation, and Tokyo Electron Limited are three of the leading players dominating the Chinese demand in the global wafer cleaning equipment market, while Applied Materials, Inc., Lam Research Corporation, Modutek Corporation, Entegris, Inc., and PVA TePla AG dominate in other parts of the world. Research and development of new products with enhanced attributes and partnerships with regional players are the common strategies adopted by these players to maintain their stronghold over the market.Quantumclean, SEMES Co. Ltd, Onboard Solutions Pvt Ltd., Tokyo Electron, Ultron Systems, Inc., Strabausch, Speedline Tech, and Stoelting Llc are some of the other notable players in this market.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com The key to RFID and Barcoding: Knowing when to use each one DENSOs handheld terminals and scanners are perfect for areas such as retail and logistics, for example. https://www.denso-autoid-eu.com/en.html https://www.denso-autoid-eu.com/en.html https://www.denso-autoid-eu.com/en.html https://www.denso-autoid-eu.com/en.html https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHp4Yboj7IccPlSeRxQ6yBQ www.denso-autoid-eu.com When it comes to RFID and barcoding, both technologies may have their flaws, but the benefits prevail and are thus reason enough to take a closer look at the future.Barcodes are widely used and well established. / Modern RFID technology can quickly read many tags at once. / The skill is to know when to use each one. / DENSO, part of the Toyota group and inventor of the QR Code, knows both RFID and barcoding well. / DENSOs handheld terminals and scanners are perfect for areas such as retail and logistics, for example. / Further information on the secure handheld terminals and hand scanners with RFID or NFC, mobile data collection, the QR Code, and the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit is available at./Dusseldorf. According to the Smithsonian, the first barcode was written in sand in Miami by inventor Joe Woodland decades before technology could bring his vision to life. In 1974, the first item marked with the Universal Product Code (UPC) was scanned at the checkout of a supermarket in the small town of Troy in Miami County, Ohio. However, the barcode was not an immediate success. It was when the mass merchandisers adopted the barcode that it took off. Today, the barcode is everywhere and it is hard to imagine the retail industry, for instance, without it. The barcode is widely used and well established, says Viv Bradshaw, Technology Consultant at DENSO Auto-ID, part of the Toyota group and inventor of the QR Code.Nonetheless, the barcode comes with flaws, too. It needs to be seen to be read, and usually only one barcode can be read at once. Barcodes are prone to physical damage, which is a disadvantage in areas such as retail and logistics, for example, says Bradshaw. Other flaws are the limited storage for 1D barcodes, and the fact that they can be easily reproduced or copied, which is not secure, he continues. He wants to highlight more advantages of the barcode though. Barcodes are cheap and easy to produce, and the reading equipment for the barcodes can be inexpensive as well. Barcodes have been around so much that people understand how to use them. They can even have human readable information, which is useful, if the barcode cannot be read automatically. In addition, the barcode has been further developed and the QR Code was invented by DENSO.The key(s) to more security and efficiencyThe QR Code is a 2D barcode and can blur the lines a little with RFID in some situations, explains Bradshaw. Our SQRC, the Secure QR Code, can encrypt sections of the data on the code, making the barcode secure. This version of the QR Code is typically used for ticketing, healthcare, and product authentication, he goes on. Whilst standard handheld terminals and hand scanners can read the public data on the SQRC, only DENSO devices for mobile data capture can read the private encrypted data section with the specific data key. However, the cloud-based Q-Revo system can facilitate this decrypting for other mobile data collection devices including mobile phones. This also provides protection against copying of the Secure QR Code. Further information on the QR Code, the SQRC, secure handheld terminals and hand scanners, solutions for mobile data collection, and the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit are available atWhile the QR Code can blur the lines between barcoding and RFID, the latter technology offers numerous advantages, especially in retail and logistics. Where time and costs are crucial, RFID can quickly read many tags at once, while the tags can be hidden and generally still be read. Thus, time and cost savings are achieved.However, there are reading limitations: Some software does not support RFID. Also, tags are expensive compared to barcodes. Some reading equipment, such as handheld terminals and hand scanners, can be expensive, too. Of course, every technology has its flaws. With RFID, the advantages prevail though. RFID is available in many formats and can be made robust for different environments, which is ideal for warehouses, logistics, and retail, says Bradshaw. Furthermore, for UHF RFID tags, the recently introduced Gen2 V2 standard gives additional features like reader and tag authentication or user bank portioning. This in turn allows the solution to be used against product counterfeiting and providing an EAS function (electronic article surveillance), for example.To use or not to use Differences in RFID and BarcodingWhen comparing RFID to barcoding, one quickly comes to realize that they cannot be directly compared as neither technology is better or worse. They are merely different and have their own benefits and drawbacks, says Bradshaw. As such, one needs to exploit the benefits of both RFID and barcoding. The skill is to know when to use each one, he adds.Barcodes are generally well understood given the decades use and that there are many solutions to support barcodes, for example, software and integration companies. Barcoding is a mature technology and the risk of implementation is low.RFID, however, is perceived as being new, even though it is not. In addition, it is assumed to be difficult to use. In contrast, RFID gives some new and exciting possibilities. The issue is that to get the best out of RFID, it can challenge ones current thinking and processes. It is crucial to look at both the benefits and limitations and marry those with the procedural processes, for example in retail and logistics. That way, it can be ensured that RFID actually delivers the desired benefits. In logistics, for instance, it can take some lateral thinking on behalf of the logistics provider and the systems integrator to get this far, but it will be worth it, says Bradshaw.Further information on RFID, the QR Code, the Secure CR Code (SQRC), innovative handheld terminals and hand scanners, solutions for mobile data collection, devices with RFID or NFC, and the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit are available atWhere to use or not to use Areas of ImplementationBarcodes are used almost everywhere today. It is difficult to think of an application or branch where they are not used. This is because they are inexpensive and well understood by people. Even a smartphone can read QR Codes for example. In addition, 2D barcodes such as the QR Code and SQRC are gaining wider acceptance because of their benefits, namely an increased data capacity and the ability to tolerate damage to the code and still be read nonetheless. Furthermore, omni-directional reading is possible with 2D codes such as the QR Code. Especially in retail, 1D and 2D barcodes like the QR Code are essential and working with them has become standard.RFID has been adopted in areas like logistics and retail, where its benefits help companies and employees achieve their goals. For instance, RFID can help speed up the inventory processes in retail. RFID also has its benefits for asset management like pallets, totes, containers or cars. In logistics, RFID can be implemented in various control processes like vehicle load checks, traceability, and authentication. Especially in large warehouses where it can be difficult to keep everything in order, RFID can be a particularly helpful asset. Our clients from the logistics sector have tried and tested the handheld terminals and hand scanners from DENSO, and the feedback is extremely good. Our customers from both logistics and retail expect high quality and that is what they get with our devices that come with RFID, says Bradshaw. Further information on the innovative handheld terminals and hand scanners with RFID or NFC, the QR Code, solutions for mobile data capture, and the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit can be found atHow to use or not to use Challenges for RFID and BarcodingOn the one hand, RFID moves out of the early stages of the adoption curve, so sometimes the supporting software, hardware, and associated companies are the limiting factor. On the other hand, there are some companies who really understand RFID, and these should be sort out.In comparison to RFID, barcodes are established and well known. However, that complacency may miss opportunities for this technology. That is when 2D barcodes like the SQRC come in and can give new opportunities in various areas due to their features.To sum up, just like barcodes, the industry will catch up when it comes to RFID, so currently finding the right hardware and systems integration partner is key. Early adopters are seeing the benefits now. And last but not least, RFID product pricing has reduced quite a bit, explains Bradshaw.For the European market, the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit is the contact window for all enquiries on QR Codes, mobile data capture, handheld terminals, and scanners. The durable and robust terminals and scanners manufactured by DENSO are to be found in storage, logistics, at the POS, in production, and field & sales automation applications. Short and informative video clips about the terminals, scanners, and solutions from the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit can now be viewed on YouTube. The clips include the 20th anniversary of the QR Code, a company presentation, and introductions to the various devices for mobile data capture such as the BHT-1500, BHT-1400 and the GT20 scanner. For more information, click on the link below:QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.DENSO is one of the worlds largest manufacturers of mobile data devices. We follow one mission: Driven by Quality maximum quality in mobile data capturing. Decision-makers in the fields of retail, logistics and production rely on DENSO for their business requirements and in implementing the Internet of Things. DENSO is a member of the Toyota Group and is exclusively represented in Europe by the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit of TT Network Integration Europe:DENSO Auto-ID Business UnitImmermannstr. 65 BD-40210 DusseldorfPhone +49 (0) 211 545547 450Managing Director:Takashi HaraMarketing Assistant:Sina HauptPhone +49 (0) 211 545547 403Email:Sina.Haupt@denso-autoid-eu.comWebsite:http://www.denso-autoid-eu.com/en.htmlPress Contact:PPR HamburgRafael R. Pilsczek, M. A.Sinstorfer Kirchweg 18D-21077 HamburgPhone +49 (0) 40 32 80 89 80Fax +49 (0) 40 65 58 43 58Mobil: +49 (0) 170 310 79 72 LNG Fueling Station : 2018 Market Strategy and Major Participants - Kunlun Energy Company Limited, FortisBC, ENGIE, Sinopec, CNOOC LNG Fueling Station https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1447587 https://www.researchmoz.us/lng-fueling-station-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html#table-of-content www.researchmoz.us Press Release - 13 April 2018Global Research and Development News --. .Report Description-' 'Demand for clean fuel vehicles running on natural gas is gaining momentum due to the rise in concern about environment protection. Governments across the world are promoting the usage of natural gas vehicles owing to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, compressed natural gas (CNG) is the primarily used form of natural gas in vehicles worldwide. This gas is compressed at high pressures of about 200 bars and is then dispensed into the CNG tanks of vehicles. CNG is used largely in light duty vehicles, cars, and buses. It is generally not used for heavy duty transport vehicles. About 5 liters of CNG is equivalent to 1 liter of diesel. This makes it useless for long distance heavy duty trucks owing to the high volume and the weight of CNG. This paves the way for liquefied natural gas (LNG) for usage in vehicles.. . Get Sample Report' 'LNG is natural gas that has been liquefied at a temperature of -161 C. Its volume is about 1/600 times that of natural gas. LNG as transportation fuel would decrease cost and carbon emission when compared to its crude oil alternatives. LNG fueling stations are gradually gaining popularity as they possess higher energy density than CNG, higher volume of natural gas, and their storage requires highly insulated tank owing to low temperatures. Hence, LNG is suited for long distance heavy duty vehicles. Since LNG as a fuel are best suited for heavy-duty vehicles hence while developing LNG fueling stations special care must be taken for accommodation of these vehicles.In terms of type of station, the LNG fueling station market can be bifurcated into permanent station and mobile station. Permanent stations are akin to any other fuel stations where dispensers are fixed and firmly attached to the ground and LNG is stored in storage tanks. It is dispensed into the vehicles through fuel dispensers. Under the mobile station type, an LNG tanker with a side mounted LNG dispenser attached to it is utilized. This type of fueling station can serve various small fleet of vehicles and can also be used for emergency refueling of vehicle.Based on application, the LNG fueling station market can be classified into vehicles and ship. The vehicles application segment consists of automobiles running on LNG. These are primarily heavy duty vehicles and other vehicles utilizing LNG as fuel source. The ship application segment comprises ships and barges running on LNG.In terms of region, the LNG fueling station market can be divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to lead the market during the forecast period, followed by North America. This dominance in the market by Asia Pacific is primarily due to the large number of LNG fuel stations in China. The LNG fueling station market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period due to the increase in demand for natural gas as a cleaner alternative for other fossil fuels and rise in number of heavy duty vehicles in the region.Key companies operating in the LNG fueling station market include Cryostar, Clean Energy Fuels, ENN Energy Holding, Kunlun Energy Company Limited, FortisBC, ENGIE, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Natural Gas Vehicles for America.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications. The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysis The regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period. Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the market. . More Clear Details get Table of Contents' 'ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Underwater Exploration Robots : 2018 Market Strategy and Major Participants - Atlas Maridan Aps, Forum Energy Technologies Inc, Kongsberg Maritime Ltd, Oceaneering International Inc Underwater Exploration Robots https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1447588 https://www.researchmoz.us/underwater-exploration-robots-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html#table-of-content www.researchmoz.us Press Release - 13 April 2018Global Research and Development News --. .Report Description-' 'Underwater exploration robots can dive deep into the ocean to maintain security on docks or search for raw materials on the seafloor. These underwater exploration robots are equipped with sensors that help perform predetermined missions such as collecting high quality images underwater or gathering environmental data such as temperature, depth, salinity, etc. underwater exploration robots are available in various forms such as humanoid, crabs, etc.. . Get Sample Report' 'Rising demand for robotics in exploring the depths of the ocean so as to reduce human time and effort is a factor that is driving the market for underwater exploration robots. Furthermore, developments in computing and communication systems of underwater exploration robots, which is estimated to drive the market. Development of sensors resulting in better adaptive capabilities of underwater exploration robots is also a key factor fuelling the market. Researchers are also making an effort to lower the cost of these sensors, while improving their intelligence capabilities. This is also projected to significantly boost the market in the near future. The recovering oil & gas sector and increase in mining activities in APAC are also estimated to propel the demand for underwater exploration robots.Underwater exploration robots face a few limitations despite the numerous advantages they offer. Special care needs to be taken to ensure that water does not enter into the brain of the robot, while it is under water, else the robot can either malfunction or stop working. Furthermore, inconvenience in handling the robot due to insufficient battery backup can be a restraint to the market.In terms of type, the underwater exploration robot market can be segmented into remotely operated vehicle (ROV) robot, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) robot or unmanned underwater vehicles. ROV robots are remotely operated by a human being either by means of a cable or a remote control. On the other hand, AUV robots are able to operate independently, with minimum technical support from a human being. AUVs can keep communicating with the operator through satellite signals or underwater acoustic beacons for those that require some level of control. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, also called Underwater Drones, are unmanned vehicles that use Operational Intelligence (OI) technology to carry out search missions, military and safety activities, and study and conservation of environment. In terms of way of locomotion, the underwater exploration robot market can be segmented into legged, wheeled, legged and wheeled, and tracked slip/slid.In terms of end-use application, the underwater exploration robot market can be segmented into oil & gas, research, and military& defense. Underwater exploration robots find application in the oil & gas industry to explore crude oil reserves. Underwater exploration robots are also used for surveillance purposes, searching raw materials or for rescue and attack. For research activities underwater exploration robots are being used for mapping ocean geology. Several improvements are being carried out in new sensor development, automatic mission planning and execution software, distributed robotic control and better power systems.Key players operating in the underwater exploration robot market include Atlas Maridan Aps, Forum Energy Technologies Inc, Kongsberg Maritime Ltd, Oceaneering International Inc, Subsea 7 Ltd, Boston Engineering Corporation, C-Innovation LLC, Deep Ocean Engineering Inc, DOF Subsea Group, FMC Technologies Inc, Fugro India Pvt Ltd, Bluefin Robotics Corporation, Halline Marine Subsea International PLC, Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc, Teledyne Technologies Inc, Boeing, Saab Seaeye Ltd., and Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) Ltd.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications. The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysis The regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period. Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the market. . More Clear Details get Table of Contents' 'ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Global Spinal Fusion Devices Market Outlook and Growth Forecast for the Period 2017-2025 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4067 https://www.mrrse.com/spinal-fusion-devices-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/4067 https://www.mrrse.com/ Spinal fusion can be defined as the orthopedic procedure which involves the fusion of two or more vertebrae to restrict the movement of the affected vertebrae and to reduce the pain suffered by the patient. A range of spinal fusion procedures are performed covering the thoracic, lumbar, and cervical areas of the spine.Ask for detailed Sample of the Research Report @The research is a combination of primary and secondary research, conducted for understanding and arriving at trends, used to forecast the expected revenue of spinal fusion devices employed in the near future. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts with information collected from in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry experts and opinion leaders. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, investor presentations, analyst presentation and various international and national databases. The report provides estimated market size in terms of US$ Mn for product type, surgery, end-user, and geography for the period 2015 to 2025, considering the macro and micro environmental factors. The revenue generated from each product type and end-user was calculated by considering the number of spinal fusion procedures performed globally. In addition, the regional trends of these devices, the geriatric population, increasing obesity, and the rise in the number of spine diseases were considered.Global Spinal Fusion Devices Market: Scope of StudyThe market report comprises an elaborated executive summary, which includes market snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the market with respect to market segments based on product type, surgery, end-user, and geography. The market overview section of the report analyzes market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities that influences the spinal fusion devices market in the current and future scenario. The report also provides the pipeline products, the CPT codes of reimbursement for the spinal fusion procedures, the regulatory approval process, porters five force analysis, and the key industry developments.Market share analysis among the market players is analyzed to signify the contribution of these players in the market in terms of percentage share. All these factors will help the market players to decide about the business strategies and plans to strengthen their positions in the global market. Based on geography, the market has been analyzed for major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The study also covers detailed country analysis contributing majorly in the spinal fusion devices market.Global Spinal Fusion Devices Market: Competitive LandscapeThe report also profiles the major players in the market and provides various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Companies profiled in the spinal fusion devices market report are Major players in the spinal fusion devices market include Stryker Corporation, NuVasive, Inc., Globus Medical Inc., Orthofix International N.V., Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Medtronic plc, K2M Group Holdings, Inc., Alphatec Holdings, Inc., Exactech, Inc., B. Braun Melsungen AG, Depuy Synthes (a part of Johnson & Johnson), and Titan Spine, LLC, among others.Request for complete TOC of this report @The Spinal Fusion Devices Market has been segmented as follows: Spinal Fusion Devices Market, by Product Type Thoraco-lumbar Fixation Devices Lumbar Plates Rods Hooks Pedicle Screws Cervical Fixation Devices Anterior Cervical Plates Hook Fixation Systems Screws Others Interbody Fusion Devices Non-bone Fusion Devices Bone Fusion Devices Spinal Fusion Devices Market, by Surgery Open Surgery Minimally-invasive Surgery Spinal Fusion Devices Market, by End-user Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers Clinics & Orthopedic Centers Spinal Fusion Devices Market Revenue, by Region North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany Spain France Italy Rest of Europe Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Asia Pacific China Japan India Australia Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa GCC Countries Israel South Africa Rest of Middle East & AfricaHave a doubt? Speak to our analyst now!About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords and research reports.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients and customers ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact Detail (MRRSE)Website:Email: sales@mrrse.comTelephone: +1-518-730-0559 (US- Canada Toll Free)State Tower 90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, New York 12207 (United States) 3D Bioprinting Market Report 2018: Poietis, GeSiM, Exone, Stratasys, Advanced BioMatrix https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1708119&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-3d-bioprinting-market-professional-survey-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1708119&type=D http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global 3D Bioprinting Market Professional Survey Report 2018 to its huge collection of research reports.Several regional and global trends account for the attractive stride the global 3D Bioprinting market is experiencing over the forecast period. The report offers a granular assessment of all such trends impacting the current outlook and emerging growth dynamics. The study on the global 3D Bioprinting market highlights the key factors shaping the various elements of the industry ecosystem, including value-chain, capital investment, and strategic and operational risks. The analysis also takes into account of sharply contrasting trends the surfaced in recent years. In addition, it analyzes their transformative effect on the overall competitive landscape of the global 3D Bioprinting market. The research keeps a tab of the key technological advances in recent years, which led to innovations in products and services offered by various players. The notable changes in government policies in various countries are highlighted and their impact on the emerging strategic dynamics of the global 3D Bioprinting market is also evaluated.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Stakeholders and a number of market participants in the global 3D Bioprinting market interested to gain clear, evidence-based insights on the growth trajectory will find the report useful. Emerging players and new entrants looking for tapping lucrative avenues in various regions will find the study helpful. Furthermore, the report sheds lights on the strategies embarked by established players to consolidate their positions in the global 3D Bioprinting market. Their efforts to look for new, exciting revenue streams are also analyzed in the in-depth study at length. Major research and development activities and prominent collaborations and agreements expected to have disruptive potential on the global 3D Bioprinting market are highlighted in the study.To add weight to the information on the global market for 3D Bioprinting, the report resorts to statistics and graphs enabling readers to spot key trends immediately.Table of ContentsGlobal 3D Bioprinting Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of 3D Bioprinting1.1 Definition and Specifications of 3D Bioprinting1.1.1 Definition of 3D Bioprinting1.1.2 Specifications of 3D Bioprinting1.2 Classification of 3D Bioprinting1.2.1 Magnetic 3D Bioprinting1.2.2 Laser-assisted Bioprinting1.2.3 Inkjet 3D Bioprinting1.2.4 Microextrusion 3D Bioprinting1.3 Applications of 3D Bioprinting1.3.1 Clinical Applications1.3.2 Research Applications1.3.3 Drug and Medical Research1.3.4 Regenerative Medicine1.3.5 3D Cell Culture2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of 3D Bioprinting2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of 3D Bioprinting2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of 3D Bioprinting2.4 Industry Chain Structure of 3D Bioprinting3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of 3D Bioprinting3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global 3D Bioprinting Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global 3D Bioprinting Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global 3D Bioprinting Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global 3D Bioprinting Major Manufacturers in 20174 Global 3D Bioprinting Overall Market Overview4.1 2013-2018E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2013-2018E Global 3D Bioprinting Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2017 3D Bioprinting Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2013-2018E Global 3D Bioprinting Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2017 3D Bioprinting Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2013-2018E Global 3D Bioprinting Sales PriceComplete table of content is available at:List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of 3D BioprintingTable Product Specifications of 3D BioprintingTable Classification of 3D BioprintingFigure Global Production Market Share of 3D Bioprinting by Type in 2017Figure Magnetic 3D Bioprinting PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Magnetic 3D BioprintingFigure Laser-assisted Bioprinting PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Laser-assisted BioprintingFigure Inkjet 3D Bioprinting PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Inkjet 3D BioprintingAvail Discount @QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Automated CPR Devices Market: Speciality Clinics Expected to be the Second Largest End User Segment MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4061 https://www.mrrse.com/automated-cpr-devices-market-112017 https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/4061 https://www.mrrse.com/ This Market Research Reports Search Engine report examines the global automated CPR devices market for the period 2017-2027. The primary objective of the report is to offer updates on the advancement of automated CPR devices, examining the marketing efforts and to provide information on the market opportunities in the global automated CPR devices market. The report depicts the marketing strategies undertaken by the manufacturing companies, which is significantly transforming the automated CPR devices market. This study analyses, estimates and forecasts the global automated CPR devices market from the supply perspective in terms revenue (US$ Mn) during the forecast period 2017 to 2027. The report also highlights the various drives and inhibitors in various regions along with their impact on the global market.Ask for detailed Sample of the Research Report @CPR devices are chest compression systems that provide high quality compression to patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrest to provide a steady flow of oxygen and blood in the brain as well as heart. The CPR device finds application in EMS, hospitals, ambulances, coronary and intensive care units, cardiac catheterisation labs, air medevac units, EMT rescue units, etc. The devices perform the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) process mechanically. CPR is a compression technique used in various medical emergencies to maintain or initiate blood circulation in the heart and oxygen supply in the brain.To understand and assess the opportunities in this market the report is categorically divided under various sections such as market analysis by regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa) and a competitive landscape (inclusive of competition dashboard, market share analysis, CPR brand share analysis, and company profiles). The report analyses the global automated CPR devices market in terms of market value (US$ Mn). The report starts with an overview of the automated CPR devices market across the globe. In the other sections, the report covers the key trends, drivers and inhibitors from the supply and demand perspective. It also includes the market opportunities of the automated CPR devices market. Impact analysis of key growth drivers and inhibitors based on the weighted average model are included in the report to better equip and arm clients with crystal clear decision making insights.Request for complete TOC of this report @Research MethodologyTo calculate the market size, the report considers various aspects based on secondary research. Furthermore, data points such as regional split and market split by applications, end use and qualitative inputs from primary respondents have been incorporated to arrive at appropriate market estimates. The forecast presented here assesses the total revenue of the automated CPR devices market. When developing the market forecast, the starting involves sizing the current market, which forms the basis for predicting how the market is anticipated to take shape in the near future. Given the characteristics of the market, we have triangulated the data via different analysis based on supply side, demand side and dynamics of related markets.We have not only conducted forecasts in terms of CAGR, but have also analysed the global automated CPR devices market on the basis of key parameters such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth to understand the predictability of the market and to identify the right opportunities across the automated CPR devices market. Another key feature of this report is the analysis of the automated CPR devices market by regions and its revenue forecast in terms of absolute dollar. This is traditionally overlooked while forecasting the market. However, absolute dollar opportunity is critical in assessing the level of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve, as well as to identify potential resources from a sales perspective in the global automated CPR devices market. Furthermore, to understand key segments in terms of their growth and performance in the global automated CPR devices market, Market Research Reports Search Engine has developed a market attractiveness index to help providers identify real market opportunities.Have a doubt? Speak to our analyst now!About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords and research reports.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients and customers ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact Detail (MRRSE)Website:Email: sales@mrrse.comTelephone: +1-518-730-0559 (US- Canada Toll Free)State Tower 90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, New York 12207 (United States) Biofertilizers Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=163595 https://www.researchmoz.us/biofertilizers-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-trends-and-forecast-2012-2018-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Biofertilizers Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Global Biofertilizers Market: OverviewBiofertilizers are the substances which make use of the living micro-organisms and are applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil. They promote the growth of the plants by supplying adequate amount of nutrients and improve the quality and yield of the crops. The three major biofertilizers existing in the market are nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizer, phosphate mobilizing bio-fertilizer and potassium mobilizing bio-fertilizer. Biofertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorous, and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of growth promoting substances. The benefits of Biofertilizers include longer shelf life, less contamination, better survival on seeds and soil, high commercial revenues and export potential. Biofertilizers help to increase the nutrient absorbing surface area beyond the depletion zone of the root. Different kinds of soil micro-organisms belonging to several taxa of the bacteria, fungi, and protozoa kingdoms, colonizing the rhizosphere or the plant tissues and promoting plant growth, can be utilized for the production of Biofertilizers.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Biofertilizers Market: SegmentationGlobal bio-fertilizer market can be segmented on the basis of product and applications. The product segment of bio-fertilizer market includes nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizer, phosphate mobilizing bio-fertilizer and potassium mobilizing bio-fertilizer. In terms of application, global biofertilizer market can be categorized into cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, oil seeds and pulses and others segment including nursery turfs and ornamental plants.The report estimates and forecasts the Bio Fertilizers market on the global, regional and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2016 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the Biofertilizers market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the Bio Fertilizers market on the global, regional and country level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of Biofertilizers and global average price trend analysis.Global Biofertilizers Market: Research MethodologyThe report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the Biofertilizers market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and regions have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for Biofertilizers between 2017 and 2025.The study provides a comprehensive view of the Biofertilizers market by dividing it into, product, application, and geography segments. The product segment of the biofertilizers market is classified as nitrogen fixing, phosphate mobilizing and potassium mobilizing fertilizers The Biofertilizers market, by application has been categorized into oil seeds & pulses, cereals & grains, fruits & vegetables and others. The regional analysis of global biofertilizer market include includes the current and forecast consumption of biofertilizers in North America (U.S, Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) , Europe (Germany, France, Russia, Spain, CIS, Greece, Ukraine, Italy, Serbia, and Rest of Europe),Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN (Excluding Indonesia and Vietnam), Japan, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), and Middle East & Africa (Iran, Israel, Nigeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Rest of Middle East & Africa).Favorable regulatory scenario in highly developed regions such as North America and Europe are driving the market of global biofertilizers.Global Biofertilizers Market: Competitive LandscapeThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include PotashCorp Agri Life, Bodisen Biotech, Inc. , Italpollina SpA , Protan AG , Novozymes A/S , Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. , T. Stanes & Company Limited , Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited Symborg S.L, & Rizobacters Argentina S.A. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to Food & Agricultural Organization(FAO), International Fertilizer Association (IFA), National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) and International Fertilizer Society (IFS). Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Table of Content1. Preface1.1. Report Scope and Market Segmentation1.2. Research Highlights2. Assumptions and Research Methodology2.1. Assumptions and Acronyms Used2.2. Research Methodology3. Executive Summary3.1. Market Size, Indicative (US$ Mn)3.2. Top 3TrendsGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @4. Market Overview4.1. Product Overview4.2. Key Industry Developments4.3. Market Indicators4.4. Drivers and Restraints Snapshot Analysis4.4.1. Drivers4.4.2. Restraints4.4.3. Opportunities4.5. Global Biofertilizers Market Analysis and Forecasts4.6. Porters Analysis4.6.1. Threat of Substitutes4.6.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers4.6.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.6.4. Threat of New EntrantsContinue...About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @ Global Floating Production Systems Market Assessment and Key Insights Analyzed till 2019 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/573 https://www.mrrse.com/floating-production-system-market In order to study the various trends and patterns prevailing in the overall market for Floating Production Systems, Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has included a new report titled Floating Production Systems Market to its wide online database. This research assessment offers a clear insight about the influential factors that are expected to transform the global market in the near future. Readers can access the regional as well as segment-wise analysis for acquiring precise information about the global market structure.To Get Sample PDf or View Summary of Report @Floating Production Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019, presents a detailed overview of the floating production systems market, its growth drivers and restraints, as well as its segmentation. Analyzing the market for developmental trends of the past, the report also presents a forecast of the markets state over the years between 2013 and 2019. As per the report, the global floating production systems market, which was valued in 2012 at US$12.6 bn, is expected to expand and reach a value of US$38.7 bn by 2019.As per the report, deep water discoveries and increase in subsea drilling activities in the oil and gas industry in the Asia Pacific and Rest of the World have boosted the market for floating production systems. As per the statistics mentioned in the report, the Rest of the World market led the global floating production systems market in 2012, with the highest contribution in revenue. Additionally, Rest of the World has the highest demand for floating production systems, and will continue to dominate the market in the forecast period. However, factors such as tedious maintenance of these systems and the high installation costs of the systems could curb the growth of the floating production systems market.There are primarily four types of products marketed under floating production systems: FSO, SPAR, TLP, and FPSO, out of which FPSO is expected to rule the market for floating production systems, since several companies use FPSO to extract crude oil or for offshore drilling activities. Since multiple tasks can be performed by FPSOs, it is the most preferred choice for the offshore drilling sector. Both FSO and FPSO help in reducing the operational costs by eliminating the need for pipeline infrastructure to transport the crude oil from one place to another.TLP and SPAR are used in case the drilling site experiences high waves, causing huge vibrations, thus proving to be a hindrance in drilling operations. The use of SPAR and TLP helps eliminate these kind of vibrations, making the drilling operation smoother and efficient for a long time. Major utilization of TLP and SPAR is done in Africa and Brazil, due to the large number of drilling activities carried out in these regions. Moreover, the report forecasts that over 80 offshore drilling projects will be carried out in these regions in the coming years, thus propelling the market for SPAR and TLP.Since a large number of oil reserves in Europe are located in offshore regions such as the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea, steady growth of the floating production systems market is expected in these regions. Due to the growing population and heavy industrialization, Asia Pacific and North America are anticipated to witness growth of the market for floating production systems.It is forecasted that more than 80 offshore drilling projects will be carried out in the near future in Brazil and Western Africa. European region is also projected to rise as a large number of upcoming offshore drilling projects are there in the U.K. Majority of the Europes oil reserves are located in the offshore regions of Norway such as the North Sea, the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea. North America and Asia Pacific region are also expected to show a remarkable growth in the near future owing to growing population and rapid industrialization especially in developing economies such as India and China. Companies such as Royal Dutch Shell Plc and ConocoPhillips are procuring floating production equipments from service provider companies to drill various offshore fields.North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW) are the major geographical areas covered in the report. Each geographical region has been segmented further on the basis of Product type. Revenue forecasts and estimates for each product segment have been provided for the period from 2013 to 2019.To Access Complete Research Report with Tables and Figures @The report also provides thorough analysis and revenue of companies such as Bumi Armada Berhad, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd, Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Berhad, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd, SBM Offshore N.V., Teekay Corporation, Technip S.A. and Worley Parsons Limited. These companies are likely to dominate the floating production systems market. The report provides a detailed analysis of various factors influencing floating production systems industry with the help of Porters five forces analysis. The analysis also helps understand the degree of competition prevalent in the market. The report also analyzes the value chain and various drivers and restraints of the floating production systems market.Floating Production Systems Market: End-user AnalysisFPSOTLPSPARFSOFloating Production Systems Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the World (RoW)About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com Global Organic Baby Food Market to Grow at a CAGR of 11.61% During The Period 2017-2021. https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1331056 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-organic-baby-food-market-2017-2021-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Organic Baby Food Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.About Organic Baby FoodOrganic foods are grown or processed without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Baby food that is manufactured or processed with organic ingredients is called as organic baby food. The global baby food and infant formula market will see moderate growth during the forecast period. Owing to the declining birth and fertility rates in developed countries, the market has reached maturity. However, factors such as a high percentage of working mothers, increased purchasing power, and expansive product portfolios are expected to fuel the market growth during the forecast period. Parents' concern about offering their babies the best in terms of taste and nutrition will also contribute to market growth.Technavios analysts forecast the global organic baby food market to grow at a CAGR of 11.61% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global organic baby food market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the sales, volume, and value of organic baby food products.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Organic Baby Food Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAbbottDanoneHiPPNestlThe Hain Celestial GroupOther prominent vendorsAmara OrganicsArla FoodsBaby Gourmet FoodsBellamy's AustraliaGreenZooHealthy SproutsHero GroupLittle Duck OrganicsNorth Castle PartnersOlliOne Earth FarmsPlum, PBCTastybabyThe Organic Baby Food CompanyVitagermineMarket driverRise in number of working womenFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengePremium price of organic baby foodsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreasing mergers and acquisitionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?Table of ContentsPART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Research MethodologyPART 04: IntroductionMarket outlineGlobal baby food and infant formula marketPART 05: Market landscapeMarket overviewGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Market size and forecastFive forces analysisPART 06: Market segmentation by productGlobal organic baby food market segmentation by productGlobal organic prepared baby food marketGlobal organic infant formula marketGlobal organic dried baby food marketGlobal organic other baby food marketPART 07: Market segmentation by distribution channelPART 08: Geographical segmentationGlobal organic baby food market by geographyOrganic baby food market in AmericasContinue...About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @ Top Robotics Market -Major Factors Driving The Industry 2017 - 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1913 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1913 https://www.tmrresearch.com/top-robotics-market Global Top Robotics Market: OverviewThe surging demand for industrial robots with Internet of Things capabilities is transforming production lines, especially in the automotive and electronic industry. Next generation robots possess human-like attributes such as intelligence, recognition of objects, flexibility, memory, and ability to learn.Industries implementing robotic technologies receive huge financial benefits due to reduced overheads, flexibility, increased productivity, and waste reduction.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Top Robotics Market: Key TrendsThe top factor driving the top robotics market for industrial robots is the increasing adoption of automated systems and the rising demand for industrial robots from medium and small-sized enterprises in developing countries. This is because deployment of robotic solutions ensures quality production and caters to meeting market demand in a timely manner. However, factors such as high upfront costs and high R&D expenses and unreliable performance in untested environment and absence of a high level of interface are restraining the markets growth.Amongst industrial robots, articulated robots is expected to be leading product segment owing to their structural and operational capabilities. Articulated robots are extensively used in electrical and electronics, and automotive industries.On the other hand, the service robotics segment of this market is driven by the increasing demand for mobile robotic solution for warehouse automation and logistics, increasing demand from healthcare industry, and the increasing deployment of service robots for educational pursuits.Logistics currently holds the dominant position among the application segments of service robotics and is expected to retain its position in the near future. This is mainly due to the deployment of automated guided vehicles in production units and warehousing facilities for inventory management and freight handling.Request TOC of the Report @Global Top Robotics Market: Market PotentialFrom a leap from robotic vacuum cleaners, butlers, or medical assistants, industrial robots account for the greatest slice of the global robotics market, as per a recent industry news. Unlike the classical industrial robot that were used to carry out repetitive tasks, the next-generation robots are supported by software and peripheral vision systems and can perform varying tasks reliably that matches human capabilities.Global Top Robotics Market: Regional OutlookAsia Pacific is the leading regional market for industrial robotics market is led significant revenue contributions from China, Japan, and South Korea. The high concentration of robotic machines in South Korea and Japan to support the expanding electronics industry in these countries is benefitting the industrial robotics market in Asia Pacific. As per statistics of the International Federation of Robotics, Japan is the leading market for industrial robotics trailed by China.Moreover, the increasing deployment of automated systems in the automotive industry in Australia is anticipated to positively influence the regional markets growth. Strong focus on improving production techniques combined with efforts for the modernization of factories for improved productivity is one of the major factors driving robotic installations in the U.S. and Brazil.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Top Robotics Market: Competitive LandscapeThe key players in the global top robotics market for both industrial and service robots are ABB Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp. FANUC Corp., Yaskawa Electric Corp., iRobot Corporation, Intuitive Surgical Inc., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Aethon Inc., Lely Holding S.a.r.l., KUKA AG, Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Northrop Grumman Corporation, DJI, Parrot SA, Adept Technology Inc., DeLaval International AB, and The LEGO Group.Due to being capital-intensive, the industry restricts the entry of new market players in the market. New players are anticipated to face challenges pertaining to insufficient venture capital for innovation and product differentiation, thus limiting their presence in the robotics industry.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Rapid Growth of Contraceptive Device Market | Global Top key Vendors Ansell, Actavis, Bayer, Church & Dwight, Merck & Co, Agile Therapeutics, Caya, Condomi Health, Fuji Latex, Karex Industries | Forecast till 2025 Contraceptive Devices Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/50368 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/enquiry/50368 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/50368/single BusinessIndustryReports.com has new research report on the global Contraceptive Device Market. The global Contraceptive Device market is growing continuously and expected to grow healthy CAGR by Forecast year 2025Contraceptives devices are a variety of products that are used for the prevention of an unwanted pregnancy. Whilst preventing unwanted pregnancies remain one of the key reasons why contraceptive devices are used, the other important function of a vast variety of contraceptive devices is to prevent the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Initiatives taken by government bodies, numerous private organizations, and also several companies operating in the market are playing a key role in increasing awareness regarding population control measures and safer sex. These actions are considered the key growth drivers for the global contraceptives market.Despite the presence of several contraceptive drugs in the market, contraceptive devices are preferred more owing to their safer course of action. Products such as male condoms, female condoms, contraceptive vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, sub-dermal contraceptive implants, contraceptive sponges, contraceptive diaphragm, and non-surgical permanent contraception devices are gaining increased demand from across the globe. New product varieties that require minimally invasive surgeries for implantation and provide maximum assurance of safety from infections and unwanted pregnancies are also being introduced at a promising pace in the global market.Get a Premium Sample Report atGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Contraceptive Device in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), covering - North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India.Global Contraceptive Device market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingAnsellActavisBayerChurch & DwightMerck & CoAgile TherapeuticsCayaCondomi HealthFuji LatexKarex IndustriesOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMale Contraceptive DevicesFemale Contraceptive DevicesOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingHospital PharmacyIndependent PharmacyOnline PlatformClinicsMore Inquire atMajor Table of Content1 Global Contraceptive Device Market Research Report 20182 Global Contraceptive Device Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Contraceptive Device Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Contraceptive Device Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Contraceptive Device Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Contraceptive Device Market Analysis by Application7 Global Contraceptive Device Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Contraceptive Device Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Contraceptive Device Market Forecast (2018-2025 )13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixKey questions answered in the report:What will the market growth rate of Contraceptive Device market in 2025 ?What are the key factors driving the global Contraceptive Device market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis of top manufacturers of Contraceptive Device market?Who are the distributors, traders and dealers of Contraceptive Device market?Who are the key manufacturers in Contraceptive Device market space?What are the Contraceptive Device market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Contraceptive Device market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis by types and applications of Contraceptive Device market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis by regions of Contraceptive Device market?What are the market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Contraceptive Device market?Purchased this report online with 106 Pages and List of figures and table atAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined - we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Port Construction Middle East and Africa Market 2018-By Facilitate Decision Making on the Basis of Historic and Forecasts Data 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3112641-project-insight-port-construction-projects-middle-east-and-africa https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3112641-project-insight-port-construction-projects-middle-east-and-africa www.linkedin.com/company/4828928 https://twitter.com/WiseGuyReports https://www.facebook.com/Wiseguyreports-1009007869213183/?fref=ts SynopsisPort trade in the region has been improved by the resurgence of oil prices and the increase in trade from Iran which is now a major oil exporter after sanctions were lifted in 2016. The Gulf Co-operation Countries (GCC) are forecast to achieve 2.7% growth in 2018, compared with 0.3% in 2017, assisted by higher oil prices. The Middle East has added more than 2 million barrels per day (b/d) of refining capacity since 2005, an increase of nearly 30%, which will increase trade through the region's ports. Overall, refining capacity in the region is estimated to grow from 7.75 million b/d in 2015 to 9.84 million b/d by 2025, which will increase exports. The improvement in demand for commodities should provide relief for the economies in Africa where dependence on commodity exports is high. This in turn will increase the need for higher capacity ports in the region, with increased activity particularly in the East African ports of Djibouti, Mombasa, Dar-es-Salaam and Maputo, Mozambique.GET SAMPLE REPORT @SummaryConstruction Intelligence Center (CIC) is currently tracking port construction projects in the Middle East and Africa with a total value of US$122.6 billion; of this, US$62.5 billion is in the execution stage. Mozambique accounts for the highest value with US$12.1 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia with projects valuing US$10.1 billion. Kuwait and Iraq follow with port construction projects with a value of US$9.0 billion and US$8.0 billion respectively. Kuwait is responsible for the highest value project in the region: the US$9.0 billion Mubarak-Al-Kabeer Port Development, followed by the US$8.0 billion Basra Grand Faw Port Development in Iraq.ScopeThe report provides analysis based on CIC projects showing total project values for the Middle East and Africa and analysis by stage and funding for the top ten countries. The top 50 projects are listed for the region giving country, stage, value of port construction. Ranked listings of the key operators for the sector are also provided, showing the leading contractors, consulting engineers and project owners. Country profiles are provided for the top 10 countries, including Mozambique, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.Reasons to Buy Gain insight into the development of the port construction sector. Assess all major projects by value, start date, scope and stage of development for the region and top 10 countries to support business development activities. Plan campaigns by country based on specific project opportunities and align resources to the most attractive markets.Key Highlights The total pipeline of projects is valued at US$122.6 billion with US$16.1 billion being spent in 2018 and US$23.7 billion in 2019. The highest value of projects are at the execution stage with a total value of US$62.5 billion, followed by projects in pre-execution with US$28.1 billion. Projects in the planning stage amount to US$18.8 billion, while those at the pre-planning stage total US$13.2 billion. Assuming all projects proceed as planned, spending will reach US$23.7 billion in 2019 and fall to US$6.6 billion in 2022. The highest value of project completions will be in 2021, with a value of US$25.1 billion. The top contractor in the region is China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) based in China and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd based in South Korea. The top engineer is Marine Core & Charter and Technital SpA both based in the US.Table of Content: Key Points1. Regional Overview2. Key Operators3. Project Analytics by Country3.1. Mozambique3.2. Saudi Arabia3.3. Kuwait3.4. Iraq3.5. Nigeria3.6. Guinea3.7. Qatar3.8. Kenya3.9. The UAE3.10. Morocco4. Methodology5. DisclaimerContinuedACCESS REPORT @Get in touch:LinkedIn:Twitter:Facebook:Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Medical Imaging Industry Size, Share, Trends, Demand, Status, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2025 The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPHE100000883 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPHE100000883 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/medical-imaging-market Medical imaging is a process to examine the anatomical & physiological conditions of the human body for clinical analysis or diagnosis. It includes different processes to create image of internal organs & tissues for use in disease monitoring and treatment purposes. Medical imaging comprises three types of imaging- radiology imaging, nuclear imaging and optical imaging.The increasing awareness among people, growing geriatric population, rising prevalence of diseases such as, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurological disorders, are expected to upsurge the market for global medical imaging. Rising research & development activities by the manufacturers to develop technologically advanced products is likely to add new opportunities for global medical imaging market in the forecast period.FREE | Request Sample Copy is Available atThe "Global Medical Imaging Market Analysis to 2025" is a specialized and in-depth study of the healthcare industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global medical imaging market with detailed market segmentation by product, application, end user, and geography. The global medical imaging market is expected to increase the high progression during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The medical imaging market is classified by product as radiology imaging, nuclear imaging, and optical imaging. Radiology imaging segment is further categorized as X-ray radiography, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thermography, computed tomography (CT), and endoscopy. Nuclear imaging segment is further segmented into positron emission tomography (PET), and Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The medical imaging market by application is classified as, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, obstetrics & gynecology, and others. The medical imaging market by end user can be segmented as hospitals, imaging centres, and specialized clinics.The report provides a detailed overview on the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global medical imaging market based on product type, application, and end user. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall medical imaging market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South & Central America. The market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 13 counties globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.Inquire for Detail Facts and Figures atNorth America followed by Europe is expected to have the significant growth owing to the increasing prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. While the Asia Pacific region is expected to possess potential market for medical imaging fillings attributed to the increasing geriatric population in the region. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South & Central America are expected to have the considerable growth in the near future owing to increasing demand for medical imaging instruments in the region.The report analyzes factors affecting market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South & Central America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these regions.The report also includes the profiles of medical imaging devices manufacturing companies along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. In addition, the report focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Some of the key players are Siemens Healthcare GmBH, Koninklijke Philips N.V., GE Healthcare, Hitachi Ltd., Canon Medical Systems, Esaote SpA, Samsung Medison Co., Ltd, Shimadzu Corporation, Fujifilm Corporation and Carestream Health.Access Complete Report With TOC and Company Profiles atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.533, 5th Floor, Amanora Chambers,Amanora Township, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Employee Scheduling Market: Spend Less Time in Scheduling Changing the Way Scheduling Works in Industry https://www.futuregenicreports.com/Request-Sample/101326 https://www.futuregenicreports.com/Reports/Employee-Scheduling-Market Employee Scheduling Market Report OverviewThe report begins from overview of Industry Chain structure, and describes industry environment, then analyses market size and forecast of Employee Scheduling by product, region and application, in addition, this report introduces market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report.Latest Employee Scheduling Market report encompasses the overall and comprehensive study of the Employee Scheduling global Market with all its aspects influencing the growth of the market. The report acknowledges the need to stay updated in this competitive market conditions and this provides an all-inclusive data for making strategies and decision so as to boost the market growth and profitability. The Porters Five Forces model and SWOT analyses method was used for data analysis.Many trends such as globalization, technology advancement, over-capacity in developed markets, market fragmentation regulation & environmental concerns, and product proliferation are covered in Employee Scheduling report. Employee Scheduling report consists of an array of charts, statistical data, tables, graphs, and models to pictorially analyze the industry and deliver easy to understand data in detail. This helps client to grasp the picture easily and understand which industry shows the potential for growthRequest Sample Report @Top Industry PlayersHumanity, Homebase, Deputy, Ximble, TrackSmart, TimeForge Scheduling, WhenToWork, TimeCurve, Workforce, Planday, Zip Schedules, Ultimate Software, Workplace Mobile, Acuity Scheduling, Kickserv, Resource Guru, Appointy, TECSOL Software, Kettle & Keyboard, Amobius Group, ShiftboardMarket SegmentsApplication Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market by Region, Main Consumer Profile etc.):Small and Medium Enterprise, Large EnterpriseRegion Coverage (Regional Output, Demand & Forecast by Countries etc.): North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain etc.) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia etc.) South America (Brazil, Argentina etc.) Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc.)Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.): Web-based On-premise Cloud-basedTo Know in Detail @About Future Genic ReportsFuture Generic Reports is a market research and consulting organization, offering premium collection of market research reports, custom research and consulting services to corporations, no-profit organizations and government institutions across the globe.The wide range of information is presented by a team of well-trained researchers of specific sectors through exhaustive research. We deliver premier market research services that cover all industry verticals, including chemicals and material, automotive, healthcare, electronics & semiconductor, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and technology and media.We believe in building an eternal bond with our clients through offering them inclusive research study meeting their specific requirements. Our services are tailored specifically to our clients by proposing them the potential outcome, based on our in-depth analysis and insights for exploring the growth strategies through providing the best possible decision for quality production.Contact us:Future Generic Reports244 , Madison AvenueNew York City, NY - 10016United StatesToll Free +1- 844-445-2861Email: sales@futuregenicreports.com Gensets Market Key Players(Atlas Copco - Ashok Leyland - C & S Electric), Applications, Recent Developments, and Comprehensive Forecast to 2021 Reportsweb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001309787/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001309787/buying http://www.reportsweb.com/gensets-market-in-india-2016-2020 Electricity is one of the major requirements for industrial, commercial, infrastructural, and residential growth of any country. The availability of uninterrupted power supply is necessary to fuel the growth of every industry, be it large-scale or small-scale, education, manufacturing, or healthcare.Low fuel availability of electricity is one of the major concerns faced by Indian industries. Coal supply by Coal India is restricted to about 65% of the actual coal requirement by coal-based thermal plants. This has led to increased dependence on imported coal, which in turn has resulted in increased power generation costs due to limited fuel availability. Increased operational inefficiencies and outstanding debts have led to poor financial health of state electricity distribution companies in India. According to the Indian Planning Commission, electricity generation has to be increased by five to six times the 2003-2004 levels by 2031-2032 to ensure a sustained 8% growth of the economy. If this requirement is not met, the increasing demand for gensets in the country for uninterrupted power supply will remain.Publisher's analysts forecast the genset market in India to grow at a CAGR of 14% during the period 2016-2020.The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the genset market in India for 2016-2020. To arrive at market size, the study considers revenue generated by sales of the following gensets:- By fuel type- By application type- By end-user type- By power output capacityFREE | Request Sample Copy is Available at:Publisher's report, Genset Market in India 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Caterpillar- Cummins- Kirloskar- Mahindra & MahindraOther prominent vendors- Atlas Copco- Ashok Leyland- C & S Electric- The Escorts Group- Eicher MotorsInquire before Buying at:Market driver- Frequent power outages- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Increased adoption of renewable energy sources- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Technological advances in gensets- For a full, detailed list, view our reportTable of ContentsPART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Market Research MethodologyPART 04: IntroductionPART 05: Market landscapePART 06: Geographical segmentationPART 07: Market driversComplete Report is Available at:Contact Us:Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email Id: sales@reportsweb.comAbout Us:ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township, Amanora Chambers, East Block, Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Scope of Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Sales, Size, Demand, Growth & Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1712070 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-disposable-cleanroom-apparels-market-research-report-2018-report.html An up-to-date retail industry research report 2018 has been disclosed by Market Research Hub highlighting the title Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Report 2018 which provides an outlook for current market value as well as the expected forecast including Rate on Investment (ROI) together with the growing CAGR near XX% during 2018-2025. The report studies the casing heads market worldwide, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, size, growth, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions.Request Free Sample Report:Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Disposable Cleanroom Apparels in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Disposable Cleanroom Apparels market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including3MAlpha Pro TechDuPontKimberly-ClarkNCIATSBerkshireTerra UniversalNitritexAnsellAcute Care PharmaceuticalsTians InternationalStatclean TechnologyValutekOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoGloves and SleevesHoods and Beard CoversOvershoes and OverbootsCoveralls and CoatsFacemasksOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingMedical IndustrySemiconductor IndustryBrowse Full Report with TOC:Table of Content:Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Research Report 20181 Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Disposable Cleanroom Apparels1.2 Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Gloves and Sleeves1.2.4 Hoods and Beard Covers1.2.5 Overshoes and Overboots1.2.6 Coveralls and Coats1.2.7 Facemasks1.3 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Segment by Application1.3.1 Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Medical Industry1.3.3 Semiconductor Industry1.4 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Disposable Cleanroom Apparels (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Southeast Asia Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.7 India Disposable Cleanroom Apparels Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018).. @@ ContinuedAbout Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of Retail market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: - 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email:- press@marketresearchhub.com Back Office System Integration Market Leaps Forward, New Research Discusses driving factors 2020 reportsweb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001263436/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001263436/buying http://www.reportsweb.com/global-back-office-system-integration-market-2016-2020 System integration solutions are used to integrate multiple systems, applications, and components in the information, communications, and technology (ICT) infrastructure of organizations. System integration solutions can be applied on the IT architecture of front office and back office to connect sub-systems and devices to exchange information within the functional department. Back office system integration tools connect back office functions such as accounts management and order and inventory management with front end system to provide connectivity to access data at any point of time by employees and top management of the firm.Publisher's analysts forecast the global back office system integration market to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global back office system integration market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, we consider revenue generated from the sales of system integration solutions and services.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAFREE | Request Sample Copy is Available at:Publisher's report, Global Back Office System Integration Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- CGI- Consilia Technology- MuleSoft- NetSuite- SAPOther prominent vendors- Accenture- Fujitsu- Genpact- HCL Technologies- IBM- OracleInquire before Buying at:Market driver- Emergence of e-commerce back office integration solutions- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Reluctant to adopt back-end system integration solutions- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Cost reduction and efficiency- For a full, detailed list, view our reportTable of ContentsPART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Market Research MethodologyPART 04: IntroductionPART 05: Market landscapePART 06: Geographical segmentationPART 07: Market driversComplete Report is Available at:Contact Us:Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email Id: sales@reportsweb.comAbout Us:ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township, Amanora Chambers, East Block, Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Machine Vision Systems Market Research Report by Geographical Analysis and Forecast to 2025 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/machine-vision-systems-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000156 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000156 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/ Global Machine Vision Systems market is expected to grow from US$ 8.1billion in 2015 to US$ 15.01 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 7.0% between 2015 and 2025. Machine Vision Systems are the next generation intelligent systems mainly used in industrial applications for detection, identification, measurement, inspection and so on. These systems play major roles in robotics; these are used to guide the autonomous robots also known as self-navigating robots. Various industries such as automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals are much concerned about reducing labor intensive processes, increasing accuracy and speed; machine vision systems are in demand to overcome these concerns.Browse Complete Report with TOC:The Machine Vision Systems market report focuses on an in-depth segmentation of this market based by type, components, and end-users. The geographic segmentation of the report covers six major regions including; North Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SA). The regional market has been further bifurcated by respective countries. Machine vision and components market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand in industries such as automation, robotics and nonmanufacturing which include intelligent transport system, logistics and medical, exhibiting substantial Machine Vision Systems market growth.The Machine Vision Systems market report aims to provide an overview of global machine vision systems market with detailed Machine Vision Systems market segmentation. Also, it analyzes the current machine vision systems market scenario and forecasts the market till 2025. The report covers market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the report analyzes the competitive scenario, geographic trends, and opportunities in the markets with respect to all geographic regions. The report also includes the detailed company profiles of the key players in the market along with their market strategies. The Machine Vision Systems market report also provides porters five forces analysis and SWOT analysis for all company profiled in the Machine Vision Systems market report.Request a Sample copy of Report:Machine Vision Systems market has set the highest growth record in North America in 2014. Whereas, Europe is the major manufacturer and exporter of these systems worldwide. Rapidly growing economies in Asia-Pacific (APAC) with significant growth in automotive sector will pave the path for increasing adoption and propel the market for machine vision systems. The region is expected to lead the market with highest CAGR during the forecast period.Some of the key players of machine vision systems market includeBasler AGCognex CorporationKeyence CorporationOmron Corporation and National InstrumentsOmniVision, DataLogicMicroscan SystemsInquire for Discount on this Report:About Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.Contact Us:The Insight partners,Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comWebsite: Natural Gas and LNG Market Size, Status and Forecast to 2025 Natural Gas and LNG Market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/natural-gas-and-lng-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000378 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000378 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/ Natural gas including R-LNG in India has been widely recognized as the fuel with multiple promising aspects. The present situation of the gas sector in India is going through multiple challenging phase. Due to its high macroeconomic growth visions and increasing population, the country is facing major challenge in terms of growing energy demand and greenhouse gas emission.Browse Complete Report with TOC:Therefore, the appearance of natural gas is coming into existence with larger force. These situation makes government to take some crucial steps in order to increase consumption of natural gas over other tradition fuels in the gas sector on numerous causes such as domestic gas availability, infrastructure creation, affordability, pricing and government regulations. India Natural Gas and LNG market is expected to grow from US$ 19.7 billion in 2015 to US$ 30.7 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 5.06% between 2016 and 2025.The report focuses on an in-depth segmentation of this market based on end-user. The end-user segmentation of the report covers five major segments including; fertilizer, power, industrial, City Gas Distribution (CGD), and others. The study focuses upon market of natural gas produced from different on-shore and off-shore ports of country. Among all end-user segments, Power generation sector is the second largest consumer of natural gas in India after the fertilizer industry. However, city gas distribution segment shows large opportunity in the coming years and is expected to grow at highest CAGR in the forecast period from 2016 to 2025.Request a Sample copy of Report:The report aims to provide an overview of India Natural Gas and LNG market with detailed market segmentation. Also, it analyzes the current Gas market scenario and forecasts the market till 2025. The report covers government regulations for the current and upcoming years. Furthermore, the report analyzes the competitive scenario, market trends, and opportunities in the markets. The report also includes the detailed company profiles of the key players in the market along with their market strategies. The report also provide PEST analysis and SWOT analysis for all company profiled in the report.The Indian government has embraced various new exploration policies such as New Exploration and Licensing Policy (NELP), Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OELP), and Hydrocarbon and Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP), in order to ease investments and operations in the energy sector. Some of the key players of Gas and LNG market include Petronet LNG limited, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Chevron Corporation, Total S.A., GAIL, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Mahanagar Gas Pvt. Ltd., Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., Gujarat Gas Ltd. and Indraprastha Gas Limited are among others.Inquire for Discount on this Report:About Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.Contact Us:The Insight partners,Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comWebsite: Stroke Management Market, by Product Type, Application and End User - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017 2025 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1483 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/1483 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Stroke is a medical condition in which blood clot blocks the blood vessels and interrupts the blood flow to the brain, resulting in cell death. Under the guidelines of American Stroke Association, there are of 3 types of strokes: ischemic stroke (an obstruction within blood vessel that delivers blood to the brain), hemorrhagic stroke (weakened blood vessel rapture due to high blood pressure), and transient ischemic attack (identified by temporary clot). Stroke can be caused due to medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or life style habits such as smoking, physically inactive lifestyle, alcohol abuse, obesity, and various others. Moreover, uncontrollable factors such as increasing age, male sex, heredity, and ethnicity contribute to stroke. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015, stroke is the second leading global cause of death after heart disease and it accounted for 11.8% of total deaths worldwide.Request to download and view Sample Report:Stroke management market is driven by advancements in technology and therapeutic along with increasing incidence of stroke and strict approval system is expected to hinder growth of global stroke management market.Global Stroke Management Market Taxonomy:DiagnosticsComputed Tomography Scan (CT scan)EchocardiographyMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Carotid UltrasoundNuclear Medicine ImagingCerebral AngiographyElectrocardiographyOther DiagnosticsDrug Therapy ProductsTissue Plasminogen ActivatorAnticoagulantAntiplateletAntihypertensiveIntravenous Thrombolytic productsInterventional Stroke Management SystemsSurgical and Endovascular SystemsCerebrovascular Endovascular SystemsOn the basis of application, global stroke management market is segmented into:Ischemic StrokeHemorrhagic StrokeOn the basis of end user, global stroke management market is segmented into:HospitalsClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersDiagnostic LaboratoriesRetail PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesOther End UsersGlobal Stroke Management Market DriverThe advancements in technology and facilities to diagnose stroke and discovery of novel drugs will drive growth of stroke management market. Technologies such as robotic-assisted angiography or exoskeleton soft suit for rehabilitation are the upcoming future of stroke management market. Moreover, an idea of Mobile Stroke Treatment Units (MSTU) was introduced in Germany in 2003 and was used in Berlin for the first time in 2008. The Prehospital Acute Neurological Treatment and Optimization of Medical care in Stroke Study (PHANTOM-S) in Germany reported that their MSTU significantly decreased stroke alert-to-treatment times from 76 minutes to 52 minutes, and significantly increased thrombolysis rates from 21% to 33% with no increase in the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, advancements in mobile stroke treatment units is expected to fuel growth of stroke management market.Request to download and view full ToC:Conventional stroke treatment aims at minimizing damage caused due to acute stroke by intravenous thrombolytics and endovascular thrombectomy, however, there is no proven cure for reversing the damage. It calls for a robust armamentarium of therapies for stroke treatment such as cell therapy, which has immense potential to propel the market in near future. Cell therapy can be used for re-vascularization after stroke and for reduction of cerebral inflammation. Phase II clinical trials of intravenous transplantation of autologous bone-marrow stem cells have reported safety and tolerability in stroke patients. Other pending clinical trials such as PISCES can also be considered as future candidates for clinical practice. Sonothrombolysis is another approach, which uses low-frequency ultrasound waves to cause thrombosis. The prototype for sonothrombolysis device is been tested by North Carolina State University and has filed a patent on the technology. Under equipped or untrained emergency medical service provider and strict governmental regulations on the approval of new drugs or advanced devices are some of the factors that are likely to hinder growth of stroke management market.The narrow range of drugs available for the treatment of stroke offers wide options for research organizations and key players to excel the stroke management market by discovering novel drugs with less side-effects. Merger and acquisition is the key strategy to expand the stroke management market. In May 2017, Codman Neuro, a part of Johnson & Johnson acquired Neuravi Ltd., an Irish medical device company that manufactures advance revascularization device and EmboTrap is a device manufactured by this company. The EmboTrap platform was intended to address the critical need for rapid restoration of blood flow in stroke patients and combination of Neuravis expertise in clot research with Codman Neuros global resources aims to accelerate development in the field of acute ischemic stroke treatment. Furthermore, strong therapeutic pipeline of players will enhance growth of stroke management market. In 2018, NuvOx Pharmas dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe) IV entered phase II clinical trials and DDFPe aims to deliver oxygen to hypoxic tissue of brain. Also, in 2018, DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. announced DM199, a recombinant human tissue kallikrein, to enter phase II clinical trial and it is expected to be a breakthrough in stroke treatment.Global Stroke Management Market - Regional AnalysisOn the basis of region, stroke management market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. The substantial upsurge of geriatric population in most of the economies is expected to drive growth of stroke management market. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2015 report, between 2015 and 2030 the number of people in the world at the age of 60 years or above is projected to increase by 56% from 901 million to 1.4 billion. Moreover, over the next 15 years the number of older persons is expected to grow fastest in Latin America and the Caribbean with a projection of around 71%, followed by Asia with 66%, Africa by 64%, Northern America by 41%, and Europe by 23% growth in old age population. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is the fastest growing stroke management market region due to upsurge in healthcare industry and increasing awareness for healthcare.Global Stroke Management Market - CompetitorsOther major companies contributing to the stroke management market include Abbott Laboratories, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Boston Scientific Corporation, GE Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Medtronic Plc, Merck & Co., Inc., and Cardinal Health.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ Zero-energy Building Market Share, Size, Future Demand, Business Prospects, Leading Players Updates and Industry Analysis, 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/zero-energy-buildings-market-5325 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5325 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/5325 Market Research Future published a raw research report on Global Zero-energy Building Market that contains the information from 2015 to 2023. Global Zero-energy Building Market is expected to grow at CAGR ~10.12% from 2017 to 2023.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 55 market data tables and 45 figures spread in 111 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Zero-energy Building Market Information from 2017 to 2023"Access Report Details @Governments across regions are seen promoting and developing their construction & infrastructure sector as it has been contributing growth and development in several ways. Some of them are reduction in transaction costs, increase in durability of capital goods, fostering higher trade and investment, expanding the demand & supply diversification. The emerging nations are particularly bringing various reforms and regulations to boost their infrastructure growth.The Zero-energy industry has been projected to see high growth in the future, with its influence reaching across the economy with significant environmental and social benefits being generated to protect the people and the planet. Governments across all regions are seen promoting and developing their construction & infrastructure by providing tax incentives for zero-energy building. The industry is gaining momentum and is predicted to exhibit robust growth, creating opportunities for equipment producers, material suppliers, and service providers. The report segments the global zero-energy buildings market by application (residential and Non-Residential), by equipment (Lighting, walls & roofs, HVAC Systems and others), and by geography (the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Others). HVAC systems are one of the most important and energy-consuming parts in the entire building structure. The HVAC systems segment accounted for the largest market share and is anticipated to continue dominating the market over the forecast period.Ask Sample for this Report @The benefits of zero-energy building are numerous; they can positively influence various environmental, economic, and social factors. As global warming becomes an increasingly pressing issue, Zero-energy buildings are becoming increasingly relevant, with its importance continuing to grow.Impact on Workplace Productivity and Health:Construction activities are increasing, across the globe, particularly in countries such as India and China. People have been focusing more on energy efficient construction due to its advantages such as reduction of overall impact on environment and human health. Sustainable development is the most vibrant and enigmatic global topic in the construction industry in more than a decade. According to Environmental Protection Agency, sustainable buildings can make their surroundings healthier and more sustainable by efficiently utilizing resources, creating a healthy and productive work flow that lower a company's waste production. One more reason for sustainable building construction concerns the resale value. Increasing awareness among architects & construction companies about environmental and social impacts of their buildings, has brought about a surge in sustainable building designs and construction.Sustainability, Emerging Economies & the Developing WorldSustainability in built environment is becoming a strong force in the construction industry to achieve social and environmental benefits and to lower negative environment impacts. Developing countries play an important role in achieving growth in two major ways. Firstly, the potential economic and social impacts of environmental degradation play a vital role in developing countries. They are the most vulnerable to climate change and tend to be more dependent than advanced economies on the exploitation of natural resources for economic growth.Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports. Johnson Controls International Plc (U.S.) SunPower Corporation (U.S.) Kingspan Group (Ireland) General Electric (U.S.) Siemens AG (Germany) Schneider Electric SE (France) Solatube International, Inc. (U.S.) Saint-Gobain (France)This research report provides insights, on various levels of analysis such as industry analysis, and market share analysis for the leading players along with their profiles. It also helps in studying the target segments by providing views on emerging & high-growth segments. The market data comprises the basic assessment of the competitive scenarios & strategies in the global Zero-energy Building market, including high-growth regions and/or countries, and political, & economic environments. The project report, further, provides views on both the historical market values and pricing & cost analysis.If Interested Please ask for Discount @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comThank You. Chlorinated Polyethylene Resins and Elastomers (CPE) Market: Latest Innovations, Drivers and Industry Key Events 2015 - 2025 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-318 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-318 www.futuremarketinsights.com Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) resins and elastomersare thermoplastic polymers exhibiting enhanced physical and chemical properties. These are used as thermoplastic elastomer, modifier for various resins such as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) andPolyethyelene(PE). Chlorinated polyethylene resins offer resistance against chemical, fire, heat, oil, weather, abrasion. Other properties of CPE include excellent mechanical and physical properties, high filler acceptance, tensile strength and low temperature performance. The applications of chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers include geomembranes, as impact modifier andflexible sheeting for automotive, roofing membranes, molded shapes, extruded profiles and cable jacketing and as a base polymer.Growing demand for chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers in impact modification application is expected to drive the market growth. Impact modification is the largest application of CPE in terms of consumption. It is widely used for impact modification of PVC for fence, deck, window profiles, pipes and vinyl siding.CPEs are added into formulations of PVC, PE and PP plastic products to improve impact resistance, low temperature performance, welding strength, and weatherability. In addition, growing demand from flexible sheetingelectrical wires and cables, roofing applications and rubber products for seals and shoe soles.Request For Report Sample @Flexible sheeting industry is experiencing high growth in Asia Pacific region due to growing construction and electrical industries. These two industries are driven by changing lifestyle and rising disposable income.Further, rising demand from automobile hoses and industrial hoses is expected to fuel the chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers market growth. Owing to properties such as ozone resistance, chemical resistance, oil resistance and temperature resistance, CPE has become ideal choice for applications such as oil tubes, power steering tubes, delivery tubes of cooling fluids. It can be also used for vent and vacuum tubes in automotive. Automobile industry is driven by global demand for various types of automotives for variety of applications. Industrial hoses are used for chemical delivery and oil delivery in difference machineries of manufacturing plants.However, rising crude oil prices and hence volatility in raw materials prices are expected to hamper the market growth for chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers. Polyethylene is manufactured from crude oil derivatives and is subjected to availability and price variations. In addition, high cost of processing to develop the application specific elastomer or resin is expected to hamper the market growth.Development of new applications in healthcare and pharmaceutical are expected to provide opportunities for the players in the market. Due to non-hazardous nature of chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers, it can be used for manufacturing plants of pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry.Asia Pacific was largest market for chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers in terms of consumption. China accounts for largest share in the global market in terms of production and consumption. Most of CPE in China is used for impact modifier and hoses application. Asia Pacific was followed by North America where the U.S. was the largest consumer. Demand from Europe and Rest of the World is expected to grow at moderate pace.Request For Table Of Content @Global chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers market is highly concentrated with few players dominating the market. Most of the players have their manufacturing plant in China and threat from Chinese players is moderate due to high cost of processing.Key players in Chlorinated polyethylene resins and elastomers market include the Dow Chemical Company, Sundow Polymers Co. Ltd., Lianda Corporation, Du Pont, Novista - Sanyi Chemical, WeifangPolygrandChemical Co.Ltd., Shandong SanyiIndustrial Co. Ltd., Cevo Industry Company Ltd. among others.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market InsightsValley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Chikungunya Fever Diagnosis, treatments and Global Key players 2017 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1579701-chikungunya-fever-global-clinical-trials-review-h1-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1579701-chikungunya-fever-global-clinical-trials-review-h1-2017 Chikungunya FeverSummaryClinical trial report, Chikungunya Fever Global Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2017" provides an overview of Chikungunya Fever clinical trials scenario. This report provides top line data relating to the clinical trials on Chikungunya Fever. Report includes an overview of trial numbers and their average enrollment in top countries conducted across the globe. The report offers coverage of disease clinical trials by region, country (G7 & E7), phase, trial status, end points status and sponsor type. Report also provides prominent drugs for in-progress trials (based on number of ongoing trials). Clinical Trial Reports are generated using proprietary database - Pharma eTrack Clinical trials database. Clinical trials are collated from 80+ different clinical trial registries, conferences, journals, news etc across the globe. Clinical trials database undergoes periodic update by dynamic process.Click here for sample report @Scope of The Report- The report provides a snapshot of the global clinical trials landscape- Report provides top level data related to the clinical trials by Region, Country (G7 & E7), Trial Status, Trial Phase, Sponsor Type and End point status- The report reviews top companies involved and enlists all trials (Trial title, Phase, and Status) pertaining to the company- The report provides all the unaccomplished trials (Terminated, Suspended and Withdrawn) with reason for unaccomplishment- The Report provides enrollment trends for the past five years- Report provides latest news for the past three monthsReasons to buy- Assists in formulating key business strategies with regards to investment- Helps in identifying prominent locations for conducting clinical trials which saves time and cost- Provides top level analysis of Global Clinical Trials Market which helps in identifying key business opportunities- Supports understanding of trials count and enrollment trends by country in global therapeutics market- Aids in interpreting the success rates of clinical trials by providing a comparative scenario of completed and uncompleted (terminated, suspended or withdrawn) trialsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents 2List of Tables 3List of Figures 3Report Guidance 4GlobalData Clinical Trials Report Coverage 5Clinical Trials by Region 6Clinical Trials and Average Enrollment by Country 7Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Asia-Pacific 9Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Europe 10Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in North America 11Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Central and South America 12Clinical Trials by G7 Countries: Proportion of Chikungunya Fever to Infectious Disease Clinical Trials 13Clinical Trials by Phase in G7 Countries 14Clinical Trials in G7 Countries by Trial Status 15Clinical Trials by E7 Countries: Proportion of Chikungunya Fever to Infectious Disease Clinical Trials 16Clinical Trials by Phase in E7 Countries 17Clinical Trials in E7 Countries by Trial Status 18Clinical Trials by Phase 19In Progress Trials by Phase 20Clinical Trials by Trial Status 21Clinical Trials by End Point Status 22.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Valuable Foresights on How Agricultural Adjuvant Market will Grow During 2015 2025 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-331 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-331 www.futuremarketinsights.com Agricultural adjuvant are used to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other agents that are used to control or eliminate the unwanted pests. Adjuvant plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency of agrochemical and also for increasing the yield or productivity of the crop. Agricultural adjuvant includes ammonium fertilizers, surfactants and oils.Agricultural adjuvant plays a key role in the global agrochemical market. The market has grown exponentially over the recent few years and this growth is expected to continue over the forecast period. Various factors such as ease of application, innovative product contributions, advanced production practices, increased accessibility and increasing attack of pests and diseases play a vital role in driving the overall agricultural adjuvant market. Adjuvants are slowly making their mark as the best tool for farmers used to improve application, achieve more cost-effective solution, facilitate the dosage, better-targeted and more environmentally acceptable pest control.Request For Report Sample:A significant amount of the demand for agricultural adjuvants market is anticipated from countries such as France, India, Australia, Italy, U.S., Brazil and Germany among others. The global agricultural adjuvant market consists of activator adjuvants and utility adjuvant. Activator adjuvants include ammonium fertilizers, oils and surfactants while utility adjuvants consists of water conditioners, buffering agents, compatibility agents, buffers, anti-foam agents and drift control agents among others. Agricultural surfactant chemicals are the most dominating product which captures the maximum market share of the overall agricultural adjuvant market. North America is expected to be the largest market for agricultural adjuvant.The leading players of agricultural adjuvant market includes Akzonoble N.V. (Netherlands),Adjuvant plus Inc. (Canada), Brandt Consolidated (U.S.),Momentive Performance Materials (U.S),Clariant International Ltd. (Switzerland), LambertiSpA (Italy),Solvay SA (Belgium), Croda Chemicals (India), Dow Croning (U.S.),Helena Chemical Company (U.S.)Request For Table Of Content @andTanatex Chemicals (Europe) among others. This research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data and statistically-supported and industry-validated market data and projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. It provides analysis and information by categories such as market segments, regions, product types and distribution channels.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market InsightsValley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Cytokinins Market Forecast and Opportunity Assessment by Future Market Insights 2015-2025 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-325 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-325 www.futuremarketinsights.com Cytokinins is a plant growth hormone which promotes cell division in plant shoots and roots. Types of cytokinins include adenine- type and phenyl urea type. The applications of cytokinins include biomedicine, pharmaceutical, agriculture and others.Increasing demand from organic food industry and textile industry is expected to drive the market. Cotton is used in textile industry as basic raw material and cytokinins are being used to increase the cotton production. Growing population and inclination towards organic food is anticipated to drive the organic food industry. Demand for herbal products in medicines and cosmetics is driving the growth of herbs and medicinal plants industry which is expected to drive the cytokinins market. However, use of fertilizers and cost of the cytokinins based product are expected to hamper the market growth. Developing cost effective products and eco-friendly synthesis of the cytokinins is expected to provide immense opportunities in the near future.Europe was the largest consumer of cytokinins owing to demand from organic food chemistry and government policies to use eco-friendly agrochemicals. Various national governments are enforcing farmers to use eco-friendly plant growth enhancers than using chemicals based fertilizers. Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at higher rate owing to demand from emerging economies such as China and India.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Growing population and demand from cotton based textile industry is expected to drive the market in this region. To provide food to population and cotton to textile industry, cytokinins are being used to increase the production. North America followed Asia Pacific region and is expected to grow with moderate rate owing to demand from organic food and medicinal plants industry.Key players in this market include BASF SE, Crop Care Australasia Pvt Ltd., Du Pont, Redox Industries, Xinyi Industrial Co. Ltd., Bayer CropScience, Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical Co. Ltd, Sigma Aldrich, NuFarm Ltd., and amongst others. This research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data and statistically-supported and industry-validated market data and projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. It provides analysis and information by categories such as market segments, regions, product types and distribution channels.Request For Table Of Content @Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market InsightsValley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Extruded Snacks Market Professional Survey and In-depth Analysis Research Report Foresight to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4818 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/4818 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/extruded-snacks-market-4818 Market Overview:Increasing awareness towards healthy snacking is supporting the growth of extruded snacks market at a global stage.Extruded snacks are derived through extrusion process of blending, shaping, drying, flavoring and packaging. Extrusion is an important food processing technique for the preparation of nutritious food for which extruded snacks are gaining popularity as a healthy snack. Increasing health conscious population and their awareness towards healthy snacking is driving the growth of extruded snacks market. Most commonly used sources for extrusion snacks are potato, rice, corn, tapioca, mixed grain, and others. Extrusion is a process that combines several operations such as mixing, cooking, kneading, shearing, shaping and forming. It is a popular means of preparing healthy snacks and ready to eat foods. High inclination of consumers towards ready to eat packaged foods is driving the growth of extruded snacks market.Receive a Sample Report @Changing lifestyle and consumers consumption pattern is further driving the growth of extruded snacks market. Moreover, innovation with flavors in extruded snacks is boosting the growth of extruded snacks market. Furthermore, aggressive marketing strategies and attractive packaging is adding fuel to the growth of extruded snacks market.Latest Industry Updates:Jan 2018 GEA plans to extend their portfolio following their acquisition of Pavan Group in Italy, which supplies extrusion and milling technology for processing pasta, snacks and breakfast cereals.Dec 2017 Prataap Snacks, a leading Indian snack foods company with products spanning across various categories like extruded snacks, chips & namkeen, has entered the category of sweet snacks market through its wholly owned subsidiary with the launch of its new brand 'Rich Feast'.June 2017 The global beverages and snacks giant, Pepsico started local manufacturing of its globally popular snacks brand Doritos at its plant at Dhulagarh in West Bengal, where it makes Frito-Lay range of snacks.May 2017 Naturell India launched a seven grain protein snack. Naturells new RiteBite Max Protein chips are Indias only extruded protein rich savory snacks which are neither fried nor baked.Major Key Players:With the entry of industry players in the Extruded snacks segment, a trend of solid, volume-driven growth has been observed in the market with the development of different varieties of product types. With companies aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, they are competing and experimenting with various advantage points. The key players are highly focusing on product innovations and new product launches which are healthy for the consumers. There is a high focus on advertising and attractive packaging among the players in the market. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies.Get Discount on Report @The key players profiled in extruded snacks are Calbee, Inc. (Japan), Kellogg Co. (U.S.), Frito-Lay North America, Inc (U.S.), ITC (India), Diamond Foods Inc. (U.S.), Mondelez International Inc. (U.S.), and Old Dutch Foods, Inc. (U.S.) among many others.Market Segments:The global Extruded snacks market has been divided into type, source, distribution channel, and region.Based on Type: Sweet, and SavoryBased on Source: Potato, Rice, Corn, Tapioca, Mixed Grains, and OthersBased on Distribution channel: Store Based, and Non-Store BasedBased on Region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and ROW.Access Report Details @Regional Analysis:The global Extruded snacks market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World (RoW). Asia Pacific is dominating the market based on a wide range of variety available to the consumers at reasonable prices. India is the major contributor to the growth of extruded snacks market in Asia Pacific. Europe is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period owing to high inclination towards healthy snacking among the consumers. In North America, the U.S. is the major contributor of extruded snacks market. Moreover, continuous innovations and intense competition among key players is growing the extruded snacks market in rest of the world.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Canned Motor Pumps Market: Future Forecast Assessed On The Basis Of How The Market Is Predicted To Grow https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=382 https://www.factmr.com/report/382/canned-motor-pumps-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=382 https://www.factmr.com/ The global market discussion on Canned Motor Pumps can be found in the latest study by Fact.MR, which has been freshly added to its massive collection of research database. The report is titled Canned Motor Pumps Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking - Global Review 2017 to 202, which works to enlighten the readers about the major factors prompting the growth of the concerned market. Apart from that, the research majorly focuses on global canned motor pumps markets competitive outlook by profiling major players functioning across the globe. As the report moves ahead, information regarding the prominent trends as well as opportunities in the key geographical segments have also been elaborated, thus enabling companies to be able to make region-specific strategies for gaining competitive lead. Some of the prime regions emphasized in the study include key regions.Request Free Sample Report-Canned motor pumps are advanced centrifugal pumps with an electric motor hermetically-sealed and mounted on a single shaft, which in turn eliminates the requirement for mechanical seals. The entire rotating assembly of canned motor pumps is immersed in liquid, with motor stator and rotor isolated from pumped liquid by using a corrosion-resistant non-magnetic sleeve and liner.Petrols energy density makes it an imperative raw material in every combustible, and an irreplaceable raw material utilized in petrochemical industries for manufacturing a wide range of everyday life products. However, the environmental impact including leaks from petroleum extractions, carbon dioxide emissions and degassing effects of petrol has become a major concern among regulatory authorities. Environmental sensibilization has resulted into enforcement of standards with regard to petrochemical installations based on severe security and health protection requirements. Canned motor pumps that are leak-proof contribute significantly to respect of such specifications, thereby witnessing huge demand in the petrochemical industries.Nuclear power answers several stakes such as the essentiality to reduce CO2 emissions for preventing climate changes, the requirement to cater electricity demand, and the need to strengthen strategic independence. Emerging powers of the globe, India and China, have emphasized on the matter and have been engaging in programs associated with nuclear energy development. Nuclear energy is used widely in France for generation of electricity. The awareness is gradually spreading across other developed and developing countries as well. However, nuclear energy involves handling of radioactive substances, thereby creating demand for measures to protect surroundings through secure installations. In addition the conventional centrifugal pumps utilized in nuclear generation plant involve the risk of leakage. Canned motor pumps therefore are being deemed as worthy alternatives to these pumps. Canned motor pumps have huge potential for adoption, as emphasis on nuclear energy keeps surging across the globe.The global market for canned motor pumps is slated to register a splendid growth during the forecast period, 2017 to 2026. Nearly US$ 4,800 Mn worth of canned motor pumps are estimated to be sold around the world by 2026-end. In addition, volume sales of canned motor pumps are forecast to exceed 7,000 Mn units by 2026-end.Browse Full Report With TOC-APEJ to Lead Global Canned Motor Pumps Market during 2017-2026Abundant availability of resources and manpower at low cost in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan has made the region most remunerative for the canned motor pumps market. Asian manufacturers are continuously focusing on product differentiation and selling their products at competitive prices. Moreover various international vendors are outsourcing their production of canned motor pumps to APEJ in a bid to leverage from the low-cost manufacturing facilities. In terms of revenues as well as volume sales, APEJ will lead the global canned motor pumps market during the forecast period, trailed by Europe and North America.Small capacity canned motor pumps will continue to account for the largest revenue share of the market, with sales forecast to exceed 3,000 Mn units by 2026-end. Demand for medium and high capacity canned motor pumps will also remain significant over the forecast period.Key Research Findings from Fact.MRs ReportCanned motor pumps will continue to seek the largest end-use in the chemical industry, in terms of revenues, followed by waste & wastewater industryReverse circulation pumps will remain the most lucrative product in the global canned motor pumps market, succeeded by multistage pumpsCompetition TrackingFact.MRs report has identified prominent companies contributing to the market expansion significantly. These companies include Subaru Corporation, Ryobi Limited, Lifan Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Wuxi Kipor Power Co. Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company, Champion Power Equipment, Inc., Generac Holdings Inc., Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Continued@@@...Check Discount About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web: Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems Analysis, Study and Pipeline Review 2017-2021 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1579707-sleep-apnea-diagnostic-systems-medical-devices-pipeline-assessment-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1579707-sleep-apnea-diagnostic-systems-medical-devices-pipeline-assessment-2017 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic SystemsSummaryThe report provides comprehensive information on the pipeline products with comparative analysis of the products at various stages of development. The report reviews major players involved in the pipeline product development. It also provides information about clinical trials in progress, which includes trial phase, trial status, trial start and end dates, and, the number of trials for the key Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems pipeline products.Click here for sample report @Scope of The Report- Extensive coverage of the Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems under development- The report reviews details of major pipeline products which includes, product description, licensing and collaboration details and other developmental activities- The report reviews the major players involved in the development of Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems and list all their pipeline projects- The coverage of pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from Early Development to Approved / Issued stage- The report provides key clinical trial data of ongoing trials specific to pipeline products- Recent developments in the segment / industryReasons to buyThe report enables you to -- Formulate significant competitor information, analysis, and insights to improve R&D strategies- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage- Identify and understand important and diverse types of Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems under development- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies- Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying major players with the most promising pipelineTable of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 51.2 List of Figures 62 Introduction 72.1 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems Overview 73 Products under Development 83.1 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products by Stage of Development 83.2 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products by Segment 93.3 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products by Territory 103.4 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products by Regulatory Path 113.5 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products by Estimated Approval Date 123.6 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Ongoing Clinical Trials 134 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products under Development by Companies 144.1 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems Companies - Pipeline Products by Stage of Development 144.2 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products by Stage of Development 165 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems Companies and Product Overview 175.1 Advanced Brain Monitoring Inc Company Overview 175.1.1 Advanced Brain Monitoring Inc Pipeline Products & Ongoing Clinical Trials Overview 175.2 Anaxsys Technology Ltd Company Overview 185.2.1 Anaxsys Technology Ltd Pipeline Products & Ongoing Clinical Trials Overview 185.3 ApneaDx Inc. Company Overview 195.3.1 ApneaDx Inc. Pipeline Products & Ongoing Clinical Trials Overview 195.4 Apneon, Inc. Company Overview 225.4.1 Apneon, Inc. Pipeline Products & Ongoing Clinical Trials Overview 225.5 Aspire Medical, Inc. (Inactive) Company Overview 23.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Fortified Dairy Products Market will Exhibit a Steady 6.7% CAGR through 2027 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6371 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6371 www.futuremarketinsights.com A new Future Market Insights report envisages the global fortified dairy products market to record an impressive CAGR during the forecast period, 2017 to 2026. According to the report, worldwide sales of fortified dairy products are poised to bring in revenues more than US$ 150,000 Mn by 2026-end. According to WHO, many school children are being afflicted with the deficiency of vitamin A. Therefore, vitamin A-fortified dairy products hold immense potential in curtailing this deficiency.With soaring utilization of fortified dairy products, the fortifying agent manufacturers have been concentrating on identification of novel micronutrients in accordance with the development of new, innovative solutions for manufacturers of end-products. A major challenge that prevails for manufacturers of fortified dairy products is the provision of required calcium content comprising products while retaining the products taste and appealing properties. Companies actively contributing to growth of global fortified dairy products market, as profiled by FMIs report, include Fonterra Group Cooperative Limited, BASF SE, Nestle S.A., General Mills, Inc., Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Danone, China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd., GCMMF Ltd., Arla Foods UK Plc, and Dean Foods Company.The dairy industry is one of the most promising among various applications in the food and beverage sector. Although dairy products are deemed as excellent source of essential nutrients, many processing methods that include ultra-heat treatment, pasteurization, spray drying, and heating result into loss of certain imperative nutrients. Replenishing lost nutrients has therefore become imperative, and fortification has emerged as a highly effective method for retaining lost nutrients in dairy products. Moreover, dairy products that are fortified with vitamin D enable improvement in the absorption rate of calcium along with maintaining blood calcium level.Request For Report Sample@Health-conscious consumers have commenced consumption of yogurts, eyeing them as healthier alternatives to the dairy products including ice creams and milkshakes, which are rich in calories. Accelerated penetration of fortification technology into yogurts has further propelled sale of functional food products. Several countries around the world are better understanding importance of fortification and accepting practice of fortifying dairy products, thereby boosting sales of these products. On the other hand, relatively higher price of fortified dairy products compared to their non-fortified counterparts will curb their adoption among developing and low-income countries to a certain extent.The global market for fortified dairy products will continue to be dominated by Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), with sales poised to reach nearly US$ 50,000 Mn in revenues by 2026-end. Revenues from the market in APEJ are slated to exhibit the highest CAGR through 2026, followed by North America. Europe will prevail as the second most lucrative market for fortified dairy products. The market in North America will rise at a relatively higher CAGR than that in Europe through 2026.Request For Table Of Content @Milk powder and formula is expected to remain the leading revenue contributing product in the market, trailed by milk and flavored milk. Flavored milk is expected to persist as the fast-selling product in the market through 2026. Sales of dairy-based yogurt and milk in the global fortified dairy products market are expected to record a parallel rise through 2026.In terms of revenues, modern trade is expected to remain the leading sales channel for fortified dairy products, with an estimated market share of over 30% during the forecast period. Revenues from fortified dairy products sales in convenience stores and departmental stores will also remain significant, collectively poised to close in approximately similar to those obtained from sales in modern trade.Although vitamins will remain dominant among micronutrients used for fortifying dairy products in terms of revenues, sales of minerals are expected to register the fastest growth in the market through 2026.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market InsightsValley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Popular Trends of Metal Foams Market Analysis by Recent Trends, Development Trends and Growth Rate by Regions by 2025 - Armacell International, Stylepark AG, and Alantum Market Research Report https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1447591 https://www.researchmoz.us/metal-foams-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html https://www.researchmoz.us/metal-foams-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Metal Foams Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Global Metal Foams Market: SnapshotConsisting of solid metal, a metal foam is a cellular structure with gas filled pores containing a large portion of the volume. These pores can be either interconnected (open-cell foam) or sealed (closed-cell foam). Only 5% to 25% of the volume of metal foam is base metal. Its high porosity makes it ultra-light material and this material gets the strength of from square-cube law. Metal foams can be made using materials such as tantalum, titanium, and aluminum.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Metal foams are manufactured by creating air bubbles in the metallic melts. Due to high buoyancy forces these air bubbles tend to rise to the surface in the high-density liquid. This can be prevented by increasing the viscosity of molten metal. Metal foam finds its application in the manufacturing of vehicle parts, vessels, and components in machines. However, its application in automobile industry is gaining popularity as it provides a high strength structure with less weight. Using metal foams in vehicle parts reduces vibration and noise, increases stiffness, and absorbs impact energy, thus ensuring the vehicle performs well on road.The closed-cell foams find their applications in structures that require load bearing features. They are also used for manufacturing of impact-absorbing and weight-saving structures in vehicles. Whereas, the open-cell foams are used for sound and vibration absorption applications. These are also used for filtration and catalysis for heat exchange. Furthermore they used in manufacturing of medical devices.New research studies are favor of the use of titanium and tantalum alloys bone implant materials due to their biocompatibility and suitable physical properties. It is important to note that several research are underway to find new applications of metal foams and new types of metal foams. For instance, in November 2015, researchers at ETH Zurich, Switzerland have created an ultra-light foam from gold, which could be used in applications demanding low weight and high strength applications. The research and development in the field of metal foam is expected to create various new applications for metal foams, thus creating an environment conducive to the growth of the global metal foams market.View Complete TOC with tables & Figures @A metal foam is a cellular structure consisting of a solid metal with gas-filled pores present over a large portion of the volume. The pores are sealed or interconnected depending on the method of production. The metals that are used to make metal foams include aluminum, titanium, and tantalum. Metal foams have many unique properties that make them an attractive material for components in machines, vessels, and other vehicles, mass products found primarily in cars car body elements absorbing impact energy, increasing stiffness, and improving the comfort of usage by reducing vibration and noise.In terms of method, the metal foams market can be divided into powder metallurgy, electro chemical deposition, vacuum vaporization, and casting method. In 2016, the powder metallurgy segment accounted for a significant share in the global metal foams market due to high yield and superior quality of the end product. The low production cost is estimated to drive the powder metallurgy segment of the metal foams market during the forecast period. Increasing demand for metal foams in end-use industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, etc., is anticipated to boost the demand for metal foams.In terms of region, the global metal foams market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific was a major market for metal foams in 2016. It is estimated to expand due to the rising number of end-use industries in the region. Increasing demand for metal foams in the automotive sector is also likely to drive the market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. The U.S. and China are likely to account for major shares in the metal foams market in North America and Asia Pacific, respectively, due to the evolution in fabrication in these countries.Browse Report @The global market is anticipated to witness a shift from developed countries to the developing economies of Asia due to expansion in the construction sector in the region. China and India are projected to register a high growth rate in the metal foams market due to the advancements in the end-use sectors, technological developments, and wide expansion in application range in these countries. This, in turn, is anticipated to create a significant demand for metal foams in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.In terms of end-use, the metal foams market can be segmented into automotive, aerospace, construction, Industrial, and consumer goods. In 2016, the automotive end-use industry segment held a significant share in the global metal foams market due to rising application of metal foams in the automotive industry. The major application of metal foams in the automotive industry is to reduce vibration and noise. In the construction industry, metal foams are employed to absorb sound.Key players operating in the global market include BASF SE, Evonik Industries, Rogers Corporation, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Armacell International, Stylepark AG, and Alantum.About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact :ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @ Hybrid Propellants Market Size will Observe Substantial Growth by 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hybrid-propellants-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=33755 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ A hybrid propellant is a form of chemical rocket propellant wherein the fuel and oxidizer are in different physical states. One of the substances is solid, usually the fuel, while the other, usually the oxidizer, is liquid. The liquid is injected into the solid, whose fuel reservoir also serves as the combustion chamber. Hybrid rocket propellants are environmentally safer than solid rocket fuels, as some solid rocket propellants contain chlorine. The products of combustion are environmentally viable. This is one of the major advantages of hybrid propellants compared to solid and liquid propellants. Hybrids combine some of the advantages of liquids and solids and also exhibit unique advantages. The most important is the inherent safety associated with storing the fuel in the solid phase. Hybrid propellants offer many advantages. They are cheaper, can be shut down easily, throttle control, and are much safer to handle. Fuel used in hybrid propellants can be fabricated at any conventional commercial site with no danger of explosion. Thus, significant cost saving can be achieved in the manufacture and launch operations.View Report Preview:Considerable developments have taken place in the hybrid propellants market. This has made the rocket propulsion technology extremely powerful. It has also enabled the launching of various orbiting satellites, missiles, and spacecraft. Hybrid propellant is a material used by a rocket so as to produce in a chemical reaction to provide spacecraft propulsion. Hybrid propellants provide the energy to accelerate the resulting gases through the nozzle. Hybrid propulsion is well suited to applications or missions requiring throttling, command shutdown and restart, and long-duration missions requiring storable nontoxic propellants. The propellant system of choice for large hybrid booster applications is liquid oxygen (LOX) oxidizer and HTPB fuel. Liquid oxygen is a widely used oxidizer in the space launch industry, is relatively safe, and delivers high performance at low cost. This hybrid propellant combination produces a nontoxic, relatively smoke-free exhaust.Advancements in space technology and rocket sciences is the primary factor driving the hybrid propellants market. The hybrid propellants market is also expected to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period. The space industry is becoming more dynamic and the reach of this technology is no longer limited to the U.S., Russia, and some countries in Europe. Developing countries such as India have achieved significant growth in the field of the space technology. This acts as a driver of the hybrid propellants market. Various research labs and institutes are also focused on the development of hybrid propellants that offer high performance, efficiency, and safety. For the hybrid propellants, advancements in the technology are coming into picture as a result of the dedicated research of scientists from across the world.Based on geography, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is the dominant region of the global hybrid propellants market due to the highly advanced technology in space programs and orbital launches. Among all regions, countries such as the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, the U.K., India, and Germany are getting more active in space programs and orbital launches. The market in Asia Pacific is also anticipated to expand during the forecast period, as developing countries such as India are emerging as significant players in the space industry. Other countries are also projected to follow similar growth path, thereby resulting in significant demand for hybrid propellants.Request to view Sample Report:The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Low Calorie Sweeteners Market 2018 Key Growth Drivers, Challenges, Demand and Upcoming Trends https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4547 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/low-calorie-sweeteners-market-4547 Market Overview:The growing concern among consumers regarding weight gain, obesity, and diabetes accelerated the demand for low-calorie sweeteners. They are considered to be safe substitute for sugar and help in weight loss and management. According to World Health Organization, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and above, were overweight of which 650 million were obese in the year 2016. Also, diabetes is one of the most common chronic disease and its global prevalence rose significantly over the years. Approximately, 422 million population were living with diabetes in 2014. Additionally, low-calorie sweeteners plays a greater role in significantly preventing tooth decay, it has been preferred by many food and beverage industry specifically chewing gum industry.Furthermore, the product is available in variety of forms such as sticks, spoonful, tablets, liquid, and packets to cater to the different needs of consumer. The low calorie sweeteners have wider application areas due to which it became relatively easier for the product to find its niche in the market place. They are widely used in food and beverage products, pharmaceutical industry, bakery and confectionary, personal and oral care, nutritional supplements market, and can also be used for industrial application, thereby propelling the demand for the product.Try Sample Report Here @Major Key Players:The low-calorie sweeteners market is competitive with major market players operating at the global level. The key industry players in the low-calorie sweeteners market have adopted the strategies such as geographic expansion, new product launch, acquisitions, agreement, R&D to strengthen their business portfolio. Most of the companies operating in this market are focusing on expanding its operations across the geographies, augmenting its capabilities and investing in research and development to offer products with better functionality.The key players profiled in Low Calorie Sweeteners are as Archer Daniels Midland (the U.S.), Tate & Lyle (U.K.), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (the U.S.), Cargill Inc.(the U.S.), Ingredion Inc. (the U.S.), Celanese Corporation (the U.S.), NutraSweet (the U.S.)Latest Industry Updates:Jul 2017 Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) acquired Chamtor, a producer of wheat based sweeteners and starches. This acquisition is in line with the companys strategy to expand its business in Western European market.Mar 2017 Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) launched two new sweetener brands, SweetRight stevia and VerySweet monk fruit. Through this product launch, the company aims to strengthen its product portfolio.Mar 2017 Tate & Lyle announced an agreement with Sweet Green Fields, which offers natural and healthy sweetener solutions.Feb 2015 Tate & Lyle introduced Dolcia Prima allulose, a sugar ingredient that may be used in low-calorie applications for products as beverages, yogurt, ice cream and baked foods.Market Segments:The global Low Calorie Sweeteners market has been divided into type, application, distribution channel, and region.On The Basis Of Type: Artificial, NaturalOn The Basis Of Application: Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products, and OthersOn The Basis Of Distribution Channel: Store based, Non-store basedOn The Basis Of Region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and ROW.Access Report Details @Regional Analysis:The global low calorie sweeteners market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). Among these, North America is estimated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period 2017-2023. The increasing consumer awareness and the demand for convenience food are considered to be some of the significant reasons for the growing use of natural Low calorie sweeteners based products in the North American market. However, Asia Pacific region is estimated to witness a maximum growth in the global low calorie sweeteners market during the forecast period 2017-2023. The major importers of low calorie sweeteners includes Mexico, Germany, Philippines, the U.K. and France.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 in depth study and analysis published, 2017 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1510550-neuropeptide-y-receptor-type-2-npy-y2-receptor-or-npy2r-pipeline-review-h1-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1510550-neuropeptide-y-receptor-type-2-npy-y2-receptor-or-npy2r-pipeline-review-h1-2017 Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2SummaryNeuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) pipeline Target constitutes close to 5 molecules. Out of which approximately 5 molecules are developed by Companies. The molecules developed by companies in Phase I and Preclinical stages are 1 and 4 respectively. Report covers products from therapy areas Metabolic Disorders and Central Nervous System which include indications Obesity, Epilepsy, Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) and Type 2 Diabetes.The latest report Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 - Pipeline Review, H1 2017, outlays comprehensive information on the Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) targeted therapeutics, complete with analysis by indications, stage of development, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. It also reviews key players involved in Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) targeted therapeutics development with respective active and dormant or discontinued projects.Click here for sample report @Scope of The Report- The report provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape for Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R)- The report reviews Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) targeted therapeutics under development by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources- The report covers pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages- The report features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which includes, product description, descriptive MoA, R&D brief, licensing and collaboration details & other developmental activitiesReasons to buy- Gain strategically significant competitor information, analysis, and insights to formulate effective R&D strategies- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage- Identify and understand the targeted therapy areas and indications for Neuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R)- Identify the use of drugs for target identification and drug repurposing- Identify potential new clients or partners in the target demographic- Develop strategic initiatives by understanding the focus areas of leading companiesTable of ContentsList of TablesList of FiguresIntroductionGlobal Markets Direct Report CoverageNeuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) - OverviewNeuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) - Therapeutics DevelopmentProducts under Development by Stage of DevelopmentProducts under Development by Therapy AreaProducts under Development by IndicationProducts under Development by CompaniesNeuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) - Therapeutics AssessmentAssessment by Mechanism of ActionAssessment by Route of AdministrationAssessment by Molecule TypeNeuropeptide Y Receptor Type 2 (NPY Y2 Receptor or NPY2R) - Companies Involved in Therapeutics DevelopmentGila Therapeutics IncNovo Nordisk A/S.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Data Server Cabinet Market Research 2018-2025: Global Industry Top Players (Emerson Electric, Eaton, Schneider Electric, HPE, Dell and IBM) Data Server Cabinet Market http://www.researchformarkets.com/sample/data-server-cabinet-market-46225 http://www.researchformarkets.com/discount/data-server-cabinet-market-46225 http://www.researchformarkets.com/reports/data-server-cabinet-market-46225 The global Data Server Cabinet market will reach xxx Million USD in 2017 and CAGR xx% 2011-2017. The report begins from overview of Industry Chain structure, and describes industry environment, then analyses market size and forecast of Data Server Cabinet by product, region and application, in addition, this report introduces market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report.Looking For More Information on This Market? Get Free Sample Report @Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.): Open Frame Racks Rack Enclosures Wall-mount RacksCompany Coverage (Sales Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Main Products etc.): Emerson Electric Eaton Schneider Electric HPE Dell IBM Oracle Corp Rittal Corp Cisco Chatsworth Products Tripp Lite Black Box Corporation Belden Fujitsu Dataracks AMCO EnclosuresApplication Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market by Region, Main Consumer Profile etc.): Networking Data Center Rack Application Servers Data Center Rack Application OthersRegion Coverage (Regional Output, Demand & Forecast by Countries etc.): North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East & AfricaThe report is available on discount for a limited time only @Table of Content1 Industry Overview1.1 Data Server Cabinet Industry1.2 Market Segment1.3 Cost Analysis2 Industry Environment2.1 Policy2.2 Economics2.3 Sociology2.4 Technology3 Data Server Cabinet Market by Type3.1 By Type3.2 Market Size3.3 Market Forecast4 Major Companies List4.1 Emerson Electric (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.2 Eaton (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.3 Schneider Electric (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.4 HPE (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.5 Dell (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.6 IBM (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.7 Oracle Corp (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.8 Rittal Corp (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.9 Cisco (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.10 Chatsworth Products (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)5 Market Competition5.1 Company Competition5.2 Regional Market by Company6 Market Demand6.1 Demand Situation6.2 Regional Demand Comparison6.3 Demand Forecast7 Region Operation7.1 Regional Output7.2 Regional Market7.3 by Region7.4 Regional Forecast8 Marketing & Price8.1 Price and Margin8.2 Value Chain8.3 Marketing Channel9 Research ConclusionLooking for more insights from this report? @About Research for Markets:Research for Markets indulges in detailed and diligent research on different markets, trends and emerging opportunities in the successive direction to cater to your business needs. We have established the pillars of our flourishing institute on the grounds of Credibility and Reliability. RFM delve into the markets across Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa.Our purpose is to serve you, the most customized in-depth Market access data. Our plethora of titles made us one of the most searched market research library across the globe. We work with the most esteemed Publishers around the globe who caters vast industries. We are quick and fragile, when it comes to your various queries, and we ensure our team caters your needs to the best of our abilities, we promise to stay by your side for both pre and post sales servicing, as we believe in long everlasting symbiotic relationship.Contact:Mr. A NaiduResearch for MarketsTel: +44 8000-4182-37 (UK)Email: alan.naidu@researchformarkets.com Air Care Market 2018 by Global Industry Leaders: Procter & Gamble Co,Reckitt Benckiser Group,Godrej Consumer Products,Church & Dwight Co,Farcent Enterprise,KGaA Air Care Market, Air Care Market size, Air Care Market share, Air Care Market trends, Air Care Market status, Air Care Market www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4638 www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/air-care-market-4638 Air Care market 2018 Industry Research Report provides a unique tool for evaluating the Market, highlighting opportunities, and supporting strategic and tactical decision-making. Air Care Market Research Report offered by Market Research Future contains a market overview of the industry which talks about size, product scope, revenue, growth opportunities, sales volumes and figures, growth estimation in coming years, current industry leaders and their sales/revenue metrics.Air Care Market, by Value, is Projected to Grow at a CAGR of over 2.47% by 202Market Outlook:Air care products are used to eliminate bad odor at indoor level. Various types of air care products are available in the market such as air fresheners, electric air fresheners, car air fresheners, gel air fresheners, candle air fresheners, and liquid air fresheners. Air care products provide an option to the user to get rid of bad odor and have a desired room fragrance.Market Forecast Overview:Air care products are used to eliminate the bad odor and to keep the surrounding fresh. These products are available in various forms including sprays, oils, candles, blends, and others. Different fragrances in this product has given an opportunity to the consumers to choose with the desired fragrance according to their need. Air care product helps to keep the indoor environment clean and odor free.Rising disposable income has affected the consumers spending behavior. Consumers are found to hold more priority for quality products, which keeps their surrounding clean and fresh. Owning to these major factors, the demand for air care products is experiencing a surge in the global market. Escalating demand has encouraged the manufacturers to bring in innovations in their product line to expand their consumer base. Innovations in the existing product line and new product launch helps the manufacturers in creating brand identity and product differentiation. Keen focus on R & D sector to develop new product has further resulted in development of unique air care products such as Electric Air Fresheners and gel air fresheners and others. Consumers have shown more inclination towards natural air cares in air care products which has directly influenced the positive growth of the air fresheners market. Owing to rising health awareness, consumers are found to have high demand for chemical-free air fresheners. Rising health concerns among the consumers about the demerits of inhaling chemicals released from the air fresheners have a positive impact on the natural air care in air care market. The rising consumers preference for natural air cares will be considered one of the major drivers for air care products market.All the factors are augmenting Air Care Market to grow at the CAGR of 2.47% during the forecast period of 2017-2023.Get Sample Copy of this Report here -Major Key Players Analysis:Procter & Gamble CoReckitt Benckiser Group,C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Godrej Consumer ProductsHenkel AG & Company, KGaChurch & Dwight Co.Farcent Enterprise Co.Major Findings:Asia Pacific is estimated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period at a CAGR of 3.06%. Among the Asia Pacific countries, China is projected to witness a substantial growth at a CAGR of 3.19% during the forecast period of 2017-2023Global air care manufacturers find massive opportunities in Germany owing to the huge demand for air care products, especially, home and cars.Regional Analysis:The global air care market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Among these, Asia Pacific region is expected to lead the market over the forecast period. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.06% during the review period. This is attributed to the high usage of home and cars based air care products. Among the Asia Pacific countries, India is estimated to hold 19% share in the year 2017.Downstream Analysis:Among the product type, spray air fresheners segment is anticipated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Also, the segment is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 2.56% during the given period due to increased use of spray air fresheners in room and cars. Furthermore, the demand for natural fragrances in air care products segment is increasing the growth of the air care products.Among the distribution channel, retail is accounting for 92% of the global air care market and the segment is estimated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period of 2017-2023. The segment is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 2.51% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Full report on Air Care Market report spread across 111 pages, profiling 18 companies and supported with tables and figures available @Segmentaion -The global air care market has been segmented on the basis of product type, which includes spray air fresheners, electric air fresheners, car sir fresheners, gel air fresheners, candle air fresheners, liquid air fresheners, and others. The spray air fresheners segment is projected to account for maximum market proportion at a CAGR of 2.56% during the forecast period. On the basis of distribution channel, the global air care market is segmented into retail and business to business. Among both, the retail market segment is estimated to witness the highest growth at a CAGR of 2.51% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Target Audience:Global air care product manufacturersEnd usersRetailers and wholesalersE-commerce companiesTraders, importers and exportersAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@Market research future.com Petrochemicals Market In-Depth Research On Market Dynamics, Trends 2020 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/petrochemicals.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1316 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research (TMR) has announced the release of a new market study on the global petrochemicals market. The report examines the historical trajectory of the market up to 2013 and presents forecasts for the markets development from 2014 to 2020. According to the report, the global petrochemicals market is expected to exhibit a steady 6.8% CAGR from 2014 to 2020. The market will reach a valuation of US$885.1 bn by the end of the forecast period.The report is titled Petrochemicals Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020 and is available for sale on the official website of TMR.Read Report Overview @Petrochemicals, as the name suggests, are a wide range of chemicals derived from petroleum feedstock. The global market for petrochemicals is a crucial part of the chemicals industry and has significant impact on various walks of human life, as ubiquitous materials such as plastics are derived from petrochemicals. Due to the rising demand for its various end-use segments, the global petrochemicals market is expected to exhibit steady growth in the coming years.The major product segments of the global petrochemicals market are ethylene, propylene, methanol, butadiene, xylene, benzene, styrene, vinyls, and toluene. Of these, ethylene was the major product type in the market in 2013. Ethylenes use in the manufacture of polyethylene which, as the name suggests, consists of multiple polymers of ethylene is a major driver for the global petrochemicals market.The rising use of methanol in fuel mixtures has also provided a boost to the global petrochemicals market.Adding methanol allows for cleaner combustion of fuels, reducing the environmental damage caused by the combustion. According to TMR, methanol is expected to be the fastest growing product segment of the global petrochemicals market in the forecast period. The demand for styrene and butadiene is also expected to rise in the coming years, thanks to their growing application in styrene butadiene rubber and the rising demand for butadiene for the production of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.On the basis of geography, China emerged as the largest segment of the global market in 2013. China accounted for 25% of the demand from the global petrochemicals market, thanks in part to the countrys booming automotive and construction industries. China is also anticipated to remain in a dominant position in the global petrochemicals market in the coming years and is expected to be the fastest growing segment of the market in the forecast period.The rest of Asia Pacific followed China in the regional hierarchy of the global petrochemicals market in 2013. India is the leader in the rest of Asia Pacific, with the increasing demand for products containing petrochemicals and the countrys flourishing manufacturing sector expected to propel the regional market for petrochemicals.The Middle East and Africa also have an important role to play in the future of the global petrochemicals market. These two regions contain some of the largest petroleum producers in the world, with the easy availability of petroleum allowing petrochemical companies in the region to post strong growth figures.Request to view Sample Report:In competitive terms, the global petrochemicals market is highly fragmented and marked by constant efforts on the part of multinational giants to acquire smaller regional companies. Key players in the global petrochemicals market are BASF SE, Shell Chemical Company, Total S.A., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil, Sinopec Ltd., The Dow Chemical Company, SABIC, LyondellBasell Industries, and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Future Scope Semiconductor Packaging Material Market - CAGR of 5% to be Observed Between 2018-2023 | Strategic Profiling of top Key Players With Competitive Landscape for the Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1217 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1217 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/semiconductor-packaging-material-market-1217 Global Semiconductor Packaging Material Market Information by types (organic substrates, bonding wires, encapsulation resins, ceramic packages, solder balls, wafer level packaging dielectrics and others) by technology (Grid Array, Small Outline Package, Dual Flat No-Leads, Quad Flat Package, Dual In-Line Package and others) - Forecast To 2027A semiconductor package refers to a metal, plastic, glass or ceramic casing containing one or more semiconductor electronic components. Individual discrete components are typically etched in silicon wafer before being cut and assembled in a package. The package provides protection against impact and corrosion holds the contact pins or leads which are used to connect from external circuits to the device, and dissipates heat produced in the device. Thousands of standard package types are made, with some made to industry-wide standards and some particular to an individual manufacturer.Semiconductor packaging material market has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past few years, globally, owing to the rising demand for mobile phones, tablets and other communication devices and as per the MRFR estimation the market will keep on growing during the forecast year. The global semiconductor packaging material market had valued in billions in 2015, the market is expected to grow further surpassing its previous growth records by 2027 with a remarkable CAGR during the forecasted period (2017-2027), predicts the Market Research Future in the recent study report - Global Semiconductor Packaging Material Market.Get Sample of Report @The semiconductor packaging materials is a major platform to the success of the semiconductor business across the globe and the changes in consumer electronics is driving the changes in packaging materials market. The major factor driving the global market of SPM is constantly growing mobile industry and technological advancements. The global market of semiconductor packaging material has augmented exceptionally well owing to the increased demand for mobile and other communication devices, enlightens us the MRFR Team Research Analyst while commenting upon this deep diving study report, presented through more than 100 market data tables and figures, widely spread over 115 pages.Semiconductor Packaging Material Global Market Key PlayersSemiconductor packaging material manufacturers and subcontractors are experiencing a severe pricing pressure from their customers. Thus, manufacturers are pushing cost reduction at a faster pace to offset erosion in semiconductor average selling prices (ASP).Identified by MRFR Analysts, as the leading market players operating in the global semiconductor packaging material market primarily include, Henkel AG, Hitachi Chemical, Sumitomo Chemical, Kyocera Chemical, Mitsui High-Tec. Other prominent players of the SPM Market include Toray Industries Corporation, Alent PLC, LG Chemical and others.Semiconductor Packaging Material Global Market Synopsis & ScenarioSemiconductor packaging material global market is growing with the up surged Sales ofSmartphones and Smart Devices, however the growth may get restricted by the High Dependency on Performance of Semiconductor Equipment Industry Redistributed Chip Packaging is is very popular in the market; this has ultimately become a trend followed by almost every manufacturers of the global market of Semiconductor Packaging Material.Enquiry before Buying @Semiconductor Packaging Material Market Regional AnalysisGeographically, Asia-Pacific is one of the crucial markets due to the presence of vast electronic industry in China, Japan and South Korea. This factor has placed Asia-Pacific the leading market in near future followed by North America and Europe.Semiconductor Packaging Material Global Market SegmentationSemiconductor packaging material global market has been segmented in to 2 key dynamics for an enhanced understanding and convenience of the report.By Types :Organic substrates, bonding wires, encapsulation resins, ceramic packages, solder balls, wafer level packaging dielectrics and others.By Technology :Grid Array, Small Outline Package, Dual Flat No-Leads, Quad Flat Package, Dual In-Line Package and others.The World of consumer electronics shapes (Changes) depending upon the changes taking place in semiconductor devices world ie the thickness of the semiconductor device, die (diodes) attached and bonding wire and encapsulated with materials playing a major role enabling the development of newer packaging technologies.Access Full Report@About Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Market Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Wireless Connectivity Market by Industry (Intel Corporation, Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, Texas Instruments Inc., Atmel Corporation) and Global Forecasts to 2022 ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00011615165/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/2018-top-5-wireless-connectivity-players-in-north-america-europe-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa This Recent Study on Wireless Connectivity Market Studies the Overall Market by Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Players, Profiles/Analysis, and Manufacturing Cost Analysis, Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders, Market Effect Factors AnalysisThis report studies the global Wireless Connectivity market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, focuses on the top 5 Wireless Connectivity players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share from 2013 to 2018, the top players includingBroadcomMurataQualcomm AtherosMediatek Inc.Intel CorporationCypress Semiconductor CorporationTexas Instruments Inc.Atmel CorporationStmicroelectronics N.V.NXP Semiconductors N.V.MarvellRequest a Free Sample Now atMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales, revenue, market share of top players in these regions, from 2013 to 2018 (forecast), likeNorth America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Korea)Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia etc.South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina)Middle East and Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia)Split by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided intoWi-FiBluetoothWi-Fi/Bluetooth SmartZigBeeGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)Near Field Communication (NFC)Other TechnologiesSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Wireless Connectivity in each application, can be divided intoConsumer ElectronicsWearable Devices/Smart AppliancesHealthcareAutomotive & TransportationOtherView Report Details atMain Points from RD1 Wireless Connectivity Market Overview2 Global Wireless Connectivity Sales, Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Players3 Global Wireless Connectivity Sales, Revenue (Value) by Regions, Type and Application (2013-2018)4 North America Top 5 Players Wireless Connectivity Sales, Revenue and Price5 Europe Top 5 Players Wireless Connectivity Sales, Revenue and Price6 Asia-Pacific Top 5 Players Wireless Connectivity Sales, Revenue and Price7 South America Top 5 Players Wireless Connectivity Sales, Revenue and Price8 Middle East & Africa Top 5 Players Wireless Connectivity Sales, Revenue and Price9 Global Wireless Connectivity Players Profiles/Analysis10 Global Wireless Connectivity Market Forecast (2018-2023)11 Wireless Connectivity Manufacturing Cost Analysis12 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers13 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders14 Market Effect Factors Analysis15 Research Findings and ConclusionReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Distributed Generation Market, By Technology, Application, and Geography - Global Industry Insights to 2025 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1377 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/1377 www.coherentchronicle.com Distributed generation is power generation on-site at the point of consumption. Distributed generation benefits the large loads with the reserved additional capacity, provides the sufficient power for the entire loads and sufficient redundancy for the maintenance. In addition to this, the distributed energy generation offers better performance, increased reliability, and improved power quality which could positively influence the distributed generation market.Increasing electricity consumption is the major factor driving the distributed generation market.Increasing electricity consumption is a major driver for the growth of distributed generation market. For instance, according to the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) organization, the total world energy consumption rises from 575 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2015 to 736 quadrillion Btu in 2040, an increase of 28%. In addition to this, energy producers are increasingly inclined towards setting up energy production units close to the consumer base, in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply, minimal power wastage due to smaller power distribution and transmission lines, and in turn lowering requirement for extensive distribution lines and lowering costs associated with the same. This in turn has led to increase in growth of the distributed generation market.Request Sample Copy of this Report @The solar PV segment is expected to hold the largest and fastest growing segment in the market.The solar PV segment held the largest distributed generation market share in 2016 and is projected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Due to the decreasing cost of the solar photo voltaic cells, an increase in the number of installations of the solar PVs has been observed globally. For instance, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. installed 2,031 megawatts (MW) of solar PV in 2017 to reach 49.3 gigawatts (GW) of total installed capacity, enough to power 9.5 million American homes. Therefore, the distributed solar photovoltaic systems supply the electricity during the grid outages causing from the extreme weather or any emergencies. In addition to this, the distribution of large scale solar PV hybrid plants in several developing countries such as Kenya, Bangladesh, and Indonesia will propel the growth of distributed generation market in this segment.Distributed Generation Market: Regional InsightsOn basis of geography the distributed generation market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa. By terms of geographical regions, Asia Pacific is estimated to be the major revenue contributor due to the lack of a reliable grid infrastructure especially the South East Asian countries, where the population is spread across several islands, will drive the demand for off-grid power systems in the near future. According to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the total population of Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vie, Philippines and Thailand is around 507 million, of which nearly 111 million around of 22% of the population do not have access to grid electricity, the total population of the Pacific countries which include 14 island countries is around 8.6 million, of which nearly 6 million of the population do not have access to grid electricity. This creates a highly conducive environment for growth of the distributed generation market.Request For Customization of this Report @Distributed Generation Market: Competitive BackgroundSome of the leading players in the distributed generation market are Siemens AG, General Electric (U.S.), Schneider Electric SE, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, and Capstone, Activ Solar GmbH, Ballard Power Systems Inc., Fortis Wind Energy, GE Power & Water, Juwi Inc., Sharp Corporation, Cummins Inc. (U.S.), Caterpillar Inc. (U.S.).About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit our news Website: 5 Ways to celebrate #Songkran # Festival^^ Typany Keyboard http://typany.com/ No matter whether you are from Southeast Asia or not, Songkran Festival is definitely one of the most important festival to celebrate its unique tradition and the best time to emerge yourself into exotic culture!Quick intro here: what is Songkran Festival and why it is so influential?Songkran festival, AKA Thai New Year's Day is 13 April every year, but the holiday period extends to 15April. Keeping with the Buddhist solar calendar, the celebration of Songkran Festival has become one of the biggest events each year.1 Water fight!Grab your water gun to join the holiday fun! Wait do not have one? Don't worry! During Songkran Festival, you can easily find peddlers who sell them on almost every street in major Thai cities and towns. Or maybe we don't even need a water gun! One bucket of water is enough to get everybody splashed!2 Visit your elder relatives in your hometown and say hiOne of the most essential tradition during Songkran Festival is to celebrate with elders. In Thailand, most people will go back to their hometowns and meet their elders. Yeah, it is the perfect time to retrospect your childhood and say thanks you to those who are with you all along the way from your birth. And don't forget to take a selfie with them and set it as your keyboard theme! And remember, with a bigggggggggg smile ever!3 Go out and see the parade!As one of the grand events, do not miss all the parades! Take a walking tour around any major city and town in Thailand and you'll definitely feel the heat! While you're out, take some time to visit local temples and offer foods to the Buddhist monksafter all, it is a commonly practice in Southeast Asian countries. We all know elephant is an important symbol in Buddhist culture, that is why we have created several themes exclusively for you at this special time! Enjoy the holiday with our Songkran Festival themes!4 Greet your friends and strangers you meetSongkran Feestival is all about love and forgiveness, which is also the spirit of Buddhism culture. Do not hesitate to express your thankfulness to your beloved ones! At the same time, wish your friends from Southeast Asia happy new year in their own language! Wait don't know how to speak the language? With Typany keyboard instant translation built-in, it would never become an obstacle anymore!5 Do some bodywork spring cleaning time!It is also a very old tradtion on Songkran Festival to clean houses and public places such as temples, schools and offices to welcome the New Year cleanliness and fresh start. Finally, it's time to abandon all the burdens, stresses and other annoying stuff and leave them behind! After all the work remember to show off to your friends about your achievement! Oh, one last thing. Don't forget to use our specially designed stickers after you send them your pictures! Life cannot continue without a little bit of brrrragABOUT TYPANYTypany Keyboard App is powered by Sogou, well known in China for its language input method, universally employed by Chinese users. Sogou has been developing smartphone software since 2006. Its Keyboard App, Typany Keyboard, has harnessed AI technology to provide a performance edge and improved customer experience. Typanys mission is to team with users to bring the smartest, most diverse, time-saving solution to billions more people worldwide. For more information, please visitPRESS INQUIRIES AND CONTACT DETAILSContact: Yami Sun, Product Marketing ManagerAddress: Typany Keyboard, 9th Floor, Sohu.com Internet Plaza, No.1 Park, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100084, PRCWebsite: typany.com/Email: typany_press@sogou-inc.com Global Crowd Analytics Market Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017 - 2025 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1375 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/1375 www.coherentchronicle.com Crowd analysis is interpretation of information obtained by examining the natural actions of objects or groups of people. It collects and aggregates information related to the people and their everyday lives. Managing and understanding the activities of crowd is very challenging in various sectors such as logistics for smart hub organization, security in big public events, and operational productivities for retail networks. Crowd analytics solutions include various modeling and statistical capabilities, such as behavioral model, microscopic model, conflict estimation, and complex network analysis. Furthermore, crowd analytics includes real-time deep video analytics, which allows for deeper understanding of the inclination of the populace and gauging ongoing trends, based on popularity of certain genres of video streams and interactions on social media platforms. Crowd analytics can utilize important information from multiple sources to manage, monitor, and predict the movement of large crowd in an effective and efficient way.Request Sample Copy of this Report @Increasing demand for crowd analytics in retail industry is major factor driving growth of the marketIncreasing demand for insights of the consumer behavior and real time market intelligence to strategize the business in achieving the long term sustainability is major factor, which increased the demand for crowd analytics in consumer packaged goods and retail segment. Adoption of crowd analytics services and solutions in the retail segment allows for effective demand prediction, identifying and targeting relevant customers. Furthermore, various organizations such as Nokia, Huawei and Walkbase, and Fast shop (a Brazilian retailer) are launching the various crowd analytics services. For instance, Huawei, a leading ICT solutions provider and Walkbase, IoT analytics platform provider announced a crowd analytics and marketing solution in 2016, which will provide crowd analytics services to retailers to accordingly enhance the customer experiences.Global Crowd Analytics Market: Regional InsightsNorth America is expected to have the largest market share in the crowd analytics market over the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for the security concerns and the need for the intelligent video systems, which is one of the major drivers for growth of the crowd analytics market in this region. Most of the economies such as U.S. and Canada have invested on improving security and safety measures at the public places such retail malls, airports, railway stations, bus stands, and others to prevent suspicious acts and troublesome incidents. This have increased the need for intelligent video systems, which are propelling growth of crowd analytics market. According to National priorities project organization, 2015, the U.S. government funded US$ 598.5 billion for defense and security purpose.Request For Customization of this Report @Global Crowd Analytics Market: Competitive BackgroundMajor players operating in crowd analytics market include Nokia Corporation, AGT International (Switzerland), NEC Corporation, Sightcorp, Walkbase, Spigit, Inc. (U.S.), Wavestore, Savannah Simulations AG, CrowdANALYTIX, Inc., Securion Systems, and Sightcorp.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit our news Website: Security Labels Industry 2018 Global Market Leading Players 3M Company, Avery Dennison Corporation, Honeywell International Inc, Tesa SE Group, Holosafe Security Labels https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1289 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1289 Security Labels Global Market OverviewSecurity label is one the concept which are attached to the products and bundle of products that provides a security. In the global scenario, the global security labels market has witnessed a commendable growth in the past couple of years. The growing awareness of product safety among the industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, retails and others, have created a significant scope of the security label in the global market.Among the application industries of security labels, food & beverage industry has become one of the leading industry in terms of demand. The F&B industry requires the security labels in a huge quality to make each and every product safety. Moreover, while the transportation of goods, the security labels gives product a unique identity, as a result, the demand for security labels have created more demand. The security labels also keep the product safe at the time theft. The rising theft issues in retail market have also augmented the market for security label in the global market.Get Sample of Report @Factors such as growth of food & beverage and pharmaceutical sector have led to the growth of security label market. The increased demand for packaged form of foods and increased health awareness has resulted in increased demand for security labels in the packaging industry. Additionally, the increase in investments by the packaging companies to bring about latest technologies has also contributed to the growth of the security labels market. Global security labels is expected to reach more than USD 30 billion at the end of the forecasted period and is expected to grow at CAGR of 6%.Key Players3M Company, Avery Dennison Corporation, Data Label Inc., UPM Raflatac, Polylabel, CCL Industries Inc., Tesa SE, RR Donnelley & sons Co., UPM, Intertronix, Seiko Holdings Corporation and Honeywell International Inc are some of the prominent players profiled in MRFR Analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the Global Security Labels Market.Industry NewsIn September, 2016 - UPM Raflatac decided to expand its security label range in the European market. The security range included the labels such as two new ultra-destructible (UD) film labels. This decision has made a positive impact on the European market as the demand for security labels have been growing. The rising F&B industry in Europe has been resulting in market growth.In April, 2017 - CCL Industries, a global leader in specialty label and packaging solutions announced to acquire two European software-powered online digital printing and direct-to-consumer business for its Avery Units. This acquisition is expected to create a significant market in Europe.Security Labels Global Market - Competitive AnalysisThe global market for security labels seems to be highly competitive. Major security labels manufacturers such as 3M Company, Avery Dennison Corporation and Data Label Inc have come across various key developments such as merger & acquisition, production launch, expansion and partnership. The major players have adopted these strategies to retain and/or expand their market share. Key strategies followed by most companies within the global security labels market were expansion.Enquiry before Buying @Security Labels Global Market SegmentationThe scope of global security labels market is segmented into three major segments which are explained below:By Identification MethodRadio frequencyBar codeHolographicothersBy TypePassenger VehiclesCommercial VehiclesBy ApplicationFood & beveragesPharmaceuticalsConsumer goodsOthersSecurity Labels Global Market - Regional AnalysisGeographically, the global security labels market by region has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the world. This market has seen a substantial growth over the past few years and it has been experienced that the market will remain on the same growth level till forecast period. Among the regions covered, Asia Pacific has accounted the largest market followed by North America and Europe. The market in Asia Pacific attributed to the rapid economic growth, rising population along with increased purchasing power. Various government and non-government initiatives have spread awareness about the health risks and quality food. This has induced the growth of food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries. This further has led to the growth of security labels market.Brief Toc:1. Executive Summary2. Research Methodology3. Market Dynamics4. Global Market, By Packaging Type5. Global Market, By Technology6. Global Market, By Application7. Global Market, By End-user8. Regional Market Analysis9. Competitive Analysis10. Conclusion11. List Of Tables12. List Of FiguresAsk for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Market Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Agrochemical Intermediates Market is Growing Exponentially in Order to Gain More Demand by 2022 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/sample/126583 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/discount/126583 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/ In this report, the EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.The Values marked with XX is confidential data. To know more about CAGR figures fill in your information so that our business development executive can get in touch with you.Request Sample Copy of the Business Report @Geographically, this report split EMEA into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, With sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Agrochemical Intermediates for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux;Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Agrochemical Intermediates sales volume (K MT), price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingRohnerChem, Eastman, Arkema, AGC, Lonza, Sugai Chemical, Kuraray, BASF, Evonik, Air Water, Astec, WeylChem Group, DPx Fine Chemicals, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sudarshan ChemicalOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAlkylaminesAminesAldehydesAcidsOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, includingInsecticidesHerbicidesFungicidesGet discount on this report :Table of ContentsEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Agrochemical Intermediates Market Report 20171 Agrochemical Intermediates Overview2 EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application3 Europe Agrochemical Intermediates (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application4 Middle East Agrochemical Intermediates (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application5 Africa Agrochemical Intermediates (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application6 EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates Manufacturers/Players Profiles and Sales Data7 Agrochemical Intermediates Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Market Effect Factors Analysis11 EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates Market Forecast (2017-2022)12 Research Findings and Conclusion**If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About WMR :Worldwide Market Reports is your one-stop repository of detailed and in-depth market research reports compiled by an extensive list of publishers from across the globe. We offer reports across virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. The in-depth market analysis by some of the most vastly experienced analysts provide our diverse range of clients from across all industries with vital decision making insights to plan and align their market strategies in line with current market trends. Worldwide Market Researchs well-researched inputs that encompass domains ranging from IT to healthcare enable our prized clients to capitalize upon key growth opportunities and shield against credible threats prevalent in the market in the current scenario and those expected in the near future.Contact Us:Mr. ShahWorldwide Market Reports1001 4th Ave,U.STel: +1 415 871 0703Email: sales@worldwidemarketreports.comWEBSITE : Analysis of Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Market 2018 | Solon, Canadian Solar, SunEdison, Refex Energy, SMA-India Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Market https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1626008 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-solar-diesel-hybrid-power-solution-sales-market-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution for these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingSolonCanadian SolarSunEdisonRefex EnergyImergy Power SystemsSMA-IndiaAstonfieldGreaves PowerOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSmall ScaleMedium ScaleLarge ScaleOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, includingResidentialCommercialPower PlantsOtherTable of ContentsGlobal Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Market Report 20181 Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution1.2 Classification of Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution by Product Category1.2.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Small Scale1.2.4 Medium Scale1.2.5 Large Scale1.3 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Residential1.3.3 Commercial1.3.4 Power Plants1.3.5 Other1.4 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Market by Region1.4.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (Volume) by ApplicationGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @3 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)3.2 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)3.3 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)3.4 United States Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)4 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Value (2013-2018)4.1.1 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.2 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.3 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)4.2 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)4.3 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)4.4 China Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)5 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Value (2013-2018)5.1.1 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)5.1.2 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)5.1.3 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)5.2 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)5.3 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Europe Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Value (2013-2018)6.1.1 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)6.1.2 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)6.1.3 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)6.2 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)6.3 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)6.4 Japan Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Solution Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)Continue...About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Canned Food Packaging Market Global Growth, Segments, Regional Study, Size, Industry Profits and Trends by Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5106 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/5106 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/canned-food-packaging-market-5106 (Readymade Meals, Meat, Sea Food) - Forecast To 2023Market HighlightsCanned food packaging is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.01% in retail volume during the forecast period due to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for convenient products. Higher disposable incomes of middle-class consumers and high growth of modern retail are other factors driving the growth of the canned or preserved food.Canned foods play an important role in the global food market. Convenience, easier opening, resealable and so on are driving the market growth. It can be preserved for months and continuing a trend toward cheap alternatives to chilled and frozen packaging. While offering the advantages of a long shelf-life and low prices, canned food suffers from a poor consumer perception of its healthiness and taste quality. Due to the growing consumer interest in consumption of fresh products with extended shelf life, manufacturers have to provide modern and safe packaging. It is a challenge for the food packaging industry and also acts as a driving force for the development of new and improved concepts of technology packaging. Therefore, packaging producers are looking for solutions that allow improving such properties of packaging materials as an adequate barrier to gases, UV protection, and extension of the storage period, transparency, and environmental performance. A recent study shows that worldwide sales within the canned food market are forecasted to reach nearly USD 50 billion over the forecasted period.The global market for global Canned Food packaging market is expected to grow at ~4.01% CAGR.Get Sample of Report @Key PlayersThe key players of global canned food packaging market include Amcor Ltd. (Australia), Ardagh Group (Luxembourg), CPMC Holdings Ltd. (China), Crown Holdings (U.S.), Grief Incorporated (U.S.), Silgan Holdings Inc. (U.S.), Rexam Plc. (U.K.), Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd. (Japan), Ball Corporation (U.S.), and Huber Packaging (Germany).Market Research Analysis:The global canned food packaging market is dynamic and is expected to witness a high growth over the forecast period. The canned food packaging market is driven by the recyclable and reusable properties of the cans, nutritional value and hygienic food process. growth in the busy schedules and hectic lifestyle, increase in the demand for the packaged or processed food, and availability of various convenient food option such as ready to eat, ready to cook, ready to serve and ready to heat are expected to propel the growth of global canned food packaging market. Geographically, the global canned food packaging market is significantly large in Europe and North America due to increasing per capita income and high consumer spending. Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing segment. Developing economies like India, China, and Brazil have changed their buying patterns by purchasing more packaged foods. The rising food market enables the global players to introduce new products, expand to new regions, and develop new technologies. The Asia Pacific with developing nations is the most attractive market because of its inclination towards improvement in the quality of food. From the last few years, the demand for canned food has been increasing in the Asia Pacific region majorly due to the changing lifestyle and the increasing purchasing power.Enquiry before Buying @Scope of the reportThis study provides an overview of the global Canned Food Packaging market, tracking one market segment across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume, and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the global Canned Food Packaging market by its material, type of food product and region.By Material Steel Aluminum OthersType of Food Product Readymade Meals Meat Sea FoodBy Region North America Asia Pacific Europe Rest of the WorldAccess Full Report @About Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Market Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Adult Vaccines Market To Hold a High Potential for Growth by 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3472 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3472 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Vaccines are used to prevent diseases and improve immunity of the body. A vaccine is a biological preparation, contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism and is made from weakened and killed forms of microorganisms. Vaccines are categorized into many types. Some of the major types include inactivated vaccines, attenuated vaccines, toxoid and conjugate. Cholera, influenza, hepatitis A, polio and rabies vaccines are inactivated vaccines. Key attenuated vaccines are measles, mumps, rubella and typhoid.The global adult vaccines market is categorized based on their various types and by diseases. Adult vaccines are mainly classified into preventive and therapeutic vaccines. The disease segment includes influenza, meningococcal, cervical cancer, zoster shingles, pneumococcal, hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP).Request for Table of Contents @In terms of geographic, North America and Europe dominates the global adult vaccines market. This is due to improved research infrastructure in these regions. The U.S. represents the largest market for adult vaccines followed by Canada in North America. In Europe, France and Germany holds major share of adult vaccines market. However, Asia is expected to show high growth rates in the next five years in the global adult vaccines market due to increasing awareness among people about preventable diseases. Several government associations have launched various programs to raise awareness among people towards diseases such as influenza, DTP, measles and mumps, in Asia. This has resulted in significant rise in demand of adult vaccines for the prevention of these diseases. In addition, many companies constructing their manufacturing and research facilities in the region. This is due to low wages, availability of a large talent pool, less stringent environment and health and safety regulations in the region. Japan, China and India are expected to be the fastest growing adult vaccines markets in Asia.In recent time, increasing prevalence of diseases and novel vaccine technologies are some of the major drivers for the global adult vaccines market. In addition, increased research in the field of vaccine technologies and increasing government supports are also supporting in growth of the global adult vaccines market. Several government associations are providing funds and grants to increase research on specialized vaccines to improve their efficacy and disease prevention capability. Moreover, some government associations are also providing specific guidelines for their safe usage. Increased R&D investment in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries and Extensive R&D pipelines also have strong positive impact on global adult vaccines market.However, high capital requirements and lack of technical professionals are some of the major restraints for the global adult vaccines market. In addition, stringent regulations and limited vaccines production are also hampering the growth of global adult vaccines market. Risk of side-effects and complications associated with vaccinations also obstructs the growth of global adult vaccines market. Some of the major side-effects include muscle ashes, pain around the injection site and fever. Advancement in biomedical science would develop opportunity for global adult vaccines market. Increasing mergers and collaborations between manufacturing companies and government associations and rapid product launches are some of the major trends of the global adult vaccines market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @Some of the major companies operating in the global adult vaccines market are GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, Novartis and Merck.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,Telephone - +1-646-568-7751USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Overview of Eucalyptus Oil Market: Size, Trends, Share and Growth Forecast till 2022 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=92 https://www.factmr.com/report/92/eucalyptus-oil-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=92 https://www.factmr.com/ The global market discussion on eucalyptus oil industry can be found in the latest study by Fact.MR, which has been freshly added to its massive collection of research database. The report is titled Eucalyptus Oil Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022, which works to enlighten the readers about the major factors prompting the growth of the concerned market. Apart from that, the research majorly focuses on eucalyptus oil markets competitive outlook by profiling major players functioning across the globe. As the report moves ahead, information regarding the prominent trends as well as opportunities in the key geographical segments have also been elaborated, thus enabling companies to be able to make region-specific strategies for gaining competitive lead. Some of the prime regions emphasized in the study include key regions.Request for Sample Report-A sluggish expansion has been estimated for the global eucalyptus oil market over the forecast period 2017 to 2022. Global sales of eucalyptus oil are estimated to account for US$ 900 Mn revenues by 2022-end.Over the past few years, eucalyptus oil is being adopted for aromatherapy applications, coupled with surging demand form food & beverage, and personal care products. Consumer preferences have been inclining towards naturally derived essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, which in turn has compelled the manufacturers to develop innovative applications in personal care products. The eucalyptus oil has been discerned to overcome side-effects pertaining to conventional medicines and drugs. Eucalyptus oils antiseptic properties have driven its adoption in pharmaceutical products as well as medicinal supplements, helping individuals with respiratory problems, and high blood pressure. The aforementioned factors will sustain the growth of the market throughout the forecast period.An incredibly large amount of eucalyptus leaves are needed for producing just a single ounce of oil. In addition, manufacturers as well as consumers are increasingly getting concerned about the resource depletion. The global eucalyptus oil market is highly concentrated, wherein new market entrants face barriers created by leading players. Eucalyptus oil production necessitates heavy investments for advanced equipment. Global leaders in the eucalyptus oil market are now emphasizing on overcoming the challenges such as certification by government, and high capital investments, which stand as prominent impeding factors for the market growth.Eucalyptus Globulus will Continue to be Sought-after among Products in the MarketEucalyptus globulus will continue to be sought-after in the market among products, in terms of revenues. Sales of eucalyptus polybractea are expected to exhibit the highest CAGR through 2022. On the other hand, sales of eucalyptus kochii will continue to register the lowest CAGR in the market throughout the forecast period.Europe is expected to remain the most lucrative region for growth of the eucalyptus oil market, with sales exhibiting a steady CAGR through 2022. In terms of revenues, the market in Europe is expected to account for nearly one-half share of the market over the forecast period. The markets for eucalyptus oil in North America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East & Africa (MEA) are estimated to exhibit a sluggish growth through 2022.On the basis of nature, natural eucalyptus oil is expected to remain preferred in the global market, with sales exhibiting a moderate CAGR through 2022. Demand for organic eucalyptus oil will remain relatively lower than natural eucalyptus oil in the market.Eucalyptus Oil to Witness the Largest Application in Food & BeveragesIn terms of revenues, eucalyptus oil is expected to continue witnessing the largest demand in food & beverage applications, followed by aromatherapy and therapeutics application. Fragrances application of eucalyptus oil will continue to exhibit the lowest CAGR in the market through 2022.Although modern trade continues to be the largest distribution channel in the global eucalyptus oil market, sales in online distribution channel will continue to register the fastest expansion through 2022. However, sales of eucalyptus oil in online distribution channel will continue to account for the lowest revenues, as compared to other distribution channel segments in the global eucalyptus oil market.Browse Full Report with TOC-Table of Content:1. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Executive Summary2. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Overview2.1. Introduction2.1.1. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Taxonomy2.1.2. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Definition2.2. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20222.2.1. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Y-o-Y Growth2.3. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Dynamics2.3.1. Drivers2.3.2. Restraints2.3.3. Trends2.4. Supply Chain2.5. Cost Structure2.6. Pricing Analysis2.7. Raw Material Sourcing Strategy and Analysis2.8. List of Distributors2.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By Region3. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Analysis and Forecast By Product Type3.1. Global Eucalyptus Oil Market Size and Forecast By Product Type, 2012-20223.1.1. Eucalyptus Globulus Eucalyptus Oil Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region3.1.2. Eucalyptus Kochii Eucalyptus Oil Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.2.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.2.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.2.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By RegionContinued.Check Discount on This Report-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized Food & Beverages market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web: FAI Exchange The Mechanism of 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange https://www.fai1031.com/ The 1031 tax-deferred exchange allows investors to sell their old properties and purchase a better one without paying capital gain taxes. This leads to increased returns on the investment.Whenever you decide to swap your old property with a new and better one, you are always concerned about paying the capital gain taxes. This makes running a business around property dealing difficult. It is for this reason, section 1031 came into effect. The section 1031 tax-deferred exchange helps you to easily sell your old property and replace with a new one. However, the entire process is not that simple and it requires the involvement of Qualified Intermediary (QI).The process begins with the property owner to first sell his property and the funds received are kept with the QI. The QI is then directed to purchase a replacement property that has an equal or higher value than that of the property sold. Remember, you cannot purchase a property that is lower in price than the property you are selling. By doing so, you are able to defer all capital gain taxes that you otherwise would have to pay.A property that you are selling is termed relinquished property and the property that you buy from the funds earned is called the replacement property. However, not all properties are eligible for a 1031 tax-deferred exchange. If you are thinking of selling your residential home, 1031 exchange is not for you.1031 tax-deferred exchange caters to the needs of professionals who are investing in properties to grow their business. A property that you sell should meet certain characteristics. These characteristics may include the level of the sale price, equity, and debt level.The owner of a relinquished property may consider selling the property for a number of reasons:1. To unlock the equity tied up in the underperforming, yet appreciated the property.2. When the property is too management-intensive.3. In order to acquire a property of higher quality; or4. To acquire a property that produces higher and consistent income.Similarly, fractional ownership of real estate can be described as a share in the ownership of a real property. It is usually seen when a property is too expensive, too big to be managed by an individual or any other legal reason. The property can be owned by 5 people, where each person shares the maintenance, taxes, and takes the turn to become the owner of the property.Exchange fractionally owned real estate property is becoming a popular and effective business tool. But, it also is extremely technical and maybe a task risk.Whatever your reasons may be to go through a 1031 tax exchange, Fai Exchange can help you with it.You can contact us by visiting our websiteand fill up the form to get a call back from us. Let us help you in a successful and satisfactory 1031 exchange.William L. McNamaraP.O. Box 487Dedham, MA 02026888-669-3332 Overview of Mass Beauty & Personal Care Products Market: Size, Trends, Share and Growth Forecast till 2022 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=82 https://www.factmr.com/report/82/mass-beauty-personal-care-products-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=82 https://www.factmr.com/ The global market discussion on mass beauty & personal care products industry can be found in the latest study by Fact.MR, which has been freshly added to its massive collection of research database. The report is titled Mass Beauty & Personal Care Products Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022, which works to enlighten the readers about the major factors prompting the growth of the concerned market. Apart from that, the research majorly focuses on mass beauty & personal care products markets competitive outlook by profiling major players functioning across the globe. As the report moves ahead, information regarding the prominent trends as well as opportunities in the key geographical segments have also been elaborated, thus enabling companies to be able to make region-specific strategies for gaining competitive lead. Some of the prime regions emphasized in the study include key regions.Request for Sample Report-Personal care and beauty products for the masses are among the top consumer goods sold in the world. Manufacturers of mass beauty & personal care products are focused in keeping the traction of their offerings high while competing with high-priced premium product line. With advanced technologies in production of cosmetics, and rising use of organic materials, the global mass beauty & personal care products market is expected to witness a vigorous expansion in the years to come.Fact.MR has published a forecast study on the global mass beauty & personal care products market, assessing the markets growth for the decadal period, 2017-2022. In 2017, the global sales of mass beauty & personal care products are pegged to harvest over US$ 294 Bn in revenues. Through improved formulas, mass beauty & personal care products available in the market are becoming more effective, enhancing customer satisfaction.High Demand for Skin Care ProductsThe report highlights that skin care-related products in the global mass beauty & personal care products market will witness greater traction, compared to other types of offerings. High dust levels and impact of atmospheric pollution on the health of consumers is expected to be the underlying driver for growing sales of mass skin care products. Many consumers, who are regularly using such skin care products, are unaware about their role as preventive measures for incidence of common dermatological complications. This high demand for skin care products is predicted to translate into a 30% share on the global market revenues through 2022. By the end of the forecast period, skin care products will prevail as top-selling product segment in the global market for mass beauty & personal care products.Rising Retail Sales of Mass Beauty & Personal Care ProductsWith increasing penetration of e-commerce websites, leading retail chains in the global mass beauty & personal care products market are striving to uphold their dominance. By partnering with prominent manufacturers, retail chains are attracting consumers through direct sales of mass beauty & personal care products. The report observes retail outlets as the largest sales channel for mass beauty & personal care products through 2022.Hypermarkets, on the other hand, are drawing customers through flat discounts and cost-effective bulk purchases. The e-commerce sales of mass beauty & personal care products will showcase an impressive growth at 6.5% CAGR.Competition TrackingA competitive landscape of the global mass beauty & personal care products market is included in the report, which profiles companies such as Kao Corporation, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Loreal Group, Revlon, Unilever, Avon, Procter & Gamble, Beiersdorf AG, Mary Kay and Shiseido. These manufacturers are expected to upgrade their offerings by considering the rising proliferation of organic cosmetics. Although, maintaining the affordability of mass beauty & personal care products will be a key challenge, especially when adoption of advanced production techniques increases initials costs of manufacturing. In the long run, a majority of these companies are likely to shift their manufacturing units in low-wage and high-resource parts of the world such as the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. Owing to emergence of a strong middle class in China and India, this region is expected to become one of the most prominent region for manufacturers globally.Browse Full Report with TOC-Table of Content:Chapter 1. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Executive Summary. 21Chapter 2. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Overview. 232.1. Introduction. 232.1.1. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Taxonomy. 232.1.2. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Definition. 232.2. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-2022. 232.2.1. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Y-o-Y Growth. 232.3. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Dynamics. 242.3.1. Drivers. 242.3.2. Restraints. 242.3.3. Trends. 252.4. Supply Chain. 252.5. Cost Structure. 252.6. Pricing Analysis. 252.7. Raw Material Sourcing Strategy and Analysis. 262.8. List of Distributors. 262.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By Region. 26Chapter 3. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Analysis and Forecast By Product Types. 273.1. Global Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Size and Forecast By Product Types, 2012-2022. 273.1.1. Hair Care Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Size and Forecast, 2012-2022. 273.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region. 273.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region. 293.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region. 293.1.2. Color Cosmetics Mass Beauty and Personal Care Market Size and Forecast, 2012-2022. 303.1.2.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region. 303.1.2.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region. 323.1.2.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region. 32Continued.Check Discount on This Report-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized Retail & Consumer Goods market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web: Mobile Compressors Market: Growing Demand, Analysis by Key Players: Doosan, Atlas Copco, Kaeser Mobile Compressors Market: Growing Demand, Analysis https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/484255-asia-pacific-mobile-compressors-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/484255-asia-pacific-mobile-compressors-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/484255-asia-pacific-mobile-compressors-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/484255-asia-pacific-mobile-compressors-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=484255 HTF MI published a new industry research that focuses on Mobile Compressors market and delivers in-depth market analysis and future prospects of Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors market. The study covers significant data which makes the research document a handy resource for managers, analysts, industry experts and other key people get ready-to-access and self-analyzed study along with graphs and tables to help understand market trends, drivers and market challenges. The study is segmented by Application/ end users [Remote Pneumatic Applications, Emergency Production Line, Construction Industrial, Grounding & Other], products type [Electric Drive Type & Diesel Engines Type] and various important geographies like China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia].Get Access to sample pages @The research covers the current market size of the Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data along with company profile of key players/manufacturers. The in-depth information by segments of Mobile Compressors market helps monitor future profitability & to make critical decisions for growth. The information on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies, CAPEX cycle and the changing structure of the Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors Market.The study provides company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of key manufacturers of Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors Market, some of them listed here are Doosan, Atlas Copco, Kaeser, Sullair, Gardner Denver, Fusheng/Airman, ELGI, KAISHAN & Hongwuhuang. The market is growing at a very rapid pace and with rise in technological innovation, competition and M&A activities in the industry many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. The new manufacturer entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as Electric Drive Type & Diesel Engines Type. Further the research study is segmented by Application such as Remote Pneumatic Applications, Emergency Production Line, Construction Industrial, Grounding & Other with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Mobile Compressors in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted period 2017 to 2022.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Following would be the Chapters to display the Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Mobile Compressors, Applications of Mobile Compressors, Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Mobile Compressors, Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia, Mobile Compressors Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Mobile Compressors Segment Market Analysis (by Application) Major Manufacturers Analysis of Mobile Compressors;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Electric Drive Type & Diesel Engines Type], Market Trend by Application [Remote Pneumatic Applications, Emergency Production Line, Construction Industrial, Grounding & Other];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors;Chapter 12,13, 14 and 15, to describe Mobile Compressors sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Enquire for customization in Report @Check for discount @What this Research Study Offers:Asia-Pacific Mobile Compressors Market share assessments for the regional and country level segmentsMarket share analysis of the top industry playersStrategic recommendations for the new entrantsMarket forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional marketsMarket Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimationsCompetitive landscaping mapping the key common trendsCompany profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developmentsSupply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsBuy this research report @Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsThanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Global Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines Market Insights Covering Market Dynamics and Competitive Scenario through 2024 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/979 https://www.mrrse.com/foot-mouth-disease-vaccines In order to study the various trends and patterns prevailing in the overall market Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines, Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has included a new report titled Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines Market to its wide online database. This research assessment offers a clear insight about the influential factors that are expected to transform the global market in the near future. Readers can access the regional as well as segment-wise analysis for acquiring precise information about the global market structure.To Get Sample PDF or View Summary of Report @The key players in the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market, as stated in a research report, hold small shares in a highly fragmented competitive landscape. The market is largely taken up by a high volume of regional players, a lot of whom are backed by governments and private investors. This has created an intense competitive landscape in the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market which is likely to remain the case over the coming years. The report puts players such as Inova Biotechnologia, Bayer AG, and Brilliant Bio Pharma Ltd., as the leading entities in the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market for 2014.MRRSE report suggests that the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market will demonstrate an encouraging 8.8% CAGR within the forecast period from 2014 to 2020. The market is therefore predicted to rise from its 2013 evaluation of US$0.51 bn to US$0.95 bn by the end of 2020.APAC Demand for FMD Vaccines Continues to SkyrocketThe global foot and mouth disease vaccines markets regional analysis, as given in the report, shows a strong dominant nature of demand coming from Asia Pacific. This region led the market in 2014 and is expected to continue its lead till the end of the reports forecast period. This is because foot and mouth disease has historically taken a severe toll on the animal husbandry industry of this region. Asia Pacific also holds the leading dairy and dairy products industries, a force perpetually pushing for the use of advanced treatment methods in animal husbandry.Rising Dairy and Meat Consumption Directly Impacts FMD Vaccine DemandThe majority of the vaccines available in the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market are meant for animals, usually cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. The demand for FMD vaccines for cattle were significantly higher than any other segment in 2013, a testament to the massive demand already present for cattle food products. Over the coming years, this consumption rate of meat as well as dairy products is very likely to rise at a swift pace, thanks to the surging population in all regions, and the increasing number of consumers choosing meat. The related animal husbandry industry, therefore, keen on making these products as safe as possible when it comes to preventing the growth of bacteria and/or deadly pathogens. For the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market, this spells a massive surge in demand, which is expected to continue being the case of the coming years, states a MRRSE analyst.Future opportunities in the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market could heavily rely on the developments of the currently niche DNA vaccines. These vaccines are shown to hold massive potential and players are increasing investments and focus on their development. However, the larger players are negatively impacted by the rising government intervention in the global foot and mouth disease vaccines market, in terms of providing concessions on the purchase of vaccines by consumers.Oil-based FMD Vaccines Expected to Gain FavorConventional vaccines are expected to be increasingly popular over the coming years. One of the sub-categories in conventional FMD vaccines, the oil-based version is expected to show massive potential over the coming years. This segment already dominated the global market, taking up 63% of it in 2013. The increasing adoption of routine vaccination programs to eradicate or control the disease spread will help the segment of conventional FMD vaccines to gain increased demand in the near future.Geographically, the global FMD vaccines market has been classified into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). The current and future market sizes (in terms of USD million) of the regional markets mentioned above have been provided in the report for the period from 2012 to 2020 along with the growth rate (CAGR %) for the period from 2014 to 2020. The study further offers recommendations for the foot-and-mouth disease vaccines market, which would be useful for existing and new players to sustain and grow in the market.To Access Complete Research Report with Tables and Figures @The foot-and-mouth disease vaccines market report concludes with the company profiles section that includes key information in terms of company overview, financial information, product portfolio, business strategies and recent development about the major players operating in the FMD vaccines market. Detailed analysis of these companies is included in this section in order to give a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global FMD vaccines market. Key players profiled in the section include Agrovet Co., Bayer AG, Biogenesis Bago, Brilliant Bio Pharma Limited, Indian Immunologicals Ltd., Inova Biotechnologia, Intervac (Pvt.) Ltd., Merial, and Merck Animal Health (MSD).The global foot and mouth disease vaccines market is segmented as follows:Global Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines Market, by TypesConventional VaccinesAluminum Hydroxide/SaponinOil BasedEmergency VaccinesGlobal Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines Market, by ApplicationsCattlePigsSheep and GoatsOthersGlobal Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificChinaIndiaSouth KoreaMalaysiaRest of APACAbout Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com Global Solar Cell Films Market 2018 | Heliatek GmbH, DUNMORE Corporation, 3M, First Solar, Lucent CleanEnergy, Stion Corporation and Others Solar Cell Films Market https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1625140 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-solar-cell-films-market-research-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Solar Cell Films Market Research Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Solar Cell Films market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Solar Cell Films in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Solar Cell Films market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingHeliatek GmbHDUNMORE Corporation3MAdvanced Energy Industries, Inc.First Solar, Inc.Lucent CleanEnergyStion CorporationSolar Frontier K.K.Kaneka CorporationHanergy Holding Group Ltd.Prism Solar Technologies, IncOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAmorphous SiliconCadmium TellurideCopper Indium Gallium SelenideOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingResidentialCommercialIndustrialTable of ContentsGlobal Solar Cell Films Market Research Report 20181 Solar Cell Films Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Solar Cell Films1.2 Solar Cell Films Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Solar Cell Films Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Solar Cell Films Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Amorphous Silicon1.2.4 Cadmium Telluride1.2.5 Copper Indium Gallium Selenide1.3 Global Solar Cell Films Segment by Application1.3.1 Solar Cell Films Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Residential1.3.3 Commercial1.3.4 Industrial1.4 Global Solar Cell Films Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Solar Cell Films Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Solar Cell Films (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Solar Cell Films Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Solar Cell Films Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Solar Cell Films Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Solar Cell Films Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Solar Cell Films Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Solar Cell Films Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Solar Cell Films Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Solar Cell Films Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Solar Cell Films Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Solar Cell Films Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @3 Global Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Solar Cell Films Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Solar Cell Films Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Solar Cell Films Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Solar Cell Films Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Solar Cell Films Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Solar Cell Films Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Solar Cell Films Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Solar Cell Films Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Solar Cell Films Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Solar Cell Films Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Southeast Asia Solar Cell Films Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.7 India Solar Cell Films Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)5 Global Solar Cell Films Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Solar Cell Films Production and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.2 Global Solar Cell Films Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.3 Global Solar Cell Films Price by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Global Solar Cell Films Production Growth by Type (2013-2018)6 Global Solar Cell Films Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Solar Cell Films Consumption and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6.2 Global Solar Cell Films Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesContinue...About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Human Microbiome Market to Reap Excessive Revenues by 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3477 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3477 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Trillions of microorganisms live in and on the human body. This collection of microorganisms is called human microbiome. These microorganisms include fungi, bacteria and archaea. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies has allowed for more comprehensive examination of these microorganisms and evolved intimate relationships with their hosts. Scientists and researchers recognized that the microbiome is responsible for metabolic and developmental processes, such as food digestion, vitamin synthesis and brain function, of the human body.Request for Table of Contents @The global human microbiome market is categorized based on various diseases, applications and by products. The disease segment is further sub-segmented into obesity, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, central nervous system disorders, cancer and diarrhea. Obesity and diarrhea are the largest sub-segments in the global human microbiome market. This is due to increasing lifestyle diseases and aging population. The application segment includes diagnostic and therapeutic applications of the human microbiome. Therapeutic application is the leading sub-segment in the global human microbiome market. This is due rising population and increasing prevalence of diseases. The product segment is further sub-segmented into prebiotic and probiotic, medical food and supplements. Prebiotic and probiotic is the largest sub-segment in this market due to increased potential of these products in the treatment of lifestyle diseases.In terms of geographic, North America and Europe dominates the global human microbiome market due to improved biotechnological and microbiological research infrastructure. In addition, rising incidences of life style diseases and autoimmune disorders has also fueled the growth of human microbiome market in these regions. The U.S. represents the largest market for human microbiome followed by Canada in North America. France, Germany, Spain and the U.K. holds major share of human microbiome market in Europe. However, Asia is expected to show high growth rates in the next five years in global human microbiome market. This is due to improving research infrastructure in the region. In additions, several government associations are also supporting in the growth of human microbiome market in the region by providing funds and grants to increase research in the field of life science. China and India are expected to be the fastest growing human microbiome markets in Asia.In recent time, increasing prevalence of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and obesity, and rising number of geriatric populations are some of the major drivers of the global human microbiome market. For instance, according to an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), diabetes affected 285 million people worldwide in 2010 and the number is expected to reach 439 million by 2030. This increasing prevalence of diabetes has resulted in significant rise in demand of human microbiome based therapies for treatment of the disease. In addition, increasing awareness among people about advantages of microbiome products is also supporting in growth of the global human microbiome market. However, stringent government regulations obstruct the growth of global human microbiome market. Advancement in biomedical science develops opportunity for the global human microbiome market. Increasing mergers and acquisitions between major players and government associations is key trend of the global human microbiome market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @Some of the major companies operating in the global human microbiome market are Enterome Bioscience, Merck, Yakult, DuPont, ViThera Pharmaceuticals, MicroBiome Therapeutics LLC, Second Genome Inc., Vedanta BioSciences, Osel and Metabiomics Corporation.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,Telephone - +1-646-568-7751USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Cardiac Marker Analyzer Market Greater Revenue Share by 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3479 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3479 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Cardiac Marker Analyzer, also known as Cardiac Reader Systems, provides high point-of-care testing solutions for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and other cardiac-related diseases. It performs all cardiac monitoring tests, such as myoglobin and cardiac troponin tests, through immunochromatographic assays. A Cardiac Marker Analyzer increases its efficacy and accuracy with special features, such as software, which provides an internal standard to diagnostic procedures and built in LCD displays for the visualization of practices. Cardiac Marker Analyzers are important for the prevention of the misdiagnoses of cardiac conditions.Some of the major Cardiac Marker Analyzers which are frequently used in diagnosis of cardiac conditions include QL Care Analyzer, Meritas POC Analyzer, PATHFAST Analyzer, Alere Meterpro Analyzer, RAMP Reader, RAMP 200, iSTAT System, Stratus CS Analyzer, Cobas H 232 POC System, Access 2 Immunoassay System, DXpress Reader Analyzer and ichroma DUO Analyzer.Request for Table of Contents @In terms of geographic, North America and Europe dominates the global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market. This is due to increasing prevalence of cardiac related diseases in these regions. The U.S. represents the largest market for Cardiac Marker Analyzer followed by Canada in North America. In Europe, France and Germany holds major share of Cardiac Marker Analyzer market. However, Asia is expected to show high growth rates in the next five years in the global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market due to increasing awareness among people about cardiovascular diseases. This increasing awareness increases the demand of Cardiac Marker Analyzer for diagnosis of heart diseases. In addition, less stringent regulatory environments attract manufacturing companies to construct their research facilities in the region which further support in the growth of Cardiac Marker Analyzer in the region. Japan, China and India are expected to be the fastest growing Cardiac Marker Analyzer markets in Asia.In recent time, increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, and technological advancement in marker technology are some of the major drivers for the global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market. In addition, rising number of geriatric populations and technological advancement in cardiac assist devices are also supporting in the growth of global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market. Aged people are more susceptible towards cardiac diseases compared to youngster. Thus, geriatric people increase the demand of Cardiac Marker Analyzer for the management of their cardiac disorders.Moreover innovative applications of Cardiac Marker Analyzer, such as less time consuming practices and provides accurate diagnostic results, have also fueled the growth of the market. It takes less than 14 minutes to complete a diagnostic test. Increasing prevalence of diabetes and obese people develops opportunity for the global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market. However, stringent regulations and cost constrains are some of the major restraints of the global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market. In addition, presence of alternative technologies for the diagnosis of cardiac diseases also obstructs the growth of global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market. Increasing mergers and acquisitions between major players is key trend for the global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @Some of the major companies operating in the global Cardiac Marker Analyzer market are Mitsubishi Chemical Medience Corporation, CardioGenics, Trinity Biotech, Lifesign, Abbott, Siemen Healthcare, Boditech and Beckman Coulter.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,Telephone - +1-646-568-7751USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Luxury Travel 2018 Global Market Key Players Tauck, Ker & Downey, Travcoa, Zicasso, Micato Safaris, Black Tomato..... Luxury Travel Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3086765-global-luxury-travel-industry-market-research-report https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3086765-global-luxury-travel-industry-market-research-report Luxury Travel Market 2018Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Luxury Travel Global Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2023 To Its Research Database.Description:The Luxury Travel market revenue was xx.xx Million USD in 2013, grew to xx.xx Million USD in 2017, and will reach xx.xx Million USD in 2023, with a CAGR of x.x% during 2018-2023.Based on the Luxury Travel industrial chain, this report mainly elaborate the definition, types, applications and major players of Luxury Travel market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2013-2018), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise Products, industry development trends (2018-2023), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Luxury Travel market.The Luxury Travel market can be split based on product types, major applications, and important regions.Major Players in Luxury Travel market are:TauckKer & DowneyTravcoaZicassoMicato SafarisBlack TomatoLindblad ExpeditionsScott DunnExodus TravelsTUI GroupBackroadsKensington ToursThomas Cook GroupRequest for Sample Report@Major Regions play vital role in Luxury Travel market are:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanMiddle East & AfricaIndiaSouth AmericaOthersMost important types of Luxury Travel products covered in this report are:Customized and Private VacationAdventure and SafariCruise/Ship ExpeditionSmall Group JourneyCelebration and Special EventCulinary Travel and ShoppingMost widely used downstream fields of Luxury Travel market covered in this report are:MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomersSilver HairComplete report details @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Contents:Global Luxury Travel Industry Market Research Report1 Luxury Travel Introduction and Market Overview1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Definition of Luxury Travel1.3 Luxury Travel Market Scope and Market Size Estimation1.3.1 Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis1.3.2 Global Luxury Travel Value ($) and Growth Rate from 2013-20231.4 Market Segmentation1.4.1 Types of Luxury Travel1.4.2 Applications of Luxury Travel1.4.3 Research Regions1.4.3.1 North America Luxury Travel Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.2 Europe Luxury Travel Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.3 China Luxury Travel Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.4 Japan Luxury Travel Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.5 Middle East & Africa Luxury Travel Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.6 India Luxury Travel Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.7 South America Luxury Travel Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Drivers1.5.1.1 Emerging Countries of Luxury Travel1.5.1.2 Growing Market of Luxury Travel1.5.2 Limitations1.5.3 Opportunities1.6 Industry News and Policies by Regions1.6.1 Industry News1.6.2 Industry Policies2 Industry Chain Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Material Suppliers of Luxury Travel Analysis2.2 Major Players of Luxury Travel2.2.1 Major Players Manufacturing Base and Market Share of Luxury Travel in 20172.2.2 Major Players Product Types in 20172.3 Luxury Travel Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.3.1 Production Process Analysis2.3.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure of Luxury Travel2.3.3 Raw Material Cost of Luxury Travel2.3.4 Labor Cost of Luxury Travel2.4 Market Channel Analysis of Luxury Travel2.5 Major Downstream Buyers of Luxury Travel Analysis..8 Competitive Landscape8.1 Competitive Profile8.2 Tauck8.2.1 Company Profiles8.2.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.2.3 Tauck Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.2.4 Tauck Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.3 Ker & Downey8.3.1 Company Profiles8.3.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.3.3 Ker & Downey Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.3.4 Ker & Downey Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.4 Travcoa8.4.1 Company Profiles8.4.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.4.3 Travcoa Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.4.4 Travcoa Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.5 Zicasso8.5.1 Company Profiles8.5.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.5.3 Zicasso Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.5.4 Zicasso Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.6 Micato Safaris8.6.1 Company Profiles8.6.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.6.3 Micato Safaris Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.6.4 Micato Safaris Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.7 Black Tomato8.7.1 Company Profiles8.7.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.7.3 Black Tomato Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.7.4 Black Tomato Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.8 Lindblad Expeditions8.8.1 Company Profiles8.8.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.8.3 Lindblad Expeditions Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.8.4 Lindblad Expeditions Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.9 Scott Dunn8.9.1 Company Profiles8.9.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.9.3 Scott Dunn Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.9.4 Scott Dunn Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.10 Exodus Travels8.10.1 Company Profiles8.10.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.10.3 Exodus Travels Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.10.4 Exodus Travels Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.11 TUI Group8.11.1 Company Profiles8.11.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.11.3 TUI Group Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.11.4 TUI Group Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.12 Backroads8.12.1 Company Profiles8.12.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.12.3 Backroads Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.12.4 Backroads Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.13 Kensington Tours8.13.1 Company Profiles8.13.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.13.3 Kensington Tours Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.13.4 Kensington Tours Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 20178.14 Thomas Cook Group8.14.1 Company Profiles8.14.2 Luxury Travel Product Introduction8.14.3 Thomas Cook Group Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2013-2018E8.14.4 Thomas Cook Group Market Share of Luxury Travel Segmented by Region in 2017Continued..Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune 411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042 Scope in Global Clover Leaf Oil Market: Trends, Price, Revenue, Share, Growth and Forecast Until 2022 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=90 https://www.factmr.com/report/90/clover-leaf-oil-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=90 https://www.factmr.com/ The global market discussion on clover leaf oil industry can be found in the latest study by Fact.MR, which has been freshly added to its massive collection of research database. The report is titled Clover Leaf Oil Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022, which works to enlighten the readers about the major factors prompting the growth of the concerned market. Apart from that, the research majorly focuses on clover leaf oil markets competitive outlook by profiling major players functioning across the globe. As the report moves ahead, information regarding the prominent trends as well as opportunities in the key geographical segments have also been elaborated, thus enabling companies to be able to make region-specific strategies for gaining competitive lead. Some of the prime regions emphasized in the study include key regions.Request for Sample Report-Low awareness regarding benefits of clover leaf oil in improving overall health of consumers is expected to restrain the global market from expanding at an impressive pace. Fact.MRs report on the global clover leaf oil market projects that by the end of 2022, a little over US$ 528 Mn revenues will be procured from sales of clover leaf oil in the world, reflecting a moderate CAGR.Key Insights from the Report include:1. Through 2022, the demand for clover leaf oil in its absolute form is expected to remain closely equal to the demand for concentrated form of clover leaf oil. Both forms are anticipated to procure more than one-third share on global revenues, individually. Meanwhile, blended clover leaf oil products will lose traction in terms of demand, reflecting a sluggish growth at lowest CAGR.2. In 2017 and beyond, eight out of ten clover leaf oil products sold in the market will be sourced from natural clover plants. The demand for naturally sourced clover leaf oil will be high in Europe, while global demand for organically procured clover leaf oil will witness a considerable decline towards the end of the forecast period.3. Proactive lifestyles of consumers in European countries are pegged to influence the sales of clover leaf oil products. In Europe, the demand for clover leaf oil is expected to gain traction owing to prevalent inclination of consumers towards health-benefiting products. Consumers in this region are likely to be aware about the benefits of clover leaf oil in boosting energy, improving blood circulation and being a natural anti-inflammatory ointment. The report projects that through 2022, Europe will remain the largest market for clover leaf oil in the world.Natural Clover Leaf Oil to Remain Sought-After Among ConsumersBased on source type, natural clover leaf oil will continue to be sought-after in the global market, with revenues poised to account for over three-fourth share of the market during the forecast period. However, sales of organic clover leaf oil are estimated to register a sluggish expansion through 2022.Sales of absolute and blends form of clover leaf oil are expected to register a parallel expansion at 4.1% CAGR through 2022, natural segment being relatively more lucrative than the blends segment. Concentrates segment is expected to be the second most lucrative clover leaf oil in the global market by 2022-end.Clover Leaf Oil to Witness the Largest Application in TherapeuticsClover leaf oil are projected to witness the largest application in therapeutics across the globe. In addition, sales of clover leaf oil in therapeutics will continue to register the fastest expansion through 2022.Modern trade will continue to be the largest distribution channels for clover leaf oil during the forecast period. In addition, sales of clover leaf oil in modern trade and franchise outlets are expected to register similar CAGRs through 2022. Sales of clover leaf oil in online distribution channel will continue to register the highest CAGR through 2022.Europe will remain the largest market for clover leaf oil, with sales poised to witness a steady expansion through 2022. Revenues from sales of clover leaf oil in Europe will account for over one-third share of the market over the forecast period. The market for clover leaf oil in North America will register a sluggish expansion through 2022.Browse Full Report with TOC-Table of Content:1. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Executive Summary2. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Overview2.1. Introduction2.1.1. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Taxonomy2.1.2. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Definition2.2. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20222.2.1. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Y-o-Y Growth2.3. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Dynamics2.3.1. Drivers2.3.2. Restraints2.3.3. Trends2.4. Supply Chain2.5. Cost Structure2.6. Pricing Analysis2.7. Raw Material Sourcing Strategy and Analysis2.8. List of Distributors2.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By Region3. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Analysis and Forecast By Source Type3.1. Global Clover Leaf Oil Market Size and Forecast By Source Type, 2012-20223.1.1. Natural Clover Leaf Oil Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region3.1.2. Organic Clover Leaf Oil Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.2.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.2.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.2.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By RegionContinued.Check Discount on This Report-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized Food & Beverages market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web: Global Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterial Market To Rise At A Solid CAGR Of 10.4% From 2017 To 2025 To Become Worth US$5.4 Bn Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterials Market https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1293635 https://www.researchmoz.us/tissue-engineered-collagen-biomaterials-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1293635 https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterials Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.This report provides in-depth region wise and country wise analysis of the tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market. Stakeholders of this report include manufacturers of tissue engineered collagen biomaterials, raw material suppliers, research institutes involve in the research of tissue engineered collagen and new players planning to enter the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the global tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market. Qualitative analysis comprises market dynamics, trends, product overview, and country-level market information. Quantitative analysis includes major players with their reported revenue, market size, and forecast for the global tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market in major countries globally such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, China, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Market revenue is provided in terms of US$ Mn from 2015 to 2025 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2017 to 2025 for all the segments, considering 2016 as the base year. The executive summary of the report provides a snapshot of the tissue engineered collagen biomaterials with information on leading segments, country wise market information with respect to the market size, growth rate (CAGR %), and growth factors.The market overview section comprises impact factors such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities for the global tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market. These factors would aid the stakeholders in establishing a strong foothold in the global tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market. Furthermore, the market overview section comprises key industry events, product overview, market attractiveness analysis and emerging trend in the tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market. The market attractiveness analysis provides a graphical view comparing the growth and market dynamics in various segments and country wise to identify the most attractive market.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Global Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterials Market: SegmentationThe tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market has been segmented as by source, by application and by geography. Based on source the market has been segmented into bovine, porcine, marine, chicken and others. Based on application the market has been segmented into orthopedic, wound care and others.Geographically, the tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market has been categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Moreover, analysis for the major countries comprising U.S. Canada, Germany, Italy, France, U.K., Spain, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, Rest of APAC, Brazil, Mexico, Rest of LATAM, South Africa, Saudi Arabia have also been provided in the report. A detailed qualitative analysis of the factors responsible for driving and restraining the growth of the tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market in various regions has been provided in this section.This report also includes various ups and downs about particular country or geography that has impacted the overall market globally.Global Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterials Market: Competitive AnalysisThe report provides a detailed outline/blueprint of the tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market globally that will assist new companies in establishing their presence and market players in expanding their market share in the market. The report concludes with the company profile section which includes company overview, financial overview, SWOT analysis, product portfolio, business strategies and recent developments for market players. The major players that are profiled in the report include Advanced BioMatrix Inc., Collagen Matrix Inc., CollPlant Ltd., Collagen Matrix, Collagen Solutions Plc., Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, GENOSS Co., Ltd., Kyeron B.V., Maxigen Biotech Inc., and Medtronic.The global tissue engineered collagen biomaterials market has been segmented into:Global Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterials Market, by Source- Bovine- Porcine- Marine- Chicken- OthersGlobal Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterials Market, by Application- Orthopedic- Wound Care- OthersMake an Enquiry of this report @Global Tissue Engineered Collagen Biomaterials Market, by Geography- North America- U.S.- Canada- Europe- Germany- France- U.K.- Italy- Spain- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific (APAC)- Japan- China- India- Rest of APAC- Latin America (LATAM)- Brazil- Mexico- Rest of LATAM- Middle East & Africa (MEA)- Saudi Arabia- South Africa- Rest of MEAAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Global Insulin Delivery Devices Market Will Reach $14,093.3 million in 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/insulin-delivery-device-market/toc https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/2823 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Persistence Market Research Released New Market Report on Global Market Study on Insulin Delivery Devices - Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020 the global insulin delivery devices market is estimated at USD 9,391.1 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 14,093.3 million in 2020.Request Report for TOC @The insulin delivery devices market is witnessing a significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes and rising obese endemic. In addition, advanced features of insulin delivery devices and rising awareness among people about diabetes care are also supporting in the growth of the global insulin delivery devices market.However, risk and complications associated with the delivery of insulin and high cost of insulin analog hampers the growth of global insulin delivery devices market. As a result, the global insulin delivery devices market is expected to grow a CAGR of 7% during 2014-2020.North America has the largest market for insulin delivery devices. Increasing prevalence of diabetes and the rising number of overweight and obese people are key drivers of the insulin delivery devices market in the region. In addition, the rising number of elderly people is also supporting the growth of the insulin delivery devices market in the region.Similarly, the European insulin delivery devices market is mainly driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes, rising awareness among people about diabetes treatment, technological advancements in insulin delivery devices and increasing aging population.In Asia, insulin delivery devices market is growing due to rising aging population and increasing prevalence of diabetes. In addition, several government initiatives are increasing awareness about diabetes treatment which would increase the demand for insulin delivery devices in the region.In Latin America, construction of manufacturing and research facilities by many companies is driving factor the insulin delivery devices market in the region.Request to Sample of Report @Abbott Laboratories, Novo Nordisk A/S, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Inc., Sanofi, Becton, Dickinson and Company and F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd. are some of the leading players in the global insulin delivery devices market. Other major players of insulin delivery devices market include B. Braun Melsungen AG, Animas Corporation, Ypsomed Holding AG and Insulet Corporation.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Ophthalmic Devices Market to Reach USD 42,685.1 million in 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/ophthalmic-devices-market/toc https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3188 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Ophthalmic Devices: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020, the global ophthalmic devices market was valued at USD 29,171.5 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 42,685.1 million in 2020.Request Report for TOC @Globally, the ophthalmic devices market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing prevalence of eye disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. In addition, growing global aging population, increasing government initiatives towards healthcare infrastructure in developing countries, and increasing incidence of lifestyle-associated diseases are also driving the growth of the market. However, lack of awareness among people about eye disorders, poor primary healthcare infrastructure, and lack of insurance in developing countries hamper growth of the global ophthalmic devices market. In addition, eye diseases in children are also increasing due to the general lack of awareness.The global ophthalmic devices market is anticipated to grow from an estimated USD 29,171.5 million in 2014 to USD 42,685.1 million in 2020 at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.Age-related eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, are the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness in North America. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 22 million Americans aged 40 and above were affected by cataract and 2.3 million Americans were affected by glaucoma in 2011.In Europe, increasing prevalence of chronic eye diseases among the rising aging population is becoming a challenge for the European healthcare system. In France, the number of age-related macular degeneration cases was 0.3 million in 2000 and it is anticipated to increase by 0.5 million in 2020.Request to Sample of Report @However, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy are the major causes of blindness in Asia. Cataract can be held responsible for 50% to 80% of all cases of blindness in Southeast Asia. The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration is also increasing in Asia due to increase in life expectancy and rising incidence of diabetes among the younger population. As per the Centre for Eye Research Australia, prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among people ranged between 17% and 22% in India and 43.1% in rural China in 2012.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Guidewires Market Value Projected to Expand by 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=6484 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=6484 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/guidewires-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com A prominent trend in the global Guidewires Market is the thrust on research and development by keen companies to come up with innovative products to suit an array of medical procedures. This strategy of product development is meant to up sales and revenues. To that end, companies are increasing allocations on research and development.Some of the noteworthy players in the global guidewires market are Abbott, Terumo Medical Corporation, Integer Holdings Corporation, ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD., B. Braun Melsungen AG, Olympus Corporation, Stryker, Cardinal Health, Inc., CONMED Corporation, Cook, Merit Medical Systems, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, and Medtronic. Upcoming names in the market include Entellus Medical, Inc., EPflex Feinwerktechnik GmbH, and SP Medical A/S.A report by Transparency Market Research predicts the global guidewires market to clock a steady CAGR of 6.2% during the period between 2017 and 2025 to become worth US$2.7 bn by 2025-end from US$1.6 bn in 2016.Key products purveyed in the global guidewires market are coronary guidewires, peripheral guidewires, neurovascular guidewires, urology guidewires, radiology guidewires, gastroenterology guidewires, and others such as otolaryngology and oncology guidewires. Among them, the segment of coronary guidewires hold a leading share in the market because of the alarming increase in instances of cardiovascular diseases, worldwide.Request to View Sample of Report -Geographically, the main segments of the global guidewires market are North America, Asia Pacific, South America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific, of them, is expected to outshine all other regions in the global guidewires market because of the increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases, increasing allocations for healthcare in developing nations, and demand for affordable minimally invasive interventional procedures. Rising number of local manufacturers of guidewires providing innovative products at lower costs is also benefitting the market in the region which is expected to clock a CAGR of 7.0% from 2017 to 2025.Swift Uptake of Interventional Procedures Drive GrowthSome of the major growth drivers in the global guidewires market are rapid uptake of interventional procedures for diagnosis and treatment and surging popularity of minimally invasive procedures for angiography, prostatic stenting, transurethral electroporation of the prostate, transurethral needle ablation, and transurethral microwave. Growing per capita healthcare expenditure is also said to be positively influencing the market.Request to View Brochure of Report -Thrust on Product Development Benefits MarketThe global guidewires market is seeing a considerably degree of technological evolution because of efforts of savvy players to come up with more effective products. Rapid evolution of guidewire tips technology in the form of magnetically rich guidewires has resulted in increased scope of guidewires application from therapeutic to diagnostic purposes, and this is likely to boost the growth of diagnostic centers segment in the global guidewires market during the forecast period, adds the lead analyst of TMR report.High Price of Guidewires Dampens DemandOne factor, posing a hindrance to the market, on the flipside, is the steep cost of guidewires owing to significant time and money invested in their research and development. Non-reusable nature of guidewires also makes them expensive.At present, the end-use segment of hospitals is driving maximum demand in the global guidewires market owing to the rising preference among patients for minimally invasive interventional procedures. Clinics too are contributing significantly to the demand, along with ambulatory surgical centers.View Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Wave & Tidal Energy Market Top Key Player - Carnegie Wave Energy Limited (Australia), Ocean Power Technologies Inc.( U.S.). https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3885 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/3885 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/wave-tidal-energy-market-3885 Market HighlightsTidal energy, which is a mature form of energy, is broadly classified into tidal stream and tidal range energy that are entailed by construction of barrages. On the other hand, wave energy is a relatively new concept and the sector is expected to witness significant market growth during the forecast period in terms of installed capacity and capital investment. Wave and tidal stream technologies have significant potential of reaping benefits of economies of scale. Large-scale commercial array deployments of wave and tidal power plants are projected to be followed by massive cost reductions. Global wave & tidal market is expected to reach market size of USD 15,291.2 Million by 2023 at a CAGR of 17.84%.Geographically, in South Korea, the government has set a target that 11% of the national energy is demand coming from new and renewable energy by 2030. Ocean energy, including wave and tidal is targeted to contribute 4.7% in the new and renewable total.Get Sample Report @Global Wave & Tidal Energy MarketA number of new wave and tidal energy projects are being established, across the globe, and will start contributing in the global energy mix on a consistent basis in the next few years. Some national and regional governments are supporting ocean energy development through a range of initiatives. Those initiatives include R&D and capital grants to device developers, performance incentives for produced electricity and marine infrastructure development. Furthermore, the growing use of tidal energy for power generations, and the increasing research and development (R&D) activities are driving the market growth.Geographically, the global wave and tidal energy market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Among these regions, Europe is presently the leading contributor of revenue to the global market and is expected to witness significant developments in the next few years. Europe is the global leader in the development of ocean energy technologies, hosting most of global developers (52% of tidal stream and 60% of wave energy developers). However, the installation of ocean energy devices is taking place at a slower pace than expected. This is because there is only 14MW of ocean energy installed capacity at the end of 2016, instead of 641MW declared by the EU Member States in their national renewable energy action plans. Meanwhile, the tidal barrage operations in South Korea are expected to put Asia Pacific on the global map in the coming years. Furthermore, Australia is also expected to make a significant contribution to the rising revenue of the Asia Pacific wave and tidal energy market.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @Scope of the ReportThis study provides an overview of the global wave & tidal energy market, tracking two market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the global wave & tidal energy market by its type and by region.By TypeWave EnergyTidal EnergyBy RegionsNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeKey PlayersThe key players of global wave & tidal energy market are Atlantis Resources Ltd (London), Aquamarine Power Ltd (U.K.), Carnegie Wave Energy Limited (Australia), Ocean Power Technologies Inc.( U.S.), IHI Corporation (Japan), Pelamis Wave Power (Scotland), Ocean Renewable Power CO Llc (Portland), YAM PRO Energy (Israel), Tenax Energy (Australia) and AW Energy Oy Ltd (Vantaa).Browse Complete ReportMarket Research Future is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients.Market Research FuturePhone: +13393686938Mail: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market 2018 Development Trends & Key Benefits : Arkema S.A., Nippon Gohsei QYResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1702347&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-liquid-saturated-polyester-resin-sales-market-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1702347&type=D Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Our recently added research study on the global market for Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin is a powerhouse of information on it. Our team of in-house experts pulled out all stops to create a well-researched report that would enable key stakeholders in the market to bet right on it. It sets out with a succinct yet insightful description of the scope of the market. It then discusses the size of the market by uncovering details on revenue of various product segments that constitute the market.For free sample on this report, fill the form @Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin for these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingRoyal DSM N.V. (Netherlands)Allnex Belgium SA/NV (Belgium)Arkema S.A. (France)Nuplex Industries (New Zealand)Stepan Company (U.S.)Evonik Industries (Germany)Nippon Gohsei (Japan)Covestro AG (Germany)Megara Resins (Anastassios Fanis S.A.) (Greece)The report also throws light on the various growth drivers and restraints shaping the trajectory of the market for Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin. To do so, it factors in various macro-fundamentals, latest technologies underpinning the product, and the changing government policies. It also offers detailed comparison of the various product and application segments to understand which one holds out maximum opportunity. Geographically, its divides the market for Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin into Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa. It tries to fathom how each one is faring or will fare vis-a-vis growth in the near term.In order to understand the competitive landscape in the market for Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin, the report studies the companies with unique propositions. It banks upon a comparative study on the services and solutions of such companies by leveraging parameters such as sales and revenues. It also digs up information on the deal-making scene and research and development activities in the market for Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin to understand in which direction it is headed.The report packages all the crucial bits of information in digestible chunks by the usage of charts and graphs which would enable readers to spot key trends automatically.View TOC (table of content) of the Report:Table of Contents1 Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin1.2 Classification of Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin by Product Category1.2.1 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.3 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market by Application/End Users1.4 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market by Region1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin (Volume) by ApplicationCheck Discount For This Report @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Liquid Saturated Polyester ResinFigure Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales Volume Comparison (K MT) by Type (2013-2025)Figure Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017Figure Benzene Ring structure Product PictureFigure Linear polyester Product PictureFigure Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Sales Comparison (K MT) by Application (2013-2025)Figure Global Sales Market Share of Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin by Application in 2017Figure Global Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Market Size (Million USD) by Regions (2013-2025)Figure United States Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure China Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Europe Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Japan Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Southeast Asia Liquid Saturated Polyester Resin Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales Market Report 2018 : Raytheon (US), IBM (US), NVIDIA (US) QYResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1698939&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-artificial-intelligence-in-military-sales-market-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1698939&type=D Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Artificial Intelligence In Military market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.The global Artificial Intelligence In Military market will be extensively covered in our latest report, which mainly outlines key occurrences in the market. Product launches, advancements in technology, and collaborations within businesses are some of these events, which are exhaustively covered in the report. The study has been carried out based on qualitative as well as quantitative information derived from primary and secondary research. This study describes market size from a global and local perspective, trends, progress, and various other parameters. A thorough representation of the competitive landscape has been given in the report.Get a Free Sample Report for more Professional and Technical insights @Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Artificial Intelligence In Military for these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Artificial Intelligence In Military market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Artificial Intelligence In Military sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingLockheed Martin (US)Raytheon (US)Northrop Grumman (US)IBM (US)Thales Group (France)General Dynamics (US)NVIDIA (US)BAE Systems (UK)The report provides a clear overview of the global Artificial Intelligence In Military market in its beginning section, followed by a product/service description. Various factors that are driving as well as restraining the market are covered in detail in this report. These factors comprise individual aspects such as macro-fundamentals, policies and amendments, micro-trends, and future projections, among many others. The global market for Artificial Intelligence In Military mainly deals with revenue generation based on relevant newly-launched products and services, thereby bringing criteria such as applications, end users, and technology type into the picture.The global Artificial Intelligence In Military market is mainly divided into numerous segments based on the above mentioned criteria, and each segment has been covered in minute detail in the report. Under every criteria, a leading segment has been demarcated in terms of revenue gained and lucrativeness. These segments are described from the viewpoint to provide a valuable insight to players, in order to make them maximize their profits. This section is also followed by considerably detailed geographical outlook.Read Complete Table of Content @Table of Contents1 Artificial Intelligence In Military Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Artificial Intelligence In Military1.2 Classification of Artificial Intelligence In Military by Product Category1.2.1 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.3 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Market by Application/End Users1.4 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Market by Region1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Artificial Intelligence In Military (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Artificial Intelligence In Military (Volume) by ApplicationMake An Enquiry For Discount :List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Artificial Intelligence In MilitaryFigure Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales Volume Comparison (K Units) by Type (2013-2025)Figure Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017Figure Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Sales Comparison (K Units) by Application (2013-2025)Figure Global Sales Market Share of Artificial Intelligence In Military by Application in 2017Figure Global Artificial Intelligence In Military Market Size (Million USD) by Regions (2013-2025)Figure United States Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure China Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Europe Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Japan Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Southeast Asia Artificial Intelligence In Military Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Global Hydraulic Fracturing Market Offered in New Research Forecasted through 2022 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/746 https://www.mrrse.com/hydraulic-fracturing-market In order to study the various trends and patterns prevailing in the overall market Hydraulic Fracturing, Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has included a new report titled Hydraulic Fracturing Market to its wide online database. This research assessment offers a clear insight about the influential factors that are expected to transform the global market in the near future. Readers can access the regional as well as segment-wise analysis for acquiring precise information about the global market structure.To Get Sample PDF or View Summary of Report @Global hydraulic fracturing market. With an increase in the number of successful discoveries of shale gas and tight gas reserves, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) techniques are adopted extensively to extract large quantities of hydrocarbons. The global hydraulic fracturing market valued at US$38.32 bn in 2014 and is expected to reach US$66.06 bn by 2022, expanding at a CAGR of 6.12% in the period from 2014 to 2022. The report is titled Hydraulic Fracturing Market, - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2014 - 2022.The report states that the hydraulic fracturing market which stood at 21.34 MHHP in 2013, is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.30% from 2014 to 2022, to reach 33.97 MHHP by 2022 in terms of volume. The report contains an executive summary comprising a snapshot of the hydraulic fracturing market, containing detailed information on the various segments, as well as the market dynamics such as growth drivers and restraining factors. It also analyzes the impact of these dynamics on the market during the forecast period 2014 to 2022.Hydraulic fracturing techniques are primarily implemented on unconventional reservoirs such as tight oil, tight gas, shale gas, shale oil, and coal bed methane. Over time, hydraulic fracturing has begun to gain preference in conventional gas and oil fields on abandoned wells which were deemed uneconomical in the past. With the implementation of the hydraulic fracturing technique, the production of natural gas and crude oil has become possible from matured fields. Currently, 70% of the overall production of hydrocarbons is from matured fields.The application of hydraulic fracturing techniques results in significant cost and time savings, which is one of the reasons for an increase in the adoption of this technique. The adoption of hydraulic fracturing by several countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the U.S. for both conventional and unconventional gas and oil fields has propelled the global hydraulic fracturing market. Moreover, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), large quantities of shale gas and shale oil reserves are available for extraction in North America, which will further drive the hydraulic fracturing market. These discoveries in North America have helped the region to transform from an energy importing nation to an energy exporting nation. It has also helped the region to create huge employment opportunities and increase energy security. According to the report, North America would be the largest exporter of natural gas and crude oil in the future, indicating many emergent opportunities in the fracking market in North America.The global hydraulic fracturing market is segmented on the basis of technology, application, and region. Major regions studied are Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and RoW. Out of these, North America dominates the market, owing to large shale reserves present in the region. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into conventional, shale gas, and others.The hydraulic fracturing market was further segmented on the basis of technology and application type. Technologies included in this report are plug and perf and sliding sleeves. The application segments of the hydraulic fracturing market are conventional, shale gas, and others (shale oil, tight gas, tight oil, and coal bed methane). The hydraulic fracturing market was analyzed across six geographies: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the hydraulic fracturing market. Key market participants in the hydraulic fracturing market include Baker Hughes Inc., Calfrac Well Services Ltd., FTS International, Inc., Halliburton Company, Nabors Industries Ltd., RPC, Inc., Schlumberger Limited, Trican Well Services Limited, United Oilfield Services, Inc., and Weatherford International Ltd. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.To Access Complete Research Report with Tables and Figures @The global hydraulic fracturing market has been segmented as follows:Hydraulic Fracturing Market: Technology AnalysisPlug and PerfSliding SleevesHydraulic Fracturing Market: Application AnalysisConventionalShale gasOthersAbout Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com Wire & Tube 2018 - Hitachi Coding Solutions will be there ! Hitachi Coding Solutions http://lp.de.inkjet.hitachi-industrial.eu/ http://www.hitachi.com Wire&Tube2018 - DusseldorfHitachi Coding Solutions is exhibiting at Wire&Tube 2018, Dusseldorf.Meet us at the worlds most important trade fair for the wire and cable industry.We will exhibit our industrial inkjet printers, the UX-Series. The UX-Series is a global model with highly evolved Reliability, Efficiency, Ease of Use and even Eco-friendly. Hitachi showing the printer models dedicated to the wire & cable industry, High-speed, twin-nozzle and a special model for pigmented inks. All our printers are running during the show, please bring you samples!You will find us in Hall 11/booth H26About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer societys challenges. The Hitachi Group is a global leader in the Social Innovation Business, and it has approximately 335,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation, Hitachi is providing solutions to customers in a broad range of sectors, including Power / Energy, Industry / Distribution / Water, Urban Development, and Finance / Government & Public / Healthcare. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website atHitachi Europe GmbHNiederkasseler Lohweg 19140547 DusseldorfGermany Chatbots Market Research Anticipated To Grow With A Impressive CAGR And Big Players Dominating The Industry According To The Forecast Of 2025 "Global Chatbots Market Industry Trends and Forecast to 2025" http://databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-chatbots-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying/?dbmr=global-chatbots-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-chatbots-market/ http://databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-data-center-interconnect-market/ Global Chatbots Market is expected to reach USD 4125.3 Million by 2025, from USD 750.3 Million in 2017 growing at a CAGR of 36.5% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2025. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2014 & 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2018 to 2025.Get Free Sample Report Visit @Global Chatbots Market, By Type (Software, Services), By Usage (Websites, Contact Centres, Social Media, Mobile Platform), By Industry Vertical (Financial Services, Healthcare, Communication, Retail, Travel and Hospitality, Government, Education, Utilities), By Deployment Type, By End User (Small and Medium Enterprises, Large Enterprises), By Geography Industry Trends and Forecast to 2025Report Definition:This market report defines the market trends and forecast the upcoming opportunities and threats of the chatbots market in the next 8 years. Chatbots is a computer program designed to simulate chat with human users, over the Internet. It conducts conversation via auditing and textual messages. These are the computer programs that imitate conversation with people using artificial intelligence. The chatbot ecosystem includes several cross-linking features that enable enhanced performance of chatbots in various applications. Many companies prefer in-built chatbots on their websites as they facilitate companies in providing immediate customer interaction. Mostly slack and twitter messaging platforms are preferred by businesses. Chatbots allows companies to engross in continuous communication with their customers. Chatbots installed by the companies offer information related to product and brand, which helps the company to increase brand awareness, and inspire customers to sign up for the companys account. There is a huge growth for chatbots because large enterprises widely employ chatbot for digital marketing applications and for easy communication. The Kik Bot Store is going to launch chatbot with 16 bots, which will include the Weather Channel, H&M, Vine and Funny or Die.The Global Chatbots Market report consists of below pages: No of pages: 350 No of Figures: 60 No of Tables: 220Competitive Analysis:The global chatbots market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of chatbots market for global, Europe, North America, Asia pacific and South America.Major Market Competitors/Players:Some of the major players operating in the global chatbots market are IBM, Nuance Communications, Inc., eGain Corporation., Creative Virtual Ltd., Artificial Solutions, Next IT Corp., [24]7.ai, Inc., CX Company, Speaktoit, Inc., iDAvatars, Baidu, Inc, Poncho, Kik., WeChat., Varo, Babylon, ReplyYes, SRI International, Inbenta Technologies Inc., Anboto, among others.Inquiry Before Buying @Major Market Drivers and Restraints: Acceptance of cloud-based technology Increasing demand for automated patient management tools in the healthcare industry Penetration of websites and mobile applications are increased. Lack of awareness due to early presence in tech-adoption life cycle High deployment cost and system integration complexitiesScope of the Report:The global chatbots market is segmented into type, industry vertical, usage, deployment type, end user and by geography.Based on type, the global chatbots market is segmented into software and services. Services are further segmented into professional services and managed services.On the basis of usage, the global chatbots market is segmented into websites, contact centres, social media, and mobile platform.On the basis of industry vertical, the global chatbots market is segmented into financial services, healthcare, communication, retail, travel and hospitality, government, education, utilities and others.On the basis of deployment type, the global chatbots market is segmented into on-premises and on-cloud.On the basis of end user, the global chatbots market is segmented into small and medium enterprises, large enterprises.Based on geography, the global chatbots market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies namely north America & south America, Europe, Asia-Pacific And, Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and, Brazil among others.Read more about the Global Chatbots Market Visit @Key Reasons to Purchase:To gain insightful analyses of the market and have comprehensive understanding of the Global Chatbots Market and its commercial landscape.Assess the Chatbots production processes, major issues, and solutions to mitigate the development risk.To understand the most affecting driving and restraining forces in the Chatbots Market and its impact in the Global market.Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by leading respective organizations.To understand the future outlook and prospects for Global Chatbots Market.Related ReportGlobal Data Center Interconnect Market Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Data Center Interconnect market, By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa), By Type {Product (Packet Switching Networking, Packet Optical Transport/Packet Optical Networking, Converged Packet Optical), Software, Services (Professional Services, Managed Services)}; By Application (Real-Time Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity, Shared Data and Resources/Server High-Availability Clusters (Geoclustering), Workload (VM) and Data (Storage) Mobility) By End-Users (Communication Service Providers, Carrier Neutral Providers/Internet Content Providers, Government, Enterprises) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Report Access:About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Data Bridge adepts in creating satisfied clients who reckon upon our services and rely on our hard work with certitude. Get 10% Discount on Report by emailing sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com . We are content with our glorious 99.9 % client satisfying rate.Contact:Vishal DixitData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com Walkie Talkie Competitive Intelligence Study Insights on Market Challenges and New Trends Walkie Talkie Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1086217-global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-walkie-talkie-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1086217-global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-walkie-talkie-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1086217 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1086217-global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-walkie-talkie-market-1 HTF MI comprehensive and detailed 108-page research study on Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie provides a significantly expanded scope with deeply analyzed conclusions and content that includes an industry relevant database of major existing Walkie Talkiemanufacturers/players in each region, analysis of 11 leading national markets, important regions [North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.) & Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)], a description of major geopolitical trends, analysis of the influencing factors and regulatory policies leading to the volatile dynamics.If you are involved in the Walkie Talkie industry or intend to be, then this study is for you. Its vital you keep your market knowledge up to date. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization accordingly.Get Access to PDF Sample of Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 @:A walkie-talkie (more formally known as a handheld transceiver, or HT) is a hand-held, portable, two-way radio transceiver. Its development during the Second World War has been variously credited to Donald L. Hings, radio engineer Alfred J. Gross, and engineering teams at Motorola. Similar designs were created for other armed forces, and after the war, walkie-talkies spread to public safety and eventually commercial and jobsite work. Major characteristics include a half-duplex channel (only one radio transmits at a time, though any number can listen) and a "push-to-talk" (PTT) switch that starts transmission. Typical walkie-talkies resemble a telephone handset, possibly slightly larger but still a single unit, with an antenna mounted on the top of the unit. Where a phone's earpiece is only loud enough to be heard by the user, a walkie-talkie's built-in speaker can be heard by the user and those in the user's immediate vicinity. Hand-held transceivers may be used to communicate between each other, or to vehicle-mounted or base stations.The research document will answer following questions such as: How is the Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie market evolving? What are the key next-generation Walkie Talkie technologies/applications? What are the main applications of Walkie Talkie? How do the Walkie Talkie fit into the market? At what stage of development are the key Walkie Talkie? Are there any planned, existing or successful demonstration and pilot projects going? What key challenges do Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie have to overcome to become fully commercially viable? Is their development and commercialization dependent on cost reductions or seeks technological/application wise breakthroughs? What is the outlook for key emerging Walkie Talkie? What difference does performance characteristics of Walkie Talkie creates from those of established entities? Which companies, organizations are involved with Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie growth story? Which market spaces are the most active in the development of Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie market? How do the conditions for the development and deployment of differ in key regional markets? What is driving and restraining factors affecting the development and commercialization?Browse for Full Report synopsis at:Briefing about some major insights that are included in the study are Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie Sales (K Units) and Revenue (Million USD) by Top manufacturers that includes Motorola, JVCKENWOOD, Icom, Hytera, Sepura, Tait, Cobra, Yaesu, Entel Group, Uniden, Midland, BFDX, Kirisun, Quansheng, HQT, Neolink, Lisheng, Abell & Weierwei for forecasted period 2017-2022. Each player highlighted in the research study contains companies Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors, in-depth business overview, geographic footprint and contact information. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to SWOT Analysis.Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie (Thousands Units) by Application (2017-2022)Market Segment by Application 2012 2017 2022 Market Share (%)2022 CAGR (%)(2017-2022)Government and Public Safety xx xx xx xx% xx%Utilities xx xx xx xx% xx%Industry and Commerce xx xx xx xx% xx%Others xx xx xx xx% xx%Total xx xx xx 100% xx%Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with Sales, revenue, Market Share (%) and Growth Rate (%) of Walkie Talkie in regions/countries such as North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.) & Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa), from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).Market Segment by Regions 2012 2017 2022 Share (%) CAGR (2017-2022)North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) xx xx xx xx% xx%Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy) xx xx xx xx% xx%Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) xx xx xx xx% xx%South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.) xx xx xx xx% xx%Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa) xx xx xx xx% xx%Total xx xx xx xx% xx%Buy Single User License of Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 @In addition to this Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie Market Split by Product Type such as Analog Walkie Talkie & Digital Walkie Talkie and also presented nicely through graphs and tables.Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as Analog Walkie Talkie & Digital Walkie TalkieMarket Segment by Type 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022Analog Walkie Talkie xx xx xx xx xx Xx xx-Change (%) xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx%Digital Walkie Talkie xx xx xx xx xx Xx xx-Change (%) xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx%There are 19 Chapters to deeply display the Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie market.Chapter 1, to describe Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by countries, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of , with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2017; Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie market by countries, covering North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.) & Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa), with sales, price, revenue and market share of Walkie Talkie, for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 to analyze the key countries by manufacturers, Type [Analog Walkie Talkie & Digital Walkie Talkie] and Application [Government and Public Safety, Utilities, Industry and Commerce & Others], covering North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.) & Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa),with sales, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and application;Chapter 14, Walkie Talkie market forecast, by countries, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18 and 19, to describe the research findings and conclusion, appendix, methodology and data sourceThis brand new research report with title Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Walkie Talkie Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 provides 100+ in-depth tables, charts and graphs that will help you make better informed strategic decisions.Enquire for customization in Report @Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.About Author:HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.com Surgical Stents Market Forecasts Till 2027 Top Leader Analysis by Amg International GmbH (Germany), Abbott (US), Angiocare (Netherlands) and Elixir Medical Corporation (US) Surgical Stents Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1044 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1044 The Global Surgical Stents Market is segmented into types, type of materials, application, and end users. On the basis of types, the global surgical stents market is segmented: cardiac stents, urinary stents, biliary stents, esophageal stents, prostatic stents and other. Cardiac stents are further segmented: self-expanding stents, balloon expanding stents, bio-engineered stents, dual therapy stents, artery stents, drug eluting stents and other. Urinary stents are further segmented: open end stents, double pigtail stents, closed end stents and multi loop stents. On the basis of materials, the market is segmented: metal, standard polymer, and biodegradable polymer. On the basis of applications, the market is segmented into cardiac diseases, urinary tract diseases, and others. On the basis of end users, the market is segmented into hospital, clinics, and others.Surgical Stents Market Regional Analysis:America dominates the global surgical stents market owing to an enormous number of the patient suffering from cardiac and renal diseases. Additionally, well-developed healthcare sector and higher healthcare expenditure have supported the growth of the market in this region. Europe accounts for the second largest market followed by Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the global surgical stents market due to the presence of huge patient population base and rapidly developing economies.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Key Players for Global Surgical Stents Market:Some of the major key player for the market are STI Laser Industries, Ltd (Israel), ELLA - CS, s.r.o. (Czech Republic), Boston Scientific Corporation (US), Laserage Technology corporation (US), amg International GmbH (Germany), Abbott (US), Angiocare (Netherlands), Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (India), Elixir Medical Corporation (US), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), Medtronic (US), Amaranth Medical, Inc (US), Arterial Remodeling Technologies (US).Major Regional Analysis Global Surgical Stents Market Research Report- Forecast To 2027AmericasNorth AmericaUSCanadaLatin AmericaEuropeWestern EuropeGermanyFranceItalySpainU.KRest of Western EuropeEastern EuropeAsia PacificAsiaChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaRest of AsiaPacificThe Middle East & AfricaAsk Questions to Expertise @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Practice Analytics Market Top Players Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 11.5% During Forecasted Period of 2018 to 2023 | Exclusively Available at MarketResearchFuture.com Practice Analytics Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1017 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1017 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1017 The Global Practice Analytics Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% during forecasted period of 2017-2023. Practice Analytics can be defined as the capability to evaluate and examine the state of a practice in a business, it is also a tool that is essential to support and produce a business. Practice analytics is an easy to use report writing and business intellect tool that can be utilized by directors, managers, providers and support staff. In practice analytics, analysing data in detail and summarizing it, preparing reports and presentation graphics, along with generating data files for exports to other applications are major driving factors responsible for growth of this market. Increasing in SaaS (Software as a Service) based analysis and SQL database which is a more demanding database language will also boost the growth of this market.The global practice analytics market is growing with a rapid pace. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, the global practice analytics market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period and is projected to grow a sound pace. The market is projected to demonstrate a sound growth by 2027, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a sound CAGR during the anticipated period (2017-2027).Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Practice analytics can be defined as the capability to evaluate and examine the state of a practice in a business. It serves as a basic tool for providing essential support to produce business. Practice analytics is used in report writing. Moreover, it can be used as a business intellect tool and is extensively utilised by the directors, managers, providers and support staff. In practice analytics, analysis of the data is done in detail. Thereafter, it is summarized for preparing reports and graphics, along with generating data files for exports to other applications. Such trends in the application of the techniques is driving the market growth. Moreover, increasing SaaS (Software as a Service) based analysis and SQL database are estimated to boost the growth during the forecast period. However, analysis of huge amount of data is time consuming. This is the major restrain that can hinder the markets growth during the forecast period.Practice Analytics (U.S.), Greenway Health (U.S.), Medisys (U.S.), Cardinal Health (U.S.), Mckesson (U.S.), DigiChart (U.S.), Meditab (U.S.), UROGPO (U.S.), Global Health Management Services (U.S.) and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the Global Practice Analytics Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Global Practice Analytics Market - Competitive AnalysisCharacterized by the presence of several well-established and small players, the global practice analytics market appears to be highly competitive and fragmented. International players are increasingly expanding their footprint in the developing economy, making it difficult for regional vendors to compete with them, especially in terms of features such as product differentiation, product portfolios, quality, and pricing. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to get more intensified further during the forecast period. The intense competition prevalent in the market dictates the consolidation among marketers.Well established players incorporate acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, and product launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position.Global Practice Analytics Market - Regional AnalysisOn regional basis, the practice analytics market is segmented into Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America commanded the largest market. Increasing use of information technology in healthcare industries and rising industrialization followed by the development of IT industries are the major drivers for the market growth of the market within the region. Following the similar trends of North America, Europe stands second in the market. On the other hand Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing market. The Middle East and Africa have the lowest market share due to lack of technical knowledge and poor medical facilities.On the basis of diagnosis, the market is segmented into physical exam, imaging tests, and others. Imaging test is sub-segmented into ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and others. On the basis of treatments, the market has been segmented into medications, therapy, surgical repair, and others. Medication sub-segmented into pain relievers, corticosteroids, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and others. Therapy is further sub-segmented into hot and cold therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and others.On the basis of end user, it is segmented into hospitals & clinics, medical research centers, academic institutes, and others.Get Discount @Major TOC of Worldwide Practice Analytics Market Report:1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction2.1 Introduction2.2 Scope Of Study2.3 Research Objective2.4 Assumptions & Limitations2.4.1 Assumptions2.4.2 Limitations3 Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 RestraintsTOC Continued..!LIST OF TABLESTable 1 Practice Analytics Industry Synopsis, 20172023Table 2 Global Practice Analytics Market Estimates & Forecast, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 3 Global Practice Analytics Market, By Region, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 4 Global Practice Analytics Market, By Type Of Module, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 5 Global Practice Analytics Market, By Application, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 6 North America Practice Analytics Market, By Type Of Module, 20172023, (USD Million)LIST OF FIGURESFigure 1 Research ProcessFigure 2 Segmentation For Global Practice Analytics MarketFigure 3 Segmentation Market Dynamics For Practice Analytics MarketFigure 4 Global Practice Analytics Market Share, By Type Of Module 2016Figure 5 Global Practice Analytics Market Share, By Application, 2016Figure 6 Global Practice Analytics Market Share, By Region, 2016Figure 7 North America Practice Analytics Market Share, By Country, 2016& Continued.!Ask Questions to Expertise @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Dental Prosthetics Market Worldwide Competitive Leaders: Ivoclar Vivadent AG (Liechtenstein), Osstem Prosthetics (South Korea), Planmeca OY (Finland), CAMLOG Biotechnologies AG (Switzerland) and Zimmer Biomet (US) Dental Prosthetics Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2905 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2905 Market Research Future has a cooked research report on Global Dental Prosthetics Market. The global market for Dental Prosthetics Market is growing continuously and expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2016 to 2023.Worldwide Dental Prosthetics Market Overview:The Global Dental Prosthetics Market is poised to have a steady growth in upcoming years. CAGR wise, the market is expected to develop at the rate of above 5.3% from 2018 to 2022. It is estimated to earn more than USD 5657.2 million by 2022. The Global Dental Prosthetics Market has been evaluated as moderately growing market and it is expected that the market will continue to grow similarly in the near future. Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions and it became more defined and professional after 1700s. Dental prosthetics is also known as prosthodontics.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @The Global Dental Prosthetics Market has been evaluated as moderately growing market and it is expected that the market will continue to grow similarly in the near future. Dentistry is one of the oldest medical profession and it became more defined and professional after 1700s. Dental prosthetics is also known as prosthodontics. Dental prosthetics are used for replacement of missing or damaged teeth. This replacement either temporary or permanent according to need. Growing overall population and increasing demand for dental care treatments are leading the growth for the dental prosthetics market. Rapidly increasing aging population is another important driver for the dental prosthetics market, because after certain age, elderly people may face some dental problems and it is necessary to take some dental treatments.Increasing consumer awareness is major driver for the growth of the market. Cosmetic dentistry is one of the niche sub segment of dentistry and is growing rapidly. Consumers are becoming more conscious about oral health and appearance for which they are opting for cosmetic dentistry. Dental prosthetics manufacturers are spending huge money on R&D to develop new and innovative product for the market which is causing competition among the companies. Growing dental tourism is a key factor for the growth of the market. Increasing per capita income, increasing expenditure, and growing middle class population are driving the growth for the dental prosthetics market. Hospitals are also providing advance facilities to the patients which is helping them to attract more number of patients. Dental Prosthetics Market was around US$ 3882.4 million in 2016 and it is expected to reach US$ 5659.4 million by 2023 at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period.Global Dental Prosthetics Market Players:There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe. Henry Schein, Inc. (US), DENTSPLY Sirona (US), 3M (US), Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland), Zimmer Biomet (US), Nobel Biocare (Part of Danaher corporation) (US), Ivoclar Vivadent AG (Liechtenstein), Osstem Prosthetics (South Korea), Planmeca OY (Finland), CAMLOG Biotechnologies AG (Switzerland)Worldwide Dental Prosthetics Market Regional Analysis:Considering the global scenario of the market, North America region is believed to be the largest market for Dental Prosthetics. Moreover the European market is also growing and second largest market for Dental Prosthetics. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at fast rate in the market of Dental Prosthetics during the forecasted period. Middle East and Africa is likely to have a limited but steady growth in the market.Ask Questions to Expertise @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Denture Adhesive Market 2018 To 2021 Leaders: Ultra Dent Products, Fixodent, Baxter International, Stryker Corporation, DENTSPLY International, Procter and Gamble, Colgate and Sea bond Denture Adhesive Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/781 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/781 Recent Trends in the Denture Adhesives market indicate towards heavy growth in the Denture Adhesives market. Increasing number of dentists in Europe, North America and other developing nations, growing awareness regarding healthcare are some of the key growth influencers for the Denture Adhesives market. Advancement in technology, new developing techniques can also result in the growth of the Denture Adhesives market. A major chunk of this increase in demand of denture adhesives can be credited to the increasing aging population in the world as it is much more likely for aged people to require dental procedures.Dentures are replaceable stand in for missing teeth and the tissues surrounding it. Dentures are available in two types, complete and partial. The complete dentures are used when all of the patients teeth are missing whereas the partial dentures come into use when some of the natural teeth remain. Denture adhesive are powders or pastes which are placed on the dentures so as to make sure that the denture remains at the same place. If the dentures are used there is no requirement if denture adhesives. Denture Adhesives at times contain zinc to enhance the adhesion.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Global Denture Adhesive Market: Prominent Market Players:Ultra dent Products, Fixodent, Baxter International, Stryker Corporation, DENTSPLY International, Procter and Gamble, Colgate, 3M and Sea bondGlobal Denture Adhesive Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaNorth America is one of the leading markets for the denture adhesives market. USA alone is expected to register a growth rate of above 6% which is staggering. The North American dental market is currently placed in a position to propel the denture adhesive market is a position that its contribution to the GDP increases significantly. The increasing population of aging individuals is another factor which can prove to be a positive indication for the denture adhesive market. Increasing awareness regarding oral hygiene and healthcare can also boost the dental adhesive markets demand. Technological advancement and increasing acceptance of such material for surgical and medical purposes can also be credited with the increasing demand.EuropeThe Europe healthcare industry is currently booming given the fact the increasing number of medical professionals and growing awareness. The high literacy rate in Europe is going to increase awareness about healthcare which ultimately is going to give boost to the healthcare industry leading to a boost of the dental market further boosting the denture adhesive market. Increasing demand for high standards and high quality dental consumables is going to increase the scope of the dental consumables market. Ageing population and technological advancement are expected to continuously fuel the demand for Denture Adhesives.Ask Questions to Expertise @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Sticky Tape Market Report for Period 2018 till 2024 Loytape Industries SDN.BHD., Papertec, Inc., Holland Manufacturing Co. Inc., Intertape Polymer Group. Inc., ADH TAPE, STA, LLC., Hade Heinrich Dorseifer KG and Others. Sticky Tape Market https://bit.ly/2JExfot http://marketreportscompany.com/report.php?report=chemicals-and-materials/global-sticky-tape-market-report-for-period-2018-till-2024/38546 https://bit.ly/2JExfot Global Sticky Tape market report emphasizes on detailed analysis of companies and manufacturers like Windmill Tapes & Labels Ltd., Neubronner GmbH & Co., Maxfel S.R.l, ADH TAPE, STA, LLC., Hade Heinrich Dorseifer KG, Abco Kovex, 3M Company, Holland Manufacturing Co. Inc., Intertape Polymer Group. Inc., Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Loytape Industries SDN.BHD., Papertec, Inc., LPS Industries, LLC and Others.This market study includes data about global market statistics, market share, company performances, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc. The Global Sticky Tape market report provides detailed segmentation of Global Sticky Tape Market based on product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Sticky Tape Market 2017 @Top Manufactures of Global Sticky Tape market:3M CompanyHolland Manufacturing Co. Inc.Intertape Polymer Group. Inc.Shurtape Technologies, LLCLoytape Industries SDN.BHD.Papertec, Inc.LPS Industries, LLCWindmill Tapes & Labels Ltd.Neubronner GmbH & Co.Maxfel S.R.lADH TAPESTA, LLC.Hade Heinrich Dorseifer KGAbco KovexOthers(Note: We can profile additional players without extra charges)Global Sticky Tape Market: Key Product Type:Paper Sticky TapeFibre Reinforced TapeOthersKey Application Types for Global Sticky Tape Market:Building & ConstructionElectricals & ElectronicsConsumer GoodsothersKey Regions for Global Sticky Tape Market:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide specific country or region specific report on request)The Global Sticky Tape Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Sticky Tape Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in current and past few years. The Global Sticky Tape Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.The report finally provides detailed research report conclusion, which provides summary of entire report and vital suggestions from analysts particular to Sticky Tape Market which will help existing as well as new players who wish to enter this market.Enquire before Buying @ put actual website like for exampleTable of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Sticky Tape1.1 Definition and Specifications of Sticky Tape1.1.1 Definition of Sticky Tape1.1.2 Specifications of Sticky Tape1.2 Classification of Sticky Tape1.2.1 Paper Sticky Tape1.2.2 Fibre Reinforced Tape1.3 Applications of Sticky Tape1.3.1 Building & Construction1.3.2 Electricals & Electronics1.3.3 Consumer Goods1.3.4 Others........................Continue (Global Sticky Tape Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Market Reports Company:Market Reports Company delivers high quality precise research studies which include data about top manufacturers and market survey of various industries. We also work as a consulting company and publisher of market research reports. We are specialized in providing customized reports according to clients needs and requirements which ultimately help them grow in industry and beat their competition.What We Offer:Customized Reports: We provide customized research reports on your demand.Region Specific Study: We have resources all over the world so, if you are Interested in region specific study please contact us.How we work: Perfect blend of primary and secondary research to provide best result.Expertise: Team of Industry experienced research associates and experts, primary and secondary sources, 24*7 customer care service and post-sale support.Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Waste Heat To Power Market 2024: emerging Trend & Growth Drivers Analysis https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2065 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/waste-heat-to-power-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news Growing measures to reduce the energy bills by residual heat utilization will drive the waste heat to power market size. Volatile fuel prices along with rising electricity demand will further influence the industry growth. In 2016, according to the U.S energy information administration, industrial and commercial sector consumed approximately 4,450 trillion British thermal unit energy. Waste Heat To Power Market size will cross USD 30 billion by 2024, as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, Inc.Rapid industrialization along with rising focus to reduce overall operational cost of industries will propel the waste heat to power market share. Increasing installations of heating units across industrial and utility applications coupled with ongoing measures towards energy conservation will further complement the business landscape. In March 2017, the government of China announced to spend USD 2,170 Billion toward transportation and infrastructure developments during the thirteenth five-year plan.Request for a sample of this research report -Germany waste heat to power market is predicted to reach over 800 MW by 2024. Strict government norms toward carbon emissions along with growing measures towards energy security will fuel the business growth. Rising concern to meet decarbonization target coupled with rising energy consumption will further complement the industry outlook. According to AG Energiebilanzen (AGEB), total energy consumption of the country rose by 1.6 % in 2016 when compared with 2015.Waste heat to power market will witness strong growth owing to introduction of several energy efficiency codes and standards for industries to promote adoption of energy efficient systems. In December 2015, South Africa Green Building Council committed to introduce the building certificate scheme by 2020, which will cover energy usage, conservation, and carbon emissions across industrial, commercial and residential buildings.Heavy metal applications in predicted to witness gain over 12% by 2024. Industries effort to meet their rising energy demand by residual heat utilization along with growing investments toward infrastructure establishment will fuel the waste heat to power market. Implementation of these systems will decrease the overall operational cost, which will enhance the product demand over the forecast timeframe.The U.S waste heat to power market share will grow on account of growing measures toward utilization of waste thermal energy to produce electricity. Government mandate toward emissions for industrial facilities will further stimulate the product penetration. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) granted USD 1 million to Cool Energy, Inc.(CEI) for supporting R & D on a 20-kW waste heat Stirling engine generator to generate electricity.Browse Full Report Details @Glass applications in 2016 accounted for over 8% of the global waste heat to power market share. Increasing demand for flat glass from automotive and infrastructural sector along with increasing industries focus towards energy conservation will augment the product demand. In 2015, international automotive production was around 90 million units, with China made dominant contribution of approximately 20 million units.Notable players in the waste heat to power market include ABB, Siemens Mitsubishi, Ormat, Thermax, Enogia SAS, Kalina power, Amec Foster Wheeler, ElectraTherm, Cyplan, AQYLON, Triogen and Echogen.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Explore Our Blog @Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter Disposable Medical Sensors Market Survey Till 2026-Integration of Latest Technologies into Existent Offerings To Industry Growth and Business Strategy Disposable Medical Sensors Market http://www.researchformarkets.com/sample/disposable-medical-sensors-global-market-44805 http://www.researchformarkets.com/discount/disposable-medical-sensors-global-market-44805 http://www.researchformarkets.com/reports/disposable-medical-sensors-global-market-44805 According to Research for Markets, the Global Disposable medical sensors market is accounted for $6073.62 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $21892.59 million by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 11.7%. Factors such as increasing number of chronic diseases, growing demand Low-Cost Medical Devices, rising government support in advancing Research & Development activities and technological advancements are favouring the market. However, lack of reimbursement, strict government policies are some of the factors hampering the market. In addition, advantage of using Medical Sensor-Based Devices in Home Care Settings is one of the major opportunities during the forecast period.Looking for more information on this market? Request for Free Sample Copy of Report @Disposable medical sensors are small scanning devices which are useful in healthcare industry as temperature sensors, pressure detectors and image sensors. These types of sensors are useful in monitoring of patient, treatment of diagnosing diseases and therapeutic processes. Medical sensors are intended to identify and provide information in the form of electrical signals. For example, Abbott Company has received approval for its FreeStyle Libre Pro system, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.By product, the demand for biosensors is rising rapidly due to the growing number of infectious diseases, need for point of care testing where biosensors are used. Rising incidence of chronic diseases, demand for invasive diagnostic testing is fuelling the growth of Ingestible sensors. On the other hand, patient monitoring has acquired largest market share as the demand for medical sensors and monitoring devices are growing. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be one of the fastest growing regions for disposable medical sensors owing to the large number of geriatric population, growing healthcare expenditure. North America is dominating the market with innovations of new products and also due to the existence of huge number of industry players in this market.Some of the key players in global Disposable medical sensors market include Koninklijke Philips N.V., GE Healthcare, Medtronic Plc, Philips Helathcare, Gentag, Inc, Honeywell International Inc. NXP Semiconductors N.V., Sensirion AG, General Electric Company, Smiths Group plc, TE Connectivity Ltd, STMicroelectronics N.V., Omnivision Technologies, First Sensor and Ambu A/SSensor Types Covered: Accelerometer/Patient Position Sensors Biosensors Pressure Sensors Image Sensors Temperature Sensors Force Sensors Humidity Sensors MR Position SensorsPlacement of Sensors Covered: Implantable Sensor Ingestible Sensors Strip Sensors Invasive Sensors Wearable SensorsApplications Covered: Therapeutic Devices Patient Monitoring Devices Imaging Devices Diagnostic Testing DevicesEnd Users Covered: Home Care Clinics Hospitals Diagnostic LaboratoriesWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsGet Instant Discount on This Report @Short review On Table Of Content-1 Executive Summary2 Preface2.1 Abstract2.2 Stake Holders2.3 Research Scope2.4 Research Methodology2.4.1 Data Mining2.4.2 Data Analysis2.4.3 Data Validation2.4.4 Research Approach2.5 Research Sources2.5.1 Primary Research Sources2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources2.5.3 Assumptions3 Market Trend Analysis3.1 Introduction3.2 Drivers3.3 Restraints3.4 Opportunities3.5 Threats3.6 Application Analysis3.7 End User Analysis3.7 Emerging Markets3.8 Futuristic Market Scenario4 Porters Five Force Analysis4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers4.2 Bargaining power of buyers4.3 Threat of substitutes4.4 Threat of new entrants4.5 Competitive rivalry5 Global Disposable Medical Sensors Market, By Sensor Type5.1 Introduction5.2 Accelerometer/Patient Position Sensors5.3 Biosensors5.4 Pressure Sensors5.5 Image Sensors5.6 Temperature Sensors5.7 Force Sensors5.8 Humidity Sensors5.9 MR Position Sensors6 Global Disposable Medical Sensors Market, By Placement of Sensors6.1 Introduction6.2 Implantable Sensor6.3 Ingestible Sensors6.4 Strip Sensors6.5 Invasive Sensors6.6 Wearable Sensors7 Global Disposable Medical Sensors Market, By Application7.1 Introduction7.2 Therapeutic Devices7.2.1 Cardiac Catheter Sensors7.2.2 Dialysis Device Sensors7.2.3 Insulin Pump Sensors7.2.4 Cardiac Therapeutic Electrode Sensors7.3 Patient Monitoring Devices7.3.1 Cardiac Monitors7.3.2 Smart Pills7.3.3 Continuous Blood Pressure Monitors7.3.4 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Devices7.3.5 Pulse Oximeters7.3.6 Implantable Loop Recorders7.3.7 Other Patient Monitoring Devices7.4 Imaging Devices7.4.1 Disposable Endoscope Sensors7.4.2 Capsule Endoscope Sensors7.5 Diagnostic Testing Devices7.5.1 Pregnancy Test Strip Sensors7.5.2 HIV Test Strip Sensors7.5.3 Drug and Alcohol Test Strip Sensors7.5.4 Blood Glucose Test Strips7.5.5 Capsule endoscope8 Global Disposable Medical Sensors Market, By End User8.1 Introduction8.2 Home Care8.3 Clinics8.4 Hospitals8.5 Diagnostic Laboratories9 Global Disposable Medical Sensors Market, By Geography9.1 Introduction9.2 North America9.2.1 US9.2.2 Canada9.2.3 Mexico9.3 Europe9.3.1 Germany9.3.2 UK9.3.3 Italy9.3.4 France9.3.5 Spain9.3.6 Rest of Europe9.4 Asia Pacific9.4.1 Japan9.4.2 China9.4.3 India9.4.4 Australia9.4.5 New Zealand9.4.6 South Korea9.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific9.5 South America9.5.1 Argentina9.5.2 Brazil9.5.3 Chile9.5.4 Rest of South America9.6 Middle East & Africa9.6.1 Saudi Arabia9.6.2 UAE9.6.3 Qatar9.6.4 South Africa9.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa10 Key Developments10.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures10.2 Acquisitions & Mergers10.3 New Product Launch10.4 Expansions10.5 Other Key Strategies11 Company Profiling11.1 Koninklijke Philips N.V.11.2 GE Healthcare11.3 Medtronic Plc11.4 Philips Helathcare11.5 Gentag, Inc.11.6 Honeywell International Inc.11.7 NXP Semiconductors N.V.11.8 Sensirion AG11.9 General Electric Company11.10 Smiths Group plc11.11 TE Connectivity Ltd.11.12 STMicroelectronics N.V.11.13 Omnivision Technologies11.14 First Sensor11.15 Ambu A/SIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Know More About our Knowledge store @About Us:Research For Markets indulge in detailed and diligent research on different markets, trends and emerging opportunities in the successive direction to cater to your business needs. We have established the pillars of our flourishing institute on the grounds of Credibility and Reliability. RFM delve into the markets across Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Europe, Middle East And Africa.Contact Us:Mr. A NaiduResearch for MarketsEmail: alan.naidu@researchformarkets.com+44 8000-4182-37 Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market 2024: unequivocal Analysis & Global Forecast https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2062 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/gas-pipeline-infrastructure-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news Growing discoveries of unconventional reserves coupled with increasing number of gas fired power generation stations across the globe will drive the gas pipeline infrastructure market size. In 2016, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) published that shale production in the country surpassed 15.2 trillion cubic meter (tcm) in 2015 experiencing over 1.7 tcm year on year increase. Global Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market size is set to exceed USD 2 trillion by 2024, as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, Inc.Italy gas pipeline infrastructure market is projected to surpass cumulative installation of 300 000 km by 2024. Rising investments to develop transmission links to cross border transactions through offshore routes will complement the business growth. In 2016, Saipem entered into an agreement with Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG to develop 105 km of 36 offshore gas pipeline between coastlines of Italy and Albania.Request for a sample of this research report Rising energy demand across the developing economies owing to evolving substructure and rapid urbanization will foster the gas pipeline infrastructure market share. Increasing development has resulted in exponential growth of cross border exports and imports through pipeline networks. In 2016, the EIA reported that natural gas pipelines exports from Russia and Norway to Europe were raised by 16% in the last three quarters of 2015 when compared with 2014 level.Upsurge in the need to enhance the international natural gas trade to suffice the energy demand and generation targets will positively drive the transmission gas pipeline infrastructure market. In 2016, Spectra Energy and TransCanada awarded contract to combinedly build, own and operate the new pipeline from Texas to Tuxpan, Mexico. The aim of the USD 3.6 billion worth 270-km pipeline plan is to successfully supply the U.S. shale to power plants in Mexico by 2018.Increase in production of unconventional resources coupled with strict government norms toward adoption of low emission fuel will embellish the U.S. gas pipeline infrastructure market. Ongoing expansion of existing pipeline networks favored by increasing demand for exports will further complement the industry outlook. In 2017, the EIA published that natural gas production is expected to hold around 40% of the total energy production by 2020.Algeria gas pipeline infrastructure market is predicted to grow over 6% by 2024. Substantial administration funding for extension of the national transmission and distribution networks will augment the industry growth. In 2016, the Algerian government owned O&G company, Sonatrach announced to invest USD 3.2 billion over four years to enhance the pipeline capacity.Browse Full Report Details @Growing number of connected end users coupled with positive outlook toward hydrocarbons trade with nearby nations will propel the onshore gas pipeline infrastructure market. Regional governments have introduced targets and schemes to expand the existing network to reach customer base. In 2015, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR), Turkey underlined a strategic plan with an objective to add at least two more countries to the list of pipeline natural gas importing nations by 2019.Key players across the gas pipeline infrastructure market includes Europipe, Gazprom, Enbridge, Snam Rete, APA Group, Saipem, Perusahaan Gas Negara, GAIL India, Engas, and National Oilwell Varco.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Explore Our Blog @Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter Medical Sensors Market Implementation, Industry Demand, Size, Users and Forecast to 2018 to 2024 Medical Sensors Market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-medical-sensors-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying/?dbmr=global-medical-sensors-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-medical-sensors-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com The global medical sensors market is expected to reach USD 19.07 Billion by 2025, from USD 10.07 Billion in 2017 growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2025. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2017, the base year of calculation is 2017 and the forecast period is 2018 to 2025.Get Free Sample Research Report:Market Definition: Global Medical Sensors MarketThis market report defines the market trends and forecast the upcoming opportunities and threats of the medical sensors market in the next 8 years. Medical sensors are tools helpful in monitoring, diagnosis of the disease, and important human parameters for therapeutic applications. Pregnancy strips, HIV Test, blood glucose and immunological test strips have a major role in the share of the medical sensors market. In December 2013 Covidien Plc completed the acquisition of Given Imaging Ltd. Given Imaging Ltd is involved in the development, manufacturing and market diagnostic products for the visualization and detection of gastrointestinal tract disorders.It mainly used PillCam capsules for visual examination. They also provided Bravo pH monitoring system, a wireless catheter-free pH test for gastro esophageal reflux disease. After acquisition Covidien Plc offered monitoring products such as sensors, monitors and temperature management products. In January 2015, the Medtronic acquired Covidien Plc. In February 2016, Phillips NV made an announcement to introduce a next generation of monitoring solution for at-risk patients in low acuity hospital settings, such as the general ward. The device is under patent filling approval till 2025.Major Market Drivers and Restraints: Improvement of wearable and disease diagnosing kits. Increase in the use of sensors in the clinics and home applications Increase in the awareness among the patients for monitoring and diagnosing of the disease. Increased investment in research and development of devices based on sensors. Downward pricing pressure owing to its commodity nature Increase in patient population of chronic and long term disease.Market Segmentation: Global Medical Sensors Market The global medical sensors market is segmented on the basis of product type, placement type, application, end users, and geography. Based on product type, the global medical sensors market is segmented into pressure sensor, accelerator (inertial) sensors, motion sensor, Image sensor, Electrocardiogram sensor, temperature sensor, blood glucose, blood oxygen sensor. Pressure sensors is further sub segmented into Patients monitor sensors, respiratory devices sensors, future solution sensors Based on placement, the global medical sensors market is segmented into strip sensors, wearable sensors, implantable sensors, non-invasive and invasive sensors and ingestible sensors. Wearable sensors are further sub-segmented into wearable sensors used in patient monitoring and sensors for diagnosis of non-infectious disease. Based on the application, the global medical sensors market is segmented into diagnostic, therapeutics, monitoring, imaging, fitness and wellness and others. The diagnostic is further sub-segmented into blood glucose test strip sensors, HIV-test strip sensors, pregnancy test strip sensor and drug and alcohol test strip sensors. Therapeutics is further sub-segmented into cardiac therapeutic devices, cardiac catheter sensors, and insulin pump sensors.Monitoring is further sub-segmented into continuous blood pressure monitors, cardiac monitors, smart pills, implantable loop recorder, pulse oximeters, continuous glucose monitoring devices. Imaging devices is further sub-segmented into capsule endoscope sensors. Fitness and wellness is further sub-segmented into electronic pedometer, wearable injectors, and continuous glucose meter. Others type is further sub segmented hearing-aids sensor, treadmill sensor, electronic weighing scale, automated external defibrillator. On the basis of end users, the global medical sensors market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory centers, clinics, community healthcare. Based on distribution channel the market is segmented into retail, and direct tenders. Based on geography the global medical sensors market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies namely North America & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and, Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and, Brazil among others.Want Full Report? Enquire Here:Competitive Analysis: Global Medical Sensors MarketThe global medical sensors market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of medical sensors market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and South America.Major Market competitors/players: Global Medical Sensors MarketSome of the major players operating in the global medical sensor market are Philips NV, Sensirion AG, Medtronic, Honeywell International Inc, Smiths Group plc, STMicroelectronics, OmniVision Technologies Inc, Memsic Inc, Universal Biosensors, Biosensors International Group, GeekWire LLC, GE Healthcare, Medtronic, First Sensor AG, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors, Danaher Corp, among others.Research Methodology: Global Medical Sensors MarketData collection and base year analysis is done using data collection modules with large sample sizes. The market data is analyzed and forecasted using market statistical and coherent models. Also market share analysis and key trend analysis are the major success factors in the market report. To know more please Request an Analyst Call or can drop down your inquiry.Demand Side Primary Contributors: Doctors, Surgeons, Medical Consultants, Nurses, Hospital Buyers, Group Purchasing Organizations, Associations, Insurers, Medical Payers, Healthcare Authorities, Universities, Technological Writers, Scientists, Promoters, Investors among others.Supply Side Primary Contributors: Product Managers, Marketing Managers, C-Level Executives, Distributors, Market Intelligence, Regulatory Affairs Managers among othersFor Request TOC or Buying Full Report, Visit:About UsData Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with an unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. 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We are content with our glorious 99.9 % client satisfying rate.Contact UsData Bridge Market ResearchToll Free: +1-888-387-2818Mail: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com Rapid Growth of Bring Your Own Device Market | Worldwide Projected to Grow Rapidly | Forecast till 2023 | Market Competition by Manufacturers Bring Your Own Device Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/4981 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/4981/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/enquiry/4981 The Bring Your Own Device market report gives CAGR value from 2013 to 2018 and how it is expected to reach from 2018 to 2023 with High CAGR. The report provides information by geography, end user, application, competitor analysis, SWOT Analysis, Sales, Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Market Share, Import-Export, Trends and Forecast.Bring Your Own Device market (BYOD)also called bring your own technology (BYOT), bring your own phone (BYOP), and bring your own personal computer (BYOPC)refers to the policy of permitting employees to bring personally owned devices (laptops, tablets, and smart phones) to their workplace, and to use those devices to access privileged company information and applicationsBring Your Own Device market is making significant inroads in the business world, with about 75% of employees in high growth markets such as Brazil and Russia and 44% in developed markets already using their own technology at work. Surveys have indicated that businesses are unable to stop employees from bringing personal devices into the workplace. Research is divided on benefits. One survey shows around 95% of employees stating they use at least one personal device for work.Get a Premium Sample Report atthe report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2013-2018 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis.The report then estimates 2018-2023 market development trends of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2013-2023 global and Chinese Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) industry covering all important parameters.Continue..Complete report on Global Bring Your Own Device Market Size, Status and Forecast 2023 is spread across 137 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and landscape details in this niche sector. Get Direct Copy of this Research Report @Major Table of Content1 Global Bring Your Own Device Market Research Report 20182 Global Bring Your Own Device Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Bring Your Own Device Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Bring Your Own Device Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Bring Your Own Device Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Bring Your Own Device Market Analysis by Application7 Global Bring Your Own Device Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Bring Your Own Device Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Bring Your Own Device Market Forecast (2018-2023 )13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixKey questions answered in the report:What will the market growth rate of Bring Your Own Device market in 2023 ?What are the key factors driving the global Bring Your Own Device market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis of top manufacturers of Bring Your Own Device market?Who are the distributors, traders and dealers of Bring Your Own Device market?Who are the key manufacturers in Bring Your Own Device market space?What are the Bring Your Own Device market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Bring Your Own Device market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis by types and applications of Bring Your Own Device market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis by regions of Bring Your Own Device market?What are the market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Bring Your Own Device market?More inquire atAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined - we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Global Geotechnical Instrumentation And Monitoring Market Forecast, 2017- 2024 Industry Research, Analysis, Product Type, Key Players Cowi A/S, Deep Excavation LLC, DST Consulting Engineers Inc., Eustis Engineering LLC. http://databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=geotechnical-instrumentation-monitoring-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=geotechnical-instrumentation-monitoring-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/geotechnical-instrumentation-monitoring-market/ http://databridgemarketresearch.com/speak-to-analyst/?dbmr=geotechnical-instrumentation-monitoring-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/fitness-equipment-market/ Geotechnical Instrumentation And Monitoring report states import/Export, supply and utilization figures and additionally cost, value, income and gross edge by locales (North America, EU, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India) and different areas can be added. Development arrangements and plans are examined and producing procedures and cost structures.Data Bridge Market Research provides new industry report "Global Geotechnical Instrumentation And Monitoring Market" accounted for USD 2.25 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024.Request for Free Sample Report @Major market drivers: Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market Increasing rate of disastrous failure of the geotechnical structures Increasing awareness and superior benefits of GTIM Increasing infrastructural investment across various countries all over the world Rigid environmental regulations pertaining to the sustainability of structures Errors in readings lead to inaccurate results High cost involved in the installation and monitoringComplete report on Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market Research Report 2017-2024 spread across 350 Pages, profiling Top companies and supports with tables and figuresKey Questions Answered in Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market Report:-Our Report offers:- What will the market growth rate, Overview and Analysis by Type of Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market in 2024? What are the key factors driving, Analysis by Applications and Countries Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market? What are Dynamics, This Overview Includes Analysis of Scope, and price analysis of top Vendors Profiles of Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market? Who are Opportunities, Risk and Driving Force of Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market? Who are the opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market? Business Overview by Type, Applications, Gross Margin and Market Share What are the Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Market?Request for TOC:Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market, By Geography; Offering (Hardware, Software, Services); Structure (Tunnels Bridges, Buildings Utilities, Dams); Technology (Wired Networking Technology, Wireless Technology); Application (Pore Water Pressure, Soil Stresses, Lateral Deformation, Vertical Deformation), End-Users (Building, Infrastructure, Energy, Power, Oil, Gas, Mining) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Top Key Players: Cowi A/S Deep Excavation LLC DST Consulting Engineers Inc. Eustis Engineering LLC. Fugro Geocomp Corporation Geokon Incorporated Geomotion Singapore Geosig Ltd James Fisher and Sons plc Keller Group plc Nova Metrix LLC RST Instruments Ltd. SISGEO S.R.L. Smart Structures Geotechnical Instrumentation Durham Geo Slope Indicator, Inc.For more Insightful information visit@Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market Company Share Analysis:The Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market Report include detailed vendor level analysis for market shares in 2016 for Global, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America specifically. Also impact and development analysis of key vendors is registered in the market and factored on the basis of Vendor Positioning Grid Analysis which measures the vendors strengths and opportunities against present market challenges, measure providers ability to identify or satisfy present market needs, map providers market vision to current and upcoming market dynamics among others. The report also measures technology life line curve and market time line to analyze and do more affective investments.Market Segmentations:Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market is segmented on the basis of Structure, Networking Technology, Application End-Users Geography.Market Segmentations in Details:On the basis of Structure tunnels and bridges, buildings and utilities, dams, and other structures.On basis of Application, the geotechnical instrumentation & monitoring market is also segmented into pore water pressure, soil stresses, lateral deformation, and vertical deformation.On the basis of Networking Technology the global geotechnical instrumentation & monitoring market is further segmented into wired networking technology, and wireless technology.On the basis of End-user, the geotechnical instrumentation & monitoring market is further segmented into building and infrastructure, energy and power, oil and gas, mining, and others.On the basis of Geography, North America South America Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East & AfricaCustomize report of "Global Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Market" as per customers requirement also available.Speak to Author of the Report @Other ReportGlobal Fitness Equipment Market Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Fitness Equipment Market, By Type (Cardiovascular Training Equipment (Treadmills, Elliptical Trainers, Stationary Cycles, Rowing Machines, Stair Steppers, Others), Strength Training Equipment (Single Stations, Plate Loaded Equipment, Free Weights, Benches and Racks, Multistations, Accessories), Body Composition Analyzers (Bioimpedance Analyzer, Skinfold Caliper, Dual Emission X-Ray Absorptiometry (Dexa), Hydrostatic Weighing, Air Displacement Plethysmography), Fitness Monitoring Equipment), By End-User (Health Clubs, Gyms, Home Settings, Corporate Settings, Apartments, Hotels, Hospitals, Clinics), By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, Rest of the World) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024.Report Access:About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com Security Bags Market Report for Period 2018 till 2024 Mega Fortris (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., TruSeal Pty Ltd., HSA International Group, KENT PLASTIK LTD. STI., Coveris Holdings S.A., NELMAR Security Packaging Systems Inc. and Others. Security Bags Market https://bit.ly/2qpKjFy http://marketreportscompany.com/report.php?report=chemicals-and-materials/global-security-bags-market-report-for-period-2018-till-2024/38524 https://bit.ly/2qpKjFy Global Security Bags market report emphasizes on detailed analysis of companies and manufacturers like KOROZO Ambalaj San.ve Tic A.S., TruSeal Pty Ltd., HSA International Group, KENT PLASTIK LTD. STI., Harwal Ltd., ITW Envopak Limited, Initial Packaging Solutions Ltd., Vikela Aluvin Pty Ltd, A. Rifkin Co., Ampac Holdings LLC., Mega Fortris (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Coveris Holdings S.A., SECUTAC, Dynaflex Private Limited, NELMAR Security Packaging Systems Inc. and Others.This market study includes data about global market statistics, market share, company performances, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc. The Global Security Bags market report provides detailed segmentation of Global Security Bags Market based on product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Security Bags Market 2017 @Top Manufactures of Global Security Bags market:Ampac Holdings LLC.Mega Fortris (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.Coveris Holdings S.A.SECUTACDynaflex Private LimitedNELMAR Security Packaging Systems Inc.KOROZO Ambalaj San.ve Tic A.S.TruSeal Pty Ltd.HSA International GroupKENT PLASTIK LTD. STI.Harwal Ltd.ITW Envopak LimitedInitial Packaging Solutions Ltd.Vikela Aluvin Pty LtdA. Rifkin Co.Others(Note: We can profile additional players without extra charges)Global Security Bags Market: Key Product Type:By Raw Material TypePlasticPaperFabricOthersBy Product TypeOpaqueClearOthersKey Application Types for Global Security Bags Market:Financial InstitutionsHospitalsCasinosGovernment OrganisationsothersKey Regions for Global Security Bags Market:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide specific country or region specific report on request)The Global Security Bags Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Security Bags Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in current and past few years. The Global Security Bags Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.The report finally provides detailed research report conclusion, which provides summary of entire report and vital suggestions from analysts particular to Security Bags Market which will help existing as well as new players who wish to enter this market.Enquire before Buying @ put actual website like for exampleTable of Contents:1 Security Bags Market Overview1.2.3 Plastic1.2.4 Paper1.2.5 Fabric1.3 Security Bags Segment By Product Type1.3.1 Opaque1.3.2 Clear1.4.2 Financial Institutions1.4.3 Hospitals1.4.4 Casinos1.4.5 Government Organisations1.4.6 Others........................Continue (Global Security Bags Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Market Reports Company:Market Reports Company delivers high quality precise research studies which include data about top manufacturers and market survey of various industries. We also work as a consulting company and publisher of market research reports. We are specialized in providing customized reports according to clients needs and requirements which ultimately help them grow in industry and beat their competition.What We Offer:Customized Reports: We provide customized research reports on your demand.Region Specific Study: We have resources all over the world so, if you are Interested in region specific study please contact us.How we work: Perfect blend of primary and secondary research to provide best result.Expertise: Team of Industry experienced research associates and experts, primary and secondary sources, 24*7 customer care service and post-sale support.Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Cordless Phone Market Study by Technology, Trends and Industry Analysis with Forecast to 2023 Cordless Phone Market, Cordless Phone Market Study, Cordless Phone Market Size, Cordless Phone Market Segmentation, Cordless Phone https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1000341//?utm_source=opr&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-cordless-phone-market-2018-forecast-to-2023/?utm_source=BS24&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-and-chinese-algae-oil-omega-3-industry-2018-market-research-report/?utm_source=rr&utm_medium=DC https://thefinancialconsulting.com/author/ashwin/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com http://reports.algosonline.com/ A cordless phone is a model of telephone which replaces the coiled wire between the handset and base unit with wireless radio technology. A cordless phone is not the same as a wireless phone, however. The handset must be returned periodically to the base unit for recharging, and the base unit must be physically connected to both a telephone line and an electrical outlet.The Cordless Phone Market Report offers an inclusive and decision making overview, including definitions, classifications and its applications. The Cordless Phone market is anticipated to reflect a positive growth trend in forthcoming years. The essential driving forces behind the growth and popularity of Cordless Phone market is analyzed detailed in this report.Get Sample Copy of this Report:Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers: Panasonic, Gigaset, Philips, Vtech, Uniden, Motorola, AT&T, Vivo, GE, NEC, Clarity, TCLThe report has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global turnstile market collected from specialized sources. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. Company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, new project launched, recent development analysis are the parameters included in the profile.The points that are discussed within the report are the major market players that are involved in the market such as manufacturers, raw material suppliers, equipment suppliers, end users, traders, distributors and etc.Scope of Cordless Phone Market:Worldwide supply/demand pattern: analysis of the key markets in each region:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversAnalogDECTOther digital technologyMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHomeOfficesPublic officesKey Questions Answered in this ReportWhat will the market size be in 2022?What are the key factors driving the global Cordless Phone market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key players in the Cordless Phone market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key players?Key Reasons to PurchaseTo gain insightful analyses of the market and have comprehensive understanding of the global market and its commercial landscape.Assess the production processes, major issues, and solutions to mitigate the development risk.To understand the most affecting driving and restraining forces in the market and its impact in the global market.Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by leading respective organizations.To understand the future outlook and prospects for the market.Besides the standard structure reports, we also provide custom research according to specific requirements.For More Information:There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Cordless Phone market.Chapter 1, to describe Cordless Phone Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Cordless Phone, with sales, revenue, and price of Cordless Phone, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Cordless Phone, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Cordless Phone market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Cordless Phone sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceGlobal and Chinese Algae Oil Omega-3 Industry, 2018 Market Research ReportMarket Study Report Add Algae Oil Omega-3 Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 added to its database. The report provides key statistics on the current state of the industry and other analytical data to understand the market.More Reports:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 12013550868US Toll Free: 18667642150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:/category/newsreleases/More Report at: Fall Detection System Market Forecasts CAGR of 4.5% and Industry Analysis by Medical Guardian LLP, LifeFone, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Intel Corporation http://databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-fall-detection-system-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-fall-detection-system-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying/?dbmr=global-fall-detection-system-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/speak-to-analyst/?dbmr=global-fall-detection-system-market http://databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-innovation-management-market/ Fall Detection System report states import/Export, supply and utilization figures and additionally cost, value, income and gross edge by locales (North America, EU, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India) and different areas can be added. Development arrangements and plans are examined and producing procedures and cost structures.Global Fall Detection System Market is expected to reach USD 479.55 Million by 2025 from USD 341.17 Million in 2017, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% in the forecast period 2018 to 2025. The new market report contains data for historic years 2016, the base year of calculation is 2017 and the forecast period is 2018 to 2025.For In depth Information Get Free Sample Copy of this Report@Global Fall Detection System Market, By Product Type (Automatic Fall Detection System, Manual Fall Detection System), By Algorithm (Simple Threshold, Machine Learning), By Component (Accelerometers & Gyroscopes, Unimodal/Bimodal Sensors, Multimodal Sensors), By System (Wearable Systems {Watches, Clip-On, Necklace}, Non-Wearable Systems {Camera, Wall Sensors, Floor Sensors}, In-Home Landline System, In-Home Cellular Systems), End-User (Home Care Settings, Hospitals and Senior Assisted Living Facilities, Lone Workers, Others), By Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa)- Industry Trends and Forecast to 2025Complete report on Global Fall Detection System Market Research Report 2017-2024 spread across 350 Pages, profiling Top companies and supports with tables and figuresMarket Definition: Global fall Detection System MarketFall detection system is the system used in alerting emergence in the incident of fall. Fall detection system such as automatic fall detection system and manual fall detection system are used in such detection. Such devices have the potential to diminish some of the adverse consequences of a fall. It has its application in hospitals, nursing, senior assisted living facilities, lone workers, and others. Increased demand for multimodal technology is the major driver for the growth of fall detection system market. On the other side low practicality of the technology among elders somewhere hinders the market.Key Questions Answered in Global Fall Detection System Market Report:-Our Report offers:- What will the market growth rate, Overview and Analysis by Type of Global Fall Detection System Market in 2025? What are the key factors driving, Analysis by Applications and Countries Global Fall Detection System Market? What are Dynamics, This Overview Includes Analysis of Scope, and price analysis of top Vendors Profiles of Global Fall Detection System Market? Who are Opportunities, Risk and Driving Force of Global Fall Detection System Market? Who are the opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in Global Fall Detection System Market? Business Overview by Type, Applications, Gross Margin and Market Share What are the Global Fall Detection System Market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Market?Request for Detailed TOC:Major Market Drivers and Restraints: Regulatory changes in the US with the implementation of PPACA Pressure to reduce rising healthcare costs Shift to ICD-10 coding standards and upcoming ICD-11 Loss of revenue due to billing errors Consolidation increasing in the healthcare industry Rising need for structured processes and documentations Hidden costs of outsourcing Fear of losing visibility and control over the business processTop Key Players: Medical Guardian LLP LifeFone Koninklijke Philips N.V. Intel Corporation VitalConnect Blue Willow Systems LifeCall Williamson Corporation Life Assure Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd Semtech Corporation Connect America Tunstall Bay Alarm Medical MobileHelp Mytrex, Inc. AlertOne Services, LLC MariCare among others.Key Drivers: Global Fall Detection System Market Low acceptance of technology among elder population is the factor which may hinder the growth of this market. Rising geriatric population and implementation of machine learning approach to detect fall are some of the factors which will drive the market in future.Inquire Before Buying @Key Factors: Global Fall Detection System Market Some of the key factors driving the market for global fall detection system are ability to assist in case of fall, growth in enhanced medical alert services. Increased demand of wearable technology based fall detection system and growth in demand of smart phones are the other factor which will drive the demand of global fall detection system market. The major factors driving the growth of market are ability to assist in case of fall, growth in enhanced medical alert services, increased demand of wearable technology based fall detection system and growth in demand of smart phones. On the other hand, low acceptance of technology among elder population may hinder the growth of the market.Customize report of "Global Fall Detection System Market" as per customers requirement also available.Market Segmentations:Global Fall Detection System Market is segmented on the basis of Product Type Algorithm Component System End User GeographyMarket Segmentations in Details:On the basis of Product Type into two notable segments; automatic fall detection system and manual fall detection system.On the basis of Algorithm into two notable segments; machine learning and simple threshold.on the basis of Component into three notable segments; accelerometers and gyroscope, multimodal sensor and unimodal or bimodal sensor.on the basis of System, the global fall detection system market is segmented into four notable segments; wearable, non-wearable, in-home cellular system and in-home landline system.on the basis of End User into four notable segments; home care setting, hospital and senior assisted living facilities, lone worker and others.On the basis of Geography, North America South America Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East & AfricaKey Points: Global Fall Detection System Market Accelerometers and Gyroscope market is growing with the highest CAGR Automatic fall detection system is driving the market with highest market share. Wearable segment is dominating the fall detection system marketCompany Share Analysis: Global Fall Detection System MarketThe report for global fall detection system market include detailed vendor level analysis for market shares in 2016 for Global, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America specifically. Also impact and development analysis of key vendors is registered in the market and factored on the basis of Vendor Positioning Grid Analysis which measures the vendors strengths and opportunities against present market challenges, measure providers ability to identify or satisfy present market needs, map providers market vision to current and upcoming market dynamics among others. The report also measures technology life line curve and market time line to analyze and do more affective investments.Speak to Author of the report @Other ReportGlobal Innovation Management Market Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Innovation Management Market, By Geography; Type (Software, Services); Organization Size (Large Enterprises, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)); Deployment Model (On-premises, Cloud); Application (Product Research & Development Platforms, Marketing, Design, Idea Platforms, Collective Intelligence & Prediction Platforms, Human Resource & Freelancers Platforms); Vertical (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, IT, Media & Communication Technology, Aerospace & Defense, Public Sector & Education, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Retail & Consumer Goods, Automotive & Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Report Access:About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com Rennets Market Report for Period 2018 till 2024 Renco New Zealand, Chr. Hansen, Danisco Dupont, Mittal Dairy Product, Clarion Casein Ltd, Carbon Group, Hebei Yoko Biotech and Others. Rennets Market https://bit.ly/2GTg1WX http://marketreportscompany.com/report.php?report=chemicals-and-materials/global-rennets-market-report-for-period-2018-till-2024/38518 https://bit.ly/2GTg1WX Global Rennets market report emphasizes on detailed analysis of companies and manufacturers like Mahaan Proteins Limited, Sanmenxia Enzymes Products Factory, Enzyme Supplies Limited, Carbon Group, Hebei Yoko Biotech, Iran Industrial Enzymes, Calzyme Laboratories, Renco New Zealand, Chr. Hansen, Danisco Dupont, Mittal Dairy Product, Clarion Casein Ltd, Fonterra WalcoRen and Others.This market study includes data about global market statistics, market share, company performances, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc. The Global Rennets market report provides detailed segmentation of Global Rennets Market based on product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Rennets Market 2017 @Top Manufactures of Global Rennets market:Renco New ZealandChr. HansenDanisco DupontMittal Dairy ProductClarion Casein LtdFonterraWalcoRenMahaan Proteins LimitedSanmenxia Enzymes Products FactoryEnzyme Supplies LimitedCarbon GroupHebei Yoko BiotechIran Industrial EnzymesCalzyme LaboratoriesOthers(Note: We can profile additional players without extra charges)Global Rennets Market: Key Product Type:Animal-Derived RennetMicrobial RennetVegetable RennetOthersKey Application Types for Global Rennets Market:Food & BeveragePharmaceuticalBiochemical EngineeringothersKey Regions for Global Rennets Market:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide specific country or region specific report on request)The Global Rennets Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Rennets Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in current and past few years. The Global Rennets Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.The report finally provides detailed research report conclusion, which provides summary of entire report and vital suggestions from analysts particular to Rennets Market which will help existing as well as new players who wish to enter this market.Enquire before Buying @ put actual website like for exampleTable of Contents:1 Rennets Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Rennets1.2.3 Animal-Derived Rennet1.2.4 Microbial Rennet1.2.5 Vegetable Rennet1.3.2 Food & Beverage1.3.3 Pharmaceutical1.3.4 Biochemical Engineering1.3.5 Other........................Continue (Global Rennets Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Market Reports Company:Market Reports Company delivers high quality precise research studies which include data about top manufacturers and market survey of various industries. We also work as a consulting company and publisher of market research reports. We are specialized in providing customized reports according to clients needs and requirements which ultimately help them grow in industry and beat their competition.What We Offer:Customized Reports: We provide customized research reports on your demand.Region Specific Study: We have resources all over the world so, if you are Interested in region specific study please contact us.How we work: Perfect blend of primary and secondary research to provide best result.Expertise: Team of Industry experienced research associates and experts, primary and secondary sources, 24*7 customer care service and post-sale support.Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Global Ginger Market Analysis, Growth Drivers, Trends & Opportunities till 2022 Market Research Reports Search Engine https://www.mrrse.com/sample/3795 https://www.mrrse.com/ginger-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/3795 https://www.mrrse.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ A latest research report titled as Ginger Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 2022 has been recently added to the vast portfolio of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) online research offerings. This report is a professional and in-depth analysis on the present state and future prospect for the global market. It provides valuable information to the industry insiders, potential entrants or investors. It includes an exhaustive enquiry with the reliability of logic and the comprehensiveness of contents.Request Sample Report @In the recent times, the global market for ginger has observed a strong surge in its valuation, thanks to the increasing popularity of ginger as a spice and as a flavoring agent across the world. The rising awareness about the medical benefits of ginger is also attracting consumers substantially, and this factor is expected to act as a long-term promoter of this market, leading it to high growth over the next few years.In addition to this, the widening application base of ginger, from medicines to alcoholic beverages, is anticipated to boost the global ginger market in the years to come. The market is projected to gain US$3.06 bn by 2017 in revenues. The opportunities in this market is predicted to proliferate at a CAGR of 6.50% between 2017 and 2022, reaching a value of US$4.18 bn by the end of 2022.APEJ to Retain Leadership in Global Ginger MarketNorth America, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Europe, Latin America, and Japan have emerged as the key regional markets for ginger across the world. Of these, the APEJ region has surfaced as the most attractive regional market for ginger and acquired the leading position in the global market. Progressing at a CAGR of 7.10% during the period from 2017 to 2022, the APEJ market for ginger is predicted to experience a high rise over the near future, thereby retaining its leadership on the overall market.The tremendous rise in medical tourism in Asian countries, such as India and China, has influenced the production of medicinal spices, of which ginger is a significant segment and, consequently, the market for ginger in APEJ is being heavily boosted. Researchers anticipate the scenario to remain the same over the next few years.Browse Full Report with TOC @Amongst other regional markets for ginger, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and North America are expected to register a steady rise in their respective ginger markets over the forthcoming years. While the Middle East and Africa market will gain from the increasing production of spices; the North America and Europe markets will benefit from the rising awareness of the medicinal qualities of ginger among consumers, together with augmenting preference for organic and bio-based remedies for ailments.Fresh Ginger Enjoys Greater Demand than Other FormsCommonly, ginger is found in fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, and powdered forms across the world. The demand for fresh ginger is much higher than its other forms. Expanding at a CAGR of 7.30% between 2017 and 2022, this segment is anticipated to remain the most prominent one in the years to come.Ginger finds extensive application in culinary, snacks and convenience food, soups and sauces, bakery products, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate and confectionery. The culinary segment has surfaced as the main application area of ginger and is projected to remain so over the next few years. Traditional grocery retail, modern grocery retail, and non-grocery retail are the prime distribution channels of ginger across the world.At the forefront of the global market for ginger are Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., Yummy Food Industrial Group, Monterey Bay Spice Co. Inc., Sun Impex International Foods L.L.C., Indian Organic Farmers Producer Co. Ltd., Sino-Nature International Co. Ltd., Atmiya International, Buderim Group Ltd., Food Market Management Inc., and SA Rawther Spices Pvt. Ltd.Enquire about this Report @About Market Research Reports Search EngineMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At: Global Cloud In Healthcare Technologies Market 2022: Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies, Market Share, Gross Margin, Growth Rate and Top Key Players https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=199952 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=199952 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=199952 www.researchnreports.com Healthcare sector is one of the most dynamic sectors. Healthcare companies are looking to integrate and adopt IT to achieve greater business agility by increasing adaptability and achieving cost efficiency to enable focus on consumer needs and patient care. As consumers become tech savvy they demand a higher level of interaction - such as instant online access to information, products and services through their desktops and mobile devices. However, the traditional IT systems are struggling to meet these challenges and increase system effectiveness.This market research report gives an in-depth idea about the global Cloud In Healthcare Technologies market. It highlights the recent market scenario, growth in the past few years, and opportunities present for manufacturers in the future. In this research for the completion of both primary and secondary details, various methods and tools are used. Also, investments instigated by organizations, government, non-government bodies, and institutions are projected in details for better understanding about the market.Get Sample copy of this Report @:Companies Profiled in this report includes, Salesforce.com, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Oracle, Rackspace, Qualcomm Life, SAP AG, IBM, AT & T, Akamai, VerizonDefinitions and specifications are included in the introduction of the report, through its overview. These definitions allow a user to better understand the terminologies used in the rest of the report and consequently gather information at a faster and smoother rate. The overview also provides a list of various end users, which further helps the user understand the global Cloud In Healthcare Technologies markets industry chain structure.Get 20% Discount on this Report @:Relating to the latest hierarchy in the global Cloud In Healthcare Technologies market, the report outlines some of the crucial players functioning in the market. Discriminating information about the significant players including their business segmentation, product portfolio, revenue, and business overview has been integrated into the report. Latest improvements in the industry have been taken into concern while anticipating the future perspective of the market. The report also exemplifies the various marketing channels prevailing in the global market and conveys information about few of the critical distributors functioning in the market.The report thoroughly analyzes the most crucial details of the Global Cloud In Healthcare Technologies Market with the help of an in-depth and professional analysis. Described in a precise manner, the report also presents complete overview of the market based on the factors that are projected to have a considerable and measurable impact on the markets developmental prospects over the forecast period.Enquiry before Buying @:After studying key companies, the report focuses on the startups contributing towards the growth of the market. Possible mergers and acquisitions among the startups and key organizations are identified by the reports authors in the study. Most companies in the Cloud In Healthcare Technologies market are currently engaged in adopting new technologies, strategies, product developments, expansions, and long-term contracts to maintain their dominance in the global market. Moreover, extensive investments are being made in research and development to enable product enhancements and improvements. With the advent of new technologies on a regular basis, players are striving hard to incorporate the latest technology to gain a competitive edge above the rest.Table of ContentsGlobal Cloud In Healthcare Technologies Market Research ReportChapter 1 Cloud In Healthcare Technologies Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Cloud In Healthcare Technologies Market ForecastAbout Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact:Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin 77064,+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com, Charlotte Verstappen Bachelor of Science with Honours (Anatomy) When Charlotte Verstappen moved to Otago from rural Waikato she was looking to get out of her comfort zone and find some independence. She was also looking for a clear study path. At first I wasnt sure which direction I wanted to go in, so I took the first year Health Science course to keep my options open. Over the year, I developed a real interest in the science behind the human body, and how all the components fit together and interact to make a functioning being. I was also fascinated by the concept that the body can adapt over the course of a lifetime, and how the changes in muscle, tendon and bone are able to reflect different aspects of an individuals life. So I chose to study anatomy, while also including biological anthropology papers. Charlotte enjoyed being able to build her degree, picking subjects that she was specifically interested in. This meant that I was able to include arts papers as part of my degree, which was a completely different style of learning and I really enjoyed that. Charlotte now uses the knowledge she gained through her degree in her work as a tissue bank technician at the University of Auckland, where she liaises with surgical patients who have consented for their tissues or biopsies to be donated. The medical terminology and understanding of human anatomy has allowed me to interact with clinicians, and has given me a good grasp of what we are trying to achieve through tissue banking. I feel like Im making an important contribution to future medical research. The Honorable Michael J. Talbot of the Michigan State Appeals Court will serve as a special independent delegate to assume full authority within the Diocese of Saginaw with regards to all matters involving the alleged sexual abuse of minors and sexual misconduct by clergy and diocesan representatives, it was announced Friday by The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw. "It is my sincere hope that this step will bring renewed courage to victims and their families to come forward with a fuller expectation of fairness, justice, and healing," Cistone said. The announcement of a special independent delegate was shared with members of the media and diocesan employees during an 11 a.m. news conference at the diocesan Center of Ministry in Saginaw. "It has become increasingly apparent to me that sexual abuse and misconduct issues have produced deep distress and serious doubt for the people of the Diocese of Saginaw, priests and parishioners alike, as well as the broader community," Cistone said. "I believe we need what I will call a 'fresh start' ... a 'reboot.'" In an effort to signal a fresh beginning and establish greater trust on the part of the Catholic community and the general public, Talbot will oversee procedures and responses to the sexual abuse of minors and sexual misconduct issues involving clergy and other diocesan representatives. He will establish specific roles and responsibilities for diocesan representatives including communications to the general public, as well as official responses to media inquiries, and will take the lead on any and all interaction with civil authorities. Talbot has been a judge since 1978 and, since 1998, a member of the State Appeals Court. In 2013, he was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to overhaul Detroit's 36th District Court. In 2015, he was named Chief Judge of Michigan's Appeals Court. Sixteen years ago he was named chair of the newly constituted Board of Review on clerical sexual abuse complaints in the Archdiocese of Detroit. It is a position he still holds, and for which he has gained national recognition. Although Talbot's current term runs until January 1, 2021, he has already announced his plans to retire this month on April 25. He will immediately take on his responsibilities as a special independent delegate in Saginaw. While the delegate is not a permanent position, Talbot will remain in place for whatever length of time is needed. "I intend to get to work right away,"Talbot said. "I'm confident I can help the Diocese of Saginaw work towards the 'fresh start' needed. In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we open our Review Board meetings with a prayer from the Archbishop of Dublin," he added. "It keeps us focused first and foremost on the victims. That will be my compass going forward fairness, justice, and healing for victims, encouragement to come forward to civil authorities or the diocese." Slowly but surely, the sequel to Andy Muschiettis 2017 Stephen King adaptation sensation It is coming together. New Line began its casting on a high note in February, recruiting Jessica Chastain to star as an adult Beverly Marsh. Now, Bill Hader and James McAvoy are in talks to join the It: Chapter 2 cast, as well, as Variety reports. McAvoy and Hader are in talks to play the adult versions of Bill Denbrough and Richie Tozier, who were played by Jaeden Lieberher and Finn Wolfhard, respectively, in the first film. Muschietti will return to direct the Gary Dauberman-scripted sequel, set 27 years after the events of the first installment, in which Bill, Richie, Beverly and the rest of the Losers Club took on Bill Skarsgards chilling antagonist, a demonic supernatural force that manifests as Pennywise the killer clown. Chapter 2 will see the adult Losers returning to their hometown of Derry, Maine, decades later for a climactic showdown with Pennywise. Varietys sources stress that Hader and McAvoy are in the early stages of negotiations, and that the films script is still being worked on. Those are two (well, three) of the many balls that are still in the air for the sequel: For instance, Muschietti has said he hopes to have the first films young actors return for flashbacks in the follow-up, but thats not yet a sure thing. And there are still quite a few grown-up Losers to cast, including Chosen Jacobs Mike Hanlon, Jack Dylan Grazers Eddie Kaspbrak, Wyatt Oleffs Stanley Uris and Jeremy Ray Taylors Ben Hanscom. Interestingly enough, the kids of 2017s It were asked by EW and MTV News who they would cast as their adult selves last summer, and they named some familiar names: Wolfhard picked none other than Hader to play grown-up Richie, while Sophia Lillis chose Chastain as adult Beverly. Lieberher suggested Christian Bale, but surely McAvoy would make a more than capable substitute. Other picks included Chadwick Boseman as Mike, Jake Gyllenhaal as Eddie, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Stanley and Chris Pratt as Ben. Hader currently stars in rookie HBO comedy Barry, which was renewed for a second season earlier today. His comedic background, which includes a successful stint on SNL and roles in Superbad, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Trainwreck, makes him a fantastic choice to depict the wise-cracking Richie. McAvoy will next appear in Glass, the sequel to M. Night Shyamalans surprise 2016 horror hit Split, and hes led Foxs X-Men franchise in recent years, serving as a dependable central presence in his role as a young Charles Xavier. It was a record-breaking box-office smash, reeling in over $700 million worldwideincluding more than $327 million in the U.S.against a production budget of only $35 million. The film became the highest-grossing horror movie of all time and is the top-selling home video release of 2018 so far. Its only fitting the studio would bet big on a star-studded follow-up. Production on It: Chapter 2 begins this summeran IndieWire report published Thursday quoted producer Roy Lee as saying the film starts shooting this July in Torontoahead of a Sept. 6, 2019 release. Read our thoughts on what went right for the first film here and see where it landed on our list of last years best movies right here. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. The new director of the state's Office of Regulatory Staff will be tasked with helping unwind the failed expansion of V.C. Summer Nuclear Station, one of the biggest financial crises in South Carolina history. They will be asked to balance the demands of ratepayers footing the bill for the project and the financial health of South Carolina Electric & Gas. Provided/SCE&G Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for The Post and Courier. She previously covered the same beat for the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com in Michigan. When shes not reporting, Angie enjoys teaching yoga and exploring the outdoors. Andrew Knapp is editor of the Quick Response Team, which covers crime, courts and breaking news. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor at Florida Today, Newsday and Bangor (Maine) Daily News. He enjoys golf, weather and fatherhood. Political Reporter Caitlin Byrd is a political reporter at The Post and Courier and author of the Palmetto Politics newsletter. Before moving to Charleston in 2016, her byline appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times. To date, Byrd has won 17 awards for her work. Gregory Yee covers the city of Charleston. He's a native Angeleno and previously covered crime and courts for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA. He studied journalism and Spanish literature at the University of California, Irvine. Hannah Alani is a reporter at The Post and Courier covering race, immigration and rural life across the Palmetto State. Before graduating from Indiana University and moving to Charleston in 2017, her byline appeared in The New York Times. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. Gov. Eddie Calvo's new tax amnesty will apply to all taxes and all taxpayers, including businesses and individuals, said the director of the Department of Revenue and Taxation. "This is going to include all taxes, including real property, and all income tax, and (business privilege tax)," Director John Camacho told The Guam Daily Post on Friday. "This also applies to everybody," he said. "If somebody wants to come in and pay off his taxes, we abate the penalty and interest." All the government will ask during the amnesty period is full payment of the principal amount of taxes owed. "And that's it," Camacho said. "We're working out the details of the (amnesty) program right now. We're going to be announcing it maybe next week." John Camacho, director, Department of Revenue and Taxation 'We're working out the details' However, Camacho was unable to say when the amnesty period would begin, or how long it would last, because the details are still being worked out. He declined to speculate on how much money might be raised. Camacho was interviewed within a few hours of the governor's announcement to open a tax amnesty period. "We're working out the details of the program right now. We're going to be announcing it maybe next week," he said. "Once the program is ready," Camacho said, taxpayers can submit their applications for the amnesty to Rev and Tax in Barrigada. The application forms will be available online. The amnesty will cover delinquent taxes owed up to 2016. It will not cover taxes due in 2017. Camacho doesn't expect too many delinquent payments before 2006. "There's not going to be too many over 10 years, because the statute of limitations for collections is 10 years," he said. "So, you're basically going to see 2016 and 10 years back, to 2006." During the recent Special Economic Service meeting, Sen. James Espaldon urged Camacho to speak with the governor and convince him to reconsider a tax amnesty. Espaldon told the Post on Friday he is pleased with the decision to implement a tax amnesty. "At a time of cash shortfalls and collections, it's prudent that we collect whatever we can from those who owe us," he said, calling it "a good decision." Just last week, Camacho had said the plan was to wait and see what the cash situation would look like in June, after April's tax returns posted and after the first revenue from the business privilege tax increase came in May 20. Camacho: Calvo's call Camacho had expressed concerns about whether a tax amnesty would be fair to taxpayers who paid on time, and he pointed out that a lot more money in penalties and interest would go uncollected. However, it was the governor's call, Camacho said, after consulting with his fiscal team. "The governor announced it today, that this is something he wants and we're working on the program right now," Camacho said Friday. With the tax amnesty and other initiatives, the governor said, "there is no longer a need for a furlough" in the local government. 'We've done it before' "We've done it before," said Camacho, in 2007, when Art Ilagan declared an amnesty for the tax years 1977 through 2005. That amnesty lasted just three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2007. Certified public accountant Robert Steffy told the Post last week it was his recollection that amnesty had brought in more than $20 million. New Greeting Cards on the Rise. One Theme at a Time. PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-13 08:52:17 Press Information QS Simple Treasures Greetings & Collections 9835 Flower Street, Suite 1656, Bellflower, CA 90706 Emily Styles Stacher Project Placement and Social Media Coordinator (657) 222-0531 email http://qssimpletreasures.blogspot.com Published by Emily Styles Stacher 657 222 0531 e-mail ' ' . c2c_truncate_link("qssimpletreasures.blogspot.com", "0", "", ".") . '' # 345 Words 9835 Flower Street, Suite 1656, Bellflower, CA 90706Project Placement and Social Media Coordinator(657) 222-0531Emily Styles Stacher657 222 0531 --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--PR-Inside April 12th of 2018.Everyone knows Hallmark right? The generational company that is known for putting sentiments on the map. Since the year of 1910 they've been the leader of greetings, and everyone else like America's Greetings, Blue Mountain Arts, Papryus and many others have come a close second. However, now, there is a new company aiming for that number one (1) spot.Who is it you ask? A new comer with great buzz known as Quanda' Significance LLC (QS). QS has just launched their first line of greeting cards called "Simple Treasures" introducing their first theme "Sometimes I Wish" with the slogan:Simple Treasures "We know how you feel, so we know just what to say." Simple Treasures Greeting Cards are small greetings with BIG sentiments, along with golden age prices that wont break the bank. Clear and concise with your heart in mind. The Sometimes I Wish theme is dedicated to romance, encouragement, self-esteem, appreciation, love and new beginnings.People are really gravitating to the words saying; "These cards say just what I want to say?" "Such moving savings. I got chills and said why didn't I think of that?" as well as "they are so cute and the messages are dead on". Furthermore, it also doesn't seem to hurt that the themes and illustrations are unique and go hand in hand with the writing that everyone loves. We can't say that QS will take over Hallmark's spot right away but they are definitely making a way and creating a mark for themselves.If you would like to find out more about Quanda' Significance LLC, QS and to purchase Simple Treasures new collection "Sometimes I Wish" please visit their blog at www.qssimpletreasures.blogspot.com . Also look for QS Simple Treasures new collection entitled Why don't coming this May of 2018, pre-order yours now. Please see the link: www.paypal.me/qssimpletreasuresgc Simple Treasures: "We know how you feel; so we know just what to say." PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-13 10:05:03 Recognizes Corvil's contribution to shaping the future of trading technology DUBLIN, Ireland, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corvil today announced its CEO Donal Byrne, has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year by Institutional Investor in its 2018 Trading Tech 40, which honors the world's most powerful trading executives. Under Byrne's leadership, Corvil has become the gold standard in machine-time analytics for financial institutions across the globe, and proudly counts nearly every major stock exchange and global bank as a customer. Corvil's vision, to provide trading businesses with the optimum intelligence to achieve superior execution outcome, operate with full transparency, and have the trusted data for regulatory compliance and cyber risk management, remains razor-focused. "It is a great honor to again be recognized by Institutional Investor and I sincerely thank our customers and employees for their role in Corvil's successful journey," said Donal Byrne of this year's placement. In today's competitive trading landscape, where those who have the best information and react fastest have the advantage, Corvil empowers firms with insight into client and trader intelligence, market data quality, order and transaction performance, and technology infrastructure and application performance to optimize execution. While financial regulations such as MiFID II and Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) have enabled Corvil to showcase industry-leading precision in cross-asset class order record keeping and nanosecond time-stamping to help clients meet compliance, the firm has also expanded capabilities in cyber risk protection. In May last year Corvil developed "Cara", the world's first virtual security expert to address cybersecurity in financial markets, which leverages machine learning to solve sector's "execution performance versus cybersecurity" challenge. Central to Corvil's success has been an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation. Corvil is committed to supporting customers in successfully navigating and excelling in a highly fluid and unpredictable trading environment impacted by new technologies, regulations, and cyber risks. To meet this need, Corvil has more than tripled the size of its data science and machine learning teams over the last two years to bring new capabilities to satisfy market demand for tools that enable insight-powered performance. "Since regulators levelled the playing field, the arms race for speed has shifted to the arms race for 'trading intelligence'. This is where Corvil can help. Our machine-time intelligence for execution performance, client experience, regulatory compliance as well as cyber risk surveillance, can help our customers achieve advantage in a highly competitive market," concludes Byrne. About Corvil Corvil is the industry leader for deriving Security, Operational, and Business intelligence from network data. As companies adopt faster and smarter machine technology, it becomes critical to tap into richer and more granular machine data sources to safeguard the transparency, performance and security of critical infrastructure and business applications. The Corvil streaming analytics platform captures, decodes, and learns from network data on the fly, transforming it into machine-time intelligence for network, IT, security and business teams to operate efficiently and securely in this new machine world. Corvil uses an open architecture to integrate the power of its network data analytics with the overall IT ecosystem providing increased automation and greater operational and business value outcomes for its users. The Corvil solution is trusted by leading financial institutions to safeguard their businesses across the globe involving 354 trillion messages with a daily transaction value in excess of $1 trillion. Learn more about Corvil: Corvil.com | Twitter | LinkedIn Contact information: Press Office at Corvil +353 1 859 1040 pressoffice@corvil.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/2c93bd27-6946-4a4c-9dc3-882a8d256a79 This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Corvil via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-13 10:03:03 KBRA Releases Macro-Market Research: The EUs Hungary Drama Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc. Analytical: Joan Feldbaum-Vidra, Managing Director, Sovereigns New York +1 646-731-2362 jfeldbaumvidra@kbra.com or Alan Madden, Director, Sovereigns Dublin +353-1-907-9206 amadden@kbra.com The European Unions (EU) stated enlargement goal of promoting economic growth and strengthening democratic forces is being tested by the political winds sweeping newer members, Hungary included. The repeat election of Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a vote this past weekend and the continuation of a supermajority government are increasingly testing the EUs tolerance level for Hungarys blatant disregard of democratic values. The EU has just released first ever detailed report threatening Hungary with sanctions over repeated breaches of EU democratic principles. As EU support for Hungary is an important credit feature, this report explores the developing conflict underway. The most likely scenario is that the EU does not have the support of member countries necessary to sanction Hungary for its anti-democratic policies. Please click here to access the full report. CONNECT WITH KBRA Twitter LinkedIn Download the iOS App YouTube About KBRA and KBRA Europe Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc. is a full service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. In addition, Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc. is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider and a certified Credit Rating Agency (CRA) by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered with ESMA as a CRA. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-13 07:44:02 The Annual General Meeting of Odfjell SE will be held on Tuesday 8 May 2018 at 16:00 hours at the Company's headquarters in Conrad Mohrs veg 29, Bergen, Norway. Attached please find notice of the General Meeting. The notice will also be available at odfjell.com Contact: Bjrn Kristian Red Manager Investor Relations & Research Tel: +47 55 27 47 33 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Odfjell SE via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-13 10:52:00 Tokyo, Japan / Karachi, Pakistan, Apr 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International Co,. Ltd (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., signed an agreement with 1LINK (Guarantee) Limited (1LINK) for co-badging of PayPak cards as per approval of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This signing ceremony was held on 28 March, 2018 at 1LINK's office. This agreement will allow 1LINK member banks to issue co-badged cards to those customers who seek both international and domestic spending convenience on one plastic.Co-badging is the inclusion of two payment schemes on the same card (PayPak and JCB), enabling functionality of two networks on one physical card. Domestic transactions for PayPak - JCB co-badged card will route via PayPak. PayPak-JCB card holders will be able to use their card internationally utilizing JCB's world-wide network.This alliance is the first co-badged PayPak agreement, enabling increased issuing of PayPak cards across the nation. 1LINK will be able to make PayPak - JCB a payment card of choice, capable to service customers on both international and domestic markets. In line with SBP Vision 2020, 1LINK is committed towards driving financial inclusion and enhancing PayPak's footprint internationally.Kimihisa Imada, President and COO of JCB International, said "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with PayPak. Card holders will be able to benefit from acceptance at around 30 million merchant locations and our extensive E-commerce network across the globe. We believe this will also help develop PayPak's domestic proposition." On the occasion Mr. Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO, 1LINK, said "With this strategic move, PayPak cards will now be accepted globally, which will give customers an economical option for usage abroad." About 1LINK Guarantee Limited1LINK (Guarantee) Limited, owned by a consortium of 11 banks, is the country's 1st PSO/PSP and largest switch and payment system, providing a host of valuable online banking services like ATM switching, Bills Payment, Inter Bank Funds Transfer, Fraud Risk Management, Switch Dispute Resolution, Global Payment Schemes, PayPak - Domestic Payment Scheme, etc. 1LINK is continuously evolving and adding new products and services to benefit the financial industry.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-13 08:57:01 Series B round brings total raised to $30m TravelPerk has grown at a rate of 1,200% YOY Clients include TransferWise, Typeform, GoCardless, Outfittery and CityJet TravelPerk, Europes Fastest-Growing SaaS Startup*, Raises $21m to Fix Business Travel For TravelPerk Antonella Scimemi antonella@burlington.cc 07530815018 TravelPerk, the next-generation business travel booking and management platform for companies of any size, announces today that it has raised $21m (15m) in a Series B round led by Berlin-based Target Global and Londons Felix Capital. Earlier investors Spark Capital and Sunstone also participated in the round, alongside new global player Amplo. Adding to early stage backers LocalGlobe. Founded in 2015 by CEO Avi Meir and CPO Javier Suarez, TravelPerk is at the forefront of reinventing business travel a category that is worth $1.25 trillion globally. TravelPerk ranks as the fastest-growing SaaS company in Europe and the fourth fastest-growing globally on *the SaaS 1000 list, and consistently leads its sector in customer satisfaction on review sites such as G2 Crowd and Capterra. The company, whose team has increased from 20 to around 100 over the past year, has grown revenue at a rate of 1,200% year-on-year and now counts a raft of over 1,000 customers - including Typeform, TransferWise, Outfittery, GetYourGuide, GoCardless, Hotjar, and CityJet among its clients. TravelPerk which is free to use has developed an end-to-end business travel platform on which clients can search flights and hotels, book and pay for them (including prepay for any hotel worldwide), manage their itineraries, receive instant invoices, have full control of their travel preferences and loyalty programs, automate their travel policy, and access their travel data and rely on 24/7, multilingual support all in one place. TravelPerk has built the worlds largest bookable inventory by integrating not only with hotels, airlines, and rail companies, but also with all the major leisure travel sites including Booking.com, Expedia, Skyscanner and Airbnb. By offering free customer support, and taking no client commissions, the company saves its customers over 20% in annual business travel costs compared to legacy corporate tools and travel agents. Almost everyone you speak to, who has traveled for work, has personal experience of how painful business travel can be, says TravelPerk CEO Avi Meir. "Until now, businesses had to choose between two bad options: either antiquated enterprise solutions or an alphabet soup of ad hoc consumer tools. We went back to first principles instead to design the worlds best experience for travelers, business administrators and finance managers, alike. The corporate travel industry is one of the largest global markets yet to be disrupted online, says Antoine Nussenbaum, Partner at Felix Capital. At Felix Capital we have a high conviction about a new era of consumerization of enterprise software. With a seasoned and highly ambitious management team combining all the skills required to build both a top class tech stack and a smooth consumer experience for travelers through personalisation and mobile, TravelPerk are ideally positioned to be the global leaders in the space." The Series B investment which brings the total raised by TravelPerk to $30m will be used to rapidly scale all facets of the business. The company will add software engineers, product owners, sales reps and customer support to its team, which is set to double to around 200 people, as well as expand globally with offices in 3-5 new countries by 2019. Target Global General Partner Shmuel Chafets adds: TravelPerk is very well positioned to be a market leader in the business travel space with a product that makes business travel as seamless and easy as personal travel, thereby winning a highly fragmented trillion dollar market - a key investment thesis of Target Global. Were excited to support such an experienced and dedicated team that has a strong track record in the travel space. TravelPerk is our first investment in Barcelona. We believe in a pan-European startup ecosystem and we look forward to seeing more opportunities in this emerging startup hub. -ENDS- About TravelPerk TravelPerk is a next generation travel booking and management platform pioneering the future of corporate travel. TravelPerk offers the worlds largest travel inventory alongside powerful management features and 24/7 customer support, allowing companies of any size to effortlessly manage the entire process in one single place. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, consumer-level design and a revolutionary business model that is 100% free, the company is transforming the business travel experience for both travelers and administrators worldwide. Backed by world-class VCs Target Global, Felix Capital, Spark Capital, Sunstone, LocalGlobe, and Amploinvestors in some of the most disruptive companies in tech including Slack, Trello, Twitter, Farfetch, Deliveroo and Delivery HeroTravelPerk is now poised to reinvent business travel with an end-to-end solution that just works. * To start using TravelPerk for free or to request a demo for TravelPerk Premium, visit travelperk.com. TravelPerk is hiring for all roles, see current openings here: https://www.travelperk.com/careers/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180412006 PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-13 08:33:01 Agenda published for Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 31 May 's-Hertogenbosch, 13 April 2018 Van Lanschot Kempen announces the intention of the Supervisory Board to nominate Maarten H. Muller for appointment as a member of the Supervisory Board. Maarten H. Muller (b. 1954) spent 31 years working as a lawyer at the law firms Allen & Overy, Loeff Claeys Verbeke and Loeff & Van der Ploeg. Mr Muller will be nominated during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) to be held on 31 May 2018. De Nederlandsche Bank has consented to the proposed appointment of Mr Muller to the Supervisory Board. The AGM will take place in 's-Hertogenbosch, commencing at 2.00 pm CET. The Notice of the Meeting and Agenda with notes are available at www.vanlanschotkempen.com/AGM. Media Relations: +31 (0)20 354 4585; mediarelations@vanlanschotkempen.com Investor Relations: +31 (0)20 354 4590; investorrelations@vanlanschotkempen.com About Van Lanschot Kempen Van Lanschot Kempen, a wealth manager operating under the Van Lanschot, Evi and Kempen brand names, is active in Private Banking, Asset Management and Merchant Banking, with the aim of preserving and creating wealth for its clients. Van Lanschot Kempen, listed at Euronext Amsterdam, is the Netherlands' oldest independent financial services company with a history dating back to 1737. vanlanschotkempen.com This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Van Lanschot Kempen via Globenewswire The National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO) on Friday reported a 122 per cent revenue increase for 2017 financial year. NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Bello Rabiu, said the revenue grew from about N10.13 billion in 2016 to about N22.46 billion in the year under review. Also, operating profit of the company, which is the technical arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), increased by 134 per cent, from N0.89 billion in 2016 to N2.07 billion in 2017. Mr Rabiu, who is also NETCO Board Chairman, said at the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, Thursday, the profit before tax was about N3.257 billion. The profit before tax, however, decreased by 34 per cent in the year compared with N4.90 billion of the previous years. The decrease was attributed to the foreign exchange gains, which constituted about 56 per cent before tax in 2016 as compared to 4.8 per cent gain in 2017. He said the impressive result was the outcome of improved performance in project execution and cost reduction measures put in place during the period. The performance was also attributed to the new addition of construction and procurement portfolios to the companys activities. The COO Upstream said the figures were made possible through sustained efforts on the part of the Company to cash in on the support by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru, and the shareholders. The strong support of the GMD, the shareholders, in addition to award of some big-ticket jobs which NETCO delivered on time, within budget and without compromising on quality of service delivery, made it possible for the remarkable figures. The performance has reinforced to all stakeholders that given the right environment, NETCO is poised to greater heights, the board chairman said. Mr Rabiu said for the first time since its establishment, NETCO declared N750 million as dividend. The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr Baru, commended the management of NETCO for what he called unprecedented performance. He assured the company of his continued support, saying that based on its performance, he would ensure NETCO got more projects, especially in the gas sector. He congratulated the outgoing MD of NETCO, Siky Aliyu, for leaving behind a legacy for his successor and expressed optimism for a better performance next year. The Managing Director of NETCO, Siky Aliyu, said the company set a target to perform 600,000 man-hours of work in 2018. He said the company would continue to explore new opportunities and improve on service delivery to engender more confidence in its clients and stakeholders. NETCO, Nigerias premier indigenous engineering company, was established in 1989 to acquire engineering technology through direct involvement in all aspects of engineering in the oil and gas and non-oil sectors of the economy. ADVERTISEMENT The company specialises in providing basic and detailed engineering, procurement, construction supervision and project management services, using state-of-the-art technology. ADVERTISEMENT Turkish prosecutors ordered the detention of 140 people including serving army officers over alleged links to U.S.-based preacher, Fethullah Gulen, accused of orchestrating attempted coup in 2016, state-run Anadolu agency said on Friday. The agency said police launched simultaneous operations in 34 provinces across the country for 70 serving army members in a probe led by state prosecutors in the central province of Konya. It added that the suspects were targeted based on statements by soldiers previously detained over ties to the cleric, believed to have been responsible for student houses for Gulens movement. Anadolu noted that in another investigation led by Istanbul prosecutors office, Turkish authorities captured 18 people out of 70 suspects who were sought to have links with Gulenist Network in the naval forces. UN human rights office said in March that Turkish authorities had detained 160,000 people and dismissed almost the same number of civil servants since the failed coup in July 2016, which Ankara blamed on Gulen. He, however, denied any involvement. Among those detained, more than 50,000 had been formally charged and kept in jail during their trials, which Turkeys Western allies criticised. Critics of President Tayyip Erdogan accused him of using the failed putsch to quash dissent. Turkey, however, said the measure was necessary to combat threats to national security. (Reuters/NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Uganda is considering a request from Israel to take in 500 migrants from Eritrea and Sudan, a minister said on Friday, the first time the East African nation has acknowledged it is in talks over such a deal. Musa Ecweru, Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, said in a statement: the State of Israel working with other refugees managing organisations has requested Uganda to allow about 500 Eritreans and Sudanese to relocate to Uganda. The government and ministry are positively considering the request, he said. About 4,000 migrants have left Israel for Rwanda and Uganda since 2013 under a voluntary program but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under pressure from his right-wing voter base to expel thousands more. In January, Israel started handing out notices to male migrants from Eritrea and Sudan giving them three months to take the voluntary deal with a plane ticket and 3,500 dollars or risk being thrown in jail. The government said from April it would start forced deportations but rights groups challenged the move and Israels Supreme Court has issued a temporary injunction to give more time for the petitioners to argue against the plan. Government representatives told the court on Monday that an envoy was in an African country finalising a deportation deal after an arrangement with Rwanda to take migrants expelled under the new measures fell through. Until Fridays statement, Ugandan officials had denied to Reuters that their government was in talks with Israel to resettle migrants. Mr Ecweru said all refugees world over should be voluntarily repatriated with strict observance and adherence to international law, but did not give further details on the possible deal.(Reuters/NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from holding office for lifetime under the section 62 of the constitution of Pakistan for his asset issue. The ex-prime minister will not be able to contest election for the rest of his life, according to the ruling announced by the court. NAN reports that in October 2017, Mr Shariff was indicted over allegations of corruption, the latest setback for the deposed leader who remains one of the most popular politicians in Pakistan. Mr Sharif, 67, was ousted from power in July 2017 by the countrys Supreme Court after months of hearings on the corruption charges. He and his family stand accused of using offshore holding companies to buy luxury properties in London, charges stemming from the Panama Papers leaks in 2016. Mr Sharif, who was not in court, sent a plea of not guilty. His daughter Maryam and her husband, Muhammad Safdar, were also named in the indictment by the anti-corruption court. You tell me if this is justice or murder of justice, Mr Sharif told reporters in London, where he is staying with his wife while she undergoes treatment for cancer. I think that if our justice system continues like this then we will get nothing but embarrassment, he was quoted as saying by the Geo News channel in Pakistan. Mr Sharifs supporters claim he is the target of high-level conspiracies that include the countrys powerful military. (Xinhua/NAN) ADVERTISEMENT President Rodrigo Duterte of Philippines on Friday threatened to arrest International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda if she conducts activities in his country. He argued that Philippines was no longer an ICC member so the court had no right to carry out any investigation. Hitting out at what he said was an international effort to paint him as a ruthless and heartless violator of human rights, Mr Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICCs Rome Statute in March and promised to continue his crackdown on drugs, in which thousands have been killed. ICC prosecutor Bensouda in February announced the start of a preliminary examination into a complaint by a Philippine lawyer which accuses Mr Duterte and top officials of crimes against humanity, and of killing criminals as a policy. Mr Duterte has cited numerous reasons why he believes the ICC has no jurisdiction over him, and on Friday suggested that any doubts about that should have been dispelled by his withdrawal. What is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty, why are you in this country?, he told reporters, in comments aimed at Bensouda. You cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis. That is illegal and I will arrest you. It is not clear whether Bensouda or the ICC has carried out any activities in the Philippines related to the complaint against Duterte. The office of the prosecutor in The Hague and the Philippine foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Police have since July 2016 killed more than 4,000 people they say are drug dealers who resisted arrest. Activists say many of those were executions, which police deny. Mr Duterte has told security forces not to cooperate with any foreign investigators and last month said he would convince other ICC members to withdraw. Mr Duterte had earlier vowed to face the ICC and critics say pulling out is futile, because the ICC has jurisdiction to investigate alleged crimes committed in the period from when the Philippines joined in 2011 to when its withdrawal takes effect in March 2019. Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can step in and exercise jurisdiction if states are unable or unwilling to investigate suspected crimes. The mercurial former mayor and his legal aides argue that technically, the Philippines never actually joined the ICC, because it was not announced in the countrys official gazette. If there is no publication, it is as if there is no law at all, Mr Duterte said on Friday. (Reuters/NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Emmanuel Macron of France on Friday discussed the deterioration of the Syrian crisis in light with recent allegations of a chemical weapons attack in Syrias town of Duma, the Kremlin press service said. The sides continued exchange of views in regard to the current situation in Syria, aggravated by allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the town of Duma. Vladimir Putin emphasised the need to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and avoid any groundless accusations against any side, the Kremlin said in a statement. According to the statement, the Russian president stressed that it was necessary to refrain from rash and dangerous actions that would be a gross violation of the UN Charter and have unpredictable consequences. The leaders instructed the respective foreign and defense ministers to maintain close contact in order to de-escalate the current situation, the Kremlin said. Putin and Macron also welcomed the dispatch of an OPCW fact-finding mission to Duma to investigate the alleged chemical attack. The presidents discussed specific opportunities for cooperation between Russia and France to assist the OPCW mission in its work, according to the Kremlin NAN reports that no fewer than 60 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured in Saturdays suspected chemical weapons attack on the town of Douma, according to a Syrian relief group. Doctors and witnesses have said victims showed symptoms of poisoning, possibly by a nerve agent, and reported the smell of chlorine gas. Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Washingtons decision to put forward its resolution could be a prelude to a Western strike on Syria. The Douma incident has thrust Syrias conflict back to the forefront of the international stage, pitting Washington and Moscow against each other once again. Trump said that he would make a decision about how to respond within a few days, adding that the U.S. had a lot of options militarily, on Syria. Assads government and Russia have said there was no evidence a gas attack had taken place and that the claim was bogus. (Sputnik/NAN) Nigerian states have no powers to reject requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FoI), the Court of Appeal has ruled. In a March 27 decision at the Akure Division, the Court of Appeal ruled that the requests for information, especially around public expenditure, under the FoI, are made in public interest and should be honoured by all states. The decision came in an appeal filed by Martins Alo, a journalist, against the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly and Auditor-General of Ondo State. Mr Alo had demanded the audited report of Ondo State Government between 2012 and 2014 to properly access how public funds are utilised in the state. But the request was rejected, prompting him to seek judicial redress. The Akure Division of Ondo State High Court had previously ruled in 2016 that Mr Alo had no right to demand how the state was spending money, saying the FoI was not applicable to states and the request was not in public interest to begin with. The judge, Williams Akintoroye, also said Mr Alo should pay a damage of N10,000 for wasting time and resources of the state. But Mr Alos lawyer, Femi Emodamori, appealed the ruling on behalf of his client, arguing that Mr Akintoroye erred in his judgment and that his client was acting in public interest. A three-member panel at the Court of Appeal rejected Mr Akintoroyes ruling and agreed with the appellant that the FoI was applicable to states and it was in public interest for the state government to release its audited report. The Court of Appeal judges who sat on the matter included Uzo Ndukwe-Anyanwu, Obande Ogbuinya and Ridwan Abdullahi. Mr Ndukwe-Anyanwu wrote the lead opinion, saying Mr Alo has a right to act on behalf of the public to obtain the information from state authorities. He also quashed the N10,000 fine imposed by the lower court. In a democratic dispensation, such as the Nigerias, the citizens have been proclaimed the owners of sovereignty and mandates that place leaders in the saddle, Mr Ogbuinya said in his concurring opinion. The citizens have a right to know details of expenditure of public funds generated from their taxes, Mr Ogbuinya added. Several states, including Lagos, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo, have been rejecting FoI requests relating to their activities since the law was signed in 2011 by former President Goodluck Jonathan. The states argued that the FoI is a federal law and its provisions are simply not binding on their respective jurisdictions, frustrating accountability efforts by media outlets and transparency advocates. The decision of the Court of Appeal is consistent with well-established principles of legislation, said rights activist Inibehe Effiong. Mr Effiong, who has repeatedly filed judicial proceedings for public disclosure of expenditure by states, told PREMIUM TIMES the states are willfully wasting public funds in pursuing the cases because the Nigerian Constitution is clear on laws like FoI.. By virtue of paragraph four and five in part two of the second schedule of the Constitution, the states should know that the National Assembly can make laws with respect to the archives and pubic records, he said. The FoI Act is a law that stipulates how the public should have access to public record. Even if a State House of Assembly makes a law about how the public should have access to public record, such law would only be subservient to a similar one passed by the National Assembly. ADVERTISEMENT I am not surprised by the judgement. The states too know this but theyre just wasting public funds in challenging the matter, he added. Only international treaties and instruments could be domesticated, you dont need to domesticate a federal law, the lawyer added. Anyone who is aggrieved should proceed to the Supreme Court, but I am confident that the Supreme Court will uphold the ruling of the Court of Appeal. It was not immediately clear whether Ondo State lawyers, led by Taiwo Olubodun, plan to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. The Ikeja Division of Lagos State High Court had reached a similar conclusion in late last year, telling Lagos State government to immediately comply with all FoI requests because the state was bound to obey federal laws. But the state rejected the ruling, filing an appeal to have it overturned. The Court of Appeal in Lagos could either concur with its counterpart in Akure or give an opposite ruling, with the Supreme Court having the power to make a final interpretation of the law. The police have revealed the identities of 12 suspects who were arrested for alleged connection to the last Thursdays robbery in Offa, Kwara State. Armed robbers stormed the community the afternoon of April 5, killing 17 people and raiding five banks. Eight police officers at Owode Division, Offa, were also killed in the attack, and the robbers made away with police arms and ammunition. The police arrested seven suspects within the first two days of the attack, and made more arrests on later dates. The police had earlier withheld the names of the first batch of suspects, saying doing so could jeopardise efforts to arrest the remaining members of the gang or/and threaten the entire investigation into the deadly robbery that had gripped the nation for the past one week. President Muhammadu Buhari and other Nigerian leaders have condemned the attack and called on the police to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Jimoh Moshood, the police spokesperson at Force Headquarters, released details of the arrests, including recovered exhibits, in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES around 6:00 p.m. Friday. Read the full statement below: SUSPECTS i) Adegoke Shogo 29yrs Arrested in Offa ii) Kayode Opadokun 35yrs Arrested in Offa iii) Kazeem Abdulrasheed 36yrs Arrested in Offa iv) Azeez Abdullahi 27yrs Arrested in Offa v) Alexander Reuben 39yrs Arrested on the 11th April, 2018 in Lagos vi) Jimoh Isa 28yrs Arrested on the 11th April, 2018 in Lagos vii) Azeez Salawudeen 20yrs Arrested in Offa and victims phone and sim cards recovered from him viii) Adewale Popoola 22yrs Arrested in Offa and victims phone and sim cards recovered from him ix) Adetoyese Muftau 23yrs Arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State x) Aminu Ibrahim 18yrs Arrested in Ilorin xi) Richard Buba Terry 23yrs Arrested in Ilorin ADVERTISEMENT xii) Peter Jaba Kuunfa 25yrs Arrested in Ilorin These three (3) last suspects in whose possession another Beretta pistol and Fourteen (14) rounds of live ammunitions were recovered. EXHIBITS i. Two (2) Beretta Pistols ii. Twenty (20) Rounds of Live Ammunition iii. Four (4) Phones and SIM cards belonging to victims, some of whom were killed during the attack Consequent on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni, deployment of high-powered Police Investigation Team, Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), Three (3) units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Anti-Robbery equipment to Kwara State to carryout discreet investigation into the banks robbery, prevent further attacks and bring perpetrators to justice; the high-powered Police Investigation Team deployed in synergy with the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department have arrested the Nine (9) above mentioned Armed Robbers directly involved in the Banks Robbery and attack on a Police Station in Offa, Kwara State. 2. The Police teams engaged in massive raids of identified criminal spots/flashpoints, stop and search operations, visibility and confidence building patrols, intelligence gathering which led to the arrest of the suspects. Some of the arrest also involved serious exchange of gun fire between the Police and the suspects in their various hideouts. 3. The following are the suspects arrested and have admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the banks robbery attacks and are also assisting Police investigation into the incident. i) Adegoke Shogo 29yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, he was arrested in Offa after the bank robbery and the attack on the Police Station. He is drug baron and also an Indian Hemp dealer in Offa Kwara State. According to intelligence gathered from cultivated and reliable informant, he is alleged to be one of the sponsors of the robbery attack and the Police Station in Offa. He has made useful statements to the roles he played in the armed robbery. ii) Kayode Opadokun 35yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, He was found out to have been released from Prison Three (3) months ago after Serving only 8months of his sentence years for Armed Robbery, Notorious Armed Robber and confirmed Gang member of the Offa Bank Robbers. A Barrette pistol and six (6) rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him. He has admitted to the criminal roles he played in the Offa Banks robbery. iii) Kazeem Abdulrasheed 36yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, A Gang member from whom a Victims phone was found. He was arrested in Offa iv) Azeez Abdullahi 27yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, Gang member from whom a Victims Phone and SIM Cards were recovered. v) Alexander Reuben 39yrs Native of Isoko LGA Delta state, He is a Notorious, Deadly and Hardened Bank robber from whom GMPGs, Rocket launchers and Several Rifles were recovered in 2015, He was released from Prison in December 2017. He was arrested on the 11th April, 2018 in Lagos. vi) Jimoh Isa 28yrs Native of Okene Kogi State indicted by Technical intelligence generated on the Bank Robbers. He was arrested on the 11thApril, 2018 in Lagos. 4. Three000 (3) suspects namely Azeez Salawudeen 20yrs, Adewale Popoola 22yrs and Adetoyese Muftau 23yrs from whom Two (2) phones and SIM cards belonging to victims were recovered have also made confessional statements admitting to the various roles they played in the commission of the crime. 5. (i) Aminu Ibrahim 18yrs Arrested in Ilorin, ii) Richard Buba Terry 23yrs and iii) Peter Jaba Kuunfa 25yrs These three (3) suspects in whose possession another Beretta pistol and Fourteen (14) rounds of live ammunitions were recovered were arrested in connection with the Offa bank robbery. They have previously been investigated and charged to court for armed robbery and cultism. They have made confessional statements admitting to the various criminal roles they played in the recent bank robbery in Offa. 6. All the suspects during investigation confessed to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crime, however, investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects still at large and bring them to justice. 7. The Nigeria Police Force once again deeply commiserates with the Government and People of Kwara State, most especially the people of Offa and the families of the victims. The Force will leave no stone unturned in unravelling this dastard act and bring all those responsible to justice. The Force appreciates the supports from members of the public so far and calls for calm and their cooperation to sustain the normalcy that has been restored in the State. ACP JIMOH MOSHOOD FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FORCE HEADQUARTERS A non-governmental organisation has warned the Nigerian government against the proposed introduction of commercialised genetically modified crops (GMO) into the food system of the country. Nigeria officially signed the Biosafety Bill into law in 2015, making it eligible to join the league of nations that are already using genetic engineering (GE), also called genetic modification (GM), to boost food production. The National Biotechnology Management Agency (NBMA) regulates the technology. Nigerias federal government had earlier set a timeline for commercialisation of GE cotton and cowpea. A few weeks ago, the deputy director of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Rose Gidado, reaffirmed governments plan to introduce GMO cowpea and cotton in the market as biotechnology products. But Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), an organisation at the forefront of the campaign against GMO products in a statement Thursday by its project officer, Joyce Ebebeinwe, criticised this move. The group argued that there is no guarantee of the environmental and health safety of the beans and cotton to be released by the end of 2018. Nnimmo Bassey, the Director of HOMEF stressed that there are serious challenges GMOs pose in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune dysfunction and genetic disorders which make it very important that Nigeria adopts the precautionary principle. The organisation stated that it is good to learn from others who have taken caution against GMOs. The Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, had declined to sign into law a Biosafety Bill passed by the Ugandan Parliament in October 2017 because of issues that included liability and redress and concerns on conservation of indigenous crops and agricultural biodiversity. The way to improve economic situation for farmers is to invest in organic agriculture, provide farmers with extension services, needed infrastructure, good roads and access to land and loans. Support for farmers should include investment in research and exploration of agroecology approach to the problems of pests and diseases. HOMEF insisted that the promise to have GMOs labelled in Nigeria to ensure that the public has a choice on whether or not to eat such crops will not work mainly due to the countrys socio-cultural and economic realities. It further urged the government to look critically at the activities of the Nigerian Biosafety Regulatory Agency and the subject of genetically modified foods in the country. The Nigeria Institute of Food, Science and Technology (NIFST) had also on Tuesday, warned that Genetically Modified Seedlings would be inimical to the countrys local seedlings. President of NIFST, Dahiru Adamu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the genetically modified seeds would make it impossible for our local seedlings to be productive for farmers and the nation. Once we allow genetically modified seeds to come into Nigeria to be planted by our farmers, that may mark the end of Nigeria. This is because by the time these seedlings are planted, one, two to five years, it will compare with our local seedlings and will not allow them to germinate. This will lead us to buying seeds from them and therefore, hold us to ransom, and become the determinant factor whether the country gets food or not and in turn become a big problem for the country, Adamu said. Genetically Modified Organism, GMO is a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology. ADVERTISEMENT There has been a protracted debate over the application of genetically modified crops into the food system of the country. These debates has birthed two groups, Pro-GMO and Anti-GMO. The former is for while the latter is against the application. The National Biosafety Management Agency had in 2016 issued two permits for the Commercial Release and Placing on Market of genetically modified cotton, and the confined field trial of maize, to Monsanto Agriculture Nigeria Limited. This move came despite concerted efforts of many Nigerians (comprising 100 groups of farmers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, students and local farmers) to prevent the introduction of genetically modified (GM) cotton and maize into Nigerias foods and farming system. ADVERTISEMENT Members of the Urhobo ethnic group in Delta State have sued the Nigerian Senate for the suspension of their senator, Ovie Omo-Agege. Mr. Omo-Agege, who represents Delta Central, was suspended after a lengthy deliberation on the floor of the Senate on Thursday over his reaction to the Senates intended amendment of section 25 of the Electoral act. The act seeks among other things, to put the date for the presidential election after those of the legislators and state governors, respectively. During a discussion on the proposed electoral act in February, Mr Omo-Agege described the proposed amendment as a plot against the President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr. Omo-Agege condemned the adoption of the bill at the House of Representatives stressing that only 36 out of 360 members of the house were present when the bill was read at the lower chamber. Following a recommendation by Kogi senator Dino Melaye, the matter was referred to the Senates ethics and privileges committee which recommended a suspension of Mr. Omo-Agege for 181. The Senate, led by Bukola Saraki however deliberated upon the proposed suspension and reduced the number of days to 90. The committee said its reason for the suspension of Mr Omo-Agege was because of a court action he instituted after apologising to the house for his comments. In a reaction to the suspension a group of Nigerians from Mr Omo-Ageges constituency have approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to demand the retraction of Mr Omo-Ageges suspension. The vanguard newspapers reports that the plaintiffs, namely: Alfred Okaka, Chris Agaga, Kingsley Okrikpo, Harrison Akpojarho, Manny Edu, Lyndon Ugbome, Moses Adegor and Godspower Emowhomuere, are asking the court to declare that the said suspension will amount to a deprivation of the rights of their people from due representation in the Senate. They are of the opinion that the tenure of the senator: cannot be abridged, diminuted, suspended, abrogated and or vitiated, except as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended.). The defendants in the suit are: Senate President Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, the Senate, Clerk of the Senate, the Department of State Services, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Inspector- General of Police and Senator Omo-Agege. Similarly, a human rights lawyer, Frank Tietie condemned the suspension of Mr Omo-Agege and threatened legal action if the Senate fails to revoke the suspension. ADVERTISEMENT The police have detained an activist, Deji Adeyanju, at the venue of a protest for the release of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Mr El-Zakzaky, a Shiite cleric and leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, has been in detention since 2015 when Nigerian soldiers massacred and killed over 300 of his followers. Mr Adeyanju has been leading daily sit-outs for the clerics release over the past three months. Details of his arrest are still fluid, but he is believed to have been arrested by the FCT police command at Unity Fountain, venue of the rally. Mr Adeyanju told PREMIUM TIMES about his arrest via a text message Friday afternoon. Police arrested me at Unity Fountain over #FreeZakzaky, the activist said. Abuja police spokesperson, Anjuguri Manzah, requested for additional time to find out details of Mr Adeyanjus arrest when contacted by PREMIUM TIMES for comments Friday afternoon. Mr Adeyanjus arrest comes two days after Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) issued a statement prevailing on federal authorities to immediately move against Mr Adeyanju over his comments on Channels Television. Mr Adeyanju appeared on the station Wednesday morning to accuse President Muhammadu Buhari of hiding the reason for his latest trip to London. The president embarked on the journey on Monday, saying he wanted to hold some meetings ahead of 2018 Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting in London. Mr Buharis decision to go to London nine days ahead of the meeting had raised a lot of eyebrows amongst Nigerians. Mr Adeyanju said the president was going for another round of treatment. The president had previously spent 105 days in London on medical treatment in 2017. Austin Braimoh, leader of BMSG, said law enforcement agencies should immediately detain Mr Adeyanju because his claim was not factual. The president was seen later on Wednesday in a London meeting with Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. It was not immediately clear whether his arrest at Shiites rally today had any connection with the call by Mr Buharis supporters for Mr Adeyanjus arrest. Concerned Nigerians, a civil group affiliated to Mr Adeyanju, has called for the release of the activist. Similarly, Pius Adesanmi, a Nigerian academic and public affairs commentator, said Mr Adeyanjus arrest would further expose the governments handling of Mr El-Zakzakys case. A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday fixed May 3 to hear a suit by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adewale Hameed, challenging the purported tenure elongation of APCs national officers including its chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. Listed as defendants are Mr Odigie-Oyegun, Segun Oni, Deputy National Chairman (South ) and Lawal Shaibu, Deputy National Chairman (North). Others are Ibrahim Gubi, National Secretary; Pius Akinyelure, Vice-Chairman (South-west) as the fourth and fifth defendants. APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are joined as sixth and seventh defendants respectively. When the case was called on Friday, Muiz Banire, counsel to the APC, told the court that the sixth defendant (APC) had filed an application to set aside the service of the originating processes on them. Mr Banire said the order for substituted service on the sixth defendant was obtained fraudulently as the address stated on the order was wrong. He said the address of the APC secretariat is No. 40, Blantyre St., and not No. 16, Blantyre Avenue that was stated in the order. The website the applicant claimed to have got the address from is not ours, a Good Samaritan brought our attention to todays date, we are yet to receive any process. Mr Banire said that they had also filed a further affidavit to prove same and attached correspondence from INEC showing their correct address. The applicants counsel, Babatunde Fashanu, sought the leave of court to withdraw the motion ex-parte for substituted service on the fifth defendant (Akinyelure) that he had been served personally. He also told the court that the applicant had filed a counter-affidavit to the sixth defendants (APC) motion to set aside the order. According to him, the sixth defendant should be stopped from denying the address as the website was clearly APC website and an exhibit had been attached to prove same. If they were claiming the website is fake, they should have taken appropriate steps to bring down the website. Mr Fashanu said moreover, the bailiff of the court had sworn to an affidavit of proof of service on oath that it was at the APC secretariat he served the processes. In a short ruling, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, held that it was essential for proper service to be effected on the defendants. The website may be fake but I find no evidence of fraud, I see no reason to set aside the service, so we do not waste time; another set of processes should be served at No. 40, Blantyre Street, she held. Consequently, she adjourned the suit until May 3 for hearing of the originating motion. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at a joint meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in Abuja, the tenure of the officials was extended by one year with effect from June 30. ADVERTISEMENT The applicant had on March 9 filed an originating summons, seeking the determination of the court whether the extension of the NEC and NWC elected or appointed members was constitutional. The APC has since reversed the tenure extension, but the applicant has not withdrawn the suit. He wants the court to determine if the defendants had the constitutional right under Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 13 and 17 of the APC Constitution to extend the tenure of its NEC and NWC members. At the last adjournment, the applicants counsel, Mr Fashanu, had moved a motion ex-parte urging the court to grant four orders pending the hearing of the substantive suit. *An order granting leave to the plaintiff to sue the first to fifth defendants on behalf of all officers of the NEC and the NWC of the APC. * An order granting leave to serve the first to fourth and the sixth defendants the originating summons by leaving it with the front desk officer of the sixth defendant. * An order of interim injunction restraining the first to sixth defendants from implementing the purported tenure elongation of the presently elected organs of the APC. * An order of interim injunction restraining the seventh defendant from recognizing the decision of the first to sixth defendants to extend its tenure beyond four years. Justice Olatoregun had granted the first two prayers but requested the applicant to put the other defendants on notice for the last two orders. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it is set to resume prosecution of former Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Sunday Ehindero, for alleged N16 billion fraud. A spokesperson of the commission, Rasheedat Okoduwa, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday. Mrs. Okoduwa said the case against Ehindero, who was I-G between 2005 and 2007, would continue at the FCT High Court in Abuja. The former police boss is facing trial for alleged criminal conversion of money belonging to the Ministry of Police Affairs into personal use while in office, according to the ICPC spokesperson. This development followed a Supreme Court ruling dismissing the appeal filed by the former police chief, challenging the jurisdiction of the commission and the FCT high court to try him. Ehindero and an accomplice had in 2012 been arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy to criminally convert public funds totaling N16,412,315.00. The allegedly diverted funds were the interests generated from the sum of N557,995,065 police money he had placed in two fixed deposit accounts at Wema Bank Plc and Intercontinental Bank Plc. The said money was donated by Bayelsa State Government to the force at the time to enable it purchase equipment for proper policing of the state, she said. Mrs. Okoduwa alleged that the principal sum donated was transferred to the Ministry of Police Affairs from the accounts without the interests earned. This, according to her, formed the crux of the allegations against the accused. She recalled that on June 6, 2012, Mr. Ehindero filed a preliminary objection asking the trial court to strike out the amended charges for want of jurisdiction and competence. He also prayed the court for an order restraining any official of the ICPC from prosecuting him, for not having constitutional power to do so among others. In the reserved ruling delivered on Sept. 21, 2012, the trial judge dismissed the application in its entirety. Thereafter, the former IGP proceeded to the Court of Appeal and again his appeal was dismissed. Ehindero took the matter to the Supreme Court where he has been asked to face his trial. The matter ought to have come up on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, for further mention, but the court did not sit, Mrs. Okoduwa said. (NAN) Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to issue a legally binding official moratorium against executions as a first step towards the abolition of the death penalty in the country. It said this will be in line with global trends. The country director of the civic group, Osai Ojigho, said this during a launch of Amnesty International Global Report titled Death sentences and Executions 2017 in Abuja on Thursday. According to her, Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind and must show a great commitment for protecting lives and ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair. She said there is need for reforming the judiciary in order to strengthen the system. Nigeria imposed the highest number of death sentences in the sub-Saharan Africa region in 2017, she said, with 621 people sentenced to death. She said Amnesty International believes that these death penalties are retrogressive, unjustifiable as there is no evidence to suggest the death penalty deters crime more effectively than other punishment In our reports, it is obvious that executions are reducing and death sentences with death penalty is also reducing but the reverse is the case in few countries in the world and unfortunately Nigeria is among those countries with increasing rate in death sentences and the potential for death penalty is still a risk many people face in the country. She said it is essential for the federal government to invest in security agencies on the use of technology in the prevention of crime thereby limiting people going through the justice system that is weak, which can be described as discriminatory against the poor and the vulnerable. Similarly, Damian Ugwu, a researcher with the group said 2285 people were on death row as at December 31, 2017 which includes four foreign nationals. According to him, Nigeria recorded no known executions in 2017 as compared to 2016 where it executed three death row inmates, although, 621 people were sentenced to death in 2017 compared to 527 in 2016. Mr Ugwu said death penalty is discriminatory and often used against the most vulnerable in society which includes the poor, ethnic and religious minorities and people with mental disabilities. Some government use it to silence their opponents. Where justice system are flawed and unfair trials rife, the risk of executing an innocent person is ever present and when death penalty is carried out, it is final. Mistakes that are made cannot be unmade. An innocent person may be released from prison for a crime they did not commit, but an execution can never be reversed, he said. But a legal practitioner, Olayinka Ogunmodimu, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday evening, said death penalty should not be totally abolished. Once someone is found guilty of a capital offence, the governor should not have the discretion of choosing whether or not to sign. Death penalty should not be abolished. Once a life has been taken, the punishment can only reduce from death sentence to life imprisonment, Mr Ogunmodimu said. By Nigerian law, the death penalty will serve as justice for someone who has taken the life of another but the disadvantage is that most governors refuse to sign death warrants by the reason of values, culture and beliefs as they prefer the inmates to die a natural death. He said Nigeria lacks effective legal system that can quickly dispense justice without considering factors like favouritism, power among others while noting that the judiciary system needs to be strengthened. A crime can be prosecuted in Nigeria for 20 years but (that) cannot happen in a developed country. The only case in Nigerias legal system in which you can know the starting and finishing is election petition and it is because the law have said that it must start and finish within 180 days, he said. ADVERTISEMENT It is a matter of here and there, when you look at event around you, one might have to agree with existing laws in which death penalty is part of the punishment but Amnesty International is right to say that in most cases, most people at the back end of the law are always victims of the law. Let us look at the case of Offa, will we say death penalty is not an option if the offenders were captured? Ola Adeosun, a legal practitioner and political analyst said Mr Adeosun said the law should be reviewed that the manner of offence should be put into consideration before pronouncing death penalty. Someone who robbed with a toy gun, blade and knife if arrested, prosecuted and found guilty will be sentence to death, for me it is too harsh. The manner of the offence should be put into consideration but there are some people who are serial murderers and since there are no forests to keep them, such people should be taken out legally, he said. He said most leaders in African countries sign all kinds of treaties without reading them, which is the problem the country faces in domesticating most international treaties. Amnesty International is a world-embracing movement working for the protection of human rights. It is independent of all governments and is neutral in its relation to political groups, ideologies and religious dividing lines. ADVERTISEMENT A Kogi High Court sitting in Lokoja on Friday issued a bench warrant against one Ade Obege, standing trial with four others over alleged assassination attempt on a senator, Dino Melaye, in April, 2017. The presiding judge, Fola Ajayi, who issued the bench warrant following the failure of the accused to appear for his trial, also ordered that summons be issued to his sureties. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that when the case was called, the second accused was conspicuously absent and no cogent reason was given for his absence. Apart from the failure of Mr Obege to appear for his trial, the case could also not progress because of the absence of the police prosecuting counsel, Lough Simon, in court. Samuel Ikutanwa who held the brief of Mr Simon, told the court that the prosecutor could not attend the sitting because of the sudden death of his father. Mr Ikutanwa said the development had already been communicated to the parties to the suit, adding that he was not availed the details of the case. The counsel to Mr Obege, Ayo Jonathan, told the court that his client was last seen on March 22, when he came to court for his trial. According to Mr Jonathan, the wife of the accused said she had not seen her husband since March 22, when he left Okene for Lokoja, adding that he wanted to conclude that Mr Obege was missing. Reacting to the submission of the counsel, Mr Ikutanwa prayed the court to issue a bench warrant against the accused since there was no cogent reason for him not being in court. Justice Ajayi, in his ruling, ordered that a bench warrant be issued against Mr Obege, while his sureties be summoned. He adjourned the case to May 14 and 15 for hearing. The administrator of Ijumu Local Government Council, Taofiq Isa, and four others including Mr Obege were arraigned before late Justice Aromeh Akogu by the police over alleged involvement in the attempt to assassinate Melaye in April 2017. Unknown gunmen allegedly invaded the lawmakers residence in Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government, fired several shots into the compound and destroyed properties. No life was lost in the attack. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the parents of the school girls that were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno State, that their daughters will never be forgotten or abandoned to their fate, despite four long years since they were taken away by terrorists. A statement by the Presidency Friday said President Buhari joined the Borno State government, parents of the children and Nigerians in commemorating the fourth anniversary of the sad incident, praying that the event at the daughters school today will go well. The President urged the parents to keep their hopes alive on the return of their daughters, noting that the recovery of more than a 100 of the girls that were kidnapped should give confidence that all hope is not lost. President Buhari re-affirmed that the government remains focused and determined to see the girls return to their homes, urging the parents to be expectant of more good news in due course. We are concerned and aware that it is taking long to bring the rest of our daughters back home, but be assured that this administration is doing its very best to free the girls from their captors. Unfortunately, the negotiations between the government and Boko Haram suffered some unexpected setbacks, owing mainly to a lack of agreement among their abductors, whose internal differences have led to a divergence of voices regarding the outcome of the talks. We know that this is not the news parents want to hear after four whole years of waiting, but we want to be as honest as possible with you. However, this government is not relenting. We will continue to persist, and the parents should please not give up. Dont give up hope of seeing our daughters back home again. Dont lose faith in this governments ability to fulfill our promise of reuniting you with our daughters. Dont imagine for a moment that we have forgotten about our daughters or that we consider their freedom a lost course, the president said. President Buhari assured that as long as he remains the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces the Chibok girls will never be forgotten and all will be done to have them reunited with their families. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigeria Air Force, said on Friday that it had embarked on medical outreach that would see it treating 3, 400 persons displaced by Boko Haram insurgency in Rann community of Borno State. Azubuike Chukwuka, a group captain and Director, Public Health and Humanitarian services, Air Force Headquarters, stated this while inspecting the ongoing exercise at the Medical Centre, 105, Air Force Composite Command, Maiduguri. Mr Chukwuka said that the exercise was part of NAFs medical intervention designed to better the medical conditions of displaced persons in the country. We are here on humanitarian service to attend to the medical and surgical need of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Borno State, basically displaced persons in Rann community. You can recall that due to Boko Haram activities the United Nations (UN) officials and Doctors without Borders (MSF) left Rann. The Chief of Air Staff does not want humanitarian catastrophe that is why medical deployed to render humanitarian services. We came with a team of surgeons, gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, dentists and others, to come and alleviate the medical and surgical needs of the displaced persons in Borno. We targeted about 3, 400 patients, the exercise is ongoing our team is in Rann, we screen the patients there and flown them to Maiduguri for surgery to enable us to practice standard operating procedures. Mr Chukwuka added that the patients including women and children would be provided with free medications in the exercise. According to him, the service has conducted similar exercises at various IDPs camps and plans to extend its outreach to other communities to improve the health condition of displaced persons in the country. Some of the beneficiaries of the free surgical treatment lauded the gesture. Maryam Umar, who expressed joy over the gesture, said her three-year old daughter benefitted from a facial surgery, adding that the girl was born with the ailment. Also, Muhammad Ibrahim, 65 and Ciroma Arima, said they were treated of cataract disease at the NAF medical centre. Mr Ibrahim said: I can barely see before due to impaired vision, now that I undergo surgery I hope to regain my sight. They came to our camp in Rann, examined my eyes and offered treatment including free drugs and other medications, he said. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The head of the Transportation Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Kayode Opeifa, says about 55 per cent of vehicles on FCT roads are not road worthy. The transportation secretary made this known when he released motor vehicles and drivers licence statistics for the FCT for the first quarter of 2018 in Abuja on Friday. Mr. Opeifa said of the vehicles inspected at the Abuja Computerised Vehicles Centres, between January and April 6, only 45 per cent passed the test. In order to ensure that vehicles plying the territory roads are road worthy, the secretariat has therefore directed the commencement of Operation Crocodile to rid Abuja streets of unworthy vehicles. He urged motorists who have not made their vehicles available for inspection to do so. Also, within the period under review, 3,085 vehicles, 260 motorcycles, 406 tricycles, 281 unpainted taxis, were impounded for various traffic offences. This is against 2,885 vehicles, 183 motorcycles, 350 tricycles and 271 unpainted taxis for the same period in 2017, he added. He said 13,757 new vehicles were registered while 48,083 vehicle licences were renewed. He said that 355 abandoned, accident, and burnt vehicles were evacuated during rescue operations. Mr. Opeifa said that 18,067 drivers licences were processed between January and March, 2018 as against 16,668 processed in the same period in 2017. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has formally declared his intention to contest 2019 governorship poll in the state. Mr Lalong made the declaration at Plateau All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting in Jos on Friday. He was first elected in 2015. The governor said the declaration was as result of the intense pressure from the people of the state for him to re-contest. Edward Pwajok, the member representing Jos South/Jos East at the House of Representatives moved the motion for Mr Lalong to recontest. Mr Pwajoks motion was unanimously seconded by voice vote from those present at the meeting. A former Deputy Governor of Plateau, Pauline Tallen, a former governorship aspirant, Pam Dung Gyang, a former Chairman of the National Population Commission, Samaila Makama and several others paid glowing tributes to Mr Lalong for successfully contributing to the growth of Plateau. They appreciated Mr Lalong for steering the APC in the country away from crisis following his committees report which gave an amicable solution to divergent views concerning the tenure of the party officials. The Chairman of APC in the state, Letep Dabang, Chairman, later told journalists that the party strongly supported the governors declaration. Mr Dabang, however, said that other interested candidates on the partys platform were free to contest the position. He said that contesting was a right of every party member and that the party would provide a level playing ground for all. We cannot stop anybody from contesting but for now Mr Lalong is the one that publicly declared to contest. He said that the meeting was convened by the party leadership to brief members of the resolutions reached at the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday. Those present at meeting were the deputy Governor, Sonni Tyoden, National and state House of Assembly members, members of Plateau Executive Council and many other party men and women. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Ibanga Etang, an aide to Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, has defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC). A few months ago, the governors Special Assistant on Electoral Matters, Chris Okorie, had also dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for APC. Mr. Etang, a former Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government, resigned on April 9, as Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects and formally registered with the APC at his Etebi Ward 7 along with over 300 followers on April 10. Addressing his supporters at a post-defection meeting on Friday, Mr. Etang said with their entry into APC, the party stood 70 per cent chance of winning Esit Eket Local government Area. Mr. Etang said he left the PDP because of impunity. I blame the continuing exodus from the Esit Eket PDP on a situation where an individual takes Esit Eket as his personal property, he stated. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Etang also served as Special Assistant to former Gov. Godswill Akpabio. According to him, he has refused overtures from PDP leaders in the state in the last few days not to defect to APC. In his resignation letter to the governor, Mr Etang said he was leaving because it was necessary to depart now in line with the dictates of my conscience and highest level of sincerity. Receiving the defectors, Bassey Dan-Abia Jnr., a former member of the House of Representatives said the APC has been increasing in number, and expressed optimism that the party would take over the state in 2019. He commended the defectors for their courage and assured them of federal programmes for the state. Seven leaders of the PDP in the local government have so far defected o APC. They include Etang Umoyo, a former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Bassey Dan-Abia, a former NDDC Commissioner, Imaobong Inyang, a retired Permanent Secretary, Mike Eyo and two former House of Representatives members, Bassey Dan-Abia Jnr and Eseme Eyiboh. (NAN) Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday inaugurated the Abia Tele-health initiative, otherwise known as Dial-a-doctor, describing it as commendable effort in the healthcare delivery system in the state. Speaking at the event held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Mr Osinbajo said Abia had blazed the trail in the utilisation of Global System of Mobile Telecommunication (GSM) in the delivery of quality healthcare to the people of the state. He said, This is an especially exciting project because it is leveraging on available technology, in this case, the mobile phone to deliver affordable healthcare to the people. He said it had become expedient in Nigeria to embrace technology to close the healthcare gap between the urban and rural areas. Mr Osinbajo said avalaible records showed that Abia had about 1.5 million mobile phones. According to him, the state has taken the lead in utilising the potential that mobile phone has as a means for delivering healthcare for the people. I am told that citizens can through a dedicated telephone line and affordable prepaid cards access medical care through a statewide network of doctors and communicate. The initiative would cut the time spent travelling to see a doctor or waiting in line to see a doctor in a healthcare facility. It will make Abia stand out in the healthcare delivery as a people-centered state that is open to life-changing innovation. This is a very commendable initiative, Mr Osinbajo said. He, however, said that the success of the programme would depend on the willingness of stakeholders to take on feedback and make the adjustments necessary to meet the evolving needs of the target beneficiaries. According to the vice president, this initiative would be helpful to the state and other states that would want to copy it. Mr Osinbajo used the forum to restate the federal governments commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable. He further said that the federal government had continued to render assistance to the 36 states of the federation, irrespective of their party affiliation. He said that the gesture was a clear departure from the primordial practice, where past administrations at the centre always limited their assistance to states ruled by the party at the centre. He said, At the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) in 2015, the president publicly declared that our own NEC will assist every state because poverty in our nation is no respecter of ethnic group, religion or party affiliation. The vice president said that in line with the decision, the federal government had so far supported states without discrimination along party lines to the tune of N1.91trilion. He said, Today we are feeding 7.9 million children in our own school feeding programme in 22 states. ADVERTISEMENT We have employed over 200,000 graduates in our N-Power scheme and 300,000 more awaiting funding. We are giving loans to over 300,000 traders and we are heading for a million traders and artisans. We are giving 5,000 monthly to 300,000 of the poorest families in all the states of Nigeria without discrimination along party lines, Mr Osinbajo said. He also spoke on the federal Governments School Feeding Programme, saying that 125,684 pupils in 724 schools in Abia were being fed, with no fewer than 2,000 cooks, handling the contract. This is one state where there is collaboration between the state government and the federal government in the school feeding programme. The federal government is feeding classes one to three and the state government is feeding classes four to six. This is exactly the way the federal government designed it to be, he said. Mr Osinbajo further said that the federal government had given out loans to over 7,500 small businesses in the state. In the healthcare sector, we have the save-one-million lives programme, which has made available $1.5million to each state to improve the quality of basic healthcare, especially to women and children, he said. He assured Abia government of the unwavering commitment of the federal government to continue to partner and collaborate on any programmes designed to better the lives of the people. In his speech, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu described the programme as a dream come true, saying the initiative is the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria and Africa. Mr Ikpeazu said the state government would leverage on the programme not only to improve life expectancy in Abia but surpass the average national life expectancy. In a goodwill message, the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, commended the state government for the initiative. Mr Adewole, who was represented by the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Chuku Abali, said that the programme had the potential to make healthcare accessible to millions of Abia residents, if properly harnessed. The Commissioner for Health, John Ahukanna, said that the programme would make it possible for people to dial a dedicated GSM number and get medical attention from a doctor in the comfort of their homes. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has slated May 21 for ruling on a bail application brought by a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Four IPOB members: Bright Chimezie, David Nwawuisi, Benjamin Madubugwu and Chidiebere Onwudiwe, were arraigned before the court, presided by Justice Binta Nyako after a similar charge involving the defendants was adjusted to exclude their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The defendants are accused of treasonable felony, following a call by their group (IPOB) for the breakaway of some parts of the country, to form the state of Biafra. The court had at its previous sitting adjourned hearing of bail applications to April 13. At the resumption of hearing on Friday, the prosecution lawyer, Colins Eromosele, asked the court for time to file his intended reply to the bail applications sought by the second to fourth defendant. Mr. Eromosele initially objected to the deposition of the bail applications by the second to fourth defendants, saying his team was not aware it would be heard on Friday. His objection was, however, overruled by Mrs. Nyako who noted that parties were duly served with the processes for the days proceedings. She adjourned the matter till May 21 for hearing of the bail application by the first to fourth defendants. The court will also rule on the application by the first defendant as well as proceed with the substantive matter. The trial of the IPOB members, which triggered widespread protests by their supporters, especially in 2017, began in 2015, when IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested and arraigned before a magistrate court in Abuja. Following the release of Mr. Kanu, in April 2017, the protests climaxed resulting in the deployment of soldiers in the South-east region, in what was termed operation python dance. Shortly after the soldiers were deployed to the region, Mr Kanus layer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, accused the Nigerian army of abducting his client during a raid at his (Kanus) country home, in Abia State last September. Following the disappearance of Mr. Kanu, the court separated his trial from that of the other four defendants. ADVERTISEMENT Nigeria is in crisis and should be saved, leaders of Peoples Democratic Party have said as they prepare to take on the All Progressives Congress for a return to power in 2019. The opposition leaders led by the national vice chairman, Babayo Gamawa, on Friday, were in Obosi, Anambra State, the country home of Osita Chidoka, a former minister, where they said their party did better in anti-graft campaign than APC currently does. They asked Mr Chidoka to join their mission of rescuing Nigeria. We are not here to ask you to rejoin the party but to join a rescue mission because the country needs to be saved, said Mr Gamawa. Also in the visiting team were the South-east zonal vice chairman, Austin Umahi, and the zonal secretary, Casmir Ugwu, among others. Speaking further, Mr Gamawa suggested PDP fought corruption better than the APC, arguing the anti-graft agencies were created by the PDP. Furthermore, he stated that Nigeria needs a vibrant economy, which will revive all the lost opportunities which were available during the PDP leadership. PDP, after being in power for 16 years, lost to the APC in the 2015 presidential poll. Unbridled corruption, mismanagement of the economy and insecurity were the bases of the APCs campaign against PDP then. In his remarks, Mr Umahi noted that Mr Chidoka was one of the founding members of the party but left due to lapses within the party. He said there is now an assurance that all has been taken care of and the party has come to take back what is its. In his reaction, Mr Chidoka told his guests that the national chairman of the United Progressive Party, which he joined ahead of the last Anambra State governorship election, was aware of the visit. He added that the UPP is ready to get into any positive coalition that will pull the country to a better place. Our country is in a crisis and I have never seen it this divided throughout the time I have lived in Nigeria, he said. There is a need to heal the land, there is need to build a nation where no one will be oppressed alienated. He made the point for the restructuring of the country to make all groups feel as stakeholders, adding: We need not wait for another violent outburst to structurally adjust the nation. He said he would relay the message of the PDP to the UPP and a feedback will be sent back through the zonal vice chairman. The lingering conflict between the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, may have been laid to rest as the latter on Thursday attended the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers meeting for the first time at the Ile Oduduwa, in Ife. The ooni, who is the Chairman of the council, in his remarks, declared that he had no quarrel with the oluwo, who had not hidden his displeasure at the treatment allegedly meted out him by the ooni at public functions. Mr Akanbi had told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview that the Ife monarch masterminded the shove he received from one of his aides at a function of traditional rulers in Port Harcourt some time ago. He had also complained of the disunity in the traditional structure in South-west, which he said led to the failure of the traditional council to hold its meetings in the last two years. According to him, since he became a monarch, the council meeting was never held due to the disenchantments and divisive tendencies among traditional rulers in the state. Mr Ogunwusi, however, specially acknowledged the presence of the oluwo at the Ile Oduduwa palace of the ooni, saying no one had prevented him from attending meetings of the traditional council. Shortly after his arrival at the meeting venue, the ooni went round to greet all the traditional rulers who rose up to acknowledge his presence. In his remarks, he said the traditional rulers should exhibit dignity and royalty as part of the means of protecting the traditional institution in Yorubaland. Its been long since we held this meeting. The meeting is usually held on a monthly basis. This is not the time to point accusing fingers at anybody, Mr Olgunwusi said. The Timi of Ede came to me and told me that he would not be here because he was travelling out and that he had scheduled the trip before the meeting was called. So, also is Orangun of Ila. I greet Oluwo especially. Like I always say, all of you left here. I am the caretaker here. Unity and development of our state are very important. Some traditional rulers have joined their ancestors since our last meeting. They include Olubosin of Ifetedo, Salu of Edunabon and Olulamokun of Yakoyo. We should portray ourselves the way we should. We should carry ourselves with dignity and royalty. We should unite and stand as one. Our meeting is how to bring about development to our state and the nation. I greet oluwo especially, being his first time of coming here. Nobody is asking you not to come here. This is your house. The oluwo then remarked that peace and harmonious relationship among traditional rulers were necessary to engender cohesion, unity and healthy growth of not only Osun State but also the entire country. Meanwhile, the oluwo has been appointed to chair a nine-man welfare committee constituted by the council. The committee is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring adequate welfare for the monarchs. Some of the monarchs at the meeting include, the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Aderemi Adedapo; Elerinmo of Erinmo, Michael Ajayi; Alaagba of Aagba, Rufus Ogunwole; Owamiran of Esa Oke, Olunisa of Inisa, Olufon of Ifon, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Alie of Ilie, Owamiran of Esa Oke, Olororuwo of Ororuwo, Ademula of Ifewara, Oluresi of Iresi, Aragberi of Iragberi, among others. ADVERTISEMENT For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. DUBLIN, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Allergan plc, (NYSE: AGN), a leading global pharmaceutical company, today announced the official launch of TrueTear, the first and only FDA-cleared device developed to temporarily increase tear production during neurostimulation in adult patients. TrueTear, a handheld neurostimulation device with disposable tips that is inserted into the nasal cavity to induce the production of natural tears, is a novel and innovative approach for those patients with inadequate tear production. In two clinical trials, TrueTear was shown to be safe and effective for temporarily increasing tear production in adult patients. The neurostimulation device will be officially launched during the 2018 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators annual meetings being held April 13-17 in Washington, DC. "TrueTear is the latest in a long line of innovations that have helped make Allergan a leading global eye care company. We are excited to add this drug-free, drop-free treatment option for adult patients with inadequate tear production to our current portfolio. This milestone truly represents our company's ongoing commitment to developing eye care products that help improve the lives of patients," said Jag Dosanjh, Senior Vice President, US Eye Care. "For more than 70 years, Allergan has remained focused on delivering the most innovative eye care products in the industry. TrueTear continues the proud heritage of our foundational philosophy: to bring innovative treatments to patients around the world." "As seen in clinical trials and in my own post-approval experience treating patients, TrueTear provides tiny pulses of energy within the nasal cavity to create tears and may be appropriate for most patients with inadequate tear production," said John Sheppard, M.D., M.M. Sc., F.A.C.S., Professor of Ophthalmology, Eastern Virginia Medical School and President of Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, Virginia. "TrueTear is the first device of its kind, providing a temporary increase in tear production with neurostimulation, thereby returning the ocular surface to a more normal physiologic state without prescribing drops or surgery." Allergan: 70 Years Advancing Eye Care As a leader in eye care, Allergan has discovered, developed, and delivered some of the most innovative products in the industry over the last 70 years. Allergan has launched over 125 eye care products and invested billions of dollars in new treatments for the most prevalent eye conditions including glaucoma, ocular surface disease, and retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion. Our eye care pipeline includes 13 additional agents for multiple ocular conditions. Our commitment to the well-being of patients is also reflected in philanthropy. Allergan and The Allergan Foundation support more than 150 organizations around the world working to improve lives and communities. We remain steadfast in helping eye care providers deliver the best in patient care through innovative products and outreach programs. The TrueTear device is a prescription-only device. Adult patients with dry eye should consult with their eye care professional about TrueTear. TrueTear Important Information ABOUT TRUETEAR INDICATION TrueTear provides a temporary increase in tear production during neurostimulation in adult patients. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS Do not prescribe TrueTear to patients with a cardiac pacemaker, implanted or wearable defibrillator, or other implanted metallic or electronic device within head or neck; a known hypersensitivity to the hydrogel device material; or chronic or recurrent nosebleeds, or bleeding disorder/condition that can lead to increased bleeding. WARNINGS Do not apply stimulation around electronic monitoring equipment (eg, cardiac monitors, ECG alarms), in the bath/shower, while driving, operating machinery, during activity in which sneezing/watery eyes may cause risk, areas other than the nose, within 3 feet of shortwave or microwave therapy equipment, around flammable anesthetics mixture (air, oxygen or nitrous oxygen). Persistent use on irritated nasal tissue may cause injury. Safety/effectiveness not established for longer than 6 months or for treating aqueous-deficient dry eye disease. Safety not established in pregnancy, patients under 22 years of age, patients with nasal or sinus surgery (including nasal cautery) or significant trauma; severe nasal airway obstruction or vascularized polyp; active, severe systemic or chronic seasonal allergies; rhinitis or sinusitis requiring treatment; untreated nasal infection; and disabling arthritis, neuropathy, severe dexterity impairment or limited motor coordination. PRECAUTIONS Consult patients to discontinue use if pain, discomfort or numbness in the nose persists after adjusting for high levels/long sessions; to remove studs, nose rings, or other nose jewelry before use; to not use prescription eye medications or nasal sprays 30 minutes before or after using TrueTear. Suspected or diagnosed heart disease patients should follow doctor's precautions. Keep away from children. ADVERSE EVENTS Nasal pain, discomfort or burning (10.3%); transient electrical discomfort (5.2%); nosebleed (5.2%); nasal congestion (3.1%); headaches (2.1%); trace blood, dot heme in nostril (2.1%); facial pain (2.1%); sore eye (1.0%); sinus pain (1.0%); periorbital pain (1.0%); runny nose (1.0%); nasal ulcers (1.0%); and light-headedness (1.0%). Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a licensed physician. For the full Directions for Use, please visit www.allergan.com/truetear/usa.htm or call 1-800-678-1605. Please call 1-800-433-8871 to report an adverse event. About Allergan plc Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a bold, global pharmaceutical leader. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical and regenerative medicine products for patients around the world. Allergan markets a portfolio of leading brands and best-in-class products for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health, urology and anti-infective therapeutic categories. Allergan is an industry leader in Open Science, a model of research and development, which defines our approach to identifying and developing game-changing ideas and innovation for better patient care. With this approach, Allergan has built one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry. Allergan's success is powered by our global colleagues' commitment to being Bold for Life. Together, we build bridges, power ideas, act fast and drive results for our customers and patients around the world by always doing what is right. With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives every day. For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.Allergan.com. Forward-Looking Statement Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Allergan's current perspective on existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from Allergan's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Allergan's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Allergan's products; the impact of uncertainty around timing of generic entry related to key products, including RESTASIS, on our financial results; uncertainty associated with financial projections, projected cost reductions, projected synergies, restructurings, increased costs, and adverse tax consequences; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Allergan's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Allergan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. CONTACTS: Allergan: Investors: Daphne Karydas (862) 261-8006 Media: Amy Rose (862) 261-7001 Lisa Kim (714) 246-3843 SOURCE Allergan plc Related Links www.allergan.com ROHNERT PARK, Calif., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Graduate degrees may promise higher earnings than bachelor's degrees, but they also typically come at a high cost. Graduate students can borrow up to higher limits than undergraduates, partly because they are considered independent students without parental assistance. A recent report revealed that some graduate degree programs result in much more debt than others, which can lead to much more difficult repayment despite higher potential earnings. Ameritech Financial is a private document preparation company that assists borrowers who are struggling with their student loan repayments to apply for federal income-driven repayment plans. "Students usually choose to go to graduate school either because their career path requires an advanced degree or they are hoping to take advantage of higher lifetime earnings," said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president of Ameritech Financial. "They may be shocked to see just how much debt they are taking on to achieve those goals. If they end up with too much, they might be a good candidate for federal repayment plans." Borrowers with advanced degrees make up a small portion of all borrowers, but they hold a greater portion of the total debt. Many such borrowers hold six figures of debt and owe over a thousand dollars each month, as is evident in the report ranking professions by student debt amounts. Optometrists came out at the top, owing an average monthly payment amount of $1,369. Following were veterinarians, physician assistants, dentists and pharmacists. Borrowers with high monthly payments may benefit from federal income-driven repayment plans (IDRs). Such plans calculate payments based on income and family size and may end in forgiveness after 20 to 25 years of enrollment. Many borrowers with advanced degrees choose to work in the public sector to take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, in which they are required to be in an IDR. "At Ameritech Financial, we understand that students can accumulate a lot of debt that can be difficult to pay down at the beginning of a career," said Knickerbocker. "We assist such borrowers by helping them understand their repayment options. If they decide to pursue an IDR, we also help with the application and yearly paperwork." About Ameritech Financial Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education. Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional customer service. Contact To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact: Ameritech Financial 5789 State Farm Drive #265 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 1-800-792-8621 [email protected] Related Links Ameritech Financial home page SOURCE Ameritech Financial ROHNERT PARK, Calif., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameritech Financial is a document preparation company which helps federal student loan borrowers take actions that may help them stay on top of their loan repayments and avoid delinquency and default. The company helps borrowers apply for and recertify enrollment in federal repayment programs that potentially lower payments and position borrowers for loan forgiveness after a set number of years in a particular repayment program. The company aims to help student loan borrowers get into a better repayment situation and give them peace of mind in the process. "Falling behind on your student loans or any debt, for that matter can be stressful for many reasons," said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president of Ameritech Financial. "Helping borrowers either regain control of their loans or avoid a negative situation altogether is central to what we do at Ameritech Financial." Ameritech Financial helps borrowers identify and apply for income-driven repayment plans (IDRs). These plans may lower borrowers' monthly payments on their loans because payments are based on income and family size. Qualified borrowers can stay in these plans for as long as they need to, including up to 20 or 25 years, when they are eligible for loan forgiveness. Recertification to stay in these plans is necessary every single year, however, Ameritech Financial also provides clients with assistance recertifying year after year. One of the most salient features of IDRs is that they often lower payments to what is a more affordable amount for borrowers. Some borrowers, depending on their specific situation, may even be allowed to pay nothing towards their loans every month and still remain in good standing. The affordable monthly amount could allow borrowers ideally to avoid delinquency and default completely. These plans are offered by the Department of Education to federal student loan borrowers. Ameritech Financial is a private, independent company which has no affiliation with the department or any government agency, nor does it have any affiliation with any loan servicer. "We aim to provide excellent services to help folks with applying for the right repayment program," said Knickerbocker, "but ultimately we want to give our clients peace of mind about this aspect of their student loans." About Ameritech Financial Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education. Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional customer service. Contact To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact: Ameritech Financial 5789 State Farm Drive #265 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 1-800-792-8621 [email protected] Related Links Ameritech Financial homepage SOURCE Ameritech Financial MANASSAS, Va., April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ATCC, the premier global biological materials resource and standards organization, and leading, developer and supplier of authenticated cells and advanced cell models, will showcase its expanded portfolio of cancer research tools at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). This meeting will take place April 14-18 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. ATCC will feature uniquely physiologically relevant isogenic cell lines that contain genetic alterations introduced via CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology. These disease-relevant alterations are specifically designed to enable cancer researchers to investigate key mutations related to cancer genesis and progression for potential use for identifying personalized treatment regimens. "To support the development of new cancer drugs, ATCC scientists continue to develop in vitro cancer models that meet today's research challenges of being more predictive and more versatile, enabling culture in both 2-D and 3-D formats," said Dr. Raymond Cypess, ATCC Chairman and CEO. "The AACR annual meeting represents a great opportunity for ATCC to collaborate with the cancer research community and explore innovations in cancer research." In addition to the CRISPR/Cas9-edited cell lines, ATCC will display well-characterized primary cells, cancer cell panels, and authenticated cell modelssuch as hTERT-immortalized primary cells and other genetically modified cells meeting a wide variety of cancer research needs. On April 14th, Dr. Maryellen de Mars, Vice President, Standards Resource Center, ATCC will participate in the Cancer Genomic Reference Samples Sequencing Consortium Results and Beyond session during one of several education workshops. The consortium will provide a progress update on the FDA-led Sequencing Quality Control Phase II (SEQC2). Dr. de Mars will discuss the pre-analytical aspects of the ATCC cell lines used for this analysis. The Consortium is comprised of 60+ institutions and 160+ scientists that have joined to characterize and compare both a breast cancer and a normal cell line for the purpose of defining high confidence mutation cells. These reference cells will serve as controls for somatic mutation-based diagnostic tests. In addition to its booth presence in the AACR exhibit hall, ATCC subject matter experts will present a number of poster demonstrations including a unique in vitro model for cancer metastasis research. About ATCC ATCC is a leader in biological materials management, providing the worldwide scientific community and U.S. government with research and development, standardized products, and services in support of global health issues. With a history of innovation spanning more than 90 years, ATCC offers the world's largest and most diverse collection of human and animal cell lines, microorganisms, biological products, and standards. ATCC is a non-profit organization with headquarters in Manassas, VA, and an R&D and services center in Gaithersburg, MD. For more information about ATCC, visit us at www.atcc.org. Additional Information CRISPR Isogenic Cell Models Video ATCC R&D Capability SOURCE American Type Culture Collection Related Links http://www.atcc.org LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bali is the first brand to bring a 100 percent pure mangosteen juice to the US market. Mangosteen is a rare super fruit that can take up to 15 years to grow and is grown in only a few countries in Southeast Asia. Bali's founding team have spent two years developing their beverage which is now set to launch in California. "We are confident that Bali will offer consumers a refreshing, refined experience, and a great introduction to the category of mangosteen fruit juice," said Edward Farley, Chief Strategy Officer and founder of Bali. "Whilst the super fruit does have a following in the US, it's an untapped market here that has so much potential." Mangosteen is nature's number one source of Xanthones, which is a natural antioxidant with health and healing properties. Bali will be hitting shelves with three juice flavors, including: Life bursting with sweet pomegranate and exotic mangosteen berry. Glow pure mangosteen juice with rich notes of bright berry and exotic flavors. Tao subtle hints of sweet green tea and exotic berry creating a light, balanced drink. All flavors are naturally low in sugar, non-GMO and under 100 calories per bottle. Bali will be available in southern California starting April 2018. For more information visit http://bali-juice.com/. ABOUT BALI JUICE: Bali was founded by Edward Farley after growing up feeding mangosteen fruit to Western Lowland Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. He still has a passion for wildlife conservation and Bali will continue to support programs that reintroduce gorillas into the wild. Bali strives to create products that are as pure as they are potent, and are the first to bring mangosteen into the US. For more information, visit http://bali-juice.com/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @balijuice Media Contact: Matt Kovacs/BLAZE PR [email protected] SOURCE Bali Related Links http://bali-juice.com Instant Offers launched in May of 2017 and partnered with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties in August . The company is now a partner in the Las Vegas market as well after serving as a Phoenix pilot partner. Zillow's Instant Offers connects homeowners to a comparative analysis from local Zillow Premier Agents, along with an offer from Zillow. "The expansion of Zillow's Instant Offers program in Phoenix and Las Vegas will offer our executives a distinct competitive advantage," said Gordon Miles, president and COO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona and Nevada Properties. "As a Zillow partner, our sales executives will be able to compete with investor buyers, while offering one more option to service our clients. As a full service brokerage, our priority is making sure our sales executives are there to guide home sellers and buyers through a streamlined, professional experience that gives the consumer the benefit of our knowledgeable expertise and the opportunity of this exciting service, a perfect blend." Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada and Arizona Properties has one of the largest concentrations of Zillow Premier Agents of any real estate firm throughout its tri-state region. ABOUT AMERICANA HOLDINGS Americana Holdings is the largest independently owned Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise in the world. The company is owned by CEO Mark Stark and operates in Nevada, Arizona and California with 2,800 real estate sales executives in 27 offices throughout the three states. The company completed $4.85 billion in residential sales in 2017. Fortune magazine named Berkshire Hathaway the fourth most admired brand in the world for the second consecutive year in 2018. For more information, visit www.bhhsnv.com, www.bhhsaz.com or www.bhhscaproperty.com. Contact: Sarah Thornton PH: 702-239-0785; [email protected] SOURCE Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada and Arizona Properties Related Links https://www.bhhsnv.com SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bravo Family Foundation today announced the appointment of Guiomar Garcia-Guerra, EdD as its executive director. She will begin work immediately, building a long-term plan for the foundation's permanent mission in Puerto Rico. Results-oriented with extensive expertise in the region, Garcia-Guerra, who was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will develop high-impact programs that provide entrepreneurial opportunities to support sustainable recovery efforts. Garcia-Guerra has a proven track record of increasing strategic philanthropic investments for nonprofit, educational and environmental causes on the island. Prior to joining the Bravo Family Foundation, Garcia-Guerra was the founding executive director of Flamboyan Foundation. She has also held various executive positions and consulting roles in Puerto Rico, Massachusetts and New York, where she led the Ventures in Leadership Fund at the Wallace Foundation. "The Bravo Family Foundation provided immediate and direct relief to communities in Puerto Rico devastated by Hurricane Maria and overlooked by centralized aid efforts," said Orlando Bravo, founder of the Bravo Family Foundation. "The foundation will build upon our early work to help the island's local communities rebuild and thrive. We want to offer talented young adults and entrepreneurs opportunities to contribute to its recovery and development. Guiomar's track record of delivering measurable results will help us succeed in our mission and achieve our goals. She is an inspiring leader who has shown a lifelong commitment to philanthropy in Puerto Rico." "The Bravo Family Foundation was among the first non-profits on the ground in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria; providing food, water, medicine and communications equipment, as well as coordinating efforts between the foundation and communities, mayors and other organizations," said Alejandro Bravo, project manager for the foundation. "As the immediate need for aid slows, the foundation is shifting its focus to long-term and permanent programs on the island. We are thrilled to have Guiomar on board to guide the foundation's efforts." "I'm excited to be joining founder Orlando Bravo and the Bravo Family Foundation team," said Guiomar Garcia-Guerra. "My hope is to bridge the business savvy and depth built by Orlando Bravo in the global private equity industry with the foundation's local programs, in order to support communities and organizations that are committed to Puerto Rico and its recovery. Long-term, we are looking to support individuals who are developing ideas and programs focused on protecting and promoting Puerto Rico's heritage." About The Bravo Family Foundation Founded by private equity investor Orlando Bravo, the Bravo Family Foundation believes that developing the talent of individuals dedicated to rethinking and rebuilding Puerto Rico is one of the most promising strategies for sparking a deep, transformative renewal for the island. For more information, please visit BravoFamilyFoundation.org. Media Contact: Matthew Gorton Hiltzik Strategies [email protected] 212-776-1161 SOURCE Bravo Family Foundation Related Links http://bravofamilyfoundation.org Comments and links to reports on science, and its applications. ATLANTA, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) will release its first quarter 2018 earnings on Thursday, May 3, 2018, following the market close. The company will host a conference call and live webcast at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, May 4, 2018 to discuss these results. Investors may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-347-1165 for U.S/Canada and 1-412-902-4276 for international callers. Participants should ask to be joined into the CatchMark call. Access to the live webcast will be available at www.catchmark.com. A replay of this webcast will be archived on the company's website shortly after the call. About CatchMark CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) is a self-administered and self-managed, publicly-traded REIT that strives to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns for all stakeholders through disciplined acquisitions, sustainable harvests and well-timed sales. Headquartered in Atlanta and focused exclusively on timberland ownership, CatchMark began operations in 2007 and owns interests in approximately 520,800 acres* of timberlands located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, visit www.catchmark.com. For more information, visit www.catchmark.com. * As of December 31, 2017 SOURCE CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. Related Links http://www.catchmark.com AUBURN, Ala., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today it will be expanding in Louisiana with its newest location in Monroe, marking the brand's sixth location in the state and 86th nationwide. Located at 1191 Lamy Lane Suite #7, Chicken Salad Chick will celebrate its grand opening in Monroe on April 25th, where the first 100 guests will receive free chicken salad for a year. During grand opening week, guests will experience the southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for, with giveaways and specials that include: Wednesday, April 25 Free Chicken Salad for a year The first guest will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month. * Any guest not part of the first 100 in line can make a purchase and enter to win free chicken salad for a year. ** Free Chicken Salad for a year The first guest will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month. * Any guest not part of the first 100 in line can make a purchase and enter to win free chicken salad for a year. ** Thursday, April 26 Thirsty Thursday The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free 30oz. RTIC Chick tumbler and the first 50 guests at 5 p.m. to purchase a Chick Trio or Chick Special will receive a free large drink and Chick coozie. Thirsty Thursday The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free 30oz. RTIC Chick tumbler and the first 50 guests at to purchase a Chick Trio or Chick Special will receive a free large drink and Chick coozie. Friday, April 27 All guests who purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free small Quick Chick card redeemable on their next visit. All guests who purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free small Quick Chick card redeemable on their next visit. Saturday, April 28 The first 100 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a free large Chick cooler. The Monroe restaurant is owned and operated by sisters Ashley Keever and Krista Rhymes, along with their business partner, Matthew Miller of 2 Chicks and a Magnet, Inc. Krista had her first taste of Chicken Salad Chick while visiting Auburn nearly five years ago and was immediately hooked by the brand's unique culinary offerings and family-friendly atmosphere. Eager to follow in their father's footsteps and run a successful restaurant of their own, Krista and Ashley teamed up with Matthew to become a Chicken Salad Chick franchise. Together, the team formed 2 Chicks and a Magnet, Inc. and will open their first restaurant in their hometown of Monroe. In addition to Chicken Salad Chick, Krista and Ashley also operate The Muffin Tin and The Trenton House, which are successful bridal registry and gift shops in the local area. "From the moment my family and I were introduced to Chicken Salad Chick, we knew it was something special," said Ashley Keever. "We're thrilled to be part of the brand's extended family and can't wait for the residents of Monroe to experience the best chicken salad and genuine hospitality at Chicken Salad Chick." The Chicken Salad Chick concept, born in Auburn, was established in 2008 in the kitchen of founder, Stacy Brown. When Stacy discovered that the local county health department would not allow her to continue making and selling her delicious recipes out of her home kitchen, she overcame that obstacle by launching her first restaurant with the business expertise of her future husband and fellow founder, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, which quickly grew; the company now has 86 restaurants across the Southeast. Chicken Salad Chick in Monroe will be open Monday Saturday from 10:30 a.m. 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com, or call 318-322-4425. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends. *Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age, purchase a Chick special and are required to download the Craving Credits app. Redemption will start 4/30. **25 winners will be drawn at closing on grand opening day and announced via Facebook live. Winners will receive 1 large Quick Chick per month for the next 12 months. About Chicken Salad Chick Founded in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Today, the brand has more than 85 restaurants in 11 states and is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick was recently named as one of FastCasual.com's top Movers and Shakers and one of Nation's Restaurant News 2017 Next 20 brands. The brand also ranked #37 on the 2016 Inc. list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. Contact: Alexya Williams Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick Related Links http://www.chickensaladchick.com VANCOUVER, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- City Office REIT, Inc. (NYSE: CIO) ("City Office" or the "Company") announced today it will release its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, before the market opens on Friday, May 4, 2018. City Office's management will hold a conference call at 11:00 am Eastern Time on May 4, 2018 to discuss the Company's financial results. Additionally, a supplemental financial package to accompany the discussion of the results will be posted on www.cityofficereit.com. Webcast Click on the webcast link under the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at www.cityofficereit.com. Telephone Conference Call Domestic: 1-866-262-0919 International: 1-412-902-4106 To listen to the call, participants can reference the City Office REIT First Quarter 2018 Earnings Call. Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Conference Call Replay Domestic: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Passcode: 10119510 A replay of the call will be available later in the day on May 4, 2018, continuing through 11:59 pm Eastern Time on August 4, 2018. A replay will also be available at "Webcasts & Events" in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website. About City Office REIT, Inc. City Office REIT is an internally-managed real estate company focused on acquiring, owning and operating high-quality office properties located in leading markets in the Southern and Western United States. City Office currently owns or has an interest in 4.6 million square feet of office properties. The Company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Contact City Office REIT, Inc. Anthony Maretic, CFO +1-604-806-3366 [email protected] SOURCE City Office REIT, Inc. Related Links http://www.cityofficereit.com CORALVILLE, Iowa, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CIVCO Radiotherapy, the leading global provider of high quality, innovative, patient-centric radiotherapy solutions, and Adaptiiv (formerly 3D Bolus), the definitive 3D technology platform for radiation therapy, are excited to announce their collaboration in bringing more personalized medical devices to the market. This initiative aligns with the missions of both companies to focus on improving patient outcomes in radiotherapy worldwide. CIVCO will be distributing Adaptiiv software applications as a turn-key solution that enables 3D printing of patient-specific simple or modulated thickness bolus and high dose rate (HDR) surface brachytherapy applicators. The software application integrates directly with existing treatment planning systems allowing the planning software to calculate the treatment plan and provides the ability to 3D print a patient-specific radiotherapy bolus or applicator. This innovative technique requires less time and replaces the need for hard-to-fit simple bolus and expensive applicators and provides a more comfortable fit for the patient. "Adaptiiv's solutions truly align with our mission of improving patient outcomes worldwide. The ability to utilize images from the treatment planning system and provide customized three-dimensional bolus and applicators is yet another way we are involved in improving the quality and efficiency of care as well as the patient experience," said Nat Geissel, president of CIVCO Radiotherapy. "CIVCO and Adaptiiv are aligned in our vision of the importance of personalized health solutions. As the innovators of software that enables clinicians to design and 3D print radiation therapy treatment accessories, our goal is to democratize the delivery of patient-specific treatment. To that end, Adaptiiv is thrilled to partner with CIVCO Radiotherapy. CIVCO's highly professional sales team and international distributors give us global reach and will play a significant role in our efforts to provide our patient-specific solution to the global radiotherapy market," stated Peter Hickey, CEO of Adaptiiv. About Adaptiiv Adaptiiv (formerly 3D Bolus Inc.) is the definitive 3D technology platform for radiation oncology. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada our technology platform seamlessly integrates into existing procedures to provide an end-to-end solution which facilitates the design and fabrication of personalized medical devices using 3D printing. Adaptiiv, formerly 3D Bolus, is ISO 13485 certified, has received a CE Mark and is pending approval by the FDA for a 510k. Currently in the USA the software is an investigational device limited by Federal law to investigational use. About CIVCO Radiotherapy CIVCO Radiotherapy has over 35 years' experience developing, manufacturing and providing high-quality, innovative, patient-centric solutions in radiotherapy. These solutions include: advanced patient immobilization and positioning hardware and consumables, fiducial markers, couchtops and overlays, software, patient care products and advanced 6DOF robotic patient positioning. Corporate information is available at www.CivcoRT.com. For further information, please contact: Shelli Locklear Sr. Marketing Manager CIVCO Radiotherapy Tel: 319-248-6619 [email protected] COPYRIGHT 2018. CIVCO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CIVCO MEDICAL SOLUTIONS.ALL OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. ALL PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE LICENSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN LAW. 2018C1386 REV. A SOURCE CIVCO Radiotherapy Related Links http://www.CivcoRT.com DULUTH, Ga., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, the co-owners of Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies, Pat and Janice Vinson sponsored a room makeover for Jessie, a child with special needs who lives in Winder, Georgia. This room makeover was in conjunction with the charity Sunshine on a Ranney Day, an organization led by Peter and Holly Ranney. Peter and Holly founded the charity after assisting in designing a room for a child who was battling a brain tumor. Their fondness for helping children spurred them to create this organization, and have since done many room makeovers for children with special needs. Pat and Janice Vinson have been proud sponsors of this organization for many years and this year had the pleasure of sponsoring the makeover for Jessie. In addition to the makeover, Pat Vinson offered Jessie and her family a trip to Disney World. On April 2, 2018 Jessie, her mother Stacey, and her grandmother Bonnie, were invited to travel on the Kids 'R' Kids corporate jet to take them to Disney World. The family enjoyed their vacation, complimentary of Kids 'R' Kids International, for 4 days and explored all the Disney parks. When they landed back on April 6, Jessie excitedly said her "favorite park was Animal Kingdom". Jessie, who has a support dog by the name of Mo, was allowed to take her dog with her on all the rides. Her grandmother Bonnie thanked Pat and Janice and told them that "We all had a really great time". Jessie also said that with the gift given by Pat and Janice, she "bought lots of presents. And I bought some for my cousins and uncle, too." Pat and Janice intend to continue to sponsor Sunshine on a Ranney Day and other organizations of its kind. As part of the Kids 'R' Kids philosophy, the Vinsons believe that nurturing happy, healthy and loved children is an important function of society. About Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies Headquartered in the North Atlanta suburb of Duluth, Georgia, Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies provide a secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children (ages six weeks - 12 years) to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. With over 160 Learning Academies in 16 states, and in China, Kids 'R' Kids International is a family-owned and operated organization that ranks in the top three nationwide for franchised early childhood education centers (www.kidsrkids.com). SOURCE Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies Related Links http://www.kidsrkids.com Most construction projects in or near Washington waters must receive an Hydraulic Project Approval ("HPA"), which requires that they have safeguards in place to protect fish and their habitat. WDFW has exempted commercial aquaculture from this statutory requirement for many years, meaning aquaculture projects go forward without these crucial environmental safeguards. The lawsuit filed in Thurston County Superior Court contends this exemption has no legal basis and asks the court to direct WDFW to apply the HPA law consistently to shellfish aquaculture projects. The suit also asks the court to halt development of a geoduck farm planned for Zangle Cove, a near pristine estuary in South Puget Sound, until it receives an HPA permit. "With threatened Southern Resident killer whales and endangered native salmon at extreme risk, our state agencies have failed to implement the environmental protections that are critical to the broad scale ecological recovery of Puget Sound," says Patrick Townsend, president of Protect Zangle Cove. "The action we are taking today is one important step toward restoring sanity to the recovery process. We must protect the tidelands from further loss of ecological function or we will see the loss of iconic species so important to the people of Washington State." Laura Hendricks, director of the Coalition to Protect Puget Sound Habitat, emphasizes that the lawsuit only asks the state to apply the law consistently. "There is a double standard that exempts commercial shellfish aquaculture from the state HPA permitting system, even though these operations pose a severe threat to our fragile coastal habitats," Hendricks says. "A private citizen installing a small dock needs to get an HPA permit, but a commercial shellfish facility would not need an HPA permit before constructing a facility that disrupts miles of pristine shoreline, destroys natural vegetation and aquatic life, and inserts tons of plastic tubing, netting, and rebar into the tidelands." Commercial shellfish aquaculture is in the midst of dramatic expansion in Washington. These factory-farm like facilities already take up as many as 50,000 shoreline acres, or as much as one-quarter of all Washington tidelands. Significant expansion is planned in the immediate future, focusing largely on geoducks raised to sell in the Asian luxury market. A single-acre geoduck operation usually includes around 44,000 PVC tubes, four- or six-inches in diameter, and approximately ten inches long. This amounts to approximately seven miles of PVC tubing per acre, weighing between 11 and 23 tons. Plastic nets are typically installed over the entire geoduck bed to keep out native wildlife that would normally feed and shelter there. Kurt Beardslee, co-founder and Executive Director of the Wild Fish Conservancy, says: "There's no way around it, it's a scientific fact: the industrial shellfish aquaculture industry routinely damages vast amounts of habitat critical to federally protected species, including wild salmon and steelhead, with little or no agency oversight." Protect Zangle Cove, the Coalition to Protect Puget Sound Habitat and Wild Fish Conservancy are represented in the litigation by the law firm of Lane Powell P.C. To view the complaint filed today, visit http://users.neo.registeredsite.com/3/7/5/12218573/assets/Petition_for_Judicial_Review.pdf For more information about the impact of commercial shellfish aquaculture, visit www.protectzanglecove.org, www.coalitiontoprotectpugetsoundhabitat.org, and http://www.wildfishconservancy.org/ About Protect Zangle Cove Protect Zangle Cove is a nonprofit organization consisting of citizens who reside on the shores of South Puget Sound. Our mission is to protect the tideland of Zangle Cove from industrial geoduck aquaculture, preserve the critical habitat of Puget Sound tidelands, support the protection and restoration of eelgrass on Puget Sound tidelands, educate citizens about nearshore habitat, inform government officials about the problems from industrial shellfish aquaculture, and encourage rulemaking to protect Puget Sound shorelines for the enjoyment of citizens and for native species that make their homes here. About Coalition to Protect Puget Sound Habitat The Coalition is an alliance of citizens, environmentalists, scientists and recreational users concerned about industrial aquaculture and its impacts on plants, animals, and ecological functions. Our mission is to voice citizen concerns about industrial aquaculture and its adverse impact on the health and quality of Puget Sound and coastal waters, to effect changes in policies and regulations, and to encourage enforcement to protect shoreline habitat. About Wild Fish Conservancy The Conservancy is a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and recovery of the Northwest's native fish species and the ecosystems upon which those species depend. CONTACT: Patrick Townsend (360) 359-4406 Laura Hendricks (253) 509-4987 Kurt Beardslee (425) 788-0125 SOURCE Protect Zangle Cove Related Links http://protectzanglecove.org TAMPA, Fla., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Intezyne, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel cancer therapies, announced that the University of Vienna are presenting data showing IT-139's induction of Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2018 in Chicago, Illinois from April 14-18. University of Vienna - Medical University Vienna Prof. Dr. Dr. Bernhard Keppler, who first synthesized IT-139 (KP-1339) Debora Wernitznig, MSc, a Doctoral Candidate in the lab of Michael Jakupec, PhD at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and the Translational Cancer Therapy Research Cluster at the University of Vienna, will be presenting a poster entitled, "KP-1339 (IT-139) Induces the Hallmarks of Immunogenic Cell Death in a Colon Cancer 3D Model In Vitro." Recent data show that molecular patterning from dying cells damaged by chemotherapy agents (specifically oxaliplatin) leads to signals that are recognized by the immune system and trigger an immune response, a mechanism called 'Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD)'. Certain proteins are hallmarks of ICD, and the data from Dr. Jakupec's group show that treatment with IT-139 also induces these proteins and triggers ICD. "With a dedicated focus on translational anti-cancer drug development from bench to bedside, particularly structure-activity relationships of metal complexes in human cancer cell lines, we work closely with the Institute of Cancer Research of the Medical University of Vienna within the joint Translational Cancer Therapy Research Cluster," states Dr. Jakupec. "Our group uses multicellular colorectal cell spheroids as a model because we believe it more closely resembles the tumor microenvironment and better reflects aspects of what happens in vivo than traditional 2-D monolayer culture of cancer cells in vitro." Prof. Dr. Dr. Bernhard Keppler, Dean of Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Vienna, Head of the Research Cluster for Translational Cancer Therapy Research, and a recognized pioneer of metal-based anti-cancer drugs and co-author of more than 600 scholarly and professional articles, is an important contributor to the abstract. Prof. Keppler originally synthesized IT-139 (KP-1339), selecting IT-139 (KP-1339) from out of more than 200 promising product candidates. Since acquiring IT-139 in 2014, Intezyne has collaborated with Prof. Keppler's team to unravel IT-139's novel and increasingly intriguing mechanism of action. "It is rare that truly novel mechanisms of action are discovered, but the data increasingly suggest that IT-139 is the first of an entirely new class of anti-cancer agents that selectively target critical cancer cell resistance pathways," added E. Russell McAllister, CEO of Intezyne. "We are encouraged and excited by Prof. Keppler's ongoing contribution to the discovery and development of IT-139 (KP-1339), supported by the pioneering science conducted by Dr. Jakupec's group and other innovators at the joint Translational Cancer Therapy Research Cluster at the University of Vienna. With recent data showing synergy between IT-139 and checkpoint inhibitors adding to existing data showing synergy with directly cytotoxic anti-cancer therapies, we are increasingly excited at the opportunity ahead of us." For more information about the University of Vienna's Translational Cancer Therapy Research Cluster, please visit their website at https://tctr.univie.ac.at/. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.intezyne.com. Contact: E. Russell McAllister, CEO [email protected], (813) 609-5017 SOURCE Intezyne Technologies, Inc. Related Links http://www.intezyne.com NEW YORK, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte and the Deloitte Foundation hosted the 2018 National Audit Innovation Campus Challenge (AICC) at Deloitte University in Westlake, Texas, on April 6-7 awarding students of the University of Arizona first place for its idea to develop and use a proprietary artificial intelligence application to conduct audits of corporate sustainability reports. The AICC, however, is not your usual student case competition. The competition is at the intersection of innovation and the evolution of the audit and assurance profession, and engaging and helping develop the profession's future talent. The AICC is a nationally-driven program attracting students and faculty from across the country. The competition provides students with an opportunity to leverage their skills and experience through practical application, while at the same time introducing them to the types of complex challenges they can be expected to encounter and the analytics skills they will likely need when they enter the business world. "The nature of many professions is rapidly shifting. Technology, innovation and process improvement continues to disrupt and redefine the way an audit is conducted at an unprecedented rate," said Erin Shannon, managing director, change management, Deloitte & Touche LLP. "It's our people, however, that are our most valuable resource and it is critically important that the next-generation of talent possess proficiency with emerging technologies and data analytics, as well as help bring new innovative solutions to stakeholders," Shannon added. "This competition provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and creativity to real challenges facing today's auditors and this year's winners showed innovative thinking." Guided by faculty advisors and Deloitte subject matter leaders, students were challenged to find new ways to bring audit and assurance services to the marketplace using technology. Student teams from 52 colleges and universities participated in the event, with 12 teams advancing to the final round. Among the collegiate national finalists were: Baruch College, Brigham Young University, Clemson University, University of Illinois, University of Kansas, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rutgers University, University of South Carolina and Trinity University. The University of Arizona team included: Nicole Naslund, Jessica Stelmach, Hang Khuu, Ben McDowell, Hannah Miller and Jacob Uthe. The team's winning submission focused on a recommendation to enter the market of auditing corporate sustainability reports in anticipation of potential regulatory guidance in the coming years. The submission cited Deloitte's unique position to conduct a sustainability audit and introduced an artificial intelligence tool, "Deloitte Danni," that could help auditors measure an array of environmental metrics and compare those readings to sustainability guidance. "I am extremely proud of our team this year and especially grateful to the Deloitte Foundation for hosting this unique program which brings students together to help further evolve the skills likely necessary for the auditor of the future," said Rob Stussie, University of Arizona faculty advisor. "Deloitte has introduced some of the audit and assurance profession's leading technology applications, and these students will walk away with a greater knowledge of how they can play a role in this technology-driven future." Deloitte is leading the profession in transforming audit and assurance services and retooling the traditional auditor toolkit by advancing ways for the audit and assurance profession to intersect with innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics and even drones and it's doing this at the ground level up. The Audit Innovation Campus Challenge is just one mechanism that looks to harness the creative power and innovative thinking of college students to jump-start new technology applications for the profession and further their understanding of how audit and assurance are evolving in the real world. It is also important for educators to understand, and be able to teach their students, the current and trending audit and assurance topics. Earlier this year, the 2018 Robert M. Trueblood Seminars for Professors took place at Deloitte University. More than 60 leading accounting and auditing educators and professionals attended sessions in February and March to learn firsthand some of the latest developments in the audit and assurance practice. The Seminars center on more than 20 case studies that cover some of the most challenging financial accounting and auditing issues that professors can incorporate into their classrooms. For more than 50 years, the annual seminars, hosted by the Deloitte Foundation and the American Accounting Association, have provided cutting-edge resources and hundreds of case studies that help keep university faculty and their students connected to the real-world issues and challenges currently facing the audit and assurance and accounting professions. "The Deloitte Foundation's approach to helping prepare students for careers is twofold," remarked Erin Scanlon, audit and assurance partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and Deloitte Foundation board member. "In addition to initiatives like the ground-breaking AICC that engage students, longstanding programs such as the Trueblood seminars provide educators with insights and rich case examples they can bring to the classroom to help develop students' technical, research and critical thinking skills, and help better prepare the next generation of leaders." For more information about the competition and the participants, please visit Audit Innovation Campus Challenge. About the Deloitte Foundation The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the talent of the future and their influencers and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting middle/high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation. About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including more than 85 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to make an impact that matters delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. SOURCE Deloitte Related Links http://www.deloitte.com/us Additionally, last month Dr. Soin attended the 20th Annual American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) meeting in Orlando, Florida. At that meeting, Dr. Soin won the award for "Outstanding Research" from the society. Dr. Soin was the only physician to receive the outstanding research award. "I am pleased to see that the work and research we do at Soin Neuroscience got recognized from one of the leading pain management societies in world. I look forward to continuing more research and development with our portfolio of products and with other groups we are working with," Soin said. Dr. Soin was also recently elected president of the Society of Interventional Pain Management Surgery Centers and the ASIPP Foundation, which are affiliated organizations to the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. CHAPTER IV.THE ABSURDITY AND SHAMEFULNESS OF THE IMAGES BY WHICH THE GODS ARE WORSHIPPED. If, in addition, I take and set before you for inspection these very images, you will, as you go over them, find how truly silly is the custom in which you have been reared, of worshipping the senseless works of mens hands. Anciently, then, the Scythians worshipped their sabres, the Arabs stones, the Persians rivers. And some, belonging to other races still more ancient, set up blocks of wood in conspicuous situations, and erected pillars of stone, which were called Xoana, from the carving of the material of which they were made. The image of Artemis in Icarus was doubtless unwrought wood, and that of the Cithronian Here was a felled tree-trunk; and that of the Samian Here, as thlius says, was at first a plank, and was afterwards during the government of Proclus carved into human shape. And when the Xoana began to be made in the likeness of men, they got the name of Brete,a term derived from Brotos (man). In Rome, the historian Varro says that in ancient times the Xoaron of Marsthe idol by which he was worshippedwas a spear, artists not having yet applied themselves to this specious pernicious art; but when art flourished, error increased. That of stones and stocksand, to speak briefly, of dead matteryou have made images of human form, by which you have produced a counterfeit of piety, and slandered the truth, is now as clear as can be; but such proof as the point may demand must not be declined. That the statue of Zeus at Olympia, and that of Polias at Athens, were executed of gold and ivory by Phidias, is known by everybody; and that the image of Here in Samos was formed by the chisel of Euclides, Olympichus relates in his Samiaca. Do not, then, entertain any doubt, that of the gods called at Athens venerable, Scopas made two of the stone called Lychnis, and Calos the one which they are reported to have had placed between them, as Polemon shows in the fourth of his books addressed to Timus. Nor need you doubt respecting the images of Zeus and Apollo at Patara, in Lycia, which Phidias executed, as well as the lions that recline with them; and if, as some say, they were the work of Bryxis, I do not dispute,you have in him another maker of images. Whichever of these you like, write down. Furthermore, the statues nine cubits in height of Poseidon and Amphitrite, worshipped in Tenos, are the work of Telesius the Athenian, as we are told by Philochorus. Demetrius, in the second book of his Argolics, writes of the image of Here in Tiryns, both that the material was pear-tree and the artist was Argus. Many, perhaps, may be surprised to learn that the Palladium which is called the Diopetesthat is, fallen from heavenwhich Diomede and Ulysses are related to have carried off from Troy and deposited at Demophoon, was made of the bones of Pelops, as the Olympian Jove of other bonesthose of the Indian wild beast. I adduce as my authority Dionysius, who relates this in the fifth part of his Cycle. And Apellas, in the Delphics, says that there were two Palladia, and that both were fashioned by men. But that one may suppose that I have passed over them through ignorance, I shall add that the image of Dionysus Morychus at Athens was made of the stones called Phellata, and was the work of Simon the son of Eupalamus, as Polemo says in a letter. There were also two other sculptors of Crete, as I think: they were called Scyles and Dipoenus; and these executed the statues of the Dioscuri in Argos, and the image of Hercules in Tiryns, and the effigy of the Munychian Artemis in Sicyon. Why should I linger over these, when I can point out to you the great deity himself, and show you who he was,whom indeed, conspicuously above all, we hear to have been considered worthy of veneration? Him they have dared to speak of as made without handsI mean the Egyptian Serapis. For some relate that he was sent as a present by the people of Sinope to Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of the Egyptians, who won their favour by sending them corn from Egypt when they were perishing with famine; and that this idol was an image of Pluto; and Ptolemy, having received the statue, placed it on the promontory which is now called Racotis; where the temple of Serapis was held in honour, and the sacred enclosure borders on the spot; and that Blistichis the courtesan having died in Canopus, Ptolemy had her conveyed there, and buried beneath the forementioned shrine. Others say that the Serapis was a Pontic idol, and was transported with solemn pomp to Alexandria. Isidore alone says that it was brought from the Seleucians, near Antioch, who also had been visited with a dearth of corn, and had been fed by Ptolemy. But Athenodorns the son of Sandon, while wishing to make out the Serapis to be ancient, has somehow slipped into the mistake of proving it to be an image fashioned by human hands. He says that Sesostris the Egyptian king, having subjugated the most of the Hellenic races, on his return to Egypt brought a number of craftsmen with him. Accordingly he ordered a statue of Osiris, his ancestor, to be executed in sumptuous style; and the work was done by the artist Bryaxis, not the Athenian, but another of the same name, who employed in its execution a mixture of various materials. For he had filings of gold, and silver, and lead, and in addition, tin; and of Egyptian stones not one was wanting, and there were fragments of sapphire, and hematite, and emerald, and topaz. Having ground down and mixed together all these ingredients, he gave to the composition a blue colour, whence the darkish hue of the image; and having mixed the whole with the colouring matter that was left over from the funeral of Osiris and Apis, moulded the Serapis, the name of which points to its connection with sepulture and its construction from funeral materials, compounded as it is of Osiris and Apis, which together make Osirapis. Another new deity was added to the number with great religious pomp in Egypt, and was near being so in Greece by the king of the Romans, who deified Antinous, whom he loved as Zeus loved Ganymede, and whose beauty was of a very rare order: for lust is not easily restrained, destitute as it is of fear; and men now observe the sacred nights of Antinous, the shameful character of which the lover who spent them with him knew well. Why reckon him among the gods, who is honoured on account of uncleanness? And why do you command him to be lamented as a son? And why should you enlarge on his beauty? Beauty blighted by vice is loathsome. Do not play the tyrant, O man, over beauty, nor offer foul insult to youth in its bloom. Keep beauty pure, that it may be truly fair. Be king over beauty, not its tyrant. Remain free, and then I shall acknowledge thy beauty, because thou hast kept its image pure: then will I worship that true beauty which is the archetype of all who are beautiful. Now the grave of the debauched boy is the temple and town of Antinous. For just as temples are held in reverence, so also are sepulchres, and pyramids, and mausoleums, and labyrinths, which are temples of the dead, as the others are sepulchres of the gods. As teacher on this point, I shall produce to you the Sibyl prophetess: Not the oracular lie of Phbus, Whom silly men called God, and falsely termed Prophet; But the oracles of the great God, who was not made by mens hands, Like dumb idols of Sculptured stone." She also predicts the ruin of the temple, foretelling that that of the Ephesian Artemis would be engulphed by earthquakes and rents in the ground, as follows: Prostrate on the ground Ephesus shall wail, weeping by the shore, And seeking a temple that has no longer an inhabitant. She says also that the temple of Isis and Serapis would be demolished and burned: Isis, thrice-wretched goddess, thou shalt linger by the streams of the Nile; Solitary, frenzied, silent, on the sands of Acheron. Then she proceeds: And thou, Serapis, covered with a heap of white stones, Shalt lie a huge ruin in thrice-wretched Egypt. But if you attend not to the prophetess, hear at least your own philosopher, the Ephesian Heraclitus, upbraiding images with their senselessness: And to these images they pray, with the same result as if one were to talk to the walls of his house. For are they not to be wondered at who worship stones, and place them before the doors, as if capable of activity? They worship Hermes as a god, and place Aguieus as a doorkeeper. For if people upbraid them with being devoid of sensation, why worship them as gods? And if they are thought to be endowed with sensation, why place them before the door? The Romans, who ascribed their greatest successes to Fortune, and regarded her as a very great deity, took her statue to the privy, and erected it there, assigning to the goddess as a fitting templethe necessary. But senseless wood and stone, and rich gold, care not a whit for either savoury odour, or blood, or smoke, by which, being at once honoured and fumigated, they are blackened; no more do they for honour or insult. And these images are more worthless than any animal. I am at a loss to conceive how objects devoid of sense were deified, and feel compelled to pity as miserable wretches those that wander in the mazes of this folly: for if some living creatures have not all the senses, as worms and caterpillars, and such as even from the first appear imperfect, as moles and the shrew-mouse, which Nicander says is blind and uncouth; yet are they superior to those utterly senseless idols and images. For they have some one sense,say, for example, hearing, or touching, or something analogous to smell or taste; while images do not possess even one sense. There are many creatures that have neither sight, nor hearing, nor speech, such as the genus of oysters, which yet live and grow, and are affected by the changes of the moon. But images, being motionless, inert, and senseless, are bound, nailed, glued,are melted, filed, sawed, polished, carved. The senseless earth is dishonoured by the makers of images, who change it by their art from its proper nature, and induce men to worship it; and the makers of gods worship not gods and demons, but in my view earth and art, which go to make up images. For, in sooth, the image is only dead matter shaped by the craftsmans hand. But we have no sensible image of sensible matter, but an image that is perceived by the mind alone,God, who alone is truly God. And again, when involved in calamities, the superstitious worshippers of stones, though they have learned by the event that senseless matter is not to be worshipped, yet, yielding to the pressure of misfortune, become the victims of their superstition; and though despising the images, yet not wishing to appear wholly to neglect them, are found fault with by those gods by whose names the images are called. For Dionysius the tyrant, the younger, having stripped off the golden mantle from the statue of Jupiter in Sicily, ordered him to be clothed in a woollen one, remarking facetiously that the latter was better than the golden one, being lighter in summer and warmer in winter. And Antiochus of Cyzicus, being in difficulties for money, ordered the golden statue of Zeus, fifteen cubits in height, to be melted; and one like it, of less valuable material, plated with gold, to be erected in place of it. And the swallows and most birds fly to these statues, and void their excrement on them, paying no respect either to Olympian Zeus, or Epidaurian Asclepius, or even to Athene Polias, or the Egyptian Serapis; but not even from them have you learned the senselessness of images. But it has happened that miscreants or enemies have assailed and set fire to temples, and plundered them of their votive gifts, and melted even the images themselves, from base greed of gain. And if a Cambyses or a Darius, or any other madman, has made such attempts, and if one has killed the Egyptian Apis, I laugh at him killing their god, while pained at the outrage being perpetrated for the sake of gain. I will therefore willingly forget such villany, looking on acts like these more as deeds of covetousness, than as a proof of the impotence of idols. But fire and earthquakes are shrewd enough not to feel shy or frightened at either demons or idols, any more than at pebbles heaped by the waves on the shore. I know fire to be capable of exposing and curing superstition. If thou art willing to abandon this folly, the element of fire shall light thy way. This same fire burned the temple in Argos, with Chrysis the priestess; and that of Artemis in Ephesus the second time after the Amazons. And the Capitol in Rome was often wrapped in flames; nor did the fire spare the temple of Serapis, in the city of the Alexandrians. At Athens it demolished the temple of the Eleutherian Dionysus; and as to the temple of Apollo at Delphi, first a storm assailed it, and then the discerning fire utterly destroyed it. This is told as the preface of what the fire promises. And the makers of images, do they not shame those of you who are wise into despising matter? The Athenian Phidias inscribed on the finger of the Olympian Jove, Pantarkes is beautiful. It was not Zeus that was beautiful in his eyes, but the man he loved. And Praxiteles, as Posidippus relates in his book about Cnidus, when he fashioned the statue of Aphrodite of Cnidus, made it like the form of Cratine, of whom he was enamoured, that the miserable people might have the paramour of Praxiteles to worship. And when Phryne the courtesan, the Thespian, was in her bloom, all the painters made their pictures of Aphrodite copies of the beauty of Phryne; as, again, the sculptors at Athens made their Mercuries like Alcibiades. It remains for you to judge whether you ought to worship courtesans. Moved, as I believe, by such facts, and despising such fables, the ancient kings unblushingly proclaimed themselves gods, as this involved no danger from men, and thus taught that on account of their glory they were made immortal. Ceux, the son of Eolus, was styled Zeus by his wife Alcyone; Alcyone, again, being by her husband styled Hera. Ptolemy the Fourth was called Dionysus; and Mithridates of Pontus was also called Dionysus; and Alexander wished to be considered the son of Ammon, and to have his statue made horned by the sculptorseager to disgrace the beauty of the human form by the addition of a horn. And not kings only, but private persons dignified themselves with the names of deities, as Menecrates the physician, who took the name of Zeus. What need is there for me to instance Alexarchus? He, having been by profession a grammarian, assumed the character of the sun-god, as Aristus of Salamis relates. And why mention Nicagorus? He was a native of Zela [in Pontus], and lived in the days of Alexander. Nicagorus was styled Hermes, and used the dress of Hermes, as he himself testifies. And whilst whole nations, and cities with all their inhabitants, sinking into self-flattery, treat the myths about the gods with contempt, at the same time men themselves, assuming the air of equality with the gods, and being puffed up with vainglory, vote themselves extravagant honours. There is the case of the Macedonian Philip of Pella, the son of Amyntor, to whom they decreed divine worship in Cynosargus, although his collar-bone was broken, and he had a lame leg, and had one of his eyes knocked out. And again that of Demetrius, who was raised to the rank of the gods; and where he alighted from his horse on his entrance into Athens is the temple of Demetrius the Alighter; and altars were raised to him everywhere, and nuptials with Athene assigned to him by the Athenians. But he disdained the goddess, as he could not marry the statue; and taking the courtesan Lamia, he ascended the Acropolis, and lay with her on the couch of Athene, showing to the old virgin the postures of the young courtesan. There is no cause for indignation, then, at Hippo, who immortalized his own death. For this Hippo ordered the following elegy to be inscribed on his tomb: This is the sepulchre of Hippo, whom Destiny Made, through death, equal to the immortal gods. Well done, Hippo! thou showest to us the delusion of men. If they did not believe thee speaking, now that thou art dead, let them become thy disciples. This is the oracle of Hippo; let us consider it. The objects of your worship were once men, and in process of time died; and fable and time have raised them to honour. For somehow, what is present is wont to be despised through familiarity; but what is past, being separated through the obscurity of time from the temporary censure that attached to it, is invested with honour by fiction, so that the present is viewed with distrust, the past with admiration. Exactly in this way is it, then, that the dead men of antiquity, being reverenced through the long prevalence of delusion respecting them, are regarded as gods by posterity. As grounds of your belief in these, there are your mysteries, your solemn assemblies, bonds and wounds, and weeping deities. Woe, woe! that fate decrees my best-belovd, Sarpedon, by Patroclus hand to fall." The will of Zeus was overruled; and Zeus being worsted, laments for Sarpedon. With reason, therefore, have you yourselves called them shades and demons, since Homer, paying Athene and the other divinities sinister honour, has styled them demons: She her heavenward course pursued To join the immortals in the abode of Jove." How, then, can shades and demons be still reckoned gods, being in reality unclean and impure spirits, acknowledged by all to be of an earthly and watery nature, sinking downwards by their own weight, and flitting about graves and tombs, about which they appear dimly, being but shadowy phantasms? Such things are your godsshades and shadows; and to these add those maimed, wrinkled, squinting divinities the Lit, daughters of Thersites rather than of Zeus. So that Bionwittily, as I thinksays, How in reason could men pray Zeus for a beautiful progeny,a thing he could not obtain for himself? The incorruptible being, as far as in you lies, you sink in the earth; and that pure and holy essence you have buried in the grave, robbing the divine of its true nature. Why, I pray you, have you assigned the prerogatives of God to what are no gods? Why, let me ask, have you forsaken heaven to pay divine honour to earth? What else is gold, or silver, or steel, or iron, or brass, or ivory, or precious stones? Are they not earth, and of the earth? Are not all these things which you look on the progeny of one motherthe earth? Why, then, foolish and silly men (for I will repeat it), have you, defaming the supercelestial region, dragged religion to the ground, by fashioning to yourselves gods of earth, and by going after those created objects, instead of the uncreated Deity, have sunk into deepest darkness? The Parian stone is beautiful, but it is not yet Poseidon. The ivory is beautiful, but it is not yet the Olympian Zeus. Matter always needs art to fashion it, but the deity needs nothing. Art has come forward to do its work, and the matter is clothed with its shape; and while the preciousness of the material makes it capable of being turned to profitable account, it is only on account of its form that it comes to be deemed worthy of veneration. Thy image, if considered as to its origin, is gold, it is wood, it is stone, it is earth, which has received shape from the artists hand. But I have been in the habit of walking on the earth, not of worshipping it. For I hold it wrong to entrust my spirits hopes to things destitute of the breath of life. We must therefore approach as close as possible to the images. How peculiarly inherent deceit is in them, is manifest from their very look. For the forms of the images are plainly stamped with the characteristic nature of demons. If one go round and inspect the pictures and images, he will at a glance recognise your gods from their shameful forms: Dionysus from his robe; Hephstus from his art; Demeter from her calamity; Ino from her head-dress; Poseidon from his trident; Zeus from the swan; the pyre indicates Heracles; and if one sees a statue of a naked woman without an inscription, he understands it to be the golden Aphrodite. Thus that Cyprian Pygmalion became enamoured of an image of ivory: the image was Aphrodite, and it was nude. The Cyprian is made a conquest of by the mere shape, and embraces the image. This is related by Philostephanus. A different Aphrodite in Cnidus was of stone, and beautiful. Another person became enamoured of it, and shamefully embraced the stone. Posidippus relates this. The former of these authors, in his book on Cyprus, and the latter in his book on Cnidus. So powerful is art to delude, by seducing amorous men into the pit. Art is powerful, but it cannot deceive reason, nor those who live agreeably to reason. The doves on the picture were represented so to the life by the painters art, that the pigeons flew to them; and horses have neighed to well-executed pictures of mares. They say that a girl became enamoured of an image, and a comely youth of the statue at Cnidus. But it was the eyes of the spectators that were deceived by art; for no one in his senses ever would have embraced a goddess, or entombed himself with a lifeless paramour, or become enamoured of a demon and a stone. But it is with a different kind of spell that art deludes you, if it leads you not to the indulgence of amorous affections: it leads you to pay religious honour and worship to images and pictures. The picture is like. Well and good! Let art receive its meed of praise, but let it not deceive man by passing itself off for truth. The horse stands quiet; the dove flutters not, its wing is motionless. But the cow of Ddalus, made of wood, allured the savage bull; and art having deceived him, compelled him to meet a woman full of licentious passion. Such frenzy have mischief-working arts created in the minds of the insensate. On the other hand, apes are admired by those who feed and care for them, because nothing in the shape of images and girls ornaments of wax or clay deceives them. You then will show yourselves inferior to apes by cleaving to stone, and wood, and gold, and ivory images, and to pictures. Your makers of such mischievous toysthe sculptors and makers of images, the painters and workers in metal, and the poetshave introduced a motley crowd of divinities: in the fields, Satyrs and Pans; in the woods, Nymphs, and Oreads, and Hamadryads; and besides, in the waters, the rivers, and fountains, the Naiads; and in the sea the Nereids. And now the Magi boast that the demons are the ministers of their impiety, reckoning them among the number of their domestics, and by their charms compelling them to be their slaves. Besides, the nuptials of the deities, their begetting and bringing forth of children that are recounted, their adulteries celebrated in song, their carousals represented in comedy, and bursts of laughter over their cups, which your authors introduce, urge me to cry out, though I would fain be silent. Oh the godlessness! You have turned heaven into a stage; the Divine has become a drama; and what is sacred you have acted in comedies under the masks of demons, travestying true religion by your demon-worship [superstition]. Sing to us, Homer, that beautiful song About the amours of Ares and Venus with the beautiful crown: How first they slept together in the palace of Hephstus Secretly; and he gave many gifts, and dishonoured the bed and chamber of king Hephstus. Stop, O Homer, the song! It is not beautiful; it teaches adultery, and we are prohibited from polluting our ears with hearing about adultery for we are they who bear about with us, in this living and moving image of our human nature, the likeness of God,a likeness which dwells with us, takes counsel with us, associates with us, is a guest with us, feels with us, feels for us. We have become a consecrated offering to God for Christs sake: we are the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the peculiar people, who once were not a people, but are now the people of God; who, according to John, are not of those who are beneath, but have learned all from Him who came from above; who have come to understand the dispensation of God; who have learned to walk in newness of life. But these are not the sentiments of the many; but, casting off shame and fear, they depict in their houses the unnatural passions of the demons. Accordingly, wedded to impurity, they adorn their bed-chambers with painted tablets hung up in them, regarding licentiousness as religion; and lying in bed, in the midst of their embraces, they look on that Aphrodite locked in the embrace of her paramour. And in the hoops of their rings they cut a representation of the amorous bird that fluttered round Leda,having a strong predilection for representations of effeminacy,and use a seal stamped with an impression of the licentiousness of Zeus. Such are examples of your voluptuousness, such are the theologies of vice, such are the instructions of your gods, who commit fornication along with you; for what one wishes, that he thinks, according to the Athenian orator. And of what kind, on the other hand, are your other images? Diminutive Pans, and naked girls, and drunken Satyrs, and phallic tokens, painted naked in pictures disgraceful for filthiness. And more than this: you are not ashamed in the eyes of all to look at representations of all forms of licentiousness which are portrayed in public places, but set them up and guard them with scrupulous care, consecrating these pillars of shamelessness at home, as if, forsooth, they were the images of your gods, depicting on them equally the postures of Philnis and the labours of Heracles. Not only the use of these, but the sight of them, and the very hearing of them, we denounce as deserving the doom of oblivion. Your ears are debauched, your eyes commit fornication, your looks commit adultery before you embrace. O ye that have done violence to man, and have devoted to shame what is divine in this handiwork of God, you disbelieve everything that you may indulge your passions, and that ye may believe in idols, because you have a craving after their licentiousness, but disbelieve God, because you cannot bear a life of self-restraint. You have hated what was better, and valued what was worse, having been spectators indeed of virtue, but actors of vice. Happy, therefore, so to say, alone are all those with one accord, Who shall refuse to look on any temples And altars, worthless seats of dumb stones, And idols of stone, and images made by hands, Stained with the lifes-blood, and with sacrifices Of quadrupeds, and bipeds, and fowls, and butcheries of wild beasts." For we are expressly prohibited from exercising a deceptive art: For thou shalt not make, says the prophet, the likeness of anything which is in heaven above or in the earth beneath." For can we possibly any longer suppose the Demeter, and the Core, and the mystic Iacchus of Praxiteles, to be gods, and not rather regard the art of Leucippus, or the hands of Apelles, which clothed the material with the form of the divine glory, as having a better title to the honour? But while you bestow the greatest pains that the image may be fashioned with the most exquisite beauty possible, you exercise no care to guard against your becoming like images for stupidity. Accordingly, with the utmost clearness and brevity, the prophetic word condemns this practice: For all the gods of the nations are the images of demons; but God made the heavens, and what is in heaven." Some, however, who have fallen into error, I know not how, worship Gods work instead of God Himself,the sun and the moon, and the rest of the starry choir,absurdly imagining these, which are but instruments for measuring time, to be gods; for by His word they were established, and all their host by the breath of His mouth." Human art, moreover, produces houses, and ships, and cities, and pictures. But how shall I tell what God makes? Behold the whole universe; it is His work: and the heaven, and the sun, and angels, and men, are the works of His fingers. How great is the power of God! His bare volition was the creation of the universe. For God alone made it, because He alone is truly God. By the bare exercise of volition He creates; His mere willing was followed by the springing into being of what He willed. Consequently the choir of philosophers are in error, who indeed most nobly confess that man was made for the contemplation of the heavens, but who worship the objects that appear in the heavens and are apprehended by sight. For if the heavenly bodies are not the works of men, they were certainly created for man. Let none of you worship the sun, but set his desires on the Maker of the sun; nor deify the universe, but seek after the Creator of the universe. The only refuge, then, which remains for him who would reach the portals of salvation is divine wisdom. From this, as from a sacred asylum, the man who presses after salvation, can be dragged by no demon. "eWBM's FIDO authenticator is a compact and portable security device," said Dr. Stephen Oh, chief executive officer of eWBM. "It also facilitates strong authentication functions that enable convenient and effective establishment of FIDO authentication for secure access to remote resources, such as cloud servers and online services." Designed with Secure Hardware Root of Trust, TRNG, and hardwired crypto accelerator engines, the device supports secure booting, secure storage, and secure digital key management features. The dongle comes with an efficient and powerful fingerprint recognition algorithm for user accessibility. Combined with step-up capabilities, fingerprint technology and X.509 certificate solutions, the device provides the FIDO-certified authentication feature for customers from corporations, commercial banks, government institutes, or any other general consumer markets that require security controls. The company supplies the USB dongle products as well as all other FIDO device products in numerous form factors, including smart cards, mobile apps and hardware tokens. About eWBM Co, Ltd. eWBM Co, Ltd., a system on chip (SoC) solution company, specializes in providing hardware-based low power security chips and related solutions which are optimized for IoT applications. The next generation security SoC chip, called MS1200, is introduced. Designed with a complete root-of-trust HSM, the IoT security SoC chip provides industry's highest level of security to be used in variety of markets such as LoRa, NB-IoT, FIDO, secure IP camera, industrials, and smart home applications. The brand-new chip is equipped with hardware-based strong cipher algorithms such as RSA, ECC, AES, and SHA as well as governmental standards such as ARIA (Korea) and SM (China). The chip supports the ultra-low power deep sleep mode that is optimized for battery powered IoT applications. Powered by the hardware-based security SoC, the company also provides security solutions in the applications of FIDO Authentication, smart metering, smart homes, security IP cameras, etc. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Seoul, South Korea. For more information, visit http://www.e-wbm.com [email protected] SOURCE eWBM Co., Ltd. Contact: Teddy Kyung Lee, [email protected], +82-2-556-7878 Related Links http://www.e-wbm.com Like the super power of Transformers, his parents and doctors turned to a medical super power protons, to destroy his cancer cells. Patrick and Megan Brown felt blessed. One of the most advanced proton therapy centers in the nation at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak is just minutes from their home. The center is one of just 28 proton therapy centers in the U.S. and the only operational proton therapy center in Michigan. What began as a trip to the ER at a major Detroit hospital for a debilitating headache, quickly became a cancer diagnosis. "The news hit us like a truck. It's your worst nightmare. We know we had to do whatever we can to give Hudson the best chance," explained Megan, his mother. Biopsy confirmed cancer Doctors ordered a CT and MRI. They found a large tumor on the back of Hudson's brain. The following day, surgeons removed most of the tumor. A biopsy confirmed cancer medulloblastoma. The next nine days Hudson was in a pediatric intensive care unit. His pediatric oncologist encouraged the Browns to seek proton therapy at Beaumont. After hearing about the benefits of proton therapy, the Browns contacted doctors at the center in Royal Oak. Proton therapy uses positively charged atomic particles, traveling up to two-thirds the speed of light, to fight cancer. A cyclotron, or particle accelerator, creates protons from hydrogen molecules. The therapy is a high-tech alternative to X-ray radiation. Compared to X-ray beams, which pass through a patient, proton beams deliver targeted radiation to the tumor and then stop, resulting in no exit dose. Peter Chen, M.D., Hudson's radiation oncologist at Beaumont explained, "For children, those most vulnerable and susceptible to the damage of traditional radiation, proton therapy offers greater precision to destroy cancer cells, sparing nearby healthy tissue from harmful radiation, with fewer side effects." High-tech therapy close to home Megan said, "Hudson was the first cranial-spinal patient at Beaumont's Proton Therapy Center. We feel so blessed. We did not have to travel to Chicago or Boston for this high-tech treatment. It's only 30 minutes from home. We're so lucky, if this happened one year ago, we'd have to relocate our family for six weeks." Like Bumblebee the autobot, Hudson is small in stature, but his parents refer to his big heart. "He's a sweet kid who thinks of others first. Hudson can be silly," said his father, Patrick. "He likes to tell jokes and make other people laugh. His motivation is to get home and have fun with family and friends." Both of his parents are elementary school teachers in Grosse Pointe, although Megan took a leave of absence from her classroom after his diagnosis. "He is in pre-kindergarten. He loves his classes and teachers. One of his obsessions is Legos." Hudson is the middle child, with a younger sister, Cecelia, 2 and older sister, Emmy, 7. Therapies: Proton, Maddie Hudson received 30 proton treatments, Monday through Friday, for six weeks. Each day, they'd leave their home at 7:45 a.m. Admitted Megan, "Sometimes it was a struggle to get him to Beaumont each morning." He was not allowed to eat breakfast before his treatments. The first couple days of treatment were the most challenging. "Hudson didn't know what to expect. But, each day got easier," said Megan. "The nurses, doctors, technicians, staff and volunteers were amazing. They did everything possible to make it easy for him playing music he likes, letting him pick the colors in the treatment room and then, there's Maddie the therapy dog." During the first week, Hudson was introduced to Maddie. They bonded. Later, in the anesthesia room, the dog climbed in bed with him. It was so calming for him. After seeing how Hudson reacted to Maddie, her trainer, Carla Grava, brought the dog to every treatment. Said Megan, "From the time we arrive, Maddie doesn't leave his side. The dog is even present when he wakes up from his sleepy medicine." Hudson's treatment plan includes proton therapy and chemotherapy. Dr. Chen explained, "Hudson has a tumor of the cerebellum, the back part of the brain, which affects his balance. It's called medulloblastoma. These types of cancerous tumors have a tendency to spread through cerebral spinal fluid, putting the entire spine at risk for the spread of cancer." By using proton beam technology, Dr. Chen and the team treated Hudson's brain and spine. Because there is no exit dose with protons, no harmful radiation was delivered to his mouth, neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis sparing vital organs such as the heart. Support "It's been an amazing gift to have the Proton Therapy Center so close. Everyone there has been positive, patient, upbeat and kind," said Patrick. "We've also been incredibly blessed community, neighbors, family, school staff all have been so supportive." Friends even created a Facebook page, "#HudsyStrong." Bumblebee and other surprises With Hudson wrapping up his proton treatments the second week of April, Megan got to thinking how they should celebrate his milestone. With his love of Transformers movies, and Bumblebee, she had an idea, "It just hit me. I should get a yellow Camaro, his Bumblebee, to drive him to his end-of-treatment celebration at the Proton Therapy Center." People in her network gladly helped, turning her idea into reality. Two yellow Camaros, along with a caravan of Camaros from the Motor City Camaro Club, drove him and his family to Beaumont where he rang the end-of-proton-treatment bell. And when Transformers actor Mark Wahlberg heard of Hudson's celebration, he wanted to help and made sure he and his party guests enjoyed his favorite food: hamburgers, courtesy of Wahlburgers in Detroit. Along with the food, Mark created a short video message for Hudson and mentioned how he looks forward to meeting him. Journey continues While Hudson has completed his proton treatments at Beaumont, in May, he begins more chemotherapy. Said Megan, "Our doctors are fairly confident with the proton and chemo therapies, Hudson should have a great prognosis. Their optimism keeps us going." 'Fight Song' Patrick said Hudson has an affinity for "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten, "The one day we drove to his proton treatment, he sang it five times. We talk about not giving up, and when you have fight in you, that means you're strong even when things are hard." The song's lyrics are Hudson's favorite, "Like a small boat on the ocean, sending big waves into motion know I've still got a lot of fight left in me." For more information, visit www.beaumont.org/proton More information, images, and video available by contacting: [email protected], 248-551-1077 or [email protected], 248-551-0743 SOURCE Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Continent Spices, an innovative purveyor and packager of organic spices and herbs, today launched their crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Five Continent Spices recently unveiled the Five Continent SpicePucksTM - organic spices in unique containers designed by home-chefs for home-chefs which is now available for purchase on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com (https://goo.gl/77KH23). Five Continent SpicePucks address the three most common problems of spices and herbs in traditional jars: Functionality, Spice Quality, and Clutter. Five Continent Spices European Pro-Kit with 15 SpicePucks and Stand Five Continent SpicePuck - Shaker Door Open The better functioning, uniquely shaped spice container functions in a superior manner to existing spice containers by preserving flavor and potency while filled to the brim with high quality, organic spices. "Current spice containers don't work well. I really like the aesthetics and the timing is perfect. My spice cabinet is so cluttered, I just knocked over a glass bottle as I was reaching for a spice and had it shatter all over the floor," says Serena, home-chef, New York. "Kickstarter is a proven crowdfunding platform with an avid "early adopter" community. We are convinced that this is a great way to tap into the community for feedback and 'first movers,'" says Neil Mitchell, co-founder and marketer. "We highly value the Kickstarter community and its role in supporting innovation. We look forward to the community supporting the Five Continent Spices concept." The Kickstarter funds will be used to begin manufacturing, assembly and shipping of kits to the backer community. About Five Continent Spices The company name reflects that spices are an essential part of cultures on all five continents. The company's organic spices and herbs originate from all five continents and the founders' experiences span all five continents. The company's unique spice containers and designer stand provide superior functionality to existing glass-based spice containers by preserving each spices flavor and potency, dispensing spices more precisely, minimizing space usage, and ending kitchen clutter. The company is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, located nearby spice and herb farms. For more information, please visit www.fivecontinentspices.com. Press Contact Five Continent Spices Neil Mitchell [email protected] 408-714-0009 SOURCE Five Continent Spices, Inc Related Links http://www.fivecontinentspices.com WASHINGTON, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As National Guard troops answer President Trump's call and head for the United States' southern border, former Mexican President Vicente Fox will deliver an address entitled "Democracy at the Crossroads: Globalization versus Nationalism" at a National Press Club Headliners Luncheon on Tuesday, May 22. Fox, a right-wing populist representing the National Action Party (PAN), was elected as the 55th President of Mexico on December 1, 2000. Winning with 42% of the vote, Fox made history as the first presidential candidate in 71 years to defeat the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Fox's administration focused chiefly on improving trade relations with the United States and maintaining Mexico's growing economy. Fox left office in 2006, and in a break with his country's cultural norms and traditions has remained in the public eye post-presidency and has not been shy about expressing his views and opinions. Lunch will be served in the club's Ballroom at 12:30 p.m., with remarks beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for National Press Club members (members may purchase two tickets at this rate) and $39 for all other non-member tickets. Please click here to purchase tickets to the luncheon. For all ticketing-related questions, please email [email protected]. Tickets must be paid for at the time of purchase. To submit a question for the speaker in advance, put FOX in the subject line and email to [email protected]. The deadline for submitting questions in advance is 10 a.m. on the day of the luncheon. NPC Members who have a paid reservation to the Luncheon and wish to attend the pre-luncheon reception must send their RSVP via email to [email protected] at least 48 hours before the date of the Luncheon. Space may be limited. The National Press Club is located on the 13th Floor of the National Press Building at 529 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Contact: Lindsay Underwood, [email protected], (202) 662-7561 SOURCE National Press Club Related Links https://www.press.org SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GlobalMed, an international provider of telehealth solutions, announced that the U.S. Navy recently used GlobalMed's technology to conduct its first-ever portable telemedicine broadcast from a ship at sea, transmitting vital signs and ear, nose, throat, head/neck skin examinations from the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy. Click here to see photos. On March 9, the Navy also used GlobalMed's platform in its first-ever "tele-procedural mentorship," enabling a medically certified naval officer aboard the ship to place a tourniquet and perform a needle thoracostomy and a cricothyroidotomy. "Hospitalman" John Meeks was guided remotely by Lieutenant Kastley Marvin, an otolaryngology resident and the resident virtual health research lead, who tele-mentored Meeks from Naval Medical Center San Diego. GlobalMed recently earned the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Authority to Operate (ATO) on DoD networks, becoming the first provider of HIPAA-compliant virtual health to obtain an ATO. This coveted certification enables GlobalMed to put its telehealth applications, hardware and software directly on the DoD network, making its solutions available to the Military Health System (MHS). Besides providing medical care in combat situations and at bases overseas, the system treats patients in 57 hospitals and 400 clinics. Telehealth has proven to be a cost-effective alternative to onsite care in these military facilities, which cannot meet the healthcare needs of all active duty service people, their dependents, and retirees. Telehealth also increases access to care for those service members and military families who live a significant distance away from the nearest MHS facility. Similarly, as the Mercy demonstration showed, the technology can provide remote access to specialists who are not on staff in hospital ships. "The Navy is to be congratulated for its use of portable telemedicine broadcasts while a hospital ship is underway," said Joel E. Barthelemy, founder and CEO of GlobalMed and a Marine veteran. "The Navy's use of our virtual health equipment to remotely guide a hospitalman through the placement of a chest tube and the surgical opening of an airway is particularly impressive. Telehealth will help the Navy better care for its personnel as they pursue their missions around the world." Get access to the same technology and software for $825 month after startup fee. Click here to request a demo. About GlobalMed GlobalMed powers the world's largest, most advanced telehealth programs and is honored to be the telehealth provider to the White House, Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Defense Health Agency. More than 4,000 organizations have trusted GlobalMed to power over 15 million consults, improving access to care in 55 countries. With a focus on security and simplicity, GlobalMed designs, builds, manufactures and deploys fully integrated, evidence-based hardware and software telehealth solutions that enable medical groups, healthcare enterprises and government entities to improve patient outcomes while lowering cost. Founded in 2002 by a Marine Corps Reserve Veteran still serving as CEO, GlobalMed is proud to be a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB). Media Contact Marcia Rhodes Amendola Communications [email protected] / 602.793.1561 SOURCE GlobalMed Related Links https://www.globalmed.com TORONTO, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro One Inc. received a decision today from the Ontario Energy Board denying its proposed acquisition of Orillia Power Distribution Corporation ("OPDC") from the City of Orillia, Ontario. Hydro One is reviewing the decision in detail and will determine the appropriate next steps. A copy of the decision is available on the OEB's website. On August 15, 2016, Hydro One announced the agreement to acquire OPDC for $26.35 million and the assumption of approximately $14.9 million of debt and regulatory liabilities for a total transaction value of $41.3 million. About Hydro One Inc. We are Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with more than 1.3 million valued customers, over $25 billion in assets and 2017 annual revenues of nearly $6 billion. Our team of over 7,400 skilled and dedicated regular and non-regular employees proudly and safely serves suburban, rural and remote communities across Ontario through our 30,000 circuit km of high-voltage transmission and 123,000 circuit km of primary distribution networks. Hydro One is committed to the communities we serve, and has been rated as the top utility in Canada for its corporate citizenship, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. We are one of only five utility companies in Canada to achieve the Sustainable Electricity Company designation from the Canadian Electricity Association. We also provide advanced broadband telecommunications services on a wholesale basis utilizing our extensive fibre optic network. Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: H). Forward-Looking Statements and Information This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "attempt," "may," "plan," "will", "can", "believe," "seek," "estimate," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law. SOURCE Hydro One Inc. Related Links http://www.hydroone.com Where Persecution Comes From Whereas most persecution of Christians in the Arab Gulf region comes from society or radical Islamic groups, the main threat for believers in Iran comes from the government. The Iranian regime declares the country to be a Shia Islamic State and is constantly expanding its influence. Hardliners within the regime are vehemently opposed to Christianity, and create severe problems for Christians, particularly converts from Islam. Christians and other minorities are seen as threats to this end, and are persecuted as a result. Iranian society as a whole is more tolerant than their leadership, thanks in part due to the influence of moderate and mystical Sufi Islam. How Christians are Suffering While the government is anti-Christian, it does grant some limited freedoms to historical Christian churches. They are allowed to preach to fellow countrymen in their own language but are forbidden from ministering to people from Muslim backgrounds. Members of these historical churches are treated as second-class citizens, and they have reported imprisonment, physical abuse, harassment and discrimination, particularly for reaching out to Muslims. Converts from Islam and non-traditional Christian denominations (including Evangelical, Baptist and Pentecostal communities) experience the worst of the persecution. Leaders and church members have been arrested and imprisoned long-term for crimes against the national security. Examples During the WWL 2018 reporting period, at least 52 Christians were arrested. Many of them (especially converts) have been prosecuted and sentenced to long jail terms. Others are still awaiting trial. Their families are publicly humiliated. In the same reporting period, several house churches were raided, most of which are no longer functioning. Two reported incidents involved converts persecuted for their faith. One Christian was beaten by his cousin for his conversion. The other convert had to give up payment for his work when his clients threatened to report his conversion to authorities. BENGALURU, India and SEATTLE, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in consulting, technology and next-generation services, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire WONGDOODY, a US-based, full-service creative and consumer insights agency. The move strengthens Infosys' creative, branding and customer experience capabilities, and demonstrates its continued commitment to bringing innovative thinking, talent and creativity to clients around the world. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jpg ) WONGDOODY, an award-winning creative agency with studios in Seattle and Los Angeles, brings to Infosys globally recognized creative talent and deep marketing and brand engagement expertise. The agency is known for its fully-integrated campaigns, omni-channel programs, expertise in connecting digital experiences to physical in-store experiences, and capabilities to create multi-platform content that marries data and analytics with creative expertise to drive compelling, sharable content. With services that include strategy, research and insights, brand and marketing positioning, creative design, advertising and production, WONGDOODY elevates global brands across industries from telecommunications and consumer electronics, to healthcare and consumer packaged goods. "We are focused on partnering with global brands and CMOs to help them on their digital transformation journeys, by developing a digital experience services ecosystem with services ranging from strategy, design and user experience, to creative and digital marketing across the customer experience value chain. WONGDOODY'S expertise in driving innovative creative solutions is already yielding significant results in our initial collaborations with clients, and this acquisition will further enhance Infosys' capabilities in this space," said Ravi Kumar S, President & Deputy COO, Infosys. WONGDOODY Founder and Chairman, Tracy Wong, added, "Joining forces with Infosys gives us the power to implement our creativity in ways that weren't possible before. Brand experiences, powered and backed by Infosys' digital and technological might, can change the trajectory of our clients' businesses and revolutionize how customers experience their brands. It's a great honor for us to complete a true end-to-end Infosys engagement offering." "WONGDOODY is a stellar addition to the Infosys Digital family. Their creative excellence and reputation of driving engaging digital customer experiences that operate at the intersection of advertising, retail, technology, and design precedes them. I'm personally excited to work closely with the WONGDOODY team to strengthen our customer experience capabilities and bring new thinking, talent and innovation to our global clients," said Scott Sorokin, Global Head of Infosys Digital. Ben Wiener, WONGDOODY CEO, said, "As our clients grapple with the implications of digital disruption for their brands and customers, joining Infosys gives us instant scale and expertise to leverage data and user experience insights to build brand platforms for the future. This is a unique marriage of digital strategy, creative and technology talents to build the agency model that modern CMOs are demanding." The acquisition represents Infosys' further commitment to the expansion of a worldwide, connected network of Digital Studios. With Infosys Digital Studios spanning the globe - from Bengaluru and Pune to New York, London, and Melbourne - the addition of WONGDOODY strengthens Infosys' ability to fulfill the needs of global clients for comprehensive digital transformation solutions required to meet customer demand for next-generation, enhanced customer experiences. Focused on accelerating its digital experience strategy, Infosys had earlier announced the acquisition of Brilliant Basics, a London-based digital design and customer experience innovator that is creating significant value to clients across Europe and Middle East. The acquisition of WONGDOODY is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, subject to customary closing conditions. GP Bullhound acted as the exclusive financial advisor to WONGDOODY on this transaction. About WONGDOODY WONGDOODY is a full-service advertising agency with offices in Seattle and Los Angeles. Since its founding in 1993, the agency has won hundreds of global awards for creativity and marketing effectiveness, while building a culture that consistently makes WONGDOODY one of the 'best places to work' according to Ad Age, the Puget Sound Business Journal, and the Los Angeles Business Journal. http://www.WONGDOODY.com. About Infosys Ltd Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to create and execute strategies for their digital transformation. From engineering to application development, knowledge management and business process management, we help our clients find the right problems to solve, and to solve these effectively. Our team of over 200,000 innovators, across the globe, is differentiated by the imagination, knowledge and experience, across industries and technologies that we bring to every project we undertake. Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise thrive in the digital age. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law. SOURCE Infosys BOAO, China, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report that originally appeared in the Beijing Review, written by reporter Yuan Yuan. China will expand its opening up and continue to advance cooperation with its economic partners in the future, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2018 on April 10. Addressing more than 2,000 politicians, scholars and leaders in business and media from over 60 countries and regions at the four-day event in south China's tropical Hainan Province, Xi began his speech by reviewing China's successful experience over the past four decades since the adoption of reform and opening up in 1978. Xi described how the Chinese people have unleashed and enhanced productivity in China through hard work and an unyielding spirit. "Today, the Chinese people can say with great pride that reform and opening up, China's second revolution if you like, has not only profoundly changed the country but also greatly influenced the whole world," Xi said in the speech. The Chinese people will continue to increase openness and expand cooperation, Xi declared. A series of major measures will be undertaken to broaden market access, create a more attractive investment environment, strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and take the initiative to expand imports. China will significantly lower the import tariffs for vehicles and reduce import tariffs for some other products this year, Xi revealed in the speech. A number of measures are also to be launched this year to significantly broaden market access in China and accelerate the opening up of the insurance industry, as well as to ease restrictions on the establishment of foreign financial institutions in China and expand their business scope, while more areas of cooperation between Chinese and foreign financial markets will also be opened. Instead of primarily relying on favorable policies for foreign investors as in the past, Xi said that instead China will improve the country's investment environment in order to attract foreign investment. "We will enhance alignment with international economic and trading rules, increase transparency, strengthen property right protection, uphold the rule of law, encourage competition and oppose monopoly," Xi said. Meanwhile, China is reinstituting the State Intellectual Property Office this year to step up law enforcement, significantly raise the cost for offenders and deploy relevant laws as a major deterrent. "We encourage normal technological exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises, and protect the lawful IPR owned by foreign enterprises in China," Xi said. Speaking of the first China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai this November, Xi described the event as not just another expo in an ordinary sense, but a major policy initiative and commitment of China to open up its market. Xi's speech on the role of the reform and opening up in boosting the development of China in the past four decades had resonance for scholars and participants at the BFA annual event. "China has grown into the world's second largest economy, the largest industrial producer, the largest trader of goods and the holder of the largest foreign exchange reserves. It could not have reached these heights without the reform and opening-up process. Meanwhile, we have lifted 700 million people out of poverty. All of these achievements are not easy to be attained," said Gu Xueming, President of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation of China's Ministry of Commerce. China has achieved remarkable progress by adopting the policy of reform and opening up, which stands as a successful case of developing an open economy. China's development has also contributed to the overall progress of the world, said Xu Xiujun, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "An open China will exert a more central role in promoting the regional integration of Asia and the globalization of the world," he said. Aravind Yelery, Assistant Director of the Delhi-based Institute of Chinese Studies, applauded Xi's address. Yelery believes that a more open China will bring opportunities to Indian businesses investing in China. "India has been looking for initiatives and opportunities for ways to engage with China, and the policy of opening up further would definitely be good news," Yelery said. "Xi's speech shows that China proceeds toward action in a very deliberate and active way," said Allan Gabor, President of Merck China, who has been living in China for 20 years. It is his eighth time at the BFA this year. "For those of us in the business community, the speech provides a lot of transparency and stability. It is very important to us," he added. Apart from emphasizing China's will to further open up, Xi also reflected on the achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative in his speech. "The Belt and Road Initiative may be China's idea, but its opportunities and outcomes are going to benefit the world," Xi said, adding that China has no geopolitical ambitions, seeks no exclusionary blocs and imposes no business deals on others. He also pointed out that as the Belt and Road is a new initiative, it is natural that there might be different views on cooperation. "As long as the involved parties embrace the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we can definitely enhance cooperation and resolve any differences," Xi said. "This way, we can make the Belt and Road Initiative the broadest platform for international cooperation, in keeping with the trend of economic globalization and to the greater benefit of all our peoples," Xi said. Xu Hongcai, a research fellow with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, echoed Xi's remarks. "Cooperation is essential to global economic development," said Xu. "The world economy is projected to grow 3.9 percent year on year in 2018, compared to 3.6 percent last year. However, it is still below the average growth rate prior to the 2008 financial crisis." "The Belt and Road Initiative is important for all the countries that are attached to it," Gabor said. "China is a very important country for the world. The better China does, the better the world does." "The initiative is one of the instruments to implement the vision of a shared future for mankind," said Giulio De Metrio, Chief Operating Officer of SEA, Italy's major airport operator. "It is a way of bringing more prosperity to neighboring countries. A good neighbor for China is also a good neighbor for Europe." Jointly initiated by 29 countries and inaugurated on February 27, 2001, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is a non-profit organization that hosts high-level events for leaders from government, business and academia in Asia and other continents to share their vision on the most pressing issues in this dynamic region and the world at large. SOURCE Boao Forum WASHINGTON, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Raising the age for purchasing assault weapons. Sanctions on North Korea. A mock Supreme Court hearing of the Cake Shop vs. Colorado First Amendment case. Hundreds of politically engaged high school students will debate these issues and other national topics at the Junior State of America (JSA) Spring State conventions in Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, Washington, California, and Florida on consecutive weekends, starting April 14 through April 29. Within the Junior State of America (JSA), young people learn the value of talking with a diverse group of peers who hold different political and ideological perspectives. At conventions that bring together more than 600 high school students, JSA members demonstrate strong leadership skills and voice informed positions on topics that they select on a range of issues that impact their communities and the country. "In our current environment, where so often we self-select to surround ourselves with individuals who share our beliefs and political opinions, JSA challenges our young people to do something more courageous," said JSA CEO Ken White. "For more than 84 years, the Junior State of America has nurtured young leaders and advocated for strong leadership that values diversity. We support young people as they explore new ideas, test their beliefs, and learn to respect and engage with others," said White. As the nation's largest student-run organization, JSA provides training in leadership and civil dialogue to help students build 21st Century skills. JSA alumni overwhelmingly testify that the skills they learned in JSA were critical in shaping and supporting both their personal and professional lives. JSA has prepared more than 400,000 individuals for leadership in business, government, law, and the nonprofit sector. About Junior State of America Since 1934, the nonprofit the Junior State of America (JSA) has helped more than 500,000 student leaders acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be active, informed, and responsible citizens, voters, and leaders. JSA's mission is to strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society. JSA participants learn how to engage in political discourse, cultivate democratic leadership skills, and challenge one another to think critically, advocate their own opinions, develop respect for opposing views, and learn to rise above self-interest to promote the public good. CONTACT: Melissa Williams, Director of Engagement & Communications 650-393-7728 or [email protected] SOURCE The Junior State of America Foundation Related Links http://www.jsa.org HOOVER, Ala., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kathie W. Condon, R.N., M.S.N., LNCC, is recognized by Continental Who's Who as Professional of The Year in the field of Consulting in recognition of her role as Chief Executive Officer of Condon Medical Legal Consultants. Condon Medical Legal Consultants is a medical consultation and legal practice. Offering a wide array of services to their clients, the team at Condon Medical specializes in assessing medical records and analyzing the case, serving as the attorney liaison, assisting with the discovery and preparation for court, supporting the attorney's case, and working with experts and other witnesses. Amassing over thirty years of experience in the field of Consulting, Condon is a renowned expert within the field. Throughout her career, Condon has attained expertise within the areas of healthcare administration and management, medical and legal consulting, obstetrics and technology and surgery. When asked her advice to newcomers in the industry, Condon emphasizes "it takes hard work and dedication, don't give up." To further enhance her professional progress, Condon has recently taken a class in medical cost projections and is expanding her client base through the implementation of new services. A seasoned nurse, Condon "has assisted attorneys that specialize in medical malpractice, personal injury and other medically related litigation issues," and "has also worked with social security disability cases." Throughout the course of her education and training, Condon attained both her MSN and BSN degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In her previous years, Condon earned her Associate's degree in Nursing at Mississippi Delta Community College. An active Registered Nurse license in Alabama, Condon attends various continuing education activities throughout the years in an effort to further enhance her professional progress. To further her professional development, Condon is an affiliate of several organizations including the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, the National Association of Professional Women and Sigma Theta Tau. When she is not working, Condon enjoys jewelry design and giving back to charities such as St. Jude's Cancer Research Hospital and Breast Cancer awareness. For more information, please visit www.cmlc.co. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- KinerjaPay Corp., (OTCQB: KPAY), a digital payment and ecommerce platform ("KinerjaPay" or the "Company") today announced a major plan to acquire several companies ranging from competitors to product-based companies that will be sold through the Company's established infrastructure. Combined with the Company's rapid organic revenue growth, the acquisitions will accelerate the Company's market share penetration in the nascent Indonesian Market. The Company feels confident that it has nearly $5 million of funding available for the appropriate acquisitions. KinerjaPay has had and continues to have several discussions with target companies for acquisition or partnering arrangements. KinerjaPay expects that several of these will close soon. Mr. Edwin W. Ng, the Chairman and CEO of KinerjaPay Corp. said "The Indonesian ecommerce industry is ripe for consolidation. Therefore, business partnerships and acquisitions will strengthen Company's competitive advantage and its growth. We believe several recent discussions will be fruitful." Mr. Ng, went on to say "We are proud that we have received commitments from capital sources who see that these strategic acquisitions will propel KinerjaPay into one of the leading ecommerce platforms in the fast-growing Indonesian market. Nearly $5 million has been committed to aid the Company for such deals. These deals will propel the Company towards significant profitability." Mr. Deddy Oktomeo, the CEO of PT. KinerjaPay Indonesia, the Indonesian subsidiary Company of KinerjaPay Corp, commented, "Our team in Indonesia have been working very hard to materialize many win-win collaborations and possible acquisitions deals, which will strengthen the core competencies of KinerjaPay in the Indonesian eCommerce and digital payment market. This endeavor will transform KinerjaPay into a much larger and significant player in the market, simply through a series of synergistic acquisitions of growing startup companies in Indonesia." Mr. Windy Johan, the Company's CFO, commented also that, "After securing the fund and selecting the right target partners, I am confident that we can achieve exponential revenue growth as well as synergizing our operation with them to achieve cost and operational efficiency, resulting on increased profitability and ROI." About KinerjaPay KinerjaPay enables consumers to "Pay, Play and Buy" through its secure web portal and mobile applications. Based in Indonesia, the Company provides easy and convenient payment solution while shopping online at its marketplace platform. With its current omni-channel platform, users can perform various payment services such as credit card bill payment, utility, phone bill, healthcare insurance and direct transfer to anyone at their convenience. KinerjaPay is also planning to launch other eCommerce verticals such as travel market, delivery services, and online gaming in the near future. The Company's services are available through its mobile applications and on its website at http://www.kinerjapay.com. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements, about KPAY's expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. In addition, from time to time, KPAY or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "may," "should" or "anticipate" or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. These forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by KPAY with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of KPAY's authorized executive officers. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause KPAY's actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause KPAY 's actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors summarized in KPAY 's filings with the SEC. In addition, KPAY operates in an industry sector where securities values are highly volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond its control. KPAY does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please see the risk factors associated with an investment in our securities which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2016. For more information, please visit our website http://www.kinerjapay.co. There you will find access to all of our past press releases and SEC filings regarding the activities discussed in this letter. Media Contact: KinerjaPay Corp. Email: [email protected] +62-8229-777-0098 SOURCE KinerjaPay Corp. GREENVILLE, S.C., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kingdom Winds, a start-up platform for Christian creatives, plans an all-day, kick-off event entitled "Catch the Wind" to be held on April 28, 2018 in beautiful downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Kingdom Winds Co-Founders, Gary and Beth Suess Catch the Wind is designed to encourage, equip, and inspire authors, artists, musicians, and ministries called by God to create and advance the Kingdom. "We have put together an invigorating day of worship, relevant teaching, practical instruction, and prayer to empower, inspire, and unleash Christian creatives to prosperously pursue their calling," explained Elizabeth Suess, Kingdom Winds Co-Founder. "This event is in complete lock-step with our overall mission," added Gary Suess, President and Co-Founder. "Kingdom Winds, which we are about to officially launch, is truly a groundbreaking platform designed to expand the reach, influence, and success of Christian creatives and ministries." At the heart of Kingdom Winds is a Christian multi-media digital publishing and marketplace platform featuring content and works created by the Kingdom Winds Collectivea formal alliance of authors, artists, musicians, videographers, podcast producers, and ministries. Surrounding the core enterprise will be support services such as publishing, marketing, web design, consulting, and event management. "We are tremendously excited about Kingdom Winds, as well as the opportunity to share details and celebrate its launch with creatives possessing a similar passion on their hearts," added Elizabeth. Among the cast of talented speakers at Catch the Wind are Gary Wilson of WP Films and Co-Creator of "God and Creativity" and former Elevation Church Youth Pastor, Chris Allen. More information and tickets are available at catch-the-wind.eventbrite.com, including ticket bundles and a discounted student price of $19. As an added welcome, Kingdom Winds has announced a special promotion, offering a ticket refund to anyone who joins the Kingdom Winds Collective. Kingdom Winds has recently launched KingdomWindsCollective.com to provide more information about Kingdom Winds, Kingdom Winds Collective, and Catch the Wind, including how to join and register for the event. The official multimedia, digital publishing and marketplace platform launch is expected within the next couple weeks. Kingdom Winds LLC, based in Greenville, South Carolina, is a multifaceted start-up enterprise dedicated to empower, support, and propel Christian creatives and ministries. At the core is KingdomWinds.com, our innovative digital platform that integrates rich content with an Amazon-style marketplace to showcase works of the Kingdom Winds Collectivea formal alliance of Christian authors, artists, musicians, podcast producers, filmmakers, and ministries. We surround this with Kingdom-focused service offerings, including publishing, marketing, web design, event management, and consulting. Our mission is to advance the Kingdom through the power of alliance, value-added support, and providing a platform to expand reach, influence, and success. Media Contact: Elizabeth Suess [email protected] 704.293.3843 SOURCE Kingdom Winds Related Links https://kingdomwinds.wpengine.com/kingdomwindscollective-com-home DALLAS, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The three taxpayers cited in our release dated February 12, 2018 have recently reached a tentative settlement agreement with the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). The administrative law judge (ALJ) in these cases strongly urged the parties to settle. In several other cases before a different ALJ, the parties have also come to a tentative settlement agreement with respect to their transfer pricing issues. However, two remaining cases are headed to trial. Those would be the assessments against Pfizer, Inc. and Ahold USA Holdings, Inc. The parties in these cases are expected to provide the ALJs a status report by May 23, 2018. In short, the "Chainbridge Method" of transfer pricing involves developing a "Comparable Profits Model" for an industry and then applies this model in a generic fashion to taxpayers in that industry. In 2012, the taxpayer in Microsoft v. OTR1 was granted an order of summary judgement against the OTR to dismiss an assessment related to a "Chainbridge Method" audit. The ALJ in that case held that the "Chainbridge Method" was arbitrary, capricious, and unreasonable. Fortunately, the District of Columbia is no longer contracting with Chainbridge. However, it appears that several other states, mentioned in our February 28, 2018 release, are still using Chainbridge. 1 Microsoft Corporation v. Office of Tax and Revenue, District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings, No. 2010-OTR-00012, May 1, 2012. About Ryan Ryan, an award-winning global tax services and software provider, is the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides an integrated suite of federal, state, local, and international tax services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including tax recovery, consulting, advocacy, compliance, and technology services. Ryan is a six-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,200 professionals and associates serves over 14,000 clients in more than 45 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com. "Ryan" and "Firm" refer to the global organizational network and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ryan International, each of which is a separate legal entity. TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Nachbar Principal Ryan 630.515.0477 [email protected] SOURCE Ryan Related Links http://www.ryan.com Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, in partnership with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), conducted 'Merck More Than a Mother' panel at their Regional conference 2018, in Dubai. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676451/Merck_Foundation_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676452/Merck_Foundation.jpg ) Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation stated during the panel discussion, "Through 'Merck More than a Mother,' we want to bring the healthcare providers, policy makers, academia, women leaders, media, and artists together to define the interventions to break the infertility stigma around women and to build fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries." She further emphasized, "Merck Foundation is dedicated to empowering women who suffer discrimination and violence due to their inability to bring children, by creating the cultural shift to break the infertility stigma at all levels, not only in Africa, but in Asia, Latin America and everywhere it is needed." The high-level panel discussion included; Hon. Sarah Opendi, Minister of state of Health, Uganda, Hon. Zuliatu Cooper, Minister of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone, Hon. Margret Mensah-Williams, Chairman of National Council of Namibia, Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilugya, Minister of Health, Zambia, and the CEO OF Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej. Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilugya, Minister of Health of Zambia, emphasized, "Infertility is one of the major health problems in Zambia, and it is not only affecting the physical health but also the mental well-being and social status, of childless women. These women often become invisible to the society, and many times they do not want to seek help because of the social stigma associated with infertility. Together with Merck Foundation, we want to remove the stigma associated with it by creating a cultural shift and building cost-effective fertility care in Zambia." During the panel discussion Hon. Margret Mensah-Williams, Chairman of National Council of Namibia, stressed, "Infertility is profoundly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, which is said to have an 'infertility belt' wrapped around its center, the infertility rate is much higher in southern Africa. Particularly in Namibia infertility prevalence rates for some ethnic groups is as high as 32 percent [1], or one-third of all couples attempting to conceive, which is why initiatives like 'Merck More than a Mother' are significant for Namibia and we are glad to partner with Merck Foundation for this initiative." Hon Zuliatu Cooper, Minister of Health of Sierra Leone emphasized, "Merck Foundation is making history in my country. They have trained the first two fertility specialists in Sierra Leone. For the first time, the infertile couple will be treated in their home land. We still need to build the first IVF center to be able to manage complicated cases though." Hon. Sarah Opendi, Minister of State of Health, Uganda said, "The journey that Merck Foundation has started is a very special journey that has touched the lives of women who have been forgotten in the communities. It has touched not only women but also the lives of men who have been mistreating their women thinking that infertility is an issue of women, not knowing that 50% of infertility is due to the male-factor. I want to thank Merck Foundation for thinking about these women." About 'Merck More Than a Mother' campaign; In many Cultures, childless women suffer discrimination, stigma, and ostracism. Their inability to have children results in great isolation, disinheritance, and assaults. 'Merck More Than a Mother' empowers such women through the access to information, health, change of mindsets and economic empowerment. Merck Foundation provided for more than 50 candidates, three months to six months clinical and practical training for fertility specialists and embryologists in more than 17 countries across Africa and Asia. Merck Foundation is making history in many African countries where they never had fertility specialists or specialized clinics before 'Merck More Than a Mother' intervention, to train the first fertility specialists, such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Niger, Chad, and Guinea. Merck Foundation supported the establishment of the first public IVF in Ethiopia through providing the clinical and practical training necessary for their staff. Merck Foundation also plans to support the establishment of the first public IVF in Tanzania soon. Over 1,200 infertile women in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, CAR, Ethiopia, Liberia, Tanzania, Niger, The Gambia and Cote D'Ivoire who can no longer be treated have been empowered socially and economically to lead independent and happier lives through 'Empowering Berna.' [1]. https://marciainhorn.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/inhorn-article-soc-science-and-med.pdf Watch below video on the stories of infertile women from Uganda, Gambia, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GhQYpJyJGQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veY5ikCF7J0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km3nO3BG0_E&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDHtkDioF1k&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sScmik2pcZU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-FIZ-XH0M0&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkcjkEqqqi0&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lscqjNxcSA&feature=youtu.be Watch the videos below of the 'Merck Africa Embryology Training Program' in India and Indonesia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyBq88wr4jk&t=18s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg87LEcHKBk&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEla4dAiEZw&feature=youtu.be Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard Facebook: Merck Foundation Twitter: @Merckfoundation YouTube: MerckFoundation http://www.merck-foundation.com Join Merck Foundation healthcare & research online community to exchange experience and information with other healthcare providers, researchers, students, policy makers and community members in Africa and beyond http://www.merck-foundation.com free registration About Merck Foundation The Merck Foundation , established in 2017, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to innovative healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please go to http://www.merck-foundation.com to read more and/or register online to interact and exchange experience with our registered members. About Merck Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck generated sales of 15.3 billion in 66 countries. Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials. SOURCE Merck Foundation MOSCOW, April 13: Russias lower house of parliament is to consider draft legislation that would give the Kremlin powers to ban or restrict a list of U.S. imports, reacting to new U.S. sanctions on a group of Russian tycoons and officials. Senior lawmakers in the State Duma, which is dominated by Kremlin loyalists, said they had prepared the list ranging from food and alcohol to medicine and consulting services in response to Washingtons move last week. The Kremlin itself has not said if it backs the draft legislation - which would allow the government to impose the measures should the need arise - and it was not clear if would it become law in its current form. The Russian parliament is often used to send assertive messages to foreign states, but these do not always translate into concrete measures. Large-scale restrictions on U.S. goods and services would hurt American firms but could also cause significant disruption in Russia, where consumers flock to McDonalds restaurants, fly on vacation in Boeing jets, and use Apple phones. Actions taken on Russian firms by market institutions after new U.S. sanctions The draft law, according to a text seen by Reuters, is aimed at protecting Russias interests and security in the face of unfriendly and unlawful acts by the United States of America and other foreign states. Russian currency and stock markets, preoccupied with the threat of U.S. military action in Syria and the fallout from Washingtons new sanctions, did not react to the draft legislation. It is to be discussed in the lower house next week. TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL The proposed measures are in retaliation for the White Houses imposition of the toughest set of sanctions on Russia since Moscows annexation of Ukraines Crimea region in 2014, which dragged relations to their lowest point since the Cold War. Moscow reacted then with countersanctions banning a wide range of food imports from Western countries. Russia imported $12.5 billion worth of U.S. products in 2017, according to official customs data. That included aircraft, machinery, pharmaceutical and chemical products. The draft legislation would give authorities the power to impose bans or restrictions in multiple areas of trade with the United States if they deemed that Washington was threatening Russias interests. The sectors listed in the draft which could be subject to bans or restrictions include U.S.-made software and farm goods, U.S. medicines that can be sourced elsewhere, and tobacco and alcohol. It gives the government the power to ban cooperation with the United States on atomic power, rocket engines and aircraft making, and to bar U.S. firms from taking part in Russian privatization deals. The provision of auditing, legal and consulting services by U.S. firms could also be subject to bans or restrictions, and curbs could be imposed on U.S. citizens working in Russia. MCLEAN, Va., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeff Rumburg, co-founder and Managing Partner of MetricNet, presented Session 604, 'The Enterprise Service Desk: The Greatest Opportunity In A Generation!', at the Annual HDI Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. This marks the 26th consecutive year Mr. Rumburg has been selected as a speaker for the Annual HDI Conference & Expo. In this presentation, Mr. Rumburg offered a leadership model for IT to expand the reach of service management to non-IT enterprise services. It illustrated how IT can lead the way to mature service management for non-IT services, and success factors for the emerging enterprise service desk. "Most company services, including human resources and facilities management, still operate with ad-hoc processes and little understanding of key success factors," said Rumburg. "They simply do not operate under the same service management paradigm as IT. Herein lies an enormous opportunity for IT Service and Support professionals to provide leadership and enhance their careers by imparting the lessons of mature IT service management to non-IT enterprise services." Those interested in this presentation can find a copy of the slide deck on MetricNet's website. Mr. Rumburg will also be co-presenting Session 701, 'TECHTalk With Rae Ann And Rumburg', on Friday, April 13, 2018. Additionally, he facilitated 'Succeeding with Metrics', a new interactive, consultative HDI Training Workshop on Monday, April 9, 2018 and Tuesday, April 10, 2018; demonstrated MetricNet and HDI's co-branded Peer Group Service Desk Benchmark at the Solutions Spotlight on Wednesday, April 11, 2018; and presented Session 302, 'Leveraging Metrics to Take Southwest Airlines to a Higher Plane', on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Mr. Rumburg is the winner of the Ron Muns Lifetime Achievement Award, was named to HDI's Top 25 Thought Leaders list for 2016 and 2017, and has served on HDI's Strategic Advisory Board. He is co-founder and Managing Partner of MetricNet, LLC, where he is responsible for global strategy, product development, and client engagement delivery. As a leading expert in benchmarking and re-engineering, Mr. Rumburg authored a best selling book on benchmarking, and has been retained as a benchmarking expert by such well-known companies as American Express, Hewlett-Packard, General Motors, and IBM. If you would like more information about benchmarking your service and support functions, please visit http://www.metricnet.com or e-mail MetricNet at info(at)metricnet(dot)com. About MetricNet MetricNet is the global leader in IT service and support benchmarking. More than half of the FORTUNE 500 rely on MetricNet benchmarks to improve and optimize their performance. MetricNet is the first, and still the only company to offer downloadable service desk and desktop support benchmarks from their website. With a global benchmarking database of more than 4,000 IT service and support benchmarks, MetricNet has the most comprehensive database of process and performance metrics in the industry. About HDI Founded in 1989, HDI is the first membership association and certification body created for the technical service and support industry. Since then, HDI has remained the source for professional development by offering the resources needed to promote organization-wide success through exceptional customer service. In other words, we help professionals in service management better serve customers. We do this by facilitating collaboration and networking, hosting acclaimed conferences and events, producing renowned publications and research, certifying and training thousands of professionals each year, and connecting solution providers with practitioners. Learn more at www.ThinkHDI.com. HDI is organized by UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc, an Events First marketing and communications services business. For more information, visit ubmamericas.com. SOURCE MetricNet, LLC Related Links http://www.metricnet.com SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities (NLC), a non-partisan organization that promotes the interests of cities across the United States, offered Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities complimentary NLC membership for two years to help the island during the recovery and reconstruction after Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the territory six months ago. NLC sent a delegation to Puerto Rico this week to meet with mayors and government officials, and saw firsthand the infrastructure needs and rebuilding efforts currently underway. Membership for all 78 municipalities is worth $285,345 per year, which translates to $570,343 for the full two-year offer. This historic effort, being championed by the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA), will raise the voice of Puerto Rico's municipalities at the national level in front of federal government officials. "City leaders across Puerto Rico continuously demonstrate strength, courage and resilience," said NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. "We are proud to offer NLC membership to Puerto Rican municipalities to help give them a voice in Washington and connect them to a network of city leaders throughout the country." Among the many benefits offered by the NLC, the interests of Puerto Rico's municipalities will be defended by the organization's lobbyists in Washington, D.C.; municipal officials will be able to serve as delegates to the Congressional Cities Conference; local leaders will gain access to the Youth, Education and Family Institute; and municipalities will have access to cost-saving benefits such as Grant Access, a resource to connect cities to more than 7,000 financing opportunities. "This remarkable partnership will create meaningful connections and alliances with other city and municipal officials from across the country", said PRFAA's Executive Director, Carlos R. Mercader. "With this generous opportunity from the National League of Cities we hope to empower our municipal leaders and officials to further integrate them into our national conversations at the federal level," added Mr. Mercader. Puerto Rico's Lt. Governor Luis G. Rivera Marin welcomed the group on Thursday and thanked them for the generosity they have offered Puerto Rico in its time of greatest need. "Through the National League of Cities, our municipalities can build on the good will and outstanding efforts of jurisdictions nationwide to support Puerto Rico's recovery and reconstruction in the aftermath of two catastrophic hurricanes," said Lt. Governor Rivera Marin. The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. http://www.nlc.org/ SOURCE National League of Cities Related Links www.nlc.org SINGAPORE, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- After surpassing great milestones, like crossing SGD1.2 Million in turnover in their first 2 months, and SGD2.5 Million in January 2018, NuMoney is ready to advance towards their next huge milestone - The NuMoney Exchange. Nubela Pte Ltd With the launch of the NuMoney Exchange on 6 April 2018, the team has spent the past few months testing and fixing the online exchange to ensure that all the security measures that were fitted into the system are working well and that the entire online exchange is running smoothly. After the first public testing with those who signed up as early testers of the exchange, NuMoney has gone through great lengths to ensure the safety and the efficiency of their new online exchange. Along with the hard work of the team, NuMoney's upcoming exchange has been featured in many online articles and reports as a new way to buy and sell cryptocurrency. The public has expressed excitement to the new fiat-reliant exchange, especially after the many reports of exchanges shutting down due to being too reliant on banks. To combat the slow verification processes and the fear of banks shutting down the numerous exchanges in the market, NuMoney will accept fiat in/out without the facilitation of banks. This is made possible by storing their cash in cash vaults just like a bank. This ensures that NuMoney would be able to carry on operations by allowing customers to deposit/withdraw cash at NuMoney retail stores. NuMoney's support for Alt-coins pushed them to launch with ETH/SGD as the first pair on the online exchange. This would simplify the usual second-hop to another exchange (such as Binance) to get Alt-coins, and therefore reduce the overall transaction fees as well. Following the launch of the exchange and their first ETH/SGD pair, it would be the NMX Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) launch. This would be the period of time where NuMoney will be rewarding those who have promoted and helped with the funding of the exchange through NMX. The IEO launch would then make way for Bitcoin and Litecoin to be added to the exchange in April, followed by Ripple in May and Monero in June 2018. Cash Withdrawals in NuMoney would also be fixed at a flat fee of $2 for every withdrawal instead of a percentage. Along with the new online exchange, NuMoney's new customer care retail stores in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia would make it easier for users to seek customer support in their country. This would be very beneficial for those who are not as IT savvy, providing a place for them to go to seek help where needed from their experienced staff. NuMoney Exchange will be launching an IEO. To receive latest updates regarding their IEO, join their telegram group chat at https://t.me/NMX_IEO. Register a free account at NuMoney Exchange CONTACT DETAILS Contact Person: Sam Email: [email protected] Website: https://numoney.sg Twitter: https://twitter.com/Numoney_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/numoneystore Related Links NuMoney Exchange SOURCE NuMoney Exchange WASHINGTON, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) will host two workshops in Omaha, Neb., at the Hilton Omaha, May 22 and 23, for directors of national community banks and federal savings associations supervised by the OCC. The Risk Governance workshop on May 22 combines lectures, discussion, and exercises to provide practical information for directors to effectively measure and manage risks. The workshop also focuses on the OCC's approach to risk-based supervision and major risks in the financial industry. The Compliance Risk workshop on May 23 combines lectures, discussion, and exercises on the critical elements of an effective compliance risk management program. The workshop also focuses on major compliance risks and critical regulations. Topics of discussion include the Bank Secrecy Act, Flood Disaster Protection Act, Fair Lending, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Community Reinvestment Act, and other compliance areas of interest. The workshop fee is $99. Participants receive course materials and assorted supervisory publications. The workshop is limited to the first 35 registrants. The workshops are taught by experienced OCC staff and are offered nationwide to enhance and expand the skills of national community bank and federal savings association directors. To register for this workshop, visit www.occ.gov/occworkshops. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") charters and oversees a nationwide system of national banks and federal savings associations and assures that these banking institutions are safe and sound, competitive, and capable of serving the banking needs of their customers in the best possible manner. OCC press releases and other information are available at http://www.occ.gov. To receive OCC press releases and issuances by e-mail, subscribe at http://www.occ.gov/subscribe/occ-email-list-service.html. SOURCE Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Related Links http://www.occ.gov BOSTON, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Patrick Murphy has been named Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock Retirement Plan Services (JHRPS), part of John Hancock, the U.S. division of Toronto-based Manulife. Mr. Murphy, who is based in Boston and is JHRPS' president, will replace Peter Gordon, who will be retiring from the company later in the year. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading all facets of our US retirement record keeping business. His appointment is effective immediately. "Patrick has been a critical member of the leadership team for our retirement business since coming on board in 2015," said Mr. Gordon. "He has been instrumental in expanding our solutions across the retirement plan market to service more than 57,000 plans and help more than 2.7 million participants. I'm confident that Patrick's experience, expertise and commitment will help serve our customers as we continue to grow." Mr. Murphy joined Hancock when the company acquired New York Life's RPS business where he had been chief executive officer. The transaction increased Hancock's RPS assets under administration by approximately 60 percent, accelerated its expansion into the mid-case to large-case private sector retirement plan markets, and added scale and expertise in a strategically significant line of business. He had been at New York Life for 11 years in a variety of roles. He has spent his career working in retirement plan services, previously working at American Express Retirement Plan Services, Transamerica and Putnam Investments. Mr. Murphy graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Organizational Behavior and Management. About John Hancock Retirement Plan Services John Hancock is a leader in the retirement plan services marketplace, servicing more than 57,000 plans and helping more than 2.7 million participants, making it one of the largest full-service providers of 401(k) plans across all plan sizes. About John Hancock and Manulife John Hancock is a division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing the right advice and solutions. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States, and Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were more than $1.04 trillion (US$829.4 billion) as of December 31, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com. One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports approximately 10 million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, and college savings plans . We also offer advice through Signator, a network of independent financial advisors. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com. 1 John Hancock Retirement Plan Services consists of John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (not licensed in New York), John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York (licensed in New York), Valhalla, New York and John Hancock Retirement Plan Services, LLC. Approximate unaudited figures for John Hancock Retirement Plan Services division, provided on a U.S. statutory basis and is as of December 31, 2017. John Hancock Retirement Plan Services, Boston, MA 02210. NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED 2018 All rights reserved. MGR041218446547 PR-2018-21 SOURCE John Hancock Retirement Plan Services Related Links https://www.johnhancock.com PHILADELPHIA, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional Capital Services (PCS), the leading independent and conflict-free retirement services platform, today announced the appointments of Tom Bradley and Mitch Caplan, two highly accomplished and well-regarded thought leaders in both advisor services and financial technology, to its Board of Directors. Tom Bradley, a longtime senior leader at TD Ameritrade, was the visionary behind the company's highly successful institutional custody business catering to independent investment advisors. As President of TD Ameritrade Institutional, Bradley conceived the advisor-focused strategy that differentiated TD and propelled the company to become one of the leading advisor services custodians in the industry. Throughout his career, Bradley has been an advocate for fee-only investment advisors. "My experience helping advisors grow their businesses aligns with PCS' core focus empowering advisors to more effectively serve their clients. By breaking down the walls between traditional wealth management and the $7 trillion retirement plan market, PCS is helping advisors grow their practices and transforming the quality of advice given to retirement plan investors," said Bradley. "I am committed to PCS and its mission, and excited to join the board." Mitch Caplan recently served as CEO of Jefferson National, where he grew the company into one of the largest distributors of tax-advantaged investing solutions for fee-based advisors and their clients. Previously, he was CEO of E*TRADE Financial Corporation, where, under his leadership, the company reported five consecutive years of record revenues and earnings. "We have seen a shift in the retirement market over the past several years in response to consumer demand for transparency. With the development of an open and conflict-free platform, PCS has positioned themselves at the forefront of a movement that is helping consumers retain power and choice, while also ensuring advisors achieve success and growth. I am excited to join the board of this forward-thinking company that truly has the capacity to transform the retirement plan industry," said Caplan. "Adding Tom and Mitch to our Board cements and enhances our commitment to retirement plan advisors. We will continue to work together to remove any friction for advisors when offering value-added services to plan sponsors and their employees," said Mark Klein, the Chairman and CEO of PCS. The addition of Bradley and Caplan will expand the PCS board to seven members. About PCS PCS was founded in 2001 by tax and ERISA attorneys who saw the need for a conflict-free, full fee disclosure, no hidden agenda retirement solution. From day one PCS had a vision of complete transparency, which has allowed us to be an industry leader in the retirement plan industry. PCS combines state-of-the-art technology with an experienced and dedicated team of retirement plan professionals to deliver the most complete and highest quality retirement plans available. Our focus on the client's needs has built the strong foundation that keeps PCS growing today. SOURCE Professional Capital Services Related Links https://pcs401k.com/ ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Porte Brown LLC, www.PorteBrown.com, a Chicagoland accounting firm, is pleased to announce the firm has been named as one of the 2018 Best Places to Work in Illinois. The Best Places to Work competition is a combination survey, study and awards ceremony established to identify the top employers in the state of Illinois. This is the sixth consecutive time Porte Brown has made the list and the third time within the medium employer category. It is promoted by Daily Herald Business Ledger in association with the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC), the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, MRA-The Management Association, the Small Business Advocacy Council and Best Companies Group. Porte Brown Named as One of the 2018 Best Places to Work in Illinois The ranking of the 75 Best Places to Work in Illinois will be unveiled at an awards ceremony the evening of Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, IL. The rankings will be published the next day on the Daily Herald Business Ledger website (www.dhbusinessledger.com) and a special print issue profiling the companies selected as the Best Places to Work in Illinois will be published June 18. Coverage will also be provided through the parent publication the Daily Herald. For more information on the Best Places to Work in Illinois program, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkinIL.com. About Porte Brown Porte Brown LLC is a full service accounting and consulting firm headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Elk Grove Village, Illinois. For more than 70 years, Porte Brown has focused on providing the highest level of service to individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region. In addition to the traditional accounting services such as tax planning and preparation, audit, business valuations, and retirement plan administration. Porte Brown also provides strategic consulting and leading-edge technology implementation for clients in cloud and non-cloud environments. Wealth management services provided by Porte Brown Wealth Management LLC.* Porte Brown serves accounting and consulting clients from offices in Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. For more information, visit www.portebrown.com or call 847-956-1040. *Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp., Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Insurance services offered through 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc. Contact: Pam Metzger, [email protected], 847-956-1040 www.portebrown.com SOURCE Porte Brown Related Links http://www.portebrown.com Sensors Data was founded in April 2015 by a group of ex-BAT founders with 11+ years of experience in the big data analytics field. The company focuses on providing user behavior data analytics platform and insights to enterprise clients. Its core product, Sensor Analytics, helps enterprise customers to conduct data collection, modelling, deep dive analysis, and provides a flexible PaaS platform to meet with industries clients' customized development demands. Mr. Wenfeng Sang, Founder and CEO of Sensors Data, commented, "Big data applied to business relies on continued services rather than product itself. 'Service first' is at the core of our philosophy. At Sensors Data, we believe deploying the product only unlocks 20 percent of the core value to our clients. Our unique strength lies in our ability to continuously serve and provide insights to our customers, to achieve data-driven targets, across their entire life cycle." Mr. Yaozhou Liu, Co-founder and COO of Sensors Data, believes that a growing number of business executives are now aware of the importance of data assets. "Data and artificial intelligence are now closely tied together. The value of data is no longer limited to operational analysis for a single business. We are building a closed-loop solution consisting of data collection, analysis, decision making and validation. Our services cover the entire operation process of our clients, from the first interaction all the way through demand matching and customer success." Today, Sensors Data serves over half of the top 50 corporates in each major vertical such as finance and retail, amongst others. Among the company's 500+ corporate customers are China Unionpay, China Telecom, Baidu Video, China Youth Travel Service, China Pacific Insurance, Bailian Group, Wanda Group, Haier, Yonghui Supermarket, PSBC Consumer Finance, Guangfa Securities, Jumei.com, Huimin.cn, Qudian, Lianjia, Sichuan Airlines, Fxiaoke.com, Keep, Oriental Pearl and 36kr.com. Gordon Ding, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus, commented, "Worldwide data generated will reach 44 trillion GB by 2020, which will drive an immense demand for data-related storage, processing, analysis and applications. As a global leading private equity firm, Warburg Pincus has been systematically mapping China's enterprise 'software-as a service' (SaaS) market, in particular the rapid-growing big data analytics sector. The Sensors Data team has the deepest understanding of data intelligence demand of Chinese companies. Our study shows Sensors Data's customers exhibit a high level of stickiness, as over 40 percent of customers use Sensors Analytics in multiple departments every day." Hesong Tang, founding partner of Xianghe Capital, said, "Sensors Data is an exceptional big data company in terms of technology capabilities, team capabilities, business model and industry vision. The team's enormous potential is the primary thesis in our decision to invest. We hope Sensors Data can leverage its technology strength and unique team culture to provide strong services to its customers and become a unicorn in the big data sector." Ye Yuan, partner at Morningside Venture Capital, said: "Chinese companies are at the juncture of transitioning from the Internet era to the data era, and more and more of them have started to explore the value of their data assets. Sensors Data has established its market position by solidifying the data foundation and precisely targeting the demand of its corporate clients. It has become essential for companies to leverage data to drive their decision-making and product intelligence. Sensors Data has in-depth insights into the market trend and customer demands. We highly agree with the team in its mission and value proposition and believe that the team will be able to bring long-term value to its clients amidst the secular trend of data intelligence." Sensors Data has been leading the user behavior analytics sector with its proven business model, systematic management, strong business development capabilities and solid technological foundation, and received recognition and continued support from the capital market. The company raised its angel-round financing in March 2015, and announced its Series A financing of US$ 4 million and Series B financing of US$ 11 million in April 2016 and March 2017, respectively. Series A financing was led by Sequoia Capital China, and all of the company's angel investors co-invested, including Linear Venture, Future Capital and individual investor Manzi Xue. Series B financing was led by DCM Ventures, with Sequoia Capital China co-investing. Media Enquiries: Sensors Data Rebecca Yang [email protected] Warburg Pincus Mingxia Li [email protected] SOURCE Warburg Pincus MAGNOLIA, Texas, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Stephanie L. Green is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member in the field of Education in recognition of her role as Director of Digital Learning and Media at Klein ISD. Having gathered over twenty eight years of experience in the field of education, Ms. Stephanie L. Green is an outstanding specialist within the industry. Known for her remarkable contributions to the industry, Ms. Green has attained extensive experience as a K-12 library and technology leader and has served as a teacher, librarian, instructional technology coordinator, consultant, and assistant director of library services. In her current capacity, Ms. Green played an instrumental role in launching the district effort to establish a successful 1: 1 laptop initiative that put devices into the hands of over 15,000 students. A well-known professional within her field, Ms. Green has specialized in visioning, leadership, and planning for K-12 digital learning initiatives and library/learning commons programming and administration. Early in her career, Ms. Green attained her Master of Science degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University. In her previous years, Ms. Green obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. An advocate for libraries and literacy and a strong supporter of the correlation between strong school library programs and higher levels of student achievement, to further her professional development, Ms. Green is an esteemed member of several organizations including ALA, ISTE, Texas Library Association, Texas Educational Technology Group, and National Association of Professional Women. Ms. Green volunteers as a Media Team Member at Faithbridge Church. In recognition of her professional achievements, Ms. Green was named "20 to Watch" Education Technology Leader Honoree in 2013 by the National School Boards Association. When she is not working, Ms. Green enjoys reading, writing, baking and indulging in outdoor recreational activities. SOURCE Continental Who's Who Guwahati, April 13 : CBI has arrested Dr Swetabh Suman, Commissioner of Income Tax (Audit), Guwahati from Delhi in connection with a case of tax evasion and criminal conspiracy. CBI has registered a case against the arrested Commissioner of Income Tax, Income Tax Officer (Audit) Pratap Das along with Advocate and Chartered Accountants Ramesh Goenka, Amit Goenka and Jorhat based businessman Suresh Agarwala. According to the CBI officials, during the year 2017-18, the Commissioner of IT agreed to show undue favours to the Jorhat based businessman by passing a favourable order in an appeal arising out of assessment done in respect of M/S Win Power Infra Pvt Ltd Director Suresh Agarwala's one shell company and Swetabh Suman by abusing official position made attempts to obtain illegal gratification to the tune of Rs 50 lakh for himself and Pratap Das through the Chartered Accountants. An FIR bearing No.RC0172018A0005 dated11.4.2018 u/s7, 11 & 12and13(2) r/w Sec 13(1)(d) of PC Act and Section 120B of IPC was registered against them. CBI had conducted search operations in Guwahati, Jorhat, Nagaon, Delhi, Noida, Shillong, Hojai and some other places and seized Rs 40 lakh and some other incriminating documents. Dr Swetabh Suman was earlier booked by the CBI in a disproportionate assets case in 2005 as he was allegedly threatening witnesses and tampering with evidence. PRINCETON, N.J., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiho Oncology, Inc. today announced clinical data for LONSURF (trifluridine and tipiracil, TAS-102) for the treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal tumors, and two investigational compounds, TAS-120 and TAS-114, both currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with a variety of advanced solid tumors. These data are being presented at the 109th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in Chicago, April 14 to 18, in McCormick Place South, Exhibit Hall A. LONSURF is currently indicated in the United States for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF biological therapy, and if RAS wild-type, an anti-EGFR therapy.1 "Taiho Oncology is a company grounded in innovative research and development in cancer, and these studies exemplify our commitment to advancing potential therapies to treat a range of difficult to treat cancers," said Martin Birkhofer, senior vice president and Chief Medical Officer, Taiho Oncology, Inc. "We are committed to growing our knowledge of LONSURF and these novel compounds alone or in combination with other therapies to help impact the lives of people with cancer." A phase I dose-escalation study was conducted to determine the safety, maximum tolerated dose, and dose-limiting toxicity of LONSURF in combination with irinotecan in patients with advanced gastrointestinal tumors. The safety findings of LONSURF in combination with irinotecan were consistent with the existing safety profiles of each drug, and recommended dosing of LONSURF and irinotecan was identified for further study. This study is being presented as a poster on Monday, April 16 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST in Poster Section 42, Poster Board Number 15. The abstract for this presentation is available on the AACR website: http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4562/presentation/11199. A phase I dose-escalation study examined the safety, dose-limiting toxicity, maximum tolerated dose and/or recommended Phase II dose of TAS-120, a highly selective, covalently bound fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors, including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), glioblastoma and urothelial carcinomas. In the dose-escalation phase, TAS-120 demonstrated a manageable safety profile and preliminary antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients with CCA harboring FGFR2 fusions. This study is being presented as a poster on Tuesday, April 17 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST in Poster Section 42, Poster Board Number 4. The abstract for this presentation is available on the AACR website: http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4562/presentation/11243. A phase I study of TAS-114, a novel dual inhibitor of deoxyuridine triphosphatase (dUTPase) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), was conducted to further evaluate the combination of TAS-114 and capecitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study found that TAS-114 combined with capecitabine (at 30% of its standard dose) achieved an equivalently efficacious 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) exposure as the standard capecitabine dose alone, with acceptable safety and preliminary efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumors. This study is being presented as a poster on Sunday, April 15 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM CST in Poster Section 42, Poster Board Number 5. The abstract for this presentation is available on the AACR website: http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4562/presentation/11163. A second phase I study of TAS-114 further evaluated the safety and preliminary efficacy of the compound in combination with S-1 (an oral fluoropyrimidine derivative), in patients with advanced solid tumors. TAS-114, combined with S-1, demonstrated a manageable safety profile and preliminary efficacy in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors. This study is being presented as a poster on Sunday, April 15 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM CST in Poster Section 42, Poster Board Number 7. The abstract for this presentation is available on the AACR website: http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4562/presentation/11165. About Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer, excluding skin cancers, in the United States, with an estimated 135,430 new patients diagnosed in 2017.2 It is the second and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women, respectively.2 Colorectal cancers that have spread to other parts of the body are often harder to treat and tend to have a poorer outlook.3 Metastatic, or stage IV colon and rectal cancers, have a five-year relative survival rate of about 11 and 12 percent, respectively.3 Still, there are often many treatment options available for people with this stage of cancer.3 Further, treatments have improved over the last few decades.2 As a result, there are now more than one million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States.2 About LONSURF (TAS-102) LONSURF is a combination of trifluridine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor, and tipiracil, a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, indicated in US for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF biological therapy, and if RAS wild-type, an anti-EGFR therapy.1 LONSURF is also available in EU,4 Japan, and other countries. In June 2015, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. entered into an exclusive license agreement with Servier for the co-development and commercialization of LONSURF. Under the terms of the agreement, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. granted Servier the right to co-develop and commercialize LONSURF in Europe and other countries outside of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Asia. Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. retains the right to develop and commercialize LONSURF in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Asia and to manufacture and supply the product. Important Safety Information1 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Severe Myelosuppression: In RECOURSE Study, LONSURF caused severe and life-threatening myelosuppression (Grade 3-4) consisting of anemia (18%), neutropenia (38%), thrombocytopenia (5%), and febrile neutropenia (3.8%). One patient (0.2%) died due to neutropenic infection. In Study 1, 9.4% of LONSURF-treated patients received granulocyte-colony stimulating factors. Obtain complete blood counts prior to and on day 15 of each cycle of LONSURF and more frequently as clinically indicated. Withhold LONSURF for febrile neutropenia, Grade 4 neutropenia, or platelets less than 50,000/mm3. Upon recovery, resume LONSURF at a reduced dose as clinically indicated. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: LONSURF can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LONSURF. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: It is not known whether LONSURF or its metabolites are present in human milk. There are no data to assess the effects of LONSURF or its metabolites on the breast-fed infant or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breast-fed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LONSURF and for 1 day following the final dose. Male Contraception: Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with LONSURF and for at least 3 months after the final dose. Geriatric Use: Patients 65 years of age or over who received LONSURF had a higher incidence of the following compared to patients younger than 65 years: Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (48% vs 30%), Grade 3 anemia (26% vs 12%), and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia (9% vs 2%). Hepatic Impairment: Patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin greater than 3 times ULN and any AST) were not studied. No adjustment to the starting dose of LONSURF is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment. Do not initiate LONSURF in patients with baseline moderate or severe (total bilirubin greater than 1.5 times ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment. Renal Impairment: In RECOURSE Study, patients with moderate renal impairment (CLcr=30 to 59 mL/min, n=47) had a higher incidence (difference of at least 5%) of Grade 3 adverse events, serious adverse events, and dose delays and reductions compared to patients with normal renal function (CLcr 90 mL/min, n=306) or patients with mild renal impairment (CLcr=60 to 89 mL/min, n=178). Patients with moderate renal impairment may require dose modifications for increased toxicity. Patients with severe renal impairment were not studied. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most Common Adverse Drug Reactions in Patients Treated With LONSURF (5%): The most common adverse drug reactions in LONSURF-treated patients vs placebo-treated patients with refractory mCRC, respectively, were asthenia/fatigue (52% vs 35%), nausea (48% vs 24%), decreased appetite (39% vs 29%), diarrhea (32% vs 12%), vomiting (28% vs 14%), abdominal pain (21% vs 18%), pyrexia (19% vs 14%), stomatitis (8% vs 6%), dysgeusia (7% vs 2%), and alopecia (7% vs 1%). Additional Important Adverse Drug Reactions: The following occurred more frequently in LONSURF-treated patients compared to placebo: infections (27% vs 15%) and pulmonary emboli (2% vs 0%). The most commonly reported infections which occurred more frequently in LONSURF-treated patients were nasopharyngitis (4% vs 2%) and urinary tract infections (4% vs 2%). Interstitial lung disease (0.2%), including fatalities, has been reported in clinical studies and clinical practice settings in Asia. Laboratory Test Abnormalities in Patients Treated With LONSURF: Laboratory test abnormalities in LONSURF-treated patients vs placebo-treated patients with refractory mCRC, respectively, were anemia (77% vs 33%), neutropenia (67% vs 1%), and thrombocytopenia (42% vs 8%). Please see full US Prescribing Information. www.taihooncology.com/us/prescribing-information.pdf. About Taiho Oncology, Inc. (U.S.) Taiho Oncology, Inc., a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., has established a world class clinical development organization that works urgently to develop innovative cancer treatments and with a strong commercial business in the U.S. dedicated to bringing the company's approved medical innovations to patients. Taiho has an oral oncology pipeline consisting of both novel antimetabolic agents and selectively targeted agents. Advanced technology, dedicated researchers, and state of the art facilities are helping us to define the way the world treats cancer. It's our work; it's our passion; it's our legacy. For more information about Taiho Oncology, please visit: https://www.taihooncology.com. About Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan) Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the three fields of oncology, allergy and immunology, and urology. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: "We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles." In the field of oncology, in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan for developing innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, a reputation that is rapidly expanding through their extensive global R&D efforts. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates and markets quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people's quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical also aims to offer consumer healthcare products that support people's efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. For more information about Taiho Pharmaceutical, please visit: https://www.taiho.co.jp/en/. About Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan) The Otsuka group of companies is a total-healthcare enterprise that aims to contribute to the health of people around world under the corporate philosophy, "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide." Healthcare is broadly and holistically addressed through the two main pillars the pharmaceutical business for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and the nutraceutical1 business to support the maintenance and promotion of everyday health. Our 46,0002 employees across 183 companies in 28 countries and regions take on challenges across various fields and themes to help fulfill the universal wish of people to be healthy. Our pursuit of these challenges is motivated by the Otsuka's corporate culture, articulated as "Ryukan-godo" (by sweat we recognize the way), "Jissho" (actualization) and "Sozosei" (creativity), and fostered by successive generations of Otsuka leaders. By striving to provide unique products and services, we seek to achieve sustainable growth and be an indispensable contributor to the world. 1 Nutraceuticals: nutrition + pharmaceuticals 2 As of end of December 2017 For more information, please visit the company's website at https://www.otsuka.com/en/. About Servier Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 148 countries and a turnover of 4.152 billion euros in 2017, Servier employs 21,600 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25 percent of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Becoming a key player in oncology is part of Servier's long-term strategy. Currently, there are nine molecular entities in clinical development in this area, targeting gastric and lung cancers and other solid tumors, as well as different types of leukemia and lymphomas. This portfolio of innovative cancer treatments is being developed with partners worldwide, and covers different cancer hallmarks and modalities, including cytotoxics, proapoptotics, immune, cellular and targeted therapies, to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. For more information about Servier, please visit www.servier.com and www.servier-oncology.com U.S. Media Contact: Craig Heit GCI Health on behalf of Taiho Oncology [email protected] 212-798-9919 1 LONSURF [US prescribing information]; Princeton, NJ: Taiho Oncology, Inc.; 2017. 2017. 2 American Cancer Society; What are the key statistics about colorectal cancer? http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-key-statistics. Accessed December 2017. 3 American Cancer Society; What Are the Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer, by Stage? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed December 2017. 4 Lonsurf EU Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC); August 2017: http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/. SOURCE Taiho Oncology, Inc. Related Links https://www.taihooncology.com SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TERiX Computer Service has enhanced its internal systems (named "Apollo") with a key new release that includes features that allow more employee focus on customers and partners. "While company systems are usually inward facing, we have focused this quarter on features that help our employees deliver value to customers and partners", stated Steven Huang, IT Director at TERiX. "The features in this release of Apollo are from direct feedback our teams have received and we have developed, tested and implemented to the specifications in a matter of weeks", Huang further stated. TERiX is known for its world-wide data center hardware support services, providing expert server-storage-network support in the US & 48 countries. In support of this competency, TERiX was named as a "Pure Play" Third Party Support Maintainer in Gartner Group recent report - a Market Guide for Data Center Maintenance. https://www.gartner.com/doc/3778884?ref=SiteSearch&sthkw=tenneson&fnl=search&srcId=1 Enhancements to "Apollo" are a part of TERiX Quality Programs with focus on best practices. Features for use in renewals, new projects, contract activations, alerts, ticketing system connectivity, login and use are now deployed. As enterprise level customers and their partners look for expert professional service delivery capabilities and strong partnerships at the push of a button, TERiX is positioned to help them succeed. TERiX offers traditional data center service globally, and in the recent annual periods has also added several large name deployment and other professional services projects to its customer successes. http://www.terix.com/services/projects/ Find out more call TERiX or a TERiX Partner representative at 888-848-3749. About TERiX Computer Service TUSA, Inc., dba TERiX Computer Service, is a global independent hardware support company providing flexible multivendor service on 30 OEM brands of server, storage and network products. These include platforms from IBM, Cisco, HP, Dell, Oracle, HDS, EMC, and NetApp among others. TERiX customers include 50 of the global Fortune 500, 30+ major telecommunication companies, 20+ major finance/banking firms, more than a dozen healthcare and pharmaceutical giants, and 20+ Federal Agencies. TERiX provides a customer-focused support experience with strong service metric attainment, and as a hardware-agnostic service provider, acts as a trusted advisor to clients and partners worldwide. For more information, visit us on the web at: www.terix.com or on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/terix-computer-service. Follow us on twitter @TellTERiX. Contact: TERiX Marketing - 888-848-3749 or Email us at [email protected] SOURCE TERiX Computer Service AUSTIN, Texas, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Medical Cannabis Association of Texas, ("MCAT"), is urging the Texas Department of State Health Services, ("DSHS"), not to take action on their proposal to ban the sales of all CBD oil products sold in the state of Texas without direction from the Texas Legislature. "DSHS is proposing an inspection protocol that could lead to the removal of all hemp derived CBD products for sale in Texas," said Connor Oakley, Executive Director of MCAT. "This proposal is not necessary. Current law does not allow for the sale of any CBD products that contain levels of the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, THC that are currently banned by state and federal laws." However, Oakley says that MCAT is in agreement with DSHS that products labeled as containing CBD oil should be tested to ensure their safety and efficacy. "Random testing of CBD products sold in other states have shown that many contain no actual CBD oil and some have been found to contain dangerous levels of pesticides and other contaminants," Oakley said. "MCAT is currently working with the Texas Legislature to pass legislation during the upcoming session that will require the testing of these products by independent laboratories. We have made DSHS aware that these efforts are ongoing and that we feel that their agency should not make a decision of this magnitude without direction from the Legislature." State Representative Joe Moody, (D-El Paso), Chairman of the powerful House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee agreed saying, "Governor Abbott and both chambers of the Legislature joined in bipartisan recognition that cannabis can be medicine when we passed the Compassionate Use Act. While we need oversight and regulation when it comes to any form of medicine, I also believe the Legislature should be the entity to provide that direction. The legislative process gives us the opportunity for public and professional comment at a level and in a format that simply isn't available to our regulatory agencies, which I'd ask to await further direction this coming session before stifling the existing free market." In the MCAT letter to DSHS stating their opposition to their proposal, Oakley states, "We are in agreement that the State of Texas should enact legislation requiring the testing of CBD Products to ensure the safety and efficacy of those products. However, we strongly oppose your agency's proposal for an across the board ban on the sales of CBD products currently available to patients in Texas. To take this medicine away from those who have found no other effective treatment for their conditions would be a disservice." "This should most certainly be a legislative matter and more importantly should be based in science and facts. CBD is not intoxicating, has been safely used around the world and there is no known abuse liability. This should be an issue debated by our representatives," stated Chad Sykes, a Director and spokesperson for MCAT and founder of Indoor Harvest Corp, a pending applicant to produce cannabis under the Compassionate Use Program in Texas through its wholly owned subsidiary Alamo CBD. Dr. Lang Coleman, a clinical neuropsychologist that spent 22 years in U.S. Army Psychiatry, that now serves as CEO of Alamo CBD, also opposes the measure. "Safe tested CBD oil has demonstrated its efficacy in treating a number of illnesses that are common in our Texas population," Coleman said. "Mitch McConnell, the Republican senate majority leader, has proposed legalized hemp in the United States. Texas needs rules in anticipation of more use of CBD products, not to take the completely unnecessary step of blindly banning the product that could very soon be legal federally. Any law that bans rather than regulates, punishes consumers who benefit from this medicine." The MCAT letter also states that although it is currently a "buyer beware" situation in Texas, many of the CBD products currently available have been tested by independent labs and have been proven to contain the levels of CBD oil stated on the label and deemed safe and effective by medical professionals. The DSHS will be taking public comments on this matter through Monday, April 16, 2018. About MCAT The Medical Cannabis Association of Texas' team has a proven track record of representing clients before all levels of government and providing fully integrated strategies to achieve success in any political environment. We help our members navigate through the legislative and permitting process to achieve results. We maintain relationships in every area of government, and connect members with industry professionals to meet their needs. We specialize in developing and implementing policy for legislative and regulatory agendas involving critical issues in the Texas medicinal cannabis industry. Please visit our website at http://medcantx.com for more information. Contacts: MCAT, Connor Oakley Phone: 214-502-8927 Representative Joe Moody Phone: 512-463-0728 SOURCE Medical Cannabis Association of Texas "The Publisher Team combines the strongest parts of our business to ensure that we are creating the best products and services for our readers as well as our clients, and that The Economist will be here for the next 175 years," said Chris Stibbs, Chief Executive Officer, The Economist Group. "Michael's success in transforming The Economist's Circulation division makes him perfectly suited to lead the new Publisher Team." "I am thrilled to lead the Publisher Team, which gathers the best minds from inside our business to work together to create unique, truly global opportunities for our clients to reach our intelligent, curious and highly engaged audience in an environment based on trust, integrity and quality," said Michael Brunt, Chief Operating Office and Publisher, The Economist. "With the Publisher Team we are able put the full force of our marketing expertise behind marquee events that support our values and provide an opportunity for clients to participate without compromising our editorial independence." Prior to his appointment as COO and Publisher, Mr Brunt served as Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer for Circulation. Under his leadership, he redefined the strategy for Circulation to focus on profitability making it the largest contributor of profits to The Economist Group. Mr Brunt began his career with The Economist Group in 2006 as Marketing Services Director in London. Since then he has held various leadership positions across the Group in the UK, New York, CEMEA and Hong Kong. While many publishers may have floundered in an unstable marketplace, The Economist has embraced change as an opportunity to rethink revenue mix and investment, with a focus on profitably growing its Circulation business and investing in circulation marketing at record levels. It has forgone native advertising opportunities in favour of maintaining editorial independence and has invested in editorial resources where many publishers have cut back. Underpinned by the idea that readers are willing to pay for high-quality journalism, The Economist has employed a pricing and paywall strategy that allows new readers to sample content at introductory pricing, while maintaining the value of its editorial product. About The Economist Group The Economist Group is built on high-quality, independent analysis which runs through all of its businesses. It is the publisher of The Economist newspaper. Its businesses include the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and the Washington-based CQ Roll Call. In 2016/17 the Group posted an operating profit of 54m. First published in 1843, The Economist celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2018. About The Economist (www.economist.com) With a growing global circulation and a reputation for insightful analysis and perspective on every aspect of world events, The Economist is one of the most widely recognised and well-read current affairs publications. The paper covers politics, business, science and technology, and books and arts, concluding each week with the obituary. In addition to the web-only content such as blogs, debates and audio/video programmes available on the website, The Economist is available to download for reading on Android, Blackberry PlayBook, iPhone or iPad devices. The Economist Espresso, our daily briefing smartphone app, is also available for download via iTunes App Store or Google Play. A recipient of many editorial and marketing awards, The Economist was recently named the most trusted news source in the 2017 Trusting News Project Report. SOURCE The Economist Related Links www.economist.com Timaeus Inc. was inspired to develop the "BUUT" engine, while focusing on the fact that there is no artwork archive which is easily accessible in spite of high demand for artwork contents in various fields. Timaeus Inc. made BUUT to learn the existing style of paintings, just like the way Google's AlphaGo mastered Go for development. With the ability to succeed and improve the neural style technology introduced by Leon A. Gatys, BUUT engine has the capability to support high resolution as well as to come up with a more painting-like result. In particular, it is able to create outstanding painting-like quality free of distortion even in the latest 5K monitor, by producing high-resolution 6K output. Lee Seomin, CEO of Timaeus, said "It is expected that the 'BUUT' engine could bring a new sensation to art artificial intelligence field which has been regarded as a tricky area. Besides, we plan to study a wider spectrum of painting styles with 'BUUT', and expand its application to more diversed projects." For more sample paintings, visit https://www.thetimaeus.com/ SOURCE Timaeus Inc. Related Links https://www.thetimaeus.com SALT LAKE CITY, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapeutics for hematologic and oncologic diseases, today announced the presentation of preclinical data supporting the apoptosis-inducing activity of alvocidib, a potent CDK9 inhibitor, in combination with cytarabine and daunorubicin at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2018, April 14-18 in Chicago. Data from cell culture models suggest that the three-drug combination more than doubled the induction of apoptosis compared to any of the agents alone. Further, 21.1% and 48.5% tumor growth inhibition (TGI) was observed following either single agent administration of daunorubicin (0.5 mg/kg) or cytarabine (60 mg/kg), respectively. Combination administration with alvocidib, however, resulted in tumor shrinkage yielding 116.2% TGI. In addition, Tolero will present preclinical data supporting the understanding of CDK9 as a potential therapeutic target, and is consistent with the hypothesis that CDK9 activity is necessary for the expression of miR17-92. This data contributes to the emerging scientific evidence that inhibition of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein by JQ1 suppresses miR17-92 expression. miR17-92 negatively regulates expression of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein, BIM, leading to suppression of BIM expression, thereby decreasing the cell's ability to induce apoptosis.1 The findings suggest that alvocidib-mediated inhibition of CDK9 suppresses RNA Polymerase II-mediated expression of miR17-92, which in turn leads to increased expression of BIM. "We are encouraged by these preclinical data that contribute to our current understanding of alvocidib and the role that CDK9 could potentially play as a therapeutic target in AML," said David J. Bearss, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tolero Pharmaceuticals. "These data support our ongoing development of alvocidib with cytarabine and daunorubicin, which is currently being studied in relapsed refractory MCL-1 dependent AML, a type of AML in which there are no treatment options." Below are the details for the poster presentations: "Alvocidib-mediated inhibition of CDK9 upregulates BIM via suppression of miR17-92," 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. CDT , April 15 , Hall A , , Hall A "Alvocidib enhances the efficacy of cytarabine and daunorubicin (7+3) in non-clinical models of acute myeloid leukemia," 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. CDT , April 17 , Hall A About Alvocidib Alvocidib is an investigational small molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) currently being evaluated in a Phase II study in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL-1 dependent acute myeloid leukemia, AML, in combination with cytarabine and mitoxantrone (NCT02520011). Alvocidib is also being evaluated in a Phase I clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy and maximum tolerated dose of alvocidib in combination with (7+3) in newly diagnosed patients with AML (NCT03298984). About CDK9 Inhibition and MCL-1 MCL-1 is a member of the apoptosis-regulating BCL-2 family of proteins.2 In normal function, it is essential for early embryonic development and for the survival of multiple cell lineages, including lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells.3 In MCL-1dependent AML, MCL-1 inhibits apoptosis and sustains the survival of leukemic blasts, which may lead to relapse or resistance to treatment.2,4 The expression of MCL-1 in leukemic blasts is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9).5,6 Because of the short half-life of MCL-1 (2-4 hours), the effects of targeting upstream pathways are expected to reduce MCL-1 levels rapidly.5 Inhibition of CDK9 has been shown to block MCL-1 transcription, resulting in the rapid downregulation of MCL-1 protein, thus restoring the normal apoptotic regulation.2 About Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tolero is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company researching and developing treatments to improve and extend the lives of patients with oncological and hematological diseases. Our diverse pipeline targets important biological drivers of blood disorders to treat leukemias, anemia, and solid tumors, as well as targets of drug resistance and transcriptional control. Tolero is based in the United States and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company based in Japan. Additional information about the company and its product pipeline can be found at www.toleropharma.com. Tolero Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Tolero's business. Tolero undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 1 Leukemia. 2016 Jul;30(7):1531-41. doi: 10.1038/leu.2016.52. Epub 2016 Mar 8. 2 Thomas D, Powell JA, Vergez F, et al. Targeting acute myeloid leukemia by dual inhibition of PI3K signaling and Cdk9-mediated Mcl-1 transcription. Blood. 2013;122(5):738-748. 3 Perciavalle RM, Opferman JT. Delving deeper: MCL-1's contributions to normal and cancer biology. Trends Cell Biol. 2013;23(1):22-29. 4 Glaser SP, Lee EF, Trounson E, et al. Anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 is essential for the development and sustained growth of acute myeloid leukemia. Genes Dev. 2012;26(2):120-125. 5 Chen R, Keating MJ, Gandhi V, Plunkett W. Transcription inhibition by flavopiridol: mechanism of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell death. Blood. 2005;106(7):2513-2519. 6 Ocana A, Pandiella A. Targeting oncogenic vulnerabilities in triple negative breast cancer: biological bases and ongoing clinical studies. Oncotarget. 2017;8(13):22218-22234. SOURCE Tolero Pharmaceuticals PHOENIX, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Troxell, a national leader in education technology and collaboration solutions for more than 60 years, is happy to announce a STEM Playground event in conjunction with Cajon Valley Union School District's [email protected]. This event will be over the course of six hours and will feature innovative STEM and MakerSpace products from Troxell's partners. These partners will display virtual reality, augmented reality, robots, 3D printers, coding tools, and much more. Attendees will be able to experience and test these new technologies firsthand. In September 2017, Troxell's Account Executive Terra Norine hosted Troxell's first ever STEM Playground event over four days and at five different school districts. The STEM Playground will be open to school administrators, teachers, and students on April 21st during Cajon Valley's [email protected] event. "I am very excited to host another STEM Playground after a successful launch last September," said Terra Norine. "I want to continue to provide a format STEM tools can be experienced and incorporated into lessons through examples, sessions, and hands-on experiences." Terra Norine prides herself in being a lifelong learner and an evangelist of all things STEM. When she was eighteen years old, she was selected to intern as an Information Security Manager for the Department of Defense weapons division. It was during this time that she found her passion and love for technology and collaborative learning. In 2016, she joined the Troxell family to continue working in the fields that motivate her the most: education and STEM. Terra is very involved with the districts and schools within San Diego, providing guidance and solutions for their technology initiatives. The STEM Playground will be on April 21st, 2018 from 9:00am 3:00pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in various STEM sessions, have hands on experience with new technologies, and discuss classroom integration strategies with STEM experts. This event will also provide attendees direct access to STEM consultants, manufacturers, and Troxell representatives. For more information see the event flyer. About Troxell Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Troxell is the nation's leading end-to-end solution provider for technology and collaborative solutions in K-12 and higher ed. With 65 offices nationwide, we combine large-scale purchasing power with the high-touch, consultative approach of a local specialist. Find a location near you. For Press Inquiries Contact: Raigan Irwin-McCabe, VP of Marketing SOURCE Troxell Related Links http://www.troxellsolutions.com MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Uruguay (" Uruguay ") previously announced an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") its bonds of each series of Global Bonds listed in the table below (collectively, the " Old Bonds " and each Old Bond, a "series" of Old Bonds), subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, dated April 12, 2018 (the " Offer to Purchase "). Uruguay has instructed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (in such capacity, the " Billing and Delivering Bank "), to accept subject to proration and other terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, valid Preferred Tenders in aggregate principal amounts of Old Bonds as set forth below. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this communication have the respective meanings specified in the Offer to Purchase. The Non-Preferred Tender Offer and Preferred Tender Offer expired as scheduled at 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. New York time, respectively, on April 12, 2018. The Maximum Purchase Amount is (i) US$0 principal amount for the 2022 Bonds (as defined below), (ii) US$227,356,771 principal amount for the 2024 Bonds (as defined below), (iii) US$0 principal amount for the 2025 Bonds (as defined below), and (iv) US$0 principal amount for the 2033 Bonds (as defined below). The aggregate principal amount of Preferred and Non-Preferred Tenders of Old Bonds and the aggregate principal amount of Preferred and Non-Preferred Tenders of such Old Bonds that have been accepted are shown in the table below. No Non-Preferred Tenders have been accepted. Appropriate adjustments will be made so that purchases are made in the minimum denominations set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Global USD Bonds Aggregate Principal Amount of Preferred Tenders Aggregate Principal Amount of Preferred Tenders Accepted Aggregate Principal Amount of Non-Preferred Tenders Aggregate Principal Amount of Non- Preferred Tenders Accepted 8.000% Global Bonds due 2022 (" 20 22 Bonds ") U.S.$ 97,257,943 U.S.$ 0 U.S.$ 9,932,350 U.S.$ 0 4.500% Global Bonds due 2024 (" 2024 Bonds ") U.S.$ 227,356,771 U.S.$ 227,356,771 U.S.$ 33,405,729 U.S.$ 0 6.875% Global Bonds due 2025 (" 2025 Bonds ") U.S.$ 75,672,985 U.S.$ 0 U.S.$ 3,467,097 U.S.$ 0 7.875% Global Bonds due 2033 (" 2033 Bonds ") U.S.$ 46,159,987 U.S.$ 0 U.S.$ 13,589,022 U.S.$ 0 Holders of Old Bonds held through DTC that have been validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer must deliver their accepted Old Bonds to the relevant Dealer Manager no later than 3:00 p.m., New York time, on the Settlement Date. Holders of Old Bonds held through Euroclear or Clearstream that have been validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer must deliver their Old Bonds to the Billing and Delivering Bank, at the latest, using the overnight process, one day prior to the Settlement Date and must not use the optional daylight process. The Settlement Date is expected to occur on Thursday, April 19, 2018, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Failure to deliver Old Bonds on time may result (i) in the cancellation of your tender and in you becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, (ii) in the case of Preferred Tenders (a) in the cancellation of any allocation of New Bonds in the New Bonds Offering in respect of your related Indication of Interest and/or (b) in the cancellation of your tender and in your remaining obligation to purchase your allocation of New Bonds in respect of your related Indication of Interest and/or (iii) in the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Bonds, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Any holder whose tender is cancelled will not receive the Purchase Price or Accrued Interest. All Old Bonds that are tendered pursuant to Tender Orders placed through a Dealer Manager and are accepted as instructed by Uruguay will be purchased by the Billing and Delivering Bank in such amounts as Uruguay shall determine and subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer to Purchase. Only the Billing and Delivering Bank will be liable for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest for Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted by Uruguay. Uruguay will not be liable under any circumstances for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest for any Old Bonds tendered in the Offer by any holder. The Billing and Delivery Bank shall only have the obligation to sell to Uruguay the Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase that the Billing and Delivery Bank has actually purchased pursuant to the Tender Offer on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. Tender Orders that are not for Permitted Tender Amounts will not be accepted. Subject to the conditions to settlement of the Tender Offer, Old Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus payment basis solely with the Billing and Delivering Bank on the Settlement Date, in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Uruguay has agreed to apply a portion of the net proceeds of its new bonds offering announced on Thursday, April 12, 2018 (the " New Bonds Offering ") to purchase the Old Bonds accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer from the Billing and Delivering Bank at the applicable Purchase Price plus Accrued Interest. The Tender Offer is subject to the Dealer Manager Agreement relating to this Offer not being terminated prior to or at the time of the settlement of the Offer. BBVA Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. acted as Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. Global Bondholder Services Corporation is the information agent in connection with the Offer (" Information Agent "), and questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Information Agent or any of the Dealer Managers using the contact information below: Global Bondholder Services Corporation Attention: Corporate Actions 65 Broadway Suite 404 New York, New York 10006 Banks and Brokers call: +1 (212) 430-3774 Toll free: +1 (866) 470-3900 website: http://www.gbsc-usa.com/uruguay BBVA Securities Inc. 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 44th Floor New York, New York 10105 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Collect: (212) 728-2446 Toll-free: (800) 422-8692 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. 388 Greenwich Street New York, New York 10013 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: (212) 723-6106 Toll-free: (800) 558-3745 HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10018 United States of America Attention: Global Liability Management Group Collect: (212) 525-5552 Toll-free: (888) HSBC-4LM Important Notice This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Old Bonds. The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer, and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and Tender Offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer is made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Bonds Offering and the Tender are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." In any EEA Member State this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive. The New Bonds are not authorized for public offering under the Austrian Capital Markets Act (Kapitalmarktgesetz) and no public offers or public sales or invitation to make such an offer may be made. No advertisements may be published and no marketing materials may be made available or distributed in Austria in respect of the New Bonds. A public offering of the securities in Austria without the prior publication of a prospectus in accordance with the Austrian Capital Market Act would constitute a criminal offense under Austrian law. In the Bahamas, the New Bonds are being offered and sold only to Accredited Investors (as defined in the Securities Industry Regulations, 2012) and will be subject to the resale restrictions contained in Regulation 117. As a condition of the purchase of the New Bonds, each purchaser will be required to attest to the purchaser's status as an Accredited Investor acknowledging that the securities purchased are subject to restrictions on resale. The New Bonds Offering does not constitute a public offering within the meaning of Article 3, 1 of the Belgian Law of June 16, 2006 on public offering of securities and admission of securities to trading on a regulated market (the " Prospectus Law "). The Tender Offer will not constitute a public offering within the meaning of Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6 of the Belgian Law of April 1, 2007 on takeover bids (the " Takeover Law "). The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer will be exclusively conducted under applicable private placement exemptions and have therefore not been, and will not be, notified to, and any offer material relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer has not been, and will not be, approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten). The New Bonds Offering as well as the New Bonds Offering materials may only be advertised, offered or distributed in any way, directly or indirectly, to any persons located and/or resident in Belgium who qualify as " Qualified Investors " as defined in Article 10, 1 of the Prospectus Law and who are acting for their own account, or in other circumstances which do not constitute a public offering in Belgium pursuant to the Prospectus Law. The Tender Offer as well as the Tender Offer materials may only be advertised, offered or distributed in any way, directly or indirectly, to any persons located and/or resident in Belgium who qualify as "Qualified Investors" as defined in Article 10, 1 of the Prospectus Law and as referred to in Article 6, 3, 1 of the Takeover Law, and who are acting for their own account, or in other circumstances which do not constitute a public offering in Belgium pursuant to the Takeover Law. The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer have not been and will not be approved by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, as neither constitute a public offer in accordance with the Danish Securities Trading Act nor the Danish executive order on takeover bids. No prospectus (including any amendment, supplement or replacement thereto) has been prepared in connection with the offering of the New Bonds that has been approved by the French Autorite des marches financiers or by the competent authority of another State that is a contracting party to the Agreement on the EEA and notified to the French Autorite des marches financiers and to Uruguay; neither the Tender Offer nor the New Notes have been offered or sold nor will be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France; the materials relating to the New Notes have not been distributed or caused to be distributed and will not be distributed or caused to be distributed to the public in France; such offers, sales and distributions have been and shall only be made in France to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies), as defined in Articles L. 4112 and D. 4111, of the French Code monetaire et financier who are investing for their own account and are not individuals. The direct or indirect distribution to the public in France of any so acquired New Notes may be made only as provided by Articles L. 4111, L. 4112, L. 4121 and L. 6218 to L. 62183 of the French Code monetaire et financier and applicable regulations thereunder. The other legal entities referred to in Articles L. 3412 1 and D. 3411 of the French Code monetaire et financier are eligible to participate in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer has not been and will not be submitted to the clearance procedures (visa) of nor approved by the Autorite des marches financier. No action has been or will be taken in the Federal Republic of Germany that would permit a public offering of the securities, or distribution of a prospectus or any other offer materials and that, in particular, no securities prospectus (Wertpapierprospekt) within the meaning of the German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz) of June 22, 2005, as amended (the " German Securities Prospectus Act "), has been or will be published within the Federal Republic of Germany. In Germany, the New Bonds may not be offered or sold other than to qualified investors within the meaning of 2(6) of the German Securities Prospectus Act. With respect to persons in Hong Kong, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer are only made to, and are only capable of acceptance by, "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (the " SFO ") and any rules made thereunder. No person or entity may issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the New Bonds, Old Bonds or the Tender Offer, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong other than with respect to the Old Bonds which are or are intended to be tendered, or New Bonds which are intended to be purchased, only by persons outside Hong Kong or only by "professional investors" as defined in the SFO and any rules made under thereunder. In Ireland, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer are not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in Ireland and no offers or sales of any securities under or in connection with the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer may be effected except in conformity with the provisions of Irish law including, but not limited to, (i) the Irish Companies Act 2014, (ii) the Prospectus (Directive 2003/71/EC) Regulations 2012 of Ireland, (iii) Regulations 2017 (as amended) of Ireland; and (iv) the Market Abuse (Directive 2003/6/EC) Regulations of Ireland (as amended). In Italy, this announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed at, and the Tender Offer documents may only be distributed, directly or indirectly, to qualified investors. In the Netherlands, the New Bonds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, other than to qualified investors (gekwalificeerde beleggers) within the meaning of Article 1:1 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). Neither the communication of this announcement nor any other offer material relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer has been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, "the FSMA"). This announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed: at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; or (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (as so amended, the "Order") Order; or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, persons falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of the Order; or (iii) persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the FSMA) may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such other persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. * * * ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM. SOURCE Republic of Uruguay NEW YORK, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to The US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate, "Our top priority is seeing to it that a US Navy Veteran with recently diagnosed mesothelioma or their family have immediate access to the nation's most skilled and experienced mesothelioma who consistently get the best possible financial compensation results for their clients. As we would like to discuss anytime at 800-714-0303 the amount of compensation we are talking about could exceed a million dollars. US Navy Veterans Asbestos Warning Sign "Do not hire a local car accident attorney for a mesothelioma compensation claim when some of the nation's most capable mesothelioma attorneys will want to personally handle the case as we would like to explain anytime at 800-714-0303." http://USNavyMesothelioma.Com The ways a US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma could have been exposed to asbestos include: Being assigned to a navy ship's engine room The Navy Veteran was assigned to a navy's ship's machine shop or a repair crew. The Navy Veteran was required to stay on their ship (frequently for months) while it was being repaired or while it was undergoing a retrofit at a navy shipyard. The shipyard could have been located at Norfolk, Virginia ; Bremerton, Washington ; Portsmouth , Maine ; New London, Connecticut ; Newport, Rhode Island ; Long Beach, California ; Honolulu, Hawaii ; Hunters Point, California , or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . Typically, a Navy Veteran's exposure to asbestos could have been extreme if they were required to stay with their ship while it was undergoing repairs or a retrofit at a navy shipyard. ; ; , ; ; ; ; ; Hunters Point, , or . Typically, a Navy Veteran's exposure to asbestos could have been extreme if they were required to stay with their ship while it was undergoing repairs or a retrofit at a navy shipyard. A US Navy Veteran could have exposed to asbestos while preparing their ship for deployment or making repairs after a deployment. If the US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate had one vital tip for a US Navy Veteran who has been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma or their family it would be: "If you are a US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma or their family-please call us at 800-714-0303 before you hire a lawyer or a law firm. We are advocates for Navy Veterans not a law firm and our number one goal is you receive the very best possible financial compensation settlement. However, to receive the best possible financial compensation you will need some of the nation's most qualified lawyers to assist you with your claim. We provide on the spot access to some of these remarkable attorneys and our service is free." http://USNavyMesothelioma.Com According to the Centers for Disease Control, the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon. However, based on the calls the US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate receives a Navy Veteran with mesothelioma could live in any state including New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska. http://USNavyMesothelioma.Com For a listing of all VA Medical Centers in each state please review the VA's website: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate.asp. For current information about the US Navy fleet of combat ships please review their website on this topic: https://www.navy.com/about/equipment/vessels.html. For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma. Media Contact: Michael Thomas 800-714-0303 [email protected] SOURCE US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate ZWIJNDRECHT, Netherlands, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group has acquired the business of Ferrostaal Piping Supply, a German-Dutch pipe and tube trading company that primarily supplies the chemical, petrochemical and machine building segments. The acquisition takes effect on May 1, 2018. Ferrostaal Piping Supply, founded in 1953, specializes in the supply of pipes and piping materials, and operates in the chemical and petrochemical, the equipment and machine building, and trade segments. The company's head office is in Essen, Germany. The company primarily focuses on markets in Germany and the Benelux. In addition, Ferrostaal Piping Supply exports its products to various parts of the world. The company's annual turnover is more than 50 million and it employs approximately 40 persons. The activities of the Dutch branch of Ferrostaal Piping Supply will be carried out from existing Van Leeuwen companies. The Ferrostaal teams in Germany will operate as independent commercial teams, as part of Van Leeuwen's network. The company will retain its own name, employees and customer base that will benefit from Van Leeuwen's broader offering of products and services. Van Leeuwen's strategy is focused on further expanding and strengthening its leading market position in various industrial segments through means of acquisitions and autonomous growth. The acquisition represents an important expansion of Van Leeuwen's commercial network. Ferrostaal Piping Supply gives Van Leeuwen greater access to the German market, in particular the chemical and petrochemical segments, in which Van Leeuwen operates throughout the world. In addition, the acquisition provides an opportunity for further expanding the services provided to the machine building segment, a segment in which Van Leeuwen has successfully operated for many years in other European countries. Peter Rietberg, Chairman of the Management Board: "Through the addition of Ferrostaal Piping Supply to our network, we are in a position to especially serve the German market even better. This expansion of our global network offers benefits to our national and international customers, as well as our suppliers. Especially our customers in the German market in the chemical and petrochemical segments can now make optimal use of our expertise and specialisms relating to stocks, procurement, distribution and project management." Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is a globally operating trading company that specializes in steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. The company operates in nearly all industrial sectors. The company was founded in 1924. The Group has approximately forty branches spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. http://www.vanleeuwen.com Photos are available at this link. SOURCE Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group WASHINGTON, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, actress, author and businesswoman Victoria Principal announced that she will double the impact of individual gifts by matching donations to Oceana up to $50,000 to help protect U.S. coasts from the dangers of offshore oil and gas. President Trump's Department of the Interior aims to expand oil and gas leasing to nearly all U.S. waters, including the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, in the largest potential offshore leasing plan ever proposed. Principal, a dedicated environmentalist, is supporting Oceana's fight against these radical and shortsighted attempts to expand offshore drilling activities. According to a recent Oceana economic analysis, the Trump administration's offshore drilling plan threatens more than 2.6 million jobs and nearly $180 billion in GDP for only two years'-worth of oil and just over one year's-worth of gas at current consumption rates. "Oceana successfully protected much of the Atlantic and Arctic from new drilling in the past, but now those protections are at risk," Victoria Principal said. "Oceana knows how to win victories for our oceans, and I am making this commitment to encourage people across the country to join me in the fight to protect our coasts." Echoing the importance of this partnership, Jackie Savitz, Chief Policy Officer, North America, said: "This partnership comes at a crucial time. Oceana thanks Victoria Principal for her dedication and support to this critical campaign. Her generous gift-matching will help us maintain momentum and continue our aggressive strategy to win the fight against dirty and dangerous offshore drilling." As of today, opposition and concern over offshore drilling activities includes: Approximately 250 East and West Coast municipalities Governors from Florida , Georgia , South Carolina , North Carolina , Virginia , Maryland , Delaware , New Jersey , New York , Connecticut , Rhode Island , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , California , Oregon and Washington , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and Over 1,600 local, state and federal bipartisan officials An alliance representing over 42,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families New England, South and Mid-Atlantic fishery management councils Commercial and recreational fishing interests such as Southeastern Fisheries Association, Snook and Gamefish Foundation, Fisheries Survival Fund, Southern Shrimp Alliance, North Atlantic Marine Alliance, Billfish Foundation and International Game Fish Association California Fish and Game Commission, California Coastal Commission, California State Lands Commission and California Senate Senate Department of Defense, NASA, U.S. Air Force and Florida Defense Support Task Force Contact: Alex Armstrong, 202-467-1957, [email protected] SOURCE Oceana Related Links http://www.oceana.org NEW YORK, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The House and Senate of the State of Utah unanimously passed House Bill 452 to institute multiyear estimates for state revenues and expenses as advocated by the Volcker Alliance. Passage of the measure followed the Volcker Alliance's release of Budget Report Cards for Utah and forty-nine other states earlier this year as well as the study Truth and Integrity in State Budgeting: What is the Reality? published in November 2017. The new Utah law, titled Legislative Fiscal Analyst Amendments, requires the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst to evaluate current and long-term trends relating to taxes and federal fund receipts and requires the initiation of a three-year cycle of analysis on revenue volatility and other budget matters. William Glasgall, senior vice president and director of the Volcker Alliance's state and local initiatives, said, "in fiscal 2015 through 2017, only nine states received average A grades for their budget forecasting procedures in our study. The Utah legislation addresses some of the areas in which Utah could improve its budget practices. It is gratifying to see the positive changes Utah has introduced and we look forward to assisting other states to introduce similar improvements. Our goal is to provide tailored insights and tools to help elected officials, investors, policy advocates, and citizens determine and improve their state's fiscal governance and sustainability." The Volcker Alliance's November 2017 study, Truth and Integrity in State Budgeting: What is the Reality? examines key budgeting and transparency practices of all fifty US states, and is accompanied by a set of report cards grading the states in five areas of best practices. Among those best practices, the Alliance defines a multiyear, consensus approach to establishing single, binding estimates for revenues and expenditures before the budgeting process begins as a necessary step to create accurate, sustainable, and transparent budgeting. The Utah measure (House Bill 452 and Senate Bill 452) won passage in early March and was signed into law on March 19. In floor speeches House Majority Leader Brad R. Wilson and Senator Kevin T. Van Tassell both credited the Volcker Alliance with providing the impetus for the bill. In his remarks, Senator Van Tassell referred to the Alliance's grades for Utah's budget practices and said "One of the areas where Volcker Alliance . . . said Utah could improve [is] longer term budgeting. This bill addresses that goal and strengthens our tradition of planning for the worst and hoping for the best." Meanwhile, Majority Leader Wilson observed that the bill would help Utah's state budgeting practices surpass Idaho's in the Volcker Alliance's analysis. "Representatives, you might think this is called the Legislative Fiscal Analysis Amendments Bill," Wilson said, "but this is called the 'Beat Idaho Bill.' Let me tell you why . . . There's an organization called the Volcker Institute [sic] that gives states a [grade] based on how well they manage their budgeting process, and, in all humiliation, we've taken second place in the country to Idaho. We can't let that stand, Representatives. We've got to fix that. So that's what this bill is all about . . . This is another tool in our legislative fiscal analysis office that they can use to give us good information so as lawmakers we can make good decisions." In the Volcker Alliance's three-year assessment of state budgeting practices, Idaho received average A grades in Budget Maneuvers, Legacy Costs (principally public employee pensions and postretirement health care), and Reserve Funds, a B in Transparency, and a D in Budget Forecasting. Utah won A grades in Budget Maneuvers, Legacy Costs, and Reserve Funds, and a C in both Transparency and Budget Forecasting. Truth and Integrity in State Budgeting: What is the Reality? is the result of a multi-year study conducted in partnership with more than fifty professors and graduate students in public finance and budgeting at eleven US schools of public administration or policy. Juliette Tennert, University of Utah's Director of Economic and Public Policy Research, and a member of the Alliance's research network who led the team's examination of her state's budget, said, "Working with the Volcker Alliance on the Truth and Integrity in State Budgeting project has been an incredible opportunity to provide actionable research and influence informed decisions. We are thrilled to see how the work is supporting public budgeting processes in this environment of more and more scarcity in resources and ever-growing critical needs." All fifty report cards are accessible through an interactive map and include grades on each state's critical budget practices plus a detailed breakdown of the assessments. For more information, visit www.volckeralliance.org. About the Volcker Alliance The Volcker Alliance advances effective management of government to achieve results that matter to citizens. The nonpartisan Alliance works toward that objective by partnering with other organizationsacademic, business, governmental, and public interestto strengthen professional education for public service, conduct needed research on government performance, and improve the efficiency and accountability of governmental organization at the federal, state, and local levels. The Volcker Alliance is a 501(c)3 organization. Contact: Samantha Vance (212) 486-7070 [email protected] SOURCE Volcker Alliance WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The West Palm Beach Brewery & Wine Vault is jumping into the DACA political arena with the May 2nd release of its Dreamers Lager, a Mexican lager made for Cinco de Mayo. "I know that politics can be risky business," says owner John Pankauski. "But I felt this was too important in issue to remain silent on." The Dreamers Lager Label John Pankauski, owner of West Palm Beach Brewery & Wine Vault Pankauski should know. His grandparents immigrated from Poland and Lithuania at the turn of the last century with no money, no skills and unable to speak English. They suffered discrimination from those who saw European immigrants as a threat. "Sound familiar?" Pankauski sarcastically asks. Pankauski originally wanted to craft a simple Mexican lager. And then it hit him: he would craft a beer that was bigger than just a tap pull. He would create a beer with a message. "People risk their lives in boats, hiking over fields and desserts, to make a better life for themselves and their families-- who can fault them for that," asks Pankauski. "In South Florida, we have many people from the Caribbean, and Central and South America who, like my grandparents, arrived by ships or rafts dreaming of a better life. Ponce de Leon was one of our first immigrants in the 1500s. Whether you're from Spain, Poland, Syria or Haiti, we are all immigrants." Pankauski created a special image, which will be on a limited edition, Dreamers T-shirt available for free to the first 50 people who purchase a glass of Dreamers Lager and use the special code "I am a Dreamer, too." This Lager's image has Lady Liberty at the center, surrounded by barley, hops, Monarch butterflies, and a raft full of people. Pankauski chose a raft as an image rather than an immigrant ship which his grandparents arrived on. The message is obvious: "Regardless of how you got here, we are all in the same boat today." "A Monarch butterfly migrates from Mexico to the USA. Some believe that the Monarch has a spiritual connection to Cinco de Mayo. It will serve as an important symbol," says Pankauski. "After all, coming here, working hard, and making it is who we are. That's our spirit. It's not an immigration issue. It's a Patriotic issue. We should support those who make the journey that our ancestors made before." Mexican Lager has a unique style and flavor characteristics, influenced by a Vienna lager, most probably by German and Austrian immigrants who arrived in Texas and Mexico in the 1800's. Craft brewers put their own touch on the Mexican Lager. "Our Dreamers Lager is brewed with Pilsner and Vienna malt, flaked maize, and organic blue agave nectar to add a touch of honey-like sweetness to a light, crisp, refreshing brew which we have laagered for weeks. You will taste freedom. I guarantee," boasts Pankauski. You can try a Dreamers Lager beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. It's only offered at the brewery. On Saturday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, Pankauski will donate 100% of all gross sale proceeds of the first 100 Dreamers Lager he sells that day to Americans for Immigrant Justice, http://www.aijustice.org/, based in Miami and Washington, DC. Americans for Immigrant Justices mission and vision is to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants and to bring about an American society where immigrants are not subjected to abuse or injustice; are not afraid to seek help; have a fair opportunity to make their case in the system that governs them; and have their contributions valued and encouraged. The West Palm Beach Brewery & Wine Vault is located at 332 Evernia Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The West Palm Brewery has a production facility and tap room on site, indoor and outdoor (shaded) seating, and offers craft beer made right here, limited production, premium and super-premium wine in The Vault, its Napa Valley tasting room and wine shop, as well as made-2-order food in its Intracoastal Kitchen. For more information on West Palm Beach Brewery & Wine Vault, or Dreamers Lager, please contact John Pankauski at 561-655-1556 or [email protected]. Contact: John Pankauski, Owner of West Palm Beach Brewery & Wine Vault Phone: 561-655-1556 Email: [email protected] SOURCE The West Palm Beach Brewery & Wine Vault Westwell's driverless container trucks can help logistics companies and terminals improve work efficiency and save labor cost by more than 50%, according to industry watchers. Compared to regular self-driving vehicles, the Westwell driverless container trucks are quicker to adapt to the port environment, make decisions and alternate controls. The horizontal transportation of containers in ports is busy and complex, which will result in more transitions of route plans for self-driving vehicles. At the same time, there is a lot of metal equipment disturbing GPS signals. All of this amounts to difficulties for other driverless container trucks in such an environment. The AI elements of Westwell's driverless trucks give them the ability to perform multiple tasks in this type of environment, such as navigating, avoiding obstacles and planning the optimal route for transportation of containers. Besides the driverless container truck, Westwell also collaborated with a multinational engineering giant, ZPMC, in developing AI straddle carriers in November 2017. ZPMC reported that the AI straddle carrier can automatically avoid obstacles, slow down, brake and make other smart decisions in case of emergency situations. Westwell has been exploring the combination of AI and port technology. Since 2015, they have provided the plans for container number recognition system, WellOcean, in terminals all over China. The team is committed to making a holistic AI solution for unmanned operation in terminals around the world. SOURCE Westwell FORT SMITH, Ark., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Zaki Adib Samman, MD, FACP is recognized by Continental Who's Who as Top Doctor of 2018 in the field of Medicine in recognition of his role as a Hematologist-Oncologist at Sparks Clinic Cancer Center and Mercy Hospital. Established in the heart of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sparks Clinic Cancer Center has served patients for over a century. A full service cancer care center, the center utilizes the latest advancements in medical technology to assist their clients. Dedicated to the health and wellness of their patients, the center utilizes the latest advancements in medical technology in an effort to better serve their clients. Gathering over thirty two years of experience in the field of Medicine, Dr. Samman is revered for his outstanding work and contributions to the medical industry. Dr. Samman has acted in several prestigious roles as Chief of Oncology for both Sparks Regional Medical Center and St. Edward Mercy Medical Center. As a prominent figure in the field, Dr. Samman has attained extensive expertise within the areas of Hematology and Oncology. When asked his advice to newcomers in the industry, Dr. Samman emphasizes that one has to be "compassionate to the patient and the family of the patient." Attributing his success to his "love of the patient and the deep compassion for their difficult situation," Dr. Samman is fluent in French, Spanish, and Arabic. Throughout the course of his educational career path, Dr. Samman attended the Medical School University of Damascus. Thereafter, Dr. Samman would then go on to complete his Residency at the Atlantic City Medical Center of Internal Medicine and attended Mount Sinai School of Medicine where he studied Internal Medicine. Later, Dr. Samman completed his Fellowships at the Medical College of Wisconsin where he continued on with his medical pursuits of Hematology and Oncology. In an effort to further enhance his professional development, Dr. Samman is an elite member of several organizations including St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Johnson Regional Medical Center, Sparks Regional Medical Center, Specialty Hospital-Fort Smith, Mena Medical Center, Mena Regional Health System, Advance Care Hospital of Fort Smith, Health South Rehab Hospital Fort Smith, Fort Smith Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Summit Medical Center. In recognition of his professional achievements, Dr. Samman was the recipient of a degree in business administration for physicians, and also the recipient of the Patients' Choice Award and Compassionate Doctor Recognition from 2012-2013. Dr. Samman dedicates this recognition "in loving memory of my late wife, Haleh Asadi" and to his current wife, Kafeh Daas, for her "continuing love and support and the chance to be with you and talk with you." For more information, please visit https://drzakiadibsamman.wordpress.com Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Over the course of her career, Laura Geringer Bass has worked at numerous publishing houses, including HarperCollins, where she headed Laura Geringer Books for more than 20 years. She is also the author of several books for young readers. Her forthcoming middle grade novel, The Girl with More Than One Heart, follows eighth grader Briana as she mourns the sudden death of her father. The book was edited by Tamar Brazis, editorial director of Abrams Books for Young Readers, who began her career in 1998 as an editorial assistant at Laura Geringer Books. We asked Bass and Brazis to interview each other about the evolution of their 20-year relationship as friends and publishing colleagues, and now as author and editor. Bass: Do you remember what year we first met? Brazis: Oh, yes! It was 1998, a few days before I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College. I was 21 and going to HarperCollins for my first real job interview. I started working for you a few weeks later. Bass: I remember you walking into my office at HarperCollins. I had just begun interviewing candidates for the editorial assistant job. You were the first to come through my door. It didnt me take more than five minutes of talking with you before I knew that I wanted us to work together. Six years later, when you left the nest for Abrams, I felt like a mom seeing her daughter off to college. And now here we are working together on The Girl with More Than One Heart, wearing different hats! Brazis: I learned so much during those years with you. You taught me how to be a visual thinkerI would have never become a picture book editor without you. And you also showed me how to be a patient fiction editor. I was able to witness your relationships with your authors and see how you always gave them the space to let their books take shape. That time was very important to me and I feel so lucky that we are here together, 20 years later! Bass: I took a quick look back over some of our emails in the past decade while we were working on various stages of The Girl with More Than One Heart. Its hard to believe that it took me 10 years to write! I would set it aside and then come back to it again and again. And each time I came back to it, there you would be with encouragement and suggestions. You never lost faith. You believed against all evidence to the contrary that eventually it would be a book. And now, here it isfinished! I guess it was a story I had to tell, even before I exactly knew what the story would be. It hasnt been an easy book, has it? Brazis: For my mentor to trust me with her own book was the greatest honor you could give me. You taught me that the good ones are never easy. Bass: Charlotte Zolotow taught me that. Brazis: I must admit that I feel very special to be a descendant of such a distinguished history of childrens book publishingthe Ursula Nordstrom/Charlotte Zolotow/Laura Geringer line! Bass: By having become my editor, youre my mentor now! Its one of those circles in life that gives me great joy. I couldnt have written The Girl with More Than One Heart without you. Brazis: I feel so much a part of this book. What do you think was the toughest aspect of writing it? Bass: The hardest thing by far was turning it from memoir into fiction. After the death of my dad I wanted to write about the tender relationship my father had with my eldest son, whos on the spectrum. His grandpa would tell him just the right story at just the right moment, transforming an afternoons meltdown into laughter. When my father passed away, I needed to have a record of the way they had been together. That was the beginning of The Girl with More Than One Heart, but at that point, there was no girl. And the only heart in the story was my own, which was heavy with grief. Brazis: I read the book at that stage, back when it was a memoir, and it made me cry. You had managed to make your family so real on the page. And I wanted you to turn it into a novel. When you did, it made me cry again. Lets be honest: every time I read your book, I still cry at the end! Its as moving to me now as it was the first time. More so. Bass: Thank you for crying! It was so encouraging to me that you cried that first time! And exciting that you wanted me to turn it into fiction. But at that point, I hadnt a clue how to do that or where to start. My last book before Girl had been a fantasy. I felt I just didnt know how to write a story with characters so close to home. Brazis: So you put it aside for a while and started working on a different book? Bass: Yes, a fantasy. Brazis: What got you back into The Girl with More Than One Heart? Bass: On the anniversary of my dads death, at three in the morning, I sat down at my desk and wrote the first lines: The day my fathers heart stopped I discovered an extra heart deep in my belly below my right rib. It talked to me. I wasnt crazy. Before that day, I had just one heart that never said a word. Suddenly, there was Briana, the heroine of my story. She was 13 years old, a budding writer who, like me, needed to get through a crisisthe death of her dad, her favorite parent. She had a little brother on the spectrum prone to meltdowns. And yes, she had a Grandpa Ben who resembled my father. Brianas Dad heart gave Briana commands like, Find her! and Be your own! and it gave me a new direction. I was excited to find out what that heart would say and what Briana would do in response. It was a start. Brazis: It took a while for Briana to take over as the main character. Her little brother continued to take center stageand so did the wonderful Grandpa Ben. I think it wasnt until maybe the third or fourth revision when the book took on the shape it has now that Briana truly came into her own. Bass: But then we had to deal with that talking heart! Brazis: The Dad heart! I loved it. It symbolized for me how our parents and the ones we love really do become an extension of ourselvesand sometimes those deep connections are hard to separate or distance ourselves from. At first, the Dad heart just said whatever popped into your mind, but as we went along, we both realized there had to be some rules that governed Brianas extra heartsome guidelines about what her Dad heart would and wouldnt say. Bass: Your insights helped me radically rethink the story. After I wrote those first few lines about Brianas Dad heart in first person, I changed my mind and decided to write the book in close third. But at the end of the day, you felt the point of view wasnt intimate enough. The reader needed to be in Brianas head. You suggested I change it all to first person but you worried that the lyricism of the writing would be lost in that switch. Once I tried writing the whole story in Brianas voice, it felt so right I knew there was no turning back. I held my breath while you read the revision. I was so relieved when you said it worked. What was the hardest part for you as my editor? Brazis: Because I had read so many drafts of the book over the years, I, too, was very attached to certain images and stories that Grandpa Ben shared throughout the pages. But I realized that as the book evolved, some of those stories werent as close to the new story anymore. It was hard to suggest that certain elements shouldnt remainand Im sure this was difficult for you, too. Bass: One of your brilliant editorial letters suggested to me how to let in more light by focusing on the imagery that was already there. You provided an editorial map for how to take it up a notch or two. We became ruthless about cutting scenes, folding one chapter into another when that nip and tuck surgery increased the momentum of Brianas journey. By that time, we were both so steeped in The Girl with More Than One Heart that we could speak to each other in Brianas private language, particularly when it came to working on the character of Brianas mom. We shared a vocabulary specific to this book, an abbreviated way of referring to emotional truths in the story through its imagery. Moms green eye for example. Her blue slippers. The clothespin angels. And so on. Brazis: Those images are with me forever: Moms green eye. A beach ball floating toward the horizon. Bass: I have a photo of myself standing in front of a huge stack of revisions of The Girl with More Than One Heart, taller than I am. And Im six feet tall in socks! Brazis: Im proud to have read all six feet plus! Bass: I show that photo to my students when we talk about revision. I say, Dont give up! Im so happy to finally hold this book in my hands! Brazis: And Im thrilled that The Girl with More Than One Heart is out in the world at last! The Girl with More Than One Heart by Laura Geringer Bass. Amulet, $16.99 Apr. 17 ISBN 978-1-4197-2882-2 Prolific author, illustrator, and educator Jean Marzollo, widely known for the bestselling I Spy series, died in her sleep of natural causes on April 10 at her home in Cold Spring, N.Y. She was 75. Jean Marzollo was born Jean Martin on June 25, 1942 in Manchester, Conn., the youngest of three children. In her 2007 essay for Something About the Author, she recalled that her childhood was happy and active, spent in a neighborhood filled with children, many of whom became lifelong friends, and featuring a slope perfect for sledding and riding bikes. Though she had not yet kindled an interest in writing, Marzollo said she discovered an early passion for making things with her friends, especially doll clothes. I never thought about being an author when I was young, but the pleasure I take now in making books is the same pleasure I took making doll clothes as a child, she wrote. In 1960, Marzollo graduated from Manchester High School and had set her mind on becoming a social worker with a goal of helping poor people improve their lives. She enrolled at the University of Connecticut, focusing on home economics and hoping to put her sewing skills to good use toward her career aspirations. It was a summer trip abroad in 1962 with a group called Experiment in International Living that helped Marzollo expand her world view and inspired her to change her major to English so she could read more deeply about different cultures. In the middle of her senior year at UConn, Marzollo was accepted to, and was able to begin, studies at Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Mass., having amassed enough credits to leave college early. She earned a Masters in Arts of Teaching in 1965 and began teaching high school English in Massachusetts. Marzollos desire to aid poor people continued to burn bright and in 1967 she became assistant director of Harvards Upward Bound summer program, designed to help at-risk high school students succeed. The experience and its challenges spurred Marzollo to move to New York City later that year in hopes of publishing educational materials that could help the kinds of children she met through Upward Bound. Once in New York, Marzollo found a position creating preschool materials, first for the General Learning Corporation, and then as a freelance writer. Around this time, she met sculptor Claudio Marzollo, who became her husband in 1969. Marzollos freelance career flourished, and she soon founded a small company with two friendscalled Education Workshopand wrote the first parent-teacher guide to Sesame Street, which had debuted on PBS in 1969. In 1970, Marzollo was named director of publications for the National Commission on Resources for Youth. She continued to write about family and early childhood issues, publishing articles in such magazines as Parents and Redbook. By 1972, Marzollo had taken on the position of editing Scholastics monthly kindergarten magazine, Lets Find Out. Her first published book for adults, Learning Through Play (Harper & Row), which was informed by her magazine work, was published that same year. Marzollo has said that she found her work on Lets Find Out so fulfilling that she kept the job for 20 years. As Marzollo tells it, the idea for her first childrens book also grew out of her experiences at Lets Find Out. She was a new mom (son Daniel was born in 1973) when she began jotting down some rhymes inspired by a humorous drawing by illustrator Irene Trivas. Once she finished the poem, Marzollo showed it to another illustrator, Susan Jeffers, who had recently worked on a project for Lets Find Out. Jeffers went on to show the text to her editor at Dial, Phyllis Fogelman, who wanted to publish it. Close Your Eyes, illustrated by Jeffers, was released by Dial in 1978, and dedicated to Marzollos second son, David, who was born in 1975. Marzollos most widely known projects were the bestselling I Spy seek-and-find riddle books, which she created in collaboration with photographer Walter Wick. In her Something About the Author essay, Marzollo related that their creative partnership also emerged from her experience at Lets Find Out. Wick had mailed a promotional card to the magazine, and as soon as Marzollo saw it she knew that this photographer would be perfect for kindergarten because his picture was so clear and enticing. She hired him to create a series of photos and posters with various themes and objects that interest children. The photos caught the eye of Grace Maccarone, then senior editor, and Bernette Ford, then editorial director, at Scholastics Cartwheel Books imprint. That interest led to the first book, I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles (1992), written by Marzollo with photos by Wick and art direction by Carol Devine Carson, who had also been working with Wick at Lets Find Out. The collaborators created seven more classic I Spy books in an oversize picture book format, and the myriad spin-offs from the seriessome co-created by Marzollos sonshave included easy readers, I Spy Challenger books, board books, and such merchandise as puzzles and electronic games. In the late 1990s, Marzollo began painting with watercolors, largely for her own enjoyment. But when she was asked to write Bible stories for young children, she also became a childrens book illustrator, providing the art for her text. She created a series of Bible story retellings including Daniel in the Lions Den (Little, Brown, 2003), and several retellings of Greek myths all for Little, Brown, and she wrote and illustrated two counting books, Ten Little Eggs (HarperFestival, 2004) and Ten Little Christmas Presents (Scholastic, 2008). Marzollo had another success with the Shanna Show series of early readers from Hyperion (20012004), a project suggested by then-editorial director Andrea Davis Pinkney. The books were adapted for TV as Shannas Show, an animated series that ran on Disney Channels Playhouse Disney from 2004 to 2010. In all, Marzollo created more than 150 books for children. She maintained her love of working with and for children and families throughout her life. Even though I am now old enough to retire, she wrote in 2007, I remain young at heart, perhaps because I write and illustrate for children. Jean and Claudio Marzollo moved from New York City to Philipstown, N.Y. (where the village of Cold Spring is located) in 1976 to raise their sons and were very active in their community, involved in library, literature and theater organizations as well as the local school board. In November 2017, the Butterfield Library in Cold Spring named its new childrens room after Jean and dedicated it to her. Wick posted a remembrance of Marzollo on his Facebook page. In part, it reads, I Spy sprang from a previous collaboration, its success was a complete surprise to both of us, and it changed our lives. It was Jean who recognized the educational potential of I Spy, and her ability to articulate those values made me a better illustrator. Her writing, so seemingly simple, was in fact carefully honed to provide young readers with the richest vocabulary-building experience possible. Simply put, the I Spy series would not be what it is without Jean Marzollo. She was a force in childrens book literature and early childhood education circles and will be sorely missed. Grace Maccarone, now executive editor at Holiday House, edited a variety of books by Marzollo since the first I Spy title in the early 1990s. In reflecting on their close relationship, she shared this anecdote: As well as being one of my authors, Jean was a mentor and a dear friend who often gave me reassuring parenting advice. And she was profoundly creative. One day I called Jean because I wanted her to write nonfiction at a first grade reading level. After we discussed business, I told Jean about a conversation my six-year-old daughter and her friend had in the backseat of my car. Every time my daughter made a statement, the friend would one-up her. This inspired Jean to write an adorable easy-to-read nonfiction book called Im a Seed, a dialogue between two seeds that imitated the girls conversation. In the end, the seeds discover they have become different plantsa pumpkin and a marigold. There should be a name for it, the pumpkin says. There is, replies the marigold. Its called life. I miss her. Sometimes cliches play out in impressively creative ways. In the case of Barbara Esham, necessity certainly spawned invention. More than a decade ago, her frustration by the lack of resources to help her and her elementary school-age daughter navigate the latters learning struggles drove Esham to create her own series of storybooks. Illustrated by Mike Gordon and self-published in 2008, The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses will have a new look and life when Sourcebooks Jabberwockys Little Pickle Press imprint releases repackaged editions of the books on May 1. The revamped seriess six debut titles, which now feature a uniform cover design, an easy-to-read type font, and newly created back matter addressing the specific issue spotlighted in each story, are Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets; If Youre So Smart, How Come You Cant Spell Mississippi; Last to Finish: A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class; Free Association: Where My Mind Goes During Science Class; Stacey Coolidges Fancy-Smancy Cursive Handwriting; and Keep Your Eye on the Prize. In 2006, the youngest of my three daughters was struggling academically due to her dyslexia, said Esham of the books genesis. I found it so difficult to find a bridge between me as a parent and her as a child, and to find the words to help that wouldnt make her say, Yeah, right. Youre only saying that because you love me. The author did extensive research, she explained, to find information to include in stories that would offer relief to my daughter and other kids, including the fact that many great thinkers throughout history struggled with learning and triumphed over their difficulties. So I wove some of their stories into my fictional stories. Esham added that, though her experience as a mother kickstarted The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses, her own childhood partially inspired the series. In second grade, I couldnt spell Mississippi, and a neighborhood kid who could win any spelling bee sensed my insecurity, and would taunt me about it, she recalled. So If Youre So Smart, How Come You Cant Spell Mississippi was pulled from my own past. Im thankful that experiences like that prepared me to be a compassionate and understanding parent. I feel as though I kind of had a head start. Eshams path to publication entailed significant gumption and savvy on her part. After creating mock-ups of stories tackling such issues as attention, distraction, creativity, perfection, dyslexia, and independence, the author submitted her project to a number of publishers, but received no nibbles. Im assuming they all just added my proposal to the stack of 2,000 others they had received! she noted. Perseverance Pays Off Undeterred, Esham resolved to publish the books herself, and lined up Gordon (whose numerous picture book credits include Carmela LaVigna Coyles Do Princesses? series) as illustrator, and successfully solicited endorsements from a handful of renowned psychologists and educators, among them Carol S. Dweck, author of the bestselling Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (Random House). Those accolades, Esham noted, gave me the confidence to move forward and give self-publishing a try. And she did. Then, on what the author called a very lowactually a nonexistentmarketing budget, Esham reached out to, and placed her books in, a healthy number of libraries, including those of Harvard, Stanford, and other universities that offer teaching degrees. Esham added that word-of-mouth enthusiasm helped sell an estimated 10,000 copies of each of her six books, and expressed gratitude that the series seemed to find its way and grow organically. Always on the lookout for books fostering growth mindset, Kelly Barrales-Saylor, editorial director of nonfiction at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, was immediately drawn to The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses when she first noticed online praise for the series. I learned about Barbaras books from teachers who had tagged them onlineon lesson-plan sites and social media sites like Pinterestas great for teaching growth mindset in the classroom, she explained. When Id search for our own books, The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses kept popping up as well. I knew that this was a perfect fit for our list, alongside such mainstays as Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak and The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, she observed. Barbaras books are not at all didactic or prescriptive, but instead address emotional concepts and learning issues through realistic stories with lots of humor. The stories help parents see various situations through a childs eye, and let children who are struggling know that they are not alonein a positive and uplifting way. Sourcebooks is targeting schools and libraries in its sales and marketing efforts for Eshams books, reported Barrales-Saylor We are very pleased to add Barbaras books to the list, and to give them greater exposure to children who need them, she said. In 2017, Little Pickles sales topped 2016 sales by 33%. The author is similarly enthusiastic about giving a broader base of parents and educators the chance to share her series with struggling children. Ive heard many parents say that my books have opened a window into what their child is experiencing during the school day, she said. I know that many times, when kids think theyre not succeeding, they feel a sense of shame and feel very alone. This series allows children to identify with characters at a time when they feel there is no one they can identify with, and Im very excited that the new Little Pickle editions will reach many more readers than I have been able to reach on my own. The Kweli Color of Literature Conference offered a full day of invigorating discussion and community building on Saturday, April 4, at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan. The conference offered four themed tracksPublishing, Community, and Culture; Novels; Illustrated Books and Nonfiction; and an Intensive Track for writers to focus closely on craft. Events in each track took place concurrently in different areas of the Graduate Center. PW was on-hand to cover several of the panel discussions, which addressed broad-ranging and pertinent issues relating to writing, publishing, and promoting stories with appeal to readers of all backgrounds. Author Angela Johnson kicked off the days events with a candid and moving keynote address. She spoke about how her school visits have led to a few mishaps (like getting locked in a third-floor bathroom), but have ultimately led her to feel more connected to her readersand they have also brought her closer to her memories of her own childhood. One painful memoryone of my earliest traumasreemerged for Johnson while on a school visit. It was 1967 and Johnson was beginning first grade at her Midwest elementary school when, surrounded by her kindergarten classmates from the previous year, she was approached by the first grade teacher who demanded to know, What are you doing here? Though Johnson recalled being told by her father once that there are some people who wouldnt accept you, she hadnt understood that this was because of the color of her skin. Standing there in the hallway with tears on my patent leather shoes, Johnson recalls being saved by her former teacherthe same teacher who had introduced her to the book The Snowy Day. She concluded by noting the importance of understanding children and our responsibility toward them, she said. From Diversity to Inclusion Six authors took the stage for a panel discussion called From Diversity to Inclusion to Empowerment to Justice: Moving the Conversation Forward Without Holding Back. The speakers were authors Fred Aceves, Nic Stone, Samira Ahmed, Sheba Karim (via video), Emma Otheguy, and Traci Sorell. Joanna Cardenas, editor at Penguins new Kokila imprint, moderated the lively and cogent discussion. The authors addressed both the opportunities and challenges involved in bringing underrepresented stories into the world. Through her books, Otheguy hopes to reflect the current realities and history of Latinx people who have very deep roots in this country. Ahmed spoke about wanting to bring forward more truthful representations of Asian characters, saying that the history of Asians in America is American history. The authors also spoke about their frustration with the way in which, despite some progress, non-white stories are still treated differently than white stories. Ahmed addressed a frequent source of outrage among authors, when its suggested by a publisher that they already have a project similar to their own and so they pass on the book. To Ahmed, she takes this to mean: we have another Indian [writer or character]. How many white kids going on road trip books do we have? she said, adding that our shelves should reflect our world. Stone struggles with the notion that her books ought to appeal to the majority in terms of the kinds of characters and stories being represented. She vies for authors to be more comfortable with just telling our stories the way we want to. And this approach is working, she says: the evidence is that so many kids are buying our books. The authors also spoke about recent books they have read that have led them to experience what Cardenas referred to as itchiness, or a kind of discomfort that can, counterintuitively, move the conversation about diversity and inclusion forward. Aceves counts Meg Medinas Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass as a novel that resulted in some discomfort for him. The story made him sharply aware of a sometimes uncomfortable reality, that the first ones to hold us back are sometimes those within our communities, he said. Stone commented that, in her writing, I love making people uncomfortable. Ive spent my entire life being uncomfortable. She added that things dont change when were comfortable. When she was recently reading debut author Adib Khorrams Darius the Great Is Not Okay (Dial, Aug.)a book she praised highlyshe came up against some discomfort herself. As the book features many Iranian names and references, I wanted the book to be easier to read. But after thinking about her response, she realized: why should it be easy? Sheba spoke about challenging readers assumptions and expectations through her characters who, for example, might be wearing a hijab while rolling a joint: If you can make people within a community and outside that community feel uncomfortable, youre doing something right, she said. A New Chapter Writers gathered to speak on a panel devoted to creating chapter books and early middle grade readers. The speakers were Zetta Elliott, Debbi Michiko Florence, Veera Hiranandani, and Kelly Starling Lyons; Weslie Turner served as moderator. Starling Lyons defined chapter books as being bridge books between easy readers and novels that give confidence to readers who may not be quite ready to move onto novel reading. Hiranandani suggested that chapter books have other unique characteristics beyond serving as a developmental bridge. She suggested that they refrain from exploring darker elementsa quality that, interestingly, she believes is often present in picture books. Kids [reading chapter books] havent seen their worlds break open, she said. To her, chapter books offer a reprieve before readers enter into the world of middle school and the added complexities of many middle grade books. The authors shared the origin stories of their characters and discussed the ways that they have expanded the category of chapter books through their work. Florence described how Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen (the first of a series) came about when she conceived of a little girl who wants to do a mans job. Specifically, she wants to pound mochi, which girls are not usually allowed to do. Jasmine would not shut up. She really wanted me to tell her story, she said. Lyons, meanwhile, began writing the Jada Jones series when her daughter, an introverted girl who loves science, found that there werent any books with characters like her. The spark for Hiranandanis Phoebe G. Green books came from her upbringing in a Jewish and Indian household, where the marriage of two cultures influenced, among many other things, the food that she ate. I used food to bridge cultures, she said. She also wanted to push back against the notion that kids only want to eat certain kinds of foods: Im frustrated with how we tell kids what theyre supposed to like, she said. Elliott (Bird) discussed how her books do often integrate dark content, including discussions of colonialism, but often in the context of fantasy and in a way that allows readers to feel safe. Magic is about power. If you are talking about magic, you are talking about power, she said. Elliott, who, in addition to publishing traditionally, self-publishes her work, feels that imbedding these darker elements into adventure and fantasy gives kids a bridge to talk about identity. Lyons, who traces some of her inspiration as a writer to first seeing the black child on the cover of the book Something Beautiful (by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and Chris K. Soentpiet), shared her hopes for how her books are received. I want to empower children, give back, and show them a side of themselves they might not see. Writing History Novelists gathered for a panel called Keeping It Real: Weaving the Past and Present into Your Fiction. The panelists were Tonya Bolden, Joseph Bruchac, Veera Hiranandani, and Rita Williams-Garcia. Author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich moderated the discussion. When writing work that integrates historical content, Rhuday-Perkovich queried the group, where does your story start? For Williams-Garcia, regardless of where or when the story takes place, it begins with an image, a sound, the spark that makes me disconnect from the world and want to jump in. She added that embarking on a new project involves being able to trick my brain into seeing something new. That something new, she hopes, carries over to the readerfor example, in One Crazy Summer, she asks readers to shed the old ways of viewing the Black Panthers. When writing about partition in her new novel The Night Diary, Hiranandani was faced with the task of taking an aerial view of a huge piece of history and zoning in one character in order to ask questions from an innocent place. Her character Nishas story starts before everything changes. Bruchac, who provided a brief musical interlude on his flute, discussed how, being from indigenous Abenaki descent, I see history in a different way past and present doesnt exist in Abenaki, he said. He believes in the power of history to teach, but feels that people arent always listening: there is not enough history, especially now, he said. The panelists discussed balancing fictional aspects with nonfictional details and working with editors who may not always grasp culturally specific content. When writing Crossing Ebeneezer Creek, Bolden set out to capture the humanity of enslaved people if the spirit was beat out of them, we wouldnt be here, she said. In her work, Bolden often integrates footnotes that indicate to her editor what elements of the story are factual. For Williams-Garcia, she believes that an editor can best serve a story by recognizing that, while they might not understand a reference, they still recognize its importance. And while editors sometimes miss the mark with their critiques, great editors can help make great books. When it comes to accepting good critical advice, the best thing a writer can be is nimble, said Bolden. Additional topics of focus included making historical fiction relevant, writing fallible figures from history, and keeping historical accounts authentic, even if some details may be uncomfortable. You dont shy away from these thingsyou bring them in, Williams-Garcia said. She added, If we are Americans, we come out of an ugly, brutal history. To clean it up entirely is to give a gift that isnt really a gift, she said. Honoring the truth of history while writing characters who grapple with those truths is key to making history come alive for readers, the panelists agreed. For Bruchac, the success of a historical story comes down to the storytelling voice. If youre passionate, youll bring readers in. Just tell a true story, he said. Story Magic Four authors and an editor next spoke on a panel titled Magic and Ritual: Celebrating Sci-Fi and Fantasy. The speakers were Rhoda Belleza, Sayantani DasGupta, Serene Hakim, and Rebecca Roanhorse. Alvina Ling, v-p and editor-in-chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, moderated. The authors discussed what drew them to first write sci-fi and fantasy. For DasGupta, she grew up reading books like A Wrinkle in Time and as a Star Trek and Star Wars fan: I loved sci-fi, but sci-fi didnt love me back, she said. She first began writing sci-fi for the 12-year-old me, who couldnt find any characters that resembled her. Belleza was drawn to sci-fi for similar reasons. Because characters of color were so uncommon in the books she read, space or a parallel dimension seemed like the most likely place to see diversity. Roanhorse (Trail of Lightning, June) counts Dune as being one of the few works in which she saw a representation of an indigenous culture. It was easier to see myself in a completely artificial world, she said. For Hakim, an agent at Ayesha Panda Literary, she seeks out stories from marginalized and underrepresented voices. Her desire to find and share those stories came about, in part, from her upbringing as a child of Lebanese immigrants. In her past experience, many of the Middle Eastern stories she looked for as a child, were rooted in war. The authors spoke about their fatigue and exasperation in seeing a dearth of books that reflected authentic non-white lives. DasGupta commented on how, early in her writing career, she struggled with her own internalization of gatekeepers ideas, which told her an Indian American womans story should be sad, involve cultural confusion, and conflicts with parents. Thats not my story, she said. Instead, she chose to write a fantasy story about an Indian American girl who learns that she is a princessand gets to define what that means on her own terms. DasGupta draws from her New Jersey upbringing, the Bengali folk tales she loves, and her time spent in India during her summer vacations. Roanhorse often draws from her Navajo background and what she describes as a different world view when creating her speculative fiction realms. She also spoke about the power of creating stories with Native American characters in distant future worlds. Despite having their very existence threatened throughout history, her stories make it clear that Native Americans not only are here now, but will continue to be powerfully present in the future. Telling Stories World Wide A panel discussion on global storytelling welcomed speakers Kheryn Callender, Tami Charles, Sayantani DasGupta, and Aram Kim. The panel was moderated by Namrata Tripathi, publisher of Penguins new Kokila imprint. The panelists spoke about the audiences they write for, crafting flawed characters, and how their own stories arise. For her book, No Kimchi for Me!, Kim wanted to write a fun, modern story that wasnt expressly a Korean book about immigration. Her story features a child who thinks that kimchi is stinky. She contemplated whether featuring the word kimchi in the title would be unappealing to readers unfamiliar with the dish, but she is glad that she did. She also admitted to having some trepidation about featuring a human character on the cover, fearing that it might narrow her audience: My bait [for readers] was making the character a cat, she said. At the end of the story, while her cat character resists kimchi, her older brothers suggest to her that she may think differently as she gets older. Its a subtle suggestion to readers to also broaden their minds about foods they think they wont like. Callender sets her book Hurricane Child (Scholastic Press) in the Virgin Islands, where she was born. While there is joy in the novel, it was important to Callender to hint at another side of a place that people think of as paradise I wanted to show isolation and depression, she said. Tami Charless book Like Vanessa (Charlesbridge) is set in 1983 Newark and centers around a 13-year-old who, inspired by Vanessa Williamsthe first black Miss Americadecides to enter a beauty pageant. Charles began writing the novel for U.S. readers, but started to see the book as having much broader appeal as it deals with an issue that impacts readers worldwidethat of colorism. The speakers concluded by reflecting on a raw truth of writing characters of color. Because there are fewer representations of non-white characters, those characters often carry additional weight. In other words, if an author writes a flawed or even unsavory character, will they risk having that character unfairly held as a token of their ethnic background? Its a question that white people never have to ask, said Callender. A Grand Finale All Kweli attendees regrouped for a powerful final presentation by speakers that included Vashti Harrison, Kazu Kibuishi, Beth Phelan, and Kate Sullivan. Namrata Tripathi moderated. The speakers addressed the critical importance of community building among authors and industry professionals of color. Sullivan, senior editor of YA and middle grade at Delacorte, noted that she is now seeing more manuscripts from non-white authors about non-white characters. We are swimming in manuscripts from different cultures and representing different abilities, but it took years to get here, she said. She believes that the next big push for representation needs to be in the arena of book sales. For Tripathi, fostering community is a central focus of Penguins Kokila imprint, which seeks to publish work from marginalized voices. In her words, the imprint aims to bring together authors through a common mission, where they will be supported vigorously and pushed in the way only family can push you. Tripathi added that, in her own personal and professional life, she had underestimated how essential it is to find your people. Questions and insights from audience members included an impassioned plea from a library studies student for more people of color to enter library science professions: We need to amplify the voices of the people here, she said. Another audience member expressed a need for more resources that enable discoverability of books for all readers: You can publish all of the diverse books you want, but it does no good if they arent getting into kids hands. An individual also made a call for more Native American authors and illustrators to work on broad-ranging projects. In closing, Laura Pegram, executive director and Kweli founder, spoke about how the idea for the Kweli organization started as a dream at a difficult time in her lifewhen she was first in a wheelchair as a result of mixed connective tissue disease. She expressed her amazement and pride at how Kweli has developed into a thriving literary movement. Speaking about her gratitude for the partnerships she has had along the way, she noted the power of community, magic, and sisterhood, and the blessings that happen when you dont give up. Thanks for riding this dream with us, she said. Wanda Brown Wins ALA Presidency Congratulations to Wanda Brown, director of library services at the C. G. OKelly Library, Winston-Salem (N.C.) State University, and your next ALA president. In the election, which closed April 4, Brown received 6,066 votes, while her opponent, Peter Hepburn, head librarian of College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, California, received 4,066 votes. It is truly an honor to be elected as the next ALA president," Brown said in a statement. "I thank you for the opportunity to lead. I look forward to working closely with the membership in advocating for libraries, fostering diversity and inclusion, and demonstrating our professions value. An ALA member for 30 years, Brown is an active member of a number of library organizations, including the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, and the Library Leadership and Management Association. She has held multiple leadership positions within each division. She will serve as president-elect beginning with the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, where Loida Garcia-Febo will be sworn in as the 2018-2019 ALA president. No MLS Required: Divisive ALA Ballot Measures Fails Despite Winning Margin Despite a nearly 2-1 margin in favor, a ballot measure that would have required the ALAs next executive director to hold an ALA-accredited masters degree failed, as it failed to meet the 25% threshold of eligible ALA members required in order to carry the amendment forward. In all, a total of 10,405 members voted on the question, which represents just 21% of eligible ALA voters. Of those votes, 6,515 voted for MLS-required and 3,890 voted for MLS-preferred. The vote came after the ALA Council last fall voted (with 77% support) to make the MLS degree preferred, after the initial search for Keith Feils's permanent replacement failed to turn up a suitable candidate. In response, a minority of ALA members successfully circulated a petition to place the MLS question on the ALAs spring ballot, seeking to keep the ALA executive director position MLS-required. The issue became a divisive, hotly debated issue within ALA, as it has stalled the search for a new executive director. Keith Fiels officially retired last July. But now, the voters have been heard. And while a large majority of voters sought to keep the job MLS-required, 79% of ALA members simply didn't care enough to even vote. The good news is: the ALA Executive Board can now proceed with the search process again. Top 10 Most Challenged Books' of 2017 and New Theme for Banned Books Week On Monday, the American Library Association released its 2018 State of Libraries report. While public support for libraries is on the rise, 2017 saw an increase in the number of attempts to remove or restrict access to library materials. According to the report, 416 books were challenged in 2017. The "Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2017" included many familiar names in the childrens book world. Jay Ashers Thirteen Reasons Why, which was adapted into a Netflix TV series in 2017, rose to the top of the list a decade after its publication, followed by The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie, which has consistently made the list since its publication in 2007. As PWs John Maher reported earlier this week, the data from which the list was compiled shows the books were challenged for reasons irrespective of the allegations surrounding authors, both of whom in recent months have been accused ofand respectively denied in some capacitysexual and professional harassment. Still, their presence on the list brings new light to the role of censorship today. The Office of Intellectual Freedom believes no idea, no story should be forbidden or censored just because of what it says," OIF director Jamie LaRue told PW. He noted that the issue is "part of a larger swell of concern," which, he says, is part of "the real conflict right now in our society, and certainly in librarianship, between intellectual freedom and social justice." The report also announced the theme of 2018's Banned Book WeekBanning books silences stories. Speak out! which is scheduled for September 2329. The new theme aims to highlight challenges to intellectual freedom beyond books and the ways people are silenced in everyday life, including instances such as when authors Colson Whitehead and Andrew Aydin were invited and then disinvited to speaking events, as well as the impact of 23 hates crimes in libraries reported in 2017. Friday One-liners A national survey on voter perceptions and support of public libraries finds that libraries are increasingly seen as community hubs for human connection and lifelong learning. Over at TPM, a great analysis by Josh Marshall: Data Lords: The Real Story of Big Data, Facebook and the Future of News... Media studies scholar Siva Vaidhynathan nails it: "the core problems with Facebook are that it has 2.2 billion users, and an algorithm that amplifies nonsense..." New York Times tech columnist Brian Chen: I Downloaded the information that Facebook has on me. Yikes. According to Pew, an estimated two-thirds of tweeted links to popular websites are posted by automated accounts, not human beings. In 1965, Harvard University Librarian Emeritus Robert Darnton walked into "a historian's dream." For the first time in two decades, a huge number of books, films, and other works will escape U.S. copyright law. From Forbes, How Libraries Are Reinventing Themselves To Fight Fake News. With broad new injunction, publishers and Sci-Hub ramp up their game of "whac-a-mole." Vox discovers that there is a longstanding and vicious feud between architects and librarians. The Next Web: 9 privacy experts say I told you so about Facebook. Dont call me a customer, treat me like a human: a public policy professor asks us to rethink relationships in public service. 50 years and nine editions later, the seminal womens health book Our Bodies, Our Selves is going out of print. A murder in the library via CrimeReads. Dan Rather: Libraries represent an aspirational notion of democracy. Just five years ago, the London Book Fair was abuzz with predictions about publishings digital future: print was in decline, and e-books were the next big thing. Those trends have now flipped as print sales remain solid and e-book sales dip. But another digital format grabbed the headlines at a low-key but busy 2018 London Book Fair: the audiobook, which has seen explosive sales growth over the past few years. Though there were no blockbuster rights acquisitions, publishers and agents at this years fair, which concluded April 12, reported high-quality submissions and brisk rights dealing. I think it has been a good fair, with the right people here for rights and international deals, said Faber CEO Stephen Page, who pointed to especially strong submissions in nonfiction, driven by new and challenging ideas in gender issues, technology, politics, and the state of the world. Curtis Brown agent Gordon Wise said the fair was good and buzzy and agreed that the quality of submissions was strong. Josh Getzler, an agent at Hannigan Salky Getzler, said he thought the show was active and energetic, especially on the deal-making front. In particular, Getzler thought there was a hunger for near-future science fiction and a lack of energy for anything historical not dealing with World War II. He also added that he felt mysteries seemed to be having a rough time as everyone is awaiting the bubble to burst on Gone Girl-y domestic suspense. HarperCollins used the fair to announce the newest signing in its global publishing program. The company acquired world rights to six novels by Daniel Silva, the first author to take part in the HC effort. The first novel in the new deal, The Other Woman, will be released in July. Since Silva became part of the global program, HC has published seven of his novels in 24 countries and 15 languages. Sales of the seven novels stand at 5.5 million copies worldwide. People are in acquisition mode, said Canongates Jamie Byng. There is a lot of interesting and successful publishing going on around the world, and book fairs are a great way to remind you of all the good things that are going on. The lack of negative headlines was rather welcome at this years fair. There were no simmering battles with Amazon, for example, and though political uncertainty still looms with Brexit in the U.K. and the chaos coming out of the Trump White House in the U.S., publishers have kept stiff upper lips, supported by a stable global book market. At a packed session on Wednesday, April 11, Steve Bohme, director, Nielsen Book Research U.K., described the past five years as a mixture of going up hill and down dale for publishers, with print sales in the U.K. dropping from 2012 to 2014 as e-books gained share, and then print rising from 2015 to 2017 as e-book sales declined. And Bohme noted that though print sales in the U.K. were down slightly last year in volume from a strong Harry Potterfueled 2016, overall consumer spending on print has kept pace. Print has seen a real resurgence, he told fairgoers. But it was audiobooks, he added, that hit a milestone in 2017, accounting for as much 5% of consumer book spending in the U.K. Audiobooks are the golden child of publishing at the moment, said Orna OBrien, conference manager of Quantum, the digital conference on Monday, April 9, that preceded the opening of the London Book Fair. That sentiment that was shared by Hachette U.K. CEO David Shelley. Audio is not a blip, Shelley told Quantum attendees, predicting that audiobooks could be one of the biggest parts of our business. Michele Cobb, executive director of the Audio Publishers Association in the U.S., offered the American perspective, saying at the Quantum afternoon session that the APA estimated that U.S. audiobook sales in 2016 totaled more than $2.1 billion. And the latest APA survey suggests that there is still room to grow: some 24% of Americans, or more than 67 million people, reported listening to at least one audiobook in the past year, a healthy 22% increase over 2015. Though APA figures for 2017 have not yet been released, the Association of American Publishers StatShot survey of 1,212 publishers showed sales of digital audio up almost 30% in the first 11 months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. In remarks before the fair, LBF director Jacks Thomas said the data suggests that audio sales are not eating into print or e-book share but are bringing new consumers into the book market. The rise in podcasts and the ease of listening on digital devices may have turned on a new generation to the joys of having a book on the go, she added. In recent years, the fair has examined the state of free speech. This year that task went to the International Publishers Association, which held a Censor, Advocate, or Disruptor? seminar on April 10. Mark Stephens, a human rights lawyer, said that when it comes to censorship around the world, publishers and freedom-of-speech advocates have a nest of trip wires we have to navigate. He offered an overview of several trouble spots around the world, noting that the big question is whether to engage in dialogue with a country that engages in censorship or to leave it alone. Several seminar sessions referenced Turkey, where press freedom has been in significant decline since the political crackdown following the attempted coup in 2016. Maureen Freely, president of English PEN and translator of Orhan Pamuk, noted during one session that a crackdown on intellectuals and the media has put a significant amount of people out of work. The people who have been dismissed from their jobs had their passports confiscated and can no longer find work, she said, adding that 140 media organizations have been shut down, as have 30 publishers and 18 magazines; there are 80 writers in prison, and most are charged with being members of terrorist organizations. Kristenn Einarsson, CEO of the Norwegian Publishers Association and chair of the IPAs Freedom to Publish committee, pointed out that there are other countries in Europe where there are threats to free speech. The governments of Poland and Hungary are becoming increasingly problematic, he said. Though the London Book Fair doesnt report its attendance until after a final audit, an organizer told PW that pre-registrations for this years fair were up and that feedback from across the fair was positive, with people reporting very busy stands and events. Correction: This article has been updated to reflect comments made by Josh Getzler, who said publishers were interested in books related to World War II, not the reverse. WWE RETURNING TO ARGENTINA, STEPHANIE MCMAHON PROFILED BY PEOPLE TV AND MORE WWE NEWS WWE announced they would return to Buenos Aires, Argentina at Luna Park Stadium on Thursday 12/6 with tickets going on sale on 4/26 at www.ticketportal.com.ar. The show will be a Raw brand event with Roman Reigns, Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, The Miz, Sheamus, Cesaro, Asuka, Bray Wyatt and more advertised (although talent could change pending the Superstar Shakeup.) Stephanie McMahon tweeted: Thank you @peopletv for sharing a glimpse into my life. Ive never shared so much about my life at home. From being a mom to 3 amazing girls, to CBO of @WWE, to Wrestling @RondaRousey in her debut match at #WrestleMania! Check it out at #PeopleFeatures https://t.co/nbHp32hLvI Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 13, 2018 WWE are now selling the new line of Performa shaker bottles with talent and legend logos. Macaulay Culkin Vs. The WWE: Thumbwrestlemania #1 The New Day compete against each other on "Who Knows WWE Network?" WWE Kid Superstar reveal at WrestleMania Axxess Superstar reactions to Carmella's stunning cash-in: WWE Now If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! In a surprise move, Beijing announced on Thursday that it would hold live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait next week - something that is both a message to Taipei and a show of geopolitical support for Russia during its time of friction with the United States, military observers said. The announcement came just hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also chairs the powerful Central Military Commission, was on the southern island of Hainan to inspect the biggest naval parade in the country's history, a massive flexing of naval muscle amid China's growing rivalry with the US. President Donald Trump is under enormous pressure to respond militarily to the latest provocation by the Assad regime, but he would do so against all of his instincts and earlier pronouncements to end U.S. military involvement in the Syrian war. Just days before the chemical attacks in Douma, Trump announced he wanted U.S. troops out of Syria within months, and that the fight against the Islamic State was largely completed. Some claim that Trumps public announcement of U.S. withdrawal in Syria emboldened Assad to conduct these attacks. But the fact is that there have been at least eight alleged chemical attacks by the Assad regime since Trump took office. Assad has continually tested the boundaries of what the international community and his allies are willing to accept, and has gotten away with it. Either way, the chemical attacks in Douma changed the calculus for Trump. Although he adamantly wants U.S. military involvement to end, Trump is now not only forced to respond but also to respond in a more robust manner than the single-strike last year against an empty airfield. Trump finds himself in the same position as his predecessor, having heavily criticised Barack Obama for letting a red line be crossed without retaliating. Only a significant escalation of U.S. force will be credible enough to deter Assad against future use of chemical weapons or attacks against civilians. It is not only a matter of punishing Assad, destroying his ability to use chemical weapons, or responding reciprocally to a provocation. The very credibility of the U.S. is at stake. Yet the U.S. will not win the escalation game. If the U.S. escalates, then Assads allies, particularly Russia, can escalate in turn. Assads allies have proved that they are able and, more importantly, willing to do more. It is this conundrum that is delaying what everyone believes to be imminent U.S. action. Furthermore, escalation without a coherent strategy, a thing that has been notably absent in Washington since the conflict began, will only cause additional violence and suffering. It is ironic that the path Trump would most want to follow, and the only hope for any conclusion to the sordid Syrian war, is to support a negotiated political settlement spearheaded by Russia. At a time when the U.S. most needs to work with the Russians to end this conflict for their mutual benefit, Trump is unable to reach out. He is thwarted both domestically, given the Mueller investigation and the widespread belief among Americans that his campaign colluded with Russia, and internationally, by Russias own actions in the region. It would be naive of the U.S. to think Russia will abandon Assad altogether. Assad has been good for Russia. Russias support of his regime and involvement in Syria offered a foothold back into the Middle East, a region where, until now, Russia has not had a significant presence since the end of the Cold War. And Russia has been able to thwart American dominance by pushing back against U.S. interests and influence in the region. Neither can the U.S. afford a complete collapse of the Assad regime. That would mean reigniting the civil war just as it is settling down. The fear has always been that the alternative to Assad will be much worse, that Assads brutality will be overshadowed by the chaos that would come in lieu of him. But there is manoeuvrability. Conventional thinking holds that the Trump administration and coalition allies need to do more to pressure Russia to pressure Assad. But Russia does not need to be pressured further. What it needs is an opportunity. Russia knows full well that Assad is a problematic ally. Assads alleged chemical attacks and attacks against civilians have not only sullied Russias reputation but also affected its political and economic interests in Syria and the Middle East. Russia will only be able to make full use of the leverage it has in Syria once a negotiated settlement is reached. The longer the conflict goes on, the more difficult it becomes for Russia to contain its differences with and gain the upper hand over Iran and Turkey. Russia wants to reap benefits from any reconstruction activity in Syria, but cannot do so without other rich international donors. It cannot afford all of the reconstruction costs, and therefore needs the West, Arab countries, and China. But their support for reconstruction depends on a negotiated political settlement. Russia understands there will not be a final military victory, and for years has been pushing for a negotiated settlement. But Assad remains unconvinced and has resisted Russian pressure. Assad will not risk negotiating himself out of power. He wants to set the terms for a future peace. Only U.S.Russian collusion, pushing for a negotiated settlement through Russian political pressure and U.S. military action, will have any hope of changing Assads current mindset. This is the only way to put an end to the terrible violence that has already killed 400,000 people and displaced millions. This is a scenario that carries great risk for both Washington and Russia, has little hope of coming to pass in the near term, but would be the best chance to end this terrible war. Lydia Khalil is a Research Fellow in the West Asia Program at the Lowy Institute. Lydias professional background in politics, international relations and security has focused on U.S. national security policy, Middle East politics and intelligence. She was international affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York where she analysed political and security trends in the Middle East. She also served as a political advisor for the U.S. Department of Defense in Iraq, where she worked closely with Iraqi officials on political negotiations and constitutional drafting. In Australia, Lydia held fellowships with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Macquarie University, specialising in intelligence, national security and cyber security. This article appeared originally at Lowy Institute's the interpreter. Beijing claims the South China Sea as Chinas own. But it completely rejects any notion that the Indian Ocean should be treated either as Indias ocean or as an Indian preserve. The implications of these inconsistent positions may become increasingly important in the ChinaIndia relationship, and have important consequences for other countries in the region. Beijing wants to be a resident power in the Indian Oceanjust like the US, the UK and France. Chinese naval ships and submarines are now making frequent forays into Indias near seas. Many on Indias maritime periphery have embraced Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In the face of growing Chinese heft in Indias front yard, theres an intensifying SinoIndian geopolitical rivalry in the Indian Ocean. Delhis traditional influence there is now under serious challenge. New Delhi has long feared being encircled by Chinas string of pearls network of installations in the Indian Ocean, and many of its fears may now be coming true. Last year, China opened its first overseas naval base in Djibouti. China may be planning to open a new naval base at Jiwani, next to Pakistans China-controlled Gwadar port. In Pakistan, Sri Lanka and elsewhere, China is using the BRI to create client states. Beijing is using its infrastructure projects, while also creating debt dependency, with corrupt and weak regimes to increase Chinas political leverage. To give a recent example, the pro-Chinese leader of the Maldives, President Abdulla Yameen, declared a state of emergency in February. The Maldives has long been a foundation of Indias sphere of influence in South Asia. Nevertheless, Chinas warnings against Indian intervention probably emboldened the autocratic leader of the Maldives to extend the state of emergency despite Indias strong opposition. It also seems to have cowed India, which sent aircraft and ships to its southern bases but didnt follow up with action to restore democracy in the Maldives. In the meantime, China is rapidly moving to increase its investments in the Maldives, which include an US$830 million upgrade of the airport, and a 1.3-mile bridge to link the airport island with the capital, which is a US$400 million project. China has signed a free trade agreement with the Maldives and has leased the uninhabited island Feydhoo Finolhu for tourism use for 50 years. It has probably leased several other islands as well. Because of sea level rise, the Maldives also hopes to receive Chinese help in reclaiming land and creating artificial islands via dredging. There are also reports of a Joint Ocean Observation Station that China is looking to establish in the Maldives western-most atoll in the north, not far from India. There are concerns that this would give the Chinese a vantage point to monitor an important Indian Ocean shipping route. Noted Indian strategic affairs analyst Brahma Chellaney argues that India should warn the Maldivian and Chinese governments that it wont accept an ocean observation centre. Its too early to say whether any of these projects will end up like the Chinese-built international airport in Sri Lanka thats a rarely used white elephant. But all of this is a direct challenge to New Delhi in the Indian Ocean. And India is moving to shore up its position against a more assertive Chinse presence by developing its own string of pearls. New Delhi recently signed a strategic pact with France, with each opening their naval bases to the others warships across the Indian Ocean. That gives the Indian navy access to strategically important French portsincluding one in Djibouti that offers easy access to key oil supply and trade routes. Apart from the French agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year finalised an agreement for a new base in the Seychelles and negotiated military access to facilities at Omans port and airfields. Last year India signed an agreement with Singapore to allow deployments from each others naval facilities. And India has expanded its bases on Andaman and Nicobar Islands at the end of the Malacca Strait. Belatedly, India has realised that it needs to match Chinas assertiveness, and that includes expanding its reach into the Pacific. For Delhi, having a counter power-projection capability in the South China Sea is now seen as critical to its strategic deterrence against Beijing. Indeed there has been a recent surge in Indias eastern naval deployments. India has also stepped up aid to littorals through its Project SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which is designed to revive Indias ancient trade routes and cultural linkages around the Indian Oceana counter-move to Chinas maritime silk road. To get a good understanding of all of these developments in the Indian Ocean and how China and India are increasingly bumping up against each other across the Indo-Pacific, theres no better source than the recently released India & China at sea: competition for naval dominance in the Indian Ocean. The editor of the volume, Australian scholar David Brewster, points out in his introduction that how India and China get along in the shared Indian Oceanwhether through cooperation, coexistence, competition or confrontationwill be one of the key strategic developments for the entire region. The book has essays from scholars from Australia, the US, China and India. The essays examine Indian and Chinese perspectives of each other as major powers in the Indian Ocean, Chinas growing security presence in the region, the evolution of Indian policymakers views towards Chinas role in Indian Ocean, the reasons China doesnt understand Indias concerns (theres a suggestion that China is an autistic superpower), Chinas evolving naval strategy and security presence in the region, and how the Indian navy would respond in the event of a conflict, including an examination of subsurface capabilities. There are valuable chapters on Indias maritime domain awareness strategy in the region, and on its naval interests in the Pacific. Theres also a skeptical view on Chinas maritime silk road and the risks that China faces with that initiative. This book is essential reading on the maritime great game in progress and has many useful insights on how China and Indiaeach a rising power in its own rightare competing to gain relative advantage over the other in the Indian Ocean. Wednesday morning, President Trump jolted the nation with a tweet that contained both threat and taunt: "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump was responding to a warning by Russia that she would shoot down U.S. missiles fired at her Syrian allies, and she reserved the right to fire on U.S. warships and bases from which any such missiles were launched. The "Gas Killing Animal" was Syrian President Bashar Assad. That afternoon, Defense Secretary James Mattis dialed it down. Had he seen enough evidence to convict Assad of a poison gas attack in Douma, Mattis was asked. His reply: "We are still assessing the intelligence. ... We're still working on this." Thursday morning, Trump seemed to walk back his threat: "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Is Trump planning a larger attack and silently gathering allies? Is he signaling that a U.S. attack on Syria may not be coming? Whichever, the relief at his apparent stand down was palpable. Yet the interlude should cause some sober second thoughts. Why risk war with Russia in Syria, when, by our own inaction during this seven-year civil war, we have shown we have no vital interest there? And, surely, we have no interest in Syria so crucial as to justify a war with a nuclear-armed Russia. Trump allowed his revulsion at the awful pictures of dead children, allegedly gassed, to impel him to threaten military action almost certain to result in more dead children. Emotions should not be allowed to overrule what the president has thought and expressed many times: While the outcome of Syria's civil war may mean everything to Assad, and much to Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Israel, it means comparatively little to a USA 5,000 miles away. We cannot forever fight other peoples' wars without ending up on the same ash heap of history as the other world powers before us. And why not talk directly to our adversaries there? If Trump can talk to Kim Jong Un, who used an anti-aircraft gun to execute his uncle and had his half-brother murdered in a Malaysian airport with a chemical weapon, why cannot we talk to Bashar Assad? In 1974, Richard Nixon flew to Damascus to establish ties to Assad's father, the future "Butcher of Hama." George H.W. Bush enlisted Hafez al-Assad and 4,000 Syrian troops in his Gulf War to liberate Kuwait. What are America's limited interests in Syria in 2018? Containing al-Qaida, exterminating the ISIS caliphate, and effecting the best deal we can for the Kurds who have been loyal and crucial to our campaign against ISIS. Damascus, Moscow and Tehran are not fighting us on these fronts. For al-Qaida and ISIS are their enemies as well. As for the political future of Syria, it is not vital to us and not ours to determine. And the efforts of others to have us come fight their wars, while understandable, need to be resisted. All over this city, and across the Middle East, there are people who wish to conscript U.S. wealth and power to advance their goals and achieve their visions. Having let them succeed so often has diminished us as a superpower from what we were at the end of the Cold War. This should stop, and the nation knows it. Among the reasons Democrats nominated Barack Obama and America elected him was that his opponents, Hillary Clinton and John McCain, supported the Iraq War Obama opposed. Among the reasons the Republican Party nominated Trump and the nation elected him was that he promised to take us out and keep us out of wars like this Syrian civil war. Is it not ironic that today our War Party, which, almost to a man, loathed Trump and rejected his candidacy, is goading and cheering him on, deeper and deeper into the Syrian quagmire? Trump is heading into a 60-day period that will go far to determine the fate of his presidency and the future of the Middle East. If investigators determine that Assad's forces used poison gas on civilians in Douma, Trump will have to decide whether to repeat the strike he made on Syria, a year ago, and, this time, risk war with Russia. He will have to decide by May 12 whether the U.S. walks away from the Iran nuclear deal. On May 15 comes the formal move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, the 70th anniversary of the birth of Israel and of the Nakba, or "catastrophe," of the Palestinians, and the culmination of the Friday protests in Gaza that have turned so bloody. We and Mr. Trump are heading into interesting times. COPYRIGHT 2018 CREATORS.COM One hundred nineteen years ago, Speaker of the House Thomas B. Reed announced that he was, after 22 years of service, resigning from Congress. Reed had been one of the most effective speakers ever. Barbara Tuchman's account, in "The Proud Tower," of how he neutered the minority party has entranced readers for decades now. When Democrats tried to prevent the presence of a quorum by refusing to answer roll calls, he defeated their efforts by simply noting their presence from the chair. In the process, Reed made policy, passing the first billion-dollar budget -- which included generous Civil War pensions -- the Sherman Antitrust Act and a big budget boost for the Navy. The civil rights bill he got the House to pass -- the last such measure for 67 years -- was blocked in the Senate. Why did Reed leave Congress? He disagreed with his party's president. William McKinley had reluctantly gone to war with Spain and acquired the Philippines. Reed thought that was wrong policy. He left Washington and his native Maine and moved to New York to practice law. The parallels aren't quite exact between the resignation in 1899 of the 32nd speaker and the announcement by the 54th speaker, Paul Ryan, Wednesday that he won't seek re-election, but they're close enough for government work. Both cared a lot about policy and were partially successful at setting it. Each had the trust of a potentially fractious caucus. Both decided to leave because they were at odds with their party's president. And yes, there is more to Ryan's claim that he wants to spend more time with his family than is usually the case. The Wisconsin Republican took the speakership only on condition that he would stay home on weekends rather than, like his predecessors, fly around the country fundraising. Like Reed with McKinley, Ryan is not at odds with Donald Trump on everything; for example, they were in sync with the tax bill that Ryan pushed through in December. But they didn't agree on much else. Ryan was first elected to the House in 1998, at age 28, after working as a staffer for Jack Kemp. As ranking member and chairman of the House Budget Committee, he sought Medicare entitlement reform and got just about every House Republican to sign on. He backed changes in Medicaid and food stamps, as well, and supported free trade agreements. He fashioned programs to help people out of poverty. On almost all such issues, Trump has other views -- or none at all. He has made clear that he opposes any entitlement reform, which leaves it with zero support from both Republicans and Democrats. In temperament, Ryan and Trump are something like polar opposites. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Ryan, the 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee, made clear his distaste for Trump's tirades and his reluctance to endorse him. In his own vice presidential debate against Joe Biden, the polite Ryan, taking a page from his mentor Kemp's performance against Al Gore in 1996, withstood but declined to imitate Trumpish assaults. Liberals who lament conservatives' lack of civility might profitably watch the video. It's possible that the realistic prospect of Democrats winning a House majority in November is one reason for Ryan's retirement. Being minority leader is no fun. "The best system," Thomas Reed said, "is to have one party govern and the other party watch." But governing is not very gratifying, either, when working in tandem with a president who is inconstant, inattentive and inclined to give away his negotiating position with a Fox News Channel-inspired tweet, recoiling with attacks on those who seek to carry out his wishes as best they can discern them. Undoubtedly, that's one reason that a record number of House Republicans are not seeking another term. Some of this discord is attributed to the fact that Trump's signature policies on trade and immigration are different from those of recent Republican nominees. But that's often the case. Bill Clinton was out of line with most Democrats on welfare reform. The same can be said about George W. Bush with most Republicans on illegal immigration and Barack Obama with most Democrats on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Those differences proved to be bearable. With Trump, it seems, not so much. Speaker Reed left the House before he turned 60; Speaker Ryan will leave before turning 50. When he does, someone might well say of him these words Mark Twain said about Reed: "He was transparently honest and honorable, there was no furtiveness about him, and whoever came to know him trusted him and was not disappointed." COPYRIGHT 2018 CREATORS.COM WASHINGTON -- After fulminating about retaliation for the latest Syrian chemical weapons attack, the Trump administration cooled off long enough to consider the dangers of such a strike. That's to the credit of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who favored a measured response, and also of President Trump, who tempered his initial bellicose language about an assault. Trump showed a year ago that he intends to enforce global norms against the use of chemical weapons. And that remains the right stance. But sadly, he still doesn't have a Syria policy. He wants to withdraw U.S. forces even as he tries to look tough -- a recipe for failure on both fronts. "Whiplash" is probably the best word to describe what Syria watchers are feeling. Two weeks ago, Trump was hectoring his advisers about the need to bring U.S. troops home. Then, after Saturday's apparent chemical attack on Douma, the president was tweeting about firing missiles in retaliation, and making Russia pay a "big price" for backing President Bashar Assad. This mixed message is still the core problem in Syria. There's a banner headline -- America is responding to chemical weapons, in addition to destroying the Islamic State -- but the body of the story is missing. Perhaps Trump will more clearly see now the need for a broader U.S. strategy to help stabilize Syria. The best thing that happened this week was that the policy process paused for a careful consideration of military options. Mattis warned the president privately about the dangers, with U.S. and Russian forces so close in Syria and the Mediterranean. Trump evidently listened, and deferred action for several days, allowing more study. The U.S. is also coordinating policy options with Britain, France and other allies, another positive development. Mattis voiced his concerns in testimony to a House committee Thursday. "On a strategic level, it's how do we keep this from escalating out of control, if you get my drift on that," he said. Warning statements from Russia and private messages between the two militaries have reinforced the need for caution. "There remains a robust back and forth," said one Pentagon official about military-to-military contacts. The Russians have recently "reminded us about what they would have preferred to know last year" when the U.S. struck a Syrian air base after a nerve-gas attack on civilians in Khan Sheikhoun. The trick for U.S. planners is how to calibrate military action this time so that it sends a clear deterrence message to Syria and Russia, without escalating the conflict. The right sort of message requires discretion: Trump didn't publicly tout his plan to fire 59 cruise missiles after the Khan Sheikhoun attack; the U.S. in February warned Russian liaison officers before a devastating assault on paramilitary forces attacking an oil-and-gas facility near Deir al-Zour; Israel has struck Iranian operations at the T-4 air base in central Syria, without claiming credit for the attacks. But such measured actions are harder when they're preceded by presidential taunts. Trump tweeted on Sunday morning after the Douma attack: "President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay." He cranked up the volume Wednesday morning, tweeting about firing missiles in retaliation: "Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!'" Trump appeared to realize this diatribe was a mistake, so he tweeted a sort of correction Thursday: "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Slowing the retaliatory reflex was welcome, partly because it gave Trump time to cool off after the FBI search of his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen -- not the moment to be making decisions about war and peace. This week's delay should also reassure analysts, here and abroad, who feared Mattis' standing with Trump would be diminished after the firing of his friend Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. As with any use of military force, planners need to think carefully about "the day after." Would a U.S. strike trigger a widening conflict in a part of Syria where its leverage is limited? Would President Vladimir Putin feel he must make his own show of toughness by matching Trump and moving up the escalatory ladder? And what would Trump do if this action, unlike the Syria reprisal of a year ago, failed to win applause? Trump, like President Obama, is finding that it's easier to talk about withdrawing from Middle East wars than to actually do it. When Trump takes military action in Syria, he owns the consequences. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group via Facebook Alfred Sohn-Rethel (1899a1990), who in his major work aIntellectual and Manual Laboura , completed in 1951 but published two decades later, argued that the areal abstractiona of exchange is the true origin of abstract (mathematical) thinking and, through that, of scientific thought more generally. Thus the evolution of money and that of science run parallel to each other, both beginning in archaic/classical Greece with the invention of coinage c.680. This thesis, of athe secret identity of commodity form and thought forma, remains unique in being the only major attempt to integrate epistemology into historical materialism via Kant, or the problem Kant poses in the Critique of Pure Reason, and Marxas theory of value. (For later development on broadly similar lines see Richard Seaford, Money and the Greek Mind (2004) and R. W. MAller, Geld und Geist (1977) ) Born into a family of painters who were determined that he at least shouldnat become one, so he could contribute to their upkeep financially, Sohn-Rethel instead started reading Bebel and Marx when he was still in school. He asked for the three volumes of Capital as a Christmas present when he was about to turn 17. A few years later, at university in Heidelberg, he immersed himself in the first sixty pages of Marxas book for a whole year and a half, riveted by the theory of value. Sohn-Rethel spent part of his adolescent years in the family of the Dusseldorf steel magnate Ernst Poensgen. It was Poensgen who gave him those volumes of Capital. And it was this family connection that explains how (with no special enthusiasm) he landed an extraordinary job ain the lionas cavea, on the eve of the Nazi seizure of power, in 1931. Poensgen got him a job at the MWT (MitteleuropAischen Wirtschaftstag ), a lobby group for the leading German industrial enterprises, banks and business associations. The exceptional quality of Sohn-Rethelas Economy and Class Structure of German Fascism , written sporadically over many years (and only published in 1973) stems from the fact that it was grounded in the inside knowledge he gained as a research employee of the MWT. Years later he described this period as that of a aMarxist in the cave of the capitalistsa. In Oskar Negtas words, it was like awatching capitalism in its bedroom, in a social space protected from the rest of the world, where intimate fantasies reign, and the secret wishes and pathologies of the amassing of surplus-value originatea. When Sohn-Rethel was arrested by the Gestapo in the winter of 1933, during a raid in Berlinas artist colony where he lived, he was released after just 2 days. In 1936 he left Berlin for Switzerland where he wanted to work with the Frankfurt School but couldnat because of Horkheimeras opposition. By 1937 he relocated to Britain where he spent the next 3A decades. In England, he said later in an interview, he hardly ever came out of his room! In 1951 Lawrence & Wishart turned down the manuscript of aIntellectual and Manual Laboura , discouraged by its lack of orthodoxy. He returned to Germany in 1972 where a translation of this work had just been published (with considerable success) and where his book on fascism would appear the following year. The first six chapters of Economy & Class Structure of German Fascism are simply stunning. Nothing like them have been written in the Left tradition, because they are based on a blending of Sohn-Rethelas firsthand experience in a key location of German big business (the MWT) with an innovative theoretical analysis of the dilemmas facing capital in Germany towards the end of the twenties. The Left almost never writes about capital afrom the insidea but Sohn-Rethel certainly did. Access to innumerable conversations, discussions, memos, etc. and firsthand knowledge of the tensions within German big business made him acutely aware of the clash between two very different afactions of capitala which he chose to represent, emblematically, by the difference between Siemens with its horror at the thought that German firms would be forced to abdicate world markets if Hitler came to power and the bankrupt heavy industries in the Harzburg Front who were solidly behind the Nazis and were their main financiers. Siemens depended on huge infrastructure contracts that involved fierce bidding by international consortia and had no interest either in aautarchya or in the further disruption of international markets, many of these in regions like China and South America. The iron & steel industry, on the other hand, had suffered a massive erosion of profitability thanks to the new aproduction economy of fixed costsa, with huge investments in fixed capital generating mounting overheads (interest, depreciation, etc.) that could no longer be adjusted downward when demand plummeted. MWT, Sohn-Rethel explains, had the near-impossible task of reconciling these divisions within German capital by forging a platform aupon which a new grouping of industrial interests could emerge, a grouping which would amount to a concentration of all the decisive elements of German monopoly capitala. Max Hahn, Sohn-Rethelas boss, amaintained close relations with most of these groupingsa, and in any case between the two camps (the BrAning camp, supported by Siemens and the export firms, and the hawks of the Harzburg Front) there were both enterprises too diverse in nature to take a clear stand at this stage (I.G. Farben) as well as capitalists like Baron von Wilmowski who eventually died in a concentration camp. Von Wilmowski was head of the financially independent, family-controlled Krupp concern as well as chairman of MWT. About him Sohn-Rethel writes: he had aonly the deepest revulsion for Hitler, Hitlerism and the persecution of the Jewsa. The economic dimensions of fascism have scarcely ever been described with such concise lucidity. In the year 2018, at the height of The Russia Scare, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was hauled in front of a tribunal of tech-illiterate politicians and asked to explain himself. "It was my mistake, and I'm sorry," Zuckerberg told senators who are upset about the company's exploitation (and fumbling) of user data -- which, unbeknownst to them, was social media's entire business model. A number of panics have brought us to this preposterous place: the idea that Russian trolls on Facebook could swing the 2016 election and undermine our "democracy"; the idea that Facebook's leftward bias is so corrosive that we should regulate it like a utility; and, finally, the general way in which social media tends to reveal the ugly side of human nature -- which is indeed scary but has little to do with any particular platform. If one could brush aside the bipartisan preening and sound bites during the Zuckerberg hearings, he would still be subjected to an infuriating mix of ignorance and arrogance. It's true that the United States is, in large part, run by a bunch of elderly politicians completely unsuited to regulate the tech industry. The obvious lesson, though, was still lost on many. Rather than trying to elect more technocrats, we should come to terms with the fact that in an increasingly complex world, politicians will be unsuited to regulate most industries, which is why they should do so sparingly. Not that ignorance has ever stopped senators from grandstanding. Republican Sen. John Kennedy, for instance, believes Facebook should be disciplined because its users erroneously assumed the service was free. "Your user agreement sucks," said Kennedy, describing a perfectly legal document that had already been subjected to an array of contractual regulations and was probably read by only a fraction of the social media giant's users. He went on to say: "The purpose of that user agreement is to cover Facebook's rear end. It's not to inform your users about their rights. ... I don't want to vote to have to regulate Facebook, but by God I will." So if a private entity follows the law but happens to upset the sensibilities of the United States Senate, it will, by God, be punished with some nannyistic intrusion or byzantine regulation? Well, not really punished, right? Because of course the rent-seeking Facebook desires more regulation. For one, it would make the state partially responsible for many of the company's problems -- meting out "fairness," writing its user agreements and policing speech -- but more importantly for Zuckerberg, it would add regulatory costs that Facebook could afford but upstart competition almost certainly could not. It's a long-standing myth that corporate giants are averse to "regulations," or that those regulations always help consumers. We've already seen the hyperregulation of health care "markets" create monopolies and undermine choice. We've seen the hyperregulation of the banking industry inhibit competition and innovation. Politicians, often both ignorant of specifics and ideologically pliable, tend to fall sway to the largest companies, which end up dictating their own regulatory schedules. I mean, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina actually asked a compliant Zuckerberg to submit a list of government interferences he might embrace. The bigger ideological problem with the Facebook circus is that our politicians are acting as if being subjected to an opinion -- or an ad -- they dislike is some kind of attack on an individual's rights. Not one senator will ever tell constituents: "Hey, if you don't like the way Facebook conducts itself or you're unhappy about its political bias, then leave. No one is forcing you to open or maintain an account with Facebook, much less voluntarily hand over data. And if you're constantly falling for 'fake news,' well, that's a you problem, because the state can't fix stupid." Yet to assure senators that he could, in fact, control billions of interactions, Zuckerberg noted that in five to 10 years, his company will possess artificial intelligence technology sophisticated enough to eliminate "hate speech" and "fake news" before it is even posted. If Facebook wants to use that technology, it has the right to do so, of course. But many of us who are familiar with the expansive definition of "hate speech" and the people who curate "fake news" think, well, no, thank you. Moreover, the idea that the platform should be responsible for governing the speech of billions of users is not only dangerous but also incredibly expensive. Sen. Ben Sasse had a good point when he told Zuckerberg that although Facebook may decide it needs to police speech, "America might be better off not having (been) policed by one company that has a really big and powerful platform." The answer to quelling the outrage mob isn't for the government to help Facebook entrench its position with some cronyistic regulation but to let Facebook fix itself or go the way of Myspace. COPYRIGHT 2018 CREATORS.COM About a year ago, the Trump administration carried out a cruise missile strike on a Syrian airfield within 48 hours of a major chemical weapons attack on civilians, allegedly carried out by the Assad regime. The strike did some damage but nothing of such significance as to force the regime to change its strategy, either in general or on chemical weapons. Indeed, there was no expectation of change. The response was the military equivalent of a strong diplomatic note and was treated as such by the Syrians. Its almost been a week since the latest major chemical attack, this time targeting the Damascus suburb of Douma. Assads regime is again generally assumed to have been responsible. U.S. President Donald Trump vowed a short time later that there would be a big price to pay and, outside of an ambiguous tweet on April 12, has continued to threaten military action, yet this time he has held off on launching it. The more time goes by and the more the threat is repeated, the greater the anticipation and anxiety. By implying that the response will be more substantial than the previous one, Trump has allowed imaginations to run wild over what the U.S. might do. Everyone is preparing. The Russians moved their ships in Syrian ports out to sea. A ship in a port is a relatively easy target, and the Russians seem unsure whether their ships might be targeted. This suggests the Russians are considering their ability to counterstrike against enemy assets in the eastern Mediterranean. There have also been widespread rumors in Arabic media that Bashar Assad and his family have left Damascus. A Russian lawmaker denied the rumors, but the mere existence of such rumors gives a sense of the regional tension over the American response. Turkey has renewed its call for Assads removal but asked the Americans and Russians to talk. British submarines set course for the region, something that the Russians chose to ridicule. The Saudi crown prince said Saudi Arabia would join any allied strike against Syria. The expectation seems to be that an attack could come at any time. A Disturbing Threat Whats odd about this is that earlier this month, before the chemical weapons attack, endless leaks claimed that the U.S. Department of Defense wanted the U.S. to take a more active role in Syria but that the president resisted. Trump publicly said he wanted a reduction of force in Syria. During his campaign and through much of his presidency, he has said he wanted to reduce U.S. responsibility for and exposure to global instability. In the wake of the chemical attack, however, Trump has reversed course. Through his repeated threats and delay, Trump has placed the United States back at the center of the Syria equation. As tragic as it is, the chemical attack was not a critical moment. Assads regime has killed many of its people, including with chemical weapons. That part is not new. What may be moving things in this direction, though, is Irans role in Syria. Iran has long been active in the region, but since the defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, it has gotten more involved, placing substantial forces in Syria and Iraq, in addition to its usual support of proxies like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Shortly after the Douma attack, Israel launched a substantial airstrike on an Iranian base near Palmyra. This was not retaliation for the chemical attack; Israel has stayed away from that sort of action. Israels concern is rather with the transfer of advanced weaponry (including potentially the very chemical weapons the Assad regime is accused of using in Douma) to the Iranian proxy Hezbollah, as well as Irans construction of a permanent presence in Syria. Israel has always been able to count on distance to protect itself from Iran, but as Iran builds up its forces in Syria, it becomes more of a direct threat to Israel. Israel does not want to retaliate to such attacks but to stop them before they occur. Russia in the Crossfire Israel notified the U.S. of the airstrike in advance, and the U.S. had no objection because it sent the message that Washington wanted to send: Anyone using chemical weapons in Syria will be hit hard. At this point, the Russians and Syrians have insisted that they did not use chemical weapons. This is more than pro forma. The Russians know that if Iran in particular, but also Syria, use chemical weapons, then the Israelis and Americans will strike. Russia is not in Syria to engage the Americans or the Israelis. The Russians do not have the forces in Syria to match the force the Israelis or Americans could bring to bear. Their purpose in the country was to gain political leverage with the U.S. by preserving Assad. An alliance with Iran strengthened Russias position, but this chemical attack threatens to draw the Russians into a conventional battle in the region that they are not prepared to fight. Russian supply ships would have to come through the Bosporus, and Turkey couldnt be trusted to stand aside. Turkey does not want Assad in power, and his use of chemical weapons gives Turkey even more reason to pursue that objective. This means the Russians need to defuse the situation. They have made it clear to the Israelis and Americans that they had nothing to do with the chemical attacks. But even if a low-level Syrian officer ordered the chemical attack on Douma, that would make Russia complicit in the use of chemical weapons, which would provide a legitimate reason for the Israelis or even an international coalition to strike sensitive targets in Syria. This leaves the Russians in a difficult position, and trying to distance themselves from the chemical attack does them no good. All it does is signal that Russia has no control over the Syrian regime, which also means it probably cant control Iran. Therefore, Russia is now caught in a potential crossfire. Looked at in this way, the more pressure exerted on the Russians, the more likely they are to feel the threat and modify their position. A threat of massive American action is even better than actual massive American action. A major U.S. attack could fail or fail to impress. Instead, Trump has created serious uncertainty among all players in the region, save probably the Israelis. Syria, Iran and Russia do not know what, if anything, is coming, and of the three, Russia is in the weakest position. The Syrians have nowhere to go. The Iranians didnt fight their way to this point to simply leave. But the Russians werent in Syria to fight a major conflict. They were there to show the flag. And that makes the threat of being drawn into a larger conflict unappetizing for Moscow. Direct intervention is not an appealing option for Trump, but the creation of uncertainty is. Of course, uncertainty has a limited shelf life. A serious U.S. attack on Syria one whose aim would be to degrade the Assad regimes fighting ability, not just to slap Assad on the wrist is unlikely, if still possible. The U.S. is happy to rely on Israel to keep attacking Iranian facilities from time to time. Trump can threaten, but the Israelis have no choice but to act. Whatever happens next, the risk is relatively low for the United States. The same cant be said for everyone else. Got some scoop for our reporters or editors? Click on the link below to send us your information. Send your news A lot goes on around Athens and UGA campus, and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. From the the downtown boutique fabrik celebrating its 6t If you're looking for love and love firearms too, there's a dating site aiming for you. Pro-Gun Dating connects "like-minded patriotic Americans who cherish and believe in our Constitutional right to bear arms," according to the site's Facebook page. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Nikolas Cruz wants the victims of his Valentine's Day rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and their families to choose a charity to receive any money he's got coming to him, his lawyer said Wednesday. He doesn't want any money from his mother's life insurance policy or any other source of income, defense attorney Melisa McNeill said. "He would like that money donated to an organization that the victims' families believe could facilitate healing in our community," she said. Cruz, 19, was in court Wednesday for a hearing to determine whether he has too much money to expect taxpayers to foot the bill for his legal defense. He is now represented by the Broward Public Defender's Office, which handles clients who cannot afford to hire their own lawyers. But whether Cruz falls into that category remains an open question _ one that Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer said Wednesday she will not answer immediately. Cruz, dressed in a red jail jumpsuit, kept his head lowered throughout the hearing and did not speak. His brother, Zachary Cruz, attended the hearing and also did not speak. Court records from his late mother's probate case show Nikolas Cruz stands to receive $25,000 from a life insurance policy. McNeill said her office cannot help Cruz access the insurance money. At one point, the records showed, he had more than $12,000 in a bank account. That balance was down to $353.43 as of April 5, said McNeill. Cruz also may have a claim to at least a portion of 24 shares of Microsoft stock purchased in 2003, according to his lawyers. Together, the shares are worth around $2,227. His mother, Lynda Cruz, received an annuity payment of $3,333 last September, and defense lawyers last month wanted to know whether future payments are pending and whether Cruz can claim any of it. He does not have access to those funds, McNeill said Wednesday _ and further payments have not been deposited since last September. Even with those assets, Cruz would be hard pressed to find a lawyer willing to take the case with no guarantee of future payments. Cruz faces the death penalty if convicted, and death penalty cases are notoriously time consuming and expensive. "One of our concerns is that a private lawyer may come in... and bill taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Public Defender Howard Finkelstein. There is no current estimate of Cruz's assets that show him with the kind of income needed to pay a private lawyer to take on the case _ Cruz would end up declaring financial indigency within weeks or months, and taxpayers would end up footing the bill for his defense anyway. "The costs on this case are going to be astronomical," said Assistant Public Defender Diane Cuddihy. Defense lawyers also asked Scherer to consider that Cruz is likely to be named a defendant in numerous civil lawsuits being planned by family members of the victims. The Public Defender's Office has indicated that Cruz is willing to plead guilty in exchange for a sentence of life in prison, an outcome they say would spare the victims and their families from having to relive Cruz's rampage with multiple witness accounts and videos taken from surveillance cameras at the school and students' cell phones. But the Broward State Attorney's Office has given no indication that prosecutors are willing to entertain such a deal. "The state of Florida is not allowing Mr. Cruz to choose his own punishment for the murder of 17 people," prosecutor Shari Tate said. Algerias civil and especially military authorities have done everything to trivialize the presence of some 30 Polisario Front soldiers aboard the Algerian Air Force plane that crashed on Wednesday morning few minutes after take-off from Boufarik Air Base, 25 KM south of Algiers, killing all 257 people onboard. In a first official statement on the victims of this accident, the Algerian Ministry of Defense mentioned the 10-crew members and 247 passengers most of whom are personnel of the National Peoples Army as well as members of their families. But the statement did not mention the presence of the 30 members of the Polisario who perished in this accident. Meanwhile, the Polisario leadership and the fronts representative in Paris confirmed the presence of 30 Sahrawis among the victims. They, however, specified that they were all patients, men, women and children, returning to Tindouf after receiving medical care in Algerian hospitals. According to Oubi Bouchraya, the Polisario representative in Paris, the victims are Sahrawi nationals, civilians, students, and patients with their attendants who were treated in Algiers. Two Polisario soldiers were among the passengers, he said. Meanwhile, some media, quoting reliable sources, report that the Polisario members onboard included Mohamed Laghdaf, aka Bujumbura, known to be one of the Polisario security strong men. Sheikh Doua Ould Boussif who occupied, during his lifetime, several key positions in the front, including that of member of the Fronts representation in Algiers and head of the Sahrawi Red Crescent in Algiers and Oran was also onboard the plane. Anyways, the presence of Brahim Ghalis men aboard an Algerian Air Force plane is another irrefutable proof of Algerias involvement in the Sahara conflict and deflates the claims of neutrality that Algerian leaders continue to proclaim. FAIRFIELD A Trumbull man was charged with harassment after repeatedly contacting a Fairfield woman with whom he matched on the dating app Tinder, even after he had been warned to refrain. Brandon Owen, 21, was charged on April 10 with second degree harassment after the woman and her mother came to Fairfield police to complain that Owen had repeatedly contacted the woman over the course of two years, according to the police report. The woman said that she and Owen had matched roughly two years ago on the app and at first exchanged messages, but that Owen began asking her to meet daily, and she asked him to stop, police said. Owen allegedly would not stop messaging the woman until she threatened to go to the police, at which point he stopped contacting her for a period. In recent months the woman moved to Rhode Island for college, and while at school was again contacted by Owen through Facebook, police said. Recently, Owen had called the woman four times, and then messaged her saying he had tickets to a New York Rangers game and asking why she wouldnt pick up his calls, the report said. The calls promted the woman and her mother to go to the police in early March, though they told police they didnt want Owen arrested. Police called Owen on March 13. Owen admitted that hed been in contact with the woman for two years, but said he thought the woman might have liked him despite her telling him numerous times to not contact her, the report said. Owen was instructed by police to not contact her again. On March 15, the womans mother again contacted police, complaining that her daughter had received a notification that Owen had viewed the daughters Petsitter profile. The mother noted that it was not direct contact, but was nonetheless alarmed since Owen had just been warned, the report said. On March 20, the woman police contacted Owen, who admitted that he had checked her Petsitter profile, but denied contacting her. Owen was asked what his cell phone number, and the number he provided matched the one from which the woman received a text earlier that night, police said. At that point, Owen admitted, OK, I accidentally sent those two texts, though he said he didnt feel hed done anything wrong. A warrant was issued for Owens arrest and on April 10, he turned himself in and was released on a promise to appear with an April 24 court date. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 Californians may get to vote on a plan to split the state into three smaller states this November. Venture capitalist Tim Draper, who previously pushed a proposal that would split California into six states, says that his three-state proposal has enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. On Thursday, Draper said in a statement that the "CAL 3" initiative has collected over 600,000 signatures from Californians who would like to see the state split into three. An initiative needs 366,000 signatures to appear on the ballot. "This is an unprecedented show of support on behalf of every corner of California to create three state governments that emphasize representation, responsiveness, reliability and regional identity," Draper said. RELATED: Health care costs 30% more in Northern California than in rest of the state The supporters of CAL 3 will submit the signatures to election officials next week, and if the California secretary of state verifies the signatures, and if it passes review from the attorney general, the measure could appear on the November ballot. Typically, thousands of petition signatures are found to be invalid, something Draper knows all too well. In 2014 he mounted a similar effort to split California into six states and turned in 1.3 million signatures, only to see nearly half of them disqualified. He ended up about 100,000 short of the valid signatures he needed. If voters pass it, CAL 3 would begin the process to divide California into "Northern California," "Southern California," and just plain "California." "Northern California" would include all of the counties north of Merced County, and "California" would consist of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and San Benito counties. The remaining counties would be part of "Southern California." Even if the proposal passes in November, splitting the state would require congressional approval. ALSO: How to be a Californian: A look at the good and bad stereotypes CAL3's website estimates that Northern California would have a population of 13.3 million, California would have a population of 12.3 million, and Southern California would have a population of 13.9 million. The reasoning behind the proposal is that California has gotten too big to be governed effectively. Sand has become a hot commodity needed to support construction work in Southeast Asia. The demand for sand has sharply driven up prices for sand in recent years, drawing the attention of unscrupulous local officials, businessmen, and sand-dredging companies. Unfortunately, the sand dredging has damaged the environment in several countries by disrupting sediment flows and fishing grounds. Vietnam is a prime example of what can go wrong. Experts say that Vietnam may soon run out of the sand that it needs to build both housing and highways. But estimates vary as to how quickly this might occur. The Global Construction Review (CBR) reported in October, 2017 that Vietnam was exploring ways to produce artificial sand after some experts warned that it could run out of the naturally occurring material within five years. According to scientists from Vietnams Institute of Transport Science and Technology, Vietnam needs about 100 million cubic meters of sand every year to keep pace with the countrys steady growth rate. Vietnam may run out of sand as soon as 2020 if dredging for sand exports continues, according to other government experts. Focus on Singapore Most of the sand dredged in Vietnam has been shipped to Singapore, which has used sand extensively for land reclamation. In early 2011, the International Dredging Review (IDR), which provides news on the worldwide dredging industry, noted that Singapore had benefited from its reputation for fostering an open and corruption-free economy. But Singapores insatiable demand for sand is fueling charges of wrecked ecosystems, involvement by criminal organizations, and official corruption across Asia, said David Murray, the author of the IDR report. The corruption included a sex-for-sand scandal, he said, but he didnt provide details regarding the alleged scandal. Over five decades, Singapore had increased its land area by an estimated 20 percent. The city-states Changi Airport is built on reclaimed land. Singapores government has denied any knowledge of corrupt activities in overseeing sand deals and dredging permits. But credible reports about sand-dredging which has caused environmental damage in Southeast Asia have raised questions about the city states reputation for being green and clean. Vietnams failure to protect the environment Despite official Vietnamese crackdowns on illegal sand exports, enough corrupt local Vietnamese officials still look the other way to allow tens of thousands of cubic meters of sand to be exported per day, according to local media reports. Not every kind of sand works well in land reclamation. Sand from a desert, for example, wont work. A deserts wind-worn sands are too smooth to work. But certain types of sand from Vietnam and Cambodia seem to meet Singapores requirements The sand dredging has exacerbated environmental damage done in recent years to the Mekong River Basin and its fisheries. Millions of Vietnamese and Cambodians rely on the Mekong regions fish as their main source of protein. The dredging is occurring in numerous rivers and estuaries in Vietnam but most intensively in central Vietnamese provinces, including Quang Bin, Quang Tri, Ha Tinh, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Thua Thien-Hue, Binh Thuan, and Ninh Thuan. Fortunately, while Vietnams media are heavily controlled, a number of Vietnamese newspapers and websites do investigative work, and one of them has reported extensively on the dredging issue. Tuoi Tre (Youth), a popular Vietnamese newspaper, published an investigative series in March of last year, which showed how the illegal sand trading system works. The series, entitled Tracing the Vietnamese sand drain to Singapore, reported that quite a few Vietnamese companies were taking advantage of sand privileges authorized by the Vietnamese government to make huge illegal profits. At the end of 2009, the government banned sand exports, but in 2013 it loosened the regulation, allowing entrepreneurs to export sand from sea beds and rivers. But these companies ended up not dredging the sand themselves. They made a profit by selling the rights to other companies. Tuoi Tre reported that in one case last year dozens of local lobster fishermen took matters into their own hands. Described as fed up with official inaction, the fishermen attacked sand miners whom they blamed for destroying their livelihoods. After the Tuoi Tre series appeared, Vietnams Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh admitted that some local officials had covered up for the damage done by sand dredging. Much of the work was being done at night by hundreds of dredging ships, according to a government report. The deputy prime minister ordered penalties for local officials who failed to manage the problem, asked for more intense inspections of the mining, and said that a police campaign would be launched to support the effort from March 15 to June 1, 2017. But it doesnt appear that this effort has been totally effective. One possible solution is to make sand artificially. Vietnams Institute of Science and Technology presented a report to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport saying that artificial sand could be made for up to 15 percent more cheaply than that produced by sand dredging. VnExpress, a popular website, said on March 19 this year that Vietnam is exploring the possibility of producing artificial sand from sedentary rock, which is abundant in the southern part of the country. Artificial sand has been used in many parts of the world in construction projects. Meanwhile, a major report on sand dredging in Vietnam published on March 18 this year by National Geographic magazine states that sand has become an astonishingly hot commodity. Sand is the key ingredient in concrete, the essential building material of Vietnams fast-growing cities, the report says, and that is wreaking havoc not only on Vietnams rivers, but also on the all-important Mekong Delta. For centuries, the Delta, which is the home to nearly 18 million people, has been replenished by sediment carried down from the waters flowing down the Mekong River from the glaciers of Tibet. But in recent years the sediment flow has been severely reduced by Chinese dams on the Mekong upstream from Vietnam and Cambodia as well as by sand dredging and climate change. Cambodias lost sand Radio Free Asia has reported nearly a dozen times on the environmental damage caused by sand dredging in Cambodia since 2010 and as recently as February of this year. And the British non-governmental organization Global Witness warned nine years ago that Cambodias elite were violating the countrys own laws by profiting behind the scenes from its extractive industries, including sand dredging. In May 2010, Global Witness published a report titled Shifting Sands, which accused Prime Minister Hun Sens family and friends of essentially selling off Cambodias sand. A Global Witness team examined a sand-mining permit that was stamped by an official in Singapores embassy in Thailand. This indicated some level of Singaporean complicity in Cambodias corrupt sand trade deals. Not surprisingly, Global Witness is currently banned from working in Cambodia. Monitoring sand dredging in Cambodia can be a risky business. Two activists of the NGO Mother Nature Cambodia (MNC) were jailed in September of 2017 for filming two sand-carrying vessels off the coast of an economic land concession in southern Cambodias Koh Kong Province. According to the NGOs founder Alex Gonzalez Davidson, the two activists were found guilty in a circus-like trial and subsequently released on suspended sentences in mid-February. One of the two is continuing with his activism even more resolutely than before his illegal jailing, said Gonzalez Davidson. Gonzalez Davison had been deported from Cambodia on the orders of Hun Sen. But despite his deportation and the jailing of a total of five of the NGOs members, he says, we didnt disband or shut down. On the contrary, we grew bigger, and new activists joined us. Gonzalez Davidson says that his groups monitoring campaign had some success in halting the exports of sand to Singapore, which from 2008 to 2016 reached millions of tons of sand used for land reclamation. In November, 2016 sand exports to Singapore appeared to halt altogether, according to MNC research. In July 2017, following numerous local protests against the sand dredging, the Cambodian government had banned exports of two kinds of sand being extracted from the Cambodian coastal province of Koh Kong. However, exports of silica sand, the kind of sand that the two MNC members were monitoring, continues, with an estimated 20 to 40,000 tons of that sand being exported to Taiwan each month and other smaller quantities possibly going to China. Dan Southerland is RFA's founding executive editor. The former president of Cambodias now-dissolved opposition party called on Japan Friday to use its influence as his countrys largest foreign aid donor to ensure that Prime Minister Hun Sen restore the democratic process ahead of upcoming elections. Hun Sen has launched a crackdown on the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), NGOs and the media in recent months that is widely seen as part of a bid to guarantee that his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) remains in power following a general ballot set for July 29. On Friday, former CNRP chief Sam Rainsy noted that both the U.S. and EU had withdrawn donor support for Cambodias elections, citing government actions seen as limiting democracy in the country, including the banning in November of his partythe only viable political challenger to the CPPand the arrest of its current president, Kem Sokha. Japan has strong leverage to help restore the democratic process, he told reporters in Tokyo, adding that Japans government is well-placed to play the role of intermediary to help reestablish dialogue between the different Cambodian parties. If Japan withdraws [electoral aid], Hun Sen will be totally isolated and Cambodia will be really in trouble. Despite mounting international concerns over Hun Sens political crackdown, Japanwhich along with the EU is the largest funder of Cambodias 2018 electionshas said it has no intention to curtail aid ahead of the vote. Last weekend, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono traveled to Phnom Penh to meet with Hun Sen and signed deals with Konos counterpart, Prak Sokhonn, granting Cambodia more than U.S. $4.6 million in assistance and a loan of U.S. $86 million. While Kono urged Hun Sen to hold a free and fair electionJapans consistent stance since the CNRP was dissolvedhe did not raise the issue of election participation with the prime minister. Cambodias government has repeatedly ruled out negotiations with the CNRP, including as recently as last week, when CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said that dialogue between the parties was impossible because the opposition had made a big mistake with its alleged role in a plot to overthrow Hun Sen. Japan has already provided Cambodias National Election Commission (NEC) with computers to assist with its ballots and has faced criticism of its continued support from the NGO community, such as New York-based Human Rights Watch. The worlds fourth largest foreign aid donor with an annual budget of nearly U.S. $10 billion, Japan donated 17.3 billion yen (U.S. $153 million) in loans, 8 billion yen (U.S. $71 million) in grants, and 3.4 billion yen (U.S. $30 million) in technical cooperation to Cambodia in 2015. In addition to electoral support, Japan also provides Cambodia with a variety of aid for projects including infrastructure improvement, humanitarian assistance, and business development. Sam Rainsy said Friday that Japanese assistance over the years will be lost if we dont put back on track the democratic process in Cambodia. He added that representatives of Japans business community have also expressed concerns to him because they know that the situation in Cambodia right now is very volatile. We need sustainable development and we need Japanese investors, but the Japanese investors are reluctant now [and think] we cannot invest in such an environment, he said, adding that stability now rests on democracy. We call on the Japanese government and the Japanese people to help restore the democratic process in Cambodia Syria specter While Sam Rainsy called for pressure from Japan, Hun Sen urged voters to turn out in support of his party at the polls in July, warning them during his annual address for the Khmer New Year at the Angor Wat complex in Siem Reap that without his leadership Cambodia is at risk of plunging into a civil war that would erase decades of progress. He raised the specter of Syria, which entered into a protracted conflict following calls for revolution against President Bashar al-Assads regime during the Arab Spring in 2011. It is true that without peace there is no developmentthere would be no such thing as a happy gathering like today, he said. Look at what happens in Syriais it possible for that country to celebrate like this? Syria is being torn apart by conflicts That is the consequence of war and makes us appreciate the peace we have, he added. The peace we have today is the result of our very hard work. We have to maintain it. At all cost, we have to make sure that Cambodia will not fall into a civil war again. Since the dissolution of the CNRP, Hun Sen has repeatedly referred to the party as seeking to establish a color revolution in Cambodia, a term commonly used to refer to the movements that developed in several countries of the former Soviet Union during the early 2000s and sometimes to those in the Middle East. On Friday, he expressed pride that he had worked to uphold peace by dissolving the CNRP, which he called a rebel group that had sought to topple him and bring war to the nation. Analysts have told RFA that statements from the prime minister and his government increasingly hint of CPP concerns over the possibility of an election boycott by supporters of the CNRP, which received more than 3 million votesaccounting for nearly half of the countrys registered votersin 2013, and enjoyed similar success in last years commune ballot. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong are forcing local cafes and restaurants offering public wifi to install police-approved routers to connect to the internet, in a move local residents say is aimed at further restricting what they can see or do online. A directive issued to businesses in a technology development park in Shandong's coastal city of Qingdao said the move was in accordance with counter-terrorism and national security measures in the cybersecurity law. "Any public place offering an internet connection must install ... an internet security management system," the directive tells business owners. Business owners must pay a 100 yuan deposit, but the authorities will come to their premises and install a new router for no additional charge, the directive says. It said the move is in keeping with requirements under the cybersecurity law being rolled out by police departments across the country. "You may not [refuse this service]," the notice says, adding that the measures are aimed at "preventing the dissemination of all forms of harmful content." An employee who answered the phone at the helpline number given on the notice confirmed the move. "The government will supply [the routers] to businesses," the employee said. "This isn't being installed in people's homes, but the government is ensuring that businesses all have the same [router] installed across the board." The rules mostly apply to restaurants and cafes where people use the business' wifi account to get online, the employee said. "Connection speeds will not be affected, and your online experience will be unaffected," the directive promises. 'Aimed at controlling citizens online' But a local business owner surnamed said the government wants to make it much harder for China's internet users to circumvent its complex system of blocks, filters and human censorship known as the Great Firewall. "I saw the directive, and I think it's clearly aimed at controlling citizens online," said. "Once you have their router installed, you definitely won't be able to get over the Great Firewall, and any content you post online will be monitored." "It's clear that they are tightening their grip on the internet, so that every aspect of people's lives will be monitored," he said. Any businesses that refuse to comply with the changes will be pursued under cybersecurity legislation, the directive warns. Last October, police in the southern province of Guangdong questioned human rights activist Zhang Weichu after she bought a router enabling her to scale the Great Firewall, telling her she had violated the country's cybersecurity law. The officers, who said they were from the cybersecurity team of the Guangzhou police department, told Zhang that circumvention routers were illegal. Zhang had bought a KF router licensed for sale in China to companies and organizations needing to do business online with clients and customers overseas. The crackdown on circumvention technology comes amid media reports that a Guangdong-based company, Bell New Vision, is developing the nationwide "Sharp Eyes" platform that can link up public surveillance cameras and those installed in smart devices in the home, to a nationwide network for viewing in real time by anyone who is given access. "Sharp Eyes" comes from a ruling Chinese Communist Party slogan, "the people have sharp eyes," which traditionally relied on the eyes and ears of local neighborhood committees to keep tabs on what its people were up to. Using the network, police and other officials will be able to monitor people's activities in their own homes, wherever there is an internet-connected camera, according to the official Legal Daily newspaper. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong petition Hong Kong's Legislative Council to respond to a speech made by activist Benny Tai, in Hong Kong, April 13, 2018. A pro-Beijing political activist in Hong Kong on Friday reported a prominent law professor and rights activist to police for "sedition" over speculative comments he made relating to possible independence for the city, as the ruling Chinese Communist Party stepped up its campaign to ban any talk of autonomy for the city. Earlier this month, Hong Kong University associate professor Benny Tai told a political discussion forum in Taiwan that the city might consider various options including independence in the event that China became a democratic country. Chinese officials and media commentators have hit out at Tai, dismissing his claim not to support the idea, saying that he represents a threat to China's sovereignty and accusing him of making common cause with supporters of independence in Taiwan. Tai's comments also prompted an unprecedented rebuke from the Hong Kong government, which "strongly condemned" them in an official statement. Now, Kenny Po from the pro-Beijing Defend Hong Kong Campaign, who also led a protest against Tai's comments, outside Hong Kong police headquarters, says Tai may have violated Hong Kong criminal law. "Benny Tai shouldn't take the people of Hong Kong for idiots, thinking that we won't sue him," Po told reporters after making the complaint. "Actually, we will." "Articles 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance contain references to incitement [to sedition or subversion], and on the face of it, it seems to me that Benny Tai has committed that crime," Po said. "I hope the police department will act quickly on my report." Article 10 of the ordinance dates back to when Hong Kong was a British colony, and states that seditious words can include words intended "to excite Her Majestys subjects or inhabitants of Hong Kong to attempt to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any other matter in Hong Kong as by law established." The city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, requires the city to legislate against "treason, sedition and subversion" and crimes relating to national security, but also protects the right of Hong Kong citizens to freedom of speech. Tai has said Beijing is using him as an example of speech that will be forbidden once the sedition and subversion laws are in place. Impact of Tais comments Meanwhile, the city's Legislative Council (LegCo) looks set to debate the impact of Tai's comments on the national interest and on the interests of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of China. But a bid by pro-democracy lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki of the Civic Party to debate the damage done by the government's reaction was voted down. Tai, a founder of the 2014 Occupy Central protests, had put forward a hypothetical suggestion that Hong Kong could one day consider the idea of independence, should China ever become a democracy. Gary Chan, of the pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), said the whole point of the forum where Tai made the comments was to discuss independence. "Benny Tai's comments very clearly brought up the question of Hong Kong independence, so they can't be defended with the use of academic freedom," Chan said. "LegCo needs to send a very clear message to the general public, because ... we don't want people to get the wrong idea about this." DAB district councilor Chan Hok Fung agreed. "This was a pro-independence forum about independence for Taiwan and Hong Kong ... so he can be said to have promoted Hong Kong independence," he said. "We want LegCo members to get the chance to clarify that they oppose Hong Kong independence." 'An academic hypothesis' The police report came after prominent Christians penned an open letter on Thursday criticizing Hong Kong and Chinese officials for violating the Basic Law's protections for freedom of speech. "This time, the Hong Kong government took the lead in accusing Benny Tai of advocating Hong Kong independence," Hong Kong pastor and letter signatory Lau Chi Hong told RFA. "This actually harmed Hong Kong people's freedom of speech and academic freedom as guaranteed by the Basic Law." "We don't believe that Professor Tai's comments in Taiwan were advocating independence for Hong Kong," Lau said. "It was just an academic hypothesis based on one possible development in the future ... and we strongly condemn the attack on the professor." The letter has collected around 1,500 signatures from members of some 20 Christian groups in Hong Kong. Tai has repeatedly denied supporting Hong Kong independence, but Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily earlier this week called for him to be punished, hinting that the University of Hong Kong might consider firing him. The ongoing row over Tai, which saw more than 1,000 protesters take to the streets to demonstrate for freedom of speech last weekend, comes amid growing concern by civil and political rights groups over dwindling freedom of expression in the former British colony. Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Chen Pan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A Rohingya girl fans herself outside her makeshift home at Teknaf sub-district of Coxs Bazar. March 20, 2018. Bangladesh and the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) signed a memorandum of understanding Friday that establishes a framework of bilateral cooperation for the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, United Nations officials said. The memorandum (MoU), signed in Geneva by U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque, could affect about 700,000 Rohingya who fled a violent crackdown in Myanmars Rakhine state in August 2017. UNHCRs MoU with Bangladesh reaffirms the general principles of voluntary returns in safety and dignity, Andrej Mahecic, a spokesman for the U.N. agency based at its headquarters in Geneva, told BenarNews. The memorandum outlines broadly the roles for both the government of Bangladesh and UNHCR in any future return movements in informing refugees about conditions in the return areas, data sharing, verification of voluntariness and assistance in returns, he said in an email. The MoU provides a framework of cooperation between the agency and Bangladesh, he added, on the safe, voluntary and dignified returns of refugees in line with international standards, if and when the conditions are right and refugees decide they want to return. But UNHCR considers that conditions in Myanmar are not yet conducive for returns to be safe, dignified, and sustainable, Mahecic said. In the absence of a three-way MoU between the U.N. agency and Bangladesh and Myanmar on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, UNHCR was seeking a similar bilateral understanding with Naypyidaw, it said in a news release about the signing of the memorandum with Bangladesh. The responsibility for creating such conditions remains with the Myanmar authorities, and these must go beyond the preparation of physical infrastructure to facilitate logistical arrangements, UNHCR said while calling on Myanmar authorities to allow full and unhindered access to Rakhine. Such access was necessary to assess the situation there and monitor any future return of Rohingya from refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh, the agency said. We do not believe Myanmar Fridays memorandum, which was not released to the public, came nearly five months after Bangladesh and Myanmar officials signed a bilateral deal for what they said would be the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine. In southeastern Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district, a Rohingya leader at the Kutupalong refugee camp welcomed the U.N.s signature on Fridays MoU. We want to go back to Arakan [Rakhine]. But we do not believe Myanmar. We believe the United Nations. We will do what the UNHCR says, Jahid Hossain told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. On Wednesday, senior officials from Myanmars government, including Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye, paid an unprecedented visit to Kutupalong. During their visit, they urged Rohingya to return to Rakhine. We are responsible to protect all the people living in our country. We will solve all the problems to have peace and stability. Just cooperate with us, and return, Aye told a group of refugees at the camp. UNHCRs memorandum with the Bangladeshi government also came a day after Saudi Arabias King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center pledged to give the U.N. agency U.S. $3 million (249 million taka) in emergency relief assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. In November 2017, the U.S. government pledged $47 million in aid for Rohingya relief, bringing the total aid package to about $150 million, beginning in October 2016 following an earlier exodus of Rohingya from Myanmar. Repatriation deal with Myanmar On Nov. 23, 2017, Bangladesh and Myanmar officials signed a repatriation deal seeking to establish a process for the voluntary and safe return of thousands of Rohingya to Rakhine. The agreement, which called for the process to begin within two months, included a provision that the governments could associate with U.N. agencies in the repatriation process. Since then, however, Myanmar has refused to involve UNHCR, Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam told BenarNews. Meanwhile, Bangladesh officials welcomed UNHCRs assistance. We need the UNHCR in the repatriation process, they have huge expertise in repatriating refugees. The UNHCR can help us fill the repatriation forms properly and provide necessary logistics, Mohammad Abul Kalam, the Bangladeshi commissioner for refugee relief and repatriation, told BenarNews earlier this week. In February, Bangladesh presented a list of 8,032 Rohingya for verification by Myanmar authorities to begin the repatriation process. So far, Myanmar authorities have given us clearance of 670 names in three phases. The verification is a continuous process. Hopefully, they would verify more people, Kalam said. Myanmar authorities told their Bangladesh counterparts that the forms were not filled out properly. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. A Rohingya Muslim girl stands in front of her shanty at a camp for refugees in Hyderabad, India, Sept. 18, 2017. A British Rohingya man has been charged with helping the al-Qaeda extremist group build its base in the Indian sub-continent, according to a charge sheet drawn up by Indias top counter terror agency. Suspect Samiun Rahman, 28, fought for al-Qaeda in Syria, then travelled to Bangladesh and India to recruit people to fight against alleged atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims by Buddhist-majority Myanmar, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said in a charge sheet made public on Wednesday. Rahman served three years in prison in Bangladesh on related charges there before entering India in July 2017. He was arrested in New Delhi in September last year. After detailed investigation of Rahmans online chats on several mobile applications and documents recovered from his laptop, it was revealed that he fought against the Syrian army from an al-Qaeda base in Syria. He was then sent to Bangladesh due to his knowledge of the local language and was assigned the task of establishing an al-Qaeda base in the Indian sub-continent, the NIA alleged. Rahman had served time in a London jail for a traffic violation before his first trip to Syria, the charge sheet said. After his release, he went to Syria for the first time to help refugees and returned to London after almost two months. In 2013, he again went to Syria and subsequently, after establishing contact with an al-Qaeda operative, he traveled to Bangladesh to radicalize youths, the NIA said. India and Bangladesh are al-Qaedas prime targets for recruitment and terrorist plots besides the United States and Israel, Rahman told investigators, according to the charge sheet. Al-Qaeda was trying to tap potential recruits in several states, particularly the disputed Muslim-majority region of Indian Kashmir, it added. Rahman was arrested in Indias capital last year on suspicion of being involved in terrorist activities after he allegedly crossed into Indian territory from Bangladesh illegally, according to the charge sheet, accessed by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. It added he was planning to enter Myanmar through Mizoram, a bordering northeastern Indian state. He had been imprisoned in Bangladesh, from October 2014 till April 2017, for terrorism-related activities before moving his base to India, according to the NIA document. Southeastern Bangladesh is home to refugee camps housing some 1 million Rohingya who have fled various cycles of violence over the years in the neighboring Myanmar state of Rakhine. The charge-sheet did not indicate whether Rahman spent any time in those refugee camps. He entered India through the Beenapole border [crossing] in West Bengal without valid documents in July 2017, it said. Indian plans to deport Rohingya The charge sheet against Rahman has come at a time when Indias Hindu nationalist government is planning to deport some 40,000 members of the stateless and mostly Muslim minority group from Myanmar who have settled in India. The government has said it has evidence to link Rohingya refugees with terrorist outfits that pose a threat to national security. [The] Rohingya presence in the country has serious national security ramifications. There is [a] serious possibility of eruption of violence against Buddhists who are Indian citizens and who stay on Indian soil by radicalized Rohingyas, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an affidavit filed by the Supreme Court, which is hearing the ongoing case. Rohingya refugees living in India said the NIA charge sheet against Rahman was possibly a ploy by Indian security agencies to make the governments case for the deportation of the displaced community stronger. Why were the charges filed so many months after his arrest, and that too made public just days before the Supreme Court is set to rule on the case? And all the charges that have been filed against Rahman seem very similar to the Indian governments stance. It seems like a well-planned plot to get the court to rule in favor of the government, Mohammed Salim, a camp leader at a Rohingya refugee settlement in Delhi, told BenarNews. However, security analysts said the NIA was an independent probe agency and that the government did not interfere with its investigations. It is true that the Rohingya are a deprived and potentially violent lot. There is every possible chance that any fundamentalist group, be it al-Qaeda or Islamic State, will try to cash in on the sentiments and Indias and Bangladeshs porous borders with Myanmar, to recruit members of the community, G.M. Srivastava, an Assam-based security analyst, told BenarNews. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Kachin Independence Army (KIA) soldiers take a cigarette break as they move towards the frontline of fighting with the government army near Laiza in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, Oct. 14, 2016. A clash between an ethnic armed group and the Myanmar military in the Indawgyi region of northern Myanmars Kachin state on Thursday has forced an unspecified number of residents from Aytulay village to flee their homes, local sources said. The fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and government soldiers began on April 10 in the area where the Myanmar Armys Infantry Unit 390 and Operations Control Headquarters No. 3 are located, they said. Six residents who are Red Shan farmers are missing, said a villager from Aytulay who requested anonymity, referring to the Tai-Leng ethnic group from the southern part of the state. We heard one [of the six] escaped today, he told RFAs Myanmar Service. We dont know whether they have been taken away by the government army or by the KIA. We havent received any news about them. People are frightened and are being careful, he said. Members of the ethnic group, who speak a dialect of the Shan language and are nearly all Buddhist, say they have long suffered violence and discrimination by both the KIA and the Myanmar military through the confiscation of food and other supplies, the extortion of heavy taxes, and the forcing of residents to serve as porters. Some Red Shan, who make a living by farming and trading commodities, have formed peoples militias to defend their communities. The KIA has engaged in skirmishes with the Myanmar army since 2011, when a 17-year bilateral cease-fire agreement between the two sides broke down. Another round of fighting between the two sides began early this year when government soldiers launched air strikes in the Tanaing gold and amber mining region, an area controlled by the KIA, which relies on its natural resources as a source of income by levying a tax on mine operators. The KIA is one of several militias with which the Myanmar government is trying to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars and forge peace in the country through a series of peace negotiations launched in August 2016 by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the KIAs political wing, has not signed the governments nationwide cease-fire agreement that eight of the countrys more than 20 ethnic armies inked in October 2015, with two more having joined since then. More villagers flee to Lashio Also on Thursday, more than 40 villagers fled to Lashio, the largest town in violence-wracked northern Shan state, a week after couple from Narsign village near the town of Namtu disappeared, sources in the region said Thursday. The village is situated along the Namtu-Lashio Highway, the main thoroughfare between the two towns, where the Myanmar army and two ethnic armed groups the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South (RCSS/SSA-S) and Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) frequently travel. The couple Aik San and his wife Aye Kho got lost on April 3 while they were herding their buffaloes in a forest, villager Aik Kho said. We are [now] afraid to go to work on our farm, he said. Thats why we came to Lashio. Villagers searched for the two missing residents, who have three children, but did not go too far afield on account of the presence of armed groups based near the village and the risk of landmines. The 40 residents who fled are staying in Lashios Palaung Literature and Culture Hall. The TNLA has been fighting the Myanmar army and the RCSS in Shan state since late November 2015, about six weeks after the signing of the NCA. The RCSS is one of the eight original signatories to the NCA, while the TNLA was excluded from signing the accord because of its ongoing hostilities with Myanmars armed forces. In March, the TNLA engaged in hostilities against the Myanmar military along the border between Kyaukme and Namhsan townships and in Namtu township, but began to fight the RCSS when its troops entered TNLA-controlled territory and harassed, seized, interrogated the locals, took away some farm animals, and laid mines in the areas outskirts, TNLA spokesman Major Mai Aik Kyaw told RFA at the time. Those clashes also forced locals to flee their homes. We had about 170 internally displaced persons in March in Namtu, said Aung Gyi, an aid worker helping villagers who fled to Namtu town to escape the fighting. More than 100 people arrived on April 10 and 40 today, so we now have more than 300 [who] are staying at monasteries or in their relatives homes, he said. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has estimated that the fighting in Kachin and Shan states has displaced more than 100,000 people. Reported by Kyaw Myo Min, Kan Thar, and Zarni Htun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. A Rohingya child refugee from Myanmar plays in the dust at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia sub-district of southeastern Bangladesh's Cox Bazar, April 9, 2018. UPDATED at 8:21 P.M. EST on 2018-04-13 Myanmars State Counselor's Office expressed serious concern on Friday with a statement issued by a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court claiming jurisdiction over the deportation of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya fled Myanmars Rakhine state during a brutal army crackdown that began late last August in response to attacks by a Muslim militant group, and now live in squalid displacement camps in southeastern Bangladesh. The Myanmar government and military have defended the crackdown, which included large-scale killings, rape, and arson, as a counter-insurgency campaign, though United Nations officials have called the campaign a textbook example of ethnic cleansing that potentially bears the hallmarks of genocide. On Monday, Gambian lawyer and ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda asked The Hague, Netherlands-based international tribunals judges to rule on whether the ICC can exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh. She raised the jurisdiction issue because Bangladesh is a member of the ICC, while Myanmar is not. Bensouda's argument the first request of its kind filed at the ICC is an attempt to assert jurisdiction over deportation of the Rohingya by Myanmar army soldiers during the crackdown. This distinction is critical because, since the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Myanmar, the most obvious path to justice for victims of crimes committed against ethnic Rohingya is through a United Nations Security Council referral to the court, wrote Param-Preet Singh, associate director of the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch, in a statement on Tuesday. It is based on the ICCs ability to assert jurisdiction if the conduct in question for a deportation was committed on the territory of a member state, she wrote.Since crossing a border is a legally required element of the crime of deportation, Bensouda argues, victims being forced to cross into the territory of Bangladesh would be a part of that conduct. On Wednesday, ICC judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua issued a decision that Bensouda's request for a ruling on jurisdiction over the Rohingya deportation met existing criteria and assigned the request to a pretrial chamber. The Myanmar government said Bensouda's assertion of the extension of jurisdiction is not in line with the Rome Statute, the treaty that governs the ICC and to which Myanmar is not a party. The extension of jurisdiction to non-parties may have a reverberating effect on all non-parties in the world challenging long established principles such as legal certainty, the statement issued by Aung San Suu Kyis office said. What the prosecutor is attempting to do is to override the principle of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states in contrary to the principle enshrined in the U.N. Charter and recalled in the ICCs Charter, it said. Myanmar reiterates that it has not deported any individuals in the areas of concern and in fact has worked hard in collaboration with Bangladesh to repatriate those displaced from their homes, the statement said. Rohingya repatriation plans Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement in November for the return of Rohingya refugees who are living in sprawling displacement camps in the southeastern part of the country. They signed a second agreement in January to complete the repatriation program within two years, though the returns have yet to get underway. Myanmar government officials say they are prepared to begin the program but that incorrectly completed applications by refugees who want to voluntarily return have delayed the process. During a visit to Bangladesh on April 11-12, Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister of social welfare, relief, and resettlement, met with Bangladeshi government officials, U.N. representatives, and Rohingya refugees to brief them on the plan for the return and resettlement of Rohingya living in displacement camps. It remains unclear how many Rohingya refugees would willingly return to villages from which they were driven by Myanmar army, abetted in many cases by local Buddhist residents. Myint Thu, permanent secretary of Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told RFAs Myanmar Service on Thursday that the country will sign memorandums of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme and U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) on the repatriation and resettlement of refugees. Both agencies have raised concerns about the safety of the Rohingya, whom Myanmar considers illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and subjects to systematic discrimination, once the refugees return to Rakhine state. The Bangladeshi government and the U.N. refugee agency finalized a similar document on Friday ensuring the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar in line with international standards once conditions are conducive to returns. The UNHCR has engaged with the government of both countries separately in the absence of a tripartite agreement between all three parties. Later this month, the 15 ambassadors of the United Nations Security Council will travel to Myanmar and Bangladesh for a week to observe the Rohingya refugee crisis on the ground. A map of Qinghai provinces Golog (Guoluo) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where several Chinese plainclothes security agents in took pilgrim Lhamo Dolkar away for interrogation early in April, 2018. A 60-year-old Tibetan woman making a religious pilgrimage to Lhasa went missing this month after police stopped her en route, Tibetan sources told RFAs Tibetan Service on Friday. Lhamo Dolkar, left her hometown of Bora, in in Gansus Sangchu (in Chinese, Xiahe) county in the Kanlho (Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on March 28, along with several of her relatives. After one week traveling, the group arrived in Darlag (Dali) County in Qinghai provinces Golog (Guoluo) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where several Chinese plainclothes security agents in took Lhamo Dolkar away for interrogation. Since then, there is no word of her whereabouts, and she has disappeared, said Ngawang Tharpa, a member of Tibets parliament in exile in Dharamsala, India. The Chinese public security bureau officers even warned her relatives they would face dire consequences if they ever make Lhamo Dolkars custody case public, he told RFA. The reason for Lhamo Dolkars detention is believed to be related with her visit to a political prisoner in jail six years ago, suggested another Tibetan source. In 2012, a monk named Sangye Gyatso staged a protest in the street of Bora village, calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After Chinese police arrested and put him in jail, Lhamo Dolkar went to see him in prison and brought him food. Since then, the Chinese authorities, start to suspect and restrict her movement, the source told RFA. The Chinese authorities had been keeping an eye on her and she was followed and questioned by them as soon as she left her house during the politically sensitive anniversary of March 10 and His Holiness the Dalai Lamas birthday, added the source. March 10 is the anniversary of a failed 1959 national uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, during which Tibets spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled into exile in India Lhamo Dolkar is an ordinary Tibetan woman, with little political awareness and no formal education, the source said. Reported by Lobe for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Paul Eckert. At least 13 Afghan security forces have been killed in suspected Taliban attacks in western Herat Province, officials say. Ten police were killed and four wounded in the Shindad district, where fighting with the militants lasted for hours, Shukrullah Shaker, the district governor, said on April 13. An unspecified number of militants were also killed, according to Shaker. He blamed the Taliban for the attack, although no militant group has so far claimed responsibility. Also overnight, suspected Taliban militants attacked several police posts in eastern Paktia Province, leaving at least three police dead, according to Gul Agha Roohani, the province's police chief. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack in Paktia in a text message sent to the media. The violence comes a day after the UN said more than 700 civilians had been killed and nearly 1,500 wounded in Afghanistan in the first three months of 2018. "Afghan civilians continue to suffer, caught in the conflict, in ways that are preventable; this must stop now," said Ingrid Hayden, the UN secretary-general's deputy special representative for Afghanistan. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters Russian intelligence agencies had been spying on Sergei and Yulia Skripal for at least five years before they were poisoned with a nerve agent, Britain's National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill said on April 13. The Skripals were found unconscious on March 4 in the southern English city of Salisbury on March 4. Britain has blamed Russia for the attempted murder -- a charge that Moscow fiercely denies. In a letter to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Sedwill said that only Russia has the "technical means, operational experience, and the motive" for the attack against the former Russian double agent and his daughter. The Soviet Union developed fourth-generation nerve agents known as Novichoks in the 1980s, Sedwill said. The agents were developed at the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology near Volgograd under the codeword FOLIANT. "It is highly likely that Novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international chemical weapons controls," Sedwill said in the letter. After the demise of the Soviet Union, Russia signed the Chemical Weapons Convention without reporting its ongoing work on Novichoks, Sedwill said, adding that it was highly unlikely that any former Soviet republic besides Russia pursued such military research. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on April 12 confirmed Britain's findings about the nerve agent used in the attack after testing samples from Salisbury. Based on reporting by AP and AFP France's Cannes film festival has made a show of support for dissident directors in Iran and Russia in unveiling its selection of films to compete for the festival's Palme d'Or prize. Festival director Thierry Fremaux included films by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who has been banned from leaving Iran, and Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov, who is under house arrest in Russia. AFP reported that Fremaux, with the support of French authorities, has officially asked authorities in Tehran to allow Panahi to fly to the French Riviera resort next month to show his new film Three Faces at the festival, and then "let him return home." Three Faces presents a portrait of three women. Panahi is the director of Taxi, a film which won the Golden Bear award in Berlin three years ago. He was detained by the authorities in 2010 for criticizing Iran. Fremaux at a press conference in Paris on April 12 also pleaded with Russian authorities to let Serebrennikov show his new film, Leto. Leto depicts the life of Soviet rock star Viktor Tsoi and the birth of Russian underground music in the 1980s. Serebrennikov has been under house arrest in Moscow since August on charges of embezzlement that his supporters say are politically motivated. Among the other 17 films competing at the film festival will be U.S. director Spike Lee's movie about a black policeman who goes undercover to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan, BlacKkKlansman. Also showing will be a French-made film about Kurdish Yazidi female fighters taking on the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq. The Les Filles du Soleil (Women of the Sun) features Iranian star Golshifteh Farahani -- a pin-up for rebellious youth in her homeland -- as a hero of the Yazidi Sun Brigade battling militants who enslaved her friends and relatives. Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and dpa Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has given the go-ahead for the prosecution of two former leaders on charges of crimes against humanity for their roles in the country's deadly anticommunist revolt. Iohannis asked the justice minister to proceed with the prosecution of former President Ion Iliescu, former Prime Minister Petre Roman, and former Deputy Premier Gelu Voican Voiculescu. The three were leaders of the National Salvation Front, established after communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was toppled on December 22, 1989. More than 1,100 people died in Romania's revolt, the huge majority after Ceausescu's ouster. Almost 30 years after Ceausescu's fall, only two generals have been convicted for the deaths, and doubts remain whether the uprising was a true revolution or a coup staged by the Communist Party's second echelon. Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed on Christmas Day in 1989. Iohannis's decision came in response to an April 2 request from Romania's general prosecutor. Presidential authorization was needed because the events occurred when the three were government officials. Military magistrates who reopened the case in 2016 said the "new political and military leadership" which took control after Ceausescu fled Bucharest was responsible for the deaths of many people because of actions meant to maintain their hold on power. Prosecutors say that state television and radio broadcast fake news generating collective panic. Some of the evidence relating to the uprising has been destroyed, prosecutors have said. All three have denied any responsibility for the deaths. Iliescu, a former top communist official who had fallen out of grace with Ceausescu, went on to be elected president three times after 1989. Based on reporting by Digi24.hd, hotnews.ro, and AP Kosovar President Hashim Thaci has welcomed Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias as he continued his tour of the Balkans. During a meeting in Pristina on April 12, the two leaders discussed bilateral ties ahead of an EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia in May. Kotzias also met with Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli. Greece is one of five European Union countries that does not recognize Kosovo's independence. EU leaders have urged all of the bloc's members to join in recognizing the former province of Serbia, which is seeking to join the EU. Before arriving in Pristina, Kotzias was in Macedonia, where he said progress was made in resolving a name dispute with Greece. Greece objects to the former Yugoslav republic's use of the name Macedonia, which Athens says could imply territorial claims over its own northern region of the same name. The United Nations is sponsoring talks aimed at resolving the dispute by the end of June. On April 13, 1943, Nazi Germany announced the discovery of a series of mass graves containing the bodies of thousands of Polish officers who had been arrested and then executed by the Soviet Army. Seventy-five years later, the Katyn massacre is still a sensitive issue between Poland and Russia. Pakistan's Supreme Court has disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from politics for life, court officials say. The five-judge bench announced the decision on April 13 in the capital, Islamabad, amid tight security, court official Shahid Hussain said. Analysts say the decision could have an impact on parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year. Sharif, 68, a three-time former prime minister, was disqualified and removed from office last year on corruption allegations against his family. The charges stemmed from leaked documents known as the Panama Papers. Since then, confusion has persisted about whether he can run for office again. A member of Sharif's ruling party, Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, angrily dismissed the ruling as a "joke." Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump's pick to become Washington's top diplomat sought to defuse fears that he might advocate withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear deal, saying he will continue working with U.S. allies to try to strengthen and "fix" the agreement. Trump's nomination of CIA Director Mike Pompeo last month to be his next secretary of state prompted fears that Trump would soon abandon Iran's 2015 agreement with world powers because Pompeo was a strident opponent of the deal and critic of Iran as a member of Congress. But at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 12, Pompeo said he would pick up where former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson left off -- working with European allies to try to strengthen and "fix" the deal. "I want to fix this deal. That's the objective," Pompeo told the Senate committee. "If there is no chance to fix it, I'll recommend to the president we do our level best to work with our allies to achieve a better outcome and a better deal." Trump faces a deadline early next month to decide on whether to continue waiving U.S. sanctions against Iran, as required under the deal in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear activities. Trump has said he will not sign another sanctions waiver until what he has called the "disasterous flaws" in the deal are fixed. But despite Trump's charges that Tehran has violated the "spirit" of the agreement by continuing to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles since 2015, Pompeo said he has "seen no evidence that they are not in compliance today." The CIA director added that he did not believe Iran would be able to quickly develop nuclear weapons should the agreement fall apart. Tehran has recently threatened to quickly resume suspended nuclear activities if Trump withdraws from the deal. Pompeo said he would continue Tillerson's efforts to negotiate a side deal aimed at strengthening the nuclear accord in talks with European allies France, Britain, and Germany, which are among the six world powers that signed the deal. European negotiators who held talks with U.S. negotiator Brian Hook in Washington on April 12 said they believe that they are making headway toward an agreement to address Trump's concerns with the nuclear deal, Reuters reported. Reuters quoted a European diplomat as saying, "If the U.S. agrees to...working with the Europeans to ensure the Iranian nuclear program is only for civilian use forever, then we can agree on something." But the diplomat said that European negotiators couldn't agree to anything that is explicitly prohibited under the 2015 agreement. Trump has said he sees three defects in the nuclear deal: its failure to curb Iran's ballistic-missile development, its limits on which Iranian nuclear sites international inspectors can visit, and its scheduled expiration of curbs on uranium enrichment and other Iranian nuclear activities after 10 years. A second European diplomat quoted by Reuters was pessimistic that negotiators can reach an agreement that will be acceptable to Trump, who the diplomat described as "volatile." Both France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel are due to visit Washington in the next month, in part to lobby Trump to preserve the Iran deal, which they see as the best way to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP BRUSSELS -- The European Unions ambassador to Russia has returned to Moscow less than three weeks after being recalled by the EU foreign-policy chief amid severe tensions, the EU has confirmed to RFE/RL. EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijanic said EU envoy Markus Ederer returned to Moscow on April 12, confirming what two high-level sources had earlier told RFE/RL. Ederer was recalled as tensions between the West and Russia increased following a nerve-agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, in England on March 4. Ederer was recalled for consultations at the request of EU leaders at their March 22-23 summit in Brussels. Britain, the United States, NATO, and the EU blame Russia for the attack and responded by taking measures including the expulsion of some 150 Russian diplomats. Moscow retaliated in kind. With reporting by Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels MOSCOW -- A court in Moscow has upheld an eight-year prison term for former Russian Economy Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev. The Moscow City Court on April 12 ruled that Ulyukayev's sentence remains unchanged, but lifted a restriction on him holding public office after his sentence is served. Ulyukayev maintained his innocence in the courtroom on April 12 and his lawyers said they will appeal the court's ruling. A Moscow court on December 15 convicted Ulyukayev of taking a "large bribe," and sentenced him to eight years in a strict-regime prison. Ulyukayev, who was fired by Putin hours after his arrest in the middle of the night in November 2016, is the highest Russian official to be arrested since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Ulyukayev was found guilty of taking a $2 million in cash from the chief executive of Russia's state-run oil giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, a longtime Putin associate. Prosecutors said the bribe was given in exchange for Ulyukayev approving the sale of a state-controlled oil company Bashneft to Rosneft. Police detained Ulyukayev inside Rosneft headquarters shortly after Sechin handed him the cash inside a lockable brown bag, prosecutors said. Ulyukayev has said he thought the package contained a gift but that a trap had been set for him. Ulyukayev is seen as a member of the liberal camp in the Russian ruling elite, while Sechin, a longtime former deputy chief of staff at the Kremlin, is perceived as a hard-liner and one of Putin's closest allies. A group of Russian State Duma members has proposed banning or restricting the import of a raft of U.S. goods and services in response to fresh U.S. sanctions. State Duma deputy speaker Ivan Melnikov said on April 13 that it would also restrict economic ties. The draft law is set to be discussed in parliaments lower chamber next week, although it is unclear whether it will pass in its current form or whether the Kremlin backs the measures. Analysts say the Kremlin occasionally uses the parliament to send strong messages to foreign powers, but that does not always translate into specific action. The Kremlin said it had not yet studied the proposed legislation, but that it was understandable that State Duma members wanted to retaliate. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 13 that any response by Moscow to the sanctions imposed by Washington would not harm Russia's interests. The draft legislation was presented to reporters by deputy speakers of the State Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, which is dominated by Kremlin loyalists. The draft proposal would empower the government to ban or restrict imports of U.S.-made software and farm goods, U.S. medicines that can be sourced elsewhere, and tobacco and alcohol. It would also potentially ban cooperation with the United States on nuclear power, rocket engines, and aircraft making. The draft would also bar U.S. firms from taking part in Russian privatization deals. Some of the proposed bans, such as that of software, would not prohibit private Russian individuals from bringing these goods into the country. The bill would also enable the government to apply similar measures to goods and services of other countries seemed to be deserving of punitive measures. The proposed measures come after the United States on April 6 imposed asset freezes and financial restrictions on a raft of Russian security officials, politicians, and tycoons believed to have close ties to President Vladimir Putin -- part of an attempt to punish Moscow for what the U.S. Treasury Department called "malign activity around the globe." Russia called the measures "unacceptable" and said it reserved the right to retaliate. Russian imports from the United States amounted to $12.5 billion in 2017, according to official Russian customs data. That included aircraft, machinery, pharmaceutical and chemical products. U.S. companies, including Ford and Coca-Cola, have invested billions of dollars since the fall of the Soviet Union to set up local production in Russia. In 2014, Russia banned a wide range of food imports from Western countries in retaliation for international sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine. The bill would also enable the government to apply similar measures to goods and services of other countries seemed to be deserving of punitive measures. With reporting by AP and Reuters Police have searched the house of the mayor of a town near Moscow where a garbage dump has sparked protests by residents angered by the toxic fumes emitted from the site. Pyotr Lazarev, mayor of Volokolamsk, linked the April 13 overnight search of his home to the town's decision to allow a mass protest against the dump on April 14. His son, Pavel, told the Lamagrad online news site that police had searched the family's residence for several hours without explaining what they were looking for or why. On April 12, police searched the offices of Volokolamskaya Nedelya, a local paper that has been covering the ongoing protests against the landfill. The offices of several local businessmen who have taken part in the protests were also searched by police on April 12. And the home of a protest organizer, Artyom Lyubimov, was also searched. He is now serving a 15-day jail term for failing to obey police orders during one of the protest rallies. Residents have been demonstrating against the dump since January, with the protests intensifying after dozens of children were rushed to hospitals with symptoms of gas poisoning on March 21. The Yadrovo landfill was opened in 2008, taking in refuse from Moscow and nearby regions. Volokolamsk is a town of around 20,000 people about 120 kilometers west of Moscow. With reporting by Lamagrad and Interfax The Russian military says a navy helicopter has crashed during a night training flight, killing both pilots. The Russian Navy said the crash occurred while the Ka-29 of the Baltic Fleet was performing a training mission late on April 12. The Investigative Committee said on April 13 that the helicopter had been making a run to land on a ship. It said rescuers had found the helicopter's debris and the probe was ongoing. The Ka-29 is a Soviet-designed twin-engine helicopter intended for use from navy ships. Based on reporting by TASS, Interfax, and AP KYIV -- Ukrainian authorities say they are investigating a rocket-propelled-grenade attack on a building that houses the offices of two of Ukraine's top independent news outlets in central Kyiv as "hooliganism." The attack on an entrance to the Kyivmiskbud building, located in Kyiv's Pechersk neighborhood not far from the government quarter, occurred around 2 a.m. local time on April 13, Ukraine's Interior Ministry, citing the Kyiv police department, said in a statement. Police arrived at the scene after neighbors reported hearing an explosion. Across the street from the Kyivmiskbud building they discovered a spent tube used to fire a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). Photos of the RPG tube published by Hromadske.TV and Ukrayinska Pravda, two independent media outlets with offices inside the building, show it to be one similar to those used by forces fighting in eastern Ukraine. Other photographs showed damage to the office building's exterior, as well as that of a neighboring restaurant. The Interior Ministry said investigators were looking through security-camera footage and explosives experts were combing the site for clues. With reporting by Christopher Miller in Kyiv U.S. officials said they had a "very high level of confidence" that the Syrian government was responsible for the alleged chemical weapons attack that has brought Washington to the verge of a new military intervention. The comments on April 13, from the White House and the State Department, came as Washington and Moscow sparred at a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting and the United Nations chief called on world powers to "act responsibly." The United States and its allies are nearing a decision about military action against Syria in response to a recent chemical attack that killed dozens of civilians in Douma. The town was the final holdout in the rebels' former stronghold of eastern Ghouta, outside Damascus. A second U.S. guided-missile cruiser has moved into the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and jets and other weaponry from Britain and France are also in the region. An investigative team dispatched by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was scheduled to arrive in Douma on April 14 to collect evidence. Russia, which called the UN meeting and is a stalwart backer of President Bashar al-Assad's government, has dismissed the claims, and even asserted that Britain may have been responsible. Asked to respond, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders again laid blame on Moscow. "We have a very high confidence that Syria was responsible," she said. Russia's failure to stop Syria has been "part of the problem." At the United Nations, Russian envoy Vasily Nebenzya asserted that the United States, Britain, and France were bent on ousting Assad and containing Russia. U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley told the meeting that the U.S. administration estimates that Assad's government used chemical weapons at least 50 times during the seven-year-long conflict. "Our president has not yet made a decision about possible action in Syria. But should the United States and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defense of a principle on which we all agree," Haley said. Syria's UN envoy, Bashar Jaafari, vowed that Damascus will have "no other choice" but to defend itself if the West launches military action. "This is not a threat. This is a promise," he said. Ahead of the UN meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that the suspected chemical attack was staged last weekend with the aid of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said the military had "proof that testifies to the direct participation of Britain in the organizing of this provocation." He did not elaborate or provide evidence. The accusation was vehemently denied during the emergency meeting by Britain's UN envoy, Karen Pierce, who called it "bizarre" and "a blatant lie." "This is grotesque," Pierce told reporters as she left the meeting. "It's some of the worst piece of fake news we've yet seen from the Russian propaganda machine." French Ambassador Francois Delattre said the Assad regime "reached a point of no return. France will shoulder its responsibility to end an intolerable threat to our collective security." On April 12, France said it had proof the Syrian government had used chemical weapons in the Douma attack, in which the World Health Organization said 43 people who died suffered "symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals." In his address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the situation in the Middle East "chaos" and he said it had become a threat to international peace and security -- and Syria "represents the most serious threat." The highly volatile situation risks "escalation, fragmentation, and division," he said. "The Cold War is back -- with a vengeance but with a difference," because past safeguards that kept the risk of escalation in check "no longer seem to be present." Russia has thousands of troops and military advisers in Syria, dozens of aircraft at the Hmeymim air base , and as many as 15 warships off the Syrian coast. Meanwhile, UN war crimes investigators condemned the suspected use of chemical weapons and said that evidence must be preserved to avoid compromising potential prosecutions. French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Syria during a telephone conversation on April 13, the Elysee Palace said. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Education Reporter Mathew Burciaga is a Santa Maria Times reporter who covers education, agriculture and public safety. Prior to joining the Times, Mathew ran a 114-year-old community newspaper in Wyoming. He owns more than 40 pairs of crazy socks from across the globe. He spent nearly two decades in prison for what are widely seen as trumped-up charges. But recently freed Uzbek journalist Yusuf Ruzimurodov says he holds no grudges against those who put him behind bars. The journalist says he knew all along that there would a heavy price to pay for working for a newspaper with ties to the opposition in a country that tolerated no dissent. Ruzimurodov, who worked for the Erk (Freedom) publication, was tried and sentenced along with five other defendants in 1999 on charges that included attempting to overthrow the government. The newspaper was linked to the banned opposition party of the same name, Erk. Ruzimurodov, then a 35-year-old reporter whose hobby was reading history books, found himself sharing an overcrowded prison cell with convicted killers and thieves. "I lived with hope. I knew that I was innocent and I would be free one day," Ruzimurodov told RFE/RL in a phone interview from the southeastern Qashqadaryo Province, where he is staying at his brothers house. "It was hope that kept me going." Ruzimurodov, 54, who was released in February, is reluctant to talk about his years doing hard time. Brick By Brick "I spent all my free time reading books. There was a library in prison. And I also had my own books brought by visiting relatives," Ruzimurodov says. "I would read a lot during the night." During the day, however, Ruzimurodov worked in a factory, loading bricks onto freight cars. "I loaded at least 8.5 million bricks during the 10 years I spent at the labor colony in Navoyi Province," Ruzimurodov recalls. "Each prisoner had a daily quota of loading one-and-half train cars with bricks," the journalist says. "I would fulfill my quota every single day, because I hoped I would be released early for good behavior and working hard. Several fellow inmates were freed early on those grounds." Early release wasn't in the cards, however. To the contrary, Ruzimurodov, who was initially sentenced to 15 years, ended up serving 19 years instead, becoming one of Uzbekistans longest-held prisoners of conscience. As was not uncommon under late President Islam Karimov, Ruzimurodov saw his imprisonment extended twice on charges he says were fabricated. "In 2014, I was counting down the days to my release," the journalist says. "When just 25 days were left till the end of my sentence, I was accused of verbally abusing a fellow inmate and my term was prolonged for another three years." Charges of "violation of internal prison rules" were routinely used against imprisoned activists and journalists under Karimovs authoritarian rule. The extended sentence came as Ruzimurodov was suffering from tuberculosis he contracted in prison. "I tried to find mental strength, and it made the physical hardship easier to deal with," Ruzimurodov says. "I would tell myself that Im an educated person, I must face my situation with patience and dignity." In the end he persevered despite the hardships, including mistreatment and the loss of both his parents during his incarceration. Uzbek prisons under Karimov were notorious for torturing inmates, especially those imprisoned for criticizing the government. Human rights groups have documented that Ruzimurodov and his fellow defendants -- all linked to the opposition -- were tortured upon their arrest in 1999. Citing a defense lawyer, Human Rights Watch reported at the time that the defendants "testified that they had been cruelly and repeatedly tortured." "A statement signed by all six claimed that torture methods included electric shocks, beatings with batons and plastic bottles filled with water, and the use of the 'bag of death,' a plastic bag used to temporarily suffocate victims," the rights watchdog said. No Regrets Ruzimurodov doesn't want to talk about any mistreatment he might have suffered. A self-described "optimist by nature," Ruzimurodov says he wants to look to the future instead of dwelling in the past. His second extended sentence came in 2017, when he was again nearing release. This time he was accused of violating prison rules by "washing his hair outside the designated bathing time." Ruzimurodov was given another three years, but the extension came at a fortuitous time, because there was a new sheriff in town. President Shavkat Mirziyoev was now in power, replacing Karimov, whose died in the fall of 2016 after 27 years in power. Mirziyoev went on to release numerous political activists, journalists, and opposition figures and removed thousands of people from the security services' blacklist. Ruzimurodov sent a letter from prison to the president, asking for his freedom.He was released on February 22. Ruzimurodovs release was welcomed by human rights advocates, the OSCE, and the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, among others. Ruzimurodov says he doesnt have a clear career plan yet, but says he wants "to take part in the ongoing reforms and changes in Uzbekistan." "For the time being I just enjoy being free," Ruzimurodov says. "As for the past, I have no regrets." Written by Farangis Najibullah based on interviews conducted by RFE/RL Uzbek Service correspondent Khurmat Babajanov. Toyota India has restarted their sales and service operations as lockdown has been eased Earlier this month, Hyundai, Maruti, Hero MotoCorp and few other automakers have been given the go-ahead by the Government to restart production. Now, Toyota Kirloskar Motors has also resumed operations at Bidadi plant as well as at dealer level. Sales and after sales service operations of Toyota cars like Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Glanza have also restarted. Toyota Kirloskar Motor MD Masakazu Yoshimura has drawn attention to the safety to be followed for manufacturers, dealers and customers. He has listed out a series of safety precautions to be followed in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. He states that he is not only intent to safeguard the companys employees and dealerships but is also concerned about the health of customers visiting these premises. Yoshimura also thanked the front line workers, be they medial or safety heroes, who are fighting this pandemic on a daily basis, putting their own lives at risk. Below is his video message. Toyota has released a Restart Manual which list out guidelines to be followed. Every employee will have to follow social distancing, cover face with a mask at all times and carry sanitizers for regular use. Thermal body checks will be done upon entry to the premises each day. These precautions are not only restricted to the company plant but have also to be followed by sales and service teams so as to make showrooms as safe as customers homes. All canteens will also have staggered timings so that employees do not crowd at the same time while suppliers have also been aligned with this process of staggered supplies. For the month of April, Toyota India reported zero sales in view of the prolonged nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. In the month of March, the company had sold 7,023 cars in domestic markets while exports touched 999 units of the Etios. These figures were exceedingly low when compared to 12,818 units sold in domestic markets and 844 Etios cars exported in March 2019. The auto industry as a whole now has to contend with an adverse economic situation in the country coupled with low consumer sentiments. They will have to work hard to rebuild disrupted supply chains and restore production to former levels. Toyota India has also digitized its sales processes so as to allow customers to make purchases from the comforts of their own homes with 360 degree online platforms with experts standing by to offer advice to customers. The sales process allows for virtual tours of vehicles, online booking, loan options and facilities and deliveries right upto the customers doorstep. The Honda X-ADV is neither your average maxi scooter nor your average adventure tourer but its an equal blend of both. The polarizing two wheeler has been patented by the manufacturer in India suggesting that it could go on sale here in the foreseeable future. HMSI is no stranger to making bold experiments in the market. While the Navi brought in a fresh flavor in the entry-level segment, the X-ADV would do the same albeit at the other end of the price spectrum. The moto-scooter is powered by a 745 cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine which is paired to Hondas six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Designed to be as comfortable as a maxi scooter and as capable as an adventure tourer, the X-ADV has a rather modest 54 PS of power and 68 Nm of torque. The transmission offers Drive and Sport modes in addition to handlebar-mounted manual gear shift buttons. The equipment list includes adjustable windscreen, full LED headlamps, huge seats, fully digital multi-function dashboard, spoke wheels, dual purpose tyres, underseat storage, etc. Based on a steel chassis, the Honda X-ADV sits on inverted telescopic front fork and Pro-Link monoshock rear suspension both of which offer long travel. Braking is courtesy of 296 mm 4-piston caliper disc at the front and 240 mm single piston caliper disc at the rear (both from Nissin). Of course, dual-channel ABS comes as standard fitment. The Honda X-ADV is an eccentric offering which has a love it or hate it appeal to it. Given that Indias premium two wheeler market is matured than it was a few years ago, it would be interesting to see how the prospective customers in this segment would react to such an idiosyncratic moto-scooter. A more affordable version of the current TVS Apache RTR 310, minus the fairing and other features With TVS Apache RR 310 emerging as a popular bike in its class, a naked version of the same could be launched by the company. Theres no official word as of now, but the possibility definitely exists. In case the naked variant is launched, it could go on sale as Apache RTR 310. It may be recalled that Apache RR 310 has been developed jointly by TVS and BMW Motorrad. BMW G310R and the G310GS are also born of the same collaboration. Ahead of its potential launch, a digital sketch of Apache RTR 310 has been developed based on Apache RR 310. In line with its naked profile, the front fairing has been completely removed. Fuel tank gets extended shoulders, which give the bike a sharp, dominating profile. This is similar to the design of other Apache RTR bikes such as RTR 200 4V, 160 4V and Apache RTR 200 Fi E100. Other changes that enhance the looks of the naked streetfighter include a shortened windshield and smaller fly screen. Clip-on handlebars have been replaced with a flat handlebar. Watch the making of the render, by Youtube channel Yogi Sejwal Design. 2030 TVS Apache 310 4V TVS Apache RTR 310 will use the same engine as that of its faired sibling. The 312.2cc liquid cooled, reverse inclined, SI engine delivers 34 ps of max power at 9700 rpm and 27.3 Nm of max torque at 7700 rpm when used in Sport and Track mode. Engine output drops to 25.8 PS / 25 Nm when used in Urban and Rain mode. Engine is mated to a track-tuned 6-speed gearbox. Apache RR 310 has top speed of 160 kmph in Sport and Track mode and 125 kmph in Urban and Rain mode. These figures could be improved in the naked variant, as the bike is expected to have higher power to weight ratio. Rest of the equipment used for Apache RTR 310 will be the same as that of RR 310. Some key features of Apache RR 310 include Bi-LED twin projector headlamps, snake fangs inspired LED tail lights, 5-inch TFT instrument cluster and drive modes of Urban, Track, Sport and Rain. These modes can be easily accessed via dedicated control switches provided on the handlebar. Colour options include Titanium Black and Racing Red. Apache RR 310 utilizes race-ready Trellis frame, suspended on inverted cartridge telescopic front forks and gas-assisted swingarm suspension at the rear. Braking duties are performed by petal type disc brakes at front and rear. The bike comes with dual-channel ABS as standard. When launched, Apache RTR 310 could be among the most affordable 300 cc naked street-fighters in the country. It could be around Rs 40k-50k cheaper than Apache RR 310, which retails at Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Report: Army's drone air force, ballistic missiles airstrikes targeted several Saudi targets [12/April/2018] SANAA, Apr 12 (Saba) Drone air force waged airstrikes, and missile force of the army and popular committees launched ballistic missiles on the ministry of defense in Riyadh and various Saudi targets in the past 24 hours, according to the army's military media. In Riyadh, the missile force hit Saudi Ministry of Defense with Borkan-H2 missiles. In Asir, the drone waged airstrikes with Qasif-1 on Abha airport, and the Saudi enemy media announced about disrupt flights at Abha airport and transfer them to the airports of Jizan, Jeddah and Riyadh. In Jizan, the drone Qasif-1 waged airstrikes on Aramco company, while the missile force fired a barrage of Badr-1 missiles on King Abdullah Economic City and another targets. In Jizan also, scores of Katyusha rockets were fired at gatherings of Saudi soldiers at al- Mashreq site and a Saudi soldier was shot dead in al- Khobah. In Najran, Badr- 1 missiles fired on Aramco distribution building and other targets in Najran, a missile, Zilzal-2 was fired at the Saudi soldiers gatherings and their mercenaries at al- Sudais site. A number of Saudi soldiers mercenaries were killed in a unique operation of the army and committees and artillery and missile attack on their sites in al- Talaa in Najran, while a Saudi military vehicle were destroyed and three others in al- Sudais site with rockets and artillery shells. In Bayda province, the army inflicted the mercenaries casualties during repelling their infiltration attempt in Qaifah, a vehicle loaded of mercenaries were destroyed with a guided missile at Melh valley in Nehm district. Army heroes and committees attacked the sites of mercenaries at al-Hijjah of al-Masloub district in Jawf province, killing and injuring in their ranks. The artillery shelled troops of Sudanese forces mercenaries north of Medi Desert. Eman SABA Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. How old were the kids when you started? When we sailed away, the kids were four, six, and nine. We start birthday season in the next couple of weeks and theyll turn 14, 16, and 19. Whats your favorite place? The impossible question that everyone asks! We tend to like where we are; its hard to pick a standout above all others. Some places are unforgettable for epic snorkeling or diving, others for cultural interest, another for history or human encounters, another for delicious food. But when we talk about favorite places, a few consistently hit the top five: we love Mexico (safe, friendly, affordable, mmmm tacos), Papua New Guinea (the people, the culture), and African destinations feature prominently (Comoros, so much to plumb; Madagascar, endlessly fascinating and beautiful; South Africa, complex and beguiling). What did you miss on the first circle that you want to see on the second? Best about this question is the correct assumption were not finished cruising! To a one, our inclinations is to pass on the usual South Pacific hurricane season destinations and head for Micronesia instead. Id love to go back to Taiwan (where I lived in the 80s and 1990) and hear great things about cruising in Japan. We missed the Med, but its the Baltic and North Sea that have an allure. And then, South America! Basically: we missed most of the world the first time around, as that skinning line on our world map attests there is so much to see. Whats the worst maintenance problem? In a valiant move for a Best Husband Ever award, Jamie takes care of all maintenance and repair on the heads (toilets). It is a stinker of a job. Thank you sweetie, you know how much I love you! What was the most difficult weather? Lava tubes, underground caves created by volcanic activity, could provide protected habitats large enough to house streets on Mars or even towns on the Moon, according to research presented at the European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) 2017 in Riga. A further study shows how the next generation of lunar orbiters will be able to use radar to locate these structures under the Moon's surface. Lava tubes can form in two ways: 'overcrusted' tubes form when low-viscosity lava flows fairly close to the surface, developing a hard crust that thickens to create a roof above the moving lava stream. When the eruptions end, the conduit is drained leaving a tunnel a few metres beneath the surface. 'Inflated' tubes are complex and deep structures that form when lava is injected into existing fissures between layers of rock or cavities from previous flows. The lava expands and leaves a huge network of connected galleries as it forces its way to the surface. Lava tubes are found in many volcanic areas on Earth, including Lanzarote, Hawaii, Iceland, North Queensland in Australia, Sicily and the Galapagos islands. Underground networks of tubes can reach up to 65 kilometres. Space missions have also observed chains of collapsed pits and 'skylights' on the Moon and Mars that have been interpreted as evidence of lava tubes. Recently the NASA GRAIL mission provided detailed gravity data for the Moon that suggested the presence of enormous subsurface voids related to lava tubes below the lunar 'Maria', plains of basalt formed in volcanic eruptions early in the Moon's history. Now, researchers from the University of Padova and the University of Bologna in Italy have carried out the first systematic comparison of lava tube candidates on the Earth, Moon and Mars, based on high-resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTM) created from data from spacecraft instrumentation. "The comparison of terrestrial, lunar and martian examples shows that, as you might expect, gravity has a big effect on the size of lava tubes. On Earth, they can be up to thirty metres across. In the lower gravity environment of Mars, we see evidence for lava tubes that are 250 metres in width. On the Moon, these tunnels could be a kilometre or more across and many hundreds of kilometres in length," says Dr Riccardo Pozzobon, of the University of Padova. "These results have important implications for habitability and human exploration of the Moon but also for the search of extraterrestrial life on Mars. Lava tubes are environments shielded from cosmic radiation and protected from micrometeorites flux, potentially providing safe habitats for future human missions. They are also, potentially, large enough for quite significant human settlements -- you could fit most of the historic city centre of Riga into a lunar lava tube." The work by Pozzobon and colleagues is already being used in the European Space Agency's astronaut training programme. The teams lead a planetary geology training course called PANGAEA for the European Space Agency's astronauts and engineers. The PANGAEA project has included a field trip and a test campaign in lava tubes in the Canary Island to familiarise the astronauts with geological research they could carry out during future missions to the Moon or Mars, as well as to test technical and operational systems. In particular, PANGAEA has focused on using laser technologies to characterise the Corona lava tube, an 8-kilometre long tunnel on Lanzarote. However, analysis of lava tubes with DEMs requires that a collapse or a puncture from a meteorite reveals the presence of the hidden tunnel. Conventional remote sensing instruments cannot detect and characterise the lava tubes, as they cannot acquire measurements beneath the surface. In a separate talk at EPSC, Leonardo Carrer and colleagues of the University of Trento presented a concept for a radar system specifically designed to detect lava tubes on the Moon from orbit. The radar probes beneath the lunar surface with low frequency electromagnetic waves and measures the reflected signals. This radar instrument could determine accurately the physical composition, size and shape of the caves and obtain a global map of their location. "The studies we have developed show that a multi- frequency sounding system is the best option for detecting lava tubes of very different dimensions. The electromagnetic simulations show that lava tubes have unique electromagnetic signatures, which can be detected from orbit irrespective of their orientation to the radar movement direction. Therefore, a mission carrying this instrument would enable a crucial step towards finding safe habitats on the Moon for human colonisation," says Carrer. In the pre-industrial age, twilight was a dangerous time for humans since they were at risk of encountering nocturnal predators. Anyone still able to recognise things despite the weak light was at a clear evolutionary advantage. As neuroscientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have now discovered, the human brain prepares for dawn and dusk by shutting down resting activity in the visual cortex at these times so that weak visual stimuli do not disappear in the brain's background noise. The transition from night to day, light and dark, has a greater influence on perception that we realise. The time of day has a particularly significant impact on the quality of visual signals around us. In the course of evolution, our visual system has adapted perfectly to light conditions during the day. It has, however, also developed a strategy for twilight: Evidently it allows our inner clock to predict these periods and prepare our visual system for times when the quality of visual signals deteriorates. "Whilst the cogs of our inner clock have already been studied in depth, it was not known to date which mechanism optimises visual perception at times when poor signal quality can be expected," explains Dr. Christian Kell from the Brain Imaging Center of Goethe University Frankfurt. That is why Lorenzo Cordani, his doctoral researcher, examined how 14 healthy test persons reacted to visual stimuli at six different times of the day in the framework of a complex fMRI study. The main idea of the study was to relate the perception of sensory signals to the brain's resting activity. There is namely a certain "background noise" in the brain even in the complete absence of external stimuli. The international team led by Christian Kell, Lorenzo Cordani and Joerg Stehle was able to show that the body independently downregulates resting activity in the sensory areas during dawn and dusk. The more resting activity was reduced, the better the test persons were able to perceive weak visual signals when measured afterwards. This means that humans can perceive weak visual stimuli during dawn and dusk better than at other times of the day. In other words: During twilight, the signal-to-noise ratio in the sensory areas of the brain improves. Since resting activity during twilight decreases not only in the visual but also in the auditory and somatosensory regions of the brain, the researchers assume that perception sharpens not only in the visual system. An earlier study already showed that weak auditory stimuli during twilight were perceived better. The mechanism now discovered, which was published in the latest issue of Nature Communications, could therefore represent a key evolutionary advantage that ensured survival in the pre-industrial era. The diversity of Madagascar is unique. More than 420 reptile species are already known from this enormous island off the east coast of Madagascar, yet rainforested mountains across the island continue to yield new surprises: On an expedition carried out by the Zoologische Staatssammlung Munich in a remote area of northern Madagascar, a team of researchers has discovered a spectacularly coloured rainbow chameleon, now dubbed Calumma uetzi. The gorgeous display colouration of the new species, which makes it easily distinguishable from all other species, is at its most magnificent when individuals of both sexes encounter one another. Then, the male tries to impress the female with a raucous display of yellow, violet, and red. Yet these flashy colours alone are no guarantee of success; an unreceptive female will turn on a male, mouth agape, darkening her own skin to the point of nearly black. While the new rainbow chameleon is found only in the relatively remote forests of the north of Madagascar, a second new species was discovered in a dwindling forest fragment just beside one of the island's most heavily travelled roads. This totally isolated forest fragment, which covers an area of scarcely 15 hectares, is the only known forest in which Calumma juliae occurs. "We hope," says David Protzel, a PhD student at LMU and lead author of the new study, "that this area can be protected as soon as possible. Recent imagery from Google Earth shows that, since our discovery of this chameleon just two years ago, a significant area of its tiny home has already been lost to deforestation." Despite repeated visits by the researchers to the forest where this species is at home, only females have yet been found. "It will be really interesting to see what the males look like, and at what time of the year they can be found," says Protzel. Only a single, male specimen of the third species described in the new study, Calumma lefona, is known. X-ray micro-CT scanning of the head of this specimen revealed a large hole in the roof of the skull, lying directly over the brain. A systematic search among the related chameleons revealed that a hole is present in this position in at least six other Calumma species. Curiously, the species with these holes all occur at elevations of more than 1000 m above sea level. The biological function of this skeletal anomaly is something of a mystery, but the researchers think it may help in thermoregulation. "Based on everything we know about these species, they all have very small distribution ranges," says Dr. Frank Glaw, who heads the Herpetology Section of the Zoologische Staatssammlung Munchen, "but many new protected areas are now being established in Madagascar, which will certainly be important for the future of Madagascar's unique diversity." (ZSM/LMU) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 2018 Guillermo del Toro doesnt half-ass anything. From immaculately crafted sets and carefully thought out color patterns to a web of intertextual allusions that extend his visual storytelling, hes a world-builder who pays attention to the smallest detail. Living in a house that doubles as a shrine to all things fantastical hes surrounded by a collection of monster memorabilia and thousands of books, the majority of which he has read and internalized. Del Toro is a vessel of knowledge and yet, one of the first things youll notice when meeting him is a total lack of conceitedness. The opposite of an intimidating presence, hes as welcoming as his films and a person for whom the phrase generosity of spirit was seemingly invented. Naturally then, when del Toro visited Belgium as the guest of honor at the 36th edition of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival he did a lot more than pick up his Silver Raven for Cronos (an award which he won back in 1994 but never received on account of a shipping error). He would honor the BIFFF tradition of treating the audience to a chanson in a way that none have before: backed by a mariachi band and bringing the place down with his version of the Mexican classic Cielito Lindo, before preaching the value of making fantastic cinema to an enraptured crowd during a two hour masterclass. Prior to the evening festivities we got to speak to the fabulistic monster aficionado. We picked up where his previous conversation ended, with del Toro explaining how fantasy connects him to reality, how parable and fable allow for abstraction, and how monsters are perfect metaphors for discussing difference because they embody Otherness: thats their beauty. [The interview below contains spoilers for Cronos, The Devils Backbone and The Shape of Water] ScreenAnarchy: First of all, congratulations on a very successful year, the many awards for THE SHAPE OF WATER but also on your recently announced continued partnership with Fox Searchlight. Guillermo del Toro: Oh yes, Im very happy about that. It sounds like a match made in heaven. Its great because it allows me to create a system of support for first-time filmmakers both with the genre label, and with filmmakers who dont normally work in genre. I want to invite them to do genre, like in the case of Scott Cooper with Antlers. Hes a filmmaker that can bring a real sense of menace and dread. In addition to this being a big year for you, 2018 also marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelleys FRANKENSTEIN. Considering how much of an impact her novel had on you, it mustve been a great honor when last year you got to write the intro to Leslie Klingers THE NEW ANNOTATED FRANKENSTEIN. Of course it was. Was it difficult to write an essay about a person you admire greatly? Yes and no because, first of all, Leslies book is so thorough that it was very hard to not say what was already said in the book. But what is important and the only thing I know: this is a remarkable work because Im a 53-year-old Mexican man in the 21st century and Im affected by the words of a 19-year-old that wrote a book hundreds of years ago. That is a testament to her power and her sincerity and how much that book is truly autobiographical to her in many tragic ways, you know? How she is the creature, how she is the doctor, how she is representing herself and the universe as she understands it is a monumental work I loved doing it. You also praised Shelley as a rebellious spirit, someone who couldnt be contained by the constraints of her time. That transgressive spirit very much lives on in your films, which have also often reminded me of the writings of Angela Carter in the manner in which you draw from disparate sources and recontextualize and reimagine the received. Angela Carter has an incredibly articulate and incredibly reconstructive way of looking at fairy tales. She uses that matrix in a way that is very original and very powerful. I think that when you take a fairy tale and you take the social, Jungian, philosophical and artistic aspects of that medium, subgenre or whatever you wanna call it, and you translate it to your medium is really rewarding because I think there are fairy tale elements in all of my movies. It can be Pacific Rim, Cronos or The Shape of Water ... theres elements of fairy tales everywhere. I think its a very beautiful thing what Carter does and I admire her. In NOTES FROM THE FRONTLINE (1983) Carter wrote: Most intellectual development depends upon new readings of old texts. I am all for putting new wine in old bottles, especially if the pressure of the new wine makes the bottles explode. That strikes me as instantly applicable to, for instance, THE SHAPE OF WATER. That could very well be. I mean I absolutely feel that way because obviously when we talk about the new and the old, nothing is really new and by the same token nothing is really old. So if you assume that you are not discovering new colors but that you are combining them in a completely new way, that is possible. Youre not going to invent a new color but you can invent a new combination. I think when you approach a movie like The Shape of Water, you dont want to quote another B horror movie. You want to quote a musical, a melodrama and that combination, which normally is not done, makes it very powerful. When did you first become interested in challenging the certainties found in old narratives? From the beginning. After I did my short films and I started planning Cronos I wanted Cronos to be counter to every vampire film I had ever seen, with the exception of Martin. I thought Romeros Martin was very close to what I would like to do in Cronos because youre feeling pity for the vampire. Given the day and age that we live in, with radicalization being a go-to reaction, do you feel a greater responsibility of going against the grain? Of addressing politics through fantasy and destabilizing binary thinking? I think it is always important and it has been since at least The Devils Backbone, even in Cronos I would say. But I dont think you should make it your primary concern. We gotta be careful that the first concern is narrative. You have often used fantasy as a means of commenting on historical events, specifically insofar as these historical events dont exclusively pertain to the past but remain present as open wounds. In THE SHAPE OF WATER time is also something very fluid [Laughs] Yes! Something that exists on a continuum that cant easily be compartmentalized into past, present and future insofar as its a film set in the sixties, with themes that are relevant today while also being concerned with what tomorrow could look like. Was this notion present from the beginning? Making a film that simultaneously feels timeless and timely? Yes, always been, because when you do a movie about the past, for it to really have a value you need to make it about the past that is still relevant in the present, meaning: if the wounds of the Civil War in Spain have healed completely and there was no rift in society because of it why make The Devils Backbone? But if you think like I do, that the wounds of the Civil War in Spain have never completely healed, then its important to do movies that are fabulations or parables of that. In the same manner I started making The Shape of Water before Trump was elected but as a Mexican I felt already the tension that was building up socially. You make a movie about 1962 but youre really making it about today, you know? So in that way you only make the past urgent if it is urgent in the present. Theres a terrific quote in THE SHAPE OF WATER: time is but a river flowing from our past. Which is constant. Thats in Cronos, its in The Shape of Water and in my other movies too. Is it pessimistic because we keep repeating the same mistakes? Or optimistic because you feel there are lessons to be gleaned from looking back? The idea in The Shape of Water is that there are characters that are obsessed with the past, like Giles. Giles is thinking when I was young, I was beautiful and I was free and perfect and the movies that I like are the ones with Shirley Temple or Jimmy Cagney. Theyre all in the past and I dont wanna see the present. I dont wanna see the news, I dont wanna see all that and take responsibility. Then you have the other side, which is interested in the future and they say I want to win the Space Race, and everything is modern, Im the man of the future, I want a great car, I want a TV. Its all about the Space Race and the future and they dont see the present either. The only two characters that are constantly in the present, floating in the present, are Elisa and the River God. The comment of the movie is about that and about how she is constantly under the clock I noticed several close-ups of clocks on the wall, watches, punch cards, timers in the first forty minutes. Yeah, but she is immune to it. That was very important for me, that she never arrives early and Zelda saying You should arrive early, come on! but she never does. The only time she looks at her watch, really, is when shes trying to rescue the creature [Laughs]. Because it matters to her, you know? But all the rest of the time, shes free of those concerns. Taking into account your veneration for James Whales FRANKENSTEIN and also given the fact that THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON was a direct influence, did you ever consider shooting your latest in black and white? Yes, at one point we pitched it to Searchlight like that but they thought it was going to make the movie impossible to market. They said, Look were going to have problems and should shoot in color anyway because we dont wanna lose the Asian market, the Middle East and this and that. They dont buy black and white. And I thought You know what? Lets just make it beautiful in color and make it count. Tomorrow at 2pm the retrospective screening of CRONOS starts here at BIFFF. I was wondering how now, all those years later, you look back on your first film and how you personally feel that your style as a filmmaker has evolved? Well, the instruments that you have to make a movie as a filmmaker you become infinitely more sophisticated but if you see Cronos and The Shape of Water and realize that they are both about time, both about timelessness, and about a protagonist that is silent and both are about the monster being monstrous but not being feared but loved and cared for, and one is a vampire that sleeps in a toybox and the other one is a creature that sleeps in a bathtub, and they are so similar, so similar that its almost shocking What is beautiful is that the essence of a filmmaker is the same but the tools by which that filmmaker expresses himself are far more sophisticated now than then. You consider THE SHAPE OF WATER your most accomplished work to date. How did you come up with the films final image and does it represent transformation for you? A moment where Elisas scars are touched by the River God, becoming gills and imbuing her with life once more? The way I interpreted it is they were always gills [Laughs]. Thats my own, and doesnt need to be the definitive [interpretation] When I was calibrating the movie, I was talking to Sally Hawkins and I had this idea of the scars turning into gills and she talked to me about the idea that maybe the scars were always gills, you know? And I thought that was a great idea from her because a love never transforms. If its real love it just reveals the nature of the other. Thats why the beast doesnt transform into a prince. Its important for me that it reveals what she really always was, which was a river creature. Thats why she was found in the water, why she had these scars since she was a baby, why she cooks in the water, masturbates in the water, and dreams of water She was always meant to be in the water. The final image, I felt, was the true moment of magic of the film. The image of her leaving the material world behind with the red shoe falling away And it was digital, you know, because they were not in water, they were floating in wires, dry-for-wet, and I thought the shoe floating away could make for a very precise, very poetic, very painterly image; the two of them floating in the water. With a gorgeous poem as well, delivered by the narrator. What is the exact source of that poem? Originally the movie ended with another voiceover by Giles that said Did they live happily ever after? I think they did and he said something very nice but it wasnt the poem. Then we were shooting and I found a book about illuminated Persian poets, and it was called The Book About Nothing or The Book of Nothing, I dont remember the title But the poem is credited in the movie, its in the titles. I read this poem in this book and I said: This is the ending of the movie. One final question before heading out: How excited are you about Jordan Peeles and J.J. Abrams upcoming LOVECRAFT COUNTRY tv-series and, hypothetically speaking, if you were offered the chance to direct an episode, would you take it? I love it. I think that anybody doing Lovecraft is great and J.J. and I have been friends for 27 years and I know he loves Lovecraft so he is going to make something terrific with Jordan. And Jordan and I became friends as well. Im looking forward to it. I myself will approach Lovecraft at one point or another in my career but Id rather do it in my own anthology or my own movie. Its great to hear that you havent given up on that considering AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS was a pet project of yours that had been in development for a long time and unfortunately fell through. I hope it comes to fruition. One day. A few hours after our interview, Guillermo del Toro was warmly embraced by likeminded souls of the fantastic film festival circuit. Treated to a standing ovation at BIFFF, his optimism, love of poetry and all things beautiful shone through in his rendition of "Cielito Lindo", which we would be remiss not to include below. "Canta y no llores ... Viva Mejico cabron!" The Greenland Ice Sheet is melting, discharging hundreds of billions of tons of water into the ocean each year. Sea levels are steadily rising. To better understand and anticipate changes in sea level rise, scientists have sought to quantify how much snow falls on the ice sheet in any given year, and where, since snow is the primary source of the ice sheet's mass. This has proven to be a challenging problem. However, a new study from a team of researchers led by University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center scientist, Claire Pettersen, describes a unique method involving cloud characteristics that could help answer some big questions about the Greenland Ice Sheet and its snowfall. The study is published today in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. "There are a lot of theories about how the precipitation processes over the ice sheet will change in the future," says Pettersen. "Will it gain more as a result of increased precipitation or will it gain less due to decreasing precipitation?" Pettersen's approach involved studying the types of clouds that result in snow on the ice sheet, and examining the distinct paths these clouds take before they produce snow at Summit Station, a longstanding research station located in the middle of Greenland. Regions of higher elevation on the ice sheet do not receive an abundance of precipitation, and Summit Station tends to be drier still. However, the precipitation it does receive is critical, Pettersen says, "because it is the only available source for building up mass on the ice sheet." Greenland is more than twice as large as Texas and if the entire ice sheet melted, scientists estimate global sea levels would rise roughly 24 feet. advertisement Pettersen and her team developed a tool that aggregated and processed five-year's worth of data from the Integrated Characterization of Energy, Clouds, Atmospheric state, and Precipitation at Summit (or ICECAPS) experiment, relying on an array of ground-based, remote sensing instruments -- from Doppler radar to an ice particle imaging camera -- to collect atmospheric information. Pettersen took advantage of a wealth of data from an instrument typically used to measure characteristics like temperature and humidity, called a microwave radiometer, and from it gathered information about cloud liquid water and ice within clouds above Greenland. She discovered that precipitation at Summit came from two distinct cloud types. The first, mixed-phase clouds, hold water vapor, supercooled cloud liquid droplets, and ice particles. They are common across the Arctic. The second type, ice clouds, contain only ice crystals and no cloud liquid water. These clouds tend to be deep, with cloud top heights reaching as high as 10 km above sea level, Pettersen explains. Snow-producing mixed-phase clouds originate along the southwest coast of the Greenland Ice Sheet, where the upward slope to Summit is gentle and unimpeded. Pettersen found they produce 51 percent of the snow accumulation observed at Summit. advertisement Ice clouds, on the other hand, are a feature more common to the southeast coast of Greenland, where they face a unique obstacle: To reach Summit Station from the North Atlantic, they must overcome a steep ridge. "If you have a strong storm system, it can generate enough uplift to pull moisture from near the ocean's surface up over the ridge, and traverse the high plateau of the central Greenland Ice Sheet," Pettersen explains. Though a rather intense process, it is an effective way to transfer moist ocean air into the center of Greenland, she adds. The team found these types of clouds account for 35 percent of the snow that builds up at Summit. Together, these two processes -- from two different directions that follow distinct northern-bound tracks -- help provide key mechanisms to account for snowfall at this region of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The atmospheric dynamics responsible for the distinct snow types could be an important piece of the Arctic climate puzzle, says Pettersen. Unlike prior studies, which relied on models or indirect data, her team was able to use observations gathered directly from the study region, yet they are consistent with earlier findings. Pettersen is hopeful that, with more data analysis over longer periods of time, researchers will find more answers yet to account for the melting ice sheet and the subsequent sea level rise that has already had an impact on regions across the planet. "Understanding the processes that create precipitation at Summit Station will help us to further understand the mass balance of the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is directly tied to changes in sea level rise," says Pettersen. If you eat fish in the U.S., chances are it once swam in another country. That's because the U.S. imports over 80 percent of its seafood, according to estimates by the United Nations. New genetic research could help make farmed fish more palatable and bring America's wild fish species to dinner tables. Scientists have used big data and supercomputers to catch a fish genome, a first step in its sustainable aquaculture harvest. Researchers assembled and annotated for the first time the genome -- the total genetic material -- of the fish species Seriola dorsalis. Also known as California Yellowtail, it's a fish of high value to the sashimi, or raw seafood industry. The science team formed from the Southwest Fisheries Science Center of the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, Iowa State University, and the Instituto Politecnico Nacional in Mexico. They published their results on January of 2018 in the journal BMC Genomics. "The major findings in this publication were to characterize the Seriola dorsalis genome and its annotation, along with getting a better understanding of sex determination of this fish species," said study co-author Andrew Severin, a Scientist and Facility Manager at the Genome Informatics Facility of Iowa State University. "We can now confidently say," added Severin, "that Seriola dorsalis has a Z-W sex determination system, and that we know the chromosome that it's contained on and the region that actually determines the sex of this fish." Z-W refers to the sex chromosomes and depends on whether the male or female is heterozygous (XX,XY or ZZ,ZW), respectively. Another way to think about this is that in Z-W sex determination, the DNA molecules of the fish ovum determine the sex of the offspring. By contrast, in the X-Y sex determination system, such is found in humans, the sperm determines sex in the offspring. It's hard to tell the difference between a male and female yellowtail fish because they don't have any obvious phenotypical, or outwardly physically distinguishing traits. "Being able to determine sex in fish is really important because we can develop a marker that can be used to determine sex in young fish that you can't determine phenotypically," Severin explained. "This can be used to improve aquaculture practices." Sex identification lets fish farmers stock tanks with the right ratio of males to females and get better yield. Assembling and annotating a genome is like building an enormous three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The Seriola dorsalis genome has 685 million pieces -- its base pairs of DNA -- to put together. "Gene annotations are locations on the genome that encode transcripts that are translated into proteins," explained Severin. "Proteins are the molecular machinery that operate all the biochemistry in the body from the digestion of your food, to the activation of your immune system to the growth of your fingernails. Even that is an oversimplification of all the regulation." Severin and his team assembled the genome of 685 megabase (MB) pairs from thousands of smaller fragments that each gave information to form the complete picture. "We had to sequence them for quite a bit of depth in order to construct the full 685 MB genome," said study co-author Arun Seetharam. "This amounted to a lot of data," added Seetharam, who is an associate scientist at the Genome Informatics Facility of Iowa State University. advertisement The raw DNA sequence data ran 500 gigabytes for the Seriola dorsalis genome, coming from tissue samples of a juvenile fish collected at the Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute in San Diego. "In order to put them together," Seetharam said, "we needed a computer with a lot more RAM to put it all into the computer's memory and then put it together to construct the 685 MB genome. We needed really powerful machines." That's when Seetharam realized that the computational resources at Iowa State University at the time weren't sufficient get the job done in a timely manner, and he turned to XSEDE, the eXtreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment funded by the National Science Foundation. XSEDE is a single virtual system that scientists can use to interactively share computing resources, data and expertise. "When we first started using XSEDE resources," explained Seetharam, "there was an option for us to select for ECSS, the Extended Collaborative Support Services. We thought it would be a great help if there were someone from the XSEDE side to help us. We opted for ECSS. Our interactions with Phillip Blood of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center were extremely important to get us up and running with the assembly quickly on XSEDE resources," Seetharam said. The genome assembly work was computed at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (PSC) on the Blacklight system, which at one point was the world's largest coherent shared-memory computing system. Blacklight has since been superseded by the data-centric Bridges system at PSC, which includes similar large-memory nodes of up to 12 terabytes -- a thousand times more than a typical personal computer. "We ended up using Blacklight at the time because it had a lot of RAM," recalled Andrew Severin. That's because they needed to put all the raw data into the computer's random access memory (RAM) so that it could use the algorithms of the Maryland Super-Read Celera Assembler genome assembly software. "You have to be able to compare every single piece of sequence data to every other piece to figure out which pieces need to be joined together, like a giant puzzle," Severin explained. "We also used Stampede," continued Severin, "the first Stampede, which is another XSEDE computational resource that has lots and lots of compute nodes. Each compute node you can think of as a separate computer. " The Stampede1 system at the Texas Advanced Computing Center had over 6,400 Dell PowerEdge server nodes, which later added 508 Intel Knights Landing (KNL) nodes in preparation for its current successor, Stampede2 with 4,200 KNL nodes. advertisement "We used Stampede to do the annotation of these gene models that we identified in the genome to try and figure out what their functions are," Severin said. "That required us to perform an analysis called the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), and it required us to use many CPUs, over a year's worth of compute time that we ended up doing within a couple of week's worth of actual time because of the many nodes that were on Stampede." "This experiment started with a collaboration with the Southwest Fisheries Science Center of NOAA," Severin explained. He said the project originally set out to complete a large RNA-seq project, and it turned out that there was sufficient funding to also do a genome assembly. "That resulted in a long-term collaboration with the Southwest Fisheries Science Center," Severin said. "With the recent advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing, we're now able to generate terabytes of sequencing data. This tends to be short, 100-150 base pair reads that we have to put together like a very large puzzle and figure out where all the pieces go," he added. Severin and Seetharam's team have completed the basic picture of the genome for Seriola dorsalis, but they say there's still room for refinement. "The genome that we assembled is not perfect, in the sense that it is still in many pieces. We weren't able to fully piece together entire chromosomes," explained Seetharam. "We have many scaffolds representing each of those chromosomes, and we are missing a lot of information that is needed to fill in the gaps." Sequencing technology advancements can address these gaps, Seetharam said, through the advancement of sequencing technology that can produce longer DNA reads. "We also hypothesized in the paper," said Severin, "of this deletion that's upstream of a gene that converts estrone into estrogen, that's part of the sex-determination pathway. That may be responsible for sex determination. But since it's just a hypothesis based on computational methods, this needs further investigation in the lab. We could certainly follow that up with a CRISPR-like experiment to test this mutation." Severin also mentioned data collection for a larger genome-wide association study experiment to find locations and variants in the genome associated with jaw deformities. "We're currently collecting those samples," said Severin, "but we'll be able to use that genome to provide markers to the farmers to select against fish that have these propensities for jaw deformity." Both Severin and Seetharam are resolute in their conviction that big data can solve problems in sustainable food production. "I believe the public is going to see more of this type of big data utilization and to see why science is so important for our future," Severin said. Gene annotation, he feels, is just the tip of the iceberg. "We're going to start comparing genome assemblies with each other and start getting at what a genome is and how it works; and how for a particular genome does the presence or absence of genes or its context with regard to its three-dimensional structure, how does that make a species," Severin said. "Big data keeps getting bigger, and we're finding answers to really interesting questions." Severin concluded. Seetharam added that "There will be more studies using big data that will have significant impactful for the general public. This level of research will foster even larger studies in the future." Smartphones are an integral part of most people's lives, allowing us to stay connected and in-the-know at all times. The downside of that convenience is that many of us are also addicted to the constant pings, chimes, vibrations and other alerts from our devices, unable to ignore new emails, texts and images. In a new study published in NeuroRegulation, San Francisco State University Professor of Health Education Erik Peper and Associate Professor of Health Education Richard Harvey argue that overuse of smart phones is just like any other type of substance abuse. "The behavioral addiction of smartphone use begins forming neurological connections in the brain in ways similar to how opioid addiction is experienced by people taking Oxycontin for pain relief -- gradually," Peper explained. On top of that, addiction to social media technology may actually have a negative effect on social connection. In a survey of 135 San Francisco State students, Peper and Harvey found that students who used their phones the most reported higher levels of feeling isolated, lonely, depressed and anxious. They believe the loneliness is partly a consequence of replacing face-to-face interaction with a form of communication where body language and other signals cannot be interpreted. They also found that those same students almost constantly multitasked while studying, watching other media, eating or attending class. This constant activity allows little time for bodies and minds to relax and regenerate, says Peper, and also results in "semi-tasking," where people do two or more tasks at the same time -- but half as well as they would have if focused on one task at a time. Peper and Harvey note that digital addiction is not our fault but a result of the tech industry's desire to increase corporate profits. "More eyeballs, more clicks, more money," said Peper. Push notifications, vibrations and other alerts on our phones and computers make us feel compelled to look at them by triggering the same neural pathways in our brains that once alerted us to imminent danger, such as an attack by a tiger or other large predator. "But now we are hijacked by those same mechanisms that once protected us and allowed us to survive -- for the most trivial pieces of information," he said. But just as we can train ourselves to eat less sugar, for example, we can take charge and train ourselves to be less addicted to our phones and computers. The first step is recognizing that tech companies are manipulating our innate biological responses to danger. Peper suggests turning off push notifications, only responding to email and social media at specific times and scheduling periods with no interruptions to focus on important tasks. Two of Peper's students say they have taken proactive measures to change their patterns of technology use. Recreation, Parks and Tourism major Khari McKendell closed all of his social media accounts about six months ago because he wanted to make stronger face-to-face connections with people. "I still call and text people but I want to make sure that a majority of the time I'm talking to my friends in person," he said. Senior Sierra Hinkle, a Holistic Health minor, says she has stopped using headphones while out walking in order to be more aware of her surroundings. When she's out with friends, they all put their phones in the center of the table, and the first one to touch theirs buys the drinks. "We have to become creative and approach technology in a different way that still incorporates the skills we need but doesn't take away from real-life experience," said Hinkle. Separating fact from fiction in the age of alternate facts is becoming increasingly difficult, and now a new study has helped reveal why. Research by Dr Eryn Newman of The Australian National University (ANU) has found that when people listen to recordings of a scientist presenting their work, the quality of audio had a significant impact on whether people believed what they were hearing, regardless of who the researcher was or what they were talking about. Dr Newman, of the ANU Research School of Psychology, said the results showed when it comes to communicating science, style can triumph over substance. "When people are assessing the credibility of information, most of the time people are making a judgement based on how something feels," Dr Newman said."Our results showed that when the sound quality was poor, the participants thought the researcher wasn't as intelligent, they didn't like them as much and found their research less important." The study used experiments where people viewed video clips of scientists speaking at conferences. One group of participants heard the recordings in clear high-quality audio, while the other group heard the same recordings with poor-quality audio. Participants were then asked to evaluate the researchers and their work. Those who listened to the poorer quality audio consistently evaluated the scientists as less intelligent and their research as less important. In a second experiment, researchers upped the ante and conducted the same experiment using renowned scientists discussing their work on the well-known US Science Friday radio program. This time the recordings included audio of the scientists being introduced with their qualifications and institutional affiliations."It made no difference," she said."As soon as we reduced the audio quality, all of a sudden the scientists and their research lost credibility." As with the first experiments, participants thought the research was worse, the scientists were less competent and they also reported finding their work less interesting. Dr Newman said in a time when genuine science is struggling to be heard above fake news and alternate facts, researchers need to consider not only the content of their messages, but features of the delivery. "Another recent study showed false information travels six times faster than real information on Twitter," she said."Our results show that it's not just about who you are and what you are saying, it's about how your work is presented." A research paper for the study has been published in the journals Science Communication. The study was co-authored by Professor Norbert Schwarz of the University of Southern California. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements taken orally proved no better than placebo at relieving symptoms or signs of dry eye, according to the findings of a well-controlled trial funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health. Dry eye disease occurs when the film that coats the eye no longer maintains a healthy ocular surface, which can lead to discomfort and visual impairment. The condition affects an estimated 14 percent of adults in the United States. The paper was published online April 13 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Annual sales of fish- and animal-derived supplements amount to more than a $1-billion market in the United States, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. Many formulations are sold over-the-counter, while others require a prescription or are available for purchase from a health care provider. "The trial provides the most reliable and generalizable evidence thus far on omega-3 supplementation for dry eye disease," said Maryann Redford, D.D.S., M.P.H., program officer for clinical research at NEI. Despite insufficient evidence establishing the effectiveness of omega-3s, clinicians and their patients have been inclined to try the supplements for a variety of conditions with inflammatory components, including dry eye. "This well-controlled investigation conducted by the independently-led Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Research Group shows that omega-3 supplements are no better than placebo for typical patients who suffer from dry eye." The 27-center trial enrolled 535 participants with at least a six-month history of moderate to severe dry eye. Among them, 349 people were randomly assigned to receive 3 grams daily of fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids in five capsules. Each daily dose contained 2000 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1000 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This dose of omega-3 is the highest ever tested for treating dry eye disease. The 186 people randomly assigned to the placebo group received 5 grams daily of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) in identical capsules. Study participants and the researchers did not know their group assignment. Blood tests at 12 months confirmed that 85 percent of people in the omega-3 group were still compliant with the therapy. In the omega-3 group, mean EPA levels quadrupled versus no change in the placebo group. Mean levels of oleic acid, the constituent of olive oil, remained stable in both treatment groups. Importantly, unlike in most industry-sponsored trials, all participants were free to continue taking their previous medications for dry eye, such as artificial tears and prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops. "Omega-3s are generally used as an add-on therapy. The study results are in the context of this real-world experience of treating symptomatic dry eye patients who request additional treatment," said study chair for the trial, Penny A. Asbell, M.D., of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Patient-reported symptoms were measured as change from baseline in the Ocular Surface Disease Index, a 100-point scale for assessing dry eye symptoms, with higher values representing greater severity. After 12 months, mean symptoms scores for people in both groups had improved substantially, but there was no significant difference in the degree of symptom improvement between the groups. Symptom scores improved by a mean of 13.9 points in the omega-3 group and 12.5 points in the placebo group. A reduction of at least 10 points on the index is considered significant enough for a person to notice improvement. Overall, 61 percent of people in the omega-3 group and 54 percent of those in the control group achieved at least a 10-point improvement in their symptom score, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Likewise, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of improvement in signs of dry eye. Signs of dry eye were evaluated by the clinician using standardized tests that measure the amount and quality of tears and the integrity of the cornea and the conjunctiva, the surface tissue that covers the front of the eye. "The findings also emphasize the difficulty in judging whether a treatment really helps a particular dry eye patient," said the leader of the coordinating center for the study, Maureen G. Maguire, Ph.D., of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. "More than half the people taking placebo reported substantial symptom improvement during the year-long study." "The results of the DREAM study do not support use of omega-3 supplements for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease," Dr. Asbell concluded. The study was funded by NEI grants U10EY022879 and U10EY022881. Chloe Zhao's first feature film, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, showed the beautiful and difficult life of a young man on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota; his relationship with his family, his clashes with white men, and his own decisions about his future. Returning to the same setting, The Rider tells another story of a young man whose dreams are thwarted just as they were about to come true. In this film, Zhao shifts her focus to those dreams, how a young man must reconsider his life, and whether to put his own desires ahead of the needs of his family. Brady (Brady Jandreau) was a rising star on the rodeo circuit, until an accident and head injury has left him sidelined, possibly without being able to return. He struggles to find some way to continue working with horses, while clashing with his father Tim (Tim Jandeau), who has a gambling problem, and helping look after his developmentally challenged sister, Lilly (Lilly Jandreau). His friends are supportive, but can't really help Brady to decide whether his dream is worth more injury or even death. As with her previous film, Zhao engages the real people of the story to play themselves in this docu-fiction, crafting the story around their experiences. She finds a way of allowing their natural personalities to come through while still maintaing the story, the emotional through line never wavering. The camera becomes a kind of guardian spirit holding Brady up as he struggles with this newfound disability. Zhao and cinematographer Joshua James Richards shoot the characters mainly on close-up, their every joy and pain writ large on the screen. Jandreau and the rest of the cast may be non-professional actors, but their honesty in both dialogue and wordless scenes is astonishing; they are both oblivious to the camera and aware of what they need to project. This is juxtaposed against wide shots of the incredible landscape; a place of plains, hills, and most importantly, horses. The connection to the land is absolute. While this might be a story largely of men and masculinity, the deep love between the male friends is not hidden under bravado; words of love and affection abound, and it is within the love that Brady gives and receives that he must find his answer. He takes a mundane job to earn money because it's what is necessary; he visits his friend Lane, a fellow rodeo rider who was even more severely injured. He tries to find some kind of work with horses, even if it's just training; but even though he is a born horse whisperer, his injury may keep him away from the thing that sustains his soul. HIs may retain the pain of his love of riding his whole life, but the pleasure of it might be taken away, and Brady struggles. But the view is neither romantic nor sentimental; it is gentle to its characters, letting them breathe through the story and space; meandering as Brady must, trying to find his way. Combined with an understated yet beautiful score by Nathan Halpern, The Rider confirms Zhao as one of the great new American directors, looking at the lives of people too often ignored in cinema, and in a way too often not attempted. Review originally published during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2017. The film opens today in theaters in select U.S. cities and will expand in the weeks to come. For more information, visit the official site. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. To see where your $12 is going this year, stand atop an old garbage dump in Menlo Park. From the top of the heap in Bayfront Park, two vast tracts of soggy, low-lying land lie on the edge of San Francisco Bay. One is a verdant wetland, full of wildlife. Just to the south of it, separated by a berm, is a red and white salt pond, full of brine. But not for long. Turning the 300-acre salt pond back into a wetland is one of the eight projects approved this week in the first allocation of the $12 parcel tax proceeds that Bay Area voters decided in 2016 to impose on themselves to clean up the bay. Because of the $25 million in parcel tax money handed out this week, the salt pond known as Ravenswood R4 will soon be home to fish, birds, plants and the other wildlife that once flourished on the edge of the bay before developers of the past figured that all a wetland was good for was landfill, a salt pond or a dump. This is the largest wetland restoration project on the West Coast, said John Bourgeois, manager of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, as he gazed out on his domain on Thursday in the early morning sun. People want a healthy bay, and its important for them to know what were doing out here. What Bourgeois is doing right now is getting ready to invite about 50,000 dump trucks into the park to dump enough dirt to shore up 2 miles of old earthen barriers. Thats because restoring a wetland is more than just letting the water back in. The idea is to protect any adjoining tracts of land, like the big one just to the south of the salt pond that is currently home to the world headquarters of Facebook, an outfit facing enough current challenges without millions of gallons of salt water adding to them. Doing the preparation, said Bourgeois, amounts to setting the table for inviting Mother Nature to come back and do her work. That could happen in a year or so. On that happy morning, Bourgeois said, a backhoe will knock down a section of the old berm and San Francisco Bay will rush back in, followed by countless fish, birds and other critters who know progress when they see it. Then the marsh plants will turn the tract from salt white to marsh green. Motorists on Highway 84, and airline passengers on final approach to San Francisco International Airport, will see a new bay outside their windows the same bay their-great grandparents saw, before 20th century developers began reclaiming the wetlands in the name of progress. That very word reclamation shows how tricky it is to mess with nature, Bourgeois said. Reclamation traditionally means reclaiming wetlands and developing them into something else, in the name of progress. Restoration means undoing all that reclaiming, in the name of a different kind of progress. Thats where Measure AA comes in. In a first-ever decision, Bay Area voters in 2016 agreed to pony up $12 a year for the next 20 years as a property parcel tax to pay for restoration projects. That decision, say conservationists, is even more earth-shattering than what they hope to do to the earthen berms that have wrecked the wetlands by keeping the bay waters at bay. Michael Macor / The Chronicle Getting all nine counties to agree to tax themselves wasnt easy to do, especially because wetland restoration is less concrete for many people than paying taxes to build a BART line or a freeway, said Sam Schuchat, executive officer of the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, the nine-county agency set up in 2008 to oversee bay conservation projects. This is the first time that a region has voted to tax itself for wetland restoration. Its really highly significant. Wetland restoration will also help combat sea level rise which has increasingly affected low-lying areas around the bay. All the new vegetation also will reduce the carbon footprint. The people overseeing the work are eager to keep the $12-per-year taxpaying public informed of where their tax dollars are going and when they can expect to see something come of their historic decision. Schuchat said it was hard to pick the nine projects out of the 22 projects that applied for funding in the first round of allocations. Among the proposals approved on Wednesday were $4 million for the Area 11 project in Santa Clara County, $2 million for the Montezuma Wetlands project in Solano County, $1 million for the Deer Island project in Marin County and $1 million for the San Leandro Treatment Wetland in Alameda County. Not making the initial cut were restorations of Coyote Hills (Fremont), Faber Tract Marsh (East Palo Alto), Spinnaker Marsh (San Rafael) and Oliver Salt Ponds (Hayward). Those may have to wait for next spring, when proceeds from another round of $12 parcel taxes come rolling in. David Lewis, executive director of Save the Bay, pledged to taxpayers that your $12 is going to great stuff. First comes the return of the water, Lewis said, followed by the return of everything else. Plants, fish, birds, seals, sea lions and sharks, Lewis said. The brown will turn to green. The bay water will return to coming in and out twice a day, just like the moon makes it do. Lewis said the bay needs at least 100,000 acres of restored tidal marsh to be healthy. Development reduced tidal marsh to only 40,000 acres. In Menlo Park, that means getting rid of Ravenswood Salt Pond R-4. Salt ponds, said Bourgeois, may be good if youre in the salt business, but theyre bad for most everything else. Theyre giant bathtubs for evaporating water, he said. Were going to change that. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Approved restoration projects Eight bay restoration projects approved on Wednesday by the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority: 1. South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Clara counties) $8 million 2. South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project (Santa Clara County) $4 million 3. Montezuma Wetlands (Solano County) $2 million 4. Deer Island Wetlands (Marin County) $1 million 5. San Leandro Treatment Wetland (Alameda County) $1 million 6. North Bay wetland restoration (Sonoma, Marin counties) $3 million 7. Lower Sonoma Creek (Sonoma County) $150,000 8. Encinal Dune (Alameda County) $450,000 Pending approval: 9. India Basin remediation (San Francisco) $5 million Source: San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority Recommendations of recent books from the staffs of a rotating list of Bay Area independent bookstores. This weeks list is from Keplers Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. (650) 324-4321. www.keplers.com The House of Impossible Beauties, by Joseph Cassara: Reading this novel is a complete immersion into the world of 1980s New York City drag, featuring a cast of larger-than-life characters who are as hilarious as they are heartbreaking. Rainbirds, by Clarissa Goenawan: A murder mystery and a family drama in one, this book is as beautiful as it is understated. The author presents us with a fascinatingly structured look into Japanese society and a depiction of mourning and grief that is universally recognizable. Trick, by Domenico Starnone: Daniele, an ailing illustrator, is summoned to take care of his precocious 4-year-old grandson. During the four days they spend together, the two engage in an extraordinary game of power between young and old, as Daniele grapples with his fear of death. Awayland, by Ramona Ausubel: A bewitching collection of stories that hop between the real and the ridiculous. Peaks include You Can Find Love Now, in which a cyclops dates online, and Club Zeus, set at a mythology-themed resort. NONFICTION Without Precedent, by Joel Richard Paul: An examination of the life and work of John Marshall masterfully put into the context of his times. The echoes of his decisions as chief justice still reverberate in our era. Feel Free, by Zadie Smith: In these essays, the inimitable Zadie Smith moves effortlessly between profundity and levity and between the personal and the political on topics ranging from Brexit to Justin Bieber. Heart Berries, by Terese Marie Mailhot: Mailhot resists linearity in this impeccably crafted memoir, instead using poetic fragments to arrive at deeper truths about violence, trauma and the cyclical nature of recovery. Dancing Bears, by Witold Szablowski: An insightful study of the Romani practice of keeping dancing bears, only outlawed after Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union. Szablowski draws parallels between the bears struggle to cope with freedom and the human transition from communist dictatorship to capitalism in Eastern Europe. Diablo Canyons dismantling An in-depth look at the painstaking process of decommissioning Californias last nuclear power plant Diablo Canyons dismantling An in-depth look at the painstaking process of decommissioning Californias last nuclear power plant A nuclear power plant doesnt just shut down. It gets taken apart piece by piece, until almost nothing remains. The process requires billions of dollars, hundreds of workers and more than a decade to complete. Its a fate Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is now planning for Californias last nuclear plant, Diablo Canyon, set to close in 2025. Every step must be carefully scripted. Fuel rods full of uranium pellets are pulled from the reactor, cooled in pools of water laced with boric acid, then transferred to giant concrete casks. Deep in the heart of the plant, metal components made radioactive by decades of use must be disassembled or carved into chunks often by remote-controlled tools. The hazardous scrap gets hauled to four specially designed landfills scattered across the country, with some machinery buried in concrete sarcophagi. Its not dangerous to handle this stuff if done properly, said Victor Dricks, senior public affairs officer with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. There are specialized crews, limiting their exposure, working in short periods of time. Buildings are razed, foundations removed. Fresh rock and dirt take their place. And once done, radiation at the site is not supposed to exceed natural background levels. By federal standards, the site must be safe for any use. Although PG&E has not yet given state regulators a formal plan for decommissioning Diablo Canyon, located on the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo, a 2016 study commissioned by the utility estimated the process could wrap up as soon as 2039 or as late as 2071. Fortunately, Diablo Canyon isnt the first plant to go through this process, so theres plenty of lessons learned to make this go more right than wrong, said Dave Lochbaum, a former nuclear plant engineer and director of the nuclear safety project at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Its a process likely to be repeated often in the coming years as more nuclear plant operators decide to shut down their facilities, which have been undercut by cheap electricity from natural gas plants. In March, FirstEnergy Solutions announced it would close three nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania unless state or federal authorities devise a new way to compensate them. In the past five years, 18 nuclear reactors at 14 U.S. plants have either shut down or been scheduled for closure by their owners, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute, a lobbying group. The decommissioning process varies from plant to plant, and it isnt foolproof. Last month, at the shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station north of San Diego, crews loading used fuel rods into concrete casks for long-term storage found a loose bolt inside a new cask and stopped work for 10 days to investigate. When loading resumed, workers used casks with a different design while trying to determine whether the bolt represented a larger problem. In 2017, crews decommissioning a nuclear plant in Wisconsin spilled 400 gallons of radioactive water into the Mississippi River. Given the vast volume of water in the river, federal regulators said the incident did not threaten public health. When planning for a plants end, the owners must start with a basic choice whether to do all the work as early as possible or to wait. The first option is known as decon, short for decontamination. In it, the first steps of taking the plant apart begin as soon as the fuel is removed. Work continues in a steady stream until the buildings are gone. The 2016 report commissioned for PG&E estimated this process would take until 2039 to complete and cost just under $3.8 billion. The second option called safstor, for safe storage takes much longer. After the fuel is removed, the plant is mothballed. Its owner keeps it that way for years, possibly decades, allowing time for the irradiated metal and concrete to become less radioactive and therefore easier to handle. PG&E took this approach at its Humboldt Bay Power Plant near Eureka. The plants sole reactor shut down for seismic upgrades in 1976. The utility decided six years later to scrap it for good, while keeping in operation two fossil-fuel generators at the plant. Dismantling the reactor and related structures didnt begin until 2009. If you defer, the level of radioactivity drops markedly once its shut down, Dricks said. It remains radioactive, but less so over time. The 2016 report on Diablo gave one possible safstor timeline for the plant. It showed a flurry of work in the first 10 years after closure, then decades of dormancy, with activity picking back up in 2062. The total cost for this option: $3.9 billion. While mothballed, the plant is not abandoned. It remains under armed guard and subject to periodic inspections by the commission. The owner must monitor its condition and conduct radiation surveys to make sure nothing goes awry. Reactors and turbines are controlled from Inside the steam turbine and generator building at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power plant in San Luis Obispo, Calif., as seen on Tues. March 31, 2015. Reactors and turbines are controlled from Inside the steam turbine and generator building at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power plant in San Luis Obispo, Calif., as seen on Tues. March 31, 2015. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle 2015 Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle 2015 Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Diablo Canyons dismantling: Inside the shutdown of Californias last nuclear plant 1 / 4 Back to Gallery Safstor has the advantage of lowering radiation levels in the plants machinery, but Lochbaum argues against it. While the country now has four landfills for radioactive machinery, theres no guarantee they all will be open a half century from now, or that they wont raise their rates. And theres the question of how closely the plants owner will monitor and guard the facility over time. During those 50 years, are you going to give the plant the same care and attention, the same level of safety? Lochbaum said. Are you going to keep the ISISes and the Timothy McVeighs away? Many plant operators choose a combination of the decon and safstor methods. A third decommissioning option, appropriately known as entomb, is almost never used. At least some of the equipment is left on site and encased in long-lasting materials, such as concrete and steel. The 2016 Diablo report dismissed it as not viable and didnt include a cost estimate for it. No matter which option a plant operator chooses, the process is expensive. San Onofres decommissioning is expected to cost $4.4 billion. PG&Es Humboldt Bay Power Plant had just one small reactor, and yet its decommissioning is expected to cost $1.1 billion when it wraps up next year. For Diablo, much of the money that will be needed to take the plant apart is already in the bank. PG&E customers have been paying into a decommissioning fund, bit by bit, since the plant opened in 1985. The fund now has $2.7 billion, according to the utility, and is continuing to grow. If PG&E decides the fund wont be big enough to cover the final cost, it must ask the California Public Utilities Commission to boost the amount customers pay into the fund. A typical PG&E residential customer currently pays about 11 cents per month for decommissioning both Diablo Canyon and Humboldt Bay. PG&E expects to file an updated decommissioning cost estimate with the California Public Utilities Commission either late this year or in 2019. The company also is assembling a community advisory panel that will provide input both on decommissioning Diablo Canyon and what to do with the 12,820 acres of undeveloped coastal hills that PG&E owns around the plant. More than 100 people have applied to serve on the panel, according to PG&E. Although the panel will have strictly an advisory role, its members and PG&E will have much to discuss. Should all the components and rubble be hauled out via narrow Diablo Canyon Road, a prospect that could require upgrading the road? The seaside power plant has a small harbor, so should larger components exit by barge? Diablo also has a desalination plant capable of producing up to 1.5 million gallons of water per day, and local officials have in the past expressed interest in tapping into it. Should it stay after the rest of the plant is gone? One element of decommissioning that will almost certainly cause friction is the fate of the nuclear waste. Even after the rest of Diablo Canyon has been demolished, the used fuel may remain, stored in rows of 20-foot-tall concrete-and-steel canisters bolted to a 7-foot-thick slab of concrete on a hillside above the site. The federal government in 1982 promised to open a centralized repository for the long-term storage of radioactive waste. That still hasnt happened. The federal government made a commitment to take the fuel, and we expect them to keep it, said PG&E spokesman Blair Jones. In the interim, well continue safely storing the fuel. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF Waymo, the self-driving unit of Google parent Alphabet, this week applied to test cars without drivers on California roads, The Chronicle has learned even as a pair of recent crashes has heightened fears about the safety of autonomous vehicles. Waymo confirmed Friday that it had submitted an application to the California Department of Motor Vehicles to test cars without a backup driver behind the wheel. So far, only two companies have applied for such permits, and the other companys identity has not been publicly revealed. According to a source familiar with the matter, Waymo plans to start testing near its Mountain View headquarters, an area where its fleet of self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans have already logged many miles with backup drivers. Over time, the company will expand testing of autonomous cars with no backup driver to more of the Bay Area, the source said. Waymos approach will be to extensively map a terrain by having vehicles with test drivers cover it first, before using no-driver cars. The move comes less than a month after a fatal accident involving a self-driving Uber SUV in Arizona raised fresh concerns about the safety of autonomous cars. That vehicle had a backup driver behind the wheel when it struck and killed a pedestrian on March 19, but dashcam videos showed the driver was not watching the road. Days later, a Tesla Model X operating in Autopilot mode slammed into a concrete freeway divider near Mountain View, killing the driver. Although Autopilot, which requires the driver to pay attention, does not represent full self-driving technology, it is considered a major step in that direction. Waymo CEO John Krafcik said that the Arizona tragedy would not have happened with a Waymo car. We have a lot of confidence that our technology would be robust and would be able to handle situations like that one, Krafcik told a car dealers group the week after the accident. Theres a certain poetic justice in Waymo being an early applicant for Californias no-driver car permits. The company started testing autonomous vehicles in 2009, when the idea was considered as futuristic as personal jetpacks. It was the third company to receive a permit for road tests with backup drivers behind the wheel in California. Its cars have driven themselves some 5 million miles, 2 million of them in California. Waymos success in getting cars to drive themselves has spurred major automakers, tech companies and startups to pursue the same goal in what is now a worldwide, multibillion-dollar race. Waymo at one point designed a bubble-shaped autonomous car that had no steering wheel or brake pedal, but California officials would not allow it onto public roads until those features had been added. Under the new permit program to which Waymo applied this week, California now can approve cars without manual controls, although Waymos existing autonomous fleet all have controls allowing a human driver to take the wheel. The DMV confirmed that it has now received applications from two companies for no-driver testing, which became legal in the state on April 2. The department has not identified either company. The first company to apply submitted an application in early April, the DMV said. The department notified that company on Thursday that its application was incomplete and asked for more information. The DMV has 10 days after applications are submitted to say if they are complete and an indefinite timeline to approve or deny requests. The DMV requires the companies applying for permits to notify specific cities where they plan to operate and submit a law enforcement interaction plan to local police departments. Representatives of some cities that received the notices said they were excited to welcome Waymos no-driver cars. All of those cities have already been sites for Waymos autonomous testing with backup drivers. Autonomous vehicle technology is going to be crucial in helping the Silicon Valley reach its safety and transportation goals, said Los Altos Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins. Waymo has done extensive vehicle testing on our local streets with a good safety record, Mountain View City Manager Dan Rich, said in a statement. He commended the company for committing to transparency and information sharing. In Sunnyvale, Mayor Glenn Hendricks likewise said he looks forward to working with Waymo. However, some autonomous-car experts questioned whether its premature to unleash no-driver cars, especially in light of the recent Uber and Tesla crashes. Both incidents are still under investigation. Ultimately it is not Krafciks confidence in AV readiness that should matter; it should be the DMVs confidence, based on objective data, studies, and verifiable tests, said Benicia lawyer Jim McPherson, who runs the SafeSelfDrive consultancy, in an email. The DMV has followed traditional U.S. policy of ceding vehicle-safety concerns to federal regulators, who in turn have deferred them back to developers, again in line with long-standing policy. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes One source of objective data is the DMVs required disengagement reports, which show how often a companys backup drivers need to take control of their self-driving vehicles during tests. Waymos report for 2017 showed that happened, on average, once every 5,600 miles. (By contrast, Uber struggles to achieve a disengagement rate of once every 13 miles, the New York Times reported.) If that rate still holds today, and if Waymo deploys 100 cars that drive 50 miles per day, then there will be an average of one disengagement somewhere in Mountain View every day, McPherson wrote. Lets all hope no one gets hurt. Each company that applies for a permit must specify where and under what conditions the no-driver cars can operate. Waymo told the DMV its cars can handle city streets as well as highways up to 65 mph, and can navigate both day and night, through fog and light rain. The implication is that the cars are not yet ready for snow or torrential downpours. Under California rules, cars without drivers must be able to communicate with remote operators who can intervene in case the cars get confused by obstacles such as road construction. Sources said that Waymo does not plan on operating its cars remotely even in difficult situations but it will remotely monitor them during tests. If one of the cars encounters something it doesnt understand, such as complicated road construction, the car will contact Waymo for help recognizing the situation. After human testers give it feedback, the car will then decide how to navigate the situation. Waymo has been doing public road tests of no-driver cars in Arizona since October 2017, starting in Phoenix but with plans to expand. It has announced plans to start a driverless taxi service in Arizona this year. While the company has not said anything about offering robot taxis in the Bay Area, sources said it is likely to follow a similar evolution here as in Arizona. Waymo has done extensive no-driver tests in California at Castle, a a former military base in Merced County. Because it is a private test track, Castle is not subject to the same rules as public roads. Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid Pacific Gas and Electric Co. plans to give the communities surrounding Californias last nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, at least $85 million to cushion the economic blow of closing the facility. Thats far more than the $49.5 million the utility had initially proposed. PG&E and officials from San Luis Obispo County, as well as several cities near Diablo Canyon, announced the new spending agreement Monday. The extra money would help replace property tax revenue that will be lost if the plant closes in 2025 as PG&E plans. This groundbreaking agreement will soften the significant impact our community will feel once Diablo Canyon is no longer here, Adam Hill, vice chairman of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, said in a news release. There is still a difficult road ahead, but if we continue to work together, we will shape a prosperous future for our community. The money would come from PG&Es more than 5.4 million customers, but only if California regulators approve. The California Public Utilities Commission has not scheduled a vote on PG&Es proposal to shutter the plant, and nuclear power advocates are pushing hard to keep it open. PG&E stunned many Central Coast officials in June when the utility announced plans to close Diablo Canyon, located on a seaside bluff in San Luis Obispo County. With 1,500 employees, Diablo is a major source of jobs and tax revenue for the surrounding communities. Taxes from the plant account for about 10 percent of the $80 million annual budget for the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, for example. Mindful of the impact Diablos closure could have, PG&E in June proposed spending $49.5 million on neighboring communities as a way to ease them off of dependence on the plant. But the county and a coalition of its cities pressed PG&E for more. Under the agreement announced Monday, PG&E would spend $75 million to help fund essential services in nearby communities. The money would be paid in equal installments over nine years, with the biggest piece $36 million going to the San Luis Coastal Unified School District. Another $10 million would be placed in an economic development fund. Meanwhile, PG&E would continue to fund local emergency planning efforts until both of the plants two reactors have been decommissioned and all of their spent fuel has been transferred to dry-cask storage facilities on the site. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes PG&E currently spends about $2.5 million on emergency planning in the area each year. As a result, the county estimates that the entire proposed agreement with PG&E could cost $122.5 million to $147.5 million over 15 to 25 years, once emergency planning funds are included. Finally, PG&E has agreed not to sell or reuse the Diablo Canyon property, including nearby Wild Cherry Canyon, until completing a decommissioning plan with community input. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF A judge ordered former Raiders and 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith to enter a residential rehab facility on Friday after his alcohol-testing ankle monitor recorded a blood alcohol content five times Californias legal driving limit. Smith has been in custody since April 6 for violating a court order that he abstain from alcohol, a condition of his release in connection with a domestic violence case in San Francisco. At a hearing Friday in San Francisco Superior Court, Judge Robert Foley ordered Smith to go to an undisclosed treatment center following the request of Smiths attorney, Josh Bentley, and the recommendation of Assistant District Attorney Courtney Burris. Now Playing: San Francisco police have obtained an arrest warrant for former Raiders and 49ers pass rusher Aldon Smith, the department announced Monday. Video: Sports Illustrated Mr. Smith, you are to reside at the program and you are not to leave it, Foley said. OK, Smith responded, the only words he said in court. He will remain at the center to receive treatment for alcoholism until the court orders him released, a decision agreed to by both the prosecution and defense. The people are satisfied this is an appropriate pathway hopefully toward the first steps of Mr. Smiths recovery, Burris told the court. Smith, 28, was ordered to enroll in ankle monitoring during an April 5 court appearance following arrests stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident March 3 in San Francisco, which prompted the Raiders to release him. He is accused of assaulting a woman in a home on the 600 block of Bush Street on March 3 and fleeing the scene before San Francisco police arrived. Smith turned himself in three days later and posted $30,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty in the case. Police issued a warrant for Smiths arrest three weeks later when he allegedly contacted his victim, violating a protective order. He was granted conditional release, which included not drinking alcohol. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. He arrived at the sheriffs department the next day to be fitted for the monitors, but he was extremely intoxicated, according to prosecutors, who said his blood alcohol content was at least 0.40. Police then took him into custody. Burris said at a Wednesday court hearing that the incident was evidence of a severe alcohol issue for Smith and recommended he be taken to a residential alcohol rehab facility for treatment. Smith has entered a substance-abuse rehabilitation program before in 2013, after he had already been arrested twice on suspicion of DUI. The Raiders released Smith shortly after his arrest in early March. He played four seasons with the 49ers, but was released from the team in 2015 following his third DUI arrest. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno Almost a year after the former Phils Sliders space was scooped up by the Comal team in Berkeley, the popular East Bay Cal-Mexican outfit opens its fast-casual spinoff today ... called Comal Next Door. With a compact menu of burritos, tacos and tortas, Comal Next Door is a more simplified and streamlined version of the flagship operation only feet away. At the new spot, instead of build-it-yourself burritos common to most taquerias, Comal Next Doors menu has fully-formed options all priced around $9 to $12. Americans cannot afford to wait for their president to acknowledge that a hostile foreign government meddled in the most fundamental act of democracy, an election, and is ready to do so again. That day may never come with President Trump, who seems to regard any admission of Russian interference on his behalf as delegitimizing his 2016 election. There is no time to wait. There is a signal that has gone out to any adversarial country that if you make an attempt to do it, you might be successful, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said in a phone interview. So now theres a vulnerability that has been exposed. And thats a very real matter. Harris has co-sponsored the bipartisan Secure Elections Act (S2261) to strengthen election cybersecurity in the United States. The need for hardened security is indispensable: Russian hackers attempted to infiltrate election systems in 21 states. They were successful in penetrating voter registration databases in Illinois. While there is no evidence that any votes were changed by these attacks, they were attacks and there is every reason to believe the hackers will get more sophisticated, and more obtrusive, in the future. One would have to be naive to not assume that other hostile powers think North Korea, China, Iran might try similar mischief. The U.S. intelligence community is convinced that such a threat is real. The Secure Elections Act would streamline information sharing among states, create a federal-state advisory panel to develop guidelines, and provide support for state election cybersecurity infrastructure. In other words, it would compel state and federal officials to work together to assess threats, compare notes on best practices, and establish defenses. The bill also would authorize additional grants for states to replace or upgrade voting systems that lack a paper backup. We want the primary record of a vote to be a piece of paper, Harris said. Listen, Russia cant hack a piece of paper. There are dollars behind these proclamations. Congress previously appropriated $380 million toward election security, and S2261 would help assure that the money is spent most efficiently and effectively. On the state level, Gov. Jerry Brown has asked the Legislature for $134 million to update county voting systems. The states need to be working together. As Harris put it, When we face national security threats, we dont want each individual state to fight it alone. S2261 needs to pass. Meanwhile, in Sacramento, state Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, D-San Mateo, has written AB2188 to require social medial platforms to disclose the true identity of the funders of political advertisements. The Mullin bill is a natural extension of his Disclose Act, signed into law last year. Much of the new money in politics is moving in the social media space, Mullin said by phone Thursday. We just want to make sure that the same disclosure requirements for TV and radio are applicable for social media buys by state candidates and state ballot measures, so California voters know who is really behind these measures. Whats most important about the Mullin bill is that it does not just require the names of the organizations behind a measure or candidate which can often be deceptive, such as a business group masquerading with a consumer name but the actual funders of the advertisement. Mullin said he has received some resistance from social media companies, but those discussions were before the scandal in which it was revealed that personal information of millions of Facebook users ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica, a company that exploited that data to foment divisions among the electorate and advance the candidacy of Donald Trump. If I were in a position in those companies, I would get behind this bill to demonstrate that here in their home state we are going to craft and work with them and partner with them to create the toughest disclosure recommendations for social media advertising in the country, Mullin said. It remains to be seen whether Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, fresh off a humbling two days of testimony in Washington, D.C., will have the enlightened self-interest to recognize the value of working with state legislators before they go ahead without them and with the public cheering every step of privacy protection. Given what we know, Im just not comfortable with these (social media) platforms self-regulating, Mullin said. We have to put some regulation and strong language (on political advertising disclosure) into California law. This bill belongs on the must-do list in Sacramento. In the House of Representatives, Democrat Eric Swalwell was on the case within a month of the Trump election. His Protect Our Democracy Act, co-sponsored with Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., called for an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate foreign interference in the 2016 election. The bill invokes the spirit of the Sept. 11 commission: bring together a bipartisan group of elder statespeople and other respected leaders to determine exactly how the Russians attacked the American democracy. That bill now has 200 co-sponsors but, regrettably, only two are Republican. The best way to harden the ballot box and protect our country from a misinformation campaign would be to tell us and the people who attacked us who was responsible, how we were so vulnerable, and whether the government response was adequate and what fixes need to be made, Swalwell said by phone Thursday. Who could argue with the need to know what went wrong and why? Sadly, there are forces in this nation namely, one who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. who seem to think that ignorance is bliss, or at least in his own self-interest. John Diaz is The San Francisco Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnDiazChron Gregory Bull / Associated Press Caught between a senseless presidential order to deploy troops against a relative trickle of unauthorized crossings from Mexico and a constituency that is largely sympathetic to immigrants, Gov. Jerry Brown performed a masterful, if mealymouthed, act of border fence straddling. Brown went along with President Trumps theatrical show of force delicately noting that the state would accept federal funding to add approximately 400 Guard members statewide while issuing a careful rejection of his xenophobic histrionics. It wont go down as a bold act of defiance in the face of demagoguery, but it does have the virtue of defusing a potential standoff at a time when there is no shortage of needless political confrontation. Brown even earned a congratulatory shout-out from the ever-antagonistic Trump. Thank you Jerry, the president tweeted. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California voted Tuesday to take on nearly $11 billion of the projected $17 billion construction costs of the governors twin delta tunnels to move Sacramento River water south of the delta to cities and farms. We had hoped this wasteful, divisive and environmentally damaging project was dead. It should be. Instead, the issue is more divisive than ever and it will fall to the next governor. Now there are three political battles no tunnels, one tunnel or two tunnels to move water 35 miles around the delta and deliver it to the state water system pumps. Tunnels are sought to deliver better quality, i.e., less salty, water to cities and farms, and deliver water more reliably. Diverting water from the north delta avoids sucking into the pumps the delta smelt, which tend to school at the south end. If too many smelt are killed, the state by law must shut down the pumps until the smelt move away. In his State of the State address in January, Gov. Jerry Brown said he was open to scaling back the project to a single tunnel in an effort to keep his pet project alive. As the cost of both environmental studies and estimated construction kept growing, the water districts and water contractors that were going to pay for the project saw the return on their investment evaporating and their interest in participating diminishing. The board of the Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural irrigation district in the country, said no. The Santa Clara Valley Water District would commit only to a single tunnel. Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District, embraced a single-tunnel proposal even though it would deliver only two-thirds of the water a twin-tunnel project promised. Sixty-one percent of the district board vote, however, was to bankroll twin tunnels. This doubles the districts planned investment. The Delta Counties Coalition Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Yolo branded the vote a bad deal for ratepayers and the delta. This tunnel fight isnt over not by a long shot, said Kathy Miller, a San Joaquin County supervisor. Gavin Newsom, leading candidate for governor, called for compromise. I think the twin tunnels will set us down a path toward a decade of litigation and no project, and I think there is room for cooperation and compromise around the idea of a single tunnel, he said. The status quo is unacceptable, and the issue of responsible conveyance one that protects and advances the health of the Delta has to be a priority for the next governor. One tunnel is no better than two. Diverting water leaves the San Francisco Bay and delta with saltier, dirtier flows, harming the residents, fish and wildlife. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. Some 4.9 million Californians face food insecurity our neighbors, a fellow PTA parent, the children running down your street. Yet, as Californians worry about where they will get their next meal, bags full of groceries end up in dumpsters. As our states population rises and the food waste problem is expected to grow, we cant let these precious resources continue to go to the landfills. Our Legislature has taken an important first step in scaling up food recovery efforts. The California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, signed into law last October, legalized the donation of food past its sell-by and best-by dates. Most items are good long after these dates, which are proxies of quality and not of safety. These misleading dates are responsible for an estimated 8 billion pounds of food wasted nationwide at the cost to consumers of almost $30 billion annually. Despite all this, the new law has not captured our attention. According to Mary Risley, founder of Food Runners in San Francisco, The truth is, we really have not received too much more food because of (the law). In order to eliminate food waste, we have to establish a new culture around food donation. Heres how: You can leverage your consumer power by asking food retailers to commit to donate food that has been rotated out, including items past their sell-by and best-by dates. You can volunteer for an organization like Food Runners, if you have an hour or two to spare. A little volunteer time can go a long way, translating into hundreds of pounds of food going to nourish fellow San Franciscans. Each week, more than 17 tons of food is recovered by volunteer runners. However, much more can be done. Unfortunately, many retailers and business owners still believe they are liable if someone gets sick from food they donate, so to play it safe, they frequently opt for the dumpster. But donors are protected from liability through the 1996 Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and the Federal Food Donation Act of 2008. Donors can even benefit from tax deductions. You can help persuade retailers to keep perfectly good food out of landfill. To food industry executives and managers, an adequate amount of waste is evidence that a store is properly removing blemished items past their sell-by dates. As a regional grocery manager ... if you see a store that has really low waste in its perishables, you are worried, said Doug Rauch, former president of Trader Joes. However, the imperfect apple and set-to-expire yogurt get thrown away; thus, food constitutes the single most prevalent item in our states waste streams. In a single hour, the efforts of a Food Runners volunteer will help preserve the integrity of farmers work, divert greenhouse gases (rotting food makes up 20 percent of methane emissions) and nourish hungry people in a state where 1 in 8 residents are food-insecure. In California, which boasts enormous wealth and an abundant food economy, it is shameful that 1 in 5 children may go to bed hungry each night. Lets take up responsibility for ending unnecessary food waste and hunger in our own backyards. Nancy Chang is a Stanford University student studying environmental science and human biology. She co-leads a student organization on campus, Stanford Project on Hunger, which recovers tens of thousands of pounds of food each year for donation to Peninsula food banks. Alameda City Manager Jill Keimach could be shown the door Monday night because she secretly taped two City Council members she claims were trying to pressure her into hiring their preferred candidate for fire chief. Keimach, who earns $250,000 a year, was placed on paid leave last month after the council learned that two of its members Malia Vella and Jim Oddie were secretly recorded during their private meeting with the city manager to discuss the chiefs appointment. According to Keimach, Vella and Oddie warned her in the conversation last fall that it would be in the interest of labor peace for her to appoint the past president of the towns powerful firefighters union, Domenick Weaver, as the citys new fire chief. Weaver had the backing of the firefighters union and at least two dozen letters of support including from East Bay Assemblyman Rob Bonta, former Alameda City Manager John Russo and the citys retiring fire chief, Doug Long. In the taped conversation, the council members also allegedly told Keimach that making the right pick would avoid an incident similar to the one involving Raymond Zack, a reference to the Alameda man who died from a suicide drowning off Crown Beach in 2011 while police and fire crews watched from the shore. Keimach said she took the drowning reference as a veiled threat. The city manager told us she decided to tape the council members after Alameda Police Chief Paul Rolleri told her the council members had said that if she didnt pick Weaver, there would be three votes to fire her. Keimach, however, said that Weaver, a city fire captain, didnt meet the jobs minimum requirements. And while she agreed to give Weaver an interview, she also conducted a national search and ultimately settled on former Salinas Fire Chief Edmond Rodriguez. Fearing that she would, in fact, be fired for choosing an outsider, Keimach laid out her allegations in an Oct. 2, 2017, letter to the City Council, claiming the selection process had been driven by unseemly political pressure. The letter, in turn, prompted the City Council to spend $50,000 to hire a Southern California attorney, Michael Jenkins, to investigate. According to our sources, Keimach told the investigator about the taping. Taping a conversation without permission of all parties is illegal in California under most circumstances, and the revelation turned Jenkins investigation on its ear. Keimach was placed on administrative leave last month, with full pay, while the council weighed its options. One source familiar with the investigators 80-page report said it recommends disciplinary action against Keimach for the secret taping. But Keimach and her attorney, Karl Olson, both insist the taping was done legally and with the full knowledge of the city attorney. I have worked in the public sector for 32 years, and this was the only time I felt I was put in a position where I would be asked to do something that was not legal, and be threatened by it, Keimach told us. So before I considered the taping, I talked to the city attorney about it, and we agreed it was legal at the time. And she claims the tape bares out her fears. Alameda City Attorney Janet Kern said neither she nor the council were at liberty to comment on the matter. She said the city was not trying to hide anything and she hoped the full facts would eventually be disclosed. And Vella, who is vice mayor, cautioned against a rush to judgment that she had done anything to threaten the city manager. I categorically deny Ms. Keimachs allegations, she said. When she raised these concerns in October, the City Council including myself voted to retain an independent, outside law firm to investigate Ms. Keimachs allegations. A spokesman for fellow councilman Oddie declined comment. Councilwoman Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, who voted against the dismissal hearing set for Monday, also declined to talk about specifics of the case. But she said constituents were calling up and asking why the same council members who had supposedly threatened the city manager would now be allowed to vote on her dismissal. There is a feeling out there that this is being steamrolled, Ezzy Ashcraft said. Keimach and her attorney were in negotiations with the city over an exit deal when they learned the council had voted 3-2 to calendar the closed session to consider her dismissal. If they fire her, we certainly know our way to the courthouse, Olson said. Its not the first time that intrigue has taken over Alameda City Hall. In 2010 then-Interim City Manager Ann Marie Gallant alleged that a city councilwoman had illegally leaked confidential information to the local firefighters union and SunCal Companies, a Southern California developer that was seeking a deal to redevelop Alameda Point. The council voted to put Gallant on leave for the duration of her two-year contract, then declined to renew it, prompting Gallant to sue for wrongful termination. Gallant later lost in court, and the councilwoman was cleared of wrongdoing. San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@ sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross Styling Sen. Dianne Feinstein as a privileged relic of a California that no longer exists, Democratic state Sen. Kevin de Leon said he would provide a much-needed new voice in the U.S. Senate for a fast-changing state. California has changed dramatically in the past 25 years and has become a much richer and diverse state, the Los Angeles legislator said Thursday in a 90-minute meeting with The Chronicles editorial board. Values have changed dramatically, and the leadership in Washington doesnt reflect that. De Leon called for voters to contrast his poverty-stricken upbringing in San Diego as the son of an immigrant single mother with a third-grade education to that of Feinstein, whose father was a San Francisco doctor. De Leon called her someone who has lived in a mansion surrounded by walls all her life. Its an issue of values. The four-term incumbent projects an air of entitlement and monarchy and a sense of ownership when it comes to her Senate seat, he said. I learned the value of hard work ... in having nothing, in coming from nothing. De Leon would be a far more liberal senator than Feinstein. He said he would support a range of progressive policies, including a national single-payer health insurance system. And he said he believed there was an impeachment case to be made against President Trump. Feinstein said last week that the president was erratic, but declined to say whether she thought he had committed an impeachable offense. Trump makes (former President) Richard Nixon look like a choir boy and Watergate like a car burglary, de Leon said. While admitting he had no special insight into the arguments Democrats like billionaire businessman Tom Steyer have been making for a Trump impeachment, I would advocate it, he said. The presidents business dealings, his campaigns purported links to Russia, potential conflicts of interests and other concerns that have been raised about Trump make impeachment a real possibility, de Leon said. Ive seen folks go down for much, much less, he said, pointing to former state Sen. Roderick Wright of Los Angeles, who was convicted of felony perjury and voting fraud charges in 2014 for having what de Leon called an address issue in an area where hes lived all his life. De Leon also slammed Feinstein for her votes to support wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, saying he would have voted against sending U.S. troops to either country. The long-running conflicts have cost countless lives and trillions of dollars that could have been spent on health care and other needs, he said. The vote was very consequential, de Leon said. On one of the most important votes on national security, she made the wrong call. In a hint of TV attacks yet to come, he also argued that Feinstein was a longtime foe of immigration and immigrants. Feinstein has made a career of attacking immigrants since she ran for office the first time, de Leon said, pointing to an ad she ran during her 1994 run for her first full Senate term. The ad accused her opponent, GOP Rep. Mike Huffington of Santa Barbara, of voting against adding more border guards and stated that Dianne Feinstein led the fight to stop illegal immigration. In a voice-over, she said she had worked to secure the border with more guards, better lighting and additional fencing. Bill Carrick, a longtime consultant for Feinstein, brushed off the accusations. Most of what she was talking about was border security, he said, adding that Feinstein took a political risk when she came out against the anti-immigrant Proposition 187 during the same campaign. Shes been involved in all the immigration reform efforts. The campaign is heating up as the June 5 primary approaches, even as polls show Feinstein with a large lead. A Progressive California, a super PAC backed by the California Nurses Association, released a 60-second TV spot Thursday supporting de Leon. It is now scheduled for a one-day run in Southern California. The ad blasts Feinstein for her suggestion that Democrats have to have some patience with Trump and uses chunks of de Leons February speech at the state Democratic convention, where he told the crowd that in your state Senate, Democrats act like Democrats. But being a Democrat in a Congress controlled by Republicans is very different from leading a state Senate so Democratic that GOP members can be safely ignored. Ive negotiated with Republicans on a variety of big, big issues, de Leon said. Im not saying I wont work together with the president or anyone of his advisers on issues important to the state. Trump does make it harder, he admitted. Had some other (Republican) ... won the presidency, as a Democrat, as a partisan, Id be disappointed, but Id get over it in a week and then look for common ground. But he criticized Feinstein for her unsuccessful efforts to work with Trump. Im not foolish enough to think you can secure deals with Donald Trump, de Leon said. I would never let myself be used as a prop, suggesting that was what Feinstein was when she joined the president at the White House for roundtable discussions on immigration and gun control. While de Leon was quick to criticize Feinsteins policy positions and political decisions, he emphasized that he was not running against the veteran senator or the states political and heavily pro-Feinstein establishment. We need a leader of the moment, he said. Im not running against somebody, Im running to lead. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth One San Francisco supervisor left an emotional hearing on housing legislation to attend his daughters birthday party. Another all but stopped attending committee meetings after she entered the June 5 mayors race. A third supervisor cant remember why he missed a meeting in October, while a fourth skipped one in January because he didnt feel like going. Those are examples revealed in a Chronicle review of attendance records from Sept. 5 the first day of the fall legislative session through April 10. It showed that several supervisors frequently skip committee meetings, arrive late or leave early, sometimes missing significant votes. These meetings provide one of the few forums where the public can comment on legislation thats pending before the board. The citys 11 supervisors are paid $121,606 a year in taxpayer funds to attend them each week, amend and vote on proposed laws, and introduce new ones. But legislation has stagnated at the board this year, to the point that committee chairs occasionally cancel meetings, because there is no policy to discuss. And while most supervisors make most meetings, some supervisors dont always show up. That irritates some of the neighborhood activists who show up to committee meetings to lobby. And it has raised concerns about government accountability in a city with more than 800,000 people and no shortage of quality-of-life issues. Residents who want to engage with their elected representatives are being let down, said Lori Brooke, president of the Cow Hollow Association. If were going to these meetings, we get babysitters, she said. We go down to City Hall. And then when these supervisors dont show up, its very frustrating. Board of Supervisors President London Breed, who is running for mayor, deflected questions about supervisors absences during a recent interview with The Chronicles editorial board. I cant control what other people do I can only control what I do, Breed said. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle Breed appeared at all of the full board meetings during the period The Chronicle reviewed. Yet she missed stretches of five Government Audit and Oversight Committee meetings, either by arriving late, leaving early or ducking out in the middle. Breed appointed Supervisors Norman Yee and Sandra Lee Fewer to replace her at two of those meetings. The committee held 11 during the period The Chronicle scrutinized. The supervisor with the worst attendance record is Malia Cohen, who is immersed in a statewide race for Board of Equalization. Since Sept. 5, Cohen has missed eight meetings of the Budget and Finance Committee, subcommittee and federal select committee the three that she chairs. There were 29 budget meetings in all. Supervisor Ahsha Safai filled in for Cohen at two of the meetings she missed. Cohen was late to one more meeting and left another early. Additionally, she was absent for part of four Board of Supervisors meetings. One of Cohens legislative aides said she had a serious family health issue in January, which prompted some of her absences. Despite competing priorities, Supervisor Cohen has remained one of the top producing legislators on the Board of Supervisors, her office said in a statement that cited her accomplishments among them, an equity program to bring racial diversity to the citys cannabis industry and a law to eliminate fines and fees in the criminal justice system. Yee was a no-show to four Budget and Finance Committee meetings he got Supervisor Hillary Ronen to take his place for one of them and for most of one Rules Committee meeting, where Supervisor Jeff Sheehy filled in. He also skipped votes during two Budget and Finance and two Rules Committee meetings, and he left one Board of Supervisors meeting early. Sure, it looks like a lot, said Yee, who blamed one absence on confusion because of a fire drill and another on an out-of-town meeting. He couldnt recall his reason for missing a budget committee meeting Oct. 5. Even so, Yee said he doesnt think theres a problem of lassitude on the board. Budget committee is every week, he said. And during budget season its two or three times a week. Thats a lot of meetings. When he was a supervisor, Mayor Mark Farrell missed a third of the Land Use and Transportation Committees 12 meetings last fall, while he was serving as chairman. He found substitutes for three of those meetings. Farrell was on vacation for two of them and missed the other one because he was traveling on a sister city expedition to Kiel, Germany. He said he missed a fourth because his mother had back surgery. Supervisor Jane Kim had flawless attendance throughout the fall, but that changed after she entered the mayors race in January. She left a Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting early on Feb. 5, missing three votes. Kim skipped the next three meetings on Feb. 12, March 5 and March 12. Supervisor Aaron Peskin substituted for her Feb. 12. Kims calendar for those three dates shows that she did not attend the meetings, but does not provide a reason. There is no requirement for supervisors to report why they were absent. Supervisor Ahsha Safai left the March 12 Land Use meeting early to celebrate his daughters birthday, even as residents flooded in to comment on a board resolution condemning a state housing bill. Safai recruited Peskin, the resolutions sponsor, to fill his seat. Eighteen such substitutions took place during the period under review. Such on-the-spot swaps erode public trust in government, especially at the municipal level, said Stephen Spaulding, chief of strategy at Common Cause, a government accountability organization based in Washington, D.C. This is the government thats closest to peoples lives, Spaulding said, noting that supervisors deal with the mechanics of communities clean streets, public safety, providing services that people actually use. He added, It doesnt bode well when these elected leaders arent showing up to their jobs. Peskin had one Land Use and Transportation Committee absence since Sept. 5 Sheehy replaced him and two absences from the Government Audit and Oversight Committee; during one of those Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer took his place. He was absent from a full board meeting once last month when he was on vacation in Mexico. Peskin has a low tolerance for his peers who dont come to meetings, particularly if they appear to be campaigning. Using your office to run for another office is not what the people hired you to do, he said. The members of the Board of Supervisors also comprise the membership of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. Over the past year, Cohen and Sheehy both missed five Transportation Authority meetings. The board has held 23 meetings. Sheehy said he skipped meetings to attend a funeral, meet with The Chronicles editorial board and to take care of his daughter. One time he just didnt feel like going, he said. As board president, Breed makes committee assignments and sets the attendance policy, allowing supervisors to substitute for one another when the absent supervisor requests. A substitute is better than an empty chair, but it shouldnt be a crutch, said Corey Smith, a pro-density housing activist and president of San Franciscos United Democratic Club. Theyre chosen for these committees for a reason, Smith said, noting that supervisors typically get assigned to a specific committee for their expertise. For instance Farrell, who is a venture capitalist, chaired the Budget and Finance Committee from 2013 until last year, when Cohen replaced him. San Franciscos government didnt always run this way, said former Supervisor Chris Daly, who was a member of the Class of 2000, a group of progressive neighborhood activists elected to the board at the turn of the century with a mission to take on Mayor Willie Brown. I think there was a culture on that board of attending meetings and doing the peoples business, Daly said. And we were notorious for having very long meetings. Quentin Kopp, who was a supervisor from 1972 to 1986, pointed out that in his era supervisors earned only $9,624 a year, but seldom missed their meetings. Supervisors generally had a profession to pursue in the mornings, and then if there were committee meetings in the afternoon, they would attend them, Kopp said. It was the exception to the rule to be absent. Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who Farrell appointed to be his successor in January, missed two Budget and Finance Committee meetings for a family vacation in Hawaii. But she paid extra to change her airline flight, so that she could attend the first full board meeting in April. I take this job very seriously, she said. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan A man drove his minivan off a Montara State Beach cliff on Friday plummeting as much as 150 feet and somehow survived the free fall without any serious injuries, officials said. At around 8 a.m., the driver, a man in his 30s, drifted onto the right shoulder just south of Devils Slide on Highway 1, went off the cliff and dropped 130 to 150 feet, according to the California Highway Patrol. He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries, said Officer Vu Williams, a CHP spokesman. Annie Campbell Washington, an Oakland city councilwoman, will not seek a second term, she announced Thursday evening. Elected to the council in November 2014, Campbell Washington represented District 4, in the east Oakland hills, and was chairwoman of the Life Enrichment Committee. Shes best known for championing the citys soda tax and she recently clashed with Councilwoman Desley Brooks. Campbell Washington was blunt about her reasons for not seeking re-election. In an interview with KPIX television, she said: Given some of the antics and corruption that exist with some members of the council, it is just not possible. A graduate of UC Berkeleys Goldman School of Public Policy, Campbell Washington served on the Oakland Unified School District before her election to the council. She also worked for Oakland mayors Jean Quan and Jerry Brown and as an assistant to three city administrators. In January, Campbell Washington was named assistant dean for the Master of Public Affairs program at the Goldman School. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan Amazon? In Berkeley? An Amazon store is moving into the space on Fourth Street in Berkeley where Crate & Barrel used to be, Berkeleyside reported. At least three sources who asked not to be identified, including one in city government, told the website that the company will open a retail outlet at 1785 Fourth St. Construction to divide the 34,755-square-foot space into two stores has already begun. The neighborhood stores in the shopping area, which has one of the lowest vacancy rates in Berkeley, have already been joined by chains Lululemon, Madewell, Design Within Reach, Papyrus, Sur La Table and more. Springing a leak Apple, which has warned employees to stop leaking internal information on future plans and raised the specter of potential legal action and criminal charges, now is trying to plug another leak. A memo reporting that it caught 29 leakers last year, 12 of whom were arrested, was made public Friday. The memo reflects one of the most aggressive moves by the Cupertino company to control information about its activities. Apple declined to comment. Soft shoe Nordstrom has teamed up with Allbirds, the celebrity-loved eco-friendly shoe brand known for machine-washable and super-comfy sneakers, offering the footwear in its latest PopIn@Nordstrom collection, available through May 20, People reported. Allbirds uses natural materials like eucalyptus fiber and castor beans to create sustainable sneakers, favored by Hilary Duff, Mila Kunis, Mindy Kaling, Jennifer Garner and more. Most styles sell for $95, and Nordstrom will carry five colors exclusively. From staff and news services. See more items and links at sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle Home-security technology company SimpliSafe is working with San Francisco deal adviser Qatalyst Partners to help evaluate an acquisition offer, according to people familiar with the matter. SimpliSafes management is weighing the bid and no decision has been made, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. SimpliSafe sells motion sensors, panic buttons, video security and smoke detectors. Customers can use their smartphones to operate and check on the areas being monitored. Menlo Parks Sequoia Capital invested in the Massachusetts company in 2014, according to the firms website. Founded in 2006, SimpliSafe has more than 2 million customers in a market that the worlds biggest technology companies are pushing into. In February, Amazon.com agreed to buy Ring, the home-security firm known for its connected doorbells. That deal, valued at about $1 billion, gives the e-commerce giant connected devices to pair with its Echo smart speaker and voice-activated assistant Alexa. Internet Google releases app for Africa Google is releasing an app in Africa that will help Internet users overcome obstacles such as the lack of high-speed connections and the cost of data on the continent. The release of Google Go is the Mountain View companys latest attempt to extend its reach into emerging markets such as sub-Saharan Africa, where Facebook is also making inroads. Google has laid fiber-optic cable on the continent, eased access to cheaper Android phones and trained a workforce in digital skills. The new app reduces the amount of data needed to display search results by 40 percent and allows previous searches to be accessed offline. Google has also adapted the voice function to work better on slow connections, even as basic as 2G networks. The new app will be available in 26 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and there ae plans to release it in other emerging markets, including India, Brazil and Indonesia. Fraud Madoff victims get more money Victims of Bernard Madoff, the architect of one of Wall Streets largest frauds, will receive an additional $504 million, proceeds from assets that the government seized after Madoffs financial firm collapsed a decade ago. With this distribution, the second in a series of payouts, about 21,000 victims will have received a total of more than $1.2 billion, the Justice Department said. The payments were made by the Madoff Victim Fund, a government entity created to help people who lost money when Madoffs long-running Ponzi scheme unraveled. The government said it could return more than $4 billion to victims who lost their savings to Madoff and his firm, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities. But that number is still small compared with the imaginary profits the firm had promised investors and the real losses it incurred. Madoff spent client money on family and friends, rather than investing it, and then took in money from additional clients to pay out early investors and cover up the fraud. Mortgages Little change in loan rates Long-term mortgage rates were flat to slightly higher this week. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages edged up to 4.42 percent from 4.40 percent last week, with 0.4 of a point. The benchmark rate stood at an average 4.08 percent a year ago. The average on 15-year, fixed-rate loans held steady at 3.87 percent, also with 0.4 of a point. To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country between Monday and Wednesday. The average for five-year adjustable-rate mortgages slipped to 3.61 percent from 3.62 percent, with 0.3 of a point. Chronicle News Services Cannabis cash HP Inc. has hopped on the pot bandwagon, offering a more official way to process all that cash dispensaries are collecting. The computer maker will sell a custom cash register system to marijuana businesses that comes with legal compliance software from Flowhub. The idea is to do away with the tablets that many dispensaries rely on now to process transactions. Aaron Weiss, an HP Inc. vice president, said the company welcomes the opportunity to be part of the exciting new regulated industry. Number of the day 43 percent Thats how much shares of San Mateo cloud software company Zuora rose on their first day of trading. The company priced its offering at $14 per share. Zuoras customers range from Redwood Citys Box to General Electric. Its backers include Benchmark, Shasta Ventures and BlackRock. Naked acquisition WeWork is buying Chinese co-working startup Naked Hub for about $400 million, Bloomberg reported. The 3-year-old Naked Hub, the co-working arm of luxury resort company Naked Retreats, focuses on environmental sustainability and stripped-down architecture. It has about 200 employees, who will join WeWorks 250 workers in China. Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. WASHINGTON In a surprising reversal, President Trump told a gathering of farm state lawmakers and governors Thursday morning that he is directing his advisers to look into rejoining the trade deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a deal he pulled out of within days of assuming the presidency. Rejoining the 11-country pact could be a sharp reversal of fortune for many U.S. industries that stood to benefit from the trade agreements favorable terms and Republican lawmakers who supported the pact. The deal, which was negotiated by the Obama administration, was largely viewed as a tool to prod China into making the type of economic reforms that the United States and others have long wanted. Both Democrats and Republicans attacked the deal during the presidential campaign, but many business leaders were disappointed when Trump withdrew from the agreement, arguing that the United States would end up with less favorable terms attempting to broker an array of individual trade pacts and that scrapping the deal would empower China. Republicans in Congress have also been skeptical of Trumps tendencies on trade, and 25 Republican senators sent a letter to Trump, urging him to re-engage with the pact so that the American people can prosper from the tremendous opportunities that these trading partners bring. Trump had remained sharply critical of the pact and said that he would instead negotiate trade agreements one on one, a tactic he says gives the United States better leverage over its trading partners. Rejoining the pact could be a complex task. The remaining 11 countries have spent months renegotiating a pact that lacks the U.S. market and finally agreed to a sweeping multinational deal this year. Eswar Prasad, a trade expert at Cornell University, said it was difficult to imagine that the United States would be welcomed with open arms by the current members or have much leverage in reshaping the deal. And in the past, the president has floated policies, such as cooperating with Democrats on legislation governing immigration and gun rights, that he has subsequently backed down on. Trumps decision to reconsider the deal comes as the White House tries to find ways to protect the agriculture sector, which could be badly damaged by the presidents trade approach. The risk of an escalating trade war with China has panicked American farmers and ranchers, who send many of their products abroad. China has responded to Trumps threat of tariffs on as much as $150 billion worth of Chinese goods by placing its own tariffs on U.S. pork, and threatening taxes on soybeans, sorghum, corn and beef. Chinas aggressive response to Trumps tariffs is aimed squarely at goods produced in the heartland, a region that helped send him to the White House. A trade war with China could be particularly devastating to rural economies, especially for pig farmers and soybean and corn growers. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. soybean exports go to China. The Trump administration says it has ordered the Agriculture Department to create a program to help farmers hurt by trade. Trade advisers say the department could use a program known as the Commodity Credit Corp. to purchase potentially billions of dollars of crops from American farmers harmed by tariffs. But such a program would be time-consuming and costly and would come as the budget deficit continues to increase. Many American agriculturalists maintain that the easiest way to help them is to avoid a trade war with China in the first place. And many economists say the best way to combat a rising China and pressure it to open its market is through multilateral trade deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which create favorable trading terms for participants. The best thing the United States can do to push back against Chinese cheating now is to lead the other eleven Pacific nations that believe in free trade and the rule of law, Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said in a statement, calling the presidents proposal good news. Among those who supported the Trans-Pacific Partnership was Trumps nominee to head the State Department, Mike Pompeo, who said during his confirmation hearing Thursday that the United States needs to be deeply engaged in dealing with China. On Thursday, Republican senators, congressmen and governors from Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, Texas and other farming states met with the president to express their concerns. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a tweet Thursday that the farm-state senators who attended the meeting had each expressed concerns about nervousness among farmers because of Chinese retaliation. Ana Swanson is a New York Times writer. Uber will start doing annual criminal background checks on U.S. drivers and hire a company that constantly monitors criminal arrests as it tries to do a better job of keeping riders safe. The move announced Thursday is one of several actions taken by the ride-hailing company under new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who said that the changes arent just being done to polish the companys image, which has been tarnished by driver misbehavior and a long string of other embarrassing failings. The first thing that we want to do is really change Ubers substance, and the image may follow, he said in an interview. The announcements that were making are just a step along the way of making Uber fundamentally safer for drivers and riders. Other safety features include buttons in the Uber app that allow riders to call 911 in an emergency, as well as app refinements that make it easier for riders to share their whereabouts with friends or loved ones. Since it began operating in 2009, Uber has been dogged by reports of drivers accosting passengers, including lawsuits alleging sexual assaults. Last year the company was fined $8.9 million by the state of Colorado for allowing people with serious criminal or motor vehicle offenses to work as drivers. The Public Utilities Commission said it found nearly 60 people were allowed to drive in the state despite having previous felony convictions or major traffic violations including drunken driving. Khosrowshahi, formerly CEO of the Expedia travel booking site, replaced hard-charging co-founder Travis Kalanick in August and faced problems almost from the start. Most recently, he has had to grapple with his companys autonomous vehicle program after one of its sport utility vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian last month in Tempe, Ariz. Khosrowshahi said the companys exponentially fast growth prevented steps like the annual background checks from being done sooner. I cant change the past, but I can change the things that we do going forward, he said. Uber does 15 million trips per day worldwide, and its drivers reflect the good and the bad and the random events of the world, Khosrowshahi said. It was bad policy for Uber to do just one background check for drivers and never follow up, said Thomas Mauriello, a senior lecturer of forensic science at the University of Maryland and former defense department agent who was involved in background checks. But he sees the changes as positive, potentially catching bad behavior after a driver is hired on. Any check is better than no check, he said. Nobody should think that any check they do is going to be 100 percent foolproof and get all information. Some governments now require background checks after drivers are hired, but the companys policy makes it uniform nationwide, Uber said. Uber will conduct its annual background checks through a company called Checkr starting in the next few weeks. It still does not intend to do FBI fingerprint background checks, saying its check of court records and other databases is thorough, fair and stacks up well against the alternatives. A company, which Uber would not identify, has been hired to continually check arrest data, and that also will begin in a few weeks, Uber said. Most governments do not require annual background checks on taxi drivers, but they continually monitor arrest records and check them against drivers names, said John Boit, spokesman for the Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association. Mauriello said the FBI database includes only felonies. Many sex crimes and traffic violations that could disqualify driver candidates are misdemeanors and not in the database, he said. The app changes, which will take several weeks to become active, will be made first in the U.S., then move to other countries. Riders will see a shield that they can touch, sending the app to another screen with safety tips, instructions on how to easily share ride information with others, and a button to call 911. When the 911 button is pressed, riders will immediately get their location to relay to dispatchers, helping riders traveling in unfamiliar areas. Uber has been testing its new features with Denvers 911 system, which automatically sends the riders location, as well as driver and car information, to the dispatch center. Uber says location information from smartphones is better than whats used by 911 centers, which rely on triangulation off cellular telephone towers. Evelyn Bailey, executive director of the National Association of State 911 Administrators, said theres no proof yet that smartphones provide closer location information than wireless carriers, but its under study by the Federal Communications Commission. She said Ubers two-step calling through the app may not be intuitive for people, and she would prefer they call 911 with the keypad. She also said Ubers system has great potential, although she would like to see test results before passing judgment. If in fact it does deliver what it promises, then that could be very beneficial to the calling public, she said. But if it doesnt, then I think thats a problem. Uber says people can always call 911 from the keypad. Uber also faced criticism Thursday from the Federal Trade Commission, which said that a data breach in 2016 exposed the names, phone numbers and email addresses of more than 20 million people who use the service in the United States. Authorities chastised the ride-hailing company for not revealing the lapse earlier. The FTC said Uber failed to disclose the leak last year as the agency investigated and sanctioned the company for a similar data breach that happened in 2014. After misleading consumers about its privacy and security practices, Uber compounded its misconduct, said Maureen Ohlhausen, the acting FTC chairwoman. She announced an expansion of last years settlement with the company and said the new agreement is designed to ensure that Uber does not engage in similar misconduct in the future. In the 2016 breach, intruders in a data-storage service run by Amazon.com obtained unencrypted personal information relating to U.S. riders and drivers, including 25.6 million names and email addresses, 22.1 million names and mobile phone numbers, and 607,000 names and drivers license numbers, the FTC said in a complaint. Under the revised settlement, Uber could be subject to civil penalties if it fails to notify the FTC of future incidents, and it must submit audits of its data security, the agency said. Bloomberg News contributed to this report. Tom Krisher is an Associated Press writer. The woman who drove off a Mendocino County cliff in a crash that killed her, her wife and their adopted children had a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, authorities said Friday. A toxicology report concluded Jennifer Hart had more than a 0.08 BAC and that her wife, Sarah Hart, and two of their children had Benadryl in their systems, said Officer Olegario Marin, a California Highway Patrol spokesman. Officials did not release which children had traces of Benadryl, or whether the amount of the drug present was consistent with normal use. The Harts, both 38, were found dead in the front of an upside-down 2003 GMC Yukon that ran down a 100-foot bluff. The bodies of three of their children Markis, 19, and Jeremiah and Abigail, both 14 were found outside the vehicle. A multi-agency search continues for the bodies of the couples three other children Devonte, 15, Hannah, 16, and Sierra, 12 who have been missing since the SUV plunged over the Highway 1 cliff near Westport. The body of an African American female was found April 7 near Juan Creek, in the vicinity of the crash site, and may belong to one of the missing children, according to the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office. A DNA analysis will be conducted to identify the body but the process could take weeks, said Lt. Shannon Barney, a Sheriffs Office spokeswoman. The CHPs initial investigation found that Jennifer Hart may have intentionally sped off of the cliff, in part because the vehicles airbag control module a small computer that stores important impact information shows the SUV never stopped accelerating from when it started moving 70 feet from the ledge until it hit the rocks below. In addition, officials said, the SUVs speedometer was stuck at 90 mph an indication of its speed upon impact. The large family was known to travel and be politically active, which led to the 2014 viral photo of Devonte hugging a police officer at a Portland, Ore., rally in support of protests against police brutality in Ferguson, Mo. Child Protective Services began investigating the family days before the the crash wreckage was discovered. Since then, neighbors have said that Devonte told them his parents werent feeding him and his siblings. After a report of abuse and neglect, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services tried unsuccessfully to contact the family three days before the discovery. Department officials said they had no prior contact with the family. Court records show that Sarah Hart pleaded guilty in 2011 to a domestic assault charge in Minnesota for abusing her 6-year-old adoptive daughter. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno San Francisco police arrested a 20-year-old Oakland man charged with kidnapping a 19-year-old woman in the Mission District before driving her to Santa Clara County for human trafficking purposes, officials said Friday. The suspect, identified by San Francisco police as Willie McCoy II, allegedly forced the unnamed victim into his car around 1:30 a.m. Sunday at 20th and Shotwell streets. DNY59 / Getty Image A man with a prior drunk driving lawyer convictions was arrested Thursday morning in Petaluma for driving with a blood alcohol content more than four times the legal limit, police said. Jervis Hines, 37, of Vallejo, was arrested around 10 a.m. Thursday. Another driver called police to say that a man in a black Chevrolet Malibu who was driving westbound on Lakeville Highway near Petaluma was driving over solid double yellow lines. The caller also saw him get out of his vehicle and urinate, according to the Petaluma Police Department. A cross-country road trip to the top breweries in America sounds like a beer lover's ultimate dream come true. Flowing Data created a Top Brewery Road Trip, Routed Algorithmically which spans from Maine to Florida to California to Washington. Northern California breweries such as Lagunitas, Russian River, Bear Republic and Sierra Nevada all made the list. More for you Man rescued after driving minivan off cliff near Montara State Beach "In 2014, the Brewers Association put the United States count at 3,464, with about 1,800 microbreweries and 1,400 brewpubs. BreweryDB currently lists about 4,500," wrote Nathan Yau. "So theres a lot of good beer out there and yet so little time. Unless your job is to drink beer every day, visiting every brewery is probably not a practical goal to strive for. However, visiting the best breweries is something worth thinking about." It's not clear what year Yau plotted out the ultimate brewery road trip. FoodandWine.com wrote about Yau's road trip on June 22, 2017. For his road trip, Yau selected breweries ranked on RateBeer.com's 2014 rankings of top brewers in the world. This road trip definitely includes great breweries that are worth stopping at. Founders and Bell's in Michigan are among the best in the country. Dogfish Head in Delaware has some of the tastiest beer in the country and Rogue will satisfy any beer snob. 1 Congressman convicted: A federal jury in Houston convicted a former Texas congressman on fraud and conspiracy charges Thursday for misusing charitable donations to pay for personal and political expenses. Steve Stockman, a Republican, was accused of conspiring with two staffers to bilk conservative foundations out of at least $775,000 meant for charitable purposes and voter education. A campaign worker and an aide had previously pleaded guilty to various charges. Following his arrest in March 2017, Stockman said a deep state shadow government was targeting him. 2 NSC purge: Another top National Security Council staffer is leaving the White House as new National Security Adviser John Bolton makes his mark. Deputy national security adviser Ricky Waddell will be exiting the administration, said two administration officials who were not authorized to speak publicly. Waddells departure was widely expected as Bolton works to build his own team. A number of high-level staffers have chosen to leave or have been pushed out since Boltons appointment. Waddells exit follows Nadia Schadlow, deputy national security adviser for strategy, as well as NSC spokesman Michael Anton and Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert. President Trump issued a full pardon Friday to I. Lewis Scooter Libby, a former top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney. Trump said he does not know Libby, but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life, according to a statement issued by White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders announcing the pardon. Libby, Cheneys former chief of staff, was convicted of lying to investigators and obstruction of justice following the 2003 leak of the covert identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame. President George W. Bush later commuted Libbys 30-month prison sentence, but didnt issue a pardon despite intense pressure from Cheney. No one was ever charged for the leak. Since then, the Libby case has been criticized by conservatives, who argue he was the victim of an overly zealous and politically motivated prosecution by a special counsel. Another twist is that the special counsel, Patrick Fitzgerald, was appointed by James Comey, deputy attorney general at the time. Comey later became head of the FBI, but was fired by Trump, and has since written a book highly critical of the president. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said earlier Friday that many people think that Scooter Libby was the victim of a special counsel gone amok. Asked if a pardon would be about Comey, Conway said no. The pardon was the third for Trump. He granted one last year to former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was awaiting sentencing for contempt of court. Trump also pardoned a U.S. Navy sailor, who was convicted after taking photos of classified portions of a submarine. Conservative criticism of the special counsel in the Plame case echoes critiques of Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading an investigation into Russian election interference, possible coordination with Trump associates and potential obstruction of justice by the president. Trump has called that probe a witch hunt. Critics of Trump quickly interpreted the pardon as a signal by the president that he would protect those who refuse to turn on their bosses, as Libby was presumed not to have betrayed Cheney. Trump has not ruled out pardons in the Russia investigation. The New York Times contributed to this report. Chad Day is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON James Comeys searing tell-all book touched off a forceful attack on the former FBI directors character by President Trump and his allies Friday, even as many Democrats struggled with conflicted feelings about the man they blame for Hillary Clintons loss in the 2016 election. Pointed and salacious details from Comeys book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, leaked out Thursday night before the books official release Tuesday. In it, Comey denounces the president as unethical, and untethered to truth, and describes an unproved scene of Trump with prostitutes. The response from the president was blunt, even by Trumps aggressive Twitter standards. In two tweets, the president called his former FBI director an untruthful slime ball and a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Trump said that it was my great honor to fire Comey. That response came as the Republican National Committee orchestrated an all-hands effort to discredit Comey by distributing lengthy talking points to conservative pundits, sympathetic media hosts and Republican lawmakers. The talking points describe Comey as a disgraced former official and a consummate Washington insider who knows how to work the media to protect his flanks. It says Comey was strongly criticized by members of both parties for his history of bizarre decisions, contradictory statements and acting against Department of Justice and FBI protocol. Comey will have an opportunity to respond during what is expected to be a long book tour in which he will do many interviews. In the meantime, Comey is likely to receive a somewhat muted defense from some Democrats, who are still angry about the way he handled the investigation into Clintons email server. While they cheer on his fight with Trump, they argue Comey should not have made public the email probe the way he did. He let his own ego get in the way, and it put him in charge of fate that was not his decision to act on, said Jennifer Palmieri, a senior adviser to Clintons campaign. I dont think he had partisan motivations. But theres a lot of people I know who dont agree with me on that. Anger toward Comey from Democrats cascaded across social media sites Friday. Palmieri said she would urge Democrats not to join Trump in piling on Comey, even though she admitted there is a lot of resentment toward him. I dont agree that hes an untruthful slimeball, she said, adding that Democrats should not help the president undermine Comeys credibility. Thats not responsible or productive. Trump fired Comey in May, a decision that eventually led to the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias 2016 election meddling and whether Trump has deliberately tried to obstruct the investigation. Eileen Sullivan is a New York Times writer. WASHINGTON President Trump has taken aim at federal air quality standards, directing the Environmental Protection Agency to relax restrictions on state governments and businesses that have been key to cutting smog. In a memo Thursday, the president instructed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to more quickly review states smog-reduction plans, make it easier for businesses to get air quality-related permits and to evaluate health-based smog and soot standards to determine whether they should be revised or rescinded, among other directives. SVG reports 25 new COVID19 cases, one local case of delta variant identified Social Share The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment was informed by CARPHA on September 10, 2021, of the COVID-19 sequencing results of positive samples collected from patients in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on August 14, 2021. These samples were received at the CARPHA lab on August 19, 2021 and sent to the COVID19 IMPACT Project lab on August 20, 2021. The COVID19 IMPACT project lab reported on September 10, 2021, to CARPHA that the Delta variant of concern (VOC) B.1.617.2 was detected in two samples. One of the two samples determined to be the Delta variant, was a follow up test of a traveler previously identified as having said variant after entry screening at the AIA on August 12, 2021 and subsequent testing at the COVID 19 IMPACT Project lab. The other sample was from a Vincentian resident who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on exit screening on August 14, 2021. This adult had already received one (1) dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Contact tracing of this Vincentian resident detected no other COVID-19 positive cases. Both persons were isolated and have since tested negative for COVID-19. Twenty-five (25) new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from three hundred and ninety-six (396) samples processed on Thursday September 9th, 2021, resulting in a positivity rate of 6.3%. Two (2) new recoveries were noted over the reporting period. One hundred and eleven (111) cases are currently active and twelve (12) persons with COVID-19 have died. Two thousand four hundred and forty-six (2446) cases of COVID-19 and two thousand, three hundred and twenty three (2323) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and The Grenadines since March 2020. In view of the confirmed presence of the Delta and Mu variants in the community and the significant increase in the number of new infections, transmission and severe COVID-19 disease, strict enforcement and compliance with all protocols and recommendations by everyone is strongly recommended. The correct and consistent use of masks, avoidance of crowds, physical distancing, proper hand sanitizing and immunization with available vaccines have all been proven to significantly reduce the risk of being infected, getting sick and or dying from the COVID-19 virus. LONDON Russian intelligence agencies monitored the emails of former spy Sergei Skripals daughter Yulia for at least five years before the two were poisoned, Britains national security adviser said in a letter made public Friday. Mark Sedwill made the assertion in a letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg explaining Britains conclusion that the Russian government is to blame for poisoning the Skripals with a military-grade nerve agent on March 4. He said only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and the motive for the attack. Moscow has strongly denied responsibility and says Britain is waging a defamation campaign against it. In the letter, Sedwill said the Soviet Union developed fourth generation nerve agents known as Novichoks in the 1980s at the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology near Volgograd under the codeword FOLIANT. He said that after the Soviet Union collapsed, Russia signed the Chemical Weapons Convention without reporting its ongoing work on Novichoks. Russia denies the British claims about Novichok, saying that it completed the destruction of all its Soviet-era chemical weapons arsenals last year under international oversight. It insists that the nerve agent used on the Skripals could easily have been manufactured in any of the other countries that have advanced chemical research programs. Yulia Skripal, 33, was released from the hospital this week. The poisoning happened in the city of Salisbury shortly after she arrived from Moscow for a visit. Her father remains hospitalized but British health officials say he is improving. Gregory Katz and Vladimir Isachenkov are Associated Press writers. Ministry of National Security to host meeting on geothermal development plans for SVG next week Social Share A meeting will be held next week to discuss the geothermal development plans for St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and its realistic timelines and challenges.{{more}} The meeting, which will be hosted by the Energy Unit in the Ministry of National Security, Air and Sea Port Development, will provide the opportunity for senior civil servants, members of Cabinet and Parliament, policy makers and other stakeholders to raise concerns at a national level about geothermal development for this country. The consultation will take place on May 21, at the National Insurance Services Conference Room, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. According to a release from the Energy Unit, on January 25, 2013, the government of SVG signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Light and Power Holdings Ltd and Reykjavik Geothermal Ltd. The LOI defined the objectives, activities, resources and timelines for the development of a geothermal plant in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Since then, all parties have been collecting various data and conducting further analysis for the feasibility of this project and ultimately the potential change to our current electricity structure and rates. The panel for Tuesdays meeting will also include Dr Joan Latchman and Dr Erouscilla Joseph of the Seismic Unit of the University of the West Indies, Jan Harke of the Clinton Foundation, Trent Phillip and Gun Orn Gunnarsson of Reykjavik Geothermal Ltd, Peter Morris of Light and Power Holdings and Gerald Weseen of Emera. HALFMOON FBI agents seized more than $520,000 in cash when they raided the Saratoga County residence of NXIVM President Nancy Salzman last month as part of a widening U.S. Justice Department investigation of the secretive organization. Federal search warrant documents unsealed by a judge this week at the request of the Times Union indicate the U.S. currency was stuffed in bags, envelopes and shoe boxes, including one shoe box that held more than $390,000. The FBI agents who raided Salzman's Oregon Trail residence in Halfmoon also seized numerous computers, data-storage devices, cameras, various mobile phones and BlackBerrys, and small amounts of Mexican and Russian currency, the records indicate. Evidence also was seized from a nearby townhouse that was raided by federal agents that same day March 27 and had allegedly been used for years as a private sex lair by Keith Raniere. The items seized from that residence, on Hale Drive in the Knox Woods subdivision, included audio-video recording equipment, a box of unidentified white pills, computer storage devices, binders, VHS tapes, and a book titled "History of Torture." The beige townhouse on Hale Drive is a short walk from the small residence where Raniere had lived for more than 15 years before he abruptly flew to Mexico last fall -- after he became the target of an intensive federal criminal investigation. FBI affidavits filed in support of the search warrant applications also confirm that Allison Mack, a television actress who has been part of Raniere's inner circle in NXIVM for many years, was an alleged co-conspirator with Raniere in his efforts to recruit women into a secret slave-master club. The records say Mack helped recruit women into the club and made them pose for nude photographs that she would forward to Raniere. She also delivered some of the women to Raniere for sexual encounters, and at least one alleged victim described the sex as unwanted. Raniere was arrested March 25 at a luxury villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was with several female devotees, including Mack, when Mexican federal police took him into custody and deported him to the United States, where he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit forced labor. The federal complaint alleges that Raniere, known to his followers as "The Vanguard," organized the secret group within NXIVM in which women said they were coerced into joining a slave-master club and later branded with a design that included the initials of Raniere and Mack. Raniere, in statements previously posted on NXIVM's website, had characterized the slave-master group as a consenting, private "sorority" and said that he and the corporation had no role in it. But federal court records indicate emails seized from Raniere's private messaging accounts "support the conclusion that Raniere created" the club, which was known as "Dominus Obsequious Sororium," which means "Master Over the Slave Women." The women in the group, according to the federal complaint, were lured into the club by other female NXIVM members, including Mack, who considered Raniere her "grand master," and were required to provide "collateral" in order to join. If they tried to leave, they were threatened that their collateral sometimes damaging information about family members or close-up photographs of their genitalia would be released. "Collateral consisted of material or information that the prospective slave would not want revealed because it would be ruinous to the prospective slave herself and/or someone close to her," states an FBI agent's affidavit filed as part of the complaint. Raniere is being held without bond at a federal detention center in Brooklyn and is scheduled to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge on Friday afternoon. The federal search warrant records also disclose the support that Raniere has received from Clare W. Bronfman, an heiress of the Seagram Co. business empire who has described herself as the operations director of NXIVM. The records indicate Bronfman assisted Raniere in sending threatening letters purported to be from a Mexican attorney to women who had defected from the secret club or criticized NXIVM. "Additionally, the heiress has made multiple attempts to have criminal charges brought against a former DOS slave, who has discussed her experience in the media," the search warrant documents state. Raniere fled to Mexico last fall with Bronfman, a member of NXIVM's executive board who has supplied Raniere with access to millions of dollars and private jets, the records indicate. "Prior to this trip, R.aniere had not flown out of the country since 2015, when he visited the heiress's private island in Fiji," according to the FBI. In Mexico, authorities said, Raniere dumped his mobile phone and used only encrypted email to communicate with his followers. It took authorities nearly two months to locate and arrest him in Mexico. The U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York, which is prosecuting the case, is expected to ask a judge to keep Raniere in custody without bond. They said his access to large amounts of cash and private jets make him a flight risk. They also described him as dangerous. Property records indicate the Hale Drive residence has been owned since 2004 by a now-inactive corporation, Executive Housing & Properties, which lists Salzman as its chief executive officer. The corporation's address, 455 New Karner Road in Albany, is also the location of NXIVM's headquarters. In the federal criminal complaint filed against Raniere, prosecutors said the residence known as the Library is where Raniere, 57, repeatedly had sex with an unidentified actress in her 30s. Raniere and Mack are accused of coercing the woman into becoming part of a secretive slave-master sex club associated with NXIVM. The Hale Drive townhouse is where federal authorities say the unidentified actress, who is listed as "Jane Doe 1" in the criminal complaint, became a victim of sex trafficking and forced labor. The actress lived in Brooklyn during the time she was allegedly a victim of Raniere's -- which is part of the reason the case is being pursued in Brooklyn. During one of her trips to Halfmoon, the actress said Mack instructed her to meet Raniere in the middle of the night near his residence. He allegedly instructed the actress to remove her clothing, placed a blindfold over her eyes and drove her around. Once he stopped the vehicle, they walked through some woods to a shack where the actress said she was tied to a table and forced to engage in oral sex with an unidentified person who was in the room with Raniere. It's unclear if the unidentified person was male or female. Some experts have described NXIVM as a cult, and the criminal prosecution of Raniere has forced the secretive man who calls himself "Vanguard" under the spotlight of an ongoing federal grand jury investigation. But the search warrant records indicate there are other federal crimes also being investigated. Sources close to NXIVM have previously alleged, in court records, that the organization was involved in kidnapping, money laundering, tax evasion and human trafficking. A former NXIVM associate, Kristen M. Keeffe, who defected from the organization several years ago, alleged in 2015 that large amounts of cash were stored at Salzman's residence, and that money collected from people who took NXIVM training sessions in Mexico was funneled across the border into the United States. Keeffe, in a court filing, claimed that Salzman, among others, would allegedly "bring the cash over the border." The money, which was allegedly funneled through the bank account of a Mexican associate, was "logged on the system as a scholarship, and cash was kept in Nancy's house," Keeffe said in a conversation attributed to her that was filed in Albany County Court. In a federal court filing, the Justice Department said that for the past 18 months Raniere had been using a credit card and bank account in the name of a former NXIVM associate and girlfriend, Pamela Cafritz, who died in November 2016. Federal prosecutors said the bank account holds about $8 million. Copies of some of the American Express credit card statements associated with an account that belonged to Cafritz indicate there were numerous purchases made with that card after her death. The statements, shared with the Times Union last year, indicate the account was used to make purchases from iTunes and Amazon and to make payments to a Saratoga Springs chiropractor. Accused claims he had marijuana for medical use Social Share Fairhall resident Sean Browne was on Wednesday ordered to pay a fine of $800, after pleading guilty to possessing marijuana, which he claimed he had for medicinal purposes.{{more}} When Browne appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to possessing 519 grams of cannabis. Chief Magistrate Sonya Young ordered that Browne pay $500 forthwith and the remainder within one month, or in default, he would spend three months in jail. He was also charged with possession of 10 rounds of ammunition, but after pleading not guilty to that charge, the prosecution withdrew that charge, following which he was discharged. On September 6 at about 5:05 p.m., Corporal Duane Bailey of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) along with other members of the unit, went to the Boat Yard entertainment spot in Villa. When they arrived at the Boat Yard, Browne was seen sitting on a wall with a package in his hands. Apparently recognising the police presence, he began running. Bailey gave chase and Browne ran into an abandoned building. He was caught hiding behind a concrete pillar. A brown taped package was found in the area. When cautioned, Browne replied aOfficer Bailey, the weed is mine.a Browneas attorney Grant Connell told the court that the drug was worth about $580 on the street and that his client had it for medicinal purposes, because he had injured his back. aIt was for this purpose, even though this country has not established that yet,a the lawyer said. Connell added, aWe are heading in that direction and it is good to see the Prime Minster is seeing the light. I know he might get some flack unnecessarily. I hope we donat miss the train. We have to move with the times, Connell said. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has called for discussion on the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes.(KW) The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office says that rescue volunteers found a body today that they assume to be a member of the Thottapilly family from Southern California that went missing coming home from Oregon last week. Capt. Greg Van Patten said that rescue searchers looking for a vehicle seen going into the Eel River last week, which matched the description for the Thottapilly family car, when they came upon a body. On Thursday items found in the river confirmed that it was their vehicle when relatives positively identified several of their belongings. None of the items were described in detail, Mendocino County deputies said. The body was found seven miles downstream from the location where it was reported to the California Highway Patrol at 1:10 p.m. last Friday that a car went over a steep embankment on U.S. Highway 101 south of Dora Creek, north of Legett. The county coroner is working on recovering the body, which Van Patten believed at 1:10 p.m. was still in the water. Sandeep, 41, Soumya, 38, Siddhant, 12, and Saachi, 9, and their maroon Honda Pilot have been missing since last Thursday, the last time they were seen or heard from, according to CHP Garberville. The family was heading home to Santa Clarita from a vacation in Portland, Oregon, and was last seen in Klamath in Del Norte County. A relative in San Jose called the city's police department on Sunday when they still had not shown up for a visit that was supposed to take place Friday, officers said. Severe weather conditions hindered search efforts until Tuesday, when a dive team was able to search riverbanks and do limited probing underwater with a long pole, according to Mendocino County deputies. The rescue teams have been using inflatable boats, river boards and a jet boat with a side scan sonar system and had canvassed 12 miles of the riverbank by Tuesday, the sheriff's office said. A news release is forthcoming once the body is retrieved from the river and the coroner briefs deputies about the details of the incident. ### (707) 463-4083 PACIFICA (BCN) The owners of a beachfront apartment complex at the top of an eroding bluff in Pacifica have been hit with a $1.45 million penalty by the California Coastal Commission for unauthorized construction and blocking access to a public beach. It's the largest monetary penalty in Northern California in the history of the agency. After a series of heavy weather and high tide events, a stairwell leading from the area around 100 and 101 Esplanade Ave. down to Pacific Manor Beach collapsed at the end of 2016, according to the owners, Lands End LLC. Nearby apartments at 310 Esplanade Ave., which also sat at the edge of the bluff, had to be demolished by the city in January 2017 as a matter of public safety. Commission staff members said that tides and weather were factors, but the stairwell was not properly constructed and Lands End failed to maintain the stairwell or monitor its structural integrity. Moreover, when Lands End began repair work, they undertook grading and trenching, blocked public access to the beach and placed heavy equipment and large boulders on the beach - all without the authorization necessary to do so. They also failed to adequately communicate their plans to the commission. But commission staff said Lands End has been "very cooperative" after receiving a notice of intent to issue a cease and desist order. Since then, the property owners have taken steps to resolve the violation and they agreed to the settlement in March, according to commission staff. Pacific Manor Beach sits 100 feet down the bluff - and the stairwell in question was the only developed coastal access for roughly 1.2 miles to the north and 1.7 miles to the south, according to the commission. There's a difficult trail, informal trail that provides some access one-half mile to the south - but the stairwell was "essentially the only developed access area to this beach," which is nearly a mile long, according to the commission. ### (562) 833-5487 SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A San Francisco Superior Court judge today ordered former Oakland Raider Aldon Smith to be placed at an in-custody treatment facility after he was charged with numerous misdemeanors for an alleged domestic violence incident last month. Smith, 28, has remained in-custody since being arrested a week ago after he showed up to the San Francisco Sheriff's Department to be placed with an ankle monitor and his blood alcohol content was found be at .40, according to prosecutors. Smith will be placed in the facility for 30 days or possibly longer, pending a status hearing next month. Smith, 28, was released from the Oakland Raiders just days after the March 3 incident. Around 8:30 p.m. officers responded to an apartment in the 600 block of Bush Street for a report of domestic violence allegedly involving Smith that left a woman injured. But by the time officers arrived, Smith had left the scene, according to police. Days later investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Smith. He turned himself in and posted bail shortly after. He was eventually charged with assault, domestic violence, false imprisonment and vandalism, to which he pleaded not guilty. On March 23, Smith once again turned himself in to police after investigators again obtained an arrest warrant upon learning that he violated a protective order placed by Judge Ross Moody, prohibiting him from contacting the victim in the case. On April 5, Moody ordered Smith to be placed with ankle monitor and to abstain from alcohol, which led to his arrest the following day. Prior to playing with the Oakland Raiders, Smith played for the San Francisco 49ers starting in 2011 but was released by the team in August 2015 following an arrest for a DUI hit-and-run in Santa Clara. Smith signed with the Raiders the next month, but was suspended for a year in November 2015 for violating the NFL's substance abuse policies. ### MOUNTAIN VIEW (BCN) The community group Silicon Valley Rising held a rally at Google's headquarters in Mountain View this morning to list their demands for the search giant's proposed San Jose mega-campus. Silicon Valley Rising has held three town hall meetings since the proposal of the mega-campus in June 2017, and the set of community demands discussed today were inspired by those meetings, which each drew at least a few hundred people. The coalition also gathered responses via community surveys. The findings that Silicon Valley Rising highlighted were that 73 percent of locals believe Google has a responsibility to protect current residents from being displaced, 82 percent believe Google has a responsibility to provide jobs with livable wages for residents, and that 54 percent do not believe that their families will be able to live in San Jose in 10 years. Maria Noel Fernandez, the group's campaign director, referred to the 20-plus acres that will encompass the campus as "some of the city's most valuable public land." "Since the day we found out about what will be the biggest tech campus in Silicon Valley, we have been asking to be at the table and talk about how issues around displacement, gentrification, economic, racial and gender inequality will be addressed," Fernandez said. The first community demand is that Google fund a community-administered affordable housing fund. The group wants 25 percent of units in any residential developments to be accessible to low-income residents. They also are asking that legal defense be available for tenants facing eviction and that there is support overall for stronger tenants' rights policies. The second demand is for responsible contracting standards for not just corporate, degree-level jobs, but also for the sub-contracted service jobs. Silicon Valley Rising expects service workers have a fair process to form a union and that the corporation agrees to a project labor agreement. The third demand is that local residents get first consideration for the jobs, while the fourth is support for local education. The coalition is asking Google to support local schools, quality early childhood education and childcare as well as housing access for teachers. The last community demand is that the traffic impacts that are sure to follow from the construction of the mega-campus are mitigated. They also ask that funding be provided for public bus services. Local residents and nonprofit leaders spoke at the rally about how there is already a housing crisis in the city of San Jose and how schools are directly impacted when parents have to move their families out of the area when they can no longer pay rent. Fernandez said some members of their coalition are on the Station Area Advisory Group, as is Google. The group is a committee representing local interest groups that will provide oversight and input on the planning process. Despite Silicon Valley Rising members being a part of that committee, "they don't have a lot of content" from the corporation about the plans. "We have been waiting to get more specifics, and so that's why we took the step in saying, as the specifics get rolled out, we are going to engage the community," Fernandez said. Google public affairs manager Javier Gonzalez was present toward the end of the rally but declined to speak to the media and referred reporters to the company's media email address. He provided a statement later in the day, saying that the company desires community involvement in the project. "We want an open dialogue with the San Jose community surrounding our proposed development and look forward to discussing the points raised in this report throughout the public engagement process," Gonzalez said. Google spokeswoman Katherine Williams said it's important to stress that Google does sit on the SAAG committee and has listened to concerns such as the ones discussed at the rally today. "While we understand that addressing these demands specifically to Google is important to the group, it's important for the public to understand that there is this larger process going on," Williams said. Williams said there is an agenda set for an upcoming SAAG meeting to discuss the issues and that the earliest date that has been thrown around for the mega-campus is 2025. Fernandez said the bottom line is, "[We hope that] Google does no wrong, and Google does no evil and that San Jose's community can actually stay San Jose's community." ### Items found in the Eel River in Mendocino County this week confirm that a vehicle seen going into the river last week was a Honda belonging to a vacationing Southern California family that disappeared Friday, Mendocino County sheriff's officials said this afternoon. Family members positively identified several of the items as belonging to the four members of the Thottapilly family of Santa Clarita, according to the sheriff's office. The family members -- Sandeep Thottapilly, 41, Soumya Thottapilly, 38, Siddhant Thottapilly, 12, and Saachi Thottapilly, 9, and their maroon Honda pilot have not been found. The family was traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Santa Clarita in a 2016 maroon Honda Pilot. They were last seen April 5 in Klamath in Del Norte County, and they were scheduled to visit a relative in San Jose last Friday. The relative reported them missing to San Jose police on Sunday. The California Highway Patrol received a report around 1:10 p.m. last Friday that a car went over a steep embankment on U.S. Highway 101 south of Dora Creek just north of Leggett. CHP officers found a vehicle part that was determined to be from a maroon Honda Pilot and requested a Mendocino County search and rescue dive team to try to recover the vehicle, sheriff's officials said. Swift, high water flow from last week's rains prevented a search by the dive team, but on Tuesday and Wednesday the swift water rescue teams were able to search the river banks and do limited probing underwater with a long pole. The teams searched the river in inflatable boats and on small, inflated river boards used to search under overhanging trees and in areas inaccessible by boat. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office also searched with its jet boat with a side scan sonar system, sheriff's officials said. The teams covered 12 miles of the riverbank on Tuesday and Wednesday but did not find the Honda or the family members. When the vehicle is located, other county dive teams and technical rescue responders will help recover it, sheriff's officials said. The CHP will do a complete mechanical inspection of the vehicle as part of its accident investigation. San Jose police are investigating the family's disappearance. CHP and Mendocino County sheriff's officials are holding a news conference Friday to discuss the case. ### (707) 463-4411 San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia Enrique.Garcia@sanjoseca.gov San Jose police Officer Gina Tepoorten gina.tepoorten@sanjoseca.gov CHP Garberville (707) 923-2155 The U.S. Department of Justice has sent a letter to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf seeking information about her city's sanctuary policy. The letter from Jon Adler, the department's director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, says the department is concerned that Oakland's policy may violate a federal law that bars local governments from preventing their employees from communicating with federal immigration agents. Compliance with the law, known as Section 1373, is a condition of Justice Department grants to local governments under a program known as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program. Similar letters previously have been sent to other cities and counties, including San Francisco, Berkeley, Fremont and Watsonville and Contra Costa, Monterey, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement, "When cities and states enact policies that thwart the federal government's ability to enforce federal immigration law, they choose to place the protection of criminal aliens over the safety of their communities." "The Justice Department will not tolerate this intentional effort to undermine public safety and the rule of law, and I continue to remind all jurisdictions to reconsider policies that put their residents in harm's way," Sessions said. Adler's letter asks for Oakland to submit a response by May 14 explaining whether Oakland has laws, policies or practices that violate Section 1373. Adler wrote, "The department is concerned that the city of Oakland's laws, policies or practices may violate Section 1373, or, at a minimum, may be interpreted or applied in a manner inconsistent with Section 1373." However, Adler said, "Please be advised that the department has not made a final determination regarding the city of Oakland's compliance with Section 1373" and the letter "does not constitute final agency action." A spokesman for Schaaf said she has forwarded the letter to City Attorney Barbara Parker to review it. A spokesman for Parker wasn't immediately available for comment. Adler's letter cites the Oakland Police Department's policy manual, which states, "Officers shall not share non-public information about an individual's address, upcoming court date, or release date with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Officers shall respond to an ICE or CBP request for non-public information only when a judicial warrant accompanies the request." Adler said, "This appears to restrict the sending of information regarding immigration status, in violation of Section 1373." ### BERKELEY (BCN) A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson that was reported this morning in Berkeley, police said. Officers and firefighters were dispatched at 8:33 a.m. to the Templo Getsemani church at 1927 Sixth St. on a report of a fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured. Police said officers started looking for a suspect based on descriptions from witnesses. Police said that at 9:14 a.m. in the 1600 block of Fourth Street, officers located a man who looked similar to a person described by witnesses. The man was arrested. ### SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) About 100 lawsuits alleging PG&E Co. is responsible for potentially billions of dollars of losses in the disastrous 2017 North Bay wildfires are being coordinated in San Francisco Superior Court. The cases are headed for a key hearing before Judge Curtis Karnow on May 18 on the issue of whether the utility is legally liable for damage caused by its electric lines even if it was not negligent. The fires that began on Oct. 8 burned more than 245,000 acres, killed 44 people and damaged or destroyed 14,700 homes, according to the lawsuits. The suits against the San Francisco-based utility were originally filed in Sonoma and Napa counties as well as San Francisco by individuals, insurance companies seeking reimbursement and public entities including Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties. But they are being coordinated in Karnow's court for the time being for purposes of judicial efficiency in pretrial proceedings and evidence gathering. One such proceeding is the upcoming May 18 hearing on whether PG&E is liable under a doctrine known as inverse condemnation, which refers to damage to private property by an agency or government entity providing a public service. Under that doctrine, PG&E could be held liable for financial losses if its equipment was a substantial cause of the damage, whether or not it is proved to have been negligent. The company claims in papers submitted to Karnow last month that it's not fair to apply that concept to a privately owned utility, such as shareholder-owned PG&E, because it can't levy taxes or set its own rates for customers to pay for its financial liability. Instead, PG&E has to apply to the California Public Utilities Commission for rate increases. The filing notes that the commission recently said in another case that it won't automatically allow rate increases to cover financial liability but rather will apply a "prudent manager" standard. Inverse condemnation liability could lead to "grave consequences for the economic health of privately-owned utilities such as PG&E" that could in turn lead to electricity and gas delivery interruptions and job losses, the company argued. Its lawyers wrote that the lawsuits seek to hold PG&E "liable through the doctrine of inverse condemnation for billions of dollars in property damages even though the events of October 8 and 9 were beyond any foreseeable or preventable scope and regardless of whether PG&E is ever found to have acted negligently." The lawsuits claim, however, that PG&E has a state-protected, quasi-monopoly and "is more akin to a governmental entity than a purely private entity" and thus is eligible for an inverse condemnation claim. PG&E has told the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in regulatory filings that it has $800 million in insurance to cover potential liability from the fire. State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced in late October that claims for insured losses amounted to more than $3.3 billion at the time, and said he expected the number to grow. The figure included only losses of property that was insured. While all the lawsuits state a claim of inverse condemnation, they also contain other claims that would require different standards of proof, including actual negligence, wrongful death, creation of a public nuisance and trespass by fire onto private property. These claims contend that PG&E had a "willful and conscious disregard for public safety" by failing to prune vegetation and maintain and monitor equipment and thus enabling sparks from transformers and downed lines to ignite fires. PG&E said in its filing that the fire resulted from "a confluence of unprecedented weather events," including a five-year drought followed by a winter of heavy rains that fostered new vegetation, a hot summer that dried the vegetation, a bark beetle infestation that weakened trees and extreme winds on Oct. 8 and 9. It said it spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to manage vegetation and reduce the fire potential. While the lawsuits have been coordinated for pretrial purposes, they remain separate and could be tried in small groups. Karnow said in an order in March that the dates of the trials and their locations, possibly including Sonoma and Napa counties as well as San Francisco, will be considered later. The judge also said he is considering having a small group or groups of cases tried as so-called bellwether cases. In the bellwether process, a sample case or group of cases is used as a test to show what the outcomes of a trial might be. ### OAKLAND (BCN) A man who was previously convicted of manslaughter for a 2012 homicide should be convicted of murder for the fatal shooting of a man in Oakland in December 2016, an Alameda County prosecutor told jurors today. In his closing argument in the trial of three-time felon Anthony Paige, 32, prosecutor Nick Homer alleged that Paige fatally shot 49-year-old Reginald Blackburn in the 1100 block of East 17th Street on Dec. 7, 2016, "for no reason and in cold blood." Homer said Paige "was looking for a fight" that day and punched Blackburn's son. Homer said that when Blackburn, who was unarmed, confronted Paige about the punch he and Paige got into a fight during which Paige pulled out a gun and shot Blackburn. Homer said Blackburn gave "a dying declaration" to police as doctors wheeled him into an operating room at Highland Hospital in Oakland, saying that "Anthony" had shot him. That statement was captured on video and played for jurors during Paige's trial. Surgeons were able to save Blackburn's life for a short time but he died seven days after he was shot, according to Homer. The prosecutor said two other witnesses in addition to Blackburn identified Paige as the man who shot Blackburn. Homer said one of those witnesses initially was willing to testify at Paige's trial but later became hesitant after a friend told him that the word on the street was that he'd be killed if he testified against Paige. "It's dangerous to testify in a murder case in Oakland," Homer said. Paige's attorney, Bao Doan, said the forensic evidence in the case doesn't support the prosecution's contention that Paige was the shooter and that Blackburn and the other two prosecution witnesses made a mistake in identifying Paige. Doan also alleged that one of the eyewitnesses, who's Hispanic, is biased against Paige, who's black, and has said he's afraid of black people "because they beat you up, they kill people." Doan said that witness "sees my client (Paige) in a certain way." But Homer said that witness "didn't pick out the defendant (Paige) because he's black -- everybody out there (at the shooting scene) was black," including Blackburn. Paige and co-defendant Terry Austin were both charged with murder and attempted murder for the killing of 25-year-old Demariae Clay of Oakland and the wounding of a woman while the victims were waiting for food in the drive-thru lane of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard in Oakland at about 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2012. But on April 9, 2015, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office agreed to let Paige and Austin plead no contest to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter and receive 3-year sentences. Paige was released from custody when he was formally sentenced on May 7, 2015, 19 months before Blackburn was shot. Austin's lawyer William DuBois said after Paige and Austin were sentenced that he thought there were problems with the prosecution's case against the two men. In addition to his manslaughter conviction, Paige was also convicted of selling a controlled substance in 2010 and selling or transporting marijuana in 2005. Jurors are now deliberating Paige's fate. ### 272-6280 Defense attorney Bao Doan (510) 272-6600 Layou Police Youth Club member loses section of leg to cancer Social Share A 14-year-old member of the Layou Police Youth Club who was diagnosed with stage two bone cancer earlier this year, has had a section of his left leg amputated. On July 4, in an attempt to help Barrouallie Secondary School student Kentreal Kydd, an active member of the Layou Police Youth Club, the club organized a fundraiser barbecue at the Layou waterfront, which was well supported. These funds were to go towards medical treatment for Kydd, who was travelling to the Modern Medical Complex and Diagnostic Centre in Georgetown periodically for treatment. However, his mother Alsene Doolin Thomas says that her youngest subsequently underwent a scan of his foot, which showed that his cancer was progressing up his leg. When this was observed, the decision was taken to amputate 10 inches above the knee. The teenager had the surgery on August 20. It was successful, he is doing well, the mother said and that he is active, up and about, but the only thing is that he misses school. She explained that her son was devastated about the surgery and he experienced phantom pain painful sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the limb that was no longer there. Sometimes he just cry and say he want back his foot because he wants to come to school and stuff like that, but different than that hes good, the mother said about her son, who was an avid Steel Pan player. Kydd tells her often that he wants to go back to school, but the teen has not yet been given the green light by the doctors. In terms of schoolwork, arrangements have been made for e-learning, so that the form three student may keep up with his school work. He currently has no pain, but should receive three sessions of chemotherapy every 21 days. But they dont have the drug as yet so they have to wait until they get the drug so that they could do it, Thomas explained. The family did not have to pay for the surgery, and do not have to pay for chemotherapy. Kydd has also been provided with a wheelchair and crutches. Nevertheless, anyone wishing to reach out to the family, may do so at 533-6703. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Low near 70F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Low near 70F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Prez Trump reportedly to pardon Scooter Libby | Main | Prez Donald Trump officially pardons Scooter Libby April 13, 2018 US District Judge explains why he believes "the scales of justice tip in favor of rejecting plea bargains" A helpful reader made sure I saw a remarkable new opinion from US District Judge Joseph Goodwin of the US District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia in US v. Stevenson, No. 2:17-cr-00047 (S.D. W. Va. April 12, 2018) (available here). The starts of the 19-page opinion should readily reveal why criminal justice fans why this opinion is today's must-read: On June 26, 2017, I rejected the proffered plea agreement in United States v. Charles York Walker, Jr. after determining that it was not in the public interest. On October 10, 2017, I rejected the proffered plea agreement in United States v. Antoine Dericus Wilmore after determining that it also was not in the public interest. In both opinions, I stated that it is the courts function to prevent the transfer of criminal adjudications from the public arena to the prosecutors office for the purpose of expediency at the price of confidence in and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. I have further reflected upon the near-total substitution of plea bargaining for the system of justice created by our nations Founders, and I FIND that I should give great weight to the peoples interest in participating in their criminal justice system when considering whether to accept or reject a proffered plea bargain in a particular case. I FIND that the scales of justice tip in favor of rejecting plea bargains unless I am presented with a counterbalance of case-specific factors sufficiently compelling to overcome the peoples interest in participating in the criminal justice system. Therefore, in each case, I will consider the case-specific factors presented to me and weigh those competing factors against the peoples participatory interest and then determine whether to accept or reject the plea bargain. Because I FIND that the presented justifications for the bargain in this case are insufficient to balance the peoples interest in participating in the criminal justice system, I REJECT the proffered plea agreement. Wowsa! #morejurytrials? April 13, 2018 at 09:07 AM | Permalink Comments More jury trials? Maybe more pre-indictment charge bargaining or more discretion in the USAOs in bringing count-heavy indictments. Maybe. Posted by: Tom Root | Apr 13, 2018 9:18:20 AM I hope he doesnt punish the defendant for going to trial when he rejects the plea. I also hope the defendant doesnt get stuck with a mandatory minimum, multiple 924(c)s or an 851 because of this. Aside from those concerns, I love it. More Jencks, more awareness by the public of the tactics agents use in the field. More sunshine is usually a very good thing. Posted by: Defendergirl | Apr 13, 2018 10:38:15 AM That's theoretically great and practically crazy. He must not have much of a criminal docket, although you would think the drug crime docket in WVa is as stout as any place else. Posted by: Fat Bastard | Apr 13, 2018 11:27:26 AM Also of great interest is the emphasis he places on the grand jury as the will of the people having spoken in favor of a trial, and also noting their great power in the absolute ability to no bill a defendant. Except that grand juries don't exercize that power. I doubt that they are informed that they can decline to indict because the crime is stupid or the penalty disproportionate and draconian. As frequently noted, a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich. While an exaggeration, it is not that far from the truth. Posted by: Fat Bastard | Apr 13, 2018 11:34:04 AM Judge Don Willett's first opinion might also be of interest. http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/17/17-10251-CR0.pdf Posted by: Joe | Apr 13, 2018 12:12:43 PM As a FPD for almost 40 years there was a day ..before about 1984, and again in 1987, when there were more trials because the cost,while varied and hard to measure,was up to the Judge and rarely as high as that extracted by AUSA..see defendergirl comment above..this job went from 10-12 jury trial a year to 1 or fewer Posted by: scott tilsen | Apr 13, 2018 4:14:47 PM Since Roe v. Wade and Lawrence v. Texas made arrests rare in America, I think we can afford to bring all arrested people to an actual speedy, public jury trial of their peers. The only reason incarceration rates were so high in the 1950s and 1960s was because they were arresting gays and OB/GYNs. Now that that's illegal, incarceration rates have plummeted and there's no need to avoid trials. Posted by: Obergefell | Apr 13, 2018 8:03:17 PM If I were a defense attorney, I wouldn't be praising this at all. This judge is rejecting plea agreements because he thinks they are too lenient, not because he is trying to check the power of prosecutors to intimidate defendants into pleading guilty on weak cases. Posted by: USPO-Retired | Apr 13, 2018 9:23:10 PM It would be good if all plea agreements were forbidden, thus forcing prosecutors to lower their indictkment counts and even only indict what they think they can manage--if all cases go to jury trial. All cases. Add to that, making it illegal to assess bail amounts beyond the accused's income level (except in cases where it can be shown that there is some valid, provable reason the person should not be able to get himself released), and you have a much lower county jail poplation and the beginning of real prison population reform. The third leg would be to start removing the number of offenses to levels of say 1940. Finally, mens rea for all criminal offenses. If you can't prove intent you can't charge and convict. There, fixed it for you. Do those 4 things and you have justice the Founders envisioned. Posted by: restless94110 | Apr 13, 2018 10:31:53 PM I wonder how close to a binding agreement the parties could reach by crafting a private bargain to enter an open plea to only certain charges. My understanding is that a judge has no power to reject an open plea on the grounds that it is not in the public interest. While it would still leave lots more room to argue what sentence is right it would allow the offender to avoid the possibility of a mandatory minimum if that had been part of the rejected offer. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Apr 14, 2018 1:21:52 AM Soronel, open pleas would be fine were it not for mandatory minimums which range can be 5,10, 20 and even 30. Pleading open to a 30 year mandatory minimum charge gets you, as one would expect, at least 30 years! Not very appealing to most folks. How about multiple counts? Pleadin open sets you up for consecutive sentences. Posted by: Hanna | Apr 14, 2018 1:31:39 PM The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported that U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin has rejected plea deals for the third time in nine months. He also rejected plea deals in June and in October https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/cops_and_courts/federal-judge-rejects-third-plea-deal-in-a-year-in/article_4970f4b3-2282-51f8-ac0e-fa8e27a73d8e.html https://www.wvgazettemail.com/placement/there-is-no-justice-in-bargaining-against-the-people-s/article_adfec645-af8a-52e6-805f-555b3734753b.html https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/cops_and_courts/federal-judge-rejects-plea-deal-in-second-drug-trafficking-case/article_4cb0cc96-8f9b-5d1b-82da-f2bd362d9369.html Posted by: Elaine Mittleman | Apr 14, 2018 2:11:08 PM Hanna, That is why I included the proviso of only pleading to certain charges, plea bargains very often make most of the charges go away. Such a private bargain would not, of course, be enforceable but a prosecutor would only be able to violate such an agreement once before all trust would be lost. However, I have a hard time seeing three plea bargains rejected in nine months as a blanket policy (that is, I have to think plenty of other plea bargains were also accepted during this period). And if that is the case I don't see a lot of pressure on the prosecutor's office to make such private agreements in order to deal with their caseload. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Apr 14, 2018 2:50:14 PM Plea bargaining benefits the guilty but hurts the innocent. As a career prosecutor, I am for a substantial cut back on plea bargaining. We should plead what we can prove and prove what we have plead. That may result in more trials, which is a good thing, but I expect a lot of defendants will still plead guilty. Like defendergirl, I like the idea that the public will see law enforcement tactics. Except, the reality will show that the nearly all defendants are clearly guilty and the vast majority of law-enforcement act professionally and ethically. That will be useful for their next jury service. Ultimately I dont think it will reveal any nasty underbelly. At least not here in the Bay Area. Dont forget that it is easy for a prosecutor to prosecute a clearly guilty defendant, it is hard to defend them all. The defense bar and their clients dont want this, because it reduces the currency of forcing the government to trial. They will just end up doing more time. Posted by: David | Apr 14, 2018 7:36:08 PM The question becomes clearly guilty of what? The worst charge in the indictment? Or something lesser? Or an unindicted lesser included offense that a judge refuses to instruct? And a web search of "san fransciso and wrongful convictions" belies your claim about LEO ethics. Posted by: Fat Bastard | Apr 14, 2018 11:53:17 PM San Francisco is an outlier in every sense of the word. Plus, I wouldnt take Adachis word on the point. Posted by: David | Apr 15, 2018 10:50:45 AM Post a comment Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier The School Committee has given BRCOT officials the go-ahead to apply to the Maine Department of Education for approval. A Bay Area venture capitalist who thinks Californias political system is dysfunctional says hes collected enough signatures to put a measure on the November ballot to split the state in three. Tim Draper says hell submit more than 600,000 signatures to the secretary of state next week for a measure that would divide the state into what hes labeled Northern California, Southern California and California, which would include the Central Coast and the Los Angeles Basin. The Bay Area would be in Northern California. BAGHDAD In the aftermath of a destructive three-year war to defeat the Islamic State, Iraqi politicians are promising citizens a better future, employing social media, online videos and traditional billboards. Eager to shape the country, they didnt bother waiting for Saturdays official campaign kickoff. For weeks, theyve been chatting with shoppers at outdoor markets, shaking hands and greeting potential voters with cheek kisses. May 12 marks Iraqs fourth parliamentary elections since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that removed Saddam Hussein from power. According to the Independent Electoral Commission, nearly 7,000 candidates will vie for 329 seats, and while candidates have campaigned early in the past, this year some pols began pounding the pavement as much as a month ago. Iraqi elections have generally been free since the U.S. invasion, but politics have been dysfunctional because of the tremendously sectarian nature of the vote and of the major parties, such that the results are more like a census than a contest of ideas. This time around, Iraqs Sunni Muslims hundreds of thousands of them internally displaced after the destruction of their towns during the war have grown increasingly angry as they struggle, mostly without help from the government. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Shiite militias, who played a key role in defeating Islamic State and are allied with the Shiite-led Baghdad government, are poised to make significant electoral gains. This fragmented political landscape is a reality despite hopes that after several years of catastrophic war against Islamic State the vote might accomplish no less than correcting the entire course of Iraqs future and setting it back on path to some sort of normalcy. It is Iraqs time, says a billboard slogan with the picture of Hadi al-Amiri, head of the Conquest Alliance, a coalition of popular militias that fought Islamic State along with government forces. The coalition is expected to play a major role in the election and formation of the next government given the wide support it enjoys throughout Iraq. Al-Amirs coalition faces Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadis Victory Alliance, which is building on last years victory against Islamic State. Al-Abadi, who is credited with defeating the militant group, is seeking re-election. Al-Abadi took office in September 2014, nearly four months after the Iraqi armys collapse amid the Islamic States takeover of nearly a third of the country. One billboard lists what it claims are his achievements since then the defeat of Islamic State and restoration of the armys prestige, the preservation of national unity and security. Both al-Abadi and Vice President Nouri al-Maliki are members of the Shiite Islamist Dawa party, which has said its supporters can vote for either candidate. Sinan Salaheddin is an Associated Press writer. 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Cyient and BlueBird signed the Joint Venture agreement at DefExpo 2018, and holds 51 percent and 49 percent shares respectively. SpyLite, ThunderB, and MicroB systems that provide highly-innovative UAS technology are also part of the joint venture deal. Prior to the signing of JV, field trials were conducted in India by Cyient Solutions and the results showed that SpyLites outstanding performance in a tactical surveillance role at high altitude and in extreme weather conditions was successful. Headquartered in Hyderabad, with over 15,000 employees in 21 countries, Cyient aims at aerospace and defence, medical, telecommunications, rail transportation, semiconductor, utilities, industrial, energy and natural resources. Cyient takes solution ownership across to help clients work on their core, innovate and to stay ahead of the curve. And this JV will enable the company to open its wings further. Commenting on the occasion of this joint venture, Krishna Bodanapu, CEO & MD, Cyient, said, "I am very excited about the joint venture with BlueBird Aero Systems that combines our design and manufacturing expertise to bring the best of UAV technology solutions to the Indian defence industry. The joint venture also underlines the commitment of both partners to the government's 'Make in India' initiative." Founded in 2002, BlueBirds well advanced UAV Systems have collected over 16,000 operational sorties and supports worldwide which includes open area as well as urban scenarios. They also provide support for military in Tactical Mapping on Demand (TMOD), peace-keeping, security, disaster management, law enforcement and many more. Speaking about the announcement, Ronen Nadir, Founder & CEO, BlueBird Aero Systems, says, We are proud to team with Cyient in this joint venture that enables indigenization, manufacturing, training, and support of our advanced, field-proven UAV systems in India. BlueBird is pleased to transfer to Cyient Solutions & Systems its latest, innovative technology and know-how to further enhance what we see as a long-term partnership with Cyient for the benefit of the Indian UAV market. Cyient Solutions & Systems will indigenize, manufacture, assemble, integrate, and test advanced UAV systems at its production facilities in Hyderabad by leveraging BlueBird's technology and manufacturing know-how. The JV will also provide comprehensive aftermarket services, including spares, repairs, maintenance, and support to end users across India. Read more news: Telangana Muslim students selected for NASA conference To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Jodie Simpson has been recognised for her years of dedicated research. It's not the first time respiratory researcher Professor Jodie Simpson has attended the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealands annual general meeting. In fact, shes attended most since 1998 (saving sabbaticals to raise children). But this March was a special occasion. Simpson was in attendance to be named a fellow of the society. It's a milestone Simpson says shell remember affectionately when the dust settles on her standout medical research career. My careers going well and Ive had success with publications and grants but its another thing altogether to then be acknowledged by the national society of the discipline you work in, she says. There have been very few fellows named over the last five years, so its quite an achievement, I think. Optus has been caught out for making a racial preference in a job advertisement, after listing an ad on job classifieds site Seek indicating a desire for "Anglo Saxon" employees. The telecommunications company's ad, listed on Thursday afternoon, was looking for applicants for a retail consultant role in Sydney's upmarket lower north shore suburb Neutral Bay. Optus posted a job advertisement referencing a preference for "Anglo Saxon" applicants. The listing included three dot points about the role, describing it as a "fantastic opportunity" to get into retail and sales, and promising a competitive base salary with incentives and benefits. It also described its "preffered" (sic) candidates as those "who are Anglo Saxon and live near to Neutral Bay. Calls are growing for the Minister for Financial Services, Kelly ODwyer, to hold a parliamentary inquiry into the Australian Taxation Office to allow a transparent review of one of the countrys most powerful institutions. Interestingly, ODwyer chose Treasury to conduct an investigation into the ATO amid allegations by Fairfax Media and Four Corners that the tax office has extraordinary powers but little oversight and a toxic culture where staff are pressured to meet revenue-raising targets and pursue small business. Helen Petaia was a victim of ATO errors. Credit:Paul Harris It found when the ATO gets it wrong up to one in 20 cases according to the Inspector General of Taxation - it generally makes low-ball offers of compensation. Given the powers of the ATO, including that taxpayers are deemed guilty until proven innocent and are subject to penalties of up to 90 per cent and interest charges, getting it wrong can be catastrophic. Appointing a government department to investigate the ATO is far from ideal, particularly when the department in question is increasingly motivated by revenue, has limited resources and is perceived as being close to the ATO. Acciona Energy has won a contract to build a half-a-billion dollar solar farm in Queensland as it takes the NSW government to court over the Sydney light rail project. The new 265-megawatt solar farm will provide enough energy to power up to 122,000 homes, and is part of Queenslands goal of generating half of all its energy from renewable sources by 2030. The new solar farm can provide power to up to 122,000 homes. Credit:Tim Ireland It has been welcomed by the Queensland government, both for the energy it will provide and jobs it will create locally. "Acciona Energy will develop, finance, construct and operate a $500 million solar farm through a 30-year lease with the Queensland Government and they are committed to Buy Queensland and Gladstone Buy Local procurement strategies," Cameron Dick, Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, said. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is the very definition of a classic. On first publication in 1865 it did for children's books what Don Quixote had done for romances of chivalry: making a mockery of their pompous, moralising tone; using wilful nonsense to expose the unwitting variety. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832-98), was an Oxford don with a stammer; a 30-year-old professor of mathematics who felt more comfortable with children than with adults. The stories came together almost spontaneously, in instalments told to the Liddell children on outings. Alice, aged seven, encouraged the storyteller to write them down, and so he did, publishing under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. We can believe Dodgson's claim that the greatest pleasure he took from the success of the books was the delight they brought to his youthful audience. The Wonderland exhibition is at the ACMI until October 7. Credit:Phoebe Powell Lines and phrases from Alice's Adventures and the sequel, Through the Looking Glass (1872), have become proverbial. Invented words such as "chortle" something between a laugh and a snort have made their way into the dictionary. The book has been rediscovered and reinvented by each successive generation, providing inspiration for writers, artists and filmmakers. JONATHAN ZAWADA Skilfully blurring the lines between art and design, Jonathan Zawada has created this chair in collaboration with VELA Life and fabric house Kvadrat Maharam. It is soft yet assertive, bold and playful, with a 1970s vibe that reveals Zawada's interest in graphics. ZAWADA.ART ; VELA.LIFE Next week, 26 Australians will show at Milans Salone del Mobile, part of an exhibition conceived, curated and staged by Sydney designer Emma Elizabeth. Its the third year shes taken local talent to the worlds most prestigious design fair, and her largest posse yet. Here are our favourites. A tour de force of colour, pattern and texture, this show-stopping art piece is the result of a collaboration between furniture and product designer Adam Goodrum and straw marquetry artisan Arthur Seigneur. Suggestive of an open lotus flower, their "Bloom" cabinet is made up of 1400 sections of hand-tinted French rye straw. ADAMGOODRUM.COM; ARTHURSEIGNEUR.COM The Sagitine shoe system. SAGITINE The inclusion of shoe and accessories storage brand Sagitine highlights the broad church Emma Elizabeth founder of online gallery Local Design is striving to represent in Milan. For its exhibit, Sagitine has partnered with Andrew Simpson of Vert Design to stretch its shoe system into a tall stack. Graduating colour has been used to complete the transition from utilitarian object to contemporary art piece. SAGITINE.COM Chair by John Goulder. JON GOULDER Fourth-generation furniture maker Jon Goulder is creative director of the furniture studio in Adelaide's JamFactory. Working in Tasmanian oak and blackwood, with an experimental pickling technique developed in conjunction with retailer Fiona Spence, he's created this crafted range comprising a console, dining chair, side table, coffee table, credenza and lounge chair. JONGOULDER.COM; SPENCEANDLYDA.COM.AU Currently the darling of the male modelling world, our very own Zoolander, Jordan Barrett, has caused a stir around the offices of global modelling juggernaut IMG after he ditched the agency to sign up with new Sydney outfit Kult. Strike a pose: Jordan Barrett gives his best "Blue Steel". Credit:Brook Mitchell This poses an interesting conundrum for IMG in the lead-up to Australian Fashion Week in a few weeks. The event is owned by IMG and, previously, Barrett has walked for local designers, being one of the models on IMG's books. It remains to be seen if his latest move will thwart his ability to return home and strut the Sydney catwalk. FEUDING POLO PRINCE TAKES A FALL It was a bad day for millionaire polo enthusiast John Marshall last Saturday. Not only did he grace these pages after PS revealed he had pleaded not guilty in Windsor Local Court to charges of assaulting his neighbour, fellow polo moneybags Peter Higgins, but he ended the day in a hospital bed after falling off his beloved polo pony, leaving him poleaxed in the middle of his polo field. John Marshall with his son Adam Marshall at their Kurri Burri Polo Club in Richmond. Marshall, who was also ordered by the court to stay away from Higgins and is due back for a hearing next month, is understood to have suffered several serious injuries, but his spokeswoman did not elaborate when PS inquired. "John is recovering very well, thank you," Marshall's spokeswoman told PS. "He was hospitalised but is due out this week. All active polo players have injuries from time to time." As for rumours he was airlifted to hospital after fracturing his ribs and suffering a punctured lung, no further information was forthcoming. However, his spokeswoman did comment on the charges Marshall, whose business interests include the huge Sportscraft fashion label, is facing after PS's revelations last Saturday. "As for the spurious charges, once the full facts come out - and they will - those charges will be shown to have been misplaced," she said. "The matter is before the courts so it is not appropriate to comment further at this time." Last week, PS reported millionaire businessman Higgins, a founder of Mortgage Choice and a former Dragons' Den judge, who is also the owner of the Sydney Polo Club at Richmond, claimed he was left bloodied, bruised and "stunned" following an alleged incident involving Marshall. Polo horse breeder and businessman Peter Higgins. Credit:Edwina Pickles At Windsor Local Court, Marshall, 68, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and trespass after he and Higgins, 58, had an encounter on Higgins' property during a polo match. Higgins' lawyers had previously sent Marshall a letter informing the latter that he was not welcome on the former's property and that, if he turned up, the police would be called, which is allegedly what happened when Higgins confronted Marshall after discovering him on his land. He alleges Marshall then headbutted him following an altercation. Locals have been agog with chatter following the latest episode in what has been a long-running feud between the men, with lawyers at 10 paces, elaborate public relations campaigns, and Facebook catfights in a turf war between two of Sydney's wealthiest men. Higgins only had one word to say on the matter when PS called: "Karma". ONISFOROU'S CLASSIC PLEDGE It's been called Elizabeth Bay's very own Berlin Wall, but millionaire property developer Theo Onisforou is adamant the two luxury terrace houses he is planning to build along the exclusive Billyard Avenue will become "architectural classics". Millionaire property developer Theo Onisforou's proposed terrace houses in Elizabeth Bay, a "future classic". Credit:Angus Property Onisforou is waiting for City of Sydney council to determine a development application he has lodged to demolish an existing home and build two new, 10-metre wide terraces. He predicts they will be more valuable than "the current Australian records for a terrace house", which incidentally is held by his estranged wife, former Harper's Bazaar "gemologist" Heidi Onisforou, who last year sold her Challis Avenue home for a record $13 million. But none of it has impressed local development agitator and self-styled heritage warrior Andrew Woodhouse, the president and founder of the Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Conservation & Residents Society, which is vehemently opposing Onisforou's vision. "The proposals design is anathema and obnoxious, out of character with its surroundings, and is neo-brutalism. It has hallmarks of the Berlin Wall," was how Woodhouse viewed the DA in his submission to council, telling PS his unincorporated group had more than 1000 members, though he was unable to provide evidence to back his claim. Andrew Woodhouse has dubbed the proposal the "Berlin Wall". Credit:Michelle Mossop Onisforou says he is planning to live in one of the homes when it is built and that he had personally addressed each of the objections he had been notified of, with his proposed design not affecting any neighbouring views and within the floor-space ratio for the area. Landlord and millionaire property developer Theo Onisforou. Credit:Katherine Griffiths "I am not a property vandal," he assured PS, inviting Woodhouse to see his detailed plans of the proposal, though Woodhouse indicated he was "not interested". WHITLAM'S RETURN One of Sydney's more intriguing characters has quietly slipped back into town, with PS hearing none other than Andrew "Baci" Whitlam has returned. Andrew "Baci" Whitlam with Gough Whitlam in 1980. Credit:Fairfax Media The former socialite, who changed his surname by deed poll to Whitlam in honour of the former prime minister, the late Gough Whitlam, whom he famously described as his "godfather", once sold imported European clothes at Double Bay boutique Baci Da Roma. Whitlam was unable to attend his "godfather's" funeral in 2014 as he was still serving prison time for dealing cocaine. Gough Whitlam's son, Nicholas Whitlam, was at pains to make sure PS was informed that claims his father remained close with Baci in his later years were not accurate: "Gough resided at Lulworth for the last six years of his life. Andrew Whitlam never visited him there and he was never invited to do so." BIG ON BOLLINGER Long before Patsy and Edina got hold of it in Absolutely Fabulous, Bollinger was being quaffed by the colonials by the crate-load. A grand affair: The Bollinger RD 2004 dinner at the Art Gallery of NSW. Netflix is coming under increased pressure to eliminate the gender pay gap from its suite of original productions. Earlier this week, rival TV giant HBO announced it had fixed "inappropriate [pay] disparities" for some of its biggest female stars. HBO's head of programming, Casey Bloys, told The Hollywood Reporter he checked everyone's payslips following conversations with Big Little Lies star Reese Witherspoon. However, he refused to say which shows needed to adjust their chequebooks. "We've proactively gone through all of our shows," he said. "In fact, we just finished our process where we went though and made sure that there were no inappropriate disparities in pay. And, where there were if we found any we correct it going forward. I arrived by train in Paris in 1981 on the day that the socialist Francois Mitterrand was elected President of France. I did not know about this election as I walked with my rucksack from Gare Du Nord, senses tingling at my first sight of the great city and wondering why cars were dashing about with horns tooting and excited passengers leaning from windows waving red roses. Later, at my hotel on the Left Bank, I became aware of the new political situation, and after dinner I wandered to Place De Saint Michel, where a crowd was gathering to celebrate the Socialist victory. The mood was passionate and the wine was flowing. This famed place with its statue of Saint Michael slaying a demon had long been a meeting ground for students, bohemians, artists and political activists, and by the time darkness fell, the place was packed. There was much hugging and kissing, interrupted only by the occasional besieged car trying to extricate itself at a snail's pace from the roistering throng. The merrymakers thumped wildly on the tops of these cars as they crept forward trying to escape. As I watched, one alarmed driver, in obvious panic, increased speed just a little too much, forcing the crowd to part. It was a bad mistake, and in an instant, the mood of the crowd swung horribly. A great dark animal howl went up in the night: such a chilling noise like I had never heard before; a massive primal roar from some dark, distant corner of human evolution. All at once, the celebrating crowd became an ugly mob, and the night sky over Place De Saint Michel was suddenly raining missiles and bottles upon the car and the unfortunate human heads nearby. The demon in the statue had come to life. llustration: Michael Leunig I sheltered in a shop doorway on full alert and within minutes, riot police with shields and batons appeared from out of the darkness and advanced into the now chaotic mob. The speed with which all of this happened was both shocking and fascinating. The dream of my first night in Paris had come to an end and before my eyes the promise of socialism had been made a pathetic lie by stupid passions, broken glass and the violent hands of human nature. Companies exploring for energy off the NSW coast should be subject to the same "fit and proper person test" as those on land, the Berejiklian government says, underscoring tensions between Sydney and Canberra over the approval of seismic testing in waters near Newcastle. Don Harwin, NSW resources minister, told Parliament this week that he had been advised of legal concerns related to MEC Resources, the parent company of Asset Energy that is due to seismic testing on Sunday in a region about 30 kilometres south-east of Newcastle. A third protest against the testing in the past couple of months is due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday. "It's the federal government we're hoping to get the message to, and the company," Jo Lynch, an organiser with the Hunter Community Environment Centre, said. MEC Resources are due to conduct seismic testing on Sunday in a region about 30 kilometres off Newcastle. Credit:Simone De Peak Jeremy Buckingham, a NSW Greens MP, asked Mr Harwin in Parliament whether legal writs for unpaid debts issued to MEC and other action to remove the company's board meant the firm would fail to meet the state's "fit and proper person test". So why don't you, I asked? Surely the local charity shop would welcome such a costly piece which had been kept so carefully. It wasn't so clear-cut for her, though. Left to languish on its hanger, the coat had lately taken on an accusatory air. "I guess I need to work up to it," she confessed. "I've been slowly talking myself into it. I know that sounds crazy!" It was made of a chocolate-coloured wool, the woman said, and she had bought it in her early 20s with a pay cheque from her first job. That was 40 years ago. She stopped to show me how the coat had reached down to the middle of her calf. It had served her well through some harsh Melbourne winters. "I wore it with a pair of matching slouchy boots," she said. "It was a very fashionable outfit. But I don't wear it any more, and I'd like to get rid of it." Neither of us had been tempted to buy anything we didn't want to add to our clutter and, surrounded by novelty key rings and other touristic detritus, the subject of the coat came up. Recently, I met a woman who had been trying for six months to throw out an old coat. We met on a tour through a souvenir market in Tokyo. It didn't sound so crazy to me. But then, throwing things out is my favourite thing to do. I don't claim this rabid lack of sentimentality as a virtue. It's just that there are simply two types of people in the world: those who store their tax returns in easily retrievable files, and those who don't, because they accidentally recycled them in a cleaning binge and now need to apologetically call their accountant from two years ago to get another copy for some form which needs filling out. (This is a hypothetical example of a personality type, you understand, not something that recently happened to me.) Also, all the research shows that those of us who keep fanatically clean desks are at best uncreative and at worst are revealing our latent fascistic tendencies. That said, in support of my fellow thrower-outers, we are this way because we recognise that relationships formed with objects can sometimes even mostly turn toxic. Marie Kondo, a Japanese writer describing herself as a "cleaning consultant", got at this truth in her best-selling 2011 book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which says that every piece residing in our homes must "spark joy". If it does not, Kondo decrees, it should be thanked for its service and consigned to the bin. Of course, we persist in keeping things for all sorts of reasons which have nothing to do with joy, whether it's because we paid too much to begin with, it reminds us of a different life chapter, there's a sentimental value, or the Australian Tax Office says it's a good idea. We all, in short, have our own version of the chocolate-brown coat. Except maybe the Japanese, who, having successfully tidied their homes, have moved on to a new self-help publishing phenomenon. Even the Stiffest People Can Do the Splits, by an Osaka-based yoga teacher called Eiko, was published last year by Maria Kondo's publisher, Sunmark. It's sold more than a million copies in Japan, and Eiko's "watchably bendy" YouTube videos have been viewed more than seven million times. The book promises that a few minutes of gentle stretching and yoga each day will open your mind, and your thighs. Perhaps its success shows that we're all still searching for ways to streamline our lives, one way or another. To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald or The Age. Andrew Dale remembers watching the cars pull up outside his food van in Gungahlin, take a photo, laugh, and then speed off. "Don't worry," he would say to his wife Lee-Ann as they surveyed the empty stretch of carpark in front of them. "That's our marketing team, they're laughing at our name, but they're going to go to their office tomorrow and tell everyone about this place, the G-Spot in Gungahlin." Nearly two decades after everyone told them it would fail, the G-Spot has become a landmark for the north Canberra community, drawing hundreds of customers each week from across the district. Cartier is a name synonymous with luxury, glittering beauty and conspicuous consumption. Its products graced royalty, film stars, celebrities and the super rich and have become status symbols for social climbers. The Cartier exhibition, aptly subtitled From royal style to Hollywood glamour, assembles more than 300 Cartier objects of many types of jewellery to various timepieces and paraphernalia associated with smoking, from a time when smoking was still considered a fashionable activity. National Gallery of Australia launch of Cartier: The Exhibition. Photo by Karleen Minney. Credit:karleen minney Although jewellery has been around for about as long as the human species, it was in the 19th century and the Industrial Revolution that jewellery shrugged off its exclusivity and was mass produced for the burgeoning middle classes. In a move to counter this democratisation, a number of artistic commercial firms sprung up that produced high-quality jewellery that targeted the pockets and tastes of the prosperous bourgeois class and remnants of the aristocracy. Their tastes were fairly conservative, favouring exquisite craftsmanship, expensive exotic materials and usable objects that could be worn for public display. The House of Faberge was founded in St Petersburg in 1842 and employed a greater variety of precious and semiprecious stones in the history of jewellery than anyone before it. It attained great fame for its jewel-encrusted Easter eggs and other luxury objects that received widespread recognition at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1900. In 1837, in Brooklyn, Connecticut, Charles Lewis Tiffany established a "stationery and fancy goods emporium" that was rebadged as Tiffany and Company in New York in 1853 and focused on exquisite jewellery and silverware inspired by the Art Nouveau style. Canberra's beautiful Keen triplets have made their first public appearance. Aleisha, Maddilyn and Eloise were a gorgeous handful for mum Emma as they were introduced to the Canberra public on Friday. Canberra mum Emma Keen on Friday with triplets Aleisha, Maddilyn and Eloise. The rare identical triplets were born on March 25, 32 weeks' and one day premature. They have left the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and are now in the Special Care Nursery at the Canberra Hospital. The man accused of culpable driving over the death of his mate at Summernats last year will have to wait a little longer for a verdict, after the jury hearing his case said on Friday they wanted to continue deliberating next week. The question for the jury to decide is the degree of Alister Spong's negligence the day Luke Newsome fell off the back of his flat bed truck while they were cruising at Canberra's annual car festival. Alister Spong arrives at the ACT Supreme Court for the trial over his friend Luke Newsome's Summernats death. Credit:Jamila Toderas The jury began deliberating on Friday afternoon but it soon had some questions of its own. It sent a note to the judge, asking if there can be "an accident without negligence". Yes, Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson told the jury. "There can be adverse events [that] can occur without negligence." The peak body for international students is examining instances of workplace exploitation to help guide the government on how best to protect temporary migrants from dodgy employers. The Council of International Students Australia will aim to survey several hundred international students throughout the nation on their experiences with casual and part-time work. The Council of International Students Australia is surveying students on their experiences of work. Credit:Louie Douvis Council public relations officer Arjun Mathilakath Madathil said the organisation wanted to gather data on why, despite public awareness campaigns and national attention on the issue, international students continued to fall prey to workplace exploitation. The Wage Theft in Australia report released last year revealed one-quarter of international students earned $12 an hour or less and almost half $15 an hour or less, well below the casual minimum wage of $22.13 per hour. Canberrans are concerned about "rat runs" through suburban streets near Northbourne Avenue, but prepared to accept higher densities on the gateway avenue if it's done properly, according to the National Capital Authority. The authority has done initial consultation for the new City and Gateway Urban Renewal Framework, with inner north residents worried about building heights, cycle paths and rat runs. About 100 people fronted up to a most recent session in Downer, one of the most affected suburbs where building heights along the avenue are set to more than double. An artist's impression of plans to transform Canberra's "gateway", Northbourne Avenue, with buildings increasingly higher towards the city centre. The authority's director of strategic planning, Rebecca Sorensen, said the general sentiment from consultation sessions was cautious optimism and acceptance of change, especially when it came to taller buildings and increased density. Some people are happy to accept increases in height and density provided it's done well, and we get quality architectural design, good landscaping outcomes and things like that, she said. The Red Hill Regenerators, a community group that has been caring for Red Hill for over a quarter of a century, generally turn a blind eye to these small-scale cubbies. "We aren't opposed them, in fact we encourage children to play on the hill, but in the woodland itself and not in the vicinity of the tip," explains founding regenerator Michael Mulvaney. Mulvaney's view on larger-scale structures isn't as forgiving. "They should be viewed as natural sculptures which may be ok in some locations but could be devastating if built in the wrong location," explains Mulvaney, adding, "for example the rare Small Ant-blue butterfly (Acrodipsas myrmecophila ) is only known to occur in two locations in ACT's woodlands. It spends its caterpillar stage in the nest of a particular ant that builds its nests in fallen timber. If this timber was collected to build a natural sculpture good bye butterfly. "Similarly, they could inadvertently shade-out the only ACT occurrence of a rare orchid," argues Mulvaney who believes "if people want to build significant constructions they should be at least subject to the same level of approval as other park constructions such as walking tracks, telecommunication facilities or stock watering facilities." Mulvaney's sentiments are shared by park authorities. "Our rangers want kids to have fun in cubbies but only where they cause minimal damage to the environment," says ACT Parks and Conservation Service director Daniel Iglesias, adding "it all comes down to a matter of scale and impact". "Please don't build larger resource-intensive cubbies and if you see such a thing under construction, a quiet respectful word with the builders usually does the trick," advises Iglesias, who also warns "in building your cubby, you are using the homes of our native plants and animals which could quite reasonably bite or sting in response". What's your take on the stick-houses? A rite of passage for kids in the bush capital and just harmless fun, or environmental vandalism? Since 2005, several other unsolicited 'bush artworks' have mysteriously appeared in the readily-accessible Mount Majura and Mount Ainslie nature reserves, these include a large treehouse and a labyrinth. 1.The Mount Majura treehouse Mt Majura Treehouse prior to demolition in 2012. Credit:Tim the Yowie Man Origins: Although initially keeping hush about its construction, in 2012, Pele Cannon, one of its creators, confessed to this column to handcrafting the covert cubby "over a few weekends in 2011 with some university friends". Construction: A back-to-basics design with a 4x3-metre platform elevated two metres above the ground. According to Cannon, "we didn't use any nails, it was all supported by forked branches we found, and all the timber was already on the ground." Current status: In late 2012, the treehouse, located on Majura's northern slopes, was mysteriously dismantled. According to Cannon who visited the site soon afterwards, "not a skerrick of it was left behind". 2.The Mount Ainslie Labyrinth Ranger Luke McElhinney walking the Mt Ainslie bush labyrinth. Credit:Tim the Yowie Man Origins: This 12-metre bush labyrinth, which its creator local artist Julie Rickwood named 'Five Senses', took over 18 months to construct and was first walked on June 21 (the winter solstice) in 2006. Construction: Meticulously laid out using branches, sticks and small stones. The labyrinth seems to have become a drawcard for artistic flair for when I walked the labyrinth earlier this week, I counted four stone circles and over a dozen small-scale cubbies dotted in the scrub nearby. Current status: Over the last 12 years, a merry band of community-minded labyrinth aficionados regularly maintain it by moving sticks blown off the path or dislodged by kangaroos and other animals. Located in the middle, or 'goal', is a wooden treasure chest which contains a scroll describing the origins of the labyrinth along with a mix of shells, stones and other 'offerings'. There is also a visitors' book, complete with hundreds of signatures. Spotted These three little pigs were spotted in Collector this week. Credit:Tim the Yowie Man Intriguingly, a Mt Ainslie cubby isn't the only place toy pigs have popped up this week. Welcoming visitors to the village of Collector, just north of Canberra, are three like-size cartoon pigs. "They are part of an artistic display for our upcoming pumpkin festival," explains Gary Poile, head honcho of the annual shindig, who steadfastly denies any possible connection between the Collector pigs and those on Mt Ainslie. "Our pigs are part of a display on 'Sean the Sheep', and in no way are related to the nursery rhyme of the three little pigs," dismisses Poile. "Any link is tenuous at best," he asserts, musing "if for some reason we wanted to promote the festival through building stick houses everywhere, we'd have left pumpkins in them, not toy pigs!" Given the proliferation of bush cubbies in Canberra, maybe Poile should add a cubby building challenge to rival the festival's hugely popular scarecrow building competition. Who knows, it might even flush out those responsible for the Ainslie creation. For the record, the Collector Village Pumpkin Festival is on between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, May 6. Mailbag Having a whale of a time This column's expose on the Batemans Bay (Long Beach) whale bone seat prompted Colin Smeal of Holder to send in this photo of a humpback whale skull he stumbled upon during a recent camping trip to Moreton Island. "It was just sitting there in the middle of the beach," reports Smeal. Meanwhile John Taverner of Manuka Pool fame, and now of Jerrabomberra, reports that he and his sister, Su "vividly recall the huge whale bone of Long Beach". "Mum and Dad decided to spend the winter of 1964 at our shack at Long Beach," reports Taverner, adding, "down the south end of beach was a general store run by Clarrie and Babe Blair, where the few locals could buy the basics like fresh bread, creamy milk and old-fashioned lollies. "Clarrie and Babe were quite the local characters, Babe with her long red painted nails and Clarrie with his wonderful stories of local history," recalls Taverner, adding "one such story was the accidental bombing of the whale featured in your column, the one mistaken for a Japanese submarine in 1942." "I remember saying to Dad, "hey it was 80 feet long and weighed 80 tons, that means one ton for every one foot," says Taverner, who adds "dad was most impressed with my calculation." Taverner reports that he had "a whale of a time" during his winter sojourn at Long Beach. "It was a wholly wonderful experience at a three-teacher country school; not only did we make friends, but we were so impressed with our free quota of fresh local flavoured milk each school day," he recalls. Ah, them were the days. Where in Canberra? Loading The five consultancy projects drawing most on the Coalition government's coffers this year will total nearly $100 million in spending as departments turn to the private sector for advice, new figures reveal. Figures from the powerful Finance Department also show that a $27.5 million contract with consultants PriceWaterhouseCoopers to help overhaul the Department of Veterans' Affairs will take 16 per cent of the project's budget, announced by the government in 2017. The spending comes as a parliamentary inquiry investigates the Coalition's growing use of consultancies and contractors coinciding with massive cuts to its headcount of public servants, a probe that is yet to determine the number of labour hire workers on the government's books. Finance has revealed its own consultancy spending boomed from $9.2 million in the last year of the former Labor government to $26.3 million last year, coinciding with a 90-staff cut to the agency's headcount. Sydney's light rail budget is off-the-rails. It is both a news story on its own and a metaphor: the light rail project to connect the south-eastern suburbs to the heart of Sydney with high-volume public transport has ground to a halt because of a dispute between the state government and one of the contractors, Acciona. When the project started, it symbolised a fresh, new approach to public transport and accessibility by a can-do, go-ahead government. It seemed well managed. The public was prepared in advance for the disruption everyone knew was coming. Certainly some shopkeepers along the route complained that customers were being driven away and neighbours lamented the cutting down of ancient trees. But all that could be accepted as the price of progress. Now, however, as the expected opening date is pushed back, people will be less tolerant. The government cannot abandon its construction contract without incurring termination payments likely to exceed more than $1 billion and even if it was prepared for that, it would have to find another contractor to finish the work. It is stuck. Instead of its former can-do image, the Berejiklian government looks good at big ideas, not so hot at the follow-through. The government can and should expect its way of doing things to come into question. Prison guards at Long Bay and Silverwater have been ordered to terminate a 48-hours strike after workers walked off the job over proposed job cuts, leaving skeleton staff to manage the prisons. The Industrial Relations Commission issued orders on Friday afternoon for the corrections officers to "immediately cease" the strike and refrain from taking any further industrial action until May 12. Long Bay Jail, Malabar in Sydney's south-east Credit:Ben Rushton Corrective Services NSW sought urgent orders from the commission after Long Bay prison officers walked off the job around 9am on Friday morning, and were later joined by officers from the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater. The strike was organised by the Public Service Association, the NSW union which represents prison officers. The strike also impacted court hearings across Sydney, with court correctional officers not available to bring alleged offenders in to courtrooms. Nick Scerri was on board diverted flight QF568. Credit:Nick Scerri A Qantas flight from Perth to Sydney has landed safely after experiencing mid-air problems with its air conditioning system. Qantas flight 568 was diverted to Melbourne and landed safely at Tullamarine at 6.17am on Saturday. The air conditioning problem affected the aircraft's ability to "maintain pressure in the cabin", so crew diverted the flight to Melbourne and requested priority landing upon arrival as a precaution. "Following standard procedure, the crew descended to 10,000 feet and were able to restart the system and diverted to Melbourne," Qantas said in a statement. A 47-year-old Brisbane woman has been identified as the passenger who fell overboard on the P&O Pacific Dawn cruise ship on Thursday afternoon. The vessel continued to head back towards the mainland on Friday night and was scheduled to dock in Brisbane about 6am on Sunday, according to police. Investigators were expected to meet the Pacific Dawn at the Port of Brisbane and prepare a report for the coroner, but police said late Friday that there were no suspicious circumstances. The search has been called off for a woman fallen overboard from the Australia-based P&O Pacific Dawn cruise ship in the Coral Sea. A former senior Ipswich City Council officer has been hit with a second charge of misconduct in a public office. The Crime and Corruption Commission laid the charge against former chief operating officer of works, parks and recreation Craig Maudsley on Friday. Former Ipswich City Council chief operating officer Craig Maudsley fronts court. Credit:Jorge Branco. He is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 2, with his original misconduct in a public office charge due before the courts again on April 24. The details of the latest charge have yet to be revealed but the initial charge accuses Mr Maudsley of of using his influence to benefit a council contractor to the detriment of business Colmine Consulting between September and November 2016. Bundaberg Regional Council had test results from September last year which showed elevated levels of chemicals in one of the regional Queensland city's reservoirs, but only acted on them last week. Queensland Health has advised the water supply for the Svensson Heights area has been contaminated by PFAS chemicals at twice the national standard. About 5000 people are thought to be serviced by the reservoir. The zone of Svensson Heights affected by heightened levels of PFAS in the water supply. Credit:Bundaberg Regional Council. Queensland Health said the council conducted routine testing in September last year, but only approached the Wide Bay Public Health Unit last Thursday, April 5, to flag an issue. Eventually, I finished recording Lala's story and transcribing it. But other things got in the way and the project slipped away. As I got older, I began to appreciate the enormity of what Lala had been through. In 2013, I started working four days a week instead of full-time so I could record her life story. I visited her on Fridays, and she would have tea and cake ready. Or she'd make me lentils or tortilla. Lala is always feeding me. But she tells me I'm a pain in the culito because I'm vegetarian. NIKKI: When I was little, I couldn't say "Maria Carmen". I called her "Lala" I still do. I've known her my whole life. She came once a week to our house in Sydney's east, to clean, cook us a meal, and do the washing and ironing. I never knew Lala's husband [he committed suicide in 1982], but I was close to her children, Cristina and Carlos. They all became part of my family. When I was 13, Cristina suddenly died of a silent heart condition. When Carlos died a year and a half later from a seizure, no one could believe it. I went to both their funerals. Spanish-born Maria Carmen Suarez, 78, became close to Nikki Jankelowitz, 29, when she worked as a housekeeper for Nikkis family. Their bond deepened after the loss of Maria Carmens two children, and with Nikkis baby dreams. Last year, I finished writing Lala's story and had it printed to coincide with her 78th birthday. I organised an event to celebrate. There were 160 people altogether. For a 78-year-old with no relatives in Australia, that's pretty incredible. People are drawn to her energy. Lala isn't afraid to say anything. Last year, we were at the Apple store buying her an iPhone and she asked the guy serving us if he was Jewish. He said yes. Lala said, "Nikki's Jewish, too! Can you give us a discount?" He actually gave us 10 per cent off. Anywhere she goes, she'll ask for a discount, and she'll get it. Lala is very warm and expressive. When we're at a cafe, she'll tell the waiter he's goodlooking and ask if he has a girlfriend. If the waiter is a foreigner, she'll ask what he's doing in Australia, whether he's studying and if he's going to stay here. Her comments always come from a good place, but sometimes I have to tell her that she's being inappropriate like when she tells a waiter that he needs a haircut! She came to the meditation studio I co-founded soon after we opened and sat through a session. Lala wasn't there for the experience of meditation. She was there to support me and my husband Kevin and share in what we're doing. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams, but she's also realistic and often asks if we're making enough money from the business to survive. Kevin and I have been trying to have a baby for 18 months. Lala prays for us every night, and each time she goes to church she lights a candle. We've promised her that she'll be among the first people we tell when I'm pregnant. Lala was robbed of the opportunity to be a grandmother, so when I have a baby I want to involve her as much as possible. The RSPCA has voiced concerns live export ships are continuing to operate with a "business as usual" attitude, despite footage showing horrific conditions aboard the Awassi Express shocking the nation and drawing emotive pledges from politicians to address the industry's failures. Australia's peak animal welfare body pointed to the departure of the MV Maysora - which left Fremantle in the early hours of Thursday morning - as an example of the industry continuing to operate without any additional conditions. The MV Maysora. Credit:donaldcee/Flickr The ship is loaded with sheep and cattle and is currently north of Geraldton, on a voyage expected to take about three weeks. The MV Maysora is one of the first live export ships to depart WA since disturbing footage of dead and dying sheep on board the Awassi Express from 2017 was aired on 60 Minutes on Sunday. A man who allegedly skipped bail last year after being charged over a cannabis grow house in Perth has been rearrested in dramatic circumstances, caught because he was allegedly using his mobile phone while driving. Police will allege Ho Yeon Kim, 24 , tried to flee in his car last Friday in Canning Vale, hitting a police officer before jumping out the passenger side of his vehicle in a daring bid to escape their clutches. Mr Kim had been at large for about six months, after an arrest warrant was issued for him in mid October when he failed to show up to court on drug charges. He was initially charged by Organised Crime Squad detectives last September after a search warrant at a home in Beckenham uncovered a large cannabis crop. Protesters calling for "persecuted" white South African farmers to be brought to Australia have clashed with counter-demonstrators outside Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's electorate office in the Perth suburb of Subiaco. Right wing political party the Australian Liberty Alliance organised the protest to support calls made by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton in March that farmers in South Africa are under threat and deserve "special attention" and need help from a "civilised country" like Australia. A counter-demonstration made up of left wing groups has taken up positions at a park on the opposite side of the road, chanting slogans and opposing the ALA's moves. 6PR radio reports the groups, comprising about 100 people, briefly clashed. Teachers "at the top of their game" would be lured from the city to the bush with extra cash, nice houses and a guaranteed right of return under a plan to improve student results in Australia's regional schools. A lengthy review of regional education has urged the federal government to offer more incentives for established teachers to do a stint outside the city, and to break down the stigma around the bush as a place for teachers to work. Teachers should also be given an "absolute, rock-solid guarantee" they can return to their original school, said the report's author, education professor and former teacher John Halsey. He pointed to models used in mining and engineering industries to lure staff to regional areas by offering "very nice housing", and flying staff and their families free-of-charge to inspect their would-be homes. Malcolm Turnbull has responded enthusiastically to Donald Trump's surprise pivot towards the 11-country Trans-Pacific Partnership, despite fears the President will push for changes that could penalise consumers and cost the budget billions of dollars. Trade Minister Steve Ciobo has also welcomed the US change of heart, but indicated Australia and other signatories are not inclined to cede further ground in negotiations. President Donald Trump in the White House, April 12, 2018. Credit:AP President Trump caught member-economies off-guard on Friday when he used a meeting with mid-west governors and legislators to reveal that the US would now explore re-entry into the multi-nation free trade pact. During the meeting he asked senior aides to look into rejoining the arrangement that he had previously lambasted as a disaster for American workers and for American sovereignty. And so, late last year, he took himself off to Tangier, a place that has long been the destination of artists, writers, rogues, drifters and dreamers. Why wouldnt it? Morocco sits at the northern tip of Africa, just 14 kilometres across the Strait of Gibraltar from the southern tip of Spain. It seems neither altogether African nor European, floating in its own zone, a melange of the Arabic world and those cultures that have held it at one time or another - Roman, British, Spanish, Portuguese and French - before the Moroccans got the place back for themselves in 1956. Men in pointy headed robes called djellabas, appropriated by Star Wars for the Jedi, sit side by side at cafes with business people in sport jackets. It seems made for outsiders in quest of new beginnings. The classic movie Casablanca (1942) is famously set in a nightclub owned by a wise-guy named Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart), but it is generally believed Ricks was based not on a gin-joint in Casablanca, but on the combination of a bar in Tangier named Caids at the El Minzah Hotel (where Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, wrote one of his books), and the nearby Gran Cafe de Paris. Both are over the road from the French Embassy, and, like Ricks, were frequented during the early part of World War II by spies, Nazis, Vichy French, intriguing women and tough and shady men. Loading We met, us partygoers, in the mornings for coffee at the Gran Cafe de Paris, and it felt unchanged from its seedy spying days, or for that matter, from its post-war period as a hang-out of Beat writers like Truman Capote, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs. Why, as we took our drinks out to the terrace of the Hotel Continental that birthday night, we were in the precise spot where the French impressionist Edgar Degas once set up his easel (Henri Matisse chose another Tangier hotel to paint his earthly paradise), and where Errol Flynn once chased girls and writers like Burroughs, Tennessee Williams and Joe Orton chased boys. There is a picture still on the hotels dining room wall of the American writer and composer Paul Bowles, who came to Tangier in 1947 and never left, dying there, aged 88, in 1999. The Beatles, chasing new sounds and hashish, partied on the terrace of the Continental in the 1960s. So did the Rolling Stones. The night before Dawes birthday party, we were invited to a gathering at the home of a famous Moroccan actor. The house, high above the tangled alleys of the medina, offered views over the lights of modern Tangier in one direction, and in the other, to the ancient buildings of the citys walled enclave. It would be hard to imagine a better place for a party. The actors mother, formerly one of Tangiers leading society hostesses, dropped by and told of the high times of the 60s and 70s, when the house was never without international guests. Mick and Keith, she mentioned, were regulars. And there on the wall were pictures of her with the two Stones. The evening felt as elegant as the 1920s, as hedonistic as the '60s. Dawe, then, is following a well-worn artistic tradition in taking up residence in Tangier. But he has not been spending his time merely sitting at cafes or peering across to Spain from pleasing hotel terraces. He has been busily creating a new collection, not of satire, but of works that are somewhere between photographs and paintings. The Gran Socco, or grand square, in Tangier by Bryan Dawe. They are collages and montages, combining photography, painting, drawing and cut-outs, capturing in large part the Tangier that has captured him. His first exhibition of such work, Tangier Illusions, was created after a short stay in the old city early last year. Many of those earlier works were surrealistic, blending themes from circuses into ancient streetscapes, for instance. But this new collection is moodier, sometimes darker, sometimes as celebratory as a colourful flock of dancers. One of the artworks from Bryan Dawe's second exhibition Improvise. He has, in short, been remaking himself, and allowing an ancient, distant city that has always welcomed strangers, to help remake him, a year after he lost half of himself. Jakarta: An Australian woman charged by Cambodian police with drug possession and trafficking is facing up to five years in jail if she is convicted. Rachel Prins, 59, from Brisbane is one of five people arrested by police in the tourist town of Siem Reap on Monday night at the Soul Train Reggae Bar, which she owns. One of the five was subsequently released. But Ms Prins, who also goes by the name of Pixie Rose, her Cambodian boyfriend and their remaining two colleagues face an anxious wait of between three and six months in a provincial prison before their case returns to court for trial. Rachel Prins was arrested on Monday night in the raid by Cambodian police on the Soul Train Reggae Bar. Credit:Facebook/ Siem Reap provincial police commissariat Siem Reap is a popular destination for backpackers travelling to Cambodia, with a lively bar and restaurant scene. It also serves as the gateway to the historic temples at Angkor Wat. Beijing: Two days after telling the world his country was on the path of economic openness, Chinese President Xi Jinping swapped his business suit for naval fatigues for a show of force in the South China Sea. Xi, who is also head of the military, followed an eventful week at the Boao Forum, by reviewing China's largest-ever naval parade from the destroyer Changsha, off Hainan Island on Thursday. Xi had two days earlier welcomed visiting heads-of-state and business executives at Hainan. Naval ships could be seen from conference hotels. Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, prepares to address the troops after reviewing the People's Liberation Army Navy fleet in the South China Sea. Credit:Xinhua/AP Chinese state media said the "spectacular parade" involved 10,000 Naval personnel, China's only operational aircraft carrier, 48 ships and submarines and 76 aircraft. An Australian drag-racer whose car ploughed into a crowd of spectators during a US car show parade, killing six young people, was convicted of drunken driving in Virginia in 2000, court records show. Troy Warren Critchley pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in April 2000, according to court records from Loudoun County, Virginia. He lost his driver's licence for a year and paid $US381 ($A450.80) in fines and court costs, the record shows. Critchley, from Queensland, lost control of the dragster Saturday during a "burnout exhibition" at a Cars for Kids charity event in Selmer, Tennessee, a small town about 128km east of Memphis. The burnout, with the powerful car spinning its wheels and sending up clouds of smoke, was staged on a city street with no protective barriers between the dragster and hundreds of spectators lining both sides of the road. Six spectators, ages 15 to 22, were killed and at least 23 other people were injured, many seriously. London: Russian president Vladimir Putin was "closely involved" in his countrys chemical weapons program which tested a way to poison assassination targets by applying nerve toxins to door handles, the UK says. On Friday, the UKs national security adviser Sir Mark Sedwill revealed details of the UK intelligence that led it to conclude the Russian state was "highly likely" behind the assassination attempt on ex-spy Sergei Skripal in March. He also said Russian intelligence cyber specialists had targeted Skripals daughter Yulias email accounts in 2013. Sir Mark, a senior official in the Cabinet Office, included the new detail - some of which had previously been leaked to British media - in a letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg briefing him on the poisoning of the Skripals in Salisbury. Paris: As US President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron consider a possible military strike on Syria, the world has been left guessing about when an attack could come and how big it might be. Deliberations by the US and its allies are still unfolding several days after a suspected chemical attack by the Syrian government against a rebel-held area killed more than 50 civilians and prompted calls for a forceful global response. Any military move against Syrian government forces carries numerous risks. For example, after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman indicated in Paris that Saudi Arabia could join a punitive raid on Syria over the use of chemical weapons, the Saudis blamed Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen for firing missiles at Riyadh. A Queensland man accused of roping investors into a fake betting scheme before disappearing with their money is facing extradition to the United States. US officials allege Baron Matson, also known as Baron Bronstein, Philip Fletcher and Lincoln Robert Marshall, ran the scam with his father Roger Bronstein from 1997 to January 2001. Authorities allege the accused told backers a $75,000 investment relating to the Melbourne Cup would be returned soon after the race, regardless of its outcome. Credit:Eddie Jim US residents were sent letters encouraging their cash investment in an algorithm that guaranteed winning bets on thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing. The letter indicated Roger Bronstein was a self-made millionaire who discovered the program and suggested lenders could earn significant sums if they worked as little as 10 hours per week. Washington: President Donald Trump plans to pardon Lewis "Scooter" Libby Jr., who as chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney was convicted of perjury in connection with the leak of a CIA officer's identity, a person familiar with the decision said on Thursday. Libby's case has long been a cause for conservatives who argued that he was a victim of a special prosecutor run amok, an argument that may have resonated with the president. Trump has repeatedly complained that the special counsel investigation into possible cooperation between his campaign and Russia in 2016 has gone too far and amounts to an "witch hunt." Former White House aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby Credit:AP Libby was convicted of four felonies in 2007 for perjury, lying to investigators and obstruction of justice during an investigation into the disclosure of Valerie Wilson's work with the CIA. President George W. Bush commuted Libby's 30-month prison sentence but refused to grant him a full pardon despite the strenuous requests of Cheney, a decision that soured the relationship between the two men. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A SpaceX Dragon capsule descends to a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The company is seeking permission to carry out such landings in the Gulf of Mexico as a backup option to the Pacific or Atlantic. WASHINGTON SpaceX is seeking permission to perform splashdowns of its Dragon spacecraft in the Gulf of Mexico, part of a shift in spacecraft recovery operations from the Pacific Ocean. In a draft environmental assessment prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration, SpaceX proposes to conduct up to six Dragon landings a year in waters off the Gulf coast, between Texas and Florida. The assessment, completed in March, was published in the Federal Register April 5. According to the report, the Gulf of Mexico would serve as a contingency landing site for both cargo and crewed Dragon missions should the primary landing zone be unavailable. SpaceX currently lands Dragon spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean and has approval to carry out future splashdowns in the Atlantic. The need for the backup landing zone, the report states, is to ensure the future crewed Dragon spacecraft can return to Earth should there be a problem with the primary landing site. "With the introduction of the [commercial crew program], the ability to return crew to Earth in a safe and timely manner is extremely important, particularly in cases where human life or health may be in jeopardy," the report states, adding that the proposal "ensures that a secondary splashdown option is available to missions planned to splashdown in either the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans." The landing site is in waters between 28 and 260 kilometers offshore from the Gulf coast, in waters that are within the U.S. economic exclusion zone, but doesn't specify preferred regions within that area. The site would support missions launched from Florida as well as the launch site SpaceX is developing near Brownsville, Texas. For those splashdowns, the planned recovery fleet includes one ship, nearly 50 meters long, and several smaller rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The boats would perform initial assessments of the Dragon capsule after splashdown and wait for the arrival of the ship to hoist the capsule out the water and onto its deck. One or two helicopters would ferry crews and cargo from the ship to shore. All SpaceX Dragon splashdowns to date have been in the Pacific, in waters off the coast of Baja California several hundred kilometers southwest of the Port of Los Angeles. With upcoming crew missions, SpaceX plans to shift the primary landing site to waters just off the coast from Cape Canaveral, Florida. According to an October 2017 document included in the draft environmental assessment, SpaceX plans to carry out three landings a year of its existing Dragon spacecraft in the current Pacific Ocean zone from 2018 through 2020, as well as three landings a year of its Dragon v2, or Crew Dragon, in the Atlantic zone. Starting in 2021 SpaceX would shift to flying Dragon v2 spacecraft exclusively, for crew and cargo, with all missions splashing down in the Atlantic. In those scenarios the Gulf of Mexico would serve as a backup landing site. That same report also discusses efforts by SpaceX to recover payload fairings from other Falcon 9 launches. That recovery system, as described in the October 2017 document, includes a nitrogen cold gas thruster system to orient the payload fairing halves for re-entry after separation from the rocket, as well as a drogue parachute and a parafoil. The drogue is deployed at an altitude of about 15,000 meters to slow down the fairing after reentry and release the parafoil. SpaceX was studying two different types of drogue and parafoil systems for fairing recovery, one with nearly double the deployed area as the other. The report states that the fairing would splashdown and then be recovered from the water by a "salvage ship" in the landing zone. However, SpaceX has been studying how to steer the fairing to a landing on a large net on a ship itself. One such ship, named Mr. Steven, is equipped with four large arms on which a large net is attached to catch the fairing before it hits the ocean. Those recovery efforts have not succeeded yet. On a March 30 Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, SpaceX attempted to catch a payload fairing using Mr. Steven but failed to do so. "GPS guided parafoil twisted, so fairing impacted water at high speed," SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk tweeted that day. "Air wake from fairing messing [with] parafoil steering. Doing helo drop tests in next few weeks to solve." Musk's statement led people to initially conclude that the fairing broke up or was seriously damaged upon splashdown. Two days later, though, he tweeted a photo of the fairing floating in the ocean, without any sign of significant damage. "[F]orgot to mention it actually landed fine, just not on Mr Steven," he said. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. Astronomy enthusiasts including Space.com will gather next weekend (April 21-22) to attend the Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF), which producers have billed as "the ultimate astronomy and space experience". NEAF began as an outreach project by the Rockland Astronomy Club in 1991, according to producer Ed Siemenn. Today, NEAF hosts workshops, professional and amateur conferences, classes, and children's programs, and it continues to invite bright minds from across the fields of astronomy, aerospace and astrophysics to present at its lecture series. "NEAF is always growing," Siemenn told Space.com via email. "Each year, we have a goal to expand our educational outreach and add more programs for educators and students. This is a very important aspect of what we do, and my goal is to have it continue to improve and expand in the future." [Cosmic Bling! Colorful Nebulas Decorate Orion's Belt in Stargazer Photo] NEAF will be held at Rockland Community College (part of the State University of New York) in Suffern, New York, during the weekend of April 21 and April 22. Suffern, a Rockland County village, is about an hour's drive north of New York City and less than a 4-hour drive from Boston. A presentation at a Northeast Astronomy Forum: The celestial body projected onto the screen is Phoebe, a natural satellite orbiting the planet Saturn. (Image credit: Mies Hora/Rockland Astronomy Club) "This year, I'm proud to say we have Nobel laureate and Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope John Mather, as well as Mike Leinbach, former space shuttle launch director; Hans Koenigsmann of SpaceX; and Tom Mulder, Boeing CST-100 Starliner mission designer," Siemenn said. Children play with a toy at the Northeast Astronomy Forum. (Image credit: Mies Hora/Rockland Astronomy Club) NEAF 2018 will feature over 100 vendors and booths, with representatives from Lowell Observatory, telescope maker Celestron, the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York and many more, according to the NEAF Facebook page. There will also be free telescope giveaways, model-building at a children's corner and solar-viewing opportunities, according to the event's website. Space.com will have a booth, too so come find us and say hello! To register, go to http://www.rocklandastronomy.com/neaf.html. Follow Doris Elin Salazar on Twitter @salazar_elin. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Satellites circling Earth have mapped an elusive, invisible force in unprecedented detail: the magnetic field created by the currents in the planet's salty oceans, according to new research. Most people are familiar with the powerful magnetic field produced by Earth's molten iron core, but less is known about the field generated by its oceans. To learn more, the European Space Agency (ESA) directed three identical spacecraft, which the agency launched in 2013 and collectively calls Swarm, to map the mysterious magnetic field emanating from the oceans' tides. [Earth from Above: 101 Stunning Images from Orbit] The new research, as well as the digital 3D map it helped create, is providing new insight into how the protective, cocoon-like magnetic shield is generated, as well as how it behaves and changes over time. The magnetic field that is produced by the oceans, the molten core and rocks in the crust and upper mantle protects the planet from streams of charged particles known as the solar wind. If these charged particles weren't deflected by the magnetic field, they could jumble the navigation of satellites and aircraft and even interfere with electrical power grids, University of Leeds geophysicists Phil Livermore and Jon Mound wrote in an article for The Conversation. Not to mention, the radiation could wreak havoc on human health. To get a better handle on the forces contributing to this field, the researchers had Swarm map the oceans' contributions to it with remarkable precision. This digital map shows the magnetic signals generated by Earths oceans, from the ocean's surface to the seafloor. (Image credit: ESA/Planetary Visions) The researchers chose to focus on the oceans because they make a tiny, but important contribution to the Earth's overall magnetic field. The salt within seawater can conduct electricity. And oceans don't remain still; rather, they move in cycles, up and down. As the tides cycle through the world's oceans, that salty water essentially tugs on the magnetic field above our planet. "We have used Swarm to measure the magnetic signals of tides from the ocean surface to the seabed, which gives us a truly global picture of how the ocean flows at all depths and this is new," Nils Olsen, the head of geomagnetism at the Technical University of Denmark, said in a statement. The magnetic field generated by the oceans is quite small. "It's about 2 [to] 2.5 nanotesla at satellite altitude, which is about 20,000 times weaker than the Earth's global magnetic field," Olsen told BBC News. The newly analyzed data will give researchers a more nuanced view of how the oceans are affected by climate change, Olsen noted. "Since oceans absorb heat from the air, tracking how this heat is being distributed and stored, particularly at depth, is important for understanding our changing climate," Olsen said in the statement. Moreover, the tidal magnetic signal, in turn, induces a weak magnetic response from deep under the seabed, he said. The research is the latest discovery Swarm has gathered with respect to Earth's magnetic field. Last year, researchers announced that the spacecraft had helped map magnetic signals emitted by Earth's outer shell, known as the lithosphere, Live Science previously reported. The new research, which has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, was presented yesterday (April 10) at the 2018 European Geosciences Union meeting in Vienna. Original article on Live Science. NASA encapsulates the TESS satellite inside SpaceX's Falcon 9 fairing at Kennedy Space Center. The observatory is on track to launch April 16, 2018. SpaceX is gearing up to launch NASA's next big exoplanet hunter on Monday (April 16), now that a successful test-fire of its Falcon 9 rocket is under the company's belt. The Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX completed a static fire of the Falcon 9 Wednesday (April 11) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, according to a post from SpaceX on Twitter. The test raised the two-stage rocket atop its launchpad without the satellite payload yet attached to practice loading fuel and to briefly fire the first stage's engines. See more In the meantime, NASA has sealed the Transit Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) into its payload fairing inside Kennedy Space Center's Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, preparing it to be attached to the top of the rocket. The payload fairing for NASA's TESS satellite heads into the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Image credit: NASA/Frankie Martin/ Flickr TESS arrived in Florida from construction and testing at Orbital ATK's facility in Virginia on Feb. 12 to prepare for launch. After launch, TESS will turn its gaze to the skies to search for signs of planets passing in front of at least 200,000 stars, pointing the way for future telescopes, like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, to investigate more deeply. It will survey the Southern Hemisphere of the sky for its first year of operations and then switch focus to the Northern Hemisphere, covering almost the entire sky. After launch, TESS will take about 60 days to navigate into its final orbit around Earth an angled orbit that circles Earth twice for each full orbit of the moon. The satellite is set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral's Pad 40 on Monday at 6:32 p.m. EDT (2232 GMT). You can visit Space.com for live coverage starting at 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT). SpaceX plans to re-land the rocket's first stage on a drone ship after launch. Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Michael McGrady (Ray Donovan) has joined the cast of NBCs hit series Chicago P.D. as a recurring for the remainder of Season 5.McGrady will play Assistant States Attorney James Osha. Hes a Chicago prosecutor described as formidable, ambitious, and intelligent. Osha is someone who can easily grab a beer and hang with the cops he rubs elbows with. Hes been around the block and has worked a deal or two in the past that he might not be proud of. Hell play a crucial role in the battle between Voight (Jason Beghe) and Woods (guest star Mykelti Williamson) that has waged on throughout this season. HOLD UP. Did Eric and Nell just wake up in the same bed together? And this is only HALF THE SCENE! Tune in, #neric shippers, you are not gonna wanna miss this one! #ncisla @ncisla @reneefelicesmith A post shared by Barrett Foa (@barrettfoa) on May 3, 2018 at 2:16pm PDT We open on Harvey's fancy apartment in the morning. Paula is there, making a big deal about Harvey's coffee, and he admits that he puts vanilla in it. They agree that the last few days have been rough, understatement, and make plans for dinner that. At Louis' apartment... where he apparently lives in a completely different time zone because Harvey's drinking coffee in the sunlight and he's sleeping in pitch black? - Louis is awakened with a crash from the living room. He pulls out a gun to protect himself and we get a taste of what Louis would look like as an action hero. Spoiler alert: It's ridiculous. Turns out the noise was created by Sheila, who has snuck in to role play as a burglar. In this very gross exchange we learn that they wrote a "Bill of Badness," which outlined Louis' rights and the rules of their relationship. One of these rules, number 29, was no L-word. Harvey's still in the timezone where it's broad daylight, so he heads into the office, where he finds his old friend Teddy waiting for him. Teddy is worked up because his old company - which he built from the ground and then sold off - has decided to dump all his old employees and ship jobs oversees. Teddy wants Harvey's help to get his guys their jobs back. Harvey grabs Mike in the hallway to ask if he can help with Teddy Doyle's case. Mike is apparently familiar with the new owner Kurt Baxter and his desire to make money above everything. So his pitch is that they find a way for Baxter to make more money by keeping the jobs in the U.S. than he would oversees. This idea devolves into a collection of comic book hero puns. Over in Louis' office, his secretary Gretchen doesn't want Louis to see the newspaper because it has Sheila's wedding announcement in it. When he calmly accepts this, Gretchen immediately figures out that, "You're still tapping that, aren't you." Bingo! Gretchen goes on to list about 15 minutes worth of euphemisms that I could have lived the rest of my life without ever hearing, then ends with a great line. "It's a mistake, but since you're already making it, we might as well skip the part where I tell you you're crazy, and we get to the part where disaster ensues." She's right, and Louis doesn't like that. So, since he has the most reactive personality of any character on TV, Louis picks up the phone and calls Sheila at work. She initially isn't cool with that and doesn't like his suggestions for an upcoming rendezvous - this relationship is on her timetable, after all - but the longer Louis talks, the more he starts role playing over the phone and she gets into it. So they make a... I hesitate to call it a date, per say, for that evening. Rachel visits Mike's office to remind him of their wedding appointment this evening with Father Walker, whom I assume is the priest who is going to marry them? Or they're doing pre-marriage counseling? Or both. Either way, Mike has to fill out a survey before that night's meeting, and he promises to have it done by then. I bet you anything that he doesn't. Also, do you think royals go through pre-marriage counseling? I imagine their very public marriages would benefit from something like that. Just hypothetically wondering, of course. After chatting with this fiancee, Mike visits Harvey to drop paperwork on his desk. He's resolved something with the Doyle/Baxter case, but a lot a dialogue covers what exactly that fix is. That dialogue includes the very foreshadowing phrase Harvey utters: "Someday you're gonna miss me, buddy. Nothing lasts forever."The duo go to visit Kurt Baxter who makes it pretty clear immediately that he's a man who gets what he wants. They suggest cutting a deal with Teddy's suppliers to lower his cost and increase his cash flow by 80%. He doesn't want the cash flow, he wants to sell the company to China, and they're not going to take it unless the jobs come with it. "Paying me what I want is the only way those jobs are staying here," he says. Well, he's a jerk.OH MY GOSH. DID Y'ALL JUST SEE THAT? DID EVERYONE JUST SEE THAT? THEY JUST RAN A GOOGLE AD WITH KEVIN DURANT TALKING ABOUT THE ROYAL WEDDING. WOW.At a certain point, Suits has to make a royal wedding joke, right? She technically didn't announce her engagement until after filming ended, but... Come on.Back at office, Harvey is ticked off. Mike thinks he's upset because he knows his friend Teddy lost control of the company. Donna joins them, knowing exactly what's going on. Mike says nothing's going on, because unless Teddy can find enough money to match the... Chinese, then it's over. Harvey says they pull the company price back to what Teddy sold it for - which means shorting his stock. Which Mike reminds him is illegal, but Harvey basically shrugs and is all, "Meh, it's a civil violation." So they're going to convince their buddy Stu to do this, which Donna thinks she can manage.In the filing room, Rachel jumps on Gretchen, asking about Louis' relationship status so she can accurately address the wedding invite. She doesn't want to make him feel "badly" by giving him a plus one if he's single. Rachel, as someone who's received her fair share of wedding invites, trust me: not giving someone a plus one option makes them feel worse than getting one in the first place, because it kind of implies that you're pretty sure they'll still be single in 6 months, when the wedding actually happens.Anyway, Gretchen uses this opportunity to tell Rachel absolutely exactly what's going on.Donna goes to see Stu and flirts her way into the pitch: short the stock so Stu can make a fortune and save jobs. She shrugs off the risks and basically double dog dares him to do it.Harvey gets a surprise call from his mom who's going to be in the city, and he invites her to join in on the night's dinner plans with Paula. Hmm...Rachel stops by Louis' office to smile her way through a generous offer. "I just wanted you to know that, no matter who it is, if they make you happy, then they are more than happy to come to our wedding." The jig is up, she clearly knows. So Rachel is here to enforce that his decision hasn't changed the way she feels about him. Louis is glad, but he also stands by his decision - he has confidence and "feels like a king." Do we think the Suits cast will be at the real wedding?Harvey calls up Paula to tell him about his mom joining the party that night. Paula's not cool with it, since it's not great timing. But too bad, because it's happening. Mike strolls in to say Baxter's on the line. He wants to know why the stock is tanking, which Mike essentially says is a taste of his own medicine. Harvey says he has two deals: take the previously offered supplier deal, or take the $200 million their client is offering.Some funny banter about how they're now grown ups with grown up relationships ensues, and the pair go their separate ways.Mike and Rachel are waiting for Father Walker to show up and - surprise! - Mike didn't fill out his questionnaire. He said he can't answer questions about the future because he doesn't know what he wants. Which infuriates Rachel, since she does know what she wants. Father Walker shows up in the middle of this spat, and his ENTIRE counseling session consists of him saying that he's glad they're honest with each other. He suggests they figure out ways to talk to each other about the future.(Through all of his arguments about not wanting to be "locked in" to the future, Rachel makes the very valid comment that he's locked in to her. He shrugs that off with, yeah, let's just see where it goes. Okay, dude.)At dinner, Harvey's mom is telling embarrassing childhood stories about her son. She leaves with a generous thanks to Paula for helping him mend their mother/son relationship, and Paula quickly points out that she wasn't the special woman who did that. Somewhere, Donna smiles.Back at home, Rachel and Mike are still trying to figure out what just happened. Rachel reveals that her parents had the same problem they experienced earlier that evening - a reluctance to commit to anything in the future. Mike points out that he loves that they fight, because all of their fights are important and show how much they love one another. Okay, fine, Mike. You turned it around.Time to check back in on the unhappy couple, where Harvey is trying to reason with Paula that she's the special woman in his life now. She's still not cool with it, because the former man in her life cheated on her with a woman from his office. She doesn't think that she can handle him working with Donna all the time.I usually hate it when women on TV ban their significant others from seeing their female best friends, because that seems so petty. Even though it always turns out they were right to be suspicious - helllloooo, Ross and Rachel. But for some reason, in these scenarios the women always come off as controlling and manipulative. I have to hand it to Suits and to the actress playing Paula for creating this a relatable, reasonable response. She's confused, she doesn't know what she's asking Harvey, she doesn't want to make him do anything, she just knows that this scenario won't work for her.Cut to Harvey in the back of his town car, looking like he's starting to tear up. Oh my gosh, is he actually going to fire Donna? He calls up Stu to tell him to get out of the stocks, it's about to all come crashing down, and Stu is stoked with how well this has worked out for him. He starts singing Donna's praises. "Promoting her was a brilliant move... she's loyal and she knows the big picture about keeping people happy. If I were you, I'd hold onto her tight."Mike jumps into the car and they speed off to see Baxter, who is passing on Teddy's offer. He doesn't like how Harvey has treated him, so he's taking the financial hit just so he can prove a point. He says the only way the company stays in America at this point is if Teddy beats the Chinese offer by 25%.Harvey's mom calls him up to apologize for sticking her foot in her mouth. She compliments Paula and says "she's a keeper." That's two "she's a keeper" about two women in a row. After they hang up, Harvey calls up someone, saying he needs a favor, ASAP.Later that night, Stu shows up at the office to offer Donna a job, in regards to "The Donna." Oh, gosh, are we going back down that route again? (The Donna is basically Alexa if it worked.) Stu is pushing HARD for her to join him, and this must be the favor Harvey called in. Oh, man. He essentially pitches that he be the new Harvey to her Donna, and she says she'll consider it.Elsewhere, Louis is all ready for his designated role play time with Sheila, but it's cut short when she sees that Sheila is with her fiancee, Xander. Xander is absolutely beautiful and Louis is crushed as he leaves.Donna storms into Harvey's office and wants to know why Harvey told Stu to make that job offer - called it! "Paula said she doesn't think we'd survive if you and I keep working together," he says, fully blaming Paula. Donna is confused - she thought Paula was over it. Harvey explains that she's not.Through all of this, Harvey looks like a kicked puppy. He knew Donna would figure it out, and he knows she should be mad. He doesn't want this, he even says he could never fire Donna with such an obvious "come on, who are we kidding" tone.His reluctance is great and all, but Donna isn't done fighting for her job. The job she fought for and deserves. She's furious Harvey didn't defend her, didn't fight for her, like she's done for him for 13 years.Harvey knows that, too.Donna sees a way out of this that Harvey didn't and she's off to stand up for herself, once again. She visits Paula at her office to apologize. "I'm sorry i did what I did. I made a terrible mistake, and I apologized to Harvey, but i didn't apologize to you. I'm sorry, Paula," she cries. "I'm so sorry."I.... Okay, listen. These are grown adults. In their late 40s. And all of this drama - ALL of it - is because of a kiss that lasted under 3 seconds. It just feels like this is the plot for how a middle school relationship falls apart. I recognize that the kiss merely symbolizes a bunch of other problems - Harvey's dependence on Donna, everyone'd distrust of one another, etc. - but they keep talking specifically about the kiss as though that's the problem.Paula, who is a freaking therapist and thus legitimately trained to figure out what causes people's actions, gets to the bottom of this. She looks at Donna and asks her if she can swear that nothing like that kiss will ever happen again. When Donna pauses (good, because I was about to call her a total liar,) Paula smiles sadly. That's why she needs Harvey to fire her.Oh. Wait. Maybe she did ask Harvey to fire Donna. Huh.Meanwhile, the man in question is visiting Teddy and apologizing for not fixing the situation. Teddy just feels bad that he's going to let down all those employees who have bled for him and been loyal to him for years. Harvey equates Donna to Teddy's workers and Teddy congratulates him for naming Donna partner.This sparks something in Harvey's mind, which is apparently the 10-second fix to the entire legal problem. He goes back to the office and explains to Mike that Teddy is going to buy back the company with his employees as partners. So I guess they've solved it now and everyone's happy. Yay!At their apartment, Mike is finally ready to have that hypothetical future discussion with Rachel. He wants to hypothetically live in San Diego and run a clinic like Oliver. She wants to hypothetically live in Iceland with him for a year, which she calls the "adventure of a lifetime." Welp. Guess we know how these two get written off.Back at the office, Harvey walks into Donna's empty office to see her resignation letter sitting on the desk. The letter plays as voiceover as we see him freaking out and jump in the nearest cab. Her letter essentially apologizes that she wasn't a worthy friend and she put herself first, and I call total BS on that, because I'd say 99.9% of the time Harvey gets put first, so it's really only fair that she be allowed to do whatever she wants within their relationship, since that's what he's been doing for years.Anyway.He gets out of the car and he's wound up at... Paula's! Huh. Not chasing after Donna, then. He tells Paula that Donna resigned and his girlfriend is upset that it had to be this way, and apologizes for making him fire her. "You didn't make me do it, I chose to," Harvey clarifies. "And now I'm choosing to undo it."Oh! Oh my gosh, he's doing it! He's dumping her for Donna! Harvey apologizes and they both start crying as they exchange their goodbyes. He is kind in the breakup, saying he wanted it more than she'll ever know, but he can't give her what she needs.Cut to Harvey now knocking on Donna's door. When she answers, he rips up the resignation letter and hands it back to her. When he explains what just happened, she asks if he's okay."Will you come back?" He asks. When she says yes, he responds, "Then I'm okay." Welcome To SpoilerTV We bring you a comprehensive and up to date spoiler service on all the major US TV shows and Movies. You can find specific show content by clicking the menu system at the top of the screen. We scour the Internet for spoilers as well as posting our own exclusive spoilers (Scripts, Casting Calls, Set Photos etc) as well as recaps and other fun articles and polls. We hope you enjoy your stay. Bir Lahlou (Liberated Areas), April 12, 2018 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali, has Wednesday sent a message of condolence to his Algerian counterpart, President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika following the military aircraft crash, which occurred Wednesday morning near the air base of Boufarik . "We learned with deep sorrow of the serious incident of the Algerian military aircraft crash killing 257 people, 10 of whom crew members and thirty Sahrawi patients returning from period of treatment in the Algerian hospitals ," the President of the Republic says in condolences message. The President of the Republic, in his own name and on behalf of the people and the Government of the Sahrawi Republic, conveyed his deep compassion and sincere sympathy to his Algerian counterpart and the families of the victims. "At this difficult time when the blood of the Algerians and the Sahrawi is mixed up with this tragedy, the feelings of sadness, emotion, solidarity, fraternity and friendship between the two peoples and brotherly countries are also mixed," the Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO adds in his message of condolence. Gali reiterated to his Algerian counterpart, to the brotherly Algerian people, and to all the families of the victims, his sincerest condolences.SPS 125/090/TRA Australia, April 12, 2018 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali, has Wednesday received a message of condolences from Australia Western Sahara Association following the military aircraft crash yesterday resulting in 257 people dead, including 10 crew members and thirty Sahrawi patients. Members of the Australia Western Sahara Association were shocked to learn that 30 Saharawis died in yesterday's tragic plane crash at Boufarik. Australia Western Sahara Association said in its condolence message The Association, at this sad time, has sincerely extended its condolences to the President of the SADR and General Secretary of the Frente POLISARIO, and to the families of those who lost their lives. It should be recalled that the plane Ilyushin II-76 (of the Armed Forces of Algeria) crashed in the morning when taking off from the military airport of Boufarik. So far, 257 victims have been reproted. SPS 125/090 WASHINGTON - An economist retained by AT&T took aim at key government arguments Thursday in the landmark antitrust trial involving Time Warner that's now in its fourth week. With the Justice Department's top antitrust attorney, Makan Delrahim, looking on from the government's table, AT&T's witness claimed that regulators' economic analysis of the Time Warner deal is "theoretically unsound" and riddled with inaccurate assumptions. "The evidence doesn't support the government's claim that this transaction will harm consumers," said Dennis Carlton, an economist from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. His own competing study, he said, found that consumers could end up facing lower prices, not higher. Carlton's testimony threatens to undercut that of the government's own star witness, Carl Shapiro, economist at the University of California, Berkeley. As Carlton criticized Shapiro's economic model as "very complicated," U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon interrupted to agree with that description. "It's like a Rube Goldberg contraption," he said, reflecting skepticism about a core piece of the Justice Department's case. Leon welcomed Delrahim into his Washington courtroom. Although the assistant attorney general has occasionally shown up to view the proceedings, Thursday marked the first time that he participated in the trial by sitting at the litigators' table and announcing himself to the court. "My goodness gracious!" Leon said as Delrahim approached the podium. "Honored to have you." "Honored to be here," Delrahim replied. Carlton took aim at a number of what he called "simplifying assumptions" by Shapiro that invalidate the government's analysis. Because Shapiro tried to simulate what would happen if a cable company were unable to air Time Warner's content for an extended period rather than for only one or two months - as most "blackouts" have been known to last - the model fails to predict anything useful, Carlton said. "The central element of his model doesn't apply . . . to this transaction," said Carlton. Carlton said Shapiro's analysis also ignored the programming contracts that lock in and help stabilize content prices. Carlton also highlighted significant declines in industry profit margins and subscriber numbers that he said Shapiro overlooked. Those dynamics, Carlton claimed, mean that AT&T would have less to gain (and rivals would have less to lose) in the event of a programming dispute with Time Warner and another cable company. What's more, Carlton said, Shapiro failed to account for the price drops - and thus, benefits to consumers - that would occur in an extended blackout. Carlton used the example of a dispute between Time Warner and Comcast. If Time Warner "blacked out" its Turner Broadcasting channels, Comcast would not have to pay for that content, said Carlton. As a result, Comcast would likely pass those savings onto TV subscribers. Shapiro also did not examine what happened to the price of TV content after similar mergers or acquisitions, Carlton charged. For example, Comcast did not begin charging substantially more for NBC's content after it acquired the network in 2011, he said. Shapiro had said that the reason for Comcast didn't raise its prices was because the government's consent decree with Comcast approving the merger constrained prices. But Carlton said Thursday that that only helps AT&T's case, because it proves that the conditions placed on the Comcast deal were effective. As a result, he said, the government ought to consider the arbitration offer AT&T has sent to 1,000 cable companies that those firms can take advantage of if they feel mistreated by AT&T-Time Warner in negotiations. Even if you accept Shapiro's assumptions, Carlton said, the resulting price increases for consumers would be so small - as a percentage of their existing bills - as to be virtually imperceptible. "It'd be a mistake to stop a merger just because the government witness. . . says there'll be a tiny price increase," said Carlton. Justice attorneys sought to pin down Carlton on a number of fronts, critiquing his use of profit margin data that was more favorable to AT&T's case. Justice attorney Craig Conrath implied that Carlton may have deliberately cherrypicked numbers that weren't accessible to Shapiro at the time he submitted his own report. Carlton also admitted that for some consumers, losing access to Time Warner's programming would be a major issue that can't be solved simply by watching other video content offered by, say, Apple or Facebook. And more broadly, Carlton conceded that should the AT&T merger be approved, it was plausible - though not certain - that other companies might seek further, similar consolidation in response. The economic fruits of this type of merger, said Carlton, gives firms the incentive to seek them out. Unless Leon issues "an improper decision to bar this merger," said Carlton, "we're going to see a restructuring of the industry." But Carlton, speaking in his native New England accent, pushed back hard against a number of Conrath's assertions, such as that the price of NBC content rose faster than that of other networks after it was purchased by Comcast in 2011. In a tense exchange, Conrath sought to use a chart from Carlton's own expert report to show the trend, but Carlton insisted loudly that the graph was merely suggestive and that his in-depth calculations did not show what Conrath was trying to prove. "Read paragraph 190," Carlton said. On the website of Western Connecticut Health Network, it is listed as a household hidden threat right up there with magnets, mold and radon. From an anonymous office at Fairfield University, an entrepreneur may have an answer. Landsdowne Labs is about to get more visibility as it works to commercialize a technical innovation from a pair of Boston labs coatings for button batteries to prevent injury to children who swallow them. The startup is the creation of Jeff Karp, a bioengineer affiliated with Brigham & Womens Hospital in Boston; and Robert Langer, among the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys most renowned researchers and entrepreneurs. Langer and Karp chose Melissa Fensterstock to lead the company, who in turn chose Connecticut as the home for Landsdowne Labs. That came about last year, after a chance meeting at a San Diego investment conference led to a $1 million investment from Connecticut Innovations, the state-backed venture fund that requires portfolio companies to have a base of operations in Connecticut. Boston might have been an option, too, Fensterstock said. I wanted to see who my investors were and where they wanted the company to be. I was pretty mobile at that point. Fensterstock, who plans to move to Wilton, was able to find lab and office space fitting the needs of Landsdowne Labs at Fairfield Universitys Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School a connection that caught the eye of Langer and Karp in their search for someone to lead Landsdowne Labs and has a masters degree from Cambridge University in bioscience enterprise. With spouse Michael Fensterstock, Melissa went on to start Aromaflage in New Jersey, selling perfumes that double as insect repellents. On May 4, the Federal Trade Commission announced it was citing the company for deceptive marketing practices, including claims of effectiveness without scientific evidence and Fensterstock and her relatives posting glowing reviews online without identifying their connection to Aromaflage. Landsdowne Labs hopes to commercialize adhesives for medical tapes that do not damage the skin upon removal, a particular area of need for elderly patients and infants born prematurely, and is keeping its options open for other ideas. In the past three decades, more than 80,000 instances in the United States of accidental ingestion of button batteries have been reported, according to the National Poison Data System maintained by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, with the American Academy of Pediatrics creating a task force to deal with the issue, Landsdowne Labs having been a participant. Severe burns can occur within two hours for people who swallow button batteries, with 25 people having died in the United States between 2008 and 2017. Children under a year old are especially at risk of death, according to studies. Big producers of coin and button batteries include Duracell, which has its main research and development office in Bethel and which engraves its batteries with a warning logo; as well as Energizer, Panasonic, Rayovac and Sony among others. All have adopted child-resistant packaging for the batteries they sell, but packaging is no preventive for the button battery left lying carelessly on a table after being removed from a device. Landsdowne Labs solution could represent that preventive, if adopted by major battery makers, with the simple concept behind its patented technology. Its a pressure-sensitive coating, so its an on-off switch essentially, Fensterstock said. The coating is inert, but when it gets inserted into a device, the battery becomes activated. The force exerted in the esophagus is not sufficient to activate the battery. Updated from an initial version posted April 13 to reflect FTC action. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman Pine Hill Apartments on the outskirts of downtown Stamford has sold for $25.5 million in one of the citys largest residential sales of the past year. Stamford-based Pine Hill Apartments LLC sold the complex, at 112-120 Strawberry Hill Ave., to Tuckahoe, N.Y.-based 125th Strawberry Hill LLC, according to city property transfer records. The sale price compared with a total appraised value of about $14 million for an approximately 140-bedroom campus, according to the online property database Vision Appraisal. Pine Hill Apartments LLCs business address, at 76 Progress Drive, is the same as that of the apartments manager, A.M. Realty Management Corp. A.M. Realty officials were not immediately available to comment. Officials at 125th Strawberry Hill LLC could not be reached for comment. Some Realtors said the sale should not be seen as a definitive indicator of the condition of the citys residential sector. I dont think the sale has any correlation to the Stamford apartment market, said Tammy Felenstein, Stamford-based executive director of sales for Halstead Real Estate. Constructing residential buildings and the ongoing property maintenance of those buildings are very different. Regardless of who owns the buildings, the occupancy rates in all the downtown buildings range from 93 percent to 98 percent. Those percentages say more about the Stamford rental market. Several other apartment buildings in the city have sold for eight figures in the past two years. Last December, a downtown apartment complex at 1450 Washington Blvd., the 261-unit The Wescott, sold for $67 million. Last September, the 82-unit Bedford Hall apartment complex, at 545 Bedford St., sold for $24.5 million In January 2017, the approximately 200-unit 66 Summer Street building sold for $67.5 million, while the 125-unit Parallel 41 complex, at 1340 Washington Blvd., went for $33.35 million. In December 2016, in the citys largest real estate sale of the past decade, five apartment buildings in the Harbor Point complex in the South End were sold by Stamford developer Building and Land Technology for a total of nearly $400 million to Manhattan-based Gaia Real Estate. While major residential properties continue to attract buyers, the city is maintaining a brisk construction pace. The 325-unit Atlantic Station, at the corner of Atlantic Street and Tresser Boulevard, and the 209-unit Vela on the Park, at the intersection of West Park Place and Washington Boulevard, represent the two most recent additions to the city centers housing stock. Late last year, BLT opened its NV building, comprising 392 apartments in a 15-floor building, at the Harbor Point complex in the citys South End. A couple of blocks away, on a site between Harbor Point Road, Pacific Street and Dyke Lane, BLT is constructing two towers that would hold 435 units. Those buildings are scheduled to be completed in 2019. In the Waterside section, 218 units under construction at BLTs Harbor Landing complex on Southfield Avenue are scheduled to open later this year. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; Twitter: @paulschott NEW MILFORD - Tapes of 911 calls in two states provide details into the harrowing moments Thursday morning after a North Carolina man shot and killed two people in a pickup truck before turning the gun on himself. Police: Man who impregnated daughter kills her and her adoptive father in Conn., takes own life Frantic witnesses called 911 around 8:40 a.m. Thursday to report that two people had been shot in a black pickup near the intersection of Routes 7 and 55 in New Milford. The victims were later identified as Katie Pladl, 20, and her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, 56, a retired New York state corrections officer. The shooter, identified as Steven Walter Pladl, had fathered a son last fall with Katie Pladl, his biological daughter. She had recently ended their relationship and returned from North Carolina to her adoptive parents home in Dover, N.Y. As Pladl sped away from the shooting scene on Route 7, a witness called 911. Someone just went by and shot this guy in a truck, said the caller, who identified himself as a New York firefighter. The car pulled up, went around him, shot him. Put a whole clipful into his head. After taking a closer look, the witness told the dispatcher there were actually two bodies in the pickup. Minutes later, Pladls mother called 911 in North Carolina, and was transferred to police in the town of Knightdale, just outside Raleigh, where Pladl had a home. She told a dispatcher that her son had just called, saying he had killed his son, his daughter and Fusco and was about to kill himself. Hes dead by now, she told the dispatched in a tape police released Friday. He said he was taking his own life when he got off the phone. Pladls mother, whose name was not given, also told the dispatcher that Katie Pladl had broken up with her father and returned to Dover. She also said Pladl had picked up the infant from her house about 8 p.m. Wednesday, intending to take him to New York. I pleaded with him not to go, the mother said. And then he called me this morning to say they were all gone. He said he was going to kill himself because he couldnt live without her. Knightdale police said Friday that the Pladls son, 7-month-old Bennett, had been found dead in a bathroom closet in Steven Pladls home. There were no obvious signs of trauma, police said, and the medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death. Even as his mother was speaking to police, Pladl was being sought by officers on both sides of the New York state line. His minivan - a light blue Honda Odyssey with North Carolina plates - was spotted by a Dutchess County probation officer, parked with the engine running near the Ten Mile River in Dover. New Milford police said Friday he was dead when officers approached. Authorities said Pladl killed himself with the same semi-automatic rifle that he used to kill his daughter and Fusco. There were no other weapons in the vehicle. Katie Pladl, who had been adopted as an infant in 1998, grew up in New York state and graduated from Dover High School. The superintendent of the district, Michael Tierney, spoke highly of her. Id see her walking around in the halls once in awhile, he said. She was well-spoken and a nice kid. She came from a nice family. The Fuscos adopted Katie the same year that Anthony Fusco retired from the New York Department of Corrections. Tierney said the couple were supportive parents and were active in the community. According to news reports from North Carolina, Katie Pladl decided to find her birth parents when she turned 18. A social media search led her to Virginia, where Steven and Alyssa Pladl were living with their two daughters. Alyssa Pladl told Britains Daily Mail newspaper that she eventually discovered her husband and daughter were sexually involved by reading her middle daughters diary. She moved out early last year, taking her two younger children, and eventually divorced her husband, the paper said. Steven and Katie Pladl were arrested in January and charged with incest as an adult, a felony punishable in Virginia by up to 10 years in prison. In her phone call to police on Thursday, Pladls mother said authorities had seized several guns when he was arrested. Whether they left the semi-automatic rifle used in the shooting, or if he had obtained it after his arrest, was not clear Friday. He got arrested a couple of months ago and they took all the weapons out, except that one he has with him, I guess, the mother said. I cant believe this. Its unbelievable. How could he kill her? Meanwhile, in New Milford, the horrified witness told the dispatcher that he had pulled his own truck alongside the pickup to shield the bodies from public view and help stem the flow of traffic. Hes deceased, boss, the witness said. The trucks in the middle of the road. Hes dead? the dispatcher asked. Yes, sir, brains are on the road. dperrefort@newstimes.com STAMFORD A city man who police say was arrested at one of the largest illegal pill factories in the region that was tucked in the quiet Westover neighborhood has been arraigned on federal drug charges. David Reichard, 29, of West Hill Circle, has been charged with possession of heroin and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. Defense attorney Lindy Urso said his client will remain detained to get the help with his drug problem. Unfortunately, David has a drug problem and we are happy to consent to his detention and want him to detox, Urso said. In the meantime, we will figure out a plan and explore options for his release. Stamford police said an informant tipped them off to the counterfeit pill mill after seeing several ounces of carfentanil in a bag in the garage of the West Hill Circle residence. Carfentanil is an extremely powerful synthetic opiate and animal tranquilizer used on elephants and livestock believed to be 100 times stronger than fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin. This is an extremely dangerous substance, whether in pill or powder form, said Capt. Richard Conklin, commander of Stamfords Narcotics and Organized Crime unit. This lab was a danger to the community and we are happy that our Durg Enforcement Administration partners have gotten rid of the lab and the investigation is ongoing and we are proceeding. The informant also reported seeing drug packaging materials, scales and a pill press inside the residence, according to the affidavit written by William McMahon, a Stamford police officer who is a sworn and deputized task force officer with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Police arrested Reichard at the residence on April 3. Police said he was found in possession of five folds of brown heroin. Police said Reichard directed them to the garage where they found three illegal pill manufacturing machines in the silo in the front of the home. The DEAs Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team carefully examined the lab wearing protective gear because the substances exposure to the skin can cause overdose or death. The team found four mason jars containing an unknown white powder, a bag of white power, a mail package containing numerous pills, a crush-proof case with more white powder, instructions to prepare carfentanil, a hazardous materials suit and respirator mask, a scale, three pill presses and numerous bags of powder, mixers and mailing envelopes, the affidavit said. Reichard, who was arraigned Friday in New Haven federal court, told police he began living at the house in February. Police said they learned another man living there was making the counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride tablets, the affidavit said. The drug is a popular synthetic opiate at the center of the countrys addiction crisis. The affidavit suggests the lab was producing counterfeit oxycodone pills made with carfentanil. A special agent estimated there were more than 1,500 pills seized at the residence. Police also discovered Reichards roommate was using the dark web to purchase the carfentanil and sends pills to customers around the country, the affidavit said. I think everyone recognizes that the carfentanil did not belong to David and David had nothing to do with the carfentanil, Urso said. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com T he obsession with all things Scandinavian shows no sign of waning. Whether its their minimalistic interiors, enviable work-life balance or exquisite taste in baked goods, we all want (and need) a bit more Scandi in our lives. With Hygge being the word du jour last year, theres another Nordic sensation creeping through the woodwork. Finlands best kept beauty secret, Lumene, has finally landed in the UK. Finland, the happiest country in the world / Lumene Established in 1970, and taking its name from Finlands Lake Lummenne, this cult beauty brand hails from the beautiful Nordic landscape, where fresh Arctic water falls daintily through the streams and brightly coloured cloudberry hands humbly from wild bushes. Since being crowned the happiest country in this years World Happiness Report, Finland is basking in a moment of glory, and is making the most of it. While its known for the magical wonders of Lapland, husky-pulled sledges and cosy log cabins, Finland is pretty famous for something else; skincare. In keeping with Finlands lifestyle, Lumenes formulations draw upon the most precious and natural ingredients, including birch sap, pine bark and Spruce Knot extract, which are known for their incredible soothing and regenerative powers on the skin. Nordic Detox collection / Lumene The brand calls it Arctic Lumnessence: the beauty of pure, luminous skin. But the Finns take their skincare seriously. The carefully handpicked products for the UK include its Nordic Hydra [Lahde] range, created for the harshest Arctic conditions, and features hero products such as the Hydration Recovery Hydrating Gel Mask and the Arctic Dew Quenching Aqua Serum. Its almost like splashing cold water over your face in the morning refreshing. Each product contains the oxygen-rich, pH balanced, pure Arctic spring water which features in the Nordic [Valo] range, which is geared towards radiance and skin health, including the Glow Boost Essence and Arctic Berry Cocktail Brightening Hydra Oil. Invisible Illumination collection / Lumene Despite not being a heavily polluted place to live, Lumene also offers anti-pollution with its Sisu range, to combat urban stress, including its day and night cream which acts as a protective shield against the elements. We all cant get enough of cinnamon buns and ikea meatballs, but if theres one thing we can obsess about this year, its skincare made from Laplands gold. S hirt-seller to City types, Charles Tyrwhitt, has plunged into the red despite a jump in sales after an IT blunder hit profits. The retailer, started by Nick Wheeler as a mail-order shirts brand while at Bristol University in 1986, made a loss of 5.9 million on revenues of almost 200 million for the year to July 29. One-off costs including 7.3 million for ditching an IT project dragged the firm down from pre-tax profits of 4.6 million a year earlier, accounts showed. Wheeler said he will continue to plough cash back into expanding the business abroad. Although its difficult to gauge all of the implications [of Brexit], the presence in overseas markets means the company finds itself in a strong position, he added. In other news urgent care provider Totally has been awarded a 5 million contract by Virgin Care to provide an out-of-hours GP service in West Lancashire. The contract is subsidiary Vocares first in the North West and covers 18 GP practices in the region. Wendy Lawrence, Totallys chief executive, said the contract was a key step towards establishing Vocare in the region. F urious French landlord Klepierre on Friday walked away from a 5 billion swoop for Hammerson, and slammed the British shopping centres giant for a lack of meaningful engagement. The exit follows a four-week showdown that has seen Hammerson, which is behind the Brent Cross mall, rebuff 615p and 635p approaches. Hammerson also froze its 3.4 billion takeover plan for smaller UK rival Intu, a deal which today looked increasingly in doubt. Klepierre, advised by Goldman Sachs and Citi, had until this Monday to make a firm offer. However, it said today: The board of Hammerson did not provide any meaningful engagement with respect to the increased proposal. The French firm concluded that it does not intend to make an offer. Shares in FTSE-250 landlord Hammerson plunged 65.2p, or more than 12%, to 454.8p. Klepierre shares edged up in Paris, as investors appeared relieved it would not be entering the tough UK retail market. Birmingham Bullring landlord Hammerson has previously said the offers undervalued it, and insisted its assets are worth an estimated 790p per share. Analysts expect the board will now review whether to press ahead with the all-share takeover of Lakeside owner Intu, unveiled in December. Shareholders, some of which also have a stake in Intu, will have to be convinced that the creation of a mega-landlord, with strength to compete with online competition, is more attractive than what Klepierre was proposing. Barclays analyst Sander Bunck said: Hammerson shareholders know that the company has become an M&A target and can potentially crystallise more value on a standalone basis. L eadership in a democracy involves not only action but explanation. The Cabinet met yesterday and, according to a statement released later, agreed to take action against the Syrian regime for its use of chemical weapons. What that action might be, we were not told. Whether Parliament will be given a vote in advance, we do not know. The Prime Minister did not make a statement. The Foreign Secretary did not give an interview. All we heard was a junior minister, who wasnt at the meeting, telling BBC Question Time that there has been no decision to take military action. That seemed to contradict the behind-the-scenes briefing that British planes and submarines are being moved into position to take part in an imminent US-French missile strike. Meanwhile, in the absence of any ministerial view on whether the House of Commons should have a vote, the airwaves are being filled by Jeremy Corbyn and Ken Clarke, who believe that it should. As for public opinion, as far as we can tell from the instant polls the British people remain far from convinced that there should be strikes against Syria, let alone that Britain should take part. Its high time the Government got out there and made its case a case this paper supports. It is not doing that at the moment. The dry Downing Street statements, off-the-record briefings and unemotional Prime Ministerial television clips belong to a bygone age. We live in a world of President Trumps outlandish tweets and the Kremlins cynical spin. Thats where the British public are getting their information from right now, and its helping to form their sceptical views. President Macron sat down yesterday and gave a lengthy interview in which he explained to the French people why their country could not sit on the side-lines when chemical weapons were used in our world. Theresa May needs to do the same, and fast. She has spoken to Donald Trump, she is speaking to Emmanuel Macron: its time she spoke to the British people. More arts in schools The call today by Andria Zafirakou, the London teacher recently awarded a $1 million prize for being the best in the world at her profession, for placing a greater emphasis on the arts in schools to divert vulnerable children away from crime, is an important contribution to the debate about how best to tackle gang, knife and other violent offending. Ms Zafirakou, who teaches art and textiles at Alperton Community School in Brent, says her experience has shown how creative subjects can improve childrens self-expression and mental heath, make them more confident, and better able to resist negative influences. She is concerned, however, that such lessons are often squeezed out of the curriculum as schools seek to focus on more academic subjects in a trend that she believes should be reversed. Her advice should be heeded. Headteachers must do all they can to ensure arts provision is preserved or, ideally, enhanced. Nor is this just about helping the most vulnerable who might otherwise struggle to engage, important as that is. Lessons which develop confidence and the ability to express ideas instil vital life skills from which all pupils will benefit. Daleys gay laws plea Tom Daley makes LGBT plea after winning gold The diver Tom Daley has achieved much in his sport, but his plea today for Commonwealth countries to do more to decriminalise homosexuality confirms his valuable contribution to the ongoing struggle for gay rights. As Mr Daley says, it cannot be right that he would be in breach of the law simply because of his sexuality and cant be me in 37 Commonwealth nations. His intervention is timely. London will next week host the meeting of the Commonwealth heads of government. It is an uncomfortable prospect that so many remain intolerant. British ministers should use the opportunity to echo Daleys message. T he Syria I knew does not look that which is on the television. I was there in 2008, during a window of optimism over the country. David Miliband, then our Foreign Secretary, had visited the week before and was pictured eating ice-cream in the famous old gelataria in the Old City of Damascus. It was ancient and alive with its history of the Greeks and Romans and Ottomans; Christian and Muslim history intertwined in every street corner, and its citizens, rich in culture and civility, went about the regular business of life. The dust-covered refugees struggling over the border, the citizens from beseiged towns eating grass the only colour being the Red Cross that had arrived to alleviate them and now the gunmetal grey of the planes of war: these pictures have drained our sense of the Syrian peoples humanity. The voices of the leaders are now loud, but who will tell the story of how, over the past few days, as the drums of the Western Allies begin to beat, a new wave of fear has come over the residents in every quarter, many of whom have no skin in this game? No one can hold their head high. Not Islamic State certainly, whose rampage across the country was medieval and is still not over. Nor Assad who, under the banner of defending his secular regime no idyll even in the good old days has used barbarity to assert conrol. Nor those rebel groups which, in holding out during a siege, have laid low the very people they claim to represent. Nor the UK, which has ridden now onto the moral high ground after so long turning away. I had been due to visit Damascus next week, on a long-arranged trip. I have the luxury of deciding not to go, but I am sorry for those citizens there who find themselves trapped again in the crosshairs of history without a choice. Nutrition advice may contain nuts Hold the top-up, waiter. Another learned study has just emerged from the University of Cambridge which says drinking two glasses of wine a night can knock two years off your life something to ponder as you swirl your Bordeaux. But on the other hand, waiter, do pour me another glass while I tell my favourite health-stat anecdote, the source of which is long forgotten. This one is about how to extend your life through exercise: each hour you spend jogging increases your life by... an hour. Time for another study: would jogging while drinking wine cancel each other out? Helens right: the picture palace rules I think Helen Mirren may have a point. The actress says it is devastating that the trip to the cinema is being replaced by watching movies at home on Netflix. Cannes has agreed by ruling that only cinema-released movies can show at the festival, bouncing Netflix-made films out of the line-up. Cinema going should be a communal activity, Mirren argues, in which a group of people ride the waves of the emotions of the film, from laughter to pain, in front of the big screen and the big sound. The Netflix and chill culture just doesnt quite cut it by comparison. Helen Mirren / Getty Images Can sitting on the sofa with your date ever quite match the thrill in the cinema of a hand drifting casually round your back or into your hand, concealed by the darkness? And sure, you can hold the person next to you for the scary bits, but it is hardly as much as fun as watching the squeamish half of the audience duck behind their seats during the brutal shoot-outs. Bittersweet 16 for my pride and joy This week it was 16 birthday candles for George, born to me on a warm April day when I had barely started my own adult life. Parentood is strange: you find yourself in a deep relationship with another human, as their guide, their carer, neither of you having chosen each other. Your own age and, ahem, wisdom means you recognise that the love for your child is doomed. Each new candle marks a moment when they need you a little less, take an interest in other things, grow away until they eventually leave you. P resident Trump and Theresa May spoke for the second time this week on Thursday evening and agreed that there had to be a joint response to the latest use of chemical weapons in Syria. But what does that mean? We can dismiss Russian Government claims that the use of chemical weapons in Douma was a hoax as easily as we can dismiss its claims that it was the UK Government that poisoned Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury. The Kremlins credibility has never been lower. But this latest horror in Syrias civil war has implications that go far beyond credibility. Earlier this month President Trump said America would be pulling its 2,000 troops out of Syria very, very soon, sending shockwaves through the region: no one there wants to leave the future of Syria be be negotiated between Russia, Iran, Turkey and jihadist militias. After seeing the horrific pictures of the slaughter of 70 innocents in Douma on Fox TV more influential in this White House than any intelligence briefing President Trump changed his mind. He tweeted that the US would be responding militarily. He even, unusually given his normal reluctance to criticise the Russian President, said that Vladimir Putin bore a share of the responsibility for the barbaric act. President Macron has said France is ready to launch strikes in support of the US as soon as he has more detailed information as to what actually happened. Here in London, the Cabinet agreed on Thursday that the use of chemical weapons could not go unchallenged and that action was needed to deter their further use. But there is no decision yet to take military action. Everyone wants to be quite sure about the evidence. There is also a desperate need not just to show that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable but to bring the suffering of the Syrian people to an end. For Theresa May the domestic politics are also complex. At the end of August 2013, when Parliament was on its summer break, President Obama called David Cameron to ask if the UK would support him with missile strikes against Syria after Assad crossed his red line by using chemical weapons. Cameron said he needed a few days and chose to recall Parliament to seek the views of MPs. Amid charges that the Labour Party had reneged on a deal, and recriminations against the 30 Tory rebels who voted against the Government, the House of Commons voted by a majority of 13 not to approve the strikes. President Obama initially said he would go ahead anyway but then decided to consult Congress. When it became clear that the votes werent there, he opted for a diplomatic solution with the Russians instead, which was supposed to have removed all Syrias stocks of chemical weapons. Obama later confirmed that the decision of the UK not to join him in thing military action was one of the reasons he decided not to proceed. The former president remains proud of that decision, in part because he is not convinced that it would have effectively ended Syrias chemical weapons capability. But the vote in the House of Commons damaged our standing as the partner of choice to whom America could always turn in time of need, as it had in Afghanistan and Iraq. All the more so when the US began to worry about the decline in our military capabilities and that the UK was resiling from its Nato commitment to spend two per cent of GDP on defence. All this will be on Theresa Mays mind as she talks to her military chiefs, her national security adviser, Mark Sedwill, and her key ministers about her options should President Trump decide he wants to strike Syria. Parliament does not return from its Easter recess until Monday so she could take supportive military action before then without too much political difficulty. Parliament does not return until Monday so she could take military action without much political difficulty After all, despite the protests of the Labour Opposition, there is no obligation to seek Parliaments approval in advance. But once Parliament is back? Would the question then have to be put? If it was, would MPs vote in favour? The polling suggests the public is unenthusiastic and, of course, the Government has no majority. To misquote Oscar Wilde, holding and losing one vote on joining our closest ally against a Syrian dictator using chemical weapons might be regarded as a misfortune. To lose a second would look distinctly careless. It would also raise questions about our military capability, about the Governments broader relationship with Team Trump which it still hopes will deliver a quick and generous free trade agreement after Brexit and about our ability to influence US foreign policy. The UK has been siding with the US against Iran at the UN Security Council on human rights and Yemen in the hope that Trump will listen to reason when he again reviews the Iran nuclear deal next month. Will he, if we cant deliver on Syria? President Macron is popular in the White House, delighted Mr Trump inviting him to the Bastille Day parade last July, and will soon be paying the first state visit of the Trump presidency. French willingness to be part of an international response in Syria is very welcome. But we should not leave the European contribution to Paris just when Britain is preparing to leave the EU, raising questions about our future role as a global player. So in No 10 the hope must be that military action, if that is what is decided, is begun very soon. The Prime Minister can then tell the House what she has decided, and why, when it returns next week. This is not existential, like Brexit. But a great deal is at stake: our international standing, our readiness to stand up for our values and for international law, and relations with our single most important ally, the United States. I t was suggested to me recently by somebody fairly well known (who I had previously thought of as mildly intelligent) that before writing about discrimination I really ought to be very mindful of intersectionality. Apparently, the fact that I am a short, gay Jew with a receding hairline means I am only qualified to comment on issues affecting my communities. I offered the absurd person who gave me their kind advice the same virtue signal I give to all virtue-signallers. It involved the use of my middle finger. The fact that, under sympathetic lighting, I have a great deal in common with Matt Lucas has no bearing whatsoever on whether I am qualified to comment on anything. My education and my experience are what matter. For weeks I have held back from weighing in on issues that I really care about for fear that my cis male status (the fact that I was born with a penis) disqualifies me from having a valid opinion. That ended last week when a mob of first-world problem-finders came after my favourite thing in the world: male-only choirs. For more than 60 years the Derbyshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir has represented the force at events across the country. But its talented members civilians with links to the police were informed days ago that they were no longer wanted because they are a male-only group. Now, I get that my interest in ageing boy-music isnt cool. What matters to me is fairness. As the grandson of a Holocaust survivor (the part of my identity that matters most to me), I loathe any form of discrimination. But being forced to listen to people waste their time decrying the evil of male-only choirs is where I draw the line. There are places where it is OK to limit a group to one gender and it is not OK to start unpacking these just in the name of an entirely abstracted drive to equality. When they came for equal pay, I cried: You go, girl. We need to solve the fact that work done by women is often paid less and respected less Im in. When they came for male-only clubs, I nodded. Todays snaggle-toothed Wykehamists clearly have no right to select members on the basis of gender away with the lot of them. But when they came for my singing men I refused to stand by in silence. Nothing delivers such unbridled rapture as an all-male choir. The opening number at my funeral will be a rousing chorus of Rachmaninoffs Vocalise, so keep your grubby, uncouth hands off. There are clearly times when it is utterly fine to have all-male or all-female spaces. London has many gay- and lesbian-only establishments. I dont think anybody would argue they are doing any harm. Quite the contrary they act as a safe space for a historically marginalised group. We seem to live in an age rapidly abandoning any desire to consider nuance. Show me a policy and demonstrate the harm its doing and Ill dig out some comfy shoes and protest by your side. Otherwise, keep your gob shut and let me listen to the sublime voices of the Dunvant Male Choir. Garys found the secret of eternal youth There are innumerable perks to celebrity. So many in fact that well-known people who grumble about their fame ever should be encouraged to get proper jobs at once. Last night, for example, I attended a private concert given by Gary Barlow in aid of the wonderful charity Buttle UK. It is very strange to see the ex-Take That songster close up. He is the only man I have met who appears to be getting more attractive with age. He seems to be ageing in reverse, in fact. Singer Gary Barlow (Neil Lupin) / Neil Lupin/Redferns/Getty Images It is like the case of Benjamin Button rather curious. If this carries on I predict that in 30 years hell be sitting at his piano singing Back for Good in a bib and nappy. Hamilton was a total triumph I went to see the musical Hamilton with the intention of hating every bit of it. To ensure that the night would be a complete disaster I took a date who spent the evening trying to avoid eye contact. The show is two hours and 45 minutes of mostly hip hop. Prior to this, the closest I had ever been to live hip hop was at my grandmas physiotherapy sessions. Despite my best efforts, I am sad to report that the show is utter genius. It turns out that everybody was right. It is the best musical (if thats what it is) I have ever seen. A total triumph. Hamilton's opening night 1 /6 Hamilton's opening night Hamilton's opening night Dave Benett Hamilton's opening night Dave Benett Hamilton's opening night Dave Benett Hamilton's opening night Dave Benett Hamilton's opening night Dave Benett Hamilton's opening night Dave Benett The same cannot be said for my poor date, who seemed to enjoy the show, then abruptly left for an early- morning start on Sunday (his day off). L ondons drag scene has been constantly evolving for decades, moving from the underground clubs into mainstream popular culture. Now, you can see drag all over television and Netflix, but nothing beats a live show. Its impossible to ignore that many of our beloved queer spaces are closing take Madame Jojos, the Joiners Arms and the Black Cap as a few but if we know anything about Londons LGBTQ+ community, its that were a resilient bunch. Never fear, there will always be somewhere to let your freak flag fly. Weve picked some of our favourite clubs, bars and nights to find drag in London. The Glory Absolutely glorious: The Glory's Lip Sync 1000 competition is famous Where else to start but the Glory? The Haggerston pub is certainly not the oldest, but has made a massive impact due to the sheer volume of drag events. Co-owned by stalwarts of the London queer scene Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, find queens and kings and everyone in between almost every night of the week. They host shows from countless drag performers including Kings of Colour (KOC for short, pronounced as youd expect), BOiBOX and Baby Lame. With the annual Man Up contest for drag kings and the flagship event Lipsync1000, the Glory is always driving the drag train. 281 Kingsland Rd, Haggerston, E2 8AS, theglory.co Royal Vauxhall Tavern Royal Vauxhall Tavern was given Grade II listed status in 2015, making it the first building in the UK to be listed for its importance to LGBTQ+ history. Its drag legacy dates back to the 70s and 80s, with Lily Savage (aka Paul OGrady) as a regular performer there for nearly a decade. Now theres variety night Bar Wotever on Tuesdays, King of Clubs with King Frankie Sinatra at the helm and an Art of Drag course to train up the next generation of drag royalty. 372 Kennington Lane, Lambeth, SE11 5HY, vauxhalltavern.com Admiral Duncan The Admiral Duncan is slap bang in the heart of Soho's historic centre but still manages to have that personal feel of a local pub. The resident performers include Sum Ting Wong and Baga Chipz (as seen in HD in RuPaul's Drag Race UK) and there's cabaret every Wednesday, so pretty much everything a night out in Soho requires. 54 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4UB, admiral-duncan.co.uk Soho Theatre Drag it out: Reuben Kaye at the Soho Theatre Up the street at the Soho Theatre, youll find the more theatrical shows, some of whom have enjoyed acclaimed runs at Edinburgh Fringe or transferred from overseas. Whether its upstairs in the theatre or downstairs in the sultry cabaret bar, be prepared for some high-quality genre-bending performance. 21 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3NE, sohotheatre.com Bethnal Green Working Mens Club Britney, Christina, Cher, Beyonce, Mariah, Kylie (the Original): find all your ladies here. Kylie even did the photo shoot for her album Lovers at Bethnal Green Working Mens Club, so its got some friends in high places. Club night Mariah and Friendz has a monthly residency, packed with drag, cabaret and circus 42-46 Pollard Row, Bethnal Green, E2 6NB, workersplaytime.net Two Brewers As LaShauwn Beyond wisely said: This is not RuPaul's Best Friend Race. But drag is most definitely a spectator sport and better enjoyed with others. Two Brewers in Clapham is one of the places showing the new season of RuPauls Drag Race on the big screen. As for the rest of the week, theres Rock n Roll Bingo with Mrs Moore, Lets Get Quizzical with Sum Ting Wong and the Power of Four variety show, which delivers a quartet of the most fabulous queens and kings around. 114 Clapham High St, SW4 7UJ, the2brewers.com The Grand Courtney Act: The Australian drag queen won Celebrity Big Brother / Channel 5 This isnt a drag club but its where you go to see the American queens on tour. At some point during the month theres one of RuPauls alumnae serving up some true fierce realness: Shangela, Alaska, Sharon Needles, Jinkx Monsoon and Courtney Act have all graced the Clapham Grand stage. 21-25 St John's Hill, Clapham, SW11 1TT, claphamgrand.com Sink The Pink Sink The Pink is a massive presence on the UK drag scene, popping up with outrageous, unbeatable parties. Born at Bethnal Green Working Mens Club, Sink The Pink has built up dedicated followers of trashion, who come from afar for one of their nights, which include performances of the highest quality. Keep an eye out and dress to kill you cannot miss this. Karaoke Hole East London's sing-along spot comes with a host of drag queens in tow. The team behind Dalston Superstore have opened a fabulous venue on Kingsland High Street, where fancy dress karaoke is the name of the game. When on the disco ball-decked stage, youre encouraged to bring out your inner RuPaul and lip-sync for your life. 95 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB, thekaraokehole.com The Apple Tree It's your LGBTQ+ friendly neighbourhood pub of choice. The Apple Tree in King's Cross is all about being a home to the alternative. There are monthly comedy nights, and north London queen Meth hosts an fortnightly drag night Apples and Pears. The stage fetures a rotating cast of the performers of Camden's Her Upstairs (which very sadly had to close suddenly). 45 Mount Pleasant, WC1X 0AE, theappletreelondon.com White Swan 30 years young, the White Swan has long been the centre of Limehouses LGBTQ+ scene, with drag cabaret all year round. Always in the mood for a party, its a great place to go for New Year, Easter, Halloween and whenever theres something to celebrate. Miss Ross hosts regular bingo nights and Jackie De Ripper turns up on Thursdays to sing some killer showtunes around the piano, so come armed with your songbook. 556 Commercial Road, Limehouse, E14 7JD, bjswhiteswan.com G etting locked in a room for 60 minutes with friends, family or coworkers mightn't sound like the ideal Saturday night, but there's a reason escape rooms have garnered an almost cult-like following in recent years. With scenarios ranging from wartime air raids to haunted tube stations and abandoned hospitals, escape rooms are ideal for anyone after adventure and perhaps even a little team bonding. Plus, you'll discover how clever you really are when youve only got an hour to solve puzzles and uncover lost secrets. Below are five of our favourite escape rooms in the capital, listed in no particular order. Archimedes Inspiration If youve ever wondered what it would be like to be stuck in American Horror Story, head to Bermondsey and check out Archimedes Inspiration. Their new escape room Kill M.A.D. is a psychological thriller that's definitely not for the faint of heart. Work your way through the abandoned Sally Star King hospital and discover its twisted past and the secrets behind the deranged patients. Be careful not to lose your own mind inside, too. Unit 002, Tower Bridge Business Complex, Clements Rd, SE16 4DG, aiescape.com Exclusive offers and competitions weekly Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} Enigma Escape In a scenario that seems all a bit too real, visitors who tackle this room will find themselves with exclusive tickets to Visionary Cinemas new horror flick The Killer. The only problem is that, after arrival, you'll discover that youve been tricked and are now locked inside the theatre. With a killer out for blood, you only have 60 minutes to figure a way out before he gets to you and the flick becomes reality. 10 Hornsey St, N7 8EL, enigmaescape.co.uk Mission: Breakout Found in the old South Kentish Town tube station, Mission: Breakout offers two scenarios to escape from: either claw out of an old WWII Air Raid shelter or investigate the paranormal activity surrounding a lost train passenger. Although this place started off as a passion project for owner David, it quickly became one of the most sought-out escape rooms in London, and is often booked up weeks in advance. We've tried it out ourselves if youre looking to feel spooked, challenged and fully immersed in another world, Mission: Breakout is the place for you. Ask for manager Ulrika to be your guide. 141-145 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8PB, missionbreakout.london Time Run Travel through time and discover the worlds greatest secrets in Time Runs escape room, the Lance of Longinus. After jumping through a time portal, youll have to make your way through several different time periods in hopes of tracking down a powerful weapon that's been lost to history. Filled with actors to guide you along the way and amazing sets, you'll feel like the main character in a fantastical novel, embarking on a grand journey. 15 Helmsley Place, E8 3SB, time-run.com Do Stuff Hostage Hideout Here. villainous men have infiltrated the place and are on the hunt for hostages. Luckily, youve clamoured your way into a mysterious room but it wont take them long to break their way in and take you unless you get away in time, that is. The best part of this one is that it's situated in the Grove Pub, meaning that after your hour is up, you can immediately head for a well-deserved pint and munchies. T wos company. Threes a party. On any given evening, London plays host to a cornucopia of parties, with gallery private views, boutique openings and theatre first nights providing champagne and canapes from Holland Park to Homerton. The idea is to mark the occasion with a roomful of bright young things and to tell the world that your brand has arrived. But its just not enough to have one party these days. If youre really going to make an impression and stand out from the crowd, youre going to have to go plural. This week White City House, the vast west London outpost of Nick Joness international Soho House chain of private members clubs, unlocked its doors to a select few ahead of its official opening to founding members on April 23 before all members arrive from mid-May. But there wasnt just one launch party; there were three, for a multicultural trinity of distinct London tribes. Monday was all about the music, as Ellie Goulding held court and record company executives, singer-songwriters and next-big-things explored the expansive buildings hidden corners, including the 24,000sq ft basement gym, the spa and the cinema. It was a perfect blend of retro classics and new stars, as All Saints singer Nicole Appleton mixed with music mogul Jamal Edwards and DJ Becky Tong. On Tuesday evening the focus was visual: the worlds of fashion and art. The evening began with a talk from Kate Bryan Soho Houses global head of collections before style blogger Susie Lau, VIP hairstylist Sam McKnight, designer Henry Holland, model Laura Bailey, milliner Stephen Jones and tailor Ozwald Boateng arrived for the evening. They circled the rooftop pool as guests from the citys most stylish offices such as Net-a-Porter, based across the street at Westfield, Chanel, Christies and the British Fashion Council sipped cocktails and admired the impressive collection of more than 300 specially commissioned pieces. Last night the venue gave a reverential nod to its links with the BBC the original Television Centre, opened in 1960 but shuttered in 2013, is at the centre of the redeveloped site by welcoming some of the sites familiar faces along with modern favourites. So Blue Peter and Crimewatch veterans took in the views of their old office from the ninth-floor terrace, with presenter Davina McCall, comedian Alan Carr, Silent Witness actress Emilia Fox and Jemima Khan all coming through the doors at some point in the evening. Food. Bars. Going out. Delivered weekly Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} Social butterfly: Ellie Goulding is embracing the new party trend / Dave Benett How do you prevent ennui? Music took over the eighth-floor performance space across the three nights, with DJ sets from Horse Meat Disco and sets from The Feeling, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Leon Bridges, Joshua James and Lou Hayter. Revellers were kept constantly refuelled by an army of staff, seemingly always close by with a champagne refill, a Soho Mule or a negroni, while trays of fried chicken, pizza and kimchi dumplings emerged from the kitchen from 6pm until late. Soho House, of course, is not the first to realise that the best things in life come in multiples. Events such as the Oscars, Brits and Grammys revolve around a conveyor belt of events that take place before and after the main attraction. Brands like IKEA, which threw a ticketed week-long house party to mark its 30th anniversary last year, have picked up the concept, while you only need to look as far as the eternally extra Naomi Campbell to find that birthday parties can sometimes last several days. But this weeks sterling performance from White City House shows that it has mastered the art of the multi-celebration like no other. Its not exactly surprising that Jones, who founded Soho House in 1995, has embraced the concept of the multi-celebration: his building of the members club empire with properties in Miami, Sydney, Istanbul and Berlin, to name a few has always striven for quantity and quality, so going plural seems an extension of his approach to acquisitions. But its not just about being showy: Peter Chipchase, Soho Houses chief comms and strategy officer, says parties in plural are a necessity in a city known for its variety. Its not so much about the parties but celebrating the city itself, he says. West London has been put to one side a little, and with White City House were aiming to say: Lets celebrate it and bring all aspects of it into the space. Its just too hard to do that right in one night: the only way to do London justice, and to show how great it is, is to do more. Whether the company is attempting to set a trend or not, its certainly created a tough act to follow. The concept seems to have started with The Ned, the hotel, members club, food hall and spa that opened in Poultry last May. As with White City House, the briefing was more is more, with celebrations raging into the early hours every night. Fashion designer Roland Mouret threw a banquet on the ground floor with Eleanor Tomlinson and Daisy Lowe as Sadiq Khan, Boris Johnson and the Countess of Weymouth basked in the sunshine on the rooftop bar. Throughout the week, an army of the citys VIPs came and went as Dom Chung, Alexas brother, curated nightly performances from a swathe of musical genres. Scene setter: Daisy Lowe attends a London event / Dave Benett But guests were advised to pace themselves for the extravagant culmination to the launch: Poppy Delevingne, Eddie Redmayne and Tracey Emin dined and drank, Paloma Faith, Tinie Tempah and Gary Barlow performed, and Nick Grimshaw took to the decks in the basement vault bar. By the end of it, the capitals supplies of Berocca and paracetamol were significantly diminished. Going plural, though, isnt necessarily about doing things on a grander scale: it can be a little more subtle when the occasion calls for it. So when Soho favourite Kettners was acquired by Soho House before an impressive refurbishment and relaunch under the new name of Kettners Townhouse, the brand retained its new, unofficial pro-plural policy in a smaller but impactful way. Long before just anyone could book a table there was a series of tantalising glimpses of what it had to offer that whetted the public appetite and kick-started its new era. Dame Natalie Massenet had a surprise party there to toast her departure from the British Fashion Council, surrounded by balloons and friends wearing masks of her own face. Model Amber Le Bon and blogger Tess Ward indulged at a feast laid out by dating app Bumble. And sisters India Rose James and Fawn Lawson, the heiresses to the Soho Estate and owners of many of the areas properties, invited friends in from the January cold to raise a glass to a local gem restored to former glory. Review at a glance I f the folks at the Chicago Tourist Board are feeling stabs of paranoia about its treatment by Hollywood, they have my sympathies. Days after the opening of Death Wish, in which Bruce Williss vigilante runs amok through the crime-infested streets, things take an even more alarming turn. This week, Frank Sinatras kinda town finds itself under attack from a trio of gigantic mutant beasts a gorilla, a wolf and what I think (some of the CGI effects are by no means good) might be a crocodile. Rampage, starring that lovable erstwhile WWE megastar Dwayne The Rock Johnson, could be the funniest film partly set there since Some Like it Hot. Nobodys perfect, of course, and Brad Peyton, who previously directed Johnson in San Andreas and other disaster blockbusters, probably meant to make a thrilling monster movie rather a classic comedy. But this is not the time to fixate on intentions. In days as dark as these, with World War Three potentially a firefight in the skies above Syria away, we take our mirth where we may. Warner Brothers seems hooked on 1980s video games at the minute. Hot on the heels of Ready Player One, in which Spielberg celebrates a clutch of them with infectious fanboy zeal, Rampage is based on a game popular in the arcades so long ago that The Rock was barely a pebble. To their credit, its modest compliment of four scriptwriters have constructed a mildly coherent plot around it. They have also flipped the premise. The video game gave players control of the megabeasts in the cause of smashing down skyscrapers and menacing humanity. Here, Johnsons Davis Okoye spearheads the resistance. A former soldier and anti-poaching ranger in Rwanda, Okoye is now a great-ape whisperer at a California zoo. Im a primatologist, he sombrely informs the cops poised to shoot albino gorilla George in one of so many accidental LOL lines, and I need you to lower your guns. As his sad eyes confirm, he has seen too much human wickedness to care much for his own species. His best and only friend is George, with whom he has touching and sporadically witty chats via the miracle of sign language. George is quite the simian Dorothy Parker albeit at times his sexual crudity hints more at Tallulah Bankhead. Over this beautiful friendship an ominous shadow descends. Out in deep space nasty Chicago biotech firm Energyne is testing a wonder virus far too powerful to be trialled here. An unfortunate series of events involving a mutant rat causes several canisters to leave the exploded capsule. Rampage - In pictures 1 /5 Rampage - In pictures Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Frank Masi Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Not being an actuary, I wont try to calculate the odds against all of them: a) travelling light years to Earth in convoy; b) penetrating the atmosphere unincinerated; and c) landing in various bits of the US at the feet of animals that were quite dangerous enough. Now the virus has them doubling in size every few hours, so that within a day George makes Big Ben look like a miniature carriage clock. It also makes the beasts impregnable to bullets and larger missiles, and so drastically aggressive that they present one of those existential threats which demand the services of a one-time professional wrestler. And not just any old wrestler. Big Daddy wouldnt have stood a chance. Nor would Giant Haystacks. Even WWE goliaths such as Hulk Hogan and John Cena, for all their movie experience, would be useless. With species-threatening action this fast and furious, only The Rock will do. Johnsons range may be limited but theres more to him than the outlandishly large biceps, a megawatt screen presence and oodles of natural charm. He can act. More importantly, in this case, he can keep a rigidly straight face when delivering or reacting to lines such as George and the wolf have linked up and theyre heading for Chicago! Ably supported by Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Harvey Russell, a sardonic operative from a government agency just too darn secret to be named with an Alabama good-ol boy drawl, Johnson carries the film on those Atlas-like shoulders with unforced ease. The other performances Naomie Harris as Dr Kate Caldwell, a disgraced genetic engineer who teams up with the pair in search of redemption; Malin Ackerman as Claire Wyden, the unscrupulous powerhouse behind Energynes evil ambitions; Jake Lacy as her eighth-witted brother Brett bring a cleansing fragrance seldom to be sniffed in such a big-budget project as this. The same goes for a script which will have you involuntarily spitting the popcorn time and again. You see, when science s***s the bed, Okoye gravely informs Russell, Im the guy they call to change the sheets. Judged by pompously conventional criterion, Rampage is a compendium of antiquated monster B-movie cliches and preposterous plot devices. But Johnsons byplay with George makes it the cutest human-ape buddy movie since Clint and Clyde the orang-utan chummed up in Every Which Way But Loose. In terms of pure enjoyability, meanwhile, with huge help from the impeccably sustained high-camp silliness, its a riot. You will leave the cinema in a jollier mood than when you arrived, and theres a lot to be said for that. M ovie romances can thrill, move us to tears and even shape our very understanding of love and relationships in the modern world. With International Kissing Day upon us, what better time to celebrate some of films most enduring love stories and relive some of the most iconic kisses ever put to film? From Gone With the Wind to Notting Hill, these are the best movie kisses of all time, in no particular order. Four Weddings and a Funeral Four weddings and a funeral still. Taken from IMDB Is it raining? I hadnt noticed. Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowells kiss in the climactic Notting Hill sequence is an all-time classic romcom moment which even the typically shoddy London weather couldnt ruin. Spider Man Kiss off: Kirsten and co-star Tobey Maguire's famous on-screen kiss in Spider-Man This famous moment from Sam Raimis 2002 movie set audiences spidey senses tingling and highlighted a tender side to the web-slinging Marvel superhero. Romeo + Juliet Director Baz Luhrmann mixed spectacle with sincerity in his much-loved Shakespeare adaptation and the star-crossed lovers heartfelt first kiss was an appropriately tender onscreen moment. Brokeback Mountain The most high-profile LGBT movie kiss of recent times came in the form of a touching moment from Brokeback Mountain back in 2005, shared between Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Notting Hill The best on-screen kisses of all time 1 /22 The best on-screen kisses of all time Clarke Gable and Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind (1939) Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca (1942) Popperfoto/Getty Images Natalie Wood as Maria and Richard Beymer as Tony in West Side Story (1961) Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in Fifty Shades of Grey (2014) Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones in The Theory of Everything (2014) Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain (2005) Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in The Notebook (2004) Romantic: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah and Allie in the film Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in Spider-Man (2002) Kiss off: Kirsten and co-star Tobey Maguire's famous on-screen kiss in Spider-Man Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in Notting Hill (1999) Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Titanic (1997) Clare Danes and Leonardo Di Caprion in Romeo + Juliet (1996) Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky in My Girl (1991) Demi Moore with Patrick Swayze in Ghost (1990) Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (1990) Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing (1987) Crispin Glover and Wendie Jo Sperber in Back to the Future (1985) Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) With Harrison Ford as Han Solo in The Emipre Strikes Back. (1980) Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Silver Linings Playbook still Jharrel Jerome and Ashton Sanders in Moonlight (2016) Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux in Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013) A "surreal but nice" chance meeting between Hugh Grants bumbling book shop owner and Julia Roberts international movie star ended in a spontaneous smooch, sparking the romance at the centre of the famed romcom. Moonlight Moonlight still The kiss shared between protagonist Chiron and love interest Kevin on a deserted beach in Barry Jenkins Moonlight is an exquisite moment. It forms the emotional peak of this stunning story of sexual awakening and coming of age. Dirty Dancing Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey delivered one of the most iconic movie romances of the 80s in Dirty Dancing and it was all sealed with a kiss. Titanic Jack and Rose shared plenty of kisses during their doomed travels on the Titanic but just think how many more they could have enjoyed if theyd both managed to fit on the door at the end. Pretty Woman Richard Gere proved himself as romcom royalty alongside Julia Roberts in 1990s Pretty Women, bringing to life an unconventional romance for the ages Blue is the Warmest Colour Blue is the Warmest Colour still from IMDB French drama Blue is the Warmest Colour has been criticised by some for pandering to the male gaze with its more graphic scenes, but the first kiss shared between Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos remains an emotional and intimate moment. Ghost While Ghost is mostly remembered for that pottery scene, there are plenty of tender and emotional moments in this spectral romcom from director Jerry Zucker. Casablanca Popperfoto/Getty Images Of all the kisses in all the films in all the world, the moment shared between Humphrey Bogarts Rick Blaine and Ingrid Bergmans Ilsa Lund is amongst the most iconic in 40s cinema. Breakfast at Tiffany's This classic adaptation of Truman Capotes romantic novella captured all the magic of its source material, with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard sharing an unforgettable kiss in the rain during the films climax. The Theory of Everything The tentative love story shared between a young Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde, played by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, is sealed with a kiss in 2014s Theory of Everything. The film is a revealing look at the life of the theoretical physicist, who died earlier this year at the age of 76. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back With Harrison Ford as Han Solo in The Emipre Strikes Back. (1980) Sci-fis greatest romance between Han Solo and Princess Leia provided the gooey centre at the heart of the Star Wars movies. A classic moment from one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. Gone with the Wind You might not give a damn, but Clarke Gable and Vivien Leighs onscreen kiss set the bar high in 1939 and became the gold standard for Hollywood romances thereafter. 50 Shades of Grey While the films may feel slightly PG compared to the raciness of the novels, the first kiss shared between Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in 50 Shades of Grey was certainly a memorable moment. Twilight The love story at the heart of Twilight captivated a generation of young adult fiction fans and the film certainly captured the awkward yet affectionate romance of Stephenie Meyers novels. The Notebook Romantic: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah and Allie in the film What is it about kissing in the rain that romcoms love so much? This moment was the culmination of the passionate on-screen romance in The Notebook that helped turned Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams into household names. Back to the Future Marty McFly is saved when his mother and father kiss during the Enchantment Under The Sea dance, which remains one of the most iconic moments in 80s cinema. Silver Linings Playbook Silver Linings Playbook still Jennifer Lawrence made the step up from Hunger Games starlet to Oscar contender with her performance alongside Bradley Cooper in 2012s Silver Linings Playbook, which saw the pair bring to life a troubled but affectionate love story. West Side Story Film: West Side Story (1961) with Natalie Wood as Maria and Richard Beymer as Tony. Love transcends convention in classic musical West Side Story, where forbidden romance prospers between members of rival gangs. The kiss at the end of a heartbreaking performance of Somewhere encapsulates the aching affection Tony and Maria share for one another. My Girl P repare to spend the rest of the day avoiding mirrors, ladders and walking over drains because the unluckiest day of the year has arrived. That's right - today is Friday 13, a day long associated with bad luck and superstition, and perhaps second only in the spooky states after Halloween. Often fodder for horror films (there are an impressive 12 slasher movies in the Friday the 13th franchise, the day is riddled with creepy goings on and superstitious behaviour. Yet it's not just the stuff of Hollywood legend - hotels have often gone to great lengths to remove 'room thirteens', while many tall buildings lack a 13th floor and some planes don't have a row 13. But where does our superstition around this particular date, known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, come from? And why are we so afraid of the number 13? Here's all you need to know. Where did the Friday the 13th superstition come from? Friday the 13th has spawned its own horror movie series featuring fictional killers Freddy and Jason. The fear of Friday the 13th is so widespread that its even cheaper to travel by plane on the date. But the superstition, found mostly in Western culture, has been around since long before air travel was invented. Thirteen is arguably the most vilified number, and has countless malevolent origins. The most notorious appearance of the number 13 comes from the Bible. Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is thought to have been the 13th guest to sit down to the Last Supper. In Norse mythology, a dinner party of the gods was ruined by the 13th guest called Loki, who caused the world to be plunged into darkness. Friday doesnt have a good reputation either. Good Friday was the day of Jesuss crucifixion, and in the UK, Friday was once known as Hangman's Day because it was usually when people who had been condemned to death would be hanged. In Geoffrey Chaucer's famous Canterbury Tales, written in the 14th century, he says "and on a Friday fell all this mischance." So why Friday the 13th? Members of the Eccentric Club of London, at their annual "Friday the Thirteenth" lunch, surrounded by omens of bad luck / Getty According to folklorists, the combination of Friday and the number 13 as a day of particularly bad luck seems to be a relatively recent tradition - perhaps only about 100 years old. A possible origin of the superstition can be traced to the publication of Thomas W Lawson's novel Friday, the Thirteenth in 1907, in which a broker takes advantage of the superstition to create a panic on Wall Street. One of the most popularised myths attempting to explain the origin of the Friday 13 superstition stems from events on Friday 13 October 1307, when hundreds of Knights Templar were arrested and burnt across France. Many have linked the Knights Templar to the Holy Grail, and their brutal demise has often been used in 20th century literature such as Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. The Eccentric Club, one of London's oldest gentleman's clubs, has held special Friday the 13th dinners since the 18th century, seating 13 people at a dinner table surrounded by "unlucky" objects. Is there any evidence that it is unlucky? Will you be avoiding mirrors in case they smash this Friday? / Getty In 1993 a British Medical Journal study claimed there was a significant increase in incidences on a Friday the 13, but the author of the study later confessed it was a bit of fun as traditional in the Christmas edition. There is anecdotal evidence that unlucky things will happen on Friday the 13th. In 1976, New Yorker Daz Baxter was apparently so afraid of Friday the 13th he decided the safest place to stay was his bed. Mr Baxter was killed when the floor of his apartment block collapsed that day. Closer to home, in 2009 the 13.5 million SAW ride at Thorpe Park had its opening premiere on Friday 13th, only to be shut down due to a computer programming fault. While in 2010, lightning struck a 13-year-old Suffolk boy on Friday 13th at 13:13. How often does Friday the 13th happen? At least once a year, and up to three times a year. There are two Friday the 13ths per year in 2020, while 2021 and 2022 will have just one occurrence Spooky stuff. But for most Brits, Friday 13th will be just another day. P rimary schools in the UK have been shut and children sent home after being sent an email containing a "bomb threat". Schools across different parts of the country, including London and East Yorkshire, reported receiving threatening emails about a bomb on Friday morning. According to police the threats have been made to schools nationwide. The Met would not confirm how many schools in the capital had been affected. "We have received reports of malicious communications received by a number of schools in different parts of London," they said in a statement. "The correspondence is being assessed." One school in Hull - Aldbrough Primary said it believed the email was a hoax but has contacted the police. Posting on Facebook , the school said: "Dear Parent/carers, Last term a number of schools received hoax bomb threats. "We have received a bomb threat email this morning. We have informed the police and they are on the way. "Our advice that we take the threat seriously even though it does only appear to be a hoax." Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Miller said: Weve been made aware of a hoax email sent to schools in the force area this morning 13 April 2018. We want to categorically reassure parents and children, staff and the wider public that this a non-credible threat that has been sent nationwide. Our primary concern is to ensure that schools are given guidance, up-to-date information and reassurance and above all that everyone is safe. Community officers have already been sent to schools to provide that reassurance. It is not yet clear how many schools across the UK have been targeted. Parents have expressed frustration at the hoax which meant that some had to go and collect their children early. Sally Wride posted saying: "What the hell is going on in the world when your five-year-old's primary school is closed due to a hoax bomb threat!!! Sick people in the world." "A very sad existence sending an e-mail with a bomb threat to Hornsea Primary School. Kids scared to death and parents having to leave work. Scum," Albert Manu tweeted. He said: "It seems to be a hoax, dont understand why someone would send an email like that." It came after a similar hoax in March, in which 400 schools across the country received messages claiming an explosive had been placed on the grounds in what turned out to be hoax. T wo men have been arrested after schools across the UK were evacuated over emails containing a bomb threat. Schools across different parts of the country, including London and East Yorkshire, reported receiving threatening emails about a bomb on Friday morning. According to police the threats have been made to schools nationwide. An 18-year-old man from Abbotts Langley in Hertfordshire and a 19-year-old man from Watford have been arrested on suspicion of offences relating to malicious communications. Both men have been released under investigation. A spokesman for the National Crime Agency said: A number of schools and colleges have received threatening emails today. "We understand these threats have caused considerable concern and are taking the incident extremely seriously, but we would stress we do not assess there to be an increased risk to the public. "Given that for many schools and colleges it is the last day of the Easter break, some schools may not yet be aware of the email. A rts subjects can save children from lives of gang violence and knife and gun crime, the London woman named as the worlds best teacher said. Andria Zafirakou, who won the $1million title in Dubai last month, said subjects such as art, music and drama can transform the lives of vulnerable young people and give them the confidence to walk away from gangs. Ms Zafirakou, 39, who teaches art and textiles at Alperton Community School in Brent, is alarmed at the declining number of students studying arts subjects, amid funding cuts and the focus on more academic subjects in schools. She warned that if children stop studying the arts it could have catastrophic consequences for students mental health and physical safety. Award: Andria Zafirakou accepts the trophy for the Global Teacher Prize from Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed. She plans to use some of the $1 million to boost arts in schools. / AP At her own school, after-school art classes have helped children stay safe by keeping them off the streets, and also imbued them with a sense of confidence to choose a different future. She said: At Alperton Community School in Brent we have faced many challenges in combating the disenfranchisement that can render children susceptible to gang culture. This is a way of life with devastating consequences, such as the knife attacks and shootings in London that have recently shocked us all. However, we have also found that the arts have a huge power to transform lives and provide an outlet for self-expression. Arts subjects help children to clarify their ideas what is right and wrong? Who am I? What is my identity? Just because I live on a council estate does this mean I have to join this gang, or am I more than that? Can I connect with this musician, can I get my issues out through music, painting or sculpture, documentaries or film? She added: Students are becoming stronger through their own confidence. And by becoming confident they are able to say No I am not bothered, stay away. This is what I want to do, I am not going to be joining your gang. She added that studying art can boost childrens mental health. She said: These subjects are very challenging but quite relaxing. Students can get lost in them. They dont want to leave the classroom because they are lost in the journey of their own art form. I see that as therapy. It helps them disconnect from their troubles and be in the moment. They are constantly stressing about whats on social media, what will happen on their way home or when I put the key in the door, who will be there, is there food? For once they feel a sense of calm and peace. Andria Zafirakou with some of her congratulatory cards after winning the one million pound Global Teacher Prize The Government this week announced 96 million of funding to support talented music, drama and dance pupils, but Ms Zafirakou said the money will have little impact on the lives of ordinary pupils with no prior experience of the arts. Ms Zafirakou, a mother of two, said she plans to use some of the prize money from winning the Varkey Foundations annual Global Teacher Prize to boost the profile of arts subjects, and will invite sculptors, designers, painters and actors into lessons to inspire children about where art can lead. M ore than 20 million Sikhs around the world celebrate Vaisakhi every year. The historic and religious festival is a Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage and culture which marks the birth of the Guru Gobind Singhs Khalsa the inner core of the Sikh faith over 300 years ago. It is additionally a spring harvest festival for the Sikhs where they bathe in lakes and rivers and share festive foods. Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is the Punjabis traditional solar new year and harvest festival where they may visit temples before socialising and eating together. When is Vaisakhi? Each year, Guru Ji Vaisakhi is traditionally observed on April 14 when the Khalsa was first formed back in 1699. Sikhs believe that on this day, spiritual leader Guru Gobind Singh called people of the religion to the Indian city of Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. He is thought to have emerged from his tent and ask if anyone there was willing to sacrifice their head for him. Someone volunteered and he took them into his tent, later exiting without the individual and a bloody sword which happened four more times with different people who came forward. After the fifth time, the Guru walked out of the tent with all five volunteers unharmed. This was a test, he is believed to have said, to see who has faith in their Guru". Guru Gobind Singh called the five men the Panj Pyare meaning the Five Beloved Ones. They were baptised, and once the Guru had finished his rituals, he is believed to have lent down and asked them to baptise him too. The five men are known as the first members of the Khalsa to this day. How is it celebrated? Ever since people have gathered in Gurudwaras (temples), on Vaisakhi Day. A fresh Sikh flag, known as Nishaan Sahib, is put in place and the flag pole is washed. There are shared meals called Langar and celebrations with reverence, music and dance. The processions during the festival which are commemorated by followers of the faith are known as 'nagar kirtan'. Five men in ceremonial dress lead a nagar kirtan to represent the Panj Pyare as performers, floats and drummers follow behind. Is there a Vaisakhi festival in London? The Sikh holiday will be celebrated with a free event on April 28 in Trafalgar Square, central London, with performances and cultural activities to be expected. H aving one glass of wine or a pint of beer a day could shorten your life, researchers have found. Drinking five to 10 alcoholic drinks a week can take six months off your life, according to a major study. More alcohol consumption was also linked with a greater chance of suffering a stroke, heart failure, and fatal aneurysm. An analysis of nearly 600,000 people found those drinking more than 100g of alcohol every week - around five 175ml glasses of wine or pints of beer - were at an increased risk of early death. The findings support recently lowered guidelines in the UK, which recommend that both men and women should not drink more than 14 units or 112g of pure alcohol in a week. This equates to around six pints of four per cent strength beer or six 175ml glasses of 13 per cent wine. Lead author, Dr Angela Wood, of the University of Cambridge, said: "The key message of this research for public health is that, if you already drink alcohol, drinking less may help you live longer and lower your risk of several cardiovascular conditions." The study found that a 40-year-old regularly drinking the equivalent of about 10 to 18 glasses of wine or pints of beer would be expected to die one to two years earlier, researchers found. Those exceeding that level shed four to five years off their lives. An equivalent to five pints of beer or five glasses of wine a week raised the risk of a stroke by 14 per cent, fatal hypertensive disease by 24 per cent, heart failure by nine per cent and fatal aortic aneurysm by 15 per cent. The authors of the study said recommended alcohol limits should be lowered to around 100g or 12.5 units per week in many countries. UK guidelines were changed in 2016 to 14 units every week for men and women, lower than the limits in Italy, Portugal and Spain. The upper recommended limit for men in the US is almost 25 units of alcohol per week. A Brit accused of being one of the brutal "Beatles" quartet of Islamic State executioners is suspected of plotting to kill police and soldiers in London, according to a bombshell report. Alexanda Kotey, from Paddington in west London, is thought to be among militants who helped organise and fund a terror plot that was foiled by police in September 2014, ITV News reported. Home-grown terrorists Tarik Hassane and Suhaib Majeed were given life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2016 for the plot to kill soldiers, police officers and civilians in a series of IS-inspired drive-by shootings. The report said Kotey was in regular communication with Hassane, adding detectives uncovered online commands sent by senior IS fighters in Syria. Alexanda Kotey in an interview with the Associated Press earlier this year / AP A source who knew Kotey in Syria told ITV News: "I was told that Kotey or 'Big Sid' as he was known was in direct contact with a guy called Tarik Hassane. "He was the main source of inspiration for the plot. He helped direct the plot, telling them what to do." The source also told the news programme that Hassane was in direct contact with the IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Jailed: Tarik Hassane (left) and Suhaib Majeed (right) were jailed in 2016 / CPS/PA Wire Hassane and Majeed, from west London, had links to the same mosque associated with Mohammed Emwazi, who achieved notoriety before his death in Syria as an executioner for IS. Along with Emwazi the killer nicknamed Jihadi John - Aine Davis, El Shafee Elsheikh and Kotey are thought to have been part of a group named after the Beatles because of their English accents. The four Londoners were linked to a string of hostage murders in Iraq and Syria during the bloody Islamist uprising and gained global notoriety. One-time Londoner Mohammed Emwazi, known as 'Jihadi John', shown in a 2014 Isis video brandishing a knife / Reuters Emwazi, who was killed in a US air strike in 2015, appeared in a number of videos in which captives including British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning were beheaded. Davis was convicted of being a member of a terrorist organisation and jailed for seven-and-a-half years at a court in Silivri, Turkey, in May 2017. Kotey and Elsheikh have been languishing in a cell since they were detained by Kurdish militia in January. Last month, the pair complained that they cannot get a fair trial because the UK Government stripped them of their citizenship, and described the execution of hostages as "regrettable". Their capture sparked a row over whether they should be returned to the UK for trial or tried where their alleged crimes were committed. In an interview with the Associated Press, Kotey said many people in IS would have opposed the executions "on the grounds that there is probably more benefit in them being political prisoners". He said: "As for my position, I didn't see any benefit. It was something that was regrettable." T housands of pro-EU campaigners will take part in demonstrations across the country this weekend in what has been dubbed the groups' largest ever joint grassroots national day of action. Activists and supporters from Open Britain, the European Movement and Britain for Europe will take to the streets for 12 flagship events in every part of the UK on Saturday. In all there will be more than 350 events taking place across the country, from Aberdeen in the north of Scotland to Falmouth in the south of Cornwall. Thousands of pro-EU activists and supporters are expected to take part, with organisers saying 500,000 leaflets will be handed out and more than 100 street stalls set up in towns and cities across Britain, in areas that voted both Remain and Leave. One year until Brexit: Negotiation timeline James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said: "Our largest ever national day of action is all about bringing together the various pro-European groups so that we can speak with one, unified, voice because we know that together we are stronger." The day of action will lead into the launch of a fresh campaign on Sunday calling for a referendum on the final Brexit deal. Thousands of anti-Brexit activists march to Parliament in protest 1 /12 Thousands of anti-Brexit activists march to Parliament in protest Demonstrators head towards Parliament Square. REUTERS Signs include 'I love EU' REUTERS The pro-EU march began in Hyde Park Corner. Si Carrington 'NHS? Brexit Wrexit' Oliver Day The march took protesters through the streets of London. Oliver Day One protester brought along a papier mache Queen, in reference to the blue and yellow hat she wore at the State Opening of Parliament. Peter Bailey 'Exit Brexit' Jonathan Hawley The September sun shone as activists marched through the streets. Martin Tod Roads were blocked during the protest. Maggie Jones The campaigners set off shortly after 11am from Hyde Park Corner. Maggie Jones The rally saw the activists march through the streets of central London. Johann Ketel EU colours of blue and yellow were seen throughout the march. Judi Conner Some 1,000 activists are set to attend the campaign's launch event in London, which will include speeches from pro-Europe MPs such as Labour's Chuka Umunna and Conservative Anna Soubry. James MacCleary, campaign director of European Movement UK, said: "The pro-European movement is gaining in strength and momentum and that progress will be reflected this weekend with a huge demonstration of grassroots power in favour of a people's vote on the Brexit deal." Key Brexit Players - In pictures 1 /6 Key Brexit Players - In pictures David Davis Reuters Michel Barnier AP Tim Barrow AFP/Getty Images Oliver Robbins Sabine Weyand Didier Seeuws AFP/Getty Images Anne Weyman, vice chair of Britain for Europe, added: "We all come from different political parties, different traditions and different groups. "But we are united by our desire for the people to have their say on the Brexit deal and we are determined to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear." Theresa May promises there will be 'opportunities' after Brexit See the full list of locations below: High Street in Ledbury at 8.30am Outside Stamford Library in Stamford at 9am St Peters Street in St Albans at 9.30am Hexham Abbey in Hexham at 9.45am The High Cross in Shrewsbury at 10am Park Mall in Ashford at 10am The Shambles Market Hall in Devizes at 10am Outside Post Office in Sevenoaks at 10am Market Place in Burgess Hill at 10am Outside the British Heart Foundation in Weston-super-Mare at 10am Streatham Station at 10am Outside the Three Cups in Lyme Regis at 10am Hadleigh, Suffolk at 10am Ipswich, Suffolk at 10am Saxmundham, Suffolk at 10am Crown Square in Matlock at 10am Near Park Mall in Ashford at 10am Near Market Place in Burgess Hill at 10am Outside Waitrose in Beaconsfield at 10am Outside Sainsburys in Lee, London at 10am Underneath The Cat in Catford at 10am Mefridian Centre in Havant at 10am Nye Bevan Statue in Cardiff at 10.30am Argos, Buxton at 10.30am Castle Hall (Hertford Theatre) in Hertford at 10.30am Outside the Moorhen Pub in Peterborough at 10.30am Bridge Street in Bakewell at 10.30am Wellingborough at 10.30am Old Market Square in Carlisle at 10.30am Outside Waitrose in Hampstead at 10.30am Showcase Cinema de Lux in Bristol at 10.30am Corner of Davey Place and Gentlemans Walk in Norwich at 10.30am St Peters Church in Harrogate at 11am Outside Greggs in Stroud at 11am Outside Debenhams in Leeds at 11am Maida Vale tube station at 11am Outside Southgate Tube Station at 11am Outside Waterstones in Chiswick in London at 11am Sloane Square in Chelsea at 11am Outside the Italian Cafe in Alnwick at 11am Outside Real Patisserie in Shoreham by Sea at 11am Market Square in Cambridge at 11am At the junction of Phoenix Lane and Fore Street in Tiverton at 11am Outside NatWest in Plymouth at 11am Magnolia Centre Precinct in Exmouth at 11am In the Red Lion Yard in Okehampton at 11am Outside Nationwide in Birmingham at 11am Outside Wilko in Sutton at 11am Lyric Square in Hammersmith, London at 11am Truro Library in Truro at 11am Outside Superdrug in Falmouth at 11am St Peters Church in Harrogate at 11am Outside Woolwich Arsenal DLR at 11am Outside Stoke Newington Library at 11am Clock Tower in Hay-on-Wye at 11am Coronation Gardens, London at 11am Outside Windsor Arcade in Penarth at 11am Outside Lime Street Station (opp St Georges Hall) in Liverpool at 11am Chester Cross in Chester at 11am Tatchbrook Street Market at 11am Outside Marks and Spencer in Cheltenham at 11am Market Square in Morpeth at 11.30am Maud Road, London at 12pm Nags Head Centre in Islington at 12pm Angel tube station in London at 12pm Cliffe Bridge in Lewes at 12pm Stratford-upon-Avon at 12pm Key Centre in Keynsham at 12pm Farmers Market, Barnes Village at 12pm Merseyway Shopping Centre in Stockport at 12pm Outside Boots in Oxted at 12pm Market Stall outside Town Hall in Thame at 12pm Edinburgh at 12pm Octogan Cafe in Swindon at 12pm Marks and Spencer in Brentwood at 12.30pm Harrys Cafe in Pontypridd at 1pm Outside M&S in Aberdeen at 1pm Opposite Monsoon in Bournemouth at 1pm Outside Sheffield Town Hall in Sheffield at 2pm Meet inside Imperial Arcade in Brighton at 2pm Dalston Square at 2pm Coventry Cathedral/University Square in Coventry at 2pm Outside the Rotunda in Guildford at 3pm Henley Town Hall in Henley-On-Thames at 3pm D iane Abbott today refused to say if Labour would back military strikes on Bashar Assads regime, even if independent inspectors find that it was behind the latest chemical weapons attack. Pressed on this by BBC Radio 4s Today programme, the shadow home secretary said: Lets see what the inspectors come up with. Labour has called for a United Nations-led investigation into the Douma atrocity, but Russia has vetoed such inquiries in the past. Asked by presenter Nick Robinson why there had not been such probes, Ms Abbott said: We have to go forward on the basis of the facts and the evidence. Mr Robinson said: You are calling for something that has not happened for eight years, so why has it not happened? She replied: We think it should happen. When he asked: Why has it not happened? she said: You would have to ask the UN... but we think it should happen. T heresa May and Donald Trump agreed to work towards a response to suspected poison gas attacks in Syria as speculation over possible air strikes continued. Mrs Mays Cabinet had unanimously backed her warning that Syrias use of chemical weapons should not be ignored, clearing the way for possible military action. In a phone conversation after the Prime Minister's emergency Cabinet meeting, Mrs May and the US President pledged to work together on the international response. They said there was a need "to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime". Downing Street said ministers had agreed it was "highly likely" Syrian President Bashar Assad was responsible for the attack on Douma that reportedly left dozens dead on Saturday. Cabinet meeting: Theresa May set out the case for airstrikes in Syria / AP It said there had been agreement around the cabinet table that such actions should not go "unchallenged" and that the UK would continue to work with the US and France to co-ordinate an international response. The US president was also due to hold further talks with French president Emmanuel Macron, after a meeting of his national security team ended without a "final decision" on how to respond to events in Syria. The largest US air and naval strike force since the 2003 Iraq war was said to be heading towards Syria, according to reports in The Times, paving the way for strikes within the next three days. Separate reports by US media said President Trump was considering striking eight Syrian targets, including two airfields, a research centre and a chemical weapons facility. Corbyn on Syria: More bombing will not save life The statement released by Downing Street after Thursday's Cabinet meeting made no direct reference to military action, but will be seen as a signal Britain would be prepared to join any US-led air strikes against the regime should the Americans decide to go ahead - putting it on a potential collision course with Assad's principal backer, Russia. Russia has called for the United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday for fresh discussions on Syria. Loading.... In a statement released on Thursday night, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. "They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. "They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. "They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response." Earlier, President Trump appeared to row back from a suggestion on Wednesday that missile strikes were imminent, insisting in his latest tweet that he had never set out a timetable for military action. "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" he wrote. Syria: What weaponry could the UK use? US broadcaster NBC quoted US officials familiar with the intelligence as saying they had now obtained blood and urine samples which had tested positive for chemical weapons. That assessment appeared to echo President Macron, who said they had "proof" that "at least chlorine" was used in the attack by the regime. Attack: Image released by Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets shows a child receiving oxygen following an alleged poison gas attack in Douma / AP The White House said it was still assessing the evidence after its security council meeting on Thursday. The No 10 statement issued following the Cabinet meeting said Mrs May had again described the attack on Douma as a "shocking and barbaric act" which represented a further erosion of international law. "Cabinet agreed that the Assad regime has a track record of the use of chemical weapons and it is highly likely that the regime is responsible for Saturday's attack," it said. "Following a discussion in which every member present made a contribution, Cabinet agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged. "Cabinet agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime." The statement made no reference to whether Parliament would be given a say on military action - prompting renewed concerns among opposition parties and some Tory MPs that Mrs May is prepared to go ahead without a Commons vote. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn insisted that MPs were entitled to a vote, saying Parliament "must be consulted". Ken Clarke, the Conservative former chancellor, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable and Ian Blackford, leader of the SNP in Westminster, also urged Mrs May to give MPs a vote on military action. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is due to start its investigation in Syria on Saturday. N igel Farage provoked outrage after appearing in an interview with online conspiracy theorist Alex Jones - who claims the 7/7 terror attack and the Sandy Hook school shooting were "staged". Mr Farage spoke from the LBC studio in Leicester Square via video link, telling Jones the Left was "allied with radical Islam" because "they hate Christianity". Appearing in a segment on the 'Infowars' show, he said: "They deny absolutely our Judeo-Christian culture, which - if you think about it, actually, are the roots, completely, of our nations and our civilisation. "They also - don't forget, Alex - they want to abolish the nation state - they want to get rid of it. "They want to replace it with the globalist project and the European Union is the prototype for the 'New World Order'... "We may sit here and be a bit critical of Trump but, on many other things, he's got things right." Mr Jones has previously claimed both the 9/11 and 7/7 terror attacks in the US and London were "staged" or "inside jobs", suggested victims of mass shootings in the US were "crisis actors" hired by the American government, and said chemicals in the water supply were being used to "make children gay" and reverse population growth. James O'Brien's furious response to Farage's interview / Twitter The interview sparked outrage online, with LBC colleague James O'Brien tweeting: "If you appear on Infowars you are legitimising an odious platform that maligns the parents of murdered schoolchildren [and] dishonours the memory of everyone killed in the 9/11 attacks. "Racist f***nuggetry is one thing, this is a whole new level of disgusting, even for Farage." Twitter user Stephen Macken wrote: "If you [appear] with the brand of LBC prominently displayed in the same frame as you, you bring LBC into disrepute by association." Martin Belam wrote: "So was that your Nigel Farage who complained about Labour anti-semitism appearing on Alex Jones Infowars then? He'll be absolutely gutted when he realises." Jones is known for proffering conspiracy theories made up of anti-Semitic tropes, including those concerning the Rothschild banking family and the falsified "Protocols of Zion". When approached for comment, an LBC spokesman told the Standard: "We can confirm we did not authorise the use of the LBC studio for this broadcast by Nigel Farage." T heresa May was holding talks with French leader Emmanuel Macron today as America, Britain and France finalised plans for military action against Bashar Assads regime over its use of chemical weapons in Syria. The Prime Minister believes urgent action is needed to stop the abhorrent use of nerve agents and other deadly toxins. Downing Street yesterday said she and Donald Trump had agreed that the use of chemical weapons must be met with a response, to stop the Assad regimes pattern of dangerous behaviour. The Prime Minister is understood to be more hardline in private over the need to confront Assad to stop the use of chemical weapons becoming normalised. A Whitehall source said: She has very strong and deeply held personal views on chemical weapons. As the allied military build-up intensified: Jo Johnson, minister for London, signalled that the Government was still intent on pressing ahead with military action without a parliamentary vote by stressing there was no constitutional need for it. Loading.... Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the Government of waiting for instructions from the US president on what to do over Syria. Independent inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons were due to start work tomorrow in Syria to identify the substances used in the attack on the town of Douma. The UN Security Council scheduled another emergency meeting today at Russias request. Russian deputy prime minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on the mood of one person when he wakes up in the morning in an apparent reference to Mr Trumps tweet on Wednesday that missiles will be coming. Mr Macron has already said that there is evidence that the Assad regime used chemical weapons in the attack on Douma, in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus on Saturday. At least 70 people including children died, according to rescuers. Washington, London and Paris are seeking to co-ordinate their response. There were claims that Mr Trumps tweet prompted Syria to speed up the movement of military equipment, which led to new targeting having to be done. The claims could not be confirmed. Downing Street issued a statement late last night on the talks between Mrs May and the US president. A spokesman said: The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response. A list of eight targets was said to have been drawn up, including two airbases. However, Mr Corbyn warned of the risk that military strikes targeted at chemical weapons stockpiles and Syrias air force could lead to the escalation of the conflict. He said: The Government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. H undreds of protesters gathered outside the hospital where terminally-ill Alfie Evans is being care for as his parents continued their fight for him to be discharged. Police were called to the Liverpool hospital where demonstrators chanting release Alfie Evans had arrived to show their support for the family at the centre of a life-support treatment battle. Merseyside Police said they were in attendance at a protest on Thursday outside Alder Hey Children's Hospital and appealed to protesters to be respectful. The 23-month-old boy's parents want to take him to Italy for possible treatment for his rare degenerative brain disease. On Wednesday, Mr Justice Hayden described what had happened to Alfie as "profoundly unfair" as he endorsed an end-of-life care plan drawn up by specialists. Alfie's parents Tom Evans and Kate James, who are both in their 20s and from Liverpool, have lost treatment fights in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. Alfie Evans is being treated in the Liverpool hospital / PA In February, Mr Justice Hayden ruled that doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool could stop treating Alfie against the wishes of his parents. This followed hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Liverpool. On Wednesday, during a follow-up hearing in London, he endorsed a plan put forward by Alder Hey doctors for withdrawing life support treatment. The judge said detail of that plan could not be revealed because Alfie was entitled to privacy at the end of his life. A video posted on Facebook features Alfie's father Tom filming his son in the hospital and holding a letter which he says states he has the right to leave with his child. The words "Christian Legal Centre" can be seen at the top of the letter. "I have documentation that says I have the right to take my son out of the hospital, I have the right to take my son out of this hospital," he says in the video. Tom Evans and Kate James, the parents of 21-month-old Alfie Evans / PA Mr Evans said the documentation says he is allowed to leave legally, and that he has removed the duty of care and given it to their air ambulance company. "Alder Hey phoned the police to murder my son," he said. "Alder Hey have phoned the police to stop me from taking my son out of the hospital. This is my son. Look at my healthy, healthy young boy who is undiagnosed, who is certainly not dying." During the nearly two-and-a-half minute clip he also encouraged people to come to the hospital to stand outside and "tell them to release our son" in a "quiet protest". He added: "They have phoned the police over a child... Look how innocent the boy is, look at him, he lies there eagerly waiting for his trip home. "How can this come to this?" D ozens of angry protesters have returned to the hospital where terminally ill Alfie Evans is being cared for despite pleas for calm. Alder Hey Children's Hospital had called for the public to respect the decision to withdraw life support treatment from Alfie and allow staff to continue caring for him. On Thursday, Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside the hospital after judge Mr Justice Hayden endorsed the plan. And demonstrators again lined on both sides of the street on Friday with banners of support urging the release of the 23-month-old baby to his parents. Protesters returned for a second day despite pleas for calm by the hospital / Getty Images After Thursday's demonstration, a spokesman for the hospital said: "Unfortunately the action taken last night and the behaviour of a small minority of supporters impacted very negatively on other patients, families and staff at Alder Hey. "We would therefore be grateful if all respect and consideration is shown to all our staff, patients and families at the hospital." But further protests came as father Alfie Evans announced he still hopes to take his son to Italy. Speaking in front of supporters outside the Liverpool hospital, Tom Evans, 21, said he had a jet chartered to take the infant for treatment on Thursday night but had been stopped by the hospital. Tom Evans, the father of 23-month-old Alfie Evans, speaks to the media / Getty Images Speaking on behalf of himself and his partner Kate James, 20, Mr Evans said: "Yesterday we attempted to discharge our son Alfie Evans from the care of Alder Hey, legally, by formally withdrawing their duty of care." He stated the hospital had "falsely claimed" Alfie was a ward of court and the delay meant the youngster had missed the flight, which was chartered from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. He said: "The alarm was pulled and police were alerted and within a matter of 15 or 20 minutes I had three police officers round the bedside telling me that Alfie was a ward of court and they had been notified by the hospital and if I touched my son I would be arrested for assault." He added: "We want to know why they are fighting so hard and what are they trying to hide." Supporters look on as Tom Evans speaks / Getty Images Mr Evans said an appeal would be heard on Monday and the family hoped to go to Italy for treatment next week. He said: "If he stays here and dies, he dies, if he goes and he dies at least he has died a hero, trying." The couple have asked the courts to allow Alfie to continue to receive treatment but have already lost fights in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. Merseyside Police said the protest on Thursday was peaceful but "did cause significant traffic disruption and inconvenience for other people trying to access the hospital". A spokesman for Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust added: "Alfie's clinical condition is truly heart rending but at each stage of the legal process which has to be followed in such cases, the courts have agreed with the treating team and the independent expert advisers instructed by the trust and the family that Alfie's condition is irreversible and untreatable. All treatable conditions have been diagnosed. "All the experts agree that it will not assist Alfie to subject him to further tests in order to identify a diagnosis. "As part of that process, his parents are making further appropriate representations to the Court of Appeal to present their views. "Last night Mr Justice Hayden ordered that Alfie cannot be removed from Alder Hey Children's Hospital pending the hearing before the Court of Appeal on Monday." B osses at the children's hospital where terminally-ill Alfie Evans is being treated have called for calm after a night of "significant disruption". Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Alder Hey Children's Hospital, in Liverpool, on Thursday night, as his parents continued their fight for him to be discharged. The 23-month-old boy's parents want to take him to Italy for possible treatment for his rare degenerative brain disease but this plan was rejected by the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Justice. A spokesman for the Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation said: "Last night the hospital experienced significant disruption, due to a large protest concerning one of our patients. Alfie's parents Tom Evans and Kate James / PA "We wish to pay tribute to our amazing staff, who worked tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions to manage the implications of this disruption. "Alder Hey is a special place with highly skilled staff who dedicate their lives to caring for and looking after thousands of sick and ill children every year. "Our priority will always be to protect and look after the welfare of all patients and staff and to continue to provide outstanding care to our patients and families, which we know is recognised by colleagues across the NHS and in the wider public beyond." Alfie's parents Tom Evans and Kate James, who are both in their 20s and from Liverpool, have been repeatedly told their rights as parents do not trump Alfie's individual rights. Ruling: Tom Evans and Kate James, tha parents of Alfie, lost their high court battle / PA A video posted on Facebook features Alfie's father Tom filming his son in the hospital and holding a letter which he says states he has the right to leave with his child. The words "Christian Legal Centre" can be seen at the top of the letter. "I have documentation that says I have the right to take my son out of the hospital, I have the right to take my son out of this hospital," he says in the video. Mr Evans said the documentation says he is allowed to leave legally, and that he has removed the duty of care and given it to their air ambulance company. "Alder Hey phoned the police to murder my son," he said. "Alder Hey have phoned the police to stop me from taking my son out of the hospital. This is my son. Look at my healthy, healthy young boy who is undiagnosed, who is certainly not dying." During the nearly two-and-a-half minute clip he also encouraged people to come to the hospital to stand outside and "tell them to release our son" in a "quiet protest". He added: "They have phoned the police over a child... Look how innocent the boy is, look at him, he lies there eagerly waiting for his trip home. "How can this come to this?" T he BBC has refused to drop plans to broadcast Enoch Powells racist Rivers of Blood speech on Radio 4 after critics branded the decision appalling. The broadcaster defended its choice to broadcast the speech, which is widely considered to be one of the most inflammatory in modern history by a British politician. After facing intense criticism over the broadcast, the BBC assured that there would be "rigorous journalistic analysis" and the show was not endorsing controversial views. The broadcast marks the 50th anniversary of the politicians controversial speech on immigration, widely considered one of the most inflammatory in modern history by a British politician. On Saturday the speech will be broadcast in full for the first time on British radio. Actor Ian McDirmid will read it out half a century after it was delivered in Birmingham days before a crucial stage of the 1968 Race Relations Bill. The speech included observations on immigrants taken from Powell's Wolverhampton constituents. The 45 minute speech is widely believed to have incited racism against immigrants and led to Powell being dismissed from the Conservative Party. In it, Powell proposed a policy encouraging people who had come to the UK from abroad to return their country of origin. It ended with a reference to a line in Virgil's poem Aeneid when civil war in Italy is predicted using the phrase "the River Tiber foaming with much blood". Plans for the broadcast have been branded appalling and repugnant. Labour peer Lord Andrew Adonis wrote on Twitter: Now the BBC thinks there is a public service in broadcasting Enoch Powells rivers of blood speech, what next? Oswald Mosleys memoirs? Genghis Khans views on peacemaking? A lawyer said to have treated her elderly father like a God until she discovered he was sleeping with her 28-year-old au pair is now fighting him in court over an international property portfolio and her late mothers jewellery collection worth an estimated 1m. Millionaire City solicitor Audra Wamsteker, 49, fell out with her father Paul David, 75, when she found out about his unthinkably repugnant relationship with Jobeth Daguio, the live-in nanny to her two children, Central London county court heard. The court was told that Mrs Wamsteker, a former Ernst & Young lawyer of Canary Wharf, found out her father had formed an attachment to the nanny after his wifes death in 2008. Mr David and Ms Daguio married in 2013 and now have two children. Mr David, a lawyer from Stratford, and his daughter are contesting ownership of a London flat, a house in Surrey, money from the sale of four properties in the US and 23 items of jewellery that belonged to her mother. In court, Mr David denied a claim that the dispute led him to threaten his daughters husband, investment director Adrianus Wamsteker, 52, with an axe, but said: I dislike him. I dont deny it, I dont like him. Family dispute: City lawyer Audra Wamsteker outside court He is arguing that a 740,000 bungalow in Worcester Park and a 275,000 flat in West Ham are his, despite being in his daughters name, because he paid the deposits on both and contributed to the mortgages. Mr David also wants 150,000 in rent after claiming he has been excluded from the properties since 2013, and says he is owed money from the sale of four homes in Florida which he paid for. He also wants his daughter to return the jewellery. Mrs Wamsteker denies her father ever owned any of the properties and believes the jewellery was a gift. Her barrister, Desmond Kilcoyne, said Mr David had implicitly admitted the real ownership of the jewellery in an email, when he wrote: Its no use keeping something youve been given by someone you hate so bitterly. Mr David said he gave Mrs Wamsteker only two items of jewellery. He also said his daughter had once said: Mummy made me swear that Id look after you to your dying day. Mr Kilcoyne agreed there used to be a very close bond between them, adding: You said your daughter thinks of you like a God. But he added: Theres an aspect of the relationship where she has felt unable to say no to you... you felt entitled to ask her for money. Denying the claim and insisting he loves his daughter, Mr David replied: She makes me look like some sort of gangster... I look like a horrible man standing here. A construction company has apologised after two of its employees allegedly ridiculed a mother while she was breastfeeding her baby. Naomi Adams was discreetly feeding her baby at a Slug and Lettuce pub in Manchester when she claimed two construction workers sitting nearby began to point and laugh at her, even attempting to take a photo of her and her child. Michael Fraser, the group managing director at Proline Group which employed the men, has apologised and said he was disappointed and saddened by the alleged actions of his staff. Ms Adams initially wrote about her ordeal on Facebook and posted a photo of two construction workers. She wrote: Today I was out with some friends and our babies enjoying a late lunch and a drink at the Slug and Lettuce in Manchester after going to a baby group. My son woke up after a nap ready for a feed, so I discreetly started breastfeeding him at the table. Unfortunately there were two workmen on the next table who thought it was hilarious, pointing and laughing at me, making rude gestures and even taking pictures. As part of his apology on behalf of Proline Group, Mr Fraser said the company has made donations to the breastfeeding group that supports Ms Adams. He said: I was disappointed and saddened when I learnt about the distress felt by a breastfeeding mum as a result of the actions of Proline employees. We expect all our employees to treat women with dignity and respect at all times and have immediately launched an internal investigation which the employees are fully co-operating with. I have personally spoken to the mum involved and am grateful for her assistance with the internal investigation. We are complete supporters of a mothers choice to breastfeed and are today making donations to the breastfeeding group that supports her and also to NCT, the national breastfeeding support charity. In light of this incident, I will be asking my team to review our policies and training around inclusivity to ensure that all our employees show respect and consideration at all times. Ms Adams responded to the apology on Facebook. Facebook/Naomi Adams / Facebook/Naomi Adams She said: I would like to say a massive thank you to Michael at Proline Group Ltd for your prompt response and support. M ounting outrage over two rapes one of an eight-year-old girl has swept across India as politicians and police officers were accused of being involved in the horrific crimes. One attack happened in the disputed region of Kashmir and another allegedly involved a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi held a candlelit vigil at India Gate in New Delhi, saying that India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. But leader Modi has yet to speak out on the two rapes sparking friction in his party and adding to the outrage of demonstrators. The protests were sparked as a police charge sheet revealed horrifying details of the alleged gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl, Asifa, in a Hindu-dominated area of Jammu and Kashmir state in January. She was kidnapped, sedated and gang raped in a Hindu temple. The perpetrators kept her for days, then stoned and strangled her before dumping her body in the forest, police said. A former government official and an officer who was investigating the parents' complaint about their missing daughter are named in the police charge sheet. Others are accused of trying to cover up the crime, and four police officers have been arrested so far, said Deepika Singh Rajawat, a lawyer representing the victim's family. Campaigners have shared a picture of the smiling, brown-eyed little girl on social media with the line #JusticeforAsifa. Distressing images are also circulating which appear to show her body after the killing. In a different case, a man died this week in police custody after accusing a lawmaker from the ruling BJP party of the abduction and rape of his 16-year-old daughter nine months ago. Police had failed to investigate allegations against Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a member of the state legislature, but India's Central Bureau of Investigation took over the case on Thursday. Sengar has denied involvement, but the case has helped galvanise a movement calling for justice for rape victims. "Both cases have shaken the conscience of the nation, shaken the hearts and souls of people," said Feroze Mithiborwala, an organiser of a protest in Mumbai on Friday. Rahul Gandhi, president of India's main opposition Congress party, led a candlelight march on Thursday night in New Delhi. Citizens' groups are planning further protests in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata over the next two days, while thousands of people have taken to social media to seek justice for the victims. Ministers have insisted that justice will be done no matter who committed the crime, while defending the government's record on fighting violence against women. But others disagree. F ormer FBI Director James Comey has likened Donald Trump to a Mafia boss in an explosive book. The sharply-critical account described the president as unethical and "untethered to truth". Comey said Mr Trump spent the early days of his administration obsessed with ordering the FBI to investigate salacious rumours published in a dossier that he was concerned would distress his wife. And he likened Mr Trump to a gangster-type figure, saying his leadership of the country is "ego driven and revealing the president had attempted to pressure the former FBI chief personally over his investigation into Russian election interference. The book, titled A Higher Loyalty, is due to be published next week and, for the most part, adheres closely to Mr Comey's public testimony and written statements about his work with Mr Trump. Ousted FBI director James Comey is publishing a tell-all account of his work with Mr Trump / AFP But it also features never-before-seen details about the former FBI boss' interactions with the president and his own decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election. According to the Associated Press, which has acquired an early copy, the memoir makes as series of personal jabs at Mr Trump, including comments about his appearance. Mr Comey, a towering six foot eight inches, described Mr Trump as shorter than he had expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. He writes in the book that Mr Trump is shorter than he expected / Getty Images He also said he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine but did not seem unusually so." Mr Comey was fired in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Mueller's probe has since expanded to include whether Mr Trump obstructed justice by firing Mr Comey, which the president denies. Trump: The president is accused of being unethical / Bloomberg via Getty Images "Donald Trump's presidency threatens much of what is good in this nation," Mr Comey wrote, calling the administration a "forest fire" that can't be contained by ethical leaders within the government. Mr Comey described his first meeting with Mr Trump and his senior team as well as NSA Director Mike Rogers, CIA Director John Brennan and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. After Mr Clapper briefed the team on the intelligence community's findings of Russian election interference, Mr Comey said he was taken aback by what the Trump team didn't ask. President Donald Trump's first year in office - in pictures 1 /40 President Donald Trump's first year in office - in pictures U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington Reuters 20 January 2017 President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump are greeted by President Barack Obama and his wife first lady Michelle Obama, upon arriving at the White House in Washington, DC. before being sworn in as the nation's 45th president during an inaugural ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Getty Images 20 January 2017 President Barack Obama greets President Elect Donald Trump on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Getty Images 20 January 2017 Attendees line the Mall as they watch ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump on Inauguration Day in Washington, DC Getty Images 20 January 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump sings to the song "My Way" while dancing with first lady Melania Trump during the inaugural Liberty Ball at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC Getty Images 21 January 2017 White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer makes a statement to members of the media at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC. This was Spicer's first press conference as Press Secretary where he spoke about the media's reporting on the inauguration's crowd size Getty Images 22 January 2017 US President Donald Trump congratulates Senior Counselor to the President Stephen Bannon during the swearing-in of senior staff in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC AFP 22 January 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with James Comey, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), during an Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, DC Getty Images 27 January 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May with U.S. President Donald Trump walk along The Colonnade at The White House Getty Images 09 February 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House February 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. Prior to signing the three executive orders, Trump participated in the swearing in ceremony for new Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R) along with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) and Sessions's wife Mary (2nd R) Getty Images 19 February 2017 Muslim women protest against US President Donald Trump on in Chicago, Illinois AFP/Getty Images 27 February 2017 Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway checks her phone after taking a photo as U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black universities and colleges pose for a group photo in the Oval Office of the White House before a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 17 March 2017 Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ivanka Trump talk before a meeting with US President Donald Trump and business leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 23 March 2017 U.S. President Donald J. Trump gets in the driver's seat of an 18-wheeler while meeting with truck drivers and trucking CEOs on the South Portico prior to their meeting to discuss health care at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 23 March 2017. The House of Representatives has yet to vote on the Republican-crafted American Health Care Act, that would replace the Affordable Care Act, as it remained unclear whether Republicans had enough votes to overcome opposition from Democrats and those within their own party. EPA/JIM LO SCALZO EPA 17 April 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks from the Truman Balcony with first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump during the 139th Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images 04 May 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump (C) speaks while flanked by House Republicans after they passed legislation aimed at repealing and replacing ObamaCare, during an event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC. The House bill would still need to pass the Senate before being signed into law Getty Images 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty Images 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks along with US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during a private audience at the Vatican AFP/Getty Images 26 May 2017 European Council President Donald Tusk, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, British Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pose for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily on May 26, 2017 in Taormina, Italy. Leaders of the G7 group of nations, which includes the Unted States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy, as well as the European Union, are meeting at Taormina from May 26-27 Getty Images 7 July 2017 US President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, AFP/Getty Images 25 July 2017 Incoming White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci talks with reporters during 'Regional Media Day' at the White House July 25, 2017 in Washington, DC. Conservative media outlets were invited to set up temporary studios on the north side of the West Wing so to interview White House officials and members of President Donald Trump's cabinet Getty Images 28 July 2017 Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) leaves the the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol after voting on the GOP 'Skinny Repeal' health care bill on July 28, 2017 in Washington, DC. Three Senate Republicans voted no to block a stripped-down, or 'Skinny Repeal,' version of Obamacare reform Getty Images 22 August 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump looks up toward the Solar Eclipse while joined by his wife first lady Melania Trump on the Truman Balcony at the White House on August 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Millions of people have flocked to areas of the U.S. that are in the "path of totality" in order to experience a total solar eclipse Getty Images 22 August 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a rally at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. An earlier statement by the president that he was considering a pardon for Joe Arpaio,, the former sheriff of Maricopa County who was convicted of criminal contempt of court for defying a court order in a case involving racial profiling, has angered Latinos and immigrant rights advocates Getty Images 15 September 2017 11-year-old Frank "FX" Giaccio (L) gets a pat on the back from U.S. President Donald Trump (C) while mowing the grass in the Rose Garden of the White House September 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. Giaccio, from Falls Church, Virginia, who runs a business called FX Mowing, wrote a letter to Trump expressing admiration for Trump's business background and offered to mow the White House grass Getty Images 03 October 2017 President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the Muniz Air National Guard Base for a visit after Hurricane Maria hit the island in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The President has been criticized by some that say the governments response has been inadequate Getty Images 11 October 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pose for photographs after Trudeau's arrival at the White House in Washington, DC. The United States, Canada and Mexico engaged in renegotiating the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement Getty Images 23 October 2017 Seven of U.S. President Donald Trump's eight border wall prototypes are shown near completion along U.S.- Mexico border near San Diego, California Reuters 30 October 2017 Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort gets into his car after leaving federal court, October 30, 2017 in Washington, DC. Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election Getty Images 06 November 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump pours fish food out as Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looks on while they were feeding carps before their working lunch at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan Reuters 09 November 2017 China's President Xi Jinping (L) and US President Donald Trump review Chinese honour guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing AFP/Getty Images 21 November 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, their son Barron, National Turkey Federation Chairman Carl Wittenburg and his family and members of the Draper County, Minnesota, 4-H chapater pose for photographs after Trump pardoned, Drumstick, the National Thanksgiving Turkey in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC. Following the presidential pardon, the 40-pound White Holland breed which was raised by Wittenburg in Minnesota, will then reside at his new home, 'Gobbler's Rest,' at Virginia Tech Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images 30 November 2017 President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania Trump attend the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting held by the National Park Service at the White House Ellipse in Washington, D.C. The Beach Boys, Wynonna, The Texas Tenors, Craig Campbell were among the artists who provided the entertainment Getty Images 01 December 2017 Michael Flynn, former national security advisor to President Donald Trump, leaves following his plea hearing at the Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, DC. Special Counsel Robert Mueller charged Flynn with one count of making a false statement to the FBI Getty Images 06 December 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump signs a proclaimation that the U.S. government will formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel after signing the document in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House December 6, 2017 in Washington, DC. In keeping with a campaign promise, Trump said the United States will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem sometime in the next few years. No other country has its embassy in Jerusalem Getty Images 14 December 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump cuts a symbolic piece of red tape during an event at the White House promoting the administration's efforts to decrease federal regulations in Washington, DC. The administration has vowed to remove two regulations for every single regulation added in an effort to reduce the amount of bureaucratic "red tape" Getty Images 18 December 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump pauses during a speech at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC. The president was expected to outline a new strategy for U.S. foreign policy through the release of the periodic National Security Strategy, a document that aims to outline major national security concerns and the administration's plans to deal with them Getty Images 20 December 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by Republican lawmakers, celebrates Congress passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the South Lawn of the White House on December 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. The tax bill is the first major legislative victory for the GOP-controlled Congress and Trump since he took office almost one year ago Getty Images 22 December 2017 A Palestinian protester throws a stone during clashes with Israeli forces near the Huwara checkpoint south of Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as protests continue in the region amid anger over US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as its capital AFP/Getty Images 12 January 2018 US President Donald Trump shakes hands with White House Physician Rear Admiral Dr. Ronny Jackson, following his annual physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland AFP/Getty Images "They were about to lead a country that had been attacked by a foreign adversary, yet they had no questions about what the future Russian threat might be," he wrote. Instead, they launched into a strategy session about how to "spin what we'd just told them" for the public. On a more-personal level, Mr Comey described Mr Trump repeatedly asking him to consider investigating an allegation involving the president and Russian prostitutes urinating on a bed in a Moscow hotel, in order to prove it was a lie. Mr Trump has strongly denied the allegation, and Mr Comey says that it appeared the president wanted it investigated to reassure his wife, Melania Trump. Trump lashes out at FBI raid on personal attorney's office Mr Trump has said he fired Mr Comey because of his handling of the FBI's investigation into Clinton's email practices. The then-Republican candidate used the investigation as a cudgel in his campaign and said Mrs Clinton should be jailed for using a personal email system while serving as secretary of state. Mrs Clinton herself has said it hurt her election prospects. Mr Comey said he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used but said he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making the statement in July 2016. Every person on the investigative team, he wrote, found that there was no prosecutable case against Clinton and that the FBI didn't find that she lied under its questioning. The president said Mr Comey is a "showboat" and a "liar" but the tell-all account has landed at a particularly sensitive moment for the administration as Mr Trump remained enraged over a recent FBI raid of his personal lawyer's home and office. The Republican National Committee is poised to lead the pushback effort against Mr Comey by launching a website and supplying surrogates with talking points that question his credibility. The book will also be heavily scrutinised by the president's legal team looking for any inconsistencies between it and his public testimony, under oath, before Congress. A father desperate to stop his shack on an illegal township being demolished flings his screaming one-year-old daughter from the roof before he is wrestled to the ground and she is dramatically caught by police below. Shocking images show a police negotiator anxiously edging towards the dad as he dangles the toddler by her ankle over the side. Unknown to him half-a-dozen officers from the South African Police Service have moved forward and are stood positioned beneath in case he let the little girl go. The officer on the roof warns colleagues the father is about to drop the youngster at any second as township protesters chant: Throw, throw, throw. Drama: the man holds his daughter over the edge and throws her off The police officer rushes forward to grab the father but not before he swings the girl by the leg and over the edge. The toddler falls through the air before one of the police officers below catches him. The 38-year-old man on the roof is then tackled by three other officers, arrested,handcuffed and lowered to the ground, to be charged by police with attempted murder. The drama happened yesterday morning after 90 shacks built illegally at the Joe Slovo township in Kwadwesi, on South Africas Eastern Cape coast, were ordered to be demolished. The South African Police Service had been sent in to ensure the safety of the demolition team as 150 protesters rioted throwing bricks and closing off roads with burning tyres. The father dangles his terrified and screaming one-year-old daughter by her ankle As calm was being restored the man climbed onto the roof of his shack with his child and threatened to throw her to her death if the demolishers did not back off and leave his home alone. When negotiators failed to talk him down a rescue plan was launched by police which ended with the fathers arrest and the safe recovery of the toddler who was thrown off the shack. Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said: At about 10.40am a 38-year-old man climbed onto the roof of one of the structures and held a one-year-old girl in his hands. Police seized the father after he threw his daughter Police set out a plan to rescue the little girl and arrest the male and one of our officers successfully caught the girl as she was flung. The 38-year-old father has been charged with the attempted murder of his daughter. E xperts have warned that international relations with Russia are "as bad" as during the Cuban Missile Crisis and could "accidentally" lead to war. Although Russia, the US and the UK are unlikely to deliberately engage in direct military confrontation, the present "unstable" environment means mistakes could spark conflict. James Nixey, head of the Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House, told the Standard that proposed US air strikes on Syria - if they go ahead - may not solicit an armed response from Moscow. "It's not an automatic," he said, pointing to the fact US air strikes last year were not answered with force by Russian president Vladimir Putin. Nor was an incident in which hundreds of Russians were reportedly killed by US forces in Syria. New low: President Donald Trump threatened Russia with 'smart' missiles / AFP/Getty Images He said therefore that people need not "stock up on tinned goods or repair to nuclear bunkers" just yet. But he added: "I am concerned that we have an unstable situation. We have a person with limited knowledge in the White House, a sociopathic former KGB agent with an inferiority complex in Moscow, and a mass-murdering dictator in Damascus. "That is a really bad combination. I do worry, because it is the kind of situation where an accident could happen to push (escalation) forward, where we do not declare war but stumble into it because there's a perfect storm," he said. An accident could be an event like a missile being accidentally fired, or a plane shot down, such as when MH17 was destroyed by a Buk missile over Ukraine in 2014. Prime Minister Theresa May agreed with Donald Trump that chemical attacks cannot go unchallenged / AP Dr Ruth Deyermond, lecturer in post-Soviet security at King's College London, echoed the warning, saying the low in relations is "unprecedented" and poor handling could pose "real danger". She said: "We are in a situation where we have a level of hostility between Russia and the US and the UK that has not been seen since not only the end of the Cold War but the mid- to late-1980s. "However dangerous the Cold War was, it was a structure people understood and were familiar with - people knew what they were involved with. "Now we have unprecedented levels of hostility but none of the old Cold War practices and routines, and that's where escalation becomes a real danger." Dr Deyermond said both Russia and the US are now trying to "slow things down" after US president Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday that Russia should "get ready" for a missile attack. However, she described herself as "concerned" because "there is a serious risk of escalation". "The obvious flashpoint is the Baltic region where there are already a large number of Russian troops at Kaliningrad (the Russian exclave between Lithuania and Poland) and a large number of Nato troops in the region. "Even if there isn't escalation in Syria itself, there's always the fear that the deterioration of the security environment could lead to accidental escalation in the Baltic states." She said a large part of the problem was that Mr Trump "is not interested in traditional diplomacy", and that if world leaders "grasp the seriousness of the situation" it can be de-escalated. "A lot of this is coming from the personality and governance structures of the president of the United States," she said, citing a reduction in staff at the State Department. "However, the people there who do have experience clearly want to slow things down," she said, adding that US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis showed a "clear desire to step back" in comments he made on Thursday. Mr Mattis appeared to put the brakes on the threats of US air strikes when he said no action has yet been decided. "We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people," Mr Mattis told policymakers at the White House. "But on a strategic level, its how do we keep this from escalating out of control if you get my drift on that." The risk of all-out war was high on the agenda on Friday, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warning "the Cold War is back - with a vengeance but with a difference," saying safeguards that managed the risk in the past "no longer seem to be present." Several high-ranking Russian officials have also warned against further escalation. R ussia carried out secret tests on how to smear deadly nerve agents such as Novichok on door handles, Britain claimed today in a bombshell dossier of evidence against Moscow in the Salisbury poisoning case. The UKs national security adviser Sir Mark Sedwill also alleged that president Vladimir Putin was closely involved in the mid-2000s in Russias chemical weapons programme. Sir Mark told how Russian intelligence officers are believed to have targeted emails from former spy Sergei Skripals daughter Yulia since 2013. Novichok is believed to have been smeared on the door handle of ex- double agent Mr Skripals home in the Wiltshire city. The Kremlin denies it has any stockpiles of the deadly nerve agent or that it was involved in the attack on Mr Skripal, 66, and Yulia, 33, last month. Russian President Vladimir Putin / EPA But the release of the previously highly classified information will cast fresh doubts over Russias denials. In a letter to Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, Sir Mark also revealed that intelligence chiefs had identified the laboratory where Novichok is believed to have been developed in the Soviet Union and said that after its collapse Russia had continued producing the toxin. He said the codeword for the chemical weapons programme, which included Novichok, was FOLIANT. In his letter, Sir Mark said: During the 2000s, Russia commenced a programme to test means of delivering chemical warfare agents and to train personnel from special units in the use of these weapons. Yulia Skripal said her strength is growing daily This programme subsequently included investigation of ways of delivering nerve agents, including by application to door handles. Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities of Novichoks under the same programme. He added that it was highly likely that the Russian intelligence services consider at least some defectors as legitimate targets for assassination. Mr Skripal was a former officer in Russian military intelligence, the GRU, and was convicted of espionage in 2004. Sir Mark said: We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals, dating back at least as far as 2013, when email accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists. Despite denials from Moscow, British intelligence chiefs believe Russias chemical weapons programme continued after the Soviet Unions collapse. Russian Spy Sergei Skripal: Salisbury Nerve Agent Incident 1 /14 Russian Spy Sergei Skripal: Salisbury Nerve Agent Incident Investigators in protective gear pursue the probe into the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal Getty Russian spy 'poisoning': Sergei Skripal and Yulia Skripal are fighting for life in hospital PA Personnel in hazmat suits work to secure a tent covering a bench in the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury, where former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found critically ill by exposure to a nerve agent Andrew Matthews/PA ilitary personnel are deployed to help remove vehicles from the scene after former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter were found critically ill after exposure to a nerve agent in Salisbury Getty Images Military in protective clothing remove vehicles from a car park in Salisbury EPA Police cordon: Military personnel in Salisbury PA Traces of the nerve agent used to poison Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found at Zizzi in Salisbury PA Amber Rudd: she visited the scene where Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found after having been poisoned by a nerve agent REUTERS Personnel are helped from their hazmat suits (right), after securing a tent covering a bench in the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury, where former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found critically ill by exposure to a nerve agent Andrew Matthews/PA Personnel in hazmat suits walk away after securing a tent covering a bench in the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury, where former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found critically ill by exposure to a nerve agent Andrew Matthews/PA Police put a red bag inside a police evidence bag immediately after the nerve agent attack on a Russian spy. Officers previously issued CCTV of a woman clutching a red bag Solent news Snap Fitness 24/7 Police activity in the cul-de-sac in Salisbury that contains the home of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal who was poisoned along with daughter Yulia with a nerve agent PA Sergei Skripal shops at Bargain Stop in a CCTV image from five days before his apparent poisoning The letter continues: By 1993, when Russia signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, it is likely that some Novichoks had passed acceptance testing, allowing their use by the Russian military. Russia further developed some Novichoks after ratifying the convention. In the mid-2000s, President Putin was closely involved in the Russian chemical weapons programme. Sir Mark argued that it was highly unlikely that other former Soviet states sought to develop an offensive chemical weapons programme after independence or that a non-state group could have carried out the Salisbury attack, partly given the high purity of the Novichok used. The Soviet Union is believed to have developed Novichoks in the Eighties as a new class of fourth generation nerve agents. The key institute responsible for this work was a branch of the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology, Sir Mark said. Novichok is thought to have been developed to prevent detection and to circumvent international chemical weapons controls. Theresa May: Syria and Russia must be held to account on chemical weapons attack We therefore continue to judge that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible. There is no plausible alternative explanation, added Sir Mark. Inspectors working for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons yesterday confirmed the nerve agent used in the Salisbury attack was from the Novichok family. The UK and 30 other nations have expelled 150 Russian diplomats in retaliation. T he Russian Ambassador to the UK played British journalists a bizarre montage of interviews of former Prime Minister Tony Blair to make a case against military action in Syria. During a press conference in London today, Alexander Yakovenko likened the potential military action over Bashar Assads use of chemical weapons to the 2003 war on Iraq. He branded the invasion infamous aggression and played a BBC interview of Mr Blair in which he said he backed strikes on Syria earlier this week. Mr Yakovenko asked for "45 minutes" of reporters' time before showing the tape. It included part of a CNN interview in 2015 in which Mr Blair apologised and admitted the firm we fought did not exist in the way we thought. The Russian Ambassador played a mash-up of clips of Tony Blair / Sky News A second clip from a 2016 speech showed the former politician express regret and sorrow over the war. Mr Yakavenko said a strike in Syria would be against International law and would be used to discredit the Syrian government." He added: Tony Blair deliberately misinformed the parliament and the public. It is well known how it ended, with the Chilcot enquiry delivering their verdict. The clip featured a number of interviews / Sky News Sir John Chilcot found following an inqury into the military action that the UK mounted an invasion with the US "before the peaceful options for disarmament had been exhausted" and claimed military was not necessary when war was declared in March 2003. Mr Yakovenko claimed again that there was no evidence to prove chemical weapons had been used in an attack in Douma, in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus on Saturday. Russia and Syria deny any involvement of Bashar Assads regime in the attack, in which 70 people, including children, are said to have died. Russian Ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko / Sky News Mr Yakavenko branded French and British support of military action mechanical. He said: "The Syrian government had been repeatedly warning for at least a month that rebels prepared to stage a provocation with chemical weapons in this very area. Mr Yakovenko said that international inspectors were expected in Syria on Saturday, adding: "But I believe that any delay may be used to carry out military strikes to cover up all the evidence, or lack there of, on the ground." Theresa May was today holding talks with French leader Emmanuel Macron today as America, Britain and France finalised plans for military action against Bashar Assads regime over its use of chemical weapons in Syria. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, speaking to Radio 1 Newsbeat at the Foreign Office, said it was "very important that the use of chemical weapons should not go unchallenged". Syrian government 'in control of rebel town' The Russian military has said the Syrian government is now in full control of the town on the outskirts of Damascus that was held by the rebels and that was the site of a suspected chemical attack over the weekend. The Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the situation in the town of Douma, in Eastern Ghouta, is "normalizing." Eastern Ghouta had been the biggest rebel stronghold near Damascus, but insurgent groups there surrendered after a series of ferocious government assaults aided by Russia under a massive bombardment. Douma is shown here inside the white circle The Jaish al-Islam group in Douma agreed on Sunday to withdraw, hours after a suspected chemical weapons attack on the town. The Syrian government and Russia have called reports of the attack bogus. "The raised state flag over a building in the town of Douma has heralded the control over this location and therefore over the whole of eastern Ghouta," Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Syria, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. A huge US air and naval strike force is heading for Syria in preparation for possible military action against Bashar Assad's regime, according to reports. The military fleet that set off overnight is believed to be the largest strike force deployed since the 2003 Iraq war, the Times reported. And a Russian-controlled anti-submarine aircraft was also moved into place at an airbase in west Syria to counter possible strikes, according to the newspaper. A British submarine fires a Tomahawk missile (file photo) / PA British submarines armed with cruise missiles were also reportedly believed to be positioned within striking range of Syria yesterday. Pledging to work together on the international response, Mrs May and the US President said there was a need "to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime". Downing Street said ministers had agreed it was "highly likely" Syrian President Assad was responsible for the attack on Douma that reportedly left dozens dead on Saturday. It said there had been agreement around the cabinet table that such actions should not go "unchallenged" and that the UK would continue to work with the US and France to co-ordinate an international response. Loading.... The US president was also due to hold further talks with French president Emmanuel Macron, after a meeting of his national security team ended without a "final decision" on how to respond to events in Syria. In a statement released on Thursday night, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. "They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. "They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. "They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response." Earlier, President Trump appeared to row back from a suggestion on Wednesday that missile strikes were imminent, insisting in his latest tweet that he had never set out a timetable for military action. T hanks to a whole lot of accessory brands offering pieces that are both chic and made without the use of animal materials, a vegan lifestyle neednt involve sacrificing on style. These trend-led carryalls are made with various vegan materials think waxed cotton and polyurethane but boast the same look as leather. And if you like more than one style in your collection, you will be pleased to hear that there are plenty of shapes, sizes and textures to choose from. Here are some of the best vegan handbags for every season and occasion. Matt & Nat Stella Small Bag Montreal-based brand Matt and Nat boasts a huge range that is entirely vegan and inspired by the colours and textures of nature. The linings inside each bag are made from recycled plastic bottles impressive or what? One of our favourites is the small-sized Stella satchel bag, which features two sturdy carry handles and a removable crossbody strap. This vegan handbag is perfect for city dwellers who want to keep hands-free on the tube and includes a zippered main compartment for valuables. The black shade is versatile and classic with four other hues available. 110 | Matt & Nat | Buy it now Stella McCartney Falabella With no fur or leather whatsoever in her collections, Stella McCartney is a vegan fashion icon. Her eponymous label relies on vegetable coatings and materials for all the lable's handbags and accessories. The iconic Falabella, with its braided chain detail and roomy interior, has since been a signature style for the brand since it first launched. This mini crossbody version comes in three colours and is the perfect size for carrying the bare essentials. Whats more, the strap can be easily tucked inside when you want to carry it as a tote. 495 | Net a Porter | Buy it now LaBante London Cabriole Vegan Tote Bag If luxe details are your thing, then LaBante is worth knowing about. The PETA-approved London brand ensures ethical production from start to finish and is super glam yet affordable. Were swooning over the snake textured handles of this elegant burgundy tote. Its created with three roomy compartments, including a zippered section, so is ideal for those who want to carry almost everything they can. Plus, the additional side change pocket means you wont be finishing around for coins or keys. It also has a removable strap that allows you to wear it on the shoulder or as a crossbody. Also available in black. 119.90 | House of Fraser | Buy it now Sole Society Oversize Faux Leather Tote Your search for a practical yet stylish work bag is over. Sole Society introduced vegan leather handbags back in 2014, which proved a hit with shoppers. Around half of its bags are now made from vegan leather. With its glossy finish and rich tan hue, the interior of this sleek oversized tote is spacious enough to fit day-to-day essentials such as iPads and vanity cases. It features large handles that make it easy to throw it over your shoulder for hands-free carrying. 49 | Nordstrom | Buy it now Reversible Crossbody Urban Outfitters sister brand Free People is PETA-approved and offers a selection of like-leather handbags along with vegan clothes and shoes. The versatility of this medium-sized crossbody means it will blend with almost every outfit simply turn it inside-out to switch up your look. Thanks to a magnetic snap, it opens and closes with little effort. There are no inside pockets but the matching removable zipper pouch makes up for this. 38 | Free People | Buy it now Angela Roi Morning Crossbody The clean-lined designs from Angela Roi are hard not to love. Not only is the premium brand totally vegan, but also donates a percentage of proceeds to different animal charities. And from neutrals to bright hues, theres something to suit every mood and occasion. This beautifully structured bag comes in just the right size for holding weekend essentials. As well as the zipped pocket on the inside, it also has a compartment on the back to keep smaller items handy. Naturismos shipping is free to the UK. 140 | Naturismo | Buy it now Gigi Crossbody You've met the Stella handbag, now meet Gigi. This structured satchel bag from Matt & Nat is perfect for daily commuting but works just as well on a night out. The patch details are completely removable but we love the idea and can definitely see ourselves adding and swapping out other patches/pins and brooches. The top handle is strong enough for heavier loads and the option of adding a crossbody strap is a big bonus. Zip closure with a top flap works double-time at securing your valuables with the interior boasting a zip and smart phone pocket. Entirely vegan and oh so on trend, Matt & Nat strikes again. 130 | Matt & Nat | Buy it now Rotunda Bag This on-trend black round handbag is inspired by iconic architectural domes like the Guggenheim museum in New York and the Pantheon in Rome. This luxe-looking vegan bag is composed of 100% vegan polyurethane and is also available in lilac, tan and green. We love the contrasting tassel and can definitely see this newly released bag as a go-to for many occassions. 136.98 | Gunas | Buy it now Melie Bianco Handbag This vegan leather shoulder bucket bag stars a metal ring handle and a printed lining. This very much on-trend shape from sustainable label Melie Bianco is one of the best cost effective solutions we found on our hunt for luxe vegan handbags. It's sleek, modern and easily paired with different styles. 32 | ASOS | Buy it now Ulla Johnson Barranco Crocheted Cotton Tote Tap into the boho trend with this statement handbag from Ulla Johnson. Hand-crocheted from pure cotton, the bag is lightweight and features stand-out gold handles. Pair with a floaty floral dress and gladiator sandals to complete the look. Verdict W ill Ferrell was taken to hospital after he was involved in a two vehicle crash. The SUV Ferrell was in was driving down an Orange County freeway late Thursday night when it flipped after being struck, according to TMZ. Ferrell, who was in the car with three other passengers, was taken to hospital by ambulance. Pictures from the scene show the Elf actor talking on a mobile as he was loaded into the emergency vehicle. It is believed the actor was on his way home from a Funny or Die event where he was in character as Ron Burgundy from Anchorman. Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe Romania has an essential contribution to the security of the EU borders, being one of the most important contributors to FRONTEX Agency's activity, Minister of Internal Affairs Carmen Dan told the Salzburg Forum - Vienna Process Ministerial Conference in Vienna. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) on Friday for AGERPRES, the main topics on the agenda of the Salzburg Forum - Vienna Process were the internal security of the European Union, the asylum and migration policy, the strengthening of external border security in the context of new challenges and the fight against extremism and terrorism. Minister of Internal Affairs Carmen Dan underscored at the conference the importance that Romania attaches to the creation of a safe space for European citizens."Romania has an essential contribution to the security of the EU borders, being one of the most important contributors to FRONTEX Agency's activity, having an essential role in ensuring the security of the European borders on three levels: provider of expertise, highly-skilled human resources and state-of-the-art technological equipment. I want to emphasize the importance of regional cooperation in the current security context and the role of the Salzburg Forum in strengthening the partnership between the law enforcement agencies of its member states in order to increase the safety of their citizens and implicitly of the whole region, said Carmen Dan, quoted in the press release.Another topic addressed at the Ministerial Conference was related to the Vienna Process, aimed at harmonizing the policies and priorities of the EU member states that have held, are holding or will take over the EU Council Presidency.At the same time, Carmen Dan had a bilateral meeting with Austrian counterpart Herbert Kickl, as well as meetings with the ministers attending the conference and with the heads of the European organizations present at the event.Romania, in its capacity as chair of the Salzburg Forum, will hold the ministerial conference in Bucharest on June 14-15.Romania has, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the chairmanship of the Salzburg Forum, with a six-month mandate taken over in January 2018, which runs until June this year.The Forum is a regional mechanism for political consultations and multilateral cooperation between the Central and Eastern European countries, set up at Austria's initiative. The Salzburg Forum includes Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, the MAI also said. AGERPRES . Minister of National Defense, Mihai Fifor, accompanied by Chief of General Staff, General Nicolae Ciuca, and generals and officers of the structures that coordinate the Romanian Army forces during the preparation of the mission and deployment to operation theatres, was from Tuesday until Thursday in a working visit to Afghanistan. According to a Friday's press release from the Ministry of National Defense (MApN) for AGERPRES, Fifor participated in an information briefing on the missions and activities carried out by the Romanian forces based in Kandahar and met with the troops of the 30th "Carpathian eagles" Protection Force Battalion, of the National Support Element, as well as those carrying out missions within the Train Advise Assist (South / TAAC-South) Command. "Thank you all for your courage and determination. Romania has a strong voice among the nations of the world, and the Army is respected and appreciated firstly thanks to you, those who, with a weapon in hand, carry out the commitments assumed by our country in the field of international security," Fifor told the Romanian troops.At the same time, he discussed with them and learnt about the problems they are facing, the state of military equipment, as well as the real support needs for carrying out the missions.The MApN also informs that during the visit to Kandahar, the Romanian officials had a meeting with Brigadier General John W. Lathrop, the commander of TAAC-South, with whom they discussed Romania's current contribution to the Resolute Support operation, the support granted by the US forces in Afghanistan to Romanian forces in theatres of operation and also the current concerns and intentions of the multinational Command for 2018, much of the Romanian contingent being deployed in the southern area."Romania has been one of the largest contributors to Resolute Support over the past two years. We are the fifth state in terms of the number of troops deployed in Afghanistan, but the fourth in NATO. As it was confirmed at the NATO defense ministers' meeting in November, our country had a contribution of some 630 troops in 2017 and more than 700 troops in 2018. At the same time, the Romanian authorities particularly appreciate the support provided by the US partners to the Romanian troops deployed in the Kandahar region," Fifor said at the meeting.As many as 29 Romanian troops have died in the line of duty (of whom 26 in Afghanistan) and more than 180 have been wounded in operation theatres, the release also reads. AGERPRES . he potential risk of commencing an investigation in the Competition Council concerning the tariff scheme must disappear, and on the General Assembly's agenda of next week there will be a cancellation of the decision to review the scheme, Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) CEO Adrian Tanase said in an interview for AGERPRES. He pointed out that he is afraid of a fine from the competition authority, but he does not believe, that, in the event of a sanction, there will be reimbursements towards those that were affected. Also, the BVB head talked about how he does not wish for a tariff spike in the future, but on the contrary, a reduction of these, as business grows. Concerning the transaction program, Tanase claims that this could be reduced, and in the future there will be derivative products introduced on the market. AGERPRES: You have been in charge of the Bucharest Stock Exchange for a few months now. What sort of problems have you encountered?Adrian Tanase: I wouldn't say that I have found problems. There are just some direction shifts which I would like to implement in the Stock Exchange's strategy. I have found a strategy concern, which isn't so major, but I would like to change the BVB strategy. I would like to focus the stock exchange strategy on the development of secondary capital market.AGERPRES: Does that imply new products as well?Adrian Tanase: All of these products, derivative instruments, market access from the investors' side, all of these are measures in the sense of secondary market capital development.AGERPRES: Were there any issues left behind by the former BVB head?Adrian Tanase: I can't see anything major left behind by him (ed. n. former head of BVB). There are some aspects that require "fine-tuning" and that can be improved for the purpose of stock system's functionality, especially in the strategy that the Stock Exchange must have from now on, at least during my term. This strategy should be focused on raising liquidities on the market capital. We will focus very strongly on the secondary market. Our efforts for the primary market as well will continue, in the sense of stimulating companies to come in the market, the Government's dialogue for continuing the privatization program, in the sense of educating retail investors. All of these will carry on, but the main focus should be on developing the secondary market.AGERPRES: Are you afraid that during your term the BVB could receive a fine from the Competition Council?Adrian Tanase: I personally do not like this event, namely this investigation that could begin. I do not like it and it is a wish of mine that this potential risk go away as soon as possible.AGERPRES: And do you believe that it will revert to the previous situation?Adrian Tanase: We have a topic for the next General Assembly's agenda, that of canceling last year's decision which reviewed the tariff scheme of the Bucharest Stock Exchange.AGEPRRES: In the event of a sanction, will those who were affected receive their money back?Adrian Tanase: I don't think that there will be a situation of reimbursement. The sums are not that significant, though for a large part of the tariff scheme, which was approved and those fixed costs were not implemented, they will be implemented on the 31st of May. My suggestion, as an executive, for the board, is that no matter the decision taken during the GA of next week concerning the tariff scheme, my recommendation for the board will be to not increase any tariffs at all.AGERPRES: What about a reduction?Adrian Tanase: Yes, of course. As I said, my term's priority is to develop the secondary market and its level. The growth of business would be a consequence. This should be our priority, to raise business for the stock exchange and for market participation. When we will have a larger business, we will be able to take into consideration tariff reductions.AGERPRES: I will return to my previous question, but I will have to ask you to answer with "Yes" or "No". Are you afraid of a fine from the Competition Council?Adrian Tanase: Yes!AGERPRES: Do you have an intention to alter the transaction program?Adrian Tanase: There is such a wish from a part of the market participants. We are studying this issue very seriously and we will make an internal inquiry concerning the transaction and also an internal study concerning the time frames, and based on the internal analysis and a new consultation of the participants, we will decide in the sense of shortening the transaction program. This program is considered to be a lengthy one. I could not give you any indication this moment. This issue will be based on a proposal which we will continue based on the internal analysis. I could say that the large majority of market participants wish for a shortening of the transaction program.AGEPRRES: Will you continue the financial education programs started by your predecessor?Adrian Tanase: Fluent in Finance, Investors Forum will go on. We would like to change the message a bit, concerning financial education. We also want to promote the market as being a place for all people, regardless of their financial education and background because the stock exchange, the capital market, is the place where all people's savings should be, regardless of the financial specialization that they have. We would like to send out a message to all investors, so that we could access the potential large majority of retail investors, that do not have their savings in securities.AGERPRES: You ended up in the BVB coming from the investment fund area. How do you convince someone to place their money there?Adrian Tanase: We want to convince people to save up, to keep their savings on the capital market. One way of holding on to these savings from the capital market is through investments in funds such as these. Another way of keeping their savings invested directly in either shares or bonds, is to keep their portfolio with the help of a broker, directly, without the means of an asset manager, but they will have to know that when we invest in the market we need to abide to some rules, so that we can mitigate the risks. The two rules that we have to abide to is to make long term investments and that they need to be diversified. As long as he does that, taking into consideration the two rules, and does not invest the money that he needs in an year or two, as long as he diversifies, it is somewhat a step forward concerning the investment. In that moment he will notice that the yield brought by the portfolio he created will be superior to the yield brought forth from a bank deposit. The investment through an asset manager facilitates this diversification and could create a yield over that of the market's.AGERPRES: Do you believe that the Romanian capital market will become emergent during your term?Adrian Tanase: I would like that thing to happen. The focus will be on the development of the secondary market, with an effect on liquidity. We all know that liquidity is a topic we never touch. If we do manage to develop the market's liquidity, then we will upgraded to the status of "up and coming market"AGERPRES: Can this be done just by developing the secondary market? Don't you need the listing of a large company, such as Hidroelectrica and Bucharest Airport?Adrian Tanase: The primary market is a premise for the secondary market development. A larger primary market would create a premise for a larger secondary market than we could actually have. There were 12,691 babies born this February, 4,437 fewer than in January 2018; the natural population growth stayed in the negative, as the number of deaths was by 10,137 higher than live births, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) said in a Friday release. The number of deaths recorded this February was 22,828, 795 fewer than in January 2018. The number of dead infants (aged less than 1 year) was 94, 16 fewer than in January 2018.The number of live births this February was 325 lower compared to the same month of 2017, while the number of deaths was by 119 higher than in February 2017.Romania's natural population growth was in the negative both this February (at -10,137) and in February 2017 (-9,693). The number of infants who died aged less than one year was by 11 lower in February 2018 compared to February 2017.The number of marriages registered in February was 6,095, 479 more than in January 2018, and 547 higher YoY. The number of divorces pronounced under final court rulings and in compliance with Law No202/2010 was 2,909, 2,156 more than in January 2018, and 476 more YoY. AGERPRES . President Klaus Iohannis forwarded to the Justice Minister the request for prosecution in the case of the former head of state Ion Iliescu, former premier Petre Roman and in Gelu Voican Voiculescu's case, the Presidential Administration announced. At the same time, the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice was also notified with regard to this request having been made. "Romania's President, Mr. Klaus Iohannis forwarded on Friday, 13 April, to the Justice Minister, the request for the prosecution of Mr. Ion Iliescu, Mr. Petre Roman and Mr. Gelu Voican Voiculescu, for deeds under criminal case no.11 11/P/2014 of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice - the Military Prosecutor's Office Section, for having committed crimes against humanity (...), and proceeding will follow in compliance with the law, taking into consideration the request of the Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice (...), as well as of those noted through the Constitutional court's decisions," the quoted source specifies.On 2 April, Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar conveyed to President Klaus Iohannis the request to start the criminal prosecution in the Revolution case against Ion Iliescu, Peter Roman and Gelu Voican Voiculescu, in respect to committing crimes against humanity, the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice (PICCJ) informs."The Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice has addressed to the President of Romania a request to exercise the constitutional and legal prerogatives regarding the criminal prosecution request in respect to committing crimes against humanity, according to the Criminal Code's article 439 paragraph (1) letter a, g, i and k, with the application of Article 5 of the Criminal Code, against: Iliescu Ion, member and president of the Council of the National Salvation Front (since December 22, 1989), a body which de facto exercised the central executive and legislative power, acting as a Government until the Decree-Law No. 2 of December 27, 1989, when the president of the council was given the role of a head of state, and the legislative powers of the council were separated from those of the executive ones, requiring authorization for December 22-27, 1989; Roman Petre, member of the Council of the National Salvation Front, since December 22, 1989, officially named Prime Minister of the Government of Romania by Decree No.1 of December 26, 1989, requiring authorization for the period December 22-31, 1989; Gelu Voican Voiculescu, member of the National Salvation Front's Council since December 22, 1989, officially appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the Romanian Government by Decree no. 5 of December 28, 1989, requiring authorization for the period from December 22 to 31, 1989," the Prosecutor General 's Office was arguing at the time.On 18 December 2017, the Military Prosecutors' Office was announcing that following the administration of evidence in the Revolution case, the conclusion of the investigators was that there was no void of power in December 1989.Military prosecutor Marian Lazar was stating then that there had been a military diversion starting with the evening of 22 December 1989 and the main cause of numerous deaths, personal injuries and damages.Moreover, prosecutors identified, including through testimonies, the source of the panic-inducing sound (emitted on 21 December 1989, during Nicolae Ceausescu's speech) which contributed, alongside other elements, to the disruption of the protest in the Palace Place and the onset of protests in Bucharest.At the same time, prosecutors maintained there had been diversions exercised on the command structures of UM 01417 Targoviste, the location where the Ceausescu couple was, but also orders received from the top of the military hierarchy regarding the physical elimination of the presidential couple."It is certain that a diversion existed, that it manifested itself in a complex way and on multiple levels, being the main cause for numerous deaths, injuries and damages.The evidence administered pointed out the mechanisms of constant misinformation, with extremely serious consequences, launched through the Romanian Television, the radio and the military communication means, thus instituting the well known terrorist psychosis. AGERPRES . Director of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) Eduard Hellvig had a round of official meetings at member agencies of the US Intelligence Community, SRI announced in a release posted on its website on Friday. At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the SRI head discussed with the agency's leadership and with senior officials in the main activity areas. In the context of the new security challenges and of the regional situation, the talks focused on two partner agencies' cooperation on the prevention and combat of security risks and threats. "Cooperation is running in all areas of current interest for the security of the two states, with emphasis on preventing and countering cyberattacks, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and hybrid threats. At the meeting, the American officials extended thanks to SRI and to Romania's entire intelligence community for their engagement in the combat of these threats," the release states.At the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), representatives of the federal law enforcement agency reiterated the importance of continuing the strategic partnership between the Romanian and the US intelligence service."The FBI officials voiced appreciation for the FBI - SRI co-work on the constant exchange of intelligence, the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime. The FBI representatives emphasized the fact that the partnership with the SRI already has already grown an important tradition that must continue, mainly in the increasingly complex cybercrime cases," the release states.According to the document, the SRI head also had bilateral meetings with representatives of the management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the US cabinet agency with a vast area of public security responsibilities on national soil."During the meetings, the sides underscored that in the near future SRI and DHS need to jointly capitalize on their particular experiences, particularly in the sensitive area of security threats in the two states. At this point, the SRI Director mentioned the significant progress made by Romania and its bodies in recent years and advocated once more the continuation at a fast pace of visa waiver approaches for Romanian citizens," the release states.According to the SRI, Eduard Hellvig's US tour continued with an official visit to the Department of State, where talks with US officials envisaged the current global context, the strategic partnership between Romania and the US, threats and risks to global security.The visit of the SRI Director to the US ended with a meeting with the members of the US Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI)."During talks, the officials shared national institutional experiences in the relationship between services and society, the paramount importance of parliaments in keeping intelligence agencies within the boundaries of democracy and in the exclusive service of citizens, but also in ensuring the legislative and the budgetary resources they need in order to fulfill their missions in the current security context," the release also said.According to SRI, Eduard Hellvig's official visit to the United States is "the expression of the close relationship between the Romanian Intelligence Service and the US security agencies, with the officials expressing their conviction that it will contribute to strengthening the Romanian - US cooperation under the Strategic Partnership." AGERPRES . Secretary of State with Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) Dan Neculaescu had a meeting with the two co-presidents of the Group for inter-parliamentary relations with Romania from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, namely Maksym Burbak and Grigorie Timis, whom he tackled with the situation regarding the right to learn in the mother tongue, a release of the MAE sent to AGERPRES on Friday informs. According to the quoted source, the meeting took place in the context of the visit which Dan Neculaescu is paying to Ukraine between 12-14 April. "The Romanian State Secretary voiced confidence that through the activity at the Verkhovna Rada level, the Group for inter-parliamentary relations can significantly contribute to preserving the right of persons belonging to the Romanian national minority, including the right to study in their mother tongue. At the same time, he underscored the necessity of a sustained and comprehensive consultation of representatives of the Romanian minority," reads the release.Moreover, State Secretary Dan Neculaescu underscored the importance of cooperation and dialogue on a parliamentary level."The Romanian Secretary of State reconfirmed the support for the European journey of Ukraine, as well as for the territorial sovereignty and integrity of the neighbor state in its internationally recognised borders," the release informs. It is to be hoped that you will read this piece. Perhaps that should be put differently: it is hoped that we will all be alive on the day that this piece appears or is intended to appear. The reason for concern that we might not be around much longer is the Trump tweet of April 11 threatening Russia in offensively belligerent terms that it must refrain from attempting to defend Syria from Washingtons promised missile blitz. His words chill the spine. It is barely believable that a US president could announce to the world that Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Trump is spoiling for a fight and has no idea what hes setting in motion. (He has obviously no idea what a smart missile is, for a start.) He is trying to force Russia into a corner and Russia will not be forced. If he engages in illegal military action against Syria by firing missiles at it and in so doing damages Russian bases or equipment in Syria, there will be most serious consequences. There could be a nuclear war. Exactly a month ago, on March 13, CNBC reported that General Valery Gerasimov, Russia's Chief of the General Staff, said Russia had reliable information about militants preparing to falsify a Syrian government chemical attack against civilians. In this event the US would use this attack to accuse Syrian government troops of using chemical weapons. He added that the US would then plan to launch a missile strike on government districts in Damascus. What he predicted has come about, save for the fact that the strikes (as at the moment of writing) are yet to take place. General Gerasimov was absolutely clear that should the fabricated chemical attack be executed, and if the US did strike Syria, and if there is a threat to the lives of our military, the Russian Armed Forces will take retaliatory measures both over the missiles and carriers that will use them. This statement was not covered in Trumps Fox News daily intelligence briefing, and the only reaction from the Pentagon was to send CNBC a message saying that Russia should stop creating distractions. There was no question of asking Russia for information about the falsified chemical attack that was being planned. Nor was there any suggestion that there be constructive discussion about means to lower tension. So now the United States is planning to attack Syria, a state with an elected government that is under grave threat from rebel forces and Sunni Islamic extremists who, if they managed to conquer the country, would slaughter every member of every other Islamic sect and all the almost million Syrian Christians who are protected by the Assad government an embarrassing fact that is kept very quiet indeed by Western governments and their media. Syria has permanent representation in the United Nations. It is acknowledged internationally, albeit it most resentfully by many in the West, as a sovereign state. The first Purpose of the United Nations Organisation is To maintain international peace and security, and to that end to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace. The emphasis is on peaceful means, a condition that was ignored by the United States when it engaged in its wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, and its current clandestine combat operations in countless countries. There is no question of the US engaging in peaceful means in Syria, whose government it intends to destroy, and its latest justification for attacking the country is the yet-to-be-proved chemical attack on a city in which Syrian forces had already overcome the crazed militants who had occupied it for so long. There was no reason whatever for the Syrian government to use chemical or any other weapons in these last stages of its impending victory over the Islamic fanatics. The Charter of the United Nations mandates that The parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall, first of all, seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice. But the United States has decided to again attack Syria without any such approach. The United Nations Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. There has been no indication that the United States would be acting in self-defence by attacking the State of Syria, and the UN Security Council has not approved any such action against it. A US missile strike on Syria would be totally contrary to international law. On April 11 US naval forces in the Eastern Mediterranean included the guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook along with an unknown number of cruise-missile equipped submarines, likely including the USS Georgia. But however many missile capable vessels there are, their precise locations are known (even the submarines) by Russia, which has the Mediterranean well and truly covered, and if the US ships missiles kill Russians in Syria, there will be retaliation. It would be impossible for Russia to refrain from taking action against the country that killed its citizens, knowing well that they were in the targeted locations. Even Trump must know that a missile blitz on Syria that involved the death of Russians would be vastly provocative. Trumps military parade friend, French President Emmanuel Macron, has not yet made up his mind whether to join in Washingtons anti-Russia missile strikes on Syria, and it seems that British Prime Minister Theresa May will be forced to put the idea to a democratic vote in the House of Commons, where it will assuredly be defeated. And nobody else in Europe favours the idea of going to war with Russia. Trump is on his own in threatening that hes going to missile blitz the Syrians, and the hell with Russia. His bizarre tweet Get ready Russia, because the missiles will be coming, nice and new and smart! has caused alarm in Washington and has shown the world that he is verging on the psychotic. If he does kill Russians, he will learn that this is not a wise thing to do, because Russia is not going to accept such action and will probably destroy a large and expensive missile-firing US navy ship. What then? With its breath held, the world is watching the situation creep in Syria. The D-day could be very soon or not so soon at all, as President Trump said in another remark to demonstrate his flip-flop policy. The most frequently asked question is what will it lead to? Its possible to make at least some predictions regarding the prospects of direct clash between the two strongest military powers. The US will strike Syria. The pressure is mounting and the president has to do something about it. Donald Trumps name is mentioned in the FBI search and seizure warrants executed against his personal lawyer Michael Cohen. Other stories hit headlines. Some time ago it was tax evasion to be followed by illegal child stories. Today its the affairs with adult film star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. Tomorrow itll be something else. The Special Counsel Muellers Russiagate investigation is underway and you never know what to expect. Its important to divert public attention and save approval ratings. This is not the time the president can allow himself to be soft. He has to react and is pushed to do so. Too many things have been said and done. The decision has been made and there is no turning back. GOP senators believe an action against Assad does not require Congressional approval under the broad 2001 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF). Will he wait for UN investigators to finish their job? Hardly so. An OPCW team is working in Douma now but the organization has no authority to say who exactly the perpetrator is. It can only ascertain the very fact that the chlorine was used something the US and its allies appear to have no doubt about. The OPCW has failed to demonstrate its efficiency as it investigated the previous strikes in Syria. The process is slow and one can never be sure theyll be able to come to definite conclusions. Besides, French President Macron said on April 12 he already had evidence to prove the use of chemical weapons in Douma by Damascus. He did not elaborate. US media cite other sources to confirm the Assads fault. The White House is reported to be confident that chemical weapons were used in Douma. So, Donald Trump will order an attack on Syrias military infrastructure to degrade its capability as well strike its Iranian ally. The US will have to knock out Syrias air defenses first to reveal the methods and tactics used to carry out such a mission. No doubt, the Russian military intelligence will analyze it thoroughly. Will it lead to a direct clash with Russian military? Never say never, but the answer is no, it is too risky. If the US wanted to really start a war with a country that can hit back, it would never make comments on timing of a military action. There would be hush-hush preparations with no warnings and details about the intentions posted on Twitter. The American military would do its best to make the operation a surprise. The US and Russia have a smoothly running mechanism of avoiding incidents. Its not in headlines, but their military contacts are intense at the moment via the deconfliction hotline. Russian respected business daily Kommersant reported on April 12 that Russian top defense officials were in contact with the Defense Department over the potential strikes. According to the newspaper, receiving coordinates of the targets before an attack was an issue on the agenda. Washington evidently wants to reach an agreement on keeping Russian military out of harms way. Tartus and Hmeimim, the bases operated by Russian military, will not be targets. Its not a coincidence that Syria assets have already been moved to Hmeimim. The war against Moscow is on but the main weapon is economic sanctions. Moscow said it will use its air defense systems to provide legitimate defense of its personnel in Syria. Perhaps, the Syrian Defense Ministrys building is an asset to defend as Russian personnel is present inside. The US military will strike where air defenses are weak to use an easy victory for political ends. This is going to be a missiles war: cruise missiles against Russian state-ofthe-art air defense interceptors. Russian S-400 systems have never been tried in action. They can hit low flying targets. To get through, many Tomahawks will be needed to create a saturation effect as losses may be heavy enough. If S-400s prove to be effective, and there is each and every reason to believe they will, one can imagine how many countries will want to acquire them. The missile-to-missile fight will be waged under the conditions of intense electronic warfare but without American and Russian soldiers shooting at each other. The situation will be tense. The parties involved will be balancing on the brink of armed conflict but it wont be an actual war between the US and Russia. For President Trump the main the thing is to demonstrate readiness to react. The US will form and head a coalition of leading Western and Arab states to roll back Iran and boost the American influence in the region. Its very important to have Turkey onboard. Ankara has already urged strong punishment of perpetrators of the alleged Douma chemical attack. This is a chance to smooth differences and get Ankara back into NATO orbit. The talks on using Incirlik air base to strike Syria are already underway. Many influential politicians and pundits will applaud it, praising the president. If successful, an operation in Syria, along with the economy doing well, will boost GOPs chances before the 2018 mid-term elections. But flying missiles take toll. The situation is comparable to the 1962 Cuban missile crisis or the balancing of the brink of war during the 1973 Yom Kippur conflict. True, as one can see, the US is applying efforts to avoid a collision with Russia, while ready to strike other actors, such as Iran. It goes to show how important it is to be strong dealing with Washington, which is addicted to the use of force as an instrument to solve domestic and foreign policy problems. Hopefully, the worst will be avoided, at least this time. But one can never be sure. The flames of war are easy to spark but extremely hard to extinguish. The world is being pushed to the brink of catastrophic war. US President Trump and his French and British counterparts are threatening to launch military strikes on Syria in the coming days. Donald Trump has bragged about smart missiles coming. French President Emmanuel Macron says we will strike at a time of our choosing. Who are these madmen? What right have they to threaten world peace? It could be all just bravado, but even the mere use of threat is completely intolerable and criminal. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has warned that any such action will precipitate a region-wide war. With Saudi Arabia and Israel saying that they will join in the actions of the above NATO trio to attack Syria, Assads warning of mayhem is a grimly accurate prognosis. Iran has said it will defend its ally Syria if it comes under attack. Russia has also given notice that any US-led intervention will be responded to with force. We are thus on the cusp of an explosive war if the US and its allies proceed with their threats to launch military strikes. The risk of a devastating escalation is a clear and present danger. American, French and British warships and warplanes are converging in the East Mediterranean within striking distance of Syria. Russia has beseeched the NATO powers to come to their senses and back off from their war plans. Frances President Macron says that he does not want an escalation of violence. Macron is either cynical or deluded. If the NATO powers follow through with their threats to launch strikes on Syria, then escalation is almost inevitable. Lest we forget, the US, France and Britain are already acting illegally by their past four years of low-level bombing of Syria. A case can be made that the governments of these three NATO powers are already in breach of international law from their aerial bombing campaigns in Syria. Regardless of their hollow claims of fighting terrorism in that country, they stand accused of war crimes. The American destruction of the Syrian city of Raqqa last year with thousands of casualties is sufficient evidence of massive criminality. Then there is the incontrovertible evidence that the US, Britain and France have for the past seven years covertly ransacked Syria with their clandestine support of terrorist proxies the very groups whom they mendaciously claim to be fighting against. The Syrian war has been all about a criminal covert war for regime change, orchestrated and fomented by the US and its allies. The fact that the terror proxies for regime change have been defeated by the Syrian army along with its allies Russia, Iran and Hezbollah is being distorted by Western media propaganda. Instead of acknowledging this historic victory, Western governments are rushing to create a pretext for direct intervention. This week sees the Syrian army and Russia finally recapturing the last bastion of the Western-backed terror proxies in the Eastern Ghouta suburb near the capital Damascus. The war is over, or should be over. But the US and its allies are pushing for a last-ditch excuse to launch a full-on war against Syria. And if these powers do proceed with their strike plan, it is on the back of an outrageous false-flag provocation involving alleged chemical weapons. The UN inspectors have not even begun to carry out their investigation into what happened last weekend in Eastern Ghouta where the last-remaining terrorist groups claimed that Syrian government forces carried out a chemical weapons attack on civilians. There is no evidence of such an attack, except for videos of very dubious provenance sourced from the terror groups. Syrian and Russian forces say there is no evidence of a chemical attack. Red Crescent medics on the ground have also said there is no evidence. The entire episode is a dubious claim sourced from dubious sources and given the usual Western media saturated, unverified coverage. Frances Macron upped the ante this week, stating that he has proof that chemical weapons were used by the Syrian regime. Macron is recklessly raising the stakes for a joint military attack on Syria by the US, Britain and France. But where is Macrons proof? He doesnt show any. This is typical of the illegal conduct of Western governments who make sensational claims without any substantiation. If the Syrian and Russian authorities are correct in their assessment, then Macon is a deluded liar. The French leader who has plenty of political woes at home with nationwide industrial strikes is said to be goading Trump to take military action. For the past two decades, the US, British and French have been on a bombing spree around the world, killing millions of innocents in their Neo-imperialist intrigues. The Middle East and Africa has been devastated from their illegal wars. Yemen, to mention just one country, is being subjected to a genocidal war in which millions of children are starving from a barbaric blockade of that country by Saudi Arabia, armed and fuelled by the US, Britain and France. Yemen is a monumental war crime. And yet, grotesquely, the world is told by the war-criminal governments of the US, Britain and France that they are going to bomb Syria to protect civilians on the back of a lie. World peace is being threatened by despicable rogue regimes that are telling lies with sanctimonious smirks. Russia is right to hold firm. The rogue regimes of the US, Britain and France must not be allowed to hold the world hostage with their rampant state-sponsored terrorism. The Western powers like to talk about red lines. They have crossed many red lines already with the blood of millions splattered over the globe. Bombing Syria is a final red line. Facing down Western aggression in Syria is only the beginning. The Western public must follow up by bringing their war criminals in high office to justice. Japan achieved another first recently when a female naval officer (Captain Ryoko Azuma) was appointed the commander of the navys First Escort Division, which includes four warships including the 27,000 ton Helicopter Destroyer Izumo which looks like an aircraft carrier and can carry 28 helicopters. Japan has two of these ships (plus some smaller ones) which could also operate ten of the vertical takeoff F-35B stealth fighters and, as expected, Japan is now looking into doing that. While captain Azuma is the first female squadron commander she is but one of many firsts for women in the Japanese navy. It wasnt until 2008 that all female officers were allowed to serve on warships. Before that female medical officers were allowed to serve as medical officers on warships. One of those, medical officer Hikaru Saeki, n 2001 became the first female admiral in the Japanese navy. The experience with female medical officers at sea apparently played a role allowing all women to serve at sea and then the appointment of a female officer to command a squadron. In this case, the First Escort Division has a thousand sailors, three percent of them women. Overall about six percent of the Japanese navy is female. Like many other major navies, more women are being recruited in part because there is a shortage of men willing or able to do this work. Japan is also suffering from a shrinking population and a growing shortage of working age men and women in general. Captain Azuma joined the navy in 1996, at a time when the U.S. Navy already had hundreds of female naval officers working their way into the higher ranks. Young Japanese women knew that in the mid-1970s, the U.S. Navy began letting women into Annapolis (the Naval Academy) and flight school. Some 35 years later the U.S. Navy had women commanding combat aircraft squadrons, cruisers, an amphibious task force (expeditionary strike group) and a strike group (a carrier task force.) By 2014 twelve percent of crews were female in the U.S. Navy. This came about after American women were allowed to serve on American combat ships in 1994. In most NATO countries between 5-10 percent of sailors are women, while in Britain it is 10 percent, and in the United States 16 percent. British women have served in the Royal Navy since World War I as a separate force, the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS, or "wrens"). The U.S. Navy had a similar system, which gradually faded away by the 1970s. In Britain, the WRNS did not disappear until 1993. In the 1990s, women were completely integrated into the Royal Navy and allowed to serve on ships. The British Royal Navy had its first female warship commander in 2012. Actually female British naval officers had commanded smaller warships and in 2012 one took command of a minesweeper squadron. But command of a major warship is a big deal. This didnt happen in the U.S. Navy until a female officer took command of a destroyer in 2002. That particular officer, Holly Graf, went on to take command of a cruiser (USS Cowpens) in 2008, but was relieved in 2010, because of complaints by officers that the captain yelled a lot and treated them cruelly. Turns out Graf had always been tough on her subordinates but that her superiors had always looked the other way (to avoid antagonizing politicians or the media), leaving Graf the impression that her rough manners were acceptable. In the end, her only punishment, aside from having to explain herself in front of several boards of officers, was to be forcibly retired at her highest rank (captain). Over the last century, women have been increasingly a part of the military. In most Western nations over ten percent of military personnel are female. In the U.S. military, its now 15 percent. A century ago it was under one percent (and most of those were nurses and other medical personnel). More women are in uniform now because there aren't enough qualified men, especially for many of the technical jobs armed forces now have to fill. During World War II over five million women served in the military, although they suffered fewer losses than the men, several hundred thousand did die. These women were often exposed to combat, especially when fighting as guerillas or operating anti-aircraft guns and early warning systems in Russia, Germany, and Britain. Russia also used women as traffic cops near the front line, as snipers, and as combat pilots. They tried using them as tank crews and regular infantry, but that didnt work out. Women were most frequently employed in medical and other support jobs. The few who served as snipers or pilots were very good at it. In the last century, there have been several attempts to use women in combat units, and all have failed. When given a choice, far fewer women will choose combat jobs (infantry, armor, artillery) than will men. But duty as MPs does attract a lot of women, as do jobs like fighter, bomber, helicopter pilots and crews, and aboard warships. That works. During a major war more women are willing to carry out combat tasks, thus the large number of Russian female snipers and pilots and female irregulars (guerillas and spies) in nearly all countries. After the war, all of these women were demobilized, but not forgotten. As more nations abolished conscription in the decades after World War II it became practical to recruit women for jobs that were difficult to fill (not enough qualified men) and women were willing to undertake. The 700,000 Burmese Rohingya Moslem refugees in Bangladesh are still stuck there. The Burmese government insists that only validated Burmese residents will be allowed back and the verification process is stalled. Burma is only approving about seven percent of the names Bangladesh presents as authentic Burmese Rohingya. The repatriation back to Burma of was supposed to begin in January but continued army violence against Rohingya still in Burma made that impossible. Added to that were the administrative problems and so much more. Those Rohingya going back must do so voluntarily but there have been many reports of Rohingya refugee camp leaders putting Rohingya on the will return list even if the refugee does not want to return. This abuse of the lists may have to do with corruption or Rohingya politics. There has been some violence in the camps over this issue and others. Back in Burma UN officials report that adequate preparations have not been made to handle a large scale return of Rohingya. A further complication is that those Rohingya willing to return want to return to their homes. If their home was destroyed (as many were during the military violence) the returnees want an opportunity to rebuild and for the government to supply money and supplies to make that possible. That would be difficult because in many of the areas Rohingya fled from local officials have treated the former Rohingya property as abandoned and available or resale and reuse. Rohingya refugees are aware of this and will not return until the government clears up the property ownership issues. That happening is considered an impossible dream by all concerned. As a result, many Rohingya refugees are seeking new homelands. Bangladesh is not considered a good candidate because the country is already crowded and poor and long the source of illegal migrants to other nations. At the moment Moslem refugees are a hard sell, even in Moslem countries. No one is willing to take a lot of Rohingya and Bangladesh does not like being stuck with these large refugee camps near the Burmese border. Facebook The Foreign Oppressor Facebook, a popular form of mass communications in Burma has announced that it is increasing its staff of Burmese speakers so that hate speech can be deleted. This caused an uproar in Burma where both the government and opposition groups wanted to know why a foreign company is spying on Burmese Facebook users by scanning private messages and deleting those the Americans decide are improper. Since the return of democracy in 2011 more Burmese have had access to the Internet and social media. Facebook is an international favorite and by 2016 ten million Burmese were users. Thats about a fifth of the population and since neither the government nor anyone else could censor Facebook it became the gathering place for all sorts of groups. This included the Buddhist nationalists who called for the expulsion of the Rohingya minority. Recently the head of Facebook came under growing political pressure to justify censorship of Facebook users and define exactly what criteria is used to determine what is forbidden speech. This is a contentious issue in the United States where the constitution explicitly allowed freedom of speech. Most other nations, even in the democratic West, have no such guarantees. Even so, Facebook users in other nations dont care for Facebook taking away their free speech online. April 11, 2018: The army has sentenced seven soldiers (four officers and three NCOs) to ten years in prison for the murder of ten Rohingya men in 2017. Two Burmese journalists working for a foreign news operation (Reuters) who reported the murder were subsequently arrested (for exposing state secrets) and are still being held. The military has always been hostile to any media poking around in the north and before the new 2011 constitution journalists who ventured north would often just disappear. April 6, 2018: In the north (Kachin State) KIA rebels raided a small army base at night and captured it. Over a dozen soldiers were captured, some of them wounded. The KIA looted the base and left the 13 wounded soldiers behind after the army sent two armed helicopters to attack the base. This is part of a KIA counter offensive against the expanded army presence in KIA controlled territory. This is a continuation of an army offensive that began at the end of 2017 to halt illegal (not paying a tax to the army) mining of amber and gold. Control of these mines helps finance the KIA, which has refused to participate in peace talks. The KIA still controls large portions of Kachin state but the army is spread thin and distracted by the Rohingya situation. Meanwhile, over 100,000 locals have been driven from their homes by the fighting and most of the gold and amber mining operations are still shut down, leaving the miners destitute. For the locals, the KIA offensive is popular. Moreover, many of the gold and amber mining operations are legitimate companies recognized by the government. The army incursion is seen as another example of the military acting like outlaws in the north. Sometimes the rebels can do what the army does and go total outlaw. That is currently happening in nearby Shan state where two rival rebel groups, the RCSS (Restoration Council of the Shan State Army) and TNLA (Tang National Liberation Army), have been fighting for control of disputed territory. In areas where the issue has been settled many villagers driven from their homes by the fighting are reluctant to return home because the rebels have a reputation for demanding payment from locals. April 3, 2018: In the south (Bago) a Burmese Air Force F-7 jet fighter crashed after takeoff for a training flight. The cause was a mechanical failure. The pilot ejected but was injured and later died. The F-7 is the Chinese clone of the Russian MiG-21. March 31, 2018: In the far north (Kachin state) border guards note that India has increased patrols, particularly where the borders of India, China and Burma meet. India wants to detect new Chinese incursions into disputed Indian territory as quickly as possible so the Chinese can be confronted before they can become too established (by erecting structures and building roads). China claims much northeastern India but has no similar claims on Burmese territory. March 30, 2018: The newly elected Burmese president said he would work to change the constitution that grants the army a lot of political power and bars Aung San Suu Kyi from running for president. The 2011 constitution gives the military control of all the security forces (police, border patrol and so on) as well as 25 percent of the seats in parliament. A few other items were added as well, like barring Aung San Suu Kyi (a key leader in the effort for forces the generals from power) from high office. Changing the 2011 constitution wont be easy, even is such a move is supported by most Burmese. The military will not surrender their constitutional privileges willingly and have been cultivating their relationship with the Chinese. But the Burmese generals really have few friends as the Chinese will do business with whoever is in power. March 28, 2018: Chinese officials, during a meeting with leaders of the Northern Alliance (a Burmese rebel coalition that operates near the Chinese border) told the rebels that they must not cooperate with Rohingya Islamic terror group ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) because that group has connections to Chinese Uighur Islamic terrorists. The Chinese threat has weight behind it since the Northern Alliance survives by maintaining good relations with China and free access to China for sanctuary and a source of supplies. Northern Alliance members finance themselves by producing illegal drugs and various other illegal activities (like smuggling). The Chinese warning is mainly aimed at the AA (Arakan Army). AA leaders denied that they supported any form of religious radicalism and said they consider Rohingya Bengali people whose citizenship status is something for the Burma government to decide. In other words, the AA does not want to make an enemy of China. Russia has been trying, since the late 1990s, to build replacements for Cold War era warships. Many of these have reached the end of their useful lives and many of them, while still listed as in service, rarely, if ever, seem to leave port. Russian admirals have been aware of the fact that they won't have much of a navy by the 2020s unless these older ships are replaced. The problem is that the older ships cannot be refurbished or upgraded because that would cost more than buying new ones, These older ships are not just falling apart, but because there was not any money available right after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, there were few repairs and no upgrades during the 1990s. The Russian parliament finally came up with more money after 2000 to build enough surface ships to maintain a respectable fleet. But there's the other problem. Most of Russia's warship building capability (experience and kills) disappeared during 1991. Before 2014 the government thought it had a solution and that was to make a deal with France to import modern warship building techniques, by purchasing two Mistral amphibious assault ship/helicopter carriers, and the right to build two more in Russian shipyards. During that process, Russian shipbuilders would learn how it's done in the West. Since the late 1990s, most of the Russian construction effort went into finishing a few subs and building some surface ships for export. Even these subs had serious construction problems. Mainly it was quality control and the navy refused to accept ships, especially subs that could not pass sea trials. Apparently, the ship yards were ordered to put all their efforts into the subs and eventually some of these limped into service. But the deal to import French shipbuilding techniques disappeared when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. France refunded the billion dollars paid for the two Mistrals (and later sold them to Egypt) leaving the Russians on their own. Now the Russian navy is in desperate shape. The latest example of how this is working out can be seen in the continuing delays getting the new class of 4,500 ton frigates (the Gorshkov class or "Project 22350") into service. Construction on these began in 2006 but by 2010 only one had been launched and it was still only half complete. The navy wanted twenty Gorshkovs to replace the Cold War era Sovremenny class destroyers and Burevestnik class frigates. The government has only promised money for twelve Gorshkov sand has since raised that to fifteen. But so far the first Gorshkov has not passed sea trials. This ship was commissioned in 2017 but could not enter service until it passed the sea trials. So far the Gorshkov has not done so. The latest delay is the failure of the anti-aircraft missile system to function properly. There are also problems with the engines. The builder says all will be ready by July. A second Gorshkov was launched in 2014 and is to be ready for sea trials in 2018. A third Gorshkov is under construction but the launch date is unknown because another side effect of the Ukraine invasion was Ukraine refusing to supply any more naval turbines. Russia said it was having a Russian firm begin construction but that is behind schedule and now it looks like no more Gorshkovs (aside from the first two) will be available for completion until the early 2020s. The Gorshkov's are armed with a 130mm gun, two Kashtan autocannon systems for missile defense, 8 Yakhont 3M55 or PJ-10 BrahMos anti-ship missiles (both are three ton supersonic missiles, with the BrahMos being an advanced version of Yakhont developed in cooperation with India), a launcher for 24 Uragan 1 (SA-N-12) anti-aircraft missiles (30 kilometers range, 70 kg/154 pound warhead), four 533mm (21 inch) torpedo tubes, four RPK-9 (SS-N-29) anti-submarine rockets and a helicopter. These ships require a crew of 210 sailors and will have the latest electronics the Russians have available for anti-air and anti-submarine work. These ships cost about $400 million each and will replace larger ships like the 7,900 ton Sovremenny class destroyers. These older, larger, ships, were designed for high seas operations far from Russian shores. The new fleet will be a return to the traditional Russian navy job of defending coastal waters. Even accomplishing that mission is in doubt if Russian cannot get its shipyards up to speed. Russia has been able to build some new corvettes but these are smaller and much less capable ships than the Gorshkovs. The Gorshkovs are not an isolated example. The same problems have been encountered with the Su-57 stealth fighter, the radical new T-14 tank, the new Borei SSBN and the Bulava ballistic missile it uses. In general Russian defense, industries continue to have problems developing new engines. The Russian space program is having similar problems with its rockets. The list goes on and on. Russia plays down all these problems but the net result is they have very little locally produced stuff to replace their Cold War designs. Worse, China is now producing improved and more reliable versions of those Cold War era weapons, along with new Western tech (like large, missile armed UAVs) that Russia cannot master. The Israeli airstrikes against Iranian bases in Syria plus another Syrian gas attack on civilians has Israelis and Americans updating plans for joint military operations. This includes a major strike against the Syrian military and the possibility that this would result in a major Iranian escalation. Major Iranian operations are unlikely, if only because most European nations agree with attacking the Syrian military in response to the recent chemical weapon attack against civilians near Damascus. Iran prefers a more indirect and less risky approach to getting what it wants. Russia is trying to dissuade Israel and its Western allies from attacking more Syrian targets, especially those that harm the many Iranians and Iranian mercenaries supporting the Syrian forces. Russia also does not want to put its high tech weapons to the test because so far these electronic and anti-aircraft systems have proved ineffective against Israeli attacks and probably wont do much better against the Americans. This is bad for business, as Russia has been touting the combat experience in Syria to get more sales for their new stuff. It would also be disastrous for Russian diplomacy which has presented Russia as a powerful and technically advanced ally for Syria, Iran and Turkey. Although Russia talks tough against Israel and the Americans it does not want to take this any further, nor does it want to appear like Russia is backing off. Russia is in an embarrassing situation and not getting much sympathy from anyone. Israel (quietly) and Saudi Arabia (openly) are trying to persuade the Americans to keep their troops in Syria. The U.S. recently announced that withdrawing them was a possibility although it appears all this has more to do with negotiations with Turkey over a number of issues, like membership in NATO and relations with the EU and America. There is also little enthusiasm in the United States for continued American troop presence in Syria. The popular attitude is that Syria and Iraq are regional problems. The U.S. helped to destroy ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) and that effort continues around the world. The U.S. remains committed to the defense of Israel and any Arab states who agree with that, but permanently stationing troops in the Middle East is very unpopular with Americans. Hamas Puts On A Show Despite the violent demonstrations in Gaza (technically because of the Israeli blockade), there has been nothing similar in the West Bank to show support for Gaza. Hamas declared there would be weekly demonstrations at the Israeli border starting on March 30 and continuing to May 15th (the day after the U.S. said it would open its new embassy in Jerusalem). So far about 33 Palestinians have died and 1,300 wounded. Many of the dead were identified by the Israeli as Hamas members getting up front and trying to urge more civilians to follow them right up to and through the fence. This enables Hamas operatives to bury bombs or try and cut the fence and make possible large numbers of Gazans to get into Israel. The weekly mass demonstrations will feature Hamas trying to adjust their tactics each week to obtain better results. But the Israelis also adapt and tend to do so more effectively. In the West Bank Fatah leaders officially back the protests but privately admit that it is just a publicity stunt by Hamas that uses dead civilians to gain publicity as the victims of Israeli aggression. There are several reasons for this Fatah attitude. The most important one is the current crackdown on Hamas members in the West Bank. The Palestinian police have arrested over 200 suspects so far and that has sent the other West Bank Hamas agents and supporters into hiding. Since Hamas is organizing the Gaza demonstrations (and arranging the cash rewards for those who are killed or injured, especially those who manage to kill or injure Israeli personnel guarding the border) there is no incentive for West Bank Palestinians to attend violent demonstrations with Israeli forces. Moreover, living standards are much higher in the West Bank and that means fewer people are desperate enough to do anything to earn some money. Unlike Hamas, the people who run the West Bank (Fatah) are mainly into corruption and not imposing lifestyle rules on people and getting them killed because of a constant state of war with Israel. The large Gaza demonstrations are mainly about providing cover so Hamas can get some operatives into Israel or at least plant bombs near the border fence for attacks on Israeli troops. In the last year, Israel has been increasingly effective at foiling Hamas efforts to build tunnels under the border fence or carry out smuggling operations or attacks off the coast. Without an occasional win, terror groups are seen as ineffective and unworthy of support. Hamas always has the option of launching a full scale rocket attack on southern Israel but the risk of massive Hamas defeat looms larger than ever before. That seems to be discouraging, but not eliminating, the major attack option. Another thing driving the calls for violence in Gaza is an unresolved feud among senior Hamas leaders. There are several factions, divided largely by a willingness to make peace with Israel and Egypt and concentrate on economic issues in Gaza. Yet Hamas began as a local chapter of the Egyptian Moslem Brotherhood and has always put more emphasis on destroying Israel than in looking after the welfare of the Gaza population. Iran is again a major player in Gaza, supporting factions that are most willing to attack Israel. Then there are factions that want to at least try and make peace with Egypt (which has blockaded Gaza because of continued sanctuary provided Islamic terror groups operating in Egypt. Iran Aroused In the north (Lebanon) Iran has apparently ordered Hezbollah to make preparations for war with Israel. This can be seen by recent Hezbollah moves to take control of Lebanese Army forces on the Israeli border and to push the UN peacekeepers (who are supposed to prevent this sort of thing) out of the way. Hezbollah is building a new line of fortifications and anti-tank obstacles closer to the Israeli border. Despite all the noise the Palestinians make Israel is concentrating on what it perceives is its greatest threat; war instigated and backed by Iran on two fronts. In the north, there are over 100,000 Hezbollah rockets in Lebanon and Syria aimed at Israel. In the south, there are over 50,000 rockets in Gaza, where Iran is once again a major backer of Hamas. Iran does not have sufficient ground forces available in Gaza (Hamas) and the north (Hezbollah and Iranian mercenaries in Syria) to invade Israel. The coming war involves Israel invading Lebanon, Syria and Gaza to stop the massive rocket attacks. Thus thousands of Israel ground troops are constantly taking short (usually a week or so) courses at special facilities that provide them realistic replicas of what they will face on the ground and instruction on how best to deal with it. There's some urgency to this training effort because Israel knows from recent experience (several wars with Hamas or Hezbollah since 2006) that the best preparation is detailed training based on the latest techniques the enemy is using and the latest tech and tactical ideas Israel has available. While Hezbollah seems prepared for this war Hamas is not. Hamas has a lot more political competition in Gaza and the competition is growing while Hamas fails to win even a token victory. Iran cannot provide a lot of support for Hamas because Gaza is more physically isolated than Lebanon, Syria or Yemen. The Economic Impact The West Bank Palestinians have tried to use all sorts of violence to kill Israelis or at least inflict economic damage. This sometimes has some impact, especially on tourism, but it is usually short lived. For example, in 2014 Fatah declared a new terror campaign that came to be known as knife terrorism. This emphasis on suicidal individual attacks soon lost their popularity despite Fatah still pushing them energetically in all the Palestinian media. This knife terror contributed to a 25 percent drop in tourist traffic to Israel during the first six months of 2015. In response, Israel publicized the fact that Israel is still the safest tourist destination in the region. By the end of 2015 tourist traffic was up and kept rising. So far this year tourism is up more than 50 percent over the previous 12 months. That was a continuation of the trend that began in late 2015. Palestinian terrorism efforts have never recovered from the defeat they suffered when Israel adopted new tactics that largely shut down the terror campaign that began in 2000. Fatah and Hamas have been trying to revive that effort ever since and have largely failed. Both Palestinian groups now openly admit that want Israel destroyed and will settle for nothing less and that is a poor strategy. This cynical and self-destructive attitude by Palestinian leaders has led to more and more foreign donors to stop giving. Too much of the aid money was either stolen or diverted to finance violence against Israel. Hamas has been the worst offender and as a result economic conditions are worst in Gaza. The years of feuding between Fatah and Hamas has made it difficult for foreign aid groups to operate in Gaza. Add to that the sometimes violent disputes within Gaza between rival Islamic terror groups, some of them seeking to overthrow and replace Hamas. That has led to some violence (and kidnapping) against foreign aid workers and that led many foreign aid groups to just give up on Gaza. Even Egypt has turned hostile, especially since Gaza has long sheltered Islamic terror groups that regularly conducted attacks in Egypt. April 12, 2018: For the fourth time this year Egypt temporarily (for three days) opened its Gaza border for carefully inspected movement in and out of Gaza. April 11, 2018: In the south (Gaza) Hamas detonated a bomb at the border near Israeli troops. There were no casualties although a bulldozer was damaged. The Israelis responded with several air strikes. The bomb had apparently been placed during large demonstrations Hamas has been conducting along the border fence. The air strikes led to someone in Gaza firing a heavy machine-gun at Israeli aircraft and at least one bullet hit a house just across the border in Israel. That brought another airstrike that killed one Hamas man and wounded another. Russia resumed commercial flights to and from Egypt after a two year suspension because of ISIL getting a bomb aboard a Russian airliner in 2015. That brought down the aircraft and killed 224 Russians returning from vacations. Egypt has handled ISIL and improved security since 2015 April 10, 2018: In the north (Syria) Russian ships have left the Russian naval base at Tartus. This is considered a standard move if major attacks are expected. European air control warned airlines to be careful over the eastern Mediterranean for the next 72 hours because there might be more air or missile strikes that would result in electronic countermeasures that could disrupt commercial navigations systems on airliners. Russia admitted that its electronic countermeasures were unable to stop the missiles, which they say were launched over Lebanon by Israeli F-15Is. April 9, 2018: In central Syria, several missiles hit the Iranian T-4 airbase near Palmyra. Four Iranian IRGC personnel were killed, including a colonel known for his work with Iranian UAVs. There were at least ten other dead, all believed to be Iranian mercenaries. This is where Iran moved its UAV operations after its original UAV base in Syria was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike on February 10th. The Americans said they had advance warning of todays attack while Russia complained that it was not advised even though it has some personnel at the T-4 base. Israel did not take credit for the attack, which is how Israel handles most of its airstrikes in Syria. In Egypt, the security forces completed another large counter-terrorism operation. Over the last few days, this left four Islamic terrorists dead and over 250 suspects arrested. Soldiers also seized 46 vehicles, 114 motorcycles and large quantities of weapons and ammo. Since February 9th these operations in Sinai have left nearly 200 Islamic terrorists dead and several thousand suspects arrested. Large quantities of weapons, explosives and ammunition were also taken. April 8, 2018: In the south (Gaza) Israeli security cameras captured video of three Gazans getting across the fence at night, burying two bombs on the Israeli side and then going back to Gaza. Israeli troops came and disabled the bombs. In response, an Israeli artillery hit a Hamas facility in Gaza. April 7, 2018: In Syria, an airstrike against Douma, a rebel held town east of Damascus, apparently involved some type of chemical weapon. Medical aid workers report at least 70 dead, including many civilians. The airstrike, like many Syria, carries out against pro-rebel civilians, involved a barrel bomb (an empty oil barrel filled with explosives and whatever else was available). These are pushed out of helicopters or transports and are equipped with a contact fuze so they explode on impact. Russian and Iranian military personnel work closely with the Syrian air force and know what goes on (and into barrel bombs). Iran has military advisors assigned to all the senior Syrian military commands and many of the lower level ones. Syria has been accused of using primitive (World War I type) chemical weapons that attack the respiratory system. These older chemical weapons are often nothing more than industrial chemicals (like chlorine) in large (and dangerous) doses. Russia believes these dont count as chemical weapons (according to the 2013 Russian brokered deal to rid Syria of chemical weapons) and the Iranians apparently dont care. When pressed Iran will blame Israel or the Americans. In response, the United States said it would retaliate if the Douma attack did involve any kind of chemical weapon. The evidence indicates that the Douma attack involved a combination of chlorine and a nerve gas. Israel fears Iran is permitting Syria to use these chemical weapons to test their effectiveness and the degree of international outrage. Israel has always believed Iran planned to provide Syria and Hezbollah with chemical weapons for use in a major attack on Israel. Israel blocked trucks moving four cargo containers full of automobile tires into Gaza. There is more demand for tires in Gaza since Hamas began using thousands of them to sustain smoky fires for the thousands of demonstrators at the border. April 6, 2018: For the second Friday in a row Hamas organized mass (over 20,000 people) demonstrations at the border. Hamas provided tires to burn and cameramen to capture the violence. April 5, 2018: Egypt and Saudi Arabia are trying to persuade Hamas to call off or tone down its large demonstrations along the Israeli border. The Saudis and Egyptians believe these demonstrations will not succeed and their failure will reflect badly on Hamas and the Palestinian cause. Meanwhile, Fatah, which runs the West Bank, has been blunter and wants Hamas replaced with more effective leadership for Gaza. That would be difficult to do since Hamas has over 10,000 armed men working full time to make sure Hamas stays in power. Fatah now says that it will not be responsible for what happens in Gaza if Hamas remains in power. Fatah offers to take control of Gaza and not punish Hamas leaders if Hamas cooperates but that is not likely to happen. April 4, 2018: In the north (Syria) Assad forces have begun moving reinforcements towards the Israeli border, apparently with the intention of destroying rebel groups that have come occupy most of the southern border since 2011. This has been accompanied by increased Syrian air strikes against rebels near the border. This move by Syria alarms the UN because they fear for the safety of their peacekeepers. In late 2016 UN Peacekeepers returned to the Syrian side of the Israeli border for the first time since 2014. Initially, only 127 peacekeepers crossed the border and it wasnt until the end of 2016 before the full force of over a thousand troops returned to their Syrian positions. Back in 2014 UN peacekeepers from Fiji and the Philippines were forced out by al Qaeda (al Nusra) rebels, who wanted to ensure that the UN peacekeepers did not interfere with the rebel takeover of a border crossing. The Islamic terrorist rebels looted the UN camp. The rebels were driven away from the border in 2016 by the Syrian Army, which had regained control of the entire 70 kilometer long border with Israel. Up until 2014 the UN had 1,223 peacekeepers monitoring the Syrian/Israeli border and wanted that force returned. The UN troops have been there since 1974 to monitor a ceasefire between Israel and Syria. Israel defeated Syria in 1967 and took the Golan Heights from Syria. In 1973 Israel defeated a strong effort by Syria to regain the Golan Heights. Since then the UN has watched over an uneasy peace. From 2014 to 2016 the peacekeepers were only able to operate on the Israeli side of the border. April 2, 2018: The Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an interview that Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. That was a first for any Saudi leader and something few other Arab leaders are willing to admit. There are many practical reasons for a Saudi leader to back Israel this way but the main one of Saudi Arabia and Israel have a mutual enemy, Iran which openly proclaims its intention of destroying Israel and doing the same to the Saudi royal family and all its supporters. April 1, 2018: In Egypt, the current president (former general Sisi) won the presidential election to gain a second four-year term. Only 41 percent of eligible voters turned out but 97 percent of those who cast valid ballots chose Sisi. Nearly two million voters disqualified their votes by choosing write-in candidates, who were not allowed. Sisi succeeded in preventing any major candidates from registering to run against him in the late March presidential elections. All major candidates were either arrested on real or imaginary charges or withdrew under government pressure. Sisi appears to repeat the pattern established by previous Egyptian military dictators (Nasser, Sadat, Mubarak) and becoming what he promised to replace. Sisi got elected in 2014 because the Moslem Brotherhood won the national elections after the 2011 revolution and made the mistake of agreeing with their radical faction and trying to impose Islamic law on all Egyptians. This was very unpopular and the Moslem Brotherhood was overthrown by another popular uprising in 2013. After that, another military man (Sisi) was elected president and it was back to business as usual. One side effect of that 2013 coup was a court eventually dismissed most of the charges against Mubarak who is apparently going to escape any real punishment, as are his sons. Court decisions like that bring out more protestors but not enough to overthrow the new government run by a former general elected to the job. Most Egyptians wanted to see if the new general-in-charge could get the economy going and restore order. The new government made some progress on both counts, but at the cost of any real efforts to curb corruption or enact other needed reforms. Not a major issue as most Egyptians want peace and prosperity first. That means no Moslem Brotherhood, a group that still has a lot of popular support in Egypt. But the Brotherhood also has many factions, many of them unwilling to compromise. March 31, 2018: In the north (Lebanon) an Israeli armed UAV bombed the crash site of an Israel UAV that went down because of technical problems earlier in the day. March 28, 2018: Israel revealed that it had resumed airstrikes against targets in Syria. These air operations had been halted for several weeks after an F-16I crashed after returning from one of those missions. Israel rarely releases details of these missions but observers in Syria usually do and there have been reports in the last week that Hezbollah and Iranian targets are being hit from the air again. March 27, 2018: In the south, three Palestinians from Gaza were arrested outside an army base 20 kilometers from the Gaza border. The three were carrying knives and grenades. The men had crossed the security fence several hours earlier and security forces had not acted as fast as they are supposed to. An investigation was ordered. March 24, 2018: In the south, a number of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel. An Iron Dome battery shot down several rockets which were headed for residential areas. At least one additional Iron Dome was sent to the Gaza border because of this particular attack. In Egypt (Alexandria) Islamic terrorists used a roadside bomb to attack the head of security for the port city. The security chief was unharmed but a policeman was killed and six wounded. March 22, 2018: Air India began flying, for the first time, direct flights between India and Israel that pass over Saudi Arabia. This cuts about two hours from previous flight time where aircraft heading for Israel could not fly over Saudi Arabia and had to detour around it (via the Red Sea). While the Saudis allow Indian airlines to pass over now they will not allow Israeli airliners. As a result, Israeli airline El Al is suing to bar such shorter flights from landing in Israel because it puts El Al at an economic disadvantage. In Baghdad police arrested Taha al Jubouri, a known Hamas bomb expert who had been deported from Turkey. Israel wants Jubouri. Iran tried to get Jubouri out of Iraqi custody but so far that has failed. March 21, 2018: Israel admitted that it was responsible for the 2007 airstrike on a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor in northern Syria. There was never much doubt that Israel was responsible but it wasnt until early 2011 that the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) announced that it believed the Syrian structure destroyed by an Israelis in 2007 was a nuclear reactor under construction. This was nothing new, as details of the IAEA have been leaked, but now the conclusion is official and shortly thereafter the UN released the official report on the Syrian nuclear facility. Israel apparently made this admission to send a message to Iran, which is building a lot of military facilities in Syria and still proclaims that Israel must be destroyed. March 19, 2018: Fatah accused Hamas of being responsible for a March assassination attempt in Gaza when a convoy carrying the Palestinian prime minister was attacked by a roadside bomb. The explosion occurred prematurely and the prime minister, who traveled through Israel from the West Bank, was making a rare visit to Gaza. Hamas denies any responsibility but has been unable to pin the blame on anyone else. March 18, 2018: During the night, on the Gaza border, sensors spotted an armed many trying to get past the security fence and into Israel. An Israeli warplane on patrol in the area fired on the intruder and killed him. The passing out parade of cadets was held at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Asghar Khan Academy Risalpur today (Friday). National anthems of both the countries were played during the ceremony. Chief guest Chinas air force Chief Lieutenant General Ding Laihang inspected the parade and gave badges to the cadets. Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar, higher civilian army officials and ambassadors of Islamic countries were also present on the occasion. The chief guest also presented Quaid-e-Azam banner to champion squadron. The cadets took oath to protect the country and remain faithful to it under all sorts of circumstances. As many as 109 cadets including two Saudi nationals participated in the parade. Cadet Muhammad Kamran received the Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Trophy Aviation and Hamza Hussain collected the Chief of Air Staff Trophy Engineering Aviation. The Sword of Honour was awarded to Hamza Dogar on overall best performance while cadet Sajid Farosh was given trophy for quality performance in best air defence. Opposition Leader in National Assembly (NA) Khurshid Shah on Friday has said that the decision of Supreme Court (SC) regarding disqualification of the lawmakers was as per constitution and that everyone should accept it. Talking to media, Khurshid Shah said that ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been trapped in article 62(1)(f) which he supported the most. There should be no arguments on the decision now, he added. Earlier today, Supreme Court of Pakistan by a unanimous decision has stated that Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen stand disqualified for life in a follow-up to the historic disqualification judgments of the two politicians. The top court in its July 28 ruling of last year had disqualified Nawaz Sharif as president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified under Articles 62 of the constitution. A five-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, reserved the verdict in all 13 appeals against the disqualification of lawmakers. On February 14, the apex court had reserved its verdict in the case regarding duration of the disqualification of the members of the parliament incurred under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution. The verdict was reserved after Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf completed his arguments. Also, the apex court disqualified PTI General Secretary Jahangir Tareen stating that the reply submitted by Tareen was a confession in itself, thus disqualifying him under Article 62 (1) (F) of the Constitution of Pakistan. On Thursday, 47 women participated in Saudi Arabias first ever women-only cycle race. As the BBC reports, the event was held in Jeddah, which will also host a series of landmark cultural sites being built by the Saudi government. But while only some of those women who requested to join the race were able to do so, this is another important moment in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans effort to move Saudi society towards modernity. These plans include art exhibits, opera houses, museums, establishing a major film industry, and even building a super modern city called Neom. And while its true that bin Salman has little time for his political opponents, the crown prince deserves U.S. support and encouragement as he unleashes his nation from Sunni Islamic fundamentalism. This is about realism and dealing with the world as it is, not as we would wish it to be. Bin Salman's success matters for America. Unless Saudi Arabias young population (at least 50-60 percent of which is under 25), are able to find pathways that benefit their own happiness and their nations economic and social development, America will have a big problem. After all, in the context of systemic declines in oil prices, Saudi Arabia will become a terrorist dreamland -- a land devoid of means of empowerment beyond the false offering of purpose via Islamic extremism. In short, for reasons of morality and security, we should hope for many more female cycle races in the years ahead. Taliban militants launched a pre-dawn raid on a district government compound in Afghanistan on Thursday, killing at least fifteen people, including the local governor, officials said. Six police also died and nine intelligence officers were wounded in the attack on the Khwaja Omari district headquarters in the southeastern province of Ghazni, provincial governor spokesperson Aref Noori told AFP. The militants used a ladder to climb into the compound in the early hours of Thursday, deputy provincial police chief Ramazan Ali Mohsini told AFP. Mohsini put the death toll at 13, including the governor, police and intelligence officers, adding scores of Taliban fighters were also killed but that could not be immediately confirmed. "The attack is over and the district is under the control of Afghan security forces after reinforcement forces rushed to the scene following the Taliban attack," Mohsini added. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the raid in a WhatsApp message to journalists, saying "more than 20 police" were killed and several others wounded. The attack was one of the deadliest by the Taliban in several weeks and comes as the militants prepare to launch their annual spring offensive, which marks the beginning of the traditional fighting season. The Taliban is under pressure to take up President Ashraf Ghanis offer of peace talks but so far the group has not responded directly to the proposal. Diplomats at UNESCO are hailing a possible breakthrough on longstanding Israeli-Arab tensions at the U.N. cultural agency. Israel's ambassador to UNESCO said the mood was like a wedding after member nations signed off on a rare compromise resolution Thursday on Occupied Palestine. The document is still quite critical of Israel, notably its actions in Jerusalem and Gaza. But Israeli Ambassador Carmel Shama-Hacohen told The Associated Press that diplomats agreed to move the most controversial language to a non-binding annex and avoided a contentious vote. The compromise, worked out in months of painstaking negotiations, was largely technical. But it was an unusual example of Mideast cooperation at UNESCO, which Israel has long seen as biased toward Arab nations especially since it admitted Palestine as a member in 2011. Other diplomats said they hope the compromise encourages the U.S. and Israel to reconsider their decision to quit UNESCO at the end of this year. It means that the spirit of dialogue is not broken, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay told The Associated Press. Since taking over in November, Azoulay has been working to clean up the agency's reputation and shore up a budget gutted by geopolitical disputes. The relief and optimism at UNESCO's Paris headquarters after Thursday's meeting were a far cry from the hostility that has for decades soured its discussions on Israel and the Palestinian territories, and hampered the agency's efforts to protect cultural heritage or promote peace through school projects in the region. The enthusiasm over what on the surface seems like a minor move is a reflection of the very low expectations for Israeli-Palestinian cooperation in the current climate. The UNESCO negotiations notably hit trouble as deadly confrontations erupted in Gaza in recent weeks, said diplomats involved, who were not authorized to be publicly named discussing the closed-door negotiations. The Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian, U.S. and European Union delegations negotiated the compromise resolution, along with representatives of UNESCO leadership. They notably decided to limit the official Occupied Palestine resolution to three short paragraphs, and attach multiple pages of complaints about Israeli policies and Arab claims on Jerusalem in an annex, which is made public but is not binding. And then they agreed to adopt it by consensus instead of a public vote. I'm more than happy with the outcome, the Israeli ambassador said. Confrontation is not the way. Nothing will be changed in Jerusalem or in Gaza by forcing Israel into a corner. The annex notably criticizes Israeli actions in east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and claimed by the Palestinians as their capital. East Jerusalem is home to the city's most sensitive Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites. Time and again, past UNESCO resolutions infuriated Israel, notably with language seen as denying Jewish ties to Jerusalem, or referring to sites that are holy to Jews and Muslims solely as Palestinian. Mounir Anastas, the Palestinians' alternate permanent delegate to UNESCO, welcomed so many efforts from all concerned parties and different delegations in order to enhance the dialogue and to reach a consensus. But he urged progress on the ground, notably allowing UNESCO delegations to visit historic sites in Jerusalem, allowing Palestinian youth groups into Jerusalem for education programs, and protection for media covering protests in Gaza. The U.S. delegation said it warmly welcomes the progress demonstrated here and praised the constructive spirit, but wouldn't comment on whether it could lead to a rethink of the pending U.S. withdrawal. The U.S. stopped paying its UNESCO dues after Palestine joined in 2011 but continues to participate in agency activities for now. President Donald Trump announced in October that the U.S. would pull out at the end of 2018 because of perceived anti-Israel bias. Israel followed suit. Asked Thursday whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government could now reconsider, Shama-Hacohen said, it's possible. UNESCO should be a bridge, especially in periods like we have now, he said. The resolution announced Thursday is expected to be approved at UNESCO's full plenary next week. US House Lawmakers Considering IRS Overhaul by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington 13 April 2018 The Ways and Means Committee of the US House of Representatives considered bills to overhaul the Internal Revenue Service and strengthen taxpayer protections at its recent markup session. "The bills we have before us today look to dramatically redesign the structure of the IRS and refocus it as a 'Taxpayer First' agency," Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) said in his opening statement at the hearing. He noted that it has been been 20 years since Congress last considered major legislation to reform the agency. "During that time much has changed, and the IRS must change with it," he said. Government watchdogs and members of Congress have repeatedly warned in recent years that the IRS is struggling to cope with an ever-expanding remit and changes to the tax code, with declining levels of service for taxpayers and increasing rates of fraud seen as the consequences. In February 2018, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) expressed concern at the planned staffing cuts and reduced funding for the IRS, as outlined in President Donald Trump's fiscal 2019 budget request. "I think it's high-time that Congress reexamines its approach to the agency," Hatch said at a committee hearing on the matter. "Because IRS will bear the brunt of the burden in implementing and administering the tax code and the new tax provisions, it needs sufficient personnel and resources to carry out its important mission at this critical juncture." In her January 2018 Report to Congress, National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olsen highlighted concerns over the IRS's "recent and continuing reductions in service for taxpayers" and recommended that "Congress both provide the IRS with sufficient funding to provide high-quality taxpayer service and conduct more oversight to ensure the IRS is spending the funding as intended." According to Brady, the proposed legislation "advances a modern vision for the IRS so taxpayers are treated fairly, their disputes are handled objectively, and issues resolved quickly and more affordably. They create an independent office to handle taxpayer appeals and ensure taxpayers are no longer at a disadvantage to the IRS. They also insist that the IRS aggressively protects personal taxpayer information, proactively combats identity theft, and is prepared to readily assist American taxpayers when they are victims of this theft," he explained. The committee also examined proposed measures to reduce levels of social security fraud. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Starting today, three major US credit card companiesMastercard, American Express, and Discoverare removing the requirement for a customer signature when making in-store purchases. The Verge has confirmed that Visa will be introducing the same change later this month. An increasingly archaic system, signatures have been getting phased out for years, mostly thanks to EMV chip and contactless payment technology. Mastercard says that more than 80 percent of in-store transactions it processes now dont need a signature. Some larger retailers, including Walmart, have already stopped recording signatures on most transactions. But the credit card companies are only making them optionalit will be up to the retailers themselves whether they want to continue using the system. Removing the need for signatures should speed up checkout lines at stores, encourage merchants to move over to EMV, and replace signature verification with a more advanced, secure technology. The change will also eliminate the occasional requirement for a signature when purchasing items over $50 using Apple Pay. The payments landscape has evolved to the point where we can now eliminate this pain point for our merchants, said Jaromir Divilek, executive vice president of global network business for American Express. Our fraud capabilities have advanced so that signatures are no longer necessary to fight fraud. American Express is removing the signature requirement in the US and other countries around the world, while Mastercards change only affects the United States and Canada. Discover users wont be required to sign their names in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and Visa is making it optional in North America. Signatures are still mostly only used within the US. The majority of other countries, such as the UK, switched to chip-and-PIN authentication years ago. In what's come as a surprise to no one, a court has ordered encrypted messaging service Telegram to be banned in Russia. The ruling comes a week after state communications regulator Roskomnadzor filed a lawsuit aimed at limiting access to the app within the country. The saga began with the proposal of Russias so-called anti-terrorist bill in 2016, which allows agencies such as the notorious KGB successor, the Federal Security Service (FSB), to access encrypted messaging services. The FSB demanded Telegram share its encryption keys last year. It refused and was hit with a $14,000 fine. An appeal was lodged, but Supreme Court Judge Alla Nazarova rejected it last month. After the April 4 deadline passed and with Telegram still refusing to share its encryption keys, Roskomnadzor started legal action last week. Today, Judge Yulia Smolina said, The court ruled to satisfy the demand of Roskomnadzor. "The ban on access to information will be in force until the FSBs demands are met on providing keys for decrypting user messages," she added. The Judge said the ban must be implemented immediately, though the Financial Times believes it will take place following Telegrams appeal over the next month. The FSB says Telegram is used by "international terrorist organizations in Russia." The agency says a suicide bomber who killed 15 people in a St Petersburg subway train last April used the app to contact accomplices. Over 200 million people around the world use Telegram, making it the ninth-most popular communications app. Many Russian authorities also use the serviceone employee suggested to Reuters that they will circumvent the ban using VPN services. Facebook has dominated headlines for the better part of the past month over privacy concerns related to the Cambridge Analytica data scandal. The most recent development has involved CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying before Congress although much of his time was spent deflecting tough questions. The fiasco has opened new dialogue regarding user privacy on the social network, spawning the #DeleteFacebook campaign and prompting several large companies to do just that. But according to Facebook, the scandal hasnt had much impact overall. Carolyn Everson, Facebooks VP of global marketing solutions, recently told The Wall Street Journal at its CEO Council in London that users largely havent changed their privacy settings over the past month. Whats more, the company doesnt expect the matter to significantly impact ad sales or its overall business model. Facebook has made several privacy-focused changes in response to the scandal. In addition to simplifying its terms of service and data policy, the site recently launched a new data abuse bounty program and rolled out a bulk app deletion tool to help manage which apps have access to your user data. Indeed, itll be incredibly interesting to see Facebooks latest active user numbers. The general consensus appears to be that some are truly concerned about privacy on the platform but whether or not that translates to any substantial number of people leaving the site remains to be seem. My guess, as Everson suggests, is that behavior wont change much. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Thursday rejected the latest sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba, as a continuation of the policy enforced by former President Donald Trump... | Read More Identified by a distinctive 1875 bluestone cottage, 481 Melbourne Road sits on a 1606 square metre site zoned General Residential which meant it could be marketed to non-hospitality users, including aged care, or education providers. After failing to sell following a campaign managed by another agency last year, CVAs Bradley Ellul recently auctioned the property, where it achieved a price of just over $3 million. Three bidders competed for the property which is about 400 metres from the Newport train station, seven kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Last year, a childcare operator paid a price speculated to be as high as $7 million for the ex-Returned Services League facility at the junction of Melbourne Road and Ferguson Street in Williamstown. The 2084 square metre site had been owner occupied by the RSL for 96 years. The Williamstown site traded following that RSL branch entering voluntary administration. Shortly prior, it planned to sell the site to Grocon for a reported price of about $4.5 million. The local developer had lodged plans to replace the site with a five level, 69 unit complex. Ex-Oz Post site reoffered A major city site offloaded by Australia Post for $23.9 million in 2013 is being reoffered, with a residential redevelopment permit, and a price tag above $80 million. The Eliza Tinsley building at occupies a 2764 square metre plot within the western core of the CBD. An artist's impression of the Besgate development. In 2015 the owner, Besgate, put forward an indicative proposal for an 85-storey, 980-unit structure, for airspace above the historic c1925 building, which was to be retained. Instead, it obtained a permit for a 71-level tower which would also retain the heritage facade. Importantly, this permit was attained under now-superseded planning guidelines, and as such has a plot ratio of 30:1. The permitted dense tower would not likely be approved under recent changes to planning laws (the maximum plot ratio is now 18:1). Both Besgate proposals were a substantial increase in density to a 43-level, 560 dwelling apartment complex, which Australia Post obtained a permit for, prior to offering the site for sale. CBREs Josh Rutman, Mark Wizel, Lewis Tong and Julian White are marketing the asset for Besgate, which is Sydney-based, but backed by Shanghai investors. This site is the second ex-Australia Post asset to be offered to the market recently. In December, a retail asset in Maling Road, Canterbury, sold for $8.45 million. The vendor paid Australia Post $7.4 million against price expectations of $6 million for the investment 18 months earlier. The Canterbury asset, and the Eliza Tinsley building, were sold while Australia Post was under the control of businessman Ahmed Fahour at the time, the countrys highest paid public servant. Last piece of St Kilda estate offered The local private investor who controls the prominent and historic St Kilda property known as Stafford House is offering it for sale or lease. The double-storey mansion at 42 Barkly Street, also known as the Stanthorpe Estate, and The Manse, is expected to rent for more than $250,000 per annum, or sell for a price of about $7 million. 42 Barkly Street in St Kilda is known as the Stanthorpe Estate or The Manse. Built for Scotland born merchant Andrew Sutherland in 1874, the mansion, which has in recent years been occupied as offices and medical suites, occupies an 1810 square metre block with a large area available for car parking. This rarity allows the property to appeal to owner-occupiers or tenants including galleries, boutique businesses or child care. The backyard of this property, fronting busy St Kilda Road, was sold a few years ago to a development company part controlled by agent-turned-developer Henry Birner, who has since replaced it with an apartment complex. Another site in the immediate area 3-5 St Kilda Road made way for a contentious 26-storey apartment tower after receiving planning ministerial approval by the now State Opposition leader, Matthew Guy. The suburbs colourful Icon building, dubbed the Lego tower rises 18-storeys across the road at 6 St Kilda Road. Beller Commercials Fred Nucara and Liam Rafferty are managing the 42 Barkly Street campaign. Brighton Bathing boxes What could be amongst the last bathing boxes built on Brightons famous Dendy beach, are expected to sell for more than $300,000 each. The two new boxes were developed by the City of Bayside council which has been building and selling them, for revenue, in recent years. Nick Johnstone Real Estates Alan McGillivray and Nick Johnstone will auction the properties, known as 76B and 76C Dendy Beach, at the end of the month. Just one more bathing box is earmarked for sale and construction in the 2018/2019 financial year. Brighton Bathing boxes are in demand. Last December, a purchaser paid a $330,000 for a Brighton Bathing Box, surpassing the record of $326,000 set 12 months earlier. British private equity firm Terra Firma is aiming to raise more than $1 billion for its Australian cattle stations, sources said, arguing for a hefty mark-up that has already priced at least one local party out of the process. With first round bids due imminently, the high expectations could leave foreign bidders in the box seat, testing the government's appetite for foreign ownership of sensitive assets less than two years after it rejected China-led bids for a major energy grid and agricultural company. Consolidated Pastoral's 16 properties across northern Australia cover about the size of Croatia. Terra Firma, which bought Consolidated Pastoral Co (CPC) in 2009, is seeking a 20 per cent-plus premium to a 2017 asset valuation, two people with direct knowledge of the sale said, arguing that some land can be developed to grow high-yielding crops. "What they are seeking to do is sell people the idea that they have an embedded option to convert to high-use agricultural land as opposed to just cattle grazing," said one interested Australian party, who did not want to be named due to non-disclosure arrangements tied to the deal details. Rio Tinto said it would declare force majeure on certain customer contracts after the US imposed sanctions on its partner Russian aluminium producer Rusal. The mining group said on Friday it was working with its customers to minimise disruptions to supply and would fully comply with US sanctions. Rio also said it was reviewing Rusal's 20 per cent stake in the Queensland Alumina refinery. Credit:Louie Douvis Rio also said it was reviewing Rusal's 20 per cent stake in the Queensland Alumina refinery, Rusal's supply and offtake arrangements, bauxite sales to Rusal's refinery in Ireland and offtake contracts for alumina. The United States imposed sanctions last week against Russian entities and individuals, including Rusal, to punish Moscow for its alleged meddling in the 2016 US election and other "malign activity". New Zealand construction and industrial materials company Fletcher Building could be the turnaround story Wesfarmers is looking for to revive growth and shareholder returns, some industry watchers say, while others think the conglomerate has more pressing issues to deal with. Shares in Fletcher Building soared as much as 15 per cent on Friday after Fairfax Media revealed that Wesfarmers was eyeing it off, with sources close to the Perth-based company saying it had taken a 3 to 4 per cent stake. Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott has signalled he would look for new business to drive growth. Credit:Trevor Collens Wesfarmers has signalled it is looking to buy businesses, especially for its industrials division, as part of a radical shift taking place under new managing director Rob Scott. That includes spinning off its largest business, Coles. Fletcher has assets on both sides of the Tasman, about 21,000 employees and on Thursday had market value of $NZ4.1 billion ($3.9 billion). "I can't imagine anything that I could say that would offend my audience, other than maybe 'I quit drinking' or 'I'm born again'." Although last month he toured Asia for the first time, where one of his main objectives was to "avoid being arrested" and "probably get 15 minutes' material for my Australian shows. I'm not sure how it's going to go there." Stanhope was last here in 2014; the world has changed in that time, but don't expect him to do any Trump material that's far too obvious. "Apart from the occasional aside or reference, there's nothing in my set list about Trump. There's plenty of people doing it it's like John Wayne Bobbit getting his dick cut off, or doing a Monica Lewinsky joke, you know? Everyone's on top of it immediately and I don't really have anything to add. It doesn't really affect my life." Not that Stanhope is one to do jokes per se. "I have a point of view that I put an occasional fist-f--- joke in to make it funny." So what's he drawing inspiration from? "I don't know if a life-preserver would be called an 'inspiration' to a drowning victim," he says. "It would be more 'desperate clutching' what can I possibly talk about now after 28 years that I haven't already said a thousand times?" He doesn't do "themed" shows, and says, a month or so out from the tour, "even if I knew for sure I wouldn't tell you what the show will be about. But it's nothing that's gonna deviate from the usual chords." In the climate of the industrial complex of instant (generally online) outrage, Stanhope has seen some of the topics he's long talked about become newsworthy. "When something becomes a thing that you 'can't' joke about, that's the time to talk about it," he says. Many things, it would seem, have recently become off-limits, but the role of comedy is to dismantle or at least question the system and Stanhope won't be refraining on commenting on the status quo. He prefers discussing controversial subjects because "that's what's interesting to me. I have no take on the Kardashians because it doesn't affect my life". He's been an outspoken supporter of his friend, comedian Louis C.K., after C.K. apologised for masturbating in front of female comedians, and says he'll talk about the backlash against the comedian, that it's no longer acceptable to enjoy C.K.'s work, and the idea of separating an artist and their art. "To go deeper into it now, I'd just be doing bits from my show for you," he says, adding that he will expand on the "separation of levels". "There definitely are levels which have been whitewashed now; off-colour jokes in the workplace, a gleam in your eye is the same as rape no, it's not." He's discussed sexual abuse on stage many times in his 30-year career, and even, he says, has something to say about the #MeToo movement. "There's a nice chunk of material I've been working on for over a year that didn't have a good example until the #MeToo came through then I went, oh, these things are exactly what I've been talking about," he says. "Go get all the Trump schtick you can get, I'm jumping on the #MeToo train something you can't make fun of, that's where I am." Even his own family. "When my mother was killing herself," he says of when his mother, dying from emphysema, chose to take an overdose of pills, the subject of his 2016 book, Digging Up Mother: A Love Story, "half my brain was going, 'oh good, I need the material'." The same when his partner Bingo was in a coma in 2016 after suffering a seizure and hitting her head. When she awoke, he and his friends played pranks on her, including taking advantage of the fact she had missed the presidential election. "As out of the loop as Bingo might be, there's no way she's gonna believe Trump is the president," he told radio host Howard Stern at the time. "It was great you'll get the long version of that story when I'm there," Stanhope says. He gets fewer walkouts these days since it's generally "the same fans" who come to most of his shows, but often there'll be someone kicked out for being too drunk or drug-affected. "But generally it's a girlfriend who got dragged there by her boyfriend, who doesn't wanna hear the spina bifida reference because her brother has spina bifida she doesn't care about all the 9/11 jokes or the #MeToo jokes just spina bifida specifically, because that affects her." It's a bleak way of making his point about offence: "The joke isn't at the expense of that of course people just hear a buzzword and go 'I'm outraged'." Even if you are outraged, Stanhope doesn't care. "I don't have a workplace, an HR department to deal with, I don't have sponsors any of these comedians apologising, they're not not apologising to people who have been offended, they're apologising to NBC if they have a sitcom, or Pizza Hut who they have a sponsorship deal with," he says. ""I don't have those issues." And he wouldn't want them. "I can't imagine they'll come knocking any time soon no matter what I do. I could have a f---ing puppet act and I don't think I'd be shilling product for corporations any day soon." PG, 101 minutes Near the centre of Wes Anderson's cinema is a thwarted dream of escape. None of his films are for children, but all of them depend on the conventions of children's fiction and are set in fantasy worlds, even when these are named "India" or "New York City". At the same time, the uneasy comedy of his work springs from the fleeting acknowledgement of adult anxieties, whether through direct allusions to violence and trauma (any Anderson hero is guaranteed to be missing at least one parent) or through a compensating emphasis on team spirit and military discipline. What arises from all this it is hard to say how consciously is a feeling that the escape mechanism is itself a trap. Anderson's exotic backdrops may vary, but his stylistic mannerisms recur obsessively from one film to the next: always the same centred framing, the same knowing quips flatly delivered, the same straight lines that divide up the image like the bars of a cage. Censorship was so strict under General Franco, the fascist dictator who ruled Spain for almost 40 years until his death in 1975, that even imported American films would have their plots doctored to eliminate any hint of sin. Of course, there are many sins, but only one kind that matters. Sex outside marriage was wiped from the record, says British-based academic Professor Santiago Fouz Hernandez. Visible skin was kept to a minimum. Women on screen were obedient wives and mothers, just as they were supposed to be in life. The end to all that, when it came, was always going to be explosive not least because Bigas Luna was out there, waiting for his moment. Bigas Luna's first two features came out in 1978, the year Francoist censorship was relaxed. One of them was invited to Cannes; Bilbao, a dark drama about a man who becomes obsessed with a sex worker and eventually kills her, established his interest in taboo subjects. The film that made him an international name, however, was Jamon Jamon (1992) the first of his Iberian trilogy. Fouz Hernandez, along with the filmmaker's daughter Betty Bigas, has curated and will introduce a homage to the director, who died in 2013, at this year's Spanish Film Festival. It is a documentary recently put together from his video diaries, Bigas x Bigas, along with the trilogy set in different regions of Spain. Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem in Jamon Jamon. Jamon Jamon takes place in a stretch of Aragon that looks so hot it is about to combust; the same could be said of its then unknown stars, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, who would be reunited and marry 17 years later. Bardem played the neighbourhood tearaway who fights a bull naked to show how tough he is; Cruz is poor, pretty and pregnant to someone else. Golden Balls (1993), which also features Bardem as a womanising bad boy, is set in jerry-built Benidorm; The Tit and the Moon (1994) is set outside Barcelona, Bigas Luna's home city. You can find the same motifs in all these films: bulls, ham, motor bikes, exuberant sex, tortillas, flamenco, the moon and a lot of exposed breasts. Priapic hombres pursue the women they fancy indefatigably. "No" from the desired one means "keep trying, you filthy pig." Sex soon follows. So much machismo meant Bigas Luna was seen as a defiant chauvinist, a reputation he would play upon in public. Fouz Hernandez remembers first watching the Iberian trilogy as a student with growing embarrassment; this was exactly the kind of retrograde idea of being Spanish that his generation hoped was disappearing, to be replaced by liberal, decent Europeanism. Now he sees the films differently, as explorations of ideas of gender which changed dramatically during Spain's early years of democracy. George Harrison, 1968 Credit:Pattie Boyd She was a model then, on the run from her dysfunctional family, broke and living on Birds Eye chicken pies in a shared flat. "You had to go round the photographers persuading them to use you for shoots," she says. "Norman Parkinson said, 'Come back when you've learned to do your hair.' It was all DIY hair and make up back then." Did photographers hit on her? "Well some might try it on but you didn't submit and say, 'Oh must I?' You'd get out of there and warn the others." So it wasn't a #MeToo scene? "No! I don't know why these women don't just say, 'F--k off, I'm not having a meeting with you in your dressing gown with nothing on underneath.'" Is she a feminist? "Well not in the old 'hate men' way, but I don't like women being treated badly. I think the young generation what are they called, snowflakes? don't take responsibility for themselves." George Harrison and Eric Clapton in England in 1976. Credit:Pattie Boyd She met George Harrison on the set of A Hard Day's Night she played a schoolgirl and they married when she was 21. They moved into Friar Park, a gothic pile in Hampshire where the Beatles came to record, friends drove from London to stay and she threw herself into decorating, cooking and entertaining. She was, she says, blissfully in love but often lonely: wives and girlfriends were not allowed on tour and Harrison was frequently absent. After the Beatles had discovered the Maharishi Yogi and they all went to India to learn meditation, Harrison returned gripped by eastern mysticism. "He chanted a lot," she recalls, "it's difficult to talk to someone who's chanting." He had also discovered that he was attractive to women: "He was famous, good-looking, had tonnes of money and flash cars what a combo. Girls were offering themselves everywhere and he loved it. To come home to old wifey must have been a bit dull." "I'm a grown-up now," Pattie Boyd says. Credit:SANG TAN I took endless photos. It was something to do, otherwise you could feel a bit spare. Does she think all men would be like that if they could? "Yes I do," she says firmly. What constrains them? She shrugs: "Society, women, family?" Eric Clapton had been a frequent visitor to Friar Park, laying siege to Boyd and, famously, playing a guitar "duel" with Harrison in the kitchen: she was the putative prize. "It was John Hurt [the actor] who described it as a duel," she says, "and he was so on the button. I sensed it but I hadn't formulated it." Pattie Boyd's Self Portrait (1997). Credit:Pattie Boyd She was attracted to Clapton, by then a rock deity the legend "Clapton is God" was spray-painted on city walls but determined to stay in her marriage. Her parents had split up when she was 10, her stepfather was a cruel and unusual man who tyrannised the family and left her mother for another woman: "As a child I always thought I would do anything to avoid divorce." By the time she left Harrison "He didn't want us to be together, it was a life of rejection" Clapton had made good on his threat to take heroin if he couldn't have her. It would be four years before they got together. Pattie Boyd modelling in London in 1966. Credit:PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo Propped on an easel beside the window of Boyd's flat is a rather beautiful black and white photograph of John Lennon. Did she take it? "No, I bought it." Wasn't he the most interesting of the four? "He was, yes, he was. He was quite volatile, you never knew what he would say next. He was a pretty sexy guy actually." Did they have a fling? "No!" she exclaims. I explain I'd seen it suggested somewhere in a newspaper article. "How cheeky," she says comfortably. Later, reading her autobiography published in 2007, I find another reference to the rumoured liaison. True or not, I don't think she minds the idea. Boyd and Clapton married in 1979: "I was madly passionate about him," she says. "We lived at Hurtwood Edge [Clapton's home for the past 50 years], I was in my 30s and ready to have babies; I used to wander round the house thinking, this will be the baby's room, the nanny can sleep here." But it was not to be: despite visits to a series of doctors and several rounds of IVF, the longed-for baby never arrived. Clapton, meanwhile, had replaced heroin with alcohol and was drinking heroically. Boyd joined him on tour where he and the band would have girls to their rooms after the show. Cruellest of all, two of his extra-marital relationships produced babies: a daughter Ruth and two years later a son, Conor, who would die, aged four, in a fall from the window of his mother's New York apartment. Boyd and Clapton divorced in 1988. Asked once who was the great love of her life, Boyd nominated Harrison: "I think he always loved me Eric loves himself. She admits now: "In both my marriages I had neglected myself, and got lost in a big cloud of fame, I got lost in their lives." When the music stopped Boyd found herself with a legacy cardboard boxes full of photographs which she exhibits and sells as prints from her online gallery. They are the archive of an era: here is an angelic George lying in bed in an Indian ashram, Eric in a woodshed leaning on an axe and looking Lawrentian in corduroy trousers, Paul and Linda McCartney at Boyd's wedding to Eric, Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull at the Brixton Academy. They are candid and intimate: did anyone ever object? "No, not at all," she says, surprised, "I would never show a photo where someone's not looking good." The collection has been a useful earner for the girl who left school with three O levels and had no need to work while married to rich men. She has continued to take photographs portraits of actors for their books and pictures from her travels. Does the contemporary work sell? "No one's really interested," she says without rancour. Influenza kills 3500 Australians a year on average three times the number who die in car crashes. The best way to minimise the risk is to have a timely vaccination. And the best time to do that is now, before winter, when the virus cuts its grim swath through the community, reaping its highest toll among young children and the elderly. Take one for the herd: The more of us who get the vaccination, the safer it is for everyone. Credit:Carolyn Kaster The threat should not be underestimated, for the viruses mutate constantly, leaving us vulnerable despite medical advances. A century ago, after the four-year First World War claimed 16 million lives, between 50 million and 100 million people, or between 3 per cent and 5 per cent of the global population, were killed in a matter of months by a particularly virulent strain, the Spanish flu pandemic. Since then, medical progress has constrained the scourge, but the effectiveness of vaccinations depends on two things. The first is the degree to which researchers counter mutations by updating the vaccinations. On this front, we have to hope and trust. The second, though, is entirely our responsibility actually getting the jab. Last years flu strain was especially insidious, with higher than usual rates of infection, partly a consequence of lower than usual rates of protection from vaccinations. About 8500 Victorian children under five contracted the virus last year, more than eight times the number in 2016. There were a touch over 48,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in 2017 in the state, up from 12,785 the previous year. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes a drink of water while testifying before a joint hearing of the Commerce and Judiciary Committees on Capitol Hill in Washington this week. Credit:AAP Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has just completed two days of hearings in front of the US Congress. The hearings were billed as a grilling that would take the social media behemoths creator to task for the massive Cambridge Analytica data breach that, if reports are true, helped the Russians manipulate the US election. The hearings, however, have largely failed to live up to expectations, with many expressing their frustration at the Senators failure to sustain a deep, probing line of questioning, essentially letting Zuckerberg off the hook. But I wondered if Mark Zuckerberg was the latest in a long line of grown men with significant responsibility to invoke the man-boy defence. We all know the popular expression, "boys will be boys". The man-boy defence essentially extends the life-span of this particular "get out of jail free" card well into adulthood, casting grown men as Peter-Pan figures, incapable of growing up, or relinquishing the shackles of the gendered behaviour norms that defined, and excused, the indiscretions of their youth. The internet was awash in a sea of jokes about Zuckerberg, all wide-eyed innocence and big ears with his back-to-school haircut, wearing his big boy suit. Many laughed about the fact that Zuckerberg sat on a booster seat during the hearings, (it was a standard cushion, but that did not stop the memes). My husband died two years ago. We had identical wills leaving everything to each other. My family suspects this to be the case and they've asked me not to leave my estate in a family trust as he did. They say they would be very restricted in dealing with the (considerable) inheritance, and the fees and costs of the trust would be significant. I have two daughters, 58 and 53, and a son-in-law, 60, who is the father of three of my grandchildren, aged 32, 30 and 26. His wife, my third daughter, died 24 years ago and my son-in-law is in another relationship. We intended leaving the estate in a family trust to our two daughters and son-in-law to be used by them and handed eventually to our five grandchildren. On my death the five grandchildren inherit my superannuation fund. I have not discussed my will with my family. How am I able to resolve this matter fairly, keeping my estate to be eventually inherited by my grandchildren? D.H. Estate planning for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can be tricky. Credit:Shutterstock It sounds as though your wills are structured so that the final survivor leaves all assets in a testamentary trust with the income to be distributed to your daughters and widowed son-in-law. On the death of the last survivor, possibly in 40 to 50 years time, the assets would presumably then be split amongst your grandchildren, who would have long been eligible for the age pension. Another 13 parcels of residential blocks in one of Canberra's newest suburbs are on the market. Last week, the government released the land in Taylor for sale by auction. To date, 388 blocks have been sold. A map of new suburb Taylor. Originally farming land, the 315-hectare suburb will have a mix of single and multi-unit lots. A Suburban Land Agency spokesman said the 13 blocks were some of the best in the area. Police are appealing to the public for help identifying a man after an alleged assault at Canberra nightclub Mooseheads on Sunday, April 1. About 1.50am that morning, police received a report that a person had been assaulted by a group of three others. Two of the three suspects were identified by police at the scene, but one man left before police arrived. Police have now released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to. He is described as Caucasian, with a medium build and short blond hair. He was wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt and dark pants at the time. A 25-year-old man has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after an accident involving a scissor lift he was operating in Sydney's north-west. Emergency services responded to reports a man was unconscious after becoming trapped by his neck while operating the scissor lift at a construction site on Glen Street in Eastwood. He has been taken to Royal North Shore hospital by road in a critical condition, with the Careflight medical team on board. The man was unconscious after the workplace incident on Glen Street, Eastwood. Credit:Google Maps More to come The Spanish company building Sydney's $2.1 billion light rail line has accused the state government of misleading conduct in failing to reveal that it had not secured the agreement of power company Ausgrid on how crucial cables under the route should be handled. Acciona's $1.2 billion claim for costs and damages against the state threatens to trigger a political nightmare for the Berejiklian government and further delay completion of a light rail line which had originally been promised early next year. In documents filed in the NSW Supreme Court, the Spanish conglomerate accused Transport for NSW of engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct in the lead up to it signing a contract to design and build the 12-kilometre light rail line. The Victorian Electoral Commission has released the statements of all 14 candidates which revealed that Qun Xie, who this week drew the number-one spot in the ballot for Melbournes next lord mayor, is an "economist, accountant and executive director". Details of a mayoral candidate who could strongly influence the upcoming election for Melbourne's next lord mayor are slowing emerging. Credit:Justin McManus The mystery surrounding an elusive mayoral candidate who could strongly influence the upcoming election for Melbourne's next lord mayor has finally been solved. But other candidates for lord mayor couldnt wish her happy birthday - none questioned by The Age on Wednesday had heard of Ms Xie before, knew who she was, or why she was running. In her statement, Ms Xie said, should she be successful in her tilt for the $193,000-a-year job, she would focus on improving childcare, health and education. Qun Xie Credit:Victorian Electoral Commission "Today, we face the toughest challenges ever - cost of living, childcare and schools, aging, health and security," Ms Xie wrote in her statement released late Friday afternoon. She also listed a ten-point plan she vowed to enact if she was successful in her bid for the job. Melbourne's favourite Italian chef plants the flag in the west, looking to the gutsy flavours of the Italian capital for inspiration. Grossi Florentino set the bar for Italian dining in Melbourne, and now its famed chef Guy Grossi will this month open his first restaurant outside of the Victorian capital, here in the west. The dining pinnacle of the new five-star Westin Perth, Grossi's 120-seat osteria Garum (a spicy fermented fish sauce from ancient Roman days) will serve typical Roman dishes both ancient and modern. Think carbonara, saltimbocca and suckling lamb. "It's about celebrating ancient Roman techniques and values," Grossi said. A Perth woman is searching for the parents of a baby girl whose ashes she found in a silver box in the city's eastern suburbs. Brookdale resident Kimmie Clark told 6PR's Perth Live programme with Oliver Peterson that she was walking near her house on Thursday when she came across a small silver box decorated with a teddy bear. The ashes box was found on Thursday. "Being the mum of an angel baby myself, I knew what they were. It was in Brookdale at the corner of Chilteren Avenue and Ashworth Street," she said. "It had a faint tinge of pink, which is for a girl, mine had blue for my son. It looked pretty banged up. I think maybe it's been stolen from somebody. The children of people sent to prison are falling through the cracks, with no system in place to ensure they are supported, a study has found. Research by Perth's Telethon Kids Institute found these children were significantly more likely to have poor development outcomes. And it did not matter whether the parent sent to prison was the mother or father. The study looked at 19,000 Western Australian children born between 2003 and 2004 and found seven per cent, or 1402 children, had a parent that had been imprisoned or given a community-based order. It has taken almost two years, but a pattern to Donald Trump's behaviour is finally emerging. He has a powerful ability to shock and to dominate headlines. He's quite easily provoked and likes to hit out. But his attention span is short and he is easily distracted. So even if he does launch an air strike on Syria, as he promised a few days ago, there is no real prospect of his starting a longer campaign. He can be expected to deplore the barbarity of last week's chemical weapons attack, fire a few missiles and then walk away. This, anyway, is likely to have been Bashar al-Assad's calculation last week in the attack on Douma in Eastern Ghouta, which looks to be the latest in his chemical weapons campaign. At the time, the atrocity was greeted with astonishment as well as horror. Trump had only recently decided to withdraw American troops from Syria, so why would Assad do anything to pull the US back in? Why not just keep hostilities to a minimum while America retreats? This image released early Sunday, April 8, 2018 by the Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, shows a child receiving oxygen through respirators following an alleged poison gas attack in the rebel-held town of Douma. Credit:AP Any use of chlorine gas would be certain to provoke Trump because he defines himself against Barack Obama. When a chemical bomb killed 1,400 in Damascus four years ago, Obama failed to respond - so Trump's instant reaction was to promise swift and firm revenge. It is a fairly standard pattern of behaviour: if he feels challenged, he will respond. After punishing a Syrian chemical weapon attack last year, he had no choice but do the same now - with an alliance of the willing, from the French to the Saudis. Assad's tactics could be seen as lunacy. Until you look at what Trump means by "hitting hard". George W Bush once put it well: the military is not there to underline a verbal point. No president, he said, should be prepared to "fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt" - if you act, it needs to be "decisive". Chief Minister Andrew Barr has again quashed talk he is putting his hand up for Canberra's third seat, but has admitted he thought about it once he saw the redistribution. Labor is likely to benefit from the creation of the new federal lower house seat of Bean in last week's Australian Electoral Commission redistribution. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he thought briefly about running for the centre Canberra seat. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The new electorate of Bean will cover the ACT's southern region, including Tuggeranong, the Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek and part of the Woden Valley. The electorate of Fenner will include Gungahlin and most of Belconnen, while Canberra will cover Canberra's inner south and inner north, as well as Majura and parts of the Woden Valley. The incumbent member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, has signalled she would put her hand up for the southern most seat, as it most closely aligns with her current distribution. One of the state's biggest home builders has won its Supreme Court battle with a cheese tycoon, over prime land in Melbourne's north earmarked for a $1 billion new suburb. For almost a decade, Dennis Family Homes has negotiated with landowners in Donnybrook, near Whittlesea, to secure hundreds of hectares of paddocks to convert into housing estates. In 2013, it reached agreement with millionaire Tom Montalto and his family - which owns Floridia Cheese - to buy 264 hectares of farmland. Tom Montalto leaves the Supreme Court in 2017, with his lawyer Alexandra Tighe. Credit:Joe Armao The Montaltos were to get around $350 million for land it bought in 1994 for about $1 million. Labors industrial left has backed maritime union officer Mich-Elle Myers to be the next national president of the ALP, in a further sign that factional war has broken out in Victoria. The move is a snub to current president Mark Butler, the shadow minister for climate change and a Labor left heavyweight, who is seeking a second term as president. ALP president Mark Butler (centre) with shadow treasurer Chris Bowen and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten in parliament. Credit:Andrew Meares Mr Butler is running against former treasurer Wayne Swan, who has been endorsed by Labors right faction. Mr Butler's safe Labor seat of Port Adelaide was abolished in a draft redistribution of South Australia's federal seats on Friday. Phnom Penh: The United States embassy in Cambodia has fired 32 people after they were allegedly caught sharing pornographic material in a non-official chat group, several sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. Four sources told Reuters that pornographic videos and photographs, including some featuring people under the age of 18, were shared in a Facebook Messenger chat group. Some of the images were seen by the wife of an embassy worker who reported the incident to an official at the embassy. The matter was then forwarded to the FBI, the sources said. "They had their identification cards taken and some of their phones checked," a former US embassy staff member told Reuters on condition of anonymity. He said the 32 embassy workers included Cambodians and Cambodian-Americans. Many were guards and some were clerical staff. There were no diplomats among them, they said. London: The BBC has triggered outrage by announcing that it is going to broadcast in full Enoch Powells notorious 1968 anti-immigration rivers of blood speech. The speech will be aired this weekend on Radio 4 to mark 50 years since it was first delivered performed by actor Ian McDiarmid, best known as the evil Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader's mentor in the Star Wars movies. Actor Ian McDiarmid. Credit:AP It will be the first time the speech has been broadcast complete on British radio. Public figures including a Labour peer have called for the BBC to cancel the programme, saying rebroadcasting the speech would work to normalise racism. Seven black mounds populate the otherwise barren stage at the beginning of the Royal Shakespeare Company's latest production of King Lear, now running at BAM's Harvey Theater. It takes only a moment to realize that they are cloaked people huddling on the ground and not clods of earth, but the image sets the Beckettian tone for this at times galvanizing, other times frustrating staging of Shakespeare's mortality-themed masterpiece. Antony Sher makes his final Shakespearean performance as Lear, a king driven mad by betrayal and the universal chaos he has been blind to all his life. Despite an excellent cast, it's really Sher's forceful presence and exquisite comedic timing that buoys the production when it seems in danger of foundering under Gregory Doran's inspired but incongruous direction. Doran remains largely faithful to the original text, setting this Lear in a bleak, early medieval time. The aged, prideful Lear, wearing a heavy fur while carried in on a Popemobile-like throne, tells his court that he will divide his kingdom among his three daughters in order to enjoy what's left of his life. Goneril (a volatile Nia Gwynne), his eldest, expresses her excessive devotion to him, as does Regan (an icy Kelly Williams), and both are awarded sizable portions of the kingdom. Youngest daughter Cordelia (Mimi Ndiweni, the image of faithfulness and honesty), however, fails to match her sisters' ingratiating speeches of love, and incurs her father's wrath. The Earl of Kent (Antony Byrne in a fiery performance) protests the king's denunciation of Cordelia, and Lear banishes him. Rejected by other suitors, Cordelia finds a noble husband in the king of France (a stately Buom Tihngang), who bears her away from England. Mimi Ndiweni (center) plays Cordelia in Royal Shakespeare Company's King Lear. Costumes were designed by Niki Turner. ( Richard Termine/BAM) Soon after, the Earl of Gloucester (a riveting David Troughton) is duped by his illegitimate son Edmund (a wonderfully sardonic performance by Paapa Essiedu) into believing that his other son Edgar (Oliver Johnstone, especially impressive in his mad scene) has conspired in his father's death. Edgar flees into the wilderness, where he pretends to be a mad beggar. Meanwhile, Goneril and Regan strip Lear of his men and all his power, and in a fury, he goes out into a raging storm with his fool (a droll but depressing Graham Turner) and Kent, who has altered his appearance to serve Lear. When Gloucester offers Lear assistance, Regan has her husband (a vicious James Clyde) pluck out Gloucester's eyes. Treachery begets treachery, pitting sister against sister and child against parent, so that nothing, not even the return of honest and loving Cordelia from France, can prevent Lear's family from destruction. Doran elegantly sets the brutally naturalistic tone of his production in the opening scenes, with attendants carrying thin, barren-tree staffs that recall a Druid procession and with actors clothed in earth-toned, Game of Thrones-style furs, dresses, and battle gear (Niki Turner designed the stark yet arresting set and costumes). This Lear draws its powerful imagery from nature and its violent elements, which Lear himself invokes when he raises his arms to invoke a curse from the heavens on Goneril. He's a man so full of overweening pride that he believes the universe actually operates according to his wishes. Doran augments Lear's imprecations with Ilona Sekacz's ominous music, which takes us into the self-delusionary realm of Lear's hubris. The Duke of Cornwall (James Clyde) puts out the eyes of the Earl of Gloucester (David Troughton). ( Richard Termine/BAM) Had this simple but captivating aesthetic remained consistent throughout, the production would have been tremendously affecting. But Doran strays from this vision with the disappointingly static storm scene, in which Sher and Turner are wheeled in through a tall, menacing doorway on top of a huge glass cube while thunder and lightning (sound by Jonathan Ruddick and lighting by Tim Mitchell) fill the stage, and a projection of heavily falling rain plays behind them. That scene should be full of sound and fury, but instead we watch Lear deliver his speech nearly motionless while his fool cringes beside him. This large cube returns for Gloucester's blinding, to gratuitously gory effect. Despite Gloucester's screams of agony, the scene, one of the play's horrors, becomes one of this production's sight gags. Fortunately, Sher's scenes get the show back on track. His humor and consummate ease with Shakespeare's language still make this production a must-see. Also noteworthy are the rising stars among its ranks, especially Essiedu, who will take on the title role in RSC's Hamlet next month at the Kennedy Center. His duel with Johnstone in the play's last act (fights by Bret Yount and movement by Michael Ashcroft) livens things up near the end of the play's three hours and 15 minutes. And in the moving final moments, Sher and Ndiweni share a pitiable scene as Lear fitfully tries to revive Cordelia, and then quietly gives up the ghost. As this stage legend says goodbye to Shakespeare, we're grateful that he took on the mad king as his final role we can always hope he'll reconsider. American Petroleum Institute Goes Bonkers - Issues Fatuous Lies Against E15 Ethanol Blends By Marc J. Rauch Exec. Vice President/Co-Publisher THE AUTO CHANNEL AUTO CENTRAL - April 12, 2018: Today, a fathead from the American Petroleum Institute made a series of preposterous claims against E15 that prove neither he nor anyone currently employed by API know anything about motor fuels or internal combustion engines. The particular fathead I'm referring to is API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola. In a press release that was obviously hastily prepared by nitwits, halfwits, and truth-challenged people at Big Oil's public relations' firm to counteract reports that President Trump favors year-round sales of E15, Mr. Macchiarola signed off on the document saying that: Forcing higher ethanol fuel blends into the marketplace could have negative consequences for U.S. consumers. The RFS is broken and we continue to believe the best solution is comprehensive legislation. Testing by the auto and oil industries found that higher ethanol blends, such as E-15, can harm engines and fuel systems. E15 potentially forces drivers to pay for unexpected and costly repairs themselves. Nearly three out of four vehicles in the U.S. fleet were not built for E15 and this fuel is not compatible with motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment, and ATVs. And many automakers say that using E15 could potentially void new car warranties. The truth is that: The only negative consequences to using higher ethanol blends is to oil industry profits - there are no negative consequences to consumers who own internal combustion engines (ICE). If there's anything wrong with the RFS, it's that it should mandate much higher levels of biofuels to be used. The legislation that's needed is to ban the manufacture of any new gasoline-powered ICE engines for use in America. Any testing conducted by the auto and oil industries that found E15 can harm engines and fuel systems were fraudulently performed and/or the analysis of any problems were incorrectly blamed on ethanol. If E15 was the cause of a problem that required unexpected and costly repairs then it might "force" drivers to pay for the repairs. However, E15 does not cause engine and fuel system problems. Gasoline causes the problems. And the problems that are not caused by gasoline are problems that are attributable to any multi-part working mechanism...in other words, parts normally breakdown from wear and tear. All vehicles in the U.S. fleet were built for E15 (and higher blends). How do I know? For one thing, the oil industry told us so, for nearly 100 years...but the people working for API weren't told this. SEE: The Hypocrisy of Big Oil. As for claiming that E15 is not compatible with motorcycles, boats, and ATVs; that's hogwash. A good many of the very same bikes, boats, and buggies sold in America are sold in Brazil, where the standard fuel is E27. And if, by some strange reason someone has a lawn mower that doesn't like E15, then they shouldn't use it; they should use E10 or E0. No one is forcing them to use E15. If automakers could get away with it they would say that starting your engine voids new car warranties. Congress should pass legislation that immediately requires all automakers to extend warranties for any new ICE cars and light trucks built since the year 2010 * to include up to the use of E40. Additional legislation should be passed that warranties for all ICE cars and light trucks built after 2020 extends to the use of E50. Coincidentally, just a few days ago American Coalition of Ethanol (ACE) released a video that claims to expose the problems caused by the use of E15. The video is titled "Retailers Highlight E15 Liability Issues." The morons at API and their PR firms must have looked only at the title and not the video. The video itself is a fabulous tongue-in-cheek response to the same kind of irresponsible yellow journalism featured in today's API's garbage press release. Here it is: By the way, morons at API and its PR firms, if you don't like being called morons, nitwits, halfwits, and truth-challenged, come out and publicly debate me, you sniveling lily-livered ** cowards. * The reason I selected 2010 as the date is because of the enormous debris caused by gasoline in any engine for an extended period should be given a thorough cleaning before jumping into using much higher ethanol blends. Ethanol cleans engines, but when you have too much garbage even the largest drains need clearing - so to speak. ** I don't know what "lily-livered" means, but it always sounded good on the old westerns. Here's the garbage press release from API: WASHINGTON, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the American Petroleum Institute said forcing higher ethanol fuel blends into the marketplace could have negative consequences for the American consumer. "We are concerned about news reports suggesting administrative attempts to grant an E-15 summertime waiver," said API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola. "Forcing higher ethanol fuel blends into the marketplace could have negative consequences for U.S. consumers." "EPA has previously stated that it does not have the legal authority to grant the E-15 waiver, and we agree with that assessment. The industry plans to consider all options to prevent such a waiver. The RFS is broken and we continue to believe the best solution is comprehensive legislation. API urges Congress to take action to address this important issue." Testing by the auto and oil industries found that higher ethanol blends, such as E-15, can harm engines and fuel systems and potentially force drivers to pay for unexpected and costly repairs themselves. Nearly three out of four vehicles in the U.S. fleet were not built for E-15 and this fuel is not compatible with motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment, and ATVs. And many automakers say that using E-15 could potentially void new car warranties. Black interior with cloth/Alcantara leather seats Front passenger seat Rear seat delete Trunk carpet kit Custom Demon car cover VIN instrument panel badge Demon Authentication package (build sheets and Certicard) Demon Crate, which includes narrow front-runner drag wheels, performance powertrain control module with high-octane engine calibration, replacement switch module with high-octane button and a set of Demon-branded track tools - Charity gets a mega-horsepower push this June as Dodge//SRT joins with Barrett-Jackson for a once-in-a-lifetime offer for any automotive enthusiast: "The Ultimate Last Chance" - the last unit of the limited-production, world record-setting 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the last 2017 Dodge Viper , the American hand-built supercar, auctioned as a pair. Details on the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon/Dodge Viper Barrett-Jackson auction lot can be found at DodgeGarage.com You read that right. The winning bidder takes home a combined 1,485 horsepower: The 840-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, the industrys first and only purpose-built, street-legal production drag car with the most powerful production V-8 engine and 20-plus industry-first, drag-performance features, leaving its mark as an undisputed muscle car legend; and the 645-hp Dodge Viper, Americas hand-built performance supercar with 8.4L V-10 engine, aerospace-grade, lightweight carbon fiber body, iconic side exhaust and massive 14-inch wide rear tires, leaving behind a 25-year legacy with more track records than any other production car. Both offered in exclusive Viper Red exterior color (production code LRN) as the last of their kind.An avid collector could search a lifetime to try to put two vehicles of this pedigree together and never find it, its that elusive, said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT FCA North America. Pairing the last Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the Dodge Viper production cars two of Americas most sought-after vehicles under the roof of Barrett-Jackson gives someone the last chance to own this unique piece of automotive history, and Dodge//SRT the opportunity to raise money for a cause close to our hearts.Plans to auction the end-of-era Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and Dodge Viper vehicles The Ultimate Last Chance were announced today during the Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach auction in Florida.We couldnt be more excited to team up with Dodge for another significant sale, said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. Over the years, Barrett-Jackson has reached incredible milestones with Dodge, including the sale of a 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (VIN 001) that raised $1.65 million at our 2014 Las Vegas Auction to benefit Opportunity Village Foundation. The sale of 'The Ultimate Last Chance' is a car collectors dream and we are honored to partner with Dodge and support their philanthropic goals.The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon rattled the windows with a debut at the 2017 New York International Auto Show , grabbing attention with its 840-hp rating, street-legal drag radial tires and record-setting performance, first front-wheel lift in a production car, certified by Guinness World Records and worlds fastest quarter-mile production car (9.65 seconds ET/140 mph), certified by the National Hot Rod Association.Production of the Challenger SRT Demon is limited to one model year and a total of 3,300 units (3,000 U.S./300 Canada).In addition to the Viper Red exterior color, the last production 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon includes:The vehicles cross the block during the Barrett-Jackson Northeast auction (June 20-23) at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. One hundred percent of proceeds from the sale go to the United Way.By giving both dollars and time, our employees provide a lot of muscle to support United Way, said Brian Harlow, Head of Manufacturing and United Way Chair for FCA US LLC. To really kick this years United Way campaign into high gear, we are excited to offer up even more might with 'The Ultimate Last Chance' auction. Offering the last two of these iconic vehicles in a one-of-a-kind auction package will not only fulfill any car collectors dreams, but also provide much needed support for those less fortunate.Production of American hand-built V-10-powered Dodge Viper concluded at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit in fall 2017. The last production 2017 Dodge Viper is styled in homage to the first-generation Dodge Viper RT/10 with its Viper Red exterior and black interior. The car (VIN ending in 731948) includes exterior carbon fiber accents, black Alcantara leather seats and an exclusive VIN instrument panel badge and authentication kit.Dodge//SRT and Barrett-Jackson have collaborated before, with charity as the winner. A one-of-a-kind 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, VIN0001, raised $1.65 million for charity in 2014 at the time more than any other car in Barrett-Jackson history.Barrett-Jackson, The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions, was founded in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1971. Its internationally renowned auctions are hosted in Scottsdale; Palm Beach, Florida; Reno/Tahoe, Nevada, and Las Vegas. The events feature hundreds of the world's most sought-after, unique and valuable vehicles where they cross the block in front of a global audience. For more information about Barrett-Jackson and complete event information, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694. Barrett-Jackson can be found on Facebook or followed on Twitter @Barrett_Jackson.Dodge//SRT offers a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out in their own segments. Dodge is FCA North Americas mainstream performance brand, and SRT is positioned as the ultimate performance halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge, who founded the company in 1914. Their influence continues today. New for 2018, the 840-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, the fastest quarter-mile production car in the world and most powerful muscle car ever, is taking the world by storm, along with the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, Americas fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV, and the 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody. These new SRT ultimate performance models join a brand lineup that includes the Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Charger and Challenger, including the 707-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and the Charger SRT Hellcat, the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world.Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com Media website: http:// media.fcanorthamerica.com Dodge brand: www.dodge.com Dodge blog: blog.dodge.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge or https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge or www.youtube.com/fcanorthamerica Steven and Katie Pladl. A father and daughter accused of being in an incestuous relationship were found dead in a murder-suicide, CBS News reports. Their infant son was also killed, as was the womans adoptive father. Steven Pladl, 45, and Katie Pladl, 20, first made headlines when they were arrested and charged with incest in late January. Katie had been adopted as a baby, but found her biological parents Steven and his now-ex-wife when she was 18. She moved into their Virginia home in August 2016 and her parents split a few months later; in May 2017, her biological mother discovered that Katie was pregnant with Stevens child. Katie and Steven then moved to North Carolina and had plans to marry. As a condition of her bond following her arrest, Katie was required to live with her adoptive parents in New York state. North Carolina police first discovered their 7-month-old son, Bennett Pladl, dead in a suspected homicide in Stevens home on Thursday. Shortly before that, in New Milford, Connecticut, police found Katie and her adoptive father 56-year-old Anthony Fusco in a pickup truck, dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Steven was then found in his car across the border in Dover, New York, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Stevens mother, who originally called 911 for a welfare check, told dispatchers that her son had admitted to killing his baby, Katie, and Fusco. She also shed light on what appears to be the motive in this case: Katie had apparently broken up with Steven the day before over the phone. Above: Karen Elson models a one-of-a-kind gown during the Alta Moda fashion show at the Metropolitan Opera. If youve ever wondered how to use the bathroom in a ball gown, the answer is that you dont. Or that it takes the help of two other people a trusted confidante and a friendly bathroom attendant to get the job done. This became apparent on April 8 in the ladies room at the Metropolitan Opera House, where a tall Toronto socialite named Sylvia Mantella could be found laughing at what the internet might call a first-world problem. In addition to the gold crown on her head, she wore a bulbous Dolce & Gabbana gown with animals like leopards hand-painted on it. (Mantella owns an exotic-animal sanctuary in Florida that houses a leopard named Jasmine.) But she wasnt flustered. This is exactly the sort of folly that she and other Dolce & Gabbana clients travel thousands of miles and pay thousands of dollars more for the thrill of experiencing. Mantella was just one of 300 or so guests in town for Dolce & Gabbanas four-day Alta Moda extravaganza, making its New York debut after six years of taking place exclusively in Italy. A series of fashion shows, Alta Moda caters to the brands most enthusiastic customers, who throw down their credit cards to buy one-of-a-kind pieces within minutes of seeing them on the runway. The festivities kicked off on April 6 with an Alta Gioielleria event at the New York Public Library. Sex and the Citys Sarah Jessica Parker played host, auctioning off the Dolce & Gabbana fine jewelry pieces on her neck, wrist, and ears plus the dress off her back to sweeten the deal for a total of $560,000, all of which was donated to charities of her choosing. Marina Arnott of Newport Beach, the lucky wife of the highest bidder, wore her whole haul to the Met two days later. According to Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, some of their most devoted clients are men. Attendees of the mens Alta Sartoria show on April 7 at the Rainbow Room confirmed this, with some saying theyd worn Dolce & Gabbana exclusively for 25-plus years. One man from Hong Kong told me he was the brands biggest customer. Meanwhile, another from New Delhi said he had purchased most of the last collection in Palermo. Im not sure if Im more of a fan of Dolce & Gabbana, or if Dolce & Gabbana is more a fan of me, he added with a smirk. The Daily Show host Trevor Noah was also amid the crowd at the Rainbow Room. This was his first time at a couture presentation (Its wild, he said). For the briefest of seconds, he thought the woman in front of him was a Liza Minnelli impersonator, only to realize it was Minnelli herself, there to perform. Her finale was New York, New York, which made sense, since this years shows had hundreds of looks inspired by such local monuments as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. These are symbols you can understand all over the world, said Stefano Gabbana. Back at Lincoln Center on Monday, supermodel Karlie Kloss opened the womens show in a red number made entirely of feathers, while Naomi Campbell closed in a gown with the city skyline hand-painted on its train. Many of us came to America in search of fortune, and we havent forgotten it, said Isabella Rossellini, whod watched her son, Roberto, walk the Alta Sartoria runway. And now those fortunes were ready to be spent. Dinner was served on the Metropolitan Opera stage after the show. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Young Dolce & Gabbana fans at the Alta Gioielleria jewelry show at the New York Public Library. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Isabella Rossellini wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Madama Butterfly opera coat while seated next to Sylvia Mantella at the Metropolitan Opera. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Guests leaving the library. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Sarah Jessica Parker auctions off the Dolce & Gabbana fine jewelry on her neck, ears, and wrist, as well as the dress off her back. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Domenico Dolce. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Liza Minnelli performs as Pamela Andersons son, Brandon Thomas Lee, walks the Alta Sartoria mens runway at the Rainbow Room. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Models walk the long Alta Moda runway at the Metropolitan Opera. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Marina Arnott of Newport Beach, the lucky wife of the Alta Gioielleria auction winner. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Guests seated front row at the Alta Moda fashion show. Photo: Dina Litovsky/New York Magazine Sandra Eleta. Edita (la del plumero), 1977. Photo: Courtesy of Galeria Arteconsult S.A., Panama. Sandra Eleta The new exhibition at Brooklyn Museum is the first of its kind. Radical Women: Latin American Art, 19601985 addresses an art-historical vacuum by centering and exploring the work of pioneering Latin American women artists from 15 countries. Filled with over 260 works that run the gamut from sculpture to video to painting, the comprehensive exhibition celebrates the significance and influence of artists often overlooked by history. Paz Errazuriz. Evelyn, 1982. Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Galeria AFA, Santiago. Paz Errazuriz Delia Cancela. Corazon destrozado (Destroyed heart), 1964. Photo: Collection of Mauro Herlitzka. Delia Cancela There are more than 120 artists represented in the exhibition, which is meant to reflect the diversity of Latin American identity. Paintings by Anna Maria Maiolino, a Brazilian multimedia artist who was feted last year with a retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, are shown alongside vivid murals Chicana activist artist Judith F. Baca. Trailblazing video artists like Narcisa Hirsch and Pola Weiss employ the female body to symbolize both the restrictions imposed on women and the freedom of expression coveted by citizens across Latin America in the mid-1970s. Amelia Toledo. Sorriso do menina (Girls smile), 1976. Photo: Collection of Fernando and Camila Abdalla. Amelia Toledo Radical Women is inherently political, with many of the artists interrogating civil unrest, human rights, gendered violence, and oppression. Their investigations are driven by their individual experiences, including immigration and the rise of dictatorships. Andrea Giunta, co-curator of the exhibition with Cecilia Fajardo-Hill at Los Angeles Hammer Museum, feels shared poetic and political resonances in the work. These themes draw together the artworks across national and geographic boundaries, making the case for parallel practices by artists often working in very different cultural conditions. Marta Minujin. Colchon (Mattress), 1964/1985. Photo: Collection of Jorge and Marion Helft. Marta Minujin Marie Orensanz. Limitada (Limited), 1978/2013. Photo: Collection of Marie Orensanz; courtesy Alejandra von Hartz Gallery. Marie Orensanz The exhibition, which opens today, is on view until July 22. Students and visitors attend a candlelight vigil on campus at Virginia Tech April 16, 2012 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech is marking the fifth anniversary of the killing of 32 students and faculty in what was then the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. April 16, 2018 will mark the 11th anniversary of the deadly event. (Jared Soares/Getty Images) Americas Active Shooter Crisis Demands Leadership Americas culture of violence continually manifests itself through horrific active shooter tragedies. Leadership is critical from law enforcement, private security professionals, government officials, property managers, and all who are responsible for safeguarding individuals entrusted to their care. Each and every person privileged to call America home must also be vigilant, and always aware of their surroundings. Violence is the new reality of American life and companies, schools, campuses, houses of worship, and public gatherings throughout the nation are potential targets. Active Shooter Definition As defined by the Department of Homeland Security: An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation. American Mass Shootings: Fast Facts The ten deadliest single day mass shootings in modern U.S. history crystalize the scope of the crisis. Oct. 1, 201758 killed and almost 500 injured when a deranged gunman opens fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gunfire was sprayed for approximately ten to fifteen minutes upon a crown of about 22,000 concertgoers. June 12, 201649 killed and over 50 wounded when a gunman opens fire inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. April 16, 200732 students and faculty killed and numerous others injured at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Dec. 14, 2012twenty children, ages six and seven, and six adult staff and faculty were shot dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Nov. 5, 201725 people as well as an unborn child were shot dead, and twenty others wounded inside a small church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Oct. 16, 199123 people are shot dead inside Lubys Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas. July 18, 198421 adults and children are killed inside a McDonalds in San Ysidro, California. Aug. 1, 196618 are killed including an unborn child and at least 30 are wounded at the University of Texas in Austin. The shooter also killed his wife and mother earlier in the day. Feb. 14, 201817 are shot dead by a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Dec. 2, 201514 are killed by a married couple during a holiday season employee gathering at Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. Dedication Demanded Throughout my career, I have conducted hundreds of walkthroughs at sites to assess security. After many of these walkthroughs, my responsibility was to develop post orders for security personnel, action plans, and emergency contact information. Despite the importance of these procedures for protecting life and property, the deficiencies at many sites were often conspicuous. The possibility of an emergency is always a reality, whether it be man-made or natural, and leadership must always be built of the pillars of dedication, competence, and discipline. Practical Preparedness Tips Continuous active shooter tragedies remind us that incidents can happen any place and any time. There are steps that can be taken to prevent the threat. The proactive mindset of preparedness includes the mantra, If you see something, say something. It also involves knowing plans at schools, campuses, houses of worship, and workplaces. Leadership must also ensure training, plans, and drills are implemented if they do not exist. Situational awareness is also critical as one must always know exits whenever visiting facilities, malls, theaters, or public places. According to FEMA, there are three options for survival during an incident which are as follows: RUN. Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority. Leave your things behind and run away. If safe to do so, warn others nearby. Call 911 when you are safe. Describe each shooter, their locations, and weapons. HIDE. If you cant get away safely, find a place to hide. Get out of the shooters view and stay very quiet. Silence your electronic devices and make sure they wont vibrate. Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off the lights. Dont hide in groups spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter. Try to communicate with police silentlylike through text messages or by putting a sign in an exterior window. Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all clear. FIGHT. Your last resort when you are in immediate danger is to defend yourself. Commit to your actions and act aggressively to stop the shooter. Ambushing the shooter together with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, and books can distract and disarm the shooter. During and after an incident it is always essential to follow the instructions of law enforcement. First-Aid classes can also be taken to learn skills that can save lives. Final Reflections Americas flag continues to fly at half-staff too often due to violent rampages against the innocent. Leadership must inspire vigilance and collaboration to prevent violence. We must have the determination, commitment, and courage to protect ourselves and others. Training initiatives, security assessments, sound security measures, building police-community partnerships, professional security personnel, and responding effectively to warning signs are critical safeguards against active shooter tragedies. These pillars must be inseparable from securing our communities against mass shooting tragedies and essential reawakening the nation. Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America. Bove is a recipient of the FBI Directors Community Leadership Award for combating crime and violence and is a former confidant of the New York Yankees. His newest book is Listen to Their Cries. For more information, see www.vincentbove.com Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Emperor depicted as a fisherman. From Album of the Yongzheng Emperor in Costumes, by anonymous court artists, Yongzheng period (17231735). One of 14 album leaves, color on silk. The Palace Museum, Beijing. (Public Domain) Ancient Chinese Stories: The Fish Show Gratitude In the spring of the 13th year of the Tianbao period (circa A.D. 754) of the Tang Dynasty, Liu Cheng and Li Hui often took big boatloads of fish and crabs to sell between Wu and Yue states. One day, they loaded a boat full of fish in Xinan and were on their way to Danyang County. It was dark when they arrived in Chapu, so they decided to stop and find a place to sleep. Li Hui wanted to go to the village and left Liu Cheng alone on the boat. Heavy clouds covered the sky, and it was quiet, with no sign of anyone around. Suddenly, Liu Cheng heard a mans voice calling mournfully, Amitabha! He jumped up and checked the boats cabin. He saw a big fish, with a vibrant-colored beard, shaking its head and calling out with a human voice, Amitabha! Liu Cheng was so scared that his hair almost stood up straight. He jumped off the boat and hid in the reeds to see what would happen next. Then, thousands of fish in the cabin all jumped around shouting the Buddhas name. The sound was earthshaking. Once their brief outburst was finished, the terrified man hastily threw all the fish back into the river. Not long after, Li Hui came back, and Liu Cheng told him all about it. Li Hui said angrily, Where did you come up with such a strange story! Its just nonsense. He cursed him for a long time. Liu Cheng didnt know how to convince Li Hui of the truth, so he used his clothes and silver to pay him back for the fish. Cheng had only one silver piece left. With it, he bought more than a dozen bundles of hay that he could take and sell elsewhere. He put them on the riverbank. The next day, Cheng tried to move the hay onto the boat but felt the hay was very heavy. So he opened up the bundles and found 15 strings of coins, which was a large amount of money in those days. There was a piece of paper attached that said, This is the money for the fish. Cheng felt even more surprised. On the same day, in Gua State, Cheng met a group of monks eating their meals and gave the money to them. A retired county head called Wan Zhuang happened to be passing through the area at the time. He heard of this matter in detail, recorded it, and handed it down to the generations. Reprinted with permission from Zhengjian (Pure Insight) and translated by Dora Li. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies before the House Judiciary Committee about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russia's alleged election interference in 2016, in Washington on Dec. 13, 2017. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) As Russia Probe Runs Out of Bounds, Trump Summons Rosenstein to White House President Donald Trump summoned Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to the White House on Thursday afternoon, according to Fox News. Rosenstein was seen leaving the White House after spending about an hour with the president. The meeting took place days after the Russia investigation, which Rosenstein oversees, appeared to run out of bounds with FBI agents raiding the home, hotel room, and office of Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, on Monday. A White House official said that Trump and Rosenstein met about routine matters. The meeting appears to have been arranged quickly since Rosenstein failed to appear at a scheduled event with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Justice Department officials said that Trump and Rosenstein discussed document production to Congress. Rosenstein also met White House Counsel Don McGahn. Trump has criticized Rosenstein and Special Counsel Robert Mueller over their handling of the probe into allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. The investigation is approaching its anniversary and has not produced a single indictment supporting the collusion claim. Mueller is most conflicted of all (except Rosenstein who signed FISA & Comey letter), Trump tweeted Wednesday. By FISA, Trump was referring to the Foreign Affairs Surveillance Court warrant application to surveil Trump-campaign volunteer Carter Page. That application was based largely on an unverified dossier compiled by a former British spy who was ultimately paid by Hillary Clinton. The former spy used second- and third-hand sources close to the Kremlin while the company which hired him to perform the work, Fusion GPS, received money from Russia. Much of the bad blood with Russia is caused by the Fake & Corrupt Russia Investigation, headed up by the all Democrat loyalists, or people that worked for Obama. Mueller is most conflicted of all (except Rosenstein who signed FISA & Comey letter). No Collusion, so they go crazy! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 Trump appointed Rosenstein who in turn appointed Mueller. Sessions, also a Trump appointee, recused himself from the Russia investigation. Mueller, the main investigator in the Russia probe, referred Cohens case to federal authorities in New York because the matter is outside the boundaries of the Russia probe. Rosenstein personally signed off on the decision to raid Cohen. Mondays raid marked the first time in modern U.S. history that the personal lawyer for a president was raided by the FBI. According to leaks from Muellers probe to the New York Times, the agents were seeking information on payments Cohen made to two women who claim to have had affairs with Trump more than a decade ago. Cohen and Trump deny the womens claims. Trump said he didnt know about the payment till last month. The investigators pursued the details about the payments because they believe the money constitutes an in-kind campaign contribution by Cohen, which would exceed the legal limit for an individual donor. This rationale was debunked on Tuesday by the former chairman of the Federal Elections Commission, who said that hush money cannot be counted as a campaign contribution. Related: President Trump Comments on the FBI Raid of His Personal Attorney As the US Counters Chinas Industrial War, Transactions Are Key Trade warfare is just a tiny part of industrial warfare. In physical terms, it is the scream before the fight. There is a lot more to industrial warfare than meets the eye. The West needs to understand that to fight China in an industrial war, you had better know what you are doing. This is a completely different opponent altogether. There are no Queensberry rules here. That means no gloves, no referee to stop the fight, no throwing in the towel, and no medical staff to tend to your wounds. The aim of industrial warfare is not to win according to a set of rules, or to win a game of some kind. It is designed specifically for one thing: to put the opponent out of business. And it has been working very well for the last three decades that China has been using itthe effects of which have depleted American manufacturing, sapped natural resources out of Australia, and allowed the Chinese regimes economic colonization of Latin America and Africa. Industrial war is the fight for manufacturing, and this extends to the fight for natural resources, shipping channels, intellectual property, skilled employees, and a long list of other assets. The United States is now entering this fight, after allowing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) relatively free reign for decades. President Donald Trump may place $60 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods, and this may help establish a set of enforceable rules in this domain. But the CCP is unlikely to agree without testing the boundaries of the ring. As the United States enters this field, it must first understand that in any conflict, the key is in preparation. Those who are more prepared, who have made more calculations, who understand the terrain that they are engaging, who understand the enemy, who understand the moves the enemy will make and counter withwho understand the nature of the battleare the ones who have the better probability of being the winning side. The key word here is probability, as things can be uncertain even when the battle may look as if it has been won. A single unlucky strike can render your entire effort useless. In a kinetic war, the type most nations are used to fighting, the main weapon looks like a projectile: a bullet, missile, bomb, or arrow. During the war, you fire as many as you can against an opponent until you defeat their army, forcing them to yield to your terms of surrender. In industrial warfare, the projectile looks like a transaction. The more transactions you make, the better your chances of winning the conflict. Transactions Are Key There are hundreds of attack and defense techniques in industrial warfare, with countless combinations for forming actions and responses. This creates massive potential to build complex strategies. Yet, within all of these techniques, the most important objective in industrial warfare is based on one thing: transactions. And this is the objective that the Trump administration has taken head-on. The more transactions you have, the bigger your business. The fewer transactions you have, the smaller your business. This rule applies to anyone in business since most people are in business to make money. Nothing else. A transaction is more complex than it immediately appears, however, and these apply to the seven methods of securing a transaction. These are price, delivery, quality, aftermarket, customers, shareholders, and employees. When all of these seven elements of a transaction are firing on all cylinders, the business senses are sharp, and the machine that drives it is well-oiled, in tune, and ready for growth. After transactional growth has been achieved at home, the industrial war fighter will be looking for growth abroadin other lands and among the economies of other nations. Thats when it becomes very serious. Full resolution here. The 7Tao system for industrial warfare. (Amar Manzoor) Attacking and Defending Transactions In order to secure transactions, we need two simple directions: one that moves into the territory of a competitor, and another that defends our territory. The defensive system in industrial warfare is designed to save money and keep it inside the demarcation battle linewhich means in your own country, or, in Chinas case, within China. Video: How Industrial warfare has occurred between USA and China The attack system is designed specifically to invade a competitors territory and to take their transactions. If this is taken to an extremeas the Chinese regime has been doingentire geographies can be depleted of their industry, ecosystems starved of transactions, and the local populations depleted of their livelihoods, leaving devastation in its wake. The state of the current battlefield is a big part of why Trump was elected. The United States has been on the receiving end of Chinese industrial warfare for more than three decades, and the results are showing in cities like Detroit where industrial depletion has rendered the working population redundant. This Detroit effect is spreading right across the nation as the waters become more shallow and competition in everything becomes so endemic that people simply cannot make a living anymore. Under the effects of an economy depleted by foreign industrial war, like a starved body, the local economy begins to cannibalize itself, and the targeted country will be forced to sell off its resources and assets to survive. Not understanding industrial warfare has a massive effect on a population, will make the voter base change their approach to politics, and will suffocate the civil service, which is run by taxpayers. If its effects are not curbed, the instability resulting from economic depletion through industrial warfare can even lead to civil war. While it is technically nonviolent, the effects of industrial warfare can be just as devastating as conventional combat. Thus, it is vital that the United States understands the nature of the war in which it has been engaged, and which the Trump administration has begun to counter. Amar Manzoor is author of the book The Art of Industrial Warfare, and founder of the 7Tao industrial warfare system. Bitcoin Is a Bubble, and Its Not The cryptocurrency goes through bubble phases but comes back because there is intrinsic value It looks like bitcoin is taking investors through all of the stages of a classic bubble: euphoria, denial, fear, and desperation. When bitcoin fell under $7,000 and the market capitalization of the whole sector halved, the funeral preparations by nay-sayers were already underway. The fact that bitcoin has already survived five such bubbles doesnt seem to deter them. According to economists Nouriel Roubini and Paul Krugman, bitcoin will fall to zero and the whole crypto sector will simply dissolve. Of course, this may happen. However, the audacity to profusely claim to know something better than anybody else seems to be a requisite for the economist profession. Bitcoin has seen five bubbles, crashes, and recoveries, and each time it has gained in value, which actually speaks in favor of the cryptocurrency. Bubble Dynamics Prior to the 20th century, bubbles were few and far between. The Dutch tulip mania in the 1630s, the British South Sea Bubble of the 1710s, and the French Mississippi Bubble of the 1710s are the most commonly cited examples of early bubbles. In recent times, the term bubble has been applied to collapses of several financial asset classes, including the 1930s stock market crash, the 1980s Japanese real estate market deflation, the 1990s Asian financial market collapse, the late 90s dot-com bubble, and the 2000s housing crisis. Increasingly treating bitcoin as a synonym for tulip mania, financial leaders are questioning the cryptocurrencys long-term sustainability. The CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, called bitcoin a fraud when it reached $4,000 in September last year. Recently, Krugman claimed that bitcoin is a larger bubble than the 2008 housing crisis. And according to mainstream pundits, the 70,000 percent increase in bitcoins value over the past five years is unwarranted. In 2017, bitcoins price rose from approximately $1,000 to $20,000, an inflating bubble. However, bitcoins performance over the past three months looks like a deflating bubble. So is it a bubble, or does it have sustainable value? Bitcoin as Money Bitcoins original purpose was to be a medium of exchange independent of government. However, critics claim that a new monetary system cannot be created out of thin air by a few cryptographers in Japan or wherever they originally came from. There are two main arguments: First, bitcoin does not have any use case outside of being a medium of exchange, and second, bitcoin is not a tangible commodity. The proponents of the first argument claim that fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar and the euro have value because the government backs them and because you can pay your taxes in them. Similarly, gold has value because it can be used in industrial applications. Following this logic, bitcoin has no value because it cannot be used to pay taxes in most jurisdictions and it has no physical applications. The second argument stems from Austrian economics and Ludwig von Misess regression theorem. This theorem states that the purchasing power of fiat today can be traced back to the purchasing power of fiat yesterday, which can eventually be traced back to when fiat was convertible to gold and other commodities. The theory holds that the purchasing power of money can be regressed to a time when money was not used as money but as a commodity. Golds original purchasing power was established on the free market through the forces of supply and demand because gold could be directly used as jewelry. Since bitcoin is digital, some analysts argue that bitcoins purchasing power is backed by nothing. Instead, speculation is the main reason the price keeps going up. According to this logic, the price will plummet when speculators stop speculating, because bitcoin is not legal tender and it has no industrial demand to support its price on the market. Is It Electronic Cash? But bitcoins original purpose was to be an electronic cash system. Critics claim that bitcoin is too volatile to be a store of value or a unit of account, and therefore, bitcoin is a bubble. Volatility is generally measured by calculating the standard deviation of the assets return. The Bitcoin Volatility Index, which tracks bitcoins price fluctuations, has shown the cryptocurrencys rolling 30-day volatility has been over 6 percent during the past month. At the same time, gold and the S&P 500s rolling 30-day volatility was 1 percent. According to this statistic, bitcoin is a significantly riskier asset than gold or the S&P 500. Bitcoin has a 30 percent correction every quarter, while the S&P 500 has had 12 corrections of 30 percent or higher since its inception in 1929. The main point is that bitcoins volatility makes it poor money, and if it is poor money, then why does it have value? Another prominent reason why bitcoin, and cryptocurrencies in general, is called a bubble is that the supply of cryptocurrencies is unlimited. The open-source and digital nature of bitcoin enables thousands of new cryptocurrencies to be created for free. Nineteen forks of bitcoin were created in 2017, and some of them had an impact on bitcoins price. On the ethereum blockchain, new tokens can be created with only 66 lines of code, and all 66 lines of code can be copy-pasted from online sources. There are even YouTube tutorials on how to create new cryptocurrencies in under six minutes. In 2017, more than 470 new cryptocurrencies were launched. According to this argument, the supply for cryptocurrencies is larger than the demand. And since the demand is finite, and the supply is theoretically infinite, the bubble will eventually collapse and investors will lose billions. Bitcoin has only been around since 2009, and the technology has evolved from being a free and fast payment system to an expensive and slow payment system. Critics of bitcoin claim that if it does not implode because of other factors, bitcoin will be replaced by a cryptocurrency with superior technological features. Specifically, bitcoin will be replaced by a cryptocurrency that does not require billions of dollars in electricity and mining hardware per year. Also, post-blockchain technologies such as Hashgraph and IOTA are now the talk of all blockchain conferences and meetups because they promise to solve the bitcoin scaling problem. The smartest minds in the world are working on better blockchains because the reward for creating a cryptocurrency better than bitcoin is astronomical. Just as slow horse buggies were replaced by fast cars, and Nokia bricks by sleek iPhones, bitcoin will not be around forever. Independence But low-interest policy and demand for a secure way to save are fueling part of bitcoins rise in price. If central banks stop debasing the purchasing power of fiat currencies and people can return to the good old days of saving cash in their bank accounts, a large portion of bitcoins appeal will vanish. In contrast, bitcoins price will go much higher if fiat currencies continue to be a poor vehicle for saving. The No. 1 reason bitcoin may not be a bubble stems from bitcoins technological qualities that make it a superior way of saving value. The upward price trend and speculation around bitcoin stems from bitcoins potential to be a global and permissionless system of managing wealth that cannot be confiscated. This is why the five arguments analysts use when calling bitcoin a bubble can be countered: First, it is true that bitcoins price fluctuates heavily; however, this does not mean that bitcoin is not a good investment. To avoid buying at all-time highs, several investors invest a small amount of money in cryptocurrencies every month to gain exposure at an average price. This strategy is commonly referred to as cost averaging. Highly volatile assets have the advantage, in that a small position of a portfolio has a reasonable impact on the overall performance. If this is sized correctly, investors may be able to handle the volatility much better. The second argument that bitcoin has no value because it has no use cases also collapses upon closer inspection. The 19thcentury economist Carl Menger observed that value is subjective. Each individual values bitcoin for a different reason. If we consider the market price of bitcoin to be a surrogate of information concerning the individual preferences of consumers in society, then the cost of $10,000 per bitcoin means that a lot of people around the world value bitcoin even though it is not a physical commodity. And even Misess regression theorem kicks in, as bitcoin was valued by geeks and programmers as a permissionless payment system before it had any dollar value attached to it. The third argument, that bitcoin is the most volatile asset class, also is not evidence that investors should avoid bitcoin. Many investors specifically target volatile asset classes with active trading strategies. Fourth, any analyst or economist who says the supply of cryptocurrencies is infinite does not fully understand the technology. Creating cryptocurrencies by copying and pasting code is free and can be used to increase the supply of cryptocurrencies. However, creating a new cryptocurrency does not mean it will have a network of users. Creating a network of users requires resources that are scarce, such as capital and labor. Although the supply of cryptocurrencies is technically unlimited, the supply of functioning global cryptocurrency networks is limited. The final point regarding bitcoin being replaced by a better technology is probably the strongest argument against bitcoin. However, there are a few solutions for bitcoins scaling problem in the works, and until this day, bitcoin remains the most decentralized and independent networka true competitive advantage. Demelza Hays edits the Crypto Research Report and is a portfolio manager at Incrementum AG. A frigate launches chaff and flare during a drill at the sea near the Suao navy harbor in Yilan, eastern Taiwan, on April 13, 2018. The naval drills simulating an attack on the island took place soon after Beijing announced the Chinese regime will hold live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Straits on April 18. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images) Chinese Regime Amps Up Aggressive Rhetoric With Announcement of Military Drills in Taiwan Strait The Chinese regime has ratcheted up its aggressive rhetoric toward Taiwan in recent weeks, culminating in an announcement on April 12 that the Chinese military will hold live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Straits on April 18. Taiwan has a separate political and economic system from mainland China and is, for the most part, a separate country, but Beijing views Taiwan as a region that will one day be reunited with the mainland. The Chinese regime has not renounced the use of military force to bring Taiwan under its control. On the contrary, Beijing officials have become increasingly assertive. In an April 9 article published on the state-run Global Times website, retired Peoples Liberation Army lieutenant-general Wang Hongguang said the Chinese regime had all the military capabilities to invade Taiwan, and that it could be achieved within 100 hourswithout giving American or Japanese forces the chance to summon a massive military force to assist [Taiwan], he wrote. On April 10, at a panel held at the Boao economic forum in Hainan island, China, Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged Taiwanese businesspeople to oppose Taiwan independence. Taiwan is a U.S. strategic ally in the Asia-Pacific region. While the United States only maintains formal diplomatic relations with China, it has continually sold arms to Taiwan for the island to defend itself. Most recently, President Donald Trump signed a unanimously passed bill that would allow more diplomatic exchanges between U.S. and Taiwan officials. Meanwhile, the Chinese military has continually developed military capabilities to prepare for a Taiwan invasion. In an annual report on Chinas military power released in 2017, the U.S. Defense Department noted that the Chinese military considered Taiwan one of the geographic areas the leadership identifies as endowed with strategic importance. The report outlined Chinas various artillery systems that have the range to strike within or across the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese have about 1,200 short-range ballistic missiles capable of striking Taiwan in its inventory and have recently added land-attack cruise missiles to the array of missiles deployed opposite Taiwan, according to the report. However, Ian Easton, a research fellow at the Project 2049 Institute who recently authored the book, The Chinese Invasion Threat: Taiwans Defense and American Strategy in Asia, told The Epoch Times that a military invasion by the Chinese regime would be hard to pull off. The Chinese regime has a few disadvantages: Taiwans geographic features serve as a natural defense, while the Chinese military does not possess enough amphibious vehicles, vessels, or aircraft that could quickly transport troops across the straits, Easton said. The Defense Departments assessment similarly noted that Taiwans armed forces possessed technological superiority, but that the Chinese militarys recent investments now pose major challenges to Taiwans security. Responding to Wangs comments in the Global Times article, Taiwans Defense Department deputy chief of staff, general Chen Baoyu, said on April 12 that Wangs proposition was absolutely impossible, adding that his first reaction to the news was to laugh. He said that Taiwans air force was among the worlds most tightly organized, and would be ready to react to Chinese military force swiftly. In the Chinese regimes 13th Five-Year Plan (2016 to 2020) unveiled in 2016, the state also proposed building a high-speed rail tunnel connecting Beijing to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. However, there has been no timetable proposed and Taiwanese officials strongly opposed to the idea at the time. Many in Taiwan were concerned such a tunnel could be used to transport Chinese troops in the event of an invasion. Qin Yufei contributed to this report. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn launches the Labour Party's Local Election Campaign on Apr. 9, 2018 in London. Local council elections in England are due to be held on 3 May 2018. Israeli Labour Party Breaks Off Relations With Britains Corbyn Israels Labour party said on April 10 it had suspended relations with British Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, accusing him of sanctioning anti-Semitism and showing hatred towards Israeli policies. It is my responsibility to acknowledge the hostility you have shown to the Jewish community and the anti-Semitic statements and actions you have allowed as leader of the Labour party UK, Israeli Labour Party leader Avi Gabbay wrote in a letter to Corbyn, distributed to the media. Corbyn, the British opposition leader who unexpectedly became party head in 2015, is a supporter of Palestinian rights and a critic of Israel. He has repeatedly faced accusations of turning a blind eye to anti-Semitic comments in the party and among groups he supports. In March, British Jewish groups held a street protest outside parliament against Corbyn, accusing him of failing to tackle anti-Semitism in party ranks because of a far-left world view hostile to Jews. As Israel approaches Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day this week, we are reminded of the horrors of anti-Semitism in Europe and our commitment to combating anti-Semitism of all forms and in all places, Gabbays letter said. As such, I write to inform you of the temporary suspension of all formal relations between the Israel Labour party and the leader of the Labour Party UK. Gabbay said Corbyn had shown very public hatred towards Israeli government policies including those where the opposition and the ruling coalition are aligned. Israeli Labour is part of the Zionist Union faction in Israels Knesset that controls 24 of the legislatures 120 seats. TOPSHOT - Former President of the Catalan Government and leader of Partit Democrata Europeu Catala (Catalan European Democratic Party) PDECAT Artur Mas (between R and A letters) poses with other members of Catalan Government, the Catalan Parliament, Catalan mayors and party members few moments before his arrival at the TSJC (Superior Court of Catalonia) in Barcelona on Feb. 6, 2017. (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images) Separatism in Europe Historically, separatism was more regional; now it's anti-EU One of the surprising results of Italys election in March was a huge jump in support for the Leagueformerly known as the Northern Leagueup to nearly 18 percent, from around only 4 percent in 2013. In October 2017, the partys leader, Matteo Salvini, said that the time had come for the League to progress from a regional movement to a national party that addresses all Italians. The transformation was surprising. The Northern League had once campaigned on a separatist platform. The movement, born of regional identity politics and disdain for lazy southerners and the central authorities in Rome, has now successfully transformed itself into an Italian nationalist party, one that is euroskeptic and opposed to Muslim immigration. This example of a separatist party evolving into one espousing national unity will probably remain an anomaly. Separatism in Europe has historically been very regional, though recent movements are anti-European Union. Catalonia The separatist movement in Catalonia has undergone a complex evolution since its independence referendum on Oct. 1, 2017. The vote was called by the Catalan Parliament and supported by a diverse group of parties, including the center-right Together for Catalonia (Junts per Catalunya), the leftist Republican Left of Catalonia (known by its initials in Catalan as ERC), and the ultra-leftist Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP). The Constitutional Court of Spain ruled the referendum illegal, and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy reacted by sending in the civil guard and national police to stop the vote. Despite Madrids efforts, the referendum took place, with more than 92 percent voting in favor of independence (many opponents abstained). After the Catalan Parliament declared independence, Madrid suspended Catalonias autonomy, dismissed its government, and called new elections. The Catalonia regional elections on Dec. 21, 2017, granted a very slight majority to the pro-independence parties, causing a complete paralysis. In contrast to most other separatist movements in Europe, which typically oppose the European Union, the Catalan separatists want recognition from the EU and even membership in the bloc. But so far, both Brussels and the member governments have maintained solidarity with Madrid and refused to engage in dialogue with Barcelona. It is hard to see how the Catalonia independence movement can move forward from here. Along with the deadlock in parliament, the pro-independence parties cannot agree on the next step, with the CUP calling for immediate separation from Spain, while its allies favor a gradual approach. There is also still no agreement on who should lead the regional government. Degrees of Separation The indecision between autonomy and independence prevails among the main separatist movements in Europe, including some of the more persistent ones, like that of the Basque region of Spain. The Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ-PNV), on the center-right of the political spectrum, has always denied connections with the militant Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA). Classified as a terrorist group by Spain, France, the EU, the United Kingdom, and the United States, ETA accepted a cease-fire in 2011 that is still in effect. Significant fiscal privileges for the Basque Countrygreater than those granted to Cataloniaexplain the truces staying power. Perhaps due to Spains protracted nation-building process, aiming to bring together several previously independent entities, the list of regions that have gained some sort of autonomous status is long: Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the Basque Country, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castile and Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Catalonia, the Community of Madrid, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Murcia, Navarre, and the Valencian Community. In some of these regions, claims to independence are more serious than others. Catalonia, the Basque Country, and even Galicia have more legitimate claims, rooted in history, tradition, and language. The trend today is that these movements have transitioned from violence to participation in the political process. Such has been the case with the Basques and ETA in Spain, and in Ireland with the Irish Republican Army. There is no guarantee this will continue; in fact, the situation could change very quickly. But smart policies can avoid a return to violence. No Violence One telling example is in Trentino-South Tyrol. Originally with an ethnically and linguistically German population, the region was, geographically, part of the Italian Peninsula. During the process of Italian unification, in 1866, there was an attempt to take the territory, which at the time was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Then, in 1918, with the defeat of the Central Powers after World War I and the dissolution of the Habsburg Empire, the region was annexed by Italy. Italian leader Benito Mussolini pushed hard for the Italianization of these regions, and after World War II, there was a surge of violence. In 1971, a new treaty between Italy and Austria stipulated international mediation for disputes in the region and gave it more autonomy. Tensions eased, and the violence fizzled out. In areas that already have significant autonomy, nonviolence seems to be the rule; the Scottish independence movement has refrained from armed struggle, as have the Flemish of the New Flemish Alliance, which works for the independence of Flanders from Belgium within the constitutional framework. Corsica provides another European example in which forces for independence moved from violence to politics. In the 1960s, the island went through a rupture caused by the collapse of French Algeria. After Algeria gained independence, the French government relocated some of Algerias French settlers (the Pieds-Noirs) to Corsica, granting them special rights on lands in the islands east. Their arrival and economic decline ignited a revival of separatism that, in the 1970s, led to the foundation of the National Liberation Front of Corsica (FLNC), an organization responsible for several bombings, armed attacks, and killings of police officers. Now, the Corsican nationalist partiesFemu a Corsica, led by Gilles Simeoni (which favors autonomy), and Corsica Libera, led by Jean-Guy Talamoni (which favors independence)together hold a majority in the Corsican Assembly. Though the Corsican independence movement has been likened to Catalonias, French President Emmanuel Macron, on a recent visit to the island, was very adamant in his opposition to independence and in reaffirming Frances unity. Sovereign Separatism The main causes for the recent rise in national separatist movements throughout Europe are interconnected. The growth of Muslim immigration, mainly in the largest EU countriesFrance, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdombut also in some of the Nordic and Benelux countries, is perceived as a threat to national identity, employment, and security. Restricting such immigration has become a key political issue, fostering the growth of right-wing political movements. Globalization, with its tendency to move industries and jobs to lower-cost locations, and competition from immigrants, who are willing to work for lower wages, have made protectionism more appealing to Western Europeans. For these movements, the EU is behind the unwanted globalization and immigration policies. Governments in Central and Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary, anchored in religious and nationalist values, have reacted strongly against the EUs liberal, secular principles and favor much tougher immigration policies. The question of separatism in sovereign states is, above all, the result of national and regional identities butting heads with larger, typically more globalized entities, which are perceived as distant, alien, and oppressive. The movements are stronger when rooted in history, culture, language, and popular support, like Catalonias, and weaker when they manipulate folkloric identities to gain more financial or political autonomy, with little intention of creating a new political community. Both will present a crucial challenge for Europe in the coming years. There are two possible scenarios for the evolution of European separatist movements. In one, Brussels and the EU leaders do not respond adequately to calls for more autonomy or independence in various regions. Discontent and protests will continue to gain momentum, while separatists will notch up more electoral success, leading to confrontation at the local and national levels. In the other, more likely scenario, a peaceful modus vivendi could be achieved if the mainstream political forces take a more balanced approach to separatist and autonomist aspirations. Under this scenario, governments would realize that such sentiments are an understandable reaction to the problems brought about by globalization and multiculturalism. Instead of disparaging these movements as radical, irrational, or regressive overreactions, governments should deal with the root causes head-on. Jaime Nogueira Pinto is a professor of political science at the universities of Lusiada in Lisbon and Catolica in Porto. He is the editor of Futuro Presente, a quarterly review, and an expert for Geopolitical Intelligence Services. This article was first published by GIS Reports Online. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. President of Chinese Hospital Involved in Forced Organ Harvesting Is Sacked The content is not available due to expiration. Chinese President XI Jinping Sends Congratulatory Message to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio 2018/04/12 On April 10, 2018, Chinese President XI Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, congratulating him on his election as President of Sierra Leone. In the congratulatory message President XI said, "China and Sierra Leone enjoy profound traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 47 years ago, our two countries have always respected each other on the basis of equality. We have consolidated mutual political trust, enjoyed fruitful outcomes of cooperation in various areas, and maintained sound cooperation and coordination in international affairs. I attach great importance to the development of China-Sierra Leone relations. I am willing to make concerted efforts with Your Excellency to constantly enrich the connotations of our Comprehensive Partnership of Strategic Cooperation, and bring more benefits to our two countries and peoples." The Telegram app on a smartphone in Moscow on April 6, 2018. Russia's telecom watchdog asked a Moscow court to block the popular messaging app, after a deadline for it to hand over encryption keys to security services expired. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images) Telegrams $1.7 Billion Token Sale Dwarfs Years Biggest Tech IPO Developer of privacy messaging app is a magnet for investors and detractors A little-known company called Telegram raised $1.7 billion from investors over two months in early 2018. How big of a deal is this? Its big, considering the March initial public offering (IPO) of Dropbox Inc.considered the biggest tech IPO since Snapgenerated $756 million. Thats less than half of the amount raised by Telegram Group Inc. in its two token sales in February and March. Telegram operates a namesake secure messaging app, which is popular with users due to its encryption and privacy. The app is free, has no ads, and allows users to make their messages self-destruct after a period of time. The app has around 200 million monthly active users, the company says. Earlier this year, Telegram decided to build a blockchain and cryptocurrency networkcalled the Telegram Open Network, or TONand raise capital using an initial coin offering (ICO). ICOs, which are largely unregulated at the moment, are a way for early-stage blockchain ventures to raise funding without selling equity, by selling tokens that can be used on the blockchain. But before Telegrams ICO even commenced, the company said it had raised $850 million each in two separate private pre-ICO token sales for a total of around $1.7 billion, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company announced plans to sell more tokens later this year through an ICO, potentially increasing its take in what is already the largest ICO in history. Whos Behind Telegram? Telegrams ascension has occurred quickly and seemingly out of nowhere. Its successful pivot into cryptocurrencies also stands in contrast to the rest of the sector, which has seen ICO activity and coin/token values drop in 2018. The total market capitalization of all digital currencies was around $263 billion on March 31, a steep decline of 56 percent from $604 billion as of Dec. 31, 2017, according to CoinMarketCap. The Dubai-based, British Virgin Islands-registered company was founded by Pavel Durov, a Russian national who left his country in 2014 after Russian authorities pressured him to censor political factions in opposition to the Putin regime. He moved Telegrams team to Dubai and directed its app to focus on encryption, security, and privacy. Telegrams messaging app has also become a favorite of digital currency investors; its emphasis on security and privacy particularly resonates. As of October 2017, 99 percent of all ICO issuers used Telegram to communicate with their investors and communities, according to research from ICOWhitelists. Utility Tokens, Not Equity Prior to its token sales this year, Telegram was funded by Durovs personal fortune, which he obtained after cofounding VKontakte, one of Russias leading social media platforms. Using the proceeds, Telegram aims to develop its own decentralized peer-to-peer blockchain network to host communication and commercial applications, similar to the ethereum platform, according to a copy of its ICO white paper reviewed by The Epoch Times. Tokens running on the TON blockchain will be called Grams. Theres a fixed supply of 5 billion Grams, 4 percent of which will be reserved for the development team over a vesting period, and at least 52 percent of the supply will be kept in reserve to protect the nascent cryptocurrency from speculative trading and to maintain flexibility at the early stages, the white paper said. Telegrams plans for TON are grandioseencompassing commercial applications such as payments as well as mobile communicationsyet short on details. Gram tokens will be used to pay for future services on its blockchain applications. The amount of funds raised is staggering considering that unlike with an IPO, investors in the pre-ICO and ICO do not own equity in the underlying company, do not have the right to vote on company matters, and do not directly benefit from future profits. In addition, Telegram as a company is pre-revenue and pre-product in many ways; much of the anticipated value is derived from applications running on its future blockchain. As such, investing in Telegrams tokens is highly risky. Despite this, Telegrams private token sales have been funded by a number of high-profile investors. For example, Silicon Valley venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Benchmark Capital, and Sequoia Capital all participated in the pre-ICO, according to the Financial Times. One possible reason for the unusually high demand for Telegram tokens is the unique cryptocurrency exposure offered by the company. Many large investors are not equipped to pick and choose individual tokens to invest in, given their risky nature. Telegram offers diversification across the sector in one token, given its dominance in the industry and the dependence all ICO issuers place on its services. Messaging App Banned in Russia, Iran In an ironic twist, Telegrams messaging app may no longer have a future in its original home country. Russias Roskomnadzorthe countrys telecommunications regulatorsaid on April 6 on its website that it had filed a lawsuit in Moscow to ban the Telegram app in Russia after the company had refused to turn over the encryption keys for its users chats to the FSB, the successor to the KGB. The Roskomnadzor on March 20 told the company that it must hand over the keys within two weeks. A 2016 anti-terrorism law stipulated that all encrypted communication technologies within the country must provide backdoor keys to Moscow authorities. Durov wrote in a tweet, Threats to block Telegram unless it gives up private data of its users wont bear fruit, adding that the app stands for freedom and privacy. The government of Iran also reportedly banned the app in late March, after Telegram was found to have been used by certain individuals to organize anti-regime protests last year. U.S.-based Middle East-focused media Al-Monitor reported that Irans ban is also partially based on Irans fears that Telegrams cryptocurrency could threaten the future of the national currency. Telegram is one of the only messaging platforms that, it appears, does not allow backdoor access for governments, which has also attracted criticism from some Western nations, due to fears it will be used by criminals. UK Prime Minister Theresa May told attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year that platforms such as Telegram can quickly become home to criminals and terrorists due to privacy features, according to the Financial Times. The Legend of Zhuge Liang Seeking a Wife When Zhuge Liang was about 17 to 18 years old, he went to Wolong Gang in Nanyang City, Henan Province, and built a thatched cottage. There, he ploughed the field and studied hard. A squire named Huang Chengyan lived under the Wolong Gang Ridge. He took a liking to Zhuge Liang when he saw that Zhuge was a wise and upright person, and he often visited Zhuge. As Huang was very knowledgeable, Zhuge looked up to him. He often sought Huangs advice and asked him to go through his writings. It was only after some time that Huang decided to offer his daughters hand in marriage to Zhuge. Zhuge did not accept the offer, since he had heard that Huangs daughter was ugly, but neither did he reject it upfront. The marriage proposal was shelved. From then on, Huang and Zhuge only shared their knowledge, and not a word about the marriage proposal was mentioned when Huang visited Zhuge. One day, Huang said to Zhuge, I often visit you, but you never call on me. Zhuge responded: Please forgive me for being impolite. Ill visit you the next time. A few days later, Zhuge indeed called on Huang. When he told the guard at the door who he was, the guard said: The squire has given the instruction that if Master Zhuge is here, he should be led into the house right away. Please come in! Zhuge stepped inside and saw that the second door was closed. He knocked gently on it twice, and it opened. After he went in, the door closed automatically. Zhuge could not help feeling strange. Just when he was going to look around, he suddenly heard a sound, and two dogs ran toward him. The dogs, one jet black and one white as snow, barked and lunged at him. Zhuge wanted to turn back, but the door would not open. He panicked as he tried to dodge the dogs. At that moment, a maid ran out and patted the dogs heads. They immediately sat still. She then twisted their ears, and they ran off behind the flowerbeds. Filled with curiosity, Zhuge followed them to take a closer look. He realized they were made of wood and covered in dog skin. He asked the maid who had invented the mechanical dogs, but the maid just smiled and ran off. Zhuge walked further into the house. When he came to a third door, two tigers ran out and lunged at him. Zhuge thought, They are probably fake too. He patted on the tigers heads, but to his surprise, the tigers pounced on him with opening mouths. The tigers pinned Zhuge down tightly and refused to release him. Just then, the maid came over again and said: You are trying to be smart. How could you use the way you deal with dogs to deal with the tigers? As she spoke, she patted their bottoms, and they sat still. Zhuge felt embarrassed and sighed. Its so difficult to enter this huge courtyard. Please show me the way in! The maid said, Im busy milling the noodles! Zhuge saw a mill with a wooden donkey running in circles. He was dumbfounded. He exclaimed: Ah! I only know that Master Huang is knowledgeable. Im surprised he can make this! The maid laughed and said, Master doesnt care about this! Zhuge asked anxiously, Who is it if its not the squire? Please enter. You will find out, the maid replied. Zhuge thought: Each time I open a door, Im greeted with a new device that causes me a lot of trouble. What should I do? As he hesitated, the door opened, and out came a lady. The lady was tall with a gentle and dignified demeanor, except that her face was slightly dark and had a few pockmarks. She came to the passageway and asked the maid, Who is this guest? Before the maid could reply, Zhuge bowed and answered: Im Zhuge Kongming* from Wolong Gang. Im here to pay a visit to Master Huang! Please enter! the lady said immediately, and then she turned back in. The maid saw that Zhuge was still rooted to the ground, and she urged him: Follow her! The door has opened, and the lady will stop all things from coming out. Nothing will come out and scare you again! Zhuge proceeded with caution. After he turned a few corners and entered a few more doors, he finally came to a building. Huang led Zhuge upstairs, and when they finally sat down, Zhuge could not wait to find out the inventor of those devices. He said, Its not easy to visit Master! He then told Huang what had just happened. Huang laughed loudly and said: That ugly daughter of mine is always working on such stuff. Its disrespectful to frighten you! Upon hearing Huangs explanation, Zhuge blushed and started grumbling to himself: Zhuge Liang! You are so muddle-headed. The squire offered his daughters hand in marriage, but you despised her ugliness. Where could you find such a person who is so extraordinarily talented? Wheres the ugliness? At that moment, he blurted out, Miss Huangs wisdom exceeded the rest, and I admire her very much! Huang said, My daughter is very ugly. Ive tried to offer her hand in marriage to someone, but Before Huang could finish, Zhuge said, Im here specially to visit my father-in-law! With that, he kneeled down and kowtowed to Huang. Huang laughed and helped him up. Zhuge and Lady Huang eventually got married. They helped and learned from each other. It was said that many of Zhuges ideas came from his discussions with Lady Huang. In ancient books and legends, there were stories of Zhuges inventiona wooden ox that could walk on its own by maneuvering the gears. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, there was a description of Zhuge using seven-star lamps to extend his life. There was also a story of Zhuge praying for the Eastern Wind. Miss Huang made moving dogs and tigers with wood. The ancient books also recorded that Lu Ban, a great carpenter, created a wooden bird that flew in the sky for three days and three nights. Science in ancient China was very advanced and went beyond modern science. Since the divinely imparted culture was passed down by deities to humans, it carries supernatural power that is beyond the reach of modern science. *Zhuge Kongming, Zhege Liangs style name. Lewis "Scooter" Libby arrives for a hearing at the Federal Court House June 14, 2007 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Trump Pardons Scooter Libby, Dick Cheneys Former Chief of Staff President Donald Trump pardoned I. Lewis Scooter Libby, the former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney, on Friday. Libby was convicted in 2005 of perjury and obstruction of justice in a case of a leak that exposed a CIA agents name. I dont know Mr. Libby, Trump said in a statement. but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life. President George W. Bush commuted Libbys 30-month sentence but refused to pardon him. Libby paid a $250,000 fine, served two years of probation, performed 400 hours of community service, and lost his license to practice law. A decade after Libbys conviction, a key witness recanted her testimony, explaining that the prosecutor withheld relevant information during interviews which would have changed what she said. The prosecutor in Libbys case was Patrick Fitzgerald, a long-time friend of former FBI Director James Comey. Trump fired Comey last May and criticized him on Friday for being a proven leaker and liar. In 2016, the District of Columbia reinstated Libbys license. Prior to his conviction, Libby served for more than a decade at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the White House. Prior to Libby, Trump has issued two other pardons. In August last year, Trump pardoned former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Also known as Americas Toughest Sheriff, Arpaio was convicted for refusing to stop immigration enforcement despite a judges order. Last month, Trump pardoned a Navy sailor Kristian Saucier who took photos in a nuclear submarine and served a year in federal prison. Recommended Video: President Trumps First State of the Union Address The logo of Uber is pictured during the presentation of their new security measures in Mexico City, Mexico April 10, 2018. (Reuters/Ginnette Riquelme) US Judge Says Uber Drivers Are Not Companys Employees A U.S. judge in Philadelphia has ruled that limousine drivers for Uber Technologies Inc are independent contractors and not the companys employees under federal law, the first ruling of its kind on a crucial issue for the ride-hailing company. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson on Wednesday said San Francisco-based Uber does not exert enough control over drivers for its limo service, UberBLACK, to be considered their employer under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The drivers work when they want to and are free to nap, run personal errands, or smoke cigarettes in between rides, Baylson said. The legal classification of workers has been a major issue for gig economy companies that rely on independent contractors. Uber, in particular, has been hit with dozens of lawsuits in recent years claiming that its drivers are employees and are entitled to minimum wage, overtime, and other legal protections not afforded to contractors. An Uber spokeswoman said the company is pleased with the decision. Jeremy Abay, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said he would appeal the ruling to the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 3rd Circuit would be the first federal appeals court to consider whether Uber drivers are properly classified as independent contractors. Many of the cases filed against Uber have been sent to arbitration, but the plaintiffs in the Philadelphia case were among a small minority of drivers who had opted not to sign arbitration agreements with the company. Last year, a state appeals court in Florida said Ubers drivers were not its employees under Florida law. But state agencies in California and New York have said that they are under those states laws. Baylson in Wednesdays ruling said he was the first judge to rule on the classification of Uber drivers under federal law. His ruling comes about two months after a federal judge in San Francisco said that food delivery workers for Grubhub Inc were not the companys employees. The Grubhub case was the first of its kind against a so-called gig economy company to go to trial. The Philadelphia lawsuit was filed in February 2016. The plaintiffs said Uber failed to pay them minimum wage and overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which only applies to employees. The plaintiffs were seeking to represent all drivers in Philadelphia for Ubers limousine service, UberBLACK. The case is Razak v. Uber Technologies Inc, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 2:16-cv-00573. By Daniel Wiessner Recommended Video: Driver Maxes Out Audi S4 as Police Give Chase When it was time to strike out on their own, Britta Pedersen and Catherine Mollenthiel knew just where to set up shop. We are downtown people, Mollenthiel said. When we decided to make a move, we knew we wanted to be in downtown. Pedersen and Mollenthiel opened Dream House Realty at 403 Main St. in Danbury recently after working together for 10 years at a national real estate firm. Its been years in the brewing, Pedersen said. It was just time to make a change. Dream House Realty is a boutique real estate company dealing predominately in the residential market. The company includes four agents and an assistant. Pedersen and Mollenthiel worked for Keller Williams on North Street close to downtown years ago and remained with the firm when it relocated to Mill Plain Road. They missed the walkability, networking opportunities and feeling of being in the center of the city when they left North Street. Weve always been involved with downtown, Pedersen said. Mollenthiel was born in Canada and has lived in Danbury for 18 years. She lives close to downtown and is involved with various organizations and efforts to revitalize the area. Pedersen was born in Germany and has lived in New Fairfield since 1995. Nelson Merchan, a business adviser with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center in Danbury, said many companies claim to really care for their customers, but few follow through on the promise like Dream House Realty. Britta and Catherine walk the talk when it comes to keeping customers and their network happy and on the top of their minds, Merchan said. Pedersen said she, Mollenthiel and some other agents at Keller Williams were dubbed the Dream Team, hence the name of the new company. For many years we were the Dream Team and we still are. I dont even know how that started, Pedersen said. When we started our own office, we wanted to stick with the dream theme. Mollenthiel added: We felt confident and comfortable to move out on our own. Dream House Realty may be reached at 203-312-7750 or through its website www.ctdreamhouse.com. Cold, snowy weather through March and into April put a damper on the traditional spring housing market, they said, but it is starting to catch up with more inventory available as the temperature warms. Right now, we are very busy and the price range is increasing, Pedersen said. The inventory is low for lower-priced homes and multifamily homes. But things are starting to pick up. The writer may be reached at cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338 EDWARDSVILLE Nearly 75 years after Staunton resident Gittle Berger Burns escaped from Germany with her parents during the Holocaust, she is now able to talk about that horrific time and share details about her life story. Burns is slated to be a guest speaker at the 2018 St. Louis Yom HaShoah Commemoration that will take place at the United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis at 4 p.m. on April 15. Burns will be speaking about what she experienced in the years after she and her parents escaped to Shanghai, which had its horrors as well, and she will share the story behind the compassion of Staunton residents Linda and Henry Makler, who led to Burns making her home and life in Staunton. It has taken Burns a lifetime to be able to speak about her childhood years, but she wants to tell her story now for her family. "I have three wonderful children, five step-children and five grandchildren. I speak now so that my children and grandchildren will understand and learn about things that I never wanted to talk about," she said. Burns was born in the town of Buethen, Germany, on Oct. 27, 1938. She doesn't have any memories of Germany because her father, mother and she escaped Germany when Burns was just 8 months old. She explained that her father, a successful businessman - having owned a mercantile with his two brothers and also an accomplished musician - had been arrested during Kristallnacht and was taken to the Buchenwald concentration camp and eventually released. "One of the higher ups in the camp took him aside and told him to go sell everything and get out of Germany right away," Burns recalled. Although Burns' father had generations of family in Germany, including six siblings still at home, only her father, along with she and her mother, escaped and survived the Holocaust. "My father took a ship to Shanghai one month before my mother and I joined him," Burns explained. "I do not have any good memories of Shanghai. The conditions were horrible, and I was not able to spend much time with my mother as I was always told she was sick. I think she must have had TB but no one would tell me what was wrong." She recalled that there were always monsoons and flooding in Shanghai and very little food. "When the Japanese took over Shanghai, the soldiers would spit on me and the other kids and point their guns at us and pretend to shoot," Burns said. She recalled that they often witnessed prisoners being tortured and one particular day they lined up the children and had them watch a prisoner be beheaded. "I knew bad things were happening in the alleyways and saw babies wrapped up in paper being thrown away, but I was just a kid and never talked about any of it," she said. While life in Shanghai was horrific, Burns recalled the best memory of that time was when very occasionally her mother would give her a raw egg that she had separated, whipped and added sugar to for Burns to eat raw. Her worst Shanghai memory was on July 17, 1945. The day her mother died. "She was killed during an American bombing raid that went astray," Burns said. "The day my mother was killed, she was coming home from market. There was 32 people killed that day, and one of them was my mother. I do not recall where I was that day because I was only 6. "Less than two months later, on Sept. 3, 1945, Burns and her father were officially liberated. However it took two more years until the two were able to acquire proper paperwork to come to the United States. During those two years, American soldiers brought them care packages from the American Red Cross. "I still remember my first taste of a Milky Way bar," she said. Milky Way candy bars remain Burn's favorite to this day. Burns had her ninth birthday, Oct. 27, on the ship that brought them to America. At the San Francisco dock, she happened to be photographed and a newspaper article was written about her and her father's story. "When we docked, there was a Santa Claus and I was scared to death of him, but he handed me a doll, my first and only doll, and a picture was taken and the story about the little refugee with no mother was printed," Burns noted. That newspaper article would play another important role in her life later after the Jewish organization sponsored she and her father and sent them to St. Louis where jobs were more prevalent. But transitioning to American life was difficult. "My dad got married late in life, and they had me late. He was crippled when he was in a concentration camp. First he left Germany, where he spoke German/Jewish. Then he goes to China and has to learn that language. Then when the Japanese took control of China, he had to learn that. After the war, we came to America and he was 53, 54 by then, and he could never grasp the English language. And he tried," she stressed. After being in St. Louis for about a year, Burns' father became ill and was hospitalized. Having no other family, Burns was placed in a children's home, which was another horrible experience. She was in the children's home for nine months, "nine months of hell," she calls it. "But when my dad got out of the hospital, the people who ran the home deemed my dad wasn't fit to raise a daughter by himself," Burns said. "A St. Louis newspaper reprinted the article that was written about me in San Francisco and my father begged for help saying he had lost everything and could not bare to have me taken away from him too. People came forward to help with the legal fees, and he got me back from all the people who spoke out for us." Linda and Henry Makler, of Staunton, who were of German descent and spoke fluent German, read the article and invited Burns and her father to visit their home in the country. "I was a very difficult child and feel that article saved me. Our first trip up here was probably in the late '40s," Burns recalled. "I fell in love from day one. The horses, pigs and freedom and running around in the creek. I was maybe 10 when I first met them, and we all just kind of took to each other. They had an old-time piano and my dad would bang on that thing, and all the neighbors would come and listen." Burns would visit every weekend and eventually moved to Staunton, married and started her adult life. " My father was always happiest when he could play his music. Shortly before he died, he bought a piano.... and he kept it at my house and would play it and his violin when he came over. My father stayed in the St. Louis area and died in 1964." When asked about her speaking engagement at St. Louis Yom HaShoah Commemoration Sunday, Burns said that she wished she could have her father back for a day so she could "just quiz him and listen to him. I'd ask him about all these things - about my relatives for one, and how did he get started in business and how did he meet my mom," Burns said. Growing up, she said she envied everyone who had a family with a mom and dad. "I was robbed of my childhood and raised myself, but I can now appreciate everything my father did for me," she stressed. Burns will be just one of the guest speakers during this community- wide commemoration featuring accounts of the holocaust from survivors and witnesses. The program will also include a special tribute to St. Louis Survivors, traditional candle-lighting service, Holocaust Torah procession, liturgical readings and prayers. The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. 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EnQuest PLC operates as an oil and gas development and production company, explores for, extracts, and produces hydrocarbons in the United Kingdom, North Sea, and Malaysia. It primarily holds interests in the Magnus, Kraken, the Greater Kittiwake Area, Scolty/Crathes, Alba, Thistle/Deveron, Heather/Broom, Alma/Galia, and the Dons area. The company also has interests in the PM8/Seligi and PM409 production sharing contracts in Malaysia. In addition, it holds interests in 10 operated production licenses and 3 production hubs. As of December 31, 2020, the company had proved and probable reserves of 279 million barrels of oil equivalents. Further, it is involved in the construction, ownership, and operation of an oil pipeline; marketing and trading of crude oil; and leasing activities. EnQuest PLC was incorporated in 2010 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Read More HSBC Holdings plc provides banking and financial products and services worldwide. The company operates through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Global Banking and Markets segments. The Wealth and Personal Banking segment offers retail banking products and services, such as current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit and debit cards, and local and international payment services for ultra high net worth individuals; and wealth management services, including insurance and investment products, global asset management services, investment management, and private wealth solutions. The Commercial Banking segment provides credit and lending, treasury management, payment, cash management, commercial insurance, and investment services, as well as commercial cards, and international trade and receivables finance services; and foreign exchange products, and capital raising and advisory services to small and medium sized enterprises, mid-market enterprises, and corporates. The Global Banking and Markets segment is involved in the provision of financing, advisory, and transaction services, including credit, rates, foreign exchange, equities, money markets, and securities services, as well as principal investment activities to government, corporate and institutional clients, and private investors. The Global Private Banking segment provides a range of services to high net worth individuals and families with complex and international needs. HSBC Holdings plc was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Ormat Technologies, Inc. operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of geothermal and recovered energy power business. It operates through the following segments: Electricity, Product and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment focuses in the sale of electricity from the company's power plants pursuant to PPAs. The Product segment involves in the manufacture, including design and development, of turbines and power units for the supply of electrical energy and in the associated construction of power plants utilizing the power units manufactured by the company to supply energy from geothermal fields and other alternative energy sources. The Energy Storage segment consists of battery energy storage systems as a service and management of curtailable customer loads under contracts with U.S. retail energy providers and directly with large commercial and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Reno, NV. Read More 11 hours ago Jabil Inc. Q4 Results: More Than Meets The Eye Jabil Descends Into A Buying Opportunity Jabil Inc. (NYSE: JBL) reported a mixed bag of results and outlook for the Q4 and Q1 period sending shares down 10% from their recent high. As mixed as the news is, it is the guidance that really counts and the guidance is positive. Read Article Former Disney actor Alyson Stoner came out as bisexual in an essay for Teen Vogue. Stoner explained the first time she had fallen in love with a woman, according to PinkNews. She talked about finding herself in the wake of that realization. Im asking for you to feel what I feel on a human level, to appreciate the beauty of someone diving into the unknown in pursuit of love and truth, Stoner wrote. Im asking you to accept me as I accept myself. Stoner, who previously acted in Cheaper by the Dozen and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, mentioned the clash of her religious beliefs and finding her sexuality. Whatever your identity, you are lovable and wonderful and enough, she wrote.Im on the other side of some of these battles internally, but its still a challenge in the outside world. If universal LGBT support for the upcoming Equality Florida Gala was something assumed, that assumption is wrong. In an email, Rand Hoch, founder and president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council [PBCHRC], instructed recipients that they shouldnt feel obligated to support Equality Floridas Gala Sunday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Pavilion, 101 S. Flagler, West Palm Beach. You may have received an e-mail from an organization called Equality Florida entitled Join in support of Equality in Paradise! The e-mail solicits your contribution of at least $500 to support of the Equality Florida Palm Beach Gala . . . PBCHRC does not want you to feel obligated to support Equality Florida by sponsoring, supporting or even attending this event, Hoch wrote. Over the years, Equality Florida's staff has repeatedly marginalized the efforts of local volunteers to secure LGBTQ rights. As recently as last month, in a publication she co-authored, Equality Florida's CEO [Nadine Smith] intentionally diminished the LGBTQ progress made in Palm Beach County. (It is important to point out that Allan Hendricks has been a strong and valuable advocate for the Palm Beach County LGBTQ community for many years despite his affiliation with Equality Florida.) If you want to contribute to an LGBTQ organization which actually works to help our community, please consider contributing to Compass, the LGBTQ community center in Lake Worth. SFGN reported on Hochs previous criticism of GLAAD and Equality Floridas LGBT media guide. In an email, Allan Hendricks and Nadine Smith said Equality Floridas donors are inspired to give because they understand the importance of the organizations work. Even more so now with a hostile administration seeking to push us backwards. 100% of the proceeds of our Palm Beach Gala will support our work with local school districts, including Palm Beach, to create Safe and Healthy learning environments for LGBTQ youth. Rand has complained that a Spanish-language focused media guide created by GLAAD in partnership with Equality Florida did not fully spotlight all of his contributions. The guide includes some key Florida milestones and is not a compendium. The guide focuses a great deal on Miami as headquarters to a range of Spanish-language media outlets. Our community is underrepresented in Spanish-language media and we are grateful to GLAAD for preparing this important online tool and for responding quickly to suggestions and updates. We encourage everyone to read the guide for themselves and share it with their media outlets. Equality Florida local steering committees host more than a dozen major events once a year all across the state and select the local honorees. They invited supporters to come to the event and watch the awards being presented. In the past, we have recognized and honored Rands leadership at PBHRC. This is a time that calls us all to greater unity as we defend victories and push forward together against newly invigorated adversaries. Updated April 18, 9:40 a.m. A board member of the Pride Center called on CEO Robert Boo to resign on Friday. I am ready to call for resignation, said board member Jim Walker. This was a clear lack of judgement on Roberts part. Walker was especially disappointed in a statement from board president Mark Budwig on Wednesday that stated: The Pride Center Board of Directors supports CEO Robert Boos decisive action to address the issue pertaining to a recently terminated part-time employee. We are committed to continuing our work with Robert, the Pride Center staff, our members and partners to be a welcoming, safe space and inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ community and our neighbors in South Florida. Walker called the statement patently untrue, saying several board members are ready to call for [Boos] resignation. This comes just hours after Boo sent out a letter to the community Friday morning addressing the unfolding sex predator scandal that has engulfed the LGBT community center over the last month. Had I known then what I know now, including the abhorrent details of how he hurt that child, I would have immediately terminated him and never permitted him to continue working at The Center in any capacity, Boo wrote. Clarence Collins, 63, a convicted sex predator, worked at the Pride Center in some capacity since 2003 until he was fired on March 19. Collins confessed to raping an 11-year-old girl in the mid-90s as well as threatening to kill her if she told. Walker said he and some other board members did not feel the letter was appropriate and that the board should be taking lead on handling this situation. Hes the one under scrutiny here. He should not be acting as his own spokesperson, Walker said. By not acting we [as the board] are implicitly endorsing him. According to Walker, Boo told the board that he could not bring Collins sex predator status to the board because it was a personnel issue. However, Collins is listed on a public sex offender registry list that everyone has access to. Walker also said Boo could have taken the issue to an attorney at any time to seek legal advice. In the letter Boo accepts responsibility for the controversy, promises to work to regain the trust of the community, and asserts that the safety of anyone visiting the Pride Center is of the utmost importance to him. At the time, however, I did not know all of the facts and regretfully relied upon information provided to me by a law enforcement officer, which was incomplete, Boo wrote. This is the first time he mentioned he spoke with a law enforcement officer. In the past Boo only said he spoke with Collins former probation officer. Boo now admits Collins did work at child themed events. Previously he asserted Collins was not allowed to work those events. But others disputed that assertion and there is photographic evidence showing Collins at least at one event. Boo clarified this in his letter: I thought that I was doing the right thing by forbidding this individual from working during child-focused events hosted at the facility, and by instructing him to only take part in pre-event set-up or post-event clean-up. Now it appears Collins only worked before and after those events. Richard Alalouf, the executive director of South Florida Family Pride, though disputes this characterization as well. Clarence was sitting in the lobby, or at the front desk, or in the kitchen during our events, he said. One time the sound system stopped working and I had to use him mid-event. Boo further adds I was unaware that this employee was prohibited by statutory requirements from being within a certain distance of any playground, even if it was not actively in use by children. I did not know about the statute; this is not an excuse, but simply the truth. However, SFGN interviewed a former employee, Stephen Kosiorek, who disputes that and said when he found out about Collins past, he informed most of the management of the Pride Center, and mentioned the employment restrictions registered sex offenders have to face, which includes not being allowed work near playgrounds. The playground was built in 2015 with financial and logistical support from KaBoom!, a non-profit that helps builds playgrounds across the nation, and JetBlue. The City of Wilton Manors also contributed close to $3,000 to the building of the playground. SFGN obtained an email from 2015 from local activist Michael Rajner to the Wilton Manors City Commission expressing some concerns about the playground project. As The Pride Center moves forward with their playground as LGBT safe space for LGBT families and children, I do hope they run level 2 background checks on their employees and volunteers to ensure those who are sexual offenders are properly screened so not to endanger the safety and welfare of those families, Rajner wrote. Julie Carson, a City Commissioner for Wilton Manors, previously told SFGN she spoke to Boo about Collins more than a year ago. I contacted Robert to make sure he was aware that Clarence is a sexual predator, Carson said. I trust Robert and I trusted that he knew the right things to do. Here is what the Florida law states: If the victim was under age 18, a prohibition on working for pay or as a volunteer at any place where children regularly congregate, including, but not limited to, schools, child care facilities, parks, playgrounds, pet stores, libraries, zoos, theme parks, and malls. After Collins was fired from the Pride Center he was arrested for failing to re-register as a sex offender, and failing to notify law enforcement of a change of address. Since hes been in jail a third charge was added for illegally working near a playground. SFGN has also since learned Collins once lived on the Pride Center campus sometime in 2013, a couple of years before the playground was built. His address on the sex offender registry, at the time, was listed as transient. It became first hand knowledge for me because of my trusted servant position for a 12-Step Program meeting, that would meet in the mornings in Building B at The Pride Center. I witnessed Clarence Collins sleeping on the couch, living in the PALS Project office, Michael Mayberry said. I asked him why are you living here? and he said it was for financial reasons, the long bus ride from where he used to live, and because of the odd hours he was working at The Center. Mayberry also added: I asked him how he could set-up an apartment...and he said he kept it low-key (he had all the keys to get into the building) and the Center management was being tolerant of the situation until he could get the funds to move closer to the Center. Boos letter is not enough for Heidi Siegel. She resigned from the Pride Center board over Boos handling of the scandal. Roberts first course of action was to try to silence a mother who was upset, to encourage a verbal attack on that mother and to defend the sexual predator as well as minimize his role at the Center and his crime, Siegel said. If Robert truly was concerned for our children, he would not need to know the details of the crime to support and emphasize with our concerns that he knowingly exposed our children to a sexual predator. Instead, it took learning of the details and calls for his resignation in the Miami Herald for him to release a public relations firm crafted letter. Boo now wants to regain the trust of the community and move forward. I am deeply sorry to have lost the trust of some members of the community and apologize profoundly for having failed to further investigate this man's criminal background after speaking with his probation officer, Boo wrote. To be clear, the safety and security of all children, visitors, partners and staff of The Pride Center are of paramount importance to me. The Center already announced that they would be creating a task force to review all of their internal policies going forward. Boo reiterated his commitment to the task force. We are creating a task force to review all practices, policies and procedures. We make great efforts to ensure that we comply with all ethical and legal requirements expected of us, Boo wrote. We are committed to ensuring the continued inclusion, safety and support of all Center visitors, community partners and friends. A task force though isnt enough for Siegel or Alalouf. Both have called for Boos resignation and an internal investigation looking at what happened. He clearly does not have the capacity to handle conflict, protect members of our community or not go on the offensive, Siegel said. His voice is not trusted nor qualified. He needs to resign. It was Rene Chalarcas first Pride festival. He attended with his boyfriend of 5 months Dmitry Logunov. But what started with a parade ended with a gay bashing. We were walking and holding hands and needed to use the bathroom, Logunov, 32, explained. So the two of them stopped at a public restroom as they headed home for the evening. As Logunov walked out of the building he was called a faggot in Spanish, punched, and then beaten unconscious. Chalarca intervened, but three more men jumped in and began to attack him as well. Days later theyre slowly recovering from their injuries but Chalarca will need surgery on his eye. Both also suffered multiple abrasions and bruises to the face and head. According to the arrest report, video footage of the attack is consistent with what Chalarca and Logunov told police. We are beyond grateful to all of social media and people who were not indifferent to our problem and helping us to go through this nightmare, Logunov said. A third person who attempted to assist Chalarca and Logunov was also attacked during the altercation and injured. The suspects surrendered to the Miami Beach Police Department through an attorney on Tuesday. They are Juan C. Lopez, 21; Luis M. Alonso, 20; Adonis Diaz, 21; and Parblo Romo-Figuero, 21. All four were charged with three counts of aggravated battery. Prosecutors will consider upgrading their charges to a hate crime. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle wrote on Twitter: I can assure you & our community that my Hate Crimes Unit is evaluating this incident thoroughly. The interviews of victims & witnesses must be done as we need the evidence required under Florida law to classify these offenses they have been arrested for as hate crimes. Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Gongora added:The Miami Beach Police have recommended that the defendants be charged as a hate crime. At this point it is in the hands of the State Attorney. Im glad that the defendants surrendered promptly. Read SFGNs original story here. Republicans in Florida sought to condemn porn. Elsewhere, Republicans in North Carolina seek to elect an ex-porn actor to state office. Peter Boykin, a gay Republican campaigning for a seat in the North Carolina state legislature, admitted he once participated in porn. This is not something I would do today, Boykin told The Daily Beast. If people are going to hold on to something I did 20 years ago, so be it. But really people change. Boykin, 40, founded the group Gays for Trump. He claims transgender Americans are more prone to mental illness and would be the militarys weakest link. People already have enough problems with PTSD, I dont think its a good idea to give someone going through that type of change a weapon. They might snap and turn it on their fellow soldiers, Boykin told The Daily Beast. As far as his porn past, Boykin said he masturbated on camera and sold his underwear on a now deactivated web site. Meanwhile, in a February voice vote, the Florida legislature declared pornography a public health risk. Boykin is campaigning in a largely African American Democratic district encompassing parts of Greensboro, N.C. Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. Just around the river bend from the London Coffee Festival and outside of Christ Church Spitafields, the team at HasBean has opened a four-day pop-up market. Deep underground, in what was formally a public toilet turned nightclub turned restaurant, the space is now filled with coffee goods, brewing devices, espressos, and cheeky ice cream with coffee competition inspired toppings. HasBean got its start as a cafe in Stafford (in the Midlands region) from 2000-2003, and has helped pioneer coffee culture and sales in the online space ever since, working with an international network of wholesale accounts along the way. This marks the company's second London pop-up experience, following last year's pour-over only [H]AND bar inside Uniqlo. 2018 marks the first time the company has built a cafe all their own. Stephen Leighton and Co. brought 18 coffees for the pop-up with at least four different ways to enjoy them: as pour-over at their hand-drip station, as an ice cream sundae, a self-serve In My Mug station with a La Marzocco Linea Mini, and a full-service espresso bar. Among those brewing coffee is none other than World Barista Champion Dale Harris, pulling shots off a Modbar station in the back. The pour-over zone is branded as [H]AND, greeting visitors as they walk down the steps just to the left. HasBean's blog describes it as a place where you can sit back and relax whilst you taste, whether its a single cup of something lovely or a tasting flight of all three of the days coffees. You can check out the day's offerings on their Instagram @madebyhandcoffee. The In My Mug area highlights the company's subscription service and video-cast and gives folks a chance to pull shots on a shiny red Linea Mini espresso machine. Like the In My Mug self-service zone, the ice-cream station is also a hands-on experience. That's half the fun, Leighton tells us. Pete Williams helped translate three competition signature beverages to the medium of sundae. House-made syrups of oolong tea, fermented red plum, and elderflower gel are available for squeezing with orange milk meringues, chocolate soil, and blackcurrant Turkish delights on offer for toppings. An espresso finishing powder is available to give the whole thing a kick. Along the wall, the pop-up offers a selection of brewing devices, books, and vessels. We wanted to create a market-like setting, explains Leighton. Along with two six-top tables, the space also has a comfortable living room chill-zone with trophies on display from various competitions over the years and perhaps my favorite piece: an enormous red HasBean bean bag chair. When asked if Leighton ever considers opening another permanent brick-and-mortar cafe, he says it's something they think about often. If it happens, he assures us, we'll do something unusual with it. HasBean Pop-Up Market is located at 82A Commercial St and is open from 8am-5pm Thursday-Sunday. Zachary Carlsen is a co-founder and editor at Sprudge Media Network. Read more Zachary Carlsen on Sprudge. It appeared early this week that China and the U.S. were engaged in a remarkable climb-down from a global trade war they had been poised to launch. But for all the dramatics Tuesday, when the heads of state of the worlds two largest economies exchanged conciliatory remarks that defused trade tensions, nothing has changed in Chinas ambition to achieve global technological dominance this century. To be sure, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, recommitted Tuesday to earlier pledges to address a range of irritants in Chinas trade practices and economic-development strategies. Those irritants afflict not only the U.S., but Canada, the EU, Australia and other major exporting countries. China has now pledged to further open its financial sector to Canadians and other foreigners by year-end. Xi also committed to slashing tariffs on auto imports, granting foreigners greater access to the worlds biggest vehicle market. And Xi suggested that China would be more respectful of intellectual property rights, ease away from demanding technology transfers from foreign companies seeking Chinese market access, and that the percentage of Chinese ownership in foreign enterprises in China would be lowered. Within hours, Donald Trump, the U.S. president, reacted to Xis landmark speech with exuberance. Very thankful for President Xi of Chinas kind words on tariffs and automobile barriers, Trump tweeted. Also, his enlightenment on intellectual property and technology transfers. We will make great progress together! What a turnaround. Just last week, Trump threatened Beijing with approximately $150 billion (All figures in U.S. dollars) in new tariffs against Chinese imports. And China retaliated with a threatened $50 billion of tariffs on U.S. imports. Not for the first time, Xi depicted himself Tuesday as a champion of free trade. He lectured Trump on the ills of his America First policy, though without naming it. Xi said: Paying attention only to ones own community without thinking of others can only lead to a wall. And we can only achieve win-win results by insisting on peaceful development and working together. But Xis self-depiction as a free-trade champion is a bit rich. As Britain did in the first Industrial Revolution, followed by America and repeated by postwar Japan, China has used a protected domestic market to nurture fledgling home-grown industries. Also like those earlier economic empires in their infancy, China has made liberal use of government subsidies to create and prop up basic industries and advanced, specialized ones. For instance, China now leads the world in solar-panel technology. The hypocrisy runs both ways, of course. Theres not much difference, and none in principle, between the protectionism by which China is bulking up its industrial and technological prowess and John A. Macdonalds protectionist National Policy of the late 1800s. Or the current eras repeated Canadian and Quebec bailouts of Bombardier Inc. Airbus SE was created by a European state consortium. The early U.S. aerospace industry was suckled on U.S. Mail contracts, and today relies on Pentagon orders. And the Trudeau governments plan to create advanced-technology superclusters across the country to achieve global leadership in selected 21-century industries bears striking resemblance to Beijings ambitious Made in China 2025 strategy. Trumps most voluble complaint with China is its large trade surplus with the U.S. But thats not Trumps biggest gripe, just the easiest one to convey in scapegoating China for the loss of U.S. industrial jobs that in fact have been replaced by robots. No, the sharpest thorn in Trumps paw is Made in China 2025, the Beijing subsidization of 10 selected high-tech industries. China seeks to be globally competitive in those sectors by 2025, just seven years hence, and globally dominant by 2050. Those industries include aerospace, biotechnology, robotics, advanced container shipping and rail-systems technology (Bombardiers bread and butter), agricultural machinery, alternative energy production, and self-driving vehicles. Separately, China is committed to becoming the world leader in artificial-intelligence (AI) technology by 2030. You guessed it: global AI leadership is the mandate of one of Trudeaus planned superclusters. China is surprisingly transparent about its 2025 ambitions, detailed on an English-language website. This weeks apparent Chinese climbdown is encouraging, of course. But theres a risk that in some quarters the Chinese might appear no longer determined to shift the worlds economic centre of gravity away from North America and Europe to the Pacific Rim. That goal has not changed. No matter the conciliatory things it says, Beijing is going to ramp up, not relax, its determination to boost prosperity at home and exert increased influence abroad. China is to be lauded for its ambitions, which promise R&D breakthroughs that will benefit the world. Besides, there are no alternatives to Chinas current course. Chinas industrial revolution has so far lifted about 400 million people from peasantry to the middle class, one of the greatest achievements in human history. But China still has another 400 million destitute people to raise from poverty. Xi has been careful to not attach deadlines to his promised trade and other reforms. In fact, Tuesdays pledged Chinese reforms echo promises he made more than a year ago at the Davos summit. Weve heard these pledges [from Xi] time and time again, John Burns, professor emeritus at the University of Hong Kong, told Bloomberg News this week. Theres a pledge fatigue setting in with China. In fairness, even if China embarked on a policy of becoming more Western-friendly, transformational changes to an $11-trillion Chinese economy, five times larger than Canadas, simply cannot be made quickly enough to appease Trump, Japanese and EU leaders. For example, its likely China will only gradually reduce its steep 25 per cent tariff on imported vehicles. It will continue emulating a postwar Japan that was also a closed auto market until its home-built products were of sufficient quality to crack North American and European markets. For now, dont expect much change to a Chinese vehicle market that is 95.8 per cent supplied by Chinese automakers. And the promised increased access by foreigners to Chinas financial sector will be limited to the likes of insurers, accounting services and mutual-fund vendors. It does not mean the red carpet will be rolled out for the Bank of Montreal and Deutsche Bank. Again like postwar Japan, China is a centrally planned economy that uses its state-owned banks to direct capital to industries and R&D of high national priority. Make no mistake, China is rapidly evolving. Emerging only a few decades ago from millennia of isolation, China is listening and reacting to outside influences. And at least were speaking the same language. A Chinese president whose vocabulary includes Western cliches like win-win would be welcomed as a keynote speaker at any Rotary Club in Canada. Read more about: CALGARY Standing five-foot-three on a great day, Dakota Fancey is well aware of the challenges of being a slender and petite woman in the hospitality industry. However, her appearance has led to many unwelcome comments from customers over her four years in the sector. Fancey remembers when a couple she served asked her how much she weighed. The man told her that he and his wife had placed a wager, so he wanted to know. I told them how much I weighed and I think I sort of laughed it off at the time, she said. It was more just shock than anything, but I just started to toughen up to it. Whether it comes from co-workers, management or customers, restaurants can be a breeding ground for inappropriate behaviour. And while fear of losing their jobs appears to be stopping many workers from reporting incidents, sexual harassment in the workplace is a dark reality that has to be faced. Over the past five years, there has been a consistent trend of gender-based complaints, accounting for 18 to 20 per cent of all complaints being filed with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, according to its yearly reports. Sarah Coderre, an Alberta employment-standards lawyer in Calgary, said she wouldnt be surprised to see an influx in harassment claims in the next few years due to the attention the #MeToo movement has gained. When you think of the service industry those workers put up with a lot of harassment, not just from customers, but from managers. I think a lot of people just chalk it up to Well, thats the industry, its acceptable but its not acceptable. While not every day in the life of a hospitality worker is filled with groping and inappropriate comments, their livelihoods can depend on the ability to grin and bear it. As servers, we put up with so much because our wage literally depends on it, said law student and server Cassandra Sawers. Some guests take our kindness as sexual interest and its honestly sickening sometimes. In a survey conducted by Insights West on sexual harassment in the workplace, half of working women in Canada said they have experienced either significant, moderate or a small amount in their careers. However, only 22 per cent of those women said they reported it to a superior or a human resources department. Fancey speculates that its the initial shock of such an incident that prevents servers from telling management the moment something happens, and after the fact, it becomes internally minimized. I think its just become like a norm, a normal thing for us to do, to brush things off, to underplay, minimize the damage done, she said. Nathalia Cortes said while working at a local bar last Stampede, an obviously inebriated patron asked to touch her breasts. She knew the man as a regular at her other serving job. Even after I said that wasnt OK, he continued to do grabby hands at me every time I walked by, she said. Thinking back, I shouldve said something, but I dont know why I hesitated. While this is a reality mainly faced by female hospitality workers, it doesnt mean its not happening to men. Jon McKay had a woman grab his butt while serving a bachelorette party years ago. He didnt tell management about the incident, but said he most likely told his co-workers. Even when incidents of harassment are reported to management immediately, not all bosses are helpful. I had a customer who would come in multiple times a week, buy minimal food and drink and insist to sit in my section, said Alana Brunka, a former waitress and bartender. She said this customer would consistently make comments that would leave her feeling uncomfortable. It got to the point where I would avoid him. Eventually, I approached my manager, who basically said I had to deal with it because I was the only day bartender and he hadnt broken any laws, said Brunka. Right now in Alberta, it is not mandatory for human resources departments at workplaces to have a policy to deal with harassment. In fact, no company is obligated to even have an HR department. Whether or not a company has an HR department is really just a matter of corporate organization and preference, said Coderre, the employment lawyer. In November 2016, Calgary NDP MLA Craig Coolahan proposed Bill 208, which would introduce mandatory workplace harassment policies for every industry. Unfortunately, Bill 208 died after its first reading. It did, however, get taken into consideration when Albertas Labour Minister Christina Gray proposed Bill 30 just over a year ago. Called An Act to Protect The Health and Well-Being of Working Albertans, it will go into effect June 1. The act includes a strengthened definition of harassment that finally includes sexual harassment, sexual solicitation, as well as new workplace protections for domestic and sexual violence, said Gray in a statement to StarMetro Calgary. These changes were long overdue, she said. Legislation protecting Albertans from harassment and violence in the workplace has been unaddressed by the previous government for over a decade. The Alberta Human Rights Commission encourages all employees to notify management when harassment occurs, because the responsibility is on an employer to protect employees. If nothing is done, employees have the option to file a complaint. Of the women who said they didnt report incidents of sexual harassment in the Insights West survey, 41 per cent said they didnt think it was a big enough deal to bother and 34 per cent said they thought they would be perceived as troublemakers. Any sort of niche industry where its a small group of people and everyone sort of knows each other it can be difficult to speak out because of that, Coderre said. She agrees getting blacklisted from an industry can be quite common, but difficult to prove and enforce. The Calgary Sexual Health Centre (CSHC) launched an anti-harassment initiative called #CalgaryGetsConsent last year, and has been providing workplace harassment training since 2014. Since that time, we trained over 2,500 people to respond to sexual harassment in the workplace, said Becky Van Tassel, CSHC training centre manager. Van Tassel says it is always companies reaching out to CSHC for the workshops, rather than vice versa. Although she has taken almost a year off from the industry, Fancey plans to return. The very fact that Im thinking about going back to serving sort of proof in the pudding there that, without thinking about it further, I was willing to put up with it. Read more about: CALGARY A Calgary public policy school is hoping several recommendations from a research paper might help Canada reform a refugee system gummed up by backlogs. On Thursday, the University of Calgarys School of Public Policy published a policy study by Robert Vineberg outlining the history of Canadas refugee program. Vinebergs paper looks at resettlement from the Second World War onward and suggests solutions to help move the process forward and overcome a backlog of more than 30,000 refugee claims. Theyre under-resourced, Vineberg said. I think having the initial decision made by the immigration department, which has a lot more staff and is in a lot more locations across the country, this could be done faster. The faster the process, according to Vineberg, the better it is for the individual involved and Canada. On average, Calgary welcomes approximately 1,100 refugees a year from around the world. But in 2016, the city welcomed more than 3,000 Syrian refugees who have been settling into their new communities. The city sprung into action immediately and an organization, the Syrian Refugee Support Group, a grassroots group, was born to help with the newcomers immediate needs: household items and clothing. The group has now shifted its goals, to help refugees integrate with English language training and other assistance. Another group on the front line is the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society headed by CEO Fariborz Birjandian. We need to recognize that keeping the integrity of the system on a high standard is very important, Birjandian said. People around the world need to know clearly what our policy on immigration is. He added its important that refugees understand what qualifies them for status and what doesnt, especially in wake of the trend Canada is seeing from refugees and immigrants pouring into the country from the United States. Ultimately, as the world environment changes, Birjandian said Canada needs to be responsive to emerging issues and flexible to respond. Three years ago or four years ago, we never thought people would walk to our borders from the United States, but its happening, Birjandian said. We need to be proactive, were very much reactive at this time. Locally, Birjandian said Calgary has had refugee claimants coming without the resources in place to help and although the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society has grants from the provincial government and the United Way, they arent enough. We expected preparations to be made, Birjandian said. We met with the city, we met with other people, but still were not taking it seriously as we could. We need a contingency plan. When refugees enter Canada, theyre granted a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board but Vineberg suggests that bottleneck could be eased by setting up refugee processing unit offices in each major region of Canada and shift the intake of refugees from the IRB to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, where he believes there are more resources to get the job done. He suggests appeals should be dealt with by the IRB, like it does for all other immigrant decisions. For government-assisted refugees and privately sponsored refugees, to simplify the process, Vineberg believes migrants should be allowed to sponsor one close relative without requiring them to be determined as a refugee. Research has shown people with family supports, generally, settle in better, Vineberg said. Often people leaving countries in a refugee situation leave behind family who are just as much at risk. Birjandian said he thinks families should be looked at holistically instead of looking at a per-relative basis. In some instances when youre fleeing a country, he said, you might need to bring extended family into Canada with you. When you have the Yazidi refugees here, when they come to Calgary, theres 240 or 250 of them here, some of them left a loved one that was captive to Daesh (but) they were released recently, Birjandian said. To me, they should be here next month ... the family needs to be looked at by need and the impact of healthy settlement of the family here. For those settling as refugees in Canada, Vineberg proposes the government shift the travel loans to transportation grants. This move, which would cost $35 million a year, would give refugees a leg up while they integrate. He said Syrian refugees were given a break on travel costs, giving them an advantage over other settlers who had to pay back their costs on meagre salaries. Birjandian said ultimately the success of Canadas refugee system comes down to how efficiently the system can manage the flow of refugees, and he believes, if its not working, the process should be replaced. Helen Pike is a Calgary-based reporter covering social justice, democracy and immigration. Follow her on Twitter: @Metropike Read more about: EdmontonTo the surprise of staff and students, a Bitcoin teller machine has sprung up on the University of Albertas North campus. Installed midway through HUB Mall, near the entrance to Rutherford Library, the machine appeared Monday with neither ceremony nor signage just an onscreen message: Seriously, right across from the BMO ATM. A little on the nose, right? Before this week, the nearest Bitcoin teller machine, or BTM, available to students was at Remedy Cafe on 109 St. and 86 Ave., a 10-minute walk from the mall. James Gray, a local IT professional who owns the BTM, says he installed the machine as a proof of concept, to show that people are ready to manage their finances outside of regulated currency. It was a good place to attract a younger, more tech-savvy crowd who could see the benefits of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, Gray said. Most all other BTMs in the city are located in coffee shops, bars or convenience stores. Its got to be more accessible to people. The location also appealed to Gray because of its accessibility. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the mall gives residents and the general public virtually unlimited ability to trade Bitcoin for cash, and vice versa. In an email statement to the Star, the University of Alberta said, The bitcoin machine is intended to be a service to students, staff, faculty, and visitors to campus, similar to other ATM machines in HUB Mall. A user must verify their identity by keying a mobile phone number into the machine. That phone number then receives verification code needed to conduct a transaction. The user then scans their wallet, an identifying QR code managed by a mobile app, that allows access to holdings and the option to either buy Bitcoin (by inserting bills) or sell it for a cash return. Shaurya Karki, a third-year engineering student and HUB Mall resident, heard about the machine from a friend on Wednesday, and decided to visit it on his way home Wednesday evening. Its a buzzword: everyone knows what Bitcoin is, Karki said. Currently valued at approximately $9,000, Bitcoin has gained a lot of attention as a volatile commodity, having recently traded at well above $20,000. According to an online Ipsos survey from January, 17 per cent of Albertans believe that Bitcoin is a good investment. Its definitely something worthy trying, Karki, 22, said. If you can put in $10 for something with those returns As a digital currency, Bitcoin is most often used to purchase goods and services online. However, the fact that its unregulated means transactions are untraceable, making it the currency of choice for fraudsters and people selling illegal products, like drugs, online. Edmonton Police Services report that from January 2017 to February 2018, 111 people were targeted by fraudsters claiming to be representatives of the Canada Revenue Agent. In what is referred to a the CRA Scam, the fraudsters threaten targets with jail time and demand payment in Bitcoin. Edmonton victims of the scam lost a total of $243,134, all paid in Bitcoin, police say. Gray, who services the machine and manages it remotely, says he is aware of fraudsters penchant for Bitcoin, and has plans to install safeguards to help students navigate some of the hazards of cryptocurrency. For example: an onscreen message warning users of the scam. But the prospect of fraud doesnt alarm Karki, who says he has a neutral opinion of the machine. Its just another ATM, he said. Read more about: Growing up in Montreal as the daughter of a French-Canadian mother and an English-speaking father, political tension was a constant in Joanna Goodmans youth. I had a wonderful upbringing, but it was always coloured by the politics, she says. Goodman was a young girl in 1980 when the Parti Quebecois first lost the vote for Quebec sovereignty. Years later in 1995, she returned to Montreal from university in Ottawa with her French-Canadian boyfriend (now husband) in tow, as 100,000 people took to the citys streets waving Canadian flags in hopes of convincing Quebec voters to say no to separation. We were scared and we were sad, Goodman says. As passionate as I was about not separating, the separatists were as passionate about separating, with their own beliefs of why they felt they should. It was really was heated and emotional, and it always has been. Soon after, while working for Reuters, Goodman witnessed a small riot break out at the No headquarters, which inspired her to start writing about the issue from a different perspective. She wanted to tell a story drawn from her own mothers life in 1950s Quebec as the child of a poor French-Canadian woman and a very Anglo seed merchant. But something in the narrative wasnt working, and so she put the manuscript aside. I had a great setting but it didnt have a motor, says Goodman, who is also the Toronto-based CEO of the linen company Au Lit Fine Linens. More than 20 years later, Goodman is finally releasing her deeply personal fourth novel, The Home for Unwanted Girls, about 15-year-old Maggie, who dotes on her English-speaking father and ambitiously dreams of one day taking over his seed shop. The only distraction is Gabriel, the rough-around-the-edges French teen who lives on the neighbouring farm. When Maggie becomes pregnant with Gabriels child, she is sent away and forced to give away the baby. Maggies narrative is interwoven with that of her daughter, Elodie, who grows up as one of Quebecs Duplessis orphans. During the 1940s and 50s, several thousand orphans and children born out of wedlock were reclassified by authorities as mentally ill and placed in psychiatric hospitals. Premier Maurice Duplessiss government was receiving a federal subsidy of $1.25 per orphan, but psychiatric patients were more lucrative at $2.75 each. Overnight, Catholic-run orphanages were converted to hospitals, and the young residents were treated like unpaid servants, forced to clean and provide basic care for other patients. Only later did the stories of physical, psychological and sexual abuse by nuns and other workers come out. (The Quebec government has offered financial retribution to the survivors, but the church has never formally apologized.) While researching the era, Goodman read horrific, detailed accounts of the abuse endured by the children. But she felt she was missing a first-person perspective, until she discovered a decades-old French memoir in which a survivor recounted their life story. It was less about what had happened to her, but what she thought of herself, and what was going through her mind, Goodman says. Details like when she was released into the world, she had never boiled a potato before or had never seen children play without being terrified. That book was my everything. Beyond its tales of romantic and familial love and heartache, The Home for Unwanted Girls gives deeper historical context into some of the long-running tensions that still exist between the provinces French and English communities. It wasnt just about language, but class and religion, says Goodman. It was everything, and it was very heated, and still can be very contentious. I miss Montreal, but I will always have a bittersweet memory of that experience. Sue Carter is the editor of Quill and Quire Read more about: She seems serene, perched in a small nook away from her fiefdom in the Rogers Publishing Toronto headquarters. Only weeks away from the biggest story in the history of the tiara-chasing Hello! Canada a royal equivalent to the lunar landing Alison Eastwood matter-of-facts about the coverage plans of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles impending nuptials. Weve essentially got two issues at once, Monday and Tuesday, the editor-in-chief says about the deadlines looming immediately following the Wedding of the Year on May 19. There is the regular edition destined for the stands on Thursday, but also a 100 page-bound edition being prepared: stat. Its the biggest event to hit Hello! since, well, William and Kates wedding seven years ago. Its the nature of what we do, she half-sighs, showing a steel that, no doubt, comes naturally to someone who publishes 46 issues a year and, for the record, just put out the 600th issue of the outsized glossy earlier this month. (Full disclosure: Im a contributor to the magazine.) We are news-driven, says Eastwood, editor for the last eight years, all Bambi-wide eyes and signature Sarandon-hue lid. Its celebrity news but news, nonetheless. So it depends on the cycle and were going to follow the through-line. A few years ago, it was Angelina (Jolie) and we followed that. Today, Harry and Meghan have eclipsed any Hollywood star. And what a cycle its been. Its a story thats not only royal in scope but also one that signified a fresh social tide: lovable prince who is the Worlds Most Eligible Bachelor makes the choice of a bride who is an outside choice in every way. As an added bonus for Hello!, the unfolding story enjoyed a solid Canadian connection, with Markle living in Toronto and Harry sneaking in to see her. What was really eye-opening, Eastwood reflects, thinking back to the early days of their then-secret romance, was seeing how much a whole community can go on lockdown. We knew how serious it was when, all of a sudden people we used to talk to all the time (friends and colleagues of Markle) wouldnt even return a Facebook message. It was probably advised against doing so in some quarters. Prince Harry and Markle got engaged in November and will be married on Saturday, May 19 at St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle. (The Canadian Press) Because she, and the mag, were in the eye of the storm, and theyd had contact with Markle for years, they wound up becoming an indispensable link in the wider Hello! galaxy. We even had the good fortune of having done these little videos with her pop questionnaires. There was one where (randomly) she was asked the question: Prince William or Prince Harry? I dont know, she said, laughing it off. Of course, this was months before Markle would fatefully cross paths with the ginger prince. Only after prompting did the then-actress give her noncommittal answer: Harry? Sure. As a child growing up in England, Eastwood vividly remembers following the nuptials of Charles and Diana on TV. I remember watching with the whole family it was more magical then, in a way, because there were not so many platforms like there are now. It was a true live experience. I wouldnt say I grew up in a family of rah-rah royalists, she goes on. They were more like, well, celebrities. But at the same time, it wasnt an era when we passionately debated about the monarchy being relevant or not. It was just there. Like the furniture. In terms of the enduring appeal of Hello! which began as the Madrid-based weekly Hola! in 1944, then expanded to a phalanx of offshoots in places as far-flung as the United Kingdom, Dubai, Russia, Argentina and Thailand Eastwood cannot stress enough the photo-heavy tilt of the brand. Hello! was ahead of its time. We all-consume images now live our days flicking from image to image (on screens). Hello! was doing it decades prior. Theres always been an Instagram-ness to it, but whats also true particularly with Hello! Canada, launched by Rogers in 2006 is the extent to which its ethos remains a friendly one. The engaged couple has invited about 2,640 people to their big day in May. (The Associated Press) People do underestimate the benefit, and worth, of bringing good news stories, Eastwood says. It takes courage to tell tough stories, they say but, equally, it needs courage to tell good stories. There are so many dark and sad stories in the atmosphere right now our challenge is not to make it too candy-coated but, where we can, do stories that uplift. When shes not chasing royals, Eastwood spends her time honing octaves. An all-in member of the local choir SoundCrowd which describes its mission as one that endeavours to enrich the Toronto community with the proven social and health benefits of participating and experiencing choral music the editor-by-day has even performed with her group at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Twice. Its her other life, but maybe it inevitably informs her first one. Having grown up singing, and in a household full of music, the mother of three cedes to the idea that its sort of my yoga, yes. There have been, of course, countless studies done on the therapeutic effects of music but, for Eastwood, its just a way of getting out of my own head. And possibly even makes her a better team leader. Theres definitely a parallel when an opportunity presents itself (for the choir) you have to quickly learn an arrangement and just do it, she muses. You have to learn your individual parts, and then bring it together and blend. Very similar in creating a magazine, yup! Meanwhile, the wedding. That, of course, is what occupies the largest file in Eastwoods head these days. Darting around some of the signposts and biggest questions surrounding this occasion, we touch on the much-ado dress (shes rooting for Erdem, a British brand with a Canadian-born designer, to be Markles bridal outfitter), the somewhat hipster cake-maker that was recently announced (Elderflower! we both say at once) and the prospect of a guest stealing some of the spotlight (Lady Kitty Spencer Princess Dianas It Girl niece is someone to keep an eye on). Something that the editor-in-chief is certain will happen on the big day? A nod, of some sort, to Harrys late mother. Because he was so young when she died, and the images are forever imprinted of a stricken 12-year-old walking in the funeral procession, theres a special connection between him and the royal-watching public. Plus, as Eastwood points out, Harry has always been the one that talks about his mother more. Hes the one that summons up the nostalgia for her more. He even named his charity, Sentebale, after a word in the language of Lesotho that means Forget me not, founded in the memory of his late mother, to support orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa. Its all going to be very emotional, she predicts. Correction - April 13, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Hola! was founded in 1988. In fact, the Madrid-based weekly was founded in 1944. Read more about: Talented and versatile Canadian actress Molly Parker started her career in independent film, but she is perhaps best known for playing memorable television characters such as high-society junkie Alma Garret in HBOs Deadwood or tough-minded soldier turned U.S. House of Representatives majority whip Jacqueline Sharp in Netflixs House of Cards. That latter role earned her an Emmy nomination for creating one of the most striking characters onscreen a daunting feat when youre sparring in the same scenery-chewing space as Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. The final season of House of Cards is currently being produced with Wright in the lead. Spacey was fired after being accused of sexual misconduct, in allegations that continue to rock the industry. On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office confirmed it was reviewing a case of alleged sexual abuse involving the actor. I was heartbroken about what happened, frankly, Parker says in an interview. I loved working on that show. I was particularly sad for all the people who work on it. But Robin is brilliant and Netflix is doing the right thing with another season. Parker, 45, happened to be in Toronto the same day that real-life House Speaker Paul Ryan announced he wont run for re-election in an unprecedentedly corrosive political environment that, at times, has made the once cutting-edge satire of House of Cards seem irrelevant. It does seem that life is stranger than fiction, says Maple Ridge, B.C. native Parker. These are very dark times. But I really feel grateful now that I can work on a show that isnt dark, but even aspirational and that I can even watch with my son. That show is the first season of Lost in Space, a reboot of the television classic shot in B.C. and now streaming on Netflix. The original series based on the 1812 classic novel The Swiss Family Robinson, about a shipwrecked family debuted in 1965 and was on the air for three years. In the reboot, Parker plays Maureen Robinson, the mother of a blended family of explorers who end up marooned in space. Maureen has many of the same characteristics of House of Cards Sharp: she is the leader of the pack, the smartest one in the room and completely fearless. That makes a change from the original show, in which June Lockhart played a less dominant sort of mother. In the remake, the family is much more dysfunctional and the women are the true leaders. When Netflix first approached me that was part of the pitch. It was the mom who was assuming the leadership role, says Parker. I didnt watch it growing up. We maybe had CBC back then and that was it, but I was aware of it in popular culture, that there was a robot, there were some cheesy sets. But when I first heard they were remaking it and wanted me to read the script, I wasnt sure it was a good idea for me. Its not hard to understand why Parker thought of turning it down. The campy, family-friendly Lost in Space overlapped came a year before the much more cerebral Star Trek, which would quickly make the earlier show seem dated. At the time, perhaps because it was more accessible, the former series trounced Star Trek in the ratings, but Spocks haircut would leave a bigger cultural footprint in the decades to come than the entire canon of Lost in Space. Still, like many children of my generation, my favourite words growing up were Irwin Allen. The former Columbia School of Journalism grad turned producer was perhaps best known as the master of disaster films like The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno, but his sci-fi TV creations made him a hero to kids everywhere. Cheesy special effects, wretchedly scaled model spaceships and bad editing only enhanced the experience of watching Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants and The Time Tunnel. But Lost in Space, which took place in the distant future of 1997, is the best remembered. I wouldnt say its a darker take on the original, says Parker of the reboot. I would call it a more realistic take. The original version portrayed a perfect nuclear family, as most of those shows did back then. But for people to care about the characters you have to believe in them as people, not caricatures. Parkers character is the one that has been changed the most from the original series. But one question that the actress says she is still befuddled by, is why journalists seem fixated on the matriarchs evolution from stereotype to fully fledged human being. Its funny that were getting the same questions that the mother is strong and she is a scientist and the father isnt. That must mean were not close to where we need to be, says Parker. That there is a correction that needs to be made in how women are portrayed. Shes right, of course. In the original series Lockhart was more akin to the demure June Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver. Maureen Robinson didnt wear pearls when cleaning the hyperdrive, but she always seemed to be making sandwiches when the robot was on fire. This time around, Parker is teamed up with another great independent actress, Parker Posey (Dazed and Confused), who plays the venomous Dr. Smith in a brilliant piece of casting. The dynamic between the two is easily the best thing on the reboot. Parker is hilarious. We both came out about the same time doing independent films, says Parker. I met her 25 years ago having dinner in London and I think she wore her pyjamas then. Shes a true artist and a brilliant comedian and artist. She really steals the show. One major job attraction for Parker, who now lives in Los Angeles, was that the series was shot in the Vancouver area, where she grew up on what she has called a hippie farm. I havent lived in Vancouver in 20 years, its the longest period of time since I moved away. My family is still there and my brother worked on the show as the carpenter foreman and that was really cool, says Parker. We were out in the mountains and the forest and its just so, so beautiful. The thing is I forget the scale of B.C. Its just so massive. The trees are so tall, the mountains are so big; it gives the show a real cinematic quality. Another plus was that she could bring her 11-year-old son Will on set, where he bonded with actor Maxwell Jenkins, who plays Will Robinson, the familys youngest. Will and Max became really close. Honestly, that set is a kids dream; theres a huge spaceship with a ton of buttons, says Parker. The spacesuits, though, were outrageous. They looked great, but they were torture devices. The only person who enjoyed it was Max because hes 11 and he wanted to wear it home. Its not lost on Parker that, like the original series, the current incarnation takes place 30 years in the future. But now it doesnt seem like such a fight of fancy to have a family explore the solar system as companies such as Virgin Galactic and Space X are already looking at ways to commercialize space travel. Technology is changing the world so quickly, says Parker. And certainly I think if we carry on the way weve been going we might have to get off this planet and look somewhere else. Theres a warning in that. Because the Earth is so beautiful and its worth saving. Because as far as I can tell from this show, just being out in space, it looks like its trying to kill you all the time. Read more about: HALIFAX Two people from Nova Scotia were arrested after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said they failed to declare three pieces of jewelry totalling more than $30,000. The CBSA said on March 24 a man and woman from Nova Scotia were returning to Canada following what is described by the agency as a four-week absence. The couple, according to CBSA, declared items worth under $300 from their trip. However, when agents searched their baggage, they found a bracelet and two rings that carry a total value of about $35,000. The CBSA reminds all travellers to truthfully declare all purchases and items received when returning to Canada, a statement by the agency on Thursday reads. Failure to report all goods may lead to penalty action up to and including seizure of the goods. CBSA says both travellers were released without charges, but the investigation continues. Read more about: HALIFAXA blood-caked Nicholas Butcher told an officer he was sorry, minutes after he informed a 911 dispatcher he had killed his girlfriend and tried to kill himself, the law school graduates second-degree murder trial heard Thursday. The 14-member Nova Scotia Supreme Court jury watched a video statement Thursday from Sgt. Matthew MacGillivray, who arrested the 35-year-old man at Kristin Johnstons Halifax-area home on March 26, 2016. The Halifax police officer died of cancer in November 2017, and gave the sworn statement on Sept. 5, 2017, knowing he likely wouldnt be alive to testify at Butchers trial. Read more: A new era of awareness: Halifax charity supporting abused women launches new website, resources Accused in Halifax yoga teachers death appeared calm after alleged killing, paramedics tell trial Halifax man accused of killing yoga teacher told 911 he killed girlfriend, chopped own hand off, jury hears On the video, MacGillivray said Butcher was covered in dry, caked-on blood when he emerged from the home shirtless and wearing pyjama pants, and that he was tasked with remaining with him on the porch. He said he was trying to maintain a dialogue with Butcher, who was missing his right hand and had injuries on his neck, so that he didnt fall unconscious. MacGillivray said Butcher kept repeating Im sorry. Im so sorry ... I want to call my mother He said that day was hard to forget. This is one of the most bizarre calls Ive ever been on for a number of reasons, said MacGillivray, wearing a plaid shirt and Oakley glasses. Halifax police Det. Alexander MacAdam was the officer who conducted the interview with MacGillivray, and took the stand Thursday as the video was played. MacGillivray told MacAdam he briefly recited Butchers rights to him on the porch from memory, because he was holding a C8 carbine and was watching the suspect, so he could not retrieve his card with the full rights and cautions. He later travelled with Butcher in the ambulance to the hospital, and read him his rights verbatim at that time. Butcher said he understood, and wanted a lawyer, he said. MacGillivray said when they arrived at the hospital, he stood outside the operating room. I remember seeing the hand in a steel tray, he said. He had no further involvement in the case after that. Police officers have testified they found the body of the Montreal-born yoga instructor in the master bedroom of her Purcells Cove home on a blood-soaked bed, next to a steak knife. They testified that a mitre saw and an amputated hand were found nearby. The Crown has said the medical examiner will testify the 32-year-old woman had 10 wounds on her neck, and that her death was caused by sharp force. Butcher has pleaded not guilty. Later, Halifax police Det. Const. Randy Wood took the stand and went through hundreds of photos of the crime scene. The photos showed Johnstons body and red hand impressions on the bed. The photos also showed a mitre saw plugged into the wall. As well, the jury was shown exhibits that were seized from the bedroom, including a green lighter, a single razor blade, a package of razor blades and a knife. Media were also permitted to access certain trial exhibits Thursday, including audio of the 911 call Butcher made the morning of Johnstons death, the video of MacGillivrays video statement and crime scene photos. The trial resumes Monday. Read more about: Even before we left the dock in Miami, I started to get the feeling that our 4-Night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Magic was not going to go as smoothly as I had expected. The soft-serve machines near Goofys Pool had run out of ice cream. I asked a uniformed crew member when we could expect the machines to be refilled. Slightly alarmed, she told me she would look into it. While sipping a horribly cloying margarita, I broke the bad news to Anna, my 5 1/2-year-old daughter. We soon headed to our gathering spot for the prelaunch shipwide safety drill ours was inside the Animators Palate, one of five restaurants on the ship. After that, it was back to our stateroom, on Deck 6 of 11, to order room service and watch one of the half-dozen or so channels entirely devoted to Disney-owned content. A confession: I have been a travel editor for nearly a decade, and yet this was my first cruise. I also havent been to a Disney property since my age was in the single digits. Neither thing, frankly, had ever seemed like my bag, but with my wife, Nancy, and I beaten down by a stretch of brutally cold weather in New York, and Anna increasingly Disney-obsessed, the time felt ... if not right, then inevitable. A lot of people go on these cruises every year a Disney spokesperson wouldnt tell me how many, but given the fleet has four large ships (and three more on the nautical horizon) with more than 250 total launches per year, a number in the hundreds of thousands is a fair estimate including plenty of repeat customers (members of the Castaway Club, in Disney parlance). What was I missing? To try to find out, I paid $2,862.79 (for two adults and a child, as well as a vacation protection plan, taxes, fees and port expenses; we would end up spending another $1,500 for booze, on-board incidentals and activities, all figures U.S.) and booked the trip. Things had not started well even before we boarded, actually. We had to delay our flight to Miami because Anna had a fever and a cough. After a night in Miami, we headed to board the ship although before we could, we had to sign a paper indicating that no one in our party had a fever and a cough (or a handful of other symptoms). Her cough had held on, but her fever had abated, so I nervously signed the paper, waited on the serpentine line to register and get our cruise cards (they serve as both ID and credit card while on board) and, for Anna, a wristband that she had to wear at all times. Then we took a family photo in front of a sailing-themed Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and boarded the ship, along with more than 2,500 other cruisers. Days 1 and 2: My wife will never consider any other cruise line other than Disney. And I dont blame her. Comment on a 2017 Disney website post announcing two new ships. My relationship with Disney has always been a little fraught. I adore the movies. With Pixar, Marvel and the Muppets now under the Disney umbrella, I could probably list two dozen of them that we as a family love and watch regularly. But the companys ubiquity can also be unnerving. And thats just in general culture; once you board the ship, it is fairly, I suppose all Disney all the time. Activities were legion. I had signed up for some in advance. (Not-at-all-pro tips: Sign up early and preregister your children at the Disney Cruise website many events book up quickly. And download the Disney Cruise app before you leave its how you will communicate with family members.) Other activities were noted on a daily schedule dropped off at our Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah. At 3 p.m. on our first day, for example, we could have: caught the second half of Thor: Ragnarok in a state-of-the-art movie theatre that seats 278; lined up to meet Minnie Mouse on Deck 4, or Princess Sofia (of the Disney Channels Sofia the First) on Deck 5; joined Game Show: The Feud on the promenade lounge; taken part in an (adults-only) origami session; or dropped Anna off at the Oceaneer Club one of two activity centres open to kids for the bulk of the day and evening. It was all dizzying. Or we could have gone ashore to Key West, our first stop. I couldnt persuade Anna to join me, so I went solo. It turned out Anna had made the right call: It was sunny but cool and very windy; fellow passengers shivered down touristy Duval St. buying their T-shirted kids oversized sweatshirts. I headed to CVS to get some DayQuil for Nancy, who had picked up Annas chest cold, then stopped for a mediocre Cuban lunch. I had signed Nancy and myself up for a couples massage later that afternoon hey, we deserved a break even on Day One, OK? so we dropped Anna off at the Oceaneer Club and headed up to Senses Spa & Salon. The massage, given by two Serbian women (their nationalities, as with all crew members, were noted on their name tags), was a good one, if pricey ($170 per person). We passed on the products they had used during the massage, which were for sale. Almost every activity, it would turn out, ended with a gentle upsell. It was time for dinner. There are two seatings nightly, and you are directed to one of four restaurants around the ship, the idea being that you get to try each one. Tonight was Cariocas, supposedly Brazilian-themed, although I couldnt quite figure out in what way. We were seated with a couple from Miami, whose daughter was about Annas age. The food was fine, but the service was stellar, as it was everywhere on the ship. I cant say that I was thrilled that my daughter was constantly being called Princess, but each crew member seemed genuinely enthusiastic and pleased to be on the ship, down to the person passing out sanitizing wipes to every passenger entering a restaurant. (Hygiene is, understandably, a huge deal on the ship. In addition to the wipes, the kid centres have devices that might best be described as washing machines for hands.) Our servers at Cariocas at dinner were from Thailand and Scotland and introduced themselves as such, as all crew members did. (There are 950 in total, of 80 nationalities, for an astounding customer-to-crew ratio of less than 3-to-1.) I found all of this charming and touching. My adult activity that night, which I had signed up for in advance, was a whiskey tasting in the loungey Cove Cafe on Deck 9. It was not my first bar visit of the trip. The night before, I had grabbed a $20 glass of quality scotch at Keys, one of the cluster of venues in the After Hours section of the ship (the others are Fathoms, where a DJ was setting up, and OGills Pub, which offered beers on tap and free crudites and wings). Keys is a piano bar, complete with a high-end booze selection and a fedorad player behind the piano. (It also plays host to Friday night Shabbat services.) My bartender, Alejandro, from Peru, was friendly and knowledgeable. Noting my interest in scotch, he offered me a flight of four Macallan single-malts for $60. Another upsell but also a pretty good deal. Still, four more ounces of booze seemed like a bad idea, so I declined and instead caught 20 minutes of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in the excellent Buena Vista Theatre. Day 3: Although it is possible to avoid the fanfare, why would you want to? Its free, its fun, and whether youre the oldest or the youngest on-board, we guarantee youll be impressed. Pirate Night review on cruisecritic.com What to wear to the Pirate Night party? Ah, complimentary Pirates of the Caribbean-branded bandanas that had been dropped off in our room. Anna, however, was insisting on the $60 girl pirate outfit on sale at the White Caps retail shop. What about the $30 accompanying hat? Nope, sorry kiddo. (By end of day, she had gotten both the outfit and the hat.) But first, up early for the 8:45 Frozen Gathering at the Animators Palate restaurant. Im not sure what I expected, but heres what we got: a shortish line for a photo opp with Elsa, Anna and Olaf. Our daughter was feeling especially shy despite having talked for weeks about meeting the princesses so Nancy and I took the photo, and I gave Olaf a hug. We soon went ashore to Nassau, our Bahamian port of call for the day. The weather had improved, but we failed to stray from the dock-adjacent blocks filled with restaurants (we chose one more or less at random and chose badly), knick-knack shops and hair-braiders. Immersive travel it was not. We did, though, go on a glass-bottom boat ride, past homes owned, according to our chatty and charming guide, by Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan and plenty of other multimillionaires. We saw brightly coloured fish and got a free keychain. We headed to our pre-Pirate night dinner. But wait, everyone was already in costume. Had we missed a memo? And where did all these adults get their costumes? (They probably brought them, and many had packed special costumes for their kids.) We went to dinner, but Anna perhaps freaked out by all of the costumed passengers had a fit of nerves. It took us a while, but we persuaded her to go to dinner, then head back to the room to get dressed. Because we had been late for dinner, we ended up late to the party, on Deck 10; a stage was set up in front of the pool, which was covered by a wooden dance floor. That means we didnt get a great view of the show, but Anna was delighted nonetheless. Various Disney characters took the stage, alongside pirate performers constantly hyping up the crowd. There was a lot of dancing to pop tunes (Uptown Funk, I Gotta Feeling) and a nominal plot about Captain Hook taking over the stage with, for some reason, a bunch of passengers playing air guitar. Mickey saved the day by flying in on a zip line and got the party back on track. There were fireworks. Mickey, it should be said, was everywhere, which I found sort of sweet in an age of princesses, the nonagenarian mouse has still got it: He was branded on the giant smokestacks that top the ship and on the toiletries in our tiny bathroom. Three blobs of ketchup poured on Annas plate at dinner took the form of his head. I half-expected to come across coral in that shape when I went snorkeling the next day at Castaway Cay, Disneys private Bahamian island. Anna was understandably amped up and not ready for bed. Luckily, there was a magic show to enjoy: Kalin & Jinger, Broadway vets who wowed the crowd, Anna (still in her pirate costume) included. I love magic! she exclaimed as we headed out. Not as much as pirates though. Day 4: My hubby loves to do the snorkeling path and visit all the cool artifacts. I spend that time, reading, sunning and cooling off in the water. We stay on the island until about 4PM when we reluctantly head back to the ship to get ready for that evenings show and dinner. Comment on travelmamas.coms Dos and Donts of Disneys Castaway Cay Our last full day on the Magic was our most promising. It was Castaway Cay day a full day to spend on Disneys private island. We had bought a package that included snorkeling gear, bike rentals and a big floatie ring for our daughter. But I had also booked something in advance: an appointment for Anna at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a $200 princess makeover at 11:15, right in the middle of our day meant to be spent off the ship. And afterward, shed be covered in princess ... stuff. Perfect for sun and swimming! I met Anna and Nancy at the boutique. Anna had chosen Ariel as her makeover of choice. Although Annas fairy godmother (the British woman who would do her hair and makeup) urged her to allow the king to stay, I was banished. After a while, we all met up; Anna was in her dress, her hair done up in a (fake) bun, tiara and sparkles, makeup on her face, wielding a light-up wand. She was utterly delighted, and I was delighted with her delight. After some time walking around the ship with Anna, Nancy gently suggested we head down to the beach. The problem with being a princess, Nancy began to say, but Anna finished her sentence: Is that you cant do anything! Like, say, swimming in crystal-clear Bahamian waters. So, Annas dress and makeup removed, we headed to Castaway Cay, where we had lunch and camped out on the immaculate beach. I picked up our snorkel gear and floatie and a frozen margarita at Conched Out Bar, steps from the beach. I spotted Alejandro, the Peruvian bartender from the piano bar, now in more casual dress, doling out cheap beers in plastic bottles. While we splashed around in the shallow bay water, vivid blue fish swam right up to us, as if they, too, had gone through Disney staff training. (Anna got freaked out and wouldnt set foot in the water for a while.) I went snorkeling, where I saw more fish so plentiful and friendly that a thought flashed through my mind: Did Disney stock the area with sea life? I shook off the idea and headed back to pick up Anna. Nancy went on a relaxing bike ride, and we all met up back at the tram station and reboarded. It was time for dinner at Palo, the adults-only restaurant on Deck 10. We dropped Anna off at the Oceaneer Club and went. Like Keys, it was a simulacrum, although of a fancy Italian restaurant. Our waiter had a heavy Italian accent, yet was from Serbia. He seemed very pleased to present us with an antipasti cart slices of prosciutto, chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano, marinated peppers which he then, without asking, doused with aged balsamic vinegar. Everything was overly fussy, but the food wasnt bad a Tuscan bean soup was particularly tasty and service was extremely friendly. And Italian-ish. We took a brief but romantic walk around the promenade deck and stared off into the blackness of a vast ocean, interrupted only by another cruise ship that glowed miles off in the distance. I thought about the people on that ship, and the ones on the decks below us. I wondered if they were starting to have a good time too. Read more: What we call our coffee drinks says a lot about us. Here in America it's all-Italian-everything. Cappuccino. Italiano. Espresso. The way we talk about coffee is still beholden to the Italian craftspeople who invented espresso technology, and thus espresso drinks, over a hundred years ago. There are of course a few exceptions, like the Mocha, which has its roots in Yemen, or the Gibraltar, which is named for the Libbey brand glassware it's served in. Slang is creeping into the American coffee experience slowly, but for the most part our cafe menus have stayed the same, even as seemingly everything else about coffee in America has changed dramatically. The Australians, meanwhile, slang-obsessed and giving little to zero linguistic fucks, have developed* their own lingua franca of coffee drinks. An Americano is, in Australia, a Long Black, made with four ounces of water and two-ish ounces of espresso. A simple espresso is, by the same logic, a Short Black. A latte is a Flat Whitethat's really all it is, don't @ meand a Magic is, I think, a double ristretto topped up with like 120-150 ml of milk, although most of the time it isn't a true ristretto shot, because that would mean resetting the grinder. So the mythical Magic is really just an overdosed shot or a shot pulled short with a little bit of milk. It's a glorified macchiato with a great big ego and rare earth mineral rights, basically. There are some drinks that get all the lovepeople were once obsessed with the cortado/Gibraltar paradigm, in a way that seems quaint nowand there are some drinks that feel like they get the short end of the stick. Consider the Americano: has the Americano ever been cool? Isn't it just a way of ruining a shot of espresso? True espresso drinkers drink theirs straight. And if you want a six to eight ounce beverage, why not have a delicious, meticulously dialed in cup of batch brew (the American term) and/or a filter coffee (what they call it in the Commonwealth, except for Canada, where, sorry, it's called drip). The Americano is the cafe menu's ugly duckling. Not quite a purist beverage, not quite a specialty of specialty. This juxtaposition cuts me straight to the heart because, friends, the tiny Americano is my favorite drink. I'm not sure where I first confronted the Americano stigma, but I do recall an experience in a small village in Italy that probably cemented the feeling. At a tiny basement cafe in the religious pilgrimage town called Assisi, in the heart of Umbria, I had one of those emblematic Italian cafe experiences and it has stuck with me for years. First, I attempted to order a cappuccino. It was 3pm in the afternoon and my order was met with a lot of hand gesturing. Instead, the barista/barkeep (it is a dual role in Italy) thought I might like an Americano (was it my Airwalks that tipped them off?) and proceeded to make me what remains to this day the best Americano I've had in my life. I don't mean best in any kind of points score technical waythis was one of those Illy umbrella sorts of placesbut I was sixteen and knew exactly nothing about coffee, other than it seemed to fuel the daily efforts of adults, which is what I desperately wanted to be. Sitting there on the Piazza del Comune, with thousands of years of Roman Catholic history all around me (the church next door had an ancient Roman blood sacrifice altar!), wellthey could have served me dishwater and I'd have loved it. But I've since reflected that it was, perhaps, the water to coffee ratio of the drink itself that I loved best. I think it was an Americano constructed out of some combination of derision and spatial limitation: two ounces of water and a standard Italian espresso shot. The beverage was perhaps 4 ounces in total. Not a straight espressocertainly notbut not, as I would come to learn in the years proceeding, a standardized Americano, which is typically at least six ounces, and often more like eight ounces or 12 ounces, and commonly presented with room for cream. I don't like these great big ghastly Americanos. Who needs that much water? I don't even really like the Long Black with its two parts water to one part spro dichotomy. But I do love, and really, I mean love, an espresso drink made with just two ounces of water. This is a good drink. Only I'm not sure what we're supposed to call it. (To be clear, in brief sidebar form, I am most decidedly not talking about the Montreal allonge, or an EK43 shot, or a Pergerccino or a Coffee Shot or whatever the hell else you want to call the briefly popular gigantic long shot of espresso, which, if I'm strolling down St-Viateur with a wood-fired bagel, sure, but otherwise, no thank you.) I have heard my favorite drink called, in no particular order, a Little Buddy, an Italiano, a Tiny Americano, a Teeny-Cano, a Baby-Cano, a Lil' Cano, a Medium Black, a Minicano, a Two x Two, a Peggy, the Unamerican Americano, a Little Meri, a Halfacano, a Roaster's Americano, the Spanish American War (at Houndstooth Dallas), the Mitch (at Seattle's Espresso Vivace), and a Danny DeVito. A surprising number of people actually call this drink a Danny DeVitoI did some public polling around the question of what this drink is called, and multiple people from different parts of the United States had that response. It is named this because it's short and strong. This drink is for real being called a Danny DeVito out in the wild. That's amazing. Also, some people were rude: Ah yes, the Why would you drink that https://t.co/JPQUojkY4Y Justin (@hyperpape) March 30, 2018 BECAUSE IT IS GOOD JUSTIN. I typically order my tiny Americano drink with a combination of hesitation and what I hopes come across as empathysort of, you know, Yes I am self-aware that my coffee drink order is fussy and particular, and I'm sorry for both of us that I'm on some Frasier Crane bullshit, but please, this drink is good, so if you don't mind And from there it's a game of ounces and cups. If it's for here I ask for a cappuccino cup, as a kind of spatial limiter. That typically gets the job done, ratio-wise, because those cups can only hold so much liquid. If it's to go, I'll say something like, Can you just use like half as much water as you normally would for an Americano? I either get a funny look in response or sometimes a knowing, enthusiastic reply if the barista is also aware of this drink and its inherent goodness. I will also, occasionally, be corrected to just call it by one of the many names. This is my favorite potential outcome. You mean a Little Buddy? Yes, I do mean that, but I'm not going to just say that to you apropos of nothing across the counter. Because what if you've never heard of a Little Buddy before? What then? If there's no agreed-upon nomenclature for my favorite drink, I'd rather err on the side of you correcting me halfway through my order ratio song and dance. I hope that coffee in 2018 is post-stigma for most things. The coffee culture has more important stuff to care about, frankly, and so there should be no more hating on condiments. No more batch brew derision. No more eye-rolling if a place wants to offer a really, really good white chocolate mocha, or a blended frappe. And no more looking down upon the Americano, especially my beloved tiny Americano. Whatever you call it, I love this drink. This is a good drink. Jordan Michelman is a co-founder and editor at Sprudge Media Network. Read more Jordan Michelman on Sprudge. *and / or thieved from New Zealand. Tires crunch the gravel as our driver turns around and makes his way back down the narrow access road, leaving my fiance, his mother and I alone in front of an empty building. The air is cool and fresh, and a few white clouds move briskly across the blue sky. Beijing, with its more than 20 million inhabitants, gleaming skyscrapers and intermittent layer of smog, is a safe 80 kilometres to the south. All being well, well see the driver again in about four hours, at our pickup location. I check the WeChat message on my phone again. Behind (the building) theres a path uphill to the wall. Usually, a farmer can point you to it. Follow it up. There are no farmers to be seen on this bright November morning, but the path is there, and the valley swallows us up in minutes. Overhanging branches graze our jackets and backpacks, and dead leaves scatter underfoot. Something rustles in the undergrowth. A squirrel? This late in the year, the valley which becomes lush and green with the arrival of spring is brown and quiet. My gaze drifts up from the uneven, rocky path to scan the tops of the hills. As we round another corner, the view clears and I see what Ive been searching for. A frisson of excitement runs through me. Standing high over us is a tower of the Great Wall of China. Read more: 700-year-old section of Great Wall of China marred in restoration project New discoveries that Chinas Great Wall is even longer are causing old tensions to resurface in the Far East Top 7 off the path destinations in China The Great Wall is a bit of a misnomer, as there was never one single structure that spanned modern-day China. Rather, a number of large defensive walls were built by various rulers from as early as the Fifth Century B.C. through the mid-17th century, often hundreds of miles apart and with little relationship to one another. Yet one of those sections, the Ming Wall, is recognized all over the world. Built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) it stretches from a fort at Jiayuguan near the Gobi Desert in the west, all the way past Beijing to the sea at Shanhaiguan in the east. By some estimates, it is 8,851 kilometres long. Unlike other sections that were made of rammed earth and straw, most of the Ming Wall around Beijing is built on a foundation of cut stone and bricks held together with an early but very strong mortar made of lime and sticky rice glue. With crenellated ramparts and tall towers, it is the Great Wall of my imagination. As visitors, in China for only about a week, we are lucky to be here at all. Less than half an hour ago, we drove past a large parking lot filled with tour buses at Mutianyu, a popular section of the Great Wall. Dozens of bus drivers stood around chatting beside their giant vehicles, waiting for their groups to return. Sites like that, and Badaling, some 65 kilometres to the west, are immensely in demand among day trippers, receiving millions of visitors per year, but more closely resemble theme parks than ancient sites. All over China, sections of the wall are being rebuilt by unregulated private contractors who are keen to capitalize on tourist dollars but show little interest in historically accurate restorations. Foot by foot, the largest man-made structure in the world is being paved over, funded by visitors who funnel through them every year, largely unaware of what they are missing. We might have been among them if not for a fortuitous encounter with a family friend, Richard Fairbrother, over lunch two days prior. A longtime Beijing resident, he is also a keen amateur explorer and is writing a field guide about hiking on the wild, unrestored sections of the wall his particular area of interest. Minutes after we parted, my phone lit up with messages recommending an interesting hike in the Moya Shike Natural Scenic Area near the village of Dazhenyu, including drop-off and pickup locations and the kind of familiar directions that only locals can give. With the tower looming over us, we climb and climb, following the meandering, narrow trail and a line of faded red ribbons. Tied to tree branches at regular intervals, they are markers left by hikers who have come before us. After 45 minutes or so of fairly steep climbing, the trail ends at a brick wall half hidden by bushes, and we clamber through an opening in the side. Were here. From beneath our feet, the wall races away in both directions, zigging and zagging along the ridge like an irregular heartbeat, punctuated by square towers. The wall itself is at once awe-inspiring and smaller than I expected. At this point, it is approximately 10 feet wide, but greatly overgrown and filled with low shrubs, leaf litter and crumbling bricks, leaving only a narrow path snaking through the debris. Low battlements, about waist height, protect us from the drop on either side. I consult my phone again. Richards instructions are clear. Follow the wall uphill . . . the downward way finishes at a dead end. Uphill we go, pushing back branches and steadying ourselves against the walls. The red ribbons continue to pop up on branches. Although thoughtful, they are doubly unnecessary now. Not only could we not get lost here, but there is plenty of evidence that we are on the right path the floor around us is littered with soda cans, plastic bottles and empty cigarette packets, their labels faded from the rain and sun. Later, I learn that this trash was probably left by domestic visitors from other parts of the country. Theories abound: Perhaps it represents a lack of environmental education, or simply not realizing that unlike in the cities where teams of cleaners move through the streets like clockwork out here in the wilderness things lie where they fall. Whatever the cause, it is a baffling, and concerning, sight. The path loops up and down, and is often very steep, requiring us to lunge up steps and grab onto branches and bricks for support. The three of us spread out, taking the path at our own pace, and sometimes I stop, squeeze between the notches in the rampart and stick my head out to peer down at the trees below. Due to our latish start, lunch time coincides with our arrival at the first tower. It is not easy to get to sections of it have collapsed, blocking the entrance and forcing us to climb up and over, right onto the roof. We sit with our legs dangling over the side, quietly munching on our sandwiches and making little piles out of mandarin orange peels. A startlingly clear melody floats past on the breeze, and we spot a white bus in the valley far below, radio blaring. In centuries past, this spot would have been an ideal place to spy an invading army. The air is fresh and free of smog, and we can see distant purplish hills for miles in every direction. Follow the sun. We collect our citrus peels and clamber down over the rubble. As we progress westward, each tower offers a more beautiful view than the last, their arched doorways and narrow windows framing the spectacular landscape beyond them. We stop more often just to take in the view as the early afternoon shadows grow, casting the folds of the mountain range in sharp relief. The wind blows cooler now, and we zip up our jackets under our chins. We are still alone. Then, it just stops. From our vantage point inside a tower, we see the wall crest a hill and then appear to dissolve into nothingness. I shrug off my backpack and creep forward, edging closer until I can see over the crest and down to where the wall becomes treacherously degraded. A brick wall has been built to block the path, and beyond that there is a very steep drop. Stones litter the valley floor, as if scattered by some giant wave. For today, our hike is done. In a few minutes, well begin the steep, scrabbling descent to Dazhenyu, where our driver should be waiting for us. In four hours, weve covered approximately six kilometres a minuscule fraction of the wall and all that this vast country has to offer. Yet I can already see what draws Richard back here over and over. The lonely wild wall is full of beauty and secrets, and every yard hiked feels like the most wonderful discovery. I lift my gaze. Further up the ridge is another tower, and the wall continues along in a thin, unbroken line far into the distance until it eventually disappears behind a hill and completely out of sight. IF YOU GO Where to stay: The Orchid Gulou, theorchidbeijing.com: This quiet and modern boutique hotel offers shared rooms in the principal building, as well as separate and private apartments. Centrally located, it is within walking distance of key attractions including the Drum Tower. Rooms start at about $109 (all figures U.S.) a night. Leo Hostel, leohostel.com: An affordable and friendly backpackers hostel near Tiananmen Square that organizes a well-rated Secret Wall tour to a remote section of the Great Wall for about $45 per person. Dorm rooms start at about $13 per night. Where to eat: Sheng Yong Xing Roast Duck Restaurant, on the southeast corner of Xindong Lu and Dongzhimen, Xindong Lu No. 5, Chaoyang District, 0011-86-10-6464-0968: A restaurant specializing in roast duck, with a wide range of Chinese dishes and international wines. Entrees start at about $12. In and Out, 1 Sanlitun Bei Xiaojie, Chaoyang District, 0011-86-10-8454-0086: A casual dining restaurant for Yunan cuisine in the Sanlitun embassy area. Entrees start at about $12. What to do: The Great Wall, multiple locations: Many wild sections of the Great Wall are located within a two-hour drive of Beijing and are accessible by public transport and private cars, or with private tours and hiking groups. If you plan to take a private car or public transport, be sure to have your exact drop-off and pickup locations, and times, written in Chinese beforehand. Beijing Hikers, beijinghikers.com: The best-known English-speaking hiking group in Beijing has been organizing regular hikes on the Great Wall, including on many wild sections, since 2001. Day hikes around Beijing range from about $60 to $80, and multiday trips around Beijing, and all over China, range from $253 to $2,800. Lost Plate, multiple locations, lostplate.com: Food-and-drink-based tours, with Chinese guides, geared toward small groups in four cities. Highlights of the groups Beijing Evening Hutong Tour ($75) include door nail meat buns, hot dried noodles and Mongolian barbecue. Information: travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/scene/beijing Read more about: OTTAWALibrary and Archives Canada is promising to fulfill an Ottawa researchers access to information request. It just needs until 2098. In correspondence reviewed by the Star, the federal department said it needed at minimum eight decades to review 780,000 records related to a mysterious RCMP investigation called Project Anecdote. Researcher Michael Dagg requested the documents through the access to information system, which allows any Canadian to request government information for a $5 fee. By law, most requests must be fulfilled within 30 days. Library and Archives Canada initially told Dagg the department would require a deadline extension of 292,000 days or about 800 years. But later emails, which project a delay of closer to a century, suggest that number was a typo. You will note the extensive list of responsive records and we have determined that the extension for volume would be an 80-year minimum (bringing the due date to the year 2098), Dagg was told. Our initial (estimate) was a 130-year extension, however, based on the classification of these records by the 80th year most, if not all of these records could be opened without recourse to the (Access to Information) Act. To put that in context, the average life expectancy in Canada is 82 years. If a particularly industrious toddler were to request that information today, they would have about even odds of seeing the documents in their lifetime. It defeats the whole purpose of the act, Dagg told the Star in an interview Thursday, adding he intends to complain to the federal information commissioner. An independent researcher, Dagg is investigating an old RCMP case he suspects was closed 15 years ago, though few details are publicly known. Dino Roberge, a spokesperson for Library and Archives Canada, told the Star via email that the department must consider the volume and format of material that must be processed and whether it must consult with other organizations on the content of the material. This then determines how long it will take to process the request. The legislated 30-day deadline for departments to fulfill access requests has been missed with increasing frequency in recent years. In 2015-2016, only 64 per cent of federal access to information requests were completed by deadline. Former information commissioner Suzanne Legault often highlighted the problem of delays. She warned that some institutions use extensions to compensate for high workloads or lack of resources. A spokesperson for the information watchdogs office, Natalie Bartlett, said they could not comment on specific cases. (But) delays have been the subject of thousands of complaints to the (office) since 1983, Bartlett wrote in a statement. Every information commissioner since the coming into force of the act has raised this as an issue. Bartlett said the office has recently dealt with extensions as long as 1,110 days at the Department of National Defence, and as long as 9,840 days at another institution. QUEBECThe leader of Quebecs official opposition broke legislative rules Thursday by wearing a Parti Quebecois lapel pin and then compared it to the Jewish head cap worn by a member in the chamber the day prior to commemorate the Holocaust. Jean-Francois Lisees words triggered a heated exchange in the national assembly that reflected the current level of debate in Quebec on the issue of religious symbols in the civil service. Also on Thursday, a Montreal newspaper reported that a 17-year-old Muslim girl studying to become a police officer wants to eventually wear her religious head scarf on the job. Read more: Quebec judge who refused to hear woman in hijab loses appeal to quash probe Proposed police uniform changes set off alarm bells in Quebec Opinion | Montreal should include turbans and hijabs in police uniforms That prompted another opposition party, Coalition Avenir Quebec, to announce during question period that police officers in uniform cannot serve the state and God at the same time. The exchanges are part of a long-running debate in Quebec over how to manage religious accommodation requests by public employees, including teachers, judges and prison guards. And the issue is surely to remain a major topic of discussion ahead of the Oct. 1 provincial election. David Birnbaum, a Liberal member of the legislature, said he wore his Jewish kippah in the legislature Wednesday for Holocaust Remembrance Day, a 24-hour period where Jews remember the millions slaughtered by the Nazis during the Second World War. I wore it with solidarity with survivors but also on the understanding that wearing that kippah in Quebec today, I could do so without an ounce of fear, he said in an interview. And with the understanding that I could aspire to any job whatsoever in Quebec. All three opposition parties, to differing degrees, want to limit civil servants wearing conspicuous religious symbols on the job in order to preserve the secular nature of the Quebec state. The governing Liberals, however, say state employees should be able to wear religious clothing on the job as long as their faces are uncovered. Lisee stood wearing his partys lapel pin and was asked to remove it by the Speaker because it broke rules stating partisan symbols are not permitted in the legislature. Lisee took the pin off and said all citizens should be equal in our displays of our convictions. I am OK with the member who wore a kippah yesterday (but) we should also be allowed to display our political convictions, he said. Birnbaum said Lisee knew full well he wasnt allowed to wear a political pin in the legislature. And he proceeded I presume with the forethought to compare the (political pin) with the solemn symbol of a people with 4,000 years of history, he said. Id like to hear him explain that. During a news conference later Thursday, Lisee said he forgot to remove his pin when he entered the chamber. Can we compare the Holocaust with the history of the Parti Quebecois? Lisee asked. No the Holocaust is comparable to nothing else in human history ... but what we were talking about today was the equality of citizens before the law. Also during question period, Coalition member Nathalie Roy asked why the Liberals werent doing more to prevent police officers from wearing religious symbols on the job an accommodation request that has so far never been made. Can you understand that a police car isnt a place of worship? Roy asked. Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee responded by stating the Coalition wants to limit the individual liberties of citizens and to crush the dreams of young religious people who wish to enter the civil service. We dont believe the oppositions (position) is worthy of the future of Quebec, Vallee said. (The opposition) is saying: We dont want you. Dont crush the dreams of a young 17-year-old girl. I am for an inclusive society. Lisee, meanwhile, told reporters after question period hes not looking to hurt young peoples aspirations. If your dream is to be a police officer, then its your choice to conform to the uniform, which is (religiously) neutral, he said. If you think your faith is so important to you thats your choice. We dont want to crush your dream, but its your choice. Read more about: QUEBECThe gunman who killed six men as they prayed in Quebec City in 2017 told investigators he went to the mosque because he wanted to protect his family from terrorist attacks, according to a video of his interrogation tabled in court Friday. In the video recorded the day after the shooting, Alexandre Bissonnette told police how terrorists had killed scores of people throughout Europe. And he lost it after learning Canada was preparing to take in more refugees. Read more: Quebec judge nixes media request to release videos of 2017 mosque shooting Lawyers for Quebec mosque shooter to argue for life sentence in prison, no parole for 25 years Quebec man paralyzed in 2017 mosque shooting to receive $400,000 for new home For sure, the terrorist attacks that killed so many people made me think of it, Bissonnette said, regarding the night of Jan. 29, 2017, when he entered the mosque and murdered the six men. He said he wasnt a monster or a terrorist, adding he went to the mosque to save lives. Instead of shooting himself alone in the woods, Bissonnette said, thanks to his actions, maybe 100 people will now be saved. Maybe 200 or 300 people, he said later in the video. The recording was tabled into evidence by the Crown during Bissonnettes sentencing hearing. Bissonnette pleaded guilty last month to six charges of first-degree murder and six of attempted murder in the shooting. In the video, provincial police investigator Steve Girard gently coaxes Bissonnette to open up. The gunman cries, stirs in his chair and at times seems panicked. Bissonnette, 28, first mentioned the 2014 terror attack in Ottawa, outside Parliament, then brought up the 2016 attack in Nice when someone drove a truck into a crowd of people, killing 80. He said these acts planted the idea in his head he needed to do something. Bissonnette then listed a series of countries where terror attacks had occurred. Its going to come here, he said. I saw that, and they are going to kill my parents, then my family, then me, too. I was sure of that. I had to do something. But it was something that was torturing me for months. Every day, I was worried, anxious. I didnt know what to do. I wanted to kill myself because of it. Hours before he murdered the six men he heard on the news Canada was going to welcome more refugees and I lost it, Bissonnette said. Girard asked him if he felt ashamed of his actions. Its not bad at all what I did, he responded. Later in the video, however, he contradicted himself and said he did feel shame. He also told the officer he had anxiety and wanted to commit suicide when he was 16. Bissonnette said he had been feeling awful for months and months and months. And I just didnt know what to do. He changed medication at the beginning of January 2017, he said, and started taking an anti-depressant called Paxil. Bissonnette can receive consecutive sentences, which would mean up to 150 years in prison, but his legal team is hoping he receives concurrent sentences, which would see him eligible to apply for parole after 25 years. The sentencing arguments are expected to last about three weeks. Read more about: OTTAWAA possible all-party consensus is emerging to support an NDP motion to call on Pope Francis to apologize for the Catholic Churchs role in the horrors of the Indigenous residential school system. Charlie Angus, the New Democrat MP for TimminsJames Bay, who drafted the motion, said it is important for the House of Commons to speak unanimously on the need for an apology, just weeks after the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) announced the pope would not personally respond to the longstanding call for an official apology from Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commissions final report in 2015, which outlined the devastating consequences of the residential school system in Canada, asked the pope to apologize for the Catholic Churchs role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit and Metis children who attended the schools between the late 19th century and when the last one closed in 1996. The CCCB did not respond to requests for an interview from the Star on Friday. This is about moral leadership, Angus said. There is no moving on as a nation until we deal with reconciliation. The Catholic Church could play a huge role in building a positive relationship with Indigenous people in this country, and I think its a basic moral question. The Liberal government is ready to support Anguss motion, while the smaller parties in the House, the Bloc Quebecois, Green Party and Groupe parlementaire quebecois, have indicated they will back it as well, Angus said. We welcome the opportunity for the House of Commons to add its voice to demonstrate that this important step in reconciliation is not a partisan issue, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett said Friday in an emailed statement. The Conservatives, meanwhile, hinted that they will likely back the motion, too. Party spokesperson Jake Enwright told the Star the caucus will discuss the matter next week, but that Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer believes that any organization, institution, individual that had a role in this very dark chapter in Canadian history should apologize. Angus pointed out that it was Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper who delivered the governments official apology for creating the residential schools in the House of Commons in 2008. I do not see that this needs to be a partisan issue, he said. Alongside the apology, the motion will call on the Catholic Church to resume best efforts to raise the $25 million for former students that was part of the 2006 settlement deal that lead to the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and to make a consistent and sustained effort to give documents about the schools to former students that want them. Angus said he found it very, very surprising that the Pope has decided not to apologize about residential schools, given that Pope Francis has spoken up about issues of justice and the need to deal with sexual abuse in the church. In 2015, Pope Francis apologized to Indigenous peoples of North and South America for the churchs role in supporting colonial conquest, and just this week apologized for not believing victims of sex abuse by priests in Chile. According to the Truth and Reconciliation report, other churches who were involved in residential schools Anglican, United and Presbyterian denominations have made official apologies in recent decades. But the Catholic Church, without a single spokesperson to talk for all its branches in Canada, has only delivered a patchwork of apologies or statements of regret from various entities. In 2009, then-Pope Benedict XVI met with Canadian Indigenous leaders in Rome, and expressed sorrow at the anguish caused by the deplorable conduct of some members of the Church. The Truth and Reconciliation report concluded that churches that ran residential schools with government funding committed spiritual violence by removing Indigenous children from their home communities, indoctrinating them in the Christian faith and attempting to extinguish their cultures and religions. At least 150,000 First Nation, Metis and Inuit youth went through the residential schools and an unknown number, estimated to be in the thousands, died. LIMA, PeruTwo of the three political leaders with the most at stake at the NAFTA table huddled Friday behind closed doors, their most senior trade lieutenants alongside, in hopes of unlocking a mutually beneficial solution to the cross-border conundrum posed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto gathered on the sidelines of a major international summit in Perus capital, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexicos economy secretary Ildefonso Guajardo. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer pulled out of the summit at the last minute, sending his deputy, C.J. Mahoney, in his place. Read more: Trudeau looks to move on from controversial China, India visits with 10-day international trip Three countries fairly close on NAFTA, Trump says as Mexico touts 80 per cent chance of deal NAFTA talks in new, more intensive phase, Freeland says The sit-down, the first face-to-face between the two leaders since November, comes at a critical time, with Canada, Mexico and the U.S. all looking for a breakthrough in the ongoing effort to update the North American Free Trade Agreement and Trumps wild-card trade strategies doing little to clear the air. It was also a chance for Trudeau to take stock of Mexicos position and perhaps share strategies before the prime minister heads into a meeting Saturday with U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence. Pence is in Peru instead of Trump, who was originally scheduled to attend but decided against it at the last minute, ostensibly to deal with the American response to a chemical attack in Syria. Freeland described the conversation between Trudeau and Pena Nieto as a good one, even as she expressed optimism about the state of NAFTA negotiations, which are continuing in Washington this weekend. Canada and Mexico found that were very much on the same page in believing that now is the moment to very, very intensely engage and to really enter a new stage, a new rhythm, a new level of negotiations, she told reporters after the sit-down. The meeting between the Canadian and Mexican leaders came one day after U.S. officials indicated they were willing to soften their demands on autos, which Trump followed by warning that he was willing to renegotiate forever. Freeland refused to speculate on these apparently competing messages, even as she said all trade negotiations are subject to moments of drama. There certainly have been moments of drama in the past, she said of the NAFTA talks. And I will make a prediction there are more dramatic moments (coming) in the days to come. And we should not be distracted by those. Trudeaus meetings with Pena Nieto and Pence come as the three are attending the Summit of the Americas, which is held every four years and brings together leaders from across the Western Hemisphere. The prime minister started his day Friday by meeting Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra, who served as Perus ambassador to Canada before the previous president was forced to resign over a scandal last month. Trudeau delivered a 10-minute address to business leaders from across the Americas encouraging them to invest in Canada, noting that the country has free trade agreements with dozens of countries around the world. Even as his government struggles to deal with a pipeline crisis at home, one that has forced him to return to Canada on Sunday before resuming his travels to Europe, Trudeau pitched his country as a great place to invest, telling hundreds of business leaders that big things can get done in Canada. More than half the countries with which Canada has free trade agreements are in the Americas, Trudeau said, and the hope is to add a deal with Latin Americas largest trading bloc, Mercosur, to that tally. Even in this age where the value of trade is being questioned by some, we have successfully negotiated landmark agreements with Europe and with Asia, Trudeau added a not-so subtle dig at protectionists like Trump. The prime minister went on to emphasize Canadas skilled labour force, low unemployment and debt-to-GDP ratio, recent federal investments in infrastructure and a new investment agency as proof that Canada is open for business. The message appeared well received, and Kenneth Frankel, president of the Canadian Council for the Americas, said the region offers a natural opportunity for Canada particularly as it looks for a northern partner who isnt Trump. Yet Siegfried Kiefer, president of Calgary-based engineering firm Atco Ltd., said Latin American leaders have told him they need massive new investments in infrastructure to grow their economies first. On that front, Canadas own record on infrastructure and national-interest projects has room for improvement, Kiefer said, including Kinder Morgans Trans Mountain pipeline, which is at the centre of a fierce battle between the Alberta and B.C. governments. The business community is generally looking for proof in the pudding, he said. The public unrest relative to some of these projects is really what youre trying to deal with. And that in my mind deals with how do you gain the trust of the people of the country that you have looked at the merits of the project objectively. Trudeaus day also included hosting a lunch with representatives from the 15-country Caribbean Community, where he announced $25 million in new funding to help the region deal with natural disasters such as hurricanes. The prime minister also met with Chilean President Sebastien Pinera, who took office in March and whose country is an important political and trade partner with Canada. Correction: An earlier version had a typo in Siegfried Kiefers first name. Read more about: Its mid-morning and Thamo Radhakrishnan selects a doughnut for a customer from a smorgasbord of others that sit fresh on a rack, all unique in appearance and likely in taste. Its something he and his wife, Vasuki, take pride in, as the pair have run the Junction staple Galaxy Donuts for the last 21 years. But on April 28, the Dundas St. W. and Keele St. shop will close permanently as Thamo and Vasuki, who came to Canada in 1990 after fleeing the Sri Lankan civil war, say its time for a more simple life. Its been very stressful, Vasuki said. Every day, you have to come here, wake up at 4:30 a.m., adding that since they arrived in the country, they, particularly her husband who also works as a machinist, have never stopped working. The Radhakrishnans, who are Tamil, left Sri Lanka in 1985 to evade the long, bloody civil war between the Sinhalese military and Tamil guerrilla fighters. Thamos father was killed during the conflict. It was around this time, too, that Thamo and Vasuki were expecting their son, Nish, adding more urgency to leave, they said. Thamo thought, No more. We had to fear for our lives, Vasuki said. The couple travelled by bus to the capital Colombo. Along the way, they encountered military checkpoints, an experience Vasuki called her worst nightmare. Then, they flew to India, where their son was born, settling into a two-bedroom apartment. The doctor (in India) was really upset, she added, referring to her on-the-move pregnancy, but we didnt have a choice. About a year later, they arrived in France, where they lived for four years in Paris. Vasuki cleaned offices; Thamo worked in restaurants. Finally, they arrived in Canada in 1990, sponsored by relatives who had immigrated before them. We were very thankful to Canada. We were never a burden. We always worked, Vasuki said, adding that before they opened the doughnut shop, her husband worked at an auto parts company and she worked in telemarketing. I was happy and Im very fortunate to be here. Theyve spent the last two decades in the Junction, observing a steady decline of mom and pop shops. Feeling squeezed by franchises, plus rising rents in the trendy area, the couple, now in their 60s, felt it was time to retire. But leaving their business behind after so many years is an undertaking done with a heavy-heart. We made lots of friends, Vasuki said, noting she was surprised to see her husband, who she said is rather quiet, strike up friendships with customers. To leave all these people is really sad. Theyre like a family, Thamo said. I dont want to leave this neighbourhood. They said their busy schedules werent always conducive to family life, but they made it work by sharing the responsibilities that their small, but loved business required. Thamo, who works as a machinist on the side, for example said he often comes into to help with the shop after his 9-to-5 shifts end. Itll be a big change, as both have been known to work long hours, said their son, Nish, 32. Front-and-centre, he continued, was their unflagging desire to provide for him growing up. We werent always well-off, but I was always happy because they did whatever they could to put food on the table, Nish said. Theyre modest people and they deserve the world. I cant hold a candle to what theyve done for me and I can only hope to be half as good a parent as theyve been to me. Torontos top medical official is urging local hospitals to join an effort to track homeless deaths after her new report revealed 100 individuals experiencing homelessness died across the city last year. Dr. Eileen De Villa said in the report that while the ongoing effort to collect homeless death data in Toronto is among the most comprehensive in the country, a lack of participation by hospitals makes it difficult to get accurate data. Homelessness remains a significant issue in Toronto, affecting some of the city's most vulnerable residents, said the report, based on the citys first year of collecting death data. It added that barriers to hospitals reporting relate to client privacy and confidentiality. De Villa is Torontos medical officer of health. Toronto Public Health began tracking homeless deaths across the city on Jan. 1, 2017 following a Toronto Star investigation that found most municipalities in Ontario do not do it comprehensively, if at all. In previous years, the city had recorded only those deaths that occurred in city-run shelters; for 2016, that number was 33. Now the city is working with more than 200 health and community agencies but not hospitals in an attempt to keep track of homeless deaths. In her report, De Villa recommended she and the CEOs of the five Toronto-area Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) now collaborate to determine how city hospitals could share data on homeless individuals who die under hospital care with Toronto Public Health. She also recommended Toronto Public Health routinely share updated homeless death data with city planning staff. Megan Primeau, a spokeswoman for the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network, which oversees downtown Toronto hospitals and the care of more than 1.2 million residents, said the LHIN would look into whether hospitals could share information with Toronto Public Health under current privacy legislation. It would be within the mandate of the Toronto Central LHIN to help facilitate the necessary conversations to move on this important work forward, she said. The number of Torontos homeless dead officially tracked in 2017 is shocking and tragic. Of the 100 who perished an average of almost two per week 74 were male, 25 were female and one was transgender. Half of those who died were under the age of 48, with the youngest just 22. The oldest was 94 years old. Most of the deaths, 65, happened indoors at places such as hospitals, infirmaries or shelters, mainly downtown; nine occurred outdoors while the locations of the remaining 26 are unknown. The way that the city learned of the hospital deaths in 2017 is likely because staff at a community agency or shelter reported to the city that some of their clients died in hospital. The leading known causes of death were drug overdoses (27), cardiovascular disease (10) and cancer (9). There were 28 unknown causes of death, with three cases undetermined pending further investigation. The remaining 23 deaths covered a broad range of causes grouped as other. Although some of the leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, are common among the general population, the most striking feature of these data is the relative youth of the decedents, the report states. People experiencing homelessness in Toronto are living more than 30 years less than the overall population, on average. The report notes that even with attempts to improve the tracking system, some deaths will be missed. Lauro Monteiro, executive director of Haven Toronto, a drop-in centre for homeless men over 50, called the report incomplete and one that seriously underestimates the death rate across the GTA. I dont think 200 would be an unrealistic number at all, not in this city, said Monteiro, noting that between 20 and 30 clients of Haven Toronto alone have died annually in recent years. While Haven Toronto participated in the citys initiative to track homeless deaths, Monteiro criticized the report for lacking key information, such as the location of death for 26 people. Its harmful (because) incomplete information is not helpful, he said. There may be people out there who assume this is accurate, its gospel and they make public policy decisions on this. Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina) said the number of 2017 homeless deaths was completely unacceptable. Two people dying per week is a crisis, theres nothing else you could call it, except perhaps an emergency, said Cressy, stressing that the city needs to find a way to access data on homeless deaths collected by hospitals. The importance of data is so that we can better respond to prevent these deaths. PETERBOROUGH, Ont.Faith Dickinson, a student at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School in Peterborough, has been invited to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19 at Windsor Castle. The Diana Award tweeted the news on Tuesday that Dickinson is one of 200 exceptional young people whove been invited to attend on the strength of their contributions to charities that are close to the hearts of Prince Harry or Markle. Dickinson, 15, launched the charity Cuddles for Cancer from her Lakefield area home when she was nine years old after her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. During treatment, her aunt said she got very cold and so the girl made her a fleece blanket. Read more: Ontario teen receives Diana Award from Prince William and Harry She now makes fleece blankets to provide comfort to people with cancer or others who need comfort (for example, she recently sent blankets to soldiers returning home with injuries or PTSD). The engaged couple has invited about 2,640 people to their big day in May. (The Associated Press) Dickinson has made more than 3,000 blankets, each personalized with details about the recipients hobbies or favourite colour. Theyve been sent across Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Australia, France and Africa. Shes also raised more than $30,000 to keep providing blankets for free to those in need. Last year Dickinson won a Diana Award. The award was set up in the memory of Prince Harrys late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, to honour Dianas belief that young people can change the world for the better. Award organizers say Dickinson is the only Canadian out of seven young people involved in the program to snag a spot in the public gallery on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The other invitees are all from England. Dickinson is in rare company. Kensington Palace has said that politicians and world leaders have not been invited to the nuptials, although 1,200 members of the public have been invited, including young people who have served their communities. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: Ontario should commit to moving away from combined sewer systems as a means of curtailing overflow volume, according to water protection experts. There is absolutely no reason why in the 21st century we have pipes that go from your toilet into my drinking water supply. Theres no need for that at all, said Krystyn Tully, founder and vice president of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, a Toronto-based charity advocating for clean water. Reacting to a StarMetro investigation that revealed Ontario was among the provinces dealing with high volumes of sewage overflow, Tully said municipalities across the province and all over the country are still using combined sewage systems in which the pipes that carry rainwater runoff also carry sewage from homes and businesses due to a lack of imagination and urgency, as well as the fear of investing heavily in adequate planning and infrastructure. People are increasingly living in urban centres, putting more pressure on sewage systems that werent initially designed to accommodate larger populations, she said. Combine that with climate change concerns, heavier rains and more frequent extreme weather, and the overflow volumes reach unprecedented levels, she said. This isnt something we can afford to put off or delay, she said, noting theres chronic inconsistencies in reporting sewage levels, making available data incomplete. For example, Tully said, about 110 of the 269 wastewater systems nationwide did not file their reports in 2016. Environment Canada should be cracking down on municipalities that are dodging scrutiny by not filing these reports, she said. Toronto already has a number of programs in place to deal with sewage overflow. For example, the Don River and Central Waterfront is a 25-year, $2-billion endeavour to capture and transport sewage and rainwater out for treatment. The city has also made a huge investment in stormwater management to help clean up the Toronto waterfront, with the construction of the detention tank near the Exhibition Place, said University of Toronto earth sciences professor Miriam Diamond. Toronto does not have very many combined sewers anymore, and other municipalities should do the same, she said, adding that many of these sewer systems were built hundreds of years ago, and are not properly equipped to deal with enormous storms, she said. A separated system is a smart move because engineers will make sure that theres almost never any untreated sewage that gets sent into the waterways. Nouakchott, April 12, 2018 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali, has Wednesday received a message of condolences from the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz following the military aircraft crash yesterday resulting in 257 people dead, including 10 crew members and thirty Sahrawi patients. We learnt with great sadness and sorrow the news of the crash of a transport plane belonging to the Algerian Peoples National Army, lifting many Sahrawi citizen dead. the President of Mauritania said in his condolence message Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, on this painful occasion, has extended to his Sahrawi counterpart and to the brotherly Sahrawi people and to the families of the victims his deepest condolences. SPS 125/090 One woman is in critical condition after a two-alarm fire broke out in a downtown Toronto high-rise Thursday night. Toronto fire said they were called to the building in the area of Bloor and Huntley Sts., east of Mt. Pleasant Rd. around 5:30 p.m. Capt. Michael Westwood said the fire was located at a 27th floor unit. Firefighters made quick work to extinguished the blaze. The fire was knocked down just after 6 p.m. Firefighters rescued the woman, who was the inside the burning apartment. Toronto paramedics, who initially identified the victim as a man, said she was found without vital signs, but they were able to revive her. She was rushed to hospital with smoke-related injuries that threaten her life. Roads around the area were closed, but have since reopened. Fire investigators have been called to determine the cause of the blaze. When Toronto councillors voted in July 2016 in favour of the $3.35-billion, one-stop Scarborough subway over the LRT, the information they had about its design was exaggerated by city staff, rushed by consultants and based on hand-drawn sketches. The Star reviewed internal documents that warn of time constraints and insufficient information, staff reports, independent peer reviews and comments made by city staff to council before that key July vote. They show that city staff also significantly downplayed the progress of the seven-stop LRT alternative that was years ahead in the planning process. While city officials told council before the vote that the subways design was at approximately 5 per cent, work was not that far along, documents show. A projects design is directly linked to its cost estimate. When taken together, the information provided by city staff cast the one-stop subway, which was ballooning in cost, in a more favourable light at a time when council was under pressure to choose the project promised by Mayor John Tory. They did so without seeing any study on whether the 6.2-kilometre subway extension was good value for money. Its deeply troubling that it appears that council and the public were told that a subway project practically drawn on the back of a napkin was as far along as the LRT plan that was supported by a 300-page environmental assessment, Councillor Josh Matlow, who has long pushed for a network of LRTs in Scarborough that would put more people closer to rapid transit, told the Star. Enough is enough. All Toronto homeowners are on the hook for a special tax to fund the subway, from Kennedy Station to a new Scarborough Town Centre stop, for at least 30 years. The LRT would have been fully funded by the province. With an accurate cost of the Scarborough subway still unknown, and evidence that the project is not a worthwhile use of money, questions over design and what council was told when they opted for the subway over the LRT remain relevant. A new form of transit is needed to replace the aging Scarborough RT. The previous term of council switched to a subway plan in 2013 at the urging of then-mayor Rob Ford, scrapping years of work on a seven-stop LRT already agreed to with the province. Fords brother, Doug Ford, is now leader of the Ontario PC party and vying to be premier in June. Tory is seeking re-election to the mayoral seat this October. At the July 2016 vote, the TTCs former chief project manager for the subway, Rick Thompson, said the subway option was at about 5 per cent design-wise. A city staff report tabled at that meeting said the same. But a team of consultants working with city staff on the project reported some four months later, in November, that the earlier design provided to council in July pre-dates the current 5 (per cent) design level. At a meeting another four months later, in March 2017, council was given a consultants review that said the design of the subway was at 2 to 5 per cent. That level of design was based on five internal documents, only one of which was actually prepared before the July 2016 meeting. If all five documents amounted to 2- to 5-per-cent design work in March, that means it would have been impossible for the subway to be at 5 per cent in July, as council was told. The one document that was completed in time for the July 2016 vote, provided to the Star by the TTC, was a 22-page technical memo about a new station at the Scarborough Town Centre. It included three hand-drawn sketches, three satellite maps and a handful of technical drawings. It did not detail any other parts of the project, such as the six-kilometre tunnel. Council never saw that document. Between July 2016 and March 2017, the extent of design for the subway reported by staff didnt change, despite work on the project continuing following the outcome of the vote. In a joint response Wednesday, the city and TTC said there is no distinguishable difference in two to three percentage points at such an early stage and that there was not significant progression of the design in those eight months. That contradicts what the TTC told the Star in February of this year. A spokesperson, Stuart Green, said then that the subway design presented to council in July was an earlier version and that in the months after that vote there were significant changes. Its unclear how the design changed significantly but did not significantly progress. The level of design of an infrastructure project is tied to the accuracy of the cost the further along in the design, the better experts are able to accurately predict how much money will be needed to build it. In 2013, council approved building a three-stop Scarborough subway based on zero design work. Their estimate $3.56 billion was off by more than a billion dollars, a more recent estimate of what that project would have cost shows. At the same time council was told in July 2016 that the design of the one-stop subway was at 5 per cent, staff claimed the LRT alternative preferred by some councillors who were lobbying for its return at that vote was at a similar stage in its design. Now retired deputy city manager John Livey told council at the July 2016 vote, in response to a question about the LRTs design progress from TTC chair Josh Colle, that some aspects were at 5 per cent and others at 10 per cent. Yet a 2012 report from staff to the board of Metrolinx, the provincial agency that was in charge of building the LRT, said that the completion of the design was at 30 per cent. A 2012 TTC report to its board also said the LRT project was at 30-per-cent design. In March 2017, after the July vote, former city manager Peter Wallace confirmed the LRT was at 30-per-cent design before the vote, after Matlow pointed out the discrepancy in what city staff had told council at the vote that it was 5 per cent to 10 per cent and the 2012 reports that showed it was at 30 per cent. In the weeks leading up to the July vote, council was also told that returning to the LRT plan would cause years of delay. Though necessary provincial studies and 30 per cent of design work had already been completed, a TTC briefing note claimed staff would need 12 to 18 months to return with a revised plan should council choose the LRT. At executive committee in June 2016, a month before the vote, then chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat said they would essentially have to start over if they went back to the LRT project, which would cause three years of delay. Despite what staff said about the LRT, there was a big difference in where the two options were at in the planning process. In January 2013, before the LRT project was cancelled by the Ford administration in favour of a subway, the province began vetting qualified companies to build the LRT line the first step in the construction process. The current one-stop subway plan will not be ready for that first step until at least January 2019, when staff expect the subway design to be at 30 per cent and council to vote on whether to move forward with construction. That means that when council opted to pursue the subway plan in July 2016, the LRT was two and a half years closer to breaking ground. Matlow plans to question staff about the design discrepancies through formal inquiries at a council meeting later this month. Internal TTC documents earlier obtained by the Star through a freedom of information request reveal that an updated, more accurate cost estimate for the current subway plan will be available this September before the municipal election in October. But city staff dont plan to release that information until January 2019. Tory relentlessly defended his continued support of the one-stop subway as the vote approached in July 2016. The three-stop option, he told reporters, had been approved by a previous council without the support of any planning or design work actually having been done. In fact, he said, it was based on a sketch on a piece of paper given to the TTC. In an opinion piece published in the Star, Tory said council had moved on from that kind of politics. There is no doubt the original decision to cancel a planned LRT in Scarborough and extend the subway instead was made without enough information or process, but I cannot let the mistakes of the past cloud my judgment on what Toronto needs for the future. Read more about: When Malala Yousafzai meets young women in refugee camps, she doesnt impart her advice to them on how to change the world. She listens. Their stories are so powerful . They inspire me, instead, the 20-year-old Nobel Prize Laureate, activist and author told a packed auditorium at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Friday. I dont think they need my advice. Yousafzai was the keynote speaker at The Art of Leadership for Women conference hosted by a global business conference organizer. The day-long event featured talks by former PC interim leader Rona Ambrose, authors including Annie McKee (How to be Happy at Work), and female business leaders in a bid to empower women with the tools and techniques shared by the various speakers. Yousafzai, sporting a fuchsia scarf, thanked the audience for welcoming her back to Canada which she called a second home, and refered to her honorary Canadian citizenship. She joked about being away from her parents for the first time as a student at Oxford University, proudly hailing it the best university in the world, before diverting to the more sombre subject of the 130 million young girls who may not get the opportunity to higher education because they are not in school. One thing thats giving me hope is that people are at least talking about education, and not just education, but safe, quality, 12-years-of education, she said, evolving from the UN millennium development goals that focused on primary education. Yousafzai travels the world as an advocate for girls to have a full 12 years of quality education, a reality that does not exist for millions, including girls in countries such as Nigeria, Lebanon and Syria, among other conflict-afflicted countries. Even where young women can go to school, the disparities between the educational opportunities given to men can be stark; in her own country of Pakistan, theres a village which has 19 schools for boys and just one for girls, she notes. Yousafzai returned to Pakistan and to her village for the first time in five years in March after she fled when she was shot by the Taliban in Mingora. There is no secondary school, so we decided we will build one . The school has been built. It has started. Girls are going to that school, and its a state of the art school that is actually bringing change in that whole village, she said. The project was made possible by the Malala Fund, founded in 2013, to work in marginalized regions to create adequate secondary school choices and provide access to education for girls. The fund has been working to increase its army of Gul Makai champions (women education activists), a term she coined for the pen name she used when blogging for the BBC in Taliban-controlled areas. Dr. Nina Ahuja, a surgeon at St. Josephs Healthcare in Hamilton and associate clinical professor at McMaster University, came to Fridays conference to network to hear about Yousafzais life, and meet other women in leadership. Her field is still very male-dominated, she said. I think that, in academic leadership positions, the number of women is still relatively low, depending on which speciality youre looking at, said Ahuja, who added it would be valuable to open up more opportunities for women. Yousafzai ended her presentation saying her mission will not be over until she can wake up in the morning and proclaim, Wow, no one is out of school today! Read more about: A man was rushed to a trauma centre with life threatening injuries after being found with multiple gunshot wounds shortly before 1 a.m. Friday near Bloor St. W. and Grenview Blvd. S., east of Royal York Rd. When emergency services arrived, they found the man conscious and breathing with two gunshot wounds to his torso. Police said they received reports of several gun shots being heard in the area. The victim was taken to hospital and remains in critical condition. Toronto Police are looking for a suspect described as a white male in his 20s, approximately six feet tall with a skinny build. The man was seen wearing a hooded sweater and black pants. Police are asking for anyone with information to contact them immediately. John Doe has a name five weeks after homicide investigators last-resort move to release a photograph of a dead, unidentified man believed to be a victim of alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur. Toronto police announced Friday that their release last month of a grisly, albeit cleaned up image has culminated in the identification of the man, a development likely to lead to another charge against the accused killer already facing seven counts of first-degree murder. The break came after 500 generated tips that turned into a long list of 70 possible identities, which became a shortlist of 22, which was finally winnowed down to one in the last 48 hours. Police will release more details about the man and any additional charges against McArthur on Monday, after investigators notify the mans family. Putting a name to the deceased man had been both a source of stress and a priority for investigators. On Wednesday, at a news conference where investigators released an new illustration of the man to prompt more tips, Det.-Sgt. Hank Idsinga told reporters he could theoretically lay a charge without the identity, but Id like to put a name for him. In an interview Friday, the lead detective said he felt incredibly proud of the team of officers whod gotten it. We are very happy and relieved that weve been able to identify him, Idsinga said. Since McArthurs January arrest, the 66-year-old landscaper has been charged in the deaths of seven men with links to Torontos Gay Village. He is currently awaiting trial for first-degree murder in the deaths of: Andrew Kinsman, 49; Selim Esen, 44; Majeed Kayhan, 59; Soroush Mahmudi, 50; Dean Lisowick, 47; Skandaraj Skanda Navaratnam, 40, and Abdulbasir Faizi, 42. At the time the photograph was released, police said little about its origins. Idsinga told reporters the image had been cleaned up to remove some artifacts, and data from the photo shows it was altered through a photoshopping tool to erase and smudge parts of the image. Toronto police have not revealed how they obtained the image, however sources have told the Star that investigators have gathered extensive evidence including digital images. Photos of dead men were found on McArthurs computer, according to a police source. Since the release of the image, a few emotional tips have come in, including instances of people believing the man in the photo was a relative. In one case, Idsinga met with a man who walked into Toronto police headquarters insisting the man in the photo was a loved one, and he was bawling his eyes out. In that case, as in a few others, police were quickly able to determine that the man in the picture wasnt their loved one. In a few other situations, police investigated tips and ruled out that they were the man in the photo but generated new missing persons cases. Along the way, police built a log of possible identities, assigning each one to be investigated. Idsinga and fellow homicide detective David Dickinson would then evaluate each officers results. We would come back and say, well, how do you know that, convince me that its not so-and-so, Idsinga said in an interview. Youre always second-guessing yourself, and you know you cant make that mistake because, heaven forbid, we identify this guy and its so-and-so, who was reported missing to the police in 2016 and look, we got a dozen tips saying that it was him. Making an identification off just photograph is very tough, and excluding it off a photograph is very tough, too, Idsinga said. Police have launched an extensive and ongoing investigation to locate McArthurs alleged victims a search that thus far has uncovered seven sets of dismembered human remains. Forensic experts have since been working to identify the remains using fingerprint technology, dental records and DNA evidence. As of Friday, six of those sets had been identified as belonging to Kinsman, Lisowick, Faizi, Esen, Navaratnam and Mahmudi; the remains of alleged victim Kayhan have not yet been identified. At least one more set of human remains is yet to be identified. Earlier this week, Toronto police revealed that the sprawling investigation now includes 15 cold cases unsolved murders with links to Torontos Gay Village as dated as 1975 and as recent as 1997. Idsinga also announced police would search as many as 75 properties linked to the alleged killer beginning in May. Peel police are looking for a male suspect after a shooting at a home in Brampton left two people in critical condition Thursday night. Const. Bancroft Wright said police were called to the area of Clementine Dr. and Pergola Way around 8:30 p.m. He said a man entered a home in the area prior to the shooting. When emergency services arrived, they found a man in his 60s and a woman in her 40s suffering from gunshot wounds. Peel paramedics rushed both victims to a Toronto hospital in life-threatening condition. Wright told reporters a family of five including two children were at the home when the shooting occurred. No other injuries were reported. Investigators believe the shooting to be an isolated incident as the suspect is known by one of the occupants of the home, Wright said. A 41-year-old Brampton man was arrested shortly after 2 a.m. in connection to the shooting, police say. He is facing charges for attempted murder, aggravated assault, and several fire arms related charges. Police have not yet released to identity of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers. Read more about: A controversial Thornhill development long opposed by local residents got unanimous approval at Vaughan city council on Wednesday afternoon. Now it will go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) for a final decision likely next year. All seven members of council who voted on the issue Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca was absent, while Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Mario Ferri did not vote in declaring a conflict of interest followed city staffs recommendation to approve the radically altered development proposal. When it was first proposed, the plan was for two 17-storey towers and 61 three-storey townhouses on its property at 9000 Bathurst St. in Thornhill. Now, the proposal is for a six-storey and eight-storey tower which will have a total of 209 units, plus 42 street townhouse units in one block and 18 townhouse units in another block totalling less than 280 units, down from over 500 in the initial proposal. There are numerous conditions attached to the Islamic Shia-Ithna-Asheri-Jamaat (ISIJ) proposal at 9000 Bathurst St. near Rutherford Road. It was first introduced nearly five years ago and was the focus of a rowdy public meeting in February 2014 that drew over 1,000 people. In fact, just last week, another full house turned up to express their opposition to or support for the application. Jordan Kalpin, vice-chair of the Preserve Thornhill Woods Association, which has opposed the development for a number of years, said, Todays decision by council was to take a position on an amendment on the upcoming OMB hearings. Were happy that this is moving forward. We recognize that the applicant has come down from the initial proposal which was completely unacceptable. It doesnt get rid of the fact there is still a parking problem, a traffic problem, that they want to rip out a woodlot with 3,000 trees to put 15 townhomes and all kinds of Indigenous species. These are all real and valid concerns the residents have, Kalpin said. Shafiq Ebrahim, spokesperson for the ISIJ, said, We are very pleased with councils decision that they approved staffs recommendation with amendments. Were now looking forward to working through to implementation. Read more about: Premier Kathleen Wynne says PC Leader Doug Ford isnt banning Tanya Granic Allen from running for the partys nomination in Mississauga Centre despite criticizing her controversial social media posts about Muslims and gays because the two were kindred spirits in the partys leadership race. I know that he and she agreed on a lot of issues during the leadership. There was a lot of common ground that they shared, Wynne said, referring to Fords pledge to re-examine the new sex education curriculum while courting Allens social conservative support. Wynnes comments came as the Urban Alliance on Race Relations added its voice to calls from the Liberals, New Democrats and some Muslim groups for Allen to be barred from the April 21 nomination race because of posts comparing Muslim women in burkas to bank robbers and ninjas and questioning gay marriage, which is legal in Ontario. In one blog post, she urged women to wear burkas only at home. Homophobia and Islamophobia should never be acceptable from any lawmaker, the group said as it put out a form letter it is asking citizens to send to Ford. It reads in part: I am calling you to stand against such discrimination and disqualify her as a candidate for political office, since such regressive beliefs should not find a home in the government. Ford reiterated Thursday he does not stand by Allens remarks, but did not suggest he will take any further steps. Ive been very, very clear our party is open to everyone. And I dont agree with those comments....We welcome every single person in this province, no matter where they come from, no matter what race, what culture, no matter what party. Allen has declined repeated requests for comment from the Star, but told Canadian Press earlier this week my concern...has always been about the freedom of religion, the freedom of conscience and freedom of expression and protecting those very important rights. She would not say whether she supports gay marriage. It has nothing to do with this election. Read more about: The labour minister has appointed an investigator to get to the bottom of the dispute between York University and its 3,000 striking academic workers. Under a little-used section of Ontarios Labour Relations Act, Kevin Flynn has appointed an arbitrator to look into why the labour strife continues to drag on. The act allows the minister to establish an industrial inquiry commission to inquire into and report to the minister on any industrial matter or dispute that the minister considers advisable. Read more: Academic workers union rejects York University call for arbitration Striking York academic workers reject universitys offer in forced vote Arbitrator/mediator William Kaplan has been named the sole member of the commission, and he has three weeks to report back to Flynn. We understand that parties may require support beyond the bargaining table, Flynn said in a statement. The commissioner will bring his neutrality, impartiality and experience to the remaining issues in the dispute and report on what, if any, steps could then be taken to address them. Teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty have been off the job since March 5, affecting about half of all classes. Kaplan is tasked with (facilitating) a resolution in the dispute ... he will be responsible for examining the relationship between the parties, identifying key issues in the dispute, investigating the dispute's underlying causes and assessing prospects of settlement, the ministry said. Section 37 of the act was last used in 2015, in a 22-month strike by United Steelworkers at Crown Metal Packaging. ... I want to see York students completing this semester as soon as possible, said Mitzie Hunter, minister of advanced education and skills development, who called the ongoing dispute disappointing. This is a very difficult situation, and I know some students are currently facing challenges related to completing courses, finishing workplace training and finding employment. I strongly urge the parties to work collaboratively with Mr. Kaplan, and with each other, to resolve this dispute as soon as possible." York said it welcomed the provinces move, and asked striking CUPE staff to return to the classroom. CUPE, however, has asked the university to return to the bargaining table. Both sides will meet with Kaplan on Sunday. The workers are seeking improved job security, pay and benefits. Ontarios governing Liberals are launching a $1-million attack-ad blitz on Doug Ford, using the rookie Progressive Conservative leaders own words against him. Starting Monday, the party will begin airing pre-election ads that target Ford for his policies and past pronouncements on autistic children, abortion and race. Theres the Doug Ford you think you know, intones a female narrator over a photo of Ford. She continues over a soundtrack of ominous music: And then theres the real Doug Ford: who will give corporations huge tax cuts, but takes the minimum wage raise right out of hard-working peoples pockets; who will fire 40,000 public sector workers, including teachers and healthcare workers; put restrictions on a womans right to decide her own pregnancy, and wont make big business pay a cent to address climate change. The real Doug Ford. Hed be comfortable living in that kind of Ontario. Would you? The 30-second spot, prepared by Bensimon Byrne, cites, as source material, news stories in the Star, The Canadian Press, the Ottawa Citizen, Macleans and the National Observer. Theres the Doug Ford you think you know. And then theres the Real Doug Ford. A second ad, that cites a 2014 CBC News report, is called Doug Said, and is the first in a planned series on Fords more controversial statements, which are being collected at a Liberal website called Real Doug Ford. Doug said, in response to a home for autistic kids that was built in his community: It ruined the community. My heart goes out to kids with autism, but no one told me theyd be leaving the house. If it comes down to it, Ill buy the house, myself, and resell it. The tag-line is: If we really listen to Doug Ford, he tells us exactly who he is. While none of the ads feature Premier Kathleen Wynne, who is trailing Ford in every public-opinion poll, the Liberals insist they will showcase their leader during the June 7 campaign. One Doug Said spot will highlight his comments on being proud that Im a social conservative, who would welcome legislation empowering parents to block a teenagers abortion. Another will note Ford once referred to a female Star reporter as that little bitch and he once told a pregnant Globe and Mail reporter to get off her lazy ass. Still others will point out his support for U.S. President Donald Trump and record his views on race. You can be racist against people that eat little red apples, you can be racist against people that have a drinking problem, he once told Now Magazine in a quote the Liberals will use during the campaign. Fords spokesperson Melissa Lantsman said the governing partys ads smack of desperation. The Liberals have taken so much from Ontario taxpayers that they have nothing left to offer other than fear and smear, said Lantsman. We will keep campaigning for the people, and against Kathleen Wynnes 15-year record of waste, corruption, abuse and mismanagement, she said. Liberal campaign co-chair Deb Matthews conceded that Wynne is behind Ford in the race. We are going all in. Its not desperate; this is a campaign. When people see these ads, they are shocked and their opinion of him shifts, said Matthews. The Tories, meanwhile, are accusing Wynne of campaigning on the public dime. Kathleen Wynne and the Liberals have likely spent $187,500 of taxpayers money campaigning over the last two weeks. No fewer than 25 times have the premier and Liberal ministers held campaign-style events, the PC Party said. Each and every one of these announcements is taking approximately $7,500 out of the taxpayers pocket. The party with taxpayers money is over. Wynnes spokesperson said this is entirely false, and the Ford campaign knows it to be false. As the leader of the opposition, Mr. Ford relies on a large number of staff at the Legislature who are paid by the taxpayer. He has not fired those people or moved to pay for them, as a wealthy man, out of his own pocket, said Andrea Ernesaks, the premiers press secretary. His attack is, therefore, obvious hypocrisy. Most important of all, the premier is the elected leader of the province and she attends events in that capacity. Read more about: S Js Photo, the fast, stakes-winning trotter who most notably was not eligible to compete in the top stakes the year they were won by American Winner and Pine Chip, has passed away in Italy. He was 28 years old. Bred, owned and trained and mostly driven by David Wade, S Js Photo was undefeated in 13 starts as a two-year old, racing in Maryland stakes, before Wade tested the waters against open competition the following year. Although S Js Photo was not eligible to the Hambletonian or Kentucky Futurity, he made a big name for himself by trotting to a 1:53.4 record in Lexington in a late-closing event. As an older horse he won the Nat Ray free-for-all on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands and competed in Europe, winning the Finlandia Ajo. Although his pedigree was unfashionable -- a son of Photo Maker (by Yankee Bambino) and out of a mare by Kawartha Mon Ami -- S Js Photo stood at stud in the U.S. and sired seven million-dollar winners, among them 2005 Hambletonian champion Vivid Photo, plus Corleone Kosmos, Lucky Jim, Classic Photo, Pegasus Spur, SJs Caviar and In Focus. He was sold and exported to Italy in 2006. He is considered one of the best stallions in Europe and spent the last decade at the Mariano stud in Italy, where he has occupied the stall previously belonging to the kidnapped Lemon Dra. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of S Js Photo. (with files from harnessracing.com) WASHINGTONA record number of Democratic women are running for the U.S. House of Representatives. In related news, a record number of Republican incumbents are running far, far away. More Republicans have decided to retire from the House after this year than in any election cycle dating to at least 1930. The historic exodus has raised Democrats hopes of a November wave election in which they could regain control of the House and maybe even the Senate, though the latter is much less likely. The 39-person list of retirees now includes the most powerful House Republican. Speaker Paul Ryan announced his departure on Wednesday. Ryan said he wanted to spend more time with his children. Democrats crowed that they knew the real reason: Ryan, they said, doesnt want to preside over a party relegated to the minority. Theres no doubt that the wave of Republican retirements is a result of the wave that they, and we, think is going to come, said Mike Mikus, a Pennsylvania Democratic strategist. I think that Paul Ryans decision not to seek re-election is the big tell of where things are headed in the fall. Granted, theres still plenty of time between now and the election. But I think Democrats have every reason to be optimistic right now. It is not only Democratic operatives who are speaking this way. Last week, when a Democrat won a race for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the first time in 23 years, the states Republican governor, Scott Walker, issued a Twitter call to arms to conservatives: Tonights results show we are at risk of a #BlueWave in WI. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told a Kentucky publication last week: We know the wind is going to be in our face. We dont know whether its going to be a Category 3, 4 or 5. The chief reason for the brewing storm is the intensity of public opposition to President Donald Trump. A presidents party almost always loses congressional seats in midterm elections. Barack Obamas Democrats lost 63 seats in his first midterm and Obamas approval rating was 46 per cent in Gallup polling just before that disaster, Florida Democratic strategist Steve Schale pointed out, while Trump averages about 42-per-cent approval. Though a lot could change by November, Schale said, other things Republicans are trying to emphasize will mean pretty much nothing if Trumps approval is still so low at voting time. Democrats, of course, were also confident heading into their failure of a 2016 election, and there are obvious reasons for caution this time. Trumps approval rating has crawled upward from the dreadful high-30s level of late 2017. In polls of the generic ballot, in which respondents are asked which party they plan to support in the midterms, the Democratic advantage has fallen from about 13 points in January to about seven points this week. And it is possible there will be an unexpected event to galvanize Republican voters, like a supreme court vacancy. Schale and Mikus warned against prematurely counting chickens. I hate this phrase the blue wave. Because it sort of implies somethings going to happen just by force of nature alone, Schale said. What a good environment does is it puts a whole lot of races in play that maybe otherwise wouldnt be but these are still races where you have to go and block and tackle. House Speaker Paul Ryan says he is leaving the speakership and retiring from Congress with "no regrets." He says he has given the job "everything that I have." (The Associated Press) Strategists from both parties agree that the results of special elections in 2017 and 2018 have been overwhelmingly good for Democrats, far better than the generic ballot polling would suggest. In perhaps the most ominous sign for Republicans, Democrat Conor Lamb won a special House election in a Pennsylvania district Trump had won by 20 points. The Trump-loathing Democratic base has been far more motivated to vote than the Republican base. There appears to be a particular surge in intensity among Democratic women. Typically youd look to presidential approval and partisan advantage in the generic ballot question, and polls currently show Republicans still competitive, albeit in the danger zone. But beyond these traditional metrics, the sheer imbalance in enthusiasm remains the X-factor, said Liam Donovan, a Republican strategist and lobbyist at Bracewell LLP. Forty-plus per cent approval and a single-digit generic ballot margin wouldnt normally yield double-digit swings in districts across the country, and yet thats what weve seen repeatedly over the past year. Ultimately, the outcome will be a function of whether the current asymmetry persists. Presidential elections are decided by a smattering of well-known swing states. The midterm map is much broader. Democrats are targeting seven Republican-won California seats in which Clinton beat Trump. Also on their wish list are seats Republicans won in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington state and Virginia, all carried comfortably by Clinton. To win the House, Democrats need to gain 23 of the 435 seats up for grabs in November. To win back the Senate, Democrats need to gain two seats a difficult proposition considering that they are defending 26 of the 35 seats up for grabs this year, while Republicans are defending just nine. Ten of those Democratic-held seats, moreover, are in states Trump won. Democrats, however, are succeeding in fundraising and candidate recruitment even in races where they are not favoured. Beto ORourke, trying to unseat prominent Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, raised a staggering $6.7 million in the first quarter of the year. Former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen, out of public life since 2011, has signed on to run for an open Senate seat in that red state. Democratic voters face tough choices about who to put forward in the other elections. The partys primaries have been swamped by progressive candidates who say Democrats should run on unabashedly left-leaning positions on issues like health care and guns. Other candidates, like Lamb, have staked out moderate stances on issues where their districts are more conservative. Im not a really big fan of purity tests. I hope the Democrats dont go too far in demanding loyalty to one issue or another. The goal, after all, is to win in November, said Jim Manley, a Democratic strategist and former aide to party Senate leader Harry Reid. The Democratic candidates also have to decide how to approach Trump. Some Republican strategists have tried to turn the threat of a Trump impeachment into a campaign argument, warning voters that electing Democrats will mean their president could get thrown out of office. Even as Democrats try to capitalize on anti-Trump energy, some of them, particularly in districts Trump won, are largely avoiding his name on the campaign trail. Republicans face a Trump quandary, too: how to frame their views on a president who is highly popular with their party base but unpopular with the rest of the electorate. It is not clear what will work. In three recent Florida special elections, Schale noted, one Republican embraced Trump, one Republican ignored Trump, and one tried to strike a middle ground. All three lost. Read more about: SACRAMENTO, Calif.The chief executive of a website that authorities have dubbed a lucrative nationwide online brothel pleaded guilty Thursday to state and federal charges including conspiracy and money laundering, and agreed to testify in ongoing prosecutions against others at Backpage.com, authorities said. Federal prosecutors say that Backpage brought in a half-billion dollars since it began in 2004, mostly through prominent risque advertising for escorts and massages, among other services and some goods for sale. Authorities allege the site was often used to traffic underage victims, while company officials said they tried to scrub the website of such ads. Chief Executive Officer Carl Ferrer will serve no more than five years in prison under a California agreement in which he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of money laundering in California. Also Thursday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the company pleaded guilty to human trafficking. Read more: Backpage.com shutdown puts sex workers livelihoods, safety at risk, GTA advocacy group says And a federal judge in Phoenix unsealed an April 5 plea deal revealing that Ferrer pleaded guilty to conspiracy, and Backpage.com pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy. For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. But this illegality stops right now. Under his plea agreement, Ferrer agreed to make the companys data available to law enforcement as investigations and prosecutions continue. The guilty pleas are the latest in a cascade of developments in the last week against the company founded by the former owners of the Village Voice in New York City, Michael Lacey, 69, and James Larkin, 68. The company founders were among Backpage officials indicted by a federal grand jury in Arizona. Attorneys for the company and Lacey, Larkin and Ferrer did not respond to multiple telephone and email messages from The Associated Press. The U.S. Justice Department also seized and shut down the website, and Ferrers federal plea deal requires him to help the government seize all the companys assets. Ferrer could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 (U.S.) fine in the federal case in Arizona, while Backpage.com could face a maximum fine of $500,000 for its money laundering conspiracy plea in the Arizona case. The federal plea deal says any prison sentence Ferrer would face would run concurrent with his 5-year terms in Texas and California. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it is happening in our own backyard, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement announcing the plea deal. He called Ferrers plea a game-changer in combating human trafficking in California, indeed worldwide. Larkin and Lacey remain jailed in Arizona while awaiting hearings on whether they should be released after pleading not guilty to federal charges alleging they helped publish ads for sexual services. Five employees of the site also were arrested and pleaded not guilty, but Lacey and Larkin are the only ones in jail. Lacey and Larkin also earlier pleaded not guilty in California after Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Larry Brown last year allowed the state to continue with money laundering charges. The state attorney generals office, which is prosecuting the case, alleges that Backpages operators illegally funneled nearly $45 million through multiple companies and created websites to get around banks that refused to process their transactions. But Brown threw out pimping conspiracy and other state charges against Backpages operators. Brown ruled that the charges are barred by a federal law protecting free speech that grants immunity to websites posting content from others. U.S. President Donald Trump this week signed a law making it easier to prosecute website operators in the future. Texas state agents raided the Dallas headquarters of Backpage and arrested Ferrer on a California warrant after he arrived at Houstons Bush Intercontinental Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on Oct. 6, 2016. The Dutch-owned company is incorporated in Delaware, but its principal place of business is in Dallas. Paxon called Thursdays pleas a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking in Texas and around the world. VATICAN CITYThe Vaticans commission of Latin American church leaders is demanding greater decision-making opportunities for women in the church and proposing that Pope Francis call a special meeting of the worlds bishops to discuss women. The Pontifical Commission for Latin America said after its recent plenary that the church needs a radical change of mentality in the way it views and treats half of humanity. It was published in Thursdays Vatican newspaper, LOsservatore Romano. The commission members 22 Latin American cardinals and bishops, plus 15 women who joined the panel for the meeting said it was both possible and urgent to increase opportunities for women at the parish, diocesan and Vatican level. This opening isnt a concession to cultural or media pressure, but the result of a realization that the lack of women in decision-making roles is a defect, an ecclesiological gap and the negative effect of a clerical and macho conception, the communique said. They warned that if the church doesnt fix the problem soon, women will simply leave. The statement marks the latest evidence that historys first Latin American pope is increasingly aware that centuries of institutionalized discrimination against women is indefensible today and is hurting the Catholic Church. Francis personally proposed that the commission make as its theme for its plenary Women, building block of the church and society in Latin America. He has repeatedly called for greater roles for women in the church, though he has upheld church teaching that the priesthood is reserved for men. In one of his most significant acts, he created a commission of study into the role of women deacons in the early church, amid calls for women to once again assume the ministry to help relieve priest shortages. The issue of womens roles in the church is already on the agenda for the next two upcoming synods of bishops the regular meetings of church leaders at the Vatican. Later this year, bishops will take up issues about young Catholics male and female and next year they will discuss ministering in the Amazon, where women are the primary carriers of the faith. The Latin American commission, though, proposed that an entire synod be dedicated to women in the life and mission of the church. Such a meeting would be fraught, however, given a conference room full of men even with women participants making and voting on proposals about women. MOSCOWThe Russian Defence Ministry on Friday accused Britain of staging a fake chemical attack in a Syrian town outside Damascus, a bold charge vehemently denied by Britain as a blatant lie. The exchange follows the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, and comes amid Moscows stern warnings to the West against striking Syria. A day before a team from the international chemical weapons watchdog was to arrive in Douma, just east of Damascus, Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said that images of victims of the purported attack were staged with Britains direct involvement, without providing evidence. Britains ambassador to the United Nations, Karen Pierce, dismissed Konashenkovs claim as a blatant lie. Pierce said she wanted to state categorically ... that Britain has no involvement and would never have any involvement in the use of a chemical weapon. Read more: Trump speaks with allies as he considers military strike against Syria Frances Macron takes harder line on Syria, asserting proof of chemical attack Trump tries to dial back Syria threat, says strike could happen very soon or not soon at all White Helmets first-responders and Syrian activists have claimed the suspected chemical attack was carried out by the Syrian government on April 7 and killed more than 40 people in Douma, allegations that drew international outrage and prompted Washington and its allies to consider a military response. Moscow warned against any strikes and threatened to retaliate. Konashenkov released statements he said came from medics at Doumas hospital, saying a group of people toting video cameras entered the hospital, shouting that its patients were struck with chemical weapons, dousing them with water and causing panic. The statement said none of the patients had any symptoms of chemical poisoning. Konashenkov said that powerful pressure from London was exerted on representatives of the so-called White Helmets to quickly stage the premeditated provocation. He added that the Russian military has proof of British involvement, but didnt immediately present it. This is grotesque, Pierce said of the Russian statement as she left an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by Russia on U.S. threatened military action in response to the alleged attack. Its some of the worst piece of fake news weve yet seen from the Russia propaganda machine. Konashenkovs claim followed an earlier statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who said that intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication. He didnt elaborate or name the state. Last month, Britain blamed Russia for a nerve agent attack on an ex-spy and his daughter, accusations Russia has vehemently denied. As fears of a Russia confrontation with Western powers mount, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his deep concerns over the situation in Syria in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to a statement by the French presidency, Macron called for dialogue between France and Russia to continue and intensify to bring peace and stability to Syria. The Kremlin readout said that Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government before conducting a thorough and objective probe. The Russian leader warned against ill-considered and dangerous actions ... that would have consequences beyond conjecture. Putin and Macron instructed their foreign and defence ministers to maintain close contact to de-escalate the situation, the Kremlin said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council Friday that there is no military solution to the conflict. He said the Cold War is back with a vengeance but with a difference, because safeguards that managed the risk of escalation in the past, no longer seem to be present. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said President Donald Trump has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria. She said of the alleged chemical attack that Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its coverups. Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia insisted that there was no credible confirmation of toxic substance use in Douma, adding that we have information to believe that what took place is a provocation with the participation of certain countries intelligence services. We warned about this long ago, he said. Russian officials had said before the suspected gas attack in Douma that rebels in the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus were plotting chemical attacks to blame the Syrian government and set the stage for a U.S. strike. Moscow alleged soon after the suspected April 7 attack that the images of the victims in Douma were fakes. The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that following Syrian rebels withdrawal from eastern Ghouta, stockpiles of chemical agents were found there. The ministry additionally pointed to previous alleged use of chemicals by the rebels in fighting with Syrian government troops. Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Lavrov reiterated a strong warning to the West against military action in Syria. I hope no one would dare to launch such an adventure now, Lavrov said. He noted that the Russian and U.S. militaries have a hotline to prevent incidents, adding that its not clear if it would be sufficient amid mounting tensions. Russia has been a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assads government and has helped turn the tide of war in his favour since entering the conflict in September 2015. Syrias civil war, which began as a popular uprising against Assad, is now in its eighth year. A fact-finding mission from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is expected to arrive in Douma on Saturday. Both the Russian military and the Syrian government said they would facilitate the mission and ensure the inspectors security. The Russian military said its chemical experts visited Douma shortly after the alleged attack and found no trace of chemical agents in ground samples. It also said Russian officers found no patients with chemical attack symptoms at a local hospital, and no indication of any burials of victims. On Thursday, Russias military said Douma has been brought under full control of the Syrian government under a Russia-mediated deal that secured the evacuation of the rebels and thousands of civilians after it was recaptured by Syrian forces. The government, however, said evacuations from Douma were ongoing and no Syrian government forces had entered the town. Douma and the sprawling eastern Ghouta region near the capital, Damascus, had been under rebel control since 2012 and was a thorn in the side of Assads government, threatening his seat of power with missiles and potential advances for years. The governments capture of Douma, the last town held by the rebels in eastern Ghouta, marked a major victory for Assad. Read more about: WASHINGTONRussia and Britain exchanged sharp accusations Friday over the suspected poison gas attack in Syria, and the U.S. Navy was moving an additional Tomahawk missile-armed ship within striking range as U.S. President Donald Trump and his national security aides mulled the scope and timing of an expected military assault. Trumps UN ambassador, Nikki Haley, said the president had not yet made a final decision, two days after he tweeted that Russia should get ready because a missile attack will be coming at Moscows chief Middle East ally. The presence of Russian troops and air defences in Syria were among numerous complications weighing on Trump, who must also consider the dangers to roughly 2,000 American troops in the country if Russia were to retaliate for U.S. strikes. Despite strong reservations expressed by some Democrats in Congress, the likelihood of Trump ordering a military strike seemed high given his public threats and indications from Britain and France that they, too, believe the Syrian government was behind the April 7 poison gas attack and must be penalized. Read more: Trump tries to dial back Syria threat, says strike could happen very soon or not soon at all Justin Trudeau rules out Canadian participation in military strikes against Syria Trump warns Russia to get ready for missile attack on Syria The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, based in the Netherlands, announced it would send a fact-finding team to the site of the attack at Douma, near Damascus. The team is due to arrive Saturday. It was not clear whether the presence of the investigators could affect the timing of any U.S. military action. At the White House, spokespersonSarah Huckabee Sanders said U.S. officials at various levels were still consulting with allied officials. She said the White House is confident that Syria was responsible for the deaths at Douma. We also hold Russia responsible for their failure to stop chemical weapons attacks from taking place, she said. Three Democrats in the Senate, led by Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Trump urging him to make a public and compelling legal case for any attack. This issue is of critical importance and the American people should be fully informed about your rationale for deploying American military power and the objectives of any U.S. military action in Syria, Reed wrote, joined by Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Bob Menendez of New Jersey. As previous commanders in chief have done in similar situations, we believe you should present a clear public articulation of these matters to the American people at the earliest appropriate time. The British Cabinet gave Prime Minister Theresa May the green light to join the U.S. and France in planning military strikes in Syria. She and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke separately with Trump on Thursday. Macron, who spoke to Trump again on Friday, said France had proof the Syrian government launched chlorine gas attacks and his country would not tolerate it. In Moscow, the Defence Ministry accused Britain of staging a fake chemical attack in Douma, a Syrian town outside Damascus. The incident a week ago, believed to have killed dozens of civilians, is the focus of international outrage and is the basis for Trumps threat to unleash a missile barrage to punish the government of President Bashar Assad. Britain called the Russian charge a blatant lie. Tensions between Moscow and London have escalated since the recent poisoning of a former Russian spy in Salisbury, England. Britain accused Moscow of ordering the poisoning; Moscow denies it. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Macron and the two leaders agreed to co-ordinate their actions to avoid further military escalation in Syria. It was unclear how this might influence the direction of events. Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said images of victims of the purported attack were staged with "Britain's direct involvement." He provided no evidence. As Trump deliberated, the Navy said the USS Winston S. Churchill, a destroyer armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, was approaching the Mediterranean. It is joining the USS Donald Cook within range of Syria for potentially firing Tomahawks, which were the weapon of choice when the U.S. struck Syria in April 2017 to punish it for using chemical weapons. Navy submarines also are capable of firing Tomahawks; their movements are secret but they commonly operate in the Mediterranean. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis was not seen publicly Friday, but he is known to argue for ensuring that military action in any context is linked to a broader political strategy. Its unclear what policy the Trump administration is pursuing in Syria beyond fighting Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, militants and hoping for a UN-brokered end to the civil war. In congressional testimony on Thursday, Mattis cited the risk of military action in Syria escalating out of control. A Washington think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said Friday that Syrian and Russian warplanes had relocated to heavily defended commercial airfields across Syria, including in Latakia province on the Mediterranean coast. An institute Syria specialist, Jennifer Caferella, wrote in an analysis Friday that Trump appeared likely to authorize strikes against Syrian military targets soon. A new round of strikes will most likely impose costs and degrade the regimes capability to launch such (chemical weapons) attacks by damaging Assads remaining Air Force, she wrote. Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that should the United States and its allies decide to act in Syria, it would be to defend a bedrock international norm that benefits all nations the prohibition of the use of chemical weapons. She said Friday that the United States estimates that Assad has used chemical weapons in the Syrian war at least 50 times. Read more about: Outside criminal law, investments in our courts rarely make headlines. But they should. No area of law affects Canadians more than family law. And the 2018 federal budget took a big step to improving our family court system. People should take notice. Last months federal budget included $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019, and then $20.8 million per year ongoing, to support the expansion of Unified Family Courts (UFCs), creating 39 new judicial positions in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding will support Phase 1 of Ontarios plan to immediately expand UFCs to Belleville, Picton, Pembroke, Kitchener, Welland, Simcoe, Cayuga and St. Thomas. This announcement is welcome news for a system many believe to be in a crisis. Consider the statistics. In 2016, Ontarios Family Court Branch and Superior Court of Justice had nearly 50,000 new proceedings dealing with divorce and family law related issues, while the Ontario Court of Justice had nearly 19,000 cases related to family law between September 2016 and October 2017. A survey commissioned by the Law Society of Ontarios Action Group on Access to Justice (TAG) found that 58 per cent of respondents ranked finding ways to address problems and improve the family justice system as most important. The problem dates back to our 1867 Constitution, which required family law issues to go to different levels of court, depending upon the issue. For example, families seeking a divorce or division of property needed to go to the Superior Court, before federally appointed judges, but were required to see provincially appointed judges in the Ontario Court of Justice about child protection and adoption. Often, families could face related cases in both courts at the same time. For those already experiencing a family breakdown, this complex and often confusing system takes an unnecessary additional financial and emotional toll. Ontario and other provinces started to address this issue years ago. The provincial and federal governments collaborated in 1977 to pilot the first UFC in Hamilton where one judge in one court could determine all the legal issues in a family law dispute related to, for example, divorce, custody, child protection, and property matters. These new courts also introduced front-end family justice services, including mediation, mandatory information and referrals for family litigants, with the goal of helping them to resolve their disputes in more holistic ways. Between 1977 and 1999, UFCs were expanded in Ontario to include 17 of the provinces 50 Superior Court locations or about 40 per cent of the province. They are currently located in Barrie, Bracebridge, Brockville, Cobourg, Cornwall, Hamilton, Kingston, Lindsay, London, LOriginal, Napanee, Newmarket, Oshawa, Ottawa, Peterborough, Perth and St. Catharines. Despite the unqualified success of UFCs, and calls for the model to be adopted across the province, there has been no further expansion since 1999. It requires co-operation and will, from both provincial and federal governments, which must agree on funding, judicial appointments and other matters. We know that a significant gap exists between those who qualify for legal aid services and those who need it, resulting in a large segment of Ontarios middle-income population who require legal aid assistance but cannot afford it. For those who act as self-represented litigants, UFCs make the system easier to navigate. For decades, expanding UFCs has been a goal for Ontarios legal community. With the funding announcement in the budget, more people will have access to a timely, effective, and responsive family justice system that contributes to less adversarial, more sustainable, and better outcomes for families and children. The federal and provincial governments, and particularly their Ministers of Justice, Jody Wilson-Raybould and Attorney-General Yasir Naqvi, deserve credit for working together on this issue. It may not make headlines, but it sure is important. The Trudeau government has positioned itself as taking the middle way in the increasingly bitter fight over whether to build a pipeline that would give Alberta oil an outlet to the sea. The problem with being in the middle, of course, is that you risk getting crunched between those whove staked out extreme positions on both sides. And as the fight over the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline heats up, the Liberals are indeed being targeted by both those who would give the energy companies a free pass and those who will never approve any pipeline under any circumstances. Its a dangerous, uncomfortable spot to be in. But the fact remains that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken essentially the right approach to this thorny problem. And despite the crisis unleashed this week by Kinder Morgans threat to kill the Trans Mountain project, hes still right. Hes right that a project already approved by both the federal and British Columbia governments should be allowed to proceed. The B.C. government of NDP Premier John Horgan should not be allowed to essentially negate the decision of its Liberal predecessor by throwing up new obstacles at every turn. Nor can it be allowed to defy the federal government in an area where Ottawa clearly has jurisdiction. Trudeau is also right that green-lighting Trans Mountain must be part of a meaningful national approach to the pressing issue of climate change. That involves, among other things, putting a price on carbon and making sure Alberta is part of the solution. Attempting to simply shut down the biggest energy-producing province wont work and would be disastrous for national unity. In the short run, the Trudeau government needs to lower the temperature on the issue. It needs to find a way to give Kinder Morgan assurances that the law will be followed and it has a reasonable prospect that its multi-billion-dollar investment in Trans Mountain isnt just money down the drain. In that regard, inviting Horgan and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley to meet with the prime minister in Ottawa on Sunday is a smart move. Both premiers need to cool their rhetoric. Notley, for one, should hold off on any retaliatory measures against B.C., such as shutting off oil flows that would raise prices at the pump in Vancouver. That would be provocative and quite possibly illegal. Ottawa and Alberta could also take a financial stake in Trans Mountain, sharing the risk with Kinder Morgan. And the federal government could ask the Supreme Court for a quick ruling on the key legal issues (with B.C. agreeing to accept the outcome). All that should persuade the company not to pull the plug on the pipeline, as it has warned it may do by May 31. It certainly wont guarantee that the project will be built on schedule, given that protesters will no doubt do everything they can to stop it and the minority Horgan government hangs by a thread, propped up by three Green Party MLAs who are committed to killing Trans Mountain. But it would prevent escalation of the situation to the point where Alberta feels it has been fundamentally betrayed. Because, make no mistake, turning Alberta into a national pariah would be a disaster. Those who argue that the oilsands should simply be isolated, strangled and shut down entirely to save the planet are kidding themselves. It may make them feel like virtuous climate warriors, but it wont have the effect they say they want. The opposite, in fact. Federal backing for Trans Mountain was never a given. The Trudeau government killed another proposed pipeline, the Northern Gateway project from Alberta to Kitimat, B.C., and allowed the planned Energy East line to die. The Kinder Morgan project is by far the safest route (it involves expanding an existing pipeline), and approving it came as part of an understanding with the Notley government. In return for allowing Albertas oil to flow to the coast for export to Asian markets, Notley signed up for the most ambitious climate plan her province has ever seen. It involves phasing out coal-fired power plants, capping oilsands emissions, and introducing a carbon tax. Thats key to the Trudeau governments drive to bring in a national carbon pricing scheme, undoubtedly the most efficient long-term way to reduce emissions and fight climate change. The carbon pricing plan is already under big pressure. Doug Ford, for one, promises to scrap Ontarios cap-and-trade system if he becomes premier on June 7. Killing the Trans Mountain line would destroy public support in Alberta for such schemes, and make it almost certain that Notley would lose power next year to Albertas United Conservatives under Jason Kenney. Then watch out. The simple fact is that fighting climate change is a political issue, not just a technical one. Hectoring people or destroying the industries they rely on for their livelihoods isnt going to work. In a democracy broad public buy-in is needed, and the Trudeau government has been trying valiantly to bring people along with a carbon pricing plan that can be ramped up over time. It isnt enough, for sure, but its a big step in the right direction. Driving a stake through its heart by turning Alberta from an ally into an enemy of effective climate action would be foolish in the extreme. Read more about: In this digital world of so much information and too much misinformation whom you choose to trust to provide you with news and information is a critical decision for citizens of Canada. Earlier this year, the annual Edelman Trust Barometer told us that people throughout our country have fake news anxiety with 65 per cent of Canadians concerned about false news being used as a weapon. This very real fear is of particular concern for us in a year of provincial and municipal elections across Canada when credible information matters so much. Increasingly, we need to be able to differentiate between fake news and real news. And both journalists and news organizations must play a role to help news consumers understand what responsible journalism in the public interest looks like. We have been talking much about this matter here at the Star and throughout Torstar overall in recent months. With the launch this week of a national expansion of thestar.com in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax, and the rebranding of Torstars free daily Metro newspapers as StarMetro in all of those cities, as well as Toronto, I want to update current and new readers on this news organizations trust and transparency measures. Lets be clear about the terms that express Torstar values. In talking about trust, Torstar news organizations aim to deliver news and information that is credible, reliable and useful to customers' daily lives. Transparency means showing our readers that we are honest and principled in what we do, how we do it, and how we share it. In talking about how these overall values are achieved, Torstar is committed to five core principles. Here are those factors that we believe are critical to a news organization dedicated to providing its readers with trusted news which we define as news that is accountable, accurate and ethically produced. A trusted news organization has easily viewable journalism standards and ethics, advertising terms, and information about the organizations ownership. These are key transparency commitments. You can find all of this information in the footer area of thestar.com. While many news organizations concerned about building reader trust are only now moving to provide the public with their ethics codes, the Star has made this accessible for the past decade. A trusted news organization corrects errors in a transparent manner on all platforms. Accuracy and a commitment to correct when we get it wrong is a key factor in reader trust. Newsrooms across Torstar are committed to correcting significant errors of fact in a clear, transparent manner on the platform(s) in which the error was published, as promptly as possible. A trusted news organization makes clear the distinction between news and opinion content on all platforms. News content is based in verified fact; Opinion content is based on perspective and judgment of facts. Our newsrooms guide readers in distinguishing between news and opinion by providing clear transparent labels on various forms of news and opinion content. A trusted news organization provides a diversity of opinion on issues of public interest in news articles and opportunities for readers to express their views. Our newsrooms aim to serve their communities by providing a diversity of views and a variety of voices from within those communities. We encourage readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor. A trusted news organization makes a clear distinction between editorial and advertising content on all platforms. Our readers should not be confused about what is news and editorial content and what is paid content the important advertising that funds journalism. These are simple principles that form the foundation of trusted and transparent news and information. But, in the 24/7 deadline fray of reporting and presenting news and information, its a good bet that our newsrooms wont always get it right. Mistakes happen. Thats when I want to hear from you. The public editors office exists to explain journalism to readers and more importantly the concerns of readers to journalists. When journalism falls short of our ideals, we will investigate, communicate with those involved across the company and take appropriate corrective measures when needed. More than an hour after the provincial party leaders debate at the Jamaican Canadian Centre Wednesday night, Premier Kathleen Wynne was still engaged in huddles around the room with Black voters, arguing the issues. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, who won the debate with strong, clear, well-prepared and targeted sound bites, had left by then. So had Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, a surprising sparring partner during the 90-minutes of political dodge and spin. But the elephant in the room was who was missing from the debate Doug Ford. The Conservative leader skipped the debate, citing scheduling conflict as an excuse. As if that wasnt damaging enough to the psyche of a marginalized community, Ford added insult to injury in explaining his absence. I love Black people and they love me, he told reporters. Hmmmm, sounds like Some of my best friends are . . . Channeling his late brothers affinity with certain elements of the Black community and his facility with the street lingo, all that was left for him to say was: Yknow, Im down with the bros. Smoke a little weed. Throw back some white rum and a Red Stripe. We good. Except, Doug Ford said so much more, in words worthy of the mendacious Trump times that overwhelm us. Theres no other politician in this country, no other politician outside of Rob Ford, that has supported the Black community more than I have, Ford told reporters. The audacious, impertinent, shameless haughtiness of the claim. His next pronouncement is certain to be that hes the best Conservative leader of all times in all the land. Who says such things even if he were responsible for ridding the landscape of anti-Black racism; or had discovered education reforms that doubled the graduation rates of Black boys; or installed employment equity tenets that slashed unemployment rates among Blacks. Bear in mind that nobody had ever heard of Doug Ford before he showed up at Toronto city hall in 2010 to keep his little brother Rob Ford out of trouble. We know how that ended. Doug became enabler-in-chief and Rob flamed out. Apart from bad-mouthing the need for libraries in his ward and voting to cut funds to social supports, and plotting to put Coney Island on the waterfront, Ford accomplished, well, near nothing. We do recall a video of the Brothers Ford sprinkling dollar bills into the laps of housing-complex moms at Christmas, even as they opposed social supports needed to ease the burdens of the tenants. And thanks for hosting Rexdale kids for a day up at your cottage, Doug, because, yknow, one day youd need to cite them as evidence of your love for Black people even as you prepare to cut money for social services and funnel the tax savings to fund the most invasive, controversial and hated policing initiative of our time. TAVIS. You remember TAVIS the Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy was abandoned last year following strident opposition from residents. Not to be deterred, Ford told a recent gathering of Somalis that he is 100 per cent in favour of resurrecting it. Respectful to a fault, the audience groaned. But one brave soul couldnt hold his tongue, stopping Ford cold. Actually, I disagree, said Walied Khogali. TAVIS has traumatized many community members. TAVIS is a racist police division. No way we should go back to it. When Ford stammered something about maybe changing the name, if the name is the problem, someone corrected him: No, the approach. It was a glimpse into Fords mind. What else is he thinking. What does he think of Employment Equity or the Diversity Office the province has. Will he re-instate carding or simply allow its rebirth by killing the regulations installed by the Wynne government? Will he cut funding to the Black Youth Action Plan, now financing neighbourhood services and employment initiatives. Thats just the beginning of the questions that bubbled in the hearts and minds of the hundreds at the debate. Thats why they booed Fords no-show. Ahead of the official start of the campaign leading to the June 7 election, a large array of Black community groups as diverse as it gets had coalesced to stage a leaders debate. They were orderly, astute, intelligent, energetic, funny, engaged and delightful as they rattled through issues of housing, transit, jobs, education, health, legalization of marijuana, poverty, youth, privatization and policing. I moderated the debate so I know the questions were focused through their eyes, using the racialized lens that define their lived experience in Ontario. They needed answers. There is so much pain and deferred dreams and wasted promise there. There was so much for our politicians to learn. By being absent Doug Ford learned nothing. And that means the Black community is as endangered as before because the absent politician is poised to become the one with the most authority to affect their lives. Such a lost opportunity. Doug Ford the smiling assassin, professing love and delivering fear and dread. At least Mike Harris didnt profess to like us. Royson James is a former Star reporter who is a current freelance columnist based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @roysonjames Read more about: WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT She says she was verbally abused, had her hair pulled, her face pushed into the pillow, bitten, slapped and raped in the course of her three-month marriage. On Wednesday and Thursday a Toronto court heard what finally pushed the woman were calling Sakhi her real name is under a publication ban to break away from the torture and go to the police. Sakhis complaints led to multiple charges of assault, sexual assault and uttering threats being laid against her husband Rajinder Gupta, as well as charges of assault and uttering threats against his mother Sheela Gupta. His father Vinod Gupta is charged with uttering threats. They have all pleaded not guilty in a trial that began Monday. On July 10, 2015, Sakhi said she called Rajinder Gupta before she began her shift at a factory where she found a job. She couldnt speak on the phone during work hours, which made him angry. Why did you bring the phone? he said. You should be dead, or Ill kill you, he said angrily. But she didnt take it seriously. That night when I finished my work, I was sitting outside and weeping, she said in Punjabi, breaking down in court. I told him, You have ruined my life. He said, Go jump off a bridge and kill yourself, she testified. There is a bridge near her factory. And when Gupta picked her up after she finished work that night and they were driving back, he slowed down on the bridge and said it again. I was crying, she said. Hes telling me, his own wife, to die or hed kill me. They went home, she said, where he said he wanted sex, and when she declined, he bit her. Bit her on her face (she gestured to the right of her chin), bit her on her inner arm (she gestured an interior bicep Im not sure which arm), bit her on her right breast. Bit her hard enough to almost bleed (unlike another time that she had testified on Tuesday where he bit her until she bled), leaving her with red bruises that turned blue the following day, she said. On July 13, after yet another fight in the morning, (Gupta wanted her to pick up her paycheque, which she refused to do), she borrowed two quarters from a co-worker and used a phone booth to call her parents, who live in a different city. I said, Mamma, take me away. I will be killed or I will kill myself. Her parents had arrived in Toronto a day prior. They picked her up from the factory, tried but failed to set up a talk with the Guptas, and the three headed to the police station. Crown Attorney Kelly Simpson showed the court 15 photographs taken at a hospital that night of bruises and bite marks over her body. There is no jury at this trial. Sakhis allegations have not yet been challenged under cross-examination by the defence lawyers. In the course of her testimony that lasted about three days, Sakhi painted a picture of a woman so cornered, there was no place to run. Gupta wanted to have anal sex and when she didnt consent, Sakhi said he complained to his mother, who told him these types of daughters-in-law should be killed, gesturing at her. Gupta and his mother called Sakhis sister in India to complain. Her sister comforted Sakhi but told her to convince her husband to have regular sex instead, she testified. Guptas mother told her husband about Sakhi not consenting to their sons sexual demands, Sakhi said. Guptas father swore at her and said, Call your parents. We will kill your father, your mother, brother and sister-in-law and hang them upside down, and you, too. When Sakhi was confiding in her brothers wife on the phone, Guptas mother overheard her talking and slapped her, she testified. And eventually when the Guptas complained to Sakhis parents and asked them to knock some sense into their daughter who they said couldnt cook well and wouldnt get along with their son, her mother asked her to make do. But at that time she hadnt told her mother the whole story, she said. Gupta sodomized her anyway, she said, and once put his fingers in her mouth to stop her from screaming. Earlier on Wednesday, Sakhis testimony outlined other forms of control, chiefly, money and movement. She had $5,000 in a personal bank account and another $5,000 in a joint account with her father. Gupta asked her to close her account and transfer the funds into a joint account she had with him, but she refused. Guptas mother said that money now belonged to Gupta, she testified. She said she had no access to that account, which was also attached to a safety deposit box that she had testified had all the gold her parents had given her. I couldnt even take one cent out of it, she said. When she repeatedly refused to transfer the money, Gupta slapped her, she testified. The next day, she agreed to go to the bank I was afraid he would slap me again where she withdrew $2,500. The bank didnt let them withdraw the full amount if the account wasnt being closed. There were shades of dowry culture in the story Sakhi painted. Guptas father once told her she should ask her father to give them about $25,000 to take care of her expenses and because they wanted to buy a car, she said. Another time, Guptas parents told Sakhi if she wanted to continue to live there she would have to pay $2,000 a month plus extra for her food expenses, she said. The court heard that the Guptas didnt want Sakhi to take a bus home from her night shift at the factory. There will be other girls in the bus and theyll give you bad habits, Guptas father said. She said Guptas mother told her not to speak to other girls at work because they will spoil you. Things came to a head on Canada Day 2015 when she took a bus because of a misunderstanding over being picked up. Guptas father was swearing at her and Gupta held her by the neck and pushed her out of the house and told her not to return, she says. After about 15 minutes, he let her back in saying it was her last warning. Throughout her testimony, the Guptas sat in a row, quite still and expressionless. Sakhis cross-examination is set to begin Friday. Shree Paradkar writes about discrimination and identity. You can follow her @shreeparadkar Crimes Against Unborn Children INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., April 13, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- A new law will allow Indiana prosecutors to charge a person with killing an unborn child. SB 203 was signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb on Sunday and allows prosecutors to seek a charge of murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter and feticide if the unborn child is killed in any stage of development. The law will take effect in July and provides, with certain exceptions, that a person who commits a felony that causes the termination of a pregnancy may receive an additional sentence of six to 20 years. Offenses do not apply to abortion. Currently, Indiana law says those who kill an unborn child can only be charged if the baby could have lived outside the womb. Senator Aaron Freeman, a former Marion County homicide prosecutor, drafted the bill. Freeman proposed SB 203 after hearing from a woman in his district whose 11-week pregnant daughter was killed in a homicide. The woman was frustrated that the killer could not be tried for the death of her granddaughter and sent 150 letters, including one to each member of the Indiana state legislature. The new law will not apply to her daughter's case but suspects will face consequences in the future in similar incidents. "We commend these Indiana legislators for choosing to recognize the personhood of an unborn child," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "The day will come when the law protects the life of an unborn child killed by abortion. It makes no sense that a mother can decide to keep or kill her child. We must make the womb a safe place again, and the passage of SB 203 is a positive step in that direction," said Staver. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. I have a licence to kill. I have a green light to kill. One soldier is all it takes. Just one. From the diary of Ayanle Hassan Ali I intended to go somewhere today but was stopped because I didnt have socks. Something as simple as clothing worn on my feet kept me home. Was I being melodramatic? No, because I was willing to even don a substandard sock, but was without a pair. Sock Sharaf as I like to call it, is a feeling of pride that I get when I have clean socks. A lot can be gauged about a person from their socks. From the diary of Ayanle Hassan Ali There is no dispute that Ayanle Hassan Ali walked into a military recruitment centre in North York on March 14, 2016, and attacked several soldiers, swinging a kitchen knife. Its right there in the agreed statement of facts between prosecution and defence. Was it a terrorist act? Certainly, jihadists who cleave to a war between civilizations Muslims versus infidels and have embraced a death cult obsession operate as if granted licence to kill, to maim, to wreak havoc. Radical Islamist websites urge believers to drive vehicles into crowds of innocents, to commit suicide bombings, to take up whatever weapon is at hand and slay even one kafir. Thus is global terrorism sowed. Crazy to most of us. Rational to them. Read more: Toronto man charged in military centre stabbing should be acquitted of terror-related charges, lawyers say Accused in military recruitment centre stabbing to undergo mental health assessment But Ali, a 30-year-old Canadian born to Somali immigrant parents, is also diagnosed with schizophrenia. Forensic psychiatrists called to a Toronto courtroom this week by both prosecution and defence agree on this central point. The defendants symptoms first began to appear in late adolescence and had completely overwhelmed him on that March day, when he left his Etobicoke home with the intention of achieving martyrdom. He heard voices sending him messages, suggestions. The TV spoke to him. The radio spoke to him. Government agencies were monitoring his thoughts. He believed himself possessed by jinns, malevolent spirits. His mother long ago was diagnosed with schizophrenia, too, a mental illness with hereditary links. Anti-psychotic drugs, administered since his arrest and hospitalization in a psychiatric ward, have eased Alis symptoms. His thoughts are no longer wildly disorganized. He doesnt spend hours staring at the wall. The voices in his head have quietened. But in the expert opinion of psychiatrists, he is still far from well. Well enough to stand trial, though originally, in 2016, he was deemed unfit on a treatment order now understanding the severity of the charges against him and the judicial process. It is a fairly low legal threshold. And none of it the delusions, the hallucinations, the feeling of persecution, the agitation and confusion and withdrawal from all normal social involvement means, definitively, that Ali could not have simultaneously held terrorist beliefs nor radicalized himself by adopting the violent urgings he sought out on terrorist websites. It is such a fine distinction, a blurring of illness and corrosive ideology. Ali has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of assault causing bodily harm and one count of carrying a weapon (the knife) for the purpose of committing an offense, all for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group. Except prosecutors have never been able to identify this terrorist group or any evidence that Ali had a connection with such an organization. Defence lawyers are arguing that Ali should be found not criminally responsible (NCR) for the lesser and included offences attempted murder, assault, the weapons offence but that the acts were not committed with any relation to a terrorist group. They are seeking acquittal on the terrorism-related charges. The prosecution federal Crowns want Ali found not criminally responsible for the terrorism offences. The Crowns forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Philip Klassen, took the stand on Thursday, qualified to give expert opinion evidence devolving from some 41/2 hours of interviews with the defendant, plus a review of the compendious medical and case files. I did find forming an opinion about Mr. Ali challenging, he admitted. Adding: I think this man had descended into the burden of illness that he had. He said Ali should be found NCR for his actions due to serious mental health issues. Throughout the direct and cross examinations, Ali sat without expression in the dock, hands folded together. The anti-psychotic drugs have caused him to gain some 80 pounds. Behind him were the three sisters who Klassen said he leaned on heavily for an understanding of their brother and the familys escalating crisis. It is a sad story. Mental illness is not a choice. At the time of the attack, Klassen said, Ali believed himself morally justified. As Klassen wrote in his psychological assessment, of asking Ali whether he would engage in similar behaviour today: I probably wouldnt do it. Not exactly a stirring rejection of his criminal act. But it appears Ali, said Klassen, was using religion to restore order to his mind in some sense becoming the hero of his own story instead of the victim of his story. Would he be a risk to public safety, asked Crown attorney Sarah Egan. Left to his own devices, Mr. Ali would probably stop the medication. The psychosis now under control would return. Without those restraints, I think he is a significant threat to public safety. Neither Klassen, nor probably anyone, could firmly establish where the psychosis ended and the violent jihadist beliefs to which Ali subscribed at the height of his illness began. Though both were intertwined. I have an imperfect understanding of the relationship between those sentiments and schizophrenia. Justice Ian Macdonnell has yet to rule on this phase of the trial. Defence lawyers Nader Hasan and Maureen Addie told reporters afterward that Ali is simply not a terrorist and shouldnt be prosecuted under Section 83.2 of the Criminal Code: Anyone who commits an indictable offence for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group is guilty of an indictable offense and liable to imprisonment for life. Hes someone who is mentally ill. And sometimes a mentally ill guy waving around a knife is really just that a mentally ill guy waving around a knife. Hasan said the defence is worried that, if Ali is found not criminally responsible on terrorism, it might effect his treatment going forward. Because this is so unusual. Its never happened before, thats someone been found NCR on terrorism, under Section 83.2, which Hasan argues is intended for a narrow group. We dont think the Crowns case holds water because theyve charged him with committing this indictable offence for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group. But there is no group. They didnt find any such connection. The Crowns theory is hes a terrorist group of one, that one being himself. We dont think, as a matter of interpretation, thats how Parliament intended this provision to work. This was a provision aimed at dealing with terrorist groups. That doesnt mean that you cant commit terrorist offense acting entirely alone but this particular provision is about committing violent acts or other crimes for terrorist groups. Hasan added: Lets be clear. Were not asking for an outright acquittal. Were asking for acquittal on terrorism and NCR on the underlying acts of violence. So were not saying he should just walk out of here a free man. The included offences thats what he did. And thats what he lacked the criminal responsibility to do. Ali, who wanted to kill a soldier yet couldnt leave his house one day because of unmatched socks, returns to court on April 20. Theres a guy in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood who goes around peeling and scraping posters off poles and walls. Whether its an advert for a lost dog, garage sale, or a political screed, hell rip it down. Coupled with the effects of weather, a poster on the street or in the park around here usually doesnt last very long. Thats why the missing people posters that were found throughout the neighbourhood over many months and even years were so conspicuously remarkable: they were always replaced immediately. The family and friends of the missing never gave up, and for the rest of us living in the neighbourhood, they were always there, the wallpaper of our public living room, impossible to ignore. The family and friends didnt give up even when they were told by the Toronto police, whose motto is to serve and protect, that there was nothing to see here, patting them on the head and telling them to move along. The posters haunted this neighbourhood. You could not walk the dog, go to the market or come home at night without seeing a picture of somebody missing. You could walk down Church St. or linger in the park and overhear people talking about missing people. It was on everyones mind all the time. When accused serial killer Bruce McArthur was arrested, the men in the Metro Central YMCA change room talked about it, crowding around the TV in the lounge, watching the news in shock. Conversations could be overheard on street corners and in cafes. Each time there is a breaking bit of news about McArthur there is at least one television truck parked near Church and Wellesley with a reporter on the sidewalk doing a live hit. Even if you dont read or listen to the news that day youll know something happened. Check your phone and, yes, there is more news, yet more horror. The missing people unrelated to the McArthur case sent similar shock waves through this neighbourhood. After police didnt find Tess Richey, her body was found by her own mother two blocks from where she went missing. Afterwards, the makeshift memorial for her grew for weeks with hundreds of individual flowers and bouquets were left beside the Church St. stairwell where she was murdered. The body of Alloura Wells was found in the Rosedale Ravine, and only identified months later after her own family and friends never gave up asking about her. Her photo, like Tess Richeys and the missing men, stared out from those posters relentless in a neighbourhood that knew something was amiss. This week McArthur was charged with a seventh murder and Toronto police say they are searching 70 properties across the city and looking at 15 other cold cases that date back to the 1970s. Whenever theres a new revelation its like a seismic wave goes through the neighbourhood, each another reminder of what happened, and that theres more to come. Despite the community living with all this, and the indefatigable efforts of family and friends to find the people they loved, in February Police Chief Mark Saunders said one of the reasons they failed to catch McArthur earlier was because civilians were unco-operative. The evidence on the streets suggests otherwise. All of this is why theres now an external investigation into how the police handle missing persons reports. It has ratcheted up an already fraught relationship between police and this community. With dark but sharp humour, CBC radios satirical quiz show Because News opened their program last weekend with a joke that got to the heart of the matter: The Toronto police have withdrawn their request to march in this years Pride Parade. This will be the first year the police missed the parade since that one year where everyone in the gay community tried to tell them there was a parade, but the police didnt believe them and refused to investigate. After Black Lives Matter disrupted the parade two years ago to draw attention to how some members of the community were being treated, the police were asked not to participate in the parade last year. This year, they submitted an application to march, but last week Pride asked them to withdraw it, which Chief Saunders did. For Torontos LGBT community this is not an easy or unanimously supported decision. There are those who are old enough to remember the very bad old days when the police violently raided bathhouses and spied on them through peepholes. Some of them see official police participation in Pride as a victory. Thats understandable, but its important to never forget the Pride parade began as a protest, and once comfortable, its easy to forget that its still the bad old days for some people in this city today. The bungled police investigation into missing people in our community has further revealed how fraught this relationship is, both historically and present day, and why it needs to be rebuilt from scratch. Still, last week on Metro Morning, host Matt Galloway had an incredibly frustrating interview with Deputy Chief Barbara McLean. Though a member of the LGBT community herself, she would not directly answer Galloways questions about whether or not people in this community are treated differently by police, instead ducking and weaving with corporate speak about opportunities to listen and repeating that shes hearing people are very satisfied with their service, though sometimes they fall short. If this is the weak, defensive and evasive institutional response to a Toronto community that is experiencing an ongoing atrocity that reveals more of itself every few weeks, theres little hope of trust returning to this relationship. In the meantime, the neighbourhood is in a kind of bracing stasis, as everyone here knows theres more horror coming in the McArthur case. Political parties stopped describing themselves as happy families a long time ago around the same time they started to see themselves as brands. But current events and the next couple of months are going to be testing times for this whole idea of parties as recognizable, consistent, coherent brands across Canada. Theyre not just dysfunctional families, but brands plagued with conflict and contradiction. The bigger question: Do party labels really mean anything anymore? The prime example, of course, is the standoff between two New Democratic Party provincial governments British Columbia and Alberta, on directly opposite sides over Kinder Morgans proposed Trans Mountain pipeline. Frustrated with ongoing resistance from the B.C. NDP government, Kinder Morgan announced last Sunday night it was suspending non-essential spending on the pipeline and setting a May 31 deadline to determine whether the whole project should go ahead. Albertas NDP premier, Rachel Notley, leaped into crisis mode immediately, talking of retaliation against a fellow NDP government. It all put the federal NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh, in an awkward spot, forced to choose which provincial ally to back. He chose neither, opting to slam the federal Liberals and ask for the matter to be sorted out by the Supreme Court of Canada. Political parties should embrace diversity, but is the NDP brand big enough to encompass the entire spectrum of opinion on pipelines from aye to nay? At the moment, Albertas NDP has more in common with Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government (pro-Trans Mountain) than it does with the B.C. NDP. Trudeaus Liberals, meanwhile, have been pretty tight with their Liberal cousins in Kathleen Wynnes government borrowing plenty of staff and even an occasional cabinet minister to do big studies on pharmacare. But the coming Ontario election will challenge how closely Trudeaus Liberals want to be seen with the deeply unpopular Wynne Liberals how much active support will the PM give to his friends at Queens Park before the June 7 vote? Or is it better, for both of them, to be seen as two different brands of Liberals? Those same questions will be asked within other partisan circles, too. Can federal Conservatives embrace a politician like Doug Ford? Singh has just recently come to Ottawa from Queens Park, where he was deputy leader to provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath, but can federal and Ontario New Democrats stay on the same page all the way through the election campaign? Political parties used to like to see themselves as families because thats often how people voted if their parents voted for one party, so did the kids when they reached voting age. Once those old loyalties started to fray in the last century, though, parties started to talk about themselves in marketing and consumer terms, as familiar brands on the political store shelf. A brand is a name and logo used to identify a manufacturer or service provider that is instantly recognizable in the marketplace, says the definition in a well-worn textbook on political communication I keep on my desk. In politics, branding involves repetition of spoken, written and visual messages that are determined by the strategists at the apex of the organization, says the glossary in yet another book I also keep handy Brand Command, by Memorial Universitys Alex Marland. Its not clear to me whether the current party brands in Canada fit well with those definitions they are masses of contradictions and, with regard to New Democrats in B.C. and Alberta at the moment, almost irreconcilable conflicts. So if political parties arent families anymore or recognizable brands with consistent messages and packaging, what exactly are they? They certainly arent a good predictor of policy or allegiance at the moment perhaps the reason that so few Canadians actually belong to parties in 2018. Susan Delacourt is a former Star reporter who is a current freelance columnist based in Ottawa. Follow her on Twitter: @SusanDelacourt Read more about: The insanity of Donald Trump as Americas president has become an addictive daily freak show, much of it noise and nonsense, but its potential for catastrophe in this nuclear age is now staring us in the face. The world is probably closer to a U.S.-Russia military conflict now than at any time since the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. And for what? Will a military attack on Syria by the United States and others do anything to prevent the heinous regime of President Bashar Assad supported by Russia and Iran from continuing to use chemical weapons as an act of war? No, clearly not. After seven years of civil war, Syria is fragile and fragmented, but Assad has effectively won the war due to his allies. His forces control most of the population and the large cities. Since 2013, there have been dozens of chemical attacks by the Assad regime, and there is no sign this will stop. Instead, will an American-led military attack on Syria in spite of the lack of strategic or humanitarian benefit run the risk of inadvertently hitting any of the thousands of Russians and Iranians stationed in Syria, possibly leading to a wider war? The answer is clearly yes and most analysts believe it is a high risk. Trump is showing he has no clue why the United States has been in Syria. Two weeks ago, he shocked his military officials by announcing that the U.S. would be coming out of Syria like very soon. And then he changed his mind. Even though he has ridiculed past presidents for giving the enemy advance warnings of a strike, Trump warned Russia in a tweet Wednesday that the U.S. was about to attack Syria in response to a suspected chemical attack: Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nicer and new and smart. But a day later, he reversed himself. Meanwhile, given the advance notice, the Syrian military was reported to be moving their forces closer to Russian and Iranian personnel. And Russia and Iran, for their part, vowed revenge against the United States if they were hit by any attack. If the world ultimately survives a Trump presidency and dont bet on it his tenure will likely be remembered as a slow-motion train wreck littered with self-created minefields around every corner. Syria is only one of them. There are three more we can look forward to in the weeks ahead. The first is the Robert Mueller investigation into possible criminal acts by Trump and his allies. On that front, this has been a wild and desperate week for Trump. It is widely accepted he intends to fire Mueller and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, which would surely trigger a constitutional crisis. The release next week of a tell-all book by fired FBI director James Comey will only add to the pressure. The second is the Iran nuclear agreement. Trump has to decide in a month whether the U.S. will pull out of the deal, and he appears determined to do so. That is certain to risk a new nuclear arms race in the worlds most explosive region. And finally, North Korea. Against the wishes of his advisers, Trump has agreed to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in May or June. It is inconceivable that both leaders will agree on steps necessary for North Korea to fully denuclearize, raising fears this will only encourage the U.S. president to launch a pre-emptive strike. As Trump kept promising his supporters during the 2016 campaign: Were going to win so much, youre going to be sick and tired of winning. Youre going to come to me and say Please, please, we cant win anymore. I suspect Americans have reached the please, please point by now. Tony Burman is former head of Al Jazeera English and a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyBurman Read more about: MONTREALWith pressure mounting on Jagmeet Singh to enter the House of Commons at the earliest opportunity, the rookie NDP leader is apparently seriously considering a run for Thomas Mulcairs soon-to-be-vacant Outremont seat. Winning the Montreal riding would be a big deal. A Singh byelection victory would assuage fears that on his watch the NDP is at risk of returning to its non-starter status in Quebec. It would shatter the Liberal assumption that Justin Trudeau can count on his home province to deliver enough gains in 2019 to make up for seat losses elsewhere. It would contrast nicely with Conservative Leader Andrew Scheers bylection track record. He has lost two seats to the Liberals since succeeding Stephen Harper a year ago. And if all of the above sounds almost too good to be true, it is because it probably is. Sometimes a remedy is more potentially lethal than the ailment it is meant to cure. On the risk scale, a Singh run in Outremont would fall somewhere between bold and reckless. It is not that the former Ontario MPP would be the first incoming federal leader to look for his first House of Commons seat outside his home turf. Brian Mulroney, Jean Chretien and Joe Clark in his second incarnation as Tory leader all initially ran (successfully) in byelections in Atlantic Canada. They returned to their respective provinces in the subsequent general election. But no party has tried to parachute an out-of-province leader in Quebec, let alone in a riding that hardly qualifies as a safe seat. Before Mulcair scored the first of four back-to-back victories in Outremont in 2007, the riding had a near-perfect Liberal track record. At the time his political pedigree mattered more than the party under whose banner he was running. As a recent member of premier Jean Charests provincial cabinet and as a longstanding Liberal MNA, Mulcair brought more Liberal credentials to the byelection fore than Stephane Dions handpicked candidate Jocelyn Coulon. Overall, Mulcair offered Outremont voters a relatively seamless transition from the Liberals to the New Democrats. Those voters include a significant Hasidic community that has found comfort in his strong pro-Israel convictions. But with the former NDP leader out of the picture, the byelection that could be called as early as this summer is widely considered the Liberals to lose. On Trudeaus list of winnable opposition ridings in Quebec, Outremont sits at or near the top. As recently as February, New Democrat insiders were bracing for a near-inevitable defeat in Outremont. At the NDPs national convention party spin-doctors were already at work lowering expectations that the party, post-Mulcair, would hang on to his riding. Since then though Liberal fortunes have taken a hit in the polls and a leadership crisis has sent the Bloc Quebecois into free fall. But neither of those changes is necessarily of such magnitude as to fundamentally alter the Outremont dynamics. Ontario and not Quebec has been the ground zero of the federal Liberal decline in voting intentions. In his home province, Trudeau still enjoys a double-digit lead on the competition. As for the orphan supporters of the BQ, in the last election they voted for a party that campaigned hard for a veil ban at Canadian citizenship ceremonies. On that basis, they probably make up one of the constituencies least inclined to shift to an NDP led by a turban-wearing politician. Outremont is a diverse riding but that does not automatically translate into an edge for a visible minority leader such as Singh. Trudeau who has consistently championed religious freedoms over the course of the provinces secularism debate is popular in his own right within Quebecs cultural communities. Singhs lack of a federal seat is undoubtedly hurting the NDP. It is hard to participate fully in the national conversation from the public galleries of the House of Commons. Politics is not a spectator sport and a leader who is just visiting cant help but come across as a parliamentary tourist. Most of the MPs who serve under Singh did not know him well prior to his federal run. They have all spent more time in the federal arena than he has. Singhs absence from the House is not conducive to the necessary bonding that needs to take place between a caucus and a new leader. But in that fragile context a Singh defeat in Outremont especially if it were decisive would inflict further damage to party morale as it looks to a general election. It could only lead to more questions as to the leaders judgment. In politics, the line between a leader who is walking wounded and one who is a dead man walking is often a thin one. Chantal Hebert is a columnist based in Ottawa covering politics. Follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert Read more about: British Columbia has been repeatedly penalized by the federal government for clinics and physicians engaging in extra billing for necessary medical care for 16 years in a row. And its unclear whether the province will benefit from a proposed federal law that would provide reimbursements for fines. Extra billing occurs when a physician or clinic charges a patient additional amounts of money for medically necessary care covered by the Medical Services Plan. When that happens, the provincial government has to reimburse the patient who was extra-billed, and at the same time face penalties from the federal government through deductions in health care transfer payments. From 2002 to 2015, B.C. patients reported at least $769,727 in extra-billing, according to the Ministry of Health. B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix told the Star that the provinces extra-billing penalties dating back to 2002 range from $50,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. These fines happen every year. B.C. has been fined 16 years in a row, Dix said. The largest deduction to date was $15.9 million, for the 2015-16 fiscal year. Under a proposed federal law bill C-74, which is currently at first reading in Parliament the B.C. government would be eligible to recover some of the withheld transfer payments, provided action is taken to crack down on extra billing. As part of those efforts, B.C.s Ministry of Health has introduced new regulations that would see fines of $10,000 to $20,000 against clinics and doctors who extra-bill patients. Under the federal law, however, provinces would not be eligible for reimbursements of transfer-payment deductions from prior to March 31, 2017. Thats a problem for B.C., since the $15.9-million deduction dates from the year before. But, in a statement, B.C.s Ministry of Health said the deduction did not take effect until March 2018, suggesting B.C. may yet get some of it back. According to the statement, B.C.s latest penalty was so large because the federal government questioned the accuracy of the provinces reports. In response, the province promised to audit private clinics in 2017 to discover the true extent of extra-billing, the statement said. Before these audits were done, the highest B.C. had ever reported to Health Canada for extra-billing was $280,000 in the 2012-13 fiscal year. Connie Jorsvik, principal of Patient Pathways, a health-care advocacy group, said any reduction in transfer payments will negatively impact health care in B.C. As it stands now with the transfer payments, in particular, theyve been a huge issue for the British Columbia government, the former registered nurse said. Theres so many gaps, so many holes, she said. All this money lost from the federal government is just making a massive difference. Read more about: VANCOUVERA woman whose son fatally overdosed after becoming addicted to the painkiller OxyContin is backing a New Democrat member of Parliaments calls for the federal government to launch a criminal investigation of opioid manufacturers. Helen Jennens said families that have lost loved ones to an ongoing epidemic want accountability for the actions of any company that profits from allegedly hiding or minimizing the addictive impact of opioids. New Democrat MP Don Davies said the federal government should also pursue compensation for the cost of treating addiction in a country that is the second-leading user of opioids, after the United States. Read more: MP calls for criminal probe into drug manufacturers alleged role in opioid crisis B.C. families say provincial health system shuts them out of loved ones addiction treatment New report calls for measures to reduce overdose death toll in B.C. Jennens was among what she estimated to be about 2,000 litigants in a class-action lawsuit that resulted in a $20-million settlement against Purdue Pharma (Canada). A Saskatchewan judge recently rejected the settlement, saying it was inadequate. The case launched in 2007 and involved people across the country. It was ridiculous, Jennens said Thursday about the settlement. I was glad the judge turned it down. A federal investigation could lead to a government lawsuit against Purdue, sending a message to drug companies and the public, said Jennens, whose son Tyler Leinweber died in January 2016 from fentanyl-laced heroin after he became addicted to OxyContin prescribed for an injury. Purdue Pharma has paid out $634 million in fines in the United States after a federal court ruled it had an aggressive and misleading marketing campaign related to OxyContin. The pharmaceutical giant claimed the narcotic painkiller posed a lower risk of abuse and addiction compared with other drugs such as Percocet. Davies said 100 lawsuits are ongoing against Purdue in the U.S. at the federal, state, city and county levels, with multiple states joining forces to recoup costs for addiction treatment. Canadas federal government has neither launched a criminal investigation nor sought meaningful compensation for the public costs of this crisis, he told a news conference Thursday, adding that health-care costs of addiction across the country amounted to about $1 billion between 2011 and 2016. Im looking for (the government) to investigate behaviour, and I think thats Health Canadas responsibility, for any product that is marketed to Canadians. Health Canada said it is not currently considering an investigation into Purdues marketing practices but has closely noted the outcome of U.S. proceedings against the company and its misleading advertising of OxyContin to health-care professionals. Action would be taken if Health Canada determines an advertisement poses a significant safety concern or contravenes its regulations or the Food and Drugs Act, the department said in a statement. If charges against Purdue had been pursued in Canada, the maximum penalty imposed by a court would have been $5,000 per offence, the statement said. It also noted that penalties have since increased to $5 million per offence, though a court could levy any fine against a company recklessly causing serious risk of injury. Purdue Pharma (Canada) said in a statement that it markets its products in accordance with Health Canadas regulations and the Food and Drugs Act. Canadians are facing a complex public health issue in which all stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, have a role to play to provide practical and sustainable solutions, the statement said. Unfortunately, misuse and abuse and diversion of pain medications can lead to tragic consequences, including addiction, overdose and death. Dr. Nav Persaud, a family physician and researcher at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, said a criminal investigation should be launched in Canada to determine if false claims led to a continuing overdose crisis that has also had a devastating impact in the U.S. The same medications are sold here for the same conditions so it would be very surprising if the inappropriate marketing stopped at the Canadian border, said Persaud, who has spoken out against the misleading marketing of opioids. British Columbias Health Ministry said the province has led efforts to recover tobacco-related health-care costs and is considering its options related to treatment of addiction. In light of the decision in Saskatchewan, the province is considering what options are available to recover its health-care costs from Purdue, the ministry said in a statement. Over 4,000 people fatally overdosed in Canada last year. Read more about: VANCOUVERThe fiery dispute over the Kinder Morgan pipeline between the New Democrat governments in British Columbia and Alberta had more fuel added Thursday. In the Legislature, B.C. Liberal house leader Michael de Jong accused Premier John Horgan of isolating the province by stalling the federally approved Trans Mountain expansion and that B.C.s reputation for respecting the rule of law stands in tatters, just hours after business leaders warned that faith in democracy was at risk if Horgan didnt back down. Its no longer about one project, Business Council of British Columbia CEO Greg DAvignon told StarMetro in a phone interview. Its about stability, our faith in democracy, the rule of law and confidence in our country. After a democratic decision has been made saying, We dont recognize that democratic decision is fundamentally at odds with how we operate as a country Its not how our country has worked for 150 years. DAvignon was one of dozens of business leaders who issued a scathing letter Thursday demanding prime minister Justin Trudeau intervene when he meets with Horgan and Alberta premier Rachel Notley on Sunday for emergency talks. University of B.C. political scientist Richard Johnston said that while the ongoing dispute is certainly very serious, it pales compared to previous national crises. And in a phone interview, he dismissed the notion that the democratic process was in jeopardy, as DAvignon alleged. The entire democratic process? I think thats just hyperbole, Johnston said. Yes, this is a test of resolve of the national government to see a public work proceed. (But) the notion that the government of B.C. cannot at least attempt to speak up about the well-being of its citizens is ludicrous. Theres no question its a complication that can make investment decisions harder to make. Its a source of uncertainty. But in a federation, that happens; this is not new. He suggested the business and opposition rhetoric was actually meant to prod the federal government into action and raise the bar for what Trudeau demands in the first ministers meeting Sunday. University of Victoria political scientist Michael Prince, meanwhile, said that the dispute may not yet be a full-blown constitutional crisis. But it could cross the line soon, depending on Alberta and B.C.s next steps. Notley, for instance, said she plans to table legislation allowing her to cut off oil flow to B.C., and has asked Ottawa to halt health and other federal transfer payments to the Horgan government. When they talk of a constitutional crisis, it could be, he told StarMetro. The crises theyre in danger of pushing or crossing the line on is whats within their responsibility. When youve got two provinces both contemplating legislative action which clearly, in my view, is outside their jurisdiction then youve got a constitutional crisis. There are basic rules to our political game and parliamentary system being openly ignored. But another political scientist, Simon Fraser Universitys David Moscrop, said although the B.C. NDP will likely lose in a reference case it plans to file in federal court asking a judge to rule on the question there is nothing unconstitutional about seeking a courts opinion. Under Canadas constitution, although energy and natural resources are provincial, infrastructure that crosses provincial boundaries are federal. The rhetoric around this is so overblown, it is not a constitutional crisis, he told StarMetro. Were waiting on the reference (ruling); thats perfectly consistent with the constitution as far as I know. If the courts were clear but he still said (the pipeline) is still not going to happen, then you have a constitutional crisis because hed be in open violation of the division of jurisdiction in the constitution. But were not there yet. But the constitution also protects the rights of First Nations, many though not all of which oppose Trans Mountains expansion. First Nations issues unfortunately havent been getting as much mention in the political speechifying and posturing of the inter-provincial spat, Prince said. B.C.s demand for further review of bitumen spill risks and cleanup adds to controversy over the National Energy Boards lengthy review of the project, which resulted in its federal approval with conditions. DAvignon said its unfair for Kinder Morgan to have undergone years of review to have its approval reversed. But critics, including the federal Liberals before taking power, accused the NEB review process of procedural flaws, including criticisms it was biased in favour of industry. I categorically dismiss that, DAvignon said. Asked about the feud with Alberta and his planned request for a judges opinion, Horgan told reporters outside the Legislature on Thursday the question was still being drafted but defended his governments order capping Kinder Morgans bitumen flow to current levels, one-third what the Texas firm plans once complete. We are in the courts following the rule of law, Horgan said. We are issuing permits as they are requested by the proponents. British Columbians do not want to see their environment or their economy devastated by the potential consequences of a diluted bitumen spill on our coast, on our lands, on our waters. Horgan dismissed Albertas threat of retaliation and calls for Ottawa to force B.C.s hand as saber-rattling and said there is no need for provocation or for threats. Over 150 years there have been ups and downs with provinces at odds with each other, and federal government and provinces at odds with each other, he said. Thats the nature and the fabric of our country Thats the beauty of our co-operative federation. David P. Ball is a reporter at StarMetro Vancouver, covering democracy and politics. Email david.ball@metronews.ca Read more about: Vancouver is the only city in Canada to adopt an empty-homes tax in an effort to tackle speculation in the residential real-estate market. Now one local business leader says its time to consider an empty storefront tax to reduce the increasing number of vacant spaces in Vancouvers neighbourhood shopping streets. This crisis for small business is really revving up at this moment, and were looking for every option, said Mike Wiebe, co-president of the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area and a Vancouver park board commissioner. One of them is an empty (storefront) vacancy tax, so we can ensure that more commercial spaces can be rented out at a more affordable rate. Its an idea city governments in San Francisco and New York have recently explored to encourage landlords to rent out commercial space. Landlords in San Francisco are already obliged to register vacant properties with the city and have to pay a $700 fine if their properties are vacant for more than a year. In New York, a December city council report alleged landlords are holding out for higher rents rather than renting storefronts. Michelle Pezel thinks the idea is worth exploring. Like many Vancouver small-business owners, she finds herself in a precarious position: The Main St. building where shes rented a storefront for eight years recently changed owners, and all she knows for sure is that she has until August, when her deal with her former landlord expires, before anything changes. The area around Pezels Antisocial Skateboard Shop is filled with independent businesses, but its also feeling development pressures. There are currently empty storefronts on either side of Pezels store, both listed for rent at a much higher price than what Pezel currently pays theyve been empty for months. One 3,000-square foot space was offered for between $10,000 and $12,000 a month, StarMetro confirmed with the owner, while the other, a 2,000-sq. ft. space, is around $8,000 a month. Pezel currently pays $6,000 for 1,500 sq. ft. Which is not a lot, anymore, for Vancouver but its a lot, she said about her rent. Pezel, who started her business 16 years ago, isnt sure how young people today would be able to afford to start a small business in Vancouver. She acknowledged it can be difficult to find tenants for large storefronts, but shed like to see the empty spaces on her block filled at least temporarily with pop-up shops that could help new businesses build their customer base. Paul Sullivan, a partner with appraisal firm Burgess Cawley Sullivan, said hes been seeing an increase in empty storefronts in Vancouver. But he doesnt believe a vacancy tax is the answer. Sullivan blames spiking property taxes which rose by an average of 40 per cent in 2017, and by up to 300 per cent in some areas in 2016, according to BC Assessment as the reason small businesses are struggling to stay in business. In his 26-year career, Sullivan said he has still "never encountered a situation where landlords are holding back properties" in hopes of getting a higher-paying tenant, as has been alleged in New York. Instead, he says the solution is tax relief for small businesses, who are often paying the increased property taxes directly through their triple-net leases. The real-estate development company Port Living owns the red brick building on Main Street next to Pezels shop, where one of the storefronts is currently empty. The company hasnt yet decided what it will do with the building, but does realize the vibrant area is attractive because of the mix of independent businesses, said Brad Berry, senior vice-president with Port Living. One of the challenges were facing is that tenants want smaller spaces, said Berry, acknowledging that price is one motivation for tenants to seek less square footage. The 3,000-sq. ft. space has been empty for about four months, since Johns Jukes, the former tenant, relocated. Another challenge facing prospective tenants is the amount of time it could take to for a tenant to apply for a change-of-use permit from the city if, for example, they wanted to open up a restaurant or coffee shop instead, Berry said. Because the red brick building is 100 years old, the tenant would also likely need to do upgrades. Berry, Sullivan and Wiebe all agree the lengthy wait for even minor alteration permits from the city is a major issue for businesses right now: businesses are waiting anywhere from nine months to a year, Wiebe said, burning through their finances to pay rent while unable to bring in revenue. That makes them more vulnerable to any challenge they might encounter during their first year in business.. Berry says his company hasnt done many pop-up shops, but: I like that idea a lot. And for the right tenant hopefully an independent business his company would consider a reduced rent rate. We want to have a situation where tenants are succeeding, he said. Correction - April 16, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that misspelled Michelle Pezels surname. Correction - April 19, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that incorrectly named Brad Berry as Michael Berry. Read more about: VancouverAmidst a dire crisis in seniors housing in Metro Vancouver, several organizations on the frontlines are creating innovative programs to try to help. Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House is hiring a position to roll out a Shared Lives program, which would see elderly homeowners who are strapped for cash, rent spare rooms to youth who are aging out of care. Similarly, Empty Nest, a volunteer group, is working to launch a program that would match young adults with seniors in Vancouver, so both could find affordable housing. Another program, Hollyburn Family Services in North Vancouver is creating a seniors roommate registry, while the West End Seniors Network held a public consultation in November about pairing older adults together as roommates, and is seeking a grant from the City of Vancouver for housing support services. No direct housing for seniors Seniors who are living on a fixed income, such as pensions or the BC Housing rental assistance program, Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters, are left with basically nothing after expenses, said Nevin Thomas, housing supervisor of the Seniors Services Society. Were not getting calls until the last second, Thomas said, pointing to the 6000 calls for navigation assistance last year. Thats because we have this generation of middle class seniors afraid to acknowledge what is going on and say they need help. Thomas said there arent any shelters specifically for seniors. In the federal government National Housing Strategy, there was no mention of seniors, he said, noting baby boomers are now beginning to retire. There is nowhere for them to go. There is a disconnection between all ministries involved as the problem spans health, housing, poverty and social assistance, he added. Some seniors uncomfortable sharing with youth Former homeowner and current renter Catherine Adlam, 64, told StarMetro that shes not sure about getting younger roommates. Being placed with a youth aging out of care concerned Adlam because it could set a precedent for seniors abuse. You hear about it every day. What if a youth decides its an old lady and I can push her, she said. You dont know whats coming with that burden, what their background is. Do you put special locks on the rooms where you have your things? Adlam is the guardian of her four-year-old grandson and on disability assistance. She once had an elderly roommate. But going forward, she thinks its highly unlikely that it would be allowed because that person would have to be vetted by the ministry, she explained. After getting an eviction notice last month, Adlam started a GoFundMe to help pay the bills. Despite the fact that she is scrambling to find a place, Adlam said the campaign has yet to raise a dime. Im going to be taking money out of my foodshare to make sure my grandson can eat, she said. And I will go from there. And Adlam said shes been on the BC Housing waitlist for more than four years. New programs address affordability needs on the ground Empty Nest co-founder Kristina Smith said theyve been doing significant community outreach before their intergenerational program rolls out, expected this July. The biggest thing [we heard] was what if I have nothing in common or what if generations are too different, Smith told StarMetro. For every one person that feels like millennials and seniors might not have a lot in common, theres another who feels the opposite. The program will start in single-family neighborhoods like Kitsilano, which they expect to have more empty rooms. The agreement would require the renters to help out around the house in exchange for reduced rent, however they wont be asked to care for the seniors. At Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House, the numbers of seniors needing housing help is steadily increasing, while the vacancy rate remains near zero, said executive director Claudine Matlo. People are in homes that they cant maintain, she said. The other issue is older low rises are being bought and renovicted or are well below standard quality. The new position as head of the Shared Lives program will primarily be research and community networking. Matlo said after two years, the plan is to pilot best practices and then launch the program. By taking a ground up approach, Matlo said the goal is to find out what is going to work best for seniors rather than looking through a governance lens. It might make it more complicated but in the long run more effective, she said. The community house secured a funding through a grant from the Vancouver Foundation, in association with several other neighborhood houses. Hollyburn Family Services in North Vancouver received more than 300 calls last month, according to Joy Hayden, innovation and engagement specialist. She acknowledged waitlists for BC Housing stretch from two to five years, and seniors who rent are most at risk. One senior told Hayden shes already bought her shopping cart. Others are living in vehicles, visiting shelters and food banks, Hayden said. We have a crisis right now, Hayden said. Were seeing seniors being homeless for the first time ever. None of the programs have secured further funding or have confirmed roll-out dates. Correction - April 19, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the given name of Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood Houses executive director Claudine Matlo. Melanie Green is a general assignment reporter based in Vancouver. Follow her on Twitter: @mdgmedia Read more about: Two Innocent Lives, Alfie Evans and Vincent Lambert, Sentenced to Death by European Courts Contact: Tom Shakely, Executive Director, Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network, 855-300-4673, tshakely@lifeandhope.com PHILADELPHIA, April 13, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- Alfie Evans, a precious infant with an undiagnosed condition requiring a ventilator. Vincent Lambert, a disabled non-terminal adult who simply needs assisted food and water. European courts have ruled in two separate decisions that both Alfie and Vincent are to die. Alfie, by court order to physicians to deny oxygen to the infant against the parents wishes. Vincent, by court order to deny him food and water, starving him to death at the request of his wife. Vincent faces almost precisely the same fate as Terri Schiavo did. To some, it might seem strange that some of the only voices for sanity in either case have come from the Catholic community. First, in Alfie's case, the offer to take the child and care for him in a Vatican hospital. And second, in Vincent's case, where Elio Sgreccia, a cardinal and bioethicist who defended Terri many years ago, is again pointing out the potential for recovery, this time for Vincent to recover from his present condition. He has stated clearly that Vincent "is not terminally ill and may still live a long time when treated with care." Denying Vincent food and water would be a violation of the man's basic human rights, Sgreccia plainly says. "What we are witnessing is the increasing power of a global euthanasia mentality," reflected Bobby Schindler, President of the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network. "Those who advocated for so-called 'limited' or 'reasonable' allowances for euthanasia in certain instances, or for assisted suicide, know that inevitably the 'limits' fall away once the primary reason for euthanasia captures the minds of a culture. And that primary reason is, in essence, the attitude that we need a way to remove undesirable persons whom those in power decide have a 'quality of life' insufficient to justify their existence." "In practice," warned Schindler, "the right to euthanasia will always be primarily a right for the state to euthanatize its most vulnerable citizens." The Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network upholds human dignity through service to the medically vulnerable. VancouverCanadian medical graduates who have not matched to a residency position this year may still be able to become family medical residents this July if theyre willing to do it wearing an army uniform. Residency is the compulsory final stage of medical education in Canada, and trends suggest more Canadian medical graduates have not been offered a residency spot this year than ever before. Those graduates have medical doctor degrees, but will not be able to practise until they have completed residency. The Canadian Armed Forces, which is currently 60 physicians short of the 250 it needs, is hoping to close that gap with a new program called the Medical Officer Training Program Surge 2018. Unmatched Canadian graduates between the ages of 17 and 47 can apply to join the army, and complete a two-year residency in family medicine through the program. It doesnt matter if they graduated from medical school in Canada or elsewhere. If they meet the armys recruitment standards, and the academic requirements for a family medicine residency, theyre in. I know all of our folks here at the armed forces are excited about this untapped opportunity, Colonel Pierre Morissette, director of force health protection, and a physician himself, said Friday in an interview with StarMetro. There are a lot of exceptional folks that we could end up recruiting and that could end up working as physicians in the armed forces, he said. The idea first came about last year when representatives from the Canadian Federation of Medical Students and from the army met to discus the mounting number of graduates going unmatched. The issue of unmatched Canadian medical graduates is top issue for our organization, said CFMS president Henry Annan. Understanding that this avenue might not be for everyone, we thought this was a possible opportunity for collaboration. Annan said about 50 graduates have already expressed interest in the program. In B.C., the UBC Faculty of Medicine confirmed 12 graduates from this years medical class currently do not have a residency post lined up. Recognizing that the match is a highly competitive process, we are providing an array of resources and support services for this years 12 unmatched students, tailored to each students individual needs and career interests, said Dr. Roger Wong, executive associate dean, education. The Family Medicine positions being offered through the Medical Officer Training Program represent an additional avenue for unmatched medical students across Canada. At UBC, we have informed our students of this additional opportunity and will be continuing to offer them support, tailored to their individual needs and career interests, Wong said. Morissette described how the experience of completing residency with the armed forces would be different from any other program. Hes been deployed to Afghanistan, for example, and he notes that army doctors are called in when natural disaster strikes. Canada is also preparing to send peacekeepers to the United Nations Mali mission. These are all opportunities where, if youre wearing the uniform, you can be activated very quickly, he said. Read more about: ALTON Huey Lewis, the headliner for this summers Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater lineup, canceled all his remaining 2018 shows Friday including the scheduled June 24 appearance in Alton to recover from a rare inner ear disease that has compromised his ability to perform. Lewis announced Friday he was recently diagnosed with Menieres disease, a rare disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo and hearing loss. Two and a half months ago, just before a show in Dallas, I lost most of my hearing, Lewis said in a statement. Although I can still hear a little, one on one, and on the phone, I cant hear music well enough to sing. The lower frequencies distort violently making it impossible to find pitch. Ive been to the House Ear Institute, the Stanford Ear Institute, and the Mayo Clinic, hoping to find an answer. The doctors believe I have Menieres disease and have agreed that I cant perform until I improve. Therefore the only prudent thing to do is to cancel all future shows. Needless to say, I feel horrible about this, and wish to sincerely apologize to all the fans whove already bought tickets and were planning to come see us. Im going to concentrate on getting better, and hope that one day soon Ill be able to perform again. In his place, the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Commission will be announcing an additional national act, or acts, for the summer concert series, according to Robert Stephan, who issued a release on behalf of the Amphitheater Commission. We know Huey Lewis fans ultimate concern is for his health and well-being, Stephan said. Alton Mayor Brant Walker also expressed his well wishes for Lewis. More Information Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater will be issuing refunds for tickets purchased for the June 24 concert as follows: Purchasers who purchased via MetroTix web/phone will receive an automatic refund, issued to the credit card used for the original purchase Ticketholders who purchased in person at the Alton Visitor Center or other location should return their tickets in person to the place of purchase for a refund. The Visitor Center will process refunds beginning Monday, April 16. A refund will typically appear on credit card statement within 3-10 business days of issue. For further information on refunds, visit www.metrotix.com or call 314-534-1111 For general information, visit www.libertybankamphitheater.com. See More Collapse We are saddened to receive this news about Mr. Lewis today, Walker said Friday. The City of Alton wishes him the best on his journey through recovery and we look forward to welcoming him back to our amphitheater in the future. Reach managing editor Nathan Grimm at 618-208-6456. This is one part of a 10-part series introducing this years YWCA of Alton Women of Distinction honorees. The YWCA of Alton will host the 28th annual Women of Distinction dinner on Thursday, April 19, at 6 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark Community College Commons in Godfrey. ALTON East Alton resident Cora Miller has an entire life dedicated to volunteerism in too many places within too many programs to fit in this space. The 2018 YWCA of Alton Women of Distinction honoree grew up in Portland, Maine, struck with a devastating spine condition that left her unable to walk until very late in life. Ive had a long relationship with ability and disability, on and off, she said. I got my first taste of volunteering while I was in a huge body cast. The task was simple stuffing envelopes for Easter Seals. But the impact for Miller has lasted a lifetime. It became contagious in my life, Miller says. It opened up a new spiritual space in me that made me realize how giving back is so rewarding. Today, still, I have that same feeling inside. About 40 years ago, she married David Miller, who many know as the manager of St. Louis Regional Airport. And after it seemed she may have left her spinal problems behind, completing several life adventures, she landed in Alton. But the problems again flared. She faced surgical reconstruction. I was out for the first year that I lived here, she recalls, crediting Barnes-Jewish Hospital for cultivating a quicker recovery than was the norm at the time. The first thing I did was join the Alton Symphony Board. I loved music, and my husband played in the symphony, and I ended up being elected vice president several times. Coras passion for photography took her into taking portraits for the Alton Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition winners. She followed by She followed that up by doing public relations for the Greater Alton Concert Association. She also joined the Jacoby Arts Center board when its future looked bleak. It kind of collapsed under its own weight, but we had a board that was able to redirect the mission a little bit to save it, she says. It was such a wonderful thing. All the (unpaid) volunteers, including myself, came forward to donate themselves and their talents. It was a huge undertaking, but Im so pleased that (Jacoby) still operates today, and its to the credit of everybody involved, including the staff, to make a difference Today she still lives, she still thrives, and Im so excited about that. Her next project, along with husband David, was co-chairing the Alton Little Theater Building Committee. Today, I know that Alton Little Theater continues to grow and thrive. It is the longest continuously-running theater in the state, and I was so proud to be part of that committee and help continue that. And since then, Miller has helped develop a senior program at the Riverbender Community Center. She recently serviced as the president of the Alton Community Service League and is presently director on the board for the ZONTA Club of Alton-Wood River. This winter, Cora took part for the first time in United Way Community Christmas efforts. Ive lived a lot of places, included abroad, Miller said. This community, I think, has the biggest heart during Christmas time. There were so many volunteers who donate, who donate their treasures. The outpouring is incredible. Ive never seen anything like it. Cora Millers interests and involvements, upon discussion, feel like a never-ending labyrinth of volunteerism, spanning from HAM radio storm spotting, endless efforts for the Legendary Mustang Sanctuary based in Alhambra, and reading programs at East Elementary. Space dictates many of Millers other Alton-area efforts must go unnamed, for now its a seriously endless list. When you volunteer, there comes a new wisdom, she says. You understand empathy, and evolves into more action. Its an amazing experience to see that something youre a part of becomes something more. So, would Cora have the same drive to give had she not suffered such physical debilitation? I believe in the Lord, and Im not sure what he would have given me as far as a path in life without being afflicted with a spinal disease, she says. I think that molded me into the person that I am. I think it made me wise, in a young time. That wisdom helped me through diversity on many different levels. Nathan Woodside is a freelance photographer and reporter for the Telegraph. British high commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said that his country had only one statement on the poisoning of the former Russian double agent and his daughter in Salisbury. We can find no other explanation other than that it was Russia. The nature of the nerve agent was confirmed [by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical weapons] as a Soviet era nerve agent. In our view, there are important questions that the Russians have to answer. All that Russians have done so far is to obstruct investigations,'' say the envoy, while addressing a press conference on the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet (CHOGM) in London next week. While the high commissioner said he could not predict whether the topic would be brought up at the meet, the British stance on the topic was clearly stated. The UK is not likely to lose the opportunity on pushing its case, and Indian diplomacy will have to navigate itself through rather troubled waters, without jeopardising its time tested friendship with Russia on the one hand, and its position on use of chemical weapons and poisons on the other. Asquith chose to focus on the bilateral relationship, which he said was in very good health''. He said he was puzzled with reports on a trade deficit and dwindling number of Indian students to the UK. Trade, he said, rose by 15 per cent in the last year, and the number of students was also encouraging, with 14,000 students doing masters programmes in the UK every year. The UK is keen to have a treaty that recognises each other's degrees, like the one India signed with French president Emmanuel Macron during his recent visit. India does not recognise the one-year masters programmes given by British universities, so these post graduates are ineligible for a doctoral programmes in India later. The high commissioner said that around a dozen treaties were expected to be signed in the bilateral between Narendra Modi and Theresa May in trade and technology. In fact, one of the aims of the CHOGM itself is to get trade between member nations up from the present 700 billion dollars to one trillion dollars. The UK is wooing India as it prepares for a post-Brexit period from next March. Asquith, noting how attractive the UK was to Indians despite reports to the contrary, said that the UK issued more work visas to India than to all the other nations put togetherwhich means half the work visas it issues is to Indians. Here, at least, India still has an edge over China. Asquith said that technology, trade and climate change would be on the table at the CHOGM. The threat to island nations from rising sea levels was a concern for several other member nations also. Hyperloop, the revolutionary mass transportation technology, has finally begun to take shape. The company on Friday said that it has started construction of the world's first full-scale passenger and freight system. The tube-led transportation system is being built at Toulouse in France. The tubes will have an interior diameter of 4.0 meters and the system is optimised both for passenger capsules and shipping containers. The first phase includes a closed 320-meter system that will be operational this year. In addition, a second full-scale system of 1 km elevated by pylons at a height of 5.8 meters will be completed in 2019. Weve pioneered the technology, proved feasible and insurable by the worlds largest reinsurance company, Munich RE. We have agreements in place in nine countries where were working on feasibility and regulations. We have a research centre for freight and logistics in Brazil and a facility in Toulouse where well deliver the first full-scale passenger capsule. Hyperloop is no longer a concept; it has become a commercial industry, said Bibop Gresta, chairman, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. In India, the first Hyperloop is expected to come up at Amaravathi in Andhra Pradesh. Last year, government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with California-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) to develop India's first Hyperloop route in the state. The proposed route for the Hyperloop between the city centers of Vijaywada and Amaravati could potentially turn a trip of more than one hour into a 6 minute ride. The project will use a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with funding primarily from private investors. HTT's transportation platform is expected to enrich the IT infrastructure and ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh. It will also give rise to development of various state-of-the-art technology parks and software clusters in Amaravati, helping to fortify the city's image as a world class leader in science and technology. The 65th National Film Awards will be announced on Friday by the jury headed by renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. The 10-member-panel comprises screenwriter Imtiaz Hussain, lyricist Mehboob, actress Gautami Tadimalla and Kannada director P. Sheshadri among others. The awards are expected to be announced at 11:30 am. Last year, Akshay Kumar bagged the Best Actor award for Rustom. Malayalam actress Surabhi Lakshmi won the Best Actress award for her role in Minnaminungu. Sonam Kapoor got a special mention for her portrayal of air stewardess Neerja Bhanot in Neerja. Zaira Wasim won the Best Supporting Actor award for her role in Dangal. Though there is no one from the Malayalam film industry on the panel, Mollywood is hopeful of bagging some key awards this year. Films such as Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Take Off, Bhayanakam, Alorukkam, Ottamurivelicham and Angamaly Diaries are among the films that are considered probable winners in various categories. Last year, Syam Pushkaran won the award for Best Screenplay (original) for Maheshinte Prathikaram. Adish Praveen won the Best Child Artist award for his role in the Malayalam film Kunju Daivam, and the Best Children's Film award went to Dhanak. Special Jury award was given to Mohanlal for Pulimurugan, Janatha Garage and Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol. Malayali actress Parvathy, who won the best actress award in the International Film Festival of India, Goa last year for her performance in Take Off, is believed to be a top contender for the award for Best Actress. Parvathy had also won the Kerala State Film Award for her role as an Indian nurse, who works in Iraq, and is held hostage along with her colleagues by terrorists. From Tamil, Aruvi, Tharamani and Aram are among the top contenders. Click here for LIVE updates Following intense criticism over the two rape casesKathua and Unnaoin states ruled by it, the BJP said on Friday that rumours were spread that it had not condemned or acted swiftly in the cases. The ruling party appeared to be on the defensive as it supported the action of the state governments in dealing with the cases. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said, Rumours were being circulated that we never spoke against the rape cases. Even during the BJP's executive meeting in Jammu, a resolution was passed, which said the guilty should be punished and innocent are not harassed. Even I had given a statement (on Thursday); it is there on YouTube, but it was never carried by the media. Lekhi said the accused in the rape cases needs to be punished. Victims don't have religions. We stand behind women and children, Lekhi said. The BJP spokesperson accused the agitating lawyer in Jammu who opposed the charge-sheet being filed in the Kathua case as being close to Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. She also said the two BJP ministers in the state government who participated in the agitation in support of the accused had said they were misled by their supporters and it was wrong on their part to do so. In the Unnao case, Lekhi said action is being taken against the BJP MLA who was accused in the case. She read out the details of the case, saying the victim had earlier not named the MLA in her statement before the magistrate and it was only done later on. Referring to the midnight candlelight march by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi at India Gate, she said the rape cases should not be politicised. In her press conference, Lekhi went on to talk about the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Assam in March. She said people who were raising the issue of two rapes cases in Unnao and Kathua were silent on this incident. The Assam rape case had led to tension in the region as it was alleged that the accused were Bangladeshi migrants. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said strict punishment will be meted out to BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, if he is found guilty. Sengar, a BJP MLA accused and arrested on charges of abducting and raping a 17-year-old girl in Unnao, was detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation on April 12. Said Sharma to THE WEEK, He will be given the strictest punishment, if found guilty. There is no two ways about it. Let the CBI investigation get over. The state government will do whatever is necessary. Sharma said under the previous governments, law and order machinery in Uttar Pradesh had collapsed. The crime rate was so high then. That is no longer the case today. Crimes have come down considerably in the state since the time we took over. We have lodged a case against our MLA and got him arrested. We are assuring you strict action if he is guilty. Our government has zero tolerance against criminal acts, said Sharma. The Uttar Pradesh government handed over the investigation into the gangrape of the girl and the custodial death of her father to the CBI. Sharma said some groups are deliberately spreading canards about the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in UP. People know the truth. At the moment ,the only reason why we are not speaking against the concerned MLA is because there is an ongoing investigation against him. Let it get over, and then see us deal with all the wrongdoers in the case, he said. On April 12, the Allahabad High Court questioned the UP government on the obstruction in Sengars arrest. On April 13, the high court asked the CBI to arrest Sengar, after which the CBI detained him. But the court said, Detention is not arrest. It will not serve the purpose." The Court then asked the CBI to present a report to it on May 2. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, is also slated to take up the issue next week. The rape became the focus of attention after the victim tried to kill herself outside CM Adityanaths residence on April 8, while protesting against the lack of action against Sengar by the police. The CBI has now registered three cases against Sengar, the four-time BJP MLA. Said Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel, Samajwadi Party MP, to THE WEEK, The BJP government in UP is doing nothing to prevent crimes and rapes in the state. Crimes have increased since Yogi took over as CM. This MLA was arrested after so many days. I am sure nothing will happen to him. His bosses will protect him. You see, whether it is the CBI or the UP Police, both are under the command of the BJP. So, at the end of the day, what can you expect? Two Russian cosmonauts have greeted students of a central school located at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu from the International Space Station, after receiving a letter from them. The cosmonauts, Oleg Artemyev and Anton Shkaplerov, addressed the students of Atomic Energy Central School, Kudankulam in Tirunelveli district on April 12, a release from Rosatom, a Russian firm involved in the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Project (KKNPP) said. "Out of more than 12,000 letters, their (students) letter was chosen to be replied," it said. An accompanying video showed the astronauts displaying a picture taken by the children with Mikhail Kornienko, a Russian space pilot, during his visit to the school last year. He had earlier served in the ISS. Artemyev was seen saying in the video that they had received a lot of letters and congratulations on the International Cosmonauts Day. "One of those letters was unique. It was full of warmth and love and we could not resist ourselves from replying. The letter is written by school children from a village called Kundakulam in South India who study at Atomic Central School," he said. The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station in low Earth orbit. Russia's foreign minister has asserted that a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov says Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He says Moscow has "irrefutable information that it was another fabrication." Lavrov spoke to reporters in Moscow on Friday. He said that "intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication." He didn't elaborate or name the state. The attack has drawn international outrage and prompted the United States and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. NEW YORK, APRIL 11, 2018 Reuters, the worlds largest international multimedia news provider, today announced the recipients of two new Thomson Reuters/White House Correspondents Association Trust in Reporting Scholarships. The annual one-year scholarships were designed to increase diversity among professional journalists reporting on politics and are available to students of Grambling State University and Arizona State University graduate journalism programs. Recipients will also have access to training and workshops with the Reuters news organization. The 2018 Grambling State University recipient is Tayler Davis, an aspiring television news reporter who is a graduate student majoring in Mass Communication. Davis, 24, is a native of Baton Rouge, La. She enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Monroe after graduating from Dutchtown High School in Geismar, La. She earned a bachelors degree in Political Science and Communications from ULM in May 2017. While enrolled at ULM, Davis worked as a reporter for the campus-based Hawkeye newspaper, as well as the campus public radio station, KEDM. Since enrolling at Grambling, she has become an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists, continued as a volunteer at KEDM, and has served as a moderator for a community town hall forum sponsored by the Grambling Department of Mass Communication. The 2018 Arizona State University recipient is Pat Poblete, a graduate student studying broadcast journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He has a bachelors degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations, and he hosts a weekly broadcast segment that seeks to decrease partisanship by highlighting the thought process behind contentious political topics. Poblete will be in the Cronkite Schools Washington Bureau reporting this summer and is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association. Creating these new scholarships in partnership with the WHCA offers Reuters an exciting opportunity to help promote diversity in political journalism, a crucial goal for us and for news organizations across the country, said Reuters President and Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler. Put simply, we need diverse newsrooms so that we can accurately cover the diverse world in which we live. "The WHCA is proud to announce this partnership with Thomson Reuters and we welcome other news organizations' participation as we expand our national scholarship program, said Margaret Talev, White House Correspondents Association president. The awards benefit some of the brightest and most diverse student journalists in the country and connect our members with the next generation of White House correspondents." Reuters Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest international multimedia news provider reaching more than one billion people every day. Reuters provides trusted business, financial, national and international news to professionals via Thomson Reuters desktops, the world's media organizations and directly to consumers at Reuters.com and via Reuters TV. Follow news about Reuters at @ReutersPR. CONTACT Heather Carpenter PR Manager, Head of Special Projects Reuters heather.carpenter@thomsonreuters.com 646-223-8551 Exmouth, UK Thomson Reuters in Exmouth celebrated a very special anniversary in the most Devon-like fashion the delivery of locally sourced fish and chips and a gift to each member of staff in celebration of 10 years since Digita Software joined Thomson Reuters. First starting life as a home-based business back in 1986, Digita is a South West success story providing award-winning accounting software to accountants. The business was acquired by Thomson Reuters in 2008 securing major investment for growth. In the last 10 years as part of Thomson Reuters, Digita has more than doubled its staff numbers, grown its business four-fold and enjoyed major investment into its Digita accountancy software to enable it to launch new cloud-based products and grow its customer base. Now part of the Tax & Accounting division of Thomson Reuters that employs 6,000 people worldwide, Digita continues to have a strong presence in the South West employing 150 people in its Exeter and Exmouth offices based at The Senate, Exeter, and Liverton Business Park in Exmouth. Andrew Flanagan, Managing Director of Accounting Firms Software EMEA, oversaw the Digita acquisition and is based in Exmouth. Andrew said: Weve experienced exceptional growth over the last 10 years and Im very proud of our team here in Exmouth and Exeter. We have the advantage of being part of a global business but with great autonomy and our close-knit Digita culture very much intact. We dont often take a moment to reflect and celebrate our successes, but today is such a day to enjoy and say thanks to everyone that has been part of our journey so far and the journey to come. Its location in the South West, with offices in Exmouth and Exeter, continues to attract staff to the business working across software development and testing, sales, marketing, finance, customer support, training and operations. Candice Hardman, Senior Account Manager joined Thomson Reuters in Exmouth in 2015 after relocating from London. A University of Exeter graduate, she was lured back to the South West saying One of the reasons I was attracted to joining Thomson Reuters was its willingness to create a quality work-life balance which shows a true respect for employees. Its also fantastic to be part of such an international and well-renowned company based in a beautiful part of the world. Most recently, Thomson Reuters has picked up numerous awards in recognition of the quality of its Digita products and customer service, including two Software Satisfaction Awards: Software Excellence Pioneer and Making Tax Digital Software of the Year publicly acknowledging the companys contribution to the accounting profession and client satisfaction. For more information, visit Digita software for accountants and tax practitioners. About Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters provides professionals with the intelligence, technology and human expertise they need to find trusted answers. We enable professionals in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, and media markets to make the decisions that matter most, all powered by the world's most trusted news organisation. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (symbol: TRI). For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com. CONTACT Ellen Carroll Nellie PR Tel: +44 (0) 1626 249045 Mob: +44 (0) 77906 31547 ellen@nelliepr.co.uk Stephen Sobey Director, Public Relations Thomson Reuters Tel: +44 (0) 20 7375 6814 Mob: +44 (0) 7836 631776 stephen.sobey@thomsonreuters.com American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at [email protected] | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. Wall Street analysts have given Hertz Global a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Hertz Global wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. SCHENECTADY Tarchand Lall stands accused of paying an alleged hitman $10,000 to kill one of his part-time workers so he could collect on a $150,000 life insurance policy, according to court papers and lawyers involved with the criminal case. And while in jail awaiting trial on that crime, the Schenectady contractor allegedly paid an inmate $1,500 to try to convince the alleged shooter, Joevany 'Moon' Luna, to write a statement that the November 2016 contract killing of Charles Dembrosky was a drug deal gone bad, according to copies of hand-written jail notes obtained by the Times Union. Lall would occasionally hire Dembrosky, 49, to perform general contracting and landscaping work for his construction company. The inmate, identified by Lall only as "Gutter," may testify for the prosecution once the first-degree murder and conspiracy trial of Luna and his alleged accomplice, Kyshaan Moore, gets under way in a Schenectady County courtroom. Jury selection is expected to start April 23 or 24. The pair are from Wilmington, Del., where they once worked together at Dunkin' Donuts. It's because of these allegations involving the jail inmate that Lall, 53, is being tried separately, according to attorney Mark Juda, who represents Luna, 42. "There's supposedly an inmate at the jail who's going to say that Lall paid him to try and influence Luna to indicate that he wasn't involved in this in any way," Juda said. He said that his client was never contacted about the alleged agreement between Lall and the inmate. In court papers, the prosecution indicates in part that "certain statements made by Tarchand Lall to other witnesses would be ... incriminating with respect to Joevany Luna." Lall's trial is scheduled to start May 29. He is being represented by Cheryl Coleman, who did not return a call seeking comment. The three defendants, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the offenses, are charged with two counts each of criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted on the top count of first-degree murder, the men could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Juda said Thursday that Luna wasn't in Schenectady when Dembrosky was shot and killed outside his Campbell Avenue house in his Bellevue neighborhood just before 7 a.m. Nov. 19, 2016. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Assistant District Attorney Pete Willis did not respond to a message left Thursday with a secretary at the District Attorney's Office. Attorney Mike Mansion, representing Moore, said all the evidence against his client is circumstantial and there's nothing linking Moore to the homicide. Moore, 27, allegedly drove a car belonging to his girlfriend's grandmother from Wilmington to Schenectady and then back to Wilmington after Dembrosky was gunned down. The women are not facing criminal charges. The white sedan was captured by street surveillance cameras in Schenectady as it traveled from Campbell Avenue and Broadway into the Mont Pleasant neighborhood where Lall lives. The weapon, identified in court papers as a 9mm gun, has not been recovered. SCHENECTADY Public Safety Commissioner Michael Eidens, who splits his time between City Hall and the police station, has been getting acclimated to all that his job entails. The former Schenectady County judge, legislator and prosecutor has even taken the first of six state training courses to become a certified code enforcement officer following Mayor Gary McCarthy's executive order in December that brought the city's beleaguered building department under Eidens' control. But arguably Eidens' most important role presiding over police disciplinary hearings is one he hasn't yet exercised. Since he took office in October, no police officers have opted for hearings, choosing instead to settle internal affairs cases before they reach Eidens.. "We have not had a hearing yet," he said. "There have been some disciplinary proceedings but they've been settled." If there were a hearing, he said, he would announce it to the press and public so it's truly public. When the state Court of Appeals ruled last year that the commissioner had the power to preside over police disciplinary hearings it came with a little-noted provision: The trial portion of the hearings - though not the punishment - would be open to the public. Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford said he suspects the threat of matters being spilled into public view plays a role in the three discipline cases being settled recently. "I think it's the speed and the fact that it's going before the commissioner are probably more of a role rather than the public hearing," Clifford said. Three public hearings had been scheduled before the attorneys for the officers, city and Schenectady Police Benevolent Association resolved the matters before it got to Eidens. The highest-profile case involved former Lt. Mark McCracken, who was arrested and charged with misdemeanor criminal contempt in an internal affairs complaint over allegations he confronted his estranged wife at Union College. McCracken accepted a demotion to patrolman. He said the prospect of a public hearing was not a factor in his decision. "The possibility of it being made public had nothing to do with it," he said, adding "someone within the department or the city leaked all of my discipline to begin with so that would have gotten out as well. I have no doubt in my mind, that if I had gone to a trial, if it were made public, the parts that were supposed to have been private, would not have been kept private." In 2016, he was suspended for allegedly slamming a handcuffed woman's head into a bench, a blow that opened a gash on the woman's head. McCracken and another officer, Andrew MacDonald, were accused of slamming the woman, Nicola Cottone, into the bench. Cottone is suing the city. She was charged with a crime that depicted her as the instigator, but the charge was later dismissed. The criminal charges will be dismissed if McCracken avoids legal trouble over the next six months. As to the impact of public hearings on the negotiation process, Eidens said he is "not party to the discussion that goes on to whether or not it's settled." Eidens said he reviews a tentative agreement reached by the lawyers and approves it if it's "fair and appropriate." Then the case is sealed and police leaders are prohibited from publicly discussing the matter. Section 50-A of the state Civil Rights Law forbids releasing police officers' identity and disciplinary records. A hearing "kind of mirrors a criminal trial," he said, with direct and cross-examination of defense and prosecution witnesses who take the stand. Cases are prosecuted by the city attorney. Eidens decides if the charges have been provided and determines the punishment. Clifford said the internal discipline was aimed at getting officers to realize they erred. "At the same time, we're trying to send a message throughout the department that discipline will occur, but it's to have corrective actions taken, and it's not to be punitive," the chief said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The chief also noted that discipline might also be needed "to fix what we feel might be a problem departmentally," such as the need to change in leadership within a department or unit. "The goal here is for the department to become better on a global scale. Small things matter, and that's where we're holding officers accountable even for the small things, and discipline starts with a verbal counseling," Clifford said. Schenectady PBA P.J. Mullen did not return calls seeking comment. The PBA fought the case, saying changes in disciplinary policy are subject to collective bargaining. The union won decisions by the state's Public Employment Relations Board and the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court. After a years-long legal battle, the Court of Appeals reversed the rulings in October, giving the public safety commissioner final authority over police discipline. The decision came two months after the death of Commissioner Wayne Bennett, who asserted that discipline was most effective when its handled by one person rather than appointed hearing officers. In late October, Mayor Gary McCarthy brought in Eidens as Bennett's successor. Eidens made changes to the policy Bennett crafted. "'I've made sure that since I'm the person who has to decide whether or not the charges are sustained, I don't get involved in the process of putting the case together," he said. "I've written the policy to supplement what Commissioner Bennett wrote to make that clear so that the proceeding in my judgment will be fair." He said his general order ensures that it was "consistent with the due process standards." "The public and the officer have to perceive the hearing as being fair," Eidens said. Clifford echoed those sentiments. "I feel that we're being fair with our discipline. We're not going overboard, which is making negotiations on the officer's end more possible," he said. ALBANY Havidan Rodriguez was many things before he was president of the University at Albany. Convinced he ought to take up a trade out of high school, he became an auto mechanic, fixing cars in his hometown of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. With hopes of doing more, he went off to college and decided to be a doctor. When his money ran out, he left college and joined the Air Force, where he worked as a medical technician and quickly realized medicine wasn't for him. From there, his aspirations took him to Maryland, where he got a degree in psychology, then Wisconsin where he got a doctorate, then Puerto Rico, where he helped build research infrastructure and programs. In Delaware he became renowned in disaster research and in Texas, led a difficult consolidation of two universities and helped launched a new medical school. It was not long ago that he looked up, and with guidance from his longtime mentor, realized that leading a university was not so far out of reach. "If you would have asked me a year ago, I would tell you I had no intentions of leaving Texas," he said, referring to his most recent stint as founding provost at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. "We were doing great initiatives, great projects, really transformative things," Rodriguez recalled. "I loved my team. I loved my boss, who is my greatest supporter. There was no need to leave. But he said to me one day, you know, you are already doing the job of president. You are ready for this." The 58-year-old Puerto Rican native made headlines when he was named the 20th president of the University at Albany in June and the first Hispanic president of a four-year State University of New York campus. That distinction meant a great deal, of course, to the state's Hispanic population, which has long been underrepresented in academic leadership roles. But for Rodriguez, his rise to the position was less about his Latin American roots than it was the work that led him there. Indeed, the words of SUNY's board of trustees chairman, H. Carl McCall, immediately after his appointment, haven't left his head since: "With experience and expertise in areas that directly parallel the University at Albany's own strengths and focus, it seems as though Dr. Rodriguez's esteemed career has been pointing him in SUNY's direction all along." "The more I thought about this, and I kept thinking and thinking about this, because I thought it was a really profound statement, I came to the realization that he was right," Rodriguez said in an interview with the Times Union. "I think he was really right." Rodriguez arrives in Albany at what many see as a turning point for the university. After suffering a long slog of declining enrollment, the university this year saw a record applicant pool and freshman class, and an unprecedented spike in transfer students the likely result of popular new programs in engineering and emergency preparedness, and free tuition made possible by a new state program aimed at the middle class. Before he started the job, Rodriguez met with students, faculty, staff, administrators and community leaders and quickly learned that the university's goals to build its graduate programs and research infrastructure, strengthen niches in areas like atmospheric sciences and emergency preparedness, and boost community outreach were a near perfect match for his own expertise. From 2003 to 2006, he led the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, studying the socioeconomic impact of disasters and their impact on minority populations. Afterward, as a deputy provost and vice provost, he spent time building up the university's academic and international programs before taking on a similar role at the University of Texas-Pan American. In 2014, he led the university's merger into the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border, where he served as founding provost until his appointment at UAlbany. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "I'm not this person that's coming in as a knight in shining armor to save the university," he said. "The university doesn't need to be saved. The university is already strong. But my focus will be on working collaboratively with the community government officials, community leaders, stakeholders, because this is our university right? to ensure the university continues to move forward." He's also not blind to the university community's desire for stability and identity after years of presidential turnover. In the past decade, the university has churned through four different presidents, including Robert Jones, who left last fall to head the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "There's this desire, obviously, for stability at the university," he said. "And, you know, we do need to have stable leadership and come together to establish a voice and identity as a university. I think the university has to be seen as a key partner in the growth and development of not only the city of Albany, but the region and state as well." Out of SUNY's 64 campuses, UAlbany remains one of the most racially diverse: 42 percent of its freshman class this year identify as white, 19 percent identify as black, 19 percent identify as Hispanic/latino, 10 percent identify as other and 9 percent identify as Asian. Roughly 30 percent of the freshman class are the first in their family to attend college, and nearly 10 percent come from another state or country. Overall enrollment was expected to hit 17,700 students this fall, up about 400 from last year. Maintaining the university's role as a diverse institution, racially and otherwise, will be a major focus of the new president as well. "My focus will be on diversity and excellence, not because I'm a Latino but because that is the right thing to do," he said. "Just look at the changing demographics of the country. But when it comes to pulling this university together, we're all in this together regardless of our color, beliefs or background." Amsterdam A $30 million development that would include apartments with river views, covered parking, a restaurant and possibly the only banquet house in Montgomery County was unveiled this week by developers and elected officials. The project, in a city that has seen little in the way of major new housing developments, is a partnership between Indianapolis-based KCG Development and its partner DEW Ventures. The two are partnering on a mixed-use project at the south end of Saratoga Springs, Link@SoBro, that will include apartments, retail and incubator space. In Amsterdam, the five-story building would have parking on the ground level with 132 apartments above it. Rents, according to the Mohawk Valley Compass, would start at $650 a month for one-bedroom units and $1,100 per month for two-bedroom units. "We're truly excited about this project, Amsterdam Mayor Michael Villa told the Times Union on Friday. He said the restaurant and banquet facility would mark the return to the neighborhood of the Lanzi family, which operates three restaurants around the greater Capital Region. Luigi Lanzi's grandfather opened his first restaurant a century ago just two doors down where the new 300-person banquet facility and 150-seat restaurant will be built, Villa said. The new development is steps away from the south end of a pedestrian bridge that connects the south side of the river to Amsterdam's downtown on the north side. Villa pointed out that a new 24-room boutique hotel, the Amsterdam Castle, has opened a couple of blocks away. The apartments would offer maintenance-free living to both millenials and senior citizens, said Montgomery County Executive Matthew Ossenfort. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "This has been a focus among upstate New York cities live, work and play downtown," Ossenfort said. While the Chalmers mill was demolished several years ago, the new building's design is suggestive of the historic structure. The former mill town is seeking to capitalize on its picturesque location along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. A recreation path along the canal has proven popular with bicyclists. Amsterdam also is next to the state Thruway and on Amtrak's main line between Albany and Chicago. Ken Rose, director of Montgomery County's business development center, said officials hope next to build and open a marina. And there's also a move to relocate the train station more centrally. Construction on the Chalmers knitting mill project is expected to begin early next spring, with completion of the one-story restaurant and banquet facility the following autumn, with the rest of the project completed by the summer of 2020. Colonie The state Department of Environmental Conservation has approved permits for the town of Colonie's proposed landfill expansion, although Saratoga County leaders still oppose the project over environmental concerns. The town received the permits on April 5, allowing it to expand into an area known as Area 7 of the landfill, which is located between the Mohawk River and Route 9. It is just south of the Halfmoon town line, and is operated for the town by Waste Connections. "DEC determined the application to be in compliance with all New York state rules and regulations governing waste management practices and all proposed landfill operations have been deemed to be fully protective of public health and the environment," DEC said in a statement issued by a spokeswoman. Colonie had originally planned a 105 acre expansion, but had scaled back the plan to 93 acres, and placed the site 500 feet from the water, instead of just 100 feet. The landfill will be allowed to pile up another 30 feet of trash, rather than the 87 feet that the town was originally seeking. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Although the permits are vital to Colonie the landfill is likely to reach capacity by the end of the year supervisors in the town of Halfmoon and Waterford are not happy, claiming the expansion will cause odors and further pollute the Mohawk. Waterford Town Supervisor Jack Lawler is also worried that the additional 30 feet of trash added on top of the current landfill could destabilize hazardous waste in the existing landfill. He said the DEC is downplaying the potential of that happening. "It is pure speculation on their part, and very risky speculation at that," he said. Colonie A former General Electric Co. worker is suing the company, claiming the company withheld his severance payment when he was laid off from a local locomotive parts repair facility in late 2016 because he was injured at the time and collecting workers compensation benefits. Todd Macchi of Stillwater, who filed the suit April 5 in federal court in Albany, was one of dozens of workers at the GE Transportation Engine Systems plant in Colonie who lost their jobs in December of 2016 as GE prepared to close the plant the following May. Although Macchi was entitled to a severance package and other benefits totaling nearly $95,000, he was never paid any of it, unlike other workers in the plant, he claims. That's because, he says, he was still collecting workers compensation insurance after injuring his knee on the job in October of 2016, and GE wanted him to end the insurance claim before he would be paid his severance, the lawsuit claims. Macchi's attorney, Sarah Burger of the firm Ianniello Anderson in Saratoga Springs, said the workers comp issue should not have any bearing on Macchi's severance package, which should have included a lump sum payment of $58,000, plus a cash payment of $6,071 for 25 unused vacation days he still had. Macchi, a technician and assembly mechanic who rebuilt turbo charger components for GE locomotives, made $30.35 an hour, although GE reduced his pay and the pay of other workers to $28.39 about a year before it closed the plant in what it said was an effort to try to save the plant and make it more competitive. Macchi and his co-workers were not represented by a union. GE ultimately decided to close the plant because it said it was moving the work to India to be close to a large locomotive customer. About 50 people worked at the facility, which was located on Northway Lane near the Colonie Police Department. Macchi was also supposed to receive $30,000 in so-called income extension aid from GE that he was entitled to during the first four months of 2017 when he was getting unemployment insurance following the layoff. "The law is clear that he is entitled to separation pay regardless of his claim regarding workplace injuries," Burger said. It is unclear why GE ultimately decided not to pay Macchi yet give others at the plant their severance. However, the suit states that Macchi was first told that the non-payment was a "mistake." Later he was told by GE's payroll department that he would not get any of his plant closing benefits until he "ended his workers compensation claim." Deia Campanelli, a spokesperson for GE Transportation, said the company was "looking into this matter" when reached for comment on the case. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. GE employs roughly 6,000 people in the region, most of them in Schenectady County where GE has its headquarters for GE Power and the GE Global Research Center. The Colonie facility was relatively isolated from those larger operations since it was part of GE Transportation, which is headquartered in Chicago. GE is looking to sell or spin off the $7 billion business unit as it focuses on three core businesses: energy, health care and aviation. A summons for GE to respond to the complaint was filed with the state Department of State on April 9, and GE has until April 30 to file a response with the court. Macchi had worked at the facility since 1993, when it was operated by another company that was acquired by GE in 2001. The lawsuit claims that the March 2016 pay cut violated state labor law and had the effect of reducing Macchi's severance payment calculation to $54,883, a reduction of roughly $3,000 from what it would have been had his salary remained the same. If Macchi were to win at trial, GE could potentially be liable for roughly a quarter of a million dollars in costs, including the unpaid benefits with interest, cash damages and attorney fees. Its a business strategy as old as capitalism: When an established company faces unwanted competition, it simply buys out the upstart competitor and absorbs it, returning the market to its former stability and returning lower prices to their old (higher) levels. That could be what International Airlines Group (IAG) the parent of British Airways and Iberia is thinking about low-cost transatlantic upstart Norwegian Air. Word came out this week that IAG has purchased a 4.6 percent equity stake in Norwegian. In a statement, IAG said it considers Norwegian to be an attractive investment, but added that its new minority stake in the company is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian. IAG noted that no such discussions have yet taken place, that it hasnt decided whether or not to make an offer on the full company, and that there is no certainty that any such decision will be made. For its part, Norwegian said it was unaware of IAGs equity purchase until it was reported in the news this week, and that it has had no discussions with IAG. Norwegian believes that interest from one of the largest international aviation groups demonstrates the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth, the company said. There were press reports a few months ago that Norwegian may be growing too fast for its own good. It added 25 U.S. routes in 2017, with more on the way this year. It also acquired 28 new takeoff and landing slots at London Gatwick, which it should start to use this summer. But Europes financial press noted that Norwegian was losing money in 2017 even as its unit costs were rising, and that its fleet is growing at an unsustainable level. Norwegian has clearly been getting under IAGs skin as it attracts larger numbers of transatlantic travelers, and its growing presence at London Gatwick will likely eat into the dominant U.S.-London market share of British Airways and its joint venture partner American Airlines. IAGs response so far has been to create a new low-cost subsidiary called Level that has started competing against Norwegian on routes to Barcelona from Oakland and Los Angeles, and has more aircraft joining its small fleet in the months ahead. And IAGs British Airways unit has been reconfiguring some of its Gatwick-based 777-200s, increasing their seat count from 280 to 336 in order to make them more cost-competitive with Norwegian. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Thoughts? Leave 'em in the comments. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. Mexico City Sergio Pitol, a celebrated Mexican author, essayist and translator and winner of the most prestigious award for literature in the Spanish-speaking world, died Thursday. He was 85. Pitol died of natural causes at his home in Xalapa, Veracruz state, said family members and Alberto Salamanca, a spokesman for the Mexican government's Department of Culture. Born March 18, 1933, in the city of Puebla, Pitol was known for such works as "Mephisto's Waltz" and his "Trilogy of Memory," which included "The Art of Flight," "The Journey" and "The Magician of Vienna." He won Spanish literature's prestigious Cervantes Prize in 2005. He was awarded Mexico's National Literature Prize in 1983 and the Juan Rulfo Latin American and Caribbean Prize in 1999. Luis Demeneghi, a cousin who said he considered Pitol more of an older brother, said the writer had been ill for a long time with kidney problems and underwent surgery last year. "I think he was one of the great writers that Mexico had in the last century and in this one," Demeneghi told The Associated Press by phone. "'The Magician of Vienna' is truly a masterwork." "It is a great loss," Mexican author Jorge Volpi said. "He is one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language, an author of exemplary stories and novels ... (who) broke down genres between the memoir, travel writing, the essay and fiction. I loved him very much." Pitol, whose grandparents came from Italy, was orphaned as a young boy. His sister died around the same time, and Pitol contracted malaria, which led to health problems for years. He and his brother Angel went to live with their maternal grandmother in Veracruz state, and it was she who introduced him to the world of literature: Jules Verne, Charles Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson and others. "I think reading saved my life," Pitol said in a 2002 interview with Radio y Television Espanola. "I am sure that if I had not read Verne, of which I read almost everything, I would have been consumed, I would have died very quickly or I would have stayed ill forever." Pitol studied law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, but preferred to audit courses in the school of philosophy and letters. He also became a diplomat, serving as cultural counselor in Mexican embassies in Warsaw, Budapest and Moscow as well as ambassador to Czechoslovakia and cultural attache in Paris. When it comes to the real estate market, there's little doubt that landscaping plays an important role in attracting homebuyers. But developers also pay attention to landscaping when it comes to designing new subdivisions. "If there were large areas to remain, if something is green space, that is identified," said Malta Development President Tom Samascott. "Then we typically will have a planting plan for a lot each lot will follow." Frank Barbera, president of Barbera Homes, said his building company includes existing and proposed tree lines in neighborhood designs. "When possible, a 'no-cut' buffer zone will be deed restricted into the plans,'" he wrote in an email. "This is done to preserve the natural tree line, providing privacy for adjoining and new neighbors." Barbera added that they not only identify green space, but also conduct tree inventories "to determine if there are sensitive areas that should be taken into consideration during the design phase of a project." For example, archaeologically sensitive areas are typically excluded from development areas for preservation purposes. His building company also ensures certain distances away from streams, per guidelines from the state Department of Environmental Conversation. Landscaping is a major priority for home sellers, too. A 2016 study from the National Association of Realtors found that 96 percent of agents suggest sellers improve their curb appeal prior to listing homes for sale, and 99 percent of members believe curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer. This particularly holds true with lawns, which was ranked as the top aspect that appeals to buyers. According to the study, upgrading with seed lawns solicits a 417 percent cost return for sellers, a standard lawn care program solicits a 303 percent return and an upgrade with sod lawn solicits a 143 percent return. Barbera said that in the Capital Region where many people deal with sandy lots ideal grass types are a blend of fescue, bluegrass and rye seeded on a prepared soil surface. Roxeanne Lansing, landscaper with Lansing Property Services, said in an email that people have to pay extra attention to watering when dealing with new lawns in sandy soil. Her favorite seed for sandy soil is Lesco Sun and Shade, under which she recommends layering Mirimichi Green's CarbonizPN Soil Enhancer. Lansing warned people exercise caution when planting other greenery in new lots, too. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "You have to avoid the temptation of having immediate gratification," she wrote. "You must pay attention to the rate of growth to avoid overcrowded landscaping beds." She recommended planting taller plants and shrubs behind the shorter ones, and adding color to landscaping beds. Some favorite plants she recommends are hostas, day lilies and azaleas. However, Lansing added that residents of different areas of the Capital Region would do better with different plants. "We often see different amounts of snow and ice between Albany and Saratoga County," she wrote, drawing a line at Exit 11. According to Lansing, those who live near and above Exit 11 should aim for Zone Four shrubs and trees, like yews and junipers, and those below Exit 11 should aim for boxwoods and holly. "People should be creative and plant what they like," she said. "Landscaping is a form of art." mmikati@timesunion.-com - 518-454-5092 - @MassarahMikati NEW MILFORD - Tapes of 911 calls in two states provide details into the harrowing moments Thursday morning after a North Carolina man shot and killed two people in a pickup truck before turning the gun on himself. Police: Man who impregnated daughter kills her and her adoptive father in Conn., takes own life Frantic witnesses called 911 around 8:40 a.m. Thursday to report that two people had been shot in a black pickup near the intersection of Routes 7 and 55 in New Milford. The victims were later identified as Katie Pladl, 20, and her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, 56, a retired New York state corrections officer. The shooter, identified as Steven Walter Pladl, had fathered a son last fall with Katie Pladl, his biological daughter. She had recently ended their relationship and returned from North Carolina to her adoptive parents home in Dover, N.Y. As Pladl sped away from the shooting scene on Route 7, a witness called 911. Someone just went by and shot this guy in a truck, said the caller, who identified himself as a New York firefighter. The car pulled up, went around him, shot him. Put a whole clipful into his head. After taking a closer look, the witness told the dispatcher there were actually two bodies in the pickup. Minutes later, Pladls mother called 911 in North Carolina, and was transferred to police in the town of Knightdale, just outside Raleigh, where Pladl had a home. She told a dispatcher that her son had just called, saying he had killed his son, his daughter and Fusco and was about to kill himself. Hes dead by now, she told the dispatched in a tape police released Friday. He said he was taking his own life when he got off the phone. Pladls mother, whose name was not given, also told the dispatcher that Katie Pladl had broken up with her father and returned to Dover. She also said Pladl had picked up the infant from her house about 8 p.m. Wednesday, intending to take him to New York. I pleaded with him not to go, the mother said. And then he called me this morning to say they were all gone. He said he was going to kill himself because he couldnt live without her. Knightdale police said Friday that the Pladls son, 7-month-old Bennett, had been found dead in a bathroom closet in Steven Pladls home. There were no obvious signs of trauma, police said, and the medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death. Even as his mother was speaking to police, Pladl was being sought by officers on both sides of the New York state line. His minivan - a light blue Honda Odyssey with North Carolina plates - was spotted by a Dutchess County probation officer, parked with the engine running near the Ten Mile River in Dover. New Milford police said Friday he was dead when officers approached. Authorities said Pladl killed himself with the same semi-automatic rifle that he used to kill his daughter and Fusco. There were no other weapons in the vehicle. Katie Pladl, who had been adopted as an infant in 1998, grew up in New York state and graduated from Dover High School. The superintendent of the district, Michael Tierney, spoke highly of her. Id see her walking around in the halls once in awhile, he said. She was well-spoken and a nice kid. She came from a nice family. The Fuscos adopted Katie the same year that Anthony Fusco retired from the New York Department of Corrections. Tierney said the couple were supportive parents and were active in the community. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. According to news reports from North Carolina, Katie Pladl decided to find her birth parents when she turned 18. A social media search led her to Virginia, where Steven and Alyssa Pladl were living with their two daughters. Alyssa Pladl told Britains Daily Mail newspaper that she eventually discovered her husband and daughter were sexually involved by reading her middle daughters diary. She moved out early last year, taking her two younger children, and eventually divorced her husband, the paper said. Steven and Katie Pladl were arrested in January and charged with incest as an adult, a felony punishable in Virginia by up to 10 years in prison. In her phone call to police on Thursday, Pladls mother said authorities had seized several guns when he was arrested. Whether they left the semi-automatic rifle used in the shooting, or if he had obtained it after his arrest, was not clear Friday. He got arrested a couple of months ago and they took all the weapons out, except that one he has with him, I guess, the mother said. I cant believe this. Its unbelievable. How could he kill her? Meanwhile, in New Milford, the horrified witness told the dispatcher that he had pulled his own truck alongside the pickup to shield the bodies from public view and help stem the flow of traffic. Hes deceased, boss, the witness said. The trucks in the middle of the road. Hes dead? the dispatcher asked. Yes, sir, brains are on the road. dperrefort@newstimes.com TROY Crossed wires and an abridged campaign season means there won't be a League of Women Voters forum for the 107th Assembly District. The race between Republican Jake Ashby and Democrat Cindy Doran to fill the Assembly seat formerly held by Steve McLaughin, who was elected Rensselaer county executive in November, will be decided with a special election April 24. An effort by the League of Women Voters of Rensselaer County to host a forum for the candidates was abandoned earlier this month after the group couldn't connect directly with Ashby about attending, according to the group's president, Margaret Story. She said they had a commitment from Doran to participate in a forum. Story explained that she initially contacted Rich Crist, a Republican operative in the county, based on the belief that he was the campaign manager for Ashby. When she was informed that Crist didn't have an official role on the campaign, she tried to connect with the candidate through his campaign website. "I didn't hear from him," said Story, who could only wait a few days for a response because the election's shortened campaign season meant a narrow window to put the forum together. League of Women Voters guidelines prevent a local chapter from hosting a forum if one of the major party candidates doesn't agree to participate, so the forum was scrapped. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "We wanted to provide a forum for the people of the 107th District," she said. Ashby said he was never contacted by the league through the campaign website. "They never contacted me directly," he said. "I'm not a hard guy to find either." An internet search of Ashby and his occupation returns his company's website, which includes a phone number. Crist, speaking in defense of Ashby, questioned why the league had been able to reach out to Doran directly. In a statement, Doran expressed disappointment about the cancelled forum, which she described as an important test for every candidate pursuing public office. "I stand ready to take the test and I won't be hiding behind a spokesperson. I'll be speaking from the heart," she said. The candidates took questions recently in a Sand Lake forum, which Ashby said was organized by local Republicans. An oil painting by Marc Chagall stolen from a New York City apartment has been recovered by the FBI and is expected to fetch several hundred thousand dollars at auction three decades after it went missing, the U.S. attorney's office of Washington and its owners' estate said. The theft was "an inside job" by a temporary employee who had access to the apartment building in Manhattan's stately Sutton Place neighborhood when the owners were on vacation, FBI art crimes unit and Washington Field Office Special Agent Marc Hess said. A Maryland associate of the thief who acquired the work after a dispute tried to sell it last year - still labeled with the names of its true owners, "Mr. + Mrs. E.S. Heller, New York." A Washington art gallery owner balked, however, because the piece lacked documents proving ownership and referred the would-be seller to the FBI, prosecutors said in a court filing Thursday. The filing asks a court to approve returning the work to the Hellers' estate, which intends to sell it at auction to benefit charities and refund the insurance carrier's payment estimated at about $100,000 at the time. A feud between the thief and a middleman with ties to Bulgarian mobsters, eventually led to the recovery of the 13-inch by 16-inch painting, one of 14 works stolen in the 1988 heist, the FBI and federal prosecutors said. Because the investigation and efforts to recover the other 13 paintings continue, the suspects are not identified in the court filing, which suggests at least is cooperating in the case. Both suspects are now in their 70s and may be motivated by "coming to your end times and wanting to set the record straight," Hess said. The cooperation is "not a (deathbed) confession" Hess said, but may be the associate's attempt to even the score with a thief he believed double-crossed him on a promised fee to find a buyer for the stolen Chagall through "connections with Bulgarian organized crime," as court papers describe the criminal network. "I would say old rivalries die hard, and it's never too late to get your revenge," Hess said. The building employee was convicted in federal court in Manhattan in connection with other art thefts from residences on charges of interstate transport of stolen property and mail fraud, court filings state without providing more details. The employee approached the associate in the late 1980s or early 1990s, when the associate then lived in Virginia. The two argued over the associate's fee, setting off a decades-long grudge and the attempt last year to sell the painting on his own, according to the saga in the court filings. The associate by then was in Maryland and had stashed the Chagall for years in a specially made wooden crate, before approaching the gallery in Washington. None of the other items stolen from the Hellers have been found, but "of all the works that could have been recovered, this is the one that would have pleased them the most," said Alan Scott, the Madison Avenue attorney who handled Ernest "Pike" Heller's estate and is the executor for Rose "Red" Heller, nicknamed after her hair. Ernest Heller was a jeweler and pearl importer who died in 1998 at 95 after a lifetime of expanding his inherited collection of paintings, jewelry, sculptures, silverware and carpets. Rose Heller died at 105 in 2003. "They were the quintessential old married couple," recalled Scott, who met the couple in the late 1980s before the theft, "They told it like it is to each other. And they got along well with everyone, particularly Red .... and they had a very active social life." In a 1988 article reporting the $600,000 theft of all the items, Ernest Heller said he prized most "Othello and Desdemona, " one of Chagall's early Paris works, depicting the jealous title character from William Shakespeare's play holding a sword in a threatening pose over his doomed wife. "I liked them all, but the Chagall was a very interesting one because it was a 1911 painting," Heller said. Heller was about 8 and living in Paris when his father, a jeweler named Samuel Heller, bought the painting from Chagall, who was one of several artists in his family's social circle, said Scott. It remained in the family and part of the collection that came to fill the Hellers' New York prewar three-bedroom apartment along with works by French painters Pierre-Auguste Renoir, George Rouault and Fernand Leger, the Italian Amadeo Modigliani and the American Edward Hopper. The Hellers also acquired Asian and pre-Columbian pottery. Chagall, a Russian-French painter and Modernist pioneer, became a preeminent Jewish artist of the 20th century but was little known in 1911, having arrived in Paris just the year before. Chagall thought enough of "Othello and Desdemona" that he suggested the Hellers offer a Zurich art museum a chance to include it in a 1967 retrospective of his work. It was exhibited and that June, Heller politely rebuffed a Basel gallery owner who asked whether the painting was for sale. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "Under the circumstances we would not like to part with it," Heller wrote, citing its "great sentimental value" after almost 50 years in his family, according to correspondence kept by Art Recovery International, a private firm employed by the Hellers' insurance company that recovers stolen and looted art. The Hellers were longtime art and music patrons. Ernest Heller, who graduated from Princeton University at age 19 and joined the family jewelry business importing Mikimoto pearls before retiring in 1975, learned Chinese and became a trustee of the New York City Center, a forerunner of the Lincoln Center, according to his university alumni death notice. Rose Heller, served on the boards of several U.S. contemporary music organizations, supporting festivals in Aspen, Colo., and Tanglewood in Massachusetts, and raised more than $1 million for the MacDowell Colony, which has supported more than 7,700 artists in residence since 1907 including Aaron Copeland, James Baldwin, Leonard Bernstein and Alice Walker. Art investigators said it is not unusual for thieves to try to sell a painting over the span of many years, whether to an established business or through a formal but illegal network or ring. In the case of the Chagall piece, various sales approaches by the Maryland associate failed before he finally called the FBI asking if there was a reward out for the stolen painting, said Hess and Tim Carpenter, who oversees field programs for the FBI art crimes unit that has about 150 pending cases. There was no reward but agents confirmed the work was stolen using FBI and Interpol stolen art databases. "There's no harm in asking if there is a reward, because sometimes there are rewards posted by insurance companies," either publicly or privately, said Art Recovery International's chief executive, Christopher Marinello. But not for anyone holding back an art piece or information for ransom, which is extortion, Marinello said. U.S. prosecutors in Washington working with the FBI filed a formal civil forfeiture claim for the painting in federal court on Thursday to return the painting to the estate. If the court agrees later this year, the painting is to be sold at auction, with proceeds going to refund a payout by the Hellers' insurance company and any remainder to charities named by their estate, 80 percent for the MacDowell Colony and 10 percent each to Columbia University and New York University Medical School, said Assistant U.S. attorney Zia Faruqui. Marinello said the Heller painting has an "excellent provenance" but awaits formal blessing from the Chagall committee in Paris, to which it will be submitted before auction for examination and authentication. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston offered a $10 million reward in the 1990 theft of 13 works valued at half a billion dollars, Marinello said, while there is also a "sizable" bounty for one of two Aston Martin D5s used in the James Bond film "Goldfinger," stolen from a Boca Raton airfield in 1997. Marinello said collectors, sales rooms, auction houses and dealers to can check items offered for sale against databases of stolen art maintained by the FBI, Interpol and Artive, a nonprofit group. "The art market is reluctant sometimes of course to perform due diligence because that tends to get in the way of earning profits," he observed. "There are lot of people that do the right thing, I don't want to be critical of the entire art trade, but when someone comes to them with a painting that doesn't have proper paperwork, one has to be suspicious." Washington Former FBI Director James Comey blasts President Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" and calls his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty" in a forthcoming book. Comey reveals new details about his interactions with Trump and his own decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election. He casts Trump as a mafia boss-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him personally regarding his investigation into Russian election interference. The book adheres closely to Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with the president during the early days of the administration and his concern about Trump's integrity. It also includes personal jabs at Trump that appear sure to irritate the president. The 6-foot-8 Comey describes Trump as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. He also says he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine but did not seem unusually so." The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. The Associated Press purchased a copy this week. Comey also describes Trump weighing whether to ask the FBI to investigate, with an eye toward debunking, an allegation involving Trump and Russian prostitutes urinating on a bed in a Moscow hotel. Trump has denied the allegation, and Comey says it appeared the president wanted it investigated to reassure his wife, Melania Trump. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Comey's account lands at a particularly sensitive moment for Trump and the White House. Officials there describe Trump as enraged over an FBI raid of his personal lawyer's home and office, raising the prospect that he could fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, or try to shut down the probe on his own. The Republican National Committee is poised to lead the pushback effort against Comey, who is set to do a series of interviews to promote the book. Trump has said he fired Comey because of his handling of the FBI's investigation into Clinton's email practices. Trump used the investigation as a cudgel in the campaign and repeatedly said Clinton should be jailed for using a personal email system while serving as secretary of state. Democrats, on the other hand, have accused Comey of politicizing the investigation, and Clinton herself said it hurt her prospects. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Comey writes that he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Clinton. But he says he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement. Every person on the investigative team, Comey writes, found that there was no prosecutable case against Clinton and that the FBI didn't find that she lied under its questioning. He also reveals new details about how the government had unverified classified information that he believes could have been used to cast doubt on Attorney General Loretta Lynch's independence in the Clinton probe. While Comey does not outline the details of the information and says he didn't see indications of Lynch inappropriately influencing the investigation he says it worried him that the material could be used to attack the integrity of the probe. The former FBI director provides new details of his firing. He writes that then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, now Trump's chief of staff, offered to quit out of disgust at how Comey was dismissed. Kelly has been increasingly marginalized in the White House and the president has mused to confidants about firing him. Comey also writes extensively about his first meeting with Trump after the election, a briefing in January 2017 at Trump Tower in New York City. Others in the meeting included Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, Michael Flynn, who would become national security adviser, and incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer. Comey was also joined by NSA Director Mike Rogers, CIA Director John Brennan and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. After Clapper briefed the team on the intelligence community's findings of Russian election interference, Comey said he was taken aback by what the Trump team didn't ask. "They were about to lead a country that had been attacked by a foreign adversary, yet they had no questions about what the future Russian threat might be," Comey writes. ALBANY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's re-election campaign announced Friday it will no longer seek the ballot line of the progressive Working Families Party in the 2018 governor's race. The announcement came after several hours in which unions released statements assailing the WFP, which in the past has enjoyed heavy labor backing, for its apparent intention to endorse actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, who is challenging Cuomo for the Democratic line as well. "The schism within the Working Families Party between their founding unions and some organizing entities is unfortunate," said Cuomo campaign spokeswoman Abbey Fashouer. "Given the announcement today that the remaining unions will no longer be a part of the WFP, we stand in solidarity with them and will not be seeking the endorsement of the third party line at their convention next month. The governor remains 100 percent focused on taking back the (U.S.) House and the state Senate and maintaining unity within the Democratic party going into the fall." New York labor sector has been in flux this week, as the WFP prepares to meet at the Hilton Albany on Saturday. An early WFP vote to endorse actress Cynthia Nixon's candidacy appears increasingly likely to happen, which has prompted major funders and members of the WFP, including the unions 32BJ and CWA District 1, to announce their departure from the party on Friday. WFP State Director Bill Lipton also released a statement Friday afternoon alleging that Cuomo in meetings this week was "threatening people" if they did not back his campaign. "Several times, (the governor) said, 'If unions or anyone give money to any of these groups, they can lose my number,'" Lipton said. "Our friends in labor are in a tight spot and we respect their decision." Several union leaders supportive of Cuomo, however, disputed Lipton's statement. Hector Figueroa, president of the building workers 32BJ, said that, "Contrary to statements made by WFP officials, we were not forced to make this decision." And Stuart Appelbaum, president of the retail workers RWDSU, which left the WFP after the 2014 elections when Cuomo nearly did not get the party's ballot line that year, said that, "There's no truth to what Bill Lipton is saying this is nothing more than a diversionary tactic. Labor is leaving the party we started because Bill Lipton is using it for his own personal agenda." Nixon has already lined up key support from advocacy groups still remaining in the WFP, including Citizen Action and New York Communities for Change. The endorsement decision will be made by 200-plus WFP state committee members. Nixon campaign strategist Rebecca Katz said in a statement that Cuomo was "terrified" of her candidacy. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "Andrew Cuomo putting his personal political ambitions over the needs of grassroots organizations fighting for racial and economic justice tells you everything you need to know about him," Katz said. If the WFP endorses Nixon only to see her lose the Democratic primary against Cuomo, it would likely help the eventual Republican gubernatorial candidate in November by splitting the liberal vote in the general election. Nixon has so far declined to say if she would run an active campaign on the WFP line if she loses the primary. Labor groups are now considering forming their own ballot line separate from the WFP. The progressive party caused trouble for Cuomo in his first re-election bid in 2014, when it narrowly chose him over Zephyr Teachout after securing from the governor his assurances that he would work to reunify the state Senate's fractious Democratic factions. This year, Cuomo managed to get those factions to actually reunify last week though seizing control of the chamber still depends on winning two special elections later this month and wooing Democratic Sen. Simcha Felder of Brooklyn away from his partnership with the GOP. ALBANY For centuries, conspiracy theorists spun crazed tales of Masonic lodges ruling the world alongside such powerful as the Knights Templar, a medieval military order, to Osiris, Egypt's green god of the underworld. Yet the day before Albany's Masters Lodge No. 5 celebrates its 250th anniversary, member James Best had a less cosmic obsession. "Tablecloths I'm worried I won't find enough nice white tablecloths for Saturday's banquet," said Best, who serves as junior warden, an office akin to vice president. "We didn't hire a caterer. The Masons wanted to make the feast themselves." Two lodges that share the beautiful Renaissance Revival downtown building will hit their 250-year mark this weekend the Ineffable and Sublime Lodge of Perfection along with Masters' Lodge No. 5. The latter has more than a milestone to celebrate; it counts many millennials among its culturally diverse membership. Its current worshipful faster (similar to a club's president), Pablo Hiram Rivera Jr., is Puerto Rican. The senior warden, or second in command, is attorney Joel Pierre-Louis, a Haitian American. "After World War II the Masons lost members because people perceived them as too focused on old-fashioned ceremony," said Michael Hernandez, 28, the historian for No. 5 and other lodges. "But hit movies like 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'National Treasure' awakened a lot of interest among millennials in joining the Masons. And we've prized diversity for centuries so we fit in fine with current times." As far as religion is concerned, Hernandez says members must believe there is a higher spiritual power in the universe. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists meet that requirement. But atheists do not. "We have nothing against atheists and joining the Masons is not like joining a religion," said Hernandez, who works for the state Senate. "You don't even have to give a name to your faith because we leave it up to the Mason to define the higher power. But Masons see belief in a spiritual power higher than ourselves as part of being a responsible man." George Washington, Winston Churchill, Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Chief Justice Earl Warren, Jesse Jackson, Oscar Wilde and Shaquille O'Neal all became Masons. No. 5 proudly displays a photo of FDR (with New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia a few steps away) visiting the lodge. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The headquarters at 67 Corning Place was designed by the Albany architects Fuller & Wheeler and has grace notes like ionic columns, pillars, orbs, and stained-glass windows. The interior has changed over the years with the card-playing-and-smoking room becoming the billiards room in the smoke-free building. No. 5's website photo shows young members with their cue sticks in the room on a game night. Hernandez says Masons ordinarily don't discuss religion at meetings which they regard as a time for fellowship rather than worship. They call each other "Brother" even in casual conversation and seem to cherish spiritual nourishment through friendship. Lodge Secretary Alex Dalis is an example of how precious the Masonic experience, especially the 250th anniversary, can be. "I am very excited about it and have delayed chemo treatment a week so I can attend this historic event," Dalis said. "I'm very proud of our long history as well as a resurgence in interest and membership not only in Masters Lodge but also across New York state and the country." Federal prosecutors said NXIVM founder Keith Raniere's "decades' long history of abusing women and girls" is among the reasons he should remain in custody without bond while his criminal case is pending. The U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn filed a letter in federal District Court late Thursday outlining multiple reasons that they said Raniere is a danger to the community and poses a high risk of fleeing if he is released on bond. "The defendant has a decades' long history of abusing women and girls," wrote assistant U.S. Attorney Moira Kim Penza. "According to confidential sources, the defendant had repeated sexual encounters with multiple teenage girls in the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s. In one instance, the defendant met a fifteen-year-old girl while he was in his 20s and had repeated sexual contact with her." The allegations of Raniere's alleged sexual contact with underage girls was first reported by the Times Union in a 2012 series on the secretive organization and its controversial leader. Prosecutors this week indicated they had affirmed the information. "In another instance, the defendant met a twelve-year-old girl whose mother worked for the defendant and began tutoring her," Penza wrote. "Shortly thereafter, the defendant began having regular sexual intercourse with her, including at his home where he lived with multiple adult sexual partners. One of those partners hired the girl to walk her dog, giving the defendant daily access to the girl." Prosecutors said that Raniere also has told his followers that the age of consent is "too rigid and that it should be lowered to when a childs parent says the child is capable of consent." The letter was filed by federal prosecutors in advance of Raniere's appearance Friday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit forced labor. He has been held in custody since he was deported from Mexico on March 25 and taken into custody by federal law enforcement officials in Texas. There was no bail hearing but a magistrate judge who arraigned Raniere on the federal criminal charges ordered that he remain in the custody of U.S. marshals. The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for April 27. The FBI in New York City issued a statement Friday asking "possible victims or anyone with information related to Keith Raniere to please contact us at 212-384-1000." The Times Union reported on Thursday that FBI agents seized more than $520,000 in cash when they raided the Saratoga County residence of NXIVM President Nancy Salzman last month as part of a widening investigation of NXIVM's business dealings. FBI affidavits filed in support of the search warrant application which was unsealed by a judge at the request of the Times Union also confirmed that Allison Mack, a television actress who has been part of Raniere's inner circle in NXIVM for many years, was an alleged co-conspirator with Raniere in his efforts to recruit women into a secret slave-master club. The records say Mack helped recruit women into the club and made them pose for nude photographs that she would forward to Raniere. She also delivered some of the women to Raniere for sexual encounters, and at least one alleged victim described the sex as unwanted. Penza urged the federal magistrate judge to keep Raniere locked up. "The defendant is charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit forced labor in a scheme involving over fifty female slaves he directed others to recruit on his behalf. He is charged with trafficking these women through coercion and manipulation, tactics that he has used before," she wrote. "After law enforcement began interviewing witnesses about the defendants criminal conduct, he fled to Mexico where he was apprehended only after a month-and-a-half of active searching." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Raniere was arrested by Mexican federal police at a luxury villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was with several female devotees, including Mack, when Mexican federal police took him into custody and deported him to the United States, where he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit forced labor. The federal complaint alleges that Raniere, organized the secret group within NXIVM in which women said they were coerced into joining a slave-master club and later branded with a design that included the initials of Raniere and Mack. Raniere, in statements previously posted on NXIVM's website, had characterized the slave-master group as a consenting, private "sorority" and said that he and the corporation had no role in it. But federal court records indicate emails seized from Raniere's private messaging accounts "support the conclusion that Raniere created" the club, which was known as "Dominus Obsequious Sororium," which means "Master Over the Slave Women." Prosecutors, in arguing for Raniere to remain in custody, also recounted information about a young Mexican woman who was locked in a Halfmoon residence against her will for more than a year as punishment handed out by Raniere. They said Raniere kept the woman, who was in her 20s, locked up because she had developed personal feelings for someone other than Raniere. "During her approximately 18-month confinement, with limited exceptions, the woman had extremely limited contact with her family or other members of the community and she received limited medical attention," federal authorities said. "Her period of confinement was repeatedly extended for other supposed ethical breaches, including, in one instance, because she cut her hair. The woman felt she could not leave because of the repercussions on her family and also because she was illegally in the United States and the defendant and other members of Nxivm had helped her illegally enter." The federal search warrant records disclose the support that Raniere has received from Clare W. Bronfman, an heiress of the Seagram Co. business empire who has described herself as the operations director of NXIVM. The records indicate Bronfman assisted Raniere in sending threatening letters purported to be from a Mexican attorney to women who had defected from the secret club or criticized NXIVM. Raniere fled to Mexico last fall with Bronfman, a member of NXIVM's executive board who has supplied Raniere with access to millions of dollars and private jets, the records indicate. "Prior to this trip, Raniere had not flown out of the country since 2015, when he visited the heiress' private island in Fiji," according to the FBI. Raniere's appearance in federal court comes as NXIVM's worldwide operations are foundering. Leaders of the Mexican counterpart to a NXIVM corporation, Executive Success Programs, announced this week they were giving up their control of the organization. NXIVM at one time had thousands of clients and followers in Mexico. Assemblyman Frank Skartados, D-Milton (Ulster County), has been hospitalized for a "serious condition" and is not expected to recover, according to his chief of staff, Steve Gold. Gold said the assemblyman is in a local area hospital, where he is surrounded by family. He did not specify the illness that befell Skartados. Cherry Hill, N.J. A public employee pension crisis for state governments has deepened to a record level even after nearly nine years of economic recovery for the nation, according to a study released Thursday, leaving many states vulnerable if the economy hits a downturn. The massive unfunded pension liabilities are becoming a real problem not just for public-sector retirees and workers concerned about their future but also for everyone else. As states try to prop up their pension funds, it means less money is available for core government services such as education, public safety and parks. The annual report from the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that public worker pension funds with heavy state government involvement owed retirees and current workers $4 trillion as of 2016. They had about $2.6 trillion in assets, creating a gap of about one-third, or a record $1.4 trillion. While the study looks only at pension funds with major state-government involvement, systems run by cities, counties, school districts and other local entities have had similar problems. Just this week, the Chicago suburb of Harvey, a city with a history of underpaying its pension obligations, announced deep layoffs in its police and fire departments Officials blamed their rising pension obligations. Larger cities and school districts across the country also have had service cuts or freezes over the years to pay for rising costs for their retirees. Pew says that pension funds were well-funded until about 2000. Around that time, many states increased pension benefits without a way to pay for them. In some states, such as California and Illinois, courts usually find that the government must honor those commitments. Also in the early 2000s, the tech stock bubble burst, spiraling investment returns downward. Some states, such as New Jersey, made things worse by skimping on their contributions. Many pension funds had not recovered from the dot-com bust by the time the Great Recession hit less than a decade later. And many haven't recovered from that, either. "When the next downturn comes, there will be additional pressures," David Draine, a senior officer at Pew, told The Associated Press. Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky and New Jersey had less than half the assets they needed to meet their pension obligations, according to the report. Kentucky and New Jersey have the largest gaps, with just 31 percent of the needed funding. Kentucky has been roiled by weeks of protests over a bill passed by the Republican-dominated Legislature and signed by the Republican governor that makes changes to the state's teacher retirement system in an attempt to close the funding gap. Teachers have packed the state Capitol by the thousands to protest the changes. On Wednesday, they joined the state's attorney general, a Democrat, in filing a lawsuit seeking to overturn the law. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Just four states New York, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin had at least 90 percent funding. Draine said those states and some others that have repaired pension shortfalls since the Great Recession will be in better shape the next time the economy slides. The Pew report found that lackluster investment returns in 2016 explained most of why the condition of pensions declined from the previous year. Pension administrators were counting on median returns of 7.5 percent that year. Instead, they made just 1 percent. But the study says that even if the investments had met expectations, the overall position of pension funds still would have declined because state governments were not contributing enough. Only Kansas contributed more to its pension system in 2016 than it paid out, Pew found. In New Jersey, actuaries say it will take around $6 billion a year in contributions from the state to shore up its pension system. It's taken years to get to less than half that amount in the current budget. Maintaining that progress makes it difficult to pay for other priorities, such as boosting school funding. The study finds that states increasingly rely on investment returns in an attempt to stabilize their finances, which makes them more vulnerable to market fluctuations. Because of a strong market last year, next year's report, which will assess the state of pensions as of 2017, is expected to look better. But market slides so far this year have not been encouraging, Draine said. Mitzi Shore, who fostered generations of up-and-coming stand-up comics as the longtime owner, talent scout and booking agent of the Los Angeles club the Comedy Store, died Wednesday at her home in West Hollywood. She was 87. The club confirmed her death. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2009 that she had Parkinson's disease. Shore opened the Comedy Store, on Sunset Strip, in 1972 with her husband, comedian Sammy Shore, in a building that had once housed the nightclub Ciro's. After they divorced in 1974, Mitzi Shore took control and turned the club into a hothouse for comedy. She was a critic, confidante and caretaker for many of the comedians who drifted through the Store. In time she bought the building that housed it and created several performance spaces, one of which, an upstairs stage called the Belly Room, was reserved for female comics in the mid-1970s. "We're like a school, or a boxers' gym," Shore told The Los Angeles Times in 1994. "We're here to help people develop their skills, and to get them seen by supportive comedy crowds, as well as by TV and movie people." It would be faster to list comics from the 1970s, '80s and '90s who never performed at the Store than all those who did, but some memorable ones include Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Garry Shandling, Elayne Boosler, Andy Kaufman, Jim Carrey, Sandra Bernhard, George Carlin and Sam Kinison. The club also served as a talent pool for Johnny Carson, who often chose young comedians who performed there, like Jay Leno and David Letterman, to be guests on his "Tonight Show." "Mitzi Shore was at the top of a long list of people responsible for my career," Letterman wrote in a statement after her death. "She was a unique figure in a unique time." The Comedy Store and the comics who performed there in the 1970s were chronicled in "I'm Dying Up Here: Heartbreak and High Times in Stand-Up Comedy's Golden Era" (2009), by William Knoedelseder. The book was adapted into a Showtime series, "I'm Dying Up Here," which features a club owner, played by Melissa Leo, who bears more than a passing resemblance to Shore. Marc Maron, comedian, actor and host of the podcast "WTF With Marc Maron," wrote in an email that the Store "was a dark, mythological castle in my mind," adding, "I lived for the place." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "Mitzi was the queen," he continued. "She determined your fate. All you wanted was her approval, and you were terrified of not getting it." The club and Shore were sometimes at the center of controversy, not least because for some years Shore did not pay her comedians. She told The Los Angeles Times she saw comics as "independent contractors" and the Store as "a workshop environment" where they could work on material without the stress of a paid performance. In 1979, a group of comedians went on strike for several weeks, and Shore agreed to pay them. She met Sammy Shore at a resort on Elkhart Lake, Wisc., and they married and moved to California, where they had four children. Survivors include a daughter, Sandi; three sons, Peter, Scott and Pauly; and two grandchildren. Pauly Shore is the comedian and actor who rose to fame on MTV. Washington Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sought on Thursday to slow down an imminent strike on Syria, reflecting mounting concerns at the Pentagon that a concerted bombing campaign could escalate into a wider conflict between Russia, Iran and the West. During a closed-door White House meeting, officials said Mattis pushed for more evidence of President Bashar Assad's role in a suspected chemical attack last weekend that would assure the world that military action was necessary. Despite the caution, two Defense Department officials predicted it would be difficult to pull back from punishing airstrikes, given President Donald Trump's threat on Twitter a day earlier of U.S. missiles that "will be coming, nice and new and 'smart.'" Mattis publicly raised the warning on Thursday morning, telling the House Armed Services Committee that retaliation must be balanced against the threat of a wider war. "We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people. But on a strategic level, it's how do we keep this from escalating out of control if you get my drift on that," Mattis said. Hours later, after detailing his concerns at the White House, the president's top national security advisers ended an afternoon meeting without a decision to attack, said Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the press secretary. Diplomatic efforts continued deep into the evening, with Trump agreeing in a phone call with Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain that "it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged," Downing Street said in a statement. The two leaders committed to "keep working closely together on the international response," the statement said. Trump was also expected to speak Thursday with President Emmanuel Macron of France, the other key ally weighing military action. Defense Department officials said Mattis urged consideration of a wider strategy. They said he sought to persuade allies to commit to immediate help after striking Assad's government in response to Saturday's suspected chemical weapons attack on a suburb of Damascus, the capital. Nikki R. Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said that "we definitely have enough proof" of a chemical weapons attack. "Now, we just have to be thoughtful in our action," Haley told Andrea Mitchell of NBC News. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. In the White House meeting, according to three administration officials, Mattis said the United States, Britain and France must provide convincing proof that the Syrian government used chemical weapons to attack the rebel-held town of Douma, where more than 40 people died and hundreds were sickened. Mattis also assured House lawmakers they would be notified before any strikes against Syrian weapons facilities and airfields. The Pentagon alerted lawmakers before an April 2017 cruise missile attack on Shayrat air base after a similar chemical attack on Syrian civilians. Before the White House meeting, Trump told reporters he would make a decision "fairly soon" about a strike. Earlier, in a tweet, he insisted that he had never telegraphed the timing of an attack on Syria, which "could be very soon or not so soon at all!" "We're looking very, very seriously, very closely at that whole situation and we'll see what happens, folks, we'll see what happens," he told reporters. Germany announced it would not be part of any coordinated military action in Syria, even as Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that using chemical weapons "is unacceptable." TROY Rensselaer County Democrats unanimously endorsed East Greenbush Town Justice Mary Pat Donnelly Thursday night to run for district attorney as the Republican incumbent awaits trial on criminal charges. Our party is energized about the real opportunity we have this year to elect a district attorney who will restore integrity and competence to that important office, County Democratic Chairman Michael Monescalchi said. Donnelly addressed the county Democrats' executive committee Thursday. She was recommended as the partys candidate by a committee charged with interviewing lawyers interested in running for the four-year term. The need for change in our county is apparent, Donnelly said when she asked to be considered for the partys nomination. District Attorney Joel Ableove is scheduled for a June 20 trial at the Rensselaer County Court House on a felony perjury charge and two misdemeanor counts related to his handling of a grand jury investigation of a fatal police shooting of a DWI suspect in April 2016 in Troy. The state attorney generals office is prosecuting the case. Democrats see Donnelly, who is midway through her second term as town justice and works as an attorney in the Albany city courts for the state Unified Court System, as appealing to voters in the suburbs. They believe she will be able draw voters who are troubled by Abeloves indictment and his offices administrative problems. My experience in each of these positions has given me a unique vantage point to evaluate the role and function of the district attorneys office. I have worked closely with the offices in both Albany and Rensselaer counties throughout my career, Donnelly said in her application. Donnelly will have to resign as town justice after she accepts the nomination following the conclusion of the petitioning period in July. East Greenbush officials have begun discussions on selecting her replacement. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Abeloves trial will occur during the petitioning period. County Republicans have not yet said if they will seek a candidate to replace Abelove or stand by him in a second run for the district attorneys office. Donnelly graduated from Columbia High School, the University at Albany and Albany Law School. In addition to her jobs in the East Greenbush and Albany courts, she has worked as a state's attorney in Bennington, Vt., and as an attorney for the East Greenbush Zoning Board of Appeals. Donnelly and her husband, Albany Detective Sgt. Patrick Donnelly, live with their children in the town. She has been a volunteer with the East Greenbush school district, the East Greenbush Girls Softball League and Castleton Little League. Donnellys mother is Toni Murphy, the longtime East Greenbush receiver of taxes. Washington One day after he stunned fellow Republicans by announcing his retirement, House Speaker Paul Ryan moved on Thursday to tamp down a succession fight, throwing his weight behind his second-in-command, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California. But Ryan's surprise exit, and his pledge to remain in his office until his term expires in January, set the stage for an unpredictable and possibly unruly leadership battle, with the ideological direction of the conference at stake. McCarthy's ascension is hardly assured; the last time McCarthy sought the speakership, he angered Republicans with a series of gaffes, then withdrew for lack of support from hard-line conservatives. If he stumbles again, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the Republican whip, would be there to step in and take the conference in a still more conservative direction. In an interview with Fox News Thursday, Scalise said he did not intend to challenge McCarthy. "I've never run against Kevin and wouldn't run against Kevin," he said. Ryan, addressing reporters at his regular weekly news conference, apparently picked up on Scalise's comment and used it to project a sense of unity. "I was encouraged that Steve Scalise this morning said that he thinks that after the election, Kevin McCarthy ought to be the person to replace me," Ryan said. "I think that's encouraging because what it shows you is that we have an intact leadership team that supports each other, that's all heading in the right direction." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Questions remain over the shape and makeup of the Republican leadership. If President Donald Trump, who is close to McCarthy, weighs in, his endorsement could seal the election for the majority leader. But until Election Day, members will not know which top leadership slot will open. If Republicans lose the majority, the next speaker will be a Democrat. "It's premature to be having these kinds of conversations, completely premature," said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., who is retiring. "If we retain the majority, that would be an argument for continuity of leadership. In the event we lose the majority, then members might say, 'Hey, we need to go in a different direction with a clean slate.' That's why I think it's very unhelpful for members to be jockeying for leadership right now." HUDSON A 15-year-old boy who has been missing from the Capital Region for more than a month may be in Houston, headed to the U.S.-Mexico border, troopers said Thursday. Keener Mendez-Esteban was last seen leaving Columbia Memorial Hospital on March 5 with two employees of Berkshire Farm, to whose care he was being transferred after a brief hospital stay, said Hudson police Sgt. Shane Bower. Berkshire Farm is a rural residential facility in Columbia County for troubled boys and young men. Mendez-Esteban is one of three teens who have gone missing while in the care of Berkshire Farms in the last month. A 15-year-old who has since been found ran away during a home visit in Schenectady on March 7. Maleki A. Nichols, 15, was reported missing by Berkshire Farms staff on March 21 and was last seen on Route 22 getting into a car. On March 5, Mendez-Esteban was inside a van with the employees when they paused at a stop sign and the teenager leapt out of the car and ran off, Bower said. It's the third time Mendez-Esteban has run away from a residential facility and, during the previous times, he surfaced a distance of three or four hours away from where he disappeared, the sergeant said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Officers visited Mendez-Esteban mother's last known address in Albany, but she had moved without leaving her new address, Bower said. The sergeant said he worried the family would hesitate to contact police, given their immigration status. Mendez-Esteban is described as a 5-foot-6 Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, weighing about 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, black pants, black hat and black sneakers. He has connections to Albany, Saratoga and New York City, and may need medical attention. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Hudson Police Department at 518-828-3388 or State Police at 845-677-7300. On Saturday I took my family to have a closer look at Syria. This was on the Golan Heights, from a roadside promontory overlooking the abandoned Syrian town of Quneitra. The border is very green at this time of year, a serene patchwork of orchards and grassland, and it was hard to impress on our kids that hell on earth was visible in the quiet distance. But I wanted them to see it to know that Syria is a place, not an abstraction; that the agonies of its people are near, not far; that we should not look away. Later that day, in a suburb of Damascus, Syrian forces apparently again gassed their own people. It's fortunate for Israel that it did not bargain the Heights away during the ill-fated peace processes of the 1990s: Had it done so, the Islamic State, Hezbollah or Iran might in time have trained their guns on Israeli towns below. The strategy of withdrawal-for-peace has not been vindicated in recent years, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Gaza Strip. It's a point Donald Trump obviously missed when he insisted last month on U.S. withdrawal from Syria, likely encouraging the apparent chemical attack he now threatens to punish. As it is, the chances of a wider and bloodier war over Syria have grown in recent days. Syrian tanks and artillery have reportedly entered the demilitarized buffer zone near the Israeli border, in brazen violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, as they prepare to sweep rebel forces from the rest of the border area. Israel did very little to deny its attack Monday on an air base used by Iran in central Syria, and Jerusalem is threatening more aggressive steps to keep Tehran from further entrenching itself militarily in its client state. The Iranians have vowed retaliation for the attack, which they are sure to make good on, probably via their proxies in Hezbollah. And tensions between Israel and Russia are at their highest point since the Cold War, in part because Israel did not notify Russia in advance of Monday's attack. So where is the United States in all of this? As Michael Doran pointed out in an astute New York Times op-ed on Tuesday, Trump seems to have violated his own ostensible rules for winning in recent days. First he promised to withdraw U.S. forces, which would eliminate what little military leverage we have with Syria (and Turkey), and then he telegraphed the kind of feckless missile strike he seems intent on carrying out sometime in the coming hours or days. But the truth about current U.S. policy is worse. For starters, there is no policy: The president and his commanding general in the Middle East, Joseph Votel, have offered flatly contradictory statements about what the U.S. intends to do in Syria. We long ago pulled the plug on supporting relatively moderate Syrian rebels fighting President Bashar Assad. And the absence of policy itself runs counter to what is supposed to be Trump's overarching goal of blunting Iran's regional ambitions and forcing a renegotiation of the nuclear deal. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. To adapt Churchill's line about Russia, Trump's approach to Syria is an impulse wrapped in indifference inside an incoherence. A limited missile strike that slightly degrades Assad's military capabilities will change none of this, just as last year's U.S. strike changed nothing. What could work? In a column I wrote for The Wall Street Journal in 2013, I argued that the U.S. should target Assad and his senior lieutenants directly in a decapitation strike, just as the U.S. attempted in Iraq in 2003, and against Osama bin Laden in 2011. If we are serious about restoring an international norm against the use of chemical weapons, then the penalty for violating the norm must be severe. And if we are serious about confronting Iran, Syria remains the most important battlefield. None of this will solve Syria's problems. But it can begin to solve the problems Syria has caused for us as a violator of moral norms, a threat to our regional allies, and an opportunity for our most dedicated enemies. Aldi has announced it is seeking applications from County Tipperarys small to medium Irish food and drink producers to enter their products to win a place on its new Grow with Aldi supplier development programme. Aldi is investing 500,000 in the new programme to give up-and-coming Irish food and drink companies the chance to supply all 130 Aldi stores during a special Irish Food Market promotion in August 2018, and potentially secure a permanent place on its shelves with a long-term contract. Aldi will select up to 50 of Irelands and County Tipperarys best new artisan products to take part in the promotion, with each supplier providing a guaranteed volume of their product. Up to five of the products will be given the opportunity to become core line Aldi listed products, winning a contract to be sold in Aldis Irish stores year-round. Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi has been designed to help small to medium Irish food and drink businesses secure a retail listing.Participants will receive tailored mentoring and bespoke workshops with Aldi buyers and Bord Bia technical experts, teaching them the skills to help grow and develop their product and business. Aldi has developed strong ties with County Tipperary producers, partnering with companies such as Stapletons Bakery and Oakpark Foods. Speaking at the launch, Giles Hurley, Group Managing Director Aldi Ireland, said: We know there are fantastic products from emerging businesses in County Tipperary and we want to make it easier for them to get our shelves. We have always led the way with Irish sourcing and supporting Irish food and drink companies, having developed long-term partnerships with over 175 Irish suppliers throughout the country. Last year we increased our support for small Irish suppliers by significantly reducing their payment terms. In October we were joined by over 400 of Irelands leading food and drink companies at our Irish supplier conference, where we outlined our plans to invest further in our Irish sourced product range and the fantastic opportunities available to small and medium producers to partner with Aldi and supply our stores in Ireland and abroad. Our Grow with Aldi supplier development programme is the next step in our commitment to buying Irish. For a lot of small food and drink businesses, trying to secure a listing with a major retailer puts huge pressure on their team. Recent research by Core Research found that provenance is of huge importance to Irish consumers when purchasing groceries. When questioned on what are the most important factors when making grocery purchasing decisions, one in two (47%) answered that the products are made in Ireland, while 78% of Irish shoppers said they always choose an Irish made product over a similar imported option. The survey also revealed that two out of three (66%) consumers now associate Aldi with selling, locally produced Irish food. Aldi spent over 700m with its 175 Irish suppliers in 2016, while over 50% of Aldis grocery range is sourced from Irish producers, suppliers and manufacturers. Commenting on the programme, Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO said: "We know from our extensive research the importance Irish people place on the availability of locally sourced products. Grow with Aldi will help meet consumers appetite for Irish products and I encourage our smaller Irish producers to get involved. It is a comprehensive programme that provides the platform for companies to develop and expand their businesses exponentially. Food and drink companies in Ireland with ambitions to take their product from concept to shelf and see it stocked in Aldis 130 Irish stores can apply for the Grow with Aldi supplier development programme by contacting grow@aldi.ie. Further details are available at www.aldi.ie/grow. The long-planned relay was delayed last summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, but that also meant extra time for the swimmers to train for their feat. Cathay Pacific will launch its new flight from Hong Kong to Dublin in June, with the Rock of Cashel playing a central part of the marketing campaign. Tourism Ireland in Sydney has teamed up with Cathay Pacific, rolling out a campaign to highlight this new flight option for Australian holidaymakers wishing to visit Ireland in 2018 and 2019. The campaign, which will run until the end of April, includes online advertising on popular websites featuring an attractive image of the Rock of Cashel, articles on the popular Traveller.com.au site, as well as extensive social activity promoting a good value fare on the new service to Dublin from Australia, via Hong Kong. With flights four times per week and morning arrivals, the message for Australian holidaymakers is Wake up Fresh in Ireland. We are delighted to partner with Cathay Pacific, to maximise the promotion of its new service from Australia via Hong Kong and help grow tourist numbers to Tipperary and Ireland. As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism, said Sofia Hansson, Tourism Irelands Manager Australia & New Zealand. Our aim is to keep the island of Ireland front of mind for Australian travellers considering a trip to Europe in 2018 or 2019 and to remind them that it is now easier to get to Ireland, with more flight options than ever before. In 2017, we welcomed around 208,000 visitors from Australia and New Zealand to the island of Ireland, an increase of +2% on 2017. Colaiste Phobal Roscrea enjoys a mutually beneficial Irish - German student exchange programme. The following accounts are written by two Transition Year (TY) students of the school. On the 4th of December 2017 Ms Nielsen (German Teacher) travelled with a group of eight students studying German from Transition Year at Colaiste Phobal Ros Cre, writes Laura Gilmartin. This group included Tiffany ORiordan, Laura Gilmartin, Eve Du Berry, Niamh Geraghty, Julie Brennan, Catherine OConnell, Fiona Scully and Kayleigh Grannell, all taking part in a 10 Day language exchange programme to Secondary School Gymnasium Wellingdorf in Kiel in Northern Germany. This was the second time a group of German students from Colaiste Phobal Ros Cre travelled to Gymnasium Wellingdorf in Kiel as part of a school exchange. We had an early start when we awoke at 2am on Monday morning 4th December, we arrived in a snowy Kiel at lunch time. When we arrived at the school, Gymnasium Wellingdorf, we met with our partner-students, the exchange teachers, the principal and our host families. Everyone was over the moon to finally meet each other after a couple of months emailing and messaging each other! Most days we attended school classes as normal with the partner students. It was interesting to see the differences between schools in Ireland and Germany, such as how early school begins in Germany (7:40am!) and how all students finish at different times, even if theyre in the same year. On Wednesday we went on a historic tour of Kiel where we saw many attractions, for example: war monuments and St. Nikolaus Church. We went on a ferry ride across the Kiel Canal and walked around the Christmas Markets. On Friday we went to Lubeck, a beautiful medieval city near Kiel. While we were there we attended a production of Oliver. We found it difficult to understand the dialogue but the dancing and singing was excellent! For the last two days we went to Hamburg with our German exchange partners where we also met with Mr OConnor. We went to Miniature World, a display of the world in mini version. We also went shopping in the Hamburg Christmas Markets. They were amazing! Full story in next week's Tipperary Star. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. How often have you seen a CEO announce that they dont need a dedicated electric car in their line-up? And that too at a time when every manufacturer, from Nissan to Ferrari , is developing at least one car to keep up with the trend? Perhaps never; until now. Jean-Phillipe Imparato, CEO Peugeot, spoke with Autocar recently and revealed Peugeots near-future plans which do not include a dedicated EV. Read on to know more. Heart of the matter We will absolutely hit our CO2 targets for 2021. And I dont need to launch a dedicated electric car and make a loss to hit the targets Car manufacturers are mandated to keep a check on the emissions produced by their vehicles. When asked if the diesel sales downturn will prevent Peugeot from meeting the mandated CO2 targets, Jean-Phillipe said No. We will absolutely hit our CO2 targets for 2021. And I dont need to launch a [dedicated] electric car and make a loss to hit the targets; I will launch a mix of [powertrains] to protect my operation." However, he also added, I want Peugeot to be a leader in electrification so, by 2019, 8% of our model line-up will be electrified. And, by 2020, 50% [will offer electrified variants]. The electric transition for Peugeot is not in the future; it is now. In the coming ten years, I believe it is right to produce a dedicated electric model, but, in the next few years, I will have a modular platform because this will help us get maximum coverage of all the markets. It will give you the four energies: electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel." Our Take Peugeot's CEO has made it clear that they will keep the Internal Combustion Engine cars alive and electric units will be 'variants' of the same At a time when companies are stressing about EVs, Peugeots CEO has made it clear that they will keep the Internal Combustion Engine cars alive and electric units will be variants of the same. Perhaps, its this attitude, confidence, and clear plans moving forward that helped Peugeots sales grow by 10.4% in 2017. On the flipside, its siblings - Citroen and DS - recorded negative growth. Jean-Phillipe also stressed on how export sales helped Peugeot grow significantly. However, with countries like China, Germany, etc. commencing the ban on Internal Combustion Engines from as early as 2025, itll be interesting to see how Peugeot will go ahead with it. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. References Read more electric car news. Read more Peugeot news. Source: Autocar Celebrating this feat, Honda has been planning an electric version of this mighty scooter with the EV-Cub showcased first during the 2009 Tokyo Show and the second iteration at the 2015 show. This little scooter is touted to become the first electric production model from Honda to hit the streets and the recent patent images re-stores the same faith. Serving 100 million happy customers is a well-achieved milestone for any business, and no other manufacturer but Honda could have made it seem this easy. Being the first two-wheeler to cross such a mark is the Japanese Red Wings Super Cub that began its life way back in 1958. As a matter of fact, 2018 bears a distinct significance for the Super Cub, marking its 60th anniversary. Over the year, the Japanese fine-tuned the Super Cub to evolve with the generations, and yet the underlying concept remained unchanged since the introduction of the first Super Cub in 1958. This iconic design even managed to become the first one ever to obtain a three-dimensional trademark registration in Japan. Now for 2018, Honda has given the Super Cub its brand new update and brings back the round curvy design, featuring LED lights for the first time in the Super Cub series. Mashing advanced technologies with traditional Super Cub styling, Honda has not forgotten to look back at their past to go forward. Mobile Power Packs Thinking much ahead in the future, Honda has also been parallel developing the EV cub for more than a couple of years now. It gained momentum when Honda began collaborating with Hitachi Automotive Systems to develop and manufacture electric systems for future EVs. Then at the 2018 International CES, Honda showcases their brand new project, the replaceable batteries that can be standardized across all their EVs churning inside their factories in the future. Honda EV-Cub showcased at 2015 Tokyo International Motorcycle Show Dubbed as Mobile Power Packs, these batteries can be shared among other concept electric machines including the EV Cub according to the patent image we have here. Featuring a swing-out-in cover, we see a couple of the swappable batteries in the underbelly of the Cub. This is also the first time we get to see Honda making use of a dual battery setup on the EV-Cub. To accommodate this change, Honda has made a dozen changes to its perimeter chassis to enable the Cub to carry those batteries. Honda will also make use of a hub-mounted electric motor derived from their Hitachi collaboration. 2017 Honda Super Cub The Japanese Red Winger has played well ahead of anything the competition can throw at them in the world of motorcycles, automobiles, power products and even business jets. Now, it is slowly shifting focus to making the transport of the future that will be powered by batteries and motors. Honda also has multiple products running currently on the electric power source. At the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the brand showcased the Honda PCX Electric, the Honda PCX Hybrid and the Honda Riding Assist-e motorcycles that tells us about Hondas trust with the electric generation. I am shopping for fire extinguishers this weekend. We have said for years that every new house in North America should have fire sprinklers, and so have the fire chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association. It's in the National Model Building Code, which gets adopted by local codes, except in those states that ban sprinkler requirements. Yes, the builders are so powerful that they get state governments to ban local governments from making their own cities safe. ProPublica did an expose about this: U.S. homebuilders and realtors unleashed an unprecedented campaign to fend off the change, which they argued would not improve safety enough to justify the added cost. Housing industry trade groups poured money into lobbying and political contributions...To date, industry groups have helped block efforts to make sprinkler systems mandatory in new homes in at least 25 states. Only California and Maryland, along with dozens of cities, have adopted the International Code Councils recommendation and required the devices. I finally get to use this great drawing!/Public Domain According to a survey of 3,000 Americans conducted by Furnace Compare, most people think the biggest source of fires is from electric failures. No doubt this is due to decades of work by the industry to get us to fix our wiring. Furnace Compare In fact, half of the fires in our homes start in the kitchen. "The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that home cooking fires peaked during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year alone, State Farm paid over $118 million for almost 2,500 cooking and grease fire claims." This is why every kitchen should have an ABC fire extinguisher handy. Furnace Compare I was surprised to see how many people actually do have fire extinguishers; I do not and am going out tomorrow to buy a pair of them to keep by the two stoves in our house. Furnace Compare The other thing that surprised me was how many people leave their kitchen unattended. "A third of people who died from kitchen fires were sleeping. Make sure to double check that your stove and oven are off. If you can help it, try not to cook when youre tired to prevent accidentally leaving your kitchen equipment on." I wonder if this is a good sales pitch for Instant Pots or induction ranges, if there is a safety case to be made for them. The other big source of danger is from heaters that people use in winter. The NFPA reports that local fire departments responded to 52,050 fires involving heating equipment between 2012 and 2016. They also found that: The leading contributing factor of home heating fires (27 percent) were from a failure to clean equipment. The leading contributing factor of ignition home heating fire deaths (54 percent) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, like clothing and bedding. Most home heating fire deaths (86 percent) involved stationary or portable space heaters. Nearly half of home heating fires (48 percent) happened in December, January and February. So keep your heaters away from anything flammable. Keep them clean and turn them off when you leave the room. But most importantly, check your smoke detectors, and don't vote for jerks who ban sprinkler laws. From the NFPA: States prohibiting statewide and new local adoptions of fire sprinkler requirements in new one- and two-family homes: AK, AL, AZ, CT, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI CC BY 2.0. MORITA MIYATA CORPORATION MORITA MIYATA CORPORATION/CC BY 2.0 And this year, add fire extinguishers to your shopping list. Not the jazziest Christmas present but I am buying them tomorrow and putting them under our tree. I wish I could buy these pretty Japanese ones. Sign up for the Tiffin Project and take your reusable dish to participating restaurants. Do you remember reading about the city of Freiburg, Germany, where local cafes have tackled the issue of coffee cup waste by offering a refundable 1 cup? The cup can be reused up to 400 times and returned to 100 locations around the city. It's a brilliant idea that should be adopted by every town and city. Now it appears that interest in minimizing food packaging has spread to neighboring Belgium, where the city of Brussels has introduced an intriguing Tiffin Project. This zero-waste endeavor connects eco-minded residents with restaurants that are willing to accommodate reusable containers. The idea is that people will sign up with the Tiffin project online, purchase a stainless steel container that comes in two styles (a deep bowl or a more shallow, divided dish, both with sealing lids), and use this whenever they buy takeout food. As a member of the Tiffin project, they will get a 5 percent discount at the till, which is a nice little incentive. As the website explains, Brussels' restaurants generate 32,000 tonnes of waste each year, one-third of which is packaging. This staggering amount of waste is only set to rise, as people are more likely to eat outside the home and rely on takeout meals; hence, the project's goal to change consumer behavior. Translated from French and edited for clarity: "Our mission is to reduce food packaging waste by 1.5 tons per year per 1,000 members -- waste that, if incinerated, would emit 4 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere -- and to save 20,000 in the purchase of disposable containers, which could be better invested in sustainable catering." It's a community effort; the more people who sign up, the more restaurants will want to participate and the easier it gets for everyone. It also encourages people to support small, local restaurateurs and to discover new places to eat, based on the list of participating locations. The website notes that the idea for the Tiffin Project originated in Vancouver, Canada, where chef Hunter Moyes launched a similar idea in 2011. I was unable, however, to find any up-to-date information on the Vancouver chapter, so cannot report on its status. (Its last tweet is dated 2015.) "Tiffin" refers to the stackable metal containers used as lunch boxes in India. It's worth noting, though, that you don't need a special stainless steel bowl or membership to get your takeout food in a reusable container. This is something everyone should be doing, taking dishes and bags to every store, whether you're buying a meal or shopping for groceries. But if being part of a community helps you to feel motivated or stay accountable, then it's a very good thing -- and that little discount helps, too. The more reusables can be normalized, and the faster we move away from our disposables-obsessed society, the better off we'll all be. ONE of the big unanswered questions relating to the relationship between the publicly listed, majority State-owned, First Citizens (FCB) and the publicly listed Jamaican investment company, Barita Investments Ltd (BIL) is whether the T&T bank participated in the current BIL Additional Public Offering (APO) of new shares. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. Ok, well Hoi An is probably one of those 'must sees'. Rightly or wrongly... With four weeks you can certainly see a fair bit, but don't make the mistake that most make by trying to see too much. The north, as in north of Hanoi, will eat up a good week, if not more, of your time. Well worth it, but depending on time of year, may not be ideal. So, where to go? Depends on your interests. And mine probably aren't yours. I'll leave you with 'less is more'. You'll actually see more, if you stick to that, imo. Scott What are the advantages of travelling light on flights? What are the advantages of travelling light on flights? Hi to all. I am a 64+ Indian doctor, and I have been able to convince my wife to stick to a 7kg cabin bag limit for each of us for a planned 1 week trip to Lautoka, Fiji. We need to take a foldable walker with us to assist her while using stairs and I thought that being free from checked-in luggage will be helpful. I would like to know the experiences of others who have travelled light and guidance about what things have to be packed for sure...whether such travel is possible. Planning to book a home-stay that allows use of washing machine and iron and hence I feel we can limit the numbers of clothes that need to be taken. Looking forwards to helpful answers. I am happy to have joined these forums and have learnt many useful things here. Thanks in advance. Dr. Somanna How do I get from the airport (JFK, LGA, or EWR) to Manhattan? What To Do During Layovers? Vacation Apartment Rentals Violate NYC Laws Hotels: Kitchenettes and kitchens in 100+ Manhattan Hotels Hotels: Two queen beds plus a kitchen/kitchenette Hotels: Guests under 21 years old (but at least 18) Hotels: Which ones charge an additional Resort or Facilities Fee Hotels: When is the best time to go for cheaper rates? What are the Must-See's and Must-Do's? How Do I Ride the Subway (UPDATED)? Tips, Hint and Suggestions for First Timers SCAMS to avoid in NYC What Will the Weather Be Like During My Trip? Any Good Websites for Researching My Trip? How Safe is New York? Where to Eat in NYC Where to eat in NYC - Part 2 Celiac in the City? (gluten free) Which Area Should I Stay In? Is There Cheaper Lodging Outside Manhattan? How Much Do I Tip People? Are the New York Pass, Explorer Pass or CityPass worth it? How Do I Hail a Taxi? Public restrooms/toilets. Where do you go when you GOTTA GO? Where are the best areas for shopping? How do I find Discount Tickets for Broadway Shows? Events for Halloween 2019 in NYC Thanksgiving 2019 in NYC: What to Do & Where to Eat Christmastime in NYC 2020: Dates for the Trees-Windows-Markets-Ice Skating+MORE! Christmas Day 2019 in NYC: What to Do & Where to Eat What Should I Do on New Year's Eve? How Will I Survive the Cold Weather? Where are the Farmers Markets and Street Fairs? What is there to see and do near WTC/SOL/Brooklyn Bridge/SI ferry? What should I know about visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum? What Is There to See and Do in Brooklyn? How Do I Get to the Brooklyn Bridge? What Is There to See and Do in Queens? Exploring neighborhoods - where should I go and what should I see? Which is the best? ESB or TOTR or OWO? Which are the significant churches in Manhattan? Hidden Gems in the city - not so touristy How do I get from NYC to the Meadowlands and back? I'm Getting Married in NYC...what do I need to do? Should I Buy Knock-Off Purses? What to Do with Kids and How to Do It? What should we do at night -- especially with kids or under 21's? Places to eat (and drink) with a view Where is the Old FAQ? Trip Reports: Families with Young Kids - Add yours! Trip Reports: Groups of Friends - Add yours! Trip Reports: Couples - Add yours! Trip Reports: Families with Teenagers - Add yours! Trip Reports: Solo Travelers - Add yours! Trip Reports: Families of Adults - Add yours! Re: Driving from Liberia to Dreams Las mereas at night 1. Re: Driving from Liberia to Dreams Las mereas at night Knowing you will be transfered by somebody else it will be safe and clear. Do Not Worry. The ride will be for around 2hrs at that time of the night. The road is all pave. Enjoy your vacations. RideOnTrailsCr - Kuria had gone to present cheques to beneficiaries of Uwezo Fund initiative in Gatundu South - Accompanying him was a jovial-looking Ngina, President Uhuru Kenyatta's daughter - The two were warmly welcomed by members of the Inuka Women Self Help Initiative - Kenyans chose to ignore the main event and instead focused on Kuria's special guest, Ngina Gatudnu South MP Moses Kuria on Thursday, April 12, traveled back to his constituency to present cheques to the beneficiaries of the Uwezo Fund initiative. Kuria met with 17 groups of women under the Inuka Women Self Help Initiative. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and President Uhuru Kenyatta's daughter Ngina Kenyatta presenting cheques to beneficiaries of Uwezo Fund.Photo: Moses Kuria/Facebook. READ ALSO: A sneak-peek of an expensive house that Uhuru Kenyatta is building The Inuka Women Self Help Initiative was started by The Kenyatta Trust, a non-profit organization targeting Kenyans from the disadvantaged families especially students. "To further support the groups, I pledged to partner with Inuka in rolling out the pilot for Maisha Kilimo Project in Kahuguini Primary School," Kuria shared in a Facebook post seen by TUKO.co.ke on Friday, April 13. READ ALSO: The one Kenyatta family couple you rarely see or hear of Moses Kuria and Ngina Kenyatta presenting cheques to beneficiaries of Uwezo Fund in Gatundu South on April 12, 2018.Photo: Moses Kuria/Facebook. Maisha Kilimo, Kuria explained, is a partnership between Moses Kuria Foundation, Gatundu South CDF, public schools and community groups. Clearly, this was a big occasion for the Gatundu South lawmaker, but not to all Kenyan netizens. A section of Kenyans seemed less interested in Kuria's development initiatives in his constituency and more concerned about his business with President Uhuru Kenyatta's daughter, Ngina Kenyatta. Moses Kuria, Ngina Kenyatta and some of the members of the Inuka Women Self Help Initiative. Photo: Moses Kuria/Facebook. Kuria was spotted with a smiley and pretty-looking Ngina as he handed over cheques to the beneficiaries of the Uwezo Fund initiative. Uwezo Fund is a vision 2030 flagship programme aimed at enabling women, youth and persons with disability access finances to promote enterprises. READ ALSO: This is KSh 15 million car that Ngina Kenyatta drives Uhuru Kenyatta's daughter Ngina Kenyatta and Moses Kuria in Gatundu South on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Photo: Oliver Mathenge /Twitter. Below are some of the reactions from Kenyans after the Gatundu South legislator shared photos of him with Ngina: Thiong'o Wa Gichuhi: Continue grooming the Kenyatta's, once those kids are big enough, you will be eliminated the way they did the MP who was there before you so that you can be nominated. You are a pawn in a chess game but no one has to live forever so your demise to most of us will be normal, and in fact when it happens I will add an extra wife to my family to celebrate. PK Mwangi Kimotho: And you were accompanied by Kenya's first Daughter Ngina Kenyatta. Good job Njamba... Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Socialite Bridget Achieng wants to be Kenya's next president - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko - Mutua was hosted by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya - A photo of him posing on a podium with officers saluting irked Kenyans - Many asked him to stop loitering and instead go back and focus on his county - He recently visited Nyeri County for a bench marking tour Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua seems determined to make good his promise and actualize his dreams of becoming president judging from his recent actions. Mutua visited Kakamega county where he was hosted by his counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya. In a Facebook post seen by TUKO.co.ke on Friday, April 13, Mutua posted several pictures himself being received by his host at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Video of female Tanzanian singer in bed with lover leaks online and TUKO.co.ke has the details However, it was one of his photos that struck the attention of Kenyans. Mutua picture posing as the president evoked harsh reactions from irked netizens. Photo: Alfred Mutua/ Facebook READ ALSO: Agony for 40 Nyeri families as floods destroy homes Governor Mutua inspecting guard of honor in Bukhungu stadium Kakamega. Photo: Alfred Mutua Facebook Mutua was who was undoubtedly thrilled by the warm reception from his host, couldn't resist temptation of posing as the president standing on the podium, with council askaris saluting him inspecting the guard of honor. Mutua being led to the dais by a guard like a president. Photo: Alfred Mutua/ Facebook His audacious stunt clearly didn't impress Kenyans as it evoked harsh reactions from irked netizens. Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Kakamega Governor Wycliff Oparanya entering Bukhungu stadium on a red carpet. Photo: Alfred Mutua/ Facebook READ ALSO: Wife to Grace Msalame's baby daddy pens sweet message to her twins on their 7th birthday and it's just adorable Mutua with other leaders at Bukhungu stadium. Photo: Alfred Mutua/ Facebook Mutua's stunts irked netizens. Photo: Alfred Mutua/ Facebook See the reactions below: This comes barely days after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was forced to publicly announce his preferred candidate for the 2022 presidential race after he hosted Mutua, who was endorsed for the seat by some leaders. In Mutua's recent visit in Nyeri, a former legislator from Mukurweini, Muhika Mutahi, urged him to vie for presidency come 2022 once he completes his second term. Mutua was in Nyeri recently where a former politician urged him to vie for the top seat. Photo: Alfred Mutua/ Facebook Mutahi asked him to feel free and seek the support of Central Kenya residents as he runs for higher office. Well, it seems the governor is determined to make his dreams come true after all and has started rehearsals beforehand. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. From a House girl to an MCA - on TUKO TV Source: Tuko Newspaper - The two politicians met in Garissa and reportedly agreed to work together - They faced off in a fierce battle in the last General Election to represent Garissa Township constituency - Farah having lost the seat unsuccessfully challenged the MP's win - It was the first time the two bitter rivals were spotted together in public It is definitely a season of ending protracted political differences and perhaps borrowing from the spirit of the now famous handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga. The latest to join the fray are two long time political enemies, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Wiper Democratic party Secretary General Farah Maalin. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Information reaching TUKO.co.ke indicated the two politicians met on Friday, April 13, in Garissa and reportedly agreed to work together. READ ALSO: ODM declares it will sponsor presidential candidate in 2022 after Raila-Moi handshake Information reaching TUKO.co.ke indicated the two politicians met on Friday, April 13, in Garissa and reportedly agreed to work together. Photo: Jamal Abdikadir/Facebook. READ ALSO: Details of Railas surprise meeting with retired president Daniel arap Moi It was the first time the bitter rivals were spotted together in public. The two legislators faced off in a fierce battle in the last General Election to represent Garissa Township constituency in the August House. Farah having lost the seat unsuccessfully challenged the MP's win. High Court judge Hedwig On'gudi ruled that the election was conducted in accordance with the laid down electoral laws and the Constitution. READ ALSO: High Court upholds Aden Duale's August 8 election victory, petitioner ordered to pay KSh 6 million The two legislators faced off in a fierce battle in the last General Election to represent Garissa Township constituency in the August House. Photo: Jamal Abdikadir/Facebook. READ ALSO: I cannot follow KSh 6 million because I am not interested - Duale pities his rival who lost election petition The former deputy speaker had pleaded with the Court to call for fresh election in Garissa Township on grounds there was widespread electoral malpractices. Political pundits however think the duo's meeting was informed by the latest series of handshakes between some leading figures initially pulling in opposite directions. Raila held a rare meeting with retired president Daniel Moi, days after agreeing to end his opposition to President Uhuru-led government. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. From a House girl to an MCA - on TUKO TV Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest It's our pre budget show where we bring you some of the most talked about items on the econo Russia builds up its military power in Crimea and Donbas. Ukraines National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said this at the 11th Kyiv Security Forum, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk's The Open Ukraine Foundation, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Russia builds up its military power in Crimea, doing this not only to protect its presence," Turchynov said. He noted, in particular, that the 22nd army corps along with other units of the Black Sea Fleet and the Air Force division of the Russian Federation are currently deployed in Crimea. The total number of military personnel is over 30,000 people. According to Turchynov, powerful missile systems are located on the peninsula, in particular, S-400 surface-to-air missile system, which can hit planes anywhere in Ukraine, was recently delivered there. Turchynov also added that Russia had placed four missile brigades armed with the Iskander missile systems, capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 2,500 kilometers, near the Ukrainian border. According to the National Security and Defense Secretary of Ukraine, this is the evidence of Russias ostentatious withdrawal from the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles. "Not only Ukraine is in danger. Russia's withdrawal from this agreement puts all the European countries in jeopardy, since a missile could reach a target in some minutes, not hours," he said. ol One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in eastern Ukraine over the past day. Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO issues, Colonel Dmytro Hutsuliak said this at a press briefing on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Russian-backed occupation troops continued to violate the ceasefire regime, having launched 66 attacks on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As a result, one Ukrainian serviceperson was killed. Our deep condolences to the family and close friends of the fallen soldier. Another Ukrainian serviceperson was wounded, he said. The ministry's spokesperson added that the wounded soldier was immediately taken to the hospital. He is in a critical condition. iy India is interested in the strategic cooperation with Ukraine in the military and technical sector. This issue was discussed at a meeting of First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleh Hladkovskyi with Defense Ministry of India Nirmala Sitharaman during the DefExpo-2018 on April 12, 2018, the press service of the State Enterprise Ukroboronprom reports. The Defense Minister confirmed her country's interest in strategic cooperation with the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. Ms. Sitharaman noted that she was familiar with the process of integrating innovations and capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry under the program Make in India," reads the report. In turn, Hladkovskyi said that Ukraine considers India as a strategic partner in the military and technical cooperation. "We are interested in bilateral large-scale long-term projects, transfer of technologies, creation of joint ventures in all directions of the military and technical cooperation," said the Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. iy Ukraines National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov says that Russian troops deployed on the border with Ukraine are ready for waging large-scale continental war. He said this at the 11th Kyiv Security Forum, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk's The Open Ukraine Foundation, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Russian troops, which stay on the border with Ukraine, are ready for use, for waging large-scale continental war. At the same time, more than 260,000 Russian troops, 3,500 tanks, 11,000 armored vehicles, about 4,000 artillery systems and more than 1,000 multiple artillery rocket systems may be used against our country," Turchynov said. He noted that the 4th and 6th armies of the Russian Air Force would support all those troops. "These are the realities Ukraine lives in," the Ukraines Security Council Secretary said. ol NATO highly appreciates Ukraine's actions in confronting Russian hybrid aggression and wants to adopt its experience and best practices. NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said this at the 11th Kyiv Security Forum, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk's The Open Ukraine Foundation, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The fog of war has clouded because of Russias use of hybrid or (as we sometimes call them) the asymmetric, techniques. That has created a fog of neither peace nor war but of constant crisis and destabilization and hot conflict on Donbas. Cyber attacks, disinformation, election interference, the use of nerve agents every day these dangers confront us now with the goal of sowing disunity and breaking resolve. No one knows this better than Ukraine, who has been battling these techniques non-stop for the past four years. I know Ukraine has learned a lot about how to fight back. Ukraine has been vaccinated against disinformation, prepared with the right antibodies to fight back. NATO is looking forward to learning from Ukraines experience, the NATO Deputy Secretary General said. She recalled that the joint NATO-Ukraine Commission hybrid warfare platform focused on countering hybrid warfare had been formed. This is a very important element of how NATO can learn from Ukraines experiences and best practices that you have put in place, Rose Gottemoeller said, noting that NATO has done a lot to reform its intelligence organizations to focus on cyber threats. ol Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has said that the trade turnover between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova could reach $1 billion in the near future. In a post on his Facebook page, he wrote: We have great opportunities in the economic cooperation. In 2017, the trade turnover between Ukraine and Moldova rose to $884 million. Moreover, it is quite possible to reach mutual trade turnover totaling $1 billion in the near future," Groysman said. According to Groysman, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Pavel Filip said that $1 billion is not the limit and added that thanks to the neighborhood relations the trade turnover between our countries can grow much more. In addition, the Ukrainian prime minister added that representatives of the governments of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in Kyiv signed agreements on the liberalization of aviation and road transport, and the Memorandum on cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova in the sphere of synchronous operation of the energy systems of the both states. As reported, Prime Minister of Moldova Pavel Filip on April 11 paid an official visit to Ukraine to participate in the 11th Kyiv Security Forum. iy Denmark has decided to link the permit for the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline with Russia's guarantees for the continuation of gas transit to Europe via Ukraine. "In this regard, the Ukrainian issue is crucial," Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in Berlin after the meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, DW reports. Rasmussen recalled that the Danish government had not yet given its consent to the construction of the gas pipeline in the countrys exclusive economic zone. Danish laws require the government "to take into account the geopolitical framework conditions" when making a decision. This aspect is now being studied by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. It is clear that Nord Stream 2 is not only a purely commercial project, but involves politics as well, the Danish Prime Minister said. Its construction concerns not only Denmark, therefore, according to Rasmussen, he is glad that Chancellor Merkel made an unequivocal statement on this issue on April 10. ol President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during a phone conversation discussed the issues of trade and economic cooperation, the presidents press service reported on Thursday evening. The President of Egypt noted friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries and stressed the Egyptian side's readiness to expand trade and economic cooperation with our state, in particular the implementation of certain bilateral economic projects," reads the report. President Poroshenko, in turn, congratulated Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the victory in the presidential elections held in March 2018. "Also, prospects for holding the next meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Ukraine and Egypt were discussed," reads the report. Poroshenko also stressed the need to intensify the bilateral dialogue at all levels and invited Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to visit Ukraine. iy Ukraine has agreed on the introduction of visa-free regime with Uruguay. As the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine reports, the corresponding agreement was reached during the negotiations of Director of the Foreign Ministrys Consular Service Department Serhiy Pohoreltsev with the leadership of Uruguay. "Following the high-level meetings, in particular with the head of the Migration Service, the leadership of the Foreign Ministry as well as with the members of the Parliament of Uruguay, Pohoreltsev reached an agreement on the introduction of visa-free regime for the citizens of Ukraine and Uruguay," the statement reads. ol Ukraine and Peru have agreed on the introduction of a visa-free regime in the near future. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin wrote this on Twitter. "We have agreements on [the introduction of] a visa-free regime in the near future with two more countries - Uruguay and Peru. Its super, but the whole of Latin America should be open for Ukrainians, and Ukraine should be open for it," Klimkin wrote. As Ukrinform reported, during negotiations of Director of the Foreign Ministry's Consular Service Department Serhiy Pohoreltsev with the leadership of Uruguay, an agreement on the introduction of a visa-free regime was reached. iy The Moldovan-Ukrainian Joint Committee for Demarcation has agreed to begin an active phase of demarcation of unmarked segments of the joint border. The press service of the Foreign Ministry reported this following the 11th meeting of the Joint Commission in Kyiv. "The delegations discussed the state and prospects for the implementation of the Demarcation Plan for the Ukrainian-Moldovan State Border for 2018, approved a number of amendments to the documents on the demarcation of the state border between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Following the discussion, the Joint Commission decided to start an active phase of demarcation works in the unmarked segments of the Ukrainian -Moldovan state border as early as in June," reads the report. The next meeting of the Moldovan-Ukrainian Joint Committee for Demarcation will be held in the Republic of Moldova in the second half of 2018. iy Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bondar and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Lukas Parizek held political consultations in Kyiv on April 12, the Foreign Ministrys press service reports. The parties discussed current issues of the Ukrainian-Slovak relations, in particular, prospects for the development of a political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, cooperation in the energy sector, ways to develop interregional and cross-border cooperation. "Slovakia will continue to support Ukraine, in particular, in the issue of achieving peace and security," reads the report. Also, Bondar and Parizek signed a plan of interdepartmental consultations for 2018-2019 between the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. iy Neculaescu also confirmed Romania's support for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. Ukraine and Romania will seek a compromise to ensure the educational rights of the Romanian minority in Ukraine. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania Danut Neculaescu held political consultations on April 12, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on its website. In particular, the parties discussed a number of issues of Ukrainian-Romanian relations, the development of political dialogue with an emphasis on pan-European and regional security, as well as cultural and humanitarian issues. Read alsoRomania says language row no justification for blocking Ukraine-NATO dialogue The Ukrainian diplomat informed his Romanian counterpart about the implementation of the education law and current issues concerning the protection of national minorities' rights in Ukraine. At the same time, the parties agreed on the need to find compromise approaches to ensuring the educational rights of the Romanian minority in Ukraine and the Ukrainian minority in Romania. Neculaescu also confirmed Romania's support for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. As UNIAN reported earlier, the new law on education, which entered into force on September 28, 2017, introduces a 12-year secondary education system in Ukraine with Ukrainian being used as the language of tuition. Children of national minorities can be taught in their mother tongue at classes (groups) along with the national language. Yet, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Greece and Bulgaria expressed concern over the language provisions of Article 7 of the law. The Venice Commission issued recommendations on December 8, 2017, that the Ukrainian authorities should balance the language provisions. On February 14, 2018, government officials in Ukraine extended until 2023 the transition period for the introduction of the language provision of the education law. Russia attacked Donbas 66 times in the past 24 hours. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has said escalation caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine's east increases as more pressure is put on Russia over Syria. "Russia escalates more in Ukraine as it is pressed more over Syria 66 attacks in Donbas, 1 UA KIA, 1 WIA. R.I.P.," spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Mariana Betsa wrote on Twitter on Friday, April 13. Read alsoNSDC to consider new sanctions against Russia next week Turchynov As UNIAN reported earlier, on April 7, Syrian opposition activists, rescue workers and medics said the rebel-held town of Douma in the Eastern Ghouta region had been attacked by government forces using bombs filled with toxic chemicals. The Syrian-American Medical Society said more than 500 people had been found with symptoms "indicative of exposure to a chemical agent," and the World Health Organization on Wednesday demanded access to the area to verify reports from its partners that 70 people had died. U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that Russia should "get ready" for missiles to be fired into Syria, in response to an alleged chemical attack at the weekend. Gottemoeller stresses Ukraine should carry out important reforms. Deputy Secretary General of NATO Rose Gottemoeller has said Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations are not idealistic, but realistic. "It's not so idealistic for Ukraine to have Euro-Atlantic aspirations and to wish to join both NATO and the European Union. I think those are very important and realistic goals. But I'm not going to hide from you that you have a lot of heavy-lifting to do before you are ready for NATO membership," she said at the 11th Kyiv Security Forum. Read alsoUkraine Parliament passes in first reading draft law on national security "Important reforms have to be carried out. They are the reforms of defense institutions, security institutions, including the ministries represented here. And I think, you know, if I had one piece of advice for Ukraine, it is to keep the focus on reforms now, front and center. But your Euro-Atlantic aspirations are not idealistic, they are not by a long shot, they are realistic," Gottemoeller said. As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on March 28 signed a decree "On approval of the Annual National Program under the auspices of the Ukraine-NATO Commission for 2018". "The Annual National Program (ANP 2018) should ensure the fulfillment of priority tasks of Ukraine's cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as relevant decisions taken during the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission at the level of heads of state and government held in Warsaw (Poland) July 9, 2016, and other important agreements with the NATO," the presidential administration reported on its website. In this regard, it is noted that ANP 2018 is a systemic strategic document that defines priorities for 2018 and medium-term goals to be achieved by 2020. The document also envisages relevant practical measures to be taken in the framework of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration policy as well as reform of the country's security and defense sector in line with NATO's standards and recommendations. "The program is aimed at attracting and employing the potential as well as practical, consultative and advisory assistance of NATO and member states with the aim of enhancing Ukraine's defense capability in the context of Russia's armed aggression, as well as the introduction of targeted and systemic measures to prepare the state for gaining NATO membership," the report said. The official put forward several conditions for a reboot. Restoration of cooperation with the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance will become possible after several conditions have been fulfilled by the Ukrainians, head of the Polish INR Jaroslaw Szarek said. Earlier, Ukraine appealed to Poland to renew cooperation between the two institutes of national remembrance, ministries of culture and international commissions on history, according to Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Rozenko. Sharek noted that such cooperation would be renewed once Ukraine allows Poles to conduct search operations to find remains of Polish nationals on Ukrainian territory, Radio Poland reported. It is about an exhumation of the remains of Polish soldiers and legionnaires who perished in 1939 near the village of Kostyukhnivka, Volyn region, and about the construction of memorial sites. Read alsoUkraine, Poland need unity in face of Russian aggression Polish envoyAnother prerequisite for the restoration of cooperation will be the joint publication of the meeting of the Polish-Ukrainian Forum of Historians. The work of the body, which is comprised of academics from the two countries, is currently suspended. Poland's INR chief said that the Institute is ready to hold new meetings with Ukrainian scientists if scientific achievements that had already been presented at earlier forums are published in Polish and Ukrainian languages. "However, we have not yet received from the Ukrainian side the texts of works by Ukrainian authors, although we can print them," said Szarek. Ukraine's INR suspended contacts with their Polish counterparts while search operations for the remains of Poles in Ukraine were also halted after the demolition of the UPA [Ukrainian Rebel Army] monument in Hruszowice last April and other cases of defilement and destruction of Ukrainian memorial sites across Poland. He was speaking in the Ukrainian capital during the 11th Kyiv Security Forum, an annual meeting of politicians and experts focusing on international security issues. Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis has spoken in favour of continued arms deliveries to Ukraine as the country battles Russia-backed separatists in its eastern Donbas region, according a report. Ukraine's international partners should continue to help the country by providing it with arms deliveries not because we want to encourage war, but because such deliveries help save lives among soldiers and civilians, Skvernelis said on Thursday, as quoted by Polish broadcaster TV Republika, Radio Poland wrote. He was speaking in the Ukrainian capital during the 11th Kyiv Security Forum, an annual meeting of politicians and experts focusing on international security issues. Meanwhile, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, said during the Kyiv conference that the United States wanted to see Ukraine become a member of NATO in the future, according to reports. Read alsoPoroshenko: Nord Stream 2 "political bribe" for Germany's loyalty to RussiaWhile in Kyiv, Skvernelis met Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko to discuss issues including "the need to block" a planned gas pipeline from Russia to Germany that would bypass Ukraine's transit system, TV Republika reported. If built, the contested Nord Stream 2 pipeline would supply around 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, circumventing Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine. Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine all oppose the project. The U.S. State Department spokeswoman said last month that the US government opposed Nord Stream 2 as the project would undermine Europes energy security and stability. According to Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Philip, Moldova seeks to negotiate with Kyiv a corridor via its territory for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria. He also recalled that at this year's Munich Security Forum there was a discussion on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Moldova, where a Russian official explained that there is a problem with the withdrawal of weapons via Ukraine due to the difficult situation in Donbas. This question is still far from being resolved, and Russia's consent at the moment is not a fait accompli. The talks between Moldova and Russia on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria have been ongoing for years. Russia has even given an obligation to withdraw its forces from Moldova, which Moscow has so far failed to fulfill. The pullback of Russian forces from the territory of Moldova can only take place against the background of certain radical decisions regarding the status of Transnistria Therefore, the current talks and Moscow's promises can only be considered in the context of Russia's general rhetoric as Moscow leadership is trying to gain the image of an exclusively peaceful and even peacekeeping power in the modern world, in particular, in the post-Soviet space. But it is still too early to consider in practical terms the question of the withdrawal of Russian troops through the Ukraine corridor in the context of ensuring Ukraine's national security. However, we can model such scenarios. In general, the pullback of Russian forces from the territory of Moldova can only take place against the background of certain radical decisions regarding the status of Transnistria. Most likely, it is about federalization of Moldova with the autonomous status for Transnistria - in this case, such a compromise would be possible. To date, the situation is complicated by the internal conflict among Moldova's political elites. There is an ongoing confrontation between the government and president, while the proposal to provide the corridor came directly from the prime minister, that is, the government. In the face of such confrontation, no one can be sure that any decisions by the Moldovan authorities are final. Ukraine is interested in the Russian troops being withdrawn from Transnistria The risks implied by such a scenario can be ranked in a certain way. The primary risk that arises for Ukraine is that of Moldova's destabilization. It is the most likely one. Both the fact that Russia launches such negotiations and the fact that Russia is getting engaged in the Moldovan crisis with supposedly peacekeeping initiatives, or at least with the consent to resolve the conflict, may indicate, as is often the case with Russia, its intention to destabilize Moldova. This is an important signal to us that we must not ignore. As for the Russian contingent and its future redeployment Ukraine is interested in the Russian troops being withdrawn from Transnistria. Obviously, there might be an option that would allow doing this without significant threat to the territorial integrity and national security of Ukraine, without disturbances and provocations. In my opinion, there is a rather short passage to Odessa, to its seaport. Just as Moscow once promised to help Ukraine to deliver part of the ships of the Ukrainian Black Sea Fleet to the shores of mainland Ukraine, Kyiv could, in response, organize a "delivery by sea" of Russian servicemen via the port of Odesa in order for them not to move by land through the entire territory of the country. Incidentally, we're talking about a rather small number of Russian servicemen. But Ukraine must have certain guarantees in this case. We have a "5+2" negotiation format, which in this case can serve as the guarantor of security of the withdrawal operation. That is, there should be observers from the countries involved in the negotiation process. It is hard to believe in the sincerity of Russia's intentions in this context and the fact that the issue will be quickly resolved in practical terms I think that the advantages for Ukraine's national security in the very fact of the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria are much more significant than the risks arising in connection with their movement via the territory of Ukraine. Such an opportunity should be considered as a chance for Ukraine. Although, of course, it is hard to believe in the sincerity of Russia's intentions in this context and the fact that the issue will be quickly resolved in practical terms. Honestly speaking, I don't see any particular reason to believe in such sincerity. There is also a certain risk that Moscow can exploit this situation to get Ukraine and Moldova into a fight with each other, as Moscow realizes that under present circumstances it will be difficult for Kyiv to dare provide such a withdrawal corridor. Ukrainian policies in the context of the Moldovan settlement and general relations with Moldova have not been too successful. According to sociological surveys, attitudes in Moldova are much better toward Russia and Romania, while Ukraine stands a bit aside in Moldovans' perception. Therefore, drawing Ukraine into some dubious or provocative conflicts around the Moldovan settlement can be Moscow's diplomatic tactic aiming at further discrediting the Ukrainian side. This must not be ruled out. However, it seems to me that Russia's goal is more general - to expand the field of geopolitical bargaining. Russia stands on a number of platforms as a party that promises to solve the problem while imitating a constructive solution. This applies to Donbas, Syria and others regions. That is, the inclusion of Moldova in the list of "hot spots" where Russia supports peacekeeping initiatives should alert Chisinau rather than give grounds for hoping that their problem will soon be resolved. Maksym Rozumny is PhD in Political Sciences, head of the Russia Research Center at the National Institute for Strategic Studies According to Poroshenko, parts of the National Guard, SBU, border guards, and National Police will become subordinate to the AFU. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels that the Anti-Terrorist Operation would be changing its format to become the Operation of Joint Forces in Donbass as early as April 30. "[It's going to happen] not in a month it should change on April 30," he said, answering the question on when the ATO should be transformed into an Operation of Joint Forces in Donbas. Read alsoNational Guard to play leading role in Joint Forces Operation in Donbas Poroshenko"It's not about the advantages. I believe it will fundamentally change the organization of military management. The ATO is being carried out under the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine. The interaction between the SBU and units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Police, and National Guard is absolutely different from what is envisaged in the law on Donbas reintegration. The leadership over the operation is transferred to the Armed Forces which will gain additional powers to respond to aggression," the president said. According to Poroshenko, parts of the National Guard, SBU, border guards, and National Police will become subordinate to the AFU. "This will make the actions of the Ukrainian military much more effective not only in repelling armed aggression, but also in tackling sabotage groups," he stressed. Read alsoPoltorak: Javelins to be delivered to Ukraine "on time"As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament on Jan 18 passed draft law No. 7163 on special aspects of state policy to ensure Ukraine's state sovereignty in temporarily occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions (the so-called Donbas reintegration bill). On March 16, President Petro Poroshenko announced the end of the ATO and further transition to the Operation of Joint Forces. He also appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lt. Gen Serhiy Nayev to the newly created post of Ukraine's Commander of the Joint Forces. On Tuesday, Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted UN Security Council resolution that would have set up a new inquiry to ascertain blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko declares the need for reforming the United Nations and depriving Russia of its veto right in the Security Council. "The UN requires immediate reform: to deprive the aggressor state of its veto right. And another question is that we need to increase the effectiveness of security of other alliances, including NATO, including further opening the door to Ukraine into this security alliance," the president said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels. Read alsoKremlin furious over draft UN Resolution calling Russia "aggressor state"As UNIAN reported earlier, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine will next week consider sanctions against the Russian Federation, similar to those imposed by the U.S. On Tuesday, Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted UN Security Council resolution that would have set up a new inquiry to ascertain blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria. "Over the last four years we have seen consistent Russian military support for its proxies in eastern Ukraine - and it continues to today," the diplomat said. The Russian Federation, being in total control over its proxy forces in eastern Ukraine, bears full responsibility for humanitarian costs of the conflict, according to U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine negotiations Kurt Volker. "Russia has 100 percent control over the forces in eastern Ukraine and bears full responsibility for the horrendous humanitarian costs of the conflict," Kurt Volker wrote on Twitter Friday. "We can help end the conflict and facilitate a UN-mandated PKO if Russia chooses peace," the diplomat wrote, adding that "were still waiting for a response from Russia and a clear sign they want peace." "Over the last four years we have seen consistent Russian military support for its proxies in eastern Ukraine - and it continues to today," he concluded. As UNIAN reported earlier, Kurt Volker has called on Russia and its proxies to stop threatening or intimidating the OSCE monitors following the latest incident where armed men near the village of Kreminets on April 5 charged weapons in front of the OSCE SMM patrol and threatened monitors. The human toll of the armed conflict is appalling, with over 2,530 civilians killed and 9,000 injured, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported earlier. Thousands of homes, hundreds of hospitals, schools, and water and electricity facilities have been damaged due to the hostilities. The rapid and increased contamination of the conflict-affected area by mines and unexploded ordnances is threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of Ukrainians. The NSDC secretary said that in early March 2014, there had been over 200,000 Russian troops amassed at Ukraine border. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, states that the Kremlin in early March 2014 was preparing an invasion plan not only for the east of Ukraine, but also for Kyiv, with the purpose of bringing back to power the regime of Viktor Yanukovych. "It was already from the end of February - early March that our intelligence reported on preparations for the invasion not only of the east or south of Ukraine, they [Russia] were ready to enter into Kyiv," Turchynov said. "And there was Yanukovych, whom they publicly considered a legitimate [president] and who, as you know, appealed to Putin demanding the introduction of [Russian] troops, and that piece of paper [an appeal to Vladimir Putin] - they used it as a political cover But imagine the situation: they enter Kyiv, bringing along Yanukovych, a" legitimate" president from Russia's point of view, but formally, also from the legal perspective, and they say, 'We restored the constitutional power in Ukraine'," stressed Turchynov. "It was precisely this plan that was most dangerous for us: it was precisely the military invasion and the proclamation of the restoration of the so-called "constitutional power" of Yanukovych, and in order to cancel out the scenario most dangerous for our state, it was necessary to hold honest, transparent, legitimate elections that all countries would recognize. And that is why the only option that remained was to carry out an Anti-Terrorist Operation, but certainly with the involvement of the military, as it was only the military who could resist military aggression," the NSDC secretary said. He recalled that on April 14, 2014, it was decided to announce the start of the ATO. Read alsoJoint Forces Operation to be launched in Donbas April 30 - Poroshenko"The fact is that the situation was developing very quickly. In fact, Russia began an undeclared war against our state, and at first it was war in Crimea, but it was on March 1 when the Russian parliament approved Putin's decision to deploy troops to Ukraine. Along the border with our state. more than 200,000 troops amassed a powerful grouping together with reserves, tanks, artillery, multiple rocket launchers and aircraft," Turchynov said. "And in fact it was clear that after Crimea, military aggression would begin in mainland Ukraine, and back then, in early March, we were forced to transfer all available troops, those few we had, up to the north and east in order to withstand this invasion, the war to which Ukraine was not yet ready," he said. He recalled that Russia, along with military actions, began a provocation, very thoroughly prepared by their special services, called "Russian Spring". "According to the plan of the Russian staff, separatist riots should have covered almost half of Ukraine. Indeed, such riots spread across the country from Odesa to Kharkiv, both south, the whole east, and north were people would seize administrative buildings, hold strong rallies, fly Russian flags So back then, the situation was tense not only in Donetsk or Luhansk, it was the same in Kharkiv, Odesa, etc." said the NSDC secretary. Read alsoPutin mulling new invasion of Ukraine in autumn SBU"And for us it was fundamentally important to preserve Ukraine, on the one hand preparing for [Russian] military invasion and on the other hand finding it necessary to suppress all these riots that threatened to tear Ukraine apart and pave the way for the invasion," he said, adding that, "according to the plan of the Russian General Staff, Ukraine should not have resisted a military invasion." However, Turchynov noted that at that time, Ukraine's priority was to suppress revolts. "We quickly stopped the situation from spreading in most regions of Ukraine, and when the Kremlin leadership saw that their scheme of destabilization, creating chaos in Ukraine was falling, they deployed their special forces in the east. It was in the east, in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where military aggression began with the seizure of administrations and headquarters of security agencies. They also sought to start the same thing in Kharkiv, where the corresponding events were launched simultaneously, but in Kharkiv we were able to quickly suppress the revolt," said Turchynov. He added that Ukraine also had the opportunity to crush the riots in Donetsk and Luhansk, but when Russia "saw that their plan was failing, they deployed their troops." Commenting to 112 Ukraine reporters on the results of today's lie detector test, Vira Savchenko said that her sister suffers from tachycardia and fever due to prolonged starvation. Experts believe that it is impossible to properly conduct a lie detector test with MP Nadiia Savchenko, who is being suspected of plotting a terrorist attack, because of Savchenko's health condition as she has gone on hunger strike from March 23. The sister of People's Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Nadiia Savchenko, Vira, said that lie detector experts had failed to properly carry out an examination of the suspect because of her hunger strike, an UNIAN correspondent reports. Commenting to 112 Ukraine reporters on the results of today's lie detector test, Vira Savchenko said that her sister suffers from tachycardia and fever due to prolonged starvation. Read also"Mental health issue": PM Groysman on Savchenko's alleged terrorist plot in parliament"So now this question has remained open.There are incorrect reports only because her body cannot go through [a lie detector test] under such conditions.Therefore, there will be a pause now, and the lawyers understand that in principle the lie detector test is unlikely to affect the case in legal terms," said Vira Savchenko. In turn, Savchenko's press secretary Tetiana Protorchenko added that the experts who conducted the examination had not yet encountered hunger strike conditions. "Therefore, they cannot work, as it turned out," she said, stating that the procedure has not yet been completed. As UNIAN reported, the Verkhovna Rada on March 22 green-lighted the arrest of Member of Parliament Nadiia Savchenko, a former Ukrainian pilot released from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner-of-war exchange. Ukraine's prosecutors charged Savchenko with plotting a coup and an act of terror in Ukraine, following an elaborate sting operation by SBU Security Service agents, who initially targeted former hostage swap negotiator Volodymyr Ruban. The latter is believed to have conspired with Savchenko. Savchenko is suspected of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 109 (actions aimed at the forcible change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power); Part 1 of Article 14 (preparations for a crime), Part 2 of Article 28 (committing a crime by a group of persons, a group of persons by prior agreement, an organized group or a criminal organization), Article 112 (an attempted attack on the life of a public figure), Part 3 of Article 258 (an act of terror); Part 1 of Article 258-3 (creation of a terrorist group or organization) and Part 1 of Article 263 (illegal possession of weapons, ammunition or explosives) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. On March 23, Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court ruled that Savchenko be remanded in custody for 59 days without bail. She announced in the courtroom she would go on hunger strike, denying plans to flee Ukraine. On March 29, Kyiv's Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the first instance court to keep Savchenko behind bars for a period of 59 days until May 20. The enemy continued to use proscribed weapons, including mortars, grenade launchers and anti-aircraft guns. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 66 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another one as wounded in action (WIA). Read alsoRussian-led troops in Donbas attack Ukraine 38 times in last day "In the Donetsk sector, the occupiers fired 120mm mortars at the Ukrainian positions in the villages of Pisky and Vodiane. They also used 82mm mortars near Butivka coal mine, and the villages of Talakivka and Vodiane, cannons of infantry fighting vehicles near Talakivka and Vodiane, as well as anti-aircraft guns near the village of Opytne and Butivka mine. In addition, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms were used against the Ukrainian military near the towns of Avdiyivka, Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, Butivka mine, and the villages of Opytne, Vodiane, Pisky, Pavlopil, Kamianka, Lebedynske, Shyrokyne and Hnutove. Moreover, a sniper was active near Pisky, Pavlopil and Avdiyivka," the press center of the headquarters of Ukraine's military operations reported on Facebook on Friday morning. In the Luhansk sector, the Russian occupation forces opened fire from 120mm and 82mm mortars, cannons of infantry fighting vehicles and an anti-aircraft gun at the Ukrainian fortified positions near the village of Troyitske. The aggressor used 82mm mortars against the defenders of the village of Krymske, cannons of infantry fighting vehicles and an anti-aircraft gun near the village of Luhanske, as well as grenade launchers and heavy machine guns against the Ukrainian troops in the villages of Zalizne and Zaitseve. Furthermore, the Ukrainian positions in the village of Novozvanivka and the town of Svitlodarsk came under fire from grenade launchers. The death of the militant is proved by condolences expressed to his relatives in social networks. Platoon commander of a militant unit of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR"), Alexander Novikov, aka "Tolstiy," has been killed in Donbas. "Novikov Alexander Alexandrovich, aka 'Tolstiy,' (born in Donetsk, 07/01/81) became 'Cargo 200' 04/04/18," blogger Necro Mancer wrote on Twitter. The death of the militant is proved by condolences expressed to his relatives in social networks. The terrorist's information was in Ukraine's Myrotvorets (Peacekeeper) Center database, which lists individuals who pose a threat to the country's security. Some of the mine's pumps would be shut off tentatively on April 14, and thus the mine would be gradually flooded. Monitors from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine have reported the militants want to flood the Yunkom mine in the town of Bunhe, which is 43 kilometers north-east of the temporarily occupied city of Donetsk. Read alsoOSCE monitors report 255 explosions in Donbas within 24 hours "Staff at the Yunkom mine in Bunhe (former Yunokomunarivsk, non-government-controlled, 43km north-east of Donetsk) told the SMM that some of the mine's pumps would be shut off around April 14, and thus the mine would be gradually flooded. (In 1979, a nuclear device was reportedly detonated in a capsule inside the mine. Staff from the mine also told the SMM that it is not clear how possible leakages or increased pressure from the flooding of the mineshaft could threaten the integrity of the capsule)," the mission said in an update based on information received as of 19:30, April 11, 2018. "However, the deputy chief engineer and three other persons (man and two women) said the current status of the capsule is not known, and it is not clear how possible leakages or increased pressure from the flooding of the mineshaft would affect the capsule's integrity," the monitors said. The expected invitation comes a day after Zuckerberg testified for roughly 10 hours in front of two panels of U.S. lawmakers about Cambridge Analytica. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg barely left his grilling in Congress before another group of lawmakers is asking him to testify this time, in Europe. Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament, is set to send a letter to Zuckerberg on Monday insisting that the Facebook co-founder come to testify, a spokesman for Tajani said Thursday, amid heightened concern about Facebook's privacy practices, according to The Washington Post (WP). If Zuckerberg agrees, it would bring him face-to-face with some of the tech industry's toughest critics outside the United States, who will begin implementing new rules in May that would fine companies for mishandling consumers' sensitive information. "Facebook hearings demonstrate that concerns remain over compliance with rigorous EU data privacy standards," Tajani said in a tweet Thursday. "We are confident that Mr Zuckerberg will also be willing to answer our questions, showing that he is equally committed to being accountable to European citizens." A spokesman for Facebook did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. Read alsoZuckerberg: Facebook in 'arms race' with Russia-backed groups media The expected invitation comes a day after Zuckerberg testified for roughly 10 hours in front of two panels of U.S. lawmakers about Cambridge Analytica, a data analysis firm that had improperly accessed names, "likes" and other personal information about roughly 87 million users. It was the Facebook executive's first appearance on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers rarely invite and question tech executives. Facebook also has revealed that practically all of its users had their public profiles scraped for information by malicious actors. Much like their U.S. counterparts, European Union officials are seething over Facebook's privacy mishaps. Vera Jourova, the E.U.'s commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, said on Wednesday that regulators studying Facebook and Cambridge Analytica "need to know much more about what happened, and to whom." She is set to address the matter directly on Thursday with Sheryl Sandberg, the social-media giant's chief operating officer. The stakes are high for Facebook in Europe, where the region's consumer protection watchdogs have proved willing to challenge U.S. tech giants on many fronts penalizing Google $2.7 billion for threatening competition, for example, and charging Apple more than $15 billion on grounds that it failed to pay taxes. In May, the E.U. set its sights on Facebook, fining the company $122 million for misleading regulators about the way it planned to handle user data after acquiring the messaging service WhatsApp. Next month, E.U. regulators will begin enforcing a new set of rules, known as GDPR, that seek to restrict the ways that tech companies collect and monetize consumers' personal information. Violations could carry sky-high fines. Leading the region's investigation into Facebook is Britain, which has been studying "fake news" for months. Lawmakers there also had requested Zuckerberg's testimony, but Facebook offered other executives in his place so the panel is set to interrogate Facebook's chief technology officer, Mike Schroepfer, at a hearing this month. British lawmakers also plan to interrogate executives at Cambridge Analytica. They have already heard from the whistleblower who brought the firm's data-gathering activity to light, Christopher Wylie. On Wednesday, top E.U. data protection authorities banded together to signal their full support for the British probe. Andrea Jelinek, who leads the bloc's Working Party 29, also announced the creation of a new organization focused on social media and privacy. "A multibillion-dollar social media platform saying it is sorry simply is not enough," she said in a statement. "While Cambridge Analytica and Facebook are on top of everyone's mind, we aim to cast our net wider and think long-term." Russian legislators have developed a plan to retaliate against the latest U.S. sanctions: transform Russia into a pirate state. Draft legislation submitted to the State Duma on Friday would give the government the authority to waive copyright restrictions on select foreign products, allowing Russian enterprises to produce those goods without the consent of their patent holders abroad. The exhaustion of exclusive rights, lawmakers say, could be used against the U.S. and other hostile states, according to Meduza. In other words, well gut-punch the Americans, since its precisely intellectual property that is responsible for all their success and, above all, the domination of the Anglo-Saxon and Western world. And wed strike a blow against this right, explained Mikhail Emelyanov, the deputy chairman of the Dumas Legislation Committee. Read alsoRussia says it will respond firmly to new U.S. sanctions mediaThe same draft bill would also grant the government the right to issue more restrictions on American imports (such as alcohol, tobacco, medicines, and foods), limit the work of international rating agencies in Russia, ban certain foreign software, prohibit foreigners from participating in privatizations, suspend cooperation in various sectors (including nuclear power, aviation, and rocketry), and more. As UNIAN reported earlier, Russia set up an operational group in the Azov-Black Sea Territorial Administration of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries to tackle the alleged "Ukrainian piracy," following the Kremlin's claims that Ukraine unlawfully seized a Crimea-based Russian-flagged fishing vessel, which Kyiv says has violated a number of Ukrainian laws, including on the illegal crossing of Ukraine's border. Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a key pioneering project under "One Belt and One Road" initiative and it has created opportunities for eliminating poverty for the local people BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a key pioneering project under "One Belt and One Road" initiative and it has created opportunities for eliminating poverty for the local people. "Belt and Road Initiative will change the fate of Pakistan as the CPEC is a major initiative," he said in an interview with a Chinese language newspaper "Jingjcankao" on Friday. He believes that the "One Belt and One Road" has brought innovation and energy to the development of enterprises. The construction of the CPEC has created opportunities for the local people to enjoy a more prosperous life in order to eradicate poverty. Shaukat Aziz mentioned that Pakistan is a country lacking resources and needs to get loans from many places. The "Belt and Road Initiative" helped Pakistan reduce poverty, promote infrastructure construction, economic development, and promote bilateral relations. He said this is why the "One Belt and One Road" is so popular in Pakistan. He pointed out that many countries have also proposed similar cooperation and win-win initiatives, such as the United Kingdom's International Development Department (DFID) to provide financing for Pakistan's infrastructure construction, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also has projects in Pakistan for water conservancy and road construction. However, these are not as clear and comprehensive as the One Belt One Road Initiative. The depth, impact, and breadth of China's "One Belt and One Road" initiative are stronger than others. The benefits at the national level have increased the quality of the "One Belt and One Road" win-win results, and have continued to attract business circles to join in. At the Boao forum, multinational companies said they will actively participate in the "One Belt and One Road" initiative. Aziz also said in his speech that the "Belt and Road" initiative has created global shared growth and shared prosperity opportunities so that everyone can benefit from it. Therefore, it has received extensive attention. The "One Belt and One Road" initiative is in line with the development of many countries, and it is also true for Pakistan. He cited as an example the fact that Gwadar Port is a cooperative project of the "Belt and Road Initiative", which is rarely seen in the three-year period from planning to now. This project not only promotes local economic development, but also helps improve the local infrastructure conditions, and many people have thus obtained employment opportunities. "This is thanks to China's initiative to help Pakistan achieve a better development. He hoped that more people in more countries could participate in the construction of the "Belt and Road." Minister for Planning, Development & Reform and Interior Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the most important pillar of Belt and Road Initiative and due to commitment and sincerity from both Pakistan and China, the vision of CPEC was fast translating into reality BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Minister for Planning, Development & Reform and Interior Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the most important pillar of Belt and Road Initiative and due to commitment and sincerity from both Pakistan and China, the vision of CPEC was fast translating into reality. The minister made these remarks during his meeting with Vice Chairman National Development Reforms Commission (NDRC) Ning Jizhe here. He said work on CPEC projects had seen positive progress over the past five years in Pakistan. Pakistan has achieved 5.8% GDP growth rate which is highest in the last eleven years and growing. "We have almost overcome energy crisis which was daunting our economy. With growing cooperation of both countries and particularly inclusion of space technology, the old phrase that our friendship is higher than Himalayas must be changed. Pakistan and China friendship is now higher than stars" he added. The minister said the operationalization of Energy Projects in Sahiwal and Port Qasim is a testament of the high speed with which CPEC projects have been completed. KKH and Multan-Sukkur highway projects are progressing well and would contribute significantly towards upgrading Pakistan's transportation infrastructure. ML1 railways up-gradation project, connecting Peshawar to Karachi, formed an important part of CPEC's development portfolio and it would benefit people, especially along the route and significantly contribute to economic and social development of Pakistan with improved and high speed railway logistics, he added. Ahsan Iqbal apprised Vice Chairman, NDRC about other CPEC projects including in the fields of Infrastructure, Energy, Gwadar and Special Economic Zones. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasised for the fast completion of Gawadar projects, particularly 5 million gallon per day water desalination plant & early approval of Khuzdar-Basima and D.I.Khan -Zhob-Quetta highway projects. He proposed that Joint Working Groups of CPEC in energy, infrastructure, planning, and agriculture should meet next month to fast track approval of the projects. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of Digital Economy in wake of the emerging fourth industrial revolution and proposed to establish a new Joint Working Group on Digital Economy. The Chinese side appreciated the idea and agreed in principle. It was decided that cooperation in Agriculture sector would be expanded in the light of Long Term Plan to boost agricultural productivity of Pakistan. Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the need for promoting two-way trade and proposed establishment of an experts committee to work for promotion of exports from Pakistan to offset pressures from import of plant and machinery in CPEC projects. He also underscored the need for greater procurement from local market, wherever competitive goods and services were available in Pakistan, Vice Chairman agreed with the proposal. It was agreed that the benefits of CPEC will touch all regions and provinces of Pakistan as envisioned by the leaders of both countries. In this respect, Ahsan Iqbal proposed an early implementation of projects approved in 6th JCC meeting. Minister Iqbal invited Vice Chairman Ning Jizhe to visit Gwadar in May 2018 to attend the ground breaking ceremony of International Airport and 5 million gallon water de-salination project. Vice Chairman Ning Jizhe said that he was extremely pleased to meet Minister Iqbal in Beijing. He appreciated Mr Iqbal's contribution towards making CPEC successful and expressed the hope that as an experienced counterpart in CPEC, Minster Iqbal will be a big help for him. The Vice Chairman said that Pakistan-China were all weather strategic cooperative partners and the relationship was becoming stronger with the progress on CPEC. He recalled his meeting with Minister Iqbal two years ago in Boao Forum and expressed great happiness that he would be now working with him as a team member on CPEC with him. He said that NDRC would double its efforts to finalize the projects of CPEC. Vice Chairman, NDRC accepted the invitation to lead a high level delegation to Pakistan. The meeting was characterized by brotherly warmth and friendship which signifies the relations between Pakistan and China. Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Masood Khalid, Hassan Daud PD CPEC and senior officials from the Embassy of Pakistan and NDRC were present during the meeting. Turkey and Thailand on Friday discussed ways to enhance relations in the areas of transportation, maritime affairs and communication ANKARA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Turkey and Thailand on Friday discussed ways to enhance relations in the areas of transportation, maritime affairs and communication. "Today, we will handle the bilateral relations in the areas of transportation, maritime (affairs) and communication and evaluate how to develop this cooperation further," Turkish Minister of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ahmet Arslan said in a meeting with Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society Pichet Durongkaveroj in the capital Ankara. Arslan said the trade volume between the two countries had increased to $2.1 billion in 2017, compared to the previous year, which was $1. 6 billion. "We see that our bilateral trade volume has increased very satisfactorily," he added. Arslan said the economic and trade relations between Ankara and Bangkok will increase more in the coming years. Durongkaveroj voiced Thailand's "strong" commitment to the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries. "I do agree with you excellency that we need to strengthen our bilateral trade, economic development, as well as communications and information technology development," Durongkaveroj said. Diyar Guldogan from Ankara contributed to this story. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Marc Barety, has said that Pakistan and France will further improve their relations by exploring more areas of collaboration and cooperation in fields of research and education KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Marc Barety, has said that Pakistan and France will further improve their relations by exploring more areas of collaboration and cooperation in fields of research and education. 'The French government will award scholarships to Pakistani scholars and scientists of both the countries will work together on the research fronts.' He expressed these views on Friday while having a meeting with Director International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary and Prof. Dr. Atta-ur Rahman, Patron-in-Chief ICCBS, the former Federal minister for science and technology, and ex chairman higher education commission. A ICCBS statement said that the meeting was held at HEJ, Research Institute of Chemistry, KU, in which Deputy Director of Asian Affairs of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Sonia Barbry, Consul General in Karachi, Didier Talpain, Andr de Bussy, Counselor for Development and Cultural Cooperation, Gilles Pascal, Director Alliance Francaise, and other officials of the international center were also present. The French ambassador said that Pak-France programme has been emerged for the promotion of science and technology in Pakistan. The initiative focuses to further strengthen the bilateral relations in the field of science and technology between both the countries, he added. The ambassador along with the French delegation paid visit to different research facilities provided at the international center. He appreciated the efforts made by Prof. Atta-ur Rahman and Prof. Iqbal Choudhary to get the international center on the way of development. It was decided in the meeting that French government will award 10 scholarships for development of the faculty at Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi. It was also decided in the meeting that both countries will pursue an exchange program of experts, while Alliance Francaise will support the French language program initiated by ICCBS. In the meeting, Prof. Iqbal Choudhary offered the French government to send their students to ICCBS for their research training in natural product chemistry, as ICCBS has already trained hundreds of German students in the same area. He said that said that ICCBS and French research institutions have strong mutual research tradition. Prof. Atta-ur Rahman said that both countries should expand further academic association in days to come. He appreciated the French government efforts to award scholarships for Pakistani scholars, and said that French scientist should come ICCBS to have joint research work with Pakistani scientists. He also discussed the possibility of setting up French technical university in Pakistan. The students of Applied Bio-Sciences Department of National University of Science and Technology (NUST) here on Friday visited Punjab Fish Hatchery and witnessed the process of fish breeding being conducted by the experts of the department RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :The students of Applied Bio-Sciences Department of National University of Science and Technology (NUST) here on Friday visited Punjab Fish Hatchery and witnessed the process of fish breeding being conducted by the experts of the department. Assistant Director Fisheries, Training, Sana Arooj during the visit informed students and the faculty members that on the directives of Director General Fisheries Dr Sikandar Hayat and Director Aqua, Imtiaz Begum, Fisheries Training Section trying hard to educate young students of concerned subjects about modern bio-technologies, aqua culture and artificial fish breeding. She also introduced cultivable species of fish and informed that all available resources were being utilized to promote fish farming in the province. She said, series of training courses were completed in fisheries department to impart training to those interested to establish their fisheries business which is very profitable and considered as cash crop. The students during the visit also asked questions about fish hatchery. Head of visiting faculty Nosheen Fatima and Atta ur Rehman expressed gratitude for sharing valuable information about fish farming and appreciated efforts of fisheries department for promotion of fisheries breeding and poly culture. UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Armed conflict in Afghanistan killed 763 civilians and injured 1,495 in the first three months of this year, the United Nations mission said Thursday. "All parties to the conflict in Afghanistan must do everything in their power to protect civilians from harm," Ingrid Hayden, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, said. "Afghan civilians continue to suffer, caught in the conflict, in ways that are preventable; this must stop now." The 2,258 civilian casualties, documented from 1 January to 31 March by the UN Assistance Mission in the country, known as UNAMA, are at the similar levels recorded in the first three months of 2017 and 2016. Anti-Government elements caused 1,500 civilian casualties, up six per cent from the same period last year. Suicide improvised explosive devices (IED) and complex attacks were the leading cause of civilian casualties - a new trend. The Mission found that combats on the ground were the second leading cause, followed by targeted and deliberate killings, explosive remnants of war, and aerial operations. APP/ift (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Shab-e-Miraj-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) is being observed across the country on Friday night (Apr 13) with traditional fervor, great respect and devotion. The Muslims every year on (Rajab-ul-Marajab 26) the night of 27th of Rajab (Islamic calendar) observe Shab-e-Miraj in which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) went on a special journey to meet Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies on the heavenly animal named 'al-Buraq.' The women devotees offer prayers in special gatherings inside their homes during all the night. Whereas males used to offer prayers in specially decorated mosques for seeking the blessings of Allah and pray for welfare of the entire nation and the Ummah. During the gatherings, various Islamic scholars highlighting the importance of the day and its blessings. Different Islamic and socio-cultural organizations have also arranged special prayers and Mahafil in mosques and at other places Monday night to seek blessings of the Almighty. The word Meraj of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is derived from Arabic word Urooj, which means 'height,' or 'ascension. ' It is celebrated on Rajab 27th in the Islamic Calendar. During Meraj, the command for five daily prayers (Salat) was also given to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Shab-e-Meraj, (night of forgiveness) is a glorious night, marking the Isra and Miraj of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he was taken from Makkah to Al-Haram-Al-Sharif (also known as the Temple Mount) and was then taken to heaven. On the way the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, met Hazrat Adam, (AS), Hazrat Abraham (AS), Hazrat Moses (AS),Hazrat Isa (AS) and some other Prophets. The purpose of the Ascent was to confirm the high status of the Prophet of islam, a position which all Muslims believe, is impossible to attain by any other human being. Ulema told that it is related that even Gabriel, the Angel who was accompanying the Holy Prophet remarked at one stage, 'I am forced to stop here. I cannot go any further, but you O Messenger of peace and friend of the Master of the worlds, continue your glorious ascent. The Holy Prophet continued his journey until he reached very close to the Throne of God Almighty and attained the utmost nearness to Him. (@FahadShabbir) RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :The Anti-Terrorist Court on Friday awarded 4-years Rigorous imprisonment to an accused in a case of recovery of explosive material from him. Rasheed Khan a member of a banned organization was found guilty of possessing illegal explosive material and was arrested by Counter Terrorism Department, from Khayber Agency area. ATC Judge Suleman Baig pronounced the verdict after completion of arguments from both sides. The case was registered under Sections, 3/5,30/2065 and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) read with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Balochistan Chief Minister Mir, Abdul Quddus Bizenjo announced a remission of three months for women prisoners undergoing various for committing crimes here on Friday.He said this while talking to media persons during visiting Quetta district Jail and Police Station. Provincial Ministers for Home Mir, Sarfraz Bugti, other ministers, member of provincial Assemblies (MPAs) IG Prisons Malik Shujah Kasi and officials were present during visiting. Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo inspected facilities of prisoners and district jail sectors where he also listened prisoners about their problems and directed the jail authorities for their early solution. Quddus Bizenjo was informed about prisoner and jail related problems at the moment. He said provincial government was trying to provide facilities to masses in short time, despite, there were a lot of problems in province which needs to be addressed. He said prisoners would provide education in various sectors when they returned their houses after completing prisoner's time, so that they could be able to play their role for betterment of country, as good citizen in the society. Mir, Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also directed to ensure providing facilities of prisoners including health and other amenities in district jail, besides he ordered to provide an ambulance for Jail on demanding of IG Prisons. He also announced a remission of three months for women prisoners under CM authority, besides Chief Minister ordered to IG Jail that a prisoner woman Akhtar Bibi resident of Karachi would be released. Chief Minister Balochistan said I would inaugurate Quetta Safe City project in next week. Guard of honor was presented to Chief Minister Balochistan in Quetta district Jail. Later, Chief Minister along with other ministers visited the Police Station where he released a man, who was taken into custody without FIR over dealing of money Rs 19000 by police. Mir, Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has given released man about Rs 19000 rupees from his pocket at the moment and expressed displeasure on police personnel in this regard. Home Minister Mir, Sarfraz Bugti was talking to media person outside of district Jail, he said measures were underway to improve skills of prisoners including children and women prisoners in different sectors through training with cooperation of non government organization,so that they could be able to do their livelihood in their respective areas after completing their prisoners time. APP/arb. Commander People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) China, Lieutenant General Ding Laihang on Friday attended the Graduation Parade here at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Asghar Khan Academy RISALPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Commander People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) China, Lieutenant General Ding Laihang on Friday attended the Graduation Parade here at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Asghar Khan Academy. He was the chief guest at the graduation ceremony of No 139 GD(P), No 85 Engineering, No 95 Air Defence, No 20 Admin & Special Duties and No 04 Logistics courses, said a statement issued by media affairs directorate of PAF. On his arrival at the Academy, he was received by Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. "You are the pillars of PAF's future and your excellence will forge a world class air force", he said while addressing the cadets at the Graduation Parade ceremony. "You will shoulder the sacred mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. I hope you, together with young military officers from PLAAF, would carry forward the friendly and cooperative relations between the two air forces," he added. He said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, both the countries had established all weather friendship and all round cooperation. "We always respect, understand and support each other in issues concerning core interests, representing an excellent model of friendly cooperation between two countries. "As an important part of friendly cooperation between two countries, military-to-military cooperation between two air forces witnessed the broadest and deepest pragmatic exchanges," he added. In recent years, he said PLAAF and PAF had carried out extensive cooperation and achieved great success in operational command, joint exercises, training, logistic supply, weapons and equipment. A total of 109 aviation cadets including two cadets from Royal Saudi Air Force and two lady cadets graduated in the ceremony. The chief guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating cadets and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders. He awarded Quaid-e-Azam Banner to No 4 Squadron, the new Champion Squadron of the Academy. Aviation Cadet academy Under Officer, Ameer Hamza clinched Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in flying and the coveted Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training. Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in engineering was lifted by Aviation Cadet Sergeant Hamza Hussain, whereas, the prestigious Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer, Furrukh Iqbal. Trophies for overall best performance in No 95 Air Defence and No 20 Admin & Special Duties Courses were won by Aviation Cadet Sergeant Sarosh Arif and Aviation Cadet Sergeant Waleed Hassan respectively. Aviation Cadet Sergeant Ahsan Ahmed won the trophy for Overall Best Performance in logistics course. Aviation Cadet Wing Under Officer, Muhmmad Kamran was awarded Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for Best Performance in General Service Training. The ceremony was followed by a thrilling performance by "Eaglets"- the Para Motor Glider team of the Academy. "Bravehearts and Sherdils", the PAF Academy aerobatics teams also displayed a stunning aerial display on the occasion. The well-synchronized drill presented by Hamza Flight was an icing on the cake, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the guests. The ceremony was witnessed by high-ranking military & civil officials, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating cadets. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Rule of law means all people and institutions are subject and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced. This was said by District Police Officer (DPO) Bannu, Sadiq Baloch while speaking during the fourth round of Ulasi Taroon, Youth Capacity Building Workshops organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) at University of Science and Technology, Bannu. According to a press release issued here on Friday those who spoke on the occasion included Prof. Dr. Engr Syed Abid Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Bannu. The speakers also expressed different notions including Not king is law but law is king. Everyone is subject to law. Human rights education can prevent human rights abuses. Mutual respect, understanding and equal opportunities are critical for inclusive democracy and good governance. Accountability and rule of law require strict compliance with the core constitutional ideals of peace and cohesion. Sadiq Baloch, DPO Bannu introduced the concept and history of rule of law to the participating youth leaders in the workshop. Discussing the fundamental principles of rule of law, he said that rule of law demands equal application of law on everyone and considers everyone equal before law. Propagating knowledge and information about laws enshrined in the constitution which are available to the citizens is critical to ensure rule of law in the society, besides accessible justice. The accountability over the use of power, independence of judiciary, presumption of innocence until conviction and ensuring rights of the accused and victims are some of the fundamental principles critical to uphold rule of law in the society. Where there is rule of law, everyone resorts to the limits of their respective roles including government and enforcing agencies. It improves public order and security, protects fundamental rights, promotes positive changes in socio economic development, ensures political stability and to prevent the incidents of mob justice witnessed several times in Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Engr. Syed Abid Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Bannu said that the quality of democracy and governance in the country have a direct effect on the quality of life of citizens. Inclusive democracy is about respecting and understanding each others opinions which are critical for inclusive decision making. Good governance and inclusive democracy mean equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of their socio economic, political or religious backgrounds. The accountability and rule of law require strict compliance with the democratic values of peace and cohesion. The dialogue anchored in the core constitutional ideals of social cohesion is absolutely essential for peaceful conflict resolution. The youths are ambassadors of peace and have a huge potential in playing an effective role in promoting peace, respect, harmony and a positive image of the country. Ms. Shagufta Khalique, Educationist said that the efforts to eliminate gender discrimination must begin in the home. The best way to end discrimination against women and girls is to prevent it from happening in the first place by ameliorating its root causes. Speaking on the fundamental human rights available to the citizens, she said that human rights are all those entitlements of the humans that they get with birth. We are all born with basic human rights; born free and equal in dignity and rights. And Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) clearly define these entitlements. She said that respecting differences and celebrating diversity are prerequisites for a socially cohesive society. Mr. Malik Mustafa, Team Leader Manager Programs, CRSS said that the deviation from constitution, and giving up on rule of law not only lead to the conflict and fragility but also destroy the social fabric of the society. As future leaders, the youth should be considerate of the criticality of compliance with the core constitutional values as a recipe for social peace and harmony in the society. There is a huge onus on youth to promote ideals of peace enshrined in the constitution. Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of CRSS that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. APP/adl/1915 ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :President Mamnoon Hussain Friday said enhanced interaction between the intellectuals of Pakistan and Turkey provided opportunities of a new linguistic contact between Central Asia and ECO countries, which would help in getting maximum benefits from the modern silk route, and achieving peace and stability in the region. The president expressed these views while inaugurating a pictorial exhibition organized here by Yunus Emre Institute of Turkey. Turkish Ambassador in Pakistan Ahsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Dr. Khalil Toqar, and renowned intellectual Farooq Adil also addressed the ceremony, which was attended by a large number of people, including diplomats and intellectuals. The president said the warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey were rooted in common history and the unending love between the people of two countries. He recalled the difficult Turkish era when the Muslims gave huge sacrifices for the survival of Khilafat-e-Usmania, adding, even the women donated their ornaments for this cause. The president said he was happy to note that Turkish people were fully abreast with the history and were transferring the facts to the new generation. He said like the Turkish children, Pakistani youth were also fully cognizant of history, particularly the courageous cooperation of Khilafat-e-Islamia and independence-loving leaders like Sher-e-Masoor Tipu Sultan Shaheed and others for saving the subcontinent from foreign occupation. The president said such exhibitions showed the love and affection at bilateral front and hoped that those relations would further strengthen with the passage of time. He said the establishment of a cultural center and institute named after the renowned poet Yunus Emre in Pakistan had started a new era of Pak-Turkish literary and cultural relations. The continuous visits of Turkish poets, writers and intellectuals to Pakistan would further strengthen the ties, he added. Earlier, Farooq Adil, in his address, said Pakistan and Turkey were bound with close, friendly and historic relations and their ties would continue to strengthen. ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- Special counsel Robert Mueller has majority support in a new ABC News/Washington Post poll for extending his investigation into both Donald Trumps business dealings and the alleged payment of hush money to women who say theyve had affairs with the president in the past. The public by a broad 69-25 percent supports Muellers initial thrust, to investigate possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russian government attempts to influence the 2016 election. Support extends to half of conservatives and more than four in 10 Republicans. See PDF for full results, charts and tables. Backing for Muellers work goes further: Americans by 2-1, 64-32 percent, also support his investigating Trumps business activities. And by 58-35 percent, a 23-point margin, they support investigators latest apparent direction, looking at allegations that Trumps associates paid hush money to women who say they had affairs with him. Backing for Muellers work goes further: Americans by 2-1, 64-32 percent, also support his investigating Trumps business activities. And by 58-35 percent, a 23-point margin, they support investigators latest apparent direction, looking at allegations that Trumps associates paid hush money to women who say they had affairs with him. Notably, women are a non-significant 5 points more apt than men to support the Russia investigation and 8 points more apt than men to support Mueller looking into Trumps business dealings -- but 15 points more likely than men to support the hush-money investigation. Sixty-five percent of women support it, vs. 50 percent of men. Theres a similar gap on the perceived importance of whether or not Trump has engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct. The public overall divides, 51-46 percent, on whether this is or is not an important issue. Fifty-eight percent of women say its important, vs. 44 percent of men in this poll, produced for ABC News by Langer Research Associates. Comey The survey also finds lower believability for Trump than for fired FBI Director James Comey, whose interview with ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos airs Sunday night in advance of publication of Comeys new book. Americans by a 16-point margin, 48-32 percent, find Comey more believable than Trump. The public, by a similar 14-point margin, 47-33 percent, disapproves of Trumps decision to fire Comey. Thats even though Comeys own favorability rating is weak: Thirty percent see him favorably, 32 percent unfavorably, with a plurality, 38 percent, having no opinion of him. Groups Partisanship informs many of these views. Ninety percent of Democrats and 70 percent of independents support Mueller investigating possible campaign collusion with Russia, vs. 43 percent of Republicans. (Thats still a substantial number within the presidents own party, notable especially given the Republican National Committees criticisms of Comey, including a website titled Lyin Comey.) Forty-two percent of Trumps own approvers also support the Russia investigation by Mueller. Similarly, support for the Russia investigation ranges from 89 percent of liberals, 73 percent of moderates and 58 percent of somewhat conservatives to just 39 percent among Americans who call themselves very conservative (14 percent of all adults). Compared to support for the Russia investigation, support for Mueller investigating Trumps business dealings drops by 9 points among Republicans and 11 points among strong conservatives, while holding steadier in other groups. In the same comparison, support for investigating alleged hush money payments drops by 9 to 14 points across political and ideological spectrums, while maintaining majority backing overall. Support for investigating alleged hush money falls in particular among Trump approvers, by 18 points. Other results on Mueller follow these political and ideological divisions, with support for his investigations highest among young adults and lowest among older ones, higher among nonwhites vs. whites, and notably lower in rural and small-town areas vs. cities and suburbs, as well as among evangelical white Protestants and noncollege-educated white men, two core Trump groups. There likewise are sharp divisions on Comey. Republicans find Trump more believable than Comey by 70-15 percent, as do strong conservatives by 76-9 percent and somewhat conservatives by 49-24 percent. Democrats and liberals overwhelmingly find Comey more believable; independents and moderates side with Comey as well, by 48-29 and 57-22 percent, respectively. Again these carry forward to other groups. Whites divide evenly on whom they believe, while nonwhites pick Comey by 63-15 percent. Men also divide evenly, while women believe Comey over Trump by more than 2-1, 54-25 percent. While seniors side with Comey by a slight 9 points, young adults do so by a 28-point margin. Evangelical white Protestants (who account for about one in 10 adults) believe Trump over Comey by 61-23 percent, while non-evangelical white Protestants (an additional one in 10) divide by a far closer 45-38 percent. Non-college white men take Trumps word by 53-28 percent; college-educated white women, Comeys by 60-27 percent. Lastly, on the question of sexual misconduct, the overall result -- again a 51-46 percent division on whether its an important issue -- is similar to what it was for Bill Clinton in an ABC News poll in 1998, 48-50 percent. But then 52 percent of men and 45 of women saw the issue as important, compared with the 44 percent of men and 58 percent of women today. This gender gap appears among Democrats (78 percent of women say its an important issue, vs. 68 percent of men) and independents (55 percent of women vs. 43 percent of men). But theres no significant difference between Republican women and men: Twenty-seven and 23 percent, respectively, think its important. Methodology This ABC News/Washington Post poll was conducted by landline and cellular telephone April 8 to April 11, 2018, in English and Spanish, among a random national sample of 1,002 adults. Results have a margin of sampling error of 3.5 points, including the design effect. Partisan divisions are 32-25-35 percent, Democrats-Republicans-independents. The survey was produced for ABC News by Langer Research Associates of New York, N.Y., with sampling, data collection and tabulation by Abt Associates of Rockville, Md. See details on the surveys methodology here. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy A three day Gilgit Baltistan festival started on Friday at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to highlight flora and fauna of Gilgit-Baltistan LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :A three day Gilgit Baltistan festival started on Friday at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to highlight flora and fauna of Gilgit-Baltistan. Stalls of herbal products, gemstones, woodcraft, agricultural products, tourism monuments, climbing wall and food court from the mountains were a great attraction for visitors. The festival was jointly inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Tourism, sports, Archeology and Museums, Gilgit-Baltistan Fida Khan Fida and LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid. LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid and executive committee members were also present. Addressing the participants on the occasion, Fida Khan Fida said the GB government was paying special focus on the up gradation of tourism sites and for the promotion of tourism related activities. He said that all segments of economy were being given equal importance, therefore, a comprehensive strategy had been adopted to promote tourism. The minister added that since the law and order situation had improved the flow of international tourists was also getting a considerable momentum. LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid, in his address, said tourism was a billion Dollars industry and had played a very vital role in the economic well being many of countries that had no other industry. He added that Pakistan could earn billions of dollars by highlighting its tourism potential in the outer world. He said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry would continue to work for the promotion of this segment of the economy. International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) have vowed to boost bilateral cooperation in the fields of academic, scientific research and training by inking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for dissemination and exchange of knowledge ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) have vowed to boost bilateral cooperation in the fields of academic, scientific research and training by inking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for dissemination and exchange of knowledge. The IIUI's MoU with ISESCO was signed here in the presence of ISESCO Director General, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, IIUI Rector, Dr Masoom Yasinzai and President IIUI Dr Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, a press release said Friday. Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri is also member of university's highest forum, board of Trustees (BoT) and visiting the varsity on the occasion of the 13th meeting of BoT. The MoU encourages visits among member universities of Islamic world league and IIUI. It focuses on cooperation on scientific levels through mutual cooperation. Both sides agreed for organizing conferences, symposia, forums, meetings, workshops, training courses and joint programs in areas of common interest such as scientific research, innovation, planning and evaluation. IIUI and ISESCO also vowed that through bilateral cooperation, promotion of the Islamic values, moderation and dialogue will be disseminated. Dr Othman Al-twaijri called for joint efforts of cooperation among the Muslim universities and termed IIUI as an asset of Muslim world. He added that elements working against the university were actually the negative thinkers who wanted to tarnish the image of prestigious institution. He hailed the services of Dr AL-Draiweesh for university and said that he had been a bridge between university and Islamic world. He assured his maximum support for introducing IIUI on all world forums and also felicitated the university on conducting a successful 13th BoT meeting. ISESCO DG stressed upon the universities to disseminate islam's message of peace and honesty. He also thanked IIUI for hospitality. IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that IIUI is pursuing the goal of internationalization which was achieved in the shape of presence of members of the Board of Trustees in its 13th meeting who were representing different Islamic countries. He said IIUI with 31 thousand on campus students of more than 40 nationalities has become a unique hub of learning which preaches peace and provides solutions to the problems of Muslim world in multi cultural milieu. Dr Al-Draiweesh said on the occasion that IIUI was heading towards the heights of progress and its future would be brighter than the past. He reiterated his resolve that IIUI would become the best learning place of Muslim world with best faculty, teaching facilities and international linkages. He thanked all the BoT members for attending the Board of Trustees meeting and also appreciated the hard work of the IIUI management for the success of the meeting. The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by BoT members Shaikh Hamood Bin Abdullah Al-Theeb, Dr Sayyed Mohammad Al-Sayyed Abdul Razaq Al-Tabtabai, Dr Othman Yousef Jasim Al-Hajji, Prof Dr Yousuf El-Sayyed Yousaf Amer (Al-Azhar), Prof Mohammad Othman ELkhosht, Dr Abbas Abdullah Soliman (Al-Azhar), IIUI Vice Presidents, Deans DGs and Directors. In the ceremony, certificate of thanks in recognition of services of Dr Othman to Mulsim word was also conferred by Islamic Research Institute (IRI)in presence of its Director General Dr Zia ul Haq and IIUI leadership. Another certificate for cooperation with varsity and for service regarding improvements in the field of education across Muslim world was also conferred by IRI on Shaikh Hamood Bin Abdullah Al-Theeb. Meanwhile, DG ISESCO and rest of the BoT members visited IRI press, Dr Hamidullah library, IRI picture gallery and centers at Faisal masjid campus. They also offered Jumma prayer at Faisal Masjid. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Jalalpur Pirwala-Uch Sharif Section is going to be inaugurated Saturday in a ceremony at Jalalpur Pirwala. This 45 km long road is the part of Multan-Shujaabad- Jalalpur-Pirwala-Uch Sharif-Tranda Muhammad road. The up-gradation and rehabilitation of this road situated in Southern Punjab will be helpful in minimizing the traffic load on National Highway N-5. Completion of project will facilitate the fast flow of traffic, enhancing economic activities in the region. This will also benefit the travellers in terms of reducing their traveling expenses thorough less time and fuel consumption. Apart from this the project will generate employment opportunities thus reducing poverty. Easy access of local agricultural products to the market will be an added advantage. This area of Southern Punjab is the heart of country that connects western, northern and southern regions of the country. Apart from its unique location this region is famous for producing cotton. Keeping in view the overall development of the region NHA initiated a 142 km Multan-Tranda Muhammad Panah road project, of which Jalalpur Pirwala - Uchsharif section will be inaugurated on April 14. The road can be used by the traffic of Karachi to Lahore heading towards Peshawar, whereas, the commercial traffic of Balochistan heading towards Multan via Dera Ghazi Khan Multan will also get benefit. Moreover, the development work of Karachi Peshawar Motorway is also underway, due to which the motorway projects in southern Punjab region are also being completed. The Motorway from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem is also completing at fast pace. The Development of Multan Sukkur Motorway is in progress. Similarly, Faisalabad Multan motorway is also under construction. One person was killed in a hit-and-run accident here on Thursday morning ghotki, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2018) : One person was killed in a hit-and-run accident here on Thursday morning. Police said that a Punjab bound passenger bus coming from Karachi hit an auto-rickshaw at National Highway in Ghotki. One person died on the spot in the accident and the bus driver sped the scene. The body was shifted to hospital for postmortem and the police after registering a case against the bus driver have started the investigation. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :A Regional Board Meeting (RBM) of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held here Friday with Director General (DG) NAB KP Farmanullah Khan in the chair. The meeting was attended by Directors, Deputy Prosecutor General (DPGA), Case Officers, and other concerned officers. Several important decisions were taken in the Regional Board Meeting. The Board authorized two inquiries against employees of Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) and other regarding corruption and corrupt practices and embezzlement of funds. The subjects are alleged to have misappropriated millions of rupees funds in construction, carpeting and use of substandard material in roads at Regi Model Township. It is further alleged that the accused persons also misappropriated funds in construction of sewerage system, water supply, plantation etc at Regi Model Township. Another inquiry was authorized against officers,officials of Revenue Department District Charsadda regarding corruption. The subjects are alleged to have illegally transferred Government Land measuring 22 Kanal situated at Nehri,Tehsil Tangi, Charsadda. The Regional Board also authorized inquiry against employees of Small Industrial Development Board (SIDB), Mardan regarding corruption and embezzlement of funds. The subjects are alleged to have illegally allotted 36 plots at Small Industrial Estate, Mardan to their blue-eyed persons. Another inquiry was authorized against Dr. Zakir Hussain Agency Surgeon, Mohmand Agency & others regarding corruption and corrupt practices. The subjects are alleged to have embezzled millions of rupees funds allocated for medicines, contingency repair, payment of daily wages etc. The board also authorized inquiry against Ziaullah Khan and Noroz Khan (Private Person) of Bajour Agency (so-called agents of Mufti Ehsan) regarding cheating public at large. The subjects are alleged to have cheated general public on the pretext of Mudaraba business. The board authorized inquiry against officers,officials of Mardan Medical Complex, (MMC) Mardan regarding corruption & corrupt practices. The subjects are alleged to have made overpayment of Rs.200 Million to contractors for renovation of MMC. The board authorized inquiry against Fazle Ahmed owner of Blue City near Rashakai Interchange Nowshera regarding cheating public. The accused is alleged to have cheated looted public at large in the name of investments in Blue City Housing society near Rashakai Interchange, Nowshera. The board also authorized inquiry against Abdul Samad Director, Directorate of Archaeology & Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding corruption and corrupt practices. The Regional Board authorized inquiry against Zahid Hussain Naib Teshildar, Nowshera regarding corruption and corrupt practices. The accused is alleged to have illegally transferred shamilat Milkiyat land at Bddrashi district Nowshera and prepared fake "latta" of Patwar Halqa Badrashi. The board authorized investigation against employees of Galyat Development Authority and others regarding corruption and corrupt practices. The subjects are alleged to have illegally transferred occupied state land measuring 25 Kanals land adjacent to Mirajani House Nathiagali. Besides these the board approved filling of reference against accused Shah Rehman and others of Mansehra regarding cheating public at large on the pretext of sending them for Hajj and Umrah. (@mahnoorsheikh03) The Online Voting System for Overseas Pakistanis is developed by the ECP with the help of Nadra. Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018) For the first time in the history of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis will be able to cast their votes using the Online Voting System for Overseas Pakistanis developed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) with National Database & Registration Authoritys (Nadra) aid. In a multimedia presentation given by Nadra Chairman Usman Mobin to a three-member Supreme Court bench and attended by Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Raza Khan and other Foreign Ministry officials, he said that this is a digitized voting system. The Pakistanis living abroad can cast their votes in the home constituency using any internet connected gadget like a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, according to the voters list issued by the ECP. To cast a vote, an overseas Pakistani must have: A National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistani A Machine Readable Passport A valid E-mail Address Mobin told the audience that overseas voters will have to register at Online Voting System to cast their votes. The system is available in both English and urdu languages, and integrated with Nadra and ECPs web portal, he said. A voter can log on to the website www.overseasvoting.gov.pk and create his account using an email address and cell number to register for the vote. The following details will be asked during the registration process: 13-digit Unique National Identity Card Number printed on NICOP Card The Issuance date of the NICOP Card Machine Readable Passport Number Tracking ID Number printed on Machine Readable Passport To confirm the identity of the voter after checking his eligibility, the portal will ask two questions for verification. The voters successfully verified will then receive a confirmation email. The same overseas voters will then be delisted from the voter lists back home. The vote will be cast according to the following process: A Voter Pass will be sent to the voter on their registered email address before election. On Election Day, the Voter will log in to the website using their account and select Vote Now. Using the Voter Pass, the Voter will select the National Assembly or Provincial Assembly Constituency and cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. The ECP will enable the reporting portal of Online Voting System once voting time is finished. Using the reporting portal, the Returning Officers will be able to view and print the results respective to their Constituencies. (@rukhshanmir) The second round of the "Pakistan-Vietnam Bilateral Political Consultations" was held here on Friday ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :The second round of the "Pakistan-Vietnam Bilateral Political Consultations" was held here on Friday. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua led the Pakistani side, while Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy was leading the Vietnamese delegation, says a press release. They evaluated the current state of bilateral cooperation and identified further areas of mutual interest and cooperation including economy, commerce, trade and investment, defence, education, culture and sports. The two sides also expressed satisfaction with their cooperation in multilateral fora and agreed to continue and further strengthen cooperation at the UN through support for each others candidatures. The two sides expressed desire to further deepen the relationship through frequent high-level visits. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues. The foreign secretary briefed the Vietnamese delegation on Pakistan-India relations and human rights' violations in Indian occupied Kashmir. The Vietnamese deputy foreign minister underscored the need for Pakistan's role as a regional power and appreciated Pakistan's economic development. D.I.KHAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) ::Pakistan Zindabad Movement (PZM) Friday held a mammoth rally here at Haqnawaz Shaheed Park attended by cross section of the society expressing solidarity with Pakistan-Army and pledged to give a befitting reply to the forces trying to weaken the defence of the country. The rally was a show of strength by the people assembled rising above barriers of caste, creed, ethnicity linguistic differences and parochialism. The workers of PPP, PMLN, PTI, JUIF, Saraiki Mahaz, elders of tribal areas, district nazmin, tehsil nazmins, trader's community, political workers, lawyer's former and sitting MPAs and ex-servicemen largely attended the gathering. Speakers in their addresses expressed their love with Pakistan Army and praised their sacrifices for the safety and security of their motherlands. They said credit of establishing peace in the country goes to our security forces whose sacrifices for noble cause would always be remembered. We achieved peace after sacrificing our 60000 people who faced martyrdom for their country. Our forces offered matchless sacrifices for making the country citadel of peace and now they were tirelessly working to improve the infrastructure of tribal areas including launching development projects. Throughout the rally, the pendal was beaming with slogans of Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Army Zindabad and Awam Zindabad to which the participants reciprocated with high pitch. The tribal present in the gathering also appreciated the role of Pak-Army and highlighted their sacrifices in the line of duty. They said the huge gathering was a proof that people of Pakistan were ready to defend their country alongside Pakistan-Army. The venue was massively decorated and illuminated giving a festive look to the spectators who attended the gathering with enthusiasm and national zeal. At the end of gathering Siraiki and Pashto music entertained the audience with great pomp and show. The rally was attended by former JUIF MPA Aleem Khan Qasooria, Tehsil Nazim PTI Muhammad Ameen Gandapur, Nazim Maarif Awan Advocate, Malik Qayum Hisam, Abdul Qayum Qureshi, Nazim Mushtaq Dar, Major Musa, Makhdoom Muhammad Ali Raza, Tehsil member Shaukat Ali, Malik Musna Khan of PPP, Malik Zafran Shah and Qiaz Khan Menakhel of PMLN besides large number of tribal elders. The tribesmen of North Waziristan joined PZM rally in D.I.Khan by travelling from Bannu to D.I.Khan amid slogans of Pakistan Zindabad. APP/ayz-mds (@ChaudhryMAli88) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Pakistan Medical Association central (PMA) president Professor Dr Ashraf Nizami has welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Medical Association (WMA) to reaffirm and consolidate co-operation between the two organisations at the WHO's Headquarters in Geneva. In a statement here on Friday, he said that the two bodies had agreed to foster understanding on topics of common interest, including development, improvement and protection of health, and action on the social determinants of health. " As a registered member of the WMA, the PMA welcomed the cooperation between the both organisations," he added. He said that WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WMA President Dr Yoshitake Yokokura jointly signed the MoU in which it was stated that priority goals for both organizations would be the achievement of Universal Health Coverage and the improvement of emergency preparedness. " Within these goals the WHO and WMA also recognised the critical importance of human resources for health, the role of physicians and their organizations," he added. APP/msh/bl/asm ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) would establish its office in Quetta and Balochistan in collaboration with the provincial culture ministry. Director General PNCA, Syed Jamal Shah told APP that the Balochistan cultural ministry has agreed to provide PNCA with a building in Quetta for the purpose. He said this collaboration between the Federal and provincial authorities would amplify the efforts to promote the Balochi culture, heritage and crafts. He said the Balochistan Secretary Culture Zafar Ali Buledi has very kindly expedited the matter with the provincial government. It shows the seriousness and sincerity of the province to promote the provincial folklore, cultural heritage and crafts across the country. It would also enhance the economic activity in the province. Coming together of the federal and provincial authorities to promote the Balochi cultural products would synergise the potential and resources while it would help to reduce the duplication of efforts, said Jamal Shah. Bahawalpur, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018) : Police on Friday arrested nine accused including five proclaimed offenders during operations. According to the details, operations of Bahawalpur police are underway in the district against outlaws, in this connection police has arrested 9 accused including 5 wanted criminals. Liquor and illegal weapons were recovered from the possession of the arrested. Police said various cases are registered against the arrested accused. Over two centuries old Harrand Fort, a historical monument in district Rajanpur on the border of Punjab and Balochistan, is facing decay and archaeology officials have sent a proposal to the high ups for its restoration to rescue it from further deterioration MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Over two centuries old Harrand Fort, a historical monument in district Rajanpur on the border of Punjab and Balochistan, is facing decay and archaeology officials have sent a proposal to the high ups for its restoration to rescue it from further deterioration. According to the proposal sent to the high ups for approval, the monument was in dilapidated condition due to ageing, weather impact and human neglect. The cost of the project has been assessed at around Rs90 million to conserve and restore the monument and to carry out archaeological excavation to lay bare the untold facts. The Fort was originally built opposite historic Chachar Pass in Suleman Range to guard against the invaders. The fading signs of the edifice are still there in the form of debris and bricks scattered around the old site. Sikh Governor Sawan Mal used the material of the old fort and rebuilt it on a new location in 1831. The fort had seen three different periods, including Hindu period, Macedonian and Muslim period. According to a website, when young Alexander the Great reached this area, on his way home, after conquering most of the known world, Harrand was under the rule of Hindu king who had a daughter whose name is quoted as Noshaba. The princess was talented, brave and daring and fond of hunting besides being strong and efficient administrator of her father's state. Alexander heard about the princess and wanted to see the beauty queen personally. He himself approached the fort in the guise of a `messenger of Alexander'. The princess, however, recognized him and later they got married. Iranian poet Nizami has mentioned the tale in 'Sikandar Nama'. However, the veracity of the marriage or this incident is yet to be proved by historical evidence. The third period of this historical monument starts with the arrival of Muslims in early eighth century. The palm trees found in the region are indicated as an evidence of the arrival of the Arab Army. During Sikh rule, the fort was rebuilt at its present location for strategic reasons and it garrisoned Sikh Army to control the Baloch tribes. The fort also witnessed the famous battle between the British troops and Marri-Bugti tribes. The fort is a glory of the past and need restoration so that it can be saved for future generations. The fort is badly damaged, and its walls are missing at some points while the surviving parts are salt affected. There is jungle growth around the fort defacing its view. The officials suggest that undermined portions of the structure should be repaired as per old structures inside the fort. They also suggest archaeological excavation to collect information about the different stages of surviving fort. It will improve tourists' influx to the area. The officials suggested that the monument be conserved and restored under the Annual Development Plan 2018-19 in two years. The main components of the project included underpinning of the fort walls, conservation of merlons, repair of wooden doors, conservation of existing structure, Plinth Protection, archaeological excavations, machinery and equipments, staff and furniture and fixture. Harrand Fort is situated about 60 kilometers west of Jampur to Dajal town, District Rajan Pur, and spread over an area of about 30 acres with irregular sixteen sided fortification wall. (@rukhshanmir) The rescue teams continued operation for search of the three missing climbers of Hunza avalanche continued on Thursday, the third consecutive day. Hunza, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2018) : The rescue teams continued operation for search of the three missing climbers of Hunza avalanche continued on Thursday, the third consecutive day. Commissioner Gilgit, Usman Ahmed said that rescue teams were fully engaged in search for the three missing climbers of which one belongs to Lahore while two hail from Hunza. It is worth to mention here that five climbers were trapped under avalanche in Ultar Hunza some three days earlier, of which two were rescued by the local people on self help basis while operation for the three missing climbers was in progress. (@rukhshanmir) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA) Pakistan announced to call off sit-ins in Lahore and other cities after successful dialogues with the government in wee hours of Friday. TLYRA leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi while addressing a press conference at the protest site asked his followers across the country to end sit-ins and go home. He also announced an end to the strike being observed today and called for opening businesses and shops. He urged his activists to expedite efforts for elections 2018. Rizvi paid rich tribute to the protesters. APP/dab/zqr At least 25 people were killed and 18 injured in Thursday's bomb attack on funerals for Iraqi fighters killed by jihadists, according to a new toll from police and medics Samarra, Iraq, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :At least 25 people were killed and 18 injured in Thursday's bomb attack on funerals for Iraqi fighters killed by jihadists, according to a new toll from police and medics. "Two bombs exploded as the funeral procession was entering the cemetery" in Asdira, village mayor Salaheddin Shaalan told AFP. The Sunni village is south of Sharqat, one of the last bastions of the Islamic State group in the country's north to be retaken by Iraqi forces. "In total, 25 people were killed and 18 injured, four of whom are still in critical condition," a police officer told AFP on Friday, on condition of anonymity, revising an earlier death toll. Medical sources confirmed the new figures. It was the deadliest attack in Iraq since a January 16 double suicide bombing in Baghdad claimed 31 lives. Thursday's attack took place during a funeral for five members of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units killed Wednesday night in the same village, 250 kilometres (150 miles) north of Baghdad. Algerians on Thursday mourned 257 people killed in a military plane crash the day before, the country's worst-ever aviation catastrophe, with no indication yet of the cause. Algiers, Algeria, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2018 ) :Algerians on Thursday mourned 257 people killed in a military plane crash the day before, the country's worst-ever aviation catastrophe, with no indication yet of the cause. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced three days of national mourning after the plane slammed into a field near the Boufarik airbase 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Algiers shortly after it took off on Wednesday. The aircraft was mostly carrying army personnel and their family members on their way back to their barracks in the country's far south. Flags flew at half mast on public buildings and foreign embassies in the capital on Thursday as government departments observed a minute's silence. Armed forces chief General Ahmed Gaid Salah attended a ceremony where the coffins of the first victims to be identified were draped in national colours. There was no announcement on the number of people identified so far as experts continued work on matching the DNA of the dead. Several large companies took out advertising space in newspapers to offer condolences to the families of the 10 crew members and 247 passengers who died. Mosques across the country are set to hold prayers of mourning on Friday. The Algerian authorities have announced an investigation into the crash, but so far there has been no details of any findings. The plane, which came down shortly after being refuelled, erupted into flames before it hit the ground, witnesses told AFP. Hundreds of ambulances and dozens of fire trucks with sirens wailing rushed to the scene of the crash, in an uninhabited area where one person was injured on the ground by debris. Firefighters took two hours to extinguish the blaze, Algerian media reported. The Ain Naadja military hospital in Algiers, where the bodies were transported, has set up a psychological support unit for victims' relatives and witnesses of the accident. Several cultural events planned for the coming days were cancelled. The Croatian Parliament ratified the Istanbul Convention on Friday, with a majority of 110 votes, while two were absent and 30 votes were against ZAGREB, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :The Croatian Parliament ratified the Istanbul Convention on Friday, with a majority of 110 votes, while two were absent and 30 votes were against. The ratification came after several months of fierce political clashes between pro-European forces and conservative circles, claiming that ratification would introduce a "gender ideology". Against the ratification were 14 representatives of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). HDZ President and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced that there would be no sanctions against parliamentary representatives who did not respect the party's top decision to support the convention. All the Left Party members, who were in opposition, primarily the Social Democratic Party of Croatia, voted for ratification. Plenkovic said on Friday that the essence of the convention is to prevent violence against women and families, and that between 2013 and 2017 there were 195 murders in Croatia, and the number of killed women was 91. Croatia signed the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, an international treaty signed by the Council of Europe on May 11, 2011 in Istanbul, but had not yet ratified it. In the meantime, Croatian governments changed, which has prevented ratification, and one of the election promises of the HDZ, which in the coalition with the other parties formed a government in October 2016, was the acceptance of the Istanbul Convention and its ratification in parliament. Croatia has been a full member of the Council of Europe since November 1996. The convention had been ratified by 24 countries. European countries that have not ratified the convention include Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Britain and Moldova. (@FahadShabbir) Brussels, Belgium, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :The EU's ambassador to Russia has returned to Moscow, EU sources said Friday, less than three weeks after he was recalled to Brussels for consultations over the nerve agent attack on a former spy in Britain. European Union leaders summoned Markus Ederer back to Brussels on March 25 as part of diplomatic measures against Moscow, which they blamed for the assassination attempt on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English town of Salisbury. Ederer went back to Moscow on Thursday following consultations with the EU's diplomatic service, EU source said. EU leaders united in backing London's assessment that Russia was to blame for the attack on March 4 and after conducting its own tests the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Thursday confirmed Britain's findings about the substance used in the attack. EU members, the United States, NATO and other nations expelled more than 150 Russian diplomats in a coordinated action against Moscow in support of Britain, and Russia retaliated with similar moves. Greece is hoping for a change of tune by Germany on debt relief when their finance ministers hold Friday their first meeting since a new government took office in Berlin. Athens, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2018 ) :Greece is hoping for a change of tune by Germany on debt relief when their finance ministers hold Friday their first meeting since a new government took office in Berlin. Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos travels to Berlin where he will meet his new German counterpart Olaf Scholz, a meeting that could give clues on just how much debt relief Berlin is ready to accord Greece as Athens makes preparations to exit its bailout programme in August. Scholz's predecessor Wolfgang Schaeuble was the main proponent of requiring Greece to pursue painful austerity policies in order to win bailout loans, and strenuously resisted any talk of debt relief. While staving off Greece from crashing out of the eurozone, the bailout loans have resulted in the country's debt remaining at an unsustainable 180 percent of its annual economic output. But as Greece approaches the end of its bailout programme, markets will need to be convinced that it can handle its debt load or it may find itself seeking help once again. In January, new Eurogroup chair Mario Centeno said finance ministers would start "technical work" on "debt relief measures" for Athens. German business daily Handelsblatt last week reported that the European Stability Mechanism is favourable to extending Greece's loans by seven years and deferring 13 billion Euros in interest payments for five years. It also noted a French proposal that goes even further, calling for extending Greek loans by 12 years and capping interest at two percent, thereby reducing repayment by 18 billion euros. Tsakalotos has pledged to present this month a reform-based growth plan. (@ChaudhryMAli88) KUALA LUMPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2018 ) :The World Bank has raised its projection of Malaysia's economy to grow by 5.4 per cent this year from its earlier projection of 5.2 per cent. In its World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update April 2018 edition, it said, Malaysia's growth was expected to remain strong in the near term, albeit at a more moderate pace compared to 2017. "In aggregate, Malaysia's economic growth rate will be supported by the continued strength of private consumption," it said. It said that with the anticipated decline in public investment, gross fixed capital formation will be driven mainly by the expansion of private sector capital expenditure, which is expected to be sustained by the continued flows of infrastructure projects and capital investments in the manufacturing and services sectors. "The strength of Malaysia's export performance is expected to continue into first half 2018 in tandem with the ongoing cyclical upturn in global trade, although at a lower rate than the preceding year," it said. Meanwhile, the World Bank said, the government remained committed to fiscal consolidation amid a continued expectation of the fiscal deficit target of 2.8 per cent of gross domestic product being achieved in 2018. Malaysia's social protection system would be strengthened with the introduction of the Employment Insurance Scheme in January 2018, it said. "It provides up to six months of income support, training, and job search assistance to retrenched workers. "Looking further ahead, Malaysia's economy is projected to expand at 5.1 per cent in 2019 and 4.8 per cent in 2020 and is expected to achieve high-income country status between 2020 and 2024," it said. The downside risks to Malaysia's growth prospects, according to the report, were relate mainly to the external environment. In particular, an abrupt adjustment to global financial market conditions, or weaker-than-expected growth in the major economies and export demand could have disproportionately negative spillovers on Malaysia, given its high level of integration with the global economy and financial markets, it said. A strengthening economy, according to World Bank, offered a crucial opportunity for Malaysia to accelerate structural reforms for sustained longer-term growth and to facilitate its transition towards the achievement of high-income country status in the coming years. Concurrently, it said, to achieve a near-balanced Federal budget over the medium term would necessitate a deeper wave of reforms to enhance revenue collection and improve public sector efficiency, including the targeting efficiency of social protection programmes such as Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia. Equally important, it said, was to reinforce measures to improve labour productivity and implement measures to ensure that growth was inclusive and would provide access to opportunities for all citizens. 10-day Baishakhi Mela begins in city today City Desk : A ten-day Baishakhi Mela is set to begin at Bangla Academy today on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1425. Different government and non-government organizations, socio-cultural platforms including Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Folk Arts and Craft Foundation, Dhaka University have chalked out various programmes to observe the Pahela Baishakh. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has taken a three-day programme to welcome the New Year. As part of the programmes to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, National Museum organized a cultural function on Bangali culture at the Poet Sufia Kamal auditorium on Friday. (@FahadShabbir) Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators on Thursday told AFP they were looking into whether former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko took cash from Moamer Kadhafi's regime in Libya for a presidential campaign. Kiev, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2018 ) :Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators on Thursday told AFP they were looking into whether former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko took cash from Moamer Kadhafi's regime in Libya for a presidential campaign. NABU, Ukraine's anti-graft office, said it had started "studying" information potentially linking Tymoshenko to the acquisition of "four million Euros and its subsequent use to finance her election campaign" in 2010. If it finds "any signs of crime", NABU said a judicial investigation would be opened. Tymoshenko, still a member of parliament, is among the top candidates for Ukraine's 2019 presidential election, ahead of current President Petro Poroshenko according to the latest polls. She served as prime minister twice between 2005 and 2010 but failed to win the presidential election won that year by pro-Russian candidate Victor Yanukovych. In a February issue of the Saudi daily Asharq al-Awsat, an "assistant" of Kadhafi's son Seif al-Islam, said he had personally traveled to Ukraine to hand over the funds to Tymoshenko. "I had them in a briefcase and I travelled to Ukraine on a private jet. I arrived at Kiev airport and delivered the case to the deputy prime minister," he said. A spokeswoman for Tymoshenko rejected the claims, telling AFP: "This information does not correspond to reality. It is nonsense." Following the 2010 presidential election, Tymoshenko was imprisoned for abuse of power in a case denounced as selective justice by the West. She was released after the overthrow of Yanukovych following the pro-Western uprising in February 2014, coming in second in the presidential election three months later. During a visit to Ukraine in 2008, Kadhafi met Tymoshenko in his Bedouin tent set up in the centre of Kiev. He was killed in Libya in October 2011 by rebels. In France, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged over suspected illegal financing and corruption involving the former Libyan. A free exhibition exploring the history of the college is open Mondays to Fridays from April 16th to May 11th 2018 By Philippa Hitchen Memory, Martyrs and Mission is the title of an exhibition which opens in the crypt of Romes Venerable English College on Monday April 16th. Currently home to 29 young men studying for the priesthood, the college has a long history, having been founded originally as a hospice for English pilgrims to the Eternal City, back in the mid-14th century. The free exhibition, which runs until May 11th, showcases ancient artifacts, historical documents and rarely seen relics of priests who studied in Rome and returned to England, where they were captured, tortured and killed during the period of anti-Catholic persecution. Mgr. Philip Whitmore, the current rector of the College, explains that the exhibition is built around three important anniversaries in the life of the English Church Listen to the interview with Mgr. Philip Whitmore He notes that the College chapel is dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury, whose is believed to have been born in 1118, so the first event marked by the exhibition is the 900th anniversary of the birth of our patron saint. Founding of English seminary in Douai Moving forward four and a half centuries, the display is also recalling the founding in 1568 of the first English seminary, set up in Douai in Northern France. Mgr, Whitmore notes that it wasnt possible, in those days, to have a seminary in England, so all the English seminaries were founded on mainland Europe. The college in Rome, he says, was founded 11 years later, in 1579, by the same man, William Allen, to cope with the increasing numbers of seminarians in Douai. Bicentenary of re-opening of college The third event commemorated by the exhibition is the bicentenary of the re-opening of the Venerable English College in 1818. Following the French invasion of Rome, Mgr Whitmore recalls that the seminarians had to leave and couldnt return until after the Napoleonic era and the restitution of papal states. The rector also talks about the 44 college martyrs whose names are listed in the documents on display at the exhibition. He notes that the frescos in the gallery of the chapel tell the history of Christianity in England, including the life and death of these Catholic martyrs. Students carry on martyrs' mission Mgr. Whitmore says that the task of todays seminarians is to carry on the mission that they [the martyrs] began. The context has changed, he says, but the circumstances are in many ways just as challenging as they include widespread indifference and apathy, so priests today are also called to kindle the flame of faith. While todays seminarians are being trained to care for their Catholic parishes, they will also be in dialogue with other Christian communities. Mgr. Whitmore notes that the college has been welcoming pilgrims of all kinds since the original hospice was founded. That tradition continues today, he says, adding that the Archbishop of Canterbury also stays at the Venerable English College on his regular visits to Rome. The Vatican Secretary of State arrived in PNG for the assembly of the Federation of the Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania that is discussing the Care of our Common Home. By Robin Gomes Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin has challenged the Catholic Church Oceania to identify and promote true alternatives to harmful modes of life prevalent in societies throughout the vast region that harm both man and his environment. Cardinal Parolin made the exhortation on April 11 in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG), where he arrived that day to attend the assembly of the Federation of the Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO). Some 75 representatives of the federation that comprises the 4 bishops conferences of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are assembled in Port Moresby from April 11 to 18 on the theme, "Care of our Common Home of Oceania: A sea of possibilities". Laudato Si In his keynote address at the opening of the FCBCO conference on Wednesday, Cardinal Parolin shared his reflections on the Laudato Si, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, which addressed the obligations of man to each other and the environment. He noted that ideology has a great impact on our approach to questions of ecology and the environment. He pointed out that the mental ideology that can lead us to theses damaging consequences that the Pope mentioned in Laudato Si is the ideology of individualism. This ideology whose origins can be traced back to the Age of Enlightenment, he explained, encourages separation from one another and from the community and brings us towards other means of individual and independent living. Warm welcome Despite the rain, over 300 people, religious and lay faithful accompanied by Church leaders, accorded the cardinal a colourful ceremonial welcome at Port Moresbys Jackson International Airport. Gifts of betel-nut, and a live chicken were presented to him by Papuan dancers. "I come as Secretary of State of His Holiness Pope Francis and I know that your welcome is also a sign of your affection for him, said Cardinal Parolin, moved by their warmth. The Holy Father asked me to assure you of his closeness and his prayers for your country. Let us hope we can share in these days a good experience of the love of God, he said. Cardinal Parolin said he wanted to come to PNG because of growing concerns about a nuclear and weapons-free world which, he said, come with responsibility to protect and improve peoples lives across the globe. Issues affecting Oceania Fr. Victor Roche, Secretary of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Papua New Guinea explained to the Vaticans Fides news agency that participants in the FCBCO will study the environmental and social challenges they are facing and try find concrete solutions to the needs of their regions and the communities they represent. The Bishops of these remote countries are concerned about environmental issues, such as the care of the ocean ecosystem, and the protection of human rights and the environment, threatened by an economy of intense exploitation of this vast geographical area. The issues that are worrying this corner of the globe are not exclusively linked to the care of the environment: issues such as migration and the hospitality of refugees push the Bishops of countries like Australia and Papua New Guinea in search of solutions that foster integration and reception, respecting the human dignity of all. The Assembly of Bishops of the Federation of Bishops of Oceania is held every four years. UNAMA reported a total of 2,258 civilian casualties in the first 3 months of April this year, a similar trend in the same period in 2017 and 2016. Armed conflict in Afghanistan has killed over 700 and injured nearly 1,500 civilians in the first 3 months of this year, said the United Nations in a report on Thursday. The quarterly report on Afghanistan by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said 763 civilians were killed and 1,495 others injured between January 1 and March 31 this year, a similar figure to the same period in 2017. The total of 2,258 civilian casualties (deaths and injury), are at the similar levels recorded in the first three months of 2017 and 2016, the report said. UNAMA expressed concern that anti-government elements alone caused 1,500 civilian casualties, up six per cent from the same period last year. Leading trends A new trend UNAMA found in 2018 is that suicide improvised explosive devices (IED) and complex attacks were the leading cause of civilian casualties. UNAMA found that ground engagements were the second leading cause, followed by targeted and deliberate killings, explosive remnants of war, and aerial operations. On the other hand, pro-government forces, including Afghan security forces, government-sponsored militias, and international troops, have caused a reduction in civilian casualties by 13 percent compared to the previous year, killing and injuring 407 civilians. UN concern All parties to the conflict in Afghanistan must do everything in their power to protect civilians from harm, said Ingrid Hayden, the Secretary-Generals Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan. Afghan civilians continue to suffer, caught in the conflict, in ways that are preventable; this must stop now, she urged. For the whole of 2017, the UN said 3,438 civilians were killed and 7,015 others injured. It was the fourth year in a row with more than 10,000 civilian casualties. Child casualties UNAMA recorded 583 child casualties (155 deaths and 428 injured) in the first three months of 2018, an overall decrease of 23 per cent compared to the same period in 2017. The decrease mainly resulted from fewer children killed and injured during ground engagements, though this incident type remained the leading cause of child casualties. UNAMA voiced it concern that children again comprised the vast majority (89 per cent) of civilian casualties from explosive remnants of war. It also pointed out that child recruitment by anti-government elements remains a problem and the mission continued to receive disturbing reports of child recruits killed in military operations in the first quarter of 2018. The UN figures are considered a conservative estimate because they need at least three independent sources to officially register a case. (Source: UN) Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov claims an alleged chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was staged by an unspecified foreign intelligence service. By Nathan Morley The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has proof that an alleged recent chemical attack in Syria was staged by foreign intelligence services. Speaking at a news conference, Mr Lavrov did not mince his words as he spoke of possessing irrefutable evidence that it was another staging. He added: The special services of a state which is in the forefront of the Russophobic campaign had a hand in the staging. He did not name which state or states he was referring to. International response On Thursday, US President Donald Trump met his National Security Council to discuss a response to the alleged chemical weapons attack blamed on Syrian government forces. "We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. Moscow has called on all parties involved in Syria to step back from actions which could further destabilize the region. Even though any military campaign could escalate into a larger conflict, western states are thought to be preparing for missile strikes in response to the alleged attack with British Royal Navy submarines reportedly in the Mediterranean, along with ships from the US fleet. Military build-up near Cyprus At least eight Tornado fighter jets and six Typhoons are based at the British military station in Akrotiri in western Cyprus. The British bases are not part of the Republic of Cyprus, but are small enclaves retained as sovereign areas after the island gained its independence. For its part, the government in Nicosia has emphasized that it has no connection with possible military operations against Syria. "Cyprus has no participation at all, and there has been no consultation whatsoever in relation to the planning of other countries," government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou confirmed. The Las Vegas Community Tech Fund is proud to announce the 5th Annual Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards presented by the Las Vegas Community Tech Fund and the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) on April 28, 2018 at the Zappos.com Headquarters in Downtown Las Vegas. The host/emcee of this years event will be JJ Snyder, co-host of the Morning Blend on KTNV Channel 13. The awards will focus on: Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Gaming Technology/Hospitality, Robotics, Information Technology, Virtual Reality, Startups and Entrepreneurs. The awards will encompass the various sectors of technology to recognize and promote the advancement of all women in technological careers. The award categories include: Technology Woman of The Year Technology Woman Entrepreneur Technology Woman for Community Service Technology Woman Mentor Technology Woman Rising Star New Award Categories: Technology Woman for Gaming & Hospitality Technology Woman for Cybersecurity National Center for Women and Information Technology Aspiration Awards will be recognized this year: Aspirations in Computing Awards (High School Students) Collegiate Awards (College/University Students and/or Programs) Educator Awards (Winner & Honorable Mention) Nominations are now open for the Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards and will be accepted online through Thursday, April 12 at www.lvtechawards.com The 5th Annual Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards Ceremony will be held Saturday, April 28th starting at 6pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.lvtechawards.com 5th Annual Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards Sponsors Include: Presented by: Las Vegas Community Tech Fund NCWIT Recognized Sponsors: Texas Instruments SIM zSpace Special Thanks Sponsors: TrendMicro Cox Business TechImpact Yelp WiFi and Diamond Group Marketing Link Technologies In addition to the seven awards, this years ceremony will recognize the Aspiration Awards awarded and presented by the National Center For Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) including: Aspirations in Computing Program Award (High School); Collegiate Awards (College/University students and/or programs); and Educator Awards (Winner & Honorable mention) to recognize young women interested in technology and computing. We encourage the Las Vegas community to take action and nominate females they know, whom have accomplished phenomenal achievements in technology right here in Southern Nevada. Our goal as an organization, together with the local technology community, is to recognize these women and to foster advancements for women working in STEM, says Lori Nguyen, Chairman and President of the Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards and Las Vegas Community Tech Fund. Although U.S. women represent half of the college-educated workforce and continue to grow in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, they remain underrepresented and make up less than 18% of the in-demand STEM and technology industry, according to the National Girls Collaborative Project. The Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards provides an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and support current and future women in STEM and Technology careers. It allows us to recognize the important role girls and women play in creating future technology, says Snehal Bhakta, Las Vegas Affiliate Coordinator of NCWIT, a national non-profit organization that works to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women in computing. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is hosting its fifth Beauty Bash in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip this Saturday, April 14, from noon to 5 p.m. The five-hour event will feature complimentary beauty demos, services and makeovers to showcase the centers various stores, such as Basin White, Drybar, Garrett Popcorn Shops, MAC Cosmetics, NYX Professional Makeup, Sephora, and The Body Shop (Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com). WHEN: Saturday, April 14 Noon Event begins 5 p.m. Event ends WHERE: Miracle Mile Shops North Plaza 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 While hunger continues to be an ever-present issue throughout the Las Vegas valley, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada (CCSN), will attempt to completely eradicate the problem for a single day on April 26 through its Feed Vegas celebration, which is held in honor of the organizations 77th anniversary. As one of the largest nonprofit social service providers in the state, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, is well known for offering a wide range of services to help the homeless and vulnerable and is no stranger to taking on the challenge of mitigating hunger insecurity in Las Vegas. Feed Vegas has been created as a way to celebrate a long-standing tradition of hosting a special gourmet meal for our community members as well as take a legitimate step towards ending hunger in the Las Vegas Valley, says CCSN President and CEO Deacon Tom Roberts. Every journey starts with a single step or in our case, a single day. According to Roberts, one of the most important services the organization offers is food, which impacts the lives of the most at-risk members of our community each and every day. And while CCSN has the capacity to serve nearly 1.9 million meals throughout the year and over 1,000 meals on the day of the event, they do not have the capacity to tackle the problem alone. Recent data shows that almost 300,000 people, or about 15 percent of valley residents, suffer from food insecurity, which means they lack access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. We understand that this isnt an issue that can be solved in a single day, which is why were calling on the Las Vegas community for help, says Roberts. Each meal we serve costs us approximately $2.50. That means even a small donation can help us a provide a nutritious meal to a lot of people. In addition to monetary donations, which can be given through the CCSN website or Amazon Smiles, the organization is asking for volunteers as well. Money is important, but volunteers are also critical to the success of our organization, says Roberts. We couldnt do what we do without them. We need help in the food pantry, plating meals for Meals on Wheels, and serving in the dining room seven days a week. According to Roberts, the community is also encouraged to donate food. Our Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry offers a grocery store setting to allow some of the communitys most vulnerable members to choose the groceries that are best for their families, says Robert. Contributions from the community of non-perishable food items are what makes this program possible. The Feed Vegas celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the St. Vincent Lied Dining Facility, 1511 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101. To learn more about Catholic Charities of Southern Nevadas or its Feed Vegas event, please visit www.catholiccharities.com. Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosts the 28th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas, their largest fundraiser of the year. In 2017, more than 5,500 walkers participated and raised $300,000 to support critically needed HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 2018 7-8 a.m. Check-in for walker teams and individuals 8-10 a.m. Pre-Walk Festival (Stage Performances/Vendors/Games) 10-11 a.m. AIDS Walk (1.5 miles through Town Square) 11 a.m. Event Finished/Finish Line WHERE: Town Square 6605 South Las Vegas Blvd Walkers will start near the NW parking lot (near Guitar Center) in Town Square Celebrities and VIPs scheduled to participate: Penn & Teller, grand marshals for the 17th consecutive year and leaders in the Penn & Teller Fundraising Challenge Chester Lockhart and Scheana Shay from Sex Tips for a Straight Woman from a Gay Man Ruby Lewis from Marilyn: The New Musical Tony Dovolani and Chippendale cast members Miss Behave from the Miss Behave Game Show Jennifer Romas from Sexxy the Show Antioco Carrillo, AFAN Executive Director Scott Washburn, AFAN Board President Melody Sweets Cast members from Le Reve Cast members from WOW! World of Wonder Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Broadway Collective Assemblyman Nelson Araujo Norma Llyaman Sapphire Pool & Day Club, the only gentlemens day club, announces its 2018 Spring grand opening party and debuts the start of its summer pool party lineup commencing 4/20 Weekend with rapper Dizzy Wright on 4/20 and Instagram starlette and recording artist Laci Kay Sommers on 4/21, who will host alongside hundreds of Sapphires beautiful poolside entertainers. Starting Friday, April 20th , Sapphire Pool & Day Club rolls into pool season with a joint 4/20-infused poolside bash with a performance and meet-and-greet from famed rapper Dizzy Wright. Sapphires resident DJ duo The HardNox crew will also be on-deck to infuse party sounds throughout the pool club and of course, to make it rain champagne. Sapphire Pool & Day Club will transform ultimate daytime attraction as beach balls fly and champagne bottles pop. 4/20 swag will be awarded to party revelers throughout the day. On Saturday, April 21st, recording artist and Instagram icon Laci Kay Sommers, who has amassed over 10 million fans across multiple platforms, will debut her new hit single Turn Up! at the poolside bashs opening weekend festivities. Guests are encouraged to wear their hottest swimwear as Sapphires poolside atmosphere will included in her music video set to release on the blonde bombshells popular YouTube channel. Laci will be on-hand to do a fan meet-and-greet. Adjacent cabanas are currently available near the IG icon; available by reservation only. On Sunday, April 22nd, Sapphire Pool will host Artist & Grammy-award winning producer NomaD. Guests will get lost to the sounds of reggae island vibes as NomaD performs hits like Take It All, Static and Perfect Timing, which debuted at number three and became the number one most requested song on iHeartRadios Island 98.5 Top 5 at 5 within days of its release. Red, white, and PINK! On Saturday, May 26th, Instagrams favorite party animal comedian The Fat Jewish brings his infamous BABE Rose to Sapphire Pool & Day Club to throw a Memorial Day Weekend for the books gram. Partygoers can enjoy their BABE Rose wine-in-a-can with the vertical-ponytaild social media superstar as he keeps the party hyped and the bubbles flowing. The pink-themed BABE Rose champagne soiree hosted by the social media superstar will kick off a variety of hosted poolside bashes throughout the 2018 season. Guests can experience the bevvy of hosted parties* over brunch with menu items like Sapphires French Kiss Toast, Strippin Chicken, various salads, sliders and more delectable grill menu options all in one of Sapphire Pool & Day Clubs 11 cabanas or from a daybed in the middle of the action overlooking the party atmosphere. For the ultimate party, guests can purchase the following pre-event value packages including: 'Future of Bangladesh lies in hands of present generation' City Desk : Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh Professor Abdul Mannan on Thursday said that the future of the country lies in the hands of present generation. "Three million people sacrificed their lives during our liberation war in 1971 for the better life of the present generation," Prof Mannan said this on Thursday while speaking at a programme at University of Chittagong. He was present as the chief guest at the fresher's reception programme of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the university, said a UGC press release. Professor Mannan said that universities are places for practicing knowledge. "Universities are not places for creating unrest or disrupting the academic atmosphere of the university. Students should not forget that public universities are run using public money and no one has the right to misuse the money," he added. Vice-Chancellor (VC) Chittagong University Professor Dr Iftikhar Uddin Chowdhury and Pro-VC professor Dr Shireen Akhter, among others, addressed the programme. Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Professor Dr Sekandar Chowdhury presided over the function. David Chandler, a renowned American historian of Cambodia, says he is looking into publishing a 5th edition of his seminal 1983 work A History of Cambodia with a more pessimistic ending. The new edition, if I go ahead with it, and I think I probably will, is going to be different from the 4th edition, Chandler said in an exclusive interview with VOA Khmer last month. I have a feeling that the closing pages of that last chapter, which would take you to 2018 or 2019, whenever I finish writing the book, would be more pessimistic than the last paragraphs were in the 4th edition, he said. Chandler saw positive changes in terms of liberalization and democratization when he was concluding the current version of the book, which was last revised in 2007, but in the past decade Cambodia has taken backward steps, he said. At that time, he explained, I just saw more possibilities for positive political changes in Cambodia opening up and liberalizing and so on. I saw more of them in 2005 when I wrote the last edition than I do now. I think the political scene has contracted and its become less open to a positive change, or democratization. Chandler also wants to broaden his chapter about the Angkor Empire, the period from the 9th to 15th centuries when a kingdom centered in Siem Reap conquered large swathes of Southeast Asia and built vast temples, to include new archeological findings brought about by University of Sydneys Greater Angkor Project. This new research utilizes the airborne laser-scanning technology known as Lidar to map small hills and depressions surrounding the temples, which allows archaeologists to visualize the extent of the settlements around Angkor and gives new insight into the lives of everyday Angkorians. I am going to expand and deepen the Angkor chapter because the archaeological work has been wonderful. The work in the last 10 years has been big leaps with the Lidar, big leaps of Cambodian knowledge about Angkor, he said. In 1960, Chandler, now an 85-year-old professor emeritus at Monash University in Australia, came to work as a US Foreign Service officer at the US Embassy in Phnom Penh. Learning to speak and read Khmer there, and following then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk around the country to observe his speeches, allowed Chandler to glean insights about Cambodias history and political dynamics that prepared him for his future career as a historian. Translated into Khmer, Thai, French and Chinese, and used in classrooms across the world, Chandlers A History of Cambodia is a comprehensive overview of Cambodia that explores four main themes: Cambodias geographical relations with Thailand and Vietnam; modern Cambodian interpretations of the nations past, especially the Angkor Empire; patronage and hierarchy practices in Cambodia; and the idea of changelessness in Cambodian society. The Association for Asian Studies last month gave Chandler its highest honor, the award for Distinguished Contributions to Asian Studies, for his body of scholarly work on Cambodias history, politics and culture, of which A History of Cambodia is perhaps the best known. Soon after the first edition was published, the Associations Journal of Asian Studies praised the book as an original contribution, superior to any other existing work. Japan has cautiously welcomed the news that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership. If this means that President Trump is correctly evaluating the significance and effects of the TPP, its something we want to welcome, Toshimitsu Motegi, Japans trade minister, said Friday. He added that the trade pact is as delicate as something made of glass, making it difficult to renegotiate any part of the agreement. Trump ordered his top economic and trade advisers Thursday to look into rejoining the Pacific-rim trade pact that he abandoned last year three days after taking power. Late Thursday night the president tweeted about TPP: Farm-state lawmakers said after a White House meeting on agricultural trade that Trump told his economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to weigh the benefits of re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership a deal struck by the Obama administration. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican critic of Trump's trade policies, said that at one point in the meeting, the president turned to Kudlow and said, "Larry, go get it done." Sasse represents a Midwestern farm state. He called Trump's change of mind on the Pacific trade deal "good news." He said the president has consistently "reaffirmed the idea that TPP would be easier for us to join now." Early Friday, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said he would welcome a move by the United States to rejoin the TPP. Aso, speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, also said that he expected Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump to discuss TPP at their summit meeting next week. Trump has often said he prefers bilateral trade deals instead of multinational pacts, believing the U.S. does not fare well in bigger trade deals. It was not immediately clear why he now is open to rejoining the TPP. Trump said throughout his presidential campaign "The Trans-Pacific Partnership is another disaster done and pushed by special interests who want to rape our country, just a continuing rape of our country. That's what it is, too. It's a harsh word: It's a rape of our country." During opening statements at Thursday's meeting before he shooed out reporters, Trump assured the lawmakers that he intends to negotiate better trade deals for the American farmer in the face of threatened new Chinese tariffs and contentious negotiations with Canada and Mexico. "It'll be very good when we get it all finished," Trump said. "The farmers will do fantastically well. Agriculture will be taken care of 100 percent." Trump contended that "China has consistently treated the American farmer very poorly," noting that Beijing had until last year blocked U.S. beef sales for 14 years. Now, in response to Trump's announced intention to impose new or higher tariffs on $150 billion worth of Chinese imports, China says it will impose new levies on an array of U.S. exports, including wheat, soybeans, corn, cranberries and orange juice, raising fears among U.S. farmers that their livelihoods are threatened. Administration officials have said China and the United States can negotiate their differences and avoid a trade war. Trump said Thursday "we're having some great discussions" with China and that he believes the outcome will be "tariffs off and the barriers down." But a spokesman for China's commerce ministry said the United States is not showing any sincerity and that China will not hesitate to fight back if the U.S. escalates trade tensions. Trade posturing continues in a trade of words between the United States and China. Kinder, gentler military exercises in Korea. Australia warns of military expansion on islands. We meet extraordinary Pakistanis. Hollywood quality wedding videos, and diverting dirty water. ((PKG)) PEOPLE IN AMERICA CITY OF ASYLUM ((Banner: Carrying on)) ((Exec. Prod: Marsha James)) ((Camera: Kaveh Rezaei)) ((Adapted by: Zdenko Novacki)) ((Map: United States / Pennsylvania / Pittsburgh)) ((HENRY REESE, City of Asylum Pittsburgh)) City of Asylum Pittsburgh began to provide sanctuary to a writer exiled under threat of persecution. The writer could be endangered with prison, violence or censored in a way that you cant publish freely. Our goal is to provide a place to live, living income and medical benefits. We feel its extremely important that the writer maintain the identity of being a writer, and the only way to do that, in exile, is to be published in the country youre in. In the United States, there are two other cities of asylum, both university affiliated. One at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Wole Soyinka, the writer who was instrumental in founding the whole movement worldwide, was in exile and in the faculty there for a good deal. And the other program is a consortium of universities in Ithaca (New York). So, he himself was instrumental in getting these other two programs. We have four houses with writing on the outside in various languages that were inspired by the original writer in our program, Huang Xiang. Huang Xiang was from China and when he came here, he wanted to celebrate his freedom. He had never been allowed to express himself. Hed been tortured where his mouth had been beaten in, so he couldnt even recite his poetry publicly, or they tried to prevent it in China. As more writers came to our program and we began to provide more houses for them, we used that idea of publishing a book, but we called it House Publishing. And we were creating a public library of these houses as you walk down the street. Next Close Previous Next Next Next Link has been copied to clipboard On April 13, Isabel dos Santos, Africas richest woman, is scheduled to speak at a student-led event at Yale University. Dos Santos is the former chairwoman of Sonangol, Angolas state-owned oil company, and the daughter of former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. She also has been accused of corruption and graft. In 2015, Transparency International, a global monitoring group, identified dos Santos as a prime example of grand corruption. Last month, Sonangols new chairman suggested that dos Santos improperly moved millions of dollars from the company in the days following her dismissal. Peace and development Last fall, the Yale Undergraduate Association for African Peace and Development (YAAPD) invited dos Santos to its annual conference on peace and development in Africa and the global African diaspora. In a tweet in March, YAAPD wrote, We are so excited to announce another keynote speaker for our conference April 13th: ISABEL DOS SANTOS! Dos Santos is an Angolan businesswoman, entrepreneur and Africas richest woman. Now in its fifth year, The Yale Conference for African Peace and Development is the signature event for the YAAPD. In addition to dos Santos, 13 panelists will speak on the themes of identity, democracy, business and technology, and sustainability. Pastor Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean religious leader, is the second keynote speaker. Political ties Justin Pearce is a lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge and an expert on Angola. The problem with YAAPDs speaker selection, he said, is that everyday Angolans are acutely aware that the wealth of the dos Santos family, and especially Isabel, came from political connections, not entrepreneurship. She said that shed started out as an entrepreneur as a little girl selling eggs on the streets of Luanda. But you can be sure, given the background that she came from, its not like she had to sell eggs to put food on the table, Pearce told VOA. Whether that little anecdote is true or not, the fact remains that she wouldnt have acquired her financial assets and the businesses that she controls without the influence of her father, he added. Accusations of graft In a 2017 interview with the Reuters news agency, dos Santos said, My parents formed who I am as a person. But my professional choices and the risks I have taken and the businesses I have built and created were done by my own vision and by my own will. Beyond questions about whether she is self-made, dos Santos also has been accused of pilfering from state coffers. In September, Joao Lourenco replaced long-time leader Jose Eduardo dos Santos, giving Angola its first new president in 38 years. Dos Santos did not run for re-election, but he retains considerable power as the chairman of the Peoples Movement for the Liberation of Angola, the ruling party. Shortly after his swearing in, Lourenco removed Isabel dos Santos from the helm of Sonangol and appointed Carlos Saturnino in her place. In early March, Saturnino raised questions about a $38 million payment to a company based in Dubai that dos Santos approved after she had been dismissed as chair and before Saturnino stepped in. Isabel dos Santos called any suggestions of impropriety slanderous, but similar allegations have been made by prominent Angolan journalist Rafael Marques de Morais. Engaging diverse perspectives The YAAPDs invitation drew pointed questions on social media from alumni, including Dayo Olopade, a Nigerian-American author. Compared with the other named speakers, her biography speaks volumes. She is not an entrepreneur. She is not an activist. She is not an academic. She is not a role model, Olopade wrote on Twitter. In a written statement on March 28, the YAAPD said, We certainly understand and acknowledge the concerns about Ms. Isabel Dos Santos presence and we extend an invitation for all parties to attend the event and relay their comments directly to her. That opportunity will come April 13 in the form of a 30-minute question-and-answer session on the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut, following a speech by dos Santos and a 20-minute conversation with Eddie Mandhry, the director for Africa in the Yale Office of International Affairs. Financial ties? The YAAPD board added dos Santos to a short list of potential keynote speakers, and it voted to invite her after conducting research and conferring with other institutions at which she had spoken. In its statement, the YAAPD made clear that dos Santos is not a sponsor of the event, nor will she receive an honorarium. Among the 13 sponsors, however, one of the few not directly affiliated with Yale is the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global management consulting firm. Dos Santos hired BCG in 2016 to assist with the transition at Sonangol when she stepped in as its chief executive. YAAPDs efforts YAAPD is led by Yale students with deep ties to Africa, including students from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Through its annual conference, the YAAPD hopes to put diverse people in conversation about issues that they are working on, according to the groups website. Its good that the students in the United States are doing something to educate themselves and educate one another about African initiatives. And clearly Africa often gets stereotyped in the U.S., and its good to be breaking down those stereotypes, Pearce said. There are many African business people who started with nothing and would be inspirational speakers for students in the United States, according to Pearce. Unfortunately, Isabel dos Santos is not a good example of this, he added. Shes clearly somebody whos become wealthy because of her political connections. And while she has a right to speak wherever she wants to, as somebody to put on a stage as a role model, I wouldnt say shes the most suitable choice. Dos Santos talk at Yale will not be her first appearance at a well-known school. She has previously spoken at the London Business Schools LBS Africa Business Summit 2017 and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences LSE Africa Summit 2017. VOA contacted the YAAPD for an interview, but it was unable to schedule one ahead of the two-day conference. Human rights group Amnesty International says it has recorded a decrease in executions in Iran, where authorities have suspended the use of the death penalty for drug-related offenses. In an annual report released early Thursday in London, the group said Iran executed at least 507 people in 2017, an 11 percent reduction from the year before. It said Iran still had the second-highest number of executions last year after China, whose executions it estimated as being in the thousands. Amnesty's Iran researcher, Raha Bahreini, speaking from London to VOA's Persian service on Thursday, said there had been a notable decline in the number of people executed by Iran for drug offenses, with 205 executions in that category last year, compared with 240 people executed for murder. "It is the first time in many years that executions for murder exceeded those for drug offenses," she said. Bahreini attributed the decline in drug-related executions to Iran's recent changes in its drug-trafficking laws. "We welcome those changes, and if implemented properly, they will lead to a further drop in such executions," she said. "But we still urge Iran to abolish the death penalty for all drug-related crimes." Changes in October Iran's parliament amended the nation's drug-trafficking laws last October to restrict death sentences to traffickers convicted of carrying weapons, acting as a ringleader, or using mentally ill people and minors under age 18 in a drug crime. It also raised the minimum amounts of illegal drugs that would subject convicted traffickers to the death penalty. The changes took effect in November and were made retroactive, prompting the Iranian government to suspend executions for thousands of convicted drug offenders on death row pending a review of their sentences for potential commutation to prison time. International rights groups had called on Iran for years to curtail executions for drug crimes. Bahreini said the recent reforms were a response to that pressure. But she said Iran shows no sign of reforming its policy of permitting executions for murder cases. Iran's Islamist system entitles family members of a murder victim to retribution by deciding whether a convicted murderer is executed or allowed to live in return for a payment of blood money. Kaveh Adib and Mohammad Naficy of VOA's Persian service contributed to this report. Law enforcement officials in Cameroon say investigations continue following a large discovery of illegal wildlife products hidden in shipping containers bound for China. At least 1,000 kilograms of pangolin scales and several hundred elephant tusks were found April 6, in containers of cocoa that were to be transported to China from the Douala international airport. Officials have not yet determined the country of origin for the contraband. Poaching of elephants and pangolins remains a problem in Cameroon; however, the country has also served as a regional hub for smugglers. Didier Ngono, an official from the wildlife department, told VOA that three Chinese nationals have been arrested and will help police with their investigation. Ngono says that under the law, the penalties for smuggling include fines ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 and prison sentences of between one and three years. Cameroon has intercepted and destroyed at least two other large shipments of pangolin scales bound for Asian countries in the past two years. Eric Kaba Tah, an official with The Last Great Ape, a nongovernmental organization that helps Cameroon enforce wildlife laws, says enforcement mechanisms remain weak. "In 2016, two Chinese traffickers were arrested with five tons of pangolin scales that were about to be illegally exported from the country to China," Tah said. "They were given three months' imprisonment from the one-year minimum imprisonment they were supposed to get, and this is why we are very dissatisfied. They should be given punishment that is commensurate to their crimes." Both pangolins and elephants are considered critically endangered. International trade in pangolin and ivory is banned, yet consumer demand remains high in Asian countries, fueling the illegal market. Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy and the scales are used in traditional medicine. Sectoral constraints for export competitiveness stressed at SME development meeting Muhammed Abdullah, Secretary of Ministry of Industries, presiding over the 5th SME Development Working Committee (SMEDWC) meeting at his office in the city on Thursday. Representatives from different ministries, trade bodies and others were also present. Business Desk : The 5th SME Development Working Committee (SMEDWC) Meeting of BUILD took place at the conference room of the Ministry of Industries (MoI) on Thursday. Chaired by Muhammed Abdullah, Secretary of Ministry of Industries, the meeting discussed SME issues and policy simplification, including regulatory barriers with a view to make the SMEs of leather, plastics and technology competitive for doing business. BUILD CEO Ferdaus Ara Begum presented four papers based on research pointing to the SMEs for which MoI is the parent ministry to administer. The studies included Export Competitiveness of Leather Footwear Industry in Bangladesh, Access to Technology for SME Women Entrepreneurs, Quality and Compliance Issues of Plastic Sector in Bangladesh and Simplification of Ownership Transfership of BSCIC Industrial Plots. A comprehensive policy for the Leather, Footwear and Leather Goods Sector in consultation with the concerned associations & experts aligning with the objectives and goals announced through the Leather Sector Export Roadmap by Ministry of Commerce (MOC) was proposed by BUILD. Industries Ministry Secretary appreciated the works BUILD has been doing for SME development and he emphasized the real needs of reforms for several issues for SMEs Women Entrepreneurs and he said the present government is highly interested to promote the sector. He also expressed his interest to make financing for SMEs simple and collateral guidelines for the entrepreneur up to 25 lakh for them. Referring to the presentation on Quality & Compliance Issues of Plastic he informed that a standard weight and measurement act 2018 has been finalized by BSTI and will be submitted to the Parliament which includes IP and ICT issues taking care of the present need of entrepreneurs. He also said that a meeting on law and policy reform is going to be held soon. BUILD has got lot of areas to work for supporting in this area. Finally, he requested to send the resolution of the meeting for active consideration from the Ministry of Industries. Hosna Ferdous Sumi, Private Sector Specialist, World Bank Group said that if the solid waste can be managed / recycled properly it can become a value addition. It will help to serve the need for environmental management which has got a huge social and environmental impact. BSCIC is in charge of management of maintenance ETP in the TED. Their tasks need to be activated. She offered support from IFC for an independent CETP. Mustak Hassan Md. Iftekhar, Chairman of BSCIC agreed to the need of updating the BSCIC Gazette no. IE/BSCIC/156/79 circulated in 1988 on transfer of ownership of land. He informed that BSCIC has been working for updating it. He added by saying that two (02) Leather Estates are also in the process which will be able to meet the scarcity of land. Frustration with water shortages in Iran's third-largest city is growing, with conservative women seen marching for the first time to protest the situation. A social media video monitored by VOA's Persian service and identified as having been filmed in Isfahan's eastern district of Khorasgan on Friday showed a group of women wearing chadors marching behind male protesters. A chador is a long garment, often black, that leaves only a woman's face exposed. It is worn by Iranian women who follow the conservative dress code of Iran's ruling Islamist clerics. Social media users said the chador-wearing women were from farming families in nearby villages who had come to Khorasgan's town center to join their husbands in protesting the lack of water for their farms. WATCH: Iran Water Protests Enter Fourth Day The video begins with male protesters marching on a street, followed by the women, who appear 40 seconds into the clip. The women can be heard chanting: "Our enemy is here, it is not America." Men are also seen riding motorcycles and walking alongside the women but at a distance, apparently to protect the group from any intrusion. It was the fourth consecutive day of water shortage protests reported by social media users in Isfahan city. On Friday, the Iranian government's leader of Friday prayers in Isfahan lost patience with the protesters. State news agency IRNA quoted Ayatollah Yousef Tabatabaye-nejad as saying: "Repeated demonstrations and chants indicate that these people are hostile and seeking to cause riots and sedition." Tabatabaye-nejad also said he had "always" defended farmers and their rights, but added: "I no longer believe they are right." Some residents angered by what they see as government mismanagement of local water resources turned their backs to the cleric during a prayer sermon last month. Iranian leaders have accused foreign powers such as the United States of instigating a series of street protests over various grievances across Iran since late December. Washington has said it supports Iranians engaged in peaceful protests against the Iranian government. Farhad Pouladi of VOA's Persian service contributed to this report. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to arrest an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor if she conducts activities in his country, arguing it was no longer an ICC member so the court had no right to do any investigating. Striking out at what he said was an international effort to paint him as a ruthless and heartless violator of human rights, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICCs Rome Statute a month ago and promised to continue his crackdown on drugs, in which thousands have been killed. ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in February announced the start of a preliminary examination into a complaint by a Philippine lawyer, which accuses Duterte and top officials of crimes against humanity, and of killing criminals as a policy. Duterte has cited numerous reasons why he believes the ICC has no jurisdiction over him, and on Friday suggested that any doubts about that should have been dispelled by his withdrawal. What is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty, why are you ... in this country? he told reporters, in comments aimed at Bensouda. You cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis. That is illegal and I will arrest you. It is not clear whether Bensouda or the ICC has carried out any activities in the Philippines related to the complaint against Duterte. The office of the prosecutor in The Hague and the Philippine foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Drug war toll Police have since July 2016 killed more than 4,000 people they say are drug dealers who resisted arrest. Activists say many of those were executions, which police deny. Duterte has told security forces not to cooperate with any foreign investigators and last month said he would convince other ICC members to withdraw. Duterte had earlier vowed to face the ICC and critics say pulling out is futile, because the ICC has jurisdiction to investigate alleged crimes committed in the period from when the Philippines joined in 2011 to when its withdrawal takes effect in March 2019. Legal technicality Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can step in and exercise jurisdiction if states are unable or unwilling to investigate suspected crimes. But the mercurial former mayor and his legal aides argue that technically, the Philippines never joined the ICC, because it was not announced in the countrys official gazette. If there is no publication, it is as if there is no law at all, Duterte said Friday. Pakistans Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling Friday, disqualified former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and others from holding public office for lying and dishonesty. Sharif, 67, resigned from office in July after the top court found him guilty of concealing a foreign source of income. After Sharifs ouster from office last year, his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party elected Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as his successor to enable the party to complete its mandated five-year term due to end in June before the country holds new elections later this year. Fridays unanimous verdict by a five-judge panel of the highest court merely addressed an ambiguity over whether disqualifications handed down under relevant constitutional provisions requiring public office holders to be truthful and honest are for life or a specific time period. But party loyalist and the state minister for information Maryam Aurangzeb swiftly rejected the verdict as a conspiracy against democracy in the country. This is the same joke that has been played on 17 elected prime ministers of Pakistan," she told reporters outside the court. The minister stopped short of once again blaming the powerful military for orchestrating the judicial proceedings, saying it is the work of those nameless, faceless and unknown people who determine the fate of elected prime ministers in Pakistan. The military, which has ruled the country for years through coups against elected governments, denies involvement. Sharifs party won the 2013 elections and brought him to power for a historic third time, though all of his terms ended abruptly and prematurely. The former prime ministers dismissal from office in July was based on corruption charges stemming from the 2016 Panama Papers, leaked documents from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. The trove of papers contained names of three of Sharifs six children heading offshore companies that purchased four London luxury flats. The family has maintained the companies were set up with legally obtained money and an anti-corruption court is investigating it under the direction of the Supreme Court. Legal experts say Sharif can re-enter national politics only if his party secures a landslide victory in the next elections so it is able to amend the constitution to remove disqualification clauses. Analysts and political commentators, however, say Fridays decision will further weaken Sharifs political party, which has already witnessed defections of key members in recent weeks, making even simple victory difficult in the upcoming national elections, assertions PML-N leaders dismiss. A presidential decree removed Sharif from power in early the 1990s on charges of corruption and mismanagement of the national economy. After his partys landslide victory in the 1997 elections, Sharif returned to office only to be ousted two years later in October 1999 in a bloodless military coup. He was later tried and convicted for treason before being exiled to Saudi Arabia. Sharif returned to Pakistan in late 2007 and resumed political activities. A federal jury in Houston on Thursday convicted former Texas Republican Congressman Stephen Stockman of numerous counts of fraud, including stealing charitable contributions for campaign and personal expenses. U.S. attorneys said Stockman used his position as a public servant to defraud donors and break federal law. They say his conviction shows no one is above the law. Stockman was charged with 23 counts, including money laundering, mail and wire fraud, and lying to federal election officials. Among the charges, Stockman solicited more than $1 million in charitable contributions on false pretenses and used much of the money to pay for his election campaign and other personal expenses. He also spent some of the funds to illegally spy on a political opponent in his failed 2014 campaign for the U.S. Senate. Two former Stockman aides already had pleaded guilty in their roles in the scheme. Stockman, a Republican, served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas, from 1995 to 1997 and again from 2013 to 2015. He is to be sentenced August 17. President Donald Trump has promised to support legislation protecting the marijuana industry in states that have legalized the drug, a Republican senator said Friday, disclosing the move that could lift a threat to the industry made by the U.S. attorney general just three months ago. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado said Trump made the pledge to him in a Wednesday night conversation. Gardner has been pushing to reverse a decision made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in January that removed prohibitions that kept federal prosecutors from pursuing cases against people who were following pot laws in states such as Colorado that have legalized the drug. Marijuana has been fully legalized in eight states, and 24 states allow some form of marijuana use. "President Trump has assured me that he will support a federalism-based legislative solution to fix this states' rights issue once and for all," Gardner said in a statement Friday. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Gardner used his power as a senator to prevent consideration of any nominees for the Department of Justice after Sessions made his announcement. Gardner allowed some nominees to proceed in a "good-faith" gesture last month. On Friday, he said he was fully releasing his holds on nominations. Gardner and the Department of Justice have been in discussions for months to get the holds lifted. Gardner has met with Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the official overseeing the Russia probe who has been the target of Trump's re. Trump called the senator before Gardner was scheduled to speak with Rosenstein. During the campaign, Trump said states should be able to chart their own course on marijuana. Gardner said he was blindsided by the move by Sessions, a longtime critic of the drug. Gardner hopes to introduce bipartisan legislation keeping the federal government from interfering in state marijuana markets. A governing Hindu nationalist party lawmaker was arrested Friday after being accused of abducting and raping a teenage girl last year whose father died following an assault by a mob led by the lawmaker's brother when the girl protested about alleged police inaction in the case. Abhishek Dayal, a spokesman for the federal Central Bureau of Investigation, said lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar was arrested after questioning in Lucknow, the capital of northern Uttar Pradesh state. He denies the allegation. The teen also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party of shielding the lawmaker and the police of delaying his prosecution. Violent crimes against women have been on the rise in India despite tough laws enacted by the government in 2013. In 2012, the fatal gang rape of a young woman in the heart of India's capital prompted hundreds of thousands of Indians to take to the streets to demand stricter rape laws. The outrage over the New Delhi attack spurred quick action on legislation doubling prison terms for rapists to 20 years and criminalizing voyeurism, stalking and the trafficking of women. Indian lawmakers also voted to lower to 16 from 18 the age at which a person can be tried as an adult for heinous crimes. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they are a victim of a sex crime. The girl told reporters on Thursday that lawmaker Sengar was known to her family because they were from the same village in Uttar Pradesh state. She accused Sengar of raping her in June last year when she went to his home in Unnao district, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Lucknow, the state capital. The federal investigators said the teenager's family also accused four other people of kidnapping and raping her. Police are investigating the complaint. The teenage girl said she protested to state authorities in August last year, but nothing happened. She and her family moved to New Delhi because they felt threatened by the lawmaker and his supporters and she sent petitions to India's president, the prime minister and the state police chief seeking help. Last week, she visited the state's top elected official, Yogi Adiyanath's office in Lucknow. When she was denied a meeting with state officials, she took out kerosene and tried to set herself on fire. The lawmaker's brother, Atul Sengar, and his supporters have been accused of beating up the girl's father and Sengar was arrested this week for causing the father's death. The father was arrested after the beating because of a pending charge of possessing unlicensed guns and died, triggering protests. Internal injuries caused by the beating and blood poisoning were listed as causes of death. The Gaza Health Ministry said one Palestinian was killed and more than 900 others were injured Friday by Israeli troops, who used gunfire and tear gas to repel numerous attempts by Palestinians to cross the border fence separating the Palestinian-governed Gaza Strip from Israel. The violence erupted after thousands of Palestinians staged a protest along the border, the third weekly protest scheduled through mid-May. The protests already have resulted in dozens killed and thousands injured. The protesters gathered at tent camps several hundred meters from the border fence. Smaller groups of protesters approached the fence, burning Israeli flags and tires and hurling stones, prompting Israeli soldiers to fire live bullets and tear gas. Israel's military said some protesters in the crowd threw firebombs and explosive devices, while others tried to breach the border fence. The Gaza Health Ministry said a 28-year-old man was fatally shot. It said more than 900 other protesters were injured, 223 of them by gunshots. Ten nurses and paramedics and two journalists were among the wounded, according to the ministry. The protesters are demanding an end to the decade-old blockade and a return of Palestinian refugees to what is now Israel, where their ancestors lived before being forced to flee after the establishment of Israel in 1948. Israel repeatedly has ruled out any right of their return over concerns Israel would lose its Jewish majority. Some rights groups maintain Israel's open-fire rules are unlawful because troops potentially can use lethal force against unarmed protesters. Amnesty International demanded Friday that Israel "put an immediate end to the excessive and lethal force being used to suppress Palestinian demonstrations in Gaza." It also reiterated its demand for an independent probe into the killings. The Israeli military said it responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." Israel has accused the Islamist movement Hamas, which governs Gaza, and with whom Israel has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protests to incite violence. But Palestinians maintain protesters are being shot while posing no threat to Israeli troops. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation. The more than 100 deaths across Indonesia this month related to bootleg alcohol highlight Indonesias intractable problems with illegal and homemade liquor. There is a large black market for alcohol, which is highly taxed in the Muslim-majority nation, especially since 2015, when Indonesia banned the sale of alcohol at convenience stores and mini-marts. Thirty-one people recently died in Jakarta, as well as dozens of others in Java and Kalimantan islands. The West Java city of Bandung declared a state of emergency Tuesday. All this has led some investigators to suspect a specific bad batch, according to a report by the French News Agency AFP. But so far they have not pinned any single distributor. Police have, however, arrested at least seven individuals, one of whom admitted that his recipe for oplosan, a term for home-brewed alcohol cut with non-food ingredients that have not gone through the distillation process, included mosquito repellent, cough syrup, and pure alcohol. Systematic restrictions With alcohol being expensive and difficult to obtain, Indonesians drink five times more unrecorded than legally purchased and distributed liquor, according to a 2016 report from the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies. The report suggests that the Indonesian government needs to worry less about the consumption of legal alcohol [and] put more emphasis on reducing the production, circulation and consumption of counterfeit alcohol in Indonesia. The reported death toll from bootleg liquor increased from 149 deaths between 2008 and 2012 to 487 deaths between 2013 and 2016, according to further CIPS research. With the ban [in place], the market niche for recorded alcohol previously covered by mini-marts and convenience stores has been taken over by numerous undocumented alcohol kiosks, which have secretly been purveying potentially more harmful, unregulated alcohol products, including illegal moonshine and oplosan, said Sugianto Tandra, a CIPS researcher. The tragic deaths caused by consumption of oplosan that we have seen over the past two weeks took place in outskirt areas of Indonesian cities where, thanks to the 2015 crackdown, regulated alcohol products are now harder to find and less affordable to many, especially those low-income consumers who comprised most of the recent victims. Threat of prohibition The Indonesian parliament has long debated a total prohibition bill that was spearheaded by Islamist parties, but it has stalled until now at the highest levels. Indonesias largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, came out against the ban last year after conducting independent research into oplosan sales. NUs research unit found that more than 70 percent of surveyed teenagers could easily get cheap oplosan on the street, which the group considers a major public health hazard. No one has ever died from drinking beer, but our young people could die if they drink bootleg liquor, said NU researcher Abdul Wahid Hasyim. As a Muslim, of course, alcohol is still haram (forbidden). But this is not about halal or haram, this is about saving our younger generation, this is about making an effective policy, he said. Beyond keeping the prohibition threat at bay, Indonesia also must figure out how to actively combat oplosan and moonshine consumption. Now it is the right time for the government to make good of all the well-intended aims of public and youth protection, Sugianto said. What weve seen is that the deaths caused by consumption of unrecorded alcohol already increased to almost 900 in the past decade (2008-2018). So the problem lies there: with the distribution and consumption of oplosan alcohol. The fight therefore should be directed against oplosan alcohol, not recorded alcohol. Aan Ansori, the current head of NUs research division, agreed. Oplosan is uniquely dangerous because those beverages are not at all regulated by the [federal] Drug and Food Control Agency, he said. The alcohol levels that are usually found in oplosan are far above the acceptable threshold, which is why they claim so many victims. Irans third-largest city of Isfahan has seen a third consecutive day of street protests against worsening water shortages in the country. A social media video labeled as filmed Thursday in Isfahans eastern district of Khorasgan shows a group of protesters gathered on a street and marching peacefully through an adjacent park. VOAs Persian service monitored the video as it circulated on the Telegram instant-messaging service. WATCH: Isfahan, Iran, Water Protest - April 12 In the video, Iranian police stand behind barriers opposite the protesters as a man using a megaphone is heard calling on people not to chant anti-government slogans. Iranian police have made similar appeals to water-shortage protesters in Isfahan in recent days. Later in the clip, as the protesters walk through the park, they chant: Dont fear, we are together. Social media videos posted earlier this week and monitored by VOAs sister network RFE/RL showed what activists said were peaceful water protests being staged in Isfahan on Wednesday and Tuesday. Iranian state media quoted two lawmakers as saying Tuesday that millions of residents of Isfahan province in central Iran would lose access to tap water in the coming months as a water crisis deepened. Irans government also has been diverting river water in Isfahan to the neighboring province of Yazd for industrial use, angering Isfahans farmers. Iranian officials have acknowledged that outdated agricultural and irrigation systems and poor water management policies in the past three decades have contributed to national water shortages. Below-average levels of precipitation in recent months have exacerbated the situation. VOA Persians Shahram Bahraminejad and Mohammad Naficy contributed to this report. Trade and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs will be the key topics for Japan during U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week. Earlier this month, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga spoke on Japan's priorities for the upcoming meeting. He said addressing how to handle the North Korean missile situation is high on the agenda, as is trade. "We anticipate discussions on the importance of free trade since that is of interest to us," he said. Trump hit Japan and many other countries with aluminum and steel trade restrictions last month. Japan has been asking that the restrictions to be lifted. "The U.S. wants Japan to complain about the tariff and then wants to talk about a bilateral treaty," said Hajime Izumi, professor of international relations at Tokyo International University. "From the Japan side, they aren't interested in doing a bilateral FTA [Free Trade Agreement]. This is not going to be easy." That's because Japan has just signed on to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 other countries. Critics say Abe is unlikely to coax Trump to reconsider joining the trade pact, and Trump may see similar results on a bilateral proposal. Another key topic: the North Korea missile situation. Critics say Japan will remind Trump to negotiate on all types of missiles, and not just long-range missiles that would reach American soil. "While the U.S. is trying to address the issue of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States, from the Japanese perspective, what is more important is the medium-range ballistic missiles with a range of 1,300 kilometers, capable of reaching most parts of Japan, including Tokyo," said Narushige Michishita, professor of securities and international studies, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. Meanwhile, some Japanese analysts observed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month indicated North Korea's nervousness about the upcoming talks with Washington. "Eventually, [the U.S. and North Korea] may conclude that all the diplomatic efforts have been exhausted," said Kunihiko Miyake, president of the Foreign Policy Institute in Tokyo. "That's when the Americans might or could contemplate a possibly harsher, more physical measure against North Korea. That's what North Koreans are most concerned about." Miyake raises the possibility of a meeting between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as indicated in an envoy meeting with top Russian diplomats April 10. "[North Korea is] fully aware of the military disadvantages vis-a-vis against the Americans," said Miyake. "That's why [North Korea needs] to talk to the Russians and Chinese to prevent that kind of worst-case scenario from happening." Miyake said North Koreans had nothing to offer to Russia or China but "their existence, as a buffer against the U.S. control over the Korean peninsula." Abduction issue Many critics say a sure topic will be the Japan abduction issue, a domestic priority rivaling the North Korean missiles in importance. Former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il admitted in 2002 that its agents had abducted Japanese citizens in the 1970 and '80s. Several were returned, but Tokyo has since demanded more information. "There is a possibility some of [the abductees are] still there, living in North Korea," said Michishita. "So we have to take them back. It's a real issue." Another point critics are betting on is that true denuclearization of North Korea will be a long way away, even if a Trump-Kim meeting happens and even if North Korea says it will denuclearize. "Trump must have been informed or convinced by now that the word 'denuclearization' has many meanings," Miyake said. "Denuclearization of the North means dismantling North Korean missiles, but denuclearization of the Korean peninsula which was agreed upon with China means they want to basically kick the U.S. out of the Korean peninsula." Trump and Abe are expected to agree to continue applying maximum pressure against North Korea until talks produce meaningful progress. Demand for encashment of Bank Guarantee cannot be injuncted (From previous issue) : Therefore such breach of contract will automatically give rise to a claim for damages by the respondents and since the respondents suffered loss and damages due to the non performance of contract by the petitioner they rightly demanded encashment of the aforesaid Bank Guarantees. 5. Mr Sheikh Md Morshed, the learned Advocate for the petitioners submits that the respondents without, giving any prior showcause notice or opportunity of being heard decided to forfeit and encash the tender security money by encashing the Bank Guarantees which is illegal and without lawful authority and in breach of the principles of natural justice. The learned Advocate further submits that the petitioner did not violate any of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and Rules there under and the impugned action of the respondents is liable to be declared to have been made without lawful authority and of no legal effect. The learned Advocate further submits that the petitioner did not violate any of the provisions of the tender documents and did not sign any formal, contract with the respondent's and their demand for encashment of the Bank Guarantees is illegal and without lawful authority. The learned Advocate further submits that the respondents awarded the contract to other suppliers after the petitioner expressed his inability to perform and she respondents have not incurred any loss and therefore their remand for encashment of the Bank Guarantees is without any basis and designed to harass the petitioner and that he should be discharged from his obligation under the said Bank Guarantees. 6. The learned Advocate for me petitioner has drawn our attention to the case of Continental Construction Ltd. vs Sailuj jal Vidhut Nigam Ltd. a decision of the Indian High Court reported in 2006 (1) ARBLR 321 Delhi where it has been held that encashment of a Bank Guarantee may be restrained by a Court on the ground of special equities i.e. irretrievable injustice. In the instant case the petitioner submits that the Bank Guarantees are of a huge amounted and that if it is allowed to be encashed then the petitioner is going to suffer irreparable loss end cause him great hardship and prays for at order to stop the encashment of the said Bank Guarantees. 7. As against this, Mr Shaikh Mohammed Zakir Hossain the learned Advocate for the Respondent No.1 submits that by issuance of the Notifications of Awards the Respondents accepted the petitioner's tender offer which is which is itself a contract at his refused to sign the performance contract within the stipulated time by his clear statement that he is unable to supply the tender goods after getting the Notifications of Awards is a non-performance of the said contract for which the respondents have suffered loss and damages and that they have rightly demanded encashment of the Bank Guarantees. The learned Advocate further submits that due to the petitioner's failure to supply the tender goods and materials the respondents were constrained to retender the same and award the contract to another supplier at a higher rate causing loss of over seven crore and it is not correct to say that the respondents suffered no loss due to the petitioner's failure to supply the goods. The learned Advocate finally submits that the Bank Guarantees issued in favour of the respondents at the instance of the petitioner is a security for performance of tender work i.e. supply of the materials and on-his failure to do so the demand for encashment was rightly made and no interference is called for by this Court in the instant matter and the Rules are liable to be discharged. 8. We have considered the submissions of the learned Advocates. 9. It appears that the aforesaid Bank Guarantees were provided by the petitioner as security for supply of certain materials pursuant to the aforesaid tenders floated by the respondents. Each Bank Guarantee states as follows: "Bank Gurantee No: 159/2015 For Taka : Tk 35,00,000 Issue date: 6-10-2015 Validity: 4-3-2016 At the request of the Tenderer, we, Export Import Bank of Bangladesh Limited, Motijheel Branch, Sharif Mansion" 56-57, Motijhee1 C/A, Dhaka-1000, hereby irrevocably undertake to pay you, without cavil or argument, any sum of sums not exceeding in total an amount of BDT 35,00,000 (BD Thirty Five Lac) only upon receipt by us of your first written demand accompanied by a written statement that the Tenderer is in breach of its obligation(s) under the Tender conditions, because the Tenderer: a. has withdrawn its Tender after opening of Tenders but within the validity of the Tender Security; or b. refused to accept the Notification of Award (NOA) within the period as stated under Instructions to Tenderers (ITT); or c. failed to furnish Performance Security within the period as stipulated in the NOA; or d. refused to sign the Contract Agreement by the time specified in the NOA; or e. did not accept the correction of the Tender price following the correction of the arithmetic errors in accordance with the ITT; or This guarantee will expire: (a) if the Tenderer is the successful Tenderer, upon our receipt of a copies of the contract signed by the Tenderer and the Performance Security issued to you in accordance with the ITT; or if the Tenderer is not the successful Tenderer, twenty eight (28) days after the expiration of the Tenderer's Tender validity period, being 4-3-2016. Consequently, we must receive at the above-mentioned office any demand for payment under this guarantee on or before that date. For and on behalf of Export Import Bank of Bangladesh Ltd Motijheel Branch, Dhaka. Sd/ Authorised person" 10. The aforesaid Bank Guarantees appear to be encashable on the first written demand by the respondents or the happening of certain conditions including the refusal to sign the contractual agreement specified in the Notifications of Awards. In the instant case the petitioners did not sign the Notification of Awards and the respondents demanded encashment of the Bank Guarantees. It is admitted by the petitioner that he refused to sign the contractual agreement as specified in the Notifications of Awards. In such Circumstances the question arises whether the EXIM Rank which issued the Bank Guarantees is bound to honour its commitment of paying the respondents on the Bank Guarantees as demanded by them. The Bank Guarantee is a separate contract on the underlying contract between the parties. The Court will not look at disputes between the parties while considering the demand for encashment of a Bank Guarantee. 11. The general rule regarding Bank Guarantees is that they are liable to be encashed on demand by the beneficiary otherwise trade and commerce will suffer but the demand for encashment can be refused if it is not made in accordance with the terms of the Bank Guarantee. The only exception recognized by the Courts is the existence of fraud and the Bank has knowledge of it before encashment. A Bank Guarantee is a unconditional undertaking to make payment on demand and when the beneficiary of the Gurantees makes such a demand for encashment the Bank is bound to comply and make the payment. 12. In Volivintar Oil SA vs Chase Manhattan Bank (1984) 1 All ER 351 it has been held that, in an exceptional case an injunction may be granted where it is proved that the bank knows that any demand for payment already made or which may thereafter be made will clearly be fraudulent but the evidence must he dear, both as to the fact of fraud and as to the bank's knowledge. The uncorroborated statement of the customer will not be sufficient in this regard as irreparable damage can he done to a bank's credit in the relatively brief time which must elapse between the granting of such an injunction and an application by the bank to have it discharged. 13. The rule, is well established that a bank issuing guarantee is not concerned with the underlying contract between the parties to the contract. The duty of the bank under a performance guarantee is created by the document itself. Once the documents are in order the bank giving the guarantee must honour the same and make payment unless there is clear evidence of fraud. 14. In Nuvista Pharma Ltd. vs Chairman, National Board of Revenue 65 DLR (AD) 302 the Appellate Division reiterated their earlier view in Uttara Bank vs Macneill & Kilburn, 33 DLR (AD) 298 where it was held that "a court will not interfere by granting an injunction from performing discharging the contractual obligations. Such is the case here. The letter of or guarantee was given in this case by the plaintiff and the defendant placed it for the encashment of the letter of guarantee. The bank (chartered bank) is only obliged to comply with the demand made by the appellant Uttara Bank. It is nobody's case that there is any fraud of which the bank got notice." 15. In view of the aforesaid decisions and judicial pronouncements it is clear that the demand for encashment of Bank Guarantees cannot be injuncted by a Court unless there is clear evidence of fraud and the Bank has notice of it. 16. The Bank is not concerned about the disputes between the parties and the demand for encashment of Bank Guarantees cannot be stopped. The petitioner is at liberty to file appropriate case in the civil court for damages and other relief if he has suffered any loss due to the action of the respondents and this court will not go into the merit of the petitioner's claim on that score. The performance guarantees as stated earlier are separate commitments by the bank and it cannot be stopped due to a dispute between the parties. 17. Accordingly, these Rules have no merit and they are discharged. Our interim orders of stay are hereby recalled and vacated. There will be no order as to costs. (Concluded) The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Trade, North Korea's missiles and Japan's abductee issue are likely table topics for the meeting next week in the United States between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to diplomatic observers. Yuri Nagano reports from Tokyo. Paula Molina-Acostas concerns for her own safety on her college campus first started to grow over a year ago. Molina-Acosta is a student at the University of Maryland, or UMD, in College Park, Maryland - a Washington suburb. In the fall of 2016, students began seeing the words Build the Wall written around the school grounds. This was a term then-presidential candidate Donald Trump used during the 2016 election to discuss security on the United States-Mexico border. Molina-Acosta, who was born in Colombia, South America, says for students like her the words feel like a threat. Then in March 2017, a student reported seeing a noose hanging in the official housing of one of the schools social organizations. Nooses have historically been used as weapons against African Americans, and are still seen as a symbol of racial violence. Two months later, an African American student visiting from Bowie State University was murdered on the UMD campus. A white UMD student suspected of the attack now faces charges of a hate crime. In light of these events, Molina-Acosta says she wants her school to do more to limit speech and actions she says are hateful. The challenge, she notes, is balancing these limits with the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment, which protects Americans right to speak freely. We all have a right to write or say what we want to, as long as it doesnt incite violence, Molina-Acosta told VOA. And, of course that right has to be protected. But at the same time, ideologies like that are tied to racism which is connected to inciting violence. Diversity vs. free speech A new study looks at exactly the issues Molina-Acosta is weighing. The Gallup-Knight foundation study finds that a majority of todays college students in the U.S. value diversity more than protecting free speech. Released in March, the study is a shared effort from the research company Gallup and the non-profit organization the Knight Foundation. In 2017, the two groups asked over 3,000 college students from across the country about how much they valued diversity and free speech. One major question was: If you had to choose, which do you think is more important? About 53 percent of surveyed students chose a diverse and inclusive society over protecting free speech rights. Brandon Busteed, executive director for education and workforce development at Gallup, offers a number of reasons why students may value diversity over free speech. For one, the college student population in the U.S. has become increasingly diverse. Busteed points out that the majority of white students chose free speech over diversity. However, Busteed argues that the preference for diversity over free speech is not the only important point to come from this study. He notes that 56 percent of the surveyed students feel that protecting free speech is important to a democracy. And 52 percent say the same about including and protecting different kinds of people. So it is not like college students today place little value on free speech, Busteed says. But in some situations, students might feel they have to choose between the two. If you look at the questions we asked about them independently, they value both of them very highly, he said. But if you value inclusivity and diversity, and somebody is saying hate speech about, lets say African Americans students now youve got two things you believe in that are in conflict with one another. Free speech vs political correctness Still, Nico Perrino finds the results of this study troubling. He is the director of communications for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, which fights to protect free speech on college campuses. Perrino says the movement to defend free speech has long been challenged by another movement: political correctness. The term relates to the belief that words or ideas minority groups might feel are insulting or discriminatory should be avoided. Critics of political correctness say efforts not to offend can be carried too far. Many American college students identified with the politically correct, or PC, movement back in the 1990s, says Perrino. But he says the rise of groups like Black Lives Matter has brought renewed attention to it. The group campaigns on issues such as police violence against African Americans, as well as equality and understanding of the African American experience. Perrino argues it is the job of universities to welcome all kinds of ideas, especially ones that some people might find problematic. Otherwise students may not be able to fully examine those ideas and possibly solve the problems surrounding them. Also, diversity not only means including different races and ethnicities. It means accepting people who think differently from you, he says. Perrino says he has no problem with debating or peacefully protesting. But he worries that limiting hate speech may become a form of violence itself. What is more, he says, trying to silence speakers who express hateful views may accidentally result in supporting them. For example, Milo Yiannopoulos is a writer known for supporting ideas that many find offensive. In his speaking and writing he has attacked Muslims, feminists, people whose appearance he does not like, and many others. In February 2017, he was supposed to hold an event at the University of California, Berkeley, but the event was cancelled following violent protests. In the weeks after, Yiannopouloss book became the top seller on the website Amazon. Perrino says students must understand that the U.S. Supreme Court has never provided a legal definition of hate speech. Therefore schools cannot limit a persons speech, even if it makes another person feel unsafe. And that is with good reason, he says. The reason is the question Who decides? Perrino said. Who decides what speech is allowed and who decides what speech is not allowed? In the era of Donald Trump, if you asked he and his administration to define what hate speech would be, my suspicion is it would be groups like Black Lives Matter. It would not be, for example, the Milo Yiannopouloses of the world. Paula Molina-Acosta of UMD agrees that open discussion between people who hold opposing beliefs is important, and violence is never the answer. Given the choice, she says protecting free speech is more important than diversity. But Molina-Acosta does wonder if there is middle ground between the two sides of the issue. She admits that students may not be fully right in their aim of banning everything they consider to be hate speech. After all, she is only 19 years old and doesnt have all the answers, she says. But she also believes the next time someone draws an image related to Nazism, as was the case at UMD last October, university officials should take action. Since their abduction the night of April 14, 2014, some of the girls kidnapped from Chibok, Nigeria have escaped their captors - the armed militant group Boko Haram. Others were freed through negotiations. But 112 Chibok girls are still missing. Esther Yakubu's daughter, Dorcas, is among them. Esther has been an outspoken activist. For years, she marched to the steps of the Nigerian presidential villa in the capital of Abuja with the Bring Back Our Girls protestors. She's carried placards. She's cried in the public and she's chanted, "Bring Back Our Girls, Bring Back Our Girls!" at the top of her voice. Now, after four years of waiting for Dorcas, Esther is tired. She has nothing more to say to the Nigerian government. "No message. Only prayers," she told VOA. She tries to take solace in knowing that other Chibok girls have been reunited with their families. "Even though our baby is not back, you know, we have a lot of girls that are back now. We appreciate it." Dorcas will soon be turning 20 years old. Her mother wonders what type of young woman she has become, living with terrorists. The last time she saw her daughter was in a video that Boko Haram released in 2017. In the video, a Boko Haram member, clad in military fatigue, had singled out Dorcas, telling her to speak into the mic. Dorcas looks into the camera to deliver a message for the Nigerian government to release Boko Haram members who are in protective custody so that she and the other Chibok girls can be released. But that video was months ago. Esther has no idea if her daughter is still alive. The Chibok girls were Boko Haram's largest single kidnapping, but they represent a pattern of violence in the now nine-year conflict. On Friday, the U.N. children's fund released new findings, reporting that Boko Haram has abducted more than 1,000 school-aged children since 2013. UNICEF said more than 2,000 teachers have been killed and 1,400 schools destroyed. UNICEF said there are "few safe spaces left for children in the northeast." "Absolutely nothing has changed since the abduction of the Chibok girls," said Evon Benson-Idahosa, who runs Bring Back Our Girls NYC. "The fact that innocent children still remain vulnerable to being kidnapped and abducted and trafficked at will, I think, is indicative of the fact that Nigeria is not in a place where Bring Back Our Girls movement can step back or be less demanding for the security of all our children." The brazen abduction in February of more than 100 female students from a government high school in another northeastern town, Dapchi, contradicts the Nigerian government's repeated claim that Boko Haram has been defeated. Amnesty International noted similarities in the abductions of the Dapchi Girls in 2018 and the Chibok Girls in 2014. And Amnesty said Nigerian security forces ignored warnings of the Dapchi attack. "This will never end," said Samira Daoud, a deputy regional director in Amnesty International's West and Central Africa regional office. "The Nigerian government seems not to have learned any lesson from what happened and haven't taken any kind of measure to ensure that this would never happen again and if it can happen exactly the same way four years after, that means that the government is not listening." But the Nigerian government disputes that criticism. President Muhammadu Buhari has repeatedly touted his administration's efforts to return the Chibok girls. Nearly all of the Dapchi girls were returned a month after their abduction, though the circumstances of their release remain unclear. Bashir Talbari, the special assistant to the governor of Borno State, where Chibok is located, said citizens should do less criticizing and more collaborating with the government. "At the initial stage when the girls that were abducted, it was the efforts of the Borno State government for names to be placed on the faces of the girls. You see, sometimes security is a collective responsibility. The citizens themselves have to also take part in ensuring the safety of their environment," Talbari told VOA. For the people of Chibok, the government has largely failed. The girls' school where the abduction happened has still not re-opened. High school students have to use the primary school to continue their education. Allen Manasseh, a Chibok native whose niece is among the missing girls, hopes to take his advocacy to the Nigeria's parliament. He is running for a seat in the House of Representatives. "Government actions must translate into touching directly the lives of the people. Not just talking, we are doing everything possible, we are doing everything possible, day in, day out, you are doing your best and your best cannot translate into something," Manasseh said. Mannasseh plans to attend the four-year commemoration activities in Abuja this weekend. Other events are being planned around the world. Organizers say they expect the crowds to be significantly smaller. But they will forge ahead anyway. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Friday that President Donald Trump is still weighing options in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria that Washington believes President Bashar al-Assad carried out. "Our president has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria," Haley told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council. "But should the United States and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defense of a principle on which we all agree. It will be in defense of a bedrock international norm that benefits all nations." Haley told reporters on her way into the council session that she would be returning to Washington on Friday for more meetings on a potential response. "I am unbelievably proud of how President Trump has looked at the information, analyzed, not let anyone rush him into this, because he has said from the beginning we have to know when we're right, we have to know all the information, we have to know that there's proof and we have to know that we're taking every precaution necessary should we take action," she told reporters. At least 40 people were killed and hundreds sickened in last week's attack in Douma, in eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus. "At some point, you have to do something," Haley said. "At some point, you have to say enough." Syria has denied using chemical weapons, but Haley criticized the Syrian president for the repeated use of chlorine and sarin gas on civilians. "Let's be clear: Assad's most recent use of poison gas against the people of Douma was not his first, second, third, or even 49th use of chemical weapons," the U.N. ambassador said. "The United States estimates that Assad has used chemical weapons in the Syrian war at least 50 times. Public estimates are as high as 200." Russia She chastised Russia for steadfastly protecting Assad from accountability with its Security Council veto and for not living up to its obligations in making sure Syria gave up all of its chemical weapons under a 2013 deal. "Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups," Haley said. Russia called Friday's Security Council meeting, the fourth day this week it has discussed Syria. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said his government has worked "robustly and fully" to de-escalate tensions in international relations. He said Moscow sponsored and supported the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) sending a fact-finding mission to Douma to investigate, but the U.S., Britain and France had rejected it. "Thereby, these countries have demonstrated they have no interest in an investigation," Nebenzia said. "The sole thing they have an interest in is to oust the Syrian government and, more broadly, to deter and contain the Russian Federation." A measure put forward by Moscow supporting an OPCW investigation, but not a mechanism to attribute blame for chemical attacks, failed to pass the Security Council on Tuesday, garnering support from six of the 15 council members. OPCW inspectors have arrived in Syria and are scheduled to begin collecting samples Saturday in Douma. Britain, France The United States has been in close consultations with allies Britain and France on what response it should take. French envoy Francois Delattre said Assad's government had "reached a point of no return" with its most recent chemical weapons attack. "This is a situation to which the world must provide robust, united and steadfast response and this is our responsibility," Delattre told the council Friday. He said France would "shoulder its responsibility to end an intolerable threat to our collective security," and ensure respect for international law and Security Council resolutions. "The use of chemical weapons cannot be allowed to go unchallenged," said British Ambassador Karen Pierce. "The British Cabinet has agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, and we will continue to work with our friends and allies to coordinate an international response to that end." As the international community waits to see if there will be a military response, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the dangers of escalation. "Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise in the establishment of an accountability mechanism threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation," he said. "In my contacts with you especially with the Permanent Members of the Security Council I have been reiterating my deep concerns about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control." Guterres added that the situation in Syria is now the "most serious threat to international peace and security." Closer relations with a once-distrusted China gave the Philippines another boost this week as Beijing pledged a round of investment for the developing Southeast Asian country and new ideas for maritime security. When Chinese President Xi Jinping met Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte in China Tuesday, the host offered $73 million in economic and infrastructure aid, while nine Chinese companies signed letters of intent to explore $9.8 billion in business in the Philippines, Manilas presidential office spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement. Those are the latest dividends from a 2-year-old friendship between Asias biggest economy and the relatively impoverished Philippines, experts in Manila say. The two sides stood divided before 2016, under Philippine ex-president Benigno Aquino, because of a maritime sovereignty dispute. China pledged a total of $24 billion in aid and investment for the Philippines in October 2016 as the two sides lay the foundation for warmer ties. It has helped build railways and fight Muslim rebels in the ever-restive southern Philippine island Mindanao. If youre talking about the sense that things are actually getting better in the Philippines, as far as the economy is concerned, these are all to a certain extent being attributed to Dutertes attempts to actually make our relations with China better than they were during the Aquino administration, said Herman Kraft, political science professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Metro Manila. Straight-forward meeting Two years ago Filipinos chafed when their newly elected president began pursuing a friendship with China. Aquino had resisted Beijings presence in the South China Sea that both countries claim sovereignty over. A 2012 standoff over the seas Scarborough Shoal led to anti-Philippine boycotts in China and world court arbitration filed by Manila. The court favored Manila in mid-2016. Duterte has maintained popularity among Filipinos partly by getting aid from China for his governments $169 billion effort to build new infrastructure and stoke the economy. Duterte met Xi on the sidelines of the annual Boao Forum for Asia in China. I guess everyones watching, because these potential investments could further speed up activity, economic growth, create more jobs, said Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist with Banco de Oro UniBank in Metro Manila. Chinas investments announced this week will create jobs for 10,000 Filipinos, the presidential website said Friday. Deals cover large tourism projects, land reclamation for development and construction of a liquefied natural gas receiving terminal, the website says. Stronger overall relations China has relaxed its activity around Scarborough Shoal, and the two sides are in discussions for joint oil exploration in the sea they dispute. Xi and Duterte agreed Wednesday to strengthen communications as a way of avoiding accidents in the disputed sea, the Philippine presidents spokesman said. Duterte received a 70 percent satisfaction rating in the first quarter of 2018, Metro Manila-based research institution Social Weather Stations found. That figure is down one percentage point from December. I think he has made a choice to seek alignment and cooperation with China for the foreseeable future under his term, said Yun Sun, East Asia Program senior associate at the Stimson Center think tank in the United States. He has been rewarded by China for it. I also think his domestic position, which is relatively strong, has made it possible for him to pursue this policy course. Multicountry foreign policy Duterte has courted Japan as well for investment, and relations with former Philippine colonizer the United States began improving late last year after a slump following Dutertes election. I think hes trying not to portray a very pro-China position, said Ramon Casiple, executive director of Philippine advocacy organization Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. He doesnt want to be seen as aligned. But Filipinos generally trust the presidents engagement with China, he said. Philippine officials would welcome an extra heavy share of investment from China to cover a historic shortfall of foreign investment, said Rahul Bajoria, a regional economist with Barclays in Singapore. The two sides might work more together on Chinese tourist arrivals following a decent surge already, he said. Direct investment inflows reached an all-time high of $10.05 billion last year, up 21.45 percent from 2017, Philippine news outlet Rappler.com said. It cited money from China and Japan a sources of sustained investment growth in early 2018. Incrementally, I think the governments focus on the Philippines is to get more money in through the FDI route because FDI in the Philippines is generally a lot lower compared to the rest of Southeast Asia, so they wont really mind if Chinas interested in doing more rather than less, Bajoria said. Scientists will leave their labs and march on Washington and more than 200 other cities around the world Saturday, protesting government policies on issues from climate change to gun violence that they say ignore scientific evidence. It comes a year after the first March for Science, three months into the Trump administration, when researchers feared that science would be pushed aside in the new president's zeal to eliminate government regulations. WATCH: Rough Year in Science Policy Brings Researchers Back to March This year, "I think our worst fears are coming to fruition," said Chris Zarba, who retired in February as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency's science advisory board staff office. Those panels evaluate the evidence guiding decisions on government environmental regulations. EPA woes Last October, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt issued a directive that changed the rules governing membership on those panels. Pruitt barred researchers who had received EPA grants. He said agency funding could compromise their objectivity. "Whatever science comes out of EPA shouldn't be political science," Pruitt said in a statement. "From this day forward, EPA advisory committee members will be financially independent from the agency." But scientists with funding from the industries EPA regulates are not held to the same standard, Zarba said. "Nobody believes now that those panels are independent," he added. As the Trump administration undoes what it calls job-killing regulations on climate change, air and water pollution, pesticides and more, Zarba said industry has a voice but science does not. "Human health and the environment will suffer," he said. It's one reason Zarba said he would be marching Saturday. Politics and science But march organizers say the attacks on science did not start with the Trump administration. For decades, they say, ideology has overtaken evidence on issues in women's health, gun violence and other controversial subjects. "This isn't a new phenomenon," said March for Science Interim Executive Director Caroline Weinberg. "We reached a tipping point. But these protests should have been happening for years." In a polarized country, however, the march walks a fine line. "I'm always cautious about trying to politicize something as important as science," said Rob Young, director for the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. "Certainly, scientists have had a rough go for the last year," he added, and a march advocating for science is fine. "But to the extent that that's incorporated with political messages, or slings and arrows against the president or members of his administration, then that's a little bit more problematic." Fired up It's Trump administration policies that have scientists fired up, however, from withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement to loosening air and water pollution rules. "There's no question that there's fear and anxiety, given the elections of 2016," said Chris McEntee, executive director of the American Geophysical Union, the professional society representing Earth and space scientists. She said that in the eight years she has been with AGU, it has become easier to get members to speak up on policy issues. "What we're seeing is scientists coming to us to want to engage," McEntee said. More members are writing letters to elected officials and getting training on communicating science to policymakers and the public, she said. New programs AGU launched to help scientists communicate are overflowing. And they are scoring some victories. Science agencies got a raise in the latest federal budget. "It's been a very long time, actually, since we had significant increases," McEntee noted. New issues Scientists are wading into controversial issues that many had previously avoided. This year, March for Science organizers rallied support to lift a ban on gun violence research. Weinberg said they debated whether the issue was too partisan for the group to weigh in on. But they decided that it was more important to support research that would help policymakers make good decisions. "It's only partisan because we've let that become the conversation," she said. "Pushing against that, I think, is one of the most vital roles we can play." On Saturday, researchers who say they are fed up with politicians ignoring science will once again take to the streets in Washington and hundreds of cities around the world. The second March for Science takes place after a turbulent year in science policy under the Trump administration. VOA's Steve Baragona has more. Russia's intelligence agencies spied on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia for at least five years before they were attacked with a nerve agent in March, the national security adviser to Britain's prime minister said. Mark Sedwill said in a letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday that email accounts of Yulia had been targeted in 2013 by cyber-specialists from Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Sedwill also said in the letter, which was published by the government, that it was "highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination." The Skripals were targeted by what London says was a nerve agent attack that left both of them critically ill for weeks. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said it is highly likely that Moscow was behind the attack. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted on Friday that a report this week by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) did not confirm the origin of the poison used against the Skripals. Lavrov said the report only confirmed the composition of the substance and that Britain's claim that it confirmed the UK position on the Skripal case was overstated. Separately on Friday, Russia's ambassador to Britain said he was concerned the British government was trying to get rid of evidence related to the case. "We get the impression that the British government is deliberately pursuing the policy of destroying all possible evidence, classifying all remaining materials and making an independent and transparent investigation impossible," Alexander Yakovenko told reporters. He also said Russia could not be sure about the authenticity of a statement issued by Yulia Skripal on Wednesday in which she declined the offer of help from the Russian embassy. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan endorsed Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to be his successor, NBC News reported Friday. "We all think that Kevin is the right person," the Wisconsin lawmaker said in an interview airing Sunday on Meet the Press. Ryan said Wednesday that he would not seek re-election in November, dealing a blow to fellow Republicans and President Donald Trump before the congressional elections. The announcement dismayed some Republicans already concerned about their prospects with U.S. voters in November. Now they fear they may have to deal with a House of Representatives leadership struggle when the party should focus on defending its congressional majorities and advancing Trump's agenda. Ryan's endorsement, however, gives McCarthy an edge in the leadership contest. Ryan told NBC he believed having McCarthy step in would work toward a smoother transition in House leadership. "We have made a huge, positive difference in people's lives, and people are more confident as a result of it," Ryan said. "This leadership team has done that, and so I really do envision a more seamless transition, versus, say, the time when I came in." Another name circulating as a possible Ryan replacement was House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana. He and McCarthy are expected to wage a furious effort to raise campaign funds for fellow House Republicans to shore up support for their potential leadership aspirations. Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, a co-founder of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, whose members have at times clashed with Ryan and other Republican leaders, said he was also open to pursuing the role of speaker. "We have six more months to prove Republicans deserve to keep the majority. If and when there is a speaker's race, colleagues have approached me about running, and that's something I'm open to doing," Jordan said in an statement emailed Friday to Reuters. A Syrian asylum seeker who says he's been stranded at a Malaysia airport for more than a month after his attempts to leave the country were repeatedly blocked has been contacted by the United Nations. Hassan al-Kontar, who ended up in Kuala Lumpur after fleeing a war in Syria is stuck in limbo neither able to stay nor seek a new home. An airport immigration official tells VOA that responsibility for Kontar, who is seeking refuge elsewhere because his Malaysian visa expired and the country won't grant him asylum, lies with a private airline that brought him into the country, not the government. Kontar said U.N. High Commission on Refugee officials met with him on Wednesday after video pleas that he posted to social media drew media attention. "I tried to reach each and every international human [rights] organization," he said on Wednesday. "Today itself they show up, after 36 days, they interviewed me, I just finished with them from 9am to 2pm." From Kontar Twitter Feed: Two UNHCR officials told Kontar his case is being reviewed, but made no promises, according to Kontar. In a statement, a UNHCR spokesperson confirmed it had contacted Kontar and authorities, but was unable to comment on individual cases. "In general, it is standard practice to advocate for the protection of persons in need of international protection," the statement said. Kontar said that after fleeing Syria in 2006 he was unable to renew his residency visa in the United Arab Emirates and consequently was arrested and deported to Malaysia in 2016. Realizing his case was equally hopeless in Malaysia, he tried to fly to Ecuador on February 28, 2017, but was prevented at the last minute by Turkish airline officials because his flight had a stopover in Turkey. The ticket cost him thousands of dollars, he said. With what little money he had left, Kontar bought a March 7 AirAsia ticket to Cambodia, a country he knew had a visa-on-arrival option that could serve as a bridging destination on his way to comparatively refugee-friendly Ecuador. But upon arrival, Cambodian officials took his passport and demanded a hefty bribe, which he could not pay, said Kontar. "They asked me how much cash I had," he said. "They were able to solve the matter if I gave them under the table some money, but they were asking for a lot so I refused to give them that money so they sent me back." Kontar said his passport remained with AirAsia staff, who helped him with the odd meal along with other random people inside the arrival area. Keo Vanthan, deputy director of Cambodia's Immigration Department, could not be reached for comment. Keo Sarin, director of the Immigration Department's administration office, confirmed Kontar had arrived on March 7, but said he knew nothing about the case and had not seen a report into it before hanging up on a reporter. On Thursday Sok Veasna, an official at the Immigration Department, told The Phnom Penh Post Cambodia had a right to turn away certain individuals. "We have visa-on-arrival, [but that] does not mean we allow everyone to enter Cambodia without our security check or different layers," he told the paper in a message. Cambodia is a signatory to the U.N. Refugee Convention and has also resettled at least one Syrian under a controversial refugee deal with Australia. An immigration official at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 - where Kontar is stranded - declined to address the case. "It's under Air Asia's responsibilities," the official said, and provided a number for the airline that would not connect. In a void of information, Kontar remained in the airport's arrival area and said he feared he would be deported back to Syria imminently, something he had begged Malaysian immigration officials not to do. "I said it would be like a death sentence. I cannot go to Syria," he said. "I explained to them why and I tried to enlighten them about international law and how you are not allowed to send people back to a conflict zone." "It's the story of thousands of people who tried to smuggle themselves through the Mediterranean and watched their kids die. It's the story of the Syrians who are stuck inside Syria. It's not only my story, it's my people's story," he said, fighting back tears. Tender age is also a factor of consideration High Court Division (Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction) Md Habibul Gani J Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury J Tanjila Begum ............. ........ Convict-Appellant vs State...........Respondent* Judgment September 8th, 2016 Code of Criminal Procedure (V of 1898) Section 342 The appellant is a lady of twenty years as it evident from the form of examination under Section 342 as and when she was examined and she was never enlarged on bail and is in Jail custody since of her arrest in the which is for near about 4 (four) years 10 (ten) months and by this time that will be for near about 5 (five) years and she is spending there her tendering age of her life with mental agony. Considering the tendering age and Custudy of the appellant we are inclined to reduce her sentence to which as she by this time has already served out and also has been undergone. . ..... (20) AM Md Azizul Haque, Advocate-For the Convict Appellant. Rona Naharin, DAG, with Yesmin Begum Bithi, AAG and Monju Naznin, AAG-For the Respondent State. Judgment Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury J : This Jail appeal under Section 420 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is directed against the Judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 28-11-2013 passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj in Sessions Case No. 75 of 2012 convicting the appellant under Section 302 of the Penal Code and sentencing her to suffer imprisonment for life and also to pay a fine of Taka 10,000 in default to suffer simple imprisonment for 6 (six) months more. 2. The prosecution case in brief is that the PW 1, Faizur Rahman Biswas being informant lodged an FIR with Tongipara Police Station on 14-12-2011 alleging inter-alia that he got married one Moriam Begum near about five years before the incident and in their wedlock a male child namely Mesba Biswas was born but due to misunderstanding divorce was held between them near about one year ago and pursuant to the Court's order he kept his three years old son with him. Later on 14-7-2011 he got married the accused appellant Tanjila Begum who looked after his son Mesba Biswas as like as his own son. However, the said divorcee wife of the informant, Moriom Begum now and then through the informant's elder brother wife PW 3 Monira Begum collected the news of his son Mesba over Mobile phone and talked with them. On 9-12-2011, Friday at about 7-30 am the informant went to his work place at Patgati Bazar and at about 9-25 am his wife accused Tanjila Begum over telephone called him to come hurriedly at Tongipara Hospital, as because the position of Mesba seems to be abnormal and getting such information the informant went to the Tongipara Hospital and found the dead body of his son Mesba on the Stretcher kept at the emergency of the hospital and having came to learn from his elder brother Hafizur that while upon searching they could not found his son Mesba anywhere but soon after they saw a slipper was floating on the water of Solaiman Biswas's pond; from where after searching under the water they got the dead body of Mesba and rushed him to the Tongipara Hospital where the Doctor on duty declared him dead. The informant PWI while in writing informed the matter to the Tongipara Police Station an Unnatural Death Case being No.4 of 2011 dated 9-12-2011 was started. Then the police after preparing inquest report of the dead body sent the same to the Gopalgonj Central Hospital for its autopsy. Later on 12-12-2011 while the behavior of the informant's wife Tanjila Begum was found suspicion, the informant and other inhabitants of their house informed the matter to the investigating officer of the case and then the investigating officer at the evening took her in their custody for interrogation. At night of that day while the informant along with his brother Hafizur and uncle PW 6 BM Towfiqul Islam went to the police station taking supper with them for the accused the investigating officer asked the accused Tanjila Begum about the incident, while she in their presence confessed her guilt that she on 9-12-2011 became jealous on provocation that the informant's divorcee wife Moriom Begum in her sons affection may have to come again in the informant's house; as such she murdered the deceased Mesba by strangulation and for hiding the dead body she thrown out the same to a pond belongs to Solaiman Biswas. Then on the following day i.e. on 13-12-2011 the accused appellant Tanjila Begum made her confessional statement before the Magistrate concerned under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 3. Stating the above such facts the informant lodged the FIR with Tongipara Police Station which gave rise to Tongipara Police Station Case No.3 dated 14-12-2011 under Sections 302/201 of the Penal Code. 4. The police after holding investigation into the case preparing the sketch map and upon taking consideration of 161 statements of the witnesses along with the confessional statement of the accused submitted the chargesheet being No. 12 dated 31-1-2012 against the sole accused convict appellant Tanjila Begum under Sections 302/201 of the Penal Code. 5. In due course while the case record was transmitted to the Court of Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj it was registered as Sessions Case No. 75 of 2012 and the learned Sessions Judge upon taking cognizance against the accused appellant Tanjila. Begum under Sections 302 /201 of the Penal Code took the case in his own file for its trial and disposal. Then while the charge was framed and so read over the same to the accused appellant she pleaded not guilty and claimed to be tried. 6. At the trial out of 17 (seventeen) chargesheeted witnesses the prosecution examined 10 (ten) who were also cross-examined by the defence and after completion of the prosecution witnesses the accused appellant while was examined under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal procedure she claimed her innocence again; however, declined to adduce any defence witness. 7. From the trend of cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses the defence case as it appears that the accused appellant in no way involved with the murder of the deceased Mesba but she was falsely implicated in the case; the informant for taking his divorcee wife again in his house at the instigation of his other family members filed a false case against the accused appellant who is very much innocent. 8. The learned Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj considering the material and the evidence on record found the accused appellant guilty under Section 302 of the Penal Code and sentenced her to the aforementioned imprisonment along with the fine. The convict appellant through the Jail Super of Gopalgonj jail preferred this jail appeal being No. 30 of 2014 challenging and impugning the said judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 28-11-2013 passed against her by the learned Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj in Sessions Case No.75 of 2012. 9. Mr AM Md Azizul Haque, the learned Advocate appointed by the Supreme Court Legal Aid office appearing for the convict appellant submits that most of the prosecution witnesses are the family members of the informant and they are very interested witness in the case who have been instigated the informant in accusing the appellant in order to return back the divorcee wife of the informant in their house again and that has been reflected in their cross-examination while suggestions have been put on to them on that regard. He further submits that there is no eye witness in the case to prove the allegation as brought against the present appellant and though the sentence was awarded only relying on the basis of the appellant's confessional statement but that was not held voluntarily; however, the learned Sessions Judge disbelieved the said factual aspects of the case and convicted the appellant for committing murder of the deceased. He also submits that the appellant herself disclosed that she loved the deceased boy and looked after him as his own son and also took care of him from the very beginning. The prosecution witnesses were also in their testimony admitted the said facts that the convict-appellant sincerely looked after and took care of the deceased child as his own son. Moreover, the convict appellant is of a tendering age of between twenty years while she was tried in the case. Therefore, she may be acquitted from the charge as leveled against her. As such, the learned Advocate for the appellant urges that the impugned judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 28-11-2013 convicting the present appellant is liable to be set aside. 10. In opposing the above submissions as advanced by the learned Advocate for the appellant, Ms. Yeasmin Begum Bithi, learned Assistant Attorney-General appearing for the state submits that though, there was no eye-witness in the case but the convict appellant herself made a confessional statement before the Magistrate concerned admitting her guilt which was happened to be voluntarily and the PW 9 the Magistrate himself deposed in the case and categorically stated that the confessional statement made by the convict appellant was very much voluntary and he has taken all legal formalities in recording the above confessional statements giving the accused appellant enough time to think about her confession. Learned AAG further submits that the prosecution witnesses by their corroborative evidence to each other has been able to prove the case and other than the family members of the informant the PW 5 and 6 being neighboring persons supported the prosecution case and the doctor PW 7 found that the deceased was murdered by strangulation who also supported and proved the postmortem report. Moreover, the postmortem report and the inquest report supported the facts as confessed by the appellant in her 164 statement reflecting that in the postmortem report, a slite cutting round mark was found at the neck of the deceased. She further submits that as per assertion of the convict appellant in her 164 statement that the jute yearn along with the thread which was at the neck of the deceased with amulet were used in committing the murder by strangulation; those materials were also exhibited in the case as material exhibit. Therefore, the prosecution was very much able to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. As such, she urges that the impugned judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 28-11-2013 passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj deserves no interference. 11. Now let us examined how and what manner the prosecution by adducing their evidences claimed to have been able to prove the prosecution case beyond a reasonable doubt as also decided by the learned Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj in the impugned judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 28-11-2013. 12. In all 10 (ten) prosecution witnesses were examined in the case who are the PW 1 Faizur Rahman Biswas is the informant of the case who also happened to be the father of the deceased as well as husband of the convict appellant has narrated the FIR case in his testimony; PW 2, Khairunnessa the grandmother of the deceased in her testimony has supported the prosecution case stating that she ultimately trace out the dead body of the deceased from the pond. This witness also identified the seizure list and also her signature thereon. PW 3 & 4, Monira Begum and Nargis Begum are the aunties of the deceased who also supported the prosecution story and identified the seizure list and of their signatures thereon. PW 5, Nurjahan Begum a neighbouring lady of the place of occurrence stated in her testomony that she coming to the place of occurrence heard about the incident. PW 6, B.M. Towfiq Islam who also a neighboring person of the informant gave his testimony supporting the prosecution case. PW 7, Dr. Niaz Mohammad who held the autopsy of the deceased child and issued the postmortem report stating therein "A circular continuous ligature mark seen around the neck with sub-continuous congestion, two small (1/2" x 1/2" in diameter) abrasion seen left angle of the mouth and upper lip. Another abrasion seen (1/2" x 1/2") near right side of the neck". And therefore, in his opinion he opined- "Cause of death was due to asphyxia resulting from strangulation which was homicidal and antemortem in nature". 13. PW 8, SI Md Ekram Hossain has gave the testimony in the case who investigated the unnatural death case No. 4 dated 9-12-2011 as well as the subsequent murder case being Tongipara Police Station Case No.3 dated 14-12-2011; he also prepared the inquest report of the dead body, filled up the FIR form and ultimately he after investigation submitted the chargesheet in the case against only the present accused appellant on 3-1-2012 under Sections 302/201of the Penal Code. This witness also proved the FIR form as Ext. 6 and his signature thereon as Ext-6/1 and 6/2 who also proved the inquest report as Exts.l and indentified his signature thereon as Ext.-l/3 and the material Exts. 1-11 were also identified by this witness. 14. PW 9, Emdadul Hoque, the then Senior Judicial Magistrate who recorded the 164 statement of the accused appellant has deposed in the case and he identified the said statement as Ext.-9 and his five signatures thereon as Exts.-9-1/9-5 and two signatures of the accused thereon as Ext.-9/6-9/7. 15. PW 10, Constable Mozibur Rahman who accompanied the dead body of the deceased was also deposed in the case. He also identified the seizure list of the case as Ext.-l 0 and his signature thereon as Ext.- 10/1. 16. However, though the defence cross-examined the above prosecution witnesses but they could not make any shaky to those witnesses. Even, though a couple of suggestions have been put to them that the confessional statement of the accused appellant was not voluntary and the informant to take back her earlier divorcee wife again in his house falsely implicated the present appellant in the case; those suggestions also have been denied by the prosecution witnesses as being not true. Having though there is no eye -witness in the case but the confessional statement made by the convict appellant admitting her guilt has been supported by the corroborating prosecution witnesses and the testimony of the informant narrating the prosecution story has also been supported by the other prosecution witnesses. Thus, we do not find any illegality or infirmity as to be committed by the trial Court. 17. However, from the trend of cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses and apparent from the face of the record it appears to us that there was u provocation to the effect that the informant's divorcee wife due to the affection to her son may have to come again in the informant's house; as because she now and then over mobile phone touched with the informant's family and there was an apprehension in the mind of the convict appellant that the said lady due to affection of his son deceased Mesba may have to come again in the informant's house. Which gave rise to her mental torture and upon such mental anxiety she killed the baby deceased however admittedly though she loved and looked after the deceased child as his own son from the very beginning. This fact has come out from the confessional statement of the appellant itself as well as from the trend of cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses. 18. In the premises as above it has come to our believe that the murder was though happened but it was happened due to provocation. Thus, it comes within the exception of Section 300 of the Penal Code. As because a provocation was came out from the behavior and conversations over telecommunication between the prosectation witnesses i.e. the family members of the informant with his earlier wife namely Moriom Begum who happened to be the mother of the deceased child and by such provocation the convict appellant became mentally shocked and then the murder was took place on that provocation. Therefore, we are in a considered view that the conviction of the present appellant to be altered and she would be guilty of murder within the ambit of part-II of Section 304 instead of Section 302 of the Penal Code and accordingly the sentence of the appellant to be commuted to a lesser than of the imprisonment for life along with a fine as imposed against her under Section 302 of the Penal Code by the impugned judgment. 19. Having regards the above facts and circumstances of the case and the discussions made herein above, we are of the view that the impugned judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 28-11-2013 passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Gopalgonj in Sessions Case No.75 of 2012 is liable to be interfered and modified as opined above. 20. It transpires from the record that the convict appellant is a lady of twenty years as it evident from the form of examination under Section 342 as and when she was examined under the said Section of the Code of Criminal Procedure and she was never enlarged on bail and is in Jail custody since of her arrest in the case on 12-12-2011 which is for near about 4 (four) years 10 (ten) months and by this time that will be for near about 5 (five) years and she is spending there her tendering age of her life with mental agony. Considering such of the tendering age and custody of the appellant we are inclined to reduce her sentence to which as she by this time has already served out and also has been undergone. 21. In the result, the appeal is dismissed with modification. The impugned judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 28-11-2013, so far it relates to the conviction of the present appellant, is upheld with modification. The conviction of the present appellant under Section 302 of the Penal Code is hereby altered to one of under Section 304 part 11 of the Penal Code and therefore the sentence of imprisonment for life of the present appellant is reduced to a sentence of 5(five) years as she has already been served out by this time as mentioned hereinabove and the imposition of fine awarded to the convict appellant as of Taka 10,000 in default to suffer simple imprisonment for 6 (six) months more is hereby waived as well. 22. The Jail authority concerned is directed to set free the appellant Tanjila Begum, wife of Faizur Rahman Biswas and daughter of Late Tofazzel Biswas of Gimadanga, Police Station Tongipara, District-Gopalgonj forthwith, if she is not wanted to any other case. Send down the Lower Court's record with a copy of this judgment and order to the Court below as well as to the jail authority concerned, at once, to take necessary steps on that regard. We're airborne with the five most popular songs in the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart, for the week ending April 14, 2018. If you liked last week's lineup, you'll like our new one we do get a bit of shuffling just for variety's sake. Number 4: Post Malone Featuring Ty Dolla $ign "Psycho" Rebounding a slot to fourth place are Post Malone and Ty Dolla $ign with "Psycho." For months, we've been anticipating Post's sophomore album "Beerbongs & Bentleys." Now, we have a release date: April 27. Post dropped the news April 5, while also giving fans a video of his new song "Stay." Post performed the acoustic ballad on the Nashville stop of his Bud Light Dive Bar Tour. Number 3: Bruno Mars & Cardi B "Finesse" Bruno Mars and Cardi B are back in third place with "Finesse," but that's not the big news this week. On April 7, Cardi performed on Saturday Night Live and officially announced her pregnancy. While we don't yet know the due date, U.S. media outlets are speculating it will happen sometime this North American summer. While Cardi has already canceled two European festival appearances, she says her other shows including a September tour with Bruno Mars are still on her schedule. Number 2: Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line "Meant To Be" If Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line are "Meant To Be" champions, it won't happen this week: They hold in the runner-up slot. Beyond the charts, Bebe has announced the release date for her first full-length album. Titled "Expectations," it's available for pre-order this week, ahead of a June 22 release. Number 1: Drake "God's Plan" Drake enters the land of double digits, as "God's Plan" racks up a 10th week atop the Hot 100. He now has two 10-week chart champs, following "One Dance" in 2016. This week, Drake dropped the video for a new song, "Nice For What." The clip features several female stars from Hollywood, and you can see it on our Facebook page, VOA1TheHits. That's it for now, but the chart never sleeps! Join us next week for a new lineup. U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday blasted former FBI director James Comey as an "untruthful slime ball," and said it was his "great honor" to fire him. Trump's barrage of insults comes as Comey engages in a publicity campaign for his book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership," which is set to be released next week. The memoir promises a deep look at Comey's fraught relationship with the U.S. president who fired him, and whom Comey has accused of interfering in the independence of the FBI. On Twitter, Trump said Comey should be prosecuted. Trump's comments are in line with an online campaign, organized by his supporters, to discredit Comey. The Republican National Committee on Thursday launched a new website, Lyin'Comey.com, which features quotes from prominent Democrats who have criticized the former FBI director in the past. The GOP plans to fact-check Comey's book and use the website for "rapid response" to highlight any "misstatements" or "contradictions," Fox News reports. A Higher Loyalty Comey's book blasts Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth'' and calls his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty.'' The book also contains several personal jabs at Trump, including references to what Comey says are the "bright white half-moons" under Trump's eyes, which he surmises were the result of Trump using tanning goggles. Comey also casts Trump as a Mafia boss-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics, and tried to pressure him regarding his investigation into Russian election interference, according to multiple early reviews of the book. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, setting off a storm of charges from Democrats that the president sought to hinder an investigation into whether his campaign colluded with Russians. The firing led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Mueller's probe has expanded to include whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey, an idea the president denies. Trump has assailed Comey as a "showboat'' and a "liar.'' The release of the book comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Trump and the White House. Officials there describe Trump as enraged over a recent FBI raid of his personal lawyer's home and office, raising the prospect that he could fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, or try to shut down the probe on his own. White House officials on Friday confirmed that planning for an unprecedented summit between the leaders of the United States and North Korea remains on track and also indicated Washington and Pyongyang are engaged in direct communication about it. A senior administration official characterizes the chances of the meeting happening as "likely," explaining "there is an inter-agency and tightly-held process that's been under way for several weeks now." The official also told a reporter in response to a question about direct planning discussions with North Korean officials that "communication will, by definition, have to be sufficient for us to establish and prepare for a successful summit." The anticipated summit is to be a major topic of discussion next week when U.S. President Donald Trump hosts Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the president's private resort in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, for what officials are calling a "working visit." The Japanese are among the most nervous of American allies about the Trump-Kim summit, worrying that their national interests might not be taken into sufficient consideration if a security agreement is reached between the United States and North Korea. The senior White House official denied that Abe has tried to talk Trump out of meeting with Kim. Trump and Abe have met and spoken on the phone quite frequently about North Korea and other topics. The president "will certainly want to know what additional thoughts Prime Minister Abe has beyond those that he's has already shared because they've been in constant contact in recent weeks since President Trump accepted an invitation to meet with Kim Jong Un," the senior official told reporters. "They will go into some detail, for sure, on that." Trump's new national security adviser, John Bolton, had substantive talks on North Korea with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts, according to administration officials. Those discussions also included preparations for next week's Trump-Abe meeting. North Korea, under numerous international sanctions for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, has no diplomatic relations with Japan, South Korea or the United States. Besides the North Korean issue, Trump and Abe are also to discuss their differences on trade issues. Asked if the president will push the prime minister for a bilateral free trade agreement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders replied: "I'm not going to get ahead of the president's conversations with Prime Minister Abe, but trade will certainly be something that is discussed, as well as the ongoing conversations around North Korea." Thanks to their frequent face-to-face meetings, Trump and Abe have a solid relationship, which allows for flexible discussions on policy matters," U.S.-Japan Council President Irene Hirano tells VOA. "I am optimistic that they will find areas of mutual agreement on both trade and security." Japan and the United States, under the Obama administration, were at the forefront of a sweeping 12-nation trade agreement that took years to negotiate. But Trump withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). However, the U.S. president in recent days has expressed interest in possibly rejoining TPP. "Would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama," Trump tweeted Thursday evening. Media reports say the president has mused in conversations to others whether he "screwed up" by pulling out of the trade pact, giving an advantage to China (which is not a TPP signatory) at a time the United States is trying to pressure Beijing into reducing tariffs on American products. Asked by VOA about the veracity of those media reports, the senior U.S. official responded, "I'm not aware of any reference along the lines as you have characterized them." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is assuming a mediator role, calling for a display of sensitivity by the U.S., Russia and other nations amid heightened tensions on Syria. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to launch military strikes in response to Saturday's (April 7) alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces that killed at least 40. Erdogan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin late Thursday on the phone after a separate call with Trump. "Erdogan is at the moment the only man who can talk to both of these leaders," said international relations expert Huseyin Bagci of Ankara Middle East Technical University. "On one side, he [Erdogan] is a close ally of NATO, and on the other side, he is a strategic ally of Russia. Erdogan also has leverage." Bagci added that without Turkey, Washington and Moscow would be unable to do many things in Syria. U.S.-Russian tensions remain high as Ankara tries to mediate. "A dialogue between the chiefs of staff of the U.S. and Russia has begun," Russian Parliament Defense Committee Head Vladimir Shamanov said Wednesday. "The connection has been made possible through our counterparts in Turkey," he added. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is due to visit Ankara Monday for talks on the Syrian crisis. Ankara has also been deepening its relations with Moscow. Last week Erdogan hosted Putin and Iranian president Hasan Rouhani to discuss efforts to resolve the Syrian civil war under the so-called "Astana Process." Analysts say Ankara, which is hosting over 3 million Syrian refugees at a cost of $30 billion, will be concerned any U.S.-led attack on Syria could derail efforts to end that country's war. "The perpetrators [for the chemical attack] should pay the price. But while doing that, there should not be steps that would damage Turkey, Russia and Iran's efforts for a lasting peace," said Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Friday. Adding to Turkish concerns over any U.S.-led attack is that Turkish forces are currently deployed in Syria, fighting against the YPG Kurdish militia, deemed as terrorists by Ankara. "Erdogan is trying to de-escalate a situation that has left Turkey caught in the middle and in a difficult place," said political columnist Semih Idiz of the al-Monitor website."I think this is what this meditation exercise is about. Any U.S.-led attack could really disrupt Ankara's plans against the Syrian Kurdish militia." Economic toll The threat of a further escalation in fighting in Syria has already hit the Turkish economy hard. "The uncertainty in the region is affecting the Turkish lira, which is plummeting," said Idiz. "We are about to enter the tourism season," he noted. "If there is a major confrontation in this part of the world the last thing tourists would want to do is to enter, what they believe is a war zone." Analysts suggest assuming a new mediation role could also be driven ultimately by Turkey's strategic interests. "Turkey would like to be a mediator," "said Bagci. "It wants to be viewed as trustworthy. It wants to be the consciousness of the Middle East. Whether Turkey will be able to take advantage of this opportunity or not is another matter, but the chance is there." In a turnaround, Ugandas government announced Friday it may take in 500 African asylum seekers from Israel. Israel wants to relocate thousands of Africans, mostly Eritrean and Sudanese, that it says entered Israel illegally. Ugandas state minister for relief, disaster preparedness and refugees, Musa Ecweru, acknowledged the request from Israel during a news conference Friday. The state of Israel, working with other refugee-managing organizations, has requested Uganda to allow about 500 refugees of Eritrean and Sudanese descent to be relocated to Uganda," Ecweru said. "The government and ministry are positively considering the request. The U.N. Refugee Agency says some 4,000 African asylum seekers have voluntarily left Israel for Uganda and Rwanda since 2013, reports both countries have continuously denied. Speaking to reporters Friday, Ecweru denied the existence of any so-called secret deals between Uganda and Israel on the matter. He said applicants for the 500 slots currently being discussed would be rigorously vetted. We are processing. The eligibility committee is standing by just to receive the first batch, and well process them through the assessment and those who will meet our criteria will certainly be granted asylum immediately, said Ecweru. He did not offer further details, though he did seem to indicate the relocations to Uganda would be voluntary. Israel is home to about 40,000 African asylum seekers. Most are from Eritrea and Sudan and say they cannot return home for fear of conflict or oppression. Many arrived in Israel between 2006 and 2012. Israels government rejects claims the Africans are refugees, describing them as economic migrants and infiltrators. In January, Israel issued an ultimatum to the single men in the group accept a cash payment and a plane ticket to a third country in Africa or face detention and deportation. The Israeli governments plan to begin forced deportations in April has been put on a hold by Israel's supreme court. For Uganda, welcoming asylum seekers from Israel could prove to be a touchy subject. The country is already straining to host more than 1.4 million refugees, most of whom have fled conflicts in neighboring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in just the past two years. The United Nations says it is pleased by the strong response to its appeal for life-saving aid for the Democratic Republic of Congo. A special pledging conference in Geneva hopes to raise $1.7 billion in humanitarian assistance for 13 million Congolese subject to violence and displacement. Midway through the day-long conference, U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock told journalists very good progress was being made toward the $1.7 billion funding goal for DR Congo. Now, I was not expecting we would reach $530 million in pledges today, to be honest with you. I thought that we would be doing well if we reached somewhat less than that," said Lowcock. "So, I am pleased with the progress we have made, and I am even more pleased that I know that there are additional pledges that governments are working on. It is obvious that we will get a better-financed response for the DRC this year than we got last year. The United States, the single largest donor to this humanitarian response, has pledged nearly $67 million. Lowcock says the situation in the DRC is desperate. He says ethnic violence has worsened in the east. Parts of the country, previously untouched by armed conflict and disaster, have experienced high levels of violence during the past year. In addition, he says the political transition in the country is creating tensions. President Joseph Kabila, who was supposed to have left office at the end of 2016 is still clinging to power. Lowcock says aid requirements have doubled over last year with nearly eight million people going hungry, more than two million acutely, severely malnourished children at risk of dying and some five million displaced by violence and conflict. Looking ahead, we know there will be additional challenges. In the Kasais (region), thousands of farmers have missed three successive agricultural seasons, resulting in a drop in agricultural production," said Lowcock. "As I speak, the resurgence of an inter-ethnic conflict in Ituri in February is killing many people and leading to internal and cross-border displacement of even more. In an extraordinary move, the DRC government has boycotted its own pledging conference because it says the U.N.s designation of the country as a severe emergency is exaggerated and insulting. In what appears to be a bid to lower tensions, Lowcock emphasizes the important leadership role the government is playing in dealing with the crisis. He adds the U.N. is working in close partnership with the government and discussions are underway about holding a joint follow-up event to the pledging conference at a time and place to be determined. The past week has sounded to some like a repeat of the Cuban Missile Crisis when America and Russia, two nuclear-armed powers, headed toward a catastrophic clash amid skyrocketing tension. Back in 1962, it was the Russians who blinked, with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev deciding not to tempt fate or the resolve of John F. Kennedy. He ordered Cuba-bound ships laden with missiles for Fidel Castro to back off from a U.S. blockade of the Caribbean island. For most of this week, the leaders of the U.S. and Russia, as well as their officials, traded dire warnings in rhetorical exchanges as fierce as any witnessed during the Cold War. U.S. President Donald Trump started the week warning that "missiles will be coming to Syria" to punish Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the latest alleged chemical weapons attack blamed on Syrian government forces. Russian envoys, including the ambassador to Lebanon, countered that Russian forces would shoot down any U.S. missiles fired at Syria and target ships and planes that launched them. Those warnings were characterized Thursday by a retired top British general as a virtual declaration of war and raised the prospect of the first naval clash between any powers in a generation. But by Thursday, both sides appeared anxious to dial down the rhetoric, and it was the Russians who took the biggest step back, redefining what would prompt them to respond militarily to any U.S.-led punitive raids on Syria. In an interview with Britain's Sky News, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, shifted Russia's "red line," focusing her remarks on the risks that would be encountered if Russian personnel on the ground in the war-wracked country were killed. Asked directly about the threat to shoot down incoming missiles, and attack the bases and ships firing them, she hesitated, saying, "Russia should protect its people on the ground, of course." She added she didn't want to think about the possibility of Russian or American blood being spilled, arguing that Washington and Moscow could resolve their differences over Syria with better communications. By removing the threat of Russian retaliation for a missile strike on Syria, the likelihood has increased that Russian President Vladimir Putin will do what he did last year when the U.S. punished Assad for using chemical weapons on his own people - namely, nothing, say analysts. Hours later Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis also sounded a note of restraint, telling lawmakers a missile strike was just one of the options being considered by the Trump administration to deter Assad from repeating last Saturday's alleged chemical weapons attack on the town of Douma on the outskirts of Damascus, in which 70 people died and hundreds were injured. Syria has denied using chemical weapons and the Russians claim the attack was fake or staged by a shifting cast of characters, including foreign intelligence services and the White Helmets, volunteer first responders working in Syria's rebel-held areas. Officials and analysts say a U.S.-led punitive strike on Syria is still all but certain. From Mattis to Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and France's President Emmanuel Macron, the consensus among Western leaders is that Assad's use of chemical weapons shouldn't go unanswered and that it must be large enough to change the Syrian leader's calculus about the use of chemical weapons. "We have to re-establish the taboo against using chemical weapons. The taboo has got frayed. It is important that there's a reaction," said John Sawers, a former British intelligence chief. But neither Washington nor Moscow wants to see an escalation of the overall long-running conflict in Syria, say analysts. President Donald Trump has already indicated he would like to withdraw the approximately 2,000 U.S. ground troops currently in northern Syria, where they've been assisting Syrian Kurds to defeat Islamic State militants. "We'll be coming out of Syria very soon. Let the other people take care of it now," the U.S. leader said earlier this month. Syria gains at stake On a cost-benefit analysis, the Kremlin has more to lose from any escalation or prolonging of the seven-year-old, multi-sided Syria conflict, now that their longtime ally Assad, thanks to Russian and Iranian military assistance, has swung the battlefield decidedly in his favor and all but won. Any major escalation risks reversing the military dynamic. "It is not obvious how the Russians can extricate themselves from a binary decision," said Jonathan Eyal of the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based research group. "Either they confront the American-led operation which is about to come to Syria, or they don't do anything," he added. The latter course would make Russian President Putin appear weak and until now he's been successful in avoiding having to choose to back down or escalate when confronting the West, Eyal said, "Set aside the bluster that comes from Moscow and they are far, far less secure about how this will play out in the next few days." The scale of the U.S.-led retaliation on Assad may well determine how Russia responds. U.S.-led strikes impacting the front lines, and certainly any loss of Russian lives, could strip the Kremlin of the opportunity of restricting its response to one of just issuing angry protests, as it did last year when the U.S. launched 59 Tomahawk Cruise missiles on a Syrian airbase after a purported Assad chemical weapons attack on Khan Shaykhun in northern Syria. To assist the Russians, the U.S. tipped off Moscow about what would be targeted, allowing the Kremlin to move its servicemen out of harm's way. That would likely happen again, said U.S. officials. But there are also pressures on Washington not to go as lightly as last year on any retaliation for the Douma attack. In the past, mild punishments have not deterred Assad. "It is clear that any retaliation for the latest use of chemical weapons, possibly the 25th use we have seen recently in Syria, must be bigger than the last retaliation," according to Peter Roberts, another analyst at the Royal United Services Institute. But bigger retaliation raises the risks of Russian personnel being killed. The Gulf states - Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - have been lobbying for much tougher action this time round, said U.S. officials. They have offered to participate, determined that any strikes are sizable enough to weaken the military presence in Syria of their arch-foe Iran, another Assad backer. Israel, too, is determined to stop Iran from establishing bases in Syria, and, on April 9, it launched a Cruise-missile strike on an airbase in central Syria near the ancient city of Palmyra. The strike targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guardsmen, one of dozens of cross-border strikes the Israelis have carried out in Syria since the start of the Syrian war in 2011, mostly focused on either Iranian forces or Hezbollah, the Tehran-tied Lebanese Shi'ite militia. There are already signs that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who meets and talks frequently with Putin and is close to Trump, is emerging as a key figure behind the scenes as Washington and Moscow and their allies maneuver to seek a way for U.S.-led retaliation on Assad to proceed without escalating the conflict or expanding it. On Wednesday, Putin and Netanyahu talked and, according to Israeli officials, discussed both Iran's presence in Syria and the Assad chemical weapons attack. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that his administration might allow the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol year-round, which could help farmers by firing up corn demand but faces opposition from oil companies. The proposal marked the latest move by the Trump administration to navigate the rival oil and corn constituencies as they clash over the nation's biofuels policy. Oil refiners say the Renewable Fuel Standard requiring them to add biofuels into gasoline is costly and displaces petroleum, while the farm sector says the law provides critical support to growers. The Environmental Protection Agency currently bans the higher ethanol blend, called E15, during summer because of concerns it contributes to smog on hot days a worry biofuels advocates say is unfounded. Gasoline typically contains just 10 percent ethanol. "We're going to be going probably, probably to 15, and we're going to be going to a 12-month period," Trump told reporters during a White House meeting. "We're going to work out something during the transition period, which is not easy, very complicated." Earlier Thursday, EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said the agency had been "assessing the legal validity of granting an E15 waiver since last summer" and was awaiting an outcome from discussions with the White House, the Department of Agriculture and Congress before making any final decisions. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, said the proposed shift to year-round E15 sales would be "very exciting news." "It would be a great morale boost for rural America, and more importantly a real demand boost if it can be moved forward quickly," he said in an interview. Annual biofuels figure Under the RFS, the EPA sets the volume of ethanol and other biofuels that must be mixed into the nation's fuel supply on a yearly basis and a move to expand E15 sales could encourage the EPA to set those volumes higher in coming years. Currently, refiners are required to blend around 15 billion gallons of ethanol into the nation's fuel annually. Shares of major biofuels producers rose slightly after the announcement. Archer Daniels Midland Co shares gained 2.7 percent to close at $45.30. It was unclear, however, whether the move would help the refining sector which has been lobbying hard instead for a cap on the price of blending credits that refiners must acquire to prove compliance with the RFS. Greater blending of ethanol through year-round E15 sales would theoretically increase supplies of the tradable credits, and thus reduce prices. But at the same time, more ethanol translates to a smaller share of petroleum-based fuel in American gas tanks, which would hurt refiner sales. The American Petroleum Institute, which represents big oil companies, issued a statement opposing Trump's proposal to expand E15 sales, arguing that high-ethanol fuel can damage engines and is incompatible with certain boats, motorcycles and lawn mowers. "The industry plans to consider all options to prevent such a waiver. The RFS is broken and we continue to believe the best solution is comprehensive legislation," API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola said in the statement. Refiners' shares were mixed after Trump's comments, with Andeavor closing down 2.6 percent at $110.13 and Valero Energy Corp. up 0.2 percent at $100.53. Evans Zininga The international business sector is facing some challenges in investing in Zimbabwe due to the current social, economic and political situation in Zimbabwe. Gavin Serkin, one of the organizers of the Zimbabwe Investors Forum set for Monday in New York to be attended by Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo and central bank governor John Mangudya, says investors are constrained mostly by restrictive sanctions imposed by USA and other Western nations on top Zanu PF officials. Serkin says Zimbabwe is not yet open for business as many foreign investors are still skeptical about the prevailing situation in the southern African nation, which is preparing for crucial general elections this year. He said, Right now the business sector is limited because of sanctions apart from anything else because you are in a situation in which its still very early days in terms of the new administration. There are still a lot of concerns that investors have. He said the sanctions are restricting even logistical issues like simply travelling to the United States and elsewhere And so from the sanctions perspective, the deeds from the markets is definitely wait and see what happens from here. Serkin says the visiting high-powered Zimbabwean delegation is expected to address some of these issues at the Zimbabwe Investors Forum. President Emmerson Mnangagwa toppled former ruler Robert Mugabe last November in what Mugabe has described as a military coup. But Mnangagwa maintains that Mugabe stepped down when thousands of people staged a protest in the country before the military and parliament intervened and forced him to step down. The West imposed targeted sanctions on Mugabe and his inner circle due to alleged election rigging and human rights violations. China plans Taiwan Strait live-fire exercises amid tensions AP, Beijing : China announced it will hold live-fire military exercises in the Taiwan Strait amid heightened tensions over increased American support for Taiwan's government. The announcement coincided with President Xi Jinping speaking on the importance of Chinese naval power while attending a massive fleet review Thursday in the South China Sea off the coast of Hainan province. "The mission of building a mighty people's navy has never been more urgent than it is today," Xi, dressed in army fatigues, said in remarks on the helicopter deck of one of China's most advanced destroyers. "Strive to make the people's navy a first-rate world navy." State media said the fleet review included 48 ships, among them China's sole operating aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, along with 76 helicopters, fighter jets and bombers, and more than 10,000 personnel, making it the largest since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The navy began three days of exercises off Hainan on Wednesday, but ended them a day early on Thursday, the provincial maritime safety administration said. No explanation was given for the curtailment of the drills or the Taiwan Strait exercise, and the Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to questions. The maritime safety authority in the coastal province of Fujian said the one-day Taiwan Strait drill will be held next Wednesday. Taiwan's defense ministry responded with a statement saying the exercises appeared to be part of scheduled annual drills, and that they were closely monitoring the situation and fully capable of responding. "Citizens please feel at ease," the statement said. While Beijing responded mildly to President Donald Trump's early outreach to Taiwan's independence-leaning government, recent developments have prompted a tougher response. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and says the sides, which separated during the Chinese civil war in 1949, must eventually be united, by force if necessary. A bipartisan delegation of five U.S. senators has returned from a week-long trip to four African countries to show Americas commitment to the continent. The four Democrats and one Republican participated in a series of high-level meetings with heads of state and religious, business and military leaders in Burkina Faso, Niger, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The five of us went there intending to reinforce the significance and the value of U.S.-Africa relationships, and we were very warmly received. And I think we accomplished that goal, Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, told reporters on a conference call Tuesday. But Senator Coons also acknowledged that the delegation was asked questions about U.S. President Donald Trump and a perceived lack of positive engagement with Africa due to diplomatic vacancies and disparaging remarks. Bipartisan initiatives Although no new programs were announced ahead of the trip, the senators pointed to a range of bipartisan initiatives dating back several administrations that has deepened U.S.-Africa ties. One of the things that has long characterized U.S.-Africa relations is a whole series of initiatives that were taken up by Republican and Democratic administrations, Coons said. Those initiatives include PEPFAR, an AIDS-relief initiative founded by former president George W. Bush; the Millennium Challenge Compact, a foreign aid agency created by the U.S. Congress in 2004; and Power Africa, former president Barack Obamas 2013 initiative to bring clean energy to the 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africans without access to reliable electricity. Through the initiatives, millions of lives have been improved. PEPFAR now provides HIV treatment to more than 11.5 million people, and Power Africa has brought electricity to about 60 million people. Diplomatic vacancies In a statement this week, Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, and another member of the delegation, said that a rift created by the actions of President Trump and his administration has deepened the need for U.S. diplomacy. He believes the current leadership has undermined American diplomatic leadership in the world, especially in Africa. The U.S. has no ambassadors to 15 African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and South Africa. No permanent successor to Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto has been named. And former Secretary of State Rex Tillersons firing immediately upon returning a day early from his first African trip in March was seen by some as a snub against the continent. Beyond tense relations, however, diplomatic vacancies pose real challenges for the U.S., in light of Africas fast-changing political landscape. Coons and Senator Jeff Flake, a Republican from Arizona who also joined the delegation, have laid out plans for legislation to remove 18-year-long sanctions against Zimbabwe. Before normalizing relations, however, the senators said President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who came to power following the forced resignation of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, must fulfill promises for free and fair elections, along with other political reforms. For the U.S., that makes monitoring progress within Zimbabwe essential. We desperately need to make sure that we have an ambassador on the ground when Zimbabwe has its elections, Flake told reporters. For his part, Booker affirmed his commitment to rebuilding Americas diplomatic and development engagement across Africa. The Senate has a critical role to play in undoing the damage done by President Trumps disparaging comments and the former secretary of states hiring freezes and budget cuts, Booker said. Security partnerships Beyond diplomacy and development programs, security partnerships remain a critical tie between the U.S. and Africa. Burkina Faso and Niger have found themselves on the front lines of violent extremism, with the U.S. as a long-term partner. The multinational, U.S.-led Flintlock military exercise is currently under way in Niger, and the U.S. has committed $60 million to the G5 Sahel, a joint force of soldiers from five West African nations charged with containing terrorist groups operating in the region. The security partnerships are critical. And we got the sense from both of those host governments in West Africa that they saw us as a reliable partner, Flake told reporters. Senator Coons cautioned against reducing Americas engagement with Africa to high-profile incidents like the October attack in Niger that resulted in the deaths of four U.S. soldiers. Our relationship is more complex than that, more sustainable than that and broader than that, Coons said. Senators Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, and Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan, also joined the delegation. Amid unresolved questions about the role of its military in Africa, the U.S. has kicked off a two-week exercise in Agadez, Niger, designed to strengthen security partnerships and train elite counterterrorism units in the volatile Sahel region. Flintlock, an annual military exercise directed by the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, involves participants from eight African countries and 12 Western countries. The event helps regional partners learn to work together to patrol vast, ungoverned spaces where terrorist groups such as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, Ansar Dine and Boko Haram operate. Major General J. Mark Hicks, the commander for Special Operations Command Africa, said the investment in training in the region is crucial because the terror groups control only patches of territory and can still be destroyed. "Africa matters to us because it is a 'preventive-medicine theater' versus an 'emergency-medicine theater,' " Hicks told reporters in a conference call on April 5. "These threats, as they exist in Africa, are at a level where they can be dealt with by, with and through our African and European partners, at a very low cost," he said. That cost efficiency, he said, makes them comparable to preventive health care, "versus something like Iraq and Syria, where you have to go into emergency medicine and large military activities." Enabling regional partners One regional effort taking shape that Flintlock organizers hope to support is the G5 Sahel, a 5,000-person joint military force created by Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The U.S. is contributing $60 million toward the G5 Sahel project, but believes the training offered at Flintlock offers unique value. "We are enabling the G5 Sahel partners both to command and control tactical formations, to cooperate across national boundaries and deal transnationally with transregional threats," Hicks said. "We're also providing tactical training to tactical units, which will be fielded in the context of the G5 Sahel immediately after the exercise." This year's Flintlock exercise is the first since an ambush last October in which four U.S. soldiers and four Nigerian troops and an interpreter were killed while on patrol near the border with Mali. The exercise location rotates annually and was already planned to be held in Niger. "The focus this year on Niger is really centered on the increasing threats that we see, both from al-Qaida-aligned JNIM (Group for Support of Islam and Muslims) and ISIS-aligned ISIS Greater Sahara. They are descending through central Mali, threatening not only Mali but Burkina Faso and Niger," Hicks said. "So we are mindful of the changing facts on the ground, and this exercise is focused to enable our partners that are part of the G5 to deal more directly and more effectively with those threats." U.S. involvement Since the October attack on U.S. forces, many have questioned the U.S. military presence on the continent. The Pentagon has yet to release its report investigating the incident, but reporting by The New York Times concludes that "a series of intelligence failures and strategic miscalculations" led to the attack in October, and leaked drafts suggest the Pentagon will pull back on its presence on the ground in West Africa. Five U.S. senators recently returned from a one-week, bipartisan congressional trip to Africa, including a stop in Niger. The senators met with U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Special Operations Command officials and were briefed on the October ambush. "The United States has some of our best military personnel, diplomats and aid workers serving on the front lines in Africa," Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, said in a statement. "My past week in Niger, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso has been an eye-opening testament to the vital economic, political and security assistance partnership between the U.S. and African countries. "In each of our meetings this week, we reaffirmed the value we place on U.S.-African relations and the dire need for a fully staffed, empowered U.S. diplomatic corps committed to working to advance fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and democratic transparency and accountability," he added. According to U.S. Ambassador to Niger Eric Whitaker, who also participated in the conference call, Americans cannot wall themselves off from the issues affecting the region and must play a role in helping local partners find solutions. "We have a vested interest in Africa developing its own security because we wouldn't want to see issues there, such as pandemics, terrorist organizations or other issues piracy, for example that might spread on to the United States," he said. "So we've chosen to invest in the African partner nations in helping them to address security challenges first and foremost." Lawmakers in Zimbabwe are preparing to summon ex-president Robert Mugabe to answer for his management of the diamond sector, which he nationalized in 2016. Mugabe announced the state seizure two years ago on Zimbabwe state TV, saying, "There has been a lot of secrecy and we have been blinded. We have not received much from the diamond industry at all." Foreign mining companies operating in the country were quick to challenge the stop-work orders in court, and some cases are still pending. But analysts question Mugabe's 2016 assertion that as much as $15 billion in diamond revenue was missing, and it was the fault of the foreign companies. Now, the parliamentary mines committee wants answers. "He must be able to tell the country where he got these figures from," the head of the parliamentary committee, Temba Mliswa, told VOA. "It is not witch hunting. "If there is anything parliament is doing, [it is] to support the executive to ensure that the economy has to pump through a process where minerals are accounted for. You got to bring closure to this. And you must also understand that it would be unfair for people to say he [Mugabe] is too old, when he could have been the president right now." Mliswa says the committee also plans to summon former vice president Joice Mujuru, as well as current Vice President Kembo Mohadi. Mugabe's 37 years in office came to an abrupt end last November, when he resigned under pressure from the army. Popular anger over the failed economy had been mounting for several years. In 2010, Global Witness began voicing concern about abuses and mismanagement in the country's diamond sector. Last year, the global anti-corruption watchdog presented evidence connecting state security agencies and ruling party elites to diamond mining and smuggling. Alice Harle of Global Witness welcomes parliament's plan to question Mugabe. "If he does testify, it will be difficult to see how much he is prepared to reveal," Harle said. "If Zimbabwe's diamond money is to benefit Zimbabwean people in fighting poverty and driving development, it is essential that the sector is open to scrutiny. A lot of the problems around the industry are directly related to how opaque the sector is." Current Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa spent decades by Mugabe's side, serving in various official roles as one of his closest allies. The ruling ZANU-PF has chosen Mnangagwa as its candidate for the July elections. Reacting to the news that parliament would summon Mugabe, presidential spokesman George Charamba told VOA that parliament can summon anyone, except a sitting president. Rome's Venerable English College celebrates three significant anniversaries. A discreet brass nameplate on the inner entrance door at Via di Monserrato 45, a stones throw from the offices of Wanted in Rome in the heart of the centro storico, provides a very modest indication of an English and Welsh institution which has stood on that very site for over 650 years. The Venerable English College (VEC), the oldest British institution outside Britain, is hosting a major exhibition to celebrate three significant anniversaries. Entitled Memory, Martyrs and Mission, the exhibition runs from 16 April to 11 May, under the patronage of the Pontifical Council for Culture. This stunning display of sacred treasures explores aspects of the history of the English Hospice and the Venerable English College and the interactions of these two institutions with both Roman and wider Italian society and with England and Wales since 1362. Hospice for pilgrims The age-old buildings of the English Hospice, part of the present-day college complex (including the Wanted in Rome offices), stood on the ancient pilgrim route from S. Giovanni in Laterano to St Peters Basilica. Beginning life in 1362, this hospice for pilgrims from England and Wales soon acquired its own church dedicated to that most English of saints, Thomas Becket (c.11181170), former chancellor of England and archbishop of Canterbury. Murdered in his own cathedral at Canterbury in 1170 and canonised at Segni (south-east of the Castelli) just three years later, St Thomas of Canterbury quickly became a popular saint in mediaeval Europe: his shrine at Canterbury, then second only to Santiago de Compostela as a place of pilgrimage, was suppressed by Henry VIII in 1538 following the kings break with Rome, though today the feast of St Thomas of Canterbury on 29 December is still observed throughout the Anglican Communion. Penal laws During the reign of Elizabeth I, from 1558 to 1603, life for Catholics in England and Wales became increasingly perilous. New penal laws passed by parliament at Westminster aimed to suppress the old religion and, by 1603, more than 180 Catholic subjects of Elizabeth had been put to death for their religious beliefs. The English College, Douai, founded in 1568. When, in 1568, an English College was founded at the university of Douai in the Spanish Netherlands, now modern-day France, to educate and train Catholic priests to serve on the new, clandestine post-Reformation Catholic mission to England and Wales, the new institution proved highly successful. Immense dangers Despite the immense dangers involved, so many young men from England and Wales came forward to train as future priests that the English College at Douai soon reached capacity. By 1576, students unable to secure a place there began crossing the Alps to seek their education at the new Collegio Romano, founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1551 and today known as the Gregorian University. Needing accommodation in Rome, they sought board and lodgings at the existing English Hospice. Venerable status By 1579, the hospice was so full of students, rather than pilgrims, that William Allen (15321594), the former principal of St Mary Hall, Oxford, who had founded the English College at Douai, successfully petitioned Pope Gregory XIII to convert the hospice into a modern seminary for England and Wales: surprisingly, perhaps, the new English College was given the title Venerable at the time of its foundation. From at least the eighth century there had been a Saxon settlement (or schola Saxonum) in the Borgo, close to St Peters Basilica, on or near the site of the Ospedale dello Spirito S. in Sassia so named because of the Saxon settlement. Though the importance of this settlement had diminished following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, and even though the ancient Saxon settlement and the new English College of 1579 had no formal connection, the title Venerable reflected the antiquity of the links between early English Christianity and the see of Rome. Martyrs Between 1581 and 1679, 44 former members of the Venerable English College (VEC) were executed in England or Wales for their religious beliefs. Ten of these are canonised, including St Ralph Sherwin (15501581), the first of the Colleges martyrs, and the great Elizabethan poet, St Robert Southwell SJ (c. 15611595). Though, constitutionally, the VEC was never a Jesuit institution, it was placed under Jesuit administration from 1579 until the suppression of the Society of Jesus in 1773. It then passed into the administration of Italian secular clergy until the College was sequestrated by the French following the occupation of Rome in 1798. The English Hospice and Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, Rome, before it became the Venerable English College in 1579. Closed for a period of 20 years, the VEC reopened in 1818 under the administration of the secular clergy of England and Wales. Apart from an interruption during world war two, when the staff and students moved temporarily to England for greater safety, the College has continued operating on Via di Monserrato for the past 200 years. The forthcoming exhibition will mark three significant anniversaries the 900th anniversary of the birth of St Thomas of Canterbury circa 1118, the 450th anniversary of the founding of the English College at Douai in 1568, and the bicentenary of the re-opening of the VEC in 1818. Sacred treasures To illustrate aspects of this long history, the exhibition will include a spectacular selection of sacred treasures and precious documents from three institutions the Venerable English College itself, Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, and the English College at Douai (which moved to England in 1794, dividing into two new communities: Ushaw College, Durham, and St Edmunds College, Ware, in Hertfordshire). A number of the artefacts today preserved at Stonyhurst came originally from the VEC: these were salvaged at the time of the suppression of the Jesuits in 1773 by the English Jesuit antiquarian, John Thorpe (17261792), who spent most of his life in Rome. Prior to his death, Thorpe bequeathed these precious objects to the English Academy at Liege. When that institution was forced to flee the French Revolution in 1794, it moved to Stonyhurst, where the treasures have been preserved ever since. Many of these will be returning to Rome for the first time since 1773. Memory, Martyrs and Mission Organized in 18 sections, the exhibition explores the three themes of Memory, Martyrs and Mission. These focus on key periods in the history of the Hospice and College; the life and work of the martyrs associated with the two institutions; and the lives and work of those who have served the mission in England and Wales since 1579. Among the treasures on display is a 14th-century manuscript life of St Thomas of Canterbury, alongside a fragment of one of the hair shirts which the saint is famously known to have worn, preserved for centuries afterwards at the English College at Douai. Cardinal William Allen (1532-1594), founder of the English College, Douai, and the Venerable English College, Rome. The Douai-Rome connection is explored through a number of treasures, including copies of the Douai New Testament of 1582 and the famous Douai-Rheims edition of The Holie Bible, published in 160910: this early Catholic translation of the Bible into English pre-dated the King James Version of 1611. Perhaps the most unusual exhibit is a small silver casket containing the eye of Blessed Edward Oldcorne SJ (15611606). A medical student who came to the VEC to study for the priesthood, Oldcorne was afterwards sent to serve on the English mission. At his execution at Worcester in 1606, the effect of his decapitation was so extreme that one of his eyes flew out of its socket, only to be preserved by a Catholic bystander as an extraordinary relic of martyrdom. The exhibition is not only about the past: the present-day Venerable English College is a thriving institution and some of its 38 students have prepared, as the final section of the display, a series of visual images outlining the range and scope of the life and work of the College today. By Maurice Whitehead This article was first published in the April 2018 edition of Wanted in Rome The exhibition, Memory, Martyrs and Mission, is being held at the Venerable English College, Via di Monserrato 45, tel. 066868546. It is open from 16 April-11 May, Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00. Entrance is free and visitors are most welcome. Maurice Whitehead is the current Schwarzenbach Research Fellow at the Venerable English College and a Research Fellow at the British School at Rome. Rome mural by Sirante featured Berlusconi, Salvini and Di Maio. Photo Corriere della Sera Rome police have removed a mural featuring Silvio Berlusconi, Matteo Salvini and Luigi Di Maio, portrayed playing cards in period costume, from a wall near the Quirinale where President Mattarella is holding the second round of formal consultations in an attempt to form Italy's new government.The street art, signed by Sirante, appeared in the early hours of 13 April on a wall on Via de' Lucchesi, in front of the office of Italian news agency ANSA which was first to report the story.Surrounded by a polystyrene gold frame, the Caravaggesque image was accompanied by a note from Sirante who described the political work as "representing a fraud" and containing "a moral warning."Sirante's work comes three weeks after a series of controversial murals by Tvboy - including an image of Salvini and Di Maio kissing - were removed from central Rome.The second round of consultations on the formation of a government concludes on 13 April when President Mattarella meets his predecessor Giorgio Napolitano, followed by talks with Lower House Speaker Roberto Fico and Senate Speaker Elisabetta Casellati. Photo ANSA Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Publish the name of political bank looters : Loan defaulters can't escape FINANCE Minister AMA Muhith has told the Parliament that the government will consider in future publishing the names, addresses and identities of the bank loan defaulters periodically. The loan defaulters have been causing massive loss to the nation, and gobbled up the money that could be invested in various sectors. Pointing to loan defaulters, he further said that earlier on several occasions he had given list of the loan defaulters in the Parliament. But he never thought of publishing their names and addresses in the newspapers. 'But surely that can be done; I think their names can be published periodically,' Muhith told the Parliament on Wednesday. In July last year, a list of 100 loan defaulters, including the names of individual businessmen and enterprises, was published. The total amount of their defaulted loan was Tk 1,11,347 crore. Strangely, the loan defaulters did not repay their loans though the list was placed in the Parliament. So, we think the latest announcement of Finance Minister to publish their names and addresses in the newspapers is undoubtedly a good decision. At present, there is no way but to uncover the faces of shameless bank looters in front of the nation. We are very much confused whether it would be possible to get the loan back from these defaulters ultimately. They are not only shameless, they are powerful too. Most of them keep close link with the stalwarts of ruling party and government high-ups. A number of the defaulters have already fled the country dodging the security agencies. Not only that a big amount of the looted money has reportedly been siphoned off to different foreign bank accounts. For these reasons, the possibility of getting back money from them will be very hard. There are also widespread allegations that top level officials and directors of some state-run and private commercial banks are directly involved in the issuance of the loans. In most cases, the banks did not take any mortgage against the loan issuance, or made forged mortgage documents to release the loan amounting to several thousand crores of taka. The big loan defaulters have mainly targeted the state-owned banks due to absence of strict administration. Whereas the marginal income group people, particularly farmers, do not get a small amount of loan from these banks even following the proper way. We have read many stories in the newspapers that farmers were arrested being tied with a rope in their waist for not paying a negligible amount of bank loan. But we have never read any report where a big loan defaulter was caught by the authorities for not paying back public money. Genuine loan defaulters are not a big problem if they are heard and their problems are genuinely examined. The Finance Minister should have the courage to publish the names of political bank looters like Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Dr. Syed Mudassar Ali and others. Dhaka cleaning campaign aims to set Guinness World Record Over 15000 people joined a cleaning campaign in city organised by DSCC aiming to set a new Guinness World Record. This photo was taken from \'Zero Point\' on Friday. Staff Reporter : Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Friday claimed to set a Guinness Book of World Record drawing more than 15,000 people in a sweeping programme for cleaning the city. DSCC Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon inaugurated the campaign 'Dettol Porichchhonno Dhaka' powered by GTV and supported by Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Golap Shah mazar point of Gulistan. The Mayor said 15313 registered people joined the campaign spontaneously to set the new record. However, the DSCC officials claimed that around 30,000 people joined the programme as almost half of them could not take registration as it was a time being matter. The auditors of the Guinness Book of World Records were present to witness the two-hour long programme. The formal announcement from the Guinness Book of World Records authority will come soon after the completion of necessary formalities. Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah and Gazi Group Chairman Gazi Golam Dastagir, film actor Riaz, actress Mahiya Mahi were present at the event, among others. The DSCC has taken the initiative to create awareness among citizens that practicing hygiene should not be limited to personal life only; rather it should be practiced at a community level to build a clean city. "Such kind of programme will help raise awareness to keep the city clean," said DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah. The DSCC in collaboration with Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh arranged the programme to raise awareness among people to make the city a clean and a healthy one. The registration for participants in the sweeping programme started around 7:00am at Nagar Bhaban. Earlier on April 4, DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon urged the city dwellers to participate in the mass-cleaning programme. The previous record was set by India's Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) on May 28 last year as about 5,058 people joined the programme to set the Guinness Book of World Record. Rajib's family waits for 'miracle' bdnews24.com : Rajib Hossain, a college student who lost his arm to an accident caused by two reckless buses in Dhaka, showed no improvement in vital physical signs even after 48 hours under life support. Professor Md Shamsuzzaman leading the medical board formed for Rajib's treatment told bdnews24.com on Friday he was unable to comment at the moment. Rajib has been lying senseless in his bed at the ICU of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His youngest brother Mohammed Abdullah stood beside him with his eyes exuding helplessness. "He has high fever since last night; the doctor said that not all patients return from this stage," Abdullah told bdnews24.com. Rajib's condition deteriorated on Friday. A student of Government Titumir College, Rajib lost his right arm as a BRTC double-decker came in contact with the Swajan Paribahan bus when the two drivers were trying to make way through other vehicles on Apr 3. The accident also fractured his skull along with a blow to the frontal lobe of his brain. He was taken to Samorita Hospital initially and then transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. A medical board has been formed for his care. "There is no improvement in Rajib's health. His other organs are fine but brain is not responding. We cannot make any comment now. He will recover only when his brain starts responding," said Prof Shamsuzzaman, chief of the medical board. Rajib who hailed from Bauphal Upazila of Patuakhali lost both of his parents at childhood. He got admitted to college for a graduate degree after completing his HSC while staying with his maternal aunt at Mohakhali in Dhaka. Rajib used to work as a part-time employee in a computer shop to bear his own and two brothers' expenses. "He always dreamt of getting a government job in future so he doesn't have to depend on others," said Rajib's aunt Khadiza Begum Lipi. That young man with a dream is now breathing under artificial life-support system, she added. "He used to dream big but now his life is hanging in the balance; the doctor said he will survive only if there is a miracle," she said. Khadiza Begum said they are providing medicine costs, when asked who bears the treatment cost. "We want stringent punishment for the bus drivers as our nephew is not recovering; we want no other family to suffer like us," said Rajib's aunt, commenting on a hearing on bail appeals for both drivers of BRTC and Swajan Paribahan scheduled on Monday. US sends mixed signals over military action in Syria Al Jazeera News : US defence chief James Mattis has urged caution in Washington, DC's response against Syria, dialling back President Donald Trump's rhetoric about possible military action following reports a chemical attack in the besieged town of Douma last week. In a public hearing on Thursday, Mattis told members of Congress that the US is "not going to engage in the civil war itself", and it remains committed to the UN-backed negotiations in Geneva to end the war. "We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people. On a strategic level - is how do we keep this from escalating out of control," he said. "Our strategy remains the same as a year ago: To drive this to a UN-brokered peace. At the same time, we keep our foot on the neck of ISIS until we suffocate it," he said referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group. On Wednesday, Trump had threatened to retaliate against the Russian-backed Syrian regime, posting on social media that "nice, new and 'smart'" missiles "will be coming". But he later wrote that "there is no reason" for the antagonism between Washington, DC and Moscow, adding that "we need all nations to work together". On Thursday, Trump added on Twitter that he "never said when an attack on Syria would take place" but it "could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Russia had previously said that it would respond to any US missiles fired in Syria by shooting them down and targeting their launch sites. Moscow's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Thursday that the "immediate priority is to avert the danger of war". He did not rule out the possibility of a US-Russia conflict, saying Moscow was very concerned with "the dangerous escalation" and "aggressive policies" that certain governments are making. "We hope that there will be no point of return - that the US and their allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign state," Nebenzia told reporters late on Thursday. Russia has called for another emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday. The latest development in Washington comes as British media report that UK Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet agreed "on the need to take action" in Syria. At the same time, France's President Emmanuel Macron was quoted as saying that he has "proof" that the Syrian government targeted civilians in Douma with chemical weapons last week. For Mattis' part, he told members of Congress, "I cannot tell you that we have evidence" that the government of Bashar al-Assad was directly involved in the deadly attack, saying there are no US troops from the ground who could directly confirm the allegations. "I believe that there was a chemical attack and we're looking for the actual evidence," he said, calling the deaths "absolutely inexcusable". At least 85 people, including many women and children, were killed in the Douma attack, according to a statement by rescue workers and medical staff. A team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog is headed to Syria to begin an investigation into the suspected attack. The incident would be the largest of its kind in Syria since April last year, when nerve agent sarin or a sarin-like substance was dropped onto the town of Khan Sheikhoun, killing at least 85 people. Following that incident, the US launched a retaliatory cruise missile attack days later against a Syrian airbase from where it alleged the chemical weapons attack was launched. UNSC members to visit Rakhine, Cox`s Bazar from April 26 Special Correspondent : The UN Security Council (UNSC) members will visit Myanmar and Bangladesh in the last week of this month to see the situation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled a military crackdown in Myanmar and now living in refugee camps here. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka said a 15-member delegation of the UN Security Council will visit the trouble torn Rakhine State and Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh from April 26 to May 2. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh since late August last year after the army launched a brutal crackdown following a militant attack on border posts and an army base. Survivors of the violence have given harrowing accounts of Myanmar security forces killing and raping while looting and burning Rohingya villages in northern Rakhine state. The UN has called it a textbook example of ethnic cleansing, which the Myanmar military denies. Access to Rakhine state for the UN observers, diplomats, aid workers and journalists has been denied since August. "Myanmar has already given the UN Security Council permission to visit the country, including conflict-torn Rakhine state, the region from which almost half a million Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh in recent months," a diplomat in Dhaka told The New Nation on Friday. He said Myanmar authorities let the permission to the UN delegation to visit the country recently after blocking its request for months. "We appropriate the Security Council members move to undertake the visit. This will reaffirm their support to the hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons who are living in inhuman condition in the squalid camps in Cox's Bazar with uncertain future." The diplomat said the visit of the Council members to the situation themselves would be useful to assess the gravity of the humanitarian crisis. The trip will help it to consider decisive action with regard to demanding accountability of the Myanmar authorities for their systemic persecution on Rohingyas. It will also pave the way to restoring peace and stability in Rakhine and safe, dignified and voluntary return of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Bangladesh and Myanmar have already signed an agreement to send the Rohingyas back to the Rakhine state. But the repatriation is yet to take place. When asked, the diplomat said, "Delegates from permanent member states of the Security Council would join the trip. We're working out on the visit with UN officials in Bangladesh. The UN office in Dhaka, however, has not made official announcement about the visit yet. Members of the Security Council often undertake visits to conflict-prone areas of the world. A delegation of ambassadors from members of the Security Council recently visited Kabul. But the mismatch of Ryan and his times has been increasingly evident and unsustainable. He has tried to be aspirational in a party grown gloomy and angry. He has a moderate temperament in a party lurching toward disturbing extremes. He has remained a 1980s supply-sider in a very different economy meaning that his culminating achievement, the 2017 tax cut, was the last gasp of old Republican economic thinking rather than the start of something new. Ryans more welcoming attitude toward immigrants has been repudiated by the base of his party. His rhetorical emphasis on helping the poor has remained largely rhetorical. BD, UNHCR sign MoU in Geneva High Commissioner Filippo Grandi and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohammad Shahidul Haque sign an MoU on voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees in Geneva on Friday. UNB, Dhaka : UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Bangladesh government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to the voluntary returns of Rohingya refugees once the conditions in Myanmar are conducive. The MoU, signed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque in Geneva, established a framework of cooperation between UNHCR and Bangladesh on the safe, voluntary, and dignified returns of refugees in line with international standards. Over 670,000 Rohingya fled violence in Myanmar since last August, joining an estimated 200,000 Rohingya who have sought shelter in Bangladesh, arriving in waves over the past decades. For the hospitality, protection and assistance provided to those refugees, UNHCR would like to extend its sincere thanks to the government and people of Bangladesh, according to a message received from Geneva. In the absence of a tripartite agreement between UNHCR, Myanmar and Bangladesh, UNHCR has continued to engage with both governments in negotiations on two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), meant to ensure that any future returns are conducted in line with the international standards of voluntariness, safety and dignity. UNHCR considers that conditions in Myanmar are not yet conducive for returns to be safe, dignified and sustainable. The responsibility for creating such conditions remains with the Myanmar authorities, and these must go beyond the preparation of physical infrastructure to facilitate logistical arrangements. Refugees in Bangladesh have said before considering return to Myanmar, they would need to see concrete progress in relation to their legal status and citizenship, security and their ability to enjoy basic rights at home in Rakhine State. UNHCR has continued to call on the Myanmar government to take concrete measures to address the root causes of displacement, in line with the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. One step it could immediately take is to provide UNHCR and other relevant actors with full and unhindered access to refugees' places of origin in Rakhine, which would enable UNHCR to assess the situation and provide information to refugees about conditions in the places of origin, as well as to monitor any possible future return and reintegration of refugees. Another practical measure would be to ease restrictions on movement for the internally displaced persons encamped in the central townships of Rakhine, which would also help to build confidence among refugees in Bangladesh. Such concrete measures would help demonstrate to refugees that the Myanmar government is committed to a sustainable solution. In Myanmar, together with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UNHCR is in ongoing discussions with the Myanmar government on a tripartite agreement to outline the scope of cooperation between these agencies and the Myanmar government in Rakhine. The agreement would aim to set forth a framework for refugees' voluntary repatriation in line with international standards, create conditions that are conducive to eventual voluntary repatriation, and provide humanitarian and development assistance for all people of Rakhine State. UK cabinet agrees 'need for action' in Syria BBC Online : Cabinet ministers have agreed "on the need to take action" in Syria to "deter the further use of chemical weapons", Downing Street has said. Ministers at a cabinet meeting said it was "highly likely" the Assad regime was responsible for a suspected chemical attack. They agreed that the use of chemical weapons must not "go unchallenged". But Transport Minister Jo Johnson later stressed: "There has been no decision to take military action at this point." No details of UK involvement in any military action in Syria were mentioned in the Downing Street statement. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused the government of "waiting for instructions" from US President Donald Trump and said military action was unlikely to solve the situation in Syria. He said: "More bombing, more killing, more war will not save life. It will just take more lives and spawn the war elsewhere." Medical sources say dozens of people were killed, including children, during the alleged toxic bombing of the formerly rebel-held town of Douma, in the Eastern Ghouta region. President Trump spoke to the prime minister on Thursday evening, and the pair agreed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons". A statement from Downing Street added: "They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response." President Trump is expected to speak to French President Emmanuel Macron about what form action could take, with the White House saying "no final decision has been made". BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said it was understood the UK was planning a genuinely joint effort with the US and France, rather than playing a supporting role. Sources say the PM is prepared to take action against the Assad regime without first seeking parliamentary consent. There have been calls from opposition parties and some Conservative MPs for Parliament to have a vote beforehand. Labour's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It would be outrageous for the government not to bring military action in Syria to Parliament - for Parliament to have a vote... "The reason they're not doing it is they are frightened they'll lose the vote." Mrs May has said "all the indications" are that the Syrian regime of president Bashar al-Assad, which denies mounting a chemical attack, was responsible for the alleged attack in the formerly rebel-held town of Douma. BCL withdraws Esha`s expulsion DU Correspondent : Bangladesh Chattra League (BCL) has withdrawn the expulsion order of Iffat Jahan Esha, President of Poet Sufia Kamal Hall unit BCL, from the party over assault on a female student of this dormitory. Two days after the expulsion, as per the probe body's report, a press release signed by BCL President Saifur Rahman Sohag and General Secretary SM Zakir Hossain was issued on Friday morning notified the acquital of Esha from expulsion. Students filed a number of allegation against her on Thursday evening at a hall meeting with hall Provost Professor Sabita Rezwana Chowdhury in the chair accusing Esha on various counts. Students alleged, Iffat Jahan Esha tortured them mentally and physically on different occasion over silly matter. Ignoring such allegation, BCL has withdrawn her expulsion. It has immedeatily caused panic among general students of Poet Sufia Kamal Hall. Iffat Jahan, also a student of Philosophy Department of DU, allegedly assaulted a female student on Tuesday midnight and was suspended from BCL to calm agitating students. She was also expelled from the varisity on temporary basis. A four member probe body of BCL led by Vice President (VP) of BCL Nusrat Jahan Nupur while other member were VP of BCL Nishita Iqbal, DU unit president Abid Al Hasan and general secretary Motahar Hossain Prince. Motahar Hossain Prince found her not guilty. Abid Al Hasan told to this Correspondent that "We talked with all concerned in this regard but could not find any legal evident out over this allegation". Shab-e-Meraj tonight NTV Online : The holy Shab-e-Meraj will be observed tonight across the country with due respect and religious fervour. The Muslims every year on 27th of Arabic month of Rajab observe the Shab-e-Meraj, the night Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) embarked on a special journey to meet Allah. In the journey, the Prophet (PBUH) travelled on the 'Buraq' to heaven where Allah gave him instructions to take back to the faithful regarding the details of prayers. Different Islamic organisations will arrange special prayers and milad mahfils in mosques and at other places to seek blessings of the Almighty Allah. The Muslim devotees offer special prayers all the night in mosques and homes to seek blessings of Allah for welfare of the entire nation and the Muslim Ummah. Dont tax you. Dont tax me. Tax that fellow behind the tree. That statement - attributed to former Louisiana senator Russell Long - refers to money. Its appropriate, given that this is the weekend when every Westporter who is not one of those fastidious people who must get everything out of the way early, will spend enormous amounts of time figuring out how to send as little money as possible to Washington and Hartford, while at the same time hoping that all the program important to him or her will continue to be fully funded, if not expanded exponentially. But thats not what this column is about. Dont tax you can also be applied to real estate. Dont build here. Dont build there. Build someplace where I dont care seems to be the mantra behind nearly every zoning issue that flares up in Westport. Lately, the fires of controversy have burned hotter than ever. Proposals to open marijuana dispensaries here - there are currently four applications on the table, competing for the two sites allowed by local legislation - sparked shouting at a public meeting last week that Planning and Zoning Commission members (no strangers to squawking) said was the loudest and rudest theyd ever heard. The P&Z is also grappling with a proposal to build nine homes on 2.2 acres off Main Street and Weston Road, near Merritt Parkway exit 42. No matter that the plan has been scaled down twice, from the original 12 homes; that each house is just 2,000 square feet, with two bedrooms, and limited to owners age 55 and over; or that for decades the land was occupied by a floral shop, drawing plenty of traffic (and which included several trucks parked all over the property). Dont build here. Dont build there. Build someplace where I dont care is a common theme throughout the arguments against both the dispensaries and the senior housing. Its not always stated that baldly, of course. Arguments against the medical marijuana facilities include claims that the sites are too large; fears that if (or when) recreational marijuana is legalized in Connecticut, the dispensaries will be overrun by non-medical customers; and terror that nearby children will see a medical marijuana facility and immediately want to try the drug themselves. Opponents of the Daybreak development cite traffic issues at the confusing, congested intersection with Easton and Weston Roads, and Main Street; the possibility that folks 55 and older will cram young children into their 2-bedroom homes, thus straining our school system and causing massive bus delays; and worry that the soil has been contaminated by all those floral shop trucks, meaning new home construction would expose neighbors to toxic something or other. Not everyone agrees a medical marijuana dispensary should be built in Westport. Nearly everyone, however, realizes that medical marijuana is beneficial for people suffering from a wide range of ailments, from cancer and its treatment side effects to epilepsy. The nearest dispensaries to Westport right now are in Milford and Bethel. Maybe thats too far, those opposed to the local plan say, but maybe Westport is, well, you know, just not the right place. Besides, they add, why do we need two? (To encourage price competition and eliminate gouging, the P&Z said when it wrote the local regulations a few years ago - and heard virtually no citizens concerns, I should add.) The Westport jury is still out on senior housing as well. Arguments rage over whether 55-year-olds are actually seniors; on whether they truly want to downsize here, or will flee to Florida once their kids are gone; and on and on. But dispensaries and Daybreak are not the only items on the P&Z docket. There is the little - actually, large - issue of 81 units proposed for Post Road West. Theyd be built on land bordered by Lincoln Street and Riverside Avenue. Its highly trafficked, near two schools - two concerns of Westporters who oppose the plan. And - this is important - its also an 8-30g proposal. This refers to a carrot-and-stick Connecticut statute that rewards town for building affordable housing - and punishes them if they dont. It also overrides many local zoning regulations, on topics like density. Westporters generally agree that affordable housing is a noble goal. Too many teachers, police officers, firefighters, workers and others cannot afford to live here (or anywhere close). We already have several affordable housing options in Westport (some of which predate the 8-30g statute, and which for some unfathomable bureaucratic reason dont count toward our goal). But Westporters also worry that affordable housing is big - both physically and demographically. It adds kids to the school system, and strains town services and utilities. So maybe this noble goal should be situated somewhere else. Dont build here. Dont build there. Build someplace where I dont care. Wherever that is. Dan Woog is a Westport writer, and his Woog's World appears each Friday. He can be reached at dwoog@optonline.net. His personal blog is danwoog06880.com. STAMFORD A high-profile attorney known for winning Kennedy cousin Michael Skakels freedom will take on a new case in the citys courthouse. Hartford attorney Hubert Santos has been hired to make a plea for leniency in the sentencing of Cesar Oliverio, who was convicted last year of first-degree assault for nearly sawing a mans hand off because he went out with his estranged fiance. Oliverio, 37, faces up to 20 years in jail when hes sentenced in June for the incident that occurred at the womans Springdale condo in 2017. Santos did not return a call for comment. His associate, Trent LaLima, said Santos requested the sentencing be continued until June 13 so he can get caught up on the case. Sentencing has been delayed for months after Oliverio requested a new attorney in February. Oliverio claimed his trial attorney, Phillip Russell, was condescending, harassed him and would not listen to his defense strategy. Hubie Santos is among the best lawyers in Connecticut and I think it will be beneficial to have a fresh set of eyes on this case for both the sentence and appeal, said Russell, who agreed to withdraw from the case, saying there was a breakdown in communication with Oliverio. The week-long trial hinged on the testimony of the 47-year-old New York victim and the womans 911 call that indicated Oliverio was the one wielding a handsaw the night of the incident. Oliverio, who police say was covered in blood when they arrived, did not testify in his defense. The jury convicted Oliverio, who has a child with the woman, for assault but was hung on a home invasion charge. He was found guilty by a jury. From our perspective, it doesnt matter which lawyer represents him at sentencing, said Supervisory Assistant States Attorney Paul Ferencek, who opposed giving Oliverio more time to find an attorney. Our interest at this point is simply to see that the hearing finally takes place without any further delay so that the victim and his family can put this experience behind them. Santos authored the appeal that overturned Skakels conviction in the murder of Martha Moxley and released him from jail in 2013. A state Supreme Court judge overturned the ruling in 2016, but Skakel remains free. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Ian Russell, the CEO of the Investment Industry Association of Canada, is an optimist and says he is confident in the excellence and value of the services his member firms offer. But the business is shrinking. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/4/2018 (1266 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Ian Russell, the CEO of the Investment Industry Association of Canada, is an optimist and says he is confident in the excellence and value of the services his member firms offer. But the business is shrinking. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Ian Russell says his member firms continue to see growth and profit in wealth management advisory services. Initial public offerings are down, raising capital in the resource sector is getting harder and he believes lower tax rates in the U.S. will likely funnel off foreign direct investment that might otherwise have come to Canada. "I worry over the next year about the investment banking business," said Russell, who was in Winnipeg this week meeting with industry officials, regulators and Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen. His concerns revolve around the fact the Canadian economy is in a slow growth mode and hence the need for capital formation and investment the kind of services investment bankers provide their clients will be less in demand. Uncertainty in the energy sector typically a mainstay for Canadian investment bankers because of the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as trade issues, U.S. tax reform and other concerns are unsettling for the business community, he said. "I think business spending will fall off. It has been falling off and it will continue to fall off, especially for smaller companies," he said, "So that is going to make it much rougher on the investment banking boutiques." But Russell says his member firms continue to see growth and profit in wealth management advisory services. That is coming at at time when new digital technology enterprises in the space, such as robo-advisers Wealthsimple and Nest Wealth, were supposed to be threatening the status quo namely, the industrys dependence on personal advisory services as its profit centre. Some of that has happened, but Russell was adamant the legacy industrys adoption of technology has been thoughtful and efficient. He said the general level of competitiveness in the industry and need to provide competitive prices and greater convenience has led to a lot of investment in technology by his 160 member firms (down from 200 in 2010 and likely sinking to 100 in the next few years). And the wealth management business is growing because of strong demand from the baby boomer generation, which he said still has a few more years of life left in it. "What is driving this more than anything else is the fact that people recognize that they are going to be more dependent on their portfolios for their retirement savings," he said, citing uncertainties and vulnerabilities in group pension plans in the future. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "They have to take more responsibility into their own hands and they are finding they may need more money than they thought they would need," he said. That means there is even more demand for personal advisory services. He said industry research has shown that there is strong client demand for professional advice to make investment decisions and provide long-term financial, estate and tax planning. Further, that demand isnt just from high net worth clients, but affluent mass-market clients as well. Russell said some of his members are attaching robo-adviser options onto their suite of services and some of the robo-adviser companies are including personal advisory features in their offerings. Like every other sector, the investment industry faces changes. But Russell believes his members are up for the challenge. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca Five survivors of the Holocaust and a Winnipeg student lit six candles at the Manitoba legislature today for the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazi regime. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/4/2018 (1267 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Five survivors of the Holocaust and a Winnipeg student lit six candles at the Manitoba legislature today for the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazi regime. Elderly but spry, Rachel and Sol Fink, Regine Frankel, Barbara Goszer and Phillip Shaff paid silent homage to those whose lives were snuffed out in the Second World War genocide. Holocaust survivor Sol Fink lights a candle. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) "Like all people, they had hopes and dreams," said Jeff Lieberman, chairman of the annual Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the League for Human Rights of B'nai Brith Canada in the legislature's Golden Boy Room. At the "Unto Every Person There is a Name" service, nearly 100 Manitobans recited some of the Holocaust victims' names. Some of those reading the names out loud are descendants of those who died. Some were school kids. Some were entrepreneurs. Some were elected officials, including MLAs Jon Gerrard (Liberal, River Heights), Andrew Swan (NDP, Minto) and Justice Minister Heather Stefanson. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The morning-long service was to honour those who died and make sure they're never forgotten as nameless victims, Lieberman told the audience made up of a large number of secondary students. The youth played a major role in the ceremony, performing songs and reciting poetry in between the recitation of names at Winnipeg's Yom Hashoah service. An estimated 1.5 million Holocaust victims were children, said Lieberman. Peter Fast reads names aloud. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) "Together, we affirm that the innocent lives lost in the Holocaust have not been forgotten and will not be forgotten," Lieberman said. Outside on the legislature grounds, the names of more than 3,000 souls with a Manitoba connection who died in the Holocaust are etched in stone. It's a monument to the lives of those killed and a touchstone for their descendants. In 2000, Manitoba enacted the Holocaust Memorial Day Act. The legislation said that Yom Hashoah or the Day of the Holocaust, as determined in each year by the Jewish lunar calendar, is proclaimed as Holocaust Memorial Day Yom Hashoah. Bnai Brith hosted similar Unto Every Person There Is A Name ceremonies across Canada Thursday, including in Oakville, Ont., Montreal and Toronto. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca The number of Manitobans registering to be organ donors has skyrocketed in the week since the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/4/2018 (1266 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The number of Manitobans registering to be organ donors has skyrocketed in the week since the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The story of 21-year-old defenceman Logan Boulets decision to donate his organs has inspired people across the country to register, officials say. On Friday, Transplant Manitoba announced 4,500 Manitobans have followed Boulets example. Logan Boulets decision to donate his organs has inspired people across the country to register for organ donation. (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League photo) "Canadians and people from all over the world have been affected by this immense loss of life," said Dr. Faisal Siddiqui, a Gift of Life physician with Transplant Manitoba. "The response has created a groundswell of interest and work surrounding organ and tissue donation the likes we had never seen before." The number of Manitobans now registered online has hit 27,500. "I am in awe and I hope you are as well," Brandon Tory MLA Reg Helwer said during a news conference at Health Sciences Centre. The province is hoping to build on that momentum through Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, which runs April 22 through April 28. The goal is to hit 30,000 registered donors. You can start by talking to your loved ones to ensure they know what you want to do in you are ever in that situation, said Jodie Shepit, whose 17-year-old daughter Jazmyn was killed nearly four years ago. Because Shepit knew her daughter wanted to donate her organs, thats what she did. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "Jazmyn was a save-the-world kind of girl," Shepit said, while holding a picture of her daughter. "She had the most compassionate heart and smiled with her eyes. I chose to donate all of her organs, including her eyes, so one day I might see my daughter looking back at me." Jazmyns organs helped save eight lives. Boulets helped save six. "I have never regretted my decision," Shepit said. Manitobans can register their intent to donate their tissue and organs online at signupforlife.ca. jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca The family of a Manitoba man who died by suicide is surprised and excited to hear a new award will bear their loved ones name, and honour youth who display leadership in mental health advocacy. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/4/2018 (1266 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The family of a Manitoba man who died by suicide is surprised and excited to hear a new award will bear their loved ones name, and honour youth who display leadership in mental health advocacy. The Mark Dickof Memorial Scholarship Award will be given to two high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 one who lives in rural or northern Manitoba, and one who lives in an urban area. A pastel drawing of Mark by niece Hannah Hochman. The $250 prizes are being jointly awarded this year by Winnipeg Coun. Brian Mayes, the Manitoba School Boards Association and the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association. "I thought it was a really lovely tribute to my brother," Karen Hochman said. Mark Dickof grew up in Winnipeg and lived most of his life in the city, studying English at the University of Manitoba and hoping to attend Oxford University for graduate studies. He died by suicide in 1992 at age 30, after living with schizophrenia. "He was really intelligent, and kind, and sort of self-contained. He was the sort of person who really tried to be a good person and was very loving toward his family," his sister said. Dickof was a childhood friend of Mayes. They grew up in the same suburb, their moms were teachers and they shared the same birthday, the St. Vital ward councillor said. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "I feel this sort of highlights to me the chance element in life, the vagaries of life that Ive been pretty lucky, frankly," Mayes said. "Heres someone born the exact same day as me who didnt have those breaks. So Im trying to do what I can to honour him and his memory and try to do something to maybe help out with this issue of mental health." Hochman said the winners of the award could promote mental health through coursework, volunteerism or peer counselling, possibly using art, writing or poetry, too. "I think it could be any variety of different things, but I would like to see (the award winners) destigmatizing mental illness, supporting people and going against bullying and things like that," she said. Students looking to apply for the awards need to submit a 500-word essay and one letter of reference by April 30 to the Manitoba School Boards Association. jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @_jessbu The resignation of former Conservative cabinet minister Shelly Glover from the Winnipeg Police Service caught the police union unawares. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/4/2018 (1266 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The resignation of former Conservative cabinet minister Shelly Glover from the Winnipeg Police Service caught the police union unawares. Moe Sabourin, president of the Winnipeg Police Association, said Glover went to the union for advice regarding a workplace matter toward the end of last year. Sabourin said he didnt know that Glover, who was a Winnipeg police patrol sergeant, would resign before her complaint was resolved. He said he only found out about Glovers resignation earlier this week. "Her resignation was a surprise," he said on Friday. "She came to us for advice. There was no discussion whether she should resign or not. She had come to us with a concern. Her resignation had nothing to do with any input from us." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. CBC is reporting that it obtained a resignation letter from Glover in which she accuses Winnipeg police of being a "toxic workplace." Glover said in the letter that she expects a complaint she had launched with the department, which was being investigated as a respectful workplace complaint, would continue to be looked into even though she quit the department. Glover, who at one point was the police services media information officer, took a leave of absence from the force after she was elected the Tory MP for St. Boniface in 2008. Glover was appointed heritage minister by then-prime minister Stephen Harper before she resigned in 2015 to return to the police service. Glover could not be reached for comment. A spokeswoman for the Winnipeg Police Service said they would not comment about Glover. Some of the progress Manitoba was making on cutting wait times for hip and knee surgery has been lost under the current government, NDP Leader Wab Kinew says. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/4/2018 (1267 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MIKE APORIUS/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Surgeons perform a hip-replacement at Concordia Hospital. Some of the progress Manitoba was making on cutting wait times for hip and knee surgery has been lost under the current government, NDP Leader Wab Kinew says. The Opposition leader took aim at the Tory government over the latest wait-times report, released Thursday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information. The data show the percentage of people needing hip replacements who get surgery within the recommended six-month time frame rose to 71 per cent in 2014 from 68 per cent in 2013, before dropping steadily to 53 per cent in 2017. The data for knee replacements over the same time period tells a similar story: rising to 71 per cent from 58 per cent, before declining to 43 per cent in 2017. "Some of the trend lines moving in positive directions in 2015 are now beginning to digress," Kinew said during question period. "Manitoba is, in fact, not the most-improved province and thats a shame, because its patients who are suffering." Kinew said this is the first independent evaluation of the dramatic overhaul of the provinces health-care system and "its not a good sign." "It seems as though the cuts that weve learned about since are just going to compound the problem," he later told reporters, "closing the Misericordia (Health Centre) urgent care centre, cutting outpatient physiotherapy." Change takes time, Premier Brian Pallister said during question period. "It takes seven miles to turn a freighter thats going full speed in the ocean," he said. "Its going to take a little while to turn the direction of a health-care system that was being ignored, frankly victimized by under-innovation, by the previous (NDP) government." Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen noted the CIHI data accounts only for April 1 through Sept. 30, 2017. The provinces wait-times-reduction task force has reported in with recommendations that took those months into account. The recommendations are now being evaluated by Shared Health, the minister said, and he expects them in "relatively short order." "Id like to see it quicker than Im seeing it," said Goertzen, who would not provide an exact time frame, "but I also want it to be properly done and thorough." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Part of the considerations will include options for a possible increase in the number of cataract surgeries performed in Manitoba. The number of patients meeting the 16-week target for cataract surgery was at 62 per cent in 2013 and has since dropped to 32 per cent in 2017 the lowest of all the provinces. "If were going to be moving to more procedures, I certainly would be interested in looking at an RFP (request for proposal) to look at how the system could respond in terms of getting the best value for money," Goertzen said, noting a better price would allow for more operations. "That doesnt mean the system itself couldnt, of course, bid on them." Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said the provincial government needs to stop promising one thing and then delivering another. Floating the idea of privatizing some of those services, he said, is "an argument that there isnt enough money in the system." The Tory government underspent its budget projections for health care in 2017 by $138 million. jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca Richwood, TX (77531) Today Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould tabled a criminal justice reform bill in March, with the stated goals of reducing delays and inequalities in the justice system. Many of the proposals in this bill will have the opposite effect. Here are some of the largest concerns with this bill for the criminal defence bar: Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/4/2018 (1266 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould tabled a criminal justice reform bill in March, with the stated goals of reducing delays and inequalities in the justice system. Many of the proposals in this bill will have the opposite effect. Here are some of the largest concerns with this bill for the criminal defence bar: Domestic Violence Bail Domestic violence is a scourge in our society. However, everyone charged with any offence is presumed innocent. Upon arrest, a person can ordinarily only be detained in custody if the prosecution can show a reason why the person should be held in jail for example, theyre a flight risk, or there is a risk of reoffence. This bill reverses the onus on some domestic violence allegations the accused has to justify why they should be released. More people will likely be held in custody, many of whom will be Indigenous. Manitoba has the highest adult incarceration rate in Canada. Two-thirds of Manitobas jail population is waiting in custody for their trial date, presumed innocent. This change will make those numbers worse. Limiting Preliminary Inquiries This bill further restricts the usage of preliminary inquiries, which are similar to a dress rehearsal for trial. Currently, only three per cent of cases hold a preliminary inquiry before trial. These cases tend to be more complex or have other special issues that require advance examinations by counsel. It allows trial issues to be narrowed, and results in fewer days being needed for trial. Both sides can be alerted to additional avenues of investigation, or necessary pre-trial motions. Preliminary inquiries are a good screening mechanism. Legal Aid Manitoba estimates 70 per cent of cases that have a preliminary inquiry never proceed to trial. It allows both Crown and defence to assess the strength of the case. After a preliminary inquiry, the Crown might drop the charges, or the defence might enter a guilty plea after hearing the evidence. Often, it will assist both sides in plea negotiations. This change means that trials will be lengthened, and that there will be costly mid-trial adjournments when unexpected evidence is brought up in court for the first time, requiring motions or further investigation. For trials held before a judge and jury, the likely result is more mistrials, causing greater delays. Fewer preliminary inquiries also mean an increased risk of wrongful convictions. As Justice Patrick LeSage wrote in his final report into the wrongful conviction of James Driskell, "I believe that had a preliminary inquiry been conducted in this case, the likelihood of this miscarriage of justice having occurred would have been diminished." Manitoba has a lengthy history of wrongful convictions; this should be of great concern. Without the option of a preliminary inquiry, theres no incentive for defendants to have their trial in Superior Court, unless they want a jury. The already jam-packed Provincial Court will be unable to shoulder the additional volume, and the rare delay motion will become commonplace. As of March 30, 2018, the earliest start date for an out-of-custody multi-day hearing in Winnipeg is Dec. 17, 2018. Once these short preliminary inquiries become multi-day trials, the Provincial Court and Legal Aid Manitoba may collapse under the volume. This is to say nothing of already busy rural and fly-in dockets. Increasing Summary Conviction Sentences Upon summary conviction for most offences, the maximum penal sentence a person can receive is six months in jail. This bill increases the maximum jail sentence to two years less a day, the maximum provincial custodial sentence. Courts may see this as a direction by Parliament to increase the use of penal sanctions for routine or minor criminal offending, and will make it more likely that judges will resort to incarceration including for Indigenous offenders. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Abolishing Peremptory Challenges A recent high-profile case in Saskatchewan has raised concerns about Aboriginal jury representation. In Manitoba, where 70 per cent of in-custody persons are Aboriginal, the defence will sometimes use the peremptory challenge to try and increase jury diversity. A full review of this proposed change is needed to determine the effect it would have on jury diversity. Without broader reforms to ensure more Aboriginal people are summoned for jury duty, the net effect will likely be less Aboriginal jury representation. Manitoba already has an underfunded criminal justice system. April 1 marks 10 years since the last increase to the Legal Aid hourly rate, which is the third-lowest in the country. While the federal government has increased Legal Aid funding to Manitoba, the provincial government has not passed those dollars on to front-line services, instead putting the money into general revenues. This proposed bill places further stress on an already fragile system, by undermining mechanisms that assist in resolution and that ensure trial fairness. The net result will be more delay, less fairness, and weakening of the very rights the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is meant to protect. Jody Ostapiw is president of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba. Praxair, Inc. produces and distributes industrial gases. It operates through five segments: North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Surface Technologies. The company offers atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and rare gases; and process gases, such as carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene. It also supplies wear-resistant and high-temperature corrosion-resistant metallic and ceramic coatings and powders to the aircraft, energy, printing, primary metals, petrochemical, textile, and other industries. In addition, the company offers electric arc, plasma and wire spray, and high-velocity oxy-fuel equipment; and distributes hardgoods and welding equipment purchased from independent manufacturers. It serves various industries, such as healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, and water treatment. Praxair, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut. Read More First BanCorp (Puerto Rico) is a holding company, which engages in the provision of personal, commercial, and corporate banking services through its subsidiaries. It operates through the following segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Mortgage Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations. The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment consists of the company's lending and other services for large customers represented by specialized and middle-market clients and the public sector. The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment includes consumer lending and deposit-taking activities conducted mainly through FirstBank's branch network in Puerto Rico. The Mortgage Banking segment focuses on the origination, sale, and servicing of a variety of residential mortgage loan products and related hedging activities. The Treasury and Investments segment deals with treasury and investment management functions. The United States Operations segment represents all banking activities conducted by FirstBank on the United States mainland. The Virgin Islands Operations segment includes all banking activities conducted by FirstBank in Read More Ibstock plc manufactures and sells clay and concrete building products and solutions primarily in the United Kingdom. Its principal products include clay bricks, brick components, concrete roof tiles, concrete stone masonry substitutes, concrete fencing, pre-stressed concrete, and concrete rail products. The company provides facing bricks, walling stones, architectural masonry products, cast stones, facade systems, and retaining walls, as well as lintels, sills, and arches; and cladding solutions; roof tiles, chimneys, soffits, and roofing accessories; and fencings, caps and copings, bollards, balustrades, path edgings, and urban landscaping products. It also offers floor beams, door steps, gully surrounds, screed rails, insulated floorings, and hollowcore products; and rail and infrastructure products, such as troughing, cable theft protection, boards, blocks, bases, catchpits, and inspection chambers. In addition, the company offers engraving, cutting, and bonding services; floor beam and block design, supply, and fitting solutions; bespoke concrete products; and staircases and lift shafts services. Its products are used in new build housing; repair, maintenance, and improvement; and infrastructure markets. The company sells its products under the Forticrete, Supreme, Anderton, and Longley brands to customers in the construction industry. Ibstock plc was founded in 1825 and is headquartered in Ibstock, the United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of ENI: Adriaplin Podjetje za distribucijo, Agenzia Giornalistica Italia SpA, Agip Caspian Sea BV, Agip Energy and Natural, Agip Karachaganak BV, Agip Petroli, Aldro Energy, Banque Eni SA, Burren Energy (Bermuda) Ltd(1), Burren Energy (Egypt) Ltd, Burren Energy Congo Ltd, Burren Energy India Ltd, Burren Energy Plc, Burren Shakti Ltd, D-Service Media Srl, D-Share SpA, D-Share USA Corp., Dhamma Energy Group, Dunastyr Polisztirolgyarto Zartkoruen, Ecofuel SpA, Eni AEP Ltd, Eni Abu Dhabi BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading Services BV, Eni Albania BV, Eni Algeria Exploration BV, Eni Algeria Ltd Sarl, Eni Algeria Production BV, Eni Ambalat Ltd, Eni America Ltd, Eni Angola Exploration BV, Eni Angola Production BV, Eni Angola SpA, Eni Argentina Exploracion, Eni Arguni I Ltd, Eni Australia BV, Eni Australia Ltd, Eni Austria GmbH, Eni BB Petroleum Inc, Eni BTC Ltd, Eni Bahrain BV, Eni Benelux BV, Eni Bukat Ltd, Eni CBM Ltd, Eni Canada Holding Ltd, Eni China BV, Eni Congo SA, Eni Corporate University SpA, Eni Cyprus Ltd, Eni Cote dIvoire Ltd, Eni Denmark BV, Eni Deutschland GmbH, Eni East Ganal Ltd, Eni East Sepinggan Ltd, Eni Ecuador SA, Eni Elgin/Franklin Ltd, Eni Energy Russia BV, Eni Exploration & Production Holding BV, Eni Finance International SA, Eni Finance USA Inc, Eni France Sarl, Eni Fuel SpA, Eni G&P Trading BV, Eni Gabon SA, Eni Ganal Ltd, Eni Gas & Power France SA, Eni Gas & Power LNG Australia BV, Eni Gas Transport Services Srl, Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Ltd, Eni Hewett Ltd, Eni Hydrocarbons Venezuela Ltd, Eni Iberia SLU, Eni India Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ots 1 Ltd, Eni Insurance DAC, Eni International BV, Eni International NA NV Sarl, Eni International Resources Ltd, Eni Investments Plc, Eni Iran BV, Eni Iraq BV, Eni Ireland BV, Eni Isatay BV, Eni JPDA 03-13 Ltd, Eni JPDA 06-105 Pty Ltd, Eni JPDA 11-106 BV, Eni Kenya BV, Eni Krueng Mane Ltd, Eni LNS Ltd, Eni Lasmo Plc, Eni Lebanon BV, Eni Liberia BV, Eni Liverpool Bay Operating Co Ltd, Eni Lubricants Trading (Shangai) Co Ltd, Eni Marketing Austria GmbH, Eni Marketing Inc, Eni Maroc BV, Eni Mediterranea Idrocarburi SpA, Eni Middle East Ltd, Eni Mineralolhandel GmbH, Eni Montenegro BV, Eni Mozambico SpA, Eni Mozambique Engineering Ltd, Eni Mozambique LNG Holding BV, Eni Muara Bakau BV, Eni Myanmar BV, Eni Mexico S. de RL de CV, Eni Next Llc, Eni North Africa BV, Eni North Ganal Ltd, Eni Oil & Gas Inc, Eni Oil Algeria Ltd, Eni Oil Holdings BV, Eni Oman BV, Eni Pakistan (M) Ltd Sarl, Eni Pakistan Ltd, Eni Petroleum Co Inc, Eni Petroleum US Llc, Eni Portugal BV, Eni RAK BV, Eni RD Congo SA, Eni Rapak Ltd, Eni Rovuma Basin BV, Eni Schmiertechnik GmbH, Eni Sharjah BV, Eni South Africa BV, Eni South China Sea Ltd Sarl, Eni Suisse SA, Eni TNS Ltd, Eni Timor Leste SpA, Eni Trading & Shipping Inc, Eni Trading & Shipping SpA, Eni Transporte y Suministro Mexico , Eni Tunisia BV, Eni Turkmenistan Ltd, Eni UHL Ltd, Eni UK Holding Plc, Eni UK Ltd, Eni UKCS Ltd, Eni ULT Ltd, Eni ULX Ltd, Eni US Operating Co Inc, Eni USA Gas Marketing Llc, Eni USA Inc, Eni USA R&M Co Inc, Eni Ukraine Holdings BV, Eni Ukraine Llc, Eni Ukraine Shallow Waters BV, Eni Venezuela BV, Eni Venezuela E&P Holding SA, Eni Vietnam BV, Eni West Africa SpA, Eni West Ganal Ltd, Eni West Timor Ltd, Eni Yemen Ltd, Eni do Brasil Investimentos em Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo Ltda, Eni gas e luce SpA, EniPower Mantova SpA, EniProgetti Egypt Ltd, EniProgetti SpA, EniServizi SpA, Esacontrol SA, Esain SA, Eurl Eni Algerie, FRI-EL Group, First Calgary Petroleums LP, First Calgary Petroleums Partner Co ULC, First Calgary Petroliums, Floaters SpA, Gas Supply Company Thessaloniki - Thessalia SA, Gazoduc Transtunisien SA - Scogat SA, Ieoc Exploration BV, Ieoc Production BV, Ieoc SpA, LNG Shipping SpA, Lasmo Sanga Sanga Ltd, Liverpool Bay Ltd, Mizamtec Operating Company, Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Nigerian Agip CPFA Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, Nigerian Agip Oil Co Ltd, OOO Eni Energhia, OOO Eni-Nefto, Oleoduc du Rhone SA, Petroven Srl, Raffineria di Gela SpA, Resources (Nigeria) Ltd, S. de RL de CV, SEA SpA, SeaPad SpA, Serfactoring SpA, Servizi Aerei SpA, Servizi Fondo Bombole Metano SpA, Societa Petrolifera Italiana SpA, Societe de Service du Gazoduc, Societe pour la Construction du, Tecnoesa SA, Trans Tunisian Pipeline Co SpA, Transtunisien SA - Sergaz SA, Versalis Americas Inc, Versalis Congo Sarlu, Versalis Deutschland GmbH, Versalis France SAS, Versalis International SA, Versalis Kimya Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Versalis Mexico S. de R.L. de CV, Versalis Pacific (India) Private Ltd, Versalis Pacific Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Versalis Singapore Pte Ltd, Versalis SpA, Versalis UK Ltd, Zetah Congo Ltd, Zetah Kouilou Ltd, and zemeljskega plina doo Ljubljana. Nabors Industries Ltd. engages in the provision of platform work over and drilling rigs. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. The U.S. Drilling segment includes land drilling activities in the lower 48 states and Alaska, as well as offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The Canada segment consists of land-based drilling rigs in Canada. The International segment focuses in maintaining a footprint in the oil and gas market, most notably in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Kazakhstan, and Venezuela. The Drilling Solutions segment offers drilling technologies, such as patented steering systems and rig instrumentation software systems that enhance drilling performance and wellbore placement. The Rig Technologies segment comprises Canrig, which manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools. The company was founded by Clair Nabors in 1952 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Read More CAE Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and supplies simulation equipment and training solutions to defense and security markets, commercial airlines, business aircraft operators, helicopter operators, aircraft manufacturers, and healthcare education and service providers worldwide. The company's Civil Aviation Training Solutions segment provides training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance, and ground personnel in commercial, business, and helicopter aviation; flight simulation training devices; and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as end to end digitally-enabled crew management, training operations solutions, and optimization software. Its Defence and Security segment offers training and mission support solutions for defense forces across multi-domain operations, and for government organizations responsible for public safety. The company's Healthcare segment provides integrated education and training solutions, including surgical and imaging simulations, curriculum, audiovisual and centre management platforms, and patient simulators to healthcare students and clinical professionals. The company was formerly known as CAE Industries Ltd. and changed its name to CAE Inc. in June 1993. CAE Inc. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Saint-Laurent, Canada. Read More Swiss Re AG is a wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer. The Company operates in four segments: Property&Casualty Reinsurance, Life&Health Reinsurance, Corporate Solutions and Life Capital. Its Reinsurance Unit provides premiums and fee income through Property&Casualty and Life&Health segments. Its Corporate Solutions segment is engaged in serving mid-sized and large corporations, with product offerings ranging from traditional property and casualty insurance to customized solutions. Its Admin Re segment provides risk and capital management solutions by which the Company acquires closed books of in-force life and health insurance business, entire lines of business, or the entire capital stock of life insurance companies. Its open and closed life insurance books, including Admin Re, are managed under a unit called Life Capital. Read More Varian Medical Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells, and services medical devices and software products for treating cancer and other medical conditions worldwide. It operates through Oncology Systems and Proton Solutions segments. The Oncology Systems segment offers hardware and software products for treating cancer with radiotherapy, fixed field intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, artificial intelligence based adaptive radiotherapy, and brachytherapy, as well as quality assurance equipment. Its products include linear accelerators, brachytherapy afterloaders, treatment accessories, and quality assurance software; and information management, treatment planning, image processing, clinical knowledge exchange, patient care management, decision-making support, and practice management software. This segment serves university research and community hospitals, private and governmental institutions, healthcare agencies, physicians' offices, medical oncology practices, radiotherapy centers, and cancer care clinics. The Proton Solutions segment designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services products and systems for delivering proton therapy for the treatment of cancer. The company has a strategic agreement with McKesson Corp. to supply treatment delivery systems and planning, services, and radiotherapy information system solutions to its U.S. Oncology Network and Vantage Oncology affiliated sites of care; and a strategic partnership with Siemens AG to represent Siemens diagnostic imaging products to radiation oncology clinics in the United States and other select markets. Varian Medical Systems, Inc. was formerly known as Varian Associates, Inc. and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. in April 1999. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Waste Management: 635952 Ontario Inc., 8242348 Canada Inc., Acaverde S.A. de C.V., Access Computer Products, Advanced Environmental Technical Services L.L.C., Akron Regional Landfill Inc., Alliance Sanitary Landfill Inc., Alpharetta Transfer Station LLC, American Landfill Inc., American Oil Recovery LLC, Ameriwaste LLC, Anderson Landfill Inc., Anderson Rubbish Disposal, Antelope Valley Recycling and Disposal Facility Inc., Arden Landfill Inc., Atlantic Waste Disposal Inc., Automated Salvage Transport Co. L.L.C., Avalon South LLC, Azusa Land Reclamation Inc., B&B Landfill Inc., Big Dipper Enterprises Inc., Bluegrass Containment L.L.C., Burnsville Sanitary Landfill Inc., CA Newco L.L.C., CR Group LLC, CWM Chemical Services L.L.C., Cal Sierra Disposal, California Asbestos Monofill Inc., Canadian Waste Services Holdings Inc., Capels Landfill LLC, Capital Sanitation Company, Capitol Disposal Inc., Carolina Grading Inc., Cedar Ridge Landfill Inc., Central Disposal Systems Inc., Chadwick Road Landfill Inc., Chambers Clearview Environmental Landfill Inc., Chambers Development Company Inc., Chambers Development of Ohio Inc., Chambers of Georgia Inc., Chambers of Mississippi Inc., Chemical Waste Management Inc., Chemical Waste Management of Indiana L.L.C., Chemical Waste Management of the Northwest Inc., Chesser Island Road Landfill Inc., City Environmental Services Inc. of Waters, Cleburne Landfill Company Corp., Coast Waste Management Inc., Coastal Recyclers Landfill LLC, Connecticut Valley Sanitary Waste Disposal Inc., Conservation Services Inc., Coshocton Landfill Inc., Cougar Landfill Inc., Countryside Landfill Inc., Curtis Creek Recovery Systems Inc., Cuyahoga Landfill Inc., DHC Land LLC, Dafter Sanitary Landfill Inc., Dauphin Meadows Inc., Deep Valley Landfill Inc., Deer Track Park Landfill Inc., Deffenbaugh Disposal Inc., Deffenbaugh Group Holdings Inc., Deffenbaugh Industries Inc., Deffenbaugh Recycling Company L.L.C., Deffenbaugh of Arkansas LLC, Del Almo Landfill L.L.C., Delaware Recyclable Products Inc., Dickinson Landfill Inc., Disposal Service Incorporated, Dolphin Services & Chemicals LLC, Dolphin-One LLC, ELDA Landfill Inc., Earthmovers Landfill L.L.C., East Liverpool Landfill Inc., Eastern One Land Corporation, Eco-Vista LLC, Elk River Landfill Inc., Energy Injection Services of Mississippi LLC, EnviroSolutions Dulles LLC, EnviroSolutions Holdings Inc., EnviroSolutions Real Property Holdings Inc., Envirofil of Illinois Inc., Evergreen Landfill Inc., Evergreen Recycling and Disposal Facility Inc., Finch Waste Co LLC, Firetower Landfill LLC, Fred J. Eckert Sanitary Service Inc., Furnace Associates Inc., G.I. Industries, GA Landfills Inc., Gallia Landfill Inc., Garnet of Maryland Inc., Gateway Transfer Station LLC, Georgia Waste Systems Inc., Giordano Recycling L.L.C., Glades Landfill LLC, Glen's Sanitary Landfill Inc., Grand Central Sanitary Landfill Inc., Greenbow LLC, Greenleaf Compaction Inc., Greenstar Allentown LLC, Greenstar Georgia LLC, Greenstar LLC, Greenstar Managed Services - Connecticut LLC, Greenstar Managed Services - RLWM LLC, Greenstar Mid-America LLC, Greenstar New Jersey LLC, Greenstar Ohio LLC, Greenstar Paterson LLC, Greenstar Pittsburgh LLC, Greenstar Recycled Holdings LLC, Greenstar Recycling LLC, Guadalupe Mines Mutual Water Company, Guadalupe Rubbish Disposal Co. Inc., Ham Lake Haulers Inc., Harris Sanitation Inc., Harwood Landfill Inc., Hedco Landfill Limited, High Mountain Fuels LLC, Hillsboro Landfill Inc., Holyoke Sanitary Landfill Inc., IN Landfills L.L.C., Illini Disposal, International Environmental Management Inc., Jahner Sanitation Inc., Jay County Landfill L.L.C., K and W Landfill Inc., Keene Road Landfill Inc., Kelly Run Sanitation Inc., King George Landfill Inc., King George Landfill Properties LLC, Kirby Canyon Holdings LLC, L&K Group Holdings LLC, LCS Services Inc., Lakeville Recycling L.P., Land South Holdings LLC, Landfill Services of Charleston Inc., Laurel Highlands Landfill Inc., Liberty Landfill L.L.C., Liquid Logistics, Liquid Waste Management Inc., Longleaf C&D Disposal Facility Inc., Looney Bins Inc., Mac Land Disposal Inc. II, Mahoning Landfill Inc., Mass Gravel Inc., Mc Ginnes Industrial Maintenance Corporation, McDaniel Landfill Inc., McGill Landfill Inc., Meadowfill Landfill Inc., Michigan Environs Inc., Midwest One Land Corporation, Modesto Garbage Co. Inc., Moor Refuse Inc., Mordell, Mountain Indemnity Insurance Company, Mountainview Landfill Inc., Nassau Landfill L.L.C., National Guaranty Insurance Company of Vermont, New England CR L.L.C., New Milford Landfill L.L.C., New Orleans Landfill L.L.C., North Manatee Recycling and Disposal Facility L.L.C., Northwestern Landfill Inc., Nu-Way Live Oak Reclamation Inc., OAKLEAF Waste Management LLC, OGH Acquisition Corporation, Oak Grove Disposal Co. Inc., Oakleaf Global Holdings Inc., Oakleaf Waste Management Inc., Oakridge Landfill Inc., Oakwood Landfill Inc., Okeechobee Landfill Inc., Ozark Ridge Landfill Inc., P & R Environmental Industries L.L.C., Pacific Waste Management L.L.C., Pappy Inc., Peltz H.C. LLC, Pen-Rob Inc., People's Landfill Inc., Peterson Demolition Inc., Phoenix Resources Inc., Pine Grove Landfill Inc., Pine Tree Acres Inc., Prime Westport LLC, Quail Hollow Landfill Inc., Questquill Limited, R & B Landfill Inc., RAA Colorado L.L.C., RAA Trucking LLC, RCI Hudson Inc., RTS Landfill Inc., Recycle America Co. L.L.C., Recycle America Holdings Inc., Redwood Landfill Inc., Refuse Inc., Refuse Services Inc., Reliable Environmental Transport, Reliable Landfill L.L.C., Remote Landfill Services Inc., Reno Disposal Co., Resco Holdings L.L.C., Resource Control Composting Inc., Resource Control Inc., Richland County Landfill Inc., Riverbend Landfill Co., Rust Engineering & Construction Inc., Rust International Inc., S & J Landfill Limited Partnership, S & S Grading Inc., S&T Materials LLC, SC Holdings Inc., SF Land Acquisition LLC, Sanifill de Mexico (US) Inc., Sanifill de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Shade Landfill Inc., Shawnee Rock Company, Sierra Estrella Landfill Inc., Southern Alleghenies Landfill Inc., Southern One Land Corporation, Southern Waste Services L.L.C., Spruce Ridge Inc., Stony Hollow Landfill Inc., Suburban Landfill Inc., Summit Energy Services Inc, Swire Waste Management Limited, TN'T Sands Inc., TX Newco L.L.C., Texarkana Landfill L.L.C., Texas Pack Rat - Austin #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Dallas #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Houston #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Houston #2 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Houston #3 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - San Antonio #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat Service Company LLC, The Peltz Group LLC, The Waste Management Charitable Foundation, The Woodlands of Van Buren Inc., Thermal Remediation Solutions L.L.C., Trail Ridge Landfill Inc., TransAmerican Waste Industries, Transamerican Waste Central Landfill Inc., Trash Hunters Inc., Twin Bridges Golf Club L.P., USA South Hills Landfill Inc., USA Valley Facility Inc., USA Waste Geneva Landfill Inc., USA Waste Landfill Operations and Transfer Inc., USA Waste Services of NYC Inc., USA Waste of California Inc., USA Waste of Texas Landfills Inc., USA Waste of Virginia Landfills Inc., USA Waste-Management Resources LLC, USA-Crinc L.L.C., USB LIHTC Fund 2010-1 LLC, UWS Barre Inc., United Waste Systems Leasing Inc., Valley Garbage and Rubbish Company Inc., Vern's Refuse Service Inc., Vickery Environmental Inc., Vista Landfill LLC, Voyageur Disposal Processing Inc., WM Avon Inc., WM Bagco LLC, WM Billerica Inc., WM Biloxi Hauling LLC, WM Biloxi Transfer Station LLC, WM Boston CORE Inc., WM CCP Solutions LLC, WM Conversion Fund LLC, WM Corporate Services Inc., WM Curbside LLC, WM DC 1 LLC, WM Emergency Employee Support Fund Inc., WM Energy Resources Inc., WM Energy Services Holdings LLC, WM Energy Services of Ohio LLC, WM Energy Solutions Inc., WM GTL Inc., WM GTL JV Holdings LLC, WM GTL LLC, WM Green Squad LLC, WM GreenOps LLC, WM Healthcare Solutions Inc., WM Illinois Renewable Energy L.L.C., WM Intellectual Property Holdings L.L.C., WM International Holdings Inc., WM KS Energy Resources LLC, WM LNG Inc., WM LampTracker Inc., WM Landfills of Ohio Inc., WM Landfills of Tennessee Inc., WM Leasing Services of Texas LLC, WM Leasing of Arizona L.L.C., WM Leasing of Texas L.P., WM Logistics India Private Limited, WM Logistics LLC, WM Mercury Waste Inc., WM Middle Tennessee Environmental Center L.L.C., WM Mobile Bay Environmental Center Inc., WM ND Energy Resources II LLC, WM ND Energy Resources LLC, WM Nevada Renewable Energy L.L.C., WM North Broward Inc., WM Organic Growth Inc., WM PA Holdings LLC, WM PRG L.L.C., WM Pack-Rat LLC, WM Pack-Rat of California LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Illinois LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Kentucky LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Maryland LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Massachusetts LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Michigan LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Nevada LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Ohio LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Rhode Island LLC, WM Partnership Holdings Inc., WM Phoenix Energy Resources LLC, WM Propane LLC, WM Quebec Inc., WM RA Canada Inc., WM Recycle America L.L.C., WM Recycle Europe L.L.C., WM Recycling Latin America LLC, WM Refined Coal LLC, WM Renewable Energy L.L.C., WM Resource Recovery & Recycling Center Inc., WM Resources Inc., WM Safety Services L.L.C., WM Security Services Inc., WM Storage II Inc., WM Storage Inc., WM TX Energy Resources II LLC, WM TX Energy Resources LLC, WM Texas Pack Rat LLC, WM Trash Monitor Plus L.L.C., WM WY Energy Resources II LLC, WM WY Energy Resources III LLC, WM WY Energy Resources LLC, WM of North Dakota Energy Disposal Solutions LLC, WMI Mexico Holdings Inc., WMNA Container Recycling L.L.C., WMRE of Kentucky LLC, WMRE of Michigan LLC, WMRE of Ohio LLC, WMRE of Ohio-American LLC, WMSALSA Inc., WTI Air Pollution Control Inc., WTI Rust Holdings Inc., Warner Company, Waste Away Group Inc., Waste Management Arizona Landfills Inc., Waste Management Buckeye L.L.C., Waste Management China Holdings Limited, Waste Management Collection and Recycling Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Colorado Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Maine Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Maryland Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Massachusetts Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Oregon Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Pennsylvania Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Virginia Inc., Waste Management Energy Services of Texas LLC, Waste Management Holdings Inc., Waste Management Inc. of Florida, Waste Management Inc. of Tennessee, Waste Management Indycoke L.L.C., Waste Management International Inc., Waste Management National Services Inc., Waste Management National Transportation Services Inc., Waste Management Partners Inc., Waste Management Recycling and Disposal Services of California Inc., Waste Management Recycling of New Jersey L.L.C., Waste Management Service Center Inc., Waste Management of Alameda County Inc., Waste Management of Alaska Inc., Waste Management of Arizona Inc., Waste Management of Arkansas Inc., Waste Management of California Inc., Waste Management of Canada Corporation, Waste Management of Carolinas Inc., Waste Management of Colorado Inc., Waste Management of Connecticut Inc., Waste Management of Delaware Inc., Waste Management of Fairless L.L.C., Waste Management of Five Oaks Recycling and Disposal Facility Inc., Waste Management of Georgia Inc., Waste Management of Hawaii Inc., Waste Management of Idaho Inc., Waste Management of Illinois Inc., Waste Management of Indiana Holdings One Inc., Waste Management of Indiana Holdings Two Inc., Waste Management of Indiana L.L.C., Waste Management of Iowa Inc., Waste Management of Kansas Inc., Waste Management of Kentucky Holdings Inc., Waste Management of Kentucky L.L.C., Waste Management of Leon County Inc., Waste Management of Londonderry Inc., Waste Management of Louisiana Holdings One Inc., Waste Management of Louisiana L.L.C., Waste Management of Maine Inc., Waste Management of Maryland Inc., Waste Management of Massachusetts Inc., Waste Management of Metro Atlanta Inc., Waste Management of Michigan Inc., Waste Management of Minnesota Inc., Waste Management of Mississippi Inc., Waste Management of Missouri Inc., Waste Management of Montana Inc., Waste Management of Nebraska Inc., Waste Management of Nevada Inc., Waste Management of New Hampshire Inc., Waste Management of New Jersey Inc., Waste Management of New Mexico Inc., Waste Management of New York L.L.C., Waste Management of North Dakota Inc., Waste Management of Ohio Inc., Waste Management of Oklahoma Inc., Waste Management of Oregon Inc., Waste Management of Pennsylvania Gas Recovery L.L.C., Waste Management of Pennsylvania Inc., Waste Management of Rhode Island Inc., Waste Management of South Carolina Inc., Waste Management of South Dakota Inc., Waste Management of Texas Holdings Inc., Waste Management of Texas Inc., Waste Management of Tunica Landfill Inc., Waste Management of Utah Inc., Waste Management of Virginia Inc., Waste Management of Washington, Waste Management of West Virginia Inc., Waste Management of Wisconsin Inc., Waste Management of Wyoming Inc., Western One Land Corporation, Western Waste Industries, Western Waste of Texas L.L.C., Westminster Land Acquisition LLC, Wheelabrator Technologies, Wheelabrator Technologies International Inc., White Lake Landfill Inc., Willow Oak Landfill LLC, and eCycling Services L.L.C.. Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Read More Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. is a supplier of precision instruments and services. The firm manufactures weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial, packaging, logistics, and food retailing applications. It also manufactures several related analytical instruments and provides automated chemistry solutions used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development; and also, metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and provides solutions for use in certain process analytics applications. Its operations are conducted by the following segments: U. S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations and Other. The U.S. Operations segment represents certain of the company's marketing and producing organizations located in the United States. The Swiss Operations segment includes marketing and producing organizations located in Switzerland, as well as extensive R&D operations that are responsible for the development, production, and marketing of precision instruments, including weighing, analytical, and measurement technologies for use in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. Th Read More Wall Street analysts have given Absolute Software a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Absolute Software wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. On Wednesday, a military plane carrying soldiers and their family members crashed into a field shortly after takeoff a few miles from an airbase in Boufarik, Algeria, about 20 miles from capital city Algiers. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded into flames, killing 247 passengers, along with 10 crew members. Only a few have been reported to have survived. It is the deadliest crash in Algerian history. The immediate cause of the disaster is as yet unknown. The head of the Algerian army, along with the vice-minister of defense visited the crash site, and told the media they would launch an investigation into the crash. The plane was a Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76 military transport plane, an aircraft with a history of crashes. The most recent crash of an Il-76 was in 2016, when a plane crashed while flying a firefighting mission near Lake Baikal in Siberia, killing all 10 on board. In 2009, another Il-76 owned by the Iranian air force crashed near Varamin, in Tehran province, killing seven. Investigations conducted into the cause of both crashes resulted in inconclusive findings. Algerias previous most deadly crash occurred in 2003, when 102 people were killed when a commercial airliner crashed at the end of the runway of Tamanrasset airport in southern Algeria. In 2014, an Lockheed C-130 piloted by the Algerian air force personnel slammed into a mountainous region in Oum El Bouaghi province, killing more than 70. Video images of billowing smoke from the aircraft and a line-up of body bags at the crash site appeared on Algerian news site Algerie24, and showed the plane split in half, with the front of the plane in flames. Witnesses reported observing the wing of the plane engulfed in flames before the aircraft took a dive and slammed into the field. The Algerian defense ministry issued a statement, The number of martyrs has risen to 247 passengers and 10 members of the crew, most of whom are members of the army as well as their families. The government declared three days of national mourning. In addition to Algerian military personnel, there were a number of militants with the Polisario Front, a Western Saharan paramilitary separatist group which has been embroiled in conflict with the Moroccan government since 1973, when the organization began with the aim of establishing an independent state in southern Morocco. Beginning in the 1960s as a national liberation movement, the Polisario Front and its military wing, the Sahrawi Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), were largely drawn from the Sahrawi tribal population of the former Spanish Sahara. The Algerian government has long declared its backing for the militant group. The defense ministry added that the plane was bound for the remote Algerian town of Tindouf along the Moroccan border, before heading south to Bechar. Tindouf, the first stop of the planes itinerary, is the location of Sahrawi refugee camps set up in 1975 during the Western Saharan War. Algerian Ennahar Television reported that 26 of the passengers killed were Polisario returning to the Sahrawi refugee camps after seeking medical treatment at Algerian hospitals. The largest African country by area, Algeria is rich in oil and gas deposits from which the majority of the population see little benefit. In recent years, the fall in oil prices has led to mass unemployment across Algerias energy sector and fostered discontent towards the regime of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in particular among youth, who represent half of the countrys 40 million residents. Bouteflikas full-throated support for Washingtons imperialist aims in the Mahgreb, and across the broader African continent has contributed to his unpopularity. Algeria has deployed tens of thousands of its forces in support various US military efforts, most recently to Mali and Libya. Additionally, Algeria allowed the CIA to place its Mahgreb-Sahel regional headquarters in the country. With a poverty rate of 23.1 per cent, and chronically high youth unemployment, Algeria is a seething cauldron of social tension on the brink of explosion. Government cuts to fuel and food subsidies have only inflamed discontent within the masses. A series of strikes have gripped the country in recent months. In February, teachers walked out across the country over low salary and poor working conditions, with schools in Algiers almost completely shut down for classes. Doctors and medical personnel, along with medical students also walked out, leading to a court decision which ruled the strike illegal. In March, doctors and teachers defied the court order to return to work, and were joined by additional teachers and hospital workers who made the decision to strike. In response to the defiance of the court, police arrested and detained scores of teachers, doctors, and other medical workers. The unrest by workers in Algeria has raised the specter of the so-called Arab Spring, the popular uprising that swept Northern Africa in 2011. The discontent brewing within the masses no doubt figures prominently into uncertainty and fear within the Algerian ruling elite of a mass social uprising that could sweep it from power. Britain will take action against Syria, cabinet ministers unanimously agreed Thursday evening, based on fraudulent claims of the Assad governments responsibility for an alleged chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma April 7. Prime Minister Theresa May convened her senior ministers with the express purpose of signing off on a major escalation in the seven-year US-led war for regime change in Syria. Having assembled in the manner of a criminal cabal, ministers skulked past waiting reporters after the two-hour meeting. No one would say a word about what had been discussed. May herself declined to make a statement. It was left to a government spokesperson to issue a perfunctory statement just before 9 p.m., announcing a decision that will worsen an already catastrophic situation in the Middle East and which threatens a military confrontation involving no less than four nuclear powersthe US, Britain and France against Russia. The same hoary lie of humanitarian intervention used to justify wars of aggression in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya was wheeled out again. The spokesman said the need to alleviate humanitarian suffering had decided the cabinet it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged. Assad has a track record of the use of chemical weapons, he asserted, and cabinet agreed it is highly likely the regime is responsible for Saturdays attack. Highly likely is the stock phrase employed by Britain to assert Russian responsibility for the alleged poisoning by nerve agent of double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal. As in that case, it signals that the government is fabricating evidence and dissembling to suit its war agenda. Cabinet agreed the prime minister should continue to work with allies in the United States and France to coordinate an international response, the spokesman said. No details were forthcoming of what this response would consist off or when it is to be expected. The Financial Times cited some British officials believe the western alliance could strike in days, with one predicting a busy weekend. It reported that eight Tornado aircraft and six Typhoon fighters were on standby at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, from which they could be deployed to fire Storm Shadow missiles that have a range of more than 500 km. Former UK military commanders said it was more likely Royal Navy submarines carrying cruise missiles would be used to strike Syrian targets. Crucially for May, as the newspaper noted, A weekend attack would preclude a parliamentary vote before military action starts. Parliament is currently in recess and is not due to assemble before Monday. The May government, mired in crisis over Britains exit from the European Union, cannot afford even the semblance of democratic accountability for fear of the possible outcome. A minority government, without any authority or legitimacy, it is kept in power by Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party. In August 2013, then prime minister David Cameronfearful of public opposition to British involvement in an intended attack on Syriaallowed a parliamentary vote only to be defeated. It is to avoid a similar debacle that May is seeking to use the cabinet meeting to justify bypassing Parliament. May is probably assured of the backing of much of her parliamentary party. As for the DUP, while it voted against strikes on Syria in 2013, it supported military action subsequently against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Its current position is unknown. Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party, however, have demanded a vote in Parliament. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he opposed any military action against Syria, stating more bombing, more killing, more war will not save life. There has to be a proper process of consultation, he said. Cabinet on its own should not be making this decision. He added, Russia, America, the European Union, all the neighbouring countries, Iran, Saudi Arabia have got to be involved in ensuring there is a real ceasefire and a political process that does give hope to the people of Syria in the future. The dangers of bombing now, which could escalate the conflict beyond belief. Just imagine the scenario if an American missile shoots down a Russian plane or vice versa. Where do we go from there? Corbyns statements have seen him denounced as a Kremlin stooge by Tory minister Sajid Javid, among others. May can rely on the support of Labours right wing, comprising 30 to 50 of the partys MPs, who make no secret of their hostility to Corbyn and their own pro-war agenda. Even before the cabinet met, Tony Blair demanded Britain take military action in Syria, arguing that failure to support the US is a policy with consequences. Blair, who was responsible for the dodgy dossier used to justify pre-emptive war against Iraq in 2003, advised May that she did not need to seek Parliaments approval for such a course. Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said the government must present the objectives of any proposed action to Parliament. A unilateral response by any country, outside of a wider strategy, without allies, is not the way forward. But Cable intimated that if presented with such a strategy, Liberal Democrat MPs could back the government. As part of the Conservative-led coalition 2010-2015, the Liberal Democrats officially supported military intervention in Libya (2011) and Syria (2013). However, even if this gives May a majority, her primary concern is not with parliamentary arithmetic. Whatever oppositional vote was taken in Parliament, it would be a pale expression of the widespread public opposition to war that all parties know exists. This anti-war sentiment has only grown since 2003 and 2013. The first YouGov poll on public attitude to military strikes on Syria showed Britons are overwhelmingly opposed, by two to one. Of 1,600 people surveyed, just 22 percent supported air strikesless than the 25 percent that backed Camerons desired intervention in 2013. Some 43 percent said they were against and 34 percent were unsure of the best course of action. Meanwhile, almost 40 prominent individuals, including academics, actors and artists, wrote to the Guardian to oppose war. The letter stated that military intervention as proposed by Trump, May or Macron, is not the solution and can only extend the appalling suffering of the people of Syria. As well as risking Middle East war, there was the possibility of direct confrontation between nuclear-armed powers, it said. The signatories, who included actors Mark Rylance and Francesca Martinez, musician Brian Eno, three Labour MPs and representatives of the Stop the War Coalition, stated, It is quite wrong to argue, as Tony Blair does, that these attacks are the price of non-intervention. Foreign military intervention from all sides, including from the UK government, has only served to deepen and prolong the war in Syria. Peter Ford, the former ambassador to Syria and director of the British/Syria Society, has been particularly vocal in opposing what he describes as the rush into a dangerous conflict based on contested evidence supplied by Islamist militants. Asked what the outcome would be if the government refused to allow Parliament a vote before military intervention, he warned that in that case May will make the day for Jeremy Corbyn who will make hay if and when it transpires that the evidence for the attacks doesnt bear out. Barely in office, Germanys grand coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and conservative Union parties (Christian Democratic Union, Christian Social Union) has commenced its programme of massive rearmament as laid down in its coalition agreement. A number of defence projects and military strategic plans have been announced in the past few days. They all serve one goal: to prepare Germany once again for war despite the catastrophic defeats in two global conflicts. In order to accelerate rearmament and strengthen the domestic defence industry, the German government no longer plans to issue major arms contracts internationally. Instead, it plans to award major contracts based on direct agreement between the defence ministry and German industrialists. Last weekend, the business newspaper Handelsblatt ran the headline Germany rearms over an article that listed the multibillion shopping list of the German army (Bundeswehr). Warships: In order to quickly alleviate the most urgent shortages in the navy, the last federal government commissioned five new corvettes for 2 billion last summer. Now, tenders have gone out for the construction of the long-planned large multipurpose combat ships (MKS-180), costing a total of 3.5 billion. The awarding of the contract is to be made this year, if possible. The rearmament plans are even more massive and costly regarding battle tanks. According to Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, the construction of a European battle tank agreed by Germany and France could reach a total of up to 40 billion euros and it can be assumed that Europes armies will need up to 2,500 tanks. The coalition agreement also included proposals for a Euro drone which should now be developed and available from 2025 at the earliest. Costs of 1 billion are planned for development alone. Further projects, which are now being undertaken, are the construction of a Franco-German warplane as successor to technically completely outdated Bundeswehr Tornadoes, the development of the tactical air defence system MEADS (about 5 billion) and the Mobile Tactical Communication project for the comprehensive equipping of the army with secure digital radio (4 billion). In order to be able to procure these and other arms projects, such as submarines and transport aircraft, more quickly and keep key technologies inside the country, the government plans to award major orders for weapon systems primarily nationally, Handelsblatt reports. The new government is now returning to industrial policy: important weapons systems should be tendered in Europe only in exceptional cases. Instead, in future experts from the Bundeswehr procurement office (Baainbw) are to directly negotiate contracts with the representatives of armaments companies and deliberately bring companies together for larger orders. The new strategy aims to swiftly implement the armament plans. In order to accelerate the process, the coalition is examining how we can make procurement easier and faster, Handelsblatt quotes the Social Democrat defence expert Thomas Hitschler. Germanys generals are also relieved by the grand coalitions plans to return to industrial policy. In confidential talks, the military said they were hoping for an acceleration in procurement. Another aim of the new strategy is to strengthen the German and European defence industries. This is considered an important prerequisite for the development of an independent European and ultimately German military great-power policy. The Handelsblatt notes, To tell the truth, when it comes to purely market-oriented tenders, almost always US arms companies hold the better cards. In Germany and Europe, however, technological know-how would then be lost and the Bundeswehr and the long-term planned European army would become completely dependent on the USA. Bundeswehr leaders had already demanded a massive armaments programme from representatives of politics and industry at the Berlin Security Conference last November. Now, it is taking over its implementation. Last Thursday, Lieutenant-General A.D. Benedikt Zimmer, a former army commander, took over the post of defence secretary at the Defence Ministry. This marks the first time in the history of post-war Germany that a military figure heads what was always a civilian-run authority. The pursuit of the long-term goal of an army of Europeans set in the coalition agreement, has also, however, increased military-political tensions among the different powers within the European Union. Handelsblatt quotes the CDU budget expert Eckhardt Rehberg, who declared: I do not think that European tenders for defence requirements leads to good solutions in the national security interest. Thats why we should return to national procurement procedures. After all, France and Italy have never awarded a major armaments contract to the outside world. The type of conflicts for which the ruling class is preparing is indicated by a document recently published by the Army Command. The paper with the programmatic title How should land forces fight in future? reads as if the criminal history of German militarism never existed. The ability to successfully fight on land was crucial for secure access of our own forces into the area of operation, for freedom of movement in the area of operation and ultimately to be capable of confronting enemy forces in order to achieve rapid conflict resolution on favourable terms and in line with our own goals, the document states in its introduction. The section headed Requirements for Land Forces includes the passage: German land forces must act with sufficient deterrence (especially for national defence), to open up and maintain credible possibilities of action in line with Germanys political aims. This means The main priority for land forces must remain the ability to take, hold, dominate and control populated areas, as well as critical infrastructure in order to impose a military outcome. In an hour-long interview on TF1 television on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron threatened imminent war with Syria and pledged to make no concessions to the growing strike movement against his austerity policies at home. The interview demonstrated the political bankruptcy of the Macron administration and its NATO allies. Macron baldly announced that his support for unprovoked military attacks, which threaten not only Syria but also Russian forces in Syria, and that he would formulate his policies without regard for public opinion, which he dismissed as polls. He called for an atmosphere of national unity despite his wildly unpopular agenda based on resort to the military, including restoring the draft. The interview underscored that the only way for the working class to stop the drive to austerity and war is to bring down Macrons government in the course of a struggle for political power. Macron said he was working closely with US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to bomb Syrian and Russian forces inside Syria over unsubstantiated allegations that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons against Islamist militias at Douma. I have called him many times, he said, adding: Yes, every day since the beginning of the week our teams have worked closely together. We will have decisions to take in good time, when we think it is most effective. To justify his threats, Macron echoed the Trump administration: The ongoing wars in Syria, particularly by the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, cannot just do anything they want. There is a framework, of international law. We have proof that last week, chemical weapons were used, at least chlorine. They were used by Bashar al-Assads regime. The cynicism of Macrons invocation of international law to justify plans for an unprovoked and illegal act of aggression against Syria is breathtaking. Washington and its allies have provided no evidence for their claims that the Assad regime used chemical weapons in Douma, which are based solely on the say-so of Islamist rebel forces. Since 2011, in defiance of international law, NATO governments have armed the Islamist networks in a proxy war for regime change in Syriaeven as these very same networks carried out terror attacks across Europe, and particularly in France. Yet 15 years after the collapse of US lies that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, the pretext for the illegal 2003 US invasion of Iraq, Macron insisted that the French people should just accept the word of the Islamists and the NATO governments and acquiesce to their plans for war. Macron all but acknowledged that his case for war against Russia in Syria has no factual basis. He pledged to remove the regimes chemical warfare capabilities and prepare the Syria of tomorrow, that is, to bomb Syria, once we have decided upon and verified all the evidence. An unprovoked NATO strike on Syria, where Moscow has stationed substantial forces, threatens escalation into all-out war across the Middle East and with Russia, a major nuclear-armed power. Macron breezily dismissed this danger, claiming he could stop any spiral of military escalation thanks to his relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said, Since I received President Putin for an official visit we have seen each other repeatedly, we speak regularly, the world is chaotic, there are unacceptable situations, and that is why we are doing today what we will have to do in Syria, to stay on our priorities and ensure as much stability as possible in the region. France will not, under any circumstances, allow an escalation to begin or do anything that could damage the stability of the region. Macrons guarantees that France can bomb Syria but without provoking a major war are worthless and dangerous. In the course of a quarter century of escalating wars since the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have devastated the Middle Eastfrom Iraq to Afghanistan, Libya and now Syria. Amid explosive political warfare between Trump and his Democratic opponents, who are spearheading the anti-Russian campaign against the White House, Washington is threatening not only Syria but Iran and Russia with war. Macrons comments aim to lull the French people to sleep as to the danger that NATO aggression in the Middle East could escalate into a war and a nuclear conflagration between the major powers. This is a warning to workers and youth, in France and across Europe, entering into struggle against the European Union (EU) agenda of austerity and militarism. Amid strikes by workers and students against Macrons social cuts and university reforms, there is growing discussion in France of the May-June 1968 general strike 50 years agowhen the Stalinist French Communist Party (PCF) blocked the seizure of power by the workers, selling out the strike in favor of wage concessions and new elections. There will be no reformist outcome of the class struggle today, however. After a quarter century of war and a decade of deep economic crisis, the French ruling class as a whole is determined to drastically restructure class relations at home and assert its interests in the global imperialist drive to war. The French government has announced plans to spend 300 billion on the military by 2024. The money for this and for Macrons multi-billion-euro tax handouts to the rich is to be obtained by plundering the workers with deep social austerity. Macron insisted that he would make no concessions to growing support for strikes by railway and airline workers and protests by university students. Citing EU rules, he pledged to continue with plans to abolish the rail workers and public workers statute, which would allow him to replace these workers with new hires whose wages and social rights would be reduced to those of temp workers. Asked by TF1s Jean-Pierre Pernaut if he would continue with his unpopular policies even if this means losing the support of public opinion, Macron said he would. Public opinion is not an end in itself, Macron declared. Pardon me for being blunt, but what is public opinion? Does this mean that each day I have to look at the polls about this or that question, and do this or that? This is the language of dictatorship, and Macron promised to build up a social base for his policies by appeals to nationalism and the military, including by restoring universal military service. He said, our country must be aware that it is a nation, and that means public education, secularism, universal national service, a true politics of the Nation. As Macron wages war from Syria to Mali, and the entire ruling elite uses secularism as political code for appeals to anti-Muslim racism, it is ever clearer what Macron is speaking about. Plans for universal military service means inciting nationalist hysteria to recruit masses of youth as cannon fodder for imperialist wars overseas, and police-state operations against social opposition at home. Significantly, these plans enjoy the support of the entire political establishment, including the union bureaucracy and petty bourgeois pseudo-left forces like Jean Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France (LFI) party. They are complicit in Macrons plans for repression. Only a few days after his government violently attacked ecological protesters at Notre-Dame-des-Landes with paramilitary police and armored vehicles, and cleared students from parts of Nanterre University, Macron again threatened student protesters in his interview. He claimed that the forces leading the student protests are not in fact students, but only professional inciters of disorder. These remarks underscore that workers and students cannot fight Macron based on symbolic protests organized inside France by the unions and their political allies, who are at the same time negotiating the reforms with Macron. The way forward is the mobilisation of the working class around the world based on an internationalist and socialist perspective in a struggle against imperialism and war. Striking teachers are reacting with shock and anger at the announcement by the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) Thursday that it is trying to force teachers to end their strike and surrender their demands for a livable wage and the restoration of more than a decade in school cuts. Teachers throughout the state are holding discussions on how to continue the fight despite the actions of the OEA and the pronouncements by Governor Mary Fallin and the media that the strike is over. The Socialist Equality Party urges teachers to move now to form independent rank-and-file committees and issue an urgent appeal to teachers throughout the country and all workers to support them in their fight for public education. In a press conference Thursday afternoon, OEA President Alicia Priest said she was calling off the strike because Republican senate leaders decided they did not want to move forward in any way to have a resolution of support for the future or any other support for public ed funding or revenue sources this year, so that is the big change. What a declaration of bankruptcy! The OEA is telling teachers they should abandon their fight because the politicians oppose them. Teachers have known this for years. That is why they went on strike in the first place. If history teaches us anything, it is that every right workers have wonincluding the right to public educationwas only the result of a determined and collective battle. To justify its treachery, Priest tried to blame the unions capitulation on teachers themselves, saying 70 percent of those polled doubted that continued efforts would enact the legislative change needed. If what youre doing isnt getting the results you seek, there is wisdom in shifting focus, she said. The claim that teachers support a return to work is a flat-out lie. Contrary to the claim of Priest, the strike has not failed. It has won popular support from parents, students and other workers throughout the state, and from educators throughout the US and the world. From the beginning, however, the OEA has sought to hijack and sabotage it and to impose a defeat upon teachers. The strength of the teachers lies in the fact that they are fighting for the same things all workers want: good wages, affordable health care, good working conditions, and high quality public education. If a fight is to be waged, then the power of the entire working class must be mobilized. The Oklahoma strike was initiated by rank-and-file teachers, not the unions. It was inspired by the teachers revolt in West Virginia and the spreading demands for statewide strikes in Arizona, Kentucky and other states. In every case, the unions have functioned not as the organizers of resistance but as strikebreakers. In Florida, Iowa and other states, the unions have warned teachers that strikes are illegal and they will face harsh consequences. The last thing the unions want is a nation-wide rebellion by teachers, which threatens the NEA and AFTs relations with the Democrats and Republicans and the corporate interests they serve. But uniting all these struggles is precisely what is needed if teachers are to oppose the bipartisan assault on public education, which is now being escalated by President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. The formation of rank-and-file committees in every school and community is the basis for taking the conduct of the struggle out of the hands of the corporatist and anti-working class organizations that call themselves unions. Teachers meeting around the state today and over the weekend should constitute themselves as such committees. As their first order of business, these committees should issue an appeal to parents and all workers explaining the fundamental issues in this fight, and why teachers need not only moral support but the active participation of all workers. The strike must continue, and any effort by local school authorities to victimize striking teachers should be met with a general strike by all workers. At the same time, these committees should strengthen the ties of Oklahoma teachers with their brothers and sisters in Arizona, Kentucky and other states. An emergency meeting should be called with rank-and-file delegates from around the country to prepare for a nation-wide strike to defend the right to high quality public education. Such a movement must be completely independent of the NEA and AFT, which first sold out the heroic strike in West Virginia and is trying to do the same thing in Oklahoma. These organizations, controlled by upper-middle-class executives and wedded to the capitalist system, cannot be reformed. New organizations, democratically controlled by the rank-and-file, must be built that do not accept the subordination of the rights of teachers and all workers to the wealth of the corporate and financial elite. The struggle of teachers is part of a resurgence of the class struggle throughout the US and internationally against years of austerity and wage cutting. Every individual struggleagainst social inequality, attacks on democratic rights and warmust be united. Anyone who says the fight for public education is not a political struggle is obscuring the real issues. It is political precisely because it is a struggle between two contending classes. The teachers, who speak for the working class, can only attain the necessary resources to defend and vastly improve public education through a frontal assault on the entrenched power and wealth of the corporate and financial elite. This means a fight against both big business parties, the Democrats and Republicans, and the capitalist system they defend. If societys resources are to be used for the common good, not the further enrichment of a few and on new and even more catastrophic wars, then the working class must take political power in its own hands. The reorganization of society according to social needs and genuine equality means the fight for socialism. The pseudo-left Quebec Solidaire (QS) recently revealed that it had been in intense discussions with former investment banker and Parti Quebecois (PQ) legislator Jean-Martin Aussant about assuming a leading role in QS almost until the very day he rejoined the PQ. Aussant quit the PQ frontbench in 2011, saying it was not pursuing Quebec independence vigorously enough. Soon after he founded and briefly led Option Nationale. Amir Khadir, one of the three QS legislators in the Quebec National Assembly, said: We were interested in Jean-Martin Aussant. It was reciprocal and until the last minute, he weighed all the options ... We needed him so we could expand our reach. Even after Aussant announced he was rejoining the big business PQ and hoped to be its candidate in a predominantly working-class east-end Montreal riding, QS praised him effusively. Jean-Martin, said Khadir, made the choice that seemed the most appropriate. I do not share this opinion, but I hope he succeeds! He is a person of great quality, an eloquent and convincing independantiste . Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, a second QS legislator and the partys official male spokesperson, said he still has respect and affection for Aussant. Nadeau-Dubois, who came to political prominence as CLASSEs principal spokesperson during the 2012 Quebec student strike, has forged close ties to Aussant. Immediately on joining QS last year, Nadeau-Dubois said he would work to fuse it with Option Nationale, which Aussant led until he retired from politics after losing his National Assembly seat in 2012. In 2016, Aussant and Nadeau-Dubois led a nationalist popular consultation across Quebec, Il faut quon se parle (We Need to Talk.) Nadeau-Dubois described Aussants rejection of Quebec Solidaires overtures in favour of the PQ as a return to his natural political family. Quebec Solidaires courtship of Aussant and continuing fondness for him even after he jilted it at the altar shows yet again that the pseudo-left QS is an integral part of the sovereignist or pro-Quebec independence family. Led by the PQ, it represents the faction of the Quebec ruling class that sees the creation of a third imperialist state in North America as means of forging closer ties to Washington and Wall Street and better pursuing the offensive against the working class. QS plays an important role in the sovereignist family, providing a left cover for the PQ and independantiste nationalismwhich has been widely discredited in the working class because of the PQs long association with austerity and promotion of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim chauvinism. Quebec Solidaires attempted recruitment of Aussant was entirely in line with its merger late last year with Option Nationale. The latter had long attacked QS for placing too much emphasis on social questions and had only ever reproached the PQ for not doing more to promote independence. At the December congress at which QS voted to merge with ON and in part to satisfy its marriage partner, QS moved still further right. This included: diluting its vague promises of social reform in favor of a stronger emphasis on Quebec independence; declaring itself a fiscally responsible party, as part of its efforts to convince the Quebec elite that it is ready for a role in government; and signaling its readiness to ally with Parti Quebecois, before or after next Octobers election, in the name of ending hard right rule and advancing the struggle for Quebec sovereignty. QS would have preferred that Aussant join its ranks. But their well-wishes and praise of him as a fellow progressive show that the QS leadership regards his return to the PQ, and likely re-emergence as a major figure in it, favorably. It provides QS with a further friend in the PQ leadership and another potential avenue for bringing about convergence with this big business party. Defying the wishes of the party leadership, the delegates at the May 2017 QS congress rejected a proposed electoral pact with the PQ for the October 1, 2018 election. This was entirely for tactical reasons. The delegates feared too open an alliance with the Parti Quebecois would harm the organizations efforts to present itself as a left party and hinder their common efforts to revive support for the reactionary program of Quebec independence. While rejecting an electoral alliance with the PQ, the May 2017 QS Congress voted in favour of initiating merger discussions with the ON, itself a nationalist split-off from the PQ. As the WSWS has repeatedly explained, Quebec Solidaires courtship and marriage with ON, which was pursued under the banner of uniting the pro-sovereignist forces, is an unmistakable overture and bridge toward the PQ. Aussants return to the PQ was no doubt motivated by personal ambition. Reportedly he was unhappy that one of the three current QS legislators would not step aside to allow him to seek election in a QS safe seat. But fear that the PQ is at risk of suffering its worst ever result in the coming election likely also played an important role in his decision. Aussant was a political disciple of former PQ leader Jacques Parizeau. A haute-bourgeois who led the PQs hardline pro-independence faction until his death, Parizeau resigned as Quebec premier in 1995 after denouncing money and the ethnic vote for the defeat of the pro-sovereignist forces in that years Quebec referendum. For his part, Jean-Francois Lisee, the PQs current beleaguered leader enthusiastically welcomed Aussants decision to stand for the PQ in Octobers election, saying: It is certain that the arrival of Mr. Aussant consolidates and gives credibility to our message. As with several social democratic parties and parties associated with social democracy, such as PASOK in Greece, the SPD in Germany and the Socialist Party in France, support for the PQ is in free fall. It is currently mired in third place in the opinion polls with about 20 percent support, far behind the right-wing populist Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ), which leads largely by default. The evolution of the parties that QS considers its modelsSyriza in Greece or La France Insoumise (LFI) of Jean-Luc Melenchonclearly exposes the true anti-worker character of QS. It seeks to channel the opposition of workers to austerity and war behind the Parti Quebecois and the pro-capitalist trade union bureaucracy, while dividing Quebec workers from the struggles of workers in the rest of Canada and internationally. Syriza, which was elected by appealing to the deep anger of the Greek masses at the social devastation imposed by the Greek bourgeoisie and global capital, immediately upon its election joined forces with a right-wing, nationalist, anti-immigrant party. Greeces Syriza-led government went on to impose austerity measures even worse than its predecessors, while scapegoating refugees. Melenchon, a former Socialist Party minister, also used anti-austerity and anti-war rhetoric in the 2017 French presidential elections; then refused to mobilize workers and young people against the illegitimate second-round choice between the neo-liberal banker Emmanuel Macron and the neo-fascist Marine Le Pen. Recently, LFI has endorsed Macrons plans to spend hundreds of billions of Euros augmenting the firepower of the French military. (See: A tool of imperialism: Unsubmissive France calls for strengthening the army). Quebec Solidaire, meanwhile, has remained all but completely silent on the Canadian governments 10-year 70 percent hike in military spending and Ottawas role in Washingtons major military-strategic offensives around the world. The warm relations that QS has developed with Aussant, as well as its political affinity to, and ties with, Syriza and LFI underscore that this party of privileged sections of the upper-middle class stands ready to impose the dictates of the financial elite against working peoplewhether in a QS government or a government coalition with the PQ. The author recommends : Pseudo-left Quebec Solidaire shifts further right [26 February 2018] Ten Years of Quebec Solidaire: The record of a pro-capitalist, pro-imperialist party [31 December 2016] The sharpening propaganda war between Washington and its allies Australia and New Zealand on the one hand, and China on the other, has been further fuelled by media reports that Beijing is in talks with Vanuatu to establish a military base in the country. The tiny South Pacific island nation with a population of just 270,000, lies 2,000 kilometres directly east of Australia. Citing unnamed intelligence and security sources, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reported on Tuesday that China had approached Vanuatu to build a permanent military facility, describing it as a globally significant move that could see the rising superpower sail warships on Australia's doorstep. At the same time, it admitted that no formal proposals had been put to Vanuatus government, but claimed preliminary discussions were under way. The article grossly inflated the extent of Chinese aid and influence and raised concerns about the building of a major new wharf on the island of Espirito Santo. It cited Lowy Institute analyst Jonathan Pryke as saying the wharf had raised eyebrows in defence, intelligence and diplomatic circles in Canberra, because, while its stated purpose was to host cruise ships, it could also service naval vessels. In a separate comment, SMH political editor Peter Hartcher bluntly declared: Canberra needs to get very serious, very quickly, to counter this move by a master strategist. The purpose of these unsubstantiated allegations is to again vilify Beijing and justify the military build-up and preparations for war against China by the US and its allies. The same unnamed intelligence sources were the basis for the government and the media, particularly the SMH and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, to whip up lurid allegations of Chinese interference in Australian politics to pave the way for draconian new laws against foreign agents of influence. The Vanuatu government vehemently denied the claims. Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu criticised the paranoia in the Australian media about China, and declared that as a non-aligned country Vanuatu was not interested in any sort of military base in our country. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who visited Vanuatu last weekend, denied any knowledge of the plans. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warned: We would view with great concern the establishment of any foreign military bases in Vanuatu or the neighbouring Pacific. The opposition Labor Party fell into line. Spokesperson Penny Wong said that any move towards militarisation and competition was not conducive to the sort of stable and prosperous region we want. New Zealand Labour Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also said while she couldnt comment on the validity of the reports, her government is opposed to the militarisation of the Pacific. Such comments are entirely hypocritical. Canberra and Wellington, which regard the Pacific as their own back yard, have over the past decade found various pretexts to dispatch military forces to East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga. France, a major imperialist power, also maintains substantial military facilities and thousands of troops in New Caledonia and Tahiti. According to the SMH, the prospect of a Chinese military outpost in Vanuatu, or even Tonga, has been discussed at the highest levels in Canberra and Washington. Such a project, it alleged, would allow China to project military power into the Pacific Ocean and upend the long-standing strategic balance in the region, potentially increasing the risk of confrontation between China and the United States. The claim is absurd. China currently operates only one overseas military base, in the west African country of Djibouti. Whereas the US has a world-wide network of alliances and hundreds of military bases that include major installations on Chinas doorstep in Japan and South Korea and basing arrangements with a string of Asian countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Australia and India. The Vanuatu scare is being exploited to justify a further military build-up. Peter Jennings from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute wrote in the Australian on April 1 that in order to push back against Chinas rise, Australia had to upgrade its strategic readiness and investment in alliance cooperation with partners in the region, such as Japan and South Korea. New Zealand, he flatly warned, must stop kowtowing to Beijingthe countrys second largest trading partnerand join the fight for Western values. Last month Ardern conducted a high-powered tour of the Pacific. NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters earlier delivered a speech at the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, declaring the need for a Pacific reset to counter external actors and interests entering the region. He twice stated that there has never been a time since 1945 when Australia and New Zealand need to work together more closely in the Pacific. Chinas involvement in the South West Pacific has been primarily in response to Washingtons confrontational policy, which began under the Obama administrations pivot to the Asia-Pacific, and intensified under Trump. Some 60 percent of the US navys warships and military aircraft will be deployed in the Pacific by 2020. Beijing has sought to counter the US by expanding its diplomatic and economic influence. It has been assisted by the disenchantment among Pacific island governments, led by Fiji, over the dominance wielded by the imperialist powers, Australian and New Zealand, over their affairs. In recent years, Pacific countries have received an estimated $US1.8 billion in aid, infrastructure investment and loans from Beijing. Chinese aid to Fiji already exceeds Australia's, and is close to doing the same in Samoa and Tonga. Amid sharpening tensions, Australias minister for international development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, lashed out in January at Chinese aid in the Pacific Islands, declaring it was creating roads to nowhere and white elephants, threatening economic stability without delivering benefits. Chinas foreign ministry lodged a formal protest, describing the ministers comments as irresponsible. The Vanuatu government released its own statement saying that Chinas aid assistance was based on requests by Vanuatu because of its development needs which may not fall within the aid policies of other donor partners. It noted that China was providing more development options to the Pacific Island Countries who would otherwise be overly dependent on Australia and New Zealand. The SMH continued its campaign on April 11 declaring that the sheer ubiquity of Chinese presence in Vanuatu is striking, with hundreds of millions of dollars in Chinese grants and loans spent on buildings and infrastructure. China reportedly accounts for nearly half of Vanuatus $440 million foreign debt, similar to the level of Tongas debt to Beijing. Vanuatu has, in return supported Beijings island-reclamation in the South China Sea that has been attacked by Washington and its allies. The SMH once again honed in on the large wharf on Espirito Santo, claiming it was big enough to allow powerful warships to dock alongside it, heightening fears the port could be converted into a Chinese naval installation. Again citing unnamed defence experts, the article described the wharf as the largest in the South Pacific and strategically located in the same harbour in which the US based tens of thousands of troops during World War II. This propaganda offensive in the Australian media, backed by the intelligence and military establishment, is one more sign of Washingtons determination, if necessary by military means, to maintain the Pacific as an American lakeas the US termed it after World War II. Xbox Game Pass is Getting Banner Saga 3, My Time At Portia, and Yoku's Island Express Nearly four decades after a young womans dead body was found in a ditch in Western Ohio, local authorities now know her name if not yet who killed her or why. PEOPLE confirms that the homicide victim long known as the Buckskin Girl has been positively identified as 21-year-old Marcia L. King, of Arkansas. According to the Miami County Sheriffs Office, Kings body was found on Greenlee Road on April 24, 1981, apparently not long after she was killed. She was fully clothed and wearing a fringed buckskin jacket, leading to her nickname while she officially remained a Jane Doe. But she did not have any socks, shoes or identification, according to the Dayton Daily News. An autopsy report revealed King was killed by blunt force trauma and strangulation. She was lying dead just off the roadway outside of Troy, the Dayton paper reports. In 2008, her case was put into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System and on April 9 almost exactly 37 years after she was found investigators discovered her ID, thanks to genetic genealogy tools. The Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab confirmed the DNA through technology created by the nonprofit DNA Doe Project. The organization, which was founded in 2017, accepted Kings case as one of the first for its project. Law enforcement never forgets, Miami Sheriff Dave Duchak said of the break in the case, according to the Daily News. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. The continuous investigation for who King was included 37 years of identification efforts, such as new facial imaging, pollen studies on her clothes and isotope studies on her hair, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Kings DNA was obtained through a stored blood sample and put on a public genealogy database. It remains unclear what she was doing in Ohio at the time of her death. The sheriffs office reportedly said she has been around Louisville, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh before traveling to Miami County. Story continues Authorities said identifying King is a big step in the direction of finding out who is responsible for her slaying. The investigation is ongoing. It is an old case but we are determined to bring the person to justice who did it, said Steve Lord, the sheriffs chief deputy, according to the Daily News. Kings family has requested privacy and has not commented on this development, authorities said. She had not been reported missing before she was killed. Her mother is now reportedly looking to replace her Jane Doe headstone, where she is buried in Troy, with a marker bearing her name. Anyone with information is urged to call 937-440-3990 or submit a tip online. In day four of Bill Cosbys retrial for accusations of sexual assault, supermodel and reality TV star Janice Dickinson took the stand in suburban Philadelphia on Thursday to testify against the comedian. According to USA Today, Dickinson told the jury that Cosby raped her in 1982 when she was 27, after he gave her a pill he claimed would help her with menstrual cramps. She revealed that she was rendered motionless after taking the pill, as Cosby got on top of her in his hotel room in Lake Tahoe, Calif. When she woke up the next day, she noticed semen between her legs, Dickinson says. Do you want to explain what happened last night, because that wasnt cool, Dickinson told Cosby at the time, according to her testimony, CNN reported. I wanted to hit him, I wanted to punch him in the face. I can remember feeling anger, disgust, and ashamed, she said. Dickinson is the fourth prior bad acts witness to testify in Montgomery County court against Cosby, 80, in his trial on three charges of aggravated indecent assault. While the criminal charges deal solely with Cosbys actions toward Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee who says Cosby drugged and then assaulted her at his home in January 2004, prosecutors are allowed to seek testimony from up to five other women. The prosecution claims that these prior bad acts witnesses demonstrate a pattern of Cosbys behavior of misconduct. On Tuesday, Bill Cosbys defense lawyer derided Constand as a so-called victim and con artist who milked him out of more than $3 million and said it was Cosby who was the real victim of a scam to get money out of him, Variety reported. This man deserves some vindication in this case because the case is nonsense, Los Angeles defense lawyer Tom Mesereau told the jury. Heidi Thomas, Chelan Lasha, and Janice Baker-Kinney have also testified in the retrial, each delineating that Cosby gave them drugs or wine and then assaulted them in separate incidents in 1984, 1986, and 1982, respectively. Story continues Mesereaus strategy in cross-examination has been to point out inconsistencies in the witness stories. In Mesereaus opening statements, he called the prosecutions strategy a prosecution by distraction because they did not have enough evidence in Constands case. When you dont have a case, you have to fill the time with something else, Mesereau said. Remember my words as you listen to the people testify. Cosbys first trial ended in June when another jury deadlocked on all the charges after more than 50 hours of deliberations. Cosby has pleaded not guilty and contends that their sexual contact was consensual. Related stories Bill Cosby Accuser Calls Him a 'Serial Rapist' on the Witness Stand Bill Cosby Retrial: Another Victim Takes the Stand to Describe Entertainer Forcing Himself on Her Bill Cosby's Lawyer Claims Andrea Constand Is a Con Artist Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! Bill Cosby accuser admits concocting story for memoir originally appeared on abcnews.go.com In what could be a major blow to the prosecution's sexual assault case against Bill Cosby, a former model and reality TV star admitted on the witness stand Thursday that she fabricated passages in a memoir -- including a story of "rebuffing" the comedian's advances. Janice Dickinson took the witness stand in a Pennsylvania courtroom, testifying in Cosby's retrial on three counts of aggravated indecent assault. PHOTO: Model Janice Dickinson, walks through the Montgomery County Courthouse while on a break from testifying against actor and comedian Bill Cosby during the fourth day of his sexual assault retrial case in Norristown, Pa., April 12, 2018. (Mark Makela/Pool via Reuters) Called by the prosecution, the 63-year-old Dickinson recounted a 1982 incident in a Lake Tahoe, California, hotel room, in which she says she was drugged and raped by Cosby. Here was 'Americas Dad' on top of me -- a happily married man with five children, Dickinson testified in Montgomery County Court in Norristown. And I remember thinking how wrong it was -- how very, very wrong. She told the jury that she passed out during the assault, saying, "It was gross." Witness recalls telling Bill Cosby, 'Dr. Huxtable, what are you doing to me?' Bill Cosby paid accuser $3.38 million to keep quiet about sexual assault: Prosecutor Defense paints Bill Cosby's primary accuser as a 'con artist' Dickinson said she confronted Cosby the day after the alleged assault, but he did not acknowledge it occurred. "I wanted to hit him," she testified. "I wanted to punch him in the face." Under cross-examination, Cosby's attorney, Tom Mesereau, confronted Dickinson about her 2002 ghostwritten memoir, "No Lifeguard on Duty: The Accidental Life of the World's First Supermodel." PHOTO: Tom Mesereau, lawyer for actor and comedian Bill Cosby, leaves the courtroom during the third day in Cosby's sexual assault case at the Montgomery County Courthouse April 11, 2018 in Norristown, Pa. ( Dominick Reuter/Pool via Getty Images) Mesereau challenged Dickinson's testimony, pointing out her description of the assault differed wildly from the Lake Tahoe encounter with Cosby she described in her memoir. Holding up a copy of her book, Mesereau cited passages in which she described rebuffing Cosbys advances in Lake Tahoe, then popping two Quaaludes and going to sleep alone in her own hotel room. Story continues Dickinson acknowledged that she concocted stories in the book in order to get a much-needed paycheck. "It's all a fabrication there because I wanted the paycheck for my kids," Dickinson testified, adding that her ghostwriter took "poetic license with her life story. Seizing on her answer, Mesereau replied, So you made things up to get a paycheck? Appearing angry, Dickinson responded, "They werent there! And you werent there! And Im telling the real story!" PHOTO: Bill Cosby walks towards the courtroom after a break in the Montgomery County Courthouse on the fourth day of his sexual assault retrial on April 12, 2018 in Norristown, Pa. (Mark Makela/Pool via AFP/Getty Images) She continued: I put my hand on the Bible and I swore. I wasnt under oath when I wrote the book." Earlier, during direct questioning, Dickinson testified that she decided to cut from her book the story of being sexually assaulted by Cosby after her publisher, Judith Regan, warned her it could ruin her career. Cosby's first trial ended in a mistrial in June when a jury could not reach a verdict. The first trial hinged mostly on the testimony of one Cosby accuser, Andrea Constand, who says Cosby drugged her and violated her in 2004 at his home in suburban Philadelphia. Cosby has denied those charges and similar allegations made by other women. Constand is scheduled to testify in the retrial on Friday, Judge Steven O'Neill announced at the end of court on Thursday. The prosecution has been allowed to call five additional Cosby accusers, including Dickinson, who claim they were sexually assaulted by Cosby in an attempt to prove a pattern of criminal conduct by the famous defendant. The last of the five additional accusers, Lise Lotte-Lublin, who goes by her middle name Maude, testified Thursday that in 1989 in a suite at the Las Vegas Hilton, Cosby urged her to drink two shots of alcohol, despite her informing him that she didn't drink. She said that after consuming the drinks, she became disoriented. Cosby urged her to sit on his lap and began stroking her hair, she testified. I dont remember anything else from that night, she said, adding that she woke up in her own bed two days later with no idea how she got there. After hearing of other women complaining they were allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted by Cosby, Lotte-Lublin said she contacted police in 2014, realizing that she, too, may have been sexually assaulted while passed out in the Las Vegas hotel suite. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King (Art by Quinn Lemmers for Yahoo Lifestyle) Yahoo Lifestyles Diversity in Beauty Awards (the DIBs) highlight and celebrate personalities, brands, and products that embody inclusiveness and innovation. See the 2018 winners list here. We enlisted six experts who have championed diversity in their careers and cover all bases of the beauty industry to vote on the best in makeup, skin care, hair care, and more. Here, we put a spotlight on DIBs judge and cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Ginger King was practically born into the beauty world. The accomplished cosmetic chemist fondly recalls her mother being the first woman to introduce Shiseido boutiques to their native Taiwan. Then when King went to America to attend college, she was immediately drawn to makeup because she wasnt allowed to wear it as a student growing up in Asia. Her dream job was to become a makeup artist, but she was pushed to go after a masters or PhD. I still really loved it, she tells Yahoo Lifestyle. So I was, like, fine. If I cant become a makeup artist, Ill learn how to make cosmetics myself. King went on to major in chemistry and marketing. Her first jobs included working as a product developer for Victorias Secret, a contract manufacturer in the research and development department at Bath & Body Works, and a beauty adviser at the Estee Lauder and Clinique counters to learn firsthand interaction with customers. In fact, Estee Lauder is the key reason why King says shes in the beauty industry. She explains, When I first came to America, school was a bit easier for me, so I was in the library all the time to see what else I could learn. I came across the Estee Lauder biography and was so inspired. [The brands story] resonated with me because it was one of the first companies to have clinical data. If you are a skin care company, you really need to show the efficacy. They broke the mold! Story continues Having had her hands in product development for more than 20 years, King has seen promising shifts in the cosmetics space from companies taking into account that first impressions matter by focusing on the feel and look of products to the explosion of small brands such as Glossier and Pop Beauty. Yet one of the biggest changes King has noticed is the free from movement that is, free from parabens, petrochemicals, and sulfates because there is an overwhelming desire for safer cosmetics and clean beauty. King admits that she doesnt have the best skin because shes constantly testing things. But she does gravitate toward products that have some sort of clinical research to support their promised results and toward long-wear color cosmetics that are devoid of alarming ingredients, which she says are harsh and sit on the skin. Because I have sensitive eyes, I do read the labels first, King says. When it comes to natural beauty brands, King tells Yahoo Lifestyle that Tata Harper and 100% Pure are among those that are really legit because there are no synthetics and the texture is still nice. She adds, Some other brands say they are natural, but if you really dig into it, its a no! They have dyes! Too many brands put out there that they are natural or vegan that doesnt really mean anything. According to King, just because an ingredient comes from nature doesnt mean that its good for you. For example: poison ivy. Its poisonous, but its natural. Thats why she is a big advocate for clean beauty. With clean beauty, brands do not use ingredients that are known to be harmful or irritating. Id rather have something that is clean and efficacious. Natural doesnt equal greatness. Efficacy is more important. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Donald Trump In the latest Donald Trump expose, Ronan Farrow accused the president of fathering a secret love child in the 80s and paying off the Trump Tower doorman who was going to come forward with the story in 2015 at the time of the election. Dino Sajudin was reportedly paid $30,000 by The National Enquirer's parent company, American Media Inc. after he made claims that Trump father a secret child. The payment was for him to keep quiet about the rumor he heard of Trump having a child with an employee at Trump World Tower in Midtown East. The woman was not identified in the report but said the claim was fake. RELATED: 8 Of The Craziest Details From Stormy Daniels' Interview With Anderson Cooper Including How She Was Threatened In Front Of Her Daughter Trump's longtime lawyer Michael Cohen denied knowing anything about the payment and called the love child rumor "baseless." He did, however, recently confirm that he paid pornographic actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 out of his pocket. She claims she had an affair with the married president during the 2016 campaign. The doorman released a statement late Thursday afternoon, saying that Donald Trump "produced a child" with a housekeeper. Sajudin was reportedly subjected to a $1 million penalty if he broke the agreement with AMI. For his piece in The New Yorker, Farrow interviewed six current and former employees who had heard Sajudin's claims. They say that the former doorman gave the publication the names of the mistress and the child and was paid $30,000 for exclusive rights to the story. Meaning, he couldn't share the story with any other publications. There is no evidence to back up the rumor, and the father of the alleged family said it was "completely false and ridiculous." However, the CEO of AMI has publically confirmed to be a friend of Trump's, and rumor has it that he's been known to buy and bury secrets of the 70-year-old president. Story continues RELATED: 9 Facts, Rumors & Theories About Stormy Daniels, The Porn Star Allegedly Paid $130K To Stay Quiet About Her Donald Trump Affair And Sajudin was reportedly not the only person paid by AMI to keep quiet about their tales with the president. AMI paid Karen McDougal $150,000 for her alleged affair with Trump. Farrow's sources all say they're skeptical about the love child claims, but all said they are sure that AMI purposely shut down the story. Sajudin did pass a lie detector test The Enquirer set up for him, but that only proved that he was being truthful about hearing the rumor. Trump love-child story is almost certainly true. If it wasn't, the alleged daughter and mother would deny it. Why wouldn't they? A normal reaction would be, "Nope, this other dude is my dad." There is an an operative NDA here. And a big, big payout. pic.twitter.com/J73tV5nT66 Jamie O'Grady (@JamieOGrady) April 12, 2018 RadarOnline, which is AMI's online publication, confirmed that Sajudin made the allegations and acknowledged paying him $30,000. However, they claim that the editor-in-chief decided there wasn't enough evidence to prove the story was true, so they released him from his exclusivity clause. RELATED: 13 Theories & Creepy Predictions About Donald Trump & Son Barron From TWO Different 19th Century Books Emily Blackwood is an editor at YourTango who covers pop culture, true crime, dating, relationships and everything in between. Every Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. you can ask her any and all questions about self-love, dating, and relationships LIVE on YourTangos Facebook page. You can follow her on Instagram (@blackw00d), Twitter (@emztweetz) or on her website at www.emily-blackwood.com. Keywords: trump read more Just a standard, typical night for us. Just a cozy night. What were we doing, just roasting chicken and having. Roasting chicken. Trying to roast chicken. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] I don't think that I would call it a whirlwind, in terms of our relationship. Obviously there have been layers attached to how. Public it has become. [MUSIC] We camped out with each other under the stars and we spent [UNKNOWN] for five days out there which was absolutely fantastic. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] It's all been worth every effort. Yeah, yeah it's been great. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [UNKNOWN] be thick as thieves. [LAUGH] [LAUGH] [BLANK_AUDIO] Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have selected Alexi Lubomirski to take the official photographs at Windsor Castle following their wedding at St George's Chapel on 19th May. Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 13, 2018 I could not be more thrilled or honored to photograph this historic occasion, he said in a statement released by Kensington Palace. Having taken Prince Harry and Ms. Markles engagement photos, it brings me such joy to be able to witness again, the next chapter in this wonderful love story. Alexi is a well-known portrait photographer, and photographed Prince Harry and Ms. Markle last year at Frogmore House, Windsor, to mark the news of their engagement. pic.twitter.com/p42g8QRjmY Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 13, 2018 The choice is a bit breaking with royal tradition, as both Prince William and his father Prince Charles enlisted photographer Hugo Burnand for Williams 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton and Charless 2005 wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles. Even more, Meghan reportedly found her photographer on Instagram! Story continues I think one of Meghans friends saw me on Instagram that I was in England during the announcement of the engagement and I was told later that this person said to her, You should meet Alexi. Hes great. Youd love him, and that was it, Lubomirski told E! News. While Meghan and Harry went with a different photographer than royals before them, their choice actually makes a lot of sense, as they have a ton in common with Lubomirski. While his profession is as a photographer, Lubomirski was actually born a prince of the Polish Lubomirski dynasty. He was born in England to a Peruvian English mother and a French Polish father, but once his parents separated, he moved to Botswana with his mother and stepfather at the age of 8. If you remember, Botswana has a lot of significance to Meghan and Harry. The royal has long been doing philanthropic work in the country, and took Meghan along on his trip to Botswana in the very early days of their relationship. It was there that the couple said their romance really blossomed. Meghans engagement ring also has a tie to the country, as Prince Harry sourced the center diamond from Botswana, while the other two stones are from his mom Princess Dianas personal collections. RELATED: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Actually Keeping with Royal Tradition at Their WeddingNot Breaking It Theres another thing that Lubomirski has in common with the couple: Hes fiercely dedicated to philanthropy. In fact, the photographer wrote a book called Princely Advice for a Happy Life, an etiquette book written for his two young sons, and proceeds from his book sales go to the charity Concern Worldwide, which works to eradicate poverty and hunger. Its no wonder these three get along so well. Sears Holdings Corp. is set to close its last Chicago store in the city where the retailer opened its first store back in February 1925. The last surviving Sears store in Chicago is located at the area known as Six Corners, the intersection of Milwaukee, Cicero and Irving Park Roads. Howard Riefs, a spokesman for Sears, said the store would close in mid-July, with the Sears Auto Center at the site closing in mid-May. The store site is part of the 265 stores sold to Seritage Growth Properties. Sears has been leasing the store site. The sale agreement allows Seritage to recapture both the store and the auto center. Riefs said, The store will remain open for customers in the meantime and will begin its liquidation sale by April 27. The Sears at Six Corners was the shopping districts anchor business since it first opened to large crowds on Oct. 20, 1938. We have proudly served our members and customers on Chicagos northwest side for the last eight decades. The spokesman emphasized that Sears, for more than 120 years, has called Illinois home and that is not changing. He added that while the last Chicago store is closing, that does not change either the companys commitment to its customers or to its Chicago residents. Riefs also emphasized that consumers can shop online or at a Sears store in the Chicago suburbs. Related stories Zara Offers AR Experience at Its Global Flagships UPS Consumer Survey Shows Popularity of Third-Party Marketplaces EXCLUSIVE: Glossier Opening Permanent Retail Space in L.A. As reports broke Friday that President Trump had issued a pardon of I. Lewis Scooter Libby, former Vice President Dick Cheneys chief of staff, the immediate questions for many Americans were: Why Libby and why now? Before his conviction, Mr. Libby had rendered more than a decade of honorable service to the Nation as a public servant at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the White House. His record since his conviction is similarly unblemished, and he continues to be held in high regard by his colleagues and peers, a White House press release announcing the pardon stated. In light of these facts, the President believes Mr. Libby is fully worthy of this pardon. I dont know Mr. Libby, said President Trump, but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life. Libby was convicted in 2007 of perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements in testimony he gave to a grand jury in what became known as the Plame Affair. The case against Libby stemmed from an investigation into who leaked the identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame to reporters. Libbys 30-month prison sentence was commuted by then-President George W. Bush, his voting rights were restored and he was allowed to resume his legal practice. So why did Trump feel it imperative to act? Message to Comey The special counsel who investigated the leak of Plames identity was Patrick Fitzgerald, who, it turns out, was appointed by none other than James Comey, the then-deputy attorney general. Comey, whose new book on Trump hits stores on Tuesday, was fired by the president in 2017 for reasons the former FBI director alleges in his memoir. For Plame, the message behind the pardon is clear: Its very clear that this is a message he is sending, that you can commit crimes against national security and you will be pardoned, she told MSNBCs Morning Joe. Story continues John Bolton Trumps new national security adviser, John Bolton, was staunchly critical of Bush for not giving Libby a full pardon. If you think it was a miscarriage of justice, then you think it shouldnt have gone to a jury to begin with, Bolton said, according to the New York Times. Bolton started his new job this week, and may have come to the White House with the pardon of Libby as a top priority. Stay strong Trump famously told his former national security adviser Michael Flynn to stay strong in the Russia investigation. Flynn ultimately pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the special counsel. But Trumps former campaign chair, Paul Manafort, is facing multiple indictments and not cooperating. Could issuing a pardon to Libby be a way of signaling that those who stay strong will be rewarded? Its a small world The idea for pardoning Libby may have also been presented by Victoria Toensing, who together with her husband, Joe diGenova, was briefly in line to join Trumps legal team. Toensing, it turns out, also happens to represent Libby. Joe diGenova, who recently considered joining Trumps legal team confirms his wife, Victoria Toensing, who was also looking at joining the Trump legal team, is Scooter Libbys attorney. Jim Acosta (@Acosta) April 13, 2018 Read more from Yahoo News: Aden (AFP) - A Yemeni photographer and videographer who contributed to AFP, Abdullah al-Qadry, was killed in shelling Friday in the centre of the country, his colleagues said. Qadry died while on assignment for Yemen's Belqees television, the station said. A security source said Shiite Huthi rebels were behind the shelling. Three other journalists were also wounded in the shelling of Qaniyah, near the border between Marib and Baida provinces in the centre of the country. Qadry died from a shrapnel wound to the neck, according to a doctor at the hospital to which he was evacuated. A journalist in his thirties, he had been married for a year and had one child. Journalists who worked with Qadry praised his courage and determination. Qaniyah was retaken by pro-government forces on Wednesday and fierce fighting in the area has continued. Yemeni AFP photographer Saleh Al-Obeidi was seriously injured in April 2017 during rebel bombing near Mokha in the country's southwest. Since March 2015, at least 15 journalists have been killed in Yemen, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The conflict in Yemen has raged for three years, pitting pro-government forces backed by neighbouring Saudi Arabia and its allies against Iran-backed Huthi rebels. The Huthis control the capital Sanaa. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed and more than 54,000 injured in what the United Nations has called "the world's worst humanitarian crisis". President Donald Trump is still weighing options for U.S. military action against Syria as Western powers rallied against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over an apparent chemical weapons attack near Damascus. The escalating tensions weighed on investors already concerned about war, with crude prices holding high levels while the lira in Turkey, which has troops in Syria, weakened for the fourth day. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis and other members of Trumps national security team met Wednesday, after the president warned Russia on Twitter to expect a missile barrage toward its ally, Syria, saying You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 Despite the rhetoric, the U.S. administration hasnt decided how to retaliate against Assad, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters Wednesday, adding that the president has been in talks with a number of key allies in recent days. Were maintaining that we have a number of options and all of those options are still on the table, Sanders said when asked about the possibility of military action. Final decisions havent been made yet on that front. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our Thank you America? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018 U.K. Response Story continues The White House said that Trump would coordinate his response with French President Emmanuel Macron, while U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May called an emergency Cabinet meeting for Thursday to discuss the British response to the apparent chemical weapons attack in Douma, a town controlled by Syrian rebels. May said she had little doubt despite Syrian and Russian protests to the contrary that Assads government was to blame for what happened in Douma. All the indications are that the Syrian regime was responsible, she told reporters on Wednesday. We will be working with our closest allies on how we can ensure that those who are responsible are held to account. The continued use of chemical weapons cannot go unchallenged. Amid the threat of conflict, oil prices hovered near the highest level since 2014. Turkeys currency weakened, while the Borsa Istanbul 100 Index for stocks was little changed at open in Istanbul after it fell below its 200-day moving average. Oil producer and insurance shares led gainers on the Stoxx Europe 600 Index. Hit Harder This is the second time in a year that Washington is gearing to respond militarily in Syria. This time, Trump is under pressure to hit harder and take bigger risks than the attack in April 2017, which was limited to a single Syrian base and left little lasting damage. Assads media and political adviser reiterated the governments rejection of accusations the country used chemical weapons, telling Al-Mayadeen TV in an interview in Damascus late Wednesday that Syria and its allies Russia, Iran and Hezbollah will prevail in any upcoming conflict. They will not win in anything they do, Bouthaina Shaaban said. We will be the winners. The prospect of direct participation by France and possibly other allies such as the U.K. and Saudi Arabia would provide greater legitimacy for a large operation that otherwise would risk criticism as violating international law, said Andrew Bell, an assistant professor at Indiana University who focuses on international security and the law of armed conflict. A broader coalition helps build the case for a humanitarian mandate, he said. Get Ready Trump made his views clear on Wednesday, saying on Twitter that relations with Russia have never been worse and warning Moscow about an incoming fusillade. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart!, Trump wrote. Mattis, who was spotted alongside CIA Director Mike Pompeo at the White House on Wednesday, said he stands ready to provide military options if appropriate. A strike that hits Russian assets in Syria even if unintentionally could result in a dangerous game of one-upmanship, potentially dragging the U.S. further into a conflict the president wants to leave. Russia has strengthened Syrias air-defense capabilities, deploying S-400 missile batteries. There must be a consistent Syria policy, that is the key thing, Norbert Roettgen, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and chairman of the foreign policy committee in the countrys parliament, said on Deutschlandfunk radio on Thursday. There is no real U.S. policy on Syria. Assad and Russia have been given a free hand militarily. Russian Retaliation Amid the rising tensions, Syrian government forces were vacating airports and some key military positions in anticipation of an American-led strike, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based organization. An unidentified Syrian Foreign Ministry official cited by state-run TV accused the Americans of sponsoring the lies of terrorists as a pretext to attack Syria. Eurocontrol, a European air traffic agency, asked airlines to apply caution on flights to the eastern Mediterranean region because of possible air strikes in Syria. Kuwait Airways said late Wednesday it was suspending flights to Beirut starting April 12 and until further notice. The risk of military conflict between Russia and the U.S. in Syria is very high, said Elena Suponina, a Mideast analyst at the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies, which counsels the Kremlin. If Trump takes this step and Russian citizens are harmed, the reaction will be very harsh. Prosecutors have released hundreds of pages of documents related to the arrest of the suspect in the bizarre, 28-year-old so-called "killer clown case." Among the newly uncovered information is the allegation that suspect Sheila Keen-Warren has been linked to the crime through DNA evidence. Investigators also say that two nights before the fatal May 1990 shooting of Marlene Warren, a customer showed up at a costume shop near the victim's home and begged clerks to let her in at closing time, according to CBS News. Investigators reportedly say two clerks from the store were told by the female customer that she needed a clown suit, an orange wig, white gloves, a red nose and enough white makeup to cover her face. One of the clerks identified the customer as Sheila Keen, while another was less sure and said it could have been her, according to the documents. Also revealed are investigator accounts that Marlene Warren was shot in the lip as she answered her door. Palm Beach County prosecutors released the evidence Thursday and say it's what helped detectives arrest Keen in September at the Virginia home she shared with her husband Michael Warren, who also happened to be Marlene Warren's widower. Keen-Warren is facing charges for Marlene Warren's death. Back in 1990, detectives say Keen-Warren knocked on Marlene Warren's door while holding flowers and balloons. The clown fired once, hitting the woman in the face. She died two days later. The Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office says Keen-Warren was having an affair with the victim's husband, Michael Warren, who she would later go on to marry. Michael Warren and Keen-Warren have denied that they were having an affair at the time, and the husband has not been charged in connection with the killing. The clown left the scene and drove off in a white Chrysler LeBaron that was later connected to a car rental company that had ties to Michael Warrens used auto dealership, investigators said. Story continues Sheila Keen, then 27, worked for Michael Warren. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the now-54-year-old. Keen-Warren has pleaded not guilty and her attorney has said "she vehemently denies her guilt." RELATED STORIES Woman 'Shocked' as Surprise Wedding Portrait Reveals Creepy Clown Hiding in Background Big Apple Circus' 'Grandma the Clown' Resigns After He's Accused of Pressuring Teen to Take Nude Images Alleged Killer Clown Back in Court to Face Charges in 1990 Cold Case Slaying Related Articles: You may have the impression that the art business is a fusty world filled with English-accented auctioneers and mysterious billionaire buyers. Truth be told there is some of that, but you might be surprised how technology and even sophisticated banks are revamping and expanding this business. I spoke about the new world of auctioning not long ago with Kathy and Laura Doyle, mother/daughter and CEO and vice chairman (respectively) of privately held Doyle auction house. The conversation was at the Asian Cultural Center and I asked them about how they were harnessing these trends. Kathy, 73, whos run the family business for the past 25 years, freely admits that Laura, 40, has taken the lead on tech and defers to her on these matters. I think technology is making everything easier in a lot of ways, Laura says. Instagram has been an incredible help in the art market. I personally have bought things and found artists that I collect through Instagram. And I think for us being storytellers and having a visual business its incredibly important. Laura gave an example, saying that her company which competes with big boys Christies and Sothebyswas selling the contents of an apartment that had been done by the renowned designer Miles Redd (79,000 followers on Insta), and by putting items on Instagram, Doyle was able to reach Redds followers and new audiences as well, that might not have known these items were available. Doyle started up its Insta account (@doylenewyork) three years ago and Laura, who helped get it off the ground, says she likes to stay involved. Not surprisingly, Doyle also puts out a weekly email newsletter called Doyle Notebook to get the word out. One recent week it highlighted a vintage boom box by Kenny Scharf, circa 1985, part of DoyleNext: A contemporary collector auction done at online auctioneer Artsy.com, yet another nod to the new digital world through which Doyle must navigate. The future of art is tech Story continues Shipping, too, is a facet of the business thats evolving. There are a number of new digital platforms like Shiphawk, says Doyle, but so far no one has really nailed it in our business. Payments is another aspect that could be disrupted. We use charge cards but on a very limited basis because of charge backs, the terms of guarantee the credit card companies offer their clients and the percentages they charge. New types of payment with lower transaction costs and more protection for the vendor would be helpful for our business. In the future, she says Blockchain could end up playing a big role. Image courtesy of Doyle And speaking of cutting-edge, Doyle is really intrigued by Artmyn, an interesting new Swiss company. Its the most exciting technology that Ive seen recently, says Laura. Artmyn takes 3D photos of paintings where you can change the lighting to really examine the work in an entirely new way. You can see a work at a resolution and with an intimacy and with a level of technology that even surpasses that in person. Laura Doyle says Artmyn is essentially creating digital fingerprints of works because it can analyze each artworks unique features like brushwork and technical aspects, like topography, reflectance and colorimetric properties, which in total would be next to impossible to replicate. At some point Doyle says this can be integrated into some sort of Blockchain technology to really guarantee provenance and authenticity or works of art, she says. This kind of process could prove increasingly important as financial institutions have been viewing art as an asset class. There is a bank that we were working with which was building a collection of jades, for instance, and instead of investing in other kinds of assets, they were using the jades as an asset class for the benefit of their clients, says Kathy Doyle. European banks like Santander, Deutsche Bank and EFG Bank, as well as Emirates National Bank of Dubai have been particular active participants in building art as an asset class. JPMorgan also included art as an investment class at a conference for wealthy clients. And the Carlyle Group has teamed up with exclusive private Swiss bank Pictet, to create Athena, a specialty lender, offering competitive non-recourse loans, focused exclusively on fine art as collateral. So lots of high-end, big-money action in banking circles. Its a world of change for auction houses like Doyle. Enough to blow off any remaining dust, from this maybe-not-so fusty business. Andy Serwer is the Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo Finance. Mexico City (Mexico) (AFP) - Their lips often curve into a tentative smile as they face the camera, but the Central American migrants crossing Mexico toward the United States have little reason to be happy. The migrant caravan's trek triggered the fury of US President Donald Trump, who demanded the Mexican government stop them and ordered thousands of National Guard troops to reinforce the border. Holding the few things they brought with them on their journey -- a Honduran flag, a Green Bay Packers sweatshirt, a bright-eyed young daughter -- the migrants posed for photo portraits for AFP, telling the stories of poverty and violence that made them leave their homes and pleading with US authorities to give them a chance. "I want to make it up north, God willing. In my country there are no jobs, and the violence has gotten so bad you can't live there," said Oscar Dalis, 38, a Salvadoran migrant. The caravan, which set off from the Mexico-Guatemala border on March 25, originally had more than 1,000 migrants, before Trump's angry tweets put pressure on organizers to break it up. About 700 of them are now gathered at a shelter in Mexico City, determined to either gain asylum in the United States or remain in Mexico. The Mexican government has issued them two types of papers: 20-day transit visas to leave the country or 30-day temporary visas for those who want to apply for refugee status here. Mexico has bristled at Trump's attacks, ordering a review of its cooperation with the United States and warning the Republican president it would not stand for threats and disrespect. The migrant caravan is an annual event held since 2010. Organizers say its goal is mainly to raise awareness about the plight of the thousands of migrants who cross Mexico each year, not to reach the United States -- though some participants have traveled all the way to the US border in the past. Hundreds of students from a predominantly black school in Miamis Liberty City neighborhood took to the streets earlier this week to protest gun violence and national media barely covered it. On Tuesday, teens from Miami Northwestern Senior High School marched from their schools campus to a housing complex where four young people were shot on Sunday. Kimson Green, a 17-year-old sophomore at the school, and Rickey Dixon, an 18-year-old alumnus, were killed. Students chanted: No justice. No peace. No violence in the streets, the Miami Herald reported. STUDENTS WALKOUT: Heres an aerial view of the massive crowd of Miami Northeastern High Students on the streets protesting against gun violence after 2 students were shot and killed in #LibertyCity @Dreamdefenders @studentswalkout @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/OQvJoJfVnw MJ (@EMJAEEE_) April 10, 2018 The shootings and subsequent protest in Liberty City an area where gun violence has been a recurring issue were just hours away from Parkland, Florida, where 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February. National media outlets extensively covered the shooting in Parkland a predominantly white, more affluent area and have actively followed Parkland students activism and their March for Our Lives movement since then. Yet only a handful of outlets covered the Liberty City protest, including The Associated Press, Teen Vogue and Blavity (not HuffPost), even as local media covered it heavily. Its a racial thing, 16-year-old student Mi-Olda Faustin told the Miami Herald at Tuesdays protest. If youre white, you get more publicity about these things. Story continues Like Stoneman Douglas, if they can let their voices be heard, why cant we do the same and let our voices be heard? another unidentified student participating in the protest told local NPR reporter Nadege Green. Why cant we do the same thing? Its because were black? Its because were in the ghetto ... because were poor ... and theyre richer? I dont understand. Several students during the walk out talked about the support and platform students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas received. They asked, where was this support for them? Where is it now? pic.twitter.com/kOBjd43dcU Nadege C. Green (@NadegeGreen) April 10, 2018 Amid the public attention focused on March for Our Lives student leaders, who are largely white, some teens of color both at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and beyond have spoken out about how they are getting less recognition. Were saying you dont see much of us at the forefront, 17-year-old Stoneman Douglas junior Mei-Ling Ho-Shing, who is black, told HuffPost last week. She and a group of other black students at the school held a news conference late last month to express that their voices werent being sufficiently heard by the media or their own peers. Green who has long been covering gun violence in the area and is also an alumnus of Miami Northwestern tweeted that national attention to the Parkland students movement likely helped the Liberty City students march get even the level of media and political attention that it did. Local students have long been activating around the issue of gun violence, she said, but their previous marches got little to no recognition. Its worth noting that the student leaders of March for Our Lives have made a significant effort to make their movement inclusive and recognize other communities hurt by gun violence. As the Miami Northwestern march took place, several prominent Parkland student activists tweeted their support. #NorthwesternWalkout because especially in communities and situations involving poc, no one should have to grown up with the fear of being shot and and in many cases survive only to be ignored. Emma Gonzalez (@Emma4Change) April 10, 2018 Im so proud of the students from Liberty City for walking out today. Were in this fight together...for the same, unfortunate reason. #NorthwesternWalkout Jaclyn Corin (@JaclynCorin) April 10, 2018 This is what the news should be covering. We must stand together and work together to fix this through love and compassion for eachother. Change can and will come but only if we never stop fighting and marching for change. #NorthwesternWalkout https://t.co/QsDfPlL1Zd David Hogg (@davidhogg111) April 10, 2018 Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Students walk out at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the National School Walkout to protest gun violence in Parkland, Florida. Students chant outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the walkout. Students from Stuyvesant High School walk out in New York City. Students gather outside the White House in Washington, D.C. Students participate in a march in support of the National School Walkout in the Queens borough of New York City. Students from Grace Church School walk out in New York City Students from Grace Church School walk out in New York City. Students at Philadelphia High School of Creative And Performing Arts participate in the walkout. A creative sign from Vasiliki Frantzis from Winston Churchill High in Maryland. Guns should be regulated because they are dangerous, she says. pic.twitter.com/2tRHR462x7 Marina Fang (@marinafang) March 14, 2018 Students at Wekiva High School in Apopka, Florida participate in the walkout. Columbine High School student Leah Zunder holds a sign. Students at Lane Technical High School in Chicago held signs in support of the walkout. Students at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School participate in the #NationalWalkoutDay in front of the school. @frednewspost pic.twitter.com/Af1DpavJMh Graham Cullen (@FNP_Cullen) March 14, 2018 Pretty remarkable over a 1,000 students sitting down and in silence for 6 mins now. #NYC School #Walkout with LaGuardia High School #Parkland #fightingGunViolence pic.twitter.com/azmqPAfwtk Marta Dhanis (@MartaDhanis) March 14, 2018 Standing in solidarity at August Martin High School for the #NationalSchoolWalkout. Congress must act NOW to end gun violence. #Enough #EnoughIsEnough pic.twitter.com/5QjFI5a1Me Adrienne Adams (@AdrienneEAdams) March 14, 2018 Rambler students lock arms in solidarity against gun violence. #StudentsStandUp #Enough walkout pic.twitter.com/CLmn7aGHNa Eastern High School (@EasternHS) March 14, 2018 About 1,000 students, plus teachers, packed the balconies of the Westborough High School for today's #enough walkout, protesting gun laws. pic.twitter.com/aPiFIttuDr Alison Bosma (@AlisonBosma) March 14, 2018 One month after #Stoneman Douglas, day of remembrance at Spanish River HS. 17 minute #NationalWalkoutDay. pic.twitter.com/xIGhckSwbg Renee Richar (@RicharRenee) March 14, 2018 Students at Booker T Washington High School in Atlanta talking a knee as part of the #NationalWalkoutDay protests. pic.twitter.com/bZpU8kQNjl Jamiles Lartey (@JamilesLartey) March 14, 2018 Students participate in the Woodland Hills Students Against Gun Violence Walkout. #NationalStudentWalkout pic.twitter.com/pgzbcVhAko Andrew Rush (@andrewrush) March 14, 2018 Hundreds of students walk out of class across #Boulder County to protest gun violence https://t.co/kttjUpgoWi #nationalwalkoutday pic.twitter.com/iBzeSuULII Daily Camera (@dailycamera) March 14, 2018 This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Politicos Robert Albritton (left) chats with Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg (right) during a space conference. (Politico Live via Facebook) Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg says its possible that humans will set foot on Mars in the next decade, and hes convinced the first people will get there on a Boeing-built rocket. Muilenburgs comments, made today during a Q&A at the first Politico Space conference, could be interpreted as yet another challenge to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who also has plans to send people to Mars within a decade. Politicos founder and publisher, Robert Allbritton, gave Muilenburg ample opportunities to reflect on the SpaceX effect during the session. At one point, he referred indirectly to SpaceXs maiden Falcon Heavy launch, which sent Musks Tesla Roadster into deep space in February. Allbritton jokingly told Muilenburg that he assumed Boeing had no plans to send a Camaro into space. Muilenburg went along with the joke: We might pick up the one thats out there and bring it back, he said. Boeings CEO, president and chairman was more serious about his companys space aspirations, which go back to Project Mercury, if you count the companies that Boeing has assimilated over the decades. Space has always been part of the DNA of our company, Muilenburg said. He acknowledged that Americas capability for human space exploration have been allowed to wither over the last couple of decades, and we need to rebuild it, reinvigorate it. Muilenburg clearly sees NASAs deep-space exploration, which depends on the heavy-lift Space Launch System rocket and the Orion capsule, as the means to rebuild. Boeing is a prime contractor for SLS, which is due to have its first uncrewed test flight in the 2019-2020 time frame. What were working on today with Space Launch System is bigger than the Apollo program, Muilenburg said. Most of the country doesnt know about it yet. He said the next steps, including the establishment of an outpost in lunar orbit as a jumping-off point for trips to Mars and other deep-space destinations, were not that far away. Story continues I certainly anticipate that were going to put the first person on Mars during my lifetime, and Im hopeful that well do it in the next decade, said Muilenburg, who is 54. And Im convinced that the first person that gets to Mars is going to get there on a Boeing rocket. Thats a more ambitious timeline than NASAs. The current plan calls for crewed trips to Mars and its moons to start in the 2030s. In contrast, SpaceX has an aspirational goal of sending humans to Mars in its yet-to-be-built BFR spaceship by the mid-2020s. This isnt the first time Muilenburg has suggested a Boeing-built rocket could beat SpaceX to the Red Planet. He made similar pronouncements last year and in 2016. (When Musk was told about last years challenge, he tweeted a two-word response: Do it.) The reference to getting there in a decade is an added twist, but the Boeing CEO made clear that meeting that schedule would require consistent, reliable funding presumably at higher levels than is currently the case. Muilenburg said the new competition from the likes of SpaceX and Blue Origin made for an interesting combination of cultures in the aerospace industry, and was good for the country, good for the world. He noted that space exploration had a benefit beyond dollars and cents, and pointed to the example of his own children. Muilenburg said his daughter was thrilled to try on a Boeing Starliner spacesuit during a recent family visit to Florida, while his son was entranced by the work being done on SLS. The inspiration quotient is very high, Muilenburg said. * Getting to Mars by 2028 depends on a lot of consistent, reliable funding. More from GeekWire: London (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Russian intelligence was spying on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia for at least five years before they were poisoned in a nerve agent attack, Britain's National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill said in a letter to NATO on Friday. Sedwill also said that Russia has tested means of delivering chemical agents "including by application to door handles", pointing out that the highest concentration of the chemical found after the attack was on Skripal's front door handle. "We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals, dating back at least as far as 2013, when email accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists," Sedwill wrote in the letter, referring to Russia's foreign military intelligence agency. The Skripals were found slumped on a bench in the English city of Salisbury on March 4. Britain has blamed Russia for the attack -- a charge that Moscow has strongly denied. After testing samples from Salisbury, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Thursday confirmed Britain's findings about the nerve agent used in the attack. Sedwill's letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg alleged that Russia had "the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible". Sedwill said "credible open-source reporting and intelligence" showed that in the 1980s the Soviet Union developed a family of nerve agents known as Novichoks at a base in Shikhany near Volgograd. "The codeword for the offensive chemical weapons programme (of which Novichoks were one part) was FOLIANT," he said. "It is highly likely that Novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international chemical weapons controls," he said. Story continues By 1993, when Russia signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, Sedwill said it was "likely" that some Novichoks had passed testing to allow their use by the Russian military. In the 2000s, Sedwill said Russia had trained military personnel in using these weapons, including on door handles. "Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities of Novichoks under the same programme," he said. A former aide to Scott Pruitt told members of Congress new details about the head of the Environmental Protection Agencys extravagant spending habits, which include the purchase of bulletproof weapons and vests, and leasing art from the Smithsonian for his office. Kevin Chmielewski, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the EPA, told Democratic lawmakers of these alleged spending abuses, which they summarized in letters to Pruitt and President Trump. The lawmakers also requested documents from Pruitt to confirm these allegations. Chmielewski said when he raised questions about Pruitts lavish habits, or tried to stop it, he was punished and ultimately placed on administrative leave. The letters were sent by Senators Thomas Carper and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representatives Elijah Cummings, Gerald Connolly and Donald S. Beyer Jr. He came forward, because as he said, right is right and wrong is wrong,' the lawmakers wrote in the letter to Pruitt. The new information provided by Mr. Chmiewelski, if accurate, leaves us certain that your leadership at EPA has been fraught with numerous and repeated unethical and potentially illegal actions on a wide range of consequential matters that you and some members of your staff directed. According to the letters, Chmielewski, who worked on Trumps campaign before joining the EPA, told lawmakers Pruitt purchased bulletproof vests and weapons in the name of enhanced security, along with biometric locks, and that he entered into a $30,000 contract with a private Italian security personnel. When it came time for traveling, Chmielewski said Pruitt told his drivers to surpass the speeding limit in residential areas and use sirens to allow him to bypass traffic on the way to both meetings and social events. Chmielewski also described how he had to stop Pruitt from renting a private jet, and that Pruitt would base his travel plans on his ability to see new places, visit his home state of Oklahoma, or incur frequent flier miles on Delta. Pruitt also allegedly exceeded the amount he was allowed to spend at hotels per night, and twice refused the recommendations from the U.S. embassy on international trips to Italy and Australia because he wanted to stay in more expensive locations. Story continues Chmielewski said Pruitts Chief of Staff, Scott Jackson, raised concerns about these moves, and Pruitt promptly recommended he not attend any meetings to plan travel. Chmielewski said Pruitt also abused spending for his office decorations, exceeding the $5,000 limit imposed on presidential appointees by, among other things, building a $43,000 soundproof phone booth and leasing art from the Smithsonian Museum. And he confirmed the report in the Atlantic earlier this month that Pruitt gave salary increases to his two favorite aides, subverting the White House after failing to get approval there. While Jackson took responsibility earlier this week and said Pruitt had no knowledge of what transpired, Chmielewski said Pruitt was fully aware. Pruitt denied any knowledge of the salary increases in an interview with Fox News last week. The EPA did not immediately respond to request for comment. Americans cast their votes in Ferguson, Missouri, on Nov. 4, 2014. (Photo: Scott Olson via Getty Images) Last week, while in West Virginia for a roundtable discussion, President Donald Trump made a sharp detour from his scheduled remarks on taxes to rail against alleged voter fraud in elections. In many places, like California, the same person votes many times, he told his audience. They always like to say, Oh, thats a conspiracy theory. Not a conspiracy theory, folks. Millions and millions of people. In an ironic twist better suited for Greek tragedy than American presidential politics, Trumps demonstrably false claims of electoral fraud reappeared just as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was preparing to testify before Congress about a long list of political, digital and privacy abuses enabled by the social media giant. Much of the controversy hinges on the scandalous misdeeds of Cambridge Analytica, the now-infamous data and political consulting firm that worked extensively on the presidents 2016 campaign and improperly accessed the private information of some 87 million Facebook users. In doing so, Cambridge Analytica provided the means for the Trump campaign not only to activate likely supporters but to influence minorities not to vote at all. (While Congress and the public are still sorting out the details, these efforts to depress minority voter turnout paralleled the campaign of information warfare orchestrated by Russias Internet Research Agency during the presidential contest.) Encouraging low turnout through questionable means is a longstanding political strategy, now compounded by voter ID laws, to undermine the electoral impact of minority voters. During the 1964 presidential election, for instance, a Republican consultant was indicted on charges of electoral fraud after he distributed more than a million misleading leaflets that claimed Martin Luther King Jr. wanted black voters to write in his name for president. In 1980, consultants on Ronald Reagans election team proposed a strategy of holding down the black turnout as a means of neutralizing the political impact of black voters. The idea was to encourage political apathy and voter abstention among African-Americans through attack ads focused on President Jimmy Carter. Story continues Cambridge Analytica accessed the private information of some 87 million Facebook users for political purposes. (Photo: Chris J. Ratcliffe via Getty Images) While the deliberate political marginalization of racial minorities hasnt changed over the decades, what has become increasingly clear as Facebook and Cambridge Analytica offered their alarming and convoluted narratives is that the technology that allows politicos to target these groups has evolved dramatically. Five decades later, a million leaflets have evolved into millions of Facebook dark posts aimed at discouraging minorities from supporting Democratic candidates. Although Republicans were the first to technologically innovate in their anti-democratic tactics, the privacy and political implications cross partisan lines because all political parties have access to these tools. Anyone or any group that seeks to depress or suppress the turnout of a particular constituency now has the unregulated technological means and platform to do so. And voter suppression is an undemocratic weapon, no matter which political party deploys it. What does our democracy look like if candidates regularly use these technological tools to stifle political rights in local or state races? On ballot referendums? Would Republicans still be silent if the Democratic Party deployed their own version of Cambridge Analytica to suppress the turnout of rural white voters in presidential elections? These broader political and racial implications are issues that Facebook appears to have ignored. The romanticized narrative of the tech industry is that its a meritocracy: Anyone can participate; it democratizes access and opportunity; all voices are elevated. The reality of the industry is the opposite. Intentionally or not, tech titans have shown they simply dont consider the disparate and often detrimental impact their products can have on already marginalized people. Cambridge Analyticas ability to target marginalized groups of voters was only possible because Facebook completely overlooked the potential for a nefarious organization to do so. This oversight, in the face of a long and glaring history of such attempted exploits, is a symptom of an industry culture that prioritizes speed and deprioritizes the lives of users in general, but racial minorities in particular. That, in turn, is a reflection of the absence of diversity in Silicon Valley, especially in leadership and policymaking positions. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been called before Congress to discuss what his company didn't do to protect its users. (Photo: Yasin Ozturk / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) These political and social issues arent fully considered and vetted, or are flat-out ignored, because marginalized groups are not at the table when technology is made, use cases are discussed, and implementation is tested. Inclusive innovation, with members of marginalized groups sitting in positions of power, surely would have caught some of this. An engineer or product manager who comes from a community that was historically targeted by voter suppression efforts is far more likely to anticipate vulnerabilities, and may have caught such manipulation prior to the 2016 election. Alas, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reminds us that only 1 percent of management in Silicon Valley is black. Facebook just added its first black director, Ken Chenault, to the board in January. Facebook and its peers can mitigate these issues going forward under social pressure, but some changes will have to be mandated by federal regulation. Weve seen over the last decade that, if left to their own devices, tech companies will do only what is required and nothing more. While the law lags behind the pace of technology, the last year has taught us that regulatory oversight of social media and individual data privacy and portability are imperative in politics. Consumers should own their information across any and every site and repository where its stored. Give them the opportunity to transparently opt into what they do and dont share, when, how and with whom. If thats not possible, give them the choice to permanently delete their data. Federal legislation along the lines of the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation would be a good place to start, but state and local governments could also lead the way. Diversity is imperative at the highest levels in tech. Companies must elevate the opinions, suggestions and thought leadership of minorities, particularly around ideation, testing and implementation of new products. If they cant do it quickly within the leadership, do it through supplier diversity programs and hire consultants to provide this information. The first step, however, is for companies to humbly acknowledge that they dont have all the answers. Thats OK. Hire and engage with people who have the same lived experiences as those users and customers that the C-suite may not relate to. Facebooks failures provide a direct rebuttal of ex-Googler James Damores anti-diversity screed and former Apple diversity head Denise Young Smiths argument about cognitive diversity being the only kind that matters. Rooms full of white tech executives of various genders, ages and presumably political beliefs can fall into these mistakes via complacency, privilege and unacknowledged blind spots. People of color in these rooms would have seen this coming. Include them, elevate them and believe them when it comes to decision-making. Or dont, to the industry and democracys detriment. Leah Wright Rigueur, a historian and assistant professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, is the author of The Loneliness of the Black Republican. You can find her on Twitter at @leahrigueur. Bari A. Williams previously served as lead counsel for Facebook and created its supplier diversity program. She is a tech industry legal and operations executive currently at Marqeta, a start-up adviser and former head of business operations, North America, for StubHub. Follow her on Twitter @BariAWilliams. ALSO ON HUFFPOST OPINION How To Regulate Facebook We Regulate TV And Radio Ads. Facebook Ads Should Be No Different. 'Different But Equal' Feminism Isn't Closing The Pay Gap Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A Yarmouth police officer who was shot in the head while serving a warrant in the town of Barnstable, Mass. has died from his injuries at Cape Cod Hospital. The officer, Sean Gannon, was shot around 3:30 p.m. in the Marston Mills neighborhood of the Massachusetts town, according to The Cape Cod Times. Gannon was attempting to serve the suspect a warrant when he was shot, and was apparently searching the homes attic to find the suspect when it happened, according to News 7 Boston. We honor and mourn @yarmouthpolice Police Officer Sean Gannon. EOW: 04/12/2018. pic.twitter.com/aNqLoZBqLc MCOPA (@MAPOLICECHIEFS) April 12, 2018 The suspect, who has a criminal history, is now in custody, but a shootout with police ensued around 5:45 p.m. after the suspect fatally shot Gannon, CBS 5 reported. The search warrant that was being executed was a multi-agency warrant search,CBS 5 said. The Cape Cod Times reported that in addition to a SWAT team showing up, ATF agents also arrived on the scene. A police perimeter was set up around the home, and the suspect was barricaded in his home before being successfully captured after a standoff, CBS 5 reported. The neighborhood was evacuated and police were handing out bullet proof vests in case of additional gun fire, the Cape Cod Times reported. Gannons K9 unit police dog was also shot and seriously wounded. The animals current condition is not known, according to the Boston Globe. Washington (United States) (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday the use of chemical weapons in Syria is "simply inexcusable," after a suspected poison gas attack that left more than 40 people dead. The United States, France and Britain are finalizing plans for an expected strike against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. They blame Damascus for the alleged chemical attack on the town of Douma in the devastated Eastern Ghouta suburb of the capital. "Some things are simply inexcusable, beyond the pale and in the worst interest of not just the chemical weapons convention but of civilization itself," Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee. He said a chemical attack had likely occurred and hoped inspectors would be in place within a week to prove it. "I believe there was a chemical attack and we are looking for the actual evidence," Mattis said. World powers have threatened a strong response to Saturday's attack, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying Thursday he had "proof" Syria's government was behind it. Syria and Russia have both denied the accusations, and the global chemical weapons watchdog said its team would begin its investigation on Saturday. Lawmakers quizzed Mattis on what he made of President Donald Trump's muddled messaging over Syria. Last week, Trump said he wanted to pull out of the war-torn nation, but this week he has taunted Assad ally Russia with boasts of an impending missile strike. The recognition of Syria's complexities "means you are at times ... going to see contrary impulses," Mattis said. Mattis insisted that Trump has not yet made a decision to strike Syria, after the president earlier had tweeted that action "could be very soon or not so soon at all!" The Pentagon chief and other top security officials were due to head to the National Security Council later Thursday, where he said he would present "various options to the president." Story continues "We're trying to stop the murder of innocent people. But on a strategic level, it's (about) how do we keep this from escalating out of control," Mattis said. - Buildup - Since Saturday's attack in Douma, there has been a sustained military buildup in the eastern Mediterranean. A French frigate, British Royal Navy submarines laden with cruise missiles and the USS Donald Cook, an American destroyer equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, have all moved into striking range. Several lawmakers grilled the Pentagon chief on the legal authorities the military has for action in Syria beyond the remit of its current mission, which is to work to destroy the Islamic State group. The Pentagon is currently working under war powers granted in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, even though operations across the Middle East have morphed broadly since those early days of seeking to destroy Al-Qaeda. Mattis said a strike on the Assad regime in Syria would be authorized under Constitutional powers granted to the president, and would not require Congressional permission. But Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard disagreed, and said last year's strike on a Syrian airfield following a chemical attack in Khan Sheikhun was illegal. "This is a complex area, I'll be the first to admit it," Mattis said. Over the past year, China has ramped up military drills around Taiwan, sparking fears of an imminent hostile takeover. In 2017, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) carried out 16 drills near the self-governed island. Beijing said the exercises were routine but reiterated that it will not tolerate any attempt by the island to declare independence. Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed the same sentiment at the National Peoples Congress (NPC) last month, where he warned Taiwan that all attempts to split China would be doomed to fail and will invite the punishment of history. Xis speech came shortly after President Donald Trump signed the Taiwan Travel Act, which allows for and encourages high-level official visits between Taipei and the U.S., aimed at deepening ties between the two lands. Trending: Woman Allowed 2-Year-Old To Smoke Meth, Roll Marijuana Joints, Police Say Despite China's clear designs on the island it lost when Mao Zedong's nationalist enemies fled there when he declared the founding of Communist China in 1949, it's unlikely that Beijing would want to achieve reunification by means of a full-scale war. And even if it did, the mainland isnt guaranteed to win it. RTX2MY3T Reuters China does not have the capability to do it in the next five years. If they did, an invasion could lose them most of their frontline, advanced equipment and troops in the process," Steve Tsang, political scientist and director of the SOAS University of London's China Institute, told Newsweek. Even under President Xi, Beijing is relatively risk averse, Tsang argued. The PLA is unlikely to launch a military attack unless they struck a deal with the Trump administration to prevent U.S. interference. Story continues Christopher R. Hughes, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, is similarly pessimistic about Chinas chances. Taipei does not have a great military power, but the island is built like a natural fortress and its defenses are capable of inflicting substantial damage. The cost of failure could potentially end the [communist] regime, he told Newsweek. The small island nation, 110 miles east of China, is protected by coastal artillery, state-of-the-art mines, anti-ship missiles and batteries, and high-tech early warning systems. The equipment is there to protect 10 percent of Taiwans shoreline that is suitable for amphibious landings. Taipei can also speedily transport its 150,000 army troops around the island to defend from the soldiers who successfully penetrate its fortress. Rather than an invasion, Beijing will probably continue to play the "psychological game, Hughes said. RTX2MY0Z Reuters Don't miss: 'Nanatsu No Taizai' 263 Spoilers: Estarossa Finally Gets Whats Coming to Him China has long persuaded other countries from recognizing Taiwan as an independent state, by way of threats, coercion, and at times, force. In January, Marriott Internationals mistake of listing Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as separate countries on their website caused an enormous backlash from the Chinese government. The worlds largest hotel chain posted an apology on Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging platform, after the Shanghai government demanded they take down all relevant content and eliminate a negative impact. Beijing regularly scans websites of businesses who list Taiwan as a country, like the Marriott, those business will be reprimanded or told they are not allowed to do business on the mainland. China puts this pressure on Taiwan, to squeeze them, make people feel like they have no option but to negotiate, Hughes said. Tsang called this "salami slicing." They will keep taking Taiwan, slice by slice, through diplomatic isolation, by forcing others to refuse to recognize Taiwan as a country and by reducing their allies, he said. RTX2MXZU Reuters Beijings strategy that economic integration will lead to political integration has so far caused the opposite effect. Over the past few decades, whenever China put pressure on Taiwan it has backfired. In 2016, citizens voted in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and President Tsai Ing-wen in the face of oppression from Beijing. According to Hughes, the DPP won a huge landslide victory because younger generations turned out to vote in a gesture of defiance. Beijing is undermining their system. They grew up under democracy. Theyve been told they are Taiwanese, not Chinese, he said. Most popular: Man Creates Chair That Turns Into Bulletproof Vest Following Mass Shootings Tsang said the mainlands treatment of Hong Kong is also deterring Taiwan from agreeing to negotiate a similar deal. Beijing touted an agreement called One Country, Two Systems with Hong Kong when it was returned to them by the British in 1997. The mainland promised the territory a degree of self-governance and universal suffrage, but 20 years later, although its pseudo-democratic system does give citizens the right to vote, the list of candidates must be approved by Beijing. Taiwan's view on one country two systems is very simple and straightforward: No thanks, Tsang said. RTX3AOTH (1) Reuters If negotiations are likely off the table, China may eventually have no choice but to take Taiwan by force. Beijing is rapidly modernizing their military to prepare for wars that may arise through tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. In the event of a military conflict with Taipei, the U.S. will undoubtedly be involved. For decades, the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), enacted in 1979, has facilitated Taiwans economic expansion and democratization. The legislation provides that the White House must provide defensive arms and services to the wayward island, and maintain its own military capability to respond effectively to threats from China. Despite the act, the U.S. government has remained relatively non-committal to the One China policy. America does not recognize Beijing sovereignty over Taiwan and regards the islands status as unresolved. While Washington has a robust unofficial relationship with the island, it does not recognize it as an independent state, but should the PLA take steps to invade Taipei, the TRA compels the U.S. to step in and assist their democratic ally. If the U.S. interferes in a cross-strait war, Beijing will stand no chance of success. A study by RAND Corporation last year predicted that U.S. submarines alone would be able to take down 40 percent of the Chinese amphibious invasion team. Beijing will not consider taking the island by force unless Xi does a deal with Trump to prevent his administration from triggering the TRA. Trump is completely inconsistent and therefore it is practically impossible to know what he will actually do, Tsang said. The outcome of a deal will depend on a whole range of other factors, such as North Korea and the brewing trade war. RTS1J6F4 (1) Reuters According to Tsang, despite the hawks at policy-adviser-level in the administration, Trump will have the final say at the end of the day. Tillerson learnt that the hard way, he said. Trump himself has never said one single word that is less than positive and enthusiastic about Xi Jinping, Tsang added. Last Sunday, Trump boasted about his friendship with Xi in the middle of an escalating trade battle between the world's two largest economies. Despite aggressive tit-for-tat tariff announcements, Trump took to Twitter to declare: President Xi and I will always be friends, no matter what happens with our dispute in trade. The bizarre public move, coupled with Trumps political priorities, suggests he fundamentally does not care about what Taiwan represents. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek BEIJING (Reuters) - President Xi Jinping presided over the Chinese navy's largest-ever military display on Thursday, state media reported, the country's latest show of force in the disputed South China Sea. State broadcaster China Central Television showed footage of Xi boarding the destroyer Changsha before sailing to an unspecified location in the South China Sea and watching the procession, which involved more than 10,000 naval officers, 76 fighter jets, and a flotilla of 48 warships and submarines. Xi told the assembled troops that China's need for a world-leading naval force "has never been more pressing than today" and urged them to devote their unswerving loyalty to the party, before watching through binoculars four J-15 fighter jets take off from the Liaoning, China's sole operational aircraft carrier. He said the People's Liberation Army should work to develop its naval forces, build up modern maritime combat system and strengthen its capability in diversified military missions. China's armed forces, the world's largest, are in the midst of an ambitious modernization program, which includes investment in technology and new equipment such as stealth fighters and aircraft carriers, as well as cuts to troop numbers. But China's military build-up has unnerved its neighbors, particularly because of its increasing assertiveness in territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas and over Taiwan, a self-ruled territory Beijing claims as its own. Also on Thursday, China announced it would hold live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Straits on April 18. Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement that its army had the situation under control and could ensure Taiwan's safety. Xi, who as chairman of the Central Military Commission is also the army's commander-in-chief, has shown a penchant for putting on eye-catching displays of military might, including a large-scale parade of tanks and missiles through the center of Beijing in 2015, and another in the remote Zhurihe training base of Inner Mongolia in July. The naval review comes as the USS Theodore Roosevelt, leading a carrier strike group, conducted what the U.S. military called routine training in the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday. [nL3N1RO2JD] (Reporting by Philip Wen in Beijing; Additional reporttng by Clare Jim in Taipei; Editing by Toby Chopra) Mark Zuckerberg Congress Hearing Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was under intense scrutiny from lawmakers this week as a similar situation was happening in China. The CEO of Chinese news app Toutiao was in the state's crosshairs, but ended up taking a very different path. Zhang Yiming was forced to shut down one app, suspend another, and promised to hire 4,000 new staff members to censor content. The different outcomes show how much more power China wields over its tech giants. Companies can be punished not just for breaking the law, but contravening "the socialist system." Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced the US Congress this week for an intense grilling on his network's struggles to handle user privacy, fake news, foreign interference, and more. The result was one big apology, two days of questioning and very little change. On the other side of the Pacific Ocean this week, Zhang Yiming, the CEO of Toutiao, similarly faced off against his government, but did not emerge anywhere near as unscathed as Zuckerberg. On Monday, Toutiao, a $20 billion news aggregator app with 120 million daily users, was suspended from Chinese app stores for three weeks. The next day, China's State Administration of Radio and Television ordered the company's jokes app Neihan Duanzi be shut down. A logo of Chinese news aggregator Toutiao is pictured in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China July 4, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer Thomson Reuters The administration said the app contained "improper content" and it needed to be closed to create a "a clean audiovisual environment in the internet space." It also said the order would help the company "infer the meaning of this move and comprehensively clean up" its other products. Zhang responded with an open letter, titled "Apology and Introspection," where he said the company had veered off course, relying too heavily on algorithms and going "against core socialist values." "We did not do a thorough job in guiding public opinion," Zhang wrote. The founder also said Toutiao will create a "blacklist system" and increase the number of censors it hires from 6,000 to 10,000 staff who are likely to be members of the ruling Communist Party. Story continues "Read through Zhangs apology and it is quickly apparent that this is a mea culpa made under extreme political pressure, in which Zhang, an engineer by background, ticks the necessary ideological boxes to signal his intention to fall into line," David Bandurski, co-director of the China Media Project, wrote on the site. The situation illustrates how much more power China has than the US to direct the actions of its tech giants, and businesses at large, when it deems their actions unsavoury. Its also a reminder of how much more is at stake for Chinese companies. A tech company's ability to operate doesn't just depend on abiding by China's laws, but it must also not contravene seven "bottom lines," which include respecting the socialist system and the advancing the country's national interest. With China's plan to become the world leader in AI by 2025, the government has readily promoted its giant AI companies. Yet Toutiao, one of the country's fastest growing startups, has not been so lucky. Its AI is user-driven, quickly adapting to users' interests and learning to only surface relevant content in newsfeeds and likely hiding the government's preferred version of events. But China's recent heavy-handedness has delivered a solution to this too. In Zhang's open letter he promised Toutiao will also deepen "cooperation with authoritative [state-run] media" and "elevate" its distribution. NOW WATCH: How to stop your Facebook friends from giving away your data See Also: SEE ALSO: China's 'Great Firewall' is taller than ever under 'president-for-life' Xi Jinping By Leger Serge Kokopakpa BANGUI (Reuters) - The United Nations' head of peacekeeping said on Thursday that civilians killed in gunbattles in Central African Republic's capital this week had been armed by criminal gangs that U.N. troops are attempting to stamp out. On Wednesday, hundreds of angry demonstrators laid the bodies of at least 16 people in front of the entrance to the U.N. mission in Bangui, known as MINUSCA. A local official said a total of 21 people were killed, including women and children. The protesters accused U.N. troops of firing on civilians during operations in the PK5 neighborhood - a Muslim enclave in the majority Christian city. Speaking to Reuters during a visit to Bangui, Jean-Pierre Lacroix acknowledged there had been civilian deaths during the joint operation with Central African security forces. "There were, unfortunately civilians, civilians that were armed by the irresponsible criminal gang leaders ... who confronted the Central African armed forces and MINUSCA. That resulted in a large number of dead," he said. Lacroix said the United Nations deplored the loss of life. "We are very angry, but not against these young people, who were manipulated. We're very angry with those manipulating them, who arm them and use them for their selfish reasons," he said. Central African Republic descended into turmoil after mainly Muslim Seleka rebels ousted President Francois Bozize in 2013, provoking retaliation killings by "anti-balaka" militias, drawn largely from Christian communities. Self-styled Muslim self-defense groups sprang up in PK5, claiming to protect the Muslim civilians concentrated there from ethnic cleansing. But MINUSCA now accuses them of extortion and violence against civilians. U.N. peacekeepers and local security forces have battled the armed groups since Sunday in an operation aimed at dismantling their bases. One Rwandan peacekeeper was killed and nearly 20 other U.N. soldiers have been wounded in the clashes, Lacroix said, but added that the mission would not back down. "Today, the reality is that they are trying to artificially divide the Central African people, who lived together for a very long time in harmony no matter what religion," he said. "They're seeking division to maintain the chaos. And we have to say, no. We're going to resist this attempt." Nearly 13,000 U.N. peacekeepers have sought to protect civilians and establish order in Central African Republic since the withdrawal of a French-led international intervention force in 2016 following elections. However, the government has little influence outside the capital, ex-rebels and armed militias still stalk the countryside and there are regular flare-ups of deadly violence. (Writing by Joe Bavier; editing by Diane Craft) Mbabane (Swaziland) (AFP) - Police fired rubber bullets at protesters in Swaziland Friday while they marched against worsening living conditions and the cost of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the absolute monarchy. More than 2,000 people took to the streets to take part in a rare demonstration organised by Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) in the administrative capital Mbabane. One protester was injured in the thigh when police fired rubber bullets at the crowd angered by celebrations marking independence from Britain in 1968 that coincide with the birthday of King Mswati III. Police tussled with protesters, some of whom burnt tyres and blocked roads, as they made their way to the prime minister's office to deliver a petition. Some marchers attempted to tear down the gates at the PM's office and force their way inside but were blocked by police. Regional media have claimed that Swaziland's government had purchased a fleet of luxury BMWs for the occasion, something that officials have denied. The Times of Swaziland daily reported that chief justice Bheki Maphalala had instructed judges to contribute at least $165 each to the festivities. "Our hospitals have run out of medicine. Of course, ordinary citizens can't afford to go to Asia or Europe to get proper medical care," said TUCOSWA official Muzi Mhlanga. "Authorities have instructed the pensions fund and the provident fund to contribute millions of our hard-earned money to fund the celebrations." TUCOSWA said that civil servants would receive no pay hike to meet the increasing cost of living while senior ministers received increases of almost one third. Friday's march was significant for Swaziland where dissent is stifled and mass protests are rare. King Mswati III took the throne of the tiny southern African kingdom in April 1986 and has ruled for more than 31 years. (Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images) TOP STORIES (Get this roundup directly in your inbox each weekday sign up for The Morning Email here.) TRUMP NARROWS IN ON ROD ROSENSTEIN After the Deputy Attorney General signed off on the FBI raids of Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohens office and hotel room. The FBI reportedly sought records of payments to two women who had claimed to have affairs with Trump. One of those women, Stephanie Clifford who is known as Stormy Daniels is cooperating with the FBI. The New York Times is reporting that President Donald Trump also sought to fire special counsel Robert Mueller in December. [HuffPost] [Tweet | Share on Facebook] EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARK ZUCKERBERGS TESTIMONY ON THE HILL The Facebook executive apologized and promised reform for users privacy, and then lobbied for no regulation of Facebook, which he did not want to label a monopoly. Heres a look at all the live updates as it unfolded, as well as 10 key moments. But the best part of it all had to be the plethora of memes that took over the internet. [HuffPost] MYANMAR JUDGE REFUSES TO DISMISS CASE AGAINST TWO JAILED REUTERS REPORTERS Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo have been in custody since their arrests on Dec. 12. [Reuters] AN ALGERIAN MILITARY PLANE HAS CRASHED, KILLING OVER 100 The plane went down at Boufarik airbase, which is outside the Algerian capital, Algiers. [Reuters] WILLIAMS, WESLEYAN AND MIDDLEBURY ARE ALL TARGETS OF A FEDERAL PROBE INTO EARLY ADMISSIONS Along with four other elite liberal arts colleges. [WSJ | Paywall] SO ABOUT THAT SECURITY SCOTT PRUITT SO NEEDED Some lawmakers and EPA officials believe the 20-person security team was overkill for supposed threats on social media. Despite Pruitts multiple scandals involving lavish spending, the American public has hardly noticed, according to HuffPost polling. [HuffPost] WHATS BREWING TAKE A LOOK AT THE RICHEST ZIP CODES IN AMERICA Hello, Miami. [Bloomberg] QUEEN ELIZABETH JUST MADE QUITE THE DIPLOMATIC JOKE Throwing Trump, and Obama, under the bus both of whom are apparently not invited to the royal wedding. [HuffPost] Story continues WE HAVE ALL THE NOSTALGIA FEELS Over these 20th anniversary Harry Potter book covers. [HuffPost] THIS IS THE ONE PERSON WHO OUT-SMOKED SNOOP DOGG We didnt think it was possible, but it makes sense. [HuffPost] DAYS BEFORE KHLOE KARDASHIAN IS SET TO GIVE BIRTH, CHEATING ALLEGATIONS SURFACE AGAINST HER BOYFRIEND Tristan Thompson was seen with another woman over the weekend. [People] BEFORE YOU GO Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Seung-Woo Yeom and Hongji Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - Most North Koreans who break out do so by crossing the river border. Meet some of those who made it to Seoul: Song Byeok lost his father in the river Song Byeok, 48, was a propaganda artist. His father drowned trying to cross the Tumen river in 2000. When the artist finally left North Korea in 2001, he brought photos of his family with him. "We left that August to find food," Byeok recalled, describing the first attempt. "We were from a town further inland, and we weren't sure where the river was high and where it was low. I didn't know at the time but the river was swollen because of the rainy season. I thought we had to cross it anyway. "All I could think about was getting to China to buy food. I took off my clothes and tied them into a rope to strap us together. I told my father not to let go. As we approached the middle of the river, the strap felt lighter. I looked back and saw my father drifting away. "I was devastated. He was going under the water and couldn't get out. I rushed up to the (North Korean) border guards and asked them to save him but they just said why did I come out, why didn't I die too. They handcuffed me and took me away. It was Aug. 28. "I was tortured by the 'bowibu' (North Korean secret police) in Hoeryong, then jailed for four months in Chongjin prison camp. "But after I was released from the camp I felt like I needed to survive and carry on living. Right before I tried to defect again, I went back home and grabbed my family photos. Even if I died trying, I thought, at least I would have this picture with me. "I never found my father. After I came to South Korea, I went back to China in 2004 and held a memorial service for him by the river. My heart still aches." Kang's mother sent a counterfeit fur The parents of Kang, 28, sent out a coat across the Chinese border after she reached the South in 2010. "I didn't ask my mother to send me this coat," said Kang, who wanted to be identified only by her surname. "But she knew I feel the cold easily and sent it to me. She sent some honey too, but it went missing on the way. "The coat is made of dog fur. I don't know what kind of dog. In 2010, it cost about 700,000 North Korean won ($88 at the unofficial rate). It was really expensive. A North Korean friend went to China to pick it up for me. "I liked this coat when I got it. I thought my mother must've spent quite a lot of money on it. My father was a party officer. Our family had a car and we lived in a special apartment. "Ordinary people couldn't afford to wear this kind of coat, not even soldiers. Commissioned officers could afford them. Border guards would wear them. It wasn't easy to buy this kind of coat, but as time went on, fake ones began to appear. "The state often clamped down on this item. It's technically military supplies so the state monitored people who altered the design of the coat. I know just from looking at this coat that it's a counterfeit one, not the official version. "The counterfeit ones look quite different from the original ones. Military officials preferred the fakes to the original because the design looked much better. The children of rich families would wear them. "I look too chubby in this, so don't wear it here. I thought I could probably wear it if I altered it." Ji Sung-ho is down to his last pair of crutches Ji Sung-ho, 36, is from Hoeryong, near the border with China. He left North Korea in 2006 with a pair of wooden crutches. "I lived as a child beggar in North Korea. I was stealing coal from a train when I fell off and lost my leg and my hand. "I had to bring the crutches with me. If I didn't have them, I wouldn't have made it here. The state doesn't help you in North Korea, and people who need crutches make their own. Mine are therefore not factory-made, so they're not perfect and break easily. "I had several pairs of crutches but they all broke, and this was the last pair. I used these crutches for 10 years, until I was 25, when I arrived in South Korea. "I would steal coals from moving trains and fall off, destroying my crutches. Or I would get beaten up by the police and they'd take and then break my crutches. When they broke, I would make new ones. When I had new ones, I could go back outside. "When I first arrived in South Korea I thought about throwing them out. "South Korea's intelligence agency gave me a prosthetic leg. My friends said I should throw the crutches out and not think about North Korea. They said I should show Kim Jong Il I was living a new life in South Korea and throw out everything I had from the North. Some asked if I got upset when I saw my crutches. "But I couldn't just throw them out. To make my crutches, my friends had given me some wood that they had bought, and someone I knew in North Korea who had carpentry skills had made them. It was my father who added the final touches. "There is a lot of love from my North Korean friends and family in these crutches. So I didn't throw them out. The South Korean government gave me some new crutches because the wood from my North Korean ones is hard and painful. But I still keep them, so as not to forget those memories." Baek Hwa-sung kept a mountain diary Baek Hwa-sung, 34, left Sinuiju, on the border with China, in 2003 and resettled in South Korea in 2008. He kept a diary as he defected. "In 2004, I started to write down all my thoughts in a diary. I didn't know if I'd get caught. I just wanted to let it be known where I was from, and where I wanted to go. "After I left the North, I became very depressed, hiding in the mountains alone for a while. The people who were watching over me told me not to come down to the village and left me by myself in a mountain shelter. Alone, with no one to engage with or talk to, I felt like I would go insane. "So I wanted to leave something behind in case I died there or got caught - that's why I started to write. Alone in the mountains, I desperately sought something to talk to. That was my diary. "My diaries are proof of my life's journey. I read them when I want to remember home. I can't return home, and I already have no memories of my hometown. But when I go through my diaries, there are notes which detail the vivid memories of that time. "Sometimes I might forget my father's birthday, but when I go back to my diary, his birthday and my mother's birthday are there. "My diaries are a record of my life. They prove I'm alive." Lee Oui-ryuk escaped from a border camp Lee Oui-ryuk, 30, is from Onsong, near the border with China. He defected in 2010, and brought his ID card with him. "I brought my ID with me when I left North Korea. Juche 95.11.7 (the date in the North Korean calendar, which equates to Nov. 7, 2006) is the date I was issued with my ID. "It says here my blood type is 'A', but I'm actually an 'O.' For the 23 years I lived in North Korea, I thought my blood type was 'A.' They wrote down my blood type without even doing a test. They just wrote whatever they wanted to. "I was caught trying to defect to South Korea around Kim Jong Il's birthday. They strengthen border security just before and after that date. "'The bottom of the lamp is dark,' as the saying goes, and I thought I'd be able to cross right under their noses. "The soldiers shot at me as I tried to run away from the Tumen River. I managed to get away and hid, but someone reported me and I was caught. That's when I was taken to the bowibu for three months of interrogation. The state ruled that I had tried to defect to South Korea, and I was sent to a camp for political prisoners. "I escaped when they were transferring me to the camp. I hid and managed to make it to my big sister's house - that's when I grabbed these photos. I couldn't go home easily, so decided I had to hide in the mountains or somewhere remote. "I needed my ID to move around without getting caught. and I took these 12 photos with me in case I wanted to look back and reminisce. "I wrote on the back of them so as not to forget." Jeong Min-woo made a deal for this uniform Jeong Min-woo, 29, is from Hyesan, on the border with China. He was a commissioned officer in the Korean People's Army, and left the country in his uniform. South Korean intelligence confiscated it, but he persuaded his North Korean military contacts to send him a new one. "I arrived in South Korea on Nov. 22, 2013. I did not desert my unit. It was never a desertion, I left to earn money. I told the guards at the border I was leaving. It worked out, since we were all military men. "When I got as far as Thailand I borrowed clothes from friends, and put my uniform in my bag just in case. If I was going to go back to North Korea I needed to be dressed in it. A military uniform and ID card are valuable assets in North Korea. The military can do anything. "I handed over my original uniform to South Korean intelligence. This one is authentic too, but it's one I secretly smuggled into South Korea. "This is the summer uniform, made of cotton. I wear it when I appear on 'Now on my way to meet you,' a talk show where people from North Korea share their experiences. These particular uniforms aren't sold in North Korean markets. I'm still in touch with some military officials in North Korea, and in 2014 I asked them to send me one. "I paid for everything. There's a fee for getting things over the river with China. Then I had to pay the courier fee from China to South Korea. The whole thing cost a few hundred bucks. "I got mine from the military, but some officers made their own. There were tailors who would make or mend uniforms for around 40,000 North Korean won ($5 at the unofficial rate of 8,000 won to $1). "Technically, people are not supposed to sell these uniforms. Military supplies are sold secretly. Officers want better-looking uniforms so they buy or alter their own. "In North Korea I wore my uniform every day, even when I was off-duty. I couldn't wear ordinary clothes. If I did, I wouldn't be able to ride in cars. Someone might steal a cigarette off me or try to pick a fight. "If I had gone back, I would have needed that uniform to ride in cars and steal from others." Lee Min-bok recorded Kim Il Sung's teachings Lee Min-bok, 60, was a researcher at North Korea's Academy of Agricultural Science. He first tried to defect, unsuccessfully, in 1990. He eventually left North Korea in June 1991 and came to South Korea in 1995. His family sent him these diaries. "I have a bit of an academic side. According to Kim Il Sung's teachings, people are supposed to keep diaries. Everyone in North Korea should strictly follow Kim Il Sung's teachings, so I did as I was supposed to and kept a diary. "Even though Kim Il Sung is a villain here, in North Korea he's above everything. We learned that he studied well and gave our lives purpose. I lived according to those teachings. I wrote these out of loyalty to the Leader. That was our ideology, and I lived my life in strict adherence to it. "No one could think differently. "I got hold of these diaries 10 years after I arrived in South Korea. I had been sending money to my family in the North and they sent them to me. I didn't write any complaints in diaries. I would've been in big trouble if I did. "My diaries are a record of my history in North Korea. I am thinking about turning these diaries into a book. I'd like to publish a book about how to change North Koreans' thinking when unification happens. These diaries show how North Koreans think and how their minds are constructed. People need to make these into a textbook, because they need proof. "Talking is not as effective." Kim Ryon Hui was entrapped in China Kim Ryon Hui, 49, is from Pyongyang. She says she never wanted to defect. In 2011, she says, a broker helped her go to China for treatment on her liver. But the broker tricked her, she said, and she ended up in South Korea. She is campaigning to return, which Seoul says would be against the law. "I miss my parents even more than I miss my daughter. They're everything to me. For the first few years, I couldn't even breathe properly when I thought of them. "My little brother lives with them in Pyongyang now. My mother can't see out of one eye. The thing I fear the most is finding out they've passed away before I have the chance to go back. "My daughter and I have been writing letters and sending photos to each other. My cousin lives in China, so she's been sending them on. My daughter's name is Ri Ryon Gum. She was born on February 15, 1993. I don't want her to live out her life with me here. "When she was young, she did taekwondo. She wanted to get involved in espionage operations against South Korea. She was so fearless. That's why she was doing taekwondo - to get involved in anti-South espionage. "So I was really surprised to hear she became a chef. In a video of her I received, she explained why. She said that after I had left, she moved in with her father in Pyongyang and had been cooking for him. She said she decided to become a chef so she could fulfill my role at home. "I was sad when I heard that." (Translated/additional reporting by Heekyong Yang, Hyonhee Shin and James Pearson; Edited by Sara Ledwith) Roger Stone; Randy Credico (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Joe Raedle/Getty Images, John Minchillo/AP) New York City comic and ex-radio host Randy Credico says that longtime Donald Trump adviser Roger Stone sent him scary, obscenity-filled emails including one threatening his dog after he went public disputing Stones claim that Credico was his backchannel to WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential campaign. In a new interview on the Yahoo News podcast Skullduggery, Credico shared with co-hosts Daniel Klaidman and Michael Isikoff email messages he said he had received from Stone in just the last few days. You are a rat. You are a stoolie. You backstab your friends run your mouth my lawyers are dying Rip you to shreds, one of them read. Then Stone added: Im going to take that dog away from you, referring to Credicos therapy dog, a Coton de Tulear named Bianca. Not a f***ing thing you can do about it either because you are a weak broke piece of s***. Its certainly scary, Credico told Skullduggery about the Stone emails. When you start bringing up my dog, youre crossing the line. Credico said the repeated obscenities in the emails and their abusive tone suggested that Stone is lashing out because he is growing increasingly fearful about the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller. He cited this weeks FBI raid of the offices of Michael Cohen, Trumps personal lawyer. I think hes wigging out right now, Credico said. After Cohen was raided, Im sure he thinks hes next. Asked for comment, Stone responded Thursday night in an email to Isikoff: Go f*** yourself FBI Schill [sic]. Download or subscribe on iTunes: Skullduggery by Yahoo News The dispute between Stone and Credico who, despite their political differences, were once close friends began last month after a new book, Russian Roulette, co-authored by Isikoff and David Corn, quoted Credico as disputing Stones account to a congressional committee about his contacts with WikiLeaks. Stone had said at a political rally in Florida on Aug. 8, 2016, that he had communicated with Julian Assange about emails the WikiLeaks founder would soon release as part of an October Surprise that would reveal stone cold proof of the criminality of Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. Story continues But when he was called to testify before the House Intelligence Committee last November, Stone released a statement asserting that he never actually spoke to Assange at all. Instead, he said it was actually a journalist who was his intermediary with Assange, who confirmed to him that WikiLeaks was about to dump a motherlode of emails about Clinton. This journalist assured me that WikiLeaks would release this information in October [2016] and continued to assure me of this throughout the balance of August and all of September. This information proved to be correct, Stone told the committee in a statement last November. He later identified the journalist as Credico. But in Russian Roulette, Credico rejected Stones account as nonsensical. Credico told the authors he never even spoke to Assange until he had the Trump adviser as a guest on his radio show on Aug. 26, 2016, and that he never knew anything about WikiLeaks plans to publicly release the Clinton campaign emails. Hes got me as the fall guy, Credico was quoted as saying. Its ridiculous. Roger Stone speaks to reporters after appearing before a closed House Intelligence Committee hearing on Sept. 26, 2017. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Stones claims about his contacts with WikiLeaks took another bizarre twist this month when the Wall Street Journal reported that Muellers prosecutors were investigating an email that Sam Nunberg, another former Trump adviser, had gotten from Stone on Aug. 4, 2016, saying, I dined with my new pal Julian Assange last nite. Stone said the email to Nunberg was a joke, and reiterated that he never communicated with Assange at all in 2016, releasing screenshots showing he was on an Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to Miami on the night before the email was sent. I never dined with Assange, Stone told the Journal. The email doesnt have any significance because I provably didnt go there was no such meeting. Its not what you say, its what you do. This was said in jest. Credico said in the podcast he believes Stone had been puffing up his interactions with WikiLeaks to ingratiate himself with Trump. Hes Walter Mitty, Stone said. Hes an egomanic. He was tossed out by Trump. Trump was not loyal to him. This was his way of getting back in. The comedian also said he expects to be contacted soon by Muellers staff. Im moving around like the Scarlet Pimpernel in the city, Credico said. Trying to avoid any kind of contact. But I keep hearing through the grapevine that something is coming. More Skullduggery from Yahoo News: David Adesnik Security, Middle East Its time for a maximum pressure campaign like the one against North Korea. What Comes after Airstrikes on Syria? Via Twitter, where his candor is often remarkable, President Donald Trump has already warned that missiles will be coming. If so, one hopes that the president and his advisers also have a clear strategy for what to do after the missiles slam into their targets. A sustained barrage might inflict substantial damage on Assads air force, such as the Mi-8 Hip helicopters apparently responsible for the chlorine attacks last Saturday. The United States and its allies should deprive Assad of his air force, yet it would be hard to call this justice for a war criminal with so much blood on his hands. Instead, if the president has already made a decision to use force, it should mark the beginning of a new effort to exert maximum pressure on the Assad regime, as well as its sponsors in Moscow and Tehran, in order to prevent them from achieving the objectives that they have pursued by means of relentless atrocities. This would be a better approximation of justice while doing far more to advance U.S. interests in the Middle East. So far, President Trump has not indicated whether his determination to punish Assad has led to him to reconsider his informal six-month timeline for withdrawing U.S. troops from northeast Syria. Facing skeptical reporters, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders explained there is nothing inconsistent about targeting the regime with airstrikes and then bringing home the troops. To be sure, having boots on the ground in Syria has no bearing on the ability of U.S. air and naval assets to deliver their firepower. Yet if Trump wants to put the same kind of maximum pressure on Damascus that he has on Pyongyang, then the troops need to staynot because they are going to join the fight against Assad, but because they play a critical role in shaping the balance of power in Syria. Story continues Recommended: The 5 Biggest Nuclear Bomb Tests (From All 6 Nuclear Powers). Recommended: How Israel Takes U.S. Weapons and Makes Them Better. Recommended: North Koreas Most Lethal Weapon Isnt Nukes. Before its descent into chaos, Syria pumped around 385,000 barrels per day of oil, almost all of it from fields in the countrys northeast. The U.S.-led coalition that dismantled ISIS now controls most of that real estate, although Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias recaptured some key terrain, such as the city of Deir Ezzor. A precise estimate is difficult to offer, but 80 percent or more of the oil seems to be in coalition-held areas, not to mention substantial amounts of gas. Bashar al-Assad desperately wants the oil back. Syria earned $5.5 billion from oil exports in the last year before the war. Its profits provided about one-fifth of the regimes annual revenue. Now Syria borrows billions from Iran to import oil instead. The war also shattered the rest of the Syrian economy, with the IMF estimating that its dollar-denominated GDP had plunged 75 percent by the end of 2015. Were U.S. troops to depart, the Syrian Kurdish force, known as the YPG, would inherit northeast Syriaalthough its position would be tenuous. After crushing YPG forces in the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in northwest Syria, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his intention to take the fight to the YPG in northeast. Rather than fighting both Erdogan and Assad, the YPG is likely to resume the partnership it forged with Damascus in the first years of the war. In exchange for a measure of autonomy and a cut of the profits, the Kurds would let Assad would reclaim his oil. A wealthier Assad would be stronger, but wouldnt bring peace or stability to Syria. More likely, his war to grind down remaining opposition strongholds would be at least as bloody as the siege and bombardment of East Ghouta that culminated in the recent chemical attacks. Thus a withdrawal of U.S. troops would bring neither accountability for Assad nor an end to the horrors. Finishing the fight with ISIS should still be the troops mission, yet their presence will set the conditions for a maximum pressure campaign by other means, especially economic ones. Before his departure, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced that neither the United States nor its partners would provide funding to rebuild any area under the control of Assad. The United States needs to take this policy a step further by laying the groundwork to impose sanctions on any firm that engages in reconstruction work on behalf of the Syrian government or other sanctioned entities. This may not deter Iranian firms or Russian enterprises already under sanctions, but Chinese companies may not want to risk their access to Western economies. The United States and EU should also re-evaluate the effectiveness of the sanctions they imposed in the early days of the war. As in the case of North Korea, the common assumption that there is nothing left to sanction may prove quite misleading. For example, Syrian banks still have access to the global interbank messaging service known as SWIFT. In the years prior to the 2015 nuclear deal, the United States did tremendous damage to the Iranian financial sector by forcing it off of SWIFT. Syrias six state-owned banks and fourteen private banks have already been on the sanctions list for years; their expulsion from SWIFT is long overdue. (Since SWIFT is headquartered in Belgium, expulsion would require EU action.) Another vulnerability to explore is the source of Syrian oil. In December 2013, an investigation by Reuters exposed a network of companies who illicitly provided the regime with 17 million barrels of crude oil, which Syrian refineries then processed. The next year, the United States and EU sanctioned both the refineries as well as key importers. Yet citing a classified Western intelligence report, one journalist wrote that imports financed by Iran continued into 2017 and that Russia provided shipments as well. While sanctions require a solid basis in evidence, not just intelligence leaks, one has to ask where Syria is getting the oil it needs to run a war. Furthermore, the goal is not simply to sanction the importers, but to stop them from doing business. In the case of North Korea, the United States sanctioned dozens of ships and shipping firms earlier this year. Similar action may pay dividends when it comes to Syria. Another critical import for Syria is manpower, especially the thousands of foreign Shia militiamen that Iranian commercial airlines ferry into the country for combat tours. After the conclusion of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, some of those airlines began to place multibillion dollar orders for hundreds of new commercial jets from Boeing and Airbus. The nuclear deal permits such purchases on the condition that all items are used exclusively for commercial passenger aviation. For fifteen months, the Trump administration has taken no action to block the aircraft sales, apparently because it remains unsure of how to balance national security considerations with the potential damage to Boeings bottom line. One hopes that the Douma chemical attack will clarify for the White House that this is an instance in which national security should prevail. On the diplomatic front, one hopes that the latest atrocities have dispelled the administrations illusions about Russias role as a partner for peace in Syria. By most accounts, incoming Secretary of State Mike Pompeo does not share Rex Tillersons hopes for cooperation with Moscow, nor is John Bolton so inclined. At the UN, Amb. Nikki Haley should continue her efforts to keep Russia on the defensive by forcing it to veto every Security Council effort to hold Assad accountable. Embarrassing the Kremlin may not change its behavior, but it does play an important role in marshalling European support for U.S. initiatives. While putting in place a maximum pressure campaign, the Trump administration should constantly bear in mind that Syria policy is not just about Syria; rather, it is an essential part of the broader strategy for pushing back against Iran that the president laid out last October. The first of that strategys four pillars was a comprehensive effort to counter the regimes destabilizing activity and support for terrorist proxies in the region. Yet until the Douma attacks, the president has consistently framed U.S. policy toward Syria as a matter of defeating the Islamic State and nothing more. Considered in isolation, a policy of maximum pressure on Syria may seem like a humanitarian effort whose growth has would distract the United States from national security objectives. However, in the context of strategic competition with Iran, it is indispensable. When protesters in Tehran are chanting, Leave Syria, think of us!, it becomes clear why the United States should raise the cost of Iranian intervention. In addition, Irans currency, the rial, is now imploding, so the Tehran may not be able to absorb much more punishment. Critically, the worse its position comes, the less able it will be to resist American demands to fix the nuclear deal, whose sunset provisions, weak inspections and blind spot on ballistic missiles are all major flaws. If the White House hasnt reached any firm conclusions yet about what comes after airstrikes on Syria, it may still have an opportunity to review the issue. Early this morning, the president tweeted, Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! There is no time like the present, however, to launch a campaign of maximum economic and diplomatic pressure. David Adesnik is Director of Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. Follow David on Twitter @adesnik and FDD @FDD. Image: Reuters Read full article Former FBI Director James Comey, right, writes in his new book that he thought Donald Trump would not win the presidency. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters) WASHINGTON Former FBI Director James Comey whom Hillary Clinton blames for her 2016 Electoral College loss writes in his upcoming book that he thought the former secretary of state would defeat Donald Trump and concedes that assumption might have affected the way he handled the Clinton email probe. HuffPost obtained a chapter of the book, A Higher Loyalty, which is set to be released Tuesday, that focuses on Comeys handling of the Clinton email probe. In the book, Comey writes that hes replayed the way he handled the Clinton email investigation in his mind hundreds of times and that he understands Democrats were baffled and outraged at the actions he took. Comey details the decision he made in the final days of the 2016 campaign to send a letter informing Congress that the FBI was examining newly discovered emails found on former Rep. Anthony Weiners laptop that may have been relevant to the Clinton email investigation that had been closed months earlier. The letter to Congress made its way to the media in about ten minutes, which in Washington was about nine minutes later than I expected, Comey writes. His world, he says, caught back on fire. Comey concedes that, unconsciously, the near-universal consensus at that point that Clinton would roundly defeat Trump could have affected his decision-making: I was surprised when Donald Trump was elected president. I had assumed from media polling that Hillary Clinton was going to win. I have asked myself many times since if I was influenced by that assumption. I dont know. Certainly not consciously, but I would be a fool to say it couldnt have had an impact on me. It is entirely possible that, because I was making decisions in an environment where Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next president, my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls. But I dont know. Story continues Debates within the FBI about the decision, Comey writes, kept coming back to the same place: the credibility of the institutions of justice was at stake. He writes: Assuming, as nearly everyone did, that Hillary Clinton would be elected president of the United States in less than two weeks, what would happen to the FBI, the Justice Department, or her own presidency if it later was revealed, after the fact, that she was still a subject of an FBI investigation? What if, after the election, we actually found information that demonstrated prosecutable criminal activity? No matter what we found, that act of concealment would be catastrophic to the integrity of the FBI and the Department of Justice. Comey writes that he was also concerned there could be leaks out of the FBIs New York field office, although he said he didnt base his decision on the prospect of the news leaking out. He writes that former Attorney General Loretta Lynch also suggested the news might have leaked out before the election anyway if Comey hadnt sent his letter. His wife had wanted Clinton to be the first woman president, Comey writes, and hes still haunted by the notion that decisions in the final days of the election could have swayed things. I hope very much that what we did what I did wasnt a deciding factor in the election. I say that with a wife and daughters who voted for Hillary Clinton and walked in the 2017 Womens March in D.C. the day after Donald Trumps inauguration, Comey writes. Comeys wife, he said, understood what he did, but resented the fact that I had to stand out front and take another hit. She said it was like he was stepping in front of the institution to get shot. The former FBI director writes that hes sorry that I couldnt do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made. Comey did get some private support from Democrats. He writes that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) tearfully told Comey he knew he was in an impossible position. But Lynch, Comey says, didnt offer any direct endorsement of his decision during a meeting right before the election, on Oct. 31. Comey describes an awkward hug between himself and Lynch, who is roughly 18 inches shorter than he is, in great detail. When our bodies came together, her face went into my solar plexus as she wrapped her arms around me. I reached down and pressed both forearms, also awkwardly, against her back, he writes. Lynch, Comey says, didnt tell Comey hed done the right thing or thank him for taking the heat. And when the meeting ended, Lynch told him to try to look beat up. She had told somebody she was going to chew me out for what I had done. What a world, he writes. Ultimately, Comey says that he wouldnt have done things differently, even with what he knows now, but that he can imagine good and principled people in my shoes making different choices about some things. He thinks different choices would have resulted in greater damage to our countrys institutions of justice, but Im not certain of that. I pray no future FBI director is forced to find out. Comey also recounts meeting with Obama in the Oval Office in late November, after Trump was elected. He says when the meeting broke up, Obama asked him to stay behind. I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability, Comey says Obama told him. I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view. Comey said those were the words he needed to hear and that even though Obama wasnt necessarily saying he agreed with Comeys decisions, he was indicating he knew where they came from. Comey said hearing Obamas words brought on a wave of emotion and left Comey almost on the verge of tears. That means a lot to me, Mr. President, Comey says he told Obama. I have hated the last year. The last thing we want is to be involved in an election. Im just trying to do the right thing. Comey writes that while he didnt support Obama when he first ran, by November 2016 Comey had developed great respect for him as a leader and a person and realized at that moment the full weight of his imminent departure and what that meant. Mr. President, my wife would kill me if I didnt take the opportunity to thank you and to tell you how much Im going to miss you, Comey says he told Obama. I dread the next four years, but in some ways, I feel more pressure to stay now. Comey says Obama didnt respond. Instead he patted me on the arm, then we rose and shook hands, and I walked out of the Oval Office, Comey writes. Soon that same office would have a new and very different occupant. Ryan Reilly is HuffPosts senior justice reporter, covering the Justice Department, federal law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs. Have a tip? Reach him at ryan.reilly@huffpost.com or on Signal at 202-527-9261. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. CIA Director Mike Pompeo has overseen U.S. intelligence collection in Yemen in a campaign closely intertwined with the United Arab Emirates. (Photo: Yuri Gripas / Reuters) WASHINGTON President Donald Trump and his choice to be the next secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, have both said it might be time for the U.S. to begin using torture methods like waterboarding again. At least one of them might be forced to answer for that view on Thursday morning, when Pompeo appears before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his confirmation hearing. And Pompeos response might reveal how the Trump administration has not just praised torture in theory but dealt with a real U.S.-linked application of it thousands of miles away, in the poorest country in the Arab world and the home of al Qaedas most potent branch. Neither Pompeo nor Trump has ever commented publicly on the growing mountain of evidence that the United Arab Emirates, the chief American partner in the battle against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), has tortured significant numbers of detainees in Yemen in the name of fighting terror. The evidence raises serious questions about the administrations counterterror-focused foreign policy and the prospect of once again embroiling the U.S. in human rights violations reminiscent of the worst moments in the post-9/11 War on Terror. Amid other concerns about Pompeos ability to serve as Americas top diplomat like the former Kansas congressmans track record of Islamophobia, saber rattling and climate change denial the torture issue has gotten short shrift so far, congressional sources told HuffPost. But as director of the CIA since January 2017, Pompeo has been intimately involved in overseeing American intelligence collection, drone strikes and raids in Yemen as part of a campaign closely intertwined with the UAE. Yemen is currently embroiled in a hugely destructive civil war, with multiple outside forces stepping in. Al Qaeda has had a presence there since the 1990s. UAE forces entered in significant numbers in 2015 at the invitation of Yemens internationally recognized government to help fight an Iran-backed insurgency. They made targeting al Qaeda a priority within months. Story continues During Pompeos time at the CIA, four separate reports based on on-the-ground interviews have revealed that the UAE and two proxy militias, the Security Belt and the Hadrami Elite Forces, are torturing Yemenis in secretive facilities. On June 8, 2017, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism published the first report, describing prisoners being beaten, stripped and packed into metal containers. On June 22, two more appeared: A Human Rights Watch investigation noted the existence of 11 informal prisons and claims that detainees were being electrocuted. An Associated Press story revealed that U.S. personnel were interrogating detainees at UAE-controlled facilities, providing questions for UAE interrogators and receiving transcripts of interrogations. And on Jan. 26 of this year, a United Nations panel of experts announced that the UAE was still holding more than 200 prisoners in at least three facilities in Yemen, subjecting them to torture and refusing to conduct credible investigations into such abuses or to act against the perpetrators. The Trump administration has not revealed the existence of any official U.S. investigation of these claims, although it did provide a classified response to powerful lawmakers angered by the reports last summer. In October, a Defense Department spokesman told HuffPost that an internal inquiry did not find any credible allegations to support the AP report. The spokesman declined to answer a follow-up question about the Human Rights Watch findings. Now neither the CIA nor the State Department will say what Pompeo knew or did about torture by the UAE. Asked for comment, the agencies pointed HuffPost to each other. But its hard to pretend that this isnt Washingtons problem. Given that the U.S. touts its relationship of cooperation, including intelligence cooperation, with the Emiratis, it certainly seems likely that there would be sharing of information from interrogations, said Hina Shamsi, director of the national security project at the American Civil Liberties Union. And to the extent that any of those interrogations are abusive, there would be reason for concern that the U.S. is obtaining unlawfully coerced information. The administration has not responded to ACLU and Human Rights Watch requests for internal documents on the matter, and the Pentagon told HuffPost the State Department should handle comment for this story. While State refused to comment on Pompeos knowledge of the reported torture, a department official said, We take all allegations of abuse seriously and continue to call on and all parties to the conflict to treat prisoners and detainees humanely, ensure that abuses are investigated, and those responsible involved are held accountable, and act in accordance with international law, including human rights law and the laws of armed conflict. The UAE has repeatedly denied mistreating or even holding prisoners in Yemen. The Emirati activity in that country mimics the Bush-era rendition program that the UAE once helped the CIA run, in which terror suspects taken to secret prisons were often tortured. Experts say it poses two broad legal concerns. U.S. officials could be in direct legal trouble at home and abroad if they were present when abuse was taking place. And more generally, the U.S. could be violating international law if it is benefiting from the practice, including by receiving intelligence obtained through torture. American silence on the matter could also hinder counterterror efforts by fueling Yemeni resentment and making it harder for the U.S. to prosecute militants. The Trump administration has already struggled with how to handle an al Qaeda suspect called Abu Khaybar who was captured by the UAE in 2016 and is being held in Yemen. The FBI had wanted him to face trial in a civilian court, but there his treatment by Americans and Emiratis might come under scrutiny. The FBI declined to comment for this story. The UAEs heavy-handed approach could be guaranteeing future instability in Yemen, a country thats long been a source of threats to the territorial U.S. Many of the forces in Yemens civil war use unsavory tactics. Al Qaeda and ISIS, the targets of the U.S.-UAE cooperation, are brutal. And the UAE is also, with limited American assistance, helping Saudi Arabia fight a Yemeni militia called the Houthis who are backed by Saudi regional rival Iran. The Houthis have their own track record of major rights violations, including the use of torture. The Emiratis have worked hard to build American confidence as an ally. U.S. soldiers are willing to go downrange to knock on doors with the Emiratis in ways that they would never do with the Saudis, said Nicholas Heras, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security. But in neglecting to establish any kind of judicial investigation or grievance process and in empowering militias, the UAE does not seem to have a long-term plan for Yemen, Radhya Almutawakel of the Yemeni nonprofit Mwatana for Human Rights told HuffPost. Mwatana for Human Rights has documented 34 cases in 2017 in which forces aligned with the UAE-backed Yemeni government tortured detainees. Ten of them resulted in death. Progress since last years reports has been limited. In January, the International Committee of the Red Cross was permitted to visit one UAE-linked detention facility to observe detainees and pass on news to their families. Some prisoners have been moved to central facilities, which might help improve oversight, Kristine Beckerle of Human Rights Watch said. But there are still smaller UAE-associated prisons dotted across the south and east of Yemen operating with impunity. Some of the people who we know personally were involved in abuse still maintain positions of power and authority, Beckerle told HuffPost. And we have not seen any clarity coming from the U.S. This story has been updated with comment from the State Department. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Two days before Katherine Lynch was due to give birth to her daughter, she got a call from the billing department at the hospital where she planned to have the baby. Lynch was asked if she wanted to pay in advance the $1,044 she would owe after insurance picked up the rest. I was surprised and annoyed, says Lynch, 33, a psychologist who lives in Novato, Calif. I was in grad school at the time. Money was tight. But she paid because she thought she had to. Later, when she got an explanation of benefits statement from her insurance company, she realized that shed overpaid by several hundred dollars. It took multiple phone calls to the hospital for Lynch to get her money refunded. It wasnt easy to find the time to do that with a new baby at home, says Lynch. Lynchs experience isnt unusual these days. Hospitals are becoming more aggressive about asking patients with health insurance to pay their share of the tab up front. In most cases, consumers can't be required to pay up front. And as the above example shows, it's usually better to wait to see how much of the bill is covered by your insurance plan. But there are times when prepaying can actually save you money, especially if you use it to negotiate a discount with the hospital (more on that below). The prepay trend is happening because hospitals are being stuck with big unpaid bills as Americans foot more of the cost of their medical care and struggle to pay those expenses. While insurers still cover the bulk of a patients medical expenses, hospitals now collect 30 percent of their revenue from patients, up from 10 percent in 2002. Hospitals are finding out that people are less reliable payers than insurance companies. No one would say pay up or we wont treat you, but were saying you have a large out-of-pocket cost and we want to know how are you going to pay for it, says Jonathan Wiik, a principal at TransUnion Healthcare, a data analytics company that works with hospitals on revenue management systems. Story continues Those larger out-of-pocket costs are being fueled by the growing number of people in health insurance plans with big deductibles, which require you to pay thousands of dollars to a healthcare provider before insurance starts to pay some of the bills. About 44 percent of people under 65 were in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) in 2017, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Thats up from 39 percent in 2016 and 25 percent in 2010. On top of deductibles, patients also may owe a copay and a growing number pay coinsurance, which is a percentage of the total bill. The Problem of Uncompensated Care As people pay more for their healthcare, hospitals pay a price too. Uncompensated costspatients who either don't or can't pay their billstotaled nearly $40 billion in 2016, up from $22 billion in 2002, according to the American Hospital Association. A hospitals odds of getting reimbursed are much higher if a patient is asked to pay up front vs. when the bill arrives months later, says Keith Slater, national vice president of sales and business development at Change Healthcare, a healthcare technology company. Today, about three-quarters of hospital systems ask for payment in advance or when you arrive for a procedure, according to the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), an association for people in healthcare financial management professions. Hospitals use software to estimate what you will owe after your insurance pays its portion. Your deductible is the biggest chunk, but there are also copays and often coinsurance, which is usually 20 percent of the total bill. Once the hospital has an estimate, a representative will reach out to talk about payment. Typically, youll get a call a few days before a scheduled procedure or be asked how you plan to pay when you get admitted to the hospital. Some hospitals hire financial counselors and use scripts to guide them on how to talk to patients about money. It isnt illegal to be asked about paying what you owe in advance, says Martine Brousse, a medical and insurance billing consultant who works with patients to sort out billing issues. Withholding treatment for not paying is a different story. If you're waiting in the emergency department for treatment, federal law requires that you be stabilized and treated before you can be asked about money. If you have government-sponsored insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare military insurance, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says you cant be required to pay as a condition of admission or treatment. Thats not so clearly spelled out with private insurance contracts, says Brousse. It would be unethical to withhold treatment and I dont hear about that happening, says Brousse, who is also a certified mediator. Brousse says in most standard commercial health insurance contracts, healthcare providers are prohibited from forcing a patient to pay anything but a set co-pay before the explanation of benefits statement is issued and the final patient liability established. I was so surprised. I thought it was crazy. How did they know what my bill would be? Michele Bateman, with her wife Lorena and their son Gael, was asked to prepay $4,000 when she checked into the hospital to have their baby. The Patient Conversation When Michele Bateman arrived at the hospital for a scheduled inducement of her son Gael last April, she expected to go right to the maternity ward after filling out some paperwork. But before she and her wife Lorena could head over, Bateman was asked about covering her share of the bill. I was told I would owe $4,000 for the delivery and they asked how I would like to pay for it, says Bateman, who works for a technology company in San Francisco. She refused, saying shed wait till she got her bill from the insurance company. The woman who asked wasnt aggressive about it, but payment was the least of our concerns when we were checking in to have a baby, says Bateman. Some hospitals are more persistent than others when it comes to asking for prepayment. A week before her 5-year old son had surgery last November to repair an undescended testicle, Adrienne Carroll got a call from a hospital scheduler saying she needed to register and pay $700, which they estimated was her portion of the bill. I thought it was strange. How could they know what my bill was going to be until they had actually performed the surgery? says Carroll, a Realtor. Carroll decided to pay $200, which she says was her hospital copay, but the hospital billing department kept calling her, sometimes several times a day, in the week before the surgery. Even after I paid the small amount, they continued to contact me to see if I wanted to pay more or to keep a credit card on file with them, says Carroll. Patient advocates like Brousse worry that people will delay or even skip getting care if theyre concerned about coming up with a big chunk of money. But people in the hospital industry say that patients benefit if they understand their financial obligations before they get hit with a bill. Hospitals dont want to scare people, says Wiik from TransUnion Healthcare, formerly a chief revenue officer at a hospital system in Colorado. But if it seems like you cant pay, then the hospital can connect you to more options. By having that conversation, hospitals can help patients who cant afford a bill find another way to pay. For example, hospitals can offer payment plans or connect people to financial assistance programs that they might not have known about, says Slater from Change Healthcare. Some are partnering with companies that offer no-interest loans. Or a hospital might help you dig up coverage you didnt even know you had that could pay some of your billssay from your home or auto insurance, which could cover care needed if you are in a car accident or get hurt at home. What to Do If You're Asked to Pay Up Front If you're asked to prepay for medical care, here's how you should handle it: Know you can say no. Waiting until you get the bill is in fact what insurance companies typically advise, says Brousse. While hospitals use sophisticated software to estimate your portion of the bill, they dont always get it right. They dont necessarily know how many other claims you have in process that are going toward your deductible, says Brousse. You may owe nothing. Dont rely on the hospitals estimate. You dont have to wait for the hospital to tell you what you owe. If youre having a scheduled procedure, contact your insurance company. Ask how much you have paid toward your deductible and what other out-of-pocket costs, such as a copay or coinsurance, you may owe. Find out if you can get a better deal by prepaying. About 44 percent of hospitals offer prompt-pay discounts for patients who pay their share of the bill in full in advance, with an average discount of 20 percent, according to a survey by the Advisory Board, a healthcare research and consulting firm. If you do decide to pay in advance, ask for a discount. Understand how hospital loans work. Another growing trend: Hospitals are partnering with companies like ClearBalance, AccessOne and Commerce Bank to offer low or no-interest medical loans that dont require a credit check. That can be a better option than putting the payment on a high interest credit card if you cant pay what you owe quickly. Still, not all medical loans are low- or no-interest and some come with fees, so make sure you read the fine print. Ask questions. If you agree to pay up front, ask for a cost estimate and find out whether youll get a refund if you overpay. Some hospitals will automatically give you a refund but, as Katherine Lynch found out, it may be up to you to follow up. If you pay more than you owe when the final bill is tallied, ask how refunds are handled and how long they typically take to get processed. Know where to turn for help. If you think the hospital is being too aggressive, ask your insurance company to contact the hospital and tell them to stop calling you or tell the hospital to talk to your insurer directly. You can also report problems to your state insurance regulator. To find out where to file a complaint in your state, use the lookup tool on Consumer Reports End Surprise Medical Bills site. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright 2018, Consumer Reports, Inc. Dave Majumdar Security, Middle East If Trump decides to strike Syria, teh F-35 may see action. Could the F-35 Go to War in Syria? With the U.S. Marine Corps set to deploy its F-35B Joint Strike Fighter to U.S. Central Commands (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR), Lockheed Martins stealthy new jump jet could make its combat debut over the Middle East as tensions ratchet up over Syria. Over the coming days, the United States could initiate hostilities with the Assad regime over a chemical weapons attack Damascus allegedly perpetuated in Douma earlier this month. The F-35B is set to make its first combat deployment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which will soon head towards the Middle East. Today is a big deal not only for CENTCOM but for the Marine Corps, Lt Col. Jaime Macias, Chief of Plans at Marine Corps Forces Central Command, said in a statement on April 4. This is the newest and most-lethal aircraft that the Joint Force has, and the fact that its coming into the CENTCOM theater and potentially seeing some combat operations is a big deal. Penetrating Russias Anti-Access Bubbles Given the presence of Russian forces in Syria equipped with potent area air defense systems including the powerful S-300V4 and the S-400, the F-35s stealth and sensors could be particularly useful during combat operations over Syria. What the F-35B gives you is multirole capabilities, so now you have one aircraft that can do a broad range of capabilities and do it to a level that none of the legacy aircraft have been able to do to this day, Macias said. Recommended: The Worlds Most Secretive Nuclear Weapons Program. Recommended: The Fatal Flaw That Could Take Down an F-22 or F-35. Recommended: Smith & Wesson's .44 Magnum Revolver: Why You Should Fear the 'Dirty Harry' Gun Particularly useful will be the F-35s potent sensor suite, which will be essential to ensure that U.S. forces do not accidentally engage Russia military forceswhich could lead to a much wider and much more dangerous war. The F-35B is more than just an aircraft, Macias said. Its a system of systems thats flying; its got sensors and anti-axis aerial denial capabilities. Story continues The Threat of War The threat of war is very real. In recent days President Donald Trump has all but stated that he intends to attack Syriaand has openly and publicly taunted Russia in the process. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria, Trump tweeted on April 11. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Russia Urges Restraint Russias ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia urged the United States to show restraint. We hope that there will be no point of no return that the U.S. and their allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign state, Nebenzia said according to the Washington Post. Nebenzia noted that the danger of escalation is very real because of the proximity of U.S. and Russian forces in Syria. The danger of escalation is higher than simply Syria, because our military are there on the invitation of the Syrian government, Nebenzia said. Escalation in the event of a U.S. strike on Syria is a worry for U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis too. On a strategic level, it's how do we keep this from escalating out of control, uh, if you get my drift on that, Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee on April 12. Is Trump Trying to De-escalate? Meanwhile, Trump said that despite his April 11 tweet, military action may or may not be imminent. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! Trump tweeted on April 12.In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our Thank you America? With his latest tweet, Trump has given his administration some breathing room. Indeed, as Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee on April 12, military action against Syria is not yet in the offing. Where is the Evidence? Moreover, the United States does not have direct evidence of the chemical attack or who perpetuated it. I cannot tell you that we have evidence, even though we have a lot of media and social media indicators that either chlorine or sarin was used," Mattis said. Mattis seemed to indicate that the United States is holding off on an attack until there is proper verification of claims made by the Syrian rebels. I believe there was a chemical attack. We're looking for the actual evidence," Mattis said. "The OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) is the organization for the chemical weapons conventionwe're trying to get those inspectors in probably within the week. You know the challenges we face where Russia has six times in the U.N. rejected and made certain that we could not get investigators in. Indeed, the president himself seemed to indicate that he is backing away from his earlier threats and is taking a longer more reasoned look at the situation. Were having a meeting today on Syria. Were having a number of meetings today. Well see what happens. Were obviously looking at that very closely, Trump said on April 12. And I will be leaving here. I was there, and now Ill be going back as soon as this meeting is over. But were looking very, very seriously, very closely at that whole situation. And well see what happens, folks. Well see what happens. Its too bad that the world puts us in a position like that. But, you know, as I said this morning, weve done a great job with ISIS. We have just absolutely decimated ISIS. But now we have to make some further decisions, so theyll be made fairly soon. If War Does Come If the President does make the decision to strike, the United States will likely use cruise missileslaunched from the Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Georgiaand stealth aircraft such the Northrop Grumman B-2, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to hit Syrian targets while avoiding harm to Russian forces. While the B-2 can strike from U.S. stateside bases, the F-22s would likely operate out of Al Udeid Air base in Qatar where some number of those fighters are deployed. A military option would also afford the Marine Corps an opportunity to prove the F-35B in combat, which the service seems to be spoiling to do. Dave Majumdar is the defense editor for The National Interest. You can follow him on Twitter: @davemajumdar. Image: U.S. Marines Read full article Zagreb (Croatia) (AFP) - Croatia's parliament ratified a treaty safeguarding women on Friday, despite opposition from conservatives and the powerful Catholic Church. The Council of Europe's so-called Istanbul Convention is the world's first binding instrument to prevent and combat violence against women, from marital rape to female genital mutilation. Opponents to the treaty in Croatia have argued it promotes what they call a "gender ideology" that undermines traditional family and Christian values. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic faced opposition from the right wing of his ruling HDZ party, while bishops urged MPs not to vote for its ratification, labelling the convention a "heresy". Plenkovic promised the treaty's ratification would not alter the country's constitution, which defines marriage as the union of a woman and a man. Thousands of people have demonstrated against the move in recent weeks in Croatia's largest cities of Zagreb and Split. Nearly 90 percent of Croatia's 4.2 million people are Catholic and the Church plays an important role in society. The convention, agreed in 2011, has now been ratified by 29 countries, including 18 members of the European Union, which Croatia joined in 2013. Conservative commenters Diamond (left) and Silk appear in a photo posted to Facebook on April 6. (Photo: Diamond and Silk) Members of Congress managed to ask Mark Zuckerberg several questions about Diamond and Silk during the Facebook founders testimony on Capitol Hill this week. And now, an answer to your question: Who? Diamond and Silk are famous on the internet so you may not have heard of them in real life. Billing themselves as President Donald Trumps most outspoken and loyal supporters, the sisters have earned a following by posting fervid videos of their conservative views to social media. During Trumps 2016 campaign they expressed support for his rhetoric on controversial issues including race and immigration through their videos and Fox News appearances. They ended up traveling around the country to stump for him as representatives of a very small group of black, female Trump supporters. Hailing from North Carolina, the sisters real names Lynette Hardaway (Diamond) and Rochelle Richardson (Silk) have shown an enthusiasm for pretty much everything Trump does that appears unmatched by any in the Republican establishment. The duos most popular video on YouTube to date is an August 2015 defense of Trump after then-Fox News host Megyn Kelly asked during a candidate debate about the misogynistic language he used on Twitter. It has 1.7 million views. On Facebook, a broad defense of Trump posted in November 2015 has earned 1.9 million views. Despite their popularity and the fact theyve now been posting for years, Facebook earlier this month deemed their page which counts more than 1.4 million likes as unsafe to the community. The sisters in a post said they had been corresponding with Facebook since September because they believed the site had throttled their reach and was not sending out notifications to fans when they had new content. On April 6, they found out why, and were told the decision was final. Just so you know, we will always have our Presidents back. "Don't Get It Twisted!" (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) pic.twitter.com/d5YwEqbT3g Diamond and Silk (@DiamondandSilk) March 24, 2018 In a statement issued Monday, Facebook said the message Diamond and Silk received about their content was inaccurate, and the company looks forward to speaking with the sisters about the problem. Story continues Which brings us to Congress. As Zuckerberg sat answering questions on Cambridge Analytica the research group accused of exploiting user data to help Trumps 2016 campaign multiple lawmakers used the moment to bring up Facebooks imbroglio with Diamond and Silk, alleging censorship. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) inquired about bias by Facebook on Tuesday, followed by Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) on Wednesday. Diamond and Silk are not terrorism, Blackburn told Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg responded by saying his team had made an enforcement error, and weve already gotten in touch with them to reverse it. Read live updates on Zuckerbergs House testimony here. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Labors Diane Abbott (Rex) Labours Diane Abbott has been ridiculed after saying that World War Two is the only conflict she would support. In an interview on the Radio 4 Today programme she was pressed about whether Labour would support military in the Middle East as Britain potentially prepares to join the US in launching bomber raids on Bashar Al-Assad for recent chemical weapon attacks. Asked if Labour would support military action in Syria, Abbott said the party backed a political solution. She was then asked by host Nick Robinson: But you dont believe in military action in any circumstances at all? You believe its wrong. She responded no of course. The Syrian army targeted Douma in bombing raids earlier this month (Rex) MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO Robinson then said: What are the circumstances if you say no in which you would back military action? The shadow home secretary replied: There was the Second World War Mr Robinson interrupted: I mean in this scenario in Syria are there any circumstances in which you would back the use of military force? The shadow home secretary concluded: Let me answer it in my own way. There is no evidence to show that further bombing in Syria will make the region more stable. She added that bombing was not the answer. The Labour MP also claimed that it still was not clear who was responsible for the latest chemical attack during the Syrian conflict, this time in the Damascus suburb of Douma. Children being evacuated from Douma earlier this month (Rex) Lets see what the inspectors come up with, she said. The US Defence Secretarys saying we dont have all the evidence. At the moment, even in the US theres the understanding that we dont have all the evidence. Story continues The French president Emmanuel Macron has said there is proof the Syrian government was behind the latest attack, which killed more than 65 people. Russia has rejected a UN Security Council resolution to set up an independent investigation into the incident. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions at a White House discussion on sanctuary cities, March 20, 2018. (Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) It is a judicial bureaucracy that American citizens almost never encounter, with 58 courtrooms around the country and more than 300 judges, whose decisions affect the lives of thousands of people each year. There are limited avenues for appeal and no constitutional right to a lawyer for anyone caught up in it. Welcome to the immigration court system, the latest focus of the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration less visible than a border wall and less dramatic than midnight raids by ICE officers, but arguably more important. The sequence of events that lead to immigration court vary from case to case, especially now, as even broader categories of people ranging from convicted criminals to recent border crossers seeking asylum, longtime residents and even a few U.S. citizens are getting caught up in the Trump administrations sweeping enforcement dragnet. But for all who find themselves in front of an immigration judge, pitted against a government attorney, often without legal representation of their own, the offense and punishment are always the same: unlawful presence in the United States, which in and of itself is not a crime, and deportation to their country of origin. In a 2014 op-ed for CNN, Dana Leigh Marks, a longtime immigration court judge and then president of the National Association for Immigration Judges, described the high-stakes scenario that plays out daily in immigration courts as death penalty cases heard in traffic court settings. And unlike the criminal and civil court systems, immigration courts have no constitutional independence theyre part of the Justice Department so the administration can do what it wants with them. Two developments within the past week have alarmed immigration advocates, whove long fretted over how Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an outspoken immigration hardliner, might wield his influence over this already byzantine court system. First, the head of the DOJs Executive Office for Immigration Review decreed that judges in the system would have to work faster, setting a quota of 700 cases a year each, as part of a broader effort by Sessions to help ease the courts massive backlog of 650,000 cases. Story continues Then, according to a report in the Washington Post, the Justice Department put in motion plans to suspend the Legal Orientation Program, which informs detained immigrants of the procedures they face and their legal rights, without offering legal representation. The program is being halted for a review of its effectiveness, according to the Post, but advocates for immigrants suspect a different motive. This seems like part of a concerted effort by the Department of Justice to basically make it easier to deport people, Hasan Shafiqullah, head attorney for the Legal Aid Society of New Yorks Immigration Law Unit, said of the decision to halt the program. Shafiqullah is among the immigration attorneys and advocates whove been keeping a close watch on the Justice Departments actions with regard to immigration courts, which have largely been eclipsed by more headline-grabbing news like the Trumps attempt to ban citizens of majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S. and the recent deployment of national guard troops to the Southwest border. Last summer, amid ramped up ICE arrests and high-profile deportations, the chief immigration judge at the DOJs Executive Office for Immigration Review issued a memo to all immigration court judges calling for speeding up deportation cases by cutting back on continuances, temporary halts in proceedings to give detained immigrants time to find a lawyer or to allow their attorneys to prepare for a hearing. Alhough the memo stated that it was not intended to limit the discretion of an Immigration Judge, legal advocates like Shafiqullah saw it as part of an effort to make it harder for immigrants or their attorneys to challenge deportations. Since then, Sessions has raised the possibility of changing the standards for issuing continuances and making other procedural changes, personally reviewing decisions by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Shafiqullah noted that the attorney general is also flexing his muscle beyond the sort of procedural stuff to more substantive things, like who can put in a claim for asylum. Last month, for example, Sessions announced he would review the landmark BIA decision in 2014 that created a precedent for victims of domestic violence to seek asylum in the U.S. Shafiqullah said he and his colleagues are terrified about the possibility that Sessions might overturn that earlier decision, a move he said would have an incredibly damaging impact on all sorts of asylum claims, including cases of domestic violence, female genital mutilation and others, in which a so-called private person is hurting someone that the government is either unable or unwilling to protect. Judge Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ), the union that represents immigration judges, told Yahoo News that the immigration courts status as part of the Department of Justice, a law enforcement body run by a member of the presidents cabinet, has long been a source of conflict. The way its reared its head in any administration is through policies that advance a law enforcement agenda, like reshuffling dockets to send a political message, she said, referring to the Obama administrations decision to prioritize the most recent arrivals for deportation proceedings in response to the surge of unaccompanied Central American minors over the border in 2014. That kind of manipulation of the court for political reasons has existed, but it has become much more severe and the magnitude has essentially gone nuclear in the last year, she said. The introduction of quotas for immigration judges marks a crisis point for the immigration court system, Tabaddor says. When I say its unprecedented, its unprecedented, said Tabaddor of the newly announced quota system, which will require immigration judges to complete 700 cases annually or risk losing opportunities for a raise or even their job. We are not aware of a single judge across this country whose livelihood is directly connected to how many cases they finish and how fast, she said. Its like judicial code 101, if you have a personal financial interest in a case you cannot hear that case. NAIJ has indicated that it intends to push back against the quota system, which includes several other guidelines for how much time a judge should spend on specific types of cases, arguing that the new performance measurements will unfairly impinge on immigrants rights to a fair trial by pressuring judges to complete their case as quickly as possible. And Tabaddor called the decision to halt the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) absolutely mind-boggling, and counterproductive to the goal of making the courts more efficient. These programs have been the bridge that have really helped ensure access, due process, and increased efficiency, she said. When you take that away now, its the judges responsibility to sit and provide a much more detailed and time-consuming explanation of rights to the people appearing before them. And LOP provides services outside the courtroom, Tabaddor says, including meeting with immigrants in detention, often in remote locations, to not only explain their rights and potential legal options but to also help them collect corroborating evidence for their case, and assist in filling out applications for relief all of which a judge cannot do. We dont understand, she reiterated. This is completely inconsistent with their stated position of looking for efficiency. Tabaddor anticipates that absence of this program will wind up creating an even bigger backlog, as judges are forced to give people more time to complete their applications. Or, worse yet, tie judges hands and force a deportation order when one wasnt warranted. Gregory Chen, director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said the moves by Sessions are an effort to keep as many people out of this country as possible, even those who might be entitled to relief such as asylum, by denying them the opportunity to gain basic information about asylum and the legal system. Chen points out that the LOPs function of keeping detainees informed makes the system more efficient; those who understand their case is hopeless are likely to accept a speedy deportation rather than fight a losing battle from a detention cell. A 2012 review of the program by the Justice Departments Executive Office for Immigration Review found that, consistent with a review conducted four years earlier, detained aliens participation in the LOP significantly reduced the length of their immigration court proceedings, saving the government more than $17.8 million in detention costs. In fact, Congress had already appropriated funding for the program in the 2018 omnibus spending bill. An EOIR official did not respond directly to questions from Yahoo News about concerns about the LOPs impact on efficiency, nor what would happen to the funds already allocated for the program, but simply reiterated the offices explanation that the Legal Orientation Program is being paused in order to undertake a review of the programs effectiveness, which has not happened since 2012. The official also referred Yahoo News to a blog post questioning the necessity of the LOP on the website of the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington think tank that advocates for reduced immigration to the United States and is known for producing research designed to promote that agenda. The posts author, Andrew R. Arthur, is a resident fellow in Law and Policy for CIS and a former immigration judge. He is also a public member of the Trump administrations Federal Labor Relations Authority. Last summer, Arthur also praised the DOJs memo on curbing the use of continuances in immigration court, which was issued just days after he published his own backgrounder on the CIS website outlining causes of the massive immigration court backlog and his proposed solutions. Among other proposals, Arthur argued that, the attorney general must use his certification authority to set stricter standards for [immigration judges] to follow in granting continuances. Shafiqullah has been waiting anxiously to see whether Sessions will do just that. In anticipation of further tweaks to immigration court procedures and programs, Shafiqullah emphasized the dangers of imposing additional restrictions on a system where the people in it already have so few rights. Unlike criminal court, where you have a constitutional right to an attorney because the due process rights are so fundamental and your liberty can be taken away, in immigration court you have no right to an attorney even though you could be exiled to a place where your life and liberty may be in jeopardy, he said. And something else that should trouble Americans: Even U.S. citizens can, in unusual circumstances, be entangled in this complex and high-stakes legal system. The Legal Aid Society has had about six cases within the last year of citizens caught up in the deportation machinery. The deck is so stacked against you, he said. So to take away even basic advice about your rights is outrageous. Read more from Yahoo News: President Donald Trump went on yet another early-morning Twitter rampage today, this time targeting James Comey. The former FBI director was fired by the president last year and on Sunday will give his first interview since leaving the Trump administration. Comey sat down with ABCs George Stephanopoulos for five hours leading up to the release of his highly anticipated tell-all book, A Higher Loyalty. Theres a lot to be gleaned from the interview, including his private meetings with Trump and the possibility of collusion with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. ABC News released a promo this morning on a different subject, however: the alleged Trump pee tape. Comey said the president asked him to investigate the report to prove it wasnt real, for Melania Trumps sake. This obviously angered Trump, who started a name-calling battle on Twitter after the promos release. Although we still have days to wait before the full interview is released, Twitter wasted no time in posting jokes about Trump and the infamous pee tape. An outbreak of E. coli infections has stretched across several states, prompting an investigation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC confirmed the outbreak this week, but said the source of the bacterial infection is still unclear. CDC is not recommending that consumers avoid any particular food at this time, the organizations notice said. Restaurants and retailers are not advised to avoid serving or selling any particular food. Trending: Watch: Gorilla 'Bolingo' Mimics Trainer's Every Move, Hugs Her Through Glass The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and food safety and inspection officials from the Department of Agriculture are also looking into the matter, according to the CDC. A map of the outbreak shows that people have been sickened in seven states across a wide geographical area. New Jersey has been hit the hardest, with six cases of the infection. Idaho is right behind with four infections. The other states affected include Connecticut, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington, for a total of 17 cases. Don't miss: The Division 1.19 Update Adds Global Events & Xbox One X 4K - Patch Notes Officials have been analyzing the DNA of the bacterial strain in order to link the individual illnesses to the larger outbreak. The people who have been confirmed sickened in the outbreak fell ill in late March, according to the CDC. Six of them were hospitalized and, of that group, one developed kidney failure from a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. ehec-bacteria Courtesy Manfred Rohde, Helmholtz-Zentrum fuer Infektionsforschung (HZI)/Getty Images Most popular: U.S. Has a New Plan to Fight North Korea: Shoot Down Kim Jong Un's Missiles As They Launch, but Can It Work? That condition most often affects children who have been infected with E. coli, the National Kidney Foundation explains. It springs up when the toxins from the bacteria spread from the intestines into the blood and cause damage to small blood vessels. It harms the kidneys when damaged red blood cells and other pieces clog up the organs and prevent them from doing their job of filtering waste from the body. Hemolytic uremic syndrome can be treated in many cases. Story continues Out of the 17 new E. coli cases, 11 were found in women. The patients are between 12 and 84 years old. None of the patients has died. The investigation is still ongoing and a specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain has not been identified as the source of infections, the CDC said. State and local public health officials are interviewing ill people to determine what they ate and other exposures in the week before their illness started. People who have been infected with E. coli bacteria can show symptoms like bloody diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain, but will often recover within a span of a week. Some methods for reducing the risk of infection include thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom or before cooking and eating, fully cooking meats to kill germs, and avoiding unpasteurized products like raw milk. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Quito (Ecuador) (AFP) - Ecuador on Friday confirmed the deaths of two journalists and their driver who had been kidnapped by renegade Colombian rebels -- and quickly launched a retaliatory military operation in the area where they were snatched. Bogota also sent troops into the dense jungle border zone where the remnants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group operate -- a key point on the trade route for drugs destined for Central America or the United States. The killings -- after what is thought to be the first such abduction of journalists on Ecuadoran soil in three decades -- have shaken a country unaccustomed to the cruel violence linked to trafficking that has ravaged Colombia. The three men, who worked for the influential El Comercio newspaper -- were kidnapped on March 26 while covering a story on violence along the border, where Ecuadoran forces have been battling Colombian rebels engaged in drug trafficking. Reporter Javier Ortega, 32, photographer Paul Rivas, 45, and their driver Efrain Segarra, 60, were snatched in the coastal region of Mataje on Ecuador's northern border with Colombia. Ecuadoran President Lenin Moreno had given the kidnappers a 12-hour window to provide proof of life for the trio, but that expired on Friday and he announced their deaths shortly thereafter. "Sadly, we have information confirming the murder of our fellow countrymen," Moreno told reporters in Quito, some of whom broke down in tears, while others exchanged embraces. He then sent troops into the border zone. "We have resumed ... military and police operations in the strip of land by the border where they were previously suspended and I am immediately sending in a deployment of elite units from the army and the police," Moreno said. Ecuadoran officials believe the hostages were taken into Colombia and have made contact with both the Catholic Church and the International Committee of the Red Cross for help in "immediately starting" the process of locating their bodies and bringing them home. Story continues - $100,000 bounty - Speaking in Lima, where he was attending the Summit of the Americas, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos denounced the murders as "a deplorable act," confirming his troops had also been sent in. "We have already started operations on the Colombian side of the border as they have in Ecuador," he said, while insisting the abduction "happened in Ecuador" and was led by an Ecuadoran national. Ecuador's military has blamed the abduction on the Oliver Sinisterra Front, a group which counts between 70 and 80 rebels and is headed by Walter Artizala, an Ecuadoran in his 30s who goes by the name "Guacho". A former FARC rebel with expertise in explosives, drug smuggling and financing, Guacho is one of the most wanted men in both Colombia and Ecuador. "We have included the drug-smuggling terrorist Guacho on Ecuador's most wanted list and we are offering a reward of $100,000 for any information which leads to his capture," Moreno said. According to Colonel Polibio Vinueza, who heads the police's anti-hostage unit, Guacho had been in touch with the Ecuadoran authorities "since April 7, using WhatsApp" with the aim of reaching a deal to swap them for three rebels held in Mataje on trafficking charges. But as his own boss, and without anyone to answer to, the rebel chief could change his mind on a whim, "depending on circumstances," Vinueza explained. - 'Emotional coverage' - Late Thursday, a visibly emotional Moreno had issued an ultimatum to the kidnappers after his government received photos from a Colombian TV station suggesting the three were dead. Cutting short a trip to Lima for the Americas summit, he hunkered down with his cabinet to handle the crisis. But as his 12-hour deadline passed, news of their fate became clear. The murders were roundly denounced by governments in the region and beyond, with Costa Rica expressing its "absolute condemnation" of the bloodshed and Spain denouncing it as a "vile and criminal act." The announcement draws a line under a 19-day nightmare for the families, with information emerging on a piecemeal basis and often skewed by rumor and falsehoods. "This is very painful because we had faith and hope that the team would be found alive," said Alex Llanos, a journalist with Ecuador TV as a group of people held a vigil outside the government building in Quito. "Our coverage is very unusual because it is filled with emotion." QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno on Thursday gave a Colombian insurgent group 12 hours to prove that two journalists and their driver, kidnapped last month on their common border, are alive or their security forces would take joint action against them. Moreno returned to his capital, Quito, from a regional summit in Lima, Peru, following unconfirmed reports that El Comercio reporter Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and driver Efrain Segarra were killed by a group of former fighters of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Without specifying exactly what action would be launched once the deadline passed, Moreno said he had spoken to Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos and asked him to deal forcefully with the group, which funds itself via the illegal cocaine trade. "I give these narcos 12 hours to give us proof of the existence of our compatriots otherwise we will go with all forcefulness," Moreno told reporters. "When I called President Santos this afternoon I told him we were asking for strong actions from them," Moreno said. Santos said on his Twitter account that Moreno could count on the support of Colombia's armed forces. On Wednesday, a statement apparently issued by the Oliver Sinisterra front - a faction of the former FARC guerrillas that refused to adhere to a 2016 peace agreement - reported that the Ecuadorians had died in a failed rescue operation. Colombia denied any rescue attempt and a day later a photograph appeared - which has not been released - that media has reported shows the bodies of three men. The image is being analyzed by forensic analysts, but Ecuador's interior minister, Cesar Navas, said he could not confirm if it was the three media workers. The journalists and their driver were on assignment for the El Comercio newspaper when they were seized. A proof-of-life photograph released immediately after their kidnapping showed them chained and padlocked by the neck. More than a thousand FARC fighters refused to demobilize under the accord with Santos and continue drug trafficking across the nation. Those operating in Colombia's southern jungles have attacked Ecuadorean security forces along the border. The FARC, which battled for more than a half century, attacked military targets and civilian towns, but generally allowed journalists to work freely, unless they went against the rebels' interests. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia in Quito,; Writing by Helen Murphy in Bogota; Editing by Darren Schuettler) Quito (Ecuador) (AFP) - Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno announced Thursday he would return home from the Summit of Americas in Peru to address a "critical situation" related to a team of abducted reporters following reports they had been killed. "I have decided to return immediately to Ecuador because of the critical situation we are experiencing right now," the Moreno said on Twitter on Thursday, the same day he had arrived in Peruvian capital Lima for the summit. Moreno added he would be accompanied by relatives of the team, who had also traveled to Peru to pressure him and his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos to secure the journalists' release. Reporter Javier Ortega, 32, photographer Paul Rivas, 45, and their driver Efrain Segarra, 60, were kidnapped by rogue Colombian FARC guerrillas on March 26 at the Ecuador-Colombia border. On April 3, Colombia's RCN television aired a 23-second video showing the trio wearing chains with locks around their necks, the first proof of life. One of the hostages asked President Moreno to reach an agreement for their release. Moreno in turn announced his government "will do everything possible and impossible so that they return safe and sound," according to a spokesman. Moreno decided to return urgently to Quito after a Colombian television channel announced it had received photographs that may be the three journalists. The journalists were on assignment in the border area where Ecuadoran security forces have come under a series of deadly attacks blamed on rogue FARC elements involved in drug trafficking. A 2016 pact between the Colombian government and the FARC ended half a century of armed conflict, saw 7,000 rebels disarmed and the ex-rebels transform into a political party. However, some 1,100 guerrillas broke away from the agreement, primarily to pursue drug trafficking and illegal mining, according to the Colombian government and independent research centers. The FARC has long been active in the remote Ecuador-Colombia border region. By Conor Humphries and Julia Fioretti DUBLIN/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The ability of firms such as Facebook to easily transfer Europeans' data to the United States was plunged into legal limbo on Thursday when the Irish High Court asked the EU's top court for a detailed assessment of whether the methods were legal. The Irish High Court referral, published on Thursday and due to be submitted to the ECJ by the end of April, stems from a case brought by an Austrian privacy activist against the methods used by Facebook to store user data on U.S. servers following revelations in 2013 of mass U.S. surveillance practices. Cross-border data transfers are an integral part of companies' business - be it for human resources purposes, completing credit card transactions or storing people's browsing histories - but the referral casts renewed uncertainty on the legal mechanisms underpinning billions of dollars' worth of data transfers. The High Court's five-page referral asks the Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) if the Privacy Shield - under which companies certify they comply with EU privacy law when transferring data to the United States - does in fact mean that the United States "ensures an adequate level of protection". EU data protection law prohibits personal data being transferred to a country with inadequate privacy protections. Facebook has until April 30 to lodge an application to block the referral. Paul Gallagher, a lawyer for the U.S. firm., said he was considering whether to request a delay or a possible appeal. Facebook is under scrutiny after it emerged the personal information of up to 87 million users, mostly in the United States, may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. Data privacy has been under major public scrutiny since the revelations in 2013 by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden of mass U.S. surveillance caused political outrage in Europe. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was grilled this week by U.S. lawmakers on the privacy lapses, but came away mostly unscathed with little sign of a consensus emerging on whether regulation was needed to safeguard privacy. PRIVACY SHIELD The Privacy Shield was hammered out between the EU and the United States after the Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) struck down its predecessor on the grounds that it did not afford Europeans' data enough protection from U.S. surveillance. Irish High Court Judge Caroline Costello in October said she had decided to ask the ECJ for a preliminary ruling in the case, but the scope of the referral only became clear on Thursday. Max Schrems, an Austrian law student who successfully challenged Safe Harbour - Privacy Shield's predecessor - subsequently brought a case against another legal instrument used by Facebook and other firms to transfer personal data to the United States, so-called standard contractual clauses. The High Court asked the ECJ whether personal data transferred from the EU to the United States using such clauses, and the separate privacy shield, violated Europeans' fundamental right to privacy. "Given the case law, the question in this case does not seem to be if Facebook can win it, but to what extent the Court of Justice will prohibit Facebooks EU-U.S. data transfers," Schrems said in a statement. The Irish court also asked the ECJ whether European data protection authorities ought to suspend data flows if the company moving the data outside the EU is subject to "surveillance laws" that conflict with the EU's right to privacy. Facebook has previously said the case could lead to a breakdown in transatlantic data transfers that could knock EU economic output by up to 1.3 percent. A ruling from the ECJ is likely to take around 18 months. (Reporting by Conor Humphries, writing by Julia Fioretti; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek and Alexandra Hudson) (Adds more quotes from speech) By Michael Holden LONDON, April 12 (Reuters) - The poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain with a nerve agent last month shows "how reckless Russia is prepared to be", the head of Britain's GCHQ spy agency said on Thursday in a scathing attack on the Kremlin. In his first public speech since taking over as head of Britain's eavesdropping intelligence agency last year, Jeremy Fleming said the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, southern England, was "particularly stark and shocking". He accused Russia of "not playing to the same rules" and blurring the boundaries between criminal and state activity. Britain has blamed Russia for the attack on the Skripals while Moscow has denied any involvement. It has led to one of the biggest diplomatic crises between Russia and Western nations since the Cold War. "You've heard it said, and I'll repeat, the attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, was the first time a nerve agent had been deployed in Europe since the Second World War," Fleming told a cyber conference in Manchester, northern England. "That's sobering. It demonstrates how reckless Russia is prepared to be, how little the Kremlin cares for the international rules-based order, how comfortable they are at putting ordinary lives at risk." Fleming, a former agent in Britain's MI5 domestic spy service, said the robust response from Britain and its Western allies, which led to both side expelling scores of diplomats, showed the Kremlin that "illegal acts" had consequences. Russia has accused Britain of trying to drum up anti-Russian sentiment, suggested the British might have carried out the attack themselves. It has denied possessing the nerve agent Britain says was used while Russian President Vladimir Putin has said it was nonsense to think that Moscow would have poisoned Skripal and his daughter. Fleming said Britain had for decades collected intelligence on Russian capabilities and for more than 20 years monitored their cyber threat. Story continues "It looks like our expertise on Russia will be in increasing demand," he added. "We will continue to expose Russia's unacceptable cyber behaviour." In his speech, Fleming also revealed that GCHQ had carried out a major cyber offensive campaign against Islamic State (IS)militants, the first time, he said, Britain had systematically and persistently degraded an enemy's efforts as part of wider action. "These operations have made a significant contribution to the coalition's efforts to suppress their propaganda, hindered their ability to coordinate attacks and protected coalition forces on the battlefield," he said. "In 2017 there were times when Daesh (IS) found it almost impossible to spread their hate online, to use their normal channels to spread their rhetoric, or trust their publications." (Editing by Stephen Addison) President Donald Trump tweeted a warning Wednesday to Russia that his nice and new and smart! missiles are going to hit Syria and its Gas Killing Animal ruler in retaliation for a chemical attack on the Damascus suburb of Douma. However, Trump and his allies, British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron, face a tough dilemma on how to react, since the situation in the Syrian civil war is considerably worse now than it was when the U.S. launched cruise missiles at the Shayrat airbase in April 2017. That retaliatory attack was ineffective and Syrian war planes were taking off from the base within hours of the strike. Forces loyal to President Bashar Assad hold more of Syria and the opposition forces have lost several bitterly contested cities since then, while the Turkish offensive into Afrin has exposed the contradictions in the US alliance system. Most significantly, in the aftermath of the Shayrat strike, Russia publicly increased the level of integration between its air defenses in Syria and those of the regime. More Integrated Air Defenses The linking of the Russian air defense picture in Syriainformed by modern and highly capable radars such as those found on Russian naval ships and the feared S-400 system at Latakiato the Syrian regimes own Russian-supplied air defense system means that the missile batteries that would oppose any U.S.-led strike will have better situational awareness and targeting capabilities than in previous years. It also means a greater and more open presence of Russian specialists embedded within the Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries, radar sites and command centersall essential targets for suppression as part of any concerted U.S. air effort against the regimes forces. The battered and technologically inferior Syrian air force would not be capable of significant defensive efforts against a U.S.-led attack. However, the Russian air force has a respectable number of modern and highly lethal air superiority and multirole fighters which it could, in theory, use to threaten Western sorties. Story continues Restricted Options What this means is that the US and its allies face a serious problem looking at options for punishing the Assad regime for thisthe latest in a series of brutal chemical weapons attacks on rebel-held, civilian-populated areas. While cruise missiles allow the U.S., and to a lesser extent France and the U.K., to attack regime targets in Syria without risking the safety of aircrew and without having to directly suppress the Syrian (and Russian) air defense network, there are serious limitations to what can be achieved beyond symbolic retaliation. Again, as the strike on Shayrat showed, even upwards of 50 (extremely expensive) cruise missiles landing on a single airbase were not able to keep it out of operation for more than a few hours, and the demonstration of intent evidently failed in deterring further chemical attacks. The strike largely depleted the magazines of three U.S. Navy warships in the Mediterranean and even the U.S. does not have endless supplies of such weapons available in theater at short notice. A Circumscribed Strategic Environment The huge destruction wrought across Syria by the long civil war has not dented the Assad regime and its supporters determination to achieve a military victory using whatever means and whatever the cost. It is, therefore, extremely unlikely that a limited strike or even a series of strikes will have much effect on the Assad regimes willingness to continue the fight in much the same way as it has until now. In terms of destroying the means for Assad to carry out chemical weapons attacks, chlorine gas is the main weapon used since the deal to remove most of the regimes nerve agent stocks. It is a readily available industrial chemical. It is very difficult to imagine a series of targeted U.S. strikes being able to destroy all the possible sources of the industrial chorine cylinders which are incorporated into barrel bombs and rockets with such deadly effect. However, destroying the Syrian air forces means of deliveryits jets and helicopterswould require far more than cruise missiles. It would require a concerted, large scale air effort involving hundreds of fighters, bombers, jamming aircraft and Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The U.S. Air Force could use stealth aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit with a reasonable probability of being able to evade the regimes defenses and contain any Russian disruption effort. However, such assets are scarce and are unlikely to materially change the balance of power in Syria except as the leading edge of a larger air campaign which would require the total suppression of the defenses. For France and the U.K., whose air forces lack operational stealth aircraft, any manned strike missions would be at serious risk from the Syrian defenses cued in by Russian radars even without the overt participation of Russian aircraft and SAM systems. The Israeli Air Force, with unmatched experience of operating against the Syrian air defense system, lost an F-16 fighter recentlyshowing that the risk is real even for deep specialists in confronting this threat. When all is said and done, the U.S., France and potentially the U.K. have the means to undertake another round of symbolic but ultimately ineffective strikes using standoff weapons against Assads airbases and potentially weapons storage areas. However, this is unlikely to affect the regimes determination or ability to continue its military efforts to crush the opposition using urban sieges, massive bombardments and chemical weapons. A larger effort to annihilate the Syrian air force or even the regimes ability to continue the war effectively would require a large-scale air campaign which could be only conducted if it involved the suppressionby forceof the Syrian air defense network and possibly the Russian militarys air defenses. This would by necessity involve killing Russian troops and, for this reason, is an extremely dangerous and unlikely course of action. This analysis first appeared on RUSI.org, the website of the Royal United Services Institute. Further analysis at: https://rusi.org/regions/middle-east-and-north-africa/syria Paris (France) (AFP) - French police have cleared out protesting students at the Sorbonne university in Paris who were threatening to take over the famed campus as part of nation-wide demonstrations against higher education reforms. Police moved in late on Thursday night at the request of its chancellor after a group of students voted to occupy the university in central Paris in an echo of the momentous student-led protests of 1968. Many students and trade union movements have invoked the spirit of those mass demonstrations 50 years ago in their bid to rally opposition to centrist President Emmanuel Macron "The evacuation which involved 191 people happened calmly and without any incident," a statement from Paris police said. The university announced it would be closed on Friday and Saturday. Students began occupying a handful of universities in March over higher education reforms introduced by Macron that give public universities the power to set admission criteria and rank applicants. Some students and leftist political opponents have criticised the move as a violation of the principle of free education for all. French students who pass their school-leaving exams can currently enrol in any university course they choose, a situation blamed by the government for overcrowding and the failure of 60 percent of students to complete their degree within four years. According to the education ministry, four entire universities are blocked or closed, raising concerns for students who must sit year-end exams in the next few months. Eleven faculties elsewhere have been disrupted or blocked. France's Higher Education Minister Frederique Vidal said on Friday morning that "university heads have extremely difficult work to do and they are under extreme pressure". Macron played down the disruption during an interview on Thursday during which he took a hardline on students who he said risked failing their exams if they continued. Story continues "There are very few universities that are closed," he said. "I notice that in a lot of the blocked universities, they aren't students but professional agitators, professionals in chaos." "Students if they want to pass their year-end exams, it's a good idea to revise because there aren't any chocolate-box exams in the Republic," he warned. Students at Nanterre university west of Paris, another cradle of student protests in 1968, have demanded that education authorities grant them an average of 15/20 for the last semester despite the disruption. Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told France 2 television on Friday that "a lot of the occupiers in these universities have not been students for long (and) are in a political fight... often linked to the far left." burs-adp/dcr Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Clashes erupted as thousands protested for a third consecutive Friday along Gaza's border with Israel amid violence in which Israeli forces have killed 34 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others. The numbers of protesters were smaller than in previous weeks, though still substantial and with Gaza's health ministry reporting dozens more Palestinians wounded and one killed by Israeli gunfire. Islam Herzallah, 28, died in hospital after being shot by Israeli troops east of Gaza City, the ministry said. Clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers took place in multiple spots along the border while tear gas and plumes of black smoke from burning tyres filled the air in some areas. More than 500 people were wounded, including 122 from gunfire, according to Gaza's health ministry, with the other injuries including those from tear gas. Two journalists were wounded by gunfire, the Palestinian journalists' syndicate said, a week after a Gazan journalist was killed. Israel's army estimated the number of people "rioting" at 10,000 and alleged there were attempts to damage and breach the border fence, while it said firebombs and explosive devices were used. Palestinians also sought to pull away barbed wire set up by Israeli forces to keep them away from the fence, an AFP journalist said. The military said soldiers responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." It distributed a photo of "a terrorist wielding an item suspected of being an explosive device," but an AFP journalist who witnessed the event said it was a firework that did not explode. Dozens of Israeli flags were burned, as were photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seen by protesters as cooperating with Israel. The protests since March 30 have posed a challenge to Israel, which has dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement are necessary and will not change. Story continues Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Friday "there are fewer riots on our border," adding that "our resolve is well-understood on the other side." - Calls for independent probe - In the northern Gaza Strip, Sumaya Abu Awad, 36, attended the protest with her three daughters and son. "I am not afraid of death because there is no life in Gaza already," she said. The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes, now inside Israel. Israelis say that amounts to calling for the country's destruction. The first two Fridays saw tens of thousands gather at five locations along the border with Israel. Smaller numbers have approached the fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres towards soldiers who took up positions on the other side. Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protests as cover to carry out violence. It has pledged to stop attacks, damage to the fence and infiltration bids, and says there have been attempts at all three. But Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation. - 'Excessive and lethal force' - The dead from last Friday included a journalist, Yasser Murtaja, who witnesses said was wearing a press vest at the time he was shot. Israel claimed he was a paid member of Hamas, but produced no evidence. The company Murtaja co-founded had been vetted for US government funding, while an international journalists federation said he was harassed and beaten by Hamas police in 2015. Rights groups have strongly criticised Israeli forces while pointing to unverified videos that have spread online of Gazans appearing to be shot, including one seeming to show a Palestinian targeted as he ran away from the fence while holding a tyre. "The Israeli authorities must put an immediate end to the excessive and lethal force being used to suppress Palestinian demonstrations in Gaza," Amnesty International said Friday. Hamas officials had said in recent days they wanted this week's protest to see less bloodshed and hoped to keep momentum building for May 14, when the United States is expected to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see the Israel-annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Organisers have reiterated their call for peaceful protests. The official end date of the protests is May 15, when Palestinians mark the Nakba, or "catastrophe," commemorating the more than 700,000 who fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years, while its border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years. By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA BORDER (Reuters) - As plumes of tear gas drift across the Israeli no-go zone inside Gaza's border fence, Palestinian protesters dart between them, relying on an array of home-made devices to keep out the fumes. Medical masks, plastic bottles, T-shirts and keffiyehs have all been pressed into service against the gas canisters fired daily by Israeli troops. One ingredient is common to many of the devices: onions. A single vegetable's effectiveness is questionable when pitted against the latest "riot dispersal means" deployed by one of the best-equipped armies in the Middle East. But the protesters persist. Some say they are imitating the techniques used in the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, against Israel in the 1980s. Others have copied masks they saw in Hollywood movIes such as 'V for Vendetta.' Jehad Abu Mehsen, 48, covered most of her face with a plastic bottle holding an onion in place over her nose. She was sure that the more onion she used, the longer she could stay at a protest. "It does help to alleviate the strong smell but it doesn't stop the gas from coming. I have twice been taken to the medical tent to be treated," she said. Mazen Al-Najar, 15, preferred a cocktail of ingredients - an empty Coca Cola can filled with cotton, perfume and coal. Asked what would he hope to become when he grew up, he paused before saying, "Maybe a mask-maker." Tear gas is by no means the worst hazard faced by the protesters. Thirty Palestinians have been killed during the six-week "Great March of Return", which has renewed longstanding Palestinian demands for the right to return to the homes that their families fled during violence surrounding the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. The Israeli government refuses to grant Palestinians any such the right to return, fearing that the country would lose its Jewish majority. Israel's military and political leadership have defended the use of live fire against protesters, saying that they will continue to protect Israel's border. They also accuse Hamas and other militant groups of instigating the demonstrations and using them as cover to launch attacks. No Israelis have been killed or injured. Protest numbers are expected to rise on Friday, when the demonstrations reach their peak. So far, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health, 3,000 people have been wounded, including 900 suffering gas inhalation. Mahmoud Al-Khuzundar, a chest physician in Gaza, said the protesters' makeshift means of protection were useless against direct exposure to tear gas, and had more of psychological impact. "Some people try to be creative, others want to look tough," he said. (Reporting by Nidal Almughrabi; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Berlin (Germany) (AFP) - Police in the central German city of Fulda said they shot dead a young Afghan refugee who went on a violent rampage in a bakery early Friday. The 19-year-old allegedly attacked the driver of a delivery truck at the bakery at 4:20am (0220 GMT), before smashing the shop's windows, local police and prosecutors said. As police arrived on the scene, the young man flung stones at the officers. Police subsequently opened fire, killing the man. His motives, as well as the circumstances of the attack were as yet unclear, added authorities. A spokesman for the prosecution service told AFP that there were currently no indication that the attack was due to political reasons. BERLIN (Reuters) - The German government on Thursday said it would continue border controls at its border with Austria for six more months to ensure Germany's security and deal with ongoing migrant flows. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said he valued Europe's Schengen zone of free travel as one of Europe's greatest achievements, but he had no choice but to extend the checks at the Austrian border for now. "Deficits in protection of the EU external borders and the scale of the illegal, secondary migration at the moment allow no other conclusion than that domestic border controls at the German-Austrian border remain necessary," Seehofer said in a statement released by the ministry. Germany and other Schengen countries introduced emergency border controls in 2015 after more than 1 million refugees and migrants flooded into Europe. Seehofer has been a frequent critic of Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to open the door to the migrants. His Bavarian CSU conservative party is scrambling to win back voters in the upcoming Bavarian state election. In the national election last September, it bled support to Alternative for Germany, a far-right, anti-immigrant party. Seehofer had repeatedly vowed to continue the border checks during the national election campaign. The ministry said the decision to extend the controls, which takes effect on May 12, had been coordinated with France, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The six countries had agreed last year to extend the internal border checks until mid-May. It said it notified other European countries about the decision on Thursday. Nearly all EU states consider the free-travel Schengen area to be a major benefit of decades of European integration. They are keen to avoid disruptions to travel and trade. But border checks have become the new reality since 2015, and the bloc is working on changing its laws to allow for the introduction of such measures more easily and for longer periods. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal, editing by Larry King) General Motors has consistently declined to fund public charging stations that increase the utility and long-distance potential of the electric cars it sells. The company said firmly two years ago it had no intention of spending money on a charging network, a stance that distinguished GM from BMW, Nissan, and Volkswagen, not to mention Tesla. On Thursday, GM announced that it would partner with national charging network EVgo to set up DC fast-charging sites for drivers of its Chevrolet Bolt EV electric car. But only certain drivers. CHECK OUT: GM Won't Fund CCS Fast-Charging Sites For Chevy Bolt EV (Jan 2016) Specifically, GM's Maven car-sharing unit will get its own dedicated EVgo network of fast-charging stations, exclusively for the use of Maven Gig drivers who operate all-electric Bolt EVs. The two companies described their plan as the nation's first fast-charging network dedicated solely to the needs of on-demand drivers. Maven's Bolt EV drivers have already used public EVgo fast-charging sites as part of a pilot program in seven cities: Austin, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston; Los Angeles; San Diego; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C. The full national network will build on lessons learned from that effort, ultimately expanding to "hundreds of stations in Maven markets across the country." 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV electric car at EVgo fast-charging station, Newport Centre, Jersey City, NJ According to an EVgo representative, Bolt EV drivers who are not members of the Maven Gig service will not be able to access the EVgo fast chargers dedicated to Maven, which will be clearly marked as such. Conventional EVgo account-holders will not be able to initiate DC fast-charging sessions on the new network, he said. In their release, the two companies claim electric-car use is growing rapidly across the country among ridesharing fleets, which can put more than 50,000 miles per year on an individual vehicle. CHECK OUT: More details on fast-charging rate in 2017 Chevy Bolt EV electric car That makes the low per-mile cost of recharging electric cars highly attractive. The Maven-EVgo announcement did not specify the prices drivers would pay for fast charging on the dedicated network. Story continues EVgo now operates more than 1,000 DC fast-charging stations across the country. It recently simplified its membership fees and lowered it charging rates, reducing them for many users. A Chevy Bolt EV can add 100 miles of range or more within 30 minutes at a 50-kilowatt fast-charging station. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV electric car at EVgo fast-charging station, Newport Centre, Jersey City, NJ But the car's charging rate slows down after the battery is slightly more than half-charged, to protect the battery from the heat of charging and extend its lifespan. That means fast charging is most efficient for Bolt EV drivers when their batteries have relatively little range left in them, as Green Car Reports learned while charging a Bolt EV test car. READ THIS: GM's Maven car-sharing adds Chevy Bolt EV electric cars (Feb 2017) Members of the Maven Gig service have driven almost 9 million miles in electric cars, said Julia Steyn, vice president of Maven and of the GM Urban Mobility unit. As for the 20,000 to 25,000 Chevy Bolt EV drivers who bought their electric cars at retail, nothing's changed: They can continue to sign up and pay for the various regional and national fast-charging networks at retail rates. California Gov. Jerry Brown said Wednesday he would accept federal funds to add hundreds of new members to the National Guard to support the states ongoing program to combat transnational crime. But he emphasized that the troops wouldnt be enforcing federal immigration policies. The announcement comes in response to President Donald Trumps directive to the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to work with governors across the country to deploy National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Brown said he would accept funding from the federal government to increase the states guard by some 400 troops. Of these new guard members, some would be stationed at the border, he said, while others would be deployed to the coast and other parts of California. Lets be crystal clear on the scope of this mission, he wrote. This will not be a mission to build a new wall. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws. It isnt clear how many of the 400 would be deployed to the border. But Brown noted in his letter that the state currently has 250 personnel across the state, 55 of whom are stationed at the border, as a part of its program to combat transnational crime. The location of Guard personnel and number specifically working in support of operations along the border, the coast and elsewhere in the state will be dictated by the needs on the ground, Evan Westrup, a spokesperson for Brown, told HuffPost on Wednesday. Brown said the additional members would contribute to the guards ongoing efforts, which include targeting transnational criminal gangs, human traffickers and illegal firearm and drug smugglers along the border, the coast and throughout the state. Story continues The governor also noted that the states National Guard agreed to similar targeted assistance under the past two presidents. Browns announcement comes amid growing tensions between California and the Trump administration. In March, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a federal lawsuit targeting the states so-called sanctuary policies that dont fully cooperate with federal deportation efforts. Governors act as the commander-in-chief of their respective states guards, which is why Trump isnt authorized to direct the troops as he sees fit. Earlier this month, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said she would flat-out reject the presidents request. If @realDonaldTrump asks me to deploy Oregon Guard troops to the Mexico border, Ill say no. As Commander of Oregons Guard, Im deeply troubled by Trumps plan to militarize our border. Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) April 4, 2018 Texas, meanwhile, has sent 250 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border since Trump made the announcement. Trump has warned of caravans threatening to shuttle waves of dangerous immigrants across the border a fear-mongering tactic that echoes racist and derogatory comments he made on the campaign trail and in the first year of his presidency. In his letter, Jerry Brown pointed out that the number of undocumented immigrants apprehended by Border Patrol agents is already the lowest its been in decades. Here are the facts: there is no massive wave of migrants pouring into California, the governor wrote. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. ATHENS (Reuters) - A Greek prosecutor appealed on Friday against the rejection of a Maltese request to extradite a whistleblower who supplied documents to murdered investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Malta has issued a European arrest warrant for 36-year-old Russian Maria Efimova, who stirred a political scandal over allegations of wrongdoing at Maltese-registered Pilatus Bank. Efimova, who left Malta last year with her family, turned herself in to Greek police last month. She was arrested under the warrant for alleged misappropriation of funds, accusations that she denies. A court ruled on Thursday against extraditing Efimova to Malta and ordered her release. Following the prosecutor's appeal, Greece's top court is expected to hear the case, judiciary sources said on Friday. Efimova was employed for three months in 2016 by Pilatus Bank [PILAT.UL]. Caruana Galizia, an anti-corruption blogger, identified her as the source of internal bank documents. These, the journalist said before her death, indicated that Michelle Muscat, wife of Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, owned a secret company in Panama. The Muscats have both denied the accusations. A group of 36 European parliament members signed a letter following Efimova's arrest, calling for her not to be extradited to Malta. Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb in October 2017 in an attack that shocked Malta. Three men have been charged with killing her but police have yet to give a motive. Pilatus Bank has accused Efimova of embezzlement. Efimova denies all charges and has counter-sued the bank for failing to pay her salary. (Reporting by Constantinos Georgizas; Writing by Renee Maltezou; editing by David Stamp) Guatemala City (AFP) - A long-running border dispute between Guatemala and Belize reaches a decision point on Sunday when Guatemalans vote on whether to send the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a ruling. The referendum will ask the country's 7.5 million electors whether The Hague-based ICJ should determine the final boundaries of the countries, which have been in contention for more than two centuries. It asks electors to respond "yes" or "no" to whether any legal claims by Guatemala against Belize relating to its territories "should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement" and boundary determination. The referendum was meant to have happened earlier. It was delayed when then-president Otto Perez was forced to resign in 2015 because of a corruption scandal, before an election put current President Jimmy Morales in power. Belize, too, is to hold a plebiscite on the issue. No date has yet been set, although officials say one could take place next year. - Troops mobilized - Both countries agreed to the ICJ route in a 2008 accord, pending voter approval through the referendums. The path to The Hague is meant to resolve border tensions that have surged and ebbed over the years. Most recently, in 2016, the dispute nearly turned ugly when Guatemala mobilized thousands of soldiers in the border zone in response to the shooting death of a Guatemalan boy. A Belize border patrol said it came under fire and acted in self-defense but an investigation by the Organization of American States later found Belize not responsible for the teenager's death. Guatemala has made claims over more than half of Belize's territory, dating back 150 years to when its English-speaking neighbor was a British colony known as British Honduras. Despite the tensions between the countries' governments and armed forces, Guatemalan voters appear largely unconcerned about the border issue and the steps to resolve it. Story continues The head of Guatemala's Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Maria Eugenia Mijangos, told reporters that voter apathy was the biggest risk. Previous referendums on other issues have seen turnout below 18 percent. Although there has been no reliable survey on the border question, some analysts believe turnout could be as low as 10 percent. Morales has launched a campaign to try to get people to polling stations, but his rapidly declining popularity has failed to stir the electorate. The border issue goes back to 1783 when Spain, the former colonial power over what is now Guatemala, gave Britain the right to occupy future Belize and exploit its timber in exchange for combating piracy. A century later, it became a British colony. In 1964, British Honduras won the right to self-government, then in 1973 renamed itself Belize. Independence came in 1981, though a British military presence remained until the mid-1990s because Guatemala refused for a decade to recognize it as a new country. Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Gunmen have killed 26 people in northern Nigeria's Zamfara state, in the latest in a series of attacks blamed on cattle thieves, a local official said Friday. Men on motorcycles attacked gold miners near Kuru-Kuru village in Anka district late Thursday and clashed with residents from a nearby village who had mobilised in anticipation of the assault. "We buried 26 people killed in the two attacks by the armed bandits," chairman of Anka local government Mustapha Gado Anka told AFP. "The victims were miners from Kuru-Kuru that were attacked and residents of Jarkuka village who had come to help their neighbours," Anka said. He said the assailants ambushed the group of volunteers from Jarkuka who had come to help. Zamfara state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu confirmed the attack, but declined to give details "until after the police commissioner is briefed". The killings were the latest round of tit-for-tat attacks by cattle thieves on farming communities in the state. Last month, at least 36 people were killed in a similar fashion in nearby Bawar-Daji. Gunmen on motorbikes invaded the village and opened fire on mourners who had gone to a cemetary to bury victims of a previous attack. For several years, rural communities in the agrarian state have been under siege from gangs of cattle rustlers who carry out deadly raids on herding communities to kill, loot and burn homes. In the absence of a robust police force and effective judicial system in Nigeria, villagers have created local vigilante groups to fight off the gangs. But the vigilantes are equally responsible for the bloodshed and are also accused of extra-judicial killings. Residents said the intensification of the attacks was because locals were cooperating with soldiers sent to quell the attacks. "People have been cooperating with soldiers sent to fight the bandits and we believe this is why they have been launching renewed attacks," a resident told AFP. Story continues In early April, the Nigerian air force deployed special forces to the state to reinforce troops on the ground fighting the bandits. Following the Bawar-Daji attack, state governor Abdulaziz Yari ordered troops to shoot on sight anyone found with a gun in the area. Nigeria, West Africa's largest economy, is battling an array of security concerns across the country, from Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast to oil militants in the south. President Muhammadu Buhari has deployed troops in many states to combat cattle rustlers and criminal gangs and try and contain clashes between herdsmen and farmers. Gymnast Laurie Hernandez has been incredibly busy since winning gold and silver medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In the span of two years, shes won Dancing With the Stars, published a memoir (she also has a childrens book coming out this fall), and designed a tween clothing collection, ob.sess, for JCPenney. Now, as the 17-year-old gets ready to graduate from high school, she is also revving up her gymnastics training in preparation to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Ive taken about two years off of gymnastics, she said during a BUILD interview on Thursday. Seeing that were two years away from the next Olympics, thats something that makes my heart race a little bit I miss it a lot. Ive started basic training and Im hoping to be competing by 2019. Laurie Hernandez. (Photo: BUILD) But what does basic training even mean if youre an Olympian with a gold medal as a member of Team USA and a silver medal for the balance beam? Basic training, for me, its going to a regular gym as much as I can and doing workouts that I would usually do at a gymnastics facility, Hernandez told the BUILD audience. And when Im home, then Im going to a gymnastics facility and doing basics such as kicks and front flips and back flips and stuff. Basically anything to warm my body up. I feel like my bodys been in hibernation for two years. At 16, Hernandez was the youngest member of the Final Five in Rio, but her Olympics experience in Tokyo, as a seasoned member of the team, would certainly be a different. Im excited to be out there, Hernandez said. Team USA supporters will certainly be excited to see the champion gymnast back out there too. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Donald Trump, the US president, has warned of a tough response to a chemical attack in Syria but it is yet unclear what form this will take. Mr Trump had some strong words for Russia, which backs the Syrian regime in the war, warning President Vladimir Putin he would pay a big price. His comments threatened to ratchet up tensions between the two former Cold War foes. What is likely to happen next? The attack came days after Mr Trump announced a draw down of US troops, which some analysts say may have served as a green light to President Bashar al-Assad. Douma chemical attack The US and its Western allies general inaction over Syria has only emboldened Mr Assad, who has for years been acting with impunity as the international community sat on its hands. A US Tomahawk missiles strike on a government air base after last years deadly chemical attack was a sharp tap on the wrist that succeeded in destroying a few jets, but no meaningful response followed. Mr Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed the strike overnight, agreeing it had been chemical in nature and what their move should be if blame could be apportioned to the regime. What will Britain do? Behind the scenes, Washington, Paris and London, had been discussing a possible trilateral response to any such chemical attack. However, the UK, whose parliament is this week in recess, has just to make any official announcement. Any action would require a parliamentary vote. The UK was in the same position in 2013 after the last big chemical attack in Syria and the vote did not pass. Syria war timeline Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary called for a "strong and robust international response", without elaborating. Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has merely pointed to the United Nations upcoming Security Council meeting. The UK and other nations called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to be held later today. Russia is a veto-wielding memo and has previously prevented any investigation into Syrian regime attacks. Story continues The US could partner with France in the strike directly, leaving Britain out. John Bolton, Mr Trumps new National Security adviser, starts in the job today. He has previously advocated for strikes against Syria and will likely do the same now he has the presidents ear. Any action will likely be limited to cruise missiles strikes on Syrian aircraft. Both will be looking not to get dragged further into the intractable conflict, particularly Mr Trump who had campaigned on getting America out of Middle East conflicts. Syria chemical attack What about Israel? It looks as though the strike on T4, or Tyras, base in Homs, central Syria, in the early hours of Monday morning was from Israeli. Israel is not part of the US-led coalition and its decision to unilaterally strike will be seen as the Jewish state acting in its own national interest. It likely had its own intelligence about Syrian government and Iranian assets on the ground, which it was keen to destroy before it had the chance to move anything like it did after before last years Tomahawk strike. Iran is a key backer of Mr Assad. Will there be a World War Three? It is unlikely. We have been here before and both the US and Russia have looked to avoid a direct confrontation at all costs. Having said that, the political landscape has changed considerably in the last year. US and Russia relations are as bad as they have ever been under Mr Trump. Syrian Army soldiers gathering in an area on the eastern outskirts of Douma, as they continue their fierce offensive to retake the last opposition holdout in Eastern Ghouta Credit: AFP/AFP The US has expanded sanctions against Moscow and expelled a number of its diplomats over the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Salisbury. "We're not heading to a nuclear war with the Russians, but this is a dangerous period," said Ian Bremmer, president of geopolitical-risk firm Eurasia Group. "If the Americans engage in direct strikes against Assad given their direct support by the Russians and the Iranians it is a dangerous thing to do, but I do think that it's an appropriate thing to do in this environment." The Russians have too much invested to back down and Mr Trump has already signalled he does not see America has any business left in Syria beyond defeating Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. SheKnows Donald Trump had more than his share of infidelity allegations while he was in the White House. For some people in that position, they might be on their best behavior, knowing that America was watching their every move. But for Donald, he reportedly doubled down on his bad behavior by trying to get the attention [] Former FBI Director James Comey believed Hillary Clinton would defeat Donald Trump in the 2016 election. So much so, that Comey wrote in his new book that he worried the FBI, Justice Department and Clintons potential presidency would face intense criticism if he hadnt announced the reopening of her private email server probe less than two weeks before the election. Fired by Trump in May, Comey has launched this week the media tour for his new book, A Higher Loyalty, with excerpts and quotes scattered across news outlets. Most of them have been damning accusations or insults about Trump's White House, but the book also reportedly delves deep into his handling of the Clinton investigation, The Guardian reported Friday. Comey was worried that the countrys top law enforcement agencies would suffer if the public later discovered the FBI had obtained new emails in the Clinton probe. But he said he also believed Clinton would still prove victorious. Trending: U.S. Versus Russia: These Are Their Weapons In Syria And What May Happen Next He wrote: Assuming, as nearly everyone did, that Hillary Clinton would be elected president of the United States in less than two weeks, what would happen to the FBI, the Justice Department or her own presidency if it later was revealed, after the fact, that she still was the subject of an FBI investigation? Comey famously told lawmakers in a letter on October 28, 201611 days before the electionthat the FBI had learned of the existence of emails that appear be pertinent to the [Clinton] investigation. That revelation came more than three months after Comey said at a press conference that the FBI would not be charging Clinton. Since losing the election, Clinton has blamed Comey, in part, for her loss. Don't miss: China Says It Urgently Needs a Powerful Military As Trump Threatens Beijing GettyImages-945417608 Getty Images/Scott Olson Story continues Trump, who has accused Comey of leaking information to the press and lying about their interactions, initially praised Comey at a campaign rally in Michigan on October 31, 2016. "That was so bad what happened originally, and it took guts for Director Comey to make the move that he made in light of the kind of opposition he had where theyre trying to protect her from criminal prosecution," Trump said. "It took a lot of guts." Comey said in his new tome that he would have made different choices regarding the email probe. Hindsight is always helpful, and if I had to do it over again, I would do some things differently, he wrote. Specifically, Comey pointed to the verbiage he used at that July 2016 press conference to describe Clintons actions while she was secretary of state. Comey wrote: More important, I would have tried to find a better way to describe Secretary Clintons conduct.... My use of extremely careless naturally sounded to many ears like the statutory languagegrossly negligenteven though thoughtful lawyers could see why it wasnt the same. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Things got real on Grey's Anatomy as one of the interns at Grey-Sloan Memorial was facing deportation. Thursday's episode, titled "Beautiful Dreamer," took on the very hot-button topic of immigration when an ICE agent came for Dr. Bello. Even though she has been a model citizen, the Dr. Bello had good reason to be scared. "I have a friend from high school. She was at work -- an intern in a law firm. ICE came to her work," Dr. Bello told Meredith Grey and Dr. Bailey. "They said that they just wanted to talk. Two days later, she was dropped off in Mexico City with a bag of clothes and a check from her family she had no way of cashing." Since it is Grey's Anatomy, they, of course, randomly found something wrong with the ICE agent's heart. While they were doing a procedure to help him, the agent admitted that he doesn't really like what his job has become. He said, "I wanted to be the sheriff that rode in at the last minute and saved everyone. Now, I don't know what we're doing. Staking out schools, taking kids, doctors -- I don't know what we're doing anymore." Since it turned out that Dr. Bello had recently run a red light, she was in real danger of being deported back to El Salvador, the country her family had fled from when she was just a baby. But that's when Meredith saved the day. She got Dr. Bello accepted into the Cardiothoracic Program at Klausman Institute where Dr. Yang now works. (Shout out to Sandra Oh!) While it's cool she gets to work with Dr. Yang, it's still terrible that she was forced to leave the country and the people she loves. Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC. Watch clips and full episodes of Grey's Anatomy for free on Yahoo View. Gold Coast (Australia) (AFP) - English world champion diver Tom Daley on Friday urged Commonwealth nations who outlaw homosexuality to relax their anti-gay stance. Openly gay Daley, who is expecting a child with his partner through a surrogate, grasped the opportunity of his gold medal triumph in the 10m synchro event to push for change. Daley, who won gold with team-mate Daniel Goodfellow, said sexual acts between consenting adults of the same sex are criminalised in 37 Commonwealth countries. Daley voiced his concerns about the treatment of homosexuals in large parts of the Commonwealth, whose athletes are gathered on Australia's Gold Coast for the ongoing Games. "Hopefully, I know this might sound a bit political, but by the next Commonwealth Games (in Birmingham 2022), there are 37 countries in the Commonwealth where it's currently illegal to be who I am, so hopefully we can reduce that number between now and then," Daley told reporters. "Coming to the Gold Coast and being able to live as an openly gay man is really important and to be able to feel comfortable in who you are when you are standing on that diving board. "For 37 countries that are here participating that's very much not the case." Daley said it was time for those Commonwealth countries to change their anti-gay laws. "You just have to face those things and try and make change," he said. "There are lots of things that are going to take a long time to change, but I feel with the Commonwealth I think we can really help push some of the other nations to relax their laws on anti-gay sex." Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg said his organisation was proud of its record on inclusivity. "At the time of Glasgow 2014, 43 Commonwealth countries criminalised same sex activity, but today, that number has been reduced to 37," Grevemberg said Friday. "We hope that the Commonwealth sports movement is playing a meaningful role in the wider global conversation around tolerance, empowerment and legal recognition for all." Story continues Daley's comments were backed by New Zealand boxer Alexis Pritchard, who wore rainbow socks in support of gay rights in her 57kg semi-final on Friday. "I think it's particularly sad that people cannot love who they want to love," she told AFP. "It's important that each and every individual has rights to receive love and give love to the people that they choose. "I find it absolutely sad that we are not open to that in so many nations." The penalties for private, consensual sexual conduct between same-sex adults remain harsh in a number of Commonwealth countries, including imprisonment, hard labour and in some cases flogging. The Commonwealth countries that outlaw homosexuality include Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Tonga. Investigators from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrested two men for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 1-year-old Malaysia Robson. Twenty-seven-year-old Darrin Banks and 29-year-old Brian Palmer were booked early Wednesday morning for the March 29 incident, according to an advisory from the police department. Trending: Diamond and Silk Hit Back at Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Censorship: We Are Not Terrorists Footage obtained from a surveillance camera showed the men sitting in a parked car and "deliberately fire more than 20 shots" into the home where Robson and her 19-year-old aunt Ana Fox were, said a source who had direct knowledge of the investigation to IndyStar. Police records show that Banks and Palmer face preliminary charges of murder and aggravated assault. The shooting incident reportedly sprang from an argument on social media, police said, according to WIBC. The outlet reported that Fox is still recovering from injuries. Don't miss: Oklahoma Walkout Supporters to Governor: 'I Do My Job Now Do Yours' The family of the 1-year-old said more than 40 shots were fired into the home, according to WXIN-TV I did not even get to say goodbye to her, the infant's grandmother, Robin Robson, told the outlet. Members of the community took to social media to voice their relief following the arrests. Most popular: Argentine Police Claim Half a Ton of Marijuana Was Eaten by Mice, but Judge Doesnt Buy It "We cannot tolerate this kind of senseless violence in our city," tweeted Rev. Charles R. Harrison, senior pastor of Barnes United Methodist Church. According to IndyStar, Robson is the 25th child who has died from gun violence in an Indianapolis criminal homicide since 2014. At the time of publication, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department told Newsweek that no more information was available. A police spokesperson said it was now up to prosecution. Story continues This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Beirut (Lebanon) (AFP) - Israel's strike on a Syrian airbase this week has put it in direct confrontation with regional foe Iran, the head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah movement said on Friday. "The Israelis committed a historic mistake... and put themselves in direct combat with Iran," Hassan Nasrallah warned in a televised address. Seven Iranian personnel were killed in Monday's early-morning strike on the T-4 airbase in Syria, but Tehran had not specified which units the fighters belonged to. On Friday, Nasrallah said the casualties were elite Iranian Revolutionary Guards, making the strike the first time in Syria's long-running conflict that they were intentionally hit by Israel. "This is unprecedented in seven years: that Israel directly targets Iran's Revolutionary Guard," Nasrallah said. "This is a turning point for the region, and what came before is not what will come after," he warned. In Israel, the army said Friday that an Iranian drone it which infiltrated the country from Syria before being shot down had been armed with explosives and was primed to carry out an attack. Israeli warplanes had retaliated the same day, attacking the "Iranian base" inside Syria from which the drone was allegedly launched. One of the planes was downed by Syrian air defences, crashing in Israel as its two pilots were hospitalised. Israel is believed to have carried out numerous raids inside Syria since 2013 but it rarely admits to them publicly, although it does say it wants to curb Iranian influence in Syria. It declined to comment on accusations by the Syrian and Russian governments that it was behind the T-4 strike. - US threats - Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah fighters have a presence at the T-4 base, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said a total of 14 fighters, including Iranians, died in the strike. No Russians were reported to have died. Story continues The strike came just two days after a suspected chemical gas attack which killed more than 40 people in a rebel-controlled town outside the Syrian capital. The alleged use of poison gas prompted US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders to threaten military action against Syria -- something Nasrallah shrugged off on Friday. "Let the whole world know that Trump's Hollywood-style tweets and threats have not, and will not, scare Syria, Iran, Russia, or the region's resistance movements and peoples," he said. Nasrallah echoed Syrian and Russian government denials that President Bashar al-Assad's forces were behind the attack. Douma was the last rebel-controlled town in the devastated suburb of Eastern Ghouta, which Assad is now poised to declare fully in government hands after a two-month assault. "Why would the victor use a chemical substance?" Nasrallah asked. Video: UN Calls Emergency Meeting as Crisis in Syria Worsens Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said on Friday an Iranian drone it shot down over Israeli territory in February was armed with explosives and was meant to carry out an attack. The Israeli military said that after analyzing the flight path and investigating the drone, it "concluded that the Iranian UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was armed with explosives and was tasked to attack Israel." By intercepting the drone, the military said, the "combat helicopters prevented the attack Iran had hoped to carry out in Israel." "The UAV was identified and tracked by Israeli defense systems until its destruction, effectively eliminating any threat the Iranian UAV posed," it said. The drone was downed on Feb. 10 by an Israeli Apache helicopter over the northern town of Beit Shean. It had been sighted taking off from a base in Syria and was intercepted after it crossed into Israeli territory, the Israeli military said. Iran at the time rejected as "ridiculous" the report that one of its drones had been intercepted. Israeli planes then struck an Iranian installation in Syria from which, the Israeli military said, the unmanned aircraft had been operated. An F-16, one of at least eight Israeli planes that had been despatched, was hit by a Syrian anti-aircraft missile and crashed in northern Israel. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Raissa Kasolowsky) TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israeli police emergency lines lit up on Thursday after warplanes roared over the Tel Aviv coast, dropping anti-missile flares and performing aerobatics at a time of tension along the border with Syria. It was just a rehearsal - practice flights are held every year - for the Israeli Air Force's annual Independence Day national flypast on April 19, but no prior announcement was made. "Many calls were received from worried citizens about noise from a squadron of planes in the Tel Aviv area," police said in statement. "We would like to make clear they were training for the Independence Day aerial display. There's no emergency." The military later issued a statement apologising for the scare and it listed locations and times of further rehearsals over the next few days ahead of the annual display, when onlookers will cram the Tel Aviv beachfront. Under clear skies over Tel Aviv's Mediterranean beach, two F-15 jets manoeuvred through a series of sharp turns, climbs and dives in what appeared to be a mock dogfight as the sound of their engines crackled through the streets. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russia of imminent military action in Syria over a suspected poison gas attack, and Israel held top-level security consultations over concerns it might be a target for Syrian or Iranian retaliation. Trump said on Thursday that a possible strike against Syria "could be very soon or not so soon at all". Despite the tensions, the commander of Israel's armed forces, Lieutenant-General Gadi Eizenkot, flew to Poland on Thursday morning to take part in Holocaust Remembrance Day events. The Israeli military tweeted a video of him boarding a plane but did not immediately say when he was scheduled to return. A source in the delegation told Reuters, however, that Eizenkot would be back by nightfall. In Israel, sirens blared for two minutes during the morning to mark the remembrance day, bringing traffic to a standstill as motorists and pedestrians stood to honour the six million Jews killed in the Nazi Holocaust. Story continues Civil defence authorities issued the customary notice beforehand that in the event of a real emergency, the sirens would sound in a rising and falling, rather than a constant, tone. Related Video: Israeli Military Kills Palestinian Journalist Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. (Writing by Jeffrey Heller; editing by David Stamp) Lima (Peru) (AFP) - Ivanka Trump, daughter and advisor to US President Donald Trump, on Friday announced a private-public funding plan to boost businesses started by women in Latin America. Ivanka Trump unveiled the initiative in Lima, ahead of a summit of leaders across Latin America and North America in which she and US Vice President Mike Pence are standing in for Trump, who canceled at the last minute to oversee the US-led response to a suspected poison gas attack in Syria. Ivanka Trump said the plan called for $150 million in seed money that would be multiplied three times through private sector contributions. The funds would help women gain "access to capital, work and opportunities," she said at a pre-summit business event attended by dozens of Peruvian women entrepreneurs. Ivanka Trump has sought to promote women's empowerment from her perch at her father's White House. She also has her own self-branded fashion line in the United States. Her husband, Jared Kushner, was set to join her at the Lima summit later Friday, flying in with Pence, who leads the US delegation. Havana (Cuba) (AFP) - On the eve of Cuba's historic presidential handover, Manuel Cuesta Morua is striving to find a new path for the island's outlawed and fractured opposition. Even though these dissidents don't have anything like the prominence they had two decades ago, they are still closely watched by the government. "It's about overcoming some of our weaknesses in opposition while at the same time realizing there is a political transition which we must try and make the most of so that it becomes a transition towards democracy," says Cuesta Morua. Now 55, he has spent almost half of his life as a so-called "dissident." Living with his mother in a modest apartment in Havana's eastern Alamar neighborhood, he is waiting expectantly for April 19, when Raul Castro, 86, will step down, likely handing power to his first vice-president Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57. After six decades of combative policies that have largely been unfruitful, now is time for a change. "The era of all-out rebellion against oppressive regimes is over. The Arab Spring has shown that these do not necessarily lead to democracy," he said. So the focus now is on institutional reforms -- a strategy for generating change "from within" espoused by Barack Obama, with whom Cuesta Morua met on two occasions. - Protest versus ballot box - Although the opposition has matured, it remains divided between those who back street protests and those wanting to effect change through legal means, Cuesta Morua says. For four decades, Cuba's Ladies in White have embraced the protest strategy -- but to little effect, with their weekly rallies routinely blocked by the police. "Total pressure, with no concessions: that is the way to topple Castroism," said Cuban political activist Antonio Gonzalez-Rodiles, in a stance backed by other figures like Guillermo Farinas and Jose Daniel Ferrer. But then there are organizations like the Democratic Action Roundtable (MUAD), Otro18 (Another 2018) and Cuba Decides headed by Rosa Maria Paya, daughter of the late opposition leader Oswaldo Paya. Story continues "Nearly 70 percent of civil society agrees with taking part in a constitutional process -- not just by participating in elections but also by taking part in electoral reform ... to bring about the rule of law," says Cuesta Morua. A bold statement considering that in March, more than 85 percent of Cubans voted to ratify a new National Assembly under the same system that has been in place since 1976. And it is the 612-member Assembly that will on Thursday choose the all-powerful Council of State, which has 31 members, with the council's head automatically becoming president. - Obstacles without and within - But bringing about change is not an easy task. "The first external obstacle is government repression," says Cuesta Morua, explaining that the roundups common in Fidel Castro's era (1959-2006) had merely changed into shorter-term arrests under his brother. According to Cuba's illegal but tolerated Human Rights Commission, in 2017, the total number of political detainees stood at 5,155 -- the lowest number in six years. "The Cuban government has shown little tolerance for any expression of diverse political views, the independent organization of citizens and respect for individual civil liberties," says Jorge Duany, head of Florida International University's Cuban Research Institute. But there are also internal problems. "One obstacle we must overcome is intolerance," Cuesta Morua says, saying it applies as much to "external perspectives" as to differences based on race, gender and sexual orientation. - Depleted - Cuba's immigration reforms of 2013 -- which allowed people to travel abroad without a special exit visa for the first time in half a century -- allowed many opposition dissidents to come and go at will. Eliecer Avila, a young activist leader, emigrated with his family. And Paya lives on both sides of the Florida Straights. But this has only served to weaken the opposition, argues Martha Beatriz Roque, a veteran activist known as the "iron lady" of Cuban dissidents. From its visibility some two decades ago at the height of the economic crisis, the dissident movement has lost steam. It was further depleted by Obama's 2016 visit and his interest in promoting change in Cuba through "entrepreneurs" and other less-than-traditional groups, such as environmentalists and LGBT activists. But he was followed by Donald Trump, who buoyed the dissidents by toughening the US stance on Cuba. And in the US budget of 2018, there was no mention of the annual $20 million earmarked by the Obama administration to "promote democracy" in Cuba. - 'Not much resonance' - The opposition has also "not found the right way to reach the people," Roque admitted last year in remarks to the Miami-based Cuban American National Foundation. According to a 2009 diplomatic cable written by Jonathan Farrar, then head of the US interests section in Cuba which was released by Wikileaks, he saw "little evidence that the mainline dissident organizations have much resonance among ordinary Cubans." Their greatest effort, he wrote was "directed at obtaining enough resources to keep the principal organizers and their key supporters living from day-to-day." Since 1959, the United States has embraced anti-Castro organizations. And a good part of the dissidents admit to receiving financial help from anti-Castro groups in Miami. The Cuban authorities consider them to be mercenaries. Rapper French Montana issued a statement after he was asking about Cleveland Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson cheating on Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Khloe Kardashian. TMZ caught up with the Unforgettable star on Wednesday outside of Poppy nightclub in Los Angeles. He and Kardashian dated in 2014 after she split from ex-husband Lamar Odom. At first, French Montana ignored the paparazzi. Let me tell you something, he started, I just want everybody to be happy. Thats all we want. French then started to bop and weave. All this negativity, I duck and move, Papi, he said, indirectly addressing allegations that Thompson cheated on Kardashian multiple times with multiple women while she was pregnant with their child. Trending: Trump Tax Plan: 80 Percent of Economic Gains Will End Up Going to Foreigners, CBO Says Ultimately, the Moroccan-born star wanted people to focus on the positive things in life. Were doing good. Were living good. Were healthy. Were wealthy, he said. You know what Im saying? Kardashian, 33, reportedly gave birth Thursday. The Good American designer confirmed her pregnancy in December after months of speculation. My greatest dream realized. We are having a baby! she wrote on Instagram at the time. I had been waiting and wondering but God had a plan all along. He knew what He was doing. I simply had to trust in Him and be patient. Don't miss: Jessica Jones Season 3 Renewed: Heres What to Expect During a March episode of KUWTK, Kardashian revealed she was disappointed she was having a girl. Instead of the doctor confirming the babys gender, she had sister Kylie Jenner reveal the sexand it wasnt a boy like she had hoped. Im really hoping Kylies lying, she said. I just was convinced that I was having a boy, so to be having a girl its just like, Okay that wasnt what I thought was going on. Story continues When you have your mind made up as to what youre having everyone told me youre going to feel what youre having and youll just kind of know, she continued. And then when you find out its the complete opposite, its just a shock. French Montana Moroccan hip-hop star French Montana, pictured April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, responded to rumors that Cleveland Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson cheated on his ex-girlfriend, "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star Khloe Kardashian. Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for boohooMAN This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek More than 50 people have been killed in London since the start of 2018, with stabbing being the main cause of death. For the first time in modern history, the citys murder rate in the months of February and March exceeded that of New York City, which has a similar population. Knife-crime surges Murder rates in London had been experiencing a steady decline until 2015, when 25 more people were killed than had been during the previous year. Since then, waves of murders and knife attacksincluding six separate stabbings, one with a 13-year-old victim, during a 90-minute period on April 5have continued to alarm the British capital. In London, young men from minority communities have been disproportionately affected. Shifting the blame Central London was brought to a standstill on April 7 as thousands of young Brits gathered to protest the epidemic of violence. As the hashtags #BikeStormz and #BikesUpKnivesDown trended on Twitter, the demonstrators made a stand against knife crime while fighting the stereotype of dangerous bike-riding gangs. Meanwhile, since the center-right Conservative Party came to power in 2015, the number of police officers has fallen by more than 20,000, and a leaked document from February suggested that government cuts had likely contributed to the rise in serious violent crime. London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the cuts as not sustainable for the city. Social media have also been blamed for glamorizing criminality. What next Londons Metropolitan Police has deployed 300 additional officers to the areas most affected by the attacks. Some politicians have advocated for an increased use of stop-and-search powers; others say those tactics damage trust in the police. And on April 9, the government unveiled a $57 million Serious Violence strategy, which will focus on early intervention, tougher law enforcement and a crackdown on city gangs delivering heroin and crack cocaine to rural towns. It did not mention the decline in police resources. Life is considerably crazier with a toddler in tow. Just ask Jonathan Jui. On his Instagram page, Jui documents daily life with his wife Tina and their two-year-old son Baobao. The little guy whose nickname meanslittle treasure in Chinesedefinitelyrules the roost in the familys London home. A post shared by jonathan jui (@jonajooey)on Mar 12, 2018 at 8:17am PDT Baobao is an incredibly spunky kid, bursting with personality, Jui told HuffPost. He definitely knows what he wants, and yes, thats a euphemism for saying hes a little dictator. By day, the first-time dad works in asset management, but by night, hes busy doodling his life with Baobao, whos in the midst of potty training: A post shared by jonathan jui (@jonajooey)on Apr 9, 2018 at 10:40am PDT He also draws cute, relatable scenes from his marriage: A post shared by jonathan jui (@jonajooey)on Mar 14, 2018 at 8:40am PDT Juis fanbase is growing, but Tina remains his biggest fan. My wife loves the comics, Jui said. I often dont tell her what Im going to draw, so she gets a kick out of how I interpret a particular moment from that day. Heres what the family looks like in real life: Tina, Jonathan and their son, Baobao. Jui joked that life with a toddler is a bit like an amusement park. Its a lot of fun, there are some moments of waiting and frustration, and were all tired by the end of the day, he said. Plus, amusement parks and raising a kid are both so expensive! Scroll down for more comics and be sure to check out Juis Instagram to follow Baobaos adventures. Related Coverage Artist Turns Life With Her Husband And Dog Into Super Relatable Comics 12 Comics For Couples Who Can Just Be Themselves Around Each Other Artist Turns Life With Girlfriend And Toddler Into Adorable Comic Series This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Findings of a survey released to coincide Holocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday took social media by surprise: Two-thirds of millennials did not know what Auschwitz was. Americans as a whole did not fare terribly better: 41 percent could not define the infamous Nazi concentration camp. Other stats also revealed a cringeworthy lack of Holocaust knowledge. Eleven percent of Americans (or 22 percent of millennials) either have not heard of or arent sure whether theyve heard of the Holocaust at all, and 31 percent of Americans (or 41 percent of millennials) believe 2 million or fewer Jewish people died in the Holocaust. (Experts believe the real figure is close to 6 million.) Millennials were defined as adults ages 18 to 34. The survey, which polled 1,350 American adults in February, was commissioned by The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, a group that works to secure restitution for Holocaust survivors and their heirs. But its findings shouldnt come as a total shock. The recent poll follows similar findings by researchers over the past several years. If people dont even know what Auschwitz is, they definitely dont know the chain of events that led up to Auschwitz, that Hitler didnt immediately start gassing people, or that the way Trump talks about Muslims is more than slightly similar to how Hitler talked about Jews. OhNoSheTwitnt (@OhNoSheTwitnt) April 12, 2018 More than a decade ago, in 2005, the American Jewish Committee and market research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres asked 1,005 Americans what Aushwitz, Dachau and Treblinka were, and a higher proportion of respondents 46 percent said they didnt know. Only 33 percent were able to correctly say how many Jewish people died in the Holocaust. In 2014, the Anti-Defamation League released the results of a global poll on attitudes toward Jews and knowledge of the Holocaust taken between July 2013 and February 2014. Of a pool of 53,000 respondents in 100 countries, only 54 percent said they had ever heard of the Holocaust. (Like the 2018 poll mentioned above, the ADL found that adults ages 18 to 34 the world over were generally less aware of mass killings in Europe during World War II.) Story continues In the Americas, the response was more positive: 77 percent of respondents in North and South America knew about the Holocaust. Just a handful of states California, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, New York, Michigan and Rhode Island require students to learn about the Holocaust, according to Education Week. Related... Pope Francis Urges European Countries To Do More To Combat Anti-Semitism Don Young Suggests The Holocaust Happened Because Jewish People Weren't Armed Striking Photos Show Israelis Standing Still For Holocaust Remembrance Day Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. President Donald Trump has nominated the first African-American woman for promotion to general in the U.S. Marine Corps. Col. Lorna M. Mahlock will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general, if confirmed, the U.S. Department of Defense announced on Tuesday. Mahlock is currently the deputy director of Operations, Plans, Policies, and Operations Directorate at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington. According to her LinkedIn profile, Mahlock has served in Germany, worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs and served in Okinawa, Japan. Women make up just 8% of the Marine Corps, but Gen. Glenn Walters, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, has said that number is set to rise, ABC News reports. The Marine Corps has a historically poor track record in attracting African-American and female applicants to its ranks, and in 2012 launched a campaign to increase its diversity, The New York Times reported. The Marine Corps welcomed its first female infantry officer (who wished to remain anonymous) last year, after she became the first woman to complete military occupational specialty (MOS) training. The Pentagon made all combat jobs available to female applicants for the first time three years ago. In January, Anna Mae Hays, the U.S. militarys first female general, died at the age of 97. She served in three wars, first in the jungles of India during World War II, in Korea and lastly in Vietnam. Mark Zuckerberg was urged to pack his bags for Europe to be grilled by European Union lawmakers in a re-run of his U.S. congressional testimony this week. The European Parliament decided Thursday to invite Facebook Inc.s chief executive officer to appear before three of the assemblys committees. The move follows a call on Wednesday by EU Justice Chief Vera Jourova for the social network giants founder to explain in person how the Facebook data of as many as 2.7 million Europeans could have ended up in the hands of British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. I do think that Mark Zuckerberg should appear before the European Parliament, Sophie In t Veld, a Dutch member of the EU assemblys Liberal group in Brussels, told Bloomberg Television. The data of European citizens are concerned and this is a major political problem. Zuckerberg on Wednesday concluded two days of questioning by U.S. Senate and House lawmakers, kick-starting a new era of government scrutiny of Facebook. The CEOs trip to Washington came after weeks of damaging reports and criticism from both sides of the Atlantic about the social networks data practices. Regulators in Europe called revelations that Cambridge Analytica had obtained swathes of data from a researcher a game changer in the world of privacy protection. Great Responsibility Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg and Jourova had a call on Thursday, during which the commissioner said she advised that Zuckerberg accept the EU Parliaments invitation. The European Commission and Facebook will continue this exchange over the coming weeks and months, Jourova said in a statement after the phone call. I stressed that this story is too important to treat it as business as usual, she said. Social media have a great power; I want them to also bear great responsibility. Facebook didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursdays call for Zuckerberg to appear. In t Veld said data protection authorities should also be quizzed about why they had to wait for the scandal to erupt before acting. She said she hopes EU data protection authorities are going to be a lot more alert when new privacy rules take effect across the 28-nation bloc starting next month. The measures will give watchdogs tough sanctioning powers, with maximum fines for the most serious violations of as much as 4 percent of a companys annual sales. Story continues Data Protection Weve been been far too lax about data protection and privacy protection and in a way, its a very good wake-up call, In t Veld said. Regulators should now verify if and to what extent the law has been broken, and then sanctions should be applied. EU privacy watchdogs said after a two-day meeting in Brussels this week that a sorry from Facebook is simply not enough. What we are seeing today is most likely only one instance of the much wider spread practice of harvesting personal data from social media for economic or political reasons, Andrea Jelinek, head of the group of 28 EU data authorities, said in a statement published Thursday. EU regulators are aware that the issue is broader and concerns other actors, such as app developers and data brokers. During almost ten hours of hearings this week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced questions from nearly 100 members of Congress. And more than a dozen of them brought up the Federal Trade Commission. While questions about that agency may not have made for the sexiest soundbites, its actions may prove to be one of the most important factors in whether Congress actually regulates Big Tech, or just continues to talk about doing so. The FTC is more of a law enforcement agency than a rule-making one, and one of its primary mandates is protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. Following revelations about Cambridge Analytica, a political marketing firm that improperly obtained personal information from approximately 87 million Facebook user profiles, the FTC announced that it was opening an investigation into Facebooks privacy practices. Tom Pahl, the acting director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement that the agency is firmly and fully committed to using all of its tools to protect the privacy of consumers. This is a big deal the companys stock took a hit as reports of the investigation surfaced in part because Facebook has been in the agencys sights before. In 2012, the social media behemoth reached a final settlement with the FTC over charges that the company previously deceived consumers by saying their information would remain private and then repeatedly allowing it to be shared and made public. The complaint specifically references the fact that users data could be obtained by third-party app developers in ways that could have caught those users unaware, which is awfully reminiscent of Facebooks current fiasco. As part of an agreement known as a consent decree, Facebook promised to institute and maintain a comprehensive privacy program. William Kovacic, who was an FTC commissioner until 2011 and is now a professor at the George Washington University School of Law, says the agency viewed that privacy program as a flagship designed to show how serious the FTC was about making broad protections a rule of the road for the entire tech sector. If theres a violation and you dont do something, your flagship policy is in jeopardy, Kovacic says. The stakes here are huge. Story continues So are the potential fines for violating that consent decree, one of the tools the FTC has at its disposal. Each violation could merit a fine of more than $40,000, per user, per day. Multiply that by the 87 million users affected by the Cambridge Analytica leak, and theoretical fines quickly jump into the trillions a potentially devastating figure even for Facebook, which has a market capitalization of about $480 billion as of this writing. Though Kovacic says its unlikely the FTC would ever pursue such a ruinous amount, it could be a bargaining chip. The question, he says, is how big of a number would show that the FTC is very serious about its policy and its decree. Its hard to imagine the commission would walk away without a lot of zeroes, he says. Facebook has plenty to lose if the FTC proves it violated the agreement, a result that would give merit to allegations that the company isnt nearly as serious or diligent about privacy as it claims to be. But the FTC also has the potential to look flat-footed. If there was a violation, the FTC is at risk of appearing like it cant enforce its own decrees. If there wasnt if the model policy didnt actually prohibit the lax practices that led to the Cambridge Analytica scandal then the agency may look like it cant handle the increasingly pressing issue of protecting Americans privacy. If the FTC wants to protect themselves as an institution, one former FTC attorney says, they might go guns blazing and really try to hammer Facebook. Some Republicans have argued that the FTC has sufficient authority to keep tech firms in check, so additional regulations from Congress are unnecessary. Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat, said on Wednesday that his GOP colleagues have too often said that new protections are not needed because the Federal Trade Commission has everything under control. Well, this latest disaster shows just how wrong the Republicans are. If Republicans want to have a good rebuttal to such statements, then they have reason to hope the FTC is aggressive in its Facebook investigation. It is not yet clear there was a violation on Facebooks part, though lawmakers like Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal alleged as much to Zuckerbergs face during this weeks hearings. Zuckerberg repeatedly said he believes Facebook abided by the wording of the decree, even if it failed in other respects. Company lawyers are no doubt scouring that document closely. How is it possible that there was no violation of that agreement when so many users feel Facebook violated their trust? Facebook has argued that, technically, there was no data breach at all in the Cambridge Analytica case. The company says that a researcher collected data from user profiles in 2013 under the auspices of academic research, then improperly sold that information to a commercial firm, which developed ties to Donald Trumps 2016 election campaign. The researcher did so by creating an app that about 300,000 people linked to their Facebook profiles. That app then scooped up information about those users but also hundreds of those users friends, ballooning the number of affected people into the tens of millions. Facebook says this isnt a breach because, though the company has since changed its policies, that was simply how the platform worked at the time. The way that the platform worked, that you could sign into an app and bring some of your information and some of your friends information, Zuckerberg said during the hearings is how we explained it would work. In effect, he suggested that the 87 million users consented to having the researcher end up with their data, just not the firm he sold it to, because selling the information violated Facebooks policies. Zuckerberg has apologized for not better policing app developers. He has also announced that Facebook is reviewing tens of thousands of apps that had access to large amounts of users data in previous years. But he has maintained that Facebook was still acting by the book. The system basically worked as it was designed, Zuckerberg said on Tuesday. The issue is that we designed the system in a way that wasnt good. So far as the FTC investigation goes, this will be an argument that the wrongdoing was done by third parties more than the company itself. One former FTC attorney notes that Facebook could have failed to disclose information relevant to enforcing the decree, which was written at a time when the technological landscape was less complex. Zuckerberg said during this weeks hearings that the company did not notify the FTC when it became aware in 2015 that a heap of user data was in a place it wasnt supposed to be because Facebook asked for the data to be deleted and believed it had been. A key factor in an investigation like this, Kovacic says, is the extent of knowledge and culpability on the part of the actor. A crucial ingredient of this investigation will be to determine when the company became aware of this anomaly and what they did as it became apparent, he says. These kinds of tick-tock details will be uncovered as the non-public investigation, which could take months or longer, unfolds. Kovacic notes that the probe has potential to go beyond Cambridge Analytica, winding into a broader examination of the companys practices, especially if Facebook fights the agency rather than negotiating a new settlement. You might prefer to wrap things up, he says, short of having an exacting study of how you do business by the FTC. The Department of Justice could also get involved, potentially pursuing civil penalties in court. Yet agreeing to new conditions or more exacting oversight controls would also be a tricky business for Facebook. The best the FTC can do is fence in Facebooks behavior to curb how misleading and surprising the companys information sharing is, explains Berkeley Law Professor Chris Hoofnagle. He adds that though he believes it is very unlikely for Facebook, such fencing in can send companies on a long-term death spiral. Part of the reason that wont happen this time, he says, is simply how widespread the use of the social media platform is. Facebook will survive any assault by the FTC, he writes in an email, because there is no substitute for consumers to go to. While privacy is part of the FTCs mandate, it also oversees other areas like advertising and antitrust. Some critics believe the agency which did not stop Facebook from purchasing rivals like Instagram and WhatsApp is partly to blame for the lack of alternatives. Theyre really culpable and they really helped shape the structure of the modern Internet, says Mark Stoller, a fellow at the Open Markets Institute. He, for one, has little faith that the FTC will crack down on Facebook, viewing the new investigation as a political call. If the FTC doesnt come out of this looking like a cop on top of his or her beat, more lawmakers may argue that its time to enshrine privacy protections and rules about data consent into law, or even set up a new government agency dedicated entirely to data security. During the hearings Wednesday, Rep. Raul Ruiz, a Democrat from California, cited the weakness of the current system and failures of tech firms to self-police in arguing that a new bureau might be necessary. Would it be helpful if there was an entity clearly tasked with overseeing how consumer data is being collected, shared and used, and which could offer guidelines, at least guidelines for companies like yours to ensure your business practices are not in violation of the law, Ruiz asked at the House hearing, something like a digital consumer protection agency? As Zuckerberg responded to so many other questions about specific proposals, he expressed a hedging openness to the idea. Congressman, I think its an idea that deserves a lot of consideration, he said. But I think the details on this really matter. The royal wedding has an official photographer. (Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Theyre ready for their close-up! Kensington Palace has announced that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have chosen fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski to shoot the royal wedding on May 19. Alexi is a well-known portrait photographer, and photographed Prince Harry and Ms. Markle last year at Frogmore House, Windsor, to mark the news of their engagement. pic.twitter.com/p42g8QRjmY Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 13, 2018 In addition to working for countless fashion magazines, Lubomirski photographed the couple for their official engagement photos last December. Lubomirski, who was just named Photographer of the Year at the Fashion Los Angeles Awards, has social media to thank for his new high-profile gig. The lensman told E! News recently that Markle had tracked him down on Instagram. It was nutty, he told the outlet. It was a very surreal end to the year because it came out of nowhere. Story continues I think one of Meghans friends saw me on Instagram that I was in England during the announcement of the engagement, and I was told later that this person said to her, You should meet Alexi. Hes great. Youd love him and that was it. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: What its like to be invited to Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys royal wedding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are using the royal wedding to help end period stigmas Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arent inviting political leaders to the royal wedding so no Trump, Obama Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Rafael Caro Quintero served 28 years in Mexico for killing of Enrique Kike Camarena but was released on a technicality in 2017 An FBI wanted poster for Rafael Caro Quintero Photograph: AP A veteran drug kingpin convicted over the murder of a DEA agent and then released on a technicality from a Mexican prison has been added to the FBIs list of its 10 most-wanted fugitives. Rafael Caro Quintero now faces additional criminal charges unsealed in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, and the US government increased the reward for his capture to $20m. Caro Quintero was convicted of ordering the 1985 murder of Enrique Kike Camarena, a DEA special agent, and served 28 years in a Mexican prison before being released on a technicality in 2013. His release prompted outrage in the US, and a new Mexican arrest warrant was issued less than a week later. Law enforcement agencies have warned that he is still an active member of the Sinaloa cartel. We need the publics help in finding this violent fugitive, the acting FBI deputy director, David Bowdich, said on Thursday as he announced Caro Quinteros inclusion on the most-wanted list. We believe he is still in Mexico. Several years ago, in an interview with the Mexican magazine Proceso, Caro Quintero denied murdering Camarena. Bowdich said the most-wanted list was one of our most valuable tools and that 484 of the 518 fugitives who have been on the list have been captured. Also on Thursday, federal officials unsealed an additional indictment against Caro Quintero, accusing him of trafficking in methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana from 1980 until 2017. Caro Quintero has controlled the Sinaloa cartel along with Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garcia since the arrest of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. Authorities say it is the first time that a suspect sought by the DEA has been added to the FBIs list. The DEA and FBIs renewed push to track down Caro Quintero comes at a time when the justice department under the attorney general, Jeff Sessions, is prioritizing enforcement against violent crimes and drug trafficking. Story continues Recently, Sessions urged federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in drug cases when it was appropriate under law to do so. The effort to arrest Caro Quintero comes a few months before El Chapo is slated to go on trial in September for his leadership role in the Sinaloa cartel. By Dave Graham MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Taking a lead from the United States, Mexico should allow states to begin legalizing marijuana while broader efforts are in limbo, a senior government official said, as the country seeks ways to tackle record gang violence. Tourism minister Enrique de la Madrid, confronting rising lawlessness in and around the resort cities of Cancun and Los Cabos, said it made no sense for Mexico to maintain prohibition given permissive U.S. policies in states such as California. "I think in Mexico we should move towards regulating it at state level," he said in an interview late on Wednesday, calling it "illogical" to divert funds from fighting kidnapping, rape and murder to arrest people using marijuana. President Enrique Pena Nieto has said Mexico and the United States should not pursue diverging policies on marijuana. In 2016, Pena Nieto backed a bill to allow Mexicans to carry an ounce of the drug, but the measure stalled in Congress. Turf wars between gangs for control of supply and distribution of drugs including heroin, cocaine, crystal meth and marijuana helped push murders in Mexico to a record of almost 29,000 in 2017, according to government data. Drug policy is one of the major issues in Mexico's July 1 presidential election. The front-runner, leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has even floated the idea of exploring an amnesty for criminal gangs to curb the violence. Rising crime last year shook Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo, the states that are home to Los Cabos and Cancun. In January, the government agreed plans with local authorities in both states to beef up security. De la Madrid said at the time that marijuana should be legalized in the two resorts. In the first two months of this year, murders climbed again nationwide compared to the same period in 2017. They fell in Baja California Sur, but rose in Quintana Roo. Despite the violence, Mexico last year drew a record 39 million international visitors. De la Madrid saw numbers rising again this year, forecasting they could reach up to 42 million. According to de la Madrid, top resorts were exposed to lower levels of risk than the country in general and tourists understood this. Pressed on incidents like a home-made explosive blast that injured 25 people on a ferry in Playa del Carmen in March, he said nowhere was entirely risk-free, pointing to deadlier events in the United States, such as the October mass shooting in Las Vegas and truck terror attack in New York. "I've learnt that different standards are applied to Mexico. And we have to learn to live with that," he said. "And we have to be increasingly rigorous on security and transparency." Keeping marijuana illegal was to "give away" money to the gangs, he said. "And with the money, these men are bribing more police, buying more weapons and causing more violence." His push has added to growing calls for change. On Wednesday, ex-President Vicente Fox said Mexico must consider legalizing opium poppies, while the Supreme Court made a second ruling in favor of recreational marijuana use after a landmark decision in 2015. While stressing he was not advocating drug use, de la Madrid said the court ruling, which is for now limited to the litigants in question, showed it was time to act. "I'm against a bad policy that leads to more violence in Mexico," he said. (Reporting by Dave Graham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Mike Pompeo, President Donald Trumps nominee to head the State Department, tried to shed his reputation as a war hawk and portray himself as a consummate diplomat during a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday. Some of you have read the stories, Im a hawk, Im a hardliner, said Pompeo. But the best outcomes are always won at the diplomatic table. Despite his diplomatic rhetoric Pompeos first task might be building a coalition to support military action against Syria following the regimes alleged chemical weapons attack that killed at least 60 people and wounded more 1,000 others last weekend. Trump said on Thursday that he was weighing options and a decision would be made fairly soon. The Secretary of State is the countrys chief diplomat, but during times of armed conflict that role has extended into coalition building for military intervention. Secretary of State James Baker played that role ahead of the first Gulf War and Secretary of State Colin Powell did ahead of the war in Afghanistan following Sept. 11. Powell also arguably failed at that task before the second Gulf War. U.S. action in Syria would not match the scale of those invasions, but building a coalition remains important nonetheless. Great Britain and France have both been in talks with the U.S. about potential military action against Syria while Germany has ruled out participating. Pompeo, a former Army officer who served during the first Gulf War, declined to go into significant depth about the Administrations approach to Syria, but the issue remained front and center during the hearing. His backing of the U.S. taking an aggressive posture against Iran and North Korea has led opponents to label him a hawk and contributed to concerns he might help push Trump to take more aggressive military action around the globe. In the hearing, Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, expressed concern that Pompeos appointment along with that of former George W. Bush official John Bolton as National Security Advisor suggested that Trump was building war cabinet. Story continues Assuming Pompeo is confirmed as is widely expected, he will enter office facing a number of dicey diplomatic challenges beyond Syria including Trumps planned talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-un and a looming decision on the Iran deal. During the hearing Thursday, Pompeo sought to portray diplomacy as preferable to military action. That will be a tall order as Pompeo takes over a State Department widely thought to be in disarray. Outgoing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson insisted that his department was bloated, seeking to buy out employees and initiating a hiring freeze. Many high-level diplomats departed in response. No matter what direction Pompeo plans to take the countrys diplomatic corps he will need to change the agencys trajectory, a task he seemed aware of Thursday. I cant see anything in the 6 or 12 or 24 month time horizon that would permit us to have any less demand for diplomatic resources, he said. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) tweeted on Thursday that Gov. Eric Greitens (R) is unfit to lead the state of Missouri in light of a womans testimony that she had an affair with the governor that was not always consensual. A Missouri House special investigative committee released a report on Wednesday with transcripts of the testimony, bringing Greitens back into the spotlight after reports emerged in January that the governor had allegedly blackmailed the woman into remaining silent about the affair. Wagner tweeted on Thursday that the transcripts included in the committees report paint the picture of a vulnerable woman and a man who preyed on that vulnerability. I believe Governor Greitens is unfit to lead our state, the congresswoman said. The transcripts paint the picture of a vulnerable woman and a man who preyed on that vulnerability. I am disgusted, disheartened, and I believe Governor Greitens is unfit to lead our state. Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) April 12, 2018 In her testimony, the unidentified woman accused Greitens, who at the time had yet to launch his bid for governor, of inviting her to his home while his wife was out of town in March 2015. Their encounter there, the woman said, included the governor tying her hands to pull-up rings and blindfolding her before taking off her clothes without her consent, according to the committee report. The woman also said Greitens coerced her into having oral sex. I felt as though that would allow me to leave, the womans testimony reads. At one point, she said, she believed she heard Greitens take a photograph of her while she was nude. The woman and her ex-husband have alleged that the photos were used to blackmail her into silence. She told the committee that Greitens warned her not to mention his name, or he would take these pictures, and... put them everywhere I can. Story continues Greitens has admitted to the affair but denies trying to blackmail the woman. He was indicted in February on charges of first-degree felony invasion of privacy over the photographs, according to CNN. He is also the subject of an FBI inquiry. The governor has not cooperated with the House special investigative committee, according to the report. Greitens has declined to participate in this fact-finding process at this time. Greitens declined to provide the requested testimony, documents, and sworn answers to interrogatories, the report states. The governor on Wednesday characterized the investigation as a political witch hunt. Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, a Republican, and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) have called on Greitens to resign in light of the allegations. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) stopped short of calling for Greitens resignation, but said in a Facebook post Wednesday that his alleged behavior surpasses disturbing. This is not behavior befit for a leader in Missouri or anywhere else for that matter, Hartzler wrote. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens has been accused in a government report of hitting his former hairstylist and coercing her into performing a sexual act. Three months after Greitens a Republican who had previously emphasized his devotion to his wife and family confessed to having an extramarital affair with his hairstylist in a joint statement with his wife, Sheena, the Missouri House committee has released a report in which the hairstylist accused Greitens of unwanted sexual advances and violent behavior. Greitens denies the accusations. In the report, which was released on Wednesday, the hairstylist testified that she met Greitens in 2013, and that he went on to became a regular client. She said at first she thought he was the perfect guy, and admitted that she had somewhat of a crush on him. The woman claimed that on March 7, 2015, Greitens touched her without her consent all the way up to [her] crotch during an appointment. Despite this, she said she agreed to come over to his house later that month. In the report, the woman said she then changed into a set of clothes that Greitens provided for her, which she noted she thought would be used during a sexy workout. Eric Greitens Eric Greitens RELATED: Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens Admits Affair, Addresses Charge He Used Nude Photo as Blackmail However, after the pair went to the basement, she testified that he blindfolded her, taped her hands to a set of pull-up rings, pulled her pants down and took a compromising photograph of her, which she claimed he said he would make public if she ever revealed what had happened between them. The Missouri governors attorney, James F. Bennett, previously denied that Greitens had taken the photograph or blackmailed the woman. There was no blackmail, and that claim is false, Bennett said in a statement Greitens shared on social media. This personal matter has been addressed by the governor and Mrs. Greitens privately years ago when it happened. The outrageous claims of improper conduct regarding these almost three-year-ago events are false. Story continues Greitens did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Thursday. He later released a statement on the report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The House report contained explosive, hurtful allegations of coercion, violence, and assault. They are false, he said, according to ABC News. In 32 days, a court of law and a jury of my peers will let every person in Missouri know the truth and prove my innocence, he added. Greitens trial on the invasion of privacy charge is scheduled to begin on May 14, according to the Associated Press. Statement from James F. Bennett, our attorney pic.twitter.com/l4VreENKRT Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) January 11, 2018 In the Missouri House committees report, the woman claimed that after she became visibly upset, Greitens helped her take off the tape and told her everything was going to be okay. However, while she continued to cry, the woman testified that Greitens allegedly started undoing his pants and put his penis near where my face is, after which she gave him oral sex. Asked to explain why she decided to give him oral sex, the woman said, Its a hard question because I did it it felt like consent, but, no, I didnt want to do it, adding that she was coerced, maybe. I felt as though that would allow me to leave. According to her testimony, the pair met several additional times after their initial sexual encounter, and participated in consensual sexual activity. She also described an encounter in June 2015 where she claimed Greitens hit her hard after she told him she had slept with another man: her husband. Ahead of the reports release, Greitens told the press that the investigation was a political witch hunt and that the reports findings were tabloid trash gossip filled with lies and falsehoods, according to CNN. Eric Greitens and wife Sheena Greitens Eric Greitens and wife Sheena Greitens In his January statement with his wife, Greitens admitted to the affair and said there was a time when he was unfaithful in his marriage. This was a deeply personal mistake. Eric took responsibility, and we dealt with this together honestly and privately, the joint statement said. While we never would have wished for this pain in our marriage, or the pain that this has caused others, with Gods mercy Sheena has forgiven and we have emerged stronger. The Associated Press reported that the Missouri House committees investigation into Greitens behavior began after he was charged with a felony indictment of invasion of privacy in St. Louis for allegedly taking and transmitting a compromising photograph of the woman. Following the release of the report, several Missouri politicians have called on Greitens to resign. I have read the official report from the Republican led Missouri House investigation, including the sworn testimony. It is clearly time to put the interests of the people of Missouri first. The Governor should resign. Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) April 12, 2018 I have read the official report from the Republican led Missouri House investigation, including the sworn testimony. It is clearly time to put the interest of the people of Missouri first. The governor should resign, Sen. Claire McCaskill wrote on social media. Democratic Floor Leader Gail Beatty has also said that what we have seen so far is grounds for impeachment, according to CNN. By Steve Gorman and Suzannah Gonzales (Reuters) - Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, charged with criminal invasion of privacy in connection with an admitted extramarital affair, faced mounting pressure to resign on Thursday after lawmakers presented detailed allegations of abuse and blackmail from the woman involved. A group of Republican state senators asked U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the "crisis," and a major campaign contributor of the Republican governor called for his ouster a day after a special investigative panel of the Missouri House of Representatives released its report on the scandal. Greitens on Thursday denounced the document as a one-sided narrative that he said omitted key video evidence proving his innocence. The governor also accused prosecutors in his criminal case of keeping that evidence - a taped deposition of the woman and related notes - hidden from defense lawyers until just after the House report was made public. In court on Thursday, Greitens' lawyers moved for dismissal of the case on grounds of prosecutorial misconduct by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, a Democrat whom the governor has accused of abusing her authority for political reasons. Prosecutors have countered in court that technical glitches with the video kept them from furnishing the recording sooner. They also argued that neither the delay nor the contents of the tape itself should prevent the case from going to trial. Greitens was indicted in February on a single felony count of invasion of privacy, charging that he took a photo of the alleged victim in a state of undress without her consent, then made it accessible by computer to use as retaliation should she divulge their relationship. The alleged offense occurred in March 2015, the year before Greitens, a married father of two and a former U.S. Navy SEAL commando, was elected governor. If convicted, he would face up to four years in prison. Greitens has admitted to a months-long affair with the woman, a St. Louis hair stylist identified only as "K.S." in the indictment and as "Witness 1" in Wednesday's House report. But he has denied ever blackmailing her or engaging in other criminal wrongdoing. Story continues On Thursday, he specifically denied allegations of physical abuse that the woman presented under oath to the House committee and detailed in the panel's report, including her accounts of being slapped and coerced into sexual acts by Greitens. He said those allegations "will be refuted by the facts" contained in her videotaped deposition to prosecutors "and other evidence that will be subjected to the rigors of courtroom analysis." The trial is set to begin next month. Nevertheless, the report escalated a brewing revolt among members of Greitens' own party, clearly concerned about political fallout as Republicans face what is expected to be a tough campaign season for the upcoming November elections. Within hours, Republican state Attorney General Josh Hawley, a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Claire McCaskill, joined a growing number of Missouri politicians from both parties calling for Greitens to step down. McCaskill herself also called for Greitens' ouster. On Thursday, three Republican state senators - Rob Schaaf, Doug Libla and Gary Romine - signed a letter to Trump urging him to intervene by urging Greitens to quit in order to "save Missouri from months of pain and shame dealing with all this." Libla said the letter, dated April 12, was being prepared to be sent during the day. One of Greitens' biggest individual political donors, David Humphreys, the chief executive of a Joplin, Missouri-based roofing and building products manufacturer, also called for the governor's resignation, saying he was "deeply disappointed" by the contents of the House report. Humphreys contributed $2.28 million to Greitens' campaign in 2016, according to Missouri Ethics Commission records. (Reporting by Suzannah Gonzales in Chicago and Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Karen Pierog in Chicago; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Scott Malone and Leslie Adler) Podgorica (Montenegro) (AFP) - Gangland killings and organised crime have loomed over Montenegro's presidential campaign, handing ammunition to the opposition in their attacks on six-time former prime minister Milo Djukanovic, who is the favourite to win Sunday's first round vote. Having dominated politics in the tiny Balkan nation for nearly a quarter of a century, Djukanovic, 56, stepped down as prime minister in October 2016, before announcing his comeback bid last month. The pro-western veteran leader wants to take the predominantly Orthodox country, a part of which has strong pro-Russia sympathies, into the European Union following its admission to NATO in 2017 which Moscow strongly opposed. If he wins the presidency, currently a ceremonial post held by Filip Vujanovic, it is expected to become the real seat of power in the country of 620,000 people. The issue of organised crime has cast a shadow on the campaign, with some 20 people killed by assassinations in the street or car bombs over the last two years. The country's police chief Slavko Stojanovic and the head of the capital Podgorica's department, Jovica Recevic, both resigned earlier this month. - 'Creator of chaos' - The opposition has tried to take advantage of the turmoil and accuses Djukanovic of being linked to the mafia, which he denies. "As president, I will do everything in my power... to give the police the authority that would allow them to protect citizens from those who put their lives in danger," Djukanovic, who has also served one term as president, said during the campaign. Mladen Bojanic, who has the support of most opposition parties, including pro-Russian factions, poured scorn on the comments. "He cannot be the solution because he is the creator of the instability and chaos that we witness in the streets of Montenegro," said Bojanic, who is expected to secure a third of the vote. "I agree with Djukanovic that the state is stronger than mafia. But the problem is that I do not know which side he is on." Story continues - Decline of Russian influence - Another candidate, pro-Russian Marko Milacic, accuses Djukanovic of being most responsible for the "situation in the country, from bloody streets to the foreign policy and a ruined economy". With Montenegro's average salary at around 500 euros ($615) and unemployment at over 20 percent, the debate between the West and Russia is not the main concern of many Montenegrins. "These people and their programmes are worn out. Nobody proposes solutions to our real problems, the fall in the standard of living, unemployment, young people leaving to go abroad," said Milan, a 23-year old student who did not want to give his last name. For Djukanovic, however, the choice between Brussels and Moscow is crucial to whether Montenegro will "remain on its road of development". Along with Serbia, Montenegro is the favourite to join the EU next, possibly as early as 2025. The EU in its 2016 country progress report told Montenegro it should continue its efforts to reduce organised crime, in particular on human trafficking and money laundering, and also noted the problem of international cigarette smuggling through the port of Bar. The EU unveiled its new eastward expansion strategy in February, presenting the prospect of membership as an incentive for reform in the Balkans region. All candidate countries are strongly encouraged to align their foreign policy with the EU, including regarding Russia. Montenegro's parliamentary elections in 2016 were marred by the arrest of around 20 anti-NATO supporters that authorities accused of attempting to foment a coup. But this time around the "Russian influence is less present and has no possibility of determining the result of the elections," said Zlatko Vujovic, head of the independent (CEMI) body that will monitor Sunday's vote. Vujovic said he believes that Djukanovic is the "clear favourite". If the veteran leader is forced into a run-off, it will be held on April 29. National Guard troops have begun their deployment along the Southern border, marking a swift realization of President Donald Trumps call for a boosted border presence until his long-promised border wall is constructed. Each of the four states that border Mexico have agreed to send National Guard troops to patrol the region. The governors of Arizona and Texas announced almost immediately that theyd be cooperating. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has sent more than 300 troops to the border in Arizona so far this week. In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week that 250 troops were headed to the border. In an interview with radio station KTSA on Monday, Abbott said he wants to send 300 troops every week until there are at least 1,000 service members on duty. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, also a Republican, said 80 troops will be at the border starting this week and a total of 250 are expected, according to the Associated Press. Even Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown of California, whose state has drawn the ire of President Trump given its sanctuary policies, is cooperating although he was much more explicit about what he wants the National Guards role to be. In a letter addressed to Secretaries Mattis and Nielsen, Brown said he wants the 400 National Guard troops stationed across his state to supplement the staffing of its ongoing program to combat transnational crime. But lets be clear about the scope of this mission, Browns letter reads. This will not be a mission to build a new wall. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws. Defense Secretary James Mattis has authorized the deployment of up to 4,000 troops on the U.S. border with Mexico. The National Guard troops will not be able to perform law enforcement activities while they are stationed on the border. According to a Pentagon memo, they will also be armed under limited circumstances, mainly self-defense. Story continues Reports from the areas, however, show that the scope of National Guards activities is primarily limited to observing and reporting activity along the border. The deployment has come together relatively quickly. President Trump mentioned that troops were being deployed during an unrelated meeting with Baltic leaders early last week. His statements came amid a series of furious tweets about a caravan of Central American migrants that was traveling north through Mexico. By the next day, the Homeland Security Secretary was outlining the plan to deploy troops at the White House Press Briefing. Administration officials have said the deployment is necessary to stem the flow of migrants crossing the southern border illegally. Border crossings had reached historic lows during the first year of Trumps presidency, but began to rise in March of this year. Compared to historic figures, however, crossings are still low. Sending troops to the border is not unprecedented. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush both deployed the National Guard to the border during their administrations. Gov. Abbott said this week that Texas has upped the Guards presence on its own in the past and that troops have maintained a continuous presence on the border throughout his administration. This is old news for the state of Texas, Abbott told KTSA. Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - At least 28 people have been killed in gang violence in northern Nigeria, police and local residents said on Friday, in the latest unrest causing security concerns for the government. Twenty-six people lost their lives on Thursday evening when gunmen on motorcycles attacked gold miners in the Anka district of Zamfara state. In a separate attack also on Thursday, two police officers on patrol were shot dead and six people were kidnapped in the Birnin Gwari area of neighbouring Kaduna state. Meanwhile there were reports that up to 25 people may have been killed in clashes between farmers and nomadic cattle herders in Taraba state but police did not confirm the death toll. Nigeria, West Africa's largest economy, is battling an array of security threats across the country, from Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast to oil militants in the south. Troops have been deployed in many states to combat criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling, as well to try to contain violent clashes between herdsmen and farmers. - Shoot on sight - In the first attack, the chairman of the Anka local government district, Mustapha Gado Anka, told AFP: "We buried 26 people killed in the two attacks by the armed bandits. "The victims were miners from Kuru-Kuru that were attacked and residents of Jarkuka village who had come to help their neighbours." The assailants ambushed the volunteers from Jarkuka who had come to help, he added. Zamfara state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu confirmed the attack, which are the latest against farming communities in the state. Last month, gunmen on motorbikes killed at least 36 people in nearby Bawar-Daji as they attended a funeral for victims of a previous attack. Rural communities in the agrarian state have been under siege from gangs of cattle rustlers who carry out deadly raids on herding communities to kill, loot and burn homes. In the absence of a robust police force and effective judicial system in Nigeria, villagers have created local vigilante groups to fight off the gangs. Story continues But the vigilantes are equally responsible for the bloodshed and are also accused of extra-judicial killings. Residents said the intensification of the attacks was because locals were cooperating with soldiers sent to quell the attacks. In early April, the Nigerian air force deployed special forces to the state to reinforce troops on the ground fighting the bandits. Following the Bawar-Daji attack, state governor Abdulaziz Yari ordered troops to shoot on sight anyone found with a gun in the area. - Cattle rustling gangs - In Kaduna, state police spokesman Mukhtar Aliyu said: "We lost two policemen in armed bandits attack on our men on patrol in Birnin Gwari area yesterday (Thursday). "The gunmen also kidnapped six members of the Birnin Gwari branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who were returning from Zamfara state where they attended a wedding. "The six men were stopped by the gunmen near Dan Fall village from where they herded them into the bush and allowed their driver to go." The Kaduna state NURTW chairman, Alhassan Haruna, said the attackers were "obviously part of the kidnapping and cattle rustling gangs that terrorise Birnin Gwari district". "We know they are looking for ransom but they are yet to make contact with us," he added. Meanwhile in Taraba, which has seen repeated clashes between herders and farmers, state police confirmed an attack on Jandeikyula in the Wukari district. But they could not confirm local reports that up to 25 people may have been killed. "I can't give a figure of casualties at the moment but definitely we have some people who lost their lives in the course of the attack," said spokesman David Misal. "Military operatives have been deployed to the affected communities to restore order. Our men are still on the field gathering information," Misal said. House Speaker Paul Ryan set up a potential fight between Representatives Steve Scalise and Kevin McCarthy over who will lead House Republicans on Wednesday by announcing his decision not to seek re-election. Both men have similar policy views, yet they rely on different, and powerful, industries to be the top funders of their political campaigns: Big Oil and Wall Street. In a campaign to be speaker, those kinds of deep-pocketed allies are good to have. Fundraising is a "core responsibility of speakers of the House," Matthew Green, a politics professor at Catholic University of America, told Newsweek in an email. "The typical member of Congress spends about three to four hours a day dialing for dollars while in D.C. That's mostly for their own re-election," Green said. "Speakers, however, are expected to raise money for themselves, for other Republican candidates and for their party. Plus, they travel to fundraisers all over the country." Trending: Man Allegedly Offered Fellow Inmate 20 Trays Of Food, $2,000 To Kill Ex-Wife, Her Boyfriend Rumors about who will be the next speaker have swirled around the House since Politico first reported that Ryan was considering retirement in December. Scalise, the number three House Republican, has said he would only pursue Ryans leadership position if McCarthy, Ryans heir apparent as majority leader, fails to secure the job. But both men are widely seen as vying to be speaker, a position that could quickly become minority leader if Democrats take the House in November. Whoever follows Ryan has big shoes to fill as a fundraiser, and Scalise bolstered his case on Thursday, when he announced he raised $3 million in the first quarter of 2018, the most any whip has raised in the first quarter of an election year, his office said. McCarthy has yet to announce his first-quarter fundraising totals. (The totals discussed below dont include Scalises first-quarter haul.) McCarthy out-raised Scalise, $11.8 million to $4.8 million, last election cycle, but that might have more to do with their ranking within the party then their fundraising chops. Story continues The oil and gas sector has contributed more to Scalise, the House majority whip from Louisiana, than any other industry, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Data compiled by the Center also shows that McCarthy, the House majority leader from California, counts the securities and investment industry as the one that has contributed the most to his campaigns, and Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs as his largest individual contributor. Don't miss: MS-13 Gang Member Arrested Traveling With Migrant Caravan From Central America to U.S. GettyImages-490524626 Getty Images As a fundraiser, it helps to be bankrolled by one of the largest banks in the world. Goldman has donated $238,350 to McCarthys campaigns since 2005, and, in the 2016 cycle, the bank donated more to McCarthy than any other member of the House. In 2017, the bank donated more to McCarthy than any other member of Congress, including Ryan and every senator. The investment and securities industry, of which Goldman is a part, has given McCarthy $2 million of the $26 million he has raised during his political career. Much of that generosity is likely due his stint on the House Financial Services Committee. But as majority leader, McCarthy doesnt serve on any committees, and yet the trend holds: In the current election cycle Goldman has donated $125,300 to McCarthy since the beginning of 2017, and the industry has chipped in $811,150, more than 11 percent of the total money McCarthy has raised during this cycle. Most popular: Rusev Replaced by Chris Jericho to Face Undertaker at Greatest Royal Rumble McCarthy received more money from the industry as a whole than any other member of the House this cycle, except for Ryan, the man hes vying to replace. (The four senators who received more money than McCarthy are all Democrats, led by Missouris Claire McCaskill.) Wall Street has not taken such a liking to Scalise. Instead, the oil and gas industry is his largest benefactor. Through the end of last year, the industry has given more than $1 million to Scalise since he first ran for Congress. Much of that largesse is owed to the fact Scalise represents a state on the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico, which has more than 412,000 jobs supported by the industry, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Scalises top individual donor over his career, and last election cycle, has been Votesane PAC, a nonpartisan political action committee that collects individual contributions and delivers them to candidates of the donors choice. The group has funnelled nearly $270,000 to Scalise. While Scalise has received more money from oil and gas than any other industry, he actually received less campaign cash from it then McCarthy did during the 2016 election cycle. The industry gave $337,850 to McCarthy, and $278,000 to Scalise, but the donations to Scalise represent a larger percentage of his total campaign haul. Both congressmen have expressed skepticism about the human origins of climate change. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek LONDON, April 12 (Reuters) - Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said there was no doubt Russia was responsible for the attempted murder of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal after a chemical weapons watchdog confirmed Britain's analysis of the nerve agent used. Johnson said Russia "must give answers" after a military grade Novichok nerve agent hospitalised Skripal, his daughter and a British police officer. "There can be now doubt what was used and there remains no alternative explanation about who was responsible," Johnson said in a statement, after testing by four laboratories affiliated with the global chemical weapons watchdog confirmed British findings on the nerve agent used in last month's attack. "Only Russia has the means, motive and record." (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon and William James, writing by Alistair Smout, editing by) By David Brunnstrom and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea should not expect rewards from talks with the United States until it takes irreversible steps to give up its nuclear weapons, President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, said on Thursday. Pompeo said the historical analysis was "not optimistic," when asked at his Senate confirmation hearing if he believed North Korea would agree to dismantle its nuclear programme. He said that in past negotiations the United States and the world had relaxed sanctions too quickly. "It is the intention of the president and the administration not to do that this time to make sure that before we provide rewards, we get the outcome permanently, irreversibly, that it is that we hope to achieve," Pompeo said. "It is a tall order, but I am hopeful that President Trump can achieve that through sound diplomacy," he said. Trump has said he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in May or early June and hopes the discussions will ultimately lead to an end of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, which Washington sees as its most pressing security threat. On Thursday, Trump said meetings were being set up between him and Kim and said the United States would approach the talks respectfully. He thanked China for its help in trying to resolve the crisis over North Korea's development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the United States. "They've been really terrific at helping us get to some kind of settlement," Trump said. "Meetings are being set up right now between myself and Kim Jong Un. I think it will be terrific. I think we'll go in with a lot of respect and we'll see what happens," he said. Trump also said trade "negotiations" between Washington and Beijing were going well, conflicting with China's statements since the president's announcements of plans to impose billions of dollars of tariffs on Chinese goods, which have fed fears of an all-out trade war. Story continues We are getting along very well, think we're going to do some great things," Trump said, adding that getting rid of nuclear weapons was "very good for them, good for everybody." NO ILLUSIONS Pompeo said he was optimistic a course could be set at the Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. He brushed aside concerns that the administration's moves to modify a nuclear deal with Iran could make an agreement with North Korea more difficult. He argued that Kim would be looking to his own interests, including his country's economy and the "sustainment of his regime," not other historical agreements. Pompeo stressed that the aim of a Trump-Kim summit was to get North Korea to step away. Under questioning, he would not take any option off the table, including military ones. At the same time, Pompeo said he was not advocating regime change for North Korea and had never done so. Last year, North Korea accused Pompeo of favouring such a policy after he told a forum in July it was important to separate the country's nuclear weapons from the "character who holds the control over them." In May, North Korea accused the CIA and South Korea's intelligence service of a failed plot to assassinate Kim at a military parade in Pyongyang. On Thursday, Trump's new national security adviser, John Bolton, met separately with South Korea's National Security Office director, Chung Eui-yong, who led a South Korean delegation that met Kim Jong Un last month, and his Japanese counterpart Shotaro Yachi. "The national security advisers committed to continue coordinating closely," a White House official said. A South Korean diplomat said Chung had a "very useful" meeting with Bolton on preparations for South Korean President Moon Jae-in's scheduled April 27 summit with Kim Jong Un and the planned Trump-Kim meeting, but gave no details. "We had very informative discussions," South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted Chung as saying. "We had a wide-ranging exchange of views on various ways to make (the summits) a success and peacefully achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Bolton, who took up his post on Monday, has called for North Korea regime change in the past and has previously been rejected as a negotiating partner by Pyongyang. At a separate congressional hearing, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the aim was for a negotiated solution to the North Korean crisis. "We're all cautiously optimistic that we may be on the right path for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he told the House of Representative Armed Services Committee. (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu, Lesley Wroughton and Idrees Ali; Writing by David Brunnstrom and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Leslie Adler) By David Brunnstrom and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea should not expect rewards from talks with the United States until it takes irreversible steps to give up its nuclear weapons, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, said on Thursday. Pompeo said the historical analysis was "not optimistic," when asked at his Senate confirmation hearing if he believed North Korea would agree to dismantle its nuclear programme. But he said that in past negotiations the United States and the world had relaxed sanctions too quickly. "It is the intention of the president and the administration not do that this time to make sure that before we provide rewards, we get the outcome permanently, irreversibly, that it is that we hope to achieve. "It is a tall order, but I am hopeful that President Trump can achieve that through sound diplomacy." Trump has said he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in May or early June and hopes the discussions will ultimately lead to an end of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, which Washington sees as its most pressing security threat. On Thursday, Trump said meetings were being set up between him and Kim, and the United States would go into those with "a lot of respect." He thanked China for its help in trying to resolve the crisis over North Korea's development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the United States, saying, "they've been really terrific at helping us get to some kind of settlement." "Meetings are being set up right now between myself and Kim Jong Un. I think it will be terrific. I think we'll go in with a lot of respect and we'll see what happens," he said. Trump also said trade "negotiations" between Washington and Beijing were going well, conflicting with China's statements since the president's announcements of plans to impose billions of dollars of tariffs on Chinese goods, which have fed fears of an all-out trade war. Story continues We are getting along very well, think we're going to do some great things," Trump said, adding that getting rid of nuclear weapons was "very good for them, good for everybody." NO ILLUSIONS Pompeo said he was optimistic a course could be set at the Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. He brushed aside concerns that the administration's moves to modify a nuclear deal with Iran could make an agreement with North Korea more difficult. He argued that Kim would be looking to his own interests, including his country's economy and the "sustainment of his regime," not other historical agreements. Pompeo stressed that the aim of a Trump-Kim summit was to get North Korea to step away. Under questioning, he would not take any option off the table, including military ones. At the same time, he said he was not advocating regime change for North Korea and had never done so. Last year, North Korea accused Pompeo of favouring such a policy after he told a forum in July it was important to separate the country's nuclear weapons from the "character who holds the control over them." In May, North Korea accused the CIA and South Korea's intelligence service of a failed plot to assassinate Kim at a military parade in Pyongyang. On Thursday, Trump's new national security adviser, John Bolton, met separately with South Korea's National Security Office Director Chung Eui-yong, who led a South Korean delegation that met Kim Jong Un last month, and his Japanese counterpart Shotaro Yachi. "The national security advisers committed to continue coordinating closely," a White House official said. Bolton, who took up his post on Monday, has called for North Korea regime change in the past and has previously been rejected as a negotiating partner by Pyongyang. At a separate congressional hearing, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the aim was for a negotiated solution to the North Korean crisis. "We're all cautiously optimistic that we may be on the right path for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he told the House Armed Services Committee. (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu, Lesley Wroughton and Idrees Ali; Writing by David Brunnstrom and Doina Chiacu; Editing by David Gregorio and Cynthia Osterman) STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A row has erupted within the secretive committee that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature over sexual harassment allegations and alleged leaks of prize winners' names, prompting a rare intervention in public life by Swedens king. King Carl XVI Gustaf said this week that he may consider reforming the Swedish Academy, established in 1786 by his forebear Gustav III. The committee's selections fascinate and often baffle literature lovers the world over. For instance, the award to American troubadour Bob Dylan in 2016 sharply divided opinion over whether a popular musician should be given an award that had been largely the domain of novelists and playwrights. Below are key elements of the fight and what it could mean for the Academy and the Nobel prize. WHAT SPARKED THE CRISIS? At heart of the row are allegations of sexual assault and harassment against several women by Jean-Claude Arnault, a photographer and well-known cultural figure in Sweden. In an article by Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter in November, 18 women leveled the accusations against Arnault, who is the husband of poet and Academy member Katarina Frostenson. Arnault and Frostenson have run a cultural club in Stockholm which the Academy has in the past helped to finance. Arnault's lawyer Bjorn Hurtig told Reuters on Thursday that his client denied all the allegations, including that of being the source of leaks. State prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations, but said last month the probe into assaults alleged to have been committed between March 2013 and April 2015 had been shelved due to a lack of evidence and the statute of limitations having passed for some of the incidents. Prosecutor Christina Voigt told Reuters on Friday a preliminary investigation concerning Arnault was still underway, but declined say how many alleged incidents were being investigated. The Academy severed ties with Arnault in November after the allegations of sexual misconduct became public. Dagens Nyheter reported that a separate internal investigation by the Academy alleged that Arnault had leaked the closely-guarded names of Nobel prize winners on seven different occasions. The paper said that included Bob Dylan in 2016 as well as French author Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio in 2008 and British playwright Harold Pinter in 2005. The Academy confirmed to Reuters it hired a law firm to conduct an internal investigation whose findings haven't been made public. The Academy declined to elaborate further. HOW IS THE ACADEMY DIVIDED? The Permanent Secretary of the Academy, Sara Danius, stepped down after a crisis meeting on Thursday. Frostenson also withdrew. "I am leaving the Academy as permanent secretary. It was the will of the Academy that I should leave my role," Danius told reporters late on Thursday. "It feels pretty good." The Swedish Academy said in a statement Frostenson had decided to leave the body "in the hope that it will survive as an institution". Their departures followed those of three other members of the 18-seat Academy, Peter Englund, Kjell Espmark and Klas Ostergren, who pulled out in protest over the handling of the crisis. Englund and Espmark both declined to comment on the row on Friday, while Ostergren did not respond to requests for comment. The three had lost a vote to exclude Frostenson from the committee for allegedly breaching conflict of interest rules and divulging names of prize winners to her husband, who could then leak them. In an open letter in daily Svenska Dagbladet, eight other Academy members said they had voted against excluding Frostenson on the grounds that the evidence, some of it anonymous witness accounts, was insufficient to prompt such action. Frostenson has so far not commented publicly on the vote and accusations against her. Frostenson's publisher has referred requests for comment by her to the Swedish Academy which supplied Frostenson's email address. Reuters has repeatedly sought comment from Frostenson via email but received no reply. WHAT COULD THE CONSEQUENCES BE? The board of the Nobel Foundation, which manages the assets bequeathed in the will of dynamite inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, has said it is following developments at the Academy with great concern. "We can see that the trust in the Swedish Academy has been seriously damaged. It is not yet clear how this situation may tarnish the Nobel Prize's reputation," it said in a statement. Danius said that the public mud-slinging had already affected the reputation of the Nobel Prize. Some sounded a more optimistic note, saying the Academy will eventually be able to emerge from its troubles. "We are trying to reconstruct the Academy from within. It's a very big task, but I think we will manage it," Academy member Anders Olsson, as of Friday the body's temporary permanent secretary, said on Swedish public service radio. Still, the loss of members leaves the committee at a crossroads. Appointments to the Academy are for life and there is no formal provision under the its arcane rules for members to resign. That means those who withdraw cannot be replaced. Rules also stipulate that a minimum of 12 votes are needed to select new candidates. Only 11 members are currently active following the recent withdrawals. King Carl XVI Gustaf, who is the formal patron of the Academy, said reforms to the body might be in store, including giving members the right to resign. Political leaders have urged the Academy to resolve the crisis amid warnings about the impact on Sweden's image abroad. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said he was surprised by the verbal abuse leveled by members at each other. "This is an issue for Sweden," he said. "It is important that people have faith and respect for the Academy." (Reporting by Niklas Pollard and Simon Johnson; additional reporting by Olof Swahnberg, Johan Sennero and Anna Ringstrom; Editing by Nick Tattersall) If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. Daniel R. DePetris Security, Asia A Trump retreat with Kim can be a success if he focuses on attainable and important goals for the United States. A North Korea Success Plan for Trump Since he inherited the throne of the Hermit Kingdom from his father more than six years ago, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had never stepped off of North Korean soil. That changed last week, when the young Kim traveled to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Korea watchers have speculated that Kims two-day trip to China was an attempt by the North Korean dictator to repair a relationship that has been frosty of late. Whatever the motive, President Donald Trump has interpreted Kims reported commitment to denuclearization as an affirmation of his maximum pressure, and now engagement, policy. Within hours of Kims visit to China, Trump boastfully tweeted, There is a good chance that Kim [Jong-un] will do what is right for his people and for humanity by disarming his nuclear weapons program. Full, complete, and verified denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is, of course, the whole reason the White House is looking ahead to the yet-to-be scheduled summit between Trump and Kim. The president is eager to make history and shine where his four previous predecessors failed. The prospects of Trump actually making that history is another question entirely, which is why it would be wise for the administration to counsel the president into lowering his expectations. Dont misunderstand the premise: The United States and North Korean leaders exchanging smiles and handshakes would be the definition of an historic diplomatic event. The last time a U.S. cabinet official met with the head of the Kim family was eighteen years ago, when Secretary of State Madeleine Albright pontificated with Kim Jong-il about a possible presidential retreat. Yet at the same time, we all need to be brutally honest about the likelihood of Trump, or any American negotiator, extracting major deliverables from Kim during these discussions. Story continues Notwithstanding the cheerful tone from Seoul and Beijing, and the oftentimes jubilant excitement beaming from President Trump, the history of North Korean nuclear negotiations over the previous quarter of a century is all the evidence one needs to be cautious, if not cynical. One does not need to be an expert on the Kim regimes leadership structure or decisionmaking process to grasp the reality that a Pyongyang without a nuclear weapons capability would be left in an extremely vulnerable position. As John Mearsheimer, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, argued, Pyongyang has very little incentive to denuclearize. We dont see any evidence that the U.S., which has the most powerful conventional forces in the world, is giving up their nuclear weapons, Mearsheimer noted, So why would you expect North Korea to do so? Kim Jong-un has made some reassuring, if not carefully worded, statements about his willingness to denuclearize. He has conditioned those statements on Washington abolishing its hostile policy toward Pyongyang. Assuming that Kim is genuine in his openness to shut down his nuclear weapons programa big assumptionhe will only think about doing so if security assurances from the United States are guaranteed, all 28,500 American troops are withdrawn from South Korea, all U.S. and U.N. sanctions are terminated, and the U.S. nuclear umbrella over South Korea and Japan is lifted. All of these demands are anathema to the Washington foreign-policy playbook, yet these are precisely the concessions Kim Jong-un will insist upon before, during, and after the summit with Trump, should that meeting come to pass. The chance Kim agrees to swift denuclearization is vanishingly small. This, however, does not mean that President Trumps decision to talk with his North Korean counterpart is misguided. Dialogue with Kim can still yield dividends for the United States. Notwithstanding the fear-induced drama in Washington about the world running out of time, Trump should use the summit to remind Kim that the United States and its allies in East Asia are committed to deterring and containing his regime indefinitely. Incoming National Security Advisor John Bolton has recommended a short meeting with Kim, in which the United States lays out an ultimatum: Either denuclearize on the front end or prepare for the worst. This course of action, however, would be exactly the wrong approach to take. An ultimatum would not only fail to coerce Pyongyang into offering concessions, but would also signal that the United States is a frightened country more comfortable with precipitating a crisis than leveraging its deterrent strength. The truth is that the status quo favors the United Statestime is on our side, not Kims. Rather than walking away as Bolton advises, Trump should make the most of his personal dialogue with the North Korean leader to establish a secure, reliable communications link between Washington and Pyongyanga channel to replace largely haphazard and issue-specific conversations with a more predictable mechanism. Communicating red lines and intentions clearly and directly benefits us. American and North Korean officials would have quickly troubleshooting in the event of a mishap or a crisis. Dialogue would both help keep a nuclear-armed North Korea in a box and decrease the chances of miscalculating or blundering into an enormously costly war. As much as we would all like to turn on the television one morning and learn that Kim Jong-un has relinquished his nuclear stockpile, it would be the epitome of foolishness if the administration threw all of its eggs in the denuclearization basket. A Trump retreat with Kim can be a success if he focuses on attainable and important goals for the United Statesdecreasing risk, increasing dialogue, and avoiding a catastrophic war on the Korean Peninsula. The creation of a hotline between Washington to Pyongyang would reinforce the one policy that has proven successful with every other nuclear adversary: deterrence; containment; and clear-minded, pragmatic, and common-sense diplomacy. Daniel R. DePetris, a fellow at Washington-based think tank Defense Priorities. He is a columnist for the National Interest and The American Conservative. Follow him on Twitter at @dandepetris. Image: Reuters Read full article A minor solar storm may cause the aurora to dance across the sky in Canada and far northern United States into Wednesday night. Some people were able to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, on Monday night and Tuesday night as the first part of the solar storm responsible for the lights reached Earth. More of the same is in the offing for Wednesday night before the solar storm weakens and the vibrant aurora begins to fade. Although this will not be a major event, the aurora should still be visible across much of Canada and the far northern United States on Wednesday night where the sky is clear. Folks as far south as Maine, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the northern Plains may be able to see the aurora in areas away from cities where light pollution is minimal. However, if the solar storm is stronger than anticipated, the lights may be able to be seen in areas a bit farther south, such as upstate New York, Iowa and Washington. Some people in the northern United Kingdom may also be able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights as long as the weather cooperates. Mother Nature's light show will also be visible for those in the Southern Hemisphere with the southern lights, or aurora australis, glowing in the sky over southern New Zealand and Tasmania. Story continues aurora In this Sept. 15, 2017 photo provided by the U.S. Army Alaska, soldiers from Alpha Company, 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, conduct unscheduled field maintenance under the Northern Lights on a squad vehicle in preparation for platoon external evaluations at Donnelly Training Area, near Fort Greely, Alaska. (Charles Bierwirth/U.S. Army Alaska via AP) The solar storm sparking this week's aurora is the result of a coronal hole on the sun facing toward the Earth. A coronal hole is a cooler, less dense region on the sun's surface where the sun's magnetic field is open.' This opening allows the sun to expel a fast stream of charged particles into the solar system. When these charged particles are directed at the Earth, the planet's magnetic field funnels them toward the poles where they collide with the atmosphere to create the colorful light displays. Generally, these fast streams result in minor to moderate solar storms but in rare cases can lead to stronger storms, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. Although some stronger solar storms can impact communications and GPS, this week's event is expected to be minor and should have little to no impact on these systems. Despite this week's solar storm not being particularly strong, it will still provide stargazers in the higher latitudes with a good opportunity to see the aurora before the summer arrives. During the summer months, the shorter nights mean that there is less time for onlookers to view the aurora before the the light from the rising sun becomes too bright. Additionally, some spots that are typically excellent for viewing the lights in the winter may be poor viewing locations in the summer as the sun may not even set below the horizon around the time of the summer solstice. While the Northern Hemisphere experiences shorter nights over the coming months, the Southern Hemisphere will have longer nights, giving onlookers more opportunities for viewing the aurora. Oil prices hit their highest level since early December 2014 after President Donald Trump warned Russia to prepare for a strike on its ally, Syria. The Russian ambassador to Lebanon earlier said his country would intercept any U.S. attack on Syria and potentially target the craft that fired missiles. Crude futures tacked on gains following a strike on top oil exporter Saudi Arabia by rebels in neighboring Yemen. Oil prices hit new 2018 highs as missile strikes on top crude exporter Saudi Arabia added to the market's worries about escalating conflict between the United States and Russia in Syria. Brent, the benchmark for international oil prices, earlier climbed to its highest level in more than three years after President Donald Trump earlier warned Russia to "Get ready" for a U.S. missile attack on Syria, whose government Moscow has backed during its seven-year civil war. The threat came after the Russian ambassador to Lebanon said his nation's military would intercept American missiles and potentially target the U.S. craft that fired them. The potential American strike follows a suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held city of Douma, allegedly by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad . @realDonaldTrump: Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and "smart!" You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Brent crude prices were at $72.14 a barrel, up $1.10, or 1.6 percent from Tuesday's closing price. The contract earlier rose to $73.09, the highest level since Nov. 28, 2014, when it hit $73.41. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.31, or 2 percent, to $66.82. WTI rose as high as $67.45, a session peak going back to Dec. 4, 2014, when it touched $68.22. John Kilduff, founding partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital, earlier on Wednesday said U.S. crude prices could be heading to $70 after breaking through the previous 2018 high of $66.66. Story continues The morning price spike was completely due to the Trump tweet, which left the market to parse the president's meaning, according to Kilduff. The question, he said, is whether Trump will order the military to solely target Syrian assets, or take aim at Iran, which also backs Assad and has a significant presence in Syria. Such an attack would come just one month before Trump faces a deadline that could see him restore sanctions on Iran, OPEC's third largest oil producer. "That's the crux of the matter. Is it a pin prick or is it something that sets us up for escalation?" said Kilduff. Saudi Arabia's air defense forces intercepted at least three ballistic missiles fired at Saudi cities by Yemen's Houthis, who claimed to have targeted the defense ministry in Riyadh and a Saudi Aramco distribution facility in Najran on Wednesday. Three rockets were intercepted in the capital and the southern cities of Jizan and Najran, according to state media and the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. The headlines followed reports that the Houthi rebels in Yemen had launched a drone strike on a facility owned by Saudi Aramco, the kingdom's national oil giant. The Saudi-led invasion of Yemen has contributed to oil's geopolitical risk premium, as Houthis target Saudi oil assets. Last week, the Houthis attacked a Saudi oil tanker . The records came despite government data showing U.S. crude stockpiles rose unexpectedly and American crude production continued to hit new highs. Commercial crude inventories in the United States rose by 3.3 million barrels in the week through April 6 as oil imports jumped, the U.S. Energy Information. Analysts in a Reuters survey had anticipated a decline of 189,000 barrels. "The missiles from the Houthis really overshadowed the EIA report, which was a fairly bearish number just from the perspective that we did see a pop in imports last week," said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at tanker-tracking firm ClipperData. "All eyes are on geopolitical tension at the moment, not just because the market is that much more finely balanced, but because there are several pockets of geopolitical tensions," he said. Reuters contributed to this story. More From CNBC By Saad Sayeed and Syed Raza Hassan ISLAMABAD/KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan's Supreme Court disqualified deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif from holding office for life on Friday amid an ongoing corruption trial and ahead of general elections due this year. The Supreme Court barred Sharif, 67, from politics in July over an undeclared source of income, but the veteran leader maintains his grip on the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, even though he is no longer its leader. Friday's ruling addressed an ambiguity over whether he was barred for life or for a specific period for not being honest. The ruling was an interpretation of a constitutional article that has been used to remove legislators from office before, a senior lawyer said. Sharif and his family have called the corruption proceedings a conspiracy, hinting at intervention by the military, but opponents have hailed them as a rare example of the rich and powerful being held accountable. The military denies any such intervention. Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb told reporters "nameless and faceless people" had interfered to orchestrate Sharif's political demise and the downfall of the PML-N. "Now today they disqualified (Sharif) for life. But people of Pakistan will decide whether the disqualification of an elected prime minister is for one day or for life," she added. Sharif is currently appearing before an accountability court in Islamabad on other charges linked to London properties his family owns - proceedings ordered by the Supreme Court last July - that could see him jailed if found guilty. Sharif has served as prime minister three times and each time was removed from office - in 1993 by presidential order, in 1999 by a military coup that saw him jailed and later exiled before returning when General Pervez Musharraf stepped down, and in 2017 over the corruption probe. His allies have called the proceedings a political vendetta. "It's a significant decision because it will ... also have implications for the future," senior lawyer and former president of Pakistan Wasim Sajjad told Reuters. "If it is found by a court of law that any person wanting to be a member of parliament has furnished particulars which are found false or omitted to furnish particulars which are necessary, then he will come under that category of persons disqualified for life." Sharif was also removed as head of the party he founded when the courts overturned a legal amendment by PML-N lawmakers in February that allowed him to remain party president despite being disqualified from public office. Despite not being party leader, Sharif has considerable sway over the workings of the PML-N and enjoys the support of its core leadership. A lawmaker from Sharif's party filed a complaint late last year alleging opposition Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leader Imran Khan and secretary general Jahangir Tareen owned offshore companies and had not disclosed their assets. Khan was cleared by the courts but Tareen was disqualified in December under the same constitutional article used to remove Sharif from office. (Writing by Saad Sayeed; Editing by Nick Macfie) A Marjory Stoneman Douglas teacher was arrested Sunday after allegedly leaving a loaded gun in a public restroom. An arrest report from the Broward Sheriffs Office revealed a drunken homeless man found the gun and fired it before the teacher realized it was missing. Sean Simpson, a 43-year-old chemistry teacher at the Parkland, Florida, school, told officers he forgot the Glock 9mm in a stall at a bathroom at the Deerfield Beach Pier. When he realized he had left it behind, a drunk homeless man had picked up the Glock and fired a single shot. RTX4X619 REUTERS/Thom Baur Trending: Next House Speaker: McCarthy vs. Scalise is Battle of Wall Street vs. Big Oil Simpson told deputies he entered the bathroom and found the man, identified as 69-year-old Joseph Spataro, holding the gun in his hand. The chemistry teacher said he grabbed the firearm from Spataros hands. Spataro was arrested and charged with one count of firing a weapon in public and one count of trespassing. An arrest report said deputies took the gun, which still had seven bullets with a magazine loaded into the firearm. Deputy Christopher Favitta, the arresting officer, said he entered the public bathroom and found a single 9mm brass shell casing in the corner. Simpson was also arrested and charged with failing to store a firearm safely, a second-degree misdemeanor. In the arrest report, Favitta wrote Simpson was charged after leaving the weapon unattended in a public restroom frequented by families and children. Don't miss: How Paul Ryans Retirement is Really Just a Selfish Retreat | Opinion There was a reasonable likelihood that the firearm could have ended up in the hands of a child or the discharge of the firearm could have wounded another person or child, the report said. No one was injured in the incident. Story continues Simpson, who was at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High during the deadly February 14 mass shooting, has said he would be willing to arm himself while teaching. Simpson, who continues to be employed by the high school and is not expected to receive disciplinary action, did not comment about the incident when asked by WPLG-TV. The educator posted a $250 cash bond and was released, records show. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek In December last year, Boris Johnson became the first UK foreign secretary to visit Russia in five years. Now, following claims and counter-claims about the Salisbury nerve agent attack, his visit seems unlikely to be repeated soon, as talk of a new Cold War grows louder. The legal industry has played its own role in the unfolding drama, with US President Donald Trump's lawyers drawn into the investigation into Russian election interference, and Conservative MP and foreign affairs committee chair Tom Tugendhat going so far as to call on lawyers to consider the "moral decisions" they take when they engage with Russian clients. Partners, however, are understandably sceptical about the characterisation of unscrupulous City pros cashing in on work for disreputable Russian clients, while acknowledging that they must tread carefully. We are particularly careful with Russian clients in applying the legal criteria that exists, particularly in relation to sanctions, says Dentons arbitration partner Dominic Pellew, who was based in Moscow for over three years. If the regulations that we have to apply get tougher, then law firms will apply them, but it will be difficult for me or anyone else personally accepting work to be expected to apply their own standards. Pellew adds that while firms do consider reputational issues when considering whether to accept clients, they tend to take the more legalistic approach of doing the due diligence that ensures the work falls within the law. "In reality, the former criteria is quite rarely applied in practice and it is difficult to ask firms to apply in this situation, he says. One firm currently coming under public scrutiny in the context of the Russia furore is Squire Patton Boggs. The firm, which this week called time on its alliance with US President Donald Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen following an FBI raid on his New York office, has also attracted much attention for its role advising under-fire political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, as well as its past work for Russia's Gazprombank. Story continues What is happening will have firms looking over their shoulder - it is a wake-up call for firms to check their client list One M&A partner who has previously practised in Moscow and has a large Russian client base agrees with Pellew that the implication law firms are facilitating illegal activities with Russia is wrong, and that the number of western lawyers working with dodgy" clients is very low. "What is happening with Squire Patton Boggs will have firms looking over their shoulder a bit more - it is a wake-up call for firms to do more compliance and check their client list," he said. "In the UK if you take on a new client, you should know where he lives, but the US is a bit more lax about these things - firms probably do not do the same amount of diligence as they do in the UK when taking on clients. "The big firms understand that if you start picking clients based on whether they are popular, then that is very dangerous. If you represent Adolf Hitler, I can see why you might consider backing away from that client, but just because a company like Gazprom is state-owned, that doesnt mean that they are the Russian government." One City M&A partner who works across their firms Russian and London offices argues that Western lawyers can have a positive impact on Russia, encouraging best practice in a country that has scaled back its efforts to engage with the West on international relations. There is a lot of political heat now attached to anything Russian, but when Western lawyers are there we are a reminder that the rest of the world has rules, and that Russia has to comply by those rules if it wants to play, he said. For politicians to attack us because of Russia hysteria in the press does not help us in doing that. All of the lawyers contacted for this article said that the political relationship between Russia and the UK - and particularly the heavy sanctions applied by the UK and US following Russias annexation of Crimea in early 2014 - have affected the type of work available. Baker McKenzie CIS managing partner Sergei Voitishkin said that politicians have not been helpful in making lawyers lives easy in Russia. As a business we have seen many political crises, such as the sanctions imposed in 2014, he explains. If major new sanctions are imposed, that will affect us. We try to stay away from politics and service clients on the business side we would hope we can just do that and help clients with their work. Political tensions are an obstacle to the business we do. Another UK infrastructure partner with clients in the CIS region said that over the three years since sanctions were first imposed, he has seen a shift away from cross-border work involving Russian clients and a move towards local and regional work within Russia. Private equity has suffered too, he says, owing to financial sanctions placed on Russian businesses. Firms will be looking at whether their client base is still considering Russia and will be dictated by that I suspect the best practices are still doing the best work out there, but I would imagine it is not good cross-border stuff, they say, You have to steer your way through a lot of trouble in Russia at the moment. Firms will be looking at whether their client base is still considering Russia and will be dictated by that. Pellew also highlights negativity towards Russia among European and American companies as a major factor in what work is available, specifically noting that the financing of projects in Russia has become more difficult. In concrete terms, Pellew says, If there is any increase in sanctions or other controls, we will feel the squeeze in terms of business. This is echoed by an M&A partner with Russian clients who said that large-scale projects such as shale oil or arctic developments have reduced in frequency, while capital markets work has suffered as Russian banks and companies have been prevented from raising capital by targeted sanctions. However, despite the geopolitical upheaval, Voitishkin says that Bakers has no plans to scale back its 260 lawyer-base in Moscow. Similarly, other UK law firms with large Russian practices have not scaled back their lawyer numbers since the implementation of sanctions. Allen & Overy has seen its office grow slightly to 22 lawyers, while Dentons and White & Case have 112 and 60 lawyers in Russia respectively. I am not aware that any of our clients have been reconsidering their strategies in Russia due to this new crisis in relations between Russia and the UK. Obviously politicians have own agendas and react to internal developments in their own countries and we have to look at how that can affect us, but at the moment, we have no plans to downsize or leave the market, says Voitishkin. With regards to Tugendhats calls for firms to consider their activities in Russia, Pellew is similarly resolute. It is problematic with Russian clients, because as we have seen from the 'Putin List' in the US, these people are just a collection of wealthy Russian businessmen that you can get off any Forbes list. There are value judgements to be made. I would rather that judgement be made by the government and Parliament rather than by me or a law firm. A search for a mother who fell overboard a P&O cruise ship near New Caledonia while on holiday has been called off, with the decision made to return to Brisbane. The woman, who was said to be on holiday with her husband and children, fell overboard the Pacific Dawn on Thursday (April 12) at around 4 p.m., according to SBS News. The ship was about 300 km west of New Caledonia, bound for Brisbane, but made the immediate decision to turn around and search for the woman, P&O Cruises said. Trending: More Americans Trust James Comey than President Trump, New Poll Finds The woman was 47 years old, according to the BBC, and the decision to call off the search was made on Friday morning by the Australian maritime authorities. "It is with a very heavy heart that I need to let you know that we have been unable to locate our guest," the captain told passengers on Friday morning, as quoted by SBS. "We are still in the area of the incident, and the weather conditions with the swell three to four metres high, as you can see outside, the strong wind made our search extremely challenging. Don't miss: Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Wants to Make a Comeback 21 Years and Four Kids Later "I know I speak on behalf of all of you when I say our thoughts and prayers are with the family." The captain told passengers that challenging conditions had hindered rescue efforts. The Pacific Dawn Cameron Spencer/Getty Most popular: PUBG War Event Mode Adds 10-Person Squads - Rules, Dates & Times According to The Courier Mail, passengers said that the woman had gone outside to vomit as she was seasick, and was thrown overboard when a wave struck the side of the ship. No suspicious circumstances have been identified at this time, police said in a statement. Queensland Police officers are due to meet the ship when it returns to Brisbane on Sunday, at around 11 a.m. Story continues The ship, which left Australia on Saturday on a week-long cruise, is now due to return to Brisbane by Sunday morning, 62 hours after the woman fell overboard. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek House Speaker Paul Ryan says he decided not to run for re-election so he could spend more time with his children. He denies his decision was related to the prospect of Democrats winning a House majority. Ryan argues the GOP has a "great record" and "great economy" to run on in November. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday he decided not to run for re-election so he could spend more time with his three children. "If I am here for one more term, my kids will only ever have known me as a weekend dad. I can't let that happen," the 48-year-old Wisconsin Republican told reporters. Ryan, who has been in Congress since 1999, will serve out the remainder of his term and leave office in January. The congressman cast it as a personal decision to see more of his teenage children before they are fully grown. The House speaker said believes he "achieved a heck of a lot" as speaker, a position he accepted reluctantly. He highlighted the Republican tax law passed in December and the massive increase in military spending signed into law last month as his biggest achievements. Some reports indicated President Donald Trump 's behavior had been taxing for Ryan. The GOP also faces a tough fight to keep the House in November's midterms amid Democratic enthusiasm and opposition to some policies pushed by Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress. The speaker's move raises the prospect that more GOP lawmakers could decide not to run for re-election. Ryan told reporters the prospect of Democrats taking the House majority in November had no bearing "whatsoever" on his decision not to run. He also believes his retirement will not have an effect on Republicans' ability to keep their seats. "I really don't think a person's race for Congress is going to hinge on whether Paul Ryan's speaker or not," he said. Ryan argued that the GOP has a "great record" and "great economy" on which to run. Republicans have used the tax plan as one of their main arguments for why they should hold the House, though it is not clear the policy has resonated with voters. Story continues The House speaker said he knew holding the position would be "fleeting," and added he did not want to let it take over his life. "It's easy for it take over everything in your life and you can't just let that happen. Because there are other things in life that can be fleeting as well," Ryan said. More From CNBC Paul Ryan will easily add to his already considerable net worth if he opts to stray from his native Wisconsin to join a corporate board or dabble in Washington power struggles when he retires next year as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The kind of board that he would go after would probably pay between $250,000 and $300,000 a year and he could probably get three or four of them, said Fred Foulkes, a professor of at Boston Universitys Questrom School of Business. There would be dozens that would like to have him, particularly companies that have part of their business in key relationships with certain parts of government. Ryan, 48, who said he was retiring to be more than a weekend dad, could easily follow the path of previous congressional leaders, including Newt Gingrich and Richard Gephardt, who became corporate directors. Former Speaker John Boehner, his immediate predecessor, recently joined the advisory board for U.S. cannabis producer Acreage Holdings and is already serving on the board of Arizona Mining Inc. and the advisory board to JBS USA, the American arm of a Brazilian food giant. Thats in addition to being a senior strategic adviser at the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs LLP. Ryan cannot jump right into lobbying, theres a one-year cooling-off period for representatives, two for senators. But nothing bars him from joining boards. Since 1992, 44 percent of senators and 11 percent of representatives whove departed Capitol Hill have ended up in boardrooms, according to research from Harvard University and Boston University that was published before the 2016 election. From Capitol to Capital A Bloomberg analysis before that election showed that among directors who had previously served in Congress there were 31 Democrats and 33 Republicans, with the average pay more than $330,000. Ryan will no longer be making his speakers salary of $223,500, but he will be eligible for a pension in a few years, and has an estimated net worth of slightly more than $6 million, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of his 2016 financial filings. AshLee Strong, a Ryan spokeswoman, didnt respond to an email seeking comment on her boss potential future employment. Story continues Bloomberg Data: The Lucrative Road From Congress to Corporate Boards When he accepted the speakers post in 2015, Ryan said he would do so only under certain conditions including that he would reduce the amount of travel involved. He said he wanted to spend most weekends at home in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he and his wife, Janna, have three school-age children. Ryan managed to spend most weekends sleeping in his brick home on a quiet street, although it meant his political team had to schedule fundraising and other events during the week. Basically, the guy is viewed as Mr. Middle America hes a capitalist who wants companies to do well board service would make a lot of sense for him, said Tom Flannery, who leads the global chief executive board services practice at Boyden, the executive recruiter. Its something he could do very well and still get to spend a lot of time with his family and hunting and fishing and whatever else he does. Corporations arent the only option. Since giving up the gavel in 1998, Gingrich has had more than a dozen books on the New York Times bestseller list and earned millions in consulting fees from health care, financial and other interests. When he ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, he released his 2010 tax return, which showed adjusted gross income of $3.2 million. Ryan would have no trouble finding work back in Washington, even if he chose to limit the time he spent in the capital, said Ivan Adler, principal at the McCormick Group Inc., an executive search firm. A part-time Paul Ryan is better than full-time of lots of other people in Washington, he said. Hes very well-connected to the business community and hes a substance-based thinker on policy issues, Adler said. That kind of experience will earn a premium. Hes a million-dollars-plus easily, and people will be glad to pay it. Former New York congressman Thomas Reynolds, who entered the House in the same 1999 freshman class as Ryan and is now a lobbyist, said he believes Ryans immediate post-congressional aspirations will be different from that of his recent predecessors. At 48, I dont see him going to work right away as a lobbyist, though he certainly is capable of that, said Reynolds, a senior policy adviser at Holland & Knight LLP. Rather, Reynolds said he expects Ryan to keep his options open for a re-entry into politics. And he said that could be as a highly paid speaker, or as a policy expert at a think-tank, and possibly serving on some corporate boards. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will meet on Saturday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, a White House official said on Thursday. The meeting comes amid efforts to renegotiate the North America Free Trade Agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier on Thursday the talks were "coming along great" and "we're getting pretty close to a deal." Trump had been scheduled to attend the Americas summit but decided this week to send Pence instead so he could remain in the United States to focus on formulating a U.S. response to a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria last weekend. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Writing by David Alexander; Editing by Eric Walsh) Paris, TX (75460) Today Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 69F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 69F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Washington (United States) (AFP) - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday the Pentagon is ready to provide options for a Syria strike in response to a suspected chemical attack, but noted the US and its allies are still gathering information. "We are still assessing the intelligence, ourselves and our allies, we are still working on this," Mattis told reporters when asked if he had seen enough evidence to blame President Bashar al-Assad's regime for the alleged chemical attack in Douma. "We stand ready to provide military options, if they're appropriate, as the president determined." President Donald Trump vowed on Twitter that missiles would be launched at Syria following Saturday's alleged chemical attack, all but guaranteeing a military strike against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Russian army has accused the White Helmets civil defense organization in Syria of staging a chemical weapons attack in Douma that has led to calls for further Western intervention. Trump and other Western leaders have vowed a quick and forceful response to Saturday's alleged gas attack, which rescue workers say killed more than 40 people. The United States, Britain and France have argued the attack bears all the hallmarks of a strike ordered by the regime, which the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been blamed for previous attacks. Last year, Trump launched a cruise missile strike against a Syrian air base in retaliation for a sarin attack the United Nations later pinned on Assad. Washington (United States) (AFP) - The outgoing head of the CIA appeared to confirm Thursday reports that around 200 Russian mercenaries were killed in February during a clash with US-led forces in Syria. "In Syria, a handful of weeks ago, the Russians met their match and a couple hundred Russians were killed," Mike Pompeo said, during a Senate hearing on his nomination to become US secretary of state. Pompeo did not go into more detail, but media reports have suggested that Russian mercenaries working for the so-called "Wagner Group" were involved in the February battle. Read: Trumps incoherent, dangerous policy on Syria, as laid out in tweets Russia acknowledged at the time that five of its citizens had died when US-led coalition forces working alongside Kurdish militia called in air support to repulse an attack by Syrian regime forces. Washington said the coalition had killed at least 100 "pro-regime" forces and a group of Russian investigative bloggers established the identity of dozens of named Russian fatalities. Multiple reports have suggested Wagner operates a shadowy private army in Syria with the tacit assent of the Kremlin, which has also deployed Russian regulars to back Bashar al-Assad's regime. President Donald Trump has nominated Pompeo to become Washington's top diplomat and his confirmation hearing came just as the White House mulls a strike to punish Assad for an alleged chemical attack. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - CIA Director Mike Pompeo, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of state, said on Thursday he "wants to fix" the international Iran nuclear deal. U.S. sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), will resume unless Trump waives them again on May 12. Trump has effectively set that as a deadline for European powers to fix the terrible flaws of the deal. Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing that he would still push for a tougher deal even if Trump decides not to waive the sanctions. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Lesley Wroughton; Editing by Frances Kerry) Kyle Mizokami Security, We rank the best of the best. 5 Best Glock and Sig Sauer Handguns on Planet Earth In Glocks entire inventory of handguns, there is one gun not available for sale in the United States to regular gun owners. This particular gun, the Glock 18, has a selector switch located on the slide that allows for two modes: traditional semiautomatic fire and fully automatic fire. The Glock 18 is a Glock 17 full-size pistol with the ability to fire at rates of up to 1,200 rounds per minute. In addition to seventeen-round magazines, Glock also manufactures thirty-three-round magazines that fit in the magazine well of most nine-millimeter Glocks, and would be particularly useful in the G18. Saddam Hussein had a Glock 18C, a version with a built-in compensator to deal with the recoil of fully automatic fire, on him when he was captured by U.S. forces in December 2003. The gun was later presented to former president George W. Bush as a war trophy. (Here we present two of our most popular handgun profiles as one combined post for your reading pleasure. These both appeared seperately last year.) *** The 5 Best Glocks The Glock 17 handgun shook up the gun industry in a big way. Gaston Glocks polymer pistol masterpiece, with its emphasis on ruggedness and reliability, swept the military and law-enforcement world and conquered the civilian market. Slowly, the company has introduced new handguns, all based on the original design, to compete in virtually every niche of the handgun market, from large-bore semiautomatics to discreet concealed carry. Here are five of Gaston Glocks best designs. Glock 17 The handgun that started it all, Gaston Glocks first handgun was originally designed to win a contract to supply the Austrian Army with handguns. It is a remarkable piece of engineering for someone who had only studied, but never designed, handguns of his own. The polymer lower receiver reduced the handguns weight where metal was unnecessary while keeping a traditional all-steel frame. The G17 can stand up to a wide array of physical abuse, including being run over by a car and frozen in ice, as well as dust and other environmental factors while remaining completely reliable. The Glocks seventeen-round magazine had the highest ammunition capacity of any commercially available pistol of its time. Story continues Recommended: How North Korea Could Start a War Recommended: This Is What Happens if America Nuked North Korea Recommended: The Colt Python: The Best Revolver Ever Made? Glock 21 One of the first Glock variants, the Glock 21, was simply the original Glock 17 scaled up to accept the .45 ACP round. The result was a high-capacity .45 pistol, something that wasnt exactly common. The Glock 21 could carry thirteen .45 ACP rounds while the standard .45 pistol, the Colt 1911A1, could carry seven or eight. The use of weight-reducing polymers was particularly useful in the G21, as it offset the weight of a magazine full of .45 rounds. The introduction of the Glock 21 early in the companys line proved that Glock understood many American shooters were skeptical of what they considered the relatively low-powered nine-millimeter round, and that the basic design could scale up to accommodate more powerful, higher recoil ammunition. Glock 19 The Glock 17 was a very popular handgun but, designed for military service, it was a bit larger than what many enthusiasts, concealed-carry wearers and home-defense users wanted. The result was the Glock 19. The Glock 19 was designed as a compact version of the Glock 17, approximately half an inch shorter than the G17 in overall length, height and barrel length. Ammunition capacity was decreased only slightly, to a still-respectable fifteen rounds. The G19, while not designed as a service pistol, has attracted a military following, with Navy SEALs and U.S. Army Rangers choosing it as their standard sidearm. A modified Glock 19, the 19X, was submitted to the U.S. Armys Modular Handgun System competition. Glock 43 Designed as a subcompact carry pistol, the G43 is Glocks first single stack handgun, featuring a thin magazine carrying six nine-millimeter rounds in a single vertical column. The G43 is one of the smallest pistols in the subcompact category, just 6.26 inches long and four and a quarter inches high. The pistol is just one inch thick, and loaded weighs just 22.36 ounces. This combination of small size and light weight makes the Glock 43 exceptionally easy to conceal on ones person. While the relatively small ammunition capacity is a bit unusual for a Glock, concealed carry pistols in general are strictly defensive firearms and the low round count is a tradeoff. Glock 18 In Glocks entire inventory of handguns, there is one gun not available for sale in the United States to regular gun owners. This particular gun, the Glock 18, has a selector switch located on the slide that allows for two modes: traditional semiautomatic fire and fully automatic fire. The Glock 18 is a Glock 17 full-size pistol with the ability to fire at rates of up to 1,200 rounds per minute. In addition to seventeen-round magazines, Glock also manufactures thirty-three-round magazines that fit in the magazine well of most nine-millimeter Glocks, and would be particularly useful in the G18. Saddam Hussein had a Glock 18C, a version with a built-in compensator to deal with the recoil of fully automatic fire, on him when he was captured by U.S. forces in December 2003. The gun was later presented to former president George W. Bush as a war trophy. *** The 5 Best Sig Sauer Handguns The Swiss-German company Sig Sauer has been in the arms business for a long time. Swiss SIG (Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft) a company founded in 1853, partnered with the German Sauer in 1976 to produce firearms. The joint company rode the European wave of handgun manufacturers in the late 1980s and 1990s with its series of handguns based on the original P210 platform. Today Sig Sauer sells a full line of handguns and modern sporting rifles in the United States, and has penetrated both the military and law enforcement markets. Although the company failed to sell the P226 handgun to the U.S. Military in 1984losing out to Beretta of Italyin 2017 it succeeding in winning the contract for the Berettas replacement, the M17 Modular Handgun system. Here is a list of some of Sig Sauers best service pistols. Sig P210 The Sig P210 is the original handgun that started the companys entire line of P2XX pistols. The P210 is generally regarded as one of the best-designed pistols of the twentieth century. Adopted in 1949 by the Swiss Army, it replaced a Swiss copy of the Luger P08 pistol, the Model 29. The P210 is also considered one of the most accurate pistols ever built. Recommended: How the Air Force Would Destroy North Korea. Recommended: 10 Reasons No Nation Wants to Fight Israel. Recommended: North Korea Has Underground Air Bases. The P210 is built as one might expect a Swiss watch: beautifully made with carefully fitted parts. The design itself is based on the locked breech, short-recoil pistol operating system devised by John Moses Browning, and disassembles like a standard Colt-Browning type pistol. The P210 is chambered in 9mm and its only drawback was an eight-round magazine, which was remarkable then but about half the size of todays magazines. The P210 was used by the Swiss Army, Danish Army and West German Border Guard. Sig P220 The next pistol in the Sig line that rose to prominence was the M75, otherwise known as the Sig P220. The M75 was adopted by the Swiss Army in 1975, and was a logical evolution of the P210. The pistol internally was similar to the P210, with the incorporation of a manual decocker that lowered the hammer into a safety notch without pulling the trigger. It also featured a firing pin lock that prevented the gun from being fired even if dropped while cocked. The P220 also different from the P210 in having a shorter barrel and larger trigger well. Still in production, the pistol is offered in 9mm, .45 ACP and 10mm Auto. The P220 found success in law enforcement organizations worldwideincluding Sweden and the United Statesand is the sidearm of the Japan Self Defense Forces. Sig P226 The P226 was Sigs breakout gun in the U.S. market and its most popular pistol. The P226 was actually developed for the U.S. Armys competition to replace the World War IIera M1911A1 handgun with a modern design. Although it lost to Beretta, a series of dangerous accidents involving Berettas in Navy service caused the SEALs to switch to the P226 instead. Armed with SEAL cachet and exploiting the explosion in high-capacity 9mm handguns caused by Glock, the P226 became a very popular handgun. Internally, the Sig P226 is similar to its predecessors, having a double action/single action design: the first shot requires a long ten-pound trigger pull to cock and then fire the pistol, while subsequent shots have a lighter 4.4-pound pull. Unlike previous Sig P2XX guns, the P226 had a double-column magazine that widened the grip but allowed fifteen 9mm roundsnearly twice as as previous Sigsto be carried in a single magazine. Sig P229 The Sig P226 is a large steel pistol that is not easy to carry concealed. As an alternative, Sig Sauer developed the P229. The P229 is a smaller, shorter pistol in the same size and weight range as the Glock 19 and the Smith & Wesson M&P Compact. The P229 is a scaled-down P226, with a barrel .4 inches shorter than its predecessor. The pistol retains the 9mm, fifteen-round magazine and still has an all-metal firearm, resulting in a pistol that weighs thirty-four ounces loadedfive more ounces than the Glock 19. At 1.5 inches, it is also a third of an inch wider than the Glock 19. Nevertheless, for those used to the Sigs manual of arms or the need for a decocker, the P229 is an excellent compact pistol. Sig P320/M17 Modular Handgun System In 2017, Sig Sauer beat Glock, Beretta, and other competitors for the U.S. Armys M17 Modular Handgun System (MHS). The M17 is based on the Sig Sauer P320 and appears similar on its surface to other Sig pistolsbut has several new internal updates from previous designs. The MHS consists of the full-sized M17 pistol and the compact M18, both of which are chambered for 9mm and distributed with seventeen- and twenty-one-round magazines. Unlike previous Sig handguns, the P320 is a striker fired pistol that does away with a hammer and firing pin. The P320 also has a manual safety, a key Army requirement. The pistol is double action only, meaning a single trigger pull will both cock the pistol and release the firing pin, firing the gun. The P320 for civilians is available in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 Smith & Wesson and .45 ACP. Kyle Mizokami is a defense and national-security writer based in San Francisco who has appeared in the Diplomat, Foreign Policy, War is Boring and the Daily Beast. In 2009, he cofounded the defense and security blog Japan Security Watch. You can follow him on Twitter: @KyleMizokami. Read full article The missile attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis aimed at Saudi Arabia's civilian areas and oil facilities have proven unsuccessful, but they are a provocation at a time when the Middle East is already at risk of a widening conflict. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. would soon respond to a Syrian chemical attack on civilians last Saturday. With oil prices at a three-year high, it's possible prices could flare up even more if hostilities spread beyond Syria or Yemen, two hot spots that are seen as proxy wars pitting Iran against both Israel and Saudi Arabia. "If this is all contained to Syria we've probably seen the bulk of the rise. The issue you get into is if there's a strike on Iranian assets in Syria, a direct hit on Saudi, or a scenario where the Saudis and Israelis team up to take it to Iran directly, that's where you get into triple-digit oil price land," said one oil analyst. The missile attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis aimed at Saudi Arabia's civilian areas and oil facilities have proven unsuccessful, but they are a provocation at a time when the Middle East is already at risk of a widening conflict. With oil prices at a three-year high , it's possible prices could flare up even more if hostilities spread beyond Syria or Yemen, two hot spots that are seen as proxy wars pitting Iran against both Israel and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. is set to strike Syria in the very near future because of its chemical attack on civilians, and both Russia and Iran have said they stand with Syria. "We're at the pivot point. It's a binary outcome. If it's a pinprick in Syria, we've seen the price gains. We'll sell off afterwards. If Iranian assets, in particular in Syria, get hit, it's a game changer," said John Kilduff, energy analyst and founder of Again Capital. U.S. oil prices are up nearly 8 percent this week so far, as tensions rose surrounding Syria. West Texas Intermediate futures temporarily rose above $67 per barrel, and Brent crude futures were above $72 per barrel. Story continues "Now you're talking about $75 WTI being on the table, and $80 Brent," said Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC. She said oil would rise much higher if the proxy war escalates to a real war between Iran and Saudi Arabia or Israel. Trump said the U.S. would respond in Syria , after its government allegedly again used chemical weapons against civilians Saturday, killing dozens and wounding hundreds more. Syria has denied it. "If this is all contained to Syria we've probably seen the bulk of the rise. The issue you get into is if there's a strike on Iranian assets in Syria, a direct hit on Saudi, or a scenario where the Saudis and Israelis team up to take it to Iran directly, that's where you get into triple-digit oil price land," said Kilduff. Meanwhile, Houthis in Yemen continued to step up a campaign to lob missiles at Saudi targets, including an oil tanker in international waters last week . Three missiles were intercepted by Saudi defense forces Wednesday, before they could hit targets in Najran or Riyadh. The Houthis claimed to have targeted the Saudi Defense Ministry and a Saudi Aramco distribution facility in Najran. "To me, I was more worried about the tanker. ... That raises the whole prospect of that critical waterway not being viewed as secure. Five million barrels of crude and refined product [per day] now has to be considered at risk," said Croft. "That's what goes through the strait." Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil exporter, and now the third-largest producer after the U.S. since it has cut back on production as part of a broader deal between OPEC and Russia to boost oil prices. "Certainly geopolitical risk is back in the price, and what happens to Syria could certainly stoke prices. It's not only Syria. It's also the May 12 deadline on reviewing the Iran deal," said Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit. "But it's not only the Mideast. It's this new tension between the United States and Russia, two of the world's three biggest oil producers." The U.S. imposed a new round of sanctions on Russia this week for its election meddling, and Russia has been a blunt critic of Trump's planned attack on Syria. The president has also been opposed to the Iran nuclear deal, which lifted sanctions on the country in return for Iran ending its nuclear program. With the addition of former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton as national security advisor just this week, it seems more likely the deal will be abandoned by the U.S. "When you look at the Middle East, you have more fault lines that could erupt than you or I could count," said Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations. "[The Saudis] see the Iranian hand behind everything that's happening in Yemen. Iran is their sworn enemy so I don't think the Saudis are going to let up. I think they ought to look for a way to get out. This has the potential to be their Vietnam. ... It's hard to see how with the current course of action the Saudis are on is going to end, or end well for them." Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , known as MBS, led the kingdom into the regional war after the Houthi rebels forced Yemen's president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, into exile "The main theaters that Iran is playing in right now remains Syria and Iraq, and this is to a certain extent ancillary to that. They're trying to embarrass MBS, and they're trying to highlight the Saudi war in Yemen to make sure it gets public attention," said Henry Rome, Iran researcher at Eurasia Group. "The more attention it gets, the worse publicly it is for the Saudis, especially at a time when they're trying to put on a different face for the West." The Houthis, in fact, ramped up their missile attacks just as MBS arrived in the U.S. on a tour to promote his Vision 2030, an effort to attract investments and diversify the kingdom away from its dependence on oil. "In terms of a major escalation, we're not at that point yet, especially if we're talking about a major escalation between Saudi and Iran," said Rome, adding the 'X' factor would be a hit on Saudi civilians. That would require a more major response from the Saudi government. As for the Iran nuclear deal, If the U.S. drops out, it would again impose sanctions on Iranian oil and its financial sector, including insurance, and shipping. It's unclear how Europe and other parties to the deal would respond. "Our base case here is European trade and investment basically collapses. Oil imports to Korea and Japan drop significantly and Iran will be looking to lash out in the region," said Rome. "It could be in terms of the Houtis in Yemen, but there are a lot of options. In any case, the decision will be made by the supreme leader and it will be strategic and thought out." Rome said it's likely European companies back away from deals with Iran so as not to lose access to the U.S. market, if Trump drops out of the nuclear agreement. WATCH: Missiles intercepted over Saudi Arabia More From CNBC On Wednesday morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that he would be leaving Capitol Hill at the end of the year, claiming, as so many have before him, that he wants to spend more time with his family. In delivering the news to his colleagues, Ryan said that among his proudest moments in what will be a 20-year career, one stood out from the pack: the passage of 2017s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (working title: The Cut Cut Cut Act), a historic transfer of wealth, the likes of which Ryan had been dreaming about since his college kegger days. Incidentally, just two days prior, the Congressional Budget Office released a report predicting that thanks in large part to Ryans tax legislation, the country is now on a collision course with financial disaster, with the U.S. deficit set to top $1 trillion annually, in perpetuity, starting in 2020, and the national debt set to soar past $33 trillion by 2028. But while Ryan is leaving town after setting the Treasury on firesomething he pretended to care about under Barack Obama, when tax cuts werent on the linehis personal financial situation is about to get quite rosy. Bloomberg reports that upon leaving politics, Wisconsins first son will have no trouble adding to a current net worth estimated at slightly more than $6 million, given the wide range of corporate boards probably already banging down his door. The kind of board that he would go after would probably pay between $250,000 and $300,000 a year and he could probably get three or four of them, Fred Foulkes, a professor at Boston Universitys Questrom School of Business, told Bloomberg. There would be dozens that would like to have him, particularly companies that have part of their business in key relationships with certain parts of government. While Ryan will have to abide by a rule that says representatives must wait one year between working on Capitol Hill and lobbying work, there are no such rules about joining companies boards. One imagines that plenty of the Speakers corporate donors, now saving millions on their tax bills, would be happy to have him. Story continues Theres some irony in the fact that Ryan, who famously called poverty a culture problem of men not even thinking about working, who said the social safety net is a hammock that lulls able-bodied people into complacency and dependence, and who extolled the virtues of children seeing their father working, will be quitting his job at 48 in order to do less work for more money. Corporate board seats are famously cushy gigs that involve, typically, attending a meeting every few weeks, max. By the Boston Globes estimates, board members usually work fewer than five hours per week per board. The positions are so lucrative and coveted that critics say some people are discouraged from raising questions about C.E.O. pay or other issues for fear of losing their seats, which were sure will never been an issue for the deeply principled Ryan. While Ryan spent much of his career railing against benefits for public-sector employees, hell also enjoy a hefty pension package when he heads back to Janesvillea golden parachute that will be further inflated if Ryan hangs on until the end of the year, as he has said he will do. Business Insider breaks down the math: If Ryan did enroll in Federal Employees Retirement System, the timing of his retirement could have a significant effect on his benefits since a January retirement means Ryan will have served for just over three years as Speaker. Ryan took over for John Boehner on October 29, 2015. The annual payment to a retired member is determined in part by calculating the three highest-paying consecutive years of a members career. Princess Anne has arrived to see her father - London News Pictures Ltd Princess Anne is the first Royal visitor to see the Duke of Edinburgh in hospital. She was seen visiting the King Edward VII Hospital to visit Prince Philip after his planned hip operation. The 96-year-old's hip problem was revealed when he was absent from the Easter service at Windsor. The Duke has missed two subsequent events at Windsor Castle; the Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel on 29 March, and a parade on 22 March to mark Prince Andrew's appointment as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. He was admitted to hospital on April 3, and Buckingham Palace has said he is "comfortable and in good spirits." His surgery last Wednesday was successful, according to the Palace. The Duke retired from royal duties last August, after announcing his retirement in May 2017. Prince Philip has continued to stand by the Queen at Royal engagements Credit: EPA/ROBERT PERRY Prince Philip visited the King Edward VII Hospital a month following his announcement as "a precautionary measure" following an infection arising from a pre-existing condition. Since his retirement, he has continued to appear at Royal events alongside the Queen. His last solo engagement was on 2 August last year outside Buckingham Palace, when he reviewed a parade of Royal Marines. It has been a busy Spring for the Royals, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge due to have their third child within weeks, and the preparations for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the 19th of May. Related Video: Meghan Markle Gives Letter to Inspired Fan By Paul Carsten ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari announced on Monday he wants to seek another term in office in February 2019 elections. With that declaration, the race to lead Africa's largest democracy is underway. The path ahead could be tough for his All Progressives Congress (APC), the People's Democratic Party (PDP) opposition and any other party that may contest the vote. WHAT'S AT STAKE? Buhari's 2015 victory was built on three promises: to rid Nigeria of its endemic corruption, to fix the economy and to defeat threats to security. The results have been mixed. He has not brought an end to the war with the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency, now in its tenth year. The economy entered and climbed out of recession under Buhari, yet the average Nigerian is still getting poorer; and opponents say his administration is failing to tackle endemic corruption, targeting only the president's enemies and ignoring allegations against his allies. After spending five months in Britain last year being treated for an undisclosed ailment, opposition groups and other critics said he was unfit for office and his administration was beset by inertia. If Buhari wins again, his opponents say, Nigeria would be in for another four years of political torpor. On the other hand, the president's supporters say the opposition has little to offer beyond "Not Buhari" - a sign of Nigeria's personality-driven politics. FAULT LINES AND FRACTURES Nigeria is deeply divided. One of the most fundamental rifts is between the mainly Muslim north and the largely Christian south, and the population is fairly evenly split between the religions. Africa's most populous country also has more than 200 ethnic groups, with the three largest the Hausa in the north, the Yoruba in the southwest and the Igbo in the south-east. That has led to an unofficial power-sharing agreement among Nigeria's political elite. The presidency, in theory, is to alternate between the north and south after every two four-year terms. Buhari, a northern Muslim, has held the post since 2015. His predecessor, the PDP's Goodluck Jonathan, is a southern Christian. In keeping with the accord, the PDP is set to select a northerner as its candidate for 2019. Story continues Those divisions play into what could be one of the major issues of the 2019 elections: deadly violence between mostly Christian farmers and mainly Muslim nomadic herders that has broken out in the Nigerian hinterland states known as the Middle Belt. Buhari's critics say he is soft-peddling justice for the killings because he, like most of the herders, is from the Fulani ethnic group and is Muslim. The presidency denies that criticism, which also largely ignores the fact that there have been deaths in both communities as a cycle of reprisal attacks shows little sign of ending. This could turn the Middle Belt, much of which voted for Buhari in 2015, into some of the most crucial swing states next year. GENERATION GAP With a booming young population, Nigeria's median age is just 18, according to the United Nations. Many youth see Nigeria's ageing leaders as out of touch. Buhari, 75, is the oldest person to helm Nigeria since the transition to civilian government in 1999. That has sparked "Not Too Young to Run" campaigns to allow younger people to seek office. Nigeria's former military leaders retain a strong influence over politics nearly two decades after the advent of civilian rule. Buhari himself is a retired general who was head of state from 1983-1985. Other military-era chiefs continue to wield political leverage, including the likes of Olusegun Obasanjo, who led the country in the 1970s and was president from 1999-2007, and Ibrahim Babangida, who ruled from 1985-1993. THE PARTIES The two main parties, the ruling APC and opposition PDP, do not have clear ideological differences. Competition for control of national oil revenues by elites, patronage and complex rivalries between Nigeria's hundreds of ethnic groups have played a much bigger role in elections than ideology. The APC is the latest incarnation of the various vehicles Buhari used to run in 2003, 2007 and 2011. His eventual victory in the last race came after assembling a broad coalition across the north and southwest. Without Buhari, political insiders say, there would be no APC. The PDP was the inheritor of decades of military rule in 1999, and held power until Jonathan's defeat in 2015. Because of that, the party has traditionally appealed to Nigeria's business community, which developed during the military regime. No clear candidate for the PDP has emerged. Some members see Atiku Abubakar, who has signalled he may run, as the best choice. A local tycoon and former vice president for the PDP under Obasanjo, he has made numerous unsuccessful bids to become Nigeria's leader. Abubakar became a key ally and funder of Buhari during the 2015 campaign, only to once again switch sides late last year and indicate his desire to contest again. It is also possible that a third major party may form, with rumours swirling of potential powerful backers including Obasanjo and Babangida. ELECTION INTERFERENCE Facebook's Cambridge Analytica scandal has hit Nigeria. The government has launched an investigation into allegations that the firm was hired to interfere with Buhari's campaigns in 2011 and 2015, on behalf of the PDP and then-president Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan, through a spokesman, denied any knowledge of the alleged interference. Cambridge Analytica has not commented on the allegations. The 2015 contest is the only time Nigeria has had a handover of power from a defeated incumbent since civilian government took over in 1999. Even then, independent observers saw evidence of vote buying, voter intimidation and other forms of corruption. TURNOUT AND TIMETABLE Voter turnout in the 2015 election was 29.4 million, or 44 percent of registered voters, according to Independent National Electoral Commission data. Party primaries run from Aug. 18 to Oct. 7. Campaigning will be held from Nov. 18, 2018 to Feb. 14, 2019, and the presidential elections are set for Feb. 16, 2019. The candidate with the most votes is declared winner as long as they have at least one-quarter of the vote in two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 states and the capital. Otherwise there is a run-off. (Additional reporting by Camillus Eboh and Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Mike Collett-White) Riding a three fight losing streak, Carlos Condit hasnt had back-to-back wins since stopping Dong Hyun Kim in July 2011, and decisioning Nick Diaz in February 2012. (Getty Images) Win or lose, main event or preliminary card, there were always two guarantees in a Carlos Condit fight: Passion and violence. In his last outing, though, a desultory loss at UFC 219 on Dec. 30 to Neil Magny, Condit was neither passionate nor violent. He went down meekly, allowing Magny to control him as if he were a wide-eyed newcomer and not among the greatest of all time. If it was puzzling to fans inside T-Mobile Arena and those watching on the pay-per-view broadcast, it was nothing compared to how baffling it was to the man himself. I felt off, said Condit, who returns to action Saturday on Fox against Alex Oliveira at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. I felt lazy. I know I looked lazy from the outside. I dont know what it was, exactly. It could have been a number of things. But I dont feel like I was myself. I prepared pretty well for that fight, but mentally, for whatever reason, I wasnt there. And so that loss extended a perplexing losing streak to three fights. Theres no shame in losing to Robbie Lawler, Demian Maia and Magny, as they are among a handful of the elite welterweights in the world, but it is stunning to realize that a man as gifted in the fighting arts as Condit hasnt won since a TKO of Thiago Alves on May 30, 2015. The statistics are disturbing, at least from the standpoint of a guy who has been a winner at every stop. Hes lost three in a row, four of five and six of eight. He hasnt had back-to-back wins since stopping Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 132 on July 2, 2011, and decisioning Nick Diaz at UFC 143 on Feb. 4, 2012. Losing is as much a part of MMA as kicks and punches, given the varied ways there are to win a fight, but its odd that someone as talented and as highly regarded as Condit has come up short as repeatedly as he has. Condit, though, doesnt see himself on a downhill slide or ready for retirement, and his performances, if not the results, back that up. The fight against Lawler, for instance, was one of the most exciting of the decade, and could have easily been a Condit win. He fought with passion and intensity in that bout, which was sorely lacking against Magny. Story continues He knows Oliveira will bring it and so hell be forced to kick up the intensity. Hes one of the sports fiercest competitors and is flat tired of the losing. It sucks, man, Condit said of the long time between wins. If you are competing at a high level, you have to accept that there are going to be ups and downs, because that is part of this business. But there are some points in the last couple of years where it has eaten at me to varying degrees. Ive tried to use them as learning experiences and make myself better as a result of it. Condit has always been a thinking mans fighter. He has terrific physical skills, but has enhanced the entirety of the package by being so smart inside the cage. That knowledge has helped him do a thorough self-examination and he believes hes still a tough task for the best fighters in the world. But he concedes that hes different in some ways. I know that to be true, Condit said when asked if he could still beat the best fighters in the world. I know what I can do. When I was coming up, I never knew what I couldnt do. But now, in some spots, Ive seen where Ive hit the ceiling. That doesnt mean I cant improve. I can still improve. If I show up and I fight to the best of my ability and Im me, I can still compete with anybody in the division. Hed been out more than a year from the time he lost to Maia until the time he was beaten by Magny. He contemplated retirement in that time. In retrospect, it may have dragged him down a bit. I think kind of being half-in, half-out and not being sure what I wanted to do, if Im being totally honest, of course its had an impact on my performance, Condit said. I havent shown for a while what I can do and the fighter I can be, and the fighter a lot of people know I can be. This fight on Saturday, I have to go out and do my thing. I love to fight and I love to be free in there and Ive put the work in during this camp. I expect a good result. I have had some mental hang-ups since the Lawler fight and my heart has not always been fully in it. Ive been wrestling with a bunch of things over the last couple of years. But I feel Im back to a good place and Im all in and excited to fight again. Im doing this for the right reasons and I cant wait to perform Saturday. More from Yahoo Sports: After scrapping Kaepernick visit, Seahawks sign a QB Report: Girl targeted for beaning by youth baseball coaches Barack, Michelle Obamas niece picked in WNBA draft OKC broadcaster under fire for offensive remark Robert Farley Security, Would we use them in Syria? The Reason Why America's Aircraft Carriers Could Be Obsolete (Thanks to Russia and China) Plenty of world-beating weapons quickly become obsolete. The fast battleships of World War II went into reserve less than a decade after their commissioning. The early fighters and bombers of the jet age sometimes had even briefer lifespans. Aircraft carriers, in widely variant forms, have enjoyed a good, long run. They survive because aircraft have short ranges, and fixed airfields have significant military and political vulnerabilities. These two factors seem likely to persist. However, just because flat-decked aircraft carrying ships will likely be with us does not mean that the Ford class, which emphasizes high-intensity, high technology warfare, represents an ideal investment of U.S. defense capital. The vulnerabilities of the big carriers are real, and the U.S. needs to either remedy those problems, or consider an alternative means of delivering ordnance. The United States has decided to spend many billions of dollars on the CVN-78 (Ford) class of aircraft carriers to replace the venerable Nimitz class. The latter has served the U.S. Navy since 1975, with the last ship (USS George H. W. Bush) entering service in 2009. The Fords could be in service, in one configuration or another, until the end of the 21st century. Recommended: We Went Aboard the Most Powerful Aircraft Carrier Ever Built. Recommended: This Is How China Would Invade Taiwan (And How to Stop It). Recommended: The Story of the F-52 Fighter. Just as the U.S. government has determined to make this investment, numerous analysts have argued that the increasing lethality of anti-access/area denial systems ( especially Chinas, but also Russia and Iran) has made the aircraft carrier obsolete. If so, investing in a class of ships intended to serve for 90 years might look like a colossal waste of money. As with any difficult debate, we should take time to define our terms, and clarify the stakes. The anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems around the world may indeed curb the effectiveness of the Ford class, but the U.S. will still find uses for this ships. Story continues Define Obsolete: We need to carefully describe how we think about obsolescence. Military analysts often equates obsolescence with uselessness, especially while pursuing dollars for new gadgets, but the two words dont mean the same thing. In every war, armies, navies, and air forces fight with old, even archaic equipment. Built for World War II, the A-26 Invader attack aircraft served in the Vietnam War. The USS New Jersey , declared obsolete at the end of World War II, fought off Korea, Vietnam, and Lebanon. The A-10 Warthog, thought by many to be obsolete before it even flew, continues to fight in Americas wars. For countries less well-endowed than the United States, the point hold even more strongly; all of the armies currently fighting in Syria and Libya use equipment that the U.S. considered obsolete decades ago. The point is that even if the ships of the CVN-78 class cannot penetrate advanced A2/AD systems, they can still serve other useful purposes. Indeed, American carriers since 1945 have entirely earned their keep on these other missions, which include strike in permissive environments, displays of national power and commitment, and relief operations. Obsolescence for one kind of mission does not imply uselessness across the range of maritime military operations. Carrier vs. A2/AD: People have predicted the obsolescence of the aircraft carrier since the end of World War II. The Soviets developed an elaborate system of submarines, sensors, and aircraft designed to strike US aircraft carriers. The U.S. developed countermeasures, including the F-14 Tomcat , intended to defeat and distract the Soviet systems. As war never happened, we never had the opportunity to test the capabilities of a carrier air wing against a flight of Tu-22M Backfire bombers. The Soviets and the Americans worked hard against each other, countering each innovation with an ever-more-sophisticated reply. Each iteration led to a different constellation of power and vulnerability; the bombers had the upper hand at some points, and the carriers at others. The next generation of A2/AD capabilities will have a similarly non-linear character. While Chinese missiles might have the range and terminal maneuverability to find U.S. carriers, missile defense and electronic counter-measures might make the missiles ineffective to the point of uselessness . Similar, improvements in anti-submarine technology could limit or eliminate the vulnerability that carriers face against undersea threats. Carriers that become obsolete may not stay that way. Flexibility: The utility of a large, flat-decked ship comes primarily from the kinds of aircraft it can carry and launch. The aircraft carrier as a concept has survived, in no small part, because aircraft carriers are good for jobs other than penetrating tightly defended A2/AD systems. Indeed, no U.S. carrier since World War II has ever needed to directly challenge such a system. Instead (as noted above) aircraft carriers have found themselves jobs in a variety of other conditions. The U.S. Navy has enjoyed the advantage of nearly unfettered access to enemy airspace over the past twenty-five years, and has structured its air wings accordingly. While the U.S. has been slower than many would have liked to adapt to the new array of anti-access threats , the development of fifth and sixth generation stealth aircraft, as well as the eventual procurement of long range, carrier-based strike zones, can help restore the usefulness of the CVN-78 class, even if anti-access weapons drive the carriers further out to sea. The Final Salvo: Plenty of world-beating weapons quickly become obsolete. The fast battleships of World War II went into reserve less than a decade after their commissioning. The early fighters and bombers of the jet age sometimes had even briefer lifespans. Aircraft carriers, in widely variant forms, have enjoyed a good, long run. They survive because aircraft have short ranges, and fixed airfields have significant military and political vulnerabilities. These two factors seem likely to persist. However, just because flat-decked aircraft carrying ships will likely be with us does not mean that the Ford class, which emphasizes high-intensity, high technology warfare, represents an ideal investment of U.S. defense capital. The vulnerabilities of the big carriers are real, and the U.S. needs to either remedy those problems, or consider an alternative means of delivering ordnance. Robert Farley , a frequent contributor to TNI, is author of The Battleship Book . He serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky. His work includes military doctrine, national security, and maritime affairs. He blogs at Lawyers, Guns and Money and Information Dissemination and The Diplomat . This first appeared in 2016. Read full article Revealing Selves: Transgender Portraits from Argentina El GondoliIn. Once a family-run hotel in the Villa Crespo neighborhood of central Buenos Aires, El GondoliIn is now inhabited by about 50 transgender women, most of them underprivileged migrants from northern Argentina. (Copyright 2018 by Kike Arnal. These images originally appeared in Revealing Selves: Transgender Portraits from Argentina, published by The New Press. Reprinted here with permission.) Argentina was the first Latin American nation to legalize same-sex marriage. It also passed legislation that made it one of the most advanced countries in world in terms of transgender rights the culmination of a long battle fought by LGBTQ support groups. In Revealing Selves: Transgender Portraits from Argentina (The New Press, April 2018), award-winning photographer Kike Arnal collaborated with people in the countrys transgender communities, living among them and documenting their day-to-day lives in a series of strikingly intimate black-and-white images. This is Arnals second photobook with The New Press. His first, Bordered Lives , focused on the LGBTQ community in Mexico. Revealing Selves documents a former sex worker who is now a recognized leader of the Buenos Aires trans community, a single trans mother of three teenage girls whose partner had fallen victim to drug abuse, and the residents of El Gondolin, a small, derelict family hotel now inhabited by trans women. While these and other stories in this book demonstrate the progress that has been made, the situation in Argentina is far from perfect. Trans people are still discriminated against and subject to verbal violence, physical assault, and police abuse. Of interest to LGBTQ activists and photography enthusiasts alike, Revealing Selves is both a celebration of the trans community in Argentina and a clear-eyed examination of what remains to be done in the struggle for trans rights. Originally from Venezuela, Kike Arnal is now based in the San Francisco area. He has covered stories in the Americas, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, and his photographs have been featured in the New York Times, Life, and Mother Jones, among other leading publications. He has directed and produced video documentaries, including Yanomami Malaria for the Discovery Channel. Arnals photographs have been collected in Bordered Lives: Transgender Portraits from Mexico and In the Shadow of Power. See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr. Congressional investigators have viewed a Department of Justice document related to how the FBI launched its investigation into Russian meddling. The FBI opened its counterintelligence probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in July 2016. The House Intelligence Committee had requested the electronic communication related to the opening of that investigation. On Wednesday afternoon, Representative Devin Nunes, the committees Republican chairman, and Representative Trey Gowdy, another Republican on the panel, met with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, according to a statement by Nunes. The meeting came one day after Nunes said on television that he would have a plan to hold in contempt and to impeach Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray if they did not provide the document. Trending: Parkland Teacher Arrested After Leaving Loaded Gun In Public Bathroom Related: Nunes Threatens to Impeach Rod Rosenstein and Chris Wray After numerous unfulfilled requests, Nunes said in the statement Wednesday, we were finally given access to a version of the [electronic communications] that contained the information necessary to advance the committees ongoing investigation of the Department of Justice and FBI. Although the subpoenas issued by this committee in August 2017 remain in effect, Id like to thank Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein for his cooperation today, he added. Don't miss: Black Holes: This is What It Sounds Like When Two Collide At Astonishing Speed 04_12_Nunes_Gowdy_Justice Mark Wilson/Getty The manner in which the FBI launched its Russia investigation has been the topic of controversy. Some Republicans have believed the start was based on information that Christopher Steele, the former British spy initially hired by the firm Fusion GPS to do opposition research on Donald Trump, provided to authorities. But in December, The New York Times reported that comments former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos made to an Australian diplomat resulted in the launch of the probe. Story continues Last May, after the firing of James Comey as FBI director, Rosenstein appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller to oversee the bureaus Russia investigation. Muellers team has since named 19 defendants, one of whom has been sentenced. The House Intelligence Committee closed its own investigation into Russian meddling, in March, saying it had found no evidence that the Trump campaign coordinated with the Russians. The Democrats on the committee have claimed that their Republican counterparts closed the investigation prematurely. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek - AFP or licensors Russia's defence ministry has accused Britain of staging the chemical weapons attack that killed more than 40 people in the Syrian town of Douma on Saturday. Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov, a military spokesman, said the Russian Army had "proof that testifies to the direct participation of Britain in the organising of this provocation in Eastern Ghouta." Speaking at a briefing in Moscow on Friday, he claimed that Britain ordered the White Helmets, the volunteer rescue service who act as first responders in rebel-held areas, to fake the suspected Sarin and chlorine gas attack. Dozens of civilians including women and children were killed in the chemical weapons attack in Douma. Western governments including Britain have blamed Bashar al Assad's government, a Russian ally, for the attack. Donald Trump has threatened to launch missile strikes against Mr Assad's forces in response. Britain and France have backed his call for action. A girl holds an oxygen mask over the face of an infant following a reported gas attack in the rebel-held besieged town of Douma Credit: HASAN MOHAMED/AFP Maj Gen Konashenkov's allegations against Britain came after Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, claimed to have evidence that the attack had been "staged" by foreign powers. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said Russia has wielded its UNSC veto 6 times since February 2017 to shield the Asad regime from scrutiny for its use of chemical weapons. "These accusations from Moscow are just the latest in a number of ludicrous allegations from Russia, who have also said that no attack ever happened. This simply shows their desperation to pin the blame on anyone but their client: the Asad regime. "The chemical weapons attack in Douma last Saturday was a shocking and barbaric act that cost up to 75 lives including young children. Earlier on Friday it emerged that Russia could ban Scotch whisky in retaliation for sanctions imposed in the wake of the Salisbury chemical attack and any Western military action in Syria. Story continues A sweeping ban on Western alcohol imports is among a number of options Russian MPs have drawn up to hit back at the West after the United States imposed sanctions on Russian businesses following the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal. Scotland's whisky industry could be targeted by Russian sanctions Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Vyacheslav Volodin, a former top aide to Mr Putin who is now speaker of parliament, introduced the legislation as a response to the boorish behaviour of the United States on Friday. The bill allows the government to adopt wide ranging retaliatory sanctions against the United States and its allies, but it also pushes back against Western threats of Syria strikes over the chemical attack in Douma, a senior MP has said. Western countries took action against Russia following the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal Credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP The bill in its current form explicitly targets the United States, but it says the measures can be extended to countries that adopted or simply supported sanctions against Russia. It could also target the United Kingdom, France and other countries that have a certain position on Syria, Alexei Chepa, deputy head of parliament's foreign affairs committee, told state news agency. The move comes as the US, Britain and France prepare to launch missile strikes in Syria Credit: Ford Williams/US Navy The legislation has not been discussed yet, maybe when it is there will be suggestions to expand these sanctions and actions to other countries, and other countries could be added to the list, including the United Kingdom, Kirill Prokopov, an aide to Mr Chepa, told The Telegraph. And if there is a military operation in Syria, that will be part of the discussion, he said. He said parliament would probably not vote on the legislation until May. Britain and France are considering joining potential US strikes against Bashar al Assad's regime. The European Union has adopted several rounds of sanctions against Russia. Mr Volodin's involvement means the bill will almost certainly pass when it is put to the vote. Russian State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin introduced the bill on Friday Credit: Pavel Golovkin/AP It was not immediately clear how exactly the sanctions would affect the UK - but key provisions in the text would allow Mr Putin to target key British industries ranging from whisky export to legal and consulting services. The text published on the website of the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, would grant the Russian government powers to take a number of actions including banning imports of alcohol or tobacco products "from the United States and/or other countries." Other measures would include a black list of citizens of "unfriendly" countries banned from visiting Russia, suspending special visa programs for highly qualified individuals, and imposing embargoes on agricultural produce and Western-produced medicines. It also prescribes suspension of trade and cooperation in nuclear power, rocket engines, and aircraft manufacturing, hi-tech sectors where Russian and US industry is heavily intertwined. Russian-made rocket engines have powered many US space launches in recent years. In particular, the first stage of the Atlas V rocket made by Boeing and Lockheed has been driven by a Russian engine. The Atlas V rocket uses Russian engines Credit: Orlando Sentinel/Getty It would also allow the Russian government to ban Western firms from taking part in state tenders for equipment procurement or consulting, legal, or auditing services. It would also increase overflight fees for Western airlines using Russian airspace. In one of its most surprising moves, the legislation would end the exclusive right to trademarks and brand names on goods to be designated by parliament, which would open the door to Russian companies making brand-name products without rights-holders' permission. The domination of the Anglo-Saxon, Western world is facilitated by intellectual property rights, and we will deliver a blow to this right, MP Mikhail Yemelyanov told Interfax news agency. The proposed legislation grants the Russian government the authority to take such action, but does not mean that sanctions will be introduced. The United States imposed sweeping sanctions on several Russian businessmen and their companies last week, as part of a retaliation for the nerve agent attack against former spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury. The sanctions, which hit prominent businessmen including the metals billionaire Oleg Deripaska, wiped billions of dollars off Russian-linked stocks and prompted the ruble to dive. Russia banned imports of Western fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, and dairy products in 2014 in retaliation for sanctions imposed following the annexation of Crimea and invasion of eastern Ukraine. A spokesperson for the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday that a suspected chemical attack in Syria was staged by Britain's military forces. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov provided what he claimed were statements from medical professionals at the hospital where the victims in rebel-held Douma were treated. The statements, reviewed by the Associated Press, claim that people with video cameras came into the hospital and caused a panic by yelling about chemical weapons, but that there were no actual victims suffering from chemical injuries. Trending: Ivanka Trump Slammed As Fake Secretary Of State In Peru By Twitter Without evidence, Konashenkov said that Britain was "directly involved in the provocation," the Associated Press reported. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov made similar remarks during a Friday news conference. The statements came as the U.S., U.K. and France reportedly consider responses to the attack, which Westerm leaders believe was ordered by the Syrian government. President Donald Trump went so far as to say that he would be sending nice and smart missiles at Syria and called President Bashar al-Assad a "gas killing animal." Britain's Ambassador to the U.N. Karen Pierce called Russia's claim that her country was behind the chemical attack "a blatant lie," according to a tweet by the Associated Press. Don't miss: 'Truth or Dare': 6 Unanswered Questions From Lucy Hale's Film Prime Minister Theresa May also vowed to take action against the Assad regime. Trump agreed with May on the necessity of a counter-response, according to a spokesperson for the Prime Minister. Most popular: What is Dyscalculia? Netflixs Amateur Introduces Audiences to the Learning Difference The Syrian government, meanwhile, has denied any involvement in the April 7 incident, which left at least 70 dead and hundreds injured in a town that had been resisting government forces amid a seven-year-war. Russia, long an ally of Assad, has repeatedly denied Syrian involvement in the attack. Story continues GettyImages-945816898 Zein Al Rifai/AFP/Getty Images Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that a looming missile strike would be counterproductive and attempted to dissuade the United States from launching countermeasures. "Smart missiles should be fired at terrorists and not at the legitimate government which has been fighting terrorists," Zakharova wrote on Facebook. "Or is the trick to destroy all the traces with a smart missile strike and then there will be no evidence for international inspectors to look for?" On Tuesday, Russia vetoed a resolution that would have set up an investigation into the attacks. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek LONDON (Reuters) - Russia's intelligence agencies spied on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia for at least five years before they were attacked with a nerve agent in March, the national security adviser to Britain's prime minister said. Mark Sedwill said in a letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday that email accounts of Yulia had been targeted in 2013 by cyber specialists from Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Sedwill also said in the letter, which was published by the government, that it was "highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination." The Skripals were targeted by what London says was a nerve agent attack that left both of them critically ill for weeks. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said it is highly likely that Moscow was behind the attack. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted on Friday that a report this week by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) did not confirm the origin of the poison used against the Skripals. Lavrov said the report only confirmed the composition of the substance and that Britain's claim that it confirmed the UK position on the Skripal case was overstated. Separately on Friday, Russia's ambassador to Britain said he was concerned the British government was trying to get rid of evidence related to the case. "We get the impression that the British government is deliberately pursuing the policy of destroying all possible evidence, classifying all remaining materials and making an independent and transparent investigation impossible," Alexander Yakovenko told reporters. He also said Russia could not be sure about the authenticity of a statement issued by Yulia Skripal on Wednesday in which she declined the offer of help from the Russian embassy. (Reporting by Kate Holton; Writing by William Schomberg and Elisabeth O'Leary; Editing by Stephen Addison) Joint air strikes by the US, UK and France have set back Syrias chemical weapons capability for years, the US military said. Cruise missiles were fired at three sites in response to what Theresa May called the despicable and barbaric attack in Douma last week that is believed to have killed up to 75 people. Ms May said Bashar al-Assad could face even further strikes if chemical weapons are used again - and the US warned that they were "locked and loaded" if poison used again. US President Donald Trump declared mission accomplished after more than 100 missiles were collectively launched in the early hours of the morning. During telephone conversations on Saturday afternoon, Ms May, Mr Trump and Emmanuel Macron all agreed that the military strikes in Syria "had been a success". Downing Street published a document setting out why it believes military action against the Syrian regime was legal after Jeremy Corbyn described the action as legally questionable. The Russian embassy in the US said it had warned that such actions would "not be left without consequences", adding that insulting President Vladimir Putin was "unacceptable and inadmissible". On Saturday afternoon, the UN Security Council rejected Russia's draft resolution condemning "aggression" against Syria by the US and its allies. Please allow a moment for the live blog to load Russia and Syria claimed most of the missiles, numbering about 110, were intercepted, while the Pentagon said Syrian defences had no effect on the operation. Mr Assad, backed also by Iran, said on Saturday the bombings would increase his countrys resolve to fight and crush terrorism. Ms May said she had authorised British forces to conduct precision strikes against Syria to help degrade its chemical weapons capability. This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change, Ms May said in a statement. It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. Story continues RAF Tornado jets bombed a chemical weapons facility 15 miles outside Homs, the Ministry of Defence said. Russia warned of consequences for the US-led military strikes, saying the use of missiles on suspected chemical weapons assets were an insult to Vladimir Putin. A pre-designed scenario is being implemented, Russian ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a statement. Again, we are being threatened. We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences. Earlier, Russias military claimed to have evidence that Britain had direct involvement in staging the suspected chemical attack in Syria, a charge quickly condemned as grotesque by the UK. Humanitarian volunteers were seriously pressured by the UK to speed up plans for a provocation in eastern Ghouta, Moscows defence ministry suggested. Britains ambassador to the UN condemned the blatant lie as the worst piece of fake news weve yet seen from the Russian propaganda machine. Later, a spokesman for the UK Foreign Office said: These accusations from Moscow are just the latest in a number of ludicrous allegations from Russia, who have also said that no attack ever happened. This simply shows their desperation to pin the blame on anyone but their client: the [President Bashar] Assad regime It comes as Russia and the United States traded fresh blows during the latest round of talks at the UN Security Council and amid warnings that the world is at risk of full-blown military escalation. The State Department said the United States has proof at a very high level of confidence that the Syrian government of Mr Assad carried out the attack but is still working to identify the mix of chemicals used. Syria is responsible. We are all in agreement, department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters. Additional reporting by agencies LONDON (Reuters) - Russia's embassy in Britain said on Friday that Moscow was concerned by a decision taken by British ministers on Thursday to take action in Syria, saying reports of a planned military attack would represent a "reckless" move by London. The embassy said in a statement that Russian officials who visited the town of Douma in Syria - the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack, according to the United States and its allies - did not find traces of chemical substances. The World Health Organisation said this week an estimated 500 patients in Douma went to health facilities with "signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals". (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Andrew MacAskill; Writing by William Schomberg; editing by Stephen Addison) MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has said it will target U.S. missiles and the ships or planes that fire them if an attack on Syria threatens the lives of its own military personnel based there. [nL8N1RO176][nL8N1QV5LM] Here's what we know about Russian military capabilities in Syria: MISSILES 'TRIUMPH' S-400 SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES An advanced truck-mounted system that Russia is known to have deployed to protect its Hmeymim air base in Syria's Latakia Province and its Tartus naval facility on the coast. Its mobile nature means it can easily and quickly be deployed elsewhere. Designed to shoot down military aircraft, missiles and drones, its radar can detect targets up to 600 kms (375 miles) away. Each truck carries four missiles of varying range. Can track multiple targets simultaneously. Taken seriously by NATO, the S-400s have not been combat tested however. Capable of intercepting U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, there are question marks over whether Moscow has enough interceptor missiles deployed to Syria to handle a large swarm of missiles. In such a situation it might be able to shoot down some, but not all incoming missiles. Russia also has an older version of the same missiles - S-300s - deployed in Syria. BASTION COASTAL MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM The Bastion system, thought to be deployed at or near Russia's Tartus naval facility, is an advanced mobile anti-ship and surface-to-surface defence system armed with two missiles. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the system can hit sea targets at a distance of 350 km (219 miles) and land targets at a distance of 450 km (281 miles). Russia used the system to launch a coordinate strike against rebels in Syria in 2016. The Syrian army is also thought to have bought the Bastion system from Russia. PANTSIR-S1 A truck-mounted short to medium range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapons system possessed by both Russian and Syrian government forces in Syria. Known to be deployed by Russia at or near its Hmeymim air base and at its Tartus naval facility. Has been fired in Syria a number of times to take out drones and missiles. Can shoot down cruise missiles. WARSHIPS Russia has between 10 and 15 warships and support vessels deployed in the Mediterranean. They include the Admiral Grigorovich and Admiral Essen frigates, which are armed with cruise missiles, as well as submarines. According to a senior Russian politician and satellite imagery, most of the ships have left Russia's Tartus naval facility "for their own safety." Russian daily Kommersant said they were taking part in a long live fire war game close to the Syrian coast intended as a show of force. It said Russia had also deployed Il-38N submarine hunter aircraft. MILITARY AIRCRAFT Russia is estimated to have dozens of war planes and helicopters at its Hmeymim air base in Syria's Latakia Province including fighters, bombers and multi-role aircraft. It is also reported to use another Syrian base for its helicopter gunships. Moscow is able to mobilize powerful long-range strategic bombers from Russia itself to carry out bombing runs and has also fired cruise missiles in the past from ships in the Caspian Sea. SYRIAN AIR DEFENCES Syria is known to have a mixture of Russian-made anti-aircraft systems, including the Pantsir S-1 and the Buk M2 surface-to-air missile system designed to shoot down cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. PRECEDENT The United States fired 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Syria's Shayrat air base in April last year, which the Pentagon says was involved in a chemical weapons attack. The Russian Defence Ministry mocked the effectiveness of the U.S. strikes at the time, saying only 23 missiles had found their targets. It was unclear where another 36 had landed, it said, promising Syrian air defences would now be beefed up. Warned in advance by Washington about the attack, Russia made sure its own personnel/military assets were well out of harm's way. Russia did not try to shoot down any of the missiles. WHAT DOES RUSSIA WANT ANY WESTERN STRIKE TO AVOID? Valery Gerasimov, head of Russia's General Staff, warned in March against any U.S. strike on the government quarter in Damascus where he said Russian military advisers, Russian military police and Russian ceasefire monitors were based. Russian military sources told the Kommersant daily this week that a U.S. strike on Russia's air base or naval facility in Syria would have catastrophic consequences. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and former head of U.S. Army in Europe Hodges said he expected that the Russian military would have put in place multi-layered defences to protect its aircraft and other assets in Syria, and clearly had the technical capability to repel a U.S. attack. "What the Russians have always done very well, from the Second World War to now, is to protect themselves with air defence. The key to good air defence is that its layered. Theres not one system that shoots down everything. Having a layered approach or system that is integrated and that connects all the different radars that are out there to a command and control network thats out there, thats the trick. Unnamed Western military official The official said Russia often touted its ability to shoot down Tomahawk missiles in its marketing of the S-400 air defence system, and had likely tested that capability before deploying the system. The official, who asked not to be identified, said Russia had sharply increased its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean and could use ship-borne radar systems to locate and track any missiles fired at Syria, relaying the information to air defence systems such as the S-400. The S-400 was clearly designed to be able to defeat a Tomahawk, said the official, adding that U.S. forces would likely fire several missiles at a time. (Reporting by Andrew Osborn in Moscow and Andrea Shalal in Berlin; Editing by Richard Balmforth) By Darya Korsunskaya and Christian Lowe MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's lower house of parliament is to consider draft legislation that would give the Kremlin powers to ban or restrict a list of U.S. imports, reacting to new U.S. sanctions on a group of Russian tycoons and officials. Senior lawmakers in the State Duma, which is dominated by Kremlin loyalists, said they had prepared the list ranging from food and alcohol to medicine and consulting services in response to Washington's move last week. It was not immediately clear if the draft legislation - which would allow the government to impose the measures should the need arise - would become law in its current form, or if it had the backing of the Kremlin. A Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said it was understandable that Russian lawmakers wanted to retaliate against the U.S. measures. He said, though, that the Kremlin had yet to familiarise itself with the draft law. The Russian parliament is often used to send assertive messages to foreign states, but these do not always translate into concrete measures. Large-scale restrictions on U.S. goods and services would hurt American firms but could also cause significant disruption in Russia, where consumers flock to McDonald's restaurants, fly on vacation in Boeing jets, and use Apple phones. The draft law, according to a text seen by Reuters, is aimed at protecting Russia's interests and security in the face of "unfriendly and unlawful acts by the United States of America and other foreign states". Russian currency and stock markets, preoccupied with the threat of U.S. military action in Syria and the fallout from Washington's new sanctions, did not react to the draft legislation. It is to be discussed in the lower house next week. TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL The proposed measures are in retaliation for the White House's imposition of the toughest set of sanctions on Russia since Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014, which dragged relations to their lowest point since the Cold War. Moscow reacted then with countersanctions banning a wide range of food imports from Western countries. Russia imported $12.5 billion worth of U.S. products in 2017, according to official customs data. That included aircraft, machinery, pharmaceutical and chemical products. The draft legislation would give authorities the power to impose bans or restrictions in multiple areas of trade with the United States if they deemed that Washington was threatening Russia's interests. The sectors listed in the draft which could be subject to bans or restrictions include U.S.-made software and farm goods, U.S. medicines that can be sourced elsewhere, and tobacco and alcohol. It gives the government the power to ban cooperation with the United States on atomic power, rocket engines and aircraft making, and to bar U.S. firms from taking part in Russian privatisation deals. The provision of auditing, legal and consulting services by U.S. firms could also be subject to bans or restrictions, and curbs could be imposed on U.S. citizens working in Russia. Western companies, including Ford Motor Co, PepsiCo Inc and Coca-Cola's bottler Coca-Cola HBC, have also invested billions of dollars since the fall of the Soviet Union to set up local production in Russia. (Reporting by Dasha Korsunskaya; Writing by Maria Tsvetkova; Editing by Christian Lowe and David Stamp) Maybe you can see it better than we can. According to the New York Times, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt isn't happy with the organization's seal, which has been in place for nearly 50 years. SEE ALSO: Here's a running list of all the Scott Pruitt scandals The reason: He thinks it looks like a marijuana leaf. It features a flower bloom representing all the elements of the environment, coupled with four leaves. It was produced for no charge by an ad agency in 1971 and was illustrated by Ken Bloomhorst, who died in January. It's wild that Scott Pruitt thinks the @EPA seal looks like a "marijuana leaf," because it's clearly the fire flower from Super Mario Bros. https://t.co/gmi0IhdTnz pic.twitter.com/ceEr3tGv3n Jory Heckman (@jmheckman) April 11, 2018 The revelation was part of a story about Pruitt's alleged demands to change the EPA's "challenge coin," a small medallion of military origin. He wanted to make it bigger and without the EPA logo. In its place, he suggested a buffalo, a bible verse, or the Great Seal of the United States paired with his own name. Since his appointment as EPA chief, Pruitt has regularly found himself under scrutiny, most recently when he used a little-known provision in a clean water law to give two political aides a pay rise. Then there are the questions over Pruitt's apparent need for a large, expensive security detail, first class travel, and shady living arrangements. Oh, and he is a climate change skeptic. "These coins represent the agency," Ronald Slotkin, a now retired EPA employee who was the director of its multimedia office, told the newspaper. "But Pruitt wanted his coin to be bigger than everyone else's and he wanted it in a way that represented him." Story continues We still have one more question though: How on Earth does the EPA logo look like a marijuana leaf? Scott Pruitt wanted to replace the EPA's logo on souvenirs because he thought it looked like a marijuana leaf.https://t.co/4Z2MeuHeTL FWIW, this is the EPA's logo pic.twitter.com/psW7jKWG1V Nathan McDermott (@natemcdermott) April 11, 2018 Jimmie Johnson is sick of negativity, dangit. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) Yes, Jimmie Johnsons positive turn on social media is a purposeful one. Johnson has previously had fun on Twitter poking people who feel his success is part of a NASCAR conspiracy or have unrealistically high expectations for the seven-time champion. After the past two races, Johnson has tweeted quotes attributed to Babe Ruth. Just a little reminder Its hard to beat a person who never gives up. -Babe Ruth Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 9, 2018 I saw this quote from Babe Ruth: Its hard to beat a person who never gives up. I couldnt agree more and cant wait to get back to the track. Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 26, 2018 Those tweets are part of a plan, Johnson said. Ive had a fun approach in the past of finding trolls and singling them out and having fun with that, Johnson said. But Im like man, there is enough damn negativity in the world. Im going to take a little shift on it. I thought it would be best to find some inspirational quotes to kind of reflect kind of where Im at and whats going on. So, I think thats been a more mature approach in a sense. Ive seen a couple recently that I drafted and worked on and saved, where I was going to go back to my old ways. And Im not saying that I wont. If I have enough drinks on the flight home, I might. But, Ive just been trying to project positive vibes instead of falling into that trap of negativity. Johnsons most recent win came at Dover in June. While that was 10 months ago in calendar terms, its 30 races ago in Cup Series terms. Its the longest winless streak of Johnsons career. He won a year ago at Bristol, the site of Sundays Cup Series race. He also won a year ago at Texas, the site of last weeks race, and that defending champion karma didnt work out too well for him. Johnson was caught up in a crash. Story continues Before he explained his new social media strategy of sorts, Johnson admitted that he sees the attention paid to his winless streak by others. We have high expectations for ourselves, first and foremost; and we think that we should be in a position to win races every year and compete for race wins each weekend. So, I think within that theres a lot of fair questions being asked. But, I think there is overreaction by fans and media on that last upper percentile of it, especially all the kind and wonderful people on social media and the things that they have to say. But, thats just kind of why Ive also mentioned people underestimate how tough this garage area is. And many of the people that are so kind on social media arent a pro at anything and dont understand what it takes to exist at that pro level, and its tough. Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports. More from Yahoo Sports: After scrapping Kaepernick visit, Seahawks sign a QB Report: Girl targeted for beaning by youth baseball coaches Barack, Michelle Obamas niece picked in WNBA draft OKC broadcaster under fire for offensive remark WASHINGTON Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo, who is President Donald Trumps pick to be the nations next secretary of state, says that he still opposes gay marriage. I continue to hold that view, Pompeo said Thursday during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But Pompeo, a former three-term congressman from Kansas, maintained that his views on gay marriage do not obstruct him from being able to treat all people with respect. I believe its the case we have married gay couples at the CIA. You should know I treated them with the exact same set of rights, he said, adding later: My respect for every individual, regardless of the sexual orientation, is the same. Pompeos comments came during an exchange with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who grilled the CIA director about comments in which the former congressman once suggested that gay sex was a perversion. Pompeo declined to answer the question head-on and reiterated that hed treat everyone equally. Booker also questioned Pompeo about his ties to prominent anti-Muslim figure Frank Gaffney, whose radio show he appeared on multiple times, and Pompeos view that Muslims in America who do not speak out against terror are complicit in extremism. Each and every human, not just Americans, each and every human being has an obligation to push back against this extremist use of violence, from whatever faith, Pompeo responded. But Pompeos comments didnt seem to assuage Booker. Youre going to be representing this country and their values abroad in nations where gay individuals are under untold persecution, untold violence. Your views do matter, the senator said. Youre going to be dealing with Muslim states, and with Muslim issues, and I do not necessarily concur that you are [advancing] the values of our nation when you believe there are people in our country that are perverse, and when you think that you create different categories of Americans and their obligations when it comes to condemning violence, Booker added. Story continues Related Coverage White House Plans To Replace Rex Tillerson With Mike Pompeo CIA Director Mike Pompeo: Russia Will Try To Interfere With 2018 Elections Congress Should Ask Mike Pompeo About Torture In Yemen Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The U.S. Senates consideration of CIA Director Mike Pompeo for confirmation as secretary of state is a critical inflection point for U.S. foreign policy. Some consider Pompeo one of the few remaining adults in President Donald Trumps inner circle, but his appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday will be the first real airing of his views on most foreign policy. Here are some questions Shadow Government contributors hope he will answer. Daniel B. Baer Your past statements could be seen as indicating that you dont believe in diplomacy. Do you? What do you think the goals of U.S. diplomacy should be in the next five years? Do you agree with Trumps assertion that he is the only one that matters? If you do agree, why do you want to be secretary of state? Former President Ronald Reagan, in his farewell address, spoke of the United States moral leadership and role in the world. He said the country was still a beacon for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home. What would you do or advocate as secretary of state to undo the damage that the Trump administrations travel ban and slashing of refugee admissions have done to Reagans vision of the United States as a home for pilgrims from lost places? What role should the promotion of human rights, support for civil society, and public advocacy for democratic principles play in U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy? What do you think is the greatest lesson from the history of the run-up to World War I? Daniel Baer is diplomat in residence at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. He was U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe from 2013 to 2017. He previously served as a deputy assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor from 2009 to 2013. Daniel Benjamin Several dozen of the nations leading figures in the fight against terrorism from both parties and from top ranks of the career civil service came out to oppose Trumps original travel ban and each subsequent revision. They argued that the bans targeted countries the citizens of which had never been involved in an attack against the United States on home soil and that it would alienate key partners in the Muslim world, as well as American Muslims. In short, they claimed convincingly that the ban would undermine key partnerships in the fight against terrorism and discourage those American Muslims who have provided many of the most important tips on individuals who are radicalizing. Do you support the presidents travel bans, and, if so, why? Story continues You have been a frequent guest on the radio show of Frank Gaffney a man who claims that some 80 percent of American mosques are incubators of Islamist extremism. Do you share that view? Youve said on the show that the United States is honeycombed with organizations tied to radical Islam do you believe that? Do you believe the Muslim Brotherhood should be designated as a terrorist organization and, if so, why? The Gulf Cooperation Council has been riven by a conflict between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on one hand and Qatar on the other. Do you share the view of those countries that Qatar is a sponsor of terrorism and too close to Iran? The United States largest air base in the region is in Qatar. Do you think the government should move it? Would fixing this rift be a priority of yours, and how do you plan to achieve that goal? Daniel Benjamin is director of the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding at Dartmouth College and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. He served from 2009 to 2012 as ambassador-at-large and coordinator for counterterrorism at the U.S. State Department. Reuben Brigety Given Trumps unfortunate characterization of Africa as a shithole and the fact that he fired former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson while he was on a goodwill tour of Africa how do you plan to rebuild relationships on the African continent in the wake of the presidents insult? How would you engage with Africa early in your tenure? Since Africa contains seven of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world and given that, according to many observers, the United States is rapidly losing influence in Africa to the Chinese, what initiatives do you plan to pursue to advance U.S. interests there? Reuben Brigety is dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University and is an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. From 2013 to 2015, he served as the U.S. ambassador to the African Union and U.S. permanent representative to the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa. Previously he served as the deputy assistant secretary of state for African Affairs and also for population, refugees, and migration. Derek Chollet In your October 2015 questioning of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her 11-hour testimony on Benghazi, you criticized her for not personally reviewing the security needs of all U.S. diplomatic facilities. If you become secretary, how do you plan to handle this differently? You also argued that the U.S. military should have been called in to help thwart the Benghazi attack, even though appropriate forces were not nearby. Given that, do you believe the U.S. military should be postured and on alert to address threats to diplomatic facilities? And more broadly, to do their jobs (especially in difficult assignments), diplomats have to assume some degree of risk. How do you weigh the balance between security and engagement in diplomacy? Derek Chollet served in the Obama administration for six years in senior positions at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon, most recently as the U.S. assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. He is currently the executive vice president at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Chollet is a co-editor of Shadow Government. Dan Feldman What is the U.S. national security interest in Afghanistan, and what is the U.S. goal there after more than 16 years of engagement and the blood spent? Is the United States destined to a permanent military stalemate in Afghanistan, and if not, what would change that dynamic? Has the administrations South Asia policy had results to date, and what is it designed to achieve? U.S. military and political leaders have long acknowledged that a negotiated political settlement is the only sustainable resolution in Afghanistan. Should the United States enter into direct reconciliation discussions with the Taliban and, if so, under what conditions? Is the United States at war with the Taliban? Who is tasked with formulating and leading a viable diplomatic strategy to bring this long-running conflict to a peaceful resolution? What is the role of Afghanistans neighbors in resolving the conflict there, and should the United States help lead engagement with these key partners to seek to bring peace to the region? How can the United States do that effectively, given the deteriorating bilateral relations with key regional partners such as Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and China? Dan Feldman spent more than six years at the State Department in the Barack Obama administration helping to lead civilian efforts on Afghanistan and Pakistan, including serving as special representative for those two countries, with the rank of ambassador, from 2014 to 2015. He is currently a partner at the law firm Akin Gump, a senior advisor at the Albright Stonebridge Group, and a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. Ilan Goldenberg Under your predecessor, morale at the State Department reached historic lows. Tillerson enforced hiring freezes that made it very difficult for the department to bring in new talent or even rotate and promote employees on a regular schedule. He failed to fill many critical positions that make the department tick, especially at the assistant secretary, undersecretary, and ambassador levels. In some instances, there have been reports of career nonpolitical civil servants facing retribution for doing their jobs during President Barack Obamas administration. In other cases, Tillerson and his team chose not to spend funds that Congress had appropriated, starving the department of necessary resources. Do you commit to fully staffing and funding the State Department so that it can put diplomacy back in the U.S. toolkit? Would you end the hiring freezes? Can you promise that the practice of targeting civil servants for political retaliation would end? And how else do you plan to improve morale at the State Department? Ilan Goldenberg is a senior fellow and director of the Middle East Security program at the Center for a New American Security. Previously, he served as chief of staff to the special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, supporting Secretary of State John Kerrys initiative to conduct peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Juan S. Gonzalez Relations with Mexico have seen better days from Trumps campaign rhetoric against Mexicans to his focus on building a wall with Mexico to the potential end of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Some suggest that U.S.-Mexico tensions have helped the candidacy of populist Mexican presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. How would you navigate the increasingly adversarial nature of the bilateral relationship to keep cooperation going on matters such as migration, security, and energy? What is the administrations policy toward Venezuela? There is bipartisan consensus in the United States that something must be done to restore regular democratic order in the country and address the growing humanitarian situation. To date, the administration has focused on individual and possible sectoral sanctions, and the president has said publicly that he was at one point considering military intervention. What the administration has not done is articulate a clear vision for how it would manage day-after scenarios, including managing the humanitarian crisis, grave security challenges, and the massive debt overhang that would prevent a future democratic government from doing whats necessary to bring the country back from the brink. Both Trump and Tillerson have been critical of the peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. As secretary of state, what would be your position on Colombias negotiations with guerrilla groups? Tillerson also significantly slashed U.S. support to Colombia until Congress in a bipartisan way restored funding levels. The next Colombian president will be influenced by the U.S. position. What should that position be? Juan S. Gonzalez is an associate vice president with the Cohen Group, where he leads the firms practice in Latin America and the Caribbean. He was previously the deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Nina Hachigian What is your economic strategy for an Asia-Pacific in which members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, and others can agree on a vision for an integrated trade block? What is the U.S. diplomatic strategy for the South China Sea to complement the militarys role? Nina Hachigian served as the U.S. ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations from 2014 to 2017. Colin Kahl Given that the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Trump administration have both repeatedly found that Iran remains in technical compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal (more formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA), the United States will be in material breach of the agreement if Trump refuses to reissue waivers on nuclear-related sanctions on May 12. The majority of the international community, including the other parties to the agreement (China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom), would strongly oppose this move. Having jettisoned the JCPOA and signaled to Iran and the international community that the United States cant be trusted to live up to its international obligations, what options would remain to address the prospect of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons? Would you support the United States initiating military action against Iran? Colin H. Kahl is the inaugural Steven C. Hazy senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Center for International Security and Cooperation and a strategic consultant at the Penn-Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. From 2014 to 2017, he was deputy assistant to President Barack Obama and national security advisor to Vice President Joe Biden. Kahl is a co-editor of Shadow Government. Jeffrey Prescott The day before you were nominated to be director of the CIA, regarding the Iran nuclear deal, you tweeted that you looked forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism. As a member of Congress, you publicly supported a U.S. policy of regime change in Iran. Your colleagues, your own analysts at the CIA, and international inspectors disagree and in recent months have affirmed that the nuclear deal continues to verifiably roll back and constrain Irans nuclear program and is subjecting Iran to unprecedented international monitoring and inspections. In short, the deal is working, and sticking with it remains in the U.S. national interest. In the May 2017 Worldwide Threat Assessment, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats assessed that the deal had enhanced the transparency of Irans nuclear activities and extended the amount of time Iran would need to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon from a few months to about a year. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford testified in September 2017 that the briefings he had received indicate that Iran is adhering to its JCPOA obligations. And when asked in testimony by Sen. Angus King in October 2017 whether remaining in the Iran nuclear deal is in the U.S. national security interest, Defense Secretary James Mattis replied, Yes, senator, I do. Given the judgment of your colleagues and the strong views of our closest allies do you support a U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal? Jeffrey Prescott served as a special assistant to the president and senior director for Iran, Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf states on the National Security Council. He joined the Barack Obama administration in 2010 as a White House fellow and was Vice President Joe Bidens deputy national security advisor and senior Asia advisor. Ely Ratner China spends billions of dollars in propaganda around the world to promote a vision of its own ascendancy and benevolence, alongside U.S. decline and depravity. As a result, perceptions of the inevitability of Chinas rise and future dependence on China have reinforced Beijings coercive toolkit. Meanwhile, the U.S. government currently has limited capacity to compete in the information domain. As secretary, what would you do to strengthen the ability of the United States to engage in more effective strategic messaging and information operations specifically geared toward the China challenge? Would you support rebuilding U.S. government institutions and devoting additional resources to this area? Ely Ratner is the Maurice R. Greenberg senior fellow in China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was deputy national security advisor to Vice President Joe Biden from 2015 to 2017 and previously served in the Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs at the State Department and as a professional staff member on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Amanda Sloat Turkey has objected to U.S. military cooperation with the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, in Syria, given the groups links to the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to expand Operation Olive Branch, Turkeys intervention in Syria, from Afrin to Manbij, which could result in combat between the Turkish military and U.S.-backed YPG forces, as well as U.S. soldiers based there. If confirmed, how would you prevent direct conflict with a NATO ally? As a result of U.S. military support, the YPG currently controls significant territory in northeastern Syria. Does the administration support an autonomous Kurdish region? Given broader Kurdish tensions in the region, what role can the United States play in encouraging Turkey and the PKK to resume peace negotiations? In a May 2017 speech, Tillerson made a distinction between pursuing U.S. interests and promoting U.S. values. Do you agree with this approach? If confirmed, would you prioritize defense of democracy and human rights around the world? There has been a worrying rise in support for far-right parties in some European countries, as well as increasingly illiberal behavior by several NATO allies, including Hungary, Poland, and Turkey. Are you concerned by these developments? How would you respond to efforts by allied governments to limit judicial independence and media freedom? Amanda Sloat is a Robert Bosch senior fellow in the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution. She is also a fellow in the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School. She served in the Barack Obama administration as the deputy assistant secretary of state for southern Europe and eastern Mediterranean affairs, as well as senior advisor to the White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf region. Julie Smith When he served as defense secretary in the Obama administration, Robert Gates paired up with then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to argue for an increase in the governments budget for diplomacy. In an interview alongside Clinton in April 2010, he said, For the good of Americas long-term national security, the Pentagon must be able to relinquish some of the nation-building and other international development duties it has taken on by default. Do you agree? If so, how should the U.S. government ensure it has the funds to relieve the Pentagon of those duties? Julianne Smith is director of the transatlantic security program at the Center for a New American Security. Prior to joining CNAS, she served as the deputy national security advisor to Vice President Joe Biden from 2012 to 2013. Smith is a co-editor of Shadow Government. Jon Wolfsthal The Iraq War shows that regime change is not an effective nonproliferation tool. Americans will not support another war to eliminate weapons of mass destruction if it requires the U.S. military to invade and occupy a foreign country at the cost of thousands of lives and trillions of dollars. Do you share this view? Do you view regime change and invasion as an effective and efficient international tool to deal with nonproliferation? If so, how do those costs compare with verified negotiated agreements like the Iran nuclear deal? The U.S. military, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the head of U.S. Strategic Command, supports the New START arms control agreement with Russia. Do you favor its five-year extension? If not, why? What would be lost if the treaty were allowed to prematurely expire in 2021? Jon Wolfsthal is a nonresident fellow at Harvard Universitys Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He was President Barack Obamas special assistant and senior director at the National Security Council for arms control and nonproliferation. Andrew R. Wheeler testifies before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Nov. 8, 2017. (Photo: Senate EPW) The Senate on Thursday confirmed Andrew Wheeler, President Donald Trumps nominee to be the Environmental Protection Agencys deputy administrator. Every Republican and three Democrats Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Joe Donnelly (Ind.) voted to approve the nominee, a former coal lobbyist and Washington insider who sailed through his confirmation process despite his industry ties, contrarian views on widely accepted science and controversies in his past Senate dealings. The 53-to-45 vote comes nearly two weeks after EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt began facing intense pressure to resign over accusations of corruption and wasted tax dollars, and just over an hour after a former staffers new allegations emerged. If Pruitt exits, Wheeler is next in line to lead the agency. The White House is already considering replacing Pruitt with Wheeler, The Daily Caller, the conservative tabloid that has lately served as a clearinghouse for the administrations EPA news, reported Wednesday. Technically, Wheeler would need to be confirmed in another Senate vote to become the permanent administrator, according to Bob Perciasepe, the former deputy EPA administrator who served for five months as acting administrator in 2013. But the acting rules are complicated and riddled with loopholes that give the White House leeway over who commands a federal agency in the absence of its Senate-approved chief. Its like a shadow confirmation vote for the next administrator of the EPA, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said ahead of the vote. Its an attempt to slip by at the end of the week ... the nomination and confirmation of a man who stands for just the opposite of the credentials of a candidate to run the EPA. Wheeler won confirmation with more support than Pruitt did when the Senate narrowly approved his nomination in February 2017. At the time, just two Democrats, Heitkamp and Manchin, voted for Pruitt. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted against him. Story continues Until mid-2017, Wheeler worked as a lobbyist for Murray Energy, the mining giant owned by coal magnate Bob Murray. Murray has been a top Trump donor and bombastic political commentator who wields staggering influence in the White House. He provided the Trump administration with an action plan that called for a federal bailout of coal-fired plants, repeal of the Obama-era Clean Power Plan and a challenge to the 2009 EPA endangerment finding that determined carbon dioxide pollution poses a risk to public health. At a confirmation hearing in November, Democrats hammered Wheeler on his record of working for Murray. But they largely skimmed over Wheelers refusal to accept the overwhelming consensus among scientists that burning fossil fuels is the chief cause of climate change. I believe that man has an impact on the climate, but whats not completely understood is what the impact is, Wheeler said at his confirmation hearing when confronted with the findings of the federal governments latest climate report. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt gives a thumbs up after President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address on Jan. 30. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst / Reuters) In March 2010, Wheeler accused the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of blurring the lines between science and advocacy and functioning more as a political body than a scientific body, suggesting the EPA could reconsider its endangerment finding without almost exclusively relying upon the IPCC, according to remarks posted to his website. At Wheelers confirmation hearing, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said the former lobbyist assured him privately that he views EPAs legal authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, which is based on the endangerment finding, as settled law. Wheeler made attempts to woo critics at his confirmation hearing, calling EPA staffers the most dedicated and hard-working employees in the federal government. Compared with the presidents other environmental nominees, Wheeler came off polished and a safer bet. He spent four years at the EPAs Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He later served as counsel to the Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and as an aide to Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.). His record in Congress, and the way he later used the relationships he built there, raised concerns before his confirmation. In 2005, state air pollution regulators accused Wheeler of abusing his power to bully and intimidate them after their nonpartisan association came out against an anti-climate bill that his then-boss, Inhofe, had sponsored. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a government accountability and transparency watchdog, told HuffPost in February that the 13-year-old case raises serious concerns as to Wheelers judgment. In a speech on Thursday, Inhofe said nothing in the article is true. In early February, the Sierra Club asked the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to postpone a vote to advance Wheelers nomination to the Senate for final confirmation after The Intercept published a report detailing fundraisers that Wheeler had held for Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Inhofe in May, five months before his formal nomination and two months before his first White House interview for the job. But Republicans, who hold a one-seat majority on the committee, ignored the request and voted along party lines to approve the nomination. Democrats lobbied hard to upend other nominations, including those of Kathleen Hartnett-White, Trumps pick to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Michael Dourson, the presidents choice to run the EPAs chemical safety division. Hartnett-White, a former Texas regulator, credited coal with helping to end slavery and admonished her own party for not campaigning on the idea that environmental problems dont exist. Doursons consultancy was described in 2014 by InsideClimate News as the one-stop science shop for affirmative research for the chemical and tobacco industries. Both nominees withdrew amid waning support. Andrew Wheeler is ready and waiting, and waiting, and waiting to clock in as deputy administrator of EPA, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Thursday. His qualifications are beyond question. None of the 10 Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted to advance Wheelers nomination in February. But no Democrats on the committee raised Wheelers nomination as a concern in January during Pruitts first appearance before the panel since taking office. On Wednesday, Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) demanded that Republicans delay the confirmation vote to ensure [Wheeler] receives the same thorough vetting process a EPA Administrator would receive. But the GOP once again disregarded the request. On Thursday morning, the Senate voted 53 to 45 to invoke cloture on Wheelers nomination, ending debate on his qualifications. Donnelly, who is running for re-election in a red state, joined Heitkamp and Manchin to approve the motion. Democrats took turns pleading with Senate colleagues to reject Wheelers nomination, arguing that he hadnt been properly vetted for the expanded role he was likely to take on as Pruitt faces new allegations that could lead to his departure. Carper alone spoke at least three times. We should hear from Andrew Wheeler what his plans are to rein in the abuses at EPA before he takes off, Carper said after the first vote. The softened scrutiny could come back to haunt Democrats. Trump has signaled his support for Pruitt, who could end up riding out the wave of criticism over his ballooning scandals. But even if he survives his latest controversies, EPA administrators under Republican administrations have tended to leave office early over the past three decades, including Christine Todd Whitman under President George W. Bush and President Ronald Reagans first EPA chief, Anne Gorsuch, to whom Pruitt is frequently compared. Before his scandals broke, Pruitt was said to be considering a run for the U.S. Senate or governor in Oklahoma, his home state. He also had ambitions to become U.S. attorney general if Jeff Sessions steps down, according to January reports in Politico and Reuters. In March, Vanity Fair reported that Trump was considering the move, though the president disputed a CNN report last week that said hed considered replacing Sessions with Pruitt as recently as this month. Pruitt is nothing if not ambitious. A New York Times profile last month quoted sources saying that he plotted to make a bid for president as early as 2024. I am astonished there hasnt been louder objection to his nomination from more progressive voices on Capitol Hill, Frank ODonnell, president of the environmental group Clean Air Watch, told HuffPost in February of Wheeler. Related Coverage Trump's Climate-Denying Coal Lobbyist Nominee Inches Closer To EPAs No. 2 Job Trump Pick For EPAs No. 2 Accused Of Abusing Power To Bully' And 'Intimidate Opponents Democrats Did Little To Stop A Climate-Denying Coal Lobbyist From Getting EPAs No. 2 Spot Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Portland, Oregon Chicago Denver Seattle Los Angeles Washington, D.C. Joining the #climatemarch because #hawaii leads nation on climate and other states should act too #ActOnClimate pic.twitter.com/mBTZ5ioiK1 Chris Lee (@chrisleeforhi) April 29, 2017 About 1,000 people, including #UCC members and a UCC minister as a featured speaker, participated in the People's #ClimateMarch in Honolulu. pic.twitter.com/x3INdRUNUq UCC Hawaii Justice (@UCCJustice808) April 29, 2017 BONUS: Amsterdam This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - The former chief financial officer of a company that licensed the name and recipes of the chef who inspired the tyrannical Soup Nazi character on the TV comedy Seinfeld was sentenced to nine months in prison on Thursday for tax evasion, according to federal prosecutors. Robert Bertrand, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn federal court, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue. Michael Weil, a lawyer for Bertrand, could not immediately be reached for comment. Bertrand, who was CFO of Soupman Inc, was charged by federal prosecutors in May 2017 with depriving the U.S. Internal Revenue Service of roughly $594,000 of taxes by failing to report $2.85 million of cash and stock that a subsidiary of Soupman quietly awarded employees from 2010 to 2014. Soupman, which was not charged, suspended Bertrand when he was charged. Bertrand pleaded guilty in December. As part of his plea, Bertrand agreed to pay about $78,500 in restitution, representing the amount he personally benefited. Based in the New York City borough of Staten Island, Soupman sells products under the Original SoupMan brand. It traces its roots to 1984, when Al Yeganeh opened his soup shop on West 55th Street in midtown Manhattan and soon began drawing long lines of customers. Yeganeh was the inspiration for Yev Kassem, a character portrayed by Larry Thomas on a 1995 Seinfeld episode who was known for making customers follow strict ordering rules, or risk being shunted away with his forceful bellow: No soup for you! Soupman filed for bankruptcy protection in June and emerged in September after its assets were acquired by Gallant Brands Inc. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Susan Thomas) Madrid (Spain) (AFP) - Spanish prosecutors have handed over new information to Germany they hope will back their demand to extradite former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on rebellion charges, the justice minister said Friday. Rafael Catala told Spanish radio both sides had met Thursday at the headquarters of Eurojust, the European Union's judicial agency in The Hague, just one week after a court in Schleswig-Holstein rejected extraditing Puigdemont on the controversial charge. It ruled that rebellion -- which carries up to 30 years in jail -- was not punishable under German law, and that the closest equivalent, high treason, did not apply because Puigdemont's actions were not accompanied by violence. Catala suggested that with the new data, the German prosecutor would now be able to "provide further information to substantiate" the use of violence which would justify the rebellion charge. According to Spanish daily El Pais, the new information includes videos of alleged violent acts and police reports. Puigdemont was detained in Germany late last month after Spain issued a European arrest warrant against him for his role in Catalonia's failed bid to break from Spain last October. He had been in self-exile in Belgium since then but was travelling through Germany when he was detained. On April 6, the Schleswig-Holstein court released him on bail and rejected extraditing him for rebellion. It has yet to rule on another, lesser charge of misuse of public funds. - Complaint against court - Even if Puigdemont is eventually extradited, the rejection of the rebellion charge is a major blow for Madrid as it means he cannot be tried in Spain on that count. It could also potentially derail Spain's case against nine other Catalan separatists also accused of rebellion who are in preventative custody in Spain. These nine could argue that the man who led Catalonia to the verge of secession cannot be prosecuted on lesser charges than them. Story continues Minister Catala said it would be "reasonable" that the "final decision of the German court be as coherent as possible with what the (Spanish) judge established." Altogether, 13 separatists have been charged with rebellion, but four of them -- including Puigdemont -- have fled Spain. On Friday, the majority-separatist Catalan parliament said it had decided to file an official complaint against Judge Pablo Llarena of the Supreme Court, who is in charge of the case. Announcing the complaint in a tweet, the regional assembly said the decision was taken after Llarena turned down a request by Jordi Sanchez, a jailed separatist civic leader, to be let out of prison to be formally appointed as Catalan president. The Catalan parliament had been scheduled to hold a debate and vote on Sanchez's candidacy on Friday. But after the court's ruling Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent suspended the session indefinitely, and the region remains in political limbo since elections in December. These saw separatist parties win most parliamentary seats, but all three candidates they have put forward for the regional presidency have not borne fruit. First choice Puigdemont is in self-exile, while second and third choice Sanchez and Jordi Turull, the former regional government spokesman, are in jail. Reacting to the complaint, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned legal experts had ruled that "if it's paid by the parliament, it could constitute misuse of public funds." Another big week in the books with stocks finishing a decent week on a down note, with bank shares rolling over. Plus, Amazon versus the White House takes a new turn with Trump ordering an investigation of the U.S Post Office. And, Mark Zuckerbergs big week is over, but is the worst still to come for Facebook? Plus, exotic meats are big business, but one Durham restaurant is taking it 8 steps, further. Well explain. Catch The Final Round at 3:55 ET p.m. with Alexis Christoforous, Yahoo Finance markets correspondent Myles Udland, Yahoo Finance Editor-in-Chief Andy Serwer and Seana Smith. Winners and losers Stocks in the red include JPMorgan shares down in early trade as the biggest US bank by assets beat on earnings and revenue, powered by stock trading, wealth management, and credit card operations; Dropbox as Nomura Instinet initiated the cloud storage firm with a reduce rating and $21 price target; and Starbucks, with shares slipping on a downgrade to market perform by Cowen, citing concerns over craft coffee competition and customer loyalty for the worlds largest coffeeshop chain. Stocks in the green include Tronc as the NY Post reports the struggling media company is drawing possible buyout interest from private equity firm Apollo Global Management; Broadcom as the chipmaker announced a $12 billion dollar stock buyback, coming only a few weeks after its failed bid for rival Qualcomm; and Tesla, with shares higher as embattled CEO Elon Musk responded to a critical Economist article by claiming Tesla would be profitable and cash flow positive in Q3 and Q4, meaning a capital raise wouldnt be necessary. Luanda (Angola) (AFP) - Angolan teachers on Friday ended a strike after reaching a deal with the government on pay and conditions, their union said. The teachers had begun the walk-out, originally planned to last for three weeks, on Monday in what was seen as President Joao Lourenco's first major labour challenge since he came to power in September. "We have obtained an undertaking by the government that measures will be taken," the head of the teachers' union Sinprof, Guilherme Silva, told AFP at the end of more than 10 hours of negotiations. Under the terms of the agreed deal, the teachers will be awarded a new status, including a new pay scale, Silva said. Many Angolan schools that have been shut for five days are therefore likely to re-open on Monday morning. For a number of years, teachers have been campaigning for better salaries and working conditions. Class sizes often reach 100 to 150 pupils. Lourenco took over from Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who had ruled the country for 38 years. The new president has vowed to revive the oil-dependent economy and improve funding for the public sector. More than half of the country's population live below the poverty line. Since coming to power, Lourenco has promised an "economic miracle" and an end to corruption. By Massimiliano Di Giorgio and Steve Scherer ROME (Reuters) - President Sergio Mattarella won reassurances from Italy's main political leaders on Thursday that they fully supported NATO after the crisis in Syria exposed rifts in the country's traditional pro-Western stance. While rallying behind NATO, parties of all colours said Italy should not take part in any military action against Syria following accusations that President Bashar al-Assad's forces had launched a poison gas attack on a rebel-held town last week. Mattarella is seeking to put together a coalition government following inconclusive elections in March, but his task has been complicated by U.S. threats to strike out at Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran. Although Italy has traditionally been one of Washington's most loyal allies, two parties that performed strongly at the March ballot -- the far-right League and anti-establishment 5-Star Movement -- have called for much warmer ties with Russia. League leader Matteo Salvini surprised Mattarella's office on Wednesday by denouncing reports of the Syrian chemical attack as "fake news" and criticising U.S. President Donald Trump for promising to punish Syria's leadership. "There's no doubt (Mattarella) is worried," a source in the Italian president's office told Reuters. Clearly on the orders of the head of state, party leaders all voiced their support for Italy's Western partners as they trooped out of government consultations on Thursday. "I reaffirm ... that our intention is to remain close to our allies," 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio told reporters, adding: "It is also clear that the end of the fighting in Syria will not be brought about by a military victory but by diplomacy." Salvini said Italy had an obligation to remain "loyal" to NATO, but reiterated: "We are firmly opposed to any unilateral actions" in Syria. Story continues Italy is a member of the U.S.-led alliance and hosts important NATO and U.S. military bases. Italy's caretaker administration, led by the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), which was roundly defeated last month, has condemned the Syrian gas attack, but has ruled out any direct Italian involvement in mooted military retaliation. However, in an apparent reference to the use of its bases, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said in a statement on Thursday: "Italy will continue to offer logistical support to allied forces." But even that could cause political problems in Italy. The centre-right Forza Italia party, which is allied to the League and led by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, said use of the bases for action in Syria should be allowed only if sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council. Russia has consistently vetoed any criticism of Assad in the Security Council and this week rejected a U.S.-drafted resolution that would have created a new inquiry to ascertain blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria. (Editing by Crispian Balmer and Richard Balmforth) BEIRUT/MOSCOW (Reuters) - A senior Iranian official said on Thursday he hoped the Syrian government and its allies would drive U.S. troops from eastern Syria, challenging U.S. President Donald Trump as he weighs action in Syria over a suspected chemical attack. Ali Akbar Velayati, top adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also said he hoped the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria would be recaptured from rebels very soon as he hailed a government victory in the eastern Ghouta. He was speaking in a televised news conference from Damascus after Russian media reported that the Syrian government flag had been raised over Douma, which had been the last rebel pocket in the eastern Ghouta region. The alleged poison gas attack took place in Douma on April 7, hours before the town's last rebels surrendered. Assad and Russia have called reports of the attack bogus. Velayati's comments, coming after a major victory for Damascus which Assad has said is the reason for Western threats, threw down the gauntlet to Trump, who recently said he wanted U.S. troops out of Syria relatively soon. Iran and Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's two biggest allies, have sworn they will stand with Damascus in the face of possible Western military action. "Idlib is an important Syrian city, and we hope it will be liberated very soon with the determination of Syria and its fighters. East of the Euphrates (river) is also a very important area. And we also hope big and important steps will be taken in order to liberate this area and expel the occupying Americans," Velayati said. Russian news agencies reported earlier on Thursday that the Syrian government had retaken full control of Douma as insurgents there withdrew, and that Russian military police were deploying in the town. Eastern Ghouta had been the largest rebel redoubt near the capital Damascus. The government offensive to recapture eastern Ghouta began in February and killed around 1,700 people. "The raised state flag over a building in the town of Douma has heralded (government) control over this location and therefore over the whole of eastern Ghouta," Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Syria, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. EVACUATION The Jaish al-Islam group in Douma agreed on Sunday to withdraw, hours after the suspected chemical weapons attack. Around 40,000 people, including thousands of rebels and their families, are leaving Douma for opposition areas in northern Syria under the surrender deal. A commander in the military alliance backing Assad said Jaish al-Islam's main leader in Douma, Issam al-Boudani, had departed in an evacuation convoy on Thursday. "It should be finished today," the commander said, referring to the evacuation. However, a local Jaish al-Islam official reached inside Douma said the evacuation could take longer as large numbers of people had attempted to leave rather than come back under Assad's rule. "The batches are still going out. The number is not under control. It's possible two or three (more) days," he said. Seven vehicles with Russian flags and military police markings stood near the crossing, as well as Syrian police, and two full buses drove through towards an assembly point before the convoy would head north, a Reuters witness said. Meanwhile, the pro-opposition Orient TV broadcast footage of an earlier convoy arriving in al-Bab, a town in northern Syria controlled by Turkish-backed rebel groups. Men stood around, some with rifles over their shoulders, as buses arrived. On Wednesday, Velayati toured eastern Ghouta and pledged to stand by Syria in the face of "any foreign aggression". Trump has said American missiles "will be coming" to Syria and described Assad as "a gas killing animal", but on Twitter on Thursday he said possible military strikes "could be very soon or not so soon at all". Both Syria and Russia have said reports of the chemical attack were fabricated by rebels and rescue workers in the town and have accused the United States of seeking to use it as a pretext to attack the government. (Reporting by Laila Bassam, Ellen Francis, Angus McDowall and Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Tom Perry/Mark Heinrich) Damascus (Syria) (AFP) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned on Thursday that threats of Western military action in response to an alleged chemical attack would only lead to further chaos in the region. "With every victory on the ground, some Western countries raise their voices and intensify their activities in an effort to change the trajectory of events," said Assad. "These voices, and any possible actions, will only contribute to further destabilisation in the region," he said in comments posted on the Syrian presidency's social media accounts. Assad spoke during a meeting with Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign policy advisor to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other officials. Assad and Velayati criticised Western threats to carry out strikes on Syria in response to the alleged use of toxic weapons at the weekend, the presidency said. "The threats of some Western countries to attack Syria is based on lies that these countries fabricated along with terrorist organisations," Assad's office said. Syrian troops have braced for Western strikes across the country, hiding assets and deserting key buildings. A potential attack was looming on Thursday, with US President Donald Trump mulling over military options and British Prime Minister Theresa May holding an emergency cabinet meeting. ABUJA (Reuters) - Talks between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram militants on the release of schoolgirls kidnapped from the northeastern town of Chibok in 2014 have been set back by disagreements among their abductors, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday. Buhari made the comments on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the abduction in which Islamist insurgents snatched 276 girls from their school, triggering a global outcry. Many managed to escape or were released, including 82 girls who were freed in an exchange deal that included several imprisoned senior members of Boko Haram. Despite pressure at home and abroad, government efforts to rescue around 100 of the girls still being held have so far failed. "Unfortunately, the negotiations between the government and Boko Haram suffered some unexpected setbacks, owing mainly to a lack of agreement among their abductors, whose internal differences have led to a divergence of voices regarding the outcome of the talks," he said in an emailed statement. The president added that his administration was "doing its very best to free the girls from their captors". Boko Haram, which seeks to create an Islamic state in northeast Nigeria and split into two main factions in 2016, has killed more than 20,000 people since it launched its insurgency in 2009. The United Nations children's agency UNICEF, in a report published on Friday, said the group had abducted more than 1,000 children since 2013. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) An Ohio teenager suffocated to death after becoming stuck in the seat of his familys minivan despite apparently using Siri to make two 911 calls for help. Kyle Plush, 16, was found dead by his father Tuesday in a parking lot near Seven Hills School, the private academy he attended in Cincinnati, Ohio. During his second call, an internal investigation found the 911 call-taker call did not follow proper protocol and failed to relay to police officers that Plush was in distress, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Issac revealed at a news conference Thursday. As a result, officers called off their search when they couldnt initially find the person making the 911 call. The Hamilton County Coroners office preliminary autopsy results found that Plush died from asphyxia due to chest compression and that his death was accidental. It is unclear exactly why, but there were problems receiving both of Plushs incoming 911 calls. Issac said that during the first call, which came at 3:16 p.m. and lasted two minutes and 56 seconds, Plush could not hear the call-taker on the line, and there was no dialogue exchanged. After being disconnected, the emergency call-taker tried to call Plush back but got his voicemail. At this point, Issac said, two police cars were dispatched to go look for the minivan, but they could not find it. Plush called 911 again around 3:35 p.m. and the second call-taker had trouble hearing him. The call-taker did not communicate with the caller, and the information was not relayed to the officers who were still on the scene at the time, Issac said of the second call. There was trouble on the line, [the call-taker] pressed the tone to indicate she was having trouble hearing on the line. I probably dont have much time left, so tell my mom that I love her if I die, the transcript reads. This is not a joke. This is not a joke. Im trapped inside my gold Honda Odyssey van in the sophomore parking lot of Seven Hills [unintelligible]. Send officers immediately. Im almost dead. Story continues Can you hear me? Plush says, according to the Post. The transcript ends with repeated attempts by the teenager to activate Siri on his iPhone. Hey Siri. Hey Siri. Hey Siri. Hey Siri. Hey Siri. Plush was ultimately found inside the minivan hours later by his father, who went to look for the vehicle himself using a location-finding app after calling the police, said Dave Dougherty, Hamilton County Sheriff Offices public information officer. Both the Cincinnati Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriffs office are conducting investigations into what went wrong during Plushs 911 calls. At the news conference Thursday, Issac called the 16-year-olds death a tragic event that we dont have all the answers to right now. The second call-taker was identified as Amber Smith, who has been placed on administrative leave. Issac said a formal interview has not yet been conducted with Smith. Students are taking photos with their college acceptances and posting them to Twitter. (Photo: Twitter/therealnartey/faithortegon) Getting into college is no easy feat, which is why students often celebrate once they receive that big envelope reading Congratulations. But in the age of social media, the festivities extend beyond family and friends, as teens take to their Twitter accounts to share the moment with their followers. Following the trend of college acceptance videos, where students share the exact moment of opening their decision letter on camera, a number of soon-to-be high school graduates are now participating in photo shoots with their acceptance letters. Repping gear from the college or posing on campus, these photos show off the pride these students already have for their future school. But even more inspiring are the stories that they share alongside the pictures from those who are first-generation college students to those attending university on full scholarship. daughter of an immigrant, first gen college student, and I was accepted to all 6 colleges I applied to. Off to California #omgsmc pic.twitter.com/a4XIXeekTA faithortegon (@faithortegon) March 31, 2018 Long story short our plan doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of God's plan. Sometimes you have to let go so God can show up and show out. This fall I will be attending TEXAS STATE and today I was accepted into the honors college! I can't wait to #beabobcat #TXST22 pic.twitter.com/qkwGw0ZsNr Haley Burden (@haley128ve980) April 10, 2018 Words cant explain how blessed I feel to be able to begin living my dreams at the University of Notre Dame as a first gen college student & with a full ride Thank You God #ND2022 pic.twitter.com/kEqoCMoBPP KARLA (@karlaxcasi) April 10, 2018 Im excited to announce that I will be attending Colorado School of Mines this fall on a full ride scholarship! I will be studying engineering and astrobiology! Go Orediggers! #HelluvaEngineer pic.twitter.com/1ViTNJ5k2P kathleen (@_klaughton) April 8, 2018 Others who were lucky enough to receive multiple acceptances from prestigious universities are also participating in the social media trend and even welcoming suggestions from followers on which school they should attend. Story continues YOU SEE GOD WORKING! So blessed and thankful to announce my acceptance into Harvard, Princeton, and Brown! Wouldn't be here without the support of my family, friends, and mentors. To God be the Glory! #BlackExcellence pic.twitter.com/1wQ6DSnUAy Gene Nartey (@therealnartey) April 9, 2018 lil late but wanted to share a few of my college acceptances! super excited for next yr!! #IGotIntoUSC #BerkeleyBound (?) #UCLAbound (?) pic.twitter.com/JqoljDH4y3 Catherine Kim (@kcatherinekim) April 3, 2018 For Catherine Kim, who got into the University of Southern California, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, the schools themselves are even chiming in to win over the potential student. you look great in blue in gold. just sayin'. UCLA Housing (@UCLAhousing) April 3, 2018 Welcome to the Trojan Family, Catherine! #FightOn Personally, we think you look best in cardinal and gold. Plus, the associate dean AND main account welcomed you. That shows real attention USC (@USC) April 4, 2018 With separate and personalized replies from the schools associate dean, it seems like USC might be a good choice for Kim. But with the myriad school options and beautiful photos above, it seems that none of these students could go wrong. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: New Jerseys governor wants to make community college free: Education ought to be a right Mom Drops Off Daughter at College, Hangs Out With Shirtless Football Players This is Yara Shahidis dream college roommate and its not Malia Obama Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Encrypted chat app Telegram will be immediately blocked in Russia over its failure to grant the countrys security services full access to its users private messages, a Moscow district court ruled on Friday. Russia's federal media regulator, known as Roskomnadzor, announced that legal action had been launched against the Dubai-based company last month. It said the Federal Security Service (FSB) needed decryption keys that would let it peek into the communications of the chat apps 200 million users. In a statement carried by state media outlet Tass on Friday, Tagansky court judge Yulia Smolina said: "The court ruled to satisfy the demand of Roskomnadzor. The ban on access to information will be in force until the FSBs demands are met. The report added the messaging service would be blocked immediately. Trending: Nuclear Bomb: Advanced Simulation Shows Effects of a Nuke Going Off in Washington D.C According to Meduza, a Russian-language online newspaper, Telegram staff did not attend the hearing and lawyers are planning to appeal the decision. Sputnik, another state outlet, cited an FSB representative as stating: We are supporting the demands expressed by Roskomnadzor, we regard them as legal and justified. Telegram has not only failed to provide... the requested data, but it also has not provided data proving impossibility to satisfy the demands. Telegram Carl Court/Getty Images Roskomnadzor has claimed the decryption keys were needed because the applicationfounded by Pavel Durov, former CEO of social network Vkontakte (VK)is used to facilitate terrorism. But Telegram's lawyer, Pavel Chikov, previously described the compliance requirements as unconstitutional and baseless. Don't miss: In Pictures: Top 50 Most Popular TED Talks Story continues Durov, who in 2014 sold his VK stake to Ivan Tavrin, former CEO of the telcom Megafon, which is majority-owned by Putin ally and oligarch Alisher Usmanov, has said that efforts to obtain access to messages would be hopeless. Threats to block Telegram unless it gives up private data of its users won't bear fruit, Durov tweeted back in March. Telegram will stand for freedom and privacy, he added. On Friday, the CEO said "privacy is not for sale." In a statement, he wrote: "The power that local governments have over IT corporations is based on money. At any given moment, a government can crash their stocks by threatening to block revenue streams from its markets and thus force these companies to do strange things (remember how last year Apple moved iCloud servers to China). At Telegram, we have the luxury of not caring about revenue streams or ad sales. Privacy is not for sale, and human rights should not be compromised out of fear or greed. Human rights group Amnesty International spoke out this week amid reports the app was under pressure to weaken users privacy protections. Like WhatsApp, messages on the service are encrypted "end to end" meaning that only the sender and recipient can see the content of the private communications. Most popular: Man Cooks Neighbor's Barking Dog For Owner's Dinner By attempting to block the Telegram messaging app, the Russian authorities are launching the latest in a series of attacks on online freedom of expression in the country, said Amnesty director Denis Krivosheev in a statement Thursday. In recent years the Russian authorities have steadily targeted the countrys few remaining spaces for freedom of expression, Krivosheev added. They have blocked news sites that criticize them, imposed Draconian data storage rules and declared media outlets registered outside Russia as foreign agents. Now they are targeting one of the most popular messaging apps in Russia simply for having the courage and integrity to respect the privacy of its users. This article was updated to add comment from Pavel Durov. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Amidst nine months of "production hell" for the Tesla Model 3 electric car, the company's next vehicle has somewhat fallen off the radar. According to a report Wednesday by Reuters, Tesla has now put out requests to suppliers for initial bids on parts for the Tesla Model Y, its high-volume crossover utility intended to be more affordable than the $80,000-and-up Model X. Two sources familiar with Tesla's supply chains told Reuters those documents set a target of November 2019 for the start of Model Y production. CHECK OUT: Tesla Model Y to be based on Model 3 after all; Musk 'reeled back' from 'insanity' The Model Y will be an SUV based on the Model 3, and smaller than the Model X. Musk had said in February the company planned to start making investments in Model Y production toward the end of 2018. Now Tesla has reportedly put out an RFIa request for informationto its suppliers and is accepting preliminary bids for supplies of Model Y parts, which starts the production planning process. Any major Model Y program would require a new assembly plant, though Reuters' sources said the bids were for initial production at Tesla's factory in Fremont, California, which could accommodate some limited Model Y production on the Model 3 line. Tesla factory, Fremont, California Musk has said he plans to build 1 million Model Ys per year eventually, though he didn't give any time frame. Customarily, RFIs for components of a new vehicle would come roughly two and a half years before production; The one-and-a-half-year schedule is "aggressive, but possible," one source told Reuters, given that the Model Y will be built on the underpinnings of the Model 3 already in production. Tesla declined to comment to Reuters on its report or the Model Y time frame. CHECK OUT: Manufacturing expert says Tesla Model 3 plan to skip beta testing is risky (May 2017) The Model Y isn't the only new Tesla the company has said it plans to build next year; the Tesla Semi also has a target launch date of 2019. Story continues Meanwhile, the company has grappled with quality problems and a slow rate of production increase in the Model 3, intended to be its highest-volume vehicle to date. Eight months after the first, largely hand-built Model 3s were delivered in late July 2017, Tesla said last week it had built 2,000 of the cars in a seven-day period. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk at Tesla Store opening in Westfield Mall, London, Oct 2013 That didn't quite achieve the company's promised rate of 2,500 cars a week by March 30, a target date that had already been postponed by six months. Tesla said then that it expects the Model 3 production rate to "climb rapidly through Q2," and it reiterated a target of "approximately" 5,000 Model 3s a week in "about" three months. Meanwhile, CEO Elon Musk was interviewed by host Gayle King for a segment on the "CBS This Morning" show that will air on Friday morning, April 13. Musk told King the Model 3 production saga has been "incredibly difficult and painful the last several months." He told her he was sleeping on the Fremont factory floor, "because I don't have time to go home and shower," since he believes Tesla employees should not "be experiencing hardship while the CEO is like off on vacation." The show promises a "first-ever look inside the production line for the Model 3," which may provide footage that engineers at competing automakers will likely view with great interest. Kyle Mizokami Security, Middle East This missile is a legendand it might be what hits Assad at any moment. The Tomahawk Cruise Missile: How Trump Could Strike Syria The Tomahawk cruise missile is one of the most successful weapons of the postwar era. A subsonic, bullet-shaped missile with stubby fins, the low-flying wonder quickly became the poster child for American technological supremacy in the 1991 Gulf War. The Tomahawk has been adapted to a variety of missions, from tactical nuclear missile to ship-killer, and with upgrades will serve the U.S. military for the foreseeable future. The Tomahawk was originally developed in the early 1970s as a nuclear-tipped cruise missile to be carried on B-52 strategic bombers. Although the cruise missile lost the nuclear cruise missile competition, the Pentagon forked the Tomahawk program into three separate programs: an Air Force ground-launched nuclear-tipped cruise missile, or GLCM (pronounced glick-em) and three separate Navy models: nuclear land attack, conventional land attack and anti-ship. The basic Tomahawk design was a nineteen to twenty-one foot long cruise missile with blunt nose, short winglets, and a Teledyne or William turbojet engine. The choice of a turbojet engine rather than an afterburning turbofan engine made for a slower, subsonic missilebut one that could use fuel more efficiently and had a much longer range. The original Tomahawk nuclear cruise missile was to be armed with a nuclear warhead, but subsequent versions were equipped with unitary high explosive, W-80 thermonuclear or W-84 nuclear warheads. Recommended: The Story of the F-52 Fighter. Recommended: The 5 Biggest Nuclear Bomb Tests (From All 6 Nuclear Powers). Recommended: How Israel Takes U.S. Weapons and Makes Them Better. Unlike ballistic missiles, Tomahawk was designed to fly low under enemy air defense radars. Early Tomahawk models used TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching) to steer themselves to the target. TERCOM, patented in 1958, creates a virtual map of a path to the target by taking a real map and dividing it up into grid squares, with each square assigned a numeric value based on its height over sea level. The missiles altimeter provides a stream of data that allows the missile to compare its location to virtual map, providing course corrections as necessary. TERCOMs grid system could store several maps of various resolutions, from larger ones with grid squares kilometers wide meant to get a missile across a foreign border to smaller resolution ones meant to steer the missile to within a 100 meter grid square. Story continues For greater accuracy, Tomahawk also used the Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) system, which used an imaging infrared seeker to compare nearby terrain to actual aerial or satellite imagery. In 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, reporters in Baghdad claimed to have seen Tomahawks precisely follow roads and streets to their targets. There was probably some truth to this, as DSMAC probably used easily identifiable roads for the cruise missiles to follow. The most lethal Tomahawk variant that entered production was the BGM-109G Gryphon nuclear land attack missile. Gryphon was launched from a four missile trailer, had a range of 1,550 miles and used the W-84 nuclear warhead. The W-84 warhead was primarily a tactical nuclear weapon with a variable yield from 200 tons to 150 kilotons. Gryphon was originally fielded to counter the deployment of Soviet SS-20 missiles but the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty banned both and the Gryphon was subsequently removed from service. The U.S. Navy received the three remaining Tomahawk models. BGM-109A was a sea-launched nuclear-tipped cruise missile, with a range comparable to Gryphon. The naval nuclear missile had a W-80 nuclear warhead with a variable yield between five and 150 kilotons. BGM-10A was meant for the land attack mission, and launched from the sea presented a low-flying nuclear threat to the the Soviet Union from all points of the compass. A second model, BGM-109B/E was a tactical anti-ship missile with a 1,000-pound blast fragmentation warhead and active radar seeker. Both Tomahawk models were eventually withdrawn from service. The third model, BGM-109C, was a conventional land attack version and used against Iraq in Desert Storm. Approximately 280 Tomahawks were launched from ships against targets in Iraq, many on the first night of the war to neutralize high value targets such as the Iraqi Air Force and air defenses. Since then, nearly 2,000 Tomahawks have been fired in anger against the Sudan, Afghanistan, the Balkans, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The most recent strike was in 2017 against the Al-Shayrat air base in Syriaa response to chemical weapon attacks by the Assad regime. Today, Tomahawk is used only by the U.S. Navy with a conventional warhead against tactical targets. Tomahawk Block III added GPS guidance, further improving accuracy. Block IV, the current version that is also known as Tactical Tomahawk, was introduced in 2004. Tactical Tomahawk adds a new two-way data link that allows mission commanders to observe damage at the target site and retask the missile to up to fifteen alternate targets. In addition, the missile can divert to an entirely different set of coordinates. The missile can also loiter over the target area, waiting for events to unfold and targeting plans to change. The refocus of the U.S. Navy on great-power warfare has the service mulling new upgrades designed to make the missile effective against ships. The Navy is developing an upgrade for Block IV missiles, known as Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST), which will give it the ability to attack enemy ships at ranges of up to 1,000 milesfar greater than the range of the existing Harpoon missile. MST will likely use a combination of active and passive sensors to home in on enemy fleets, and be capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. Since it is a modification of an existing missile, Maritime Strike Tomahawk will be cheaper, easier to maintain and have a shorter development cycle. The Tomahawk missile has been a highly successful platform in large part due to its adaptability. From submarines to battleships to tractor trailers, the Tomahawk has been based on a wide variety of platforms and outfitted for a wide variety of missions. Despite a new focus on hypersonic weapons there is still room for a clever subsonic missile, perhaps someday aided by artificial intelligence. Already four decades old, Tomahawk may well be around another three decades, changing with the times and to incorporate the latest technology. Kyle Mizokami is a defense and national-security writer based in San Francisco who has appeared in the Diplomat, Foreign Policy, War is Boring and the Daily Beast. In 2009, he cofounded the defense and security blog Japan Security Watch. You can follow him on Twitter: @KyleMizokami. Image: Wikimedia Commons Read full article Call it the recycled doomsday: A new prediction for the end of the world sets the apocalypse date as Monday, April 23, based on a mishmash of old numerology, re-readings of the biblical Book of Revelation and rehashed conspiracy theories about a rogue "Planet X." Even the calendar date of the prediction, April 23, hearkens back to one of the most famous failed apocalypse predictors of all time, William Miller. A Baptist preacher whose followers would eventually form the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Miller predicted multiple doomsday dates in the mid-1800s, including one on April 23, 1843. He was most famous for a later prediction of Oct. 22, 1844, a date that would live on in infamy as "The Great Disappointment" when Jesus Christ did not appear to kick off the end of the world. [End of the World? Top 10 Doomsday Threats] The latest doomsday predictor with a slippery grasp on dates is David Meade, who previously claimed that a rare alignment of stars on Sept. 23, 2017, heralded the end. Meade said that the star alignment would precede the passage by Earth of a rogue planet called Planet X, which would cause all sorts of geological trials and tribulations, culminating in the eventual return of Jesus per the Book of Revelation. Searching for signs Meade's new prediction is more of the same. According to an interview with the Express tabloid, Meade has now pegged April 23, 2018, as the new apocalypse start date. The reason, he said, is that on that date, the sun, moon and Jupiter will align in the constellation of Virgo, echoing Revelation 12:1-2, which refers to a "woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head" laboring to give birth to an eventual global dictator with a role to play in the end of the world. This same passage was Meade's basis for predicting Sept. 23, 2017, as the start of the apocalypse, though in that case, he fixated on an alignment of the sun in Virgo with nine stars and the planets Mercury, Venus and Mars. [10 Failed Doomsday Predictions] Story continues Strangely, Jupiter is not actually aligned within the constellation of Virgo on April 23; rather, it will appear from Earth to be within the constellation Libra. On that same date, the sun will appear to align with the constellation Aries and the moon in the constellation Gemini. (To track these celestial bodies and generate your own creative doomsday predictions visit The Sky Live's Planetarium feature.) Meade has never been consistent with his predictions. The International Business Times reported in February that he was calling March 2018 as the trigger date for the apocalypse. He has also said he believes that a seven-year tribulation period preceding the end started on Aug. 21, 2017, and Oct. 15, 2015. Meade's website also dwells on North Korea's nuclear program as a sign of the End Times. Planet X Meanwhile, the existence of Planet X, sometimes known as Nibiru, has been repeatedly debunked. Astronomers are searching for a possible Earth-size world in the outer solar system that they sometimes call "Planet X" or "Planet Nine," but this is not the same Planet X described by conspiracy theorists. In the conspiracy view, NASA is hiding the existence of a rogue planet that is hurtling toward Earth, ready to spark all manner of tsunamis and earthquakes as it zings by. Nibiru originated from doomsday theorist Nancy Lieder. On her website, Lieder channels aliens called Zetas and peddles a complex web of interrelated conspiracy theories. Lieder first floated the idea of Nibiru in the 1990s and predicted its passage by Earth in 2003. Since then, the rogue planet has become the bogeyman of multiple doomsday predictions, including the 2012 Maya apocalypse, which was based on the supposed end of the ancient Maya calendar. A rogue planet moving through the solar system would be pretty obvious to astronomers, who can detect planets far beyond our home solar system by looking for the wobbles their passage causes in the stars they orbit. The mishmash of all of these disparate theories from the biblical, to the cosmological, to the political may be a symptom of the kind of conspiracy cross-pollination that occurs online. Meade is active on YouTube, where he chats with other doomsday "prophets" such as Paul Begley, host of the self-produced show "The Coming Apocalypse." Meade also sells self-published books about his theories on Amazon. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations By Steve Holland and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will focus heavily on the challenge posed by North Korea's nuclear arms program when they meet next week in Florida, a senior Trump administration official said on Friday. The Trump-Abe summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach comes as U.S. officials are working to set up a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late May or early June. The official, who briefed reporters at the White House about the Abe visit on condition of anonymity, would not describe the status of negotiations with North Korea on the summit. The exact time and place of the summit have not been established. "Communications will by definition have to be sufficient for us to establish and prepare a successful summit," the official said. "Preparations are under way." Abe will be making his second visit to Mar-a-Lago. In February 2017, Trump and Abe were meeting there when North Korea launched a ballistic missile test. The official said Trump will want to hear more advice from Abe about the prospective meeting with Kim. They will also talk about trade, the Indo-Pacific region and Chinese activity in the South China Sea that has raised tensions in the region, the official said. The two leaders speak frequently on the phone. "The president has a great deal of respect for Prime Minister Abe's views on Northeast Asia security. He will certainly want to know what additional thoughts Prime Minister Abe has beyond what he has already shared," the official said. Japan, a long-time treaty ally of the United States, was taken by surprise when Trump announced his plan to meet Kim. Abe wants to ensure Tokyo's security interests are taken into account. U.S. and Japanese officials familiar with the preparations for the Trump-Abe summit say Japan is worried Trump may seek a deal with Kim under which Pyongyang would agree to give up missiles capable of reaching the United States, without eliminating short- and medium-range missiles that threaten Japan and South Korea. Such fears would not have been allayed by remarks on Thursday by CIA Director Mike Pompeo, Trump's choice for next secretary of state. Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing the aim of the Trump-Kim summit would be an agreement with the North Korean leadership such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons. Abe told Japan's parliament this week he would ask Trump to seek elimination of all North Korean missiles that could reach Japan. Getting rid only of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles "has no meaning for Japan," Kyodo news agency quoted him as saying. Asked if Trump would push for the elimination of all missiles, the administration official said: "I wont go into details, other than to say the president ... is always keeping careful consideration of the interests of our allies and our alliances as well as the interests of securing the American people here at home." Asked about Pompeo's comments, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, Katina Adams, said Washington remained "committed to achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula" and its commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan was "ironclad." Trump and Abe will have an initial one-on-one meeting on Tuesday, then will be joined by national security aides for more talks. That night they will dine with their wives. On Wednesday, the leaders will have broader discussions about a range of topics, followed by a joint news conference. Unlike last year, they are not expected to play golf. (Reporting by Steve Holland, David Brunstrom and John Walcott; Editing by Will Dunham, Phil Berlowitz and David Gregorio) WASHINGTON Secretary of state nominee Mike Pompeo is well-known for his militaristic foreign policy stances and for his cozy relationship with President Donald Trump. As a member of Congress, Pompeo railed against a diplomatic agreement with Iran. As CIA director, he floated the idea of regime change in North Korea. During the early months of his presidency, Trump reportedly asked for Pompeos help in scuttling part of the Russia investigation. But during his confirmation hearing on Thursday to be the nations next secretary of state, Pompeo tried to convince Democratic lawmakers that he was a forceful advocate for diplomacy over military action and that he would remain independent from the president. To make this pitch, Pompeo was forced to reverse several of his previous publicly stated positions or claimed to have forgotten them altogether. Over and over again, during exchanges with various members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Pompeo dodged questions about his most controversial stances, the investigation into Russias 2016 election interference, his relationship with the president, and how he plans to counter Americas adversaries. Rescinding the Iran Deal Shortly after Trump won the election, Pompeo celebrated the opportunity to kill the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S., and five other countries. I look forward to rolling back this deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism, he tweeted in November 2016. Following Trumps lead, Pompeo has since adjusted his stance on the Iran deal. Instead of threatening to walk away from the agreement outright, Pompeo told senators on Thursday that he was committed to working with the other countries that are party to the deal and fix what he and Trump have described as its flaws. Specifically, Trump and Pompeo want to remove sunset provisions that allow some of the limitations on Irans nuclear program to expire, and to tie Irans ballistic missile program to the nuclear deal. Story continues The problem with this plan it requires the United Kingdom, France and Germany to go along with a U.S. effort to unilaterally rewrite the terms of the deal and for Iran, China and Russia to accept those new terms. So when Pompeo told lawmakers he wanted to fix the agreement rather than kill it, he was making a distinction without a difference. That became clear when Sen. Ben Cardin (D- Md.) asked Pompeo what he thinks the U.S. should do if there is no new deal by May 12, the next time Trump has to waive sanctions against Iran or risk tanking the agreement. I cant answer that question, Pompeo said. I want to fix this deal. Thats the objective. Regime Change In North Korea As CIA director, Pompeo has openly mused about the U.S. overthrowing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. I am hopeful we will find a way to separate that regime from this system The North Korean people, Im sure, are lovely people and would love to see him go, Pompeo said of Kim last July. In October, Pompeo answered a question about what would happen if Kim died by making a quip about the CIAs history of assassination attempts. Someone might think there was a coincidence if, you know, there was an accident, Pompeo said, speaking at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish think tank in Washington. But when Cardin asked if Pompeo advocated for regime change in North Korea, Pompeo appeared offended by the suggestion. I have never advocated for regime change, he said. Questioning The Russia Investigation In March 2017, during a meeting at the White House, Trump asked Pompeo and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats to intervene and get then-FBI Director James Comey to stop investigating former national security adviser Michael Flynn as part of the bureaus Russia probe, The Washington Post reported last year. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, asked Pompeo on Thursday to confirm the Posts reporting. Pompeo first refused to answer questions about his private conversations with Trump. Then he said he didnt recall whether Trump had asked him to intervene in the Russia probe. Pressed further, Pompeo said Trump had never asked me to do anything I considered remotely improper. But Pompeo, who confirmed that he has been interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller, did not deny outright that Trump had asked him to interfere in Comeys investigation. At the CIA, Pompeo developed a close relationship with Trump and sometimes appeared to support the presidents characterization of the Russia investigation as a politically motivated witch hunt. Last October, Pompeo met with William Binney, a former National Security Agency official-turned whistleblower who claims that the DNC hack was an inside job rather than an attack by Russia. That same month, Pompeo incorrectly claimed that U.S. intelligence agencies had found that Russian election interference did not alter the elections outcome a statement that contradicted the intelligence communitys public reporting, which said it considered such a conclusion outside the scope of its investigation. A CIA spokesman later had to clarify that Pompeo did not mean to suggest that the intelligence communitys assessment had changed. By the end of the hearing, Democrats were practically begging Pompeo to tell them that he disagreed with Trumps repeated attacks on Mueller. Each time, Pompeo refused to engage. Asked by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) if he would resign if Trump fired Mueller, Pompeo said, My instincts tell me no. Pompeo also declined to comment on the legality of the president firing the special counsel. Islamophobia And Homophobia Throughout his political career, Pompeo has worked with some of Washingtons best-known Islamophobes. He has appeared multiple times on a radio show hosted by Frank Gaffney, an anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist who has praised white nationalists on his show and said that Muslim members of Congress shouldnt serve on sensitive committees because they might leak information to the Muslim Brotherhood. Pompeo has also attended events put on by Act for America, a group that opposes the construction of mosques and frets about Sharia law. The groups founder, Brigitte Gabriel, claims that Islam is an inherently violent religion. Asked by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) if he ever called out Gaffney or Gabriel for their comments about Muslims, Pompeo said he could not remember every statement he had made in his 54-year-long life. But he assured Booker that he did call out Fred Phelps, the now-deceased anti-gay preacher in Kansas who was behind the website www.godhatesfags.com. Pivoting to Phelps was a curious strategy for Pompeo, who has made homophobic remarks. When Booker asked Pompeo whether he believes that being gay is a perversion, Pompeo said he continues to believe that same-sex couples should not be allowed to get married. Pompeo told Booker that despite believing that LGBTQ people should have fewer rights than straight people, his respect for every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, the respect is the same. View Of WikiLeaks Like Trump, Pompeo was a big fan of WikiLeaks during the presidential campaign. Need further proof that the fix was in from Pres. Obama on down? BUSTED: 19,252 Emails from DNC Leaked by Wikileaks, Pompeo, then a congressman, tweeted in July 2016 from an account that is no longer active. Asked by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) if he agreed that WikiLeaks is a hostile nonstate actor, Pompeo said that he did. Prospects for Confirmation Its too early to tell whether Pompeos testimony will convince enough skeptical senators to support his nomination. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has already said he intends to vote against Pompeo. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who is battling brain cancer, is not expected to return to the Senate before the vote. That means that if Paul and every member of the Democratic caucus put up a united front against Pompeo, they could tank his nomination. Its far from certain that every Democrat will vote against the secretary of state nominee, however. Last year, 15 members of the Democratic caucus voted to confirm Pompeo to run the CIA, a job that is arguably higher-stakes and comes with less oversight. This time, hes likely to win over at least a few moderates who are up for re-election this year, like Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) or Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.). But Democrats are under intense pressure from human rights groups to block both Pompeo and Gina Haspel, who has been nominated to replace Pompeo at the CIA. There are already some indications that the pressure is working. I voted YES on Pompeo for CIA on the theory that he would be the adult in the room. I was wrong, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) tweeted on Wednesday. I am voting NO on Pompeo for Secretary of State because our top diplomat should believe in diplomacy. He has an alarming tendency towards military provocation and brinkmanship. Menendez, who voted against Pompeo last year, said at the end of the hearing that he wasnt sure whether to evaluate Pompeo based on his past record or what he said on Thursday during his confirmation hearing. The Pompeo I hear today, much more different than some of the Pompeo of the past, Menendez said. And so Im trying to figure out which is the one that is going to act if he gets confirmed as the secretary of state. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. After Comeys A Higher Loyalty said the president was untethered to truth, Trump tweets: James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR Donald Trump declared James Comey a weak and untruthful slime ball on Friday in response to a new book, in which the former director of the FBI caricatures him as a mafia don, and claimed: It was my great honor to fire James Comey! James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR, the president tweeted. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did until he was, in fact, fired. But history may not be rewritten quite so fast. As rage poured forth from the White House an elaborate rollout campaign for Comeys memoir pressed on, with the release of a television clip on Friday in which Comey recounted having to brief the president on an intelligence report alleging that Trump had consorted with prostitutes in Moscow. The presidents reaction, according to Comey: Do I look like a guy who needs hookers? Scenes such as those fill A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, a copy of which was obtained by the Guardian on Thursday. The book goes on sale on Tuesday, and Comeys first television interview, with ABC News, is to be broadcast on Sunday, with a national author tour to follow. Judging by Trumps obliging Twitter outburst on Friday morning and his even angrier tweet that afternoon claiming: No collusion, all made up by this den of thieves and lowlifes! the book seems likely to make good on Comeys desire for a showdown with the president, a clash with few precedents and unknowably wide implications. Comey and Trump will not be the only participants. Your kakistocracy is collapsing after its lamentable journey, tweeted John Brennan, a former CIA director, in reply to Trumps post about the ex-FBI chief. The word means government by the worst people. On the other side, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told her regular press briefing: The American people see right through the blatant lies of a self-admitted leaker. Story continues She added: Comey will be forever known as a disgraced partisan hack. One of the presidents greatest achievements will go down as firing James Comey. A Washington Post-ABC News poll timed to the release of Comeys book found that Americans thought Comey more believable than Trump by a 48-32 margin. And fact-checkers pointed out that contrary to Trumps claim about Comeys reputation, Comey was broadly popular among the FBI rank-and-file, which reacted to the directors firing in May 2017 with shock and disbelief. Yet the reappearance of Comey may rank only second as the most threatening development for Trumps presidency this week, following the raid by FBI agents on Monday of an office, residence and hotel room tied to Michael Cohen, Trumps longtime trusted lieutenant. A lawyer for Trump was in court in New York on Friday to ask a judge to let the president object to the disclosure of some of the records seized from Cohen. I thought, How could your wife think theres a 1% chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow? James Comey Behind the raids on Cohen lurked the power of the special counsel, Robert Mueller, whose pressure on the president has grown so strong that Trump is once again flirting openly with the idea of removing Mueller, or Muellers boss, the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, or both. Most analysts believe that such a step would only deepen Trumps troubles the firing of Comey is exhibit A but such analysis may hold little sway if Trump shares any of the rashness and lack of self-control of the man described by Comey in his book. In the preview television clip aired on Friday, Comey was merciless in depicting the presidents insecurity and cravenness. Trump, according to Comey, was bothered that his wife, Melania Trump, might believe allegations in a dossier compiled by the former British spy Christopher Steele that he, Trump, had been in a Moscow hotel room with urinating prostitutes, Comey said. He said, you know, If theres even a 1% chance my wife thinks thats true, thats terrible, said Comey. And I remember thinking, How could your wife think theres a 1% chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow? Im a flawed human being, but there is literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true. So, what kind of marriage to what kind of man does your wife think theres only a 99% chance you didnt do that? First look at my interview with Former FBI Director @Comey what he was thinking during those meetings with President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/TCPSpTzzzr GeorgeStephanopoulos (@GStephanopoulos) April 13, 2018 Asked if he believed Trumps denial, Comey said: I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I dont know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013. Its possible, but I dont know. Comey was also asked if he should have told Trump that the Steele dossier contained research partly funded by Democrats. I dont know the answer to that, he replied. It wasnt necessary for my goal, which was to alert him that we had this information. In places in the book, Comey seems to lay traps for the notoriously thin-skinned president, who is known for making specious claims about vote tallies and crowd sizes despite the facts and long after the fact. Trump appeared shorter than he seemed on a debate stage with Hillary Clinton, Comey writes of their first meeting. He adds of Trump: His face appeared slightly orange, with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assume he placed small tanning goggles, and impressively coiffed, bright blond hair, which on close inspection looked to be all his. I remember wondering how long it must take him in the morning to get that done. But the theme Comey favors most in the book is that of Trump as mobster. In this, the lawman knows whereof he speaks, having led prosecutions of major mob figures earlier in his career. As I found myself thrust into the Trump orbit, I once again was having flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the mob, Comey writes. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and the truth. Of Trumps now famous demand over dinner at the White House in January 2017, I need loyalty, Comey writes: To my mind, the demand was like Sammy the Bulls Cosa Nostra induction ceremony with Trump in the role of the family boss, asking me if I have what it takes to be a made man. Additional reporting by Ben Jacobs in Washington President Donald Trump, who has previously heralded Chinese President Xi Jinping being enabled to rule for life, joked about being president for 16 years during a speech at the White House Thursday. Trump was appearing on the White House lawn to tout the benefits of recently passed tax cuts when he slipped into a claim about his administrations effectiveness at cutting regulations. Weve cut more regulations in a year and a quarter than any administration, whether its four years, eight years or, in one case, 16 years, he said. Should we go back to 16 years? Congressman, can we have that extended? The last time I jokingly said that, the papers started saying 'he's got despotic tendencies!' No, I'm not looking to do it, unless you want to do it. Trending: Trump Asked Comey to Investigate Lurid Allegations to Prove to Melania Allegation Was False, Former FBI Director Claims Pres. Trump jokes about extending his administration to 16 years. "The last time I jokingly said that, the papers started saying 'he's got despotic tendencies!' No, I'm not looking to do it." https://t.co/NkJuIoh4fP pic.twitter.com/pl9bBvTamT ABC News (@ABC) April 12, 2018 Trumps talk of 16 years appeared to be a reference to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the only president to serve more than two terms. However, while he was elected for a fourth term, he died just a couple of months into it. It is not the first time the president has raised the possibility of extending his White House stay beyond the Constitutionally-allowed two terms. Speaking last month after China removed the two-term limit on its presidency, Trump was full of praise for the idea of a leader continuing indefinitely. Don't miss: Man Allegedly Offered Fellow Inmate 20 Trays Of Food, $2,000 To Kill Ex-Wife, Her Boyfriend He's now president for life. President for life, Trump said of Xi. No, he's great. And look, he was able to do that. I think it's great. Maybe we'll have to give that a shot someday. Story continues Trump Chris Kleponis - Pool/Getty Images As well as Xi, Trump has praised several world leaders who have moved to consolidate their power and extend or remove term limits, including Russias Vladimir Putin and Turkeys Tayyip Erdogan. Trump, himself, has faced accusations of embracing authoritarian tendencies. In an interview with Newsweek this week, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright accused Trump of strengthening dictators abroad and of a lack of democratic instinct of any kind. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Brendan Pierson and Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. prosecutor on Friday attacked a claim by President Donald Trump's longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen that many of the materials seized this week in FBI raids on Cohen's office and home as part of a criminal investigation should remain private. Prosecutors also confirmed in a court filing on Friday that they have been investigating Cohen for months, largely over his business dealings rather than his legal work. Uncertainty over exactly what FBI agents seized from Cohen comes as Trump faces an intensifying probe by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into whether his presidential campaign colluded with Russia. The raids were partly a referral by Mueller's office. U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood in Manhattan ordered Cohen to appear in court on Monday afternoon, after holding three hearings on Friday into his request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking prosecutors from reviewing seized materials. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom McKay accused Cohen of trying to invoking "wildly overbroad" claims of attorney-client privilege to avoid the disclosure of thousands of allegedly privileged communications related to the president and other cases. These could include claims by Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Daniels, whose given name is Stephanie Clifford, wants to be freed from a nondisclosure agreement under which she was paid $130,000 shortly before the 2016 presidential election to keep quiet about that encounter. Cohen wants Wood to let them or a "special master" review the seized materials to decide what can be turned over, without violating the right of his clients to shield communications with their lawyers. "We're pretty confident there are thousands of privileged communications," Cohen's lawyer Todd Harrison told the judge. But "the attorney-client privilege can't at the same time be used as a sword and as a shield," McKay told Wood. Story continues "What they are trying to do is use attorney-client privilege as a sword to challenge the government's ability to review evidence" obtained lawfully, McKay added. He called Cohen's failure to provide "basic facts" about what might be privileged was "fatal" to his request for a TRO. Michael Avenatti, a lawyer for Daniels, suggested at one of the hearings that his client might be the subject of some of the seized materials, and her interests needed protection as well. 'ACUTE INTEREST' The judge also heard from a new lawyer for Trump, Joanna Hendon, who said the president had "an acute interest" in the case. Hendon, who said Trump hired her on Wednesday evening, urged Wood not to decide who gets first shot to review seized documents until after she files a brief by Sunday night. "I'm not trying to delay anything but nor do I see a particular rush," Hendon said. In Friday's filing, prosecutors said it would be "unprecedented" to allow Cohen's lawyers to decide what it is privileged, and that the government should be allowed to use its own "taint team," or "filter team," to do the job. They also downplayed the scope of potential privilege, saying they had before Monday secretly searched multiple email accounts belonging to Cohen, and which they said indicated that Cohen "is in fact performing little to no legal work." The raids infuriated Trump, who tweeted "Attorney-client privilege is dead!" on Tuesday. McKay said Trump's ability to invoke the privilege is "no different" from anyone else's. FBI agents who conducted the raids were seeking information on payments to Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who also claims to have had a sexual relationship with Trump, a person familiar with the matter has said. Investigators have also looked for a possible broader pattern of fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and other crimes in Cohen's private dealings, including his work for Trump and real estate purchased by Russian buyers, the person said. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld, Brendan Pierson and Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Frances Kerry and Clive McKeef) From left: Rep. Martha McSally, Kelli Ward, Joe Arpaio and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call, Jeff Malet/Newscom via ZUMA Press, Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images, AP (2), Getty Images) It may be 2018s marquee Senate race. But the battle for Arizonas open U.S. Senate seat one of two prime Democratic pickup opportunities could do more than decide control of the worlds greatest deliberative body, where Republicans currently rule by a single, precarious vote. It could also answer this cycles most pressing political question: How do candidates from both parties solve a problem like Donald Trump? The contenders vying to replace retiring Republican senator Jeff Flake are all characters in their own right. On the GOP side, theres a fighter-pilot-turned-congresswoman (Rep. Martha McSally), an osteopath-turned-right-wing-rabble-rouser (former state Sen. Kelli Ward) and Americas most notorious immigration hardliner (former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio). And on the left, the likely Democratic nominee, Rep. Krysten Sinema, is not only the first openly bisexual member of Congress, shes also the most bipartisan Democrat in the House. As they jockey for advantage, all of these candidates are positioning themselves vis-a-vis Trump in ways that defy national assumptions, making the contest a counterintuitive and revealing testing ground, where the new realities of running for office in the Age of Trump are being worked out in real time. At first, the Republican primary contest seemed to pose a fairly straightforward question: Did Flakes brand of traditional movement conservatism limited government, muscular internationalism, Christian moralism still have a place in the Republican Party, or was Trumps brash, amoral, America First approach now the future of the GOP? When Flake, a vocal Trump critic, bowed out last October polls showed he could not defeat Ward, his resolutely pro-Trump opponent the question seemed to be settled. GOP Senate candidate Kelli Ward at a campaign rally in Scottsdale, Ariz. (Photo: Ross D. Franklin/AP) It wasnt until Ward attracted two challengers of her own in early 2018 that a new narrative began to emerge. The first to announce was Arpaio. If Ward aspires to be Trump in miniature she endorses his entire agenda, from building the border wall to halting Muslim immigration to repealing Obamacare to ending sanctuary cities then Arpaio promises to out-Trump Trump himself. Story continues A former U.S. Army soldier, police officer and DEA agent, Arpaio, 85, is most famous for his incendiary 24-year tenure as Americas self-styled toughest sheriff. During that time he made headlines with his round-em-up immigration raids (which contributed, according to the Justice Department, to the worst pattern of racial profiling in U.S. history), his brutal, self-described concentration camp Tent City (which was designed to alleviate prison overcrowding), and his refusal to investigate alleged child sex crimes. Since launching his Senate bid in January, Arpaio has not moderated his politics one iota. I dont see any cops in the Senate, he said during a recent appearance in Nashville. Theyre all lawyers, politicians. Its time to get a law enforcement guy. The right one. Arpaio seems convinced that his path to victory runs to the right of Ward and even Trump. The president, for instance, has insisted that he wants to protect so-called Dreamers, people who immigrated illegally to the U.S. as children. Arpaio says they should be deported. And while Ward and even Trump, a former birther himself, have both affirmed that Barack Obama was, in fact, born in the United States He was our legitimate president, Ward said in January Arpaio has hinted that he would revive his groundless crusade to discredit Obamas birth certificate if elected. I dont talk about it anymore, until I become a U.S. senator, Arpaio told a group of supporters at the Western Conservative Conference in Phoenix last month. So, Im kind of dropping that right now. But, Im going to tell you something 100 percent, we proved thats a fake document. Then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump with Joe Arpaio, the then sheriff of Phoenix in 2016. (Photo: Mary Altaffer/AP) A few days after Arpaio threw his hat in the proverbial ring, Rep. Martha McSally, AZ-2, joined him. The early thinking was that she would corner the more mainstream Republican vote, leaving Arpaio and Ward to squabble over right-wing scraps. To a certain degree, thats what she seems poised to do. One of the highest-ranking female pilots in Air Force history, with a masters degree from Harvard to boot, McSally has twice won her Tucson-area swing district, even as Trump lost there to Hillary Clinton. She is the clear favorite of D.C. Republicans (such as Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell) and conservative donors (such as the Koch brothers). But whats most striking so far about McSallys run is not how different she sounds than her die-hard pro-Trump opponents. Instead, its the deliberate effort shes been making to sound more like them despite her well-documented history of skepticism toward, and even frustration with, the president. McSally never endorsed Trump in 2016. She opposed his plan to stop Muslims from entering the United States, and she condemned his threat to ditch NATO. When Trump was caught on tape bragging about grabbing womens genitals, she called the comments disgusting and unacceptable. Asked whether she eventually gave in and voted for the GOP nominee, McSally refused to answer. Not your business, she snapped. Last summer, the congresswoman told donors that Trump was making her life more difficult. All of a sudden on January 20, Im like his twin sister, she said. Im, like, responsible for everything he does, and tweets, and says. Were doing the best we can through the minefield that we have to navigate with a tremendous amount of distractions out there. And during a 2017 town hall, McSally described the early weeks of Trumps tenure as tremendously bumpy. Some of their decisions and the way they have implemented them have certainly not been well coordinated, she said of the Trump administration. Im concerned about not shifting from campaigning to governing. Now, however, McSally, 52, is portraying herself as yet another Trump loyalist. She has sent distributed photos of herself with the president and with first daughter Ivanka Trump, and has appeared on Fox News to sing the presidents praises. Meanwhile, McSallys debut campaign ad rebrands the GOP establishment favorite as a hard-ass conservative who hates liberals, the establishment, political correctness, and Sharia law, while all but claiming she is Trumps own candidate in the race, as New York magazines Ed Kilgore recently put it. My friend Martha McSally, shes the real deal, Trump says onscreen. Shes tough. Like our president, Im tired of PC politicians and their BS excuses, McSally adds. Im a fighter pilot, and I talk like one. In recent interview with the New York Times, McSally went so far as to claim that Trump is role model who has done a lot of amazing things in his life. Sure, absolutely, she said when asked if she would campaign with Trump in the general election. I have a great relationship with the president. (According to reports, Trump will effectively boost McSallys chances by declining to endorse in the primary, even though Ward was an early supporter and Arpaio received Trumps first presidential pardon.) McSallys embrace of Trump extends to policy as well. Throughout 2016 and 2017, she offered qualified support of increased border-security measures, but stopped well short of backing Trumps wall. U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz. (Photo: Matt York/AP) When it comes to barriers, they are important where appropriate, but only part of the equation, she said in January 2017. What we need is a comprehensive strategy to grow situational awareness, build operational control and dismantle the cartels and their networks. Not a continuous, 2,000-mile border wall, no, she added during a town hall with constituents the following month. But now McSally insists that she has always supported building a wall a clear shift from her earlier, more nuanced position. The Trumpification of Martha McSally is born of the fact that GOP primary voters still adore Trump, and in Arizona, theyve always demanded a particularly hard line. Even Sen. John McCain, a longtime proponent of comprehensive immigration reform, barked about complet[ing] the danged fence in a 2010 primary ad. But its also worth noting that unlike, say, Utah, Arizona is no longer a reliably red state. In 2012, Mitt Romney won there by 9 percentage points; four years later, Trump only managed to squeak past Hillary Clinton by 3. The broader population looks less and less like the aging, lily-white GOP primary electorate, and it is increasingly dominated by two groups that especially dislike Trump: moderate, well-educated suburbanites clustered in the booming Phoenix metropolitan area, and Latinos, who now represent a fast-growing 31 percent of the states residents. As a result, Gallup recently found that Trumps statewide approval rating is underwater, with 53 percent disapproving of his performance and only 41 percent approving. Veering to the right to align yourself with a president that unpopular among your would-be constituents is a risky strategy particularly when one of the countrys latest primaries (Aug. 28) doesnt give you much time to pivot back to the center. Which brings us to McSallys likeliest Democratic opponent, Krysten Sinema, a three-term U.S. congresswoman, lapsed Mormon, openly bisexual and nontheist trailblazer and Ironman triathlete. With an impressive $5.1 million on hand, Sinema is widely considered the early frontrunner to succeed Flake. On paper, Sinema seems like a progressive hero, and indeed, thats what she once aspired to be, writing in a letter published by the Arizona Republic that until the average American realizes that capitalism damages her livelihood while augmenting the livelihoods of the wealthy, the Almighty Dollar will continue to rule. (She also called herself a Prada socialist.) But in Congress, Sinema has carved out a uniquely bipartisan record she has voted with Trump 56.7 percent of the time, more often than all but two other Democrats and as a Senate candidate she has made it clear that she will be campaigning in a manner that seems to clash dramatically with the prevailing view among progressives: namely, that if Democrats want to win back Congress, and eventually the White House, they should disregard Americas dwindling centrist bloc and focus instead on harnessing their own voters righteous anger at Trump. Democratic Rep. Krysten Sinema. (Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images for Human Rights Campaign (HRC)) Trump is not a thing, Sinema insisted when the Arizona Republic asked about her message. [Hes] not a part of what I think my constituents are worried about or think about. Nor, she added, is partisanship. Its not about a party, Sinema said. It never is about party. Its about putting people ahead of party. I dont think party matters much to people. More recently, Sinema told the New York Times that she and Trump worked together very well on veterans issues and sidestepped questions about his character. I mean, Im happy to work with anyone at any time, she said. This sort of No Labels talk has a long history on the campaign trail, and with no major primary competition, Sinema has the luxury of targeting the moderate voters that McSally & Co. are ignoring: independents and suburban, college-educated Republicans who are turned off by Trump but arent particularly turned on by the resistance. Ultimately, then, the bet Sinema is making isnt all that different from McSallys. On the right, Arizona will test how closely down-ticket Republicans can afford to cling to their historically unpopular president without repelling middle-of-the-road general-election voters. And on the left, it will demonstrate how far moderate Democrats can go in resisting the anti-Trump resistance without squandering what could be their greatest asset in November: a highly motivated base. Sinemas assumption is that while Arizona progressives may be unsatisfied, they wont really refuse to show up and vote in the one contest that could, more than any other, help them achieve their existential goal of halting Trumps agenda in its tracks. The irony is that if McSally winds up winning the GOP nod and joining Sinema in the center, the general election could become an essentially Trumpless battle. Despite our national fixation with the disrupter in chief, Arizona might reveal a surprising new on-the-ground reality: that in the very closest contests, where the middle matters most, both parties are better off simply pretending Trump doesnt exist. Sinemas advantage may be that while McSally has to hug the president tighter and tighter, she gets to start ignoring him right now. Read more from Yahoo News: President Donald Trump's tweets are White House statements and should be carefully considered, former diplomat Richard Haass says. "The president would be wise to put down his phone," he says. On Wednesday, Trump took to Twitter to warn Russia to "get ready" for a potential U.S. strike against Syria. President Donald Trump 's tweets are White House statements and should be carefully considered, former diplomat Richard Haass told CNBC on Wednesday. "The president would be wise to put down his phone or only to do it after the potential tweets have been reviewed the same way that any White House statement would be," Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations said on " Power Lunch ." He believes Trump is a "neophyte when it comes to foreign policy." The president, who has a habit of tweeting about various issues, took to Twitter earlier Wednesday to warn Russia to "get ready" for a potential U.S. strike against Syria. Moscow has backed the Syrian government during the country's seven-year civil war. Trump Syria tweet In response, Haass tweeted that national security issues are "much too serious and dangerous" to conduct on Twitter. Haass tweet Haass told CNBC that Trump's "confrontational rhetoric" toward Russia and China ought to give people pause, whether he means what he says or not. If he doesn't mean it, "people start to discount what he has to say." "Either way I don't think he's doing himself or his country any good by his use of his cellphone," said Haass, who was a principal advisor to former Secretary of State Colin Powell from 2001 to 2003. He also was a special assistant to former President George H.W. Bush and served in the State Department during the Reagan administration. Haass' comments echoed those of Nicholas Burns, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, who told CNBC earlier Wednesday that " this is not a video game ." Story continues "The president of the United States needs to be calm and needs to act presidential," said Burns, who has advised Republican and Democratic presidents and is now a professor at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. "The tweet this morning was irresponsible. And it wasn't presidential. It wasn't effective." The Kremlin responded to Trump's tweet by saying it did not engage in "Twitter diplomacy." Trump's threat came after the Russian ambassador to Lebanon said his nation's military would intercept American missiles and potentially target the U.S. craft that fired them. The potential American strike follows a suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held city of Douma, allegedly by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad . Trump's action will be a 'spasm' Haass said Trump's response has raised expectations. He expects the president to use force against Syria, but thinks it will likely be more of a "spasm, a punitive attack." "It won't change the fundamentals," he said. "Bashar Assad will still be in power. If he wants to use chemical weapons a month from now he'll still have the capability to do that." If Trump really wants to make a difference in Syria, it's less about "shooting off a couple of missiles" and is more about the long-term American plans for the country, said Haass, author of "A World in Disarray." However, he wouldn't rule out the likelihood of U.S. forces remaining in Syria for the "foreseeable future." Meanwhile, the Middle East turmoil isn't the only thing Haass is concerned about. "I've run out of fingers to count the things that worry me these days," he said. That includes the trade situation, U.S. debt, North Korea, and a U.S. economy that has been "overjuiced" by tax cuts and spending increases. "There's more sources of instability at work now." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. CNBC's Tom DiChristopher and Reuters contributed to this report. More From CNBC Doug Bandow Security, Middle East Any military attack risks triggering a more general war. Trump Can Only Make the Syrian Disaster Worse Syria awaits President Donald Trumps decision whether to retaliate against the Assad government for its apparent use of chemical weapons. Doing so would result in little gain while risking a wider war. Instead, the president should follow his initial instinct to withdraw U.S. forces from the war-ravaged nation. Just days ago, President Trump displayed a common sense that is often lacking in Washington, recognizing that the United States should come home rather than illegally occupying nearly a third of Syria and confronting the Syrian, Iranian and Russian governments. Then his instincts deserted him when he threatened war against the Damascus government. His professed humanitarian concern may be genuine, but his administration has spent a year supporting Saudi airstrikes that have killed thousands of Yemeni civilians. Moreover, chemical weapons are not really mass destroyers. Bombs and bullets have the same ultimate result, having killed most of the half million Syrians who have died over the last seven years. The presidents delay in acting likely reflects Washingtons lack of an effective response. Yet his hesitation allowed the sense of international outrage to diminish while giving Damascus time to prepare for U.S. strikeshiding some military assets and moving others closer to Russian forces. Moscow, too, has had ample time to decide on its strategy. Most everyone acknowledges that a one-off attack would have limited if any deterrent effect. But massive retaliation would be even worse. For instance, Firas Maksad of the Arabia Foundation has advocated a comprehensive bombing campaign, perhaps sustained over a number of days, targeting command and control centers and elite military units to knock out Assads entire air force. Yet strikes significant enough to do serious damage would force Damascus to rely more heavily on Iran and Russia. Reinvigorating the civil war would not likely change the ultimate result, while guaranteeing more casualties, suffering, refugees and chaos. Story continues More important for America, any military attack risks triggering a more general war. If the Trump administration followed Maksads advice, Moscow could not easily remain supine. Indeed, even the presidents ill-considered taunts make it difficult for the Putin government to stand aside. Russia can ill afford to play the patsy, bullied by Washington. The more widespread any U.S. attacks, the more likely collateral damage involving Russian and Iranian military personnel. Scores of Russian mercenaries reportedly were killed by American forces when attacking Kurdish fighters in February. Last year the United States downed a Syrian plane attacking U.S.-backed forces. In these cases Moscow was not directly involved and did not retaliate, but this time it might exercise less forbearance. Russias foreign ministry threatened very grave consequences in response to military interference in Syria. The chief of the general staff warned, if lives of the Russian officers are threatened, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will retaliate against missile and launch systems. Moscows ambassador to Lebanon left out the condition and said simply: the Russian forces will confront any U.S. aggression on Syria, by intercepting the missiles and striking their launch pads. The latter could include U.S. ships, submarines and aircraft, as well as foreign nations. Attacking them would guarantee U.S. retaliation and risk much broader conflict. Militarily Moscow lags behind the United States, but it has much greater interests at stake in Syria. Indeed, far more than Washington, the Putin government needs to demonstrate credibility to prevent further U.S. attempts at coercion. Because of its relative conventional weakness, Moscow may have a lower threshold for using nuclear weapons. The likelihood of general war is small, but the consequences would be catastrophic. Russia could take actions that are more limited but still dangerous. For instance, Moscow could intensify its support for the Assad governments efforts to reclaim the remaining areas of Syria under insurgent control. That could include hitting the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, which Washington imagines will create a de facto state, force Assad from office, expel Iranian influence and limit Moscows role. Russia might exercise less care in avoiding risk to Americans stationed in the region, which could result in U.S. casualties and set up a direct confrontation between two capable militaries. Moreover, Moscow could become more truculent dealing with the United States elsewhere. Additional succor for North Korea would reduce Kim Jong-uns economic incentive to make a nuclear deal. If Washington repudiates the JCPOA, Moscow could provide additional arms to Tehran to make a future American attack more costly. The Putin government also could become more active in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East, attempting to reduce their reliance on Washington. Tehran, too, might look for opportunities to hit American interests, if not personnel. After Syrias alleged chemical-weapons attack, an Israeli air strike on a Syrian base killed four Iranians, among others. If the U.S. response adds to that toll, Tehran would face pressure to act. With the common expectation that the Trump administration will abandon the nuclear deal, Iranian authorities might decide that they have little reason to avoid confrontation with Washington. Tehran also might look for opportunities to use proxies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, to covertly hit U.S. interests. Turkey could become a somewhat reluctant partner of Moscow and Iran. The three countries view the Assad regime very differently, but they share a desire to prevent the United States from creating a Kurdish statelet allied with Washington. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan already attacked Kurdish forces near Afrin and threatened to march east on Manbij, where American forces are located along with Kurdish fighters. Russia could offer air support; indeed, the Turkish government already plans to purchase the S-400 air defense system. Iran might try to build the oft-predicted land bridge between Tehran and Damascus. Washington imagines its Kurdish allies can prevent that, but they have been diverted by Turkeys invasion, and Americans are spread thin, not deployed for direct combat. Turkish acquiescence and Russian support would make it more difficult for Washington to stop Iranian activities. A proxy battle could turn into a major-power confrontation. In recent years the United States has been the most destructive, destabilizing force in the Middle East. In Iraq, Libya and Syria, succeeding U.S. administrations wrecked the established order, fueled sectarian violence and encouraged regional chaos. In Syria, Washington is even risking confrontation with other regional powers and nuclear-armed Russia. President Trumps tweets reflect Washingtons overweening hubris, the assumption that the United States could brush aside any Russian response. However, though the American military is stronger than Russias armed forces, Washington is acting from a position of weakness in Syria. The Obama years were marked by a hopelessly inconsistent, overambitious, ridiculously complicated and internally inconsistent strategy. The Islamic State was defeated, but every other U.S. objective fell short. Washingtons Persian Gulf friends decided they had other priorities. Americas Turkish ally proved most interested in destroying Americas Kurdish proxy, which the United States ruthlessly abandoned. The Assad government successively vanquished its enemies. A few thousand troops on station and handful of airstrikes on the Damascus regime wont retrieve Syria for the Trump administration. No one can quite imagine Washington and Moscow coming to blows. But the broader and more extensive any American attack on Syria, the greater the chance of sparking a shooting war between America and Russia. It is hard to imagine what objective short of defending America would be worth that cost. Certainly not Syria. President Trump should remember his tweet from September 2013: Dont attack Syriaan attack that will bring nothing but trouble for the U.S. Focus on making our country strong and great again. Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan. He is author of Foreign Follies: Americas New Global Empire. Image: A Syrian soldier loyal to President Bashar al-Assad outside eastern Ghouta, Syria. Reuters/Omar Sanadiki. Read full article President Donald Trump promoted a Sean Hannity show on Fox News that compared Special Counsel Robert Mueller to a mob boss and featured lawyer Joe diGenova calling for the Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to be fired. In a tweet on Wednesday (April 11) the president wrote: Big show tonight on @seanhannity ! 9:00 P.M. on @FoxNews. Hannitys show featured a Mueller crime family chart that suggested the special counsel heading the Russia probe was working with the deep state to bring down the president. Trending: Rosenstein, Wray, Bow to Impeachment Threat, Allow Nunes to View Key Russia Investigation Document The Fox News presenter referred to Mueller as a mob boss after sharing a preview of former FBI director James Comeys interview with CNN, in which host George Stephanopoulos asks Comey how strange is it for you to sit here and compare the president to a mob boss? The promo for Comeys interview appeared to leave Hannity enraged, as he questioned why the former FBI chief would describe the president as a mob boss, calling the comparison as outrageous. If hes going to use this sweeping analogy, Ive decided tonight were going to usethe 'Comey standard' I call itand make some comparisons of our own, he said, kicking off his mob boss section with what he described as The Clinton crime family. Don't miss: 'Morning Joe' Host Calls Sean Hannity's Show 'Trash' After Segment With Newt Gingrich Slamming Mueller As well as outlining previous allegations of sexual misconduct and rape against Bill Clinton, Hannity said Hillary Clintonwe know she committed crime, referencing the investigation into her use of a private email server despite the FBI finding no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Moving on to the Mueller crime family, Hannity described the ongoing investigation as a witch hunt, using language the president has previously touted to describe the Russia probe, also accusing Muellers office of looking the other way during his time as a federal prosecutor in Boston. Story continues Joining Hannity on the show, former federal prosecutor Joe diGenova slammed Comey and Mueller, also suggesting Attorney General Jeff Sessions should fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein over the raid on Trumps lawyer. Most popular: Stormy Daniels's Lawyer Michael Avenatti Claims More Trump-Related Raids on Horizon "Rod Rosenstein is so incompetent, compromised and conflicted that he can no longer serve as the deputy attorney general," diGenova said. It is the second day in a row that Hannity has slammed Mueller, referring to a deep state plan to dismantle the presidency, following the April 9 raid on Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen by the FBI, a move that has reportedly left the president fuming. Hannitys comments came as part of Wednesday's push back against Mueller from Trump allies, including former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration may allow the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol year-round, which could help farmers by firing up corn demand but faces opposition from Big Oil. The proposal marks the latest move by the Trump administration to navigate the rival oil and corn constituencies as they clash over the nation's biofuels policy. Oil refiners say the Renewable Fuel Standard requiring them to add biofuels into gasoline is costly and displaces petroleum, while the farm sector says the law provides critical support to growers. The Environmental Protection Agency currently bans the higher ethanol blend, called E15, during summer because of concerns it contributes to smog on hot days - a worry biofuels advocates say is unfounded. Gasoline typically contains just 10 percent ethanol. "Were going to be going probably, probably to 15 and were going to be going to a 12-month period," Trump told reporters during a White House meeting. "Were going to work out something during the transition period, which is not easy, very complicated." Earlier on Thursday, EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said the agency "has been assessing the legal validity of granting an E15 waiver since last summer" and is awaiting an outcome from discussions with the White House, the Department of Agriculture and Congress before making any final decisions. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, said the proposed shift to year-round E15 sales would be "very exciting news." "It would be a great morale boost for rural America, and more importantly a real demand boost if it can be moved forward quickly," he said in an interview. Under the RFS, the EPA sets the volume of ethanol and other biofuels that must be mixed into the nation's fuel supply on a yearly basis - and a move to expand E15 sales could encourage the EPA to set those volumes higher in coming years. Story continues Currently, refiners are required to blend around 15 billion gallons of ethanol into the nation's fuel annually. Shares of major biofuels producers rose slightly after the announcement. Archer Daniels Midland Co shares gained 2.7 percent to close at $45.30. It was unclear, however, whether the move would help the refining sector - which has been lobbying hard instead for a cap on the price of blending credits that refiners must acquire to prove compliance with the RFS. Greater blending of ethanol through year-round E15 sales would theoretically increase supplies of the tradable credits, and thus reduce prices. But at the same time, more ethanol translates to a smaller share of petroleum-based fuel in American gas tanks, which would hurt refiner sales. The American Petroleum Institute, which represents big oil companies, issued a statement opposing Trump's proposal to expand E15 sales, arguing that high-ethanol fuel can damage engines and is incompatible with certain boats, motorcycles and lawn mowers. "The industry plans to consider all options to prevent such a waiver. The RFS is broken and we continue to believe the best solution is comprehensive legislation," API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola said in the statement. Refiners shares were mixed after Trumps comments, with Andeavor closing down 2.6 percent at $110.13 and Valero Energy Corp up 0.2 percent at $100.53. Bids for benchmark D6 blending credits slipped to 34 cents on Thursday afternoon, after deals were struck at 37.5 cents ahead of the announcement, a U.S. trader said. (Additional reporting by Chris Prentice, Jarrett Renshaw and Jessica Resnick-Ault in New York; Writing by Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Matthew Lewis) Washington (United States) (AFP) - The United States claimed Friday to have proof that the Syrian regime carried out a chemical massacre that has set western powers on a collision course with Russia, as President Donald Trump readied his response. Western leaders have made clear the alleged toxic gas strike on the Damascus suburb of Douma must not go unanswered -- despite a warning from the UN secretary-general that the crisis could trigger a "full-blown military escalation." Trump vowed a "strong" response the day after the April 7 attack -- since then, he has been in consultation with his military advisors, and allies France and Britain, on what form that should take. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron late Friday and agreed to "keep working closely" on a response to the attack, which the British government now believes killed as many as 75 people. With experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) headed to Syria to probe the strike, Russia defiantly claimed Friday the attack was staged by rescue workers acting on Britain's behalf. Western powers have been increasingly categorical in laying responsibility with Syria's Bashar al-Assad -- and Moscow. Asked whether Washington has proof Assad launched the attack on Douma, the main city in the former rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said: "Yes." "We know for a fact that it was a chemical weapon," she said, but added that she would not be able to release US "intelligence information" as it was still classified. Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Washington also holds Assad's ally "Russia responsible for their failure to stop chemical weapons attacks from taking place." - Military escalation - Trump's National Security Council was meeting Friday evening at the level of agency deputy heads, she said. Story continues Any intervention would increase the risk of a clash with Russian forces in Syria to defend Assad, and UN chief Antonio Guterres warned the UN Security Council -- where the US and Russia faced off -- to beware a "full-blown military escalation." France's Macron earlier called for stepped-up talks with Moscow, and spoke to President Vladimir Putin by phone. But France's UN ambassador Francois Delattre told the Security Council that in choosing once again to use banned chemical weapons against civilians, Assad's regime had "reached a point of no-return." And US ambassador Nikki Haley, while allowing that Washington is still weighing its options and pursuing its own investigation, warned her colleagues, "At one point, you have to do something." "All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow Assad to normalize the use of chemical weapons," she said. Russia, in addition to its unproven allegations against Britain, alleged the West was feigning outrage over the attack as a cover for a plan to overthrow Assad's government. "We continue to observe dangerous military preparations for an illegal act of force against a sovereign state," Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council. - Rebels give up Ghouta - Since last weekend, when images of ashen toddlers struggling for breath emerged, there has been a sustained military buildup in the eastern Mediterranean. A French frigate, British Royal Navy submarines and the USS Donald Cook, an American destroyer equipped with Tomahawk land attack missiles, have all moved into range of Syria's coast. On the ground, rebels and civilians were evacuating from Douma on Friday after anti-regime fighters in Eastern Ghouta surrendered their heavy weapons and their leader left the enclave. This signaled the end of one of the bloodiest assaults of the seven-year war and a major win for the Assad regime. Western officials believe chlorine was used in the April 7 attack on Douma. What is less clear is whether sarin, the agent used in a chemical attack that prompted US missile strikes last year, was also used. Russia, which has stonewalled diplomatic efforts at the UN Security Council, has vehemently denied a chemical attack took place. OPCW inspectors are expected to arrive in Syria at the weekend to investigate, following an invitation from Damascus. Diplomats have expressed concern that the experts could be used as hostages or human shields. Washington (United States) (AFP) - President Donald Trump was evasive Thursday about when the United States might attack Syria in retaliation for an alleged chemical weapons assault, saying it could be "very soon or not so soon at all!" A day after warning starkly that "missiles will be coming," Trump in another early morning tweet storm wrote: "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" He added: "In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?'" Trump's new tweet seemed to backtrack from the bellicose one of Wednesday in which he suggested to Syria and its ally Russia that a US attack over the alleged chemical weapons assault on civilians last weekend was all but imminent. That one, which came after a warning from Russia, went like this: "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and "smart!" You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" The tough talk between Trump and Russia has raised fears of the Syria conflict mushroomning into something even more serious involving America and its Western allies on one side and the Russians on the other. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned world powers Wednesday to keep the confict from "spiraling out of control." By Steve Holland and Michelle Nichols WASHINGTON/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States on Friday blamed the Syrian government for a deadly chemical weapons attack this month and slammed Russia for failing to stop its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, as U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to weigh a forceful military response. Trump is pressing for a more aggressive strike on Syria than U.S. military chiefs have recommended as he adopts a tougher stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. officials told Reuters. One senior official said Trump has asked his military to consider options that would include punishing Russia and Iran, Syria's main foreign backers, in part over the president's growing level of exasperation with Putin. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has been urging caution in meetings, trying to avoid a strike that would trigger a broader conflict, two U.S. officials said. While the prospect of U.S.-led military action that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East, the White House accused Syria of carrying out a toxic gas attack on April 7 that killed dozens of people in the town of Douma, near Damascus. "We have a very high confidence that Syria was responsible and, once again, Russia's failure to stop them and their continued (lack of action) on this front has been part of the problem," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. U.S. intelligence shows a Russian claim that the attack was faked was false, Sanders said. "Our intelligence tells us otherwise. I can't go beyond that," Sanders told reporters. The U.S. State Department said the United States has proof at "a very high level of confidence" that the Syrian government carried out the attack but is still working to identify the mix of chemicals used. Trump warned on Wednesday that missiles "will be coming" in response to the Douma incident. Russia has told the United States and its allies not to carry out any military strike. Chemical weapons experts for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) arrived in Syria to investigate the suspected poison gas attack. The investigators, who are mandated to determine only if chemical weapons were used and not who used them, were expected to start their investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based organization said. 'ANYTHING ADVENTUROUS' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier that Moscow was in contact with Washington to discuss an atmosphere he described as alarming. "God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria along the lines of the Libyan and Iraqi experience," Lavrov told a news conference, referring to past Western military interventions elsewhere in the region. Britain's U.N. Ambassador Karen Pierce, meanwhile, rejected a charge by a Russian defense ministry spokesman that Britain was involved in staging a fake chemical weapons attack in Douma. "This is grotesque, it is a blatant lie, it is the worst piece of fake news we've yet seen from the Russian propaganda machine," Pierce told reporters. Assad is supported by Iranian-back fighters as well as the Russian air force and has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country. The capture of Douma from rebels who evacuated this week has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a center of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his seemingly unassailable position in the war. The Syria crisis has come as a test not only for Trump, but incoming White House national security adviser John Bolton, a hawk who joined Trump's team this week. While Trump himself was silent on Syria on Friday, giving no further clues on whether American military action is imminent, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Washington estimated that Assad's forces had used chemical weapons at least 50 times during the seven-year-old Syrian conflict. "Our president has not yet made a decision about possible action in Syria. But should the United States and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defense of a principle on which we all agree," Haley told the U.N. Security Council. "All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow Assad to normalize the use of chemical weapons." Any U.S. strike would probably involve the Navy. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS Donald Cook, is in the Mediterranean. Last year, the United States carried out strikes from two Navy destroyers against a Syrian air base after another deadly toxic gas attack on a rebel-controlled area. (Reporting by Steve Holland and Michelle Nichols; Additional reporting by John Walcott, Lesley Wroughton, Phil Stewart, Alistair Smout, Tom Perry, Ellen Francis, Maria Tsvetkova, Leigh Thomas and Ingrid Melander; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and Will Dunham) ANKARA (Reuters) - A Turkish court on Friday sentenced 21 people, including a former military chief, to life sentences over a 1997 "post-modern" coup that toppled Turkey's first Islamist-led government, broadcaster NTV and other media said. The 1997 campaign of army pressure against the government of Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan - a political precursor to the current president, Tayyip Erdogan - stopped short of a full-blown putsch. Still, the military pressure and the appearance of tanks in a town outside the capital, Ankara, have long rankled with Erdogan and members of his Islamist-rooted AK Party. Turkey has seen violent coups in 1960 and in 1980. But under Erdogan, who survived an attempted putsch in 2016, the political strength of the military has been drastically rolled back. Among those who were handed life sentences were General Ismail Hakki Karadayi, 86, who was chief of general staff between 1994 and 1998, and his deputy at the time, General Cevik Bir, NTV said. Another 68 people were acquitted by the court while four other defendants died in the course of the five-year trial, media reports said. However, the Hurriyet newspaper said the court had not ordered for the immediate arrest of the 21, citing their advanced ages and health conditions. Reuters was not immediately able to reach the court for comment. Those sentenced could appeal to a higher court, according to one ruling party official speaking on live television. Erbakan, who died in 2011, pioneered Islamist politics in Turkey, a Muslim country with a secular state system, paving the way for the later success of Erdogan's AK Party. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Daren Butler; Editing by David Dolan) By Nate Raymond (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Friday declared unconstitutional a 2017 Maryland law that lets the state attorney general sue generic drugmakers who sharply raise prices on medications. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the main trade group for generic pharmaceutical companies in holding that the law violated the U.S. Constitution by regulating the price of transactions that occur outside of Maryland. "To be clear, we in no way mean to suggest that Maryland and other states cannot enact legislation meant to secure lower prescription drug prices for their citizens," U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanie Thacker wrote for the 2-1 majority. But Thacker wrote that the law violated the Constitution's bar against states interfering with interstate commerce, by targeting wholesale rather than retail pricing in transactions that occur largely outside of Maryland. U.S. Circuit Judge James Wynn dissented, saying the ruling "renders numerous state consumer protection statutes unconstitutional, and significantly expands federal courts' authority to second-guess States' efforts to protect their citizens." The ruling reversed a lower-court's decision in a lawsuit by the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), which represents companies like Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd and Mylan NV and which was formerly called the Generic Pharmaceutical Association. "As AAM has always maintained, this law, and any others modeled from it, would harm patients because the law would reduce generic drug competition and choice," AAM Chief Executive Chad Davis said in a statement. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh in a statement said he was considering his options. "We remain committed to pursuing efforts to eliminate price gouging and to safeguarding Marylanders access to prescription drugs," he said. Growing public outrage and a lack of federal action has led several U.S. states to take the fight against rising prescription drug prices into their own hands. Story continues The Maryland measure was passed by the state's Democratic-controlled legislature in April 2017. Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, said in May that he would allow it to take effect without his signature. The law imposed fines of up to $10,000 for violations and allowed Frosh to require a manufacturer or distributor to show its records and justify a price increase. AAM in its lawsuit said the law would grant Maryland unprecedented powers to regulate the national drug market. But U.S. District Judge Marvin Garbis in Baltimore in September declined to block the law from going into effect. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by David Gregorio and Richard Chang) A dead infant was found in the back of a van in Indianapolis and police officers are trying to figure out who last used the van and where it came from. Staffers clearning the van discovered the babys body in a tote bag inside the vehicle on Wednesday afternoon, according to WISH-TV. The van was in a U-Haul parking lot on the citys south side, on South East Street at East Hanna Avenue. We are deeply startled and heartbroken over the discovery today at one of our Indianapolis store locations, U-Haul said in a statement, according to WISH. U-Haul is working with local authorities to meet any and all needs in their investigation. Trending: 'Avatar' Vs 'GTA 5': Video Game Estimated to Earn Almost Double Highest-grossing Film The infants sex and age were not immediately clear, nor was the cause of death. uhaul-lot Google Maps/screenshot What I can tell you is that [the van] is here now, and it is our responsibility to find out what happened, and we ask for the communitys help in that, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer Jim Gillespie said, according to WXIN-TV. Were going to do everything we can to get to the heart of what led to this childs death. Don't miss: NASA Is Launching Its Next Planet-Hunting Telescope, Here's What to Know Indiana has a safe haven law that enables a person to give up an unwanted infant anonymously without fear of arrest or prosecution, according to that states Department of Child Services. Under the rules of that law, the person who drops off the baby with emergency medical responders does not have to leave any personal or identifying information. The law applies to newborns. The emergency responders could include officials at a firehouse, a hospital or a police station. As The Indianapolis Star notes, a couple of fire departments in Indiana have so-called baby boxes where people can safely drop off those infants, and authorities are looking to expand the use of those secured and temperature-controlled boxes. Story continues This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Prospective Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers Thursday that the U.S. killed up to 200 Russian in airstrikes conducted against forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in February. U.S. officials have so far remained silent about the number of casualties inflicted by a coalition assault on pro-Syrian government fighters that the Pentagon claimed opened fire on allied Syrian Democratic Forces in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. Both a U.S.-led coalition and the Russia-backed forces supportive of Assad are battling the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in the region, but recent tensions have produced fears of an open conflict between Washington and Moscow. Related: U.S. Military 'Ready' To Show Trump Plans To Attack Syria, Russia Says It Will Fight Back Trending: Nearly 1 Million 'Aggressive' Killer Bees Invade El Paso Home "In Syria, now, a handful of weeks ago, the Russians met their match. A couple hundred Russians were killed," Pompeo said during his confirmation hearing in Washington. RTX5NB5K CIA Director Mike Pompeo testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on Pompeos nomination to be secretary of state on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 12, 2018. Pompeo has vowed to take a tough stance against Russia at a time of volatile relations between Washington and Moscow. Leah Millis/Reuters CIA Director Pompeo was named as Trump's choice to replace former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who reportedly found out he was out of the job in February through the president's Twitter account. The shakeup was followed by another high-profile switch, when Trump announced he wanted former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton to take the place of National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. Don't miss: Husband Dismantled His Wife's Parachute Prior to 4,000 foot Jump, Prosecutors Say Bolton and McMaster, two hawkish hardline conservatives, have discussed taking a tougher stance against Russia, which the U.S. has accused of interfering in the foreign affairs of other countries. A year after the U.S. and allies intervened against ISIS in 2014, Moscow began its own war against the jihadis and rebels threatening Assad's rule since a 2011 uprising backed by the West, Turkey and Gulf Arab states. Story continues The dual offensives have decimated ISIS's once-spanning, self-proclaimed caliphate, but tensions between competing local and international forces on the ground have since surged. A Turkish invasion in January drew a number of U.S.-backed Kurds out of the fight against ISIS and the remaining, majority-Arab faction of the Syrian Democratic Forces has had a volatile relationship with nearby pro-Syrian government fighters, which included Iran-backed, Shiite Muslim militias as well as Russian volunteers. Sometime between February 7 and 8, the Syrian Democratic Forces claimed to have come under fire by pro-Syrian government forces and called for coalition backup. The U.S. responded with heavy air power, killing an unknown, but reportedly large number of targets. Russia, which acknowledged some of its citizens were involved, and Syria argued that the Syrian Democratic Forces initiated the attack to consolidate control of the nearby, formerly ISIS-held oil fields. Most popular: Trump Tax Plan: 80 Percent of Economic Gains Will End Up Going to Foreigners, CBO Says Days later, the U.S.-led coalition bombed a Soviet-built T-72 tank operated by pro-Syrian government forces in a second incident. Defense Secretary James Mattis said last month that a third encounter was avoided when the U.S. joint chiefs of staff contacted its Russian counterpart, resulting in pro-Syrian government forces retreating. However, Mattis said he had no reason to think that Moscow was in direct control of these Russians, believed to be part of private military companies. USdestroysRussiatank In this still from footage released by the Defense Department, a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, also know as Predator B, destroys a Russia-built T-72 tank in eastern Syria, on February 10. The U.S. said the strike was in self-defense as pro-Syrian government forces advanced on Pentagon-backed fighters on the ground. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Since then, the U.S. and Russia have engaged in a new and direct escalation over conflicting claims of a chemical weapons attack in the formerly insurgent-held Damascus suburb of Douma. While Mattis said Wednesday he was "still assessing" responsibility over the suspected toxic gas attack, the U.S. has vowed to take military action and allies France, Saudi Arabia and the U.K. have announced their potential support. Russia has denied these claims and Moscow's ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin threatened Wednesday to down both U.S. missiles and their launch sites, echoing a previous warning by a top Russian general. Trump taunted his Russian rivals on social media, promising that missiles would hit Syria, but on Thursday tweeted that he "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" In addition to a possible confrontation with Russia, Pompeo and Bolton's hearings were set to come ahead of two major administration deadlines. Trump has demanded a renegotiation of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal by mid-May, but its other signatories have so far defended the agreement. The new cabinet would also inherit a nuclear crisis with North Korea, with whom Trump has agreed to hold a historic meeting by May as well. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States, France and Britain made the case at the United Nations on Friday for military action against Syria after a suspected deadly chemical weapons attack, though U.S. envoy Nikki Haley warned that "you don't rush decisions like this." The U.N. Security Council met for the fourth time this week on Syria as U.S. President Donald Trump considers military action over the alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma last Saturday, which killed dozens of people. "Our president has not yet made a decision about possible action in Syria," Haley said. "But should the United States and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defense of a principle on which we all agree. "All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow (Syrian President Bashar) Assad to normalize the use of chemical weapons," she said, adding that Washington estimated Assad had used toxic gas at least 50 times during the seven-year war. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said international chemical weapons experts have arrived in Syria to determine whether chemical weapons were used, but not who is to blame. An international inquiry to establish responsibility for such attacks, set up by the Security Council in 2015, ended in November after Russia blocked three attempts to renew it. Given the Security Council deadlock, about 45 human rights and aid groups urged Guterres on Friday to appoint a team of investigators to determine blame for toxic gas attacks in Syria. Russia and Syria have said there was no evidence of a chemical weapons attack in Douma. Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia appealed for the United States, France and Britain to reconsider military action. "The sole thing they have an interest in is to oust the Syrian government and more broadly to contain the Russian Federation," Nebenzia said. French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre said: "The (Syrian) regime has reached a point of no return. France will shoulder its responsibility to end an intolerable threat to our collective security." Any countries that carry out a strike on Syria over the use of chemical weapons could defend the action under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which covers an individual or collective right to self-defense against armed attack, diplomats said. Guterres urged all states "to act responsibly in these dangerous circumstances." Russia has vetoed 12 U.N. Security Council resolutions on Syria since 2011, several with the support of China. "It is not only dangerous what Russia is doing in vetoing our resolutions and supporting the Syrian regime's actions against its own people, it is ultimately prejudicial to our security, it will let Daesh (Islamic State) re-establish itself," British U.N. Ambassador Karen Pierce told the council. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Dan Grebler) LONDON/GENEVA (Reuters) - Britain's foreign minister and United Nations human rights rapporteurs separately called on Thursday for the release of two Reuters reporters detained in Myanmar, after a judge rejected a request for their case to be dismissed. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Twitter that Myanmar must show its "commitment to media freedom" while the U.N. special rapporteurs said in a joint statement that the pursuit of the case against Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, gave rise to "grave concern for investigative journalism". A Myanmar government spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. A court in Yangon has been holding preliminary hearings since January to decide whether the journalists will be charged for possessing secret government papers under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Judge Ye Lwin rejected on Wednesday a defence request to dismiss the case against the two reporters, who have been held since December, for lack of evidence. The judge said he wanted to hear the eight remaining prosecution witnesses out of the 25 listed, according to defence lawyer Khin Maung Zaw. On Tuesday, seven Myanmar soldiers were sentenced to 10 years "with hard labor in a remote area" for participating in a massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslim men in northwestern Rakhine state last September, the army said. Yanghee Lee, U.N. special rapporteur on Myanmar, and David Kaye, U.N. special rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, noted the journalists could be sentenced to longer terms if found guilty. "The perpetrators of a massacre that was, in part, the subject of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo's reporting have been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. And yet these two reporters face a possible 14 years imprisonment. The absurdity of this trial and the wrongfulness of their detention and prosecution are clear," they said in a joint statement. Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the U.N.. The country's ambassador to the U.N., Hau Do Suan, said last month that the journalists were not arrested for reporting a story, but were accused of "illegally possessing confidential government documents". ARMY CRACKDOWN An army crackdown, unleashed in response to Rohingya militant attacks on security forces in August, has been beset by allegations of murder, rape, arson and looting. The U.N. and United States described it as ethnic cleansing - an accusation which Myanmar denies. Nearly 700,000 Muslim Rohingya have fled Rakhine state and crossed into southern Bangladesh since then. After the U.N. experts made their comments, Johnson took to Twitter on the case. "Very disappointed to hear Burmese @Reuters journalists Kyaw Soe Oo and Wa Lone are now to face trial," he said. "Reiterate my calls for their release: Burmese authorities must show their commitment to media freedom." At this stage the prosecutor is trying to persuade the court to file charges. The preliminary proceedings are still underway and only after they are completed is the court expected to decide whether to send the two reporters to trial. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay and William James; editing by David Stamp) By Jonathan Saul and Nina Chestney LONDON (Reuters) - The United Nations shipping agency reached an agreement on Friday to cut carbon emissions, following years of slow progress. The compromise plan, which will cut emissions by at least 50 percent by 2050 compared with 2008 levels, fell short of more ambitious targets. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said the adoption of the strategy "would allow future IMO work on climate change to be rooted in a solid basis". The IMO said it would also be pursuing efforts toward phasing out CO2 emissions entirely. Delegates said opposition from some countries - including the United States, Saudi Arabia and Panama - had limited what could be achieved at the IMO session this week in London. "The IMO should and could have gone a lot further," said Bill Hemmings, shipping director with green campaigners Transport & Environment. "This decision puts shipping on a promising track." Greenpeace International political adviser Veronica Frank said the plan was "far from perfect but the direction is now clear - a phase-out of carbon emissions". "This decarbonisation must start now and targets improved along the way, because without concrete, urgent measures to cut emissions from shipping now, the Paris ambition to limit warming to 1.5 degrees will become swiftly out of reach, Frank said. Shipping association BIMCO in contrast described it as a "landmark achievement". Kathi Stanzel, managing director of tanker association INTERTANKO, added: "It is the culmination of international efforts to develop both ambitious and concrete plans to respond to the challenge of our century." The shipping sector, along with aviation, avoided specific emissions-cutting targets in a global climate pact agreed in Paris at the end of 2015, which aims to limit a global average rise in temperature to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius from 2020. HIGHER TARGETS European Union countries along with the Marshall Islands, the world's second-biggest ship registry, had supported a goal of cutting emissions by 70 to 100 percent by 2050, compared with 2008 levels. Europe's transport commissioner Violeta Bulc and climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said in a joint statement while the EU had "sought a higher level of ambition, this is a good starting point that will allow for further review and improvements over time". British-based research group InfluenceMap said an emissions cut of 70 percent would have been much closer to what is needed if shipping is to be in line with the goals of the Paris agreement. Shipping accounts for 2.2 percent of world CO2 emissions, according to the IMO, the U.N. agency responsible for regulating pollution from ships. This is around the amount emitted by Germany, according to the latest EU data available, and is predicted to grow significantly if left unchecked. The IMO has adopted mandatory rules for new vessels to boost fuel efficiency as a means of cutting CO2 from ship engines. A final IMO plan is not expected until 2023. According to the text produced by the IMO working group submitted to member states, the initial strategy would not be legally binding for member states. The text separately pointed to possible medium-term measures to address emissions that could include low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels, improved energy efficiency for new and existing ships and possible market-based mechanisms to encourage the shift to lower-carbon fuels. It also said its final strategy should be subject to a review in 2028. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine said the country's delegation had "fought hard" for the outcome. "While it may not be enough to give my country the certainty it wanted, it makes it clear that international shipping will now urgently reduce emissions and play its part in giving my country a pathway to survival," Heine said. (Additional reporting by Julia Fioretti in Brussels, Editing by Dale Hudson and Jane Merriman) Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis told Congress Thursday that the U.S. military is developing the technology to shoot down North Korean missiles as they take off. Arms experts say the technology would greatly improve the U.S.'s ability to fend off a nuclear attack from North Korea, but it probably won't be ready for another 10 to 15 years. What [Mattis] is referring to is boost phase directed energy, so the idea is to have a laser on a drone, have the drones hovering in international airspace, and then once a missile is launched we zap it with a laser, Matthew Kroenig, an expert on national security and arms control at the Atlantic Council, told Newsweek. Trending: Florida Gunmaker May Have Violated Russia Sanctions in Getting AK-47 Parts, Congressman Alleges We have directed energy interceptors on ships, so the basic technology is proven. But it wont be until 2025 or so that this will be a real capability, Kroenig added. For now, the U.S. military is trying to develop ways to make the laser technology, known as directed energy, powerful enough to destroy a ballistic missile but light enough to fit on an aircraft that can fly at high altitudes, experts note. Around a megawatt of power is needed to destroy a ballistic missile as its taking off, analysts say, and generally the more powerful lasers are, the heavier. The military is looking at UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] and how can we use these predator drones and reaper drones in a missile defense capacity, mounting directed energy, essentially lasers that would fly at high altitude, above the weather, Ian Williams, an expert on missile defense and deterrence at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Newsweek. Don't miss: NBA Playoff Injury Update: Latest Joel Embiid, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard News The U.S. already has the technology to theoretically destroy a ballistic missile as its taking off, using more traditional missile technology. But the process requires more resources, and there are still questions about whether traditional missiles are fast enough to destroy an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on time. Story continues Its a question of how many drones we want to put up, and can we get it up close enough to fire. You would need to be right over the boosting missiles. You would have to get in their airspace and get there in advance of the launch, Williams said. A laser moves at the speed of light, so as long as youre in range you can hit the target, but with a kinetic missile there is a window. And there is a debate about whether the window is too small. 883517136 Kim Won-Jin/AFP/Getty Images North Korea is in the process of developing a nuclear weapon that is small enough to fit onto an ICBM. Experts disagree on how long it will take the rogue regime of Kim Jong Un to fit a nuclear warhead onto a missile, but most analysts say that Pyongyang already has a missile capable of reaching anywhere in the U.S. Most popular: What Zuckerbergs Face Actually Said During His Testimony to Congress | Opinion President Donald Trump says he will meet with Kim in May to discuss a path toward North Koreas complete denuclearization, and experts say the U.S. militarys advanced technology could help sway the direction of the talks. Its probably not one of the first factors driving negotiations. North Korea is thinking about whether there will be a near-term military strike, if China will be on their side during the negotiations, about sanctions, Kroenig said. If anything, [U.S. laser technology] could help the ongoing negotiations. I think Kim Jong Un is rational and thinking about the costs and benefits. This will provide him incentive to get a good deal before we have that capability. Others, however, argue that Mattis's comments could prompt North Korea to increase spending on its nuclear program. "Generally, missile defenses have not been shown to discourage states from pursuing nuclear and missile technologies," Scott LaFoy, a satellite imagery analyst who focuses on North Korea, told Newsweek. "Functional missile defenses will definitely cause the North Koreans to spend more money, as they would likely build additional missiles to ensure they could overwhelm U.S. defenses." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Mitra Taj and Roberta Rampton LIMA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Latin American leaders arrived in Lima on Friday for a summit that U.S. President Donald Trump decided not to attend, even though Washington hopes to use the gathering to counter China's rising influence in the region. The official theme of this year's Summit of the Americas in the Peruvian capital, where heads of state from across the Western Hemisphere will meet through Saturday, is corruption. Several countries attending also plan to condemn Venezuela's planned presidential election next month. But a heated trade dispute between the United States and China looms over the event. Late on Thursday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross took aim at Beijing's growing trade ties with the region, saying Latin America benefitted more from value-added exports to the United States than rising sales of raw materials to China. Ross told a regional gathering of business leaders in Lima that Washington had no intention of ceding leadership in Latin America to "authoritarian states." But leaders from Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and other countries will meet in Peru without Trump, after the White House said he decided to skip his first visit as president to Latin America to focus instead on the crisis in Syria. In the opening speech at a joint business summit in Lima, Bolivia's left-leaning President Evo Morales said the days when foreign powers could dictate terms to Latin America were over. "Many developing countries and transnational companies think the only thing that matters is making money," Morales said, calling instead for action on climate change. "The structural crisis of capitalism is threatening the survival of humanity itself." Morales was the sole leftist Latin American president at the summit. Cuban President Raul Castro did not show up and host Peru uninvited Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro last month to pressure him to enact democratic reforms. But even in the largely U.S.-friendly and pro-business crowd in Lima, many criticized Trump's approach to foreign policy and trade. "Trump's plan seems to be to ensure the U.S. is no longer the world's leader," Gustavo Grobocopatel, chief executive of Argentine agricultural group Grupo Los Grobo S.A., told Reuters. Ross said on Thursday it was too early to write off Trump. "This is an administration you should judge by its end results, not by theories about what may be the results," he told reporters. In his speech, Ross urged Latin American countries to do more to reduce tariffs and red tape, saying regional economies would benefit by exporting more manufactured goods to the United States. In the past week, Trump has threatened to slap more tariffs on Chinese goods, said he was in no hurry to reach a deal on the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and ordered his advisors to study rejoining the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP in one of his first acts as president. Former President Barack Obama had pitched the agreement as a way to give the United States an edge over China in a fast-growing region that includes large swaths of Latin America. So far, it has been unclear what might replace it. On Thursday, Trump's top trade official Robert Lighthizer also canceled his trip to Peru. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who will stand in for Trump at the summit, scheduled meetings that did not include a one-on-one with Mexico's president, dimming hopes progress might be made on NAFTA. "No one wants to do bilateral trade deals with the United States, and Trump had no Plan B," said Robert Manning, an Asia expert and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Vizcarra will meet one-on-one with Pence on Friday. In a diplomatic blunder for the Trump administration, the White House initially said Pence would be dining with Peru's disgraced former leader, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, instead of current President Martin Vizcarra. The White House corrected the error on Friday. (Reporting By Mitra Taj in Lima and Roberta Rampton in Washington; Additional Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Sao Paulo; Editing by Daniel Flynn and David Gregorio) President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday that he would decide "fairly soon" his response to an alleged chemical weapons attack that some Western governments and their allies have blamed on the Syrian government. Such a move could potentially lead to a direct conflict with Russia and Iran, which fight rebels and jihadis on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Russian military has reportedly taken seriously Trump's taunt Wednesday that "missiles are coming" to Syria and has put air defenses on high alert. Longtime foes the U.S. and Russia have not fought one another directly since the U.S. attempted to snuff out Bolshevik forces in the wake of World War I about a century ago. Now both countries have bigger, stronger and smarter weapons capable of inflicting devastating blows and, as Trump tweeted, "our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War." Related: U.S. Military Killed 'A Couple Hundred' Russians In Syria Airstrikes, Pompeo Says As Trump Considers New Attack Trending: Trump Pardons Scooter Libby, Who Was Convicted of Lying About Leak, on Same Day He Blasts Comey As Leaker and Liar As Trump met with the joint chiefs of staff and other top officials Thursday, Center for Strategic and International Studies associate fellow and associate director Ian Williams told Newsweek that a U.S. missile strike on Syria may still be likely, but a Russian response less so. Still, Williams wouldn't rule it out entirely, and he laid out some of the powerful tools both sides have already brought to the battlefield. The most likely choice for a U.S. attack in Syria would be the Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon Williams said the Pentagon has used "countless times for limited, surgical strikes" and the choice last April when U.S. guided missile destroyers USS Ross and USS Porter fired 59 Tomahawk missiles at Syria's Al-Shayrat air base. Trump ordered the strike hours after reports emerged of another suspected chemical attack, this time the alleged use of sarin gas by the Syrian military in the rebel-held province of Idlib. Story continues RTX34HHA Ford Williams/U.S. Navy/Reuters RTX5MJOA Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alyssa Weeks/U.S. Navy/Reuters Within a day or so of the U.S. strike, however, Al-Shayrat was back in action, so Trump may opt for a more comprehensive operation. Williams said the U.S. could also use air-launched standoff missiles such as the new and improved ER variant of the AGM-158B JASSM, but this would put U.S. pilots at risk. The Tomahawk cruise missile could be fired from the safety of the Mediterranean Sea, where at least two U.S. destroyers were already poised to attack and the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group may join. The U.S. has also updated its Tomahawk to the Block IV variant, which may be the "smart" missiles Trump referred to in his Wednesday tweet that told Russia to "get ready." Williams said these sophisticated missiles could be reprogrammed mid-flight, maintain communication throughout the operation, loiter around targets and even coordinate with fellow Tomahawks to conduct swarm attacks. "These things are hard to hit, they're hard to see, they're small, and by design, they're stealthy as well," he said. "These kinds of missiles are easy to intercept if you see them coming, it's seeing them coming that's the challenge." For its part, Russia has its own state-of-the-art firepower, complemented by naval radar systems and A-50 early warning aircraft. The S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft system, dubbed "SA-21 Growler" by Western military alliance NATO, is coveted even by regional U.S. allies Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. Douglas Barrie, military aerospace analyst at the U.K.-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, previously told Newsweek on Wednesday that "Russias Aerospace Forces and, before that, the Soviet Air Force, have long practiced attempting to locate and shoot down cruise missiles, but it is not an easy task." Don't miss: Enceladus: How We Might Detect Alien Life on Saturn's Moon Russias400missiletest RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE RTX5O5TF Air Power Australia/army-technology.com/Reuters RussiaPantsirS1 Russian Ministry of Defense Barrie explained that the S-400, the S-300 that came before it and the short-range Pantsir-S1 point air defense system all have anti-cruise missile capabilities. All were active in Syria, but the latest model S-400s was clustered on the west coast. Russia has two heavily-fortified military installations in Syria, a naval base in Tartous and an air base in Hmeymim. Reports have indicated that the Syrian military has already begun moving vital assets to these sites as they were considered unlikely targets for a direct U.S. attack. Instead, observers have focused elsewhere on Syrian air bases and suspected chemical weapons production sites, targets more difficult for the coastal S-400 and K-300P Bastion-P (called "SS-C-5 Stooge" by NATO) systems to protect. Russia has also bolstered Syria's native defenses, potentially upgrading the Russian S-200s, Pantsir S-1s and medium-range Buk missile systems. Syria's armed forces reportedly intercepted a number of air-to-surface missiles fired Sunday at the T-4 air base in an attack blamed by Russia on Israel. They also shot down an Israeli jet in February. However, the strategic value of hitting airfields and suspected chemical sites has likely diminished, as time drags on and potential targets were evacuated. Trump announced Monday he would decide how to respond "forcefully" within "the next 24 to 48 hours" to the chemical weapons charges against Assad, but on Thursday tweeted that a reaction "could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Williams said that this could present a new, dangerous element to Trump's plans, one that the expert said became a more likely scenario with former ambassador and persistent Iraq War supporter John Bolton set to enter the administration as national security adviser. "There is a possibility that the targets could be more political, going after individuals, people in the upper echelons of the Syrian government and military," Williams told Newsweek, saying Trump may even go after Assad himself. RTS1O7SL Syrian Arab News Agency/Reuters Most popular: Chernobyl in Pictures: Signs of Life After Nuclear Devastation RTX5NIAI CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS Williams said such a plan, even if it failed, may "send a stronger message" to the Syrian leader, but it would significantly enhance the likelihood of civilian and Russian military casualties. If Russian top General Valery Gerasimov makes good on last month's promise that "in the event of a threat to our military servicemens lives, Russias armed forces will take retaliatory measures to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles," the chance of a direct conflict between the U.S. and Russia increases significantly. "I don't think the Russians will go there. I would hope they wouldn't," Williams said. "But, then again, I also didn't think they would invade Crimea." In this case, both powers have warplanes, warships and submarines in the Mediterranean, as well as multi-layered defense systems with long to short-range capabilities and electronic interference. The U.S. has maintained a distinct technological advantage over its Russian foe, but neither have tested their firepower against a near-peer competitor in decades. In an even more unlikely scenario, both countries could unleash the world's largest nuclear arsenals on one another. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, have long attempted to reconcile their rival countries. Trump was a vocal critic of former President Barack Obama's hardline posture toward Russia as well as his Syria policy. Trump criticized his predecessor for both not attacking Assad after reports of a 2013 chemical attack and for backing anti-Assad insurgents. Many of these opposition fighters were consumed by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) or other jihadis and later lost U.S. backing. Defeating ISIS became a mutual goal of the U.S. and Russia, but as separate Pentagon-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and Moscow-backed Syrian military campaigns defeated the militants, local and international tensions have resumed and some proponents of de-escalation have emerged in some unlikely places. SyriaMapControlApril Institute for the Study of War SyriaRussiaMilitaryMovementsMap Institute for the Study of War Defense Secretary James Mattis cautioned Thursday that an imminent U.S. airstrike in Syria could escalate "out of control" into a wider conflict during his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. Mattis, seen as a hawkish Cabinet pick upon his nomination back in 2016, has since become one of the more moderate voices of Trump's inner circle, which was set to soon include Bolton and CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Secretary of State hopeful Pompeo testified Thursday that the historic bad blood between Washington and Moscow was "caused by Russian bad behavior" and claimed "the Russians met their match" after "a couple hundred Russians were killed" in U.S. airstrikes against pro-Syrian government forces in February. These Russians were believed to be volunteers for a private military company, not regular servicemen that Moscow has promised to avenge with force, but the attack drew attention to a potential new front in an already extended civil war that has pitted international actors against one another. "Vladimir Putin has not yet received the message sufficiently," Pompeo told lawmakers, "and we need to continue to work at that." Russian Ambassador to the U.N. Vasily Nebenzya said Thursday that "the immediate priority is to evade the risk of war," but warned that "we cannot exclude any possibilities, unfortunately." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday the ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc had agreed to expand its proposed settlement with the agency over charges it deceived consumers about its privacy and data security practices. The FTC said the expansion of the proposed settlement comes after the commission learned Uber had failed to disclose a "significant" breach of consumer data that occurred in 2016 affecting nearly 50 million U.S. riders and compels Uber to disclosure future incidents. The settlement does not impose any fines but said Uber could face civil penalties if it fails to disclose future incidents. The FTC said Uber in November 2016 learned that intruders had again accessed consumer data the company stored on its third-party cloud providers servers but did not disclose the incident for a year. The company said it had no evidence of fraud tied to the data breach. The FTC said intruders used the access key to download from Ubers cloud storage unencrypted files containing more than 25 million names and email addresses, 22 million names and mobile phone numbers, and 600,000 names and drivers license numbers of U.S. Uber drivers and riders. "After misleading consumers about its privacy and security practices, Uber compounded its misconduct by failing to inform the Commission that it suffered another data breach in 2016 while the Commission was investigating the companys strikingly similar 2014 breach, said Acting FTC Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen. "The strengthened provisions of the expanded settlement are designed to ensure that Uber does not engage in similar misconduct in the future." The FTC noted that Uber failed to disclose the breach immediately, even after it paid the intruders $100,000 through its third-party bug bounty program. The new FTC order requires Uber to retain records related to bug bounty reports regarding some vulnerabilities. In November 2017, Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi disclosed the data breach that affected 57 million people around the world and said the two individuals who led the response were no longer with Uber. Story continues Uber Chief Legal Officer Tony West said in a statement Thursday that during his first week on the job in 2017 Uber publicly disclosed the incident. "I am pleased that just a few months after announcing this incident, we have reached a speedy resolution with the FTC that holds Uber accountable for the mistakes of the past by imposing new requirements that reasonably fit the facts," West said. (Reporting by Tim Ahmann and David Shepardson; Editing by David Alexander and David Gregorio) By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO (Reuters) - Ranchers and meat processors in the northern U.S. Plains on Friday braced for a powerful late winter storm that poses a risk to newborn calves, while also threatening to strand hogs on farms and temporarily shut down some packing plants. High winds and several inches of snow were expected hit parts of Montana, North and South Dakota and Nebraska by late Friday afternoon before moving eastward into Iowa and Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service. Northern Plains states are noted for their cow/calf ranches. Cattle feedlots are located throughout Nebraska - the second ranked cattle producing state. Iowa and Minnesota have the largest concentration of hog operations in the nation. Most cattle in commercial feedyards can withstand the cold and snow, said industry experts, but the severe weather poses a threat to cows in the north-central Plains giving birth to calves. "Calves being born in the winter weather is a lot of hard work to keep them alive," said Colorado-based Livestock Marketing Information Center director Jim Robb. As a precaution, animals are closely monitored, said Robb. Calves that get cold are brought indoors to barns and sometimes into ranchers' homes to keep warm, he added. Unlike cattle, most hogs in the United States are raised inside temperature controlled buildings. But transporting livestock over ice packed roads and in blizzard conditions can delay delivery of the animals to meat packers, such as Tyson Foods and Cargill. To avoid disruptions, some processors may request that livestock be delivered before the storm or shutter operations until severe weather passes. No Cargill meat plant closures are anticipated at this time as the company monitors the situation, Cargill said in a statement to Reuters. Tyson Foods could not be immediately reached for comment Friday. Gregg Hora, an Iowa hog farmer and president of the state's Pork Producers Association, said there is always concern when transporting live animals in treacherous driving conditions. But, he said, trucking companies and pig farmers take extra precautions to minimize any transportation disruptions and animal welfare concerns. "We're pretty well adapted to this as pig farmers and cattle farmers," said Hora. (Reporting By Theopolis Waters in Chicago. Editing by P.J. Huffstutter and Chizu Nomiyama) Tokyo (Japan) (AFP) - The United States and China are negotiating behind the scenes to ease trade tensions, the head of the OECD said Friday, stressing that "nobody wins" in a high-level trade war. Angel Gurria said Chinese officials had told him this week that they were talking to their US counterparts, despite official denials. "Everybody is very alarmed by these announcements (of tariffs), but at the same time, they are talking... there seems to be a series of conversations going on," added Gurria, who heads the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. On Thursday, China's Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters that "up to now China and the US have not carried out negotiation at any level on the trade frictions". China has warned it will hit back at any US protectionist moves after President Donald Trump last week threatened fresh levies on billions of dollars of Chinese goods. "There has not yet been a single increase in tariffs adopted by either side," noted Gurria. "Nobody wins in a war when the largest economies in the world are involved," added the former Mexican finance minister. He also warned there would be "negative spillover effects" from any trade war between the US and China. "It's not just them" that would be hit, he cautioned. The threat of the trade war comes as the global economy has finally reached the level of growth -- four percent -- achieved before the debt crisis sparked by the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers in 2008, noted Gurria. "It took 10 years to get back to the level of growth in the world economy from before the crisis. This is the size of the crisis. This is the impact of the crisis. This is how broad and deep the crisis was," said Gurria. "But right now, we are back where we were before the crisis in 2008." South Korea's national security adviser has flown to Washington to meet his newly appointed US counterpart John Bolton, an official said Thursday in Seoul, where concerns are growing over the American's hardline stance on the nuclear-armed North. Chung Eui-yong, who personally delivered Kim's summit offer to Trump last month, returned to the US capital unannounced Wednesday as the two allies plan their upcoming summits with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Chung is due to meet Bolton on Thursday, the official at the South's presidential Blue House told reporters. He added the meeting was a courtesy call aimed at "coordinating opinions ahead of the inter-Korean and US-North Korea summits". The rare inter-Korean summit is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, while the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim is expected as early as May. The appointment this week of Bolton -- a mustachioed former UN ambassador and strong defender of a US first strike option against North Korea -- has raised concerns in Seoul over the prospects of the diplomatic thaw on the Korean peninsula. Bolton's stance on Pyongyang diverges sharply from the more dovish South Korean government, which had pushed hard for an early meeting with him, the South's Yonhap agency reported. "Bolton does not even mention the possibility of a peace treaty with Pyongyang" which is sought by the South, said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. "If Bolton intervenes in the current diplomatic process (with North Korea), the need for coordination becomes much bigger," Koo added. In a growing rapprochement on the Korean peninsula kick-started by the South's Winter Olympics, Kim is set to meet the South's Moon Jae-in on April 27. Trump has agreed to meet Kim to discuss denuclearisation as soon as next month, though no venue or specific date is agreed. The South Korean embassy in Washington and the US State Department have agreed to set up a hotline in the build-up to the summits, Yonhap reported. The South's presidential office is also set to launch a new situation room to monitor the preparations for its upcoming summit on a daily basis, it said Thursday. Mike Pompeo, who is set to become the next US Secretary ofState (Rex) The US killed up to 200 Russia troops in airstrikes on Syria the potential US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has revealed. Speaking during his confirmation hearing in Washington, Pompeo said the casualties came during strikes on forces loyal to Syrias President Bashar al_Assad in February. In Syria, now, a handful of weeks ago, the Russians met their match. A couple hundred Russians were killed, he said. His revelation came as the US considers further airstrikes against the regime in retribution for the chemical attacks on a the town of Douma, which claimed more than 60 lives. MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO Pompeo, who has described Russia as the enemy to the US, has been named by Donald Trump to replace Rex Tillerson, who was sacked in February, allegedly after finding out only when the president tweeted he was out of a job. Pompeo is a former Tea Party representative. Seen as a foreign policy hawk, he is opposed to the nuclear deal with Iran, negotiated by Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama. Syrian forces carry out airstrikes on Douma (Rex) During his hearing, Pompeo also admitted that he had been interviewed by RObert Mueller as part of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. I spoke with Special Counsel Mueller, who interviewed me, he said. Requested an interview, I cooperated. However he would give no further details about his conservation with investigators. Trust Victoria Beckham to have some good royal wedding intel. During an appearance alongside Shaquille ONeal on The Late Late Show with James Corden on Thursday, the former Spice Girl and one-half of Britains original superstar couple, Posh and Becks all but confirmed that shes on the guest list for the May 19 nuptials. Beckham stammered unconvincingly when Corden asked if shed scored a coveted invite, prompting the host to say, Shes totally going. Victoria Beckham is headed to the royal wedding but not as the designer of the bridal gown. (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) Beckham who also attended Prince William and Kate Middletons wedding in 2011 with husband David has been rumored to be performing with the Spice Girls for the reception. But she dismissed speculation that shed also be designing bride Meghan Markles much-buzzed-about wedding gown. Im not doing the dress, she told Corden, somewhat apologetically. Im not, Im not. Corden noted that Beckham has been a favorite to get the design gig, as Markle wore one of her cashmere sweaters in her engagement photos. Sadly, Im not, but Im sure shell look incredible, Beckham replied. But the dress snub hasnt dampened her enthusiasm for the event. England is so excited, she gushed. It is so great, isnt it? They look so happy. Heres to slamming it to the left and shaking it to the right at the reception. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tap fashion photographer to shoot royal wedding What its like to be invited to Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys royal wedding Kate Middletons new baby already has an official website Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. BERLIN/HAMBURG (Reuters) - Volkswagen will give labour leaders a management board seat as part of a broad agreement to win approval for Herbert Diess as the German carmaker's new chief executive, sources said on Wednesday. Europe's largest automotive group is poised to replace group chief executive Matthias Mueller this week with Diess, a cost-cutter hired in 2015 from BMW as it seeks fresh impetus for its recovery from an emissions scandal. Volkswagen's (VW) supervisory board will on Friday replace personnel chief Karlheinz Blessing with Gunnar Kilian, managing director of the carmaker's works council who works directly under labour boss Bernd Osterloh, four sources close to VW told Reuters. VW and the works council declined comment. Kilian's appointment, first reported by German magazine Der Spiegel, would give VW's labour representatives a direct say on cost cutting and strategy debates at executive board level. Senior works council members last year had their salaries cut and bonuses suspended after public prosecutors investigated alleged overpayments at the carmaker, a move that labour leaders are blaming on Blessing, one source said. Removing Blessing, who also oversees VW's slow-moving efforts to establish a new corporate culture, will be part of a broader reshuffle that could also affect other senior executives, another source said. Diess is due to outline the group's new leadership structure in front of the supervisory board on Friday, two sources said. The replacement of CEO Mueller with Diess has been planned for months and group procurement chief Francisco Garcia Sanz, is also due to be ousted, Germany's Bild newspaper reported earlier on Wednesday. The 59-year-old Diess looks set to retain his responsibilities as head of the core VW passenger car brand if he becomes the group's next CEO, the second source said. (Reporting by Andreas Cremer and Jan Schwartz; Editing by Edward Taylor/Keith Weir) Oh. That word sums up President Trumps realization that maybe the Trans-Pacific Partnership wasnt such a bad deal, after all. As a candidate, Trump declared the TPP a disaster, and he withdrew the United States from the 12-nation pact during his first week in the White House. But now, Trump has directed his advisers to explore whether theres a way back in. The change of heart likely comes as Trump realizes he needs leverage in his trade spat with Chinawhich is exactly what the TPP is supposed to accomplish. The trade deal was intended to develop an Asian trading bloc that could serve as a counterweight to China, as its economic might grows. The pact includes US allies such as Japan, Australia, Canada and Mexicobut not China. It went into effect without the United States this year. Trump says hes only interested in rejoining the pact if the United States gets better terms. The other member nations might say, nah, were good. Nonetheless, Trumps move toward moderation on trade earns him a grade of bigly on our new, weekly Trump-o-meter, which is the equivalent of a B. Source: Yahoo Finance The other big news in Trumponomics this week is that Trump didnt do anything to further rattle financial markets. Instead, markets cheered when Chinese president Xi Jinping said in a big-deal speech on April 10 that China would grant some of the trade concessions Trump has been demanding. Xi didnt say it like that, exactly. He didnt refer directly to trade disputes with Washington, or to Trumps demands. But he did say China would ease restrictions on foreign investments in its auto industrynow the largest in the worldby the end of the year. That was new. He also dissed the Cold War mentality some policymakersi.e., Trumpseem to have, while promising other, less specific reforms. [See the grade Trump earns in our Trumponomics Report Card.] Also important is what he did not say. Xi could have matched Trumps threat to impose new tariffs on $100 billion worth of imports, escalating the trade spat further. But he didnt. That has allowed Trump to have the last word, for now. Heres a quick scorecard of what each side has done: Story continues Round 1: Trump has imposed tariffs on about $3 billion worth of steel and aluminum imports from China. In response, China has imposed tariffs on about the same amount of US exports to China. Winner: Nobody Round 2: Trump has begun the process of imposing tariffs on an additional $50 worth of imports from China. It could be months before those tariffs go into effect, and Trump could rescind them. China has responded by identifying $50 billion worth of US imports it would place similar tariffs on. Winner: Nobody Round 3: Trump has threatened to put tariffs on yet another $100 billion worth of Chinese importsbut he hasnt done anything official yet. And China has not responded in kind, though it could if Trump follows through. Winner: Trump, potentially. By breaking the tit-for-tat pattern, China may be signaling its willing to deal but only if Trump is willing to accept small concessions and declare victory. Xis reassuring speech reversed a stock selloff from the prior day, with the Xi Jinping Rally lifting the S&P 500 a nifty 1.7% the day he spoke. With a temporary respite from Trumps trade threats, markets continued to drift upward as the first-quarter earnings season got underway, with generally upbeat results. Markets may wobble if theres a US military strike in Syria, as Trump has threatened. But a missile strike last year barely fazed markets, and Wall Street only seems to care about strife in the Middle East if it affects oil prices. Most eyes will quickly return to Trumps Twitter feed. Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Encrypted communication available. Read more: Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn Former FBI Director James Comey. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Alex Brandon/AP) Former FBI director James Comeys account of his turbulent career in law enforcement, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, is officially out next week, but reviews and excerpts began appearing Thursday. The book is scathing about Comeys interactions with President Trump, who fired Comey last year over his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and its possible links to the Trump campaign. Comey calls the president unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values. Here are some excerpts from the book as reported in the media: _____ This president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values. His leadership is transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty. _____ We are experiencing a dangerous time in our country, with a political environment where basic facts are disputed, fundamental truth is questioned, lying is normalized and unethical behavior is ignored, excused or rewarded. _____ Discussing a White House meeting including Trump and then chief of staff Reince Priebus, comparing it to organized crime sit-downs he recalled from his career as a prosecutor: The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth. _____ On Hillary Clinton, who believes Comeys public statements may have cost her the election: I have read she has felt anger toward me personally, and Im sorry for that. Im sorry that I couldnt do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made. It is entirely possible that, because I was making decisions in an environment where Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next president, my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls. But I dont know. Story continues _____ Meeting with President Obama after the election: I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability. I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view. On the verge of tears, Comey told Obama, Boy, were those words I needed to hear. Im just trying to do the right thing. I know, Obama said. I know. _____ On the salacious account in the Steele dossier of Trump, in Russia, asking prostitutes to urinate on a hotel bed: He brought up what he called the golden showers thing adding that it bothered him if there was even a one percent chance his wife, Melania, thought it was true. Trump strongly denied the allegations, asking rhetorically, I assumed whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised. He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations. _____ Im a germaphobe, Trump told him. Theres no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Trump attorney Michael Cohen. (Photo: Mary Altaffer/AP) Michael who? White House press secretary Sarah Sanders distanced President Trump from attorney Michael Cohen at Fridays briefing, hours after court filings confirmed that Cohen is under criminal investigation in the Southern District of New York. When asked whether Trump continues to have confidence in Cohen, Sanders responded, I know that the president has worked with him as a personal attorney. Beyond that, I dont have anything else. On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that, in addition to arranging a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, Cohn helped facilitate a $1.6 million payment to a former Playboy model on behalf of Trump confidant Elliott Broidy, a deputy finance chairman of the Republican National Committee. Sanders was asked whether Trump still held Cohen in confidence. I would refer you to Mr. Cohens personal attorney, she replied. In a follow up question, another reporter asked whether Cohen was still the presidents personal attorney. Im not sure, Jill, Sanders, who came to the briefing armed with pre-written statements that anticipated questions about former FBI director James Comeys new memoir, said. Id have to check. Cohen has been a focal point for special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into possible ties between the Trump presidential campaign and the Russian government. That inquiry spurred a raid on Cohens offices and New York hotel room, the seizure of his files and computers as part of a separate FBI investigation into Cohens business dealings. Although usually identified as Trumps attorney, Cohen also has extensive holdings in real estate and the taxi business, which are believed to be part of the investigation. On Friday, Cohen asked a Manhattan judge to block the review of the documents seized by the FBI, arguing that some of them may be protected by attorney-client privilege. Cohen has made a point of proclaiming his loyalty to Trump in public. While Sanderss chilly comments suggested the White House was putting some distance between them, the New York Times reported Friday that Trump called Cohen privately to check in. Read more from Yahoo News: Kyle Mizokami Security, It is truly special. Why Syria Should Fear Israel's Own F-35I The F-35A might not be the only variant Israel purchases. In 2015, it was revealed the country was considering adding the F-35B, the vertical-takeoff-and-landing version of the jet, to the Israeli Air Forces inventory. The missile threat posed by Israels neighbors, particularly Hezbollah, could temporarily shut down Israeli air bases across the country in wartime. The ability to disperse fighters to secret locations where they could use helicopter landing pads and stretches of freeway to take off and land is an attractive prospect. For fifty years, the United States has provided top-of-the-line fighter aircraft to help defend Israel from attack. Israels fielding of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, known locally as Adir, continues that tradition even as the country puts its own technological touch on the fifth-generation fighter. Unlike other F-35 customers, Israel is modifying its fighters from the outset to address unique security challenges and the countrys technological capabilities. The United States began sending first-line fighters to Israel in the late 1960s, when the F-4E Phantom II joined the Israeli Air Force. The F-4s were followed by the F-15A Eagle air superiority fighter in 1976, and by the F-16A Fighting Falcon multirole fighter in 1980. These fighters were eventually followed by the F-15C, F-15I strike fighter, and F-16C and F-16I fighters. With the exception of the F-22 Raptor, the Israeli Air Forces fighter fleet is as well equipped as the U.S. Air Forces. (This first appeared late last year.) Recommended: Why North Korea's Air Force is Total Junk Israel first applied to buy the F-35 in September 2008, when it requested to purchase twenty-five jets with an option for another fifty. The F-35s would fill a void created by retiring early-model F-16s. According to Defense Industry Daily, the Israelis were quoted a sticker-shock-inducing $200 million per jet. While this number came down considerably within a year to a more concerning $100 million plus, it was clear the F-35 would be a very expensive purchase for the tiny Middle Eastern country. By October 2014, Israel agreed to double its F-35 fleet to fifty aircraft. Story continues Recommended: The F-22 Is Getting a New Job: Sniper Unlike many of the Lockheed Martins F-35 customers, Israel pushed for and received permission to integrate a number of local technologies into their aircraft, which was locally named the F-35I, or Adir (Mighty). Israel made the case that it lived in a state of near-constant conflict and this required the countrys F-35 fleet to not only stand apart logistically but technologically. Recommended: Why Doesn't America Kill Kim Jong Un? One key technology is the integration of an Israeli-developed command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) system into the Adir. The stand-alone system draws sensor data from the aircraft but otherwise does not interact with the F-35s computer system. From there, the C4I system pushes out the data to other Israeli military assets, particularly nearby fighters, via locally made data links to help detect, prioritize and attack enemy targets. The C4I technology is particularly necessary in light of the immense rocket threat to IsraelHezbollah alone is thought to have up to 150,000 tactical rockets it can shower on the small country. In any future war the number of rocket-launch locations could be overwhelmingthat is, unless Israel can rapidly draw in launch-location data, process it and quickly churn out a prioritized target list for the Israeli Air Force to hunt down. The F-35I will also carry Israeli-designed missiles. The jet will carry defense contractor Rafaels SPICE 1000 precision-guided bomb instead of the GPS-guided JDAM bomb. SPICE (Smart Precise Impact Cost Effective) 1000 is an add-on package that bolts both satellite and an electro-optical guidance systems on an unguided Mk. 83 thousand-pound bomb. This allows SPICE 1000 to not only attack targets based on GPS coordinates, but to also insert a man in the loop who can manually place the bomb on targetor abort the strike if necessary. SPICE 1000 can glide up to sixty-two miles to target and is so accurate it can place half of all bombs within nine feet of their target. The F-35 will also carry the Python-5 infrared air-to-air missile instead of the American AIM-9X Sidewinder. The missiles ability to lock on after launch means the missile can be launched from the F-35s internal weapons bay and lock onto enemy aircraft under its own power. Another IAF requirement was also to add a pair of 425-gallon fuel tanks to the Adir that extend the planes total fueland rangeby approximately 36 percent. While the addition of an external fuel tank would compromise the F-35s stealth, a source told Aviation Week & Space Technology the fuel tank could be used during early phases of an air operation where stealth was not necessary, and jettisoned after use. The first F-35Is arrived in Israel in late 2016, with three more jets arriving in April 2017. According to Israeli Air Force officials quoted by the Times of Israel, the remaining forty-five planes will trickle out out every few months, and the first jets should become fully operational by October 2018. Israel plans to have two squadrons stood up and fully operational by 2021 or 2022. Given that the F-35I will replace literally hundreds of early model F-15s and F-16s, a second and even third order of planes seems likely, particularly when the price comes down to the projected goal of $85 million each for the -A model. The F-35A might not be the only variant Israel purchases. In 2015, it was revealed the country was considering adding the F-35B, the vertical-takeoff-and-landing version of the jet, to the Israeli Air Forces inventory. The missile threat posed by Israels neighbors, particularly Hezbollah, could temporarily shut down Israeli air bases across the country in wartime. The ability to disperse fighters to secret locations where they could use helicopter landing pads and stretches of freeway to take off and land is an attractive prospect. The Israeli F-35, the Adir, already stands out from the rest of the international F-35 fleet. Real-world challenges could make it stand out in other ways: given Israels security situation the F-35I, like the F-15A forty years earlier, could very well be the first of its kind to enter combat. Kyle Mizokami is a defense and national-security writer based in San Francisco who has appeared in the Diplomat, Foreign Policy, War is Boring and the Daily Beast. In 2009 he cofounded the defense and security blog Japan Security Watch. You can follow him on Twitter: @KyleMizokami. This first appeared late last year. Recommended: The F-22 Is Getting a New Job: Sniper Read full article A fugitive who had managed to remain free for decades after busting out of an Oklahoma prison in 1981 has been recaptured. While that's enough for a headline on its own, the way authorities said they finally rooted him out makes the story even more remarkable. The U.S. Marshals Service said Thursday that 58-year-old Stephen Michael Paris was taken into custody thanks, in part, to his mother's obituary. The agency says investigators tracked him down in Texas after a newspaper obituary for his mother listed a son in Houston named Stephen Michael Chavez, according to The Associated Press. Nearly 40 years after he escaped from the Jess Dunn Correctional Center in Muskogee, Okla., while serving a nine-year drug-related sentence, Paris was arrested at a Houston office. Fingerprints confirmed his identity, The AP reported. RELATED STORIES Female Fugitive Arrested After 19 Years on the Lam Fugitive Eric Conn, Guilty of $550M Social Security Fraud, Nabbed After Signing Onto the Internet Fugitive on the Lam for 4 Years Gets Arrested After Flagging Down Cop for a Ride Related Articles: Sally Yates at the 2018 Women in the World Summit in New York City. (Photo: Women in the World) Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates who became the first person to be fired by President Trump after he took office when she refused to defend his travel ban executive order got a rock-star welcome on Friday in New York City. The crowd who cheered her was at the ninth annual Women in the World Summit, a three-day event focusing on female leadership, launched by former editorial guru Tina Brown; others appearing this year included or will include Hillary Clinton; Viola Davis; Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Julianna Margulies; Misty Copeland; Diane von Furstenberg; and Parkland gun-control activist Delaney Tarr. On Friday, Yates whose onstage interview, conducted by Brown, was dubbed The Woman Who Wouldnt Back Down spoke about both the misfortune and honor of having her nearly three-decade career with the Department of Justice end with her firing. Its weird to have spent 27 years there and be defined by the last act, she said. But I do think its reflective of how I tried to do my job for 27 years, which, she explained, was to seek justice, and which she saw as an incredible privilege. Yates noted that responding in any other way to Trumps proposed travel ban would have disrespected her many years in public service, and that while the proposed ban has now been tweaked several times, she says, Im still concerned its infected with the same racial animus and the desire to instate a Muslim ban. Regarding her opinion on her replacement, Jeff Sessions, she asked Brown, laughing, How long do we have? and listed her policy disagreements, particularly regarding prison reform, low-level drug offenders, the lack of equal-rights enforcement, and immigration. Still, Yates said she respects Sessions for recusing himself in the Russia investigation and, in regard to that, is kind of pulling for him right now. Brown asked Yates her thoughts on the possibility of Trump firing special counsel Robert Mueller, who she called a kind of caped crusader figure in the eyes of many. It feels like were teetering on the brink of the demise of the rule of law, Yates said, adding, If he could do it and get away with it, I think hed fire Bob Mueller. But Mueller, added Yates, who has known him for many years, is just the person that we should all want in that position. He is a Just the facts, maam kind of guy. All of this Twitter stuff and all? Its rolling off his back. I have tremendous confidence in him. Story continues Regarding the possibility of her own run for elected office, Yates demurred, despite her husbands suggestion that she just dont say never when asked. I clearly do feel drawn to public service, she said. But I kind of feel like most people who run for office have always wanted to do that and Ive never felt drawn to running for public office. So, she added, I have a hard time seeing that. What Yates does see, despite assaults on justice and on freedom of the press from the administration, is hope for the future. We cant control what President Trump does, but we can control how we respond to it. I get that its exhausting but if in our fatigue of that we normalize this, then were going to be the ones responsible for this being the new normal, she said. She added, One of the things thats been most inspiring to me is that men and particularly women are feeling it right now they are plugged in and out protesting and getting actively involved. Just look at the Parkland kids. Is that humbling or what? Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. The World Press Photo of the Year 2018 goes to Venezuelan photographer Ronaldo Schemidt The jury of the 61st World Press Photo Contest has selected an image by Venezuelan photographer Ronaldo Schemidt as the 2018 World Press Photo of the Year. Schemidt, a staff photographer for Agence France-Presse based in Mexico, won with his image entitled Venezuela Crisis, showing a protester on fire during clashes with police in Caracas, Venezuela. Schemidts winning photo which also won first prize in the Spot News Stories category shows Jose Victor Salazar Balza, 28, on fire amid violent clashes with riot police during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Salazar was set alight when the gas tank of a motorbike exploded. He survived the incident with first- and second-degree burns. The 2018 Photo Contest drew entries from around the world: 4,548 photographers from 125 countries submitted 73,044 images. The jury gave prizes in eight categories to 42 photographers from 22 countries. The prize-winning photographs are assembled into an exhibition that travels to 100 locations in 45 countries and is seen by more than 4 million people each year. The winning pictures are also published in the annual yearbook, which is available in multiple languages. The World Press Photo Exhibition 2018 opens in De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, on April 14, 2018. For more information about the traveling exhibition, please follow this link. Discover all of the winners and the nominated photos in an image gallery at the World Press Photo website. _____ See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. President Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen enters a restaurant in Manhattan, April 10, 2018. (Photo: Amir Levy/Reuters) WASHINGTON When FBI agents raided the office and residences of President Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen this week, they were looking for much more than evidence of hush-money payoffs to women the president might have slept with, sources familiar with the investigation say. In the weeks leading up to the raid, prosecutors working with special counsel Robert Mueller asked pointed questions about Cohens personal real estate deals, his efforts to build a Trump Tower in Moscow, and his familys taxi business, as well as payments to actress Stormy Daniels, a source who was among those questioned told Yahoo News. This interest from the special counsel preceded Mondays FBI raids on Cohens office, his home and a Manhattan hotel where he had been staying. The New York Times reported that the raid stemmed partially from a referral from Mueller, and that it sought records related to Cohens cab business and the payments to the women. This new information about the questions Muellers team had about Cohen reveals that the FBIs interest in Cohens personal finances and foreign business dealings goes even deeper. Cohen has not responded to multiple requests from Yahoo News. His lawyer, Stephen Ryan, declined to comment on whether the FBI is looking into Cohens business history. Im not taking calls in my office from the press. Thanks, Ryan said before hanging up. Ryan did not respond to a subsequent email from Yahoo News. The U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District of New York also declined to comment about any matter related to Cohen. On Monday, the day of the FBI raid, the multinational law firm and lobbying powerhouse Squire Patton Boggs said it was ending what had been described as a strategic alliance with Cohen that was announced almost exactly one year ago. According to the New York Law Journal, Cohen was a mysterious presence at the firm, with many of his colleagues unclear about his role and troubled by the murky arrangement even before FBI agents burst into his office. Story continues FBI officials reportedly raided the offices of Michael Cohen at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan, April 9, 2018. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images) In the wake of the FBI raid, many of Cohens other business associates refused to answer questions about their relationship with him. This included the Republican National Committee, which gave Cohen a top fundraising position almost exactly one year ago. On April 3, 2017, the RNC named Cohen a national deputy chairman of its Finance leadership team. The announcement cited the more than a decade that Cohen had spent as an executive at Trumps real estate company. It also noted that Cohen sat on the boards of multiple Trump organizations, including Trump Productions, the Eric Trump Foundation, and the Miss Universe Organization. The RNC touted Cohens support for Trumps political efforts, including raising millions of dollars for his campaign and serving as an active spokesperson and advisor for the President during his interest in seeking office since 2011. Patton Boggs noted Cohens role at the RNC when his relationship with the firm was announced. Yahoo News called the RNCs press office on Thursday to confirm whether Cohen is still a national deputy chairman of the partys Finance leadership team. A woman who answered the phone said she believed Cohen still has a position with the party. She said we should email the communications team for a proper statement about his role. Over the next several hours, the RNC did not respond to that email. Yahoo News subsequently called the RNC, seeking a response. The woman who answered the phone this second time said the earlier call had been answered by an intern and she would not confirm whether Cohen remains with the RNC. The RNC also would not say whether the FBI had taken records related to his fundraising. RNC finance chairman Todd Ricketts did not respond to multiple requests for comment about Cohen. It may be hard for the party to cast Cohen aside, given his close relationship with the president. The FBIs raid on Cohen reportedly enraged Trump, who called it a real disgrace and accused Mueller of conducting a total witch hunt during an appearance at the White House on Monday. Trumps response to the Cohen raid has led to mounting speculation that he could seek to fire Mueller. Cohens personal real estate business, which has apparently attracted the attention of the FBI, may not be as high profile as Trumps, but its not small either. Cohen has owned multiple New York City apartment buildings, including one he reportedly purchased in 2015 for $58 million. Cohens real estate investments led to his first public association with Trump. According to an article in the New York Post, Cohen purchased an apartment at Trump World Tower in Manhattan in 2001. The Post noted that Cohen was so impressed with Trumps building that he convinced his parents, his in-laws and a business partner to buy there, too. Trump World Tower in New York City. (Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/UIG via Getty Images) Cohens in-laws went on purchase two more units there and one at Trump Grande in Sunny Isles, Fla., the Post article said. In that newspaper story, which was published in 2007, Trump was quoted praising Cohen for buying in his buildings. Michael Cohen has a great insight into the real-estate market. He has invested in my buildings because he likes to make money and he does, Trump said, adding, In short, hes a very smart person. Cohen became an executive at the Trump Organization that same year. Public records show that Fima and Ania Shusterman, the parents of Cohens wife, Laura, have lived at Trump World Tower. The Shustermans are Ukrainian. Cohens brother, Bryan, also married a Ukrainian woman. Bryan Cohens father-in-law, Alex Oronov, purchased an apartment at Trump Hollywood in Florida in 2010. Cohens Ukrainian in-laws have had extensive business dealings with him, including his taxi operation. According to an analysis from the Real Deal, a local real estate industry trade publication, Cohen owned at least 34 taxi medallions in New York City as of 2017. Thats a multimillion-dollar operation. Medallions are a license to operate a yellow cab in the city and, in the past, have been worth as much as $1 million each. In more recent years, the yellow cab business has suffered due to the rise of ride-sharing apps like Uber, and the medallions have sold for under $200,000. The Huffington Post documented how Cohen inherited part of his taxi business from the Shustermans. According to the news site Talking Points Memo, which has extensively chronicled Cohens business dealings and ties to Eastern Europe, the medallions were subsequently managed by a Ukrainian cab entrepreneur named Simon Garber, who had been a client of Cohens and has a lengthy police record. Talking Points Memo reported that the Cohen familys partnership with Garber fell apart amid a legal dispute in 2012. Yahoo News called Garber on Thursday to ask about his dealings with Cohen, and he was decidedly not forthcoming. Michael Cohen arrives at his hotel in New York, April 11, 2018. (Photo: Seth Wenig/AP) Whos Michael Cohen? he asked before hanging up the phone. The familys medallions were then managed by Russian-born Evgeny Freidman, who is known as the taxi king for his New York City cab empire. Reached on the phone Wednesday, Freidman, who has had a litany of legal issues, also hung up without discussing his relationship with Cohen. Im not interested, Freidman said. In a previous conversation with Talking Points Memo, Freidman said that he and Cohen are both friends and partners. I help him out as much as I can. I also have a business relationship, but were friends, you know. We have dinner with his wife, Freidman said. Yahoo News briefly spoke to Cohens father-in-law, Fima Shusterman, on Wednesday. Shusterman would not discuss the familys taxi ventures. I am not in taxi business long time, Shusterman said. I dont want to talk about it. On Wednesday, the New York Daily News reported that the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has said Cohen and his wife owe more than $55,000 in unpaid taxes connected to their taxi business. The oldest tax warrants are from 2013, and the total amount of alleged debt has grown by more than $15,000 since last August. Back then, Talking Points Memo asked about the debt, and Cohen suggested it was connected to Freidmans tax issues. Freidman was arrested in 2017 and charged with failing to pay millions to the state. The taxi operation isnt the only time Cohen entered into business with his Ukrainian in-laws. In 2006, Oronov, Bryan Cohens father-in-law, teamed up with the two brothers on multiple companies involved in the Ukrainian ethanol industry. Those ventures were also detailed by Talking Points Memo and BuzzFeed. Bryan Cohen did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Oronov passed away in March 2017. After Cohen began working for the Trump Organization in 2007, he became the future presidents self-described fiercely loyal fixer. If somebody does something Mr. Trump doesnt like, I do everything in my power to resolve it to Mr. Trumps benefit, Cohen said in a 2011 interview with ABC News. Cohen was one of Trumps earliest political advisers who counseled the future president when he had just a handful of aides working on a campaign that wasnt taken seriously by the Washington establishment. Cohen never officially joined Trumps campaign, but he led an outside organization aimed at helping Trump win over minority voters. Cohen also regularly made television appearances on Trumps behalf, including a famous interview where he questioned poll numbers. Michael Cohen, personal lawyer for then-President-elect Trump, gets into an elevator at Trump Tower, Dec. 12, 2016, in New York City. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Its Cohens work behind the scenes of the campaign that has attracted the FBIs interest trying to build a Trump Tower in Moscow and paying a porn star who claimed Trump had an affair with her. Cohen has confirmed that he reached out to the Kremlin as the Trump Organization pursued the Moscow project from September 2015 until January 2016, which was during Trumps presidential bid. In a statement to CNN, Cohen described the Trump Moscow proposal as one of many development opportunities that the Trump Organization considered and ultimately rejected. Though the project didnt come to fruition, its an obvious area of interest to Muellers probe, which is focused on the Kremlins meddling in the 2016 election. The U.S. intelligence community has said that this Russian interference was aimed at helping Trump win the race. Trump Moscow was reportedly the brainchild of Felix Sater, a Russian developer who had office space in Trumps Manhattan headquarters and had a deal to build Trump-branded properties. In a May 2016 interview with Yahoo News, Trump suggested that he barely knew Sater. He was a guy who would bring deals up here, but we did very few of them. Who was that? Sa-ter? Sater, yeah, we did very few of the deals, Trump said. He was somebody that he worked for a company, he worked for a company and he would bring deals to us, but we did very few of the deals. Yahoo News reached out to Sater on Wednesday to ask about his relationship with Cohen. Sater said he would only answer questions in writing because the media has focused on his conviction in a stock fraud scheme rather than his extensive work as a U.S. intelligence asset who provided the government with valuable information about terrorists and mobsters. In an email to Yahoo News, Sater said that he and Cohen first met as teenagers. The $130,000 payment to the porn star, Stephanie Clifford, aka Stormy Daniels, was made by Cohen in October 2016, just weeks before the presidential election. The payment was part of a confidentiality agreement that prevented Daniels from discussing an affair she claims to have had with Trump in 2006. After the Wall Street Journal revealed the payment in January, a watchdog group filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that the transaction constituted an undeclared campaign contribution to Trump, which would be a violation of campaign finance laws. In statements to the media and the commission, Cohen said the money had come from his own pocket. He described the payment as a private transaction that was not a campaign contribution. In February, Cohen told Yahoo News that he had paid Daniels even though her claim about the affair with Trump was false. Just because something isnt true doesnt mean that it cant cause you harm or damage, Cohen said. I will always protect Mr. Trump. Trump has denied being aware of the payment and referred questions about it to Cohen. Stormy Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford, is interviewed by Anderson Cooper on CBS News 60 Minutes in early March 2018. (Photo: CBSNews/60 Minutes/Handout via Reuters) Daniels has filed a suit against Cohen and Trump arguing that the nondisclosure agreement she signed in conjunction with the payment is invalid because it was not signed by Trump. She has also separately filed a defamation suit against Cohen arguing that his denial of the affair falsely painted her as a liar. Former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal has also claimed that she had an affair with Trump in 2006. American Media, Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer, signed a six-figure contract with McDougal that she has described as an effort to bury her story. Cohen and Trump are close with AMI chairman and CEO David Pecker, and the special counsels prosecutors have probed whether Cohen also was involved in McDougals tabloid deal. Questions about Cohens family and his dealings with the Kremlin first burst into the spotlight in January 2017, when BuzzFeed published an unconfirmed dossier compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, who was paid by Democrats and Republicans to conduct opposition research on Trump during the 2016 election. The dossier, which contained some errors, said that Cohen played an instrumental role in an ongoing exchange of information between Trumps campaign and the Kremlin. Among other things, the document alleged that Cohen met with Kremlin representatives in Prague in August 2016. The dossier described Cohens wife as being of Russian descent and suggested that his father-in-law, Fima Shusterman, was a a leading property developer in Moscow. Cohen strongly denied the various allegations in the dossier in a January 2017 interview with Yahoo News, where he noted that his wife is Ukrainian rather than Russian. I have no Russian Kremlin connections. My father-in-law is not a real estate developer friend of Putins in Russia. I dont even think my father-in-law ever has been to Russia, Cohen said of Shusterman. Shusterman would not discuss the allegations in the dossier when Yahoo News called him on Wednesday. I dont want to talk about it. Goodbye, Shusterman said before hanging up. Cohen brought up another one of his Ukrainian relatives, his brothers father-in-law, Alex Oronov, in the interview where he denied the accusations in the dossier. As he claimed that he had never traveled to Russia, Cohen suggested his only visits to the region were two trips to Ukraine in either 2003 or 2004, because his brothers father-in-law lives in Kiev. That was around the time the Cohen brothers were involved in the ethanol businesses with Oronov. I went to Kiev. Thats the extent of it. Ive never been to Russia, Cohen said. Donald Trump, Tevfik Arif and Felix Sater attend the Trump SoHo Launch Party on Sept. 19, 2007, in New York. (Photo: Mark Von Holden/WireImage) On Jan. 19, 2017, the day before Trump took office, Cohen announced that he would be resigning from the Trump Organization and would become the presidents personal attorney. Im not a government official. Im not taking a government salary, Cohen said. Im just going to continue technically in the role that I play for Mr. Trump as president of the Trump Organization. Im just going to be doing it as Donald Trump as president of the United States. In his new role, Cohen was involved in another bit of intrigue with links to Sater and Oronov. In February 2017, the New York Times reported that Cohen delivered Trumps former national security adviser Michael Flynn a peace plan for Ukraine and Russia that would have enabled the president to lift sanctions on Moscow. The proposal was crafted by Andrii Artemenko, a Ukrainian politician who met with Sater and Cohen shortly after Trump took office. In a March 2017 Facebook post, Artemenko said that Oronov, Cohens brothers father-in-law, introduced him to Cohen. Cohen disputed Artemenkos claim and said that Sater had arranged the meeting about the peace plan. In his email to Yahoo News, Sater backed up Cohens version of events. Artemenko approached me, Sater wrote of the peace plan. I gave it to Michael to pass to the administration. I had been dealing with him on the Trump Moscow deal and just naturally followed up with him. Flynn resigned as Trumps national security adviser amid a scandal over his own dealings with Russian officials days after Cohen delivered him the peace plan. Sater said that he and Cohen did not present the proposal to anyone else in the White House after Flynns departure. Yahoo News also asked Sater if the FBI has questioned him about Cohen or requested any documents related to the presidents personal attorney. No comment, Sater wrote. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: A decade has passed since Israel adopted the perception, based on security or diplomatic reasons, that it favors the Hamas rule in Gaza over any other alternative. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The forefather of this doctrine was Ehud Barak, who served as defense minister in the Olmert and Netanyahu governments from 2007 to 2013. During Operation Cast Lead, when we were a bowshot away from bringing the Hamas rule down, Barak firmly objected and forced his opinion on the cabinet and on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was nearing the end of his term. Netanyahu was elected prime minister in 2009, largely thanks to the famous video in which he was seen standing next to the fence, opposite the gates of Gaza, and promising that unlike the weakness of the Olmert-Livni government, he would bring down the Hamas rule right away. But then he broke his promise, accepted the Hamas rule in Gaza and favored a policy of coexistence with the terror organization over a military move that would bring his own rule to an end. The result was Qassam drizzles on the souths residents and rounds of war every two or three years. Netanyahu saw the peace talks threat as much more dangerous than the terror threat posed by Hamas (Photo: Reuters) Netanyahu adopted the conception favoring a Hamas rule in Gaza for military, and mainly political, reasons. According to his perception, the hostility and split between the Hamas-led Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authoritys control weaken Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, affecting his ability to negotiate on behalf of all the Palestinian people. Netanyahu saw the peace talks threat as much more dangerous than the terror threat posed by Hamas, which kept firing missiles and carrying out terror attacks the entire time. The PA, on the other hand, has been maintaining its security coordination with the IDF for 13 years now. This cooperation, according to heads of the IDF and the Shin Bet, has preventeddirectly and indirectlyhundreds of terror attacks over the years. Netanyahu's policy was reflected clearly in Operation Protective Edge in 2014. During the operation, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the international community demanded an end to the Hamas rule in Gaza and sought to hand the control of the strip over to the PA. Three countries opposed the demand: Turkey, Qatar and Israel. Netanyahu insisted on holding indirect negotiations with Hamas, and after 51 days of fighting and an Israeli death toll of 67, the sides reached a ceasefire agreement. Moreover, in a bid to silence the voices in the cabinet and in the public demanding an end to the Hamas rule and to deter the public from supporting this policy, Netanyahu leaked a strictly confidential military document during the operation. The document stated that if the IDF tried to bring the Hamas rule down, Israel would pay a heavy price for the operation and lose hundreds of soldiers. This leak provided Hamas with an insurance policy and bolstered its self-confidence. At the end of the operation, Hamas recovered, remained in control of Gaza without any limitations, and within a short while it restored its military abilities and even expanded them. Palestinian protestors near Gaza border (Photo: MCT) Some people are deluding themselves that the strip could be demilitarized and that its economy could be restored in cooperation with Hamas. These are pipe dreams. Hamas wont disarm out of its own free will, and bitter experience shows that a large part of the civilian aid eventually reaches Hamas and is used to reinforce its military needs. The story of the terror tunnels is a good example. Israel supplied Gaza with hundreds of thousands of tons of building materials for the strips reconstruction. A large part of these materials was used by Hamas to build terror tunnels. The defense establishment was forced to spend billions of shekels on the development of abilities for the destruction of tunnels that were built with the construction materials that Israel gave Gaza. Complete madness. There has recently been a change in Abbas and the PAs stance, and they are demanding to regain control of Gaza. This demand is protected by the Oslo Agreements, which Israel is committed to. As part of the conflict with Hamas, Abbas is imposing economic sanctions which are exacerbating the terrible economic situation in the strip. According to all estimates, the situation in Gaza is on the verge of explosion. Nevertheless, Israel is standing aside and avoiding taking a stand on the developing conflict between Hamas and Abbas. Lets hope that the Hamas-organized March of Return protests, which are a continuation of terrorism under the guise of civilian activity, will finally make Netanyahu recalculate his route. And maybe, he will finally let go of his perception that there is no alternative to Hamas and realize that its time to fulfill his promise from 2009 andtogether with Egypt and Saudi Arabiahelp the PA regain control of Gaza. CIA Director Mike Pompeo, US President Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of state, said on Thursday he "wants to fix" the international Iran nuclear deal, with just weeks to go before a crucial deadline affecting the pact. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter US sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 agreement will resume unless Trump waives them again on May 12. Trump has effectively set that as a deadline for European powers to fix the "terrible flaws" of the deal. Mike Pompeo (Photo: AFP) If Trump does end the waiver, it would essentially pull the United States out of the nuclear pact. Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing that he would still push for a tougher deal even if Trump decides not to waive the sanctions. A military parade in Iran (Photo: AFP) "There is continued interest on the part of Iran to stay in this deal. It's in their own economic self-interest to do so," he said. Pompeo was a strong opponent of the nuclear pactreached under Democratic President Barack Obamawhen he was a Republican member of the House of Representatives. The agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was between Iran, the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China and Germany. Under the deal, many sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for curbs to Iran's nuclear program. Ruhani, Trump (Photo: AFP, Getty Images) Pompeo said Iran was not "racing" to develop a nuclear weapon before the deal was finalized, and that he did not expect it would do so if the deal were to fall apart. "There is no indication that I'm aware of that if the deal were no longer to exist that they would immediately race to a nuclear weapon today," he said. Pompeo, who disputed during his hearing the notion that he is a foreign policy hawk, said he believes diplomacy is the best way to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Trump, Macron and Merkel (Photo: Reuters) German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are both due to visit Washington before May 12 and Pompeo said he was "confident" they would discuss the Iran issue at length with Trump. Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said it was still possible that Germany, France and the United States could come up with an agreement that would keep Trump from ending the waiver. WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Thursday put off a final decision on possibly military strikes against Syria after tweeting earlier that they could happen "very soon or not so soon at all." The White House said he would consult further with allies. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned such an attack carried the risk of spinning out of control, suggesting caution ahead of a decision on how to response to an attack against civilians last weekend that US officials are increasingly certain involved the use of banned chemical weapons. British officials said up to 75 people were killed. The White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said in a brief statement after Trump met with Mattis and other members of his National Security Council: "No final decision has been made. We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies." Sanders said Trump would speak later with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Two assailants were captured on security camera overnight Thursday setting fire to the front door of a mosque near Nablus, in was is likely a hate crime. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In the CCTV footage, recorded directly above the door, the arsonists can be seen approaching the entrance of the mosque in the village of Kfar Aqraba, and covering it with flammable substances before throwing a match as flames engulf the door. The incident took place at around 2am, but was only discovered as worshippers arrived at the mosque three hours later. CCTV footage of the arsonists X The flames were eventually extinguished by themselves due to the fact that the carpet that covers the entire floor of the mosque did not catch fire. Suspicions were raised further that the fire had been lit as part of a hate crime, with worshippers discovering the words Price Tag in Hebrew scrawled next to the door, while on another wall , the assailants had sprayed in Hebrew the word revenge. (Photo: Zacharia Sadeh) Over the last few years, no mosques have been set alight in the West Bank in hate crimes, making Thursday nights attack extremely unusual. (Photo: Zacharia Sadeh) In the last few months, most of the tension between members of the Hilltop Youtha hard-line nationalist group who establish haphazard outposts without Israeli backing in the West Bankand Israeli security forces has stemmed from restraining orders and the prohibition placed on administrative meetings in the West Bank. Revenge (Photo: Zacharia Sadeh) In addition, tensions have mounted with the continuation of the evacuation of illegal outposts in the area where the Hilltop Youth positioned themselves. Last Monday, the outpost of Maoz Esther was evacuated, along with Geulat Zion and others near Itamar. At the same time, the wave of incidents involving tire punctures and "price tag" attacks around the issuing of the orders has increased Price Tag (Photo: Zacharia Sadeh) The setting fire to the mosque door took place hours before the renewal of planned protests in Gaza, the third week that residents of the coastal enclave have marched on the border with Israel, with the last two turning violent and prompting IDF soldiers to open fire The Palestinians are expected to protest in five places spanning the border, with emphasis this week being on burning Israeli flags and tires. Last week, the protesters burned thousands of car tires in the second of what they have called the March of Return US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May agree on the need to find an international response to deter the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the British prime minister's office said on Thursday. Trump and May spoke after May's senior ministers gave her their backing to take unspecified action with the United States and France to tackle the use of chemical weapons by the government of Syria's President Bashar Assad. POLAND - President Reuven Rivlin told his Polish counterpart Thursday that it is impossible to deny the fact that the Nazis could not have carried out their mass murder of Jews during World War II had they not received help. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Speaking during the March of the Living at Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Poland to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, Rivlin told President Andrzej Duda that Israel would never forget the thousands of Righteous among the Nations that Poland produced who saved Jews from their Nazi hunters, but Poles, along with many other ordinary citizens across Europe, collaborated in the Final Solution. President Reuven Rivlin and President Andrzej Duda (Photo: Tomreko) The people of Poland produced thousands of Righteous among the Nations. Men and women who put their own lives and the lives of their dear ones at risk for the sake of others. And they too are remembered, and we will remember and honour each of those men and women forever, Rivlin promised. President Rivlin's speech during march X Nevertheless, it is impossible to deny the truth. The Nazi death machine would not have been able to achieve its terrible vision, if it had not received help; if it had not found a fertile ground of hatred for Jews, in which to take root, he continued. The two presidents also met before joining thousands of young Israelis and Jews from elsewhere in the world in their March of the Living. Rivlins comments come on the heels of Polands recent ratification of the Holocaust law that imposes prison sentences of up to three years for mentioning the term "Polish death camps" and for suggesting "publicly and against the facts" that the Polish nation or state was complicit in Nazi Germany's crimes. Israel says it is an attempt to whitewash Polish history and their part in the Nazi genocide, while Poland says it is an attempt to safeguard the truth, and distinguish between the acts of Nazis and Poles. True, it was Germany that established the camps, but our people were not murdered only in the camps. The members of our nation were betrayed by the people amongst whom they lived, in France, in Holland, and in Belgium. They were murdered by Ukrainians, Lithuanians and yes also by Poles, the Israeli president told Duda, who had accompanied him on the march. Too many citizens in Eastern Europe and in Western Europe, Rivlin went on, stole Jewish property, took control of Jewish homes, handed over their Jewish neighbours, murdered them, and turned their backs on those who, just a moment before, had been a part of them. He also reminded Duda that the anti-Semitism suffered by the Jews in Poland did not always require a German Nazi presence. And when the survivors of the Holocaust returned after the war, they were sometimes met with hostility, violence, pogroms and murder, he said. At the same time, Rivlin began by acknowledging the suffering that the Polish nation had endured under Nazi occupation. Your Excellency, President of Poland, The Polish nation barely survived the Second World War. In September 1939, Poland had become the greatest field of death, murder and destruction in Europe. It was an area under Nazi occupation, and the Poles were an oppressed people, living in fear. There was also a Polish underground resistance and a Polish Government in exile, Rivlin said to Duda as he opened his remarks. President Duda's speech during march X However, he sought to draw a distinction between the deaths and suffering by the Poles as part of the war and the genocide of the Jews as part of the Holocaust. Polish people were killed and murdered in the cruel War, we, the Jews, were slaughtered in the Holocaust. A Holocaust that included not only concentration camps, but also killing pits, ghettoes, forced labour, and pogroms, Rivlin stressed. A Holocaust that included the slaughter and murder and death through torture, of one and a half million babies and children, whose only sin was that they were born Jewish. Turning to the Holocaust law, Rivlin said that while he understood that nations have a need to construct their own historical narrative, no nation can legislate their forgetting. For no legislation can cover over the blood. No self-interest can cover over anti-Semitism, racism, hatred of the other. Not in Austria, not in France, not in Holland not in Belgium, and above all, not in Germany. The Honduran parliament has voted on a declarative decision calling for its country to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez made it clear that the decision was made by the executive branch rather than by other officials. Israel praised Friday a decision by the Honduran parliament to support the countrys transfer of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The State of Israel praises the Honduran Congress for its decision to support the transfer of the embassy to Jerusalem, which was taken with a huge majority, an Israeli Foreign Ministry statement said. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the president of Hondura are expected to speak shortly." Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez made it clear that the decision was made by the executive branch rather than by other officials. Some 10,000 Gaza residents assembled on Friday at the border with Israel to stage another protest as part of their "March of Return" for a third consecutive week, with IDF soldiers responding with live rounds as protesters threw Molotov Cocktails and explosive devices. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter By 2pm, the IDF said that a number of protesters attempted to damage and cross security blocks set up ahead of the demonstrations, while others attempted to carry out terror attacks by hurling explosive devices and Molotov Cocktails. The incidents were met with live rounds by the soldiers and riot dispersal techniques. IDF faces protesters on Gaza border (Photo: AFP) A 28-year-old Palestinian man was killed, while about 30 protesters were wounded by IDF gunfire, the IDF confirmed. Gaza health officials say 528 Palestinians were hurt, including 122 by Israeli army fire. Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot (R) near the Gaza border (Photo: IDF) An Israeli military spokesman its troops were "responding with riot dispersal means while also firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told The Associated Press that the army is trying to "minimize" Palestinian casualties, but that open-fire regulations have not changed. The military said that demonstrators hurled an explosive device and several fire bombs near the fence in what it said was an apparent attempt to damage it. One such explosive device planted in the vicinity of the Karni crossing ended up injuring several demonstrators by mistake after detonating prematurely. Protest on Gaza border (Photo: AFP) Footage distributed by the military showed an area of the fence made up of several layers of barbed wire coils. Protesters stuck a Palestinian flag into the fence and affixed a rope, using it to tug at the coils. One man threw a burning tire into the fence, while another was seen walking nearby with the help of a crutch. A picture published on the IDF Spokesperson's Unit's Twitter page further exemplified the complexity of the border protests, with Palestinian reporters and another man on crutches shown standing directly behind a protester hurling what is suspected to be an improvised explosive device. (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) As in the last two weeks, the Palestinians staged the demonstrations in five different gathering points next to the security fence spanning the north-south border, with emphasis this week being on burning Israeli flags and tires. Border riots (: ") X To that end, the Palestinians have prepared thousands of flags to be burned, along with tires. The protesters trampled on a giant Israeli flag spread on the ground. In some areas, high flagpoles were installed for the flags to be raised and then burned. Last Friday, the protesters burned thousands of tires, creating a thick blanket of smoke intended to obscure the IDF soldiers' site. The protests included a new method aimed at harming Israel beyond the fence in the form of kites being set alight and flown over the fence onto Israeli territory. A video demonstrating this method was published on Wednesday in a bid to encourage the residents to fly the burning kites into Israel. The video shows a kite landing in Israeli territory and causing a fire to the vegetation fields surrounding a military base, before spreading and promting the arrival of Israeli firefighters. Since the Gaza residents launched their weekly border demonstration campaign, 32 Palestinian have been killed for what Israel says were attempts to breach the border or for other hostile activities and attempted acts of terror. According to the IDF, soldiers last opened fire on a Palestinian who approached the fence east of Khan Yunis in the southern strip, despite the military's repeated warnings not to. With the last two weeks attracting thousands of protesters, the IDF again geared up for another chaotic Friday by beefing up forces along the border, and deploying dozens of snipers near the fence to neutralize anybody attempting to infiltrate into Isreal or plant a bomb on the border. The military predicted that thousands of demonstrators would arrive on Friday to the protest tents erected by Hamas along the border, and therefore took extra precautions to thwart hundreds of attempted border crossings or acts of sabotage to the fence. The demonstrations are expected to reach their climax on next month's Nakba Daywhich Palestinians mark as the catastrophe of Israels independenceas a protest over the relocation of the American embassy to Jerusalem. Various operational deployments of the forces and enhanced use of riot control and drones were adopted on Friday by the IDF in an attempt to implement the lessons drawn in riots over the past two Fridays. The IDF predictions that Hamas would attempt to carry out terror attacks during the disturbances turned out to be correct. The suspicions were raised after Hamas earlier this week set off an explosive device near an IDF force on the Gaza border, east of Sujjaiya, in the area near the Karni Crossing. Tensions escalated further when Israeli fighter jets attacked overnight Wednesday a Hamas terror position in the northern Gaza Strip in retaliation for the detonation of the explosive device. The following evening, an incident next to the fence also occurred when the Palestinian Ministry of Interior announced the death of a Palestinian who was shot by the IDF. He was evacuated after being shot next to the southern Gaza border. Burning tires on the Gaza border (Photo: AFP) After the attack, a terrorist squad shot machine guns at the Israeli aircraft, activating Code Red alerts in Israeli Gaza border communities. In the Hamas fire, a bullet struck a house in Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. No one was injured in the violence. Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah does not believe the latest Syria crisis will spiral into a direct US-Russia conflict or a wider all-out war, its deputy leader said in comments published on Friday. "We rule out the situation developing into a direct American-Russian clash or a wide state of war," Sheikh Naim Qassem told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria in an interview. "The conditions do not point to a total war happening ... unless (US President Donald) Trump and (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds," he said. When Alice Gerstel bid an emotional farewell to her family's closest friends in October 1941, she was hopeful she'd see "Little Simon" Gronowski again. And she did76 years later and half a world away from where they were separated in Brussels. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Gerstel and her Jewish family had hidden in the Gronowskis' home for nearly two weeks before her father sent word from France that he had reached a deal with a smuggler who would get her, her siblings and their mother safely out of Nazi-occupied Belgium. The Gronowskis, also Jewish, decided to stay. They hid for 18 months until the Nazis came knocking at the family's door and put Simon, his sister and mother on a death train to Auschwitz. "I thought the entire family was murdered. I had no idea," Gerstel (now Gerstel Weit) said Wednesday, the day after their tearful reunion. She and her friend clutched hands at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust as they recounted their story. "You didn't know that I jumped off the train?" asked Gronowski, now 86. "No, no. I didn't know anything," his 89-year-old friend replied. The two will return to the museum Sunday to recount to visitors how the Holocaust ripped apart a pair of families that had become fast friends after a chance meeting at a Belgian beach resort in 1939. How it led an 11-year-old boy to make one of the most daring escapes of the war. How it put the other family on a perilous journey through occupied France that reads like a scene from the film "Casablanca." And, finally, how those separate journeys culminated three-quarters of a century later in a joyful, tear-streaked reunion in Los Angeles just before Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Commemoration Day. "I didn't recognize him at all. I don't see Little Simon," Gerstel Weit said Wednesday of her previous day's reunion with the now-bald, white-bearded man who sat next to her chuckling. "But he's here. Little Simon is here," she added, her voice breaking as she put her hand over Gronowski's heart. There was much hugging, kissing and crying Wednesday as the two old friends held hands tightly while sitting outside on a museum patio to share memories from a long-ago past. It was a past that began idyllically before turning nightmarish after the Nazis invaded Belgium in 1940 and began rounding up Jews. Gerstel Weit's father, a diamond dealer with a wife and four children, decided to flee in 1941. He turned his diamonds into cash, bought nine visas that got his family and brother's family through Nazi-occupied France and to the French-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca. There they boarded a ship bound for Cuba. Gronowski's father believed naively he and his family would be safe hiding in Brussels. "My father was not very conscious to tension. My father was not political. He was a poet. He wrote in six languages," Gronowski said, pausing to wipe away tears. "And like so many of the families he remember in Brussels," he continued in Dutch-accented English, "he cannot believe that in Europe of the 20th century, of that civilization, he cannot believe that Germany can fall into barbarism." When the Nazis arrived, Gronowski's father was in a hospital. His wife quickly lied, telling them he was dead and sparing him from Auschwitz. It was on a train to that death camp a few weeks later that she saved her son, pushing him toward the door of the boxcar they were in and telling him to jump. After the war he reunited with his father ando eventually moved back to the apartment where he grew up. He rented out the other units and used the money to pay for law school. He is a practicing attorney in Brussels. Gerstel Weit's family immigrated to the United States, where she married, had two sons and eventually settled in Los Angeles and a career in real estate. Immediately after the war, her family tried to locate the Gerstels. Gronowski eventually wrote back to her late older brother Zoltan, telling him his sister and mother had died at Auschwitz and his father had since passed away. For some reason, Zoltan never told his family "Little Simon" survived. She learned he was alive six months ago when her nephew searched her maiden name online looking for more family history. He came across Gronowski's 2002 memoir, "The Child of the 20th Train," in which her family is mentioned prominently. Gronowski says he believes Gerstel Weit's brother was too distraught to say much about his family. His 18-year-old sister, Ita, had been Zoltan Gerstel's girlfriend in Belgium, and he had professed his love for her repeatedly in wartime letters, including somey she never lived to see. Gronowski's own father could never come to grips with the Holocaust either, he said. For a time, Leon Gronowski held out hope his wife and daughter somehow survived and he would find them. "But when we received information of the concentration camps, the gas chamber, the mountains of corpses, my father understood that his wife and his daughter would not come back. And he died of ...," he said, his voice trailing off. "Of a broken heart?" Gerstel Weit asked. "Of a broken heart," he replied. Diplomats at UNESCO are hailing a possible breakthrough on longstanding Israeli-Arab tensions at the UN cultural agency, some four months after Prime Mnister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israel's representative to submit to the an official written announcement of Israel's departure from the organization. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Israel's ambassador to UNESCO said the mood was "like a wedding" after member nations signed off on a rare compromise resolution Thursday on "Occupied Palestine." The document is still quite critical of Israel, notably its actions in Jerusalem and Gaza. But Israeli Ambassador Carmel Shama-Hacohen said that diplomats agreed to move the most controversial language to a non-binding annex and avoided a contentious vote. UNESCO's General Conference (Photo: AP) The compromise, worked out in months of painstaking negotiations, was largely technical. But it was an unusual example of Mideast cooperation at UNESCO, which Israel has long seen as biased toward Arab nationsespecially since it admitted the Palestinians as members in 2011. Other diplomats said they hope the compromise encourages the US and Israel to reconsider their decision to quit UNESCO at the end of this year. "It means that the spirit of dialogue is not broken," UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay said. Since taking over in November, Azoulay has been working to clean up the agency's reputation and shore up a budget gutted by geopolitical disputes. Israeli Ambassador Carmel Shama-Hacohen (Photo: Israel's delegation to UNESCO) The relief and optimism at UNESCO's Paris headquarters after Thursday's meeting were a far cry from the hostility that has for decades soured its discussions on Israel and the Palestinian territories. The enthusiasm over what on the surface seems like a minor move is a reflection of the very low expectations for Israeli-Palestinian cooperation in the current climate. The UNESCO negotiations notably hit trouble as deadly confrontations erupted in Gaza in recent weeks, said diplomats involved, who were not authorized to be publicly named discussing the closed-door negotiations. The Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian, American, and European Union delegations negotiated the compromise resolution, along with representatives of UNESCO leadership. They notably decided to limit the official "Occupied Palestine" resolution to three short paragraphs, and attach multiple pages of complaints about Israeli policies and Arab claims on Jerusalem in an annex, which is made public but not binding. And then they agreed to adopt it by consensus instead of a public vote. "I'm more than happy" with the outcome, the Israeli ambassador said. "Confrontation is not the way. Nothing will be changed in Jerusalem or in Gaza by forcing Israel into a corner." Mounir Anastas, the Palestinians' alternate permanent delegate to UNESCO, welcomed "so many efforts from all concerned parties and different delegations in order to enhance the dialogue and to reach a consensus." But he urged progress on the ground, notably allowing UNESCO delegations to visit historic sites in Jerusalem, allowing Palestinian youth groups into Jerusalem for education programs, and protection for media covering protests in Gaza. UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay (Photo: Reuters) The US delegation said it "warmly welcomes the progress demonstrated here" and praised the "constructive spirit," but wouldn't comment on whether it could lead to a rethink of the pending US withdrawal. The US stopped paying its UNESCO dues after the Palestinians joined in 2011 but continues to participate in agency activities for now. President Donald Trump announced in October that the US would pull out at the end of 2018 because of perceived anti-Israel bias. Israel followed suit. Asked Thursday whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government could now reconsider, Shama-Hacohen said "it's possible." "UNESCO should be a bridge, especially in periods like we have now," he said. The resolution announced Thursday is expected to be approved at UNESCO's full plenary next week. Russia's foreign minister claimed on Friday that a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was staged with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. A day before a team from the international chemical weapons watchdog watchdog was to arrive in Douma, just east of Damascus, Sergey Lavrov said Russian experts have already inspected the site of the alleged attack and found no trace of chemical weapons. Moscow, he said, has "irrefutable information that it was another fabrication." Lavrov did not offer evidence to back up his claim. Speaking to reporters in Moscow, he reiterated warnings to the West against military action in Syria, saying any such "adventures" in Syria would increase flows of refugees into Europe. "Neither us nor European neighbors need it," he said. Russia's embassy in Britain said on Friday that Moscow was concerned by a decision taken by British ministers on Thursday to take action in Syria, saying reports of a planned military attack would represent a "reckless" move by London. The embassy said in a statement that Russian officials who visited the town of Douma in Syriathe site of a suspected chemical weapons attack, according to the United States and its alliesdid not find traces of chemical substances. The World Health Organisation said this week an estimated 500 patients in Douma went to health facilities with "signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals." Uganda is "positively considering" Israel's request to take 500 Eritrean or Sudanese migrants rejected by Israel, a senior government official said Friday, the first official confirmation of an agreement to receive African migrants whose planned deportations have caused widespread protests in Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The migrants will be thoroughly evaluated by Ugandan officials before receiving asylum in this East African country, Musa Ecweru, the government minister in charge of refugees, said in a statement. "My work is to manage refugees that have accepted to relocate to a third-party country. And Uganda accepted the 500 refugees from Israel and this is not a problem to Uganda," Ecweru said. "We already have millions of refugees in Uganda from Somalia and Ethiopia so the few from Israel wont be a problem to Uganda as a third-party country." Musa Ecweru in a press conference Ecweru said "all refugees world over" should be "voluntarily repatriated with strict observance and adherence to international law," but did not give further details on the possible deal. Official documents submitted to the Israeli Supreme Court on Tuesday said authorities have identified close to 8,000 Eritrean and Sudanese migrants it would potentially deport under a compulsory expulsion plan. When asked about the discrepancy, Ecweru though told Reuters the deal under discussion with Israel covered only 500 refugees. The minister also denied that Uganda would receive payment for taking in said refugees. "The people saying on social media that countries give us money whenever we accept refugees to come in is false," he said. "In fact, we are the ones who spend on these refugees." Uganda's government has previously denied reports of a deal with Israel to accept the deported migrants. According to the Israeli government, 630 African migrants "voluntarily left" to Uganda in 2017 alone. "To my knowledge, no refugees from Israel have come in yet," Ecweru said. "If they are here, they are trespassers." African migrants and activists in an anti-expulsion protest (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Israel considers most of the 35,000 migrants to be job seekers and says it has no legal obligation to keep them. The Africans say they face danger if they return home. A wide coalition of critics in Israel and in the Jewish American community had called the government's deportation plans unethical and a stain on Israel's image as a refuge for Jewish migrants. Several mass protests against it have taken place in recent months. Earlier this month Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nixed his own deal with the United Nations in which roughly half of the migrants living in Israel would have been resettled in the West and others absorbed in Israel. Netanyahu cancelled the plan after facing heavy criticism among nationalists within his own ruling coalition. Nearly all the migrants hail from Sudan and Eritrea, countries with poor human rights records. The Africans started arriving in 2005, after neighboring Egypt violently quashed a refugee demonstration and word spread of safety and job opportunities in Israel. Tens of thousands crossed the porous desert border before Israel completed a barrier in 2012 that stopped the influx. Israel has struggled with what to do with those already in the country, alternating between plans to jail and deport them and allowing them to work in menial jobs. Thousands have concentrated in poor neighborhoods in south Tel Aviv, an area that has become known as "Little Africa." Their presence has sparked tensions with working-class Jewish residents, who have complained of rising crime and pressed the government to take action. Authorities in Mosul have buried more than 1,000 bodies in a mass grave in a desert valley outside the city, most of them believed to be Islamic State group militants, according to a city official. More remains are being dug out of the rubble of the district where the fighters made their final stand last year. Hundreds more bodies are still strewn across or buried in Maydan district nine months after it was flattened in the final battles to retake Mosul, creating one of the grimmest scenes from a brutal war that was compared to the worst urban combat of World War II. During a recent visit by The Associated Press, pieces of desiccated bodies, often in shreds of fighters' uniforms, were visible scattered in the ruins, which are also laced with unexploded bombs and unused suicide belts. In one place, the crown of a skull stuck out of the dirt, brilliant white with a fringe of leathery scalp and hair. One man lay crushed under the wreck of a car, his legs sticking up in the air. Most of the bodies appeared to belong to IS fighters killed by airstrikes or shelling, their remains half-buried. But there were also women and small children. The body of baby girl, turned ghoulish brown, lay on the balcony of a half-collapsed building, covered by bits of rubble. The leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group says an Israeli airstrike on an air base in central Syria that killed seven Iranians is a "historic mistake." Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah says Monday's attack on the T4 air base ushers in a new phase that puts Israel in a state of "direct confrontation" with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran, Russia and Syria have blamed Israel for the airstrike, which followed a suspected chemical attack on a rebel-held town near Damascus that was blamed by Western powers on the Syrian government. Israel has not acknowledged carrying out the strike. Nasrallah said the "targeted killing" of Iranians was an act of "grave foolishness." Speaking via satellite link to supporters in Beirut Friday, Nasrallah also called the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma "theater." Russian intelligence agencies monitored the emails of former spy Sergei Skripal's daughter Yulia for at least five years before the two were poisoned, Britain's national security adviser said in a letter made public Friday. Mark Sedwill made the assertion in a letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg explaining Britain's conclusion that the Russian government is to blame for poisoning the Skripals with a military-grade nerve agent on March 4. He said only Russia has the "technical means, operational experience and the motive" for the attack. Moscow has strongly denied responsibility and says Britain is waging a defamation campaign against it. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah pointed on Friday to an Israeli air strike against a Syrian air base that killed some Iranian Revolutionary Guards, saying it opened the prospect of conflict between the two enemy states. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "They have committed a great folly and have put themselves into a direct fight with Iran," the leader of heavily armed and Tehran-backed Shiite terror organization said in a televised speech, calling the strike "unprecedented." Israel has struck targets in Syria numerous times in recent years, sometimes to prevent Iranian weapons transfers to Hezbollah, which it sees as the biggest threat on its borders. Iran and Hezbollah are two of Assads chief allies. Hezbollah Secretary-General Nasrallah "Iran is neither a small country, nor a weak country, nor a cowardly countryand you know it. This event was critical for the area," he stressed. "You have opened a new axis in a struggle that you do not judging right. You are in a face-to-face confrontation with Iran." Trump has threatened strikes against Syria after a suspected gas attack on the town of Douma where dozens of people died, and a Russian envoy has voiced fears of a wider conflict between Washington and Moscow. However, the White House said "no final decision has been made" on Syria after Trump met his national security team on Thursday. Nasrallah said in his speech that under Trump, US policy was inconsistent and hard to understand. Earlier that day, though, Hezbollah played down the risk that the Syrian crisis would spiral into a US-Russian military conflict. The Shiite movement has been a vital military ally of President Bashar al-Assad in the seven-year-old Syrian war. "We rule out the situation developing into a direct American-Russian clash or a wide state of war," said deputy Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem, although this depended on the behavior of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "The conditions do not point to a total war ... unless Trump and Netanyahu completely lose their minds," he told the Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria in remarks published on Friday. The audience at Nasrallah's speech Israeli strike Damascus has accused rebels and rescuers of fabricating reports of the Douma attack and Washington of seeking to use it as a pretext for attacking the Syrian army. Asked about possible spillover into Lebanon, Qassem said: "If the assault on Syria has a very limited scope, then its expected that reactions from the concerned sides in Syria will be tied to the Syrian arena." Irans expanding power in Syria has caused deep alarm in Israel, which has mounted air strikes in Syria against what it describes as Hezbollah and Iranian targets. Tehran has threatened to respond to the air strike on a Syrian military base on Monday which it blamed on Israel, as did Damascus and Moscow. Qassem said the strike, which killed seven Iranians, was an assault "on both Syria and Iran that has consequences which I do not know the limit of now." Hezbollah, which last fought a major war with Israel in 2006, would not open a new front against its arch-foe from Lebanon, he said. "But the resistance is ready for surprises." Hezbollah does not expect Israel to launch a war for now but is prepared for one, Qassem told Reuters in an interview last month. IDF revealed on Friday that a study of the Iranian drone that infiltrated Israeli airspace in February before being intercepted by an IDF Apache helicopter and am investigation of its deployment revealed it was strapped with explosives and aimed to carry out an attack in Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "After flight path analysis & an operational & intelligence-based investigation of the Iranian UAV that infiltrated Israeli airspace on 2.10.2018, the IDF concluded that the Iranian UAV was armed with explosives & was tasked to attack Israel," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said on Twitter. "By intercepting the Iranian UAV, IAF combat helicopters prevented the attack Iran had hoped to carry out in Israel. The UAV was identified & tracked by Israeli defense systems until its destruction, effectively eliminating any threat the Iranian UAV posed," it added in a following tweet. The Iranian drone The Iranian drone is considered to be very advanced and spent about a minute and a half in Israeli territory after crossing the Israel-Jordan border. The incursion resulted in a retaliatory strike by the Israeli Air Force, during which two Israeli F-16 pilots were hurt after their plane was shot down and crashed in Israel. The pilots were able to bail out of the plane. One pilot was seriously wounded, while the other was only lightly hurt. Both have since recovered from their wounds. Footage of drone's interception and the destruction of its operations trailer (: ") X A week later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would act against Iran, not just its allies in the Middle East, if needed, reiterating that Tehran was the world's greatest threat. Holding a piece of the downed Iranian drone, Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference: "Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck." PM Netanyahu in Munich, holding a piece of the Iranian UAV (Photo: AFP, MSC Munich Security Conference / LENNART PREISS) On Monday, a military target linked to the UAVs of Iranian forces at the T-4 base in Syria was attacked. At least 14 people were reportedly killed, including four Iranian "military advisers." Russia, Syria, the United States and Iran attributed the attack to the Israeli air force, but Israel refused to comment on the incident. Also known as the Tiyas Airbase and located in the Homs Governorate, north of Tiyas, the base has been used by Iran for the past several months. Israel says Iran has been using the base in recent months for the purpose of transferring weaponry to be used against Israel. T-4 Airbase On Friday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah threatened that the Israeli-attributed strike opened the prospect of conflict between Israel and Iran. "They have committed a great folly and have put themselves into a direct fight with Iran," the leader of heavily armed and Tehran-backed Shiite terror organization said in a televised speech, calling the strike "unprecedented." The Iranian Drone Footage of the Iranian UAV shows it heavily resembles a US stealth drone that was downed in Iran in 2011. After being captured in Iran, the United States asked for it back, but was refused. US magazine The Aviationist reported the drone was a model the Revolutionary Guards presented two years ago, built on the basis of the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel aerial reconnaissance UAV. Remnants of the Iranian drone (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) Iran reported that the UAV includes advanced intelligence gathering systems for electronic signals, images, communications and radar systems. General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, of the Revolutionary Guards' Air Force and Aerospace Division, said at the time that the Iranian model "is easier, faster and consumes less fuel than its source." The model is called the "Beast of Kandahar" due to its activities in Afghanistan. What's made the news this week? Watch and/or listen to Kevin, Nicola and Sarah discussing the most interesting real estate news of the week. Whats next for Australian property prices? Economic experts are at loggerheads over the Australian property markets health and outlook, with UBS arguing a 35 per cent slump in the mortgage borrowing power of Australians, and steep house price falls, is possible. Perth improves New CoreLogic data has found that Perth property prices made some progress in March with a 0.3% increase in home values, but it was not enough to pull the market out of a slump, which has seen dwelling values tumble in the past year. Projects that will improve Brisbanes market From the airports much anticipated second runway to the $3 billion Queens Wharf development, which major projects will make the most difference to the Brisbane market? More Homes Need To Be Built The persistent imbalance between strong population growth and the slow rate at which new housing stock is being delivered to market is the underlying cause of rapid price acceleration, and ultimately, Australias affordability crisis, according to a new report from the Housing Industry Association (HIA). With thanks to Real Estate Talk the only place where you hear all Australasias leading property experts. News Washington, DC - Earlier this week, the Justice Department announced the seizure of Backpage.com (link is external), the Internets leading forum for prostitution ads, including ads depicting the prostitution of children, and the unsealing of a 93-count federal indictment against seven Backpage principals. Today, the Justice Department announced that Backpages co-founder and CEO, Carl Ferrer, 57, of Frisco, Texas, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to facilitate prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce and to engage in money laundering. Additionally, several Backpage-related corporate entities, including Backpage.com LLC, have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to engage in money laundering. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell and Chief Don Fort of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement. For far too long, Backpage.com (link is external) existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike, said Attorney General Sessions. But this illegality stops right now. Last Friday, the Department of Justice seized Backpage, and it can no longer be used by criminals to promote and facilitate human trafficking. I want to thank everyone who made this important seizure possible: all of our dedicated and committed professionals in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and our U.S. Attorneys Office in the District of Arizona, the FBI, our partners with the IRS Criminal Investigation, our Postal Inspectors, and the Texas and California Attorney Generals offices. With their help, we have put an end to the violence, abuse, and heartache that has been perpetrated using this site, and we have taken a major step toward keeping women and children across America safe. Backpage has earned hundreds of millions of dollars from facilitating prostitution and sex trafficking, placing profits over the well-being and safety of the many thousands of women and children who were victimized by its practices, said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. It is appropriate that Backpage is now facing criminal charges in Arizona, where the company was founded, and I applaud the tremendous efforts of the agents who contributed to last Fridays enforcement action and who assisted in obtaining the indictment in this case. Some of the internal emails and company documents described in the indictment are shocking in their callousness. This website will no longer serve as a platform for human traffickers to thrive, and those who were complicit in its use to exploit human beings for monetary gain will be held accountable for their heinous actions, said FBI Director Wray. Whether on the street or on the Internet, sex trafficking will not be tolerated. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to vigorously combat this activity and protect those who are victimized. The events of last Friday and this week are a big win, not only for the agents who investigated these crimes, but more importantly for the victims, including children, who were harmed as a consequence of the alleged actions of Backp (link is external)age.com (link is external), said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell. By laundering the illegal gains of an enterprise, Backpage perpetuated the exploitation of victims and continued to finance their business. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our customers by stopping the money laundering to ensure the cycle of victimization ends. An indictment of this magnitude is particularly troubling when you look at the various layers of corruption and exploitation that are alleged to have occurred, said IRS-CI Chief Fort. The masterminds behind Backpage are not only alleged to have committed egregious amounts of financial crimes such as money laundering, they did so at the expense of innocent women and children. While these types of investigations can be made more challenging with the use of virtual currency, offshore banking, and the anonymity of the Internet, it should serve as an example to all criminals that there is not a place they can hide where we will not find them. According to the factual basis of his plea agreement, Ferrer admitted that he had long been aware that the great majority of Backpages escort and adult advertisements are, in fact, advertisements for prostitution services, which are not protected by the First Amendment and which are illegal in 49 states and in much of Nevada. Ferrer further admitted that he conspired with other Backpage principals to find ways to knowingly facilitate the state-law prostitution crimes being committed by Backpages customers. For example, he worked with his co-conspirators to create moderation processes through which Backpage would remove terms and pictures that were particularly indicative of prostitution and then publish a revised version of the ad. Ferrer admitted that these editing practices were only one component of an overall, company-wide culture and policy of concealing and refusing to officially acknowledge the true nature of the services being offered in Backpages escort and adult ads. In the factual basis of his plea agreement, Ferrer also admitted that he conspired with other Backpage principals to engage in various money laundering offenses. According to the factual basis, since 2004, Backpage has earned hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from publishing escort and adult ads. Over time, many banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions refused to do business with Backpage due to the illegal nature of its business. In response, Ferrer admitted that he worked with his co-conspirators to find ways to fool credit card companies into believing that Backpage-associated charges were being incurred on different websites, to route Backpage-related payments and proceeds through bank accounts held in the name of seemingly unconnected entities, and to use cryptocurrency-processing companies for similar purposes. Ferrers plea agreement also requires him to take all steps within his power to immediately shut down the Backpage website, including providing technical assistance to the United States to effectuate the shutdown, and to take all steps within his power to forfeit to the United States all corporate assets and other property owned or controlled by various Backpage-related entities. The plea agreement provides that, if Ferrer fails to comply with either of these requirements, the plea agreement shall be null and void and the United States may bring additional charges against Ferrer. Ferrers plea agreement, and the corporate plea agreements, also consent to the forfeiture of certain assets and items of property, including various domain names associated with the Backpage website. The seven defendants charged in the 93-count indictment were all arrested on Friday, April 6. They are Michael Lacey, 69, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; James Larkin, 68, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; Scott Spear, 67, of Scottsdale, Arizona; John E. Jed Brunst, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona; Daniel Hyer, 49, of Dallas, Texas; Andrew Padilla, 45, of Plano, Texas; and Jaala Joye Vaught, 37, of Addison, Texas. On April 6, Vaught had her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eileen Willett of the District of Arizona and was released from custody pending trial. Lacey, who also had his initial court appearance on April 6 before Judge Willett, subsequently had a detention hearing on April 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bridget S. Bade of the District of Arizona and was ordered to temporarily remain in custody until his continued hearing on Friday, April 13. On April 9, Larkin, Spear, and Brunst had their initial court appearances before Judge Bade. Larkin has since been ordered to temporarily remain in custody until a continued detention hearing on Monday, April 16, and Spear and Brunst were released from custody pending trial. Also on April 9, Hyer had his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Horan in the Northern District of Texas and was released from custody pending trial, and Padilla had his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine A. Nowak in the Eastern District of Texas and was released from custody pending trial. The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The effort to seize Backpage was led by the Justice Departments Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Arizona, with significant support from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California, the office of the California Attorney General, and the office of the Texas Attorney General. The law enforcement agencies conducting the investigation and seizure include the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS-CI. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rapp, Dominic Lanza, and Margaret Perlmeter of the District of Arizona and Senior Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kucera of the Central District of California is handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case Latest News Jackson, Mississippi - Real estate investors Kevin Moore, Chad Nichols, and Terry Tolar pleaded guilty Tuesday for their roles in a conspiracy to rig bids at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Mississippi, the Department of Justice announced. Including Moore, Nichols, and Tolar, five real estate investors have pleaded guilty in this conspiracy. Separate felony charges against Moore, Nichols, and Tolar were filed on April 3, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Todays guilty pleas send a strong signal that the Division will prosecute and hold accountable those who conspire to corrupt the competitive process and harm the American consumer, said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justices Antitrust Division. We extend our thanks to our law enforcement partners, with whom we will continue to investigate bid-rigging crimes in Mississippiand throughout the United States. Individuals who harm homeowners and defraud companies by cheating our foreclosure system to enrich themselves will face swift and certain criminal prosecution in Mississippi, said United States Attorney D. Michael Hurst, Jr. for the Southern District of Mississippi. I applaud the FBI and the Antitrust Division for their tenacity and perseverance in pursuing these criminal actions and shutting this illegal scheme down. Violations of the Sherman Act not only impact Americas financial institutions and distressed homeowners but also damage our free market society as a whole, said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI in Mississippi. We hope that others participating in this type of corruption understand that the FBI and Department of Justice will continue to protect Americans from price fixing and bid rigging that harm our economy. According to court documents, from at least as early as January 12, 2012, through at least as late as April 19, 2017, Moore conspired with others to rig bids, designating a winning bidder to obtain selected properties at public real estate foreclosure auctions in the Southern District of Mississippi. Nichols participated in the conspiracy from as early as April 14, 2010, through as late as February 25, 2015, and Tolars participation began as early as January 12, 2012, through as late as March 31, 2017. Co-conspirators made and received payoffs in exchange for their agreement not to bid. The Department said that the primary purpose of the conspiracy was to suppress and restrain competition in order to obtain selected real estate offered at public foreclosure auctions at non-competitive prices. When real estate properties are sold at these auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with any remaining proceeds paid to the homeowner. According to court documents, these conspirators paid and received money in connection with their agreement to suppress competition, which artificially lowered the price paid at auction for such homes. A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine for a Sherman Act charge may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Divisions Washington Criminal II Section and the FBIs Gulfport Resident Agency, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to public real estate foreclosure auctions should contact Antitrust Division prosecutors in the Washington Criminal II Section at 202-598-4000, or visit https://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . Islamabad: The Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Division Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan inaugurated Pakistans largest and most technologically advanced fuel farm facility at the Islamabad International Airport on Thursday, according to a news report. This facility was developed by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Attock Petroleum Limited. The smooth functioning of the facility will be ensured by the offloading bays that are going to be equipped with 600 USGPM pumps, three vertical tanks having a storage capacity of 10,000 tonnes, and a 3,600 USGPM product pumping system and an advance refuelling equipment featuring eight hydrants. PSO Managing Director Sheikh Imranul Haque applauded the initiative and said that the project is expected to ensure a seamless supply of quality fuel products to airport. Attock Oil Group of Companies Group Chief Executive Shuaib Anwar Malik said that this fuel farm facility will help efficiently fuel Pakistans aviation sector. Music is one of the entertainment forms that has been around for millennia. It has evolved through the years and is now one of the most lucrative businesses in the world. Many people have stepped up and have taken their place in the industry by impressing their fans with great music. The richest musicians in Ghana have cemented their place in the music industry and are making great money from it. Sarkodie, Becca, and Kuami Eugene. Photo: @sarkodie, @beccafrica, @kuamieugene (modified by author) Source: Instagram The list of the top richest musicians in Ghana keeps changing from one year to another. New musicians keep cropping up, and the artists get involved in different projects that help increase their earnings and overall net worth year after year. Top 20 richest musicians in Ghana in 2021 The music industry is a volatile one. While some musicians are millionaires, there are many others who are still struggling. For a musician to be one of the top ten richest musicians in Ghana in 2021, they have to be quite impressive. Who is the poorest musician in Ghana? While we know all the rich musicians, it is not possible to tell who is the poorest. Therefore, here are some of the most impressive musicians in Ghana who are also the richest. Sarkodie - $15 million Okyeane Kwame $8 million Shatta Walle $6.3 million Becca $6.2 million R2Bees - $6 million Daddy Lumba - $6 million Stonebwoy - $6 million Reggie Rockstone - $5 million Fuse ODG - $4 million Tinny - $2.3 million Samini - $2 million Kuami Eugene - $2 million D-Black - $1.6 million Kwaw Kese - $1 million Joyce Blessing - $623,000 Wendy Shay - $500,000 Fameye - $300,000 King Promise - $200,000 Kwesi Arthur ($100k - $1 million) Efya ($100k - $200k) 1. Sarkodie - $15 million Sarkodie speaks onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 at Cobb Energy Center. Photo: Carmen Mandato Source: Getty Images Full name : Michael Owusu Addo : Michael Owusu Addo Date of birth : 10th July 1998 : 10th July 1998 Record label : Nedjon Media/SarkCess Music/Duncwills Entertainment : Nedjon Media/SarkCess Music/Duncwills Entertainment Estimated net worth: $15 million Sarkodie is a super-talented rapper and the richest musician in Ghana with a net worth of $15 million. He is one of the most recognizable Ghanaian singers known for his hip-hop and hiplife music styles. He doubles up as a recording artist, philanthropist, and CEO of SarkCess Music. His talent has made him Forbes richest musician in Ghana. He has collaborated with countless renowned hip-hop musicians in Ghana and beyond. Sarkodie is also the brand ambassador for Fan Milk and Samsung mobile. 2. Okyeane Kwame - $8 million Kwame posing for the camera. Photo: @okyeamekwame Source: Instagram Full name : Kwame Nsiah Apau : Kwame Nsiah Apau Date of birth : 17th April 1976 : 17th April 1976 Record label : One Mic Entertainment/Firm Bridges Communication : One Mic Entertainment/Firm Bridges Communication Estimated net worth: $8 million Okyeane, born Kwame Nsiah Apau, is one of the richest musicians in Ghana. Apart from singing, he is also famous for his excellence in songwriting, video directing, and entrepreneurship. He is an international hit-maker who specializes in hip-life, Afro-pop, and rap music. 3. Shatta Wale - $6.3 million Shatta Wale performing on stage. Photo: @shattawalenima Source: Instagram Full name : Charles Nii Armah Mensah : Charles Nii Armah Mensah Date of birth : 17th October 1984 : 17th October 1984 Record label : Shatta Movement Records : Shatta Movement Records Estimated net worth: $6.3 million Shatta Wale is one of Ghanas biggest reggae-dancehall artists who was formerly known as Bandana. Because of how good he is, he is referred to as the African Dancehall King. Shatta Wale is also an actor who has appeared in several films. He rose to fame with his 2004 single and has kept growing his fanbase ever since. 4. Becca - $ 6.2 million Becca. Photo: @beccafrica Source: Instagram Full name : Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong : Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong Date of birt h: 15th August 1984 h: 15th August 1984 Record label : EKB records : EKB records Estimated net worth: Becca is one of the most influential musicians in Ghana. She has signed an endorsement deal with the EKB record label. Her excellence at both local and international levels has earned her numerous accolades. 5. R2Bees - $ 6 million Faisal Hakeem and Rashid Mugeez posing for the camera. Photo: @r2beesmusic Source: Instagram Full name : Faisal Hakeem and Rashid Mugeez : Faisal Hakeem and Rashid Mugeez Date of birth : Unknown : Unknown Record label : R2Bees Entertainment : R2Bees Entertainment Estimated net worth: $6 million R2Bees is a Ghanaian duo from Tema. It is made up of two cousins known as Faisal Hakeem and Rashid Mugeez. The two have collaborated with other renowned artists such as Davido, Sarkodie, Criss Waddle, Wizkid, and Wande Coal. The duo is famous for its creativity in hip-hop, hiplife, and Afrobeat genres. 6. Daddy Lumba - $6 million Daddy Lumba on stage. Photo: @officialdaddylumba Source: Instagram Full name : Charles Kwadwo Fosu : Charles Kwadwo Fosu Date of birth : 29th September 1964 : 29th September 1964 Record label : Tams Records/ Krew Media Hype Productions/ Lumba Productions : Tams Records/ Krew Media Hype Productions/ Lumba Productions Estimated net worth: $6 million Daddy is one of the oldest top musicians in the country. He has released numerous songs and performed uncountable music shows and concerts in Ghana and across other parts of the world. 7. Stonebwoy - $6 million Stonebwoy: Photo: @stonebwoyb Source: Instagram Full name : Livingstone Etse Satekla : Livingstone Etse Satekla Date of birth : 5th March 1988 : 5th March 1988 Record label : Zylofon Music/ Burniton Music Group : Zylofon Music/ Burniton Music Group Estimated net worth: $6 million Stonebwoy started his singing career while still in high school. He took part in numerous rap contests, thus nurturing his talent. He once won the BET award for the Best Musician. Stonebwoy has bagged several endorsement deals due to his fame. He often hosts several musical shows in Ghana and other parts of the world. 8. Reggie Rockstone - $5 million Reggie Rockstone laughing out loud. Photo: @reggierockstone711 Source: Instagram Full name : Reginald Yaw Asante Ossei : Reginald Yaw Asante Ossei Date of birth : 11th April 1964 : 11th April 1964 Record label : Kassa Records Label : Kassa Records Label Estimated net worth: $5 million Reggie Rockstone is one of the pioneers of hiplife in Ghana. He is a famous Ghanaian musician, singer, and songwriter. He was one of the judges and mentors on The X Factor, Nigeria Ghana season one. 9. Fuse ODG - $4 million Fuse ODG performs on Day 1 of the V Festival at Hylands Park. Photo: Tristan Fewings Source: Getty Images Full name : Nana Richard Abiona : Nana Richard Abiona Date of birth : 2nd December 1988 : 2nd December 1988 Record label : 3Beat Records : 3Beat Records Estimated net worth: $4 million Nana Richard Abiona, commonly by his stage name, Fuse ODG is another richest artist in Ghana. He gained his musical training from Archbishop Lanfranc School. He has collaborated with Sean Paul, Itz Tiffany, Wande Coal, Major Lazer, Sarkodie, Nyla, Dawn ODG, and Wyclef Jean. He owns a 3Beat record company. 10. Tinny - $2.3 million Tinny posing for the camera. Photo: @bardmantinny Source: Instagram Full name : Nii Addo Quaynor : Nii Addo Quaynor Date of birth : 19th January 1982 : 19th January 1982 Record label : Kankpe Records : Kankpe Records Estimated net worth: $2.3 million Tinny is a Ghanaian rapper that has been active for almost twenty years. He began his career at the tender age of eight by singing and rapping at parties and funfairs. By the time he released his debut album, he was already a well-known public figure. His great album served to cement his place as one of the greatest entertainers, a place he still holds. 11. Samini - $2 million Batman Samini receives the award for Best African Act at the MOBO Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. Photo: Jo Hale Source: Getty Images Full name : Emmanuel Andres Samini : Emmanuel Andres Samini Date of birth : 22nd December 1981 : 22nd December 1981 Record label : High Grade Family : High Grade Family Estimated net worth: $2 million Samini, formerly known by the stage name Batman Samini, is a Ghanaian reggae and dancehall recording artist. Before Samini was the renowned rapper that he is today, he had a career in the church. Since he switched careers, he has gotten numerous awards and nominations that have cemented his place as one of the richest artists in Ghana. 12. Kuami Eugene - $2 million Kuami Eugene. Photo: @kuamieugene Source: Instagram Full name : Eugene Kwame Marfo : Eugene Kwame Marfo Date of birth : 1st February 1997 : 1st February 1997 Record label : Lynx Entertainment : Lynx Entertainment Estimated net worth: $2 million Eugene Kwame Marfo, stage name Kuami Eugene is a high-life and afrobeat singer and songwriter. He is best known for several of his songs that made their way to the hearts of his fans. Kuami has received several nominations for his music and has become a household name in the music industry. 13. D-Black - $1.6 million Rapper D-Black performing on stage. Photo: @dblackgh Source: Instagram Full name : Desmond Kwesi Blackmore : Desmond Kwesi Blackmore Date of birth : 12th January 1987 : 12th January 1987 Record label : Black Avenue Muzik : Black Avenue Muzik Estimated net worth: $1.6 million D-Black is one of the richest musicians in Ghana. He started his career at a young age due to the significant influence he had from his hip-hopper parents. Every song he releases becomes a hit, and thus he has earned lots of cash from his jams. 14. Kwaw Kese - $1million Kwaw Kese posing for the camera on a seat. Photo: @kwawkese Source: Instagram Full name : Emmanuel Kofi Botchwey : Emmanuel Kofi Botchwey Date of birth : Unknown : Unknown Record label : Mad-Time Entertainment : Mad-Time Entertainment Estimated net worth: $1 million Kese is one of the best hiplife musicians in Ghana. He started composing and singing songs at a very young age. He released his debut album known as Na ya Tai in 2005. Even though he is not so active in the industry, he is one of the richest. 15. Joyce Blessing - $623, 000 Joyce Blessing during a photoshoot. Photo: @joyceblessgh Source: Instagram Full name : Joyce Akosua Twene : Joyce Akosua Twene Date of birth : 15th May : 15th May Record label : Unknown : Unknown Estimated net worth: $623,000 Joyce is a famous Ghanaian singer who started singing at a very early age. She rose to prominence in 2013 because of her gospel songs. Joyce has bagged numerous Ghana Gospel Industry Awards over the years. She earns considerably from music sales, YouTube, shows, and concerts. 16. Wendy Shay - $500, 000 Wendy Shay posing for the camera. Photo: @wendyshayofficial Source: Instagram Full name : Wendy Asamiah Addo : Wendy Asamiah Addo Date of birth : 20th February 1996 : 20th February 1996 Record label : RuffTown Records : RuffTown Records Estimated net worth: $500,000 Wendy Shay is a Ghanaian Afrobeats and Afropop artist. She initially worked as a trained midwife and nurse before transitioning to music. She has released numerous hit songs and performed in top events and shows in the country and outside. 17. Fameye - $300, 000 Singer Famaye in a studio. Photo: @fameye_music Source: Instagram Full name : Peter Famiyen Bozah : Peter Famiyen Bozah Date of birth : 11th September 1994 : 11th September 1994 Record la bel: Fameye Music/ EMPIRE bel: Fameye Music/ EMPIRE Estimated net worth: $300,000 Peter Famiyen Bozah is one of the most resilient Ghanaian singers. Even after losing his parents, he did not stop pursuing his music career. Inspiration for his songs is derived from his life as an orphan. Famaye amasses a considerable amount of money from record sales, concerts, and music shows in Ghana and other parts of Africa and the world. 18. King Promise - $200, 000 Singer King Promise seated on the bed. Photo: @iamkingpromise Source: Instagram Full name : Gregory Bortey Newman : Gregory Bortey Newman Date of birth : 16th August 1965 : 16th August 1965 Record label : Legacy Life Entertainment : Legacy Life Entertainment Estimated net worth: $200,000 King Promise joined the music industry in 2016, and in a short period, he is among the most popular stars in the country. His father was a classical music lover hence a great influence on King's career. His musical expertise is seen in a wide variety of genres such as hip-hop, Afri-beats, and highlife. His songs are fan favourites and are normally played when people want to have a good time. He is a great artist with great vocals and amazing music videos that deserves to be on this list. 19. Kwesi Arthur - ($100k - $1 million) Recording Artist Kwesi Arthur poses for photos in the press room at the 2018 BET Awards. Photo: Paul Archuleta Source: Getty Images Full name: Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur Junior Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur Junior Date of birth : 18th December 1994 : 18th December 1994 Record label : Independent : Independent Estimated net worth: $100k - $1 million Kwesi has had a long career and is one of the richest musicians in Ghana. Before discovering his talent as a singer, he worked as a security guard. He got interested in music after listening to Thank Me Later jam by Drake. 20. Efya - ($100k - $200k) Ghanaian Afro-Soul singer Efya performs onstage with her band at Central Park SummerStage. Photo: Jack Vartoogian Source: Getty Images Full name : Jane Awindor : Jane Awindor Date of birth : 10th April 1996 : 10th April 1996 Record label : Starboy/ One Nation : Starboy/ One Nation Estimated net worth: $100k - $200k Efya is one of the best singers in Ghana. She is also a songwriter and super-talented actress. She rose to fame after she appeared on the Stars of the Future talent show. She was the winner of the Female Vocal Performance of the year during the Ghana Music Awards. The richest musicians in Ghana continue to make several million dollars as they entertain their local and international fans. Some of them have been in the industry for quite some time while others are upcoming singers. These musicians are the epitome of hard work, passion, and consistency. Yen.com.gh has a list of 20 practical balding haircuts for men that work in 2021. Balding can be caused by different factors such as hormones and genes. Therefore, it is normal for men to be bald even in their early twenties. Since you cannot hide your head forever, you can always go for a haircut that will suit you perfectly. If you are going bald, maybe it is time you start looking for practical balding haircuts to help you feel more confident and attractive. Source: Yen News Designers keep flashing new styles of dresses for their ever-growing and demanding market base. This generation, specifically, has a spotted a new mentality of women daring new styles that the stylists have to offer. Even though men have not been left behind, designers still have to be on toes to satisfy the demanding interests of women in Ghana. Women generally love to be outstanding and marvelous and fortunately, the stylists are not disappointing. Source: pinimg There are different styles of dresses in Ghana made by various African materials. The materials which are of high quality are also generated just from within the continent if not within the borders, and therefore safeguarding the African heritage. They normally range from Ankara, Kente, Kitenge and many more. The work done by the stylists using those materials is generally exquisite. Styles of Dresses with Ankara Well, for the keen-minded, you will notice that latest styles of Ankara dresses sprout out almost every week. Many of them are usually alterations of the existing styles or a new style altogether. There are a number of factors that influence the swift of change in the Ghanaians styles with the common being the launch of a new pattern in town. Many designers would love to put their creativity in it and come up with something jaw-dropping and conspicuous. Nonetheless, celebrities also play a role in the introduction of a new style. Whenever Ghanaians spot a unique style of Ankara dress from a celebrity, they all snatch the concept and come up with a similarly outstanding outfit. Whichever the factors, Ankara dresses are still marvelous. In fact, there are some popular styles of the dresses trending in the region that you will find appealing, they include; Ankara Maxi Dress The Ankara maxi dress is a beautiful and long dress that mostly covers from the neckline and meanders down the body to the ankles. Generally, its a comfortable dress and since the fabric itself is cotton, there is free air circulation to cool the body and let it in some breeze. Source: etsy Ankara Strapless Dress The Ankara strapless dress is another yet outstanding dress that blends well with a casual setup. It's basically strapless and does hence does not have any shoulder strap or band for support. Made in a unique way, the internal corset and tightness of the bodice keep the dress comfortably in its place and cannot fall off. However, it's always advisable to work with your personal stylist when it comes to such type of a dress since measurements are very crucial for the dress to be in place yet still keeping you comfy. Source: etsystatic Ankara Sundress Who would not want a casual dress for the summer season! The Ankara sun dress serves just right during the hot and sunny weather. Its usually regarded as a casual dress as its a combination of sleeveless and collarless with straps running down the shoulder. Source: stylepantry Ankara Shirt Dress Well, talk of creativity, Ankara shirt dress is made in a creative style to resemble a mans shirt with buttons running along the front part with a collar accompanied by long sleeves to make the resemblance even more incredible. The fabric also makes the style to be outstanding with its cotton nature. Nonetheless, for the sassy diva, wrapping up the dress with a casual belt, since its usually loose, will complete the look. As for the length, its usually just above the knees which makes it perfect for casual wear. Source: naija Source: madivasmag Ankara Shirt and Blouse Apart from the dresses, Ankara also makes very beautiful skirts and blouses. The skirt can be made to be short or long depending on your preference. Usually, the dress is split into two to make the skirt and blouse. Its one of the many alterations that stylists have come up with to make the fashion world trendy and amazing. Source: pinimg Generally, in as much as there are different styles of African dresses made from Ankara fabric in the market, its usually advisable to look for the one that blends well with the shape of your body. Different Ankara dresses with their designs and color patterns fit people differently and hence do not rush to shop for a dress just because it looks good on someone else. Consider your body shape first. Fortunately, Ghanaian stylists never go wrong when making the Ankara dresses as they consider their customers body shape in coming up with a style that suits them. The tall slim beautiful ladies are usually good in long dresses that bring out the curves of their body shape. The ideal style for them is usually the flared dress with a relatively tight fitting at the waist region. As for the ladies who were blessed with a plus size body, there are varied styles of Ghanaian dresses that give them just the best coverage that make them look decent but still elegant. Styles of Dresses with Lace Africa has not been left behind in designing dresses with the lace fabric. Even though the material is not originally from within the borders, designers have done a marvelous job in creating unique casual dresses from a material that is monotonously used in designing wedding gowns. There are various styles of lace dresses going around major market stores across the country that may be ideal for the warm weather. Just like the Ankara dress, lace dresses also vary in their length, color and patterns. Depending on your preference you can definitely get the type you want. They are usually ideal for casual occasions such as keystone birthday celebrations, weddings, award banquets and prom nights. Some of the pictures of elegant lace dress designs from our very own continental stylists are shown below. Source: etsy Source: etsy Source: etsy Source: etsy Styles of Chiffon Dresses The chiffon fabric is yet another type of material that our very own designers have been making exquisite designs out of. Its a very lightweight woven sheer material that was once made out of silk. Its commonly used as an evening wear because of its magnificent complement to the gown. However, its also very popular in blouses, carve and lingerie. With the right creative touch, the fabric can bring out the elegance, simplicity and high fashion appearance in a modern woman. Here are some of the latest styles of Chiffon dresses going round in Ghana that may be appealing to you. READ ALSO: Latest Ghanaian Dresses 2020 The Chiffon maxi dress The chiffon maxi dresses are one of the classic and fashionable designs that have never faded from the market. They have been significant even though there are different styles of dresses in Ghana competing for attention. However, the modern designs tend to be more colorful and flowy. In as much as they are usually ideal for formal events such as weddings and dinner, they can also be worn for the beach during the summer season. Source: modcloth Short chiffon dress Aside from the long and flowy maxi dress, the chiffon short dress is also good for a youthful and relaxing feeling. The length of the dress tends to range from mini-dresses to the knee-length types. Being one of the conventional Ghana chiffon styles, the short dress is preferred by a majority of people especially the youth for a weekend casual look. Source: rosegal The Chiffon blouse This kind of blouse cannot be overlooked in any topic of chiffon fabric. It fits in any occasion whether casual or formal. It can also be complemented by any other piece of clothing and will still stand out. It also blends well with any popular materials in Ghana. For instance, the Ankara fabric has been the most worn piece of clothing that blends well with the chiffon blouse. Nonetheless, you can also try out with lace or any other popular fabric and I bet you will still look amazing and trendy. Source: rosegal Styles of Dresses for weddings Whether traditional or modern setup, Ghana is always known for exclusive styles of dresses for wedding events. Taking into account that its a one-time event, the designers never seem to disappoint when designing the dresses, ranging from the wedding gowns, the bride maids dresses as well as the guests outfits. READ ALSO: Latest fashion dresses in Ghana 2020 However, unlike other regions, the Ghanaians seem to embrace their very own Kente fabric as a primary clothing piece. Other than being a national dressing piece of fabric, the kente is loved by its people and hence its no surprise that it features in many wedding events. Source: yen.com Interestingly, many Ghanaians in this generation are investing a lot of money and time for their weddings to be in traditional setup, and only have a touch of modern aspects. The brides and grooms adore vibrant colors of their traditional fabrics making the whole ceremony lively and memorable. The men usually wrap their cloth around their body and let it rest on their shoulder as they as they walk majestically full of confidence stating cultural pride. As for the women, designers take their time to make eye-catching dresses that reveal the true beauty of an African queen with some particular cuts that let out the curves but still leaves everything else for imagination. Its from the traditional and rich African heritage that many Ghanaian designers have come up with latest styles of dresses that incorporate the traditional and the modern era. Some of the dresses are shown below. Print dress Designs The print dress design basically represents the West Africans pride. Many Ghanaians stylists, in their effort to restore that pride, have come up with numerous designs for their people made from our very fabric such as Kente and Ankara. Even though it's a western Africa's trend, the practice has slowly crept into other parts of the continents. Nonetheless, many of the designs used are based on ones' preference, body shape, size as well as purpose. The dresses for a wedding need to be appealing yet decent. Source: yen.com African Lace dress styles The lace dress is another trendy design in many wedding events in Ghana. Its a modern outfit and even though it may appear to be more westernized its one of the very own African styles. It's usually preferable for people who may be a little bit cautious when it comes to styles and fashion as it brings out a neutral and simple nature without dwelling so much on African style while at the same time not so much on western culture either. Nonetheless, many stylists have their own way coming up with their unique designs in sewing lace to make it look simple yet outstanding as some will have it on the collar regions, others around the arms and the for daring ones, they will use the fabric in making a full-length dress. Whichever design you find best, make sure it suits you and makes you feel like you really own it. Source: yen.com Generally, when it comes it comes to African fashion, whether in weddings, formal event or even casual weekend look, there is nothing that makes it stand out than incorporating our very own fabric in design. That is why the Kaba dresses are also increasingly becoming trendy in the Ghanaian fashion world while the kente, Ankara, dashiki and kitenge styles do not seem to fade from the market. READ ALSO: Smock dress in Ghana: 5 ways to rock it Nonetheless, women in Ghana have a lot to experiment in, judging from the competitiveness of the market in the fashion world. Ghana has a lot to offer when it comes to the latest styles of dresses in the in the country and even though there is close proximity with other western African regions in terms of dressing, the national prints and the creativity of the Ghanaian designers make the country to be among the best in the continent. They know exactly how to play around with prints and patterns as well as incorporating traditional designs in their modern outlook. Source: Yen Everyone has a dream. A purpose, a definite journey in life, Thats what we believe at Middlesex, we believe that you are made for more. So when you join Middlesex for a Masters degree programme, you are already on your way to enjoying a promising career. With a learning environment closely connected to the real world, Under the mentorship of industry expert academics with international profiles, And with world class facilities at our campuses in London, Dubai, Malta & Mauritius. Just ask the hundreds of students from Nigeria who have chosen to build their career with us every year. With prices starting from just $5000 we offer world class education at an affordable price. 90% of our research is internationally recognized. Our graduates work with Airbus, Apple, BBC, BP, Emirates, J.P Morgan, Oracle and Samsung, amongst others. Are you Made for More? Take the NEXT step to achieving your dreams; book an appointment to speak with or be contacted by Our Regional Manager here Source: Yen Moesha Boduong, one of the most popular personalities on Ghanaian social media, has come under fire for an interview she granted to CNN's Christiane Amanpour. The criticisms have been so fierce that some could be deemed as a personal attack on Moesha who plays a role in the popular TV series, Coco Brown. But Moesha is not new to controversy and being lambasted for her actions. In fact, she is on record to have stated that she actually likes it when people insult because it helps to get gigs. YEN.com.gh has listed five times Moesha Boduong has been in the news for the wrong reasons 1. Ghanaians are villagers comment: Moesha came for some serious bashing on social media in January 2018 after she was reported to have described Ghanaians as villagers. Moesha, while reacting to concerns from Ghanaians over semi-nude photos she had released at the time which were deemed to have exposed that her private part. I am thick and fleshy, but what they see in the picture is not my p**sy, its just my side thigh, nothing was showing, Ghanaians are just villagers, she reportedly said. This statement angered Ghanaians who tore into her on social media. READ ALSO: Moesha Boduong ignores critics; Releases new 'killer' photo 2. Her verse in a poetry song about orgy: Moesha was featured poetry song by Nenebis released in September 2016. For her part in the song titled Me, My Selfie and Eyes which also featured Mzbel, Moesha reacted to those who criticise her for craving for attention with a controversial statement. You call me an attention whore, isnt our attention what even God is fighting for? she retorted in the song. A section of Ghanaians did not take kindly to her, literally, comparing herself to God. 3. I prefer old men because young ones are womanisers comment: In October 2017, Moesha came under fire over comments that she preferred to date older men. According to her, older men stick one woman at a time unlike younger men who are womanizers I like dating people who are 10 years older or 5 years older than me, I just think grown-ups treat you better, Ive never been lucky with young guys, the first young guy I was withthey like girls too much so I prefer older men because they are more matured and teach you a lot of things, she said. Her statement landed her in some trouble on social media as many, especially the guys, blasted her for what they described as her choice for material things from the older men. READ ALSO: 13 wild photos of Moesha Boduong that no Ghanaian man can resist 4. I'll win Oscars for Ghana statement: Moesha got many people mocking her on social media after claiming that she will win Ghana's first Oscars award. According to those who mocked her, as an actress, she had not acted in any major role in any 'serious' movie to even win a Ghana Movie Awards accolade. So her ambition was just not realistic for them. Some even went as far as questioning her 'supposed' acting talent. 5. I sleep with married men for money: Currently the hottest topic in Ghana, Moesha has been lambasted from left to right for saying on CNN that Ghana's economy is so bad that women literally have to sleep with men for financial support. In the no-holds-barred interview with Christiane Amanpour in which Moesha talked about her personality, sex, and love, among others, Moesha revealed that she cannot survive in the In Ghana, our economy is such a way that you need someone to take care of you. You cant make enough money as a woman here. Because even when you want to get an apartment, in Ghana they take two years advance and I just started working where will I get money to pay?, she stated. Her statement, especially the generalization that most young Ghanaian women do what she does, has received a flurry of condemnations from a section of Ghanaians who feel Moesha's statement is demeaning to hardworking Ghanaian women. READ ALSO: Photos of Osei Kwame Despites beautiful wife are setting social media on fire On top of these, Moesha often comes in the news for sharing revealing and provocative photos of her hourglass self on social media. In the video below, the deputy education minister, Mrs Barbara Ayisi, speaks on how President Akufo-Addo inspires her, and how the president's success story must also inspire the youth of Ghana to greater heights: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now! Source: Yen Newspaper - Pastor Mensa Otabil has made posts on social media that suggest he has taken a dig at Moesha - The popular man of God took to his social media account to open fire over the issue - Moesha Boduong came under heavy fire after her interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour went viral The leader and founder of International Central Gospel Church headquartered in Accra, Pastor Mensa Otabil, has waded into an ongoing controversy after a video involving actress Moesha Boduong. The video which has angered a lot of Ghanaians on social media who called out the actress for insulting hardworking Ghanaian women who are trying hard to make a living for themselves in decent jobs and professions. Pastor Mensa Otabil READ ALSO: Shatta Wales friend 'chopped' Efia Odo and gave her 4,000 cedis - Social media user claims The man of God, in reacting to the issue, took to his official Twitter handle and made did not mince any words even though he did not directly mention any names. One of his posts read, Those who spend their lives trying desperately to be what they are not, end up as frustrated carbon copies who get bypassed by the world." Turning his attention to sponsors who decide to spend their monies on single ladies for sexual favors, the man of God opined, It is not wise for a man to work hard just to give all his money to a woman he has no intention of marrying in the first place. To any man doing this, please, for your own sake, be wise! READ ALSO: 13 of the wildest Moesha Boduong photos The popular pastor went on to admonish the youth to learn to be independent instead of depending on others for the financial safety and survival. He also clamored for people to rather exploit their God-given potentials To this effect, the post made by the pastor read, There is little that our generation can achieve if we do not break the spirit of dependency. We have what it takes to do great things. But it starts with us believing in our God-given potentials. Actress Moesha Babiinoti Boduong attracted heavy criticism from social media after she made some comments regarding Ghanas economy and how difficult it was living as a woman in the country. READ ALSO: Photos of Osei Kwame Despite's wife pop up In the video below, the deputy education minister, Mrs Barbara Ayisi, speaks on how President Akufo-Addo inspires her, and how the president's success story must also inspire the youth of Ghana to greater heights: YEN is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YENs official Facebook page. Source: Yen Embattled Ghanaian Instagram model and actress, Moesha Boduong, is denying media reports that she is hitting back at her critics over her controversial CNN interview. According to Moesha, she has not made any Facebook comment, therefore social media posts alleging that she has replied her critics are fake and should be disregarded. Moesha Buduong READ ALSO: Photos of Osei Kwame Despite's wife pop up In the Facebook post, the slay queen was quoted to have said: Allow the Saints to Throw Stones At You gather them and Use it to Build Your house. Goodmorning. But shortly after an Instagram handle @ghpaparazzi shared the post, Moesha responded: Fake account pls ???? I'M not on Facebook. Moesha has come under fierce attacks and criticisms after she told CNN that she basically sleeps with married men for her two years house rent and other affluent lifestyle. Her comments in an interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour has generated huge controversy on various social media platforms. READ ALSO: 13 wild photos of Moesha Boduong that no Ghanaian man can resist In Ghana, our economy is such a way that you need someone to take care of you. You cant make enough money as a woman here. Because even when you want to get an apartment, in Ghana they take two years advance and I just started working where will I get money to pay?, She told Christiane Amanpour Stunned by Moeshas revelation, CNNs Christine Amanpour asked her are you basically telling me that you are having sex with this guy to pay your rent? However, Moesha in a responds said, Because he can afford to take care of you. He takes care of me, my financials, my apartment, my car, my rent everything. However, many Ghanaian personalities including Counselor Lutterodt, actor John Dumelo, musician Eazzy, DKB, and others have jabbed her for what they described as a shameful comment. READ ALSO: Mzbel 'wickedly' mocks Samira Bawumia in a latest Facebook video Hon. Barabara A. Ayisi speaks to YEN.com.gh about how President Nana Akufo-Addo inspires her: Yen.com.gh is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Message us on Facebook. Source: Yen - Stonebwoy will perform at the 2018 VGMAS despite his name not being on the list of performers released earlier in the week - This was disclosed by Charterhouse PRO George Quaye on Friday Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy will be among the list of performers for the 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), YEN.com.gh can report despite being excluded from the list initially. Charterhouse, organisers of the event, released the list of performers for the show on Wednesday. The list had Sarkodie, Samini, Kwesi Arthur, Joe Mettle, King Promise, Kidi and Fancy Gadam as some of the artistes billed to perform. Others were Efya, Adina, MzVee, Kuami Eugene, Praye and Akosua Agyepong with Nigeria's Tiwa Savage and South Africa's Nasty C completing the list as the African artistes for the night. READ ALSO: 13 wild photos of Moesha Boduong that no Ghanaian man can resist Curiously, Dancehall artistes Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy were missing from the list. As two of Ghana's best music performers currently, their absence from the list left some questions on the lips of Ghanaians. Later, reports suggested the two were not included because Zylofon Media, the record label managing them, demanded too much money for their performance. But speaking in an interview on TV3's New Day Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Charterhouse, George Quaye revealed that Stonebwoy will perform at the event. READ ALSO: Photos of Osei Kwame Despites beautiful wife are setting social media on fire It is not yet known what might have caused the change of mind but it is believed that Charterhouse and Zylofon have reached an agreement. The 2018 VGMAs comes off at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC) on Saturday, April 14, 2018. This year's awards ceremony is the 19th edition and it is under the theme Our Music Beyond Borders. Undoubtedly, the biggest night in Ghana's music industry, it will honour players in the industry for their works over the 2017/2018 music year. READ ALSO: Anointing oil fire kills girl who sought spiritual help to pass WASSCE In below, the deputy education minister, Mrs Barbara Ayisi, speaks on how President Akufo-Addo inspires her, and how the president's success story must also inspire the youth of Ghana to greater heights: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now! Source: Yen Ghanaian actress and 'slay queen', Moesha Boduong is currently under fire for comments she made during an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour but it looks like she is unperturbed. Moesha has taken to Facebook to share another wild photo of herself as she is known for. In what looks like a subtle response to her critics, Moesha captioned her beautiful photo "Love leads...Smile and Live your Life..." Moesha, often in the news for controversial reasons, has received a lot of bashing in the last 24 hours over her interview. READ ALSO: 13 wild photos of Moesha Boduong that no Ghanaian man can resist In the interview, Moesha revealed that she had been sleeping with a married man in order to survive. In Ghana, our economy is such a way that you need someone to take care of you. You cant make enough money as a woman here. Because even when you want to get an apartment, in Ghana they take two years' advance and I just started working where will I'll get money to pay?, she told Christiane Amanpour. Shocked by the revelation, CNNs Christine Amanpour asked her are you basically telling me that you are having sex with this guy to pay your rent? READ ALSO: Photos of Osei Kwame Despites beautiful wife are setting social media on fire Moesha responded saying Because he can afford to take care of you. He takes care of me, my financials, my apartment, my car, my rent everything. However, her comments which also extended her sleeping with men for money lifestyle to Ghanaian women in general has irked a lot of Ghanaians who have condemned and attacked her for demeaning other hardworking women in the country. But looking at her latest social media activity, it does seem she is ignoring all the criticisms and living her life. READ ALSO: Anointing oil fire kills girl who sought spiritual help to pass WASSCE For someone who is on record to have said that she likes it when Ghanaians insult her because it fetches her money, it should not surprise anyone that she is not bothered by the incessant bashing so far. It may even be a plan for her to make more money if we are to believe her claim. In the video below, the deputy education minister, Mrs Barbara Ayisi, speaks on how President Akufo-Addo inspires her, and how the president's success story must also inspire the youth of Ghana to greater heights: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now! Source: Yen.com.gh Ghanas finest actor, John Dumelo has waded in on the conversation that has currently angered a lot of Ghanaians; Moesha Buduongs interview on CNN. The actor says Moesha Boduong has a point in her claim that some women in Ghana depend on men for financial support in return for sexual favours. Dumelo on Friday April 13, made a personal revelation about how several ladies approached him for money to pay rent or school fees and were willing to offer him sex in return. John Dumelo, actor. READ ALSO: I've not replied critics; ignore fake Facebook comments Moesha Boduong I have been in situations where ladies have messaged me to say that I need to pay my rent or my school fees or some favour in return Ill offer you something, the celebrated actor revealed on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM. Dumelo said in such case, he has had to turn them down and give them the needed assistance. I told the girl that I wouldnt do that. If you want money, Ill give you your money for your rent or whatever it is but Im not going to give you in return for your sexual favours or anything, he narrated to host of the Show, Daniel Dadzie. Social media has not been cool since Moesha posted the video on her Instagram on Wednesday, She had told CNNs Christiane Amanpour in a documentary that her motivation, just like other women in Ghana, for dating married men, is because the economy is tough. READ ALSO: Moesha apologises to Ghanaians for her comments on CNN In Ghana, our economy is such a way that you need someone to take care of you. You cant make enough money as a woman here. Because even when you want to get an apartment, in Ghana they take two years advance and I just started working where will I get money to pay? John Dumelo aligns with Moeshas statement but departed from her generalisation that women in Ghana depend on men financially. What I find wrong is that she generalized it and said every woman in Ghana depends on a man financially Dumelo said. Meanwhile, Moesha has come out to apologise to Ghanaians but has asked them to wait for the full video before they continue their backlash. READ ALSO: Don't blame Moesha, blame Poverty - Victoria Hammah defends Moesha In the video below, the deputy education minister, Mrs Barbara Ayisi, speaks on how President Akufo-Addo inspires her, and how the president's success story must also inspire the youth of Ghana to greater heights: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook page now Source: Yen.com.gh Sharing is caring! 120 shares Share 102 Tweet Pin 18 Malaysias thriving capital city is a colorful metropolis where every culture, religion, and taste smash together to form a new modern Asia unlike anywhere Ive ever been before. Lets visit Kuala Lumpur! The beating heart of Malaysia never stops, 24 hours a day it thrums along never sleeping and always alive, giving off a unique feel of energy that I havent really encountered in other big cities before. With a feeling of youthful ambition, Kuala Lumpur is quickly elbowing its way up the ladder of big cities demanding a visit in and of itself. Now, Ill be perfectly honest here; in terms of places to visit Kuala Lumpur wasnt at the tippy top of my wishlist. But I will say it had been on my radar for years and had increasingly piqued my interest as I frequently fly through there from New Zealand overseas its a popular transit city from the Pacific to, well, anywhere really. Hello affordable long-haul flights! And I had a stunning suite at the Ritz-Carlton waiting to embrace me when I arrived instead of a grueling airport layover followed up with another long-haul flight somewhere else. Well, I could get used to that. This time around instead of stopping through on my usual lightning trip, I decided to give Kuala Lumpur the attention it deserves, and spent a few days exploring both its famous features and rooting around trying to find the hidden gems that you know are buried here. And KL didnt disappoint, holy crap! Just you wait. Are you ready? Ive been back home for a week, and Im still dreaming (and drooling) over the incredible foods, stunning sites to visit, and especially the friendly people who are all but willing to shout from the rooftops of how much they love their city. Without any irony, I can say that Kuala Lumpur is a city that enchants, if you let it. First things first, I am a small-town country bumpkin at heart. Big cities arent always my jam. Im picky. Really picky. A city has to tick almost all of my boxes for me to rave about it. Spoiler alert KL does. But instead of just doing up another travel blogger list of all the same spots that you totally-definitely-MUST visit on a trip to Malaysia (yawn), I wanted to try something a bit different. I want to share my favorite memories from my adventure in a new country through words and photos. I want to bring you along with me on my trip and let you feel what I felt, discover what I discovered, hated and loved what I hated and loved. What do you think? Now, come with me on this visual and slightly verbal journey to the heart of Malaysia with 10 of my most dominating memories. And of course, dont hold back, and let me know what you think at the end. Now, enjoy! Laughter Solo female travel is kinda my thing and has been for a decade. But we arent exclusive. I really enjoy traveling with other people who I get along with and who have similar travel values i.e. let me be in charge and who love food. The people I explored Malaysia made the trip so much more fun than I think I would have had on my own. I joined up with Trey Ratcliff in Malaysia as part of his very cool project 80 Stays around the World project with the Ritz-Carlton, a campaign to inspire art, creativity and presence. What a coincidence, those are all concepts that Im all about in my own life and work! Ive been friends with Trey for years, a fellow American who lives near me in New Zealand, and for those of you who dont know of him, hes kinda of a big deal. One of the biggest photographers in the world, a bit of a humble gent who loves tech, every time we went on adventure together I couldnt stop smiling and laughing! Now those are the people you want to be traveling with, right? Flavors The story of Kuala Lumpur is best experienced through food, something, of course, I never object to when traveling. From sizzling satays to spicy rice dishes to fresh everything, all the mangos, all the coconuts, if you only come to Kuala Lumpur, let it be for the food. An absolute mecca for foodies, the mishmash of cultures and stories here really play into building KL into a city of feasts. Famous for street food, which of course I thoroughly enjoyed, I also made sure to check out more modern fares and local haunts, always on the hunt for the next best meal. Comfort Growing up on the urban east coast in the US, the Ritz-Carlton hotels have always been a part of my childhood memories. It was a great joy for me to begin to return to them in adulthood, you know, once I evolved past the backpacker phase of my late teens and early twenties shivers, glad that chapter is done and dusted. Where the ancient rivers of Gombak and Klang intersect in Kuala Lumpur lies the stunningly renovated Ritz-Carlton, which let me tell you, is so cozy you might find it hard to leave and journey outside. The unaffected luxury of the Ritz guarantees a pleasant time for a traveler like me. The friendliness of the kind souls who work here really made all of the difference for me, whether that was coming home back to my room after a long day exploring only to find a bubble bath drawn and hand-written note from my butlers (yes, plural) to the thoughtful touches hidden throughout the property, it was definitely my kind of place to escape to. And they have a library restaurant, need I say more? Fusion Kuala Lumpur is the textbook definition of a modern-day melting pot. Cosmopolitan and fresh, its three main ethnicities are Malay, Chinese, and Indian, all of which coexist and bring their own languages, cultures, religions, histories, traditions, and of course, foods to mix together and form a modern-day Malaysia. While Im no expert on commenting on cultures, I can say that this was what fascinated me the most about Malaysia, how one place would remind me of China, while others more spots in Southeast Asia. Of course its easiest to see when you visit some of the mosques and temples in the city, but I would recommend really opening your eyes and your heart while youre there and asking locals to share some of what they love about their city with you. Trust me, youll learn a lot. Radiant Im such a sucker for colorful places I mean, have you seen my Instagram? A veritable rainbow in real life, Im always drawn to the more vibrant places of the world, and Kuala Lumpur is no exception. From the incredible street art to the street food markets to the temples, mosques and other noteworthy spots, KL embodies the philosophy of why paint in beige when you can have a rainbow? Heat Kuala Lumpur is humid and hot. Thats all. Other pasty blonde folk of Scandinavian descent like me best prepare yourselves. Scents Kuala Lumpur is full of smells that are utterly unique and different from what Ive grown accustomed to in the mountains of New Zealand. I dont know whats gotten into me, but the more I travel, the more attune I become to the way places smell. And of course memory and smell are completely intertwined. As soon as I stepped out of the airport in KL, I was hit with the warm humidity that reminded me of my earlier trips to places like Bali and Bangkok, the urban smell of diesel and simmering fried woks. Perhaps what was most unique was the incense in the temples. Thats what I think of the most when I remember the smell of KL. Illuminate Treys a total night-owl. Im a bit of a grandma. The city really gets going when the sun goes down, the temperatures drop and people come out in droves. Kuala Lumpur at night is next level, and while I struggled to stay away past 10pm and keep up with Trey on his evening wanders in search of the best views of the city at night, I did manage to make up to one of the many rooftops of the high-rises that decorate the skyline. A trip with Trey wouldnt be complete without one city lights photo! How did I do? Exquisite High-tea in the afternoon is very much a thing in Asia (and of course other places too), and often when Im in these big cities I indulge. I mean, who wouldnt? There is just something so divine about dressing up and sitting down with friends in a beautiful space (just to enjoy yourself), sampling delicious exotic teas with smaller savory and sweet goodies. Why yes, Ill have two of everything! The Ritz-Carlton in KL does a fabulous afternoon tea thats worth treating yourself to, if only to just sit and relax in the wonderfully decorated lobby lounge, but I also highly recommend taking afternoon tea at the St. Regis to see another part of Kuala Lumpur. Rosy It was absolutely sweltering when we made our way out of the city center to visit the Putra Mosque, a place I had heard about but really wanted to clap eyes on. Completely pink, its probably one of the most memorable mosques Ive ever been to. For a big city that seems a bit impenetrable, Kuala Lumpur left me feeling nothing but rosy happy thoughts. My memories are all positive, filled with noodles and colors, of delicious spices and happy smiles among new friends. Its a place I wouldnt hesitate to return to again, and get to know a little better. Thank you Malaysia! What do you think? Have you been to Kuala Lumpur before? What are some of your favorite memories from a recent trip somewhere? Share! Many thanks to the Ritz-Carlton for hosting me in Malaysia like always Im keeping it real, all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me. Minister of Transport and Works, Senator Julian Francis said that he was not aware of a policy where road users must buy their own mirrors to be erected on posts. Opposition Senator, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste asked for Francis to indicate if it was a policy of the government for the provisioning of mirrors to be placed in areas where minor roads merged on to main roads, and where it was dangerous to do so, if this was the responsibility of the public. Bacchus-Baptiste told Parliament on Thursday, there are many areas between Prospect and Arnos Vale where such situations exist, and that the Traffic Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force was the agent who had indicated that it was the responsibility of vehicle operators and pedestrians to provide mirrors. "I take it that the member is speaking in the first person, that she inquired and was told that, the Minister said. "There is no such government policy. I dont know if the police independently established their own policy, Francis continued. But there was a bigger problem as it related to the placement of these mirrors. According to Francis, mirrors have been posted, but they tend not to last more than three months as they are often vandalized. The mirror located at Gun Hill, in Lowmans Leeward has had to be replaced four times the last time it was a contribution from a private individual. Francis added that there were other areas, not just the stretch of roadway between Arnos Vale and Prospect where the situation was such. Some thirty-three areas have been identified for the need of placement of mirrors; however, 16 were currently in possession of the government. "The mirrors came with a slender post, the bracket at the back was bigger, so we had to re-design the brackets, Francis explained. It was expected that they ought to be ready in a months time, he said, and then the public can expect them being erected in some "critical areas. At least one lawyer here has admitted that only lawyers benefit from Preliminary Inquiries (PI). But while admitting that lawyers have benefited over the years, and continue to benefit financially from this procedure, attorney Grant Connell is calling for it to be discontinued. Connell underscored that, even as the procedure continues, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is permitted by law to apply to the High Court for a Voluntary Bill of Indictment for the matter to be tried in that Court. He contended that in all such applications made, he cannot recall any that was turned down. The lawyer said this application could be made even after persons have been discharged at Preliminary Inquiries (P.Is. He noted that PIs cannot be dismissed as they are not trials. Connell represented Kendine Douglas, 30, of Rillan Hill, one of three men charged with double murder, one of the most recent cases to go before the High Court on a Voluntary Bill of Indictment. The matter stems from the shooting death of Police Constable Danroy Cozier and his brother Nicholas Cozier, almost a year ago. "It is very unfortunate that the Prosecutions application in this matter was not done eight months ago. The unnecessary delay caused a back-up on the Court list. We actually agreed on Paper Committal. I have said on several occasions that the existing P.I procedure is a waste of time. It is very unfortunate for an innocent man to sit in jail awaiting the completion of a PI when there is no evidence to make out a prima facie case, or that the evidence is so tenuous that it may not cross the threshold mid-way through a trial at the High Court, Connell explained. He pointed out that, with several adjournments, the PI process can take more than a year. "I think that it is time that we do away with it. I think this is the agreed view of both Prosecution and Defence, and we dont agree on much, Connell said. During an interview with THE VINCENTIAN December 27, last year, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche expressed the view that "Paper Committal is the way to go for 2018 and beyond, adding that there was Paper Committal legislation in place. The story was carried on the front page of THE VINCENTIAN December 29, 2017, headlined Paper Committal, the way to go. In a Paper Committal procedure, the Prosecution provides the defence with witness statements and exhibits, and both sides would agree as to what editing should be done to exclude any inadmissible evidence. The Magistrate would then look at the statements and exhibits to decide whether the matter should be sent to the High Court for trial. Witnesses are not called and cross-examined as in the regular oral Preliminary Inquiries. In a Voluntary Bill of Indictment procedure, the Magistrate has no say. The Prosecution makes the application to the High Court, and a Judge in Chambers makes the decision based on whatever evidence is taken before him. More than 350 civil society leaders from across the 53-nation Commonwealth of Nations, will gather in London, UK, next week for three days of discussion and debate on key issues facing the 2.4 billion people who live in the Commonwealth. The occasion will be the holding of the Commonwealth Peoples Forum, one of four such broad gathering which will precede the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the others being Forums for business leaders, women and youth. These Forums have become an integral part of the Heads meetings, and are designed to provide broader perspectives to the meetings of the Heads and the Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth countries. This year, in addition to their separate meetings, there will be a plenary of all the delegates of the four groupings on Tuesday, April 17. Vincentian Mr Renwick Rose, a civil society activist for over 40 years, is due to attend the Forum. He is a member of the Board of Civil Society Advisory Governors of the Commonwealth Foundation, and has participated in previous Peoples Forums in Nigeria, Australia and Malta. Mr Rose is scheduled to speak on a Panel on Tuesday 17th on the topic, "A Just World Order. He has also been asked to be one of the civil society representatives invited to engage in discussions with the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers on April 20. Inset: Dr Charles Goldfarb. Dr Gordon (back turned) examines a young patient as members of the local team look on. Right: Hannah is flanked by dad Stanley to her right, and mom Esmay, having journeyed from Anguilla. This has been the fourth visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines for Hannah, her mom Esmay and dad Stanley. Hannah is now 11 years old, and her parents say that she has come a long way, following the stroke she suffered as an infant, and which impaired her ability to function normally. Mom Esmay explained that before Hannah received correctional surgery, under the World Paediatric Project (WPP) five years ago, her daughter was unable to walk. But now, young Hannah is doing well. "I think they did a good job, Esmay said. The trio journeyed all the way from Anguilla to be here this week for a follow up visit with the visiting orthopedic team that arrived here last week under the WPP. Stanley too was pleased, and expressed his gratitude to the team that has allowed his daughter the opportunity of a normal childhood. "We had no other option until this (WPP) came on board, and we jumped on it to help our daughter, he said. So too, Mikhail from St Kitts/Nevis who was here with his younger brother Gevon. Mikhail explained that his brother is demonstrating a condition resembling Blounts disease, which is a growth disorder of the tibia, or shin bone, that causes the lower leg to angle outward, resembling a bow leg. He said that he was in the UK at the time, and his mom contacted him explaining that his brothers condition was getting to the point that it warranted immediate medical attention. For Gevon, it is the first time that he will be having a consultation with the WPP. And the story is the same for Delphine Warren and her son Casey of Calliaqua, and Cecilia, mother of Jayden from Carrierre in the Marriaqua Valley. Warren explained that her son was born with a condition known as Spina Bifida this is a type of birth defect commonly referred to as a neutral tube defect and occurs when the bones do not form properly around part of the babys spinal cord - Casey is now 11. Cecilia explained that her son had a condition on his foot from birth. Under the WPP, he was able to access corrective surgery, and he too is well on the way to leading a normal life. And despite their varying differences in medical conditions, all four families shared one common belief had it not been for the generosity of the WPP team, those based in the United States and in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the joy they share today would be non-existent. To date, an estimated 122 teams have visited SVG since the inception of the WPP in 2002, boasting 6,640 evaluations, with 853 surgeries being performed. The consultations, referrals, follow up visits and surgery, if required, are all done free of cost to the affected individual; however if a cost was to be attached, the estimated value of the services provided thus far is put at EC$27,609,246 (USD 10,178,423). Three teams have visited so far, and the orthopedic team was the fourth, and another orthopedic team is expected to arrive in September this year. And among the specialist teams expected this year are reconstructive/plastic surgery, ophthalmology, diagnostic cardiology and urology. According to Jacqueline Browne-King, Director of the Eastern Caribbean Program, the team would have seen 133 individuals, and performed about 35 surgeries, with individuals coming from across the region including Grenada, St Lucia, Barbados, St Kitts, Antigua and Anguilla. "We are very excited to be back, said Kate Corbett, Senior Program Director. She makes the trek every year with the orthopedic team who conducts consultations where referrals are made for surgery, therapy or in some instances, the condition needs more observation. "So its giving those families answers for what conditions their kids have, Corbett told THE VINCENTIAN. The team, which is expected to wrap up this medical mission today, is comprised of 14 individuals which include orthopedic surgeons, operating room staff and a physical and occupational therapist. Among the two surgeons on the team, Dr Charles Goldfarb is a specialist in the upper extremities, and Dr J Eric Gordon the lower extremities. The focus of this team was to deal with anything associated with bones and or soft tissue, Corbett said. It was expected to be a busy week, with the running of two operating theatres and, according to Corbett, it was expected that some of the referrals for surgery would be done here, but other more serious conditions may be referred directly to the US. She said that it is a good feeling to be able to come to the Caribbean and offer this type of medical service to the children. She credited the local team, and the local infrastructure, saying that the even after the team leaves, the local medical team is left to carry on the work of seeing patients. The team does a lot of teaching, to students enrolled in medical schools across the country, and to students from neighbouring territories. This ensures continuity, for individuals when they return to their respective countries, Corbett said. She explained that her involvement with the WPP was because her own sons life was saved by the medical community in St Louis, Missouri. Her participation is her way of giving back; she explained that she started a non-profit organization back in 2004, and it eventually merged with the WPP. "So with those two organizations, we are stronger, she said. "The WPP has been involved in St Vincent for a long time, and it means a lot to me because of my son and my passion as a mother. Coming here is always a joy, and I do feel a sense of family. We see patients once a year, but they are like family. There is a vision for the future, that vision is to ensure that 100 percent of children, locally and from around the region have access to medical care. This initiative was referred to as Transformation 2023 and according to Lauren McIntosh, Executive Director for the Eastern Caribbean who further explained that the expansion role for SVG, the hub, was for it to take on a more leadership role. "We will be working to build more capacity to see more children, she said. Global trade is expected to remain strong, with the merchandise trade volume growing 4.4 per cent in 2018 and 4.0 per cent in 2019, said Roberto Azevedo, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The continued expansion depends on robust global growth and governments' support for right trade policies, reported Emirates news agency Wam, citing an annual forecast from WTO. However, the WTO cautioned that there are signs that escalating trade tensions may already be affecting business confidence and investment decisions, which could compromise the current outlook. "The strong trade growth that we are seeing today will be vital for continued economic growth and recovery and to support job creation," said Azevedo in a news conference in Geneva yesterday (April 12). He warned that this important progress could be quickly undermined, if governments resort to the restrictive trade policies especially a tit-for-tat process that could lead to unmanageable escalation." Boeing has named its 2017 Supplier of the Year Award winners, recognizing 13 companies for the high-quality products, services and value they create for Boeing as well as its commercial airplanes; services; and defence, space and security customers. Strong performance and close collaboration with these award-winning suppliers in 2017 helped Boeing realize record commercial airplane deliveries, growth in our services business and solid defence, space and security performance. "Our continued success in an increasingly challenging business environment is driven in large part by having the aerospace industry's best team and talentand that includes the world's best supply chain," said Boeing chairman, president and CEO Dennis Muilenburg. "This year's Supplier of the Year award recipients all share a passion for innovation, collaboration and sustained exceptional performancequalities we look for in all of our industry partners." In 2017, Boeing spent almost $60 billion with nearly 13,000 suppliers from all 50 US states and 57 countries. Supplier-provided components, services and engineering support make up approximately 65 percent of the cost of Boeing products. "At a time marked by heightened competitive pressure, Supplier of the Year winners demonstrate an unrelenting dedication and commitment to Boeing and its global customers," said Jenette Ramos, senior vice president, Supply Chain & Operations. "They are among the best aerospace suppliers the world has to offer, and with their help, we will continue to lead the market by delivering value together throughout Boeing's second century." TradeArabia News Service With the start of the planned Airbus A320 Family aircraft deliveries starting in 2019, Lufthansa Group customers will be offered new seats on short- and medium-haul routes. The new, ergonomic pressure distribution and fully-structured seat upholstery will allow customers to have an ever more comfortable feeling on board. The newly, innovated literature pocket has been horizontally designed, leaving a slimmer backrest, which allows guests to enjoy more personal freedom. In addition, travel becomes more comfortable not only during the flight, but also while the aircraft is taxiing, during take-off and landing: Previously, guests were seated at a 12 degree inclination during the three phases mentioned above, whereas now they will be able to rest comfortably with their backrest at 20 degrees during the whole flight. Business Class guests can also set the backrest to 26 degrees during cruising altitude. Paul Estoppey, head of Product Cabin Lufthansa Group Hub Airlines said: "A lot of customer feedback went into designing the seat and we are pleased to have already received a lot of positive feedback on the implemented features over the course of the project. For the first time, the network airlines Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines are jointly introducing standardized seats for a harmonised, comfortable travel experience. In addition to the advantages for customers, the focus of development was also aimed at reducing weight and maintenance costs. After several preliminary talks, customer tests and quality audits, the Italian manufacturer Geven clearly won the contract for the production of the seats. "Geven has an excellent reputation in the industry, which we can fully confirm," Estoppey added. "The cooperation has been excellent from day one and we, as the Lufthansa Group, have always benefited from Geven's great expertise and creative support for the further development of the seat. TradeArabia News Service US Coast Guard Academy(NEW YORK) -- Missouris U.S. Senate contest could be tied to the fate of the states Republican governor, Eric Greitens, who is facing calls to resign after a shocking report detailing an alleged nonconsensual sexual encounter with his former hairdresser. The highly competitive race, in which both parties are heavily invested in winning, could determine which side controls the upper chamber in Congress next year. If the governor remains the governor up until Election Day, I think hell have a genuine impact on the election, said John Hancock, a former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. And that impact could hurt Republican candidate Josh Hawley, who has called for Greitens to step down, at the polls. A report by a bipartisan Missouri House Committee released Wednesday includes graphic testimony from Greitens former mistress, who alleges he bound her hands with tape, put a blindfold on her, took a partially nude photo of her and then threated to release the photo if she mentioned his name. He insists the relationship was purely consensual. This was an entirely consensual relationship, and any allegation of violence or sexual assault is false, he said in a statement. Hancock said if Greitens is still in office in November then at some point the biggest implication is what it could portend for turnout. If hes still the governor he will have some supporters and Josh Hawley would have called for his resignation and impeachment and potentially youd have a fissure in the Republican electorate that could be problematic. Democrat incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill also called for Greitens to resign. I think its terribly unfortunate for our state and I do think my opponent has been asleep at the wheel in terms of all the corruption around Jefferson City that hes failed to take a look at including the activities of the governor so thats unfortunate, McCaskill told ABC News. Hawley said the report from the Missouri state legislature contains shocking, substantial, and corroborated evidence of wrongdoing by Governor Greitens, behavior that is certainly impeachable." Hawley also called for Greitens to resign immediately to spare the people of Missouri. McCaskill is seen as one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats this year and is running in a state President Donald Trump won by 19 points in 2016. Another problem facing the governor and his party is that there are multiple ongoing investigations -- including one from Hawley, the state attorney general, and the House investigative committee, in addition to an upcoming criminal trial in May, meaning there will be a constant stream of news surrounding Greitens over the next few months. Jack Cardetti, a former Missouri Democratic Party spokesman, said talk of Greitens is sucking up the political oxygen at the moment. He added that the longer this drags on, the longer Eric Greitens remains governor, the worse for everybody in the Republican Party. But several lawmakers have called for Greitens resignation and the GOP leadership in the Missouri statehouse have said impeachment would be an option, although it would likely happen in a special session called after the legislature adjourns on May 18. Thus far Greitens has resisted calls to step down even as members of his own party call for it. Republican Rep. Ann Wagner said he is unfit to be governor. Other prominent Republicans in the state expressed their concern for the details revealed in the report but stopped short of calling for his resignation. The allegations in the report are very concerning. As I said previously, both the legislative and legal processes that are underway are appropriate and should continue moving forward, said Republican Sen. Roy Blunt in a statement. And GOP Rep. Vicky Hartzler said in a Facebook post: "The report issued today concerning Governor Greitens and his behavior surpasses disturbing. It is disgusting. This is not behavior befit for a leader in Missouri or anywhere else for that matter. Greitens declined to testify before the House's investigative committee and called the investigations agasint him a "political witch hunt." This is exactly like whats happening with the witch hunts in Washington, D.C., he said. As state attorney general, Hawley has conducted two investigations into the governor one for his administrations use of the text-destroying app Confide and another into the Greitens former charity. Hawleys investigation into the use of the messaging app found that Greitens' staff did not violate records laws. There were concerns the use of the app, which deletes messages and prevents recipients from saving them, went around open record laws. His investigation into the governors former veterans charity, The Mission Continues, is ongoing. Among the allegations in the case are whether or not Greitens or the charity violated federal law that forbids charities from taking part in political campaigns. The Missouri House investigative committee is expected to release a second report in the near future focused on the charity. Then there is the investigation by the St. Louis circuit attorneys office, where Greitens faces felony charges for invasion of privacy for allegedly taking a partially or fully nude photo and "subsequently transmitted the image contained in the photograph in a manner that allowed access to that image via a computer." That trial is scheduled for May 14. "In 32 days, a court of law and a jury of my peers will let every person in Missouri know the truth and prove my innocence," Greitens said in a statement Thursday night. I think probably if not every day then every other day there will be more news about one of these things going on, said Peter Joy, director of the Criminal Justice Clinic at Washington University in St. Louis. Joy noted that even if Greitens is convicted as part of the criminal investigation he could continue in the gubernatorial mansion. He could still be governor because he could appeal it. I am certain there will be an appeal if he is convicted, he said. And the irony of all of this is that the governor ran on a campaign that he was going to clear up all the corruption. I just think hes backed himself into a bad corner on all of this. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. On art, music, books, movies, politics, life - sometimes with astrology thrown in. On January 17, 2018, an eight-year-old Bakarwal girl was found dead in Rasana village of Kathua district in J&K. She was starved, sedated, raped, gang-raped, choked to death with her scarf and her head crushed with a stone before being thrown in a jungle, in the woods where once she used to graze her ponies. In protests that have erupted against the murder, Talib Hussain has been at the forefront. Talib, 27, left his law practice in Delhi to return home to Mansar, 62 km from Jammu, and work for securing the rights of the nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. On January 21, Talib was arrested by the police while leading a protest rally in Kathua town against the local authorities for failing to arrest the girls murderers and allegedly hushing up the case. He was only released the next day after outrage in the Assembly.Since then he has been at the forefront to secure justice for the victim. Support TwoCircles In a short interview, Talib spoke with Raqib Hameed Naik about the sudden interest of mainstream media in the case, dangers to the Muslim community in the region and about his expectations of justice for this case. TCN: The Kathua rape incident happened close to three months ago. Why do you think did the Indian mainstream media ignored it for so long? TH: After the world took notice of this case, Modi-loving media has come out all of a sudden to cover it so as to protect their credibility. I think there is also a bigger political conspiracy behind it because this is the same media which remained silent for three months when we were protesting on streets almost every day. They will cover it for some days and later when things cool down they will disappear. It is very suspicious as well. TCN: Do you think that the issue of this case is an indicator of far bigger dangers to the Muslim community in the region? TH: This all is being done to polarise the state for the upcoming assembly elections because they have failed on their promises. They have divided the opinion of the people on the basis of religion. It is all a vote bank politics which every party is playing in the state either it is BJP, Congress or Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP). Half of the leaders of Hindu Ekta Manch were from Congress. The case is being presented as a Hindu-Muslim story by the BJP so that at the national level, it is made to look like the Hindus in Jammu are in danger and the BJP needs to be brought back to the power to save them. The BJP in Jammu has been promoting a propaganda against the Gujjar-Bakerwal community in the region that they are anti-Hindu, land grabbers, forest encroachers. They wanted to do their job and they have done it by polarising the state and the country. This case was used as a spark to ignite riots in J&K and they will make that happen before the elections. TCN: The protests by lawyers in support of the accused have come as a shock to many Indians, but as someone who is familiar with the issue, does it surprise you? Is it not true that anti-Muslim feelings have been promoted for the past many years now in the region? TH: They have brought us the shame. I am not very surprised by their protest. The lawyers outside Jammu have always been playing the communal game set by the Sangh, but the Jammu lawyers have also joined them. How communal the Jammu Bar has become can be proved by the fact that when they were asked to support the protest call by the Bar president, Doda setting aside the ideologies, against the imposition of PSA against Advocate Hassan Babur Nehru in 2016 who spoke against the Kashmir killings, they had declined their support probably because he was a Muslim.But when a Jammu lawyer was beaten in Gandhi Nagar, all the bars across Jammu division had protested. TCN: What are your expectations for this case? Do you believe that justice for the victim girl is possible in a state like Jammu and Kashmir? TH: I am not optimistic that she will get justice in the backdrop of communal politics being played at the state and national level. This is the first incident which has received global attention despite the fact there are numerous such cases that await justice both in Kashmir and Jammu. This vote bank politics being played by all the political parties should stop immediately. I personally feel that when Hindu and Muslim from Jammu will come together and raise their voice in unison against the culprits and those who tried to communalize the issue that will count as justice to her. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Europe must increase its efforts to integrate Muslims and eradicate religious hate speech, Muslim World League (MWL) chief Mohammed al-Issa has declared. Breitbart reports in its article Global Islam Body Demands Europe Ban Religious Hate Speech that al-Issa said that "we believe that European countries, where there is much debate now, and other countries around the world need to enhance national assimilation programmes and criminalise hatred and contempt for adherents of religions because this threatens the safety of the community. Without giving specific details, the wealthy Saudi figure told the international news agency that the MWL has programmes and curricula that enhance national assimilation and which can courageously and forcefully confront all forms of extremism, as well as special programmes to thwart efforts to infiltrate the Muslim community. Widely regarded a promoter of the Kingdoms fundamentalist Wahhabi ideology which critics allege is the basis for jihadi violence across the globe, the MWL is very active in nations of Europe which have a large number of Muslim residents, such as Britain and France. As well as encouraging followers of Islam to be more religiously observant and promoting global solidarity among Muslims, the body also seeks to propagate a conservative brand of the religion and convert nonbelievers, according to the Pew Research Center. At the weekend, al-Issa said the MWL is pouring all of its resources into fighting the extremism wrongly labelled as Islam, and the opposite extremism known as Islamophobia both of which he labelled evil forces which threaten the global safety of humanity, according to Arab News. But critics say that the teachings at MWL-controlled mosques promote hatred, with the Belgian government just last month terminating Saudi Arabias 50-year lease of the countrys oldest mosque, which was accused of promulgating a strain of Islam suspected of playing a very significant role in violent radicalism. Concerns about the mosque, which is situated less than half a mile from the European Commission headquarters, grew after Islamic fundamentalists carried out a string of jihadi terror attacks in Belgium, including bombings at Brussels airport and a city metro station in 2016 that claimed 32 lives. At a roundtable event last month, commission vice-president Frans Timmermans discussed migration, anti-Muslim discrimination, and the threats of right-wing and Islamic extremism with ten imams who are based in EU member states. Islam is part of our history, Islam is part of our present and Islam will be part of our future, he said, adding that the Commission is strongly committed to promoting diversity in Europe. The People's Writer, secretary of the Azerbaijani Writers' Union, President of the Azerbaijani PEN Centre Chingiz Abdullayev, told the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza about the artistic intelligentsia's problems. - What attention does the Azerbaijani leadership pay to the artistic intelligentsia? - Not only the president, but also the first vice-president, pay great attention to artistic unions. The Union of Writers introduced special presidential scholarships, which are annually granted to 70 writers so they can create their works. In addition, special presidential scholarships are also granted to young people. Azerbaijan is the only country in the world where literary magazines and newspapers receive public funding. This system was introduced by our national leader Heydar Aliyev. This is evidence of the state's concern for its literature, its future and young talented children. Our PEN Club is the organization independent from the state, but we are provided with substantial assistance as well. We create a unique system in which writers can post their works in Russian and Azerbaijani languages on the Internet and get paid for it. Anyone who reads their works will make a certain payment to the account of this organization, which, in turn, will pay the writers. It's really great. We would also like to use English, in addition to Russian language, in this system, because a lot of people in the world use it. Hundreds of millions people can read in Russian, but in English - billions. Among these billions, there may be five, ten, twenty thousand readers who want to read the books of our writers. - How much is Russian literature in demand in Azerbaijan? - A lot of people read it. Many books are brought to our stores from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. We still have the journal Literary Azerbaijan and the newspaper Mir Literatury in Russian. Ironically, after gaining independence, the number of young writers and poets writing in Russian has started to grow. This paradox is understandable, because before the whole Soviet Union could read them, and now it is more difficult. In addition, there is the Internet, where you can find about 700 million books in Russian. What book should you write in Russian or Azerbaijani, and translate it into Russian, so that someone in the world would like to read it?! Not Tolstoy, not Chekhov, not Dostoevsky, but you. If you do not create your original text, then no one will read you. Nevertheless, many people write books, including in Russian. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Azerbaijani Writers' Union, Anar, has always written in Azerbaijani. (I translated one of his books into Russian, although after that I swore to never translate again, because it is easier to write five new books than translate one - because a translator should pick up the words that strictly follow the author). Anar wrote his last his novel 'Night Thoughts' in Russian, which he knows as good as I do, having received three higher educations in Russian. Azerbaijan is the only country in the world, which president studied in Russian at MGIMO and taught future diplomats in this language, some of whom even became ministers and ambassadors. So we have no problems with the Russian language. - How do you maintain humanitarian contacts with other countries? - We have excellent relations not only with Russia, but also with Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Central Asia, the Baltic countries. The former Soviet Union was torn apart, but humanitarian ties were not lost. We are linked by common historical experiences of the past several centuries, as well as the Russian language. When a Ukrainian, Moldovan, Kazakh, Azerbaijani and Georgian meet, it is the Russian language that helps them understand each other. Our big delegation will arrive in Ankara to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the chairman of the Azerbaijani Writers' Union, Anar, through the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY). - A poet in Russia is more than a poet. What about writers in Azerbaijan? - I've been in 79 countries, even in besieged Baghdad under Saddam Hussein, I visited Singapore, South Africa and South America, and I know that Baku is the only city in the world which have so many monuments of poets and writers. Their number exceeds the number of monuments to the rulers, padishahs and sultans. We have a Nizami Mausoleum, that is thousands of years old. Fizuli is buried near the Imam Hussein Mosque, which is a holy place for the Shiites. Writers used to be thought leaders. People still create their worlds, but the situation has changed a lot. They're not thought leaders anymore. And not only in Azerbaijan, but in the entire former Soviet Union. In 1917, they announced that there was no God, and literature replaced religion. And in 1991 they announced that there was no conscience either. It turned out that there is no conscience, there is no religion, and there is no God. Like Dostoevsky said: "If there is no God, what kind of captain am I?". When everything broke up, there were no moral authorities left. But Hemingway said that a writer should have the conception of a conscience "as unchanging as the standard meter in Paris." I knew people who were symbols of courage, symbols of absolute decency in the Soviet era - they were not afraid of threats, were not afraid of reprisals. But after 1991, some of them radically changed - they were broken by bloody power of money. What the Soviet authorities and censorship failed to do, was made by the power of money. People broke down, adjust to new realities and cut corners. Once decent people laid aside their relatives and friends. Unfortunately, such deference is now paid to writers neither in Russia, nor in Azerbaijan, nor in Georgia. But at the same time, a writer's word still matters and causes the respectful attitude that has always been in the East. When the Karabakh events began and bloody clashes broke out between the two peoples, people gathered and went to the houses of writers. They did not go to the Party Central Committee, or the district committee, they went to writers and poets, hoping they can give them some advice. That's how it was. That is, deference still exists. I hope that it will continue that way. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has refuted the reports about the shelling of a civilian truck in Armenias border village, spokesman for the ministry Vagif Dargahli said. "The information that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire at a civilian truck in Armenias Baghanis border village is false," Trend cited him as saying. Earlier, Spokesman for the Armenian Defense Ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan wrote on his Facebook page that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on a civilian truck near Baghanis border village in Armenias Tavush province. A concert dedicated to Ilham Aliyev`s landslide victory in the presidential election has been held in the park in front of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, first vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva and family members attended the event. TV host Murad Dadashov invited President Ilham Aliyev to the stage. President Aliyev, greeting the audience, thanked the Azerbaijani people for their support in the elections; "I always feel the support of the Azerbaijani people, I always rely on this support. The support of the Azerbaijani people plays an important role in my activities. I always try to serve the people with devotion and dignity," he said. According to him, on April 11, the Azerbaijani people made their choice, once again voted for the current policy. "Voted for stability, development, progress, independent policy. Azerbaijan, which conducts an independent policy, has reached unprecedented heights today. Our international authority is growing every day. Azerbaijan, on a global scale, deserves even greater respect, the domestic situation in the country is stable. The Azerbaijani people live in peace, prosperity, all freedoms are guaranteed," the head of state stressed. He noted that the presidential elections held in Azerbaijan once again showed that all freedoms are ensured in the country, Azerbaijan is successfully moving along the road of democracy. "The open, transparent, fair elections held in the country reflect the will of the Azerbaijani people. The support given to me inspires me even more, gives me even more strength. Our people voted for the fulfilled real deeds, for future affairs, and also for a happy future. I am confident that our country will continue to develop successfully. Azerbaijan will continue to live under conditions of stability and security," President Aliyev noted. "Today Azerbaijan is a strong state. We must build an even stronger state. Our path is the path of independence. No outside force can make us turn from this path. This way is a conscious choice of the Azerbaijani people. We are an independent country. We are a great people. Only a great people can achieve such results. Azerbaijan can achieve such success only in conditions of independence. Our destiny is in our hands," Aliyev added. Ilham Aliyev also appealed to the Azerbaijani youth. "The future of our country is in your hands. We are proud of our youth. The young generation that is growing up in the future will manage Azerbaijan, lead it into a happy future along the path of independence. We are an independent, strong country. We follow the path that we have chosen. I am confident that this path will lead Azerbaijan to a happier future," he stressed. The President noted that the government's policy will lead Azerbaijan into a happier future. Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva met with artists on the stage and posed with them for photographs. The event ended with a spectacular firework display. The Kremlin needs time to study the MPs proposal on anti-sanctions: any measures should not harm Russias interests, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "We havent studied in detail the essence of the proposed package of anti-sanctions yet; some time will be needed for it, but in any case we can assume that any measures that will be taken will not harm the Russian national interests," Peskov said. The Kremlin spokesman said that Russian President Vladimir Putin repeatedly stated that these interests are a priority when making such decisions. "Our parliamentarians interest in the issue of countering the unfriendly sanctions policy that some states are conducting against our country can be accounted for, and it is clear that the MPs are working on the issue of minimizing the effects of these restrictions for our country and on retaliatory measures," TASS cited him as saying. Peskov restated that the Russian presidential administration would "need time to analyze the lawmakers opinion, this lawmaking initiative in order to formulate some position later." Responding to a question on whether the interests of Russian citizens as consumers of certain products will be affected, the spokesman noted that "this is a uniform understanding - the interests of the citizens and the interests of the country." State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin reported the introduction of the draft law today. A solo exhibition of well-known photographer Reza Deghati has been launched at the Heydar Aliyev Center. Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening of the exhibition arranged in the center`s park. Addressing the event, Reza Deghati hailed tolerance in Azerbaijan. He thanked Azerbaijan`s Fist Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for support. The photographer said he will launch his exhibition of works on Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliyev Center in a month. Participants of the event viewed the exhibition, which features 60 photographs taken by Reza Deghati in Azerbaijan, France, Egypt, Turkey, China, Afghanistan and other countries in different years, AzerTAc reported. Reza Deghati for the first time visited Azerbaijan in 1987. In 1997, he lived in Azerbaijan for several months and traveled across the country taking pictures of ordinary people in their everyday life, customs and traditions of various people. Reza has covered much of the globe for National Geographic Magazine. Several films about Reza's work have been produced by National Geographic Television, most notably Frontline Diaries, which won an Emmy Award in 2002. Reza's photographs have been exhibited in major cities throughout the world. War+Peace (2009), an exhibit featuring thirty years-worth of Reza's photojournalistic adventures, was held at the Caen Memorial (Peace Museum) in Normandy, France. One World, One Tribe (2006), was the National Geographic Museum's first outdoor exhibition in Washington D.C, and Reza's landmark exhibition in Paris, drew a million visitors. Azerbaijan's first vice president Mehriban Aliyeva has met with young Azerbaijani inventors Reyhan Jamalova and Zahra Gasimzade, who founded the world-famous startup Rainergy. At the meeting, the 15-year-old inventors gave detailed information about their project and future plans. They explained that Rainergy collects rainwater and generates energy from it. The device of the young inventors can open up wide opportunities for further development of the alternative energy sources in the future. The first vice president said that such talented youth of Azerbaijan encourage and delight her. Noting her proud that such a young generation is growing up in the country, Mehriban Aliyeva said the state will provide necessary support for their project, and, in general, always pay attention to young talents and small startups. Rainergy, invented by Reyhan and Zahra, the 9th grade students of the experimental pilot classes of the Istek Lyceum, attracted a great interest at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2017 and was especially noted by US President's Adviser Ivanka Trump. Russia's Federation Council is looking to adopt counter-sanctions against the US, under which the country may ban exports of titanium components to aircraft giant Boeing, according to Russian Senator Sergey Ryabukhin, RT reports. "Among the rare earth metals that Russia supplies to the United States is titanium, which is necessary for the technological cycle of production of Boeing," Ryabukhin told RIA Novosti. Russia could also ban the supply of RD-180 engines used by NASA and the Pentagon, the senator added. These rocket engines are used not only by NASA, but also by the Pentagon on their satellites. It means the US uses these rocket engines to launch their military satellites," he said. Three people were wounded by the detonation of a landmine in Armenia's Tavush province today, a spokesman for the defense ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan said. He said the residents of the Aygedzor community accidentally stepped on the mine, which detonated causing them all serious injuries. According to the spokesman, all the wounded were rushed to the hospital in the town of Berd, ARKA reported. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to the five permanent members of the Security Council to break the current deadlock on reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and prevent the situation spiralling out of control in the war-torn country, Financial Express reported. I have also been closely following developments in the Security Council and regret that the Council has so far been unable to reach agreement on this issue, Guterres said in a statement. Let us not forget that, ultimately, our efforts must be about ending the terrible suffering of the Syrian people, he added. Guterres said that he called the ambassadors of the five permanent Council members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States on Wednesday to reiterate his deep concern about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control. Bo Xuan Hiep PHU QUOC What comes to mind when you think of Phu Quoc Island? Pristine beaches, historic sites, Buddhist shrines, or fishing villages? These are the dominant images among visitors and tourists, but today you cannot enter a cafe or shop on the island without hearing heated conversations about the price of land. Early next year, the island is slated to become a special administrative economic unit, which has sparked a firestorm of interest among real estate brokers, mostly from Ha Noi and HCM City. Investors are flocking to the island looking for land, pushing prices up in anticipation of the new administrative designation, which would offer preferential incentives for development. Phu Quoc, known as the Pearl Island of Kien Giang Province, was once a sleepy area of around 100,000 people. In recent years, however, the 567sq.m island has become a tourist mecca for thousands of visitors from around the world. The inevitable problems that come with such rapid growth have not escaped the area. Land disputes, fraud, pollution and social disorder are only a few of the issues that local authorities now face. Because of the massive profits from land speculation, nearly every resident on the island, including motorbike drivers and vendors, wants to take part in the risky but lucrative game. One broker, who declined to be named, said land prices at prime locations on Tran Hung ao Street had reached crazy heights of more than VN100 billion (US$4.38 million) per cong (1,000sq.m), while land costs in Cua Duong Commune had soared to VN1.5 billion-VN5 billion per cong. Beachfront property can cost over VN25 billion ($1.1 million) per cong, but land owners are waiting to sell because the price is expected to rise, according to the broker. Land that has been divided into lots has also seen price rising, from VN250 million ($10,967) per lot last year to VN1 billion now. A land for sale sign on Phu Quoc Island, where prices have soared in recent months. VNA/VNS Photo Le Huy Hai Ho Thanh Tu of Cua Duong Commune, who once worked as a driver transporting buyers looking for land, now earns hefty commissions as a land broker. I intended to buy a car for my driving service, but instead I invested in property because I can earn a lot from land speculation, he said. Many people on the island have become wealthy from selling their land. Even so, some of them have regretted selling at low prices to buyers, mostly land brokers or speculators. Some land lots have seen ownership transferred dozens of times in a short period, pushing up prices far beyond the real value, according to experts. For example, a land lot sold in the morning can be sold to another buyer at almost double the price later the same day. Nguyen Van Thieu, 50, a land broker from HCM Citys Go Vap District, said that land prices on the island had risen to astonishing heights. When I visited the island a few years ago, I advised my friends to buy lots of 100-200sq.m for VN500-700 million each. But they didnt, so now they regret because the price has gone up to several billion per lot, he told Viet Nam News. In recent years, many Viet kieu (overseas Vietnamese) have also been buying a great deal of property in Viet Nam, including on Phu Quoc Island. A disputed land sign on Phu Quoc Island. VNA/VNS Photo Le Huy Hai Land disputes Land fever on the island has led to many cases of fraud and disputes related to transactions, according to local authorities. Kien Giang Provinces police, for example, recently detained Pham Thi Thao Trang, 39, of Ham Ninh Commune for appropriation of property charges. She was charged with selling the same land lots to two different people. She first sold two land lots covering a total of 5,500sq.m on Tran Hung ao Street in Duong ong Town to a resident on Phu Quoc for VN50 billion. She said the sale had been notarised. A month later, she sold the land lots to another person for VN63 billion. She received a deposit of VN10 billion and pledged she would complete transfer procedures at the notary office within 30 days, but she never did, according to police. At a recent meeting of the Phu Quoc Districts Peoples Committee in Cua Duong Commune on April 4, committee chairman inh Khoa Toan said the district had recently received around 253 complaints related to land disputes. Land disputes are occurring wherever there is a real estate project, he said. The number of cases is increasing as land fever continues unabated. Due to the number of land sales, the notary offices on Phu Quoc are always overloaded with work. Every day, hundreds of transactions are recorded at Notary Public No 1 Office on April 30th Street and at Notary Public No 2 Office on Nguyen Trung Truc Street. Another serious issue involves fraud committed by members of organised crime groups, according to Phu Quoc District Police, who have resolved 13 land disputes involving such groups. At least 138 members involved in organised crime have been questioned by police investigators. Of the number, 23 people had criminal records, and 66 were residents of other towns or provinces in Viet Nam. Besides these violations, dozens of illegal land and mineral exploitation cases have been discovered in recent months. Pham Vu Hong, chairman of Kien Giang Provinces Peoples Committee, said that more and more people, especially workers from other cities and provinces, were coming to Phu Quoc every day. The Peoples Committee is now paying a great deal of attention to organised crime on Phu Quoc, he said. Forested land on Phu Quoc Island is cut down illegally for sale as land plots. VNA/VNS Photo Le Huy Hai Environmental protection Besides rampant land speculation, the authorities are dealing with massive amounts of waste because of rapid development. On average, Phu Quoc Island discharges more than 150 tonnes of waste per day. The island has only two landfill sites, one of which has been closed for months, while the other is now overloaded and cannot receive more waste, according to Huynh Van Minh, head of the Public Works Management Board of Phu Quoc District. The waste treatment plant in Ham Ninh Communes Bai Bon Village has also been closed for maintenance and upgrading, he said. Pham Van Nghiep, vice chairman of Phu Quoc Districts Peoples Committee, said the waste treatment factory in Bai Bon would be closed until June. Hong, the chairman of Kien Giang Provinces Peoples Committee, said the committee over the past 10 years had not been able to attract investment in wastewater treatment projects. In the face of such development, Phu Quoc authorities have urged people to carefully consider their decision to buy land. Buyers should think carefully before making land purchases and should not chase after prices. Many of these areas are included in overall planning, and these might not be granted permits to build hotels or restaurants, they said. In an effort to stabilise prices, the district plans to introduce strict measures to manage land transactions, prevent speculation, and handle illegal land appropriation. Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has asked the Government Inspectorate to improve inspection of management and use of agricultural land on Phu Quoc. Many land-use violations have occurred, including the transfer, leveling, and division of farmland, as well as the building of houses and infrastructure on agricultural land. The Deputy PM has asked the Kien Giang Provinces Peoples Committee to resolve the violations on Phu Quoc and report the results to the Prime Minister before July. Since 2010, there have been three periods of land fever on Phu Quoc. This year, land prices rose by three to four times compared to mid-2016. Located 46km from the mainland, the island can be reached by air from HCM City within 50 minutes and from Ha Noi within two hours. VNS HA NOI Coconut producers have been given a timely boost after plans were revealed to offer more support to those who work in the industry. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh received the welcome news this week from To Ngoc Binh, deputy director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment and director of SME Tra Vinh project. Coconut growing is a big deal in Tra Vinh as its the second largest plantation in the Mekong Delta with near 20,000ha. According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), in order to upgrade the value chain of the industry, the province will focus on strategic solutions such as improving technologies and techniques; replacing coconut cultivars; mechanising transportation; preliminary processing and packaging of coconut fiber industry and diversifying products from coconut fiber and coconut peat. Tra Vinh will also focus on improving the capacity of corporate management and market access, establishing a satellite network to supply coconuts to processing plants, increasingly promoting trade and supporting enterprises. A recent survey in two districts with the largest area of coconut in the province (Cang Long and Tieu Can) revealed companies operating in the coconut industry in the province mainly use coconut fiber as materials to produce nets, coir, mat and activated carbon. Meanwhile other materials such as copra and coconut milk are made use of by traders and processors outside the province. Its hoped in the future local traders and farmers will be able to expand their business to get the best prices for the fruit. Relevant units will now spend time assessing and analysing the business and propose better solutions to the problems many farmers face, said Pham Minh Truyen, vice director of the provincial DARD. Currently, there are six enterprises operating in the coconut industry of Tra Vinh. The province strives to more than double that to 15 by the year 2020, with at least four of them exporting directly. Raising value chain for peanut And it wasnt just coconuts that came under the spotlight. On Wednesday, Tra Vinhs DARD and SME project management board also organised a conference to seek solutions for enhancing peanuts value. Currently, peanut planting productivity in the province reaches the highest in the country with more than five tonnes per ha. Peanut from this area are known for being top quality, with big seeds, bright shells and low impurities. They are considered perfect for processing and export. But despite all their good points, the industry has suffered a number of blows. Right now, the sources of seed supplied by local people only meet about 20 per cent of the demand, 80 per cent of the remaining peanuts are imported from other provinces. There is also lack of peanut processing enterprises in the province, causing obstacles for consumption market. Hence, the upgrading of the peanut industrys value chain to reduce costs and increase profits is an urgent task, Truyen said. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, as DARD is in the process of testing new types of peanuts that can be grown in the rainy season. If successful, these peanuts will be rolled out and put into use. The Tra Vinh SME project, carried out during 2014-20, is sponsored by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade with a total investment of 12.1 million CAD (US$9.8 million), with 11 million CAD being non-refundable aid. The provincial Peoples Committee has also issued a policy to provide financial support to cooperatives and their alliances when joining the large-scale field model, which is being implemented in the locality. Under the policy, farmers who are growing rice, fruit trees, and coconuts will be provided with VN840,000 (US$36.84) per ha for the first crop and VN560,000 per ha for the second crop. Farmers join the large-scale field model will also receive subsidy of 30 per cent of seed or sapling costs for the first crop. VNS A view of Van on Island in Quang Ninh Province. Photo vietnamnet.vn HCM CITY The Ministry of Construction has urged authorities on Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province and Van on Island in Quang Ninh Province as well as Van Phong Bay area in Khanh Hoa Province, to take immediate steps to control surging land prices. These areas are slated to become special administrative economic units if approved by the National Assembly in October. The special designation would allow them to receive preferential incentives. As such, land speculators have been flocking to the three provinces, driving property prices up. Nguyen Van Sinh, deputy construction minister, in a letter sent to Peoples Committees of the three provinces on April 12, said that land speculation was seriously affecting the sustainable development of the property market. He told authorities to conduct inspections and uncover violations of land and real estate laws, among other regulations. Violations in the provinces include illegal transfer of land-use rights, including transfer of forestland and farmland. The localities were told to report their inspection results to the ministrys Housing Management and Real Estate Market Department before May 7. Land prices in Van on, Van Phong and Phu Quoc have reached VN60 million (US$2,632) per square metre, according to a report from the Viet Nam Association of Real Estate Brokers. Experts warn that special economic administrative units have not been officially approved, and that investors should only pay attention to official reports. VNS HCM CITY The Tra Vinh Province Peoples Committee will provide financial support to farmers who take part in growing crops on shared large fields and join co-operatives. Under a decision by the provincial Peoples Committee, farmers who plant rice, fruit and coconut on large fields will be given VN840,000 (US$37) per ha per crop in the first year and VN560,000 ($24) per ha per crop in the second year. Farmers who grow other crops and short-term industry plants on large fields will be given VN690,000 per ha per crop in the first year and VN460,000 per ha per crop in the second year. Farmers will also receive 30 per cent of the seed cost of the first crop. Under this model, farmers whose fields are located near each other grow crops on the same schedule with the same seed variety. They also use advanced farming techniques. Tran Trung Hien, director of the provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the model helps reduce production costs, increase profits and expand markets. Farmers have access to state support via loans and farming techniques, he said, adding that farmers have high profits under this model. However, there are few companies in the province that guarantee an outlet for sales of their crops, he said. As a result, farmers have been reluctant to take part in the large-scale field model. For the 2017-18 winter-spring rice crop, the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province has 13 large-scale rice fields with a total area of 3,450ha. Of the figure, Tieu Can District has the largest area of large rice fields in the province, with 1,200ha. The province also has 11 large sugarcane fields with a total area of 272ha. It targets having 10,00ha of large rice fields by 2020. High profit In the 2017-18 winter-spring rice crop, farmers earned a profit of VN35-40 million ($1,540 1,760) per ha, VN5 million per ha higher than smaller fields. Nguyen Mai Que Chau, deputy director of the Phu Can Agricultural Co-operative in Tieu Can District, said the large fields yield 500 kilo per ha more than small fields and the quality of paddy is higher. Traders often buy paddy at large fields at prices VN100 -150 higher than in small fields, she said. If farmers participate in a cooperative, they are provided quality input materials at lower prices. When harvest comes, the co-operative seeks companies in Tra Vinh and other provinces to buy paddy for farmers, she said. The Phu Can Agricultural Co-operative has a 155ha large-scale rice field and 128 members, up from 11 in 2015. Tra Vinh has more than 70 agricultural co-operatives. The provinces Co-operative Alliance is working with local agencies and localities to develop co-operation among the State, scientists, farmers and companies to establish closed chains from production to sales to ensure outlets for agricultural products. - VNS TOKYO The northern province of Phu Tho hopes Japanese businesses will continue to invest in the Vietnamese locality and commit to create favourable conditions for their operation. Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Bui Minh Chau said this at a conference in Tokyo, Japan, on April 12 to promote Japanese investments in Phu Tho. The event was co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, Japan External Trade Organisation and ASEAN-Japan Centre. More than 50 Japanese businesses and investors participated in the event. Chau highlighted the provinces advantages, such as its proximity to Ha Nois Noi Bai International Airport as well as a modern and synchronous port system and socio-economic infrastructure. The province has great potential in manufacturing, assembling industry, construction material production, hi-tech agriculture and forestry, he said. There is also room for tourism development as Phu Tho is home to two world cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO---worshipping of Hung Kings and traditional xoan singing, he added. The chairman said Japanese firms were currently running seven projects in the province worth nearly US$40 million, mainly in the fields of wood processing, garment-textiles and footwear. According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong who was also present at the event, relations between Viet Nam and Japan are at their peak and thriving in all spheres, particularly economy, trade and investment. Apart from large companies, small-and medium-sized enterprises from Japan are increasing investments in Viet Nam, he said, noting that 1,800 Japanese businesses have registered to partake in the Japan Business Association in Viet Nam, making it the largest association of its kind in the world. The ambassador hoped that the conference would encourage Japanese enterprises to choose Phu Tho as a reliable investment destination. VNS HA NOI Vietnam Airlines said since April 11, 2018, it has diverted its flights to and from Europe to avoid flying over the Black Sea due to rising tension in Syria. The diverted flights include those from Ha Noi and HCM City to Paris, Frankfurt and London and vice versa. A representative of the airline said although the current air routes were far from Syria, Vietnam Airlines decided to deviate the routes to ensure safety of passengers. The carrier will closely monitor the situation and devise suitable flying routes in the coming time. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam announced that it had also made adjustments of flight direction since early this week to avoid the Black Sea region. VNS HA NOI The Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) of HCM City will send a delegation to study the market and promote trade and investment in Cuba from April 15-24. The delegation will include representatives of local producers and exporters in food processing, consumer goods, construction and services. Cuba is pursuing more open economic policies while amending many old ones to integrate with the global economy. The country has been boosting trade and calling for investment to improve the competitiveness of its economy. It has particularly focused on constructing new sea ports and railways, developing information technology infrastructure and reforming metallurgy and mining industries while giving priority to food processing and beverages. Cuba wants to export goods such as pharmaceutical and biological products and services in tourism and healthcare. Meanwhile, Viet Nam holds the advantage in exporting textiles and garments, footwear, handicraft, agriculture and aquaculture. The country has been looking for investments in construction, energy, industry, hi-tech agriculture, education, healthcare and tourism. These factors leave enormous potential for enterprises of both sides to satisfy the needs of the Cuban market and to cooperate in trade and investment. The Vietnamese delegations visit to Cuba aims to seek a market for building material, handicraft products, textile-garments, footwear, food, mechanical and electronic products, and plastics. The delegation will introduce to Cuban investors HCM Citys business climate and some key projects in transportation, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and hi-tech agriculture. According to Pham Thiet Hoa, ITPC director, trade between Viet Nam and Cuba has increased significantly in recent years but remains modest compared to the potential. Bilateral trade amounted to US$250 million in 2016, with Viet Nams exports to Cuba accounting for $240 million. VNS CAN THO French theatre company Be Clown will perform its circus play Petole (Becalmed) for free in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Can Tho on April 15. The Be Clown group is carrying out an Asian Project in Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia that brings free performances to children and people at orphanages, schools, hospitals and rural villages. The play is set on a sailboat where sailors and passengers are waiting to travel by sea. But the sail of the boat so small the boat cannot move. The performance by the 12-member company will feature contemporary clowns, circus acts, theatre and live music. In November, Be Clown created the play Petole while residing in La Vie Vu Linh, a community tourism area in Vu Linh Commune in Yen Bai Provinces Yen Binh District. In February, the work premiered at the venue. Be Clown performs play combining circus, theatre and music, and also organises workshops on circus arts. The free performance of Petole will take place at 7:30 pm at Luu Huu Phuoc Park on Hoa Binh Boulevard in Ninh Kieu District, as part of celebrations for the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and France. VNS PARIS Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in the northern border province of Cao Bang was recognised as a global geopark by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council in Paris yesterday. This is the second UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark in Viet Nam after ong Van Karst Plateau, received recognition eight years ago. Non Nuoc Cao Bang is about 300km from Ha Noi capital city. It covers more than 3,000sq.km in the districts of Ha Quang, Tra Linh, Quang Uyen, Trung Khanh, Ha Lang and Phuc Hoa and part of Hoa An, Nguyen Binh and Thach An districts. The geopark is home to fossils, ocean sediment, volcanic rocks, minerals, and especially karst landscapes, which can give researchers an insight into an more than 500 million years of history of the earth. It is also well known for rich biodiversity and many indigenous fauna and flora species. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said the Global Geopark title is UNESCOs recognition of diverse landscapes and spiritual cultural values of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang area. It will also help the province boost sustainable socio-economic development and improve local living standards. Ambassador Tran Thi Hoang Mai, head of Viet Nams Permanent Mission to UNESCO, said UNESCO experts highly rated the importance of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. Aside from natural values, it also contains a number of tangible and intangible cultural heritage assets, particularly revolutionary relic sites such as special national relic site of Pac Bo, where Nguyen Ai Quoc or President Ho Chi Minh, returned in 1941 to lead the domestic revolution after spending over 30 years overseas looking for ways to save the country. It is also home to special national relic site of Tran Hung ao Forest, where late General Vo Nguyen Giap in 1944 established the Viet Nam Propaganda and Liberation Army, the predecessor of the Viet Nam Peoples Army today. Chairman of the Cao Bang Peoples Committee Hoang Xuan Anh pledged that local authorities and people wouldl associate the conservation and development of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark with local socio-economic development in a sustainable manner. Non Nuoc Cao Bang was established in 2015. In November 2016, Cao Bang submitted a dossier to UNESCO to seek the global geopark recognition. A survey team of UNESCO came to the province in July 2017 to make assessment of the parks values and conservation work. VNS LONDON Independent publishers dominated the shortlist for Britains Man Booker International Prize, announced on Thursday, celebrating translated works of fiction spanning the globe. Six authors and their translators are competing for the 50,000 (US$71,000) prize, with works translated from four European languages, plus South Korean and an Arabic work by an Iraqi author. Chair of the prizes judging panel, Lisa Appignanesi, said the shortlist promised "sparkling encounters with prose in translation". "We have mesmeric meditations, raucous, sexy, state-of-the-nation stories, haunting sparseness and sprawling tales; enigmatic cabinets of curiosity, and daring acts of imaginative projection," she said in a statement. Despite the diversity of authors and their tales ranging from the Parisian music scene to a meditation on colour the books all hail from independent publishers. Tuskar Rock Press is behind The World Goes On, a collection of stories by Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai who won the 2015 prize. Spanish writer Antonio Munoz Molinas Like a Fading Shadow", about the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr, is also published by Tuskar Rock. Other independents behind the finalists are Fitzcarraldo Editions, MacLehose Press, Oneworld, and Portobello Books. The winner will be announced on May 22 at Londons Victoria and Albert Museum, with the prize money shared between the author and translator. The 2018 Man Booker International Shortlist: - Vernon Subutex 1 by Virginie Despentes (France) - The White Book by Han Kang (South Korea) - The World Goes On by Laszlo Krasznahorkai (Hungary) - Like a Fading Shadow by Antonio Munoz Molina (Spain) - Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi (Iraq) - Flights by Olga Tokarczuk (Poland). AFP By Hong Minh A drainage canal is not a garbage landfill. Why state the obvious? Because, on the ground, an opposite reality stares us in the face and the resultant stink assails our nostrils constantly, but we have persisted in treating our surrounding environment as a free-for-all garbage repository. How many of our rivers and other water bodies have died and are dying? Last week, a drainage canal in Ha Nois Yen Hoa area returned partly to its main function after pile of garbage was fished out, including different types of untreated household wastes and carcasses of animals. After many years, the stench had become unbearable, but it was only after the media raised a stink that the authorities deployed sanitation workers to clean it. But the dead and dying water systems in the capital city and elsewhere are not just the authorities responsibility. Anyone can see that a year after Ha Noi began trying to revive its rivers and streams being choked to death by garbage, mainly To Lich, Nhue and ay rivers, such efforts are just a drop in the ocean. Every Hanoian is complicit in polluting the citys environment, and the same can be said of localities nationwide. Which also means that every Hanoian and every citizen of this country is responsible for cleaning up our rivers, our soil and the air we breathe. A Hanoian who has lived all 38 years of her life along the Kim Nguu River, a distributary of the To Lich River, said that despite workers from Ha Noi Sewerage and Drainage Limited Company (HSDC) coming every day to dredge out the garbage, many neighbours do not hesitate to dump their household waste in it, polluting it so badly that it has stopped flowing, and the area stinks. Compare such crass indifference with the concern shown by someone like Gondai Shoichi, a Japanese national who is organising a volunteer group to collect garbage at different places in Ha Noi including Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), Hoan Kiem (Return Sword) Lake, Thong Nhat Park and Thu Le Zoo. Gondai said the pollution of rivers and lakes in Ha Noi was similar to that of Japan in the 1950s. He ticked off a few important points: garbage should be separated at source; environmental education should start very early; environmental regulations should be very strictly followed. Actually, we need to go much further. Beyond obedience to laws, every action that protects our environment should become second nature. This is the biggest lesson we need to learn from our Japanese brethren. Wako Takatoshi, a Japanese expert in drainage and sewerage who has been working as a policy advisor on urban environment with Viet Nams Construction Ministry for the last three years, said that removing garbage from rivers and lakes in Ha Noi, as was done with the Yen Hoa canal, was very important, but by itself, it was not a sustainable measure. The responsibility of individuals and agencies for maintaining different parts of rivers, canals and other water bodies has to be clear cut, and peoples awareness raised to a point their habits change, he said. Wako also offered a key psychological insight: People can easily litter some place that is dirty, but they tend not to do so when a place is very clean. Unlearning a few things According to the Ha Noi Urban Environmental Hygiene Company, the capital city generates more than 6,200 tonnes of garbage each day. Only 70 per cent of this is collected and treated. The remaining 30 per cent is dumped into the environment, including our water systems. Hoang Thao, who founded the Noi khong voi tui nylon (Say No to nylon bags) group, said many people dump garbage thinking they are being clean, and doing their part for the environment. For example, they put nylon bags or plastic bottles into a waste basket and think that they are doing it right, but they are not. It takes dozens of years for the former and hundreds of years for the latter to decompose completely, she said. Practical practices Wako, Gondai and Thao were participants at a workshop on Clean Water for Healthy Living organised last Sunday by the Japan-Vietnam JDS Specialist Network (JSN) and the US-based FHHER Social Impact Fund. The workshop was organised at a coffee shop on Lieu Giai Street, with participants being advised to bring their own mugs in case the shop had no environmentally-friendly receptacles to offer. Personally, the get-together, second in the JSNs Coffee Talk Series, was an eye-opener that went beyond learning about safe water. Experts and environmental activists shared shocking information: Humans have created enough plastic to cover the eight largest country in the world Argentina; Viet Nam ranks fourth among top 20 countries in mismanaging plastic waste; globally, up to 91 per cent of the plastic isnt recycled. Ironies abound in the way experts attend workshops on environmental protection, in the lavish lifestyles many of them lead, the means of travel they use, the amount of plastic used at such meets and so on. #7 Day Challenge As a nation, institution or individual, the biggest change starts with a single step. One such step is the #7 Day Challenge launched on Tuesday by the United Nations in Viet Nam in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the Live & Learn environmental education organisation. The challenge is for participants to practise ways of eating, moving and living without damaging to the environment. It commemorates this years Earth Day (April 22) which is ambitiously themed End Plastic Pollution. Friends have posted photos and stories of taking buses and bicycles to work, not using nylon bags or plastic cutlery, turning off all unnecessary bulbs. Our leaders, like the Environment Minister, the President and the Prime Minister, can give this campaign a powerful fillip by accepting the challenge. I hope to see this happen, but the question remains: Will this do? No. We, as people, experts and politicians, are very fond of intoning the need for drastic measures, but fail drastically to recognise that what is needed is a drastic, sustained change in our attitude and lifestyle, a change that cannot be postponed or passed on to others. The buck stops with each one of us. Nothing else will work. More than a year after a hefty increase in fines for littering violations, there has been no appreciable improvement in the situation, not a dent in the magnitude of change that is needed. We can no longer afford to accept inane, comforting messages that say small actions make a big difference. We need big actions that make a huge difference. VNS The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) gave an official warning to Tran Quoc Cuong, member of the CPV Central Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of ak Lak Province. VNA/VNS Photo Tuan Anh HA NOI A senior Party official has been reprimanded for allowing fraud to occur under his watch. The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) gave an official warning to Tran Quoc Cuong, member of the CPV Central Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of ak Lak Province. The decision was made at a meeting of the Politburo in Ha Noi on Wednesday and Thursday chaired by General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. According to the CPV Central Committees Inspection Commission, Cuong was found responsible for violations when holding the position as Secretary of the Party Committee, Director of the Department of Politics-Logistics and Deputy General Director of General Directorate V under the Ministry of Public Security during 2009-12. He signed unlawful documents relating to the general directorates Ha Noi-based ai Kim housing project. This helped create loopholes which were taken advantage of by his inferiors to commit fraud and property appropriation. During the meeting, the Politburo also discussed reports for submission to the upcoming seventh plenary meeting of the 12th Party Central Committee. The reports focus on building a contingent of cadres with adequate virtues, capabilities and prestige for their tasks, reforming social insurance policies and salary reforms for officials, public servants, officers in the armed forces and employees. VNS The Peoples Court in the central province of Ha Tinh on April 12 handed down a jail term of nine years, which will be followed by another five-year probation to Tran Thi Xuan, for attempts to overthrow the peoples administration. Photo laodongnghean.vn HA NOI The Peoples Court in the central province of Ha Tinh on April 12 handed down a jail term of nine years, which will be followed by another five-year probation to Tran Thi Xuan, for attempts to overthrow the peoples administration. According to the indictment of the provincial Peoples Procuracy, Tran Thi Xuan, born 1976, agreed to become a member of the so-called Hoi anh em dan chu (Brotherhood for Democracy) after being introduced to the group in June 2016 by head of the groups training section Le Thanh Tung, a resident in HCM City. Hoi anh em dan chu is a reactionary organisation involving in illegal activities against the Party and State of Viet Nam with the aim to overthrow the peoples administration, Vietnam News Agency reported. During a social network-based conference in July 2016 to elect the organisations key posts, Xuan was elected deputy head of the organisation in the central region whilst Nguyen Trung Truc remained head of the central region branch. Since then, Xuan often chaired the organisations periodical meetings through social networks and used Facebook accounts nicknamed Nu Tam Xuan and Tran Hoang Quan to post and share writings and images containing wrong information about the Party and States policies, and agitate the public to go on strike and then pose these images on social networks and some websites. With her position and instructions and support from foreign and domestic reactionary organisations, Xuan increasingly demonstrated her attempt to oppose and overthrow the Government. On April 3, 2017 she directly used microphone, screaming protest slogans and agitating local people to destroy property and cause social disorder, seriously affecting the operation of the Loc Ha Districts People Committee in Ha Tinh Province for hours. Xuans acts were said to "attempt to overthrow the poeples administration" under Clause 1, Article 79 of the 1999 Penal Code. Seven years in jail Also on April 12, 32-year-old Nguyen Viet Dung in central Nghe An Provinces Yen Thanh District was sentenced to seven years in prison and another five years under probation for conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in the first-instance trial. According to investigation body, Dung (usually called Dung Phi Ho) once received a 12-month-jail for "causing social disorder" by Ha Noi Peoples Committee. Releasing from prison, Dung used social networks to collude with extremists and reactionaries to write articles, post photos that distort the truth about the country and destroy the peaceful life of countrymen, Vietnam News Agency reported. From April 30, 2017 to May 19, 2017, Dung used his own Facebook page to post numerous articles with contents containing wrong information about the Party and States policies, defame the Government, and distort the national history. On September 27 last year, Dung was arrested for "conducting propaganda against the Social Republic of Viet Nam" in accordance with the Article 88 of the Penal Code. VNS HCM CITY Farmers in the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) region are earning high incomes from growing perennial fruit trees, which are currently in high demand. o Quang Danh, a farmer who grows lychees and longans on a 3.5ha plot of land in ak Lak Provinces Ea Kar District, now earns an annual profit of more than VN400 million (US$17,600). In the past, he planted cassava and beans and earned little profit, he said. ak Lak, one of the regions leading provinces in intercropping fruit trees in coffee orchards, has more than 12,000ha of land dedicated to growing fruits, according to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Deputy Director of the provinces agriculture department Huynh Quoc Thich said the soil and weather conditions in the province are well suited to fruit cultivation. He also said that when growing coffee and pepper, it is important to have other trees to provide shade and protect them from winds. Fruit tree cultivation in coffee and pepper orchards has thus proven effective, he said, adding that in Gia Lai Provinces Chu Puh and Chu Se districts, many farmers have intercropped fruit trees in their orchards. Bien Tan Quynh, who has a 3ha orchard in Chu Puh, said: I began to intercrop avocado, durian, passion fruit and jackfruit trees into my pepper and coffee orchard two years ago. Last year, a few dozen of the avocado trees began bearing fruit for the first time, and this year around 100 of the trees are expected to produce fruit in his orchard. Chu Puh District has about 300ha of fruits that are mostly intercropped in coffee or pepper orchards, according to the Chu Puh Districts Agriculture and Rural Development Division. The district has no concentrated fruit planting area. Deputy head of the districts agriculture division Nguyen Long Khanh said the area of intercropped fruit trees has existed for five to seven years. Fruit trees are not the districts primary focus, but local authorities are encouraging farmers to intercrop with other plants to increase income, he said. According to statistics from ak Nong Province, the amount of land used for fruit trees rose from nearly 3,500ha in 2010 to 7,000ha this year. The most popular fruits grown in the provice are durians, mangos, oranges and mandarins. Cultivation of these fruits is providing farmers with an anual profit of up to VN400-500 million per hectare. ak Nong Province is committed to developing concentrated fruit growing areas for durians, mangos, avocados, passion fruit and citrus fruits. Le Quang Dan, deputy director of the ak Nong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that having concentrated fruit growing areas would yield a large quantity of product, and subsequently get farmers a better deal with companies who are buying from them. Under the instruction of local authorities, farmers have turned thousands of hectares of farmland into fruit orchards. Previously, this farmland had no irrigation facilities and was considered unsuitable for coffee tree growth. The Tay Nguyen region, which includes the ak Lak, Lam ong, ak Nong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces, has more than 35,000ha of perennial fruits under cultivation. Local farmers are continuing to plant more fruit orchards or intercrop fruit trees in their coffee or pepper orchards. VNS GIA LAI The authorities of the Central Highland province of Gia Lai plans to terminate the labour contracts of some 1,400 teachers in an effort to comply with the Politburos resolution to streamline the contingent of public and civil workers. The cut will leave some of the provinces distant and border areas with no teachers as the province was already facing shortage of some 2,000 teachers before they were recruited, according to the Gia Lai Department of Internal Affairs. Several classes and schools in the province will be merged with each other as a temporary solution to the teacher shortage, said Huynh Minh Thuan, director of the Gia Lai Department of Education and Training. The remaining teachers will be allocated fairly among areas, he added. The department will call for financial contribution from members of the society to pay the teachers instead of relying solely on the Governments payroll, he said. The authorities of two Ia Grai and Chu Puh communes in the province terminated labour contracts with 350 teachers at the beginning of this year. About 19,000 teachers are working in the province, from kindergarten to general education levels. VNS HA NOI The Australian Government has invested some AUD$100 million (US$77.4 million) in 170 research projects in Viet Nam in the past 25 years. It has also provided hundreds of postgraduate scholarships to Vietnamese researchers to enable them to study in Australia. This was revealed at an event in Ha Noi on Thursday to mark 25 years of co-operation in agricultural research between Australia and Viet Nam. Speaking at the event, Australian ambassador to Viet Nam Craig Chittick said co-operation in the agriculture and forestry industries had been an important part of Australias relationship with Viet Nam throughout the 45 years of diplomatic links between the two countries. Australias support to Viet Nam through agricultural research collaboration has been consistent and efficient as part of our larger aid programme in Viet Nam, he said. I am proud to see that the support has greatly contributed to todays Viet Nam, particularly the transformation of Viet Nams agricultural sector. The research collaboration with Viet Nam has been led by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) since 1993. According to Andrew Campbell, ACIAR Chief Executive Officer, Australia has been able to share with its Vietnamese counterparts the extensive research and development experience that will help them tackle their problems more effectively. It includes expertise in horticulture and livestock production and marketing, food quality and safety assurance, water saving practices, plantation forest management and aquaculture. We believe it is of significant benefit to both Australia and Viet Nam to continue to nurture agricultural research exchange, he said. Le Quoc Doanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the collaboration and knowledge-sharing from Australia and the world through ACIAR have promoted research capacity in Viet Nam, brought advances in science and technology and contributed to poverty reduction. The positive impact of these partnerships is reflected in the research and development of acacia and eucalyptus plantations, rapid expansion of the oyster industry and successful market engagement for vegetables and fruits from the northwest region, to give just three examples, Doanh said. ACIAR has recently announced its agricultural research collaboration strategy with Viet Nam for the 2017-27 period, focusing on the North West Highlands, Central Highlands and Mekong Delta. VNS THUA THIEN-HUE Authorities in the central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri denied environmental factors were responsible for the toxin found in marine water. A week ago, clams in Ha Tinh died en masse. Nguyen Cong Hoang, head of Ha Tinhs Seafood Department, was quoted by local newspapers as saying some 50 tonnes of clams died in the aquaculture zone in the districts of Cam Xuyen and Loc Ha. In Cam Xuyen, some 30 tonnes of clams, bred by 15 households in Cam Linh and Cam Loc communes, died. In other communes, almost 80 per cent of the bred clams died. Hoang said his department was working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environments environment administration to test the clams and determine the cause of their deaths. Meanwhile, Tran inh Lam, chairman of Cam Linh Communes Peoples Committee, said the clams died due to a change in weather, from spring to summer. Earlier, Phan Duy Vinh, vice chairman of Ky Anh Towns Peoples Committee, said the dead fish found on a local coast near Formosa plant were washed ashore after being discarded by a fishing boat. A week ago, clams in Ha Tinh died en masse. Photo thanhnien.vn The town is home to the Hung Nghiep Formosa Steel Plant, whose toxic spill killed fish en masse in the ocean, bordering four central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien- Hue, in April 2016. Vinh said the quantity of dead fish was just some 3kg. He suspected the fish to have died after being discarded by fishermen or due to blast fishing, in which fishermen use a dynamite to kill fish. In Quang Tri, the provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on Wednesday announced the results of the tests conducted on dead fish found at local beaches earlier this month. The results provided by a public laboratory in neighbouring Thua Thien-Hue Province said no toxins were found in the fish. Earlier this week, Vo Van Hung, the departments director, denied the total volume of dead fish was 30 tonnes. He said it was a rumour and confirmed that some 10kg of dead fish were collected from beaches in the provinces Vinh Linh and Gio Linh districts. He blamed the fish deaths on dynamite fishing. In Quang Binh, a red streak appeared in the waters near Hon La Port. Locals suspected the streak, which was 500m long and 20m wide, to be an environmental phenomenon, but the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment said it was caused by the blooming of an algae species. The departments testing results found no polluting substance in the red water. It noted that the incident occurred every year on the local coast. VNS SOC TRANG Local women in a small town in Soc Trang Province are working together to escape poverty. A special interest free loan from a local collective bank is responsible for bringing hope into the lives of these disadvantaged farmers. The bank is worth the small sum of just a few million ong, which the local women contribute to each month. Each member has their turn to take out an interest free loan for agricultural production or trading activities, and then returns the money to be used for other members loans. Just a small sum of money has helped change the lives of many local women in ai Ngai Town. ao Thi au is among those women. In late 2016, au was in a desperate situation after finding out that her husband could no longer work due to serious illness. She left her children and ill husband at home to work as a domestic helper in HCM City, hoping that she could earn a little money to pay for his treatment. The job didnt go well though, and au had to return home after just four months. Owning no cultivable land, she was forced to work any job local people would hire her to do, but things got harder when her husbands health deteriorated. Last June, au hit a brick wall. Her family had nothing to eat, and she did not know how to escape her declining situation. Fortunately, a member of the towns Womens Union Association came to visit her family and asked her to join the association. au agreed, although she said she did not expect much more than some words of encouragement. But au had her expectations proved wrong when she was given priority for a loan from the special bank. With the sum of just under VN1 million (US$44), au decided to purchase the necessary items to become a fruit seller. After just one month, she had earned enough profit to purchase a fruit trolley. I sell fruit from 5am to 8pm. I can earn VN80,000 ($3.5) of profit each day. I dont have to worry about not having anything to eat, au told Tuoi tre (Youth) newspaper. She now sells fresh flowers to earn even more money, and has managed to repay her loan to the bank, giving chances for other women to benefit from it. Ly Thi Thuy Lieu, another woman in ai Ngai Town, was even more fortunate. She owned cultivable land, but it was abandoned as she had no money to invest in it. Upon receiving a loan from the bank, she planted 1,000 papaya trees, and some chilies and cabbages on the land. She got a bumper crop with 32 tonnes of fruit and earned VN100 million ($4,400) from her first harvest. Expanding the model Chairwoman of the association Lam Thi Ngan Tam said that she came up with the initiative after visiting local households of impoverished people and recognised that most lacked the capital to invest in agricultural production. After receiving approval from local authorities, the model of the bank was implemented on a trial basis. Since early last year, it has drawn participation from 15 members. Each member contributes VN100,000 ($4.4) per month, and votes each month to decide whose turn it is to receive the loan. The money is modest, but many women have used it effectively in trading, breeding and planting. By working hard and spending properly, many get out of poverty, she said. Tam said the model has since been implemented in five hamlets in the commune, reaching a total of 170 members. Each member contributes between VN100,000-200,000 ($4.4-8.8) per month. The model is set to expand to reach about 1,500 new members in the near future. The association will work with the agricultural sector to train local people about farming and cultivation. Chairman of ai Ngai Towns Peoples Committee Nguyen Hoai Phong said that the model was such a good idea that it certainly ought to be expanded. In recent years, the town has tried many initiatives from the association to help local people improve their lives. Another initiative was the piggy bank, in which participating members give VN5,000 ($0.2) per month to support those in need. Both initiatives have received approval from local people. These initiatives are giving those in disadvantaged circumstances the hope they need to believe in a better future, he said. VNS Vague regulations are hindering the use of personal digital signatures in Viet Nam despite rapidly growing demand, an official said on Thursday. Photo qdnd.vn HA NOI Vague regulations are hindering the use of personal digital signatures in Viet Nam despite rapidly growing demand, an official said on Thursday. Speaking at a conference on policies for digital signature on mobile devices, the National Electronic Authentication Centre (NEAC) director La Hoang Trung said Viet Nam is a country with a young population where more than 70 per cent of people use mobile devices in big cities. With everything online now, the demand for valid digital signatures in Viet Nam was huge, he said. Trung, however, said that accounts authenticated by the NEAC to have valid digital signatures were disproportionate from businesses, with individuals accounting for less than 5 per cent. The main reason is there are few to none services accepting personal digital signatures while the authentication process is not available on mobile devices, he added. The demand is there, the technological solutions are also ready. What Viet Nam lacks is detailed regulations. Information and Communications deputy minister Nguyen Thanh Hung said the Government was determined to accelerate the use of information technology in agencies, businesses and all of society. That will be impossible without the prerequisite condition of information security of applications, he said, adding that a mechanism to confirm the safety of an online service for both providers and customers - through digital signatures for example was very important and necessary. Hung said that the Ministry of Information and Communications is drafting and will soon release or submit to higher level policies and regulations on the use of digital signatures on mobile devices. VNS HA NOI Lack of consistency, adequacy and comprehensiveness of legal provisions on urban development poses an urgent need to formulate the Law on Urban Development Management. During their discussion yesterday, the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee members agreed the importance of the legal document for an overall adjustment of urban development in Viet Nam to ensure sustainability. After 30 years of oi moi (renewal), the countrys urbanisation has reportedly done well with the national industrialisation and modernisation cause. The number of urban areas increased from 629 in 1999 to 813 in 2017 with HCM City and Ha Noi being recognised as special areas. Together with fortified technical and social infrastructure, urban areas have dominated the share of gross domestic product and a number of key development norms, making marked contributions to the socio-economic development of regions and the country as a whole. Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha said the urbanisation revealed shortcomings such as inconsistency, inadequacy, and incomprehensiveness related to legal provisions on urban development. The law aims to perfect the system of legal tools for effective management of urban development in line with the national socio-economic development to promote a quality living environment, and effective use of natural resources and response to climate change to increase urban areas competitiveness for economic growth in regions and the whole country, said Ha. The draft law on urban development consists of seven chapters with 66 articles, stipulating the management of an urban system; development of urban areas as planned; investment for urban development; financial resources for urban development; State management and the involvement of organisations and individuals in urban development. Once its put into effect, the law will be applicable to domestic agencies, organisations and individuals; and foreign organisations and individuals involved in urban development. Head of the NAs Judicial Committee Le Thi Nga said the law is related to many other laws, so it is necessary that the compiling body to make a detailed report on related laws as well as effects of the law once it is passed. Other deputies said the law must ensure improved efficiency and effectiveness of State management on urban development through clearly defining the rights and responsibility of State management bodies from central to local levels; parties involved in the formulation of urban development strategies, plans, and programmes and in the investment for urban development. They also called for the completion of mechanisms facilitating the public to make investment into urban development projects. Head of the NAs Board for Deputy Affairs Tran Van Tuy said the draft law should include specific regulations on which projects must be built underground as well as regulations on the use of underground space. Head of the NAs Finance and Budget Committee Nguyen uc Hai said the draft law should detail regulations on compensation and land clearance for urban development to limit claims and appeals related to land retrieve. NA General Secretary Nguyen Hanh Phuc raised a number of issues excluded from the draft law such as the management and development of urban transport, development of public places, urban renovation, public hygiene, waste treatment, management of street names, and house numbers. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) will spend 30 per cent of its budget and personnel on irregular inspections of suspected environmental violations this year. This was announced by MONRE deputy chief inspector Le Vu Tuan Anh at a press conference in Ha Noi on Thursday. The ministry will conduct irregular inspections of river basins where violations of environmental regulations have been reported, such as the Bac Hung Hai and Duy Tien irrigation channels, Anh said. The ministry will also conduct irregular examinations of environmental issues in Ha Noi and in the northern provinces of Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Ha Nam and Nam inh, he added. Irregular inspections are those conducted after environmental issues have been brought to MONREs attention by local residents or the media, Anh explained. We would like to ask all newspapers and reporters to inform us whenever they notice environmental violations, he said. Speaking about the MONREs inspection plan for this year, Anh said the ministry would work to identify the management responsibilities of the Peoples Committees in the four provinces of Bac Kan, Bac Ninh, Quang Nam and Ca Mau with regard to environmental and natural resource issues. It will conduct thorough inspections of establishments that pose high risk of environmental pollution such as dyeing, plating and thermoelectric production facilities, as well as operation of reservoirs across the country, Anh said. MONRE will also inspect land use and management of 19 industrial parks, industrial clusters and economic zones in the six provinces and cities of Thai Nguyen, Can Tho, ong Nai, HCM City, Bac Ninh and Binh inh, he said. Some 300 cases of environmental violations were reported to MONRE in the first quarter of this year. VNS WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has directed senior aides to explore re-joining the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership if a "better deal" can be reached, the White House said on Thursday. The decision, which was welcomed by lawmakers from agricultural states, could mark an abrupt about-face for a president who had campaigned against the deal and swiftly withdrew from it after taking office last year. But the White House was quick to point out that Trumps decision, rather than a flip-flop, was consistent with earlier statements. "Last year, the President kept his promise to end the TPP deal... because it was unfair to American workers and farmers," Deputy White House Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said in a statement. However, he "has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year." To that end, he has asked US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and top economic adviser Larry Kudlow "to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated," she said. Trump has frequently disparaged multilateral trade deals, calling the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement a "disaster." His most hawkish trade advisers, who now dominate his cabinet after high-level departures, have expressed a strong preference for negotiating bilateral agreements, which they say play to US advantages. But at the World Economic Forum in January, a gathering of the foremost proponents of global trade liberalization, Trump had said he was prepared to enter talks with the TPP countries "either individually or perhaps as a group." Thursdays decision on the trade pact, which was negotiated under former president Barack Obama, was a further sign Trumps positions may not be as tough as his rhetoric. After taking office, Trump decided not to withdraw from NAFTA and from a free trade pact with South Korea, despite his threats to do so, preferring to renegotiate those deals. He also has so far exempted the largest US trading partners from his harshest new tariffs on steel and aluminum. It remained unclear, however, how enthusiastically the other 11 TPP economies would welcome an American return to the bargaining table. A damaging flip-flop? The TPP members, including Canada, Mexico and Japan, proceeded without the United States after Trump pulled out, and signed the sweeping new agreement last month, signaling that Washington risked missing the boat. The Washington Post reported that Trump had made the sudden decision to reconsider TPP during a meeting with legislators and state governors on trade. Some said joining the trade pact could strengthen the US position in the current trade spat with China, which is not a party to the agreement. Critics said exiting the agreement had been a strategic gift to China, which stood to strengthen its trade dominance in the region as the United States retreated. Farm groups and political leaders from US agricultural states have been most outspoken in denouncing Trumps trade confrontations with Europe and China, which until recently appeared ready to boil over into all-out trade war. Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican from the corn-growing state of Nebraska, said in a statement Thursday she was "encouraged" by Trumps move "to reengage with TPP nations." TPP opponents, however, were quick to warn Trump risked of backsliding on a central tenet of the economic nationalism which helped sweep him to power. Lori Wallach of the left-leaning advocacy group Public Citizen said in a statement that Trumps move "could bring short-term joy to Democratic campaign operatives." But for the rest of the country "it would signal that Trump does not give a crap about working people and cannot be trusted on anything." Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of US trade unions, said on Twitter that the TPP would have failed Americas workers and "should remain dead." "There is no conceivable way to revive it without totally betraying working people," he said. AFP COLOMBO Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday suspended parliament until next month in a shock move amid a deepening power struggle between him and his unity governments prime minister. A government decree quoted the president as stating that he had halted parliaments meetings "with effect from midnight" Thursday under article 70 of the constitution. The move, scheduled to last until May 8, came hours after at least 16 Sirisena loyalists, including six cabinet ministers, said they would leave the troubled coalition. Relations between the rival groups in the unity government have soured after both suffered losses in Februarys local council elections. In recent weeks, Sirisena has reduced the powers of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, removing from his control the central bank, the policy-making National Operations Room and several other institutions. Parliament had been expected to meet again next Thursday. Presidential officials declined to comment on the reason for the suspension. "We have been surprised by the announcement," one government legislator who requested anonymity told AFP. Just hours before he announced the suspension of parliament, Sirisena had appointed acting ministers to the positions of those who quit the Cabinet. Wickremesinghe last week won a motion of no confidence moved by the joint opposition and backed by Sirisenas ministers as bickering grew between the two leaders. Sirisena had demanded Wickremesinghes resignation to allow him to appoint a prime minister of his choice. AFP After being out of public view for the past ten years, the Hellenic Air Force Museums Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc MJ755 resurfaced again recently in the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar on the old Battle of Britain aerodrome, RAF Biggin Hill near London. The building is home to The Spitfire Company (Biggin Hill) Ltd., which has become world famous over the past five or six years for their prodigious output of spectacular Supermarine Spitfire restorations. Indeed, there are several Spitfires currently undergoing restoration to flight in the hangar, alongside a number of already completed machines. MJ755 will likely begin her own restoration to flying condition on behalf of the Hellenic Air Force Museum in the near future. MJ755 has an interesting history. She rolled off the production line at Supermarines shadow factory in Castle Bromwich during late 1943, arriving with 33 Maintenance Unit at RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire that December. In early 1944 the Spitfire received its first combat assignment, joining the RAFs Middle East Air Force, arriving in Casablanca aboard the SS Fort Liard on March 13th. MJ755 joined 43 Squadron, the Fighting Cocks, and took part in Operation Dragoon, flying cover for the Allied forces landing in the south of France in mid-August, 1944. 43 Squadron hopped from airfield-to-airfield in France as the invasion progressed, extending into Peretola, Italy during October, 1944, and finishing up in Klagenfurt, Austria at the end of the war in May, 1945. Following the war, the RAF transferred a number of Supermarine Spitfires to Greece to aid the nations efforts in rebuilding their air force. MJ755 was one of some 77 Spitfires which joined the Hellenic Air Force. She arrived in Greece on February 27th, 1947, and joined 335 Squadron at Sides during April. By 1949, MJ755 had been relegated to the Air Force Pilots School at Tatoi Air Base in Dekeleia to become a part of the Reserve Pilots Training Center. The Spitfire journeyed to Athens in 1950 for a full overhaul at the State Aircraft Factory, being fitted with two cameras for aerial reconnaissance missions. Her last flight came on September 8th, 1953, afterwhich she went into storage with the Aircraft Storage Squadron at Hellenikon Air Base, and from there, back again to Tatoi for gate guard duties. The Spitfire later became a part of the Hellenic War Museum in Athens, sitting on external display for several decades before being formally transferred to the newly-formed Hellenic Air Force Museum at Dekeleia in 1995. In 2008 the museum took MJ755 off display, and disassembled her for the beginning of a planned airworthy restoration effort. Other than the disassembly of the airframe, and stripping her paint, little substantive restoration work appears to have taken place in the interim. With the aircraft in safe hands at Biggin Hill though, it is clear that she will eventually re-emerge as a magnificently restored, airworthy example of the breed. It is believed that MJ755 is the sole survivor of the 77 or so examples which flew in the Hellenic Air Force, so seeing her in the skies over Greece again will be a welcome treat to many. So heres to a successful first flight, and many years of safe operation to come for MH755! WarbirdsNews wishes to offer our thanks to Andy Patsalides for his authorization to use his fascinating image in this story. By Paul Schaumburg, Graves County Schools Apr. 13, 2018 | 01:31 PM | MAYFIELD, KY "We are standing up in support of public education," said Graves County Education Association president Michael Delaney, as he and 15-20 fellow members and supporters of the Graves County and Kentucky education associations stood in front of the performing arts center corner of Graves County High School Friday morning, April 13. "We thought it was time for us to speak up and show the community that we know where our place is and that's with our students, while at the same time voicing our concerns about funding, our pensions, and the future for these students of Graves County." Delaney continued, "If the (state) legislature continues on the path it's going, the future of these school districts is in question. There's no doubt about that. The financial burdens they've placed on public education is just onerous." The future also is affected, Delaney said. "It is difficult anymore to bring people into teaching because of the demands placed on our time and resources. The legislature has made that even more so at this point with the revamping of the pension, placing new hires into a new system. It's going to be more difficult than ever to recruit and retain quality teachers. So, we are standing out here today, showing folks that we are supportive of what we do that we do stand up for public education, even when it might not be popular with some folks." Delaney said he's hopeful, based on recent events. "We started with the governor's proposal back in the summer that was draconian, to put it nicely. At this point, we have come so far. We have the best SEEK funding we've ever had in the state. Current teachers' retirement isn't going to change. We have added back into the budget both transportation funds and family resource and youth services centers. The cost of living allowance for retirees is staying the same. We went into this with a list of things, saying these things can't change and they met us there, with the exception of the retirement for new teacher hires and the sick day calculation. We think there's reason to celebrate, but the fight continues. Even today on the hill (in the General Assembly), we have to override two vetoes today." KEA has influenced the conversation, Delaney said. "We're happy with the ground we made up with our legislators. I believe we started the session miles and miles apart, but because the members of KEA and our communities and everybody across the commonwealth stood up and said, 'No! We must invest in our children and our communities. I believe those legislators heard us loud and clear. Then, the legislators came back to the table with more (funding). Are we 100 percent happy? No, we're not, but we're going to take our celebrations where they're due." By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 11, 2018 | 03:26 PM | GRAVES COUNTY, KY A walk-in protest is planned this morning at each Graves County school. Michael Delaney with the Graves County Education Association says teachers, students and community members are encouraged to assemble for a visible protest in front of each school building one hour prior to their normal time to report to work. Protesters are also encouraged to wear red and bring signs. When it's time for class, teachers will walk into the school together and do their jobs. On Tuesday, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin signed a bill into law that makes changes to the state's troubled public pension systems. Teachers statewide opposed the bill, and are angry that lawmakers rushed to pass it near the end of the legislative session without revealing the bill publicly. The Kentucky Education Association has been leading the protests. Delaney said some Graves County teachers have participated in protests at the state capital, using paid time off to attend. He said some are also planning to go to Frankfort today. By The Associated Press By The Associated Press Apr. 12, 2018 | 10:04 AM | FRANKFORT, KY An auditor in the Kentucky Attorney General's office is accused of smoking marijuana in a McDonald's drive-thru lane. The State Journal reports that 51-year-old Elizabeth Anna Justus was arrested Tuesday and charged with two misdemeanors, following a traffic stop for allegedly failing to use a turn signal. Frankfort police Lt. Dustin Bowman says the arresting officer detected an odor of marijuana and conducted field sobriety tests, followed by a search of her vehicle that turned up the remains of a marijuana joint. 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Wilson/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump met with his national security team Thursday to discuss Syria but no final decision has been made about a U.S. response to a suspected chemical attack by the Syrian regime, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. "No final decision has been made. We are continuing to asses [sic] intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies," Sanders said. The president plans to speak with French President Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May Thursday evening, Sanders added. Defense Secretary James Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford were spotted at the White House Thursday afternoon. Earlier Thursday, Trump said "further decisions" would be made "fairly soon." We're having a meeting today on Syria, we're having a number of meetings today," the president said during a morning meeting with governors and lawmakers. We'll see what happens." It's too bad that the world puts us in a position like that," he said. "We've done a great job with ISIS. We have just absolutely decimated ISIS but now we have to make some further decisions so they'll be made fairly soon." On Capitol Hill Thursday morning, Mattis said the National Security Council would be meeting and "take forward the various options to the president." Earlier Thursday morning the president tweeted he "never said when an attack on Syria would take place," referring to possible U.S. action following the suspected chemical attack in Syria, apparently responding to criticism that he was telegraphing military action as he repeatedly has said he would never do. "Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Trump wrote. The president's tweet comes four days after he said in a Cabinet meeting Monday that "major decisions" were coming on Syria within 24 to 48 hours. Trump also appealed for praise in the fight against terrorism. "In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS, he said. Where is our 'Thank you America?'" The president had tweeted Tuesday about missiles "coming," seemingly in response to apparent comments from Russias ambassador to Lebanon, widely reported Wednesday morning, that warned Russia would fire on any U.S. missiles targeting Syria and the units launching them. Trump tweeted that Russia made a vow to shoot down any and all U.S. missiles targeting Syria. "Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart!" he tweeted Tuesday. But White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in Wednesday's press briefing that there was no timetable for any punitive strike. "We're maintaining that we have a number of options and all of those options are still on the table. Final decisions haven't been made yet on that front," Sanders said at the briefing, adding that the president has "not laid out a timetable." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Britain and other western countries: Skripal had been poisoned by a most powerful Soviet (Russian of course) poison, 2 grams will kill half a country (or more) instantly! OMG The Russians scratch their heads and ponder the situation: Asking questions Poisoned him in the restaurant? No, on the bench? No, in the car? No, the door handle was smeared with poison? No, the suitcase was poisoned? No, everything in the house was poisoned? Oh, was the buckwheat, poisoned? But they did not die instantly, but walked around somewhere for four hours? But the policeman that discovered them almost died on the spot? But the poison was instantly identified? An antidote was instantly introduced, and Skripals and the policeman were saved? The policeman had been discharged from hospital the next day? But they (Skripals) were in a coma, and they will never recover? But No, the daughter had recovered fast? Oh, and dad is revived it is a miracle from God? And they both are quickly recovering, therefore, our strongest (Soviet) poison is useless? But, the restaurant had been surrounded by police in spacesuits, the park had been surrounded by police in spacesuits, the house had surrounded by police in spacesuits.they are in spacesuits, since the poison is the most deadly and dangerous, but next to them are policemen without protection? The park bench was cut down and removed? Its such a terrible poison that the bench retained its toxic quality for two weeks? But you can just wash it out of all the clothing? But the cat had survived in the poisoned house? But the policeman who had touched Skripal had nearly died? But the cat survived .and the guinea pigs? Poor guinea pigs: Would have survive, but they were all forgotten, and died of hunger in the house; and their remains were immediately burned, as they are poisoned by the strongest poison.for two weeks they were poisoned by the strongest poison on Gods earth and survived, and now they had to be urgently cremated; actually only the guinea pigs died, the cat survived all this poison. It was stressful and hungry, so they killed it and cremated it? To make it certain nobody will find the secret??? Britain and other western countries: Those Russians are surely some of the most cunning and evil people on earth to develop a poison such as this? What else are they capable of? They must be stopped now! WtR Here is one version for the English speakers out there https://www.reddit.com/r/conspiracy/comments/8blfy9/the_skirpal_case_how_the_most_deadly_poison_in/ Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. Reports of the murders of El Comercio journalist Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and driver Efrain Segarra have yet to be confirmed. Ecuador's free speech advocacy group Fundamedios has been sent photographs from Colombia allegedly showing the bodies of the three journalists kidnapped on the border last month, but the images have yet to be officially verified and there is as yet no evidence that the trio has been murdered. The group posted on Twitter late Thursday that it had "received photographs from a Colombia media outlet related to the situation of the kidnapped journalistic team. We have made the authorities and the families aware and we are waiting for any official confirmation." Hours later, Ecuadorean Interior Minister Cesar Navas appeared on television to say that there has been no official confirmation of the deaths and that more news is expected in the coming hours. "We have no confirmation that the Ecuadorean citizens are dead," he said, noting that the photographs are still being examined. Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno returned to Ecuador's capital, Quito, late Thursday night, making an early departure from the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru to deal with the situation. Shortly after touching down, President Moreno addressed the assembled crowd of media and relatives of the missing three, and gave the captors 12 hours to reveal the location of their hostages. "I give 12 hours to these criminals to give proof that they have our compatriots," a visibly shaken Moreno told journalists. "We have demanded action by the Colombian government. We will defeat these criminals." Colombian media outlets are reporting that the photos show the dead bodies of the three journalists kidnapped on the border between Colombia and Ecuador on March 26 in the town of Mataje. The unverified reports came a day after a statement allegedly by Frente Olive Sinisterra, which claimed the three El Comercio staff it kidnapped last month have been killed. Both reports have yet to be confirmed. Journalist Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and driver Efrain Segarra were kidnapped in Ecuador's northern border in Esmeraldas while reporting on a series of violent attacks against Ecuadorean security forces. Andrew Robinson in Nature: In 1959, the mathematician and satirist Tom Lehrer who turns 90 this month performed what he characteristically called a completely pointless scientific song at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (He was a PhD student there at the time.) The Elements, now one of his most cherished works, sets the names of all the chemical elements then known to the tune of the Major-Generals Song from The Pirates of Penzance, the comic opera by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Lehrers heroically precise, rapid-fire enunciation of 102 elements (reordered to allow flawless end-rhymes), ends with the much-quoted crack, These are the only ones of which the news has come to Harvard/And there may be many others but they havent been discarvard. In the 1960s, Lehrer followed up with more than a dozen astringent, cynical and often pointedly political songs, such as So Long, Mom, Im Off to Drop the Bomb (A Song for World War III). As The New York Timeshad it, Mr. Lehrers muse [is] not fettered by such inhibiting factors as taste. (Lehrer reprinted the quote in his album liner notes.) In the fraught geopolitics and paranoia of the cold war, however, Lehrers social criticism touched a chord with many in the United States. Fans might, however, have been surprised to learn that he had crunched numbers for the National Security Agency as an army draftee in the mid-1950s. More here. The meeting of Cal students Alexandra Johnson and Joel Guerra played out like some ridiculous rom-com: at a frat party, with a beer in the face. When the Red Hot Chili Peppers cancelled their Berkeley show, Johnson found herself suddenly without plans. She went to a masquerade party on frat row, but the electricity blew and the place cleared out. Then she followed a sorority sister (who would later become a bridesmaid) to yet another party. That's where the fateful moment occurred. "About 10 seconds into the introduction, a freshman slipped right in the foyer, spilling an entire pitcher of beer on my face," she remembers. Guerra rushed upstairs to get her a towel; she made a scene and stormed out. When she got back to her apartment, she texted him to apologize. "Two minutes later, he texted me back asking if I'd like to go get ice cream the next day." And then they fell in love. End scene. The couple continued on to law school together, and then to a four-month backpacking trip through Europe. And then, two and a half months into the trip, on their last night in Paris, it happened at the Eiffel Tower, during the midnight light show. "Joel said we should take a photo and he set the camera down on a self-timer. I didn't know he had set it to take 15 photos in a row with the flash on. After the first couple photos, he knelt down and proposed right there in front of the Eiffel Tower, with no one else in sight." The couple's wedding, at Chalet View Lodge just outside Plumas National Park in the Sierra, evoked their love of travelcompasses, given as party favors, directed guests to their destination tables (Rio, Dublin, and so on)as well as Johnson's Japanese heritage. "My mother, brother, and I were born in Japan," she says, "and according to Japanese tradition, anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish by the gods." And so the mother of the bride folded the cranes to wish the couple a happy marriage. "We displayed the cranes at the ceremony and reception." The mountain wedding weekend was carried out under the trees and starsa beautiful blend of rustic and romantic with lots of peonies. Venue: Chalet View Lodge Dress: Badgley Mischka Shoes: Badgley Mischka Makeup: Edin Carpenter Invitations: The Stylish Scribe Caterer: Great Thyme Catering Event designer: Quality Event Design Photography: Clane Gessel Photography Video: Ben Ridpath Films Wiseguyreports.Com add ICT Investment Trends in Indonesia: Inclination to invest in the cloud is impacting ICT spending patterns To Its Research Database. Indonesia ICT Investment The numerous policy reforms announced since 2016 in Indonesia, and the growing interest from foreign investors in emerging markets, are encouraging Indonesian enterprises to invest in various information and communications technology (ICT) domains in 2017. Indonesian enterprises are upbeat about the growing prospects of ICT which is reflected in their investment strategies, with the majority of Indonesian enterprises willing to increase their budget to build a strong IT infrastructure in order to gain new business opportunities. The Report also survey of 93 Indonesian enterprises finds that respondents are planning to increase their investments in the core areas of ICT domains such as communications and services, to gain more sustainability and visibility. Request a Sample Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2989139-ict-investment-trends-in-indonesia-inclination-to-invest Major Players Cover in the report: IBM Microsoft EMC Oracle NEC Google Intel Cisco Adobe Amazon Web Services Huawei Dell The major highlights of the reports: Allocation across the core elements of IT spend, including hardware, software, services, communications, and consulting. Distribution of ICT money in areas such as the networks, applications, service desk, and data centers Indonesian enterprises investment priorities based on their budget allocations across core technology categories such as business intelligence, IoT, cloud computing, and network services. Factors that are influencing Indonesian enterprises investments in each technology category. How Indonesian enterprises IT budgets are currently allocated across various segments within a technology category. Indonesian enterprises distribution of their ICT budget across various segments within a technology category. Vendor satisfaction ratings for various core and advanced technology categories. Insight into Indonesian enterprises preferred buying approaches . Business objectives that Indonesian enterprises are looking to achieve through their IT investment strategies. Factors that are influencing Indonesian enterprises decisions to select an ICT provider. Scope The significant adoption of software as a service (SaaS) and virtualization solutions is set to provide new opportunities for software vendors catering to the Indonesian enterprise market. Enterprises realize the need to improve relationships with their suppliers in order to improve time to market and gain a competitive edge. Increasing competition among enterprises is creating new opportunities for ICT vendors to provide predictive and social sentiment analytics solutions. Continued. For Detailed Reading Please visit @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2989139-ict-investment-trends-in-indonesia-inclination-to-invest About Us Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. Contact Us: NORAH TRENT Partner Relations & Marketing Manager sales@wiseguyreports.com www.wiseguyreports.com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (US) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK) Media Contact Company Name: Wiseguyreports.com Contact Person: Norah Trent Email: Send Email Phone: +1 646 845 9349, +44 208 133 9349 City: Pune State: Maharashtra Country: India Website: www.wiseguyreports.com Hannans Ltd (ASX:HNR) is an exploration company with a focus on nickel, gold and lithium in Western Australia. Hannans major shareholder is leading Australian specialty minerals company Neometals Ltd. Hannans has a strategic relationship with West Australian based mining services company Australian Contract Mining. Since listing on the ASX in 2003 Hannans has signed agreements with Vale Inco, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, Boliden, Warwick Resources, Cullen Resources, Azure Minerals, Neometals, Tasman Metals, Grangesberg Iron AB and Lovisagruvan AB. Shareholders at various times since listing have included Rio Tinto, Anglo American, OM Holdings, Craton Capital and BlackRock. Authier Project Presentation to Key Stakeholders & Permitting Update Brisbane, April 13, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Sayona Mining Limited ( ASX:SYA ) ( OTCMKTS:DMNXF ) ("Sayona" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company held information sessions to present the Authier Lithium Project to local stakeholders.Two presentation evenings, including one in the La Motte Municipality where Authier is located, and a second in Pikogan to present the project to the members of the Abitibiwinni First Nation, where undertaken in accordance with the Mining Act guidelines. The objective of these meetings was to present the Authier project development plan, strategies for protecting the environment, employment and contract opportunities, and to outline the potential economic benefits to the community. Community concerns are being addressed and implemented in the ongoing development plans.In addition, the Company has an active communication strategy and has been engaging with the broader community outside the immediate project area. Meetings have been held with regional councils, other mining companies successfully operating in the region, Government organisations, and other key business stakeholders in the region.A high level focus in the meeting was outlining the Company's plans for the protection of the environment. The Company has commissioned a number of studies to examine whether the Authier mine has any physical, biological or social impacts on the environment and communities. The studies are being undertaken by highly reputable independent consultants with extensive experience and expertise in the region.A comprehensive base-line environmental study was completed at Authier in 2010 by environmental consultancy, Dessau. Since the Company's acquisition of the project in late 2016, all of the environmental studies have been updated, including:- Creating a vegetation inventory, including wetlands and species with special status;- Inventory of fish and fish habitats;- Inventories of wildlife species with special status;- Assessment of surface and ground water quality; and- Hydrogeological and hydrological baseline conditions.The work to-date has not identified any material environmental issues and finalisation of the environmental studies will be completed in the second quarter of 2018.The Company's development strategy is aimed at minimizing Authier's impact on the community and environment, and includes the following activities:- Reagents used in the process plant will all be contained within the process plant compound and not discharged into the environment;- All process plant, mine run-off and dewatering water will be contained within ponds and recycled through the process plant to minimise new water requirements. Process water will be 100% reused in the plant;- The tailings produced from the processing operations will be filtered and dry stacked with waste rock from the mine, eliminating the need for a tailings dam, and keeping the project footprint small;- The tailings and waste rock material are not acid generating and do not leach any heavy metals. The Company has been contacted by surrounding Municipalities enquiring about the use of mine waste rock for road base;- Water in process ponds will be treated, if required, before any discharge into the environment;- The scale of the mining operations are relatively small at around 1,900 tons per day which minimizes the impact on the community and environment; and- Progressive site reclamation and remediation planning during operation and at the end of mine activities.The public consultation process is ongoing and a second series of presentations will be held in June 2018 to present the outcomes of the environmental base-line and definitive feasibility studies, as well as strategies that will be adopted to protect the environment and minimise potential impact on the local community. During the public consultation, all relevant reports will be made available to the public and the Company will be available to respond to questions about the Authier Project. Feedback will be used to ensure the Authier project delivers positive impacts to the local community.Permitting UpdateThe Company is progressing through all the activities required for permitting by both the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources ("MERN") and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change ("MDDELCC"). The Company is targeting to have obtained all material permits required for the project by mid-2019.Mining LeaseMining lease applications are submitted to the MERN pursuant to Section 100 of the Mining Act (Quebec). A mining lease can only be granted after the following conditions are fulfilled:- Completion of a feasibility study (in progress and due for completion 2Q2018);- Completion of a scoping and marketing study for processing within Quebec (in progress);- Rehabilitation and restoration plans have been approved (nearly complete);- The MDDELCC authorization required under the Environment Quality Act has been issued for the project (in progress); and- A survey plan has been approved by the Office of the Surveyor-General of Quebec (complete).The initial term of the lease is 20 years. The lease may then be renewed no more than three times for a period of 10 years each time. After the third renewal, the MERN may renew the lease for periods of five years. Within 30 days after the lease is issued, the lessee must establish a monitoring committee to foster the involvement of the local community in the project as a whole.Before a mining lease can be granted for a mine that has a production capacity of less than 2,000 metric tons per day, a public consultation initiated by the proponent must be held in the region in which the mine will be located.MDDELCC AuthorisationThe project is subject to various environmental laws and must be authorized by the MDDELCC pursuant to the Environment Quality Act. This permitting process involves the filing of various documents and environmental studies, including potential environmental impacts of the project and related monitoring and mitigation measures. The Company is targeting to submit its application to obtain the MDDELCC authorization in mid-2018, with the objective of obtaining this key authorization by mid-2019.In March 2018, amendments to the Environmental Quality Act came into force allowing the Government, in exceptional circumstances, on the recommendation of the Minister of MDDELCC, to submit a project to the environmental impact assessment and review procedure if in the Government's opinion the project may raise major environmental issues and public concern warrants it. The Company believes its environmental studies have demonstrated that Authier will have minimal impact on the environment and community.Corey Nolan, Chief Executive Officer, commented "The presentation sessions were a great opportunity for our Canadian team to meet and exchange information with the local communities and the members of the Abitibiwinni First Nation. The Company is committed to maintaining a close relationship with all the stakeholders who will be impacted by the project. Furthermore, we strongly emphasise that the Company is fully committed to the protection of the environment and minimising its impact on the local community. The Company is looking forward to updating stakeholders in June on the outcomes of the studies and its plan for the future".To view figures, please visit:About Sayona Mining Ltd Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:SYAXF) is an Australian, ASX-listed (SYA) company focused on sourcing and developing the raw materials required to construct lithium-ion batteries for use in the rapidly growing new and green technology sectors. The Company has lithium projects in Quebec, Canada and in Western Australia. Please visit us as at www.sayonamining.com.au Chico, Calif. -- A group of 8th grade students in Chico are addressing homelessness in the community, making a big difference, in a tiny way. Chico Country Day School students built a "Tiny House" for Simplicity Village, a transitional housing program for the homeless. Homelessness has been a divisive issue in Chico, but that's not what the students are focusing on. "I've learned not to really judge people as much because when I was on the streets and walking home, I'd see a lot of homeless people and think to judge them and now they have a different story to tell, so you can't judge them as much," said Mia Ellas, a student at Chico Country Day School. "We talked a lot about empathy and Mr. Barbera taught us how to put ourselves in their shoes and learn how not to judge them at all," said Kylie Gutman, a student at Chico Country Day School. The students are focusing on solutions, learning about empathy and how small contributions like the "Tiny House" can make a difference in homeless people's lives. NEWS APP: DOWNLOAD OUR NEWS APP FOR LATEST UPDATES: iOS | Android European airport trade association, ACI EUROPE today releases its traffic report for February 2018, during which average passenger traffic in geographical Europe grew by +6.5% compared with the same month last year. As in previous months, the non-EU market led the growth dynamic at +10.8%, on the back of Turkish airports increasing their passenger traffic by an impressive +17.5%. Gains were especially strong at airports in Georgia (+36%), Israel (+17.1%), Ukraine (+15.1%), Iceland (+11.7%) as well as in the smaller markets of FYROM (+21.8%), Bosnia-Herzegovina (+19.1%) and Montenegro (+17.2%). Meanwhile, passenger traffic growth in the EU market expanded by +5.2% - the exact same growth pace as in January. Airports in the Eastern and Southern parts of the bloc along with Finland and Luxembourg significantly outperformed this average. Accordingly, the following capital city airports all registered double-digit growth in passenger traffic: Malta (+17.9%), Riga (+17.6%), Vilnius (+16.9%), Bratislava (+16.7%), Luxembourg (+16.1%), Budapest (+15.9%), Lisbon (+14.9%), Tallinn (+14.3%), Prague (+13.4%), Warsaw (+12.8%), Helsinki (+11.9%), Larnaca (+11%), Zagreb (+10.4%) and Ljubljana (+10.2%). The demise of Monarch Airlines and Air Berlin continued to weigh on the performance of a number of airports mainly in the UK and Germany - as evidenced by declines in passenger traffic at Birmingham (-5.5%), Dusseldorf (-7.4%) and Berlin TXL (-8.2%). Adverse winter conditions, as well as a number of airline strikes also contributed to lower growth in these countries and in France and Ireland. The Majors (top 5 European airports) saw passenger volumes increase by +7.7%, driven by Istanbul-Ataturk (17.7%), Amsterdam-Schiphol (+9.6%) and Frankfurt (8.5%). Lower growth at Paris CDG (+2.6%) reflected the above-mentioned weather and airline strikes disruptions, while capacity constraints keep limiting traffic gains at London-Heathrow (+2.4%). Some large regional airports posted an impressive rise in passenger traffic, driven by particularly successful network development strategies - including: Heraklion (+40.3%), Naples (+41.5%), Sevilla (+32.3%), Valencia (+28.2%), Krakow (+24.6%) and Palermo (+22.1%). Freight traffic retained its recent robust growth trend during February at +5.7%. Aircraft movements were up +3.0% - increasing by +2.4% in the EU market and by +4.8% in the non-EU bloc. During the month of February, airports welcoming more than 25 million passengers per year (Group 1), airports welcoming between 10 and 25 million passengers (Group 2), airports welcoming between 5 and 10 million passengers (Group 3) and airports welcoming less than 5 million passengers per year (Group 4) reported an average adjustment +5.8%, +6.8%, +7.8% and +7.5%. The airports that reported the highest increases in passenger traffic during February 2018 (compared with February 2017) are as follows: GROUP 1: Istanbul IST (+17.7%), Istanbul SAW (+15.5%), Lisbon (+14.9%), Amsterdam & Moscow SVO (+9.6%) and Madrid (+9.3%) GROUP 2: Ankara (+38.6%), Tel Aviv (+19.2%), Budapest (+15.9%), Milan MXP (+13.9%) and Stuttgart (+13.8%) GROUP 3: Naples (+41.5%), Heraklion (+40.3%), Sevilla (+32.3%), Valencia (+28.2%) and Krakow (+24.6%) GROUP 4: Zadar (+75.6%), Varna (+75%), Craiova (+62.6%), Lublin (+54%) and Tbilisi (+39%) The 'ACI EUROPE Airport Traffic Report February 2018 includes 241 airports in total representing more than 88% of European air passenger traffic. ACI EUROPE Airport Traffic Reports are unique in that they are the only ones to include all types of airline passenger flights to, from and within Europe: full service, low cost, charter and others. Over 1.2 million passengers travelled through London Luton Airport in March, as the airport experienced a record-breaking Easter. Above: Passengers escaping the gloomy Easter weather. Courtesy London Luton Airport A total of 193,935 passengers passed through Luton Airport over the holiday weekend. Good Friday was the busiest day for departures, with 51,103 passengers travelling through the airport. March marks the 14th consecutive month that over one million passengers have passed through the airport and comes as easyJet and Wizz Air announce six new routes. easyJet will be flying to Palermo and Genoa in Italy, Reus in Spain and Dalaman in Turkey and Wizz Air has announced routes to Bratislava, Slovakia and Bari, Italy. Fourteen new retail stores have also recently opened at the airport, including Ted Baker and Hugo Boss, while Oliver Bonas chose LLA for its first-ever airport store. A total of 30 new stores are due to open in the terminal by the end of the year as part of LLAs 160 million redevelopment programme. The transformation includes an expanded terminal providing more seating and new boarding gates. Nick Barton, CEO of London Luton Airport, said: This is a really exciting time for the airport, as we come towards the culmination of our transformation and celebrate our 80th anniversary. People can now visit over 130 destinations from LLA (London Luton Airport) and new shops and restaurants mean our growing number of passengers have even greater choice when travelling through the airport. Evidence of Increase in Mortality After the Introduction of DiphtheriaTetanusPertussis Vaccine to Children Aged 635 Months in Guinea-Bissau: A Time for Reflection? 1 Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau 2 Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark 3OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark Background: Whole-cell diphtheriatetanuspertussis (DTP) and oral polio vaccine (OPV) were introduced to children in Guinea-Bissau in 1981. We previously reported that DTP in the target age group from 3 to 5 months of age was associated with higher overall mortality. DTP and OPV were also given to older children and in this study we tested the effect on mortality in children aged 635 months. Methods: In the 1980s, the suburb Bandim in the capital of Guinea-Bissau was followed with demographic surveillance and tri-monthly weighing sessions for children under 3 years of age. From June 1981, routine vaccinations were offered at the weighing sessions. We calculated mortality hazard ratio (HR) for DTP-vaccinated and DTP-unvaccinated children aged 635 months using Cox proportional hazard models. Including this study, the introduction of DTP vaccine and child mortality has been studied in three studies; we made a meta-estimate of these studies. Results: At the first weighing session after the introduction of vaccines, 635-month-old children who received DTP vaccination had better weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) than children who did not receive DTP; one unit increase in WAZ was associated with an odds ratio of 1.32 (95% CI = 1.131.55) for receiving DTP vaccination. Though lower mortality compared with not being DTP-vaccinated was, therefore, expected, DTP vaccination was associated with a non-significant trend in the opposite direction, the HR being 2.22 (0.826.04) adjusted for WAZ. In a sensitivity analysis, including all children weighed at least once before the vaccination program started, DTP (OPV) as the most recent vaccination compared with live vaccines or no vaccine was associated with a HR of 1.89 (1.003.55). In the three studies of the introduction of DTP in rural and urban Guinea-Bissau, DTP-vaccinated children had an HR of 2.14 (1.423.23) compared to DTP-unvaccinated children; this effect was separately significant for girls [HR = 2.60 (1.574.32)], but not for boys [HR = 1.71 (0.992.93)] (test for interaction p = 0.27). Conclusion: Although having better nutritional status and being protected against three infections, 635 months old DTP-vaccinated children tended to have higher mortality than DTP-unvaccinated children. All studies of the introduction of DTP have found increased overall mortality. The full article can be read here. Chaldean Church Patriarch Encourages Push for 'Moderate Islam' in Iraq The Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq Louis Raphael Sako (L) standing with the representatives of other Iraqi religious groups in Paris during a conference, April 12, 2018. ( Chaldean Patriarchate of Babylon) The Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq, Louis Raphael Sako, called for the Federal Government of Iraq to put an end to the practice of including people's religion on their national identity cards, and urged for greater separation of power and politics to help end discrimination in the country. Sako stated there exist a strong will and attitude toward a more moderate Islam in Iraq but needs to be encouraged. Sako's speech was delivered at a conference on citizenship and justice organized by the French Senate in Paris on Thursday. He highlighted the suffering of Christians as well as non-Muslim religious groups in Iraq over the past decade which has pushed many to leave the country. Christians in Iraq have been subjected to violence since the fall of the former dictatorship in 2003. Following the rise of the Islamic State (IS) in 2014 in northern Iraq, hundreds of thousands of Christians were driven out of their homes and moved to the Kurdistan Region, while other emigrated to Europe and elsewhere. In December last year, Iraq declared victory over the IS after three years of fierce fighting that considerably damaged cities, including Christian-populated areas. Sako stated that nowadays, a new state of mind prevails among Iraqis, but divisions remain deeply ingrained. "Nine months after the end of the battle of Mosul and the defeat of Da'esh in Iraq, our country is plagued by a paradox," the Chaldean Patriarch said, using the pejorative Arabic acronym for IS. "There is a great aspiration among Iraqis to no longer live out of step with modernity and finally turn the page on war and division. Most people want to move on from sectarianism because it is at odds with the notions of citizenship and human rights." Nineveh has been among the most densely populated parts of Iraq. Waves of attacks on Christians since 2003 have reduced its population, especially among the Assyrian and Chaldean communities. Nineveh province, including Mosul city, remains one of the oldest Christians homeland, namely in the East, with roots dating back to the earliest centuries. "Iraqi society still seems to be marked by deep divisions of tribal, ethnic, religious or cultural origin," Sako added. He explained that it is necessary to adapt to reality as it is and to take into consideration the diversity and pluralism that characterize Iraq's society. According to the bishop, unified citizenship is the only way to overcome divisions. "Citizenship is the only solution for the future of Iraq. Citizenship must be for everyone; all must be integrated. It is under its tent that everyone will be protected, regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation," Sako continued. "The notion of citizenship helps put an end to discrimination and exclusion, as is the case in the democratic West. Citizenship means that there is no longer a religious or ethnic majority or even the notion of minority groups. Citizenship allows everyone to be protected because everyone is subject to the same laws." He called on separating religion from politics, stating that it would allow religion to once again focus on its true mission. Christians, Ezidi, and Sabean have suffered greatly from sectarianism and Islamic extremism in Iraq, according to Sako, but added that they are an important part of the country's history. "Yet, in today's textbooks, there are no mentions of our history and our religion and all that we have given to our Muslim brothers and offered to our country." The Kurdistan Region has been a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of Christians. Following the emergence of IS, a large number of Christians settled in the region while other traveled abroad. Editing by Nadia Riva. The view from Jack's front porch is pretty good. Jack's CEO Todd Bartmess says the company is poised for future growth throughout the Southeast. The chain's new prototype restaurant has a porch, among other additions. Last week, Jack's opened its 150th location in Summerville, Ga., and plans to open another 14 this year. That means hiring about 500 people in 2018, with other markets on the horizon. It's a good time for the company, CEO Todd Bartmess says, as Jack's also looks to expand its menu. "We want to grow at about 8 to 10 percent a year," he said. "We want to make sure we can bring on people who live the culture of Jack's, train them and provide the guests with a great experience." Jack's footprint currently covers Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. The fast food chain last year pushed into Chattanooga and Jackson, Tenn., and parts of western Georgia. In addition, last month restaurants rolled out the Mushroom Swiss burger, and Jack's is testing a Chicken Finger BLT and Biscuit Bites that would be available all day. Bartmess said the company plans to roll out three or four new products a year. Last year, Jack's updated its test kitchen for the development of new menu items. But the changes to the restaurant may herald something else about the company's image. Last month, Jack's opened its new prototype in Etowah County's Southside. At the heart of it was an emphasis on Jack's role as the community meeting place. The new location features a wrapped front porch with outdoor seating, large round community dining tables and an old-school ice cream counter. A spotlight in the kitchen puts that day's biscuit maker within view of guests. The design should start showing up in new locations next year. Bartmess said it took about a year-and-a-half to develop the concept, which marries the restaurant with its identity as a Southern company - right down to the words "All About the South" over the entrance. "We looked at ourselves and asked, 'Do our buildings really portray everything the brand is?'" Bartmess said. "We like the way it looks and feels, and the way it makes the customers feel." Jack's prides itself on customer experience - which includes having a hostess in the dining room who knows regular customers' names and fosters a hometown feel. That connects with a uniquely Southern sensibility. "We are definitely a Southern brand, but it's not something we talked about that much," Bartmess said. "We have products that are important to the South, our guest service is deemed as Southern hospitality. You go to some restaurants, and hospitality is the last thing they worry about. It's the first thing we worry about." But Bartmess said the ideas of Southern closeness, family, and connection are more than just style points in a store design. For example, the company has the "Jack's Family Fund" which employees pay into. "We use that money when there's an emergency, a catastrophe, whether its one of our own employees or customers or friends," Bartmess said. "We're trying to be a company that cares about their customers, that tries to give something back. That makes it a lot of fun as we grow into these communities." Attorneys for the state and for the city of Birmingham argued in court today over whether a Confederate memorial at Linn Park should remain covered. In May, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act-- a bill to prohibit local governments from moving historical monuments on public property that have been in place for 40 years or more. The law also prohibits renaming buildings and streets with historical names that have been in place at least 40 years. The new law says moving or renaming a monument or building without a waiver would be subject to daily fines; however, the waiver can only be sought for monuments less than 40 years old. In August 2017, months after the law was enacted, then-Birmingham mayor William Bell ordered the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Linn Park covered with plastic, and later plywood, while lawyers could consider legal options. The 52-foot memorial at Linn Park was commissioned by the Pelham Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and dedicated in 1905. While some called for the statue to be torn down, Bell said he wouldn't break the law to remove the monument. The Alabama Attorney General's Office quickly filed a lawsuit against the city for violating state law. "In accordance with the law, my office has determined that by affixing tarps and placing plywood around the Linn Park memorial such that it is hidden from view, the defendants have 'altered' or 'otherwise disturbed' the memorial in violation of the letter and spirit of the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act," Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. "The city of Birmingham does not have the right to violate the law and leaves my office with no choice but to file suit." Marshall asked the court to impose a $25,000 per day fine on the city for the covering of the monument. As of April 13, 2018, that fine would be over $6 million. In its motion asking Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Michael Graffeo to dismiss the AG's lawsuit, city attorneys claim the Memorial Preservation Act is "vague and ambiguous and offers no definition for the terms 'altered' or 'otherwise disturbed.'" A hearing was held Friday after both sides filed requests seeking summary judgment in the case. Both sides' arguments in court focused primarily on part of the law that says protected monuments cannot be "altered or otherwise disturbed." Assistant AG Brad Chynoweth said the 12-foot plywood screen does alter the monument, even though the wood doesn't touch the statue. A monument is defined as a permanent memorial to a part of history, he said, and in the case of the Linn Park statue, "you cannot see what the monument is intended to memorialize." He said the wood "substantially changed" and altered the monument, because its intended purpose isn't visible. Chynoweth also argued while the state does not necessarily intend to seek the $25,000 per day fine against Birmingham, the AG's office does ask the judge to make a declaratory judgment giving them the right to seek the fine in other cases. "It's not just some random object in Linn Park," Chynoweth said. Assistant city attorney Veronica Merritt said Birmingham never intended to break the law by erecting the wood screen, which is why the wood is positioned in a way not to touch the statue. She said the monument is the "exact same," and said the words "altered" applies to structural changes, and not coverings. Merritt called the covering unsubstantial. She mentioned deadly riots in Charlottesville and shootings in Charleston, saying former mayor Bell did not want those types of events to happen in Birmingham. "This would be a prime location for those types of [violent] events," she said. Merritt said the city did not want the park or monument to "become a location of conflict," and the wood covering was put up as a protective measure for the public and to "maintain civility." She said obstructing view of the monument is not mentioned in the law. Merritt also said the fine was intended only for criminal actions; not civil actions like the current case. Special To The Washington Post * Kim Kavin An effort that animal rescuers began more than a decade ago to buy dogs for $5 or $10 apiece from commercial breeders has become a nationwide shadow market that today sees some rescuers, fueled by internet fundraising, paying breeders $5,000 or more for a dog. The result is a river of rescue donations flowing from avowed dog saviors to the breeders, two groups that have long disparaged each other. The rescuers call many breeders heartless operators of inhumane "puppy mills" and work to ban the sale of their dogs in brick-and-mortar pet stores. The breeders call "retail rescuers" hypocritical dilettantes who hide behind nonprofit status while doing business as unregulated, online pet stores. But for years, they have come together at dog auctions where no cameras are allowed, with rescuers enriching breeders and some breeders saying more puppies are being bred for sale to the rescuers. Bidders affiliated with 86 rescue and advocacy groups and shelters throughout the United States and Canada have spent $2.68 million buying 5,761 dogs and puppies from breeders since 2009 at the nation's two government-regulated dog auctions, both in Missouri, according to invoices, checks and other documents The Washington Post obtained from an industry insider. At the auctions, rescuers have purchased dogs from some of the same breeders who face activist protests, including some on the Humane Society of the United States' "Horrible Hundred" list or the "No Pet Store Puppies" database of breeders to avoid, maintained by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Most rescuers then offered the dogs for adoption as "rescued" or "saved." Years ago, when more commercial breeders existed, rescuers attended auctions to buy surplus dogs that seemed to be everywhere, longtime auction participants say. But the success of the rescue movement in reducing shelter populations, some rescuers say, has been driving rescuers to the auction market. As the number of commercial kennels has decreased, so has the number of shelter animals killed in the United States: A February 2017 estimate put the total for dogs alone at 780,000, a steep drop from estimates for all shelter animals that were as high as 20 million in the 1970s. The smaller populations of shelter dogs make it harder for some rescue groups, especially those dedicated to specialty breeds, to find what adopters want. One golden retriever rescue group turned to the auctions after seeing 40 percent fewer dogs coming in as of 2016. At the auctions, such rescuers describe buying purebreds and popular crossbreeds such as goldendoodles and maltipoos as "puppy mill rescue." "We have breeders that breed for the auction," says Will Yoder, a commercial breeder of Cavalier King Charles spaniels in Bloomfield, Iowa. "It's a huge, huge underground market. It's happening at an alarming rate." Many people are unaware of the practice. About 50 of the 86 groups that The Post linked to auction bidders made no mention of auctions on their web pages, 20 described what they were doing as "puppy mill rescue" or "auction rescue," and 10 mentioned words such as "bought" or "purchased" at auction but did not say online how much they paid per dog. Leading nonprofit animal-welfare groups, including the ASPCA, HSUS and the American Kennel Club purebred advocacy group, say rescuers are misguided in buying dogs at auction because the money they pay only encourages more breeding on a commercial scale. "Although they may be doing good things for individual dogs purchased at auctions, it perpetuates the problem and tends to create a seller's market," says Brandi Hunter, the AKC's spokeswoman. Rescuers at the auctions say their purchases save individual dogs and weaken the commercial breeding chain by removing, spaying and neutering dogs that would otherwise be bred again and again. They say donors ranging from average dog lovers to show-dog breeders understand, and financially support, their efforts. "It's a very controversial thing, for rescuers to buy dogs at auction," says Jeanette DeMars, founder of Corgi Connection of Kansas, who discloses to donors that she buys auction dogs. "Some are of the opinion that you're putting money in the breeders' pockets. Others say you're saving the dogs from a life of breeding. My opinion is that if people are willing to donate and it doesn't take money out of my regular rescue, I will do it." Video: Rescuer Theresa Strader says she's seen a change at the breeder auctions, with more rescuers attending and some paying high prices for dogs-a practice she questions.(Zoeann Murphy/The Washington Post) JoAnn Dimon, director of Big East Akita Rescue in New Jersey, says that buying breeding-age dogs not only cuts into overbreeding but also makes it harder for commercial breeders to profit in the long run. "That breeder is going to make thousands of dollars off that [female dog] if he breeds her every cycle," Dimon said. "I just bought her for $150. I just took money out of his pocket. I got the dog, and I stopped the cycle." The majority of the $2.68 million The Post documented was spent since 2013 at Southwest Auction Service, the biggest commercial dog auction in the country, with some additional spending at its smaller, only remaining competitor, Heartland Sales. Southwest originated in Wheaton, Missouri, in 1988, and Heartland was founded in Cabool, Missouri, in 2003, as a marketplace for breeders. As the last remaining government-licensed auctions, they let buyers and sellers see hundreds of dogs at a time and are a legal part of the country's puppy supply chain. They are regulated by the U.S. and Missouri Departments of Agriculture and open to the public. "I'm not going to lie about this: Rescue generates about one-third, maybe even 40 percent of our income," says Bob Hughes, Southwest's owner. "It's been big for 10 years." Hughes said his auction is open to everyone but people with cameras because "our customers don't want to be on animal-activist websites being called 'puppy mills.' " Hank Grosenbacher, owner of Heartland, says rescuers usually account for 15 to 25 percent of his business. He says he gets fewer rescuers than Southwest because he often bans from his auction rescuers who publicly call breeders "puppy mills." "At our auction, I think 75 percent of the people who sell dogs, and the rescues who come to our sale, will do things the right way," he said. "The particular rescuers who come to our sale, they're a blessing. For the most part, they buy dogs that breeders don't want, and they're not paying a lot of money." Hughes says he sees those types of rescuers at Southwest, too, but also those who use auction purchases to rake in huge online donations. "I honestly think there are very good, responsible rescues that just love the dogs and want to get them out of the breeding industry," Hughes says. "And I think there are malicious, lying, cheating rescues that are in it for the money and the glory and the funding." In early February, Grosenbacher's auction brought in $132,000, while Hughes notched his biggest sales revenue ever, taking in more than $600,000. One rescuer, Jessica Land, who helps operate Dog Ranch Rescue and Lone Star Dog Ranch in Texas, paid $8,750 for a pregnant French bulldog at Southwest, an invoice shows. Land declined to comment for this article. "The French bulldog that Lone Star paid $8,750 to buy in February was pregnant with five fetuses," Hughes said. "An ultrasound showed it. Now, if there's five fetuses worth $2,000 a puppy, that's $10,000 in puppies and the mama's a young female, so a breeder would say, 'I got all my money back in one litter and own the dog for free and she'll produce for another five years.' " On Facebook, Lone Star Dog Ranch described that purchase by telling followers that bids went up in $25 increments. Nothing was disclosed about the total amount spent. The rescue-themed post reached more than 2,300 people. Most of them clicked "like" and "love." The Southwest auction may be the country's largest, but finding it requires knowing that it's there. It is held behind a gate and down a dirt driveway, in a barn on private property. It is in a part of Missouri so rural that the 2010 Census showed the nearest town - Wheaton - had only 696 residents. Prospective buyers park in a dirt lot, then go inside to register for bidding cards. They sit in bleachers that surround a table down in front, where dogs and puppies are brought out from a room in the back. Sometimes, the auctioneer puts one dog up for bid, and other times, a whole litter of puppies will be on the table. Some of them play while the people all around put a price on them, and children in the bleachers - whose parents are bidding - eat snacks and watch. At any given auction, as many as several hundred dogs and puppies might be sold, with bidding starting in the morning and running until dinnertime, even past sundown. At most auctions, various breeders typically offer anywhere from a handful to two dozen dogs, so the mix available for bid can run the alphabet from Akitas and Australian shepherds to wire fox and Yorkshire terriers. The auction at Southwest on Nov. 22, 2014, was different - and showed that a breed-specific rescuer, flush with donated cash, will pay five figures for a dog. An Alabama breeder of Cavalier King Charles spaniels was going out of business, so the sale would have more than 130 Cavaliers. There was serious money in play that day from Cavalier rescuers. One rescuer's GoFundMe.com campaign had netted $188,815, and another's YouCaring.com fundraiser brought in $157,955. "Don't Let These Sweet Cavaliers go to a Disreputable Home," a rescuer wrote on the YouCaring.com site, warning donors of the "many other less than reputable breeders at this auction." For the first few hours that day in Missouri, rescuers won every bid. Then Will Yoder, the Cavalier breeder from Iowa, broke through. He says he does not support or usually attend auctions, so he can still remember the moment that he won two Cavaliers, for $3,600 and $3,950. "There was just dead silence," Yoder says. "This was, like, the first dog that went to a breeder that day. The pressure was on. The first dog just went to a horrible puppy mill. That's what they're thinking." As he waited to pay at the checkout counter, Yoder says, a rescuer approached and blurted, "So, how much profit?" "It was like, they hate me, and they assume I hate them, and she just walked up and looked at me," he says. "I knew what she meant: What do you want for your dogs? I looked at her and said, 'I'm sorry, but they're not for sale.' " Yoder left with his two Cavaliers, but online pleas had already gone out to raise more money to buy his dogs in a post-auction deal. A forum run by Cavaliers Co UK, in Britain, listed the email address of Alabama-based rescuer Angie Ingram and said she was a person collecting PayPal donations. Comments on the forum emphasized the urgency: "Money is still being donated, hopefully an agreed fee for the dogs can be met with the money that is still coming in!!" Cavaliers Co UK and Ingram did not respond to requests for comment. Yoder says he was oblivious to the crush of fundraising. He was heading home to Iowa, sitting in the passenger seat with his Cavaliers in the back, when he reconsidered. "I told the driver, 'They really wanted those dogs,' " Yoder says. "We were just talking, and I said, 'Money is obviously not an issue for them.' " Yoder called the auction owner by cellphone and said he'd take $10,000 per Cavalier if the rescuer still wanted them. "I was just curious," Yoder says. "I didn't think they would actually pay it. But it's not their money, so money wasn't an issue. I'd never sold a dog for $10,000, so I just thought, 'Let's see.' " Within minutes, the auction owner and Yoder say, the deal was done: Documents show that Ingram paid $24,200 to buy the two Cavaliers for which Yoder had paid $8,305, with all the totals including the auction's fees; the check was one of four that Ingram wrote that day, totaling $218,325 for 54 dogs, according to documents submitted by lawyers for Ingram and others in an Alabama libel lawsuit filed in the wake of the auction. Ingram and six others sued several other rescuers alleging that they libeled the plaintiffs by publishing statements on a Facebook page called Beware Cavalier Rescue of Alabama, accusing them of using donated money to buy dogs for themselves and duping donors about rescuing Cavaliers. "The Beware page and the information posted by others lacked any factual support and the unconscionable allegations contained therein were and are false, defamatory and libelous," the plaintiffs complaint states. Documents show that bidders now affiliated with the nonprofit Cavalier Rescue of Alabama, where Ingram is listed as animal welfare program director, have paid $406,872 buying 172 dogs and puppies at auction since 2014 - an average price of $2,365 per dog. Last year, more than half the dogs the nonprofit group says it saved were bought at auction, according to a link the group posted on Facebook showing that it has placed dogs in homes in 14 states. As for the two Cavaliers bought for $24,200, Ingram adopted one, and another rescuer adopted the other, both animals becoming personal pets, court documents show. Ingram and the other adopter each paid a $300 fee. Lisa Thompson, co-founder of Cavalier Rescue of Alabama, said that on the advice of legal counsel, no one from her group would respond to The Post's questions. But in November 2014, the Alabama branch of Cavalier Rescue USA, led by co-coordinators Brittney Wilk and Lisa Thompson, were hailed along with Ingram in stories by AL.com for their success at the auction and taking in 34 of the Cavaliers. "We got all the dogs," Ingram told AL.com in 2014. "I feel relieved. I was more worried about the ones we didn't get." In 2015, Ingram was among a group of women with the Cavalier Group of Greater Birmingham that received the Judy M. Merritt Servant Leadership Award for rescuing dozens of dogs, mostly Cavaliers, at the November auction. A number of veterinarians, vet techs and others volunteered their time after the Cavaliers were brought back to Birmingham. "It's not to my credit," Ingram said at the time. "Lots of people donated money and fostered these Cavaliers." Ingram was also astonished at how people had responded to their pleas before the auction. The Birmingham group raised more than $220,000 for the rescue effort, with donations pouring in from all over the world, AL.com reported. "It's unreal," Ingram commented at the time. Yoder was thrilled to talk. He said he could not believe so much money was raised so quickly, or that he ended up with so much of it, given to him by people who say they despise commercial breeders. "I was just like," he pauses, chuckling, "this is crazy." Rescue groups generally are organized as nonprofit charities and raise money through fundraisers, adoption fees, grants and bequests. Shelters and rescue groups connected to the auction bidders have annual revenue that runs from $12,000 to $1.5 million, and they charge adoption fees that range from $50 to $1,000 per dog. The individuals who run these organizations receive salaries as high as $78,000, but many receive no compensation, according to tax forms. The rescue movement used to include only shelters, but today it has an expansive network of home-based nonprofits, too. The noticeable increase in the number of such rescuers at the Missouri auctions began around 2005, about the same time that the nation's rescue movement began to evolve. That is also about the time that self-described "puppy mill rescue" began to move into the mainstream. Social media is boosting the "puppy mill rescue" movement today, with some rescuers seeking donations specifically to buy auction dogs. Amanda Giese, founder of Panda Paws Rescue in Washougal, Washington, posted several Facebook videos after spending $18,140 buying 32 dogs at the Southwest auction on Feb. 18, 2017, an invoice shows. Giese tells viewers, sometimes through tears, that she bought the dogs to save them from lives of sickness and torment in facilities with 400, 500 or 600 dogs that live in "rabbit hutches." She is shown with Siberian husky puppies that she purchased, asking as she unloads them from the back of a van, "Do you want to touch green grass for the first time?" Two of the Husky puppies that Giese bought, documents show, came from Sugarfork Kennels in Goodman, Missouri, which has sold puppies to pet stores and directly to consumers since 1999, and which invites buyers to visit the kennel. At least one of Sugarfork's grassy, sun-drenched enclosures, where big dogs such as Huskies run and play, is the size of a ballfield. Giese, reached by telephone, said she could not respond to The Post's questions. Rescuers who have been buying auction dogs for many years say it is unfair to characterize all commercial breeders as "puppy mills." They say they consider some of the breeders at the auctions to be their friends who, for various reasons, have dogs or puppies they cannot sell in other ways, leaving them for rescuers to acquire. "I think that as long as there are people raising dogs, there's always going to be the adult dog that got too old," said Jane Rosenthal of Storm Lake, Iowa, a former breeder and longtime auction buyer for numerous rescue groups. "There's going to be the puppy with an overbite or its eye got hurt - the unsellable puppies. To me, that's really what I always did for the most part, was pick up the crumbs at the bottom, those that nobody wanted." Rosenthal is a buyer who shows the nationwide reach that even a single rescue bidder can have from inside the auctions, making it all but impossible for consumers or regulators to determine a dog's provenance. She has spent at least $150,972 buying 434 dogs at Southwest since 2014, an average price per dog of $347; and $103,304 buying 619 dogs at Heartland since 2009, at an average price of $166, documents show. She has bought corgis, Akitas, Cavaliers and many more breeds for rescue groups from California to Minnesota to New Jersey, records and interviews show. "She has this great big van and gets dogs for all the rescues," says Faith Humpal, president of Paws to Love K9 Rescue in South Dakota, who has attended auctions for about 15 years. "A lot of the rescues say, 'We don't buy dogs' or 'We don't do this,' but, yeah, they do.' " Rosenthal said she is a volunteer bidder who does not consider her actions to be the same as buying dogs. She said she bids at the auctions for other rescuers who reimburse her. She said she cringes at the high prices some rescuers pay before showing off their auction-bought dogs online with descriptions such as "puppy mill rescue," using the dogs "as poster children" to generate more donations from the public. "You didn't save that dog," she said. "You paid $3,000 for it. You bought it, and you're going to sell it. I don't want any part of that." Theresa Strader agrees. She is founder of National Mill Dog Rescue in Colorado, a leading "anti-puppy mill" nonprofit organization with a website that states, "We do not pay the mills to rescue their dogs." Invoices show that Strader paid breeders nearly $44,703 for 193 dogs at 11 auctions from 2014 to 2016; prices ranged from $1 (for a Chihuahua) to $1,325 (for a golden retriever), for an average price of $231 per dog. "At least half of that money was groups that asked me to get dogs for them," Strader said. Rescuers told The Post it is a common practice for rescuers to buy dogs for others. Strader used to get "penny dogs" with her personal money at Southwest before about 2013, she said, and today is disgusted by the large amounts she sees some rescuers spending. "It became all the rage for rescuers to show up," Strader said. "They're creating an industry inside the industry. It's really, really wrong." Strader is among those who say buying dogs for high prices at auction is not a form of rescue at all: "People who call this puppy mill rescue? That's not honest. It's just not." Most breeders used to reserve all of their puppies and younger dogs for pet-store brokers and consumers. Now, at least some are taking them to auctions to sell to rescuers, Grosenbacher and some rescuers say. "Originally, rescues attended auctions to get the old and the sick dogs, and we paid very little for them," says Penny Reames, a Kansas rescuer who has attended the auctions for a decade, transferring the dogs to northern New England Westie Rescue in New Hampshire, which adopts them out for as much as $1,000 apiece. "We don't see those dogs so much anymore. Now it is primarily puppies who did not get bought by the brokers for one reason or another." At Heartland, owner Grosenbacher said, rescuers bid against each other for designer crossbred puppies such as morkies and puggles, and breeders consider the rescuers to be a reliable market for those pups because adopters clamor for them, making them a "cash cow" in the rescue community. "That's the one thing that rescues will get in competition over," he says. "They'll stand right there and look each other in the eye and outbid each other. By and large, it's the rescuers knocking each other out." Numerous rescuers told The Post that before every auction, in a secret Facebook group and in person, rescuers meet to decide who will bid on which dogs, so they do not bid against one another. But Dimon, the Akita rescuer, says the longtimers do not always recognize the newcomers - who, upon seeing auctions for the first time, are so eager to "save" every dog that they will pay just about anything. Numerous longtime rescue bidders say breeders are lying in wait for those novices, to bid them up and take every dollar of donated money they have. Melissa McClellan of New York City-based Posh Pets Rescue, said she attended her first auction at Southwest in January and paid $1,700 for a male Maltese. The seller had listed the 11-year-old dog as "well proven, still using," and McLellan kept raising the bid because she thought she was competing with a breeder for the dog. What McLellan did not know was that her bidding blew right past that of at least one longtime rescuer, Laverne Clark of Powersite, Missouri, who was there for the same dog. "I could've gotten that dog for $100," Clark says. "They paid $1,700." As of January, the Humane Society of the United States said, 250 municipalities had enacted retail pet-sale bans, which are often called "puppy mill bans" in the news media. The laws require pet stores to obtain puppies only from shelters and nonprofit organizations. Activists and lawmakers tell the public that the laws help homeless dogs and choke off income to the kinds of breeders who sell dogs and puppies at auctions. Los Angeles enacted a ban in 2012, and California followed in October by enacting the first statewide version in the United States. Activists say it is a model for the rest of the nation to follow. Similar statewide bans have since been introduced in nine states. But despite the efforts, commercially bred dogs have continued going to consumers in places with the municipal bans, including Los Angeles, by way of nonprofit groups and the auctions. The Post identified four California-based rescue groups tied to auction purchases, and two more that operate in the state. An invoice shows that on April 8, 2017, Kristin Cramer - founder of the nonprofit For Pete Sake Foundation in Sherman Oaks, California - placed a successful phone bid with Southwest for nearly $17,200 to buy a dozen English and French bulldogs. Within a week, a fundraising drive featuring Cramer's dogs appeared on the Facebook page of Los Angeles-based Road Dogs & Rescue, telling donors: "The goal was to pay as little as possible so as not to line their pockets, but to save some lives and have these dogs put real faces to the horrible industry." The fundraising announcement did not reveal the per-dog price, which an invoice shows ranged from $675 to $2,500. One auction seller who got some of that rescue cash was Gary Phillips of Adair, Oklahoma, a district president with Northeast Oklahoma Pet Professionals. He is on the ASPCA's "No Pet Store Puppies" warning website. Phillips said Cramer paid him more than he could have made selling the same dog through a pet store. Documents show that she paid $1,750 for his 19-month-old English bulldog, which was too old for pet-store consumers and had allergies that diminished her breeding prospects. Cramer said her single venture into buying at auction would be her last. The founder of Road Dogs & Rescue, while happy with the outcome for the dogs, called the experience "a painful lesson," adding, "It's too easy for rescues to be ruled by wanting to save a life at any cost." Phillips said that he was surprised and pleased with the price the rescuer paid, and that at least one colleague had taken note - not of the laws being enacted to try to shut down commercial breeders, but instead of where their new cash flow was emerging. "A breeder friend of mine said she's thinking about saving her puppies until they get about a year old and take them to the auction," Phillips said. "The rescue people will pay more than the pet-store brokers." Nationwide advocacy groups that support the pet-store bans include Bailing Out Benji, an Iowa-based nonprofit that promotes pet-store protests. Its website home page urges readers to watch a 2015 documentary that "educates about the puppy mill industry and the money that keeps it thriving." But the group's site says nothing about rescuers such as Terra Henggeler, who is the Nebraska team leader for Bailing Out Benji, according to recent news reports. A 2017 story quoted her at a pet-store protest in Omaha telling the media that she and other rescuers had to "fight for those dogs" inside because the shop bought puppies from "less than desirable breeders." Less than a month before and again after that protest, documents show, Henggeler bought dogs at Southwest, paying as much as $1,500 per dog; they were among 24 dogs that she has spent $24,255 to purchase at auction since 2016, some as young as 5 months old. Henggeler and Bailing Out Benji did not respond to requests for comment. Bob Hughes, Southwest's owner, says that what goes on at the auctions shows that nobody has the moral high ground in America's puppy wars. "In their minds, the rescuers think they're better," he says. "The industry is all alike. We're all supplying puppies and dogs to the general public in some form or fashion." Video: 'We are very proud of what we do.' Dog breeder, Abigail Anderson, shows why she believes her dogs have a good life.(Zoeann Murphy/The Washington Post) Kim Kavin is the author of "The Dog Merchants: Inside the Big Business of Breeders, Pet Stores and Rescuers" (Pegasus Books, 2016), a book of investigative journalism. A Mississippi convict who escaped earlier this week has been captured Alabama, but only after he carried out a home invasion and held people at knifepoint. Kevin Gabriel Rush, 36, was taken into custody early Friday in Tuscaloosa. He had escaped Wednesday while on a work detail in Mississippi's Noxubee County. He was assigned to a community work center there and never returned. He was serving 10 years for two burglaries. Tuscaloosa police Lt. Teena Richards said officers were made aware of Rush's escape and were on the lookout for a car that Rush had possibly stolen out of Mississippi. About 8:55 a.m. Friday, an investigator with the Criminal Investigations Division assigned to the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, spotted Rush driving the stolen car in the downtown Tuscaloosa area. A pursuit ensued, and Rush crashed his stolen car in the 2300 block of 29th Avenue. Rush then fled the scene on foot. Moments later, Richardson said, Rush kicked in the back door of a residence and held two victims at knife point. A perimeter was set up. A short time later, as officers were checking residences in the area, they made contact with the suspect in the back yard of the residence. A short foot pursuit, but officers nabbed Rush. He is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail on charges of first-degree receiving stolen property, attempting to elude, leaving the scene of an accident, obstructing justice using a false identification and first-degree burglary. Kidnapping charges are also pending in Alabama, and an escape charge in Mississippi. Rush is being held in the Tuscaloosa jail pending extradition to Mississippi. An investigation into a report of a student with a weapon at Hueytown High School turned up a BB gun that looked very much like the real thing. Hueytown Police Chief Mickey Willis said school administrators and school resource officers were notified Thursday that a student had a possible handgun in school. Authorities immediately took action to find the student, the chief said. Several police officers also responded to the school to assist in the investigation. Within minutes, Willis said, police and school officials located the student in question and found what appeared to be a handgun under his desk. A closer look, the chief said, revealed that it was not a real gun, but instead a BB gun. The student was taken into custody by police at the scene. "Our SRO and Hueytown High School Administration worked quickly to address the potential threat to avoid a threat to any students,'' Willis said. "Before the school could be locked down, our SRO and HHS Administration was able to locate the student and weapon. We want to thank Hueytown High School for their quick response along with our SRO." Willis said investigators will meet with the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office Friday to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed. An international humanitarian group is bringing its traveling exhibition about the global refugee crisis to Birmingham next week. Doctors Without Borders or Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is bringing "Forced from Home," to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Monday and Tuesday. "Forced from Home" is a traveling exhibition about the challenges the more than 65 million displaced people across the world face. Set in a self-contained mobile trailer, the exhibition uses virtual reality documentaries set in Mexico, South Sudan, Iraq, Lebanon and Tanzania to immerse visitors in the personal stories of displaced people around the world, giving them a unique perspective of what it is like to be forced from home. A photography display, infographics, items from refugee camps and MSF hospitals display the medical consequences of the largest global migration of people since World War II. MSF doctors will also be there, including Birmingham physician Barbara Burke. Burke has completed seven assignments with Doctors Without Borders and was most recently in Nairobi, Kenya, where she managed MSF's a drug-resistant tuberculosis clinic, sexual violence clinic and ambulance services. She has also worked with MSF in Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Angola and South Sudan. The exhibit will be at 1802 6th Ave South, which is near 18th Street and Sixth Avenue South. It will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The exhibit is free, open to the public and fully accessible, officials said. A newly-formed task force aimed at reducing homicides and other violent crime in Birmingham held its inaugural meeting Friday. The Public Safety Task Force is an outgrowth of U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin working together to develop a strategic plan for reducing violent crime in the Birmingham metro area, they said. Joining Town and Woodfin on the task force are representatives of the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Shelby County Drug Task Force, Housing Authority of Birmingham Division, Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the federal law enforcement agencies FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. There have been 32 homicides in Birmingham so far this year, and 46 in all of Jefferson County, including the Birmingham slayings. The number of homicides in the city countywide increased again in 2017, the third consecutive year to see a rise in the somber tally. The city ended the year with 111 homicides, up from 104 in 2016. In all of Jefferson County, there were 172 homicides including the 111 in Birmingham, up from 151 the previous year. "Violent crime is a public health issue in too many cities across America, including our community. This is a challenge to the quality of life for the people in all 99 neighborhoods," Woodfin said. "This issue must be addressed in three areas: prevention, enforcement and reducing the likelihood of repeat offenders." "Today, we are announcing a critical partnership that supports all three areas with a focus on greater deterrence through strengthened and targeted enforcement," he said. "I welcome the involvement of our federal, state and local partners in an unprecedented level of coordination and cooperation. Together we resolve to reduce violent crime and protect the people who live, work and play in our great city." Town, a senior prosecutor in Madison County before he was appointed U.S. Attorney, earlier this year announced another initiative which is designed to cracking down on violent convicts and make sure they spend more time behind bars. He met with district attorneys from across the state - including all 27 in the Northern District of Alabama - to detail the Prosecutor-to-Prosecutor Program, or P3. The program is designed to boost collaboration between Town's office and state district attorneys to capture cases that, otherwise, would not come to the attention of federal prosecutors. He said he stands shoulder to shoulder with Woodfin, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale and the residents of Birmingham to aggressively pursue the worst offenders in the city. "Returning Birmingham to its rightful owners, peaceful law-abiding citizens who should not have to live in a fog of violent crime, is the number one priority of this task force,'' Town said. "This assembly of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will move swiftly to smother the violent criminal activity afoot in this city." Incorporating principles of the mayor's public safety initiative, Operation Step Up, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction strategy, along with the National Public Safety Partnership, the Birmingham task force will unite federal, state and local law enforcement to identify and work to apprehend the key offenders responsible for the majority of violent crime in hot spots across the Birmingham area. One of the task force's first orders of business was to develop a short list of serious offenders who have drawn the attention of various task force agencies. With task force members sharing information and resources, tracking the worst offenders should be made easier, Town said. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide Justice Department program committed to reducing gun and gang crime by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and supporting those efforts with training and funding. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced PSP last year as a training and technical assistance program designed to enhance the capacity of local jurisdictions to address violent crime in their communities. He selected Birmingham as one of the initial 12 locations to participate in the program. The PSP and PSN programs both reinforce the federal, state and local task force model as one of the most effective ways to reduce violent crime. Hale said area lawmen are committed to stopping the culture of violence in its tracks now, and for the long term. "We have never seen a stronger partnership come together. This initiative will have a long-term positive effect on eradicating violent criminals and behavior from our communities," the sheriff said. "I appreciate all involved and we will be here as long as it takes. This is a great day for Birmingham and all of our surrounding communities." Ahmad Johnson was found not guilty of murder today in the 2016 shooting of a Hoover veteran and father. The jury, however, found him guilty of two counts of receiving stolen property. The verdict was read Friday, after a two-week long trial for 19-year-old Johnson. He was charged with murder in the Jan. 5, 2016 slaying of Mike Gilotti, along with seven counts of unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and two counts of receiving stolen property. Johnson was charged in Gilotti's death along with three other teens-- Charleston Wells, De'Ron Lucas, and another teen who has a pending application for youthful offender status. "I am disappointed," said Lane Tolbert, assistant Jefferson County district attorney. "I thought we showed he (Johnson) was involved in it enough to get a conviction." Wells was acquitted on the murder charge last year, and a trial date for Lucas has not been set. Gilotti was fatally shot in the early-morning hours of Jan. 5, 2016, when he was leaving his Lake Cyrus home for a workout at the YMCA. The 33-year-old worked for State Farm, and had served as an Army tank commander in Iraq. Gilotti's wife Heather and two young sons were inside when he was shot, and he died on the doorway to their home. Police and prosecutors said Gilotti's death came after a days-long crime spree by the men, who were in a Bessemer street gang named "M-Tre." Assistant District Attorneys Lane Tolbert and Bill North prosecuted the case. They described the crimes that started in St. Clair County in late December 2015, and stretched across Pelham, McCalla, Fultondale, Bessemer, Tuscaloosa, and finally, Lake Cyrus. Johnson was represented by Bret and Erica Gray. His lawyers said Johnson was guilty of receiving stolen property, but not on the car break-ins and Gilotti's shooting. He said no evidence shows Johnson was ever present in the Hoover neighborhood. Police, residents of Lake Cyrus, and others who said their vehicles were broken into during early January 2016 testified during the two-week trial. Lt. Keith Czeskleba with Hoover police was the lead investigator on the case, and he also took the stand. The teenage co-defendant who has a pending youthful offender application also took the stand, and said he, Wells, Lucas, and Johnson were all present in Lake Cyrus when Gilotti was killed. The teen said Johnson and Wells exited the car and approached Gilotti, but only Wells shot the man. He said Johnson was armed during the encounter. Steven Brooks, the Florida murder suspect who was being sought in north Alabama, has been killed by police in Pennsylvania, authorities said. Brooks, also known as Siddeeq Ma'Shooq, was wanted in Pinellas County, Florida for the shooting death of musician Caroline Morton-Hicks. In Alabama, Madison County law enforcement had been searching for 45-year-old Brooks since he escaped a standoff Wednesday night and led police on a chase. On Friday morning, Madison County sheriff's Lt. Donny Shaw said Brooks died in an encounter with police in South Strabane, Pennsylvania. Shaw said Brooks was driving a truck that was reported stolen in north Alabama. Steven Brooks the fugitive from Florida that eluded capture in Madison County Alabama is deceased after an encounter with Police in South Strabane Pennsylvania. More to follow as this story develops. Donny Shaw (@LtDonnyShaw263) April 13, 2018 The encounter happened Thursday at 11:25 p.m. on a ramp at the north junction of Interstate 70, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper reported. Police there had been chasing Brooks, the newspaper reported. South Strabane is a small township about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. The township is more than 600 miles from Harvest, the Madison County community where Brooks encountered north Alabama law enforcement. For north Alabama law enforcement, it started around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday when the U.S. Marshals fugitive apprehension team contacted Madison County SWAT deputies for help capturing Brooks at the Harvest home. By 6:30 p.m., a standoff was underway and continued for hours, with hostage negotiators talking to Brooks by phone, said Madison County Lt. Donny Shaw. Brooks went into the garage of the home around 9:30 p.m., got in a car and hit U.S. Marshals' vehicles as he fled the scene, Shaw said. Brooks led lawmen on a chase to the corner of Copeland and Love Branch roads in Limestone County. He jumped from the vehicle which caught fire in a field. Since then, state, federal and local law enforcement had been searching woods, creek beds and other rural areas. A helicopter and K9 teams assisted. Some schools implemented extra safety precautions on Thursday. Students were allowed to go outside for recess. In Florida, Brooks was accused of gunning down Caroline Morton-Hicks, a 59-year-old woman. The killing happened Feb. 12 at Pinellas Park. Pinellas County is near Tampa, more than 600 miles from Madison County, Alabama.Morton-Hicks was a musician, originally from England, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Police told the newspaper she was leaving a rehearsal of the Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra when an altercation happened in the parking lot. The Times reported that she tried to run away but was chased by the shooter. Toyota Motor North America is teaming with students from Alabama A&M University on an initiative to help solve mobility issues. David Fernandes, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, announced at a Friday event on the Alabama A&M campus an initial grant of $300,000 to fund the initiative, which includes scholarships for students accepted into the program. But what, exactly, is a mobility issue? "A mobility problem in this area could just be how people travel from one location to another," Fernandes said. "It could be the community, how they travel - a bus, for example. If there is not an opportunity to travel from one place to another, they're not mobile. And we want it to be an eco-friendly product. So that will be for the students to use their brain power to actually come up with a very fuel efficient, eco-friendly product." The grant from Toyota continues a long-running relationship between the Japanese automaker and Alabama A&M. "We selected them for this project because of their focus on renewable energy, strong STEM programs and a history of preparing well-qualified graduates," Fernandes said. The program will begin in the 2018 fall semester. "This, truly, is another great day on The Hill," Alabama A&M President Andrew Hugine said. Fernandes said that Toyota may ultimately benefit from the knowledge and experience gained by the Alabama A&M students. "It will also allow the students some hands-on experience and they can also learn some Toyota-way problem-solving skills along with critical thinking skills," he said. "All of that is to feed the pipeline for STEM education. For us, those are our employees of the future. It's also great for Huntsville because of the advanced manufacturing that we have." The students can help make the Alabama A&M campus and Huntsville a better place, too, said Ernst Cerbert, facilitator of the project and professor in the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences. "Creating a clean, safe and more efficient environment for the campus proper, as well as the immediate and larger community, has been a major thrust of AAMU for decades," he said. "Through this project, we will engage students with hands-on learning to address real world problems." The event was attended by members of the state legislature, the Huntsville city council and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. "Alabama A&M is the first recipient of this program, a program designed to bring mobility to citizens who need it the most in our community," Battle said. "When we recruited the Toyota-Mazda plant, we were not just recruiting two of the most innovative manufacturers. We were recruiting two of the most innovative mobility companies. Mobility is defining the auto industry. It's not just about your car, it's about what you do with it." Alabama Board of Education members named four state superintendent finalists on Friday, and three are from Alabama. Jefferson County Superintendent Craig Pouncey, Hoover Superintendent Kathy Murphy, School Superintendent of Alabama Executive Director Eric Mackey and former Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott each accumulated the most points in a scoring rubric designed to objectively narrow down the group of seven semifinalists. The board is searching for a state superintendent for the second time in less than two years. Former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Michael Sentance was named to the post in August 2016 but resigned under fire from the board in September. Gov. Kay Ivey, who serves as President of the board by virtue of her position, started Friday's meeting by telling board members, "This is probably the most important decision we will make during the tenure of our service on this board." Ivey has been hands-on in the search and afterwards said she is pleased with the process. Interim Superintendent Ed Richardson did not attend the meeting, but in a statement to AL.com, said, "The process was thorough and produced qualified finalists. The interviews are usually more instructive. The State Board is fully engaged and understands the importance of this decision." Board members spent the morning reviewing candidate applications and used a scoring rubric to compare one candidate to another for each of the seven semifinalists. Officials with the search firm, Ray and Associates, presented the final tabulations and the top four point-getters became the finalists. An alternate finalist, Jeffrey Moss, Superintendent of Beaufort County schools in South Carolina, was named in case one of the four decided not to interview. Board members will interview finalists on April 20, beginning at 10 a.m. and will vote to appoint a superintendent after interviews are concluded the same day. Here is more information about the finalists, in alphabetical order. Eric Mackey, Executive Director, School Superintendents of Alabama Eric Mackey's 25-year education career has been spent in Alabama's public schools. He started teaching high school science in Calhoun County in 1993 and rose through the ranks as an assistant principal, principal, and then became superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools for eight years, from 2002-2010. He transitioned from Assistant Executive Director to Executive Director of the School Superintendents of Alabama from 2010 to 2011 where he continues to serve. The SSA is a professional organization for superintendents and their executive leadership teams, according to their website. In his application letter, Mackey wrote, "Because I believe in a bright future for our state and the young people who live here, I am compelled by conviction to place my name in consideration." Mackey, 48, told AL.com on Friday afternoon he is excited to become a finalist. "It certainly would be a great honor to lead Alabama schools." Mackey has worked with state superintendents since 2011 and understands what is expected in the position. "It's a challenging job," he told AL.com, "but it's one that I'm up for and ready for. It's why I put my name in the hat to start with." Mackey earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama in 2001. Kathy Murphy, Superintendent, Hoover City schools Kathy Murphy became superintendent of Hoover City schools in 2015 after spending four years as superintendent in Monroe County. Murphy began her career in education in 1984 teaching junior high physical education in Auburn City schools teaching college, first at Judson College in Marion from 1985 to 1988, and then at the University of West Georgia from 1988 to 1993. Murphy, 59, has been a principal of Greenville Middle School, Greenville High School, and Charles Henderson High School, all in Alabama. She served as an administrative assistant to the superintendent in Butler County Schools from 2008 to 2010. In her application letter to board members, Murphy wrote, "After eight years of college teaching and 25 years in public education, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve children, to support teachers, and to guide the decision-making process in finding solutions to the myriad of issues demanding our attention." Murphy told AL.com on Friday she is excited to be named a finalist and looks forward to talking with board members during her interview next week. "I hope that once I have an opportunity to talk with the board," she said, "that I can demonstrate my record of success, that I can demonstrate the passion in my heart for teaching and learning and for children." Murphy earned a Doctor of Education from Auburn University in 1987. In 1995, she earned an Educational Specialist degree from Auburn University in Montgomery. Craig Pouncey, Superintendent, Jefferson County schools Craig Pouncey has been superintendent of Jefferson County schools since 2014, after spending eleven years in top administration at the Alabama Department of Education. From 2010 until 2014, Pouncey, 59, served as Deputy Superintendent of Education Administration and Financial Services at the Department. Pouncey's education career began in 1980 teaching school in Montgomery County. He taught for 13 years in Crenshaw County before serving as Assistant Principal for one year, where he then was elected superintendent of Crenshaw County schools. He served as superintendent for eight years prior to working at the state department of education. In his application letter, Pouncey wrote, "In my 38 years of public service, my commitment to the advancement of public education has never wavered. As State Superintendent, my commitment to the students of Alabama will always be my number one priority as we continue to propel public education forward today and beyond by rebuilding a system of partnership under a common leadership focused on moving Alabama forward." Pouncey, 59, told AL.com on Friday he is looking forward to working through the process and having an opportunity to share his thoughts with board members. Pouncey said he has experience across the state working to improve education. "When you consider what I've done here in Jefferson County for four years," he said, "my track record pretty well speaks for itself." Pouncey earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University in 2010. Robert Scott, Texas Star Alliance (Austin, Texas) Robert Scott is a former Education Commissioner, a position similar to state superintendent, in Texas, where he served from 2007 until 2012 after being appointed to the position by Gov. Rick Perry. He served as Chief Deputy Commissioner from 2003 until 2007 after serving two years, from 2001 until 2003, as a public education advisor to Perry. Scott has experience serving as a liaison between the Texas Education Agency and state legislators in various capacities from 1994 through 2000. His current job as principal at the Texas Star Alliance, an integrated public affairs firm with offices in Austin and Houston, is to provide "strategic counsel to state and national clients on education issues," according to his application. In his application letter, Scott wrote, "As Commissioner, I focused on improving graduation rates in Texas, increasing college-readiness rates and early childhood education." Scott earned a law degree from the University of Texas in 2000. Scott did not immediately return a request from AL.com for comment. Jeffrey Moss, Superintendent Beaufort County schools, South Carolina Jeffrey Moss was named as an alternate, having accumulated the fifth-highest total score. Search firm officials said Moss would be brought in for an interview only if one of the top four finalists declined their interview. On Friday, South Carolina television station WTOC reported Moss sent a letter to his district after it was reported he was named as finalist saying he was contacted two weeks ago by Ray and Associates and asked to submit his name for consideration. The letter read in part, "While I am honored to be considered for a state superintendent's position, I remain committed to Beaufort County's public schools and hope to continue the dramatic improvements we've made together in so many areas, from student academics to more efficient business operations." In February, South Carolina media reported Beaufort County district employees received subpoenas related to an FBI investigation. Moss has been superintendent in Beaufort County since 2013, having served in three other school districts as superintendent, Lee County in North Carolina from 2009 unti 2013, Beaufort County in North Carolina from 2004 until 2009 and Stanly County from 2000 until 2003. Moss began his career in education in 1983 teaching middle school students basics of construction. After nine years teaching, he became Director of Vocational and Technical Education in Hoke County Schools in 1992. He served in that position until 1995 when he became assistant superintendent in the same district. He served in that position until becoming superintendent of Stanly County in 2000. In addition to the four finalists and one alternate, these two candidates were among the seven named as semifinalists: Ms. Kimber Halliburton - Director of Schools in Washington County, Tennessee Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin - Deputy State Superintendent in North Carolina UPDATED: 6:55 p.m. with additional information about alternate finalist Jeffrey Moss. Thirty-nine positions were cut from the Alabama Department of Education in the reorganization of that agency, and some employees took "substantial" cuts in salaries, resulting in $4.7 million in annual savings, according to information Interim State Superintendent Ed Richardson shared with the Alabama Board of Education at Thursday's work session. The agency came under fire last year after concerns over whether the department could stay within its budget were aired during former Superintendent Michael Sentance's tenure. A hiring freeze was in effect at the department until two months ago, when Richardson asked board members to lift the restriction to allow for the reorganization, he said. Richardson said no one was laid off or lost their job, but some employees retired, others had their titles changed, and some positions were already vacant. State lawmakers, he said, were particularly concerned with the large number of highly-paid exempt employees. Exempt employees give up the protection of the state's merit system in exchange for higher pay. "Exempt people serve at the pleasure of the superintendent," Richardson told board members. "That means when the superintendent leaves, those employees are dismissed and have to be re-employed." Richardson said that process has not been followed in recent years. Richardson told board members other agencies of their size typically had around five exempt employees. The department's 43 exempt positions were trimmed by nearly half, to 23 positions. Another 13 positions will be reclassified into merit positions by May, he said, leaving the department with 10 exempt employees. The number of Deputy Superintendents was reduced from four to two and the Chief of Staff position was eliminated. The Alabama Department of Personnel conducted an audit focused on right-sizing the education department over the past few months, Richardson said. One goal was to reduce the overall number of exempt positions, he said. The other focus of the audit, Richardson said, was exempt employee pay. "Many [exempt employees] were well above any reasonable salary schedule," he said, with some as high as $30,000 to $35,000 above "normal" salaries. He told board members this was not the fault of the employees. "If I was working and somebody said I want to pay you more, I probably would say yes, as most of us would," he said. Chief State School Financial Officer Andy Craig said the personnel department confirmed that the education department, "was organized around programs and pots of money as opposed to where the function needs to happen." The reorganization will also group popular programs like the Alabama Reading Initiative, Alabama Science in Motion, Technology in Motion and the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative together under a newly-created unit called Professional Learning to be led by Dr. Jeff Langham. The full organizational chart is embedded below. Alabama Department of Education Organizational chart as of April 12, 2018 by Trisha Powell Crain on Scribd Richardson said the impact of the department's reorganization may not be noticed by families of children in public school. But, he said, over time, the department will become a more service-oriented organization. Better way to communicate, more targeted assistance we can provide for local systems. It will take a while, he said, but it will happen. This article was updated at 8:45 a.m. on April 13, 2018, to include the amount of annual savings due to personnel cuts. Three of the Republican front runners in Alabama's gubernatorial debate squared off in Birmingham Thursday night in an even most noticeable for who wasn't on the stage. Gov. Kay Ivey did not attend the WVTM 13 debate between Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, evangelist Scott Dawson and Alabama State Sen. Bill Hightower. Ivey's absence was one of the night's hot topics, with each of the candidates criticizing her for skipping the event in favor of throwing out the first pitch at the Birmingham Baron's game. The three rarely differed, with notable exceptions. Battle said he favored letting the people of Alabama vote on a lottery; while Hightower said he felt it was more important for the 10 Commandments to be written on someone's heart than guaranteed in public spaces by law. Dawson was the only candidate to specifically say he voted for failed GOP U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore. Battle and Hightower only said they supported the Republican candidate. The debate offered each of the candidates to address a statewide audience, though separation among the three was minimal. Battle, a known commodity in North Alabama, was able to speak to those in the south while Hightower, of Mobile, expanded his message to other parts of the state. The big winner - at least in terms of messaging - was likely Dawson, an evangelist who has never run for public office. He scored one of the night's most memorable moments when he took aim at Ivey. "I'm taking it personally," Dawson said in reference to Ivey's absence. "I had to fly to Kansas City this afternoon to speak to a group of pastors and I flew back here because it's that important. The governor who is sitting in the office right now was not elected to that position. As a voter, I deserve to hear her vision, her dreams and her passion for the people of Alabama." Dawson's "outsider" message will likely play well with voters and is one of the few things that separates any of the candidates. The real question is if any of the three can separate themselves enough to take on Ivey. Other than those elements, the night was a draw. No big winners though it's clear - at least to the GOP candidates on the stage - Ivey was the night's biggest loser. You can watch the entire debate below. Friday afternoon update: The latest updates from the National Weather Service has severe storms rolling into the western portion of the state from noon - 4 p.m. The central to north portion of the state, including Birmingham and Huntsville, will likely start seeing stormy conditions from 2-9 p.m. Storms will arrive in the eastern third of the state, including Auburn and Montgomery, between 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Timing of the storms remains uncertain, weather officials said. 2pm Severe Weather Forecast UPDATE for Saturday: We've included much of Central AL in an Enhanced Risk of Severe Wx on Saturday. More details ->https://t.co/m7QC2GJe8N #alwx pic.twitter.com/42atH6C2KQ NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) April 13, 2018 Original story: Alabama is bracing for a line of potentially strong storms that could last throughout the day Saturday. Timing of the storms remains uncertain, but they are expected to come into the state in two waves. The storms could bring damaging winds, heavy rain and a few tornadoes in what Alabama Emergency Management Agency officials are describing as a "long duration event." Overall, it's expected one line of storms will move into northwest Alabama in the predawn hours and make its way towards the I20/59 corridor in the late morning or early afternoon hours before stalling. An upper level system will push its way eastward late in the afternoon and evening, bringing the potential for severe weather in the late afternoon and overnight for much of the southern two-thirds of the state. While timing remains uncertain, the northwest corner of the state could see storms from 4 a.m. until 3 p.m. The central part of the state, including Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Anniston, could see a day of turbulent weather starting at 9 a.m. and lasting as long as 11 p.m., with the severe weather coming in waves. A swath from Mobile to Montgomery proceeding northeast will see storms from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Storms are expected in the far southeast corner of the state from 4 p.m.-6 a.m. The timing of the storms could change, and this post will be updated as more information becomes available. Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced a new nationwide strategy to combat sexual harassment in housing. The announcement came on the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which seeks to put an end to housing discrimination on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or disability. "Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law." Sessions said the Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be working together on an interagency task force to create an outreach toolkit and a public awareness campaign about harassment in housing. "All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment," said Secretary Ben Carson. "No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head." In October 2017, the Justice Department launched a pilot program geared toward combating sexual harassment in housing in Washington D.C. and the western district of Virginia. The Department also tested parts of the country. The pilot program sought to increase the Justice Department's efforts to protect women against harassment by landlords, security guards, property managers, maintenance workers and other real estate employees. The pilot programs generated an increase in harassment reported to the Justice Department--which does not always lead to law enforcement actions--but officials say the program could increase the reporting of sexual harassment across the country. Based on the results, the HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing was created. It will work to evaluate public housing complaint reporting systems, reviewing federal policies, and coordinate public outreach and press strategies. The Department will be providing U.S. Attorney's Offices across the country with data from the pilot program. The initiative hopes to establish these offices as connection points between victims and the Justice Department. The nationwide initiative will also include a public awareness campaign--which will include a social media outreach program and public service announcements, which will be run by U.S. Attorney's Offices across the country. Officials hope this aspect of the campaign will make it easier for victims to find resources and report harassment. "Sexual harassment in housing is as despicable as it is illegal," U.S. Attorney Jay Town said. "A home should be a place of peace, safety, and retreat. No citizen should be made to feel unsafe or threatened at home or forced to perform the unthinkable in order to keep it." Anyone who has information on possible sexual harassment in housing or other violations of the Fair Housing Act in northern Alabama should call the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama at 205-244-2001. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743. An attorney for fast-food workers, black lawmakers and civil rights groups urged a three-judge federal appeals court today to reinstate their lawsuit challenging an Alabama law that blocked a minimum wage increase in Birmingham. The judges from the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals questioned plaintiffs' attorney Barbara Chisholm and state attorney Will Parker for about 40 minutes this morning and did not indicate when they would rule on whether to send the case back to the district court. The Alabama Legislature passed a law in 2016 blocking cities from setting their own minimum wages. The Republican majority in the Legislature passed the bill just in time to block the Birmingham City Council's decision to set a minimum wage of $10.10 an hour. The Legislative Black Caucus opposed the bill and is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, filed in 2016. The lawsuit claims the law is racially discriminatory and violates equal protection, among other claims. Birmingham would have been the first Alabama city to set its own minimum wage. Alabama does not have a state minimum wage, so employers follow the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour, last raised in 2009. Birmingham residents and fast food workers, attorneys in the case and others held a rally outside the federal courthouse after today's hearing. Orrie Johnson of Birmingham read a statement about his efforts to make ends meet and help take care of his disabled mother on his $8 an hour job at Burger King. Johnson said he's been involved in the fight to raise the minimum wage for three years. He said fast food companies rake in billions in profits by keeping pay low, which he said hurts the economy. "I'm 31 years old. I'm a father and a son and it's very hard to make a living off minimum wage," Johnson said. Plaintiffs' attorney Chisholm said the state law violated equal protection because it undermined the power of the Birmingham City Council to govern the city as the body elected by its majority black citizenry. "The state law was passed in direct response to Birmingham's temerity to pass a law that would have raised wage rates," Chisholm said after the hearing. "And we think that, along with the history in Alabama shows that it really was racial discrimination and it was an attempt to strip power from local government, which is where African-Americans have been able to gather political power and exert it." State attorney Parker told the judges that 22 other states have similar laws, including Florida and Georgia. In a brief filed with the appeals court, attorneys for the state said this about the law in question: "That law is reasonable, as demonstrated by empirical research. It was routine, as demonstrated by other Alabama preemption laws and some twenty-two similar laws enacted in other States. And it was timely, in light of one city's decision to pass its own local minimum wage ordinance and rumblings that other cities would soon follow suit." When the law passed the Legislature, proponents said a uniform, statewide minimum wage was important, in part, so businesses with multiple locations would not have pay employees differently. Black lawmakers said the same lawmakers who typically complain about federal interference in state affairs were butting into the business of cities. The law passed mostly along party and racial lines, with most Republicans for it and most Democrats against it. The Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Greater Birmingham Ministries and some individual plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in 2016, naming then-Gov. Robert Bentley and then-Attorney General Luther Strange as defendants. The plaintiffs made multiple claims that the state law violated the Constitution and claimed it violated the Voting Rights Act. Last year, U.S. District Judge David Proctor dismissed the case, writing there were "fatal flaws" in the plaintiffs' reasoning. One point Proctor made is that the harm alleged by the plaintiffs was caused by the Legislature in passing the law, and the Legislature was not a defendant in the case because it has "absolute immunity" against such claims. The plaintiffs appealed Proctor's decision. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judges Charles R. Wilson, Adalberto Jordan and Anne C. Conway held this morning's hearing. Wilson told Chisholm he did not see a voting rights violation, as the lawsuit claimed, but thought the claim of an equal protection violation was stronger. Jordan, in questioning Parker, noted that a law that appears to be racially neutral could still have a discriminatory motive. This story was corrected at 3:45 p.m. to say that Orrie Johnson works at Burger King. President Trump is planning to pardon Scooter Libby, the one-time chief of staff to former Vice President Dick Cheney. ABC News reported Trump has signed off on the pardon for Libby, who was convicted in 2007 of lying to the FBI and obstructing justice in the investigation into the leak of the identity of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame. Former president George W. Bush commuted Libby's 30-month sentence but didn't pardon him. Libby's pardon could become the second similar high-profile action by the president. Last year, Trump pardoned controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio after he was found guilty on criminal charges for reusing the stop imprisoning undocumented immigrants. Feeling unlucky? Blame it on the date. Today is Friday 13th, supposedly one of the unluckiest days of the year. Here's all you need to know about the day and why so many people consider it unlucky. How did it start? There are plenty of theories about how Friday 13th got its fearsome reputation. Once traces its roots back to Biblical times, when early Christians believes Jesus was crucified on a Friday and his betrayer, Judas Iscariot, was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Other people say superstition about the day began when King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of hundreds of powerful Knights Templar on Friday 13th, 1307. The knights endured years of torture and imprisonment as Philip sought to bring down the order. Friday 13th phobia There are even names for the fear some people have over Friday 13th - paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. And there may be some reason for the concern. Studies have shown there are more traffic accidents and hospital admissions on Friday 13th. Unlucky Friday 13th events Here is a look at some of Friday 13th's unlucky history: Nazis dropped bombs on Buckingham Palace on Friday, Sept. 13, 1940 during the destructive blitz attacks. A Swedish military plane with a crew of eight disappeared on Friday, June 13, 1952. Two rescue planes searching for the aircraft were later shot down by the Soviets, who later admitted to bringing down the original military plane. On Friday, Nov. 13, 1970, a cyclone hit Bangladesh, killing thousands of people. The second-worst stock market crash in U.S. history occurred on Friday, Oct. 13, 1989. Rap star Tupac Shakur was shot and killed Friday, Sept. 13, 1996. How common is Friday 13th? There are two Friday 13ths in 2018 - April and July. The unlucky day will occur twice in 2019 (September and December) and 2020 (March and November). There will be two Friday 13ths every year until 2020, while 2021 and 2022 will have just one - in August and May. Either Gov. Kay Ivey is the "trusted conservative fighter for Alabama" advertised by her campaign, or she's simply a caretaker after disgraced former Gov. Robert Bentley's resignation. Unfortunately for Ivey, not being Bentley isn't enough of a reason for her to hold the governor's office. Hiding in plain sight, Ivey hopes her pleasant demeanor secures enough votes to avoid addressing difficult questions about her capacity and vision to lead Alabama. It's time to call her out. I wasn't particularly concerned about Ivey's candidacy until she began to duck public debates. Her weak excuses about official engagements don't hold water. Politicians make room for priorities, and debate organizers are flexible with incumbents. She's conceding that voters will lose confidence in her by watching her face tough questions and other candidates in public view. Leaders don't hide, regardless of conventional political wisdom. It fairly raises the question of whether it's Ivey running the show or her political handlers. If she can't stand and deliver in a debate, how is she going to wrangle legislators on budget issues? How will she reject economic development projects that don't serve taxpayers' best interest? Let's not even think about the looming battle to overhaul Alabama's ethics laws. Since she won't debate, I looked to her campaign website to better understand her vision for Alabama. It's simply absent. Ivey's "issues" page is a set of belief statements designed to check off all the appropriate demographics in Alabama. She gives a nod to evangelical voters, gun owners, educators, veterans, police officers, farmers, first responders and "the little guy" while weaving in vague references about ethics, abortion and jobs. Her positions are largely indistinguishable from any generic Republican. Ivey's entire campaign is built on poll-tested rhetoric, vague stump speeches and an agenda that's as thin as onionskin. Such tactics are sadly common in politics. They worked quite well for President Barack Obama's 2008 "hope and change" campaign. But Obama never hid from his political competition. Even as a true incumbent in 2012, he debated Mitt Romney on multiple occasions. Kay Ivey may well be able to deliver the leadership Alabama desperately needs, but we shouldn't take her word for it. We shouldn't simply assume it either. Voters should be able to see candidates for Alabama's highest office discuss their ideas for the challenges we face. We ought to expect the same degree of transparency and accountability from Ivey's campaign that she claims to want in Montgomery. She's made it clear that she's not Bentley, but Alabamians deserve a lot more than that. If Ivey can't be bothered to debate, we shouldn't reward her with our votes. It's that simple. Cameron Smith is a regular columnist for Al.com. WVTM - channel 13 in Birmingham -- threw a Republican debate Thursday night, and Alabama's Republican-in-chief, Gov. Kay Ivey, did not show up. She was too busy governing to waste time on pesky things like answering questions with challengers Scott Dawson, Bill Hightower and Tommy Battle. She spent her valuable time instead throwing out the first pitch at the minor league ballgame between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Biscuits at Regions Field - a few minutes from the debate. What's left to say but strike three? At times like these we turn to Mudville for answers. With the deepest apologies to the immortal words of Ernest Thayer. This is ... Kay Ivey at de bate (or not) The outlook wasn't brilliant for Bama yesterday, the guv threw out the first pitch, but she had nothing to say, Mayor Battle was debating, and Hightower the same, but a sickly silence fell on them, 'cause Kay was at some game. A straggling few got up to go, they stood up in protest, but Dawson clung to hope that springs inside the human breast. If Kay could toss a ball and run straight to the GOP debate, None would care, they all declare, if the governor is late. But Dawson said his so-and-sos and so did old Hightower, the former was a lulu and the latter a bit dour, upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy set in, there seemed no hope that old Kay would even try to get in. Mayor Battle told a good one, to the wonderment of all, but Kay, as far as all could see, was still out playing ball, The three men waited patiently, Dawson, Battle and Hightower, They waited 'til the sun was down, way past the happy hour. They spoke of God and guns and gifts, and all that they held dear, they tried to prick the governor, but alas she was not here. when the dust it lifted all the men were dissing, reminiscing, But the governor herself was still among the missing Then from five thousand throats downtown there rose a lusty yell; it rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell; it knocked upon Red Mountain and echoed by the park for Kay, mighty Kay, was ready to embark. There was ease in old Kay's manner as she tossed out that first pitch, there was pride in old Kay's bearing as the crowd she did bewitch. She doffed her hat at all the cheers but did not change her gait, She left the mound, and then the ground, but would she go debate? Ten thousand eyes were on her as she washed her hands of guilt; five thousand tongues whispered as she played it to the hilt. When at last all those debaters thought they had her in their sights., defiance gleamed in old Kay's eye; she called it just another night. All those questions kept a-coming, upon that mountain high, the debaters answered, "Yes," or "No," or sometimes "maybe, why?" But Kay she sat a-watching, a -thinking from afar, She said "That isn't in my interest," and sat down in her car. "Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered fraud; the people wanted answers, but all they got were flawed, they wanted Kay to prove herself, to show she was a tack, But instead they got the backhand, a metaphoric smack. Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright; a band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light, somewhere men are talking, inquiring women sated; but there are no answers in Bama -- for Kay has not debated. Was it ever in doubt? Mighty Kay has struck out. John Archibald's column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Write him at jarchibald@al.com. A Gainesville man will face the death penalty after a grand jury indicted him for shooting and killing two people and abducting another from Summer Place Apartments in February. Cedric Tremaine Plummer, 24, walked into the leasing office of Summer Place Villas apartment complex, located at 3316 SW 41st Place, in silence and shot two employees dead and kidnapped another at about 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13, according to court records. The state attorneys office said it would pursue the death penalty April 3 for the first time in Alachua County in about three years. Plummer had argued with the apartment complexs management since Feb. 2 for damaging the inside of his apartment, and police had been called at least three times because of his aggressive behavior, according to court records. He scheduled an appointment Feb. 13 with 28-year-old Jude Onyegbulam Osuji Jr. and 61-year-old Robert Earl Brumbaugh in the leasing office. Office manager Hailey Roberts, 19, joined her two coworkers for the meeting, according to court records. Police allege Plummer opened the door and shot both men dead without saying a word. Then he took Roberts to her car at gunpoint and forced her to drive to Georgia, according to court records. He put the gun to her head as she drove and said to stop crying, telling her to remember what he did to Osuji and Brumbaugh, she later told police. Police were able to trace Roberts car and attempted to pull it over. Dont stop unless you wanna (sic) see brains in your lap, Plummer said, according to court records. Roberts was freed in Lowndes County, Georgia, according to Alligator archives. Plummer was eventually arrested on charges of kidnapping and two counts of premeditated first degree murder, according to court records. He was indicted on two counts of first degree murder and a count of kidnapping by a grand jury March 2. State Attorney Bill Cervone made the decision to pursue the death penalty after about 45 days. He said the decision could be changed if new information is presented, like detailed information on Plummers current mental health and mental health history. I had to make a decision based on what we know now, which is the deliberate execution-style killing of two people, Cervone said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now He awaits a hearing at 9 a.m. April 25 in room 3B of the Alachua County Criminal Justice Center on whether his DNA can be collected by the prosecution, according to court records. Plummers attorney could not be reached for comment. Contact Robert Lewis at rlewis@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter at @Lewis__Robert. Cedric Tremaine Plummer After a 2015 The Washington Post article reported the plunging numbers of UFs black students, the former vice president for Student Affairs commissioned the Black Student Affairs Taskforce a group of staff, faculty and students to research how to improve the campus experience for black students. A residential space for black students was one of the key suggestions. In Fall 2017, UF opened the Black Cultural Living Learning Community in Graham Hall. In its inaugural year, 52 of Graham Halls 203 residents are in the Living Learning Community. About half of Graham residents are in AIM, an academic support program with a majority black population. Although many AIM students didnt sign up to be in the Living Learning Community, they live alongside it. One year into the program, The Alligator asked students about their experiences. Most residents said theyre excited to have a space dedicated to their culture. However, some said more can be done to promote the community. Growing up, Vanessa Nevy said she never felt like a minority. Surrounded by other black and Hispanic residents in Kissimmee, she felt at home in the neighborhood she lovingly nicknamed Little Puerto Rico. But when she walked into a lecture hall during her first Fall semester at UF, she felt isolated. Nevy was the only black student there. The 18-year-old UF advertising freshman noticed every time she was the only black person in the room which was often. She was one of two black female students in her Fall criminology class when a white student argued against the Black Lives Matter movement. Nevy said she couldnt speak up. I got too frustrated, she said. I couldnt put my words together or else I would sound too passionate or I would come across as the angry black girl. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now But she found a space free from judgement in Graham Hall at the Black Cultural Living Learning Community. One night around Winter Break, Nevy and two of her friends talked in the halls lobby. Soon the group of three grew to 10 friends laughing and debating rap music, sparked by one of the residents saying Young Thug is the best rapper out. Half the crowd jeered, saying it wasnt true, while the others argued in Young Thugs defense. Nevy said they agreed to disagree but she still thinks Kendrick Lamar is the best. I dont think that would happen anywhere else, Nevy said. In Graham, people actually stop and talk to you. Taylour Marks UF opened the Black Cultural Living Learning Community in Fall 2017. A bulletin board pictured greets students in the Graham Hall lobby. UF has 17 Living Learning Communities, which are residence halls that bring together students with similar interests. The Black Cultural Living Learning Community holds occasional events, family dinners and decorates bulletins to promote black culture and history. By November, Nevy thought of the residence hall as home. As she ate a family dinner of bolognese pasta, breadsticks and salad with a dozen of her peers, her resident assistants and graduate hall director talked about building a family. Still, Nevys favorite memories are the spontaneous laughs over black Twitter memes with friends in the hall. Nevy is one of the 13 community residents who is also in the AIM program. But other AIM students who live in the area didnt opt-in to the community. AIM requires its students to live together during Summer B, but many stay in the same residence hall in Fall and Spring. This year, the program placed 159 students in the Graham Area. Ninety-two AIM students were placed in Graham Hall, the same building that houses the Black Cultural Living Learning Community, said Mary Jordan, Housing and Residence Education assistant director. Although the black cultural community only consists of the 52 residents who registered for it, any student who lives in the hall can participate in events, she said. Taylour Marks Chenetrice Simpson, 19, laughs while sitting in Graham Hall. Simpson did not sign up for the Black Cultural Living Learning Community, but has become close with her roommate, Orchid Thomas, who did sign up for the community. Chenetrice Simpson, a UF African American studies and criminology and law freshman, said she didnt want to feel like a test run to see if the community would be successful. Simpson, an AIM student, did not sign up for the black cultural community. I dont wanna feel like Im some kind of experiment, the 19-year-old said. Simpson said her concerns boil down a lack of support from the university. I feel like AIM is doing a good job, but UF is just not backing them up, Simpson said. Simpson worries that AIM might be underfunded by the university and wishes it was able to provide students with a full-year scholarship. As a first-generation student and the daughter of a single mother, Simpson takes money seriously. Simpson said that if UF can pay to expand the Career Resource Center in Reitz Union and replace Leonardos with a new School of Music, it can afford to renovate Graham Hall, especially if the Black Cultural Living Learning Community is housed there. When you give to people like us and tell us one thing that seems promising, were really going to hold you to your word, Simpson said. Housing and Residence Education suggests residential areas for AIM students depending on the areas resources and the amount of students, Jordan said. For the previous two academic years, AIM students stayed in the Yulee Area. Next year, theyll be in the Murphree Area. Office of Academic Support director Angeleah Browdy said she was concerned AIM students would feel obligated to be a part of the Black Cultural Living Learning Community. She said she thinks Housing Residence and Education considered AIMs large minority population when it decided where to put students. I do think that it wasnt a coincidence that Housing suggested Graham, Browdy said. Orchid Thomas, a UF advertising freshman and Simpsons roommate, said the halls sense of community comes from the relationships students made with each other, mainly through AIM. Growing up in an Afro-Caribbean household, Thomas didnt always feel connected to African American culture. The 20-year-old signed up for the Black Cultural Living Learning Community to bridge that gap. She said she expected a space where people can celebrate black culture, but the community wasnt effective. The Black Cultural Living Learning Community was a step in the right direction, but upholding diversity takes more effort than labelling a residential space as black, Thomas said. She said the community and its events, like seminars on natural hair in the workplace, are promoted to residents, but black culture itself should be showcased to the rest of the university. Still, she said she has faith in the community. It dont seem like its a part of UF, almost, Thomas said. Its like some little project in the background. Jada Cameron, a 19-year-old UF architecture freshman and Nevys roommate, didnt realize she lived in the Black Cultural Living Learning Community when she moved into Graham in Fall. Cameron, who is black, knew the community existed but didnt sign herself up, she said. When Cameron found out she was living in the community, she was surprised she thought the community would be more noticeable, especially as the only Living Learning Community dedicated to racial identity. We live in a predominately white school, so I thought thered be more of an effort to expand black culture, she said. Mackintosh Joachim, an 18-year-old psychology and womens studies freshman and Student Government senator, said he initially wasnt sure where he belonged on campus. After finishing his Summer term as an AIM student, Joachim decided to opt into the community. Joachim and some of his floormates started an unofficial open-door policy for friends to come and go. After class, they meet in one of their residence hall rooms to catch up and do homework, but they mainly play video games like Injustice and Fortnite. We trust each other, and we created this wonderful friendship that I think no one else on campus has, Joachim said. When Joachim visited a friend at the Pre-Health Living Learning Community in North Hall, the silence was deafening. Around 6 p.m., the halls were quiet, and students passing each other in the hallway rarely stopped to say hello. The energy is different at Graham, he said. Even Trusler, another residence hall in the Graham Area, is quiet in comparison. The number of students who decide to room in the community next year is unknown until May, but Joachim hopes more black students take advantage of it not because they feel forced to, but because they willingly sign up. Joachim said he finds solace in the Living Learning Community when he feels UFs promise of diversity and inclusion only goes skin deep. He said the family hes gained from the community inspired him to be vocal about black students concerns, like whether Grahams residents would be safe when white nationalist Richard Spencer came to speak at UF in October. Here at UF, they have a culture of you matter, we care, he said. To be honest, I dont see it. Nevy hesitated before answering whether she feels safe at UF. Although she feels protected as a student, she cannot say the same as an African American. For students of color, safety is relative. I always have to have a guard up because I know that there are forces against me, there are stereotypes against me, she said. When Spencer came to UF, most of the communitys residents left campus. The few who stayed on Joachims floor locked their doors that day. But Nevy and her roommate, who couldnt get a ride home, were forced to stay in Graham. After shutting the blinds and turning off the lights, they sat down to study, straining to see under lamp light. They bunkered down like they were waiting for a hurricane. They didnt even talk to each other. As Cameron studied for What Is The Good Life and Nevy watched the Facebook livestream of protesters, they wondered if white nationalists would come barreling down to the black cultural area. We didnt really want to see what was going on outside. We didnt want to see if it would come closer to us on campus, Nevy said. But there is comfort in people who know her fears and feel them too, she said. Students like Cameron and Nevy want to live somewhere with people in their corner, with people who always have their back. The community holds a special place in Nevys heart. But she doesnt want UF to simply slap a label on the community and use it for advertising without putting in work. She wants the university to do more than hold the occasional seminar. She wants UF to add meaning behind the name. If someone is willing to put in the work towards it, it can be what we dream of it to be, she said. Contact Amanda Rosa at arosa@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @AmandaNicRosa. Chenetrice Simpson, 19, and Orchid Thomas, 20, talk and study in the second floor lounge of Graham Hall, where the Black Cultural Living Learning Community is located. Youve been refreshing your email inbox every five minutes since you woke up at 8 a.m., patiently (or not so patiently) waiting to hear back from the company you hope to intern for this summer. Youve gotten other offers, but this one is really it the one youve wanted since freshman year that youre finally qualified enough for. Around lunchtime, you finally see the companys name show up in a subject line of your inbox. Internship applicant decision, the headline reads. Too scared to read the verdict yourself, you hand your phone to your best friend and ask they break the news to you. Looking at your friends expression, though, confuses you. You take your phone back to read the email, and you see, instead of a congratulations or a we regret to inform you, the email starts with Darts & Laurels Last weekend, dozens lost their lives in a suspected chemical attack in Syria. On Monday, an attack on a Syrian air base killed 14 more, including some Iranian fighters. These tragedies arent a surprise, nor are they any different from what has become run-of-the-mill occurrences in Syria. Mass deaths and deadly attacks are something Syrians have come to expect in their everyday lives. Over the course of the countrys seven-year civil war, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Over this time, the U.S. has neglected to offer a clear plan of action. President Donald Trump recently said we need to get out of Syria but has yet to take action. Weve been back and forth on our stance, and it has both Syrians and Americans in confusion and disillusionment. The stakes are too high to continue to toe the line. Whatever our stance may be, we need to choose one. To the U.S., we award a dart for our nations apparent fear of commitment. State officials in Michigan said Friday the state will no longer provide free water bottles to Flint, Michigan, residents. Since 2014, the city has been in a water crisis after officials decided to switch the citys water source to save money. Because the water was not treated properly, residents were exposed to dangerously high levels of lead in their water, and pipelines were damaged. According to Reuters, Michigan Gov. Rick Sydneys office said that for nearly two years, tests have shown that Flints water is the same or better than similar cities across the state. As a result, the state decided to end the handout of free water bottles. However, residents remain hesitant to believe the validity behind this statement, especially since not all the pipes have been replaced. To Sydney and the rest of the Michigan officials who reached this decision, we award a dart. Until each and every pipe is replaced, Flint residents deserve water they can be certain is safe to drink. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now On Tuesday, Sens. John Kerry and John McCain proposed legislation to create a privacy bill of rights to protect people from the commercial data-collection industry. This comes after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified about the policies that led to Cambridge Analytica gaining access to nearly 90 million Facebook users data. According to The Wall Street Journal, the bill would impose new rules on companies that gather personal data. This would include offering people access to data about them or the ability to block the information from being used or distributed. Companies would also need to seek permission before collecting and sharing sensitive religious, medical and financial data with outside entities. The bipartisan proposal would be the first bill of its kind to comprehensively outline privacy law. As such, we award a laurel to Kerry and McCain for doing their part in protecting our privacy and freedom. What makes someone smart? The answer to this defines what we value in society. For decades, our discussion on racial differences has been guided by a book titled The Bell Curve, written by Charles Murray and Richard Herrnstein in 1994. The book claims to empirically research the racial differences in IQ. Most notably, the book finds that black people have lower IQ scores than white people in the U.S. According to an article by Eric Siegel in Scientific American, the book spurs readers to prejudge by race and never actually come up with policy prescriptions that address the gap. It describes a difference between the races but might not account for how that happened. True testing of intelligence between races is difficult because there is no educational equity. Assuming the U.S. has achieved perfect equality is required in order for the conclusions of The Bell Curve to mean anything. To take the ideas at face value and not consider their underlying implications is irresponsible. First, the research behind The Bell Curve assumes there is only one kind of valuable intelligence, and it is measured by an IQ score. The other assumption is, because theres a difference in IQ scores between races, the group with a lower IQ score should receive no help because they are inherently inferior. This misses the point because theres always one group that decides whats valuable: the one with the institutional power. Our ideas about whats valuable are skewed by how were socialized. For example, theres a reason why traditionally male jobs like engineers and doctors are paid better than traditionally female jobs like teachers and nurses. The fact that the kinds of careers chosen by men and women are different doesnt change the fact a pay gap exists. In fact, it should raise questions: Why did they choose those careers in the first place, and why is one valued more than another? Similarly, intelligence and success are determined by the group with institutional power. Its important to question where research comes from and what the background of it is. What we value does not happen in a vacuum. Murray does not just have empirically researched ideas on race, but he also has views about policy and his writing comes with political context. To allege that Murray has been somehow iced out of policy discussion is just wrong he recently published a successful book, Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010. Many people think his research and policy conclusions are legitimate. The Bell Curve is still discussed today, often without context about Murrays true political goals to have people with lower IQs have fewer children. Matthew Yglesias writes in Vox that Murray is a policy writer rather than a scientist who has had a substantial influence on American immigration policy. Murray believes there are fundamental differences between people, and people should be judged as individuals, not members of a group. This disregards a lot of the reasons why one group might do worse than another, like the legacy of slavery, or stereotype threat, which is the idea that once a person is told a member of their group wont succeed at a task, it negatively affects their performance. Ultimately, we cant take information about race out of context. An uninformed approach might say that any documented differences between races are completely warranted that each race has equal opportunity to succeed but this is not the case. Research about the differences between races has to consider the institutional inequities between groups and consider how those might be fixed, rather than just documenting those differences. Nicole Dan is a UF journalism and political science senior. Her column focuses on race and culture. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now On the southwest corner of Devon Island in the Canadian Archipelago of Nunavut, lies a small desolate islandthe island of Beechey. For more than a hundred years, this windswept and barren island was a favorite landing site for Arctic explorers. Beechey Islands relatively flat beach allowed for easy landing, while the small hill behind the narrow beach provided the needed shelter. Many crews from Arctic expeditions wintered here over the years. Beechey Islands claim to fame lies in its association with one of the most tragic episodes in arctic exploration historythe Franklin expedition. Illustration of Franklins two ships, H.M.S. Erebus and H.M.S. Terror. The Franklin expedition led by Captain Sir John Franklin, an experienced Royal Navy officer and explorer, set sail from England on 19 May, 1845, with a crew of 24 officers and 110 men aboard two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Their mission was to find the so-called Northwest Passagea sea route from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the Arctic Oceanthat would allow sea faring traders an easier route to Asia across the North American continent. Finding the Northwest Passage was long seen as a holy grail in navigation, captivating explorers for centuries and leading many to their deaths. The Franklin expedition was one of the best equipped to tackle the Northwest Passage problem. Both ships were sturdily built, and were outfitted with recent inventions such as the stream engine, and screw propellers and iron rudders that could be retracted into iron wells to protect them from damage. The ship had internal heating for the comfort of the crew, a library with more than a thousand books, and was stocked with three years' worth of tinned food. Sir John Franklin (17861847) After leaving England, the expedition made a brief stop in Scotland and then sailed to Disko Bay on Greenlands west coast where the crew wrote what would be their final letters home. As they entered the chilly waters around northern Canada in late July 1845, the ship met two whalers who reported that both crews were in good spirits. That was the last anybody saw of them. When two years passed and no word was heard from Franklin, the public grew concerned and three search parties were organized. But they returned after a few months with still no trace of the missing sailors. In 1850, another search team consisting of more than a dozen ships went looking for Franklin and his men. They arrived on Beechey Island, where they had their first lead. On the shores of the island the search party found three graves with engraved headstones identifying the dead as John Torrington, William Braine, and John Hartnellall crew members of Franklins. The trash left behind by the crew on the island indicated that Franklin's men had wintered there in 184546. Photo credit: Robin Galloway/Flickr Beechey Island soon became an important starting point for subsequent investigations into the disappearance of the Franklin expedition. In 1854, further evidence of the expedition's fate emerged when Inuit eyewitnesses reported seeing a party of 35 to 40 white men die of starvation near the mouth of the Back River. In 1859, a note discovered on King William Island, located 670 km southwest of Beechey Island, clearly mentioned that John Franklin died in 1847 along with twenty three other officers and men. Over the next 150 years, dozens of expeditions, explorers and scientists tried to piece together what actually happened. We now know that both ships had become icebound, forcing the men to trek across the ice but the cold and huger eventually got the better of them. Some skeletons found on King William Island show blade-cut marks on the bones, strongly suggesting that conditions had become so dire that some crew members resorted to cannibalism. But whats puzzling was what killed the three crew members on Beechey Island so early into the expedition. In the 1980s, Canadian forensic anthropologist Dr. Owen Beattie exhumed the three bodies from Beechey Island and found them to be remarkably well preserved from being buried deep in the permafrost. Autopsies discovered high levels of lead in the men, which may have leached from the tinned food or from the ships system for fresh water. Another study in 2016 concluded that the men died of lung disease like pneumonia or tuberculosis exacerbated by malnutrition and overall poor health. The exhumed bodies of John Torrington, John Hartnell, and William Braine on Beechey Island. Today, there are four headstones on Beechey Island. The fourth one was added later, and it belongs to Thomas Morgan, an official investigator who died of scurvy in 1854 searching for the lost crew. There is also a crumbling wooden hut on the island, the Northumberland House, erected by one of the search parties in 1852. Now a National Historic Site, Beechey Island is a site of pilgrimage for Arctic explorers. Even the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen stopped at the island to pay respect to Franklin at the beginning of his successful voyage through the Northwest Passage in 1903. Franklins lost ships werent discovered until 2014, when a Canadian team located the wreck of HMS Erebus in Queen Maud Gulf near King William Island. Two years later, the wreck of the second ship, HMS Terror, was also found south of King William Island. Both ships are said to be in very good condition, with HMS Terrors condition being described as pristine. A sonar image of a shipwreck discovered in Canadas Arctic is one of two vessels from Sir John Franklins doomed expedition, which got trapped in the ice in 1846. Photo credit: Lydia Cassatt/Flickr Memorial cross made out of discarded food cans at Northumberland House, Beechey Island. Photo credit: Cool Antarctica The remains of Northumberland House on Beechey Island, littered with barrel hoops and staves. Photo credit: Cool Antarctica Remains of Northumberland House on the shore of Beechey Island. Photo credit: LawrieM/Wikimedia Posted on: April 13, 2018 4:13 PM The Governing Body, or synod, of the Church in Wales has called for concerted diplomatic action rather than an escalation of violence following the suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma. It has been reported that 70 people were killed and more than 500 injured after a toxic gas containing chlorine and sarin was released on 7 April in the town near Damascus. Western governments have blamed the Russia-backed regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad; but Russia has claimed it was a false flag incident carried out by Western-backed Syrian rebels. Russia has used its UN veto to block calls for an independent investigation. In the days that following, several Western governments, including the US, the UK and France, have threatened military retaliation for the attack. In the UK, Prime Minister Theresa May convened a War Cabinet to discuss the crisis; while in the US, President Donald Trump warned Russia in a Tweet to prepare for missiles. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria, he said. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 This week, during their scheduled biannual meeting at Venue Cymru in the North Wales coastal town of Llandudno, the Church in Wales Governing Body debated an emergency motion on Syria. In it, they noted with alarm the return to the international agenda of the possibility of heavy bombardment and violent intervention in the situation in Syria. They said: while condemning the use of chemical weapons and mindful of the complexities of the situation which rule out simplistic answers; they called upon the British government to prioritise concerted diplomatic action to secure more peaceful and consensual international responses rather than an escalation of violence. The motion was moved by the Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron. He said afterwards: I am delighted that Governing Body is able to add its voice to this important issue to call for peace and justice in the Middle East. The situation is deeply complex but a rush to flex military muscles is not, in my opinion, a wise reaction. We are asking all Christians and people of faith to hold Syria in their prayers at this tense time. Drew Angerer/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- Sources tell ABC News President Donald Trump spoke Friday with his personal attorney Michael Cohen who, according to court documents, has been under criminal investigation for months, largely centered on his business dealings. Sources say Cohen still remains Trump's attorney. Federal agents who raided Cohens home, office and hotel room this week seized recordings, sources familiar with the raid tell ABC News. Sources say Cohen was known to record conversations with reporters so he could show them to Trump in order to deal with reporters on certain stories. Cohen was known to record other types of discussions and communications too, which sources say, could include communications with Trump. The contents or details of the recordings seized is not clear. As ABC previously reported, agents were hunting for records tied to secret deals with alleged mistresses, media organizations and the 2016 presidential campaign, according to two sources who are familiar with the warrant and detailed its contents. Cohen has not commented to ABC News about the criminal investigation. The New York Times first reported the phone call between Trump and Cohen. Sources said, according to the warrant, investigators sought records related to Cohens interactions with adult-film star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had a one-night stand with Trump in 2006, and Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claims they had a 10-month affair from 2006 to 2007. Both women said they had consensual relationships with Trump long before he was elected president. Trump has denied their accusations. Investigators also sought records related to Cohens interactions with Trump campaign officials during the 2016 election cycle, according to the sources. Sources told ABC News that investigators were also searching for records of any discussions Cohen held about the infamous Access Hollywood tape released in October 2016 in which Trump can be heard bragging to host Billy Bush in 2005 that "when you're a star" women let men "do anything," including "grab them by the p----." The tape jolted the campaign and forced the Republican nominee to apologize in a publicly televised message from Trump Tower. Early Monday morning, FBI agents carried out a raid on the home, offices and hotel room of the presidents longtime personal counsel. Cohen told ABC News the operation was "respectful" and "courteous, but the agents carted away documents and Cohens electronic devices. On Wednesday, Cohen told ABC News: I just want my stuff back. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. (ANSA) - Milan, April 12 - A woman from Romania has died from complications after a liposuction operation in a Milan clinic, it emerged on Thursday. Ana Maria Cracium, 36, died at a hospice in Brescia Wednesday after months of agony, the sources said. The cosmetic surgery was performed by Mattia Colli, 32, on July 5, 2017 to remove fatty tissue from the woman's legs, thighs and abdomen. "She had a devastating infection in the lower part of her body following the operation in the Milan clinic where she went on the advice of a friend," said lawyer Laura Gravina, who is representing Cracium's partner. The woman experienced a high temperature and convulsions immediately after the operation and underwent further surgery on returning to Romania to try to stop the infection. She was then transferred to a hospital in Brescia where the couple have friends when her condition failed to improve. A few days ago she was moved to the hospice where she died on Wednesday. Colli has been placed under investigation for manslaughter. MADRID - Spain and Saudi Arabia have signed numerous military cooperation agreements involving among other things the supply of five corvettes worth a total of 2 billion euros. The agreements were signed on the occasion of Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman's visit to the Spanish capital, which was marked by protests against human rights violations in Saudi Arabia and the war in Yemen. The ships will be built at the public Navantia shipyard in Cadice with approximately 200 jobs created. In addition, the Spanish army will train 700 Saudi sailors who will form the crew. Amnesty International, FundiPau, Greenpeace and Oxfam Intermon have condemned the sale of Spanish arms to Riyadh. 6,000 Yemeni civilians have been killed since saudi Arabia started bombing its neighbour, El Pais reports. Bin Salman, who also serves as defence minister, highlighted "Spain's role as important partner for the success of the project to diversify the country's economy". Spanish companies have a growing presence in the Saudi market and are involved in major public works projects such as the high-speed rail link between Mecca and Medina and the Riyadh metro system. GENEVA - There have been 557 migrant deaths at sea in the Mediterranean since the start of 2018, according to data released on Friday in Geneva by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Between January 1 and April 11, 16,847 migrants have entered Europe by sea, compared to 33,602 during the same period in 2017, with the majority arriving in Italy followed by Spain, Greece, and Cyprus. Citing the Italian Interior Ministry, IOM said 6,894 migrants have arrived in Italy by sea so far in 2018, a 74.53% decline on the same period in 2017, when 27,069 migrants had arrived. In a recent report, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) highlighted the drastic drop in migrant arrivals to Italy by sea since July 2017, but also how the journey to Italy has become increasingly more dangerous. It said in the first three months of 2018, the death rate for those who leave Libya has risen to one death per every 14 persons, compared to one death per every 29 persons in the same period in 2017. TEL AVIV - An Israeli military spokesman on Friday said Palestinian demonstrators launched explosives and incendiary devices along the defensive barrier dividing Gaza from Israel. The spokesman said there were "thousands of demonstrators along the barrier". According to sources at the Gaza Health Ministry, at least were 528 wounded. Palestinian websites said a photojournalist was slightly injured in his shoulder by Israeli military fire. Some demonstrators showed signs of tear gas exposure. The Israeli military spokesman said "in the last hour there have also been various attempts to damage or break the security infrastructure". "The army is responding with dispersion methods and shots according to the rules of engagement," the spokesman said. 557 migrant deaths at sea in 2018, IOM says Over 16,800 sea arrivals, particularly in Italy (ANSAmed) - GENEVA, APRIL 13 - 557 migrants have lost their lives during the sea crossing to Europe since the start of the year, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Friday. There were 16,847 sea crossings to April 11, compared to 33,602 in the same period last year. The majority arrived in Italy and the rest in Spain, Greece and Cyprus. The Italian Interior Ministry reports that since the start of the year 6,894 migrants have arrived in Italy by boat, down 74,53% compared to 2017, IOM said. In its recent report 'Devastating Journeys' UNHCR highlighted the dramatic drop in the number of sea arrivals to Italy since July 2017 and also how the journey has become more dangerous. In the first three months of 2018 the death rate among migrants departing from Libya has risen to 1 in 14 from 1 in 29 in the same period last year. (ANSAmed). Mogherini travels to Western Balkans from April 17-19 Negotiations with Albania and Fyrom likely to be open,EU sources (ANSAmed) - BRUXELLES, 13 APR - EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, will be on a official mission to the Western Balkans on Tuesday April 17 to April 19. EU sources referred to ANSA that the EU Commission should formalize the recommendations to open the negotiations with Fyrom and Albania during the presentation of an 'Enlargement Package' in the early afternoon of Tuesday. If confirmed, the recommendations will then be presented to the European Council next 22-23 June. Mogherini will visit Tirana (Albania) on Tuesday. The day after she will move to Skopje (former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), where she will be joined by the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Johannes Hahn. On Thursday she will leave to Tivat (Montenegro) and Belgrade (Serbia). Last February, EU High Representative visited Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo together with the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.(ANSAmed). Emirates has refreshed its spirits offering across all classes with a range of premium brands. Spirits on board are served complimentary across all classes and routes and include a range of whiskeys, cognacs, gins, vodka and flavoured liqueurs amongst others. The new selection was made by an in-house team of experts who spent two years working directly with suppliers to curate the brand new spirits offering. Emirates has invested in long term partnerships with some of the worlds best brands resulting in the finest spirits as well as exclusive selections available on board. Emirates new spirits menu is an extensive offering of over 30 new spirits and liqueurs served across all classes. The spirits complement Emirates world class offering of over 80 fine wines and champagnes served across its network daily We aim to deliver the best culinary experience on board and that goes for our menus, our wines and also our new spirits range. Weve invested time in building relationships with the best spirits makers in the world, understanding global trends and achieving the perfect serve on board to showcase these beverages in the best possible way, explains Joost Heymeijer, Senior Vice President, Inflight catering, Emirates. The new spirits menu on board includes a mix of niche, hand-crafted brands as well as popular and well-loved spirits such as Hennessy cognacs in all classes including the exclusive Hennessy Paradis in First Class and for a limited period on select routes the extremely rare Hennessy Paradis Imperial. The new menu was launched with a special cognac tasting held at the Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge on a flight to Paris last month. The first-of-its kind masterclass at 40,000 feet was led by Mr Alfred Tesseron, owner and Chairman of Tesseron Cognac. Tesseron Lot 29 XO is a niche, hand-crafted cognac that scored 100 points by celebrated wine critic Robert Parker, and is by a brand that is centuries old and still family owned. Other brands served in First Class include the Dalmore King Alexander III, the only single malt Scotch whisky in the world created using a unique six-cask finish; Belvedere luxury vodka; Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch whisky and premium Guatemalan rum, Ron Zacapa Centenario XO. In Business Class and at the iconic Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, customers can enjoy Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky, small batch premium bourbon Woodford Reserve Distillers Select, craft gin Sipsmith, and more. Other spirits available in Economy Class include Dewars White Label Scotch whisky, Beefeater gin, Russian Standard Original vodka, Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey and Bacardi Carta Blanca rum - the worlds most awarded rum. Emirates is also serving regionally focused beverages such as Amarula, a fruit cream liqueur available in all classes. The liqueur is made from Marula fruit which grows wild and uncultivated in South Africa. It is then fermented and the Marula wine is distilled and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years. In conjunction with its new spirits offering, Emirates has also refreshed its cocktail menu by adding the Negroni, Old Fashioned and Aperol Spritz while retaining some of its most popular orders on board such as the classic Bloody Mary, Mojito and Kir Royal. In Economy, Jack Daniels whiskey is the most requested drink from Emirates list of spirits. In Business, Sipsmith gin takes the top spot, while in First, the most popular spirit requested is the Chivas Royal Salute whisky which is aged for 21 years. Qatar Airways has been awarded the PAX International Readership Award for Best In-Flight Duty Free Program for the Middle East and Africa at an awards ceremony that took place at the Radisson Blu hotel in Hamburg on 11 April 2018. This is the second time that Qatar Airways has been given this distinguished award, and has been acknowledged as an industry leader for its outstanding in-flight duty free service, which is operated by Qatar Duty Free (QDF). The award win recognises the wide selection of both luxury and affordable products available on board Qatar Airways flights, as part of the airlines in-flight duty free program, as well as its competitive prices and outstanding customer service. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Qatar Airways prides itself on being attentive to its customers by offering five-star services throughout the entire shopping experience from on the ground at our award-winning home and hub, Hamad International Airport, to the skies onboard Qatar Airways award-winning aircraft. Our in-flight duty free programme continues to be recognised by our passengers as one of the finest in quality and product range, and this award showcases not only our customers satisfaction, but QDFs dedication in providing an exceptional shopping experience to all passengers flying with us. Head of Qatar Duty Free, Thabet Musleh, said: At Qatar Duty Free, we hand-pick an exclusive collection of market-leading duty free products for Qatar Airways in-flight duty free programme, for passengers travelling on Qatar Airways global network of more than 150 destinations across six continents. We greatly value the opinion of all our customers, and will continue to set new standards for the industry and ensure that QDF is an experience worth travelling for. HMSI has also started working on an electric scooter. Although the confirmation comes directly from the CEO, dont hold your breath for it to happen anytime soon In order to take on the inevitable future of total electrification of mobility, many major two-wheeler manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and Ducati have already started developing their own electric powertrains. Now, the latest company to join the pack is Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), which has also started working on an electric scooter. The news comes directly from Minoru Kato, president and CEO of HMSI, who said the work is well underway at its headquarters in Japan. He also stated that Inputs are also being taken from the Indian operation. According to the CEO, it is a struggle to meet the expectations of Indian customers even with Hondas vast global experience in electric two-wheeler segment. There are certain challenges like pricing, battery range and performance that needs to be addressed before making a commitment. Kato further stated that they are targeting a minimum range of 100km on a single charge. However, when asked how soon we will be able to see a Honda electric scooter in India, his answer was: Nobody knows the timeline as yet. The electric two-wheeler market in India is quite tricky for many manufacturers. Customers shy away from buying an electric scooter due to its inherent drawbacks such as limited range, expensive price tag and overall fragile construction. Now, with Hondas willingness to enter the segment, the expectations are quite high. Honda recently announced its outline for the FY 2018-19, which involves one new launch and over 18 model updates. Source: ZigWheels.com Trade deficit widens as oil imports become costlier. The last time exports fell was in October 2017, when they had declined by 1.12 per cent. New Delhi: Indias exports dipped after a gap of four months in March but finished FY18 with a healthy rise of 9.78 per cent to $302.84 billion. The 0.66 per cent decline during March was mainly on account of contraction in shipments of key sectors such as petroleum and gems and jewellery. The last time exports fell was in October 2017, when they had declined by 1.12 per cent. Imports during the month under review rose by 7.15 per cent to $42.8 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $13.69 billion, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Friday. During FY18, imports increased by 19.59 per cent to $459.67 billion and the trade deficit widened to $156.83 billion during the fiscal as compared to $108.5 billion in FY17. The countrys merchandise exports crossed the $300 billion mark in FY18 after a gap of two financial years. The figure stood at $310.30 in FY15. The trade deficit the difference between exports and imports of $156.83 billion during the fiscal is the highest since FY13, when it was at $190.30 billion. Expressing concern, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said it is worried about the export growth in labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, jute and agri products. These sectors are facing the problem of liquidity as banks and lending agencies are tightening their norms, which does not augur well for exports for the new fiscal, it said in a statement. Though the global scenario reflecting forecast for global trade by WTO in 2018 at 4.4 per cent and may moderate to 4 per cent during 2019 shows encouraging scenario for global exports, however trade tensions may pose challenges for exports, it added. Oil imports during the month under review were valued at $11.11 billion, 13.92 per cent higher than the same month previous year. Non-oil imports grew by 4.96 per cent to $31.69 billion during the month. During FY18, oil imports recorded a growth of 25.47 per cent to $109.11 billion. Gold imports dropped by 40 per cent to $2.49 billion in March. US to review duty free access of items Washington: The US has decided to review Indias eligibility to enjoy duty free access for certain products in the US market under a tax benefit scheme. As many as 3,500 Indian products from sectors such as chemicals and engineering get duty free access to the US market under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), introduced in 1976. According to the US Trade Representative (USTR), the GSP is a trade preference programme designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. The review can impact exports of those 3,500 Indian products to the US market as removal of duty benefits would make those items uncompetitive. The Office of the USTR on Friday announced that it is reviewing the eligibility of India, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan in the GSP based on concerns about the countries compliance with the programme. The reviews are based on the Trump administrations new GSP country eligibility assessment process as well as GSP country eligibility petitions. For India, the GSP country eligibility review is based on concerns related to its compliance with the GSP market access criterion, the USTR said. October is about love, of course. But more than that, its about the inevitable grief that love leads to. Rating: Cast: Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu, Gitanjali Rao, Iteeva Pande, Karamveer Kanwar, Prateek Kapur Director: Shoojit Sircar Perhaps, I thought at first, Shoojit Sircars film, October, is about a boy who so loathes the life that has been strapped on to him somewhat by circumstance, but mostly due to his own meagre marketable skills that he lugs it around like an unwieldy large boulder. Often hunching, eyeballing the floor, he seems to be trying hard to carry on till he just snaps and throws it all off. This routine, like the Myth of Sisyphus, repeats itself till he sees an exit door. Or, perhaps, I thought, October is about a seemingly nikamma, nakara boy who is constantly railing against the normal world, earning, en route, the disappointment of all those who love him and the disapproval of the ones who dont, till he finds his niche and comes into his own a moment acknowledged by his mother who arrives to scold, harangue, but leaves hassled and overwhelmed at how little she knows him. Or, perhaps, I thought, October, where the heroine, so to speak, fades away after three-four rather brief scenes, is about right to life. About the right to live even when you cant actually say it, about being there only in part, and making peace with that. About feeling, experiencing, enjoying love even when you can neither acknowledge it, nor reciprocate it. But towards the end, as October winds down, sits to chat over a cup of tea while looking lovingly at those orange-stemmed, delicate Harsringar flowers, the ones that bloom at night and drop to the ground in the morning, I thought October is about grief. Its about love, of course. But more than that, its about the inevitable grief that love leads to. Its about embracing grief, about saving a memory of the one whos gone, but also about holding on to that precious little remnant from what was once a large mosaic, because in that broken piece lies not just the flashback to what was, but also who you were, once. Because with the passing of that loved one, who you were died as well. October, written by Juhi Chaturvedi and directed by Shoojit Sircar, is about all this and much more. At one level their film is about Dan, a boy-man stuck in meticulously detailed but soul-sapping daily chores his is a job where perfection must be achieved in a hectic burst of activity as a matter of routine. Despite knowing that beauty, precision, excellence will be taken for granted and thus go unappreciated, it must be realised with the same vigour every single day. Dan repeatedly rebels against the inhumanity of these deathly chores he has a need to be able to see himself doing something he can take joy, even pride, in. And yet, when he checks out, he moves on to nurturing a kind of love that too demands precise, daily, dedicated devotion without much reciprocity. Yet he carries on, smiling, because that small twitch, that tantrum, gesture, he knows, is born out of love. Somewhere in or around Delhi, October opens to snapshots of staff prepping up a five-star hotel for that day. We watch a group of trainees cleaning, polishing, getting the hotel guest-ready. Amongst the trainees is Dan (Varun Dhawan). We get to see him from behind and top the camera making us not just watch him, but read him as he vacuums the wall-to-wall carpet on a floor. In between scenes of the depressing monotony of chores that yield a welcoming, smiling hotel, we often cross over to the hotels hindquarters. While in the front, serfdom is honed, perfected, in the narrow, grimy staff quarters, it rests a bit, eats. We get glimpses of their personal world, listen to their banter, plans of opening their own restaurants and figure out who is sleeping with whom as they queue up holding rectangular steel thalis with four distinct cavities that define their own meals. All have internalised a message thats sent out repeatedly by their boss, as a threat and motivation: Breaking the bond that they have signed means no diploma and parents having to pay Rs 3 lakh. All except Dan. He steals booze from a banquet, behaves badly with guests, misses shifts, doesnt want to do whats assigned. He is the problem trainee and is kept away from the lobby and the front office. Mostly hes made to clean carpets, at times he zaps flies with an electric racquet, or gets sent to the claustrophobic laundry room where the whirring tumble of dirty linen drowns out human voices. But Shiuli (Banita Sandhu) hears the snarky one he mumbles in a staff meeting, and at a party she asks, Where is Dan? An accident takes place and almost instinctively Dan moves from the hotel to the hospital. As he does so, the cast of characters changes. Now, instead of his batchmates and friends, theres a nurse who chides him. Instead of his exasperated boss, there are hospital guards, and instead of his mother, there is Vidya Iyer (Gitanjali Rao), an IIT professor, with her young daughter Kaveri (Iteeva Pande), and son Kunal (Karamveer Kanwar). Without being asked to, and without really having a tangible reason, Dan assumes charge. He can look straight at the shaved head which has a post-it stuck to it, announcing no bone, and talk. Often providing the answers himself. This space seeps into his being, making him smell of itself, yet he likes being here because here he is important, because here others answer his questions, because here he is in charge of a human being. He notes the amount of urine in the plastic bag hanging from the bed without cringing, simply as a measure of how healthy the kidneys are. Lets pause here a second to acknowledge the brilliance of Ms Chaturvedi and Mr Sircar the duo who gave us Vicky Donor, Piku and now October. They show unseemly things and talk about them so casually that if we are not paying attention well miss the fact that a significant cinematic milestone has been crossed. And here there are many a single mother, a woman IIT professor, a urine bag attached to a key character In between taking care of the patient, we listen in on talk of pulling the plug. Its practical advice, to both Prof. Iyer, and to Dan to let go and get on with their own lives. Though its really about people articulating their own limitations of finances, emotions, patience it is presented as if they are ventriloquising the feelings of the one lying on the bed. But a bond is slowly getting formed, despite the strange pipes, noisy machines and scary beeps. We wonder at times if Dan is being heard. And if hes being, is he being understood? They were not best friends. They were not lovers. And they remain undefined. If you have ever lost someone very dear to you, you know that sudden, debilitating jolt at not being able to recall with clarity a particular gesture, the shape of the hand, that strange toe nail, the feel of that skin, their smell... October, which carries strains of Talk To Her (Pedro Almodovar) and Sadma (1983 film starring Sridevi and Kamal Haasan), feels slightly slow and long in the middle because its screenplay is sparse. The films belly sags a bit because though characters are introduced, they dont take off. Nothing much happens, and we watch the same things over and over. But, as it approaches the end, October gathers itself and keeps growing in stature. While making no attempt to explain some puzzling bits, it leads us to the finale a moment of love and grief so powerful, so profoundly sad and beautiful that several hours after I finished watching the film I found it gently tugging at my heart, squeezing out some hidden, buried grief. Im teary eyed as I write this, and I will, I think, in a day or two, look up at the sky and howl loud, hard and for a while. October has inspired casting and exceptional performances. Gitanjali Rao as the archetype Delhi professor is exquisite, elegant. She brings warmth to her character despite a very measured performance. Theres quiet certitude in her movement, and authenticity to her fear, sadness. Her children, played by Iteeva Pande and Karamveer Kanwar, are cool, urbane and good, and Dans boss Asthana, played by Prateek Kapur, is excellent. But October really belongs to Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu. The role and character of Dan an uneasy round peg in a square world seems to have been written keeping in mind Dhawans habit of pulling faces and infantilising himself in emotional scenes. He does that a lot here initially, and then comes into his own, maturing, changing as his character grows. I have always believed Dhawan to be an excellent actor. And here he is simply lovely. What can I say about Ms Banita Sandhu? Hers is a role the weak-hearted wont touch. And she makes it purr and roar with her still brilliance. Bravo! Doval's meeting with Yang, the Politburo member of the CPC, comes ahead of several key dialogues between the two countries. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday held talks with top official of China's ruling CPC Yang Jiechi in Shanghai, the Indian Embassy in Beijing said. (Photo: Twitter/@EOIBeijing) Beijing/New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday held talks with top official of China's ruling CPC Yang Jiechi in Shanghai, the Indian Embassy in Beijing said, the second meeting between the two officials after the Doklam standoff in 2017. Doval's meeting with Yang, the Politburo member of the CPC, comes ahead of several key dialogues between the two countries, which are trying to reset the ties after the last year's 73-day long standoff at Doklam. The Indian Embassy in a brief statement said that Doval and Yang, both special representatives of the India-China boundary talks, held talks, but gave no details about the meeting. Yang is also Director of Foreign Affairs Commission. Till March, Yang was the State Councillor of the CPC, a top diplomatic post. He was replaced by Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. Wang will hold the dual posts of State Councillor and Foreign Minister in a major reshuffle of top officials. This is the second meeting between Doval and Yang after the Doklam standoff. Yang attended the 20th round of boundary talks between the two countries in Delhi in December 2017 during which both sides decided to reset the ties with more interactions. Since December, the two sides are trying to iron out differences on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China blocking the efforts to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. The two countries are preparing for a series of high-level interactions leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in June. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on April 24 to attend different meetings of the SCO and interact with their counterparts from the member states. The eight-member SCO, in which India was a latest entrant along with Pakistan, is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao. The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which is focused on anti-terrorism cooperation is holding a host of ministerial and officials' meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the grouping. SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers meetings are also scheduled on April 24 and almost around the same time, according to officials here. Both sides attach lot of significance to these meetings to reset the ties as they were taking place after President Xi Jingping has commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect continuing in power for life following the removal of two-term limit for the president. Sarvana Suresh, 50, told family members he was going out for walk, and then in a market, doused himself in kerosene and set himself ablaze. Chennai: As the protests over non-formation of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) continues unabated in Tamil Nadu, a relative of MDMK chief Vaiko attempted self immolation on Friday. According to Hindustan Times, Sarvana Suresh, 50, a nephew of Vaiko and resident of Virudhunagar, told family members he was going out for a walk, and then in a market, doused himself in kerosene and set himself ablaze. People nearby rushed to him and tried to put out the flames before taking him to Apollo Hospital in Madurai. He suffered 80 per cent burn injuries, the report said. Police are investigating the incident. Vaiko in a statement said that Suresh was distraught over the developments on Cauvery and had set himself ablaze. I have lost hope of his survival. All in my family are suffering as if struck by a thunderbolt, he said. The MDMK chief also appealed to people not to take their own lives. In Chennai, farmers associations held peaceful demonstration near Chepauk stadium where a few speakers said they would stop paying taxes as neither the Centre nor the state government appeared to be coming to their rescue. The protest pertains to the non-formation of the CMB over sharing of the rivers water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court had in its February 16 verdict asked the Centre to set up the CMB within six weeks, but the deadline lapsed on March 29, with the Centre failing to set up the board and seeking three months time to do so. Tamil Nadu political leaders have alleged that the BJP-led Centre was acting in favour of Karnataka, which is opposed to the CMB and where assembly elections are due next month. The protests had forced IPL organisers to shift home matches of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Pune from Chennais Chepauk stadium. The MP BJP state president said that the rapists were Muslims who chanted Jai Sri Ram post-rape to 'create differences' among Hindus. 'Hindus are less than one per cent in Kashmir. They cannot even open their mouths, then how can they shout these slogans?' Nandkumar Singh Chouhan asked. (Photo: Facebook | @NandKumarSinghChouhan) Khandwa: A senior BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh on Friday claimed a "Pakistani hand" behind the gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua region. BJP state president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan, who was participating in a fast organised in Khandwa in protest against the washout of parliament's budget session, told reporters, "The act (Kathua rape-murder) must have been committed by Pakistan's agents to divide people by chanting Jai Shriram". He was responding to reports that slogans of 'Jai Sriram' were raised following the incident. "If slogans of Jai Shri Ram were shouted on the rape of the girl, it must be the handi work of Pakistan's agents who want to create differences between us," Chouhan said. "Hindus are less than one per cent in Kashmir. They cannot even open their mouths, then how can they shout these slogans?" he asked. The BJP leader, however, termed the incident as a "blot on humanity". The eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped by six men who had held her in captivity in a small temple village for a week in January. She was allegedly drugged so that she could be sexually assaulted again before being bludgeoned to death, according to police. Ex-Union home secy said that while senior officials are busy with meetings till late evening, subordinates are on porn sites. Former Union Home Secretary G K Pillai had said that some subordinate staff in the MHA would see pornographic content on Internet and download malware in office, leading to compromise of the computer networks. (Representational Image | AFP) New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has put in place a robust security system to check external attempts to infiltrate into its computer network, and block access to pornographic materials on its systems, officials said. This came after former Union Home Secretary G K Pillai had said that some subordinate staff in the MHA would see pornographic content on Internet and download malware in office, leading to compromise of the computer networks. "Intrusion prevention system, intrusion detection system, anti-virus and anti-malware have been put in place. It is a very robust system to ensure foolproof security in the MHA computer networks," an official said. A network security policy, network security monitoring and fireball have also been put in place. Another official said as the fireball has been installed, no employee in the MHA can watch pornography in office computers. The fireball against pornographic websites has been installed as such video clips may have attached Addressing the maiden Finsec Conclave in Mumbai on Wednesday, Pillai had said, "When I was the Union Home Secretary almost 8-9 years ago, every 60 days we would find the entire computers compromised". Pillai, who chairs the non-profit Data Security Council of India (DSCI) promoted by Nasscom, said senior ministry officials used to be busy with meetings till late in the evening because of which the subordinate staff would have to stay back in the offices for post-meeting work. "So what will they (subordinates) do? They go and open the internet and they are on porn sites and so on and so forth, and download all sorts of things that come up with all the malware," he said. Rahul Gandhi leads candlelight vigil in Delhi demanding justice for rape victims in Jammu, UP. New Delhi: Upping the ante against the crimes against women, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday took to Twitter saying he will lead a midnight candle-light march at India Gate in the national capital. Sources said it was Mr Gandhi initiative to carry out this march. In fact he asked Delhi Cong unit to organise the candle-light march to register protest against inaction of the government in the rape cases and to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. His announcement follows protests against the brutal rape and murder of a girl in J&Ks Kathua district and the rape of a teenager in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district. Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice, Mr Gandhi tweeted. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken and members of the Delhi Congress were asked to assemble at the DPCC headquarters near ITO after which they will go to India Gate where Rahul was scheduled to join the protest. The Congress has been in forefront highlighting how the BJP refused to condemn horrific rape cases in Jammu and Uttar Pradesh. Earlier in the day, Mr Gandhi took it to social media and accused the government of being mute spectators. The NHRC has sent the notices to the chief secretary of the state government and the secretary of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The state authorities have to intimate the NHRC about existing or proposed mechanisms to the deal with the issue, it said. New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent notices to the Union information and broadcasting ministry as well as the Telangana government, seeking detailed reports into a protest by a Telugu actress who stripped in public to highlight her complaint of sexual exploitation of women in the regional film industry. A statement issued by the NHRC said that the state government and the ministry have been to submit its reports within four weeks. After the protest by the actress, the Movie Artistes Association (MAA), an apex body of the Telugu film industry, had said on April 8 the aspiring actress would not be made a member of the organisation. The police had also booked the actress under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (obscene acts in a public place). The apex body said, It appears to be an attempt to muzzle the voice of a whistle-blower both from the side of MAA and the state authorities. The NHRC has sent the notices to the chief secretary of the state government and the secretary of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The state authorities have to intimate the NHRC about existing or proposed mechanisms to the deal with the issue, it said. The commission is of the opinion that the reported prohibitions imposed upon the actress, barring her from acting in films and stopping others from working with her, were a violation of her right to livelihood and live a life with dignity. The NHRC observed that the issues raised by the actress demand action on the part of the state government in the form of a committee to address and redress the grievances of female actors and women employees, in case of any sexual harassment at the workplace i.e., the Telugu film industry in this case. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, has broadly laid down provisions to prevent sexual harassment of women at their workplace. Under the Act, a workplace includes not only government organisations or offices but also private ventures. The statement said : The commission has also observed that reportedly, legal action has been taken against the actress under Section 294 of the IPC, but it is nowhere mentioned, if action on the serious allegations of a casting couch and sexual harassment, levelled by her, has been taken by the authorities.. The actress had on April 7 staged a semi-nude protest outside the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. She had also alleged that local artistes were not given enough opportunities in the industry, and that the MAA had denied her membership. Rejecting her charges a day after the protest, office-bearers of the MAA had said several Telugu actresses had over the years got adequate opportunities in their film careers. The NHRC said, The MAA, reportedly, has even moved further stating that action will be taken against any artiste who decides to share screen space with er. PM Modi said, 'Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society.' 'Our daughters will definitely get justice,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) New Delhi: In comments being seen as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first public response over Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which sparked nationwide outrage, the prime minister assured that justice will be delivered to the daughters. The Prime Minister further added that the culprits will not be spared. Addressing the inauguration of Dr Ambedkar National Memorial in New Delhi, PM Modi said, "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it." "I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," the Prime Minister added. Earlier, PM Modi's silence was severely criticised by the Opposition with Congress president Rahul Gandhi terming it as "unacceptable". Also Read: Rahul slams Modi's deafening silence on rape horror, says India is waiting Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said, Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women and children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state. India is waiting. Rahul Gandhi on Thursday also led a midnight march to India Gate to protest the gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua in January and for the 17-year-old in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao who was allegedly raped by BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar in June 2017. Incidentally, PM Modi will also be visiting Britain shortly. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday, the MEA confirmed on Thursday but said it had no details of what was discussed. Sources said the phone call was initiated from the Russian side. But the conversation comes in the backdrop of souring of diplomatic ties between Russia and Britain over the poisoning of a former Russian intelligence operative staying in Britain with a toxic nerve agent. Incidentally, PM Modi will also be visiting Britain shortly. On the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi awaits the outcome of the investigation. The MEAs cautious reaction is being seen by observers as indicating that New Delhi does not want to annoy the Russians at any cost. Britain suspected some Russian involvement in the attack following which several European countries and the US had expelled Russian diplomats. On Thursday, the MEAcommenting on that attack on the former intelligence operative-said, India is against the use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, under any circumstances. They added, We hope that this issue is resolved in accordance with the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention so as to reach evidence based conclusions. India, as all other countries, awaits the outcome of the investigation. Syria is another issue on which ties between the West and Russia have sharply deteriorated after reports of a Chemical attack in Syria which is being blamed on the ruling Assad regime there by the West. India on Thursday condemned any use of chemical weapons anywhere but was careful in its reaction to not annoy Moscow which is the main backer of the Assad regime. The Congress chief also posed two questions to PM Modi over the issue of rising violence against women and children in the country. New Delhi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday continued slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which have sparked nationwide protests and outrage, and questioned PMs silence. Calling the prime ministers silence as unacceptable, Rahul Gandhi said India was waiting for him to speak up. Addressing PM Modi on Twitter on Friday, the Congress president posed two questions to the prime minister. "Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women and children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting," Gandhi tweeted, using the hashtag "SpeakUp". Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting.#SpeakUp Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 13, 2018 Rahuls comments come a day after he led a midnight march to India Gate to protest the gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua in January and for the 17-year-old in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao who was allegedly raped by BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar in June 2017. Also Read: Priyanka loses calm at Rahul's Delhi midnight march to protest twin rape Rahul said that it was time for Modi to walk the talk on 'beti bachao' (save the girl child). Gandhi was joined last night by his sister Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra and scores of Congress leaders, party workers and others, some carrying candles and placards against the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir while demanding urgent action against the perpetrators of the two incidents. SC decided to examine, of its own accord, the Kathua gangrape and murder case. On Monday, a group of lawyers tried to prevent the crime branch from filing the chargesheet against the seven accused of the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday sent a notice to the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir for preventing the filing of a chargesheet against the accused in the Kathua gangrape and murder case. The top court also decided to examine, of its own accord, the gangrape and murder case. Taking a serious note of the Kathua District Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association at Jammu striking work and opposing the filing of chargesheet, and obstructing the victim's counsel from representing the family, the apex court issued notices to the two associations. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud sought responses from the Bar Council of India, state bar council, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua district bar association by April 19. The court said it is impermissible under law and ethics to prevent the filing of a chargesheet or oppose the representation of the victim's family by a lawyer. According to a report in The Times of India, the SC bench added that every party before any court is entitled to engage a lawyer and if advocates oppose this principle then it would be destructive of justice dispensation system. Read: Kathua rape-murder case: FIR against lawyers for obstructing chargesheet The apex court agreed to take suo motu cognisance of the case after several lawyers who had mentioned the matter before the bench came out with materials about the incident. Earlier on Friday, the top court had asked a lawyer to bring materials on record to take judicial note of a strike call given by Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir bar associations in relation to the gangrape and killing of the eight-year-old girl in Jammu. Advocate Shoeb Alam, appearing for Jammu and Kashmir, said that the police has filed the charge sheet before the magistrate on Thursday. Alam, who was called to the CJI court, opposed the CBI probe as demanded by some apex court lawyers and said that thorough investigations were being carried out by the state crime branch. He said that it is already a settled law that investigation cannot be transferred to CBI after the charge sheet has been filed in the court. "Police team was heckled by the lawyers and prevented from submitting the charge sheet before the CJM court in Kathua," Alam said. He said that subsequently the police had to produce the accused in the case and submit the charge sheet at the residence of the magistrate. On Monday, a group of lawyers tried to prevent the crime branch from filing the chargesheet against the seven accused of the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl. The minor victim had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The crime branch of police which probed the case filed a main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The chargesheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, raped inside a place of worship before being killed. (With PTI inputs) Also Read: Kathua case: Meerut student went to J&K to rape 8-yr-old, says chargesheet The accused, a trustee of an international school, was booked for sexually assaulting the child in 2016. On May 18, 2017, an FIR was lodged against French national Patrick Brilliant for sexually assaulting the child and was arrested on November 7, nearly six months after the registration of the FIR. (Photo: Representational) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked a French national, an active trustee of an international school in Mumbai, to surrender in three days in connection with a case of alleged sexual assault on a three-year-old girl. The top court, however, barred him from entering the school premises and directed the trial court to decide the matter as per material available on record. A bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan clarified that the observations in the orders of the Bombay High Court and the sessions court are only in respect to the granting and cancellation of bail. "The petitioner shall surrender within three days. However, he will not visit the school. We make it clear that the observations of the sessions court, as well as the high court, are only in the context of granting and cancellation of bail. Needless to stay, the trial court is required to finally decide the matter on the basis of evidence which is produced before the court," the bench said. Accused Patrick Brilliant had challenged the April 2 order of the high court cancelling bail granted by the trial court on November 24, 2017. It had asked him to surrender forthwith before the authority concerned while asking the trial court to complete the proceedings in four months. On May 18, 2017, an FIR was lodged against Brilliant for sexually assaulting the child and was arrested on November 7, nearly six months after the registration of the FIR. However, the trial court granted him bail on November 24, 2017, just 17 days after he was arrested in the case. Industries Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga and Forest Minister Chaudhary Lal Singh had attended the event organised by the Hindu Ekta Manch. Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also said that the BJP ministers who took part in a rally in support of the accused had no right to be in the cabinet. (Photo: Facebook | @justiceforasifa) New Delhi: Two BJP ministers, who had backed the accused men in the Kathua rape case, resigned on Friday evening. Commerce and Industries Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga and Forest Minister Chaudhary Lal Singh, who took part in a rally to support the Kathua gangrape accused, had to resign due to pressure. J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had expressed her displeasure and asked BJP to remove ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh from their positions, news agency ANI reported citing sources. Earlier in the day, Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also said that the BJP ministers who took part in a rally in support of the accused had no right to be in the cabinet. "Mehbooba Mufti will have to decide whether she is ready to work with those ministers who are trying to save the killers of the girl," the former chief minister told reporters. (With PTI inputs) The UP BJP MLA has been charged under the stringent POCSO Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) dealing with rape. BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been brought to the Lucknow office of the CBI, after it took over the probe on Thursday evening. (Photo: ANI) New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who has been charged of raping a 18-year-old woman in June 2017, has been detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning in the wee the hours on Friday. He has been brought to the Lucknow office of the CBI, after it took over the probe on Thursday evening. The CBI will investigate three cases filed against Sengar with Makhi police station in Unnao. The BJP MLA from Banagarmau in Uttar Pradesh has been charged under the stringent POCSO Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) dealing with rape. The notice to the CBI to take over the cases was issued on Thursday night, following which the probe agency in a matter of a few hours picked up the BJP lawmaker from his Lucknow home at 4:30 am. On Thursday, the Allahabad High Court had come down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh government, asking that despite FIR why BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was not arrested. The court also asked the government whether it proposes to arrest Sengar. An FIR was lodged against the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar on Thursday under sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction of woman), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the case was handed over to the CBI. The victim had attempted suicide outside the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath triggering a massive political row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. Later, the state police had arrested her father who died in judicial custody with autopsy suggesting several injuries on his body. A bench of Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar, taking cognisance of the Unnao gangrape case on a letter to the court by senior lawyer Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi, heard the matter in detail. It will pronounce its order at 2 pm on Friday. The court also questioned the conduct of the police in the case. Advocate General Raghavendra Singh, who was present in the court on Thursday, told the bench that on August 17, 2017, an application was sent to the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's office in which allegations of rape was made against the BJP MLA. Also Read: Why accused BJP MLA not arrested despite FIR: Allahabad HC to UP govt The application was then forwarded to officers in Unnao, who were supposed to act on it, he said. All this week, Kuldeep Singh Sengar has moving freely denying the accusation, disparaging the girl and her family and hitting out at the media. Meanwhile, his brother Atul Singh was arrested for a brutal assault on the victim's father, who was not just arrested with severe wounds on his body but who died on Monday in police custody. He "had not been treated properly", a Special Investigation Team has found. On Wednesday night, Sengar made a dramatic appearance outside the house of the police chief in Lucknow, in a convoy of 20 vehicles. "I have come here because TV channels were saying I will surrender," he appeared to taunt reporters, insisting that he was neither a fugitive nor a rapist. Up to six police personnel were also suspended for allegedly beating up the victim's father, who died on April 09. A senior UP BJP leader had earlier claimed that the CM's decision to arrest the MLA was revoked by a 'prominent person'. 'Investigation has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). I believe the CBI would have arrested the MLA also. Our government will not compromise on this issue, no matter how influential the accused is, he will not be spared,' said Chief Minister Adityanath. (Photo: ANI) Jalaun (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday assured that strict actions would be taken against the accused in the Unnao gangrape case. "Investigation has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). I believe the CBI would have arrested the MLA also. Our government will not compromise on this issue, no matter how influential the accused is, he will not be spared," said Chief Minister Adityanath in Jalaun. This comes a day after a senior BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh claimed that the Chief Minister had decided to arrest the accused MLA but his decision was changed after the intervention of a 'prominent person'. Also Read: Unnao rape: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar held, questioned by CBI Former state minister IP Singh took to Twitter and said, "Yogi Adityanath had taken the decision to arrest Kuldeep Singh Sengar. He was to be arrested from the Chief Minister's office. The Chief Minister had also decided to expel two MLAs from Unnao. But he got a call from a prominent person and the decision got deferred. The party has to suffer the consequence of this decision." On April 8, a girl and her family tried to commit suicide outside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow. Her family alleged that she was raped by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his accomplice last year, and no action was taken against the accused. Prior to this, on April 3, the rape victim's father was allegedly thrashed by the accused MLA's brother, Atul Singh Sengar, for refusing to withdraw the FIR over the rape and was arrested the same day. On April 9, he died in hospital. However, the family cried foul alleging that he was murdered. Up to six police personnel were suspended for allegedly beating up the victim's father, who died on April 9. An FIR was lodged against the BJP MLA on April 12 under sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction of woman), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the case was handed over to the CBI. The CBI registered three cases on April 13 against accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the case. Sengar was brought to the office at around 5 AM today, the officials said in New Delhi. Lucknow: The CBI on Friday arrested BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district last year and the custodial death of her father earlier this week. Sources said, The central agency decided to arrest the MLA when he failed to satisfactorily reply to questions during interrogation. He was giving conflicting versions during questioning and remained uncooperative, Sengar will be produced before a designated court on Monday. Earlier in the day, the Allahabad high court passed an order saying that the CBI should arrest the MLA and not just detain him and the probe agency should consider filing of an application for cancellation of bail granted to other accused in the case. The court also asked the CBI to present a status report in the case on May 2. In an early morning raid, a CBI team picked up Sengar from his residence at 4.30 am on Friday and took him to its local office in Lucknow. A seven-member team interrogated him while another team left for Unnao to record statements of the victim and her family who are putting up at a hotel, said sources. The CBI team also arrested six suspended police personnel from Unnao and brought them to Lucknow for questioning. CBI supreintendent of police Raghvendra Vats went to Makhi police station in Unnao and seized all case documents. Those arrested include CO Kunwar Singh, SO Ashok Kumar and other police personnel. Meanwhile, chief minister Yogi Adityanath, while talking on the Unnao rape case, reiterated that his government would follow a zero-tolerance policy on crime and corruption. He said that the guilty would not be spared. The Yogi government had recommended a CBI inquiry into the case on Thursday morning and the request was immediately accepted. The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) is said to have intervened to hasten the formalities and the DoPT which works under the Prime Minister immediately issued a notification to ensure that the CBI reached the state capital on Thursday evening. The Yogi government had lodged a case of rape against Sengar but decided against arresting him, saying that a decision on taking him into custody will be taken by the CBI. Sothebys also said it was auctioning The Farnese Blue, a roughly 6 carat blue diamond. Flawless white diamonds, among largest ever offered, to go on sale. (Photo: Pixabay) LONDON: Two flawless white diamonds each weighing in at more than 50 carats are expected to fetch more than $15 million when they are auctioned in May, auctioneers Sothebys Diamonds said on Friday. The diamonds, a 51.71 carat round brilliant-cut gemstone and a 50.39 carat oval, are the second-largest of their respective kinds ever to come to auction, Sothebys said. The sale of the gemstones, discovered and purchased at tender in Botswana, comes after a 102 carat white diamond sold to an undisclosed buyer in February far exceeded the price paid per carat for any colourless diamond at auction, according to auctioneers, who did not reveal the price paid. The record price previously paid was for a 118 carat diamond sold in Hong Kong in 2013, which fetched $260,000 a carat. Sothebys also said it was auctioning The Farnese Blue, a roughly 6 carat blue diamond given to the Queen of Spain, Elisabeth Farnese, in 1715, which auctioneers said had been passed down through four European royal families since then. All three of the diamonds are scheduled to be auctioned in Geneva in May. Many survivors leave items to the museum in their wills. JERUSALEM: The Israeli museum dedicated to memorialising the Holocaust is still expanding its exhibits from the Nazi genocide and, more than seven decades on, is urging survivors and their families to donate any artifacts they hold lest they get lost. Yad Vashems Gathering the Fragments drive was launched in 2011 and since then the museum has collected some 124,000 artifacts from 11,000 individuals, spokesman Simmy Allen said. He was speaking before the beginning on Wednesday of Israels annual Holocaust commemorations, which are officially opened at Yad Vashem. We felt a need to rescue these artifacts before they disappear, Allen said. According to Yad Vashem, fewer than 80,000 Holocaust survivors are still alive in Israel. The collection, some of which is pictured here, include a shirt that a former German labour camp inmate fashioned from parachute cloth and a blue-striped coat which a survivor of the Dachau concentration camp kept at home until his death. Yad Vashem uses ads to urge people to come forward with their Holocaust-era items. Last year, the museum received more than 800 objects. We do not turn anything down. Everything is catalogued, and we either take the item itself or, if the family prefers to keep it, scan it instead, Allen said. Many survivors leave items to Yad Vashem in their wills. Living donations are made in the belief that the artifact can be best preserved by the museum. One woman agreed to give us her childs doll, from the period, on the understanding she would be allowed to come to Yad Vashem a few times a year - just to be with it, he said. According to warning satellite system, India, Morocco, Iraq and Spain could spark the next "day zero" water crisis. Poor rains last year left the upstream Indira Sagar dam in Madhya Pradesh a third below its seasonal average. (Photo: Pixabay) London: Shrinking reservoirs in India, Morocco, Iraq and Spain could result in water taps going completely dry in these four countries, a study based on a new early warning satellite system has warned. According to the developers of the new satellite early warning system for the world's 500,000 dams, shrinking reservoirs in India, Morocco, Iraq and Spain could spark the next "day zero" water crisis, The Guardian reported. The system has named countries where shrinking reservoirs could lead to the taps completely drying up, the study said. Tensions have been apparent in India over the water allocations for two reservoirs connected by the Narmada river, it said. Poor rains last year left the upstream Indira Sagar dam in Madhya Pradesh a third below its seasonal average. When some of this shortfall was passed on to the downstream Sardar Sarovar reservoir, it caused an uproar because the latter is a drinking supply for 30 million people. Last month, the Gujarat state government halted irrigation and appealed to farmers not to sow crops. Cape Town recently grabbed global headlines by launching a countdown to the day when taps would be cut off to millions of residents as a result of a three-year drought. Drastic conservation measures have forestalled that moment in South Africa, but dozens of other countries face similar risks from rising demand, mismanagement and climate change, say the World Resources Institute (WRI). The US-based environmental organisation is working with Deltares, the Dutch government and other partners to build a water and security early warning system that aims to anticipate social instability, economic damage and cross-border migration. A prototype is due to be rolled out later this year, but a snapshot, unveiled on Wednesday, highlighted four of the worst-affected dams and the potential knock-on risks. The starkest decline is that of Morocco's second-largest reservoir Al Massira which has shrunk by 60 per cent in three years due to recurring drought, expanding irrigation and the increasing thirst of neighbouring cities such as Casablanca. Spain has suffered a severe drought that has contributed to a 60 per cent shrinking of the surface area of the Buendia dam over the last five years. In Iraq, the Mosul Dam has seen a more protracted decline but it is also now down 60 per cent from its peak in the 1990s as a result of low rainfall and competing demand from Turkish hydropower projects upstream on the Tigris and Euphrates. The 'Golden Period' is 4.5 hours for IV intravenous and six hours for mechanical thrombectomy. In the first case, the patient developed the symptoms - difficulty in speaking and understanding - at his office. (Representational Image) New Delhi: Two people, who suffered from brain stroke, got to live normal lives after being successfully cured. The only deciding factor in cases was that the family and friends detected something amiss and took the patients for medical intervention within the first few hours of the onset of symptoms - also called as the Golden Period, doctors said. In the first case, the patient developed the symptoms - difficulty in speaking and understanding - at his office. While his colleagues could not understand his abnormal change in behaviour, they decided to rush him to Apollo Hospital within 1.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. He recovered significant speech within one hour with the help of intravenous drugs. The second case involving a 43-year-old patient required removal of a clot through a stent. The 'Golden Period' is 4.5 hours for IV intravenous and six hours for mechanical thrombectomy. Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant, neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, "In both the cases, the patients were observed having difficulty in speaking and understanding, while other bodily functions were almost normal. It is important to understand that stroke may present without limb paralysis with abnormal behaviour or loss of speech i.e. difficulty to recognise the verbal instructions." Stressing upon the importance of golden period, he stressed that even within the golden period the earlier the treatment is started, the better is the recovery. He said, "Emergent treatment within the golden period can prevent damage to the brain by restoring the circulation." After the treatment, the doctors claimed that the two patients could be brought back to their normal since they were rushed to the hospital hours within the onset of symptoms. The high court also said that the SEC should have informed it today that it has ensured a level-playing field for all parties. State power minister Sovandeb Chatterjee and trade union leaders take out an anti-bandh rally at Esplanade in Kolkata. (Photo: Asian Age) Kolkata: The Calcutta high court today stayed the ongoing panchayat election process in West Bengal, expressing displeasure over the decision of the State Election Commission (SEC) to cancel its own order extending the nomination process by a day. Opposition parties in the state termed the high court order as a victory of democracy over dictatorship and sought the resignation of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging widespread violence during filing of nominations. Rejecting the SECs contention that the writ petition of the BJP was not maintainable, the court held that the state poll panel is endowed with powers relating to holding of the elections, but in case of any digression, it needs to be corrected by the court of law. Passing the order on the petition, Justice Subrata Talukdar stayed till further orders the ongoing panchayat election process in the state. He observed that the commission had recognised the grievances expressed by different political parties as well as individuals by extending the date. However, the order was abruptly withdrawn, he said. Referring to yesterdays Supreme Court order with regard to a petition by the West Bengal unit of the BJP challenging the SECs decision to recall the extension order, Justice Talukdar said that the operative part of the apex court order is crucially connected to the cancellation of the notification. The high court also said that the SEC should have informed it today that it has ensured a level-playing field for all parties. While staying the panchayat elections, the judge also sought from the SEC by Monday a comprehensive status report on the poll process, detailing the number of nominations filed and the percentage of those rejected, among other issues. The court said it would hear on April 16 the pleas challenging the SECs decision to withdraw its April 9 notification, which had extended the date for filing nominations by a day. The BJP had challenged the cancellation of the April 9 notification. Justice Talukdar also expressed his displeasure over the conduct of the BJP leader Pratap Banerjee, who appeared in-person before the court, for not disclosing that a similar petition had been moved by the party before the Supreme Court simultaneously. He also took a very dim view of the conduct of the BJP representative. However, in view of the public interest involved, this court is not vacating its directions to the SEC, the judge said. Likening the BJPs conduct to forum hopping, Justice Talukdar imposed `5 lakh as costs on the party, which would have to be deposited with the registrar general of the high court. Representing the Trinamul Congress, its vice-president Kalyan Banerjee earlier prayed for vacating the order on the SEC, alleging that the petitioner had suppressed that it had moved both the high court and the apex court with similar petitions. BJP national general secretary Kailash Viijayvargiya said the judgment was a blow to the ruling TMC. The ruling TMC has tried to turn the panchayat polls into farce by not allowing the opposition candidates to file nominations. This high court ruling is a triumph of democracy over dictatorship, Vijayvargiya told reporters. TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee, on his part, said the people have full faith in Mamata Banerjee. We will not comment on the court order. The law will take its own course. The Opposition parties do not enjoy popularity among the masses and that is why they are approaching the courts (to stall proceedings), he said. Mr Chatterjee said that they (opposition) are insulting the people. Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader, Abdul Mannan also welcomed the judgment and demanded the resignations of the chief minister, besides State Election Commissioner A.K. Singh. The people of Bengal can get justice only by moving courts because the entire state administration has been turned into a back office of the ruling TMC. The chief minister and the (state election) commissioner should immediately tender their resignation as they have turned the poll process into a joke, Mr Mannan said. Left Front chairman Biman Bose said, We welcome the high court order. The ruling TMC is trying to murder democracy in Bengal. We have been saying this for a long time that democracy is under threat and opposition parties are not being allowed to file nominations. The CPI(M)-led Left Front has called a six-hour general strike in the state tomorrow to protest the alleged violence during the filing of the nominations. The probe team recorded Indrans statement on the drug overdose and her remark about a threat to her life on Thursday. Mumbai: The Byculla womens prison has requested a court hearing the 2012 Sheena Bora murder case to allow key accused Indrani Mukerjeas court production through video conferencing, a prison official has said. The authorities inquiring into the issue of Indranis drug overdose following which she was taken to hospital in an unconscious state last week has approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court citing two cases of drug overdose. We have sought permission from for conducting all of her future court appearances via video conferencing. This has been sought citing past incidents of drug overdose, a prison official said. The probe team recorded Indrans statement on the drug overdose and her remark about a threat to her life on Thursday. The 41-year-old accused denied having made a statement about a threat to life after her discharge from hospital on Wednesday, prison sources said. She also denied consuming pills that had the antidepressant chemical benzodiazepine. The prison officials have also recorded the statement of her husband Peter and former husband Sanjeev Khanna (both accused in Sheena Bora murder case) as they and Indrani would be taken to the court hearing together. They both have said that they did not know what happened. They also added that the van had not halted anywhere en route to the court, the official said. The prison officials have also written to the JJ Hospital asking them for clarity on chemicals in the medicines being administered to Indrani. Medical report Indrani Mukerjea submitted her medical report to the court on Thursday. The Byculla prison doctor told the court that she is weak and cannot walk by herself. The court has kept the matter for further hearing on April 18. The doctor told court that Mukherjea was admitted to hospital for six days and will take as many days to recover. Mr Fadnavis discussed about memorial work with the officials and watched the presentation. He directed to complete the project by April 14, 2020. Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mill, Dadar would be completed by 2020. Mr Fadnavis visited Indu mill on Friday along with social justice minister Rajkumar Badole, minister of state Dilip Kamble, MMRDA commissioner U.P.S. Madan and others. Mr Fadnavis discussed about memorial work with the officials and watched the presentation. He directed to complete the project by April 14, 2020. With an eye on the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections next year, the government is in a hurry to start the work. Mr Fadnavis told that, now all permissions of the authorities are adopted and work can go ahead. The government is trying to complete major work before Lok Sabha elections to take political mileage, said sources. Mr Fadnavis had assured that the government would not go ahead with the project if Mr Thackeray and residents of villages opposed. Mumbai: Despite Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays reservations about the Nanar green refinery project, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has asserted that the government will go ahead with the project. Mr Fadnavis said that he would convince Mr Thackeray, Narayan Rane and residents of villages in the vicinity of the project. Mr Fadnavis claimed that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed was not about the Nanar project, but about the oil refinery on the western coast. Meanwhile, industries minister Subhash Desai declared that he would resign from the ministry if the government went ahead with the project. However, the Sena is still to decide its strategy on the issue. Oil companies on behalf of the Union government had signed the MoU with UAE oil major Aramco on April 11 to develop an oil refinery in the Ratnagiri district. Mr Thackeray was upset with the Unions decision and the fact that the state government was planning to go ahead with the project despite the Senas opposition. On the topic of the refinery, Mr Fadnavis asserted that the project would go ahead as it was beneficial for the country and the state in terms of creating jobs and boosting the economy. Mr Fadnavis had assured that the government would not go ahead with the project if Mr Thackeray and residents of villages opposed. Mr Patole alleged that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was insensitive and had avoided Chaires family during his visit to Yavtamal. Mumbai: One more instance of farmer suicide was reported from Vidarbha. Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and Congress leader Nana Patole said Someshwar Kukade, a farmer from Pavani in Bhandara district, hanged himself on Friday. He had unpaid loans worth Rs 75,000. I met his family on Friday, Mr Patole said. On Tuesday, Yavatmal farmer Shankar Chaire had committed suicide, allegedly due to unpaid loans and his damaged cotton crop due to pink bollworm. Both the Congress and the Nationlist Congress Parties (NCP) have slammed the government and state chief minister for inaction in Chaires case. Mr Patole alleged that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was insensitive and had avoided Chaires family during his visit to Yavtamal on Thursday. He demanded that a complete loan waiver must be declared for all farmers and a minimum support price must be given to the agricultural produce, as per the BJPs commitment. The Congress leader feared that if the government did not take proper steps to help farmers, more suicides could take place. He blamed the online application procedure adopted by the state, which caused the farmers a lot of anguish. Mr Patole said the farmers sowed tur as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government asked them to grow pulses. But now wholesalers are purchasing tur from farmers at a 50% lower price from last year. After the failure of the cotton crop, which had been infected by pink bollworm, the government failed to give farmers any compensation. The loan waiver benefits have not yet reached farmers. So what will farmers do, he asked. Though the chief minister visited Yavatmal for a programme on Thursday, he cancelled his other engagements fearing agitations and avoided visiting Chaires the family extend his support, said Mr Patole. Civilian killings provoke extreme grief and even greater anger, further fuelling the cycle of violence. The Army brass are also well aware of the vicious dynamics that flow from deaths during mob control. (Representational Image) In recent times in the Kashmir Valley, mobs comprising thousands of violent youth have routinely been converging on encounter sites with a view to thwart counter-insurgency operations. In early April, when the security forces gunned down as many as 13 militants in a couple of villages in the southern part of the Valley, their principal opponents were not the terrorists holed up in houses but mobs shouting anti-India slogans and pelting stones at the security forces. This was repeated in Kulgam district 10 days later when soldiers shooting at three terrorists holed up inside a house were attacked by a huge mob. The Army lost one soldier in the action while four civilians were killed; and the Army was forced to retreat to prevent further civilian losses, allowing the terrorists to slip away amidst much cheering. This sort of situation has become routine. During anti-insurgency operations, a few hundred soldiers, most of them concentrating on the gunfight, are confronted by a few thousand extremely violent, though unarmed civilians. This invariably poses a dilemma. In such a situation, one option would be to exit the operations, a choice that has been exercised several times in recent months, allowing militants to slip through and mingle with the crowds. Civilian mob control, on the other hand, inevitably means firing upon adamant and violent youngsters as traditional riot control methods cannot work in such circumstances. Neither can water cannons or similar means be summoned nor can policemen with shields and batons stop mobs numbering in the thousands. The police and paramilitary forces, who are usually present during every operation, try to use pellet guns to stop the mobs but often fail and have to resort to firing, which can lead to civilian deaths. Pellet and bullet injuries make for sensational headlines, despair and popular anger. Civilian killings provoke extreme grief and even greater anger, further fuelling the cycle of violence. These killings help recruit more youth and become the casus belli for the armed insurrection. The political leadership, both in Srinagar/Jammu and in New Delhi, have time and again asked the security forces to operate with extreme restraint during operations. The Army brass are also well aware of the vicious dynamics that flow from deaths during mob control. Yet, civilian deaths continue. Bullets and pellets do not deter the mobs. This increasingly appears to be part of a larger strategy to provoke the security forces into shooting to maim, injure and kill civilians. The response during counter insurgency operations has become routine. As soon as news on an operation is received by the network of anti-India activists in an area, mosques begin to blare out details of the operation and call people to converge on the encounter site. Young children, even girls, and youth leave the safety of their homes and begin to collect at the operation site. In many cases, the mobs behave as if they want the security forces to fire upon them. For every injury or death is a moral defeat for Indias security forces. Photographs of young people with pellet injuries and mass funerals constitute powerful messages that provide sympathy for the separatist cause, not just in the Kashmir Valley but in the rest of the world as well. Morality, as the amorphous leadership of young Kashmiri activists have realised, is a more powerful weapon than the gun. Therefore, it is being used as a tool. The use of morality as a weapon is not an invention of the Kashmiri separatists. Mahatma Gandhis non-violent protests used the same basic principle and British colonial violence only served to swell the ranks of Indias freedom fighters. Unlike the strategy of Kashmiri separatists, however, Gandhian methods did not operate in tandem with brutal terrorists or militants. Non-violence was the only method, and death or martyrdom was never eulogised. The Kashmiri mob methodology, on the other hand, appears closer to the one evolved by the Palestinian extremists. On March 30 this year, Hamas organised the Great March of Return, where an estimated one hundred thousand Palestinians were to march to the Gaza border, cross it in complete defiance of Israels defence forces and move towards Jerusalem. The march was expected to be a nightmare for the Israeli forces as letting the protestors through into Israeli territory would mean destruction of the countrys integrity while stopping the thousands would cause an unprecedented bloodbath that would shock the world. The Israeli forces, however, made it clear that no matter what the moral consequences, they would use as much force as necessary to prevent the Palestinian border march. As it turned out, instead of a turnout of 100,000 marchers, only about 35,000 turned up. The event ended with just 17 casualties. In other words, it was the resolve as well as the restraint of the Israeli forces that won the day. They had made it amply clear they would use as much force as required to stop the marchers from crossing the border. Yet, instead of using maximum force, they used a minimum, thus keeping down casualties. Of those killed, Israel claimed that as many as 12 were Hamas terrorists. The Hamas, of course, wont let Israel rest and the failed March 30 event is expected to be the precursor of many similar challenges. Similarly, the Indian security forces will continue to face mounting challenges during encounters; the aim of its opponents each time would be to provoke soldiers into using excessive force. The administration must respond by convincingly countering the propaganda that Indias security agencies are bent upon massacring innocent civilians. No matter how difficult the situation, Indias security forces have no option but to constantly calibrate their response. They have to be firm, and yet avoid a bloodbath. Also, urgently required is a political offensive against the anti-India elements, but this sadly is nowhere on the horizon. The gun thus remains firmly placed on the shoulders of our jawans. The Sinhalese and Tamil New Year is also known as 'Aluth Aurudu' while the Bengali New Year is called 'Poila boishakh'. The statements expressively wished for better working opportunities with all three communities in the coming year. (Photo: AP) Washington: The United States has extended greetings to Sri Lankans living across the globe for Sinhala and Tamil New Year. "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish a joyous New Year to all the Sri Lankan people. The New Year celebration is a chance to reflect on the milestones of the past year, including the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence and US-Sri Lankan diplomatic relations, as well as continued progress on good governance, economic stability, and reconciliation to ensure an even brighter future for the Sri Lankan people," acting Secretary of State John J Sullivan said in an official statement. "The United States looks forward to working with Sri Lanka on our shared goals of peace, prosperity, and further growth in the Indo-Pacific region in the year ahead. Best wishes to the Sri Lankan people for a safe and prosperous year ahead," the statement further added. The day, called Aluth Aurudu, is an important national holiday for both the cultures of the Sinhalese and the Tamil population of Sri Lanka. President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Bengalis living across the globe ahead of the Bengali New Year. "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish Bengalis everywhere a joyous New Year. We commemorate this important day along with all those from Bangladesh, India, and around the world who come together today to mark the arrival of the New Year," said Sullivan, in another statement. "Here in the United States, we take this opportunity to thank the Bangladeshi American community for its outstanding contributions to our nation, our economy, and our culture. We join all of you in looking toward a bright future, and wish you the best in the year to come," the statement further read, before signing off with "Shubho Noboborsho!" The Bengali New Year, also called 'Poila Boishakh', is the traditional new year day of the Bengali community. This year, it will be celebrated on April 15. CIA director Mike Pompeo said that it is a tall order but he was hopeful Trump would achieve it through sound diplomacy. Trump has said he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in May or early June and hopes the discussions will ultimately lead to an end of North Koreas nuclear weapons programme. (Photo: File) Washington: North Korea should not expect rewards from talks with the United States until it takes irreversible steps to give up its nuclear weapons, President Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, said on Thursday. Pompeo said the historical analysis was not optimistic, when asked at his Senate confirmation hearing if he believed North Korea would agree to dismantle its nuclear programme. He said that in past negotiations the United States and the world had relaxed sanctions too quickly. It is the intention of the president and the administration not to do that this time to make sure that before we provide rewards, we get the outcome permanently, irreversibly, that it is that we hope to achieve, Pompeo said. It is a tall order, but I am hopeful that President Trump can achieve that through sound diplomacy, he said. Trump has said he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in May or early June and hopes the discussions will ultimately lead to an end of North Koreas nuclear weapons programme, which Washington sees as its most pressing security threat. On Thursday, Trump said meetings were being set up between him and Kim and said the United States would approach the talks respectfully. He thanked China for its help in trying to resolve the crisis over North Koreas development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the United States. Theyve been really terrific at helping us get to some kind of settlement, Trump said. Meetings are being set up right now between myself and Kim Jong Un. I think it will be terrific. I think well go in with a lot of respect and well see what happens, he said. Trump also said trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing were going well, conflicting with Chinas statements since the presidents announcements of plans to impose billions of dollars of tariffs on Chinese goods, which have fed fears of an all-out trade war. We are getting along very well, think were going to do some great things, Trump said, adding that getting rid of nuclear weapons was very good for them, good for everybody. NO ILLUSIONS Pompeo said he was optimistic a course could be set at the Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. He brushed aside concerns that the administrations moves to modify a nuclear deal with Iran could make an agreement with North Korea more difficult. He argued that Kim would be looking to his own interests, including his countrys economy and the sustainment of his regime, not other historical agreements. Pompeo stressed that the aim of a Trump-Kim summit was to get North Korea to step away. Under questioning, he would not take any option off the table, including military ones. At the same time, Pompeo said he was not advocating regime change for North Korea and had never done so. Last year, North Korea accused Pompeo of favouring such a policy after he told a forum in July it was important to separate the countrys nuclear weapons from the character who holds the control over them. In May, North Korea accused the CIA and South Koreas intelligence service of a failed plot to assassinate Kim at a military parade in Pyongyang. On Thursday, Trumps new national security adviser, John Bolton, met separately with South Koreas National Security Office director, Chung Eui-yong, who led a South Korean delegation that met Kim Jong Un last month, and his Japanese counterpart Shotaro Yachi. The national security advisers committed to continue coordinating closely, a White House official said. A South Korean diplomat said Chung had a very useful meeting with Bolton on preparations for South Korean President Moon Jae-ins scheduled April 27 summit with Kim Jong Un and the planned Trump-Kim meeting, but gave no details. We had very informative discussions, South Koreas Yonhap news agency quoted Chung as saying. We had a wide-ranging exchange of views on various ways to make (the summits) a success and peacefully achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Bolton, who took up his post on Monday, has called for North Korea regime change in the past and has previously been rejected as a negotiating partner by Pyongyang. At a separate congressional hearing, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the aim was for a negotiated solution to the North Korean crisis. Were all cautiously optimistic that we may be on the right path for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, he told the House of Representative Armed Services Committee. Guards at the facility found the man, who was in his 30s, in a shower room with a towel wrapped around his neck. The Indian man had been detained in Japan for around ten months. (Photo: Representational) Tokyo: An Indian man died on Friday at a Japanese immigration detention centre in an apparent suicide, the latest death in a system widely criticised over medical standards, monitoring of detainees and mental health care. Guards at the facility found the man, who was in his 30s, in a shower room with a towel wrapped around his neck, the East Japan Immigration Centre said in a statement. The man, who was not breathing at the time, was administered CPR before being taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead about an hour later. The cause of death has not been confirmed but was thought to be suicide, said centre spokesman Daisuke Akinaga, who declined to identify the man. He said police were investigating. Kimiko Tanaka, an activist who works with detainees at the centre, said the man had been denied release on Thursday. He had been detained in Japan for around ten months, she said, citing a detainee on the same block as the source of the information. Akinaga, the spokesman, declined to comment on the mans detention history. Immigration is a sensitive subject in Japan, where many pride themselves on cultural and ethnic homogeneity even amid a shrinking population and the worst labour shortages since the 1970s. The death took the toll in Japans immigration detention system to 14 since 2006. Four of those, apart from the most recent, were suicides. Japans 17 immigration detention facilities held 1,317 people as of Friday, says the justice ministry, which oversees them. A government watchdog, activists and lawyers have criticised the detention centres over the treatment of detainees, medical care and how guards respond to medical emergencies. Last year, a Vietnamese detainee who died at the same centre, northeast of Tokyo, was shown by a government report to have been left lying on the floor for hours before guards called an ambulance. A Reuters investigation in 2016 into the death of a man at a Tokyo detention centre revealed serious deficiencies in the medical treatment and monitoring of the centres. The investigation also found that mental illnesses ranging from depression to anxiety were rife, with the prescription of sedatives and antidepressants common. The exercise is set for 18 April, 40 km off the island of Kinmen. Today's parade involved 10,000 troops, 76 planes and 48 ships, including an aircraft carrier, destroyers, and submarines. Xi Jinping watched the show on the Liaoning aircraft carrier. Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) In a surprise move today, China announced a live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait next week, just a few hours after it held its biggest naval parade in history, the largest of its kind in 600 years, according to Chinese media. The exercise in the Taiwan Strait will take place from 8 am to midnight next Wednesday, in a zone 20 km from the coast of Quanzhou in Fujian Province, and 40 km from the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. This naval exercise will be in these waters since September 2015 in the lead-up to Taiwans presidential election, which the Democratic Progress Party Tsai Ing-wen won. Given the fact that her party is in favour of Taiwan's independence, Sino-Taiwanese relations have become increasingly tense. Todays display involved more than 10,000 Peoples Liberation Army airmen, marines and sailors on 48 naval vessels, including an aircraft carrier and submarines, as well as 76 aircrafts. Some of the vessels have sea-land-air attack capabilities. Chinese President Xi Jinping followed the parade on board the Liaoning, Chinas first aircraft carrier for the first time since it was declared combat-ready. In his address to the troops, Xi urged them to stay vigilant and be ready to defend Chinas sovereignty and national interests, as well as safeguard regional peace and stability. The tropps responded with hurrahs. Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which is disputed by other countries bordering the sea, as well as the United States. According to military experts, todays show of force was directed at them. Little is known about "thousands" of executions, especially in Xinjiang. Vietnam and North Korea also do not release information. Overall, 993 executions were recorded in 2017, 84 per cent in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan. Mongolia abolished the death penalty for all crimes. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Russia continue their moratorium. London (AsiaNews) Amnesty International has released its global report on Death sentences and executions 2017. [O]nce again China was the worlds top executioner, implementing more death sentences than the rest of the world combined, the document explained. Overall death penalty figures show a decline. At least 993 executions were carried out in 23 countries in 2017, down by 4 per cent from 2016 (1,032 executions) and 39 per cent from 2015 (1,634 executions, the highest number since 1989). Worldwide, Asia remains the place where people can be more easily executed. Amnestys data also does not include the thousands of cases treated as a state secret by the governments of China, Vietnam and North Korea. With respect to the Peoples Republic, Amnesty International monitored the use of the death penalty throughout the year, as well as judicial verdicts uploaded on the online database maintained by Chinas Supreme Peoples Court (SPC). In light of the situation, the NGO renewed its challenge to the Chinese authorities to be transparent and make such information publicly available, expressing particular concern about the lack of transparency and potential underreporting of death penalty cases in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Amnesty International was in fact unable to find any significant data about this region, except for one new death sentence uploaded to the SPC database. The lack of information is ominous given the fact that Chinese authorities have declared a Peoples War and strike hard campaign against the regions largely Muslim ethnic minorities. With respect to published data, Iran continues to top the list with 51 per cent of all recorded executions: 507+, where the plus sign indicates that more executions were carried out that were recorded. Of the known executions, 31 were carried out in public, and at least five of the people executed were under 18 at the time of the crime for which they were sentenced to death. Despite the grim statistics, Amnesty International acknowledged at least two positive developments. The overall number of executions dropped by 11 per cent (567 in 2016) and Iranian authorities limited the use of the death penalty in drug-related offences. A similar decline in executions was recorded in second ranked Saudi Arabia, which put to death 146 people in 2017, 5 per cent less in 2016 (154). Conversely, third ranked Iraq executed 125+ people, 42 per cent more than in 2016 (88+), especially in terrorism-related cases (65). All executions in the Arab country were ordered by federal authorities, none by the government of Iraqi Kurdistan. For its part, fourth ranked Pakistan saw a significant drop in the number of death sentences, down to 60+, compared to 87+ in 2016 and 326 in 2015. The Amnesty International report also highlighted the use of capital punishment in drug-related crimes. In addition to Iran's changes, the NGO praised Malaysia's decision to abolish the mandatory death penalty for drug offenses. Japan instead comes in for criticism after it carried out four executions in secrecy, without providing any prior notification to the prisoners, their families and legal representatives Good news instead has come from Mongolia, whose revamped Penal Code (adopted in December 2015 and in force as of 1 July 2017) abolishes the death penalty for all crimes. The report also noted that in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Russia continued to observe a moratorium on executions. by Kamran Chaudhry The family of the former guardian of Gora cemetery is illegally occupying archdiocesan property, trying to sell it with fake documents. In 1972 the government nationalised schools and colleges in Punjab and Sindh. Lahore (AsiaNews) A group of more than a hundred Christians protested against the occupation of a cemetery that belongs to the local Church. At the cry of "Down with Punjab government" and "Down with encroachment mafia", protesters on Tuesday blocked the road in front of the Lahore Press Club for more than two hours. The Gora Qabrastan (cemetery) Action Committee (GQAC) organised the rally to oppose the confiscation of the Christian cemetery in the heart of the provincial capital. For the past two years, the committee has been demanding the removal of the family of the retired graveyard guardian, Munawar, who has been using three residential buildings (more than 500 sq metres). GQAC deputy chancellor Khalid Shahzad told AsiaNews that "the family is trying to sell the houses with fake documents. Both the Catholic and Protestant bishops sent the former guardian an eviction notice, but the family refuses to leave. We have organised innumerable meetings with district officials, but our complaints remain buried under the bribes." In August 2017, the Supreme Court of Pakistan "conveyed its displeasure" to its Human Rights Cell with direction to submit report within two weeks" about the affair. Illegally grabbing Church-owned land is nothing new in the country. At least three cemeteries are currently illegally occupied in the archdiocese of Lahore alone. According to real estate website Zameen.com, Pakistan's real estate is soaring as house prices have more than doubled in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. In 2012, the Lahore Development Authority bulldozed more than 8,000 sq metres of land that housed the Gosh e Aman missionary institute, a chapel, a Caritas laboratory and other social welfare buildings operated by the Catholic Church. In 1972, the Pakistani government nationalised all Church schools and colleges in Punjab and Sindh provinces. They were denationalised between 1985 and 1995 without compensation. Several missionary schools are still under government control. "Instead of paying us rent for 35 years, Churches have had to pay to take back control of their institutions, said Colonel (retired) Azim Ilyas, coordinator of the Lahore Diocesan Board of Education, Church of Pakistan. A lot of money was spent in the renovation of dilapidated buildings which affected the quality of education in once esteemed institutes. Those still in government possession have turned into ruins. The cardinal intervenes in the context of growing tension in Syria and in the region. The diplomatic and political path, not military, the only way to resolve disputes. The cardinal denounces the lack of a "language of peace" and is concerned about the social and economic situation in Lebanon. Beirut (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Concerned by the escalation of tension in the Middle East and, in particular, in neighbouring Syria, the scene of a possible open conflict between the United States and Russia, the Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai launches a new appeal for peace. Addressing international leaders, the cardinal calls for a "peaceful" end to the wars that ravage the region. Following the alleged chemical weapons attack in Eastern Ghouta, a rebel enclave on the outskirts of Damascus, at the hands of the government army, the United States, France and the United Kingdom threaten heavy reprisals. The risk is that an attack - repeatedly threatened by US President Donald Trump - could trigger a reaction from Russia and Iran. "We appeal to the international community, to the conscience of world powers to work on ending wars and to bring peace through diplomatic means. Peoples of the Middle East have the right to live in peace, and we know how wars begin, but we do not know how they end," said Rai addressing the international community. "Regretfully, the language of peace is absent between states. We also regret the situation the Syrian people have reached which affects Lebanon, particularly the economic situation," added the Patriarch. In these hours, the United Nations leaders and international diplomacy experts are working to prevent the situation in Syria from turning into a "crazy spiral". A risk sharpened by the threat of US President Donald Trump, who warned that "missiles will arrive soon". Referring to the position of world leaders on Syria, the cCrdinal added: "Most tragically, their hearts are devoid of the slightest human emotion toward the millions of innocent Syrians who have been forced to flee their land under the fire of war, its crimes, destruction, terror and violence". Concluding, the Cardinal appealed to the powerful of the world, to work to end the war and to bring about a just, comprehensive and lasting peace through political and diplomatic means not military". by Santosh Digal The handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus started the Rainbows of Love Livelihood Center in Santa Rafaela (Legazpi) to help women to put their skills to good use, making bed sheets, bedcovers, pillows, and clothes to sell on the Internet. Sister Nette M. dela Cerna tells their story. Manila (AsiaNews) Sister Nette M. dela Cerna, a member of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (ACI), told AsiaNews that encouraging self-reliance among poor and marginalised communities is a priority because this can enable families go beyond mere survival and live with dignity and be fully alive. In Santa Rafaela, a village near Legazpi (Albay province), she and a group of sisters help poor women through their empowerment and sustainable livelihood programmes. One of the key issues women face in far-flung villages is the lack of opportunities to develop their skills that use as a source of income. For those who are poor and live on the edge, self-reliance is a must to provides their families the means to live in full and in dignity rather than scraping by. One way of doing so is the Rainbows of Love Livelihood Center, which was started a few years ago thanks to the generosity of a sponsor who provided sewing machines and other needed materials to local mothers. The goal was to harness their skills to make beautiful and useful things, such as clothes, school uniforms, T-shirts, shorts, bed sheets, pillows, pot holders, curtains and more. In the past, the women sold their products only in and around the village. However, Fr Rex Arjona, a parish priest in Tagas, encouraged them to promote their creations via Internet. "To my surprise, immediately after I posted their works [online], orders for bed sheets, bedcovers, pillows, both from the Philippines and abroad, overflowed," said Sr del Cerna. About a hundred women are certainly important and capable of making a difference in their community as they begin to experience a renewed sense of dignity as children of God. "We believe that everyone has the power to make the world a better place," the nun said. "The journey with the poor has not been easy for me but it has truly been worth it. We make an effort to let people know that they are truly loved and cared for by God, the nun explained. At the same time, I always encourage them to go ahead dream and to work for it, take it as a challenge and have faith in God. Ultimately, she added, It does not matter where you come from, the important thing is where you want to go because poverty is not a hindrance to success." "Do I possess Christian freedom? Am I free, or am I a slave to my passions, ambitions, riches, or passing fancies? It seems like a joke, but many people are slaves to fashion! Let us reflect on our freedom in the midst of a schizophrenic world. It shouts Freedom, Freedom, Freedom! but is really a slave. Let us reflect on the freedom that God gives us in Jesus. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Today more than ever, "freedom" is shouted out, but often there are slaves of passions, ambitions and there is no real freedom, that of giving space to God in life and following him with joy even in suffering. Pope Francis said this in the Mass this morning at Casa Santa Marta, inspired by the Acts of the Apostles (5: 34-42) and by the Gospel of John (6.1-15) on the multiplication of loaves and fishes. The Pope proposed three examples of freedom: the Pharisee Gamaliel, the apostles Peter and John and Jesus himself. The first free person on which the Liturgy makes us reflect is Gamaliel, a doctor of the law and Pharisee, who persuaded the Sanhedrin to free the apostles Peter and John. Gamaliel, the Holy Father said, was a free man, who reasoned with a clear mind, and he convinced his colleagues that time would take its toll on the Christian movement of his day. The free man is not afraid of time: he lets God do the work. He allows God to take His time. The free man is patient. [Gamaliel] was a Jew, not a Christian, and he had not recognized Jesus as the Savior. But he was a free man. He thought things out and offered his ideas to others who accepted them. Freedom is not impatient. The Pope said Pilate also reasoned well with a clear mind, realizing that Jesus was innocent. But, not being free, he could not overcome his desire for a promotion. He lacked the courage of freedom because he was a slave to his career, ambition, and success, the Pope said. Pope Francis then spoke about the second example of freedom, Peter and John. They had healed the paralytic, were hauled before the Sanhedrin, and were released after being whipped, despite being innocent. The Holy Father said, They went away happy for having been judged worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. This, he said, is the joy of imitating Jesus. It is another type of freedom that is greater, wider, and more Christian. This is the freedom of someone who loves Jesus Christ. They are sealed with the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. You have done that for me, so I do this for you. Even in our own day, there are many imprisoned and tortured Christians, who possess the freedom to profess Jesus Christ. Pope Francis said the third and truest example is Jesus himself. When he had miraculously multiplied the loaves in the desert, Pope Francis said the people had come to make him a king. But he escaped to the mountain to avoid that fate. He avoided triumphalism and was not fooled by it. He was free, since his freedom was to do the will of the Father. Pope Francis said Jesus would end up on the Cross. So, he said, Jesus is the greatest example of freedom. Today let us think about our freedom. We have three examples: Gamaliel, Peter and John, and Jesus. Do I possess Christian freedom? Am I free, or am I a slave to my passions, ambitions, riches, or passing fancies? It seems like a joke, but many people are slaves to fashion! Let us reflect on our freedom in the midst of a schizophrenic world. It shouts Freedom, Freedom, Freedom! but is really a slave. Let us reflect on the freedom that God gives us in Jesus. As China continues its "scorched earth" policy, up to a million Xinjiang Uyghurs have been detained and tortured since April 2017. Urumqi (AsiaNews/Agencies) A 34-year-old Muslim Uyghur father of two, Abdughappar Abdujappar, died from health complications following six months in a re-education camp in Hili Hasake (Xinjiang), RFA has reported. Similarly, a Uyghur woman in her 60s also recently died at a camp in Bayanday township, whilst a young man from the area passed away late last year after becoming ill in detention. Since April 2017, Uyghurs accused of harbouring strong religious views and politically incorrect views have been jailed or detained in re-education camps throughout Chinas northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Many others have been locked up in local psychiatric hospitals pushing them over the edge. For example, on 4 April, 20 Kazakh citizens suffered mental breakdowns after being incarcerated at political training centres, ChinaAid, a US-base Protestant organisation, recently learnt. The 20 prisoners, who consisted of civil servants, doctors, and other professionals who participated in political activities, were deprived of sleep and bathroom usage and forced to wear helmets that produced noises for 21 hours each day, only allowing them three hours of asleep. The constant torture caused them to cry and scream all day. Fearing that the news would incite hatred of the government, officials transferred the prisoners to a psychiatric institute in Beitun District rather than to a local hospital. For the past three months, these prisoners have been held there, and their relatives have recently received a notice demanding that they pay 18,000 yuan (,855.00 USD) for the treatment. One Uyghur exile group estimates that up to 1 million Uyghurs have been detained since April of last year. Since 2017, Beijing has pursued a scorched earth policy in Xinjiang. In order to block possible radical Afghan or Pakistani influence, China has imposed tight control on mosques, young people, and the religious life of local communities. Hello everyone! I've just joined the forum although I've been following the forum for a while and it has given us lots of valuable insights on how to best prepare our partner visa application. My Australian partner and I got together November 2016 and have been living together ever since. In April 2017, we left our previous homes and officially rented a house together in a new location. We also decided to register our relationship at that time. On July 26th 2017, we lodged our partner visa application. At the time I still had a student visa until March 15th 2018 as I was in the process of completing my psych degree. But we wanted to secure our future together and as our relationship was registered (thus waiving the relationship length requirement) and we had all the necessary evidence including bills, lease, shared bank accounts, shared pets, stat decs, photos of us and with my partner's family and so on, we decided to go ahead and apply for the visa already. Earlier this week, I received a request for further information from the DIBP, I am being requested to undergo the required health assessment with Bupa. And here's the thing I am worried about: I am in very good health but have had several surgical procedures over the past few years and I am concerned as to how to will affect my health assessment. In 2012 or so, I suffered from depression/anxiety for a while. I was young and had therapy for a while... changed my lifestyle, got into healthy eating, yoga and so and have now been in brilliant health for years. In 2014, I developed a pilonidal sinus, it's basically just a cyst, I had two procedures, one to drain the cyst and one to cut away the injured tissue. Problem free since. In 2015, I had a surgery to diagnosed and remove endometriosis in my uterus and have been problem free since. But then in 2017, it was found that I had a complex detached retina. I had 5 surgeries to my eye to try and save my eyesight in my left eye but it didn't succeed and I permanently lost my sight in my left eye. Now, understandably, I am concerned as to how this will affect my visa application. While the eye situation is permanent, it doesn't actually affect my everyday functioning at all, I can legally drive and do everything else normally... I don't require medications or procedures for this either. And the other stuff is all just once off issues that have been resolved and now I'm fine, they are not anything chronic or long term. I am not on any medications and other than having had those past medical issues, I am actually in excellent health. I don't drink, I live an active lifestyle, do yoga and meditate daily, we for bushwalks with my partner often and we are passionate about organic whole foods nutrition. I see no reason why I would have an issue and i genuinely believe that I would not be a burden on the Australian medical system. but maybe the DIBP sees it differently? I would appreciate hearing from others that have applied and had past medical procedures or from anyone who has an idea on how to best proceed from here? I've gotten a letter from my eye surgeon to explain the situation and that no further surgeries will be required so I will bring that to the health assessment. Thank you! How to help Optimal Hospice Care is recruiting military veterans in Kern County who are interested in giving back through the Vet to Vet Hospice Volunteer Program. If you are now or ever have been a member of the armed forces, consider volunteering to provide companionship and support for other veterans nearing the end of their journey. Complete training is free of charge and Optimal will work around your schedule. Mileage is paid for hospice related visits. Call the volunteer department to help make a difference in the lives of the families in your community. Call 716-4000 or email mkapitza@optimalcares.com to find out how. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The man authorities say shot and killed a Pinellas County musician before being tracked to Alabama this week has been killed by police in Pennsylvania. Suspect in Pinellas Park musician's murder killed in Pennsylvania Siddeeq Ma'Shooq, Steven Brooks, accused of killing Caroline Morton-Hicks Morton-Hicks was a member of the Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra Siddeeq Ma'Shooq, who had been tracked to Alabama this week, was located overnight in a stolen truck in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Ma'Shooq, also known as Steven Brooks, was involved in a pursuit that ended with an officer-involved shooting that left Ma'Shooq dead, authorities said. Pinellas Park Police had been searching for Ma'Shooq, 45, in the death of Caroline Morton-Hicks. Morton-Hicks, 59, a trombone player in the Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra, was shot and killed Feb. 12 on a Pinellas Park street. Police said as she left orchestra practice, there was some kind of altercation in a parking lot between the performing arts center and city hall. She was chased with a gun and shot on 78th Avenue. Investigators had been searching for Ma'Shooq since recently issuing an arrest warrant and were able to locate him in Harvest, Alabama Wednesday night. However, while a crisis negotiator had Ma'Shooq on the phone, he backed a vehicle out of the house's garage, collided with two U.S. Marshal vehicles, and then led authorities on a 6-minute pursuit. Brooks was last seen at 9:41 p.m. Central Time when the vehicle he fled authorities in caught fire, prompting him to abandon it and run into a nearby wooded area. Apparently he managed to escape the area and make his way to Pennsylvania. Connection between shooter, victim Court documents revealed Thursday the connection between Ma'Shooq and Morton-Hicks. Morton-Hicks was his landlord, and he was past due on his rent. Morton-Smith's friend Paul Innis said the connection came as a shock. "She was good to her tenants," Innis explained. "She was. She gave them time if they needed it. I know this for a fact because we used to discuss this sometimes on rides to music events and so on." Verizon is experiencing a major service outage in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding areas. A map found on downdetector.com shows the outage is concentrated Florida's Gulf Coast. The company issued the following statement shortly before 9 p.m. EST: "We are aware of a network issue in the Tampa Bay area. Our network engineers are working to identify the issue and resolve it as quickly as possible." The company's Twitter account for Customer Service -- @VZWSupport -- is answering tweets in regards to loss of service. City, county agencies respond Pasco County authorities issued a media advisory saying they were aware of the outage, and reassured residents that the county's 911 center was unaffected. However, they did specify that calls originate from Verizon users were not getting through, and advised residents in need of assistance to seek a landline to call 911 or try 727-847-8102. **Verizon voice services remain down in a majority of the Tampa Bay Area.** If you are attempting to dial 911 from ANY Verizon voice device you must call from an alternate network provider to place a 911 call. 911 lines within our center remain FULLY FUNCTIONAL to receive calls. Pasco Fire Rescue (@PascoFireRescue) April 13, 2018 In Pinellas County, St. Petersburg Police also reported calls from Verizon users were not getting through, and that their non-emergency number was out of service. If you're in St. Petersburg, require assistance and are having difficulty getting through, please call 727-893-7762. Polk County also sent out an acknowledgment of the issue across their social media channels, along with instructions for residents to reach them if they're Verizon users. Polk County Fire Rescue has been made aware of a Verizon phone outage throughout Tampa Bay. Our 911 call center is fully operational. We would like to remind residents trying to dial 911 from a Verizon line to seek a... https://t.co/ftHgHtJQqF Polk Fire Rescue (@PolkFire) April 13, 2018 This is a developing story. We will update as we learn more. Does this video show Jesus blood leaking out of His tomb? Some claim the alleged tomb of Jesus is leaking blood after a video appeared to show red liquid pooling on top of it. Nicola Kanaan, a resident in Galilee, reportedly captured the moment on camera in the video below. The footage shot at the Stone of Anointing in Jerusalem showed red patches on top of the slab as excited believers shouted in the background. The Stone of Anointing is where, according to Christian tradition dating back to the 13th century, Jesus body was prepared for burial before after He was crucified. Various stones have occupied the site over the centuries, with the current one only in place since construction in 1810. The incident happened inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in Christianity, which is believed to contain the site where Jesus was crucified and His tomb. Social media users ranged from skeptical to total belief in their reactions when the video surfaced. While some believe this is a sign from God, these claims were also put down by those who said it was a story with no real evidence. The truth is in front of people and they deny it, one user on social media commented, while another dismissed it as this is just fake. The leaking blood phenomenon is usally explained by more mundane things, Nigel Watson, author of Haynes UFO Investigations Manual, told DailyMail Online. Common examples include damp causing rusty patches, condensation, or outright fraud. We need scientific evidence to support this rather than some shaky video footage but for many people it is question of belief rather than examining the facts, Watson said. Do you think the tomb leaking blood is a sign from God? The Hobbs and Shaw movie Fast & Furious fans have been asking for is becoming a reality with John Wicks David Leitch at the helm. Since were talking Statham already Im tacking the new The MEG trailer on here, so you should come check that out too. The first bit of news: EW can exclusively reveal that David Leitch (Deadpool 2) has officially signed on to direct the untitled Fast & Furious spin-off starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, about their respective characters Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw. (The film has been rumored to be called, naturally, Hobbs and Shaw.) The film is due in theaters July 26, 2019. The script is being penned by Fast & Furious veteran Chris Morgan (hes written 6 movies for the franchise). Nothing has been revealed about the plot or if theyre going to be including other actors from the franchise. If the beef that came up during the filming the 8th movie continues we can count Tyrese Gibson and Vin Deisel out. Moving on I only get so much space every week, and were talking about Jason Statham already so heres the first The MEG trailer. It looks like its going to be appropriately ridiculous. The actor went swimming with sharks in Fiji to help prepare for the role because of course, he did. Hes Jason Statham. The official synopsis: In the film, a deep-sea submersible part of an international undersea observation program has been attacked by a massive creature, previously thought to be extinct, and now lies disabled at the bottom of the deepest trench in the Pacific with its crew trapped inside. With time running out, expert deep sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is recruited by a visionary Chinese oceanographer (Winston Chao), against the wishes of his daughter Suyin (Li Bingbing), to save the crew and the ocean itself from this unstoppable threat: a pre-historic 75-foot-long shark known as the Megalodon. What no one could have imagined is that, years before, Taylor had encountered this same terrifying creature. Now, teamed with Suyin, he must confront his fears and risk his own life to save everyone trapped below bringing him face to face once more with the greatest and largest predator of all time. TL;DR Jason Statham saves the world from a pre-historic 75-foot-long shark. The MEG hits theaters August 10th. Premium British television content is heading to Africa's shores courtesy of some of the leading broadcasters in the region. Kheng Ho Toh via 123RF BBC Studios announced at MIPTV this week that Africa has secured over 300 hours of programming from across its portfolio since the start of 2018, including a first time deal with TV-on-the-go service, DSTV NOW.MultiChoice's pay TV platform DSTV NOWs first package deal with BBC Studios includes an eclectic mix of music and arts programming. With over 100 hours acquired, key titles include: Last Night Of The Proms, Art of Scandinavia, Shakespeare Uncovered and Il Divo: A Musical Affair: Live in Japan.Meanwhile, South Africas public service broadcaster SABC recently snapped up over 80 hours of programming across natural history, factual and childrens.Some of the titles procured include the multi award-winning, global hits Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II, the worlds biggest motoring show Top Gear S24 and pre-schoolers favourite Go Jetters, all of which will premiere for the first time in the territory on free-to-air television.SVOD service Iflix, concluded a second package deal since it launched last year, with over 100 hours of drama and comedy programming for Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa), with Citizen Khan S1 S5, Hustle S1 S8, Undercover, The Aliens, The Refugees and Undercover all included in the deal.Joel Churcher, vice president and general manager for Africa, BBC Studios said, Africa is a really exciting place to be in the television industry right now. We are seeing new and existing broadcasting platforms go from strength to strength. We are thrilled with the opportunities in the market that help us to bring the BBCs award winning programming ranging from blockbuster natural history documentaries to educational childrens content, to a wider audience across the continent.Both linear and digital platforms continue to show an increased appetite for premium British content from BBC Studios, with both new and returning deals across all platforms reinforcing relationships in the territory. iProspect is delighted to announce an addition to their family. Jared Pillai joined the team on 3 April as chief strategy officer for iProspect JHB. Jared has over a decade of experience in digital marketing, media planning, buying, strategy and product marketing. He has an impressive track record of growing companys profitability, increasing digital awareness and traffic, driving results and providing tangible management solutions to organisational challenges. Jared will be responsible for heading up strategy for iProspect JHB, reporting to Koo Govender (CEO for DAN SA) and Jaco Lintvelt (Managing Director AMNET SSA & iProspect South Africa).Jared holds a Diploma in Digital Marketing Management, a Diploma in Social Media Marketing and an Inbound Marketing Professional Certificate through Hubspot. He also holds a position as Chairman of the Internet Marketing Association of South Africa and is affiliated with Hubspot, the Innovation Hub, SEOMoz and IAB SA.A few notable past clients include Durex, Budget Insurance, Vanish, Discovery, Clicks, PNP and Takealot. As a member of the leadership team, Jared will be responsible for providing leadership and consultancy service in support of implementation of strategy and product. He will support the leadership team to develop the brand planning strategy and execution plans that will create aligned approaches, tools, products and ways of working to deliver the company growth ambitions.On his new appointment, Jared stated: It is a privilege to join such a diverse group of companies that is on the cusp of marketing innovation with digital being pivotal in their roadmap and journey.Koo Govender stated: We are delighted to have Jared join the team and are looking forward to him adding immense value to the business.Jaco Lintvelt stated: In our journey to become a 100% digital economy business we need the best digital talent in SA to be more strategic in the way we approach digital media and deliver on our promise of delivering business outcomes for our clients and are therefore happy to have Jared as part of the team. Finalists in the 'social media' category have been revealed for One Show 2018, with one South African entry making the grade. features in the branded social post - single category for their work on MTVs #FCKHIV for Viacom. Click here for the full list of finalists, which includes all the gold, silver and bronze pencils as well as merit winners.The winners and full award details will be announced during One Show Creative Week in New York, from 7 to 11 May.You can view these and other One Show entries by browsing this years finalist showcase . Visit our One Show special section for all the latest updates! Finalists in the 'radio' category have been revealed for One Show 2018, with entries from five South African agencies making the grade. features in the broadcast- any length - single category for their work on Flight Centres AI and Knowledge campaign, as well as for Tiger Brands Fly on the Bathroom Wall, Fly on the Bedroom Wall and Fly on the Living Room Wall campaign. They also feature in the broadcast any length campaign category as well as the craft writing campaign table for both Flight Centres World Gone Mad as well as Tiger Brands Fly on the Wall.They also feature in the craft sound design category for their work on Flight Centres AI, Knowledge, Climate Change and World Gone Mad, as well as for Tiger Brands Fly on the Wall.features in the broadcast any length campaign category for Blooms Pharmacy Even Little ones have bad days and feature again in the Craft writing campaign category for their work on Blooms Pharmacy Even little ones have bad days, as well as Exclusive Books Words are all you need.feature in thebroadcast any length campaign, craft writing campaign as well as craft use of music categories, for their work on Cell Cs iGugu.features in the experiential radio category for Sanlams Two-minute shower songs.features in the broadcast any length campaign as well as craft writing design category for both KFC Double Down Sad Man Meal as well as KFC Virgin Mojito Drink Anywhere. Click here for the full list of finalists, which includes all the gold, silver and bronze pencils as well as merit winners.The winners and full award details will be announced during One Show Creative Week in New York, from 7 to 11 May.You can view these and other One Show entries by browsing this years finalist showcase . Visit our One Show special section for all the latest updates! This job expired on 13 May 2018. THIRUVEDANTHAI (PTI): Eyeing the mega IAF contract for 110 fighter jets, Boeing has announced a partnership with PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India. The US aerospace major said the partnership will also work for joint development of future technologies in India, saying it will transform India's aerospace and defence ecosystem. The Super Hornet 'Make in India' proposal is to build an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility that can be utilized for other programme like India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, the company said in a statement on Thursday. "Boeing is excited to team up with India's only company that manufactures combat fighters, HAL, and India's only company that manufactures small commercial airplanes, Mahindra. "This partnership brings the best of Indian public and private enterprises together in partnership with the world's largest aerospace company, Boeing, to accelerate a contemporary 21st century ecosystem for aerospace & defence manufacturing in India," said Pratyush Kumar, the president of Boeing India. The announcement was made on the second day of the Defence Expo being held near Chennai. Boeing is among the leading military aircraft producers like Lockheed Martin, Saab, Dassault and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG that are likely to vie for the deal to supply 110 fighter jets to the IAF in one of the biggest such procurements in recent years globally which could be worth over US$ 15 billion. An RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender for the mega deal was issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on April 6 with officials saying that the procurement would be in sync with the Government's 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector. Aircraft manufacturers have to send their proposals by July 6. Officials had said the jets will be produced jointly by a foreign aircraft maker along with an Indian company under the recently-launched strategic partnership model which aims to bring in high-end defence technology to India. Noting that HAL has always been at the forefront of aerospace development in India, its chairman T Suvarna Raju on Thursday said the partnership will create an opportunity to strengthen indigenous platforms in India, thereby contributing to the Make-in-India activities. According to the company, the programmes under progress at HAL include production of SU-30 MKI, Hawk-AJT, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Dhruv-ALH and Cheetah/Chetak helicopters. Boeing said the partnership will for production of an affordable, combat-proven fighter platform for India, while adding it will result in growth momentum to the Indian aerospace ecosystem with manufacturing, skill development, innovation and engineering and job creation. As the most advanced and least expensive aircraft per flight hour of its kind, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will deliver on India's need for a carrier and land based multi-role fighter, the company said. "The Super Hornet does not only have a low acquisition cost, but it costs less per flight hour to operate than any other tactical aircraft in the US forces inventory. And with a plan for constant innovation, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will outpace threats, bolster defence capabilities and make India stronger for decades to come," it said. The F/A-18 Super Hornet has a long life ahead, with the US Navy making significant investments in the latest evolution, the Block III, Boeing noted. Kumar said that partnership with HAL and Mahindra will enable Boeing India to optimize the full potential of the country's public and private sector to deliver next-generation F/A-18 fighter capabilities. Future production with Indian partners will involve maximizing indigenous content and producing the F/A-18 in India for its armed forces to create a 21st century aerospace ecosystem, the statement from Boeing said The plan addresses the infrastructure, personnel training, and operational tools and techniques required to produce a next gen fighter aircraft right here in India. In addition, Boeing will work closely with Indian industry to ensure they have the very latest technologies, applying lessons learned from the current Super Hornet production line, it said Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defence, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support. We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership with Boeing and HAL will provide for us to contribute further to 'Make in India' for defence, said S P Shukla, Group President, Aerospace & Defence, Mahindra Group, and Chairman, Mahindra Defence Systems. A file photo. BEIJING (PTI): The Chinese military has held its largest ever maritime drill in the disputed South China Sea during which it displayed for the first time the country's aircraft carrier strike group and the most advance weaponry of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). President Xi Jinping, also the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), reviewed the drill and addressed the sailors, PLA Daily reported. CMC is the overall high command of the 2-million strong Chinese military. Forty-eight warships, 76 aircraft and more than 10,000 sailors and soldiers took part in the drill which was hailed as "the biggest maritime military parade since the foundation of the new China and a heroic display of the PLA Navy in the new era," the PLA Daily reported Thursday. The drill was held amid frequent forays made by US naval and aircraft into the South China Sea to assert the freedom of navigation especially around the artificial islands built by China, where it has also established garrisons. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area. It was the first maritime military parade held in the South China Sea and to be open to the public, state-run Global Times reported. The PLA's previous four maritime parades were held in Beihai. China's aircraft carrier, Liaoning joined the parade for the first time. All combat systems of the PLA Navy and 10 air echelons joined the parade. "The most advanced weaponry, including the Liaoning, Type 052D destroyers, Type 052C destroyers, Type 071 amphibious transport dock and Type 093 submarine all appeared on South China Sea," Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times. The parade showcased the PLA's aircraft carrier group and its enhanced combat capability in the high seas, Song said, adding that China's upgraded navy signifies the PLA is not afraid of war and is capable of winning any battle. "China's strength in protecting its national maritime interest has grown. The Thursday parade could also serve as deterrence to maritime hegemony, making adversaries think twice before attempting to harm China's core national interests," Song said. Holding the parade in the South China Sea was strategic move as the waters are a potential combat zone, said Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert. Police in Lower Makefield continue searching for a person who fired random shots into the air while Newtown Borough Police are investigating the theft of a missing trailer. Meanwhile Buckingham Township Police have warned a group of magazine solicitors not to return without a permit. Here are the details: Lower Makefield SEARCHING FOR A SHOOTER >> On September 2 at... Media Advisory: UB School of Law to host Puerto Rico Day on April 16 Program will focus on community service, developing solutions for post-Maria Puerto Rico BUFFALO, N.Y. The University at Buffalo School of Law and the Baldy Center for Law & Social Policy will hold a program beginning at 11 a.m. on April 16 in 509 OBrian Hall on the UB North Campus to discuss the law schools efforts to create legal and political solutions in post-Maria Puerto Rico. The program, which is open to students, faculty and staff, as well as member of the community, will feature a student-focused career panel; a discussion of legal and policy solutions with experts and leaders from the University of Puerto Rico; and a celebration of the schools new Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic. Students who participated in the UB clinic, which provided on-the-ground legal assistance in Puerto Rico earlier this year, will share their experiences and participate in the development of post-disaster solutions. A press briefing will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 505 OBrian Hall to allow members of the media to interview clinic students and participants from the University of Puerto Rico. The program will include: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Student Career Panel A View from the Top: How to Build A Successful Career That Includes Pro Bono and Community Service Work. The panel will be moderated by Bradley M. Gayton '91, group vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel for Ford Motor Company, and features Susan M. Clare, partner, King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia; Joanne B. Faycurry, partner, Schiff Hardin LLP, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Peter J. Fazio, partner, Aaronson Rappaport Feinstein & Deutsch, LLP, New York City; Craig A. Leslie '97, partner, Phillips Lytle, Buffalo; and Robert J Mullins, II, partner, GMC Law, LLP, Buffalo. The panel is organized by the Clinical Legal Education Program and the Career Services Office. 1:30-3 p.m. Panel Discussion with Experts and Leaders from the University of Puerto Rico Collaborating and Creating Law and Policy Solutions for Post-Maria Puerto Rico. The discussion will be convened by Kim Diana Connolly, professor and director of the Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic. Legal clinic students Jonathan Reyes Colon '19, Sarah Gardner '19, Eamon J.P. Riley '18 and David Yovanoff '18 will moderate and provide commentary. Panelists include sustainability experts Marla Perez Lugo, PhD, and Cecelio Ortiz Garcia, PhD, of the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez; Walter F. Alomar Jimenez, president, Governing Board, University of Puerto Rico; and Vivian Neptune Rivera (via Skype), professor and dean, University of Puerto Rico School of Law. The panel is organized by the Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic and the Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy. 3:30-4:15 p.m. Celebrating the Inaugural Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic This celebration will be moderated by Aviva Abramovsky, dean of the UB School of Law, and will include her remarks, a video presentation highlighting the students experience in Puerto Rico, a recognition of donor support and a chance to mingle with the clinics student attorneys. The celebration is organized by the Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic. For more information on this event, and the Universitys collaborative efforts to bring about legal and political change in Puerto Rico, visit www.law.buffalo.edu/beyond/clinics/puerto-rico-recovery-assistance-legal-clinic.html. The University at Buffalo School of Laws Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic is part of the law schools Clinical Legal Education Program, providing law students with the opportunity to develop practical skills while work closely with supervising attorneys. The Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic provides practical legal research and thoughtful pro bono service, through an ongoing collaborative effort to empower a resilient Puerto Rico. Campus News Theres still time to save the planet, climate-change expert Balog tells UB audience James Balog has been documenting climate change for well over a quarter century. His latest project is the film The Human Element, which debuted last week; it is about the increasingly cataclysmic wildfires proliferating in the American West. Photo: Joe Cascio By JEFF KLEIN We got here in the climate-change pickle one tailpipe at a time, one smokestack at a time. And we have to get out of it one tailpipe at a time, one smokestack at a time. Balogs eerily beautiful photos of melting icepacks and burning forests, as well as his non-confrontational advocacy of measures to slow climate change, have made him a prominent speaker on the lecture circuit. So have his ripping yarns of adventure, like the one he told Thursday about his helicopter losing an engine over the Greenland icecap and just barely making it back to base. Jason Briner, associate professor in the Department of Geology and moderator of the event, called Balog one of the most important change-makers of the current decade. Balog, founder of the Extreme Ice Survey whose time-lapse photography of receding glaciers around the world was the subject of the award-winning 2012 documentary Chasing Ice, has been documenting climate change for well over a quarter century. His latest project is the film The Human Element, which debuted last week; it is about the increasingly cataclysmic wildfires proliferating in the American West. I dont think its too late there are many encouraging things happening with alternative energy, said Balog, when asked if humankind had passed the tipping point and should concentrate instead on adapting to a future of higher temperatures and rising ocean levels. I dont think we can just throw in the towel and adapt. Thats a passive activity. Thats basically saying I give up Im going to consign my kids to a worse present than what Im living in. That was the disturbing, but ultimately hopeful message given by James Balog, the acclaimed environmental photographer and climate-change expert, to a large audience attending the Distinguished Speakers Series lecture Thursday night Alumni Arena. The impact of climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate, but there is still time to save the planet. Along the way, Balog said, he has been able to change minds. He told of what happened after a talk he gave in Salt Lake City. This rangy cowboyish-looking guy in a denim jacket and a John Deere cap, about 75 years old, came up to me and said, Young fella, I want to shake your hand, Balog recalled. He said, You know, I really thought this was a bunch of liberal hokum, but I understand it now because of the evidence you showed me. About 20 minutes later, that mans daughter came up to me and said, That was my father hes probably laid more miles of gas and oil pipeline than anyone in the western United States. I later learned he was awake the entire night, thinking about what hed done and how he could help going forward. Balog said that in his work, Im trying to reach out beyond the old polarized places and express the fact that we all are connected. He called climate change a universal issue that should never have fallen into partisan debate between left and right, Republican and Democrat. He cited the significant majority of Americans who believe climate change is real and that human activity is having a substantial impact on rising temperatures. There are certain factions of the country that will never change because the climate-change problem is attached to other ideological structures and belief systems that people adhere to, he said. My goal is to inspire the people who are open to understanding, to educate the people who are not sure and need more information to help to bring them along. Balog urged the audience to support political measures calling for alternative energy, and to use your voice. Not just your speech, but your voice in terms of how you live, how you handle your world what you drive, what you eat, how you move, how you reshape the world around you, he said. Why does it matter if you take a shorter hot shower and save the energy that was otherwise running into the shower drain? Well, it doesnt really matter its not going to change the arc of civilization. But you know what it does? It at least gives you the chance to do your own part through the world around you. And you can look yourself in the mirror and say, I did what I could. We got here in the climate-change pickle one tailpipe at a time, one smokestack at a time, he said. And we have to get out of it one tailpipe at a time, one smokestack at a time. Balog summarized what he called the ethical, moral, emotional and philosophical problem facing all of us in our stewardship of the planet. That is the question of how much do we love ourselves, he said. How much do we love the world around us, how much do we love our community and how much do we love the world that were leaving for the people of the future. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor There is something disturbing about a photograph of well-fed men gorging on plates full of greasy food just before a much-publicised hunger strike. So when members of the Congress party, clad in the trademark politicians uniform of all-white kurta-pyjamas were caught doing just that, hawk-eyed social media trolls were quick to swoop down on their chicanery. The feast eroded the sacrificial piety that the Party was plumping for, but nothing can quite take away from the power of the fast as a symbol of sacrifice, be it among the poor and powerless or the rich and powerful. Prime ... Infosys Ltd, India's second-biggest software services exporter, posted a 2.4% rise in its fourth-quarter net profit, roughly in line with analysts' estimates. Net profit rose to Rs 36.90 billion in the three months ended March 31, from Rs 36.03 billion in the same period a year earlier, the company said on Friday. In quarterly terms, the company posted 28% decline in net profit when compared to Rs 51.29 billion posted in December quarter. Eighteen analysts had on average expected Infosys to post a net profit of Rs 37.09 billion, according to Thomson Reuters data, in the first full quarter since Salil Parekh took over as chief executive. Revenues of the Bengaluru-based firm grew 5.6% to Rs 180.83 billion in the January-March quarter compared with Rs 171.20 billion in the year-ago period. Parekh joined Infosys in January with the task of restoring growth and ensuring peace between Infosys founders and the board after an acrimonious spat last year. The company has initiated identification and evaluation of potential buyers for Kallidus, Skava and Panaya units, all bought under the regime of former CEO Vishal Sikka. The company anticipates completion of their sale by March 2019. "Accordingly, assets amounting to Rs 20.60 billion ($316 million) and liabilities amounting to Rs 3.24 billion ($50 million) in respect of the disposal group have been reclassified and presented as 'held for sale'," Infosys said. Infosys said upon reclassification, an impairment loss of Rs 1.18 billion ($18 million) in respect of Panaya has been recognised in the consolidated profit and loss for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018. The corresponding write-down in the investment value of Panaya in the standalone financial statements of Infosys is Rs 5.89 billion ($90 million), it added. A whistleblower report last year alleged wrongdoings by Infosys and some officials in the $200 million acquisition of Israeli automation technology firm Panaya. An internal audit committee set up by Infosys found no evidence supporting the whistleblower's allegations. However, Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy had demanded that the full report by Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher on these whistleblower allegations be made public. Later in October, the Infosys board -- under its new chairman Nandan Nilekani -- gave a clean chit to the controversial Panaya acquisition, saying there was no merit in the allegations of wrongdoing. Infosys said it expects revenue for 2018-19 to grow in the range of 6-8% in constant currency terms and 7-9% in US dollar terms. The forecast for full-year revenue growth was slightly below brokerage firm Macquarie's 6.5-8.5% forecast.Parekh joined Infosys in January with the task of restoring growth and ensuring peace between Infosys founders and the board after an acrimonious spat last year.The company has initiated identification and evaluation of potential buyers for Kallidus, Skava and Panaya units, all bought under the regime of former CEO Vishal Sikka. The company anticipates completion of their sale by March 2019. For the full fiscal 2017-18, profit was up 11.7% at Rs 160.29 billion, while revenues grew 3% to Rs 705.22 billion over the previous year. "I am pleased with our healthy revenue growth, profitability, and cash generation in Q4. Our robust performance is a reflection of the strong impact we have with our clients and the dedication of our employees," Parekh said. He added that the company will execute its strategy around the four pillars -- scaling digital business ($2.79 billion in revenue currently), energising client's core technology landscape via AI and automation, re-skilling employees, and expanding localisation in markets like US, Europe, and Australia. Infosys COO Pravin Rao said the company will be rolling out compensation increases for a large part of its workforce, effective April 1. The Infosys Board in its meeting today decided to retain the current policy of returning up to 70% of the free cash flow of the corresponding financial year. "In addition to the above, out of the cash on the Balance Sheet, the Board has identified an amount of up to Rs 130 billion to be paid to shareholders," it added. This will be done through a special dividend of Rs 10 per share (resulting in a payout of about Rs 26 billion in June 2018). Also, an amount of up to Rs 104 billion has been identified to be paid out to shareholders for the Financial Year 2019 in a manner to be decided by the Board. The company expects spending from North American clients to come back later this year. Telecom operator is learnt to be in talks with three Japanese banks to raise $500 million (around Rs 32.50 billion) in debt. " is in discussion with MUFG (formerly The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ) , Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to raise $500 million," sources in the know of the development told PTI. An e-mail query sent to the company seeking a response remained unanswered. Last month the board had approved raising of around Rs 200 billion in debt. The company has invested over Rs 2 billion in the mobile business which has garnered over 168 million customers. The Mukesh Ambani firm has also signed agreement to buy mobile business assets of Reliance Communications-- the company led by his younger brother Anil Ambani, for around Rs 250 billion. The source did not mention the timeline for raising the loan from Japanese banks and said, "The agreement is yet to be signed. on Friday said it has received an unsolicited non-binding expression of interest from IHH Healthcare Berhad for possible due diligence and participation with the company. The company also shared a letter sent to the board by the Malaysian healthcare major, which offered up to Rs 160 per share of Fortis. In a regulatory filing, said, "The board of directors of the company have received an unsolicited non-binding expression of interest from IHH Healthcare Berhad for possible due diligence and participation with the Company." The offer from IHH Healthcare comes a day after Sunil Kant Munjal-led Hero Enterprise Investment Office and Burman Family Office offered to invest Rs 12.5 billion in the healthcare chain through preferential allotment route at as per SEBI ICDR guidelines for preferential issues or Rs 156 per share whichever is higher. Already, Manipal Health Enterprises has raised its offer for Ltd at Rs 155 per share by valuing the hospital business higher at Rs 60.61 billion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took note of the growing coverage and outrage on the rape and violence against women in Kathua, Jammu, and Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. With the BJPs coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir at stake, and after criticism, not only from opposition parties, but leading Hindi film actors, and other prominent figures, the PM assured that criminals involved in both incidents would not be spared. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Congress President on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" over the rape incidents in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao was "unacceptable". He prodded him to speak. This is what tweeted: Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting.#SpeakUp (@RahulGandhi) 13 April 2018 He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party governments in these states of "protecting rapists". In another tweet earlier, Gandhi thanked people who had taken part in the midnight protest in Delhi against the "slumber" that the Modi government was in and sought justice for the victims. "Thousands of men and women stood up to be counted in the battle for justice and to protest the rising acts of violence against girls and women. "I thank each and everyone of you for your support. It shall not be in vain," Gandhi said while attaching pictures of people who participated in the protest. Gandhi, who had led the protest Thursday night, was joined by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband Robert Vadra, hundreds of party workers and senior party leaders. During the protest, Gandhi slammed the Prime Minister over the repeated incidents of violence, rape and murder of women in the country. "We want the government to take action. Today, women are feeling insecure to move out of their houses. Somewhere a child, a woman is raped, killed and we want that the government should resolve this. The women of the country should feel safe," he had said. There will always be some states disgruntled over the devolution formulae of finance commissions (FCs). However, probably for the first time, the terms of reference (ToRs) of an FC have stirred a controversy. To the extent that finance ministers of most southern states came together to register a protest. And, plan to broaden their group by including other states, including Punjab and West Bengal. The positive side of such a development is that the protest will not remain only a divide between northern and southern states. However, it is taking a political shape, of a battle ... China's trade surplus with the United States surged nearly 20 percent in the first quarter, with some analysts speculating exporters were rushing out shipments to get ahead of threatened tariffs that are spurring fears of a full-blown trade war. The latest readings on the health of China's trade sector are unlikely to ease tensions following weeks of tit-for-tat tariff threats by Washington and Beijing, though they suggest China's economy is still in relatively solid shape. Even as China's trade surplus narrowed overall in the first three months of the year, its ... Venezuelan photographer Ronaldo Schemidt has won the World Press Photo 2018 contest with his picture showing a protester catching fire in Venezuela, the World Press Photo foundation has announced. Schemidt took the picture, named Venezuela Crisis, on May 3, 2017 for Agence France Presse when the 28-year-old protester Jose Victor Salazar caught fire amid violent clashes during a protest in Caracas. Salazar was set alight when the gas tank of a motorbike exploded. He survived the incident with first and second-degree burns. "A classic picture, but with an enormous energy and dynamics," said jury chairwoman Magdalena Herrera on Thursday during an award show in Amsterdam, Xinhua news agency reported. "The colours, the movement, the good composition. This picture has power." "The Battle for Mosul" by Ivor Prickett for The New York Times The winning pictures were selected from a total of 73,044 images taken by 4,548 photographers from 125 countries. The jury of the of the 61st annual gave prizes in eight categories. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur said on Friday that Punjab government's hypocrisy has been exposed in regard to 1988 road rage case, wherein Punjab Congress leader and minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is prime accused. Family of the victim has appealed to the Supreme Court that earlier imprisonment sentence of three years given by Punjab and Haryana High Court should be enhanced. However, the Punjab government has appealed the apex court to uphold the three-year imprisonment. Seeking punishment for Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu in connection with a 1988 road rage case, Harsimrat told ANI that the Punjab government seems confused. "Their hypocrisy is exposed. The person who killed a poor man should be punished. Lawyer is giving one statement but CM is giving another. The government is in a state of confusion," said Kaur. The Punjab government on Thursday sought conviction of Sidhu in the road rage case. Lawyer appearing for the Punjab government told Supreme Court that the statement given by Sidhu denying his involvement in the case was false. The incident dates back to December 27, 1988, when Sidhu allegedly hit one Gurnam Singh, 65, in an incident of road rage in Patiala, Punjab, resulting in death of the latter. The trial court had acquitted Sidhu, whereas the Punjab and Haryana High Court reversed his acquittal, convicting him under Section 304 Part II, IPC, for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In yet another incident of sexual assault against minors, a nine-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her step-father in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior on Thursday. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by the girl's mother at Bahodapur police station. The police is investigating the matter and is searching for the accused, who is absconding. With the ongoing Unnao and Kathua rape cases, the Indian social media has been abuzz with the words - "rape horror". Earlier on April 8, a woman and her family tried to commit suicide outside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow. Her family alleged that she was raped by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his accomplice last year, and no action was taken against the accused. On the other hand, an eight-year-old girl belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe in Kathua district was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed in January. Among the accused in the case are police officers and a retired government official. On Friday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders held a midnight candlelight vigil to demand strict action in Unnao and Kathua rape cases. Stressing on the fact that the protest was not a political one but a issue, Rahul urged the Centre to act against atrocities on women. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Thursday blamed Congress for the impasse during Parliament's Budget Session and said the opposition is always involved in disruptive In his blog, he mentioned due to the "irresponsible" attitude of the opposition, Rs 333 crore of public money was wasted during the session. "On a call of conscience, we decided to forgo our salaries," said Shah on the same. He pointed out that Rs 1.57 crore and Rs 1.10 crore is spent per hour in running the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha respectively. "Rs 200 crore in Lok Sabha and Rs 133 crore in Rajya Sabha were completely wasted," mentioned Shah. He ended his blog with his fingers pointed towards the opposition and said, "People should know that Congress always obstructs the government while it's doing some constructive work towards development. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of turning his former polling agent, who is now Jammu Bar Association President, 'communal'. He made this comment while reacting on his relations with Jammu Bar Association President B.S. Slathia, who is accused of opposing the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch's charge sheet in the Kathua gang rape case. "Yes, he (Slathia) was my polling agent. Also, J&K Minister from BJP quota Lal Singh was in Congress. They (Slathia and Singh) were secular then but the BJP has vitiated the atmosphere so badly in Jammu and Kashmir that these individuals have now turned communal," Azad said. Slathia has come into the limelight because of his demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the Kathua rape case. A lawyer in Jammu DS Rajawat had accused Slathia had threatened her and asked her not to appear for the Kathua victim. Slathia has denied these charges. Lawyers of Jammu are also accused of stopping J&K Crime Branch from filing charge sheet in the Kathua rape case. They have questioned the credibility of J&K Crime Branch as "most of investigating officers are from Kashmir". An eight-year-old girl belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe in Kathua district was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed in January. Four police officials and a retired government official are among the accused in the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Maharashtra MLAs Sanjay Bhegade and Bhimrao Tapkir were seen eating on Thursday, even as the party was observing a day-long fast. In a video clip that surfaced, the two MLAs were caught in the act during a meeting in Pune. Holding the opposition parties responsible for the Parliament washout in the second phase of the budget session, the BJP including Prime Minister Narendra Modi had observed a day-long fast on Thursday. It is notable that the BJP had called out Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely for eating before the day-long fast called by Delhi Congress on Monday, against atrocities on the Dalit community. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court on Friday, refused to stay the Maharashtra government's ban on plastic. The court also observed that that ban is 'reasonable' after seeing a quantity of 1200 metric tons of waste every day in the state. On March 23 this year, the government had issued a notification, in which it imposed a ban on manufacture, use, sale and distribution of all plastic materials like plastic bags, spoons, plates, bottles and thermacol items. A three months notice period was given to the manufacturers, distributors and retailers to dispose of their existing stock of the banned items. Consumers were, however, given only a period of one month to dispose of the same. The notification was then opposed by plastic and thermacol manufacturers along with retailer associations on the ground that the ban was arbitrary, and affected the fundamental right to livelihood of lakhs of families. The petitioners were asked to approach the state with a representation for seeking amendments in the plastic ban order. The state will take a decision on the representations by May 5. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working President M.K. Stalin called on Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Friday and urged him to take the initiative in setting up the Cauvery Management Board before the May 3 hearing date of the river water distribution issue in the Supreme Court. The DMK working president said the party will continue its protests until the Cauvery Management Board is constituted. The Supreme Court on Monday said it will hear the Cauvery water distribution issue on May 3 and asked the Center to file a draft scheme on the same day. Meanwhile, Indian Premier League (IPL) matches that were to be held in Chennai, have been moved to Pune. Pune has been declared the home ground of the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The apex court has reduced Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery waters to 177.25 thousand million cubic feet (TMCF). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Friday notified the protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) between India and Kazakhstan. CBDT spokesperson Surabhi Ahluwalia said, "The Protocol provides internationally accepted standards for effective exchange of information on tax matters. The Protocol replaces the existing Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes with a new Article to align it with international standards." Ahluwalia added that the information received from Kazakhstan for tax purposes can be shared with other law enforcement agencies with the authorisation of the competent authority of Kazakhstan and vice versa. The Protocol inserts a Limitation of Benefits Article, to provide the main purpose test to prevent misuse of the DTAC and to allow application of domestic law and measures against tax avoidance or evasion. It also inserts specific provisions to facilitate relieving of economic double taxation in transfer pricing cases. "This is a taxpayer-friendly measure and is in line with India's commitment under Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan to meet the minimum standard of providing Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) access in transfer pricing cases," Ahluwalia said. India and Kazakhstan had on January 6, 2017, signed a protocol to amend the existing DTAC. They protocol was notified in the official gazette on April 12, this year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Congress took out candlelight marches across the city to protest against the increased cases of sexual assault against women in the country. Congress Committee President Ajay Maken, along with members of Chandni Chowk District Congress Committee on Friday started the candlelight march from Red Fort to Chandni Chowk Town Hall. On the intervening night of April 12-13, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders held a candlelight vigil at the India Gate here to demand strict action in Unnao and Kathua rape cases. With the ongoing Unnao and Kathua rape cases, the Indian social media has been abuzz with the words - "rape horror". Earlier on April 8, a woman and her family tried to commit suicide outside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Her family alleged that she was raped by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his accomplice last year, and no action was taken against the accused. However, the victim's father died on April 9 allegedly in police custody. On the other hand, an eight-year-old girl belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed in January. Among the accused in the case are police officers and a retired government official. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 21-year-old student of Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling fan in his hostel room on Friday morning. The student, identified as Gopal Maloo, son of Samat Maloo, was pursuing Masters of Science (Chemistry) and was in his first year. He lived in the Nilgiri boys hostel in Delhi but was a resident of Hoogli in West Bengal. The reason for suicide is yet to be ascertained. According to reports, the deceased had attempted suicide earlier on April 10, 2018, by consuming sleeping pills but failed. He was then admitted to Safdarjung hospital and was later discharged. After this attempt, his brother, Bachoo ram, stayed with him and counseled him. Earlier in March, a student of IIT-Roorkee also committed suicide in his hostel room by hanging himself from the ceiling fan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in cooperation with Germany and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) will host the India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 on April 16-17 in the national capital. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will be the industry partner for the event. The title of the Conference is 'Securing Global Supply Chains through Government-Industry Partnerships towards Effective Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540'. Representatives from the Government and Industry of 39 countries, as well as experts from the UNSC 1540 Committee and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in New York, will be participating in the two-day conference. The Conference provides an opportunity to participants to share experiences on their export control systems and to identify legal and technical assistance, action plans and challenges in the national implementation of UNSC 1540. The UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) establishes legally binding obligations on all States to adopt and enforce appropriate and effective measures to prevent the proliferation to non-State actors of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their delivery systems. It requires, therefore that States implement appropriate and effective measures to prevent non-state actors such as terrorists, from obtaining access to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The Wiesbaden Process was initiated by the Government of Germany in 2012 to strengthen the implementation of UNSC 1540 through Government-Industry partnerships. India, with its long-standing commitment to international non-proliferation, has established a legally backed robust export control system to implement UNSC 1540. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Kings XI Punjab by four wickets in the Indian Premier League Match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium at Bengaluru on Friday. AB de Villiers (57) and Quinton de Kock (45) helped Royal Challengers Bangalore to defeat the target in 19.3 overs as Washington Sundar hit the winning runs. Opener Brendon McCullum was daunted with a target of 156 runs who was bowled out at a duck in the very first over. Skipper Virat Kohli also was wasted first three over and managed to make only 21 runs after being bowled out in the fifth over. Later de Villers and Quinton de Kock forged a crucial 54-run partnership for the third wicket before Villers was bowled out by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 12th over. Later at a very crucial 19th over South African player Andrew Tye was dismissed after contributing two boundaries and four sixes. Soon Mandeep got run out in the same over. Though with the strong performance displayed by De Villers, in the beginning, RCB was able to smoothly manage a win as the lower-order batsmen Chris Woakes (1 not out) and Washington Sunder (9 not out) completed the series. For the Kings XI, Punjab Lokesh Rahul (47) and skipper Ravichandran Ashwin (33) proved to be the top scorers. Further pacer Umesh Yadav slapped three wickets while Chris Woakes, Kulwant Khejroliya, and Washington Sundar took two wickets each. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka poll schedule was not leaked, said an Election Commission committee in its report on Friday. The committee was constituted by the Election Commission to probe how information on the Karnataka Assembly poll dates was aired by two TV news channels on March 27 even before Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat had made an announcement in the regard. The Committee said alleged leak first appeared on an English TV news channel at 11.06 am, which was used by others including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT cell head Amit Malviya and Karnataka Congress lT Head Srivatsa. Incidentally, while both got the polling date correct, they got the date of counting wrong. "The Channel in its response said 'Channel assessed the details from informed sources. Given that the information was not entirely accurate it was obvious it was not a leak'. The Committee is of the opinion that there was no leak of schedule of elections to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, 2018," the Committee said in its report. On March 28, the Election Commission (EC) had constituted a committee of six officials to probe how information on the Karnataka Assembly poll dates was leaked. The Committee said the presentation of the news item by TV channels as well as tweets by political party leaders regarding Karnataka poll date, just as Commission was making the announcement, was avoidable and they could have acted in more responsible manner. It also said the political parties should have avoided from tweeting at the crucial juncture when the Commission was announcing poll dates. "The time of the announcement of the schedule is integral to the electoral process . It is the responsibility of all the stakeholders including media and political parties not to attempt any speculation that may create doubt in the minds of our stakeholders and citizens at large," the Committee said. Terming the Election Commission's process/system robust enough, the Committee said, "However, considering the secrecy of the process the committee will separately brief the commission for further strengthening the process, if required. In wake of the recent Kathua rape incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh have tendered their resignations from the state cabinet posts. The ministers have submitted their resignation to the president of the party's state unit, Sat Sharma. Forest Minister Singh and Industries Minister Ganga had attended the rally which was carried out in support of the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case However, the resignations are not final yet, as the ministers have not submitted the applications to the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, who, according to sources, has expressed her displeasure for the two and has asked the BJP to remove them from their positions. The party will now review their applications for resignation and decide whether to let the ministers resign or not. Earlier in the day, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged Mufti to take stringent action against the ministers who are supporting the accused in Kathua rape case. Abdullah further asserted that the ministers who have allegedly threatened the police to not make arrests have no right to stay in the Cabinet. "The ministers who supported killers of Kathua rape case victim and threatened police not to make arrests, have no right to stay in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti should take action just like she took against Haseeb Drabu (ex J&K FM), whose crime wasn't this heinous," he said. In Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, an eight-year-old Muslim nomadic girl was allegedly abducted, drugged, raped, tortured and killed. After being missing for a week, her body was found on January 17. The incident, along with the rape of an 18-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, allegedly by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, has caused a huge uproar in the nation, with waves of protests rising in several parts of the country, demanding action against the culprits. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Friday agreed on a programme based front for 2019 general elections. Both the leaders announced this after KCR met the former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) chief at his residence here. Talking to media after the meeting, Deve Gowda said, "It is not to overthrow someone from 'gaddi' (power), it is a programme based front which is going to remove the problems country is facing from the last 70 years. He (KCR) has taken steps to move in that direction." He added that "it is not the question of third or fourth front; it will be a programme based front. Anyone who wants to implement these programmes is most welcome". KCR blamed the Congress and the BJP for the problems in the country. "These two systems called the Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party have ruled the country for more than 65 years but they have miserably failed to deliver," KCR said. He said his efforts for a united front are not for any post but for a movement that can bring change in the country. "This is not silly Deve Gowda was prime minister, what else he wants. It is nothing about prime ministership. I am also 64-year-old and a successful political leader. I have achieved my dream of separate Telangana state. If there needs to be a movement in the country then it needs to have quality to bring change in the country," KCR said. He added they have come forward because of inaction and inability of the BJP and the Congress. "We have come forward because the mess in the country is just because of inaction and inability of these two parties. This is not a silly front. It'll be coming together of India's masses. We will come out with a big agenda for farmers before 2019," the Telangana Chief Minister said. He said the water problem in the country was one example of the failure of successive union governments. He questioned: why there should be a fight for Cauvery water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka? Why was it kept pending for seven decades? KCR questioned the working of the Central Water Commission and said India has more than sufficient water for irrigation and drinking. "India is bestowed with 70000 TMC water and the cultivable area in the country is 40 crore acres, out of which when rain season comes only 25-30 crore acre is sown and for second crop only 5-6 lakh acre is irrigated. Even if we give full water to every acre of India then also we will have 30000 TMC surplus water in the country," KCR said. He said that 70 years have gone but neither there is water for drinking nor for agriculture. "There are water wars in the country. Who created these water wars in the country? Who is responsible?" the Chief Minister questioned. Actor Prakash Raj, who also attended KCR and Deve Gowda meeting, said that the time has come where people have to decide that a change in the system is needed which has failed to deliver. "This front is not for different ideologies coming together to throw somebody out of power. Whoever supports what is necessary for people will come together," the actor said. KCR has become active for uniting the non-BJP, non-Congress parties ahead of 2019 general elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party leader and party In-Charge of Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav refuted the reports of strain in the alliance with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader said there is no problem in the alliance and the party is talking to state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. "There is no trouble in the alliance as such, we are in touch with Mehbooba Mufti Ji, she is of the view that on the ministers issue (Lal Singh and PC Ganga) BJP should take a stand. The Prime Minister also advised us to take appropriate action to send a right message to people," he said. On April 13, Prime Minister Modi said that such incident is "shameful and cannot be part of a civilised society." Addressing the gathering during Dr. Ambedkar Memorial inauguration ceremony here, the Prime Minister assured that justice will be served to the daughters of the country. "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it," the Prime Minister said. He further assured the countrymen that no culprit will be spared and complete justice will be done in both the cases. BJP leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh have tendered their resignations from the state cabinet posts. The ministers have submitted their resignation to the president of the party's state unit, Sat Sharma. An eight-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, drugged, raped, tortured and killed in January. The victim belonged to a nomadic Muslim tribe in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. After being missing for a week, her body was found on January 17. A special team of the Jammu and Kashmir crime branch has made a case of conspiracy, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, gang rape, murder and destruction of evidence against eight accused. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday lashed out at the Opposition for communalising the Kathua and Unnao rape incidents. At a press conference, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, commenting on the Kathua rape, said, "They should not have protested. They should have ideally not commented until an investigation was conducted. The Jammu and Kashmir police conducted a thorough investigation and have arrested the accused." While speaking in regards to Congress' midnight candlelight vigil held on Friday, Lekhi added that the protests and vigils conducted by Opposition were a ploy to communalise the incidents. "Crimes were committed against the women in 1984 riots as well. But, no candlelight march was led on that issue. The pick-and-choose policy has to stop. They are playing politics over the issues," Lekhi said. "You see their plan, first they shout 'minority minority', then 'Dalit Dalit', and now 'women women' and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state governments," she added. Talking about the Unnao rape case, the BJP MP from New Delhi said that the incident happened last year. "The Unnao incident happened 10 months ago. The police gave the statement to the statement and did not mention the name of the legislator (Kuldeep Singh Sengar). The victim wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. She mentioned the name of the legislator and then legal proceedings began," Lekhi said. Earlier on April 8, a woman and her family tried to commit suicide outside Adityanath's residence in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Her family alleged that she was raped by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his accomplice last year, and no action was taken against the accused. Commenting on the Kathua rape case, Lekhi added that a fair investigation was being done in the case and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, which has arrested six to seven people so far. Terming Jammu Bar Association president B.S. Slathia a 'polling agent' of Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Lekhi further said, "Slathia ji, talks about justice on one side and on the other side, he is talking about the closure of the state high court. This shows what kind of hate politics is going on there." Slathia earlier demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Kathua rape case and questioned police's motives in arresting the accused. Calling for strict action against the accused, Lekhi added, "Party has already condemned this act. Two individuals (BJP J-K ministers) were misled and misguided by people. Lesson to them is not to believe one side or the other and let the law take its course." "No one should do politics over the exploitation of women and children. We should refrain from commenting in rape cases till investigations are complete. We, as a party, support strict action in such cases of sexual exploitation," she further added. The girl, who belonged to the nomadic Muslim Bakarwal community, was abducted on January 10. She was reportedly held captive in a temple, sedated and raped. Among the accused in the case are police officers and a retired government official. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday announced that the state government would bring a new law to make the death penalty mandatory for those who raped minors. She assured the entire nation that she stood committed to ensuring justice in the Kathua case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gopinath Pillai, who was one of the petitioners in 2004 Ishrat Jahan encounter case, died in a car accident in Cherthala area of Kerala's Alappuzha district. According to reports, Pillai met with an accident on Wednesday when his car got hit by a truck. He was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Ishrat, a 19-year-old Mumbai based girl along with Gopinath's son Pranesh Pillai, Amjadali Akbarali Rana and Zeeshan Johar were killed in an alleged police encounter on the outskirts of Ahmedabad on June 15, 2004. The Gujarat Police had claimed they had terror links and had plotted to kill the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Pillai, who believed that his son was innocent, fought lengthy legal battles to bring justice to the victims of the alleged fake encounter. A Russian court on Friday ruled to ban popular instant messaging service 'Telegram' over its failure to provide access to the Russian security services to users' encrypted messages. "The court ruled to satisfy the demand of Roskomnadzor," Judge Yulia Smolina said. The access to Telegram will be denied and there won't be technical conditions for sending messages, reported the Russian news agency TASS. The judge further observed that the court's verdict ought to be implemented instantly. Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications and watchdog, had demanded that the app be blocked. It took the court all of 18 minutes to grant the request, after scheduling the hearing just one day before, according to the reports. The trial took place without Telegram's defense team. The authorities, including Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), argued that terrorist plot attacks on the app that boasts 200 million users. According to the New York Times, there was no immediate comment from the founder of Telegram Pavel Durov, who also came up with the Russian social network Vkontakte and had fled the country in 2014, after he lost control of Vkontakte. President Vladimir Putin's press office reportedly uses the Telegram as well. "There is a certain legislation that demands certain data to be passed to certain services of the Russian Federation," Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitri S. Peskov, said, adding that his office would resort to an alternative app the moment Telegram ceased working. The Supreme Court on Friday decided to examine plea seeking to regulate Chief Justice of India's (CJI) discretionary power to constitute benches and allocate important cases. The petition was filed by senior apex court lawyer Shanti Bhushan. Last week, Bhushan approached the top court to regulate the power of CJI Dipak Misra. In his petition, Bhushan sought a check on the powers of the CJI, who is the 'master of the roster' and allocates hearing of cases to different courts. "The petition raises a very fundamental issue going to the root of the functioning of the Supreme Court of India and as such is very critical to the interpretation of the Constitution of India and the Rule of Law in India," stated Bhushan in his petition. "The CJI could not have heard this case himself quite apart from exercising his power as master of roster in allocating a bench to hear this case and constituting a Constitution Bench that finally pronounced the order declaring the Chief Justice of India as master of roster. The principle of master of roster cannot be applicable to a case where the CJI is himself involved," Bhushan added. On January 12, four Supreme Court judges- Justices Jasti Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M.B. Lokur and Kurien Joseph in a press conference, claimed that CJI Misra was assigning important cases in an arbitrary manner to junior judges, ignoring them, who are the senior judges of the apex court. On March 27, the opposition camp proposed a plan to draft an impeachment motion against the CJI in relation to the matters raised by the four judges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Massive security has been put in place for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bijapur district, where he will inaugurate first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme on April 14 - Ambedkar Jayanti. Bastar Inspector General V. Sinha said, "This is Naxal-prone area and Prime Minister's visit is a challenge for police. Adequate security is being deployed to avoid any untoward incident." According to Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, Prime Minister Modi will be the first prime minister to visit tribal district Bijapur. Meanwhile, another Niti Aayog member V.K. Paul on Thursday told the media that under the first phase of the scheme, the Centre will open 1.5 lakh health and wellness centre by 2022, which will be able to treat number of diseases. The Centre has also prepared the broad outline of the Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and the work is on to finalise parameters for identifying beneficiaries and hospital entitlement. The Prime Minister will be visiting Bijapur district's Jangala Development Hub, situated in a panchayat that has emerged as a model panchayat. Prime Minister Modi would be interacting with people, local 'Champions of Change' including officials of the district administration, who despite all odds and being at the epicentre of Left Wing Extremism have performed very well, especially post the launch of Aspirational District programme on January 5, 2018. The Prime Minister would also launch Health and Wellness Centre component of the Ayushman Bharat Programme in this panchayat as part of the visit. The Ayushman Bharat has twin missions. First, creating a network of Health and Wellness Centres to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare close to the community, and second: to provide insurance cover to 40 per cent of India's population that is most deprived. The Prime Minister's visit to Bijapur gives wings to the aspirations of people in the remotest parts of India to become a rightful partner in India's growth story. Chhatisgarh assembly elections are due later in the year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the Bengali New Year, United States President Donald Trump extended his wishes to Bengalis living across the globe. "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish Bengalis everywhere a joyous New Year. We commemorate this important day along with all those from Bangladesh, India, and around the who come together today to mark the arrival of the New Year," Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan said in an official statement. "Here in the United States, we take this opportunity to thank the Bangladeshi American community for its outstanding contributions to our nation, our economy, and our culture. We join all of you in looking toward a bright future, and wish you the best in the year to come," the statement further read, before signing off with "Shubho Noboborsho!" The Bengali New Year, also called Pohela Boishakh, is the traditional new year day of the Bengali community. This year, it will be celebrated on April 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pitching for the formation of a new front 'third front', Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Friday said that it would not be a 'silly political front', but will work for India's masses. Interacting with media after meeting former prime minister and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) chief H. D. Deve Gowda here, the Telangana Chief Minister said that the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have failed the nation miserable. "The Congress Party and BJP ruled India for over 65 years and they have miserably failed the nation. This (third front) is not a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses," Rao said. The Chief Minister further announced that they will come out with a big agenda for farmers before 2019. Earlier in the month, Rao had said that idea of 'third front' pitched by him, will be for the people of the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump on Friday launched another attack on Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director James Comey for supporting one-time acting director of FBI Andrew McCabe. Trump took to his Twitter account to refer to the recently released report by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) which states that McCabe misled investigators about leaks and did so in a way that did not fall under a "public interest" exemption, as per the Fox News. "DOJ just issued the McCabe report - which is a total disaster. He LIED! LIED! LIED! McCabe was totally controlled by Comey - McCabe is Comey!! No collusion, all made up by this den of thieves and lowlifes!", Trump tweeted. Inspector General Michael Horowitz, appointed to the post by former President Barrack Obama, had been reviewing the FBI and DOJ's actions regarding the meddling of 2016 US Presidential elections. The recent report probed the leak of the details about FBI's investigation in the incident related to the Clinton Foundation. As per the report, McCabe had leaked the details of the on-going investigation of the Uranium purchase made by the Clinton foundation in which reportedly Russian officials had routed millions of dollars. McCabe had leaked the details to a Wall Street Journal reporter over an anonymous telephone call. Further, the report said that McCabe "lacked candor" in a conversation with James Comey when he said that he had not authorized the disclosure and didn't know who did. McCabe was fired earlier on March 17 by Attorney General Jeff Sessions just prior to his planned retirement, citing the former FBI official's role in the investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while she was secretary of State. James Comey was fired in 2017 by President Trump on accounts of meddling with the US elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump on Friday slammed former FBI director James Comey after the first reports of latter's book were released, wherein the US President has been branded as "unethical, and untethered to truth." "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH," Trump, wrote, in a Twitter post. "He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst "botch jobs" of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!," the US President added. Excerpts from Comey's book, "A Higher Loyalty," was released earlier. According to the New York Times, in his new book, "A Higher Loyalty," Comey branded the Trump presidency a "forest fire" that is doing serious damage to the country's norms and traditions. "His leadership is transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty," Comey said in his book. Comey's book which is scheduled to be released on next Tuesday, has been published 11 months post he was fired by Trump in May. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain has alleged that Russia has indulged in the espionage of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia for at least five years. In a letter written to Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Britain's National Security Adviser Sir Mark Sedwill has revealed that the Skirpals were the subject of "interest" from the Kremlin's security services since 2013, reported the Independent, Sir Mark said: "We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals, dating back at least as far as 2013, when e-mail accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists." "We continue to judge that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible. There is no plausible alternative explanation," he added. According to the report, Sergei Skripal's daughter Yulia's email accounts had been targeted by cyber specialists which were associated with Russia's GRU intelligence agency. Sergey Skripal was a former Russian military intelligence (GRU) officer, convicted of espionage in 2004. "It is highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination," Sir Mark said. On a related note, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Thursday backed Britain's findings that "high purity" Novichok was used to poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury. The Hague-based watchdog, without mentioning Novichok, in a statement says that its experts, "confirm the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury and severely injured three people." According to the British government, Skripal and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia were exposed to a military-grade nerve agent in the British city of Salisbury on March 4. Yulia was able to recover from the attack after being hospitalised for over a week. She also gave her first public statement to media. She expressed her gratitude towards the people of Salisbury to offer emotional support to her and her family. Skripal has been admitted to the Salisbury district hospital and has now been declared as out of danger. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reacting to the Unnao and Kathua cases, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Friday urged that there should be no victim shaming in the rape and murder cases. "As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming," Irani told ANI. Speaking on the progress in both the cases, Irani said, "Law agencies and government are taking necessary action." Earlier on April 8, the rape victim from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, along with her family members, tried to commit suicide in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow, alleging that she was raped by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his fellow accomplices. The teen had accused the MLA of raping her in June last year. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today registered three cases against Sengar for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl. However, the victim demanded for strict action and severe punishment against the accused. "I want strict action to be taken against him and he should be given severe punishment," Unnao rape victim told ANI. An FIR was lodged against Sengar on Thursday under sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction of woman), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the case was handed over to the CBI. On April 3, the rape victim's father was allegedly thrashed by the accused MLA's brother for refusing to withdraw the FIR over the rape, and was arrested the same day. On April 9, he died in hospital. However, the family cried foul alleging that he was murdered. On the other hand, an eight-year-old girl belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe in Kathua district was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed in January. Among the accused in the case are police officers and a retired government official. On Friday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders held a midnight candlelight vigil to demand strict action in Unnao and Kathua rape cases. Stressing on the fact that the protest was not a political one but a issue, Rahul urged the Centre to act against atrocities on women. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board chief Wasim Rizvi on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase his security after three people were arrested for allegedly conspiring to kill him. Rizvi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi while saying that he was on target of extremists due to his pro-Ram Mandir stand. Earlier today, three people, associated with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim were arrested from Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr city for allegedly conspiring to kill Rizvi. "Extremists belonging to India Muslim Personal Law Board like Sajjad Nomani, Asaduddin Owaisi and few members of Darul Uloom Deoband are linked with underworld Don Dawood Ibrahim and plans are being made to kill me even in Pakistan," he said. Rizvi even asked the Prime Minister to take appropriate action against Madrasa which as per him "continues to be the center of promoting terrorism in the country." Meanwhile, a Delhi Court today sent the three accused-Arif, Abrar and Saleem to five-day Police custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The West Bengal government on Friday moved the division bench of the Calcutta High Court over the process of conducting the panchayat elections, scheduled to be held next month. The matter is scheduled to be heard on Monday. Yesterday, the Calcutta HC had stayed the ongoing panchayat election process in the state till further orders. While staying the election process, Justice Subrata Talukdar sought a comprehensive status report from the West Bengal State Election Commission on the poll process on the number of nominations filed and the percentage of nominations rejected by Monday. On April 9, the state election commission extended the last date to a day for filing nominations for panchayat elections. The decision was made after violence marred the filling of nominations for panchayat polls in the state. On April 6, over 25 political party workers were injured after a clash erupted between workers of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jalpaiguri district over the filing of nomination for the upcoming panchayat polls. Many vehicles were vandalised during the clash. Reportedly, a BJP party office was also burnt by TMC workers. The West Bengal panchayat elections will be held in three phases from May 1 to 5. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One of soon-to-be royal Meghan Markle's family member is not happy with her, as the Suits star has allegedly not invited the relative concerned and her family for the May 19 wedding. The actor's estranged half-sister, Samantha Grant, has filed a complaint against Markle, claiming that the latter has ignored the family for her May 19 wedding to Prince Harry, according to the Fox News. "At issue is not a matter of closeness as more than 1000 complete strangers are invited. Family is family," Grant tweeted on Wednesday. "I have an uncle I have only seen once but I would never say he is not family because we are not close. Humanitarians move forward with love and kindness especially to Family." Grant also claimed that she and Markle are 15th cousins with Harry. "And it's not only Meg who is 15th cousin to Harry. My brother and I are also. I was the first born Markle to my father. Exclude the [Markles] from this wedding would be highly inappropriate," Grant tweeted on Thursday. Along with the tweet, she also posted a family tree, which she claimed was of Markles, to prove that they are related to the royal family. Meanwhile, the 36-year-old is busy with her wedding preparations and soon she may permanently move into Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace along with Prince Harry. However, when she was just a star, Markle had been visiting London to promote her legal drama series. She would often stay at Grosvenor House apartments in Mayfair and called it her favourite property. "I can give you the most honest answer; it's my favourite property I've ever stayed at," Meghan had said in an interview with Jumeirah magazine in 2015. "I'm very fortunate that I have the luxury of staying at so many amazing places, but the service, and being able to stay somewhere where it feels like home, where every need is anticipated, it's all fantastic. I really love it here and I'm happy to be staying. I'm even happy that I don't have to fib." The service apartments by Jumeirah Living are located on Park Lane in Mayfair. There are 130 residences within the building, including four London Suites and four Penthouse Suites. Apart from 24-hour room service, the guests can also avail in-residence spa and beauty services. They can also exercise at fitness centre and enjoy food at restaurant, The Atrium, so it's no wonder Meghan was such a fan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In line with the Government initiative of ease of doing business, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for delegating the powers to Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Finance Minister to award the Blocks/Contract Areas to successful bidders under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) after International Competitive Bidding (ICB) based on the recommendations of Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECS). Under HELP, Blocks are to be awarded twice in a year. Therefore, this delegation of powers will expedite the decision making process on awarding blocks and give a boost to the initiative of ease of doing business. Impact: Under the NELP Policy, ECS considers the Bid Evaluation Criteria (BEC), conducts negotiations with the bidders wherever necessary and make recommendations to CCEA on award of blocks. The CCEA approves the award of blocks. The entire process, including Inter Ministerial Consultations (IMC) is quite lengthy and time consuming. In consonance with the Government initiative of 'Ease of Doing Business', it is desirable to shorten the duration of time taken for award of the Blocks / Contract Areas. Under the New Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy' the competitive bidding will be continuous and blocks will be awarded twice a year. Background: Government of India launched a new policy regime for Exploration & Production (E&P) sector namely Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016 which is paradigm shift from earlier policy regime. The main features of new Policy regime are Revenue Sharing Contract, single Licence for exploration and production of conventional as well as unconventional Hydrocarbon resources, marketing & pricing freedom, etc. Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) under HELP, is main innovative feature wherein investor can carve out Blocks of their own interest and submit an Expression of Interest (Eol) throughout the year. Based on the areas for which expression of interest has been expressed bidding will be conducted every 6 months. Government received an overwhelming response in first Eol cycle of OALP which started on 1st July, 2017 and closed on 15th November, 2017. In the first Bid round, 55 blocks, having an area of 59282 sq.km spreading across 11 States have been offered for bidding. The bidding process is being handled through a secured and dedicated e-bidding portal. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the MoU between India and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland on the return of Illegal Migrants. Benefits: The MoU will facilitate that the Visa Free Agreement for holders of Diplomatic passports as well as liberalization of UK Visa Regime for those who are travelling to the UK legally, after conclusion of the MoU. It will ensure the return of persons who have no lawful basis to be in the territory of the other Party after verification of nationality to its satisfaction. It will help in streamlining the procedure of return of nationals who are caught to be staying illegally, belonging to the other party in a specified time-frame. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Towards the 'Make in India' initiative of the Government, seven Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Indian Private Defense sector manufacturing companies and Russian OEMs for manufacture/ development of spares/ sub-assemblies/ assemblies of identified Russian origin platforms in use by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Russian OEMs. In order to improve after sales support of Russian Origin Defense Equipment in use with the Indian Armed Forces and to promote indigenous manufacturing of certain identified components/ spares by Indian companies in collaboration with Russian OEMs, two rounds of India. Russia Military Industrial Conferences were held in past, first one in March 2017 in New Delhi and second one in August 2017 in Moscow. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IT major Infosys announces its Q4 results today, 13 April 2018. Reliance Industries (RIL) has entered into agreements on 12 April 2018 to acquire 34,33,767 equity shares of Indiavidual Learning (Embibe), for cash consideration, translating to 72.69% shareholding of Embibe on a fully diluted basis. RIL has agreed to invest upto rupee equivalent of $180 million into Embibe, (including consideration to be paid for acquiring majority stake from existing investors) over the next three years. The announcement was made beforer market hours today, 13 April 2018. Embibe is an emerging education technology provider incorporated in India on 28 August 2012. It has operations in India. Embibe operates an AI-based education platform that leverages data analytics to deliver personalized learning outcomes to each student. HCL Technologies (HCL) and Sumeru Equity Partners (SEP), a technology and growth-focused private equity firm, have signed a definitive agreement to acquire Actian Corporation. The all-cash deal is valued at $330 million. HCL will own 80% while SEP will own approximately 20% stake of the JV entity which inturn will own 100% shareholding of Actian Corporation. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 12 April 2018. Palo Alto-based Actian-a leader in hybrid data management, cloud integration, and analytics solutions-powers insight-driven enterprises around the globe to help them solve the toughest data challenges. Reliance Industrial Infrastructure's net profit dropped 65.21% to Rs 2.54 crore on 11.91% fall in total income to Rs 27.22 crore in Q4 March 2018 over Q4 March 2017. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 12 April 2018. EQ India Fund bought 1.50 lakh shares at Rs 650 per share of Agro Tech Foods in a bulk deal on NSE yesterday, 12 April 2018. Letko Brosseau Emerging Marchkets Equity Fund bought 36.50 lakh shares at Rs 59 per share of Kwality in a bulk deal on NSE yesterday, 12 April 2018. Seller was Sidhaant & Sons HUF to the tune of 15 lakh shares at Rs 59.04 each. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and Axis Bank on the Defence Salary Package on 13 Apr 2018. The first MoU between Axis Bank and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed on 24 Mar 2015. The current MoU is tailor-made to suit the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. The signing-in ceremony was chaired by the Director General (MP&PS), Lt Gen SK Saini and was attended by the top dignitaries of Axis Bank headed by Mr Sanjay Sailas, President and Head, Retail Banking, Axis Bank. Recently, Indian Army has also signed a MoU with HDFC bank. MoUs are considered for inception and renewal with banks on analyzing their utility and suitability to the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. Army is hoping that this MoU will benefit a large number of serving and retired Army personnel who are having their accounts with Axis bank; and also provide them an opportunity to access modern banking facilities. Under the current MoU, apart from other benefits, the Army personnel will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent total disability cover of Rs 30 lakh and free educational cover of up to Rs 2 Lakh for children between the age of 12 and 20 years. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two weeks after a peace accord, 114 terrorists of Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) on Friday surrendered to the Mizoram government and deposited huge cache of arms and ammunition. At the surrender ceremony, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said that after a talks, the state government has reached a successful settlement with the HPC-D and the "surrendered extremists now can live a normal life with peaceful co-existence with their families and friends". "The state government would ensure successful implementation of all provisions stipulated in the bipartite accord in a phase manner," he added. "While Mizoram is enjoying peace for last 30 years, Hmar brothers have been living in fear.Now the time of fear psychosis is over, it is now time to work for development by re-unification," Home Minister R. Lalzirliana said at the "Homecoming Ceremony". He however said that the government would show no mercy to those who take up arms to disturb peace in Mizoram. The ceremony was held at Central Training Institute in Mizoram Home Guard headquarters at Sesawng village, 39 km northeast of Aizawl. The weapons surrendered included 44 sophisticated firearms, including nine AK series rifles and two carbines, as well as nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition and five radio sets. The Mizoram government signed a peace agreement with the Manipur-based terror outfit here on April 2 to end the three-decade-old violent struggle. After eight years of parleys, the Memorandum of Settlement was signed by Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and HPC-D President H. Zosangbera. It entails that more administrative autonomy would be given to the existing Sinlung Hills Development Council, which would be renamed the Sinlung Hills Council, said Additional Secretary, Home Lalbiakzama, who led the government team in the talks with the HC-D since 2010. Under the peace agreement, the state government would declare amnesty for all HPC-D cadres against whom criminal cases are pending. Top HPC-D leader Lalbieklien was released from the jail on Wednesday. He had been arrested by the Assam Rifles in Manipur for leading the group that ambushed a Mizoram assembly team on March 28, 2015, killing three policemen and injuring six. Lalbiakzama said that under the agreement, the state government would take steps to provide ex-gratia to the around 100 HPC-D cadres after they surrender and help to rehabilitate them. HPC-D spokesperson Lalthalien said the signing of the peace accord was a historic milestone not only for the Hmar tribe but also for the Mizos at large. The outfit had been indulging in intermittent violent activities in Mizoram since 1989 demanding a separate autonomous district council, under the Constitution's Sixth Schedule, carved out of southern Manipur, northern Mizoram and southern Assam. The Mizoram government had on a number of occasions rejected the demand. Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma (retd) hailed the accord as a "milestone in bringing peace in the state". "After the historic peace accord of 1986 (when Mizo National Front's founder-leader Laldenga led his group into the mainstream), Mizoram has taken the lead yet again in displaying that peace is attainable even in politically vexed and mired situations. "We have continued to showcase that we are one of the most peaceful states, if not the most peaceful, in India. The political will of the Government, the trust shown by the HPC-D, and the role played by the civil society all deserve applause," he added. --IANS sc/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fourteen precious idols of Hindu deities were looted early on Friday from a centuries old math in Bihar's Samastipur district, police said. All the idols -- of Ram, Janaki, Hanuman and Lakshman -- were made of gold and "ashtadhatu" -- an alloy of gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, tin, iron and mercury. Senior police officer Dipak Ranjan said a group of eight to 10 armed criminals looted the idols after taking two Home Guard personnel hostage. "We have identified some suspects who may be connected with the incident," he said. Similar thefts have been reported from Gaya, Bhagalpur, Kishanganj, Vaishali, Begusarai, Saran, Samastipur, Jamui, Nalanda, Rohtas, Sitamarhi and Patna districts. Except in a few cases, police have been unable to recover the stolen idols. An official of the Bihar archaeology department said that ancient idols made of "ashtadhatu" were in great demand in the international market. --IANS ik/ahm/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Police arrested three persons for killing an auto driver over an altercation after they called him a thief in south Delhi, police said on Friday. Police said the accused have been identified as Shah Alam, 26, Nadeem, 23, and Deepu, 23, are jobless and residents of Sangam Vihar. They were arrested on Thursday. The incident occurred on April 2 when the deceased, Deepak, 21, was stopped and called thief repeatedly which led to a heated argument. They took Deepak in to Asola WildLife Sanctury and stabbed him to death and threw his body in a drain, senior police officer Romil Baaniya said. --IANS sp/ahm/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will 'gherao' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence here on Sunday over what it said on Friday was his silence on the rapes in Unnao and Kathua. Addressing the media, senior party leader Gopal Rai said the party would also launch a country-wide campaign after Sunday on rising attacks against women. Rai said the Prime Minister became silent whenever the country faced trouble. "Why is he silent? What is the reason? Even Manmohan Singh used to speak at times." Rai alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were trying to save the accused BJP MLA in the rape in Unnao. "The BJP MLA should be arrested and police should end giving protection (to the accused)," Rai said. He said the AAP would march from Patel Chowk metro station in central Delhi to Modi's residence at on Sunday evening. Asked if the AAP had police permission for the rally, Rai told IANS: "Are the attacks on women being done with the permission of police? We just want to see the Prime Minister." --IANS nkh/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After waiting for 27 long years, India has finally got a sedating drug, and used it to rehabilitate four single-horned rhinos, paving the way for conservation of one of the most endangered species, found only in India and Nepal. On Friday, in a historic conservation effort, foresters at Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh, successfully rehabilitated the rhinos for the second time here. Officials, with the help of volunteers of WWF and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), rehabilitated three female and one male rhino in a 13.5 sq km enclosed area of in the forest's Belraya Range, some 15 km from the present 24 sq km Sonaripur Range enclosure, where 34 adult rhinos thrive. The rehabilitation programme was stuck since 1991, due to want of a sedating drug which is banned in India. The key drug -- M99 -- is used to immobilise large animals like rhinos. "It was a very long wait, but we had to take some bold decisions as to ensure it was not delayed any more. This is historic event and key to conservation of Indian rhinos," Dudhwa National Park Director Sunil Choudhary told IANS on the phone. The drug was important because rhinos, as a routine, are not tranquilised since they cannot be left in that state for longer than 60 minutes, Chaudhary added. "We finally got the drug. We imported it from South Africa earlier this year and had been gearing up for this days since then," Mahaveer Kaujalagi, Deputy Director, Dudhwa National Park told IANS on the phone. He added that the male rhino, aged around 10, and the three females aged 9 to 13 were carefully selected and have good breeding potential. For monitoring purposes, an elephant squad consisting two elephants and seven to eight volunteers has been permanently stationed in the new enclosure has been ringed by solar-powered fencing, an official said. The state forest department, in December 2016, had informed IANS that it sought to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the central government to acquire -- Etorphine (M99) and its antidote -- a drug produced in some African countries. "The replication of the first rehabilitation case of Dudhwa was very important. Since there was no drug, we prepared everything at the backend including installation of the solar fensing in the area,"Koujalagi said, adding, "I am so excited that I am part of this historic event." Considered one of the most successful rehabilitation programmes in India, rhinos were re-introduced in Dudhwa in 1985 after the region was stripped off its last free-ranging rhino by a hunting party in 1878. There are around 2,768 rhinos in India, of which 2,505 are in Assam, as of 2016. Abode to a highly diverse ecosystem at the heart of Terai region bordering Nepal, Dudhwa has several endangered animals, including tigers, elephants, Indian rhino, leopard, barasingha (swamp deer), sloth bear and others. (Kushagra Dixit can be reached at kushagra.d@ians.in) --IANS kd/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a breakthrough moment for Assamese cinema, Rima Das' directorial "Village Rockstars" was named the Best Feature Film at the 65th National Film Awards here on Friday. It is after 29 years that an Assamese film has won the honour. Jahnu Barua's "Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai" had won the award last in 1987. Set in Rima's own village Chhaygaon near Guwahati, "Village Rockstars" is the story of "poor but amazing children" who live a fun-filled life. The film opens with the children having fun as a rock band. As the story progresses, it captures the whole gamut of fun that these rural children are having despite living a life of poverty and deprivation. Rima has also won the Best Editing honour for "Village Rockstars", which has won the Best Child Artist honour for Bhanita Das. It has also been recognised for Best Location Sound Recordist Mallika Das' work. The Best Assamese Film award went to Utpal Borpujari for "Ishu". Borpujari is ecstatic about the win. "I am very happy to win this award as 'Ishu' is my debut feature film. I am happy for my cast and crew who supported me throughout," he told IANS. He is also emotional about the victory of "Village Rockstars". "I am more happy about 'Village Rockstars' because after 29 years, an Assamese film has won the Best Feature Film Award. "What is more special about 'Village Rockstars' is that it is a totally independent film which Rima Das made with her own resources with a very small crew. For such a film to win the National Award is a big achievement. This film has been widely acclaimed in international film circles," Borpujari said in a statement. --IANS rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bajrang Kumar won the gold medal in the 65kg while Mausam Khatri (97kg) and Pooja Dhanda (57kg) won a silver each and Divya Kakran (68kg) bagged a bronze medal as Indian wrestlers enjoyed a successful day at the 21st Commonwealth Games (CWG) here on Friday. Bajrang needed only around two minutes to overpower Kane Charig of Wales by technical superiority in the final. The Indian came up with a series of awe inspiring performances over the course of his campaign to win all his bouts by technical superiority and win his first major international tournament in style. Bouts are awarded on the basis of technical superiority when a wrestler takes a lead of 10 or more points. Bajrang was in a class of his own. He had started his campaign with a power-packed display against Brahm Richards of New Zealand that lasted just a couple of minutes. In the quarter-finals, Bajrang outclassed Amas Daniel of Nigeria, building up a 10-0 lead early in the second round. The domination contiuned in the semi-finals where Bajrang pulled off a series of two-point moves against Vincent De Marinis of Canada to take a 8-0 lead in the first round. Another takedown just after the break earned him the win and a place in the final. Later, Khatri had to be satisfied with silver in his division. Khatri lost to reigning African champion Martin Erasmus of South Africa by technical superiority in the 97kg freestyle final. Khatri was trailing 2-12 when the officials awarded the bout to the South African. In the women's section, Pooja lost 5-7 to defending champion Odunayo Adekuoroye of Nigeria in the final. The Nigerian had won the title at the 2014 CWG in Glasgow as well. Pooja had defeated Joseph Tiako of Cameroon 11-5 in the semi-finals. In the final, Pooja was in trouble in the first round as Odunayo took a formidable 6-1 lead. The Indian had almost pulled off a pin in the closing stages of the first period, but the defending champion managed to wriggle out of trouble. Pooja staged a strong fight back after the break. She pulled off a couple of two-point moves to outscore the Nigerian by a 4-1 margin in the second round. But Odunayo managed to hold on to retain the title. In the women's 68kg class, Divya defeated Sherin Sultana of Bangladesh by fall to take a bronze medal. Earlier in the semi-finals, Divya lost by technical superiority to Nigeria's Blessing Oborududu. The 19-year-old from Delhi was no match for the more experienced Blessing as the Nigerian opened up a 11-1 lead in the second round to clinch the issue. --IANS pur/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MDMK founder Vaiko on Friday said a close relative of his on Friday attempted self-immolation in Virudhunagar after feeling disturbed over the Cauvery water dispute. He is admitted to hospital. In a statement issued here, the MDMK leader appealed to people to refrain from harming themselves in similar manner. Vaiko said Saravana Suresh, who is related to his wife, had listened to his speech against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chennai on Thursday, and had been feeling disturbed. According to Vaiko, on Friday morning Suresh said he was going for a walk. It was later found that he poured kerosene all over him and set himself ablaze over the Cauvery river water sharing issue. "I have lost hope of his survival. All in my family are suffering..." due to this incident, Vaiko added. Suresh was being taken to Apollo Hospital in Madurai, he said. Tamil Nadu political parties and various other organisations are protesting against the central government for not setting up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) as per a Supreme Court order. The Supreme Court on February 16 reduced Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water to 177.25 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) from the earlier 192 TMC allocated by a tribunal in 2007. While Karnataka's share of water was increased by 14.75 TMC. The court also ordered the Centre to set up the CMB within six weeks of its order. However, the government failed to do so within the deadline that ended on March 29. --IANS vj/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central government is planning to amend the law to ensure the death penalty for those convicted of raping children aged below 12, Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi said on Friday. "I and the Ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act...," Gandhi said in a video message. This comes after the nationwide outrage over the rape of a minor girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. Gandhi said she was "deeply disturbed" by the Kathua rape case and all other rape cases involving children. A Ministry official said: "We (the WCD Ministry) are working on an amendment and once finalised we will send it to the Law ministry. This is going to happen soon." The official added that since Parliament is not in session, the government may bring an ordinance to implement the changes, considering the urgency of the situation. States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have approved a bill for death penalty to those who rape girls below the age of 12. The POCSO Act came into force in 2012 and deals with sexual offences against those below 18 years of age. However, according to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the Act is not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir and the WCD ministry has not spoken on whether the new law will also cover the state. In the Kathua case, eight people have been charged with the abduction, rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl from the Bakerwal community in Rasana village in January. Investigations have revealed that the girl was held in a temple, drugged, repeatedly raped and finally murdered to scare the nomadic Muslim community out of the village. --IANS mg/som/him/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arrivals of Chinese tourists to Nepal overtook those from India during the first quarter of 2018 for the first time, the Department of Immigration (DoI) said here on Friday. According to the DoI data, Nepal received a total of 36,384 Chinese tourists from January to March against the arrivals of 34,133 from India during the same period, reports Xinhua news agency. India has long been the top source of tourist arrivals for Nepal. In 2017, Nepal received 104,664 tourists from China and 160,832 from India. Nepal received 9,924 Chinese tourists in January followed by 14,287 in February and 12,173 in March. On the other hand, arrivals from India in January stood at 12,152 in January, 7,570 in February and 14,411 in March. During these three months, Nepal welcomed a total of 216,998 foreign visitors, according to the DoI data. Sharad Pradhan, media consultant at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), told Xinhua that China took the number one position in the first quarter due to inflow of a high number of Chinese travellers during the Chinese New Year. "With increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal during this Spring festival in recent years, the winter season which used to be off-season in the past, has now emerged as important season for Nepal's tourism sector," he said. --IANS ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken on Friday led a candlelight march against the BJP government on the rape of minors in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao and Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and demanded a speedy trial should be held and culprits be hanged till death. Maken started his candlelight march in Chandni Chowk area along with hundreds of Delhi Congress workers. The Congress organised candlelight marches at the capitals of all the states across the country on Friday night. "We organised candlelight marches in 14 districts in Delhi. Similar, marches were held across the country (in state capitals and districts)," Maken told IANS. The party workers raised slogans against the Narendra Modi government. "Today Congress workers are protesting against the rape incidents in all the 14 districts of Delhi. "We are demanding speedy trial in these cases and the culprits should be hanged till death," he told reporters. Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for covering up the rape incidents, the former union minister said, "The BJP has been exposed as they were trying to shield their leaders. Their leaders even participated in the rallies supporting the rape accused." He also said that the cases of atrocities against the women in the country have increased under the Modi government. Asked about two BJP ministers in Jammu and Kashmir resigning after participating in a rally to defend the accused, Maken said that this came in wake of "pressure which was built due to the protest led by Congress President Rahul Gandhi". "But we want to ask when the government is going to hang the culprits, when will the BJP act against its leaders who gave controversial statements on the rape incidents suggesting he hands of Pakistan in Kathua minor rape?" Reacting to the CBI arresting the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao rape case, Maken said, "Their MLA was arrested only when the Congress protested against he rape incidents. Was government sleeping since then?" He said that the government must refer these cases to the fast track court and hang the rape accused. Gandhi had asked party workers to hold protests across the country in support of women protection and to seek justice for the victims. --IANS aks-sid/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said today's generation should know how Congress has "repeatedly insulted" Babasaheb Ambedkar during and after his lifetime, and tried to erase his contribution in nation building. "Congress tried its best to remove his name from the country's history. It's a bitter fact but today's generation must know how Congress insulted Babasaheb when he was alive and even after he died. It is also necessary for the new generation to know how Babasaheb exposed the real character of Congress," he said at his speech at the inauguration of Ambedkar National Memorial at Alipur Road here. Modi said Ambedkar had resigned from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet, saying he was not kept in any committee neither in foreign, defence nor in economic committee despite him being a student of economics and financial matters. Further, he was given a ministry that had little work. Even during a reshuffle, Ambedkar was not given any additional charge, said Modi, adding that Ambedkar had himself said that the "reason why I am disillusioned with the (Nehru's) government. This is related to the attitude towards the backwards and Dalits". Ambedkar further said there was no provision in the Constitution to safeguard the interests of the backwards and even a year since the Constitution was adopted, the government has not even thought of setting up the commission, Modi said, adding even after 70 years. Congress is trying to prevent the OBC Commission getting a constitutional status. "The person who studied at the world's best universities was being subjected to humiliation on a minute to minute basis," he said. Modi attacked the Congress for limiting the nation's history to one family and kept out all those who refused to bow before it. "After independence, Congress created such an ecosystem which made country's history limited to one family. Those who didn't bow down to this ecosystem, didn't find place in the books," Modi said. "The truth is, after the death of Babasaheb, Congress even tried to erase his contribution in nation-building. From Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi, Congress conferred everyone with Bharat Ratna, but it never found Babasaheb worthy of becoming India's 'ratna' (precious stone)," he said. After Ambedkar's death, the Congress said there was no space for his portrait to be placed in the Central Hall, where he sat drafting the Constitution, discussing the details for hours, said Modi. It's the turn of fate that the same Congress is now taking his name to do vote bank politics, he said. The Prime Minister accused the Congress of misleading the public by spreading rumours. "Congress can only create confusion... sometimes it is rumour of abolition of reservation, at other time it's scrapping of the act related to atrocities on SCs and STs. Congress is unflagging in its attempt to cause rift between brothers," he said. --IANS mgu-vn-vd/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the Congress of obliterating the work done by B.R. Ambedkar in nation-building and for not considering him for 'Bharat Ratna' while he was alive. Speaking at the inauguration of Ambedkar National Memorial here, Modi charged the Congress with limiting the nation's history to one family and keeping out all those who refused to bow down to them. "After independence, Congress created such an ecosystem which made country's history limited to one family. Those who refused to bow down to this ecosystem didn't find place in books," Modi said. "The truth is, after the death of Babasaheb (Ambedkar) Congress even tried to erase his contribution in nation-building. From (Jawaharlal) Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi, Congress conferred everyone with a Bharat Ratna, but it never found Babasaheb worthy of becoming India's 'ratna' (precious stone)," he said. He also accused Congress of misleading the public with the "rumour" about abolition of reservation. "Congress can only create confusion... sometimes it is rumour of abolition of reservation, at other time it's scrapping of the act related to atrocities on SCs and STs. Congress is unflagging in its attempt to cause rift between brothers," he said. -- IANS vn/qd/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to continue with the joint monitoring of the pollution level in the Cauvery river along with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A bench of Justice S.A. Bobde and Justice L. Nageswara Rao asked for the continued monitoring till May-end, after which the CPCB should file its final report. The CPCB in its earlier report had flagged the need for the management of sewage disposal to prevent it from flowing into the river in both the states. The court had on March 26 asked both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to file their responses to the CPCB report. Both states informed the court that they have filed their response to the earlier CPCB report on the pollution level in the river. The board had earlier said that it could monitor the river pollution on quarterly basis as per the statute but monitoring on a regular basis has to be done by the states. --IANS pk/in/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that development of Amethi, from where she unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, tops her priorities. The Minister said she "will ensure development and prosperity in this high-profile constituency whether she is around or not". Arriving in the Gandhi pocket borough on a two-day visit, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader also laid the foundation stones for many developmental projects and said that people of Amethi would reap the benefits of these projects in times to come. Accompanied by three senior ministers of Uttar Pradesh's Yogi Adityanath government -- Surya Pratap Shahi, Ashutosh Tandon and Suresh Pasi, Irani exhorted people to take benefit of various schemes in agriculture, skill development and health, rolled out by the Central and state governments. Inaugurating a health camp at the district hospital premises in Gauriganj, the Minister said for the next 20 years, camps like this would continue to be held in Amethi by the Baba Bhaurao Deoras Sansthan and the King George's Medical University (KGMU) of Lucknow. She reiterated her commitment to the people of Amethi and said the bond she established with Amethi four years back would continue for the rest of her life. "The relationship between you and me is important for me and I am doing all that is possible to be true to this bond," she said. Irani urged the people to ensure that the entire district became open defecation free (ODF) at the earliest. She also conducted the ground breaking ceremony and the foundation stone laying of the Agriculture Science Centre at Kathaura in Jagdishpur where she detailed many initiatives of the Narendra Modi government for the welfare and prosperity of the farmers. --IANS md/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Canadian court denied the Walt Disney Co.s request to keep a series of employment agreements with disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein confidential. A model from Toronto, identified as Jane Doe, filed a suit against Weinstein, Miramax and Disney in November, alleging that she had twice been sexually assaulted by Weinstein while working on a film in 2000, reports variety.com. Disney has sought to extricate itself from the suit, claiming that though Disney owned Miramax at the time, Weinstein enjoyed autonomy and Disney was not responsible for overseeing his conduct. In order to advance its motion, Disney has sought to file three employment agreements under seal. Disney alleges that it cannot properly make its arguments without referring to the agreements, and that it cannot publicly disclose the agreements due to a confidentiality provision. But on Tuesday Ontario Court case management master P. Tamara Sugunasiri ruled that Disney must disclose the contracts. "Disney has not met the high threshold set by our Supreme Court of Canada to curb the open court principle," Sugunasiri wrote. "The public shall have access to any materials the parties choose to file with respect to the stay motion." Though the documents remain under seal for now, the court's ruling notes that Disney is identified as a "co-obligor" along with Miramax in the Weinstein contracts, arguably indicating an employment relationship between Disney and Weinstein. Disney has sought to exclude the press and public from a court hearing on the matter, according to a motion filed by Doe's attorneys. --IANS sug/nv/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday met China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi ahead of important visits by two Indian ministers in April and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in June. Doval met Yang in Shanghai and discussed a wide range of spanning bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. "The two sides agreed to maintain the pace of high-level exchanges, with a view to fully realize the potential of a closer development partnership between India and China," the Indian Embassy in Beijing said. Yang was Doval's counterpart as China's State Councillor on boundary talks with India until March when he was elevated to the higher post of the Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission. Their last meeting was in New Delhi in December last year as special representatives of their countries on the 20th round of protracted border talks. Indian's Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be in Beijing on April 24 where they will discuss a host of issues with their counterparts. Modi will meet Xi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in June. Both sides have been trying to reset their ties after the 73-day military stand-off at Doklam along their border. --IANS gsh/ahm/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday met China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi ahead of important visits by two Indian ministers in April and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in June. Doval met Yang in Shanghai and both were understood to have discussed bilateral ties and visits by the leaders of their countries. Yang was Doval's counterpart as China's State Councillor on boundary talks with India until March. He was later elevated to the higher post of the Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission. Their last meeting was in New Delhi in December as special representatives of their countries on the 20th round of protracted border talks. The Indian Embassy in Beijing denied to comment on whether Doval would meet China' State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Indian's Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be in Beijing on April 24 where they will discuss a host of issues with their counterparts. Modi will meet Xi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in June. --IANS gsh/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday threatened to arrest members of the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) if they entered the country. Duterte's threat comes a month after the Philippines announced its withdrawal from the ICC, reports Efe news. "But what is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty, why are you in this country? You cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis," the head of state said in a televised speech. In March, Philippines had submitted a written request to withdraw from the ICC, after the latter had initiated a preliminary investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings in Duterte's controversial anti-drugs campaign, which until now has reportedly killed over 7,000 people. The probe, initiated in February, was launched to assess if there were sufficient grounds to open an investigation, although the ICC did not announce any prosecutor's visit to the country as yet. Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a country's withdrawal from the treaty can only take effect a year after the written notification is received by the UN secretary-general. Human rights organisations and experts have warned Duterte that withdrawal from the Hague-based ICC will not exempt him from trial for the alleged abuses in his anti-drugs campaign. In April 2017, a Filipino had filed a lawsuit against Duterte before the ICC, accusing him of mass murder during his 22-year tenure as the mayor of Davao, and also during the anti-drugs crackdown that began after he took office in 2016. Since then the Philippine government has lashed out against UN rapporteurs on human rights, issuing threats against officials such as Agnes Callamard, who is investigating extra-judicial killings in the Philippines. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission on Friday announced that it will grant an oral hearing to the 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs in the office of profit case on May 17. The Commission, in a letter on Friday, has invited the 20 legislators who were earlier disqualified in the office of profit case as well as petitioner Prashant Patel to appear before the Commission "either in person or through authorised legal representative" at 3 p.m. on this date. The hearing would be conducted in presence of Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat and Election Commissioners Sunil Arora and Ashok Lavasa. The EC's decision came after the Delhi High Court on March 23 set aside the disqualification of the 20 AAP MLAs on the grounds that no oral hearing was given to the MLAs before disqualifying them as legislators of the Delhi Assembly and hence there was violation of natural justice. Quashing the Central government's notification disqualifying the AAP MLAs, the High Court had directed the Election Commission to hear the matter afresh. A bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Chander Shekhar had observed that the Election Commission's recommendation against the legislators was "bad in law" and "vitiated". --IANS mak/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu notice of an incident of lawyers of Jammu and Kathua bar associations preventing a woman lawyer from appearing for the family of a rape victim. Saying that a lawyer who appears for a victim or accused can't be prevented by any bar association or group of lawyers, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud noted: "For it is the duty of a lawyer to appear in support of his client, once he accepts the brief." Taking a dim of the incident at Kathua court premises, the top court said: "If a lawyer who is engaged is obstructed from appearing in the court or if his client is deprived of being represented in the court when he is entitled to do so in a lawful manner, it affects the dispensation of justice and would amount to obstruction of access to justice and interference with the administration of justice." "In fact, this court has held that a bar association can't pass a resolution that they would not defend an accused in any particular case. It is the duty of the bar association as a collective body and they cannot obstruct the process of law." The court also issued notice to the Bar Council of India, Jammu & Kashmir State Bar Council, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua District Bar Association, seeking response as it was brought to its notice that lawyers did not allow the filing of the chargesheet. "We hope and trust that when we are issuing notice, the members of the bar associations shall conduct themselves and would not obstruct the smooth functioning of the justice delivery system which includes the presence of the persons aggrieved or accused in court or for that matter the presence of investigating agency and the witnesses", the court said. The top court directed the further listing of the matter on April 19. It took suo motu notice after top court lawyer P.V. Dinesh and others told the bench that the members of the Kathua District Court Bar Association were obstructing the lawyer appearing on behalf of the family of the Kathua rape victim in the court. The court was told that the High Court Bar Association at Jammu was supporting them. In January, an eight-year-old girl went missing while grazing horses in Rassana forest in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. A week later, her body was recovered.--IANS pk/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of Palestinians protested along Gaza's border with Israel on Friday as part of the so-called Great March of Return demonstration for the third consecutive week. Witnesses told Efe news that at least four Palestinians were injured during morning clashes after the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) fired at dozens of protesters who were reportedly setting Israeli flags ablaze and approaching the fenced border at the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. "IDF troops are responding with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement. It won't allow any harm to security infrastructure & will act against the violent rioters & terrorists," IDF said in a post to Twitter. After the noon prayer, thousands of Palestinians marched to five protest camps near the Gaza-Israel border fence. Salah Abdel Aty, one of the rally organisers, said that this Friday's protests were focusing on a demonstration involving Israeli flags. Large Israeli flags were placed at the entrance of the protest camps and Palestinians stomped on them. Thousands of Palestinian protesters have been marching along the border on Fridays since March 30, calling for the right of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to return to their homelands. Since the beginning of the Great March of Return, riots have been taking place near the Gaza-Israeli border, to which the Israeli Army, reportedly, responded with crowd control and live ammunition. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German Chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel has said Germany will not join a potential US-led military strike against Syria. "Germany will not participate in a potential -- and I must emphasize that no decision has been made so far -- military intervention," Merkel told the media on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. Merkel also stressed, however, that the use of chemical weapons was always "unacceptable". Berlin said it would consequently direct its energy towards non-violent means of preventing the use of further chemical weapons in Syria, for example by supporting the activities of the United Nations Security Council and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened military action against the Syrian government which he blamed for the alleged chemical attack. Activists, local rescuers, and rebels in Syria claim that Syrian government forces used chlorine gas on Saturday in an attack in Douma, a rebel-held area near capital Damascus. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has denied the accusation, calling rebels' claims "premeditated pretexts". German media reported on Thursday that US and Russian security officials were holding urgent high-level talks to prevent a direct confrontation of the two countries in Syria. Norbert Roettgen, the CDU/CSU parliamentary foreign policy spokesperson, subsequently cautioned Washington against an excessively hasty reaction on Thursday. He expressed the view that neither the US nor Russia had any interest in becoming embroiled in a military conflict against each other in Syria. Nevertheless, the situation remained "dangerous" due to its complex nature and the large number of actors involved. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the government is willing to more than double the share of healthcare sector to 2.5 per cent of the country's GDP. "Currently, the government spends 1.16 per cent of the country's GDP on the healthcare sector. However, the Prime Minister has said the budget for healthcare can increase up to 2.5 per cent of the GDP," Rajnath Singh said at the 64th Founder's Day celebrations of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here. He said providing healthcare facility for the population of 125 crore "is not easy". Challenges relate to both medical infrastructure and services including severe shortages of doctors, nurses and hospitals, he said, giving out comparative statistics of healthcare in India and the world. In India, for every 1,000 persons, there are 0.6 doctors, 0.8 nurses and 1.5 beds, whereas the world average is 1.2 doctors, 0.8 nurses and four beds, said the minister. Citing Ayushman Bharat that promises to provide health coverage to 10 crore vulnerable families with an insurance of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, Rajnath Singh said: "This would require infrastructure. The government is working towards it so as to ensure affordable and universal healthcare." "Heavy investment would be required. The government will increase its investment in both preventive and promotive healthcare. But it is not possible for the government to do this alone. We are encouraging the private sector. We see them as strategic partners," he said. Stressing that a "Healthy India" is a must to build a strong and prosperous India, he said that the Narendra Modi government is trying to provide free diagnosis and free emergency care at all government hospitals, even as it is planning big on medical tourism for people coming to India for treatment. The Minister said several steps have been taken towards boosting medical tourism such as extending e-Visa to 161 countries and extending the duration of stay on e-Visa from 30 to 60 days allowing for triple entry in e-Medical Visa cases. On Sir Ganga Ram and his hospital that was first established in Lahore in 1921 and later in Delhi in 1954, Rajnath Singh said: "He had a big heart. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is the only institution that exists by the same name in our country and neighbouring Pakistan." --IANS rt-mgu/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana government on Friday justified the setting up of a Rs 502 crore Integrated Solid Waste ManagementApower plant in Gurugram district saying that it will not only generate electricity but also help in keeping the area clean. The justification came in view of opposition to the plant by residents of Bandhwari village in district to its setting up. To be set up by August 2019, the plant would generate 25 MW of electricity. Laying the foundation stone of the plant in Bandhwari village on Friday, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said it would be installed by fulfilling the conditions laid down by the National Green Tribunal. "Many residents of Bandhwari village have met me asking for such plant," he said. In order to study the working of the plant, Municipal Corporation Councillor Mahesh Dayma, along with two educated youths of the village, would visit China, a state government spokesman said here. "Final decision on the plant would be taken only after their return from China," the spokesman said. Khattar said a Lichen Treatment Plant was being constructed here to stop the underground water from getting contaminated. The plant would be functional by the end of April. --IANS js-pradeep/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Nona", a Malyalam play set against the backdrop of today's social stratification and pseudo-nationalism, has been nominated for six awards at the 13th edition of Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META). Its director Jino Joseph, himself nominated in four categories, says that pseudo nationalism and fascism are prominent issues in contemporary India and underlined that his production calls for the concept of a global citizen. "Nationalism cannot be limited in an anthem or the borders. At the end of the play, the mother and younger brother of the central character Prasanthan wipe off the map of India that is drawn on their courtyard, symbolically eliminating the borders. The applause that this particular scene received (at a previous presentation) is a clear indication of the mindset of people towards the borders that divide people. "Human beings are beyond the limits that the geographic and religious borders offer. The play calls for the concept of a global citizen and stresses that borders should be removed," Joseph, who has worked in nearly 30 productions and scripted and directed two documentaries, three fiction films and a feature film, told IANS in an interview. Joseph has been nominated for Best Director, Best Stage Design, Best Original Script and Best Choreography at the 13th edition of META that kicks off Friday. His play "Matthi" had won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015. "My production process is often improvisational. It may take two months or more. Pseudo nationalism and fascism are prominent issues that contemporary India faces. The contemporary relevance of this predicament deserves a much reachable and reliable setting so as to have long-lasting impact on spectators. An issue of contemporary relevance was selected and then (we) decided to set it against the backdrop of a village," Joseph elaborated. Joseph admitted he has no academic background in theatre. He belongs to an agricultural family and nobody from his family or neighbourhood was ever interested in theatre. He grew up watching professional dramas staged in churches and temples. "I would say that those plays were my primary source of inspiration. Ashokan Kathirur, a regional theatre activist who made experimental plays with common people, is my mentor. I had my first theatrical experiences assisting him. He is no more. I started with directing short plays for school children. The exposure that I now have is still a mystery," he maintained. In the context of God's Own Country, the state of Kerala where he lives and practises theatre, Joseph said that it is witnessing a rising trend in theatre and highlighted that more productions are being launched today in Kerala than ever before. "People are more driven towards theatre. It is growing. But theatre has to be given more prominence. Like other art forms such as film and music, theatre should also turn into a profession of dignity, a career and livelihood. It should have equal status. For that the government should take the initiative to inspire people. Ticketed shows of dramas are gaining popularity these days," opined Joseph, who holds a MA in Communication and Journalism from Kannur University. In the two-hour-long "Nona", a bunch of amateurs from rural India collaborate to assert their right to voice opinions through the power of theatre while exploring contemporary social issues. In this regard, Joseph said theatre has always been a medium of protest, campaign and struggle. "It directly communicates with the people. A single play is more powerful and far-reaching than a thousand processions. Theatre has played a crucial role in the socio-political and religious changes that happened in Kerala. The state was always politically strong and several significant plays which are anti-feudalistic (in their themes) have paved way for many socio-political movements," he said. "Nona" will be staged live in Delhi's Kamani Auditorium on Monday, April 16. The Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards, now in its 13th year, has created a benchmark for applauding the finest in theatre. It was instituted by the Mahindra Group with the objective of becoming a significant platform for celebrating this art. The yearly awards recognise theatre's varied elements like playwriting, set, costume and light designing, direction and performance. Over the years, META has succeeded in setting a stage that represents the diverse interpretations of this art form as understood in various regions of the country. (Saket Suman can be contacted at Saket.s@ians.in ) --IANS ss/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After debuting successfully in 2017, India is going to host its second India Mobile Congress (IMC) between October 25-27 here, Communications Minister Manoj Sinha said here on Friday. "The India Mobile Congress 2018, hosted by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), is an excellent platform for policy makers, industry and regulators to engage in meaningful deliberations to drive the future direction of this important sector," Sinha said while addressing the curtain raiser ceremony of IMC. "This year, we will also be honoured by the presence of our friends from ASEAN and BIMSTEC which will lend a global connect to our exchanges." The IMC expects that more than 200,000 professionals from the telecom industry, encompassing the 5G, start-up ecosystem, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Cities, and allied industry sectors will attend India Mobile Congress 2018, the minister said. The exhibition would feature more than 1,300 exhibitors. "We are at the cusp of a tectonic shift in human history with the advent of futuristic technologies such as 5G and IoT. India is gearing up to embrace this new digital future with our focus on 5G readiness and the facilitation of new technology adoption across sectors," said Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan. "We firmly believe that the India Mobile Congress platform will be instrumental in driving this, by bringing together all stakeholders in the Telecommunications and IT ecosystem and providing the right forum for deliberations on the way forward in connectivity solutions." Sundararajan further said, the focus areas that would be addressed in the IMC 2018 include - "networks of the future, technologies shaping our lives, enhancing consumer experience and last but not the least, startups." "The initiative to launch thousand apps from the India Mobile Congress platform shall be one of the key highlights of the IMC," she added. "This year we also intend to bring on board the state governments as states are active partners with us already in Bharat Net." COAI Director General Rajan S.Mathews said: "With more than 1.2 billion subscribers, mobile now connects the whole of India. It is fuelling innovation, revolutionising industries and spurring exciting new opportunities, across both developed and developing markets." The first edition of IMC, held in September 2017, was attended by around 2,000 delegates, 32,000 visitors, 152 speakers, 100 exhibitors and 100 start-ups. --IANS rrb-ag-rv/vd (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Friday reiterated its support for a secure and stable Afghanistan during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghanistan Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Tariq Shah Bahrami here. The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan, a statement by the External Affairs Ministry said. "Afghan Defence Minister shared his assessment of the recent initiatives of the Afghan government for internal reconciliation; efforts to combat terrorism which receives support from safe havens sanctuaries beyond Afghanistan; and efforts to combat the menace of opium cultivation and drugs trafficking which goes into funding terrorism against the Afghan people," the statement said. It also said that Bahrami "appreciated the positive and constructive support extended by India for economic development and reconstruction in Afghanistan". "He highlighted that the people and the Afghan government would like India to continue to play greater role," it said. India is a major development aid partner for the war-ravaged South Asian nation. On her part, Sushma Swaraj appreciated the courage with which the Afghan defence forces were defending their country and making supreme sacrifices. "She conveyed India's support for the efforts of the government and the people of Afghanistan for building a peaceful, secure, stable, united, inclusive and prosperous nation," the statement said. Bahrami is visiting India to attend the ongoing DefExpo, India's premier defence trade exhibition, held near Chennai. He had earlier met his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman. --IANS ab/ahm/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian companies and Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on Friday signed seven MoUs on the sidelines of DefExpo 2018 here on Friday, an official statement said. According to the statement, deliberations during the third India-Russia Military Industrial Conference were aimed to focus on needs for improvement of after-sales support of Russian origin defence platforms being exploited by Indian defence forces and also to facilitate domestic manufacturing of some of the identified spare parts through collaborations between Indian vendors and Russian OEMs. "Towards the 'Make in India' initiative of the government, seven MoUs were signed between the Indian private defence sector manufacturing companies and Russian OEMs for manufacture, development of spares, sub-assemblies, assemblies of identified Russian origin platforms in use by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Russian OEMs," it said.--IANS spk/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AB de Villiers' (57) brilliant knock helped Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kings XI Punjab by four wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match here on Friday. Chasing 156, opener Brendon McCullum (0) departed in the first over and skipper Virat Kohli (21) also wasted the start and went back in the fifth over. De Villiers and opener Quinton de Kock (45) then forged a crucial 54-run partnership for the third wicket before in-form de Kock was sent packing by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 12th over. Mandeep Singh (22) then came in the middle and supported de Villiers by playing some beautifully crafted shots around the ground. But just when Bangalore side was at the brink of the win, the South African player was dismissed by Andrew Tye in the 19th over. His 40-ball innings was laced with two boundaries and four sixes. Just after that, Mandeep also got run out in the same over. But at that time, it was just a formality and lower-order batsmen Chris Woakes (1 not out) and Washington Sunder (9 not out) completed it with ease. Earlier, Kings XI Punjab were bowled out for 155. Lokesh Rahul (47) and Ashwin (33) were the top scorers for Punjab. For Bangalore, pacer Umesh Yadav scalped three wickets while Chris Woakes, Kulwant Khejroliya and Sundar took two wickets each. Put in to bat, Punjab started off on a poor note, losing opener Mayank Agarwal (15), new batsmen Aaron Finch (0) and Yuvraj Singh (4) the fourth over. With the scoreboard reading 32, Mayank and Finch were dismissed in consecutive balls, while Yuvraj was bowled on the last ball by Umesh Yadav. Unperturbed by the sudden fall of wickets, opener Lokesh Rahul (47) played sensibly and also hammered the bowlers all around the park before getting out in the 12th over to spinner Sundar. In his 30-ball knock, he slammed two boundaries and four sixes. Middle-order batsmen Karun Nair (29) and Marcus Stoinis (11) also failed to utilise their starts and got dismissed in the back to back overs to make scoreboard read 102/5. With their top-five players sitting in dugout, Punjab's lower-order got exposed early. Ashwin (33), however, tried to pace up the innings but in the process the off-spinner also got out in the penultimate over. Tye (7) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (0) got out cheaply and Punjab only managed 155 runs in 19.2 overs. Brief scores: Kings XI Punjab: 155/10 (Lokesh Rahul 47; Umesh Yadav 3/23) against Royal Challengers Bangalore: 159/6 (AB de Villiers 57; Ravichandra Ashwin 2/ 30) --IANS gau/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A knife-wielding man attacked and injured several people at a bakery in Fulda city on Friday and was later shot dead by police. Police officials said they responded to a call at 4.30 a.m. that a man was attacking people at the bakery on Fleming Street, Xinhua news agency reported. When they rushed to the scene, the suspect attacked them with stones and a truncheon-like object. After a policeman was injured, the officers fatally shot the attacker. The motive behind the attack was unclear and an investigation was on. --IANS and/soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Left-sponsored six-hour general strike in West Bengal evoked lukewarm response on Friday as people came out in numbers on the streets while public transport was available in the city and suburbs amid tight security arrangements. Accusing the state's ruling Trinamool Congress of throttling democracy and unleashing massive violence on opposition party workers to prevent them from filing nominations for next month's panchayat polls, the 16 Left parties and associates had called the six-hour strike in the state that started at 6 a.m. Those parties convening the strike included all partners of the erstwhile rulers CPI-M led Left Front. "The six-hour strike was our token protest against the hooliganism of state ruling party before the panchayat polls. However, the strike was not done forcefully anywhere, keeping in mind the people's inconvenience and the preparations for impending Bengali New Year," Communist Party of India-Marxist state Cecretary Surja Kanta Misra told reporters here. "We do not hurl bombs or set fire and vandalise people's house. We want the protest to be spontaneous and peaceful," he said. However, it was business as usual in the cities of Kolkata and Howrah where thousands of office goers hit the streets as the day progressed. The districts also remained largely active barring stray incidents of unrest in some places like West Bardhaman district's Durgapur where the strike supporters tried to put up road blockades and clashed with police. Train services in Eastern and Southeastern Railways as well as the metro rail services in Kolkata were normal while educational institutions including schools and colleges remained open. The ruling Trinamool claimed the strike was a complete failure. "The shutdown has been nothing short of a complete failure. Its not just the left parties, but also the Congress and BJP unitedly tried to disrupt normal life. But people have rejected their appeal," its Secretary General Partha Chatterjee said. Trinamool leaders and state ministers Bratya Basu and Laxmi Ratan Shukla monitored the situation in their respective constituencies and claimed the people of Bengal have shunned the "shutdown-culture" and accepted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's developmental agenda. "Today is like any other normal day. There is no impact of the shutdown. Most people are going to work. I want to thank people for rejecting the culture of shutdowns and strikes in Bengal. Bengal is going ahead under the present government and there is no place for strike on the face of massive development here," said Shukla, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. The state government on Friday issued a notice to its employees stating it would not entertain absenteeism on the day of the strike and said no casual leaves due to inconvenience of transport would be granted. --IANS mgr/ssp/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi of commenting on the religion of a rape victim, Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev on Friday termed her a "disgrace" to the nation. Responding to allegations levelled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) NP at a press conference earlier, Dev said: "I condemn her statement. She is a disgrace to this nation and to the womenfolk of India. "I hope she will stir her own conscience and put herself in the position of those women who have been repeatedly beaten and raped in several states." Earlier in the day, referring to the rape incidents in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, Lekhi said the opposition was raking up these cases selectively, adding they did not talk about the rape and burning of a 12-year-old girl in Assam as the rapist was a Muslim. Noting that the BJP leader was commenting on the religion of the victim, Dev said: "You should be ashamed, Meenakshi Lekhiji, that you are speaking in favour of a party and in its leaders when there are so many crimes against women. "I want to tell her (Lekhi) whether the victim is a Muslim girl or a Hindu girl, whether the rape takes place in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan, there is no religion of crime. "We feel ashamed that the BJP has such women leadership who are commenting on the religion of a girl who is raped." Answering an allegation by Lekhi that Jammu Bar Association President B.S. Slathia was the polling agent of Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, she said: "He may or may not have been a polling agent of Ghulam Nabiji, he is not acting in his capacity as a Congress leader. "But today the BJP MLA of Uttar Pradesh accused of rape continues to be in the party." She said Lekhi had "shamed the nation as a woman MP by drawing an analogy between a polling agent and an MLA. It shows your lack of sensitivity and lack of defence". The Congress MP said Party president Rahul Gandhi's call for midnight protest at India Gate on Thursday was about violence against women throughout the country and not about a particular state. --IANS ps/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) All is not well with police stations and police personnel in Maharashtra, a state-wide survey of 437 station houses conducted by teams of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has revealed, a party official said here on Friday. The survey, set to coincide with the 191st birth anniversary (April 11) of reformer Mahatma Jyotirao G. Phule, who was a pioneer in championing women's rights and education -- have thrown up startling insights into the functioning of the police stations, said AAP state head Brig Sudhir Sawant (retd). "We interacted with police stations, at various levels and petitioned them to initiate more pro-active measures to fight gender-based violence and sexual harassment and assault on women," Sawant told IANS. The worrying aspect that emerged was that in many police stations, there were no women staffers, while most police stations appeared to be under-staffed, including women at senior ranks. This is despite a proposal being mooted after the Nirbhaya episode for setting up all-women police stations across the country, but there is not a single such station house even in Mumbai, Sawant said. "Police expressed difficulties in protecting witnesses, especially in sensitive matters, with the result that the witnesses turn hostile and affect the prosecution case in court. Some women police officials also shared the pathetic social discrimination encountered by victims of sexual harassment," he added. Moreover, a majority of the public prosecutors appointed to fight police cases are appointed on a contractual basis, thus resulting in "a noticeable decline in their quality". Sawant pointed out that as per the recent National Crime Records Bureau data, while the number of cases of crimes against women have seen a sharp increase over the years, there is an abysmally low rate of conviction. Another disheartening fact that was highlighted is that after the recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, it is not possible to arrest legislators, municipal councilors or government officials without prior sanction from the government. "Little wonder then, that the alleged rapists in the cases like Kathua and Unnao continue to enjoy political patronage and enjoy benefits of deep-rooted patriarchal hegemony," said Sawant, adding that this amendment must be struck off, or at least should not be applicable when it concerns crimes against women. Reflecting police sentiments, the AAP said that there is a need for a District Attorney system, as prevalent in the US, whose office can supervise all police investigations in a district, while only Special Public Prosecutors must handle all rape cases to ensure conviction. Sawant said that now, AAP will follow up with 10-member teams which will be appointed to coordinate with each police station in Maharashtra, monitor implementation of its demands and convey public grievances for redressal to the concerned officials. --IANS qn/qd/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a shocking instance of corporal punishment, a government school teacher allegedly pierced a wooden cane into a student's throat for failing to do a maths problem, a police official said here on Friday. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Zilla Parishad School in Pimpalgaon village in Karjat sub-district, said Karjat Police Station official S. B. Mhetre. During a maths class session in Class II, Rohan D. Janjire apparently failed to solve a problem which enraged the teacher Chandrakant Sopan Shinde. In a fit of rage, he picked up his cane and shoved it into the child's throat, piercing it and seriously damaging both his wind-pipe and food-pipe, and rendering him speechless. The 8-year-old boy fell in the class, choking, writhing in pain with blood oozing out of his severely punctured throat and unable to speak. There was an uproar and all the other horrified students from the classroom and the school ran out. The school authorities arrived soon after and rushed the boy to a hospital in Rashin, where he was said to be serious, and was advised to be rushed to Pune for treatment. He is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU at a Pune hospital, said Mhetre. Meanwhile, the school authorities suspended the teacher and launched a probe into the incident. The police have lodged a complaint by the child's mother Sunita Janjire. "The accused has been booked on charges of assault but has not yet been arrested. We are monitoring the student's condition. After we record his statement, and if required, the charges may be enhanced," Mhetre added. --IANS qn/qd/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On way to inaugurating the Ambedkar National Memorial, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday boarded the Delhi Metro and travelled from Lok Kalyan Marg to Vidhan Sabha station. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (Friday) travelled by Delhi Metro from Lok Kalyan Marg station to Vidhan Sabha station of Yellow Line from 5:41 p.m. to 6:01 p.m.," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said. The metro services on the line continued as normal throughout the Prime Minister's journey. "During his travel, services were running as per normal schedule including passengers in the train which the PM took," the transporter said. Modi had laid the foundation stone of the memorial on March 21, 2016 at 26 Alipur Road, which was home of B.R. Ambedkar, India's first Law Minister and a champion of marginalised classes. He died at the same house on December 6, 1956. --IANS vn/qd/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, an official release said on Friday. The release said that the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the Bhanupratappur-Gudum Railway Line via video conference on Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar's 127th birth anniversary. He will flag off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur. He will also inaugurate a dialysis centre at Bijapur Hospital and inaugurate a Health and Wellness Centre, which will mark the launch of the Union government's ambitious Health Assurance Programme Ayushman Bharat. He will also launch the Van Dhan Yojana which aims at empowering tribal communities. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the construction of 1,988 km of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) roads in Left Wing Extremism areas; other road connectivity projects in LWE areas, water supply scheme of Bijapur and two bridges. "Heavy security arrangements are in place for the PM's visit, with 4,000 police personnel deployed in the area. Around 500 CCTVs and multiple checking points for the participants in the rally have been installed," said Dantewada Superintendent of Police Kamlochan Kashyap. --IANS mg/qd/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over four lakh government employees in Madhya Pradesh were on a mass leave for a second day on Friday demanding a revised pay scale and regularisation of contractual employees. Karmchari Sangh President Sudhir Nayak told reporters here that the government till now has only given assurance and no actions have been taken on their demands. "This is our second day of the strike but the government has not responded as of now. This time we want a written reply," he said. Government work has been paralysed due to the strike. --IANS hindi-nks/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Myanmar has said that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the country and hence cannot try it over allegations that hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas were deported to neighbouring Bangladesh. In a statement, the Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor -- headed by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi -- argued that Myanmar was not a signatory to the Rome Statute and hence it does not come under ICC jurisdiction, Efe news reported on Friday. On Monday, ICC's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had filed a petition where she contended that the Rohingyas were "intentionally deported across the international border into Bangladesh". The Rohingya exodus began on August 25 when the Myanmar Army launched an offensive in the country's Rakhine region following a series of attacks on government posts by Rohingya rebels. The offensive, which reportedly included loot, rapes and razing down of Rohingya villages, led the exodus of some 690,000 members of the predominantly Muslim ethnic group to neighbouring Bangladesh, where they are still living in overcrowded refugee camps. The statement also refuted Bensouda's claim that Myanmar had deported the Rohingyas and added that it has been collaborating with Bangladeshi authorities to repatriate them. On Tuesday, Bensouda had cited UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein who had described the Rohingya crisis as "ethnic cleansing". The prosecutor's office had collected information from various UN agencies, media and non-profits like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among others, to document the alleged abuses suffered by the minority, whom Myanmar considers Bangladeshi migrants and denies citizenship rights. The Rohingyas "have suffered years of persecution within Myanmar", Bensouda said in the statement, stressing that the situation deteriorated significantly since last August. The Myanmar government and the Army had rejected all claims of human rights abuses in the offensive, although on Wednesday a Myanmar court had sentenced seven soldiers to 10 years in prison for their role in the extrajudicial killings of 10 Rohingyas in September. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Child protection schemes like the POCSO Act and 24x7 children helpline numbers are now being published on the inside of the front cover of all the course books from class 6-12, according to Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry. Published by the National Council Of Educational Research And Training (NCERT), the step is taken to equip the children with the information regarding the possible modes of protection and complaints. In 2017, the WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi had requested Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar and NCERT to popularise POCSO e-Box and Childline 1098 through NCERT publications, screening of educational films on child sexual abuse in the schools and having strict norms for employing the support staff. After the step was taken, Gandhi thanked Javadekar and NCERT for implementing her suggestion. She added that the parents, guardians, and teachers should remain vigilant about the children as well as their behaviour and any suspected situation should be reported immediately on the Childline No 1098 and the POCSO e-Box. According to the WCD ministry, through these course books, the information is expected to reach approximately 26 crores school students and more than 10 lakh teachers in around 15 lakh schools. --IANS som/and/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepali Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will visit China from April 16 to 21 at the invitation of China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This is the first high-level visit from Nepal to China after formation of the Oli government. The visit follows Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's tour to India on April 6. Gyawali is scheduled to hold bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang on April 18 which will be followed by a joint press address, according to a statement by the Nepali Foreign Ministry on Friday. Wang will also host a luncheon in honour of Gyawali. The status of China-funded projects in Nepal, expediting projects under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will be among the issues that will be discussed during the visit, the Ministry said. Gyawali's visit also aims to lay ground for the upcoming China visit of Oli and it is said that Chinese President Xi is also likely to visit Nepal in second half of the year. The Nepali Foreign Minister will also call on the State Leader of China and address a round-table meeting of Chinese think-tanks. On April 20, Gyawali will meet the provincial leaders of Sichuan and address a programme at the Sichuan University. The Nepali delegation includes Ambassador of Nepal to China Leela Mani Paudyal and other Foreign Ministry officials. --IANS giri/soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for breaking his silence on the rape-murder of a minor in Jammu and Kashmir and the rape of another in Uttar Pradesh, Congress demanded that he should now take "some serious action", instead of giving "assurances". The party also said the BJP has a anti-Dalit mindset and just by inaugurating a memorial their ideology and mindset won't change. "We are very very thankful that the Prime Minister has spoken at least..even if he has done it after three months, after weeks of Unnao, even if he has spoken at the demand and insistence of the opposition parties like us," said Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi. "But at least he has spoken. I wish he will now convert his words to deeds. We want him to take some serious action," he added. "Deeds count, words do not. The mentality of the RSS, BJP, PM and the government is anti-Dalit. Their thought, deed, their thinking process, actions, policies and approach are all anti-Dalit. "Mere slogans and jumlas will neither prevent, nor reduce Unnaos and Kathuas. For Dalits you can inaugurate as many memorials as you like, but the fact of the matter is you are reducing sub-plans, financial allaocations, robbing them of their scholarships, you are particiapting in conspiracies to dilute their reservation and then you are shedding crocodile tears in the name of Dalits." On the Prime Minister saying Congress didn't give Babasaheb Ambedkar due respect and also didn't confer Bharat Ratna on him, Singhvi said: "Any attempt to rewrite, reinvent and erase history will not work." "Ambedkar was part of Congress movement. He had healthy positive differences of opinion on policy matters. But he was a part of the freedom movement with the Congress. He was a minister in Nehru's cabinet. He was respected person. No one has done more in the name of Babasaheb and the Dalits then Congress has," he said. "Do you know about RSS' views on Baba Saheb and the Dalits, their attitude towards reservation. They even made fun of Baba Saheb. Now, they are trying to turn over a new leaf and become crusaders for Dalits." --IANS sid/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The One Belt-One Road (OBOR) initiative is not solely a Chinese project, as it has significant involvement of other Asian nations, a top diplomat said here on Thursday. "OBOR was born in China but it runs through a whole lot of East Asian countries and it is important to note that wherever OBOR goes, they (the concerned countries) share discussions, share instructions among them. "It is not China's solo project but a kind of a symphony of all countries," Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu said while answering a question on India's reservations about the project. India has repeatedly pointed out that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key segment of OBOR, passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, legally an Indian territory, and this makes Indian acceptance of the project impossible. Talking about the reforms initiated by the Communist Party of China (CPC) last year, the Envoy pointed out that the proposed changes aim to completely eradicate poverty from China by 2020. "A lot of precise decisions have been taken in the 19th party congress of the CPC considering the goal of turning China into a prosperous, strong, democratic, technically advanced, harmonious and beautiful country," Zhanwu said at a talk on 'Post 19th CPC, Institutional changes in PRC' organised by Observer Research Foundation here. "By the year 2020, China would become a moderately prosperous country. By 2050, it would become the modern socialist country in every dimension... with the reforms initiated, CPC aims to get rid of poverty of every household by 2020 by the current poverty line standard that is about two dollars per day and also fend off environmental pollution and kind of financial risks," he said. The 19th party Congress of CPC, that took place in October last year, introduced several reforms like transforming six central leading groups like cyberspace affairs, financial and economic affairs, and foreign affairs into central committees. Claiming that China has successfully solved the problems with food and clothing to a large extent, the Envoy said the biggest challenge for the Chinese government is to bridge the inadequate development of the society and economy. "However, there are about four crore people living in poverty, so every year we need to pull out nearly 1.3-1.4 crore Chinese out of poverty to meet our national target. It is a huge task. The main need is to balance the inadequate or unbalanced development of the economy," he said. Pointing out that opening up to the outside world and necessary reforms have been the prime reason for country's development, Zhanwu said it would continue to open up more widely for foreign investments in the coming years and protect intellectual rights forcefully. --IANS mgr/ssp/him/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirming Britain's assessment of a nerve agent used in an attack on a former Soviet spy and his daughter last month, British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said on Friday that his country's stand has been vindicated. "No other explanation other than it was Russia who carried it out given the nature of the nerve agent which OPCW yesterday (Thursday) has confirmed that it was a Soviet era nerve agent of the very highest purity," Asquith said during a media briefing here. "There can be no other entity that could have made it. "So, OPCW has confirmed what we have been saying and the Russians have been contesting," he said. The chemical attack was made on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, in the British city of Salisbury on March 4. The OPCW, which conducted its probe at the request of the British government, analysed samples collected by British authorities from Skripal, Yulia and a police officer exposed to the nerve agent and concluded the chemical was "of high purity". Its report came after the Western countries expelled over 100 Russian diplomats from their countries in response to the poisoning, straining relations between Russia and the West. Western leaders said they agreed with Britain's assessment that it was highly likely Russia was responsible for the attack. The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement. The report puts beyond doubt that it was highly likely Russia carried out the attack, people close to the investigation said, adding that the nerve agent could only be concocted in a very sophisticated laboratory by highly capable chemists who were familiar with the agent. The deadliness of the agent depended on the dose and how it was inhaled. The OPCW was not tasked to identify where the nerve agent came from. The purpose was only to confirm the identification of the nerve agent used. The full report by the OPCW, which was classified, mentioned the chemical structure of Novichok but did not use the name. The Novichok class of nerve agents was developed in Russia and its existence was first revealed in the early 1990s by a dissident scientist. "In our view, there are really important questions the Russians have to answer," Asquith said. "From our perspective, it is really an important attack to take note of and not to allow to pass by without it being pinpointed. "As we say, there are many questions the Russians have to answer. They have not answered. All they have done so far is to try and deflect the questions, to obstruct the investigation." Asquith said that this was exactly the same that Russia seemed to be engaged in the case of a reported attack in the use of nerve agent in Syria. The suspected attack, denied by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, was carried out last week, reportedly killing over 70 people. India on Thursday said that it is waiting for the result of the investigation into the attack on Skripal and his daughter. --IANS ab/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 170 countries, comprising India, on Friday reached a historic agreement in London to reduce shipping carbon dioxide emissions by "at least" 50 per cent on 2008 levels by 2050 with an emphasis on scaling up action to 100 per cent by the mid-century. The decision, arrived at after two weeks of intense negotiations at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), sends a clear signal to the industry and investors that a clear switch away from fossil fuels is now on the cards. Meeting the target means that in the 2030s, most newly built ocean-going vessels will run on zero carbon renewable fuels, say experts. Ships, which transport over 80 per cent of global trade, will become free from fossil fuels by then. While a few specific objections were made, even the countries with the most ships registered to them supported the deal and only two countries opposed the text outright, an expert, who was part of the negotiations, told IANS. "The IMO's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 100 per cent in 2050 is major progress," Tristan Smith, Reader in Energy and Shipping with the UCL Energy Institute, said in a statement. "The world's shipping industry has now, for the first time, defined its commitment to tackle climate change, bringing it closer in-line with the Paris Agreement." John Maggs, President of the Clean Shipping Coalition and senior policy advisor, Seas At Risk, said: "We have an important agreement, and this level of ambition will ultimately require a sector-wide shift to new fuels and propulsion technologies, but what happens next is crucial. "The IMO must move swiftly to introduce measures that will cut emissions deeply and quickly in the short-term. Without these the goals of the Paris agreement will remain out of reach." India has been one of the earliest members of the IMO, having ratified its convention and joined it as a member-state in 1959. According to a UN report, compared to China, India and Brazil were minor players in the shipping industry with 1.21 per cent and 0.88 per cent, respectively, of the overall world share. Even the OECD's International Transport Forum (ITF), with 59 member countries including India, in a report released on March 27 talked about decarbonising maritime transport by 2035. Zero emission from shipping by 2035 was the most ambitious proposal on the table at the IMO, made by the climate-vulnerable Marshall Islands and allies. This report, therefore, directly undercuts the arguments made by Japan that only 50 per cent decarbonisation much later by 2060 is technically feasible. The main driver for the growth of global shipping emissions is the rise of international trade, projected to almost double by 2035 and growing at a rate of approximately three per cent per year until 2050. By 2035, China and India could dominate global trade with 23 per cent of global export flows. The share of export values from Europe might be reduced to 26 per cent of the global export flows in 2035, compared to 33 per cent in 2015. --IANS vg/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind will celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti on Saturday in Madhya Pradesh's Mhow, the birthplace of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an official said on Friday. The three-day celebration in Mhow -- also known as Dr Ambedkar Nagar -- to mark the birth anniversary of Ambedkar kicked off on Thursday, the official said here. Divisional Commissioner Sanjay Dubey has inspected the area to check the security arrangements, according to him. The authorities concerned have been asked to ensure security and comfort of the people coming to attend the event, the official added. --IANS hindi-nks/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As Congress President led a midnight march at India Gate to protest against the incidents of rape in Unnao and Kathua, his sister Priyanka Gandhi was visibly miffed after she got pushed by the unruly crowd. Huge crowd had gathered at the India Gate here on Thursday midnight to protest against the incidents of rape in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. Priyanka Gandhi was heard telling the crowd to respect the cause for which they gathered at the India Gate. She also appealed to the crowd to keep calm and march silently. "Those who have come here to push people around must go home," she was heard saying. Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra and her children (son and daughter) were also present. Many were shouting slogans like "Modi Bhagao, Beti Bachao" as they held candles as a mark of protest. The police had a hard time controlling the crowd (some of them were even drunk) as many had crossed over the barricades and even broke through them. Traffic movement too came to a halt near the India Gate due to the crowd. The SPG too had a very difficult time protecting from the chaotic crowd. Apart from scores of Congress workers, there were also students, people from civil society groups, professionals and mediapersons in the march. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced concern over developments in and around Syria during a telephonic conversation, the Kremlin has said. The two presidents stressed the importance of ensuring necessary conditions for the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons mission sent to Syria to investigate an alleged chemical weapon attack, the Kremlin said on Thursday, Xinhua reported. "Both leaders spoke in favour of stepping up the political settlement process in Syria based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the decisions made by the (Syrian) National Dialogue Congress in Sochi," the Kremlin said. On Saturday, rebels in the formerly rebel-held Douma district of Damascus accused the Syrian forces of using chlorine gas, which led to the death of 40 people. The Syrian government totally denied the claims, saying the rebels were fabricating incidents to attract foreign strikes on Syria. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to launch a missile attack on Syria over the alleged chemical weapon attack, but he tweeted on Thursday that the attack "could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a news briefing on Thursday that the threat to use force against a UN member state is a "blatant violation of the UN Charter". --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern that a number of quacks practicing medicine are playing with the lives of people and posing a great risk to society. "A number of unqualified, untrained quacks are posing a great risk to the entire society and playing with the lives of people," said a bench of Justice R.K. Agrawal and Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar. "People having no recognised and approved qualifications, having little knowledge about the indigenous medicines are becoming medical practitioners and playing with the lives of thousands and millions of people. Sometimes such quacks commit blunders and precious lives are lost." Speaking for the bench, Justice Agrawal noted that even after 70 years of Independence, "people having little knowledge or no recognised or approved qualification are practising medicine". "The government has been vigilant all along to stop such quackery." Holding that the right to practise any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business is no doubt a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, it said: "But that right is subject to any law relating to the professional or technical qualification necessary." The regulatory measures on the exercise of this right, both with regard to the standard of professional qualifications and professional conduct, have been applied keeping in view not only the right of the medical practitioners but also the right to life and proper healthcare of persons, the judgement said. The court said this addressing the question as to whether the persons who do not fulfil the prescribed qualification and are not duly registered under the relevant statute be permitted to practice as 'Paramparya Vaidyas'. It dismissed the plea by Kerala Ayurveda Paramparya Vaidya Forum, which was ousted from practising the indigenous medicine after the Travancore-Cochin Medical Practitioners Act, 1953 which barred the unqualified doctors in the stream of siddha/unani/ayurveda system of medicine came into force. The Forum had challenged a 2003 Kerala High Court order rejecting their plea. --IANS pk/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi unit of Congress on Friday said party workers will take out a candlelight march in all the districts of the city over the BJP's alleged involvement in the rape incidents in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao and to seek justice for the victims. "Today (Friday) at 10 p.m, in every district, the Congress workers will hold a candle light march against the rape incidents in Kathua and Unnao and for BJP's involvement in the crime," Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said in a tweet. The former Union Minister said that the assembly point in every district would be notified to the party workers soon. Maken's tweet came in the wake of Congress President Rahul Gandhi's Thursday midnight protest by the party workers at the India Gate here against the "slumber" of Narendra Modi government over the rape incidents. The candlelight protest on Thursday was called at a short notice, but it saw people converging at the India Gate in sizeable numbers to express their support. Rahul Gandhi joined the protest around midnight. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband Robert Vadra were also present. Congress leaders, including Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambika Soni, Ashok Gehlot, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Sushmita Dev, walked from the party headquarters at 24-Akbar Road to the India Gate along with hundreds of party workers holding candles. --IANS aks/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker and the jury chairperson of the 65th National Film Awards, Shekhar Kapur is amazed at the quality and standard of regional cinema and believes that it is giving Hindi cinema a run for its money. On Friday, Kapur, who announced the awards along with other jury members present at the Press Information Bureau here, was impressed with the scale of regional cinema. Judging the outcome where most of the categories were dominated by regional cinema, especially by Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali and Marathi cinema, Kapur told IANS: "Regional cinema is giving Hindi cinema a run for its money" . The filmmaker said that he was amazed by the quality and standard of regional cinema. "Ten days of watching films, talking to my jury members... I was stunned at the quality of films not in Hindi cinema, but regional cinema, cinema that has never come up before," he said before announcing the winners. "I was stunned after 10 days and last night I thought it's time to make a film in India because the standard of regional cinema is world beating... It is so difficult to make regional cinema. I know we are all filmmakers... Give every filmmaker his or her due and that's what we are doing," he added. Hailing Malayalam cinema especially, Kapur said that "Malyalam cinema is much better than the Hindi film industry... it is far ahead". The filmmaker said that the most important problem that regional cinema makers face is finance for their projects. "It is so difficult to make regional cinema, there are so many aspects to look into. We are all filmmakers, we know the bit on finance needed. The don't have a Shah Rukh Khan. It is so difficult," he said. With his last film in India being "Bandit Queen" two decades ago, he says it is time for him to make a film here. "'Bandit Queen' was the last film I made in India, after that I never made a film in India for a reason. I wanted to make better films than Hindi cinema offered me, and for years I wanted to come back here and make films in India. For years, I have been watching films and saying 'the standard of Hindi films is just not good enough. Why should I go back? ...' ten days ago I changed my opinion," said Kapur. Kapur says that giving awards also means that those films are meant to be seen and that it is important to not go by the words of film critics as they are more or less prejudiced. "Why only allow the film critics to see the films. There is a very thin line between prejudice and judgment. Film critics are usually very prejudiced. You must watch these films. A lot of people have done a lot of hard work," he said. --IANS dc-ks/nv/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL) on Friday signed a 53.5 billion Japanese yen "Samurai Term Loan" with 7 year bullet maturity. According to the company, the facility is guaranteed by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and "will be used for funding RJIL's ongoing capital expenditure". "This deal represents the largest Samurai loan for an Asian corporate. The Facility has been fully underwritten by Mizuho Bank, Ltd., MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch and will be shortly launched into syndication," the company said in a statement. --IANS rv/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia has "indisputable" data that the alleged chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma was staged by "foreign agents", Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. "The mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has set off to Syria not so quickly and without abundant enthusiasm but under our and Syrian pressure. It is due to arrive in Damascus on April 14," TASS news agency quoted Lavrov as saying. "We expect the mission to go without any delay to Douma where Russian specialists who examined this place have not found any confirmations of the use of chemical weapons," he said. "We have the irrefutable data that this was staged... and the special services of a country, which is now seeking to be in the first ranks of the Russophobic campaign, were involved in this staged event," he said. The US and France said they had proof it took place and, alongside the UK, were considering military retaliation. Russia, which has military forces deployed in Syria in support of the government, warned that US air strikes risked starting a war. Russia accused Washington of putting international peace at risk and requested a UN meeting in New York later in the day but it was not confirmed that it will happen. The White House said it was continuing to assess intelligence and talk to its allies about how to respond. "The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," said Moscow's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia on Thursday. The delegation from the OPCW will start its investigations in Syria's Eastern Ghouta region on Saturday but few details were expected to be released about its movements for safety reasons. The suspected attack, denied by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, was carried out last week, reportedly killing over 70 people. The Violations Documentation Centre, which records alleged violations of international law in Syria, said bodies were found with foam at the mouth, discoloured skin and burns to the eyes. On Thursday, US officials said they had blood and urine samples from victims which had tested positive for chlorine and a nerve agent, according to a NBC News report. French President Emmanuel Macron also said he had "proof" that the Syrian government had attacked Douma with chemical weapons. In the UK, Cabinet ministers said that it was "highly likely" the Assad regime was responsible for the attack. UK Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump agreed on the need to deter chemical weapon use in Syria. Trump had also said last week that Putin bore responsibility for the "atrocity" in Douma. On Wednesday, the US President said the missiles were "coming", but on Thursday he tweeted that he had "never said when". It "could be very soon or not so soon at all". --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia has warned the US that launching airstrikes in response to a suspected chemical attack in Syria could spark a war between the two countries and accused Washington of putting international peace at risk. "The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," Moscow's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Thursday. Western powers are thought to be preparing for strikes but Syria's ally Russia opposes such action, the BBC reported on Friday. Nebenzia said the situation was "very dangerous" and they "cannot exclude any possibilities". There is a heightened "danger of escalation" because of the Russian military presence in Syria, Nebenzia said after a private meeting of the UN Security Council in New York. Senior Russian figures, including the head of the military, warned that US missiles will be shot down and their launch sites targeted if Russian personnel come under threat, the report said. Nebenzia also called for the UN Security Council to meet again on Friday to discuss the possibility of Western military action. The White House said it was continuing to assess intelligence and talk to its allies on how to respond. Meanwhile, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said its experts in Syria will start investigations on Saturday. The call for action came after a suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma in the Eastern Ghouta last week killed over 70 people. President Bashar al-Assad's government called the chemical attack reports "fabricated". The Violations Documentation Centre, which records alleged violations of international law in Syria, said bodies were found with foam at the mouth, discoloured skin and burns to the eyes. On Thursday, US officials said they had blood and urine samples from victims which had tested positive for chlorine and a nerve agent, according to a NBC News report. French President Emmanuel Macron also said he had "proof" that the Syrian government had attacked Douma with chemical weapons. In the UK, Cabinet ministers said that it was "highly likely" the Assad regime was responsible for the attack and said the use of chemical weapons must not "go unchallenged". During a phone call late on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump agreed on the need to deter chemical weapon use in Syria. Trump had also said last week that Putin bore responsibility for the "atrocity" in Douma because of his support for the Syrian government. On Wednesday, the US President said the missiles were "coming", but on Thursday he tweeted that he had "never said when". It "could be very soon or not so soon at all". --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a court order handing two-year jail to a Congress leader in a defamation case for alleging Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's family members were involved in the Vyapam scam. A two-judge bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and R. Banumati of Supreme Court dismissed a court's order that also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson K.K. Mishra. Mishra had accused the Chief Minister's family of being involved in the Vyapam scam, following which the Madhya Pradesh government had filed a defamation case. "This decision is going to be big jolt for Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his managers who conspired to keep me silent in my fight against corruption," Mishra told IANS. "I am sure now that in coming days, all big names associated with Vyapam scam will be exposed," he added. Reacting to the development, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Arun Yadav tweeted: "Truth always wins." --IANS hindi-pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a relief to Madhya Pradesh Congress leader K.K. Mishra, the Supreme Court on Friday quashed a defamation case filed against him by the state for making defamatory remarks against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. A bench of Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice R. Banumathi, and Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudhar set aside the November 17, 2017, order of a trial court in Bhopal which had sentenced Mishra to two years in jail in the defamation case, while holding that the "very initiation of the prosecution has been found by us to be untenable in law". "On the conclusions that have been reached by us... the conviction of the accused appellant (Mishra) and the sentence imposed would not have any legs to stand. The very initiation of the prosecution has been found by us to be untenable in law," said the bench. "Merely because the trial is over and has ended in the conviction of the appellant and the matter is presently pending before the High Court in appeal should not come in the way of our interdicting the same," said the bench while invoked its extraordinary jurisdiction and closed the appeal pending before the High Court against the trial court verdict. A trial court in Bhopal had convicted and sentenced Mishra, the Congress' chief spokesperson in the state, to two years jail in the defamation case for levelling charges against Chouhan in the transport constable recruitment scam which was part of the Vyapam scam. Mishra was released on bail soon after the trial order was delivered. Later, he challenged the trial court's verdict in Madhya Pradesh High Court, which was still pending there. He had approached the apex court challenging the MP High Court order of dismissing his plea against the the sanction granted by the state government to file defamation complaint and thereafter charges framed against him in the case. The apex court bench in its order took into note the sequence of event and said that in the present case, the press meet was convened by Mishra on June 21, 2014 and the government accorded sanction to the public prosecutor to file complaint under the Indian Penal Code's Section 500 against him on June 24, 2014. "As seen from the records, the complaint was filed by the public prosecutor against Mishra on the very same day i.e. June 24,2014. The haste with which the complaint was filed prima facie indicates that the public prosecutor may not have applied his mind to the materials placed before him as held in Bairam Muralidhar case. We, therefore, without hesitation, take the view that the complaint is not maintainable on the very face of it and would deserve our interference," it added. The apex court said that it was clear that the public prosecutor, who had filed the defamation complaint, had not done any scrutiny of materials on the basis of which the sanction to prosecute Mishra was obtained from the competent authority. "The public prosecutor in terms of the statutory scheme under the Criminal Procedure Code plays an important role. He is supposed to be an independent person and apply his mind to the materials placed before him," it added. In Bhopal, the state government had filed the defamation case against Mishra in June 2014 for "making defamatory and false statements against the Chief Minister with an intent to tarnish his image" under sections 499 and 500 of the IPC. The case was filed after Mishra alleged during a press conference in Bhopal that 19 candidates from Gondia in Maharashtra, where Chouhan's wife Sadhna Singh hails from, were illegally recruited as constables in the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department following tests held by the state's Professional Examination Board (PEB), known popularly by its old Hindi acronym Vyapam. --IANS gt/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security was heightened in some parts of Srinagar city on Friday to prevent separatist called protests against civilian killings. The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, has called for peaceful protests after the congressional Friday prayers against the four civilians who were killed during a gunfight in Kulgam district on Wednesday. While Geelani and Mirwaiz have been placed under house arrest, Malik has been lodged in the Srinagar Central Jail. Mobile internet services continues to remain suspended in south Kashmir areas since Thursday while the speed of mobile as well as fixed line broadband connections were slashed in other parts of the valley. Train services between Baramulla and Bannihal towns have been suspended. Educational institutions, banks, post offices and government offices were closed across Jammu and Kashmir due to a public holiday. Public transport remained off the roads in most areas of Srinagar. Inter district public transport, however, remained suspended. --IANS sq/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sikh groups held protests at various places in Punjab and Haryana as the controversial film 'Nanak Shah Fakir' released across the country except Punjab on Friday. The Sikhs are protesting against the film, based on the life and teachings of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, saying that the Guru cannot be shown in human form. Two trains were stopped by the Sikh protesters near Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab and Ambala in Haryana. However, the trains were allowed to go within 30 minutes following intervention of the railway police. Security was tightened around cinema halls and multiplexes in Haryana but most owners opted not to screen the film on Friday. In Punjab, no theatre is showing the movie following the recent ban on its screening announced by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion. The film was not being shown in Chandigarh also. Punjab has a Sikh majority population while Haryana and Chandigarh also have significant Sikh population. Akal Takht jathedar (chief) Gurbachan Singh on Thursday excommunicated the film producer, Harinder Singh Sikka, from the Sikh community. The protests remained peaceful in both states, police said. The Punjab government has maintained that it will not intervene with the release of the film after the Supreme Court recently refused to stay the film's release. --IANS js/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Ghulam Azad, responding to BJP's allegation that Jammu Bar Association President B.S. Slathia, who tried to obstruct the filing of a charge-sheet in the Kathua rape, had been his polling agent, said this was true but he had since "turned communal". "When he (Slathia) was my agent, Lal Singh was also a Congress MP. As long as we were in power there was peace, communal harmony in the country. "No religious lines were drawn. When Lal Singh was in Congress, he was a secular person, he (Slathia) was also a secular person," said Azad. "This is our charge against BJP that since (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi has come to power, this BJP has come to power, they have divided the nation in the name of religion. Even secular people, like these two examples, have totally changed and turned communal," he added. --IANS sid/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his home constituency here in Uttar Pradesh. She slammed as a farce his midnight march seeking justice for the Unnao and Kathua rape victims. "Rahul Gandhi earlier stood in support of Gayatri Prasad Prajapati. It's just his compulsion to take a stand this time but Amethi knows the truth. I have faith that justice will be provided," the Minister said. Prajapati, a Samajwadi Party member, was an accused in a rape case of a woman from Chitrakoot. He was arrested and is now out on bail. Prajapati was fielded as a SP candidate for the Uttar Pradesh polls in 2017, when the Congress was in alliance with the party. The brutal gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and the inaction of police in the rape of a 17-year-old in Uttar Pradesh' Unnao involving a sitting BJP legislator has led to national outrage. The Minister said that law agencies and government were "taking necessary action" in the rape incidents. "As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming," she added. Kuldeep Singh Sengar, BJP MLA from Unnao, has been accused of raping the Dalit teenager, which came to light only after she tried to commit suicide outside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's residence on April 8. Sengar was questioned by the CBI on Friday, while seven men who raped the minor girl of the Bakarwal community in Jammu have been chargesheeted and kept in police custody. The minor was gang raped and murdered by these men, who had held her captive in a small village temple in Kathua district for a week in January. She was sedated and repeatedly raped before her head was smashed and her body thrown in the forests next to Rasana village. Gandhi on Thursday led a midnight march to India Gate in New Delhi to protest against both the rape cases and prodded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk on saving the girl child. --IANS mg/in/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" producer Prernaa Arora is proud of Ganesh Acharya's Best Choreography win at the 65th National Film Awards for the song "Gori tu latth maar" from the film. "This is a very proud moment for all of us. We are extremely grateful and thankful to the jury for recognising the merit in the song 'Gori tu latth maar'. This was another special collaboration with Akshay Kumar sir and another big moment for us," Arora said in a statement. "Gori tu latth maar" is picturised on actors Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar with the backdrop of the festival of colours Holi. Bhumi tweeted: "Congratulations Ganesh Acharya sir on your win for 'Gori tu latth maar'. The choreography was truly beautiful. More power to you. What a phenomenal experience. Yay team 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha'." "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha", a satirical comedy film, is directed by Shree Narayan Singh. It is in support of government campaigns to improve sanitation conditions in India, with an emphasis on the eradication of open defecation, especially in the rural areas. --IANS dc/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Trade, investment, technology and flow of people and ideas will be high on the agenda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Britain next week, British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said here on Friday. Modi and his British counterpart, Theresa May, are scheduled to hold a bilateral summit on April 18. Briefing the media here ahead of the visit, Asquith said it comes at a time when the bilateral relationship is in "very, very good healthy". This is the third exchange of prime ministerial visits after Modi's visit to Britain November 2015 and May's visit to India in November 2016, her first outside the European Union after assuming office. "It (Modi's visit) comes at a time also when I think our priorities are very well aligned," Asquith said. Stating that trade between the two countries increased by 15 per cent in the last one year, he said that it is "remarkably balanced" in terms of trade in goods and services. In terms of finance, he said the London Stock Exchange is playing an increasingly important role as a place to raise money to meet India's huge infrastructure requirements. "Over the last two years, 5.3 billion pounds has been raised by Indian issuers on the London Stock Exchange," the High Commissioner said. In terms of investments, he said that while Britain is the largest investor in India among the G20 countries, India is the fourth largest investor in Britain. "Then what will be very much a focal point is the technology partnership between the two countries," Asquith said. "The complementaries, strengths that each of us has and they are truly complementary." Modi's visit to Britain this time has been themed "Living bridge and tech partnership". Asquith said that both sides will look into putting more resources in this sector in areas like digital aspect of technology, collaboration, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and data protection and the fintech that goes with that among others. He said that matching of regional expertise in Britain with that of the states of India is another aspect of the bilateral relationship. Stating that defence is another area of cooperation, he said that Britain was one of our four countries whose defence minister attended the ongoing DefExpo, India's premier defence trade exhibition, near Chennai. Regarding the "living bridge" part of the theme, Asquith said that it is about exchange of people, ideas and ingenuity both ways. Stating that it goes much beyond the fact that there are 1.5 million people of Indian origin in Britain, he said it is about relationships between institutions, universities, and research bodies. The High Commissioner also said that there was a 30 per cent rise in the number of student visas issued by his country to Indians last year. Stating that 14,000 Indian students go to Britain for masters degree programme every year, he said that "we want to build on that". At the same time, he expressed the hope that one particular issue that should be looked into is the fact that Indian universities do not recognise the one-year masters degree offered by British universities for doing Ph.D. Asquith also said that Britain issues more work visas to Indians than all other nationalities combined. Regarding this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which Modi will attend in London on April 19-20, the High Commissioner said that around 50 heads of state and government will be present. The agenda, he said, will include climate change, vulnerability of small island nations, peacekeeping and helping poorer countries. As for trade between the 53 Commonwealth countries, he said that the idea is to increase from the current $700 billion to $1 trillion. Asked what will be the Commonwealth's position on terrorism, Asquith said: "I imagine that one of the focus areas will be to discuss and I hope come up with an agreement on how to ensure that terrorists do not make use of the internet." --IANS ab/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump is wishing Bengalis everywhere "Shubho Noboborsho" as they celebrate the New Year. "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish Bengalis everywhere a joyous New Year," acting Secretary of State John Sullivan said in a statement on Thursday. "We commemorate this important day along with all those from Bangladesh, India, and around the world who come together today to mark the arrival of the New Year," he said. "Pohela Boishakh," he said, "is an opportunity for those who speak Bangla as a mother tongue, of all faiths and beliefs, to celebrate their rich history and culture with beautiful parades, fairs, and dances." He added that on this occasion he was thanking Bangladeshis in the US for their "outstanding contributions to our nation, our economy, and our culture". --IANS al/pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump, who earlier criticised online retail giant Amazon and accused it of cheating the US Postal Service by taking advantage of bulk delivery rates, has issued an executive order demanding a sweeping overhaul of the Postal Services business model. Trump issued the order on Thursday forming an administration task force, to be chaired by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and directed it to evaluate the Postal Service's finances and operations, the Washington Post reported. The order also directed the task force to issue a report outlining proposed changes within 120 days. The order stated that the Postal Service incurred $65 billion of cumulative losses since the Great Recession ended in 2009 and that it must make changes so that it operates under "a sustainable business model". The President did not mention Amazon in the order but he has often railed against Amazon - in public and in private conversations with his advisers and friends -- complaining about Jeffrey P. Bezos, the company's billionaire founder and chief executive, the daily said. Trump's advisers said his outbursts about Amazon often were triggered by what he perceives as negative coverage of him by The Washington Post, owned by Bezos. In December, Trump criticised the service on Twitter for being "dumber and poorer" by losing billions of dollars and not "charging MUCH MORE" to Amazon and other shippers. His Twitter attacks date back as far as 2013, when he scoffed at the service for planning to eliminate Saturday mail delivery. According to the New York Times, Postal Service experts and even Trump's own advisers privately urged him to back off the accusations, noting that the huge number of packages shipped by Amazon was actually helping to keep the Postal Service financially solvent. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has directed his top trade and economic advisers to take a fresh look at the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement he withdrew from in his first week in office, according to Republican senators. "He said he's going to deputise (National Economic Council Chairman) Larry Kudlow and (US Trade Representative) Robert Lighthizer to look at re-entering the TPP negotiations," CNN quoted Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska as saying on Thursday after meeting Trump at the White House. "Clearly, it's a deliberative process and the President is a guy who likes to entertain a lot of different ideas," said Sasse, who has been critical of the administration's withdrawal from the trade deal and other protectionist moves. "But he multiple times reaffirmed the point that TPP might be easier for us to join now once the TPP-11 is aligned and we might be the 12th party to those negotiations, as opposed to the long process that it took to get to TPP." Sasse said Trump looked directly at Kudlow during the meeting and told him to "get it done". White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters confirmed the senators' accounts of Trump's comments, CNN reported. "Last year, the President kept his promise to end the TPP deal negotiated by the Obama administration because it was unfair to American workers and farmers. The President has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year. To that end, he has asked Ambassador Lighthizer and Director Kudlow to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated," Walters said. The move could mark the beginning of a stunning shift for Trump, who railed against the TPP during the campaign and made withdrawal from the pact a priority during his first week in office. He did so over the objections of Republicans who disapproved of his protectionist approach to trade. Beyond his opposition to the trade deal, Trump has continued to support a move toward bilateral trade agreements rather than multilateral deals involving groups of countries. But in recent months, the President has also begun to signal a willingness to re-assess his stance on the TPP. In January, he said he would be open to reconsidering the deal if the US could strike a "substantially better" agreement. Other countries in the pact, including Australia and Japan, have moved forward on the trade agreement, recently signing the TPP-11, which did not include the US. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP on Friday said that two of its leaders in Jammu and Kashmir who joined the rallies in support of the accused in the rape of a minor were "misled and misguided" by people and accused the Congress of communalising rape incidents. "The two BJP ministers were misled by a few people," Bharatiya Janata Party MP and spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi told the media here. "When you are in public life, people come to you with their version... So, the lesson to them is not to believe one side or the other and let the law take its course." She said the two BJP ministers should not have joined the protest. "They should have ideally not commented until an investigation was conducted. The J&K Police conducted a thorough investigation and have arrested the accused." Lekhi said Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh has also made a statement about the party's stand on the issue. "The BJP passed a resolution on April 1 condemning the incident of rape. And the BJP's stand is that we condemn any incident of rape or atrocities against women or children." Asked what action the party would take against its ministers Chaudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, Lekhi said: "What kind of action should we take if someone comes and says that they were misled? "Is it a crime to get misled?" she asked, adding that the people get misled and this can happen with anyone. Hitting out at the Congress for communalising the Kathua rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl, Lekhi said: "You see their (Congress) plan, first shout minority minority, then Dalit Dalit, and now women women, and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. "And all this while ignoring the strict action being taken by the state governments." Taking a jibe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi's midnight march at India Gate, Lekhi said: "Why there were no candlelight vigils for other rape victims?" On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, his brother-in-law Robert Vadra and several senior party leaders led a midnight march to India Gate to protest against the Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao minor rape cases and said: "It's time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk on 'beti bachao' (save girl child)." The BJP leader also accused the opposition of politicising the rape of girls in Kathua and Unnao. Lekhi said: "In Kathua rape case, a fair probe is going on and strictest action has been demanded against the culprits. "An SIT (Special Investigation Team) was formed and six-seven persons were arrested. Also, I would like to say it on record that the Jammu Bar Association President (B.S.) Slathiaji was the polling agent of Ghulam Nabi Azadji," Lekhi said. "On one hand, Salathiaji is demanding justice, while on the other hand, he has called to shut down the high court. Now you all can imagine what kind of dirty is being played in the country," she said. She said that women and children have no religion and that no should be done over such issues. Lekhi said the woman counsel appearing for the Kathua rape victim was being pressurised not to appear in the case. "This pressure is being built by those who are heading the Bar Council and Bar Associations. This proves what kind of dirty is being played in Jammu and Kashmir." Speaking of the rape incident in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, Lekhi said: "This is a 10-month-old case. The state government has taken action against the erring doctors and they have been suspended. The government also suspended the Unnao Deputy Superintendent of Police. "The matter was referred to the CBI by the state government and the CBI has detained the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar for questioning," she said. --IANS aks/nir/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The British government has signaled that it was ready to back US military action against Syria, saying it was "highly likely" the Assad regime used chemical weapons on its own people and that such action could not go unchallenged. British Prime Minister Theresa May's senior ministers agreed on the need for action at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, but Downing Street did not specify what measures the UK would take, reports CNN. The ministers said there was a need to "deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime", and alleviate the humanitarian situation, a Downing Street statement said. According to the statement, May described the chemical attack on Douma in Eastern Ghouta as a "shocking and barbaric act which killed up to 75 people, including children, in the most appalling and inhumane way". Britain would work with the US and France to coordinate an international response, it added. May spoke with President Trump on Thursday night about the international response to Syria, and they "agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons", according to the Downing Street. Earlier on Thursday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned the West against attacking Syria, saying accusations about the suspected chemical attack on Douma were "fabricated". French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that the country had "proof" the Assad regime used chemical weapons in Douma and would support any US action. Trump has sent mixed messages on Washington's readiness to act, reports CNN. On Wednesday, Trump appeared to suggest airstrikes were imminent, warning Russia, Syria's key ally, to "get ready" for military action. But after being criticized for apparently telegraphing US intentions, Trump on Thursday attempted to blur the timing of any potential airstrikes on Syria. Meanwhile, Russia has called for a UN Security Council meeting on Syria on Friday. Earlier on Thursday, the Russian ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said that he believes any strike against Syria would violate the UN charter. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN Refugee Agency said on Friday that it had reached an agreement with the Bangladeshi government for the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees who have fled organised attacks by the security forces in Myanmar. Over 670,000 Rohingyas, a mainly Muslim minority living in Myanmar, fled the northwestern Rakhine state since the end of August after a wave of persecution and violence that the UN described as an attempt at "ethnic cleansing". The agreement focused on the "safe, voluntary, and dignified returns" of Rohingyas, which will only take place "once conditions in Myanmar were conducive", according to a UNHCR statement cited by Efe news. Before the exodus, Bangladesh was already hosting 200,000 Rohingya refugees who had arrived there during earlier episodes of sectarian violence. The UNHCR thanked Bangladesh for its hospitality, protection and assistance to those refugees. In November, Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees with a view to starting the process two months later. The repatriation did not begin as planned due to the lack of safety guarantees for those willing to return. One of the main points raised was the condition that Myanmar imposed on returning refugees to present official identity documents, which they have always been denied. The Rohingya minority has been historically segregated in Buddhist majority Myanmar. The UNHCR was engaging in talks and coordinating with Bangladesh and Myanmar separately. The agency, which is responsible for the operation of camps hosting hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas in Bangladesh, said the refugees must "see concrete progress in relation to their legal status and citizenship, security and their ability to enjoy basic rights at home in Rakhine state" before considering returning. The UNHCR also demanded that the restrictions on the movement of internally displaced people living in camps in the central townships of Rakhine state be lifted. Such measures "would help demonstrate to refugees that the Government of Myanmar is committed to a sustainable solution" to the problems faced by Rohingyas, the agency said. --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New York, April 13 (IANS/WAM) With some 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians dying each year on the worlds roads, the UN took a major step to address the tragedy by launching a trust fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. Speaking at the UN General Assembly where the launch was announced on Thursday, Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed highlighted the opportunities offered by the UN Road Safety Trust Fund. "We have a chance to save the lives of millions of people around the world and to prevent injuries, suffering and the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents," she said, urging all stakeholders to contribute to the Trust Fund and to step up their efforts to achieve global road safety targets. According to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Organisation's development arm in the continent, which is also the secretariat for the Trust Fund, every $1,500 contributed to the Fund could save one life, prevent 10 serious injuries and leverage $51,000 towards investments in road safety. The Trust Fund will support efforts along the five pillars of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety, which include strengthened road safety management capacities, improved safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks, enhanced safety of vehicles, improved behaviour of road users and improved post-crash care. Also, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on road safety in which it called for a host of measures to prevent road accidents and to minimizing the resulting damage. --IANS/WAM soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday detained BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar who has been accused with the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh, official said. Sengar, an MLA from Bangarmau seat in Unnao district, is being questioned at the CBI headquarters here. The probe agency filed has three FIRs in the rape case and the death of victim's father in police custody. The FIRs were filed on Thursday night following the Centre's order. Sengar was asked to join the investigation when he was about to leave for Varanasi. He was brought here earlier on Friday. The victim tried to set herself ablaze outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence on Sunday, claiming inaction in the gang rape case. Later on Sunday, her father was picked up by the police and allegedly roughed up by Senger's brother Atul Singh and his aides following which he died. The incident has triggered a political storm and public outrage. --IANS rak-mg-md/ksk/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Members of the UN Security Council will visit Bangladesh and Myanmar on a fact-finding mission later this month to study the Rohingya crisis, according to Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. During the trip from April 26 to May 2, Council members will also visit Iraq which is slated to hold parliamentary elections next month. About the Council visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh, Dujarric said Guterres hoped that "it will help refocus the attention of the international community on the plight of those Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh and the continuous need to fund the humanitarian operations". Guterres expected that it could help improve the situation in Myanmar by helping the government implement the recommendations made by a panel headed by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan to resolve the Rohingya issue. About 700,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh since August 2017 from Rakhine state after violent attacks by the military and vigilante groups following attacks on Myanmar security posts by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. The UN has described the retaliatory violence by the military and vigilantes as "ethnic cleansing". Kuwait, an elected member of the Council, is providing the logistics for the mission. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) --IANS al/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US-India Aviation Summit is being hosted next month in Mumbai as a technical, policy and commercial forum by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation and the US Trade and Development Agency. The US Commercial Service said on Thursday: "The Summit will serve to assist India civil aviation agencies and aviation industry representatives, including private sector airlines and airport operators, to identify advanced US technologies and practices that can support their expansion and modernization efforts." Besides a US and India bilateral meeting, the summit from May 9 to 11 will include sessions on India's projected aviation growth in next five years, aviation security, aviation and runway safety, technologies for worldwide airspace management, and regional connectivity using linking hubs for underserved/unserved airports. Participants from the US include US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) acting head Thomas Hardy, USTDA Regional Director Verinda Fike, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Affairs Executive Director Chris Rocheleau, and FAA Chief Scientist Steve Bradford. --IANS al/pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven US military aircraft have conducted reconnaissance missions near the coast of Syria, where Russia's Hmeymim airbase and Tartus naval base are located, Moscow's military flight monitoring centre tweeted on Friday. Six US Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft departed from an airbase on the Italian island of Sicilia, and an EP-3E Aries II reconnaissance aircraft flew from the base on the Greek island of Crete, Xinhua news agency reported. The escalation of tension around Syria comes against the backdrop of reports on the latest chemical weapons use in Eastern Ghouta's Douma which killed 74 people including children. US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened military action against the Syrian government which he blamed for the alleged chemical attack. The Syrian government has denied such an accusation. --IANS and/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that his government will not allow dilution of SC-ST Act and special courts are being formed for speedy trial in cases of atrocities with the two communities. Modi, who inaugurated Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial at Alipur Road here, said the his government had strengthened the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Protection of Atrocities Act) in 2015 by increasing the number of atrocities covered under it from 22 to 47. Refuting allegations of Congress and some other parties that the government was trying to dilute the Act and had not represented the case properly in Supreme Court, he said the government filed a review petition within 12 days of the court verdict. "I, on this occasion, want to assure the country that the law which was strengthened by our government, we will not allow it to be impacted," Modi said. The Supreme Court had earlier this month declined to stay its ruling, which Dalits say has diluted a law aimed at preventing atrocities on them and tribes, asserting that it wanted to protect innocent people from being punished. The bench said this on a plea by the Centre seeking recall of its March 20 order where the apex court had said that no arrest would be affected on a complaint under the Act without an inquiry. Modi, in speech, also sought to reach out to backward classes apart from Dalits, saying his government has also decided to form a commission for sub-categorisation of backward castes. The Prime Minister said the government has made efforts to create social balance through legislation. He said Ambedkar had hoped that governments will run according to the Constitution without any discrimination and equality had been core of his thinking. "The effort to ensure social justice and equity will be visible in every scheme of the government. The schemes are seeking to remove the imbalance of the past decades," he said. Modi also said the government had got the opportunity to develop five significant places linked to Ambedkar's life as "panch tirath". "From today this memorial will be a landmark not only on the map of Delhi but the country," he said. Modi said the New India vision of his government was in accordance with the the dreams of Ambedkar. He also recalled efforts of his government to propagate memory of Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, saying stamp and coin was released on his anniversary, the Republic Day Parade had a tableau on him and students had been sent to places where he studied. Dr. Ambedkar Mahaparinirvana Sthal at 26, Alipur Road, was dedicated to the nation by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in December 2003. Modi had laid the foundation stone of the memorial on March 21, 2016. The memorial has been given the shape of a book. The museum at the memorial intends to create an immersive experience into the life of Ambedkar and his contributions through extensive use of static media, dynamic media, audio-visual content, and multimedia technologies. The memorial has a meditation hall, a Bodhi Tree, a musical fountain and facade lighting. --IANS ps/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia entered the final of the men's 65 kilogram category at the 21st Commonwealth Games (CWG) here on Friday. The Indian came up with an awe inspiring performance to win all his bouts by technical superiority. Bouts are awarded on the basis of technical superiority when a wrestler takes a lead of 10 or more points Bajrang overpowered Vincent De Marinis of Canada in the semi-finals. Bajrang started his campaign with a power-packed display against Brahm Richards of New Zealand. The Indian needed only a couple of minutes to beat Richands by technical superiority. Bajrang executed a couple of two-point moves to go 4-0 up within the first 30 seconds. He then pulled off a gut wrench to flip his opponent over which earned him another four points. Bajrang almost pulled off a pin but the Kiwi survived somehow with some desperate defending. But another tw-point move by the Indian finished off the contest. In the quarter-finals, Bajrang outclassed Amas Daniel of Nigeria, building up a 10-0 lead early in the second round. The domination contiuned in the semi-finals Bajrang pulled off a series of two-point moves to take an 8-0 lead in the first round. Another takedown just after the break earned him the win and a place in the final. --IANS ajb/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With President Donald Trumps new trade tariffs, the US has been transformed from the global multilateral trading systems leading champion and defender to its nemesis. But it would be very difficult for an erratic politician suddenly to overturn long-established structures and mechanisms, were it not for a more fundamental economic shift. The first formal manifestation of todays trade tensions occurred in the steel sector an old economy industry par excellence, one that is plagued, especially in China, by enormous excess capacity. Excess capacity is a recurrent phenomenon in the steel sector, and has always produced friction. Back in 2002, President George W Bushs administration imposed steep tariffs on steel imports, but relented when a World Trade Organization dispute-resolution panel ruled against the US. Although the Trump administration trade hawks remember this ruling as a loss, most economists agree that it was ultimately good for the US economy, which does not gain from taxing a major input for many other industries. In any case, todays tariffs differ from Mr Bushs in a crucial way: they specifically target China. Under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 which empowers the president to act if US industry has been damaged by a foreign governments unjustified actions Mr Trump has imposed steep tariffs on some $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. And China has already hit back, introducing steep tariffs on imports of 128 US-made products. So why is Mr Trump risking a trade war? His administrations main complaint is that China requires foreign companies to reveal their intellectual property (IP) as a condition of access to the domestic market. And it is true that this requirement can do serious damage to US tech companies as long as those companies are dominant in their industries. For a major player in social networks or search engines, for example, the cost of entering a new market is essentially zero. Since the existing software can easily serve many more millions of users, they just need to translate their interface into the local language, meaning that entering a new market mostly means more profits. But if such companies are forced to reveal their IP, their business models are destroyed, as local players can then compete effectively in that market and potentially in others. This is not the case for companies operating in competitive industries. For them, producing and selling more abroad costs much more, limiting the marginal profits that can be reaped. In other words, in the more competitive old economy, the gains of opening new markets are much smaller. That is why lobbying by potential exporters for better access to markets with high tariffs has usually been muted hence the lack of resistance to Indias protectionism. This is changing in the new winner-take-all tech economy: with IP-owning winners missing out on massive profits when a big market like China is protected or closed, trade conflicts become more acute. Meanwhile, trade policy becomes focused primarily on re-distributing rents, with employment and consumer interests viewed as secondary. (Under competitive conditions, policymakers place a higher priority on maximising trades potential to boost productivity and create high-quality employment.) Monopoly rents translate into high market valuations. And, indeed, the new economy giants have a much higher stock-market value than their old economy equivalents. The three largest US tech companies are worth over 50 times more than the three largest US steel producers. The looming trade war promises to be asymmetric. The US home to all the dominant tech firms will struggle to find allies against China. After all, in Europe and Japan, IP-owning companies operate mostly in more competitive industries, meaning that Chinas demand for that IP will have less of an impact. Making European support even harder to come by, some European governments are eager to secure their share of rents from US firms. This is the ultimate aim of European efforts to raise taxes on the profits of digital multinationals, though such a tax is unlikely to do the job. Proponents of that tax argue that profits should be taxed where they are earned, with the implicit argument being that they are earned where the consumers are. But this is an arbitrary criterion. US firms can legitimately claim that their European profits are just a return on their IP, which can formally be localised anywhere, preferably in a low-tax jurisdiction. A European tax on these companies is thus unlikely to yield substantial revenues. In the old competitive economy, trade wars might be easy to win for a country with a large trade deficit. But in the emerging winner-take-all economy, a trade war launched with the goal of forcing the rest of the world to open up, thereby allowing the aggressors own winning firms to earn higher rents, is an altogether different proposition. So the US government is essentially arranging its diplomatic guns behind its Internet giants, while Europe and China are baying for their monopoly profits. This is more destructive than a zero-sum game: it will do serious damage to the global trading system, leaving everyone worse off. The writer is director of the Center for European Policy Studies Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018 As the countdown to Dalit icon B R Ambedkars 127th birth anniversary begins, political parties are busy polishing their strategies to woo the community almost a fifth of India's population to brighten their prospects for the general elections 2019. An important part of this political strategy would be aimed at New Dalits as many as 23 million of them will turn 18 years of age and eligible to vote in 2019, for the first time in a parliamentary election. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor It is not easy to run a country. Especially, one which has different cultures, different education levels, different economies, and of course, different languages. But Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), under Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, are a determined lot. They want to conquer the entire nation in their lofty quest of an Opposition-Mukt Bharat. They are willing to make compromises. So, the party leaders in North India support a beef ban, leading to several deaths for so-called smuggling of cows. In some other states like the North East and Kerela, the party leaders promise to dish out the ... At least 25 people were killed and 18 injured in bomb attack on funerals for Iraqi fighters killed by jihadists, according to a new toll from police and medics. "Two bombs exploded as the funeral procession was entering the cemetery" in Asdira yesterday, village mayor Salaheddin Shaalan told AFP. The Sunni village is south of Sharqat, one of the last bastions of the Islamic State group in the country's north to be retaken by Iraqi forces. "In total, 25 people were killed and 18 injured, four of whom are still in critical condition," a police officer told AFP on Friday, on condition of anonymity, revising an earlier death toll. Medical sources confirmed the new figures. It was the deadliest attack in Iraq since a January 16 double suicide bombing in Baghdad claimed 31 lives. Yesterday's attack took place during a funeral for five members of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units killed Wednesday night in the same village, 250 kilometres (150 miles) north of Baghdad. The mostly Shiite paramilitary units, which also include Sunni tribal forces, played a key role alongside the army in expelling jihadists from Iraqi towns last year. The Iraqi government declared victory over IS in December after pushing IS jihadists out of their final holdouts along the border with Syria. But the group retains the capacity to strike despite losing control of vast swathes of Iraqi territory it seized in 2014. It still clings to pockets of desert in war-torn Syria and appears to be able to cross the porous border between the two neighbours. Jihadists sometimes manage to snatch control of roads at night, especially in the Salaheddin province where yesterday's attack took place, and Anbar province along the border with Syria, security experts say. Iraq is gearing up for legislative elections set for May 12. Since the 2003 US-led invasion and the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, polls in Iraq have consistently been marred by violence. But in the runup to next month's elections, the country has enjoyed a respite from violence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thirty-one per cent of the Prime Minister's Rs 80,000-crore development package for Jammu and Kashmir has been released to the state government and 25 per cent of the total amount utilised so far, officials said today. In March, a parliamentary standing committee had said in a report that the progress on implementing the Prime Minister's development package had been slow and a "poor outcome" had been achieved in the past 12 months. Out of the total package, Rs 62,991 crore (79 per cent) has been sanctioned, Rs 24,443 crore (31 per cent) has been released and Rs 20,417 crore (25 per cent) has been utilised so far, a Home Ministry official said. The Prime Minister had announced a development package of Rs 80,068 crore for Jammu and Kashmir on November 7, 2015. The package consists of 63 major development projects being implemented by 15 central ministries and the state government. During the period, 11 review meetings have been conducted by the central government so far, the official said. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, in the report tabled in the Rajya Sabha, had said the most of the projects were still under progress. "Observing this pattern of poor outcome in the past twelve months, the committee recommends that the Ministry of Home Affairs intensify efforts to achieve measurable outcome under the PM's Development Package by speeding up the work in the upcoming fiscal and implement all the projects at the earliest," the panel had said in its report. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today said 500 people will be recruited for fire fighting services in the state. Listing out the measures taken by the government in the fire safety sector, he said a project worth Rs 500 crore with regard to the fire services sector has been sent to the Union government. "The state government is fully committed to the development as well as modernisation of fire services. It is part of this commitment that a fire directorate has been established and very soon a Fire Safety Act will also be in force for making every building compliant with the fire safety norms," Sidhu said here. The minister said 500 recruitments will be made in the fire services sector and a fire training institute would be established in Punjab. He said Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has allotted Rs 8 crore for purchasing fire suites and a Rs 11 crore order for purchasing 20 fire tenders will also be placed. Sidhu today inaugurated Fire Safety Week to be observed from April 14 till 20. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prosecutors are investigating the killing of two women and four men in the northern Mexico border city of Reynosa, apparently as the result of crossfire, officials have said. The Tamaulipas state prosecutor's office yesterday said state police had responded to a report of gunfire between gunmen in the area where the six bodies and a seventh wounded man were found. The office said in an initial report that none of the six bodies tested positive for having a gun. Three were identified as members of a family passing through the area and three others were thought to have been employed at a nearby factory. All were believed to be bystanders. It was not clear who killed them or why, but civilians in Tamaulipas have been injured and killed in the crossfire of drug gang battles and shootouts between criminals and law enforcement. Last week, the Mexican marines accepted responsibility for the deaths of three civilians killed when they drove through a running gun battle between marines and cartel gunmen in the border city of Nuevo Laredo in late March. The family's car was hit by bullets from a helicopter that was battling gunmen nearby. Also yesterday, gunmen killed a mayor near the colonial city of Puebla in central Mexico. The Puebla state prosecutors' office said Jose Efrain Garcia was killed when gunmen blocked his vehicle on a road and opened fire. Garcia was mayor of the town of Tlanepantla, just east of Puebla. The area has been a hotbed of thieves drilling illegal taps into state-owned pipelines to steal fuel. At least 55 mayors or mayors-elect have been killed in Mexico since 2006, often by criminal gangs or corrupt police. On Wednesday, Mexico's Green party said a female state assembly candidate was killed in the neighbouring state of Michoacan. In February, two female state assembly candidates were slain in Guerrero. Violence threatens Mexico's July 1 presidential and local elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) today expressed anguish over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl at Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, also the AIADMK's coordinator, described women as the "eyes of the country" and sought strong punishment for those behind the crime. The sexual assault on the girl and her death was "shocking and distressing", he said. "Crimes against girl children are against mankind. Those who did this heinous crime should be given strong punishment," he said on Twitter. "Everyone should realise women are the eyes of the country and should uphold womanhood by preventing occurrence of such crimes," Panneerselvam said. Haasan, founder-president of the MNM, expressed anguish over the incident, saying he felt "angry" for failing her. "Does it have to be your own daughter for you to understand? She could've been mine," he tweeted. Haasan said he felt "angry" as a man, father and as a citizen for "failing" the minor girl. "I am sorry my child. We didn't make this country safe enough for you. I'll fight for justice at least for future kids like you. We mourn you and won't forget you," he said. A nation-wide outrage broke over the rape and killing of the minor girl in Kathua. Congress president Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march to the India Gate yesterday to protest the Kathua and the Unnao rape cases, saying it was time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk on "beti bachao" (save the girl child). Individuals and civil society members have also expressed concern and anguish over the Kathua incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air India has called a meeting of its pilot unions in New Delhi next week to discuss about the proposed strategic disinvestment amid opposition from other employee unions. On April 5, Air India chairman and managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola had held a meeting with representatives of four employee unions on the proposed privatisation and their concerns. "Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) have been called by the Air India chairman and managing director next week to discuss about the proposed privatisation," sources at the airline told PTI here. The meeting is expected to take place on April 17, they said. On March 28, the civil aviation ministry came out with the preliminary information memorandum on Air India's strategic disinvestment. As per the memorandum, the government plans to offload 76 per cent equity share capital of the national carrier as well as transfer the management control. The proposed transaction would involve Air India, its low-cost arm Air India Express and Air India SATS Airport Services, which is an equal joint venture between the national airline and Singapore-based SATS. The two pilot unions - IPG and ICPA - together claim representing around 1,400 non-executive pilots of Air India's wide and narrow-body aircraft fleet. These two unions are understood to be in favour of privatisation provided all their pending dues are cleared. On the other hand, the employee unions opposed to the privatisation have intensified their stir against the move. Around 11 Air India unions have formed a joint forum to fight against the government's decision to handover the national airline to private players amid improvement in its fiscal and operational performance. Kharola had yesterday said, "Air India improved performance on key parameters in FY18", adding that the revenue spiked by 11 per cent on higher passengers traffic across its network. The forum has already held lunch hour protest meetings at four places in Mumbai and plans to hold similar meetings at other stations also, according to its leaders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security has been beefed up in Uttar Pradesh in view of Ambedkar Jayanti tomorrow to prevent any possible attempt at inciting violence, with political parties drawing up separate plans for the occasion. Districts magistrates and superintendents of police have been asked to ensure peace and check any violence in their respective areas of jurisdiction, an official spokesperson said here today. District authorities have been directed by the home department to intensify patrolling to ensure that no loss of life and property takes place and clamp prohibitory orders wherever necessary, he said. Seeking to take the wind out of opposition parties' sails ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is planning to hold grand events to mark the birth anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar across the state. They are also planning to honour Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with the title of "Dalit Mitra". "Party workers will take out padayatras in the districts to mark the birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution," said Kaushal Kishore, BJP MP from Mohanlalganj in Lucknow, who is also the state president of UP BJP's SC Morcha. After its new found bonhomie with the BSP won it two Lok Sabha seats in recent bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party is set to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti in a big way, taking their friendship a step forward. The SP, which had stayed content with celebrating anniversaries of socialist idealogues like Ram Manohar Lohia and Janeshwar Misra so far, has asked all its district units to celebrate the occasion at the district party headquarters or any public place to mark the day. This would be perhaps for the first time that a conscious effort was being made by the SP to ensure celebrations on Ambedkar Jayanti on a big scale. The BSP has been organising Ambedkar Jayanti annually on a grand scale with its chief Mayawati leading partymen in paying homage to the Dalit icon. A senior SP leader on condition of anonymity said that party would try to remove doubts, if any, from the minds of people that its ideology was at variance with that of BSP and reach out to all sections of society. The understanding between the SP and the BSP in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha bye-elections stopped the victory march of the BJP, which along with its allies had bagged 73 of the 80 parliamentary seats in the state. The Ambedkar Mahasabha has announced to confer 'Dalit Mitra' award (Friend of Dalits) on Adityanath at a time of growing debate over "rising incidents of atrocities" against Dalits, against which the opposition parties have raised their voice. Hitting out at political parties for politicising Ambedkar's legacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier this month said that no regime had honoured the Dalit icon like his government had. His remarks had come close on the heels of widespread violent protests over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place "safeguards" to prevent the misuse of a law to prevent atrocities against SCs and STs. Meanwhile, in Muzaffarnagar, Superintendent of Police Ombir Singh said security was tightened keeping in view the violence that had broken out during the protests by Dalit groups on April 2 against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. More than 40 cases were registered in the district in connection with the violence. Prohibitory orders were in place and any procession would be allowed only after getting permission from the district authorities, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An American man has been indicted for killing an 18-year-old Indian-origin student in November last year when he dragged her with his truck and ran over her while fleeing the scene of a minor crash. Daniel Coppolo of Deer Park, New York has been arraigned on grand jury indictment charges for the death of Taranjit Parmar in a parking lot in Levittown in Nassau County's Hempstead town, the County's District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement. Coppolo was arraigned yesterday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Terence Murphy on charges including of manslaughter, assault, tampering with physical evidence and reckless driving. His bail was continued at USD 1 million bond or USD 600,000 cash and he is due back in court on May 17. If convicted, he faces up to a maximum of 26 years in prison. Singas said that on the evening of November 9 last year, Parmar's car was involved in a minor collision with Coppolo's pick-up truck in Levittown. After the incident, the two pulled both vehicles into the parking lot near a gas station. Parmar exited her vehicle and called her mother. While on the phone with her mother, Parmar yelled for Coppolo to stop and grabbed his pick-up truck as he started to move. Coppolo allegedly drove through the parking lot, dragging the victim and ultimately ran her over before fleeing the scene by driving the wrong way on the highway. Parmar was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead that night. Parmar was a beautiful, successful student when her life was taken from her after a minor fender bender, Singas said. "It is unthinkable that in addition to allegedly driving away with the young woman in the open window and then running her over, the driver fled the scene and left Taranjit to die in the parking lot. After an investigation, members of the Nassau County Police Department located Coppolo's truck in a parking lot in Westbury, where Coppolo had been arrested for another matter several days after the November 9 incident. Coppolo, a former FDNY employee, was arrested on December 23 for Parmar's death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several farmers from Osmanabad district were today detained after they dumped vegetables at the gates of Mantralaya, the state secretariat, protesting against obstacles they were facing while selling them, police said. Officials said that the farmers threw onions, brinjals, potatoes, green chillies and lemons at the gates of Mantralaya and indulged in sloganeering against the state government. A farmer, who was part of the protest, alleged that civic officials were demanding bribes from them after they brought their produce for sale at the weekly farmers' market in Borivali, a northern suburb here. "Vegetable vendors from other states sell their produce here but we, who are from Maharashtra itself, have to face hurdles. When we protest, we are threatened with jail by the authorities," he said. The entrance of Mantralaya was later cleaned up, said officials, and the protesting farmers were taken to nearby Marine Drive police station. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court today directed the CBI to arrest BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused in the Unnao rape case. A bench comprising Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar gave the direction to the agency after the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government informed it that Sengar has been detained for interrogation and not arrested yet. The court directed the CBI to carry out investigation strictly in accordance with law and to consider filing an application for cancellation of bail granted to other accused in the case. It also directed the CBI to file status report by May 2. The bench passed the order on a letter written by senior advocate Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi demanding a court-monitored investigation of the incident and treated it as a PIL. Yesterday, the court had asked the Advocate General whether the state government proposes to arrest Sengar. Advocate General Raghvendra Singh had replied that he was not in a position to make any statement in this regard and police will proceed in accordance with law only after recording statement of the complainant and witnesses. The CBI registered three separate cases in connection with the alleged rape and detained Sengar for questioning in the early hours today. The cases pertain to the alleged rape, killing of the girl's father and a case of arms act which was slapped on her father in which he was arrested by local police. He had subsequently died in judicial custody and the autopsy report showed serious injuries on his body. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Manoj Sinha today said the India Mobile Congress, the biggest telecom industry event in the country, has received interests from ASEAN and BIMSTEC countries besides the US, Canada and European Union. "This year we will also be honoured by the presence of our friends from ASEAN and BIMSTEC which will lend a global connect to our exchanges," the telecom minister said at a curtain raiser event of India Mobile Congress (IMC). The three-day event will start on October 25, 2018. Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundarajan said this year event "will focus on network of future like 5G, technologies shaping our life like robotics, autonomous vehicles, start-ups, etc". "We will be looking to partner with potential creators of new technologies. India is the third largest hub for startups. IMC will create opportunities for startups to partner with others in the industries," Sudararajan said. She said state governments will also participate in IMC. "IMC is aspiring to be biggest telecom sector business, innovation and information exchange platform. We have received support from embassies of the US, the UK, Sweden, Canada and European Union secretariat," COAI Director General Rajan Mathews said. The biggest telecom sector event is organised annually by GSM Association in Barcelona, Spain-Mobile World Congress. "Everyone cannot afford to travel to Barcelona. We want to develop IMC to benefit Asian countries," Mathews said. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional grouping of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia. These countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala, aged 15, today created history by becoming the country's youngest ever gold medal winner in the Commonwealth Games. Anish achieved the feat when he stormed his way into the gold medal with a Games record in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol event at the Belmont Shooting Centre. The Haryana boy shot down the CWG record in the final with a score of 30 including four series of 5 each. The youngest in the field, he showed nerves of steel and led the more experienced shooters through the event to emerge deserving champion. Australia's Sergei Evglevski claimed the silver with 28, while the bronze medal went to Sam Gowin (17) of England. India's other entrant in the event, Neeraj Kumar (13) was the second shooter to be eliminated in the finals after a shoot-off. By winning the gold, Anish bettered team-mate Manu Bhaker, who had become the youngest Indian Commonwealth Games gold medallist earlier this week when she emerged champion in the 10m air rifle finals. In the Qualifications, Anish scored 580 to finish top of the tally while Neeraj was second best with 579. Anish scored 286 in stage 1 and 294 in stage 2 qualifying, while Neeraj had 291 in stage 1 and 288 in stage 2. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The central government and the BJP will embark on a massive exercise from Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary tomorrow to cover the backward and weaker sections of society under key welfare schemes of the Modi dispensation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dubbed it 'gram swaraj abhiyan'. He has asked BJP MPs, including Union ministers, to ensure that everyone in villages, where scheduled castes and scheduled tribes constitute more than 50 per cent of the population, is covered under the schemes aimed at providing LPG connection, vaccination for children, 'Jan Dhan' bank accounts and electricity for households among others. There are 20,844 such villages across the country. The drive, which will continue till May 5, will not cover West Bengal and Karnataka, where the Model Code of Conduct is in force in view of panchayat and assembly polls there. BJP MPs have been asked to spend at least a night in one such village, while Union ministers will spend two nights in different parts of the country during the exercise. They will also highlight the government's works for the poor and farmers. Modi at a meeting with his council of ministers on Wednesday had also stressed the need to execute these schemes, and the secretaries of the ministries concerned had made a presentation as well. The drive is seen as an effort by the BJP-led government to reach out to the marginalised sections of society, including Dalits, in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls next year. It assumes significance amid the opposition's bid to project the government as 'anti-Dalit'. The BJP has been making a concerted bid to win over Dalits ahead of the general elections. The party's impressive run in elections has been attributed to its success in wooing Dalits and its leadership believes that the Opposition's campaign against it is aimed at weaning them away. Modi, in an audio conference call, had recently told the party's lawmakers in state legislatures and Parliament that his government had been striving to realise the dreams of Mahamta Gandhi, Ambedkar and Phule of empowering villages. The 'Gram Swaraj' exercise, which will continue till May 5, will be aimed at fulfilling the dreams of these stalwarts, he said, asking the party's representatives to fan out in villages to ensure that people there get benefits of government schemes. The prime minister spelled out several programmes during the period with April 18 being observed as 'Swachh Bharat' festival. April 20, 24 and 28 will be observed as 'Ujjwala Diwas', 'Panchayati Raj Diwas' and 'Gram Shakti Diwas' respectively to highlight various government schemes, he said. He said he will interact with BJP leaders on April 22 through a video conference. April 30, May 2 and May 5 will be dedicated to highlighting various schemes aimed at benefiting farmers and the poor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation today told the Bombay High Court that the proposed development control regulations provide for a "special parking authority" for Mumbai. A division bench of justices N H Patil and G S Kulkarni was hearing a public interest litigation on traffic issues of the city. There must be a law to regulate parking, just as there are laws to regulate street vending, the judges said. "We need a special body, an authority under the law," said Justice Kulkarni. BMC counsel Anil Sakhare said the Development Control Regulations for 2034, currently in the planning stage, make a provision for a special parking authority. "It will have a statutory status. An IAS officer will head it," Sakhare said. The court also said that electronic surveillance, which is proving effective to detect traffic rule violations, can also work for cracking down on illegal parking. The hearing was adjourned to April 23. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood stars such as Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra Sanjay Dutt are among the celebrities who made a rallying call for swift action and deliverance of justice in the Kathua rape and murder case. Prominent B-Town artistes Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Kalki Koechlin and Ayushmann Khurrana took to Twitter to express their disgust over the brutal crime. In Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua area, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community disappeared near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. Taking to Twitter, Hrithik Roshan wondered about the human capability to commit heinous crimes. "This really the work of human beings? Breaks my heart to know we are capable of such atrocities. We need even more activism, courage, outspokenness, communication, awareness and aggression. Whatever we need to make sure this doesn't happen again. Lets do it! Punishment? Education? Whatever it takes!" the actor wrote. Priyanka, who is currently shooting for her show "Quantico" in Ireland, tweeted, "How many more children... Will be sacrificed at the intersect of religion & politics? How many more children will have to suffer unimaginable crimes before we wake up? I'm disgusted. It's time for swift action." Alia also expressed shock over the incident and demanded justice for the victim. "Can't believe this is happening! Shocked and appalled at what this has come to... Really hope justice is served! Really really really hope," Alia tweeted. Sanjay Dutt said he is "filled with anger" and called the incident the failure of the "society". "We have failed as a society! Being a father, I am shaken and filled with anger reading about what happened to a 8-year-old kid. I refuse to accept we really let this happen. Justice has to be served now (sic)," he tweeted. Anushka Sharma tweeted, "The cruellest form of evil is harming an innocent child. What is happening to the world we live in? These people should be given the most severe punishment there is! Where are we heading as humanity? Shaken to my core." Parineeti Chopra also expressed shock over the "evil acts on another human" and wrote, "How do human beings go through evil acts on another human? During an act, how do they not stop? Is there no conscience? No guilt? No regret? No humanity? How do you allow yourself to go through raping and killing a child? Cannot understand it."Actor Sidharth Malhotra said such crimes must be not go unpunished. "Filled with so much anger and disgust over what has happened... Only demons would inflict cruelty like this on an 8 year old. Pray for her soul... These atrocities need to end and it needs to end now," he tweeted. Aditi Rao Hydari wrote, "They are monsters, they drugged, raped and murdered a little girl. They are monsters, they defended the crime in the name of religion. We are monsters if we don't raise our voices and make sure they are punished..." Director Karan Johar called the incident "inhuman"and "appalling", and pleaded for justice. Ayushmann wrote, "A child deserves only love irrespective of caste, color, religion. And a rapist deserves only punishment irrespective of caste, colour and religion." Jaaved Jaaferi tweeted, "Kids are being indoctrinated with hate and encouraged to indulge in heinous crimes... Accused/ perpetrators having support in rallies chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', religious slogans and waving the tricolour. Seriously need a wake up call." Earlier today, the Supreme Court agreed to take suo motu cognisance of the case after several lawyers who had mentioned the matter before it came out with materials about the incident. It directed members of the Jammu and Kashmir bar associations not to obstruct judicial proceedings in the case as it took note of lawyers obstructing the victim's counsel from appearing in court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac described today as "absurd" the Centre's suggestion to the Finance Commission to consider incentivising states working on population control. "Minor incentives will not do," Isaac told reporters here. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai, while speaking at a function, stated that the Centre had suggested to the Finance Commission to consider incentivising states working on population control. Refuting charges that the Terms of Reference of the 15th Finance Commission were biased against certain states, Modi had also said the issue was being raised by "vested interests". The prime minister's remarks came days after the Left-ruled Kerala hosted a meeting of Finance ministers of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh besides the Union Territory of Puducherry. Speakers at the meeting had opined that the terms of reference (ToR) were in contradiction to the principles of federalism enshrined in the Constitution and would result in revenue loss to performing states. Tamil Nadu did not participate in the meeting. "Is the Prime Minister arguing that the additional allocation of 2-3 per cent the states will get, will neutralise the severe loss they will make from 91 per cent of tax devolution? It is absurd," Isaac told reporters here. Isaac said he was "very happy" that the prime minister had "acknowledged that there is a problem". "If you are using the 2011 population for tax devolution, some states like Tamil Nadu, he doesn't recognise us, but he has recognised that TN might make some loss. Because he is suggesting that if there is some loss, it will be neutralised by the incentive system," the Kerala Finance Minister said. The ToR says certain criteria, particularly how states with lower fertility can be incentivised, he pointed out. "Very well. But there is one basic fact, that he is hiding. It is very unfortunate. He does not bring out all facts," Issac opined. Ninety-one per cent of the last Finance Commission's award was accounted by tax devolution, which is to be on the basis of 2011 population criteria, he said. "While the prime minister is now arguing that incentive account for 2-3 per cent of the total award. It is absurd," he said. The next meeting of the southern finance ministers will be held this month either at Visakhapatnam or Vijayawada. Isaac said the Andhra Pradesh government had informed it was prepared to host the meeting at Vijayawada or Visakhapatnam this month. "We have also decided to call other states like Tamil Nadu, particularly West Bengal, Odisha and Punjab for the meeting," he said. The plan is to hold a seminar in Delhi after the meeting, he added. "We are going for a public debate and we will hold discussions," Isaac said adding the plan is to scale up pressure. The state has succeeded in raising the issue at the national level and definitely the finance commission will have to consider it, he said. He said this is a legitimate issue and there are plans to hold dialogues at a larger level. The Union government has begun a "fire-fighting" exercise as it feels what it had done was a "mistake", Issac said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China announced it will hold live-fire military exercises in the Taiwan Strait amid heightened tensions over increased American support for Taiwan's government. The announcement coincided with President Xi Jinping speaking on the importance of Chinese naval power while attending a massive fleet review yesterday in the South China Sea off the coast of Hainan province. "The mission of building a mighty people's navy has never been more urgent than it is today," Xi, dressed in army fatigues, said in remarks on the helicopter deck of one of China's most advanced destroyers. "Strive to make the people's navy a first-rate world navy." State media said the fleet review included 48 ships, among them China's sole operating aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, along with 76 helicopters, fighter jets and bombers, and more than 10,000 personnel, making it the largest since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The navy began three days of exercises off Hainan on Wednesday, but ended them a day early on Thursday, the provincial maritime safety administration said. No explanation was given for the curtailment of the drills or the Taiwan Strait exercise, and the Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to questions. The maritime safety authority in the coastal province of Fujian said the one-day Taiwan Strait drill will be held next Wednesday. Taiwan's defense ministry responded with a statement saying the exercises appeared to be part of scheduled annual drills, and that they were closely monitoring the situation and fully capable of responding. "Citizens please feel at ease," the statement said. While Beijing responded mildly to President Donald Trump's early outreach to Taiwan's independence-leaning government, recent developments have prompted a tougher response. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and says the sides, which separated during the Chinese civil war in 1949, must eventually be united, by force if necessary. Despite a lack of formal ties, Washington is legally bound to respond to threats to Taiwan and is the island's main supplier of foreign military hardware. Chinese officials have denounced the recent passage of a US law encouraging more high-level contacts with Taiwan. China says the Taiwan Travel Act violates US commitments not to restore formal exchanges severed when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. An agreement to provide Taiwan with submarine manufacturing technology and the appointment of hawkish National Security Adviser John Bolton have also hardened views among anti-American nationalists in China. Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday warned against additional moves to strengthen relations with Taiwan. "Any attempt to play the 'Taiwan card' would only be futile," spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said. China, Ma said, would "not hesitate to protect our core interests." Last month, President Xi delivered a strongly nationalistic speech in which he vowed to protect "every inch" of China's territory. "All acts and tricks to split the motherland are doomed to failure and will be condemned by the people and punished by history!" Xi said. China has also stepped up air force missions around Taiwan and has repeatedly sailed the Liaoning through the 160-kilometer (100-mile) -wide Taiwan Strait. The just-completed naval drills off Hainan underscored China's growing capabilities in defending its maritime interests and territorial claims, particularly in the South China Sea, which it claims virtually in its entirety. An estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes through the waterway annually, and China has constructed airstrips and other installations on artificial islands to enlarge its military footprint. The drills near Hainan follow recent ones in the sea that featured the Liaoning, amid deployments and drills by the rival US Navy. China is building new vessels at a rapid pace to equip its navy, coast guard and maritime law enforcement agencies, including its first entirely domestically built aircraft carrier. Hainan is home to a major military presence, including naval air stations and the country's largest submarine base. This week it also hosted a global business forum that included a smattering of world leaders, among them Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose country is a US treaty ally and has overlapping claims with Beijing in the South China Sea. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China poses a strategic challenge to the US, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said today, as top American Senators flagged concern over Beijing's assertive behaviour in both the strategic and trade domain. Pompeo, 54, made the remarks during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of State before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If confirmed, he would replace Rex Tillerson, who was fired by US President Donald Trump last month, to lead the State Department. "China certainly presents a strategic challenge to the United States of America," the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief told members of the Senate. Noting that the Chinese are using "mostly economic tools", Pompeo said the US needs to be prepared to respond across each of those fronts so that it can find the right ground, the right place where it can cooperate with China, where it makes sense for America and in those places where it does not, it can confront them and make sure that it is America's vision -- a democratic vision that continues to provide strength and resources for the world. Pompeo was responding to a question from Senator Marco Rubio, who expressed concern over "assertive Chinese behaviour" in the region. "They (Chinese) have most certainly not embraced democracy. They've actually gotten more autocratic and they have embraced the definition of a world economic order that basically means 'we will take all the benefits of global trade and global economics'. But we do not intend to live by any of its obligations," he said. Rubio said that he personally believes that it was a terrible mistake that leaders in both parties have made. "Now as part of their strategy you see China doing things like trying to create strategic depth in Eurasia," he said. "Their efforts to establish all these different programmes, the belt and road initiative, Silk Road Maritime, Silk Road, they're just efforts - they're not just efforts to create new overland trade corridors, they're efforts to basically make these nations economically, politically and eventually militarily dependent on and vulnerable to China," Rubio said. "And their maritime borders in the South and East China Sea that they feel vulnerable and insecure. They see American allies in Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and so what they're working on now is fracturing our economic and defence alliances in the Indo-Pacific region," he said. That is why the Chinese are investing billions of dollars in building up their Navy and their Air Force to be able to establish air and sea denial to the US military and ultimately make the argument that don't count on America's defence and/or economic partnership because it is just paper, they can't live up to it anymore, Rubio said. Senator Robert Menendez said an "emboldened" China is "asserting itself" in the South China Sea militarily and economically "right here in the Western Hemisphere". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China's trade surplus with the United States surged by a fifth in the first three months of the year with China calling today on Washington to be patient as tensions between the economic superpowers simmer. Fears of a trade war have been rumbling since last month as President Donald Trump has threatened a series of tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods, sparking tit-for-tat warnings from Beijing. The stand-off lies in the Trump administration's ire at massive levies and what it considers unfair practices by China that he says are costing American jobs. President Xi Jinping's vow this week to cut tariffs in some sectors, and Trump's warm response, have calmed some concerns -- but a vast gulf in expectations remains between the two nations. The latest data showed China continues to benefit from the two-way trade. Its surplus with the US rose 19.4 per cent on-year to USD 58 billion in January-March, with exports up 14.8 per cent and imports 8.9 per cent higher. However, for March the surplus fell to USD15.4 billion from February's USD21 billion, while it was also down from USD17.7 billion 12 months ago. China registered a rare deficit of USD4.98 billion with the rest of the world last month owing to seasonal factors such as the Lunar New Year holiday. Against the backdrop of recent tensions, customs bureau spokesman Huang Songping repeated China's line that it is not looking for an advantage over its trading partners. "We don't strive for a favourable balance of trade (for China), the current state of trade affairs are shaped by the market," he told a briefing in Beijing. "We hope that the US will listen patiently to rational and pragmatic voices on the trade balance issue." He reiterated that China does not want a trade war, saying "this trade friction is not conducive to China's interests, nor is it conducive to the interests of the US". After Trump unveiled another set of planned tariffs last today, Xi this week struck a conciliatory note, promising to cut tariffs on cars -- a key point of US anger -- and other imports, as well as further open up the economy. Xi "said he's going to open up China. He's going to open it up, take down a lot of the trade barriers - maybe all of them", Trump told lawmakers yesterday. However, Chinese officials have in recent days repeated that the two sides were not negotiating on the issue. The US has not "shown the sincerity needed for negotiations", commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng said today. Trump has portrayed the issue in a more favourable light. "Again, we're doing really well with China. I think we're having some great discussions," he told the gathering of lawmakers in Washington, though he repeated that the US would win a trade war between the two sides. "When you're USD 500 billion down, you can't lose a trade war," he said. "We put a USD 50 billion tariff on, and then we put USD 100 billion tariff on. And, you know, at a certain point, they run out of bullets." During Trump's first year in office the surplus reached record highs -- USD 375 billion by US counting, or USD 276 billion according to Chinese data. So far the large threats wielded by both sides have not been implemented. Only USD3 billion in goods have been slapped with tariffs in the escalating spat -- the US targeted steel and aluminium while China took aim at pork and wine among a slew of other American products. Trade between the two nations remained strong in the first quarter, with bilateral exchanges rising 13 per cent to USD 142 billion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Clashes erupted along the Gaza-Israel border as thousands of protesters gathered for a third consecutive Friday, AFP journalists said. Limited clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers began in at least two places along the border, AFP reporters said, with larger protests expected after Friday Muslim prayers. At least three Palestinians were shot and wounded, the health ministry in Gaza said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah today demanded Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sack her two cabinet colleagues who allegedly tried to defend the accused in the Kathua rape-and-murder case. He said the BJP ministers who took part in a rally in support of the accused have no right to be in the cabinet. "Mehbooba Mufti will have to decide whether she is ready to work with those ministers who are trying to save the killers of the girl," the former chief minister told reporters here. Earlier, the state's Minister for Forest Chaudhary Lal Singh and Minister for Commerce and Industries Chander Prakash Ganga, both from the BJP, attended the event organised by the Hindu Ekta Manch in favour of the accused. "The ministers who took part in the rally in support of victim's killers, the ministers who said police should not make any arrests in this case, the ministers who pointed fingers against own police force, the ministers who said there is jungle raj in the state, they have no right to stay in the cabinet," he said. Abdullah said Mehbooba will have to show the same courage in taking action against the BJP ministers as she did when she sacked senior PDP leader and the then finance minister Haseeb Drabu. "Mehbooba Mufti took action against Haseeb Drabu. I don't think his crime was so big as that of these BJP ministers. If Mehbooba says she showed courage in acting against Drabu, she needs to show same courage again in taking action against these ministers as well," he said. Omar said the assertion by a PDP spokesman that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take action against BJP ministers in the state was just an excuse. "This is just an excuse that the prime minister will take action. The prime minister does not take decision on J&K ministers. The chief minister decides who will be the ministers in the state cabinet," he added. The eight-year-old girl, who was from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, disappeared near her house in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Commerce Secretary Rita Teotia today held a meeting with Telangana government officials on increasing exports from the state. Chief Secretary S K Joshi and other state officials attended the meeting, a state government release said. Teotia has asked the state government to prepare strategy for increasing exports from the state and to expand to different areas, in addition to pharma and IT, the release said. She suggested that value added products from agriculture-related industries should be promoted for exports, it said. The meeting reviewed exports from Telangana item-wise. Export of egg powder, essential oils, meat, rice, textiles and cotton was discussed, it said. The official also suggested that the data published by the Commerce Ministry on export opportunities to different countries be analysed, the release said. She asked the state government to send a team to the global exhibition on exports to be held in May in Mumbai. The meeting also discussed the infrastructure required to promote exports, it said. Joshi said steps would be taken to promote exports from the state as per the advice of the Commerce ministry. Telangana accounted for 30 per cent of the pharma products in the country and 20 per cent of the exports, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Comparisons between India and China are "unfair" as India "pales" before the communist giant, which is about five times India's size, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said as he emphasised on improving infrastructure for the country's growth "I think the comparison is often made between India and China. That is a comparison which to some extent is unfair to India. They are two very different countries," Rajan said. Rajan, who is currently the Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, gave The 2018 Albert H Gordon Lecture on April 11 at the Harvard Kennedy School on the topic Leverage, Financial Crises, and Policies to Raise Economic Growth'. He said India "pales" in comparison to China, which is about five times India's size while the per capita is about the same as populations in both countries are approaching each other. "By any criteria, except comparisons to China, India is a very impressive story, he said, pointing to the seven per cent GDP growth over the last 25 years. On what India has not done that China has, Rajan said India has not built out infrastructure and construction. Rajan said an enormous part of Chinese growth and manufacturing growth has been much better logistics, access to ports and roads, something "which India doesn't have". Rajan cited an hypothetical example of building a six-lane highway in India, saying there will be a pushback for such a project. He said it is difficult to build infrastructure in India as one would be running over so many people's land. "You have a close to first world civil society, very entrepreneurial politicians but a third world administration. Put that combination together and it becomes very hard to build out, acquire land and build those mega projects in India, he said. Rajan voiced optimism that at "some point we will figure out how to do it reasonably." In this regard, India's biggest advantage is that it is a democracy, he said. "Ultimately I believe that the strongest system for growth is not a state-run system, not an autocratic system. When you are at the frontier, a liberal market democracy is the strongest system because of the checks and balances built into it," he said. Rajan said India is poised to achieve higher growth. "India has a lot to do to get there but it doesn't have a deep constraint in reaching there. It has to make sure it doesn't go autocratic on the way but it has all the elements to reach there, he said. Rajan noted that once India's catch up growth happens, which could be another 10 years, it will get "closer to the frontier. India is (then) much better positioned to stay there for longer." In 2017, China's GDP growth rate of 6.8 per cent was ahead of India's at 6.7 per cent, giving the former the tag of being the fastest growing emerging economy. The Indian economy, which grew at 7.1 per cent in 2016, slowed in 2017 due to demonetisation in November 2016 and GST rollout in July 2017. The Congress today accused the BJP of viewing the Kathua and Unnao rape cases through the "prism of religion" and demanded sacking of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi noted that the Kathua and Unnao incidents cannot be termed as "normal cases" and said these have shamed the nation. The BJP cannot belittle the fight of women for equality and dignity, the party said. Singhivi also criticised BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi for saying she has chosen to look at incidents such as the Kathua and Unnao cases through the "prism of religion". "I strongly condemn the party, which sees even rape on religious and class lines. The person, the party, and the government that looks at rape through the prism of class and religion, has to be criticised," he said, adding it shows the BJP's "regressive mindset. The Congress on Twitter said, "BJP's MP Meenakshi Lekhi's insensitive remark is an insult to Indian citizens standing up for their rights. Her statement reflects her party's regressive ideology. She must take back her words and apologize immediately." In national interest, it is important to criticise incidents like the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which have "shook the head of the entire nation in shame", he said. Questioning the silence of Modi, Singhvi said, "The prime minister, Uttar Pradesh chief minister (Yogi Adityanath) and Jammu and Kashmir chief minister (Mehbooba Mufti) have to speak the truth and the time has arrived for that." "It is time three people spoke compassionately, they are the prime minister, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Post Unnao-Kathua, the collective conscience of the nation has been shaken, but nothing seems to shake the conscience of Modi, Singhvi said. "Belated lip-service, damage control actions and downright whataboutery indulged by the BJP cannot absolve it from its sins!" he tweeted. He said the Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit was consistently raising its voice against the perpetrators and seeking justice for the victim. Singhvi demanded sacking of BJP Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga in Jammu and Kashmir, who he alleged instigated the protests in Jammu in support of the accused rapists. "It is high time, the prime minister speaks on the issue. Uttar Pradesh chief minister should be sacked and the two BJP ministers (in J-K) should be dismissed forthwith, in order to provide some justice to the victims," he said. Criticising the government's claim of amending the POCSO Act to grant death penalty to rape convicts, he said, "Suddenly the Modi government is talking about reforms in the POCSO Act? Did it not know this for the last four years." He also criticised the UP government for not arresting accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and asked whether it was true that the lawmaker would have not been taken into custody had the Allahabad High Court not used harsh words. Singhvi also took a swipe at BJP women ministers, who he claimed had as opposition members made critical remarks against the then UPA government. "Where are those women BJP leaders now. Where are the BJP's fierce, vocal women leaders? Where are their tweets? If not anything, let them share some crocodile tears, give some clarification," he said. The party also tweeted, "The BJP must be told that it cannot belittle the fight of women for equality and dignity, simply because its ideological mentor, the RSS, does not believe in these ideas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress and the CPI today condemned remarks by a BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh that the 2019 Lok Sabha election will be fought on the lines of Islam versus Bhagwan, saying it reflected the character of the saffron party's leaders and how the ruling party was vitiating the situation for electoral gains. Surendra Singh, the legislator from Bairia, said that the next general election will also be about "Pakistan versus Bharat". Earlier this week, Singh had also defended his party MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The character of the leaders of the BJP, when it comes to women's safety or communal politics, is there before the country and people will give an answer to it, All India Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev told reporters here. Seconding Dev, CPI national secretary D Raja said his party has been saying that the BJP is allegedly trying to polarise the people. "The BJP is playing on the communal religious line and is vitiating the situation for the sake of electoral gains. This MLA articulated his party's understanding, Raja said. Singh, while addressing a public meeting last night in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, had said, "The 2019 polls are going to be on the lines of Pakistan versus Bharat...Islam versus Bhagwan and so the respected people of the country you have to decide whether it will be Islam which will win or Bhagwan." "(You have to) decide if it is the dishonest that will be victorious or (Narendra) Modi's sincerity," he said. The lawmaker, who has made controversial statements in the past, said that people would rejoice if the BJP managed to retain power at the Centre. In case the opposition succeeds in forming government, drums and trumpets would be played in Pakistan, he said. The legislator had earlier said that once India becomes a "Hindu rashtra" only those Muslims would stay in the country who assimilate in the Hindu culture. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress is seeking to take forward the protest against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases and has asked its cadres at state and district headquarters to stage similar demonstrations across the country, demanding justice for the victims. Sources said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has asked party cadres to organise similar protests today in support of protection of women. They said party general secretary (organisation) Ashok Gehlot has told all state Congress chiefs to galvanise the cadres in each state and stage candle-light marches at all state and district headquarters. Gandhi had led a midnight march to the India Gate in the national capital last night asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save and protect the girl child. The Congress has upped the ante against the government over alleged inaction in the Kathua and Unnao rape cases. A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger last year in Uttar Pradesh. The incident came to light when she attempted to immolate herself outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth's residence in Lucknow. In Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old girl had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The chargesheet in the case had revealed chilling details about how she was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, raped inside a place of worship before being killed. The opposition party has also alleged that the accused were being "protected" by the authorities concerned. Gandhi, amid slogans against the BJP and the prime minister during the march last night, had claimed that the women of the country are afraid to go out and the government must ensure their safety. He said Modi's silence over the rising atrocities against women was "unacceptable" and that India was waiting for him to speak up. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttarakhand High Court today permitted private CBSE-affiliated schools in the state to prescribe non-NCERT books if they deem fit but asked them to ensure they are reasonably priced. In an interim order on a writ filed by private schools, private publishers and others against the state government's decision making NCERT books mandatory in all CBSE schools, the single-judge bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia said private CBSE schools may recommend and use books other than NCERT's. However, the court said the books of private publications prescribed by such schools should not be exorbitantly priced and must follow the CBSE syllabus. The court asked private CBSE schools to provide a list of non-NCERT books prescribed by them alongside their prices to the state government and the CBSE. The court set May 3 as the date for final hearing in the case. Though appreciating the state government's intention behind making NCERT books mandatory in all schools, which was to make books available to all sections of students at affordable prices, the court said every good thing cannot be compulsory. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dalit leaders today took strong objection to the painting of the upper part of an under construction Ambedkar memorial here in saffron. The protesters, however, said a private jewellery firm had undertaken the painting work as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project and "the government had nothing to do with it". Chandrashekhar, the president of a local Dalit group, said, "They would have painted the entire memorial saffron had we not protested." "The jewellery firm agreed to our demand to re-paint it in white and used red paint to write "Ambedkar Chauraha" on it. The government wasn't involved in this," he said. The memorial is being built at Ambedkar Chauraha, around one km from the district magistrate's office, on the lines of Lucknow's famous Parivartan Chowk after demolishing an existing structure. Asked if the government had ordered to paint the memorial in saffron, Deputy Municipal Commissioner D K Singh said there was no such instruction. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today took umbrage when an attempt was made to raise before it the issue relating to the unprecedented January 12 press conference by the four senior-most judges, who had accused the Chief Justice of India (CJI) of arbitrarily allocating cases. While hearing a PIL challenging the existing roster system and powers of the CJI to allocate cases, a bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan made it clear that it was not concerned with the issue of the presser for "many reasons and obvious reasons". "We are not going to go into it. We are not concerned with it for many reasons and obvious reasons. Do not say all this. Do not bring it here," the bench told senior advocate Dushyant Dave, who was representing Bhushan. The observation by the bench came after Dave said, "Four of your colleagues have publicly took note of the failure of the system." When the bench referred to the apex court verdicts which held that the CJI is the "master of roster", Dave said a judgement passed earlier this week was in his favour. Bhushan's counsel raised the issue of allocation of cases in the apex court and said that matter was listed contrary to the rules of the Supreme Court. "This court is the bedrock of the Constitution," he said, adding that the registry should follow the Supreme Court rules stipulating the procedure for listing of cases. Dave claimed that an apex court judge, who had served as a CJI for two weeks, had listed several business matters before himself and gave reliefs. He said that after his retirement, the apex court had to reverse many of his orders. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said they were concerned about the institution and they were not permanent fixtures here. To this, Justice Sikri said, "We will retire, but you are a permanent fixture". In his PIL, Shanti Bhushan has stated that the "master of roster" cannot be unguided and unbridled discretionary power, exercised arbitrarily by the CJI by hand-picking benches of select judges or by assigning cases to particular judges. The petition said the CJI's authority as the master of roster is "not an absolute, arbitrary, singular power that is vested in the chief justice alone and which may be exercised with his sole discretion". It said that such an authority should be exercised by the CJI in consultation with the senior judges of the Supreme Court in keeping with the various pronouncements of the court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today expressed its 'prima facie' disagreement that task of allocation of cases should be entrusted to the members of the collegium, which consists of five senior-most judges of the apex court, including the chief justice of India (CJI). A bench comprising justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said that if it was done, the collegium would have to sit daily or twice or thrice a week just for this work only. "It cannot be expected that the collegium will sit everyday or two-three days a week for this only. It is not a feasible solution," the court observed during the hearing of a PIL filed by former law minister Shanti Bhushan challenging the existing roster system and powers of the CJI to allocate cases. "Prima facie, I do not think that the collegium should be entrusted with the task of allocating cases. You can come out with suggestions," Justice Sikri told senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for Bhushan. During the arguments, Dave said that "sensitive" cases should be allocated by the collegium as in a democracy, there was "nothing called absolute discretion" and there were matters which were "sensitive" for the nation and for survival of democracy. He submitted that the Constitution speaks about the powers of the CJI and it was "not desirable" to leave that power to an individual and the top court registry should follow the Supreme Court Rules, which stipulate the procedure for the listing of cases. The bench observed that power has been given to judges to protect the Constitution and democracy and the listing of cases was the discretion of the CJI, who is the 'master of the roster'. However, Dave said, "But there is caveat. It should be fair and just." He contended, "Then the prime minister might say that I am the prime minister and I am the ruler of the country." However, the bench said there should be some in-house mechanism to deal with the issue of listing of cases. "Frankly speaking, as far as the institution is concerned, judges and the judiciary are supposed to do justice. Bigger role, I always say, is to protect the Constitution and democracy. The Bar has an important role in this," Justice Sikri observed. The bench also made it clear that the power to appoint judges of the Supreme Court or the high courts was entirely different from day-to-day affairs of the top court. During the proceedings, Dave referred to 14 matters, including the plea challenging appointment of Gujarat cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as a special director of the CBI, and said that in Asthana's case, the issue first came up for hearing before a bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi, but later it was transferred to court number eight. "In 14 cases, the CJI used his power and this raises very, very serious questions. In Asthana's case, Justice Gogoi heard it first. Then Justice Navin Sinha (who was part of the bench) recused. The rules says that the matter should be listed before Justice Gogoi's bench, yet it was taken to court number 8," he said. To this, the bench said, "You may have a point, but when a case comes up for marking and when one of the judges has recused, it will come before the CJI." Dave also raked up the issue of mentioning of cases when the CJI's court is sitting in a Constitution bench matter. He referred to an order passed by a bench headed by Justice Jasti Chelameswar, the senior-most judge, after a matter relating to alleged bribes being taken in the name of judges, was mentioned before him by NGO 'Campaign for Judicial Accountability'. Without referring to the merits of Justice Chelameswar's order, Dave said that since the CJI was hearing a Constitution bench case at that time, Justice Chelameswar's order in that matter was "valid". On November 10 last year, a five-judge constitution bench had overturned the order passed by the bench headed by Justice Chelameswar, which had asked for setting up a larger bench to hear the matter of alleged bribes being taken in the name of judges. The bench, however, made it clear that so far as the CJI being the master of the roster was concerned, there was no dispute and this has already been held in the recent verdicts. The bench has posted the matter for hearing on April 27. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval today held talks with top official of China's ruling CPC Yang Jiechi in Shanghai, the Indian Embassy here said, the second meeting between the two officials after the last year's Dokalam stand-off. Doval's meeting with Yang, the Politburo member of the CPC, comes ahead of several key dialogues between the two countries, which are trying to reset the ties after the last year's 73-day long stand-off at Dokalam. The Indian Embassy in a brief statement said that Doval and Yang, both special representatives of the India-China boundary talks, held talks, but gave no details about the meeting. Yang is also Director of Foreign Affairs Commission. Till last month, Yang was the State Councillor of the CPC, a top diplomatic post. He was replaced by Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. Wang will hold the dual posts of State Councillor and Foreign Minister in a major reshuffle of top officials. This is the second meeting between Doval and Yang after the Dokalam stand-off. Yang attended the 20th round of boundary talks between the two countries in Delhi in December last year during which both sides decided to reset the ties with more interactions. Since December, the two sides are trying to iron out differences on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China blocking the efforts to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. The two countries are preparing for a series of high-level interactions leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in June. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on April 24 to attend different meetings of the SCO and interact with their counterparts from the member states. The eight-member SCO, in which India was a latest entrant along with Pakistan, is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao. The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which is focused on anti-terrorism cooperation is holding a host of ministerial and officials' meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the grouping. SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers meetings are also scheduled on April 24 and almost around the same time, according to officials here. Both sides attach lot of significance to these meetings to reset the ties as they were taking place after President Xi Jingping has commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect continuing in power for life following the removal of two-term limit for the president. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it has framed a draft in consultation with the Bureau of Police Research and Development and NALSA. The Centre told the court that the draft has been circulated for comments from the states. The top court asked the union government to finalise the scheme after getting response from the state government. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan directed all the state governments to furnish their comments by May 13 and asked the Centre to finalise the programme. "We expect that all the states furnish their comments on the draft by May 13. After receiving the comments the draft scheme shall be finalised," the bench said. The apex court posted the matter for further hearing in August. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand informed the court that Centre has already framed a draft witness protection scheme, which has been circulated with the state governments for comments. Advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter, said the draft was circulated with the states on March 22 and their comments were sought by April 11, due to the hearing in the apex court. He sought some time to enable the states to file their response. The bench said that states can furnish their comments in next month by May 13 and posted the matter for further hearing in August. It gave liberty to amicus curiae to file any suggestions to the scheme, if necessary. On November 17, the apex court had asked Centre as to why a draft scheme cannot be formulated for witness protection in the country when specific provisions in this regard were already there in the NIA Act. It had said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) could at least come out with a draft programme for witness protection and asked Attorney General K K Venugopal to give his suggestions on the issue. The apex court had said that can be implemented for at least sensitive cases and MHA could come out with a comprehensive plan. The issue of witness protection programme had cropped up when the apex court was hearing a PIL seeking protection for witnesses in rape cases involving self-styled preacher Asaram Bapu. It had asked the petitioners, who are witnesses in case related to Asaram, to implead all the states as party on the issue of witness protection programme. The petitioners have sought investigation into the instances of attacks and disappearances of witnesses in cases against Asaram. The apex court had on March 24 questioned Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the status of implementation of witness protection schemes till now and had directed them to provide security cover to the witnesses in rape cases against Asaram, who is at present in jail. It had asked Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to provide security to the witnesses residing in their jurisdictions. While UP has three such witnesses, Haryana has one. Ecuador's president has given renegade Colombian rebels 12 hours to show whether three abducted reporters are alive, or face a forceful response. The government yesterday received photos from the Colombian TV station RCN suggesting the three had been killed. The journalists were abducted by rogue forces of Colombia's FARC guerrillas along the countries' shared border on March 26. President Lenin Moreno, in an emotional speech, said if the government does not receive word on the team's status "we will move forcefully ... not hesitating to punish these human rights violators," the president said. He spoke at Quito airport upon his return from a regional summit in Peru. "The clock starts clicking right now," Moreno said. Reporter Javier Ortega, 32, photographer Paul Rivas, 45, and their driver Efrain Segarra, 60, were kidnapped by rogue Colombian FARC guerrillas on March 26 at the Ecuador-Colombia border. On April 3, Colombia's RCN television aired a 23-second video showing the trio wearing chains with locks around their necks, the first proof of being alive. One of the hostages asked Moreno to reach an agreement for their release. Moreno in turn announced his government "will do everything possible and impossible so that they return safe and sound," according to a spokesman. Moreno decided to return urgently to Quito after a Colombian television channel announced it had received photographs that show the three journalists may be dead. The journalists were on assignment in the border area where Ecuadoran security forces have come under a series of deadly attacks blamed on rogue FARC elements involved in drug trafficking. The larger FARC movement reached a historic peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The family of the Pakistani man killed in a road accident involving the vehicle of an American military attache today protested here demanding his arrest and a ban on leaving the country. Ateeq Baig, 22, was killed and another person injured when the bike they were riding was hit by the SUV driven by US defence and air attache Col Joseph Emanuel Hall in Islamabad last week. The US has said that the American military attache at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is charged with causing the death of the Pakistani national and injuring another in the road accident, enjoys diplomatic immunity and cannot be arrested or detained. The police registered the case but did not arrest the diplomat as he was protected under international immunity. However, police have asked the interior ministry to not let him leave the country during investigation of the case. Baig's father Mohammad Idrees took part in the rally near the place of accident along with other family members. Talking to media, he said that the family wants justice. "Nobody either from the US embassy or Pakistan government contacted us after the accident," he said. Idrees rejected that the family was ready to pardon the accused after receiving blood money, saying "we want justice". He also asked the chief justice of the Supreme Court to take a suo moto cognisance and stop the accused from leaving the country. Pakistan has already lodged a formal protest with US Ambassador David Hale, who expressed sympathy for the victim's family and assured cooperation with the investigation. The Foreign Office has said that Pakistan conveyed to the US Ambassador that justice will take its own course in accordance with the law of the land and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 45-year-old farmer was today mauled to death by a tiger in a wheat-crop field near Shatepurwa village, police said. The body of the farmer was found by the villagers, they said. Divisional forest officer Anil Kumar Patel confirmed about the incident and said forest department teams were sent to the spot. Nighasan police, sub divisional magistrate and deputy police superintendent reached the spot to pacify the villagers who staged a protest against the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three Syrian men accused of membership in Islamic extremist groups have been arrested in Germany. One of them is believed to have tried to recruit people in Germany to fight in Syria's civil war. Police and prosecutors said the men, who entered Germany as asylum-seekers in 2015, were arrested yesterday in Saarlouis, near the French border. Authorities said today a refugee home employee tipped officials off after recognising one suspect in a video that showed him in uniform with weapons. Officials accuse the 23-year-old of membership in the Ahrar al-Sham group and say he tried to recruit fighters over the internet. His alleged accomplices, 21 and 27, are accused of having belonged to the Islamic State group in Syria. Authorities say there's no evidence the three planned attacks in Europe. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today asked the CBI and the CVC to examine complaints seeking a probe into the role of a minister and officers of the Ministry of Environment and Forests for allegedly illegally causing gain to private mining firms and loss to the exchequer while granting them mining leases. It asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to examine the complaint to the agency and communicate the decision to the petitioner, who has approached the court seeking a direction to the CBI and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to conduct a thorough probe into the matter. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar asked the CBI and the CVC to "examine the complaints of the petitioner in light of the applicable law within three months and communicate the decision to the petitioner" while disposing of the petition. The petition, filed by Sudip N Tamankar, said that he had made detailed complaints to both the CBI and the CVC seeking criminal investigation against the MoEF officers for alleged corruption, criminal breach of trust and criminal misconduct, but both the authorities have failed in their statutory duty to direct and conduct a probe. Advocate Pranav Sachdeva, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the complaints were made to the CBI and the CVC on March 23, 2015 and no action has been taken since then and even he was not informed about the status of the complaints. The plea said that recently the Supreme Court has quashed all the orders passed by the MoEF relating to iron ore mining leases that had been released by the Goa government for a second time, instead of granting fresh licences. The apex court has also made several adverse observations against the actions and decisions of the MoEF, it said. "Since the CBI crime manual mentions that once a complaint is made to the CBI, it is supposed to initiate a preliminary enquiry in that regard and if a case is made out, then it has to register a regular case (FIR). Also, that in the case of Lalita Kumari..., a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court has held that if a cognisable offence is made out, an FIR needs to be registered. "However, the CBI has failed to initiate any action on the petitioner's complaint. The CVC has a statutory duty to oversee the CBI and order criminal investigation when a corruption case is made out, but it has failed to do its statutory duty," the petition said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Government doctors in Kerala began an indefinite strike today, protesting the suspension of a colleague and extending out-patient (OP) time, putting patients to hardship. According to the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA), at least 4,300 doctors were on strike. The association had last night called for the agitation to protest the decision to extend the OP time in hospitals from9 a.m to 6 p.m and the suspension of a doctor, who refused to attend to work following increase in OP timings. The government, however, maintained that only a section of the doctors were participating in the agitation. Several patients who reached government hospitals this morning were angry that doctors were on strike. A woman,who had come to the government general hospital here at 5 a.m, expressed anger and said the stir would cause hardship to poor patients, as they cannot afford to go to private hospitals. "Only after coming here,I came to know that doctors are on strike," she said. A statement from KGMOA said only the casualty wing would function during the strike and in-patient treatment would be provided only till April 18. There would not be any new admission, it said, adding only emergency operations would be performed. A doctor had been suspended as he refused to attend to work following increase in OP timings, KGMOA secretary, Dr Jitesh said. He also warned that if government launched any action against them, they would further intensify their agitation. According to the association, they were not against the increase in OP timings, but wanted more doctors to be posted. Jitesh also alleged that government was not doing enough to ensure prevention and control of infectious diseases. In a Facebook post, Health Minister K K Shylaja said the agitation was to defeat the government's 'Ardram Mission', which envisages basic facilities to all hospitals in the State and making government hospitals patient-friendly. As part of the mission, the primary health centres are being converted to family health centres to provide a comprehensive health facilities to people, the Minister said. The government has also warned that if the doctors continue to abstain from work, stringent action would be taken. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan today said the NDA government is committed to maintaining the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in its original form and would consider bringing an ordinance if required. Paswan, who has often aired this view within the government, expressed hope that the apex court would allow the government's review plea against its order which, many argue, dilutes the legislation's stringent provisions. "The government is determined to maintaining the law as it was enacted. If it calls for bringing in a legislation, we will consider doing it," he said. Official sources said an ordinance can be brought if the apex court rejects the government's review petition. Dalit groups have been protesting the apex court order, which has allowed provision for anticipatory bail and introduced safeguards for accused. A 'Bharat Bandh' called by them against it on April 2 had turned violent, leading to deaths of at least 11 people. The sources said a group of ministers headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh had met on April 11 to discuss various aspects of the matter and a view emerged that the apex court order had created an "unrest". They also believed that an additional solicitor general, who had represented the Centre when the SC heard the matter, did not convey the official position forcefully. Besides Singh, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thavarchand Gehlot attended the meeting. The government has maintained that the court never made it formally a party to the case in which it delivered the order. Paswan told reporters that the government has acted swiftly in the case by filing a review plea within two weeks of the order and rejected the Opposition's charge that the NDA government was "anti-Dalit". It was the Modi government which amended the Act in 2016 to make it comprehensive and stringent, he said. The government will also file an SLP in court to change a UGC guideline on quota in universities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Concerned over fatigued pilots and cabin crew posing a risk to passenger safety, the Delhi High Court today took to task aviation regulator DGCA for allowing airlines to change stipulated flight and duty time limitations (FDTLs). A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was going against its own Aircraft Rules by allowing such changes and questioned its power to do so. "We cannot have regulations which go beyond the rules in order to cater to the market requirements of airlines. It is manifestly illegal and a threat to passenger safety. You have no power to permit variations (of FDTLs)," the court told the DGCA and added that if it wanted the power, it would have to get the Aircraft Act and Rules amended. "You cannot undo what the legislature has consciously done," the court said. The bench said that the "prime requirement" was passenger safety and not whether pilots have complained. The court said that lack of complaints by pilots or accidents were "not the answer" and asked the regulator how many times it carried out risk assessments regarding pilot fatigue before permitting the variations. It also asked, "Why fix standards of maximum flying time and minimum rest period when you are going to vary them." The observations came after the DGCA said variations were being permitted as there have been no accidents because of that and also no pilot has complained of fatigue till date. The court asked the regulator that if people die because it did not do its duty, then what it has done would amount to murder as was allegedly stated by the petitioner, Kerala-based lawyer Yashwanth Shenoy, in his emails to the DGCA. The bench directed the regulator to disclose the number of changes it has permitted post amendment of the Aircraft Rules in 2016 when its power to make variations to FDTLs was taken away. It also ordered the regulator to produce its original records of the requests received from the different airlines as well as a tabulation of the exemptions or variations that were granted before the amendment and were still in force. The bench further directed the DGCA to state on affidavit that it has not granted any exemptions or variations after the 2016 amendment to the Aircraft Rules. With the direction, the court listed the PIL, which raises issues of pilot and air crew fatigue, obstacles around the Indira Gandhi International Airport and passenger safety, for further hearing on April 18. According to Shenoy, the maximum flying time is around 125 hours per week and this gets varied according to the requirements of an airline, each of which has a different FDTLs. During the hearing, the bench on a lighter note said, "He (Shenoy) is right. If we hear the matter, we will stop flying." Earlier, the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the IGI, had told the court that there were 365 obstacles around the aviation hub that may pose a threat to aircraft safety. Shenoy, in his plea, has recalled what set him off on this path was the 2010 Mangalore air crash. On May 22 that year, Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai to Mangalore overshot the runway on landing after which it caught fire, the plea has said. Of the 160 passengers and six crew members on board, only eight had survived. He has claimed that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the Central lndustrial Security Force and the Delhi Police have not taken airport security seriously and buildings and hotels around the airport were operating without complying with the conditions imposed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court will pass orders on April 17 on an Enforcement Directorate petition seeking to vacate the stay on summons issued to Nalini Chidambaram, wife of former Union minister P Chidambaram, in connection with its money laundering probe in the Saradha chit fund scam case. Justice S M Subramaniam today posted the petition to April 17 for passing orders after hearing the arguments of both the sides. Earlier, in his oral observations, the judge said the summons was issued in 2016 and Nalini had gained two years by virtue of the interim stay granted by the court. Why cannot she appear before the ED and sort out the issue and help the investigation," he said. The ED had on November 7, 2016 issued summons to Nalini to appear before its Kolkata office as a witness in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam. She was allegedly paid a legal fee of Rs 1 crore by the Saradha group for her appearances in court and the Company Law Board over a television channel purchase deal. The high court had on September 21, 2016 stayed the summons on a petition by Nalini that as per Section 160 of the CrPC a woman could not be summoned for inquiry and it has to be conducted at her residence. Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, appearing for Nalini, today contended that the section 160 clearly exempts women and men below 15 years and above 65 years from appearing for inquiry out of their place of residence. The provision applies to the proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act also, he submitted. He said his client had already submitted all documents and statements required by the agency through an authorised person. "Even now, she has not approached the court to quash the summon. All that she insists is when there is a statutory protection, the agency cannot demand her personal appearance," Parasaran added. Opposing the arguments, Additional Solicitor General G Rajagopalan, who appeared on behalf of the ED, submitted that the PMLA provisions empower the ED to summon any person and the Act does not require authorities to comply with section 160 of the CrPC. He also said PMLA has overriding powers over inconsistent statues. Justice Subramaniam intervened and said the ED authorities have their own powers and limitations. The court can interfere only if they act excessively. "If every woman in the country seeks protection under section 160 of the CrPC, will it be practically possible for the agencies to go to everyone of their locations to get statements," he observed orally. Parasaran said if it was not possible, the law must be amended, which is for Parliament to decide. He noted that as Parliament has considered women, children and senior citizens as vulnerable, as a policy, protection had been given to them under section 160 of the CrPC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Impressed by regional cinema, director Shekhar Kapur, who headed the feature film jury of this year's National Film Awards, says Hindi film industry needs to pull up its socks. The veteran filmmaker singled out regional films, particularly Malayalam cinema, at the 65th National Film Awards announcement today. When asked whether a divide still exists between the mainstream and regional cinema, Kapur told PTI, "I think Hindi cinema should now become regional cinema." "The standard of performances in some of the regional films is completely stunning. Hindi films cannot compete with them, not in the state they are... And I know why... Our Hindi films try too hard to become everything. These (regional films) are rooted," the director said while announcing the name of the winners. Jayaraj won his second best director award -- this time for Malayalam film "Bhayanakam". He also won the best adapted screenplay award. Fahadh Faasil won the best supporting actor award for Malayalam film "Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum". The movie also won the award for best Malayalam film and took home the honour in best original screenplay category. Santhosh Raman got the award for best production design for "Take Off". Its actor Parvathy received a special mention. Kapur, known for films such as "Mr India" and "Bandit Queen", said after having served in the jury, he is ready to come back home and make movies in India. In the late '90s, the 72-year-old director turned to Hollywood and made award-winning films such as "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age". "My last film in India was 'Bandit Queen'. It was for a reason that I didn't make films in India. I wanted to make better films here. For years, I've been watching films and thinking that 'Nah... the standard of Hindi films is not that good. "I thought, 'Why should I go back? It should move forward and take up newer challenges'. But after 10 days of watching these films, talking to my jury members, I want to make a film in India." Kapur said films recognised at the National Awards were supposed to be enjoyed by both audiences and critics. "Awards are given not only to highlight the work done by the filmmakers, they are also given so that audiences actually go and watch the films. These films are not just meant to be viewed by film critics. "Why only allow the film critics to see the films? There is a very thin line between prejudice and judgement. Film critics are usually very prejudiced. You must watch these films. A lot of people have done a lot of hard work," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) English world champion diver Tom Daley today urged Commonwealth nations who outlaw homosexuality to relax their anti-gay stance. Openly gay Daley, who is expecting a child with his partner through a surrogate, grasped the opportunity of his gold medal triumph in the 10m synchro event to push for change. Daley, who won gold with team-mate Daniel Goodfellow, said sexual acts between consenting adults of the same sex are criminalised in 37 Commonwealth countries. Daley voiced his concerns about the treatment of homosexuals in large parts of the Commonwealth, whose athletes are gathered on Australia's Gold Coast for the ongoing Games. "Hopefully, I know this might sound a bit political, but by the next Commonwealth Games (in Birmingham 2022), there are 37 countries in the Commonwealth where it's currently illegal to be who I am, so hopefully we can reduce that number between now and then," Daley told reporters. "Coming to the Gold Coast and being able to live as an openly gay man is really important and to be able to feel comfortable in who you are when you are standing on that diving board. "For 37 countries that are here participating that's very much not the case." Daley said it was time for those Commonwealth countries to change their anti-gay laws. "You just have to face those things and try and make change," he said. "There are lots of things that are going to take a long time to change, but I feel with the Commonwealth I think we can really help push some of the other nations to relax their laws on anti-gay sex." The penalties for private, consensual sexual conduct between same-sex adults remain harsh in a number of Commonwealth countries, including imprisonment, hard labour and in some cases flogging. The Commonwealth countries that outlaw homosexuality include Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Tonga. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has conveyed to Russia the need for improving after-sales support of Russian-origin platforms being used by the Indian armed forces. The issue figured prominently during the third India-Russia military industrial conference held here on the sidelines of the Defence Expo, officials said. They said seven MoUs were signed between the Indian private defence firms and Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) for the production of spares of select Russian-origin platforms which are being used by the Indian armed forces. Russia has been one of India's key suppliers of arms and ammunition. However, it has been a long-standing grievance of the armed forces that the supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country. India has been pressing Russia to adopt a liberal approach in sharing technology for components of major defence platforms as it was critical to keep them in operational readiness. The Indian delegation at the conference was led by Secretary (Defence Production) Ajay Kumar, while Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russian Federation Oleg Ryazantcev led the Russian side. The Russian delegation comprised senior representatives of the Russian government and representatives of the leading defence industries. Around 75 Indian defence manufacturing companies and 28 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from Russian industry participated in the conference. The focus was on improving after sales support of Russian-origin defence equipment which are being used by the Indian armed forces. The first India-Russia military industrial conference was held in March 2017 in New Delhi, while the second one had taken place in August 2017 in Moscow, the Defence Ministry said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The country's foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 503.6 million to touch a life-time high of USD 424.864 billion in the week to April 6, aided by increase in foreign currency assets, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. In the previous week, the reserves had surged by USD 1.828 billion to USD 424.366 billion. It had crossed the USD 400-billion mark for the first time in the week to September 8, 2017, but has since been fluctuating. In the reporting week, the foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, rose by USD 657.7 million to USD 399.776 billion. Expressed in the US dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US currencies such as the euro, the pound and the yen held in the reserves. After remaining stable for past few weeks, gold reserves decreased by USD 130.7 million to USD 21.484 billion in the reporting week, the central bank said. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund declined by USD 10 million to USD 1.534 billion. The country's reserve position with the IMF also decreased by USD 13.4 million to USD 2.070 billion, the apex bank said. India and Singapore are working on the bilateral use of online payment, but there is a long way to go for the two countries to link their economies and smart cities digitally, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said today. Speaking at the HT MintAsia Leadership Summit here, Tharman urged India to expand its air links with East Asia. "(Air connectivity) is how a lot of growth is spurred. Because it's not just about the number of people you carry, it's the fact that they are also coming with business, with investments," he said. Tharman said there were opportunities in the areas of digital innovation and smart cities because of what is happening in India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We have within ASEAN a strategy now of developing more smart cities and linking them up in a network. This is one of the initiatives of Singapore as a chair of ASEAN this year," Channel Asia quoted Tharman as saying. He said India had embarked on its own strategy of developing smart cities. Tharman praised the tie-up between Singapore's NETS and India's National Payments Corporation to allow cross-border use of payment solutions in India and Singapore. Singapore and India are working on bilateral use of online payment using National Electronic System and using system such as Rupay and Singapore Network For Electronic Transfers (NETS) in both countries, he said. "But there is a long way to go to link our economies and link up our smart cities digitally," Tharman said. "Make in India has to be make in India for the world and India. It has to be an external orientation because of those supply side benefits of constant learning that come with making for the world and having the world make with you," he said. "We will all gain from this. This will be how, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, we use trade, investments, connectivity to lift up all our peoples," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India will next week host a global conference aimed at helping nations to implement a UN resolution that seeks to check proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons to terrorists and other non-state actors, the External Affairs Ministry said today. The ministry, in cooperation with Germany and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), will host the India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 from April 16-17, 2018, at the Federation House here. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will be the industry partner for the event titled Securing Global Supply Chains through Government-Industry Partnerships towards Effective Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540'. Representatives from the government and Industry of 39 countries, as well as experts from the UNSC 1540 Committee and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in New York, will be participating in the two-day conference, the MEA said. The Conference provides an opportunity to participants to share experiences on their export control systems and to identify legal and technical assistance, action plans and challenges in national implementation of UNSC 1540, it said. The UN Security Council Resolution 1540 of 2004 establishes legally binding obligations on all states to adopt and enforce appropriate and effective measures to prevent the proliferation to non-state actors of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their delivery systems. It requires, therefore that states implement appropriate and effective measures to prevent non-state actors such as terrorists, from obtaining access to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The Wiesbaden Process was initiated by Germany in 2012 to strengthen the implementation of UNSC 1540 through government-industry partnerships. India, with its long standing commitment to international non-proliferation, has established a legally backed robust export control system to implement UNSC 1540, the ministry said. The conference is being held amid reports of an alleged chemical attack in Douma, Syria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi said today "India wants to know" when its daughters will get justice as he 'thanked' Prime Minister Narendra Modi for breaking his "long silence" on the Kathua and Unnao rape cases. "Dear Prime Minister, Thank you for breaking your long silence. You said 'our daughters will get justice'. India wants to know: when?" Gandhi tweeted. Gandhi's tweet came soon after Modi said at an event in Delhi he wants to "assure the nation that no criminal will be spared" and justice will be delivered to its daughters, a statement seen as a reference to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl in UP's Unnao and of an 8-year-old girl in J&K's Kathua. Earlier today, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said Modi has done "too little, too late" over the two rape cases, but he said his party hoped the prime minister would now initiate tangible steps to provide justice to the victims. Singhvi said the two incidents cannot be termed "normal cases" and these cases have shamed the nation. He also accused the BJP of viewing the cases through the "prism of religion" and demanded the sacking of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "We are very thankful to the prime minister that he has spoken at least, even if he spoke after three months of Kathua and after weeks of Unnao and even if he has spoken at the beck and call of opposition parties like us. "I wish he will now convert his words into deeds... We want that the prime minister should initiate some steps. What matters is deeds count, words do not," he told reporters. "Mere slogans and 'jumlas' will neither prevent nor reduce Unnaos and Kathuas," he said. The Congress reaction also came after several BJP leaders hit out at the opposition parties for "shedding crocodile tears" on the issue of safety of women. In the Kathua case, the rape victim had disappeared from near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team of Crime Branch, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable and a sub-inspector, who were charged with destroying evidence. In the Unnao case, a BJP lawmaker has been booked on various charges, including rape. Kuldeep Singh Sengar, MLA from Bangarmau constituency, was today arrested by the CBI. Singhvi also alleged that the mentality and approach of the government, the BJP, the RSS and Modi was anti-Dalit. The Congress leader said the BJP can inaugurate as many memorials as they like, "but the fact is that they are reducing sub-plans, financial allocations". "You are robbing them of their scholarships, you are participating in conspiracies to dilute their reservations and then you are shedding crocodile tears in the name of Dalits," he said. "Any attempt to rewrite history, erase history will not work," he said. Singhvi said Babasaheb Ambedkar was a part of the Congress and the freedom movement. "No one has done more in the name of Ambedkar than the Congress," he said. He criticised BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi for defending two Jammu and Kashmir ministers, who had joined a rally against the police probe in the Kathua case. "I strongly condemn the party, which sees even rape on religious and class lines. The person, the party and the government that look at rape through the prism of class and religion have to be criticised," he said. On Twitter, the Congress said: "BJP's MP Meenakshi Lekhi's insensitive remark is an insult to Indian citizens standing up for their rights. Her statement reflects her party's regressive ideology. She must take back her words and apologise immediately." Singhvi demanded the sacking of Jammu and Kashmir Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga, who he alleged instigated the protests in Jammu in support of the accused. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five members of an Indian-origin family, including three children, have been killed in South Africa when their home was allegedly petrol-bombed by an unidentified arsonist, police said. Aziz Manjra, 45, who settled in South Africa 25 years ago, was found dead along with his South African wife Gori Bibi and their three children - Zubina, 18, Mairoonisa, 14 and Muhammad Rizwan, 10 - at their home in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday morning. The family had moved into the house only a fortnight earlier. Their friends said that they had saved every possible cent from Manjra's earnings as a shop assistant to realise their dream of owning their own home. A neighbour in the semi-detached house next door, who preferred to remain anonymous, told The Mercury newspaper that her sleep was broken around two in the morning when she heard what sounded like footsteps on her roof. "I heard a man shouting 'Allah'. This was followed by screaming. I was terrified and too scared to even go and check what was happening," she said. The neighbour said that she realised that the screams were coming from the top floor of her neighbour's house. "I alerted another neighbour and asked her to phone the police," she said. Although firemen arrived and put out the blaze quickly, it is believed that the family succumbed to smoke inhalation because of limited escape routes as all windows and doors were heavily covered with iron bars. The original homeowners, Fabian and Ronwyn Visagie, told the paper that they had been in the final stages of selling the house to the Manjras. "They were a nice, normal family who were looking forward to living in their own house," Ronwyn said. Police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Ngobese said they were investigating five cases of murder and a case of arson. "We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the matter. At this stage, there is evidence that a petrol bomb may have been thrown into the house," Police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Ngobese was quoted as saying by News24, South Africa's online service. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The country's second-largest software services major Infosys today reported 2.4 per cent growth in consolidated net profit at Rs 3,690 crore for the quarter ended on March 31, 2018. It had posted a net profit of Rs 3,603 crore in the year-ago period according to IFRS accounting norms, Infosys said in a BSE filing. Revenues of the Bengaluru-based firm grew 5.6 per cent to Rs 18,083 crore in the January-March quarter compared with Rs 17,120 crore in the year-ago period. Infosys said it expects revenue for 2018-19 to grow in the range of 6-8 per cent in constant currency terms and 7-9 per cent in US dollar terms. For the full fiscal 2017-18, profit was up 11.7 per cent at Rs 16,029 crore, while revenues grew 3 per cent to Rs 70,522 crore over the previous year. "I am pleased with our healthy revenue growth, profitability, and cash generation in Q4. Our robust performance is a reflection of the strong impact we have with our clients and the dedication of our employees," Infosys CEO Salil Parekh said. He added that the company will execute its strategy around the four pillars -- scaling digital business (USD 2.79 billion in revenue currently), energizing client's core technology landscape via AI and automation, re-skilling employees, and expanding localisation in markets like US, Europe, and Australia. Infosys COO Pravin Rao said the company will be rolling out compensation increases for a large part of its workforce, effective April 1. The Infosys Board in its meeting today decided to retain the current policy of returning up to 70 per cent of the free cash flow of the corresponding financial year. "In addition to the above, out of the cash on the Balance Sheet, the Board has identified an amount of up to Rs 13,000 crore to be paid to shareholders," it added. This will be done through a special dividend of Rs 10 per share (resulting in a payout of about Rs 2,600 crore in June 2018). Also, an amount of up to Rs 10,400 crore has been identified to be paid out to shareholders for the Financial Year 2019 in a manner to be decided by the Board. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has set up an inter-ministerial group to study issues related to E-commerce sector in the country, said a top official of Department of Commerce here today. "This is little premature to say right now. What we have set up is an inter-ministerial group to discuss the issues relating to e-commerce," Union Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said at a press conference. "What are the possible key areas, where we want the government to grapple with the policy framework. A lot of ministries are involved in this discussion and so is the industry involved. There is some discussion on this," she added. She further said the e-commerce sector is growing rapidly in the country adding it is not just selling goods but also services like transport aggregators like Uber and Ola. "What should be the framework for this is something that we would need to address and that is what under discussion," she added. Teaotia, however, said there was no time-frame for coming out with recommendations. The trade deficit for last fiscal increased as both exports and imports went up substantially following the global crude prices hike and merchandise exports have also gone up. "The merchandise exports have crossed USD 302 billion in FY 18. The services exports have crossed USD 175 billion. So this is a positive story for the country," she explained. Replying to a query, she said the burning issue for every exporter is streamlining of Goods and Services Tax (GST) processes. The Commerce Secretary said the system will settle down in the coming months as the government is taking lot of steps in that direction. On the free trade agreement with the European Union, Teaotia said the bilateral agreement negotiations were never called off by India, but it was the EU which withdrew in 2012. "It is India which has been seeking to re-engage since 2012. We had about five or six rounds of stock taking in the last two years alone. This week my colleague was in Brussels for a meeting that was specifically addressing each of the chapter of our agreement with EU. I hope we will see progress. EU is also interested now," she said. Teaotia was in the city to participate in a meeting organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. She said the Telangana government is in sixth position in the country in terms of services exports. The union secretary earlier met Telangana Chief Secretary SK Joshi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court has reduced to 10 years jail term the life imprisonment awarded to a constable in the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) of Sikkim Police for gunning down five of his colleagues, saying the act was unintentional and he had taken the extreme step after they tried to sodomise him. A bench of justices Sunil Gaur and A K Chawla said the instant case was one where in a fit of anger the man had "exceeded his right of self defence" as he knew that his action would lead to death of his colleagues. The court was of the view that when the colleagues of the constable tried to sodomise him, "he could have reacted in a milder way". "Instead thereof, appellant (constable) had, in a fit of anger, reacted violently by indiscriminately firing at his five colleagues, who had attempted to sodomise appellant," the bench said. The decision and observations by the court came on the constable's appeal against his conviction and life imprisonment awarded to him for the murder of his colleagues. The constable, represented by advocate Ajay Verma, had taken the defence that he was falsely implicated and someone else had committed the crime. He had later contended that he was sodomised by his five colleagues. The shooting incident occurred on March 11, 2007 early morning when local police received information that firing had taken place at the Dena Bank near Golcha Cinema here. On reaching the spot, the police found the appellant in an injured condition and the bodies of his five colleagues inside the Dena Bank treasury chest. Disregarding the man's claim of private defence, the bench said the circumstances leading to the incident have to be considered in a broad perspective and "the right of self defence is not required to be weighed in golden scales". ".. we hold that the offence committed by appellant (constable) is not culpable homicide amounting to murder, but culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Appellant had the knowledge that by firing at his five colleagues, he is likely to cause their death but had not intended to cause their death. "Since the incident took place on a grave and sudden provocation and due to appellant losing his self-control, therefore, the instant case is covered by the second exception to section 300 of IPC. Thus, the offence committed by appellant comes within the ambit of section 304 part-I of IPC, which is punishable with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten year with fine," the court said. The bench said as the prosecution case stands proved, conviction of appellant is altered from murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and modified his sentence to 10 years jail term with fine of Rs 50,000. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special CBI court today adjourned the hearing in the Ishrat Jahan alleged fake encounter case till April 27 as the probe agency sought time to respond to the discharge applications filed by former Gujarat police officers N K Amin and D G Vanzara. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought some time from the court to file its response on their discharge pleas and special CBI judge J K Pandya gave two weeks time to it and adjourned the hearing till then. Both Amin and Vanzara had filed their discharge applications last month. Amin is one of the seven police officials whom the CBI had named in its first charge sheet in the case. Of them, the special court had recently discharged former in-charge DGP P P Pandey. Amin had filed the discharge plea on multiple grounds and claimed that the process of law was not followed by the CBI in making certain accused persons as witnesses in the case. He had alleged that the charge sheet was "fabricated" and most of the facts cited therein were "tampered with". Amin had also said that the validity of the charge sheet was decided upon by the same court, which heard the discharge application of Pandey, who was recently discharged by the same court. Amin, who retired in August 2016, was given an extension by the state government. He was, however, forced to resign on the direction of the Supreme Court after a petition was filed challenging his as well as co-accused Tarun Barot's re-induction into the force. In his plea, Vanzara had claimed that "the entire material on record of this case is nothing but a false story". In his discharge application, Vanzara had said that the statements of the witnesses recorded by the CBI are "highly suspicious" and there is no prima facie prosecutable evidence to prove conspiracy. Ishrat, a 19-year-old college girl from Mumbra near Mumbai, her friend Javed Sheikh alias Pranesh, Amzad Ali Rana and Zeeshan Johar were killed in an alleged fake encounter by the Ahmedabad police on the outskirts of the city in June 2004. The police had then claimed that they were terrorists affiliated to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The first charge sheet filed by the CBI had named seven Gujarat policemen -- Amin, Barot, Pandey, Vanzara, J G Parmar, K M Vaghela, and G L Singhal, for carrying out a fake encounter. While Pandey was discharged, six others are out on bail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gopinath Pillai, the father of Pranesh Pillai alias Javed Sheikh who was shot dead in an alleged fake encounter in June 2004, died in hospital while undergoing treatment following a car accident, police said today. Gopinathan Pillai (78) hailed from Charummoodu in Alappuzha district. The car carrying Pillai, a heart patient, had met with the accident on April 11 in Alappuzha district when he was going to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences at Kochi for a medical check-up. Pillai, who was admitted to the Amrita hospital following the accident, died at 2.30 am today, police said. His body was taken to his village for the last rites. Javed Sheikh was among the four alleged terrorists shot dead on the outskirts of Ahmedabad on June 15, 2004. The others gunned down were 19-year-old college girl Ishrat Jahan from Mumbra in Maharashtra, Zeeshan Johar and Amzad Rana. The police termed them Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives allegedly on a mission to kill then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. According to police, Javed was driving the car that carried the alleged terrorists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress is likely to finalise the first list of candidates for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls today, its state-unit president G Parameshwara said. The Central Election Committee (CEC), presided over by party chief Rahul Gandhi, held first round of discussion in the morning and will deliberate again in the evening and finalise the first list. "The selection process is on. We will meet again in the evening to finalise the candidates. Most probably, we will finalise the first list today," Parameshwara told reporters after the meeting. There is a possibility of releasing candidates for about 136 constituencies out of 224 in the state, the sources said. The CEC is believed to have discussed whether to give tickets to all the 122 sitting Congress MLAs, 7 JD(S) and 2 BJP and other independent leaders who joined the party fold recently, they said. The sources also said that the KPCC chief has sought two tickets -- one from the Koratagere constituency in Tumkur district, the seat which he had lost in 2013, and the other is the Pulakeshinagar constituency in Bengaluru, from where JD(S) MLA joined the Congress recently. Even state chief minister Siddaramaiah wants to contest from two seats and is demanding tickets, one from his old Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysore district and the other Badami in Bagalkote district, where sitting Congress MLA B B Chimmanakatti was pursuaded to vacate the seat, they said. Interestingly, Siddaramaiah, KPCC chief and several other senior leaders from Karnataka are seeking tickets for their children and the party is weighing all these issues while finalising the list, the sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first list of Congress candidates for the May 12 assembly elections in Karnataka was delayed after differences cropped up among members of the party's central election committee (CEC) that met on Friday. At the CEC meeting, which met twice under the chairmanship of Rahul Gandhi, members deliberated on the selection of candidates for hours, but could not arrive at a consensus and decided to meet again tomorrow. "We will meet again tomorrow," Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting. Congress leader and member of the CEC Ambika Soni said the list is not finalised yet and further discussions will take place tomorrow. She said the final call will be taken by Karnataka leaders at the meeting again. Sources said the differences were apparent as each of the senior party leaders from the state were carrying their own separate lists of candidates for approval. Some leaders raised objections over the grant of party tickets to recently joined BJP and JD(S) rebel legislators, besides some Independents, the sources said. A section of Karnataka party leaders feel that the tickets should be given to the winning candidates and expressed apprehensions over the loyalty of those joining the Congress ahead of elections, they said. The deliberations were also centered around the grant of party tickets to family members of Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and state unit chief G Parameswara and some senior ministers. The sources also said that the KPCC chief has sought two tickets -- one from the Koratagere constituency in Tumkur district, the seat that he had lost in 2013, and the other is the Pulakeshinagar constituency in Bengaluru, from where JD(S) MLA joined the Congress recently. Even chief minister Siddaramaiah wants to contest from two seats and is demanding tickets, one from his old Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysore district and the other Badami in Bagalkote district, where sitting Congress MLA B B Chimmanakatti was pursuaded to vacate the seat, they said. There is a possibility of releasing the first list of around 180 candidates in a total of 224 constituencies in the state, the sources said. The USD 2.5 billion diversified business conglomerate Kalyani Group and BAE Systems, engaged in developing defence, aerospace and security solutions, today formed an alliance to "develop air defence guns" for the security forces. For developing the air defence guns, Kalyani Group formed a "strategic partnership" with BAE Systems at the on-going 'DefExpo', organised by Ministry of Defence, at Thiruvidanthai, about 40kms from here. "We are now expanding our profile in the defence segment to include air defence Guns and ammunition, in order to provide solutions to security forces for terminal air defence," Bharat Forge Ltd, President and CEO (Defence and Aerospace), Rajinder Singh Bhatia said. Bharat Forge Ltd is the flagship company of Kalyani Group. Kalyani Group and BAE Systems as per the partnership have agreed to partner for "transfer of technology" for developing the Air Defence Guns and Ammunition. "BAE Systems' advanced technology will be complemented with Bharat Forge Ltd's world-class design, development and manufacturing capabilities", he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French police have arrested a man on the Cote d'Azur over the robbery at gunpoint of US reality TV star Kim Kardashian in Paris in 2016, sources involved in the investigation said today. The man is to be brought before a magistrate later to face possible charges, a judicial source said. Ten people have already been charged over the October 2, 2016 robbery at a luxury residence where Kardashian was staying during Paris Fashion Week. Five men tied her up, gagged her and locked her in a bathroom, before making off with USD 10.6 million in jewels, including her four-million-euro diamond engagement ring. The robbery was the biggest of an individual in France in the past 20 years. One of the robbers fleeing the scene on a bicycle dropped a diamond-encrusted cross worth 30,000 euros, which was found by a passer-by a few hours later. It remains the only piece to be recovered from the heist. The suspected ringleader, 60-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache, told investigators he had struggled to find a buyer for Kardashian's 18.88-carat ring, which she had flaunted on Instagram. Ait Khedache said it was "too recognisable" and that he had given it to an unidentified third party. The police believe part of the loot was sold in Belgium. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today frowned upon media houses for disclosing the identity of an eight-year-old girl who was gang raped and killed in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, and asked why action be not taken against them for "injustice to the privacy and dignity of the victim". The high court also prohibited the media from revealing any further identity of the victim by any means, including name and photographs for which 12 media houses, comprising print and electronic, were issued notices for the "unfortunate" and "extremely distressing" manner of reporting. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar, which on its own took cognisance of the media reports, said that there was a need for the media to "circumspect on reporting to the extent it is in contravention of the law". "Freedom of press has to be balanced with integrity of judicial process and must comport with the requirement of the law," the court said. It issued notices to 12 media houses and prohibited them "from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim". The bench said that it was restricting issuance of notice to only the 12 entities as it did not have information of the other media houses which have effected similar publications and when the details would be known, notices would be issued to them as well. In its reports in connection with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out the photograph of the victim. The court also issued notices to the Centre, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and directed them to "take steps to prohibit any disclosure of the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim, by an person(s) or authorities". While issuing the directions, the bench said it was "pained" by the fact that "no authority including the NCPCR, the NCW or the DCW have even reacted to this terrible development". The bench, later, orally asked the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) to ascertain the background of the victim and whether there was any victim compensation scheme available in Jammu and Kashmir similar to the one existing in Delhi. In its nine-page order, the court said, "The manner and contents of reporting actually also does injustice to the privacy and dignity of the child victim" and also violates section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as well as section 228A of the Indian Penal Code. Section 23 of POCSO law lays down the procedure for the media to report cases of sexual offences against child victims and section 228A of IPC deals with disclosure of identity of victims of such offences. The penal law provides for jail term of two years with a fine. The court said that the violation of section 228A is treated as an offence against public justice. During the hearing in the morning, the court, while referring to the media reports, had said "A whole media trial is going on." The eight-year-old had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police's Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed a main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The charge sheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking strong note of some lawyers obstructing the judicial process in the Kathua gangrape and murder case, the Supreme Court today initiated a case on its own record saying such impediment "affects the dispensation of justice and would amount to obstruction of access to justice". The top court said that it is a settled law that a lawyer who appears for a victim or accused cannot be prevented by any bar association or group of lawyers, for it is his duty to appear in support of his client. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was also critical of the Jammu High Court Bar Association, which had passed a resolution not to attend the courts saying "it is the duty of the bar association as a collective body and they cannot obstruct the process of law". "If a lawyer who is engaged, is obstructed from appearing in the court or if his client is deprived of being represented in the court when he is entitled to do so in a lawful manner, that affects the dispensation of justice and would amount to obstruction of access to justice and interference with the administration of justice," the bench said in its order. The top court took initiated the case suo motu after some lawyers brought to its notice that the members of the Kathua District Court Bar Association at Jammu & Kashmir, are obstructing the lawyer who is appearing on behalf of the family of the victim in the court. Advocates P V Dinesh, Shobha and Gopal Shankarnaraynan informed the court that a lawyer appearing for the victim's family was being threatened and the obstruction has support of high court bar association. The top court said, "It is settled in law that a lawyer who appears for a victim or accused cannot be prevented by any bar association or group of lawyers, for it is the duty of a lawyer to appear in support of his client, once he accepts the brief." The bench issued notice to the Bar Council of India, the state Bar Council, High Court Bar Association at Jammu and Kathua District Bar Association and sought their replies by April 19. "We hope and trust that when we are issuing notice, the members of the bar associations shall conduct themselves and would not obstruct the smooth functioning of the justice delivery system which includes the presence of the persons aggrieved or accused in court or for that matter the presence of investigating agency and the witnesses," the bench said. Standing counsel for Jammu and Kashmir Shoeb Alam, who was called to the CJI court, informed that the police had yesterday filed the charge sheet before the magistrate at his home. He strongly opposed the plea of lawyers that the case be handed over to the CBI for further investigation and said that thorough probe was being carried out by the state crime branch. Alam said that it is already a settled law that investigation cannot be transferred to the CBI after the charge sheet has been filed in the court. "Police team was heckled by the lawyers and prevented from submitting the charge sheet before the chief judicial magistrate court in Kathua," Alam said. He said that subsequently the police had to produce the eight accused in the case and submit the charge sheet at the residence of the magistrate. Alam informed the court that police have also registered a FIR against some lawyers for attempting to prevent police from filing charge sheet in Kathua rape case. Earlier in the day, the top court had asked lawyer P V Dinesh to bring materials on record to take judicial note of a strike call given by Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir bar associations in relation to the gangrape and killing of the eight-year-old girl in Jammu region. Dinesh referred to the "unfortunate" decisions of the local bar that had allegedly come in support of the people who had gangraped and killed the minor in Kathua. "Something must come on record. We have nothing on record," the bench had said in the morning, when the matter was first mentioned. The minor girl had disappeared from near her home in the forests next to Rasana village in Kathua, on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The Crime Branch of police which probed the case filed a main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. Jammu has been on tenterhooks since the brutal incident. The bar associations have been opposing the action against the accused, alleging that the minority Dogras were being targeted. Lawyers took to the streets shouting slogans and trying to block the road outside the court where the charge sheets have been filed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Facing flak over the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, the BJP today claimed that its rivals were "selectively" picking the two instances to target it and asserted that stringent action was being taken in both the cases. BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi defended the two Jammu and Kashmir ministers of the party, who had joined a march against the police probe into the ghastly rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, saying they were "misled and misguided". The party did not share their views and they should have maintained that the law was taking its course, she told a press conference here. To a question on whether the party would take action against the two Jammu and Kashmir ministers, the New Delhi MP said it was not a "crime" to be misled. "The lesson for them is allow the law to take its own course before opening your mouth," Lekhi said. The opposition parties are putting pressure on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to sack the two ministers. The BJP had maintained that it was an "anti-human" and heinous crime and sought stringent action against the accused, Lekhi said, adding that the "rumour mill" was at work to claim that the saffron party was silent on the matter. The eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community had disappeared from near her house in Kathua district on January 10. Her body was found a week later. The police had carried out a "very fair investigation" and arrested eight accused in the case, Lekhi said, while suggesting that the Congress might have had a role in the public protests against the probe. Bar Association of Jammu president B S Slathia, who was spearheading the protests in Kathua, was Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's polling agent in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, she claimed. The Bar Association of Jammu was also putting pressure on the woman lawyer representing the prosecution not to take up the case against the accused and it showed what kind of "hateful politics" was being practised, Lekhi said. She also accused the opposition parties of doing dangerous politics over the Kathua and Unnao rape cases. In the Unnao case in Uttar Pradesh, a 17-year-old girl has accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger of raping her in June last year. The CBI has taken over the probe in the case. Lekhi also claimed that the two cases were selectively highlighted to target the BJP and said a similar rape-and-murder case of a minor girl in Assam did not get the prominence that the Kathua and Unnao incidents got. "Some people are silent on that (the Assam incident), but have highlighted the other cases in a wrong manner, even though action has been or is being taken against the accused," she said. A minor girl was raped and then the accused had poured kerosene on her and burnt her to death, the BJP leader said and named an accused -- Zakir Hussain -- who was arrested. "The Unnao case is over-10-month-old, while the Kathua case happened in January. Another case was also reported in April. It was in Nagaon in Assam. A 12-year-old girl, a Class 5 student, was raped and burnt with kerosene. The accused, Zakir Hussain, was 21-year-old and had two accomplices," she said. The Assam rape and murder had happened in the last week of March. Questioning why some cases were being given prominence while others were not, Lekhi said "politicisation" of atrocities against children and women should not happen. To a question on whether she highlighted the Assam case because of the accused's religion, she rejected such a notion and said she was taking a dig at those who were only highlighting the Kathua and Unnao cases and maintaining a silence on the other cases. The children and women, who were victims of such heinous crimes, had no religion and such "abhorrent politics" should be shunned, the New Delhi MP said. Referring to the Unnao rape case, Lekhi said the police had got the victim's statement recorded before a magistrate last year, in which she had not named the MLA. She had accused Sengar, the MLA of Bangarmau, only a month later, the BJP spokesperson added. The Uttar Pradesh government had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and handed over the probe to the CBI, she said, adding that the police had acted against a chief medical officer, a deputy superintendent of police and other officials in the case of the victim's father's death in jail. He was an accused in an Arms Act case. Asked if the party was contemplating action against Sengar, she said the probe should be allowed to be concluded. Lekhi also accused the Congress, whose president Rahul Gandhi had last night led a candlelight march here in protest against the growing incidents of crime against women in the country, of "picking and choosing" and said the opposition party had not protested in a similar manner against the Assam case or the 2012 gangrape case in Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the outrage over the Kathua rape case continued, the Supreme Court today stepped in to warn the lawyers in Jammu that they cannot obstruct the process of law while the Delhi High Court restrained the media from revealing the identity of the victim by any means. The top court took umbrage against the lawyers body of Kathua and Jammu for obstructing the way of the counsel of the victim's family in the trial court, saying that advocates' bodies have a solemn duty to not obstruct members of legal fraternity representing the parties. The Delhi High Court had also taken up on its own taken up the reports in the media disclosing the identity of the victim and asked them why action should not be taken against them, both print and electronic media, for violating the privacy of the minor. "A whole media trial is going on," it said. In the top court, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud sought responses on the conduct of lawyers from the Bar Council of India, Jammu and Kashmir Bar Council, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua district bar association by April 19. The apex court was also critical of Jammu High Court Bar Association, which had passed a resolution to not attend the courts, saying "it is the duty of the Bar Association as a collective body and they cannot obstruct the process of law". "If a lawyer who is engaged, is obstructed from appearing in the court or if his client is deprived of being represented in the court when he is entitled to do so in a lawful manner, that affects the dispensation of justice and would amount to obstruction of access to justice and interference with the administration of justice," the bench said in its order. In the High Court, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar frowned upon media houses for disclosing the identity of the girl and asked why action be not taken against them for "injustice to the privacy and dignity of the victim". The high court also prohibited the media from revealing any further identity of the victim by any means, including name and photographs for which 12 media houses, comprising print and electronic, were issued notices for the "unfortunate" and "extremely distressing" manner of reporting. The High Court, which like the apex court, on its own took cognisance of the media reports, said that there was a need for the media to "circumspect on reporting to the extent it is in contravention of the law". "Freedom of press has to be balanced with integrity of judicial process and must comport with the requirement of the law," the high court said and issued notices to 12 media houses and prohibited them "from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim". It said that it was restricting issuance of notice to only the 12 entities as it did not have information of the other media houses which have effected similar publications and when the details would be known, notices would be issued to them as well. In its reports in connection with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out the photograph of the victim. Section 23 of POCSO law lays down the procedure for the media to report cases of sexual offences against child victims and section 228A of IPC deals with disclosure of identity of victims of such offences. The penal law provides for jail term of two years with a fine. The court said that the violation of section 228A is treated as an offence against public justice. The case related to an eight-year-old girl who had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police's Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed a main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The charge sheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Being a mute spectator to the Kathua incident in Jammu and Kashmir, where an eight-year-old girl was raped and murdered, will increase the anger of the people of an already unstable region, NCP chief Sharad Pawar advised the Centre today. Pawar said that the Kathua incident was a very serious one and the government should take appropriate steps, including providing security to the family of the victim, the lawyers fighting the case and officials of the investigating agencies. "Those from the investigation agencies, lawyers and the family of the girl should be given security. We cannot rule out the possibility of a threat to their lives in the future," he said. "It is not important which religion the perpetrators of the crime belong to. This (Kathua) incident has happened in a region, which is already unstable. If the government remains a mute spectator, the anger of people will rise further," Pawar said. He added that action from the government would send a strong message that the government is not a mute spectator to the incident. He was speaking to reporters here, after meeting a group of people from Nanar, in Ratnagiri district, who are opposed to the mega-refinery being set up there by major oil firms like IOC, HPCL, BPCL and Saudi Aramco. Speaking over the proposed integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex at Nanar, Pawar said he would visit the place on May 10, hold discussions with local residents and then give an opinion on the issue. The body of an eight-year-old girl, belonging to the nomadic Bakherwal community, was found in Rassana forest on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing her horses. On January 23, the government had handed over the case to the crime branch of the state police which formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested eight people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gujjars today took to streets here demanding the accused in the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua be given death penalty. Protestors also raised slogans against the Bar Association of Jammu and Kashmir High Court (BAJ). The BAJ had yesterday claimed that the probe by the state Crime Branch was done on questionable line amid threats and coercion by a team of officers from Kashmir, and demanded the case be handed over to the CBI. Protestors led by Gujjar and Bakerwal leader Choudhary Nazakat Khatana staged demonstrations in which they alleged that two state BJP ministers had supported a CBI probe in the case during an agitation at Rassana in Kathua last month. The ministers -- Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga -- should be sacked by the Mehbooba Mufti government, the protestors said. "We demand justice for the girl. We demand death penalty to the accused involved in her rape and murder case," Khatana told reporters. The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to come clean about the alleged involvement of the senior ministers in instigating trouble in Kathua over the rape and killing of the girl. "The chief minister should clarify her stand on the involvement of two senior Ministers instigating trouble in Kathua with regard to brutal murder and rape of eight year old nomad girl," state Congress chairman G A Mir said. He expressed surprise over the silence maintained by Mufti on the issue, saying both the ministers should have been sacked for giving communal colour to the crime. Jammu has been tense since the incident. The police have arrested eight people in the case, but the Bar Association has opposed the action alleging "targeting of minority Dogras". Some of the arrested accused belong to the Hindu Ekta Manch, a right wing group. The body of the girl was recovered from Rassana forest on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. On January 23, the government had handed over the case to the state crime branch, which formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested eight people, including two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destruction of evidence. The crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police, probing the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl, filed a main charge sheet against 7 accused on Monday and one separate charge sheet against another accused, who was earlier said to be a juvenile, at a court in Kathua district on Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The PDP leadership will meet tomorrow in Srinagar to discuss the situation emerging following the brutal gangrape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, a party spokesman said today. According to PDP sources, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who will chair the meeting, is likely to tell the BJP, a coalition partner in the ruling coalition in the state, to ask its ministers - Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga - to resign. The two ministers had attended a meeting in the girl's village in support of the accused in the case and demanded a CBI probe in the matter last month. "A meeting of senior party leaders is being held tomorrow and important issues relating to political, party and administration in J&K will be discussed," PDP chief spokesman Rafi Ahmed Mir said. The leaders may also discuss the emerging situation in Jammu, he said. Asked whether Mehbooba Mufti has given an ultimatum to the BJP to sack the two ministers, Mir said it is matter to be discussed between the alliance partners "and after that we well see". "The most important point is whether Mehbooba Mufti has become weak due to their (BJP ministers) visit to that place. She has not become weak but completed investigation into the case," he emphasised. Replying to another question on the remarks of Tourism Minister and Mehbooba Mufti's brother, Tassaduq Mufti, the PDP leader said "he said the truth". "We are very concerned and perturbed about (the situation in Jammu)", Mir said, adding, "He said the right thing and there is nothing new in it." Yesterday, Tassaduq Mufti said the Peoples Democratic Party has become a "partner in crime with the BJP and the gradual schism of state's residents may lead to unprecedented bloodshed." He said he cannot remain quiet just because he is in the government and that the PDP will have to "take one last bow and apologise to people for having unknowingly pushed them into something they did not deserve.""I am not going to remain quiet and act as if I am unmoved by the tragedy that is unfolding at the ground level, just because I am a part of the government," he said. The body of the girl was recovered from woods on January 17, a week after she had gone missing while grazing horses in a village in Kathua district. On January 23, the government had handed over the case to the crime branch, which formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested eight people, including two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destruction of evidence. The crime branch filed a main chargesheet against seven accused on Monday and one separate chargesheet against another accused, who was earlier said to be a juvenile, at a court in Kathua district on Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi today thanked the "thousands of men and women" who stood with him in protesting the rising acts of violence against girls and women and said their battle for justice would not be in vain. Gandhi led a midnight march to India Gate yesterday to protest the Kathua and Unnao minor rape cases and said it was time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk on 'beti bachao' (save the girl child). "Thousands of men and women stood up to be counted in the battle for justice and to protest the rising acts of violence against girls and women. "I thank each and every one of you for your support. It shall not be in vain," he tweeted. Gandhi was joined last night by his sister Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra and scores of Congress leaders, party workers and others, some carrying candles and placards against the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir while demanding urgent action against the perpetrators of the two incidents. In Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community disappeared near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. In Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, a teen alleged that she was raped by ruling BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was detained for questioning early today. She alleged she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. After filing of the case, her father was booked by the police under the arms act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. Frustrated with the alleged inaction and coercion from powerful people, the victim attempted self immolation in front of Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath's residence on April 8. The next day, her father died in jail with post- mortem suggesting serious injuries on his body. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Chief Minister KChandrasekhar Rao today met JDS supremo Deve Gowda here to seek his support for launching an "alternative movement" to bring qualitative change in the country, saying both Congress and BJP had failed to deliver. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rao said "It is not a silly political front, but an alliance of masses including farmers and poor people." "There is a need for a movement because both BJP and Congress regimes in last seven decades have failed to deliver," he added. Rao also appealed to people to free themselves from the clutches of Congress and BJP, and save the nation "from all ills." "I appeal, just as Deve Gowdaji did, to one and all to please come out of the trap and save our country, Bharat Mata, farmers and poor man and women, who are looking for justice. Let us deliver," he said. The Telangana chief minister also said TDP, the left parties or whoever is interested could join the movement. Rao had met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inKolkata recently to discuss the plans for evolving a coalitionof regional parties. Rao reached Gowda's house with actor Prakash Raj, TRS (TRS) MPs, Vinod and Sathosh. Gowda said it is neither a third or fourth front, nor amovement to throw any party out of power, but to solve long-pending issues, which were not solved for seven decades. Continuing further, Rao said a big agenda would be declared before 2019 for which he was discussing with people including Gowda. On Cauvery water dispute, Rao said "why should there be a fight for Cauvery water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka? Why has the issue been kept pending for seven decades?" Rao also appealed to people of Karnataka to vote for JDS and declared he would be campaigning for the party wherever Gowda asks him to do. "I will campaign for JDS in Hyderabad-Karnataka or anywhere in Karnataka, if Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy order me," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today condemned the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl at Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. "The accused should be punished in an exemplary manner and those protecting them should be brought before law," Vijayan said in a Facebook post. The girl was taken to a temple, kept in captivity and raped by "religious lunatics," he said. The country should hang its head in shame before the world for the incident, the chief minister said. In the name of religion, a child was brutally gangraped and killed and this was a "dangerous state of affairs," he said. Former chief minister Oommen Chandy also condemned the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should break his silence on the matter, he added. BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said "the incident has shaken human conscience. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Government doctors in Kerala began an indefinite strike since this morning, protesting against suspension of a doctor and extending out- patient (OP) time, putting patients to hardship. The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) had called for the agitation last night to protest against the decision to extend the OP time in hospitals from9 AM to 6 PM. Earlier, the timing for the same was up to noon. Patients visiting the hospitals since early today were clueless about the stir. A woman,who had come to the government general hospital here at 5 am, expressed anger and said the stir would cause hardship to the poor patients, as they cannot afford to go to private hospitals. "Only after coming here, I came to know that doctors are on strike," she said. Patients have been waiting in a queue since 4 am, she added. A statement from the KGMOA said only the casualty wing would function during the strike and in-patient treatment would be provided only till April 18. There would not be any new admission, it said, adding that only emergency operations would be performed. The association said temporary doctors also want to be made permanent. In a Facebook post, Health Minister K K Shylaja said the agitation was to defeat the government's 'Ardram Mission' which envisages basic facilities to all hospitals in the state and making government hospitals patient-friendly. As part of the mission, the primary health centres are being converted to family health centres to provide comprehensive health facilities to people, the minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will visit Israel to attend agri-summit from May 8 to 10, an official statement said today. It was informed in the third meeting of Israel-Haryana Working Group held under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Secretary D S Dhesi and co-chairmanship of Israel's Ambassador to India Daniel Cameron. Notably, Agritech Israel 2018, the 20th International Agricultural Technology Exhibition, is one of the world's most important exhibitions in the field of agricultural technologies. The exhibition will be held from May 810 at the Israel Trade Fairs and Convention Center in Tel Aviv. In today's meeting in the national capital, discussions were held regarding implementation of bilateral programmes and scheme between Haryana and Israel, an official release said here. The state chief secretary later said that programmes of new techniques in different fields were being promoted between Israel and Haryana. He said the bilateral assistance would be taken further in various fields. In the meeting, various issues were discussed such as assistance in setting up of Centres of Excellence for animal husbandry and dairy farm, assistance in setting up of Centres of Excellence for agriculture and horticulture, micro irrigation, assistance in development of smart cities, education and training, start-up ecosystem, assistance in incubation centre and start-up warehouse, security and cyber security. Referring to the visits of prime minister's of India and Israel to each other's countries, Cameron said that work was being carried out to implement their important announcements. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as the economy grows, job layoffs continue to remain a "commonplace" with the automation prone information technology employees experiencing more pain than the others, a report said today. The report comes amid fears of 'jobless growth' being witnessed in the country at present. "Even as the economy improves, layoffs - due to cost cutting, reducing redundancies after a merger or acquisition, and restructuring events due to changes in the - remain commonplace," career transition company Risesmart said in a report after interviewing 1,000 executives. "The survey concluded that employees in the IT sector experienced more layoffs in comparison to employees in other industries," a statement issued here said. It, however, did not elaborate by quantifying the responses across sectors. In May last year, the then Union labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya had confirmed fears of the 'jobless growth' by stating that the economic growth was not translating into rise in employment opportunities. "The current growth is a jobless growth. Many European and Asian countries, including India, are facing it... growth is being reported but it is not reflecting in employment generation," he had said. The government and the ruling party had later explained that jobs created in sectors such as tourism and aviation were not counted for the purpose. In the statement, Risesmart said India has been one of the biggest employment creators globally but hiring has "plummeted" recently and the spectre of job layoffs is hitting both big and small The six-hour bandh in West Bengal called by the Left Front today failed to evoke response as life remained normal in the state. Public and private buses plied as usual and metro rail services remained normal, official sources said. The Left Front had given the bandh call to protest against what it alleged was throttling of democracy in the state during the filing of nominations for panchayat election scheduled next month. Eastern Railway sources said that train services were normal. Flights also operated normally at the NSC Bose International Airport, airport sources said. Educational institutions were open and exams were held at the Calcutta University as per schedule while the CBSE also conducted its examinations. "Everything is normal and peaceful. People have come out as usual. There is no bandh," state Information Technology Minister Bratya Basu said. He took a stock of the situation in and around his Dum Dum constituency this morning. Howrah North MLA and minister Laxmi Ratan Shukla also went around his constituency. "There is no response from the common people as they have dumped the Left Front permanently. People do not want to waste a single day," Shukla said. State secretariat sources said that attendance in all government offices was normal. The state government had yesterday directed its employees to report for work today. In a notification, it said that no casual leave would be allowed in the first or second half of the day. The Kolkata Police sources said that no one would be allowed to disrupt normal life in the city and strict action would be initiated against those trying to enforce the bandh. Police personnel were deployed at important points in the city and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere, a senior Kolkata Police officer told PTI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra Government has decided to ban fishing with LED lights as a part of efforts to curb illegal fishing activities. A notification in this regard will be issued soon, a government press release said here. Animal Husbandry, Dairy Developmentand Fisheries Department Secretary Kiran Kurundkar gave instructions in this regard at a meeting of Fisheries Department and Mangrove Cell of Forest Department, the release said. ChiefMinister Devendra Fadnavis had instructed the officials to take a strict action to stop fishing with LED lights, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Disturbed over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in the Jammu region, Union minister Maneka Gandhi has asked her department to work on a proposal to amend the POCSO law to bring in the provision of death penalty for the rape of a minor below the age of 12 years. In the present Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, there is no provision for capital punishment with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment for penetrative sexual assault as well aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The Women and Children Development (WCD) minister has now proposed that rape of any child below the age of 12 years could lead to the death penalty, WCD officials said. "I have been deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the (women and child development) ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for death penalty for rape of children below 12 years," Maneka Gandhi was heard saying in a video, which was uploaded on Twitter. The minor girl in the Kathua case, who belonged to the minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in the forests next to a village in Kathua, 90 km from here, on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area, and medical examination pointed towards sexual assault. During initial investigations, the police arrested a juvenile. Later, the case was transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Crime Branch. Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and later, another five people, including a former revenue official and the alleged conspirator, who surrendered before the Special Investigation Team, were arrested. The Crime Branch, which probed the rape and killing of the girl, had filed a main charge sheet against seven people and a separate charge sheet against the juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. Jammu has been on tenterhooks since the brutal incident. The bar associations have been opposing the action against the accused, alleging that the minority Dogras were being targeted. Lawyers took to the streets shouting slogans and trying to block the road outside the court where the charge sheets were filed. The court has fixed the next date of hearing on April 16 when the case would be committed to sessions court for trial. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A minor girl who was allegedly kidnapped by a youth in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district was rescued from Mumbai, police said today. The girl was rescued on April 11 after the police received a complaint that she was kidnapped by a youth in Sounchal area in Kalakote belt of the district last week, the police said today. A police team from Kalakote Police Station headed by SHO Darshan Singh started an investigation and a special team raided a location in Mumbai and rescued the girl, he said. The accused was arrested by the police, the officer said, adding that the girl was later reunited with her family. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said the Modi government's "exemplary record" for the welfare of Dalits and the BJP's popularity among depressed classes had led to a smear campaign by other political parties. Stating that the alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act came through a Supreme Court order on a petition "wherein the Centre was not even made a party," the Law and Justice Minister told reporters that a review petition had been filed. "Our record with regard to welfare of Dalits has been exemplary. The SC/ST Act came into being in 1989. But it was in 2015 when the law was given more teeth by the inclusion of acts such as blackening of face, forcible shaving of head and prevention from riding a horse under its ambit," Prasad said. The BJP has the largest number of MPs, legislators, mayors, zila parishad chairpersons and village mukhiyas from the Schedule Castes (SC) and Schedule Tribes (ST) communities, the minister said. "This has led to jitters among parties, which have always used the weaker section for votes," he said. Lashing out at the Congress, Prasad wondered why B R Ambedkar was not conferred the Bharat Ratna till the V P Singh government was installed with the BJP's support. "On the other hand, we made Ram Nath Kovind -- a Dalit -- the president of the country," he said. Lambasting BSP supremo Mayawati, who has been severely critical of the NDA government on issues relating to Dalits, Prasad cited two orders passed during her tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister directing officials to prevent misuse of the SC/ST Act. He termed these as the "greatest affront to the very social group, which she claims to represent and fight for". On whether the Centre would consider bringing an Ordinance if the review petition is rejected by the Supreme Court, Prasad said "This is a hypothetical question." "We have filed a very strong review petition and we'll ensure that Dalits' interests are not compromised," he said. On demands for including provisions of the SC/ST Act and reservations in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, he said, "Such demands have arisen out of the anxieties triggered by the Supreme Court order." "We would ensure that there is no dilution of the law meant to protect the Dalits and that the implementation of the Act is effective," he said. Defending the BJP's stand against inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians among the Scheduled Castes, Prasad said, "The Constitution clearly states that only those among Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs could be included in the category." "Ambedkar had made such a provision after giving due thought to India's social realities. Inclusion of new groups in the category would lead to infringement of the Dalit rights," he said. On Rahul Gandhi's candle march in New Delhi yesterday in protest against the rape cases of Kathua and Unnao, the Union minister said, "We believe in ensuring justice to the aggrieved, not in polemics." On Jammu and Kashmir minister Tassaduq Sayeed reportedly calling the BJP and the PDP partners in crime, Prasad said I am not aware of this. Hence I would not like to comment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join Prince Charles at the inauguration of a new Ayurveda centre of excellence during his visit to the UK next week. Modi will visit the United Kingdom from April 17-20 for a bilateral visit as well as to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). A plaque for the new centre will be unveiled in London to mark the launch of a new network to coordinate evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda, according to sources close to the India-UK bilateral visit. The idea of the centre was mooted during the Prince of Wales' visit to India in November 2017. "This is the second visit to the UK by the Prime Minister (Modi) in three years and shows we are keen to work together and take the relationship to an even higher plane. "The courtesies being shown are unprecedented and we are looking forward to a very fruitful and meaningful interaction," the source said. The inauguration is among a series of high-profile events lined up during Modi's visit to the UK between April 17 and 20. Before attending the CHOGM on April 19 and 20, Modi is scheduled to hold two separate meetings with British Prime Minister Theresa May. The first meeting on bilateral issues will cover "all issues of mutual interest" including immigration and counter-terrorism. Their second meeting will involve the India-UK CEOs Forum and include a showcase of technical collaboration between the two countries. Modi is also among only four heads of governments to be invited for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II. The UK is among India's major trading partners. The merchandise trade between the two countries in 2017 reached USD 13 billion, and trade in services is around USD 7.2 billion, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government usually takes place every two years and serves to shape the organisations agenda for the next two years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said that the Memorandum of Understanding signed two days ago was for the West Coast Refinery Project and not the one supposed to be set up at Nanar in Ratnagiri. The Nanar mega-refinery has been opposed by the Shiv Sena with its chief Uddhav Thackeray stating yesterday that his party would not allow it to be set up "under any circumstance". Thackeray had further attacked Fadnavis by saying that the Centre had given the go-ahead for the project despite the latter having promised that the refinery would not be "imposed" on local residents, many of whom have been opposing it. Speaking to newspersons at the site of the Ambedkar Memorial at Indu Mill compound, Fadnavis today said that the refinery at Nanar would come after taking local residents into confidence, adding that he would be speaking to project affected persons (PAPs) there. Referring to Thackeray's statement on the MoU two days ago, Fadnavis clarified that it was signed in connection with the West Coast Refinery project. "That MoU has no connection with the Nanar project," said Fadnavis. A Press Information Bureau release on Wednesday had stated that a consortium comprising Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, along with Saudi Aramco, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop the Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (RRPCL), an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex, in Maharashtra. Fadnavis said the contention of local residents, that the Nanar refinery would cause environmental pollution, was not true. "It will provide direct and indirect employment to over one lakh people," Fadnavis said. His statement came after PAPs led by Bhai Samant met NCP chief Sharad Pawar here today to voice their displeasure over the Nanar refinery project. Samant, of the Konkan Refinery Shetkari Machchimar Sangharsh Samiti, said that Pawar asked for one month's time to study the issue. Pawar will be visiting PAPs in Nanar on May 10. Earlier local NCP leader from Rajapur, Ajit Ankushrao, met Pawar to apprise the NCP chief of the opposition of local residents to the refinery. Yesterday, Sena chief Thackeray had alleged that Fadnavis had betrayed him. "Finally, the chief minister also turned out to be one with a weak spine. Despite promising that the project will not be imposed, it has been. Under any circumstance, the Shiv Sena shall not allow the project to happen," Thackeray had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has issued an advisory to the Madhya Pradesh government, asking it to "protect" the statues of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar, a senior police official said today. The advisory comes amid a series of vandalism incidents targeting statues and busts, and ahead of Ambedkar's birth anniversary tomorrow. The architect of the Constitution was born at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh on April 14, 1891. A number of Ambedkar's statues were desecrated following the protest against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act by the Supreme Court. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Makrand Deouskar said it was not known how many Ambedkar statues were there in Madhya Pradesh. Nonetheless, he said, district authorities have been instructed to ensure the safety of statues. When asked, he said that the Centre too has "sent an advisory to the state in this regard". Madhya Pradesh witnessed widespread violence on April 2 during the bandh called by Dalit groups. Eight people were killed -- four in Bhind, three in Gwalior and one in Morena. Six of them were Dalits. After the bandh, the statues of Ambedkar were found damaged in Satna, Bhind and Balaghat districts. Ambedkar was born in the Military Headquarters of War, popularly known as Mhow', a cantonment area near Indore. His father, an Army officer, was posted there. President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to visit the Ambedkar memorial at Mhow tomorrow. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee was "pleasantly surprised" this morning when he came to know that 'Mayurakshi', the film where he essayed the role of a delusional man, has bagged the 65th National Award for Best Bengali Film. 'Mayurakshi', a film helmed by director Atanu Ghosh, tells an emotional story about a ailing man's relationship with his son. "This award is recognition of director Atanu Ghosh's hard work. I feel happy for him," the 83-year old thespian said. Ghosh, who has received critical appreciation in the past for his films 'Aborto' and 'Abby Sen', said the national recognition would inspire producers to back films that deliver social messages. "I have received prestigious awards in the past, including Filmfare East, but 'Mayurakshi' completed the circle with this national honour." Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee, who enacted the role of Soumitra Chatterjee's son in the film, credited the entire team of 'Mayurakshi' for the award. "It is great and prestigious to all the members of #Mayurakshi for getting the best Bengali film in 65th National Award. Thankful to Sekhar Kapoor for recommending the film to Cannes Film Festival..." Chatterjee tweeted. Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, the chairperson of the central jury panel for the 65th National Film Awards, made the announcements today in New Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba today offered prayers at the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple here. He also visited the INS Parundhu Naval Station. Meawhile, Vice-Admiral Karambir Singh said there was no intrusion by the Sri Lankan Navy into Indian waters. He advised Indian fishermen against crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and entering Lankan waters. Talking to newsmen here, he said patrolling by the Indian Navy would be further intensified in the wake of a Turkish national intruding into Indian territory on April 7. He said the issue was discussed with local officials, and Naval patrolling would be intensified in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait. The naval base on this island was being expanded, he added. The Turkish national, who came here by fibreglass boat from Sri Lanka, was detained by police after he was found moving around in suspicious circumstances. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An international conference held here has urged all South Asian countries to review national security and counter-terrorism laws to ensure they do not infringe on fundamental rights. Representatives from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh among others participated the conference themed "Addressing Impunity and Realising Human Rights in South Asia" which concluded yesterday. The conference unanimously adopted the Kathmandu Declaration which stresses on the need for collaboration between NHRIs, as well as their collaboration with civil society, in addressing issues related to conflict. It also urged all states in the South Asia to review national security and counter-terrorism laws and policies so that they are in compliance with constitutional and international norms and standards, ensure that they do not infringe on fundamental rights. It also called non-state actors to be accountable for gross human rights abuses, even if they are approved and backed by civilian stakeholder communities, keeping in mind that the state response must always be proportionate and respect human rights, a statement said. The conference stressed on the right of freedom of movement, including migration in search of employment. It recognised the economic benefits of migrant labour to destination and origin countries alike and encouraged cooperation between origin and destination countries to ensure that the rights of migrants, particularly women, are realised. It has also underlined the need for promoting active cooperation between NHRIs of the South Asia region in order to support each other through exchange of information on a regular basis to share challenges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Sajjan Kumar today submitted in the Delhi High Court there was no allegation against him of instigating a mob against Sikhs on October 31, 1984, after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Anu Malhotra was informed by Kumar's counsel that initially the victim had named several persons before the authorities but not the former Member of Parliament and that he had no connection with the co-accused. Senior advocate Amit Sibal, appearing for Kumar, argued that there was also no allegation of any involvement of the leader in the October 31, 1984 incident either in the charge sheet in the court. The trial court had framed charges of instigation and abetment against him but there was no allegation, he claimed. Regarding the charge of criminal conspiracy, Sibal and advocate Anil Kumar Sharma, said no role was assigned to Kumar of his involvement with the co-accused and three prosecution witnesses had also not stated anything about him. While Kumar was acquitted by the trial court, former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in the case. The high court was hearing CBI's appeal against Kumar's acquittal in the murder of five Sikhs in the Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984, after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The trial court had awarded life term in May 2013 to Khokhar, Bhagmal and Girdhari Lal and three-year jail term to two others -former MLA Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. They have challenged their conviction and jails terms awarded by the trial court. The CBI too has filed an appeal seeking enhancement of sentence of the convicts and the acquittal of Kumar, alleging that all of them were engaged in "a planned communal riot" and "religious cleansing". The high court had on March 29 last year issued show cause notice to 11 accused, including Khokhar and Yadav, in five other 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases in which they had been acquitted by the trial court. The accused, who were acquitted of the charges, were asked why should the court not order reinvestigation and retrial against them as they faced allegations of "horrifying crimes against humanity". The bench had issued notice on the complaints filed regarding the violent incidents on November 1 and 2, 1984 in Delhi Cantonment area. Earlier, the bench had sought a reply from Kumar on a letter purportedly written to it by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee alleging that the accused in the case have confessed to being present at the spot where the violent incidents had occurred. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union today told the Delhi High Court that it is no longer participating in the protest on the issue of compulsory attendance. The JNUSU claimed that the "lockdown" was misrepresented to the court by a final year PhD student of the varsity, who alleged that he has not been able to attend classes since February due to the ongoing agitation by the students and teachers against the issue of compulsory attendance. Justice Rekha Palli listed the matter for hearing on May 16. The students' union, in an affidavit in response to the PhD student's petition, claimed that the students and teachers kept up their academic engagement during the "turmoil" in all these months with classes being held in conference rooms, cafeteria's lawns, parking spaces, dhabas, and JNUSU and JNUTA offices. "All these classes happened as a mode of protest and our continued belief in 'study and struggle'. The teachers corrected papers and the students participated in their respective research work...," it said. The students' union said students of all the departments and ideologies protested against the the coercive measures of the administration on their own volition. The court was hearing a plea filed by Dinesh Ashok (31), a final year PhD student at the Centre for International Legal Studies, School of International Studies. Since February, the JNUSU and others were protesting outside various centres and schools against the compulsory attendance rule. The JNUSU claimed that the lockdown was called off and it was no longer participating in it and "the acts of various other parties, including independent students who have no affiliation with the union, ought not to be attributed to it". The petitioner student has submitted that the university be directed to take appropriate measures in accordance with the law to ensure that students are not deprived from attending lectures, seminars and other academic activities due to the strike. The petitioner has also urged the court to exempt the loss of attendance of those unable to attend classes due to non-resolution of the issue between the varsity and the students' union. JNU counsel Monika Arora has supported the issues raised by the student, and submitted that around 6,000 students are suffering because of the agitation. She had also contended that around five of the schools have been permanently shut down. Arora, who was assisted by advocate Kushal Kumar, also produced a picture of the campus and photos of agitating students. The court had earlier noted that the JNUSU had admitted to being part of the protest. However, the counsel for JNUSU had submitted that other organisations on campus were also behind the protest, and denied locking up buildings and blocking administrative work during the agitation. The students were protesting against several circulars issued by the JNU administration on measures that will be taken if they are unable to meet the 75 per cent attendance criteria, including stopping of fellowships/scholarships, withdrawal of hostel seats and debarring them from sitting for examinations or registering for the next semester. Prior to this, attendance was not compulsory at the university. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Gulf crisis, which has seen Qatar isolated by Saudi Arabia and its allies, is not on the table at the upcoming meeting of Arab League states, Riyadh's foreign minister said today. "The solution of Qatar will be within the GCC," or the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council, Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Riyadh ahead of the Arab Summit. He was responding to an AFP question on whether the crisis was on the agenda at the meeting on Sunday, which is hosted by Saudi Arabia and joins 21 of the 22 Arab League member states. Syria has been suspended from the summit since 2011 over the government's role in the war. Qatar has confirmed its attendance at the Saudi summit. The 10-month Gulf crisis pits Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain against Qatar. It is the worst crisis to ever hit the Gulf, home to both the world's largest exporters of oil and natural gas -- Saudi Arabia and Qatar respectively. Riyadh and its allies broke off relations with Doha in June, accusing it of fostering close links with Tehran and supporting Islamist extremists -- a charge Qatar denies. The boycott includes the closure of the small Gulf state's only land border with Saudi Arabia. Saudi media close to the government this week announced the kingdom planned to dig a canal the length of its border with Qatar, to turn its peninsula neighbour into an isolated island. The planned canal, dubbed "Salwa", is "funded entirely by Saudi and Emirati private sector investment under full Saudi authority," Sabq Online Newspaper reported on Monday. The Saudi government has not issued a denial. Kuwait, a member of the GCC, has led mediation efforts in the crisis -- to no avail -- with the support of the United States. US President Donald Trump had initially supported the Saudi-led economic blockade on Qatar, but aides -- mindful of the pivotal role that the Al Udeid Air Base outside Doha plays in US Middle East operations -- have since convinced him to take a more moderate approach. Trump met with the Emir of Qatar at the White House on Tuesday, barely one year after alleging Doha funded terrorism at a "high level" and less than two weeks after meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The president on Tuesday dubbed the Qatari emir a "friend" and "great gentleman". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two NRI brothers were arrested separately today at airports in Delhi and Chandigarh after their return from Italy, for allegedly duping a resident of their village in Punjab of Rs 8 lakh promising him to land a job abroad, a police official said. Jaswinder Lal and Lakhwinder Lal, from Begampura village, had a look out circular issued against them in connection with the case. They had fled to Italy after duping Chanan Lal, Sikander Singh, station house officer of Rawalpindi police station, said. Jaswinder Lal was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and Lakhwinder Lal was arrested at Chandigarh international airport after they returned from Italy, Singh said. He said their mother was also arrested in connection with the case. Singh said the accused were charged with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property on July 27 last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval today held talks with the top official of China's ruling Communist Party Yang Jiechi in Shanghai during which both sides agreed to maintain the pace of high-level exchanges after last year's Dokalam standoff. Doval's visit was "part of regular high-level engagements between India and China," an Indian Embassy press release here said. "The discussions covered a wide agenda spanning bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides agreed to maintain the pace of high-level exchanges, with a view to fully realise the potential of closer development partnership between India and China," it said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are due to be in Beijing on April 24 to attend different meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and interact with their counterparts on the sidelines. The eight-member SCO in which India is the latest entrant along with Pakistan is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to take part and hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two officials met in Shanghai instead of Beijing as Yang, who is the Director of Foreign Affairs Commission besides a Politburo member of the ruling Communist Party of China, preferred to hold it there as he is on his way back from China's Hainan province after attending the Boao Forum for Asia, official sources said. Both Doval and Yang are Special Representatives for India-China boundary talks representing their respective countries. Till last month Yang was the state councillor of the CPC, a top diplomatic post in the Chinese hierarchy. He was replaced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang will hold the dual posts of state councillor and foreign minister in a major reshuffle of top officials. This is the second meeting between Doval and Yang after the 73-day Dokalam standoff. Yang attended the 20th round of boundary talks between the two countries in Delhi last December during which both sides decided to reset ties with more interactions. India-China Special Representatives' meetings carry considerable significance as they are mandated to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations besides the border dispute, providing a general policy direction to ties. After Yang's visit to New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale visited Beijing in February and held talks with top Chinese officials. The SCO comprises of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which focused on anti-terrorism cooperation is holding a host of ministerial and officials' meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the organisation. SCO foreign and defence ministers' meetings are also scheduled for April 24, according to officials here. Both sides attach lot of significance to these meetings to reset ties as they are taking place after Xi has commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect of continuing in power for life following the removal of two-term limit for president by Parliament, making him the most powerful Chinese leader in recent times. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Assembly Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat today said he would soon convey the consensus and concern of the House to the Centre on the Mahanadi water issue. The members of ruling BJD and Opposition Congress expressed concern over delay in issuance of the Term of Reference (ToR) for the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal by the Centre. Amat announced this after a four-hour-long discussion on the Mahanadi water dispute with neighbouring Chhattisgarh in the Assembly. Earlier, government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy moved a motion, saying, "In view of the consensus opinion and concern, the House urge upon the Central government to issue immediately a necessary reference... referring to complaint filed by the state of Odisha on Mahanadi water dispute in order to make the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal functional in compliance of the order of the Supreme Court." During the debate, state Water Resources Minister Niranjan Pujari expressed concern over the Central government's delay in making the ToR for the newly-constituted Tribunal. "Though one month has passed since the formation of the Tribunal, the Central Government has not issued Letter of reference. Therefore, the Tribunal has not been functional," Pujari said. He, however, pointed out that though the Union Water Resources Minister while replying to a question in the Lok Sabha has stated that the Centre issued the Letter of Reference to the Tribunal, the state government has not so far got a copy of the document. "The state government will be able to file petition in the Tribunal within two-three weeks after getting a copy of the Letter of Reference," Pujari told the House. The minister referred to a recent order of the National Green Tribunal Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata that has asked the Chhattisgarh government not to construct any new project on the Mahanadi basin. Pujari also alleged that the Chhattisgarh government violated the NGT's status quo order on any new project. "We have information that the Chhattisgarh government has issued tender for construction of another barrage in Mahanadi basin in violation of the NGT's order," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of the state. "Hon PM sir, there isn't a day when we don't hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others," he tweeted. Abdullah requested the prime minister not to let the girl be "someone you choose to remain silent about". The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. The gory details of the heinous crime surfaced following filing of charges. The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former chief minister Omar Abdullah today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape cases in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. In Unnao, a minor girl was allegedly raped by a BJP MLA, while in Kathua an eight-year-old girl was raped and killed. "When the Hon PM goes abroad & claims to be representing 1.3 billion Indians he doesn't mean it because if he did he would have two words of sympathy for the victims in #Kathua & #Unnao," Omar tweeted earlier in the day. However, this evening, in his first comments on the gruesome incidents of rape in Unnao and Kathua, Modi said that no criminal will be spared and daughters will get justice. In another tweet, the National Conference leader said, "Hon PM sir, there isn't a day when we don't hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others." Abdullah requested the prime minister not to let the girl be "someone you choose to remain silent about". The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal community, has become a national issue. The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today claimed the Delhi government has found "open theft" in delivery of ration in the city and demanded suspension of food and supplies commissioner. Sisodia also demanded Lt Governor Anil Baijal okays the AAP government's ambitious scheme for doorstep delivery of ration and stop the existing e-PoS (Electronic Point of Sale) system, under which beneficiaries are given ration through biometric identification. According to the deputy chief minister, the e-POS system, which was implemented in the city from January 1, is allegedly leading to "open theft" in the distribution of ration. Addressing a press conference here, Sisodia said preliminary enquiry into a sample of data indicates the provision of OTP has been "misused" and that ration has been "siphoned off" during the month of March on a number of cards which appear to be "fake" The One Time Password (OTP) provision is used to give ration in case the biometric identification of beneficiary fails under the e-POS system. In such cases, an OTP is sent on the mobile number of the beneficiary available with the food and civil supplies department. Sisodia said the OTP provision was introduced in Delhi on March 1 to beat internet connectivity issues at ration shops. "On one particular mobile number, 499 card-holders were given ration. Based on OTPs sent on 11 mobile numbers, ration of around 1,550 households were distributed, which indicates open theft of ration," Sisodia alleged. He also said that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain have written to the L-G flagging this "open theft" in the delivery of ration under e-POS system and demanded suspension of the food & supplies commissioner. "The Lt Governor should immediately scrap the e-POS system and suspend the food commissioner. If there is no suspension of the food & supplies commissioner, fair probe into the matter is not possible," the deputy chief minister said here. Sisodia asked why the Lt Governor is not suspending the officer despite the chief minister's request on several occasions. During the budget session of the Delhi Assembly, which concluded earlier this week, Kejriwal had also demanded the removal of food and supplies commissioner while flagging "discrepancies" in the distribution of ration. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 100 death sentences were handed out last year by courts in India which also expanded the scope of capital punishment by enacting new laws against hijacking, human rights watchdog Amnesty International said. In 'The Death Sentences and Executions 2017' report released here yesterday, Amnesty said it has recorded at least 993 executions in 23 countries in 2017, down by four per cent from 2016 (1,032 executions) and 39 per cent from 2015 (when the organisation recorded 1,634 executions, the highest number since 1989). At least 2,591 death sentences in 53 countries were recorded in 2017, a significant decrease from the record-high of 3,117 recorded in 2016. These figures do not include the thousands of death sentences and executions that Amnesty International believes were imposed and implemented in China, where figures remain classified as a state secret. In India, 109 death sentences were recorded in 2017. However, there were zero executions in the country last year. Amnesty International recorded commutations or pardons of death sentences in 21 countries: India, Bangladesh, Cameroon, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco/Western Sahara, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tunisia, the UAE, the US and Zimbabwe. "Against international standards, India, Singapore and Thailand expanded the scope of death penalty by adopting new laws that would impose death sentence for hijacking, nuclear terrorism and corruption, respectively," it said. In India, a total of 371 people were known to be under sentence of death at the end of 2017. The report said that nine countries in the Asia-Pacific region carried out executions, down from 11 in 2016. Indonesia and Taiwan did not implement any death sentences and India observed a hiatus on executions for the second year running. The report added that a research by the Centre on the Death Penalty, National Law University, indicated that the courts in India imposed 109 new death sentences, including 51 for murder and 43 for murder involving sexual offences. This represented a decrease in the total number of death sentences imposed (136 in 2016), as well as in those imposed for murder not involving other offences (87 in 2016). Two new death sentences were imposed for drug-related offences. The Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, which provided for the death penalty for hijacking resulting into death, came into force in July, the report said. Amnesty recorded drug-related executions in four countries China (where figures are classified as a state secret), Iran, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. The secrecy that shrouded capital punishment in Malaysia and Vietnam made it impossible to determine whether executions for drug crimes occurred. Singapore hanged eight people in 2017 all for drug-related offences. There was a similar trend in Saudi Arabia, where drug-related beheadings rocketed from 16 per cent of total executions in 2016 to 40 per cent in 2017. "Despite strides towards abolishing this abhorrent punishment, there are still a few leaders who would resort to death penalty as a 'quick-fix' rather than tackling problems at their roots with humane, effective and evidence-based policies. Strong leaders execute justice, not people," Amnesty International's Secretary General Salil Shetty said in the report. He said the fact that countries continue to resort to death penalty for drug-related offences remains troubling. "However, steps taken by Iran and Malaysia to amend their anti-drug laws go a long way towards showing that cracks are appearing, even in the minority of countries that still execute people," Shetty added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today distributed free incubation offers to 75 young innovators. He also said the state government has made certain amendments in the Startup Odisha Policy to further encourage innovators and young entrepreneurs. Patnaik was speaking at the grand finale of the Startup India-Odisha Yatra held here today. The CM had flagged off the yatra on January 30. Out of the total 3,600 ideas received at the event, 125 were shortlisted for a 3-day Accelerator Programme. Experts shortlisted 75 of them, who will be given free incubation at IIT, Bhubaneswar, STPI, I-Create at Ahmedabad and BIMTEC, New Delhi, among others. The selected incubators will undergo a three-month programme, and the toppers will get a grant of Rs 50,000 to pursue their ideas. Patnaik said that the number of startups registered with the Startup Odisha Initiative has crossed the 200 mark. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AAP leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira today claimed the Punjab government was planning to appoint Congress MLAs as 'legislative assistants' to pacify agitating party legislators at the cost of public exchequer. "Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is going to appoint Congress MLAs as Legislative Assistants with independent portfolios. This is nothing but mockery of the constitution provision that doesn't allow more than 10 per cent ministers of the strength of the Vidhan Sabha," the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly said here. These new "unconstitutional appointments" are being made on the lines of parliamentary secretaries, which were quashed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, he said. "Now this is the new modus operandi of Amarinder Singh to bypass and hoodwink the constitution and pacify agitating Congress MLAs at the cost of the public exchequer," Khaira alleged. He said in the USA, legislative assistants are appointed, but they were paid employees to assist Senators and Congressmen. "Therefore, I urge the government not to indulge in this grossly erroneous and unconstitutional methodology. We will move the High Court against this illegitimate step of the government," Khaira warned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Press Council of India (PCI) today sought a report from the West Bengal government over alleged attacks on journalists while covering nomination exercise for panchayat elections in the state recently. The Media and Journalist's Welfare Association (India) had alleged that many scribes were attacked while covering the nomination filing process on April 9 at Alipur, the headquarters of South 24 Parganas district. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denied any such attack. "The PCI chairman has noted with concern reports of the alleged attacks on journalists by activists of Trinamool Congress while covering of filing the nomination for Panchayati polls on April 9," the PCI said in a release. Taking suo-motu cognisance of the issue, a report on facts of the case has been called along with written reply from the government of West Bengal through Chief Secretary, Secretary (Home), Director General of Police and Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) today mocked opposition Left Front over the six-hour bandh call, which failed to evoke any response in the state, and said people have rejected the "strike culture". Accusing the TMC of "throttling democracy" and unleashing a "reign of terror" to prevent opposition candidates from filing nominations for next month's panchayat polls, the Left parties had called for a statewide bandh from 6am today. It was business as usual in the city, however, with public and private buses plying on roads and metro rail services functioning normally, official sources said. "People have rejected the Left and its strike culture but the leaders are yet to learn lessons from it. They are spreading canards against the government and trying to stop its growth," TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said. The Left has lost its support base and don't have enough candidates to file nominations in each seat, he said, adding that the TMC should not be blamed for opposition's organisational failures. CPI(M) legislative party leader, Sujan Chakraborty, on his part, said the strike call was justified given the "lawless" situation in the state. Left Front Chairman Biman Bose echoed similar sentiments. "We had called for bandh to ensure that our protest against the pre-poll violence is heard. We did not ask our cadres to act in an aggressive way to make the strike a success," Bose said in a statement. The BJP, which has also accused the TMC of unleashing violence on its party workers during the filing of nominations, did support the strike. "We believe in fighting on the ground but do not support bandhs," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said. The panchayat polls are scheduled to be held on three phases in the state on May 1, 3 and 5. The Calcutta High Court had yesterday stayed the ongoing poll process, expressing displeasure over the decision of the State Election Commission (SEC) to cancel its own order of extending nomination date. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today made it clear that plagiarism by a professor cannot be tolerated and anyone indulging in such activity should be shown the door. The court's observation came on a plea seeking removal of a Jawaharlal Nehru University associate professor from his post in the Center for Persian and Central Asian Studies alleging that he has plagiarised works of several authors in his Ph.D thesis as well as in a book on Iranian politics. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar sought response of the JNU and its associate professor SK Ishtiaque Ahmed against whom the allegations were made. "Plagiarism by a professor cannot be tolerated in any manner. He has to be shown the door," the bench said. The court asked the JNU to file a status report in the matter after conducting an inquiry and also initiate criminal action, if the professor was found on the wrong foot. It listed the matter for further hearing on August 10. The petition by Nadeem Akhtar, a Ph.D research scholar in the same department of the varsity, said that despite the instances of plagiarism being brought to the attention of the JNU, no action was taken and the person concerned was promoted from assistant professor to his current position of associate professor. Advocates R K Saini and Akshita Raina, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the initial appointment of the professor was arbitrary and illegal and sought his removal from his current post. The plea has alleged that "a huge chunk of his (professor's) thesis is lifted verbatim from 15 different sources. The respondent 3 (professor) has not only plagiarised texts and footnotes from various books of writers in his Ph.D thesis, but has also plagiarised the conclusion of his thesis using the conclusion of an eminent writer, as his own". Apart from that, the petition has also sought quashing of the Ph.D degree awarded in Persian language in 2000 to the professor. As an interim relief, the plea has sought a direction to the university to cease his duties as research supervisor at any level and be ordered not to assign any classes till the outcome of this petition. It has sought that the professor be prohibited from supervising and guiding any M.Phil or Ph.D student in the university during the pendency of the plea. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A petition was today filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the constitutionality of amendments to a few legislations made by Parliament enabling companies and foreign institutions to fund political parties and candidates in elections in the country. When the petition came up for hearing, a division bench of Chief Justice Antony Dominic and Justice Dama Seshadri Naidu adjourned it for detailed hearing after summer vacation. The petition contended that the amendments to the Companies Act, the Representation of People's Act and Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, enabling companies and foreign institutions to fund political parties was against the basic structure and violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The petitioner, social activist Victor T Thomas contended that the amended acts would enable Indian corporates and foreign institutions to have direct or indirect control over the elected government and the elected representatives. He said the Companies (Amendment) Act of 1985, Section 293-A was re-enacted and the absolute ban on political contribution by companies was lifted permitting companies to contribute five per cent of their annual net profit to political parties. Later, by virtue of Section 182 of the Companies Act of 2013, a company was permitted to contribute up to 7.5 per cent of the average annual net profit of the company, it said. Now by the Finance Act of 2017, Section 182 had been further amended and the limit on contribution has been lifted thereby enabling companies to make unlimited contributions to political parties, the petitioner submitted. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010, which was passed in suppression of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 1976 was enacted for the purpose of restraining political parties from receiving foreign contributions. Thereafter, by the Finance Act of 2016, a new proviso was introduced to Section 2(1)(j)(vi) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 which has in effect lifted the restrictions and regulations imposed by the said Act on receiving contribution from foreign companies. Also by the Act 46 of 2003 and amendment had been carried out in the Representation of the People's Act, 1951 by inserting Section 29B whereby political parties are made entitled to accept contribution from companies, the petitioner pointed out. As a result of these legislations, the right of citizens to conduct free and fair election is being corrupted, the petitioner contended. "The aftermath of the election would be that Indian corporates and foreign institutions would have a direct or indirect control over the elected government and elected representatives, thereby influencing the policies and regulations in their favour and that would be detriment to the welfare of the citizens," it said. The petitioner submitted that the sections enabling enabling the companies and foreign institutions to fund the political parties be declared unconstitutional. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district tomorrow will inaugurate the "Ayushman Bharat- National Health Protection Mission" and other development projects, officials said. The mission aims at covering 10 crore poor and vulnerable families and provide a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The scheme will be launched by Modi at Jangla village in Bijapur, officials said. The prime minister's visit to the state coincides with the birth anniversary of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar. PM Modi will leave New Delhi by an Air Force plane at around 9:20am and reach Jagdalpur at 11:30am, from where he would take a helicopter to reach Jangla by 12:25pm, a government official said. The PM will launch the Ayushman Bharat scheme from a sub-health centre at Jangla and later inaugurate bank branches in seven villages, including Jangla, of Bijapur district, he said. A newly-laid railway line between Gudum and Bhanupratappur will be commissioned through video-conferencing, the official said. He said the line, part of the Dallirajhra-Rowghat railway project, will help connect the people of north Bastar. The prime minister will also inaugurate the first phase of the state government's Bastar Net Project, which aims at expanding the reach of the Internet to the remote villages of the division. As part of the project, an optical fibre cable network is being laid over an area of 40,000 square kilometres in Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Sukma and Dantewada districts of Bastar division, the official informed. "The PM will address a public gathering at Jangla and then proceed to Jagdalpur from where he will leave by an Air Force plane for New Delhi at around 4pm," the official said. This is the PM's fourth visit to the state since the NDA came to power in 2014 and second one to Bastar, having visited the area earlier on May 9, 2015. The visit will be conducted under a massive security umbrella which will see the deployment of 10,000 personnel, including commandos from the elite Special Protection Group and jawans from the state's Special Task Force (STF), District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF). CCTVs, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been deployed to allow security agencies to keep a hawk-eye over the visit, said officials. Naxal groups active in the area have opposed the PM's visit and have pasted pamphlets in several interior pockets of the district asking people to boycott the visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US today greeted Bengalis across the world on the occasion of their new year. "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish Bengalis everywhere a joyous new year. We commemorate this important day along with all those from Bangladesh, India and around the world who come together today to mark the arrival of the new year," Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan said. He said Pohela Boishakh was an opportunity for those who speak Bangla as a mother tongue to celebrate their rich history and culture with beautiful parades, fairs and dances. Here in the United States, we take this opportunity to thank the Bangladeshi American community for its outstanding contributions to our nation, our economy and our culture. We join all of you in looking toward a bright future, and wish you the best in the year to come," Sullivan said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An inter-agency search and rescue team in California today recovered some personal items and numerous parts of a vehicle from a swollen river in which a missing Indian family was travelling last week. Personal belongings of the four members of the Thottapilly family from Santa Clarita in California, who were believed to be travelling through Humboldt and Mendocino County on US-101 while on a vacation, were also found by the team over a two-day period on Tuesday and Wednesday, officials said. Sandeep Thottapilly, 41, vice president of the Union Bank on Santa Clarita, and his wife Soumya Thottapilly, 38, were on a road trip along with their two kids -- Siddhanth, 12 and Saachi, nine -- in the maroon Honda Pilot from Portland, Oregon to San Jose in Southern California, during which they went missing on April 5. Later, Mendocino County Sheriff declared them as missing persons. Between the two search days, the Swift Water Rescue Teams were able to cover approximately 12 miles of the Eel river, just north of the town of Leggett in California. The vehicle is reported to have submerged in the river around 1:10 pm on April 6. "The teams were unsuccessful in locating the vehicle or any occupants from the vehicle. They were able to locate numerous items that appeared to have come from a vehicle body and interior," the Garberville office of the California Highway Patrol said. It said several items were identified by the family members of those missing. "Some of these items were consistent with a Honda vehicle. Also located were various personal items that were consistent with a family travelling on vacation. Several items have been positively identified, by the family members, as belonging to the Thottapilly family," it said. "These items were of a personal nature and will not be described further at this time, but it does confirm the fact the vehicle that was seen going into the river was that of the Thottapilly family," the California Highway Patrol said. The Mendocino County Sheriffs Office has been in contact with numerous other county dive teams and technical rescue responders that can be called upon, when the vehicle is located, to assist with recovery of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is recovered, the California Highway Patrol will conduct a complete mechanical inspection of the vehicle as part of the accident investigation. The Swift Water Rescue Teams conducted a bank search as well as some limited "probing", a technique using a long pole being probed underwater to see if the vehicle or anything metallic could be located. According to the highway patrol, the teams accessed the river in inflatable boats and on 'River Boards', a small floatation device designed to allow full access under overhanging trees or tight areas not accessible by boat. The Humboldt County Sheriffs Office also assisted with the use of their jet boat with side scan sonar system. According to the San Jose Police Department, the Thottapilly family was supposed to have arrived to visit a friend in the San Jose area on April 6 but did not make it as scheduled. The family was last heard from in the town of Klamath, Del Norte County, on April 5. The California Highway Patrol developed information that the family were travelling in a family vehicle, a 2016 maroon Honda Pilot. The family was officially reported as missing to the San Jose Police Department on April 8. Sandeep grew up in Surat city in Gujarat and settled down in the US over 15 years ago. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today greeted the people of the union territory on the eve of Tamil New Year day. "Let the dawn of auspicious New Year open vistas of opportunities for growth in the lives of all," Bedi said in her message. She said 'Tamizh Puthanandu' (new year) is celebrated with joy and hope of a new beginning by the Tamil-speaking community on April 14, the first day of New Tamil calendar. It is also celebrated as New Year festival of Kerala as Vishu and in the north as Baisakhi, she added. "Let the dawn of the auspicious New Year open vistas of opportunities of growth in the lives of all," she added. Narayanasamy, in his message, wished the New Year would be a happy beginning for farmers. He assured the farming community that the Puducherry government would spare no efforts to ensure that the ryots of Karaikal got Cauvery water. Puducherry Assembly Speaker V Vaithilingam, Ministers and leaders of various parties extended greetings to the people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain's Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, today left hospital after a hip replacement surgery. The 96-year-old waved to a small crowd as he was driven past King Edward VII's Hospital in London in a Range Rover. Queen Elizabeth II's husband had been admitted to hospital on April 3 to undergo a planned procedure the following day. Buckingham Palace said the prince will now spend his recuperation period at Windsor Castle, where he is expected to be joined by the monarch. "His Royal Highness would like to convey his appreciation for the messages of good wishes he has received," the palace said in a statement. His daughter, Princess Anne the Princess Royal, was the only royal visitor to the hospital, who had described him "on good form" after she visited her father yesterday. Prince Philip had announced his retirement in May 2017, after decades of supporting the Queen as well as attending events for his own charities and organisations. A month later he was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital as "a precautionary measure" following an infection arising from a pre-existing condition. His final solo engagement was in August last year, when he reviewed a parade of Royal Marines outside Buckingham Palace in his capacity as Captain General of the Corps. But he has since appeared several times at engagements alongside the 91-year-old queen. His surgery comes ahead of a busy time for the royal family, with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, due to give birth to her third child some time this month, and the wedding of his grandson, Prince Harry, with Meghan Markle on May 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Newton" director Amit V Masurkar today said Rajkummar Rao deserved to win a National Award for best actor. Rao played the title role of a green-horn government clerk who perseveres to conduct fair, free elections Masurkar's dark comedy on Indian democracy. "Newton" was named the best Hindi film and a special mention was given to its actor Pankaj Tripathi. The filmmaker said Rajkummar, who already has a best actor National Award to his credit for "Shahid", should have been recognised for the work he has done in the year gone by. "I definitely feel Rajkummar should have been awarded, he has done a brilliant job not only in 'Newton' but others films like in 'Trapped', 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', he has done lot of good work this year (2017). And it would have been great if he would have got some award. "(But) I don't think he holds such expectations. He is someone who does his work and moves on. He has worked on four-five films after 'Newton'," Masurkar told reporters here. Actor Riddhi Sen was named the best actor for his performance in Bengali film "Nagarkirtan" at the 65th National Film Awards, that were announced today. He said Rajkummar is elated over how "Newton" performed at the awards. "Yes. He is a very happy. He is a very positive person. He has won National award before. For us, it is the first time," the filmmaker said. On "Newton" emerging victorious, Masurkar said, "It feels very good. We are very happy that 'Newton' got the best Hindi film award, thank you jury and people for the love and the whole team." The director is happy that Tripathi received a special mention. "We are happy that Pankaj ji got special mention. I did speak to them they all are very happy. Both Rajkummar and him are busy shooting. I wish they were here." "Newton" was also India's official entry to this year's Academy Awards in the best foreign language film category. It did not, however, make it to the shortlist. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Diplomats at UNESCO are hailing a possible breakthrough on longstanding Israeli-Arab tensions at the UN cultural agency. Israel's ambassador to UNESCO said the mood was "like a wedding" after member nations signed off on a rare compromise resolution yesterday on "Occupied Palestine." The document is still quite critical of Israel, notably its actions in Jerusalem and Gaza. But Israeli Ambassador Carmel Shama-Hacohen told The Associated Press that diplomats agreed to move the most controversial language to a non-binding annex and avoided a contentious vote. The compromise, worked out in months of painstaking negotiations, was largely technical. But it was an unusual example of Mideast cooperation at UNESCO, which Israel has long seen as biased toward Arab nations especially since it admitted Palestine as a member in 2011. Other diplomats said they hope the compromise encourages the U.S. and Israel to reconsider their decision to quit UNESCO at the end of this year. "It means that the spirit of dialogue is not broken," UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay told The Associated Press. Since taking over in November, Azoulay has been working to clean up the agency's reputation and shore up a budget gutted by geopolitical disputes. The relief and optimism at UNESCO's Paris headquarters after yesterday's meeting were a far cry from the hostility that has for decades soured its discussions on Israel and the Palestinian territories, and hampered the agency's efforts to protect cultural heritage or promote peace through school projects in the region. The enthusiasm over what on the surface seems like a minor move is a reflection of the very low expectations for Israeli-Palestinian cooperation in the current climate. The UNESCO negotiations notably hit trouble as deadly confrontations erupted in Gaza in recent weeks, said diplomats involved, who were not authorized to be publicly named discussing the closed-door negotiations. The Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian, American, and European Union delegations negotiated the compromise resolution, along with representatives of UNESCO leadership. They notably decided to limit the official "Occupied Palestine" resolution to three short paragraphs, and attach multiple pages of complaints about Israeli policies and Arab claims on Jerusalem in an annex, which is made public but not binding. And then they agreed to adopt it by consensus instead of a public vote. "I'm more than happy" with the outcome, the Israeli ambassador said. "Confrontation is not the way. Nothing will be changed in Jerusalem or in Gaza by forcing Israel into a corner." Mounir Anastas, the Palestinians' alternate permanent delegate to UNESCO, welcomed "so many efforts from all concerned parties and different delegations in order to enhance the dialogue and to reach a consensus." But he urged progress on the ground, notably allowing UNESCO delegations to visit historic sites in Jerusalem, allowing Palestinian youth groups into Jerusalem for education programs, and protection for media covering protests in Gaza. The US delegation said it "warmly welcomes the progress demonstrated here" and praised the "constructive spirit," but wouldn't comment on whether it could lead to a rethink of the pending US withdrawal. The US stopped paying its UNESCO dues after Palestine joined in 2011 but continues to participate in agency activities for now. President Donald Trump announced in October that the US would pull out at the end of 2018 because of perceived anti-Israel bias. Israel followed suit. Asked yesterday whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government could now reconsider, Shama-Hacohen said "it's possible." "UNESCO should be a bridge, especially in periods like we have now," he said. The resolution announced yesterday is expected to be approved at UNESCO's full plenary next week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telecom operator Reliance Jio has signed an agreement to raise about Rs 32.5 billion (Rs 3,250 crore) as samurai term loan from Japan-based banks. "Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited has signed an approximately JPY 53.5 billion samurai term loan with 7 year bullet maturity. The facility is guaranteed by Reliance Industries Limited and will be used for funding RJIL's ongoing capital expenditure," RJIL said in a late night statement on Friday. At an exchange rate of 60 paise per Japanese yen, the loan value comes to around Rs 32.48 billion (Rs 3,248 crore). This deal represents the largest samurai loan (low interest loans from Japanese investors) for an Asian corporate, the statement said. "The facility has been fully underwritten by Mizuho Bank, Ltd, MUFG Bank, Ltd and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch and will be shortly launched into syndication," RJIL said. Last month, the Reliance Jio board had approved raising of around Rs 200 billion (Rs 20,000 crore) in debt. The company has invested over Rs 2 trillion (Rs 2 lakh crore) in the mobile business, which has garnered over 168 million customers. The Mukesh Ambani firm has also signed agreement to buy mobile business assets of Reliance Communications -- the company led by his younger brother Anil Ambani -- for around Rs 250 billion (Rs 25,000 crore). The 4G mobile service provider RJIL said that the network of the company is future ready and can be easily upgraded to support even more data, as technologies advance on to 5G, 6G, and beyond. "Jio will bring transformational changes in the Indian digital services space to enable the vision of Digital India for 1.2 billion Indians and propel India into global leadership in digital economy," the statement said. Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) on Friday said its joint venture with Italy's Astaldi SPA has won a contract worth Rs 15.84 billion for a line. "RInfra EPC has received the Letter of Award from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for three packages worth Rs 15.84 billion for construction of North-South Metro-4 corridor which will run between Kasarwadavali in Thane and Wadala," RInfra said in a statement. RInfra had participated in the tender for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for five packages in a joint venture with Astaldi, it said. The scope of work includes part design and construction of elevated viaduct and stations (excluding architectural finishing and pre-engineered steel roof structure of stations) of Line 4, the statement said. This includes entry and exit structures of the stations. The 32.32-km long Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kasarvadavali Metro will connect Wadala in central Mumbai with the neighbouring Thane district via the Eastern Express highway, the statement said. According to MMRDA, the Metro Corridor will provide more North-South rail connectivity and reduce the burden on the suburban rail network. RInfra EPC CEO Arun Gupta said the company is well positioned in emerging Metro Rail market and poised to capture a sizeable share. The company said it is keenly pursuing project opportunities worth around Rs 2 trillion to increase the EPC order book to Rs 500 billion by 2018-19. It said RInfra EPC has executed large-scale projects worth Rs 330 billion including the ultra mega power project (UMPP) of 3,960 MW at Sasan, Madhya Pradesh. The infrastructure major has been focusing on projects in power, roads, railways, defence and ports. Russia's foreign minister has asserted that a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov says Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He says Moscow has "irrefutable information that it was another fabrication." Lavrov spoke to reporters in Moscow today. He said that "intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication." He didn't elaborate or name the state. The attack has drawn international outrage and prompted the United States and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Russian cosmonauts have greeted students of a central school located at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu from the International Space Station, after receiving a letter from them. The cosmonauts, Oleg Artemyev and Anton Shkaplerov, addressed the students of Atomic Energy Central School, Kudankulam in Tirunelveli district on April 12, a release from Rosatom, a Russian firm involved in the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Project (KKNPP) said. "Out of more than 12,000 letters, their (students) letter was chosen to be replied and the cosom sent greetings," it said. An accompanying video showed the astroanuts displaying a picture taken by the children with Mikhail Kornienko, a Russian space pilot, during his visit to the school last year. He had earlier served in the ISS. Artemyev was seen saying in the video that they had received a lot of letters and congratulations on the International Cosmonauts Day. "One of those letters was unique. It was full of warmth and love and we could not resist ourselves from replying. The letter is written by school children from a village called Kundakulam in South India who study at Atomic Central School," he said. The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station in low Earth orbit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today decided to examine a plea challenging the existing roster system and powers of the Chief Justice of India to allocate cases while observing that the CJI's position as 'master of roster' cannot be "disputed". The apex court prime facie did not agree with contention of former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan, who has filed the PIL, that the collegium of five-senior most judges should be entrusted with the task of allocating cases and asked Attorney General K K Venugopal to assist the court in the matter. A bench comprising justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan also took strong exception when an attempt was made to rake up the issue of the unprecedented January 12 press conference by four seniormost top court judges -- J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- who had accused CJI Dipak Misra of arbitrarily allocating cases. "We are not going to go into it. We are not concerned with it for many reasons and obvious reasons. Do not say all this. Do not bring it here," the bench told senior advocate Dushyant Dave, who was representing Bhushan. "Prima facie, I do not think that the collegium should be entrusted with the task of allocating cases. You can come out with suggestions," Justice Sikri observed. Dave questioned the manner in which cases were allocated and claimed that though there were Supreme Court rules which the registry was bound to follow while listing a petition, the CJI was using his discretion in some "exceptional matters". He argued that in a democracy, there was "nothing called absolute discretion" and said there were matters which were "sensitive" for the nation and for survival of the democracy. However, Justice Ashok Bhushan observed, "It would be very difficult to decide which is a sensitive matter and which is not. For you, some matters will be sensitive but for others, it may not be sensitive. It is difficult to decide." "As far as CJI being the 'master of roster' is concerned, there is no dispute. In a way, you are challenging the manner in which this power is exercised," the bench observed and referred to the apex court's verdicts which had held that the CJI is the 'master of roster'. Regarding Bhushan's demand that 'sensitive' cases should be allocated by the collegium, the bench said if it would be done, then the collegium would have to sit daily or two or three times a week for this only. "It cannot be expected that the collegium will sit everyday or two-three days a week for this only. It is not a feasible solution," the court observed, adding, "Now another question rises. Whether all this is justiciable or not?" The top court observed that better course to deal with it would be that there should be some "in-house mechanism" and it should be subject to self-governing mechanism. Dave said the PIL has raised substantial question of interpretation of constitutional provisions and principle of administrative law. He clarified that they were not against any individual and do not propose to make any personal allegations against anyone. Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who also argued in the matter, said they have come to the court "with a heavy heart" and they were "really troubled" with the way affairs of the top court were being handled. "The problem is that we are troubled. Truly troubled. We are not against any individual. This is the highest court of this land. We have to respect the institution. We are troubled how it is being handled today. We are not attributing any motives to anyone," he said, adding, "it is very painful for us having practiced in this institution for 40-45 years." However, Justice Sikri asked, "Can this all be done in the judicial side?" Sibal said that the court would have to do it for public at large so that faith of people was not lost and judiciary was not denigrated. "It can only be done by an order of Supreme Court that can never be challenged," he said and termed as "unacceptable" the way matters were allocated. Dave questioned the way a constitution bench had interpreted that the CJI has the discretion in allocation of matter while the other senior judges of the court had none. "Everyday cases are filed and you are saying that for allocation of each and every case, the five judges should sit and the CJI should convene the collegium. Lakh of cases are there," the bench said. Dave, however, said that matters must be allocated automatically according to the roster but that was "not happening" and the registry should be asked to explain this. He referred to 14 cases, including the plea challenging the appointment of Gujarat cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as a special director of the CBI, and questioned the manner in which these matter were allocated to particular benches. "This court is the bedrock of the Constitution," he said and also raised the issue of mentioning of matter before court number two when the CJI sits in a constitution bench. The bench, after hearing the submissions, asked the Attorney General and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist in the matter and posted it for hearing on April 27. In his PIL, Shanti Bhushan stated that the "master of roster" cannot be unguided and unbridled discretionary power, exercised arbitrarily by the CJI by hand-picking benches of select judges or by assigning cases to particular judges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today asked a French national, an active trustee of an international school in Mumbai, to surrender in three days in connection with a case of alleged sexual assault on a three-year-old girl. The top court, however, barred him from entering the school premises and directed the trial court to decide the matter as per material available on record. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan clarified that the observations in the orders of the Bombay High Court and the sessions court are only in respect to the granting and cancellation of bail. "The petitioner shall surrender within three days. However, he will not visit the school. We make it clear that the observations of the sessions court as well as the high court are only in the context of granting and cancellation of bail. Needless to stay, the trial court is required to finally decide the matter on the basis of evidence which is produced before the court," the bench said. Accused Patrick Brilliant had challenged the April 2 order of the high court cancelling bail granted by the trial court on November 24 last year. It had asked him to surrender forthwith before the authority concerned while asking the trial court to complete the proceedings in four months. On May 18, 2017, an FIR was lodged against Brilliant for sexually assaulting the child and was arrested on November 7, nearly six months after the registration of the FIR. However, the trial court granted him bail on November 24, 2017, just 17 days after he was arrested in the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today set aside a trial court order awarding a two-year jail to a Congress leader in a defamation case for alleging that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had purportedly played a role in illegal recruitment of constables in the state's transport department. The state government had filed a defamation case against K K Mishra, the Congress spokesperson in Madhya Pradesh, in June 2014 for allegedly "making defamatory and false statements against the chief minister with an intent to tarnish his image" under sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation) of the IPC. A bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it was clear that the public prosecutor, who had filed the defamation complaint, had not done any scrutiny of materials on the basis of which the sanction to prosecute Mishra was obtained from the competent authority. A defamation case was filed after Mishra had alleged during a press conference on June 21, 2014 in Bhopal that 19 candidates from Gondia in Maharashtra were illegally recruited as constables in the Madhya Pradesh transport department following tests held by the state's Professional Examination Board (PEB), which is also known as 'Vyapam'. The bench, also comprising justices R Banumathi and M M Shantanagoudar, said that the complaint against Mishra was not maintainable "on the very face of it". It referred to the Code of Criminal Procedure provision relating to the procedure regarding initiation of prosecution for offence of defamation committed against constitutional functionaries and public servants and said that Mishra's alleged statements did not "have any reasonable connection with the discharge of public duties by or the office of the chief minister". The court said, "Such statements may be defamatory, but then in the absence of a nexus between the same and the discharge of public duties of the office, the remedy under sections 199(2) and 199(4) of the CrPC will not be available." In its order, the bench noted, "The appointment of persons from the area/place to which the wife of the chief minister belongs and the making of phone calls by the relatives of the chief minister have no reasonable nexus with the discharge of public duties by or the office of the chief minister." Section 199(2) CrPC provides for a special procedure with regard to initiation of prosecution for offence of defamation committed against the constitutional functionaries and public servants. The top court, which invoked its extraordinary jurisdiction, also said that the appeal pending before the Madhya Pradesh High Court against the trial court order of November 17 last year shall also stand closed in terms of its verdict. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today took a serious note of lawyers obstructing the judicial process in the Kathua gangrape and murder case and initiated a case on its own accord saying such impeding of the process of law "affects the delivery of justice". The top court said that lawyers' bodies have solemn duty to not obstruct advocates representing the accused or the victims' family in the courts. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud sought responses on the conduct of lawyers from Bar Council of India, Jammu and Kashmir Bar Council, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua district bar association by April 19. "In our considered opinion no lawyer can prevent the advocates representing the accused or victim's family in the case," the bench said. It sought reply from bar bodies on various aspects including the question whether lawyers representing victim or accused can be stopped from appearing in the court by another group of lawyers. "Obstruction of process of law and delivery of justice, and that too by lawyers cannot be condoned and is unethical. Access to justice cannot be impeded by lawyers," the bench said. It said that every party before any court is entitled to engage a lawyer and if advocates oppose this principle then it would be destructive of justice dispensation system. "It is impermissible under law and is unethical to prevent filing of charge sheet or oppose representation of victim's family by lawyers," it said. The bench also took note of the fact that Jammu High Court Bar Association has passed the resolution to protest and not to attend the court and said that "it is solemn duty of the bar to not create obstruction". The apex court agreed to take the suo motu cognisance of the matter after several lawyers of the apex court pointed out the incident in which agitating advocates at Kathua district obstructed police from filing of charge sheet in the court yesterday. Standing counsel for Jammu and Kashmir Shoeb Alam, who was called to the CJI court informed that the police had yesterday filed the charge sheet before the magistrate at his home. He strongly opposed the plea of lawyers that case be handed over to CBI for further investigation and said that thorough investigations were being carried out by the state crime branch. Alam said that it is already a settled law that investigation cannot be transferred to CBI after the charge sheet has been filed in the court. "Police team was heckled by the lawyers and prevented from submitting the charge sheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Kathua," Alam said. He said that subsequently the police had to produce the eight accused in the case and submit the charge sheet at the residence of the magistrate. Alam informed the court that police have also registered a FIR against some lawyers for attempting to prevent police from filing charge sheet in Kathua rape case. A group of lawyers including P V Dinesh, Gopal Shankar Narayanan and Shobha Gupta said that an advocate for victim's family was also given threats and obstructed from appearing in the court. Earlier in the day, the top court had asked a lawyer P V Dinesh to bring materials on record to take judicial note of a strike call given by Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir bar associations in relation to the gangrape and killing of the eight-year-old girl in Jammu region. Dinesh referred to the "unfortunate" decisions of the local bar that had allegedly come in support of the people who had gangraped and killed the minor in Kathua. "Something must come on record. We have nothing on record," the bench had said in the morning, when the matter was first mentioned. Dinesh submitted that the apex court should take note of bar's actions and issue directions to them and the Bar Council of India to ensure that the rule of law prevails. The minor girl had disappeared from near her home in the forests next to Rasana village in Kathua, on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The Crime Branch of police which probed the case filed a main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The charge sheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, raped inside a place of worship before being killed. Jammu has been on tenterhooks since the brutal incident. The bar associations have been opposing the action against the accused, alleging that the minority Dogras were being targeted. Lawyers took to the streets shouting slogans and trying to block the road outside the court where the charge sheets have been filed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men have responded to an advert seeking a match for Geeta, a deaf-and-mute girl who returned from Pakistan after accidentally landing in that country when she was a child. A social activist here, who is involved in the search for her long-lost parents, has put up a post seeking bridegroom on Facebook. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj -- who was instrumental in bringing Geeta back -- asked him to look for a match for Geeta, claimed Gyanendra Purohit, the activist. "I met Swaraj on April 8. She asked me to search for Geeta's long-lost parents, and also to look for a right match for her," he said. He put up a post on a Facebook page, originally created to search for Geeta's parents, on April 10. The 'advert' said they were looking for a "good and smart deaf boy", age above 25 years, for "India's daughter Geeta". It also made it clear that it is Geeta who would decide on the proposals, and the Union government would take further steps. The post elicited response from three men. One of them is from Madhya Pradesh, while other two are from Gujarat and Delhi, respectively, Purohit said. He has informed the Ministry of External Affairs about these responses, he said. Geeta is staying in a facility run by Muk-Badhir Sangathan, an NGO, here. The MP Social Justice Department is her caretaker. Geeta was found alone aboard the Samjhauta Express at Lahore when she was seven or eight years old. It is surmised that she accidentally boarded the train somewhere in India. Karachi-based Edhi Foundation took care of her while she lived in Pakistan. She returned to India in 2015. So far more than ten couples from different parts of India have claimed that Geeta is their lost daughter, but none of them could establish the claim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan's finance ministry was embroiled in a growing sexual harassment scandal today after a magazine released what it said was audio of a senior bureaucrat sexually harassing a female journalist. The Shukan Shincho magazine reported earlier this week that the ministry's top bureaucrat had sexually harassed several female journalists, but Finance Minister Taro Aso initially said he had no plans to investigate the report or punish the official, who he said was "sufficiently remorseful." Today, he said the bureaucrat, Junichi Fukuda, would be fired if the harassment was proved, but the ministry said it was not planning a probe. Hours later, the magazine released what it said was audio of Fukuda with a female journalist at a bar. "I'll tie up your hands. Can I touch your breasts?" a male voice on the recording says. "Shall we have an affair once the budget is approved?" The reporter, who has not been named, cannot be heard on the recording, and the identity of the male voice could not be independently verified. The magazine said several other female reporters reported being sexually harassed by Fukuda, who asked to kiss them and take them to a hotel. The row comes as the government faces twin cronyism scandals that have dragged down Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's normally high approval ratings and led to opposition calls for the premier and his finance minister to resign. Fukuda has denied the allegations and yesterday Aso said he had warned the bureaucrat about his conduct, but did not plan to investigate further or punish him. "I told him to act with a sense of propriety, given the current climate," Aso told a parliament session, in an apparent reference to the scrutiny the cabinet is under. "As I felt he was sufficiently remorseful, I don't intend to investigate further," he added. Today, asked again about the case before the recording was released, Aso said "if the story is true, he is out." But he added: "I am not thinking about punishing him at this point." A finance ministry spokesman told AFP before the audio was released that no investigation was planned. Opinion polls last month showed Abe's support dropping to the lowest level since his re-election in October amid two cronyism scandals, one of which involves the alteration of documents by the finance ministry. Abe has denied wrongdoing in both scandals. Japan has one of the world's worst records for female political representation, and has deeply entrenched gender attitudes. Just 2.8 per cent of rape victims go to the police, according to a 2017 government survey, and the #MeToo movement that has raised awareness of sexual harassment worldwide has had a relatively muted reception in Japan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been barred from holding office for life, after the Supreme Court today ruled that disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution is for life. The verdict was issued unanimously by all five judges of the bench while hearing a case related to determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution, the Dawn reported. The court had grappled with Article 62(1)(f) which only stated that a lawmaker is disqualified under specified conditions but did not set out the duration of the disqualification. Article 62, which sets the precondition for a member of parliament to be "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which Sharif, 68, was disqualified on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today held talks with Afghan Defence Minister Lt General Tariq Shah Bahramee during which he apprised her about Afghanistan's internal reconciliation process and efforts to combat cross border terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Bahramee shared his assessment of Afghan government's recent initiatives for internal reconciliation, and efforts to combat terrorism, which receives support from safe havens and sanctuaries beyond Afghanistan, an oblique reference to Pakistan. It said that the Afghan Defence Minister also "highlighted" that the Afghan people and the government would like India to continue to play a "greater role" in the country. Bahramee also talked about efforts being made by Kabul to combat the menace of opium cultivation and drugs trafficking that funds terror against the people of Afghanistan, the ministry said in a statement. "Afghanistan deeply appreciated the positive and constructive support extended by India for economic development and reconstruction in Afghanistan and to the Afghan National Defence and Security forces," the MEA said. Swaraj appreciated the courage with which the Afghan forces were defending their country and making supreme sacrifices, the ministry said. "She conveyed India's support for the efforts of the government and the people of Afghanistan for building a peaceful, secure, stable, united, inclusive and prosperous nation. India remains committed to its New Development Partnership according to the priorities of Afghanistan," the MEA said. India last year had announced that it would implement 116 development projects in Afghanistan under the 'New Development Partnership'. The Afghan Defence Minister is visiting India for the DefEXPO 2018 which is underway near Chennai. He had earlier met Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid continuing protests over Cauvery issue, the ruling AIADMK, which is largely friendly with the BJP-led Centre, today said the NDA government should change its attitude in respect of Tamil Nadu. Citing the widespread protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tamil Nadu visit yesterday over the Cauvery issue, AIADMK mouthpiece "Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma," today said it was because of the Centre's "failure to be impartial". "How the black (an apparent reference to black balloons and black flags marking the visit of Modi) has come..? Tamils are on the boil as the Centre failed to maintain its impartialty," the daily said. Listing out issues, including Tamil Nadu's plea for exemption from NEET, and cyclone relief but avoiding a direct reference to Cauvery issue, a write-up in the daily said how people will not be angered if such 'betrayals' continued. "Without waiting anymore, it will be good if the Central government changed its mindset, and avoided partiality," the daily said. If this was not done, "it will lead to cracks in unity and integration," (of the nation), it warned. A slew of black flag protests and release of black balloons across the state over the Cauvery issue marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's one day visit here yesterday for the DefExpo and another function. DMK and several other parties and pro-Tamil outfits staged the protests over Centre's 'inaction' to constitute the Cauvery Management Board. The opposition parties have also been attacking the AIADMK government of not exerting adequate pressure on the Centre. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that the Taliban and the Haqqani network enjoy safe havens in the border regions of Pakistan, a top US Army General today told the lawmakers that it was very difficult to contain insurgency in war-torn Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil. "It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has safe haven in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he said to the end insurgency in Afghanistan, it was important to reduce the threat of terrorism something that can be handled on a routine basis by the internal security forces. "In order to do that, you have to essentially do several things. You mentioned Pakistan. That is key. It's important that Pakistan is part of the solution. It's a regional solution. Part of our strategy is a regional strategy. That very much involves Pakistan," Milley said. Responding to a question on reconciliation, he said the Afghan government was on the path right now to establish some sort of political reconciliation with various opponent groups. US is in support of that effort, Milley added. "So it's important that we realign the forces, that we reinforce the capabilities that we're already doing, and that we regionalise the problem, including Pakistan, and that there's some sort of reconciliation process. At the end of the day, that's how that ends, and it ends successfully, and I believe that's achievable, the General said. Milley said it was in the national security interest of the United States to maintain troops in Afghanistan. One of the American objectives since 2001 has been that Afghanistan no longer was a platform for terrorists to conduct strikes on the continental United States, or in the United States. "That's key. That's why we're there, and that's why we're still there," he said, adding that this can be achieved through a stable Afghanistan. "So what does that look like? It means that the armed opposition, the Taliban, Haqqani network, Al-Qaida, ISIS, K and all these other groups are reduced in terms of capability that they no longer present an existential threat to the regime in Kabul, and that the Afghan National Security Forces are at large," he said. "Their army, their police, their intelligence forces can handle the violent threat against the regime at a level that is something akin to crime or banditry," Milley said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that the Taliban and the Haqqani network still enjoy safe havens in Pakistan, a top US Army General today told the lawmakers that it was "very difficult" to contain insurgency in Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil. In his new South Asia Policy in August last year, President Donald Trump had called for tougher measures against Pakistan if it fails to cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism. The US also blocked about USD two billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to act against terror groups operating from its soil and attacking US forces in Afghanistan. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, said to the end insurgency in Afghanistan, it was important to reduce the threat of terrorism something that can be handled on a routine basis by the internal security forces. "It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has safe haven in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing. Gen. Milley said the role of Pakistan was key to the solution. "It's important that Pakistan is part of the solution. It's a regional solution. Part of our strategy is a regional strategy. That very much involves Pakistan," Milley said. Responding to a question on reconciliation, he said the Afghan government was on the path right now to establish some sort of political reconciliation with various opponent groups. US is in support of that effort, Milley added. "So it's important that we realign the forces, that we reinforce the capabilities that we're already doing, and that we regionalise the problem, including Pakistan, and that there's some sort of reconciliation process. At the end of the day, that's how that ends, and it ends successfully, and I believe that's achievable, the General said. Milley said it was in the national security interest of the United States to maintain troops in Afghanistan. One of the American objectives since 2001 has been that Afghanistan no longer was a platform for terrorists to conduct strikes on the continental United States, or in the United States, he said. "That's key. That's why we're there, and that's why we're still there," he said, adding that this can be achieved through a stable Afghanistan. Milley hoped that the Afghan army, the police, the intelligence forces could handle the violent threat against the Afghan government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People often assume that being inexpressive makes them appear more cool, but a study suggests that smiling is considered more appealing than an inexpressive attitude. "We found over and over again that people are perceived to be cooler when they smile compared to when they are inexpressive in print advertisements," said Caleb Warren from the University of Arizona in the US. "Being inexpressive makes people seem unfriendly or cold rather than cool," Warren said. For the study, published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the researchers asked participants to view print advertisements for a clothing brand, and the model in the ad was either smiling or not. The models included well-known celebrities such as James Dean, Emily Didonato and Michael Jordan as well as unknown models, and they were endorsing unfamiliar brands and well-known brands. Then the participants rated the extent to which the model seemed cool on a seven-point scale. The participants consistently rated the smiling models as cooler than the inexpressive models. Warren was surprised that participants preferred the smiling pictures of James Dean, who is typically inexpressive in photographs and considered a cool icon. When a article showed mixed martial arts fighters who were going to face one another at a press conference, participants rated the inexpressive athlete as more cool and dominant than a smiling athlete. When the context changed to a friendly meeting with fans at a press conference, then the participants rated the smiling fighter as cooler. "This shows that being uncool or cool can depend on the context," said Warren. The study showed that participants had a less favourable impression of the brand when the models were inexpressive. The findings not only have implications for advertisers who are striving to make favourable impressions with consumers, but also for people as they relate to one another. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of Islamist fighters and their relatives left the Syrian town of Douma they once controlled as the last evacuations from Eastern Ghouta continued on Friday, a monitor said. The fighters from the Jaish al-Islam group left overnight and thousands of civilians onboard 85 buses that took them to areas of northern Syria still held by rebels. The evacuations are part of a deal brokered by Damascus's Russian ally to re-establish regime control on Eastern Ghouta, a area just on the edge of the capital that had escaped government control since 2012. "After midnight, 85 buses left Eastern Ghouta carrying 4,000 people, both fighters and civilians," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring organisation said. "Over the past few days, most of the Jaish al-Islam fighters have left Douma in four successive waves," the Britain-based monitor's head, Rami Abdel Rahman, said. The group was the last in the erstwhile besieged Ghouta enclave to resist the exit proposed by Russia but an alleged chemical attack by the regime on April 7 appeared to break their will. The government has consistently denied the attack and a delegation of experts from the OPCW chemical watchdog arrived in Damascus to investigate. They are expected to start their work tomorrow. "The evacuation operation should wrap up before the OPCW experts enter Douma," Abdel Rahman said. According to local medics and a statement by the World Health Organisation, more than 40 people died in the April 7 strike on Douma of symptoms consistent with the use of chemical weapons. Jaish al-Islam rebels have already handed over or destroyed their heavy weapons and Russia announced on Thursday that the entire territory that was once the Eastern Ghouta rebel enclave was now under control. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari today met Lt Governor Anil Baijal to pitch for his demands to construct a signal free road corridor and completion of ongoing work on signature bridge in north east Delhi. Tiwari who had sat on an indefinite hunger strike alleging the AAP government of not releasing funds for these projects in north east Delhi that he represents in the Lok Sabaha, ended the fast yesterday night after assurance of an affirmative action by Baijal. He also thanked Baijal for taking cognisance of "urgency" of completing the Shastri Park signal free loop project and signature bridge in his constituency. The "delays and hindrances" in completion of Shashtri Park signal free project and signature bridge have been removed, Tiwari told Baijal. "Kejriwal government had sufficient funds for completing these projects but there was lack of honest efforts. The government misled the people on the pretext of lack of funds," he alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, chief minister K Palaniwami and other leaders today greeted people on the eve of the Tamil New Year. Purohit said the birth of Tamil month 'Chithirai' was celebrated as the new year to "mark the onset of peace, prosperity and joy in our families." "I extend my wishes and greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu on this auspicious occasion. May the new year be filled with hope, optimism and success for the people of Tamil Nadu," he said in a Raj Bhavan statement. Palaniswami, while extending his greetings, said former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had "retrieved" the pride of celebrating the new year in 'Chithirai.' The M Karunanidhi-led DMK government had in 2008 revised the Tamil new year to the month of 'Thai' (January), coinciding with the harvest festival Pongal. However, Jayalalithaa, after coming to power in 2016, reverted to the earlier practice of celebrating the new year in 'Chithirai.' DMK continues to celebrate the new year in 'Thai.' In a statement today, Palaniswami said his government was striving to make Tamil Nadu the numero uno in various fields and was therefore implementing a number of social welfare measures. "In this new year, I request people to properly utilise these schemes and ensure their prosperity and thereby contribute towards building a strong and prosperous Tamil Nadu," he said. He wished all round prosperity and joy in the lives of Tamils in the new year. TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar, BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam chief T T V Dhinakaran also greeted people on the occasion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald trump has asked his top economic advisors to study the possibility of rejoining the multi-nation Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade pact he withdrew out the US days after assuming presidency. "Last year, the President kept his promise to end the TPP deal negotiated by the Obama administration because it was unfair to American workers and farmers. The President has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year," White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said. "To that end, he has asked (US Trade Representative) Amb (Robert) Lighthizer and (White House Economic) Director (Lawrence) Kudlow to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated," she said. Trump announced this during a meeting with lawmakers at the White House, Walters said. In his remarks in Davos on January 26, Trump had said the US was prepared to negotiate mutually beneficial and bilateral trade agreements with all countries. "This will include the countries in TPP, which are very important. We have agreements with several of them already. We would consider negotiating with the rest, either individually, or perhaps as a group, if it is in the interests of all, he had said in his remarks to the World Economic Forum Congress Centre. Senator Pat Roberts, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman described, Trump's rethinking on TTP as a "certainly good news". However, Congressman Brad Sherman opposed the move. "The Trump administration is reviving the TPP. The idea that the TPP is a counter to China is nonsense. It benefits and was in large part written by multinational corporations seeking to ease outsourcing," he said. TPP is an ambitious trade agreement involving 12 countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump pardoned a former White House aide convicted of lying to the FBI in connection with the leak of a CIA operative's identity -- a move seen by critics as a message to witnesses in the current Russia probe. "I don't know Mr. Libby," Trump said of vice president Dick Cheney's former chief of staff Lewis "Scooter" Libby. "But for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly," Trump added. "Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life." Libby was handed a 30-month prison sentence for perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators in 2007. His sentence was commuted by former president George W Bush, who declined however to issue a pardon -- sparking a rift between him and Cheney. The affair dates back to July 2003 when the name of CIA agent Valerie Plame, the wife of a diplomat who had accused the Bush administration of exaggerating the threat posed by Iraq, was leaked to the press. Libby was not accused of blowing Plame's cover, but of lying during the subsequent inquiry. Democrats were quick to criticise the decision -- and its possible repercussions on the probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election and allegations of collusion with the Trump campaign, as well as possible obstruction of justice. "President Trump's pardon of Scooter Libby makes clear his contempt for the rule of law," said leading congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. "This pardon sends a troubling signal to the president's allies that obstructing justice will be rewarded," she added. "The suggestion that those who lie under oath may be rewarded with pardons poses a threat to the integrity of the Special Counsel investigation, and to our democracy. Neither the president nor his allies are above the law." Former vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine said it "seems like he's sending a message to current WH staff worried about investigation of Trump obstruction: 'Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.'" White House press secretary Sarah Sanders insisted the two situations should not be linked, telling reporters: "One thing has nothing to do with the other." - 'Held in high regard'. Trump has used his power to pardon sparingly -- last year, he pardoned Arizona ex-sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of violating a court order to halt traffic patrols targeting suspected unauthorised immigrants. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Indian women were arrested for allegedly smuggling 92 kg of marijuana into India from Nepal today, police said. Sumitra Devi Sahani, 35, and Rimki Devi, 25, both residents of Chhatauni Kalam village in neighbouring Indian state of Bihar's Motihari district, they were quotes as saying in the Himalayan Times. According to police, the duo were arrested by Hetauda Police at Rajaiya after police recovered 44 packets of marijuana during a random security check of a Indian registered vehicle. When police stopped the vehicle, the driver managed to escape, leaving behind the two women, the report said. The packets were hidden in the vehicle, including inside the doors, trunk, false roof and underneath the seats, Makawanpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Bikash Raj Khanal said. The contraband was procured from Kailash rural municipality of Makawanpur district and was being smuggled to India, the police said. Further investigation into the case is underway and search is on for the driver, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover is planning to cut jobs as it scales back production at some of its UK sites amid what it termed as "headwinds" impacting the automotive industry. While Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is yet to confirm the exact number of jobs to be lost, some reports indicate that around 1,000 temporary workers are likely to be hit. The luxury carmaker said the "review" of its production schedules is being undertaken to ensure market demand is balanced globally and that it will lay out its 2018-19 production plans to the workforce on Monday. "In light of the continuing headwinds impacting the car industry, we are making some adjustments to our production schedules and the level of agency staff," a JLR statement said. "We are however continuing to recruit large numbers of highly skilled engineers, graduates and apprentices as we over-proportionally invest in new products and technologies, it added. The company stressed it remains committed to its UK plants, having invested more than 4 billion pounds since 2010 to future-proof manufacturing technologies to deliver new models. Solihull and the nearby Castle Bromwich site are expected to be hit by production cuts. There are 3,200 people employed at the Castle Bromwich site and a further 10,000 at Solihull. The job cuts are expected largely at Solihull in the West Midlands region of England, with mostly agency staff not having their contracts renewed. JLR employs around 40,000 people across six sites in the UK. Earlier this year, Britain's largest car manufacturer had announced plans to cut production at its Halewood plant in Merseyside and pointed to "uncertainty" around the Brexit vote as well as the future of diesel vehicles as the main factors behind the "temporary adjustments". Following a review of planned volumes, we are planning to make some temporary adjustments to the production schedule at Halewood in Q2. These changes have been communicated to our workforce," a JLR spokesperson said in January. JLR's global sales grew by 7 per cent in 2017 with the sale of 621,109 cars in a year the company branded as its "best ever" and the seventh consecutive year of successive growth. However, the Tata Group company said the automotive industry continues to face a "range of challenges" which are adversely affecting consumer confidence. The knock-on effects of the referendum in favour of Britain's exit from the European Union in June, 2016 and a hike in diesel taxation have hit the auto industry hard in the UK. The latest set of cuts come in the wake of a weak UK market, with Jaguar sales down 26 per cent so far this year, compared with last year, while demand for Land Rovers in Britain is down 20 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pacer Umesh Yadav rocked the Kings XI Punjab innings with a three-wicket burst in an over as Royal Challengers Bangalore bowled out the visitors for 155 in their IPL match here today. Put into bat, KXIP were reduced to 36 for 3 in the fourth over after Umesh (3/23) dismissed Mayank Aggarwal (15), Aaron Finch (0) and Yuvraj Singh (4) in the space of six balls in his second over to leave the visiting side in trouble early in their innings. Agarwal edged the first ball of the fourth over to wicketkeeper Quiton to Kock before Australian Finch was trapped LBW in the next delivery. Yuvraj was out in the final ball of that over as it went through his gate to knock off the middle stump. Umesh's pace colleague Kulwant Khejroliya and Chris Woakes and off-spinner Washington Sundar then took over in the later part of the KXIP innings with two wicket apiece as the visiting side could not even complete their allotted 20-over quota as they were all out in 19.2 overs. For KXIP, only Lokesh Rahul put up some resistance as he hit 47 off just 30 balls at the top of the order with the help of two fours and four sixes. Captain Ravichandran Ashwin contributed 33 off 21 balls while Karun Nair made 29. The visiting side had two periods of batting collapse -- one at the start when Umesh grabbed three quick wickets and the other after Rahul was out in the 12th over. The KXIP innings, however, began with a bang with Rahul taking 16 runs from the opening over bowled by Woakes whom he hit for a four and two sixes. Rahul's aggression kept the run rate high despite losing wickets as KXIP reached 84 for 3 at the halfway mark. But just as he was settling down with Nair and nearing his half century, Rahul fell to Sundar as he top-edged while trying for a slog-sweep for Sarfaraz Khan to take a catch. Nair did not survive long as he fell to Khejroliya in the 13th over leaving KXIP to 102 for 5 at that stage. MP Stoinis (11) became Sundar's second victim in the next over before Axar Patel (2) was trapped lbw by Khejroliya for just two runs in the 15th over. At the end of 15th over, KXIP were 122 for 7 and they could add 33 more runs at the expense of three wickets thanks to Ashiwn's 21-ball 33 which was laced with three fours and a six. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An undertrial prisoner in the Luksar jail here died at a hospital after he complained of chest pain, police said. The prisoner, identified as Shahzad (43) alias Baboo, a resident of Aligarh, complained of chest and abdomen pain on Wednesday, they said. He was admitted to a hospital and died during treatment yesterday, police said. Deputy inspector general Pretinder Singh visited the jail and conducted an inquiry, they said. Jail Superintendent Vipin Kumar Mishra requested the district and session judge for a judicial probe in the matter, police said. Shahzad was an accused in a murder case lodged at the Delhi Gate police station in 2008. In 2009, he was accused of helping a criminal in escaping from the custody of Aligarh police. He was shifted from the Aligarh jail to Luksar jail at Gautam Buddha Nagar last year due to administrative reason. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Smriti Irani today said unlike the previous governments that had forgotten about development, the BJP-led central government was working for the welfare of the people ever since it came to power. The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister arrived here today on a two-day visit. Addressing the gathering after inaugurating a medical camp in the district hospital, she said, "It had been common in the political history of India that after coming to power, people had forgotten about development and instead, concentrated on their own development." The BJP-led NDA government, on the contrary, is continuously working for the welfare of the people, framing schemes and implementing them, Irani said, adding that the pace of development never stops if the intentions of the government are good. Irani, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Amethi against Congress president Rahul Gandhi, said, "I have come and soon, he (Gandhi) will also be arriving here." Incidentally, the Congress president is scheduled to arrive in his Parliamentary constituency on a two-day visit on April 16. During his visit, Gandhi is scheduled to take part in a District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee meeting. Speaking at another programme in Gauriganj, Irani said the non-BJP governments had never thought about the women, but after taking oath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described himself as the "sevak (servant) of the people" and had been working in that capacity. Under the Centre's Swachh Bharat Mission, Rs 55 crore were spent in Amethi and by October, it would become open defecation-free, she claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid a nationwide outrage, the CBI today arrested the BJP MLA accused of raping a minor in UP's Unnao, while two ministers from the party in J&K who attended a rally supporting the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case had to resign, soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted no criminal will be spared. With the Opposition stepping up its charge that the states were shielding perpetrators of violence against women, Modi said justice will be done to daughters of the nation. In Uttar Pradesh, the CBI arrested BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping the 17-year-old Unnao girl, hours after the Allahabad High Court ordered his immediate arrest saying he was influencing the "law and order machinery". Facing flak over the delay in taking action against his MLA in the nearly year-old rape case, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government will not deviate from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and that it would firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who led a midnight march yesterday in the national capital to protest the rape cases, hit out at the prime minister over his silence on violence against women and children, saying India was waiting for him to "speak up" and asked why accused rapists and murderers were "protected" by the state. At an event to inaugurate the B R Ambedkar memorial in the national capital, Modi said, "I want to assure the nation that no criminal will be spared. Justice will be done. Our daughters will get justice" -- an apparent reference to rape cases in Unnao and Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir), where an eight-year-old was allegedly raped and killed. Several BJP leaders hit out at the Opposition for "shedding crocodile tears" on the issue of safety of women and raised the issue of other cases of violence against women involving non-BJP leaders, including a few over a decade old, in what was seen by some as whataboutery. Meanwhile, the strain heightened in the PDP-BJP alliance in Jammu and Kashmir over the alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl from a nomadic Muslim community, even as two BJP ministers -- Chander Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh, who courted controversy by attending a rally supporting the accused in the case, tendered their resignation to state BJP chief Sat Sharma. Sharma told PTI that a legislature party meeting of the BJP is scheduled for tomorrow in Jammu, which will take a call on their resignations. The developments came after J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti spoke with Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP chief Amit Shah and party general secretary Ram Madhav, PDP sources said. Mufti apprised them of the situation and requested them for their intervention to defuse the political crisis brewing in the state over the Kathua rape case, they said. Ganga and Singh had earlier hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the case. Opposition parties National Conference and the Congress had demanded that Mufti should sack the two ministers. PDP came out with a strong statement blaming the Centre and "hawkish and communal" elements in the BJP for failing the purpose of the alliance between the two parties in the state. The rape victim had disappeared from a spot near her house in Kathua on January 10 and a week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team of Crime Branch, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable and a Sub-inspector, who were charged with destroying evidence. In the Unnao rape case, the Allahabad High Court earlier in the day directed the CBI to arrest Sengar, MLA from the Bangarmau assembly, saying the law and order machinery and officials were directly under his influence. Hours later, the CBI which had brought Sengar to its Lucknow office at around 5 AM for questioning, arrested him. The probe agency has asked to file a status report by May 2. The Unnao victim has alleged that she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. In February, the girl's family moved court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. After this move, the victim's father was booked by the police under the arms act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. Alleging inaction and coercion from powerful people, the victim attempted self immolation in front of the CM's house on April 8 and the next day, her father died in jail with post-mortem report suggesting serious injuries on his body. Faced with the embarrassment of its own MLA being involved in the case, the state government had referred the matter to the Centre yesterday for CBI probe -- a day before Allahabad High Court was to pronounce its order. Sengar, a four-term MLA, enjoys immense clout cutting across party lines in the rural areas around Unnao district, a semi-urban area about 70 km from Lucknow. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav today demanded action against the policemen for their handling of the Unnao rape case, a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the victim's family and a government job to the victim. "The policemen involved in the incident should also be identified and punished. The victim's family should be given a Rs 50-lakh compensation and the victim should be given a government job, security, accommodation and other facilities," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said here. Claiming that the people of the state were living in fear and feeling insecure, he said, "After the (Allahabad) High Court's observation, it is proved that law-and-order has collapsed in the state. The governor should take suo motu congnizance and recommend President's Rule in Uttar Pradesh." The CBI has taken over the probe in three cases related to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The central probe agency had detained the Bangarmau MLA in the early hours today for questioning. Embarrassed by the rape allegation against a ruling party lawmaker, the Yogi Adityanath government had referred the cases lodged by the state police to the CBI. The case came into the limelight after the victim attempted self-immolation outside Adityanath's residence on Sunday, alleging police inaction against Sengar. The victim's father had died in judicial custody the next day, almost a week after he was reportedly thrashed by the MLA's brother and others. A video, purportedly showing the girl's father before his death, has gone viral. Several television channels have aired the video. In the video, the father of the girl alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLA's brother and others in the presence of police personnel. The Allahabad High Court today also directed the CBI to arrest Sengar. A bench of Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar gave the direction to the probe agency after the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government informed it that Sengar was detained for interrogation and not arrested yet. The court directed the CBI to conduct the probe strictly in accordance with law and consider filing an application for cancellation of bail granted to the other accused in the case. It also directed the central probe agency to file a status report in the case by May 2. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBI tonight arrested BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the alleged rape of a minor girl in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, officials said. Sengar was taken into custody after intense questioning for 16 hours by a Central Bureau of Investigation team at its office on Naval Kishore Road in Lucknow. He was brought to the office at around 5 AM today, the officials said in New Delhi. Earlier in the day, the Allahabad High Court ordered his immediate arrest, saying he was "influencing" the law and order machinery. As the opposition upped the ante accusing the ruling BJP of shielding perpetrators of heinous crimes against women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that no criminal will be spared and justice will be done to daughters of the nation. Facing flak over the delay in taking action against the MLA in the nearly year-old rape case, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government will not deviate from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and that it would firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBI has taken over the investigation in three cases related to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and questioned the lawmaker in this regard at its Lucknow office, officials said today. The agency, which was referred the matter only yesterday, took immediate action by re-registering the FIRs lodged by the Uttar Pradesh police and brought the four-time MLA to its Lucknow office at around 5 am for questioning, they added. Sengar, an MLA from Bangarmau in Unnao district, was not arrested yet, the officials said. They added that a team of officials visited the crime scenes in Makhi village and talked to the family members of the victim, witnesses and officials of the hospital, where the victim and her father were taken for treatment. The first FIR pertains to the alleged rape of the girl in which Sengar and a woman, Shashi Singh, have been named as the accused. The second one pertains to rioting, in which four locals have been booked, and also the alleged killing of the victim's father in judicial custody. Since the murder charge was added subsequently by the state police, it does not reflect in the CBI FIR. The third case pertains to the allegations against the victim's father, who was arrested under the Arms Act and put in jail by the police, where he died. According to the post-mortem report, he had suffered serious injuries. As per the rules, the CBI re-registers the FIRs of the state police while taking over a probe, but remains at freedom to arrive at its own conclusions, which are filed before a special court in its final report. The final report can either be a closure report or a chargesheet. The victim has alleged that on June 4, 2017, she was raped by the MLA at his residence, when she had gone to meet him, along with a relative, seeking a job. In February, the girl's family had moved the court, seeking to include the MLA's name in the case. Subsequently, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 and put in jail on April 5. Frustrated with the alleged police inaction on her complaint and coercion from influential people, the victim had attempted self-immolation in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence on April 8. The next day, her father had died in jail with the post-mortem report suggesting serious injuries on his body. Faced with the embarrassment of a ruling party MLA being accused in a rape case, the BJP government in the state had referred the matter to the Centre yesterday, a day before the Allahabad High Court was to pronounce its order, directing the CBI to take over the probe in the case. The Centre too acted with alacrity and referred the matter to the CBI last night. The agency sleuths swooped down at the Lucknow residence of Sengar in the early hours today and took him to its office for questioning. Sengar, a four-time MLA, enjoys an immense clout, cutting across party lines, in the rural areas of Unnao district, a semi-urban area at a distance of about 70 km from Lucknow. A video, purportedly showing the victim's father before his death, has gone viral. Several television channels have also aired it. In the video, the victim's father alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLA's brother and others in the presence of police personnel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid heightened public anger, the CBI today questioned BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping a minor girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, even as the Allahabad High Court ordered his immediate arrest saying he was influencing the "law and order machinery". As the Opposition upped the ante accusing the ruling BJP of shielding perpetrators of heinous crimes against women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that no criminal will be spared and justice will be done to daughters of the nation. Facing flak over the delay in taking action against his MLA in the nearly year-old rape case, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government will not deviate from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and that it would firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who led a midnight march last night in the national capital to protest the rape cases, hit out at the prime minister over his silence on violence against women and children, saying India was waiting for him to "speak up" and asked why accused rapists and murderers were "protected" by the state. Speaking at an event to inaugurate the B R Ambedkar memorial in the national capital, Modi said, "I want to assure the nation that no criminal will be spared. Justice will be done. Our daughters will get justice" -- an apparent reference to rape cases in Unnao and Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir), where an eight-year-old was allegedly raped and killed. Several BJP leaders hit at the Opposition for "shedding crocodile tears" on the issue of safety of women and raised the issue of other cases of violence against women involving non-BJP leaders including a few over a decade old, in what was seen by some as whataboutery. Hearing a petition in the case of the alleged rape of the 17-year-old Unnao girl, the Allahabad High Court directed the CBI to arrest Sengar, MLA from Bangarmau assembly in Unnao district, saying the law and order machinery and officials were directly under his influence. A bench of Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar gave the direction to the agency after the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government informed it that Sengar has been detained for interrogation and not arrested yet. It directed CBI to arrest forthwith Sengar and the other accused named in the FIR and carry out further investigation. It also directed the agency to file status report by May 2. Taking a strong objection to the UP government's submission that Sengar would not be arrested on mere registration of the FIR, the court said this approach is "not only appalling but shocks the conscience of the court in the backdrop of the instant case." The bench passed the order on a letter written by senior advocate Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi demanding a court-monitored investigation of the incident and treated it as a PIL. The court also said the father of the girl was "beaten up by the brother and the goons of" of the MLA, was arrested and beaten mercilessly in the custody, while false cases were lodged against family members. Soon after taking over the case, the CBI brought Sengar to its office in Lucknow at around 5 am for questioning. A team also visited the crime scenes in Makhi village and examined family members, witnesses and hospital officials where the rape victim and her father were taken for treatment. The victim has alleged that she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. In February, the girl's family moved court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. After this move, the victim's father was booked by the police under the arms act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. Alleging inaction and coercion from powerful people, the victim attempted self immolation in front of the CM's house on April 8 and the next day, her father died in jail with post-mortem report suggesting serious injuries on his body. Faced with the embarrassment of its own MLA being involved in the case, the state government had referred the matter to the Centre yesterday for CBI probe -- a day before Allahabad High Court was to pronounce its order. Sengar, a four-term MLA, enjoys immense clout cutting across party lines in the rural areas around Unnao district, a semi-urban area about 70 km from Lucknow. The case has already led to a political slugfest between the BJP and other parties and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said the people of state are living in the state of fear. BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi accused the opposition parties of doing dangerous politics" over the Kathua and Unnao cases, claiming these two incidents were being "selectively" highlighted to target the BJP and a similar rape-and-murder case of a minor girl in Assam did not get similar prominence. Another party leader Siddharth Nath Singh raised the famous Tandoor murder case of 1995, involving a Congress leader at that time. Union minister Smriti Irani said stern action will be taken against those found guilty in the Unnao rape case and condemned any efforts to "politicise" such cases. Her cabinet colleague Maneka Gandhi proposed death penalty for rape of children below 12 yrs and changes to POCSO Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Smriti Irani today said stern action will be taken against those found guilty in the Unnao rape case, in which a BJP MLA is the accused, and condemned what she said were efforts to "politicise" such cases. "The law and the administration will work according to the Constitution and an appeal in this regard has been made by senior persons in the BJP. There are some people who want to politicise such incidents, but as a woman, I believe and it is my request that victim-shaming should not be done," she said, responding to reporters' questions on the Unnao case here. The Information and Broadcasting Minister also took a dig at Congress president and Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi for taking part in a candlelight march in New Delhi yesterday against the growing incidents of crime against women in the country. "Those who asked for votes for Gayatri Prajapati are protesting today. People know the reality," she said. Irani, who started her two-day Amethi visit this morning, said, "I appeal to the people to have faith in the legal process...stern action will be taken as per the provisions of the Constitution against those responsible (for the Unnao incident). The CBI is investigating the matter...our government is with the victim's family." Her remarks came hours after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe in three cases related to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and detained the legislator for questioning. The victim has alleged that on June 4, 2017, she was raped by the MLA of Bangarmau in Unnao district at his residence, when she had gone to meet him with a relative, seeking a job. In February, the girl's family had moved the court, seeking to include the MLA's name in the case. After the case was filed, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 and put in jail on April 5. Frustrated with the alleged police inaction on her complaint and coercion from influential people, the victim had attempted self-immolation in front of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath's residence on April 8. The next day, her father had died in jail with the post-mortem report suggesting serious injuries on his body, triggering a massive political row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. The CBI sleuths swooped down at Sengar's residence in Lucknow in the early hours today and took the four-time MLA to the agency's office for questioning. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Security Council will send a mission to Iraq, Bangladesh, and Myanmar from April 26 to May 2, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres hoping the trip will refocus the attention of the international community on the plight of the Rohingya refugees, his spokesperson has said. Guterres' spokesperson Stphane Dujarric said in a statement that members of the Security Council have agreed to send a mission to Iraq, Bangladesh, and Myanmar during the period from April 26 to May 2. Peru, President of the Security Council for the month of April, Kuwait, and the United States of America will co-lead the visit to Iraq. Peru, Kuwait, and the United Kingdom will co-lead the visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Dujarric told reporters at the daily press briefing yesterday that through the trips, the UN hopes that the Council will show unity on the trip. "It will help improve the situation in Myanmar, in terms of helping the Government implement the Annan...the conclusions of the (Kofi) Annan panel," he said referring to the panel, headed by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that has outlined long-term solutions to help end the violence and marginalisation for all communities in Rakhine. Dujarric said the UN hopes that the visits will help "refocus the attention of the international community on the plight of the Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh and the continuous need to fund the humanitarian operations." Since August 2017, nearly 700,000 minority Muslim Rohingyas have fled violence in Myanmar across the border into Bangaldesh's Cox's Bazar, joining several hundred thousand more that were already settled there in overcrowded camps. Last week, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said about 150,000 Rohingya refugees, who fled from Myanmar into crowded camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar are living in flood-prone areas and must be relocated ahead of the coming rainy season. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Condemning BJP MLA Surendra Singh for saying that the 2019 Lok Sabha polls would be fought on the lines of "Islam versus Bhagwan", the CPI said today that the people will "see through the sinister designs" to polarise them. At a public meeting last night in Ballia, Singh said the 2019 polls "are going to be on the lines of Pakistan versus Bharat... Islam versus Bhagwan. And so the respected people of the country, you have to decide whether it will be Islam which will win or Bhagwan." CPI leader D Raja strongly condemned Singh's remarks and said the BJP was trying to polarise people on communal lines. "This is what the BJP is trying to do. We have been saying that the BJP is trying to polarise people and playing the communal-religious line. The BJP is vitiating the situation for the sake of electoral gains," Raja told PTI. "This MLA articulated his party's understanding. The people will see through the sinister designs of the BJP, which is undermining the democratic policy and the electoral system of the country," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Based on the market access concerns it has with India, the US today announced eligibility review of India for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Simultaneously, the US also announced eligibility review of other two countries -- Indonesia and Kazakhstan, which it said was based on concerns about the countries' compliance with the programme. The GSP is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. Congress last month had voted to renew the GSP through 2020. For India, the GSP country eligibility review is based on concerns related to its compliance with the GSP market access criterion, said the US Trade Representative (USTR). For Indonesia, the review is based on concerns related to its compliance with the GSP market access criterion and the GSP services and investment criterion. Kazakhstan's eligibility review is based on concerns related to its compliance with the GSP worker rights criterion. The USTR said the reviews are based on Trump administration's new GSP country eligibility assessment process as well as GSP country eligibility petitions. "GSP provides an important tool to help enforce the Trump administration's key principles of free and fair trade across the globe. The President is committed to ensure that those countries who receive GSP benefits uphold their end of the bargain by continuing to meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Congress," said Deputy US Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish. "We hope that India, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan will work with us to address the concerns that led to these new reviews, he said. The USTR said it is launching a self-initiated GSP eligibility review of India based on concerns related to its compliance with the GSP market access criterion and is also accepting two petitions related to the same criterion. The petitions filed by the US dairy industry and the US medical device industry requested a review of India's GSP benefits, given Indian trade barriers affecting the US exports in those sectors. India has implemented a wide array of trade barriers that create serious negative effects on US commerce, the USTR alleged. The acceptance of these petitions and the GSP self-initiated review will result in one overall review of India's compliance with the GSP market access criterion. Introduced in 1976, a wide range of industrial and agricultural products originating from certain developing countries are given preferential access to American markets. In India's case, it enables duty-free entry of 3,500 product lines, which benefits exporters of textiles, engineering, gems and jeweller and chemical products. According to the USTR, the total US imports under GSP in 2017 was USD 21.2 billion, of which India was the biggest beneficiary with USD 5.6 billion, followed by Thailand (USD4.2 billion) and Brazil (USD 2.5 billion). The programme has now been renewed through December 31, 2020. While legislation to renew the GSP was enacted on March 23rd, the effective date of renewal is April 22, 2018. GSP-eligible entries will enter the US duty-free on, and after, April 22, 2018. The USTR said the next GSP assessment process will start in the fall of 2018 and will cover beneficiary countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and the Western Hemisphere. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 2010 tweet by Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo describing "good read" a racist blog which termed his then Congressional Indian-American opponent a "turban topper" was raised during his confirmation hearing by a top Democratic Senator. Robert Menendez, who is a ranking member of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, dug out several of the CIA chief's past remarks or tweets against religious and ethnic minorities to argue that today's Pompeo was different from the past. "So, the Pompeo I hear today - much more different than some of the Pompeo of the past. I'm trying to figure out which is the one that is going to act if he gets confirmed as the secretary of state? Because some of these things in the past I could never support. "Some of the things you said here today could actually be supported. So, I hope you can help me understand this as we move forward in your nomination," Menendez said yesterday. Pompeo, 54, nominated by US President Donald Trump as his Secretary of State after he sacked Rex Tillerson, did not respond to these allegations. "Thank You", he said, as Menendez brought to his notice some of his past controversial statements. "Is it the Mike Pompeo who said in his 2013 speech that the failure of Muslim leaders to repudiate acts of terrorism done in the name of Islam make them 'potentially complicit?' or in these attacks and that this alleged behaviour quote casts doubt upon the commitment to peace by adherents of the Muslim faith?" Menendez asked. "Is it the one that in 2010 in a congressional campaign tweeted out to your support of an article calling your opponent an American of South Asian heritage a "turban topper?" Stating that you thought it was "a good read" - an article that you tweeted that said your opponent "could be a Muslim, a Hindu, a Buddhist - who knows?" questioned the Senator from New Jersey. Menendez was referring to the tweet that his campaign made in 2010 against his then Indian-American political opponent Raj Goyale in the Fourth Congressional District of Kansas. His campaign tweeted "good read" a link to a blog that described Goyale as a "turban topper" who "could be a Muslim, a Hindu, a Buddhist etc who knows". Thereafter, Pompeo had called Goyale to apologise and the tweet was deleted by his campaign. Pompeo won the elections. Menendez was joined by several other Senators to bring up Pompeo's past remarks against Muslims and on other issues. "During your tenure in Congress you've made statements that have been described as anti-Muslim and anti-LGBT rights, so how would you, as Secretary of State, reconcile those positions and statements that you've taken in Congress with the need to represent America's values and defend human rights?" asked Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Senator Cory Booker asked Pompeo about his past statement on Muslims. "I want to pick up on one of the themes we talked at length about and that involves many of your past statements concerning Muslim Americans. And perhaps I just want to start with some of your language in a speech you talked about folks who worship other Gods and call it multiculturalism," Booker said. "You sort of warn that we live in a country where that happens. Do you have any views that the Muslim faith or people who believe in worshipping quote/unquote 'other Gods' is that just something negative in our country?" Booker asked. Pompeo said that his record was "exquisite" in respect to treating people of each and every faith with the dignity they deserve, to protect their right to practice their religion or no religion. "I've heard these critics and you raised it yesterday. I have worked closely with Muslim leaders, with Muslim countries. The CIA has saved countless, thousands of Muslim lives during my 15 months. "This is at the core of who I am Senator Booker. And I promise you that I will treat persons of each faith or no faith with the dignity and respect that they deserve," Pompeo said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu today asked oil companies to expedite projects to increase the production and new exploration of oil and gas to meet the country's energy demands. "I suggest you to work hard to expedite projects to increase the production and new explorations of oil and gas to meet the energy demands of the country," he told the heads of three public sector oil companies at a programme here. The Chairman and Managing Directors of ONGC, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Gas Authority of India Limited, gave presentations, explaining to the Vice-President the ongoing projects in different parts of the country, with special focus on Andhra Pradesh. Naidu advised the companies to expedite projects in Andhra Pradesh and sort out issues, if any, with the state government and become partners in the progress of the nation. "Andhra Pradesh is a progressive stateand you should sort out the issues, if any, and get the projects going," he said adding import dependence for oil and gasshould be reduced substantially. He suggested to the ONGC chairman to establish a corporate office in Andhra Pradesh to look after the needs of the east coast. Naidu said he was given to understand that projects entailing investment of more than Rs 1,10,000 crore were currently in progress, or to be taken up shortly, in the state. HPCL Chairman and Managing Director M K Surana said the company was investing roughly Rs 31,000 crore in projects in Andhra Pradesh. CMDs of GAIL and ONGC explained about the projects undertaken by the companies in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mid-size private sector lender Yes Bank today said it will be lending to small businesses against their GST returns. It has launched a GST returns-based overdraft facility through which businesses can borrow up to Rs 1 crore, it said in a statement. The overdraft will be given based purely on the borrower's annual turnover and GST returns, it added. ****************** Volkswagen to conduct pan-India roadshows for Ameo * German luxury car maker Volkswagen today said it will conduct pan-India roadshows for its subcompact sedan Ameo, starting tomorrow. Ameo will travel a distance of over 30,000 kms, covering over 250 cities over a period of four months, the company said in a release. On-the-spot bookings and flexible financial service options will be available for the distinctive car buyers over the four-month period, which will also offer the prospective customers an opportunity to test drive the vehicle, it added. ****************** CASE India delivers 5,000th vibratory tandem compactor * Construction equipment maker CASE India today said it has delivered the 5,000th vibratory tandem compactor in the domestic market, produced at its Pithampur manufacturing facility near Indore. CASE Construction Equipment, a part of New York Stock Exchange-listed CNH Industrial NV, is the market leader in the compactor segment in India. The key of the 5,000th compactor was handed over to Suhan Shetty of Uday Shetty group of companies by Ajay Aneja, national sales and exports head of CASE India, the company said in a release. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Costas PitasLONDON (Reuters) - Britain's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover will cut around 1,000 jobs and production at two of its English factories due to a fall in sales caused by uncertainty around Brexit and confusion over diesel policy, a source told Reuters. Output will be cut at its central English Solihull and Castle Bromwich plants, affecting some 1,000 agency workers, the source said. A spokesman at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) declined to comment on the number of jobs which would be lost but the firm said it would be making changes to its output plans. "In light of the continuing ... MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's Fortis Healthcare Ltd said on Friday Malaysia's IHH Healthcare Berhad has offered to buy the company at 160 rupees ($2.45) per share, paving the way to a better bid than Manipal Hospitals. Manipal Hospitals Enterprises Pvt Ltd offered to buy Fortis, which is among India's largest hospital operators, at 155 rupees per share earlier this week. The offer didn't impress Fortis's minority shareholders, including Indian equity investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, who called the price "low". IHH, one of Asia's largest healthcare operators, made an "unsolicited non-binding ... By Zeba Siddiqui and Nivedita BhattacharjeeMUMBAI (Reuters) - Malaysia's IHH Healthcare Berhad on Thursday offered to buy India's Fortis Healthcare Ltd, sparking a potential three-way takeover battle for the company at a time when interest in Indian healthcare assets is rising.IHH, one of Asia's largest healthcare operators, has bid 160 rupees ($2.45) per share for Fortis, topping a 155 rupees per share offer from Fortis's Indian rival Manipal Healthcare Enterprises Private Limited. Fortis separately on Thursday received an investment offer worth 12.5 billion rupees ($191.5 million) from two ... Credit: Johnny BuzzerioWhen Alice in Chains announced their summer tour dates last month, the band also revealed a new album was coming later this year. The news was a bit surprising, since the grunge vets had been tight-lipped about the potential follow-up to 2013's The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, but guitarist Jerry Cantrell says the band wasn't being purposefully withholding. "It's not that we were keeping it a secret -- we just didn't want to say a whole lot about it until we had something to say," Cantrell tells Guitar World. "And we certainly have something to say with this one. It's a f***ing strong record." As for what the album will sound like, though, Cantrell isn't ready to reveal too much. However, he does say that it will mix new elements with the band's signature sound. "It's a record we havent done yet, I can tell you that," Cantrell explains. "But it's also a record that has all the elements of anything you would expect from us. It's got our fingerprint." He adds, "We're really proud of the material that we wrote and the performances we captured. There's some really heavy s***, some really ugly stuff, some real beautiful stuff, some weirdo trippy s***. It's good!" Cantrell estimates that the new album will arrive "sometime this summer." In the meantime, Alice in Chains kicks off a U.S. tour April 28 in Boston. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The 2018 edition of the Limbe Fetsival of Arts and Culture has kicked off in the OPEC City Saturday April 7, 2018 with Arts and Culture Minister calling on all stakeholders to put hands on deck and support the initiative which he described as a unifying factor. Professor Narcisse Muoelle Kombi made the statement in Limbe while officially opening the 7 days event. The Minister of Arts and Culture Narcisse Mouelle Kombi said the government in its cultural inclusion has a place for events like the Limbe FESTAC and will do its best to see it grow. He noted that the financial, mental, material and intellectual contribution to the success of the festival has led to peace, security and stability of the OPEC City of Limbe. He called on companies in Cameroon to get interested in FESTAC activities and book a place to expose their knowhow. Earlier, the Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council, Andrew Motanga Monjimba praised the steadfastness of the people of Limbe for upholding peace, stability and spirit of togetherness at a time when the two English speaking regions are witnessing escalation of violence. The City Council boss said, it is this love and unity that has breastfed the Limbe Festival of Arts and Culture to maturity. The Government Delegate applauded the maturity of Limbe inhabitants that have refused to listen to merchants of illusion, by denying disunity and embracing its opposite. Limbe FESTAC 2018 was characterized by a carnival which started from Mile 1 took the relay with four major groups parading on streets of Limbe representing the four cardinal cultures of the country. This was followed by acrobatic displays and a showcase of cultural riches of the ten regions. A foundation stone of the anniversary monument was laid by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Narcisee Mouelle Kombi accompanied by members of his delegation and the Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council for the exercise. Belo in Boyo division, North West region of Cameroon was the centre of attraction Thursday after a stand-off between Cameroons defense forces and Separatist fighters. Long hours of deafening gun shots characterized the day in that area as people ran for their lives with some seeking refuge at the Mbingo Hospital, a Cameroon Baptist Convention structure. At a certain moment, the hospital was no longer secured as shots were heard right in the premises. A young boy by name Ninuh Dillon Kells was shot dead while the Gendamerie Commander is reported to have also been shot. Genesis of Shootings Shootings in Belo subdivision started as early as 5am local time when Cameroons Defense Forces met face-to-face with Ambazonia fighters. Exchange of gun shots lasted for close to six hours perturbing circulation and daily activities of locals. Children like parents fled to homes and hid themselves inside behind closed doors but could still hear the music emanating from gun shots. The fight was extended to Anyajua still in Boyo division where trucks loaded with Elite forces arrived for reinforcement. Security forces fired indiscriminately into houses, shops and on streets from tripod fitted machine guns mounted on trucks. As the military was approaching the heart of the village, Ambazonia fighters destroyed the bridge at Anyajua making it difficult for them to cross, those who had crossed trekked to return to Mbingo as road blocks were mounted. No official statement has been made but several soldiers were wounded during the operation. | BY Ricki Green | Photoplay director Husein Alicajic is one of six directors to be nominated at the Australian Directors Guild awards for outstanding Australian directors. For a third year running, he is nominated in the Best Direction of Commercial Content category for Continental Synchronicity with the winner announced in May. Capturing the connection between the farming practices of Continental and the farmers working hand in hand with nature, the global spot, via 303MullenLowe Sydney, took Alicajic to rural Queensland where he filmed on real working farms. On the recent recognition, Alicajic says: Its a special thing to belong to a community of storytellers and its especially good when those people respond well to your work. You dont always get to compare notes with your peers, so I consider a nod from the ADG to be a great honour. The acknowledgement comes off the back of last years ADG commercial category nomination for Samsung Make Your Mark a campaign that celebrates discovering the wonder in everyday moments. The previous year he received a Highly Commended in the same category for Officeworks: Let Their Amazing Out. Alicajics other recent achievements include directing empowering Australian Unity spot, Your Body, along with a colourful Taubmans campaign Lets Go Paint and Be Transformed, an elegantly choreographed piece for the Sydney Dance Company. With a passion for bold visuals and a signatory flare for visual effects, Alicajics work has been honoured at Cannes, Clio, Ciclope, New York Festivals, PROMAX BDA and AWARD. He has recently come on board to direct a true crime Australian feature film based on the life of boxer Dean Waters, and is currently developing a country and western biopic feature film in The States. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 7:37PM Photo by Edho Pratama on UnsplashFollowing from a 2016 report from Hitwise, revealing that 60% of Google searches came from a mobile device, new data obtained from Search Engine Journal reveals that in 2018 almost a third of Google searches are location related. If you are looking for successful SEO, then you need to work on your local rankings first. This applies even to global companies. Google has gone very local recently, automatically placing local results first and giving more priority to Maps. The gradual rise of voice command searches has also helped to drive the growth of locally minded Googlers. Analyse the Local Market Wherever your business is located, you can learn from the successes and failures of others. Head to the SEO/PPC Ranking Tool to identify your most successful competitors. Analyze which local SEO services they have used and how this helped to boost traffic. Are they able to localize their ads to make it more relevant to searches? Boosting SEO performance and web traffic will be dependent on analyzing the market. If other businesses in your area have kept their SEO more general, has this led to a dip in traffic over recent months? If so, it is likely due to the increasing number of local searches. This is a very recent development, so this is your chance to get ahead of the competition. Using Local Keywords One of the most widely searched terms is near me. Google will rank results by distance, but the more relevant websites will be given priority. This means you need to carefully consider your keyword strategy, including references to location where possible. You need to get to know your audience and localize the results to them. For instance, a searcher in England is unlikely to be searching for a shop that sells sneakers. Even within countries, words can vary by region. Tailoring to your audience can mean the difference between being ranked highly and being lost among the competition. Design a different keyword list for each area your business operates for the best results. The world of SEO is constantly changing and the advice of yesterday is rarely any good for today. Google has made it easier than ever for people to find products and services in there area and they now expect results to be tailored to their location. Take advantage of this by analysing local competition and localising your keywords. news, latest-news Musicians, health professionals and a Greens MLA have argued a pill-testing trial could "potentially save lives" in an open letter sent to Groovin the Moo promoters just a fortnight before the Canberra festival is held. Greens drug law reform spokesman Shane Rattenbury, three bands and 16 drug reform advocates and health stakeholders put their name to the letter urging Cattleyard Promotions chief executive Kathryn Holloway to support the pilot. "Pill testing has many benefits," the group wrote in the letter released Friday. "It can help identify contaminated substances, provide an opportunity for health and drug education to an at-risk population, increase awareness of circulating harmful substances and allow for the use of early warning systems to keep young people informed about what they are taking. "We urge you to support this important public health initiative, and in doing so, potentially save lives at this years event." The letter is the latest in a push to allow for drug testing at the April 29 event, with the ACT government, ACT Policing and the University of Canberra having already thrown their support behind the trial. The consortium behind the pilot has also offered legal indemnity to Cattleyard on any issue related to pill-testing. However, Dr David Caldicott from the consortium told The Canberra Times this week the promoter had requested blanket legal indemnity - "[which] strikes me as something of a grab", he said. Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris has previously told Fairfax Media the promoters were "the final piece of the puzzle". We are doing everything we can to ensure pill testing goes ahead at Groovin the Moo," she said. "The ACT government is being proactive and working with stakeholders to address any questions or concerns so we can see this happen, and I hope we have a final outcome soon." Mr Rattenbury said he hoped the promoter would see "the importance, the urgency and the opportunity of protecting our young people from the well-known risks associated with illicit drug consumption". Ms Holloway and a public relations agency connected to the festival were contacted for comment. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/33876315-50a3-46fb-a957-693476b9308f/r0_342_6720_4139_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news ACT Opposition leader Alistair Coe has admitted 19 submissions to the rates inquiry got caught by their outgoing spam filter, a day after the Legislative Assembly launched an inquiry into allegations the Liberals tried to corrupt the process. A privileges committee was set up on Thursday to investigate the conduct of Mr Coe and Liberals Candice Burch and Elizabeth Lee, after they asked people to file submissions on how they'd be negatively impacted by rates rises via a website owned by the party. While Mr Coe said all submissions were automatically forwarded onto the committee unchanged, Labor backbencher Bec Cody said there was no evidence of this, opening up the possibility the inquiry has been "biased" or "corrupted". The accusation caused the Liberals to double-check on Thursday night, when they allegedly found the 19 unsent submissions. Mr Coe said they had now been passed onto the committee, although later acknowledged there was no guarantee the committee would accept them. He stood by the use of the website, despite the bungle. "Its now clear there are even more people who are furious with the rates regime for apartments and units in Canberra and were very pleased were able to facilitate so many people being able to contribute to that inquiry," Mr Coe said. He hit out at the traditional processes used by the Assembly to gather submissions, saying they were cumbersome and outdated. He said the Assembly was becoming an "ivory tower" and their previous attempts to change the system had failed. "While there might be some people in Canberra who care about insider stuff, there might be some people who care about politicians, budgets and committees, the vast majority of people are busy living their lives," Mr Coe said. "They want a good road to drive on, they want to park at their local shops, they want a doctor when theyre sick and a good education for their kids. They dont care how it happens as long as it happens and weve got to make sure this place is responsive and allows people to contribute to the debate." The privileges committee will rule on the conduct of the three MLAs by July 31. The rates inquiry, which was nearly derailed by the accusations, can continue but cannot report before then. The privileges committee, chaired by Greens leader Shane Rattenbury and containing Liberal whip Andrew Wall and Labor whip Tara Cheyne, will also look at the use of other third party forms to send submissions to ACT Legislative Assembly inquiries. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/9f4cabea-ea38-430a-b38a-6809e56a74d7/r0_102_2000_1232_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, crime Police are appealing to the public for help identifying a man after an alleged assault at Canberra nightclub Mooseheads on Sunday, April 1. About 1.50am that morning, police received a report that a person had been assaulted by a group of three others. Two of the three suspects were identified by police at the scene, but one man left before police arrived. Police have now released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to. He is described as Caucasian, with a medium build and short blond hair. He was wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt and dark pants at the time. Police are urging anyone who can identify the man or who witnessed the alleged incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crimestoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously, quoting reference number 6250410. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/2ebd6118-f536-430a-9c29-3fbda9a62363/r0_5_529_304_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news An international student studying his PhD at UNSW Canberra was so desperate for accommodation he asked a stranger at Woolworths for assistance in finding a home. The Group of Eight university does not have dedicated accommodation for non-Defence students enrolled at its Campbell campus. Instead, it gives international PhD students one week of accommodation on arrival and a reloaction allowance worth $1000, as well as health cover, a conference allowance and tuition and living scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars. But three postgraduate students from Asia and the Middle East said the week of accommodation and reloaction allowance did not stretch far in the ACT's competitive and expensive housing market, where rents have recently soared to a record high and agencies were reluctant to take on students without an Australian rental history. The student who found a home through the stranger at the supermarket - and felt he "got lucky" - described his shock at the difficulties faced by international students living in the ACT. UNSW Canberra is the third university he has attended in as many countries. "I thought in Australia there would be better facilities for students and better prices for students over here," he said. "I had no idea about the ground reality until I came here so that was a big shock for me." The two other students who spoke with Fairfax Media said they battled for weeks to find stable housing, with one ultimately moving to the University of Canberra in Bruce and the other paying more rent than expected to secure a home. The trio have called for change, urging better support from the university and some relief from the real estate industry. All my applications were rejected and one of the agents told me you will not be able to afford this accommodation," one student said. "All of [the units] were only $200, but still they reject us saying you cannot afford this." The third student said: "There should be affordable student accommodation available to any university student, not just ANU and the University of Canberra. "That would be a very good option for the students." A UNSW Canberra spokeswoman said the institution acknowledged there were difficulties in finding affordable housing within the ACT, encouraging those struggling to contact the university for help. The university offered a personalised inductions, a buddy program and help and advocacy through the Arc initiative, the spokeswoman said. "We are concerned to hear UNSW Canberra international students are struggling to find reasonable accommodation and are eager to assist them," she said. "[The support] offered to our international PhD students is higher than other universities in Canberra. "If a student was unable to find suitable accommodation within a reasonable timeframe, we would be happy to extend the short-term accommodation. This would be assessed on a case-by-case basis." The issue is not confined to students at UNSW Canberra. A report released by the Australian National University's Postgraduate and Research Students' Association earlier this year found 57 per cent of respondents didn't have accommodation secured before their arrival in Canberra. More than 50 per cent of those people took at least a month to find a home. International students were particularly vulnerable to housing issues, that report found. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Malcolm Gunning said agencies were reluctant to take on international students as they had a reputation for being unreliable tenants. "I dont think theres any prejudices at all, its just a matter of theyre looking for adherence to the lease," he said. Id advise international students to be upfront and transparent and understand what a commitment to a lease means. "If two people sign a lease two people live there, not six, and if you sign a 12-month lease you honour the 12-month lease." Mr Gunning advised students to join a sharehouse or apply for student accommodation to help them gather a reputable rental history. Otherwise, he suggested students supply good references from their country of origin. The University of Canberra, the Australian National University and the Australian Catholic University offer student accommodation in the ACT. Charles Sturt University does not appear to have dedicated student accommodation available for Canberra students. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/6ea73fc9-23ac-4a2c-a0fe-c4366c0dcdbe/r0_101_2000_1231_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Residents and visitors of Southwest Florida are invited to a special Fuel Up Night at participating Circle K convenience stores Thursday, April 19, to kick off Circle Ks annual Fueling Our Schools fundraising campaign. The campaign invites customers to purchase fuel at a specially marked fuel pump, with Circle K donating one-cent of every gallon of fuel purchased to a participating local school (up to $2,000 per school). Schools will use the donations to address different areas of need, such as technology, resources, teacher incentives and more. On special Fuel Up Nights, customers have an opportunity to make an even greater impact. On these dates, 10 cents of each gallon of fuel sold at select Circle K stores will be donated to participating schools. Community events will also be held at select stores. To date, the Fueling Our Schools campaign has raised nearly $900,000 for local schools. More than 350 Circle K stores across North America participated in the fundraising campaign in 2017. In the Southwest Floridas area, participating locations include: Circle K: 1603 Cape Coral Parkway, West, Cape Coral. Beneficiary school: Ida S Baker High School Circle K: 4395 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Beneficiary school: Deep Creek Elementary School Circle K: 4025 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Beneficiary school: Golden Gate High School Circle K: 19373 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers. Beneficiary school: San Carlos Elementary School Circle K: 6220 Marlympia Way, Punta Gorda. Beneficiary school: Charlotte High School Circle K is passionate about giving back to the neighborhoods where we work and live, said Jeff Burrell, vice president of Global Fuels. Through this unique fundraising program, we are helping to address critical needs and enabling educators to make a difference in the classroom and beyond. Resources for those who have loved ones on the autism spectrum are about to become more accessible in Southwest Florida. Non-profit Family Initiative Inc. will use $102,000 in state grant money toward the new Southwest Florida Autism Center to be built on Southwest 4th Street in Cape Coral. Organizers hope for a fall groundbreaking. This facility is designed to serve anyone in the community on the spectrum, said David Brown, president of Family Initiative. Anjali Van Drie serves as vice president. Over time, the resources gap has widened for families looking for opportunities to provide their loved ones with the support and guidance they need. Church space was rented in Fort Myers to provide assistance. Now, the state-of-the art 3,000-square-foot center will be a big step up to assist those who fall on the spectrum, officials said. Cape Coral City Councilmember Jessica Cosden, who has a daughter on the spectrum, is thrilled about the new autism center. Families with children are moving to Cape Coral at a record pace. The need for autism services in the Southwest Florida area already existed, but has been amplified by this rapid population growth. Family Initiative has changed life for my own family, so I cant wait for them to expand in Cape Coral. Many more families will benefit from David and Anjalis selfless service to the community. A 2015 government survey of parents suggests that 1 in 45 children, ages 3 through 17, have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States. Autism is found in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. We are going to offer clinical and support services, which is scarce Southwest Florida. To have a place that is dedicated and focused for those on the spectrum is wonderful. A large sensory room, with equipment geared towards children and young adults with ASD is one of the highlights of our residence. We want to support the transitional youth and prepare them to have success after schooling as they grow older, Brown said. Family Initiatives support for autism in Southwest Florida has already provided many residents in the area with benefits and programs for those on the spectrum. Their ASD playgroup, provides a warm and welcoming environment for children ages 5-16 to build social skills and make new friends on a weekly basis. They also have partnered with the Alliance for the Arts to offer an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Art and Play Class for students ages 8-17 that focuses on social communication, engagement with peers, and working together as a group. We cant thank The Southwest Florida Community Foundation and Rep. Dane Eagle enough for their support. We have been working on this project for over a year and truly owe them much gratitude, added Brown. Eagle, R-77th District, was instrumental in obtaining the grant money. On Saturday, April 21, Family Initiative will hold its second annual fundraiser to support ASD families across Southwest Florida. Reeling for Autism will be held at Nervous Nellies on Fort Myers Beach. Many activities, including a fishing tournament, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, kids fishing, food and music will all benefit the autism community in the area. Any anglers wishing to register for the tournament, can do so at fi-florida.org. Medical marijuana dispensaries will not be prohibited in Cape Coral. The City of Cape Coral has no plans to ban medical marijuana dispensaries and will follow the guidance issued by the State of Florida, a release from the city issued Thursday afternoon states. The State determined that dispensaries will follow the land use and zoning regulations for pharmacies. City officials previously discussed the issue at workshop and no additional discussion is required as the city will follow state guidelines, city spokesperson Maureen Buice said via email. Voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2, which legalized medical marijuana in the State of Florida in 2016. Subsequently, Senate Bill 8-A was passed during the 2017 Special Session of the Legislature. The key provisions of the bill include: * Regulation of cultivation, processing, and delivery of medical marijuana is preempted by the state; * Dispensaries may not locate within 500 feet of a public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school; * If a municipality does not ban dispensaries, no limits may be placed on the number of dispensaries that may locate in that community; and * If dispensaries are allowed, regulations may not be more restrictive than pharmacies. Source:?City of Cape Coral To the editor: I would like to respond to Mr. Charles Hamptons letter in The Breeze. The NRA wasnt responsible for the increase in the sale of guns and ammo, it was the disaster known as Barack Obama. Every time he would go on one of his anti-gun rants, sales of weapons would rise. The writer claims to be a Republican, yet sounds like a leftist. We have to blame the NRA and make more laws to take away the rights of law abiding citizens. We all know passing more laws will stop all the killings just like making heroin and cocaine illegal has stopped all drug use. If what is claimed is true, why is the murder rate higher in London than New York? Why do the cities with the highest crime rates have the strictest gun laws? Why does Switzerland have an extremely low murder rate when over 90 percent of the public own guns? Why do the vast majority of shootings take place in gun free zones where people are defenseless? Penalizing law abiding gun owners with newer and tougher restrictions will not work. A crazy person who wants to kill will simply use an explosive (Timothy McVeigh) or a truck or a knife. My wife and I are proud supporters and members of the NRA. If I am able to take anything positive from the letter it is that it encourages me to make a nice contribution to the NRA and furthers my support of the U.S. Constitution. Just today, my wife and I had lunch with an old friend. We discussed the letter and he is joining the NRA and we are taking him to a range where he intends to buy a semi-automatic for self protection. He also will apply for a concealed carry permit. So see, the writer is accomplishing some good. It makes me want to stand up to the misguided students being used by the left to further their gun-grabbing agenda. It makes me want to publicly speak out against the likes of David Hogg grabbing his 15 minutes of fame. I guess he wants to be the Abbie Hoffman of his generation. I will continue to support politicians who share my view whether they receive support from the NRA or not, although if they are, they probably share my sentiments. Finally, I would hope we would come up with some serious answers to these killings without running around like headless chickens yelling for a bunch of solutions that will solve nothing. Timothy Sampson Cape Coral Photo: CTV ICBC has admitted to a serious billing error that has overcharged or undercharges thousands of drivers for several years. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia was scrambling Sunday to explain why thousands of its customers were wrongly billed, a mistake that is expected to cost the Crown corporation $110 million to fix. ICBC will reimburse with interest the approximately 240,000 optional insurance customers who have been overcharged by mid-July, says Mark Blucher the Crown corporation's CEO. The average overpayment was $21 each year per customer and ICBC estimates that it will be paying back $36 million plus an additional $3 million in interest. Blucher blamed errors in ICBC's database for the billing mess. ICBC became aware of the errors in 2009 after new computer systems were approved for installation a year earlier, but the scale of the problem only became apparent last year, Blucher said in an interview. "That's when this issue first came up to say 'hey there's a potential issue here, we need to start looking at that issue,'" said Blucher. "The scale and the scope of this really didn't become apparent until I put focus on this as the new CEO in 2013." Customer data was entered in the computer manually, making it easier for mistakes to occur, he said. However the company is switching to a system where data will be entered automatically, reducing chances of human error. Blucher expects it will be in place mid-July. The company only archives six years worth of data, it is impossible to tell if the problem had existed prior to 2008, he said. Although ICBC has been aware of a problem for months, it only became public on Sunday after a story appeared in the Vancouver Province. Blucher defended the secrecy, saying the company wanted to keep a low profile until it had understood the situation and was ready to pay back clients. "We were desirous of reducing the anxiety and stress for our customers by informing them about this issue in July when we had finalized all of the work on this," he said. In addition to the overpayments, some 350,000 optional insurance customers were not billed for as much as they should have been over the last six years. The underpayments total about $71 million and they work out to about $34 each year per customer, but ICBC won't be allowed to raise rates to recoup the money or require those who were undercharged to pay retroactively, Transportation Minister Todd Stone said Sunday. "Anyone who has underpaid will not be retroactively charged," said Stone. "This was not their error so they should not be asked to pay retroactively." Stone says he was angry when he found out about the issue in February and told the public auto insurer it had to repay those who were overcharged with interest. Optional insurance coverage includes collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, specified perils, new vehicle replacement plus, replacement cost endorsement and limited depreciation policy. Blucher says that rates and service will not be affected by the shortfall. He says that it is a small amount in comparison to the $4 billion in premiums that the company collects each year. "We certainly have the capability to absorb this amount into the capital of the company without having to make any adjustments to rates," he said. "And that's exactly what we're going to do." The company must undergo a third party audit to make sure the problem has been fixed, Stone said. "I expect the system to be fixed so this never happens again," he said. You could have the missing piece of the puzzle that will help the RCMP put someone behind bars. Here are some recent crimes that Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers hope you can help solve by calling our anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown. CRIME: ROBBERY WITH BEARSPRAY DATE: November 30, 2017 RCMP FILE: 2017-71897 Kelowna RCMP members are reaching out for the publics assistance in identifying the suspect in a robbery occurring on November 30th, 2017. A Caucasian male, approximately 45-55 years old and 60 tall, entered the Pandosy Food Basket located on the 1900 block of Pandosy Street just after 10:00 p.m. on November 30th. The man was wearing a hoodie, a bright blue jacket, dark sweat pants and black shoes. The thief covered his face with a bandana or mask before entering the store. Once inside he demanded money from the two employees and proceeded to deploy bear spray on an older male employee. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The video of the man pacing before entering the store can be seen below: Crime Stoppers Photo: Crime Stoppers If you know anything about this crime, or any other crime, call the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net. Your information will be kept confidential and could lead to a reward of up to $2000.00. CRIME: STOLEN CADILLAC/FRAUD DATE: March 8, 2018 RCMP FILE: 2018-12014 On February 8, 2018 a male entered a local car rental agency and used a stolen credit card and drivers license to rent a 2017 grey Cadillac ATS. When the credit card payments failed a couple of weeks later it was discovered that the vehicle was in another province and had been fraudulently re-sold. The vehicle was recovered and RCMP would like to identify the male who rented the vehicle. Photo: Crime Stoppers You can help catch these suspects and qualify for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown. Photo: Chilliwack RCMP Cleda Seymour hasn't been heard from by her family since March 21. Police in Chilliwack are searching for a female resident who hasn't been in contact with her family in more than three weeks. Cleda Seymour, 41, last communicated with a family member on March 21, according to Chilliwack RCMP. Seymour is described as Aboriginal, five-feet-two-inches tall and 100 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and a tattoo of wolf paws on her left arm. Police said in a news release they are concerned for her wellbeing. "Investigators believe Cleda is in the Chilliwack area and are asking the public to remain watchful for her." Those with information on Seymour's location are asked to call Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Photo: Police handout Vancouver police say they have the cellphone of a woman reported missing in January. The phone was found during a dive team search of Burrard Inlet off New Brighton Park last month. The revelation follows the police search of an East Vancouver home on Wednesday. Su Yi Liang, 37, was last seen on Jan. 8 and was reported missing when she failed to pick up her children from school two days later. Her abandoned vehicle was found the next day at Rupert Park Pitch and Putt. Police were able to access information from the phone, Const. Jason Doucette told CTV. The VPD says Wednesday's search at a home near East 15th Avenue and Clark Drive was connected to Liang's disappearance. Police don't believe Liang will be found alive, but Doucette said: "We are making significant progress in the investigation. Unfortunately, there's no information we can share publicly at this time." with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: Google Maps The City of West Kelowna hopes to convince the province an Urgent Health Care Centre is urgently needed in the community. The city renewed calls for a health care centre to service the entire Greater Westside area after Health Minister Adrian Dix reportedly said a similar facility was being contemplated for Kelowna. Interior Health purchased a 2.7-hectare parcel in the city in 2007 for such a facility. Read more Photo: The Canadian Press Firing back at a sharply critical book by former FBI director James Comey, President Donald Trump blasted him Friday as an "untruthful slime ball," saying, "It was my great honour to fire James Comey!" Trump reacted on Twitter early Friday, the day after the emergence of details from Comey's memoir, which says Trump is "untethered to truth," and describes him as fixated in the early days of his presidency on having the FBI debunk salacious rumours he said were untrue but that could distress his wife. The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. The Associated Press purchased a copy this week. In the book, Comey compares Trump to a mafia don and calls his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty." Comey also reveals new details about his interactions with Trump and his own decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election. He casts Trump as a mobster-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him personally regarding his investigation into Russian election interference. The book adheres closely to Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with Trump and his growing concern about Trump's integrity. It also includes strikingly personal jabs at Trump that appear sure to irritate the president. The 6-foot-8 Comey describes Trump as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. He also says he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine but did not seem unusually so." "Donald Trump's presidency threatens much of what is good in this nation," Comey writes, calling the administration a "forest fire" that can't be contained by ethical leaders within the government. On a more-personal level, Comey describes Trump repeatedly asking him to consider investigating an allegation involving Trump and Russian prostitutes urinating on a bed in a Moscow hotel, in order to prove it was a lie. Trump has strongly denied the allegation, and Comey says that it appeared the president wanted it investigated to reassure his wife, Melania Trump. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Mueller's probe has expanded to include whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey, which the president denies. Photo: Facebook Police sources are providing more details about the arrest of two B.C. police officers while on vacation in Cuba. Allegations apparently centre around the possible assault of a young Canadian woman. Sources tell CTV the officers involved are Const. Jordan Long of the Port Moody Police and Mark Simms of the Vancouver Police Department. The off-duty cops were vacationing in Varadero. The departments both confirm an officer from their department was taken into custody, but provided no other details. "Port Moody Police take all allegations of misconduct concerning our officer very seriously," Sgt. Travis Carroll said in a news release. "We have referred this matter to the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioners." Long may have only been detained as a witness. My understanding is the person or the officer that may be in some jeopardy for his actions there was the Vancouver member, Deputy Police Complaints Commissioner Rollie Woods says. No charges have been laid, and both officers have been released. Woods said more details are needed to determine if an investigation will be launched in B.C. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: CTV Ridge Meadows RCMP are investigating the cause of a fatal crash that happened Thursday night between 216th Street and the Haney Bypass. The Lougheed Highway was closed through Thursday night and into Friday morning. Details are scarce but initial reports indicate the victim was a pedestrian. DriveBC indicates the Highway should be open by 11 a.m. -with files from CTV Photo: CTV Abbotsford police are looking for witnesses to a head-on crash that left one man dead last fall. Officers say a Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Cavalier collided in September 2017 on Whatcom Road, sending both drivers to hospital. The 33-year-old driver of the Cavalier died of his injuries in hospital. The 21-year-old driver of the Charger was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Abbotsford major crimes detectives and collision reconstructionists are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to phone the police department or CrimeStoppers. Photo: RDKB A high snowpack and possible heavy spring runoff has prompted a warning from the provincial government to owners of dams to ensure they are in good repair and that their water is safeguarded. An advisory from the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations says the very wet conditions in the Interior could increase the risk of dam failures, and it's important for owners to take precautions. The ministry says owners are urged to conduct regular monitoring, clear the spillway of any blockages and review their dam emergency plan. It says owners may also have to be prepared to lower their reservoir to provide additional storage and reduce flooding downstream. There are more than 1,500 active dams in B.C. that are regulated under the Water Sustainability Act. The ministry says the average snowpack for the province on April 1 was at 127 per cent of normal, while in the southern Interior it was at 145 per cent, and that combined with the forecast will play a critical role in whether flooding occurs. Baylor Schools scenic campus along the Tennessee River and against the backdrop of Signal and Raccoon mountains has long been admired and praised by its patrons. But now the collection of red brick Gothic buildings set against such natural aesthetics has received some accolades from a well-known independent observer as well. Architectural Digest magazine recently named Baylor as the most beautiful private high school in Tennessee. In a March 29 article titled The Most Beautiful Private High School in Every State in America, author Hannah Huber writes in the brief entry on Baylor, In a beautiful location overlooking the Tennessee River, the Baylor School sits on over 600 acres around the schools extensive quad. A matching cluster of red brick buildings dot the campus, boasting picturesque views of the natural landscape. Accompanying the story is an aerial shot of the Baylor campus provided by the school. Baylor School had moved to its current location in 1915 after previously being located in two different buildings downtown. The move to the scenic and pastoral site was considered a godsend, as the schools enrollment had started to wane in cramped downtown quarters after McCallie had opened on the more expansive old McCallie family farm in 1905. Coca-Cola bottler J.T. Lupton was described in school archival material as providing the financial resources to help Baylor build the new campus. His son, Cartter, was a student there at the time. Many of the early buildings were designed by W.T. Downing of Atlanta and later by another Atlanta firm, Pringle and Smith, although many of the more recent buildings have been built with the help of local architects. Among the schools from nearby states making the list as the prettiest, the Randolph School in Huntsville was tops in Alabama, Atlanta International School was the most beautiful in Georgia, and the Asheville School was named in North Carolina. Jcshearer2@comcast.net Guest Commentary Audio Article This is a short history of the Morgan family farm before the possible development of the remaining 49 acres east of Chesterton. Jesse and Jane Morgan arrived in Northwest Indiana in 1833 after traveling through Ohio, northern Indiana, stopping off in LaPorte County for a... Echoes of the Past Audio Article 10 Years Ago Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 Bethlehem Lutheran Church will host a wellness screening event. . . CHS girls soccer team beats LaPorte 5-0 and clinches a share of the DAC title. Scoring goals are Rosie Biehl (2), Hannah Kollar (2), and Sam... Voice of the People I can drive on the left lane of Ind. 49 and not have to deal with the truck traffic any more. I dont think I know you Jim Ton but apparently youre the one that made this happen. My life is a little better now.... Guest Commentary Fair maps for our children, for our Hispanic communities, for our futures My son will vote for the first time next year. And for his first time, the state of Indiana will have brand new legislative and congressional districts. It should feel like a clean... The Spanish club did not say how long Costa is expected to be out for. Local media said it would take about two weeks for him to return to action, making him doubtful for the first leg against Arsenal in London on April 26. In Illinois, whether a shopper is charged sales tax at online checkout depends on if the retailer has a large enough physical presence in the state to trigger collection requirements. That includes retailers with an Illinois store, office or warehouse. It also includes businesses that sell through marketplace websites think third-party sellers on Amazon and store inventory in the state at the time of the sale, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue. "We're not being all chef-y here," Scott Worsham said. "It's more of a 'let the thing be the thing' and not overdo it. The questions for our guests are, 'What are you doing in the room; are you having a good time?' I think American dining needs to get back to that philosophy." The Impossible Slider is priced at $1.99 each, while an Original Slider is 77 cents. But the former is not meant to be a vegetarian version of the latter. The Impossible patty is thicker, weighing about 4 ounces before cooking, roughly the same as a triple slider, sprinkled with seasoned salt, then served with smoked cheddar, fire roasted onions, and a specialty bun, slightly heartier yet similar to the signature soft, white bread of the classic. Only the sliced pickles remain the same. "He was a leading light in the building of the Illinois Holocaust Museum. He was there from the beginning, before there was even a plan for the large museum that we ended up building," added Pritzker, noting that "it could not have been done without him." "She the People" is a new revue at Second City featuring five women and the subtitle "A Girlfriends' Guide to Sisters Doing It For Themselves." Much of the show was penned before the current #MeToo movement, and its references to Ross and Rachel feel positively quaint. But things pick up in the second half when it snags an audience member for a game show and, inevitably and not unkindly, reveals she knows more about the Kardashians than ISIS. Up-and-comer Maria Randazzo is the natural leader here and her range is striking. She can play a CEO and a quirky, wacky woman someone who "works with kids, animals or coffee" and you believe her as both. Through May 27 in the UP Comedy Club at Second City, 230 W. North Ave.; $26-$41 at 312-662-4562 and www.secondcity.com "Bosch" (Season 4, Amazon). There has never been a better TV adaptation of an American detective series than "Bosch," which continues its impressive run by flawlessly picking up where it left off. In Season 4 (three episodes of which were made available to review), taciturn LA cop Harry Bosch (the terrific Titus Welliver) is after the killer of a high-powered civil rights attorney ("Homicide" veteran Clark Johnson) who is about to go to war in court with the LAPD. The victim's wife and son scoff at the idea of a cop honestly investigating a murder likely committed by one of his own. But they don't know Bosch, who makes a habit of swimming against the current. Just ask Walker (John Getz), the head of the police commission, whom Harry is close to nailing as the murderer of his (Bosch's) mother. As ever, "Bosch" gets everything right, from the LA atmosphere to the quirks of secondary characters to the relationship between Bosch and his adorable teenage daughter (Madison Lintz). The great Sarah Clarke is back in the spotlight as Harry's ex-wife, an FBI profiler turned professional gambler who, as a freelancer for the agency, is putting herself in danger by infiltrating a Chinese gambling ring. Along with Hulu 's excellent "Cardinal," based on Canadian Giles Blunt's novels, mystery fans now have the rare opportunity to watch not just one but two splendid crime series from North America. From the beginning, Young saved Shefsky's letters, in cardboard boxes for a while, and later in more secure plastic tubs that she stored in a shed. While he was ill, she recovered the letters she had written him. After he died, she wondered what to do with them all. Before delving into the arcane details of case law, Mitchell noted that research has outlined how Emanuel's aggressive overhaul of the water system is increasing the chances that Chicagoans are exposed to lead in their tap water. The judge also cited allegations in the complaint that lead is leaching out of pipes conveying otherwise clean water to homes, despite corrosion-inhibiting chemicals the city adds to the water supply. "While the marriage has ended, the party's commitment to their family continues and each of them looks forward to working collaboratively and cooperatively for the benefit of their children and to rebuilding an amicable friendship in the future," a joint statement said. "While this case was often contentious, the parties ultimately resolved their disputes in person and respectfully at the settlement table. Sandi and Jesse wish each other well in their future endeavors." Authorities said that Volberding's firearm owner's identification card had been revoked in 2015 after he barricaded himself and his wife in their home and threatened to kill her. At that time Elizabeth Volberding told police he suffered dementia, and he was not charged. Someone called police around 9:40 p.m. to report that a man wearing a puffy black coat was standing in front of the Bronzeville headquarters in the 3500 block of South Michigan Avenue with a bomb, Chicago police said. The officer was parked in the alley in the 3400 block of North Keeler Avenue in the Kilbourn Park neighborhood around 1:20 a.m. when the dark-colored Taurus, with four men inside, pulled up behind him. According to prosecutors, Smith is accused of delivering the drug in this case known as "Diablo" to Anthony Phillips and his girlfriend, who lived together in Pekin, on April 7. Around 4 the next morning, Phillips woke with severe stomach pain and began vomiting blood, and his girlfriend began suffering unspecified symptoms, according to court documents and prosecutors. Police were called to their home, and the two were taken to a hospital, where Phillips died the next day. No one was in custody and there was no information about what type of bracelets were taken or the cash value of the jewelry. But three former teaching pastors one with an allegation of her own and the wife of a longtime president of the Willow Creek Association faulted those investigations, saying that they were not rigorous or independent enough. At least three leaders of the association's board resigned over what they believed was an insufficient inquiry. Rauner said he saw Ives at a table across the restaurant and "went over to say hello and to wish her well and to tell her that I look forward to getting together with her." The latest push from gay rights advocates follows a number of high-profile victories at the Capitol in recent years, including the approval of same-sex marriage in Illinois before the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it nationwide. Just last year, lawmakers approved allowing transgender Illinoisans to change the designated sex on their birth certificates. And another new law bans use of the so-called "gay panic defense," in which criminal defendants charged with first-degree murder were able to claim they acted out of passion after learning their victim was gay or transgender. "One of the things that stands out, that probably angers me the most is, while I was watching the tape, you can hear the wife say, 'Why did these people choose my house?' " Wright said. "Who are 'these people?' And that set me off. I didn't want to believe it was what it appeared to look like. When I heard her say that, it was like, but it is." CHICAGO A 32-year-old Michigan man has been sentenced in Chicago federal court to 45 years in prison for sex trafficking. Prosecutors say Fabrieal Delaney of Battle Creek used violence, threats and drug addiction to control victims, some of whom were minors. One said Delaney threatened her by holding a hot iron by her face. Jurors previously convicted Delaney on eight sex-trafficking counts. The Associated Press sent an email seeking comment about Wednesday's sentencing to a lawyer who was involved in the case for Delaney. Delaney was arrested in a sting in which he was told participants at a bachelor party wanted to pay for sex. Prosecutors say Delaney told two minors and an adult from Michigan they'd be paid up to $300 for sex with 12 men at a Chicago-area party. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., joined at right by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., talks with reporters Feb. 6 in Washington. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP) "Although Cohen is an attorney, he also has several other business interests and sources of income. The searches are the result of a months-long investigation into Cohen, and seek evidence of crimes, many of which have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, but rather relate to Cohen's own business dealings," said the filing, signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas McKay. Under terms of the deal negotiated by Cohen for Broidy, who is married, the woman with whom he had an affair is prohibited from talking about the relationship in exchange for payments to be made over a two-year period, according to a person familiar with the details. The deal also allowed the woman to keep the baby, determine paternity and seek child support if she chose to do so. Attorney Michael Cohen gives photographers the thumbs up as he walks in New York, April 11, 2018. Cohen occasionally taped conversations with associates, according to people familiar with his practice. (Mary Altaffer / AP) It is unclear why Trump is making the move, but the pardon has been under consideration for several months, two people familiar with the president's thinking said. Trump has often privately expressed a willingness to pardon Libby, who was convicted for obstruction of justice and perjury in the disclosure of a CIA agent's name. Former President Barack Obama and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, both worked at the University of Chicago, and the institution was instrumental in luring the Obama Presidential Center to the South Side. The university has donated office space and partnered with the foundation on a scholarship program, but this is its first large cash donation, records show. "There are no studies that look specifically at water intake and Alzheimer's," she said. "But some look at the brains of people who are not drinking, and they show many parts of the brain get thinner and lose volume over time in people who are dehydrated. If you don't drink water, it looks like your brain is aging faster." There is less talk than there was even a month ago of how a vibrant economy might come to the GOP's rescue. Trump's erratically protectionist trade pronouncements have put all that in jeopardy. There are, of course, the tax cuts, which are the House Republicans' only big achievement during the 15 months since their party took control of all the levers of power in Washington. But the president won't stick to the script when he is sent out to sell them. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein attends a news conference announcing cyber law enforcement action, at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., on March 23, 2018. (Michael Reynolds / EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Getting that 38th state, however, would not be the end of the battle. The courts would have to decide whether the deadlines Congress set are valid. They would also have to rule on whether states have the right to rescind their ratification as five of the current count of 36 have voted to do. If the answer to either question is yes, the effort to adopt the ERA would have to start all over. But the supporters make a plausible case that the answer to both is no. First, retool. If you're a smart business person and not making sales, you dissect the product, find its weaknesses and re-engineer. Gov. Bruce Rauner and some other officials argue that there's too much curriculum overlap, and not enough specialization, among Illinois' public campuses. The critics are right. Solution: Force schools to focus on academic fields in which they can excel, not offer a mediocre menu of all things to everyone. Donald Felz, a lifelong Illinoisan who retired from a utility company in 2016, says a sinking home value and taxes drove him and his wife, Debi, out of Illinois. The Woodstock home they built in 2006 for $390,000, into which they put another $35,000, was losing value. This was to be the house where the Felzes would host grandchildren and putz in the yard. Instead, rather than put their retirement finances in further peril, they sold it in 2016 for $310,000. The property tax bill had climbed from $7,658 in 2007 to $8,340 in 2015. That's not a huge rate of increase. But had their housing value remained at the purchase price, the taxes would have been nearly $12,500. A falling Illinois home value kept a high Illinois tax bill from rising higher. The notion of taking away a northbound and southbound lane of North Lake Shore Drive has been offered up by a group of civic organizations, which fervently believe Chicago would be served well if those lanes were reserved solely for CTA buses. That group includes the Metropolitan Planning Council, the Active Transportation Alliance and Friends of the Parks, among others. Their theory: More people would switch from cars to CTA if buses could zip up and down the drive unimpeded by everyday traffic. If we had President Jeb Bush or President Marco Rubio right now, there would be ample partisan squabbling and quite possibly a minor scandal or two. But I feel confident we wouldn't have "pee tape" trending on Twitter. We wouldn't have a special counsel closing in on the president or a series of salacious stories about questionable payoffs for past affairs. We wouldn't have the home and office of the president's personal attorney being raided by the FBI. The change to the county ethics code received little attention at the time, but the overall issue was in the spotlight last year after the Tribune and ProPublica Illinois reported that the property tax appeal industry has provided the bulk of Berrios' campaign contributions and that the industry received more reductions under Berrios than in previous years. The project also would be eligible for historical tax credits, which come from both the state and federal government. The partnership intends to restore the original 1880 building along Lincoln Avenue, as well as a good chunk of the building that was built in the 1920s and 1930s. The main thing that would be demolished is the old hospital power plant in the middle of the property. Michael Pegues, Aurora's chief information officer, has said the contract was necessary to get the city a long-term blueprint for its technology plans. He said it would be similar to what Chicago has done. He and other city officials have pointed out that Crowe Horwath has done more than $600,000 worth of work for the city in the past on technology plans. "It's a floating date that's right after Passover which was earlier this year," he said. "The Yom HaShoah is the day of holocaust and of heroism and the emphasis was on the people who rose up against the Nazis during the Warsaw ghetto uprising. This is the 75th anniversary where the people prodded into the ghetto of Warsaw fought against the Nazis and held them off for three weeks with virtually no weapons." The way he explains it, lysosomes function as garbage disposals for the cell and when they are missing a substance that helps them break down nutrients, the substances accumulate and become toxic, in essence, destroying organs one by one. While MLD, which is what affects their boys, is also a lysosomal storage disorder, because it is so rare and there is no cure, it was not included on the screening list in '05 or in an additional bill that added diseases in 2011. Still, he and Sonya consider all their efforts as victories because of the countless other lives that have been saved or impacted by the legislation. Saying goodbye to summer can be bittersweet; the seasons long days, consistent warmth and ample outdoor activities leave little to be desired. But as October rolls in, a new season that's also abundant with plenty of things to do, eat and drink emerges: Fall. But with so many things to choose from apple picking, baking, pumpkin spice lattes where do you start? Dont worry; we have 30 fun and filling activities for your fall foodie bucket list. According to the complaint, Li forged documents including a passport issued to another person that also included the name of Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Francis Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Li is also accused of forging an ID card bearing the name of a retired Marine Corps general. "They are not going to pass a progressive tax without having more money to spend. It's in their DNA," the Associated Press quoted Durkin as saying. "That's how they operate, and giving them more ability to raise taxes on individuals at different rates is going to be a disaster." "Nothing like this has been done before. That's the cool thing," she said. "What's unique about this is that we are working closely with the city not stepping on toes. We will work in partnership to have biggest impact on community, and especially the downtown businesses." The second key reason is that right now, lawmakers can't even figure out how much money they have to spend. Try as they might to offer accurate projections, state officials consistently produce revenue estimates that don't match one another or the actual amount of revenue the state ends up generating. This broken process contributes to unbalanced budgets year after year. The General Assembly hasn't even bothered adopting an official revenue estimate since 2013. Moeller, who formerly worked in the Elgin school district, had taken the superintendent job in 2014. In 2016, one of the DeKalb district school principals took out a restraining order against Moeller, saying he was pressuring her to date him and had told her that he would ruin her career if she didn't comply. He had also brandished a gun in her presence, she wrote. Bearden is grateful for the help it's received, but wants residents to know that the "community continues to need to provide financial support to the ESO. We are in need of small donations from many people to sustain our organization. Of each ticket sold, 35 percent covers the cost of the concert with 65 percent covered by sponsorship." A: Our program is growing. We're reaching out to more and more people, even outside of the Evanston community. We are getting interest in the program. We feel like we're helping more students even through a general awareness of the options, and we've expanded our mission a bit to not only take students in during their junior year, but also students who are seniors who are facing graduation in May or June and have absolutely no idea what great options there are starting in July. We have started to admit seniors, as well, which has proven to be a nice group of kids who are very focused and dedicated because they do see that their graduation is coming up quickly. "The boating community will need to work with us," said Park Board Commissioner Calvin Bernstein. "Since we only have one ramp that is going to be operating, they can't wait until the last minute and have five boats or 10 boats coming in at the same time." Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on one member amounts to an attack on all. The al Qaeda strikes on New York and Washington, D.C., and in the sky over Pennsylvania in 2001 triggered this clause, for the first time. The Lake County State's Attorney's Office has received a referral for only one of the juveniles, State's Attorney Michael Nerheim said in a letter to Blanks that was provided to the News-Sun. The letter added that charging decisions have not been completed yet because officials are waiting to receive and review all of the reports and evidence from the police department. The suspects were videotaped on Feb. 27 as they fraudulently used the card at the 2607 W. 75th St. store, according to Naperville Crime Stoppers new release. It's believed the same group also used the card at Whole Foods stores in Wheaton, Hinsdale and Chicago's South Loop and Gold Coast neighborhoods. After a year in downtown Naperville, we all decided to live together and take care of one another. It has proven to be a great move. Naperville has so much to offer as far as things to do, restaurants and cultural events, that I find myself missing Chicago less every day. Everyone is so friendly so it has been a good move for all of us. "The bias can often be unconscious but we need to have 'courageous conversations' in order to reduce the bias," she said. "Part of what Dr. King hoped to accomplish has been accomplished. There is equality. But the next step is working towards more equity in the country. We have access to education and health care and other things, but we're still fighting for equity in the system." A little more than 54 percent of Lisle Township voters said "yes" to the consolidation question, as did about 56 percent of Naperville Township. According to state statute, the townships have until 2021 the next year township residents will vote on who should be highway commissioner to consolidate. "A lot of my sellers are re-sellers, so they might bring things they bought at estate sales or garage sales or that they are collecting or deal in," Kaspar said. "A lot of my sellers are also people trying to downsize their homes or sell property that was left to them." First Church of God: 134 E. 43rd Ave. The Annual Usher Day will be at 10:45 a.m. April 22. The guest speaker will be Sister Alexandria Norton of True Light International Ministries. A Spring Musical with the First Church of God choir will be at 4 p.m. Pastor Gregg Frazier will be guest soloist and New Beginnings Faith Ministries, Washington Street Church of God and Sweet Pilgrim of Faith will be guest choirs and praise teams. Information: 219-887-1177. "I don't know what it is there's something going on in America that is lending itself to some serious protests," he said. "It wouldn't be a matter of protesting and walking away. It will be a matter of protesting and seeing results." Anthony Swinger, of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, said the IURC should disallow about $7.3 million of the sale costs and not permit the water company to recover them through rates. Indiana American Water officials said Lake Station's plant would only be used during "peak demand days or as emergency supply." It was the latest such resolution of local governments, raising the question of whether these actions have a point or are tilting at windmills. Officials have waded in on violence in Charlottesville, Va.; gun safety; the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program; the North American Free Trade Agreement, among others. "The state must always be able to recoup taxpayer dollars and root out fraud committed by public officials and employees," Attorney General Curtis Hill said in a prior release. "We must hold those who violate the law accountable, and we must ensure that those who take wrongful advantage of their positions of trust do not profit from ill-gotten gains." Republican Chuck Harris, who is finishing his second of two terms, can't seek the office for another consecutive term under Indiana law. Lining up with the goal of replacing him are two of his deputies, one Republican and one Democrat, and two members of the community who said their experience qualifies them for the job. As I wrote in 2009, "The upside to these sites is that they offer users 24/7 access to instant conversation and communication with others, whether they're two or 2,000 miles away from each other. They also allow users to connect with people they would otherwise never reach, including new friends, old lovers, and reignited relationships. During the World Columbian Exposition of 1893, Bertha was president of the Ladies Board for Managers for Exposition. She was asked by the event organizers if her hotel's chefs could create a special unique dessert which could be included in the boxed lunches provided at the Women's Pavilion. Bertha told the hotel's pastry chef team she expected them to create something not only delicious and more interesting than a cookie, but also practical, so it would be easier to eat than a slice of pie and less difficult to wrap and transport than a piece of layer cake. The chefs designed a moist chocolate laden dense dessert bar, which included walnuts and an apricot glaze. Today, this signature brownie remains available on the menu at the Palmer House. Western Springs does not use water pumped in from Lake Michigan, but uses a system of three deep wells that draw from underground aquifers to supply water from residents. Two of those wells, Well No. 3 and Well No. 4, are the two primary used wells, and both are connected to the water treatment plant, according to village officials. Well No. 1 is primarily a backup in case one of the other two is not functioning properly or need to be shut down for maintenance. Well No. 2 was capped more than 20 years ago. On Thursday , a Bon-Ton spokeswoman said in an emailed statement that the company was required by federal and some state laws to notify employees in "certain stores" about potential job losses, "even as we work diligently to complete a sale of the Company as a going concern. Bon-Ton is in active discussions with an investor group to acquire the Company in a court-supervised sale process. We are encouraged by the interest in Bon-Ton and we hope that jobs will be preserved through a sale process." The objective is to understand the criteria by which an individual gets designated as gang affiliated in law enforcement databases, to evaluate the accuracy of those designations in relation to the criteria, and to assess the department's own handling of the database or collection of databases that we refer to as "the gang database", Ferguson told Hoy. Federal prison workers protest unsafe working conditions Federal prison workers say they are facing dangerous working conditions at the Florence Correctional Complex run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Our weekly round up of other news affecting foreign investors throughout Asia: Philippines Under Duterte: Opportunities and Risks As the Philippines economy continues to experience robust growth, Grapevine Asia Partners assesses the opportunities and risks for foreign investors in the country under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. India-Vietnam: A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Emerges South Asia is currently witnessing a rapid growth spurt, with a resurgence in investor interest despite the occasional geopolitical foible. India and Vietnam hold key positions in this region on both trade and commerce as well as understanding on political and security issues. Russia Begins Use of Cryptocurrencies in International Trade Russia has begun making trades in cryptocurrencies, with trades beginning on a trial basis in Switzerland and an trade deal with Venezuela for Russian auto component parts being settled in Venezuelas own national cryptocurrency, the Petro. Iran Planning Super-Highway to Connect with Mediterranean Irans Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper has reported that the Iranian government is planning to build a highway connecting Tehran with cities in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The ambitious project, if it comes to fruition, is expected to serve as Tehrans main transit route for exports. China+1: The New Face of Manufacturing in Vietnam Instead of abandoning the Chinese market, investors are choosing to supplement Chinese operations with low-cost Vietnamese inputs in a production model that has become widely known as China+1. Over 140 pieces of contemporary art by 25 Italian artists are on show in Fenghuang, Hunan Province. The works were selected by the academies of fine arts in Florence, Milan and Rome. The ancient town is one of China's top attractions with well-preserved architecture and clean streets. The local government has renovated a number of mansions and turned them into exhibition halls where the Italian art show runs until July 10. Tiziana D'Acchille, director of the Accademia di Belle Arti Di Roma, said the show is a result of the alliance of the four cities. From Saturday, Fenghuang will also host an exhibition of 1,100 Chinese paintings, many of which will be on sale, by more than 300 artists from China's leading academies. Fenghuang, with 1,300 years of history, used to be an important water transportation hub for inland central and south China regions. It is home to many Chinese literature and art masters, such as Shen Congwen, Chen Shizeng and Huang Yongyu. With his film "Ash Is Purest White", Chinese director Jia Zhangke will be the only representative of Chinese cinema in the official competition for the Palme d'Or of the 71st Cannes Film Festival, organizers said on Thursday. "Ash Is Purest White" tells the story of a young dancer, Qiao, in Datong in 2001, who is in love with Bin, a local gangster. Qiao will take Bin's defense during a clash between gangs and is sentenced to five years in prison. Out of prison, Qiao goes in search of Bin to start all over again. Chosen for the fifth time in the festival official selection, the 47-year-old Chinese film director and screenwriter won Best Screenplay Award in 2013 for his film "A Touch of Sin" and was also a member of the official jury selection at the 67th Cannes Film Festival in May 2014, which was chaired by New Zealand director Jane Campion. Four French directors appear among the list of this year's 18 movies competing for the top prize. They are Stephane Brize with "En Guerre," Jean-Luc Godard with "Le Livre D'image," Chrisophe Honore with "Plaire, Aimer et Courir Vite," and Eva Husson with "Les Filles du Soleil." The official selection list includes also "Everybody Knows" by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, Italian Matteo Garrone's "Dogman", Japanese Kore-Eda Hirokazu's "Shoplifters", "BlacKkKlansman" by Spike Lee, "Under the Silver Lake" by David Robert Michell and Jafar Panahi's "Three Faces." Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett will preside over the 2018 jury. The 71st Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 8 to 19. The new science fiction thriller "Annihilation" has become the second film with parental advisory warning ever to reach Chinese cinemas. The psychological sci-fi horror film, directed by Alex Garland and starring Natalie Portman, contains a number of bloody, violent and dark scenes. The movie tells the story of a group of military scientists searching for the truth inside a mysterious, isolated alien invasion zone on an alternate Earth overrun with mutating creatures. It is based on the novel with the same name by American author Jeff VanderMeer, which won the 2014 Nebula Award for Best Novel, beating out Chinese sci-fi writer Liu Cixin's "The Three-Body Problem." The Chinese distributor of the film, China Film Co., Ltd., released a parent warning poster and trailer Thursday, advising that children and teenagers under the age of 17 should be accompanied by a guardian. China Film Co. also notified all Chinese theaters about the parental advisory weeks ago. The X-Men franchise film "Logan" was the first film ever screened in China with a similar parental advisory. On March 1, 2017, China's first film law took effect, with one article stipulating that films that contain "physically and mentally uncomfortable" content for underage audiences should have clear labels for parents. Since China doesn't have a film rating system, the article in the new law is one attempt to prevent children from being negatively affected in theaters. In past decades, various reports revealed that many careless parents took children to see violent films that scared children. You are here: China President Xi Jinping reviewed the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in the South China Sea Thursday morning, saying that the need to build a strong navy "has never been more urgent than today." The navy review is the largest of its kind in the People's Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), called for efforts to build a first-class navy. Taking part in the review were more than 10,000 service personnel, 48 vessels and 76 aircraft. They included the aircraft carrier Liaoning and latest submarines, vessels and fighter jets. More than half of the vessels were commissioned after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. At around 9 a.m., Xi, clad in military fatigues, boarded the missile destroyer Changsha. Flags flew. The military band played the national anthem. Xi inspected the guard of honor on the deck before the destroyer set sail to where the review was to be conducted. At 10 a.m., navy commander Shen Jinlong and political commissar Qin Shengxiang reported that the fleets were ready for review. Xi gave the commencing order. Vessels sailed in seven groups according to their combat functions: strategic strike, submerged attack, open-sea operations, aircraft carrier strike, amphibious landing, offshore waters defense, and comprehensive support. Helicopters and planes flew in ten echelons. They can perform surveillance, warning, air-to-air strike, air-to-ship strike, long distance escort and other duties. Soldiers saluted Xi as their fleets passed by. "Salute to you, comrades," Xi called out to the soldiers. "Hail to you, chairman," they replied. Xi alternated the greeting with "Comrades, thanks for your hard work," to which soldiers replied "Serve the people." The procession was directed by CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang. Other senior military officials -- Zhang Youxia, Wei Fenghe, Li Zuocheng, Miao Hua, and Zhang Shengmin were all present. "It is my utmost honor to be inspected by Chairman Xi," said Ma Xiaohui, a navy soldier. "I will maintain momentum, train hard, and always be Chairman Xi's good soldier." Liu Furong, commander of an underwater attack combat group, said the review was a good demonstration of the navy's "historic achievements" under Xi's call for building strong armed forces. First-class navy Xi made a speech after the review, saying that it has always been China's aspiration to have a strong navy, which serves as a key guarantee to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He pledged to speed up the modernization of the navy. Xi said notable progress has been made and today's Chinese navy has "stood up in the East" with a brand new image. "The Party and the people are proud of the PLA Navy," Xi said. He asked naval officers and soldiers to fully implement the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces, be firm in ideals and convictions, and uphold the glorious traditions, while pushing for technological innovation, developing new types of battle forces, and building a modern maritime combat system. Xi asked naval officers and soldiers to remain on high alert, answer the calls of the Party and the people at all times, resolutely defend the national interests, and strive to contribute more to upholding the peace and stability of the region and the world. The officers and soldiers reacted with long applause. Later, Xi watched four J-15 fighter jets take off from the aircraft carrier. At the end, Xi went to the chart room and wrote down his name in the logbook. Xi had lunch with soldiers in a canteen and asked about their life and training. Immediately after Xi left, the navy launched a full-scale live drill. Liu Zhe, captain of the aircraft carrier Liaoning, said the carrier will leave for new waters to conduct combat drills. "I am lucky to have witnessed the navy's great leap in development," he said. "We should keep working hard and dedicate ourselves to building a first-class navy." You are here: China China issued a proposed regulation on Thursday making road tests of self-driving vehicles legal nationwide. It allows local governments to open public roads for self-driving vehicles tests and approve and issue road test car plates. The regulation, issued by the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and Ministry of Communications, will take effect May 1. The rule came after Baidu boss Robin Li test drove the company's autonomous vehicle on Beijing's public roads last July, causing controversy as there were no rules regarding such a test. Opening more public roads for tests signifies China is taking another step to support the self-driving vehicle industry. In March, Shanghai and Beijing issued the country's first batch of road test licenses. Authorized operators are allowed to use public roads for testing self-driving vehicles, a precondition for self-driving vehicles to replace human-driven vehicles. Though seen as the future of the automobile industry, self-driving vehicles encounter many legal and ethical questions over safety. In March, a tragic accident happened in Arizona, US, where an Uber self-driving car struck and killed a woman crossing the street. Seeking jobs is not the exclusive domain of graduating students or laid-off workers it's also an essential activity for people behind bars to reenter society. On April 10, a job fair for inmates was held in a prison in Shaoguan, Guangdong province. More than 600 job vacancies were offered to 214 prisoners who are about to be released. For inmates with good skills, their salaries are comparable to average employees. Guo, a 34-year-old prisoner, has been working as a machine operator in the prison for three years. Because of his training, he was highly sought after at the job fair. Guo accepted an offer from a Shenzhen electrics company with a monthly salary of 5,000 yuan ($796). The company has been cooperating with the prison in vocational training for five years. According to Xiang Huanan, the prison warden, more than 1,000 prisoners have obtained national job qualifications, and over 90 percent of them received skill training in prison. Vocational training center has been established in most prisons in Guangdong province, providing training in vehicle maintenance, electronics assembly and electrical engineering, among other fields. It is intended to prepare the inmates for a return to society. "Those prisoners are skilled workers, so they don't need extra training prior to work," said Ye Jun, an employment officer for a Shenzen electronics company. "It's a good thing, saving at least 30,000 to 50,000 yuan in training expenses." He said prisons are able to provide a great number of skilled workers and many factories are faced with labor shortages, creating an answer to both problems. Despite China's ubiquitous daily presence in reporting from major media outlets, very little about its political, economic or social goals and systems are known or understood outside its borders. Unfortunately, this has resulted in an asymmetrical understanding of China, so even as China's political and economic importance grows, understanding of the country diminishes. To understand the speech that Chinese President Xi Jinping gave in Hainan on Tuesday at the 2018 Boao Forum for Asia, the annual Chinese-sponsored meeting of top Asian leaders, one has to look at the current context. The recent unilateral trade actions aimed at China by the U.S. do not stand alone. They are part of a package of policies and actions, which have labeled China as a long-term political, economic and military "strategic competitor;" put China and Russia in the same U.S. nuclear policy threat grouping; and challenged the basis of U.S.-China relations, the "one China" principle, through the passage of the recent Taiwan Travel and the National Defense Authorization Acts. In this context, the unilateral trade tariffs are just the economic thrust of an anti-China policy, one that appeals not only to Trump, but to a large majority of Americans from across the political spectrum. So, as most people look at Xi's speech at Boao through the lens of the immediate trade tensions created by President Trump's tariffs, unfortunately, they are looking for what they want to see, as opposed to the reality. In China, policies are like glaciers, not Tweets. The Chinese government uses a bureaucratic consensus system that forces ideas to be studied, modeled, discussed, incubated and coordinated with existing policies before being considered for serious implementation. From idea to policy sometimes takes years, not seconds. While the government can react quickly, it uses options that have been thoroughly prepared in advance; like a boxer, what you see in the ring is the product of countless hours of practiced combinations and strategies. In the case of Xi's speech to the Boao Forum, it is highly likely that 99 percent of it was written before Trump announced his second round of unilateral trade tariffs, aimed directly at China, on April 3. Nothing in the speech, in terms of policy or timelines, is in any way different from the "opening-up statements" voiced at last October's National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and March's National People's Congress that followed. Even the somewhat vague implementation timelines remain the same. China's message is that it is open for trade discussions with other nations and trade groups who embrace multilateralism and "win-win" solutions. But the red line is still very clear: Donald Trump needs to withdraw his unilateral trade tariffs if he wants to talk or China will follow its own course without the U.S. This is why they kept the vast majority of the speech intact, a signal that China will move on its goals, on its own schedule, not Donald Trump's or any other country's. People should be paying attention to notable passages in Xi's speech. That "reform and innovation are the fundamental driving force of human progress. Those who reject them will be left behind and assigned to the dustbin of history" is an oblique reference to Trump's desire to return to the past and the futility of such Luddite thinking. "We must refrain from seeking dominance and reject the zero-sum game," Xi also said. "We must refrain from beggaring-thy-neighbor and reject power politics or hegemony with the strong bullying the weak. Instead, we must properly manage differences and work together for enduring peace." The Chinese president was expressing the point that with or without the U.S., the country will continue its policies on its own timetable: "I wish to make it clear to all that China's door of opening-up will not be closed and will only open even wider!" Einar Tangen is a political and economic affairs commentator, author and columnist. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. The 2018 Boao Forum saw Xi Jinping deliver his third address at the multi-level regional cooperation network in his capacity as President of China. The personal support and appreciation he offers to the Forum are adding to its prestige and international impact. More importantly, they are connected to the emphasis he generally attributes to all initiatives fostering dialogue and closer cooperation not only in Asia but also in other regions of the world. Looking closely at the content of Xi's speech in the Boao Forum, there are eight observations which may help provide an interpretation. First, China is continuing and enhancing its policy of reform and opening up. Forty years after its launch, the country's achievements are well acknowledged and expectations for the future are increasing. That is why Xi announced measures for the improvement of the investment environment for foreign businessmen and companies in the sectors of finance and manufacturing with a few exceptions. Second, China is becoming one of the most vocal supporters of globalization in a period of growing protectionism. Its peaceful development has gone in line with this process of interconnectedness and therefore it is prepared to strongly oppose backward tendencies. Xi reiterated his support for free trade saying that China would significantly lower the import tariffs for vehicles and reduce import tariffs for some other products this year. Third, China is strengthening protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). The Chinese President encouraged normal technological exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises and to respect the lawful IPR owned by foreign enterprises in the country. So, the State Intellectual Property Office will be re-established this year to step up law enforcement. Fourth, China is giving further emphasis to the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. More infrastructure works are expected to take place in several regions on the basis of the"win-win"logic. This"win-win"means that not only Chinese state-owned enterprises, but also local and international companies as well as domestic workers will benefitfromthe magnitude of investments. Fifth, China is heavily relying on multilateralism in its economic and foreign policy. It is not a coincidence that Xi spoke against zero-sum thinking and a potential resurrection of Cold War mentalities. International cooperation is critical to"making a greater contribution to humanity"and to lay the foundations for a peaceful community with a shared future for Asia and beyond. This message has become even more significant as a new war in Syria seems to be looming. Sixth, China sees innovation as a critical component for its sustainable development and the implementation of the"New Normal."Future goals such as the shaping of"Made in China 2025"are also interwoven into it. Furthermore, by paying attention to innovation,living conditions for citizens improved, new job positions are created, the environment is better protected, and foreign entrepreneurs are finding new motivations to become involved in additional activities in China. Seventh, the evolution of socialism with Chinese characteristics is not a vague objective but is connected with the level of satisfaction of citizens within the country. From Hainan province Xi reiterated his commitment to eliminating poverty. The last part of the herculean task is the most difficult one. The Chinese administration finds the already achieved progress insufficient and wants to proceed more drastically to support Chinese people who still live below the poverty line. And eighth, China is interested in becoming engaged in dialogue, find relevant compromises and show responsibility in international affairs. Xi, for instance, explained that trade surpluses do not constitute a goal itself for his administration which seeks to increase imports. This policy will naturally make China less vulnerable to external crises as happened in 2007-2008 when the world financial crisis broke out and Chinese exports were hit. Analysts and markets welcomed Xi's speech at the Boao Forum. To a large degree they associated his straightforward messages and conciliatory tone with his will to find a common denominator with his U.S.counterpart Donald Trump. But China never acts in a spasmodic way or under pressure. It is systematically developing its long-term plans. From Boao, Xi did not specifically respond to Trump. He outlined his country's steady policies. George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Spring is in the air in northwest Beijing's Yanqing district, future host of the 2019 Horticultural Expo. The pink and white apricot blossoms have turned Yanqing into a sea of flowers. Each tree stretches its branches with clusters of delicate flowers and green beds that glisten with morning dew, forming a wonderland that attracts tourists from all around the world. The district's Xinzhuangbao village is reputed as the Village of Apricot Flowers in Beijing for its large orchards featuring more than 140 species of apricots. The apricot trees bloom profusely for about 15 days. Flash The White House is considering re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade pact that President Donald Trump pulled the United States out last year. "It is good news that today the President directed Larry Kudlow and Ambassador Lighthizer to negotiate U.S. entry into TPP," said Republican Senator Ben Sasse in a statement after a meeting with Trump on Thursday. The White House had no official announcement on this issue yet. According to local media reports, Trump on Thursday told a group of lawmakers at the meeting which Sasse also attended that he has directed the U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer and National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow to study the possibility of re-entering the TPP if the terms are favorable. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump called TPP a "disaster". He pulled the United States out of the Pacific trade deal in January last year, one of his first moves as president. Earlier this year, the remaining 11 TPP nations, including Japan and Canada, announced they struck an alternative agreement without the United States. Although the United States has withdrawn from the TPP, Trump has signaled his interest in reconsidering the trade deal. In January this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump told CNBC during an interview that "I would do TPP if we were able to make a substantially better deal." Trump in February also suggested he was open to the trade pact during a news conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. You are here: World Flash Saudi air defense forces intercepted on Thursday evening another ballistic missile over border city Jazan fired by the Houthi militia, Al Arabiya local news reported. On Wednesday, Saudi air defense forces intercepted three ballistic missiles over Saudi Arabia, including one that targeted the capital Riyadh. The joint forces command of the Saudi-led coalition warned the Iranian-backed Houthi militias of targeting civilian locations or civilians and said that such terrorist acts would be firmly retaliated. The joint forces command vowed to take all deterrent measures in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules. The intensity of such attack has increased since the completion of the third year of the coalition's war in Yemen against Houthis in March. The coalition has been accusing Iran of standing behind the militias through weapon supply and other supports. Flash Russia is actively implementing a lunar program through 2030, aiming to send astronauts to the moon, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, Russia's Cosmonautics Day. Putin said "yes" to the question "We are going to fly to the moon, right?" when he visited the Space Pavilion at the all-Russian Center of Achievements of the National Economy, according to the Kremlin. Russia will first build a space station on the lunar orbit and then modules on the moon itself, he told cosmonauts and space industry veterans, saying he has no doubt that Russia will be able to do this. The program will run until 2030 and the Federatsiya spacecraft is now nearing completion, while work has begun on creating a super-heavy rocket for the moon projects, Putin said. According to him, Russia plans to test the super-heavy carrier rocket in 10 years and a special launch compound for the rocket's trials will be built at the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East. The Cosmonautics Day commemorates the first manned spaceflight on April 12, 1961 by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Flash Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia on Thursday warned the United States against military action on Syria. "We hope that there will be no point of no return, that the U.S. and the allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign state," Nebenzia told reporters. "We are very concerned about the situation, about the dangerous escalation." The Security Council members were holding closed-door consultations at the request of Bolivia. The immediate priority of the Security Council is to avert the danger of war, said Nebenzia. Asked whether there will be war between the United States and Russia in case of a U.S. military strike against Syria, Nebenzia said: "We cannot exclude any possibility, unfortunately, because we saw messages that are coming from Washington -- they were very bellicose. They know we are there (in Syria)." "I wish there was dialogue through appropriate channels to avert any dangerous development." He said any U.S. military action against Syria would be a violation of international law. Even the threat of use of force is against the UN Charter, he said. Bolivia requested Thursday's consultations after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to launch a missile attack against Syria at reports of chemical weapons use in the country. Russia has called for an opening meeting of the Security Council with the participation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Nebenzia. Flash Russian military police has been sent to Douma, the town northeast of Syrian capital Damascus, where an alleged chemical attack on the weekend killed several civilians, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday. The military police of the Russian armed forces have begun working in Douma to ensure law and order there after its liberation from the Islamic State (IS) terror group, the RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing a Defense Ministry statement. Syrian government troops have captured Douma, previously held by IS, and gained control of the entire Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus, Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Center for Peace and Reconciliation in Syria, said on Thursday, according to TASS news agency. More than 1,500 IS militants left Douma via a humanitarian corridor over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of evacuated rebels to about 13,500 in April, the Defense Ministry said, adding that the situation in Douma is now normalizing. You are here: World Flash Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Indonesia's Presidential Envoy and Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in Beijing on Thursday. Li said China and Indonesia share broad common interests, and China is willing to link the Belt and Road Initiative with Indonesia's development strategies. China and Indonesia lifted bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013. Li said China is willing to work with Indonesia to maintain close high-level visits, make use of their advantages of economic complementarities, cooperate more in infrastructure, investment, and industrial capacity to benefit the two peoples and contribute more to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Pandjaitan said Indonesia is willing to promote the synergy of development strategies of two countries and deepen pragmatic cooperation to realize win-win results. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with Pandjaitan on Thursday. Flash President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Moon Jae-in said Thursday that a denuclearization deal between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States can only improve inter-Korean relations. Moon made the remarks during a meeting with the elder advisory group of the presidential preparation committee for the upcoming inter-Korean summit, according to the Blue House. The advisory group is composed of former ministers, presidential secretaries, intelligence agency chiefs and scholars who helped the former liberal governments under presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun hold the first and second inter-Korean summits in 2000 and 2007, respectively. President Moon agreed to hold the third summit with top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un on April 27 at Peace House, a ROK building at the border village of Panmunjom. "With the South-North agreement alone, inter-Korean relations cannot be resolved. The North-U.S. denuclearization agreement must be implemented, and then the inter-Korean relations can be resolved," Moon said. Moon said the ROK must successfully hold the upcoming summit to help make the DPRK-U.S. summit a success, but he noted that neither of the summits will be easy to address. The Moon-Kim summit would be followed by the first-ever meeting between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump estimated in late May or early June. Moon emphasized that the upcoming inter-Korean summit must be taken advantage of as it is a rare opportunity, which is very hard to come again, to go toward the Korean Peninsula's complete denuclearization, permanent peace settlement and sustainable development of inter-Korean relations. Citing the past agreements between the two Koreas, including those from the two previous inter-Korean summits, Moon said the upcoming summit can be pushed for only based on the past experiences and achievements. However, he noted that the current relations between the two Koreas cannot be resolved by the government alone, asking the elder advisory group to help gain support and understanding from the general public. Moon added that the calling of this era given to the ROK is inheriting peace and prosperity of the peninsula to the next generation, asking precious advices from the advisory group. Lim Dong-won, a former unification minister and intelligence agency chief who is leading the advisory group, told Moon that he wished this opportunity, created like a miracle, can be taken advantage of to make a great, historical change on the peninsula. Lim said the ROK can turn a crisis into an opportunity by making the PyeongChang Winter Olympics a peace Olympic, praising Moon's efforts to restore inter-Korean communications channel and lead the inter-Korean summit into a DPRK-U.S. summit. Signs of detente emerged on the peninsula as Kim, the DPRK leader, expressed willingness in his New Year's speech to participate in the 23rd Winter Olympics, followed by the high-level inter-Korean dialogue in which Pyongyang agreed to send its athletes, cheerleaders and artists as well as political delegations to PyeongChang, an east county of the ROK where the 23rd Winter Olympics was held in February. In exchange for Kim's dispatch of his younger sister Kim Yo Jong as special envoy to PyeongChang who met with President Moon in Seoul, the ROK leader sent his special envoys to Pyongyang. After that, Moon's special envoys visited Washington to convey Kim's willingness to hold a DPRK-U.S. summit, which Trump had agreed for the purpose of the complete denuclearization on the peninsula. Two former unification ministers with the advisory group proposed to Moon declaring the end of armistice between the two Koreas through the upcoming summits. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not peace treaty. Park Jie-won of the Party for Democracy and Peace, a former culture minister who contacted DPRK officials for the 2000 summit, told Moon that Trump's determination and Kim's willingness to implement the denuclearization deal will be important for the denuclearized peninsula. Park noted that President Moon should safely play an arbitrating role between Trump and Kim with patience as it takes a significant time to achieve the goal of complete denuclearization. Flash Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday that he formally apologized for the 2010 hostage-taking incident in Manila that killed eight tourists from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Speaking to the Filipino community in Hong Kong, Duterte said that Manila has yet to make an "official apology" over the incident. "There has been no official apology coming form the Philippines regarding that incident that happened in August 2010," Duterte said. "From the bottom of my heart, as the President of the Republic of the Philippines and on behalf of the people of the Philippines, may I apologize formally to you now," Duterte was quoted by Philippine media as saying in a meeting with Filipinos in Hong Kong. "We are sorry that the incident happened and as humanely possible, I would like to make this guarantee also that it will never, never happen again," he said. A bus with 21 Hong Kong tourists onboard was hijacked in the Philippine capital Manila on Aug. 23, 2010. The 11-hour hostage crisis ended with eight Hong Kong tourists killed in a bungled police rescue. Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday for a three-day informal visit after attending the Boao Forum for Asia in China's Hainan Province. Editor's Note: This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy. On April 13, 1988, the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, gave Hainan island provincial status and announced it had been designated a special economic zone, as seen in the item from April 20, 1988, in China Daily (right). Since then, Hainan has become a magnet for investment and has developed a large tourist infrastructure. Since its inception in 1994, the Summit of the Americas has been a venue for the United States and Latin American nations to sort out intra-America concerns, most noticeably US-Latin America trade. And "fair and reciprocal trade" is expected to command the limelight at the Friday-Saturday gathering in Lima, Peru. Yet a parallel priority on the US delegation's agenda, according to the White House, is to "push back against external economic aggression". It did not bother to elaborate. But no elaboration is needed. As former US secretary of state Rex Tillerson made it crystal clear on his first, also last, official visit to the region in February, Washington is worried about the growing Chinese economic presence in what it still considers to be its backyard. Taiyuans first international cultural exchange base established ( chinadaily.com.cn ) Updated: 2018-04-13 Taiyuans first China Overseas Chinese International Cultural Exchange Base was established in Qinglong Ancient Town on April 8. The Taiyuan base is one of the 164 international cultural exchange institutes that has been recognized by All-China Federation of Returned Overseas since November 2014. The base will serve as a platform to promote the culture of Shanxi province and boost cultural exchanges among domestic and overseas Chinese. Shanxi is a province with a long history and profound cultural background. 13 of the 164 recognized China Overseas Chinese International Cultural Exchange Base are in Shanxi. Qinglong Ancient Town used to be a site integrating military defense, culture communication, commerce and trade in Taiyuan. A total of 150 representatives of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas, Shanxi Provincial Overseas Chinese Federation and local cultural institutes, attended the opening ceremony of the Taiyuan China Overseas Chinese International Cultural Exchange Base on April 8. Opening ceremony of Taiyuans first Chinese International Cultural Exchange Base is held in Qinglong Ancient Town, Shanxi province on April 8.[Photo/Chinanews.com] A delegation comprising of representatives of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas, Shanxi Provincial Overseas Chinese Federation and local cultural institutes pay a visit to a culture exhibition center in Qinglong Ancient Town on April 8.[Photo/Chinanews.com] At the XXX Breakout Session (part of the TogetherLA Conference) on Friday, Craig Gross of XXX Church and Kim Biddle of Saving Innocence shared testimonies and insight into the world of sexual exploitation and their work to prevent and address this problem in society. Kim Biddle, founder and Executive Director of Saving Innocence, began the seminar. Saving Innocence is an organization based in Los Angeles that prevents, rescues, and restores victims of human trafficking in the LA and Orange County areas. The organization works directly with the city government to combat sex trafficking. Biddle shared the corrupting nature of human trafficking, explaining that the average age of entry into human trafficking is 12 years old. Most of the girls are trapped in the system of sex trafficking against their will she shared. A major problem with local governments response to the problem is lack of experience and knowledge of human trafficking, explained Biddle. Saving Innocence trains local law enforcement to properly address cases of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking cannot be seen as prostitution, said Biddle. She shared an instance when a police officer in Hollywood came across a john (a term for solicitors) having intercourse with a 14-year-old girl who was trafficked. The officer gave the 40-year-old solicitor a citation; the "john" had to sit through several courses about the harmful health effects of prostitution. The girl, however, was incarcerated because the officer labeled her a prostitute despite her status as a minor. She was treated like a criminal, not a victim, Biddle said. She should have been taken to a hospital. When money is involved, police no longer treat cases of rape like they should be treated said Biddle. Why is money a changing factor? she said. In any other situation, the girl would have been treated as a victim of statutory rape and given care. Saving Innocence aims to equip local governments and law enforcement to recognize human trafficking and effectively treat these cases. Biddle stated that in order for change to occur, solicitors of sex trafficking must be held accountable for their crimes. The 40-year-old solicitor was not forced to register as a sex offender. The founder later explained the need for the church to address, rather than shy away from, the issue of sex trafficking. As a church we must love the orphan, she said. We need to give [the victims] a context of love. Biddle hopes to rally the churches and engage them in the fight against human trafficking. Saving Innocence has rescued numerous girls from sex trafficking and embraced them in an environment of stability and security; the organization makes certain the girls are restored and stay with them through the whole process, said Biddle. The organization continues to give care to the victims until they are fully restored; some take as long as five years to fully recover from the effects of human trafficking. Craig Gross of XXX, or Triple X, Church then spoke of the nature of the porn industry, the effects on society, and ways Christians can address the issues. Triple X Church is dedicated to helping fight addiction to pornography and ministering to those currently involved professionally in pornography. Pornography is a different beast than human trafficking because it is a legally legitimate industry said Gross, founder of the ministry. It is a professional industry where employees and employers are bound by contract. Therefore, workers in the porn industry are seen as adults who have made conscious decisions to enter it. Triple X Church is a ministry for those currently involved in the porn industry. It has helped porn stars exit their lives in the porn industry and find confidence in Christs love. No one in the industry dreamt of being in it. No one wants to be in it, said Gross. They often dont believe in their worth theyre searching for something. He described the adult film profession as brutal and without compassion. Triple X Church conducts ministry by holding booths at adult film conventions in order to directly introduce itself to those within the industry. According to Gross, the porn industry does not offer love and comfort in times of hardship. When something tragic happens [to them], they go to Triple X Church. We try to show them Christs love, said Gross. Gross expanded on the dangers of pornography for the individual. Triple X Church, which was originally founded to help youth group members with porn addictions, strives to help those addicted to porn. Pornography is in secret, said Gross. Nine out of ten people who work with Triple X Church to cut their addiction to pornography are often placed in that situation after being caught, he said. Porn is dangerous because it pushes the boundaries of sexual culture by lowering the threshold for satisfaction and stimulation. Mainstream movies such as 50 Shades of Grey give individuals a desire for more explicit content, which leads pornography. Once pornography is no longer satisfying, individuals seek other means of sexual satisfaction which eventually feeds sex trafficking and prostitution, said Gross. The Triple X Church founder then acknowledged the growing ease of access to porn. The younger generation has the ability to access adult content through their smartphones. Gross and his wife do not allow their fourteen-year-old son to have a smartphone. Parents need to be involved in the discussion and speak with their children about the topic of pornography and sex. Kids dont talk to their parents about what parents dont talk about with their kids, said Gross. He discussed the need for parents to break this cycle of silence and stop being clueless about their childrens exposure to such content. The session concluded with a time for questions. In the final section, Biddle stressed the importance of raising men in a culture of love, not one of sexual perversion. She described the impact individual actions of men can have on culture and women. Porn gives men the idea that they are weak, that their actions do not have consequence of power, said Biddle. Men need to realize that they have power and that their actions have big consequences not only for themselves, but also for those around them. We need to stop dehumanizing both genders, said Biddle. Gross informed the audience about Triple X Churchs sister ministries such as Strip Church, a women-based ministry that focuses on strip clubs. He also mentioned applications from Triple X Church such as iParent, which informs parents about current applications and summarize the potential dangers they may pose for children. When battling pornography, there must be both a Gospel-centered and practical approach, said Gross and Biddle. Biddle explained the need to differentiate between religion and relationship. Instead of sin management and focusing our efforts on stopping individual occurrences of sin, we need to focus our energy and mind on our identity and value in Christ, she said. SEOUL, South Korea- Around 100 students from Christian clubs across one of Korea's most elite colleges, Yonsei University, gathered for a joint worship service on a recent weekday evening. The subjects of their prayers reflected their anxieties: the Korean economy, unifying North and South Korea, the expansion of Christianity and corruption in Korean churches. College students in South Korea are studying to enter a highly competitive job market, and youth unemployment reached its highest point since 1999 last year. With secularism on the rise and scandal rocking some of South Korea's largest churches, some students harbor antipathy toward Christians. These pressures collide at Yonsei University, a traditionally Christian school that also prides itself on being one of South Korea's three most prestigious universities. While many students are withdrawing from religious life on campus because of these challenges, others are redoubling their involvement. "Christian students' involvement is reduced because they are busy with finding jobs and with their own situations," Yonsei chaplain the Rev. Meehyun Chung said. "It isn't that they are selfish, but the economic system has forced them to not have a broad-minded perspective." Though Yonsei students take four semesters of mandatory chapel classes, Seil Oh, a sociology professor at Sogang University who studies youth religious involvement, observed that Yonsei students didn't pay attention during chapel class. This experience was echoed by Sang Min Park, a senior studying English literature and language. Park said he came to Yonsei in part because of the school's Christian identity, but he was disappointed to see other students' apathy toward chapel classes. That disillusionment motivated him to get more involved in Christian life on campus to "rebuild the campus as a university for God." He became the leader of Yonsei's Christian Student Union, an umbrella organization that unifies all the other on-campus Christian clubs. At a recent all-campus ministry worship service, Park jumped from the front pew to the stage to introduce each speaker and transition between parts of the program. He wore a distinctive aqua-colored crucifix around his neck on a black cord. "Christians are the ones being mocked. [Secular people] don't like Christians because there has been a lot of wrongdoing in Christian churches, and it's hard for them to see that it's only a few cases," Park said. Park refers to harsh criticism facing star pastors at large Protestant churches for embezzling funds, nepotism and sexual misconduct. Jihoon Chung, a first-semester graduate student at Yonsei who described himself as a minimally involved Christian, said some of his Christian friends left churches after the scandals. "They thought, 'I am not a good Christian person, but the pastor must be better than me. But it turns out, he also does not good things.' So they think, 'How can I be interested in Christianity?' It was hard for me to explain to them," he said. Park said his foundation in his faith was strengthened through morning prayer. He went on a mission trip to Egypt in January 2016 and said he enjoyed supporting missionaries there, but doesn't want to become one. While South Korea is one of the world's largest missionary-sending countries, Park said he sees his mission field in the mainstream workforce. "Most pastors have never been in society, but they have to preach to people who are in society. How can somebody talk about something they have not experienced at all? At least, at this age, I still have a chance to get into society," Park said. Career choice is a key concern for South Korean young people, as youth unemployment hit its highest point last year since the government started tracking the number in 1999. The Rev. Jikhan Koh has worked in campus ministry for more than 40 years, and has seen labor market trends impact students and concerned parents. "Students could previously get a job easily when they graduate, and now students are depressed by the job situation," Koh said. For Chaelin Kim, 23, her choice of college major put her at odds with her family. Kim's family is religiously diverse: her father is an atheist, her mother is a Catholic who almost became a nun, her grandmother is Buddhist and her cousin is a shaman. Kim became Christian after she finished taking the Korean version of the SAT because she ran out of excuses to give her friends who had been inviting her to church. After moving to college and attending church services at Yonsei University Church for several months, she was baptized. "They weren't just friends. They were trying to share the gospel of Christianity and how Jesus died and resurrected," Kim said. At a campus ministry called Emmaus, Kim has risen to a leadership position. During a recent meeting, she made sure no one was left out of conversations and gave directions to new students. Soft-spoken, she flashes a kind smile to everyone she encounters. As Kim became more involved in her faith, she wanted to change her major from occupational therapy to theology. Her father was staunchly opposed to the change because he thought that theology was a "useless major." "I was really mad because my father wasn't listening to me," Kim said. Kim has since settled on a double major in theology and political science. She plans to get a master's degree in global health policy. While she has career ambitions, she said she sometimes feels like an outsider when discussing careers with her secular friends. "After I became Christian I had a time that I said to God, 'God, I am fine if I am not successful in the future. I want to participate in your work,'" Kim said. "My purpose and goal have changed." We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Terre des hommes Moldova este in cautarea unui/unei consultant/a (grup de consultanti sau companie) in vederea realizarii unei analize a necesitatilor de consolidare a capacitatilor organizatiilor locale ale societatii civile partenere din regiunile Cahul Eddie J. Henderson III CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - A Cleveland Heights barbershop employee accused of shooting a customer Thursday told investigators he did it in self-defense. Eddie J. Henderson III, 27, of Cleveland, is charged with attempted murder in the shooting outside Excel's Shop of Excellence Barbershop on Noble Road near Monticello Boulevard, according to a police report and court records. Henderson admitted to shooting a 26-year-old man twice in the leg, and a third shot grazed the man's chin, the police report says. The man remains in stable condition at a local hospital. Henderson is scheduled to appear Friday in Cleveland Heights Municipal Court, according to court records. A Cleveland Heights police officer found Henderson and the customer just before 10:30 a.m. in a parking lot behind the barbershop. The customer identified Henderson as the shooter, the report says. Henderson said he shot the man in self-defense, but the police report does not say what led to the shooting. The customer also told the officer he "wanted to ask this man a simple question and he shot me," the report says. Henderson pointed the officer to the gun used in the shooting, a Taurus 9 mm, on a counter next to a barber's chair. Henderson also said he owns the gun, the report says. Four witnesses in the barbershop told investigators they did not see the shooting, the report says. The barbershop did not have interior surveillance cameras, but detectives collected surveillance video from a nearby business, the report says. To comment on this story, visit Friday's crime and courts comments page. Anthony Stanford II CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Trina Ford worked every day to raise her oldest son Anthony Stanford to stay out of trouble in a society that, in her words, "is so hard on" young black men. By all accounts, she succeeded. Her "golden child" bought out the best in people. He got stellar grades in school. He served as a role model to his younger brother and his nieces and nephews. As a man in his 20s with a young daughter of his own, he still found time to go to his mother's house in the winter to plow her driveway. Stanford was also afraid of guns in a city where gun violence swallowed the lives of scores of young black men just like him. That's why Stanford couldn't wrap her head around the early morning phone call she received Dec. 8, 2016 where she learned that Ford died at Steven Leannais' dinner party. "I made sure that my boys weren't part of this," Ford said sobbing as she spoke to a judge Friday. Ford made her comments before Common Pleas Judge Sherrie Miday sentenced Leannais to five years in prison after a jury last month convicted him of reckless homicide in Stanford's death. Miday called Ford an "inspiration" and praised her family for finding it in their hearts to forgive Leannais, who faced up to six years in prison. Leannais had Stanford and other friends over for dinner at his apartment in the former West Tech High School building. Leannais broadcast a large portion of the party on Facebook Live, and the video showed him unload the gun that his friend, John Frenden played with it. But no one who testified at his six-day trial in March revealed how the unloaded gun ended up with a single hollow-point bullet that Leannais later accidentally shot into Stanford's side. Friday's sentencing stretched over an hour and featured a cavalcade of Stanford's sobbing family members who all painted a picture of Stanford as a steadying and artistic force for good and the glue that held his family together. "I feel at times I can't fill his shoes as an uncle and a brother," his younger brother, Kevin Ford, said. "And it breaks me down." But the family members also questioned whether Leannais and Stanford were truly friends and whether the shooting was really an accident. "I have friends that I've known for 40 years that never played with a gun around me," Trina Ford said. "Friends just don't do that." Leannais, handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit, sobbed throughout the family's comments and while reading his apology to them. He called Stanford a "free spirit" and recalled going to dance clubs with him. Leannais said he wished he could take away their pain and that a day wouldn't go by that he wasn't thinking about Stanford. He tried to reach up to his face to wipe away his tears, but his hands were cuffed behind his back. Defense attorney Leif Christman said that Leannais was consumed guilt in the months after the shooting and attempted to take his own life. Christman asked the judge to impose no additional time beyond the mandatory three years. Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Kevin Filiatraut called that request "offensive." Leannais' recklessness, Filiatraut said, spanned more than 90 minutes, from the time he brought his Glock 9mm into the kitchen to show it and a sticker from the movie "The Punisher" to his friends watching his video. When Frenden, a disgraced lawyer and amateur movie maker, showed up and started putting the gun in his mouth to mock suicide and pretending to rob people, Leannais unloaded it, but left the magazine out. Seven minutes later on the video, Leannais and Frenden could be heard joking around about using the gun as a prop in a movie and shooting blanks. Leannais said "Ant's scared of it," and then the video captures the sound of the gun being cocked back, and Frenden saying "let's play a prank on someone," Filiatraut said. Another 70 minutes went by before Leannais shot Stanford. "This is not a case of just quick, thoughtless, recklessness. This is over a period of time where, anywhere along the way, he could have made a choice that would have ensured Anthony would have survived the night," Filiatraut said. "But he didn't." Trina Ford also spoke for the first time about the night her son was killed. She said she was not allowed to see her son in the hospital and learned he had been pronounced dead hours later. She and Kevin Ford went to West Tech lofts to talk to people after the shooting. They learn that Stanford ran outside of the apartment and left a trail of blood behind him. They watched as crime scene technicians cleaned up his blood. Many people approached her. Some had known her son for only a few days, but they all told her how much Stanford, the golden child who brought out the best, had touched their lives, she said. "That made me, as a mother, feel good, to know that my son was out there doing what I taught him to do, being good to people," she said. "I know he earned his place in heaven with God." To comment on this story, please visit Friday's crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It must be Jon Hamm week. The "Mad Men" lead who played Don Draper is starring in not one but two feature films opening this week. This review concerns the espionage thriller "Beirut." The movie opens in 1972, in Beirut, Lebanon, formerly the Paris of the Middle East. Hamm plays Mason Skiles, a U.S. diplomat hosting a cocktail party that entertains Arabs and Americans, Jews and Muslims. He regales his guests with a glib theory about Beirut: It's a boardinghouse in which each of the boarders doesn't trust the others. And the only reason the Palestinians have moved in is because they want to bomb the Jews who live next door. Polite laughter ensues. Skiles is married to a Lebanese national, and the two are sponsoring a 13-year old Palestinian boy named Karim. Turns out, Karim's big brother is a famous terrorist. He, with some Palestine Liberation Organization buddies, descends on the party to take Karim back. In the melee, Skiles' wife is murdered. Flash-forward 10 years. Skiles is stateside and a legal negotiator for national union disputes. He's also a bad drunk with nothing left to lose. Skiles gets summoned back to Beirut on a moment's notice by the CIA. He takes the offer on a whim, not knowing what he's getting into. A high-level CIA officer and Skiles' friend from the old days has been kidnapped by a small terrorist cell. The cell leader has requested that Skiles be the negotiator. That's right: It's a grown-up Karim looking to get leverage for the return of his brother, who is who-knows-where. That's a lot of pretext, but that is where this movie starts. Luckily, it's written by Tony Gilroy, who wrote the "Bourne" trilogy. But more importantly, in my mind, he wrote one of my favorite movies of all time, "Michael Clayton," the corporate espionage thriller starring George Clooney. Nobody l know likes "Michael Clayton" as much as I do, but I consider it a master class in screenwriting -- the perfect movie. Going in, you can see the "Clayton" similarities. A dark-eyed, handsome hero, deeply flawed, finds a new reason to live righting a major wrong despite interference from corrupt government/corporate overlords. Rosamund Pike plays the CIA love interest du jour. Unfortunately, the third act of the movie gets bogged down in conflicts among the CIA, the PLO, Israeli commandos, the Knights of Columbus, you name it. It all comes out in the wash, but oh, the suds it takes to get us there. Even Gilroy can't give us a script that reduces the Middle East mess to a neat and tidy Cliffs Notes pamphlet. A+ for the effort, though. REVIEW Beirut Who: With Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike and Dean Norris. Directed by Brad Anderson. Rated: R. Running time: 109 minutes. When: Opened Wednesday. Where: Area theaters. Grade: B+ MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- In a special meeting on Thursday, City Council voted 4-3 to approve the hiring of Melamed Communications to educate the public about its upcoming try for an income tax/income tax credit increase. The matter has become somewhat controversial, as council members Robert DeJohn, Donald Manno and Gayle Teresi hold the belief that the city should not pay money to a company to explain to residents why the city needs more money. The remaining members of council, Finance Director Robert Tribby and Mayor Anthony DiCicco believe that hiring Melamed-- which has worked successfully in getting rate hikes passed in surrounding cities such as South Euclid and Cleveland Heights -- is necessary. Council has yet to approve the income tax/tax credit issues for the November ballot. The deadline to file with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is Aug. 8. Last weekend, DeJohn informed residents via Facebook that if voters pass the income tax increase, which would raise the tax rate from the current 1 percent to 1.5 percent, the resultant money should be placed in a fund specifically earmarked for road repairs and a new swimming pool. That money, plus money derived from increasing the tax credit for residents who work outside Mayfield Heights from 50 percent to 100 percent, would generate about $5.2 million annually. DiCicco agrees that the money should be put toward roads and a pool, but wants the money to go into the city's general fund, where it could then be used for other emergencies that might spring up. If earmarked specifically for roads and the pool, the money could not be spent on other matters without voters again giving approval. DiCicco noted that, if the $5.2 million were contained in the general fund, council would still need to give approval to any expenditure of more than $20,000 and that he as mayor would not have ultimate authority to spend it. In his Facebook writings, DeJohn stated that the mayor wanted to hire Melamed at a cost of up to $48,700 for four months of work because DiCicco had used the firm for his last election campaign, at a lower cost of $10,000. "Perception is that this is payback," DeJohn wrote. DiCicco, in comments at the start of Monday's council meeting, said that DeJohn, who was not at that meeting, had spread "misinformation." DiCicco further stated, "Mr. DeJohn's suggestion of some kind of payback or favor is a disgusting attempt to impugn my reputation and integrity, nothing more." At Thursday's special meeting, all council members gave their opinion on the Melamed legislation, which had been tabled Monday but brought up for a vote Thursday. Manno, Teresi and DeJohn all let DiCicco know that council turned down Melamed's service in 2016, when an income tax increase was first discussed. "I've had a lot of phone calls from people. They feel their intelligence is being insulted," Manno said of the need to hire Melamed to explain the need for tax increases. "I've had phone calls, too," Teresi said. "People ask why don't you go straight to the ballot rather than hiring Mr. Melamed to educate us. They didn't want to be schooled." Council President Donna Finney said that hiring a firm to work with residents is standard practice for communities and school boards. "I worked for many years on school levies," she said. "This is how it usually works. You hire a company to come in and train you, but it's going to be the residents who run this. "This is not an unfamiliar thing." Councilwoman Diane Snider said she, too, has spoken by phone with several residents and has explained the need for more money to them. Speaking in favor of the value of hiring Melamed, she said, "I could never get to 20,000 residents to explain it to them all." Melamed, as it has done in other communities, plans to have two "tele-townhall" meetings. It will call residents and let them know that at a certain time a few days ahead, they will get an opportunity to speak one-on-one on the phone with a city representative who will explain how the tax hikes would work. Melamed will also educate the city representatives about the issues, and likely hold an in-person public meeting. By combining an income tax increase with a tax credit increase, Tribby and DiCicco have explained, 72 percent of the city's residents would see no increase in their taxes -- in fact, some might see a decrease. "We're asking for only a half a percent (income tax increase)" Councilwoman Susan Sabetta said. "There isn't a city around that has a 1.5 percent rate." Hiring Melamed, she said, would allow Mayfield Heights to "get out there with a reputable company who has done this before." The cost to Melamed will be less than originally stated. Law Director Paul Murphy said that, because council didn't immediately vote last month on the hiring -- one of the four months Melamed was to work in accordance with the original agreement -- the $48,700 maximum pay amount will drop by $5,000. Murphy said the cost could further be reduced if, for example, Melamed only has time to conduct one of its two planned tele-townhall meetings. As for spending the $5.2 million that would result if voters approve the tax issues, Manno said: "The only way I'd support this is if all the money was put into roads and the pool. Not one dime for wages and benefits. That's the point." Tribby said all money goes into the general fund and that problems can arise from earmarking money. "You can only use it for capital funds," Tribby said of earmarking for roads and a pool. "Why tie your hands?" At the meeting's conclusion, DiCicco said of the three council members who don't want money going toward wages and benefits: "I think it's a slap in the face of our great employees and the great service we have here." DiCicco said that two union contracts have thus far been negotiated and received council's approval. Four more are to come. Because all unions will receive the same raises of 2.25 percent, 3 percent and 3 percent for 2018-2020, the grand total of money added to Mayfield Heights' budget for all six contracts will be just over $1.2 million. "We negotiated good contracts and received concessions from the unions that will save us money in the future," DiCicco said. DeJohn responded to DiCicco's comments about employees' pay by saying, "I am not against anyone receiving an increase, but we are among the highest-paying cities in the area. "Over the last three years, the average increase for the area was a (combined) 6 percent, and ours is 8.25 percent." Thursday's special meeting began at 5 p.m., prompting DeJohn to say: "What was the hurry? We could have waited to our next scheduled meeting to discuss these things." Featured stories Police investigate fatal shooting overnight at Willowick bar (WOIO Channel 19) South Euclid, Euclid police investigating after man was shot by police running from traffic stop (WEWS Channel 5) Four indicted for alleged roles in marijuana growing operation in Geauga County (News-Herald) Cleveland police supervisors plead not guilty to misdemeanor charges from deadly 2012 chase (cleveland.com) Deadly 2012 chase: Cleveland cops ask for review of offer to drop charges in exchange for money (cleveland.com) Crime Mother, boyfriend plead not guilty in death of 4-year-old Aniya Day-Garrett (cleveland.com) Cleveland police officer admits to having sex with teen student, will hand over badge (cleveland.com) Appeals court overturns 2016 conviction of Cleveland man who declared innocence at sentencing (cleveland.com) Three men with Ohio ties plead guilty to involvement in providing money to al-Qaida (cleveland.com) Shooting kills teen male on Cleveland's East Side (cleveland.com) Man robs bank in Cleveland's South-Collinwood neighborhood (cleveland.com) Man hurt in shooting outside Cleveland Heights barbershop (cleveland.com) Teen threatened to shoot up Green High School if vendor didn't deliver his pot-smoking device soon, authorities say (Akron Beacon Journal) Boy threatens shooting at Elyria High School, police say (cleveland.com) Akron man changes mind on guilty plea in murder case ... again (Akron Beacon Journal) Feds threaten 18-year-old with decades in prison in carjacking, bank robbery case (cleveland.com) Oberlin College graduate likely to use insanity defense in 4 murders (Associated Press) Cleveland / Cuyahoga County Cleveland woman dies three days after being pulled from apartment fire (cleveland.com) Cavs center Tristan Thompson, Khloe Kardashian baby, cheating rumors set Cleveland buzzing (cleveland.com) Local news West Sears to auction 16 stores, including Strongsville, North Olmsted locations (cleveland.com) Pittsfield Township fire destroys dairy barn, kills cows (Lorain Morning Journal) 2018 will be final year for Maria's Field of Hope at Avon location (WKYC Channel 3) Akron / Canton area WGC-Bridgestone Invitational change means adjustment for fans, city, charities (photos) (cleveland.com) University of Akron President Matthew Wilson named finalist for president of Utah Valley University (cleveland.com) Shanti Community Farms offers Akron refugees space to farm and a sense of purpose (photos) (cleveland.com) Fire causes damage to multiple homes in Canton (WKYC Channel 3) State Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger moves up departure, resigns immediately (cleveland.com) New poll shows Richard Cordray up in primary, Mike DeWine winning but GOP voters angry (cleveland.com) House of Representatives fails to pass balanced budget amendment to the Constitution (cleveland.com) Judge chastises Ohio, U.S. EPAs in lawsuit over Lake Erie's algal bloom-covered western basin (cleveland.com) Miami University sorority removes four women for singing racial slur (cleveland.com) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 81-year-old man who died weeks after suffering a beating while protecting his wife from a teen mugger died of natural causes, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner. Medical examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson said in a statement Friday that Willie Watts Jr.s' death could not be medically linked to the beating. Gilson ruled Watts died of natural causes, including from heart disease, diabetes, dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an illness that affects the lungs. "While I deplore the acts of violence committed against an elderly man and his wife, it is not medically indicated to state that these caused or significantly contributed to Mr. Watts' passing," Gilson's statement says. "Our office extends its sincerest condolences to Mr. Watts' family." Cuyahoga County prosecutors asked the medical examiner to perform an autopsy on Watts. If they had been able to show a connection, the 16-year-old boy accused of attacking Watts and his wife could have faced additional charges. The teen already faces separate charges in connection with the armed robbery of a WOIO-TV reporter on assignment and several other incidents. Watts, a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather looked up to as a pillar of his Glenville neighborhood, died on March 29, seven weeks after the attack in the driveway of his home on East 99th Street. Watts had health issues prior to the beating. He had surgery to implant a valve in his heart four years ago and had seen a doctor several times in the months before the beating, his family said. The beating happened on Feb. 7. Watts' 76-year-old wife, Della, returned from the grocery store and walked down her driveway. The 16-year-old boy walked up to her and demanded her purse, police said. She gave the boy her purse and he shoved her to the ground. He picked up her cant and hit her several times in the head and body as her husband watched from the side door, police said. Willie Watts dove on his wife's body to protect her from the blows. The teen beat him with the cane and stomped on his head, police said. The teen then demanded Della Watts' ATM code and threatened to kill her if she lied to him, according to arrest documents. Willie Watts suffered five broken facial bones, including a broken eye socket and broken nose, as well as a concussion. Both he and his wife got several stitches and remained in the hospital for about 12 hours. The teen ran across the street and was arrested by a Cleveland police officer who was in the neighborhood investigating a report of a stolen car. The teen had Della Watts' purse, credit cards and cellphone when he was arrested, according to arrest documents. Prosecutors are seeking to have the teen's cases transferred to adult court, where he would face more prison time if convicted. Watts who retired after 42 years at Allied Chemical without taking a sick day, and was married to his wife for 59 years, was also an ordained deacon at East Zion Baptist Church in Cleveland. Before Watts died, he gave a handwritten statement to county prosecutors asking them to pursue the maximum allowable sentence for the attack on him and his wife. He made a specific request that the teen be given access to ministerial counseling while he was jailed in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Friday's crime and courts comments section. WASHINGTON - Democrats hope to pick up as many as six congressional seats in Ohio this November as they try to win back control of the U.S. House of Representatives by riding a grassroots backlash against President Donald Trump. In a briefing with reporters on Friday, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico identified 104 Republican seats around the country as winnable for Democrats, including those held by Holmes County's Bob Gibbs, Bainbridge Township's Dave Joyce, Cincinnati's Steve Chabot, Dayton's Mike Turner and Columbus' Steve Stivers. The Democratic campaign organization also believes the Columbus-area seat vacated by Republican Pat Tiberi's resignation to lead the Ohio Business Roundtable might be winnable, Lujan said. "The quickest way to restore checks and balances in America is winning back the House of Representatives," said Lujan, who said Republicans hold many seats because of gerrymandered districts that Democrats can win if there's strong turnout. Republicans were skeptical of the Democrats' clams. "The DCCC can't wish a seat into play," said Jesse Hunt of the National Republican Congressional Committee. "They are remarkably consistent when it comes to over-promising and under-delivering, and they'll fail to flip every one of these seats." Lujan praised Democratic challenger Ken Harbaugh of Avon for holding town hall meetings in the district represented by Gibbs, one of the Republican held areas where "people are frustrated because their representatives aren't holding town halls." Harbaugh's campaign recently announced it has raised more than $1 million. Lujan said Joyce's Democratic challenger - attorney Betsy Rader of Russell Township - has also demonstrated strong fundraising, collecting nearly $400,000 before the end of 2017. DCCC spokeswoman Meredith Kelly said the congressional seat that will be vacated by Wadsworth Republican Rep. Jim Renacci's decision to run for U.S. Senate could also make it onto her group's target list, which is constantly being reevaluated. A spokesman for Gibbs' campaign dismissed the contention that Harbaugh could win the seat. "Gibbs will continue to represent the conservative values of the constituents of the seventh district," said Gibbs' spokesman Dallas Gerber. Joyce spokesman Dino DiSanto said his boss has been a DCCC target "since before he was elected." "This election is still months away and Dave is going to focus on the job he has been sent to Washington to do for the people of Northeast Ohio," DiSanto said. When the time is right, we will put forward Dave's strong record of protecting the Great Lakes, supporting small business, and finding a solution to the opioid crisis." Lujan said he believes the Cincinnati-area seat held by Chabot represents the best chance for a Democratic pickup. Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Aftab Pureval - who defeated politically connected GOP incumbent Tracy Winkler to win that job in 2016 - is now seeking Chabot's seat. The organization last month named Pureval part of its "Red to Blue" program, which provides "top-tier candidates with organizational and fundraising support" as well as strategic guidance and candidate training. Pureval is the only Ohioan in that program. WASHINGTON - Conservative Ohio congressman Jim Jordan - a longtime thorn in the side of Republican leaders on Capitol Hill - says he's open to a run for Speaker of the House following incumbent Paul Ryan's announcement that he won't run for re-election next year. Conservative activists displeased with current GOP leaders have publicly urged the House Freedom Caucus co-founder from Champaign County to seek the job. Other potential candidates to succeed Ryan include House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana. "If and when there is a Speaker's race, colleagues have approached me about running and that's something I'm open to doing," said a statement Jordan released on Friday. "What's important is not who the next Speaker is, but what the next Speaker does," Jordan's statement said. "It's time to start delivering on what we told the American people we would do. We have six more months to prove Republicans deserve to keep the majority." Jordan has regularly received protest votes for House Speaker even when he hasn't run, but his chance of beating candidates who rose through the party hierarchy seems slim. Jordan has lost multiple bids to chair the House Government Oversight and Reform Committee, and the Freedom Caucus' refusal to back some of the party's legislation has convinced some Republicans Jordan isn't a team player. Nonetheless, his entry into the race could siphon conservative votes from other candidates and be used as leverage to attain his group's goals. "House Speaker Paul Ryan's announcement yesterday that he will not seek reelection offers congressional Republicans an opportunity to pull out of the political death-spiral that imperils their majority and invites the impeachment of President Trump," said a statement from Frank Gaffney, one of the conservative activists who has been urging Jordan to run. .@Jim_Jordan on @SpeakerRyan not seeking re-election: "The most important thing to me is not who the Speaker is but what the Speaker does... And what we need to do is get refocused on what the American people sent us here to do." pic.twitter.com/0a1S6jKAxx FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 13, 2018 Gaffney, who heads the Center for Security Policy, said that Republicans could use the leadership change to excite their base voters, or alienate them by imposing "another establishment politician, presumably drawn from the ranks of Ryan's lieutenants. "If, instead, in the days ahead the House GOP embraces as its next leader an authentic conservative with passion, energy and, most importantly, Make America Great Again principles, they will give the base a reason to turn out - and prevail: Jim Jordan for Speaker," his statement concluded. In an interview that will air on Sunday's "Meet the Press," Ryan told NBC's Chuck Todd that he favors McCarthy to succeed him. "We have a great story to tell," Ryan told Todd, according to a transcript released by NBC." We have a great record to run on. We have made a huge positive difference in people's lives, and people are more confident as a result of it. More jobs are being offered. Bonuses are being handed out. And so we have made a difference in this country. This leadership team has done that, and so I really do envision a more seamless transition, versus say the time when I came in." COLUMBUS, Ohio--The race to take over Cliff Rosenberger's job as Ohio House speaker has already started in earnest, with Reps. Ryan Smith, Dorothy Pelanda, Andy Thompson and Jim Butler expressing interest in the job, several state lawmakers told Capitol Letter, cleveland.com's daily Statehouse newsletter. The four are looking at serving as speaker for the rest of the year in place of Rosenberger, who resigned this week amid an FBI inquiry into his spending and travel. House Republicans, who hold a commanding two-thirds majority in the chamber, will likely hold a vote sometime in the next few weeks. Who wins may depend on whether House members prefer to choose a placeholder speaker for the rest of the year or elect Smith, a Gallia County Republican who has been campaigning for months against Rep. Larry Householder to become speaker for the 2019-2020 session. "There's a lot to be said for having certainty into the future," Smith told Capitol Letter on Friday. "I think I'm the right person to lead us into the future and steady this ship and make the necessary changes to get us back on course." Smith said he's confident he has the votes to win. Pelanda, however, has been campaigning hard for the job, calling much of the House GOP caucus during the past day, according to several House Republicans. The term-limited Union County Republican, who abandoned a campaign for secretary of state last year, didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Thompson, a Marietta Republican who is also term limited, told Capitol Letter that as speaker, he could help settle down a House GOP caucus that has been split by a "very vicious" battle between Smith and Householder. "Because of the warring parties out there, you need someone who is not attached too much to the one side or the other," he said. "And I'm not attached to either side." Butler initially said Friday afternoon that he wasn't interested in running for speaker. But later in the day, the Dayton-area Republican told Capitol Letter he's considering a run after being approached by several House colleagues. Butler declined further comment. It's still unclear whether Householder, a former speaker himself, will also move up his plans to run for the job now. The Perry County Republican didn't immediately return a phone call and text seeking comment. Another rumored speaker candidate, GOP Rep. Rick Carfagna of Delaware County, told Capitol Letter on Friday that he is not interested in the job. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When Cliff Rosenberger announced his resignation on Tuesday as Ohio House speaker, it capped a shocking episode in state politics that had begun just days before. The Dayton Daily News reported last Friday that Rosenberger had hired a white-collar criminal defense attorney after he'd heard the FBI was "asking questions about things [he] may have been involved in." Subsequent reporting showed the FBI was interested in a trip Rosenberger took with others, including two lobbyists for an auto title-lending company, to England last August, as well as potentially other matters. And on Tuesday night, Rosenberger surprised the Columbus political community by announcing his resignation, effective May 1, while still proclaiming his innocence of any wrongdoing. However, in the face of pressure from his temporary successor and several other prominent Republicans, Rosenberger moved up his resignation on Thursday night to take effect immediately. Rather than bringing in a guest as we usually do, the Ohio Matters team this week decided to convene a roundtable of politics reporters who had worked on the story for cleveland.com to talk about one of the biggest Ohio political developments in recent memory. The discussion ranged from describing how the investigation may connect with a stalled payday-lending regulatory bill, to gaming out the potential impact the FBI probe may have on the 2018 election. Previous episodes of Ohio Matters can be found here and include guests like Attorney General Mike DeWine, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich and former Attorney General Marc Dann. Four-star wide receiver Garrett Wilson from Austin, Tex., is one of the prospects visiting Ohio State for the spring game on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of 247Sports.com) COLUMBUS, Ohio The 2018 Ohio State spring game on Saturday will be notable not just because of the players on the field. The other thing to watch will be the recruits taking in the atmosphere. Since this is the first spring in which players can make official visits, that changes the recruiting approach a little bit. Several recruits will be in the spotlight more than others. Here is a look at all the recruits that will be in Columbus. This list will be updated until Saturday. This list is divided up into players making official visits vs. those making unofficial ones. By Tim Bielik, cleveland.com Don't Edit Official visits The following players are in Columbus this weekend on official visits. Don't Edit I will be taking my official visits to; Ohio State University April 13-15 University of Texas April 20-22 Ill announce my commitment shortly after. Garrett Wilson (@GarrettWilson_V) April 1, 2018 Four-star wide receiver Garrett Wilson from Austin, Texas Wilson may be under the brightest spotlight this weekend since his decision is right around the corner. The No. 6 wide receiver and No. 46 player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings is down to Ohio State and Texas. Wilson, who is 6-foot, 185 pounds, is visiting the two schools in the next two weeks before making a decision. We wrote how this has become another massive battle between Urban Meyer and Tom Herman. Don't Edit (Photo courtesy of 247Sports.com) Four-star center Harry Miller from Buford, Ga. According to Tom Loy of 247Sports.com, Miller's trip to Columbus this weekend is the only official visit on the docket for him at the moment. He is the No. 2 center and No. 54 player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings. Miller, who is 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, was originally listed as an offensive tackle before being ranked as an interior lineman. Don't Edit (Photo courtesy of 247Sports.com) Four-star offensive tackle Doug Nester from Huntington, W.Va. Ohio States first commit for 2019 will be on his official visit per his 247Sports.com profile page. The 6-foot-5.5, 295-pound lineman is the No. 8 offensive tackle and No. 57 player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings. As a commit on his official visit, he could potentially play the role of an extra recruiter. Don't Edit Don't Edit (Photo courtesy of 247Sports.com) Unofficial visits Four-star inside linebacker Shane Lee from Baltimore, Md. The 6-foot, 240-pound linebacker from Baltimore will be making the trip west to Columbus according to Land of 10's Ryan Donnelly on Wednesday. Lee is the top-ranked player in Maryland, the No. 3 inside linebacker and the No. 63 overall player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings. Lee also has offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Michigan and Penn State among others. Don't Edit (Photo courtesy of 247Sports.com) Four-star athlete DeMarcco Hellams from Hyattsville, Md. According to reports including Ryan Donnelly of Land of 10 on Wednesday, the four-star athlete from Maryland powerhouse DeMatha will visit Ohio State for the first time. Hellams, who is 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, is the No. 7 athlete and No. 65 player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings. Alabama, Clemson and Penn State are among the 24 schools that have offered Hellams. Don't Edit Four-star athlete Ronnie Hickman from Wayne, N.J. Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts wrote that Hickman, the No. 13 athlete and No. 124 player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings, will be at the game. Hickman, who is 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, committed to Ohio State on Friday night. Don't Edit (Photo courtesy of 247Sports.com) Four-star wide receiver Zion Puckett from Griffin, Ga. Andrew Lind of Eleven Warriors reported on Thursday that the four-star wide receiver will be on campus if the spring game is played. Puckett, who is 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, is the No. 36 wide receiver and No. 210 player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings. In addition to Ohio State, Puckett has offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Michigan. Don't Edit (John Kuntz, cleveland.com) Four-star defensive end Noah Potter from Mentor Potter, the younger brother of Ohio State basketball forward Micah Potter and teammate of Ryan Jacoby, confirmed to cleveland.com that he will be at the game. He is the No. 18 strong-side defensive end and No. 240 player in the 247Sports.com composite rankings. Don't Edit Don't Edit 2020 offensive tackle Paris Johnson from Cincinnati The attention right now is on the 2019 class. But one of Ohio States top targets from 2020 is making another trip to Columbus. Johnson, who is 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, is rated as the top offensive tackle and No. 7 player in the 247Sports.com rankings. He already has 35 offers including Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State. MENTOR, Ohio - If you look at shopping more like a treasure hunt and an adventure into saving money, then you'll want to visit Macy's Backstage, a new concept store found inside some existing Macy's locations that offers lower prices, more fashion brands and items not typically found inside Macy's. The newest location, one of only two in Ohio, opens this Saturday in Macy's at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. The other is in Cincinnati. The 17,000-square-foot store located on Macy's first floor, is best described as a mashup between an outlet store and Marshalls. You'll be hard pressed to find many clothing items over $20 and you will find on-trend, in-season fashions and decor for all ages. This is not a clearance department by any means. Shoppers will continue to find sale and clearance items within Macy's other departments. Backstage offers clothing, accessories and shoes for women, men and children. Children's shoes have not been offered at Macy's in the past and a selection of extended sizes in women's shoes is also available. There are extended sizes in adult clothing, as well and you'll find cosmetics, nail and hair care, eclectic home goods, kitchen tools, pet accessories, jewelry and watches, luggage, gifts, active wear, toys, electronics and more. You'll even find those fun items on the checkout line like gourmet snacks and cell phone accessories. At Backstage, shoppers will find new brands and familiar ones in styles not found in other parts of Macy's. So, if you like Dooney & Bourke or Michael Kors handbags, you can find the brand in Macy's and in Backstage stores, but you will find different styles. Backstage is a place to visit often as new shipments of fresh inventory arrive several times a week, if not daily. Backstage employs a separate buying office tasked with finding a constantly changing assortment of goods at 20 to 80 percent off of traditional department store prices. The point is to give shoppers an additional place to browse, a place to find lower priced items within Macy's where they can still use their Macy's credit card and receive points in the Star Rewards program. Backstage offers low, simplified pricing and doesn't participate in coupon offers. Macy's started the Backstage concept in 2015. Today, there are 53 Backstage stores across the nation with plans to reach 100 stores in the coming year. "Thrill of the hunt shopping is growing over e-commerce or online shopping," says Sam Hashmi, Macy's Great Lakes store manager. "We're excited to be the first location in Northeast Ohio." The grand opening celebration is Saturday April 14 with scratch-off gift cards given to the first 200 customers and other special events happening throughout the day. The cards, ranging from $5 to $25, are redeemable inside the Backstage store. Macy's Backstage Great Lakes Mall details: Address: 7850 Mentor Avenue, Mentor Phone: 440-255-4411 Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Links: For more information see l.macys.com/mentor-oh or macysbackstage.com Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @AlliArtStyle and at Allison Carey Fashion Reporter/Photographer on Facebook. WILLOWICK, Ohio -- Detectives are trying to identify a person who fatally shot a man early Friday at a Willowick bar. The man was shot three times just after 1:15 a.m. at the Willowick Cafe on Lakeshore Boulevard near Foxboro Street, police said in a news release. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Investigators have not yet released his identity. No arrests have been made in the case, police said. Surveillance video from the bar shows the shooter enter through a rear side door and walk directly to the man. The shooter opened fire and left the bar through the same door, police said. Detectives have not yet determined any information about the shooter, including gender or race, police said. Other patrons ran from the bar and left the area before police officers arrived to investigate the shooting. It does not appear the victim and the shooter had any prior interaction at the bar prior to the shooting, police said. Investigators are working to gather additional surveillance video that may help identify the shooter, police said. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in processing the crime scene. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Greg Spakes at 440-585-1234. To comment on this story, visit Friday's crime and courts comments page. BARCELONA, Spain, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alimentaria Barcelona , one of the main food, drink and foodservice trade shows worldwide, is about to start its biggest edition in years to offer the food industry a major platform for internationalization and business and a high level of innovation, making gastronomy its differentiating factor. The event, that will take place from 16 to 19 April at Fira de Barcelona (Spain), expects to attract an increasing number of exhibiting companies from Asian countries.A A A A A (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/659718/Fira_Barcelona_Logo.jpg ) A A A A (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/665300/Fira_de_Barcelona_Alimentaria.jpg ) With a net exhibition space of over 100,000A sq.A m, the joint organization of the show with Hostelco, the International Exhibition of Equipment for Restaurants, Hotels and Mass Catering, offers both the retail and HoReCa sectors the most comprehensive offering to date. Some 4,500 exhibiting firms - some 200 coming from Asia, mainly Chinese- and more than 150,000 professional visitors are expected. Performing a strong growth, China is the most dynamic external market for Spanish products, with a1,1 billion in 2016, with an increase of 49% of the purchases, according to the Spanish Federation of Food and Drink Industries (FIAB). Pork meat, wine and olive oil are the most exported goods. On the other hand, Thailand -with a72 million spent in Spanish food products- is becoming an attractive market as it experienced a growth of 36% in its purchases from Spain, especially frozen fish, fish flours and olive oil. Japan, India, South Korea and Indonesia are other Asian key markets for Alimentaria. In this edition, over 200 companies invited to visit the show through the program Hosted Buyers will come from Asia! , especia lly from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapur and India. Gastronomic and innovative Excellence Boosting innovation and gastronomic quality remain two major hallmarks of Alimentaria. Consequently the show's activities are geared towards identifying the main trends and enhancing the connections between the food, gastronomic and tourist industries. In the area The Alimentaria Experience, more than 100 workshops and cooking shows will take place, with a selected group of chefs that own 45 Michelin stars (Carme Ruscalleda, Angel LeAn and Elena Arzak, among others), while top international wine experts such as Jancis Robinson and Nick Lander will participate in the Vinorum Think event. The area The Alimentaria Hub will become a knowledge, trends and business center, in which some 12,500 meetings between international buyers and exhibiting companies will be developed.A A We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. Continue Reading Below Advertisement She was a realtor at the time. When she told her broker the situation, he said he'd have to release her until she resolved it. "If any of my clients had gotten wind of the charges, it would have been a nightmare," she said. She got where he was coming from -- "suspected felon" sounds bad to a prospective buyer, and "may steal your money" sounds even worse -- but like that, she was out of a job. "This also meant handing over my client list," she says, "which I'd been working on for the past few years." When the time came to renew her license with the real estate commission, she opted not to do so (if she did and explained the situation, they probably would have suspended her anyway). She started applying to new jobs, but she was now failing every background check. You might have read about how this situation is tough and unfair after someone's already been punished for a crime they committed, but the one thing worse than that is going through the same shit-cycle when you haven't done anything wrong. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Out of money and also in debt, Karen missed payments on her car. It got repossessed. "I ended up breaking my lease and moving back home with my mom," she says. That meant sleeping on a couch, both her and her young son. "I did get a newish car recently," she says, "that I'm paying outrageous interest on because my credit is shot after having a car repo'd and breaking the lease at the property I was renting. It's been a very humbling experience." Eventually, she got a job. It was eight bucks an hour doing the night shift at a gas station. We don't know why she didn't try applying for shifts at that one Kohl's branch; we hear they're in dire need of competent staff there. 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Mr. Vizcarra remarked that his Government will pursue the same foundations in the field of foreign and economic policies. Likewise, he reaffirmed that a special emphasis will be placed on the fight against corruption , as well as on promotion and consolidation of orderly and inclusive growth. 15:01 | Lima, Apr. 13. Likewise, the Head of State pointed out he feels a special bond with Canada since he served as Ambassador to the North American country. He went on to note that bilateral relations with said nation remain strong, as both countries rely on technical cooperation in technology and education fields. As is known, Peru and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) linked to the Mutual Accountability Framework for Development Cooperation back in 2016. For his part, Trudeau highlighted the role played by the South American country at the United Nations Security Council , which it joined last January. In addition, he remarked his country supports Peru's accession to the aforementioned economic bloc. "Peru can rely on Canada as a friendly nation," he added. Both authorities also agreed to continue expanding foreign trade , as well as to focus on making it inclusive in favor of the population. It must be noted the Inca country's main agricultural products exported to Canada include fresh grapes, mangos, and quinoa At the event, President Vizcarra was joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio, and Deputy Minister Hugo de Zela, among others. The Canadian delegation was composed of Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, Chief of Staff Katie Telford, Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor John Hannaford, Global Affairs Policy Adviser Patrick Travers, and Ambassador to Peru Gwyneth Kutz. (END) NDP/JAA/MVB As'ad's Bio As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants. Whatever we may think about abortion, shouldnt everyone brought up in our tradition of free expression feel uneasy about this weeks decision to ban pro-Life campaigners from setting up shop outside a clinic where terminations are performed? Before I go any further, I should declare an interest. My wife is a strongly committed pro-Lifer, who works for the boss of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) and although my views are perhaps not quite as uncompromising as hers, I am firmly on her side in the debate. I wish that people wouldnt close their minds to SPUCs arguments. Whatever we may think about abortion, shouldnt everyone brought up in our tradition of free expression feel uneasy about this weeks decision to ban pro-Life campaigners from setting up shop outside a clinic where terminations are performed? Indeed, its a measure of how dominant and intolerant social liberalism has become in modern Britain that Mrs U has come to dread being asked what she does for a living. Its not that shes ashamed of her job on the contrary, shes proud of it and enjoys the fulfilment of working for what she regards as a hugely important cause. Its just that in the metropolitan, middle-class circles in which we move, you will often hear a sharp intake of breath around the dinner table when she mentions she works for SPUC. Reaction A frisson of embarrassment tends to grip the company, putting a dampener on the whole evening, as if she had confessed to working for the Ku Klux Klan. In fact, of course, my wifes views on the moral value of human life, from the moment of conception to the grave, are shared by billions of people around the globe. They are held by every mainstream world religion and church Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and more and have been espoused by philosophers for millennia. Yet this cuts no ice at the parties we attend, on the increasingly rare occasions when were asked. Imagine the reaction at a BBC staff meeting if anyone were to admit to supporting Brexit, and youll get the idea. I should also declare that my wife donates a modest monthly sum (or to be more accurate, I give it at her instigation, since my higher tax rate makes the gift aid top-up worth more) to a charity called the Good Counsel Network (GCN). This is one of those affected by Tuesday nights Public Space Protection Order, issued by Ealing Council in West London to keep campaigners away from the entrance to the local Marie Stopes abortion clinic. Now, with my weakness for seeing both sides of an argument, I can well understand the thinking behind the councils order. For more than two decades, six days a week, 52 weeks of the year, members of the GCN have gathered on the grass verge outside the clinic to pray, sing hymns and try to persuade pregnant women to seek alternatives to abortion. Indeed, its a measure of how dominant and intolerant social liberalism has become in modern Britain that Mrs U has come to dread being asked what she does for a living As anyone can imagine, this must be irritating to local residents. Nor is it hard to see that it could be upsetting to women whove taken the traumatic decision to terminate and dont want anyone to renew any doubts or try to change their minds at the last moment. Let me also put it on record that I do not for one moment defend the bullying tactics allegedly adopted by some anti-abortion protesters outside clinics. No matter how strongly they may feel about the sanctity of human life, it strikes me as cruel to shout murderess at women arriving for terminations, or to torment them by calling them mum and thrusting teddy bears into their hands. How much this goes on, I just dont know. It is even possible that rogue members of the GCN may have resorted to such conduct, which is said to be increasingly widespread among anti-abortionists in the U.S. All I can say, because I have Mrs Us word for it, is that the people who run the group disapprove strongly of bullying and regard it as counter-productive. They see it as their mission to show kindness to women who may be having doubts and to offer them practical help with alternatives whether financial support, within their limited resources, or advice on putting babies up for adoption. Fanatics In the huge majority of cases, perhaps needless to say, their efforts come to nothing. But on those rare occasions when they succeed in persuading women to carry a pregnancy through to childbirth, the results are often profoundly moving. They say the mothers concerned almost always bless them ever afterwards for talking them out of abortion and helping them through. Yet from the way groups such as the GCN are portrayed in the liberal media, you would think these kindly, predominantly mild-mannered and middle-aged Christians were dangerous fanatics, spewing religious hatred. I think of a Channel 4 Dispatches programme entitled Undercover: Britains Abortion Extremists which claimed to have infiltrated the network. Complete with wobbly shots from a hidden camera and indistinct recordings with subtitles, it was made to appear almost as if the documentary makers had risked their lives to unearth the truth behind a sinister terrorist organisation. Yet GCN has never made the slightest secret of its mission, methods or purpose, while the programme told us nothing that we wouldnt have learned if the camera had been held rock-steady and in full view, with a decent quality sound recording. This kind of casual dishonesty is typical of campaigners who call themselves pro-Choice (by which naturally they mean a womans choice of whether or not to abort never an expectant fathers, let alone that of an unborn life). All too often, they speak in euphemisms, designed to strip the abortion issue of any moral dimension, as if ending a potential human life has no more profound significance than having an appendix removed. Take this week, when a councillor interviewed on the news after Tuesdays vote said that Ealing had struck a blow to protect women seeking a legally available healthcare treatment. Honest Well, no one denies that abortion is legally available. But a healthcare treatment? Under the letter of the 1967 Abortion Act, thats what it ought to be, since terminations were supposed to be permitted only when two doctors certified independently that continuing a pregnancy would injure the physical or mental health of the woman or existing children, or if the baby was likely to be born severely handicapped. But lets be honest. While, yes, some cases genuinely meet these criteria, the great majority of the 190,406 abortions carried out in the UK in 2016 simply dont. Only by stretching the meaning of the words injury to health to snapping point does healthcare come into the equation. Or take that oft-repeated platitude of the pro-Choice lobby: No woman takes the decision to have an abortion lightly. Again, this is true of a great many women who will testify that the decision was one of the most agonising of their lives. But no woman decides lightly? How, then, can it be explained that nearly 40 per cent of those 190,406 operations performed in 2016 were repeat terminations? No, the fact is that abortion is increasingly seen as an accepted and commonplace procedure, with doctors and clinics ignoring the law and simply rubber-stamping applications, with no questions asked. It has come to the point where an encounter with groups such as the Good Counsel Network can be a pregnant womans first contact with anyone prepared to put the other side of the argument, and reinforce instinctive doubts that so many women feel. Many of us have met women who went through with abortions and say theyve bitterly regretted it ever since. Isnt it a desperately sad reflection on our society that this historic Public Space Protection Order was directed not against violent demonstrators, yelling hatred of our way of life, but against well-meaning Christians, trying to do good? Should the BBC ever get round to a royal edition of Who Do You Think You Are? they would need an entire series just to cover the more exotic ancestry of the Queen. Besides all her regal ancestors whom we learn about at school, she is also a descendant of, among others, Vlad the Impaler, Robert the Bruce (twice over), Alfred the Great, a London plumber called John Walsh, a Bedfordshire clergyman and, wait for it, the Prophet Muhammad. For the big news across the Muslim world this month is the fact that the Queen not only has Islamic ancestors, but is directly descended from the founder of Islam himself. Reports and detailed family trees began circulating in respectable Moroccan newspapers some days ago, since when they have spread to the Middle East and beyond. There has been a broadly positive reaction to the claim that the Queen is a direct descendant of the founding father of Islam via Edward IV, Pedro the Cruel of Castile and a Spanish princess called Zaida. If this is confirmed, some Islamic scholars have even suggested that an extra title should be conferred on the Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. New honorifics suggested so far include amir al-mumineen (leader of the faithful) and sayyida (literally, a commander descended from the Prophets daughter Fatimah). Other responses have been less deferential, with one Arab blogger asking whether the national anthem might become Allah Save The Queen. This news suggests the Prince of Wales was very prescient when he professed an aspiration to be crowned as a multi-denominational defender of faith come his coronation. He has spent a quarter of a century promoting greater understanding between Islam and the West and established his own Oxford School of Islamic Studies. The study from Burke's Peerage first officially suggested the Queen's connection to the Prophet Muhammad So how strong are the claims? As it turns out, they are not without foundation. Last month, a Moroccan newspaper called Al-Ousboue claimed it had traced the Queens ancestry back 43 generations, starting with all the usual Hanoverians, Georgians, Stuarts and Tudors. The leap from school history books and up the Islamic route starts with Richard, Earl of Cambridge, the grandfather of Edward IV. His mother was Isabel of Castile, daughter of Pedro the Cruel, king of Castile. If we follow that line back through assorted kings of Castile and Portugal, we come to Alfonso VI, also known as Alfonso the Valiant, of Castile who was born in 1072, just six years after William the Conqueror was turning England upside down. Alfonsos wife, and the mother of three of his children, was Zaida. She was apparently a Muslim princess who fled the collapsing regime of her father Mohammet II, king of Seville. She sought refuge at Alfonsos court, became his mistress and converted to Christianity when she married him. It is from her, so its said, that the line goes all the way back to the Prophet Muhammad via her father. That is because Islamic scholars can connect Mohammet II (also known as Al-Mutamid ibn Abbad), king of Seville, directly to the Prophet via his grandfather Al-Qasim, King of Seville, and straight back to Muhammads daughter Fatimah. A study came out in 2008 from Burke's Peerage suggesting the Queen's connection to the Prophet Muhammad (pictured above, thousands of Muslims circle the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca) Got all that? It makes the feuds of the Plantagenets seem positively straightforward in comparison. According to the author of last months original Moroccan report, Abdelhamid Al-Aouni, the Queens link to the Prophet has been verified by one of the most senior scholars in the mainstream Islamic world, Ali Gomaa, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt. The theory was also propounded more than 30 years ago by the late Harold Brooks-Baker, the eccentric ancestor-worshipping editor of Burkes Peerage. He even wrote to then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher recommending extra security for the Queen because of her newfound Islamic connections. Not for the first time, the Palace thought he was off his trolley. However, Mr Al-Aouni is standing by his story and believes it comes at a fortuitous moment. It builds a bridge between our two religions and kingdoms, he says. Buckingham Palace has no comment to make on the matter. But royal officials cannot entirely pooh-pooh the reports, as the Palaces very own reference book confirms the link between the Queen and Zaida. The Royal Encyclopaedia, edited by the Queens former press secretary Ronald Allison, is accepted as received wisdom within the Royal Household. At the back, Appendix 2 contains lists of The Queens Antecedents. One traces the Queens ancestry over more than a millennium back via kings of France and a Ukrainian saint to Rurik, Grand Prince of Novgorod, 9th-century founder of the Russian monarchy. The other line follows the direct lineal connection from the Queen to Edward IV, various Iberian monarchs and all the way back to Zaida. So the strength of the Queens connection to the Prophet all depends on this mysterious Muslim princess. Some scholars say Zaida was not the daughter, but the daughter-in-law, of Mohammet II, in which case she was not a direct descendant of the Prophet. Others say she was not the mother of Urraca, Queen of Castile, who succeeded Zaidas husband, Alfonso VI. In which case the link to the Queen is not clear. We will never really know, says the distinguished historian Hugh Kennedy, Professor of Arabic at the London School of Oriental and African Studies. It is conceivable but improbable that the Queen descends from Zaida, let alone from the Prophet. However, he is confident that the Queen has some very illustrious Muslim blood, pointing out that her lineal ancestor is Caliph Haroun al-Rashid, the great ruler who would become a central figure in classic Eastern tales including the Arabian Nights and Sinbad. The reaction to the Queen's reported links to the Prophet have been mixed (pictured above, the Queen greets Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia earlier this year) His descendants married into the Bagratid kings of Georgia, from whom the Queen is directly descended on her Russian side. All this focus on the Royal Familys Muslim antecedents is certainly timely ahead of next weeks Commonwealth summit in London. For the Queen is Head of the Commonwealth and its principal religion is not Christianity but Islam, since it includes some of the worlds most populous Muslim nations including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Malaysia. Over the years, historians and genealogists have enjoyed unearthing unexpected royal ancestry. Thanks to the Queen Mother, for example, the Queen is the most Scottish monarch since James I and VI (and also descended from John Walsh, a London plumber whose granddaughter married the 11th Earl of Strathmore, the great-great-great-grandfather of the Queen). And the Duke of Edinburgh has some equally interesting lineage. His maternal uncle, Lord Mountbatten, not only claimed that the family were descended from the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, but had a personal theory that he was connected to the Native American princess Pocahontas. Given that the Duke is also a direct descendant of Queen Victoria, and thus of Edward IV, he can claim the same direct descent from the Prophet, too. We can safely say that St Georges Chapel, Windsor is not about to be converted into a mosque. Nor will the Queen be making a 3pm broadcast at the end of Ramadan. Even so, after all those years of regally asking members of the public whether they have come far, it might make a nice change for her to say As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you). Modern Britain can be split into two eras, comments a softly spoken man with a mournful smile: 'Before Stephen' and 'After Stephen'. The man with sad eyes is Mat Bickley, the cousin of Stephen Lawrence, who was stabbed to death by a gang of youths in a senseless, racially provoked attack 25 years ago this month. The killing would reverberate throughout every level of society, from the streets of Eltham in south-east London to the halls of Westminster and the highest offices of Scotland Yard. Stephen's murder provoked an outcry that became a national protest, with the Daily Mail heading the campaign for justice. It would lead to the exposure of institutional racism running deep in the Metropolitan Police, and have repercussions that are still spreading to this day. Now the story is told in forensic detail, in a BBC documentary trilogy to be screened on three consecutive nights, called Stephen: The Murder That Changed A Nation. Stephen Lawrence (pictured) was murdered 25 years ago while traveling home from a dance. A new BBC documentary reveals the fight for justice to put his killers behind bars At its centre is an 18-year-old man with a reputation for decency and hard work, from a family well respected across the community. And at the centre too is his mother, Doreen, who won the admiration of the entire country for her dignity in grief and her implacable determination to see justice done for her son. 'We're really proud of the series,' says director James Rogan candidly. 'The extraordinary story spans race relations, policing and corruption, as well as the deeply moving testimony from those most closely involved. 'What emerges, as the accounts come together, is nothing less than jaw-dropping. To call it the murder that changed the nation is no exaggeration.' The film would not have been possible without Doreen, who talks to the camera with an honesty and frankness that will leave no viewer unmoved. Though she has been fearless in her determination to confront both her son's killers and the establishment that protected them, she is a reserved woman who does not find it easy or comfortable to talk about her feelings. One abiding impression of the series is that Doreen Lawrence is an old-fashioned figure, far away from the 21st-century trend for emotional attention-seeking, who recoils from seeking the fashionable status of 'victim'. 'I find it weird, really,' she says at the outset, looking round at the camera crew, while an assistant checks the lighting and make-up. 'I don't enjoy it at all, but this is important because of how Stephen was killed, and the way we were treated as a family.' A touch of steel comes into her words. 'My son's been murdered,' she says, her shyness dropping away, 'and none of these officers, the justice system, the politicians, nobody cared. These idiots who murdered my son had more rights than we did.' A blush of self-consciousness crosses her face as she hears the passion in her voice. 'And also,' she adds with a faint smile, 'just to talk about Stephen.' For the first time, she opens up about her own childhood. Now aged 65, she was born in Jamaica and was left aged two with her grandmother while her mother came to Britain to begin a new life for the family. In Jamaica, it is common for children to be given a pet-name, and hers was 'Joy': she did not even know, she says, that her name was Doreen until she went to school. Neville and Doreen Lawrence (pictured left to right with Nelson Mandela) have continued to fight for justice for their son. Neville gained help in protesting from the Daily Mail When she was nine, her grandmother died and Joy came to Britain. The change came as a shock: her mother and stepbrother were strangers to her. She grew up in a mixed-race community with little sense of colour, an attitude she would instil in her own three children. 'At school,' she says, 'I didn't look at it as, 'I'm black and they're white'.' Two weeks after her 20th birthday, she married Neville Lawrence, a family friend. Looking back, she is shocked at how young she was but there's no doubting the couple were in love. 'Neville looked like one of those guys from the Four Tops,' she says with a giggle. 'He was very tall.' Neville, 76, a man of few words, sums it up: 'I saw her and for the first time, I thought about marriage.' Their first son, Stephen, was born two years later in 1974. James Rogan, working with film-makers Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees, who won Oscars for the 2015 documentary Amy, about Amy Winehouse, has left no stone unturned in his search for evidence of the boy as a youngster, long before his murder turned him from a student with dreams of being an architect into a tragic national symbol. My son's been murdered and nobody cared- Doreen Lawrence We see photos of a toddler with bright eyes and a huge smile. 'Stephen was a very ordinary kid with a disarmingly big grin,' says his cousin Mat. Snatches of home video show him at a family gathering, a diffident teenager shying away from the lens. There's even a glimpse of him in the audience for a Channel 4 culture show, The Word. He was a talented athlete, training with Cambridge Harriers. Growing up, Stephen's best friends were the white children next door. But the streets around their London home were not so colour-blind, and in the early Nineties a series of black teenagers were fatally stabbed in local gang attacks by white youths. The police appeared powerless to investigate. On 22 April, 1993, on their way home from a dance just after 10pm, Stephen and his friend Duwayne Brooks missed their bus and, after waiting uneasily at the bus-stop for a few minutes, decided to walk. The documentary tracks down Alexandra Marie, a Frenchwoman then working as an au pair, who remembers seeing the boys: 'They were chatting, joyful and lively, doing dance steps. I thought, 'Wow, they look very cool!' As Stephen and Duwayne reached a nearby roundabout on Well Hall Road, a gang of white youths on the other pavement started hurling foul and racist language at them. One came at them with a weapon, and the others followed. Duwayne turned to run but Stephen stood his ground: 'He was always of the view that if you didn't do anything wrong you shouldn't run,' Duwayne says, his voice choked. The Mail's front page in 1997 accuses Gary Dobson, Neil Acourt, Jamie Acourt, Luke Knight and David Norris of the killing of Stephen Lawrence Stephen fell in a flurry of blows and kicks. As the gang left, Duwayne ran back to his friend who initially seemed only dazed. Then he collapsed. Duwayne tried frantically to flag down passers-by and cars for help. When an ambulance and police finally arrived, officers appeared to disbelieve his story from the first Duwayne thought his friend must have been struck with an iron bar, when in fact he had been stabbed. Stephen died of blood loss before reaching hospital; Duwayne spent the night being questioned at a police station. Police enquiries at the family home seemed equally loaded. Doreen and Neville, prostrated with shock, were asked repeatedly to give the names of Stephen's black friends. No weapon was found but officers produced a glove recovered from the scene: to his horror, Neville felt they were implying that his son had gone out to commit burglary. The murdered boy was being painted somehow as a criminal. The authorities refused to accept the murder was racially motivated. 'Getting police to treat something as a racist crime was almost impossible,' says the Lawrences' lawyer, Imran Khan. Doreen's grief was palpable, harrowing - Stephen's Cousin Mat The family's pain shocked everyone who knew and loved them. 'Neville was the sort of guy who would chuckle a lot and that just ended,' remembers Mat. 'The sense of grief it was really hard to be around Doreen after that, it was so palpable. There were waves of grief radiating off her. It was harrowing.' Disinclined to believe Duwayne, the police seemed unlikely to make arrests until South African president and anti-apartheid crusader Nelson Mandela happened to visit south London. He met the Lawrences, and a photograph of him with Doreen made national headlines, including in the Mail. This was no longer a local murder, and the next day, by coincidence or not, the police arrested five youths. Two detectives who were senior investigators in the Stephen Lawrence murder have been coaxed to talk to the film-makers. 'I honestly don't believe,' says one, 'there was any linkage between Nelson Mandela or anything he said, and the timing of the arrests.' Neville's response, on seeing that clip, is wordless but eloquent: he simply says, 'Hmmm...' Without strong evidence against the attackers, and with only Duwayne's fragmented recollections of the attack, police did not press charges. It seemed everyone in the community knew the names of the killers, and detectives had multiple tip-offs, but mere rumour would not stand up in court. It took four years before an inquest into Stephen's death. Pictured: Stephens memorial plaque in Eltham Duwayne felt police were going out of their way to discredit him as a witness casting doubt on his reliability after an identity parade, and arresting him on suspicion of causing criminal damage at an anti-racism protest. The fight for justice seemed all but stalled... but for a remarkable coincidence. After the protest, the Mail sent a reporter to talk to the Lawrences who were keen to distance themselves and Stephen's memory from any unrest on the streets, however well-intentioned. Neville wondered aloud whether he could speak to the Mail's editor, and asked for his name. 'Paul Dacre,' said the reporter, and offered his phone number. No need, said Neville they knew each other. A skilled plasterer, Neville had done work for Mr Dacre at the home he was renovating. 'I think a neighbour recommended that Neville Lawrence was a very good plasterer,' the editor says. 'I remember this very quietly spoken, very sensitive man. 'I said, 'If you want to put the record straight, give us an interview.' And sure enough, a couple of days later, the Mail carried a full exclusive interview with Doreen and Neville. He made it very clear he didn't want anything to do with the protests.' Doreen Lawrence (pictured centre) now Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon revealed she hasn't forgotten Stephen and still wants justice Two of the five accused of murdering Stephen (pictured as a young schoolboy) stood trial for his murder in 2011 So began an alliance that would rock the British justice system and the Metropolitan Police to their roots. It would be four years before an inquest was held into Stephen's death, when a jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing in a completely unprovoked, racist attack. The gang of five suspects all refused to answer any questions at the inquest, and still the police seemed powerless to prosecute. Determined not to let the five escape scot-free, the Mail took an unprecedented step. Their pictures were published on the front page, on 14 February, 1997, under the headline: 'MURDERERS. The Mail accuses these men of killing. If we are wrong, let them sue us.' Paul Dacre describes the momentous decision to run that front page. 'I remember the last day of the inquest very, very vividly. I remember him [Sir Paul Condon, the then Met Police commissioner] saying that he bet his life the five suspects were as guilty as sin the tragedy was the police couldn't get the evidence necessary, the CPS wouldn't back them in a prosecution, but he was absolutely certain they were guilty. 'One sensed the palpable frustration. That night, the nine o'clock news showed the suspects and the arrogance with which they insisted on the privilege of silence. These guys were taking the p*ss out of British justice. A timeline of the Stephen Lawrence murder case April 22, 1993: Stephen is stabbed to death in an unprovoked racist attack in Eltham, South-East London. Within days Neil and Jamie Acourt, Gary Dobson, Luke Knight and David Norris are identified as prime suspects. July 1993: Prosecutors drop a case against Neil Acourt and Luke Knight. Months later an inquest is halted amid claims of 'dramatic' new evidence. April 1996: An Old Bailey private prosecution brought by the Lawrence family against Neil Acourt, Knight and Dobson collapses. February 1997: An inquest jury finds Stephen was 'unlawfully killed by five white youths'. The next day this newspaper accuses all five men under the front page headline 'Murderers'. February 1999: The Macpherson report finds police guilty of an appalling catalogue of mistakes and 'institutional racism'. April 2005: The double jeopardy principle, preventing suspects being tried twice for the same crime, is scrapped for certain offences when there is compelling new evidence. November 2007: Scotland Yard confirms it is investigating new forensic evidence. May 2011: The Court of Appeal agrees Dobson's 1996 acquittal for the murder can be quashed and he can be put on trial again. January 2012: Dobson and Norris are found guilty of Stephen's murder. September 2016: Police announce they have received 'significant information' after a fresh appeal to identify a woman whose DNA was found on a bag strap left at the murder scene. April 2018: Scotland Yard admits it has no new lines of inquiry in the investigation into Stephen's murder and is preparing to shelve it. Advertisement 'At that moment I picked up a layout pad and I wrote down the word 'MURDERERS' in huge type and underlined it. If you haven't worked on newspapers you don't understand the sheer tyranny of the clock to get the last page to the printers by 9.45pm. 'Huge tension. We were doing something pretty cataclysmic. But you trust your instincts, you go with what you believe is right.' None of the five took legal action over that headline. In the public eye, their silence no longer protected them: it was as good as an admission. The effects of that front page were momentous. A far-reaching inquiry into racism within the Met followed, with the Macpherson Report of 1999. That report also led to changes to the law that ended the ancient legal tradition of double jeopardy, the rule that a suspect could not stand trial twice for the same murder. Two of the five accused by the Mail, Gary Dobson and David Norris, stood trial for Stephen's murder in 2011, following a 'cold case' review, and in the light of 'new and substantial evidence'. They were found guilty and jailed for life. Norris had been convicted and jailed with another of the five, Neil Acourt, for racially aggravated harassment, in another case. Acourt's brother Jamie was named in 2016 as one of Britain's most wanted fugitives, believed to be hiding in Spain over suspected drugs offences. The fifth, Luke Knight, is believed to be still living in Eltham: he has since claimed he was suffering psychological problems brought on by threats from anti-racist campaigners. But a greater measure of justice is the way Stephen's death still resounds. Director James Rogan says, 'Cressida Dick [now commissioner of the Met] said she could not think of a more impactful case or public inquiry, and it shaped her thinking about policing.' The investigation into that fateful night is still ongoing. For Doreen, now Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, the fight continues. 'People may think I've moved on and got over Stephen's death,' she says. 'I haven't. I don't think I have come through the other end. All I want is to get justice for Stephen.' Stephen: The Murder That Changed A Nation, Tuesday-Thursday, 9pm, BBC1. A plus-size blogger has revealed she was told to cover up after she wore a string bikini. Anna O'Brien, 33, from Cleveland, Ohio, is best known on social media as @glitterandlazers and has built a sizable audience thanks to her Instagram account and YouTube channel. However, the fashion-loving advocate for body positivity has revealed that she was told to cover up her body while wearing a string bikini in Las Vegas, despite being surrounded by women in pasties. Cover up: Anna O'Brien, 33, from Cleveland, Ohio has revealed she was told to 'cover up' while wearing a bikini in Las Vegas Loud and proud: The blogger who is best known on social media as @glitterandlazers revealed that she found it 'ironic' that the 'thin girls in thongs and pasties' weren't told the same No shame: The body positivity advocate frequently posts pictures of herself in swimwear on her social media accounts 'I find it ironic that Ive taken photos in swimsuits all over the world and the one place I was told to cover up was Las Vegas. Sure, thin girls in thongs and pasties are A OK but a plus girl in a full coverage suit, trying to take an epic editorial shot- now thats just too much,' she captioned a shot of her posing in an ornately decorated hallway while wearing a leopard print bikini. 'Jokes on them though, Id already gotten the perfect photo. They cant erase this happened,' she added. Although Anna was proud to pose for and post the photo to social media, she added that her attempt to push boundaries and offer an alternative interpretation of the 'bikini body' has been frequently met with criticism. 'Its more than just a girl in the city of sin in a bikini, Its a statement. We will be seen. Were not hiding anymore. And were going to wear whatever we want, wherever we want. Not just in Vegas. EVERYWHERE,' she wrote. 'Change is coming; the question is are you going to stand in the way or help us push through?' And it seems Anna's bold statement has resonated with her followers as they have taken to the comments section in their droves to offer words of encouragement, praise and support. Instagram user @mosdefsteph_ wrote: 'I cannot tell you how happy it makes me that you got the shot you were there for and that they cannot take that away! I am so tired of the idea that being big means you have to wear a parka and a floor length skirt. Thank you for pushing this issue and for letting people know that its ok to love the skin you are in'. Pushing it: Although she's happy to push boundaries, Anna also shared that she's frequently subjected to criticism online Support: Anna's bold statement has resonated with her followers and they have taken to the comments section in their droves to offer words of encouragement, praise and support Stunner: Hundreds of women have commented that Anna's photo has given them the courage to embrace their own bodies A sentiment shared by @juliaalegra who typed: 'Stunning, fearless and graceful! This is one of the most beautiful pictures of you. You give me hope that I can be proud to be different too!' While @antoniettelara commented: 'You make me so proud to be a woman. Not perfect but real!!! I love you and the body positivity!' Fan @thegrumpynat shared: 'Thank you for your brave attitude. I wish wed met 20 years ago, when the mobbing I had to go though in school started. Im glad that the next generation has role models like you. Keep going'. And @fragments_of_fi felt moved enough to write: 'Brilliant! Such an icon Anna! I know it's not a big deal to do something so normal like wear a bikini, but to do it when so many feel it's wrong, clearing the way for it to be normal for every one is simply nothing but wonderful and magical.' However not everyone had positive things to say, with several people taking to the comments section to suggest Anna was promoting an unhealthy body image. Username @laurenlmg88 typed: 'Pushing boundaries is great but also pushing for a healthy body is exceptionally important if you want to keep blogging and making a difference with the boundaries you push, long-term. Not hating, just suggesting.' And @lotusdahlia_xo said: 'I'm sorry I do not want to be rude at all, but perhaps this weight is not good for your health. Body image should not be about vanity and if you are projecting yourself as a public role model, do you not want young girls to know how important it is to take care of your health by eating properly and exercising? Stereotypes are meant to be broken, yes absolutely, but not at the cost of health.' Happy: One person shared that Anna's image made them feel happy and joyful Emotional: Another fans revealed that her picture made them feel emotional Rocking it: One woman encouraged Anna to 'keep rocking that beautiful body' Slay: Another fan commended her bravery for sticking up for those who do not have a voice online However some Instagram fans proposed that Anna's experience was not because of her size or shape, but because Vegas has strict rules about wearing swimwear indoors. User @alliyogi shared: 'Vegas is the only place they tell you to cover up when your inside of hotels and other places. Its not just you on this one. I was running through a hotel with a coverup on but it was open and I got yelled at for skin showing and Im a size 4. Vegas is extremely strict unless youre at a pool'. And @if_you_start_now suggested: 'Saw this and before I read the caption was like "wow" but then "Im surprised she could get away wearing a bikini in somewhere like that". Maybe the UK is different but Ive worked in tourism and had to tell people to cover up even on really hot days. That men with shirts off or women wearing shorts and a bikini top or similar. If youre at a hotel/ tourist attraction in the UK I would expect to be told to cover up and I am not overweight. Maybe American culture is different but I dont think its unreasonable to be asked to cover up in a private place'. Beauty guru Huda Kattan might well be the head of a multi-million dollar make-up business - but that doesn't mean that the Instagram sensation doesn't love a bargain. In a new video, the 34-year-old influencer reveals that she has become 'obsessed' with face oils, but says that she hasn't bothered shelling out for the big-ticket oils on sale in stores. Instead, she says, she has been making them herself at home for just a fraction of the price. Scroll down for video Showing the way: Beauty blogger and expert Huda Kattan, 34, reveals how to make face oils at home for a fraction of the price of fancy versions on the market Sharing the knowledge: Huda explains in the video how she is 'obsessed' with the skincare products Taking it on: She even includes a recipe that mimics Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil - a product that retails for $47 'Most facial oils cost from $40 to $80. I'm going to teach you how to make your favorite oil for under $10,' she says. One of these oils is a reproduction of the popular Kiehls Midnight Recovery Oil, which costs $47. Huda's own version however, costs just $6.78 In her video tutorial, Huda starts by revealing her supplies, all of which she ordered from Amazon. She makes sure to purchase all-natural, 100 per cent organic products - which also happen to be incredibly cheap. In the video, she runs through DIY recipes for four different skin types: normal/combination, oily, and dry. In a post on her website, Huda's team explains: 'Face oils are made of two different types of oil, a carrier oil and an essential oil. 'A carrier oil will act as the base, while the essential oil is much more potent and will have more healing and nourishing power.' Stocking up: She buys all her oils from Amazon, making sure they are 100 per cent natural Bringing the info: She describes how each oil is beneficial as she mixes the concoctions As for the mixing part of the recipe, only one or two drops of essential oil should be added to every 30ml of carrier oil. For oily skin, Huda mixes a solution made up of jojoba oil for reducing oil production and anti-aging, eucalyptus oil for reducing pimples and inflammation, and grapeseed oil for hydration. 'Mix all three ingredients together in a glass bottle and apply at night after you moisturize your face,' she says. For dry skin, Huda opts for camellia oil for hydration balance, sea buckthorn berry oil for scar reduction and rose oil for brightening. Combination/normal complexions best go with grapeseed oil, lavender oil for soothing breakouts and geranium oil for texture, according to the beauty mogul. Lastly, to create the Kiehls' copy oil, Huda goes for the product's key ingredients: lavender oil (two drops), evening primrose oil (15ml), and squalane oil (15ml). While the real thing has a host of other ingredients including skin-conditioning agents and perfume compounds, sticking to these key ingredients for a home version costs a whopping $40.22 less than the brand-name one. Rival Papers in Chelsea Former Sun Times staffers launch the Guardian. by Shelley Daily Published in April, 2018 At the end of last year, Tom and Charla Hamilton left their advertising jobs at the Sun Times News. By mid- February, the husband-and-wife team had launched a twelve-page weekly, the Chelsea Guardian, delivered free to Chelsea residents and businesses. The Hamiltons are printing 5,900 copies of their "hyper-local" paper, which will cover city government, school board meetings, and arts and entertainment, and have a "huge focus on high school sports," Tom Hamilton says. "Anybody who gets a newspaper and gets a picture of their child or grandchild, they still want to be able to cut those things out--to have those things for their family." He should know. Before the Sun Times, he worked in advertising for Heritage newspapers from 2012 to 2014, which included the Chelsea Standard, the last print newspaper devoted solely to Chelsea. "The pay wasn't really great," Hamilton says. "So I said in order to make this work, you need to hire Charla too. They hired her on the spot." But when Heritage's new owner, Digital First Media, combined six local papers to form Washtenaw Now, he left for the Sun Times. In 2015, Washtenaw Now folded, and that same year Charla joined the Sun Times to work for him, after a brief stint in pharmaceutical sales. "One of the great lessons I learned from the Sun Times [is that] these community newspapers are actually doing very well," explains Hamilton. "It's the larger, more regional ones--the Detroit News and Free Press--that are struggling ... they have all this legacy debt ... Our overhead is so skinny, and you have to keep it that way, because you can't afford not to." Hamilton says they left the Sun Times because it was "moving to a more regional view ... and we wanted to bring it back to Chelsea." The quick turnaround on the Chelsea Guardian was possible, he says, because "I had a relationship with the post office and other places in town so I knew ...continued below... how it operated." They also "tapped into our former life," he adds--two of their freelance writers, Dave Merchant and Don Richter, wrote for the Chelsea Standard.Hamilton says they have no hard feelings for their former employer. But Sun Times publisher Bob Nester and managing editor Wendy Wood wouldn't say the same.Wood emails that they determined, "based on performance, [that] providing TCH Advertising (Tom and Charla Hamilton) with access to our financial data and decision making, along with a salary for the position of Director of Sales and Marketing was no longer a sound business decision."Nester emails that Tom Hamilton "used his position as a trusted employee to acquire information regarding our business model and client base to launch a competing print product in the Chelsea community."The Sun Times delivers 24,000 copies weekly to residents of Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Manchester, and Ann Arbor, and distributes another 500 free copies at local businesses. "We have covered news and sports in the Chelsea area for nearly a decade and are incredibly thankful to be the publication of record for the community," Nester writes. "Our commitment to our readership and supporting advertisers is stronger than ever."DLisa Allmendinger, who's heading into her sixth year publishing her online daily, the Chelsea Update, believes "there are so many stories going on in Chelsea that there's plenty of room for everyone. The city is better served by multiple news sources."Allmendinger says she isn't worried about losing ad dollars to the Chelsea Guardian because each news source, including the Sun Times, has a "different business plan and philosophy." The online model, she says, works for her as a "one-woman show" and allows her the flexibility to travel. Thesalinepost.com and welovedexter.com continue to offer local online coverage as well. But for the Hamiltons, Tom says "print is our bread and butter." They don't even have a website yet, though they plan to update the newspaper's Facebook page with breaking news.Tom, forty-five, and Charla, thirty-four, met in Pikeville, Kentucky--a city about as big as Chelsea--where Charla grew up, and where Tom's parents live. Charla's parents share a driveway with Tom's parents, and after Tom visited one Thanksgiving, Charla left a note on his windshield telling him to drive safely and asking him to visit her the next time he was in town. They've been married for ten years, and owned a sports bar in Kentucky until the Heritage job lured Tom back to Michigan, his home state."We make a good team ... we've been working together so many years," says Charla. "I'm very organized, and I do a good job of keeping him calm. We balance each other out. I'm more quiet and reserved. He's more outgoing."They commute from their home in Allen Park, spending many of their days in Chelsea's coffee shops and businesses and frequently staying overnight at the Comfort Inn. Charla, who reviewed Purple Rose Theatre shows for the Sun Times, says their newspaper will give her the opportunity to do more writing--and says she looks forward to having "more control over the editorial process." [Originally published in April, 2018.] A luxury Sydney salon offering hairdressing services and cosmetic procedures is now serving customers with alcoholic drinks. Christopher Hanna, a medi-spa clinic, offers customers anti-wrinkle injections and neck lifts while they indulge in champagne or have a nibble at the bar. This has health experts worried the salon is 'trivialising' cosmetic surgery, although the owners claim they're not breaking any rules. 'I would say that this is unorthodox, there is often a degree of trivialisation of these types of treatments,' Gazi Hussain, Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons vice-president, told The Daily Telegraph. A luxury Sydney salon offering cosmetic procedures is now serving customers with alcoholic drinks Customers are able to have anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and nonsurgical face and neck lifts at the salon on Bridge Street. Co-founders Guy Binder and Sam Badwai said they followed all industry regulations. They also explained that all procedures were signed off by a doctor and administered by a trained professional injector. 'We understand that the concept may seem over the top to some people but at the core our number one priority is to provide top-level and safe service to our clients,' Guy said. One of the salon's employees, Natalia, told FEMAIL that clients were able to have a drink following the procedures. 'We do not advise drinking before any procedures, that's absolutely a no, it's for the salon only,' she said. 'They're all told to try and avoid alcohol afterwards but that decision is up to the client.' This has health experts worried that the salon is trivialising cosmetic surgery, although they're not breaking any rules 'I would say that this is unorthodox, there is often a degree of trivialisation of these types of treatments,' Gazi Hussain, Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons vice-president, told The Daily Telegraph The Australian Medical Association NSW president, Brad Frankum, said that people's health should come before their appearance. 'We know injectables are a trend on the rise but it is important these procedures need to be administered by a qualified person,' Dr Frankum said. The salon, which specialises in hairdressing first offered up caviar, oysters and cocktails alongside haircuts and blow-drys. 'This idea may have been done before but I thought we could re-imagine it and make it even more opulent,' Sam previously told FEMAIL. Co-founders Guy Binder and Sam Badwai said the medi-spa followed all industry regulations There is a hand-selected menu that provides nibbles including a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and chicken liver parfait At the medi-spa clinic, Christopher Hanna, customers are also able to get a drink or have a nibble at the bar that has been incorporated The luxurious salon offers $100 bottles of champagne and $5,000 bottles of whisky. You can also order an espresso martini with a side of caviar, which costs between $145 and $250. There is a hand-selected menu that provides nibbles including a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and chicken liver parfait. Customers are able to have anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and nonsurgical face and neck lifts The concept of having a drink while you get a blow-dry certainly isn't new but the bar and salon hybrid has taken it to a whole other level 'We wanted it to stand out from the rest so aimed to make it an entirely blown up bar and make it a full experience,' Sam added. He explained that it isn't only their hairdressing experience that makes them stand out from the crowd as he thinks the location adds something extra. They have certainly gone all out, with plush velvet seating lining the walls and the curved bar, which took six months to build, featuring copper and black marble. Above, there's tiered shelving displaying a vast spirit selection and magnums of Champagne. Television presenter and co-host of The AFL Footy Show Rebecca Maddern has given birth to a baby girl named Ruby Mae. The 40-year-old and her husband Trent Miller - who have kept the sex of the baby a surprise throughout the pregnancy - welcomed their first child on Thursday night. Radio presenter Ben Fordham announced the exciting baby news on the Today show on Friday, saying the parents were overjoyed with the latest addition to the family. Television presenter Rebecca Maddern has given birth to a baby girl named Ruby Mae The 40-year-old and her husband Trent Miller welcomed their first children on Thursday night 'Can I share some wonderful breaking news with everyone? My beautiful friend Rebecca Maddern gave birth to a beautiful little girl,' Fordham said. 'Little baby girl Ruby Mae Miller was born last night. She weighed 7.5 pounds [3.4kg] and is absolutely beautiful. Mum and baby are fantastic and dad is pretty happy too. 'So to Trent, Rebecca and little Ruby Mae - she's been so excited about this and the delivery has arrived.' Last month, Rebecca revealed why the couple wanted to keep the sex of the baby a surprise for them. 'I've always maintained that I didn't want to find out. I just felt like it was one of the greatest surprises in life - a true legitimate surprise - there was no cheating,' she told 9Honey last month. The Geelong-raised journalist, who experienced morning sickness early on in the pregnancy, said that her baby would be a cats supporter. 'My child will be a Cats supporter. There's no debate, no changing, no just going with what your friends do at school. If they like AFL, they will be a Geelong Cats supporter.' The couple had kept the sex of the baby a surprise throughout the pregnancy The new mum has been documenting her preparation in the lead up to the arrival of her baby In the lead up to giving birth, Rebecca shared a photo with her 81,000 followers of the nursery she had set up in her home. 'Love natural light filled rooms EXCEPT when you want a little person to sleep!' she said on Instagram. 'The reoccurring piece of advice from everyone who knew I was expecting was - make the nursery dark.' She previously expressed her gratitude about falling pregnant at her age and opened up about her struggles to conceive. The pair kept the sex of the baby secret - and they decorated the nursery with neutral colours 'I have fallen pregnant when I'm 40 and that's an extraordinary thing to happen. It really is a minor miracle. I'm enjoying and relishing every day,' the journalist told the Herald Sun. The Australian Ninja Warrior co-host also said she and her husband had been trying for a baby for some time but it hadn't been smooth sailing. 'When it happened, that's why there were all these emotions, I was overjoyed and I couldn't believe it until it was real,' she told the publication. 'Until you get to the 12 and 13-week mark you worry, but then when you get to that, there is a collective sigh of relief.' Bootss latest super serum, a 38 tube of gloop called No 7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum There was a definite whiff of anticipation and excitement on the High Street this week. The subject on everyones lips and the backs of their hands, squirted there by eager sales assistants was Bootss latest super serum, a 38 tube of gloop called No 7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum, that comes with the bold promise of being able to knock five years off the appearance of skin. Its launch a public relations and marketing stroke of genius has seen the biggest hype since, well , Bootss last publicity coup 11 years ago, when its Protect & Perfect range hit the shelves. While the store is a master at blowing its own trumpet, it was a BBC2 Horizon investigation in 2007, in which dermatologist Professor Chris Griffiths concluded that the Protect & Perfect serum was as effective as far pricier lotions, that created the first of many sales stampedes. Rationing even had to be enforced as shoppers queued out of the door and 20 weeks worth of product sold in just one day. This week, the hysteria was back again, as 17,000 people across the UK added their names to a waiting list to be among the first to purchase a tube of the so-called miracle product. One sold every two seconds, both online and in-store, on the first day of sale on Wednesday. Packaged in a clear plastic 15ml tube, with a pointy top and twisty bottom, the serum a much more concentrated version of the original is designed to be rubbed directly into wrinkles. The bottle bears more than a passing resemblance to the sort of syringe that might be used to administer Botox, no doubt leading consumers to hope for similar, albeit more natural, results (and also giving it a hint of medicinal gravitas). Unlike many other anti-ageing products that use Retinol a substance which is basically pure vitamin A and said to increase skin cell turn-over and collagen production the key ingredient in the No 7 range is a curiously named ingredient called Matrixyl 3000 plus. This claims to prompt the production of fibrillin, the building blocks of elastin, a protein which plumps and holds up the skin, giving it its spring, thus minimising the appearance of wrinkles. It all sounds very impressive, but does it actually work? I went to investigate . . . WHATS THE SCIENCE? Comparing facial skin to a mattress, Dr Mike Bell, Boots skincare scientific adviser, says that fibrillin is like the springs, plumping it out and giving it bounce. It is very sensitive to sun and light which, over time, causes fibrillin to break down leading to lines and wrinkles. The three peptides (the smaller building blocks of proteins) which make up Matrixyl 3000 plus combine to restore the fibrillin, smoothing out the skin and reducing lines and wrinkles, says Dr Bell. In our trials, it didnt matter what the age of the consumer was, or the severity of their wrinkles, we saw similar results skin which looked up to five years younger. In their effort to get better results from products, Dr Bell says the researchers, working in conjunction with a skin research team at the University of Manchester, had two options: to increase the quantities of Matrixyl or create lotions targeted at specific problem areas. We decided to do both, by making it seven times the concentration of the original 2007 formula, and designed to be rubbed directly into lines and wrinkles, he explains. We had to make sure that the results were clinically relevant, so that dermatologists could see them, and consumer-relevant, so that the majority of people on the trial were able to see them. And were proud to say that this is the first time weve been able to achieve a clinically proven reduction in signs of age by up to five years. Quite a large number of people can achieve that, but for some it will take longer. DOES IT WORK? Officially, yes, it does. As part of the testing process, 50 human guinea pigs used line correcting serum on one half of their face and ordinary cream on the other. The results were strictly monitored by Clearcast, a non-governmental organisation which assesses the content of TV adverts. To approve their claims, 20 per cent needed to have turned back the clock in the appearance of their skin age by more than five years. And considering the advertising campaign is up and very much running, we can safely assume it did. Anti-ageing experts: When No. 7 launched its Protect & Perfect serum 11 years ago, women queued for hours to get their hands on a bottle. In Boots consumer trials, 98 women testing the product reported a visible reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, after one week. Within a fortnight, they saw visible improvements in six targeted wrinkle areas which were the forehead, crows feet, lips, between the brows, under the eyes and in the nasolabial folds, which run from nose to mouth. Having applied the serum for two months, nearly three-quarters of the 81 testers who had been considering Botox said they were less likely to have the treatment. Among a further 81 women who had previously had Botox, 80 per cent reported that the line-correcting lotion gave them better results than they thought possible from skincare, while almost three-quarters said they would delay their next round of Botox injections. A smaller group of 31 women, who used it for three months, saw a reduction in wrinkles equivalent to turning back the clock by up to five years. Rather cannily, instead of being a replacement for existing face and neck serums, or creams, Boots says that this latest invention, which has been in development for ten years, is designed to be bought and used in conjunction with a womans existing skincare regime. WHAT EXPERTS SAY Theres still a healthy amount of scepticism in the medical world. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr David Jack is unaware of any clinical evidence independent, randomised trials in which the effectiveness of Matrixyl 3000 plus has been measured against a placebo to support its wrinkle-banishing claims. Likewise, he believes that Boots assertion it can reverse the signs of ageing by up to five years would be difficult to quantify. Any research I can find has been done by the companies which manufacture or promote this product, so that takes away the neutrality needed in clinical trials, says Dr Jack. As a woman of a certain age (just turned 50), I have been a devotee of the No 7 Protect & Perfect range ever since its launch in 2007, and friends have complimented me on the smoothness of my complexion There is far more evidence available supporting the benefits of vitamins C and E, found in many products, for skin health. Also, I dont know how you could prove a five-year reduction in skin age as it is such a subjective thing. Its not just about lines and wrinkles, a reduction in the thickness of skin is another marker of age. While recognising that packaging the serum in a syringe-like tube is clever marketing, making it look quite scientific and medical, Dr Jack says it is unlikely to achieve the same results as injectable Botox, which freezes muscles. Nevertheless it can smooth out the appearance of wrinkles without the obvious drawback of an invasive treatment. There is nothing to suggest this would be as effective as Botox or fillers, which produce quick, visible results, he says. Of course, it doesnt carry the same risks (pain, swelling, bruising and droopy eyelids) either. And if you are averse to more invasive treatments, or even alongside them, skincare ranges definitely have a place. THE WAITING LIST The serum went on sale via the Boots.com website at 3am on Wednesday, when the first tubes were sent out to the 17,000 who had put their names on a waiting list. When the stores opened their doors at 9am, the serum was on sale, amid much fanfare. According to industry insiders, the waiting list was a clever trick. Customers were invited to add their names to the list which made it appear that this anti-wrinkle potion could be tricky to get your hands on. Sales are very encouraging were selling one every two seconds, a spokesman said. We have a group of real No 7 fans who are so keen to be the first to hear about anything new that they wouldnt have needed to be asked to put their names on the list. What she didnt mention, was that customers were enticed, via social media, to add their names to the list by the offer of being entered into a prize draw to win one of ten No 7 100 gift cards. Sophie Hill, PR and events consultant at The Beauty PR Experts, says: Creating this type of hype around a product is pretty rare nowadays, as consumers and journalists are wise to it. Boots is in a fairly unique position in that, as well as being a huge High Street name, with a great deal of engagement through its website, it had the success and hype of the previous product range to help promote this new product prior to launch. Its important not to hype too early, as people lose interest, but you have to leave enough time to get all your messages out, more than once, to pique the interest of the relevant people. And, according to Dr Jack, the cost of such a campaign is likely to run into hundreds of thousands, if not millions, so Boots is surely confident of making that, and much more, through sales. The bottle bears more than a passing resemblance to the sort of syringe that might be used to administer Botox, no doubt leading consumers to hope for similar, albeit more natural, results WHOS BUYING IT? Well . . . me actually. As a woman of a certain age (just turned 50), I have been a devotee of the No 7 Protect & Perfect range ever since its launch in 2007, and friends have complimented me on the smoothness of my complexion. However, given its impossible to do a like for like comparison with another me who has used different creams for the past decade, Im prepared to believe my relatively youthful complexion has more to do with genes: my mother was pretty smooth-skinned. Still, that doesnt stop me forking out around 65 every couple of months on tubs of day and night cream, plus a tube of serum for good measure, just in case. Will I be buying this latest product? Yes, I probably will. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles may be used to a lavish lifestyle but it would seem the royal couple is just as happy staying in less salubrious surrounds. The couple was recently in Australia to open the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and during this trip, they also toured other areas, including the Northern Territory. While you would expect royalty to stay in only the most luxurious of hotels, the monarch-in-waiting stayed at Mantra on The Esplanade - a four-and-a-half star hotel in Darwin. Prince Charles (pictured centre) was photographed staying at the Mantra on The Esplanade in Darwin The four-and-a-half star hotel offers sweeping views of the city's harbour and easy access to Darwin's city centre The hotel, which offers scenic views of city's harbour and central access to the capital, has rooms for as a little as $130 a night. Clearly thrilled by their royal guest's choice, the hotel shared a photo to Instagram showing Prince Charles walking through their lobby. 'Mantra on The Esplanade in Darwin had a very special visitor this week,' they captioned the post. The cost of a room at the hotel can be as little as $130 a night The entryway to the Mantra on The Esplanade There are a range of accommodation options available from a standard hotel room to a one bedroom apartment to a penthouse suite 'Prince Charles stayed at the property during his visit to the Northern Territory, thoroughly enjoying his stay at the hotel. 'Well done to the team for ensuring the Royals had an exceptional visit!' According to information on the hotel group's website, there are a range of rooms available. These include standard rooms, priced at $139 a night, one bedroom apartments for $219 a night and a two-bedroom penthouse suite which can cost anywhere upwards of $489 a night. The visit to Australia was Prince Charles' 16th and Camilla Parker-Bowles third Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles were recently in Australia to open the 2018 Commonwealth Games While visiting the Northern Territory capital, Prince Charles was invited to lay a wreath at the Darwin war memorial to honour those who had died in service While visiting the city, the future king met soldiers and dignitaries and laid a wreath at the Darwin war memorial to honour those who had died in service. The visit to Australia was Prince Charles' 16th and Camilla Parker-Bowles third. During the Royal Tour, he and the Duchess of Cornwall spent time together in Brisbane and Bundaberg. Prince Charles continued the tour to Cairns, the Gove Peninsula and Darwin. Prior the tour's official start, the royal couple reportedly stopped off for a few days to visit friends in the regional NSW town of Gundagai, located 86 kilometres east of Wagga Wagga. The Tour officially wrapped on April 10 following Prince Charles' visit to Vanuatu. A young woman who has been diagnosed with both cervical and breast cancer all before turning 30 has revealed her plans to start a family with her fiance, with the help of a surrogate. Still just 28, Helen Johnson, who says she has always 'longed' to be a mother, faced a double whammy, when she found a pea sized lump in her breast exactly a year after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. Helen, from Bolton in Greater Manchester, froze her eggs after learning she had cervical cancer when she was 27, just 14 months after her first ever smear test - which was clear. She had been warned that the gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment she underwent to tackle the 5cm tumour on her cervix meant she was unlikely to be able to get pregnant. Now Helen, who is now cancer free and due to marry project manager, Tom Miller, 26, next year, has told how they hope to become parents using a surrogate mother. Helen Johnson, now 28, seen with her fiance Tom Miller at a friend's wedding, has battled cervical cancer and breast cancer Helen, seen left with a friend, says she has always longed to start a family of her own 'Knowing I would never be pregnant was so sad, as I was desperate to start a family and carry a baby,' said Helen. 'I also felt guilty for Tom, for robbing him of that, but, as always, he was so supportive, saying we'd have a great life together no matter what. 'But I've always wanted to be a mum, so we won't be giving up on that. I don't know when we'll do it, but our perfect solution will be to use a surrogate instead.' Helen, who is on sick leave from her role as a customer services assistant, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in July 2016, over a year after her first smear test, in March 2015 - which all women are offered aged 25 - came back clear. In May 2016, she had a day of heavy vaginal discharge, together with mild back pain and, in July, she decided to see her GP. Helen and Tom are planning their wedding and looking forward to starting a family She said: 'I was very frank with him about the colour and everything about the discharge. I didn't feel embarrassed, as I knew that's what he needed to know if he was going to find out what was wrong with me.' Referred to the Royal Bolton Hospital for a colposcopy - a procedure to examine the cervix - a small amount of tissue was also taken for biopsy, revealing that Helen had cervical cancer. 'The tumour on my cervix measured 5cm, meaning it must have grown that big since my smear test,' she explained. 'I was totally devastated. Everything they were saying to me was a blur. The Macmillan Cancer Support nurse came in and the first thing I asked was, 'Will I be able to have children?' 'I'd longed to be a mum, I knew I was meant to be one, so the idea that it might never happen to me was truly heartbreaking.' Told she needed five weeks of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, followed by brachytherapy, where radioactive material is inserted directly into the cancerous area, and warned she may never carry her own child, Helen also saw a fertility specialist at St Mary's Hospital in nearby Manchester. Sadly, not only did chemotherapy cause damage to the ovaries, leading to infertility, but her treatment would also send her body into menopause. This meant she would need hormone replacement therapy, (HRT) to regulate her hormones and reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis, which are exacerbated by a lack of oestrogen. At the fertility hospital, before the treatment started, Helen had her eggs frozen, so she and Tom could use a surrogate in the future. Helen, seen left, and right while undergoing chemotherapy, said doctors found a 5cm tumour on her cervix Then, still in shock, as she came to terms with everything, a month after her diagnosis, on August 4, 2016, Tom proposed. Helen recalled: 'We'd come back from the hospital and decided to go for a walk. Within just a few weeks, I'd discovered that not only did I have a 5cm tumour, but I wouldn't be able to carry my own child, after the gruelling chemo and radiotherapy I was facing. 'Tom and I were just crying our eyes out on a bench we always sit on at Rivington reservoir, when he asked me to marry him. 'I was concerned about not being able to give him a family in a conventional way, but he said it didn't matter. We'd work it out and he loved me so much, he'd always be there for me. 'I kept thanking him, as I was so grateful to him.' Her gruelling treatment started a month later, lasting for five weeks and, at the end, she was relieved to hear that the cancer had been removed. In the January she started combined HRT, consisting of the female hormones oestrogen and progestogen. Going for check-ups every three months at Manchester's specialist cancer centre, the Christie Hospital, Helen started putting her life back on track. Then, in July 2017 - exactly a year after her diagnosis - she found a pea-sized lump in her left breast. She said: 'It felt like the cruellest twist of fate. 'Tom and I had planned to go to Manchester for a meal on July 15th, to mark the year anniversary since my diagnosis, but, on that morning, I woke up and, lying in bed, felt a lump on my left breast. 'Panicking, I asked Tom, 'Do you think this feels like a lump?', it was pea-sized and hard, moved around when I touched it. 'He confirmed it felt like a lump, but said it was probably nothing. I was in full-on fear mode, though, having just got over my first cancer trauma, and I couldn't face a second one.' Going straight to see her doctor out of hours that day, she was referred to the breast specialist at Lancashire's Chorley and South Ribble Hospital later that month. There, a biopsy revealed that Helen had stage one breast cancer and would need a lumpectomy to remove the 1.5cm tumour, as well as more chemo and radiotherapy. While some HRT treatment can be a risk factor for breast cancer, Helen's was confirmed to be triple negative, meaning the three most common receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growthoestrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene were not present in her tumour. Despite the heartache, the young couple are refusing to give up on their dream of children Helen, seen left and right with a friend, was diagnosed with cervical cancer 14 months after her smear test results came back clear 'The doctors said they had no idea why I developed breast cancer at such an early age and that the two cancers were unconnected. It could have just been bad luck. 'But I still began resenting my own body and other people, thinking, 'Why me? Why again?' But I knew I had to stay positive,' she added. Starting her treatment on October 4 last year, Helen lost her hair, eyebrows and eyelashes because of the chemotherapy. 'That was one of the worst parts, losing so much of what makes you a woman,' she said. Tests also revealed that she had an unknown variation of BRCA2, one of the faulty genes causing breast cancer, which will require regular monitoring, but does not need preventative treatment, like a mastectomy. Told she was cancer free, following her last radiotherapy session last month, Helen is now putting her efforts into raising awareness of both cervical and breast cancer. She said: 'I didn't go for my smear test immediately when I turned 25, not because I was scared, but because I was busy. 'I would advise people always to go straight away, though, as it could save your life. 'And never let embarrassment hold you back. If I hadn't been as brutally honest with my doctor about my symptoms as I was, I'm sure I wouldn't have been diagnosed nearly as fast. 'Now I'm looking forward to my wedding and to starting a family one day, but if I hadn't been treated so quickly, my future could have looked very different.' An aspiring model with psoriasis told how she has been rejected from jobs because of her skin condition. Celia Martinez, 27, from Guadix, Spain, was diagnosed with the condition at 16 after small, red marks began appearing on her stomach. The painful sores spread to the point where it affected 90 per cent of her body, including her face. After initially feeling self-conscious of her skin, Celia now proudly displays her natural beauty with her more than 10,000 Instagram followers - even when she is suffering from painful flare-ups. Celia Martinez, 27, from Guadix, Spain, was diagnosed with the condition at 16 after small, red marks began appearing on her stomach. The condition can now affect 90 per cent of her body The aspiring model posts photos of her skin on social media, documenting her flare-ups Celia revealed she has struggled to book some modelling jobs because of her condition. Pictured, the 27-year-old at a photo shoot on a day when she did not have a flare-up But despite her success, casting agents are still reluctant to book Celia for shoots, claiming the sores would have to be edited out of the final image. Celia said: 'In terms of my work as a model and in photo sessions, it's true that sometimes they've even said, "Celia we can't work with you because of your skin condition. You don't have the requirements, you need to have perfect skin and it's going to be a lot of work to edit it".' The 27-year-old said she is also hurt by comments from people who ask whether the condition is contagious and say 'how disgusting' she looks. But she is determined to use the criticism as fuel to further her own career. Celia shares body confident posts to encourage others to embrace the way they look The social media star can be left in excruciating pain when she suffers severe flare-ups, left The sores can affect the majority of Celia's body, including her face, during a bad period 'When I'm in the street and people look at me badly, when they said horrible things, in that moment I said, "I'm going to be on top of this, I'm not going to let any one humiliate me, or let anyone speak badly about me". 'I think that this has made me accept it even more and to cope with it better.' Celia admitted it was initially difficult to accept her skin condition, saying she felt 'like a freak'. 'To give you an idea, it felt like a drop of oil had fallen on my skin and it had burnt me,' she said. The Instagram star said the condition no longer affects how she feels about herself 'From there the marks kept getting bigger, it hurt more and got itchier. After two or three days it usually starts to bleed, it starts to dry out and of course it starts feeling even more painful and even itchier.' WHAT IS PSORIASIS? Psoriasis is an immune condition that occurs when a sufferer's skin cells are replaced in just a few days rather than the usual 21 to 28 days. This causes an accumulation of skin cells that build up to form raised plaques, which can be flaky, scaly, red and itchy. Some sufferers have a family history of the condition. Triggers for flare-ups include stress, certain medication, hormonal changes and skin injury. There is no cure. Treatment usually starts with topical creams and gels. Source: Psoriasis Association Advertisement Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not yet fully understood, weather, stress and certain foods can all trigger outbreaks. Recently Celia suffered an outbreak that lasted for about a year and was so severe she was forced to leave her job as a mechanic. She said: 'I suffered from a lot of fevers, a lot of pain and I felt awful. I also had problems with my nerves, anxiety, and everything came all at me at once. It was the worst it's ever been for me.' Celia's boyfriend, Jose Antonio Jimenez, 32, praised the way she handles her condition. He said: 'When Celia has an outbreak she just gets on with it. Every time a sore appears, it feels like a burn and of course she reacts. She doesn't cry, but it hurts her a lot. 'Most people, including me, we couldn't stand it like that, so she endures it really well. Obviously the itching and the pain is really tough, but if she was someone else they wouldn't be able to stand it like her. She bears it really, really well.' While psoriasis is a chronic condition, Celia hopes that her career as a model and social media star will allow people to see first hand that you can still be beautiful while having a skin condition. Celia was praised by her boyfriend, Jose Antonio Jimenez, 32, pictured, over how she handles her condition The aspiring model said she hopes there will one day be a treatment to help her condition She said: 'In the future I hope and I believe that I'll finally get the right treatment for me. Of course it's a disease that lasts forever, but if some of the symptoms that really make me feel bad can be reduced a bit, it will allow me to fully live the normal life that I want. 'It's gotten to a point where I really don't care. It irritates me and it hurts but physically it's not something that bothers me at all. 'When my doctor said that this would be for life, I made a promise with myself that I would love myself more than ever.' A brave Tessa Jowell revealed her positive attitude towards her brain tumour battle as she visited a cancer centre today. Dame Tessa, 70, who who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour last year, spoke about her condition while at Maggie's Barts, at St Bartholomew's hospital, in London, on Friday. When a patient wished her well, Dame Tessa, who had a glioblastoma multiforme tumour, replied: 'I'm going to be fine,' the Evening Standard reported. The outing marked the former Labour MP's first public appearance since her daughter's wedding three weeks ago. Scroll down for video Tessa Jowell with and chief executive of Maggie's, Laura Lee, during her visit to the cancer centre at St Bartholomew's hospital in Smithfield on Friday Memories: Dame Tessa's visit today comes just three weeks after her daughter Jess Mills, 36, wed her partner of six years, fellow musician Finn Vine, in London (pictured) Daughter Jess Mills, 36, wed her partner of six years, fellow musician Finn Vine, in London. The couple are believed to have brought forward the wedding so Dame Tessa could attend. Today Dame Tessa spoke powerfully about the importance of keeping a positive attitude towards treatment. Speaking to users of the centre, she said: 'What all of us here today agree is that you have to be very clear that you are going to have to try [to live] another way. 'Its very tough, but its fine. One of the things I really hope will happen is that people who live with this every day can have a new way of having a different day and being who they are. I think there is much more we can all do. I hope that will happen.' The former Culture Secretary hit headlines when she made her powerful speech about her condition in the House of Lords in January, calling for patients to have better access to experimental treatments. And today she was once again wearing her 240,000-a-year skull cap which fires electrical pulses into her brain to treat her cancer. The pioneering device has been provided on a test basis by the NHS, with the costs covered by the manufacturer, US firm Novacare. Dame Tessa, former Labour Culture Minister, has been fighting the deadliest of brain cancers, glioblastoma, for almost a year. Average survival rate is little more than a year, and it has been discovered that her mutant form fails to respond to chemotherapy. Dame Tessa chats with Conor Mckeown during her visit to the Maggie's cancer centre today. She appeared to be wearing her skull cap underneath a woollen hat Dame Tessa speaks to Diane Butler. Today she was once again wearing her 240,000-a-year skull cap which fires electrical pulses into her brain to treat her cancer Lifeline: The pioneering device has been provided on a test basis by the NHS, with the costs covered by the manufacturer, US firm Novacare She is being treated with the device, called Optune, at Londons Charing Cross Hospital, by neuro-oncologist Matt Williams and is one of just a handful of patients using it. About 4,000 people a year in the UK develop glioblastoma, with Dr Williams estimating that the Optune device could help to buy more time for 1,000 treatment-resistant patients such as Dame Tessa. A trial of 700 people found that after two years of treatment, 43 per cent of patients receiving Optune electrode therapy alongside the chemotherapy drug temozolomide were still alive. Dame Tessa, former Labour Culture Minister, has been fighting the deadliest of brain cancers, glioblastoma, for almost a year Dame Tessa's Lords speech. The former Labour minister is being treated with the device, called Optune, at Londons Charing Cross Hospital, by neuro-oncologist Matt Williams and is one of just a handful of patients using it Bleak prognosis: Average survival rate is little more than a year, and it has been discovered that her mutant form fails to respond to chemotherapy This was in contrast to 30 per cent of patients treated with temozolomide alone. At five years, survival rate was 13 per cent compared to 5 per cent. In her Lords speech, Dame Tessa argued that brain-cancer treatments in the UK were not as good as in the rest of Europe, and called for better access to the latest treatments. Dr Williams says Optune is not a cure and the current costs are prohibitive. The device costs 20,000 a month to rent. The NHS wants to use it but we have to find a more economic model of treatment. The McCorquodales Sarah and Neil McCorquodale Lady Sarah McCorquodale, 63, is the eldest of the Spencer children. She dated Prince Charles in 1977 and introduced the royal to her youngest sister. She married Neil McCorquodale, a farmer and former officer with the Coldstream Guards, in May 1980. The couple have three children and two grandchildren. Close: Sarah McCorquodale, pictured, used to accompany her sister to royal events Emily McCorquodale Emily McCorquodale, 34, is the eldest of the McCorquodale brood. In 2003, aged 19, she was diagnosed with cancer while studying at Leeds Metropolitan University but was later given the all-clear. In 2012 she married husband James Hutt, whom she met on a blind date, in a ceremony in Lincolnshire, which was attended by Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The couple have two children, Isabella, three, and Henry, two. Returning the invite: Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge all attended the wedding of their cousin, Emily McCorquodale and James Hutt in 2012, pictured George McCorquodale Like Harry, George McCorquodale, 33, inherited the ginger Spencer curls. He is said to enjoy a close relationship with his cousins after joining them for family holidays on Necker, Sir Richard Bransons private island. Prince Harry was guest of honour when George married Bianca Moore, at Netherwood in KwaZulu-Nata, South Africa, in August 2016. Celia McCorquodale Bride-to-be: Celia, in her late 20s, announced her own engagement last November Celia, believed to be 28, made headlines in 2012 with an album of photos that showed her partying with friends at Leeds University. Celia will soon be following her cousin down the aisle. She announced her engagement to George Woodhouse on 13 November 2017. The Fellowes Family ties: Lady Jane Fellowes, 61, is Diana's elder sister. One of her godparents is the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent Lady Jane and Lord Robert Fellowes Lady Jane Fellowes, 61, is Diana's elder sister. One of her godparents is the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent. She is married to Robert Fellowes, a former Private Secretary to the Queen and first cousin of Ronald Ferguson, the father of Sarah, Duchess of York. In June 1999, Robert Fellowes was granted a life peerage as Baron Fellowes, of Shotesham in the County of Norfolk, after first being knighted as Sir Robert Fellowes. The couple have three children and four grandchildren. Laura Fellowes Laura, 37, is very close to William and Harry and is one of Princess Charlotte's godparents. She married equity analyst Nick Pettman in 2009 in Snettisham, west Norfolk, where her parents live in an old rectory. William and Kate were both guests. Laura writes fiction under the name Mave Fellowes her nickname is Mavis and has sons. Alexander Fellowes Alexander known as Beetle to friends is a 35-year-old investment banker. He married Alexandra Finlay at the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster in September 2013. Prince Harry attended the wedding. Alexander and Alexandra have two children, Robert, three, named after his grandfather, and 18-month-old Rose. Guest of honour: Harry was among the congregation when his cousin Alexander Fellowes married Alexandra Finlay in London in September 2013, pictured Eleanor Fellowes Eleanor Fellowes, 32, keeps a relatively low profile and is rarely seen at public events. She is believed to work as a probation officer and has published articles on issues relating to her profession. The Spencers Charles Spencer and Karen Gordon Charles, 53, the 9th Earl Spencer, is the most high profile of Princess Diana's siblings. In his eulogy at Diana's funeral, the journalist and broadcaster criticised the Royal Family and the Press on their treatment of his sister. In 1989 Spencer, then known by the courtesy title of Viscount Althorp, married his first wife, Victoria Lockwood, in Great Brington, Northamptonshire. The couple, who divorced in 1997, had three daughters and a son. Father-of-seven: Earl Spencer with wife Karen, with whom he has a daughter, five In December 2001 he married Caroline Freud, former wife of Matthew Freud. The couple had two children together, Edmund and Caroline. They divorced in 2007. Spencer married his current wife, Canadian-born philanthropist Karen Gordon, in June 2011 at the family seat of Althorp House. They have one child together, Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, named after his sister. The couple reside at the Spencer ancestral seat, Althorp House, which he inherited on his father's death in 1992. Lady Kitty Spencer High-profile: Lady Kitty, pictured at an event last week, is an established fashion model Lady Kitty Spencer, 27, has forged a successful career as a model, most notably appearing in campaigns for Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. The socialite, who is signed with Kate Moss's former modelling agency Storm, is a regular fixture at the world's hottest parties and is sure to cause a stir at the Royal Wedding. She is regarded as one of the most eligible young women on London's social scene, having split from her property tycoon boyfriend at the start of the summer. Lady Kitty grew up in South Africa and is now based in Fulham. Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer Lookalikes: Ladies Amelia and Eliza, 25, with their elder sister Kitty, 27, at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. All three are expected to attend Twins Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia, 25, share their elder sister's good looks but keep a much lower profile. Like their sister, the twins were raised in South Africa and attended university in Cape Town. In 2011 Lady Amelia appeared in a South African court accused of assaulting a man on crutches in McDonald's. She was cleared of all charges. Louis Spencer Louis, 24, is the fourth child and eldest son of Earl Spencer and will therefore inherit his father's estates and title ahead of his elder sisters. He studied at Diocesan College in Cape Town and later enrolled at the University of Edinburgh. Heir: Louis Spencer, 24, pictured in 2014, will inherit his father's estates and title Edmund and Caroline Spencer The Vanity Fair report makes no mention of Edmund and Caroline Spencer, Charles' children from his second marriage, receiving an invite to the royal wedding. As Edmund, 14, and Caroline, 12, are still young, they perhaps wouldn't attend the late-night after-party. Lady Charlotte Spencer Lady Charlotte Diana, five, is Earl Spencer's youngest child and his only one with third wife Karen. Like her half-siblings Edmund and Caroline, Lady Charlotte is not named in the Vanity Fair report and would be unlikely to receive a late-night party invite because of her age. If you've been putting off your spring cleaning, the prospect of earning thousands might be enough to encourage a wardrobe purge and a root through the attic. Research by Gumtree has found that the average household is overlooking equity of 2,589 in unwanted items from clothing to vintage crockery and tech. Now, in honour of National Decluttering Day, the site has enlisted 21st Century collectables expert, Tracy Martin, to identify the pre-loved items that could be worth a small fortune. Anything limited edition is almost sure to hold value, from a celebrity or designer clothing collaboration with a high street brand to a rare album or DVD. So, how many of these potentially valuable items do you have hiding at the back of the cupboard? A vintage Kate Moss Topshop dress could fetch as much as 350 if you have a sought-after piece (left). Lulu Guinness Roses Bucket bag can be worth as much as 500 Limited edition Converse trainers could be worth 100 or more in good condition FASHION Any high-street clothing from brand names such as Ted Baker, Karen Millen and French Connection sells well. But the real money lies in high street collaborations with celebrities and designers, such as Mary Katrantzou or Kate Moss for Topshop or H&M x Balmain with limited-edition dresses fetching up to 200-350 each. The same goes for shoes, such as limited edition Irregular Choice and Muppet or Andy Warhol Converse. SHOES 'The more unusual the shoes, especially by a good reputable shoe designer, the more likely to get great cash injection,' Tracy said. 'High-end designer shoe favourites, such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Sophie Webster, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin are also sought after and always sell from low to very high hundreds.' Which household items could earn you money? 1. Clothing from high street and designer collaborations Mary Katrantzou for Topshop, Kate Moss for Topshop, Balmain for H&M Potential value: 200-350 2. High-street shoes Irregular Choice and limited-edition Andy Warhol printed Converse can increase as much as 100 per pair on the original retail price, depending on the design and maker. Potential value: Irregular Choice, 200 plus, Converse 100 upwards 3. Designer handbags Cath Kidson, Radley, Lulu Guinness and Kate Spade Potential value: 300 to 500 4. First-edition books Dan Brown, Philip Pullman and George RR Martin Game of Thrones Potential value: 1000 plus 5. DVDs Classic Disney, Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings Potential value: 200 -300 6. Limited-edition CDs Queen The Ultimate Collection, Bryan Adams live in India, Madonna Erotica Gold Tour Potential value: 450 -500 7. Vinyl records Queen, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Oasis and Kylie Minogue. 200 - 1,000 plus 8. Licensed toys Power Rangers, Superheroes, Pokemon, My Little Pony, Sindy or Barbie, Paw Patrol and Lego 40 - 600 9. Game consoles Nintendo DS Consoles, Game Boy and vintage Atari Games Consoles will also prove collectable in the future. 100- 300 10. Kitchen and houseware, appliances and gadgets Alessi Michael Graves Whistling Bird Kettle, Royal Albert Country Roses 200, vintage 1950s coffee and tea sets Potential value: 100-500 Advertisement BAGS A high end designer bag in good condition, such as Gucci, can fetch thousands, but even the more affordable brands can fetch a pretty penny, especially for a rare item. 'The more decorative and unusual the bag the more it can command on the secondary market,' Tracy explained. For example, a Lulu Guinness Roses Bucket bag can be worth as much as 500 while her shop front bags could go for 300. A first edition copy of Game of Thrones could be worth 1,000 or more BOOKS It's worth checking your book shelves for titles you read years ago and have since forgotten, in case there's a first edition lurking. Modern books such as Dan Brown, Philip Pullman and George RR Martin's Game of Thrones can make from a few hundred to 1,000, MUSIC If you have any old DVDs and CDs lying around, it's worth checking through for any special editions. Tracy lists classic Disney, Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings DVDs as ones to watch out for. She added: 'Special edition collectors Steelbooks are also sought after, with Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead collections selling for 200 to 300.' Limited-edition CD box sets such as Queen The Ultimate Collection could sell for 250. A limited edition Madonna album could be worth up to 400 Meanwhile, bands and artist tour recordings are also valuable, such as Bryan Adams live in India and Madonna Erotica Gold Tour, depending on the artist, and whether it's a proof copy or signed. ENTERTAINMENT Vintage licensed toys or any varities that are hard to get hold of will get you the best return. 'Power Rangers, Superheroes, Pokemon, My Little Pony, Sindy or Barbie, Paw Patrol and Lego are all big on the toy collectors' scene,' Tracy said. She added, 'A Power Rangers Morpher can re-sale for between 40-60, and keep an eye out for Shopkins and vintage toys such as Sylvanian Families, which are already popular collectors' items.' Vintage Royal Albert country roses China is a sought after collectible Games consoles, such as Nintendo DC Consoles, Game Boy (100 if unboxed) and vintage Atari Games Consoles are also highly collected items. Tracy added: 'The Original Donkey Kong Arcade Game and watch could fetch between 250 - 300, so keep an eye out for these too.' KITCHEN APPLIANCES Kitchen and houseware, appliances and gadgets also made the list. Currently popular, Alessi products like Michael Graves' 'Whistling Bird Kettle', will can fetch you 60 to 100 for a second hand item and is likely to increase in value over time. Keep eye out for kitsch items like vintage Royal Albert 'Country Roses' Collection and vintage 1950s coffee and tea sets. Herself a mother of two and a keen supporter of children's charities, Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria is known to enjoy the company of little ones. The royal, 40, was snapped beaming as she met with schoolchildren in Blekinge. Princess Victoria was out for the Province Walk, a series of picturesque hikes set up to promote nature exploration in Sweden. Scroll down for video Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria, 40, displayed her maternal side as she stepped out for a hike through the country's picturesque Blekinge district on Friday Dressed in a navy blue pea coat, Victoria injected a splash of colour in a patterned oversized scarf, letting a glimpse of her crisp white shirt peek through. The mother-of-two wore her hair in a simple sleek bun, and completed her ensemble with a pair of jeans and comfortable trainers. She dropped in on a school in the area, where she chatted to children wrapped up in outdoor gear, and looked in on an art class. Victoria, the eldest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and heir apparent to the Swedish throne, greeted children during the Province Walk, designed to promote nature exploration Once inside the school she admired the children's paintings before posing for pictures outside She admired the children's paintings before posing for pictures outside. The Province Walk started in September 2017 and sees the Crown Princess partaking in landscape walks to experience a part of Sweden's uniquely accessible and varied nature. The eldest of two children, Victoria married former personal trainer Daniel Westerling in 2010 after a long-term relationship, and they are now parents to Oscar, two, and Estelle, six. She was seen greeting children at a nearby school, before visiting their classrooms and playground Dressed in a navy blue pea coat, Victoria injected a splash of colour in a patterned oversized scarf, letting a glimpse of her crisp white shirt peer through The mother-of-two wore her hair in a simple sleek bun, and completed her ensemble with a pair of jeans and comfortable trainers Last year Victoria opened up about the eating disorder she suffered as a 20-year-old model in 1997. Speaking to People, in a milestone interview ahead of her 40th birthday last July, she said: 'I wanted all the time to do and be so much more than I realistically could do, or could be,' she said. 'I needed time to sort things out and get my balance back again. 'I needed to get to know myself, discover where my limits were, not constantly push myself too much.' She was seen greeting bystanders outside the school during her picturesque walk I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army: T I P S 1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army She embarked on a gruelling exercise regime to get in shape ahead of her wedding last year. But it seems Pippa Matthews has no intention of slowing down now that she's happily married, as she popped into her local gym on Friday for a midday workout. Pippa, 34, looked to be in excellent spirits as she left the exclusive KX gym in Chelsea, where membership costs a eye-watering 575 a month. The Duchess of Cambridge's little sister wore a cosy roll-neck knit underneath a cropped navy jacket, which she teamed with a pair of skinny jeans. Scroll down for video Fell the burn: It seems Pippa Matthews has no intention of slowing down now her exercise regime that she's happily married, as she popped into her local gym on Friday for a midday workout All smiles: Pippa, 34, looked to be in excellent spirits as she left the exclusive KX gym in Chelsea, where membership costs a eye-watering 575 a month Nailing casual chic: The Duchess of Cambridge's little sister wore a cosy roll-neck knit underneath a cropped navy jacket, which she teamed with a pair of skinny jeans She completed her look with a pair of pink trainers, a leather crossbody bag and a pair of trendy round sunglasses. Also visible was Pippa's engagement ring, estimated to contain 3.5 carats surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds and believed to have cost a whopping 200,000. She has been keeping a low profile since sex allegations against her father-in-law, David Matthews, emerged - claims which the multimillionaire businessman strenuously denies. Pippa tied the knot with hedgefund manager James Matthews, 41, last summer and the couple live in Chelsea with their pet Cocker Spaniel and black Labrador. The one-time author has largely shied away from the limelight since tying the knot at the society wedding of the year, at a picturesque church in Berkshire. Preened to perfection: Pippa completed her look with a pair of pink trainers, a leather crossbody bag and a pair of trendy round sunglasses Family drama: She has been keeping a low profile since sex allegations against her father-in-law, David Matthews, emerged - claims the multimillionaire businessman denies Sparkler: Also visible was Pippa's engagement ring, estimated to contain 3.5 carats surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds and cost a whopping GBP 200,000 Prince Harry, Roger Federer and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the great and the good of the guest list. After their wedding, the newlyweds jetted to the French Polynesia for a luxury honeymoon before a stint in Stockholm to attend a society wedding. Back on home turf, the couple ensured they were well and truly in the limelight with three headline-grabbing appearances at Wimbledon in June. As the almost-royal beauty settles into family life with James, she prefers to keep her personal life under wraps - but is expected to step out for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, almost a year to the day since her own nuptials. Ivanka Trump seemed ready for spring as she stepped onstage for a press conference in Lima, Peru, donning a beige jacket with an eye-catching bird pattern. The first daughter, 36, landed in Peru earlier this week for the Summit of the Americas, and on Friday announced the launch of a new program, which she described on her Instagram Story as being focused on 'empowering women in Latin America'. During the press conference, Ivanka took the stage along with the Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan, dressed in the nude jacket with a pattern featuring green birds standing on branches among some foliage. Outfit: Ivanka Trump seemed ready for spring as she stepped onstage for a press conference in Lima, Peru, donning a beige jacket with an eye-catching bird pattern Conference: The first daughter, 36, landed in Peru earlier this week for the Summit of the Americas, and on Friday announced the launch of a new program for women Talk: Ivanka waved to the crowd as she stepped onstage to deliver her remarks on Friday She paired the jacket, which is thought to have been made by a local designer, with a cream tweed $ 1,850 Proenza Schouler dress, along with a simple pair of navy blue pumps. Ivanka kept the rest of her outfit simple, sticking to a wavy blowout with a middle part, and her trademark smoky eye and nude lips. In her remarks, she explained the program, which is in partnership with the State Department, aims to 'provide women in Latin America with access to capital, jobs, and opportunities to prosper'. The first daughter is currently in Lima as part of the US delegation at the Summit of the Americas, after President Donald Trump canceled his trip to the conference. Her announcement on Friday took place as part of the Business Summit of the Americas, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas. Center stage: She paired the jacket with a a cream tweed $ 1,850 Proenza Schouler dress Delegation: During the press conference, Ivanka took the stage along with the Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan (pictured at the microphone) Details: Ivanka kept the rest of her outfit simple, sticking to a wavy blowout with a middle part, and her trademark smoky eye and nude lips Envoy: The first daughter is currently in Lima as part of the US delegation at the Summit of the Americas, after President Donald Trump canceled his trip to the conference Snaps: Ivanka posed for a few group shots during Friday's press conference Sharing: She also documented the launch of the program on her Instagram Story Message: Ivanka has been tweeting in Spanish, including on Friday when she relayed the launch of the women's empowerment program on her feed Update: Earlier on Friday, Ivanka tweeted in Spanish that she was on her way to make an announcement with Acting Secretary of State Sullivan Moments: Ivanka also tweeted in Spanish about the dinner she attended on Thursday evening at the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana, along with other dignitaries She has made several appearances during her visit, which will extend into the weekend since the summit is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday. Ivanka has taken care to document her trip on her Instagram Story, and posted three short videos on Friday also document the launch of the women's empowerment initiative. She has also shared several tweets in Spanish about the various events she has attended throughout her visit, after posting a video of herself on her Instagram Story announcing her arrival in Lima, which she began with 'Buenos dias!' On Thursday evening, the first daughter stepped out for the first night of sightseeing of her trip to Peru, wearing a $3,519 red Calvin Klein ballgown. She flaunted her glamorous ensemble, complete with a pair of baby pink $1,495 Calvin Klein high heels, on her Instagram story Thursday evening. 'Arriving at Huaca Pucllana,' the 36-year-old wrote in a glitzy cursive script as she stepped out on the adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Outing: On Thursday evening, the first daughter stepped out for the first night of sightseeing of her trip to Peru, wearing a $3,519 red Calvin Klein ballgown Sartorial: The first daughter flaunted her glamorous ensemble, complete pair of baby pink $1,495 Calvin Klein high heels, on her Instagram story Thursday evening Event: After visiting the cultural site she went to a dinner for the CEO Summit of the Americas Huaca Pullcana is in the Miraflores district of the city, and once served as a ceremonial and administrative center for Lima between the years 200 and 700 AD. After visiting the cultural site, Ivanka went to a dinner for the Business Summit of the Americas, also known as the CEO Summit of the Americas. At dinner, she posted a series of photos to her Instagram with many of the other invitees to the conference. 'Dinner at the historic Huaca Pucllana with President Vizcarra, IDB President Moreno, US Cabinet Secretaries and CEOs, culminating a great first day at the CEO Summit of the Americas in Lima,' she wrote. Shots: At dinner she posted a series of photos to her Instagram with many of the other invitees to the weekend's conference. She is pictured at the dinner with the president of Peru Attendees: Ivanka is pictured with Peru's president Martin Vizcarra (left) , an Inter-American Development Bank president Luis Alberto Moreno Post: 'Dinner at the historic Huaca Pucllana with President Vizcarra, IDB President Moreno, US Cabinet Secretaries and CEOs,' she wrote The evening came after a busy day of touring businesses throughout Peru's capital. Earlier in the afternoon she stopped by a quinoa factory, where she learned about the production of the popular American health food. She also shared a number of snaps of this to her Instagram story - in which she can be seen following workers around in a white lab coat. 'Now... firsthand seeing the quinoa production process,' she wrote alongside a photo of herself with a palm-full of the grain. Before the visit, she toured the Lima Stock Exchange - again dressed to impress. Ivanka wore a $1,693 a navy blue and yellow floral-print silk-jacquard shirtdress featuring pearl buttons by Altuzarra, which she paired with navy blue ankle-strap stilettos. Visit: Earlier in the afternoon she stopped by a quinoa factory, where she learned about the production of the popular American health food Social media: She also shared a number of snaps of this to her Instagram story - in which she can be seen following workers around in a white lab coat Her long blonde hair was parted in the middle and straightened for her day of meetings, and she was sporting a smokey brown eye and glossy lips. On Thursday, and she excitedly took to Instagram Stories to document the beginning of her trip, saying in one clip: 'Buenos dias! I am here in Lima, Peru, for the Summit of the Americas conference, and I am really excited about my first stop, which is the Lima Stock Exchange, where I am going to meet with some incredible women business leaders from right here in Peru.' She was filmed in the backseat of a car with her seat belt sapped across her chest as she animatedly spoke about the day ahead of her. Ivanka went on to share a video of herself walking through the Lima Stock Exchange with CEO Francis Stenning, as well as a photo of herself sitting down during a roundtable discussion. 'Meeting with women business leaders based in Lima!' she captioned the image. Strike a pose: Ivanka was all smiles as she met with female business leaders in Lima, Peru, on Thursday 'Buenos dias!' Upon her arrival in Peru, Ivanka shared a video of herself waving at the camera and using a local greeting Busy: The first daughter took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday evening to share a video of herself arriving in Lima (left) before documenting her meetings the next morning (right) A retired librarian channeled her inner model as she proudly showed off her incredible transformation after being plucked from the crowd at the Today show plaza for an ambush makeover. Jenny Paynter, 62, from Clinton, Tennessee, traveled to the Big Apple with her best friends for a girls' trip that they had been planning for 45 years, and she was determined to start the next chapter of her life with a whole new look. 'I am a newly retired, tired librarian, and I am just so ready for a new look,' she told Today fashion expert Jill Martin on Thursday morning's show. Scroll down for video New woman! Jenny Paynter, 62, from Clinton, Tennessee, had an ambush makeover on the Today show on Thursday Excited: The former librarian was plucked from the crowd at the Today show plaza after traveling to New York City with her best friends Jill and celebrity hairstylist Louis Licari were undoubtedly impressed by Jenny's sign, which read: 'Tired and newly retired librarian needs some TLC. Pick me, please!' Although she had yet to see the results of her makeover, Jenny oozed confidence as she made her way across the stage. Her pals Theresa and Betsy went wild when she removed their eye masks and saw her dramatic transformation for the first time. 'Oh my gosh, you look fabulous,' Betsy said. 'You look like we did in college!' Looking for help: 'I am a newly retired, tired librarian, and I am just so ready for a new look,' she told Today fashion expert Jill Martin Happy as can be: Jenny was all smiles as she channeled her inner model and showed off her new look Stunned: When Jenny stepped out in a floral blouse and skinny jeans, her friend Betsy (right) exclaimed: 'You look like we did in college' Jenny had a similar reaction when she turned around to look at herself in the mirror. 'Oh my goodness,' she said. The former librarian couldn't resist striking a few poses in front of the mirror, and she was so enamored with her new look that Today host Kathie Lee Gifford had to prompt her to turn back around. 'Jenny you got a moment, hun?' Kathie Lee joked. Louis explained that Jenny was given a 'great haircut' that was kept a little longer in the front. He brightened up her hair color with highlights around her face, which he said gave her a 'va-voom factor.' Loving her new look: The former librarian couldn't resist striking a few poses in front of the mirror, happily showing off her new-found confidence Eye-catching: Jenny looked stunning in a floral blouse, skinny jeans, and fuchsia heels Before and after: Jenny's hair was cut into a flattering new 'do and she was given highlights Meanwhile, Jill dressed Jenny in a floral blouse featuring a pussy bow, skinny jeans, statement earrings, and hot pink pumps. Grace Forest, 60, from York Harbor, Maine, also received an ambush makeover on Thursday's show. Six years after she took up bodybuilding at the age of 54, Grace was hoping that a transformation would give her the motivation to pick up the weights again. When Jill asked her what she was looking for, Grace responded: 'I dunno, to look as pretty as you?' Then and wow: Grace Forest, 60, from York Harbor, Maine, also received an ambush makeover on Thursday's show Stunning: She was put in a figure-hugging red dress after she said she wanted to 'feel 30' again Amazed: Grace's friend Theresa and her brother-in-law Tim loved her new look She added that she would like to look in the mirror 'feel 30' again. Grace was joined by her brother-in-law Tim and her friend Theresa, and they were both floored when she unveiled her new look. While Theresa's jaw dropped, Tim couldn't resist joking: 'Where is she?' 'Oh my god! What the hell?' Grace said when she looked at herself in the mirror for the first time since the makeover. Shocked: 'Oh my god! What the hell?' Grace said when she looked at herself in the mirror All smiles: Celebirty hair stylist Louis Licari explained that Grace was given a significant haircut and he 'refined' her color to bring out her eyes 'Sorry, you said not swear,' she said while throwing her hands over her mouth. 'That's okay,' Kathie Lee assured her. 'Hell is in the Bible.' Louis explained that Grace was given a significant haircut and he 'refined' her color to bring out her eyes. 'Remember, small changes make big dramatic effects, and that's what we have going on here,' he said. In addition to her new 'do, Jill put her in a figure-hugging red dress, and her friend insisted that she looked 'amazing.' Donald Trump's attorney Michael Cohen enjoyed lunch at Barneys for the second time in a week on Friday, while his future was being decided at the hands of a US district judge. The 51-year-old is under criminal investigation for 'fraud', 'largely' over his personal business dealings, prosecutors revealed on Friday, however this news didn't seem to phase Cohen particularly, as he joined a group of cigar-smoking pals outside his New York hotel following his lunch. Cohen did not attend the hearing, instead choosing to send his own lawyers in his place, while he took advantage of the warm weather in order to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, dressing up for the occasion in a pricey plaid blazer by Italian menswear brand Isaia. Outing: Michael Cohen had lunch at Barneys for the second time this week while his future was placed in the hands of a US district judge Social: Cohen sent his own lawyers to the hearing and was spotted returning from his lunch outing in a pricey plaid blazer by the Italian menswear brand Isaia Pricey: A model similar to the one Cohen donned on Friday, made out of wool, linen and a silk blend retails for a whopping $3,225 Hello: After leaving his lunch at Barneys, the lawyer headed back to the Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue, where he is currently staying, to meet some friends Support: Cohen received a hug from a member of his entourage, while the rest of his pals waited to greet him Entourage: The attorney's friends seemed keen to show their support during the afternoon A model similar to the one Cohen donned on Friday, made out of wool, linen and a silk blend retails for a whopping $3,225. The lawyer paired his jacket with a white shirt and black pants, along with black shoes that appeared slightly scuffed. Cohen seems to be a fan of the brand, and was photographed on Thursday wearing another of its blazers, this time with a blue hound's tooth print. He was seen walking from his hotel to his apartment with a newspaper in his hand, once again having paired the jacket with a white shirt, black pants, and the same black shoes. On that occasion, he left his bottom suit button open, obeying one of the best known rules of menswear. However, on Friday, Cohen went against the grain and buttoned both of his buttons, despite etiquette rules that say the bottom one should always be left unbuttoned. He appeared to spend a relaxing day and got to enjoy the warm, sunny weather on a bench on the streets of New York City, sharing a laugh with a group of friends. Upon arrival at his hotel, Cohen was greeted by a warm hug from one friend, while others patted him on the back - no doubt in a show of support given his current legal situation. Not too bothered: He seemed to spend a relaxing day and got to enjoy the warm, sunny weather on a bench on the streets of New York City, sharing a laugh with a group of friends Chilling: One of Cohen's friends enjoyed a cigar while the six men made the most of the warm weather Relaxed: Cohen didn't seem to let the court hearing related to the FBI's raid of his office and residence as he chatted with his group of friends What's so funny? Someone appeared to crack a hilarious joke, prompting some of the men to giggle during their gathering Sharing secrets? A man leaned over Cohen as the attorney brought his phone up to his ear Awkward? One of Cohen's pals was carrying a copy of the New York Post, which featured a front page story about the lawyer's client Donald Trump, and former FBI Director James Comey On Monday, the FBI raided Cohen's Manhattan office and residence, and the hearing on Friday was held in response to Cohen's efforts to stop the government from using materials it found during the search. However, this news didn't seem to be particularly troublesome to Cohen as he relaxed with his friends outside his hotel, with more men joining the group later on. One man, who appeared to have a very animated conversation with Cohen while he was also speaking into his telephone, was carrying a copy of the New York Post which featured a front page story about Cohen's client Donald Trump, and former FBI Director James Comey. Cohen did appear a bit more somber at one point during the get together, when he walked away from the group in order to take another phone call - however he quickly returned to his friends to continue chatting happily. This is not the first day this week that Cohen has enjoyed a rather leisurely day - in fact, his lunch on Friday marked the second time he has dined at Barneys this week. On Wednesday, he ate out at Freds, a restaurant located on Barneys' ninth floor, on Madison Avenue. Cohen was accompanied by ad exec and MSNBC regular Donny Deutsch, and the two were photographed leaving the department store together after their meal. Center stage: According to one Twitter user, Cohen was joking that he wanted to send his mother all of the pictures being taken by photographers Quiet moment: At one point Cohen stepped away from the group in order to continue his phone conversation Support system: Cohen appeared happy to be around his friends, who certainly didn't look overly stressed by the court case Hi there: At one point, the lawyer even waved and smiled at the cameras, as he made his way inside the Loews Regency Deutsch had just sent a message to Cohen on Morning Joe that same day, saying during the TV program: 'I think Michael has a chance to be on the right side of history, frankly... Michael can have one of two legacies. 'Michael can have a legacy of spending time in jail and being one of all the president's men, the man. 'Or he can have a legacy in the history books that maybe changes the course of history and brings down this presidency. That's obviously very heavy on Michael's shoulders and decisions he has to make.' On Monday, federal agents raided Cohen's Manhattan office, seizing records on topics including a $130,000 payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels. Friday's hearing was meant to address Cohen's request for a temporary restraining order, through which he seeks to prevent the government from using materials it found at his office and residence. Lawyers for President Trump and Cohen told a federal judge that they believe some of the documents and devices seized from Cohen during the FBI raid are protected by attorney-client privilege, and they want a chance to review the material before prosecutors get to examine them. Uniform: He was seen walking from his hotel to his apartment with a newspaper in his hand, once again having paired the jacket with a white shirt, black pants, and the same black shoes Regular: Friday marked the second time Cohen had lunch at Barneys this week. On Wednesday, he ate out at Freds, a restaurant on Barneys' ninth floor, with Donny Deutsch Duo: Cohen was accompanied by the ad exec and MSNBC regular, and the two were photographed leaving the department store together after their meal Prosecutors and the attorneys for Cohen and Trump appeared before U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood on Friday in Manhattan. Cohen's attorneys said they want a chance to review documents seized in the raid on Monday and specify items they believe aren't relevant to the investigation. An attorney for the president, Joanna Hendon, told the judge that Trump has 'an acute interest in this matter'. Federal prosecutors said in a court filing that the criminal probe that led them to raid the offices of Trump's personal lawyer this week is focused on his 'personal business dealings'. In the filing with a court in New York, prosecutors blacked out a section describing what crime they believe Trump attorney Michael Cohen has committed. But they provided new details on the investigation, which they said has been going on for months. They said agents had already searched multiple email accounts maintained by Cohen. The filing said none of those emails was exchanged with Trump. Karl Lagerfeld has slammed the #MeToo movement while revealing that he is 'fed up' with models and actresses speaking up about the sexual harassment they have faced over the years. In an interview with French magazine Numero, the 84-year-old German designer suggested that models should know what they are getting into, while defending former Interview magazine creative director Karl Templer, who has been accused of 'aggressively' pulling down models' underwear without asking them. 'If you don't want someone pulling down your panties, don't become a model,' he said. 'Join a nunnery, there'll always be a place for you in the convent. They're recruiting even!' he said. Over it: Karl Lagerfeld told French magazine Numero he's 'fed up' with the #MeToo movement Not holding back: 'If you don't want someone pulling down your panties, don't become a model,' he said. Models Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber are pictured on the runway Controversial opinion: The 84-year-old German designer defended stylist Karl Templer (left), who has been accused of 'aggressively' pulling down models' underwear without asking them Lagerfeld is the head creative director of Chanel and Fendi, as well as his own eponymous fashion line, and he believes the accusations being made by models are making it nearly impossible for designers to do their jobs. 'I read somewhere that now, you have to ask models whether they feel comfortable when they are posing,' he said. 'That's opening the door to anything. From then on, as a creator, you don't do anything anymore.' No love: Lagerfeld said he hates disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein The designer said he didn't believe a 'single word' of the accusations against Templer, noting that 'a girl is complaining that he pulled on her panties and he gets excommunicated from an industry that, until then, worshiped him.' Fashion photographers Mario Testino and Bruce Weber have also been accused of sexual misconduct this year, while Kate Upton called out Guess founder Paul Marciano for 'sexually and emotionally harassing women.' But Lagerfeld has taken issue with the fact that that many of the women are sharing their stories of sexual harassment decades after it happened. 'What shocks me is all these starlets who needed 20 years to remember what happened,' he said. 'That and the fact there is no prosecution witness.' With that being said, he admitted that there was no love lost between him and disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. 'I hate him,' he said, adding: 'He is not what one might call a man of his word.' Lagerfeld also made it clear that he is not a fan of the fashion industry's rising designers Simon Porte Jacquemus, Jonathan Anderson, and Virgil Abloh, the new artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection. Blunt: Lagerfeld said he would rather 'commit suicide' than be stuck on an island with designers Simon Porte Jacquemus, Jonathan Anderson, and Virgil Abloh (left to right) On a lighter note: During the controversial interview, Lagerfeld joked that his beard was making him look like his beloved cat Choupette His love: The designer said that he and Choupette (pictured) share the same pillow, and she maintains his beard by licking it When asked to choose which one he would want to be stranded on a desert island with, he replied: 'I'd commit suicide first.' The interview did take a lighter turn when Lagerfeld discussed how his new facial hair makes him look like his beloved cat Choupette. He said that they are like an old couple, explaining that they sleep on the same pillow and Choupette maintains his beard by licking it. Over the course of his career, Lagerfeld has never been on to shy away from controversial comments. In November, he sparked outrage by evoking the Holocaust as he attacked German Chancellor Angela Merkel for opening the country's borders to migrants. He argued that his country 'cannot even if there are decades between them kill millions of Jews so you can bring millions of their worst enemies in their place.' Lagerfeld also blamed Kim Kardashian for being robbed a gun point, claiming she brought the horrific ordeal on herself by flaunting her wealth, and he made waves when he said no one wants to see curvy models on the runway. Several of the top medical journals in the US have found to be raking in millions of dollars from pharmaceutical companies, a practice that calls the reliability of those journals into question. Nearly two thirds of medical research in the US is underwritten by companies, totaling more than $100 billion annually. This is potentially problematic because companies have a financial stake in study results and thus could have an incentive to publicly report results that put them in a favorable light and conceal less flattering findings. Reports have revealed that many top medical journals may be financially motivated to publish the studies that are unfairly skewed in favor of drug firms both through printing fees and payments to journal editors. Journals profiting the most from their relationships with drug firms included the journal for the American Medical Association (JAMA), which gets 52 percent of its revenue from printing studies by pharmaceutical companies, and the journal for the American College of Cardiology (JACC), whose 35 editors rake in an estimated $15 million from companies each year. This week nephrologist Dr David Fung posted a column outlining why having a research industry that's under the thumb of Big Pharma should lead the medical community to doubt evidence based medicine, seen as the golden standard of research. A study published in October revealed more than half of medical journal editors have received payments from pharmaceutical companies. The average amount per editor at top journals is shown in the graph above 'Bribery' at the top A recent study revealed that many of the top journal editors have received tens of thousands of dollars from pharmaceutical companies, Fung wrote, citing an October 2017 report in the British Medical Journal. Editors are in charge not only of what studies are published in their journals but also who the peer reviewers of studies are. The researchers from University of Toronto examined a database with information on how much money each editor had received from industry sources. It found that more than half of editors at 52 journals studied had received money from industry sources with payments averaging $27,564 each. That number does not include payments for 'research', which are largely unregulated, which averaged $37,330. The biggest offenders were the 35 editors at the American College of Cardiology who each received an average of $475,000 personally and $120,000 in 'research' dollars, totaling just under $15 million, according to the study. JAMA editors were found to have received an average of more than $6,000 directly and $84,500 in research money. Diabetes Care editors received almost $97,000 directly and more than $212,426 in research money. The study also found that only 37 percent of the journals had conflict of interest policies. Income from printing blockbuster studies A 2010 report from the UK found that many journals get a large portion of their income from reprints, in which a pharmaceutical company will buy hundreds of copies of a journal containing a report that is favorable to that company. As a result, Dr Fung claims that journals are much more likely to publish studies done by pharmaceutical companies because they know it will bring in money from reprint fees. The report revealed that 53 percent of the American Medical Association journal's income is from reprinting fees. Similarly, the Massachusetts Medical Society journal gets 23 percent of its income from reprints and The Lancet 41 percent. In addition to these fees, blockbuster studies by pharmaceutical companies are more likely to be cited by other authors, giving the journals that publish them more visibility. A University of Oxford report compared the number of studies completed by drug firms versus the number that were actually published. Because companies have a financial stake in research outcomes they have an incentive to publish only findings that are favorable to them 'Skewed results in Big Pharma-sponsored studies' The largest problem with favoring studies by drug companies is that those companies have an obvious incentive to publish results that are positive for them, Dr Fung writes. Studies paid for by the pharmaceutical industry are 70 percent more likely to show a positive result than government-funded studies, according to a 2010 review by Children's Hospital Boston. This may be in part because findings are directly influenced by researcher perception, and when a researcher is being underwritten by a company they may be more likely to interpret results in a way that is favorable to that company, either consciously or unconsciously. For example, a 2008 report by Kent State University revealed that among studies of antidepressants, 36 of 37 reports with positive findings were published versus three of 36 with negative ones. As a result, a comprehensive review of published research would indicate that 94 percent of findings were positive when in face the real number was 51 percent. To put this into perspective, Dr Fung wrote: 'Suppose you know that your stockbroker publishes all his winning trades, but suppresses all his losing trades. Would you trust him with your money?' 'But yet, we trust EBM with our lives, even though the same thing is happening.' French pharmaceutical company Sanofi was one of the biggest offenders when it came to withholding study results, according to the Oxford report Dr Fung singled out French pharmaceutical company Sanofi, which completed 92 studies in 2008 but only published 14 of them. The findings of the published studies were all found cast a positive light on the drugs in question, and Dr Fung suggests that the remaining studies which made up the majority of the trials done that year probably showed less favorable results. 'This sort of rational behavior will happen now, and it will not stop in the future. But knowing this, why do we still believe the evidence based medicine, when the evidence base is completely biased?' he wrote. 'An outside observer, only looking at all published data, will conclude that the drugs are far, far more effective than they are in reality. 'Yet, if you point this out in academic circles, people label you a quack, who does not "believe the evidence".' Scientists have now created a tiny new sensor that can continuously monitor levels of alcohol in the blood. The device, which measures roughly one cubic millimeter, is injected beneath the skin and can be linked up to a smartphone. Alcohol levels in the blood can be displayed within three seconds, according to scientists at the University of California, San Diego. The device is in stark contrast to a breathalyzer, which requires people to breathe into it for at least seven seconds. For scientists have now created a tiny new sensor that can continuously monitor levels of alcohol in the blood Engineers who created the gadget hope it will be used to monitor alcoholics, and help therapists keep an eye on their progress. They claim current tools used for routine monitoring, which involve breathalyzers, are not as accurate as the new chip. A blood test is the most accurate method, but it needs to be performed by a trained technician - unlike the gadget. And tattoo-based alcohol sensors, considered a promising new alternative, can be easily removed and are only single-use. Drew Hall, an electrical engineering professor at the university's Jacobs School of Engineering, led the project into the device. He said: 'A tiny injectable sensor could make it easier for patients to follow a prescribed course of monitoring for extended periods of time.' The device, which measures roughly one cubic millimeter, is injected beneath the skin and can be linked up to a smartphone Engineers who created the gadget hope it will be used to monitor alcoholics, and help therapists keep an eye on their progress HOW DOES THE DEVICE MEASURE LEVELS OF ALCOHOL IN THE BLOOD? The new device to measure alcohol levels in the blood can be injected under the skin in interstitial fluid - the fluid that surrounds the bodys cells. It contains a sensor coated with alcohol oxidase, an enzyme that can interact with alcohol to generate a byproduct that can be detected. The electrical signals are transmitted wirelessly to a nearby wearable device, such as a smartwatch, which also wirelessly powers the chip. Two additional sensors on the chip measure background signals and pH levels, to make the alcohol reading more accurate. The device was created by engineers at the University of California, San Diego, and has received support from tech giant Samsung and the US Government. Advertisement The device was unveiled at the 2018 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' Custom Integrated Circuits Conference in San Diego this week. Engineers have filed for a provisional on the technology, which received support from the US Government and tech giant Samsung. Laboratory trials on animal cells proved the chip worked - but the team hope to test the chip in live animals in the future, which would then allow for human trials, if proven to work. It was found to read blood levels of alcohol accurately when placed under layers of pig skin that had mixtures of ethanol and human blood in. The device generates 970 nanowatts, roughly one million times less power than a smartphone consumes when making a phone call. Professor Hall said: 'We dont want the chip to have a significant impact on the battery life of the wearable device. 'And since were implanting this, we dont want a lot of heat being locally generated inside the body or a battery that is potentially toxic.' The device, which contains three sensors, can operate on such low power because it uses a technique called backscattering. This occurs when a nearby device sends radio frequency signals to the chip, and the chip sends data by reflecting those signals back. Professor Hall and colleagues hope the pioneering chip could one day be used to detect other substances in the blood. He said: 'This is a proof-of-concept platform technology. 'Weve shown that this chip can work for alcohol, but we envision creating others that can detect different substances of abuse.' People approaching death produce a crackling noise that signals they have around 23 hours left to live, a doctor has revealed. As part of the dying process, people lose their ability to swallow or cough, which stops them clearing secretions in their respiratory tracts, according to the infectious disease specialist Dr Daniel Murrell, from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. This causes them to emit a gurgling noise with every breath, which may make them sound as though they are choking. Although the noise may be distressing for their loved ones, Dr Murrell stresses the death rattle is not painful and is simply part of the dying process. The mother of seven-year-old Braiden Prescott, who died from cancer of the nerve tissue in September 2016, woke in the night to hear what sounded like him choking and knew he did not have long left. Dying people produce a crackling noise that signals they have around 23 hours left (stock) IS DYING SCARY? STUDY SUGGESTS PASSING AWAY IS LESS FRIGHTENING THAN YOU MIGHT THINK 'Dying is less sad and terrifying - and happier - than you think,' according to Kurt Gray, the study author of research released in June 2017. Researchers analyzed the final words of terminally ill patients and prisoners on death row to find their thoughts are more positive than you might expect. They also discovered people often mention family and religion as they are about to pass away, suggesting these ease anxiety as we approach the end of our lives. The researchers claim their findings should help us rethink how we treat those with incurable illnesses. Mr Gray from the University of North Carolina, said: 'In our imagination, dying is lonely and meaningless, but the final blog posts of terminally ill patients and the last words of death row inmates are filled with love, social connection and meaning.' The scientists analyzed blog posts from terminally ill patients, as well as comparing the last words of inmates on death row. Advertisement What is the death rattle? Death rattles occur when people nearing the end of their lives no longer have the strength to clear secretions, such as phlegm, from the back of their throats. This is often accompanied by changes to their breathing patterns, which may vary from very quiet to loud, Medical News Today reported. Although there is no evidence death rattles cause discomfort, the noise may be eased by turning the patient on their side or raising their head to allow secretions to drain. Moistening the mouth with damp swabs may also help. Other signs a person has just hours left include them experiencing: Confusion Frequent yawning (to draw in more oxygen) Incontinence A change in odour Bruising Agitation Lost consciousness Mottled skin Choking noise signaled terminally-ill child was close to death After battling neuroblastoma three times, Braiden's mother Steph, then 26, from Ince, Greater Manchester, woke at 3am to hear her son struggling to breathe. She said: 'I buzzed the nurse in and they told me it was nearly time - what I could hear was his death rattle.' Steph said Braiden's outburst was all the more unusual as he had tumours on his jaw that meant he could not open his mouth properly and had not spoken for a few days. The youngster then demanded he have a picture taken while cuddling his father Wayne, then 38, before passing away minutes later. Steph said: 'When he passed we were shocked, you don't ever want to think you're losing your baby, but we knew it was coming.' Braiden (pictured left and right) made a death-rattle noise minutes before passing away The words of wisdom uttered by dying children This comes after a doctor who cares for terminally-ill children revealed the heart-wrenching words of wisdom of youngsters before they die. Dr Alastair McAlpine from Paedspal Cape Town paediatric palliative care, tweeted last February saying his young patients often wish they had spent less time worrying and more time at the beach, reading books or eating ice cream. Many youngsters are also concerned about how their parents will cope when they are gone, with one saying they will see their father again soon and another asking God to take to take care of them. Dr McAlpine also notes no children, who were aged between four and nine, said they wish they had spent more time on Facebook, watching television or fighting with people. After feeling there were not enough uplifting stories on Twitter, Dr McAlpine, who started working in palliative paediatric care in May 2017, posted dying children's thoughts on life, which have been retweeted more than 50,000 times. It's been theorised for decades that former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher suffered from Queen Bee syndrome. But a new study suggests the phenomenon - which refers to a woman in a position of authority who treats subordinates more critically if they are female - is no more than a 'myth'. Brazilian researchers made the conclusion after assessing data from eight million workers across the country. They found women in powerful roles, such as chief executives, prefer women to work directly beneath them. The new findings dispute the so-called Queen Bee theory that has prevailed for decades. Observers noted how Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first political leader - nicknamed the Iron Lady - rarely promoted women to her cabinet during her 11-year reign Queen Bee syndrome is believed to have been given its name because there is only one female bee in charge of a colony. It suggests women with the syndrome, who are at the top of their careers, refuse to help other women climb the corporate ladder. Thatcher, who died five years ago and was PM between 1979 and 1990, has long been used as an example of the phenomenon. Observers noted how Britain's first political leader - nicknamed the Iron Lady - rarely promoted women to her cabinet during her 11-year reign. Some believe Queen Bee syndrome is a major factor behind the gender pay gap, which has made headlines in recent weeks. However, the theory has been dismissed as false by scientists at the Sao Paulo Business School. The research team, led by economics professor Paulo Arvate, looked at 8.3 million workers across 5,600 organisations. They examined cases where women had been re-elected as mayor, because this suggests they had more power and more discretion over promotions. They found that women in this position were more likely to give other female workers a promotion to very senior positions. And when a woman was elected chief, in any organisation, there was an increase in the number of women occupying top roles. The findings were published in the specialist journal The Leadership Quarterly. Dr Arvate, who said Queen Bee syndrome was a 'myth', explained that the study paints an 'entirely different picture'. He rubbished other studies that had delved into the phenomenon before, claiming they were not 'representative' of real scenarios. The results contradict other studies which have found the opposite about Queen Bee syndrome, including one last month. Arizona University researchers confirmed women are meaner to each other than they are to their male colleagues. The FDA is now investigating the work of a scientist who allegedly tested his experimental herpes vaccine on people - a criminal act, when done outside of regulations - in 2013 and 2016. The late Southern Illinois University professor, Dr William Halford, allegedly gave eight American herpes patients multiple injections of a live herpes virus in an illegal trial of his vaccine for the sexually transmitted disease. Two people who received the injections from Dr Halford in a Holiday Inn in 2013 told Kaiser Health News that they have recently developed side effects, and fear the live virus in the 'vaccine' has given them a different strain of herpes. Now, the FDA is on the hunt for any signs that people at SIU or Dr Halford's former company Rational Vaccine - funded in part by Peter Thiel - helped the scientist break the law or otherwise violated FDA regulations, Kaiser reports. Dr William Halford (right) allegedly injected Americans with a live herpes virus in an off-the-books trial of a vaccine for the sexually transmitted disease in 2013. The company Dr Halford later founded to sell the vaccine received funding from PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel (left) Dr Halford, who died of cancer earlier last year, fled the US and continued developing his drug in the Caribbean in 2016. A company owned by Peter Thiel reportedly invested millions of dollars in the research in April. Southern Illinois University (SIU), where Dr Halford was an associate professor during his unregulated US trials, denies any knowledge of the experiments, despite being listed on his patent for the vaccine sold. Dr Halford allegedly used his SIU email account and phone number to arrange meetings with people he wished to use as guinea pigs for a herpes vaccine. According to reports, that vaccine, like most used against viruses, contained its own live virus, making it particularly dangerous. Kaiser reports that there was nothing in the email exchanges or from the subjects' accounts to indicate that they signed any kind of consent forms, or that Dr Halford otherwise abided by any of the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) safety regulations. Drugs and vaccines are supposed to be developed using a rigorous process, established and overseen by the FDA. The agency does not typically use its authority to make criminal charges against researchers and institutions, and is more likely to sanction them or limit their research bandwidth. But Dr Halford was not a medical doctor, but a microbiologist, and had no qualifications for administering or developing a vaccine, making his human experiments particularly egregious. Shortly after injecting eight people who already had herpes with his prospective antidote, Dr Halford left the country. From Saint Kitts in the Caribbean, Dr Halford started a company called Rational Vaccines, which he co-founded with Agustin Fernandez, a Hollywood film director known for Badge of Honor. Rational Vaccines bought a license for a patent from SIU, and allegedly advertised the partnership on its website. According to Kaiser, Dr Halford continued to develop his vaccine under Rational, and began a clinical trial in 2016. In April, PayPal co-founder and Trump campaign donor Peter Thiel reportedly invested millions of dollars into Rational and Dr Halford's research. Genital herpes treatments are estimated to be worth as much as $2 billion worldwide, and Rational was slated to begin recruiting participants for additional trials in Mexico and the Caribbean, MedCity News reported in March. A researcher illegally injected Americans with a herpes virus for his vaccine experiments After Dr Halford's death this past summer, several people who were injected as part of Dr Halford's off-books Illinois trials reportedly told Kaiser that they had developed symptoms that they feared were caused by the live virus they had been injected with. With a live virus vaccine, the unnamed patients were concerned that Dr Halford might have given them a different strain of herpes than the one they already had. According to the report, the participants went to SIU and then the FDA with their concerns. In a statement, SIU says that it was not involved in and previously had no reason to be suspicious of Dr Halford's research in Saint Kitts. Once it was made aware of Dr Halford's unregulated research, SIU began an internal investigation in July. It reported its findings of 'serious noncompliance with regulatory requirements and institutional policies and procedures' to the Office for Human Research Protections and the FDA, according to its statement. That development appears to have spurred the FDA's own newly-launched inquiry. Three people suffered various-degree injuries in a landmine explosion which happened in Aygedzor, a town in Tavush province, Armenia. The victims have been hospitalized in the Aygedzor Healthcare Center. April 13, 2018, 14:57 Landmine explosion wounds three people in rural Armenia town STEPANAKERT, APRIL 13, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS:I can only say that medical personnel assess their condition as satisfactory, Mr. Harutyun Manucharyan, a local town official said. Manucharyan also said that MP from the ruling Republican Party Mr. Gagik Melikyan has arrived in the town to visit the wounded citizens. Mr. Murad Grigoryan, director of the medical facility, said the landmine explosion victims were hospitalized on April 12. The surgeries were completed yesterday, all three are in serious but stable condition, he said. Media reports suggest that the victims were farmers who were working in a pasture. Eating red meat can boost the risk of developing deadly liver disease, a study suggests. Israeli scientists have found the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is highest for those who enjoy their steak 'well done'. The disease, referred to as 'human foie gras', can lead to cirrhosis, which can in turn trigger liver cancer or cause the organ to fail. Evidence already links consumption of meat to cancer, heart disease and diabetes - but scientific trials are scarce on its links to NAFLD. The new study, which also confirmed eating red meat leads to a higher risk of diabetes, shines a light on the possible cause of the chronic liver disease. People who ate more processed and red meat were 47 per cent more likely to have liver disease, the University of Haifa experts found Some 789 adults were quizzed about their eating and cooking habits. They also underwent liver ultrasound scans and tests for insulin resistance. People who ate more processed and red meat were 47 per cent more likely to have liver disease, the University of Haifa experts found. While they were 55 per cent more likely to have insulin resistance, the researchers reported in the Journal of Hepatology. Cooking meat at high temperatures for longer periods of time, or until it's well done, was also associated with a higher risk of both. This was in comparison to those who preferred to eat more 'rare' meat, or cooked for less time, the researchers noted. Lead author Shira Zelber-Sagi said: 'Evidence is mounting with regard to the harmful effect of over-consumption of red and processed meat.' WHAT IS NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE? Despite its name, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease isnt solely caused by eating too much fat. Instead, it is fed by over-eating in general, with some of the excess calories being stored as fat in the liver. Doctors say that up to a third of Britons have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in which the liver becomes clogged with fat. It is often referred to as 'human foie gras', as it occurs in much the same way as a goose liver is fattened for foie gras production. Advertisement 'In order to prevent insulin resistance and NAFLD, [people should consider] choosing fish, turkey or chicken as an animal protein source. 'In addition, steaming or boiling food [is better than] grilling or frying meat at a high temperature until it is very well done.' Preparing meat 'well done' forms compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that are tied to both liver disease and insulin resistance. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder in developed countries, affecting up to one in four adults. It occurs when fat accumulates within the liver cells in people who do not consume excessive alcohol and is commonly associated with obesity and diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure and cancer of the vital organ. Both of which can be deadly. Both NAFLD and insulin resistance are among the suite of symptoms and traits that make up so-called metabolic syndrome. The medical community has warned that the findings mean adults should limit how much red and processed meat they eat. Dr Jeffrey Schwimmer, director of the Fatty Liver Clinic at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, called for red meat to be eaten just once a week. 'There is not a need for red meat, so one could choose to avoid it all together,' said Dr Schwimmer, who wasn't involved in the study. 'For those that do eat meat, it would be reasonable to limit red meat to once a week and to limit processed meat to occasional use only.' The study follows a Leeds University trial earlier this month that revealed cutting out red meat significantly cuts the risk of developing bowel cancer. Three years ago, Dr Barbara Lipska was probably going to die, but more importantly, she was convinced that the pizza place nearby was trying to rip off and sicken its customers by lacing their pies with plastic. As a neuroscientist and the director of the human brain collection core at the National Institutes of Health, Dr Lipska studies mentally ill brains for a living, but when her own mind turned against her, she missed all the signs. After the mother-of-two was diagnosed with melanoma that had spread to her brain and enrolled in an immunotherapy clinical trial, Dr Lipska started to act out but she didn't notice at the time. When she reached a breaking point, a brain scan revealed that the same drug that has kept her alive had caused massive swelling in her brain, and, as a result, she was having delusions and lashing out at loved ones. Dr Barbara Lipska experienced the kind of mental illness she has spent her life studying due to immunotherapy cancer treatment, but she could not recognize her own strange behavior There are few people in the world that know more about schizophrenia than Dr Lipska. At 66, she has spent the majority of her life studying the brains of people who suffered the mental illness, and modelling its effects in animals. She knew the disease inside and out, in the most literal sense, but as she learned in recent years, observing the appearance of mental illness from the outside or how it operates in the brain is a world apart from experiencing it yourself. That lesson she only learned in recent years, and documented in her book, The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind. Her descent into madness began with a disappearing hand. As she sat at the breakfast table at her home in suburban Virginia, Dr Lipska could watch her hand disappear and reappear as she moved it to different corners of her vision. She knew brains well enough to know what this might indicate: a brain tumor in her occipital lobe, which was entirely possible, since both the breast cancer and melanoma she had beat years prior were liable to metastasize in her brain. A trip to the doctor confirmed her own diagnosis. The melanoma had returned, this time to her brain. Despite medical advancements, the non-profit organization Aim at Melanoma predicts that more than 91,000 people will die of the disease in the US this year, and another 9,320 will die of it. At stage 4, Dr Lipska's cancer had spread into her brain. The prognosis was dark: her doctors thought she had about four months to live. Immediately she scheduled to have a laser surgery to very precisely remove the tumors, but knew that that didn't mean that the cancer could not grow again. Dr Lipska and her entire medically-savvy family went to work searching for something more drastic, and they found it in a clinical trial for a new immunotherapy melanoma treatment. She got her spot in the trial, and started undergoing infusions of checkpoint inhibitors in April of 2015 dangerously near the end of the four month survival period Dr Lipska had been given. Scans of Dr Lipska's brain revealed severe swelling, especially in her frontal cortex, which was causing her to lose touch with reality, have dramatic mood swings, and be unable to notice Checkpoint inhibitors work against cancer in two important ways. When the body detects cancer, it the immune system starts fighting, hard. But all that fighting causes inflammation, which also poses a threat to health. So the immune system eventually quiets back down, choosing to spare us of inflammation rather than fight cancer. Cancer also learns our immune system's plan of attack, and morphs to disguise itself from our tumor-fighting T-cells. So if cancer cells learn how to camouflage themselves, then checkpoint inhibitors effectively throw a bright red target on their backs. At the same time, 'immunotherapy is designed to rev up the immune system to fight the melanoma,' Dr Lipska explains. I was yelling at my beloved grandsons [for being] little boys, running around and sometimes bumping into me...I was a monster It's a powerful one-two-punch, and not without its side effects. Dr Lipska was one of the first people to receive her particular kind of checkpoint-inhibitor immunotherapy and, like many since and before her, the treatment attacked her body too, setting of a painful itchy rash all over her body. 'People respond differently to [immunotherapy], like any kind of medication. Some do not respond at all, or only a little,' says Dr Lipska, so, uncomfortable though it was, she was not surprised by the rash. A month went by, and she carried on working, making trips to the doctor and trying to keep her mind off the cancer that was encroaching on her body by doing things she loved like visiting her daughter and grandsons in New Haven, Connecticut. When she arrived after a painstaking train trip, that was all Dr Lipska could talk about. She was agitated, edgy and taking it out on her family. 'I was yelling at my beloved grandsons [for being] little boys, running around and sometimes bumping into me. After Dr Lipska told her daughter there was plastic in her pizza, her husband finally took her to the emergency room, where doctors discovered her life-threatening brain swelling 'That was not like me. I'm a loving grandma, I would never do that. But I was like a montster, yelling at them,' Dr Lipska recalls. The weeks ticked on, she kept getting her infusions and her sanity kept deteriorating. At work, she struggled to do basic math, and seemed constantly enraged at her colleagues, but 'I'm the boss, I'm in charge, so when I was snapping at my co-workers, they were like "okay, whatever,"' Dr Lipska says. She was unable to recognize that she was 'losing my memory and not able to find a way back home, and I was driving, and I really shouldn't have been!' she says, no horrified by the danger she put herself and others in. We have made huge strides against cancer - with immunotherapy, from which I benefited - but mental illness [treatment] is still far behind Once morning she returned from a run and was greeted with horror when her husband saw her. As if it were the most normal way to start a day, Dr Lipska has slathered her hair with purple die, haphazardly covered it with a shower cap, thrown on her sneakers and a random top and just started running. 'I was running around with this hair color dripping down a low-cut shirt, I was not properly dressed,' she says. The person Dr Lipska saw in the mirror appeared totally reasonable to her. It was Mirek, her husband, who she thought was being unreasonable. 'It was getting worse. I started snapping at my husband or at my children on the phone. I was slipping slowly into this and it was becoming much more noticeable and alarming, but it was happening gradually,' she says. While she was suffering delusions and mood swings, Dr Lipska says found herself snapping at her husband, Mirek (right) 'I was ill and my family pointed it out, but I couldn't see or understand; I was walled off from reason,' says Dr Lipska. The last day of her immunotherapy treatment was also the first day Dr Lipska knew what was happening to her mind. After the appointment, she and her husband decided to pick up pizza. Dr Lipska started to feel ill almost immediately afterwards. 'I had a splitting headache and I threw up the pizza. I was convinced that the pizza was stuffed with plastic,' she recalls. On the phone with her daughter, Dr Lipska railed: 'People who make pizza stuff it with plastic now to make money!' That was the last straw. Her daughter, Kasia, knew without a doubt that these were not the thoughts of her logical, scientist mother. These were the words of someone who had lost a grip on reality. I didn't have a [functioning] frontal cortex at the time, so being a neurologist didn't help me. I was amazed that with my knowledge of the brain and behaviors, I couldn't put the puzzle together Dr Lipska's husband convinced her to go to the doctor. In scans, it looked like there were another 15 tumors in her brain. But, 'what was causing my behaviors was not the tumors themselves, but swelling and inflammation in my brain, due to my very strong, over-the-top response to immunotherapy,' says Dr Lipska She says that every cell in her brain was swollen. The inflammation that comes with the heightened immune response the immunotherapy was mounting was literally driving her mad and threatening her life. 'I'm lucky I was taken to the hospital and didn't die because of the swelling,' Dr Lipska says. The swelling had especially affected her frontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher reasoning, the kind that might have allowed her to recognize how rash her manic behavior was. Dr Lipska explains: 'One of the characteristics of mental illness is a lack of insight, so you don't realize you're ill because the parts of the brain responsible for it are gone or dysfunctional. 'I didn't have a [functioning] frontal cortex at the time, so being a neurologist didn't help me. I was amazed that with my knowledge of the brain and behaviors, I couldn't put the puzzle together.' Doctors immediately started her on a heavy course of steroids and blasted Dr Lipska with radiation. Within month, the tumors were vanishing and her sanity was returning. Because Dr Lipska's frontal cortex (upper right) was swollen dysfunctional, she couldn't understand her own abnormal behavior The timing was serendipitous. The immunotherapy, in combination with the other treatments is likely why Dr Lipska is still alive today and she had just finished her course of it when it was on the brink of robbing her of her sanity, and perhaps her life. 'In retrospect, it's taught me about the brain, how people with mental illness feel from the inside, it's isolated and pretty horrible,' says Dr Lipska. 'What this exp taught me also is that mental illness is a disease of the brain. I knew it from studying brain and mental disorders all my life, but having these tumors in my brain causing mental symptoms was additional proof. 'Having the first-hand experience of being mentally ill, and it was terrifying, not only to me, but to my family,' Dr Lipska says. Nearly two in every five people will get cancer in their lifetimes, and, Dr Lipska emphasizes, one in five lives with a mental illness. From her experience, she knows now that a mentally ill person 'cannot be held accountable for those behaviors, and they cannot be ostracized because of their illness or feel guilty about it.' Instead, Dr Lipska says that losing touch with reality 'taught me tolerance and the urgency of working hard to discover a cure for mental illness. 'We have made huge strides against cancer - with immunotherapy, from which I benefited - but mental illness [treatment] is still far behind.' More than 10,500 underage girls have been given contraceptive implants on the NHS in the past two years. Some were just 12 or younger and four years below the legal age of consent of 16, but because of patient confidentiality laws, doctors and nurses are not allowed to tell their parents. The devices are implanted in the upper arm and produce a steady flow of the hormone progesterone, which prevents the release of an egg. They work for up to three years and according to health officials play a crucial role in reducing the UKs high teenage pregnancy rate. The devices are implanted in the upper arm and produce a steady flow of the hormone progesterone, which prevents the release of an egg But critics say the NHS is giving girls a licence to have illegal, underage sex without their parents knowledge. The procedure can be carried out by a specially trained nurse and does not have to be signed off by a doctor. In some areas of the country the devices are being fitted in schools. Figures from NHS Digital show that 10,593 girls aged 15 or under were fitted with the devices in 2015/16 and 2016/17. This included at least 39 girls aged 12 or under, although this is likely to be an underestimate. The figures also show that the number of underage girls being fitted with implants has more than trebled in ten years. A total of 4,676 girls aged 15 or younger were given them in 2016/17 compared to just 1,400 in 2006/7. The devices are being heavily promoted by health trusts who are under pressure to reduce their high teenage pregnancy rate. But they can lead to unpleasant side effects including mood swings, constant menstrual bleeding, headaches and weight gain. In rare cases, the devices have travelled through to blood vessels and ended up in lungs or major veins. Sir Roger Gale, Tory MP for North Thanet in Kent, where the implants are offered in schools, said: My fundamental objection is that this is being done through schools without parental consent. We have to remember that the child is having underage sex and that is against the law. I believe very strongly that there is a thing called parental responsibility and parents have a right and a duty to know what is being done to and for their children. Its a very dangerous area indeed. Its a bit like a doctor saying I know your child is taking drugs but Im not going to tell you so you cant do anything about it. When you start dishing them out like Smarties in schools I think that is a very bad idea. Mark Bhagwandin, of the anti-abortion charity Life, said: This persistent undermining of parental responsibility needs to stop. It is time that those who are pushing greater contraceptive use to minors are reminded that under-16 sexual activity is still illegal. Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, said the figures were deeply troubling, adding: The NHSs short-sighted policy in this area is giving girls a licence to engage in illegal sexual activity. The Government needs to wake up to the fact that a casual attitude towards underage sex is exposing children and young people to the risk of sexual exploitation. But Natika Halil, chief executive of the Family Planning Association charity, said: Its vital that young people, including under 16s, can access free and confidential information and advice about contraception and sexual health. Taking away access to contraception wont prevent young people from having sex, it simply makes it harder for them to make the responsible choice to protect their health. The UK has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Western Europe. Figures last August showed that 5.4 per cent of all births were to mothers aged 19 or under compared to 1.3 per cent in the Netherlands and 1.4 per cent in Denmark. Health trusts and councils are under pressure to bring down their rates by promoting so-called long-acting forms of contraception. Kingston Council in south-west London is running a get it, forget it campaign which urges women to have implants fitted. Kingston Council in south-west London is running a get it, forget it campaign which urges women to have implants fitted A section on the councils website reads: Once the implant is in place, you dont have to think about contraception each day or each time you have sex. The implants cost 83 each and there is an additional cost of the GP or nurses time. This means the NHS has spent almost 1 million fitting them in underage girls in the past two years. The Mail obtained figures from NHS Digital and the NHS Business Service Authority (NHSBSA), which provides a more detailed breakdown of ages. These showed that 39 girls aged 12 or under had been given the devices in each of the years 2016 and 2017. But this is an underestimate because the NHSBSA records the details only of girls who have an NHS number given out by an NHS GP and not all young girls are registered with GPs. The popular Avios airline points scheme has confirmed it will close this summer, affecting around 2.4 million customers who use the programme to clock up frequent flyer rewards. The good news is that all existing customers will be moved to British Airways' Executive Club instead, which already uses the Avios currency. This means there will be no changes to the value of your points, and customers will still be able to clock up reward points on flights, on credit cards attached to the Avios scheme and by swapping their Tesco Clubcard points. Avios customers will have more choice of airlines under the BA Executive Club There are a few differences between the schemes however. To help you get to grips with how switching could affect you, here's everything you need to know about the changes, what they mean for your points pot and whether you could in fact end up better off. British Airways vs Avios: What's the difference? The Avios scheme and BA Executive Club systems can be a little confusing. The easiest way to understand it is to look at Avios as a currency. British Airways Executive Club and Avios use the same points system, but these are collected into separate pots. Most frequent flyers with the airline will likely already be part of the BA Executive Club as it offers extra perks. But both schemes offer loyalty points on BA flights and other partners including on hotels, shopping, car hire, insurance and travel money and each has airline rewards credit cards attached to it. They both also let you spend the points on things other than flights, such as wine and spirits, activities such as spa days and theme park days. In the past the Avios Travel Rewards scheme also offered redemption with other airlines including Monarch, Flybe and Air Malta. Currently the BA Executive Club has a few extra airline partnerships that allow you to spend points (see below). You could be better off According to Rob Burgess, editor of the UK's biggest frequent flyer website headforpoints.com, the change may actually leave customers better off. He explains: 'The range of redemption options available via the BA Executive Club is broader than it is via Avios and no-one will lose out. This move will also unravel some of the complexity in running two Avios-based loyalty schemes in the UK.' Tier points at BA The British Airways Executive Club tier system offers frequent flyers both Avios and its own bronze, silver or gold tier points when they fly. Most people who frequently fly with BA will likely already have an account and have access to this. But there are four levels and these points allow them to unlock extra perks, from business class check-in and early seat selection to first class lounge access and travel spas. Tier points also boost the number of Avios points you earn on flights. Chris Treadwell, commercial director at Avios, adds: 'This move is good news for members. Outwardly there will be very little change for them other than their Avios will have a new home. 'However, they will also enjoy all the advantages that being a British Airways Executive Club member offers, including a smoother online experience, even more ways to collect and spend Avios, plus the tier benefits.' While customers could swap points between the two schemes previously, the BA Executive Avios scheme has partnerships with more airlines for customers to redeem points with. According to Avios, frequent flyers will will now benefit from extra airline partners including LATAM, Malaysian, S7, Royal Jordanian, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Finnair, Qatar, and Japan Airlines, Air Italy and Alaska. Members can also continue to collect and spend Avios with British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus. You can find out more about where you can collect British Airways Executive Club Avios here. Why did the Avios scheme fail? Rob Burgess, editor of the UK's biggest frequent flyer website headforpoints.com, explains: While this announcement may be concerning to the 2.4 million Avios members in the UK, there is nothing to worry about. Their points are safe and will be transferred over to British Airways Executive Club. What is not being discussed, however, is that this represents an admission of failure by Avios to build a stand-alone multi-partner loyalty scheme in the UK. The plan, launched back in 2011, was to turn Avios into a 'coalition' loyalty scheme along the lines of Nectar. They have not succeeded. This is not really the fault of Avios. The main selling point was the opportunity to redeem points for flights. British Airways remains a London-centric airline with very little to offer Avios collectors outside the M25. When Monarch went bust, Avios collectors in the regions lost the opportunity to redeem with them. Flybe remains a partner but it has a patchy and ever-changing route network and Avios redemptions with them are poor value anyway. With Tesco reducing the role of Clubcard - which was a major driver of Avios, as Clubcard points can be transferred over - and the closure of the Lloyds Avios Rewards credit cards to new applicants following the caps on the fees card companies can charge shops, Avios was likely to struggle to grow going forward. By returning it to its original Air Miles roots as a frequent flyer programme first and foremost it can consolidate its strongest relationship as the reward scheme for British Airways passengers. What happens next? Customers will receive letters from Avios in the coming weeks with the full details. This summer they will be able to choose to open a British Airways Executive Avios account to transfer their Avios points into. Once you have an account you will need to activate it online before you can spend your points. If you have more than one Avios pot you can combine your accounts before your points are moved by contacting customer services. If you have a BA account already you can move your Avios pot to this instead. You can do this under your account at Avios.com now. If you dont want to move, you can opt out by 20 May 2018. Customers will then have six months to spend their points. British Airways rewards: Customers using the Avios programme will be moved over to the British Airways Executive Club Can I still collect points now? Until your points are moved over you can collect and spend points as normal through the Avios scheme. There may be a short period while your balance is being moved over where you wont be able to access them, but you will still be able to make changes to existing bookings during the move using the contact number on your original booking. Can I collect points through Tesco or a credit card? You can currently transfer Clubcard reward points into Avios. You currently get 600 British Airways Avios points for every 2.50 in Clubcard points you exchange. You will continue to be able to do this in the future, your points will just be paid into your new British Airways Executive Club account instead. Credit cards offering their airline rewards have long been popular, helping to boost earning potential, earn free companion tickets and flight upgrades too. There are two cards that pay into an Avios pot: the Lloyds Avios credit card or TSB Avios credit card, which are no longer available to new customers. BA Executive Avios: What are they worth? 20,000 points - One return flight to Moscow and other locations in Europe, Asia and Africa - 15,000 points - One return flight to Rome and other locations in Europe 9,000 points - One return flight to Berlin and other locations in Europe Don't forget you will still have to pay taxes. You will still be able to clock up Avios on spending on these cards if you have them. Once you switch over to the BA Executive Club points will be deposited into this account instead. Nothing will change but if you have a companion voucher or flight upgrade to redeem after the move you will have to call 0344 49 333 49 to use them. There are currently two other credit cards offering Avios points. The British Airways American Express Premium Plus card currently offers 25,000 bonus Avios when you spend 3,000 in the first three months and you become eligible for a companion voucher after a 10,000 annual spend. You collect 1.5 Avios per 1 spent but it comes with a 195 annual fee and 22.9 per cent interest charged on purchases. The free version, the British Airways American Express Credit Card comes with a smaller 5,000 point welcome bonus after a 1,000 spend within three months, and one point per 1 spent on the card. You must spend 20,000 in a year to earn a companion voucher and again interest on purchases costs 22.9 per cent. Read more about the best credit cards in our guide here. FlowGroup (LON:FLOW) couldn't stop the outflow of investors this week after the alternative energy group confirmed it had reached a deal to sell off its core energy supply business to a rival. The 9.25mn sale of Flow Energy to Co-operative Energy is effectively the start of the winding up process for cash-strapped FlowGroup, which has struggled to attract extra investment recently. After being knocked back by lenders and investors, the company said it agreed to the sale of the business which accounted for more than 99 per cent of its revenues. The 9.25mn sale of Flow Energy to Co-operative Energy is effectively the start of the winding up process for cash-strapped FlowGroup 'The board has reluctantly concluded that the sale of Flow Energy and the subsequent closure of the remainder of the group is the only realistic course of action open to the company,' read Tuesday's statement. FlowGroup's board will 'unanimously' recommend that shareholders vote in favour of the proposals at an upcoming meeting. Shares lost three-quarters of their value to trade at 0.0017p come Friday. Bulletin board favourite Pantheon Resources (LON:PANR) was another which took a pounding this week. Results from the oil junior's latest well onshore in Texas appeared inconsistent with pre-drill expectations, as it failed to produce oil, flowing gas and water instead. Gas is almost worthless in the US, where prices are some of the lowest in the world. Operations had to be interrupted repeatedly during the tests, forcing the company to put the programme on hold. The team is now reviewing whether there was a problem with the fracking programme and is also consulting with outside experts to get a better understanding of the well's behaviour. Plainly, investors have been spooked by this new uncertainty for the project, with the stock sliding 62.5 per cent to 18.3p across the week. Bulletin board favourite Pantheon Resources was another which took a pounding this week after inconsistent from the oil junior's Texas wells There was some better news for D4T4 Solutions (LON:D4T4) though, which saw its value rise by more than a third to 142p on the back of a bullish trading update. The data solutions provider expects to report a 'very strong trading performance' for the second half of the year having signed its two 'largest ever' contracts. As for bookings they are also at a record level, which underpins confidence for the year ahead. D4T4 will publish a more detailed update of its performance later this month, but it expects full-year revenue and adjusted pre-tax profits to be ahead of the comparatives for the year ended 31 March 2017. It was a mixed week for the junior market overall, with the AIM All Share eking out a 0.8 point, or 0.1 per cent, rise across the week to 1,027.4. The FTSE 100 was also a bit quiet this week, but still managed to notch up a gain of 70 points, almost 1 per cent, to leave it at 7,256. Cronin Group has developed a piece of software which allows users to collect, store and process data generated from chemical experiments Cronin Group (LON:CRON) was one of those helping the junior market to keep its head above water after the chemical technologies specialist signed deals which will see two companies trial its DigitalGlassware platform. This is a piece of software which allows users to collect, store and process data generated from chemical experiments, and can help to increase 'reproducibility' how easy it is for another scientist to replicate an experiment and provide unique insights. Two leading international life science reagent and chemicals manufacturers will test the software and observe its performance, which should help Cronin to get a better understanding of how the technology can help in the discovery of new drugs and chemicals. Cronin shares had risen to 2.1p come Friday afternoon a weekly gain of 38.7 per cent. Congratulations were also in order for women's fertility specialist Concepta (LON: CPT) which received the necessary certification for its manufacturing site in Doncaster. The approval means Concepta can now start making its myLotus diagnostic test at the facility which, with its recently-installed automated production lines, should increase capacity and efficiency. It is a 'significant' step for the company, which is hoping to start selling myLotus in the UK in the second half of the year once it has received a CE mark. Shares surged 28.4 per cent to 7p. Concepta hopes to be able to start selling its myLotus products in the UK later this year Recruitment group Nakama (LON:NAK) didn't have the best of weeks though. Following a strategic review, the board discovered that the firm's Australian subsidiaries will struggle to pay A$700,000 (383,500) tax bill due this month. Nakama said it was looking at where it could get that money from, though it is also considering going to the Aussie tax man and asking to reschedule the payments. As a result of the debacle, the group kicked off a review of its finances, while chief financial officer Angus Watson tendered his resignation and is stepping down with immediate effect. More worryingly for investors, Nakama's businesses in Australia, Singapore and London continue to lose money which is hampering the group's overall financial position. As a result, it said it is 'closely monitoring [its] working capital requirements'. The lack of profitability and threat of a fundraise saw investors bail out, with the stock down almost a quarter to 0.7p. Advertisement A deadly wave of gang warfare is currently gripping the streets of London with the police struggling to contain the rising tide of bloodshed. The shocking level of violence has erupted as gang members seek revenge in tit for tat attacks across the capital. Many are triggered on social media, as rival factions post rap videos online taunting one another, or mocking enemies over recent deaths or brutal assaults. Since the start of this year, the Metropolitan Police have investigated more than 50 murders, many linked to warring gangs. The head of Scotland Yard, Cressida Dick, has pledged to use 'Al Capone' tactics to tackle the increase in knife and gun related murders, announcing a new taskforce of 120 officers to remove gang members from the streets. Here we look at some of the feuds turning the streets of London into a battleground. A map showing the location of just some of the bitter gang wars taking place across London Woodgrange E7 and the Beckton E6 crew: Bitter feud that led to cold-blooded execution of a 14-year-old boy as he sat with friends near a playground The Woodgrange E7 gang and their bitter feud with rivals The Beckton E6 crew is one linked to the cold blooded execution of a 14-year-old boy. Corey Junior Davis was shot from behind as he sat with friends near a playground in Forest Gate, East London, in September last year. Woodgrange E7 operate around Woodgrange Road in Forest Gate, just five miles away from Beckton - in the same London borough. The two warring factions had spent months taunting each other online, with each posting chilling rap videos where they spoke of murder and killing one another. Corey Junior Davis was shot from behind as he sat with friends near a playground in Forest Gate, East London The brutal killing took place on Moore Walk in Forest Gate, east London One video by 'WoodGrange E7' - which has been viewed more than 100,000 times - boasts about 'holding n****** to ransom'. Another video shows a gunshot hole appearing in the screen while members rap 'I'm shooting to kill'. The senseless killing, which also saw a 17-year-old boy caught in the cross-fire and whop survived, was believed to be a revenge attack ordered by Beckton E6 following a hunting knife stabbing at Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford. Corey's mum Keisha McLeod, 38, later told of the horror at losing her 'funny, caring and handsome' son. 'This is the worst feeling a parent could ever feel. 'My son did not deserve this death, he hadn't had a life yet, he was still being a child. 'The perpetrator must feel guilty. That's the way I see it. You must. You cannot live with this.' Her father Neville McLeod, 75, who lived with Corey, said: 'There is nothing bad you could say about CJ. He was a lovely boy. 'He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He never kept bad company, so we just have no idea why this has happened.' Corey's grandfather Neville McLeod (left) paid tribute to his grandson saying: 'There is nothing bad you could say about CJ' His mother Keisha McLeod (right) later told of the horror at losing her 'funny, caring and handsome' son Northumberland Park NPK v Wood Green WG: Youth worker Tanesha Melbourne caught in the crossfire of the a rivalry that has terrorised North London streets Youth worker Tanesha Melbourne, who was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity Youth worker Tanesha Melbourne, who was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity, is believed to have been caught in the crossfire of a bitter rivalry between The WG (Wood Green) gang and its enemies NPK (Northumberland Park) The 17-year-old was leaving her boyfriend's home in Tottenham, north London earlier this month, with a friend who was thought to be the intended target, when she was gunned down in a drive by shooting. The decade long feud between WG and NPK has seen a never ending string of tit for tat battles on the streets of the north London area. It came after three men launched an attack on a victim in the Tinseltown diner in Farringdon. Online footage claimed the attack victim was 'Bobby Slater WG - thought to be rap artist Bobby Slater, also known as 'Bob da Builder.' It was claimed on social media the attack on Bobby came after he 'dissed' Kwabena 'Kobi' Nelson, who was ambushed and stabbed to death in Tottenham on February 3. Locals now claim the drive-by shooting which killed Tanesha may have come in retaliation for the milkshake bar attack. A police forensic officer retrieves the bullet from the window frame of the house outside which Tanesha was shot People on social media claimed Bobby Slater (pictured) 'got jumped' by the NPK (Northumberland Park) gang for 'dissing' Kwabena 'Kobi' Nelson It was claimed on social media the attack on Bobby came after he 'dissed' Kwabena 'Kobi' Nelson, as seen her from a tweet An Instagram story post shared by a member of NPK boasted of them ambushing Bobby Slater inside a Tinsletown diner Kwabena 'Kobi' Nelson, who was ambushed and stabbed to death in Tottenham on February 3 It was later claimed on social media that NPK claimed responsibility for her death. The post said: 'If your chilling with my ops [opposition] I ain't gonna adjust my aim for you.' A second message, posted over a black screen, read: 'We got him down in Tinseltown and his girl down by Chalgrove [two laughing emojis] #NPK #RNS'. CR0 v CR7: The postcode war that spiralled out of control as they taunted each other on social media saw the brutal knife killing of 15-year-old Jermain Goupall Aspiring architect Jermain Goupall was another innocent victim gang warfare that has terrorised part of South London. The defenceless 15-year-old was ambushed by knife wielding thugs who wrongly believed he was a rival gang member. His killers, including teenage couple Junior Simpson, 17, and Saskia Haye-Elliot, 18, who hunted down and stabbed Jermaine, were jailed last week. Simpson, along with Samuel Oliver-Rowland, 18, and 21-year-old Adam Benzahi were convicted of murder at the Old Bailey, while Haye-Elliot was found guilty of manslaughter. Oliver-Rowland was sentenced to a minimum term of 20 years, Benzahi to 22 years and Simpson a minimum of 18 years. Haye-Elliot was sentenced to 12 and a half years. Jermain Goupall, 15, an aspiring architect, was another innocent victim of gang warfare The scene in Thornton Heath in South London where Jermain was stabbed to death in August last year They were all allegedly connected to the CR0 gang, based in Croydon town centre, south London, rivals of the nearby CR7 gang, in Thornton Heath, both named after their postcodes. Tensions between the two factions had reached fever pitch after Simpson appeared in a video taunting the CR7 gang, while wearing a machete tucked into his waistband. The video, which attracted 80,000 hits, made reference to 'shanking' a slang term for stabbing. At the trial, prosecutors said the attackers donned balaclavas adding: 'They were nothing more than a marauding gang of thugs who had gone... to hunt down anyone they thought was from the CR7 gang unfortunate enough to get in their way.' MDP 'Money Drugs Power': The notorious 100 strong gang that has been linked to a series of murders, knife attacks and shootings MDP, which stands for Money, Drugs, Power' or 'Murder Dem P*****s' is a notorious 100-strong gang that terrorises the streets of west London. Based in Shepherds Bush the gang which wear the colour blue, have been linked to a series of murders, knife crimes and shootings in recent years. Some 200 officers smashed in doors across west London arresting nine people, including some believed to be senior figures in the lucrative crack cocaine and heroin-dealing gang During the raid, police found this Skorpion machine gun, along with ammunition (left) and they seized 2kg of crack cocaine and 50,000 in cash Earlier this week a series of police raids in the capital on MDP uncovered a Skorpion machine gun, ammunition, cash and suspected class A drugs. Some 200 officers smashed in doors across west London overnight, arresting nine people, including some believed to be senior figures in the lucrative crack cocaine and heroin-dealing outfit, Scotland Yard said. An alleged drug-running boy, aged 14, arrested at his family home, was among those detained in eight raids in the Northolt, Greenford, Fulham and Brentford areas. Murder suspect Andre Jeru Bernard Bigby, 30, was arrested in Slab City, California, on Friday A man wanted in Virginia for the shooting death of a teen has been found in a California desert town known for its lawlessness. Andre Jeru Bernard Bigby, 30, was arrested in Slab City on Friday, nearly two months after 19-year-old Jayln Devon Harris was killed in a moving car. The Virginia Beach native was found after the U.S. Marshals Office in San Diego received a tip from Virginia Beach police telling them Bigby was believed to be in the Slab City area. Federal agents and a California Highway Patrol helicopter crew unsuccessfully searched for Bigby for days, until they got another tip saying the suspect was living in Slab City in a green and orange tent he bought on Amazon, The Virginian-Pilot reported. Bigby had allegedly cut off his dreadlocks in an attempt to hide his identity. Slab City is a former World War II Marine base southeast of Joshua Tree National Park - around 40 miles from the Mexican border. It got its name for the concrete pieces left behind by the Marines that are now ruins. Jayln Devon Harris was shot dead while he was in a moving car in Virginia in February Authorities say Bigby had cut off his dreadlocks in an attempt to hide his identity on the run It's become a place where those who wish to stay off-the-radar go to live without running water or electricity. During the winter months, particularly, the place is filled with wanderers and squatters, as the summer months can get as hot as 120 degrees. There is no law enforcement, and the nearest civilized town is Niland, four miles away. Steve Jurman with the U.S. Marshals Office in San Diego said marshals often pull fugitives out of the so-called lawless town, making it 'not such a great place to hide.' Bigby is charged with murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Slab City is known for its lack of law enforcement, running water and electricity Wanderers, squatters and people on the run find a safe-heaven in the California desert town known for its lawlessness Alexander Smith III, 33, was arrested shortly after Harris' murder and charged with being an accessory after the fact. Police had been searching for Bigby since a warrant was issued for his arrest on February 21. He has a long criminal record that includes charges of robbery and kidnapping, according to The Virginian-Pilot. Bigby had reportedly been staying in a tent in Slab City, 40 miles from the Mexico border An SUV seen plunging into a river during a storm belonged to a family-of-four that disappeared last week during a Spring Break road trip, authorities have confirmed. Sandeep Thottapilly, 41, of Southern California, was travelling from Portland, Oregon, with his wife Soumya, 38, and their two young children Siddhant, 12, and Saachi, 9. The family, from Santa Clarita, had set off on vacation March 30 and were returning to their Valencia home when they went missing during a ferocious storm. Sandeep Thottapilly, 41, with his wife Soumya, 38, and their two young children Siddhant, 12, and Saachi, 9 They were supposed to make a stop at a relative's house in San Jose on the way back but never showed up. The concerned relative reported them missing April 8. The Thottapillys were last heard from while driving along northwestern California's redwood coast and disappeared in Mendocino County. Authorities received reports that a vehicle southbound on U.S. 101 went off the highway and tumbled into the Eel River. It had submerged when rescuers arrived. The Eel River in California. Authorities received reports that a vehicle southbound on U.S. 101 went off the highway and tumbled in Now recovered vehicle debris and personal items have confirmed that the car belonged to the Thottapilly family. Neither the car nor any bodies have been recovered from the storm-swollen river, which is too dangerous for divers to enter. But searchers on the banks found pieces of a Honda and items consistent with a family traveling on vacation, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has said. 'Several items have been positively identified, by family members, as belonging to the Thottapilly family,' it said in a statement. 'These items were of a personal nature and will not be described further at this time, but it does confirm the fact the vehicle that was seen going into the river was that of the Thottapilly family.' It added: 'The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has been in contact with numerous other county dive teams and technical rescue responders that can be called upon, when the vehicle is located, to assist with recovery of the vehicle. 'Once recovered the Highway Patrol will conduct a complete mechanical inspection of the vehicle as part of the accident investigation.' The family, from Santa Clarita, had set off on vacation March 30 and were returning to their Valencia home when they went missing during a ferocious storm Sandeep's father had posted several messages on social media pleading for help in locating his family. The worried father also posted a Facebook message asking Sandeep's employer, Union Bank, to assist in finding the family. Babu said his son is the vice president of the bank. Sarah and Jennifer Hart, both 39, and their six adopted children Authorities are also continuing to search for members of another family farther south along the Mendocino County coast. An SUV made a deadly and possibly intentional plunge off a towering ocean bluff along State Route 1 last month. Sarah and Jennifer Hart, both 39, and their six adopted children were believed to be in the car at the time. Five bodies were found March 26 near Mendocino and a body was pulled out of the surf last weekend but its identity was not immediately identified. Washington state authorities began investigating the Harts for possible child neglect a few days before the five bodies were recovered. The two women who worked side-by-side with Charlie Rose are opening up about their former co-host in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Gayle King said that she and fellow CBS This Morning anchor Norah O'Donnell were shocked when they first heard about Rose's predatory behavior, especially since she considered Rose such a good friend. 'Yes, I did. And I have to say, I still do. So it was very interesting to have a friend really let you down, and I think he did. I only speak for me. It was a punch in the stomach to me,' explained King. O'Donnell admitted she had less of a relationship with the man when asked later in the interview about what she would have done had she learned about his behavior prior to his dismissal from the show. The bloom is off: Gayle King revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she still speaks with Charlie Rose and the two are friendly (Norah O'Donnell, Rose and King in May 2017) Difficult day: King would not say however whether or not Rose had acknowledged that what he did was wrong after being terminated for sexual misconduct (the two women sharing the news about Rose's misconduct) 'Well, I'm not his boss and I'm not his manager and it's not my job to adjudicate that. For the people who work for me I don't have direct management responsibility for them but they work with me and I can control that relationship,' explained O'Donnell. 'But I don't have any control over how much money my co-host makes or how he is reprimanded or managed.' King then jumped in to say that she would have said something to Charlie, prompting O'Donnel to note: 'I would not have felt comfortable having that conversation with him. I think he would've screamed at me.' When King the admitted he might have screamed, O'Donnell clarified her statement by saying: 'I would not have felt comfortable having that conversation with him. I think he would've screamed at me.' Rose meanwhile seems to be doing fine despite the scandal according to King. When asked is she still speaks with Rose, King said: 'I have. He tells me that he's fine. Because I said, "I'm worried about you." He keeps assuring me there's no reason to be worried about him, but I am worried about him, I am. And I do care about him. He was a big part of my life for six years. So I can't just turn that off. But I also can't dismiss the stories that I'm hearing, and I do take them very seriously.' King then addressed the issue of whether Rose realized that what he did was wrong. 'Well, I'm going to let him speak for himself about that, but I've definitely had a very serious conversation about it, about how I feel about it,' said King. 'I can't dismiss what I'm hearing. I can't act like I didn't hear that.' O'Donnell then added: 'I'll just say one thing on that. I think we now know that his behavior was abusive and predatory. And there is absolutely zero tolerance when it comes to that, end of story.' Rose was fired by CBS when the Washington Post published the accounts of eight women who claim they were sexually harassed or assaulted by the journalist. His eponymous interview show was also cancelled by PBS and Bloomberg, who broadcast the program and allowed Rose and his employees to use their Manhattan office. The women are opening up in The Hollywood Reporter (above) The two women addressed the allegations with their viewers, relaying their conflicted feelings about the disturbing revelations. King said she's 'still reeling' and barely slept last night. After hearing about the allegations, she sought comfort by talking to her close friend Oprah Winfrey. 'I really am still reeling. I got an hour and 42 minutes of sleep last night, both my son and my daughter called me. Oprah called me and said, are you okay? I am not okay. 'After reading that article in the post, it was deeply disturbing, troubling and painful for me to read,' King said. Both she and O'Donnell said it was important to believe the women who have come forward to accuse Rose, and hope it encourages other victims to come forward. 'Charlie does not get a pass here,' King said. '...He doesn't get a pass because I can't stop thinking about the anguish of these women, what happened to their dignity, what happened to their bodies, what happened maybe to even their careers. I can't stop thinking about that and the pain that they're going through. She added: 'The women who have not spoken up because they're afraid...I'm hoping now they will take the step to speak up too. This becomes a moment of truth.' 'It takes a lot of courage for these women to come forward and I think that they should continue to do something. We hope they will continue to speak up,' said O'Donnell. She later stated that the global sexual harassment scandals demand 'a frank and honest assessment about where we stand'. 'Let me be very clear: there is no excuse for this alleged behavior. It is systematic and pervasive and I've been doing a lot of listening and I'm going to continue to do that. 'This I know is true - women cannot achieve equality in the workplace or in society until there is a reckoning and a taking of responsibility. 'I'm really proud to work at CBS news. There are so many incredible people here especially on this show. All of you here. 'This will be investigated. This has to end. This behavior is wrong. Period.' Ladies night: King celebrated the magazine story om Thursday with Marla Maples and Megyn Kelly (above) King also said she also felt for Rose as a longtime friend and collaborator. 'I've enjoyed a friendship and a partnership with Charlie for the past five years. I've held him in such high regard and I'm really struggling because how do you - what do you say when someone that you deeply care about has done something that is so horrible? How do you wrap your brain around that? I'm really grappling with that,' King said. She added: 'I'm still trying to sort it out because this is not the man I know, but I'm also clearly on the side of the women who have been very hurt and very damaged by this.' Among the claims made by women were that Rose would grope their breasts, buttocks and genitals without their consent, make lewd telephone calls, and walk around naked in their presence without warning. The women who came forward with these claims about Rose, 75, were all between the ages of 21 and 37 at the time of the alleged misconduct and working for the legendary television host. ROSE'S ACCUSERS AND ALLEGATIONS -KYLE GODFREY-RYAN (assistant) - Phone calls asking about her sex life and detailing desire to see her swim naked in his pool and over a dozen incidents where he appeared nude in her presence in mid-2000s -MEGAN CRYDT (coordinator) - Groped her thigh while driving her in his car in mid-2000s -REAH BRAVO (intern/producer) - Repeated groping and multiple nude appearances along with private jet incident in 2008 where he laid his body on her in 'animalistic' fashion -INTERN ONE - Appeared nude while she worked from his in early 1990s -INTERN TWO - Groped her breasts while also trying to get her to spend the night at his Bellport home in early 2000s POTENTIAL EMPLOYEE - Asked to interview at Bellport mansion, twice groped vagina, laid in bed while openly crying, appeared in untethered robe in 2010 EMPLOYEE ONE - Groped buttocks at party EMPLOYEE TWO - Appeared naked in her presence as she worked from his home EMPLOYEE THREE - Appeared naked in her presence as she worked from his New York home INTERN THREE - Groped her leg and invited her to his hotel room in 2005 INTERN FOUR - Answered door to his home in nothing but a robe in 2008 INTERN FIVE - Answered door to his home in nothing but a robe in 2010 Advertisement Two former employees said that the young female assistants and producers Rose would constantly surround himself with were known as 'Charlie's Angels.' In a lengthy statement in response to the expose, Rose did not deny all of the allegations being made by the women but said that he did not believe all of his accusers were 'accurate' in heir description of his offenses. 'It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I am greatly embarrassed,' stated Rose. 'I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken.' The backlash was swift for Rose, with PBS and Bloomberg announcing they would no longer air his eponymous talk show within an hour of the Post publishing their story on Monday and CBS suspending the host. CBS also ran a segment on the allegations just three minutes into the CBS Evening News broadcast on Monday. Following the publication of the Post article, two additional women came forward in an interview with The New York Times, and Business Insider published an interview with three more former interns. This brings the total number of accusers to thirteen. The Post also says more than a dozen women have contacted them after their original story with similar claims. Rose, whose only marriage ended in divorce back in 1980, has been in an on-and-off relationship for the past 25 years with Amanda Burden, 73, who is a Principal at Bloomberg Associates. All of the alleged incidents described by the woman in the Post story occurred while Rose was with Burden, who is the stepdaughter of CBS founder William Paley. Rose has no children. Bernie Sanders' former press secretary has been detained by police officers at a New York City airport Thursday. Symone Sanders, who is currently a political commentator on CNN, was accused of disorderly conduct, PIX11 reported. The 28-year-old has been issued a criminal summons. At about 7.30am Thursday she was apparently asked by TSA agents to step out of line for a more detailed security check. A source told the outlet she refused and made 'unreasonable noise' while 'cursing in front of patrons and young children.' Symone Sanders, who is currently a political commentator on CNN, was accused of disorderly conduct, PIX11 reported On Wednesday she took to Twitter to complain about the amount of time it takes to get off of an airplane once it has landed It appears Sanders had been traveling for multiple days when she was detained. On Wednesday she took to Twitter to complain about the amount of time it takes to get off of an airplane once it has landed. 'I will never understand why when the plane lands, a jet bridge operator isn't just waiting,' she tweeted, obviously annoyed. 'Like clearly they know the plane is coming right?' At about 7.30am Thursday she was apparently asked by TSA agents to step out of line for a more detailed security check. A source told the outlet she refused and made 'unreasonable noise' while 'cursing in front of patrons and young children.' The political strategist has a history with law enforcement while flying. In 2017 she shared an account of an unpleasant interaction with police as she was checking her luggage before an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles. She said that, out of nowhere, the airline called police for no reason. '@AmericanAir officials literally called the police to come to the gate check area because the customer service officials were threatened,' Sanders tweeted on May 13, 2017. In 2017 she shared an account of an unpleasant interaction with police as she was checking her luggage before an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles Hurt and confused, she took to Twitter to say she was 'in tears' because she didn't understand why American Airlines would call the cops over a disagreement She also noted that she'd just watched a man yelling at the same customer service representative before her encounter, and said the rep didn't call the police on him She told Essence things started getting tense when she attempted to check a bag about 40 minutes before the flight was scheduled to take off. Because she flies American often, she said she didn't expect any problems. Sanders said that she didn't want to pay full price for a new ticket, and when she refused the customer service representative called police. Hurt and confused, she took to Twitter to say she was 'in tears' because she didn't understand why American Airlines would call the cops over a disagreement. She also noted that she'd just watched a man yelling at the same customer service representative before her encounter, and said the rep didn't call the police on him. Snap presidential elections in Azerbaijan were held with no free choice, no free media, and no freedom for over 100 political prisoners, the U.S. Helsinki Commission said. April 13, 2018, 15:37 US Helsinki Commission joins critics of Azerbaijani elections STEPANAKERT, APRIL 13, ARTSAKHPRESS:The organization joined the numerous critics of the elections during which Ilham Aliyev was re-elected for the fourth time getting more than 80 percent of votes. A woman has pleaded guilty to three counts of assault after she kicked a police officer in the groin and punched another in the face over an illegal street park on the Sunshine Coast. Coolum hairdresser Janette Medina will need to pay $2,000 compensation after a confrontation with a police over an illegal park escalated into a violent struggle. The Maroochydore Magistrates Court was told the former fitness trainer was approached near her Coolum home by two police officers last month when she began to yell and swear at the officers, the Sunshine Coast Daily reported. Janette Medina (pictured) has pleaded guilty to three counts of assault after she kicked a police officer in the groin and punched another in the face over an illegal street park on the Sunshine Coast When officers tried to take the woman in to the watchhouse, the court was told she became aggressive, kicking one officer in the groin and punching a second officer in the head, the Sunshine Coast Daily reported. Officers needed to restrain Ms Medina on the ground and she was later taken into custody where she spent one night behind bars. Defence lawyer Lachlan Ygoa-Mckeown said Ms Medina had no criminal history and asked asked Magistrate Maxine Baldwin to place her on a good behaviour bond. But Magistrate Baldwin said Medina's behaviour was 'embarrassingly bad' and told the woman to keep her hands off the police, saying she deserved to go to jail, according to the Sunshine Coast Daily. Coolum hairdresser Janette Medina (pictured) will need to pay $2,000 compensation after a confrontation with police over an illegal park escalated into a violent struggle Magistrate Baldwin asked Medina whether she would have acted the same if she was sober and warned her that alcoholism was a 'disease' and she needed to learn how to control it. Medina pleaded guilty to three counts of assault or obstructing a police officer and was ordered to pay $1,000 compensation each to the officers involved. She has been placed her on a good behaviour bond for one year and will be fined $3,000 if she breaks the bond. Magistrate Baldwin wished the woman luck as left the courtroom. Alan Conway (pictured), 84, was on holiday in Bali after the death of his wife when he broke his leg in a fall and had to go to hospital where he has since had a stroke and a viral rash A grandfather who has been enjoying his first holiday in five years, after the death of his beloved wife, is now at risk of dying in popular holiday spot - but his family want to bring him home. Alan Conway, 84, was on holiday with his son Marc and his partner in Bali when he broke his leg after a fall. Since being admitted to hospital Mr Conway has had a stroke and had a viral rash that has covered most of his body. It has delayed operation and medical staff are concerned that if he has the operation now he could develop an infection. Marc Conway told 9NEWS: 'Its very aggressive, and if it gets into his blood system and goes to his brain it could kill him. 'Hes had a stroke in the last three days as well as a broken leg, hes having trouble breathing and hes wheezing very much and they keep delaying the operation because of the rash.' The trip was supposed to be in memory of Mr Conway's wife, Patsy, who he cared for after her dementia diagnosis. She died in September 2017. His son said he has mourned her ever since. Unfortunately Mr Conway's insurance is only $40,000 - and a medical evacuation home to Australia is at least double that Mr Conway's sons said they want their father to come home to Australia to receive medical attention On a Go Fund Me page designed to raise money for Mr Conway, his other son David explained the insurance situation his father faced. He wrote: 'Unfortunately Dad only had $40,000 of medical insurance, a lot of money to him but he was not aware of the exorbitant cost of international medical care, especially if you need to be evacuated to your home country. 'Estimated costs vary between $80 and $100,000 to provide the transportation and medical support to get Alan in to a bed in a hospital near his home town, Mandurah.' Police have closed in a lone suspect in the mysterious case of a mother-of-four who was found rotting a bathtub. The corpse of Sarah Gatt, 40, was discovered in January when police noticed a foul stench coming from her Kensington home in Melbourne's north-east. Forensic testing revealed Ms Gatt was likely killed between April 20 and 24 the year before, eight months before her badly decomposed body was accidentally found. Her father Victor Gatt said she was a good student and aspiring model before she turned to a life of drugs when she was just 17 years old. Victoria Police now say they are looking for just one killer in relation to her tragic death. Sarah Gatt (pictured), 40, was left rotting inside the bathtub of her Melbourne home for more than eight months after she was bashed and murdered, police say Sarah Gatt (pictured recently) suffered a turbulent lifestyle in the lead up to her death, according to her neighbour Victoria Police now say they are looking for just one killer in relation to her tragic death Detectives believe she suffered a prolonged violent attack, confirming Ms Gatt suffered injuries to her head and face, the Herald Sun reported. They dismissed claims that she was decapitated. It is believed she dided between April 20 and 24, 2017 after a lengthy assault in her home. Police believe Ms Gatt knew her attacker and that her body was deliberately concealed. Recent social media pictures of Ms Gatt capture the struggling mother's tragic descent from a starry-eyed girl to a woman hardened by years of addiction. Ms Gatt's next-door neighbour Phil Nelson revealed the young mother tried hard to stay on the straight and narrow but was deeply 'troubled'. He said he often heard screaming from Ms Gatt's home and she regularly visited him wearing large sunglasses to shield her face. Mr Nelson, who lived next door to Ms Gatt for eight years, said the mother-of-four had a turbulent lifestyle. 'She had a hard life and a hard journey,' he told The Age. He said Ms Gatt fought hard to get sober so she could see her four children. 'She would be doing OK and all of a sudden it got too much for her. You could hear her from everywhere, screaming at the kids, screaming at the neighbours,' he said. 'She could be toxic.' Police believe Ms Gatt (pictured in her youth) was killed in a violent assault in April last year, and her body was deliberately concealed in the apartment ever since Police stumbled upon her corpse (pictured) in January after they noticed a foul stench coming from her home in Kensington, in Melbourne's north-east, while working an unrelated job The Melbourne man said he watched on as Ms Gatt's health spiralled downhill. 'She got her life together, and then things would fall apart,' he told The Australian. Police believe Ms Gatt was killed in a violent assault in April last year, and her body was deliberately concealed in the apartment ever since. Homicide Quad Detective Inspector Tim Day said 'conscious steps' were taken in the months after her death to make it look like she was still alive. Mr Nelson said he saw a man visit Ms Gatt's home and collect her mail in the months following her alleged murder. Forensic testing on the badly decomposed body found Ms Gatt likely died between April 20 and 24 following a violent attack within her home (pictured) Mr Nelson said the last time he saw Ms Gatt was in December 2016. He said he saw a man collecting the mail and visiting her home from about June last year. 'They said she died in April. The week before the Christmas just passed - that's eight months after her being murdered - he and another person were going in and out of that house three times in that week. 'He told me Sarah had been put away - she'd gone to jail before - and that she was put in for psych reasons and wasn't expected to come out too soon.' Detective Inspector Day said a number of 'stories' about Ms Gatt's death were being circulated. Someone is believed to have been living at the home sporadically while Ms Gatt's body decomposed in the bath tub, police said. Police said three men and two women known to Ms Gatt - who were questioned in January - remain persons of interest, although no one has been charged over the death. Police wouldn't draw on speculation that someone pretended to be Ms Gatt (pictured right, recent image) after her death, but said a number of 'stories' about her were being circulated The mother's family and police launched a public appeal for more information regarding her death, which has been labelled as 'suspicious'. Mr Gatt added she was a 'great person' with no faults until she became mixed in the wrong crowd and began living in isolation from her parents. 'Nobody knows what went wrong, she just started on drugs,' he said. 'We didn't know about it and I took her to places to try and get her cleaned up but it wouldn't happen. She kept everything to herself.' Her father Victor Gatt (pictured with stepmother Cheryl Gatt) said she was a good student and aspiring model before she turned to a life of drugs when she was about 17-years-old Ms Gatt's family said they hadn't seen her in almost 18 months before her unrecognisable body was found. 'I lost my daughter in that way and I still think I should have went to see her, but when she doesn't want to see you, she won't,' Mr Gatt said. Detective Inspector Day said the cover up of Ms Gatt's death was 'disturbing and concerning'. He added: 'There are people out there who know what happened to Sarah and we are urging them to come forward and speak to police.' Police said Ms Gatt's four children were not living with her at her home. Police confirmed Ms Gatt was not reported missing before the discovery of her body. Sheila Keen Warren is pictured in a mugshot taken by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office DNA evidence - including hair fibers in a getaway car - and two costume store staff accounts were what helped bring down the killer clown who shot dead her husband's first wife. Sheila Keen Warren, 54, was arrested in September 2017 without incident on a charge of first-degree murder with use of a firearm in the 1990 killing of Marlene Warren, 40, - the suspect's husband's first wife - in Washington County, Virginia. She is pictured, right, in a new mugshot taken by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Prosecutors released late Thursday evidence that they say helped them and sheriff's detectives to arrest Keen in September at the Abington, Virginia, home she shared with her husband - Michael Warren, Marlene Warren's widower. The evidence includes hundreds of pages of witness statements, photographs, reports and maps. It also says recent DNA tests conducted by the FBI say hair found in a car linked to the slaying could have come from Sheila Warren. Warren, 54, was arrested in September 2017 on a charge of first-degree murder for the killing of Marlene Warren, 40, in 1990. Pictured is Keen Warren appearing in court for a pre-trial hearing on November 13, 2017 Evidence was released late Thursday night that helped investigators arrest Keen Warren (right) 27 years after she killed Marlene Warren (left). Evidence included witness statements and DNA of Keen Warren's hair the getaway vehicle Two nights before Marlene Warren was fatally shot at her front door, a customer showed up at a nearby costume shop and begged to be let in at closing. On this night 28 years ago, the woman urgently told two clerks she needed a clown suit, an orange wig, white gloves, a red nose and enough white makeup to cover her face completely. She passed on the floppy shoes. One of the clerks in a photo lineup identified the customer as Sheila Keen, who was rumored in May 1990 to be having an affair with victim Marlene Warren's husband. The other clerk thought it might be Keen, but wasn't 100 percent. Prosecutors released the evidence without comment. Her attorney, Richard Lubin, did not immediately return a call and email seeking comment. Michael Warren, reached by phone, declined comment. Marlene Warren was the suspect's husband (left) first wife. Sheila Keen Warren (right) was rumored to have a secret relationship with Michael Warren before she married him in 2002 Detectives have declined to rule him out as a possible suspect. Keen Warren, now 54, remains jailed without bond. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty. According to the documents, she became a suspect shortly after the slaying. Marlene Warren, 40, opened her door on a Saturday morning to find a clown in an orange wig, a red nose but normal high-top shoes holding two foil balloons and carnations. Her then 20-year-old son and his friends, who were in the house, say the clown handed her the gifts. The clown without saying a word then shot her in the face, walked slowly to a Chrysler LeBaron convertible and drove away. Michael Warren at the time owned a used car lot and Sheila Keen did repossessions for him. Other employees, according to the document, told detectives Warren and Keen had been seen kissing and having sex in the office and her neighbors said he was frequently at her house. Warren and Keen denied a relationship. They married in 2002. The documents show that immediately after the shooting, detectives worked to find where the clown costume, the balloons and flowers had been purchased and to find the car. Sheila Keen Warren went reportedly went to a costume store two days before the shooting to purchase a clown costume. A store clerk was able to identify her during a photo lineup. Pictured is Keen Warren during one of her court appearances in October 2017 Recent DNA tests conducted by the FBI say hair found in a car linked to the slaying could have come from Sheila Warren Along with the costume shop employees, the detectives learned the flowers and balloons came from a supermarket a half mile from the victim's home, bought by a woman who looked like Keen who wore white gloves. The LeBaron was soon found abandoned in a parking lot. It had been reported stolen by a Payless rental agency near Michael Warren's car lot, Bargain Motors. The couple who rented it last told detectives they had arrived afterhours at the Payless, hoping to leave the car. Finding no employees, they went home, looked in the Yellow Pages and called what they thought was Payless. A man told them to leave the car with its keys in the visor in front of the lot and someone would get it. They reluctantly did. When they went back later, the car was gone, so they called the number again and the same man acted like he never spoke to them. The next morning they realized they had called Bargain Motors - its Yellow Page ad read "Payless!" The rental agency had previously sued Michael Warren over the ad and an employee told detectives Michael Warren and another employee had pulled the ruse to steal the car as payback. No one was ever charged with the theft. Marlene Warren, 40, opened her door on a Saturday morning in 1990 to find a female clown with brown eyes. Pictured are investigators analyzing the scene after the shooting occurred Sheila Keen Warren was arrested after ah 27-year investigation. She is now waiting in jail until her trial Warren told detectives he and his wife had a good relationship, but his employees and her family said Marlene Warren had been threatening to divorce him over numerous affairs and a beating she said he had administered a year before. Warren's employees told detectives he had said he would never divorce because his wife would get half his assets. Keen was interviewed by detectives shortly after the shooting and blood and hair were collected. She denied being the shooter, saying she was in another part of the county looking for cars that needed to be repossessed. Michael Warren was convicted in 1994 of grand theft, racketeering and odometer tampering and served almost four years in prison. After his wedding to Keen, they settled in Virginia just across from Kingsport, Tennessee, where they operated a popular restaurant that they sold just before her arrest. The online advertising site Backpage.com and its chief executive have pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges in Arizona. The guilty pleas by the company and 57-year-old CEO Carl Ferrer were made on April 5, but were unsealed late Thursday afternoon. The acknowledgements of wrongdoing came shortly after Ferrer pleaded guilty on Thursday to a state money laundering charges in California and the company pleaded guilty to human trafficking in Texas. The guilty pleas by the company and 57-year-old CEO Carl Ferrer were made on April 5, but were unsealed late Thursday afternoon State agents raided the Dallas headquarters of Backpage and arrested Ferrer on a California warrant after he arrived at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on Oct. 6, 2016 He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of money laundering. He also agreed to cooperate in the ongoing California prosecution of Backpage.com founders Michael Lacey, and James Larkin. They have pleaded not guilty. Ferrer says in his federal plea deal that he was aware that a great majority of the site's ads were for sex services. He also says he conspired with others at Backpage.com to launder the proceeds from such ads after credit card companies and banks refused to do business with the site. Ferrer also agreed to cooperate in the ongoing California prosecution of Backpage.com founders Michael Lacey (left), and James Larkin (right). They have pleaded not guilty State agents raided the Dallas headquarters of Backpage and arrested Ferrer on a California warrant after he arrived at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on Oct. 6, 2016. He will serve no more than five years in a state prison under the plea agreement or he could pay a fine of $250,000. Ferrer pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of money laundering. He will serve no more than five years in a state prison under the plea agreement or he could pay a fine of $250,000 Co-founder James Larkin underwent a hearing Thursday over whether to release him from jail. Magistrate Judge Bridget Bade says attorneys have agreed on the terms of release, but other details must be ironed out. The hearing will resume Monday. Larkin, co-founder Michael Lacey and five Backpage.com employees were arrested in what authorities say was a scheme to publish ads for sexual services. Four employees and the site founders pleaded not guilty to the charges. The founders also were among those indicted this month by a federal grand jury in Arizona. Ferrer was noticeably absent from the federal indictment, which referenced a 'CF' who was heavily involved with the site. Ferrer also agreed to make the company's data available to law enforcement. In a press statement obtained by USA Today, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions praised the seizure of Backpage. 'For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike,' he said. 'But this illegality stops right now.' A bearded barefoot man who allegedly followed a teenage schoolgirl off a tram in Melbourne's east as she made her way home has been charged with stalking. A 49-year-old Kew man was charged on Thursday just hours after he was identified from photos released by Victoria Police. Police said the girl had boarded the 109 tram in Kew last Thursday afternoon when a man who had been staring at her rushed off the tram and pursued her as she walked home. Scroll down for video A bearded barefoot man carrying beads who allegedly followed a 15-year-old schoolgirl off a tram in Melbourne 's east as she made her way home has been charged with stalking after he was identified from photos released by Victoria Police (pictured) Feeling uncomfortable, she got off the tram at Surrey Hills when she realised the same man had also stepped off and was allegedly following her down Whitehorse Road. 'She'd attempted to exit the tram without the male noticing,' Detective Senior Constable Christian Arbanovski from the Victoria Police Transit Crime investigation unit said. 'Once she's exited, she's noticed the male has rushed off the tram. 'She's fairly panicked, being 15 years old. She's crossed the street into a side street to try and avoid this male. At this time she's seen the male crossing the street, running after her into the side street.' 'She'd attempted to exit the tram without the male noticing. Once she's exited, she's noticed the male has rushed off the tram,' Detective Senior Constable Christian Arbanovski (pictured) from the Victoria Police Transit Crime investigation unit said Constable Arbanovski said the man was wearing no shoes, was carrying beads in his hands and 'got within five metres of her'. The 15-year-old sought safety by running to a group of tradesmen working in a nearby front yard who told her to hide at the back of the house. 'She's hidden in the back of the residence, trying to avoid this male and could see that he was actually out the front of the house waiting for her to come back outside,' Constable Arbanovski said. 'She's phoned her parents and her mother has attended and confronted the male who has then tried to take off through some side streets. He was abusive towards the mum when she tried to approach him and she has managed to take some photos of the male.' The girl boarded the 109 tram at Cotham/Glenferrie Road in Kew last Thursday, in Melbourne's leafy eastern suburbs. She noticed a man who was also on the tram staring at her Police said the mother confronted the man, shouting profanities and then took a series of photographs. Constable Arbanovski congratulated the girl for the way she handled the situation. 'I commend the actions of the 15-year-old girl, she was very vigilant, noticing him on the tram staring at her and trying to exit the tram at the last minute to avoid him following her,' he said. 'Then calling her parents and seeking refuge with a tradesman ... I think that's very well done.' The photos of the man were released by Victoria Police and helped in the identification of him, leading to his arrest. The man has been bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on June 8. Backpackers allegedly used code words such as capsicum, broccoli and light salad dressing to brazenly sell drugs on a bogus Facebook page called Vegetables Australia. Florian Chamon, 23, seven French nationals and a Thai woman, 25, were arrested in dawn raids across Sydney last week following a six-month investigation into the alleged supply of MDMA, cocaine, LSD, ketamine and cannabis. The alleged drug ring is accused of advertising sales on the closed Facebook page, which dealers from across the country use to spruik their products to the group's 21,000 members. Florian Chamon (left) allegedly directed a drug syndicate which advertised its products on a bogus Facebook page. His Thai girlfriend (right) has been released without charge Chamon appeared to live a happy life in Sydney before his arrest - partying in Instagram photos and living in a two-bedroom 'executive' apartment The drug ring are accused of advertising their sales on closed Facebook page, Vegetables Australia. Dealers use the page to spruik their products to the group's 21,000 members The Facebook group (a member is pictured) is used to buy and sell drugs across Australia On the page, marijuana is advertised as 'broccoli' and LSD as 'light salad dressing', while 'capsicum' is used to describe MDMA capsules and 'coconuts' is code for cocaine. 'Strong and Dry Broccoli Available In Melbourne CBD,' reads one recent post. 'PM me Cairns for your supply of capsicums and broccoli,' another member wrote. Others use the group to source drug dealers in their local area: 'Looking for light salad dressing in cairns, can come to you,' one said. 'Looking for an ounce of HG broccoli in Brisbane. PM if you got something good,' another posted. Chamon (pictured), seven French nationals and a Thai woman, 25, were arrested in dawn raids across Sydney last week The group's members often post pictures of the drugs they are selling or have purhcased This is one of several pictures posted on the Vegetables Australia closed Facebook page On the closed Facebook group, marijuana is advertised as 'broccoli' and LSD as 'light salad dressing' The alleged Sydney drug syndicate, allegedly directed by Chamon, is accused of using the Vegetables Australia page to ply its lucrative trade. Runners would allegedly respond to requests on the site and visit Chamon's Haymarket unit to collect the drugs, before returning with the cash from the sale. In court documents seen by Daily Mail Australia, Chamon is accused of directing the group and knowingly dealing in proceeds of crime worth $168,280. Investigators allege Chamon used his proceeds in order to buy a creperie where he worked part-time, The Sunday Telegraph reported. Chamon appeared to live a happy life in Sydney - partying in Instagram photos and living in a two-bedroom 'executive' apartment. A white substance is seen in a picture recently posted to the group, which has over 21,000 members Many of the group's members appear to use 'broc' or 'broccoli' to describe marijuana The group's members use 'capsicum' to describe MDMA capsules and 'coconuts' is code for cocaine But that all came crashing down in the early hours of last Friday morning when police swooped on the alleged group at homes in inner Sydney and the city's east. An older man, Mourad Hannachi, 44, is also accused of directing the group and supplying greater than commercial quantities of a prohibited drug. Damian Nasset, 24, and Kevin Bianchi, 27, were charged with participating in a criminal group and dealing with the proceeds of crime. Another man, 27, was charged with possessing a prohibited drug. The other three people - two men, 28 and 23, and Chamon's Thai girlfriend - were released without charge. None of the men applied for bail on Thursday at Central Local Court. This Facebook user appears to be advertising cocaine in exchange for cash in Sydney Hundreds of the group's members use the page to source drug dealers in their local area In handcuffs: One of the arrested French nationals (left) and the Thai woman, 25, who was later released without charge Ken Clarke last night warned Theresa May she would be taking a very retrograde step if she failed to consult MPs over military action in Syria. As opposition parties threatened to force a potentially explosive retrospective vote next week unless the Prime Minister backs down, the former Chancellor led Tory calls for Mrs May to seek consent from Parliament first. Amid signs of a growing revolt, the Father of the House, who has served in the Commons since 1970, told BBC Radio 4s World at One of the dangers of sidelining rank and file MPs. In a modern, parliamentary democracy, I think you have got to have parliamentary approval if you have a planned, policy decision to launch a military attack of any significant size, he said. To say that Parliament is just sidelined before you take such a serious decision is a very retrograde step. It makes parliamentary accountability fairly pathetic. Meanwhile, a senior member of the Democratic Unionist Party, the allies keeping the Prime Minister in power, joined criticism of her plan not to hold a Commons vote before retaliating against Bashar al-Assad. Former Chancellor Ken Clarke (pictured) has warned Theresa May that Parliament must be consulted before any military action in Syria MP Sammy Wilson, who is the partys Treasury spokesman, told the Daily Mail: I really think there should be a Commons vote on it as its a very significant step for the Government to take. There is Parliamentary precedent on these matters but I suspect that the Prime Ministers already made up her mind. Personally, I would vote not to take action. But I suspect that the party might take a different view. If this happens, I would listen to the arguments but I dont think we should intervene. Tory MPs Philip Davies, Martin Vickers and Adam Holloway who all voted against strikes on Assad when they were proposed by David Cameron in 2013 also said Mrs May should seek approval from the Commons. Fellow Tory Zac Goldsmith added: Parliament must be involved before any military action is agreed. Picture shows Tornado jet pilots returning to RAF Marham in Norfolk on Thursday afternoon as they prepare for a possible strike on Syria Yesterday, the SNP warned Mrs May it could use an opposition day debate to force a Commons vote on the issue after MPs return to Westminster on Monday. While the strikes would likely to have already taken place, it could prove to be hugely embarrassing for the Prime Minister. The partys defence spokesman, Stewart McDonald, said: We will actively consider that [staging a vote] depending on how events pan out over the next couple of days. Since the Iraq War, a precedent has been set that all military action abroad is first approved by Parliament, but Tory Party deputy chairman James Cleverly told Sky News last night: It is a very, very recent phenomenon that the Parliament is consulted prior to military action, only really in the last few years since Gordon Brown was prime minister. Prior to that for many, many centuries it has been the decision of the Government rather than of Parliament. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable yesterday demanded a Privy Council briefing on the Governments intelligence case for military action prior to any strikes against Syria. But John Woodcock, who is chairman of the Labours backbench foreign affairs committee, said he expected many in the party would defy Mr Corbyn if he tried to block action. Syrian and Russian soldiers wait at the entrance of the Wafideen Camp for the arrival of buses carrying evacuated fighters In an article for the Standard, he wrote: If the Government can rediscover the will to protect civilians against this growing threat, I am confident many Labour MPs will want to play their part and rise above the excuses and diversions which emanate from the shadow frontbench whenever there is a crisis. In 2013, Mr Cameron went to the House to ask for support to join US-led air strikes in Syria after Assad used chemical weapons against Syrian civilians. He was defeated by 13 votes and said he would respect the result. Mr Cameron went back to MPs in December 2015 to ask for support for UK involvement in air strikes against Islamic State in Syria and won by 397 votes to 223. Ultimately, the Prime Minister still retains the prerogative power to go ahead with military action but she will have to weigh up the political consequences of pushing ahead without parliamentary approval. A serial dine and dash woman who conned restaurants and hotels out of thousands of dollars went onto leave scathing reviews of the establishments she had scammed. Lois Loder and her boyfriend allegedly dined at lavish restaurants across Perth, racking up bills in their hundreds, before leaving without paying on more than 12 occasions. But their plot came unstuck as photos taken from security vision of thieved restaurants began surfacing online - the public eventually identifying Ms Loder. Lois Loder's (pictured) plot came unstuck as photos taken from security vision of restaurants she and her partner allegedly thieved began surfacing online The alleged serial dine-and-dasher (pictured) has been accused of blackmailing the businesses she and her partner scammed out of thousands of dollars in expensive meals When it came to settling her debt with establishments she scammed, the woman resorted to threatening to plague public platforms with false negative reviews. Terrazza Cafe Applecross claimed Ms Loder and her partner targeted its business in July, leaving without settling a bill of about $200. Photos of the couple were posted to the cafe's Facebook page, with it asking public members who knew the couple to let them know 'they haven't paid for their lunch'. Shortly after, Ms Loder used her alias account 'Lois Lynn' to give the cafe a one star review, writing 'Awful. Really bad. Wouldn't go there unless you like pubic hair in your butter'. The woman (pictured entering a cafe with her partner) resorted to threatening to plague public platforms with false negative reviews if posts about her not paying her bills weren't removed After Terrazza Cafe Applecross shared photos of the woman and stated she left without paying her bill, Ms Loder used her alias account 'Lois Lynn' to give the cafe a one star review Mr Loder (pictured) wrote, 'Awful. Really bad. Wouldn't go there unless you like pubic hair in your butter' in her review of the Applecross cafe This week Elmar's in the Valley restaurant shared photos of who they believed was the same couple which had targeted other Perth businesses. 'This couple came in on Saturday 7th April in a two door white Holden Coupe at 4.58pm to sample some of our food and drinks and forgot to pay their $250 bill,' the business wrote. Elmar's General manager Steffen Hoeer said the pair regularly stepped outside for cigarettes during the evening and fled before finishing their final meal. 'They didn't eat their dessert, they just went outside again but this time they took their belongings and they never came back,' Mr Hoeer told The West Australian. Ms Loder (pictured) and her partner allegedly targeted the business in July, leaving without settling a bill of about $200 Photos of the couple were posted to the cafe's (pictured) Facebook page, with it asking public members who knew the couple to let them know ' they haven't paid for their lunch' This week Elmar's in the Valley restaurant shared photos of who they believed was the same couple which had targeted other Perth businesses (Ms Loder pictured) A receipt showed the couple ordered a $48 bottle of white wine, four cocktails at a cost of $18 each, a soup dish, an antipasti platter, barramundi, a pasta and desert. 'I'm disgusted, it's just not fair. You receive the service, you receive the product, you pay for it. The staff still need to be paid,' Mr Hoeer said. In a message allegedly sent to a restaurant, which opted not to be named, Ms Loder appeared to threaten to tarnish the business's name unless it removed its post about her. 'I strongly suggest you remove the posts from the website or I will give you that many bad reviews it will make your head spin,' she wrote. Ms Loder appeared to threaten to tarnish a business's name unless it removed its post about her Elmar's General manager Steffen Hoeer said the pair (pictured inside Terrazza cafe) regularly stepped outside for cigarettes during the evening and fled before finishing their final meal A receipt showed the couple ordered a $48 bottle of white wine, four cocktails at a cost of $18 each, a soup dish, an antipasti platter, barramundi, a pasta and desert (pictured inside cafe) Mr Loder (pictured) threatened to write so many bad reviews about a particular restaurant it would force a restaurant owner's head to spin 'I will inbox you my visa details and as soon as your childish rubbish is removed I will go on every sight (sic) and say terriable (sic) about your over prices (sic) for basic watered down drinks.' Hillary's restaurant, 3Sheets, was allegedly fleeced on two separate occasions to a total amount of $250 per visit, according to owner Toby Evans. 'When we got done I made it my mission to get them caught, so as soon as I saw Elmar's had got done I got in touch with them and said it was the same MO,' Mr Evans told Perth Now. 'She's abusing the staff and saying 'oh I meant to pay, I meant to pay', so she's trying to dig herself out of a massive hole which she can't.' This week Elmar's in the Valley restaurant staff released CCTV images of the pair and tried to convince them to settle the bill before the matter was taken any further The couple (pictured) have allegedly performed the same stunt at 12 other businesses in Perth Elmar's General manager Steffen Hoeer said the pair arrived at around 5pm and regularly stepped outside for cigarettes during the evening Staff at Elmar's claimed the couple tucked into a three-course meal, drank cocktails and wine over the weekend before driving away in a Holden (pictured) Anoop Nair, The Royal on East Perth's Waterfront general manager, claimed the same couple visited his establishment and fled after racking up a bill of $240. 'It's definitely the same couple,' he told the West Australian. 'They seemed fine. They were talking to staff normally and then the male got up to go to the toilet. She did the same a minute after and they never returned,' he said. Supervisor Matt Janin said the restaurant received a strange phone call from a woman following media reports it had been a victim of the dine-and-dashers. 'One of our staff members picked up the phone and a lady said 'I've just seen myself on TV and your venue says that we've been doing runners.' Mr Loder (pictured) has been accused of calling Elmar's and abusing staff while claiming she 'meant to pay' Hillary's restaurant, 3Sheets, was allegedly fleeced on two separate occasions to a total amount of $250 per visit, according to owner Toby Evans (Ms Loder pictured) 'Then that staff member said, just hold on a minute I'll give you to my venue manager and then I ... heard a few swear words coming out of the phone,' Mr Janin told Perth Now. The Floreat Hotel filed a police report after the man and woman allegedly fled a $290 bill in February, the West Australian reported. The woman was also accused of leaving a hotel $2000 out-of-pocket across two separate stays in 2016, allegedly using a stolen credit card to make her bookings. She allegedly charged expensive meals to her room, and claimed she had left her ID in the car to avoid being caught out. Lloyd McAuley, the former franchisee of the West Perth hotel, filed a police report after her first visit, and went to the police station after her second. The Floreat Hotel filed a police report after the man and woman (pictured) allegedly fled a $290 bill in February Ms Loder (pictured) was allegedly the same woman to have left a hotel $2000 out-of-pocket across two separate stays in 2016, allegedly using a stolen credit card to make her bookings 'She'd say her ID was out in her car, can she just go up to her room and she'll bring it the next time she goes past the desk,' Mr McAuley told Perth Now. 'The hotel gets busy ... and before you know it she's been in your hotel for days.' The businessman said the woman eventually left his establishment after being confronted by him during her second stay. Mr McAuley believed the same woman had conducted a similar scam at another hotel in the city along with her male partner. Police confirmed they were investigating reports. Any self-respecting lover of the British countryside knows that wildflowers are to be admired, but never picked. But that advice is about to be turned on its head after conservation charity Plantlife drew up a list of 12 wild blooms it says are OK to pluck and take home. The list, including dandelions, primroses and daisies, has been announced alongside a code of conduct ahead of Great British Wildflower Hunt designed to get more youngsters involved in nature. But beekeepers are opposed to the move because they think people could damage or destroy the environment by digging up the plants, which is still illegal in the UK. The list, including dandelions (pictured), primroses and daisies, has been announced alongside a code of conduct ahead of Great British Wildflower Hunt Marian Spain, chief executive of Plantlife International, told BBC Radio 4: We are saying something unusual but actually as a nation were facing an even bigger risk that our children have less and less contact with wildlife. 'We think that if we say to children you cant touch flowers, you cant pick them we turn them off. 'What we want is for people to learn more about wildflowers and know whats around them. The Wildflower Hunt encourages the public to search for 68 different species. Brandy production is a big business in Armenia. April 13, 2018, 15:46 Forbes: Exploring The World Of Armenian Brandy STEPANAKERT, APRIL 13, ARTSAKHPRESS:Yerevan, the countrys capital, boasts more brandy distillers per capita than any other city in the world, including Cognac Forbes said in an article on Armenian brandy titled Exploring The World Of Armenian Brandy. Author of the article Joseph Micallef mentions that Armenia is known as the birthplace of winemaking. However, brandy production also has very long history. During the late 19th century a thriving brandy industry developed in Armenia. Taking advantage of the popularity of Cognac in Russia; a consequence of the anti-German, Franco-Russian alliance that preceded World War I, Armenian Brandy was also labeled Kanyak, the Armenian spelling for Cognac. A practice that continues in Armenia, Russia and some of the other former Soviet republics. For a brief time, one Armenian producer, Nikolay Shustov, did have the right to label his brandy as Cognac. Shustov was the official supplier of Armenian brandy to the court of the Russian Tsar Nicholas II. His company, Shustov & Sons, eventually became the Yerevan Brandy Company, Armenias largest brandy producer. At the 1900 Universal Expo of Paris, Shustov & Sons brandy, was selected as the best brandy in a blind judging, beating out stiff competition from Cognacs leading producer and earning the reward to legally call their product Cognac. Roughly a quarter of all of the brandy produced in the Soviet Union came from Armenia. At the Yalta Conference in 1944, Joseph Stalin was reputed to have plied Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt with copious quantities of an Armenian brandy produced by the Yerevan Brandy company called Dvin, the author said, adding that according to the legend Churchill was so smitten with Armenian brandy that he arranged with Stalin for a regular supply to be shipped to him. The country currently produces around 20 million liters, about 5.7 million gallons, 90 percent of which is exported. There are several interesting features about Armenian brandy production. First, it only utilizes indigenous grape varieties. Armenia has over 200 indigenous grape varieties, most of which are very old, the article said. The South Carolina parents of the 16-year-old boy who drank too much caffeine and died from heart problem are taking their qualms with energy drinks to the State House. Sean and Heidi Cripe are throwing their support behind a new bill proposed by Representative Leon Howard that would ban the sale of energy drinks to those under the age of 18. In April of 2017, their son Davis drank a Mountain Dew, coffee and an energy drink all within 40 minutes. Sean and Heidi Cripe are supporting a bill that would ban the sale of energy drinks to those under the age of 18 after their son died from drinking too much caffeine He suffered from an ineffective heartbeat condition called arrhythmia Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, at the time, said Davis suffered arrhythmia, a cardiac event that causes ineffective heartbeats. 'Your whole job as a parent is to protect your children and get them to adulthood. When you learn it was something that was legal that took his life, that's hard to live with. Something we could have protected him from,' Sean Cripe explained to WACH. HOW MUCH CAFFEINE IS IN WHAT DAVIS CRIPE HAD TO DRINK? Large Mountain Dew (24fl oz) 108mg McDonalds McCafe Latte Small (12fl oz): 72mg Medium (16fl oz): 144mg Large (21fl oz): 178mg Standard energy drink 8fl oz can: 77mg 12fl oz can: 111mg 16fl oz can: 148mg Advertisement For Howard, his hope is that energy drinks will be treated under the same critical view as alcohol. Ideally, Howard would move to have the proposal become law by next year. 'If kids can recognize they're not good for them because of this legislation, it'll educate them and make them have healthier choices as they get older,' said the Midland, South Carolina, couple. '[Energy drinks] need to be thought of as something dangerous to your health. They could put your life at risk. Use our story. Use Davis.' Adults are supposed to consume no more than approximately 400 milligrams in a day, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That comes out to approximately five cups of coffee per day. Energy drinks, however, consist of up to 300 milligrams of caffeine. Assuming Cripe drank a large latte and energy drink, in addition to the large Mountain Dew, he would have had about 434mg. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured with his wife Lucia) breached anti-money laundering rules after setting up a company to buy seven luxury flats in Southampton Jeremy Hunt is facing a formal investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner after failing to declare his luxury property development company. The Health Secretary was accused of 'illegal activity' by Labour for failing to disclose his stake in the firm to the authorities. Mr Hunt - who is Theresa May's richest Cabinet minister with a personal fortune of 14million - may have fallen foul of strict rules governing MPs's business interests. The scandal came after he set up a company to buy seven luxury flats. But he failed to register the firm with Companies House within the allotted time. The oversight is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or up to two years in prison. He also failed to disclose his 50 per cent stake in the firm on the Parliamentary Register of Members' interests within the specified 28 days. He later corrected both errors and apologised to the parliamentary authorities. But Labour has referred the case to the standards commissioner to investigate. Jon Trickett, Labour's shadow Cabinet Office secretary, said: 'It appears Jeremy Hunt has taken part in illegal activity in his failure to declare his involvement in a luxury flat investment. 'This is simply unacceptable and especially so given the secretary of state's position at the heart of Theresa May's government. 'Labour will today refer Jeremy Hunt to the standards commissioner to look into this serious breach. He should have had the decency to refer himself rather than sweep this under the carpet.' But the long-standing Health Secretary has got the backing of No10 as he has not breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct. Last night No 10 said: 'Jeremy has rightly apologised for an administrative oversight, and as the Cabinet Office have made clear there has been no breach of the Ministerial Code. We consider the matter closed.' But a former MPs' watchdog said that if Mr Hunt did not 'face consequences' it could create a 'perception of double standards', with 'one rule for the political elite and another rule for the rest of the population'. Mr Hunt's breaches relate to seven flats he bought in the Ocean Village complex in Southampton (pictured) in February Sir Alistair Graham, a former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, told the Daily Telegraph, which revealed the oversight: 'It is a very poor show when ministers, who you expect to take leadership in standards ... do not meet the rules they are required to meet. 'If there has been a failure of leadership, there should be a political price for it. Either in terms of the damage to your reputation or to action by the Prime Minister in the case of the Ministerial Code, or by the Committee on Standards.' Mr Hunt's breaches relate to seven flats he bought in the Ocean Village complex in Southampton in February. The average price paid for properties in the development is 240,000 per flat, according to Zoopla. The oversight is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or up to two years in prison The mortgages were issued by a private bank to Mare Pond Properties Limited, a company set up by Mr Hunt and his wife Lucia Guo. Miss Guo was the only person named in the registration documents filed at Companies House when the firm was incorporated in September 2017. Mr Hunt appears to have breached the Companies Act on two counts. He should have declared to Companies House he was a 'person with significant control' within 28 days of registration. But he did not do so for six months. Legislation passed by the Tories in 2016 made this compulsory for anyone who has more than 25 per cent of shares or voting rights in a company. The law was a central part of the Government's plan to tackle money laundering, and failure to comply is an offence punishable by a fine or up to two years in prison. The second breach relates to the fact Mr Hunt's name was omitted from the registration document a criminal offence under another section of the Companies Act. Parliamentary rules state MPs must register any shareholding greater than 15 per cent in any company within 28 days. But Mr Hunt took nearly five months to do so, registering his co-ownership of the company alongside the purchase of the flats in the Register of MPs' Interests on March 7. He told the Telegraph the breaches were down to an honest mistake by his accountant and that he had corrected the listing after being alerted to it by a member of the public on March 28. Mr Hunt has not breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct with the Ocean Village breach, according to Cabinet Office rules, and so retains the backing of Theresa May His spokesman said: 'These were honest administrative mistakes which have already been rectified. 'Jeremy's accountant made an error in the Companies House filing which was a genuine oversight. 'The Cabinet Office are clear that there has been no breach of the ministerial code. Jeremy declared the interest to them after the company was set up. 'They advised that as it was a shell company with no assets or value, it should only be registered when it became operational. 'As such, Jeremy presumed the same rules applied to Parliamentary declarations ... Jeremy accepts these mistakes are his responsibility and has apologised to the parliamentary authorities.' 'Cocaine' Cassie Sainsbury has opened up about monthly conjugal visits at her women's prison in Colombia. The Adelaide drug mule revealed all female inmates are allowed to have intimate visits from male locals once a month, regardless of whether they are married or not. Speaking from the El Buen Pastor women's prison, Sainsbury said she broke up with fiance Scott Broadbridge after she was sentenced to six years' jail in February. The 22-year-old also claimed she only stood to make about $4,000 for smuggling the 5.8kg of cocaine she was caught with at Bogota airport in April 2017. Scroll down for video 'Cocaine' Cassie Sainsbury (pictured) has opened up about monthly conjugal visits at her women's prison in Colombia The 22-year-old Adelaide drug mule revealed all female inmates are allowed to have sex with a male visitor once a month, regardless of whether they are married or not (pictured is Cassie Sainsbury's former fiance Scott Broadbridge) Sainsbury claimed she only stood to make about $4,000 for smuggling the 5.8kg of cocaine she was caught with at Bogota airport in April 2017 (pictured) 'Once a month for people that have their husbands or their boyfriends they're allowed to come in, she told Kyle and Jackie O on KIIS FM. 'It's called a conjugal visit and they "do their business". Everyone is allowed that once a month.' Sainsbury's section of the jail contains nine 'patios', each housing different numbers of inmates. Patio 7, where Sainsbury is locked up, is home to 16 female prisoners, while some others house hundreds. 'In the patio where I am, Patio 7, it's not fabulous but it's a lot better than in the [main] prison,' Sainsbury said. 'In the cell there's double bunks, I've got a mattress and I'm in one of the bunks. It's one blanket one pillow - that's all your allowed. Speaking from the El Buen Pastor women's prison, Sainsbury (pictured, right) said she broke up with fiance Scott Broadbridge (pictured, left) after she was sentenced to six years' jail in February. Sainsbury's section of the jail contains nine 'patios', each housing different numbers of inmates (pictured are Cassie Sainsbury and Scott Broadbridge) 'Then it's your clothing, you're only allowed five t-shirts, three pairs of pants, it's all set limit. 'When we have visitors on the end of the weekend they're allowed to bring in a container of food, but everything has to be cut up so they can see nothing's hidden inside.' Cassie's mother Lisa Sainsbury said her daughter's cell block was not as bad as she expected it to be. 'But it's like, and I say this but don't take it as lightly as it sounds, it's like a dormitory,' Lisa Sainsbury said. Sainsbury said life behind bars has been tough both emotionally and physically, and described the victim of violence and discrimination. Sainsbury (pictured) said life behind bars has been tough both emotionally and physically, and described the victim of violence and discrimination Cassie's mother Lisa Sainsbury (pictured) said her daughter's cell block was not as bad as she expected it to be 'Everyone looks at white people as "gringos" ... there is a lot of discrimination. Not knowing Spanish, everything just piled on and people took advantage,' she said. Describing herself as the patio's peacekeeper, Sainsbury said there are frequent arguments and fights, and told of being hit in the face by an inmate in her late 70s. Despite a rough beginning, she has learned to handle herself inside, and has now speaks fluent Spanish. 'I keep my distance from the people I know are trying to make trouble, I'm friendly with everyone, and that's it,' she said. Making an emotional appeal to the Australian public to get to know who her daughter really is, Lisa Sainsbury describes her as a 'good girl'. Making an emotional appeal to the Australian public to get to know who her daughter really is, Lisa Sainsbury describes her as a 'good girl' (pictured is Cassie Sainsbury) Earlier in the interview Sainsbury said she would only have made about $4,000 for smuggling the cocaine she was caught with (pictured is Sainsbury's former fiance) 'I want people to understand that what people know about Cassie is only from a year ago onwards,' she said. 'They don't know Cassie before that, the beautiful, fun loving girl who cares about her family, friends and animals. 'She just fell into the wrong crowd, it can happen to anybody. This proves without a doubt that it can happen to anybody. I'd like to say to all the kids out there who think it's a quick buck, it doesn't work that way.' Earlier in the interview Sainsbury said she would only have made about $4,000 for smuggling the cocaine she was caught with. She was promised $10,000, but said that after flights and accommodation the amount would have been reduced by more than half. Sainsbury was sentenced to six years in jail after being caught with cocaine hidden inside 18 headphone boxes as she tried to leave Bogota's airport in April 2017. She could be released as early as 2020, with good behaviour and time served, if early release is approved by a Colombian judge. Business leaders are at their most confident for a year amid signs Theresa May will negotiate a favourable Brexit deal with the EU, a survey has revealed. A poll of 700 bosses by the Institute of Directors lobby group found they are more upbeat than at any time since the Prime Minister triggered Article 50 in March 2017. It comes as a new report by the Commonwealth Secretariat suggests that Britain could strike bumper trade deals with old allies around the world. The study on trade found that members of the 53-state partnership headed by the Queen tend to trade 20 per cent more and generate 10 per cent extra investment between themselves than with outsiders. Mrs May has already received a boost from Canadian premier Justin Trudeau who said he would be happy to open talks with Britain the day after the country leaves the EU It added that the group of mostly former British Empire nations, which are home to 2.4billion people, traded almost 400billion of goods and services with each other in 2016. This will nearly double in the next few years, the report claimed. The study said that members of the Commonwealth tend to be less protectionist than other nations and that Brexit presents an opportunity to strengthen ties. Mrs May has already received a boost from Canadian premier Justin Trudeau who said he would be happy to open talks with Britain the day after the country leaves the EU. He told The Times that the EUs free trade agreement with Canada, known as Ceta, should be seen as the starting point for negotiations with the UK. After Brexit, he said, the UK and Canada will be able to negotiate an even better or larger trade deal. Meanwhile, a separate survey by finance company Bibby Financial Services found that confidence at small and medium companies rose to its highest level since the second quarter of 2015 when the bill for an EU referendum was first unveiled in the Queens Speech. Russia has been launching repeated cyber attacks against Britains essential services, a computer security chief revealed. Ciaran Martin, director of the National Cyber Security Centre, said Moscows attempts at hacking into the UKs critical infrastructure were part of a wider campaign to destabilise. Critical infrastructure covers vital systems such as water supplies, electricity and gas networks, hospitals, banks and transport. Mr Martins warning came as Jeremy Fleming, head of the governments GCHQ intelligence agency, made an unprecedented attack on reckless Russia. Russia has been launching repeated cyber attacks against Britains essential services, a computer security chief revealed The Kremlin did not care about putting ordinary lives at risk, he said, adding that the tectonic plates in the Middle East were moving with the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the dispersal of Islamic State fighters and gangs smuggling migrants. Mr Martin, speaking at a cyber security event in Manchester, said Kremlin attacks on computer networks were was part of a wider campaign to destabilise the UK. He said: Our critical infrastructure gets hit frequently by Russia and it is not always clear for what purpose. As a government as a whole we want to counter hostile Russian intent towards the democratic system and we have got all sorts of different parts of government working on that. At the same conference, Mr Fleming speaking in public for the first time since he was appointed GCHQ director pointed the finger at Vladimir Putin over the novichok attack on former KGB double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. He said the nerve agent atrocity demonstrates how reckless Russia is prepared to be, how little the Kremlin cares for the international rules-based order, how comfortable they are at putting ordinary lives at risk. The threat from Moscow was both online and offline, he warned. The Russian government widely uses its cyber capabilities. Theyre not playing to the same rules, theyre blurring the boundaries between criminal and state activity. There are fears that hostile states are recruiting highly skilled criminal cyber cells to carry out attacks on their enemies but Mr Fleming praised the UK for its response against Russia. Mr Fleming, who was an MI5 officer for two decades, said: The robust response from the UK and from the international community shows the Kremlin that illegal acts have consequences. Nerve agent was novichok A high purity novichok nerve agent was used in the Salisbury attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal, international experts confirmed yesterday. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons backed the original finding by British scientists as Russia continued to deny responsibility. The watchdog said it found the deadly poison, with almost complete absence of impurities, in blood samples taken from the former Russian spy, his daughter and a third victim, Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who fell seriously ill after attending the scene. The OPCW did not identify the source of the poison but Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the conclusive finding that it was a Cold War-era Soviet toxin backed Britains assertion that Russia was behind the attack. Advertisement The GCHQ listening posts expertise on Russia will be in increasing demand in coming years, he said. In December, the Chief of Defence Staff warned that Britain was at catastrophic risk from Russian submarine drones that can cut underwater communication cables. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach said the Navy was prioritising missions to prevent an attack that could wreak economic chaos. Last month military intelligence chief General Sir Chris Deverell warned that Russia has developed the capacity to cripple Britain with cyber attacks that could hijack air traffic control systems and even disable air conditioning. There is no limit to President Putins methods of attack, he added. What they seek to do is to steal, plant, manipulate, distort, destroy our information. Every single system we have in our lives is in some way controlled by systems that have ones and noughts in them. If you can get them then you can affect us. Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said that Theresa May should seize the opportunity when she meets heads of Commonwealth governments in London next week The Prime Minister should apologise to the Commonwealth for Britain's 'historic wrongs', Emily Thornberry claimed last night. The shadow foreign secretary said that Theresa May should seize the opportunity when she meets heads of Commonwealth governments in London next week. Writing for The House magazine, Mrs Thornberry made reference to David Cameron's apology to Nelson Mandela, when he met the South African president in 2006 for the Conservative government's failure to impose sanctions on the country during apartheid, but claimed 'that did not go far enough'. She also re-stated claims made last year by 33 Commonwealth states that Britain should be referred to the International Court of Justice over 'historic wrongs' committed towards Chagos islanders. Families living on the islands, referred to by Britain as part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, were forced to leave in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for a US airbase on Diego Garcia. The fate of the archipelago has been a key issue for Jeremy Corbyn in the past, The Times reported. Mauritius accused Britain of breaking international law by splitting the Chagos islands from its territory before it gained independence. The claims were denied by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Mrs May should apologise 'not just for the wrong done to the Chagos islanders, but for the actions of Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s', Mrs Thornberry said. 'I believe Theresa May and the Conservative government in Britain also owes an apology to the Commonwealth as a whole and indeed Her Majesty the Queen for ignoring the efforts of every other member thirty years ago to bring apartheid to an end. 'This week would be an appropriate moment to correct that historic mistake, and would send a wider signal to our Commonwealth cousins.' Coral Gables Police Chief Edward Hudak was reprimanded after posing for a photo with 14 female subordinates, most of whom were in swimsuits, at a pool party hosted by another officer last summer A Florida police chief has been reprimanded for taking a photo with female subordinates at a pool party last summer. Coral Gables Police Chief Edward Hudak went to the party in July 2017, which was at the home of public information officer Kelly Denham in Homestead. He said he was invited by someone there and decided to stop by. While at the party Hudak was asked to pose for a photo with 14 other officers, all of whom were female and wearing swimsuits. He claims he asked the women if they were comfortable being in the photo with him, according to the Miami Herald. The image was then posted to @dmannow256's Instagram with a caption accusing the chief of making the women uncomfortable. 'As you can see, he is in full uniform at a female only party in which sex toy (female in front of chief) are being handed out to party goers,' the post from August 3 reads. 'As brand new female officers we had no idea he was going to show up. 'In videos that are to follow, you will hear the disgust and embarrassment from people at the party as we are being visually raped by our boss.' He claims he asked the women if they were comfortable being in the photo with him, according to the Miami Herald. The image was then posted to @dmannow256's Instagram with a caption accusing the chief of making the women uncomfortable 'As you can see, he is in full uniform at a female only party in which sex toy (female in front of chief) are being handed out to party goers,' the post from August 3 reads The Instagram user never posted videos, or if so they were removed. City officials then received an anonymous letter alleging female officers were harassed at the party by Hudak. A probe into the event was immediately launched and conducted by an independent investigator. It recently concluded and found Hudak committed no formal violations, the Herald reported. In a 93-page report the investigator, Charles Skurkis, debunked allegations there were sex toys at the party. Skurkis is a former police officer in Pennsylvania who now runs a consulting firm. City officials then received an anonymous letter alleging female officers were harassed at the party by Hudak. A probe into the event was immediately launched and conducted by an independent investigator The thing the female officer sitting in front of Hudak was holding was actually a water gun, and not any kind of sex toy. 'Upon close examination of the entire photograph, there is no discernible "dildo" or other sex toy depicted,' Skurkis wrote in his report. He also wrote that he 'failed to identify any conduct' at the party that has been officially banned by the Coral Gables Police Department in its rules and regulations. However he did note the decision to pose for a photo with bikini-clad officers was questionable. 'An individual while serving in the capacity of Police Chief must remain cognizant, at all times, that his or her conduct may be closely scrutinized by subordinates, the media, and the citizens they serve, regardless of acting in an official capacity or otherwise,' Skurkis wrote. Coral Gables City Manger Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark released a statement after the report was finalized, reprimanding the actions of the chief but not officially punishing him. Swanson-Rivenbark expressed her concerns about Hudak's ability to head his department 'honorably and objectively.' She also questioned why Hudak did not reprimand one of the officers who accompanied him to the pool party for driving her city-issued vehicle to the gathering. 'Failure to take the necessary corrective actions laid out for you in the reprimand and failure to consistently practice more professional and mature judgment moving forward will result in further disciplinary action, including termination,' Swansson-Rivenbark wrote in the letter, which she issued two weeks ago. Hudak's attorney told the New York Post on Thursday that despite the probe, none of the female officers at the party objected to his being there. Michael Cornely explained that Hudak has been with the force for 28 years, and has no intention of stepping down. 'We disagree with her comments,' he told the Post, referring to the letter issued by Swanson-Rivenbark. 'We are looking into avenues to maintain his good name and reputation.' He also said he believes the story has been 'spun by the media,' and said the photo has become a 'much larger thing' than it is. Cornley thinks whoever wrote the letter to city officials has a personal problem with the chief. A third driver has been caught eating their morning breakfast behind the wheel in the space of one week. A Perth driver was recorded on camera eating cereal out of a bowl as she held the bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other while driving on a three-lane highway last weekend. The woman was seen by a fellow motorist driving along Albany Highway, heading towards a major intersection and passing Cannington Police Station. Scroll down for video A Perth driver was recorded on camera eating cereal out of a bowl as she held the bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other while driving on Albany Highway last weekend (pictured) The motorist later contacted the police to supply the footage but was told to do so via a website. 'I'm not sure what she was eating,' the woman told Perth Now. 'I drove past her once and noticed it and then went past again and she was still eating so I thought I'd get a shot of it. 'She wasn't driving erratically or speeding but it's a three-lane highway.' It follows another Perth motorist (pictured) snapped munching on cereal from a bowl while behind the wheel on the Pacific Motorway last Friday It follows another Perth motorist snapped munching on cereal from a bowl while behind the wheel on the Pacific Motorway last Friday. Days before a 19-year-old Perth woman was travelling at 100km/h and was given a given a $300 fine and slapped with three demerit points. Police issued the P-Plater with an infringement for driving without due care and attention. An image of the woman was taken by a 6PR radio listener and appeared to show her driving a grey Hyundai and steering the car with her knees. The Houston teenager who got into 20 colleges has asked for an apology from the Fox anchors who branded him 'obnoxious'. Michael Brown, 17, has a 4.68 GPA at Lamar High School and was accepted into Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Northwestern, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, Georgetown and Vanderbilt, receiving full-ride scholarships from them and every other school he applied to. Anchor Holly Morris and contributor Sarah Fraser from Fox 5 DC criticized Brown on April 3 for applying to so many universities, saying that he was depriving other hard-working students of spots at the schools. Brown tweeted two days later saying: 'This morning, I had a respectful Skype interview with (Holly Morris), though I did not get an apology during the interview. 'I wont allow the interview to air until (Fox 5 DC) provides me with a public apology. Where's the #humandecency?' Michael Brown tweeted out against the Fox 5 DC anchors saying he would not let them air his interview unless they apologized. He has yet to receive an apology from Morris or the station Anchor Holly Morris (right) and contributor Sarah Fraser (left) of Fox 5 DC have come under fire after they called Brown, who was accepted to 20 different colleges, 'obnoxious' The two women criticized the Houston teenager for applying to so many universities, saying that he was depriving other hard-working students of spots at the schools Brown tweeted his statement on April 5, and his mom confirmed to USA Today on Thursday that her son still has yet to receive an apology from Morris or the news station. The segment between the Fox anchors went viral after NowThis published a video criticizing it, which has been viewed more than 7.83 million times. 'It's a little ridiculous that this kid applied to 20 [colleges] taking away a spot and basically wait-listing another kid,' Fraser said during the segment. Morris replied: 'It's a little obnoxious because you can only go to one. You can only take one full ride, and you are taking a spot from someone else who worked really hard.' Seventeen-year-old Brown has a 4.68 GPA at Lamar High School was accepted into several top universities Brown (right) is now choosing between Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Northwestern, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, Georgetown and Vanderbilt, receiving full-ride scholarships from them and every other school he applied to Several viewers took to Twitter to criticize the pair for being condescending, inconsiderate and racist Several viewers took to Twitter to criticize the pair for being condescending, inconsiderate and racist. 'White women criticize exceptional young man black who, because he is so smart and knows the odds hes up against in white America, casts the wide net his hard work deserved,' tweeted one user. Another user wrote: 'This doesnt 'take a space or a scholarship' away from ANYONE. Yale isnt going to suddenly enroll only 1,499 freshmen or only give $4,950,000 in financial aid if this kid goes to Stanford instead. This is straight up, poorly coded, bigotry.' Fraser has since apologized for her comments but Morris stood firm in her opinion of the matter Fraser apologized for her comments on Saturday in a tweet and said had 'learned a lesson'. 'I dont feel that way. I have apologized to Michael and he accepted my apology. Michaels [sic] accomplishments arent up for debate. I have learned a valuable lesson,' she wrote. However, Morris remained more defensive and said that race had nothing to do with her opinion on the matter. 'I also said he is an amazing young man. This is not a racial issue. I would have the exact same opinion if the boy was white,' she wrote on Wednesday. True friendship is never leaving a mate behind. At least that's what this koala thought when he refused to be released back into the wild until his friend joined him. The adorable moment was caught on camera by wildlife rescuers from the Port Stephens Koala Foundation. After Morton is released into the wild he is reluctant to go alone and stays at the bottom of the tree 'Morton and Scirocco have been released...' they said in a Facebook post. 'These two gorgeous boys have been released together. Morton came to us weighing just 344 grams in June 2017.' 'Scirocoo was abandoned by his mother and was spotted on a rotary washing line. We are so proud of these two joeys and wish them a long and fruitful life in the wild.' The adorable footage shows the koala rescuers gently encouraging the boys to embrace their new bush home. 'You might have to tickle his bottom. Come on, up you go!' one says. The rescuer can be seen trying to help Morton up the tree. His rescuer tries a little encouragement by helping him up the tree with her hand But despite her best best efforts he comes straight back down as soon as she backs away. 'He's just coming back down.' When he gets to the bottom the furry fella sits down and looks at his rescuers. One of the women then walks over to the tree carrying an animal basket. 'And here's Scirocoo,' she says. But it's not until his mate Scirocoo is also released that he get's excited With the arrival of his friend Morton immediately climbs over to say hello. 'And we are releasing little Scirocoo. They're going out together as buddies.' 'You're a bit interested aren't you Morton? This is your mate.' As they open up the basket Socrooc climbs out and Morton rushes to greet him. He grabs his mate on the back before Scirocoo bounds up the tree. The Port Stephens Koalas Foundation rehabilitates sick and injured koalas before releasing them back into the wild. On Monday, Fairfax Media reported that China had approached Vanuatu about setting up a permanent military presence in other words, a base. Regardless of the truth, the fact that it raises alarm about the threat of Chinese military expansionism speaks volumes about Australian foreign policy, particularly toward the Pacific. It looks like another beat up in the anti China phobia MELBOURNE - Rumour has it that Vanuatu has agreed to a Chinese request to establish a military base. The substance of this rumour is highly speculative at the least and disingenuous at most. The article went on to speculate about the dramatic strategic importance of the globally significant move that could see the rising superpower sail warships on Australias doorstep. Furthermore, this Chinese base would upend the long standing strategic balance in the region and would likely be followed by bases elsewhere. Multiple international media outlets have syndicated the story. Much of the coverage alluded to military threats and a shift in the strategic balance. The language is reminiscent of Cold War bipolarity: their gain is our loss. On face value, this sounds like a serious geostrategic issue for Australia. But on close examination, the threat is more apparent than real. An indication of which is that nowhere are Chinese or Vanuatuan interests in provoking this form of strategic competition explained. From the beginning, every assertion was countered by one of the primary players. Multiple representatives of the Vanuatu government have been at pains to deny the story. For instance, Vanuatu foreign minister Ralph Regenvanu was quoted as saying: No-one in the Vanuatu Government has ever talked about a Chinese military base in Vanuatu of any sort. As the story spiralled out of control, he then told SBS News it was fake news concocted by a Fairfax Media journalist. Multiple Chinese government sources have denied the story and also described it as fake news. China also has assured the Australian government that the story has no validity. In the original article, it was noted that talks between China and Vanuatu were only preliminary discussions and that no formal proposals had been put to Vanuatus government. So given these caveats, and the comprehensive denials, this raises some serious questions about why this rumour was newsworthy in the first place. So where did it come from? Presumably Fairfax Media would only have acted if the information was from a highly placed Australian government source that could be verified. Presumably this unnamed source has leaked sensitive intelligence, but it is curious that no Australian Federal Police investigation has been announced. This has been the past practice from the Turnbull government in relation to national security leaks, and there is no sign the government is at all concerned about this leak. In contrast, it has used this rumour for megaphone diplomacy against both Vanuatu and China. For example, after accepting the Chinese governments denial, the prime minister said: We would view with great concern the establishment of any foreign military bases in those Pacific island countries and neighbours of ours. And it was the latter rather than the former statement that was covered by many media outlets. This is very telling. Canberra is clearly sending signals to Beijing and Port Vila that it maintains significant strategic interests in the region (and is a message not lost on other Pacific capitals). This concern is not new as Australia practised strategic denial in the South Pacific against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. More recently, speculation about Fijis relations with China and Russia was raised. But megaphone diplomacy with Fiji has proven unsuccessful in the past. This approach simply rehashes colonial tropes about Pacific island nations being economically unsustainable, corrupt, and easily influenced by great powers. This is reinforced by Chinas alleged influence borne from budget support, and capital and aid flows into the Pacific. What these colonial stereotypes fail to acknowledge is that the foreign policies of Pacific Island countries have matured. Vanuatu is a committed member of the Non-Aligned Movement, eschewing formal military alliances and entanglements with great powers. The lesson of Fijis strong stance against Australian sanctions is that it too has created an independent foreign policy. Neither country will be easily influenced by foreign powers, including Australia. Returning to the truth. It is true that Chinas influence in the region has grown dramatically in recent years, especially during the sanctions years from 2006 to 2014, when Canberra attempted to isolate Fiji. It is also true that military diplomacy is a key element of Chinas foreign policy approach (to the Pacific as in Africa). A final truth is that Vanuatu has a high level of debt dependence on China and is a major beneficiary of Chinese aid. However, this does not mean that Vanuatu is being influenced into accepting a Chinese military base. At some stage, Vanuatu might very well sign an agreement that allows transit and refuelling of Chinese vessels, as is commonplace in international relations. As Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop told Radio National: these sorts of visits are normal for many neighbours around the world. If so, then all we have learned from this episode is that old colonial habits die hard, and the chances of dispassionately dealing with the geo-strategic rise of China are narrowing. Michael OKeefe is Senior Lecturer of International Relations, La Trobe University A lesbian couple thought to have deliberately driven off a cliff with their six children in the car fled their home on the day a case worker visited them over abuse claims. Jennifer and Sarah Hart, both 39, and their six African-American adopted children seemingly committed suicide in Northern California in late March. Now it has emerged that the authorities were beginning an investigation into the couple over allegations they starved and whipped their children. Jennifer and Sarah Hart, 39, were not wearing seatbelts when they drove off a cliff. From left to right: Hannah, Abigail, Sierra, Jeremiah, Jennifer, Devonte, Markis and Sarah Hart The children asked neighbors for food on numerous occasions and one even reportedly leaped out of a window to try to escape, the documents reveal An intake report from Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services filed March 23 paints a picture of horrific abuse leading up to the family's annihilation. Neighbors' reports state the parents starved their children as a punishment and whipped them with belts. The children asked neighbors for food on numerous occasions and one even reportedly leaped out of a window to try to escape, the documents reveal. Their car found by Investigators believe that Jennifer drove the car off the cliff intentionally as there were no skid marks and evidence shows the speedometer was 'pinned' at 90mph At least four reports of suspected child abuse in the Hart family were made during the past seven years. The case has raised questions about the ability of authorities to track known offenders as the Harts had moved between three states during that period. Prior to the deadly crash, they were living in rural Woodland, Washington. Before that they had spent time in West Linn, Oregon, and Douglas County, Minnesota. The area where the Harts' car was recovered at the bottom of a scenic beauty spot Steve Frkovich, whose daughter Dana DeKalb, 58, lived next door to the family in Washington, reported the Harts on November 18. A recording of his 911 call was released by Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency in Washington State. He told the cops 16-year-old Hannah Hart had fled from her home at 2am and begged his daughter to hide her. His daughter told the girl's parents what had happened and all the Hart children came over and said everything was okay, said Frkovich. 'There are some kids that I feel are being highly abused,' he told the dispatcher. 'They were all standing at attention, like they were all scared to death. I think something very serious is going on.' On March 23, DeKalb notified the department that she believed the children were being abused, according to media interviews and state records. Sarah Hart pleaded guilty in 2011 to a domestic assault charge in Minnesota over what she said was a spanking given to one of her children. Records showed that the Hart children were removed from public school in Alexandria, Minnesota the day after she reached a probation agreement stemming from the child abuse case in April. That came a week after Hart pleaded guilty to physically abusing one of her daughters, who was six at the time. The kids were taken out of school and moved to Oregon, where they were privately educated from there on out, the Oregonian reported. The family later moved to Woodland, Washington, where they were living at the time of their deaths. Authorities have said that data from the vehicle's software suggested the crash was deliberate. Investigators believe that Jennifer drove the car off the cliff intentionally as there were no skid marks and evidence shows the speedometer was 'pinned' at 90mph. They said the SUV had stopped at a coastal highway overlook before speeding straight off the cliff and plummeting 100 feet into the rocky Pacific Ocean below. It fell into rocks and was found partially submerged about 100 feet below the highway. The California Highway Patrol released a photo of Jennifer Hart shopping at a grocery store just a day before the crash. The family appear to have left their home in Woodland, Washington on March 23. Surveillance footage shows Jennifer Hart (right) checking out of a grocery store in Fort Bragg, California just hours before she is believed to have driven off a cliff with her wife and their kids inside CHP believes the family then drove south on Highway 101, and then State Route 1, arriving in the Fort Bragg, California area 12 hours later. It is believed that the family stayed the night in the area, since Jennifer was seen checking out of a Fort Bragg grocery store around 8.15am on Sunday, March 25. Authorities say the family stayed in Fort Bragg until 9pm that evening, at which point it seems they turned around and started traveling north again on State Route 1. Police searched the family's home about 500 miles north of the crash site but found no suicide note. The Hart family gained attention in 2014 after one of the children was photographed crying in the arms of a white police officer at a protest after the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. Investigators are now examining 'red flags' in the Washington family's past in the hope of explaining why they drove off the cliff in an apparent suicide plunge. A female student has launched a campaign against her high school after they refused to let her same sex partner attend the end of year ball. New Plymouth Girls' High School student Ashly Holloway says she was discriminated against after being told she couldn't bring her girlfriend to the ball. In an attempt to sway the decision she has started a petition on Change.org which has already gathered almost 4,000 signatures. New Plymouth Girls' High School student Ashly Holloway (pictured left) has been banned from taking her girlfriend (pictured right) to the ball 'I'm sad to say that the New Plymouth Girls High staff have declined me being allowed to take my girlfriend and best friend as my date to my year 13 ball,' she said. 'They've said she is not allowed to be my date as she is a year 11 and is a girl.' Miss Holloway claims that other students in her class are bringing partners from different years. 'We know of other year 11 students from other schools that are allowed to attend this ball so it is disappointing to not be able to celebrate this special moment with her purely based on age and gender,' she said. 'I'd hope that after us both working so hard for this school I would be able to bring my partner of choice along like so many others get the opportunity to.' Miss Holloway has received an outpouring of support over the incident from both family and friends. Principal Victoria Kerr has defended the decision saying it has nothing to do with sexuality 'I am Ashlys mum and I support her 100%. Who has the right to decide who another person should be with if it is a happy and healthy relationship?' her mother Vanessa wrote on Facebook. Other friends commented that they would not give up until the couple were allowed to attend together. 'We have Ashlys back no matter what we will push and push! They shouldnt discriminate! We will have a good night with both Paige and Ashly!' one friend wrote. The school is defending the decision, saying it has nothing to do with sexuality, but that the girls are in different year groups. The petition on change.org has received almost 4,000 signatures with many people commenting that they feel the decision is discriminatory When contacted by the Daily Mail principal Victoria Kerr said for students to attend the event they had to be in year 13. 'Just to clarify the event in question is a Year 13 Ball organised by our Year 13 students for our Year 13 students.' 'For New Plymouth Girls High School students to attend the ball they must be Year 13 and this is the basis of the decision.' Ms Kerr also stressed that if Miss Holloway's girlfriend was in year 13 there would be no problem with her attending. 'Thats not an issue. We have a number of students who are attending with same sex partners.' Ms Kerr said the school would not be making an exception in this instance. The wife of a South African farmer has revealed the life-ruining anguish she has endured after she was forced to watch as her beloved husband was shot in the face by a black intruder. Mariandra Heunis witnessed her husband Johann, 43, being murdered on their chicken holding near Pretoria during a break-in. Their six-year-old daughter Mieke pleaded with the man who killed her father to take her piggy bank if it meant he would stop attacking him. The wife of a South African farmer has revealed the life-ruining anguish she has endured after she was forced to watch as her beloved husband was shot in the face by a black intruder Mariandra Heunis witnessed her husband Johann, 43, being murdered on their chicken holding near Pretoria during a break-in Ms Heunis, who was 36-weeks pregnant at the time of the killing, said the attack has ruined her life and those of her children Mieke, Mischa, 4, and Majandre, 2. 'They just murdered him in cold blood... horrifically, for no reason,' she said. 'We were woken up in our house with two attackers standing there and they shot him six times in front of me and my daughter,' she told 2GB. 'They took a father... they took our whole lives that night.' One of the men fired a shot at little Mieke as she begged for them to spare her father. Just five days after her husband's funeral. Ms Heunis gave birth to Andre Johann, named after his father, on what happened to be her birthday. Ms Heunis said her husband was shot six times, with the final shot hitting him between the eyes during the vicious invasion in October 2016. The intruders took two phones so she could not call for help, as well as her car keys leaving her stranded at the farm. The toll of the attack on the young family has been immense. Mieke is being treated with antidepressants, The Australian reported. Ms Heunis said her entire community is living in fear of further attacks. Ms Heunis, who was 36-weeks pregnant at the time of the killing, said the attack has ruined her life and those of her children 'It's living in constant fear, It's being ready for anything when the dark comes.' Her comments come as Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton faces increased pressure to allow people facing racially charged attacks in South Africa into Australia. A fast-track plan to bring up to 10,000 South African farmers to Australia has been put to the Immigration Minister in a push to remove at-risk families from danger. The call followed the South African Government's revelation it would be working to transfer farming land back into the hands of black citizens. Mr Dutton received a written letter requesting he overhauled existing visa rules and provide humanitarian assistance to families still living in South Africa. Ms Heunis said her entire community is living in fear of further attacks (pictured with her husband on their wedding day) Community spokesman, Arno Nel penned the letter, drawing attention to the matter of white South Africans having their land expropriated without compensation. Mr Nel agreed with Mr Dutton's comments on the plight of farmers who claimed they were suffering targeted and brutal attacks at the hands of black citizens. 'The Australian government should be aware that many Australian citizens with South African heritage have families that are in constant danger,' the letter stated. 'We hope that Australia will extend the privilege of living in Australia to those families of Australian citizens who are facing this danger, by creating a family visa that is low-cost and not subject to age and other conditions.' Mr Nel, whose parents were attacked in the northern city of Pretoria five years ago, called on the Government to 'fast-track the immigration of South African farmers to Australia on humanitarian and protection visa programs'. Her comments come as Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton faces increased pressure to allow people facing racially charged attacks in South Africa into Australia Adelaide model and personal trainer Scott Broadbridge wasted no time signing an exclusive television deal after 'Cocaine' Cassie Sainsbury's arrest in April last year. In the bizarre interview that followed, Mr Broadbridge claimed his drug mule fiancee was innocent, and promised to wait 20 years for her if necessary. Now Sainsbury has revealed the couple split immediately after she was sentenced to six years in a Colombian jail in February, but the pair kept the break-up a secret. Scroll down for video Scott Broadbridge wasted no time signing an exclusive television deal after 'Cocaine' Cassie Sainsbury's (pictured) arrest in April last year In the bizarre interview that followed, Mr Broadbridge (pictured) claimed his drug mule fiancee was innocent, and promised to wait 20 years for her if necessary Now Sainsbury has revealed the couple (pictured) split immediately after she was sentenced to six years in a Colombian jail in February, but the pair kept the break-up a secret The couple, both 22, met at an Adelaide nightclub two years before Sainsbury's ill-fated attempt to smuggle 5.8kg of cocaine out of Bogota. Mr Broadbridge, who proposed to Sainsbury during a holiday cruise in Vanuatu in October 2016, made a deal with Channel Seven shortly after the arrest. 'I'll wait, she would do the same for me, I'm willing to be there to the end, I've told her that,' he said when asked about a possible 20-year sentence on Sunday Night. 'I know she's not an accused drug smuggler ... all that matters to me is that I'm with her and that trumps all these negative stories and what people think.' The couple, both 22, met at an Adelaide nightclub two years before Sainsbury's (pictured) ill-fated attempt to smuggle 5.8kg of cocaine out of Bogota Mr Broadbridge (pictured with Sainsbury), who proposed to Sainsbury during a holiday cruise in Vanuatu in October 2016, made a deal with Channel Seven shortly after the arrest Sunday Night claimed it did not pay Broadbridge for the interview, which came as rival network Nine paid an estimated $1million to Sainsbury's mother and sister. Despite Broadbridge's promise to wait, the relationship was soon be in tatters, and Sainsbury revealed on Friday the couple broke up in February. 'I actually broke up with Scott back in February. It's been kept very quiet,' she told, speaking to Kyle and Jackie O from El Buen Pastor women's prison on KIIS FM. 'For quite some time things just weren't good between us. From the moment I got in here the relationship was doomed. Sunday Night claimed it did not pay Broadbridge (pictured, right) for the interview, which came as rival network Nine paid an estimated $1million to Sainsbury's mother and sister (pictured, left, is Cassie Sainsbury) Despite Broadbridge's promise to wait, the relationship was soon be in tatters, and Sainsbury revealed on Friday the couple (pictured) broke up in February 'I needed to start thinking about myself and what was good for myself and my future. 'I broke up with Scott because it was the best thing for me and the best thing for his future as well.' Sainsbury, who was sentenced to six years behind bars for drug smuggling, said she has not spoken to Broadbridge since the split. She could be back in Australia as early as 2020, with good behaviour and time served, if early release is approved by a Colombian judge. Decorated scientist David Goodall will travel to Switzerland to end his life through euthanasia as politicians debate its legality in Australia. The 104-year-old is not terminally ill, but his quality of life has declined considerably in recent months, a parliamentary in Perth inquiry heard. Dr Goodall, an Order of Australia member, would be assisted in ending his life by controversial euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke. Decorated scientist David Goodall will travel to Switzerland to end his life through euthanasia as politicians debate its legality in Australia 'Dr Death', as he is known, told the hearing on Friday his group Exit International would help Dr Goodall make his final journey 'as soon as possible'. The frail scientist on his 104th birthday said he can't do much of his university work as he can't read his emails due to poor eyesight. He can also no longer commute to work after he had a fall a few months ago that saw him stuck on the floor of his flat for two days before his cleaner found him. 'There's certainly a lack of respect, there's no respect at all,' he told the ABC of euthanasia not being legal. He believed once a person has passed middle life they 'should have full citizenship rights including the right of assisted suicide'. Dr Nitschke urged the Western Australian Government to avoid the 'inhumane' safeguards put in place under Victoria's euthanasia laws. The campaigner, who has a sticker reading 'I'd rather die like a dog' on his laptop said the six-month time frame before dying patients could access voluntary assisted death would likely be challenged in court. 'What we're talking about here is suffering. It's extremely difficult to put a timeline on terminal illness,' he said. Dr Goodall would be assisted in ending his life by controversial euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke (pictured) The frail scientist on his 104th birthday said he can't do much of his university work as he can't read his emails due to poor eyesight 'My personal opinion is if we reason there's a right to life, then everyone has a right to dispose of it.' Dr Nitschke performed the first assisted suicides in Australia of four people in 1996 when the Northern Territory made it legal, before it was overturned a year later. TV personality Andrew Denton will also give evidence at the inquiry on behalf of pro-euthanasia group Go Gentle Australia. In his written submission, Denton said it was untrue that increasing resources for palliative care would rid the need for voluntary euthanasia. 'The words and statistics from palliative care tell us so, as do the many testimonies from families of those who have died badly, despite the best that palliative care can offer,' he said. TV personality Andrew Denton will also give evidence at the inquiry (pictured in the Victorian Parliament as it legalised euthanasia last year) Mr Denton argued there was a difference between pain and suffering. 'Pain can, in most cases, be dealt with. But suffering, which is multi-faceted and at many levels is the heart of the matter,' he said. The Joint Select Committee is examining if WA should follow in the footsteps of Victoria, which introduced voluntary euthanasia legislation in November with terminally-ill patients able to access assisted dying from 2019. The parliamentary committee is expected to deliver its findings by August 23, paving the way for a free parliamentary vote on voluntary euthanasia. It has heard arguments from both pro and anti-euthanasia advocates including religious groups, palliative and end-of-life care workers and the Australian Medical Association WA, which officially opposes voluntary, doctor-assisted death. A drug kingpin on the run was planning to have facial reconstruction surgery to avoid detection while on the run. Piet 'Bruce' Ta was on the loose for 12 months when police finally caught up with him in mid-2017. Ta had plead guilty to trafficking both ice and cannabis in the Brisbane Supreme Court. The Courier Mail reported. Drug kingpin Piet 'Bruce' Ta (pictured) was planning on going to extreme lengths by having facial reconstruction surgery to avoid detection while on the run Ta was this week found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Brisbane supreme Court for his role in running a large drug syndicate that used the fuel tanks of cars to transport cannabis across the country. He had gone so far with his plan that when he was caught he had already booked an appointment at a Victorian medical clinic for May 2017, which lead officers to believe he had planned to flee from Australia. Sources told The Courier Mail that Ta had planned to undergo facial reconstruction surgery and obtain a false passport but police were able to apprehend him only days before his medical appointment. A police source said when Ta was arrested he had a fake drivers license and medicare card which they said looked legitimate, 'There was a lot of talk at the time he was trying to acquire a passport to get out of the country,' the source said A police source said when Ta was arrested he had a fake drivers licence and medicare card which they said looked 'legitimate'. 'There was a lot of talk at the time he was trying to acquire a passport to get out of the country,' the source said. 'Ironically, facial recognition wasnt in place at the airport at the time he was arrested so he probably wouldnt have needed the surgery if he had gone through with it.' It was also reported that Ta remained in Victoria during his one year on the run, enjoying the high life while sipping champagne and keep hold of his expensive designer watches and suits. In a twist of fete it was a tripped fire alarm which ultimately led to his arrest with the police source describing it has a 'bit of luck'. Ta's system for trafficking cannabis was to hire couriers who would drive cars, with the fuel tanks full of cannabis, to Western Australia. Then another associate would fly to Port Hedland in order to collect the money form the deal. Ta will be eligible for release once he has served a minimum of 80 per cent of his sentence. The sudden and mysterious death of a Gold Coast footy player-turned-musician in Vietnam has left his heartbroken family searching for answers. Luke Hession was found dead in a hotel room in Ho Chi Minh City last week while on a one-night stopover en route to the US, where he has lived for the past three years. The 35-year-old's wife Ashleigh said he seemed 'happy and healthy' when she spoke to the former Newcastle Knights player just hours before he died. 'He was excited to go and try Pho and have some drinks. I warned him to be careful because he was alone and he laughed it off saying he would be fine,' she told Nine News. The death of Gold Coast footy player Luke Hession (pictured with his wife Ashleigh) in Vietnam has left his family searching for answers The 35-year-old's wife Ashleigh said he seemed 'happy and healthy' when she spoke to the former Newcastle Knights player just hours before he died Ms Hession said she became worried when she didn't hear from her husband before his flight was due to take off the following morning. She immediately rang the hotel and asked a staff member to check his room. 'It was then that they informed me they had found Luke's body in his room on his bed a few hours earlier and sent it off to a morgue,' Ms Hession said. 'The hotel just said to me, ''I'm so sorry mam but your husband is dead'' and I just said ''no, this isn't right''. They couldn't even tell me where he was. It took them almost 36 hours to track down where his body was.' Ms Hession (pictured) said her husband's funeral service will resemble a 'party... Just as Luke would have wanted it' The former NRL player is pictured with the Madden brothers from US band Good Charlotte Ms Hession suspects her husband's drink was spiked, with police telling her there was no sign of suicide or a crime being committed. She plans to travel to Vietnam to speak with police and hotel staff in person in a desperate bid for answers. The couple separated about a year ago but remained best friends, Ms Hession said. Mr Hession's body was flown back to Brisbane on Thursday ahead of his funeral, to be held in Tweed Heads on April 20. His wife said the service will resemble a 'party... Just as Luke would have wanted it.' The couple (pictured) separated about a year ago but remained stayed close friends, Ms Hession said His wife Ashleigh said she spoke to the former NRL player just hours before he died and he seemed healthy and happy Ms Hession suspects her husband's drink was spiked, with police telling her there was no sign of suicide or a crime being committed 'We all know our Luke wants to go out in style so let's give him the celebration that will live on in our memories for a lifetime! Just like that crazy mofo will,' she wrote on Facebook. Mr Hession was a guitarist in the up-and-coming rock band Shikobi. His older brother Aaron is the lead singer. Tributes have poured in for the 35-year-old social media. 'My rock, my bestest bestie, my soulmate! I'll carry you with me in my heart, forever and always. I love you Luke,' Ms Hession wrote on Instagram. Tributes have poured in for the 35-year-old old social media, where he has been described as an 'absolute legend' Mr Hession's body was flown back to Brisbane on Thursday ahead of his funeral next Friday Luke Hession, who played for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, was found dead in hotel room in Vietnam last week 'Some people live to 80 or 90 but never reach their living potential. You may have left us in body but never in spirit. You made the most of your life,' another said. 'Luke was the most caring, genuine, fun loving character who has been taken from us too soon,' reads a GoFundMe page set up to raise money to bring his body home. 'We can all say that we know that Luke lived life to the fullest and his presence made everyone's hearts full of joy and happiness. 'He was an absolute legend!!! Let's all stick together through this tough time.' The crowdfunding page has raised more than $36,000. The remaining money will be used to cover Mr Hession's funeral costs and to bring his two dogs back to Australia from the US. Ms Hession said she became worried when she did not hear from him before his flight was due to take off I'll carry you with me in my heart, forever and always. I love you Luke,' Ms Hession wrote on Instagram White House officials are concerned that the president's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, had taped recordings that federal investigators may have gotten their hands on during the raid on his hotel and home. Cohen, who served for a decade at the Trump Organization, was known to tape conversations with associates to use as leverage, and even had Trump hear some of his recordings. It was a practice the president was aware of. 'We heard he had some proclivity to make tapes,' said one Trump adviser to the Washington Post, who spoke about the ongoing investigation. 'Now we are wondering, who did he tape? Did he store those someplace where they were actually seized? . . . Did they find his recordings?' Donald Trump's personal attorney made it a habit to tape phone conversations and use them as leverage Michael Cohen's (pictured Thursday) office, home and hotel were raided by the FBI on Monday and what was seized was handed over to the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York The FBI raided Cohen's home, office and hotel on Monday. The products of the search warrants were handed to the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. There have been several reports about what they were looking for in the raid, including information connected to the President involving porn star Stormy Daniels and ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal, who both received payments after sexual encounters with Trump. It is unknown if Cohen recorded his own conversations with Trump specifically. Cohen would frequently tout the New York law that only one party in the state had to consent to the taping of conversations. Trump himself previously boasted he taped people, even teasing that he had taped now former FBI Director James Comey. 'James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!' Trump tweeted after stories surfaced saying Trump asked the former FBI director to pledge his loyalty before he fired Comey. The White House later acknowledged there weren't any tapes. Legal experts told the Post taped phone conversations are a gold mine for prosecutors. A view of 30 Rockefeller Center where Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's long-time personal attorney, has an office that was searched Monday Cohen pictured in front of his New York apartment building (left) and his hotel (right) both this week 'If you are looking for evidence, you can't do any better than people talking on tape,' said Nick Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor. Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University who specializes in legal ethics expanded, saying that phone conversations are particularly significant. 'The significance is 9.5 to 10 on a 10-point scale,' he added, noting that investigators know 'that when people speak on the phone, they are not guarded. They don't imagine that the conversation will surface.' Australia's crankiest crocodile has shocked crowds by devouring a giant watermelon in one bite. Elvis smashed the enormous melon into smithereens in spectacular slow-motion footage. The 5m saltwater crocodile opened his sharp jaws wide and took the fruit in a one go in front of a crowd at the Australian Reptile Park on the New South Wales Central Coast. Perched halfway out of the water Elvis steadied his half-tonne body, watching the sweet treat slowly roll towards him. Scroll down for video Elvis, Australia's crankiest crocodile, has shocked crowds by devouring a giant watermelon in one bite, smashing the enormous melon into smithereens, in spectacular slow-motion footage The 53-year-old crocodile retreated back into the water with his prize firmly locked between his jaws. Elvis happily chomped his jaws up and down in delight as he demonstrated the strength and power of Australia's saltwater crocodile. The saltwater crocodile is a superior hunter and predator, with jaws capable of crushing the bones of large prey. He cemented his reputation as Australias crankiest croc and penchant for chomping large objects in 2011 after he broke two of his teeth attacking a lawnmower that a zoo employee was using in his enclosure. Perched halfway out of the water Elvis steadied his half-tonne body, watching the sweet treat slowly roll towards him, later retreating back with his prize firmly locked between his jaws The colossal croc is one of the crowd favourites at the popular park, where he lives in his own enclosure on account of his short-temper. Elvis moved to the reptile park in 2007 after running amok in Darwin Harbour, where he was notorious for attacking fishing boats. The colossal croc is one of the crowd favourites at the popular park, where he lives in his own enclosure on account of his short-temper Elvis moved to the Australian Reptile Park in 2007 after running amok in Darwin Harbour, where he was notorious for attacking fishing boats Donald Trump's attorney Michael Cohen is under criminal investigation for 'fraud', 'largely' over his personal business dealings in a probe going back 'months', prosecutors revealed Friday. In court filings, the U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York said it had raided his office, home and hotel room and broken into his safety deposit box on Monday seeking evidence of crimes after 'months of investigation'. Prosecutors blanked out details of what those potential crimes were but said they 'sound in fraud and evidence a lack of truthfulness' and involved 'acts of concealment'. And they said that Cohen had extensive business dealings which had nothing to do with being a lawyer - then attacked him as barely 'engaged in any significant practice of law'. They also accused him of making untrue claims and exaggerations in his own statements and filings - and hinted that they feared he would destroy evidence if he had the chance. CNN reported that his dealings in Chicago taxi medallions were among the areas of interest. The judge adjourned the hearing until Monday. But Trump called Cohen on Friday morning before the court case began to 'check in with him', the New York Times revealed. Defense attorneys usually advise clients not to speak to other people under investigation. The damaging blow to Trump came as he hired a new personal attorney to try to stop the FBI and Department of Justice using material seized in the raid on Cohen. Target: Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who was not in court, is under active criminal investigation 'largely' over his personal business dealings - and the allegations are of fraud and lack of truthfulness, federal prosecutors revealed Friday. He lunched at Fred's restaurant in department store Barney's instead, wearing a $3,225 cashmere sport coat in a bold plaid Friends: Michael Cohen was hugged and patted by two acquaintances after lunch at department store Barney's in-house restaurant Fred's, where a side of fries costs $12, a shrimp salad is $38 and the soup is $14 In court: Form left, Assistant US Attorney Tom McKay; Todd Harrison, attorney for Michael Cohen; and Joanna Hendon, attorney for Donald Trump make their cases New representation: President Trump's new attorney Joanna Hendon leaves court in Manhattan after asking a federal judge to block the FBI and Robert Mueller from using material seized in this week's raid on Michael Cohen But in federal court in Manhattan, Trump's new attorney Joanna Hendon appeared to demand that the judge stop the government from using materials the FBI seized in a search of Cohen's office and residence this week saying it is 'privileged'. The hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood was a bid by Cohen himself to get a temporary restraining order in the wake of the judicial warrant that authorized the search. She adjourned it until Monday without saying if she would make any ruling - a setback for Trump and Cohen because it did not stop the FBI and prosecutors from examining the evidence agents seized for at least the next two days. She also told Cohen's legal team to produce a list of his clients and warmed of his dealings with Trump: 'You need to be prepared to substantiate that the relationship was an attorney-client relationship.' Cohen's lawyers argued that everything seized from his home, office and hotel room is subject to attorney-client privilege, so cannot be examined by federal authorities. That prompted the U.S. attorney's office to release a 22-page response to Cohen - who instead of being in court was eating at Manhattan power lunch spot Fred's - which spelled out a series of bombshell allegations. It said the lengthy criminal probe was separate from the Robert Mueller special counsel and had been going on for months. The filing said that prosecutors had seized Cohen's emails from 'multiple accounts' covertly and gone through them for evidence that he really was practicing as lawyer before launching their raid. There were 'zero emails' to the president it said, noting that Cohen'has told at least one witness that he has only client President Trump'. It also included a redacted section in which secret evidence was presented to the court and described as 'further belying the notion that Cohen is currently engaged in any significant practice of law'. There is reason to doubt that even communications with his only publicly identified client regarding payments to Stephanie Clifford, who is also known as Stormy Daniels, would be protected by attorney-client privilege United Stated District Attorney's ofice And it dismissed Cohen's claim that he had attorney-client privilege over any dealings with Trump on Stormy Daniels, one of the reasons the warrant was issued. The filing said: '...there is reason to doubt that even communications with his only publicly identified client regarding payments to Stephanie Clifford, who is also known as Stormy Daniels, would be protected by attorney-client privilege. 'Among other things, President Trump has publicly denied knowing that Cohen paid Clifford, and suggested to reporters that they had to "ask Michael" about the payment.' The filing also says that investigators had evidence which made them think Cohen would destroy records if they were not seized. It presented four lines of secret claims then said: 'As a result, absent a search warrant, these records could have been deleted without record, and without recourse for the law enforcement.' Cohen had also claimed that his other clients would be damaged but the United States District Attorney (USDA) filing said Cohen had still to hand over a list of who they were. The filings revealed that FBI agents had broken into his safe deposit as well as his office, home and hotel room, and that they had seized both his cell phones. Cohen has been told what federal criminal laws he is being investigated on suspicion of breaking, but they are being kept secret from the public. The 23-page filing to the judge repeatedly accuses Cohen of exaggerating. 'Cohen claims that the seized materials contain privileged documents relating to communications with President Trump and other clients,' it said. 'That suggestion, though, as noted above, is undermined by the fact that Cohen apparently rarely emailed with President Trump, and has identified no other clients with whom he has an attorney-client relationship. 'In fact, when questioned about this very issues, counsel declined to identify Cohens other clients, and instead chose to file this motion.' TRUMP'S NEW LAWYER Trump's new attorney is a hard-charging Yale-educated former prosecutor. Joanna Hendon, 52, was educated first at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and then at Yale Law School, graduating in 1991. From 1995 to 2001 she was an assistant district attorney in Manhattan specializing in white collar crime. Then she went into private practice and is now a partner at Spear & Imes. She has defended alleged white collar criminals and also been involved in civil litigation over alleged complex fraud. Hendon is married to Harvard-educated lawyer Reynolds Holding, 62, and the couple live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. She was a registered Republican until election day 2016, when she changed her registration to Democrat - giving some suggestion that she might not be a Trump supporter. Advertisement The filings also revealed he had a deal set up with another law firm in which he would get a $500,000 'strategic alliance fee' for introducing clients as well as a percentage of the fees - but the firm ripped up the deal at the start of March. Cohen can now no longer be considered Trump's active, current, attorney, after Hendon appeared at the hearing to say she represented Trump and that she also wanted the FBI and DoJ barred from looking at the material while the case was litigated. Trump has 'an acute interest in this matter', Hendon told the court. She said access to the material should be blocked until a full court hearing on whether it is privileged. 'He is the president of the United States,' she said. 'This is of most concern to him. I think the public is a close second. And anyone who has ever hired a lawyer, a close third.' Federal agents raided Cohen's Manhattan office, home and hotel room Monday, seizing records on a variety of subjects, including payments that were made in 2016 to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claimed she had sex with Trump, and playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed they had a year-long affair. But Cohen's attorneys say the material was subject to attorney-client privilege and the judge should stop it from being used. FBI and Justice Department officials in Washington and New York have refused to discuss the case publicly or say what crimes they are investigating. However people familiar with the investigation have told The Associated Press the search warrant used in the raids sought bank records, business records on Cohen's dealing in the taxi industry, Cohen's communications with the Trump campaign and information on payments made to a former Playboy model and a porn actress who say they had affairs with Trump. Those people spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the confidential details. CNN reported that among the information sought in the warrant were information about a taxi-owning family in Chicago to whom Cohen has loaned money repeatedly. Semyon and Yasya Shtayner, who was Ukrainian immigrants who own a taxi operation in Chicago were named on the warrant, the network reported. They run one of the city's largest taxi firms and their sons' social media postings and legal documents show that other members of their family are involved too. But Cohen is listed as a 'secured party' for 22 shell companies associated with the couple, who also own almost 40 medallions - assets which have plunged in value in recent years because of the rise of Uber and Lyft. It is unclear what the nature of any potential crime would be. The Shtayners have been hit by financial trouble, possibly related to the declining value of the medallions. In 2009 Cohen used Chicago taxi medallions as collateral for loans from Sterling National Bank. He and his wife Laura had previously bought New York taxi medallions, which have lost as much as 80 per cent of their value in recent years. The warrant also asked for his communications with Sterling National Bank, the Washington Post reported.None of those details were disclosed in court. Taxi family: Stand (left) and Elvin (right) Shtayner are sons of Chicago taxi owners Semyon and Yasya Shtayner who CNN were named on the search warrant used to raid Cohen In court prosecutors spoke only briefly. Tom McKay, the assistant district attorney leading the case urged the judge to reject the blocking move regardless of Trump's status as president. 'His attorney client privilege is no stronger than any other person who seeks legal advice,' he said. And he said Trump had had since Monday to protest and had failed to do so. After the morning hearing Stormy Daniels's lawyer, Michael Avenatti, said that Cohen and Trump had had a conflict of interest as soon as the raid happened. Daniels is not directly involved in the case but Avenatti said she is co-operating with federal authorities. Trump's new attorney, Hendon, is a Yale law school graduate and formal federal prosecutor who has been a defense attorney in a series of trials of alleged white collar criminals. Cohen has denied wrongdoing, while Trump has called the raids a 'witch hunt,' 'an attack on our country,' and a violation of rules that ordinarily make attorney client communications confidential. Those confidentiality rules can be set aside under certain circumstances if investigators have evidence that a crime has been committed. Public corruption prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan are trying to determine, according to one person familiar with the investigation, if there was any fraud related to payments to Karen McDougal, a former Playmate, and Stephanie Clifford, who performs under the name Stormy Daniels. Payment raid: One of the reasons for the FBI warrant was to seek information on payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, both of whom allege sex with Trump Decision time: Federal judge Kimba Wood, a Reagan appointee, is hearing the case in which Trump and his personal attorney are both trying to block federal authorities looking at material seized from Michael Cohen in this week's raid, which was prompted by Robert Mueller Gangs all here: Stormy Daniels' attorney Michael Avenatti arrives at federal court for the hearing. She is not formally part of the proceedings which pitch Cohen personally against the federal government McDougal was paid $150,000 in the summer of 2016 by the parent company of the National Enquirer under an agreement that gave it the exclusive rights to her story, which it never published. Cohen said he paid Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her silence about her claim to have had a one-night-stand with Trump. The White House has consistently said Trump denies either affair. The judge in the case is a Ronald Reagan appointee. But under the Bill Clinton administration she came close to being nominated as attorney general during the Nannygate scandal, when the first nominee dropped out for employing illegal immigrants. Her name was floated but never formally nominated because she had also employed an illegal immigrant as a nanny for her son, although she had done it when it was legal to do so. White House officials are concerned that Cohen, had taped recordings that federal investigators may have gotten their hands on during the raid on his hotel and home. A court hearing offers the possibility they will find out if recordings have been seized. Cohen, who served for a decade at the Trump Organization, was known to tape conversations with associates to use as leverage, and even had Trump hear some of his recordings. It was a practice the president was aware of. 'We heard he had some proclivity to make tapes,' said one Trump adviser to the Washington Post, who spoke about the ongoing investigation. 'Now we are wondering, who did he tape? Did he store those someplace where they were actually seized? . . . Did they find his recordings?' The FBI raided Cohen's home, office and hotel on Monday. The products of the search warrants were handed to the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. There have been several reports about what they were looking for in the raid, including information connected to the President involving porn star Stormy Daniels and ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal, who both received payments after sexual encounters with Trump. It is unknown if Cohen recorded his own conversations with Trump specifically. Cohen would frequently tout the New York law that only one party in the state had to consent to the taping of conversations. Trump himself previously boasted he taped people, even teasing that he had taped now former FBI Director James Comey. 'James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!' Trump tweeted after stories surfaced saying Trump asked the former FBI director to pledge his loyalty before he fired Comey. The White House later acknowledged there weren't any tapes. Legal experts told the Post taped phone conversations are a gold mine for prosecutors. 'If you are looking for evidence, you can't do any better than people talking on tape,' said Nick Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor. Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University who specializes in legal ethics expanded, saying that phone conversations are particularly significant. 'The significance is 9.5 to 10 on a 10-point scale,' he added, noting that investigators know 'that when people speak on the phone, they are not guarded. They don't imagine that the conversation will surface.' Chinese infrastructure projects, while not always successful, have enabled access to government services, giving people a sense of modernity and development. Chinas growing diaspora in the Pacific is also increasingly active in community engagements and maintain a close influence on local politics. Australia has long maintained a well-established and enduring relationship with the people of the Pacific. But Chinas influence is undeniably increasing. Its investment in soft power in particular has been a success, not only in economic terms but also in the lives of ordinary people. It was promptly rejected by the Vanuatu government, but the likelihood of having Chinese military hardware on a long-term basis in the Pacific has raised significant discussion on the strategic implications for Australia and its allies. CANBERRA - The China-in-the-Pacific dilemma has once again hit the headlines in Australia, this time with a proposed naval base in Vanuatu. Chinas people-to-people relations continue to expand as it becomes a first responder to disaster relief efforts, shows goodwill through local charities, and provides scholarships for Pacific students to prestigious Chinese universities. To bridge the cultural gap, China is currently considering building Chinese language schools in the Pacific, beginning with Papua New Guinea. Australia believes, as part of its strategic policy, that a secure Pacific means a secure Australia. Chinas emergence in the Pacific is seen by some as a threat to this state of order. Recent rhetoric in Australia seems to be aimed towards pressuring Canberra to deepen its engagement with the Pacific as a way of countering China and projecting Australia as a partner of choice for the Pacific countries. But these approaches are not new, considering Australias extensive awareness of Chinas influence in the region. Australias interest in the Pacific has varied over the years, but the Chinese question at least in the last two decades has been a cornerstone of Australias strategic policy. However, one problem is how this issue is framed and perceived. Rhetoric in Australia has mostly been about countering China in order to secure Australias interests in the Pacific. There is less discussion about Pacific interests or, more specifically, how Australias position on China would secure Pacific interests. While the rhetoric about securing Australias interests in the Pacific is hoisted with zeal here in Australia, it is viewed among some in the Pacific as neo-colonialist. Pacific leaders do not want to be seen succumbing to securing Australias interest at the expense of that of their people. Unlike in the past, Pacific leaders are increasingly assertive and well-informed of the geopolitical nuances currently at play in the region. They have intelligent military and political advisors dedicated to consolidating their sovereignty and exploiting the current geopolitical tussle, while acutely sensitive to any sign of bullying or cohesion. Australia was traditionally a leader in the Pacific, but this has been reconfigured. China sees past Australia to the United States as the force to be reckoned with in the region, and that is apparent to Pacific leaders. Australias prestige and influence is declining in this new regional order, although it still maintains a strong influence on the peoples hearts and minds. In The Embarrassed Colonist, Sean Dorney refers to the lack of Pacific content in Australias public consciousness as an important reminder of the disconnect between modern Australia and the people of the Pacific. Australia will need to return to the time when the Pacific was part of Australias family. The Pacific is embedded in Australias history (for instance, see section 51 (xxx) of the Australian Constitution). The camaraderie of World War II continues to project Australia as brave, while colonialism ties Australia to a common history and shared responsibility to the Pacific. Australia needs to consider these close historic and political relations when contemplating the appropriate approach to the Chinese question. Australia is not alone in its anxiety over Chinas influence. The people of the Pacific are also wary of China, as its system of government, business model and institutions are at odds with their democratic society. Chinese business influence has resulted in violence in the past. China is aware of these sensitivities. Within this context, Australia is not an outsider. The important question for Australia, then, is not how Australia can secure its interests in the Pacific, but how Australias position can secure Pacific interests in the Pacific and beyond. This approach will require Australia to be genuine and make some sacrifices. Pacific leaders will honour Australias sacrifice if they see it. If this approach is appropriately framed, it will bolster the rule-based regional order Australia intends to create, as well as restore respect of Australia. Such respect is likely to be followed by appropriate compromises among Pacific leaders, who would be satisfied that Australia has done all it could to secure Pacific interests in regional and global platforms on issues pertinent to the Pacific, such as climate change, good governance, infrastructure development, trade, etc. Foreign relations are about giving as well as taking, and Australia must be prepared to give the Pacific its proper place of importance if Australia is to receive good tidings from the Pacific in return. Otherwise, this anxiety about China in the Pacific is likely to continue, as Pacific countries, feeling restless and neglected, search for new allies. An Australian women has been charged by Cambodian police with drugs offences including possession and trafficking and she now faces a sentence of five years prison. Rachel Prins, 59, also known as 'Pixie Rose' from Brisbane was arrested in Siem Reap on Monday night at the bar she owns, the Soul Train Reggae Bar where it is alleged she and others possessed and trafficked drugs. She was arrested along with four other people, including her Cambodian boyfriend and two colleagues. Rachel Prins, 59, also known as 'Pixie Rose' from Brisbane was arrested in Siem Reap on Monday night at the bar she owns, the Soul Train Reggae Bar where it is alleged she and others possessed and trafficked drugs At the least, Prins will be in prison for three to six months as she awaits her trial The Age reported. Deputy director of the Cambodian government's Anti-Drug Department In Song confirmed the arrests and that charges laid against Ms Prins were under article 40 of the law on drug control. Prins arrest comes in the wake of 10 foreign tourists being arrested in Cambodia for allegedly producing pornography during a party in July and the arrest of Australian man James Ricketson for allegedly being a 'spy'. Prins arrest comes in the wake of 10 foreign tourists being arrested in Cambodia for allegedly producing pornography during a party in July and the arrest of Australian man James Ricketson for allegedly being a 'spy' Mr Song told Fairfax media that the five Australians are 'now detained at the Siem Reap provincial prison. They may face a jail sentence of two years minimum'. The charges outline how a local business was allegedly used to traffic narcotics and that it was owned by Prins. 'If the location's owner is deliberately providing the location for drug use or trafficking, she shall be (found) guilty,' he said. Deputy director of the Cambodian government's Anti-Drug Department In Song (pictured) confirmed the arrests and that charges laid against Ms Prins were under article 40 of the law on drug control Authorities displayed the alleged haul of drugs from the raid on Ms Prins bar on social media where they allege drugs were being trafficked from He said under Article 40 of the law on drug control, Prins would be facing anywhere from two to five years in prison. Cambodian authorities posted photos of the five alleged drug traffickers along with drugs they say were seized during raids. Mr Song said he felt that the raids would entice more tourists, showing that the police were constantly working on stamping out crime. An Optus store on Sydney's ritzy lower North Shore advertised for an 'Anglo-Saxon' employee. The Neutral Bay shop on Military Road, near Mosman, posted the advertisement for a casual retail assistant on Thursday afternoon, which breached anti-discrimination laws. The job ad, posted on employment site Seek, asked for preferred candidates 'who are Anglo Saxon and live near to Neutral Bay'. The shop on Military Road near Mosman posted the advertisement on Thursday afternoon, which breaches anti-discrimination laws An Optus store on Sydney's ritzy lower North Shore advertised for an 'Anglo-Saxon' employee The Singapore-government owned-telco has since removed the ad, which breaches the Racial Discrimination Act and New South Wales anti-discrimination laws. Optus vice-president of human resources Vaughan Paul said it had started an internal investigation into how the ad was placed. He told the ABC those involved faced disciplinary action. 'This incident is unacceptable and does not reflect Optus' values of diversity and inclusion,' Mr Paul said. 'This error [is] a clear breach of our advertising standards and commitment to equal opportunity employment. 'Optus proudly supports diversity and employs staff representing more than 70 nationalities.' Optus also tweeted the advertisement had been removed and would take disciplinary action against those involved. Catherine Snelson said the job ad was unacceptable. 'Discrimination in any form shouldn't be allowed,' she tweeted to Optus. The Singapore-government owned-telco has since removed the ad, which breaches the Racial Discrimination Act Police in Indiana have identified a body found earlier this week in the back of a U-Haul van as an adult woman - after initially mistaking the victim for an infant. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said an employee at a U-Haul facility on South East Street in Indianapolis found a body in a plastic bin in the back of a van around 1:30pm Wednesday. Because the body was found in a bin, police said 'it was assumed to be a baby', according to Fox59. Alyssa Sanderfer, 26, was found dead in the back of a U-Haul van in Indianapolis on Wednesday afternoon Police said the body was discovered in a plastic bin. Authorities initially thought the remains belonged to an infant or child The gruesome discovery was made at this U-Haul facility on South East Street in Indianapolis by an employee The Marion County Coroner's Office identified the body as 26-year-old Alyssa Sanderfer when it retrieved the remains. Friends of the young woman told the outlet that Sanderfer had special needs. Authorities said she had a very small frame, which is why police initially thought the body was a child. Investigators are not saying how Sanderfer died or how long the body was in the back of the van. The cause and manner of death are waiting to be determined until toxicology results are finalized. In the meantime, detectives are checking customer records to see who may have rented the U-Haul, where the van came from and where it was last registered. So far, no arrests have been made. Jeff Lockridge, a spokesman for U-Haul, said in a statement Thursday they were 'deeply startled and heartbroken' about the discovery. 'U-Haul is working with the local authorities to meet any and all needs in their investigation,' the company said. The cause and manner of death are waiting to be determined until toxicology results are finalized According to WISHTV, Sanderfer lived at a home on Wallace Avenue with her mother and sister. Brandi Neeley, who said she knew Sanderfer, told the outlet that her uncle and grandmother had been renting the home to the woman's family. They family left abruptly a month ago, she said. 'They had skipped town in the middle of the night,' Neeley said. 'Moved out on my uncle and grandma.' Neeley said Sanderfer was 'basically not able to move', couldn't talk and used a feeding tube. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS. Ivanka Trump looked stunning in a $3,519 red Calvin Klein ballgown as she stepped out for her first night of sightseeing during her trip to Peru for the for the Summits of the Americas trade conference. The first daughter flaunted her glamorous ensemble, complete pair of baby pink $1,495 Calvin Klein high heels, on her Instagram story Thursday evening. 'Arriving at Huaca Pucllana,' the 36-year-old wrote in a glitzy cursive script as she stepped out on the adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Scroll down for video Ivanka Trump looked stunning in a $3,519 red Calvin Klein ballgown as she stepped out for her first night of sightseeing during her trip to Peru for the for the Summits of the Americas trade conference The first daughter flaunted her glamorous ensemble, complete pair of baby pink $1,495 Calvin Klein high heels, on her Instagram story Thursday evening After visiting the cultural site she went to a dinner for the CEO Summit of the Americas Huaca Pullcana is in the Miraflores district of the city, and once served as a ceremonial and administrative center for Lima between the years 200 and 700 AD. After visiting the cultural site she went to a dinner for the CEO Summit of the Americas. At dinner she posted a series of photos to her Instagram with many of the other invitees to the weekend's conference. 'Dinner at the historic Huaca Pucllana with President Vizcarra, IDB President Moreno, US Cabinet Secretaries and CEOs, culminating a great first day at the CEO Summit of the Americas in Lima,' she wrote. At dinner she posted a series of photos to her Instagram with many of the other invitees to the weekend's conference. She is pictured at the dinner with the president of Peru Ivanka is pictured with Peru's president Martin Vizcarra (left) , an Inter-American Development Bank president Luis Alberto Moreno 'Dinner at the historic Huaca Pucllana with President Vizcarra, IDB President Moreno, US Cabinet Secretaries and CEOs, culminating a great first day at the CEO Summit of the Americas in Lima,' she wrote The evening came after a busy day of touring businesses throughout Peru's capital. Earlier in the afternoon she stopped by a quinoa factory, where she learned about the production of the popular American health food. She also shared a number of snaps of this to her Instagram story - in which she can be seen following workers around in a white lab coat. 'Now... firsthand seeing the quinoa production process,' she wrote alongside a photo of herself with a palm-full of the grain. Earlier in the afternoon she stopped by a quinoa factory, where she learned about the production of the popular American health food She also shared a number of snaps of this to her Instagram story - in which she can be seen following workers around in a white lab coat And before that she toured the Lima Stock Exchange - again dressed to impress. She wore a $1,693 a navy blue and yellow floral-print silk-jacquard shirtdress featuring pearl buttons by Altuzarra, which she paired with navy blue ankle-strap stilettos. Her long blonde hair was parted in the middle and straightened for her day of meetings, and she was sporting a smokey brown eye and glossy lips. During her trip Ivanka will be announcing an initiative 'to propel womens economic empowerment' in Latin America on Thursday, and she excitedly took to Instagram Stories to document her trip. Strike a pose: Ivanka Trump was all smiles as she met with female business leaders in Lima, Peru, on Thursday 'Buenos dias!' Upon her arrival in Peru, Ivanka shared a video of herself waving at the camera and using a local greeting 'Buenos dias!' she says in one clip. 'I am here in Lima, Peru, for the Summit of the Americas conference, and I am really excited about my first stop, which is the Lima Stock Exchange, where I am going to meet with some incredible women business leaders from right here in Peru.' She was filmed in the backseat of a car with her seat belt sapped across her chest as she animatedly spoke about the day ahead of her. Ivanka went on to share a video of herself walking through the Lima Stock Exchange with CEO Francis Stenning, as well as a photo of herself sitting down during a roundtable discussion. 'Meeting with women business leaders based in Lima!' she captioned the image. Busy: The first daughter took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday evening to share a video of herself arriving in Lima (L) before documenting her meetings the next morning (R) Children as young as seven will be taught how to defend themselves from unwanted touching in a major overhaul to the state's curriculum. In the first changes to the health and physical education syllabus in 15 years the emphasis is on consent, power and harassment. The sweeping modernisation reflects changing global attitudes in a #metoo world and will teach students how to negotiate consent, refuse advances and develop respectful relationships, The Daily Telegraph has reported. Education Minister Rob Stokes said that the changes to the health and physical education syllabus reflect the modern world The government said they were intent on the changes being age-appropriate and consulted with NSW Health for over a year as they put the new program together. From kindergarten, children will be taught to 'recognise that everyone has a right to say yes or no to affection' including hugs, tickles and kisses. Year three students will be taught about mental health with an emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation. And from year seven, students will be taught how to recognises transphobic bullying, cyber-bullying and racism. They will be educated on the impact that bullying and racism can have on people and their health and safety. Students will also learn about abuses of power from year seven. The sweeping modernisation of the curriculum reflects the changing world by focusing on consent, respect and bullying. They will be taught skills that help them identify abuses if power in relationships. Seeking help, persistence, assertive responses and problem solving will be key learning objectives during these classes. High school students will be taught about navigating situations where peers are encouraging sexting. The new curriculum, which will come into effect next year, has been designed to help students handle the complex situations that modern life presents. 'The world is unrecognisable compared to just 15 years ago,' Education Minister Rob Stokes said. Students will be taught skills like how to defend themselves against unwanted touching, how to navigate situations where sexting is encouraged and the effects of bullying 'Almost unbelievably, students are being taught from a text drafted before social media or smartphones were invented.' Mr Stokes said the overhaul was designed to bring schools into the modern era. 'Stigmas surrounding mental health are a thing of the past. Students need to know that help is always available, and that they should speak openly about mental health,' Mr Stokes said. Students will also be taught about our indigenous cultures with the significant contributions indigenous players make to sport and understanding the impact of reconciliation and telling stories in yarning circles. IKEA and Coles Supermarkets are teaming up with Airtasker to help you do your shopping. Airtasker is a service that allows Australians to hire someone to complete a task for them. The retail giants previously only had a New South Wales trial, but this has now expanded nationally. Airtasker has announced that they have opened up their Coles and IKEA partnerships nationally, allowing Australians everywhere to take advantage of the service (stock image) This meant shoppers could get their groceries delivered to their door or have their furniture assembled in their home without having to lift a finger. According to the Herald Sun, in an emailed statement the service provider said: 'We're incredibly pleased to say that both partnerships were a standout success, so well be rolling out Australia-wide!' When the IKEA program was initially rolled out the Airtasker website explained that you had to visit the Tempe, Sydney, store. Once you selected your furniture you post the assembly via an Airtasker kiosk. It read: 'When your task has been posted, Airtaskers with an IKEA Badge will make offers to undertake the work. 'When you accept an offer, you can add task payment via credit or debit card, which is securely held until the task has been completed. Once the Airtasker Worker has assembled your furniture you need to release the task payment.' IKEA Airtaskers will also have to have have experience with the product and has successfully completed a police check. According to the publication IKEA Customer Experience Manager Cass Hall said that 'working with Airtasker were giving customers more choice when it comes to how they assemble their furniture' (stock image) Airtasker in an online marketplace that allows Australians to hire someone to complete a task for them (stock image) In the New South Wales trial of the Coles partnership Airtaskers needed to meet certain criteria. Airtaskers had to have completed at least two tasks through the site, have a minimum star rating of 4.5 and a completion rate of at least 80 per cent. According to the publication IKEA Customer Experience Manager Cass Hall said last month: 'In working with Airtasker were giving customers more choice when it comes to how they assemble their furniture. Many of our customers will continue to do-it themselves, but we are seeing an increase in take-up of services that make the shopping experience quicker and easier. Verified IKEA Airtaskers will give customers confidence when using this service. A Bondi man penned an open letter to his neighbours after he got more than he bargained for when he tried to get them to lower the loud music only to see a man conducting a lewd act on himself. After seeing more than he wanted the man penned a letter to his neighbours, instead of calling the police about a noise complaint, suggesting they 'invest in some curtains'. The Bondi man, who's in his 30s and does not wish to be named, wrote the letter after the incident on Wednesday 7 News reported. A Bondi man got more than he bargained for when he went to ask his neighbours to lower the loud music when he caught his neighbour conducting a lewd act on himself, which prompted the man to pen aletter 'We'd appreciate if you can keep the volume down late on weeknights. You're close to a lot of people who have jobs and would prefer not to be kept up after midnight with loud music,' he wrote. It was midnight on Wednesday when he looked over at his neighbours house in an effort to get their attention, which is when he witnessed the man masturbating. 'Having to yell out to keep the music down at 12.30am on a Wednesday morning to a fully naked guy playing with himself - really not cool,' he wrote. He suggested that along with keeping the music down maybe they should 'invest in a set of headphones and some curtains'. The man had thought about calling police with a noise complaint but then decided a 'passive aggressive' letter would be the right path to take. It was midnight on Wednesday when he looked over at his neighbours house in an effort to get their attention, which is when he witnessed the man masturbating The man did try to let the masturbating man know he was within full view of his neighbours. 'I don't know if he heard me, I was trying to be polite but I had to yell louder,' he told 7 News. The man hopes his letter will do enough to 'shame' his neighbour into keeping the music down and being more careful about where he chooses to pleasure himself. A former Muslim cleric who oversaw a marriage between an underage girl and a 34-year-old man in Melbourne has failed to overturn his conviction. Ibrahim Omerdic, 62, believes he was wrongfully convicted because he never finished the religious ceremony between the 14-year-old girl and the Rohingya asylum seeker at a Noble Park mosque in September 2016. The sacked imam launched an appeal against his conviction in the Victorian Supreme Court in October, arguing the prosecution failed to prove he solemnised the marriage in Melbourne's south-east. Scroll down for video A former Muslim cleric who oversaw a marriage between an underage girl and a 34-year-old man in Melbourne has failed in a bid to overturn his conviction He claimed he did not provide the couple with an Islamic marriage certificate. But Justice Andrew Keogh refused the appeal in a judgment on Friday, meaning the conviction will stand. Omerdic was found guilty in Melbourne Magistrates Court of unlawfully solemnising a marriage and sentenced to two months in prison. But he avoided jail as he was immediately placed on a two-year recognisance release order. Ibrahim Omerdic, 62, believes he was wrongfully convicted because he never finished the religious ceremony between the 14-year-old girl and the Rohingya refugee in 2016 The sacked imam appealed against his conviction in the Victorian Supreme Court, arguing the prosecution failed to prove he solemnised the marriage but that appeal was thrown out Magistrate Phillip Goldberg in June 2017 sentenced Omerdic to two months' prison for his 'serious breach of trust' but released him immediately on a two-year recognisance release order. Mohammad Shakir, a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, pleaded guilty in April last year to going through a ceremony of marriage with a person not of marriageable age. Omerdic was an imam of the Bosnian Islamic Society and Noble Park Mosque, but he was sacked after his November arrest over the wedding. Mobile phone video captured him solemnising that wedding. 'If (he) is happy with something, do it. If (he) is not happy with something, don't do it,' he tells the girl in the shaky footage. Omerdic can also be heard telling the child's mother and her betrothed: 'She's very young.' The Today show staff were all smiles on the red carpet for the Hollywood Reporter's Most Powerful People in Media event on Thursday. The glamorous staff - including Megyn Kelly - were seen posing together on Thursday night at the event held in New York City while Matt Lauer was spotted alone in the Hamptons after selling his New York home. Megyn Kelly and Savannah Guthrie opted for more subtle black outfits while Hoda Kotb stood out in a stunning light pink and burgundy dress for the event celebrating the media elite. This year's honorees included Anna Wintour and Sean Hannity. Happy Family! The Today show staff among other Hollywood elite put on the glitz and glam for the Hollywood Reporter's Most Powerful People in Media event on Thursday. Pictured left to right is Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones; Al Roker; Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Carson Daly, Megyn Kelly and Craig Melvin Megyn Kelly and Savannah Guthrie opted for more subtle black outfits while Hoda Kotb stood out in a stunning light pink and burgundy dress. The event was held in New York City Matt Lauer was spotted on Wednesday in the Hamptons after putting his Manhattan home on sale for $7.35million Lauer has kept a rather low profile since he was accused of sexual harassment in November, which quickly got him kicked out of the Today show and replaced by Hoda Kotb. The 60-year-old disgraced anchor was spotted lounging in the Hamptons after putting his $7.35million home on the market. His estranged wife and children moved to the Hamptons after it was revealed that Lauer had multiple sexual harassment allegations against him. The Hollywood Reporter honored 35 of the most powerful people in media during their award ceremony that was held at The Pool in the Upper East Side. People in attendance included Don Lemon, Carson Daily, Sean Hannity and Jeff Zucker. Megyn Kelly, who is the highest-paid host at NBC, snagged her honoree title alongside her colleagues after starting her spot with Today in September 2017. She wore a fitted black dress and silver heels to the event Thursday. Megyn Kelly was one of the 35 honoree's for the media elite event on Thursday. She appeared chummy with her Today show cast The event was held at The Pool private dining room in the Upper East Side. Pictured left to right is Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Carson Daly Best of friends! Savannah Guthrie, Gayle King and Hoda Kotb were all smiles at the event on Thursday evening Everyone appeared in high spirits amid months of rumored tension between the staff and Kelly. NBC staffers including Gifford were reportedly not thrilled with Kelly after she told off Jane Fonda in an unusually aggressive segment on the Today show last year. It was claimed Kelly's co-stars, which also include Jenna Bush and Hoda Kobt, were not happy with the attack. Viewers also felt it was mean spirited to trash the 80-year-old film icon. Kelly has been ruffling feathers for weeks at Today, it has been claimed by several outlets, though UsWeekly is insisting they are all having a nice time on set. Despite possible tension, everyone seemed to put their differences aside to celebrate their spots as some of the media's most elite. Hoda Kotb notably replaced Matt Lauer as Savannah Guthrie's co-anchor on the Today show after sexual harassment allegations were revealed in November 2017 Meghan Markle's half-sister has said it is in 'poor taste' not to invite her to her wedding to Prince Harry - despite being estranged for the past three years. Samantha Grant, who shares a father with Meghan, said she must do the 'morally right thing' and invite her entire family to the Windsor event on May 19. She said: 'Closeness has nothing to do with it, it is incumbent upon her to do the morally right thing and invite family and demonstrate she has a humanitarian heart'. Ms Grant has previously accused the actress and Prince Harry of 'inviting complete strangers' instead of her relatives and says her half-sister and Harry are failing to honour 'proper etiquette and tradition'. Meghans half-sister appears to be left off the guest list along with her brother Thomas Markle jr, his ex-wife Tracy and their children Thomas and Tyler Dooley. Samantha Grant, who shares a father with Meghan, said she must do the 'morally right thing' and invite her entire family to the Windsor event on May 19 Samantha Grant changed her profile picture on Twitter to this image, along with the caption 'All time favourite pic of her' - but they have not spoken for three years Harry and Meghan recently decided to invite another 1,200 members of the public to the castle to celebrate in the grounds - her family accused them of favouring 'complete strangers' over them She told the Daily Mirror: 'Meghan cannot say she only wants to invite close friends and family and yet exclude the Markles, who have always been there for her. 'It is proper etiquette and tradition to invite family and bad to invite absolute strangers.It is in poor taste when family are excluded.' Samantha Grant believes all family members must be asked 'out of respect'. 'At issue is not a matter of closeness as more than 1,000 complete strangers are invited,' she tweeted this week. 'Family is family. I have an uncle I have only seen once by I would never say he is not family because we are not close. Humanitarians move forward with love and kindness especially to family.' Ms Grant, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, later changed her profile picture to a snap of her and Meghan together when they were younger. She then added: 'Smoke and mirrors cannot hide the elephant in the room. Out of respect, tradition and humanitarianism, the #Markles should be invited if 2,000 complete strangers are invited. 'Our uncle who got her the internship, brother, me, best friend of 30 years Nikki Priddy, nephews. Fact.' Ms Grant initially expressed excitement at the prospect of being invited the the Royal wedding She claimed that no-one had been invited to the Royal wedding so far from the Markle family Ms Grant called the decision to not invite members of the extended family the 'elephant in the room' In the past, Ms Grant has claimed to have raised Meghan for 12 years when she was growing up in California. But other sources speculate that the pair had little to do with one another. Charity worker Zoe Arundell has met Harry and Meghan before and will be attending their marriage Ms Grant, who is writing a book on Meghan, shared the photo of them together alongside the caption: 'All time favourite pic of her'. The Palace announced on Wednesday that world leaders and politicians would not be included on the list of those attending the wedding. US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Theresa May and the Obamas have not been invited to the wedding. Although the couple did decide recently to invite an extra 1,200 members of the public to the castle for the celebrations as reward for their community work. Among those includes Amelia Thompson, 12, a schoolgirl who survived the Manchester bombing. Speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain today, Amelia said she was 'very, very, very, very, very excited - I'm really excited to go', adding that she 'didn't have a clue' until receiving an email to tell her that she was going. She added: 'I was speechless, at first I didn't think that it was real. But then when we started to read it and got into further detail, we was like 'this is genuine'. Her mother Lisa Newton said: 'She's had a rough couple of years, and just to see her face smile, I'm just really proud of her, and she's been so brave and so inspiration that she deserves it.' Asked about her plus one, Amelia added: 'It's a lady called Sharon and her granddaughter died at Manchester Arena, so I decided to take her. Kensington Palace announced in March that members of the public would be among the crowds allowed into the grounds of the castle to share in the atmosphere of the wedding. Manchester Arena attack survivor Amelia Thompson, 12, sat with her mother Lisa Newton as she told ITV's Good Morning Britain how excited she was to attend the royal wedding Afghanistan veteran Philip Gillespie, pictured, who lost a leg to a bomb in 2010, is one of the 1,200 members of the public invited to the Royal Wedding thanks to his work supporting the ABF The Soldiers' Charity Jorja Furze, left and right, 12, was born without a left leg and has gone on to work an ambassador for amputee charity Steel Bones despite her young age Her father Thomas was recently pictured reading a book entitled 'Images of Britain' in an apparent revision exercise prior to the wedding. MailOnline contacted the Royal Household who declined to comment. The lucky group were nominated by the nine regional Lord Lieutenant offices after Harry and Meghan asked for those picked to come from a broad range of backgrounds and ages, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities. Former homeless teenager Kai Fletcher, 18, pictured, is going to the wedding after turning his life around and now works with a charity to help rough sleepers Kensington Palace announced the group would be among the crowds allowed into the grounds of Windsor Castle to share in the atmosphere of the May 19 wedding at St George's Chapel. Among those chosen are Philip Gillespie, 30, of Ballymena, Northern Ireland, who was a former section commander in the Royal Irish Regiment. The solider lost his right leg in 2010 aged just 22 four months into his third tour of Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED), needing three operations at Camp Bastion before he was airlifted to hospital in the UK for further treatment. Since then he has dedicated his life to charity, raising cash and awareness for ABG The Soldiers' Charity and has recently competed in team trials for rowing, swimming and archery at the next Invictus Games, set up by Prince Harry. Mr Gillespie said it is 'a wee bit surreal' to think he will be there next month with his girlfriend Kirsty Crawford. 'It's a massive privilege, it will be a huge spectacle,' he added. Others invited to attend include Reuben Litherland, 14, from Derby. The Saint Benedict Catholic Academy pupil, who is deaf, has set up a lunchtime sign language club at school. Jorja Furze, 12, has also been chosen for her work as ambassador for the Steel Bones charity which works with the amputee community. Jorja is an amputee from birth, having lost her left leg, but has overcome adversity to help others in similar situations. The ceremony is just a few short weeks away and is due to take place in St George's chapel at Windsor castle on May 19 She has also set up an anxiety group for new students at her school in Ely, Wales, to help them cope with the adjustment to higher education. Teenager Kai Fletcher, who found himself homeless at 15, has also been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Kai had a difficult childhood growing up in a household troubled by alcohol and domestic violence, and later found himself homeless. After turning to Bath-based charity Southside for help, the 18-year-old now works for the organisation as a young advocate team leader having turned his life around. 'It was a bit surprising. I am looking forward to going, really excited,' he said. Mr Fletcher, who lives in Bath, said he would be taking his sister Louise with him to the wedding at Windsor Castle next month. Zoe Arundell, 20, from Penygraig in Wales, will be lucky enough to see the couple for a second time, having met them during a recent visit to Cardiff Castle. She said Harry told her she was 'definitely a role model' for her work with the Valley Kids charity which helps disadvantaged children and families. The former treasurer of an Ontario County fire company is accused of stealing more than $20,000 to cover gambling expenses at casinos in New York and Las Vegas. Wendy Wharton, 53, of Manchester, was arrested Friday by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office. She has been charged with third-degree grand larceny. The charge stems from an audit and investigation by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and the Ontario County Sheriff's Office. Wharton, who served as treasurer for the Citizens Hose Company and its auxiliary, allegedly used the fire company's credit and debit cards to obtain cash advances and withdraw money. DiNapoli said Wharton then used the funds to gamble at casinos in central New York, the Finger Lakes region and Las Vegas. "This fire official bet she wouldn't be caught as she gambled away public money and violated the trust of her community," DiNapoli said in a statement. Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero lauded the Shortsville Fire Department for finding that the funds were missing and alerting law enforcement. He also noted that his agency has a good rapport with the comptroller's office. The Hollywood Reporter's Most Powerful People in Media event was full of heavy-hitters, including two ousted White House administrators, Stormy Daniels' lawyer and Trump supporter Sean Hannity. The outlet's annual event was held Thursday night at The Pool in New York. While many notable media personalities mixed and mingled at the swanky affair, a few photographs are turning heads and raising eyebrows. Marla Maples, the ex-wife of president Donald Trump, was spotted at the event posing for a picture with former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. In an Instagram story posted in the early hours of Friday morning, Maples wrote: 'The end of a very interesting evening.' Fox News host and Trump supporter Sean Hannity (right) was seen posing for a photo with Stormy Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti (second from left) Thursday night at The Hollywood Reporter's Most Powerful People in Media event. Also pictured is Gayle King (left) and Don Lemon (second from right) Avenatti also snapped a photo with former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci (right) Marla Maples, the ex-wife of Trump, attended Thursday's media event and was seen posing for a photo with Scaramucci The Mooch, as he's called, was booted from the White House in July after just 10 days on the job. Scaramucci was also seen with Michael Avenatti, the lawyer representing porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels alleges she had an affair with Trump in 2006, one year after he married Melania Trump. In the photo, Avenatti is seen clutching a martini as Scaramucci jokes like he's going to punch the lawyer in the jaw. Avenatti, who previously threatened to release a sketch of a 'thug' who threatened Daniels to leave Trump alone, also managed to snap a picture with Fox News host and Trump supporter Sean Hannity, CBS This Morning co-anchor Gayle King and CNN Tonight host Don Lemon. Other media hotshots at The Hollywood Reporter event was former White House assistant Omarosa Manigault. Manigault was booted from her job as Director of Communications for the Office of Public Liaison in December. At the time press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement that Manigault left to pursue other opportunities. Avenatti was one of the guests at Thursday's event. The attorney previously threatened to release a sketch of a 'thug' who threatened Daniels to leave Trump alone Omarosa Manigault also made an appearance at The Hollywood Reporter event. She was fired as Director of Communications for the Office of Public Liaison in December After Manigault went on Celebrity Big Brother and bashed Trump, White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah revealed she had been fired. Fire and Fury author Michael Wolff also attended the media event. According to The Newser, he was seen chatting with Hannity at one point during the night. When the outlet asked Hannity if he would ever have Wolff on his show, the Fox host responded: 'You want me to book him for you?' Wolff penned the book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House detailing Trump's behavior and chaotic interactions with his staff. Wolff suggests in the book that Trump's cabinet members think he's unfit to be President. A father-of-four who allegedly called a worshipper an 'impostor Muslim' before punching him in the head has been spared jail. David Phillip Bryan Anderson, who insists he is not racist, was accused of punching the Muslim man in a Park Holme mosque last year. Adelaide Magistrates Court heard the 35-year-old man hit the victim with a closed fist in one single blow. David Phillip Bryan Anderson, who called a worshipper an 'impostor Muslim' before punching him in the head, has been spared jail (pictured) The incident on December 22 was caught on CCTV footage where the Adelaide man, who was given a suspended sentence on Friday, approached the Muslim man and started discussing controversial topics. 'The defendant approached him and started talking to him while he was standing under the outside veranda of the mosque,' the police prosecutor said according to The Advertiser. 'The defendant started talking to him about controversial topics, such as the US and Israeli politics which the victim did not feel comfortable speaking about. 'The defendant said, youre a Muslim, you should have an opinion youre an impostor Muslim.' The 35-year-old then became angry and punched the victim in the face causing a deviated septum. The father-of-four became angry and punched the Muslim man (left) at the Marion mosque in South Australia (right) where he pleaded guilty to committing an assault that causes harm Anderson was charged and pleaded guilty to committing an assault that causes harm, the publication reported. In March, the father-of-four was remanded on bail and forbidden from attending the Park Holme mosque. Anderson was given a suspended sentence of seven months and six days with a 12 month probationary period on Friday. Richard Osborn-Brooks won't be returning to the home where he stabbed to death burglar Henry Vincent - over fears of reprisals - and will sell up, a family friend claimed today. Security experts have been working on the Hither Green property for two days with some sources claiming he is planning to move back in. But a friend, who visited the house where Henry Vincent was killed, said: 'Mr and Mrs Osborn-Brooks are definitely not going back. 'They're waiting for the dust to settle before they announce that publicly and put their house on the market.' When asked if this was due to fear of revenge attacks over the killing of career criminal Henry Vincent, he added: 'It's the fact that they could come back and that his wife's disabled. They could terrorise him, it's not safe. Police remain at the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks today - but a family friend claims he will never return Today more men believed to be in the security industry arrived at the house suggesting the family could return Mr Osborn-Brooks (pictured left) was arrested on suspicion of Henry Vincent's (right) murder after he stabbed him with the screwdriver he used to break into his house. The pensioner was later released without charge, but is still being kept under police guard over safety concerns 'He's got what happened that night on his conscience for the rest of his life now. He's never going to forget that he's killed someone. 'He's not a violent person, he's a really nice, run-of-the-mill guy.' Rival protests are planned outside the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks as security was beefed up inside It's expected that family members will make the announcement on the couple's behalf in the next week or so. Rival protests are planned outside the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks as security was beefed up inside suggesting he could be preparing himself to return. Facebook page Community Support For The Residents of South Park Crescent, Hither Green has announced a demonstration in his honour in the street from midday on Saturday. But supporters of career criminal Henry Vincent, 37, are said to be planning their own 'civil rights' march for Sunday. An alarm company has been installing anti-burglar systems in the Hither Green property where he was forced to stab to death Henry Vincent, 37, last Wednesday. The men were drilling in the house for several hours with police at the scene appearing to be helping advise them on the new security measures. A day earlier London Fire Brigade were allowed to enter to the boarded up property to install new fire alarms. Mr Osborn-Brooks has been in protective custody with his wife Maureen for a week since he was arrested on suspicion of murder before being released without charge by Scotland Yard. Vincent, who was armed with a screwdriver, was stabbed as he raided the 78-year-old' home with alleged accomplice Billy Jeeves while the pensioner and his wife, who has dementia, were asleep in the London property last Wednesday. The career burglar was fatally stabbed and died in hospital while Jeeves fled and dumped their white Vauxhall Astra van near the travellers site they hail from in north Kent and set it alight. He remains on the run. Richard Osborn-Brooks could be readying himself to return home as security was beefed up overnight by a local company working with police Mr Osborn-Brooks and his wife have been unable to return home after threats of retribution were made in the aftermath of the burglary. And a giant shrine to Vincent left outside the Hither Green home by his family, who insist that the homeowner is a murderer. Billy Jeeves, 28, is on the run following a botched raid at the south east London home of Richard Osborn-Brooks last Wednesday His daughter Louisa Vincent, 18, whose Facebook picture is now an image of her dead father, came out of mourning to express her gratitude to the couple, who also offered the wall outside their house as an alternative shrine that they would protect from any vigilantes attempting to tear it down. When asked about her reaction to her father's death, she told Mail Online: 'It's too hard of a subject right now. 'But I thank the neighbours who held my father's hand and have offered us their garden, fence and wall to put flowers on. 'We really appreciate their offer and we are thankful to them for being so understanding and kind hearted.' Scotland Yard said today they did not know when Mr Osborn-Brooks is returning to the house. Facebook page Community Support For The Residents of South Park Crescent, Hither Green has announced a demonstration is set to be held from noon on Saturday. The group, which has more than 300 members, was formed after career crook Vincent was killed in a botched burglary on the Osborn-Brooks terraced house in Hither Green. The group has been set up 'for those wanting to show support to the residents of South Park Crescent with the recent events relating to Mr Osborn-Brooks whose life has been turned upside down.' One member of the Facebook group Community Support For The Residents of South Park Crescent, Hither Green, who have announced a demonstration, shared this photo of a homemade placard The 'peaceful protest' is due to last until 3pm as people prepare to show solidarity with the Osborn-Brooks family and their neighbours. One member has shared a photo of a banner being made for the protest that features a photo of Mr Osborn-Brooks next to a picture of Winston Churchill and the phrase 'We Thank Our Heroes'. Another message on the poster reads: 'Richard and Maureen Osborn-Brooks, you are not alone!" A further message aimed at supporters of Vincent's says 'Stick your flowers where the sun don't SHRINE'. The police and Lewisham Borough Council have been informed and the Facebook group is asking for ideas for what to place on banners, while residents are calling for supporters to 'keep it civil' and refrain from using 'racist or homophobic language, or threats'. The post says: 'I know feelings will run high on this group, but can we please keep it civil and refrain from using racist or homophobic language, or threats. 'This also includes posting photos mocking the death of the burglar or photos using the derogatory P word term for travellers.' Mail Online has also seen a Facebook page which talks of holding a 'civil march' where anyone is 'welcome to join' in Hither Green, which was scheduled for yesterday but has now been changed to this Sunday, showing a picture of career criminal Henry Vincent. The post reads: 'No rowing or arguing about, just to show he was loved. Everyone or anyone is welcome. Please come'. A police spokesperson said they are 'not aware of any protests on Sunday April 15 at this time' by supporters of Vincent. Members of the London Fire Brigade arrive to fit smoke alarms at the home of pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks in Hither Green Iain Gordon was one of several vigilantes to tear down the floral shrine to the stabbed burglar Henry Vincent The shrine had been rebuilt by relatives and friends of the burglar - but only one bouquet remains today A senior police officer sparked outrage yesterday by describing the death of a criminal killed in a botched burglary as 'a tragedy'. Sir Craig Mackey, deputy commissioner of Scotland Yard, said he would not stop shrines being erected for burglar Henry Vincent because 'laying flowers is not a crime'. Instead, he said anyone who pulled down tributes to Vincent, 37, could be arrested for a breach of the peace. Sir Craig was accused of taking 'political correctness to a great extreme' by showing 'respect' towards the serial burglar. The family of Henry Vincent (pictured) insist that he was murdered by the man he was burgling Floral tributes, cards, teddies and balloons were placed opposite the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks, who fatally stabbed Vincent when he was confronted by the burglar last week. The shrine in Hither Green, south-east London, has been repeatedly taken down by locals who believe it to be in poor taste and deliberately designed to antagonise them. Last night only one bouquet remained in the street. But Sir Craig appeared to defend the right of Vincent's family to return to the scene to place more flowers. 'This is a tragedy for the family who have lost a loved one,' he said. 'It is also a tragedy for the homeowner forced to take the action he did. Those opposed to the flowers should act responsibly, respectfully and reasonably. We don't want anyone the local people or those visiting the scene to feel intimidated. It's entirely proportionate and appropriate that people want to leave tributes.' Asked what action would be taken if further shrines were pulled down, he said: 'If you do things where you cause a breach of the peace, you cause disorder in that area, then like anyone, you could get arrested.' Comedian John Bishop yesterday added his voice to the growing anger over the police's response to the tawdry saga. 'The police suggesting that the family of Henry Vincent should be allowed to place floral tributes opposite the house he tried to rob is a disgrace,' he wrote on Twitter. 'He was a scumbag who preyed on pensioners. Tributes condone his actions and imagine how it makes Mr Osborn-Brooks feel. 'He was a career criminal who chose to threaten and prey on the vulnerable. There will be more unknown victims of his career. [His family] should feel shame and should not expect a memorial.' It came a day after a YouGov poll found that 82 per cent of the public thought the tributes were inappropriate. John Macy, who cares for the elderly in the area, said residents had 'every right' to remove the flowers if they were on private property. He was deeply critical of the police's attempt to urge people to respect Vincent's family. Mr Macy, 74, said: 'That is taking political correctness to a great extreme. It would be like saying you should respect the burglars because they have a job to do. 'The putting up of the flowers in that quantity was totally offensive. It's as much condoning the crime as mourning the loss of a criminal. Some of the messages left were very intimidating.' An HIV-positive Victorian former pig farmer repeatedly phoned a woman in Thailand to procure sex with her two-year-old granddaughter, a court has been told. Kangaroo Flat man Howard John Hawke, who is due to turn 70 next month, was intercepted by police in 2016 talking about 'extremely depraved sexual activity' with the toddler during his next trip overseas. According to phone intercepts, Hawke told the woman to whip the child, saying he 'likes to see young ones hurt'. An HIV-positive Victorian former pig farmer repeatedly phoned a woman in Thailand to procure sex with her two-year-old granddaughter, a court has been told (stock image) The County Court of Victoria was told on Friday that Hawke had sold his West Australian piggery in 2006 for more than a million dollars, funding his retirement. He travelled extensively through South East Asia, becoming 'involved in the extremely sexualised environment' of Thailand. But when he was raided in March 2017 at what was 'basically a boarding house' in Victoria, he had only $6500 in cash, $13,000 in credit card debt and an unregistered car to his name. Crown prosecutor Krista Breckweg said during the phone calls, the child's 'impoverished' grandmother had shown reluctance, saying the child was too young for penetration. But Hawke denied he planned to have sex with the child, claiming the phone calls were 'fantasy' or like 'phone sex', and that he was just 'a bit of a pervert'. Ms Breckweg argued the behaviour was 'not a fantasy'. 'He talks about extremely depraved sexual activity,' she said. 'He talks about the baby being held down by her own mother and grandmother. 'This behaviour was premeditated. He wanted to go overseas with the intention of procuring babies.' Hawke also made a violent video of the woman's 16-year-old daughter - the toddler's mother - the previous year in which she was whipped while screaming, wearing a dog collar and with her wrists bound. The County Court of Victoria was told on Friday that Hawke had sold his West Australian piggery in 2006 for more than a million dollars, funding his retirement (stock image) Ms Breckweg said Hawke was found with 32 child porn images and seven videos when he was raided, and was also charged with transmitting 13 extreme child porn images. He was also charged with sexual assault against an intellectually impaired woman in Australia. Defence lawyer Robert Timms said Hawke had contracted HIV but would not transmit the virus as long as he stayed on his medication. He urged Judge Trevor Wraight to not impose 'a crushing sentence' on Hawke, who would eventually be released from prison as an aged pensioner with a large credit card debt. Hawke, who has already spent a year in custody, has pleaded guilty to some charges and will likely be sentenced to an immediate term of imprisonment by Judge Wraight on Thursday. A tradie covered in tattoos terrified locals with a taser gun as he wheeled out his garbage bins. Benjamin Michael Cashman was fined $400 for scaring locals with the harmful weapon earlier in April. A concerned citizen notified police of the Queensland man's bizarre midday spree, Sunshine Coast Daily reported. Benjamin Cashman (pictured) terrified locals with a taser gun as he wheeled out his garbage bins earlier in April in Queensland The 34-year-old (pictured) was fined $400 for scaring locals with the harmful weapon during the bizarre midday bin spree The 34-year-old denied having the taser with him despite surrendering the weapon - and the bag it was kept in - to police when they arrived at his house. Mr Cashman refused to participate in an interview or inform police where he acquired the weapon. The Sunshine Coast man pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a category D, H or R weapon in the Maroochydoore Magistrates Court. The taser was ordered to be forfeited for destruction and a conviction was recorded for the April 8 incident. The offence could have landed the 34-year-old behind bars for up to 13 years, the publication reported. Furious commuters who are facing rush hour chaos this morning have slammed Tube drivers for going on strike in support of a colleague who allegedly ran three red lights. The 24 hour walkout on the District Line, one of the busiest London Underground lines, was organised by the Aslef Union, and is causing severe delays across the capital. The action is over the treatment of a new driver, who is said to have passed three red signals in his 11 weeks driving, two of which are said to have been passed 'at danger' within a four-week period. Some 800,000 Londoners use the service every day, and this morning they took to social media to hit out at 'ignorant and arrogant' drivers, saying they are suffering for having their lives put at risk. Commuters faced severe delays on the District Line this morning with overcrowding on platforms, like this at West Ham A District Line service was still running but there were long delays between trains, incluidng at Plaistow station (pictured) The strike this morning had a knock on affect on other lines as passengers as passengers at West Ham used alternative routes Commuters took to social media today to hit out at drivers striking this morning Transport for London said it was 'simply not safe for this employee to continue in a role as a driver' and that he was offered another role. The transport body added that the driver agreed to these measures before the dispute escalated. The line, which runs from Upminster in the east, through central London to Ealing Broadway, Richmond and Wimbledon in the west, remained open, but there were huge gaps between trains. London Underground said: 'There are severe delays throughout the length of the line.' The strike is set to cause chaos on platforms this morning as commuters try and board trains Twitter was swamped with angry passengers who hit out at London Underground drivers over the walkout Victoria Webbley, said: 'Wow. District Line strike. Driver ran 3 red signals in 11 weeks? Put passengers lives at risk. Gets moved to a different role (not even fired!) and leads to everyone striking on a Friday! So again commuters will suffer... for having their lives put at risk?' James Wyatt added: '@TfL @ASLEFunion @MayorofLondon in what other job would a person be able to make 3 safety errors in as many months, remain employed, face no disciplinary action and still have the audacity to strike?! #tfl #districtline #strike' And AubaIsAGunner said: '1000s of people disrupted due to ignorant and arrogant #underground drivers defending a driver who continuously broke safety rules! Disgusting by @ASLEFunion and their members. #districtline' TfL hopes the line to run at about 60 per cent of capacity during the 24-hour strike, which started this at 12.01am this morning, and will last until 11.59pm. The rest of the Tube network, as well as TfL Rail, London Overground and DLR, will operate as normal. A strike on the District Line in April 2014 (pictured) led to overcrowded platforms as passengers struggled to get to work The Aslef union balloted its members over the way the SPAD (Signals Passed At Danger) policy was applied to the member of train crew from the Acton depot. Finn Brennan, Aslef's organiser on London Underground, has accused TfL representatives of failing to discuss the issue. He said: 'Sadly, some managers on LU want to pick and choose which policies they apply. 'Threatening individuals with disciplinary action, refusing to talk, and leaving our members with no other option than to take strike action is not the progressive approach we expect to see from Transport for London.' He added: 'Instead of recognising the concerns of our members, and reps, LU management are refusing to acknowledge that they have failed to follow their own procedures, threatened a disciplinary hearing to make a driver 'agree' to be redeployed, and now refuse to talk to this union.' On LBC radio this morning, presenter Nick Ferrari confronted Mr Brennan telling him the driver 'is not up to the job.' The presenter said: 'He spent three days training after the first incident. After the second, he had another five days training. Then another five on stand-down. Then he passed a third SPAD [Signal Passed At Danger]. 'I don't wish to speak ill of him because he's not here to defend himself. I'm sure he's a lovely fellow, but he's not up to the job.' Mr Brennan responded: 'When you have drivers voting 84 to 2 to support a driver who has only recently passed out, that sends a strong message...' Nick then asked: 'So you're telling me that a driver - and I'm not saying he should lose his job - but Aslef would have a driver who's done three SPADs in 11 weeks? You'd have him back driving the trains? 'Why does he want to drive a train if he's not up to it? 'Let's be candid. This bloke... I'm sure he's lovely, but he's not good enough to drive a train. Can't someone just tell him that? 'You face things in life. I was never going to play professional football. Certain things are a fact of life.' Nigel Holness, London Underground's (LU) director of network operations, said: 'The safety of our customers and our staff is our top priority,' he said. 'In this case, a driver was offered an alternative role on our stations following a number of safety incidents in their first few months of driving,' he continued. 'With so many incidents in a short space of time, despite several weeks of training and assistance, it was simply not safe for this employee to continue in a role as a driver. 'The situation is not as the union has described as no disciplinary action has been taken against the employee and our action is in line with the safety policies agreed with our trade unions.' A trainee solicitor has told of his fury after he was given a parking ticket while waiting to turn right at a busy junction in Manchester. Alexander Nejad, 31, said he was sitting in his car at a junction with his indicator flashing and engine running as he waited for a gap in the traffic. He saw in his rearview mirror that a 'predatory' traffic warden was approaching his vehicle from behind and taking pictures of it on his official device. 'I jumped out of my car and started filming him,' he told MailOnline. 'I'd been waiting for less than a minute for the traffic to clear so that I could turn out onto the main road. Alexander Nejad filmed the moment when a 'predatory' traffic warden issued him a ticket as he was waiting to turn right at a busy junction in Manchester The 31-year-old, a trainee solicitor, said he was sitting in his car at a junction with John Dalton Street with his indicator flashing and engine running as he waited for a gap in the traffic He saw in his rearview mirror that a traffic warden was approaching his vehicle from behind and taking pictures of it on his official device 'I jumped out of my car and started filming him,' he told MailOnline. 'I'd been waiting for less than a minute for the traffic to clear so that I could turn out onto the main road' 'You can see from my video that the car is in the middle of the lane angled as if it was about to turn right. 'He told me he was going to give me a parking ticket. He was really intimidating and patronising. It was ridiculous. 'He was acting like a predator. I couldn't believe what was happening.' The incident took place in John Dalton Street on Saturday at 12:10pm when Mr Nejad and his girlfriend, a student at the university of Salford, were going for a day out at Media City. He had turned down a side road called St James's Square and found that it had been closed due to construction. As a result he performed a U-turn and was waiting to rejoin traffic on the main road when the traffic warden struck. The parking official, whose name is unknown, refused to back down and appeared to suggest that Mr Nejad was trying to park. Mr Nejad said: 'He was really intimidating and patronising. It was ridiculous. He was acting like a predator. I couldn't believe what was happening' The incident took place on Saturday at 12:10pm when Mr Nejad and his girlfriend, a student at the university of Salford, were going for a day out at Media City On the video he can then be seen ignoring the motorist's attempts to reason with him. When Mr Nejad threatens to lodge a complaint with the council, the warden responds: 'okey dokey'. In response, the trainee solicitor accused him of being 'patronising'. After failing to convince the traffic warden that his car was not parked, the unfortunate motorist was issued with a ticket. He has lodged an appeal but has not yet received a response from the council. Mr Nejad is also a director of a company which provides parking enforcement services to owners of private land. We have nothing to do with the council or street parking, but I do have experience of the industry so I know my rights, he said. He had turned down a side road called St James's Square and found that it had been closed due to construction. As a result he performed a U-turn and was waiting to rejoin traffic on the main road when the traffic warden struck The parking official, whose name is unknown, refused to back down and appeared to suggest that Mr Nejad was trying to park On the video he can then be seen ignoring the motorist's attempts to reason with him. When Mr Nejad threatens to lodge a complaint with the council, the warden responds: 'okey dokey' 'I'm training to be a solicitor and I know my legal rights,' Mr Nejad said. 'For him to treat a member of the public like that was completely inexcusable. 'I was just so frustrated having to confront him like that and he was treating me as if I was stupid. I was so frustrated I could barely speak. 'The public has a right to know what is going on with traffic wardens in our country. This is Britain, not the Wild West.' A Manchester City Council spokesman said: 'Anyone who receives a parking ticket has the right of appeal. 'In this case, the individual has appealed and we are reviewing the evidence.' China has also announced it will be holding further live-fire military exercises in the Taiwan Straits on April 18 10,000 naval officers, 76 fighter jets, and a flotilla of 48 warships and submarines were all involved in the drills President Xi Jinping watched as China staged its largest ever show of force in the disputed South China Sea Advertisement China has staged its largest naval drills ever in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with Taiwan over the disputed territory. President Xi Jinping was in attendance to watch the enormous show of drills - involving more than 10,000 seamen, 76 fighter jets and 48 warships and submarines. Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television showed footage of the President boarding one of his destroyers which then sailed to an unnamed location in the contentious waters to watch the drills. In an impassioned address to his troops, President Xi said China's need for a world leading navy 'was never more pressing than today'. The President said the People's Liberation Army should work to develop its naval forces, build up modern maritime combat system and strengthen its capability in diversified military missions. Scroll down for video A vast array of servicemen and women were involved in the drills which saw around 10,000 seamen in the South China Sea Chinese President Xi Jinping watched the large-scale drills on China's only aircraft carrier amid rising tensions with Taiwan He also urged the soldiers to devote their unfailing loyalty to his party - before watching the jets take off from an aircraft carrier through binoculars. China has been increasingly spreading its influence across the South China Sea. Neighbouring Taiwan has expressed concern at Xi's actions, as the Chinese President has set his country on the course of one of the most ambitious military development programmes ever seen. China currently has the world's largest armed forces - but Xi's tenure has seen further investment in technology, new equipment, such as stealth fighters and troop carriers, and also training programmes. It has also proved increasing boisterous in territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas and over Taiwan, a self-ruled territory Beijing claims as its own. Also on Thursday, China announced it would hold live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Straits on April 18. Under Xi, China has seen vast military expansion and development - with old technology and training methods overhauled China currently has the world's largest armed forces with over 2.3 million active service members compared to the US' 1.4m President Xi has previously been criticised by neighbours - notably by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen over his warmongering In response to China's warmongering, the Taiwanese navy staged its own drills simulating an attack on the island on Friday - just days before Xi's live fire exercises are set to begin. Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's President, boarded the Kee Lung destroyer to supervise as troops practised defending against an attack on the northeastern port of Suao. It was the first time she has supervised a drill from onboard a warship. 'I believe our countrymen will have great faith in the military's combat capabilities and its determination to defend our country after today's drill,' Tsai said on the destroyer's deck after it returned to port as the exercise ended. Tsai said 'we are very confident of our military' when asked to comment on Beijing's planned live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait next week. 'It's a routine drill that our military will fully monitor and has made relevant preparations,' she said. Taiwan's defence ministry said the exercise was staged in light of a 'changing international and regional security situation' to test the military's combat readiness and its ability to defend Taiwanese territory. Some 20 warships and four F16 fighter jets took part in the drill, one of the largest naval manoeuvres since Tsai took office in May 2016. Taiwan staged its own drills in response to Xi's aggression just days before further Chinese live-fire exercises are planned Theresa May and Donald Trump have vowed to 'deter' the Assad regime from using chemical weapons again as the prospect of strikes draws closer. The PM and the US President agreed they must 'challenge' the apparent atrocity carried out by Syrian regime forces after the Cabinet backed joining military action. But Mrs May is still facing a growing clamour to stage a Commons vote before UK forces get involved in reprisals. Jeremy Corbyn today accused the premier of taking 'instructions' from Mr Trump, ruling out support for any military action. And he today refused to blame the Assad regime for the attack or rule out Russian claims the attack was faked. Despite years of negotiations coming to deadlock, with Russia, Iran and Turkey all deeply involved in the country's civil war, the Labour leader called for the 'withdrawal of all foreign forces'. F15 jets were in action at RAF Lakenheath this morning as discussions continued on the response to the apparent chemical weapons attack Boris Johnson was at the Foreign Office today as the frantic round of diplomacy continues Theresa May, pictured in Birmingham this week, is poised to defy calls for a Commons vote on military action in Syria He urged the government to push for a UN investigation into who carried out the attack - even though Russia vetoed the idea at the security council this week. Mr Corbyn also risked a backlash by claiming the West 'don't have evidence' that the Assad regime was responsible. The World Health Organisation has said it believes 500 people were affected by the apparent attack in Douma on Saturday. Does May need to call a Commons vote on striking Syria? Theresa May was constitutionally entitled to order British forces into action in Syria without a Commons vote. The Prime Minister has the power to deploy troops under the Royal Prerogative. There are no hard and fast rules obliging the government to involve rank-and-file MPs in the decision. But a vote on prolonged deployment of UK forces would be almost impossible to avoid. Commons divisions have been held on almost all military action by British forces since the Iraq War in 2003, establishing what many see as a firm convention. Advertisement The US and France say they have blood and urine samples that have tested positive for chlorine and nerve agent. At a two-hour meeting last night the Cabinet agreed to 'take action' to 'deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime'. Britain will also act to alleviate 'humanitarian' suffering in Syria. A Downing Street spokesman did not state what taking action would mean or on what what timescale it would happen. Following a discussion in which every member present made a contribution, minister agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged. 'Cabinet agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. 'Cabinet agreed the Prime Minister should continue to work with allies in the United States and France to coordinate an international response.' Mrs May told her Cabinet that Saturday's gas attack in Douma was a 'shocking and barbaric act which killed up to 75 people, including children'. The language is a new escalation from Mrs May, who yesterday said 'all indications' were the Assad regime is to blame. Mrs May is thought to have ordered Royal Navy submarines carrying cruise missiles into range of Syria. Britain also has squadrons of Tornado and Typhoon jets stationed Cyprus for the war against ISIS. Labour MP for Kensington, Emma Dent Coad, pictured at No10 today where she was handing in a letter to protest at any military intervention in Syria Veterans for Peace (pictured outside Downing Sreet today) join the Stop The War Coalition demonstration against armed intervention by the UK in Syria Tornado jets were being fuelled at RAF Lakenheath today as preparations mounted for reprisals against Syria Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, pictured arriving for Cabinet yesterday, is thought to have been pushing for action against the Syrian regime Attorney General Jeremy Wright (pictured centre left) and Home Secretary Amber Rudd were also at Downing Street for the Cabinet meeting yesterday As expectation of strikes grows, the Cabinet agreed that the Assad regime has a 'track record of the use of chemical weapons' and after a two hour meeting concluded ' it is highly likely that the regime is responsible for Saturday's attack'. No 10 later said Theresa May and President Trump agreed the use of the weapons should not go unchallenged, and that their future use should be deterred. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. 'They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. Ex-General warns that Russia could target Cyprus if UK joins strikes on Syria An RAF Tornado GR4 lands at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus (file picture) A Russian former general has warned that Cyprus could be targeted if Britain joins military action against Syria. Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy, who previously served on the Russian General Staff and now runs a think tank, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme intervention by the US, Britain and France could be a direct way to military confrontation with Russia. As our chief of the general staff said a couple of weeks ago, Russia would shot down the missiles and its carriers and I dont think he was joking, thats a very serious situation and thats true, he said. Asked if that could mean striking back at Cyprus, he said: If our military determined that the missiles were launched from the UK, carriers of course, UK carriers and missiles would be hit back. Mr Buzhinskiy said it would be very difficult to find a significant military target in Syria where there are no Russians. We have several thousands advisers in all military installation in all military units, he said. If Russian blood is shed then Russia will retaliate. Mr Buzhinskiy said Russian intelligence showed there were no chemical attacks and the episode was staged. Advertisement 'They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. 'They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response..' The Times, meanwhile, has reported that the biggest US air and naval task force since the Iraq War in 2003 is heading towards Syria. It consists of ten warships and two submarines, with the USS Donald Cook - a destroyer equipped with up to 60 Tomahawk missiles - already in range. The paper also reported that Russian anti-submarine planes were ready to deploy from the Russian airbase in Syria's west. Before summoning her ministers, Mrs May insisted the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged as calls for reprisals over the atrocity in Douma escalated. Military chiefs are believed to have ordered British submarines armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles to move within range of Syria. But a poll has suggested that the public is far from convinced about the military action - with just 22 per cent saying they are in favour and 43 per cent against. MPs have also been joining calls for the Commons to be given a vote on the issue. If one does happen, Mrs May's wafer-thin majority could be under threat as some Tories have signalled they might oppose UK involvement. Former chancellor Ken Clarke said: In a modern, parliamentary democracy, I think you have got to have parliamentary approval if you have a planned, policy decision to launch a military attack of any significant size. To say that Parliament is just sidelined before you take such a serious decision is a very retrograde step. It makes parliamentary accountability fairly pathetic. Meanwhile, a senior member of the Democratic Unionist Party, the allies keeping the Prime Minister in power, joined criticism of her plan not to hold a Commons vote before retaliating against Bashar al-Assad. MP Sammy Wilson, who is the partys Treasury spokesman, told the Daily Mail: I really think there should be a Commons vote on it as its a very significant step for the Government to take. 'There is Parliamentary precedent on these matters but I suspect that the Prime Ministers already made up her mind. Personally, I would vote not to take action. But I suspect that the party might take a different view. If this happens, I would listen to the arguments but I dont think we should intervene. Tory MPs Philip Davies, Martin Vickers and Adam Holloway who all voted against strikes on Assad when they were proposed by David Cameron in 2013 also said Mrs May should seek approval from the Commons. Fellow Tory Zac Goldsmith added: Parliament must be involved before any military action is agreed. Picture shows Tornado jet pilots returning to RAF Marham in Norfolk yesterday afternoon as they prepare for a possible strike on Syria Syrian and Russian soldiers wait at the entrance of the Wafideen Camp for the arrival of buses carrying evacuated fighters Yesterday, the SNP warned Mrs May it could use an opposition day debate to force a Commons vote on the issue after MPs return to Westminster on Monday. While the strikes would likely to have already taken place, it could prove to be hugely embarrassing for the Prime Minister. The partys defence spokesman, Stewart McDonald, said: We will actively consider that [staging a vote] depending on how events pan out over the next couple of days. Since the Iraq War, a precedent has been set that all military action abroad is first approved by Parliament, but Tory Party deputy chairman James Cleverly told Sky News last night: It is a very, very recent phenomenon that the Parliament is consulted prior to military action, only really in the last few years since Gordon Brown was prime minister. Former Chancellor Ken Clarke (pictured) has warned Theresa May that Parliament must be consulted before any military action in Syria 'Prior to that for many, many centuries it has been the decision of the Government rather than of Parliament. John Woodcock, who is chairman of the Labours backbench foreign affairs committee, said he expected many in the party would defy Mr Corbyn if he tried to block action. In an article for the Standard, he wrote: If the Government can rediscover the will to protect civilians against this growing threat, I am confident many Labour MPs will want to play their part and rise above the excuses and diversions which emanate from the shadow frontbench whenever there is a crisis. In 2013, Mr Cameron went to the House to ask for support to join US-led air strikes in Syria after Assad used chemical weapons against Syrian civilians. He was defeated by 13 votes and said he would respect the result. Mr Cameron went back to MPs in December 2015 to ask for support for UK involvement in air strikes against Islamic State in Syria and won by 397 votes to 223. Ultimately, the Prime Minister still retains the prerogative power to go ahead with military action but she will have to weigh up the political consequences of pushing ahead without parliamentary approval. Advertisement A South African man has been charged with attempted murder after throwing his six-month-old daughter off the top of a shack in an illegal township to stop it being demolished. The 38-year-old had taken the baby and climbed on top of their home in protest against dozens of shacks at a township in Kwadwesi, near Port Elizabeth on South Africa's eastern cape coast being lined up for destruction. As half-a-dozen policemen lined up on the ground below him and one climbed up to try to talk him down, the man dangled the baby over the edge by her ankle, before swinging her over the edge. Horror: This is the moment the man throws his baby daughter over the edge of a roof, having climbed up onto the building during a protest in Kwadwesi, near Port Elizabeth, South Africa Township protesters could be heard egging the agitated dad on with chants of: 'Throw, throw, throw'. Images show the police officer on the roof rushing forward to grab the father but not before he threw the baby. Fortunately, the girl was caught by the policemen standing below, and did not suffer any injuries. The father was arrested and handcuffed and was officially charged by police with attempted murder. The drama happened after 90 shacks built illegally at the Joe Slovo township in Kwadwesi were ordered to be demolished. Protest: The man had climbed onto the roof with the baby girl in a desperate attempt to stop the demolition of the corrugated iron shack where they live near Port Elizabeth Bad parenting: The man gestures to a police officer to stand back, as he stand on the roof holding his six-month-old baby daughter Shock drop: After dangling and swinging the baby over the end of the shack, he dropped her - fortunate the baby was caught by police Horror: The shock on the police officer's face and the fear of the screaming baby is all too clear in the photo of the moment she is thrown off the roof The South African Police Service had been sent in to ensure the safety of the demolition team as 150 protesters began serious rioting throwing bricks and closing off roads with burning tyres. As calm was being restored this man climbed onto the roof of his shack with his child and threatened to throw her to her death if the demolishers did not back off and leave his home alone. When negotiators failed to talk him down a rescue plan was launched by police which ended successfully with the fathers' arrest and the safe recovery of the toddler who was thrown off the shack. Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge told local media: 'At about 10.40am a 38-year-old man climbed onto the roof of one of the structures and held a one-year-old girl in his hands. 'This was done to force the team not to demolish the structure. Down: Seconds after the man dropped the baby off the roof, he was tackled by a police officer and arrested, to later be charged with attempted murder 'Due to the dangerous threat to the safety of the child police set out a plan to rescue the little girl and arrest the male and one of our officers successfully caught the girl as she was flung. 'The 38-year-old father has been charged with the attempted murder of his daughter and the case is being handled by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit'. Captain Beetge said the baby has been handed back to the 35-year-old mother and their case is being overseen by local social services to ensure the child is in a place of safety. The Motherwell Cluster Commander Major General Dawie Rabie praised the police actions. He said: 'It is shocking that a father would attempt to sacrifice his own child for the sake of delaying the demolishing of an illegal shack structure but thankfully the girl was saved. 'The father will face the full force of the Law for his actions' he said. The demolition team then moved in and successfully destroyed 90 structures that had been built illegally on unowned land. Through her political action committee, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is showing her support for the designated Democratic candidate in the 24th Congressional District race. Gillibrand's PAC, Off the Sidelines, donated $5,000 to Dana Balter's campaign. Balter is vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. John Katko, a two-term Republican. Balter's campaign announced the donation Friday. The contribution was made during the first fundraising quarter, which ended March 31. The donation was revealed ahead of the deadline for candidates to submit campaign finance reports to the Federal Election Commission. The deadline for the quarterly report is Sunday. Balter's FEC filing wasn't immediately available. Aside from the Off the Sidelines donation, the campaign hasn't provided any details about its first quarter fundraising performance. Under FEC rules, PACs may donate no more than $5,000 per election to a candidate's committee. The maximum amount Balter could receive from Off the Sidelines is $10,000 $5,000 for the primary, which is June 26, and $5,000 for the general election in November. Police say that Ryan Fish (above) can be heard giving directions to the students who were fighting and encouraging them to continue doing so - he denies reckless endangerment charges A former substitute teacher charged with starting a student 'fight club' at a Connecticut high school has said he encouraged the sparring because he wanted to 'befriend' his students. Police say cellphone videos show 23-year-old Ryan Fish encouraging students as they slapped each other in the middle of a classroom at Montville High School. Fish pleaded not guilty on Thursday to two counts of risking injury to a child and four counts of second-degree reckless endangerment and breach of the peace - including reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a minor. He has denied directly facilitating the fights and said he thought the students were just being 'rambunctious'. 'I just try to be the teacher that the kids could come to and actually express themselves and actually work through their issues, kind of have a social thing,' Fish said, according to the arrest warrant application. Fish, who was 22 at the time of the alleged incidents, added that he wanted to let the students 'be teenagers and get their energy out'. He admitted to egging them on at one point, according to police. He told officers that in all there were four fights between September and October. Fish was fired from Montville High School (above) in October. Police began investigating in December after a student told a social worker he had been beaten at school Outside court Thursday, Fish from Bozrah, maintained that he didn't facilitate the fights and said he didn't know they were about to happen before they started. 'I didn't necessarily let them do it. I just wasn't aware of what to do. I didn't know how to handle the situation,' NBC Connecticut quoted him as saying. Fish was fired in October. Police began investigating in December after a student told a social worker he had been beaten at school. Police after viewing the videos say Fish can be heard giving directions to the students who were fighting and encouraging them to continue doing so. He was also seen moving a trash can out of the way to allow a fight to continue. The videos also showed what appeared to be one of the students throwing up in a garbage can. Police also gathered testimony from teenagers who said they had participated in the fights and confronted Fish with the evidence. He said he knew what he did was wrong and should have reported it to administration, the state police report says. Fish said that he thought at first the fights were just horseplay, but during the last incident things went too far. 'The truth is, I'm an idiot and wanted to befriend them,' he told investigators, according to police documents. He added that he and the students are close in age and said 'I'm immature'. When Fish appeared in court Thursday, a public defender entered a plea of not guilty. Outside court, he said he was sorry, NBC reported. 'I am so sorry, because I'll be totally honest, I was trying to reach the kids. I thought these kids are just being rambunctious, I thought they just needed an out,' he said. 'If I had known what it was doing to the kids I would have done something completely different. I would have gotten out of that situation immediately, but I thought I was reaching those kids in some way. 'I really did and I thought that that would help me get to them. But, I didn't realize what was happening at the time. I didn't know. I didn't have the training to see what was going on. I am just so sorry.' Sean McCuaig, 22, was jailed for three years for 20 charges spanning from January 2016 to June 2017 One victim of a sick fantasist, who blackmailed schoolgirls with fake nude photos has spoken of how her mother saved her from the demands of the twisted pervert. Sean McCuaig, 22, has been jailed for three years for targeting nine girls, aged between 12 and 17-years-old on social media. He sent them nude photos of their faces superimposed on them in a bid to get them to send him pictures. Clare, now 16, was only 14 when she was contacted by the predator through Facebook in September 2016. He liked a post of hers, and sent her a friend request, which she accepted. She had just moved to a new school and was keen to meet new people. Soon after, McCuaig sent her a photograph, showing a profile picture superimposed on a naked body. McCuaig then told her if she didn't send him a picture of her naked legs in less than an hour, he would post the picture. Speaking to the Daily Record , she said: 'I froze, I was so shocked. I was shaking and my heart was racing. 'I didn't know what to do. That had never happened to me before. It looked quite photoshopped but I didn't want to take the chance of my friends and family seeing it and thinking it was real. I was scared about what they would think of me. I didn't want to get bullied.' He sent the threat at 2am, and by 3am replied: 'Your time is up.' Clare then woke up her mother and explained what happened. Clare said: 'Since I was young, my mum has always said to come to her with problems. If I had been more vulnerable I might have gone through with it. I thought it was better to go to an adult because I didn't know how to get him to go away. I would say to anyone this happens to, to tell an adult. Otherwise, the outcome is much worse.' Clare's mother then threatened to contact the police, and McCuaig deleted the account. McCuaig, 22, who had more than 2500 indecent images of children, used a string of fake names to target the schoolgirls. On one occasion he posted the photoshopped picture on a girl's Facebook for her friends and family to see. He also threatened to harm the family's s of some girl's if they didn't send him pictures. In one particularly twisted detail, he documented fantasies of abducting, raping and murdering one of the girls. The head of Police Scotland's Cyber Crime Unit Detective Inspector Andy McWilliam, said he believes McCuaig intended to execute the sick plot. 'There was nothing to suggest the document was fantasy. 'It began with how he would groom, gain control and power over the girls to get them to do what he wanted online. 'It detailed how he would meet up with one of the girls, abduct her without being caught and how he would sexually assault her. In the event she saw his face, he had worked out how he would kill her.' McCuaig, from Glasgow, plead guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to 20 charges spanning from January 2016 to June 2017. They include causing the girls to look at nude images with their faces superimposed on them, threatening to post and posting pictures, downloading, distributing and having explicit pornographic images depicting women being raped. Yesterday, Sheriff Johanna Johnston QC jailed him for three years with three years supervision community saying he is likely to offend again. He will be on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. Passing sentence she said: 'This case involved you targeting young vulnerable girls on the internet over a lengthy period and persisting in a pattern of criminal behaviour.' She added: 'You menaced and frightened these girls and used their images for your own sexual gratification.' McCuaig had a total of 2653 indecent images of children and 65 moving images ranging to the most serious category. McCuaig had a total of 2653 indecent images of children and 65 moving images ranging to the most serious category The court heard the police investigation started in March 2017 when one of the victims, a 14-year-old contacted the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre to report being blackmailed. Procurator fiscal depute Kathleen O'Donnell said: 'During the full cyber crime examination of his computer equipment, a number of files were found. 'One file in particular titled 'fakenudes' which contained a range of full body and facial images relating to a number of females. 'These images have been edited or obtained for the purpose of editing.' McCuaig set up a number of Facebook profiles including several in the name of Cara Smith, Cara Clark and Cara Rodgers, as well as Toby Greenhill and Philip Greenhill. A document was also found relating to one of his victims, another 14-year-old who was sent a picture of a nude female with her face superimposed on from someone claiming to be a girl. The 'female' threatened to post the fake picture online if the teenager didn't send an indecent picture, but no pictures were sent. Miss O'Donnell said: 'A document was located whereby he fantasises about abducting, sexually degrading and humiliating the witness and mentions killing her if she was to see her face, however, in brackets said he would not kill her but 'she wouldn't know that'. 'Also located, was a naked image within a file named 'fakenudes' which was titled with her name and showed her face superimposed on to a naked body.' A 15-year-old was also sent a fake picture with her face on it, and 'begged' McCuaig not to share it for fear or of being bullied. Callous McCuaig told her to send a picture or he would post the picture and started a countdown. She sent him a picture of her bare legs and selfies, including one of her looking upset. Yesterday, Sheriff Johanna Johnston QC jailed him for three years with three years supervision community saying he is likely to offend again, at Glasgow Sheriff Court (pictured) Miss O'Donnell said: 'The complainer pleaded with the male to stop doing this and stated at one point 'please stop doing this, I will honestly kill myself if you post that pic.' She repeatedly begged him to stop and eventually confided in a teacher at school. McCuaig also targeted a 12-year-old and told her to 'stop telling lies' when she said the naked picture he had doctored, was not her. He said: 'If you don't admit it's you, I'm going to upload it on Facebook' before he blocked her. The court heard family members later text her to ask about a Facebook post and she saw that McCuaig posted the picture and wrote 'she's exposed now, she sends dirty nudes to everybody'. Miss O'Donnell said: 'The complainer discovered people in her school had also seen the picture on Facebook and this resulted in her falling out with quite a few people.' Eventually he took the image down and the account used to post it was deleted. Sick McCuaig threatened a 14-year-old that he would do things to her family if she didn't send him pictures of herself and showed her a photo with her head photoshopped on it. The schoolgirl sent him pictures and told him to leave her alone, but after a couple of weeks he messaged her again and claimed 'I'm not done yet'. Videos of the girl were found on his computer that showed her as 'hesitant, uncomfortable and awkward'. McCuaig was questioned in October last year about the offence and 'spoke freely'. He was asked about the document about his fantasies and confirmed he was the person who wrote it. The court heard the document included the line 'I never want to do this but I am very scared I might succumb to these thoughts'. Defence lawyer Craig Grimes said when speaking to police McCuaig was 'honest about his dishonesty'. He said his client knew he was going to be jailed and has 'not shirked from that'. Mr Grimes said: 'It's accepted by Mr McCuaig his offences and accepted fear and alarm cause to individuals was real.' The court also heard that since being in prison, he has been contacted by another prisoner who suggested they 'get together and do this' but McCuaig reported this. Following the sentencing DCI Sarah Taylor said: 'This was a complex investigation which began in March 2017 and involved the NCAIU working alongside officers with cyber-crime expertise. 'Sean McCuaig preyed on his victims and used social media to target and exploit them for his own sexual gratification with no consideration for the devastating impact that his offending had on his victims and their families. 'I would like to pay tribute to his victims' bravery in coming forward. Their testimony was crucial in bringing McCuaig to justice. 'His sentencing sends a clear message to perpetrators of online child sexual abuse that there is no hiding place on the internet. There is no anonymity and we will track down those who offend online. 'We also hope this sentencing provides children and young people the confidence to ask for help if they are concerned about anyone's behaviour online. 'Everybody should have the confidence to enjoy the benefits of internet platforms and social media and know that they can turn to police if they feel threatened or are subjected to inappropriate communications.' Diane Abbott struggled to say whether Russia or the US was a bigger threat to world peace today - as she made clear Labour would never take military action over chemical weapons atrocities by Assad. The shadow home secretary was pressed three times to choose between the two powers during a bruising interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The key Corbyn ally initially replied that the 'current situation in Syria' was the biggest threat to world peace. When presenter Nick Robinson asked if that was a 'question you don't think you can answer', Ms Abbott said Russia was 'at this point' not 'bringing forward the cause of world peace'. Diane Abbott, pictured with Jeremy Corbyn earlier this week, was pressed three times to choose between the two powers during a bruising interview today The U.S. has maintained its threat of rocket attacks in response to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's sickening chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma on Saturday Labour MP John Woodcock was scathing about Diane Abbott's interview today Pushed by Robinson that she did not seem able to say Russia was a greater threat, Ms Abbott finally said: 'It is clear that at this point Russia, its role in Syria, its what we believe beyond reasonable doubt is its role in the poison attacks in Salisbury, is a bigger threat to world peace.' The Labour frontbencher was also grilled on Labour's demands that the UN investigates the apparent chemical weapons attack in Douma. Jeremy Corbyn repeated the call this morning, saying that should be the focus rather than military action to deter Syria from committing similar atrocities in future. Told that Russia had vetoed UN investigations into chemical weapons use in Syria six times, Ms Abbott was challenged to say what Labour would do in the absence of UN involvement. 'We think it should happen,' she said. Ms Abbott was pushed to say if there were any circumstances under which Labour would support military action. 'There is the Second World War,' she replied. Asked if there were any circumstances where Labour would support action in Syria, Ms Abbott replied: 'There is no evidence to show that further bombing in Syria will make the region more stable.' She added: 'What we are interested in is an end to the violence and we don't believe that further bombing, in this situation, will bring an end to the violence.' Ms Abbott also demanded MPs be given a vote before any military action is launched. 'It would be outrageous for the Government not to bring military action in Syria to Parliament, for Parliament to have a vote,' she said. 'And the Tories used to think like that. 'The reason they are not doing it is they are frightened they will lose the vote.' Mr Corbyn today accused the premier of taking 'instructions' from Mr Trump, ruling out support for any military action. Despite years of negotiations coming to deadlock, with Russia, Iran and Turkey all deeply involved in the country's civil war, the Labour leader called for the 'withdrawal of all foreign forces'. He urged the government to push for a UN investigation into who carried out the attack - even though Russia vetoed the idea at the security council this week. Mr Corbyn also risked a backlash by claiming the West 'don't have evidence' that the Assad regime was responsible. The World Health Organisation has said it believes 500 people were affected by the apparent attack in Douma on Saturday. The US and France say they have blood and urine samples that have tested positive for chlorine and nerve agent. At a two-hour meeting last night the Cabinet agreed to 'take action' to 'deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime'. Britain will also act to alleviate 'humanitarian' suffering in Syria. Tornado jets were being fuelled at RAF Marham in Norfolk yesterday as preparations mounted for reprisals against Syria A Western Australian truck driver who killed his estranged wife at her home when she was six months pregnant to a new lover has been jailed for 10 years. Mervyn Annear, 65, was convicted by a jury of unlawfully killing Charma Annear at her Laverton home, and pleaded guilty to stealing a car and setting it on fire in November 2016. The WA Supreme Court heard on Friday that Ms Annear was six months pregnant with another man's child and told Annear she did not want to reconcile with him when he visited her home. Mervyn Annear, 65 (pictured left) has been jailed 10 years for killing his estranged wife Charma Annear (left, right) at her Laverton home Justice Joseph McGrath said Annear returned the next day to confront the woman. 'This was a well-planned excursion. You chose a time very early in the morning, knowing that no other person would be in attendance at the deceased's residence,' he said. Annear picked up a large, heavy pot and struck Ms Annear to the back of her head at least twice, causing large cuts. She fell to the floor and he landed on top of her, applying pressure to her body, although her cause of death was unascertained. Ms Annear (pictured), a Filipino national, was found in a pool of blood outside her Laverton home 'Your falling on top of the deceased was not an accident ... you chose to inflict your entire weight on a very small, pregnant woman who was injured,' Justice McGrath said. Annear then dragged her body out of the carport area adjacent to the unit and testified 'there was heaps of blood everywhere'. He claimed he intended to take her to a hospital, but Justice McGrath said that was a 'deliberate untruth'. Annear then stole some items from the home and left in her car, which he then destroyed by fire in an attempt to make it appear her death happened during a bungled burglary. Justice McGrath said Annear showed no remorse or victim empathy. Annear must serve at least eight years behind bars before he can be eligible for parole. An intellectually disabled woman has allegedly been sexually assaulted in Sydney's inner-west. The 34-year-old was allegedly assaulted by a man who approached her at the main intersection of Booth and Johnson Streets in Annadale on Thursday. The woman was led to the nearby White Creek Valley Park, police said. An intellectually disabled woman was allegedly assaulted at the White Creek Valley Park in Annadale on Thursday afternoon It was there 49-year-old man allegedly grabbed the severely disabled woman before committing the indecent act. It is thought the woman did not know the man before he allegedly assaulted her on Thursday afternoon. A witness reportedly intervened and the accused quickly left the scene. Earlier today, police searched a home in Leichhardt where the accused man was arrested. The man was later charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault. He was refused bail and is expected to appear at in court on Saturday. James Comey said he reopened the email investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails because he was sure she would be elected, and not doing so would have undermined her presidency. In his new book A Higher Loyalty, the former FBI director explains why he decided to re-open the probe into the Democratic candidate's use of a personal server she used for emails during her time in office. He said that he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Clinton. Comey also appears to suggest that he might have made a different decision if he thought Donald Trump had a chance of winning the election. 'It is entirely possible that, because I was making decisions in an environment where Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next president, my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls.' James Comey said he believes he did the right thing by reopening the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of personal emails Clinton claimed she sued her private server for convenience but critics said it gave her control over what information entered the public domain. Comey has criticized Trump in his new tell-all book, A Higher Loyalty The issue dogged the former secretary of state throughout the 2016 election campaign and Donald Trump repeatedly said Clinton should be jailed for it. But she appeared to be in the clear when in July 2016 the FBI said that it was careless but not criminal. Then in 28 October, the FBI said it had found new emails 'pertinent' to its investigation, were found on a laptop belonging aide Huma Abedin's estranged husband, disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner. The emails were discovered by the FBI just weeks before the 2016 election when the agency seized Weiner's laptop after DailyMail.com revealed he was sexting a 15-year-old girl, an offense for which he is now behind bars. 'I believed it was my duty to inform Congress that we were restarting the investigation. I would say as little as possible, but the FBI had to speak.' Comey's decision angered the Clinton campaign and he was criticized by many Democrats for allegedly interfering in the election. Hillary Clinton said she set up a personal server and used private emails for convenience but the issue was used by Donald Trump tp Comey reopened the investigation after emails were found on a laptop belonging to disgraced congressman Anthony Weiner (right) the husband of Clinton aide Huma Abedin (left) But he says he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high profile cases. Before becoming secretary of state in 2009, Mrs Clinton set up an email server at her home in Chappaqua, New York, that she used for all work and personal emails during her four years in office. She did not use, or even activate, a state.gov email account, which would have been hosted on servers owned and managed by the US government. 'I thought using one device would be simpler, and obviously, it hasn't worked out that way,' she said. Clinton's then rival for the presidency Donald Trump seized on the news to accuse Mrs Clinton of corruption and praised the FBI director saying it 'took guts' for him to make the intervention. But in the final days of a heated election campaign, Mr Comey said that after reviewing the newly discovered emails, the FBI had not changed its position that Mrs Clinton should not face criminal charges. Trump changed his tune, saying Clinton was 'being protected by a rigged system'. A woman has been charged with murder after a 35-year-old man was stabbed to death in an east London flat. Alex Glanfield-Collis, 25, was arrested yesterday at around 8am when police were called to a disturbance in Galleon House in Manchester Road, Tower Hamlets. She is accused of murdering John Maclean, 35, and appeared in the dock at Thames Magistrates' Court today wearing grey prison uniform and glasses. She spoke to confirm her name, date of birth, address, and nationality and that she understood the murder charge. Alex Glanfield-Collis, 25, was arrested yesterday at around 8am when police were called to a disturbance in Galleon House in Manchester Road, Tower Hamlets (pictured) No legal representations were made during the one-and-a-half minute hearing and she was remanded into custody. Presiding magistrate Georgina Stewart said: 'You are being sent to the Old Bailey for the offence of murder. 'You will attend there on April 17 and in the meantime you will be remanded in custody because of the seriousness and nature of the offence.' Mr Maclean was the 56th person to be murdered in the capital this year. He was found dead at the scene of the alleged murder. Scotland Yard's homicide and major crime command took over the investigation before charging Glanfield-Collis today. A London Ambulance spokesman said yesterday: 'We sent a motorcycle responder, an incident response officer and an ambulance crew. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance by car. 'Sadly, despite extensive efforts, a person was dead at the scene'. The man, who also had a dog, lived on the seventh floor of Galleon House on the Isle of Dogs with a woman and his daughter, according to local residents. Shocked neighbours say Glanfield-Collis was led away by police in a blanket after paramedics desperately tried to save the victim's life in London's East End. The man, who also had a dog, lived on the seventh floor of Galleon House on the Isle of Dogs with a woman and his daughter, according to local residents One said on Facebook: 'I saw the mum come out and the police were wrapping something round her hands and then put the silver blanket thing round her, then dad was brought out in handcuffs and then later their little girl in a blanket. 'Whatever happened it's sad a little girl saw/heard it all.' Another posted: 'My husband see a woman in handcuffs and some children with blankets around them and 4 paramedics came out a well.' Advertisement A huge task force of 12 warships is setting sail for Syria in one of the biggest concentrations of US naval power since the 2003 Iraq invasion, it has emerged. The giant nuclear powered USS Harry S Truman, carrying 90 aircraft and escorted by its five-strong strike group of destroyers and cruisers, is powering towards Europe and the Middle East. A further four destroyers are believed to be in or near the Mediterranean already, including the Donald Cook, Porter, Carney and Laboon along with two nuclear-powered submarines, Georgia and John Warner. The deployment of 12 US warships on one mission is a huge concentration of fire power, one of the biggest since six aircraft carriers supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It comes amid heightened tensions as Donald Trump continues to consider launching airstrikes on Syria in retaliation for a chemical gas attack in a rebel-held town on Saturday. Russia has threatened to take down any missiles launched at the Assad regime's forces using its fearsome S-400 defence system. Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has reportedly moved his military assets to Russian bases in the country in the hope that the US and its allies would be reluctant to launch strikes anywhere near Vladimir Putin's forces. The giant nuclear powered USS Harry S Truman, carrying 90 aircraft and escorted by its five-strong strike group of destroyers and cruisers, is powering towards Europe and the Middle East. In total the Truman will be accompanied by two submarines (USS Georgia and John Warner), nine destroyers (USS USS Donald Cook, Porter, Carney, Laboon, Farragut, Forrest Sherman, Bulkeley and Arleigh Burke) and one missile cruiser (USS Normandy). The majority of the ships sailing towards Syria are Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. They are designed to perform a wide variety of missions including missile strikes, anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft duties and surface warfare. The USS Farragut (pictured) is among the ships accompanying the giant aircraft carrier. In total eight destroyers of this class are headed towards Syria: The USS Donald Cook, Porter, Carney, Laboon, Farragut, Forrest Sherman, Bulkeley and Arleigh Burke All the Arleigh Burke class destroyers carry 90 Tomahawk missiles. One is pictured launching from the USS Porter in the Mediterranean in 2003 Aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines: The huge US armada heading for Syria AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS Harry S Truman, Nimitz-class: Weight: 116,000 tons Length: 1,092 ft Propulsion: Two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors and four steam turbines Propellers: Four Speed: 35mph Range: Unlimited Ship's crew: 3,200 Air wing personnel: 2,480ft Aircraft carried: 90 fixed wing and helicopters Armament: Sea Sparrow, RIM-116 Missile and three Phalanx guns Strike group: USS Normandy, USS Bulkeley, USS Arleigh Burke, USS Forrest Sherman, USS Farragut TWO SUBMARINES USS Georgia, Ohio-class: Length: 560 ft Propulsion: One S8G PWR nuclear reactor and two geared turbines Speed: 29mph Test depth: Greater than 800ft Crew: 155 Armament: Four torpedo tubes and 154 BGM-109 Tomahawks in 22 groups of seven USS John Warner, Virginia Class: Length: 377ft Speed: 29mph Crew: 132 Armament: 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles and four torpedo tubes Launched: September 10, 2014 EIGHT DESTROYERS Arleigh Burke Class: Donald Cook, Porter, Carney, Laboon, Farragut, Forrest Sherman, Bulkeley and Arleigh Burke Length: 505ft Displacement: 6,900 tons Crew: 276 Speed: 35mph Range: 4,400 nautical miles Armament: Includes Tomahawk missiles, Harpoon Missile launcher, chain guns GUIDED MISSILE CRUISER USS Normandy, Ticonderoga-class Length: 567ft Speed: 37.4mph Crew: 400 Advertisement On Thursday, the White House said that a 'final decision' had not been made on Syria. Donald Trump had said earlier in the day that Americans won't have to wait long for a response to Saturday's horrifying chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held town that left at least 40 dead and others gasping for air. But at least two of his top advisers couldn't agree on whether there's sufficient proof to blame the atrocity on dictator Bashar al-Assad's government, leaving the possibility of a retaliatory attack an open-ended question. America's allies and adversaries alike were awaiting a signal from the White House about whether Trump will follow through on his warning that missiles 'will be coming,' potentially putting Russian troops in harm's way. At close of business, the White House said that Trump had just concluded a meeting with his national security team and would be speaking again later to the heads of government in France and the U.K. 'No final decision has been made,' press secretary Sarah Sanders said. 'We are continuing to asses intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies.' Trump suggested that he'd have an answer in hours, telling reporters, 'It's too bad that the world puts us in a position like that, but as I said this morning we've done a great job with ISIS. We have just absolutely decimated ISIS. But now we have to make some further decisions, so they'll be made fairly soon.' But on Capitol Hill, Defense Secretary James Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee that the U.S. hasn't reached any conclusions. President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday before a meeting with Republican senators and governors that he would decide 'fairly soon' on an American response to Saturday's deadly poison gas attack in Syria The guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (pictured) is also steaming towards Europe and the Middle East The USS Georgia, an Ohio-class submarine carrying guided missiles, is also said to be in the area If 'Russian blood' is shed, Moscow will hit back, warns Ex-General A former Russian General has warned that any intervention by the US, Britain and France could be a 'direct way to military confrontation with Russia '. Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy, who previously served on the Russian General Staff, said if 'Russian blood is spilled', then Moscow will respond in kind. He told BBC Radio 4's Today show that he believed if Russia determined that the UK was behind any attack on Syria , Moscow could order hits on UK aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean. Strong words: Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy said any intervention could be a 'direct way to military confrontation' 'As our chief of the general staff said a couple of weeks ago, Russia would shot down the missiles and its carriers and I don't think he was joking, that's a very serious situation and that's true,' he said. Asked if that could mean striking back at Cyprus, he said: 'If our military determined that the missiles were launched from the UK, carriers of course, UK carriers and missiles would be hit back.' Mr Buzhinskiy said it would be 'very difficult to find a significant military target in Syria where there are no Russians'. 'We have several thousands advisers in all military installation in all military units,' he said. 'If Russian blood is shed then Russia will retaliate.' Advertisement 'I believe there was a chemical attack,' Mattis told lawmakers, 'and we are looking for the actual evidence.' He said he wanted to see inspectors on the ground in Syria 'within the week.' 'As each day goes by as you know, it is a non-persistent gas, so it becomes more and more difficult to confirm it.' The USS Harry S Truman and its support ships were due to leave Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Wednesday. It is accompanied by the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Farragut, USS Forrest Sherman, USS Bulkeley and USS Arleigh Burke. Also among the strike group's ships is the German frigate FGS Hessen, a state-of-the-art vessel specialising in air defense. US Navy officials said the Hessen is the only type of ship in the Western world with three kinds of surface-to-air missiles. Its radar has a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles for air targets. Already in position is the USS Donald Cook, an American destroyer equipped with up to 60 Tomahawk land attack missiles. In April last year Trump ordered 59 Tomahawk strikes on the Shayrat Airbase in response to a chemical weapons attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhun. These strikes were launched from two US warships stationed in the Mediterranean. Trump and his national security aides on Thursday discussed US options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow. Worries about a confrontation between Russia, Syria's big ally, and the West have been running high since Trump said on Wednesday that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the attack in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, and lambasted Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Trump tempered those remarks on Thursday and even as he consulted allies such and Britain and France, who could join in any US-led strikes on Syria, there were signs of efforts to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. 'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!' Trump wrote on Twitter, raising the prospect that an attack might not be as imminent as he seemed to suggest the day before. Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and 'no final decision has been made,' the White House said in a statement. 'We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,' it said. That did not necessarily signal, however, that Trump was cooling to the idea of military action, especially given the high stakes in Syria. U.S. officials noted that Washington was still assessing intelligence and coordinating allies. Trump spoke to British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday and the two leaders talked about the 'need for a joint response to Syria's use of chemical weapons,' the White House said. May's office said they agreed on the need to deter Assad's government from further such attacks. Trump was also due to speak with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France had proof the Syrian government carried out the attack near Damascus, which aid groups have said killed dozens of people, and will decide whether to strike back when all the necessary information has been gathered. 'We have proof that last week ... chemical weapons were used, at least with chlorine, and that they were used by the regime of Bashar al-Assad,' Macron said, without offering details of any evidence. The U.S. has maintained its threat of rocket attacks in response to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's sickening chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma on Saturday Syrians from the city of Douma - the target of a horrific chemical attack - arrive in the Al-Bab district of Aleppo in a bus convoy today Macron told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a telephone call Friday he wanted to 'intensify' talks on bringing peace to Syria, Macron's office said. 'The president of the Republic said he wanted the dialogue between France and Russia to continue and intensify in order to bring peace and stability to Syria,' the French presidency said after the call, which came as the West ponders possible strikes on Syria in retaliation for a suspected chemical attack. Two US officials familiar with an investigation of samples from Douma and the symptoms of victims said initial indications that a mix of weaponised chlorine gas and sarin were used in the attack appeared to be correct. But US intelligence agencies have not completed their assessment or reached a final conclusion, the officials said. Russia, Syria and its other main backer, Iran, have said reports of the Douma attack were fabricated by rebels and rescue workers and have accused the United States of seeking to use it as a pretext to attack the Syrian government. Russia said it deployed military police in Douma on Thursday after the town was taken over by government forces. 'They are the guarantors of law and order in the town,' RIA news agency quoted Russia's defense ministry as saying. This morning Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he hoped that there would be no repeat of the experience of Libya and Iraq in the Syria conflict. 'God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience,' Lavrov told a news conference on Friday. He said that even the smallest miscalculation in Syria could lead to new waves of migrants and that ultimatums and threats do not help the dialogue. 'Even non-significant incidents would lead to new waves of migrants to Europe and to other consequences, which neither we nor our European neighbors need,' Lavrov said. Family members look on as the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman departs with its carrier strike group towards the Middle East from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on April 11 Russia blames Trump's 'mood' for nearly provoking global war after the President tweeted 'get ready, the missiles are coming' The Russian Deputy Prime Minister made a thinly veiled dig at Donald Trump's Twitter habits on Friday, saying international relations should not depend on what side of the bed one person wakes up on. Arkady Dvorkovich said the international community cannot depend 'on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning'. This came after the U.S. President's 7am tweet on Wednesday in which he warned that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces. Russia is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's most important military ally in the country's civil war. Speaking at a forum in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, Dvorkovich made it clear that Russia had not taken Trump's Twitter-threats seriously. Shade: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations cannot depend on one person's mood - a dig at U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter habits 'We cannot depend on the mood of someone on the other side of the ocean when he wakes up, on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning,' Dvorkovich said at a forum in Krasnoyarsk, according to the TASS news agency. 'We cannot take such risks.' Despite initially going out verbal guns a-blazing on Wednesday, President Trump appeared to dial down his threats in a tweets that followed 24 hours later. 'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!' it said. He then lambasted the international community for being ungrateful, taking credit for the support the U.S. gave to Kurdish Peshmerga troops in the fight against ISIS. He wrote: 'In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?'' Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and as of Thursday, 'no final decision has been made' on a response, the White House said in a statement. Early morning Wednesday: the U.S. President's 7am tweet saw him warne that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces Waking up on Thursday: President Trump posted a somewhat back-pedalling tweet the following morning, stating he had never said when he would strike President Trump has been having discussions with both Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding an international response to the alleged chemical attack in eastern Ghouta on Saturday. Both May and Trump have agreed that whatever the final decision on airstrikes, the Syrian regime must not go unchallenged following the attack which left at least 80 dead and hundreds injured in the city of Douma. Mrs May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. Macron, meanwhile, said on Thursday that France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has today said Moscow has 'irrefutable' evidence that an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria was staged with the help of a foreign secret service. 'We have irrefutable evidence that this was another staged event, and that the secret services of a certain state that is now at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign was involved in this staged event,' he said during a press conference. The Times has reported that the biggest US air and naval task force since the Iraq War in 2003 is heading towards Syria. It consists of ten warships and two submarines, with the USS Donald Cook - a destroyer equipped with up to 60 Tomahawk missiles - already in range. The paper also reported that Russian anti-submarine planes were ready to deploy from the Russian airbase in Syria's west. Advertisement The United States is discussing with allies a military response to an alleged gas attack by Syrian government forces on the town of Douma that killed dozens of people, which could lead to confrontation with Russia. Russia and the United States are using their channels of communications on Syria, according to Lavrov. 'As for the channels - and they are periodical conversations between presidents and quite regular channels between the military - they are being used,' the minister said. There were signs of a global effort to head off a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin said a crisis communications link with the United States, created to avoid an accidental clash over Syria, was in use. Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow's ambassador to the United Nations, said he 'cannot exclude' war between the United States and Russia and urged Washington and its allies to refrain from military action against Syria. 'The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,' he told reporters. 'We hope there will be no point of no return,' the envoy said. A team of experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, was traveling to Syria and will start its investigations on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said. It was not clear whether Trump and U.S. allies would wait for the results of the investigation before deciding on a strike. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress he believed there was a chemical attack in Syria, but added a short while later that the United States had not made any decision to launch military action. He also suggested he was examining ways to prevent any strikes from triggering a broader conflict. 'I don't want to talk about a specific attack that is not yet in the offing ... This would be pre-decisional,' Mattis told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. Moscow is estimated to have dozens of aircraft at its Hmeymim air base in Syria including fighters and bombers, as well as 10 to 15 warships and support vessels in the Mediterranean. The Syrian government and Russian forces in Syria possess truck-mounted surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapons systems. Nervous world stock markets showed signs of recovery after Trump's signal that military strikes might not be imminent. Britain's May won backing from her senior ministers to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. May had recalled the ministers from their Easter holiday for the meeting to discuss Britain's response to what she has cast as a barbaric attack that cannot go unchallenged. Russian ships had left the Tartus naval base in Syria, Interfax news agency quoted a Russian lawmaker as saying. Vladimir Shamanov, who chairs the defense committee of the lower house, said the vessels had departed the base for their own safety, which was 'normal practice' when there were threats of attack. Meanwhile, Germany's foreign minister said today that Western powers must step up the pressure on Russia over its role in the Syrian civil war and that the chemical weapons attack cannot pass 'without consequences'. After talks in Brussels with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, Heiko Maas condemned Moscow - Assad's key ally - for repeatedly blocking resolutions on Syria at the UN Security Council. 'We must increase pressure on Russia to force it to change attitude. Everyone knows there is only a solution to the conflict in Syria with Russia,' Maas said. Germany has ruled out taking part in any military action and Maas warned against starting an 'escalation spiral'. But he gave his support to a French proposal to bring those responsible for chemical attacks before an international court. 'I am also of the opinion that what has happened there cannot remain without consequences,' he said. Syria will be high on the agenda when EU foreign ministers including Maas gather in Luxembourg for their monthly talks. The bloc is expected to condemn the Douma incident and reiterate its longstanding call for a political resolution to Syria's bloody seven-year conflict. Kate Osamor (pictured with Jeremy Corbyn at Labour conference) said the Labour leader risks letting the Government get 'off the hook' by making remarks which are seized upon by the media and grab headlines A Labour shadow cabinet minister has claimed Prince Charles should not be the next head of the Commonwealth because she does not know 'what he's been up to'. Kate Osamor said she had no particular objection to the Prince of Wales but questioned whether he was 'level headed' enough to take on the high profile role. The shadow international development secretary complained the heir to the throne had not been 'vocal on issues'. Ms Osamor's remarks came in the same interview in which she said Jeremy Corbyn should stand aside from foreign policy issues to avoid controversy over his views. There are no clear rules on who should succeed the Queen as the head of the Commonwealth after her death. There has never been another head of the group, which includes 53 nations - mostly former British territories. But many assume Prince Charles when take over when he becomes King. Ms Osamor told The House magazine: 'I don't particularly think it should be him. Not because I have an issue with the royal family. I just don't think it should be him. 'I don't really know what he's been up to of late. He's not been that vocal on issues. 'But we just need someone who's level-headed, someone people respect but also someone who thinks outside the box.' Prince Charles has been in Australia during the Commonwealth Games and hailed the success of the organisation at the opening ceremony. Prince Charles has been in Australia during the Commonwealth Games (pictured in the Northern Territory on April 9) and hailed the success of the organisation at the opening ceremony In other remarks, Ms Osamor said the Labour leader risks letting the Government get 'off the hook' by making remarks which are seized upon by the media and grab headlines. The shadow international development secretary said Mr Corbyn's words are either ' too strong or not strong enough'. And she urged him to take a step back and let shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry speak about world events. Mr Corbyn was hammered by many of his own MPs after he refused to back Theresa May's response to the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. He has refused to blame the Kremlin for the attack and said a sample of the nerve agent Novichok should be sent to Russia for tests. His remarks sparked a media storm and an angry backlash among moderate Labour MPs who called for national unity in the face to the attack. Ms Osamor said Mr Corbyn should have resisted the urge to comment on the shelling of Palestinians in Gaza last week. She said: 'First and foremost, he should allow the spokesperson for that department really to respond. 'It's not that he shouldn't have said it. But if that's what he's being assessed on - that's what he's being judged on - then he should just let his spokesperson speak because it seems that whatever he says is not good enough - it's too strong or it's not strong enough. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in Derby today) was hammered by many of his own MPs after he refused to back Theresa May's response to the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia 'When actually, he's the leader. So, it should be Emily or me, whoever, should be responding. And maybe that's what he should do.' What is the Novichok nerve agent used against the Skripals? The Novichok nerve agent used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia is among the most deadly poisons ever created. They were secretly developed by the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold war in the 1970s and 1980s. Communist scientists developed the poison so it would not be able to be detected by Nato's chemical detection equipment. They come in the form of a ultra-fine powder, Novichok is up to eight times more potent than the deadly VX gas. Victims who are poisoned by the powder suffer muscle spasms, breathing problems and then cardiac arrest. There is a known antidote to the nerve agent - atropine can block the poison. But doctors find it very tricky to administer the antidote because the dose would have to be so high it could prove fatal for the person. Novichok poisons are highly dangerous to handle, requiring the expertise of skilled scientists in a sophisticated lab. Dr Vil Mirzayanov, former Chief of the Foreign Technical Counterintelligence Department at Russias premiere, was among the team of scientists who helped develop the agent. Advertisement She added: 'It's much more serious than whether or not Jeremy has made a statement or not. It's about the fact that this has taken place and what are the government doing. 'We don't want this to be about the British media and Jeremy, which it has become, as opposed to that people are being gassed, people are being shot or whatever and the Government has decided this is what they need to do. 'And it takes the Government off the hook because the media then talk about Jeremy's response when is he is the leader of the Opposition. 'And even if he was unequivocal 'he actually is not the prime minister or he's not the foreign secretary' or whatever.' Her remarks come as Mr Corbyn risked sparking fresh controversy today by appearing to rule out any military intervention in Syria - despite evidence appearing to show Bashar Assad has gassed his own people. The Labour leader said: 'More bombing, more killing, more war will not save life.' Speaking on a visit to Derby today, Mr Corbyn said of Donald Trump's warning that 'missiles are coming': 'I think the whole world should be alarmed at that sort of instant reaction - sending stuff out on social media to make policy.' He said he condemned 'any use of chemical weapons by anybody against anybody else is clearly illegal as well as immoral and wrong'. 'The United Nations has a duty and a function to ensure there's a proper investigation undertaken as the inspectors are now in Douma doing just that and, when we've got the results of that, decide what action to take. 'But, I would just say this. Hundreds of thousands have died and lost their lives in Syria. 'Millions have been forced into refuge. Many are living in terrible poverty and desperation. There has to be a political solution. 'Russia, America, the European Union, all the neighbouring countries, Iran, Saudia Arabia have got to be involved in ensuring there is a real ceasefire and a political process that does give hope to the people of Syria in the future. 'More bombing, more killing, more war will not save life. It will just take more lives and spawn the war elsewhere.' A gay couple have claimed they were refused entry to a bar on a night out because they were not a 'mixed sex pair'. Police officer Patrick Hannon, 30, and public sector worker Jake Archer, 25, from Newcastle, say they were discriminated against by Jake's Bar in Leeds. The couple were left 'speechless' by the incident on the evening of March 24, claiming that door staff were only allowing mixed male and female groups in. Patrick Hannon, 30, and Jake Archer, 25, say they were discriminated against at a bar in Leeds The bar, which has apologised to the couple and said it welcomes 'many' gay people, blamed its 'external supplier' of bouncers and said it was investigating. Mr Archer posted on the bar's Facebook page: 'I was turned away from your bar for not being 'in a mixed sex couple'. I was out with my boyfriend. 'Don't you think this is discrimination? If I was with a girlfriend this would have been fine as you were only allowing mixed male and female groups in. 'Seems a strange door policy when you are literally next door to the gay scene.' He later told the BBC that there was no queue outside the bar and neither he nor his partner were drunk, adding: 'We were a bit taken aback to say anything. Jake's Bar in Leeds blamed its 'external supplier' of bouncers and said it was investigating 'I was just thinking that if Paddy was my girlfriend then we would have been allowed in. It's discrimination.' Mr Hannon added: 'They need to think about how it makes them look - as a bar they are not very open minded.' The venue, which is on a road running parallel to Leeds gay village, has since been criticised in posts on Facebook and TripAdvisor over the 'disgusting' allegations. One posted: 'Think you need to get rid of your door staff and replace them with staff who aren't from the 1970s.' The couple from Newcastle were left 'speechless' by the incident on the evening of March 24 The bar has been criticised by other members of the gay community in the past, with Thomas B saying he was 'outraged' by a 'homophobic bouncer' last May. He wrote on TripAdvisor: 'I was with my partner - gay male - and we were refused entry for not being in a mixed couple. The bouncer was extremely rude.' Brett T also wrote on website in March 2016: 'Their new policy that won't let a group in - four people - unless it includes women is ridiculous.' A Jake's spokesman said: 'We operate a strict equality and diversity policy, as such we would never discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation, race, religion, gender or any other social factor. The venue has since been criticised in posts on Facebook and TripAdvisor over the allegations 'We have many customers who identify with LGBTQIA+ communities who frequent the bar regularly and are welcomed with the same level of excellent and open customer service that we always strive for. 'Like most venues in Leeds, our door team is provided by an external supplier. 'We are taking this matter extremely seriously and have launched an investigation into what happened on the night with the external door team.' Paul Twocock, director of campaigns for LGBT rights charity Stonewall, said: 'This situation is unacceptable. It's against the law to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation in any circumstance. 'This report is extremely disappointing, and it again demonstrates that whilst we may have got legal equality, it hasn't translated into equality for people trying to go about their everyday lives. The bar issued a long statement on Facebook saying that 'we do not care' if customers are gay 'LGBT people still experience widespread discrimination and exclusion in the UK. Our research shows that in six LGBT people (17 per cent) who visited a cafe, restaurant, bar or nightclub in the last 12 months have been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 'Local businesses and venues must accept responsibility for making sure all LGBT people can safely use their services - that's why the law is there - and there should be no exception.' An Equality and Human Rights Commission spokesman said: 'It is unlawful for a bar providing services to the wider public to discriminate against an individual based on gender or sexuality. 'If the bar has refused entry because of sexual orientation or gender, then this would certainly appear to be unlawful discrimination, which we would condemn. 'Jake's Bar could be legally responsible for the acts of the door team whether provided by an external supplier or not. 'We are pleased to hear an investigation is under way and hope that Jake's Bar will carry out that investigation rigorously and take appropriate action once it is completed.' And a Leeds City Council spokesman said: 'We are proud that Leeds is a welcoming, inclusive and diverse city. We have sought and received assurances from the owners of these premises that their door policy is reflective of national equality legislation.' Barring any challenges, Juanita Perez Williams will appear on the June 26 Democratic primary ballot in the 24th Congressional District. Perez Williams, D-Syracuse, said in an interview with The Citizen Thursday that her campaign collected more than 3,200 signatures. The petitions were submitted to the state Board of Elections Thursday the final day for candidates to file designating petitions for the federal primary. To qualify for party primaries, congressional candidates must submit 1,250 valid signatures from voters in their districts. More than 50 volunteers from central New York helped Perez Williams gather petitions. She also received assistance from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the House Democrats' political organization. "We only had nine days to do this," she said. "I'm just so humbled by all the people who came forward to help us." There is a three-day period for individuals to challenge the validity of a candidate's petitions. The last day to authorize petitions for federal primaries is Monday, according to the state Board of Elections. President Donald Trump has said the United States will rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership if he can get a better deal than the one offered to Barack Obama. He pulled out a year ago as part of his 'America first' agenda, saying it 'would have been a catastrophe for our businesses and for our workers. I'm very proud of that withdrawal.' But he has now asked trade officials to explore the possibility of the United States rejoining negotiations. President Trump told a group of senators and governors on Thursday (pictured) that he has asked his top trade advisers to explore ways of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership He insisted he would only rejoin if he got a better deal than his predecessor Barack Obama Trump tweeted late Thursday that he 'would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama.' 'We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years,' the president tweeted. Farm-state lawmakers said Thursday after a White House meeting with Trump that he had tasked his trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, and his new chief economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, with considering how to get back in. The Pacific Rim agreement would open more overseas markets for American farmers. The White House confirmed it hours later. The TPP is a 12-nation economic bloc that includes Japan and Australia, but not China which could be why Trump is seeking new trade leverage there The president held up an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership on January 23, 2017, his fourth day in office 'Last year, the President kept his promise to end the TPP deal negotiated by the Obama Administration because it was unfair to American workers and farmers. The President has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year,' White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said in a statement. 'To that end, he has asked Amb. Lighthizer and Director Kudlow to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated.' Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse said following the earlier meeting with Trump: 'I'm sure there are lots of particulars that they'd want to negotiate, but the president multiple times reaffirmed in general to all of us and looked right at Larry Kudlow and said, 'Larry, go get it done'.' Eleven countries signed the TPP agreement last month. Trump's rejection of the deal has rattled allies and raised questions at home about whether protectionism will impede U.S. economic growth. Kansas Republican Sen. Pat Roberts, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, said he was 'very impressed' that Trump had assigned Kudlow and Lighthizer 'the task to see if we couldn't take another look at TPP. And that certainly would be good news all throughout farm country.' Trump hosted governors and lawmakers in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Thursday. From left, Gov. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., Trump, and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa The discussions came during a meeting in which Trump told farm-state governors and lawmakers that he was pressing China to treat the American agriculture industry fairly. Midwest farmers fear becoming caught up in a trade war as Beijing threatens to impose tariffs on soybeans and other U.S. crops, a big blow to Midwestern farmers, many of whom are strong Trump supporters. Trump has mused about re-joining TPP negotiations in the past but his request to his top aides show a greater level of interest in rejoining the pact he railed against during his 2016 campaign. During a February news conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Trump raised the possibility of rejoining TPP if the negotiators offered more favorable terms. In a CNBC interview in January, Trump said, 'I would do TPP if we were able to make a substantially better deal. The deal was terrible.' The White House meeting was aimed at appealing to the Midwest lawmakers at a time of high anxiety because of the China trade dispute. The United States dominated the weight of the TPP before Trump withdrew in 2017 Pulling the U.S> out of the TPP was a frequent crowd-pleaser at campaign rallies in 2016 but now farm-rich states are worried about shrinking overseas markets for agricultural commodities During the exchange, Trump suggested the possibility of directing the Environmental Protection Agency to allow year-round sales of renewable fuel with blends of 15 percent ethanol. The EPA currently bans the 15-percent blend, called E15, during the summer because of concerns that it contributes to smog on hot days. Gasoline typically contains 10 percent ethanol. Farm state lawmakers have pushed for greater sales of the higher ethanol blend to boost demand for the corn-based fuel. The oil and natural gas industries have pressed Trump to waive some of the requirements in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard law that would ease gasoline and diesel refiners' volume mandates. Farm state lawmakers fear that would reduce demand for the biofuels and violate the RFS law. North Dakota's Republican governor Doug Burgum said Trump made some 'pretty positive statements' about allowing the year-round use of E-15 ethanol, which could help corn growers. The administration is also considering the possibility of the federal government aiding farmers harmed by retaliatory tariffs from China, according to lawmakers on Capitol Hill and advocacy groups. But some key senators oppose the approach. 'We don't need that. We do not want another subsidy program. What we want is a market,' Roberts said during a congressional hearing this week. Protesters objected to the TPP during a demonstration in Washington on November 14, 2016, less than a week after Trump was elected Trade ministers and delegates from the remaining members of the TPP attended a meeting ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam five months ago, but Trump wasn't there even though he was in the same city The meetings came as an array of business executives and trade groups expressed alarm to federal lawmakers Thursday about the impact that tariffs will have on their business. Kevin Kennedy, president of a steel fabrication business in Texas, said tariffs on steel and aluminum imports have led U.S. steel producers to raise their prices by 40 percent. He said that's shifting work to competitors outside the U.S. including in Canada and Mexico because they now enjoy a big edge on material costs. Representatives for chemical manufacturers and soybean farmers also expressed their concerns to the House Ways and Means Committee, which is examining the impact of the tariffs. The U.S. and China are in the early stages of what could be the biggest trade battle in more than a half century. Trump campaigned on promises to bring down America's massive trade deficit $566 billion last year by rewriting trade agreements and cracking down on what he called abusive practices by U.S. trading partners. Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, urged lawmakers and the administration to stay the course in getting tough on China. He said China's theft of intellectual property has inflicted serious damage to U.S. companies and threatens the country's future economic outlook. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister made a thinly veiled dig at Donald Trump's Twitter habits on Friday, saying international relations should not depend on what side of the bed one person wakes up on. Arkady Dvorkovich said the international community cannot depend 'on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning'. This came after the U.S. President's 7am tweet on Wednesday in which he warned that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces. Shade: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations cannot depend on one person's mood - a dig at U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter habits Russia is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's most important military ally in the country's civil war. Speaking at a forum in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, Dvorkovich made it clear that Russia had not taken Trump's Twitter-threats seriously. 'We cannot depend on the mood of someone on the other side of the ocean when he wakes up, on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning,' Dvorkovich said at a forum in Krasnoyarsk, according to the TASS news agency. 'We cannot take such risks.' Despite initially going out verbal guns a-blazing on Wednesday, President Trump appeared to dial down his threats in a tweets that followed 24 hours later. Offline: Dvorkovich said Russia warned the international community not to take Trump's tweets seriously because 'we cannot take such risks' 'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!' it said. He then lambasted the international community for being ungrateful, taking credit for the support the U.S. gave to Kurdish Peshmerga troops in the fight against ISIS. He wrote: 'In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?'' Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and as of Thursday, 'no final decision has been made' on a response, the White House said in a statement. President Trump has been having discussions with both Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding an international response to the alleged chemical attack in eastern Ghouta on Saturday. Early morning Wednesday: the U.S. President's 7am tweet saw him warne that missiles 'will be coming' in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces Waking up on Thursday: President Trump posted a somewhat back-pedalling tweet the following morning, stating he had never said when he would strike Both May and Trump have agreed that whatever the final decision on airstrikes, the Syrian regime must not go unchallenged following the attack which left at least 80 dead and hundreds injured in the city of Douma. Mrs May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. Macron, meanwhile, said on Thursday that France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has today said Moscow has 'irrefutable' evidence that an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria was staged with the help of a foreign secret service. 'We have irrefutable evidence that this was another staged event, and that the secret services of a certain state that is now at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign was involved in this staged event,' he said during a press conference. The Times has reported that the biggest US air and naval task force since the Iraq War in 2003 is heading towards Syria. It consists of ten warships and two submarines, with the USS Donald Cook - a destroyer equipped with up to 60 Tomahawk missiles - already in range. The paper also reported that Russian anti-submarine planes were ready to deploy from the Russian airbase in Syria's west. Eight-year-old Kayden Edwards says he doesn't want to go to school after his hair was branded inappropriate An irate mother says her son no longer wants to go to school after lines shaved into his 'short and neat' hair were branded inappropriate by a teacher. Eight-year-old Kayden Edwards is a pupil at St Oswald's Catholic Primary School, in Old Swan, Liverpool. But his mother Lindsay said he is too upset to return to class after a teacher's remark about his appearance. The Year 3 pupil has a short haircut with two thin wavy lines shaved in the side, which his mum claims a teacher branded unacceptable for school. Lindsay Jones, 34, said she is 'livid' that her son was hurt by the comment - and claims he's been singled out while other children have 'more extreme' hairstyles. Stay-at-home mum Lindsay said: 'He's mixed race - I'm white, his father's Jamaican. They are saying his hair is inappropriate. I'd understand if he had a big afro or long hair, but it's very short and neat. 'Where his side part is, there's a tiny pattern. Other kids that are there with big quiffs in their hair are using hair products or they have side parts with combovers, or boys with long hair.' She added: 'It's not an extreme hairstyle. All the other kids can have their hair any way they want. It's not affecting anybody's work.' Kayden's mother Lindsay says he 'can't have many hairstyles' because he's got Afro hair and other children have more outlandish styles She claims Kayden 'can't have many hairstyles' because he's got Afro hair and that he got a short, shaved hairstyle to look neat and tidy for school. However, despite making every effort to send her son to school looking presentable, Lindsay claims her son was singled out in the dinner hall in front of all his classmates and told his hairstyle was 'inappropriate'. Lindsay said she even told her son not to grow his hair out recently when he asked if he could have it braided, because she was worried it would land him in trouble at school. She believe her son's been left feeling 'down' and reluctant to go into school. She said: 'The poor kid, he doesn't want to go to school. He's only eight.' Describing Kayden as a 'sensitive kid', Lindsay said she's been left 'banging her head against a brick wall' at what she claims is a new policy. She claims the school's uniform policy only states that pupils with long hair should tie it back - and that Kayden's shaved lines don't flout a single written rule. In a statement on behalf of St Oswald's Catholic Primary School, a spokesman for Liverpool City Council said: 'Every school has the authority to set and update its own standards and codes of conduct. In this instance, the child has been politely informed of the situation and it is hoped his parents respect the school's guidelines.' A Khazak man has been arrested in Russia after butchering and skinning a Siberian Husky, intending to sell its meat for use in doner kebabs. A group of teenagers spotted the man carrying the dog's carcass in a bag and photographed him as he skinned the animal in a park in city of Chelyabinsk, west-central Russia. They called police who arrived and arrested the man, a 20-year-old illegal immigrant from Kazakhstan named only as Nikolay. Scroll down for video Caught: A group of teenagers spotted the man carrying the dog's carcass in a bag in a park in city of Chelyabinsk, west-central Russia He told police: 'When I lived in Kazakhstan, there were a lot of dogs, and it was normal to cook the meat on a barbecue and eat them.' He confessed: 'I used a wire to strangle the dog. 'I was given the animal as payment for a job.' After one night in the cells he was released and returned to the scene to try and collect the dog's carcass which he had strung up on a wall. Disgusting: The man, named only as Nikolay, told police he had intended to butcher the dog and sell the meat to a local kebab chain in the city Time to go: A local source said that as 'Nikolay' is an illegal immigrant from Kazakhstan, he is likely to face deportation He was stopped by animal activists. He had killed 'hundreds of dogs and sold the meat to a fast food kebab takeaway chain' in the city, he told the anti-cruelty campaigners. The activists are demanding that police launch a criminal investigation. A source said the man faced likely deportation to Kazakhstan. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle today confirmed that their wedding pictures will be taken by the same photographer who captured their engagement portraits. Alexi Lubomirski, 42, said he is honoured to have the opportunity to photograph the next chapter in the couple's 'wonderful love story' at Windsor Castle next month. Mr Lubomirski, who photographed the pair for their engagement, will be in Berkshire on May 19 to take the official wedding shots, Kensington Palace announced. Alexi Lubomirski (left) photographed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their engagement portraits last year (right) at Frogmore House in Windsor A series of romantic images taken by Mr Lubomirski of Harry, 33, and his 36-year-old bride-to-be were released in December to mark their forthcoming nuptials. The pictures taken at Frogmore House in Windsor included one intimate black and white portrait of the couple embracing. Mr Lubomirski said he is delighted to be made photographer for the big day, adding: 'I could not be more thrilled or honoured to photograph this historic occasion. 'Having taken Prince Harry and Ms Markle's engagement photos, it brings me such joy to be able to witness again, the next chapter in this wonderful love story.' A series of romantic images taken by Mr Lubomirski of Harry, 33, and his 36-year-old bride-to-be were released in December to mark their forthcoming nuptials Mr Lubomirski lives in the East Village of Manhattan in New York City with his wife Giada The photographer has the title His Serene Highness Prince Alexi Lubomirski. He is descended from an influential Polish family who received the hereditary title of prince of the Holy Roman Empire from Emperor Ferdinand III in the 17th century. Mario Testino's protege Mr Lubomirski, who was born in England but now lives in New York, was given his first camera aged 11 by his stepfather. He has since made a career photographing the rich and famous from Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow to Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson. Harry and Meghan in their most recent public appearance together in Bath last Friday Prince Edward and his bride Sophie Rhys-Jones pass the crowd inside the grounds of Windsor Castle in an open carriage after their wedding at St George's Chapel in June 1999 This week, community heroes were named among the wedding guests as it emerged US president Donald Trump and predecessor Barack Obama have not been invited. The American leader and other politicians, both home and abroad, are missing from the guest list as the prince and his bride-to-be have chosen friends, colleagues and those they already know rather than prime ministers and presidents. Mr Obama and his wife Michelle, who struck up a warm relationship with the royal family, particularly Harry, will not attend the couple's big day. But it is understood Harry and Meghan will see the couple soon, possibly during an official overseas trip once they are married. Kensington Palace announced that Mr Lubomirski will be the wedding photographer on May 19 Members of the public picked to share in the couple's day, by watching the spectacle from the grounds of Windsor Castle, were revealed this week and include a 12-year-old schoolgirl caught up in the Manchester Arena bombing. The informality of Harry and Meghan's 600-strong guest list reflects the smaller size of their wedding venue, compared to Westminster Abbey which staged the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal nuptials in 2011. Kensington Palace announced in March that 1,200 members of the public would be among the crowds allowed into the grounds of Windsor Castle to share in the atmosphere of the royal wedding. Advertisement The widower of Hollywood star Zsa Zsa Gabor has thrown open the doors of her Bel Air residence ahead of an auction of her extensive designer couture, accessories and memorabilia in California on Saturday (14 April). Frederic Prinz von Anhalt will be one of the main beneficiaries of the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' live auction. Gabor died aged 99 in December 2016, but she is taking one last suitably ostentatious curtain call when von Anhalt - her ninth and surviving husband - sells off more than 1,000 of her possessions. Budapest-born Zsa Zsa shot to stardom and becoming a fixture of American popular culture for over 60-years with her distinctive European flair, style and nine high-profile marriages. Among the items going under the hammer are her Italian 19k varicolour gold and diamond cigarette case to fine jewellery, a five-piece set of vintage Louis Vuitton luggage and more. There are also personal pieces, like a leather saddle given to Gabor by President Ronald Reagan, more than a dozen albums filled with never-before-seen personal photographs with Nancy Reagan, Bob Hope, Tony Curtis and others. Frederic Prinz von Anhalt (left), the husband of the late Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, talks about her favorite picture at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California, USA, 12 April 2018. The live auction will take place 14 April 2018 A Steinway Model M Grand Piano used in the movie 'Behind the Candelabra', which belonged to the late Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, is displayed along with paintings and pictures at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California, USA, 12 April 2018 A rhinestone and faux emerald necklace is displayed at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the late actress residence in Bel Air, California, USA, 12 April 2018 A day bed and luggage belonging to the late Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor are displayed at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California, USA, 12 April 2018 The pieces have been put up for auction by the star's husband for 20 years, Frederic Prinz von Anhalt (above), after she told him to 'have a good time on it' Portrait of Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, wearing a wide brimmed hat and smiling, with one of her nine husbands, Turkish diplomat Burhan Belge (1899 - 1967), in Ankara, Turkey, 1940 Photographs of the actress and her husband alongside the great and the good of her time are included in the Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor auction by Heritage Auctions at her residence in Bel Air, California, USA, 12 April 2018 A Lembert de Soto portrait of Zsa Zsa Gabor is included in the sale - the Budapest-born actress shot to stardom to become a fixture of American popular culture for over 60-years with her distinctive European flair, style and high-profile marriages A circa 1966 passport of Zsa Zsa Gabor with the birthday changed to 1928 is part of the 1,000 items up for sale - her widower Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, 74, has put the pieces up for auction under the star's wishes who wanted him to 'have a good time on it' A dinner room table and settings - the sale includes furniture, countless elegant dresses and rare celebrity pieces A Fried Pal portrait of Zsa Zsa Gabor (right) with her sisters and mother - Zsa Zsa who was crowned Miss Hungary in 1936, before moving to the US five years later The living room in Zsa Zsa Gabor's Bel Air estate displays items for auction at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction A cute diamond and 14 K gold necklace with Zsa Zsa Gabor's famous saying 'Dah-ling' spelled out in diamonds is for sale A Margaret Keane portrait of the late Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is displayed at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction A fur coat belonging to the late Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is displayed at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction - the star has been described as the 'original Kim Kardashian' A publicity 3D light box painting from 'Moulin Rouge' of the late Zsa Zsa Gabor is displayed at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California A five-piece set of vintage Louis Vuitton luggage and other suitcases and travel accessories are included A saddle given to Zsa Zsa Gabor by late US President Ronald Reagan is displayed at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction An Eighty-nine piece Copeland Spode Herring Hunt Pattern Earthenware Service which belonged to the late Hungarian-American actress and is now up for grabs Magazine covers of the late Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor line the red carpet at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California Perspective buyers view a Peter Sheil painting of the late Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California A Fried Pal painting of Zsa Zsa Gabor and her daughter Francesca is displayed at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California Among the more unusual items in the sale is this cast stone figural fountain with four-part copper jardinieres A curator inspects a fur coat belonging to Zsa Zsa Gabor at the 'Hello Dal-ling: The Estate of Zsa Zsa Gabor' auction by Heritage Auctions at the actress' residence in Bel Air, California, USA Demonstrators have called for the deportation of guard at a concentration camp where thousands of Jews were murdered. Jawik Palij was a guard at the Trawniki concentration camp in German occupied Poland in 1943. He claims he was forced to work for the Nazis. But the protestors who gathered outside the German consulate in Manhattan, claim he is a war criminal who should be deported to Germany. Mr Palij, pictured in 1957, worked at a notorious slave-labor camp in the south-western Polish village of Trawniki during the war Palij moved to the US after the Second World War but was stripped of his American citizenship 13 years ago following a request from the Department of Justice. Despite an order by an immigration judge he be deported, the pensioner has continued to live in the New York borough of Queens because Germany, along with Poland and Ukraine, refuse to take him. Protestor Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman told the New York Daily News: 'People have asked: 'Is it right to go after a 94-year-old quote nice old man?' 'And the answer is threefold. Number one - his victims were 94, and that didn't seem to bother him. Number two - his victims never got to be 94. 'Number three - to my mind, he's a 20-year-old murderer that got away with it for 74 years.' A federal judge revoked Palij's citizenship in 2003, saying he falsified his immigration application. Former Nazi guard Jakiw Palij, pictured in Queens, New York, in 2003, is still living in the US despite having been stripped of his citizenship 13 years ago The court also ruled that he had assisted in the persecution of prisoners at the camp, though it stopped short of finding him responsible for deaths. In 2017 New York's 29-member Congressional delegation, including 18 Democratic and nine Republican House representatives and two Democratic Senators called for his deportation. Writing to then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson they said: 'Removing Mr Palij from American soil will send a message not only to the citizens of New York, but to the entire world. 'It has been 13 years since Mr Palij lost his right to remain here, and it has taken far too long for these court orders to be carried out.' The delegation ask the Secretary of State to 'step in to settle this long-standing injustice' personally. Mr Palij claimed he had worked as a farmer during the war when he came to the US in 1949. But he had been a guard at a notorious slave-labor camp in the south-western Polish village of Trawniki. The camp imprisoned 12,000 Jews and forced them to sort through clothes delivered from Holocaust locations before they were all massacred in November 1943. An immigration judge has ruled that Mr Palij should be deported to Germany, Poland or the Ukraine but all countries have refused to take him. Robert Snape (pictured) was found hanged in a Mexico hotel where he and Citibank colleagues were staying A Citibank worker found a vice president of the firm hanged in a luxury hotel room in Mexico. British banker Robert Snape was discovered at the Marriott Hotel Colonia Santa Fe in the financial district of the countrys capital Mexico City where he and his colleague were staying. The 36-year-old banker from Mickleover, Derby, had moved to work in Budapest in around 2012. The fraud risk manager's death is being investigated by a coroner in Derbyshire. Senior Coroner, Dr Robert Hunter said he has asked for reports from the Mexican police as he opened the inquest today. He said Mr Snape's body has been returned to the UK following the tragedy on March 8. 'The death of Robert Snape was reported to this office on 27 March,' he said. 'He died on March 8 in Mexico. I am informed a post-mortem took place in Mexico.' Dr Hunter said the preliminary finding is one of death caused by hanging. Dr Hunter said another post-mortem examination had taken place in Derby last week, but the results of that had not yet been received. 'I have approached the Mexican authorities to request a copy of the post-mortem and the Mexican police reports,' he said. Dr Hunter said he would also 'pursue information' from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The vice president from Mickleover was found hanged in this hotel in Mexico City's financial district After Dr Hunter and his office have liaised with the authorities in Mexico, information will be reviewed on May 31 and it is then likely a date for when the full-inquest will take place will be confirmed. Mr Snapes LinkedIn profile said since October 2016 he had been working as a fraud risk manager at the bank. It said he conducted reviews across the firm as well as making sure all policies are complied with. Prior to moving to Hungary the financier, who graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2004, had worked for the bank in Barcelona. A spokesman for Citibank said it did not want to comment on the death. A former commando has been jailed for 25 years after kicking, punching and biting his pregnant newlywed wife to death on their honeymoon. Sofie Daenen, 32, was killed just days after her wedding celebrations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh last year. Her entire family was said to have disapproved of her marriage to 35-year-old Gregory Vande Vyvere, from Waregem, Belgium - with her father telling her moments before she left on her honeymoon: 'I fear you will not return.' Daenen, who was four months pregnant, was found dead in the hotel bathroom covered in bruises and bite marks after Vande Vyvere called the police two days after the murder. Sophie Daenen and Gregory Vande Vyvere were on their honeymoon in Sharm-el-Sheikh Vande Vyvere is a former elite paratroop commando having served in the Belgian army According to the autopsy, she was beaten, kicked and bitten to death. During the trial it emerged almost none of Sofie's family approved of the marriage - claiming her husband regularly beat her. One family friend said: 'Even on their wedding day she was covered in bruises.' Sofie's own father did not attend the ceremony and warned her not to go on honeymoon. The heartbroken dad said: 'Her mother and I did not support the marriage. 'When she said she would go on honeymoon to Egypt, I warned her about it and said, "I fear that you will not return".' Sofie's own father did not attend the ceremony and warned her not to go on honeymoon The Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh is extremely popular with tourists from around the world Yesterday, Vande Vyvere was found guilty by an Egyptian court on murder charges. Vande Vyvere, who used to be an elite paratroop commando of the Immediate Reaction Cell of the Belgian army, was sentenced to 25 years in an Egyptian prison. Sofie Daenen's relatives were relieved to see him locked away. One relative said: 'We are relieved that he is punished there and not in Belgium, where he might have gotten off much lighter.' Daenen leaves behind two children aged 10 and 8 which she had from a previous relationship. A terrifying fire at a rubbish dump and in Melbourne's East is still burning more than five hours after it started. Smoke from the blaze engulfed the Eastlink motorway on Friday as gusty winds led to spot fires spreading to nearby paddocks. More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze at the Knox Transfer Station, near the EastLink motorway in Wantirna, Victoria. Scroll down for video A terrifying fire at a rubbish dump and in Melbourne's East (pictured) is still burning more than five hours after it started. The fire was out of control for nearly three hours after the blaze broke out at 2pm on Friday. Forty factory workers were evacuated when their factory was surrounded by smoke. Firefighters were unsure what toxins were burning inside the rubbish dump, as they battled to keep the fire under control, Nine News reported. 'Potentially any smoke can be toxic and that causes concerns,' CFA spokesperson told the network. 'We don't know what's in there.' The Knox Transfer Station, near the EastLink motorway in Wantirna, Victoria, is pictured. The fire was out of control for nearly three hours after the blaze broke out at 2pm on Friday. A Country Fire Authority in Victoria spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia 33 fire crews were still battling the blaze at 7.30pm on Friday night. Residents were advised to keep roads clear so emergency services could continue to respond on Friday evening. 'Smoke will be visible in the area. Emergency services are responding and will remain in the area,' an alert issued by the CFA stated. The cause of the fire is being investigated and the incident has been reported to Victoria's Environment Protection Authority. The damage is unclear at this stage and no injuries have been reported. Country Fire Authority in Victoria told Daily Mail Australia 33 fire crews were still battling the blaze at 7.30pm on Friday night Residents were advised to keep roads clear so emergency services could respond on Friday evening Like other college-bound kids, Loren Bartnicke went to undergraduate school in search of answers. But as she started her pre-veterinary studies at Mississippi State University, she said, she was suddenly filled with doubt. Born in Missouri, Bartnicke moved to Arkansas when she was 2 years old, and she was raised there in a devoutly Catholic family. But when she left for college, she said, she began to question her faith, so she turned to an old hobby for help: art. "I always had an interest in art, but I didn't pursue it at the beginning as a career," she said. "Then I kind of had this moment in my life where I started questioning a lot of things ... and that's what drove me to want to start making more." Bartnicke said she first developed an interest in painting in seventh or eighth grade, and she found herself being drawn back to the medium. In her second year of college, she decided to put veterinary school behind her, pursuing a degree in painting instead. At first, Bartnicke said, she was doing more "figurative painting," but as time went on, her work became more abstract. And suddenly, it was no longer about finding what she'd lost: It was about losing herself in what she might find. Advertisement Alfie Evans' mother has been told to leave the toddler's bedside after hospital bosses informed them they would no longer be allowed to sleep in the unit, it is claimed. According to the Alfie's Army Twitter account, Kate James had been questioning a nurse over revised visiting restrictions that were set out in a letter to the parents. The letter, from the Liverpool hospital's chief nurse, said the only Alfie's parents and two named visitors were now allowed to visit the Peadiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICO) at one time. The Twitter post read: 'Tonight Alfie's mummy has been told to leave Alfie's side and removed from the ward for asking the chief nurse is it acceptable for family members now being told they CANNOT see Alfie and does she care.. to which the chief nurse replied NO and told Kate to leave the ward.' The letter also said that 'due to the seriousness of the events' last night, only Mr Evans and Alfie's mother Kate James, along with two other named family members', were allowed to visit the toddler. It comes after the toddler's father claimed he was threatened with jail if he tried to remove his son from hospital and has begged the pope to help fly the toddler out to Italy for treatment. The desperately-ill youngster's 'army' of supporters have tonight returned to protest outside Alder Hey Hospital as his parents launched a new legal fight claiming doctors have imprisoned their brain-damaged son. Speaking outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, Tom Evans said: 'Theres a new court order that states I will be arrested and put in prison if I take my son out of Alder Hey.' According to Mr Evans, 21, a High Court hearing on Monday will decide whether his son has the freedom to move. Scroll down for video According to the Alfie's Army Twitter account, Kate James had been questioning a nurse over revised visiting restrictions that were set out in a letter to the parents Speaking outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, Tom Evans said: 'Theres a new court order that states I will be arrested and put in prison if I take my son out of Alder Hey' According to Mr Evans, 21, a High Court hearing on Monday will decide whether his son has the freedom to move Mr Evans embraced by a supporter after speaking to the media outside Alder Hey Hospital. The father added: 'Yesterday we attempted to discharge our son Alfie Evans from the care of Alder Hey by formally withdrawing their duty of care' The Liverpool hospital have the right to end his life after winning a court battle with Tom Evans and Kate James, who claim they have been threatened with jail if they move the two-year-old Broadcasting from his son's bedside tonight, Alfie's father Tom Evans revealed he and the toddler's mother Kate James had been banned from sleeping in the same unit as their son. The letter also stated that family members and friends of the parents were last night 'shouting over your son Alfie in his cubicle, abusive, filming other patients and visitors, filming staff, and behaving in a manner which was felt to be threatening, intimidating and unsafe by other parents and by our staff'. The letter also said that 'due to the seriousness of the events' last night, only Mr Evans and Alfie's mother Kate James, along with two other named family members', were allowed to visit the toddler. The father said earlier: 'Yesterday we attempted to discharge our son Alfie Evans from the care of Alder Hey by formally withdrawing their duty of care. 'We also instructed a fully qualified medical team in writing to fly him to Italy to continue the quest for treatment. Alder Hey claimed to the new team that they had ward of court over Alfie which was in fact untrue. 'We attempted to legally discharge our son and remove duty of care from Alder Hey and hand a new duty of care to the new team with a jet at John Lennon airport and the ventilator at Alfie's bedside. We were ready to take Alfie.' Mr Evans said that three police officers 'were around the bedside telling me Alfie was a ward of court' and that he would be arrested for 'assault' if he tried removing him. Speaking outside the hospital this afternoon, Mr Evans urged Pope Francis to speak out. 'If he dies in Italy at least weve tried and I believe in Italy. The pope knows we want to go there. We want the pope to speak out again. 'We want him to take Alfie into his care. We want asylum and want to go to the Vatican the hospital there, which is ready. Italy speak out! 'Someone save Alfie.' The Liverpool hospital have the right to end his life after winning a court battle with Tom Evans and Kate James. Police were called last night as Mr Evans brought their passports and declared they were going to take Alfie to Italy but claims six officers were guarding his room and threatened him with arrest. Today supporters with banners demanding his life support machine is not switched off returned to the hospital and the family hope more than 1,000 people will be there by this evening. Last night hundreds swamped the area and police were called. Their lawyers have made a 'habeas corpus' appeal to be heard in London on Monday and will claim Alfie is unlawfully detained and is a prisoner. Alfie Evans' supporters (pictured today) gather to protest outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool today as his parents said their son is being held prisoner Protesters outside Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool today in support of Alfie Evans whose life support could be withdrawn within days Alfie Evan's parents Tom Evans and Kate James joined hundreds of people taking part in a protest outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool last night and a new show of support is planned today Addressing supporters, Mr Evans said he had 'removed all duty of care' from doctors and that Alfie is 'waiting for his flight out to Italy' having brought the family passport Supporters have promised to return today as they try to 'free' the little boy from the hospital Mr Evans said a jet was waiting at John Lennon airport and it is understood he plans to take his son to the Vatican-linked Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome for diagnosis and possible treatment after they received backing from Pope Francis. The couple's MEP Steven Woolfe said Alder Hey 'is more concerned with saving face than saving a young child's life'. Alfie's parents today thanked 'thousands' for their 'historic show of support' outside Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust in Liverpool and called on them to return. But also accused doctors caring for their son of keeping him prisoner and treating 'duty of care' as 'duty to kill'. Mr James says he was threatened with arrest for assault if he tried to remove his son A statement said: 'Alder Hey hospital called in police to stop Alfie's transfer, locking all doors, setting off a fire alarm and removing all children from the PICU. 'This merely proves first that Alder Hey is acting in violation of parental rights, second that Alfie is indeed a prisoner if the police are being used, and third their tactics are simply hysterical. 'Astonishment followed when Alder Hey threatened the loving father that if he tried to touch his own son, he would be charged with assault. The fact is the police were committing unlawful detention by blocking the parents'. Alder Hey has not yet commented on the allegations but has praised staff for their work in the face of mass protests outside. A spokesman said: 'Last night the hospital experienced significant disruption, due to a large protest concerning one of our patients. We wish to pay tribute to our amazing staff, who worked tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions to manage the implications of this disruption. 'Alder Hey is a special place with highly skilled staff who dedicate their lives to caring for and looking after thousands of sick and ill children every year. 'Our priority will always be to protect and look after the welfare of all patients and staff and to continue to provide outstanding care to our patients and families, which we know is recognised by colleagues across the NHS and in the wider public beyond'. Broadcasting from his son's bedside last night, father Tom Evans said he was legally entitled to take Alfie from hospital - based on a letter he received from the Christian Legal Centre - adding 'he is waiting for his flight out to Italy'. The Christian Legal Centre works to 'protect the freedom of Christians to live their lives in accordance with their Christian beliefs', according to its website. Addressing supporters, Mr Evans said he and Alfie's mother had their passports in their pockets and were ready to fly to wherever would help to treat Alfie. 'Alfie wont be going anywhere unfortunately but theres tomorrow,' he said. 'Theres about six police officers outside his bedroom. I have asked them to reduce it to two and respect our privacy. They said until they get told they can stand down they cant. Ive told them dont go in the room, respect my decisions and thats what theyve done. Police were called to the Liverpool Hospital last night as 'thousands' of protesters arrived to demand the two-year-old be released Alfie's parents Mr Evans and Kate James walked hand-in-hand surrounded by hundreds of supporters and well-wishers who demonstrated outside the hospital Merseyside Police appealed for the protesters to be peaceful as 'Alfie's Army' demanded his release from the hospital, chanting 'Let him go' and 'While Alfie keeps fighting we'll keep fighting' A High Court judge yesterday endorsed an end-of-life care plan for the 23-month-old, but Tom Evans said he had 'removed all duty of care' from doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital Alfie Evans' father Tom hugs Kate James after speaking to the huge crowd outside Alder Hey hospital Police officers hold a protester outside the hospital. Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said the protest had caused significant traffic disruption Protesters and well-wishers demanded the hospital release Alfie. It is understood his father wants to take his son to the Vatican-linked Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome for diagnosis and possible treatment Assistant Chief Constable Serena Kennedy thanked Alfie's parents 'for the way in which Alfies family were later able to speak to the crowd and offer assurance and calm' Hes content, hes comfortable and hes waiting for his flight out to Italy, so lets get Alfie out. It is understood that the family's lawyers were last night in mediation with Alder Hey Hospital. Speaking to protesters earlier in the night, Mr Evans said: 'There's no order that says Alfie can't leave. 'In reality I could walk upstairs, pick Alfie up right now and take him out the hospital. 'I was told by a police officer if I take Alfie I was going to get arrested for assault. 'If I pick Alfie up, with legal responsibilities and parental responsibilities, I'm getting told that I'm going to get done for assaulting my son. Where's that real? Addressing supporters outside Alder Hey, Mr Evans said: 'Legally we can go. The doctors are doing their best now to stop us from doing that Mr Evans said that he and Alfie's mother have 'removed all duty of care from the doctors here' and that he was told he would be arrested for 'assault' if he tried to remove his son from Alder Hey Cars were honking their horns in support of the two-year-old and his parents who say the hospital is stopping them from taking Alfie Protesters gathered under the banner of 'Alfie's Army' to demand Alder Hey Hospital release the tragic toddler into the care of his parents Supporters chanted 'release Alfie Evans' and 'we shall not be moved' at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool 'The truth is of the matter is me and Kate hold full responsibility and we can take him to our transportation van with full equipment, with doctors who have got full duty of care, and they're not allowing it. 'We're hoping now that my solicitor is going to get us out. We might not leave because apparently the floor's on lockdown. 'But at the end of the day what we know is Alfie is stable, Alfie is ready to go, we've got full responsibility, we've removed all duty of care from the doctors here. 'There's not one doctor in this hospital now who has any say over my son, apart from the air ambulance.' As he made his way to the hospital after the finished speaking, he made his way back inside the hospital and urged supporters to stay outside and protest peacefully. Supporters chanted 'release Alfie Evans' and 'we shall not be moved' at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, where the youngster is being kept. A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: 'We can confirm that officers are at to monitor a peaceful protest' The protest comes after a judge ruled Alfie's treatment should be withdrawn The Alfies Army Official Facebook page said the family's lawyers were currently in mediation with Alder Hey Hospital. Mr Evans earlier claimed in a video on Facebook that medics 'phoned the police to murder my son... Alder Hey phoned the police to stop me taking my son out of the hospital'. Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Serena Kennedy: 'We were present at Alder Hey Hospital while the hospital and family of Alfie Evans sought clarity from Mr Justice Hayden in relation to the treatment of Alfie. 'Although peaceful, the large protest that took place did cause significant traffic disruption and inconvenience for other people trying to access the hospital. 'I want to remind people to please consider other hospital users, as these delays could have caused serious problems for staff and patients alike. 'We fully understand what a sensitive and emotional time this is for everyone involved and I would also therefore like to pass on our appreciation for the way in which Alfies family were later able to speak to the crowd and offer assurance and calm.' In a video he posted to Facebook, Mr Evans claimed he held the legal right to remove Alfie from the hospital's care. He said: 'Alder Hey have phoned the police to stop me from taking my son out of the hospital. 'This is my son. Look at my healthy, healthy young boy who is undiagnosed, who is certainly not dying.' During the nearly two-and-a-half minute clip he also encouraged people to come to the hospital to stand outside and 'tell them to release our son' in a 'quiet protest'. He added: 'They have phoned the police over a child... Look how innocent the boy is, look at him, he lies there eagerly waiting for his trip home. 'How can this come to this?' Merseyside Police said officers were called to the hospital to 'supervise a peaceful protest' Christian Legal Centre has written to the parents to tell them they would be legally entitled to remove Alfie from Alder Hey Hospital's care In a video he posted to Facebook, Mr Evans claims he is legally entitled to remove Alfie from the hospital's care Bosses at Alder Hay Hospital in Liverpool took the case back to the High Court to ask the judge to determine when Alfie's treatment should officially be withdrawn, after the Court of Appeal last month ruled it should be stopped rather than the boy be taken to hospital abroad The parents said the fear their toddler's life could end 'within hours' in a High Court case that echoes the tragic death of Charlie Gard. Alfie has a rare degenerative brain disease which doctors have been unable to diagnose and is being kept alive on a ventilator. Bosses at Alder Hay Hospital in Liverpool took the case back to the High Court to ask the judge to determine when Alfie's treatment should officially be withdrawn, after the Court of Appeal last month ruled it should be stopped rather than the boy be taken to hospital abroad. Presiding, Mr Justice Hayden told the court Alfie's brain was 'almost entirely water' and added what the parents see in the footage 'is not the same as what others might see'. He agreed to review the footage before making any decision but did not change his mind about treatment being withdrawn. He then set a date for Alfie's life support to be turned off, which cannot be published for legal reasons. The judge said he was not able to give a medical opinion and was watching them out of 'courtesy and kindness'. Mr Justice Hayden said: 'Lady Justice King in the Court of Appeal on 8 March circumscribed my role today as to help broker if possible or to determine if necessary the terms of the end of life plan and the date for withdrawal of artificial ventilation. 'Every word of this case so far has been in the public domain but this aspect seems to me to now be so exquisitely personal and private that the public interest must give way on these matters to Alfie's privacy.' The family's barrister Paul Diamond asked Mr Justice Hayden to look at the videos in a last minute bid to get a new independent assessment of Alfie's condition. Mr Diamond said: 'Mr Evans says the last three weeks, the reducing of drug intake, he thinks his son is showing signs of cognitive improvement. 'We do think there's scope for negotiation. Tom Evans is entirely shocked by this progressive consultation, they thought as reasonable people it should be explored, this offer by the Italian hospital. They think there's undue haste being taken on this for some reasons they don't understand.' Mr Justice Hayden watched the videos in private out of what he described as 'courtesy and kindness'. He said: 'Alfie is a little boy with a neuro-degenerative condition and that condition has degenerated his brain and it is irreparable. All doctors here, in Germany and in Italy agreed on this - the brain can not regenerate itself. 'I ask myself if I were in a bed in a hospital in that condition, would I want video of myself in the public domain? And I dont have any difficulty answering that in the negative, so I find myself wondering why it's right for Alfie. 'I'm not in any way qualified to gainsay a medical opinion. It would be entirely inappropriate to do so. But out of courtesy and, I hope, kindness to Tom and Kate, I will watch it.' The videos were said to show Alfie's mother Kate putting chocolate in his mouth from the tip of her finger, which Mr Michael Mylonas QC, representing Alder Hey, said was 'dangerous'. 'We are concerned that one of the videos shows Kate providing Alfie with food by mouth. There's a significant risk of aspiration', he said. Mr Mylonas said Alfie now had 'bilateral pneumonia' which may be as a result of trying to give Alfie the 'taste stimulus'. The High Court ruled Alfie Evans will be taken off life support on a date and location that cannot be reported. Earlier today Mr Justice Hayden warned that Evans 'may come to regret' posting the videos he filmed of his son on the hospital ward. Mr Justice Hayden said it would not be possible for Alfie's parents to make 'further applications'. He said he was concerned that images of the little boy were continuing to be posted online. 'It is impossible to escape images of Alfie on the internet,' said the judge. 'Alfie's brain as we know is almost entirely water. He has no say on whether these photos are taken.' Mr Justice Hayden said he was concerned that the images were 'intrusive' and suggested that in the 'fullness of time' Alfie's family might regret their publication. Alfie's parents were not at the hearing, which is continuing. Last week bosses at Alder Hey said they had been unable to reach agreement with Alfie's parents about exactly when treatment should stop. WHAT THE DOCTORS SAY ABOUT ALFIE'S MOVEMENTS Professor Maria Fitzgerald, from the Developmental Neurobiology at University College London, said: 'It is possible for touching the skin to trigger reflex movements even when an individual has no perception or 'sense' of the touch. 'This is because reflexes are mediated at the level of the spinal cord which can continue to operate even if the brain itself is no longer functional.' Dr Joe Brierley, Consultant in Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care at Great Ormond Street Hospital, said: 'The rooting reflex described is one of what are called 'primitive reflexes.' 'It is present when babies are born (at term) and helps the newborn baby feed and bond with its mother/others. 'It makes the baby turn its head towards anything that strokes its cheek or mouth, and as the baby then moves its head in decreasing movements it looks to be searching for what has stimulated it. 'Trained child-health assessment can easily distinguish between these two types movements (voluntary and involuntary) and parents and families can then be helped to understand that this is not a voluntary conscious movement but a reflex action to a stimulus.' Advertisement They said they would ask the judge for 'guidance' . Judges have heard that Alfie, who was born on May 9 2016, is in a 'semi-vegetative state' and has a degenerative neurological condition doctors had not definitively diagnosed. Specialists at Alder Hey said life-support treatment should stop and Mr Justice Hayden said he accepted medical evidence which showed that further treatment was futile. Court of Appeal judges upheld Mr Justice Hayden's ruling. Supreme Court justices and European Court of Human Rights judges have refused to intervene. The couple have complained that 'the state' is wrongly interfering with their parental choice. They want to move Alfie to a hospital in Rome or Germany. His parents confirmed on the Alfie's Army Official Facebook page last night that today's hearing would go ahead despite their plea for an extra week for lawyers to consider the paperwork. Mr Evans said today 'could be the day [Alfie] is executed' and his family is still determined to take his son to Germany or Italy for treatment. The case has drawn interventions from the Pope and the White House has been contacted by North West England MEP Steven Woolfe, who is supporting Alfie's family. In a video recorded today, Mr Woolfe said he had met Alfie and seen him respond positively to other members of his family. He said: 'When I went to see them [Alfie's parents] I saw Alfie. He's a wonderful little boy. When his uncle walked in the room and started talking you could see reactions in his eyes and his face and his arms and that has pushed me on more to try to fight for him.' Last week, at a meeting with hospital officials and Mr Woolfe, Alfie's father Tom Evans presented what he believed was fresh evidence showing his son's condition was improving. Mr Evans understood that a decision on ending life support was on hold for the hospital to reconsider the case, including 'alternative options', such as taking Alfie to a hospital at The Vatican for treatment. But Miss James said they had been given them 'false hope' as, within an hour of the meeting, Alder Hey's lawyers were contacting the High Court to arrange for a judge to rule on a date for withdrawing life support. Speaking about the meeting in his video, Mr Woolfe added: 'We have sent a further letter to the hospital clarifying our version of the meeting and I have sent a further letter to the Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt asking him to intervene. I wrote to the European MEPs asking them to support this and many of them are starting to do so. Yesterday I was communicating with the Christian community in the US seeking further support. 'There have been 250,000-plus signatures seeking a petition to help give Alfie the opportunity of a second opinion in Italy. 'There is ample evidence that Tom and Kate and their family can show that Alfie should be given a chance and everything should be given to them to help them save their son. 'Alder Hay should listen. They are in the business of caring; they're in the business of looking after the health of people and children and if they believe that they should at least look beyond the narrow ramifications of the legal interests and costs of the hospital and simply say 'perhaps we may have been wrong', just as some doctors were wrong in the Aysha King case, and allow Alfie and his family the chance of a second opinion in Italy and give that family the option. 'I beg them to give them the option of saving Alfie rather than pursuing this case today to end his life in the next few days. 'We're doing what we can, we are here today and I hope you all hope and pray that we get a positive result.' Pope Francis has spoken about Alfie and his family's struggle to keep the youngster alive In a statement, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust said there was no choice after attempts to reach an agreement with Alfie's parents broke down. 'We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for Alfie's family and we continue to support them in every way we can,' said a spokesman. 'Despite reports, at no point has a date for withdrawal of treatment for Alfie been agreed. After a long and difficult legal process, the courts have ruled that Alfie's condition is irreversible and untreatable and that continued active treatment is not in his best interests. 'We always aim to reach agreement with parents about the most appropriate palliative care plan for their child but sadly, in this case, we have not been able to do this. 'Consequently, we must return to the High Court, as we are legally required to do, for guidance about a date on which to withdraw treatment from Alfie..' Mr Woolfe said Alfie's family believed his physical condition had improved since the court order to end his treatment was issued six weeks ago. 'He's showing more activity, smiling, lifting his eyelids,' he said. 'I'm not a doctor but I've seen him myself, you can see physical signs of life. He's a beautiful little boy. 'They believe there are possible physical changes with Alfie to enable him to be safely transported to Italy and an Air Ambulance that would carry him that would satisfy Alder Hey's concerns.' Pope Francis tweeted his support, saying: 'It is my sincere hope that everything necessary may be done in order to continue compassionately accompanying little Alfie Evans, and that the deep suffering of his parents may be heard.' International Workers Day, otherwise known as Labour Day, is marked around the world in celebration of the working class usually on May Day in the UK. While other countries celebrate Labour Day in other months, like the first Monday in September in the US, the tradition stems as early as the 19th century during the rise of trade unions. But when is International Workers Day 2018? International Workers Day is marked around the world in celebration of the working class What is International Workers Day? The date for International Workers Day was chosen to commemorate the Chicago labour demonstration bombing of May 4, 1886, otherwise known as the Haymarket affair. In 1886, a general strike was held against the eight hour work day and following the bombing, police retaliated by shooting the workers which left many injured and dead. However, in 1889, the original socialist and labour party organisation Second International held a meeting in Paris on the anniversary of the Chicago protests and the day went on to be recognised as an annual event for the socialists. This resulted in the May Day riots of 1984 which led to the International Socialist Congress, Amsterdam in 1904 calling on all Social Democratic Party organisations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace, as described in the Russian Marxist revolutionarys Anatoly Lunacharskys diary. It was then made compulsory for all proletarian organisations across the world to stop work on May 1 and the day has become a focus for demonstration by socialists, communists and anarchists. In 1955, the Catholic Church dedicated the day to Saint Joseph the Worker and during the Cold War, May Day was marked with large military parades in the Red Square of the Soviet Union. When is Labour Day 2018? In the UK, after being introduced by Michael Foot, the then-Employment Secretary in 1978, Labour Day is celebrated on May Day and is marked as a spring bank holiday. As the bank holiday is always held on the first Monday in May and May Day falls on a Tuesday in 2018, the day will be marked on Monday, May 7, 2018. Although there are many traditional May Day rites that have existed for hundreds of years, May Day was not linked to International Workers Day until the 20th century and is not known officially as Labour Day in the UK. Where are the 2018 International Workers Day protests? Since the 2000s, anti-capitalist movements have held a number of protests across the UK that have resulted in clashes with the police. Most notably, in 2000, a statue of Winston Churchill was given a grass Mohawk hairstyle and the Cenotaph in London was defaced. In London, the May Day 2018 march will be held on Tuesday, May 1 and will see protestors assemble on Clerkenwell Green and walk to Trafalgar Square for a rally. Find out more information here. When is International Workers Day celebrated in other countries? In the US, more commonly known as Labor Day, is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year after becoming an official federal holiday in 1894. Most other countries hold their International Workers Days on May 1, apart from Bosnia and Herzegovina who celebrate on May 1 and May 2. Poland also mark May 3rd Constitution Day and the two dates combined result in a long weekend called Majowka. Petrol prices could soar by 2p a litre this weekend as tensions over the Middle East escalate, experts have warned. And a further rise of up to 5.5p a litre could be coming soon as wholesales prices have rocketed by 4p a litre in less than four weeks. On Thursday, oil prices were at a three and a half year high of almost $72 a barrel, which has ignited fears that motorists will be in for a shock at the pumps this weekend. Afurther rise of up to 5.5p a litre could be coming soon as wholesales prices have rocketed by 4p a litre in less than four weeks And the AA is now urging drivers to fill up now as the cost of unleaded could rise from 121p per litre to 123p, while diesel is expected to soar from 123.61p to 125.61p by Saturday. Industry body the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) also added that a 4p per litre rise in wholesale costs will filter through to the forecourts. PRA chairman Brian Madderson told The Mirror: President Trumps promise that US missiles will be coming to Syria caused the price to climb sharply amid a volley of threats between the US and Russia and an attempted Houthi air strike from Yemen targeting oil titan Saudi Arabia. The Houthi attacks on the worlds largest oil producer spurred global oil markets up almost 9% this week alone to the highest prices seen since December 2014. Experts believe that President Trumps (pictured) promise that US missiles will be coming to Syria has caused the price of fuel to climb sharply The oil rich OPEC nations (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) added that the glut was dwindling after high demand and a drop in production in Venezuela, as well as issues in Libya and Angola. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said: We have seen an accelerated shrinkage of stocks in storage from unparalleled highs of about 400 million barrels to about 43 million above the five-year average. Experts believe that the Middle East crisis could keep oil above $70 a barrel until May but to expect prices to come back down by the summer. This is the shocking moment a reckless driver swerved through a level crossing while the barriers were shutting. The impatient motorist sped up as the gates started to lower and swerved left and right to avoid the obstacles. One of the barriers slammed on his bonnet as he squeaked through before speeding off in his grey Mercedes. A reckless driver was caught swerving through a level crossing while the barriers were shutting The motorist was busted by transport police after pulling off the dangerous stunt at the Greenfoot Level Crossing in Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire. He was disqualified, fined and forced to resit a driving test after being caught on camera. British Transport Police (BTP) shared the video on Facebook and described it as an example of 'how not to use a level crossing'. The impatient motorist sped up as the gates started to lower and swerved left and right to avoid the obstacles British Transport Police shared the video on Facebook and described it as an example of 'how not to use a level crossing' BTP said: 'The driver was lucky their actions didn't cause a serious incident. 'They've been fined, disqualified and ordered to resit their test.' The 13-second clip has already racked up almost 15,000 views and 150 retweets on Twitter. On social media, Norman Stewart said: 'A good case for the Crown I think, and one more deservedly disqualified driver. Another idiot off the roads.' Ian Judge wrote: 'Should get the cars confiscated.' ABC star Joy Behar caused uproar on 'The View' Thursday when she said President Trump was less sane than North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. She also said that the president had less sanity than Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'We have gotten to a point in the world now where we have to rely on the sanity of Kim Jong-un and Putin over the president of the United States,' Behar said when discussing recent tweets sent by Trump that threatened military action against Syria. Joy Behar has a reputation for making contentious comments that frequently upset conservatives in the US Mike Pence took issue with Behar when she lambasted his christian faith in February 'That's where we're at,' Behar said before praising a Russian official who condemned Twitter diplomacy. The comments have been seized upon by right wing websites who have drawn attention to her comments and those of Behar's co-host Sunny Hostin. Hostin said that she did not believe that Trump was able to compartmentalize things 'the way a president should', and therefore got easily agitated. However Behar's views on ABC's 'The View' program did not go completely unchallenged. Conservative co-host Meghan McCain pointed out that the President's detractors would get angry regardless of whether or not he commented on social media. 'I know it's like, sort of, funny to laugh at this but we are talking about genocide in Syria,' McCain said, pointing out that she has an issue with her colleagues invoking a 'moral relativism between someone like Kim Jong-un and Putin and President Trump'. Behar - described as 'reliably liberal' by Fox News responded: 'Do you think Kim Jong-un is less moral than Trump?' 'Oh my God chemical gassing of children,' McCain fired back. 'Last time I checked, America isn't doing that to anyone.' Behar retorted: 'Kim Jong-un doesn't do that. What are you talking about?' Behar has often mocked Trump since the former real estate tycoon became a politician. She was recently forced to apologize after coming under fire for mocking the Christian faith of Vice President Mike Pence. Advertisement Palestinians tried to fly a Molotov cocktail attached to a kite over the border between Gaza and Israel as more than 10,000 protested along the fence for a third straight Friday. The daring plot did not go as planned as the kite was instead blown into Gaza before it crashed to the ground and exploded. Another bomb was detonated near the Karni crossing, and may have caused Palestinian casualties. Other demonstrators burned large Israeli flags and torched tyres while soldiers fired tear gas and live bullets at them from across the border fence as large plumes of smoke filled the sky. Palestinians threw bombs and rocks over the border between Gaza and Israel as more than 10,000 protested along the fence for a third straight Friday Some tried to fly a Molotov cocktail attached to a kite over the fence but the daring plot did not go as planned as the kite was instead blown into Gaza before it crashed to the ground and exploded Others tried to cut through the fence to either flee inside Israel or raid security infrastructure before returning Palestinian protesters pull part of the fence that the Israeli Army placed, during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel A girl hurls stones during clashes with Israeli troops at a protest where Palestinians demand the right to return to their homeland Gaza health officials said 363 people were wounded by Israeli fire or treated for tear gas inhalation, but did not provide a breakdown. Among those hurt was a Gaza journalist who was shot in the abdomen, the officials said, making him at least the second reporter to be shot during the protests since March 30. The Israeli military said demonstrators hurled an explosive device and several fire bombs near the fence in what it said was an apparent attempt to damage. Others tried to cut through the fence to either flee inside Israel or raid security infrastructure before returning. Footage distributed by the military showed an area of the fence made up of several layers of barbed wire coils. Protesters stuck a Palestinian flag into the fence and affixed a rope, using it to tug at the coils. One man threw a burning tire into the fence, while another was seen walking nearby with the help of a crutch. Other demonstrators burned large Israeli flags and torched tyres while soldiers fired tear gas and live bullets at them Israeli soldiers watch a Palestinian demonstrator running with Israeli flags before burning them during a protest at the Israel Gaza border Footage distributed by the military showed an area of the fence made up of several layers of barbed wire coils. Protesters stuck a Palestinian flag into the fence and affixed a rope, using it to tug at the coils Even children helped pull on the ropes that dragged sections of the barbed-wire fence away so they could cross into Israel Palestinian demonstrators take cover during clashes with Israeli troops near the border fence with Gaza One man dashes for cover as dozens were wounded by Israeli troops firing live rounds during the protests Palestinian demonstrators carry part of the Israeli barbed wire they removed during clashes with Israeli troops A demonstrator runs past the Israeli fence, dodging shots from Israeli soldiers protecting the fence line A Palestinian protester swings a slingshot to hurl rocks far over the fence in the direction of Israeli troops Protesters cover their faces as tear gas that affected hundreds is fired over the fence by Israeli soldiers Thick plumes of smoke blotted out the sun as demonstrators burned tyres near the border and advanced on the fence Rights groups branded the Israeli military's open-fire regulations as unlawful, saying they permit soldiers to use potentially lethal force against unarmed protesters. Israel in turn accused Gaza's Islamic militant Hamas rulers of using the protests as a cover for attacks and says snipers only target the main 'instigators.' The marches were organized by Hamas, but large turnouts on two preceding Fridays were also driven by desperation among the territory's 2 million residents. Gaza has endured a border blockade by Israel and Egypt since Hamas overran the territory in 2007, a year after winning Palestinian parliament elections. The blockade has driven Gaza deeper into poverty, with unemployment approaching 50 percent and electricity available for less than five hours a day. The marchers were protesting against the blockade, but also asserting what they say is a 'right of return' of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel. A man rallies the crowd of protesters as they shout at soldiers over the border in Israel, demanding to be let out of Gaza Palestinian demonstrators carry a coffin wrapped in a representation of an Israeli flag during a protest Israel accused Gaza's Islamic militant Hamas rulers of using the protests as a cover for attacks and says snipers only target the main 'instigators' The marches were organized by Hamas, but large turnouts on two preceding Fridays were also driven by desperation among the territory's 2 million residents Gaza has endured a border blockade by Israel and Egypt since Hamas overran the territory in 2007, a year after winning Palestinian parliament elections The marchers were protesting against the blockade, but also asserting what they say is a 'right of return' of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel A wounded Palestinian is evacuated during clashes with Israeli troops at a protest demanding the right to return to their homeland A woman demonstrator is treated after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli troops as Gaza health officials said 363 people were wounded by Israeli fire or treated for tear gas inhalation Women and children trample on an Israeli flag as thousands of Gazans massed along the border for a third Friday of protests Palestinians burn tyres at the border fence with Israel, east of Jabalia in the central Gaza city, early on Friday's protest An Israeli soldier aims his weapon as Palestinian protestors gather near the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza city Several thousand people gathered Friday at a tent camp east of Gaza City decked out in Palestinian flags. At the entrance, organizers had laid a large Israeli flag on the ground for protesters to step on. In the camp, 37-year-old construction worker Omar Hamada said he is protesting to draw world attention to Gaza and get the border reopened. 'We want to live like everyone else in the world. We came here so the world can see us and know that life here is miserable, and that there should be a solution,' he said. Hamada was critical of Hamas, saying the group has set back Gaza by decades, but added that 'this is the reality and we have to deal with it'. Palestinians hold portraits of Yasser Murtaja, a Gaza reporter killed last week by Israeli fire during Gaza protests Demonstrators on Friday held up posters bearing his face at the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza city Many others stood beneath a massive banner protesting his death at the hands of Israeli troops Mortally wounded Palestinian journalist Yasser Murtaja , 31, is evacuated during clashes with Israeli troops at the Israel-Gaza border, in the southern Gaza Strip Funeral ceremony of Murtaja, who was shot by shot by Israeli forces while covering a rally within the 'Great March of Return' on the Gaza border, is held in Gaza on April 7 Relatives of Palestinian Abdullah Al-Shehri, 28, who was killed during clashes with Israeli troops at the Israel-Gaza border, mourn during his funeral In the northern Gaza Strip, Sumaya Abu Awad, 36, attended the protest with her three daughters and son. 'I am from the village of Hiribya and it is my right to return to it,' she said, referring to a village north of Gaza destroyed in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. 'I am not afraid of death because there is no life in Gaza already.' Organisers called on demonstrators to burn Israeli flags and raise Palestinian ones, with women and children already seen trampling on one in the morning. Israeli forces shot dozens of protesters dead and wounded hundreds of others amid violent clashes each week since the demonstrations began on March 30. In all, 34 Palestinians were killed in the past two weeks, 27 during protests. Seven were killed in other circumstances, including six militants engaged in apparent attempts to carry out attacks or infiltrate Israel. Gaza's Health Ministry said more than 1,300 Palestinians were wounded by live fire in the past two weeks. Israel dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement were necessary and would not change. In a rare move, Egypt opened its crossing with Gaza on Thursday and it would remain open until Saturday Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years, while its border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years Palestinians gather at the Rafah boder crossing as they wait to travel into Egypt after the passage was opened for three days for humanitarian cases from the southern Gaza Strip Gazans wave their passports at Egyptian immigration officers begging to be let through the barricade Last week, protesters burned mounds of tyres, sending plumes of smoke into the air in the border area. Israeli soldiers used large fans to push the smoke away. The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes that are now inside Israel - which Israelis say essentially amounts to calling for the country's destruction. The first two Fridays - with far less on intervening days - saw tens of thousands gather near the border with Israel at five locations. Smaller numbers approached the fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres toward soldiers taking up positions on the other side. Israel accused Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protests as cover to carry out violence. Thousands flooded border crossings in desperation to escape the tense situation in the Gaza Strip Gaza refugees pile into buses to escape the volatile area for Egypt during a rare opening of the border Israeli media reports said Egypt, one of only two Arab countries to have signed a peace treaty with the Jewish state, had been negotiating with Hamas to seek to calm the crisis It pledged to stop attacks, damage to the fence and infiltration bids, and says there have been attempts at all three. But Palestinians said protesters were being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Union called for an independent investigation. The dead from last Friday included journalist Yasser Murtaja, who witnesses said was wearing a press vest at the time he was shot. Israel claimed he was a paid member of Hamas, but produced no evidence. The company Murtaja co-founded was vetted for U.S. government funding, while an international journalists federation said he was harassed and beaten by Hamas police in 2015. Demonstrators on Friday held up posters bearing his face beneath a massive banner protesting his death at the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza city. Rights groups strongly criticised Israeli forces and pointed to unverified videos that spread online of Gazans appearing to be shot, Last week, protesters burned mounds of tyres, sending plumes of smoke into the air in the border area. Israeli soldiers used large fans to push the smoke away The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes that are now inside Israel - which Israelis say essentially amounts to calling for the country's destruction The first two Fridays - with far less on intervening days - saw tens of thousands gather near the border with Israel at five locations Smaller numbers, such as this man, approached the fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres toward soldiers taking up positions on the other side Israel accused Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protests as cover to carry out violence They included one seeming to show a Palestinian targeted as he ran away from the fence while holding a tyre. Palestinians were particularly angry about plans to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14, and hoped to keep protests going until then. The see the Israel-annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state and oppose moves to declare it Israel's capital. Organisers also again said they want the protest to be peaceful this week, but it is unclear to what extent they or even Hamas remain in control. The official end date of the protests is May 15, when Palestinians mark the Nakba, or 'catastrophe,' commemorating the more than 700,000 who fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years, while its border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years. In a rare move, Egypt opened its crossing with Gaza on Thursday and it would remain open until Saturday. Israeli media reports said Egypt, one of only two Arab countries to have signed a peace treaty with the Jewish state, had been negotiating with Hamas to seek to calm the crisis, but there has been no confirmation. Russia has banned the Telegram messaging app because the company refuses to reveal its encryption key. A court in Moscow ruled to block the popular app after the firm declined to give state security services access to private conversations. It followed a long-running battle between authorities and Telegram, which has a reputation for secure communications, as Moscow pushes to increase surveillance of internet activities. The Roskomnadzor telecoms watchdog, which brought the case, had earlier demanded the service be blocked as soon as the verdict was announced. In response activists dumped a plastic sack with around 2,000 paper aeroplanes symbolising the logo of the messaging app inside outside the department of Roskomnadzor in St Petersburg. Russia has banned the Telegram messaging app because the company refuses to reveal its encryption key (file picture) In response activists dumped a plastic sack with around 2,000 paper aeroplanes symbolising the logo of the messaging app outside the department of Roskomnadzor in St Petersburg (pictured) The app's creator Pavel Durov banned lawyers representing Telegram from attending the court hearing so as not to legitimise it. But Pavel Chikov, who leads a group of human rights lawyers representing the app, said the case had proved the efficacy of the service. That authorities had brought the case showed that 'Telegram is by far the safest messenger,' he said in comments published on the platform. The authorities also pushed 'hundreds of thousands of Russian users to study proxies and VPNs' in an attempt to circumnavigate a potential ban, he said. Both Chikov and app founder Durov have previously said any ban would be impossible to enforce. '(The case) has shown again and again that the judicial system simply serves the interests of power and no longer cares about keeping up even the most basic of appearances,' the lawyer added. Telegram's self-exiled Russian founder Durov has long said he will reject any attempt by the country security's services to gain backdoor access to the app. The free application, which lets people exchange messages, photos and videos in groups of up to 5,000 people, has attracted more than 200 million users since its launch in 2013. Telegram is especially popular among political activists of all stripes, and is used by the Kremlin to communicate with journalists, but has also been used by jihadists. The Roskomnadzor telecoms watchdog, which brought the case, had earlier demanded the service be blocked as soon as the verdict was announced (pictured, activists in St Petersburg) In September 2017 the FSB security service demanded encryption keys, Durov said, prompting a formal complaint when the request was rejected. Durov wrote last year that the FSB's demands are 'technically impossible to carry out' and violate the Russian Constitution which entitles citizens to privacy of correspondence. Roskomnadzor had threatened to ban the app in June last year for failing to join its official register, which requires companies to provide the FSB with information on user interactions. Although Telegram later registered, it stopped short of agreeing to the regulator's data storage demands. From this year, companies on the register must also store all the data of Russian users inside the country, according to controversial anti-terror legislation passed in 2016 which was decried by internet companies and the opposition. In September 2017 the FSB security service demanded encryption keys, Durov said, prompting a formal complaint when the request was rejected (pictured: activists in St Petersburg) After decades without justice, a paedophile has finally been held accountable for his crimes, years after trying to buy his victim's silence. The now 64-year-old man committed multiple sexual offences against two underage sisters in the 1970s. The girls were aged between just four and eight-years-old and knew the man through a local church group. Fifteen years later, the then-adult victims approached the man in regard to the abuse they endured as children in rural NSW. Decades after abusing two young sisters in both New South Wales and Queensland, a 64-year-old prolific paedophile has finally pleaded guilty to the full extent of his crimes, after initially trying to buy his victim's silence Instead of showing remorse, he wrote each victim a $5000 cheque and made them swear, in writing to never report to his crimes to police. The brazen move ensured the man did not face the full force of the law for several more decades. However, the twisted severity of his crimes would eventually come to light and subsequently result more than a dozen charges of child sexual abuse. In 2016, the man received a two and a half year sentence for later sexual abuse against the same sisters after they moved to Queensland in the early 1980s. And on Friday, the man pleaded guilty to nine counts of historic child sexual assault against the sisters at Lismore District Court in northern New South Wales. The man pleaded guilty to nine counts of historic child sexual assault against the sisters at Lismore District Court (pictured) in New South Wales on Friday It followed previous charges of sexual offences against his own daughter which saw the man sentenced to eight years prison in 2011. These crimes occurred in the late 1980s, more than a decade after his first confirmed act of sexual abuse against children. In court, both sisters revealed the detrimental impact the abuse had on their lives. While one said she faced a later battle with depression and alcohol abuse, the other called her experiences 'devastating' which later led to post traumatic-stress. A former Russian General has warned that any intervention by the US, Britain and France could be a direct way to military confrontation with Russia. Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy, who previously served on the Russian General Staff, said if 'Russian blood is spilled', then Moscow will respond in kind. He told BBC Radio 4s Today show that he believed if Russia determined that the UK was behind any attack on Syria, Moscow could order hits on UK forces in the Mediterranean. Warning: Buzhinskiy said that if a military intervention led to the death of Russian forces in Syria, Putin would respond in kind to any aggressors As our chief of the general staff said a couple of weeks ago, Russia would shot down the missiles and its carriers and I dont think he was joking, thats a very serious situation and thats true, he said. Asked if that could mean striking back at Cyprus, he said: If our military determined that the missiles were launched from the UK, carriers of course, UK carriers and missiles would be hit back. Strong words: Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy said any intervention could be a direct way to military confrontation' Mr Buzhinskiy said it would be very difficult to find a significant military target in Syria where there are no Russians. We have several thousands advisers in all military installation in all military units, he said. If Russian blood is shed then Russia will retaliate. Mr Buzhinskiy said Russian intelligence showed there were no chemical attacks and the episode was staged. He echoed a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said Friday that Moscow has 'irrefutable' evidence that the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma, eastern Ghouta was staged with the help of a foreign secret service. 'We have irrefutable evidence that this was another staged event, and that the secret services of a certain state that is now at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign was involved in this staged event,' he said during a press conference. Russian soldiers wait at the entrance of the Wafideen Camp for the arrival of buses carrying forcibly evacuated rebel fighters and their family members from Douma on Thursday Attack: A young child is seen receiving oxygen through respirators following an alleged poison gas attack in of Douma, near Damascus, Syria, on Saturday U.S. President Donald Trump has been having discussions with both Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding an international response to the alleged chemical attack in eastern Ghouta on Saturday. Both May and Trump have agreed that whatever the final decision on airstrikes, the Syrian regime must not go unchallenged following the attack which left at least 80 dead and hundreds injured in the city of Douma. Mrs May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. Macron, meanwhile, said on Thursday that France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered. A top doctor who carried out 'humiliating, demeaning and distressing' examinations on three young female patients has been struck off. Carl Clinton - described by one patient as a 'boob man' - conducted several examinations that were not 'clinically indicated' for his own sexual gratification, an employment tribunal heard. He touched one woman's breasts, poked another woman in the groin and on one occasion listened to a woman's chest with an 'inappropriate technique'. Clinton denied gaining sexual gratification from the examinations, but was found to have brought the profession into disrepute at an employment tribunal. Carl Clinton - described by one patient as a 'boob man' - conducted several examinations that were not 'clinically indicated' for his own sexual gratification, an employment tribunal heard The incidents occurred over three years, between 2002 and 2005, on Jersey, where there are a limited number of consultants. The tribunal heard that some patients - one of whom referred to Clinton as 'a boob man' - put up with his actions because, in other areas, he was more considerate than some doctors. The former hospital doctor, who has not practised since 2012, was found to have behaved in a sexually motivated way. The tribunal ruled that Clinton 'concealed his intentions by masking them as part of an appropriate and thorough clinical examination'. The tribunal found that Mr Clinton asked Patient A to remove her bra when it was not 'clinically indicated'. The ex-hospital doctor, who has not practised since 2012, was found to have behaved in a sexually motivated way. (Above, as part of a crew trying for a world record row from London to Amsterdam in 2001) He then exposed and touched her breasts, and used an inappropriate technique to listen to her chest. Patient A's mother accompanied her to one of her appointments. The tribunal said it found it 'significant' that after the appointment, her mother expressed surprise that a consultation for the purpose of examining her daughter's shoulder had included an unexpected breast examination. 'Patient A's own reaction was simply to say 'but he's a boob man'', a report by the tribunal states. 'In other words, Patient A knew very well that Dr Clinton was examining her breasts for his own sexual satisfaction and not for any therapeutic reason.' With regard to Patient B, Mr Clinton got her to put a gown on the wrong way round when it was 'not clinically indicated'. He told her to take off her gown so he could look at her back and examined her ankles, legs, breasts and chest. He failed to get appropriate permission for the examination of these parts of her body and failed to provide her with adequate covering for the exposed areas during the examination. Patient B told the tribunal that she believed Mr Clinton was 'getting off' and 'enjoying the power he had' while she was standing with her back to him wearing only her knickers. In relation to Patient C, he was found to have pulled her underwear to one side to expose her genitals and then used a finger to prod into her groin when it was not 'clinically indicated', to show her where an injection would go. Patient C told the tribunal that she felt 'uneasy and violated' by what occurred during her appointment. The report adds: 'In relation to all three patients and all five incidents, the tribunal found conduct which was demeaning, embarrassing, humiliating and distressing. 'There was an element of deceit on Dr Clinton's part as he took advantage of his position of being an experienced consultant and concealed his intentions by masking them as part of a legitimate thorough examination. 'They all felt reluctant to complain at the time, given his position and his standing in the community. They described feeling guilt at not having done so.' The report adds: 'The tribunal accepts the evidence from all the patients that Jersey is a small island, where the choice of consultant is very limited. The incidents occurred over three years, between 2002 and 2005, on Jersey (file photo), where there are a limited number of consultants 'In Patient A's case, she was willing to tolerate Dr Clinton's behaviour because in other respects she found him to be more understanding of her overall medical conditions than most other doctors.' Mr Clinton, who did not present evidence, maintained his denial of sexual motivation and the tribunal accepted that the likelihood of repetition was low as he had no current licence to practise. However, the report, says: 'The tribunal determined that in order to protect patients, maintain public confidence in the profession, and declare and uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour, erasure from the register is the only appropriate, proportionate and sufficient sanction. 'It accordingly determined that Dr Clinton's name be erased from the medical register.' Mr Clinton first appeared before a General Medical Council panel in 2014, where he was cleared of sexually motivated conduct regarding the examinations of two other female patients in 2008 and 2010. At that time, the panel found that although he had failed to communicate adequately they did not find his actions amounted to misconduct and concluded it was not appropriate to issue him with a warning. Q: Do you have an interesting fact to share? A: I do! Did you know that the tortoiseshell cat is the official cat of the state of Maryland. This is true, and certainly a well-deserved honor. Q: How would you describe yourself? A: For starters, I am incredibly beautiful! I am a mature female, i.e. I am not a kitten, so my wild side has been somewhat tamed, but not entirely. I might have a little bit of what they call "tortitude." This is a special attitude that some claim we torties sometimes display, but I do try to keep it in check. I am a very nice girl and I get along well with the other gals in my room. I love to check out the birds at the feeder. Finally, I can be the best lap cat ever just give me a chance! Q: Do you have any advice for our good Citizen readers? A: I do! Just a heads up, good Citizen readers and everyone else out there. Our first free rabies clinic of 2018 will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21, right here at my shelter home! Rabies clinics are probably the most important special event held here because they help protect so many of my feline, canine and ferret colleagues. So when you come to the clinic, please ensure that your dogs are leashed (and muzzled if necessary) and that your cats are in proper carriers no laundry baskets, please! If you will be requesting a three-year certificate, please bring proof of prior vaccination. As we say: Thank you for protecting your pets and the public! Love, Bridget and friends. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Primary schools across Britain have been shut for the day after being sent 'bomb threat' emails. Children have been sent home from schools in London and East Yorkshire after receiving threatening messages this morning. According to police the threats have been made to schools nationwide. The Met would not confirm how many schools in the capital had been affected. Kirk Ella St Andrews in Hull have announced they are closing for the day, tweeting: 'We have received an email bomb threat' The force said in a statement: 'We have received reports of malicious communications received by a number of schools in different parts of London. 'The correspondence is being assessed.' One school in Hull, East Yorkshire - Aldbrough Primary said it believed the email was a hoax but has contacted the police. Posting on Facebook , the school said: 'Dear Parent/carers, Last term a number of schools received hoax bomb threats. Police at Howden Infant and Junior School in East Yorkshire following the bomb threat 'We have received a bomb threat email this morning. We have informed the police and they are on the way. 'Our advice that we take the threat seriously even though it does only appear to be a hoax.' Other schools nearby including Hornsea Community Primary School and Gilberdyke Primary have closed. Kirk Ella St Andrew's Primary confirmed it had shut in a Facebook statement, saying: 'We have had to make the decision to close the school today. 'We have received an email bomb threat. 'The police are aware and are treating it as a hoax at the moment. Humberside Police Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Miller said: 'We've been made aware of a hoax email sent to schools in the force area this morning 13 April 2018. 'We want to categorically reassure parents and children, staff and the wider public that this a non-credible threat that has been sent nationwide. 'Our primary concern is to ensure that schools are given guidance, up-to-date information and reassurance and above all that everyone is safe. 'Community officers have already been sent to schools to provide that reassurance.' It is not yet clear how many schools across the UK have been targeted. Advertisement Londoners have not had a single hour of sunshine for a whole week for the first time in more than eight years, according to weather experts. Although some areas of the country have also enjoyed less than half of the normal amount of sunshine for this stage in April, the outlook is finally brighter for next week. Forecasters say parts of England could see temperatures hitting 73F (23C) by the end of the week - which will be on a par with the Costa del Sol, Rome and Greece. An influx of warm, continental air from Monday will see the biggest impact in the South East, but the whole of England and Wales is set for warm, sunny weather with temperatures 10C above the norm for mid-April. Dense fog lingered on Alexandra Palace in north London yesterday as the capital experienced a whole week without a single hour of sunshine Thursday April 5 was the last time any sunny hours were recorded from the location amateur weather expert Ben Lee-Rodgers monitors on Hampstead Heath (pictured: fog in Alexandra Palace yesterday) The Met Office says thermometers will rise gradually through the week but warned that fronts from the Atlantic, battling to move in from the west, will mean some areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see showers. Amateur weather expert Ben Lee-Rodgers, who is based in Hampstead, north London, said the last week is the first time the capital hasn't seen a single hour of sun for seven consecutive days since January 2010. Thursday April 5 was the last time any sunny hours were recorded from the location he monitors on Hampstead Heath. Since then the city's skies have been dull and not a single full hour of sunshine has been recorded. Met Office meteorologist Sarah Kent said: 'We can't comment on a single location, but there has been less sunshine than we'd expect for April. 'Middlesex County has had 25.4 sun hours so far this month, which is 16 per cent of the usual average for April, 'At almost a third of the way through the month we'd expect to have had 33 per cent of the expected sun light. By this point in the month the number is lower than hoped for.' She added that the tussle between the warm air from the South and the wet weather in the West - which will bring rain to most places on Sunday - will finally be won by the continental influence on Monday. Ms Kent said temperatures in the south-east could hit 59F (15C) or 61F (16C) at the start of the working week. She said: 'By Tuesday across London we could see 18C (64F), maybe 19C (66F). By Wednesday, there's still going to be some patchy rain in parts of the north-west but England and Wales will have this continental air coming in. 'So, dry weather for them, plenty of sunshine again. Temperatures on Wednesday will again be highest in the South East. London could see between 20C and 23C. 'And in fact, going further north, places like York could see 18C to 20c. And, even for Glasgow, it could be 17C or 18C on Wednesday.' Ms Kent said: 'The trend into the end of the week is to continue this feed of warmer continental air across England and Wales. 'Those frontal systems are always trying to battle into the north-west, so it could be cloudier there with some more mixed weather at times. 'But, by the end of the week, in the that far south-eastern corner we could see temperatures into the low to mid-20s.' Ms Kent said that these temperatures will be above the average for mid April. She said London will normally expect to see levels of 55F (13C) to 57F (14C) at this time of year with an average of 54F (12C) to 55F (13C) normal for southern England. The Met Office said Saturday is likely to be the best day of the coming weekend, with temperatures reaching the mid to high teens in some places. But Sunday will see rain at times across much of Britain as the country braces itself for the sun to come. European forecasters are predicting temperatures around the 70F (21C) mark for Malaga, Rome and Athens next week. It was just before 8:30pm on Wednesday night when a young woman noticed that a man seemed to be following her down a quiet suburban street. Moments later, she had a bike lock wrapped around her throat and was being forced to the ground. Police have released images of a young male who may be able to assist with their enquiries related to the incident, which took place in Sydney's inner west. New South Wales police have released images of a man they'd like to speak with in relation to an alleged attack on a woman in Sydney's inner west on Wednesday night The 27-year-old woman had just alighted from a bus in Ashfield and was walking home alone down Bland St. It is understood that the attacker followed her off the bus, down Bland St and onto Julia St before striking. Police allege that he wrapped a bike lock around the woman's neck and pushed her down in the street. The 27-year-old victim had just turned off Bland St, in Ashfield, and was walking down Julia St when the alleged attacker struck When the woman screamed, a couple in a nearby car ran over to assist her, police said. The attacker then allegedly punched one of the strangers, a man, in the face before splitting the scene. His motives are as yet unknown. The CCTV images released by New South Wales police on Friday show a young man in a high-visibility shirt, described as being Asian in appearance. Police are hoping to speak with him in relation to the alleged attack. The woman, meanwhile, is recovering in hospital. Paul David was aged 70 when he married Jobeth Daguio (both are pictured at their wedding) to the outrage of his daughter A millionaire lawyer is locked in a legal battle with her elderly father over her dead mother's assets after she found the pensioner was sleeping with his daughter's au-pair. City solicitor Audra Wamsteker, 49, had enjoyed a 'close bond' with father Paul David, 'promised to look after him until his dying day' and 'thought of him like a god', a court was told. But that was before she discovered the 75-year-old had been sleeping with her au-pair since she was 28, branding the relationship with the nanny to her two children 'unthinkably repugnant'. The pensioner was 70 when he married 'live-in nanny' Jobeth Daguio, who was aged 28 at the time, five years after the death of Mrs Wamsteker's mother. They now have two young children. The relationship between father and daughter has now fractured so badly they are facing each other across a courtroom, arguing over ownership of a flat in London, a house in Surrey, cash from four properties in the USA and 23 items of jewellery which belonged to Mrs Wamstekers dead mother, said to be worth about 1million in total. Judge Simon Monty QC, at Central London County Court, heard that Mrs Wamsteker, who lives in Canary Wharf, East London, has been practicing law in London for 17 years and previously worked for accounting giants Ernst and Young. Her father, who lives in Stratford, East London, told the court that he is also a qualified lawyer. The pair had always been close in their personal and financial lives, sharing a mutually 'loving and generous' relationship as the family built up a portfolio of properties across London, the USA and Malaysia. But that was before rows over their respective choice of partners following the death of Mrs Wamstekers mother - Mr Davids first wife - in 2008, tore the family apart. When her widowed father 'formed an attachment to and subsequently married' her nanny, Mrs Wamsteker 'objected strongly to the relationship, describing it as unthinkably repugnant, the judge was told. The pensioner accepted that he 'doesnt like' his daughters husband, 52-year-old investment director Adrianus Wamsteker, but denied accusations that he had previously threatened him with an axe. The father and daughters dislike of each others partners, and particularly Mr Davids marriage to her au pair, 'has resulted in the wholesale breakdown of the close relationship between them,' Mrs Wamstekers barrister, Desmond Kilcoyne, told the judge. 'The existing litigation is now motivated by a high degree of animosity by Mr David towards his daughter and particularly her husband,' he added. The English properties at stake in the case are a four-bedroom detached bungalow in Salisbury Road, Worcester Park, Surrey, previously marketed for 740,000, and a flat in Selsdon Road, West Ham, East London, worth about 275,000. Mr David says that he is the 'beneficial owner' of both properties - despite them being in his daughters name - having stumped up the deposits for them both and either 'funded' or made 'contributions' to their mortgages. Audra Wamsteker, 49, and her husband Adrianus Wamsteker are pictured outside court as she battles her father for her dead mother's jewellery and international property portfolio As well as a declaration that he owns the properties, Mr David wants his daughter to pay him around 150,000 in rent for having 'excluded' him from the house and the flat since 2013. He also claims he paid for four properties in Florida which were sold in 2014 and is now 'entitled to the proceeds of sale', which Mrs Wamsteker currently holds. Finally Mr David is demanding his daughter return to him 23 items of his late first wifes jewellery. Mr Kilcoyne, for Mrs Wamsteker, told the judge that she denies her father has ever owned any of the properties. She also refuses to give up her late mothers jewellery as she says it was 'a gift' by her father before their relationship broke down. Mr David, who is representing himself and is backed by his son Alvin - also a qualifed lawyer - told the judge from the witness box that the jewellery, along with a box of her deceased mothers clothes, 'were not given to her, but taken to her house for safekeeping'. Mr Kilcoyne pointed to emails he said proved the gift had been made, in one of which Mr David told his daughter: 'Its no use keeping something youve been given by someone you hate so bitterly.' But Mr David told the judge he gave Mrs Wamsteker only one item - 'a gold chain with pearls on it' - plus another item to her daughter, and she had wrongfully kept the rest. Mr Kilcoyne told Mr David: 'There have been a number of arrangements between you and your daughter, at the end of which arrangements she owns property. You gave that jewellery to her and now you want it back.' 'Nothing has been given away,' he responded. Telling the judge about the close relationship he used to enjoy with his daughter, Mr David said: 'She told me, "mummy made me swear that Id look after you to your dying day." Mr Kilcoyne agreed there used to be a 'very close bond' between them, adding: 'You said your daughter thinks of you like a god.' But there had been a darker side to their relationship, the barrister claimed. 'Theres an aspect of the relationship where she has felt unable to say no to you...she says you used to badger her for money...you felt entitled to ask her for money. You demanded money, you badgered her for money,' he put to Mr David. The pensioner denied the allegations saying: 'She makes me look like some sort of gangster...I look like a horrible man standing here. 'I still love both my children,' he told the judge. Mr Kilcoyne also alleged that Mr David had threatened his daughters husband with an axe. 'You told her you would destroy her and kill her husband,' he said. Mr David replied: 'No. The axe was in my bedroom drawer. If I had approached him with an axe like she says, I would have hurt him. Thats true I dislike him. I dont deny it, I dont like him. 'I realised what he was when he married my daughter in 2004. Shes got a very greedy husband,' he told the judge. Alvin David, Mrs Wamstekers brother and Mr Davids son, who lives in New Maldon with his family, outside court valued the property, jewellery and money claims being brought by his father against his sister at around 1m. The hearing continues. A job ad calling for applicants who are 'Anglo Saxon' and live near 'Neutral Bay' on Sydney's affluent North Shore has outraged politicians, lawyers and the public. The advert for a retail consultant with telecommunications giant Optus, which has now been taken down - appeared on Seek on Thursday afternoon. Lawyers, politicians and community leaders condemned the ad on Friday, with some commenting on its legality. A job ad calling for applicants who are 'Anglo Saxon' and live near 'Neutral Bay' on Sydney's affluent North Shore has been described as illegal and racist The median price for rent in Neutral Bay is $1,100 per week and it costs $2.2 million to buy in the exclusive suburb. Optus labelled the job advert as 'completely unacceptable' and expressed its commitment to 'diversity and inclusion' in a post to social media. 'A job advert posted on a website today is a clear breach of Optus values and our commitment to equal opportunity employment,' the company stated. 'Weve removed the advert and are investigating how this occurred and offer an unreserved apology.' ' The median price for rent in Neutral Bay is $1,100 per week and it costs $2.2 million to buy in the exclusive suburb. The suburb has views of Sydney harbour (pictured) Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Tim Soutphommasane described the post as illegal in a post to twitter on Friday. 'Under the Racial Discrimination Act, it is unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of race in employment,' he said. Sydney lawyer Michael Tiyce said he could not see how the ad was permitted without an 'authorised exemption'. 'Without an authorised exemption I cannot see how this is permitted - it is certainly not justifiable on a subjective basis,' he said. The ad was posted by the Optus Neutral Bay store, according to the company (stock photo of an Optus store) Social media users reacted with anger on twitter and Facebook, with some describing the ad as 'racist', while others threatened to switch phone companies. 'I've been a loyal customer for 14 years and so have other thousands of non Anglo-Saxon Australians,' one person said. 'I'll now switch to another network provider.' Optus labelled the job advert as 'completely unacceptable' and has now taken it down, but the ad (pictured) was still appearing online on social media Friday. Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich said he was pleased Optus 'removed the hurtful and outrageous ad', which he said 'clearly violates the Australian values of fair go, equal opportunity and inclusivity'. 'People should be employed based on their skills, merit and CV, not because of their background, culture or skin colour,' he said. 'This kind of ugly exclusion and discrimination must never find a home in our nation, and we hope that Optus is vigilant in ensuring that such a prejudicial hiring practise is never allowed to form any part of their corporate culture.' Former politician Bronwyn Bishop told Sky News she couldn't understand why the ad appeared and observed: 'It looked to me like someone was trying to test the law'. 'There must have been something behind it because otherwise it makes no sense,' she said. The Russian Embassy have published their own 8,000-word report into the Skripal poisoning row. It comes as Britain dramatically moved to counter Russian propaganda on Salisbury today by releasing new evidence. The UK authorities disclosed that Moscow security services were spying on the Skripals for at least five years, and hacked the email of Yulia, who was poisoned along with her ex-spy father Sergei last month. Russia's report sets out a timeline of events, the British response and the lack of information it claims to have received following official requests. It concludes that 'the situation around the Skripals looks more and more like a forcible detention or imprisonment,' adding 'if British authorities are interested in assuring the public that this is not the case, they must urgently provide tangible evidence.' Miss Skripal, the daughter of ex-spy Sergei Skripal (pictured together) has only just been released from hospital after being found critically ill alongside him in Salisbury last month The report reiterates the Kremlin's claim Russia had 'nothing to do' with the Salisbury attack on 4 March and that the UK Government had classified information in a similar way to the Alexander Litvinenko case. As to the situation of the Skripals themselves, it concludes: 'Analysis of all circumstances shows that UK authorities have embarked upon a policy of isolation of Mr and Ms Skripal from the public, concealment of important evidence and blocking an impartial and independent investigation.' The report is in response to the disclosure made by UK authorities today which says Russia tested assassination methods including smearing nerve agent on doorhandles - the way the Novichok poison is thought to have been was delivered to the Skripals. Theresa May's National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill revealed the details in a letter to Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg. Mr Sedwill said the information underlined the UK's conclusion that there was 'no plausible' other explanation apart from Russian involvement. 'We therefore continue to judge that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible. There is no plausible alternative explanation,' he wrote. The intervention comes as the UK tries to quell a huge Russian misinformation campaign about the attack. Moscow's ambassador to London, Alexander Yakovenko, launched another furious barrage at a press conference this afternoon - accusing the UK of 'abducting' the Skripals and 'destroying evidence'. Russia's ambassador to the UK, Alexander Yakovenko, accused the UK of 'abducting' the Skripals and 'destroying evidence' National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill gave more details of the UK's case against Russia in a letter to Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg today Theresa May, pictured unveiling a war memorial in Maidenhead today, has said there is no other plausible explanation apart from Russian involvement in the Salisbury attack Yesterday the international chemical weapons watchdog backed Britain's findings that military-grade nerve agent had been used against the Skripals. The respected agency said an analysis of samples from the scene confirmed the UK's assessment that 'high purity' Novichok was used. Moscow has refused to commit to accepting the findings of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and proposed an array of other explanations for the presence of military-grade nerve agent on UK soil. One of the more outlandish is that it could have been deployed from Britain's own Porton Down laboratory eight miles down the road. In his letter, Sir Mark set out why the Government believes that only Russia has the 'technical means, operational experience and the motive' to carry out such an attack - including some declassified intelligence material. He said Russia had a 'proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination' and that it was 'highly likely' some defectors - like Mr Skripal, a former GRU officer who was exchanged in a spy swap in 2010 - may be regarded as 'legitimate targets'. What is the Novichok nerve agent used against the Skripals? The Novichok nerve agent used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia is among the most deadly poisons ever created. They were secretly developed by the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold war in the 1970s and 1980s. Communist scientists developed the poison so it would not be able to be detected by Nato's chemical detection equipment. They come in the form of a ultra-fine powder, Novichok is up to eight times more potent than the deadly VX gas. Victims who are poisoned by the powder suffer muscle spasms, breathing problems and then cardiac arrest. There is a known antidote to the nerve agent - atropine can block the poison. But doctors find it very tricky to administer the antidote because the dose would have to be so high it could prove fatal for the person. Novichok poisons are highly dangerous to handle, requiring the expertise of skilled scientists in a sophisticated lab. Dr Vil Mirzayanov, former Chief of the Foreign Technical Counterintelligence Department at Russias premiere, was among the team of scientists who helped develop the agent. Advertisement 'We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals dating back at least as far as 2013, when email accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists,' he said. Sir Mark also identified the key institute for developing Novichok in the former Soviet Union as a branch of the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikany near Volgograd. 'The code word used for the offensive chemical weapons programme (of which the Novichoks were one part) was FOLIANT,' he said. 'It is highly likely that Novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international weapons controls.' He said that Russia had continued to produce and stockpile small quantities of Novichoks within the last decade. 'During the 2000s, Russia commenced a programme to test means of delivering chemical warfare agents and to train personnel from special units in the use of these weapons,' he said. 'This programme subsequently included investigation of ways of delivering nerve agents, including by application to door handles. 'Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities of Novichoks under the same programme.' 'We therefore continue to judge that only Russian has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible,' he said. 'There is no plausible alternative explanation.' Mr Yakovenko said at the press conference in London today: 'The British Government still hasn't produced any evidence in support of its position that would confirm their official version. 'We get the impression the British Government is deliberately pursuing the policy of destroying all possible evidence.' An executive summary of the watchdog's report said: 'The results of the analysis by the OPCW designated laboratories of environmental and biomedical samples collected by the OPCW team confirms the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury and severely injured three people.' Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the OPCW had confirmed Britain's assessment that the substance was 'a military grade nerve agent a Novichok'. 'This is based on testing in four independent, highly reputable laboratories around the world. All returned the same conclusive results,' he said. 'There can be no doubt what was used and there remains no alternative explanation about who was responsible only Russia has the means, motive and record.' Earlier this week Ms Skripal revealed she has refused help from the Russian Embassy. In a statement issued through the Metropolitan Police, she confirmed that Russia had made contact with her but she did not 'wish to avail myself of their services'. Despite the OPCW findings, Mr Yakovenko said at the press conference in London today: 'The British Government still hasn't produced any evidence in support of its position that would confirm their official version.' Yulia's cousin, Viktoria Skripal, 45, protesting outside the British embassy in Moscow and demanding to be issued a visa to visit her stricken relatives in the UK Police officers pictured on the scene at Sergei Skripal's home yesterday, where it is believed he and his daughter came into contact with the nerve agent In the statement, she asked her outspoken cousin Viktoria Skripal, who has suggested Yulia's fiance was involved in the attack, to refrain from making contact and added that her relative's opinions did not reflect her own. Miss Skripal, 33, and her 66-year-old father were targeted in a poison plot in Salisbury five weeks ago, but the daughter has now been discharged from hospital. It is believed that British authorities immediately spirited Miss Skripal away to a secure location when she was discharged from hospital. The Russian embassy reacted angrily, suggesting in a series of tweets that the Russian national had been taken against her will. Former double agent Mr Skripal was jailed in Russia for selling secrets to MI6 but was released as part of a spy swap deal in 2010 and settled in the UK. It is hoped he will soon be fit for release from hospital, despite grave fears that the exposure to military-grade nerve agent Novichok on March 4 would prove fatal. Britain has said Russian state involvement is the only plausible explanation for the attack and has led a worldwide reaction involving the expulsion of more than 100 diplomats. Yulia Skripal called for family members, including her cousin Viktoria (pictured), not to speak on behalf of her or her stricken father President Donald Trump on Friday called former FBI director James Comey an 'untruthful slime ball' and 'a PROVEN LEAKER AND LIAR' who 'should be prosecuted' for putting classified information in view of the media. 'James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired,' Trump wrote in a pair of statements on Twitter. 'He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH.' 'He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!' His extraordinary tweets, an unprecedented moment in American history, came after excerpts from a televised interview were broadcast on national television, with Comey saying it's 'possible' the most salacious detail in the anti-Trump 'dirty dossier' is true. They also made their Internet splash the day after it was reported that Trump is poised to pardon Scooter Libby, a former vice presidential aide who was convicted of lying to the FBI and obstruction of justice during an investigation into a leak of the identity of a former covert CIA operative. Comey said Friday in advance of next week's high-profile book release that despite having access to the nation's most sensitive law-enforcement intelligence for years, he still can't dismiss the possibility that Trump was involved with a 'golden showers' sex act with prostitutes five years ago. President Donald trump declared all-out war Friday on former FBI director James Comey, calling him a 'slime ball' and saying he shoud be prosecuted for leaking information to the media Comey gave an extraordinary interview to ABC in advance of his book release next Tuesday, saying an unproven story about the president cavorting with prostitutes in Moscow five years age might be accurate Trump tweeted Friday that it was 'my great honor' to fire Comey in May 2017, and that he's 'a proven LEAKER & LIAR' 'I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current President of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013,' he told ABC's 'Good Morning America' program in an interview broadcast Friday. 'It's possible, but I don't know.' Trump's reference to leaking concerns Comey's admission during congressional testimony last year that he provided a longtime friend with a copy of memos he wrote after meeting with Trump in 2016 and 2017,m instructing him to circulate them among reporters. Trump claimed Friday that the information was classified, a point that's still under debate in Washington. The 'golden showers' accusation first came to light in an unproven dossier of opposition-research material paid for by the Democratic Party and the Hillary Clinton campaign and handed to the FBI during the 2016 presidential campaign. Comey said he never told Trump that his political adversaries had funded the work, but warned him during a 'really weird' post-election meeting that the information was circulating at the top levels of the federal government. Comey testified to Congress last year that he gave notes from his meetings with Trump to a friend and asked him to plant stories about them with reporters The extraordinary moment in history had America's former top cop questioning the strength of the president's marriage because Trump thought there was 'a 1 per cent chance' the first lady might believe the salacious 'golden showers' tale 'It was almost an out-of-body experience for me,' he said. 'I was floating above myself looking down saying, "You're sitting here briefing the incoming President of the United States about prostitutes in Moscow".' Comey's book, which goes on sale Tuesday, excoriates President Trump and is likely to be a best-seller And he threw an elbow at the president's marriage, saying Trump suspected the first lady might choose to believe the dossier's worst conclusions about him the hooker allegations. 'He said, "You know, if there's even a 1 per cent chance my wife thinks that's true, that's terrible",' Comey recalled. 'And I remember thinking, "How could your wife think there's a 1 per cent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow?" I'm a flawed human being but there's literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true. 'So what kind of marriage to what kind of man does your wife think there's only a 99 per cent chance you didn't do that?' Comey suggested the claim was still unproven but hedged his bets, saying only that 'when I got fired it was unverified.' He said he never told Trump that he didn't believe it 'because I couldn't say one way or another.' That hesitance, says the president's senior counselor Kellyanne Conway, suggests he developed an anti-Trump animus as a result of being pink-slipped, not while he was in government service. 'We find that Mr. Comey has a revisionist view of history and seems like a disgruntled ex-employee,' Conway told reporters outside the White House on Friday. 'After all, he was fired. It's not as if he came to the conclusions that are in his book while he was on the job as FBI director, in the presence, in the company of the president and said, "You know, I just must resign. I can't deal with this anymore. I must resign".' Kellyanne Conway, among the president's most trusted advisers, told reporters Friday that Comey's anti-Trump conclusions came after he was unceremoniously fired, making him a 'disgruntled ex-employee' The president handed Comey his walking papers last year, prompting him to write a dramatic tell-all the first such book in history Trump gave Comey the ax in May 2017. His principal response has been the book, due out Tuesday, titled 'A higher loyalty.' It represents the first pointed, opinionated tell-all volume by a former FBI director in history. As newsrooms quickly devoured advance copies on Thursday, details began to filter out. One describes Trump imperiously sitting behind the historic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office while he met with Comey instead of the usual, more casual setting of chairs at the opposite end of the room. '[W]hen the president sits on a throne, protected by a large wooden obstacle, as Trump routinely did in my interactions with him, the formality of the Oval Office is magnified and the chances of getting the full truth plummet,' he writes. Comey also carps about Trump's 'constant equivocation and apologies for Vladimir Putin.' Elsewhere in his book, 'A Higher Loyalty,' Comey writes that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly told him shortly after hi was dismissed that Trump was a 'dishonorable' leader. An 'emotional' Kelly, in Comey's telling, called him within minutes of his sudden dismissal and said he was 'sick' about the way Trump let him go. Comey found out he was out of a job while he was delivering a speech to FBI agents in California and audience members told him his ouster was being flashed across TV news screens. Kelly, Comey claims, said he 'intended to quit' in response and 'said he didnt want to work for dishonorable people,' referring directly to the president. The Republican Party has been gearing up for weeks to combat the accompanying PR blitz with a website, LyinComey.com. It lays out a set of talking points arguing that Comey lacks credibility and is out for revenge. DailyMail.com obtained a copy of the White House's full-length talking points, which urge surrogates to emphasize 'gross inaccuracies' in Comey's congressional testimony. A British woman arrested for underage sex in the US had treatment for sex addiction as a teenager, her former lover has claimed. Sarah McGill, who was arrested at a hotel in Orlando and accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy for 340, would also regularly cheat on her young girlfriend, it was alleged. McGill met Emma McWatters, 27, a body piercer, she was just 14 and Emma was 13 at a rock night at a local liberal club in Hawick, Scotland. Sarah McGill (left as a younger woman with her then girlfriend Emma McWatters), who was accused of underage sex in the US this week, had treatment for sex addiction as a teenager, her former lover has claimed McGill, who was arrested at a hotel in Orlando and accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy for 340, would also regularly cheat on her young girlfriend, it was alleged Emma (above, now) said McGill had a split personality and although she could be quiet and reserved, she was so preoccupied with sex that she had sex addiction counselling as a teenager Emma said McGill had a split personality and although she could be quiet and reserved, she was so preoccupied with sex that she had sex addiction counselling as a teenager. In an interview with MailOnline, Emma said: 'It obviously didn't work. 'Sarah was such a quiet girl but obsessed with sex. It was like she had two personalities, the quiet Sarah who barely spoke, and her double life sleeping with people.' McGill appeared in court in Florida earlier this week, charged with lewd or lascivious battery. She and the teenage boy allegedly started texting each other before they arranged to meet at in a Marriott hotel room in Orlando and had sex. Recalling her first meeting with McGill, Emma said the girls swapped numbers and started texting and chatting to each other and would meet up and hang out together. They didn't start a sexual relationship until she was older, but once, when the girls were out drinking in a park, McGill pulled down her trousers in front of friends. Emma, who is now happily married to Sharon, 40, said: 'I was shocked and embarrassed. I was only 14 and not yet sexually active. I couldn't believe she did it and I was really upset, but I loved Sarah. McGill met Emma McWatters, 27, a body piercer, she was just 14 and Emma was 13 at a rock night at a local liberal club in Hawick, Scotland. Pictured as a couple when they were young McGill appeared in court in Florida earlier this week, charged with lewd or lascivious battery. She and the teenage boy allegedly started texting each other before they arranged to meet at in a Marriott hotel room in Orlando and had sex The victim told police McGill had met him on the first floor of the hotel near the elevator before taking him up to her room 'She tried to give me oral sex but I didn't let her. She said we should go back to mine but we didn't that night. 'We started a sexual relationship later on. Sarah was bisexual and said she had relationships with men, but that she was only seeing me.' However Emma claimed that McGill saw several other people during their relationship. 'She was so beautiful and I just wanted to be with her so I was blinded by that and put up with it.' Over the years, Emma said she found endless messages on McGill's phone and computer allegedly showing she was seeing other men. She had several different identities and profiles on sites like Adult Friend Finder, Vampire Freaks and web cam sites where she allegedly shared naked photos and videos. But they carried on seeing each other and Emma says McGill would come to her house up to five times a week and each time she would want sex. She said: 'She wasn't very body confident then. She was very skinny and had small boobs and wasn't very active when it came to sex. 'But then she started lying to me and saying she had to go away. I found out it was to see other men.' Emma claimed that McGill saw several other people during their relationship. 'She was so beautiful and I just wanted to be with her so I was blinded by that and put up with it' Over the years, Emma said she found endless messages on McGill's phone and computer allegedly showing she was seeing other men. But they carried on seeing each other and Emma says McGill (as a young girl) would come to her house up to five times a week and want sex Emma says McGill went completely off the rails in 2011 when her mum died of cervical cancer. Before, her mum had given her money and McGill was studying art at Borders College. She moved from the family home into her own place in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, and allegedly started drinking heavily. 'She would drink a bottle of red wine a day. She didn't eat. She'd have a slice of toast and just take vitamins and meal replacement drinks because she was so obsessed with being skinny. 'Sarah wanted a celebrity lifestyle. She wanted to be famous. Instead of buying food and putting money in the electric meter, she'd buy Louis Vuitton shoes. 'My mum was worried about me. She just wanted me to be happy and she knew Sarah was hurting me and has seen me upset. 'Eventually when I was 18 I decided I'd had enough. We split up. Sarah messaged a few times but I never really heard from her after that. 'But I knew she was in a bad place.' McGill was released from Orange County Jail on Monday but was ordered to turn over her UK passport to ensure she remains in Florida McGill allegedly has an escort website under the name Sophia Belle offering the 'perfect girlfriend experience,' and asks for a 'donation' of 200 for an hour and 2000 for a 'lux overnight' with 600 Christian Louboutin heels and 400 La Perla underwear sets on her wishlist. Emma says she feels sad seeing the girl she once loved arrested and charged with having sex with a US schoolboy. McGill has had to surrender her passport and court papers showed a space for her signature was filled in with 'Unable/Mental health.' Emma says: 'I feel sad for her as she's a young girl and has gone down a very dark route in life. She's very troubled and I don't think anyone really knows what goes on in her mind. 'I was with her for five years and don't feel like I really knew her. Police raided McGill's hotel room (pictured above) and found her with another man. They also found condom wrappers, cash and unused condoms in the room The 14-year-old boy told police he made contact with McGill while searching for prostitutes online. He said they met in a Marriott hotel room in Orlando to have sex and he paid her 340 'I do care for her. She was my first love but I don't think she will ever change. All she cares about is sex and money and living a celebrity lifestyle. She has fame now but for all the wrong reasons. 'I hope what has happened makes her get help but I don't imagine it will.' An 'eleventh man' appeared in court in Paris on Friday in connection with an 8.5million robbery that saw a gun pointed at Kim Kardashian's head. Ten suspects have already been indicted following the reality TV star's terrifying ordeal in the French capital in October 2016. But now judicial police working to France's anti-bandit office (OCRB) have swooped on yet another alleged criminal. He was arrested in the southern Mediterranean city of Nice early this week 'and then transferred to Paris for an appearance before an examining judge,' said a source close to the case. 'The eleventh man can be held for up to 48 hours before he is charged or released,' the source added. 'His name is not yet being released.' The court appearance was not open to the public, but was expected to lead to a period of detention during which the man could be quizzed. Scroll down for video The scene in Paris as the world's press arrived to Kim Kardashian's rented apartment in the city Five masked intruders aged between 27 and 64 tied her up and locked her in the bathroom His arrest some 600 miles from Paris highlights the sprawling nature of an enquiry that was meticulously planned by a seasoned gang of armed robbers. Aomar Ait Khedache, a 60-year-old gangster nicknamed 'Old Omar', has already admitted organising the heist, and even sent a personal letter of apology to Ms Kardashian. In a handwritten note in French sent from his prison cell, the alleged mastermind acknowledged the psychological damage caused to the entire Kardashian family. The letter read: 'I want to come to you as a human being to tell you how much I regret my act, and how much I have been moved and touched to see you in tears.' It was sent days before the first anniversary of the robbery, which took place in Paris during Fashion Week on October 3 2016. Five masked intruders aged between 27 and 64 stormed into Ms Kardashian's rented Paris residence, tied her up and locked her in the bathroom as they robbed her of her jewels. Around $10 million of jewellery was taken from the star - several necklaces and bracelets One of the 11 suspects arrested so far being taken into a Paris police station for questioning Ms Kardashian 'begged for her life' when a gun was pointed at her head, saying she had children at home. In a statement given the morning after the attack, and released by police in January 2017, Ms Kardashian recalled how the masked thugs had first grabbed her. She said: 'I was in a bathrobe, naked underneath. We went back to the bedroom and they pushed me onto the bed.' Two Cartier diamond bracelets, a Jacob necklace in gold with diamonds, earrings with diamonds by Loraine Schwarz, and others by Yanina were among those taken from Ms Kardashian. A diamond necklace with the name of her son Saint was also stolen, along with a Jacob diamond cross and two rings in yellow gold, adding up to a haul worth $10m, or 8.5m. French police originally arrested 17 suspects in connection with the raid, of whom 10 have since been charged with a variety of offences including armed robbery. They are all on remand in prisons around Paris, and waiting trial. More staffing changes were proposed for the code enforcement office. Director of Planning and Economic Development Jenny Haines, whose department oversees code enforcement, said the city can save around $30,000 a year by eliminating its trash, grass and snow contracts with private companies. That savings will go toward hiring two part-time laborers who will be responsible for maintaining the upkeep of houses that are not up to code. Auburn Fire Chief Joseph Morabito said that the biggest increase to the department's budget, nearly $300,000, is due to contractual obligations relating to salaries, retirement, benefits and overtime. He also noted that there are 244 properties within the city on the vacant building registry. Buildings placed on this registry are required to pay yearly fees between $300 and $2,000, depending on how long they have been abandoned. Morabito explained that the city charges fees for these properties in an effort to get them fixed up and put back on the tax roll. "We felt charging them a fee would help push them along to get them to where they should be," Morabito said. "In some cases it works and in some cases it does not." A young bikie is facing hard time for a string of colourful criminal offences - including stuffing cannabis down his pants, doing burnouts in plain sight of police and stashing drugs inside Kinder Surprises. While motorcycle outlaws aren't exactly known for their scruples or their subtlety, 25-year-old Mitchell Mohan's flagrant disregard for the law puts him in a different league. He pleaded guilty to 19 traffic, drugs and weapons offences on Friday, and was sentenced to a total of two years and four months in jail, The Daily Telegraph reports. Mitchell Mohan, 25, has been sentenced to time in jail for a string of brazen offences - including doing burnouts in front of police and smuggling cannabis down his pants For one, Gosford District Court heard that Mohan - a former member of the Rebels motorcycle gang - was pulled over in January 2017 after performing a wheelie in front of police. Officers cautioned him as he reached into his pants - but the brazen bikie calmly informed them that it was just a bit of 'cannabis', and pulled out a plastic glove. A week later police witnessed Mohan doing an eight second burnout at a roundabout in a high powered Ford Falcon XR8 - a vehicle that his P-plates didn't permit him to drive - and again pulled him over. A search of Mohan's residence on the Central Coast of NSW found 12.68g of cocaine and 6.18g of MDMA hidden in Kinder Surprise eggs Police also found cash, replica pistols, fireworks and a stolen motorcycle stored in Mohan's back shed Officers report that they saw his two-year-old son in a child seat in the back, sitting next to an unrestrained dog. 'My young bloke started saying 'burnout, burnout daddy',' Mohan later told police. 'So I said 'what do you do, what do you do?', you gotta keep him happy. So I just did a burnout. He loves burnouts.' And a burnout was what the two-year-old got. Then, to cap it all off, was the incident on February 1st 2017, when police executed a search warrant at Moran's home in Halloran, in the Central Coast region of NSW. Here they found 12.68g of cocaine and 6.18g of MDMA hidden in Kinder Surprise eggs - along with cash, replica pistols, fireworks and a stolen motorcycle stored in Mohan's back shed. Judge Michael Bozic delivered Mohan's sentence, underscoring the fact that had a lengthy criminal record, was a member of the Rebels and had longstanding drug and mental health issues The court heard that the stolen motorcycle had been left in the shed by someone else, and the drugs were meant for Mohan and his friends' personal use at an upcoming music festival. But Mohan's appeals were ultimately fruitless. Judge Michael Bozic underscored the fact that the 25-year-old had a lengthy criminal record, was a member of the Rebels and had longstanding drug and mental health issues. He sentenced Mohan to a total sentence of two years and four months jail - adding that he had 'guarded prospects of his rehabilitation'. Mohan will be eligible for parole after one year and four months. Russia's ambassador to the UK has claimed the chemical weapons attack in Syria may have been faked, as he launched a desperate propaganda bid to halt the march to war. Alexander Yakovenko compared allegations Bashar Assad gassed his own people in the rebel-held area of Douma with Tony Blair's claims Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. And he suggested evidence that dozens were killed in the attack could have been staged by the humanitarian group the White Helmets. Mr Yakovenko made the extraordinary claims in a rambling press conference after Theresa May got the backing of her Cabinet to join military strikes against Syria. Speaking in London today, the diplomat said: 'The White Helmets are supported by the British government they are giving them money. And they are famous for staging fake chemical attacks, thats exactly what happened in Khan Shaykhun. 'So this what they are famous for, thats why I mention them. Of course as I said they are responsible for the information for sharing this kind of information through social media and the press. Scroll down for video: Alexander Yakovenko launched a desperate propaganda bid to cast doubt over evidence that chlorine was used to kill 70 people in the rebel-held area of Douma last weekend. The ambassador (pictured today) said the US and its allies had provided 'no tangible proof' to back up claims the Syrian government was responsible for the attack And he showed a series of clips of Mr Blair apologising for not discovering the WMDs he had claimed Saddam Hussein had ahead of the 2003 Iraq War. But the weapons were never found and reports into the war found that the intelligence the then PM took Britain to war on was faulty. Ex-General warns that Russia could target Cyprus if UK joins strikes on Syria An RAF Tornado GR4 lands at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus (file picture) A Russian former general has warned that Cyprus could be targeted if Britain joins military action against Syria. Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy, who previously served on the Russian General Staff and now runs a think tank, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme intervention by the US, Britain and France could be a direct way to military confrontation with Russia. As our chief of the general staff said a couple of weeks ago, Russia would shot down the missiles and its carriers and I dont think he was joking, thats a very serious situation and thats true, he said. Asked if that could mean striking back at Cyprus, he said: If our military determined that the missiles were launched from the UK, carriers of course, UK carriers and missiles would be hit back. Mr Buzhinskiy said it would be very difficult to find a significant military target in Syria where there are no Russians. We have several thousands advisers in all military installation in all military units, he said. If Russian blood is shed then Russia will retaliate. Mr Buzhinskiy said Russian intelligence showed there were no chemical attacks and the episode was staged. Advertisement Mr Yakovenko said: 'The Syrian government had been repeatedly warning for at least a month that rebels prepared to stage a provocation with chemical weapons in this very area.' Mr Yakovenko said that international inspectors were expected in Syria on Saturday, adding: 'But I believe that any delay may be used to carry out military strikes to cover up all the evidence, or lack there of, on the ground.' The Russian diplomat also showed a series of clips of Mr Blair first making the case for the Iraq war, and later apologising for not finding the WMDs. The clear implication of the clips was that sending British forces into Syria on bombing raids would be another misguided military intervention. The ambassador said the US and its allies had provided 'no tangible proof' to back up claims the Syrian government was responsible for the attack. He added: 'We are witnessing very dangerous developments in Syria. The current US politics, supported almost mechanically by France and the UK, is becoming a threat to the peace and security in the region and beyond. 'And we believe that the international community to voice concern against the not inconsiderate actions the US and its allies are planning to take. His rambling intervention came after Mrs May gathered her war Cabinet at Downing Street last night to discuss military strikes against the regime. The PM also spoke with Donald Trump and the pair vowed to 'deter' the Assad regime from using chemical weapons again as the prospect of strikes draws closer. The PM and the US President agreed they must 'challenge' the apparent atrocity carried out by Syrian regime forces after the Cabinet backed joining military action. But Mrs May is still facing a growing clamour to stage a Commons vote before UK forces get involved in reprisals. Jeremy Corbyn today accused the premier of taking 'instructions' from Mr Trump, ruling out support for any military action. Despite years of negotiations coming to deadlock, with Russia, Iran and Turkey all deeply involved in the country's civil war, the Labour leader called for the 'withdrawal of all foreign forces'. Former FBI Director James Comey's plain disdain for President Trump in his new book has a mirror image in his admiration for his predecessor, whom he lauds with compliments about his humor, leadership, and warmth. If Comey and Trump got off on the wrong foot with an awkward conversation about uncorroborated charges Trump cavorted with prostitutes and viewed a golden shower, Comey's relations with Obama, who appointed him, remained positive. 'I was struck by the way he could see and evaluate a variety of angles on a complicated issue,' Comey says of the Columbia and Harvard Law-educated Obama. '[He] displayed a sense of humor, insight, and an ability to connect with an audience, which I would later come to appreciate in the president even more,' he said, praising Obama's personal qualities and political skills,' he said. President Barack Obama speaks with new FBI Director James Comey (R) during an installation ceremony at Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters in Washington, DC, October 28, 2013. Comey repeatedly praises Obama in his new book 'These are all qualities that are indispensable in good leaders.' Comey added: 'He was an extraordinary listener, as good as any I've seen in leadership.' Comey casts Obama as in command in the Oval Office, soliciting views but not necessarily favoring advice from the biggest of big wigs. 'In various meetings with the president, I watched him work hard to draw as many view points as possible into a conversation, frequently disregarding the hierarchy reflected in seating arrangements,' Comey said. 'He displayed a sense of humor, insight, and an ability to connect with an audience, which I would later come to appreciate in the president even more,' Comey wrote of President Obama Fired FBI Director James Comey takes down President Trump in his new book, calling him 'unethical' and 'untethered to truth' Comey's book, which goes on sale Tuesday, excoriates President Trump and is likely to be a best-seller 'He really did believe that he, Barack Obama, could always figure out the hardest stuff.' He concludes: 'I had developed great respect for him as a leader and a person.' According to Comey, Obama even cut him slack on one of the most controversial decisions of his tenure: how he handled the decision to announce the decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton an action many Democrats say cost Clinton the election. 'I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability,' Obama told him in the Oval Office after the election, Comey writes. 'I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view.' Comey wrote he was close to tears. 'Boy, were those words I needed to hear . . . I'm just trying to do the right thing,' he told the president, who responded: 'I know. I know.' Comey's new book, 'A Higher Loyalty,' comes out Tuesday. 'I was struck by the way he could see and evaluate a variety of angles on a complicated issue,' Comey says of President Barack Obama I SWEAR: Comey says Obama was 'an extraordinary listener, as good as any I've seen in leadership Obama nominated Comey to succeed Robert Mueller as FBI Director. Trump fired him after Comey says Trump asked him to say he wasn't a target of the Russia probe Comey offers no such praise of integrity or intellect when it comes to the man who fired him, after setting up what Comey describes as a mob-like loyalty test that Comey failed. 'I see no evidence that a lie ever caused Trump pain, or that he ever recoiled from causing another person pain, which is sad and frightening,' Comey writes. 'This president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values. His leadership is transactional, ego driven, and about personal loyalty.' He told ABC in an interview promoting the book he didn't know if unverified golden showers episode involving Trump in the Steele Dossier is true As an example, he writes that Trump used physical space to intimidate him, whereas Obama and George W. Bush tried to make him feel at home with comfy chairs and fireside chats. 'In dozens of meetings in that space with Presidents Bush and Obama, I cannot recall ever seeing them stationed at their desk. They instead sat in an armchair by the fireplace and held meetings in a more open, casual arrangement,' Comey writes. 'That made sense to me. As hard as it is to get people to relax and open up with a president, the chances are much better in the sitting area, where we can pretend we are friends gathered around a coffee table. There, the president can try to be one of a group, and draw the others out to tell him the truth.' He accounted Trump's set up behind his desk to a virtual throne. 'But when the president sits on a throne, protected by a large wooden obstacle, as Trump routinely did in my interactions with him, the formality of the Oval Office is magnified and the chances of getting the full truth plummet,' he writes. Describing one such incident, he writes: '[S]itting at the desk once used by Presidents Kennedy and Reagan, he launched into one of his rapid-fire, stream-of-consciousness monologues.' A leading chef has blasted UberEats as a 'fascist' and 'truly evil' company after his customers flooded his restaurant's Facebook with awful reviews. Burgers by Josh founder Josh Arthurs explained in a lengthy post on Tuesday that he believes UberEats is a bad experience for both customers and the global organisation's operational partners. 'To all our loyal customers who have had a bad experience with UberEats we APOLOGISE,' the post read. Leading Sydney chef Josh Arthurs blasted UberEats after his restaurant received bad reviews on Facebook (pictured) The Burgers by Josh founder shared his feelings in a post on Tuesday (pictured: food from the Burgers by Josh menu) 'As both a customer and food operational partner of this fascist company I have seen first-hand just how bad experience it is for both parties involved.' He wrote the drivers have not received any training in food handling or customer service and that 'any Joe off the street can join' and that problems are made worse because of the drivers pay. Mr Arthurs suggests workers will 'take one Job/food order and often stop in and get another along the way which results in customers getting cold food.' He said recently Uber changed their policy on refunds for customers and businesses. 'Customers no longer have a call centre to call and they have to enter a complaint in via the app to be sent off overseas with an expected wait of 24 to 72-hour response time to then see if you are eligible for a refund. 'Doesn't really help when your food's not right there now does it? To make matters worse businesses have to compensate 50 per cent of the refund even if it's not the restaurant's fault.' He slammed the online delivery service for not training their staff in food handling or customer service His post has garnered more than 1,600 reactions as well as over 440 comments The burger chef said his Google reviews had been 'tarnished by unhappy customers whose issue is with delivery drivers or their handling of our much-loved product'. 'We contacted Uber simply to be told they can't do anything about it and to give a bad review to drivers,' he said. 'To further that, Uber already takes 35 per cent off the overall sales sold through the app, leaving restaurants with no room to make a profit. 'This is a truly evil company and it's destroying our beautiful Australian restaurant culture. So we will no longer be partnering with UberEats and are looking into removing our contract with them. One man claimed his pizza was delivered in horrific shape by an UberEats delivery driver Another consumer shared how his Lebanese mixed plate was once received 'We will however be on Deliveroo as it's a much better service for customer and business alike with trained drivers, call centre for customers and much better business partner support. This overseas company is un-Australian and exploiting small business, we must say NO.' His post has garnered more than 1,600 reactions as well as over 440 comments and 228 shares since the post was shared. Some followers of the thread took to sharing their own experiences with the food ordering service including one man who claimed his pizza was delivered in horrific shape. 'This is how my food was delivered last night due to an idiot driver, it's a shame the restaurant will need to fork up 50 per cent,' he shared in the comments. Another consumer shared how his Lebanese mixed plate was once received. Milky Lane's Christian Avant believed Deliveroo was the best way forward. 'We've used Deliveroo since day one bro and will be launching our own delivery before the end of the year,' he wrote. A UberEats spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia since launching the platform in Australia nearly two years ago, they have been overwhelmed by a positive response by people who have embraced the app. The burger chef said his Google reviews had been 'tarnished by unhappy customers whose issue is with delivery drivers or their handling of our much-loved product' 'We place a lot of value on establishing long-term relationships with our restaurant partners but we understand that a partnership with us will not suit all restaurants. 'UberEats is proving popular with over 8000 active restaurants across Australia who choose to be on our platform because it helps them grow their business and reach new customers with a fast, reliable and efficient delivery option. 'Restaurant service fees give restaurant partners access to a large network of delivery partners and contribute to 24/7 customer and operational support, as well as app development, marketing campaigns and business insights. UberEats can be a cost-effective channel for reaching an entirely new customer base. We encourage all of our restaurant partners to reach out to us directly to address any concerns or issues they may be having and we will work to resolve these with them.' Its In-N-Out versus Down N Out in a trans-Pacific burger war. The popular West Coast burger chain In-N-Out has filed a lawsuit in Australia against Hashtag Burgers, the company that operates the local brand, Down N Out, for alleged trademark infringement. In-N-Out claims that Down N Out is deceiving customers by using its name and logo to give the impression that its burgers in Sydney are the same as those sold to Americans. News of the lawsuit was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. In-N-Out says Hashtag Burgers is passing off its products for someone elses, which makes people think that the US-based chain has given Down N Out its endorsement, approval, license, authority, or sponsorship. In-N-Out is accusing Down N Out of capitalizing on In-N-Outs substantial reputation and goodwill. The popular West Coast burger chain In-N-Out has filed a lawsuit in Australia against Hashtag Burgers, the company that operates the local brand, Down N Out, for alleged trademark infringement. The above stock image shows an In-N-Out location in Fort Worth, Texas In-N-Out claims that Down N Out is deceiving customers by using its name and logo to give the impression that its burgers in Sydney are the same as those sold to Americans Hashtag Burgers has rejected these assertions. It says it is fully within its rights to use the Down N Out name because In-N-Out does not conduct its fast-food business in Australia and therefor has no goodwill in Australia. The American company, which is owned by the Snyder family, wants Hashtag to cease using the Down N Out name and to pay damages equal to the profits it made off the name. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for August 10. A judge has ordered In-N-Out to file evidence in support of its claims by June 1. Hashtag Burgers was told to file counter-evidence by July 27. In-N-Out, one of the most popular burger chains in the United States, was founded in 1948. Australians are seen above lining up outside a Down N' Out burger location in Sydney Down N Out has just two locations one in Sydney and another in Top Ryde It currently operates more than 300 locations concentrated in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and Oregon. Down N Out, by contrast, has just two locations one in Sydney and another in Top Ryde. In-N-Out, a company that has declined to expand more aggressively in the US because of fears it will erode product quality, appears to be trying to make inroads in the Land Down Under. Last month, it opened a pop-up restaurant at a bar in Melbourne, Mashable reported. The response from customers was overwhelming as people lined up for a taste of the popular brand. In-N-Out proved such a hit that it sold out all of its burgers and fries within hours. Stormy Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti has claimed Michael Cohen has organized another hush money payment since the one he arranged with the porn star (pictured in Las Vegas on January 27) President Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen recently organized another nondisclosure agreement for a GOP donor who impregnated a woman and then 'made sure she had an abortion', Stormy Daniels attorney claimed in a tweet on Thursday. Michael Avenatti, who is suing on behalf of the porn star to have her own hush money settlement with Trump invalidated, made the allegation in the same week Cohen's office, home and hotel room were raided by FBI agents. 'In last 18 mos, Mr. Cohen negotiated yet another hush NDA, this time on behalf of a prominent GOP donor who had a relationship with a LA woman, impregnated her and then made sure she had an abortion. The deal provided for multiple payments across many months. #basta,' he wrote. Basta is Italian for 'enough'. Three hours later, Avenatti clarified his original message with another tweet: 'And to be clear, the GOP donor is also LA based.' Avenatti tweeted on Thursday to claim the payment had happened 'in the last 18 months' and was on behalf of a GOP donor based in Los Angeles Avenatti, (left, in New York on April 5) who is suing on behalf of the porn star to have her own hush money settlement with Trump struck off, made the allegation in the same week Cohen's premises were raided by FBI agents. Cohen is pictured in New York on April 12 Cohen arranged a $130,000 payment to be made to Daniels 11 days before the 2016 presidential election in return for keeping quiet about an affair she claims to have had with Trump in 2006. Avenatti filed a suit to have this agreement overturned on March 6, and wants sworn testimony from Trump about whether he knew of the agreement or provided the funds to finance it. These two points are significant, because if Trump or his campaign provided the money - or had any knowledge of the payment being made - it could be considered a campaign contribution. Therefore, failure to report it would have violated election law. Cohen has always insisted he funded the payment himself and it was done without the President's knowledge. Trump denied knowing about the nondisclosure agreement made with Daniels when he was questioned by reporters on Air Force One last Thursday Trump, meanwhile, denied knowing about the payment when he was questioned by reporters last week and insists he never had an affair with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. 'You'll have to ask Michael Cohen. Michael is my attorney. You'll have to ask Michael,' he said Thursday aboard Air Force One while returning from West Virginia for an event on the new tax overhaul law. Avenatti's suit appears to have prompted the FBI's raids on Cohen on Monday night, as agents seized - among other things - documents relating to the nondisclosure agreement with Daniels. Trump and Daniels are seen together in a photo taken in 2006, when they are said to have been engaged in an affair President Trump replied furiously to the news, lashing out at his own Justice Department in tweet, which read: 'Attorneyclient privilege is dead! A TOTAL WITCH HUNT!' Avenatti, who offered no further evidence to support his claim of Cohen having organised an additional nondisclosure agreement for a GOP donor, has become known for his attention-grabbing stunts in recent months. On March 22, three days before Daniels' bombshell '60 Minutes' interview about her alleged affair with Trump, he tweeted a photo of a CD with the caption If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is this worth?????' The outspoken lawyer was in the news again last on April 5 when he wished a news anchor 'Merry Christmas' while expressing his delight at the President's decision to deny he knew about a hush money payment on Air Force One. Avenatti argued the claim helped his client's case, because if Trump himself did not know the terms of the agreement it would be hard for his legal team to argue it was still in force. Also in March, Cohen name was added to the original suit filed against Trump to have the nondisclosure agreement made invalid. Avenatti has become known for his social media stunts. On March 22, three days before the '60 Minutes' interview, Avenatti tweeted a photo of a CD with the caption if "a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is this worth?????' And on Monday, Avenatti told people to expect a 'major announcement' about the man who allegedly threatened Daniels not to speak about her relationship with Trump. He changed his mind a day later after the FBI raids Daniels claimed Cohen had defamed her by denying any knowledge of the porn star's claim on 60 Minutes that she was threatened to 'leave Trump alone' in 2011 by a man in Las Vegas. The porn star claimed his denial was 'defamatory' as it was 'reasonably understood Mr. Cohen meant to convey that Ms. Clifford is a liar'. Avenatti tweeted on Monday to say he would release a forensic sketch of the 'thug' allegedly responsible for the threat against Daniels, but changed his mind a day later in light of the FBI raids. Gheorghe Mihai who tried to stab his sister-in-law to death just weeks after being allowed in the UK A Romanian killer who tried to stab his sister-in-law to death just weeks after being allowed into the UK has been jailed for life. Gheorghe Mihai, 38, who was a convicted murderer, told his friend he wanted to kill again moments before knifing 23-year-old Roxana Mihai with a six inch blade. He repeatedly stabbed her in the face, back and arm after chasing her down Lye High Street, Wolverhampton and calling her a 'whore' before catching up with her. Wolverhampton Crown Court heard he launched into the attack after she interrupted a conversation he was having with her husband Nicursor Gheorghe, his half-brother. He turned into a 'man possessed' after repeatedly knifing her in the street, and she was only saved when her husband managed to wrestle Mihai off and punch him in the face. Mihai, of Wolverhampton, then ran to Kingsfleet Auto Mechanical garage in a nearby street, where he was arrested by police on August 7 last year. A jury took just two hours to find Mihai guilty of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon following a trial in February. Yesterday (Fri) he was jailed for life to serve a minimum of ten years. Judge Amjad Nawaz told him: 'You are somebody with a predisposition to act in a violent way.' The court heard Mihai was jailed for seven years after battering a man to death with a plank of wood in his home country in 2004. Gheorghe Mihai was jailed for life at Wolverhampton Crown Court He moved to the UK early last year and the day he attacked Mrs Gheorghe he had been drinking and boasting to friends about how he was going to kill again. Friend Gama Bobi told the court: 'He was drinking two bottles of beer and was drunk. I could see it in his eyes. 'He told me he was going to kill someone and go to jail for ten years. 'I thought he was joking because he had drunk too much.' The court heard Mihai then staggered across the road to where his half-brother and Mrs Mihai were waiting for a bus. In his police statement, Mr Gheorghe said: 'He asked me for 5 three times and I explained we only had 10. 'My wife then told him we had no money because we had sent it all to our family in Romania. 'He said to her 'why are you talking in our conversation,' took out a knife from the waist band of his trousers and said: 'Let me cut her because she is a whore.' 'I held him to let my wife run and hide. When I couldn't see her I released him not thinking that he would harm her.' Describing how he managed to stop Mihai from killing her, he said: 'I saw my wife on the floor covered in blood. 'I went after him and managed to punch him in the face between the eyes.' Mr Bobi, who witnessed the savage attack, told the court: 'He raised his hand above his head and stabbed her on the face by her right eye. 'She was on the floor screaming. 'He raised his hand up again and stabbed her in the back on her head.' Eye-witness Kieran Langan said Mihai had looked like 'a man possessed'. He told the court: 'He was in a rage. She was backing away. I could tell that she as scared. Then I saw him open his jacket and pull out a large kitchen knife. 'I stopped the lorry because I thought I was about to witness a murder in the High Street.' Mihai could not be refused entry into this country because he had served the seven year sentence imposed in Romania in 2006 for the murder. He was also not wanted for any other crime and did not need to tell officials of his alarming previous conviction when he came to the UK at the end of 2016. Romania is a member of the European Union and its citizens benefit from 'free movement' rights. They do not need a visa to visit or work here and so avoid the checks made on people from nations not in the EU, who must give details of any previous criminal conviction before it is decided whether to let them in. Douglas Marshall, Senior Crown Prosecutor with West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Gheorghe Mihai approached his family that day, having already armed himself with a large kitchen knife and, seemingly, intent on using it. 'Whilst the argument may have started over money, he has never explained why he attacked his sister-in-law so viciously. 'It was only the brave action of the victim's husband who defended his wife that stopped Mihai's frenzied attack, fortunately the victim has recovered from her injuries. Former Speaker of the House John Boehner says Donald Trump should let Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian election interference proceed without interfering or firing the people running it. But the Republican, at one time in the constitutional line of succession to the presidency, is 'ecstatic' that he's no longer in Washington to deal with the fallout from whatever the president decides. 'It's a very bad idea' to fire Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Boehner told the 'Today' show. 'These are public servants whove got long careers, stand-up people who are charged with an investigation.' 'Either there are facts or there are not. Either there are crimes that were committed, or weren't,' he said. 'And the American people deserve to see the truth. We live in the most open society in the world. Theres no reason why those investigations should be impeded at all.' Former Speaker of the House John Boehner says President Donald Trump shouldn't fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller or Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein Mueller (left) and Rosenstein (right) ought to be allowed to complete the Russia probe, says Boehner The Ohio Republican said Friday that fired FBI director James Comey (pictured) wrote his new book from his own point of view, but the full story will eventually come out Boehner emphasized the value of knowing precisely how and to what extent Vladimir Putin's government monkey-wrenched America's election system, and whether or not Trump's campaign aides were in the thick of it. 'I think its really important that the American people understand: What were the Russians up to? And what were the campaigns doing talking to the Russians?' he insisted. The former Ohio politician said he's personally on Russia's 'No-fly list' because 'Putin got tired of me calling him a thug. But the American people deserve to know what happened and what didnt happen.' He called Trump's entanglement in the investigation 'noise,' and praised him for the substantive work coming out of the White House. 'His style is a little different than mine,' Boehner conceded, 'but if you get past all the noise the president is mostly doing the right things.' Boehner has stayed on the sidelines since his protege Rep. Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican who announced his own retirement this week, took the reins of the House of Representatives in 201. But he's back in the spotlight with news that he's advising a company that produces marijuana for medical uses a job that could involve pressuring the federal government to reclassify the drug so universities can conduct research into the beneficial effects of cannabis. That role, however, would be a far cry from his old job. 'I'm very happy' on the outside looking in, he said. President Trump has been considering a Justice Department house-cleaning to end what he sees as a politically motivated probe of Russian election interference that has ensnared his aides and lawyers Boehner is giving interviews to raise the profile of medical marijuana, his new cause 'I've not had a moment of regret or remorse. Every morning its "Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, this is not my problem".' Boehner also weighed in gently on the bombshell news coming out of former FBI director James Comey's forthcoming book, saying that the fired former top lawman is 'entitled to his opinion. He's laying out facts as he sees them.' 'But like anything else in American society, all the facts will show up sooner or later and we'll know exactly what happened and what didnt happen.' While he said it's reasonable to 'assume' Comey is telling the truth about his interactions with Trump, he acknowledged that the book might only be half the story. 'When we're writing a book about ourselves and our own career, we're going to write it from our perspective and our point of view,' he said. 'So he's entitled to do that. At the end of the day, all the facts will show up, though.' Police lost evidence while investigating the death of Alexander Perepilichnyy (pictured) Police lost evidence of half billion-dollar transactions, threats and links to a high-profile money-laundering case while investigating a wealthy Russian's death. A civilian police translator trawled through documents, text messages and Skype chat taken from the computer of Alexander Perepilichnyy in December 2012 after his death the month before. Russian-born Ekaterina Clarke-OConnell provided a snapshot of the lost evidence to the inquest, before Coroner Nicholas Hilliard QC at the Old Bailey, which is examining if the 44-year-old businessman was murdered or died of natural causes. Ms Clarke-O'Connell found threatening messages on his phone, telling him he faced prison and another telling him not to do anything 'silly' by someone claiming to have' everything under control'. She concluded that something was 'not right', recalling massive sums of money, of up to half a billion dollars (310million in November 2012), flowing through accounts. Mr Perepilichnyy collapsed while jogging near his home in Weybridge, Surrey. He was helping UK-based Bill Browders Hermitage Capital Investment to expose a $230million (then 142million) money-laundering operation. A month before his death, he fought off a legal challenge by a debt recovery firm allegedly led by the prime suspect in the poisoning of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko. Lucas Fear-Segal, for Mr Perepilichnyys life insurers Legal and General, told Ms Clarke-OConnell: 'Essentially, the original documents you looked at have gone missing. 'Its either the fault of Surrey Police or South East Counter Terrorism Unit (Sectu), and back-up cannot be accessed by Surrey Police so all we have got is you. Recalling the documents, the witness said: 'They were work-related to the deceased. We were given trigger words that could flag up threats, anything unusual, money laundering activities, some names. 'It seems like something was missing. The files were presented to us in chaotic order so it could be just a random picture.' The Russian businessman collapsed near his home in Weybridge, Surrey, after threatening texts were left on his phone Asked if she found evidence of money laundering, she said: 'I have seen large sums of money going in and out of different accounts... If you think to see something suspicious, these large sums of money, as a human, you think something is not right. 'My job was to flag up something mentioning large sums of money, which I did.' She found three threatening text messages, with the first saying in Russian: 'Alexander you will go to prison for a long time' and demanding he pay the equivalent of 6,000 in roubles. The next text told him in Russian not to 'do anything silly because we have everything under control'. A text message in English from Mr Perepilichnyys wife Tatiana said someone called Rishat was 'milking him like a cow - he betrayed you a long time ago'. Mr Fear-Segal asked the witness if she had not figured out that Rishat Ismagilov, Mr Perepilichnyys brother-in-law, was said to be involved in a Russian money laundering vehicle. He also suggested the evidence could show Mr Perepilichnyys business being 'controlled by some sort of extortionist'. The court heard the lost documents may have illustrated how Mr Perepilichnyy was trying to minimise his role in the money laundering case and reach agreement on his evidence to Swiss authorities. An inquest into the death of Perepilichnyy heard how police lost evidence His Skype messages referred to Hermitage, Swiss authorities and money laundering and having 'all the documents to prove this'. On October 13 2012, Mr Perepilichnyy made an internet search for an article on Sergei Magnistky, the late Russian lawyer who helped uncover the Hermitage fraud. Ms Clarke-OConnell confirmed she found nothing on the computer about Mr Perepilichnyys health being poor or of concern. John Beggs QC, for Surrey Police, complained the witness was giving an 'inexpert' opinion on what was 'fragmentary evidence'. Investigating officer Detective Superintendent Ian Pollard said Surrey Police was given two discs but the computer data was not on them. Investigators were unable to obtain a back-up copy from Sectu. Mr Pollard accepted there were 'shortcomings' in the way Mr Perepilichnyys computer was examined, missing out searches for alleged key figures in the Hermitage fraud and the Klyuev organised crime group. None of the translators picked up mention of a 1million 'gratitude' in Skype chat, Henrietta Hill, for Hermitage, said. Mr Pollard admitted 'all avenues' for trying to recover the lost data were now exhausted. In December 2012, the officer briefed the Home Office that he found no connection between Mr Perepilichnyy and Litvinenko murder suspect Dmitry Kovtun. He said he did not know at the time Kovtun was linked to the debt recovery firm Jsa, which brought a series of lawsuits against Mr Perepilichnyy. He told the court he did not make inquiries abroad as 'there is no evidence of murder or poison'. Ms Hill asked if he had been following the 'dreadful' events in Salisbury and drawn comparisons with the response in his case. She added the possibility of nerve agent Novichok being used on Mr Perepilichnyy was still 'in play', on the evidence of an expert on Thursday. Mr Pollard said it was different from the death of Mr Litvinenko and the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter. 'In Salisbury there were markably effects on Mr Skripal and his daughter as well as the first responders that attended, and it was quickly established some sort of chemical agent was used,' he said. Russia has completed the latest test of its new anti-satellite missile which is capable of wiping out essential US navigation, communications and intelligence technology in orbit. The sixth test flight of the 'Nudol' is believed to have taken place at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, 500 miles north of the Russian capital, Moscow, on March 26. On this occasion, the weapon, also known as PL19, is said to have been launched from its eventual transporter for the first time suggesting a major step forward in its development. In the past, the project has been shrouded in secrecy but Russian state reports have insisted that the Nudol is for defense purposes, describing it as 'a new Russian long-range missile defense'. In the firing line? Russia has completed the latest test of its new anti-satellite missile which is capable of wiping out essential US navigation, communications and intelligence technology in orbit It comes as Russia continues to modernise its strategic arsenal under President Vladimir Putin (pictured yesterday) But experts say the interceptor missile's main job is to accelerate out of the Earths atmosphere and strike large objects, using kinetic energy. It comes as Russia continues to modernise its strategic arsenal under President Vladimir Putin. A Defense Intelligence Agency report to Congress in February 2015 stated: 'Russia's military doctrine emphasizes space defense as a vital component of its national defense. 'Russian leaders openly assert that the Russian armed forces have anti-satellite weapons and conduct anti-satellite research.' The first successful test launch of the Nudol was in late 2015 as part of a wave of next-generation kinetic interceptor systems currently being developed by Russia, according to The Diplomat. After a previous test in 2016, former Pentagon official Mark Schneider warned that the consequences of an anti-satellite attack on the U.S. could be devastating. It comes as Russia test fired a huge new P-500 Bazalt rocket - a turbo-jet, supersonic weapon capable of travelling at more than 1,800mph 'The loss of GPS guidance due to [anti-satellite] attack would take out a substantial part of our precision weapons delivery capability and essentially all of our standoff capability,' he told The Washington Free Beacon. Air Force Lt. Gen. David J. Buck, commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Space, said in the same year that 'Russia views U.S. dependency on space as an exploitable vulnerability, and they are taking deliberate actions to strengthen their counter-space capabilities.' It comes as Russia test fired a huge new P-500 Bazalt rocket - a turbo-jet, supersonic weapon capable of travelling at more than 1,800mph. On April 4, attorneys representing the mortgage holder from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton sent a letter to Oswego County Judge James W. McCarthy that included a request to amend the foreclosure judgement. The amendment seeks to remove CCC and K-Mart, which is leasing a vacant approximately 90,000-square-foot space, from the action "because Plaintiff seeks to allow the tenancy interests of Kmart and CCC to survive the foreclosure sale." Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Guy Cosentino, the college foundation's executive director, had told The Citizen in March that past college officials had negotiated a kind of secondary lease for the properties next to the campus. Many had been storefronts, including the K-Mart, and the college was supposed to pay $5 per square foot of those spaces as they became vacant and other leases ended. Cosentino had said that lease agreement could have cost the college $12 million if it carried into the 2030s, but the foreclosure judgement terminated those leases and removed that liability. Cayuga County Attorney Fred Westphal, who also represents CCC, said he received a courtesy copy of the plaintiff's amendment motion on April 9. "Right now the leases are canceled, and I believe this may be an attempt to extend those, and we'll receive the papers and review them and respond," he said. Deborah Lowe, 53, of Poynton, Cheshire was earlier cleared of having underage sex with the boy A teacher accused of having sex with a schoolboy joked to a pal about how she could show him the benefits of sleeping with an older woman, a court heard today. Deborah Lowe, 53, exchanged a series of WhatsApp messages with a friend, which included a pair of handcuffs and baby oil bottle emojis. The divorcee admitted to having sex with the boy at her flat, in his house and later her caravan. She told the jury it was 'passionate and a little rough' but only occurred after he had left school. Lowe, a former British Airways air hostess, was earlier cleared of having underage sex with the boy. Mother-of-two Lowe told the court that she was flattered by the attention she had received but now was 'deeply ashamed' and had been suffering from 'a mid-life crisis.' Lowe admitted that she had not had sex for nine years, and the WhatsApp messages joked about her not having a boyfriend. The court heard how her friend messaged: 'We can't all have a 17-year-old to s***!!! xxx.' And Lowe replied: 'Can I just say for a minute, I am not sh****** him. I am merely a mother figure.' 'However, if in the not to distance future he wants to discuss the merits of an older woman, I will be there for him.' Her pal remarked: 'Yummy. Can't say I blame you.' Lowe said their relationship became 'flirtier' after he had left school. She told Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court: 'I was flattered that he called me baby cakes. It was silly. 'I was flattered by the attention and flirting that a middle-aged woman had been called baby cakes by a younger man.' She denied she had slept with the boy when the messages were sent in October 2016. But admitted they had sex for the first time two months later at her flat, when he was aged 17. She told the jury: 'We kissed and I am very embarrassed to say we ended up in bed together, which I regret.' Deborah Lowe arriving at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, where she was accused of sleeping with a pupil Lowe denied she had slept with the boy when the messages were sent in October 2016 Asked by her barrister Neil Usher how she now felt, she said: 'I am mortified. 'I am embarrassed. I think I was having some sort of mid-life crisis. I have never done anything like this before. 'I don't know why I did it. I am so ashamed.' Lowe said the pair again had sex in April 2017, after he asked her to come to his house while his mother was out. The defendant said they had sex for a third time at her caravan in June 2017. Lowe, of Poynton, Cheshire, denied having sex with the boy while he was still at school. The divorced teacher admitted they had sex for the first time at her flat, when the boy was aged 17 Lowe, of Poynton, Cheshire, denied having sex with the boy while he was still at school Mr Justin Hayhoe, prosecuting, accused Lowe of 'bending the rules' for the teenager. He also asked why she had signed a card she had given to the boy 'love you lots and lots, the slut.' Lowe replied: 'Because when we had sex it was passionate and a little rough and he called me his slut.' She added: 'It was only looking back I was mortified and embarrassed. At that time I was flattered he had shown me attention.' Lowe denies five counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust between April 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Russia has said it could ban Scotch whisky imports in response to severe sanctions imposed by the West over the Salisbury spy poisoning. Vyacheslav Volodin, one of Vladimir Putin's closest allies, announced the radical new policy aimed at banning Western alcohol imports to the country in a bill submitted to Russian Parliament on Friday. Blasting the US for their intervention in the crisis, Mr Volodin said Trump had acted in a 'boorish manner' over the incident. Although the bill has not yet been ratified and made into law, experts believe that with Mr Volodin's backing it looks more than likely it will be passed. The new legislation is intended to punish Europe and the US for their harsh treatment of Russia following the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in the sleepy English town of Salisbury last month. Scroll down for video Britain's whiskey industry could be the target of Russian sanctions if Theresa May proceeds with military intervention in Syria Russian ministers said the new bill was in part aimed at hitting back at the US after a harsh wave of sanctions were imposed by Donald Trump In total the US and more than 20 other countries expelled over 100 Russian diplomats and intelligence officers in the wake of the spy poisoning. The assets of 17 senior Russian businessmen were also frozen by the US over the attack. The alcoholic drinks bill in its current form explicitly targets the United States, but it says the measures can be extended to countries that adopted or simply 'supported' sanctions against Russia. According to Russian ministers, the bill is also designed to take aim at those nations threatening military intervention in Syria. Donald Trump earlier this week warned Vladimir Putin that 'the missiles are coming' in response to alleged Russian involvement in a chemical weapons attack on the Syrian town of Douma which killed more than 40 people. France's President Emmanuel Macron is wavering on whether or not to join President Trump with military action. While Theresa May's cabinet has also suggested that there is a 'need to take action' over the Douma attack. The Skripal poisoning led to a host of western sanctions on Russia - with nations around the world expelling over 100 diplomats among other measures Theresa May is weighing up whether or not to join in with US-led intervention in Syria over the Douma chemical weapons attack In a thinly veiled threat, Alexei Chepa, deputy head of parliament's foreign affairs committee, said nations with a 'certain view on Syria' would also find themselves the victims of the new alcohol laws. It is not immediately clear which areas of Britain's industry would be hit by the Russian embargo - but it is thought to go far beyond just whisky. Key provisions in the text of the bill would allow Mr Putin to target key British industries ranging from whisky export to legal and consulting services. Other measures might include a black list of citizens of 'unfriendly' countries banned from visiting Russia, suspending special visa programs for highly qualified individuals, and imposing embargoes on agricultural produce and Western-produced medicines. The ban would also see Russian made parts for missiles and military equipment cease to be traded. The legislation would 'end the exclusive right to trademarks' and brands, which would open the door to Russian companies making rip-off products. A family of dog owners have been left reeling since their puppy died after being baited in its own backyard. Six-month-old staffy Lucy died on Tuesday after her owner suspected the pup had been poisoned up to three separate times. Robyn Stone told Tweed Daily News that her caramel-coloured pooch first showed signs of poisoning, including muscle spasms and diarrhoea, in late March. Six-month old staffy puppy died after she was suspected to have been baited up to three times in her backyard on the New South Wales north coast Days later, following on from the suspicions of her local vet, the Korora, New South Wales, resident thought she may have discovered the cause. 'I went home to have a look around and found some snail pellets on my deck. I don't have any around my place,' she told the publication. A quick recovery and two nights at the vet later, the family's relief was temporary after evidence their beloved Lucy had once again been baited became apparent. Last Saturday, the pup had brought similarly shaped crumbs into the house - this time the symptoms were even worse. The following Tuesday night, after once again displaying the symptoms, Lucy died suddenly, curled up on the couch and surrounded by her owners. Given the dog's age and previously intact health, Robyn is sure it's a result of the alleged baiting. Lucy began experiencing the symptoms after he owner said she ingested what appeared to be snail pellets, like those pictured above 'From the crumbs left behind and with the symptoms she had, it definitely points to a rat bait,' she said. Footage of the home from a camera installed after the first incident has been handed over to local police but with no leads, the heartbroken family are still without answers. 'I just want to make people aware there are horrible people out there,' Robyn said. Britain has hit back at Russia's 'grotesque lies' after the Kremlin accused Britain of faking a chemical attack in Syria. Theresa May was locked in a face-off with Vladimir Putin last night after linking the Salisbury poisonings to the Syria crisis. Arguing for action against the Assad regime for deploying chlorine gas, she cited the nerve agent attack on the Skripals as evidence that the 100-year taboo on using chemical weapons was being eroded. And she later joined the US and France in launching joint air strikes against Assad's regime as a 'deterrent' against anyone 'who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity'. Russia claims it has proof that London ordered local volunteer aid organisation White Helmets to 'stage' the attack in Douma, eastern Ghouta, which killed at least 42 people and injured hundreds on Saturday. Pictured: Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, making the bold statement Britain along with the US was within hours of launching airstrikes on Syria in response to President Assad's horrendous gas attacks, sources suggest. It comes amid reports from the BBC (pictured) that President Trump is shortly planning to make a statement regarding Syria This is after reports that the Russian Defence Ministry claimed the UK ordered volunteer aid organisation White Helmets to 'stage' the attack in Douma, eastern Ghouta, which killed at least 42 people and injured hundreds. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's claimed that the Douma attack was 'staged' by 'a state at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign'. Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Friday the military had 'proof that testifies to the direct participation of Britain in the organising of this provocation in Eastern Ghouta.' He said that Britain had told the White Helmets, who act as first responders in rebel-held areas, to fake the suspected chemical attack in the town of Douma, but did not elaborate or provide evidence. He added that London had put 'powerful pressure' on the civil defence organisation. The White Helmets, officially known as Syria Civil Defence, is a humanitarian organisation made up of around 3,000 volunteers whose main activities are search-and-rescue operations after bombings, as well as supporting aid organisations and helping with evacuations. They have previously been the target of smear campaigns online, which have been blamed on the Russian government. Mr Konashenkov released statements by medics from Douma's hospital, who said a group of people toting video cameras had entered the hospital, shouting that the patients had been struck with chemical weapons. Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said that images of victims of the purported attack were fakes staged with 'Britain's direct involvement, ' without providing evidence Konashenkov released statements by medics (pictured) from Douma's hospital, who said a group of people toting video cameras entered the hospital, shouting that its patients were struck with chemical weapons, dousing them with water and causing panic Konashenkov said that 'powerful pressure from London was exerted on representatives of the so-called White Helmets to quickly stage the premeditated provocation' Mr Konashenkov's statements from the medical staff said the cameramen had caused panic, and that none of the patients in the hospital were hurt by chemicals. Earlier today, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also seemed to be pointing a finger of blame at the UK. He said: 'We have irrefutable evidence that this was another staged event, and that the secret services of a certain state that is now at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign was involved in this staged event.' The strikes came after U.S. President Donald Trump had discussions with both Prime Minister Theresa May and the French President regarding an international response to the attack on Saturday. Yesterday the Prime Minister told Cabinet: 'Since 1918 we have worked to uphold the international norm that chemical weapons are abhorrent and never be used. 'In recent years that international norm has been eroded and that should be a matter of deep concern to us all. The use of chemical weapons should not go unchallenged.' The Prime Minister said Britain had to act in order to restore that norm, because the weapons inflict real human misery. Downing Street sources said she made the point that these weapons had been used a number of times in Syria and also in Salisbury. The need to restore international norms was shared by the whole Cabinet, Downing Street sources said. A child is pictured receiving oxygen following the poison gas attack in the rebel-held town of Douma May and Trump have agreed that whatever the final decision on airstrikes, the Syrian regime must not go unchallenged, however no decision has been made. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council this afternoon that Trump 'has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria.' Ms Haley told the meeting, which had been called by Russia, that should the United States and its allies decide to act in Syria it will be to defend 'a bedrock international norm that benefits all nations' - the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons. In talks: French President Marcon has discussed possible retaliation with UK and US and also spoken to Russian President Putin She said Friday that 'the United States estimates that (President Bashar) Assad has used chemical weapons in the Syrian war at least 50 times.' As for last week's suspected poisonous gas attack on the Damascus suburb of Douma, Haley said: 'We know who did this. Our allies know who did this. Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups.' Macron, meanwhile, said yesterday that France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack, and has today been speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin says Putin and Macron spoke over the phone today, and have agreed to coordinate their actions to avoid further military escalation in Syria. During their conversation, the Presidents had lauded the upcoming visit of the international chemical watchdog's fact-finding mission to Syria and pledged to join efforts to provide necessary assistance to that mission. According to a statement from Paris about the phonecall, Macron had also told Putin he 'regretted' the Russian veto at the U.N. Security Council which prevented a 'united and firm response' to Douma. A distraught father hired a helicopter to find his missing son after his wife had a hunch their 17-year-old child was in trouble. Tony and Lee Lethbridge feared the worst when they hadn't heard from their son, Sam, and couldn't find him after 24 hours. 'My wife actually said, 'I think he's in a ditch or something, bleeding out,' Mr Lethbridge told A Current Affair. Scroll down for video Sam Lethbridge (pictured) was trapped in his crashed car for 29 hours survived and has spoken out about his will to survive The young teenager spent the night with a bone sticking out of his right leg after crashing his car south of Newcastle in mid January, leaving his parents desperately searching for him The distraught father hired a helicopter and found his severely injured son after flying for eight minutes above the notorious Pacific Highway (crash pictured) Tony and Lee Lethbridge (pictured together left) feared the worst when they hadn't heard from their son and couldn't find him after 24 hours and thought he was 'in a ditch ... bleeding out' 'I don't know if she's psychic, or whatever, but that's exactly what was happening.' Sam spent the night with a bone sticking out of his right leg after crashing his car south of Newcastle in mid January, leaving his parents on a desperate search to find him alive. The distraught father hired the helicopter and found his severely injured son after flying for eight minutes above the notorious Pacific Highway. Sam was believed to have been driving from Gosford, on the Central Coast, to the Lethbridge family home at Blacksmiths, on Lake Macquarie, when he left the road after 6am on Sunday. The family came together and pulled off an almighty search three months ago for the young P plate driver, finding him 20 metres down a bank at Crangan Bay. 'No parent ever wants to have to say goodbye to their 17-year-old child,' Ms Lethbridge said. The teenager (left with Mr Lethbridge) had six operations with multiple surgeries each time 'No parent ever wants to have to say goodbye to their 17-year-old child,' Ms Lethbridge said Sam - who is still recovering from serious injuries - told the Nine Network the last thing he remembered was dropping his friend, Harry, off home to Wyoming, NSW Central Coast. The teenager had six operations with a number of surgeries each time. The frantic recovery mission required dozens of fire crews, paramedics and police officers to carefully save Sam. The frantic recovery mission required dozens of fire crews, paramedics and police officers to carefully save Sam The 17-year-old suffered multiple serious injuries including an open femur fracture - where the bone stuck out of his thigh about 10cm - intracranial haemorrhages and dislocated elbow. 'It could have been a lot, lot worse,' Mr Lethbridge previously told Daily Mail Australia. 'If the car didnt land on its wheels we'd have been all sorts of strife. 'Just so many things that went the right way for us.' Catastrophic injuries suffered by a baby boy were the direct result of his refugee mother's poor grasp of English, a top judge has ruled. And now the eight-year-old is in line for multi-million-pound NHS compensation because midwives were negligent in failing to tackle the language barrier. Judge Martin McKenna said medics at King George's Hospital, London, ended up 'effectively ignoring' Sinthiya Rajatheepan's concerns about her crying baby. Because she only knew a few basic words of English, she was never given proper instructions about how to feed her son, Nilujan. Sinthyia Rajatheepan gave birth at King George's Hospital eight years ago Mother and baby were discharged home too early and, due to poor feeding, Nilujan suffered irreversible brain damage, the judge added. Mrs Rajatheepan, 29, and her husband Sivarajah, came to Britain from their native Sri Lanka as refugees in 2008. Aged just 21 when she gave birth to her baby on July 16, 2009, she spoke onlyTamil fluently and had 'a minimal command of English'. Naturally timid and inexperienced, she tended to 'simply smile' when she caught the eye of midwives on the busy maternity ward. The judge said she was 'certainly unable to understand anything but the simplest of instructions' and only when accompanied by hand gestures. When Nilujan was delivered by Caesarean, his condition at first appeared good and 'no concerns' were raised. Mother and baby were discharged home on July 18 but, when a community midwife visited the following day, Nilujan was 'pale and lethargic'. He had not been fed for 12 to 15 hours and all his reserves of energy had been used up, said the judge. He was rushed back to the hospital where he was 'floppy' and suffered seizures. And the judge said it was agreed that the brain damage he suffered was 'caused as a result of poor feeding'. Nilujan suffers from cerebral palsy and is severely physically and mentally disabled as result, London's High Court heard. Midwives were adamant that they were well used to patients with language difficulties and had properly instructed Mrs Rajatheepan how to feed her baby. But the judge said: 'The overwhelming weight of the evidence is that Mrs Rajatheepan had very little ability with the English language. 'She was certainly unable to understand anything but the simplest of instructions and only then when accompanied with appropriate hand gestures.' He added: 'The sad reality is that Mrs Rajatheepan did not, in fact, ever get any instruction on how to feed properly. Judges at the High Court, pictured, ruled midwives at the hospital had failed Ms Rajatheepan in r elation to the information they gave her about feeding her newborn baby 'Still less did she receive any instruction on what to look out for and what to do if feeding was unsuccessful'. Because of the language barrier, she 'did not and could not reasonably have been expected to have understood' the advice she was given. She was anxious that Nilujan was 'crying continuously', but the judge said: 'Her attempts to draw attention to her concern in this regard were effectively ignored.' The ward was busy and Mrs Rajatheepan from Ilford, had 'a propensity simply to smile at people when she caught their eye.' She had, 'albeit timidly', approached the midwive's station in a bid to draw attention to her concerns, but the judge said she was 'ignored'. Midwives had given her 'false reassurance' by 'repeating the mantra that it is perfectly normal for new born babies to cry.' The hospital's midwifery team should have contacted the NHS 'language line' for help, or called for an interpreter, he ruled. The judge added: 'The reality is that no one ever in fact gave Mrs Rajatheepan a clear and understandable explanation of the importance of feeding. 'Because of the language barrier, she had been unable to communicate her concerns to hospital staff.' The end result was that Mrs Rajatheepan was discharged home too early and, had she been kept in hospital overnight, Nilujan would have escaped injury. 'In the circumstances, I would enter judgment in favour of the claimant with damages to be assessed,' the judge concluded. Nilujan's NHS compensation award has yet to be assessed, but is likely to be a multi-million-pound sum, given the extent of his disabilities. Wendy Matthews OBE, Director of Midwifery, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said: 'We would like to say sorry again to Nilujan and the Rajatheepan family and express our sincere sympathies to them. 'We are considering the judgment and the implications of the judges ruling in this case. 'Although we have made huge improvements since this incident occurred in 2009, we will take the opportunity to review it closely and see if there are any more lessons about our post-natal care that we can learn.' President Macron has told Vladimir Putin he wants to 'intensify' Syria peace talks Emmanuel Macron has told Vladimir Putin he wants to 'intensify' talks on bringing peace to Syria. The French President gave his Russian counterpart the message during a telephone call on Friday amid diplomatic uproar following the chemical attack in the country. It comes as momentum for revenge air strikes on Syria, which Macron has backed, appears to be slowing. President Trump is yet to make a final decision on what action to take. Forty-three people were killed and inhabitants were left gasping for air after a toxic gas was released into the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Douma on March 7. Macron has said he will respond to 'proof' that Assad's regime had used chemical weapons 'at a time of our choosing.' He made the use of chemical weapons a 'red line' not to be crossed. Now the French leader has reached out to Moscow, which has denied Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime carried out the horrifying attack. 'The president of the Republic said he wanted the dialogue between France and Russia to continue and intensify in order to bring peace and stability to Syria,' Macron's office said after the call. Russia claimed its military experts found no evidence of poisonous substances at the site and accused it of being staged by the White Helmets civil defence organisation. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (left) warned on Thursday that threats of Western military action in response to an alleged chemical attack would only lead to further chaos in the region. Vladimir Putin (right) claimed Assad was not responsible for the attack Macron bemoaned Russia's use this week of its veto to block a UN Security Council resolution on setting up an investigation into the attack to name those responsible. The veto had prevented a 'united' front on putting in place a mechanism 'to prevent the regime being a repeat offender,' Macron said. He told Putin his priority in Syria was the 'fight against terrorism', easing the suffering of civilians and 'kickstarting negotiations on a credible and inclusive political process as soon as possible'. Macron said on Thursday he had 'proof' that Assad's regime had used chemical weapons and that the US and France would response 'in due course'. But he also appeared anxious to avoid a wider conflict, saying France would 'in no way allow an escalation'. The White House is yet to release its 'final decision' on next steps regarding Syria, but Donald Trump has said Americans won't have to wait long for a response. Trump dramatically escalated the rhetoric over the crisis by telling Russia to 'get ready' for military action, adding that 'nice and new and smart' cruise missiles 'will be coming.' He warned Putin not to partner with Assad, who he described as a 'gas killing animal.' Theresa May's Cabinet has agreed to 'take action' to 'deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime'. Britain will also act to alleviate 'humanitarian' suffering in Syria, a Downing Street spokesman said - but the precise action or timescale was not specified. The Prime Minister and Trump have spoken and agree to work 'closely together' on a response to the atrocity. Simon Willans's (above) death the day after a hospital had failed to diagnose blood clots and discharged him was 'preventable', a coroner said today The death of a father from deep vein thrombosis the day after a hospital had failed to diagnose blood clots and discharged him was 'preventable', a coroner said today. Simon Willans, 42, of Bryngwran, Anglesey, died in January 2016 in an ambulance which was called after he collapsed at his parents' home on the island. Pathologist Dr Mark Lord said the former farm worker's right calf was swollen due to deep vein thrombosis and there was pulmonary embolism (a blocked blood vessel in the lungs). At the end of a four-day inquest at Caernarfon, North West Wales senior coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones ruled out a conclusion of neglect but said there was a 'failure to diagnose'. Mr Pritchard Jones said if information had been interpreted correctly at Gwynedd Hospital, Bangor, then Mr Willans should have had further tests and treatment which might have prevented the tragedy. 'Simon Willans died of a preventable natural cause which hadn't been diagnosed or treated when he was in hospital on the day before his death,' the coroner concluded. He said a report to prevent future deaths had already been issued by his assistant coroner and matters of a professional nature should be left to the relevant professional organisation. There had also been a serious incident review and expert views given. Mr Pritchard Jones said: 'It's up to the Health Board to pursue those recommendations and not the role of the coroner to oversee what they are doing or not doing.' Scroll down for video North West Wales senior coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones said if information had been interpreted correctly at Gwynedd Hospital, Bangor, then Mr Willans should have had further tests and treatment which might have prevented the tragedy. (File photo) Hospital consultant Dr Hassan Mohammed had denied at the inquest that he 'failed' in his care after failing to diagnose deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Orthostatic hypotension - a drop in blood pressure - and anxiety had been diagnosed for his symptoms. What is deep vein thrombosis? A deep vein (or veinous) thrombosis is a blood clot that usually occurs in a deep leg vein that runs through the muscles of the calf and thigh. It may cause pain, swelling and tenderness in one calf, a heavy ache and/or warm skin in the area and redness, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee. The pain may be worse when you bend your foot upward towards your knee. If a DVT is left untreated, a piece of the clot may break off and block one of the blood vessels in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg and develop breathlessness and chest pain. Advertisement Dr Mohammed, a doctor for 33 years, said the General Medical Council had taken no further action against him. Sophie Cartwright, barrister for the Willans family, told the coroner: 'It's absolutely plain from the evidence Dr Mohammed didn't consider all the issues. He didn't ask all the right questions.' But Mr Pritchard Jones said: 'We have no record of the consultation.' He said the doctor got the diagnosis wrong. Miss Cartwright said a conclusion of 'neglect' should be considered. 'Had Simon been given Heparin (medication to help prevent clots), he would have survived,' the lawyer maintained. In evidence Dr Emma Hosking, medical director at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's Glan Clwyd Hospital, who chaired the serious incident review undertaken nearly two years after the tragedy, said Mr Willans only had one set of observations including of his blood pressure and pulse while guidance suggested two. She also told the inquest Mr Willans's previous collapses, breathlessness and abnormal blood gas 'should have prompted a rethink'. The review panel felt Mr Willans shouldn't have been discharged on the same day he attended the hospital. Dr Hosking said: 'Simon hasn't been fully assessed while on the ambulatory care unit. The initial delay to his admission and incomplete assessment while he was there and poorly documented discharge process added up to some missed opportunities in his care.' After the inquest, Laurence Willans said the family weren't satisfied with the verdict. He said: 'We have been here four days and I feel no further forward. 'It's very disappointing. I don't want any money, I just wanted someone to say "Yes, it's my fault". I hope the Board has learned lessons. We have lost a son and we are now struggling.' Dr Evan Moore, Executive Medical Director at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: 'We offer our sincere condolences to Mr Willans's family for their loss. We fully accept the coroner's findings and apologise to Mr Willans's family for the failings in his care. 'We have changed the way referrals and processes are managed within the Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU). In addition, we are carrying out continuous performance reviews within the unit to ensure the best possible care for our patients.' Advertisement Protesters have marched on Downing Street demanding the government step back from the brink of an attack on Syria - as Jeremy Corbyn still refuses to say he believes Assad is behind the chemical attacks that killed up to 80. The Labour leader today again refused to point the finger at the Syrian regime over the latest chemical weapons atrocity - and would not even rule out Moscow's claims that it was staged by Western-backed rebels. It comes as Stop The War campaigners have congregated along Whitehall to protest any planned attacks by Theresa May's government, in coalition with the U.S and France. Scroll down for video The Labour leader risked opening a fresh schism with his own MPs by repeatedly declining to say that evidence implicated the Russian-backed Assad regime Protesters appear in a heated discussion with a police officer outside of Downing Street demanding the government back down from any possible military action on Syria Stop The War campaigners march on Whitehall ahead of what appears an increasingly likely attack on Assad's Syria The Labour leader risked opening a fresh schism with his own MPs by repeatedly declining to say the evidence implicates the Russian-backed Assad regime. And asked about the Kremlin's outlandish claims about the attack being staged by rebels Mr Corbyn would not dismiss the idea outright. The comments, in a pooled broadcast interview, came as the veteran left-winger again insisted he would not back UK involvement in any military reprisals after hundreds of people in Douma were apparently targeted with poison gas on Saturday. It comes as protesters have congregated outside of Downing Street, demanding the government step back from the brink of an attack on Assad's forces in Syria A protester is arrested at the Stop The War Coalition demonstration against armed intervention by the UK in the Syrian conflict Police arrested a man who appeared to try to hide beneath a squad car A police officer is pictured directing campaigners from the Stop the War Coalition Earlier, Diane Abbott struggled to say whether Russia or the US was a bigger threat to world peace. The shadow home secretary was pressed three times to choose between the two powers during a bruising interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. After initially saying the 'current situation in Syria' was the biggest threat to world peace, Ms Abbott finally plumped for Russia. Mr Corbyn accused the premier of taking 'instructions' from Mr Trump. Despite years of negotiations coming to deadlock, with Russia, Iran and Turkey all deeply involved in the country's civil war, the Labour leader called for the 'withdrawal of all foreign forces'. He demanded the government focus on pushing for a UN investigation into who carried out the attack - even though Russia vetoed the idea at the security council this week. The U.S. has maintained its threat of rocket attacks in response to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's sickening chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma on Saturday Theresa May, pictured unveiling a war memorial in Maidenhead today, has said there is no other plausible explanation apart from Russian involvement in the Salisbury attack Ex-General warns that Russia could target Cyprus if UK joins strikes on Syria An RAF Tornado GR4 lands at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus (file picture) A Russian former general has warned that Cyprus could be targeted if Britain joins military action against Syria. Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinskiy, who previously served on the Russian General Staff and now runs a think tank, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme intervention by the US, Britain and France could be a direct way to military confrontation with Russia. As our chief of the general staff said a couple of weeks ago, Russia would shot down the missiles and its carriers and I dont think he was joking, thats a very serious situation and thats true, he said. Asked if that could mean striking back at Cyprus, he said: If our military determined that the missiles were launched from the UK, carriers of course, UK carriers and missiles would be hit back. Mr Buzhinskiy said it would be very difficult to find a significant military target in Syria where there are no Russians. We have several thousands advisers in all military installation in all military units, he said. If Russian blood is shed then Russia will retaliate. Mr Buzhinskiy said Russian intelligence showed there were no chemical attacks and the episode was staged. Advertisement The World Health Organisation has said it believes 500 people were affected by the apparent attack in Douma. The US and France say they have blood and urine samples that have tested positive for chlorine and nerve agent. But Mr Corbyn, who is receiving an intelligence briefing from the UK authorities on the Syria situation tonight, would not even concede that the evidence pointed strongly at Assad. 'If there's proof the Syrian regime did then they must be held responsible, if there's proof that anybody else did it they must be held responsible,' he said. 'I want to know who did it, and I think it's best to know who did it than to speculate.' Pressed repeatedly on whether he thought the Syrian regime was implicated, Mr Corbyn said: Obliviously those who have actually done it should be held responsible for it obviously there has to be an inquiry to ascertain who actually did it. It is up to the UN to investigate who actually committee this atrocity. When it was put to him that he appeared to have doubts about whether Assad was responsible, Mr Corbyn said: 'It up to us to obviously condemn and do everything we can to bring about a ceasefire and a political solution I want to know who did it. He added: If there is proof the regime did it they must be held responsible, again if there is proof anybody else did it they must be held responsible. Asked if there was a 'possibility that it was a fabrication, Mr Corbyn said evasively: I have never used that word. Told that Russia was blaming the White Helmets - although Moscow has also claimed there were no chemicals at the site at all - Mr Corbyn replied: Well lets not run into the realms of speculation of that sort... 'I have no evidence on that and if they have evidence they have got to bring it forward, which is why I would say very strongly the US and Russia have got to stop blocking each others resolutions at the UN.' It came after Russia's ambassador to the UK, Alexander Yakovenko, suggested the humanitarian group the White Helmets had staged the attack. He said: 'The White Helmets are supported by the British government they are giving them money. 'And they are famous for staging fake chemical attacks, thats exactly what happened in Khan Shaykhun. 'So this what they are famous for, thats why I mention them 'Of course as I said they are responsible for the information for sharing this kind of information through social media and he press. An F15 jet takes off from RAF Lakenheath today as preparations for military action geared up Police in North Carolina have released a distressing 911 call placed on Thursday morning by a woman saying her son had killed his infant son, his wife - who was also his biological daughter - and the new mom's adoptive father. Authorities in North Carolina, Connecticut and New York spent the better part of the day investigating the twisted triple-murder suicide that resulted in the deaths of Steven Pladl, 43, his illegal wife Katie Pladl, 20, Anthony Fusco, 56, and the Pladls' seven-month-old son, Bennett. According to investigators, Steven shot himself to death in Dover, New York, early Thursday morning after murdering his son in Knightdale, North Carolina, and gunning down his daughter-turned-wife and her adoptive dad in New Milford, Connecticut. Steven's mother said on the 911 call that her son carried out the murders after Katie told him she was leaving him over the phone. Scroll down for video Steven Pladl with his daughter Katie as a baby. The 43-year-old called his mother to say he had killed his and Katie's infant son Pladl (left) who was charged with incest involving his daughter, whom he married, killed himself in New York on Thursday. Katie Pladl (right), 20, was also found dead along with her adoptive father in Connecticut 'My son just called me and he told me he...oh god, he killed his baby and he's in the house,' Pladl's mother could be heard telling an emergency dispatcher through sobs. His wife broke up with him over the phone yesterday. She's in New York and he told me he was on his way, the caller said. According to the distressed mother, Pladl called her on Wednesday night saying he was going to pick up baby Bennett from her home in Cary, North Carolina, where she had been caring for the infant, to bring the boy to Katie in New York, and that he was then going to return to North Carolina. He killed his wife, he killed her father, the woman says through sobs. I can't even believe it's happening...he left the baby dead when he left. Tiny victim: The Pladls' infant son was discovered dead by police in North Carolina Thursday Steven and Katie got 'married' in a lakeside ceremony in July not long before she gave birth to their baby. They are pictured with her adoptive parents (right) and his mother who attended it despite its incestuous nature Bennett was found after Steven's mother called 911 for a welfare check on the infant. She said her son told her he'd killed the baby left him there, and warned her not to go to the home She told the dispatcher that her son Steven instructed her to summon police to his home on Earlston Court in Knightdale, but warned her that she shouldn't go over there. When asked by the dispatcher about the babys manner of death, the weeping caller replied that she did not ask her son how he killed his baby boy. I didnt want to know, she explained. Police officers who responded to the residence in Knightdale, where Steven and Katie used to live together before their arrest in January, at 9am on Thursday and discovered the lifeless body of Bennett Pladl, who was born in September 2017. Police said other than the child's lifeless body the home was empty. It is the same home Steven and Katie shared before they were arrested for their illegal marriage Police found the child at just before 9am at Steven's home on Earlston Ct in Knightdale, North Carolina Pladl killed his son after picking him up from his mother's house in Cary on Wednesday night, where the child was living in her custody according to WTVR He then drove to New Milford, Connecticut, 600 miles away, and shot dead Katie and her adoptive dad as they sat in a pickup truck, before making his way across the state line and turning the gun on himself. Pictured is the truck Steven was in when he killed himself His biological daughter, whom he illegally married last July, was found dead in Connecticut along with Anthony Fusco. Pladl is believed to have killed his son after picking him up from his mother's house in Cary on Wednesday night, where the child was living in her custody according to WTVR. He then drove to New Milford, Connecticut, 600 miles away, and shot dead Katie and her adoptive dad as they sat in a pickup truck on Route 7, before making his way across the state line to Dover, New York, and turning the gun on himself. During a press conference, Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps confirmed all three murders and Steven Pladl's suicide During a press conference, Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps confirmed all three murders and Steven Pladl's suicide. 'We are heart broken, saddened over the death of this child,' Capps said. 'And like you we're trying to make sense of all the factors that lead up to this senseless taking of life.' Steven and Katie got together in 2017, after she decided to get in touch with her birth parents in June of 2016. Not long afterwards, Steven and Katie's biological mother, Alyssa, separated and Katie and Steven started their affair. In July 2017, the pair 'got married' and shared photographs of their lakeside union on social media. Katie gave birth not long afterwards to a baby boy. Since then, they had both doted over the newborn on Instagram. They were arrested in January 2018 when Alyssa discovered their incestuous marriage and reported it to police. A map shows where and when each of the bodies was found on Thursday morning The pair tied the knot on July 20, months after Alyssa, Steven's ex-wife and Katie's biological mother, reported their relationship to police Steven is pictured with the baby boy. He and his ex-wife gave Alyssa up for adoption when he was 22 and her mother was 20 Katie's adopted father, who was found dead alongside her in Milford, Connecticut, is pictured with his two adopted daughters and his wife Katie (far right), her adopted father and her sister are all pictured in an old photo from her sister's Facebook page Both were extradited to Henrico County, Virginia, to face charges of incest, adultery, and contributing to delinquency of a minor. Disgusted: Alyssa Pladl is shown holding up a picture of her daughter Katie when she was a baby Steven was released on bond and ordered to remain in Virginia pending his trial and make no contact with Katie. The conditions of his bond were later amended to allow him to travel to North Carolina. Katie was released from jail in late February after posting $12,000 secured bond. Under the conditions of her release, she was barred from making contact with Steven and required to live with her adoptive parents, who resided in New York. In February, Alyssa told DailyMailTV how she discovered their relationship in her 11-year-old's journal. After she and Steven separated, the 11-year-old switched between staying at her home and the home her ex-husband was in with Katie. In the entries, the 11-year-old depicted Katie as being pregnant and described Steven as 'Satan'. They wrote that because Katie was 'human' and Steven was 'Satan', their baby would be 'half-demon.' Katie is shown above with her birth mother Alyssa who gave her up for adoption with Steven in 1998. They went on to have two more daughters (shown above) and it was one of those girls who exposed the older sister's affair When Katie got back in touch with her birth family, Alyssa says her suspicions were raised when Steven insisted on sleeping of the floor of her bedroom. When he and Alyssa split up, Katie chose to live with him full time Genetic Sexual Attraction Genetic sexual attraction is defined as an overwhelming sexual attraction that may develop between close blood relatives who first meet as adults. In the state of Virginia, incest if a criminal act. According to Virginias legislative information system, any person who commits adultery or fornication with any person whom he or she is forbidden by law to marry shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor The law further states that any person who commits adultery or fornication with his daughter or granddaughter, or with her son or grandson, or her father or his mother, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony In Virginia, a Class 5 felony carries a prison sentence of not less than one year nor more than five years or in the discretion of the jury or court confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both Genetic sexual attraction is said to be rare, but there have been dozens of reported cases of close relatives falling in love with each other after reconnecting as adults. In 2016, Patricia Spann, 43. and her daughter Misty Spann were arrested and charged with incest after they got married Advertisement In March 2017, Steven presented Alyssa with the journal and said the 11-year-old was 'acting out'. Alyssa, who was horrified, said she thought it was his way of informing her of the incestious affair. She contacted police immediately but the pair carried on living together and in July, got married in front of Katie's adoptive parents and Steven's mother. The baby was born not long afterwards. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Ford Motor China retail sales in March reached 83,666 vehicles, declining 11% year on year, according to the data released by the automaker on April 13. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of the year, the company achieved a sales volume exceeding 207,000 units with a year on year falloff of 19%. According to the retail sales data, Changan Ford delivered 46,217 vehicles last month, slumping 22% from a year ago. Meanwhile, its cumulative sales during the first three months also faced a year-on-year slump of 26% to 124,459 units. Jiangling Motors handed over 31,144 vehicles (excluding exporting sales) in the past month, up by 5% over the previous year. In the meantime, its Q1 retail sales in China dropped 6% year on year with 66,540 units delivered. It is noteworthy that both March and Q1 retail sales of the Lincoln brand boasted year-on-year growth of 27% and 10%, with 5,051 units and 12,710 units handed over respectively. According to relevant reports, the luxury brand plans to locally produce 5 models in China by 2022 to enlarge its market shares in this country. However, the retail sales of imported vehicles shrank by 17% year on year in March and sharply dropped 27% from a year ago. As to models, the sales of Ecosport obtained a year-on-year sales growth of 7% in March. Besides, the total deliveries of two light bus models, Ford Transit and Jiangling Teshun, soared 70% year on year last month and the monthly sales of Jiangling pickups grew 8% over the previous year. In addition, the deliveries of the all-new Lincoln Navigator reached a new high in March with an impressive year-on-year surge of 135%, the best seller among Lincoln-branded models. Moreover, the sedan sales in March leapt 44% year on year as well. According to Peter Fleet, Ford China's chairman and CEO, SUV, commercial vehicle and luxury vehicle will be the company's strategic highlights in China this year. Ford Motor will continuously enrich its product portfolios to provide Chinese consumers with more options. A former Texas State University student has been jailed for 14 years for killing a man and his unborn baby by driving drunk in to their vehicle in 2016. Shana Elliott, 22, was sentenced on Thursday for the deaths of Fabian Guerrero-Moreno and his unborn baby. She had been drinking at a river and was driving drunk in a pair of bikini bottoms and a tank top when she plowed into the car Fabian and his pregnant wife Kristian were in. Fabian, 23, died and his wife suffered a brain bleed and lost their baby. She was 19 weeks pregnant at the time. Earlier this year, Elliott pleaded guilty to intoxication assault and two counts of intoxication manslaughter. Shana Elliott appeared shackled and in a prison jumpsuit on Thursday to be sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for the deaths of an expectant father and his unborn baby who she crashed into while she was drunk in August 2012 Elliott is pictured (left) in her August 2016 mugshot after the crash and (right) in a mugshot taken earlier that year when she was arrested for methamphetamine and heroin possession. The drug charges were dismissed during her manslaughter trial She was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for each intoxication manslaughter charge and 10 years for the intoxication assault charge. The purpose of Thursday's hearing was to determine if the charges would run consecutively. On Thursday, a judge confirmed that they would. Elliott appeared shackled in a prison jumpsuit for the hearing and smiled to her attorney on her way into the courtroom. The decision puts an end to the years-long case. In March, the man's widow appeared at Elliott's first sentencing hearing to ensure she was given a harsh sentence. Looking Elliott in the eye, she said: ' ' I spent the past year and seven months thinking about what I would say to you. You're a monster. 'You have shown you're incapable of remorse, I don't buy your crocodile tears, or the sweet little innocent girl they try to portray you to be. 'You're not sorry for what you've done, you're sorry because it landed you right there, you're sorry because you got caught,' she added. Hayes County Judge Jack Robinson said on Thursday it was the 'right thing' that she serve both seven year sentences for each of the victim's deaths consecutively Father-to-be Fabian Guerrero Moreno (left with his wife), 23, died in the crash and his five-months pregnant wife Kristian Nicole was injured, leading to the unborn child's deat Elliott is pictured during her field sobriety test after the crash. She was wearing bikini bottoms and a tank top and had been drinking at a river Elliot was 21 when she got into the fatal crash in San Marcos, Texas as she was drunk driving. In the August 2, 2016 accident she crashed head-on into the Guerrero's vehicle, killing father-to-be Fabian Guerrero Moreno, 23, and injuring five-months pregnant Kristian which led to the death her unborn child. Months earlier, she had been arrested for meth and heroin possession. Following her arrest in August, she claimed that the couple had also been drinking at the river and that they were to blame for the accident. She also made unsubstantiated claims to her boyfriend that the pair were involved in the cartel. Mrs. Guerrero was driving the vehicle at the time, with her husband was sitting in the passenger seat. Pictured: Their car after the crash In the video, she could be heard sobbing as she failed to walk in a straight line and told the cop 'just kill me' In March, she apologized to the family, saying: 'I just want to say to the victim's family that I'm sorry from the deepest of my heart and I know that an apology doesn't do much, I know it doesn't, but I pray for forgiveness every day.' Dashcam footage from the day of the accident showed Elliott struggling to walk as she failed a sobriety test at the scene. She sobbed as she struggled to keep a straight line and told the officer: 'Kill me now please, I just want them to be OK.' Elliot's blood alcohol level was .199 when she was taken to hospital after the crash. The legal limit in Texas is 0.08. She admitted to police that she had been drinking beer and liquor while floating down the river at Texas State Tubes with friends just before the horrific crash around 6pm. Police said that the couple were driving in the opposite direction down Highway 21 in San Marcos, Texas when the public relations senior, driving a Chevy Impala, drifted into oncoming traffic and collided with their car head-on. Kristian Guerrero was driving the vehicle at the time, with her husband was sitting in the passenger seat. Elliott is pictured in March, during the first sentencing hearing, where she apologized to the family Doctors tried to save Guerrero's baby by inducing labor but the child was stillborn. 'The baby was just perfect,' Guerrero's aunt, Diane Castillo told People Magazine at the time. 'Kristian got to hold his hand for a while, and his paternal grandmother got to hold him as well.' The happy couple had been planning to host a gender-reveal party for their baby before the crash She added that Moreno had always wanted to have a son and died not knowing his wife had been expecting a boy. The newlywed couple had been arguing about their baby's middle name, with the husband pushing for Fabian James, if it was a boy, and the wife giving preference to Fabian Michael. Just hours before the crash, the couple checked into a Joe's Crab Shack in San Antonio, celebrating Fabian's new US residency status. And the day before, Mrs. Guerrero proudly posted a sonogram image of their unborn baby to Facebook, writing: 'Is this the face of a little prince or a little princess?! We can't wait to find out Sunday! Are you team boy or team girl?! Taking bets now!' Elliott was taken to Central Texas Medical Center for minor injuries before she was booked on the charges. The newlywed couple had been arguing about their baby's middle name, with the husband pushing for Fabian James, if it was a boy, and the wife giving preference to Fabian Michael A Chinese man has died after driving his car off a multi-storey car park in southeast China yesterday. The 54-year-old man, appeared to be reversing his Honda Odyssey on the third floor, crashed the barriers before plunging 30 feet to the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene and local police ruled his death as accidental. CCTV footage captures a Chinese driver reverses his car off a car park in southeast China The 54-year-old driver, Mr Chen, plummeted 30 feet down the garage to the ground floor CCTV footage captured the moment of the accident the black Odyssey fell off the car park in Yuexiu district of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province at 8:30am on April 12. The car flipped over when it crashed to the ground. The metal barriers on the third floor were crushed and left hanging in the air after the accident, video shows. It's estimated that the car fell off at height of nine metres (30ft) above ground. According to Yangcheng Evening Post, the garage was part of China Hotel's premises. The safety barriers on the third floor of the car park were left hanging out after the accident The car flipped over and Mr Chen was trapped inside his black Honda Odyssey Paramedics pronounced Mr Chen dead at the scene and police ruled his death as accidental Yuexie Police issued a statement at 2:19pm on Weibo, a Chinese social media site, and identified the driver as 54-year-old Mr Chen. Policemen and firefighters freed the Mr Chen soon as they arrived. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the paramedics. Yuexie Police believed it was an accident. There were no other passersby injured during the accident. The case is still under investigation. EPA head Scott Pruitt's security costs have been encouraged by his head of security, a former Secret Service agent who spent time working in Italy and Eastern Europe and who helped investigate mobsters in New York. Pasquale 'Nino' Perrotta helped probe John 'Junior' Gotti in the 1990s, according the online bio posted with his security firm. After a tour in the Bronx District Attorney's office, he landed with the Secret Service's New York Field Office. During a stint in Italy, he 'conducted numerous protective security advances for both the President and Former Presidents of the United States. But he is also described as an implementor of Pruitt's spiraling security costs, which have put the EPA administrator's job in danger. EPA head Scott Pruitt's security costs have been encouraged by his head of security, former Secret Service Pasquale 'Nino' Perrotta Pruitt has taken head and is under investigation for assembling a 20-person security force, costs of $3 million, getting a $43,000 soundproof booth, and asking his detail to use sirens to ferry him to appointments in Washington. He also had his EPA offices swept for bugs, and according to a whistleblower staffer put in for a bulletproof desk outside his office that was not ultimately approved in addition to flying first class to Rome, Morocco, and other locales. Career EPA official Ron Slotkin told Politico, which profiled Perrotta, that the former agent encouraged the security spending. 'They would object to anything when we said, 'No, you can't do that' or 'That would be wrong,' Slotkin told the publication. 'We'd say, 'It's not a matter of legality, it's ethics, it's the way things look,' he added. He writes about his colorful career in a self-published book, Dual Mission, about his early days prosecuting mobsters. Pruitt has taken head and is under investigation for assembling a 20-person security force, costs of $3 million, getting a $43,000 soundproof booth, and asking his detail to use sirens to ferry him to appointments in Washington 'I believe this desire arose from my personal encounter and exposure to certain elements of La Cosa Nostra at my parent's deli business which left a bitter taste,' he writes. One thing he boasts about is finding creative ways to get warrants, including using female 'friends' as sources and 'showering them with gifts that I was easily able to afford,' Politico recounts. To win them over, he Perrotta writes that he would let women hold his government-issued gun, who he he says they found romantic. 'It was, in some ways, like a dangerous, forbidden sex toy to some, and I played right along,' he writes. The book also stitches together disparate elements of his career. Perrotta writes about his career in a self-published book 'Dual Mission weaves the reader from my time in Sofia, Bulgaria fighting Russian and Bulgarian organized crime to my mom and dad's 'Salumeria' Deli to various cases along the way. The main point of the book are the daily challenges I faced striking the right balance to accomplish the dual mission of the Secret Service,' he writes in an explainer for his book. He also accompanied Pruitt on trips, which are under fire for costs of first class tickets. Perrotta also appears in a letter released this week by congressional Democrats including Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, based on their interview with former Trump campaign aide Kevin Chmielewski. Following his own trip to Japan with Vice President Pence, Chmielewski, a deputy chief of staff at EPA, claims Perrotta, threatened him, prompting him to call the police. Perrotta sought to confiscate his credentialsand said he was going to go to his home to 'forcibly remove' his EPA parking pass, and said he 'didn't give a f*** who is on this call.' He found the statements 'threatening' and reported them to local police, the White House, and 'numerous EPA officials.' 'We will respond to Members of Congress through the proper channel,' said EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox, asked for comment on the range of charges. President Trump has defended Scott Pruitt (above) as he weathered a series of scandals Democratic lawmakers wrote Pruitt and President Trump seeking 'all documents' related to purchases of security items including bulletproof vests, weapons, biometric locks, bulletproof vehicles, and SUVs. They also want all documents associated with Perrotta's private security firm, Sequoia Security Group. They also want 'all documents and communications referring or relating to the hiring of security contractors or foreign nationals to support Administrator Pruitt's trip to Italy. On the trip, Perrotta used EPA funds to hire private security contractors, according to the New York Times. Tara Wolf, pictured, walked free from court afdter assaulting Maria MacLachlan during a demonstration at Speaker's Corner An transgender activist and aspiring model who smashed a feminist's camera as violence flared between activists at a Speakers' Corner rally has walked free from court today. Tara Wolf, 26, punched Maria MacLachlan, 61, at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park last year when protesters clashed over the rights of trans women. She was ordered to pay 430 in fines and costs after a judge declared the language of the transgender debate 'antagonistic to say the least'. Ms MacLachlan, who describes herself as a 'gender critical feminist', had her 120 Panasonic camera knocked out of her hand by hooded Wolf, who identifies as female. Wolf claimed she was terrified any footage of her would be used to out her as transgender and acted in self defence. She denied assault by beating but was found guilty by Hendon Magistrates. District Judge Kenneth Grant told Wolf: 'I find it matters of sentence this is a case of low culpability and low harm. 'I am ordering you pay a fine of 150 and further ordering you to pay a victim surcharge of 30. 'You will make a contribution of prosecution costs of 250' As she was convicted feminist Dr Julia Long, who gave evidence in the case, shouted into her phone 'Guilty, guilty, violent. The man is guilty. I don't care.' Then then went to the court's balcony and shouted: 'Guilty, guilty of male violence!' The 26-year-old (pictured outside court) was found guilty of assaulting Maria MacLachlan, 61, during a demonstration at Speaker's Corner, Hyde Park on September 13, last year Transgender activist Tara Wolf (left) and radical trans-exclusionary feminist Maria MacLachan (right) outside court The court heard that Wolf and her group shouted: 'When TERFS attack, we fight back.' TERFs is a term that applies to Trans-exclusionary Radical Feminists, a group that believe trans women should not have the same rights as cisgendered women Wolf, wearing a hoodie and with multi coloured leggings ran up Ms MacLachlan and slapped her, sending the camera spinning from her hand and breaking it beyond repair. Giving evidence MacLachlan told the court: 'A hooded figure ran out at me from left to right, knocking the camera from hand. 'They swatted it. It was strapped to my wrist, so it was caught by my wrist.. 'I was extremely shocked that it had happened. It was a split second that it happened in. I was very, very angry. She added: 'We were a peaceful group of women.' Ms MacLachlan had gone to the talk to debate gender and the Gender Recognition Act. She and her friends were mocked by Wolf who said that TERFS stood for: 'Trans-Exterminatory Radical Feminists' who wanted all trans-people to be exterminated. Maria MacLachaln, left, was assaulted by Ms Wolf during the demonstration at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park on September 13, 2017 Wolf admitted before attending the rally she had posted on a Facebook event page: 'I want to f**k up some TERFS they are no better than FASH. (Fascists)'. Wolf, from Stratford, east London denied assault by beating. Returning his verdict at Hendon Magistrates' Court, District Judge Kenneth Grant said: 'Miss Wolf is an activist on transgender issues. 'The group of protesters, of which she was one, attended Speakers' Corner effectively to take issue with the views of a separate group of radical feminists who they refer to as Terfs. 'The politics of the transgender debate was not dealt with in any detail in the trial and there was not, in my view, a need for the politics of that debate to be specifically considered, safe to say that they are strongly held, passionately expressed, opposing stand points. Protesters erected a banner outside Hendon Magistrates' Court 'The language of the debate between the different wings of the transgender discussion is antagonistic to say the least. 'Miss Wolf referred to the rally, the meeting at Hyde Park, and the meeting due to follow the meeting at Speakers' Corner, she referred to it as a hate rally. 'The group she was protesting against, she referred to that group and persons comprising, as trans exterminatory radical feminists, which is strong language. 'She referred to Terfs wanting to exterminate people like me and that may have been an honestly held belief, but it demonstrates the position of the views held by opposing members of the debate.' Wolf, who the court heard receives 320 per month job seeker's allowance, was told to pay a 150 fine, 30 victim surcharge and 250 prosecution costs. A group of demonstrators waited outside the court during the trial of Tara Wolf Ms MacLachlan was told by a district judge at Hendon Magistrates' Court, pictured, to refer to her alleged attacker using the correct pronoun while giving evidence against Ms Wolf But in giving his verdict, the Judge also branded Miss MacLachlan ungraceful for failing to refer to Wolf as 'she' during the two-day trial. He said: 'When I asked Miss MacLachlan to refer to the defendant as she, she did so with bad grace. 'Having asked her to refer to Miss Wolf as she as a matter of courtesy, she continued to refer to Miss Wolf as he and him. 'The language of the debate is antagonistic and hostile.' The fracas broke out after Miss MacLachlan tried to film counter demonstrators, including Wolf, when the two groups clashed at the demo. Referring to a video of Wolf attempting to slap a camera from Miss MacLachlan's hand, the judge said: 'That, I concluded, was an assault. 'It was a relatively minor assault. 'I suspect it that was the only altercation that was recorded during that event, it would not have resulted in this trial.' Wolf's solicitor, Jodie Alexander, had claimed she attacked Miss MacLachlan in a bid to stop her partner being assaulted. It was also claimed Wolf feared footage would be leaked online to 'out' her as transgender. But Judge Grant said: 'The idea that any one of those assaults was a prevention of crime is not an argument in this case that I was prepared to accept and I specifically reject.' He rejected evidence that Miss MacLachlan held a counter demonstrator in a head lock before the attack. The Judge added: 'All three incidents of which there was physical contact between Miss Wolf and Miss MacLachlan did amount to assault and in relation to the defence of self-defence or defence of another or prevention of crime.' A 12-year-old killed himself after being bullied for months, and now his parents are calling for a change in district policy over claims the school failed to protect their son. Andy Leach from Southaven, Mississippi, hung himself in his garage after school on March 6. His parents described Andy as someone with a 'contagious smile', and said he struggled with his sexuality and that helped ramp up the bullying he received at Southaven Middle School. They said the school policy failed to provide 'key components' on how administrators should respond to complaints about bullying or impose punishments for the perpetrators. 'It's absolutely ridiculous that kids are acting this way, that they feel no fear of punishment,' Andy's father, Matt Leach, said. Andy Leach, 12, killed himself on March 6 after experiencing extreme bullying at Southaven Middle School in Mississippi His parents said that Andy struggled with his sexuality, which only heightened the attention he received from bullies on a daily basis at the school Cheryl Hudosn, the grieving mother of Andrw Leach, has shared a heartbreaking photograph of her 12-year-old son in his coffin, after he killed himself over being bullied for his sexuality What exactly prompted Andy to hang himself in his garage after school March 6 remains a mystery. Key details are shrouded by privacy rules. Southaven Chief Steve Pirtle said he can't comment on the police investigation. School officials wouldn't respond in detail to AP questions. Leach gave investigators Andy's cellphone and laptop, and he said Thursday that he's still waiting for results. What has been made public troubles Andy's parents. Mental health experts see shortcomings in the county school system's anti-bullying policy. A state lawmaker who represents the district just south of Memphis, Tennessee, says he'll propose an 'Andy's Law' in response. Leach said Andy began telling them how school bullies called him fat and stupid about a year ago. Later, a group of students cornered him, saying 'You're not going to make it out of this bathroom.' 'These kids are awful. They're mean. They're cruel,' Andy's mother, Cheryl Hudson, told WATN. The bullying intensified two months before his death, after Andy announced to family and friends that he might be bisexual. He was confused, questioning himself and his faith, Leach said. Word spread inside Southaven Middle School, and bullies pounced. 'There was a lot going on in Andy,' Leach said. 'I think the inner turmoil and the name-calling, the bullying that went with it, finally pushed him to a point where he started making some decisions.' Andy's mother (pictured left) blames school policy for how they chose to handle the situation with her son. Critics claim the school district lacks 'key components' in their bullying policy Andy's parents admit they now see red flags that they missed while their son was still alive. They studied his notes after his death but found nothing that indicated a breaking point A counselor sat down with Andy and another student in February after Leach called an assistant principal. He said it was the only intervention he's aware of. Andy stopped sharing feelings after that, and only later did his parents learn what he was facing, he said. The DeSoto County School District denied an AP records request, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. 'All bullying reports are treated with the utmost importance,' a statement from district spokeswoman Katherine Nelson said. 'All claims are investigated thoroughly, and school counselors are trained to help students and intervene when they are aware of a situation.' But the district's posted policy, written in 2010, lacks other 'key components' promoted by stopbullying.gov. It focuses on how to report complaints but doesn't describe procedures for investigating and responding to them, imposing consequences, or making sure victims have access to physical, mental or legal help. Once an initial complaint is made, all it requires of school authorities is to notify parents and 'arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties.' Bullying expert Michael Sulkowski said making the victim and bully meet can 'add fuel to the fire.' 'The child who's being bullied is disempowered, is potentially frightened for his or her safety and certainly their social status,' Sulkowski said. 'It's not appropriate to expect them to confront his or her bullies, even in front of a teacher or administrator.' Sulkowski, who teaches psychology at the University of Arizona's College of Education, said model policies establish enforceable consequences. They instruct schools to offer continued emotional support and to communicate with parents to make sure harassment doesn't follow the victim online. What's most striking about Andy's case, he said, is an apparent 'lack of communication between the adults.' Family and friends gathered to mourn as the Mississippi boy was buried in March Andy's parents say they now understand more about red flags - like when their son made excuses to avoid school. Leach says he monitored Andy's digital life but couldn't see messages that disappeared or were deleted. 'He didn't really come to us about a lot of things,' Hudson told WREG. After Andy's death, Leach found scattered writings and drawings depicting suicide dating back months in Andy's notebooks, but nothing indicating a breaking point. Hudson told the station 'it was found out that he was going to be involved in a fight after school,' but she declined to elaborate. Other cases have led to criminal charges. Two 12-year-olds await prosecution on charges of cyberstalking a 12-year-old classmate in Panama City Beach, Florida, before she hanged herself in January. The Panama City News Herald reports she'd been bullied in and out of school, and just before she killed herself, one defendant told her to 'just do it' before ending a video chat. Mississippi law punishes bullying as a misdemeanor, with up to six months behind bars and $500 in fines. Rep. Steve Hopkins, a Republican from Southaven, said Andy's death 'just broke my heart.' He says his 'Andy's Law' would make convicted bullies do harder time, take 'the handcuffs off counselors' and establish a state lottery to fund bullying prevention and mental-health programs, among other things. Of 44,193 reported suicides in 2015, only 409 involved kids 10 to 14. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey , about a third of high-school students identifying themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual say they were bullied on campus and tried to kill themselves in the prior year, compared with 6 percent of heterosexual peers. 'We want to make sure parents don't suffer from this because of lack of information and lack of policies enforced,' Leach said. 'We need to dig in, find out what's going on and make some noise.' Roger Carroll, 52, was charged with murder on Thursday in Madison County, Illinois A man has been charged with murder in the 2010 disappearance of a woman, after her burnt remains were found on his land. Roger W. Carroll, 52, was charged with first-degree murder and concealing a homicide on Thursday in Madison County, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River from the north suburbs of St. Louis. Carroll had long been a suspect in the disappearance of mother-of-four Bonnie Woodward, 48, ever since his fingerprints were found on her abandoned Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck eight years ago. But without a body prosecutors were reluctant to press charges. That all changed when a tip from the public directed police to a burn pit near Carroll's home on his 58-acre farm outside of Jerseyville. 'Any piece of information brought forward can help solve a case,' Alton Police Chief Jason Simmons said at a Thursday press conference reported by the Telegraph. Bonnie Woodward, 48, disappeared on June 25, 2010 from her workplace in Alton, Illinois Woodward was last seen in this parking lot outside the Eunice Smith Nursing Home where she worked. Coworkers saw her talking to a white male before she disappeared, leaving her truck The case dates back to June 25, 2010 when Woodward left work for the day at the Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton, where she had been a longtime employee. Her stepdaughter Heather, then 17, had run away from home about a week earlier. Police believe Heather was staying with Carroll and his wife on their farm, and Carroll has been charged with lying to police about harboring the runaway girl in a case that is still pending. After she left work on June 25, Woodward's coworkers at the nursing home saw her talking to a white man driving a silver Chevy Malibu in the parking lot before she disappeared, leaving her truck behind with the windows partially rolled down. Cops say Carroll 'lured' the woman back to his farm in his own vehicle, and then shot her with a Stoeger Cougar 9 mm Luger before burning the body on the same day she disappeared. Woodward's family made desperate public appeals for her safe return, but to no avail. Woodward's family made desperate public appeals for her safe return, but to no avail A public appeal for information did not lead to Woodward's remains until eight years later Police cadaver dogs searched Carroll's 58-acre property (pictured) in 2010, but did not discover Woodward's remains until a recent tip led them to a burn pit near his house On July 3, eight days after Woodward disappeared, her runaway stepdaughter walked into a public library and identified herself. The girl had turned 18 while missing. Authorities have been reluctant to discuss how or whether the runaway stepdaughter connects to Woodward's murder. Cops found Carroll's fingerprints on Woodward's abandoned truck, and launched a massive search of his property with cadaver dogs, to no avail. Last month, Carroll was charged in Jersey County with unlawful restraint and domestic battery for allegedly grabbing, jerking and dragging his wife Monica while 'using a stun taser' on her head. The unlawful restraint charge alleges he locked her in a laundry room after using the Taser 'several times on the head and neck.' Bail was set at $10,000 in that case. The arrest led to Carroll being jailed for violating bail on the runaway stepdaughter charges, where he remained when police acted on the tip that led to Woodward's remains. Carroll will be tried in Madison County on the unlawful restraint and murder charges. The obstruction charges related to the runaway stepdaughter are pending in Jersey County. He is being held in the Madison County Jail without bail. Two gang members have been jailed for a total of 19 years after they trafficked a teenage girl 200 miles out of London to sell drugs in a landmark prosecution. Fesal Mahamud, 20, and Mahad Yusuf, 21, spoke to the girl briefly on social media before telling her she 'belonged' to them and forcing her to conceal heroin and cocaine in her body. The two men kept the 19-year-old captive for five 'harrowing' days after promising her the chance to 'make some money' and luring her from her home in London to Swansea, south Wales. The 'vulnerable' girl was threatened with violence if she refused to help sell drugs, and was only freed when police raided the house she was being kept in. Mahamud (left), 20, and Mahad Yusuf, 21, who have been jailed after they lured a 19-year-old woman to Swansea and forced her to help their crack cocaine and heroin operation Mahamud and Yusuf each pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and one count of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation. The latter charge is the first time legislation under the Modern Slavery Act has been used for cases of 'county lines' drugs trafficking, in the hope longer sentences act as a deterrent to gang bosses. More prosecutions are expected in future, in cases where children as young as 12 have been groomed and used as runners to move class A drugs to towns and cities outside of London. Swansea Crown Court was told at an earlier hearing how 'manager' Mahamud instructed Yusuf to 'coerce' their victim into becoming a drug runner with threats of violence. Prosecutor Caroline Rees said: 'The girl agreed to travel to Swansea to make money. 'Whilst she traveled apparently willingly she didn't know where she was going. 'It was then clear she was going to be used as a street operative. 'It is accepted that to keep drugs safe she was required to secrete them on her person. 'She was given threats. She was threatened that if she snitched she should expect violence. 'She was led to believe her phone was being monitored. She was left feeling there would be violence if she did not cooperate. 'She described how she was hurt and left in tears every day.' The girl's mobile phone was destroyed and she was beaten, punched in the face and forced to conceal drugs over five days in May last year. Yusuf remained in Swansea to run the drugs operation on the ground while Mahamud returned to London to direct the dealing via mobile phone. Mahamud (pictured) and Yusuf each pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and one count of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation The 19-year-old's ordeal ended when the home used by the gang in Swansea was raided as part of a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police. Mahamud, from Zambezi Drive, Edmonton, London, was sentenced to 10 years and Yusuf, from Cuckoo Hall lane, Edmonton, North London, was sentenced to nine years at their sentencing hearing today. Nicola Rees of the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'The teenage girl at the centre of this case was trafficked and abused by gang members in order to deal drugs. 'She was treated as a commodity, transported to an unfamiliar location without any means of contacting her family or friends and forced to carry Class A drugs. 'Alongside drugs offences the CPS authorised charges under the Modern Slavery Act as the prosecution was able to prove they trafficked the victim in order to exploit her. 'The CPS presented a strong case which included text messages and CCTV evidence which corroborated the testimony from the victim, leaving the defendants no choice but to plead guilty to their crimes. 'The victim provided an extensive statement which included harrowing detail of her experience and was valuable in prosecuting the defendants for modern slavery.' A single mother has shared a picture of her with her five children ahead of her graduation from law school and revealed how they helped her study. Ieshia Champs of Houston, Texas, posed in her cap and gown alongside her children, who range in ages from five to 14-years old holding a sign saying: 'I did it!' The 33-year-old will graduate Magna Cum Laude from Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law on May 11. Ieshia Champs and her five kids pose ahead of her graduation. They helped her out by pretending to be a jury Champs was in the depths of despair when she received a life changing phone call from a pastor urging her to return to school Champs has wanted to be a lawyer since she was seven-years-old but lost her way during her teenage years when the odds began stacking up against her. 'I really didn't have any stable guidance at that time. My mom was addicted to drugs. My dad was deceased. And I was homeless,' Champs told CBS News. 'I lived with friends or whoever would take me in. Then I got pregnant with the first of my five children, and things just went from there.' After dropping out of high school she got a job at a call center to support her growing family. Team Champs pose for selfie. She said of her kids 'they're graduating too' In 2009, when pregnant with her fourth child, she entered a dark period in her life She lost her home to a fire, lost her job and her children's father to cancer, all of which affected her mental health and led her to attempt suicide. Amongst the despair, she received a phone call from a pastor. 'Pastor Louise Holman called me one day and said that God told her to tell me to go back to school and get my GED, because that lawyer I wanted to be, I'll be it!', said Champs. 'I thought it was a little crazy because I was too old and I had three children with my fourth child on the way.' The degree would not be possible without the support of her children, who Champs said quizzed her with flashcards while she was cooking and served as a mock jury. She also credits her sister, friends and her school - who she said supported her when she had to bring her children to class at times - for her success. 'I took the pictures with my kids because they helped me through school. They're graduating too!' 'They would help me review with flash cards while I cooked. They would sit as a mock jury while I taught them what I learned that day.' In particular, she paid tribute to her eldest son David who when she was overwhelmed and tearful 'would gather his siblings, give them a snack, make them take a bath, gather their school clothes, all to make things easier for me. 'And I had no knowledge of him doing that until I went to do it!' Pastor Holman's husband, church leader Bishop Richard Holman captured these epic graduation photos. 'If God can take a little girl like me who had nothing and put me in a position to where I'm graduating from a wonderful law school in the top 15 per cent of my class Magna Cum Laude with five children, he can do anything for you,' she told USA Today. Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin has apologized after a pant-less photo of him was posted online An Oregon sheriff who made headlines when he appeared to support a Sandy Hook conspiracy theory is now apologizing for an inappropriate photo of him that emerged online. A photo obtained by The News-Review shows Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin thrusting his pelvis towards the camera while wearing nothing but a white shirt. Only a Facebook sticker that says 'Lit Saturday' covers his genitals. Hanlin told the local news outlet the photo was likely posted by his ex-girlfriend to a website that posed as his own Facebook page. He said he took the photo privately at his home and did not authorize its release on any platform. '[This is] a very private, personal matter and I intend to deal with it in a private manner,' Hanlin said in an email to The News-Review. Caught with his pants down: Hanlin said it's likely his ex-girlfriend posted the photo, which was taken at his home 'I apologize for this distraction.' Hanlin came in the national spotlight when a shooter killed nine people at Umpqua Community College in 2015. He notoriously refused to say the shooter's name and asked the media to do the same. Shortly after the shooting it emerged that Hanlin, a vocal supporter of the Second Amendment, had shared a video on Facebook about a Sandy Hook conspiracy theory. Hanlin was in the national spotlight in 2015 after a shooting at Umpqua Community College The video suggested that, in an attempt to disarm the public, the U.S. government may have staged the tragedy in which 26 elementary school students and staff were murdered in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012. The post also called the dead children's parents 'crisis actors'. 'This makes me wonder who we can trust anymore,' the sheriff, who later said he didn't actually believe the theory, wrote at the time. Hanlin has served as the sheriff for Douglas County since 2009. The sheriff's office told The News-Review this is a personal matter for Hanlin and they aren't involved. At the beginning of 2016 I was 23 years old. I was known as the blonde lead singer, fiddle player and principle songwriter of The Willis Clan and the eldest sister of 12 kids. We performed on tour frequently and we were finishing up filming the second season of a reality TV show about our family. A fourth official album was in the works and there was always something exciting and challenging coming up on the calendar. The turn of that year was also the darkest period of my life. The truth of what I was living every day was nothing like what people saw on the outside. And that jarring discrepancy hadnt come out of nowhere. There was a wound that had always been a part of my world and it had never been addressed. Now it was going to kill me if I didnt find a way to get free of its power. My story is complicated. Its deeply private, personal and way too long to share in full just as the story of anyones life would be. However, after much recent deliberation and soul searching, I have come to realize that I feel a responsibility to the truth itself and my conscience demands a public denouncement of the previous life I helped hide for so long. Speculation and confusion has muddied the waters of late and Ive found that the longer I go without speaking up, the longer I feel trapped in the continued power of my past. As far back as I can remember, I was sexually abused by my father. I figure I was around three years old in some of the earliest memories. Initially, I had no way to know that anything was wrong. When I did eventually come to realize the fact, I had no way to accurately express what was happening to me. There followed immense shame, distrust and hurt throughout my childhood even in the happy times. Thus ran the two parallel storylines that became my life. An initial awareness of questionable behavior began when I was around nine years old. Something (Im still not sure what) caused my mother to become suspicious of my fathers interactions. I didnt realize there was zero evidence of anything specific and all I did was nod uncertainly when a few general questions were asked by my mother. I heard my mother raise her voice to my father for the first time in my life and I thought the adults would figure it out. I didnt understand that my father simply denied any wrongdoing and became more secretive and dangerous from then on. Suffice it to say my father controlled the family in every single area of life. Underneath the outward foundations of family, religion and homeschooling with an emphasis in the arts, there was a constant current of manipulation, domination, fear and favor. There was very little room inside the bubble of my world to imagine that there was any alternative. Looking back now, its almost impossible to face the fact of what my life once used to be. Many things were normal for me that should have never been met with anything other than outrage. The abuse developed and ebbed at various intervals over the years and into puberty. The most graphic sexual abuse faded off for me when I was around seventeen years old but many inappropriate actions and attentions continued. From time to time the ever growing but still nebulous awareness grew to include more members of the family. Over the years periodic confrontations happened between my parents and eventually involved various siblings as we struggled to pin down the monster in the shadows that we couldnt seem to pull into the light. I feel like I truly knew that certain other members of my family were being sexually abused and I felt they knew this about me too. Conversations were had, tears were cried and we questioned how to deal with the situation. But I now realize that since we all were different ages with completely different viewpoints, separate experiences and limited vocabularies, even when we tried to speak to each other, each person thought they were talking about something different. Once I was no longer being graphically abused, the worst of it became like a purposely forgotten nightmare and I tried to thrive in a way I hadnt been able to before. Though I was confused by the many rigorous and philosophical beliefs that were channeled into me by my father, I was getting older and dreaming of a life where I had a future of my own with the possibility of freedom, independence and love. It bears saying that my firsthand exposure to these things was extremely limited but I was not completely broken inside as to think that they didnt exist at all. My childhood explorations in music and writing provided me a personal tool for self-expression that I now partially credit with saving my life. The innocent, hurt, curious, hopeful child hidden within me gravitated to the magic of storytellings emotional truth and wisdom. Through my love of these things I was able to preserve a connection to the deep parts of me that I didnt understand or accept or couldnt explain to the world. It helped me connect with others with authenticity when words failed. Over the next few years, my daily life transformed dramatically as my family became more and more public. My father shaped us from child students to child performers and at some vaguely discernible point we became a touring dance troupe and then band. He always promoted his philosophy, showcasing the family as the living proof of the validity of his methods and beliefs. I remember at one point being a model member of this strange and highly performance oriented group, complete with a belief on nearly every subject, and constantly ready to make a range of demonstrations on cue. With time, I came to sense the increasing divide between where my life was heading and where I realized I wanted to go. Bigger platforms and higher octane schedules led to pressures that can stress even the healthiest of systems. Our family system was disturbingly sick. For a long time now I had felt like I was going through life with a massive bomb strapped to my chest that I knew would one day detonate. In 2011, I wrote a song called Speak My Mindwherein I wondered if I ever did get the courage to speak out and break free, would other people understand me or love me or be there for me? I was desperate for help but also felt that anyone who came close enough to help me would get hurt. Could I knowingly do that to someone? I was getting glimpses of different lifestyles, examples of other beliefs and other lives but I knew I was not going to get from where I was to where I wanted to be without major changes. My husband, Sean, came into my life at the beginning of 2015. He was not the first person to teach me what love can be like but he truly changed my life forever. Neither of us were ever alone in our journey; there is a special and beautiful thread of people who shaped us throughout our lives before we knew each other and there is a community that was there with us through the hardest parts of our fight. There were many rules in my family for communication, friendships and relationships but it universally came down to my fathers favor and if that was lost, any person, family or group would be cut off by whatever means necessary. My husband and I had that general favor for the first few months and he was welcomed in to experience the full performance of The Willis Clan in up-close action. Sean came over to spend time with the family countless times and visited our home church meetings. He brought me flowers on Valentine's Day and in March we went on one date with chaperones. However, it wasnt long before our growing connection became a threat to my fathers control and the favor evaporated. Aprils schedule brought a band tour and I hit the road with my family on our tour bus. It was the day before my 23rd birthday and we were in Minnesota performing and filming our tv show. I came into my hotel room that night to find my mother and some of my sisters sitting on the bed crying with that look on their face I had seen so many times before. The coldest, blackest pit opened up in my stomach because no words needed to be said for me to know something had happened. How was I here again? I could not stay in denial about my past because it obviously wasnt staying in the past even though at times I had tried so hard to forgive and forget. Things were not over. They had never been over. Sexual abuse was still happening. And I knew it. Deep in my gut. Life seemed thin and fragile and about to shatter in that moment. The delicate balance of ignorance and fear and hope was about to break wide open. I was the adult now. Something had to change. That night I told my father I would "not ignore it this time". I told him I would leave as soon as I could find out how to do so. Other family members echoed similar declarations.(Again, this is another situation that my mom, my siblings and I have been able to talk about more recently and peel back the layers of confusion and conflict to understand that we all had different viewpoints and interpretations of events during that night.) From that day on, our public life continued on without missing a beat - If anything, it intensified. All threats or ultimatums made to my father were brushed aside and the runaway train that was The Willis Clan gained speed. I kept up the outward show but within the family, things began to fall apart for me. I continued my relationship with Sean without my parents consent and it eventually went completely underground. As things got weirder, he struggled to make sense of the situation. He shared books and resources with me not realizing just how valuable I found the information at that time. I came to view what my father had done with increasing horror. I was less and less cooperative with him and had to face the mounting consequences. The middle of August arrived and found our family neck deep in filming a live concert DVD. Things were strained and rehearsals included huge blowups and power struggles between my father and I or sometimes another sibling. That weekend, Sean sent me a message saying he thought he had figured out what had happened in my past. I confirmed. I remember him asking me if I was safe. I looked around and, though I didnt voice it, I realized I was not. No one had ever told their truth. No one had ever truly stood up to my father. I personally had never shared the details of what he had done to me. Doing so would put me in danger but it had to be done. I sat down and wrote a fourteen page document about the worst abuse. It poured out of me in terrible detail and it was the first time I felt the power of its story. I showed the letter to my mother who was rightly outraged. My father refused to read it and accused me of lying. I had taken my first step towards speaking out, but I had shared my story with another victim trapped in the same prison as me. My father lashed out at both of us with whatever threats necessary to maintain his control and began consistently threatening my mom with the lives of the entire family. I continued to look for a way out on my own but it can seem impossible to jump off a runaway train. When we arrived home from tour that autumn, I was somehow able to go out with Sean one more time. When I arrived home that night, my family had been made aware of my secret and inappropriate communication with him and Sean was excommunicated. My father threatened his life. I was forced by my father to break up with him multiple times over the following months. All manner of technology or communication was taken away from me and even secret letters were found out. It was imperative to keep me closed off from all help as I was now fighting to get out. My life amounted to a type of house arrest. I sank into the first depression of my life and lost close to fifteen pounds. We continued to perform, to film and for the first time I saw the reality of my life. The abuse was in my mind every day. How could I have stayed this long? My father sought to stamp out my rebellion and became increasingly violent towards me even in front of the family. I felt myself losing my grip on sanity. I was accused of being the only problem in the family, ruining everything. It was said I was possessed by a demon. The way things were escalating, I began to fear for my life. In January, my father assaulted me on the tour bus in front of the entire family. He blamed my disobedience and defied everyone though my mother and siblings tried to interfere. A police car pulled up behind us and when the officer entered, I hid in my bunk to hide the blood and the forming bruises. Everyone put on their show faces. In that moment, I knew I was betraying myself. I was the one keeping me prisoner. (Again, all of this is extremely abbreviated. I have focused on my own personal narrative and tried to distill events down to the most impactful points.) I woke up one morning during the first week of April, not knowing it was the day I was going to finally leave. The TV show had just finished filming, we were in TN at a new rental house and we had a few weeks before our next gig. Halfway through the morning, my brother Jair and I had a disagreement and he went to our father. Dad came down and confronted me. When I didnt apologize, he took off his belt and beat me like when I was younger. He said it was his god-given responsibility to punish me. It was in that moment I knew. The threats and violence stopped working. No matter how it happened, I would leave by tonight. The rest of the day was like a blur. I had tried to leave multiple times before and was always physically prevented. But something was different this time. I was almost in a coma, not saying much, one half of me completely paralyzed in fear and the other half slowly proceeding almost calmly, holding each little inch of ground I gained. One after another there were various threats of further violence and legal repercussions from dad. My mother and siblings made religious and emotional appeals. Everyone was terrified of what would happen if I really left. But these things had lost their power over me. I was so far retreated into myself that I somehow found the trembling strength to keep insisting. I was allowed to use a phone to call a friend and without being given an explanation, she told me I was welcome to come and stay for as long as I needed. I had no plan but the immediate steps eventually took shape. Two of my siblings offered to drive me. Sean had gotten me an emergency phone that I had been too afraid to use. I now dug it out from between my mattress and boxspring and sent a message saying I was coming out. In every moment of that car ride, I felt I was about to wretch my guts out. I had never felt so physically sick with fear and a grimacing determination. I woke up the next morning in a strange new world. My 24th birthday was only a few days away. It had taken way too long and at times I thought I would die but I had finally escaped. I had left everything but a few clothes and personal items. It was astounding to me that life continued on like nothing had happened; the earth continued to turn. One day at a time, I tried to begin again. I saw my family a few times after I left and I felt such guilt towards leaving my mom and siblings and also struggled with an overwhelming responsibility to the band that Id left in such a lurch. I helped them with a few projects but it was incredibly strange and I felt like I didnt exist as soon as we were off stage or off camera. The contrast of being outside of my familys bubble and then being back in the thick of it was overwhelming. Even though I had left, I felt immense pressure not to mess with what my family continued to portray to the public. I could not yet find the power to break that hold. I tried to block my family from my mind as I dove into the safety net that emerged around me. I knew now that I could not break said hold without keeping away from the whole system. Friends and eventually various support groups helped me in seeing a therapist with extensive trauma training. People who Id never met showed up for me in a way Id never experienced before. I learned about trauma, abuse, recovery, dysfunctional family systems and finally found the vocabulary to accurately describe what had happened to me. At first my mouth would not move no matter how hard I tried to speak and my body would shake and shut down. But these words had power and their exact meaning told the truth I had experienced. There is something profound in finally being able to speak for yourself, to tell your story and know you are right. It was as if speaking my story began to make my truth accessible in the real world. Around 4 months after I left, another friend stepped forward to save the rest of my family. He reported my father for suspicion of sexual abuse and the official investigation started. The case was given to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. When they contacted me, I went in and ended up speaking with them the whole rest of that day. I was able to give them a long and confident testimony which was eventually used to create the arrest warrant. I was warned not to speak to my family at this time and if they reached out, I should let the TBI do their job. There was great concern on how to keep everyone alive and safe while trying to apprehend my father. It was no exaggeration to fear a violent confrontation, standoff, kidnapping or worse. It was a harrowing few weeks but my father was finally arrested. I truly think that the full extent of the abuse will never be known; I know even with this partial account of my personal experience alone, it is complex. I also believe that no matter the method of telling, no one else will ever fully understand what it is like to live through something like that unless you too have been there in your own way. The investigation unearthed so many more things that my family as a whole was unaware of and there are still sometimes no words to describe what happened in its fullest magnitude. Healing is a lifelong process. I remain personally dedicated to always leaning further into my recovery and pursuing my own education so I will never be without the tools that would prevent me from being held prisoner in such a situation again. As my mom and siblings move forward with their lives, I am so grateful for the chance we have had to heal and continue to grow closer most recently through the process of me preparing and sharing this account. My mom and siblings each have their own powerful stories and they are all beautiful survivors. I have felt such support from them in the telling of this story and I look forward to supporting them in theirs. I have a beautiful life for which I am incredibly grateful. I married my amazing husband last year. He too has his own truly inspiring story throughout this crazy tale and Im so thankful that he constantly invited me towards a better life since the moment I met him. I have had so much help and support from so many other people and organizations. Most recently, I spent the beginning of February attending an amazing program at a place called Onsite which, as it turns out, was the place my husband was working when I first met him. I am not currently a part of The Willis Clan band but I will aways be a part of the Willis family. There is much to learn for myself about the truth of healthy relationships, faith, family, home, success, fulfillment and so much more. I appreciate the grace that is given by those closest to me. I assert my right to protect the privacy of my personal life while still feeling free to explore and passionately pursue my dreams and goals. I am excited by the possibilities of the future and the beauty of the now. If you are someone whose honesty and vulnerability invited me further into true connection, you have helped save my life. I can still struggle with the wish that I could have stood up sooner, been stronger, saved myself and my family in the way that was desperately needed for so long. But I have learned that I did the best I could at the times when it felt like there was no choice. I didnt know until I finally knew, I couldnt stand until I finally stood. There is no shame in finally being strong. I am a survivor. As both my 26th birthday and the anniversary of my leaving draws near, I find it amazing to reflect on the past two years. I have learned that even when I do find the courage to speak my mind, not everyone will understand or be there for me. But thats not why I am doing this. For me not to speak up and acknowledge what has happened would be like hiding in the bus all over again. It would be to hide my own painful past and pretend that I wasnt a part of the act because I am afraid of what might happen or whether my story will be misunderstood. Writing and sharing this piece is an important step for me in owning my story, loving myself and others, and moving forward to live the life that I truly want to live. If you too are a survivor, you are not alone. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- China is working on the specific scheme on relaxing foreign ownership of auto JVs, and the scheme is likely to be exposed to the public before the second half of 2018, according to a person who once served at the Development Research Center of the State Council. However, the information was later confirmed as "never heard". What's more, a more specific reply was from a senior executive of the Development Research Center of the State Council that the scheme on relaxing foreign ownership of auto JVs will be worked out before the National Holiday at the latest, including the definite policies and specific adjustments. The relaxation of foreign ownership of auto JVs is a mark in the process of China's further opening up. Although the time has not yet determined, it is certain that China will ease the restriction on the ownership of auto JVs. The much more explicit policy trend turned out to have immediate effect on relevant companies. It is said that Chinese automakers that have JVs with foreign automakers had discussed the impact of the policy and made preparations as early as at the beginning of this year. According to the existing policy of auto industry, the controlling stake of Chinese automakers should be no less than 50%. Provided the restrictions on the foreign ownership of auto JVs was relaxed, foreign-funded companies will be "eligible" to be the controlling stakeholder in JVs and even have the possibility of establishing their wholly-owned companies. A source from the Development Research Center of the State Council analyzed on Apr. 12 that Chinese auto industry and foreign-funded bear solid foundation in cooperation. In addition, China's domestic automakers have grown mature enough to counter the challenge of their foreign peers. The relaxation of restrictions on auto JVs will not impact too heavily on Chinese domestic automakers. The relaxation of restrictions on auto JVs had impacted auto firms, especially the ones who co-built JVs with foreign automakers. Dongfeng Group announced before the Spring Festival that the company will focus on the development of its self-owned brand, Fengshen and also accelerate the reform of the state-owned company. It is said that Dongfeng Group's systems of talents and salaries tend to be market-oriented. Nigel Harris, president of Changan Ford addressed that China's relaxation of restrictions on foreign ownership of auto JVs hasn't exerted any impact on the company by far. However, He Chaobing, representive of Changan's executives, stated that the relaxation will not only impact Changan Ford, but also influence the whole auto industry. Chinese auto market is so complicated that it would pose great challenge to foreign companies without the cooperation with local partners. Many senior executives of foreign automakers have stressed the crucial role of their Chinese partners. Some powerful foreign vehicle brands may request to increase the proportion of controlling stake in their JVs. At the same time, some foreign vehicle brands which haven't established JVs in China would require to build up wholly-owned firms. According to Li Yanwei, an analyst in auto circulation industry, since the world's large auto manufacturers have established JVs in China, the structure in the largest auto market has been shaped. Only the automakers become more market-oriented, the auto industry will develop better. A paramedic had to 'tip' water out of a three-month-old baby boy allegedly shaken and immersed in water by his parents, a court heard. Ah'Kiell Walker was naked, cold and wet when paramedics arrived at his family home in Archdeacon Street, Gloucester, on July 30 in 2016. The baby was so cold that medics were unable to record a temperature and was taking just four breaths per minute. The three-month-old's parents, Hannah Henry (pictured), 22, and Alistair Walker, 27, deny manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and cruelty to a person aged under 16 He was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and then transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where he died the following day. Bristol Crown Court heard Ah'Kiell had suffered brain injuries potentially caused by shaking, and may have been immersed in water. His parents, Hannah Henry, 22, and Alistair Walker, 27, deny manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and cruelty to a person aged under 16. Gary Mills, a rapid response lead paramedic for South Western Ambulance Service, arrived at the family home after Henry called 999 just after 10am. 'The baby was wet, he was naked and unresponsive. I could see that the breathing rate was not enough to sustain life,' Mr Mills told the jury. 'It looked like the baby had been got out of the bath, that's how wet it was. From what I could see, the mouth contained water. Hannah Henry, of Tuffley, Gloucestershire, and Alistair Walker (pictured), of Lansdowne Green, London, deny all the charges against them 'The first priority is to clear the airway. I tipped the baby on to its side. Effectively using gravity to tip the water out. Water came out of the mouth. 'The baby felt very cold. It was a day in July, it was a warm day and there was no reason for the baby to be that cold on that sort of day.' Mr Mills said he was unable to say how much water came out of Ah'Kiell's mouth and told the jury that the floor around the baby was also wet. He described Walker as being 'aggressive' and said he stopped the father from pushing down on the baby's stomach 'forcefully' with his hand. An ambulance arrived and Ah'Kiell was dried off with a towel to allow a defibrillator to be used. The baby was then taken to hospital. Walker claimed he had left Ah'Kiell for an unspecified amount of time and returned to find him unresponsive, Mr Mills said. Ah'Kiell was pronounced dead at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children at 1.44pm on July 31. Bristol Crown Court (pictured) heard Ah'Kiell had suffered brain injuries potentially caused by shaking, and may have been immersed in water A post-mortem examination found Ah'Kiell's death was caused by a lack of oxygen to his brain, with a pathologist also finding four older fractures to his ribs and a fracture to his shoulder. Jurors have been told that Walker was 'obsessed' with Ah'Kiell's constipation and fed him water through bottles with the teat cut to increase the flow. Accounts given by Walker and Henry in police interviews do not explain his injuries, prosecutor Andrew Langdon QC said. Following the death, officers examined phones used by Henry and Walker. They revealed that Henry had told friends she wanted to end her relationship with Walker by the time Ah'Kiell was nine or 10 weeks old. During the same period, internet searches were made on Walker's phone including 'shaken baby syndrome', 'can I squeeze my baby', 'internal bleeding due to trauma' and 'baby broken ribs'. One search, on June 14, asked: 'Can babies feel pain?', followed by 'baby burst liver'. Henry, of Tuffley, Gloucestershire, and Walker, of Lansdowne Green, London, deny all the charges against them. Lorenzo Arline, 43 (pictured), of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced on Tuesday to 150 years in prison after he was convicted of raping his two stepdaughters over the course of a decade and forcing them to bear eight of his children A New York man was sentenced to 150 years in prison on Tuesday for raping and impregnating his teenage stepdaughters in a decade-long reign of terror. Lorenzo Arline, 43, of Brooklyn, was convicted back in March of multiple charges of rape against the two girls. 'Today's sentencing concludes an unbelievable case of sexual abuse at the hands of someone who should have been caring for and protecting these young girls,' Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement. Arline was arrested in 2015 after one of the girls told an official at her child's school about the abuse which began in 2005 - after their mother had a stroke and was hospitalized for months, reported Queens Patch. Back in 2005, Arline, 31, married the victims' mother while he was finishing serving a sentence for manslaughter at a Florida prison, according to court records. When he was released, he moved into the family's Far Rockaway house. Not long afterwards, he began forcing his stepdaughters, ages 11 and 14 at the time, to sleep in bed naked with him. In March 2005, Arline raped the 14-year-old girl, hit her, and threatened to shove a coat hanger into her vagina if she didn't comply, it was revealed in trial testimony. In one instance, the teen left the house to meet a friend without his permission and he ordered her to meet him on his way home from work. Upon doing so, he dragged her by her feet with her face scraping against the cement pavement, beat her and violently raped her once back inside their home, Brown said. She ultimately gave birth to five of his children. When the younger stepdaughter turned 12 years old, Arline began forcing himself onto her. He repeatedly raped her and impregnated her with three of his children. The violence continued until 2015 when Arline hit his oldest stepdaughter, then age 24, so hard that be broke her tooth, according to prosecutors. Brown said that she went to an official at one of her children's schools and revealed the decade-long rape and abuse she endured. The official then called police. Arline was arrested at his home in Brooklyn and was eventually convicted on six counts of first-degree rape and one count of second-degree rape. The abuse began when the girls wee 12 and 14 years old and he moved into their Far Rockaway home. He was arrested in 2015 after the oldest notified an official at her child's school of the abuse. He is being housed at Rikers Island's Otis Bantum Correctional Center (above) but will likely move to another prison Justice Kenneth Holder issued a 150-year prison sentence to make sure Arline would 'spend the rest of his life behind bars,' Brown said. Arline was brought into court on Tuesday shirtless, handcuffed and with a black mesh bag over his head, by eight court officers. According to the New York Daily News, he attempted to delay the court date by smearing his feces all over his body at Rikers Island's Otis Bantum Correctional Center where he is being held. 'He's a living, breathing devil,' said one of his victims in an impact statement in Queens Supreme Court, reported the Daily News. 'I have to look into the eyes of my children and see his face and be reminded every day of what he put me through.' Arline's criminal past dates back to 1995 in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was convicted of manslaughter with a firearm and burglary, according to records obtained by Queens Patch. He received a 14-and-a-half year sentence but was released in 2004 after only serving nine years. A four-year-old giraffe at the Toledo Zoo has died after losing the ability stand up. The female Masai giraffe named Bahati was found on the ground Thursday. Zoo keepers said the animal was unable to get onto its legs despite trying for several hours, causing it to be euthanized due to its rapidly declining health, according to Veterinarian Dr. Kristen Thomas. Bahati, a female Masai giraffe at the Toledo Zoo in Ohio, died Thursday after she was unable to stand up on her own despite hours of trying, pictured above The Toledo Zoo shared this message on Twitter mourning the loss of Bahati on Thursday 'We tried a bunch of different things and unfortunately she was just unable to stand up on her own,' Thomas said. She revealed that the the giraffe suffered an unknown issue in her mouth that caused swelling, drooling and muscle loss. It is not yet clear if her mouth concerns contributed to why she could not raise herself up. Her mouth condition started six months ago and was at first treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. Thomas said that the giraffe was at the age where they cut new teeth. Although Bahati improved, a month ago her symptoms resurfaced, according to the Toledo Blade. The East African Masai giraffe was born in 2013 at the Nashville Zoo, pictured above celebrating her first birthday The giraffe, pictured above with her mother in 2014, suffered an unknown illness in its mouth. It is not clear if the illness contributed to her cause of death She lost significant weight and some lip function. 'She was her normal self [Wednesday]. She didnt show us any signs of being ill aside from having this issue in the mouth we were going to address... Giraffes do, at times, go down when theyre healthy. They are sensitive creatures with very, very long legs that are easily injured,' Thomas said to the Toledo Blade. The African animal was born at the Nashville Zoo in December 13, 2013 and was moved to Toledo, Ohio on loan as a part of a Giraffe Species Survival Plan, the zoo said in a release. 'While it is always difficult when an animal dies, it is particularly hard when the species is listed as vulnerable, like Masai giraffes. We are thankful for the tremendous care Bahati received from our keepers and veterinary staff. Our animals quality of life is our paramount concern and their care truly is a group effort, that encompasses our entire staff,' the zoo said Friday. A necropsy has been planned to determine the cause of death. Masai giraffes are a vulnerable species native to East Africa. The UK has had its fair share of cloudy weather in recent months, but come April 20, it and many other countries around the world may be cloudier than normal, though not for meteorological reasons. In cannabis culture April 20 is also known as 4/20, 420 (four-twenty as opposed to four hundred and twenty) or Weed Day, a time when proponents of marijuana legalization gather together to celebrate the drug and encourage governments to soften their stances on it. Every year thousands of people attend a pro-marijuana rally in London's Hyde Park to smoke it and call on the British government to declassify the Class B drug. 420 is an unofficial celebration of cannabis when people rally and call for its legalisation Origins of 420 Many people erroneously believe that the term 420 is a reference to several things including: the police code for the drug in the US; the number in the California penal code that is about the distribution of marijuana; the deaths and anniversaries of various celebrities including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Bob Marley; the number of chemical compounds in cannabis. They are not: 420 is not even a code in the NYPD or the LAPD. San Francisco does have a 420 code, but it refers to juvenile disturbance, a tenuous connection at best. The California penal code does have a 420 section, but it refers to the unlawful prevention or obstruction of a person from entering public land. As for the births and deaths of musical luminaries: Bob Marley died on May 11; Joplin died in October; Morrison in July; Hendrix in September. Even the chemical composition for cannabis is out, coming in at 483 known compounds. There are many theories regarding the provenance of the term 420 including that it's the police code for 'marijuana smoking in progress', though most have been debunked However, that is not to say the most legitimate-sounding provenance is disappointing or in any way less delightful than the theories above. The term 420, quite appositely, is thought to have been created by a group of high school students looking to arrange a time to meet up, smoke marijuana and search for plot of land grow more of the cannabis plant. According to High Times, the cannabis magazine, in 1971 five students at the San Rafael High School in California decided to meet every day at 4.20pm to smoke marijuana by the schools statue of Louis Pasteur. The password for the meeting was 420 Louis. The five students called themselves the Waldos. The magazine then says the term faded into obscurity only to gloriously be brought back by a connection to the Grateful Dead band, at whose shows mysterious 420 flyers began popping up. In 1998, High Times officially declared the Waldos as the true creators of the term 420. Cannabis laws in the UK Cannabis in the UK is classified as a Class B drug, alongside amphetamines like speed and certain opioids. People stopped for possession of cannabis for the first time get a written warning. A second offence may result in an on-the-spot fine while a third stop will result in an arrest. The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis is up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Though recreational cannabis isn't legal in the UK, many people smoke it in Hyde Park on 420 Cannabis laws in the US The tide against smoking of marijuana is slowly turning in the US. The drug was first legalised for recreational use in the US in 2012 with Colorado and Washington states. As of April 2018, nine states and Washington DC have legalised recreational use of marijuana: California, Nevada, Maine, Massachusetts, Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont. Over half of all US states allow marijuana for medicinal use. Cannabis in Australia Recreational use of marijuana in Australia is currently illegal. If someone is caught in possession of marijuana, the punishments they face range from on-the-spot-fines to being charged with a criminal offence or even being sentenced to prison, depending on what state they are in. However, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal. In April 2018, the Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt said: Faster access, better access there will be a one-stop shop for accessing medicinal cannabis,. Winnie Mandela was a highly controversial figure in South African politics, revered by many as the Mother of the Nation, but often dogged by scandal. Born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela in 1939 in the village of Bizana, Transkei district, she was the daughter of a history teacher and a science teacher. In 1953, on the advice of her father, she moved to Johannesburg to study at the Jan Hofmeyr School of Social Work - a rarity for a black woman at the time - where Mandela was the patron. Winnie Mandela was a social worker before she married Nelson in 1958 and turned instead to a life of activism, helping to end apartheid She graduated in 1956 at the top of her class and was offered a scholarship to study in the US, but turned it down in order to become the first qualified social worker at Johannesburg's Baragwanath Hospital. It was during her work here that she first became political as she witnessed first-hand the effect apartheid was having on poor black communities. Winnie first met Mandela in 1957 at a bus stop in Soweto while he was still married to his first wife, Evelyn Mase. Their relationship was falling apart, however, and they divorced in 1958. A short time later Mandela and Winnie tied the knot. Winnie spent 38 years married to Nelson, 27 of which were spent apart, separated from him in 1992 and divorced in 1996 Mandela was already a well-known political figure by this time, and their marriage - particularly the 16-year age gap between them - made the news. While her husband was hounded by the government, Winnie began social action of her own, taking part in a protest against laws which restricted the movements of blacks in white areas. Winnie, along with several other activists, was arrested and decided to spend two weeks in jail without posting bail as a further protest, despite being pregnant with her first child at the time. This also marked the first activism she had taken part in away from her husband's shadow. In 1964 Mandela was jailed for life for his activism and the government began hounding Winnie in an attempt to demoralise him. Government security forces tortured her, tried locking her up, confined her to Johannesburg's Soweto township, and then banished her to the desolate town of Brandfort, where her house was bombed twice. She was allowed to visit her husband in prison rarely, and they were always divided by a glass screen. Throughout the height of apartheid, Winnie remained at the forefront of the struggle, urging students in the 1976 Soweto uprising to 'fight to the end'. But in the 1980s, the militant-martyr began to be seen as a liability for Mandela and the liberation movement. She had surrounded herself with a band of vigilante bodyguards called the Mandela United Football Club, who earned a terrifying reputation for violence. Winnie was widely linked to 'necklacing', when suspected traitors were burnt alive using a petrol-soaked car tyre being which was put over their head and set alight. Her notoriety was reinforced by a speech in 1986 when she declared that 'with our boxes of matches and our necklaces we shall liberate this country.' Mandela was released from jail in 1990 and completed his 'long walk to freedom' with Winnie at his side. However, the couple soon ran into martial difficulties that were complicated when she was convicted in 1991 over the kidnapping and murder of Stompie Moeketsi, a 14-year-old boy. Moeketsi, who was accused being an informer, was murdered by her bodyguards in 1989. She was initially jailed for kidnapping and assault, but her sentence was reduced to a fine. Winnie and Mandela separated in 1992 amid rumors that Winnie was having an affair with one of her bodyguards and divorced in 1996. Winnie denied involvement in any murders when she appeared before Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings. 'She was a tremendous stalwart of our struggle, and icon of liberation - something went wrong, horribly, badly wrong,' Tutu said as damning testimony implicated her. Winnie was convicted in 1991 over the kidnap and murder of a 14-year-old boy, and in 2003 was convicted again for fraud She served as a deputy minister in President Mandela's government, but was sacked for insubordination and eased out of the top ranks of the ruling party. After a 2003 conviction for fraud, she later rehabilitated her political career winning a seat in parliament in 2009 elections. But her bitterness emerged in 2010 newspaper interview, saying: 'Mandela let us down. He agreed to a bad deal for the blacks.' She also called Tutu a 'cretin' and the reconciliation process a 'charade', though she later claimed the quotes were never meant to be published Despite it all, she was a regular visitor travelling from Soweto - where she still lived - to Mandela's bedside in his final months, and she said she was present when he died. He did not leave her anything in his will. At her lavish 80th birthday party in Cape Town, Madikizela-Mandela wore a sparkling white dress and beamed with pleasure as she was lauded by guests that included senior politicians from rival parties. 'Mama Winnie has lived a rich and eventful life, whose victories and setbacks have traced the progress of the struggle of our people for freedom,' then vice president Cyril Ramaphosa, who is now president, told guests. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is telling friends that he believes President Trump could bring the hammer down on him soon. Rosenstein has been quoting Martin Luther, telling people, 'Here I stand,' in response to Trump's taunting, a reference to theologian's refusal to recant his beliefs, saying, 'Here I stand, I can do no other.' Sources who spoke to NBC News say that Rosenstein has come to terms with what's likely to be his fate --- a firing from the president who appointed him. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is telling friends that he believes President Trump could bring the hammer down on him soon Trump has been fuming at Rosenstein for months, most recently over the role he played in the raid on attorney Michael Cohen's hotel room and office. Rosenstein approved the search warrant that allowed the feds to root through and seize the president's personal attorney's property. Agents are said to have been looking for information on a $130,000 payment that Cohen made to a porn actress who says she had an affair with the president and goes by the stage name of Stormy Daniels. They were also said to have been looking for documents pertaining to an Access Hollywood tape that had Trump bragging about sexual assault over a hot mic. The president is upset with Rosenstein, among that and other reasons, for signing off on a surveillance application for former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Trump has said the spying was a gross abuse of power by the Department of Justice, and that no one affiliated with his campaign colluded with Russia to meddle in the presidential election. He raged against Rosenstein last week after the Cohen raid, although the White House was unwilling to confirm the following day that he was the high-level official who authorized the search warrant. 'If you know the person whos in charge of the investigation, you know about that. Deputy Rosenstein Rod Rosenstein he wrote the letter, very critical, of Comey,' Trump said. 'One of the things they said: I fired Comey. Well, I turned out to do the right thing.' Trump has been fuming at Rosenstein for months, most recently over the role he played in the raid on attorney Michael Cohen's hotel room and office Trump said the legal assualt on his attorney was 'disgraceful' and a total 'witch hunt.' Rosenstein was at the White House on Thursday with other DOJ officials to discuss document production to Congress, a spokesperson for Justice said. The deputy attorney general had been seen walking out the North Portico door of the White House by a number of reporters. Earlier in the week on Tuesday, GOP Rep. Mark Meadows had said of the DOJ official and his boss, attorney general Jeff Sessions, that if they wouldn't move faster on the records requests, 'let's find two who will.' Allies of the White House have been hammering Rosenstein on television in preparation for his dismissal, the Wall Street Journal reported, helping to make the case on air for Trump to fire him. Fox News host Sean Hannity urged Sessions to fire Rosenstein in a program this week that Trump had told his Twitter followers to watch. One source told the Journal it's 'a matter of when, not if' that Trump gives him a pink slip. Rosenstein oversees the special counsel probe and appointed Robert Mueller. Firing him could provide new legal grounds for Mueller to pursue allegations of obstruction of justice. Trump's firing of former FBI Director James Comey, who he's in a separate spat with over the ex-law enforcement officials' tell-all book, put him in Mueller's crosshairs. His administration pinned the decision on Rosenstein's memo and his handling of Hillary Clinton's email case. Trump said in an interview, though, that it was partly to do with the Russia probe. Democratic lawmaker Brendan Boyle said Friday afternoon that if Trump let's go of Rosenstein, too, he'll take steps to remove him from office. 'If @realDonaldTrump fires the Deputy AG, I will immediately introduce an article of impeachment,' Boyle tweeted. 'This is a clear attempt to obstruct justice.' Alexanda Kotey, from West London, is one of four British men who formed the notorious cell responsible for beheading western hostages in the Middle East A member of the ISIS terror unit dubbed 'the Beatles' is suspected of orchestrating a foiled terror plot to execute British police officers and soldiers across London - while he was some 3,000 miles away in Syria. Alexanda Kotey, from West London, is one of four British men who formed the notorious cell responsible for beheading western hostages in the Middle East. An ITV News investigation discovered Kotey encouraged a planned spate of attacks in Shepherds Bush, West London, in 2014. Kotey was in regular communication with medical student Tarik Hassane, a friend back home in London, who was jailed at the Old Bailey in 2016 for his part in the plot. Kotey, who was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) earlier this year, encouraged Hassane to commit drive-by killings from the back of a moped - but the plot was foiled by Scotland Yard detectives. Kotey was in regular communication with medical student Tarik Hassane, a friend back home in London who was jailed at the Old Bailey in 2016 for his part in the plot It came weeks after 'The Beatles' beheaded American journalist James Foley in Syria. A source who knew Kotey in Syria said 'I was told that Kotey - or "Big Sid" as he was known - was in direct contact with a guy called Tarik Hassane.' 'He was the main source of inspiration for the plot. He helped direct the plot, telling them what to do.' Hassane, 24, was the ringleader of the four-man terror cell that had obtained a gun and silencer to carry out the plot to kill police officers, soldiers and civilians. He and his second-in-command Suhaib Majeed got their hands on a gun and ammunition and were trying to buy an untraceable moped before police swooped in September 2014. Their plan was to carry out a Lee Rigby-style attack but rather than use knives and wait at the scene like Rigby's killers had done, Hassane and Majeed planned to shoot their targets from a moped before driving off. Majeed, also 24, who was studying at King's College - one of the world's leading universities - was the main co-ordinator behind the plot, organising and researching and acting as the communications expert. Hassane (left) his second in command Suhaib Majeed got their hands on a gun and ammunition and were trying to buy an untraceable moped before police swooped in September 2014 Majeed used an encryption programme called Mujahideen Secrets on his laptop as he sat in Regent's Park, yards from the residence of the US Ambassador, talking to his controller. He was tasked with picking up the firearm, finding the moped for the drive-by and renting a lock-up to store the moped close to the target. Officers believe the pair were planning to 'spread fear and panic' among the public after opening fire in a public place and then escape from the scene. They believe the plan was for Hassane and Majeed to go 'two up' on a moped, with Majeed driving and Hassane riding pillion with the firearm. When Hassane returned from Sudan he was put under surveillance as he visited an internet cafe where he was observed looking at articles about kidnapping in the Middle East and talking in hushed tones Police swooped on Majeed while Hassane was studying medicine in Sudan. He subsequently rushed back to London to carry on as a 'lone wolf terrorist'. Detectives used the cover of an operation against gangs in London to try and lull Hassane into a false sense of security that he was safe to return to Britain after his friends' arrest. When he did return he was put under surveillance as he visited an internet cafe where he was observed looking at articles about kidnapping in the Middle East and talking in hushed tones. When his home was raided, police discovered Hassane had been using an iPad to research Shepherd's Bush police station and the Parachute Regiment's Territorial Army base in White City using Google Street View When his home was raided, police discovered Hassane had been using an iPad to research Shepherd's Bush police station and the Parachute Regiment's Territorial Army base in White City using Google Street View. At their trial at the Old Bailey to years ago, Majeed was found guilty of conspiracy to murder and preparation of terrorist acts, after Hassane admitted the charges midway through a trial. Mr Justice Wilkie jailed Hassane for a minimum of 21 years and Majeed for a minimum of 20 years. While both Nyall Hamlett was sentenced to six and a half years, and Nathan Cuffy was given an 11-year sentence for supplying the pistol. At the Old Bailey in 2016, Hassane (far left) was jailed for a minimum of 21 years and Majeed (centre left) for a minimum of 20 years. Nyall Hamlett (centre right) was sentenced to six and a half years and Nathan Cuffy (far right) was given an 11-year sentence for supplying the pistol Nyall Hamlett (left) was sentenced to six and a half years and Nathan Cuffy (right) was given an 11-year sentence for supplying the pistol. They were both acquitted of terror charges. The scale of the data gathered by detectives working on the investigation 22 terabytes of digital material amounting to two million files made this case one of the most complex ever undertaken by Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism command. It took officers 44,834 hours to examine all the material. The digital haul included commands sent by senior ISIS fighters in Syria, indicating the plot was not only inspired by the terror group but directed by it. At their trial at the Old Bailey in 2016, Majeed was found guilty of conspiracy to murder and preparation of terrorist acts, after Hassane admitted the charges midway through a trial The unnamed ITV News source confirmed that Hassane was also in direct contact with the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. 'If Kotey gave his word that a new recruit was a good guy they could move up the ranks quickly. He was passing on greetings from "the big man" (al-Baghdadi) - "he praises your efforts" and "keep going". Things like that'. The allegation that Kotey was involved in the west London plot has remained secret until now but was confirmed by sources familiar with the investigation. Kotey is said to have helped to radicalise Hassane and Mohamed Emwazi (pictured), the ISIS executioner who became known as 'Jihadi John' It is likely that the details will be outlined in court when he goes on trial, most likely in the United States, but possibly in the UK. Kotey is thought to have been one of Britain's most prominent jihadist recruiters, focusing on young petty criminals with the promise of limitless gangsterism in Syria. He helped to radicalise Hassane and Mohamed Emwazi, the ISIS executioner who became known as 'Jihadi John'. All three men lived a few streets away from each other in west London. They were part of a friendship group from which at least a dozen men left the UK to fight in Syria. In an online message posted a few months before his arrest Hassane described the friends who helped to radicalise him. He said he 'became religious' as a teenager after he 'met some good older practicing (sic)brothers. Started hanging around with them' Hassane is thought to have travelled to Syria before returning home to the UK, leaving his British friends behind to form their execution cell. 'The Beatles' held more than 20 western hostages in Syria. They beheaded seven American, British and Japanese journalists and aid workers, celebrating the slaughters in propaganda videos shared online. At their trial at the Old Bailey to years ago, Majeed was found guilty of conspiracy to murder and preparation of terrorist acts, after Hassane admitted the charges midway through a trial Last year, Kotey was named a 'specially designated global terrorist' by US authorities after his identity was revealed by ITV News. Officials in Washington DC said: 'As a guard for the cell, Kotey likely engaged in the group's executions and exceptionally cruel torture methods, including electronic shock and waterboarding.' All four members of 'The Beatles' cell have been killed or captured: Emwazi died in a drone strike in 2015; Aine Davies was convicted in a Turkish court last year; El Shafee Elsheikh was arrested by Syrian Kurdish fighters alongside Kotey in January. The biological mother of three of six children killed when their adoptive lesbian moms drove their SUV off a California cliff has just learned of their deaths. The mother of Devonte, 15, Jeremiah, 14 and Sierra, 12, did not know about last month's deadly cliff plunge until Wednesday, and she's 'taking it hard', according to her husband. 'The way they went about moving the kids from here was wrong - they never should have been moved away from Texas,' her husband told KOIN 6 News. The biological mother of Devonte, 15, Jeremiah, 14 and Sierra, 12, (circled) has allegedly just found out about their death. They are pictured with adoptive mothers Jennifer and Sarah Hart and adoptive sister Abigail in 2014) In 2009 the three children were adopted by Jennifer and Sarah Hart, both 39, who police believe intentionally drove their SUV off a cliff after authorities began looking into child abuse allegations. Court documents cited by CBS affiliate KOIN reveal the children's biological mother was a long-time cocaine abuser. She lost custody of Devonte, Jeremiah, Sierra and a fourth child when she tested positive for cocaine in 2006, shortly after the birth of her seventh child. She and her current husband were told the tragic news by the children's biological aunt Priscilla Celestine, who was informed about the deaths by an attorney. Celestine originally obtained custody of the three children and took care of them in their native Houston. Jennifer and Sarah Hart, 39, were not wearing seatbelts when they drove off a cliff. From left to right: Hannah, Abigail, Sierra, Jeremiah, Jennifer, Devonte, Markis and Sarah Hart Despite fighting to keep custody, the children were taken away less than six months later, when Celestine allowed the children's biological mother to visit them without the caseworker's approval. Her lawyer Shonda Jones said: 'She's having a very hard time, in my opinion, accepting what has happened. I think she hears it, but she doesn't want to believe it.' Jones said it was an 'injustice' that the children were taken away after one mistake, adding hat the aunt had even moved from a three-bedroom apartment to a five-bedroom one to make the children comfortable. Devonte was put in the national spotlight after an emotional photograph of him hugging a white police officer at a 2014 protest went viral 'I don't think this woman would have even had a traffic ticket. All she did was work and go home.' Celentine's attorney said to KOIN. While Jeremiah's body was found by the site of the crash the day the SUV was discovered on March 26, the bodies of Sierra and Devonte haven't been found. Still, police believe they were in the car and are presumed dead. Devonte was put in the national spotlight after an emotional photograph of him hugging a white police officer at a 2014 protest went viral. Jennifer and Sarah are thought to have fled their home the same day a case worker visited them over abuse claims. It has recently emerged that authorities were beginning an investigation into the couple over allegations they starved and whipped their children. An intake report from Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services filed March 23 paints a picture of horrific abuse leading up to the family's annihilation. Neighbors' reports state the parents starved their children as a punishment and whipped them with belts. Their car found by Investigators believe that Jennifer drove the car off the cliff intentionally as there were no skid marks and evidence shows the speedometer was 'pinned' at 90mph The children asked neighbors for food on numerous occasions and one even reportedly leaped out of a window to try to escape, the documents reveal. At least four reports of suspected child abuse in the Hart family were made during the past seven years. Adding to the picture of abuse is the fact that Sarah Hart pleaded guilty in 2011 to a domestic assault charge in Minnesota over what she said was a spanking given to one of her children. Investigators believe that Jennifer drove the car off the cliff intentionally as there were no skid marks and evidence shows the speedometer was 'pinned' at 90mph. The couple was also not wearing seatbelts. They said the SUV had stopped at a coastal highway overlook before speeding straight off the cliff and plummeting 100 feet into the rocky Pacific Ocean below. An online clothing retailer based in Utah has sparked outrage for marketing their clothing with the hashtag #WhiteGirlsWearMexican. The company Mexitrend apparel, started by two American sisters, specializes in buying dresses, blankets, and other merchandise from Mexico and selling the items to American buyers. However the company's marketing has stirred controversy for the store's cultural appropriation, use of exclusively white models, and name that diminishes Mexican culture to a mere fashion trend. Criticizers are calling Mexitrend tone deaf for ads that glorify the cultural clothing on white bodies and degrade Mexicans to 'these people' that live in 'humble shacks', according to San Antonio Express News. Online Utah apparel store Mexitrend has come under fire after launching their hashtag #WhiteGirlsWearMexican while selling traditional Mexican clothing The clothing is marketed with a variety of hashtags including the offensive #WhiteGirlsWearMexican, pictured above in a post from March The store sells a variety of blankets and dresses purchased in Mexico to a market of white women, the controversial hashtag pictured in the caption, right The company was started by Kimberly Claybaugh Jonas, right, and her sister, left. The duo shared this post on the Mexitrend Instagram to share how the company started Outraged Mexitrend critics say that the Utah-based and American run company headed by Kimberly Claybaugh Jonas and her sister is profiting off Mexican products, style, and culture - a heritage that is not their own. Cultural appropriation is when a dominant culture adopts traits of a minority culture, without sensitivity or respect to the culture that is being co-opted. Controversies such as Rachel Dolezal claiming to be black, Katy Perry wearing cornrows in a music video, Victoria Secret models strutting the runway in Native American headdresses, and Halloween racial stereotype costumes are all examples of cultural appropriation. Jonas, however, does not believe her company has committed anything culturally offensive. 'Were selling to white people,' Jonas' husband John said on her behalf to Chron. 'Fewer people would buy if the dress is on a Mexican model, its a lifestyle thing you see people that are similar to you, thats how everybody works,' he said. He added: 'People buy from people similar to themselves. Were not racists. I have a guy from Mexico who eats with me every day'. Jonas himself runs a company that helps businesses outsource work to the Philippines with the slogan 'Life is better with Filipinos working for you'. He added that Mexitrend is two months old and that he and his wife had never heard of the phrase 'cultural appropriation' prior to launching the business. 'They just look for anything thats not to their liking and they attack. They just like to bully people. Most of what has been directed at us is mean bullying. Its from fake Instagram accounts that arent from real people,' he said. Many users, however, do not share the Jonas' opinion. Jonas, pictured right, poses wearing a sombrero and guitar and is criticized for stereotyping and appropriating Mexican culture The sisters, pictured above, have been criticized of cultural appropriation and of directing their marketing campaign towards a solely white audience. They have been accused of having 'white savior complex' Social media users describe the Mormon familys approach to dealing with other cultures as 'white savior complex'. Several shoppers have called for a boycott of the company after seeing its hashtag #WhiteGirlsWearMexican that reveals a target market of white buyers for the culturally Latin clothing, according to Chron. Esmeralda De Los Santos, a marketing professor at the University of Incarnate Word, dubbed the companys white girl hashtag as 'patronizing and condescending'. 'It suggests a superiority of one group of people over another, which is why its distasteful,' she said to Chron. In one post on the Mexitrend Instagram the sisters explain how they started the company. 'We fell in love with the rows and rows of beautiful goods that were marketed and sold to tourists of all backgrounds. Vendors begged us to buy from them. Our hearts yearned for a way to help them. We talked to some of them about their lives, families, shops, and products. We asked if theyd be willing to partner with us, selling their products in the U.S. THEY WERE THRILLED!' the post said. 'Unfortunately, as we were set to begin this part of our efforts, we were viciously attacked and insulted with profanities towards us, our families and others who are supporting us. We were surprised and disappointed when we were attacked and accused of "stealing" from the poor and of "cultural appropriation." Our reaction has been to block the foul language and the insults,' it added. 'We're not racist': Jonas' husband John, left, maintained that the couple is not racist and admitted that the pair never heard the phrase 'cultural appropriation' prior to starting Mexitrend Speaking on why the company only uses white models and white people hashtags John said: 'Fewer people would buy if the dress is on a Mexican model, its a lifestyle thing' One outraged user wrote on Instagram: 'These outfits and designs do not belong to you guys. Please stop profiting off Mexican culture Angry on Instagram: Many hailed the brand's marketing as 'cultural appropriation' One user wrote: 'So they go to Mexico. Steal Mexican culture then over price it and sell it???' Another added: 'When you hate and make fun of Mexicans but steal their culture' Many were outraged with the white girl hash tag saying 'I'd like to try and see you wear a real Mexican!' Another wrote: 'Y'all are thieves with no shame. You should feel shame' Their posts have been bombarded with a string of reproachful comments. 'These outfits and designs do not belong to you guys. Please stop profiting off Mexican culture,' one outraged Instagram user commented on the company's page. 'So they go to Mexico. Steal Mexican culture then over price it and sell it???' another wrote. 'This is not a trend first of all then they did the clapback with not only Mexicans wear these dresses...they don't even have one of our people in the advertisement....' a third wrote. 'If every race likes them then there should be African Americans and Latin women/men modeling the clothes dont you think? Also Mexican people started this as part of OUR culture and you are trying to make it "trendy/hip" when this is what we are working against in order for us to keep our roots. Profiting off our values, norms, and culture should be something to think about,' another Instagram user said. 'When you hate and make fun of Mexicans but steal their culture,' one user wrote. '"WhitegirlswearMexican"?!!! Seriously?!!! My culture is not a trend and this is beyond offensive!!' another added. In light of the backlash the company has deleted several of their posts or edited captions however some still bear the controversial hashtag. The clothing prices span $30 for blankets and and $45 for dresses. The sisters say that their business supports communities in Mexico and the vendor families, however the specifics of that business model is not clear. The 16-year-old adopted daughter of white lesbians who drove off a California cliff killing all themselves and all six of their kids complained to neighbors that the couple were racist six months ago. Hannah Hart ran to neighbors in Woodland, Washington, to complain about her mothers Sarah and Jennifer in November 2017 at 2am. The 16-year-old, one of six minority children who the couple had adopted, said they beat them with belts and that none of the children were safe or happy. It echoes claims made by her adoptive brother, Devonte, who had told neighbors he was starving and being deprived of food by his mothers. The Harts drove their SUV off a cliff in Mendocino, California, on March 26. Three of the children's bodies have been recovered but three are still missing. At the time, authorities were investigating them for abusing the children. Hannah Hart (far left), 16, told neighbors that her adoptive mothers Sarah and Jennifer were racist and abused her and her five adopted siblings six months before all eight of them died in their SUV Hannah (center) fled to the neighbors' home in November at 2am and pleaded not to be sent back to her family home An intake report from Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services filed March 23 paints a picture of horrific abuse leading up to the family's annihilation. Neighbors' reports state the parents starved their children as a punishment and whipped them with belts. The children asked neighbors for food on numerous occasions and one even reportedly leaped out of a window to try to escape, the documents reveal. At least four reports of suspected child abuse in the Hart family were made during the past seven years. The case has raised questions about the ability of authorities to track known offenders as the Harts had moved between three states during that period. Prior to the deadly crash, they were living in rural Woodland, Washington. Before that they had spent time in West Linn, Oregon, and Douglas County, Minnesota. Steve Frkovich, whose daughter Dana DeKalb, 58, lived next door to the family in Washington, reported the Harts on November 18. A recording of his 911 call was released by Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency in Washington State. Their car found by Investigators believe that Jennifer drove the car off the cliff intentionally as there were no skid marks and evidence shows the speedometer was 'pinned' at 90mph The area where the Harts' car was recovered at the bottom of a scenic beauty spot His daughter told the girl's parents what had happened and all the Hart children came over and said everything was okay, said Frkovich. 'There are some kids that I feel are being highly abused,' he told the dispatcher. 'They were all standing at attention, like they were all scared to death. I think something very serious is going on.' On March 23, DeKalb notified the department that she believed the children were being abused, according to media interviews and state records. Sarah Hart pleaded guilty in 2011 to a domestic assault charge in Minnesota over what she said was a spanking given to one of her children. Records showed that the Hart children were removed from public school in Alexandria, Minnesota the day after she reached a probation agreement stemming from the child abuse case in April. That came a week after Hart pleaded guilty to physically abusing one of her daughters, who was six at the time. The kids were taken out of school and moved to Oregon, where they were privately educated from there on out, the Oregonian reported. The family later moved to Woodland, Washington, where they were living at the time of their deaths. Authorities have said that data from the vehicle's software suggested the crash was deliberate. Surveillance footage shows Jennifer Hart (right) checking out of a grocery store in Fort Bragg, California just hours before she is believed to have driven off a cliff with her wife and their kids inside Investigators believe that Jennifer drove the car off the cliff intentionally as there were no skid marks and evidence shows the speedometer was 'pinned' at 90mph. They said the SUV had stopped at a coastal highway overlook before speeding straight off the cliff and plummeting 100 feet into the rocky Pacific Ocean below. It fell into rocks and was found partially submerged about 100 feet below the highway. The California Highway Patrol released a photo of Jennifer Hart shopping at a grocery store just a day before the crash. The family appear to have left their home in Woodland, Washington on March 23. CHP believes the family then drove south on Highway 101, and then State Route 1, arriving in the Fort Bragg, California area 12 hours later. It is believed that the family stayed the night in the area, since Jennifer was seen checking out of a Fort Bragg grocery store around 8.15am on Sunday, March 25. Authorities say the family stayed in Fort Bragg until 9pm that evening, at which point it seems they turned around and started traveling north again on State Route 1. Police searched the family's home about 500 miles north of the crash site but found no suicide note. The Hart family gained attention in 2014 after one of the children was photographed crying in the arms of a white police officer at a protest after the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. Investigators are now examining 'red flags' in the Washington family's past in the hope of explaining why they drove off the cliff in an apparent suicide plunge. Damon Grimes, 15, died in a crash in August while fleeing state police on an ATV Newly released bodycam video has revealed the harsh remarks Detroit officers made in response to a 15-year-old boy who died when a state trooper tasered him on a moving ATV. Damon Grimes, 15, was fleeing from Michigan State Police after popping a 'wheelie' on a Detroit street in August when his ATV hit a parked truck and flipped over, killing him. Trooper Mark Besser is charged with second-degree murder after firing his Taser at Grimes through the window of his vehicle during the pursuit. Bodycam video from the Detroit officers who responded from the scene was released on Friday by the Detroit Free Press, which obtained hours of footage through a public records request. 'He slowed down. We tased him, and he crashed out,' Trooper Mark Bessner (circled left) says over the radio in the initial aftermath of the ATV crash that killed Grimes The crash scene is seen in an evidence photo. The ATV struck the rear bumper of the parked pickup truck and flipped over, killing Grimes of blunt head trauma The footage, which does not include dashcam video from the pursuit vehicle that Bessner was riding in, shows local cops arriving on the scene within 30 seconds. 'He's got a pulse, and he's breathing. He's unconscious,' Bessner said into his police radio as he hunches over Grimes on the pavement. 'He slowed down. We tased him, and he crashed out,' Bessner added over the radio later. State Police policy prohibits firing a Taser from a moving vehicle. 'His pulse is weakening, what's our ETA on EMS,' says one officer over the radio as Detroit Police officer Kimberly Buckner pulled up in her patrol car. 'His pulse is weakening because he was on that f**kin' thing, and you chased his a**,' Buckner muttered to herself as she stepped out of her vehicle, her body camera recording. 'Don't run from the State Police, you'll get f**ked up,' another unidentified officer on the scene comments. An ambulance arrives about seven minutes after the crash, one minute faster than the city average for life-threatening incidents. Grimes is seen on an ATV that appears to be the same one he died on while fleeing cops As the ambulance leaves Detroit Police officer Aubrey Wade (far right) dismisses the idea of providing a police escort to the hospital. 'Hell no. For him?' says Wade Wade (far right) said he had 'no patience for bulls**t' in a conversation after Grimes was transported. Wade was reassigned to non-patrol duty after for his harsh remarks Officer Emily Stephenson's body cam shows her approaching fellow Detroit Police officer Aubrey Wade to ask if they should give the ambulance an escort to the hospital. 'Hell no. For him?' Wade responded, noting the ambulance has lights and sirens, and escorts are reserved for police. 'If an officer was shot, we'll do that.' As the ambulance departed, Buckner approached Wade and commented that Grimes' mother needed to be at the hospital. 'That's a grown-ass man,' he said of Grimes, a 6-foot-1, 234-pound teenager. 'No, he's 15,' she replied. 'He's 15 years old.' 'He's a bad-ass 15,' Wade said, later adding: 'No sympathy at all for bulls**t. Motherf**ker wanna be grown, ya act grown, you gotta f**kin' deal with it.' Trooper Mark Bessner is seen center in court in December, when he was charged with second-degree murder. He remains behind bars pending bail of $1million cash Wade, a 22-year veteran, was pulled from his position of neighborhood resource officer after the Free Press brought the remarks to light. He has been reassigned to a non-patrol duty. Grimes was transported to St. Johns Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy concluded Grimes died of blunt force head trauma. He was about to begin ninth grade at Michigan Collegiate in Warren. Grimes' family has filed a wrongful death suit. Bessner, a 44-year-old husband and father with a law degree, remains behind bars pending bail of $1million cash. His criminal trial is scheduled to start July 9 in Wayne County Circuit Court. A Kansas mother is seeking legal representation following her daughter returning home from day care with missing teeth and a busted up, bloody face. Heaven, four, returned home to her mother, Donisha Franklin, from Kingdom Christian Academy Daycare one day with three of her front teeth missing, a busted lip and a bloody, swollen nose, Fox 4 reported. Franklin said the little girl told her she sustained the injuries on March 1 after a fight with a boy in her class, and after not getting the results she'd hoped for, her mom has decided to contact an attorney. 'Im upset,' Franklin said. 'Im afraid for my child because my child is asking me for help, and I have yet to see anyone help us.' Scroll down for video Donisha Franklin of Leavenworth, Kansas is seeking legal representation after her daughter, four-year-old Heaven returned home from day care with missing teeth and a bloody face A photo that Franklin said was taken on March 1 shows a gash in the left side of Heaven's upper lip and a gap where her three front teeth used to be. Franklin said her daughter told her she was pushed down that day after school, in the gym at the Leavenworth, Kansas daycare. 'She said one of the students from her class pushed her down and knocked her teeth out,' Franklin told Fox 4. She went on to say that Heaven said an adult at the daycare put a cold wash cloth on her injuries, after she was pushed down. Unsatisfied with authorities' responses, Donisha Franklin (right) has decided to call a lawyer A photo that Franklin said was taken on March 1 (at right) shows a gash in the left side of Heaven's upper lip and a gap where her three front teeth used to be; Heaven is seen at left 'When I went up there, the teacher who was monitoring the class did apologize, and she told me my daughter and the boy had an altercation,' Franklin said. 'I never received a call about the incident at all,' she added. 'When something like that happens, you would think that hey have certain procedures that they have to follow.' But David Walker, who oversees Kingdom Christian Academy Daycare as the pastor of the connected church, said no other child was involved with Heaven's injuries. Franklin said her daughter (pictured) told her she was pushed down that day after school, in the gym at the Leavenworth, Kansas daycare. David Walker, who oversees Kingdom Christian Academy Daycare as the pastor of the connected church, said no other child was involved with Heaven's injuries Franklin, however, isn't buying that explanation. 'Kids play all the time and fall down,' she said. '[But with] the way that her mouth [was hurt] and her teeth missing out of her mouth, no, I don't believe that.' Franklin said she has already contacted the police department in Leavenworth, as well as the Kansas Department for Children, about what she said happened to Heaven. Heaven, age four, came back from Kingdom Christian Academy Daycare on March 1 with three front teeth missing, a busted lip and a bloody, swollen nose Franklin said she has already contacted the police department in Leavenworth, as well as the Kansas Department for Children, about what she said happened to Heaven 'I have removed my child from that day care because shes afraid for her safety, and Im worried about her safety,' Franklin said. 'She's afraid to go back to the school,' Franklin added. '[Heaven] said, "The monsters are gonna get her," her exact words.' 'I don't want to take a chance on my child's life,' she said. Now, Franklin said she plans to contact an attorney. The father of a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student who lost her life in the Florida shooting was left unimpressed by the gunmans recent offer to donate his inherence to the victims' families. Instead, Andrew Pollack had a counter-offer: to be allowed to spend 10 minutes alone in a room with 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz. Pollacks daughter, 18-year-old Meadow Pollack, was among the 17 people who were shot dead at the Parkland, Florida, high School on February 14. Scroll down for video No thanks: Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow (pictured together, left), was killed in he Parkland, Florida shooting, said he does not want Nikolas Cruz's money. Instead, he wants to be left alone in a room with him for 10 minutes Peace offering: Broward County Assistant Public Defender, Melisa McNeill, who is representing Cruz, said he would like to donate his inheritance to the victims and their families On Wednesday, Cruz's lawyers told Judge Elizabeth Scherer that their client wishes to donate his $30,000 inheritance to a fund that would benefit the victims and their families to promote 'healing in the community. The offer was made as part of Cruz's request to continue being represented at the expense of Florida taxpayers, with the Broward County Public Defender's Office arguing that the funds at his disposal would be insufficient to hire a private lawyer to represent him in the complex death penalty case. Mr Pollack told ABC News on Thursday he was not interested in Pollack's money. I'd rather be alone in a room with him for 10 minutes, he said. If he wants to give that, that's better than any money he could give me. Pollack was one of several bereaved Parkland parents who rejected the idea of accepting the gunman's money that he is expected to receive from the estate of his late mother. Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer will decide if Cruz should continue to have a lawyer at taxpayer expense Pollack told the news outlet he cannot even utter Cruzs name, instead referring to him only by his case number, 18-1958. Patricia Padauy, whose son Joaquin was shot dead during the slaughter, also said she does not want 'a dime' from Cruz. She suggested that he donate the funds instead to a mental health organization to help 'people like him with mental problems.' Attorney Alex Arreaza, who represents survivor Anthony Borges who was shot five times while saving his classmates' lives, said if Cruz has money to hire a lawyer, the public defenders office has no business representing him He suggested that the proposed donation was a ploy to make Cruz indigent so his case would stay with the public defender's office, which Arreaza said is 'very strange.' Meadow Pollack (left), 18, was among the 17 people who lost their lives when Cruz opened fire inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14. Her father calls Cruz by his case number, 18-1958 Does he want a counterproposal? How about your life. If he stands up now and says, I'll give up my life, then I'm sure he'll get some people's attention, the lawyer said. Judge Scherer did not immediately rule on Cruz's request but said she would issue a decision before the next pretrial hearing April 27. According to his lawyers, the biggest asset Cruz has is $25,000 from a life insurance policy taken out by his mother, Lynda Cruz, who died in November. He also has Microsoft stock that was worth $2,227 as of Tuesday and $353 in a Wells Fargo bank account. Cruz also has about $669 in his jail account, which has been receiving donations from people around the country. 'Mr Cruz does not want those funds,' Broward County Assistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill told the court. A woman who died in hospital after being doused in gasoline and set on fire by her boyfriend will testify at his murder trial in a videotaped interview that was recorded before her death. Judy Malinowski, 33, died in August 2017, two years after being set on fire by her boyfriend Michael Slager outside a gas station near Columbus, Ohio, in June 2015. Slager is now standing trial for her murder and in a rare court occurrence, the judge allowed testimony which Judy gave prosecutors from her hospital bed to be played in court and considered by the jury on Friday. She suffered burns to 80 percent of her body and clung to life in hospital for two years. Slager was immediately charged with assault and was due to go to trial. Scroll down for video Judy Malinowski died in August 2017 in hospital where she spent two years clinging to life after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. She is shown (left) before her death and (right) before the attack. Now, a judge is allowing a taped deposition she gave to be used against her attacker at his murder trial Michael Slager was arrested after the attack in 2015 and was later jailed for 11 years for felonious assault. The charge was upgraded to murder when his victim died It was for that trial that his victim recorded her testimony from her hospital bed. His attorneys tried to block it by citing a legal technicality, claiming it was improperly obtained by prosecutors. The judge allowed it on the grounds that it is an unprecedented case where the victim is able to give evidence after their own death. Malinowski also spoke to the media from her hospital bed before she died. She could barely speak but was mustered the strength to give a few scathing words, saying: 'I never knew that a human being could be so evil. He just stood there and did nothing. 'God please, please help me,' she said. Slager has always maintained that he set her on fire by accident when he lit a cigarette. He had run up from behind to cover her in gasoline. After her death, Ohio passed Judy's Law which added six years onto the sentence of anyone convicted of an assault which permanently maimed their victim. Malinowski was a mother-of-two. She is pictured before the heinous attack with her two daughters Malinowski is pictured left and right with her mother Bonnie Bowes before the horrific attack Video courtesy of 10TV Malinowski summoned the media to her hospital room before her death and mustered the strength to whisper a few damning words about her 'evil' attacker. She underwent 56 surgeries but was ultimately too weak to undergo further treatment Slager is shown above in a recent court hearing. He claims it was an accident that she caught fire and that he did it by accident when lighting a cigarette Judy lost both of her ears and two fingers in the attack and was left with open wounds on her back and buttocks. She underwent 56 surgeries before she died. Doctors wanted to perform on her but she was too weak to withstand another procedure. Slager's trial continues. In January, he tried to have it moved to a different court, claiming that he would not be given a fair trial due to the high profile nature of the case. He pleaded guilty to felonious assault and was sentenced to 11 years in jail for it before her death. Now, given the more serious charge, he faces life imprisonment. The state senate in Louisiana has passed a bill to criminalize sexual abuse of an animal, despite 10 senators voting against it. The bill, SB 236, authored by Democratic Senator Jean-Paul 'JP' Morrell will now move on to the House of Representatives in Louisiana, before coming back to the Senate as soon as next week. While a human having sex with an animal is already illegal in the state, the new measure seeks to create the crime of sexual abuse of an animal in the state of Louisiana and set new and different penalties for those convicted. The state senate in Louisiana has passed a bill to criminalize sexual abuse of animals; This photo dated July 2015 shows two miniature horses described as having been used by police in sex crime stings by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Arizona The bill, if passed by the House, ratified by the senate and signed by governor, would also require that sexually abused animals be removed from the possession of their abusers and turned over to the care of a veterinarian for treatment. If convicted of the crime, an offender would not be allowed to own any animals in the future. Those who voted against the bill included Senate President John A. Alario, Jr, and senators RL Bret Allain, II; Dan Claitor; Jack Donahue; James R 'Jim; Fannin; Ryan Gatti; Gerald Long; Beth Mizell; Jonathan W Perry and Neil Riser. Senate President John Alario (left) was among those to vote against it; Senator Beth Mizell explained she voted no because it 'had no effect on making sexual intercourse with an animal illegal, [as] it's already illegal in Louisiana pursuant to LA Rev Stat 14:89 and the claims otherwise are misinformed' Senators Gerald Long (left) and Jack Donahue (right) could not be reached for comment Mizell told DailyMail.com the following in an email statement: 'My vote "No" [on SB 236] had no effect on making sexual intercourse with an animal illegal, [as] it's already illegal in Louisiana pursuant to LA Rev Stat 14:89 and the claims otherwise are misinformed. 'So, my vote was certainly not against [making sexual intercourse with an animal illegal] at all. Changing the law as this bill would have done, could have brought about adverse impacts on current and past prosecutions. To say that 10 Louisiana senators voted against bestiality is to willfully misinform.' The statute referenced by Mizell defines a 'crime against nature' in the state of Louisiana as 'the unnatural carnal copulation by a human being with another of the same sex or opposite sex or with an animal, except that anal sexual intercourse between two human beings shall not be deemed as a crime against nature when done under any of the circumstances described in R.S. 14:41, 14:42, 14:42.1 or 14:43.' It adds: 'Emission is not necessary; and, when committed by a human being with another, the use of the genital organ of one of the offenders of whatever sex is sufficient to constitute the crime.' The penalty set forth for committing a 'crime against nature' such as sexual intercourse with an animal is currently a fine of up to $2,000 or a prison term of up to five years, or both. SB 236 seeks to strike the language 'or with an animal' from LA Rev Stat 14:89 and create a separate crime dealing with animals, defining it as a form of sexual abuse. A representative from the office of Senator Allain II (left) told DailyMail.com that he voted against the measure because there was one component that he, and several others, did not like; Ryan Gatti (right) was reached by cell phone for comment but said he would have to return the call later An email message to Jonathan W Perry (left) was not immediately returned; The office of Neil Riser (right) could not be reached A representative from the office of Senator Allain II told DailyMail.com that he voted against the measure because there was one component that he, and several other senators, did not like. She declined to specify exactly what language the District 21 representative was uncomfortable with. She went on to say that Morrell, the bill's author, has agreed to add an amendment that will result in the 10 senators who voted against the bill changing their vote to 'yeas' when it comes back around to the Senate. Gatti was reached by cell phone for comment, but said he would have to return the call at a later time as he was out of the office at the moment. DailyMail.com spoke with a representative from the office of Alario, who said she could not personally speak to the senate president's reason for voting against the measure. She passed the request for comment on to Alario, but a response was not immediately received. Senators Dan Claitor (left) and Jim Fannin (right) could not be reached for comment DailyMail.com could not immediately reach representatives from the offices of Claitor, Donahue, Fannin, Long, and Riser for comment. An email message to Perry was not immediately returned. A total of four senators, two Republicans and two Democrats, were absent from the vote. The Louisiana state senate is made up of 25 Repubicans and 14 Democrats. The bill is expected to return to the Senate for a final vote as early as next week. A former New York Post reporter has revealed how Donald Trump engineered the infamous 'best sex I've ever had' 1990 front page story about his sexual prowess during his affair with Marla Maples. Trump was furious after rival tabloid the Daily News wrote a front-page article sympathetic to his then first wife Ivana, who he was in the process of divorcing. So he phoned up the Post's editor, Jerry Nachman, to demand one about himself. Nachman responded by insisting Trump suggest a story rather than just demand one, and said the most successful were usually about 'murder, money or sex'. So the future President replied: 'Marla says with me it's the best sex she's ever had.' When the editor demanded a corroboration, Trump, then 43, shouted to his 26-year-old lover: 'Marla, didn't you say it's the best sex you ever had with me?' prompting a quiet voice to respond, 'Yes, Donald'. Donald Trump, pictured left with Marla Maples in 1991, engineered the New York Post's infamous 1990 headline about his sexual prowess during a phone conversation with the editor The conversation was played out to the Post's office on speakerphone and recalled in the Hollywood Reporter by former journalist Jill Brooke. The headline 'Marla Boasts to Her Pals About Donald: Best Sex I've Ever Had' was undoubtedly the most famous to spring from Trump's torrid break-up with Ivana, his first wife. It came about despite Brooke telling Nachman: 'Every young girl who is targeting a rich older guy always say that'. And Maples later denied even saying it in an interview with Page Six in February this year, saying: 'I never said that, someone else did'. Trump has been known to enjoy manipulating his newspaper coverage on other occasions. According to a report in the Washington Post in May 2016, Trump regularly pretended to be his own spokesman in interviews with reporters in the 1990s. The paper obtained audio between a People magazine reporter and one of these so-called Trump spokesmen who was clearly just Trump himself - his Queens accent unmistakable. Brooke herself said she only heard that Trump sometimes impersonated voices to reporters 'years' after his conversation with Nachman. 'I still can't be sure whether the voice in the room was really hers,' she wrote in her Hollywood Reporter article. Trump, then 43, shouted to his 26-year-old lover: 'Marla, didn't you say it's the best sex you ever had with me?' prompting a quiet voice to respond, 'Yes, Donald'. Trump is seen with Ivana in a TV still (left) and with Maples (right) at a party. Both images are undated Trump with Maples and their daughter Tiffany ride a carriage at a polo match in Florida in 1996 Trump and Maples during an event at the Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City on December 4, 1991, left, and the pair at a 'Great Gatsby' party in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1995 Trump admitted posing as his spokesman in another People magazine article, but later denied the masquerade. In the audio recording, People reporter Sue Carswell spoke to a man who claimed to be a Trump spokesman named 'John Miller'. Carswell was writing a story about Trump's divorce from Ivana and the current state of his relationship with Maples. Miller answered all of Carswell's questions in vivid detail, boasting about how Trump is living with Maples but has 'three other girlfriends' - including future first lady of France Carla Bruni. The spokesman said that Trump had been too busy to commit to Maples, since his business was doing so well. 'He really didnt want to make a commitment,' Miller says. 'Hes coming out of a marriage, and hes starting to do tremendously well financially.' Trump began having an affair with the much young Maples in 1986, and they eventually walked down the aisle in 1993. Maples gave birth to their daughter Tiffany later that year. They divorced in 1999, at which point Trump began dating his current wife Melania, who he married in 2005. The former head of the Central Intelligence Agency has once again assailed President Donald Trump on Twitter after his attacks on former FBI director James Comey. 'Your kakistocracy is collapsing after its lamentable journey,' John Brennan tweeted on Friday. 'As the greatest Nation history has known, we have the opportunity to emerge from this nightmare stronger & more committed to ensuring a better life for all Americans, including those you have so tragically deceived.' A kakistocracy is literally translated from its Greek roots as 'government by the worst people.' According to Merriam-Webster, the number of people who looked up the word 'kakistocracy' jumped 13,700 per cent after Brennan's tweet on Friday. A number of Twitter users noted that before Brennan's tweet, they had no idea what the word meant. Brennan was reacting to an earlier tweet from Trump in which he denounced Comey as an 'untruthful slime ball' and 'a PROVEN LEAKER AND LIAR' who 'should be prosecuted' for putting classified information in view of the media. John Brennan (left), the former head of the Central Intelligence Agency, has once again assailed President Donald Trump (right) on Twitter after his attacks on former FBI director James Comey 'Your kakistocracy is collapsing after its lamentable journey,' John Brennan tweeted on Friday Brennan was reacting to an earlier tweet from Trump in which he denounced Comey (seen above during a taping of an ABC interview) as an 'untruthful slime ball' and 'a PROVEN LEAKER AND LIAR' who 'should be prosecuted' for putting classified information in view of the media According to Merriam-Webster , the number of people who looked up the word 'kakistocracy' jumped 13,700 per cent after Brennan's tweet on Friday A number of Twitter users noted that before Brennan's tweet, they had no idea what the word meant Zach Braff, the star of Scrubs, also needed to look up the word on Friday 'James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired,' Trump wrote in a pair of statements on Twitter. 'He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH.' 'He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!' His extraordinary tweets, an unprecedented moment in American history, came after excerpts from a televised interview were broadcast on national television, with Comey saying it's 'possible' the most salacious detail in the anti-Trump 'dirty dossier' is true. They also made their Internet splash the day after it was reported that Trump is poised to pardon Scooter Libby, a former vice presidential aide who was convicted of lying to the FBI and obstruction of justice during an investigation into a leak of the identity of a former covert CIA operative. Comey said Friday in advance of next week's high-profile book release that despite having access to the nation's most sensitive law-enforcement intelligence for years, he still can't dismiss the possibility that Trump was involved with a 'golden showers' sex act with prostitutes five years ago. 'I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current President of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013,' he told ABC's 'Good Morning America' program in an interview broadcast Friday. Comey gave an extraordinary interview to ABC in advance of his book release next Tuesday, saying an unproven story about the president cavorting with prostitutes in Moscow five years age might be accurate 'It's possible, but I don't know.' Trump's reference to leaking concerns Comey's admission during congressional testimony last year that he provided a longtime friend with a copy of memos he wrote after meeting with Trump in 2016 and 2017,m instructing him to circulate them among reporters. Trump claimed Friday that the information was classified, a point that's still under debate in Washington. Brennan has been one of Trump's fiercest critics. After Trump celebrated last month's firing of Comey's deputy at the FBI, Andrew McCabe, Brennan took to Twitter and blasted the president as a 'disgraced demagogue' who will 'take [his] rightful placein the dustbin of history.' 'When the full extent of your venality, moral turpitude, and political corruption becomes known, you will take your rightful place as a disgraced demagogue in the dustbin of history,' Brennan tweeted early Saturday. 'You may scapegoat Andy McCabe, but you will not destroy America...America will triumph over you.' Last month, Brennan's tweeted that Trump was a 'disgraced demagogue' after the president gloated about the firing of former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe Trump (pictured left on Thursday) has long voiced complaints about McCabe (right) Brennan joined Twitter this past December. He has posted nearly two dozen messages - the overwhelming majority of them denouncing Trump. In February, when Trump tweeted that he has been tougher on Russia than Obama, Brennan replied: 'It never ceases to amaze me how successful you have been making yourself so small, petty, and banal with your tweets. 'Your insecurity is well deserved, as is your concern over Russia investigation. 'Thomas Paine was right when he said, "These are the times that try men's souls".' Last week, when Trump tweeted about his rising poll numbers, Brennan shot back: 'I served 6 Presidents, 3 Rs & 3Ds. 'I directly supported [Bill] Clinton, [George W.] Bush, and Obama. While I didn't agree with all their policy choices, I admired and respected all of them, as they put country above their personal interests. 'Not so with you, as your self adoration is disgraceful.' A black teenager was shot at by a white man after he knocked on his door and asked for directions. Brennan Walker, 14, woke up late on Thursday morning and missed his bus to Rochester High School, Michigan. He tried to walk the bus route but he became lost. Without his phone on him, he told WJBK that he saw a house with a 'Neighborhood Watch' sticker and knocked on the door to ask for directions. Brennan Walker, 14 (pictured), of Rochester Hills, Michigan, was nearly shot after he missed the school bus to Rochester High School on Thursday and knocked on a door to ask for directions Lisa Wright (left), Walker's mother, said she had taken away his phone as punishment. He stopped at a first door, got directions, then became lost again and knocked on a second door Walker knocked on the door of this home on the 2200 block of South Christian Hills (pictured) and was allegedly met by a woman who asked: 'Why are you trying to break into my house?' 'She started yelling at me and she was like: "Why are you trying to break into my house?"' Walker told WJBK. 'I was trying to explain to her that I was trying to get directions to Rochester High. And she kept yelling at me. Then [her husband] came downstairs, and he grabbed the gun, I saw it and started to run. And that's when I heard the gunshot,' he said. Deputies were called to the home on the 2200 block of South Christian Hills Drive after a woman told 911 that her husband had chased a black male who tried to break in, the Oakland County Sheriffs Office said in a release. The release stated that Jeffrey Zeigler, 53, chased Walker with a 12-gauge shotgun and fired a round at him. Zeigler was charged with assault with intent to murder and felony firearms violations. He is being held at the Oakland County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Investigators say they contacted Walker's mother Lisa Wright. She told WJBK that the only reason Zeigler missed her son was because he forgot to remove the safety. Walker (left) said he tried to explain why he was there but had to run away after her husband fired a 12-gauge shotgun at him. Jeffrey Zeigler, 53 (right), was arrested and charged with assault with intent to murder and felony firearms violations Walkers mother said investigators showed her a recording of the encounter captured by the home's doorbell monitor and she said she knew the attack was racially motivated when she heard the wife ask: 'Why did these people choose my house?' Walkers mother said investigators showed her a recording of the encounter captured by the home's doorbell monitor. 'After watching the video and hearing the wife say "Why did these people choose my house?" I knew it was racially motivated, Wright told WXYZ-TV. 'I dont know what other "these people" she could possibly have been talking about. He was by himself.' Wright told WDIV that she had taken away her son's phone as punishment and was working an overnight shift and did not get off until 8am. Walker told the station that he stopped at a first house, was given directions and then got lost again. It was the second door he knocked on where he encountered the man with the gun. Khloe Kardashian is getting some support from her best friend and her mom one day after giving birth in Cleveland. Photos obtained by DailyMail.com show Kris Jenner entering her hotel in the city on Thursday evening, shortly after her daughters Kim and Kourtney took off for Los Angeles. Kris was covered up in dark shades and a fur-lined black coat as she made her way into the establishment. And on Friday, Malika Haqq was spotted by DailyMail.com as she exited a hotel around lunchtime and hopped into a waiting SUV, which stopped off at another hotel before heading on to Tristan Thompson's home. The two women will now be helping Khloe as she adjusts to motherhood, and tries to deal with her long-time boyfriend's cheating scandal. Scroll down for video She has arrived: Kris Jenner was seen heading into her hotel in Cleveland on Thursday night (above) Shade-y lady: Malika Haqq, Khloe Kardashian's best friend, was spotted around lunchtime on Friday as she left her hotel (above) and headed to Tristan Thompson's home To the left, to the left: Malika could be seen looking around before getting into the waiting vehicle (above) Let's do this: Malika was dressed casually for the trip in a pair of Nike sweatpants and a black top Social media blitz: Malika posted a photo of Khloe on Friday afternoon and wrote: 'Right by your side. Congrats my love! Thank you for my niece' Malika and Kris were two of the people who were in the room with Khloe for the birth on Thursday. The pair were also joined Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and Thompson. Kardashian confidante Malika, who worked as Khloe's assistant for years, also showed her love for her best friend on social media. Malika posted a photo of Khloe on Friday afternoon and wrote: 'Right by your side. Congrats my love! Thank you for my niece' Kim and Kourtney jetted out of Cleveland on Thursday, less than 12 hours after Khloe reportedly gave birth. The new aunts were seen getting off a private plane at Van Nuys airport just before 7pm, with both women quickly escorted into waiting cars. Kim and Kourtney left Cleveland at around 5pm, just as DailyMail.com revealed that Khloe's boyfriend and the father of her newborn baby girl Tristan Thompson had been spending time with a fifth women during the reality star's pregnancy. Kim was the first member of the family to officially confirm that Khloe gave birth on Thursday. The reality star, 37, posted two tweets on Friday, first applauding her younger sister and then fawning over her new niece. 'Im so happy for you! Your baby girl is so beautiful! You are so strong, you made that look so easy!' wrote Kim in her first tweet. 'I cant wait for our baby girls to grow up as best friends the way we are! Im so happy I was able to return the favor of holding your leg while you pushed LOL.' Then, immediately after that bit of sentimental oversharing, Kim sent out a second tweet, writing: 'You guys shes so gorgeous!!!!!' Ain't loyal: Kylie and Kourtney battled wind to fly to Coachella on Friday (above) Friendly skies: Kim and Kourtney head out of Cleveland on a flight Thursday evening (above) Mad dash: Kim quickly made her way to a waiting SUV with the same blonde woman who was seen boarding the plane with her in Cleveland (above) California girls: The two were then seen exiting the same aircraft after it touched down in Los Angeles (above) Pack it in: Kourtney meanwhile was seen loading luggage into the trunk of a car (above) 'Im so happy for you! Your baby girl is so beautiful! You are so strong, you made that look so easy!' wrote Kim in her first tweet on Friday Kourtney did seem to pay tribute to her two older sisters on Thursday by posting a photo of her daughter Penelope, Kim's daughter North and their friend and Kim's manager Tracy Romulus' daughter, writing: 'GIRL POWER.' She also posted a quote on her Instagram story that read: 'You let me pass by, so I had to let you pass by too.' Kendall Jenner got a manicure and partied with some friends after the birth, posting video of both moments to her Instagram story. Kylie Jenner congratulated Khloe on Snapchat without implicitly stating that she had given birth, instead celebrating the fact that she was having a baby girl. She also shared on image of herself in a Fendi logo dress pushing her daughter Stormi in a Fendi logo stroller. After the Cleveland Cavaliers became the first to confirm the news of Khloe's baby in a press conference excusing Tristan from playing and practice, Kris posted a video from October 2016. The video was not even her own, and rather one that W did for an entirely different reason featuring Kylie Jenner. In the video, Kylie says the word 'baby' over and and over again. W posted it to their Instagram account after news of the birth broke, writing: 'When three of your sisters give birth in under a year. Congratulations to @khloekardashian on welcoming another girl to the KarJenner clan.' Kris then reposted that video, writing: 'BLESSED!!!' Girl one: Tristan was photographed with Lani Balir over the weekend in New York City Acquaintance five: A woman named Tania (above) had been seen in the same spots as Tristan multiple times over the past five months This is the second child for Thompson, who has a son Prince with his ex Jordan Craig. He left a very pregnant Craig to be with Khloe. Tristan's behavior was once again in question on Thursday night after DailyMail.com broke the news that Tristan had been spending time with a young woman in Manhattan. The pair were seen at the same hotel multiple times over the past few months, dined out together and partied by her side at clubs. The woman even traveled to Boston so she could watch his Cavaliers play. Her name is Tania, and Tristan was first spotted with her back in November, and last seen with her less than a month ago in New York City. Tania now joins Lani Blair and the three women seen getting intimate with Tristan in a video from last October as the fifth women he appears to have grown close with while his current girlfriend was pregnant. FIXATED ON GOLDEN SHOWERS Comey reveals that President Donald Trump was fixated on proving the tape claim was false. The very first time they met was when Comey privately told the then-president elect about the dossier- drawn up by ex-British spy Christopher Steele - which alleged there was a 'kompromat' tape from his visit to Moscow. It purported to show Russian prostitutes defiling a bed in the Moscow Ritz-Carlton where President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama had stayed - because Trump wanted to humiliate the president. Comey told him it was in wide circulation and later it was published by Buzzfeed. Comey says Trump interrupted him as he described the material in the dossier. He 'strongly denied the allegations, asking rhetorically, I assumed whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. 'He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised. He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations.' He describes Trump as 'obsessed' with the portions of the dossier dealing with prostitutes. But amazingly, that was not to be the last time Trump issued a specific denial. Days before his inauguration there was a phonecall where Trump said he was a 'germophobe'. 'There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way,' he said. In the phone call he claimed that he had not stayed overnight in Moscow and had only used the room to change his clothes. 'I decided not to tell him that the activity alleged did not seem to require either an overnight stay or even being in proximity to the participants,' the Washington Post reveals Comey writes. That was not Trump's last time on the subject. On March 27 in the course of another call he said: 'Can you imagine me, hookers. In an apparent play for my sympathy, he added that he has a beautiful wife and the whole thing has been very painful for her.' Former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claims she had an affair with Trump, says he once tried to pay her after sex. 'After we had been intimate, he tried to pay me, and I actually didn't know how to take that,' she told CNN. The White House has denied Trump was involved with the women who have accused him of having affairs. Obama knew about the allegations and asked Comey the day before the FBI boss and other intelligence chief were due to meet Trump who would tell the president-elect about the dossier. 'He raised and lowered both of his eyebrows with emphasis, and then looked away,' Comey writes. 'To my mind his Groucho Marx eyebrow raise was both subtle humor and an expression of concern.' TRUMP THE MAFIA DON He recounts that his first meeting with Trump was at Trump Tower when he and other officials went to brief the president-elect and senior members of his team about Russian efforts to interfere in the election. 'I sat there thinking, Holy crap, they are trying to make each of us 'amica nostra' friend of ours. To draw us in,' Comey writes. 'As crazy as it sounds, I suddenly had the feeling that, in the blink of an eye, the president-elect was trying to make us all part of the same family and that Team Trump had made it a 'thing of ours.'' Others in the meeting included Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, Michael Flynn, who would become national security adviser, and incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer. Comey was also joined by NSA Director Mike Rogers, CIA Director John Brennan and DNI Director James Clapper. Comey says Trump only asked one question, the Washington Post revealed: 'You found there was no impact on the result, right.' But Clapper told him that there was no such analysis. After Clapper briefed the team on the intelligence community's findings of Russian election interference, Comey said he was taken aback by what the Trump team didn't ask. 'They were about to lead a country that had been attacked by a foreign adversary, yet they had no questions about what the future Russian threat might be,' Comey writes. Instead, he writes, they launched into a strategy session about how to 'spin what we'd just told them' for the public. It was the next meeting - the private dinner - when Trump demanded loyalty. 'You will always get honesty from me,' Comey writes that he responded. 'That's what I want, honest loyalty,' Trump said. 'You will get that from me,' Comey responded. Comey says he was a mob prosecutor in his earlier career as an assistant district attorney in New York - and that it provided a flashback. 'The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview,' he writes. 'The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth.' ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN... ARE INADEQUATE Comey repeats his claim that Trump said to him, weeks later, that he should give up the investigation into Flynn, who is now a felon after admitting lying to the FBI in a plea deal with Mueller. Comey says that on reflection he should have told Trump it was 'inappropriate' but writes: 'But if he didn't know what he was doing was inappropriate, why had he just ejected everyone, including my boss [Jeff Sessions] and the vice president, from the room so he could speak with me alone?' He takes a personal swipe at Sessions, comparing him to Alberto Gonzales, George W Bush's attorney general unfavorably. Both men he says were overwhelmed and overmatched by the job' but Sessions lacked the kindness which his predecessor had. Comey says he confronted sessions, telling him: 'You can't be kicked out of the room so he can talk to me alone. You have to be between me and the president.' He writes: 'Sessions just cast his eyes down at the table, and they darted quickly back and forth, side to side. He said nothing. I read in his posture and face a message that he would not be able to help me.' And Comey he takes a swipe at Reince Preibus, calling him 'confused and irritated' as Trump's first chief of staff. CLINTON: JE NE REGRETTE RIEN (ALMOST) Comey writes that he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Clinton. He writes that he himself can be 'stubborn, prideful, overconfident and driven by ego.' He famously chided Clinton for being 'extremely careless' in her handling of her classified email in a June 2016 press conference. But he says he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high profile cases. Every person on the investigative team, Comey writes, found that there was no prosecutable case against Clinton and that the FBI didn't find that she lied under its questioning. The parts about Clinton will be heavily scrutinized by her supporters - and by the failed presidential candidate herself, whose bitter public condemnations of Comey, he writes, have resonated with him. 'I have read she has felt anger toward me personally, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry that I couldn't do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made.' But he says that he stands by his handling of the Clinton probe and that he had only two regrets. One was calling her and her staff's handling of classified information 'extremely careless' because it sounded like the criminal burden for charges of mishandling intelligence, that she had been 'grossly negligent'. And he says his family accused him of 'Seacresting' his announcement early in July 2016 that Clinton would not be charged by building up a tease to her being cleared instead of starting with it. Comey said his wife and daughters voted for Clinton and even participated in the Women's March the day after Trump's Inauguration. He also explained he was so sure Clinton would win the election he worried that if he didn't publicly announce the re-opening her email investigation in October 2016 following the discovery of emails from her on Anthony Weiner's laptop, it would make her seem 'illegitimate'. 'I believed it was my duty to inform Congress that we were restarting the investigation,' Comey writes. He adds: 'It is entirely possible that, because I was making decisions in an environment where Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next president, my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls.' OBAMA PRAISED ME AFTER CLINTON LOST Clinton claims that it cost her the election but Comey discloses an intriguing detail which may re-open the once-buried hostility between her and Obama: that Obama did not criticize him for what he did. In fact the then president went out of his way to make sure he knew he was happy. 'I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability,' Obama told him in the Oval Office after the election. 'I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view.' Comey is said to have written that he was close to tears. 'Boy, were those words I needed to hear . . . I'm just trying to do the right thing,' he told the president, who responded: 'I know. I know.' Obama was not the only Democrat who felt that way. Comey briefed senators after the election and said that he was confronted by Al Franken - one of many figures the book to be disgraced in the last year, this time for groping - about his treatment of Clinton. But Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority leader, who served in the Senate with Clinton as both partner and occasional rival, came to his defense, grabbing his hand and said: 'You were in an impossible position.' 'KELLY CALLED TRUMP DISHONORABLE' He provides new details of his firing. He writes that then-Homeland Security secretary John Kelly - now Trump's chief of staff - offered to quit out of a sense of disgust as to how Comey was dismissed, as well as his first encounter with Trump, a January 2017 briefing at Trump Tower in New York City. Kelly has been increasingly marginalized in the White House and the president has mused to confidantes about firing the chief of staff. At the time Comey got his unexpected pink-slip, the West Wing was roiled over what Trump saw as a nonstop drumbeat of FBI digging into unproven allegations that his presidential campaign colluded with Russians to impact the result of the election. A senior White House official told the Daily Beast that the phone call Comey describes never happened. Kelly, the official said, has described the call to other senior West Wing aides as lasting only a minute and summarized it as 'I don't know why you got fired, [and] best of luck to you.' The former four-star Marine general's version does not include calling President Trump 'dishonorable' - but unlike Comey it is not a public, on the record denial. At the time Comey got his unexpected pink-slip, the West Wing was roiled over what Trump saw as a nonstop drumbeat of FBI digging into unproven allegations that his presidential campaign colluded with Russians to impact the result of the election. A senior White House official told the Daily Beast that the phone call Comey describes never happened. Kelly, the official said, has described the call to other senior West Wing aides as lasting only a minute and summarized it as 'I don't know why you got fired, [and] best of luck to you.' The former four-star Marine general's version does not include calling President Trump 'dishonorable' - but unlike Comey it is not a public, on the record denial. WHITE HOUSE ATTACK PLAN Comey's account lands at a particularly sensitive moment for Trump and the White House. Officials there describe Trump as enraged over a recent FBI raid of his personal lawyer's home and office, raising the prospect that he could fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, or try to shut down the probe on his own. The Republican National Committee is poised to lead the pushback effort against Comey, who is set to do a series of interviews to promote the book, by launching a website and supplying surrogates with talking points that question the former director's credibility. Trump has said he fired Comey because of his handling of the FBI's investigation into his Clinton's email practices. Trump used the investigation as a cudgel in the campaign and repeatedly said Clinton should be jailed for using a personal email system while serving as secretary of state. Democrats, on the other hand, have accused Comey of politicizing the investigation, and Clinton herself has said it hurt her election prospects. Comey's book will be heavily scrutinized by the president's legal team looking for any inconsistencies between it and his public testimony, under oath, before Congress. They will be looking to impeach Comey's credibility as a key witness in Mueller's obstruction investigation, which the president has cast as a political motivated witch hunt. One of the country's most senior judges said yesterday that judges may be more lenient to criminals when they pass sentence after lunch. Research shows that the decisions handed down from the bench can vary with the time of day, said Sir Ernest Ryder, an Appeal Court judge and Senior President of Tribunals. The likelihood that a judge will show mercy to a criminal was found to be high early in the day, but fell steeply as the morning wore on. Appeal Court judge Sir Ernest Ryder (pictured) said decisions vary according to time of day By lunchtime, the number of criminals allowed to go free by judicial decisions was 'zero'. However, Sir Ernest said rates at which criminals were freed 'returned to two thirds after the judges adjourned for lunch'. The impact of the time of day and an empty stomach on judicial decision-making are among a number of factors that can lead to bias on the bench, he added. Sentencing or civil decisions can also be affected by 'cognitive bias' clinging on to prejudices or beliefs in the teeth of the evidence or 'anchoring effects', which means going on first impressions. Sir Ernest, a former High Court family judge, delivered his warning to fellow judges in a speech to social workers and child abuse specialists. He called for guidebooks for family judges to be written and made public to guard against the risk that children's lives will be wrecked by bad decisions. 'The point from this is not to feed judges more often,' he said in his speech at the University of Warwick. 'It is to emphasise the importance of ensuring in developing training and materials to improve judicial decision-making that we draw on experience from social sciences, from behavioural psychology, from legal academics who study judicial decision-making, and so on.' Sir Ernest said the study of how judges act differently at different times of day was carried out in Israel. It examined more than 1,000 parole board rulings in which Israeli judges decided whether to release criminals from jail. 'The study showed that the judges granted two thirds of the applications in the morning, but as the day went on the number of approvals declined to zero,' Sir Ernest said. 'The approval rate returned to two thirds after lunch.' He said 'subconscious bias' needs greater consideration than it has had in the past and added: 'Judicial decision-making is an exercise of state power. The state has a duty to ensure that all proper steps are taken to ensure it is being exercised properly, ie justly.' The White House declared all-out war Friday on fired former FBI director James Comey, branding him 'a liar and a leaker' and chastising reporters for giving endless oxygen to his forthcoming anti-Trump book. The president started the morning by blasting the former top lawman as an 'untruthful slime ball.' White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders picked up the politically blistering ball seven hours ago and ran with it. 'You guys spend hours upon hours every single day praising Jim Comey, propping him up, giving him the biggest platform,' she lectured. 'We shouldn't be praising him. We should be putting him down. We should be taking him off of air instead of giving him minute after minute.' Sanders described Comey as financially motivated but likely helped him sell copies of 'A Higher Loyalty' on Friday despite declaring that it 'belongs in the bargain bin of the fiction section.' 'The guy is known to be a liar and leaker,' she said. President Donald trump declared all-out war Friday on former FBI director James Comey, calling him a 'slime ball' and saying he should be prosecuted for leaking information to the media Trump's press secretary, Sarah Sanders, picked up the ball and ran with it hours later, telling reporters that the fired lawman is motivated by ego and greed Comey was ousted in May 2017 and has portrayed Trump as a vulgarian with less concern for national security than for his own reputation He's also dodging lawmakers who want to hear from him under oath, Sanders suggested. 'Congress has asked Jim Comey to come and testify multiple times, of which he's denied being able to do,' she told reporters. 'Yet he found time to sit down with George Stephanopoulos for five hours.' Comey's book, which goes on sale Tuesday, excoriates President Trump and is likely to be a best-seller Stephanopoulos's ABC News interview will air Sunday. Asked by DailyMail.com what Comey had lied about, Sanders read from a prepared list. 'Comey claimed reopening the Clinton investigation when he did was based on merit. Now he says it was based because of poll numbers,' she said, referring to a New York Times review. In his book, the Times reported, Comey concedes that 'it is entirely possible' he chose to reboot the FBI's investigation into classified material on Clinton's private email server because he believed she would win the 2016 election and didn't want to hamstring her with complaints about illegitimacy. Sanders also said Comey 'claimed the president told him to stop investigating [Michael] Flynn after he previously testified that no one told him to stop investigations.' Comey 'has a credibility problem,' she said, declaring that his ouster would be remembered as 'one of the president's greatest achievements.' 'Comey's higher loyalty,' she said, referring to the book's title, 'is pretty clear that it's only to himself.' Trump tweeted Friday that it was 'my great honor' to fire Comey in May 2017, and that he's 'a proven LEAKER & LIAR' Comey gave an extraordinary interview to ABC in advance of his book release next Tuesday, saying an unproven story about the president cavorting with prostitutes in Moscow five years age might be accurate The president also said Friday morning that Comey 'should be prosecuted' for putting classified information in view of the media. 'James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired,' Trump wrote in a pair of statements on Twitter. 'He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH.' 'He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!' The extraordinary tweets came after ABC broadcast excerpts from te Stephanopoulos interview, with Comey saying it's 'possible' the most salacious detail in the infamous anti-Trump 'dirty dossier' is true. Comey said Friday in advance of next week's high-profile book release that despite having access to the nation's most sensitive law-enforcement intelligence for years, he still can't dismiss the possibility that Trump was involved with a 'golden showers' sex act with prostitutes five years ago. 'I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current President of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013,' he told ABC's 'Good Morning America' program in an interview broadcast Friday. 'It's possible, but I don't know.' Trump's reference to leaking concerns Comey's admission during congressional testimony last year that he provided a longtime friend with a copy of memos he wrote after meeting with Trump in 2016 and 2017,m instructing him to circulate them among reporters. Trump claimed Friday that the information was classified, a point that's still under debate in Washington. The 'golden showers' accusation first came to light in an unproven dossier of opposition-research material paid for by the Democratic Party and the Hillary Clinton campaign and handed to the FBI during the 2016 presidential campaign. Comey said he never told Trump that his political adversaries had funded the work, but warned him during a 'really weird' post-election meeting that the information was circulating at the top levels of the federal government. Comey testified to Congress last year that he gave notes from his meetings with Trump to a friend and asked him to plant stories about them with reporters The week's extraordinary moments in history had America's former top cop questioning the strength of the president's marriage because Trump thought there was 'a 1 per cent chance' the first lady might believe the salacious 'golden showers' tale 'It was almost an out-of-body experience for me,' he said. 'I was floating above myself looking down saying, "You're sitting here briefing the incoming President of the United States about prostitutes in Moscow".' And he threw an elbow at the president's marriage, saying Trump suspected the first lady might choose to believe the dossier's worst conclusions about him the hooker allegations. 'He said, "You know, if there's even a 1 per cent chance my wife thinks that's true, that's terrible",' Comey recalled. 'And I remember thinking, "How could your wife think there's a 1 per cent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow?" I'm a flawed human being but there's literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true. 'So what kind of marriage to what kind of man does your wife think there's only a 99 per cent chance you didn't do that?' Comey suggested the claim was still unproven but hedged his bets, saying only that 'when I got fired it was unverified.' He said he never told Trump that he didn't believe it 'because I couldn't say one way or another.' That hesitance, says the president's senior counselor Kellyanne Conway, suggests he developed an anti-Trump animus as a result of being pink-slipped, not while he was in government service. 'We find that Mr. Comey has a revisionist view of history and seems like a disgruntled ex-employee,' Conway told reporters outside the White House on Friday. 'After all, he was fired. It's not as if he came to the conclusions that are in his book while he was on the job as FBI director, in the presence, in the company of the president and said, "You know, I just must resign. I can't deal with this anymore. I must resign".' Kellyanne Conway, among the president's most trusted advisers, told reporters Friday that Comey's anti-Trump conclusions came after he was unceremoniously fired, making him a 'disgruntled ex-employee' The president handed Comey his walking papers last year, prompting him to write a dramatic tell-all the first such book in history Trump gave Comey the ax in May 2017. His principal response has been the book, due out Tuesday, titled 'A higher loyalty.' It represents the first pointed, opinionated tell-all volume by a former FBI director in history. As newsrooms quickly devoured advance copies on Thursday, details began to filter out. One describes Trump imperiously sitting behind the historic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office while he met with Comey instead of the usual, more casual setting of chairs at the opposite end of the room. '[W]hen the president sits on a throne, protected by a large wooden obstacle, as Trump routinely did in my interactions with him, the formality of the Oval Office is magnified and the chances of getting the full truth plummet,' he writes. Comey also carps about Trump's 'constant equivocation and apologies for Vladimir Putin.' Elsewhere in his book, 'A Higher Loyalty,' Comey writes that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly told him shortly after hi was dismissed that Trump was a 'dishonorable' leader. An 'emotional' Kelly, in Comey's telling, called him within minutes of his sudden dismissal and said he was 'sick' about the way Trump let him go. Comey found out he was out of a job while he was delivering a speech to FBI agents in California and audience members told him his ouster was being flashed across TV news screens. Kelly, Comey claims, said he 'intended to quit' in response and 'said he didnt want to work for dishonorable people,' referring directly to the president. The Republican Party has been gearing up for weeks to combat the accompanying PR blitz with a website, LyinComey.com. It lays out a set of talking points arguing that Comey lacks credibility and is out for revenge. DailyMail.com obtained a copy of the White House's full-length talking points, which urge surrogates to emphasize 'gross inaccuracies' in Comey's congressional testimony. The white lesbian woman who drove off a Northern California cliff last month in an SUV carrying her wife and adopted children was drunk, authorities said Friday. Toxicology tests found Jennifer Hart had an alcohol level of 0.102, said California Patrol Capt. Bruce Carpenter. California drivers are considered drunk with a level of 0.08 or higher. Toxicology tests also found that her wife Sarah Hart and two of their children had 'a significant amount' of an ingredient commonly found in the allergy drug Benadryl, which can make people sleepy. Toxicology results for a third child killed are still pending, Carpenter said. Sarah and Jennifer Hart and their six adopted children were believed to be in the family's SUV when it plunged off a cliff in Mendocino County Carpenter said none of the car's occupants were wearing seatbelts. Toxicology tests found Jennifer Hart (right) had an alcohol level of 0.102 Sarah and Jennifer Hart and their six adopted children were believed to be in the family's SUV when it plunged off a cliff in Mendocino County, more than 160 miles (250 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Authorities have said that data from the vehicle's software suggested the crash was deliberate, though the California Highway Patrol has not concluded why the vehicle went off an ocean overlook on a rugged part of coastline. A specialized team of accident investigators is trying to figure that out with help from the FBI, Carpenter said. Five bodies were found March 26 near the small city of Mendocino, a few days after Washington state authorities began investigating the Harts for possible child neglect, but three of their children were not immediately recovered from the scene. Toxicology tests found her wife Sarah Hart and two children had 'a significant amount' of an ingredient found in the allergy drug Benadryl Two more are missing and another body has been found but not identified. Benadryl can make people sleepy The 100-foot (31-meter) drop killed the women, both 39, and their children Markis Hart, 19; Jeremiah Hart, 14; and Abigail Hart, 14. Hannah Hart, 16; Devonte Hart, 15; and Sierra Hart, 12, have not been found. The family appear to have left their home in Woodland, Washington on March 23. Toxicology results for a third child killed are still pending CHP believes the family then drove south on Highway 101, and then State Route 1, arriving in the Fort Bragg, California area 12 hours later. It is believed that the family stayed the night in the area, since Jennifer was seen checking out of a Fort Bragg grocery store around 8.15am on Sunday, March 25. Authorities say the family stayed in Fort Bragg until 9pm that evening, at which point it seems they turned around and started traveling north again on State Route 1. CHP believes the family then drove south on Highway 101, and then State Route 1, arriving in the Fort Bragg, California area 12 hours later Investigators are now examining 'red flags' in the Washington family's past in the hope of explaining why they drove off the cliff in an apparent suicide plunge. Police searched the family's home about 500 miles north of the crash site but found no suicide note. The Hart family gained attention in 2014 after one of the children was photographed crying in the arms of a white police officer at a protest after the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. Investigators are now examining 'red flags' in the Washington family's past in the hope of explaining why they drove off the cliff in an apparent suicide plunge. The wife of incest monster Steven Pladl has spoken of her horror after her ex-husband murdered their long-lost daughter and the child she bore him as part of a warped triple murder-suicide. Police believe Pladl lured Katie Fusco - the 20-year-old daughter he gave up for adoption as a baby but 'married' after meeting again an adult - into a fatal ambush by promising to let her see their infant son. In reality the 43-year-old predator had already murdered seven-month-old Bennett Pladl, who was supposed to be in the custody of his grandmother Grace at her Cary, North Carolina home. Alyssa Pladl, shown holding up a picture of her daughter Katie when she was a baby, speaks for the first time about her tragic loss 'My daughter is gone forever. I feel like she's been taken from me three times now,' Alyssa Pladl, 37, told DailyMail.com in her first exclusive interview since news of the mass shooting broke. 'Katie had a great life planned ahead and she deserved to live that life to its fullest. Now she's been was robbed of that life. Her baby was completely innocent.' Pladl and Katie were banned from communicating after their January arrests for incest but she was thought to be so desperate to see Bennett she agreed to meet her father at a secluded roadside location in New Milford, Connecticut. It's there on Thursday afternoon that Pladl is alleged to have shot his 'bride' dead in cold blood with an AR-15-style assault rifle. He's also accused of murdering Katie's adoptive father Anthony Fusco, 56, who it's believed had accompanied her to protect her because she no longer wanted to part of the illegal marriage. According to investigators, Pladl then drove across the state border to Dover, New York, before turning the gun on himself. The triple murder-suicide comes months after DailyMail.com revealed the full disturbing details of Pladl's incestuous tryst with his long-lost daughter in an exclusive interview with Alyssa - Katie's biological mother. She had waited two decades to get to know Katie after she and Steven had given her up for adoption as a baby, only to see Katie begin an affair with her biological father after she contacted them upon turning 18. After divorcing Alyssa in March 2017 and impregnating Katie, Pladl married her and lived as husband and wife, making virtually no attempt to conceal their incestuous union. Katie is shown above with her birth mother Alyssa who gave her up for adoption with Steven in 1998. They went on to have two more daughters (shown above) and it was one of those girls who exposed the older sister's affair The pair tied the knot on July 20, months after Alyssa, Steven's ex-wife and Katie's biological mother, reported their relationship to police 'Katie was a smart, beautiful and unique girl. I want to make it clear that I don't blame her for any of this,' Alyssa added, through tears. 'This was the result of manipulation.' Alyssa said it was devastating to have to tell their two other bewildered daughters, aged eight and 12, they had lost their father, oldest sister and baby nephew all in one horrifying instance. She said her heart also went out to Fusco's grieving wife Kelly and her former mother-in-law, Steven's 72-year-old mom Grace, who she said has 'lost everything.' 'My daughters are confused and shocked. I have no idea how this will affect them as they get older,' Alyssa told DailyMail.com. 'I met Katie's adoptive father on a couple of occasions and he was a good man. The adoption filled a hole in their hearts and they loved Katie dearly. It's tragic for his wife. 'This has hurt so many people and destroyed so many lives. I just wish there was more I could have done. 'I spoke out about this relationship because I wanted Katie to realize I wasn't angry with her and I wanted her to have a better life. That's something I will never be able to accomplish now. Bennett was found after Steven's mother called 911 for a welfare check on the infant. She said her son told her he'd killed the baby left him there, and warned her not to go to the home Steven and Katie got 'married' in a lakeside ceremony in July not long before she gave birth to their baby. They are pictured with her adoptive parents (right) and his mother who attended in despite its incestuous nature The pair tied the knot on July 20, months after Alyssa, Steven's ex-wife and Katie's biological mother, reported their relationship to police 'But I want people out there to realize that they should never be afraid to step up and help the people they love. 'I just don't have it in me right now to find the words to describe what I'm feeling about Steve. I think people can judge for themselves what kind of person he was.' Alyssa spoke out hours after police released a harrowing 911 call made by Grace Pladl to report that her son carried out the slayings after Katie told him she was leaving him over the phone. 'My son just called me and he told me he...oh god, he killed his baby and he's in the house,' she told an emergency dispatcher through sobs. 'His wife broke up with him over the phone yesterday. She's in New York and he told me he was on his way.' She added: 'He killed his wife, he killed her father. I can't even believe it's happening ... he left the baby dead when he left.' Grace also told the dispatcher how Pladl instructed her to summon police to his home on Earlston Court in Knightdale, North Carolina, but warned her that she 'shouldn't go over there.' When asked by the dispatcher about the manner of her grandson's death, Grace said she did not ask her son how he slaughtered the little boy, saying: 'I didn't want to know.' Police officers visited to the Knightdale residence, the former marital home of Pladl and Katie, on Thursday morning and discovered the lifeless body of Bennett Pladl, who was born in September 2017. After allegedly killing him, Pladl drove 600 miles to New Milford and shot dead Katie and her adoptive dad as they sat in a pickup truck on Route 7, before making his way across the state line to Dover, New York, and turning the gun on himself. Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps later confirmed all three murders and Steven Pladl's suicide. 'Like you we're trying to make sense of all the factors that lead up to this senseless taking of life,' he told reporters. Art student Katie had contacted her biological parents on Facebook in August 2015 and met them for the first time the following June. Steven Pladl with his daughter Katie as a baby. The 43-year-old called his mother to say he had killed his and Katie's infant son The Pladls' infant son was discovered dead by police in North Carolina Thursday She moved into their Henrico County, Virginia home and started spending more and more time with jobless Pladl while Alyssa went to work each day as a supervisor for T-Mobile, even sleeping on her bedroom floor. His marriage to Alyssa was already on the rocks and when she divorced him in March 2017, Katie decided to stay with her father. In July 2017 the pair illegally married, sharing photographs of their lakeside ceremony, with Grace and Katie's adoptive parents in attendance, on social media. Not long after, Katie gave birth to a baby boy. They were arrested in January 2018 after Alyssa reported the incestuous union to police and they were extradited to Henrico County to face charges of incest, adultery, and contributing to delinquency of a minor. Steven was released on bond and ordered to remain in Virginia pending his trial and make no contact with Katie. The conditions of his bond were later amended to allow him to travel to North Carolina. Bennett was put into Grace's custody. Katie was released from jail in late February after posting $12,000 secured bond. Under the conditions of her release, she was barred from making contact with Steven and required to live with her adoptive parents, who resided in New York. In February, Alyssa told DailyMailTV how she discovered their relationship by reading about it in her 11-year-old's journal. The girl had made frightening drawings of her father and sister with devil horns and tails, writing: 'Katie is pregnant. Dad says they feel like couples. Did they get a little too drunk that night? My dad is a slut. 'He's Satan. He's fucking SATAN. He'll go to hell but he won't be the one getting tortured, he'll be the one torturing people. 'Wait one second if he's Satan and Katie is a human then the baby will be half demon.' In another harrowing entry, the child wrote: 'My dad calls her baby also his baby. Did he make her pregnant? My dad even says she's my stepmom wtf. He doesn't even want me to say or call her sister anymore. Pladl (left) who was charged with incest involving his daughter, whom he married, killed himself in New York on Thursday. Katie Pladl (right), 20, was also found dead along with her adoptive father in Connecticut Genetic Sexual Attraction Genetic sexual attraction is defined as an overwhelming sexual attraction that may develop between close blood relatives who first meet as adults. In the state of Virginia, incest if a criminal act. According to Virginias legislative information system, any person who commits adultery or fornication with any person whom he or she is forbidden by law to marry shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor The law further states that any person who commits adultery or fornication with his daughter or granddaughter, or with her son or grandson, or her father or his mother, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony In Virginia, a Class 5 felony carries a prison sentence of not less than one year nor more than five years or in the discretion of the jury or court confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both Genetic sexual attraction is said to be rare, but there have been dozens of reported cases of close relatives falling in love with each other after reconnecting as adults. In 2016, Patricia Spann, 43. and her daughter Misty Spann were arrested and charged with incest after they got married Advertisement 'Katie is my sister, she's probably his wife now, but in nature she's only my sister. Does she see me as a daughter or sister?' Alyssa laid the blame squarely on her ex-husband, insisting he brainwashed and seduced Katie after she moved into their marital home. 'There are no words to describe the sense of betrayal and disgust I'm feeling,' Alyssa said at the time. Overwhelmed by the pressure of being a 17-year-old mom, she and Steven, then 22, had decided adoption would give their baby daughter a better chance in life. They went on to marry in 2006 and raise two more daughters, but Alyssa said she never overcame her feelings of guilt and regret. She had named her older daughter Denise a birth and had marked her birthday every January 29. 'I waited 18 long years to have a relationship with my daughter - and now he's completely destroyed it,' she added A statue to Thomas Jefferson on the lawn of the University of Virginia was defaced with the words 'racist' and 'rapist' early on Friday morning, just before the start of celebrations marking the 275th anniversary of his birth. The marble base of the Founding Father's 1910 sitting sculpture was daubed in crudely-lettered red spray paint, which was quickly scrubbed out by officials at the school in Charlottesville. Jefferson - author of the Declaration of Independence, third U.S. president and founder of UVA - is thought to have fathered six children with Sally Hemings, a woman who was enslaved on his plantation. The marble base of the Founding Father's 1910 sitting sculpture was daubed in crudely-lettered red spray paint, (left) which was quickly scrubbed out by officials at the school in Charlottesville. Pictured right: A file photo of what the statue usually looks like In public, Jefferson was a consistent opponent of slavery, describing it as a 'hideous blot' and a 'moral depravity', yet he enslaved more than 600 people over the course of his life. At the time of the American Revolution, Jefferson was drafting a Virginia law prohibiting the importation of enslaved Africans, and six years later suggested an ordinance that would outlaw slavery in the Northwest Territories. Yet he always maintained that abolition could only come around as part of the democratic process, and was opposed by moves by the federal government to enact abolition. His statue was a focus of unrest during last August's Unite The Right rally, which saw students encircle the monument while surrounded by white supremacists carrying torches. Jefferson - author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. president - is thought to have fathered six children with Sally Hemings, a woman who was enslaved on his plantation. Pictured: The statue on Friday morning In public, Jefferson was a consistent opponent of slavery, describing it as a 'hideous blot' and a 'moral depravity', yet he enslaved more than 600 people over the course of his life The two-day protests were sparked by plans to remove a statue to the confederate general Robert E Lee, which was commissioned in 1917 and built in 1924 - nearly 60 years after the end of the Civil War. Jefferson (pictured in aN 1805 painting) thought abolition could only come around as part of the democratic process, and was opposed by moves by the federal government to enact abolition The protest ended when a white supremacist drove his car through a crowd of counter protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer. On the one-month anniversary of the rally, Left-wing activists shrouded the statue in black as a protest against the rally, and covered it with slogans including 'Black Lives Matter' and 'TJ is a racist'. Roughly 100 students were at that protest, where they chanted 'No Trump, no KKK, no racist UVA'. Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, and that date each year is known as Founders Day. UVA marks the occasion by awarding its highest external honors, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals in Architecture, Law and Citizen Leadership. Jefferson's statue was a focus of unrest during last August's Unite The Right rally, which saw students encircle the monument while surrounded by white supremacists carrying torches August's protests (seen in this file photo) ended when a white supremacist drove his car through a crowd of counter protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer A UVA spokesman said: 'The university is disappointed that individuals vandalized the statue of Thomas Jefferson on the Lawn on the day that we honor his contributions to our University and to our democracy. 'The university recognizes the complexities of Thomas Jeffersons legacy and continues to explore them fully and honestly. 'UVA welcomes open and civil discourse on such important issues. However, acts of vandalism do not contribute to meaningful discussion. 'Crews from Facilities Management are removing the vandalism, and the University Police Department is investigating the incident.' The vandalised is being investigated by university police. Grammar schools fail to provide bright children with diversity, the Archbishop of Canterbury said yesterday. The Most Reverend Justin Welby, who was a pupil at Eton, said children should be sent to schools where they are all mixed up with everyone. In a sweeping attack on selective education, he said it was a central job of the system to teach us to live in community. Archbishop Welby acknowledged during his lecture in his diocese in Kent that he had been lucky to go to Eton. And he admitted his opinions on education would be unpopular in a county that has retained grammar schools. But he added: Being a vicar, all five of our children went through the state education system, always in the local schools. I am always accused of this Talk about something you know about well if youve had five children going through the local schools you learn something about education. The Most Reverend Justin Welby has said children should be sent to schools where they are all mixed up with everyone If youre a vicar, youre chairman of at least two of them. I remain and I know in Kent this is very controversial I remain cautious, more than cautious, about selection. I have absolutely no doubt that the right children going to grammar schools benefit hugely, but what they dont have is diversity. He said he had been a governor at a comprehensive that had turned itself around. He pointed out that its pupils were streamed but the moment they were out of the class they were all mixed up with everyone. Addressing Canterbury Christ Church University, Archbishop Welby added: One of the key things for education is to teach us to live in community. To value the other, regardless of their capacity. The tragedy of the future is if only the brightest and the best are considered to be the most important. But Kathy Gyngell, co-editor of the Conservative Woman website, accused the archbishop of pulling up the ladder. Educated among the nation's elite Welby attended Eton from 1969 to 1974 Justin Welby attended Eton from 1969 to 1974, where fellow pupils included Tory politician Oliver Letwin and actor Hugh Laurie. He was able to go there because his mother, Jane Portal, was from a well-connected family and had worked as Winston Churchills secretary. His grandmother, the biographer Iris Portal, was the sister of the Conservative statesman Rab Butler. A contemporary described the young Welby as the shyest, most unhappy-looking boy you could imagine. The archbishop has said Eton was full of very gifted people but that he himself was very mediocre in his time there. He scored C, D and E grades in A-level history, English and French a poor performance that he put down to the issues he was having with his alcoholic father. Money problems meant that in his last two years the school waived the fees. A former teacher said he was a model boy, though quite undistinguished. Advertisement She said: He is denying opportunity to children and choice to parents, and he is also denying educators the right to choose which children they should teach and how they should do it. I am the daughter of a poorly-paid vicar and my father could never have afforded to send me to an independent school. I had the chance to go to a grammar school and then to Cambridge. If I had not won a place at a grammar I would almost certainly have left school at 16. Chris McGovern of the Campaign for Real Education said: The archbishop is well-intentioned but out of touch with the real world. He seems to have a mental blockage with regard to selection. Overwhelmingly, the main form of pupil selection for our schools is by house price. Most better-off families send their children to comprehensive schools in better-off areas where they can afford to buy a house. This leads to social segregation of schools that is based on income. After 50 years of comprehensive schooling we are left with the worst social mobility rate in developed world. The archbishop is supporting a school system that supports that richest and the most privileged. Selection by aptitude that underpins the grammar school system is much fairer than selection by post code. What is unfair is the shortage of grammar school places and the absence of high quality technical or vocational schools. Sir Graham Brady, of the Tory 1922 Committee and a longstanding advocate of grammars, said the archbishop should acknowledge the possibility of extending similar educational opportunities to all children, regardless of their family income. He added: If the archbishop would like to see more diversity within the state system, it will not happen by opening more comprehensive schools, which have been demonstrated to select by house price and catchment area. He could encourage more diversity by establishing more grammar schools in urban areas.' Bodycamera video showing police interview the YouTube shooter just hours before the attack has been released. Cops in Mountain View, California, found Nasim Aghdam asleep in her 2006 Pontiac in the parking lot of a Walmart at around 1.38am on April 3. She was listed as missing when they ran her plates. About 10 hours later, Aghdam would injure three before killing herself while shooting up on an employee patio at YouTube headquarters about 25 miles north. After running the car's plates, dispatch told the officers that Aghdam was reported missing by her father in San Diego on March 31. Cops in Mountain View, California, found Nasim Aghdam asleep in her 2006 Pontiac in this parking lot of a Walmart at around 1.38am on April 3 Officers approach the vehicle and find Aghdam asleep in the back seat behind a partition Aghdam was listed as 'at risk' because she had no prior history of going missing, the dispatcher said. The video shows the officers approach the Pontiac and rouse Aghdam, who is asleep in the back seat behind a crude partition. Aghdam crawls into the front seat of the car wearing a pink hoodie, dark pants and socks. The officers ask her to confirm her identity and inform her she is listed as missing before asking why she left her family in San Diego. 'We don't get along together, so I left them,' says Aghdam. The officers ask her whether she has any intention of hurting herself or anyone else, to which she repeatedly says 'no' or shakes her head. Aghdam says she's in Mountain View because she's 'trying to find a job'. Aghdam responds calmly as the officers inform her that she has been reported missing and ask her why she left her family in San Diego Aghdam says she is looking for a job and had had trouble getting along with her family After she tells the officers that she has no plans to hurt herself or others, the officers get her her phone number for the report and allow her to go on her way After confirming Aghdams phone number, the officers explain to Aghdam that her father will be informed that she has been found in Mountain View. They explain that the statewide system she had been entered into when she was reported missing, known as MUPS, will be updated to show that she has been found. 'A review of the incident revealed that our officers followed proper procedure and protocol,' said Mountain View Police Chief Max Bosel in a statement. 'In this case, they checked on the welfare of a person who, at the time, was reported missing but whose actions, demeanor, and answers did not present any information which would cause us to believe she would be a threat to herself or others,' the chief continued. 'The tragedy of the incident at YouTube weighs heavily on our hearts but we support and stand by the actions taken by our officers in their contact with Ms. Aghdam.' The released materials included bodycam footage from two officers, as well as radio traffic and a call from Mountain View dispatch to San Diego missing persons. Agdahm was an avowed vegan and the creator of many strange YouTube videos She had complained bitterly about the company, as in this protest photo she posted online Three people were injured when she opened fire at YouTube before killing herself What was not recorded were two calls between Mountain View police and Aghdams father, Ismail Aghdam. The department described the calls in a statement, saying that 'the father called back to let our officer know that his daughter had recently become upset about changes on the YouTube platform that had impacted videos she had created on living a vegan lifestyle.' 'At no point in either of our conversations did the family bring up any concerns about their daughters behavior, any potential violence she may carry out, or any likelihood that she could be a danger to herself or others,' the statement said. Nasim Agdam opened fire at approximately 12.46pm on April 3, firing roughly 20 rounds from a legally purchased Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun. The avowed vegan and creator of many strange YouTube videos had complained bitterly about the company. 'Youtube filtered my channels to keep them from getting views!' she wrote on a personal website. A little girl made a horrific discovery Thursday when she found the her mother, father and grandfather dead in their California home. Police said the child, age four, was sleeping in a bedroom at a Pine Grove home when she awoke to gunshots around 3am on Thursday. The toddler then found the bodies of her parents and grandfather in the home, CBS News reports. Authorities are calling the shooting a double-murder-suicide. A four-year-old girl in California found her mother (pictured), father and grandfather dead in their house Thursday morning They said the suspect, 26-year-old Jacob Thayer, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, 27-year-old Marie Leonetti, and his father, 60-year-old Richard Thayer, before turning the gun on himself. Leonetti and Jacob Thayer were the child's mother and father. According to police, after the child found the bodies she used her slain grandfather's cellphone to call her grandmother and tell her that her father had shot himself. The grandmother, who had left the home to care for a relative, called 911. When officers arrived at the residence, the child and grandmother were waiting outside. According to the Sacramento Bee, a .40-caliber Glock handgun registered to Jacob Thayer was found next to his body. So far, authorities have not released a motive for the heinous crime. A trio of powerful Republican committee have fired off another document request to deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, setting up yet another flashpoint while Trump considers whether to fire the man overseeing the Russia probe. The Republican lawmakers are demanding Rosenstein produce unredacted copies of memos Comey took about following his meetings with President Trump. 'There is no legal basis for withholding these materials from Congress,' the chairmen wrote giving the embattled official only until Monday to hand over the materials they are demanding. 'There is no legal basis for withholding these materials from Congress,' GOP lawmakers wrote Rosenstein, as President Trump ponders whether to fire him One of the Republicans, Intelligence Committee chairman Rep. Devin Nunes of California, just prevailed in another spat with Rosenstein. He had threatened to impeach him or hold him and FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress if they fail to turn over the memo that launched the Russia probe. DOJ ultimately relented and turned over a document with few redactions that satisfied the Intelligence Republicans. Nunes was joined by Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia and Oversight chair Trey Gowdy of South Carolina on the letter. The memos could potentially help Trump try to slap back at Comey, whom he branded a 'LEAKER & LIAR', if there are any deviations from his new book, where he slams the president and recounts awkward conversations like one where Trump asked him to investigate the unverified 'golden showers' claim against him to disprove it. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes also this week demanded more information from the Justice Department about the start of the Russia probe 'The Committees request the Department of Justice make copies of the Comey memos available immediately,' the lawmakers write. 'Copies of any unclassified memos should be produced to all three Committees in unredacted form. Copies of any memos containing classified information should be produced to all three Committees in both (1) unredacted form, in an appropriately secure setting; and (2) declassified form, with appropriate redactions.' 'So this is how they're going to do it, and we see who's complicit,' tweeted former Director of the Office of Government Ethics Walter Shaub, suggesting the move could serve as the trigger or justification for Trump firing Rosenstein. Asked Friday whether Trump was going to fire Rosenstein, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said: 'I don't have any announcements at this time. The President has voiced some frustrations, but beyond that, I don't have anything to add.' The push came as James Comey promoted his book, and even talked about the unverified 'golden showers' claim Trump tweeted Friday that it was 'my great honor' to fire Comey in May 2017, and that he's 'a proven LEAKER & LIAR' With the recusal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Rosenstein oversees Robert Mueller's Russia probe. The president is reportedly furious with Rosenstein for approving Mueller's request to refer information to prosecutors of the Southern District of New York that led to the Monday raid on longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen. Cohen is now under criminal investigation, according to a filing by prosecutors on Friday. Trump has blasted the raid as an abuse of attorney-client privilege. Rosenstein met with Trump at the White House Thursday, over what a source said was outstanding document requests from Congress. The re-upped demand for Comey memos came as the fired FBI Director continued his book tour, and just a day after Rosenstein gave into another document request handing over a version of the memo that started the Russia probe in response to escalating threats from the Hill. 'Today, we have provided Chairman Nunes with access to the requested document,' the agency wrote the House Intelligence Committee, a Justice official said Thursday. Nunes was threatening to impeach the head of the FBI and Rosenstein over a demand they produce documents to Congress in a manner he considers acceptable. 'We're not going to just hold in contempt, we will have a plan to hold in contempt and impeach,' the California lawmaker told Fox News late Tuesday. Two ministers suggested a Commons vote be held before Britain goes to war in Syria, it emerged last night. Brexit Secretary David Davis and Esther McVey, the Work and Pensions Secretary, said during Thursday's Cabinet meeting that the Commons might need to have a say before any military action. A Government source said Housing Secretary Sajid Javid argued strongly that action could go ahead without the approval of MPs. Brexit Secretary David Davis (pictured) said during Thursday's Cabinet meeting that the Commons might need to have a say before any military action The Cabinet agreed that no vote was necessary, but the debate signals the growing tensions over the issue. The source said: 'There was no big argument about it it was not heated. They raised it as an issue. But the majority felt differently.' Mr Davis voted against action against Syria in 2013 when he was on the backbenches. Mrs May is under mounting pressure from her own MPs to cancel Monday's business in Parliament for a full-scale debate on the options. They have demanded time for a vote even if Western forces have already struck. 'The Government owes it to Parliament to come and explain,' said Bob Seely, the Isle of Wight Conservative MP who says he is sceptical about intervention. 'Articulating its case in a chamber full of critical voices is good for the Government. If it can't, then maybe it shouldn't be doing it.' He told Sky News such a strike would be 'gesture bombing that is going to be very dangerous'. Tory MP John Baron said: 'It is unclear whether military action would have any practical or chastising effect. 'It would also underestimate the extent to which this vicious civil war is also a proxy war reflecting wider regional tensions. Very few moderates now remain in Syria.' Bob Seely, the Isle of Wight Conservative MP 'gesture bombing that is going to be very dangerous' Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, said the Government would be in difficulty if military intervention was not authorised by Parliament and then backfired. 'The pressure on Government to hold a debate in Government time is going to become overwhelming,' he added. 'It has to be reasonable and take Parliament into its confidence. Parliament can't just be left sitting on the sidelines.' Veteran Tory MP Ken Clarke has also demanded a debate. Tory MPs Philip Davies, Martin Vickers and Adam Holloway, who all voted against the strikes on Assad when proposed by David Cameron in 2013, agreed. Mr Holloway said: 'There should be a vote once they have shown us how this fits into a proper strategy. 'We should not be just firing off missiles to make ourselves feel better as one friend put it, using missiles as a form of therapy. The 'something must be done' feel-good approach has already cast tens of millions of people across the Middle East into unimaginable insecurity.' The DUP, whose MPs Mrs May relies upon, have not confirmed whether they will back her. The confidence and supply agreement the Tories struck last year did not explicitly cover military intervention. But MP Sammy Wilson, who is the party's Treasury spokesman, said he thought there should be a Commons vote. Although the Government is entitled under the royal prerogative to decide to go to war, since the debate on Iraq in 2003 there has been a convention that no administration would embark on military action without getting the support of Parliament. Mr Cameron was defeated by 13 votes in 2013 and said he would respect the result. He later won approval for strikes against terrorist forces in Syria. Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, said the Government would be in difficulty if military intervention was not authorised by Parliament - and then backfired The family of burglar Henry Vincent are planning a horse-drawn procession past the home of the pensioner who killed him, as part of their elaborate funeral plans. The travellers are planning the 'funeral of all funerals' for Vincent, who was killed in a struggle with 72-year-old Richard Osborn-Brooks, after breaking into his home. Vincent's family, who come from the traveller community, have been locked in an ongoing battle with Osborn-Brooks' neighbours over floral tributes left outside. Scroll down for video 2.10pm Tuesday: The shrine had been rebuilt earlier today by relatives and friends of robber Henry Vincent after it was vandalised last night Supporters of stabbed burglar Henry Vincent (right) have been trolling those defending pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks (left) on Facebook And in a further dig at those neighbours, who object to the Vincent family laying flowers outside the house where he was stabbed to death with a screwdriver, they now plan to bring the funeral procession past Osborn-Brooks' home, in Hither Green. A source close to his family said they are planning to spend 100,000 to pay tribute to Vincent, according to The Sun. But residents fear Vincent's traveller friends could become violent, following tit-for-tat rows over the flowers. The source said: 'They plan to take the procession right past the house. It's supposed to be a message to locals and the guy who killed him that gipsies are not to be messed with.' The source added: 'Vincent's spent his life ripping off the elderly yet his funeral's designed to make you think he was some kind of gipsy god. 'They're planning to spend 50,000 just on flowers. There will be limousines and ornate horse-drawn carriages.' Vincent is due to be buried near his family's site in Orpington, Kent. 5.30pm Tuesday: Loved ones of Henry Vincent returned once again this evening and started re-attaching tributes to the fence opposite the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks after they were dismantled overnight and again this afternoon It comes as supporters of stabbed burglar Henry Vincent have been trolling those defending pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks on Facebook. Writing online, they called him a dirty, murdering scumbag whos got what he deserved, as the controversy surrounding the case means he cant return home. Facebook messages posted over the last couple of days suggest that supporters of Vincent and his traveller community are grateful for all the publicity. They called it karma and the best revenge on Mr Osborn-Brooks for killing the career criminal in a botched raid on his home in Hither Green, south London. A new tribute from his cousin was left at the scene but the majority of flowers and cards, including ones from his children, have been destroyed (right) Messages generally from unknown supporters were posted to the Facebook page of Cecil Coley. Mr Coley was dragged into the affair after he was filmed becoming the first of several vigilantes to destroy the floral shrine outside Richard Osborn-Brooks home last Monday night. One post from Facebook account Gorja Lob read: Good Im glad that the old man and woman will never go back to their own home. 8am Thursday: The flowers and tributes to Vincent remain torn down today after a row between locals and travellers Messages generally from unknown supporters were posted to the Facebook page of Cecil Coley 'Best thing for them the dirty murdering scumbags. They might have got away with it but their lives will never be the same now! Another Gorja Lob post read: Keep up the good work people, youre doing a brilliant job. 'We will never get justice for him but you will suffer just as much as the public are trying to make his family suffer now. You can have the backlash of it all. The higher the risk the worse it is for them! 'You wont leave the family alone and its just making more stories, more stories means more reactions and that means even more danger. Meghan Markle was dating Canadian celebrity chef Cory Vitiello until about three months before she met Prince Harry They have never revealed why they broke up but it seems Meghan Markle and her last boyfriend may have ended their relationship over a pasta recipe. The American actress was dating Canadian celebrity chef Cory Vitiello until about three months before she met Prince Harry, whom she will marry next month. They were together for almost two years but the laid-back restaurateur who bears a striking resemblance to Harry began to tire of her alleged 'prima donna-like behaviour', a well-placed source told the Daily Mail. When they went out for the evening or travelled together, she would embarrass Mr Vitiello, 38, by announcing she starred in the US television series Suits, and asking for the best tables and seats. The final straw came at a dinner party for friends, it is rumoured. When their guests praised the inventive main course of pasta interwoven with courgette spirals, Meghan, 36, claimed she had dreamed up the recipe when, in truth, Mr Vitiello had created the dish. Soon after this alleged episode their love-match, which some observers had believed would lead to the altar, was over. Cory Vitiello told the Mail simply that Meghan was a 'great girl' and he was 'proud of her' The inside story of their relationship, which began in 2014, the year after her divorce from film producer Trevor Engelson, and ended in spring 2016, has never been told until now. The full, intriguing details are published today in the Mail's Weekend magazine. Mr Vitiello was one of Canada's most eligible bachelors, appearing on TV and dating some of the nation's most high-profile women. He and Meghan met when she dined with Suits cast members at The Harbord Room, the trendy Toronto restaurant he then owned. They quickly fell in love, and according to his mother Joanne he began staying at Meghan's rented townhouse near the restaurant. The chef's mother describes them as 'homebodies' who avoided attending public events if possible and did their best to keep the romance private. At Christmas 2015 Mrs Vitiello and her husband Gerry, a retired teacher, invited Meghan to spend Christmas at their detached home in Brantford, two hours' drive from Toronto. 'She had no airs or graces when she was with us,' Mrs Vitiello said. They were together for almost two years but the laid-back restaurateur began to tire of her alleged 'prima donna-like behaviour' 'She was very interested in being with the people she was with. She had a good sense of humour, and she's very personable. We certainly enjoyed the conversations we had with her. It was all lovely when we were with Meghan.' Mrs Vitiello would not comment on whether she had expected to hear wedding bells, but said: 'It was serious. They were living together in the house, and they were in their 30s, so they weren't young kids.' She said her son has never told her why they broke up, and she doesn't see it as her place to ask. Mrs Vitiello and Meghan remained in touch by text and email, and Meghan sent a message telling her she was dating someone else before the world learned she was romancing Harry. Meghan didn't reveal who that 'someone' was, but shortly before her relationship with Harry became public she asked permission to visit the chef's parents. They were away so the meeting didn't take place, but Mrs Vitiello has no doubt that Meghan had intended to tell them about Harry 'out of respect'. And as for the claim about the pasta recipe? 'I have never heard that story,' said Mrs Vitiello with a laugh. Cory Vitiello told the Mail simply that Meghan was a 'great girl' and he was 'proud of her'. Albert Thompson, who has been in the UK for 44 years , and is now facing problems getting treated for his prostate cancer You might imagine that Albert Thompson had reached his lowest ebb when, newly discharged from hospital after a cancer operation, he was evicted from his rented flat and forced to sleep on the streets. But actually his life was to become even worse. Nine months later, arriving for his first NHS radiotherapy session following the removal of his prostate, he was told he was not entitled to free treatment at all, and would have to pay 54,000 up front if he wanted the life-saving therapy. He is a softly spoken man, slow to be riled, but today his quiet anger is mixed with disbelief. It is hard to exaggerate the escalating nightmare his life has become. Albert has lived in London for 44 years. It is his home. For three decades he has worked, supporting a family, rising to become head mechanic for a string of garages, and training apprentices in his trade. Throughout, he dutifully paid his taxes. But now, as he endures serious illness, not only is his right to healthcare being denied, but his eligibility to remain in Britain the mother country as he calls it is also being questioned. The reason? The Home Office can find no record of Albert, 63, who was born in Jamaica, in its files. He lost the Caribbean passport he arrived in the UK with some years ago. And without a British passport which hes never had and cannot now get because there is no documentary proof of his arrival here as a teenager in 1973 landlords will not house him, and the NHS has told him that it will not give him further treatment. This emerging scandal actually affects tens of thousands of people many approaching retirement age who arrived in the UK as children from the Caribbean. Their parents were the so-called Windrush migrants (named after the ship that brought many of the first generation of workers to Britain from the West Indies in 1948). The problem is surfacing now because of draconian new immigration policies designed to weed out over-stayers and others here illegitimately which are inadvertently singling out innocent targets. Under rules implemented in 2012, in the absence of Home Office records, people have to provide one piece of documentary evidence in the form of payslips, health cards or other recognised papers for every year they have lived in Britain to prove their right to be here. Without the appropriate paperwork which few British citizens could provide some are facing eviction from their homes, dismissal from jobs theyve held for years, poverty, enforced detention and even deportation. There is a bitter irony in Albert Thompsons situation. His mother, Marsha, moved to the UK from Jamaica in the Sixties at the invitation of the British government, to work as a nurse. Now, the care she gave unstintingly to others at the charitably funded Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability in Putney, south west London, is being denied to her son. He had surgery for prostate cancer in January last year, before NHS eligibility rules were tightened, and was to begin radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, last November. But when he turned up for the appointment he was met with hostility and suspicion. I feel shocked, sad; abandoned, really, he told me this week. You go to hospital and you expect to be treated, supported. You dont expect them to turn you away. I was sitting in a walkway waiting for my appointment when an administrator gave me a form to fill out. It asked for my passport details and I couldnt give them. I havent got a passport. The lady queried this. She wasnt sympathetic. I felt very embarrassed because she didnt even take me into a private room. She said you have to produce your passport or pay 54,000. I said: Oh my God, I dont have 54 pence, let alone 54,000. I was shocked. I thought I was going to pass out. I told her Id been here all my adult life, that as far as Im concerned Im British, but it made no difference. She said it was the new rules. I started working in 1974 Ive always paid my taxes. Im trying to get help, trying to get my passport sorted out, but the Home Office say they cant find any trace of me, so that is not going to happen overnight. At present Im left in limbo. It feels like Ive been left to die because the job hasnt been finished. I get depressed, stressed out, anxious. I used to have a life, to work, to go out, enjoy myself. I had a nice car, a home. I went to the cinema, dancing. But thats the past. I have to think about the present and its hard to come to terms with. Ive got no money. Im very angry with the Government that Im in this position. Im here legally, but theyre asking me to prove Im British. While Albert a hard-working, law-abiding citizen endures this litany of injustice, criminals smuggle illegal migrants over borders to the UK in their thousands. Last month, an international police operation smashed a network of 50 people accused of smuggling around 1,500 illegal immigrants from Albania into the UK. The result of such porous borders is that an estimated one million people live in Britain illegally, with little prospect of any being deported. European freedom of movement rules also mean that just about anyone from the EU can come to this country with impunity. As the Mail reported this week, a Romanian gangster called Adrian Preda, 36, convicted in his homeland of attempted murder, fled to the UK on bail. The legal bill for his successful appeal to remain in Britain was funded through the taxpayer via legal aid. There is a bitter irony in Albert Thompsons situation. His mother, Marsha, moved to the UK from Jamaica in the Sixties at the invitation of the British government, to work as a nurse Scandalously, that taxpayer-funded legal aid is not extended to those such as Albert Thompson and countless other Commonwealth migrants who have been paying taxes here for half a century. Not only are they having to fight entirely legitimate cases against deportation without state legal assistance: even if they are allowed to proceed with the naturalisation process, they face a bill of around 1,200 to complete the application. This is a sum that many simply cannot afford. Research by the University of Oxford-based Migration Observatory suggests up to 57,000 people could be affected. Yet they arrived lawfully in the UK from Commonwealth countries, many before 1971 when migration laws were initially tightened, and never applied for British passports. The 1971 Immigration Act gave people who had already settled in Britain indefinite leave to remain, but 47 years on, finding documents to show you were here before then is easier said than done. Thats why the Mail is today launching a campaign in support of such people. We believe there should be a lessening of the burden of proof for those who arrived here before 1971, and more flexibility shown to those who, like Albert Thompson, have lived here and paid taxes for several decades but who were never naturalised. After all, Albert is, to all intents and purposes, British. Although now divorced, he married here and has two grown-up sons one working in local government, one in administration in a county court and a teenage daughter. He worked full-time as a mechanic, including carrying out MoTs, until 2008 when he was diagnosed with the blood cancer lymphoma and an acute back problem; since when he has been too ill to work. Then, last year, his problems worsened. He was evicted from his rented flat because his landlord wanted to sell it. Under new laws designed to create a hostile environment for illegal immigrants, tenants must now produce a British passport in order to rent accommodation. As Albert who has asked for his real name not to be printed on legal advice does not have a passport, he could not find a home. I had nowhere to go, he recalls. It felt terrible. I was lost. For a while I stayed with friends. I didnt want to worry my children, I didnt tell them what had happened; I didnt want them to be upset. Then I was on the streets for three weeks. I had to beg for food. I felt ashamed. I just asked people in shops if they had anything spare. After three weeks, Albert had managed to secure a room through a homeless charity, St Mungos. He still lives in that modest accommodation now. And his plight is not uncommon. Another such victim is Renford McIntyre, 64, who has been homeless for the past year, sleeping on a sofa in an unheated industrial unit in Dudley, West Midlands. Renford has lived in the UK for almost 50 years since, aged 14 before the 1971 cut-off he arrived from Jamaica to join his mother, a nurse, and his father, a crane operator. Renford has worked and paid taxes, as a tool setter, a delivery man in the meat industry and an NHS driver. Yet he, too, has now been told he is not British and consequently can neither work nor be eligible for any Government support.Renfords stable life disintegrated in 2014 when his employers, updating his paperwork, discovered he didnt have a passport and had never secured a naturalisation certificate in the UK, which would have meant he was officially British. He was sacked immediately, and without documentation was not permitted to find new work. He spiralled into depression and then homelessness. Despite gathering written evidence that he has paid 35 years worth of National Insurance contributions, he was deemed ineligible for emergency council housing because he had no right to be in the country. Neither is he permitted to sign on for benefits. Although Renford has applied to the Home Office for the right to remain in the UK, it continues to be intransigent, insisting he has not provided adequate evidence of his entitlement. Law centres and charities supporting vulnerable immigrants have noted a rise in such cases. Sally Daghlian, chief executive of London-based charity Praxis, which is supporting Albert Thompson, says: Its unfair and unjust. The Government has to take responsibility and make sure there is a fair and fast system in place to support people in this position and sort out their paperwork to ensure their rights are recognised. Immigrants from the Caribbean arrive at Southampton on July 1 1962 For those whove been here 40 or 50 years, its an impossible task, says Ms Daghlian. Which of us keeps paperwork going back that far? They become homeless because they cant prove they have a right to rent or work. The situation is unbelievable. Theyve lived and worked here legally for decades. It can take six months for the Home Office simply to respond to an inquiry, and if their answer then is We dont have a record of you, people need support to go through the difficult detective work of finding the right documents. Hubert Howard, 61, is another victim. He arrived in Britain from Jamaica with his mother when he was three around 1960 has never lived anywhere else, and has spent his adult life working here and paying his taxes. His difficulties began when, in 2005, he applied for a passport to visit his mother, who had retired to Jamaica and become seriously ill. Hubert was perplexed to be told by the Home Office that he had no entitlement to a passport because he had not been naturalised as British. He had not realised this was necessary. His mother died in 2006 without seeing her son. But six years ago, his problems escalated. His employer, the Peabody Trust housing association, had to make him redundant because he was considered an illegal immigrant. He says his mother took the passport he arrived on as a child in Britain back to the Caribbean. His long, full employment history counted for nothing: hed worked for British Rail maintenance as a plumber and had paid tax all his working life. Although he has tried to formalise his legal status with the Home Office and had a verbal acknowledgement that he is entitled to stay in the UK he remains concerned that without written assurance he is vulnerable to attempts to force him to leave. His right to stay in the UK is enshrined in the law under the 1971 Immigration Act. But he has struggled to gather the necessary documents to convince the Home Office that he arrived before the cut-off point. Others like him have also come perilously close to crisis, which has been averted only at the 11th hour. Grandmother Paulette Wilson, 61, a former cook who served food to MPs in the House of Commons, spent a week incarcerated in Yarls Wood Immigration Removal Centre in Bedford last October. She was sent to Heathrow for deportation to Jamaica, a country she has not visited since she was ten and where she has no surviving relatives. Only a last-minute legal intervention, and a persistent campaign by her daughter, prevented her removal. She has now been granted a residency permit after having been here for 50 years. Meanwhile, Albert Thompson still waits for the reprieve that could save his life. A spokesperson from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust said this week: Mr Thompson continues to receive ongoing treatment under the care of his GP. The specialist from the Royal Marsden has been in touch with Mr Thompson while his advisers assist him with eligibility for further NHS treatment. We do not anticipate any funding requirements at this stage as his lawyers are helping to conclude eligibility. And Albert himself? I know self-praise is no recommendation, he says, but I think Im a kind, honest, decent person. It takes a lot to make me angry, but Im angry with the Home Office and the NHS. Ive worked hard all my life. I dont think I deserve this. To donate to a fund set up for Albert Thompsons cancer treatment, go to: gofundme.com/ cancer-care-for-albert-thompson The elephant staggered and keeled over in the tall grass in southern Tanzania, where some of the world's worst poaching has happened. It wasn't a killer who targeted her but a conservation official, immobilizing her with a dart containing drugs. Soon she was snoring loudly, and they propped open her trunk with a twig to help her breathe. They slid a 26-pound (12-kilogram) GPS tracking collar around the rough skin of her neck and injected an antidote, bringing her back to her feet. After inspecting the contraption with her trunk, she ambled back to her family herd. The operation was part of a yearlong effort to collar and track 60 elephants in and around Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, widely acknowledged as 'Ground Zero' in the poaching that has decimated Africa's elephants in recent years. The battle to save Africa's elephants appears to be gaining momentum in Mikumi, where killings are declining and some populations are starting to grow again. Pictured, two young elephants play in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania The Associated Press traveled to the area to witness how the battle to save the continent's elephants is gaining some momentum, with killings declining and some herds showing signs of recovery. Legal ivory markets are shrinking worldwide, and law enforcement has broken up some key trafficking syndicates, say experts. But it's far too early to declare a turnaround. Poachers are moving to new areas and traffickers are adapting, aided by entrenched corruption. The rate of annual elephant losses still exceeds the birth rate. And the encroachment of human settlements is reducing the animals' range. 'The trend in poaching is going in the right direction, but we have a long way to go before we can feel comfortable about the future for elephants,' said Chris Thouless of Save the Elephants, a group based in Kenya, where elephant numbers are rising again. In a move to crack down on demand, Britain this month announced a ban on ivory sales. In China, trade in ivory and ivory products is illegal as of 2018. And in the U.S., a ban on ivory apart from items older than 100 years went into place in 2016. If poaching can be brought under control here in Tanzania, there is hope that the killing of elephants can be stemmed elsewhere on the continent. Researchers are using 26-pound (12-kilogram) GPS tracking collars to boost elephants' survival chances The tusk of a tranquilized elephant is seen during an operation to attach GPS tracking collars in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania Africa's elephant population has plummeted from millions around 1900 to at least 415,000 today. Intelligent and emotional, with highly developed social behavior, elephants have been hunted for their ivory for centuries. A ban on commercial trade in ivory across international borders went into effect in 1990, but many countries continued to allow the domestic buying and selling of ivory. Increased demand from consumers in China fueled a new wave of killings. In Tanzania alone, the elephant population declined by 60 percent to 43,000 between 2009 and 2014, according to the government. HOW ARE SCIENTISTS USING TECHNOLOGY TO THWART POACHERS? Conservationists in Gabon have begun trying to use GPS tracking collars on elephants; tracking and drugging the animals, before attaching the high-tech gadgets in a bid to stop poachers and ivory trafficking. Each operation needs around five to seven men, including a vet, scouts and trackers, to guide the group through dense jungle and locate the often shy animals. Once an elephant is spotted, a vet will move forward and use a compressed air rifle to fire a dart carrying etorphine: a semi-synthetic opioid more than 1,000 times more powerful than morphine. After the elephant is asleep on the ground, the team carry out a health check and take samples while a giant black GPS collar is fitted. The whole process takes around 10 minutes and the team then take cover, sometimes climbing up trees, before the animal is woken up with an antidote The authorities are waging virtual war on the lucrative ivory trade and the poachers who come from neighbouring Cameroon and Congo, driving deep into Gabon in militarised columns with shooters, trackers and porters Advertisement Much of the slaughter happened in an ecosystem comprising the Selous and the adjacent Mikumi National Park. A tourist guide told The Associated Press that several years ago, he and a client saw an elephant family at sunset in the Selous reserve. They returned the next day to the ghastly sight of carcasses of elephants slaughtered for their tusks. The killings in Tanzania appear to have slowed down. A count in the Selous-Mikumi area last year added up 23 carcasses of poached elephants, just 20 percent of the number found four years earlier. Conservationists have been working hard in a year-long effort to collar and track 60 elephants in and around Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, widely acknowledged as 'Ground Zero' in the poaching that has decimated Africa's elephants in recent years And African elephant poaching has declined to pre-2008 levels after reaching a peak in 2011, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. It's a positive trend, but there is speculation there is a dearth of elephants to kill in many areas. 'All the 'easy' elephants are dead,' said Drew McVey, East Africa manager for the WWF conservation group. In Tanzania's Selous region, more newborn elephants are visible and confident elephants are moving more widely outside unfenced, officially protected areas, said Edward Kohi, principal research officer with the state Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute and leader of the GPS collaring program funded by WWF. The collars are designed to allow rangers to track the movement of elephant herds, and then mobilize to protect them if they move into poaching hotspots. In a move to crack down on demand, Britain this month announced a ban on ivory sales. In China, trade in ivory and ivory products is illegal as of 2018. And in the U.S., a ban on ivory apart from items older than 100 years went into place in 2016 The Associated Press traveled to the area to witness how the battle to save the continent's elephants is gaining some momentum, with killings declining and some herds showing signs of recovery By receiving satellite-transmitted data on mobile phones, rangers could also intercept elephants that drift into a human settlement or fields of crops. Adam Rajeta, a farmer and cattle herder living next to Mikumi park, said elephants sometimes cause havoc. 'During the harvesting season, they come close to our homes,' Rajeta said. 'When they do, we beat drums and make noise to scare them and thus protect ourselves. Only with God's mercy do they leave our neighborhood.' There has also been movement to crack down on trafficking. Tanzanian President John Magufuli, who took office in 2015, took a hard line and authorities have arrested key suspects linked to trafficking syndicates. However, the fight against the illegal ivory trade is like squeezing a balloon when gains are made in one area, such as Tanzania, the killings intensify in another spot, like Mozambique's Niassa reserve to the south, which is linked to the Selous by a wildlife corridor. And international seizures of smuggled ivory appear to be as large as ever, a possible sign of hurried efforts by traffickers to move stockpiles before business gets too difficult. Some poaching gangs in Niassa are Tanzanian and 'there is a lot of movement across the border' that includes other illicit trade, including in timber and minerals, said James Bampton, Mozambique director for the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society. The group co-manages Niassa with the government. There are probably fewer than 2,000 elephants in Niassa, Bampton said. That's a small fraction of the estimated number a decade ago in Mozambique's main elephant refuge. Wildlife veterinarian Ernest Mjingo, center, runs as an elephant starts to charge toward him after being darted with a tranquilizer during an operation to attach GPS tracking collar Periodic thefts of confiscated ivory and rhino horn in Mozambique also raise concerns about official collusion with traffickers. Another worrying development is evidence of increased processing of ivory tusks into jewelry and trinkets within Africa, instead of the old method of shipping raw ivory out of the continent. This allows traffickers to transport ivory in smaller quantities that are hard to detect and avoids increased scrutiny of ivory-carving operations in Asia. The challenges of protecting wildlife were apparent to AP journalists who traveled with the collaring team in Mikumi park next to the Selous reserve, a U.N. world heritage site. Plans to deploy a helicopter to help spot and herd the elephants fell through. Vehicles got stuck in mud. One morning, a startled wildlife official sprinted to his vehicle after briefly entering a toilet labeled 'Gents' at a dirt airstrip. A female lion who had been reclining in a stall sauntered out. The team sometimes tracked elephants on foot, studying big round footprints, broken branches and the freshness of elephant dung for clues to their whereabouts. Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve is widely acknowledged as 'Ground Zero' in the poaching that has decimated Africa's elephants in recent years Just two out of a planned five elephants were collared over three days in the Mikumi park. The conservationists refrained from darting elephant matriarchs, instead choosing younger females that they know will follow the group. They also intend to collar often solitary bull elephants. The elephants displayed their social bonds in one instance, retreating into a defensive circle after hearing the pop of the dart gun. When a female was hit, the others appeared to try to prop up their woozy companion before fleeing. Suspected traffickers are a threat to more than elephants. In August 2017, conservationist Wayne Lotter, credited with helping Tanzanian authorities dismantle some ivory smuggling operations, was murdered in Dar es Salaam in an apparent hit. Eight people have been arrested for the murder, including two bank officials and several businessmen. Tanzania's Selous-Mikumi region is known as one of the biggest killing fields for African elephants, but the vast wilderness of about 23,000 square miles (60,000 square kilometers) still offers hope for the world's biggest land animal. In 50 to 100 years, said Kohi, the collaring team leader, 'when the human population is skyrocketing, this will be one of the important areas for the conservation of elephants.' A 3,000-year-old Egyptian papyrus is being reassessed in the wake of a raft of claims accusing powerful men of rape and sexual assault. It describes a litany of morally corrupt actions by the chief master craftsmen Paneb, who oversaw construction work on the pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Among them are attacks on and the 'debauching' of a string of women in Thebes in 1200 BC, now within the modern Egyptian city of Luxor. Experts are revisiting the text, contained on a script known as Papyrus Salt 124 held by the British Museum, to examine ancient cultural attitudes to sexual politics. They believe it could be one of the first ever records of a man being fire for sexual assault. Scroll down for video A 3,000 year old ancient Egyptian papyrus is being reassessed in the wake of a litany of powerful men being accused of sexual assault. It describes a litany of morally corrupt actions by the chief master craftsmen Paneb, who oversaw construction on the Valley of the Kings Among the experts analysing the text is Brooklyn-based historian Carly Silver, who outlines the tale on digital publishing platform Narrative.ly. She says that the 'astonishing' legal record shows that men using their power to hurt women is a tale as old as time. Writing on the site, she added: 'Amennakht accused his archrival Paneb of stealing his job, taking goods from the temples and royal tombs, damaging sacred ground, lying under oath, assaulting nine men in one night, borrowing royal workers for his own use, and committing adultery with local housewives. 'Even allowing for bias in Amennakht's complaint, it was a remarkable accusation. It might be the oldest recorded instance of a party lodging accusations of sexual misconduct as grounds for dismissal, meaning that over 3,000 years after it was written, it is relevant like never before. 'Even more interesting than what's in the document is what is left out namely, the question of consent which raises fascinating questions not just about ancient Egypt but about the modern world as well.' The story of Paneb - dubbed a 'bad boy' of ancient Egypt by some historians - is not new, first making its way to the British Museum in one of the collections of early 19th century Egyptologist Henry Salt. An English translation of the papyrus by Czech Egyptologist Jaroslav Cerny in 1929 revealed the true extent of the Paneb' s alleged crimes, prompting historians to take the manuscript seriously for the first time. The complaint was made by a man named Amennakht, a colleague of Paneb, and addressed to Vizier Hori, the highest official in ancient Egypt during the reign of Sethi II, Siptah, Tawosret, Setnakhte and Ramesses III. The story of Paneb is not new, first making its way to the British Museum thanks to early 19th century Egyptologist Henry Salt, depicted in this 1815 painting by artist John James Halls, but it is being revisited to examine ancient cultural attitudes to sexual politics WHAT DOES THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MANUSCRIPT PAPYRUS SALT 124 SAY? Papyrus Salt 124 was written in around 1200 BC by Amennakht, son of the chief-workman Nebnufer in the village of Deir el Medina, a community of artisans responsible for construction work on the pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Amennakht claims that, when his father died, Neferhotep, his brother, was given his job. When he died, Amennakht should have inherited his fathers position. However, a man named Paneb bribed Vizier Hori, the highest official in ancient Egypt, with five servants. In revenge, he outlined a litany of crimes he claims that the corrupt Paneb carried out. This includes a huge list of stolen items, including the contents of the storehouses of King Sety Merenptah, holy incenses and wine. The manuscript, also known as British Museum Papyrus 10055, first made its way to the British Museum in one of the collections of early 19th century Egyptologist Henry Salt. An English translation of the papyrus by Czech Egyptologist Jaroslav Cerny in 1929 revealed the true extent of the Paneb's alleged crimes, prompting historians to take the manuscript seriously for the first time. In it, Amennakht wrote: My father died and the chief work-man Neferhotep, my brother, was put in his place. And the enemy killed Neferhotep and although I am his brother, Paneb gave five servants of my father to Preemhab who was then Vizier and he put him in the place of my father, although, indeed, it was not his place. Amennakht also outlines attacks on and 'debauching', believed to be assaults and adulteries, with a string of women in Thebes in 1200 BC, now within the modern Egyptian city of Luxor. Ambiguities in the text mean its unclear exactly what Paneb did with many of these women, but in one case it is said that he stripped a local woman named Yeyemwaw, throwing her against a wall before raping her. Paneb's own son Aapehty swore an oath to Amennakht's, listing examples of his father's 'debauchery', either adulterous encounters or assaults, including one in which Aapehty took part. He added: Charge concerning his robbing Yeyemwaw of her garment and he threw her on the top of the wall and violated her. His son fled before him to the place of the door-keepers and took an oath by the Lord, saying "I cannot bear with him" and he said "Paneb debauched the citizeness Tuy, when she was wife to the workman Kenna, he debauched the citizeness Hunro, when she was with Pendua, he debauched the citizeness Hunro, when she was with Hesysenebef", so said his son. 'And after he had debauched Hunro, he debauched Webkhet, her daughter, and Aapehty, his son, also debauched Webkhet. Advertisement It relates to the conduct of the chief workman in the village of Deir el Medina, a community of artisans. Paneb is said to have obtained what was meant to be Amennakht's inherited position by bribing the vizier. The names of numerous women Paneb allegedly assaulted or had adulterous relationships with, appearing as a single crime on the document, are also listed. Ambiguities in the text mean its unclear exactly what Paneb did with many of these women, but in one case it is said that he stripped a local woman named Yeyemwaw, throwing her against a wall before raping her. Paneb's own son Aapehty swore an oath to Amennakht's, listing examples of his father's 'debauchery', including one in which Aapehty took part. It relates to the conduct of the chief workman in the village of Deir el Medina (pictured), a community of artisans. Among his crimes are the assault and 'debauching' of a string of women in Thebes in 1200 BC, ruins now within the modern Egyptian city of Luxor 'I no longer wish to put up with him!' Aapehty is quoted as saying on the papyrus. Speaking to The Independent, Rowland Enmarch, senior lecturer of Egyptology at the University of Liverpool, told the site that the ancient Egyptians considered adultery 'morally reprehensible'. 'Sleeping with married women, whether they wanted to or not, was a no-no, and particularly taking them by force just makes it worse,' he said. Paneb was 'probably put to death eventually', Mr Enmarch said, which 'may have had something to do with filching materials from the royal tombs' an even more serious offence. 'I'm not sure sexual misdemeanours were necessarily capital offences, whereas stealing from the King was,' he added. A 'semi-infinite' supply of rare-Earth elements has been found hidden in deep-sea mud - and it could help transform the world economy. The precious metals, found in Japanese waters, can be used to build everything from smartphones to missile systems and electric vehicles. The supply contains more than 16 million tons of the elements needed to build such high tech products. One of the metals found, yttrium, is worth 2,397 ($3,400) per pound and is used for camera lenses and mobile phone screens. Scroll down for video Vast reserves of rare earth elements have been found hidden in deep-sea mud. Enough has been found to feed global demand on a 'semi-infinite basis,' and provide a much needed boost to the tech industry. Hydrothermal vents are fast becoming a hotspot for valuable metals A team of researchers from several universities, businesses and government institutions, made the discovery while surveying the western Pacific Ocean, near Minamitorishima Island. The uncovered 1.2 million tons of 'rare Earth oxide' stashed underground, in a sample area of the mineral-rich region. The study was conducted jointly by Yutaro Takaya from the Waseda University and Yasuhiro Kato of the University of Tokyo, among others. They estimate that a 2,500-square kilometre (965 square mile) region off the Japanese island should contain a vast stash of the valuable elements. In the study, the authors say it 'has the potential to supply these metals on a semi-infinite basis to the world.' The area offers 'great potential as ore deposits for some of the most critically important elements in modern society,' the researchers added. Some of the elements found are yttrium, europium, terbium and dysprosium. Experts predict this area has enough natural stock to provide the world for a further 780, 620, 420, and 730 years, respectively. These elements are used in televisions, cameras, nuclear power stations and quantum memory chips, among other things. In the sample area of the mineral-rich region, the team's survey estimated there are 1.2 million tons of 'rare earth oxide' stashed underground. The study estimates that a 2,500-square kilometre area off the Japanese island should contain 16 million tons of the valuable elements The team has also developed an efficient method to separate valuable elements from others in the mud. Supply chains around the world currently rely heavily on China for rare earths, with Beijing producing most of the elements currently available on the market. With strict restrictions on Chinese exports, the price for these products has increased drastically. Manufacturers that require these materials, mainly in Japan, have faced severe shortages following diplomatic tensions. The Japanese study stressed the importance of the efforts to develop efficient and economic methods to collect deep-sea mud. An area off the western Pacific Ocean near Minamitorishima Island, Japan has been found to have a vast amount of rare earth metals that are valuable for the tech industry. The area is in Japanese waters and could help lower the cost of technology if it can be mined Deep sea mining has gathered more interest in recent years as companies and nations discover the wealth of valuable resources on the ocean floor. As well as rare Earth metals such as Yttrium, hydrothermal vents are also a potential home to commercially valuable metals such as gold and copper. As their economic value grows, environmental groups are trying to preemptively protect scientifically and ecologically important regions from this type of excavation, however. 'The enormous resource amount and the effectiveness of the mineral processing are strong indicators that this new, rare-earth rich mud, resource could be exploited in the near future,' the study said. The study was released Tuesday in the journal Scientific Reports. The world is living under the threat of nuclear war and a terrifying simulation reveals what would happen if a nuclear bomb went off in a major city. As well as looking at the destruction, scientists used the computer model to work out how people would behave if the worst-case scenario struck. In the dystopian-like version of The Sims, researchers simulated a nuke exploding in Washington DC. An entire city block was obliterated instantly and buildings blasted for a mile in almost every direction. Researchers found people who did nothing were most likely to die with nearly 280,000 people killed in just 48 hours. In the dystopian-like version of The Sims, researchers simulated a nuke exploding in Washington DC (pictured). An entire city block was obliterated instantly and buildings blasted for a mile in almost every direction The simulation was designed to give emergency planners an idea of what chaos would be caused from gridlock, power outages and destroyed communications. Computer scientists from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University even created individual personalities for each resident. The 'agents' acted according to their age, gender and occupation, reacting in different ways from 'fleeing in panic' to 'standing paralysed with fear', writes Science Alert. 'We describe a large-scale simulation of the aftermath of a hypothetical 10kT improvised nuclear detonation at ground level, near the White House in Washington DC', researchers, led by Nidhi Parikh, wrote in the paper published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information. 'Agent decision-making takes into account their health status, information about family members, information about the event, and their local environment', researchers wrote. Some looked out for their family while others ran blindly away. When humans carried out shelter-seeking, evacuation, healthcare-seeking, and worry they were more likely to survive. Researchers found the best course of action was to take shelter first and then take steps to escape afterwards. Those who tried to seek out family members and aided and assisted other people were more likely to die. Researchers found people who did nothing were most likely to die with nearly 280,000 people killed in just 48 hours. Pictured is the simulation Venturing away from a safe place meant they were subject to a higher dose of radiation, which could potentially prove fatal, found the simulation, first revealed by Science Magazine. It seems these scientists are not the only ones exploring the damage of nuclear attack at the moment. Last month researchers created an interactive map that revealed the terrifying scope of a nuclear blast for any given area. The simulation shows the extent of the fireball, radiation, shockwave, and heat spawned by different weapons, from the 15 KT Little Boy dropped on Hiroshima to the USSRs 50,000 KT Tsar Bomba. Users can also select between a surface blast or airburst, and four different bombs: the 15KT Little Boy, North Koreas 150 KT Hwasong-14, the USs 300KT W-87, and the 50,000 KT Tsar Bomba, the largest USSR bomb ever detonated. If a W-87 were dropped over New York City, for example, the effects would be catastrophic. The tool calculates the fireball would span .42 square miles and send a 26.87 square-mile shock wave. Radiation would extend .25 square miles, stretching into New Jersey. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN THE EVENT OF A NUCLEAR ATTACK? Toronto-based YouTubers Gregory Brown and Mitchell Moffit have detailed a number of tips to prepare for a nuclear bomb. Pack an emergency supply kit containing water and non-perishable food items. When a nuclear bomb goes off, it sends out radiation that can ruin your mobile phone and laptop, so preparing battery-powered radios for communication is wise. For the blast, it is important to get as much concrete between you and the blast as possible. For the fall-out it's important to have thick walls and a thick roof, he says, and in a house it is a good idea to blockade all the windows. But if you are outside and know the blast is coming, you might have time to get to a better shelter. First you should get on the ground with your hands behind your head and brace yourself for the blast. Never look at the blast, because it can cause you to go blind temporarily. The, after the blast, you have 30 minutes to get to the best place. Once you get inside remove your clothes and clean yourself straight away and blow your nose, to stop the radioactive materials from spreading, and do not use conditioner. If you cannot have a shower, wipe yourself with a wet cloth. Advertisement Last month researchers created an interactive map that revealed the terrifying scope of a nuclear blast for any given area. The example above shows New York According to the tool, there would be 1,152,871 fatalities, and 1,967,797 injuries. And, if Tsar Bomba were detonated over the same area, the effects would be even more terrifying. An airburst of the massive bomb would result in 7,662,162 fatalities, with a shock wave travelling 522.08 square miles and heat extending over 4300 miles. Another 4,245,719 people would be injured, with the affected area stretching as far north as Mount Kisco and as far south as East Brunswick, New Jersey. The tool was inspired by researcher Alex Wellersteins NukeMap, the team told Gizmodo. The interactive map reveals the terrifying scope of a nuclear blast for any given area, showing the extent of the fireball, radiation, shockwave, and heat spawned by different weapons. Above, a W-87 air burst over London is simulated In recent years, the popular NukeMap has been used to simulate all kinds of disaster scenarios. The panic-inducing false alarm that that warned Hawaiian residents of an incoming ballistic missile back in January, for example, brought to light the catastrophic events that could take place under a real nuclear attack. A report from DefenseOne following the terrifying mishap stated that a warhead launched by North Korea would likely be far bigger than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The blast alone would cause well over 150,000 deaths if dropped over the capital city Honolulu and, given the landscape and prevalence of wood-frame buildings, experts say an even more devastating firestorm would soon follow. The false alarm mistakenly issued on Jan 13 highlighted the need for more thorough efforts to educate the public and help them prepare for such an attack, according to DefenseOne. Apple CEO Tim Cook wasn't lying when he promised to double down on leakers. The firm sent a memo to employees warning against leaking to the media, in which it said 12 leakers had been arrested. The memo was posted to Apple's internal network but was obtained by Bloomberg. Scroll down for video Apple sent an internal memo to employees warning against leaking to the media. In it, it said it has fired leakers, as well as sought criminal prosecution and made them pay 'massive fines' Apple said it had caught 29 leakers last year, including one who had revealed that some new iOS features would be delayed until 2019. 'The employee who leaked the meeting to a reporter later told Apple investigators he did it because he thought he wouldn't be discovered,' the memo states, according to Bloomberg. 'But people who leak -- whether they're Apple employees, contractors, or suppliers -- do get caught and they're getting caught faster than ever'. It goes on to explain how the media, analysts and bloggers can financially benefit from leaks but that employees who disclose information 'have everything to lose'. Apple notes how it's getting better at catching leakers via internal investigations. Many have been fired, while in some cases, the firm has pursued criminal charges or other legal ramifications, such as 'massive fines'. Fired employees also 'face extreme difficulty finding employment elsewhere', the letter states. Apple said it had caught 29 leakers last year, including one who had revealed that some new iOS features would be delayed until 2019 Apple CEO Tim Cook (pictured) pledged in 2012 to cut down on employees leaking to the media. Bloomberg on Friday published an internal memo warning about leaking 'The potential criminal consequences of leaking are real,' Tom Moyer of Global Security said in the memo. 'and that can become part of your personal and professional identity forever'. In the memo, Apple explains that leaked information about a new product can negatively impact sales of the current model, give rival companies more time to build a competing product and hurt sales of a new product when it hits the shelves. However, many users were quick to point out on Twitter that quite the opposite has resulted for Apple. Consumers continue to be in a frenzy each time a new Apple product is rumored, while the tech giant's stock price has catapulted higher in the past year. READ THE FULL MEMO APPLE SENT TO EMPLOYEES ABOUT LEAKING Last month, Apple caught and fired the employee responsible for leaking details from an internal, confidential meeting about Apples software roadmap. Hundreds of software engineers were in attendance, and thousands more within the organization received details of its proceedings. One person betrayed their trust. The employee who leaked the meeting to a reporter later told Apple investigators that he did it because he thought he wouldnt be discovered. But people who leak -- whether theyre Apple employees, contractors or suppliers -- do get caught and theyre getting caught faster than ever. In many cases, leakers dont set out to leak. Instead, people who work for Apple are often targeted by press, analysts and bloggers who befriend them on professional and social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and begin to pry for information. While it may seem flattering to be approached, its important to remember that youre getting played. The success of these outsiders is measured by obtaining Apples secrets from you and making them public. A scoop about an unreleased Apple product can generate massive traffic for a publication and financially benefit the blogger or reporter who broke it. But the Apple employee who leaks has everything to lose. The impact of a leak goes far beyond the people who work on a project. Leaking Apples work undermines everyone at Apple and the years theyve invested in creating Apple products. Thousands of people work tirelessly for months to deliver each major software release, says UIKit lead Josh Shaffer, whose teams work was part of the iOS 11 leak last fall. Seeing it leak is devastating for all of us. The impact of a leak goes beyond the people who work on a particular project its felt throughout the company. Leaked information about a new product can negatively impact sales of the current model; give rival companies more time to begin on a competitive response; and lead to fewer sales of that new product when it arrives. We want the chance to tell our customers why the product is great, and not have that done poorly by someone else, says Greg Joswiak of Product Marketing. Investments by Apple have had an enormous impact on the companys ability to identify and catch leakers. Just before last Septembers special event, an employee leaked a link to the gold master of iOS 11 to the press, again believing he wouldnt be caught. The unreleased OS detailed soon-to-be-announced software and hardware including iPhone X. Within days, the leaker was identified through an internal investigation and fired. Global Securitys digital forensics also helped catch several employees who were feeding confidential details about new products including iPhone X, iPad Pro and AirPods to a blogger at 9to5Mac. Leakers in the supply chain are getting caught, too. Global Security has worked hand-in-hand with suppliers to prevent theft of Apples intellectual property as well as to identify individuals who try to exceed their access. Theyve also partnered with suppliers to identify vulnerabilities both physical and technological and ensure their security levels meet or exceed Apples expectations. These programs have nearly eliminated the theft of prototypes and products from factories, caught leakers and prevented many others from leaking in the first place. Leakers do not simply lose their jobs at Apple. In some cases, they face jail time and massive fines for network intrusion and theft of trade secrets both classified as federal crimes. In 2017, Apple caught 29 leakers. 12 of those were arrested. Among those were Apple employees, contractors and some partners in Apples supply chain. These people not only lose their jobs, they can face extreme difficulty finding employment elsewhere. The potential criminal consequences of leaking are real, says Tom Moyer of Global Security, and that can become part of your personal and professional identity forever. While they carry serious consequences, leaks are completely avoidable. They are the result of a decision by someone who may not have considered the impact of their actions. Everyone comes to Apple to do the best work of their lives work that matters and contributes to what all 135,000 people in this company are doing together, says Joswiak. The best way to honor those contributions is by not leaking. Source: Bloomberg Advertisement Apple has always gone to great lengths to prevent leaks from happening and preserve some confidentiality around its product pipeline, particularly to fend off competitors. But many were surprised to learn that Apple has been prosecuting leakers. 'Getting fired for leaking -- we all knew that happened,' longtime Apple blogger John Gruber wrote in a post on his blog Daring Fireball. 'But this is the first I've heard of leakers being prosecuted criminally and going to jail' 'Apple is not f****** around regarding leaks', he added. CEO Tim Cook pledged in 2012 to double down on leaks even further. And last year, the company held a meeting with employees to discuss leaking and the steps it was taking to prevent it. Apple has always gone to great lengths to prevent leaks from happening and preserve some confidentiality around its product pipeline, particularly to fend off competitors. File photo HOW DO APPLE PRODUCT LEAKS GET OUT? According to the briefing obtained by The Outline, employees at the firms factories in China are offered top dollar by black market sellers to smuggle out products. In some cases, employees have even been offered the equivalent of three months to a years worth of salary. Employees turn to all sorts of tactics to smuggle products from the factories, the report explains. This includes stashing parts in bathrooms, flushing them down the toilet to later retrieve from the sewer, throwing them over fences, and clenching them between toes. In one case, 8,000 enclosures were stolen by women putting it in the underwire of their bra, according to the report. Apple employees are forbidden from discussing unreleased products or services with anyone who hasnt been disclosed but, the risk of passively mentioning details of a product still remains. And, even bigger mistakes have been known to happen. In 2010, a prototype iPhone 4 was even left in a bar by an Apple employee, and later obtained by Gizmodo. Advertisement A recording from the memo was later leaked to the press. In the meeting, Cook described how secrecy has become a 'big deal' for him, while the firm has formed a specially designed team to combat leaking, including former members of the NSA, FBI and Secret Service 'to come after these leakers'. The factories screen millions of employees in a process the briefing compares to the TSA and everyone must be checked each time they enter and exit the building. Apples Global Security team is said to operate more like a 'secrecy group,' and one particular division called the New Product Security team focuses very heavily on supply chain, the report reveals. While leaks involving stolen parts from Apples factories in China were once the biggest problem, the experts say the risk has now shifted to Apples campuses in California. Bright, colourful El Raval is on the up. From the murky ashes of the former red-light district, El Raval is now a confident neighbourhood, full of swagger and verve. What El Raval lacks aesthetically, it makes up for in attitude and personality, as youll see in its thriving arts scene and Rambla del Raval's nightlife. The barrio can't compete with the Gothic Quarter or La Ribera architecturally, but the Maritime Museum, Gran Teatre del Liceu and Gaudi's Palau Guell are three gems from the wrong side of the tracks. El Raval is contemporary and moving forwards. Discover the El Raval district of Barcelona with our insider's guide How to get there and move around Train / Metro Fast shuttle services run from the station at Barcelona-El Prat Airport Terminal 2 to Passeig de Gracia, where you can change for the stations on Metro line L3. Metro: Drassanes, Liceu, Paral-lel (L3) Bus In a little over 30 minutes, the Aerobus shuttle service will drop you at Placa de Catalunya at the northern tip of El Raval. From here, you can head down La Rambla on local service V15. Bus: Aerobus to Placa de Catalunya, change for V15 Taxi You'll have no difficulty picking up a taxi from either airport terminal or flagging one down from La Rambla for the return leg. Providing the traffic keeps moving, expect a half-hour journey. Taxi: Terminal 1 & 2 taxi ranks, La Rambla On foot / bicycle The narrow streets of El Raval are perfect for pedestrians, but with so much to explore, you could also hop on a bike for some or all of it. El Raval is pretty safe these days, but it's still best to stay in well-lit public areas. Where to stay El Raval's central location in Barcelona's old city means there are plenty of hotels to choose from. Hotel 1898 Rating: The fine architecture of the colonial-style Hotel 1898 is nothing but impressive. Inside this Speciality Monument, on the iconic La Rambla, you'll find chic rooms, trendy bars and restaurants, and theres even a heated rooftop pool to cool off in. La Rambla, 109, 08002 Enjoy the breathtaking view of the city from Hotel 1898 Silken Ramblas Rating: Another stylish hotel with a fantastic location, Silken Ramblas has substantial modern rooms, a bar-restaurant and sun loungers around the rooftop pool for enjoying the views across to Montjuic, Tibidabo, the cathedrals and city waterfront. Pintor Fortuny, 13, 08001 Chic & Basic Ramblas Rating: Inspired by 1960s Barcelona, the artsy Chic & Basic Ramblas is a designer's dream. Bright, colourful and well-equipped, this social hotel is well-suited in a colourful part of town. Plus, there's a beautiful old Seat 600 parked in the lobby. Passatge de Gutenberg, 7, 08001 Chic & Basic Ramblas is a great choice when staying in El Raval Hotel Peninsular Rating: If you put comfort over luxury, Hotel Peninsular is a solid option. Its main highlight is the pretty inner courtyard, which oozes boho character. And its location is excellent, just off La Rambla. Sant Pau, 34, 08001 Be Sound Hostel Rating: Lively and atmospheric, Be Sound Hostel is a bubbly, social budget hostel close to Barcelonas main nightlife. Hang out on the terrace with other backpackers or join the free walking tour before taking part in a pub crawl, flamenco night or tapas tasting. Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 91, 08001 What to see and do Go to the opera at Gran Teatre del Liceu Gran Teatre del Liceu on La Rambla is one of Europe's most prestigious opera houses. Having survived two fires and a bombing, it hosts a superb range of high-end performances in its huge auditorium. Even if Verdi isnt your thing, it's still worth checking out the Renaissance-style lobby and elegant Mirror Hall. La Rambla, 51-59, 08002 Guided tours MondayFriday 13301600, and SaturdaySunday 09301600 Meet El Gato on Rambla del Raval The lively epicentre of El Raval is the multicultural Rambla del Raval, a wide avenue of bars and restaurants, boutiques and street performers. Stroll between the lines of palms and you'll eventually bump into El Gato del Raval, the Raval Cat. Fernando Botero's giant sculpture the unofficial neighbourhood mascot is symbolic of the barrio's makeover as a hip, edgy tourist destination. Rambla del Raval, 08001 Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Culture moves off the street and heads indoors at El Raval's best-known gallery, Museu d'Art Contemporani. The Museum of Contemporary Art pushes the boundaries with a broad range of exhibitions, which include paintings, sculptures and films. There's also live performances and events. Placa dels Angels, 1, 08001 Opening times vary Grab lunch at La Boqueria La Boqueria the large public market on La Rambla has been a fixture in Barcelona since the 13th century. Head through the impressive wrought-iron entrance and a vast expanse of fresh-food stalls open up before you. Once you've wandered the aisles, rest up in one of the market's highly-rated bars or restaurants. La Rambla, 91, 08001 Open MondaySaturday 08002030 Dock in at Barcelonas Maritime Museum Barcelonas Maritime Museum celebrates the city's nautical heritage at the former Drasannes shipyards. The museum building, with its preserved Gothic arches and vaults, is a star attraction, as are the replica 16th-century royal galley, Real, and the three-mast schooner, Santa Eulalia. Look upwards and you'll see the towering statue of explorer Christopher Columbus gazing out to sea. Av. de les Drassanes, 08001 Open daily 10002000 The neighbourhood is an edgy mix of art, attitude and street life Where to eat and drink Alkimia The sparkly design of Jordi Vila's relocated Alkimia suits its ambitious menu. This Michelin-starred restaurant feels right at home in its new El Raval location, where the separate dining room makes fine dining increasingly accessible. Ronda de Sant Antoni, 41, 08011 Open MondayFriday 13301530 and 20002230 Bar Marsella Take a step back in time in Bar Marsella, a favourite drinking haunt of Picasso, Hemingway and co. At two centuries old, this legendary absinthe bar looks little different to the day it opened. Carrer de Sant Pau, 65, 08001 Opening times vary Marmalade Beautifully-decorated Marmalade is another suave after-hours destination in central El Raval. The Art Deco-themed bar has four swanky seating areas where you can sit back and enjoy a cocktail with the local movers and shakers. Carrer de la Riera Alta, 46, 08001 Open MondayThursday 19000200, and FridaySunday 10000230 Restaurant Casa Agusti Catalan restaurant Casa Agusti has been serving traditional cuisine on Carrer de Bergara since the 1930s, building up a sturdy reputation for high-quality food and great service. Carrer de Bergara, 5, 08002 Open MondayFriday 08000000, and SaturdaySunday 11300000 Restaurante Rokelin Gourmet Good things come to those who wait at the rustic Restaurante Rokelin Gourmet. With a traditional menu centred around slow-cooked Spanish meat dishes, David Leiva's kitchen teases the taste buds. Comte d'Urgell, 7, 08011 Open MondaySaturday 13001600 and 20002300 Bar Pinotxo Bar Pinotxo is one of the best tapas bars in El Raval. It's an experience just getting here - you'll find the bar in La Boqueria market. There's no fixed menu as such, but that's all part of the fun. Carrer la Rambla, 89, locales 466470, 08002 Open MondaySaturday 07001600 How do you decide where to eat in a city that has more than 4,000 restaurants? Help is on hand thanks to several companies that run food tours in Prague, highlighting the best places to eat as well as letting you sample various dishes or drinks. The following are some of our favourites. The essential guide to the best food tours in the Czech capital Local food tours Taste of Pragues Traditional Czech Food Tour is a waist-worrying four hours long and includes up to 12 tastings. Its designed to offer you insight into what food means to Pragues inhabitants, as well as where local food comes from. Youll try dishes such as Prague ham, beef goulash and svickova (sirloin steak cooked with vegetables, spices and cream, and usually served with bread dumplings) and come away with both recipe ideas and a food map that spills the beans on another 70-plus great places to chow down in the city. Bus: Hastalske namesti Beer and tapas tours If Prague had veins, beer rather than blood would flow through them. Celebrating the citys rich beer-making tradition, Urban Adventures Beer and Tapas tour takes you to the citys top beer halls and microbreweries. Between sips youll learn about the history of beer in Prague, dating all the way back to the Middle Ages. The itinerary will take you to the 'untouristy' districts of Zizkov and Vinohrady, and as you drink youll get to try a few tapas dishes. Metro: Vaclavske namesti Vegetarian and vegan food tours The recipe for I Like Veggies food tour is one part history tour to two parts food tasting. Youll be shown sights such as Wenceslas Square, the Astronomical Clock, Municipal House and various street art spots as you hop between four or five culinary stops. Depending on the day, youll get to taste raw dishes, hearty soups, veggie burgers and home-made cakes. The man behind the experience is Gary, whos been living as a vegetarian in the city for 26 years, so really knows his stuff. Metro: Namesti Republiky Funky food tours Youll get a feel for both the past and future of Czech cuisine on Prague Foodies Funky Foodie tour. This four-hour experience showcases traditional dishes such as goulash but also takes you to places where you can try modern foods. Depending on the day, youll visit newly opened restaurants or try places that showcase the food favoured by the citys Vietnamese community. Youll also get an insight into Pragues expanding wine culture with trips to local wine bars. Metro: Namesti Republiky Karlin food tours Half an hours walk east of the Old Town lies Karlin, an up-and-coming district thats slowly getting a share of Pragues limelight thanks to its modern restaurants, hip wine bars and independent galleries. Its in this area that Eat with Locals features one of its main tours, taking you to places where you can try Czech cuisine with a twist expect to sample the likes of smoked pork with teriyaki sauce and beef tartare with chili mayo. At the end of the tour youll be given a guide to help you discover more of the citys top places to eat and drink. Bus: Vlnita Truffle-hunting tours Prague Truffle supplies some of the citys top restaurants with truffles, and its owner Petr also runs truffle-hunting tours in the countryside that surrounds the city. Youll get a rare insight into the hunting process, including information on how to train a truffle dog, as well as learning all about the history of truffle sales in Prague. The experience ends with a truffle-themed lunch in a top-end restaurant overlooking Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town. Metro: Ujezd Experience the culture of Prague with your tastebuds... Evening food tours The backstreets of Pragues medieval quarter are the setting for Eating Pragues evening tours, starting at 1700 from Sunday to Thursday and taking you to those lesser-known bistros, hard-to-find wine cellars and family-run cafes that many visitors miss out on. Expect to try home-made goulash, cured meats and beer from the Saaz region and to sample spirits in a bar that was once frequented by writers and artists. As you wander between foodie spots youll take in sites including the John Lennon Wall, Kampa island and David Cernys sculptures. Metro: Pohorelec Hiking and food tours In addition to its city-based food tours, Prague Food Tour runs Gourmet Hiking Escapes that get you out into the unspoilt Kokorinsko area about an hour north of Prague. Over the course of eight hours youll cover roughly four miles (7km), pausing for food and drink breaks. Youll visit a regional microbrewery dating back to 1586, stop for a picnic and top it all off with dinner in a hamlet on the outskirts of Prague. Bus: U Stare skoly The foundations of a typical Lisbon breakfast are pastries and pingado, the latter a coffee made by adding a shot of milk to an espresso. While this combo is served in bakeries and cafes all over the city, its not the only option as far as the first meal of the day is concerned. How about a bowl of ice cream-topped cereal or Lisbons take on the full English instead? Here are a few of the top places to break the fast. A view of Lisbon in the daytime Pop Cereal Cafe More than 100 different boxes of cereal are stacked on the shelves of Pop Cereal Cafe. Youll find everything from British Kelloggs Rice Krispies to American Captain Crunch on offer. Dont worry if you cant decide. You can order a mixed bowl and tuck into it as you take in the pop art murals and posters that cover the counter and walls. If youre feeling really indulgent, order your bowl with a blob of ice cream or a serving of cookies on top. Bus: Largo Trindade Coelho Open daily 09002400 There's more than 100 different boxes of cereal are stacked on the shelves of Pop Cereal Cafe . Pastelaria Versailles If you want to make an occasion out of breakfast, head to Pastelaria Versailles. Outside its all gilding, columns and balustrades and inside, waiters wear bow ties and waistcoats, and crockery is adorned with insignias. In terms of breakfast options, theres a runway long counter filled with freshly made pastries. You dont have to have a sweet tooth to eat here, though, as the cafe also serves things like cod croquettes in the mornings. Metro: Saldanha Open daily 07302345 A traditional Portuguese meal Brunch Cafe Youll get as close as youll come to a full English at Brunch Cafe in Lisbon. The brunch menu, which is served all day, includes a hot option with fried eggs, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans and Spanish sausages. But this fry-up isnt all thats on offer. The menu includes everything from pancakes and bagels to a brunch ice-cream sundae. Metro: Terreiro do Paco Open daily 09001700 Quase Cafe Theres an element of the eccentric about the dinky Quase Cafe, with its vintage stand-up hair salon hairdryer and empty antique bird cages. The menu, however, is much less quirky. You can count on smoothies of the day served alongside a croissant and coffee, or full continental-style brunches with meats, cheeses, breads, granola and yoghurt. Bus: Sao Tome Many restaurants and cafes in Lisbon have great views of the city Open MondaySaturday 09301830 Tease If you suddenly have the urge to eat your breakfast on a red lip-shaped sofa in the light of five vintage chandeliers, then Tease is the one. This kooky old-town cafe is great for the sweet-toothed, with its menu of croissants, waffles, fruit salads and fruity muffins, but there are also options like salmon sandwiches. If youve had a great time here, pop a tip in the bright yellow pineapple tip jar on your way out. Metro: Praca das Flores Open daily 09002100 There are so many cuisines to choose from in Lisbon Brooklyn As the name suggests Brooklyn takes its inspiration from America. Step inside and youll find American number plates and American maps on the walls alongside posters and photos of famous American stars. The breakfast menu isnt limited to USA-style food, though, Yes, you can tuck into the likes of eggs served sunny side up and NYC-style bagels, but you can also order continental platters and croissants. If youve got a sweet tooth, chase your breakfast up with a slice of the raved-about Brooklyn Blackout chocolate cake. Bus: Av da Liberdade Open MondaySaturday 09002100 Brooklyn embodies everything American in the best way Sama Sama Sama Sama means same same, and it refers to the phrase same same, but different. This little crepe and juice bar certainly does things its own way. The menu is completely vegan and vegetarian and breakfasts include crepes with guacamole, mixed nuts and kale, or sweet things such as crepes with bananas and peanut butter. The juices are freshly blended and served in jam jars. Bus: Corpo Santo Open TuesdaySunday 09001800 Traditional Portuguese pastry Pasteis de Belem The ultimate do-as-the-locals-do experience in Lisbon is to have a traditional pastel de nata, or egg tart, for breakfast. Pasteis de Belem, not far from the Belem Tower, claims that its tarts are made to an original secret recipe developed by monks from the nearby Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in the early 19th century. Of course, you dont have to have pastel de nata for breakfast when you visit here. The sit-down menu is almost the size of the national flag and it features line after line of cake and pastries. Metro: Mosteiro dos Jeronimos Open daily 08002300 Advertisement British holidaymakers looking for a budget-friendly beach break should head outside the Eurozone to Bulgaria and Turkey, a new report has revealed. Tourists from the UK will see their pounds stretch furthest in the resorts of Sunny Beach and Marmaris, according to the Post Office Travel Money Holiday Costs Barometer, which compares costs in 18 European beach resorts. In a comparison of costs, and for the fifth year running, Sunny Beach is the best value for a bargain break, even though prices have risen 16 per cent since last spring. For the fifth year running, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, pictured, is the best value for a bargain break, even though prices have risen 16 per cent since last spring At just over 43, the Post Office barometer basket of tourist staples lunch and evening meals, drinks, sun cream and insect repellent is less than half the price compared to two-thirds of the other destinations surveyed. 'Cheap as chips' meals are the main reason for the Black Sea resort's dominant position as two people can have an evening meal with wine for around 26 and lunch for less than 9. Runner-up Marmaris (57) cannot match Sunny Beach on price but the plummeting Turkish lira down 25 per cent year-on-year against sterling means holidaymakers visiting Turkey will get much more for their money. To add to that, local prices remain low because of competition between restaurants and bars, keen to attract tourists back after a lean couple of years. As a result, barometer prices in Marmaris are 20 per cent lower than a year ago. At just over 43, the Post Office barometer basket of tourist staples at Sunny Beach lunch and evening meals, drinks, sun cream and insect repellent is less than half the price compared to two-thirds of the other destinations surveyed 'The cost of eating out is always a big consideration for holidaymakers and this year we found that meal costs in Sunny Beach and Marmaris are significantly lower than in any of the Eurozone resorts surveyed,' Post Office Travel Money said Andrew Brown, of Post Office Travel Money, said: 'This may well be the year when it will pay to plan a trip outside the Eurozone. 'There have already been reports of growing demand for Turkey as low-priced packages attract cash-conscious UK holidaymakers. 'Now, a combination of the Turkish lira's weakness and low resort prices will make resorts like Marmaris even more attractive for holidaymakers on a tight budget. 'The cost of eating out is always a big consideration for holidaymakers and this year we found that meal costs in Sunny Beach and Marmaris are significantly lower than in any of the Eurozone resorts surveyed.' Runner-up Marmaris, pictured, cannot match Sunny Beach on price but the plummeting Turkish lira down 25 per cent year-on-year against sterling means holidaymakers visiting Turkey will get much more for their money Croatia is just one of four countries where Post Office Travel Money researchers found dramatic price variations between resorts A 17 per cent rise in prices in the Algarve means visitors can expect to pay around 68 for the barometer items this year 20 per cent more than in Marmaris and 57 per cent more than in Sunny Beach. Even so, the Portuguese hotspot came third and pipped Spain's Costa del Sol (72) for the title of cheapest Eurozone resort. Best value among the Eastern Med's Eurozone resorts is Crete (81), fifth-placed in the survey. Crete is one of only two Eurozone destinations from 13 surveyed where prices have dropped over the past year, albeit by just 1.7 per cent. By comparison, prices in Limassol, Cyprus (117), the most expensive Eastern Med resort, are 43 per cent higher. The biggest Eurozone price fall is in the South of France where barometer costs in Nice (114) are now 2.4 per cent cheaper than a year ago. In contrast to this, prices in Sorrento (123) have risen 3.5 per cent, making it the most expensive resort surveyed and 44 per cent pricier than the Algarve. The biggest Eurozone price fall is in the South of France where barometer costs in Nice (114) are now 2.4 per cent cheaper than a year ago Outside the Eurozone, Post Office Travel Money found that prices have dropped by 10 per cent in the Croatian resort of Zadar (98). Further north, prices are over eight per cent higher in Porec (106). And Croatia is just one of four countries where Post Office Travel Money researchers found dramatic price variations between resorts. In Greece, UK tourists can expect to pay 12 per cent more in Corfu (91) and 23 per cent more in Halkidiki (100) than in Crete (81). In Cyprus the difference between Paphos (88) and Limassol (117) is even greater at 32 per cent. The same applies in Portugal where holidaymakers will find prices in the Algarve (68) almost a third lower than on the Lisbon coast (101). However, the biggest price gap is in Spain, where visitors to Majorca (108) can expect to pay 51 per cent more for the barometer items than in the Costa del Sol (72). Although prices have dropped by 10 per cent since last year, Ibiza (118), remains the most expensive of four Spanish destinations surveyed, costing 65 per cent more than in the Costa del Sol. Advertisement Choosing a seat on a plane is always frustrating even with a seat plan. You never quite know how much leg room youll get or what sort of view youll have. But these frustrations are about to become a thing of the past, thanks to 3D mapping technology integrated into the booking process that generates an interactive passengers eye view of every seat position in the cabin. Scroll down for video Plane sailing: 3D SeatMapVR will be rolled out on the Emirates booking system in the near future The innovation called 3D SeatMapVR - will be rolled out on the Emirates booking system in the near future. Its customers will be able to get a 360-degree perspective from any seat in the cabin. The company behind the system, Spanish-based Renacen, said: 3D SeatMapVR is a visualization engine that displays an immersive 3D 360-degree view during the booking process. When a customer is choosing his seat in a traditional seat map, and he clicks on it, 3D SeatMapVR shows a window with an immersive view. It allows the customer to see the seat dimensions, materials and location much better. Customers can really feel the difference between one seat and another.' It hopes that one benefit for the airline will be a reduction in complaints, because with this mapping technology, nothing should come as a surprise. The company behind the system, Spanish-based Renacen, said: 3D SeatMapVR is a visualization engine that displays an immersive 3D 360-degree view during the booking process' The mapping tool is compatible with all kind of devices - PC, tablets, smartphones - as it is based on web technology, Renacen said, so the passenger doesnt need to download any external application or plugin to use it. It added: It is all integrated in the browser, so the user experience is very fluent. And, for those who really want to feel like they're inside the plane, it can be used with VR glasses like Google Cardboard. The innovation was announced as the winner this week in the Visionary Concepts category at the Crystal Cabin Awards 2018 in Hamburg. Tom Hardys transformation as Al Capone has left the Chasing Fonzo actor looking unrecognisable after he shared pictures of his behind the scene makeover on Instagram. The Peaky Blinders star snapped selfies of visage in a scraggly wig and prosthetics with the caption: Mega awkward character misstep and lauding: Audrey and Jay Make up legends. Following Americas most feared gangster who is battling dementia at the age of 47, the story will depict how his past becomes present as harrowing memories of his violent and brutal origins melt into his waking life. He was slated to play Al Capone once before a David Yates-directed movie called Cicero, but the film never came out. But what is Tom Hardys net worth? Tom Hardys transformation as Al Capone has left the Fonzo actor looking unrecognisable Where is Tom Hardy from? Born Edward Thomas Hardy on September 15, 1977 in Hammersmith, London, Tom was the only child of artist Anne Hardy and comedy writer Edward Chips Hardy. After developing an interest in acting, he attended the Richmond Drama School and then the Drama Centre London. After winning The Big Breakfasts Find Me a Supermodel in 1998, he won a part in Band of Brothers and made his feature film debut in Ridley Scotts Black Hawk Down. He went on to star in dot the i, Simon: An English Legionnaire, Star Trek: Nemesis and LD 50 Lethal Dose. Mega awkward character misstep A post shared by Tom Hardy (@tomhardy) on Apr 10, 2018 at 8:45am PDT What is Tom Hardys net worth? Tom Hardys net worth has accumulated to approximately $30 million (21m), according to Celebrity Net Worth. Tom Hardy movies and TV shows Tom appeared in a couple of theatre productions before appearing alongside Emilia Fox in The Virgin Queen before featuring in A for Andromeda. In 2009, he was in The Take and a year later, Inception for which he won a BAFTA Rising Star award. He went on to star in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Warrior, This Means War, The Dark Knight Rises before joining the cast of the BBC series Peaky Blinders. In 2015, he was in Child 44, Mad Max: Fury Road, Legend and The Revenant. He starred in Christopher Nolans Dunkirk and co-produced drama series Taboo, which he created with Steven Knight and his father, Edward Chips Hardy. Tom will also take on the role of Venom at the end of 2018. A post shared by Tom Hardy (@tomhardy) on Feb 19, 2018 at 7:51pm PST Who is Tom Hardys wife? Tom Hardy married Sarah Ward in 1999 but the couple divorced in 2004 and the actor went on to have a son in 2008 with his then-girlfriend assistant director Rachael Speed. They separated in 2009. In the same year, he started his relationship with actress Charlotte Riley, were married in July 2014 and had their first baby a year later. Tom and Charlotte also had two rescue dogs, Max and Woodstock, but the latter passed away after an aggressive case of polymyositis. How tall is Tom Hardy? Tom Hardy is 5ft 9 (175cm) and has said that he does appreciate that Im five-foot-nine and I weight 185lbs wet-through with bricks in my pockets, according to Celeb Heights. She has caught the attention of Married At First Sight star Telv Williams thanks to her sexyInstagram posts. And now The Bachelor's Zilda Williams has shared another saucy snap, which is sure to get the FIFO worker's pulse racing. The newly single buxom blonde uploaded a bootylicious image of her derriere after celebrating her 35th birthday. 'When you eat too much birthday cake and your a** grows': The Bachelor's Zilda Williams shares bootylicious snap of her backside... after MAFS Telv Williams flirts up a storm with buxom blonde on Instagram Clad in activewear, Zilda joked in the caption that she ate too much birthday cake on her special day. 'When you eat to much Birthday Cake and your A$S grows,' she wrote. The post comes after Zilda and Telv shared a flirtatious exchange on Instagram. It all started when the New Zealand born beauty posted a busty selfie to celebrate her birthday. Dangerous curves: The Kiwi-born beauty, who first shot to fame as a men's mag centerfold, is famous for her voluptuous curves - specifically, her EE-cup assets 'Happy birthday, enjoy those celebrations and family time,' commented Telv. Zilda quickly responded: 'Thanks babe. The big 35!' Telv, clearly stunned by learning Zilda's true age, then gushed: 'No way in the world you are 35!?!?! I dont believe you lol. You dont look a day over 25.' The Married At First Sight star has been open about the type of women he's into, and Zilda certainly fits the bill. Zilda, who first shot to fame as a men's mag centerfold, is famous for her voluptuous curves - specifically, her EE-cup assets. He likes what he sees! Telv, who was 'married' to Sarah Roza on MAFS, repeatedly complimented her curves during his time on the show, making it clear that it was a big part of why he was so attracted to her Telv, who was 'married' to Sarah Roza on MAFS, repeatedly complimented her curves during his time on the show, making it clear that it was a big part of why he was so attracted to her. 'Well, I do like curves in a woman,' he admitted during an appearance on Today Extra with 'wife' Sarah, before adding: 'And I definitely got the curves, didnt I!' In early March, the single dad was caught liking a number of Zilda's busty selfies on Instagram. The pair are both currently single, with Sarah announcing her split from Telv last month, while Zilda followed shortly after by confirming her breakup with her much younger boyfriend Keith Frazer after almost a year together. Unfortunately, Zilda recently moved back to New Zealand, while Telv currently lives between Perth and Melbourne. She's a two-time Oscar awarded actress. And Hilary Swank certainly had winning style Thursday where she was front-and-center while promoting her Los Angeles Confidential cover in Beverly Hills. The Trust star, 43, commanded attention in a Merlot-hued dress with sassy side-flounces during the magazines's Women Of Influence event at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Like a fine wine! Hilary Swank commanded attention in a Merlot-hued dress during LA Confidential magazine's Women Of Influence event at the Waldorf Astoria hotel Hilary, who's currently stars in the FX series about oil-rich Getty family, helped highlight her figure with offset flounces on her left and right. The Nebraska-native teamed her silken dress with pointy heels as she towered over onlookers while she signed her cover. She accessorized with drop earrings and an envelope clutch. Side to side! Hilary, who's currently stars in the FX series about oil-rich Getty family, helped highlight her figure with offset flounces on her left and right Giving it her autograph! The Nebraska-native towered over onlookers while signing her cover Best tressed! Her caramel brown tresses were styled into luxurious curls swept to the side for retro glamour Her caramel brown tresses were styled into luxurious curls swept to the side for retro glamour. On the Million Dollar Baby star's cover, the Logan Lucky star wowed while striking a sassy pose in a black dress with flank-baring cut-outs. Also at the event was One Tree Hill's Jana Kramer and Jarhead actress Brianne Davis. Cover girl! On her cover, the Logan Lucky star wowed while striking a sassy pose in a black dress with flank-baring cut-outs In the clutch! The Million Dollar Baby star accessorized with drop earrings and an envelope clutch The star spoke about her return to the screen for her Spring cover of the magazine, where she explained how her time out of the spotlight made her reprioritize things. '[My hiatus] allowed me to sit down in a way that I hadnt in a long time and to recognize that theres a lot of beauty in sitting and not always moving.' Swank next appears on the big screen in the film What They Had, which is set for release October 12 2018. Marvel superhero Jessica Jones is coming back. That's the big news that the Netflix series' star, Krysten Ritter, announced on her Instagram on Thursday. 'Cats out of the bag!' wrote the 36-year-old actress, as she posed excitedly in front of a cake, celebrating the show's upcoming third season. 'Cats out of the bag!' Krysten Ritter excitedly revealed that her Netflix series, Jessica Jones, will be returning for its' third season The caption continued: 'Excited to finally be able to share that we are making another season of my favorite thing with my favorite people - GO JJ GO! @marvel @netflix #jessicajone- jj3!' The brunette beauty looked like she had just wrapped up filming in the snap, with a hint of blood smeared across her face. She donned an all black outfit for the celebration, wearing a black leather jacket with silver zippers over a cotton T-shirt. Smash: Season one of Marvel's Jessica Jones dropped on Netflix in 2015, and in the interim, Krysten reprised her roles for the streaming site's crossover series, The Defenders Season one of Marvel's Jessica Jones dropped on Netflix in 2015, and in the interim, Krysten reprised her roles for the streaming site's crossover series, The Defenders. There's no word yet on when season 3 will commence, but all 13 episodes of season 2 are available to stream on Netflix. Last month, the Breaking Bad star stopped by the Build Series in New York to talk about her work on the Netflix smash. 'It's so fun to play a character that's that cool': The actress opened up last month about what playing the traumatized superhero is like 'What I try to do with Jessica Jones,' said Krysten, who plays the traumatized superhero titled character, 'is be, like, really funny in between takes, to get like - have some fun and add some levity, because this is a really dark headspace to live in. 'But I love both. Jessica - there's - it's so fun to play a character that's that cool and that powerful. It's a real thrill, but of course I love to be, like, silly and goofy too, so both,' she explained. Krysten added that 'she's, like, mean, mean funny. Like, dry, sarcastic.' 'It's a real thrill': There's no word yet on when season 3 will commence, but all 13 episodes of season 2 are available to stream on Netflix The actress has also opened up about how portraying her character has changed her, especially during the Me Too movement. 'Just seeing multiple bad*** women sitting in video village, hashing out a scene, nobody wearing anything cute, just f****** down and dirty and getting it done? It's really cool,' said the starlet in an interview with Harper's Bazaar. She continued: 'There's so much pressure on women to look beautiful, have everything put together, get your beauty sleep, it's all about a physical appearance,' she said. 'And this is a character who is not about physical appearance at all.' Married At First Sight's Troy Delmege and Carly Bowyer recently enjoyed a night in playing a sexually-charged game of Jenga. The couple put an erotic spin to the family friendly game, using only their mouth, teeth and tongues to replace the small wooden blocks. In a video posted to Instagram, Carly is heard moaning in the background as her boyfriend showcases his impressive oral dexterity. Scroll down for video 'He's good with his tongue!' Married At First Sight's Troy Delmege and Carly Bowyer play a game of 'erotic Jenga'... before fans complain the bizarre footage makes them physically ill Troy, 34, shared the clip on his Instagram on Friday, before later deleting it. In the video, he pulls out a block with his teeth as Carly 'ooohs' and 'aahhhes' while recording the bizarre scene. After finishing, Troy turns to Carly and asks, 'How's that?' She replies: 'He's good with his tongue.' 'I actually gagged a little in my mouth': In a video posted to Instagram, Carly is heard moaning in the background as her boyfriend showcases his impressive oral dexterity 'Yeah, just getting started,' he suggestively responds, while sticking his tongue out. Troy captioned the post, 'Carly's talents have rubbed off,' along with the very suggestive hashtags: 'Talented tongue' and 'Carly takes care of her mouth'. Fans of the couple were less than impressed by the saucy footage, including one who commented: 'I actually gagged a little in my mouth'. 'There goes the dental hygiene,' another wrote. Not happy! Fans of the couple were less than impressed by the saucy footage, including one who commented, 'I actually gagged a little in my mouth' One follower commented: 'Is this dude for real? It's like he's 16! Who posts sh*t like this about their partner?' Another fan wrote: 'Seriously! But why guys!? We get it, you shacked up. Well done! Congrats! Many happy years to you both!' 'But can we have some boundaries now please.' It was one of the big box office hits of 2017. And New Line is moving forward with the casting for the planned sequel to scary movie It. James McAvoy and Bill Hader are in talks to join previously announced star Jessica Chastain in It: Chapter 2, Variety reported Thursday. Tapped for parts: James McAvoy, left, and Bill Hader, right, are in talks to star in It: Chapter 2, the sequel to last summer's box office hit of Stephen King's novel McAvoy would play the adult version of Bill, played by Jaeden Lieberher in the first film, right. Hader is being looked at to be the grown-up Richie, played as a child by Finnn Wolfhard McAvoy, 38, is being tipped to play the adult version of Bill, played by Jaeden Lieberher in the first film. Hader, 39, is being looked at to be the grown-up Richie, played as a child by Finnn Wolfhard. Chastain was announced as the adult Beverly in February. The young character was played by Sophia Lillis. The big screen version of Stephen King's classic tale raked in $700 million worldwide last summer. Jessica Chastain, left, was announced as the adult Beverly in February. The young character was played by Sophia Lillis, right Variety says director Andy Muschietti will be back to helm the sequel and the child stars may also be back, featuring in flashback sequences. It's also believed that Bill Skarsgard will reprise his role as Pennywise. Production is slated to begin this summer with a scheduled September 2019 release in theatres. It revolved around a group of kids who are terrorized by Pennywise The Clown and the sequel will pick up the story 20 years or so later when the characters, now adults, return to their home town and come face to face with Pennywise once again. In the meantime, McAvoy will be back on the big screen in Split sequel Glass and X-Men: Dark Phoenix, both due out early in 2019. SNL alum Hader is currently starring in HBO's Barry, that's been renewed for a second season. She's stepping out of the shadows of her famous parents. And Lily-Rose Depp proved on trend as she stole the spotlight in a chic red baby doll dress leaving lunch in Los Angeles on Thursday. The 18-year-old daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis looked every inch the model/actress as she was joined by a friend for the excursion following her split from boyfriend Ash Stymest. Ravishing in red: Lily-Rose Depp proved on trend as she stole the spotlight in a chic red baby doll dress leaving lunch in Los Angeles on Thursday The teen seemed to be in good spirits despite her breakup from beau-of-two-years Ash, 26. There's been no official word from representatives for Lily-Rose who were contacted for comment by MailOnline. The romance first raised eyebrows because of the eight-year age gap between the pair and the fact Lily-Rose was only 16 when they started dating. Ash, who's from London, has a five-year-old daughter Summer with ex-wife, Maille Doyle, whom he reportedly divorced in 2013. Pedigree: The 18-year-old daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis looked every inch the model/actress as she was joined by a friend for the excursion Meanwhile, the actress made her debut with a cameo role in Tusk alongside her friend Harley Quinn Smith, her father, and the film's director Kevin Smith. Of course Lily-Rose is following in the star-studded footsteps of her father as she has embarked on a career in acting like her dad and modelling like her mother. Hollywood star Johnny first met Vanessa while he was filming mystery thriller The Ninth Gate in France in 1998. The couple, who also share 15-year-old Jack, were going strong for 14 years together before they went their separate ways for good in 2012. Impressive: The Tusk actress chatted with her friend on the day out Elsewhere, Lily-Rose discussed how she wants to work 'twice as hard' to prove she isn't pursuing a career in acting because of her dad. The rising star insisted acting wasn't 'easy to do', despite her dad's flourishing success in Hollywood. She told CR Fashion Book in August 2017: 'A lot of people think Im only acting because of my dad, that I have not had to work as hard to be seen or recognized in the industry, so I think because of that it makes me want to work twice as hard to prove to everyone that Im not just doing this because its easy to do. Im not just doing it because it runs in the family.' He's been a doting dad since welcoming his first son with partner Lauren Silverman in 2014. And now, Simon Cowell, 58, has revealed to The Sun that he'd love his son, Eric, four, to become a Britain's Got Talent judge and even take over his franchise in the future. Talking to the publication, he said: 'I want to spend more time with him. Im lucky because he likes the shows, so he comes down to them with me. Im sort of training him up.' Doting dad: Simon Cowell, 58, has revealed to The Sun that he'd love his son, Eric, four, to become a Britain's Got Talent judge and even take over his franchise in the future While talking about his son taking over one day, he added: 'Oh, a million per cent. I think about that all the time. I would love him to take over. Hes really confident. 'When he comes down here he knows what everybody does. He likes being in the gallery. That will be my dream.' Simon also went on to joke about his love/hate relationship with his fellow BGT judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and especially David Walliams during the television interview. He sighed: 'I've learned one thing with David, don't tell him to calm down. It's like a red flag to a bull. You can't stop him, he's 10 times worse. He's always been unsackable. Adorable: He's been a doting father since welcoming his first son with partner Lauren Silverman in 2014 Judges: Simon also went on to joke about his love/hate relationship with his fellow BGT judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and especially David Walliams (pictured in 2014) 'The first time I ever sat down with him we actually had one of the worst meetings I've ever had... One year later he agreed to it. He and the show are a perfect match.' Simon is arguably one of the biggest music moguls in the world after signing several successful bands such as One Direction and Little Mix to his company Syco. While he also has his own TV empire after creating and judging several successful shows such as Pop Idol, The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, which have gone on to have their own American versions. Talented: Simon is arguably one of the biggest music moguls in the world after signing several successful bands such as One Direction and Little Mix to his company Syco Britain's Got Talent will return for its 12th season on Saturday with Ant McPartlin, 42, to be seen on-screen at the audition stages, but that will be his only participation in the new series. The presenter has stepped down from his TV commitments following his admission to rehab, while his sidekick Declan Donnelly will host the live shows alone. A spokesman for ITV said: 'Declan Donnelly will host Britains Got Talent live shows on his own while Ant McPartlin 'steps down from his TV commitments for now.' He was spotted earlier this week enjoying a 'boozy lunch' with fashion student Eyob Geist, 20. But on Thursday night Nasser Sultan was in the company of two ladies, enjoying a steamy kiss with the pair. The Married At First Sight star, 51, shared a photo of the affectionate encounter to his Instagram story. What's going on here? Nasser Sultan, 51, kisses two women on night out ... after he was spotted enjoying a 'boozy lunch' with student Eyob Geist, 20 The photo showed Nasser passionately kissing one woman on the lips, while another woman in the background appeared to also smooch the personal trainer's face. Nasser told Daily Mail Australia the photo had been taken at a 'special fashion event' when the two women had wanted a kiss from him. 'They couldnt decide whos first so I said lets spread the love and they did. I am very popular you know,' he added. The racy encounter comes as Nasser was pictured with a man, later identified as Eyob Geist, in Surry Hills last week. New friend? The racy encounter comes as Nasser was pictured with a man, later identified as Eyob Geist, in Surry Hills last week Nasser has previously dismissed speculation about his sexuality, telling the Kyle and Jackie O Show: 'I am 110 per cent not gay.' He continued: 'I live in the gay community, trust me... If I was gay, I'd be a rock star! If I was gay I'd live the lifestyle of it... I'm 100 million per cent straight.' 'They definitely looked like more than friends... Nasser couldn't keep his hands off him!' an unnamed source told NW Magazine, which published the images. 'They tried to keep a low profile at first, but after a couple of drinks they didn't seem to mind who noticed them.' Didn't work out: During his time on Married At First Sight Nasser was married to Gabrielle Bartlett, however, the two split The insider continued: 'At one point Nasser was holding the guy's hand and seemed to kiss him on the cheek while whispering in his ear.' During his time on Married At First Sight Nasser was married to Gabrielle Bartlett, however, the two split after failing to sustain a sexual spark between them. Since their split Nasser has been pictured in public with a string of women, including most recently his MAFS co-star Blair Rachael. Model and reality TV star Elyse Knowles is known for her trim figure and active lifestyle. And the 25-year-old has taken to her blog to reveal to her legions of fans what she eats on a typical photo shoot day. In the entry, the blonde beauty wrote that the she always starts a shoot day with a morning workout session to get her physically ready for the session, before going home to eat a big breakfast. 'Models need a lot of energy stored away': Elyse Knowles has taken to her blog to reveal to her legions of fans what she eats on a typical photo shoot day 'Models need a lot of energy stored away, so filling up on nutrients is vital. Usually I'll have eggs and avo or yogurt, berries and raw muesli,' she wrote. Elyse says she usually arrives ahead of her call time to meet the director and crew she is working with before heading into hair and makeup. The Block winner said as the production staff chow down on breakfast, she does her own thing on set to avoid any sugary and processed foods. On set: In the entry, the blonde beauty wrote that the she always starts a shoot day with a morning workout session to get her physically ready for the session, before going home to eat a big breakfast Keeping healthy: 'Models need a lot of energy stored away, so filling up on nutrients is vital. Usually I'll have eggs and avo or yogurt, berries and raw muesli,' she wrote 'These types of foods very quickly make me feel bloated, which is not what I need on the day of a shoot!' adding that it ensures she gives the client the best version of herself on set. She said she keeps hydrated throughout the photo shoot, sipping on warm water to keep her insides warm. Elyse's told her readers that the day will usually involve plenty hair style changes, makeup touch ups, different outfits and location changes. Avoiding processed food: The Block winner said as the production staff chow down on breakfast, she does her own thing for breakfast on set to avoid any sugary and processed foods 'This is why a good breakfast is so important. You of course stop for lunch, but you need a good foundation of energy in the morning to prevent yourself from burning out,' she said. The stunner added she also brings healthy snacks with her to shoots in case she gets hungry or needs a quick boost. Ending her day-in-a-life-of, Elyse said that after a long day in front of the camera, she is excited to go home and snuggle with her boyfriend Josh Barker, their dog Isla and to get to bed early. An Italian actress who was one of the first women to speak out against disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein said Thursday that the #MeToo movement is 'the most important thing' to happen to women since the right to vote. Asia Argento, 42, spoke at the opening panel of the Women In The World summit in New York City. She was joined by Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, an Italian model who has accused Weinstein of groping her, and Laura Boldrini, a member of Italy's parliament who is an outspoken advocate for women's rights. Opening panel: Italian actress and director Asia Argento spoke on Thursday at the ninth annual Women in the World Summit in New York City The panel was moderated by Ronan Farrow, 30, who wrote the New Yorker magazine article in which Argento and others spoke out. The three women talked about backlash they have faced since coming forward, particularly in their home country of Italy. Battilana Gutierrez did not discuss Weinstein with Farrow, saying she could not because of legal issues. Instead, she talked about earlier experiences she had as a teenager in Italy after speaking out against former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for sexual improprieties. Hollywood producer: Harvey Weinstein, shown in October 2017 in New York City, was accused of sexual assault by Argento Panel discussion: Argento, Laura Boldrini and Ambra Battilana Gutierrez spoke with Ronan Farrow onstage at the summit held at Lincoln Center Legal issues: Gutierrez did not discuss Weinstein with Farrow, saying she could not because of legal issues Italian model: Farrow looks on as Gutierrez spoke about experiences she had as a teen in Italy after speaking out against former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for sexual improprieties Bodroni discussed threats she has received, including a bullet in the mail, while Argento talked about an essay she wrote discussing the insults and slurs she has endured. Still, Argento said, 'that's why we need to keep this conversation going.' 'If we stop this conversation then we're really doomed,' she said. 'It's the one chance I've had in my lifetime to advance the whole human species because the betterment of the position of women in society is the betterment of all society.' Speaking out: Bodroni discussed threats she has received, including a bullet in the mail Argento accused Weinstein of forcibly performing oral sex on her when she was 21. Battilana Gutierrez has said she was groped by him during a 2015 meeting in Manhattan. Police conducted a sting, with the model secretly recording Weinstein apologizing for this conduct, but the prosecutor ultimately decided there was not enough proof and did not bring a case. Weinstein has denied non-consensual sex allegations. Cute ouple: Anthony Bourdain and Argento teamed up at the ninth annual Women in the World Summit Student activist: Delaney Tarr attends the Women in the World Summit opening night at the David H. Koch Theater Fashion queen: Designer Diane von Furstenberg attends the Women in the World Summit in a tan jacket She rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion. And Cate Blanchett ensured all eyes were on her as she attended Giorgio Armani's trunk show, in celebration of Sloane Street's latest Armani/Casa boutiques in London on Thursday evening. The screen star, 48, put on a elegant display as she rocked up to the glitzy bash in a glittery two-piece, embellished with floral patterns and black sequins. Turning heads: Cate Blanchett ensured all eyes were on her as she attended Giorgio Armani's trunk show, in celebration of Sloane Street's Armani/Casa boutiques in London on Thursday The Carol actress upped the ante with her footwear as she teamed her sartorially savvy outfit with a pair of patent pointed heels. Looking every inch the sophisticated star, Cate styled her blonde tresses into loose waves and opted for minimal makeup. The Australian thespian was joined by models Yasmin Le Bon and Amber Le Bon, who turned heads with their strikingly beautiful displays. Mother-and-daughter duo: Models Yasmin Le Bon and Amber Le Bon turned heads with their strikingly beautiful displays Showcasing her toned pins, legendary supermodel Yasmin, 53, flaunted her youthful appearance in a thigh-skimming wrap skirt. The leggy star tied in her glamorous attire with a semi-sheer striped top and added a strong contrast with bright red gladiator heels. Yasmin - who was one of the world's highest-earning models in the 1980s - paraded her radiant complexion in neutral-toned makeup, and wore her brunette tresses in a sleek straight fashion. Wow-factor! Showcasing her toned pins, legendary supermodel Yasmin, 53, flaunted her youthful appearance in a thigh-skimming wrap skirt Yasmin's daughter Amber, 28, cut a stunning figure in a busty low-cut bralet with a floral skirt. Maintaining her fashion-forward look, the Moschino star added to her statuesque height in a pair of black sandal heels and toted a feline-print bag. The event also saw attendance from the likes of Natalie Dormer, Lianne La Havas and Plan B. Striking: The LeBon duo were joined by Sabrina Percy, who wowed in a strapless pink dress Star-studded: The event also saw attendance from the likes of actresses Natalie Dormer (left) and Clara Paget (right) Dapper: Plan B looked suave in a grey checkered suit, tied in with a white sharp shirt Cate is set to hit the big screen alongside Jack Black in the upcoming horror film The House with a Clock in Its Walls. The film is based on the experiences of a 10-year-old orphan named Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) who moves in with his uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) in the titular abode, which is also home to supernatural curiosities such as hidden monsters, magic windows and rising spirits. The motion picture - set to hit cinemas on September 21 - is directed by Eli Roth and co-stars Kyle MacLachlan, Colleen Camp and Renee Elise Goldsberry. Stunning: Singer Lianne Havas (left) nailed androgynous chic in her bedazzled blazer, while Sabrina (right) looked regal in her prom-inspired frock Stylish: Actress Cressida Bonas commanded attention in a patterned blouse, paired with shiny black trousers Jessica Buckley has confirmed her split from James Norton was 'acrimonious' (co-stars pictured together) Working on the opulent set of War and Peace, their relationship may have felt just like an on-screen romance. But Jessie Buckley has admitted that her split from co-star James Norton was not quite so picture perfect. The actress, 28, said their break-up after two years together was acrimonious, putting it down partly to the difficulty of dating a fellow actor. While in a relationship, the stars acted in the BBCs lavish six-part dramatisation of Tolstoys War and Peace, which came out in 2016. Norton, 32, played Andrei Bolkonsky, while Miss Buckley took on the role of his sister Princess Maria Bolkonskaya. When they broke up last summer, they kept the news under wraps but in December the Mail revealed Norton was dating his new co-star Imogen Poots. James Norton was spotted kissing his McMafia co-star Imogen Poots amid rumours he left Miss Buckley for her In exclusive pictures, Norton was seen kissing the actress during a Christmas shopping trip in London. Miss Buckley refused to say whether the actor tipped to be the next James Bond had left her for Miss Poots, but said the relationship had ended badly. We have broken up, yes, she said. It was acrimonious, but its a tough job to have a relationship and he is a great man and we are great friends. Thats it. How diplomatic can I sound? Explaining the break-up, Miss Buckley told The Times: If you are away for a year filming, you are just not physically around at points. It emerged yesterday that Norton is to leave his role as crime-fighting clergyman Sidney Chambers in Grantchester. Filming will begin on Nortons fourth and last series in June, with a new vicar to be announced soon. He recently starred in the BBC series McMafia, playing the British-raised son of Russian mafia exiles. Norton and Miss Poots, 28, met while starring as a couple in the play Belleville at Londons Donmar Warehouse. Advertisement Australia's Next Top Model alum Tahnee Aktinson is the face of a new James Bond-inspired bikini collection. The 25-year-old looked fierce posing in the her own chic swimwear brand, Kenni & Kai, which was designed to pay tribute to the strong and stunning women of 007. Tahnee's toned physique is an incredible canvas for the stunning designs, which range from the classic triangle bikini to retro 1950s-style high-cut bottoms. Sizzling: The 25-year-old looked fierce posing in the her own chic swimwear brand, Kenni & Kai, which was designed to pay tribute to the strong and stunning women of 007 Beach ready! Tahnee's toned physique is an incredible canvas for the lovely designs, which range from the classic triangle bikini to retro 1950s-style high-cut bottoms In the collection - which is aptly named 'The Spy Who Loved Me' - each piece is named after a different Bond Girl. Some of these names include Anya, Tatiana, Ryder, Zora and Bambi, who were all characters in different James Bond films over the decades. Tahnee - who found fame as the winner of the 2009 cycle of Australia's Next Top Model - sizzled in the beach photo shoot and looked every bit the bronzed goddess. In one shot, she posed on her back in the water while wearing a burgundy-coloured two piece set. Timeless beauty: In the collection - which is aptly named 'The Spy Who Loved Me' - each piece is named after a different Bond Girl Bond girl?In one shot, the ambitious model posed on her back in the water while wearing a burgundy-coloured two piece set Strike a pose! Tahnee - who found fame as the winner of the 2009 cycle of Australia's Next Top Model - sizzled in the beach photoshoot and looked every bit the bronzed goddess Elegant: Some of these names include Anya, Tatiana, Ryder, Zora and Bambi, who were all characters in different James Bond films over the decades In another, Tahnee emulated the perfect Bond Girl pose as she was photographed mid-strut heading back from the water in a stunning strapless black bikini. According to co-creator and designer of Kenni & Kai, Kaila Atkinson said the new collection is inspired by the swim wardrobe of the strong and independent women who have appeared in the 007 franchise. 'We were inspired by the women of 007 as theyre fierce, strong, independent and often underestimated. Which is definitely how we felt at times through the process of this collection!' she said. New calling? In another, Tahnee emulated the perfect Bond Girl pose as she was photographed mid-strut heading back from the water in a stunning strapless black bikini Preened to perfection: According to co-creator and designer of Kenni & Kai, Kaila Atkinson, said the new collection is inspired by the swim wardrobe of the strong and independent women who have appeared in the 007 franchise Retro: 'We were inspired by the women of 007 as theyre fierce, strong, independent and often underestimated. Which is definitely how we felt at times through the process of this collection!' she said Stunning: The 25-year-old model looked every bit the bronzed goddess in the 007-inspired bikini collection The bikini sets revisit some of the most popular bikini trends across the decades, with a slightly modern twist. One set appears to be influenced by the white bikini worn by Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in the 1962 James Bond film Dr. No, starring Sean Connery. The white cotton bikini is cited as one of the most famous bikinis in cinematic history and is an iconic film fashion moment. Timeless style: One set appears to be influenced by the white bikini worn by Ursula Andress (right) as Honey Ryder in the 1962 James Bond film Dr. No, starring Sean Connery Bond through the decades: The bikini sets revisit some of the most popular bikini trends across the decades, with a slightly modern twist The daring bikini cuts also appear to be inspired by the swimwear wardrobe of Japanese actress Mie Hama in her appearance as Kissy Suzuki in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Mie wore a simple, pearl-colored number during her stint as a Bond Girl and the style has lived on over the last 50 years. The new range will be available to shop on the Kenni & Kai website at the end of next week. Looking back: The bikini collection is influenced by the strong and independent Bond girls who have appeared in the films She was a Victoria's Secret lingerie model from 2011 to 2014. But on Thursday it looked like Karlie Kloss decided to forgo her underwear as she attended the Swarovski Times Square store celebration in New York City. The 25-year-old model definitely turned quite a few heads thanks to her distinctive bubblegum pink dress. Scroll down for video Front and center! On Thursday it looked like Karlie Kloss decided to forgo her underwear as she attended the Swarovski Times Square store celebration in New York City The garment featured a massively plunging neckline that framed her ample assets, while the hem fell all the way to her shins. Jet black heels added a few more inches to her impressive 6ft2in frame, and she opted to keep warm under a black blazer draped over her shoulders. Accessories included a sparkling bracelet worn on her left wrist, and some sizable chandelier earrings. Her blonde locks were parted on the left, while subtle blush, minimal eye make-up and rose-colored lipstick ensured the clotheshorse was ready for the cameras. Eye-catching! The garment featured a massively plunging neckline that framed her ample assets, while the hem fell all the way to her shins Model stature! Jet black heels added a few more inches to her impressive 6ft2in frame, and she opted to keep warm under a black blazer draped over her shoulders Glam gaze! Her blonde locks were parted on the left, while subtle blush, minimal eye make-up and rose-colored lipstick ensured the clotheshorse was ready for the cameras Of course other celebs were on hand for the glittering gala as well. Deadpool star Morena Baccarin, 38, chose a monochrome ensemble for the event. She paired a black and white top pattern top with a black and white skirt which included a split up the left leg. Unique! Deadpool star Morena Baccarin, 38, chose a monochrome ensemble for the event Peek-a-boo! Soul Surfer actor AnnaSophia Robb, 24, flashed her black bra thanks to a semi-transparent black turtleneck Soul Surfer actor AnnaSophia Robb, 24, flashed her black bra thanks to a semi-transparent black turtleneck. Black leather trousers and some magenta pointed-toe mules rounded out her look. Cayman Islands beauty Selita Ebanks, 35, went a little more formal, donning a tan and blue plaid suit. She did opt to go bra-free however, and the legs of the pants were secured with buttons all the way down the outside of each leg. He's been enjoying life in sunny Los Angeles. But Justin Bieber is taking a break from his usual haunts, as the pop star was seen jetting out of town on Thursday. The hit-maker, 24, was seen heading onto his private jet alongside a pal in Van Nuys, California. So fly: Justin Bieber was ready for a trip out of town as he jetted out of Los Angeles on Thursday Rocking a relaxed style in a bright red T-shirt and blue shorts, the pop star walked along the tarmac with his pal, who carried a bag and wore a backpack. Justin did not have any belongings on him, though they could have already been on the plane by that point. Climbing onto the jet, the hit-maker must have been excited for a break from LA. Justin has been attending soul cycle sessions on a daily basis, but by the looks of things, he may be taking a few days off as he heads out of town. Let's hit the road: Rocking a relaxed style in a bright red T-shirt and blue shorts, the pop star walked along the tarmac with his pal, who carried a bag and wore a backpack Hat's off to him! The pop star kept his cool with his smart cap Traveling lightly? Justin did not have any belongings on him, though they could have already been on the plane by that point Graffiti mobile: The Canadian singer was spotted earlier in West Hollywood driving his Lamborghini Aventador with graffiti on it Legal tender: The graffiti on the side of Justin's Lamborghini read 'CASH ONLY' Earlier that day he was seen at Soul Cycle in Beverly Hills, where he was seen for the first time with his reported new girlfriend Baskin Champion. Baskin started modeling in 2012, according to W, and was crowned Miss Alabama Teen USA in 2014 and two years later, Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen USA pageant. It comes after the end of Justin's on-off relationship with Selena Gomez. Wheel-y fun! Justin has been attending soul cycle sessions on a daily basis, but by the looks of things, he may be taking a few days off as he heads out of town 'Cocaine' Cassie Sainsbury called in to The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Friday from her jail cell in Bogota, Colombia. And the convicted drug mule didn't hold back in detailing daily life at the El Buen Pastor women's prison. When the 22-year-old revealed that inmates are allowed conjugal visits once a month, radio host Jackie reacted with surprise - and a subsequent shock confession. Candid confession! During an interview with drug mule Cassie Sainsbury on Friday, Jackie O made a shock confession about her private life, prompted by a discussion about sex in prison The situation came about when Kyle crudely asked Cassie : 'Is there girl on girl action, or do guys go into that jail?' With the drug mule bursting into laughter, Jackie chimed in, trying to excuse her co-host's candid question. 'He's been watching too much Orange Is The New Black, Cassie!' she giggled. Life behind bars: Cassie revealed that inmates were allowed conjugal visits once a month as she spoke with Kyle and Jackie O on Friday Cassie went on to reveal that prisoners were indeed allowed intimate time with visitors. She explained: 'Once a month the prisoners that have their husbands or their boyfriends, they're allowed to come in- it's called a conjugal visit - they're allowed to come in and do their business'. 'Once a month? How cruel's that! That's the cruelest thing of all!' Kyle raged. However, Jackie had a completely different reaction, replying: 'I was going to say they're getting luckier than I am! Wow! Maybe I need to go to this jail!' 'Is there girl on girl action?' Kyle asked Cassie a crude question about life behind bars, which Jackie claimed stemmed from him watching too much of Orange Is The New Black Jackie is married to photographer Lee Henderson. In 2014, the radio star confessed she enjoyed a toilet tryst during the early days of their relationship, back in the very early 2000s. 'I did it in the Planet Hollywood toilets. I was 24 ... it was with my now husband, we were at a Bardot concert and we were like you know what, lets just go to the loo,' she raunchily revealed. 'Getting luckier than I am!' It seems Jackie no longer enjoys the sizzling sex life she once had with husband Lee Henderson Earlier this week, Alex Perry posted a lengthy social media post, slamming online trolls and dubbing them 'bullies.' Now, the Australian fashion designer has revealed the 'injustice' of Charlotte Dawson's suicide fuelled his impassioned Instagram post. Speaking to 9Honey, the 55-year-old explained: 'I've been thinking lots about Charlotte, she would have turned 52 on April 8, and the injustice of her death fuels me.' Scroll down for video 'I've been thinking about Charlotte': Fashion designer Alex Perry reveals the 'injustice' of the late Charlotte Dawson's suicide fuelled his lengthy Instagram post shaming internet trolls Alex forged an incredibly close bond with the late TV host, who suffered from a history of depression and was furthermore the victim of persistent cyber bullies. With Charlotte in mind, the Australian TV personality says he's ready to take his anti-cyber bullying campaign to the next level. He told the online publication he plans to engage lawyers and chat to the police about how to 'track IP addresses on social media' next week. 'They need to be listed with a criminal record': The 55-year old TV star has said he plans to engage lawyers and chat to the police about how to 'track IP addresses on social media' next week 'They need to be arrested and charged. They need to be listed with a criminal record,' Alex told 9Honey. On top of this, the high-profile fashion designer plans to to personally name and shame his online attackers. 'From now on Im going to post those who attack me, so their friends and family can see what theyre up to on social media. It will gradually become harder for them to hide. Im going to use the social networks that enable their attacks, to expose them,' Alex revealed. 'From now Im going to post those who attack me, so their friends and family can see what theyre up to': The high-profile fashion designer plans to to personally name and shame his online attackers The Australia's Next Top Model star became the target of online trolls after his guest appearance on Hughesy, We Have A Problem on Tuesday night. According to the publication, Alex was aggressively trolled after he discussed his 'experience of hiring millennials' on the Network Ten program. Two days later, Alex took to Instagram to forewarn his internet trolls. He said he wouldn't tolerate 'hate speech, personal attacks and verbal abuse', telling his followers: 'You've been warned!' 'If you violate my space with hate speech, personal attacks, verbal abuse, I will report, block, shame and use every avenue possible via Instagram and the police to find your IP, and you,' he wrote. He said everyone had the right to have a positive and creative space online. 'You, the bully, have no right to ever compromise another human being's sense of self worth, integrity, achievements, safety or confidence,' he added. Hitting back: Earlier this week, Alex Perry posted a lengthy social media post, slamming online trolls and dubbing them 'bullies' Taking a stand: Before the post, Alex - who lost close friend Charlotte Dawson to suicide in 2014 -asked followers if 'we should name and shame online bullies' 'If you don't like me, what I look like, sound like or what my opinions are, get off my account.' Alex received thousands of likes for the post, with Australian celebrities, including Sally Obermeder, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Braith Anasta, all showing their support for the designer, by liking the post or commenting. Alex and late TV host Charlotte forged a close bond as a result of their close working relationship. According to reports, Charlotte told Alex she had been the victim of persistent trolling on social media which he had previously described as having a 'significant' effect on Charlotte's emotional unravelling. Charlotte, who had been battling depression, died in her Sydney flat and was found by a real estate agent just moments before an auction for her apartment was due to take place. If you or anyone around you are struggling and/or seeking support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636. Family Feud host Grant Denyer is preparing to make his acting debut on an upcoming Network Ten program, Street Smart. But things got very raunchy on Friday when he took his role as a police officer a little too far for his 2Day FM co-hosts, Em Rusciano and Ed Kavalee during a role play session. The 40-year-old got into character as an officer interrogating two criminals, played by the pair, however the scene failed after Em and Ed messed up their story lines and accents. Scroll down for video Showing them the full length of the law! Grant Denyer rips off his police costume and puts on a raunchy strip show leaving his co-hosts Em Rusciano and Ed Kavalee in shock Before wrapping up their role play, Grant chimed back in, telling his co-hosts that he needed to tell them something. Bringing his voice down to a huskier, sensual tone he said: 'I have a concealed weapon... and you're about to see the full length of the law.' 'Oh don't do that!' Ed said, knowing what the Family Feud host meant by his suggestive statement. Footage of Grant stripping, posted on the 2Day FM Instagram, showed the pint-sized star ripping off his velcro shirt and trousers but keeping his black Calvin Klein briefs on. Being cheeky: The 40-year-old was being helped by his co-hosts Ed and Em to prepare for his acting debut on an upcoming Network Ten comedy, Street Smart On air stunts: 'Why does it always go back to your penis,' Em lamented, as the TV host sauntered over to Ed and gave him a lap dance 'Why does it always go back to your penis,' Em lamented, as the TV host sauntered over to Ed and gave him a lap dance. Grant also took to his Instagram to share a snap of himself wearing his underwear while languidly laying across a terrified looking Ed. 'When an acting lesson turns into a full strip routine. Detective Denyer making @mredkavalee feel the long arm of the law,' he wrote in the caption. Getting frisky: Footage of Grant stripping, posted on the 2Day FM Instagram, showed the pint-sized star ripping off his velcro shirt and trousers but keeping his black Calvin Klein briefs on One fan commented: '#MyCalvins,' in reference to the American brand's trendy, celebrity endorsed ad campaign. 'I was not prepared for this when I opened Insta,' another shocked follower wrote. 'Wowwww... family feud is never going to be the same again,' one added. While Married At First Sight's aspiring comedian Ryan Gallagher saw the comediic side and commented: 'Jesus Christ! Haha gold.' If Telv Williams had any regrets about splitting with his Married At First Sight 'wife' Sarah Roza, he will be kicking himself after spying these latest snaps of his former flame. For the buxom bombshell showed the FIFO worker exactly what he was missing as she attended a Mercedes-Benz car launch in Melbourne on Thursday evening. The 38-year-old poured her curves into a very low-cut skintight scarlet frock for the occasion. Scroll down for video Red hot! Married At First Sight's Sarah Roza pours her curves into a VERY low-cut skintight scarlet frock as she continues to show ex-husband Telv Williams what he's missing The off-the-shoulder frock clung to the stunner's frame in all the right places and accentuated her bust thanks to bow detailing. Sarah boosted her height with a pair of a black strappy stilettos and accessorised with bejewelled cross earrings. As always, the newly single star had her russet locks expertly coiffed and her glamorous makeup expertly applied. It comes amid reports of exciting news for the former MAFS star. Stunning: The off-the-shoulder frock clung to the stunner's frame in all the right places and accentuated her bust thanks to bow detailing NW reported on Monday that Sarah is soon heading to Los Angeles to 'meet with producers' for another shot at reality TV fame. She apparently received a call from 'her best friend and a Hollywood producer' about a new opportunity she is 'perfect for'. Sarah is 'packing her bags' to meet with producers in LA later this month, the magazine claimed. 'Sarah knows what she's doing,' said an insider. 'She's an incredibly intelligent woman. She's built her brand off the back of Married At First Sight and has big plans for her future.' Sarah confirmed her split with 'husband' Telv Williams in a lengthy Instagram post weeks ago. Montana Cox is famous for taking home the title of Australia's Next Top Model back in 2011. And the stunning brunette showed exactly why on Thursday, as she attended a friend's lavish wedding in Byron Bay. The 24-year-old turned heads in a plunging pale pink frock, taking to Instagram Stories to mark the occasion with a series of sentimental photos. Sentimental occasion: Montana Cox stunned in a pale pink frock as she attended a friend's wedding with her father in Byron Bay on Thursday The nuptials were between Ally Cox and Tyson Day, who appear to be family friends of Montana's. The model's father was also in attendance at the ceremony, with the brunette beauty sharing a photo of herself cuddled up with her dad. The sweet snap gave a full-length look of Montana's dainty dress, which was tied loosely at the waist and featured ruffled detailing at the bust. Montana's hair was styled in loose curls and she wore minimal makeup, highlighting her natural beauty. You beauty: Montana's hair was tied back loosely and she wore minimal makeup, highlighting her natural beauty Later in the day, the stunner shared a selfie alongside the groom's sister, Tahlia Day. Ever the gracious guest, the top model also made sure to upload a photo of the bride, who opted for a hippie-chic wedding look which was complete with a floral crown. Since shooting to fame seven years ago, Montana has become a integral member of Sydney's exclusive social set. Last weekend, the star was seen enjoying a long lunch with high-powered pals including Justin Hemmes, Kate Waterhouse and Pip Edwards. The stunner was seen disembarking a sea plane as she made her way to an awaiting car. She was left distressed after being mocked by Aboriginal protesters during a Sunrise segment filmed on the Gold Coast. But Samantha Armytage proved she was moving on from the controversy, as she flashed a relaxed smile while jetting out of the coastal city on Friday. The 41-year-old veteran presenter cut a chic figure in a stylish denim skirt and understated blue shirt as she arrived at the airport. Scroll down for video Double denim delight! Samantha Armytage, 41, cut a chic figure as she jetted out of the Gold Coast on Friday Nailing jetsetter chic, the host completed her casual ensemble with a pair of simple white trainers and a tan leather tote. Sweeping her golden locks into a sleek topknot, Samantha shielded her eyes behind a pair of square-frame shades. Carrying two suitcases with her as well as a carrier bag, Armytage seemed ready to return to Sydney. Nailing jetsetter chic: The host completed her casual ensemble with a pair of simple white trainers and a tan leather tote Polished: Sweeping her golden locks into a sleek topknot, Samantha shielded her eyes behind a pair of square-frame shades Her outing comes after Aboriginal land rights protesters mocked her appearance on Tuesday morning - after interrupting the Channel Seven morning show's beach-side television broadcast. The large crowd of about 50 rowdy demonstrators chanted, waved flags and hurled abuse during a Sunrise segment being filmed on the Gold Coast. Some of the protesters attacked Samantha, demanding she apologise for her controversial adoption discussion last month. 'Maybe you should put on our flag,' an Aboriginal woman yelled at the 41-year-old, according to News.com.au. Oh dear: Her outing comes after Aboriginal land rights protesters mocked her appearance on Tuesday morning - after interrupting the Channel Seven morning show's beach-side television broadcast (pictured with David Koch) Protest: The group of demonstrators chanted, waved flags and hurled abuse during a Sunrise segment being filmed on the Gold Coast As the protesters began to leave, a group focused their attention back to Armytage after reportedly hearing the host call the group 'nasty'. 'Nasty? You're nasty,' they shrieked, before adding they were 'coming for her in her dreams'. Armytage and co-host David Koch attempted to continue to broadcast despite the noisy protest but struggled to be heard over the chanting. Targeted: Protesters also took aim at Armytage's (pictured) outfit 'Always was, always will be Aboriginal land,' the demonstrators shouted, along with 'Sam Armytage, we are still waiting on an apology.' The hosts pointed out that the original segment was about children, and had nothing to do with land rights. 'This originally was about kids. Who in their right mind would not want to protect children? It is terribly sad that this gets a bit hijacked,' said Armytage. They kicked off filming for the much-anticipated second season of Big Little Lies earlier this week. And Reese Witherspoon slipped back into character as she joined fellow Hollywood megastar Nicole Kidman on set in Sausalito, California on Thursday. In true Madeline Mackenzie fashion, the actress, 42, sported her signature burgundy mac as cameras rolled on the HBO set. Let the cameras roll: Reese Witherspoon got back into character as Madeline Mackenzie as she resumed filming of Big Little Lies season two in Sausalito, California on Thursday Reese flashed a wide smile while taking a quick break from filming, opting for a chic pastel pink jumper and comfortable dark jeans. The Legally Blonde star kept it casual for her day on location, wearing simple black flip flops as she filmed on the beach. Reese's blonde tresses looked sleek in a pin-straight style, while neutral make-up amplified her natural beauty. The mother-of-three wasn't alone, with Nicole looking worlds away from her usual red carpet glamour as she returned as former hot-shot lawyer turned school mum Celeste Wright. Casual chic: Nicole Kidmsn appeared more than ready to roll on the latest season, wrapping up in a beige woollen jumper Nicole appeared more than ready to roll on the latest season, wrapped up in a beige woollen jumper and loose-fitting jumper. Slipping her statuesque frame into a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, Nicole polished off her ultra casual look with chestnut knee-high boots. Nicole looked barely recognisable with her character's trademark fringe and cascading copper tresses as she waited patiently for the crew to finish their touch ups. On Thursday, new cast member Meryl Streep was spotted for the first time on the Californian set. Relaxed style: In true Madeline Mackenzie fashion, the actress, 42, sported her signature burgundy mac, jeans and flip flips as cameras rolled on the HBO set The Oscar-winning actress, 68, will join the star-studded line-up for series two as Mary Louise Wright, the mother of the late Perry (Alexander Skarsgard). The It's Complicated star's character arrives in Monterey, California, looking for answers surrounding the mystery of her son's death. According to Deadline, the second series will explore Bonnie's guilt as she struggles with murdering Perry after the Audrey Hepburn or Elvis Presley-themed trivia night. While few details are known about the second series, Big Little Lies promises more lies that threaten to destroy friendships and marriages as well as parenting. Finishing touches: Nicole sported her character's trademark fringe and cascading copper tresses as she waited patiently for the crew to finish their touch ups The series followed the seemingly perfect lives of school mums Madeline, Celeste, Jane (Shailene Woodley) and Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz) in the lead up to the murder. The official log reads: 'The subversive, darkly comedic drama Big Little Lies will explore the malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage and, of course, the vicious ferocity of sound parenting. 'Relationships will fray, loyalties will erode...the potential for emotional and bodily injury shall loom.' Production on season two of Big Little Lies has been underway since March 2018 and the actors got to work on shooting scenes in the spring. He's starred in some of the world's biggest movies including Blue Jasmine and I, Tonya. But most people would be hard-pressed to pick Bobby Cannavale from a line-up. And that's exactly the way he likes it. The 47-year-old who has been with his partner, Australian actress Rose Byrne, since 2012 told Daily Mail Australia that he's just happy to still be doing what he loves. EXCLUSIVE Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle star Bobby Cannavale (pictured) says he'd 'love to move to Australia' as he reveals his wife Rose Byrne is struggling with lack of sleep after giving birth to their second child, Rafa 'Nothing is strategic,' he said when asked how he decides what roles to take on. 'Bobby's latest venture sees him sharing the screen with funnyman Kevin Hart and The Rock in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, a sequel of sorts to 90s classic starring the late Robin Williams. 'To be honest, I'm not in a lot of big movies like this,' Bobby said. 'I tend to do smaller things, but when you get asked to do something big [like this] you can't say no.' 'To be honest, I'm not in a lot of big movies like this' Bobby admits he couldn't say no when asked to be part of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Bobby went on to praise the film's cast, saying producers put together 'a really good cross-section of people'. 'Kids will see this movie and they will see themselves in all the characters racially, comedically in all shapes and sizes. It's a pretty affirming project for kids to see themselves like that.' Bobby and Rose recently welcomed their second child, a son named Rafa. They currently have a two-year-old boy, Rocco, along with Bobby's son from an earlier marriage, Jake, 21. Loved-up! The 47-year-old has been with his partner, Australian actress Rose Byrne, since 2012 and appear happier than ever 'Sleep is a hard thing to get when you have kids': Bobby admitted wife Rose Byrne (pictured) is struggling with a lack of shut since giving birth to son Rafa (pictured) four months ago The actor told Daily Mail Australia that at the moment, the couple are focused on getting their four-month-old to sleep better. 'Sleep is a hard thing to get when you have kids,' he said. 'But it is so important'. The star, who has visited Australia with Rose many times before, told Daily Mail Australia that he loves the country so much, he would seriously consider moving Down Under. 'We are always there,' he said. 'We were there for six months last year while Rose was doing a play. I'd love to work in Australia in either Sydney or Melbourne I just had a great time while I was there.' Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is available to own or rent on DVD or Blu-Ray He's the hunky star of Looking, The Pass and Him & Her. And Russell Tovey has delighted many a fan by shedding his clothes to showcase his chiseled torso to pose for a portrait to raise money for HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust. The actor, 36, popped on his pants, tied a sheet round his neck, put on a mask and became a homemade superhero for the painting with his fiance Steve Brockman in the kitchen and their French bulldog running around at the same time. Super man: Russell Tovey has posed in just his PANTS for Terrence Higgins Trust's latest HIV campaign... as plans get underway for his wedding to fiance Steve Brockman The painting, by artist Christopher Garrington, is being auctioned by the charity at Christies in London on Monday. Tovey is already a major art fan; his Instagram is littered with him on his downtime, at galleries. He also had a portrait commissioned of him and his pet dogs Archie and Rocky. Garrington said of the project: 'I actually reached out to [Russell] through social media. He came back quickly and was really enthusiastic. Setting the scene: The actor, 36, popped on his pants, tied a sheet round his neck, put on a mask and became a homemade superhero for the painting with his fiance Steve Brockman in the kitchen Arty: He also had a portrait commissioned of him and his pet dogs Archie and Rocky 'I wanted to paint someone who had passion for this important cause and he was top of that list.' The painters inspiration for the piece, which is titled Homemade Superhero, came from the actor's most recent role as gay superhero The Ray. Tovey also said in a recent interview that growing up, I always wanted to be a superhero. 'The superhero concept felt right. I knew I wanted to do something sexy and this felt in keeping with his character,' says Garrington. 'I decided to strip him down to his pants and use a bedsheet cape to show you don't need superpowers to become a homemade superhero. Painting a picture: Tovey is already a major art fan; his Instagram is littered with him on his downtime, at galleries 'Russells openness and success shows everyone growing up that can their dreams are achievable. On the day, I was nervous but Russell and Steve made me feel really comfortable and he threw himself into the character. 'Usually people sit for hours while I paint them, but that wasnt an option for Russell, who was just back from America.' The project has taken ten weeks - with Garrington taking snaps of the star and working on the piece for the past couple of months. Tovey donated two tickets to the sold out run of Angels in America, which he was starring in as repressed Joe Pitt, followed by a behind the scenes tour, last year to an auction for the charity. It raised an incredible 5,50. Loved up: Meanwhile, Tovey and his fiance announced their engagement earlier in the year, with plans for the wedding underway 'I always want to do my bit for Terrence Higgins Trust and this was a completely different way to do it,' the actor has said of his most recent contribution to the cause, the painting. 'I absolutely love Chriss concept. Hes a very talented artist. All thats left is for it to find a good home and raise lots and lots of cash to make sure Terrence Higgins Trust can keep supporting people living with HIV.' Other lots in the auction include a painting by the charitys Turner Prize-winning patron Tracey Emin, dinner with Poldark hunk Aidan Turner and Gideon Mendels tender photograph of two men on a hospital bed shot in Londons first AIDS ward. Meanwhile, Tovey and his fiance announced their engagement earlier in the year, with plans for the wedding underway. Married At First Sight viewers were quick to label her the 'villain' over an 'affair' with Dean Wells. But Davina Rankin brushed off any past controversy in an Instagram snap on Friday. The 27-year-old captioned a snap that saw her reclining on a luxury yacht, 'my heart is full.' Scroll down for video 'My heart is full': Married At First Sight star Davina Rankin, 27, brushed off any past controversy as she reclined on a yacht, in a snap shared to Instagram on Friday Davina in a red and white striped sweater and white mini shorts was pictured relaxing on a luxury vessel, with a glass of wine in hand. Her brunette locks were slicked back into an effortless low ponytail, and she looked out over the stunning Gold Coast in Queensland. Davina captioned the picture-perfect image: 'Right here, right now...my heart is full. Thank you for a magical afternoon @indigogoldcoast.' In demand: The brunette is quite the entrepreneur, dabbling in various projects across the health, beauty and lifestyle arenas Davina is quite the entrepreneur, dabbling in various projects across the health, beauty and lifestyle arenas. A co-founder of Soleil Luna with best pal Gillian Godwin, the starlet designs limited edition handmade linen resort wear. Davina often models the unique designs on the company's official Instagram page, flaunting her ample cleavage, slender waist and lean legs. Multi-talented: The bombshell is an Instagram model, fashion designer, personal trainer and event hostess Known for her very confident and lively persona, the Channel Nine personality also hosts catered events for We Love Brunch Co. And the gatherings for 'like-minded people' appear to be that in demand, that Davina has added more on the website. Those who want a gym-honed frame like Davina's can train with the beauty herself at her personal training studio Infamous Physiques in Brisbane's Hawthorne. Body of work: With a reality TV role comes a slew of endorsement deals and paid Instagram posts, particularly with health supplements and protein shakes And as one could expect with a reality TV role, comes a slew of endorsement deals and paid Instagram posts. Davina has promoted discount getaways at Pavilion 2, Broken Head, health supplements and bikini labels. The social media star made a controversial debut on reality television, on this year's season of Married At First Sight. Davina was involved in an 'affair' with Tracey Jewel's 'TV husband' Dean Wells, while being 'wed' to hunky tradie Ryan Gallagher. Sam Faiers looked incredible in a pretty blue wrap dress, as well as a colourful crop top, in a pair of images posted on Instagram on Thursday on Friday. In the snap showing her wearing the crop top, which was cut just beneath her bosom and teamed with a pair of high-waisted jeans, the mother-of-two, 27, sported a radically new look, thanks to her bold curly hairstyle. Captioning the snapshot, which attracted more than 6,000 likes on the image-sharing app in less than an hour, she wrote: 'I mean... this is such a different look I tried... kinda love it.' Wow: Sam Faiers shared a shot of herself wearing a colourful crop top on Instagram on Friday The reality star captioned the snap of herself in the blue dress with the words: 'I actually love this dress. It fits me perfectly, its comfortable & I could wear it all day long ps wrap dresses are my favourite @axparis.' And while the Essex beauty felt body confident, her fans were wowed by her look, with many saying that they were rushing out to buy the same outfit. On of her fans wrote: 'You look beautiful hope I get my figure back like you after my baby xx you inspire me.' What a knockout: The day before, her fans went wild for her 'amazing' figure after the birth of second child as she modelled pretty blue dress, posting the results on Instagram Inspired: While mother-of-two Sam, 27, felt body confident, her fans were wowed by her look, with many commenting that they were rushing out to buy the same outfit 'Stunning gorgeous figure,' stated another, followed by a third, who gushed: 'You have lost so much weight you look amazing just after having a baby xx.' 'Wow, you look amazing!!!!' Sam was told by another admiring fan. The post comes as it was revealed Sam and Billie, 28, are set to be ITVBe's highest paid stars. The sisters - who found fame on TOWIE - will receive a generous paypacket as their series has been commissioned for season four, insiders have told MailOnline. Happy times: Sam gave birth to second child Rosie, in November - pictured ahead of the birth on November 7 Ones to watch: They've delighted fans with The Mummy Diaries, and Sam and Billie have become such an asset to ITVBe that they're set to be the channel's highest-paid stars A TV source told MailOnline: 'The next series will follow the girls as Billie plans her wedding and Sam heads back to LA to focus on growing her businesses Stateside. Filming will start later this year. 'The girls will become the highest paid stars on the channel with Sam set to net herself a 350k payday.' Representatives for Sam declined to comment. MailOnline has contacted Billie's rep for comment. The Mummy Diaries returned for season three last month and for the first time saw Sam share the screen with sister Billie and her siblings side of the family. A record number of viewers tuned in for the series premiere, with the show pulling in over 265,000 viewers, helping ITVBe score its highest Wednesday prime time share since May of last year. The series began as The Baby Diaries, which first aired in February 2016 and followed Sam's pregnancy as she prepared to welcome her first child with partner Paul Knightley. Series two of The Mummy Diaries followed Sam as she debated to move to LA with her family, which now included baby Paul, and featured cameos from Billie, her partner Greg Shepherd and their daughter Nelly as the star welcomed son Arthur. The current season has seen Sam welcome her daughter Rosie and continues to follow the family with split time between the Faiers sisters. Meanwhile, as Sam looks set to make big money with her TV deal, she is also enjoying success in another arena, as her fashion brand, All Bits London, is set to turnover 1.8million this year. The brand has also hired other reality stars such as Chloe Lewis and Megan McKenna to promote its clothing on through social media, posing up a storm in a variety of eye-catching ensembles on their Instagram pages. A source told MailOnline: 'Sam is no stranger to making money and she knew that instead of being paid by other fashion brands to promote their clothing, she could create her own business to capitalise on her following. 'Sam is heavily involved in the day to day running of the business and has personally designed a number of the brands collections herself.' She made a triumphant return to the world's runways earlier this year, just months after giving birth to her son Jack Oscar back in June 2017. And Rosie Huntington-Whiteley showed exactly why she's one of the world's most coveted models on Thursday, when she shared a shot of herself on Instagram wearing a multi-coloured minidress, in which she displayed her long, lean legs. The statuesque stunner, who is set to turn 31 on Wednesday, posed up a storm in the glittering Attico number, which boasted a plunging neckline and baggy sleeves, and was cinched at the waist with a thin black sash belt. All things bright and beautiful: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shared a shot of herself on Instagram wearing a breathtaking multi-coloured minidress on Thursday She teamed her wrap mini with a pair of vertiginous strappy heels, with the yellow and tone of the shoes, and the accompanying magenta buckle straps perfectly matching her outfit. With her lustrous golden tresses tickling her shoulders in perfectly coiffed waves, the Devon native highlighted her natural beauty with a palette of makeup that included deep pink lipstick, while she accessorised with large hoop earrings. 'Still not over this look,' the mother-of-one captioned the shot, which came a day after another snap of herself sporting the same ensemble. Glitter: Her post came a day after she first uploaded a snap of herself wearing the Attico dress Earlier in the day, the British beauty was spotted working on her fitness as she made a visit to a gym, wearing an all black ensemble. She displayed her taut abs in a drop-top, which she teamed with leggings, a bomber jacket and a pair of Nike running shoes, while she carried a large bottle of water. Going makeup-free for the leisurely excursion, she tied her hair black in a relaxed ponytail, while she shielded her eyes behind a pair of wayfarer sunglasses. Rosie welcomed her first child, a son called Jack Oscar, with her fiance Jason Statham, 50, in June 2017. Stunning: Also on Thursday, she shared a shot of herself wearing plunging grey knitted dress Fitness fanatic: Earlier in the day, she stepped out in West Hollywood for a session at the gym The Marks & Spencer lingerie model has been dating the action star for almost eight years. Runway beauty Rosie and her actor beau are yet to tie the knot, despite announcing their engagement in January 2016. Rosie has shown no sign of slowing down since welcoming baby Jack and landed in fifth place on Forbes' annual list of the world's best-paid supermodels in November - with earnings of a staggering $9.5 million in just 12 months. The supermodel attended Paris Fashion Week in February, and was spotted on the front row of several high-profile catwalk shows earlier this year. Ab fab: She displayed her taut abs in a drop-top, which she teamed with leggings, a bomber jacket and a pair of Nike running shoes, while she carried a large bottle of water Emma Watkins announced on Friday she would be pulling out of her band's upcoming tour to focus on her health. The Wiggles star will be undergoing treatment next week for chronic endometriosis. It's a disorder that Mel Greig also battles with, and in an interview with The Project, the radio star praised Emma for opening up about her condition. 'At the moment my bowel and uterus are stuck together': Mel Greig speaks about the 'excruciating pain' of her endometriosis battle... as she praises The Wiggles' Emma Watkins for going public with her condition 'It makes the biggest difference because it does something for the stigma. It can affect anybody, even if you are a Wiggle you can still have endometriosis,' Mel explained. 'So for every sufferer, it normalises it for them and makes them feel more comfortable with the condition.' The blonde radio personality, who has been candid about her own health battle in the past, also shared eye-opening details about her experience with endometriosis Mel divulged she had undergone surgery in an attempt to manage the condition. 'Surgery doesn't cure endometriosis nor does getting a hysterectomy but my doctor has advised that is the best thing,' she said. ''The pain is real': During the interview on the Channel Ten show, Mel also noted that it was 'an invisible illness' but that doesn't mean the pain felt by sufferers is any less serious 'I had a major surgery to reset my bowel. At the moment, my bowel and uterus are stuck together. I've had appendicitis because it has grown to my appendix and had to go to emergency and I had to have cysts drains. For me, it gets worse.' During the interview on the Channel Ten show, Mel also noted that it was 'an invisible illness' but that doesn't mean the pain felt by sufferers is any less serious. 'The pain is real,' she said, explaining it is a lot worse than run-of-the-mill mild period pain. 'It's not just a wheat bag, chocolate and a couple of Panadols. This is excruciating pain.' 'For every sufferer, it normalises it for them and makes them feel more comfortable with the condition' Mel praised The Wiggles star Emma Watkins (pictured) for speaking publicly about her health battle Meanwhile, Yellow Wiggle Emma told The Daily Telegraph she hoped fans would understand her urgent absence, saying: 'I have been in a lot of pain for the past couple of years. Emma added she's admitting herself to surgery next Tuesday, in a procedure that is expected to help manage the pain of the condition. The popular performer will be in hospital from Tuesday, which is when she was due to perform on the Gold Coast. With Emma absent from the stage, an understudy will replace her throughout April and May on the Wiggles tour. They welcomed a baby boy at the beginning of the year. And it was a family affair for Ore Oduba and wife Portia as they headed for lunch with their sweet son Roman in London on Tuesday. The couple were also joined by Portia's lookalike mother Sophie, with the trio seeming in good spirits on the outing. Family fun: it was a family affair for Ore Oduba as he joined wife Portia and his mother-in-law as they headed for lunch with their sweet son Roman in London on Tuesday Portia looked effortlessly chic on the outing, teaming grey skinny jeans with a khaki waterfall coat and polka dot baby bag. Yet it was clear that she wasn't feeling as glamorous as she took to Instagram to share a selfie from the day that she captioned: 'Mum on the run, literally... Always late, always hot and sweaty, always time for a selfie... '#mumontherun #runninglate #slingandgo #militaryoperation #gogogo #ionlyhaveonechild!' Blonde beauties: The couple were joined by Portia's lookalike mother Sophie, with the trio seeming in good spirits on the outing Casual yet chic: Portia looked effortlessly chic on the outing, teaming grey skinny jeans with a khaki waterfall coat and polka dot baby bag Dream team: While Portia may have looked phenomenal she revealed on social media that in reality she felt far from glamorous - describing herself as a 'sweaty mum on the run' Youthful: It was clear to see where Portia gets her stunning good looks from, however, as her mother Sophie was a vision of beauty on the outing It was clear to see where Portia gets her stunning good looks from, however, as her mother Sophie was a vision of beauty on the outing. The blonde beauty looked stylish in a pair of cropped khaki trousers and a black blazer, whilst she boosted her frame with heeled boots. Ore, meanwhile, looked dapper in a navy checkered suit as the trio enjoyed a gentle stroll following their meal. Chic: Blonde beauty Sophie looked stylish in a pair of cropped khaki trousers and a black blazer, whilst she boosted her frame with heeled boots Check him out! Ore, meanwhile, looked dapper in a navy checkered suit as the trio enjoyed a gentle stroll following their meal Baby love: Portia held onto her little one - who she welcomed with Ore in January Terrific trio: The group seemed in high spirits on the outing as they stepped out together Loving life: The group all seemed in good spirits following their lunch date together Stepping out: The group enjoyed lunch before Ore and Sophie headed to the theatre Amused? Ore pulled some hilarious facial expressions as he waited to cross the road Chatting: The group all seemed to be getting along famously as they chatted together Later in the day, Portia headed home to enjoy some quality time with son Roman whilst Ore took her mother as his date to the theatre. The pair attended the opening night of Chicago with Ore documenting their evening on social media. He posted: 'When your wife suggests you take her MUM to the theatre and you have the best night!!! @ChicagoOnStage is SO good, so fun, immaculate cast... Big thumbs up from both of us! Fair to say, got the best mum-in-law in land too'. Also: 'When your wife suggests you take her MUM to the theatre and you have the best night!!! @chicagoonstage is SO good, so much fun... Big thumbs up from both of us! Fair to say, got the best mum-in-law in land too #notanad #chicago #musical #theatre #pressnight She's the lingerie model who spent 42 days on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! And Simone Holtznagel showed off her stunning best, in an Instagram snap on Friday. The 24-year-old, clad in a crisp white shirt, drew attention to her flawless visage and striking facial features. The jungle does a girl good! I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Simone Holtznagel, 24, showed off her flawless visage and striking features in an Instagram snap on Friday A photo taken inside Sydney Airport saw Simone cutting a chic figure in a crisp white dress shirt, rolled up to the elbow. The Playboy model's blonde locks were swept up into sleek ponytail, zooming in on her pretty facial features. Simone's makeup palette consisted of a matte complexion, bold brows, lashings of mascara, a touch of blush and a natural lip. Sultry: After her exit from the South African jungle last month, the Playboy model has returned to her glamorous best Appearing relaxed, the Channel Ten personality enjoyed a glass of bubbly. Simone captioned the image: 'Next stop LAX ' Following her stint in the South African jungle, where I'm A Celebrity contestants were presented with the most dire of living conditions, Simone is back to her glamorous self. A previous Instagram snap saw starlet taking the plunge in an extremely low-cut black ensemble. Her locks were styled in messy waves, framing her glamorously made-up complexion. Simone playfully captioned the racy image in part: 'I recommend you all living in the jungle for 42 days.' Bombshell: A previous image shared to Instagram saw Simone flaunting extreme cleavage in a very low-cut black ensemble, and styled her signature blonde locks in messy waves The starlet lost 6.3 kilograms after spending 42 days on I'm A Celebrity. Following her exit last month, Simone told the Herald Sun that her model agents will be happy with the weight loss. 'I could hear all my agents clapping around the world though, I thought they might be happy about that,' Simone told the publication. 'My agent was like, ''Imagine how thin you'll be when you get back [from the jungle]''. 'He was like, 'You are going to be malnutritioned, it will be fabulous',' she added. Another Grey's Anatomy episode airs, and another TV couple bites the dust. This time, it was one of Grey Sloan Memorial's most recent pairings that ended before it had a chance to really get off the ground. But even that plot twist wasn't as ruinous as whatever it was that Jackson (Jesse Williams) inadvertently started. The episode starts with Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) arriving at the hospital with her kids in tow. She tells Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) her nanny has the flu, the Grey's writers probably just want to remind us Meredith has kids, even though we hardly ever see them! Speaking of people we haven't seen in a while, Arizona is hanging at the coffee cart with her Italian 'bella', Carina (Stefania Spampinato), and when Andrew (Giacomo Gianniotti) and Sam (Jeanine Mason) arrive, Arizona proposes a double date. Immigration: An agent from ICE named Fields wants to speak with Sam after Grey's fans discover she's a Dreamer who came from El Salvador when she was a child Stalling: Bailey sits with Fields, still under the guise of waiting for Sam to scrub out of her operation, and notices Fields taking antacids and sees his pulse throbbing on his jugular vein That double date idea is moot now, however, because of the biggest story line this week, and the namesake of this episode's title, 'Beautiful Dreamer'. Turns out, Sam is a Dreamer protected by DACA, i.e. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals having fled El Salvador for the United States with her parents when she was a child and now an agent from ICE named Fields wants to speak with her. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) stalls for time, telling Fields his target is in the operating room. She's not totally lying: Sam is indeed in the OR but only to hide out and strategize with Meredith and Andrew. Mer thinks Sam and Andrew should wed, but Sam says marrying Andrew won't get her legal status. Meredith goes to Alex (Justin Chambers) for help, and he defers to Jo (Camilla Luddington), who has experience flying under the radar. Jo hatches a harebrained scheme involving Sam assuming a dead person's identity, which is what Jo would have done if she couldn't have gotten a legal name change to escape her abusive ex-husband. It's too preposterous an idea for Sam, though. Instead, she thinks she should flee the country, but Meredith sagely tells her not to become the criminal ICE wants her to be. Without any other ideas, the docs face the gravity of the situation. DeLuca even yells at Carina in a full-blown Italian diatribe thinking Carina ratted Sam out. His sister, offended, says she did nothing of the sort. Strategizing: Mer thinks Sam and Andrew should wed, but Sam says marrying Andrew won't get her legal status In the OR, Fields expresses his growing disillusionment with his job: 'Staking out schools, taking kids, doctors I don't know what we're doing anymore' As Sam and her allies grasp at straws, Bailey sits with Fields, still under the guise of waiting for Sam to scrub out of her operation. Bailey notices Fields taking antacids and sees his pulse throbbing on his jugular vein, and she deduces he has a heart issue. Fields eventually allows her to run some diagnostics. Maggie (Kelly McCreary) suggests running 'all the tests' to buy them some time. They realize Fields has major blockages in his arteries, and they take him in for surgery. Fields warns them that if he's incapacitated, another ICE agent will come for Sam. But in the OR, he expresses his growing disillusionment with his job. 'Staking out schools, taking kids, doctors I don't know what we're doing anymore,' he says. Finally, Meredith and Maggie come up with an idea: They get Sam admitted to the cardiothoracic program at the Klausman Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. If any of those words sound familiar, you're likely remembering longtime Grey's fixture Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) runs that joint now. 'You're gonna love working with her,' Meredith tells Sam. 'She was also the best in her class.' Sam accepts the offer and breaks up with Andrew, refusing to let him upend his entire life to go with her. She leaves in a cab, and Andrew woefully watches her go. Maggie tries telling him she's sorry, but he skulks past her. Speaking of Maggie, she's still angry with Jackson (Jesse Williams) for kissing or, rather, being kissed by April (Sarah Drew). 'My mother always said men show you who they really are from the very beginning if you're paying attention,' she seethes. Jackson informs Maggie he's pretty sure her mom stole that quote from Maya Angelou. Later, Jackson tells Maggie he has already proven what a decent man he is, but Maggie still thinks he's a liar. Debate: Jackson tells Maggie he has already proven what a decent man he is, but Maggie still thinks he's a liar Tension: Maggie's still angry with Jackson for kissing or, rather, being kissed by April After all the events of the day, though, Maggie shows up on his doorstep, rambling about people being taken from people they love by 'stupid laws and stupid life and stupid death'. She just wants him to apologize for not telling her about April kissing him. She wants him to take their relationship seriously, even if she does come off as awkward and goofy. But he says that he does and that she has all the power. She's beautiful and brilliant, he says, and capable of walking away at any moment, and that terrifies him. Convinced, Maggie starts kissing him, saying she's incapable of walking away. Elsewhere, we see Richard (James Pickens Jr.), still keeping vigil at Ollie's (Mary Kay Place) bedside, watching his AA sponsor slowly succumb to her liver failure and cardiomyopathy. Mer, concerned about her father figure, gets the interns to skip his room during their rounds. At the end of the episode, she finally draws her last breath, and Richard weeps. Concerns: Richard is still keeping vigil at Ollie's bedside, watching his AA sponsor slowly succumb to her liver failure and cardiomyopathy Mourning: At the end of the episode, she finally draws her last breath, and Richard weeps But Ollie isn't the only patient under duress: Alex's brain tumor patient, Kimmie (Nayah Damasen), is over her chemo regimen and yearning to head to Broadway to follow her stage dreams. Jo tries to get her to stay, but Kimmie's mind is resolved. 'Will you tell [Alex] that I said thank you, and that when I said it, I was smiling?' she says, her eyes brimming with tears. Jo passes along the message, but she also has more news for her fiance, as we see at end of the episode. She wants children with Alex and she also wants his last name. 'I've never had the last name of someone who's loved me,' she says. And elsewhere, Matthew (Justin Bruening) aka April's one-time fiance is back in the hospital. When we saw him earlier this season, his wife, Karin, delivered their baby and then died from post-partum complications. Now that baby, Ruby, has failure to thrive, but Matthew doesn't want Arizona as the doctor on Ruby's case since Arizona was the one who treated (and lost) Karin. April hovers outside the door, too shy to go in and face her ex again. Arizona entrusts the case to Owen (Kevin McKidd), who figures out Ruby has pyloric stenosis, i.e. she has a muscle obstructing her small intestine. Matthew thanks Owen profusely, but Owen says it was April who called it. (By the way, in a brief scene near the end of the episode, Owen starts the process to become a foster parent with intentions of adopting. Finally, it seems, he's going to get the child he has always wanted.) Arizona has more on her plate, though. Terrified of losing another patient like she lost Karin, she has Schmitt (Jake Borelli) co-opt a crash cart and fill it with every possible medication and instrument they might need for another postpartum bleed. That cart comes in handy later in the episode when a woman starts bleeding out after an otherwise-typical childbirth. Talking to Carina, Arizona realizes that modified crash cart is the solution to their maternity mortality problem. Then she asks if Carina has plans of leaving the country anytime soon. Arizona's weighing her options, she explains, and she wants to know how viable her and Carina's relationship is. 'I wanna know how loaded my crash cart should be,' she explains in yet another Grey's medicine-slash-romance metaphor. Carina says she's not going anywhere, and she and Arizona make out. (Still, this could be a hint to Arizona's eventual exit this season.) Catherine looks panicked, and at the very end of this week's installment, we see her delivering the grave news to Richard in a conference room: 'Jackson ruined us. We are ruined' This week's episode saved its most foreboding moment until the very end, however. Throughout the episode, Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) had been trying to solicit resources for Kimmie's case from a Dr. Rebecca Froy in Chicago, but the doc abruptly ends their video chat when she learns Grey Sloan is a Harper Avery Foundation hospital. Jackson tries reasoning with Dr. Froy but has no better luck. When he mentions it to his mother, Catherine (Debbie Allen), she reveals Harper Avery her father-in-law and Jackson's grandfather once defeated Dr. Froy in court. Later, Jackson tells his mom he waived Harper's agreement with Dr. Froy, whatever it was, so that the doc can help Amelia and Alex. Catherine looks panicked, and at the very end of this week's installment, we see her delivering the grave news to Richard in a conference room: 'Jackson ruined us. We are ruined.' She's happily dating fellow actor Matt Smith - and Lily James has admitted that she wants to have babies with The Crown star. In an interview with NET-A-PORTER's digital magazine, PorterEdit, she was asked about Matt's previous comment that he wants 'lots of children.' She said: 'No comment! Yeah, a lot of our friends are having kids. Two of my closest girlfriends just had babies and I adore them. Exciting times: Lily James has admitted she is 'looking forward' to having babies with boyfriend Matt Smith after he revealed he wants 'lots of children' Her guy: Lily has been dating The Crown star Matt since 2014, with Lily spending months away from her man last year, when she filmed Mamma Mia! in Croatia 'Its amazing to see what that brings to your life. You know, it becomes the most important thing, and that kind of shift is something I look forward to.' The pair have been dating since 2014, with Lily spending months away from her man last year, when she filmed Mamma Mia! in Croatia. She denied that the pair were engaged but noted the rumours that they might have been after she wore a ring on her engagement finger at the BAFTAs: She said: 'Its amazing to see what that brings to your life. You know, it becomes the most important thing, and that kind of shift is something I look forward to' She said: 'Im just not very superstitious about rings. Its stupid, probably, but I just put rings on any finger. Also, that was a f**k-off ring. I mean, Jesus. That rings worth one million pounds' Lily, who admitted she would love to take on a dark role at a future date, specifically referencing Courtney Love's porn star character in The People vs. Larry Flynt, said that Helena Bonham Carter helped her confidence on the set of Cinderella. She said: 'Id had a really, really bad day. I was just freaking out and Helena Bonham Carter said to me, "Oh, God, dont worry. I have one great downer a week". 'It lets people know you are human. Just going, "I have permission to f**k this up and get upset and get things wrong".' A star in Junes hotly anticipated Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, James says that she felt a lot of pressure in taking on the role of young Donna Sheridan, the films protagonist played by Meryl Streep. James told PorterEdit that filming was 'so intense, because I had to sing, I had to dance And I felt kind of like I was going to screw it up.' To see the full interview, read PorterEdit at www.net-a-porter.com/porter/article- or download the NET-A-PORTER app for iPhone, iPad and Android Discussing her emotional first encounter with Meryl on set, Lily revealed that she even shed a few tears in nervous anticipation: She said: '[Meryl] was singing this song in a chapel and it was so emotional. I was sat outside knowing I was about to meet her. And crying. 'And it was like: Hold it together, Lily! It was too much! She soon felt at ease, though, thanks to Streep, saying: '[Meryl] was just so cool. We had to do this dance together and she gave it all to me, she let me take my moment.' She added that she did go through all of Meryl's movies, especially stuff from when she was younger. She said: 'I loved watching Postcards from the Edge theres a spunky kind of madness where she sings in that and even Death Becomes Her.' For PorterEdits shoot, Lily was photographed by Alexander Saladrigas and styled by Helen Broadfoot in SS18s cool new take on tailoring, wearing pieces by Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Joseph, Loewe, Acne Studios, Monse, Vince and Georgia Alice. To see the full interview, read PorterEdit at www.net-a-porter.com or download the NET-A-PORTER app for iPhone, iPad and Android. He recently launched legal action against Fairfax and the ABC after the media outlets published allegations of sexual misconduct against him. And now according to the Herald Sun, Gold Logie winner Craig McLachlan has been dropped from the new telemovie The Blake Mysteries. While Channel Seven has been given the go-ahead with the 90-minute telemovie based on The Doctor Blake Mysteries, it's been reported that the 52-year-old will not feature as Doctor Lucien Blake. And...cut! Craig McLachlan reportedly hasn't been signed on for The Blake Mysteries telemovie Reported by Herald Sun, Craig's character's absence will see housekeeper Jean Beazley (who is played by Nadine Garner) play a more central role to compensate. The network's decision to cut Craig and subsequently his character follows sexual misconduct allegations that came from Christie Whelan Browne, Angela Scundi and Erika Heynatz who worked alongside him in the Rocky Horror stage show in 2014. The actor has claimed to be innocent, sharing: 'Does being cheeky and naughty equate with being a bully? No, it does not. The truth will come out,' with The Daily Telegraph when the allegations surfaced in January. Not to star: While Channel Seven has been given the go-ahead with the 90-minute telemovie based on The Doctor Bake Mysteries, it's been reported the 52-year-old will not feature as Doctor Lucien Blake Craig, who was a producer on the most recent season of The Doctor Bake Mysteries series has reportedly granted the production team's decision. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to the Seven network for clarification. 'This is a quality show which is incredibly popular with Australian viewers and employs so many talented cast and crew,' a Seven's spokesperson said to the Herald Sun. While the role of Blake is set to disappear, it has been reported that the Blake Mysteries' plot will skip forward three years to the 1960s. In support: Nadine, who is set to take on a more crucial role in the telemovie, has defended Craig amid allegations, describing her experience on the show as 'the most joyous time I've ever had on a film set' Nadine, who is set to take on a more crucial role in the telemovie, has defended Craig amid allegations, describing her experience on the show as 'the most joyous time I've ever had on a film set.' The Doctor Blake telemovie is set to be one of four, as previously announced by the network last year. With scripts well underway, the first is set to hit screens toward the end of 2018 or early 2019. Future: With scripts well underway, the first is set to hit screens toward the end of 2018 or early 2019 Real Housewives of Melbourne star Jackie Gillies celebrated eight years of marriage with husband Ben on Wednesday. The 37-year-old reality star took to Instagram to share a throwback snap with her man gushing about her love for the Silverchair drummer. Jackie and Ben's anniversary celebration came after the brunette beauty revealed she wants to have children as soon as possible, following her 40-day stint on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Scroll down for video Congrats! Real Housewives of Melbourne star Jackie Gillies has celebrated her eighth wedding anniversary with husband Ben, taking to Instagram to share a loved-up snap Jackie shared a snap with Ben as the couple enjoyed a night out together, with the endearing caption: '8 years baby. Happy Anniversary Papi I love you baby @bengillies888.' The couple tied the knot in 2010 two months after Ben proposed, with Jackie previously telling Daily Mail Australia he proposed just two days after they shared their first kiss. Ahead of the special occasion, the Croatia-born beauty revealed that she and Ben are determined to start a family as soon as possible. Lovely: The couple tied the knot in 2010, two months after Silverchair drummer Ben proposed United: In the post Jackie gushed about her love for Ben, just a week after revealing she wants to have a baby as soon as possible Speaking to Who magazine she said: 'I am feeling older,' she said. 'I don't want to leave it for too much later because the older you get the harder it does get.' She went on to reveal that Ben had actually said he wanted to have children 'seven years ago' but the plan was put on hold until she was ready. The beauty added: 'I work every day and I wanted to be there for my children and not feel guilty.' Loved-up: Jackie told Who magazine that they held off having children until she was ready, admitting that Ben said 'seven years ago' he wanted to start a family Jackie recently completed a 40-day stint in the South African jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! becoming the 7th camp-mate to be voted off. Upon leaving the jungle, Jackie told The Project that the experience made her realise she was finally ready to be a mum. 'When you lay in the jungle, all you have to do is think and think and think about all of the things you have done in your life,' she said. 'I have really come to a point where I really, really, want children.' Hunter Curtis boasts 25,300 Instagram followers at just three years of age. And the toddler looked adorable in a sweet Instagram snap on Friday. The son of PR queen Roxy Jacenko was pictured beaming, alongside dog Oreo, in a post captioned: 'School holidays start now.' 'School holidays start now': Roxy Jacenko's son Hunter, three, beamed alongside dog Oreo in a cute snap shared to Instagram on Friday Hunter, in a blue and white striped shirt and denim shorts, sat on the sand of a Sydney beach, next to the family's dog Oreo. He accessorised with a camouflage LA cap and held onto a spade. Letting out a wide grin, the sweet photo of Hunter was captioned: 'School holidays start NOW.' Adorable: Hunter and his big sister Pixie, six, became mini-scientists for the day on Wednesday, as they visited Jurassic World in cute matching lab coats The post comes after Roxy, 37, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a slew of snaps from an outing at Jurassic World. Hunter, his famous mother, as well as big sister Pixie, six, beamed with excitement as they took part in an array of activities. One snap showed Pixie and Hunter posing at the entrance of the activity park in their matching lab coats, beaming with excitement as they enjoyed the after-school adventure. Proud: Businesswoman Roxy, 37, took to Instagram to share an array of snaps on hers, Pixie's and Hunter's accounts Roxy shared the snap on her trio of Instagram accounts, captioning the post: 'First visitors to @jurassicworld after school today - laboratory coats and safety goggles essential.' Another one of the snaps posted on Pixie's Instagram showed her and brother Hunter painting little dinosaur sculptures, with the caption reading: 'First in Australia to explore the fun of Jurassic World with @huntercurtis14!' Exciting: Pixie and Hunter took part in an array of activities on the after-school adventure, including painting little dinosaur models Fun times: Little Pixie sported a lab coat as she coloured in a little dinosaur character Roxy's kids visited the brand new park set up ahead of the release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, which will hit the Australian shores on June 21. Hunter looked in his element as he posed for a snap close to Lego replicas of some of the most famous dinosaurs from the hit film series, grinning with glee as he touched models of every creature from a Veliciraptor to a T-Rex. Another picture showed Pixie with her hair in cute little pigtails as she coloured in some dinosaur drawings, while one snap saw the siblings going to look at an apatosaurus. He was recently snapped chowing down on one dollar Red Rooster chips in a frenzy at Sydney Airport. And it seems Karl Stefanovic is continuing his unlikely streak when he attended a cane toad race on Friday. Having taken to the stage at the obscure event, the 43-year-old was filmed while standing around a table with fellow enthusiasts. Scroll down for video 'Karl, you're not too pretty and rich to kiss a toad': Karl Stefanovic attended an unlikely toad racing event and got slammed by the emcee After a brief introduction, Karl explained: 'I'm from Brisbane but I live in Sydney.' Unclear of Karl's whereabouts, the video implied the television face had jetted for a weekend away in his hometown of Brisbane. 'Who wants to see Karl hold a toad?' The event's host was heard saying in the series of clips. Kiss the toad! Having taken to the stage at the obscure event, the 43-year-old was filmed while standing around a table with fellow toad racing enthusiasts Adding: 'Pick up the damn toad, Karl! You've got to hold it!' Before Karl reluctantly held onto the toad, screaming and howling in a high-pitched voice. 'Karl, you're not too pretty and rich to kiss a toad,' the emcee proceeded to say, sending the audience into a laughing frenzy. In the final clip, the Today show host is filmed partaking in a cane toad race. Shut down! 'Karl, you're not too pretty and rich to kiss a toad,' the emcee proceeded to say, sending the audience into a laughing frenzy. Pictured with fiancee Jasmine Yarbrough Karl, along with a handful of other eager contenders, were handed a party whistle, to which they blew in the direction of the toads after they were released from their respective buckets. Unfortunately, Karl's eager ambition didn't pay off this time, leaving him without prize winnings. Meanwhile, earlier this week, Woman's Day claimed that Karl's ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn and his new fiancee Jasmine Yarbrough had a heated confrontation when they met face-to-face for the first time. She knows how to turn looks on the front row at some the world's hottest fashion shows. And Olivia Palermo was ready to grab attention once again as she stepped out for a lunch date in New York City wearing a chic fur coat on Thursday. The fashionista and socialite, 32, was the picture of glamour thanks to her stylish ensemble as she headed out for a low-key bite to eat in Manhattan. Furry nice: Olivia Palermo was ready to grab attention once again as she stepped out for a lunch date in New York City wearing a chic fur coat on Thursday The former The City star offset her beige outerwear with an all-black ensemble, slipping on a dark top over leather skinny trousers. The style maven pulled her brunette locks into a tight bun, and she added a pop of colour to her outfit with a pair of pink-lens sunglasses. Keeping her look low-key, the model stepped out with minimal make-up to highlight her naturally beautiful features. Stylish: The fashionista and socialite, 32, was the picture of glamour thanks to her stylish ensemble as she headed out for a low-key bite to eat in Manhattan The beauty stepped out in black loafers which featured a plus symbol on one shoe, and a minus on the other, to add a fun touch to her ensemble. Rather than carry a bag with her, Olivia stored her personal items in a monochrome laptop case, which she carried in one arm. The fashionista completed her look with a touch of glitter as she accessorised with a number of gold rings. Hell for leather: The former The City star offset her beige outerwear with an all-black ensemble, slipping on a dark top over leather skinny trousers Olivia and her male model husband Johannes Huebl tied the knot in June 2014, and they celebrated their 10th anniversary as a couple on November 15. The beauty began her career alongside the likes of Louise Roe and Whitney Port on MTV's The City in 2008, and was then signed to Wilhelmina Models in 2009. Since making her big break as a model, Olivia has become well-known as a style icon and she can often be found on the front-row of the world's top fashion shows. He was the name on everyone's lips after taking on the role of Alex Godman, the British-raised son of Russian mafia exiles, in hit BBC drama McMafia. And it seems that James Norton is already hard at work on his next project, as he was spotted filming Gareth Jones in Krakow, Poland, on Friday. While he was happy to be back on set for Agnieszka Holland's new World War II thriller, the 32-year-old actor was also keen to FaceTime a friend while he enjoyed a brief break from filming. Catching up: James Norton FaceTimed a friend during a brief break from filming Agnieszka Holland's World War II thriller Gareth Jones in Poland on Friday James spoke animatedly as he showed his companion around the Stalin-era set, which was dusted with snow to recreate a chilly Russian winter. The actor's pal, who looked remarkably like James' supportive dad Hugh, seemed just as excited to be given a tour and catch-up with the young star. Dressed in a long coat, which he paired with matching trousers and shoes, the actor wore glasses and a trilby hat to transform himself into the eponymous lead character. Having fun: The actor's pal, who looked remarkably like James' supportive dad Hugh, seemed just as excited to be given a tour and catch-up with the young star Giving a tour: James spoke animatedly as he showed his companion around the Stalin-era set, which was dusted with snow to recreate a chilling Russian winter Getting into character: James dressed in a long coat, which he paired with matching trousers, he wore glasses and trilby hat to transform himself into the eponymous lead character Gareth Jones was a Welsh journalist who first exposed the genocide that took place in Ukraine under Stalin in 1933. The investigative reporter - who was fluent in French, German and Russian- worked for Western Mail at the time, and eluded Russian authorities to travel into the country so that he could write about the horrifying man-made famine. Gareth was also the first foreign journalist to fly with Adolf Hitler after he was appointed Chancellor, as he travelled with the dictator and his propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels in order to report on his tumultuous rise to power. Excited: James seemed to be happy to be back on set again as he got ready to film new scenes Inspirational figure: Gareth Jones was a Welsh journalist who first exposed the genocide that took place in Ukraine under Stalin in 1933 Discovering the truth: The investigative reporter eluded Russian authorities to travel into the country so that he could write about the horrifying man-made famine The journalist was murdered under mysterious circumstances on the eve of his 30th birthday after he was detained by Japanese forces as a POW, but many believe that his death was engineered by Soviet spies. Twice Oscar nominated director Agnieszka took on the project two years ago, but believes the film has become even more applicable to the current political climate, as she told Variety: 'Since then the story has become even more relevant. 'The situation around us has changed, and you can find some similarities with the 1930s. 'I am always interested in politically charged subjects, but I have found most of them are pretty basic.' Untimely death: Gareth Jones was murdered under mysterious circumstances on the eve of his 30th birthday, but many believe that his death was engineered by Soviet spies Relevant: Agnieszka took on the project two years ago, but believes the film has become even more applicable to the current political climate Important topic: Agnieszka told Variety 'Since then the story has become even more relevant. The situation around us has changed, and you can find some similarities with the 1930s' She continued: 'My goal isn't to make simple statements about the world. But this was different.' Of the film's titular character, she said: 'He started out quite naive a little, nervous young man; then he became a tragic superhero. 'The duty [of journalists] to search for the truth and pass it on to the world...is just as important in our times. In some ways, Gareth is a very contemporary hero.' Filming began in February and is set to continue until July, with the film slated for release in late 2018. Becoming mature: Of the film's titular character, she said: 'He started out quite naive a little, nervous young man; then he became a tragic superhero' She's her own best advert, sharing endless snaps of herself modelling her own swimwear designs on her Instagram account. And Kimberley Garner hit back at fan speculation she has recently undergone a butt lift and a boob job, taking to her account on Friday to dispel the rumours. The former Made In Chelsea star insisted that if her derriere looked perkier these days it was simply down to her body's natural weight fluctuations and an exercise regime to strengthen her glutes. Firing back: Kimberley Garner hit back at fan speculation she has recently undergone a butt lift and a boob job, taking to her account on Friday to dispel the rumours Kimberley shared a Boomerang video of herself on Instagram, modelling one of her own thong bikini designs. She posted: 'For all the gossip, no I have not had a boob job, and no I have not had a butt job! (Which still comes as a very weird concept to me) 'Womans bodys change, sometimes Im a little chubbier and sometimes too skinny, its just natural and so important to love our bodys, whatever the phase - but thanks for all the gossip I have heard over the past year, it has really made me laugh . 'ps I have been learning some butt exercises, will make a video, incase you want a fake butt ;) (sic)'. Cheeky: Kimberley shared a Boomerang video of herself on Instagram, modelling one of her own thong bikini designs Kimberley's followers were eager to shower her with praise about her 'all natural' physique. One posted: 'Gorgeous as always. How could anyone question that body! Keep rocking it and living the dream K. X' A second enthused: 'Seriously the best booty Ive ever seen! Glad you keep it all natural and love/take care of yourself!' 'Don't ever be tempted to get anything done. EVER', a third shared. Fan reaction: The star's loyal followers were eager to shower her with praise about her 'all natural' physique She posted: 'For all the gossip, no I have not had a boob job, and no I have not had a butt job! (Which still comes as a very weird concept to me)' Kimberley recently revealed how she used top pretend to be the intern when she first started in business as nobody took her seriously. The blonde bombshell, 27, shot to fame when she starred in the show in 2012 as a love interest of Richard Dinan, but is now better known for her sultry bikini shots on Instagram. However, the property heiress insists she's more than just the face of her line Kimberley London and is involved with every aspect of creating her sell-out swimwear range. She wrote: 'Sometimes Im a little chubbier and sometimes too skinny, its just natural and so important to love our bodys, whatever the phase (sic)' Peachy: The star had set tongues wagging with her curvier frame in recent times 'I think people sometimes think that Im only the face, but I am responsible for every bit of the business,' she told Femail. 'I was 18 when I started my first company - I came up with an idea, stayed up for days learning how to register the company and teaching myself. It became very successful overnight. However, as I was only 18, no one ever imagined it was mine. 'I was a young blonde girl with a soft voice. No one would take me seriously or realise it was my company. So, I pretended to be the Intern! Kimberley's interest in beachwear first began in her teenage years. 'I started designing swimmer when I was 15, little did I know it would become my career,' she recalled. 'I would design, sew, and even make the lace by hand, but as most teenagers never would have imagined making a career out of the thing I was passionate about. Following her former Hi-5 entertaining days, she has since established herself as a red carpet regular. And on Friday, Lauren Brant dazzled as she graced the media wall at Longines Records Club at the Gold Coast Commonwealth games, alongside her beau Barry Hall. Wearing a high-neck floral dress, the beauty was all smiles as she posed for the paparazzi. Fierce in floral! Lauren Brant, 29, dazzled as she graced the media wall at Longines Records Club at the Gold Coast Commonwealth games on Friday, alongside her beau Barry Hall, 41 Embellished with yellow and navy-hued florals, the 29-year-old turned heads in the statement-making ensemble. Keeping the remainder of her look minimalist as to not distract from her bold dress, the brunette beauty opted for a simple gold band watch wrapped around her left wrist. Keeping the look fresh and day appropriate, Lauren completed her look with a simple pair of chocolate-brown hued wedges. Strike a pose! Keeping the remainder of her look minimalist as to not distract from her bold dress, the brunette beauty opted for a simple gold band watch wrapped around her left wrist Keeping the focus of her beauty look on her eyes, the stunner kept the remainder of her look natural and minimalist. Using an earthy-toned palette, the beauty opted for a sultry brown-hued smoky eye. Adding definition, Lauren kept her brows alluring by brushing the hairs upward and filling in the sparse areas. Brow power! Using an earthy-toned palette, the beauty opted for a sultry brown-hued smoky eye Keeping the remainder of her look neutral and equally earth-tone oriented, Lauren brushed touches of bronzer atop her cheek and forehead area. Adding edge to her otherwise playful look, Lauren opted for a deep-undertone nude lip. Keeping the look perfectly dishevelled, the South African-Australian born revealed her face, pulling her hair back into an effortless medium-rise ponytail. Standing next to her husband, Barry was seen wearing a dark-wash grey linen shirt atop a pair of dark-wash boot leg denim jeans. She welcomed her daughter Sunday a mere five months ago. Yet Ferne McCann proved she'd had no trouble snapping straight back into shape as she flaunted her phenomenal figure in a skimpy bronze bikini. Showing off her incredibly toned physique as she soaked up the sun in Marbella on Friday, the former TOWIE star looked a vision of beauty on the outing. Beautiful in bronze: Ferne McCann proved she'd had no trouble snapping straight back into shape as she flaunted her phenomenal figure in a skimpy bronze bikini Showcasing her ample cleavage and taut stomach, the mother-of-one donned a a skimpy halterneck bikini with plait detailing along the straps. She teamed the garment with a pair of matching briefs that clung to her peachy posterior and highlighted her tanned and toned pins. Accentuating her flawless features with a neutral make-up palette, the blonde beauty finished off the look by styling her glossy locks in a chic high ponytail. Stunning: Showing off her incredibly toned physique as she soaked up the sun in Marbella on Friday, the former TOWIE star looked a vision of beauty on the outing Chest a glimpse! Showcasing her ample cleavage and taut stomach, the mother-of-one donned a a skimpy halterneck bikini with plait detailing along the straps Legs eleven! She teamed the garment with a pair of matching briefs that clung to her peachy posterior and highlighted her tanned and toned pins Natural beauty: Accentuating her flawless features with a neutral make-up palette, the blonde beauty finished off the look by styling her glossy locks in a chic high ponytail Stretch it out: Ferne showed off her sensational figure as she stretched while walking around Life's a peach! Ferne's perky posterior was on full display as she made her way out of the pool Tantastic! Ferne was seen topping up her tan in the sunshine along with other hotel guests Ferne's holiday comes amid claims she was forced to take her baby on an eight-hour trip to visit her acid attacker ex Arthur Collins in prison, after he asserted his legal right to see his daughter Sunday. The Mirror reports she made the 440 mile round-trip with her five-month-old baby from Essex to maximum security prison Full Sutton, in York, where Collins is serving a 20 year sentence for throwing acid at nightclubbers. Ferne had previously visited Collins at Belmarsh Prison, South-East London when Sunday was two weeks old, telling him he would never see either of them again. Sitting pretty: Ferne looked in high spirits as she rested on a sunlounger by the swimming pool Squat it like its hot! At one point it seemed like Ferne was about to jump into the pool Fun in the sun: Yet Ferne reconsidered in order to focus on topping up her suntan instead Taking a dip: Ferne cooled herself down by sitting on the edge of the pool and resting her feet But it was claimed her ex took legal action to get access to Sunday. A source told the website: 'Ferne sought legal and professional advice, and it was a difficult decision she had to make. 'It has been a bitter pill for her to swallow. But she knows this is what her life will be like now, whether she likes it or not.' MailOnline contacted Ferne's representative for comment at the time. Bum's the word! The mother-of-one's enviably pert posterior was on full display as she clambered onto a sunlounger and rested by the pool edge Abs-olutely fabulous! Ferne flaunted her impeccably toned abs whilst sweeping her golden locks up into a stylish ponytail Whip my hair! Ferne swept her golden locks back and away from her pretty features Bend and snap! Ferne showed off her incredible figure whilst pulling herself out of the water Out and a pout! Ferne posed up a storm as she rested on a lounger by the pool Chest a glimpse! Ferne held onto her ample chest as she worked to avoid a wardrobe malfunction in her skimpy metallic two piece Sun seeker: Ferne was seen adjusting her sunlounger to get into the perfect sun spot Snap happy: The former TOWIE star was seen looking through her phone as she kept herself amused while out at the pool on her own Taking it easy: Ferne propped herself up and scrolled through her phone on the day out Making moves: Ferne looked like a supermodel as she strutted her stuff by the pool edge Collins, 25, was convicted of GBH and ABH against 14 people after he sprayed party-goers with acid following an argument at the Mangle E8 nightclub in east London during the Easter weekend last April. The attack left 22 clubbers hospitalised and scarred for life, with most requiring skin grafts and one recalling the moment she felt her skin 'come off' in court. Ferne has since embraced life as a single mother. Busting out! Ferne struggled to contain her ample assets in the skimpy two-piece bikini Squat it like it's hot: Ferne adjusted her swimwear as she continued tanning herself Read all about it! Ferne looked deep in thought as she stared at her phone screen Turning heads: Ferne looked simply stunning as she chilled out by the pool edge Speaking to Fabulous last year, she admitted the situation surrounding her pregnancy had been 'completely out of her control' - and that she is already concerned about how she will tell her little girl of the attack in the future. Looking back at the horrific incident, she said: 'It's been the most difficult chapter of my life to date and the hardest thing I hope I'll ever have to face. 'It was all completely out of my control. The only thing I can control now is how I raise my daughter.' While Ferne has remained silent about her relationship with Arthur, it was recently claimed she finally feels ready to talk about her devastation in the second series of her reality show, First Time Mum. That's a wrap: Ferne kept her sensational figure partly under wraps with a large towel Shock claim: Ferne's holiday comes amid claims she was forced to take her daughter Sunday, five months on an eight-hour trip to visit her acid attacker ex Arthur Collins in prison Will Ferrell was involved in a serious car accident this week after the SUV he was travelling in flipped over. The accident occurred on I-5 in Orange County, California, on Thursday, April 12, at about 11pm PT. Ferrell, 50, was being driven in an SUV that reportedly flipped when it was side-swiped by another car. Ferrell was seen speaking on the phone while firefighters loaded him into an ambulance to be evaluated by medical professionals. His condition remains unclear, however. Will Ferrell was involved in a serious car accident on Thursday, April 12, 2018, in California According to witnesses on the scene, a woman riding in the same vehicle as Will was injured in the crash. She appeared to be bleeding excessively, the source said. Will was on his way home from a Funny or Die event at which he appeared as Ron Burgundy, a wildly popular character he created for the film Anchorman. So what do you need to know about Will Ferrell? Happy #NationalSiblingsDay! A post shared by Funny Or Die (@funnyordie) on Apr 10, 2018 at 11:15am PDT Who is Will Ferrell? Will Ferrell was born John William Ferrell on July 16, 1967. He's an actor, comedian, producer and writer. Ferrell got his start on Saturday Night Live and has gone on to find great success as an actor. He's appeared in well-known films like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, Old School, Blades of Glory, Daddy's Home and more. Will Ferrell net worth According to Bankrate, Will Ferrell's net worth is $100 million (70.2m). How did Will Ferrell make his money? Will Ferrell has made the majority of his money as an actor, comedian, writer and producer. He's had a very successful career, starring in legendary films like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy, Step Brothers, Old School an the like. Will Ferrell The Office Will Ferrell appeared on a 2011 episode of The Office as DeAngelo Vickers, who was set to take over as the boss of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton, Pennsylvania office. The episode was popular with fans, though some critics felt Ferrell's performance was surprisingly subdued. 'For viewers who were expecting the laugh-out-loud hijinks of Ferrell's Ron Burgundy of Anchorman, they may have been surprised to encounter a more muted, sometimes-mean manager with a penchant for physical humor and odd power displays,' Julie Steinberg of The Wall Street Journal wrote at the time. Will Ferrell accident Few details have been released about the accident Will Ferrell was involved in. The accident occurred on Thursday, April 12, at about 11pm PT. Two cars were involved in the accident. According to TMZ, Ferrell was not driving but being driven when the accident occurred. His vehicle reportedly flipped after it was side-swiped on I-5 in Orange County, California. The condition of the actor and others involved in the accident remains unknown. How many kids does Will Ferrell have? Will Ferrell has three children, all boys. Their names are Magnus Paulin Ferrell, Axel Paulin Ferrell and Mattias Paulin Ferrell. Will Ferrell wife Will Ferrell is married to Viveca Paulin. He's been married to her since 2000. Reboot fever has spread to Netflix as the new series based on the classic sci-fi adventure TV series Lost in Space has just been released. The new Netflix series, starring Toby Stephens and Molly Parker, has generated much attention and will again see the hapless Robinson family stranded on an unknown world fighting for survival. Heres all you need to know about the shows new trailer, when it will be on Netflix, plot, cast reviews and connection to the original TV series and 1998 movie. The much-anticipated new Lost in Space series on Netflix was just released on Friday, April 13 Lost in Space trailer The trailer for Lost in Space was uploaded to YouTube on March 6, 2018 and has since accumulated more than 3.6 million views. When will Lost in Space be on Netflix? The ten episodes of the series were released on Netflix on Friday, April 13, 2018. Lost in Space plot The plot of the new Lost in Space reboot is broadly similar to the original 1960s TV series. The show takes place in the year 2046 and centers on the Robinson family. After their ship experiences a tear in time and space, it crashes onto an uncharted planet light years from their original destination. The family and other colonists are then forced to adapt to the strange new world and try to find a way off the dangerous planet. Lost in Space cast The new series will star Toby Stephens as John Robinson, the expeditions leader, as well as Molly Parker as Maureen Robinson, a highly-regarded engineer. Other cast members include Ignacio Serricchio, Taylor Russell, Mina Sundwall, Maxwell Jenkins and Parker Posey. Lost in Space reviews So far, the series has been met with largely mixed reviews from critics, currently holding a 57 per cent approval rating on Metacritic. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com offered a positive review of the new series, as did Mark A. Perlgard of the Boston Herald, who praised it as an energetic reboot that adheres to the best spirit of the original series. Many reviews, however, offered a very mixed take on the Netflix reboot of the iconic TV series. Rob Owen of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette lamented the dark, sometimes dreary atmosphere of the series and predictable plots while Alan Sepinwall of UPROXX said in his review that theres just not enough there in the story or characters that feels distinctive or compelling enough to keep going. Ken Tucker of Yahoo TV offered a mostly negative take on the series, criticizing it for being dull and lacking in originality. However, the series has received more positive reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, currently holding a 76 per cent approval rating. Many reviews on the site have lauded the series' production values and emotional depth. Connection to TV series and movie The new series is based on the original sci-fi adventure TV series that first aired from 1963 to 1965. A movie based on the original series was also released on April 3, 1998 and starred Gary Oldman, William Hurt and Matt LeBlanc. Jet Li is close to signing on for Disney's live-action Mulan movie. The 54-year-old actor - who is one of China's biggest and most successful international stars - is said to be in finals talks with the studio about playing the Emperor Of China in the much-anticipated remake, The Hollywood Reporter claimed. Although Li - who has previously starred in Lethal Weapon 4, The Legend and Ocean Paradise - is yet to sign a contract with Disney, the studio is well on its way to completing its cast as Gong Li has been confirmed as the movie's villain. He has a big new role: Jet Li, seen in 2016, will sign on for the Mulan movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter Cartoon version: Disney original adapted the myth into a popular animation back in 1998, which followed Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) as she takes her father's spot Donnie Yen was also recently cast as the Commander Tung, a mentor and teacher to Mulan, while Liu Yifei will star in the titular role. The lead part didn't come easy to 30-year-old Yifei though as it's believed a team of casting directors visited five continents and spoke to nearly 1,000 candidates for the role, which required credible martial arts skills and the ability to speak English. Disney original adapted the myth into a popular animation back in 1998, which followed Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) as she takes her father's spot - despite being technically unqualified to serve due to being a woman. The ploit: Impersonating a man, she goes off to train with fellow recruits, accompanied by her dragon Mushu (Eddie Murphy), and Mulan uses her smarts to help ward off a Hun invasion and falls in love with the captain along the way Successful: Li is one of China's biggest stars with as he has previously starred in Lethal Weapon 4, The Legend and Ocean Paradise; seen in 2016 Impersonating a man, she goes off to train with fellow recruits, accompanied by her dragon Mushu (Eddie Murphy), and Mulan uses her smarts to help ward off a Hun invasion and falls in love with the captain along the way. The 1998 animation featured hit songs including 'Reflection' and 'I'll Make a Man Out of You', but filmmaker Caro revealed the new adaptation will not be a musical - unlike the other live-action Disney remakes. Speaking to Moviefone, Caro confirmed: "Yes, from what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children." This beauty will play a bad girl: Gong Li has been confirmed as the movie's villain; seen in 2017 More casting news: Donnie Yen was also recently cast as the Commander Tung, a mentor and teacher to Mulan Sean Bailey, the president of Motion Picture Production at Walt Disney Studios, recently said Caro would be taking a 'very muscular' approach to the tale, and the director confirmed his comments about her plans for the 'girly martial arts epic.' The screenplay is written by Lauren Hynek, Rick Jaffa, Elizabeth Martin, Amanda Silver and produced by Chris Bender, William Kong, Jason Reed, J.C. Spink and Jake Weiner. She's taking some time to herself after a difficult few weeks. And Tori Spelling looked happy to be on a solo adventure as she stopped by a movie theater in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon. The 44-year-old starlet rocked a pair of distressed denim jeans as she whipped a Movie Pass card out of her purse to catch a new feature film. Scroll down for video Entertainment: Tori Spelling looked happy to be on a solo adventure as she stopped by a movie theater in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon Tori's long, platinum blonde hair cascaded down her arms as she covered her shoulders with a lilac-hued kimono top complete with lace detailing. A sheer white tank top was tucked into the top of her ripped jeans, revealing peeks of her ample assets. After rifling around her massive purse, Tori revealed a Movie Pass card - a subscription-based card allowing users to visit the cinema daily. Film fan: The 44-year-old starlet rocked a pair of distressed denim jeans as she whipped a Movie Pass card out of her purse to catch a new feature film Stylish: Tori's long, platinum blonde hair cascaded down her arms as she covered her shoulders with a lilac-hued kimono top complete with lace detailing The mother-of-five was also seen catching up with her agent over lunch at The Commons in Calabasas, Calif. Spelling rocked a vibrant red dress which was hemmed above her knees and hugged her svelte waistline for the meeting. She's recently endured a difficult time in the public eye after police were forced to intervene when she got into a row with her husband Dean McDermott during a family dinner on March 9 in Tarzana, Calif. Los Angeles Police Department deputies could be seen attempting to defuse the incident, which occurred in the presence of all five of the couple's children. Dressed up: The mother-of-five was also seen catching up with her agent over lunch at The Commons in Calabasas, Calif Business casual: Spelling rocked a vibrant red dress which was hemmed above her knees and hugged her svelte waistline for the meeting The incident came just one week after police were first summoned to Dean and Tori's Woodland Hills-area home when Spelling reportedly and called the police, only to find it was her husband returning home. Days later officials were once again called by Dean to check in on Tori during a doctor's appointment after she left the home with at least one of their children. Late last year, the IRS demanded nearly $1m from the daughter of famed producer Aaron Spelling, reportedly draining their bank accounts of 'a large sum' after the two failed to make payments. Tori and Dean - who have been married since 2006 - are also being sued by American Express, who has claimed they have an unpaid bill of nearly $90,000. And in May they were ordered by the LA Superior Court to pay City National Bank over $200,000. Turns out that amount is only half of the loan they took out in 2012. He hasn't been seen on television screens since attending his daughter Abi Branning's funeral in February. However, Max Branning's EastEnders' return date has finally been revealed by Metro as Tuesday 24 April as actor Jake Wood has teased his new 'big' comeback storyline. He said of his character: 'He has a big story coming up this year which Im very excited about as I think its something different. Watch this space.' He's back!: Max Branning's return date has finally been revealed by Metro as Tuesday 24 April as actor Jake Wood has teased his new 'big' comeback storyline The publication claims that the locals are less than pleased to see the shady businessman return to Albert Square, especially after his involvement in James Willmott-Brown's revenge scheme. While the true intentions behind his comeback are shrouded in mystery, considering both his daughters, Lauren and Abi, are no longer in Walford and his reputation is in shatters. Max's final scenes before his brief exit saw him vow to look after his late daughter Abi's newborn premature baby, who he sweetly named after her in honour. Dramatic: Abi tragically passed away in January after she fell from the Queen Vic pub roof with Lauren in an explosive Christmas Day episode Where is he?: Max hasn't been seen on television screens since attending his daughter Abi's funeral in February Abi tragically passed away in January after she fell from the Queen Vic pub roof with Lauren in an explosive Christmas Day episode. The sisters, played by actresses Lorna Fitzgerald and Jacqueline Jossa, were trying to help Max down after his life spiraled out of control. Lauren managed to survive the horror fall, later abandoning Albert Square for good, whereas Abi sustained a brain injury, leaving her brain stem dead, while her baby had to be delivered prematurely in an emergency caesarean. Doting granddad: Max's final scenes before his brief exit saw him vow to look after his late daughter Abi's newborn premature baby, who he sweetly named after her in honour Exit: Lauren managed to survive the horror fall, later abandoning Albert Square for good, whereas Abi sustained a brain injury, leaving her brain stem dead The character's life support was eventually switched off, with the Branning family, including Tanya, making their last appearance together at her funeral in February. Soap watchers will no doubt be pleased to hear that Max will be returning, after they were left concerned over his and grandchild Abi's whereabouts. EastEnders continues on BBC One. She had a scare earlier this month when her nine-month-old daughter had to be rushed to hospital with a neck infection. But it seems that Cally Jane Beech's precious little girl Vienna is feeling much better, as she posed with her swimsuit-clad mother for an adorable Instagram snap on Thursday. The former Love Island star, 26, looked sensational as she flaunted her toned post-baby body in a quirky blue bikini. Mum-and-Daughter time: Cally Jane Beech showed off her incredible figure in a bright blue bikini as she headed to the pool with nine-month-old daughter Vienna The revealing two-piece featured a unique cross-stitch pattern along its edges, and the colourful thread perfectly offset Cally Jane's bright ensemble. Showcasing her ample cleavage, the form-fitting MISSPAP swimwear also ensured that the reality star's toned abs and lithe legs were on full display as she held on carefully to her baby girl. She tied her raven locks back into a tight-bun, and the beauty opted for minimal make-up for the pair's swim session. And pose: Cally Jane has posted a number of sizzling photos where she has showed off her stunning physique and posed with her adorable daughter Highlighting how much she adored her little one, and wanted to make sweet memories with her, Cally Jane wrote in the caption: 'Water babies today with my chicken.' Baby Vienna looked adorable in her bright pink swimsuit, which had a cartoon Giraffe printed on the front. Her already long tresses were brushed over her ears, and a small lock of her hair was tied up to make a cute ponytail on top of her head. Motherhood: Cally Jane and boyfriend Luis Morrison - who met on Love Island in 2015 - welcomed their daughter into the world in May last year The little one adopted a puzzled expression as she calmly sat by her mother's side so that they could take the photo together. Cally Jane and boyfriend Luis Morrison - who met on Love Island in 2015 - welcomed their daughter into the world in May last year. The former reality star has seemingly taken to motherhood like a duck to water, spending her time uploading gushing images of her daughter who has always appeared extremely happy and healthy. Advertisement Gwyneth Paltrow's celebrity friends have joined her in Mexico ahead of a VIP bachelorette party this weekend. The group of 12 women come from all aspects of Gwyneth's life - from childhood pals, to the 'mom friends' she made after the birth of her children, and celebrities including Cameron Diaz and Stella McCartney. The 45-year-old actress was pictured settling in over a rose-fueled lunch with her group on Friday, after they jetted to Los Cabos on a private jet. Party time! Gwyneth Paltrow, centre, is joined by Cameron Diaz and Stella McCartneyas she celebrates her bachelorette with a girls' weekend in Mexico Getting to know you: The 45-year-old actress was pictured settling in with her group on Friday, after they jetted to Los Cabos on a private jet The group stripped off to soak up in the sunshine beside a beach as servers fluttered around them at the luxury resort. It was clear Gwyneth had treated her friends, with the women all wearing matching white robes, embroidered with their initials, white sandals, straw trilbys and carrying the same straw bags. Gwyneth has said that she considers her upcoming wedding to producer Brad Falchuk to be her first, having previously eloped with her ex-husband, Coldplay star Chris Martin. And the Sliding Doors star - who has been dating Brad since 2014 - made sure to enjoy her star-studded bash in Mexico before she gets marriage again. Catching up: he group of 12 women come from all aspects of Gwyneth's life - from childhood pals, to the 'mom friends' she made after the birth of her children, and celebrities including Stella McCartney, who is seen here Robe one! Gwyneth and her pals all donned matching white gowns, embroidered with their initials, to relax in the sunshine Some of Gwyneth's celebrity pals, including the likes of Cameron Diaz and designer Stella McCartney, are expected to attend the party, with Cameron having booked a private jet for 12 guests. Earlier in 2018, Gwyneth admitted that getting married to Brad had made her 'feel like a 21-year-old' again. The Hollywood star - who has daughter Apple, 13, and son Moses, 12, with her ex-husband - said: 'I'm excited about everything! I've never had a wedding before ... So even though I'm 45, I sort of feel like a 21-year-old.' Giddy Gwyneth: The actress previously revealed she was relishing the planning process, saying her friends have become as giddy about the wedding as she has Time for a toast: The group drank rose as they sat at a table together Gwyneth also revealed she was relishing the planning process, saying her friends have become as giddy about the wedding as she has. She shared: 'It's kind of fun to talk about with my girlfriends. They send me pictures of dresses - they're as excited about it as I am.' Arriving in style: The girls were flown to Los Cabos on a private jet Last hurrah: Gwyneth and Brad, 47, announced their engagement in GOOP in January Gwyneth and Brad, 47, announced their engagement in GOOP Magazine in January, following months of speculation about their romance. In a joint statement for the publication - which is owned by Gwyneth - the loved-up couple revealed they felt 'fortunate' to have found each other at the perfect point in their lives. They said: 'We feel incredibly lucky to have come together at this junction in our lives when our collective successes and failures can serve as building blocks for a healthy and happy relationship.' Stylish: With a fashion designer among the group, the event was sure to be stylish Now that's a cabana: The group were not doing things on a budget Nicole Kidman looked ready for fall, not spring, as she shot scenes for Big Little Lies 2 on Friday. The leggy Australian actress was bundled up in a beige coat with a big grey scarf and a blue hat. The shoot is taking place in Sausalito, California, which is just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Brrr: Nicole Kidman looked ready for fall, not spring, as she shot scenes for Big Little Lies 2 on Friday Also at the shoot was star Reese Witherspoon, 42. The Wild actress too was dressed for the cold as they shot a scene by the bay. In one frame, the blonde is seen in a pink and blue checked coat as Nicole has her arm around her. Pals: Also at the shoot was star Reese Witherspoon, 42. The Wild actress too was dressed for the cold as they shot a scene by the bay. In one frame, the blonde is seen in a pink and blue checked coat as Nicole has her arm around her Also present was Shailene Woodley who wore a grey beanie, beige scarf and puffy army green jacket with jeans and sneakers. This comes after Kidman, 50, were spotted on set for the first time with Meryl Streep, 68. The beautiful Hollywood actresses descended on Lovers Point in Monterey, California as they get to work on intriguing scenes for the upcoming HBO series. Reese slipped into her character's pumps with ease as she made a glamorous arrival on Thursday to reprise her role of the fiery, loyal yet stylish mother Madeleine. Coffee break: Also present was Shailene Woodley who wore a grey beanie, beige scarf and puffy army green jacket with jeans and sneakers In Madeleine's typical fashion, Reese pulled off a fuming expression when she left her vehicle. The Legally Blonde star teamed her fuchsia frilled blouse with a pretty floral skirt and pink handbag with a delicate neckerchief tied to the handle. Ahead of filming, the Walk The Line star kept her adrenaline levels up with a hot beverage and a spot of breakfast. Happy ladies: Reese and Nicole played around with a dog on set The Big Little Lies star was delighted to reunite with Nicole, who will reprise her role of school mother and domestic violence victim Celeste. New cast member Meryl will join the star-studded line-up for series two as Mary Louise Wright, the mother of the late Perry (Alexander Skarsgard). The It's Complicated star's character arrives in Monterey, California, looking for answers surrounding the mystery of her son's death. Big Little Lies series one climaxed with the school mums and close friends covering up the murder of Celeste's abusive husband and rapist Perry (Alexander Skarsgard). So serious: Witherspoon had an intense look as she filmed the white dog The series followed the seemingly perfect lives of school mums Madeline, Celeste, Jane (Shailene Woodley) and Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz) in the lead up to the murder. For filming season two, Meryl is transformed into the grandmother character as she can be seen sat confidently in her sophisticated beige mac. Looking for answers about what happened to the late Perry, her character Mary joins the mothers of Monterey for a discussion. And hen there was this: The Wild actress shared a proper photo with the dog Jolly Tense scenes shot on set reveal Reese's Madeleine being probed by Meryl's Mary as they engage in a heated private conversation. Reese and Meryl's characters come to blows aside from the rest of the group during their coffee meet-up. Nicole, who plays Mary's daughter-in-law, is also on the scene and she can be seen whispering to Reese during the intriguing scene. Reese's Madeleine appears to leave the coffee shop meet-up with Nicole's Celeste as the pair are spotted filming a low-key stroll. To ensure they nailed the lines, Reese spent some time practicing her bit as she toted her script while she walked with her co-star. He bravely helped rescue 170 dogs from squalid conditions and certain death during his trip to South Korea in December where he campaigned to end canine farms. And TOWIE star, Pete Wicks, is set to return to the East Asian country, as well as Romania, as he revealed to The Sun that he's even given up meat since his heroic mission. The reality star was reunited with the dogs he rescued in South Korea at All Dogs Matter rehoming centre in London, as he opened up to the publication in a heartwarming video. Brave: Pete Wicks, is set to return to the East Asian country, as well as Romania, as he revealed to The Sun that he's even given up meat since his heroic mission (pictured in Decemeber) He said: 'I will be doing anything I can to use the platform I've got to help as many dogs as possible.' Pete, who even wrote a book called For the Love of Frenchies: The Dogs that Changed My Life - all about his rescue pooches, added: 'Since Korea Ive actually given up eating meat.' 'That's impacted on my life coming back here. I dont think its right to eat meat based on what Ive seen and what Ive been through, so for me it has had a massive life-changing impact,' he continued. Sweet: The reality star was reunited with the dogs he rescued in South Korea at All Dogs Matter rehoming centre in London, as he opened up in a heartwarming video (pictured in Decemeber) The Essex boy, a well-known dog lover, flew to the Far East with Humane Society International to help save canines facing death in the depraved meat factories in December. The animal processing farm in Namyangju is one of an estimated 17,000 dog farms in South Korea that breed more than 2.5 million canines a year, to be devoured at annual dog meat festivals. Dogs are routinely kept in filthy, unsanitary conditions, spending their lives in wire cages with no protection from the elements. Heroic: The Essex boy flew to the Far East with Humane Society International to help save canines facing death in the depraved meat factories (pictured in Decemeber) During his trip, where he investigated the farms and festivals that drive the market, Pete saw mastiffs, spaniels and greyhounds living miserable lives in cages. The kind-hearted star has chosen to bring 13 of the pups home with him, including a beagle, a Korean jindo and a golden retriever. The 'Lucky 13' are due to be adopted in the new year, after they have had thorough health checkups. The remaining 157 will go to the US and Canada, say HSI, to find their forever homes. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has reportedly seen a staggering 60,000% search increase for the term slime ball after President Donald Trump used the term to blast James Comey, the former Director of the FBI, on Twitter. In a series of tweets on the morning of April 13, the President took to Twitter to unleash a broadside against Comey, stating: James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH. 'He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst "botch jobs" of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey! President Donald Trump blasted James Comey as a 'slime ball' on Twitter on Friday, April 13 James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH. He is a weak and..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2018 ....untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2018 The tweets come in the wake of the release of excerpts from Comeys upcoming book A Higher Loyalty, in which the longtime U.S. Department of Justice official harshly criticized Trump as untethered to the truth and even compares the president to a mob boss. Just hours later, Merriam-Webster reported the huge spike in traffic for the term in a tweet of its own, also revealing its definition of it as a morally repulsive or odious person. 'Slimeball' is spiking after the President's statement against James Comey. We define it as a morally repulsive or odious person.https://t.co/XDSx8y13xF Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) April 13, 2018 Its not the first time that the Merriam-Webster dictionary has reacted to one of Trumps tweets. In fact, the dictionary has transformed itself into a fact-checker of sorts, often having a bit of fun at the presidents expense and garnering thousands of new social media followers in the process. What is A Higher Loyalty? A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership is an autobiographical memoir from James Comey, the former FBI Director. Its set to be released on April 17, 2018 by Macmillan Publishers. Comey reportedly began writing the book after being fired by Trump in May 2017. It will reportedly focus on government ethics, leadership and his personal experiences with President Trump. Who is James Comey? James Comey is a Federal official who served as the Director of the FBI from September 4, 2013 until his dismissal by President Donald Trump on May 9, 2017. Comey was born in Yonkers, New York on December 14, 1960. He graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1982, majoring in both chemistry and religion. However, he later attended law school at the University of Chicago, earning his Juris Doctor in 1985. Upon graduating, Comey relocated back to New York, serving as a law clerk for a New York City district judge and later as an associate at the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher law firm. He then joined the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Southern District of New York, working there between 1987 and 1993 and helping to prosecute the infamous Gambino crime family. A new poll says more Americans trust James Comey over President Trump https://t.co/2KsbPx4Pja pic.twitter.com/yIiuOcb2QS Newsweek (@Newsweek) April 13, 2018 Comey later worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1996 to 2001, serving as the lead prosecutor to investigate the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia. He was later tapped by President George W. Bush to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York in January 2002 and was promoted to be the Deputy Attorney General in the Justice Department in December 2003. However, he often clashed with the administration regarding sensitive policy issues like the NSAs domestic wiretapping program and the usage of enhanced interrogation techniques, often referred to as methods of torture by critics. After stepping down from his role as the Deputy Attorney General in August 2005, Comey returned to the private sector, holding various positions at companies and institutions like Lockheed Martin, HSBC and Columbia University. However, he was tapped by President Barack Obama in 2013 to replace Robert Mueller as the Director of the FBI, ultimately being sworn in for the high-profile position in September 2013. The publisher of James Comey's book "A Higher Loyalty" is printing 850,000 copies to meet the expected demand from buyers. It's already guaranteed to be a best-seller based solely on the number of pre-orders. https://t.co/QIx5UVXFNJ pic.twitter.com/cLxpVTWJas CNN (@CNN) April 13, 2018 As Director of the FBI, Comey received international media attention during his investigation of the Hillary Clinton email controversy, ultimately clearing her of any wrongdoing in July 2016 in the midst of the tumultuous 2016 election. However, he briefly reopened the case in the final days of the campaign, causing considerable controversy and being blamed by many Democrats for potentially costing Clinton the election. Comey continued to serve as FBI Director under Donald Trump but was dismissed by the new president on May 9, 2017. He then began writing his new memoir A Higher Calling shortly thereafter, which is reportedly very critical of the current president. Adriana Lima has been on a mission to get into the best shape of her life, even working with UFC pro Amanda Nunes. And on Friday the 36-year-old model - who is ft10in and 135lbs - showed off the results in a bathroom selfie. The raven-haired catwalk queen made her belly the focus as she wore a bra top and Z Supply jogger pants pulled down below her hips. Day 5 for her: Adriana Lima has been on a mission to get into the best shape of her life, even working with UFC pro Amanda Nunes Close up: And on Friday the 36-year-old model showed off the results in a bathroom selfie Lima worked on her sensational figure in Miami. Dressed casually, the brunette beauty, 36, showed off her slender legs in tight black yoga pants. She teamed her sporty look up with a black tank top. The Brazilian beauty kept her long brown tresses messily down and went au naturel. Le look: The raven-haired catwalk queen made her belly the focus as she wore a bra top and leggings pulled down below her hips She's no couch potato: The siren then said she was 'ropping' Sensational: The Victoria's Secret Angel took to Instagram on Thursday as well She also shared a clip where she was singing in her car. 'I just love this song,' said Adriana. 'This is how I drive to the gym. Loud music. Enjoying myself.' The natural beauty proceeded to stick out her tongue and sing along to What A Feeling from the movie Flashdance. The 5ft 10in beauty has been a Victoria's Secret Angel since 1999 and has walked in 18 Victoria's Secret Fashions Shows. Carpool karaoke: The stunner sang along to What A Feeling from the movie Flashdance in a series of fun videos she shared on her Instagram Story And just last year, she was named 'the most valuable Victoria's Secret Angel'. Last month she told People that she wouldn't retire from the brand until her 20th VS Fashion Show but was realistic about her age being a factor in her decision. 'I plan to be at 20. Two more years. Maybe more, I dont know,' she said. 'Its nature. I'm working out, Im being healthy, so lets see how the body is going to turn out. But I enjoy it. So lets say 20.' Lima has two children, Valentina and Sienna, with ex husband Marko Jaric. BRIAN VINER: All films fall broadly into one of three categories: they are either more than, equal to, or less than the sum of their parts. Stillwater belongs squarely in that third group. Taylor Swift's take on Earth, Wind & Fire's September, released on Spotify on Friday, fell flat with fans. The pop star was ripped to shreds online for taking the hit 1978 song and stripping it of it's funky rhythms, instead delivering a folk-sounding version of the classic. Twitter user Michael Arceneaux said of the song: 'If you were curious to hear what unseasoned boiled chicken breast sounded like in a song, take a listen to Taylor Swift cover Earth, Wind & Fire.' Taylor Swift is under fire after releasing her take on Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 single, September Another user joked: 'Do you rememba ... when taylor swift wrote an open letter about how much she hated spotify and now she's releasing live covers of songs exclusively to their platform?' Check out some of the best reactions to Taylor Swift's controversial cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's September. Who is Earth, Wind & Fire? Earth, Wind & Fire is a multi-genre encapsulating musical group that got their start in the 1970s. They were founded in Chicago, Illinois, by Maurice White. Other members included Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Fred White, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKay and Andrew Woolfolk. Earth, Wind & Fire has been nominated for 20 Grammy Awards and won six as a group. Maurice White and Bailey have also won their own Grammys. Their more popular songs include September, That's the Way of the World, Love Music, Let's Groove and Shining Star. Taylor Swift new song Taylor Swift released two songs with Spotify. One is a stripped-down version of her own song, called Delicate, and the other is a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's September. Social media reactions to Taylor Swift's Earth, Wind & Fire cover How can I not be a "white apologist" when Taylor Swift is covering Earth Wind & Fire songs? Rory (@thisisrory) April 13, 2018 Y'all have to stop saying Taylor Swift "covered" anything. She did bad karaoke. Let's move on. Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) April 13, 2018 Trump is sending signals that lying to the FBI is cool, Rosenstein is closer to being fired and America is on the verge of war, but somehow Taylor Swift's cover of September is still the worst thing that happened today. Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) April 13, 2018 Ba de yaaaaaaa Say do you remember Ba de yaaaaaa Dancing in September Ba de yaaaaa Never was a cloudy daaaaaaay -Taylor Swift pic.twitter.com/nwgMw65erc Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) April 13, 2018 Taylor Swift: Do you remember the 28th night of September? Me: pic.twitter.com/I5YljpJK2n Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) April 13, 2018 Taylor Swift covered "September"? pic.twitter.com/eOi7m3ITpL BUM CHILLUPS (@edsbs) April 13, 2018 Theres no doubt in my mind that Taylor Swift puts raisins in her potato salad. https://t.co/IX6MEYaUj2 Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) April 13, 2018 That Taylor Swift cover of "September" sounds like housing discrimination Zito (@_Zeets) April 13, 2018 As if Taylor Swift having a career wasnt an act of terrorism already, she really covered September by Earth, Wind & Fire. Maurice White is rolling in his grave. (@callmedollar) April 13, 2018 angry about taylor swifts september cover? fear not for i have a stunningly elegant and creative solution! step 1: dont listen to it step 2: continue to not listen to it step 3: repeat leading sessioner prosecutor (@kohesivekloss) April 13, 2018 Black twitter cares more about hating Taylor Swift for breathing and doing cover songs than supporting other black artists Princess of Meowtown (@KimmyGolightly1) April 13, 2018 Taylor Swift net worth According to Bankrate, Taylor Swift's net worth is $280 million (196.5m). Advertisement Gwyneth Paltrow's celebrity friends have joined her in Mexico for her VIP bachelorette party this weekend. And after jetting in a a private jet, the girls wasted no time getting stuck into the rose, bonding over a lunch on the white sands of the luxury Four Seasons resort Costa Palmas in Los Cabos. While Gwyneth is known for her clean-living lifestyle, it seems even the Goop founder made an exception for her hen do, with a waiter seen topping up glasses of wine as the friends sat together. After lunch, it was bikini time, with Gwyneth sharing a picture of herself in a blue two-piece, captioned: '#costapalmas #henweekend.' Party time! Gwyneth Paltrow strips to her bikini for 'hen weekend' with BFFS Cameron Diaz and Stella McCartney... as the girls get stuck into the rose Mrs Brad Falchuk-to-be was certainly looking her best as she posed in the snap, presumably taken by one of the 45-year-old's 12 female BFFS. The group of women come from all aspects of Gwyneth's life - from childhood pals, to the 'mom friends' she made after the birth of her children, and celebrities including Cameron Diaz and Stella McCartney. The actress was pictured settling into the luxury resort on Friday, after the group arrived earlier in the day. Party time! Gwyneth Paltrow, centre, is joined by Cameron Diaz and Stella McCartney as she celebrates her bachelorette with a girls' weekend in Mexico Time for a toast: The group drank rose as they sat at a table together Getting to know you: The 45-year-old actress was pictured settling in with her group on Friday, after they jetted to Los Cabos on a private jet The girls stripped off to soak up in the sunshine beside a beach as servers fluttered around them at the resort. It was clear Gwyneth had treated her friends, with the women all wearing matching white robes, embroidered with their initials, white sandals, straw trilbys and carrying the same straw bags. And the location had obviously been carefully picked by Gwyneth, who as Goop-readers will know, makes no secret of her love of luxury. Only open a year, the 1000-acre private beachfront resort community boasts two miles of deserted white sands, upon which nestle private villas worthy of the A-list. While the resort's more modest rooms start at around $700, private oceanfront 5-bedroom villas cost up to $7,000 a night. Pure luxury: Gwyneth is spending her hen do at the incredibly upmarket Costa Palmas, part of the Four Seasons family Single days be gone: While the resort's more modest rooms start at around $700, private oceanfront villas cost $7,000 a night A Goop view of paradise: Gwyneth is not known for being thrifty, and likes the expensive things in life The perfect place to wedding prep: Gwyneth and Brad, 47, announced their engagement in GOOP Magazine in January Still, Gwyneth isn't known for economizing. And the bride-to-be has said that she considers her upcoming wedding to producer Falchuk to be her first, having previously eloped with her ex-husband, Coldplay star Chris Martin. The Sliding Doors star - who has been dating Brad since 2014 - admitted that planning her wedding with Brad made her 'feel like a 21-year-old' again. Catching up: he group of 12 women come from all aspects of Gwyneth's life - from childhood pals, to the 'mom friends' she made after the birth of her children, and celebrities including Stella McCartney, who is seen here Robe one! Gwyneth and her pals all donned matching white gowns, embroidered with their initials, to relax in the sunshine Giddy Gwyneth: The actress previously revealed she was relishing the planning process, saying her friends have become as giddy about the wedding as she has The Hollywood star - who has daughter Apple, 13, and son Moses, 12, with her ex-husband - said: 'I'm excited about everything! I've never had a wedding before ... So even though I'm 45, I sort of feel like a 21-year-old.' Gwyneth also revealed she was relishing the planning process, saying her friends have become as giddy about the wedding as she has. She shared: 'It's kind of fun to talk about with my girlfriends. They send me pictures of dresses - they're as excited about it as I am.' Stylish: With a fashion designer among the group, the event was sure to be stylish Arriving in style: The girls were flown to Los Cabos on a private jet Last hurrah: Gwyneth and Brad, 47, announced their engagement in GOOP in January Gwyneth and Brad, 47, announced their engagement in GOOP Magazine in January, following months of speculation about their romance. In a joint statement for the publication - which is owned by Gwyneth - the loved-up couple revealed they felt 'fortunate' to have found each other at the perfect point in their lives. They said: 'We feel incredibly lucky to have come together at this junction in our lives when our collective successes and failures can serve as building blocks for a healthy and happy relationship.' Now that's a cabana: The group were not doing things on a budget Britain's Got Talent is coming back for series 12 and it's going to be big. While no one ever really knows what to expect from this popular ITV competition series, one thing's for sure there's going to be some major talent gracing the Britain's Got Talent stage. Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon will return to judge the acts during several weeks of grueling competition. Meanwhile, Declan Donnelly will likely be doing his best to keep the energy up and the audience engaged without partner Ant McPartlin, who's bowed out of appearances following a drunk driving arrest. Britain's Got Talent is due to return for its 12th series on Saturday, April 14, 2018 on ITV Want to know what to expect when Britain's Got Talent Returns? Here's the scoop. When does Britain's Got Talent start? Britain's Got Talent starts Saturday, April 14, 2018 on ITV at 8pm GMT. Acts to watch out for on Britain's Got Talent 2018 According to Telly Mix, there are a few acts appearing in series 12 of Britain's Got Talent that are sure to get viewers talking. Amanda Holden, one of the show's judges, told the outlet viewers should be on the look out for an act involving plate smashing. She recalled: 'This poor guy was on stage and we could see that he has plates lined up and he was playing Greek music. All of a sudden David gets on the stage and so I said to Alesha, "Do you know what? Let's get on the stage as well." 'It turned into the end of Bugsy Malone, where they have splurge guns except we were using crockery! It was carnage, there was water everywhere, I threw peanuts, Simon threw mugs, it was an absolute mess at the end. I turned to the right and saw the exec with her hands on her hips staring at us like a headmistress. I went hot and was like, "Oh God, we're going to get done!"' That's not the only wild act to come in series 12 of Britain's Got Talent. Amanda teased an appearance from a DJ called DJ Murray Mint, which she said 'went mental as well'. 'A cheese board came out! I ate a piece of cheese, I mean, that's shocking in itself! I only ever eat avocado and spinach! 'He was a DJ with cheesy songs and we all did the routines and got into the vibe. When we get to let our hair down it's phenomenal. The fact we're all up for it and game for a laugh, we don't care if our outfits get messed up or we break a nail, I mean, Alesha and I like to look good but we're not girl girls, we want to have fun and oh my God, we all had fun.' Here are some other incredible acts that are expected to go far in the competition. Hollie Booth You'll want to keep the tissues on hand, as Britain's Got Talent will have you sobbing again when Hollie Booth, 13, a victim of the Manchester bombing, takes the stage with a group of friends who perform a dance routine. 'God only knows how she dealt with that at her age, the affect it must still have,' Alesha Dixon said. 'The fact that she got together with a bunch of friends and did something, more than just an act, it was a statement. It showed that the cowards can't win and that she overcame it. 'I thought it was respectful, it was one of those moments I will never, ever forget. To come back in front of a theater, and think about that for a moment after everything she's been through - and in Manchester - you just have to go, "Respect." I saw the friendship and their bond. I was so happy that they trusted us enough to come on our show. It was a good thing. 'It was one of those moments where everyone is humbled. Id never experienced anything quite like it actually. I was trying so hard, obviously we were moved to tears, but I tried to keep it together, by the end we were smiling and happy crying. Ive never experienced that on the show Diversity Juniors aka DWJ As you may have guessed by the name, DVJ is a dance troupe that was put together by Diversity star Ashley Banjo. Diversity won the competition in 2009 and their junior counterparts impressed the judges too. Aleshe Dixon even said they're as good as the originals! She told Radio Times: 'We are spoilt for talent in the dance category this year; there are quite a few that I was pretty close to pushing my golden buzzer for. Then out came Diversity Juniors and knocked it out of the park. Simon said they werent as good as the original Diversity, but Id actually argue that the talent in that group is as good as Diversity when they first auditioned on the show.' What an amazing day performing at The London taxi drivers fund for underprivileged children Here we are performing for a great cause pic.twitter.com/5DNfZh2Kxt Dancework Juniors (@DW_Juniors) January 22, 2017 B Positive choir B Positive performed at last year's MOBO Awards, having been created by MOBO and the NHS as a way of raising awareness and driving new registrations of much-needed blood donors. The choir is comprised of people who live with sickle cell disease and their families. Amanda revealed their audition is going to tug at viewers' heart strings. 'It was very dramatic for me; the National Health Service has had a massive impact on my family. I champion them all the time. I did hemorrhage so blood donors saved my life. So when this choir came on wanting to raise awareness, specifically about getting more Afro-Caribbean people to donate their blood, I found it really emotional and thought what an amazing way it was to raise awareness of sickle cell and donating blood in general.' When is the Britain's Got Talent 2018 grand finale? The Britain's Got Talent Series 12 grand finale will likely fall in the final week of May or the beginning of June. ITV has not yet confirmed. Is Ant McPartlin on Britain's Got Talent? Ant McPartlin likely will not return to Britain's Got Talent for series 12. In a statement from his publicist, released to The Sun, he revealed that he would be sitting out TV commitments for the 'foreseeable future' while seeking treatment for alcoholism. Britain's Got Talent winner 2017 Tokio Myers, a pianist, won Britain's Got Talent in 2017. The 32-year-old beat Issy Simpson, a child magician, and Daliso Chaponda, a comedian, in the public vote. Tokio won the 250,000 ($355,986) prize and scored an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance. He has proved his dedication to the movie scene after his dramatic transformations for the villainous Bane in Batman and gang leader Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders. And Tom Hardy was the spitting image of Al Capone as he makes the grisly transformation for mugshots released to promote the biopic Chasing Fonzo. New eerie mugshots capture the 40-year-old actor's astonishing transformation into one of the most terrifying crime bosses and American mobsters in 1920s and 1930s. Terrifying: Tom Hardy (left) was the spitting image of Al Capone (right) as chilling mugshots showed the 40-year-old's actors grisly transformation for biopic Worlds away from his handsome self, Tom dons a stern expression which bares a strong similarity to the police department pictures taken of the criminal himself. Determined to capture the likeness of the mobster, the Hollywood hunk donned a scraggly wig as well as prosthetics and shaved his head for his latest part. For the mugshots released to promote the biopic, The Revenant star displayed his broad shoulders in a pinstriped blazer jacket and matching tie. The Josh Trunk movie will document the life of one of the most feared gangsters in America Al Capone who battled dementia at the age of 47. Double take: Worlds away from his handsome self, Tom dons a stern expression which bares a strong similarity to the police department pictures taken of the criminal himself According to production notes, the story will show how 'his past becomes present as harrowing memories of his violent and brutal origins melt into his waking life'. On Wednesday, Tom took fans behind the scenes when he revealed the extent of his make-over on Instagram. The Wuthering Heights hunk shared snaps of himself dressed up as the American mobster after what must have been hours in the hair and make-up department. He captioned one shot: 'Mega awkward character misstep', before posing with the people behind his transformation and lauding: 'Audrey and Jay Make up legends'. Who's that guy? Tom Hardy revealed the transformation he has undertaken to play Al Capone as he shared snaps of his incredible make-over behind the scenes of biopic, Chasing Fonzo Usual style: For the project, Tom had to once again alter his appearance, however, he claimed it wouldn't be as drastic as his muscular roles Look familiar? Taking to Instagram on Wednesday after what must have been hours in make-up department, the 40-year-old actor (right) snapped selfies dressed as Al Capone (left) The Dark Knight Rises star, who beefed up considerably to play Bane in the Batman film and MMA fight Tommy Conlon in Warrior, previously spoke about his fears for his health now he's 40. For the project, Tom had to once again alter his appearance, however, he claimed it wouldn't be as drastic as his muscular roles. The Taboo star previously told the Daily Beast: 'It's not the classic Al Capone that you necessarily envision with the silhouette. I don't want to give too much away about it, but there's definitely a transformation with that role. 'I don't know if it's as drastic as Bane. I've probably damaged my body too much. I'm only little! 'If I keep putting on weight I'll collapse like a house of cards under too much pressure.' In character: Tom looked virtually unrecognisable in the images, with a scraggly wig on and prosthetics to drastically alter his appearance The star added that he has aches and pains in places that he shouldn't and admitted he now struggles lifting his children Louis, nine, and the two-year-old he shares with wife Charlotte Riley. According to iMDB, the Academy Award nominee was once slated to play the role of Capone in a David Yates-directed movie called Cicero, but the film never materialized. Whilst Tom is currently busy playing Capone, he recently teased fans he was set to step into Daniel Craig's role of James Bond. Behind the scenes: Tom also posed with the people behind his transformation and lauding: 'Audrey and Jay Make up legends' Wading in on an April Fools' joke that Daniel had sensationally had pulled out of the next 007 movie, the actor told his followers he was already in his 'tux and on the runway'. Sharing a snap of an article saying the Batman star was cast to replace Daniel, he wrote: 'Dammit I was in my tux and on the runway Gtg no drama GB RTB headed back to NOLA stood down 19.' The Taboo star has made no secret about wanting to be the next 007 but has previously refused to talk about the part in fear it will get him blacklisted. It was recently revealed Declan Donnelly will host the Britain's Got Talent live shows alone, following Ant McPartlin's drink drive charge and subsequent admission to rehab. And head judge Simon Cowell has shown his support for the embattled presenter, as he acknowledged Ant's attempt to tackle his demons, according to The Sun. In the candid discussion, the 58-year-old music mogul admitted: 'The most important thing is hes manned up, hes going to get himself back together. And the show goes on, its as simple as that.' Backing up: Britain's Got Talent's head judge Simon Cowell has shown his support for Ant McPartlin following his drink drive arrest, according to The Sun Speaking on their relationship, the X Factor creator continued: 'Weve known each other a long time, and you stand by the people you work with over the years, for the obvious reasons.' 'We always stand by our friends. Were all human.' Simon was not the only judge to reveal their support for Ant, as David Walliams has said he can relate to the 42-year-old's anguish as his struggles play out in public, as the judge dealt with his father's death under the scrutiny of fans. Troubled: It was recently revealed Declan Donnelly will host the Britain's Got Talent live shows alone, following Ant McPartlin's drink drive charge and subsequent admission to rehab Support: The 58-year-old music mogul said: 'We always stand by our friends. Were all human.' (pictured January 2010) He told The Mirror: 'Ant and Dec are incredibly relatable and recognisable and the hard thing when you're well-known is that when things go awry in your life, it gets played out in public. 'I remember when my father was dying, I was on the phone to him and people were coming up for selfies.' 'It's hard as they want you to be smiley and happy but you're going through something that's causing you pain.' David and Simon will be joined by Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden for the 12th season, set to return to screens on Saturday. This comes as it was revealed Dec will host the live shows alone, as Ant steps down from his TV commitments. A spokesman for ITV said: 'Declan Donnelly will host Britains Got Talent live shows on his own while Ant McPartlin steps down from his TV commitments for now.' Ant stepped down from his presenting commitments when he was charged with drink-driving earlier this month following a three car crash. Candid: David Walliams has said he can relate to Ant's anguish as his struggles play out in public, as the BGT judge dealt with his father's death under the scrutiny of fans Iconic duo: A spokesman for ITV said: 'Declan Donnelly will host Britains Got Talent live shows on his own while Ant McPartlin (L) steps down from his TV commitments for now' The television personality was twice the legal limit when he was arrested for drink driving after a car crash, according to police. The troubled television presenter's breathalyser reading was 75mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. The TV presenter, who has been a part of duo Ant and Dec for nearly 30 years, was due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with the offence. But the hearing was adjourned to April 16, a spokeswoman for the court said. The Queensland government is being urged to address the state's ballooning public workforce as it swells to its biggest size ever. Figures released by Annastacia Palaszczuk's government on Thursday show taxpayers are now supporting 218,957 bureaucrats and frontline services employees. The public sector, which equals almost the population of Townsville is up from 201,409 in March 2015. Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland spokesman Dan Petrie urged the government to move quickly, saying the current rate of public service growth was unsustainable. "It's a medium-term problem so therefore if it's not addressed now it is something they would have to address within the term of parliament," he told reporters on Thursday. The Liberal National Party opposition has criticised Labor in the past for adding more people to its payroll, and went on the attack again on Thursday. LNP leader Deb Frecklington said the staff blowout had created inefficiencies in the health and public transport system, but refused to say how she would deal with the matter if she were in office. She went so far as to say those services significantly improved when the LNP sacked 14,000 people during its last term in government, a decision which contributed to the party's 2015 electoral loss. Deputy Premier Jackie Trad defended the recruitment, saying frontline services had increased in line with population growth. A search is continuing for a man who choked a woman with a cable bike lock in the yard of a Sydney unit block. The 27-year-old woman was followed at the Ashfield property on Wednesday night before a man wrapped the cable around her neck and pushed her to the ground. A man and woman who were sitting in a parked car heard screams and intervened before the semi-conscious victim was taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Acting Superintendent Andrew Graham on Thursday said the "frightening" attack was believed to be random. Police have called for more witnesses and anyone with CCTV to come forward. Cyberbullying reports are on the rise. The eSafety Commissioner has investigated more than 31,000 complaints of illegal and offensive online content over the last three years, new figures have revealed. Since last June there have been 264 complaints to the commissioner, a 28 per cent jump on the same period last year. The figures have been released as Australia's education ministers prepare to meet in Adelaide on Friday where harassment in schools will be a focal point. State and territory ministers are expected to bring anti-bullying strategies to the table that have made a difference for their students. Federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said having somewhere to turn was part of the reason for the increase in bullying complaints. "As well as more people being willing to call out bad behaviour online," he said. While anti-bullying efforts are being made in schools, Education Minister Simon Birmingham said there needed to be a broader effort. "It's not just schools and teachers that have a role but also parents and families who need to be armed with resources and information so they can help children being bullied," he said. Legislation is currently before parliament that would see individuals fined up to $105,000 for sharing revenge porn images online, while the eSafety Commissioner was granted power to issue "removal notices" for perpetrators, social media providers and websites that post the images. ESAFETY COMMISSIONER FIGURES: * 264 cyberbullying complaints June 2017-April 2018 * 206 cyberbullying complaints June 2016-April 2017 * 757 cyberbullying complaints since July 2015 inception * 31,374 illegal and offensive content investigations since July 2015 * 383,497 online safety presentations since July 2015 Federal minister Christopher Pyne will learn on Friday whether his seat of Sturt will be recommended for abolition, sparking a battle with Liberal colleagues. South Australia is due to lose one seat, going from 11 to 10, because its share of the national population is slowing. The ACT and Victoria will each gain a seat, taking the total number of MPs in the House of Representatives to 151. Labor has proposed to the Australian Electoral Commission - which will finalise the new boundaries in July - that there be three rural and seven metropolitan seats in SA. The seat of Adelaide should be the "keystone" with boundary changes to its eastern and western edges, while Sturt would be absorbed into neighbouring seats to its north, west and south, the party argued. However, the Liberal Party said Adelaide, which is held by the retiring Labor MP Kate Ellis, should be absorbed into its surrounding seats. The Australian newspaper reported last year Mr Pyne had told SA party colleagues he would seek to stand in Boothby, held by first-term Liberal MP Nicolle Flint, if Sturt was abolished. Mr Pyne, who is on his way to the United States for two days of defence talks, was first elected to parliament in 1993 and holds Sturt with a margin of just under six per cent. The AEC needs to take into account not only the population of electorates but communities of interest, means of travel and physical features in redrawing boundaries. A gun found in bushland next to a burning stolen car could be linked to the murder of NSW career criminal Nathan Costello. The 33-year-old was shot outside his home at Unanderra, in Wollongong, on Valentine's Day. On Monday afternoon, police were called to another shooting in nearby Berkeley after a shot was fired from inside a stolen Toyota RAV4. The vehicle was later found alight and police searched surrounding bushland, uncovering the gun. Police are now testing the weapon to determine whether it's linked to Costello's murder, which detectives believe was targeted. Victoria says the federal government is trying to blackmail it into agreeing to a dud health funding deal by cutting it out of negotiations. The Andrews Labor government says a proposed arrangement by the Turnbull coalition government, which caps service funding increases, would cheat the rapidly-growing state of $2.1 billion over five years. State Health Minister Jill Hennessy is refusing to sign on to a preliminary agreement because Victoria says it is still owed $104 million in funding from 2015-16. Further inflaming the situation is a letter sent by federal counterpart Greg Hunt earlier this week which bypassed her and went directly to public hospital bosses trying to spruik the deal. "This shows once again you can't trust Malcolm Turnbull when it comes to health," Ms Hennessy said in a statement. "He has attempted to deceive our hospitals - he has refused to pay funding our hospitals are owed and now he is trying to exclude Victorians from negotiations on a new health deal that could see Victorian hospitals short-changed $2.1 billion." The country's health ministers are meeting for a Council of Australian Governments meeting in Sydney on Friday. It is understood the West Australian government is also unhappy with the proposed funding arrangement. Network Ten is still fending off false claims its Shark Tank stars have endorsed a bitcoin trading platform that has been reported to federal authorities. The claims were carried in a fake story saying Shark Tank investor and Boost Juice founder Janine Allis profited from the platform "within 3 minutes" of it being presented on an episode of the show. It also falsely claimed fellow Shark Tank investor and entrepreneur Steve Baxter bid $2.5 million for a 20 per cent share of the business. The item, with false quotes, first appeared in early March and Baxter and Allis both posted warnings on their personal Twitter accounts denying the claims. The platform never appeared on Shark Tank, nor do its stars endorse it. But despite the warnings another version of the claims appeared on Twitter last week, and an advertisement appeared this week on the front page of the Brisbane Times website owned by Fairfax Media. A Brisbane Times spokesman said the ad was generated by a third party and "was inadvertently served on the site. As soon as it was identified as being illegitimate, it was removed". Queensland Police have not received any complaints but two Victorians made complaints to the federal Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network. The Shark Tank investors and Ten have continually warned the public about the claims. "Network Ten is aware of the recent internet scam incorrectly advertising the Sharks from Shark Tank endorsing Bitcoin Trader," the Ten spokesman said. "The ad is completely false and misleading. Network Ten has ensured that all Shark Tank social media sites, the official website and tenplay exhibit clear warnings cautioning viewers and potential consumers of the scam." Baxter has a pinned tweet on his Twitter page which has been retweeted by Allis. "SCAM ALERT. None of us invested nor endorse. Thanks to those sending it to us. Please retweet as much as you can if possible. The people running the scam are lower than snakes bums," Baxter tweeted. The ACCC's Scamwatch received 1289 bitcoin-related scam reports in 2017 with reported losses of more than $1.2 million. A weekly round-up of news affecting your health CHIROPRACTORS Chiropractors attract up to six times more complaints than physiotherapists, according to new research. However it was a small number of practitioners who accounted for the bulk of the complaints. A University of Melbourne study, published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, analysed all formal complaints about registered chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists in Australia between 2011 to 2016. The overall complaint rate for the three professions was eight per 1000 practice years. The chiropractors' rate (29) was three times higher than osteopaths (10) and six times higher than physiotherapists (5). But most chiropractors had no complaints, just 1.3 per cent faced more than one complaint and accounted for almost 36 per cent of the profession's total complaints. "Clearly the small group of practitioners who are the subject of more than one complaint (70 out of 5450) are having a significant impact on the complaints rate for chiropractors," said lead author Dr Anna Ryan. "Understanding more about this group so that they can be helped to meet their regulatory obligations appears to be a key first step in responding to these data," said Dr Ryan. LUNG DISEASE A major study has found controlling asthma through appropriate monitoring and medication is among several variables that can affect whether someone develops chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in later life. The University of Melbourne-led study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, was the world's first to characterise lung function trajectories that could lead to COPD in a large general population from early childhood into the sixth decade. The researchers identified six trajectories. Of the six, three led to COPD, which is a range of conditions that impair breathing, such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. The study found that later COPD risk could be minimised if immunisation was encouraged, if mothers did not smoke and if their children did not smoke when they got older, especially if they had smoking parents or low childhood lung function. "Personal smoking might amplify the effect of maternal smoking and adult asthma might amplify the effect of childhood asthma to determine membership of the worst lung function trajectory," said lead author Professor Shyamali Dharmage. Professor Dharmage said the findings suggest that if study participants did not smoke and controlled their asthma as an adult, they could possibly reduce the impact of what had happened as a child. "Clinicians and patients with asthma should be made aware of the potential long-term implications of non-optimal asthma control for lung function trajectory throughout life, and this should be investigated in future intervention trials," he said. EXERCISE Keeping fit, even if you're born with a high genetic risk for heart disease, still works to keep your heart healthy, according to a study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Researchers examined data collected from nearly a half-million people in the UK Biobank database. They found that people with higher levels of grip strength, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness had reduced risks of heart attacks and stroke, even if they had a genetic predisposition for heart disease. "People should not just give up on exercise because they have a high genetic risk for heart disease," said Erik Ingelsson, a professor of cardiovascular medicine. "And vice versa: Even if you have a low genetic risk, you should still get exercise. It all ties back to what we have known all along: It's a mix of genes and environment that influence health," he said. The Victorian premier has denied there is a crisis in the courts system after the widow of a magistrate who died last month spoke of the pressures of the job and its "unrelenting workload". Jo Duncan, the widow of magistrate Stephen Myall, said magistrates are working under increasing workloads, with her husband sometimes overseeing more than 90 mentions a day. Premier Daniel Andrews told ABC radio on Friday the system had challenges but denied it was a crisis, and said the government would "seek to do more" to respond to them in next month's state budget. You might have missed it, but the federal election campaign started this week. We still don't know whether the actual date is four months or a year away, but the faux campaign is already on. There was no big launch, just a big whack of money for Victoria and Queensland. Malcolm Turnbull's Victorian MPs have been urging him to campaign more in Melbourne because the "prime minister for Sydney" tag was starting to sting. So on Thursday the biggest infrastructure investment in the upcoming budget was revealed, almost 60 years in the making; a $5 billion commitment to build Melbourne's airport rail, the long-awaited line first planned in the 1960s. "The decision has to be made, leadership has to be shown, money has to be invested," Turnbull told reporters at Melbourne Airport. Then a quick visit to the Latrobe Valley, home of the shuttered Hazelwood coal-fired power station, where Turnbull announced a $500 million plan to turn brown coal into hydrogen. The liquefied hydrogen will be exported to Japan. It's a project that keeps the coal lobby in Turnbull's party room happy, while creating the tech jobs he wants. The prime minister also splashed $1 billion to upgrade the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. They are all agenda-setting projects; singular investments coalition MPs and candidates can point to when they door knock, go on local radio, or bump into punters at a sausage sizzle. State governments can do the hard systemic things, like removing multiple level crossings, or methodically fixing local roads. If money is coming from Canberra, the government wants a big plaque on a big project. The May budget will be the coalition's final one before the election, setting up the policies it thinks will win seats in each state. The spending is the start of the campaign in Victoria, where the coalition needs to defend the seats it won in 2016, as boundary redistributions have favoured Labor. It was the only state where the Liberals won seats off the opposition in 2016 - everywhere else they went backwards. Tasmania went back to Labor at the last election, but the strong Liberal vote in March's state election gives Turnbull hope in Bass and Braddon, which have been revolving doors for MPs for two decades. The South Australian redistribution appears to have made things tougher for Labor and the coalition will be a chance to win back Mayo from Nick Xenophon's renamed team. But Bill Shorten is campaigning hard in Queensland, where the coalition has 21 of the 30 available seats. The Labor leader has made multiple trips to the state's north, where he believes he can snatch some seats, struggling after the end of the mining boom. And he's just spent a week in Western Australia, where the Liberals hold 13 of the 16 seats. Both sides are promising to compensate WA for its share of the GST, which slipped dramatically during the mining boom and hasn't come back up since. Labor is going after the Liberal power bases, while hoping the redistributions in Victoria will make the campaign there easier. Meanwhile, NSW is the same as ever, with a sprawling mass of suburban Sydney seats it will take trench warfare to win. The expected poll date could be 12 months away, or as early as August 4. It all depends on whether Turnbull, who heads to the UK and Europe in the coming week for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting and leader talks, is facing a leadership challenge. If he is, some Liberals believe he will visit the governor-general and call a snap election - MPs will have to ride with him or die with him. The election trigger is a sword Turnbull holds over the malcontents in his party, and that threat may mean he can push the election out until next year. Both parties have got a move on with their candidate selection, and all the boundary redistributions will be finalised by July. All that's left now is the date. Premier Daniel Andrews has defended a government pledge of $50 million to a pilot project to turn brown coal from Victoria's Latrobe Valley into hydrogen for export to Japan. The Australian and Victorian governments have each pledged $50 million to the groundbreaking $496 million project, with the hydrogen to be used to power cars and homes in Tokyo. "It's a trial; it may work, it may not work," Mr Andrews told ABC radio on Friday. "If you prove the concept, and you've got a pretty well unlimited resource down there in the Latrobe Valley, then it's something that's worth trying." Rock fishers could be slapped with a $100 on-the-spot fine if caught not wearing a life jacket under a new opt-in law being offered to councils along the NSW coast. Around 800 rock fishers were caught without life jackets during the 12-month trial at Sydney's Randwick City Council beaches, which ended in November lasy year. More than 150 people died while rock fishing in Australia in the 13 years to 2017 with slippery surfaces and waves being a major contributing factor, according to data from Surf Life Saving Australia. The NSW government wants more councils to take up the law from June 1 to improve rock fishing safety. Coastal councils that adopt the opt-in law will also get up to $30,000 to spend on educating the public about the dangers of rock fishing with training, workshops and signage at local beaches. NSW Surf Life Saving CEO Steven Pearce welcomed the move as an important step in changing behaviour towards wearing life jackets and making rock fishing safer. "In so many of these incidents, a tragedy could well have been averted if the rock fisher had been wearing a simple flotation device," Mr Pearce said in a statement on Friday. Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said while many rock fishers do wear life-saving jackets, they do not meet Australian standards and were more suitable for boating. "Rock fishers say they need to be agile when they're on the rocks for casting and agility," Mr Blair told reporters on Friday. The Roads and Maritime Services will be looking at how to improve lifejackets for rock fishers. In the meantime, rock fishers will need to wear an Australian Standard 4758 life jacket with a buoyancy of at least 50S for adults and a level 100 for children under 12 years at those beaches that have taken up the Rock Fishing Safety Act (2016). Convicted drug mule Cassie Sainsbury has issued a warning for potential drug runners to think about the consequences of their actions. "People need to really, really analyse the people they think they can trust," Ms Sainsbury told the Kyle and Jackie O Show on Friday. "You might think you can trust them, but they can be a completely different person." The 22-year-old described the Colombian jail, where she is serving a six-year sentence for attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country, as "not fabulous" but better than other parts of the jail. "My situation has not been easy throughout this whole process, but I have had a lot of people inside the prison help me see that it is not the end of the world," she said. Sainsbury, from Adelaide, was caught with 5.8 kilograms of cocaine at Colombia's El Dorado Airport in April 2017. She was arrested and is detained at El Buen Pastor jail in Bogota - a prison notorious for its overcrowding. She could be released in April 2020 with good behaviour and time already served. WA will get a specialist rural fire division at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, as recommended in a report following the deadly Yarloop bushfire. The emergency services levy will fund the division, with a $28 increase for metropolitan landowners, and between $8 and $17 in the regions. The division will cost $80 million and the state government will also create an $18 million Bushfire Centre of Excellence to enhance bushfire management and provide a special facility for volunteers to train. Police are confident a 28-year-old woman believed murdered was buried in a forest near Wagga Wagga, despite another search for her remains proving unsuccessful. More than 50 officers scoured six areas of interest in the Lester State Forrest, about 20 kilometres southwest of Coolamon, over two days this week in the hope of finding Allecha Boyd's body, with a police saying on Friday they won't give up. Ms Boyd was last seen travelling as a passenger in a green Subaru between Wagga Wagga and Coolamon in the NSW Riverina region on August 10 - the day police believe she was killed. Two men - Samuel John Shephard, 37, and 19-year-old Wagga Wagga resident Anthony Shane Hagan - are before the courts charged with murdering her. This week's search was the third officially conducted by police and was particularly focused on a site about the size of 10 rugby fields. Officers walked shoulder-to-shoulder, probing the ground to bring any pathogens to the surface that could help police dogs locate a grave. Detective Inspector Darren Cloake says while they did not uncover Ms Boyd's body, police remain confident based on their intelligence it is buried in the forest. He says locating the remains in the 5.75 square kilometres of terrain is a very difficult task, given the hardness of the ground and lack of distinct areas. "All the areas there look very similar to one another," Det Insp Cloake told AAP on Friday. He said detectives will meet next week to plot the next steps in their investigation, determined to bring Ms Boyd home to her family, with whom they are in regular contact. "That's the main objective here and we will continue along until we do find that," he said. "Not all is lost here. There's still a way to go and we're committed and focused on this." Ms Boyd had been living in Wagga Wagga prior to her August disappearance. Friends and supporters of her family have previously taken to social media to call for the return of the young woman's remains. Shephard and Hagan have been in custody since being charged with Ms Boyd's murder in November. A passenger onboard Pacific Dawn says its parent cruise ship company cannot be faulted for the way it has handled the tragedy of a woman falling overboard. Teg An said this was her 10th cruise with P&O, her 12th overall, and "this is by far the worst thing I've seen happen on a cruise". Ms An said while the circumstances were tragic and there was a sombre mood onboard, passengers had been kept well-informed of the situation. "The captain has asked for (the) privacy of the family which is being respected," told AAP on Friday. "You cannot fault P&O for how they have handled this." Ms An said passengers had been updated with developments from the outset. "The captain and crew have been put in an unimaginable position yet have handled themselves professionally and with the respect to the victim and her family," she said. The woman fell overboard about 4pm on Thursday, about 150 nautical miles west of New Caledonia, during a week-long cruise in the Pacific. The search was called off on Friday morning. The captain of the cruise ship announced to passengers that the woman had not been found and the ship was heading back to Brisbane. The Pacific Dawn is expected to arrive at Portside Wharf at Hamilton at 6am on Sunday. A former Muslim cleric who oversaw a marriage between an underage girl and a 34-year-old man in Melbourne has failed in a bid to overturn his conviction. Ibrahim Omerdic, 62, believes he was wrongfully convicted because he never finished the religious ceremony between the 14-year-old girl and the man at a Noble Park mosque in 2016. Omderdic launched an appeal against his conviction in the Supreme Court in October, arguing the prosecution failed to prove he solemnised the marriage. He claimed he did not provide the couple with an Islamic marriage certificate. But Justice Andrew Keogh refused the appeal in a judgment on Friday, meaning the conviction will stand. Omerdic was found guilty in Melbourne Magistrates Court of unlawfully solemnising a marriage and sentenced to two months in prison. But he avoided jail as he was immediately placed on a two-year recognisance release order. Malcolm Turnbull will meet with the head of Europe's largest economy in a bid to get the European Union to the table on a huge free trade deal. The prime minister will also meet with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and the heads of the European Union and NATO on his two-week trip overseas. Mr Turnbull will land in London on April 18 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, to be formally opened by the Queen and involving more than 50 other world leaders. The conference will address the need for trade, investment and good governance, as well as cyber security issues and oceans. Ms May will host Mr Turnbull for a meeting on Russia, security and Brexit, before he flies to Berlin to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel. Mr Turnbull is expected to discuss plans for a free trade agreement in that meeting, with Ms Merkel running Europe's largest economy and a key voice at the EU. The prime minister is also expected to talk to NATO about Russia, and push the free trade agreement with the EU. On the eve of Anzac Day, Mr Turnbull will open the Sir John Monash Centre in France. Rival groups protesting over the treatment of white farmers in South Africa have verbally clashed outside the Perth office of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. The Australian Liberty Alliance and other supporters delivered a petition on Friday calling for a special refugee visa category for the farmers, carrying banners that read "let the right ones in", but other protesters held up signs that read "fight racism" and shouted: "Nazi scum! Off our streets!" Despite some pushing that required police to intervene, a police spokeswoman told AAP there were no arrests or move on notices issued, and it was "a very peaceful and respectful protest". Victoria must back up positive chatter about a new schools funding agreement with a real commitment, federal education minister Simon Birmingham says. His state counterpart James Merlino indicated he's prepared to lift Victoria's contribution to the Schools Resource Standard from 66 per cent to 75 per cent, as ministers met for an Education Council meeting in Adelaide on Friday. The standard is the basis of the Gonski review's needs-based schools funding model and the increase could reportedly see Victoria's state school funding grow by $10 million. "This means Victoria will deliver the most significant increase of any other state or territory in the country," Mr Merlino told Fairfax. Hailed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as the biggest-ever education funding reform, the deal boosts schools funding to $23.5 billion over the next decade. But despite funding legislation passing federal parliament last year, long-term agreements have not been signed by the states and territories. Senator Birmingham said it was important they sign up this year, before it kicks in next year. "It is a reality that Victoria invests less per student on its school children than any other state in the country, so the test is to make sure that Victoria's rhetorical commitment today is now matched by firm action in the agreements that are underway," he said on Friday. Businessman David Gonski's latest schools review is expected to be released in coming weeks, Telecommunications giant Optus says it was "completely unacceptable" for an outlet on Sydney's affluent lower north shore to advertise for "Anglo Saxon" retail assistants. An ad posted on Seek on Thursday stated the Neutral Bay store was looking for a casual retail consultant and noted it would prefer "candidates who are Anglo Saxon". The ad, taken down on Friday morning, has been widely condemned by politicians, unions, and social media users. "Optus proudly supports diversity and employs staff representing more than 70 nationalities," human resources vice president Vaughan Paul said in a statement on Friday. "This error is completely unacceptable and a clear breach of our advertising standards and commitment to equal opportunity employment." An HIV-positive Victorian former pig farmer repeatedly phoned a woman in Thailand to procure sex with her two-year-old granddaughter, a court has been told. Kangaroo Flat man Howard John Hawke, who is due to turn 70 next month, was intercepted by police in 2016 talking about "extremely depraved sexual activity" with the toddler during his next trip overseas. According to phone intercepts, Hawke told the woman to whip the child, saying he "likes to see young ones hurt". The County Court of Victoria was told on Friday that Hawke had sold his West Australian piggery in 2006 for more than a million dollars, funding his retirement. He travelled extensively through South East Asia, becoming "involved in the extremely sexualised environment" of Thailand. But when he was raided in March 2017 at what was "basically a boarding house" in Victoria, he had only $6500 in cash, $13,000 in credit card debt and an unregistered car to his name. Crown prosecutor Krista Breckweg said during the phone calls, the child's "impoverished" grandmother had shown reluctance, saying the child was too young for penetration. But Hawke denied he planned to have sex with the child, claiming the phone calls were "fantasy" or like "phone sex", and that he was just "a bit of a pervert". Ms Breckweg argued the behaviour was "not a fantasy". "He talks about extremely depraved sexual activity," she said. "He talks about the baby being held down by her own mother and grandmother. "This behaviour was premeditated. He wanted to go overseas with the intention of procuring babies." Hawke also made a violent video of the woman's 16-year-old daughter - the toddler's mother - the previous year in which she was whipped while screaming, wearing a dog collar and with her wrists bound. Ms Breckweg said Hawke was found with 32 child porn images and seven videos when he was raided, and was also charged with transmitting 13 extreme child porn images. He was also charged with sexual assault against an intellectually impaired woman in Australia. Defence lawyer Robert Timms said Hawke had contracted HIV but would not transmit the virus as long as he stayed on his medication. He urged Judge Trevor Wraight to not impose "a crushing sentence" on Hawke, who would eventually be released from prison as an aged pensioner with a large credit card debt. Hawke, who has already spent a year in custody, has pleaded guilty to some charges and will likely be sentenced to an immediate term of imprisonment by Judge Wraight on Thursday. A plan to improve outcomes for women suffering endometriosis, a painful, prevalent but often misdiagnosed condition, has received backing from all states and territories. The decision comes amid high-profile athletes and entertainers coming forward to speak about their battles with the gynaecological condition. The national action plan for endometriosis was unanimously supported by all health ministers at the Council of Australian Governments health ministers meeting in Sydney on Friday. The plan will identify gaps in education among medical professionals and the wider community as well as support and care for sufferers. "Our task now, through the action plan and the work of the professionals, is to ensure that the doctors have the information they need to assist with that diagnosis," federal Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters after the meeting. "And that patients, women suffering endometriosis who may not know that's what they have, have the confidence to seek that diagnosis and not suffer in silence." Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body, commonly in the reproductive organs but often in the bowel and bladder. It often causes severe pelvic pain and can cause infertility. Endometriosis affects an estimated one-in-10 women and diagnosis of the condition takes on average about eight to nine years. Women and researchers have long been campaigning for doctors to start taking the medical condition seriously, but taboos have made headway difficult, Endometriosis Australia director Donna Ciccia told AAP. "Some women think it's just a family curse," Mc Ciccia said. "Those who have it discuss whether they should go to the emergency department when the pain can't be managed." Sufferers are frequently dismissed by family members or medical professionals as merely having "period pain", she added. "We just had one woman tell us she was dismissed twice, once as having an anxiety attack and once for being a drug seeker." Ms Ciccia welcomed the plan as a "great step forward". Emma Watkins, who plays the Yellow Wiggle in the iconic children's band, announced on Friday she would miss the rest of the tour to undergo surgery for endometriosis. She joins Commonwealth Games swimmer Madeline Groves who went public with her endometriosis battle after surgery. Ms Ciccia said a cure for the disease was unlikely to be found in her lifetime but she hopes the next generation of women won't walk the same painful path. A third candidate has thrown her hat into the ring for the Labor Party's national presidency. Maritime Union member Mich-Elle Myers said in announcing her candidacy on Friday she would fight for equality and fairness. Former federal treasurer Wayne Swan and opposition frontbencher Mark Butler have already signalled they will be contesting the position at this year's ALP national conference. "As a proud MUA member and official, I've never shied away from the fight for equality and fairness," Ms Myers posted on Facebook. "If you want real change, and a strong woman representing ordinary working Australians, I will deliver that." Mr Butler is also facing a fight to stay in federal parliament, after the electoral commission proposed to abolish his seat of Port Adelaide. The rare sight of a dolphin calf being born in the wild has been captured on camera off the West Australian coast. The one-and-a-half-hour labour of baby Pom-Pom was witnessed on April 11 on a dolphin cruise in Mandurah, south of Perth, where more than 100 animals have gathered for mating season in the estuary and nearby ocean. Murdoch University researcher Martin van Aswegen says it is extremely rare for humans to witness a wild dolphin giving birth as the mothers tend to avoid humans. "Given the sensitive nature of the event and the vulnerability of the mother and calf, it is quite incredible that we know the precise time of birth of a wild dolphin," he said. Mother Squarecut is well-known for surfing alongside boats in the area, which has seen a baby-boom over the past three months with 22 wild dolphin calves. Newborn dolphins need their mother's milk for about 18 months, and will stay by their side for up to three years. A candidate running to be Melbourne's next lord mayor has hit back at her haters after being swamped with racist social media posts. Jennifer Yang, who is Chinese-Australian, says people have left messages including "not European enough" and "all diversity seems to mean is less white people" on her Facebook page ahead of the May City of Melbourne by-election. "These are targeted racial attacks, not general political debate. They are intended to bring about racial vitriol and abuse," Ms Yang said in a statement on Friday. Climate change must be better addressed by Australia's politicians, according to rural NSW farmer and firefighter Vivien Thomson. She says evidence of the phenomenon is everywhere on the nation's farms and in the increasing ferociousness of its bushfires, and hopes to convey this message to a crowd of thousands of science enthusiasts in Sydney on Saturday. Ms Thomson, from Muttama in the Riverina, is among of a group of academics and others affected by science who will speak at the city's March for Science, one of eight such rallies being held across the country. It's the second year the marches have been held in Australia and across the world to celebrate science, with the movement originating in the US. Encouraging evidence-based policymaking and calling for the reinstatement of a Minister for Science in the federal cabinet are among key goals of the 2018 marches in Australia, its organisers say. Those are goals that resonate with Ms Thomson, who hopes the nation's leaders will do more to mitigate climate change. She said research on the phenomenon marries with the changes she has observed tending to her family farm and while fighting bushfires over the past 31 years. "I started seeing changes occur in 2002 on the fireground. I couldn't make sense of it at the time," Ms Thomson told AAP on Friday. "They're getting harder, they're getting quicker, they're getting faster. "This is a thing, and we must do something about it." Last year's rally in Sydney attracted 3000 people, while another 7000 turned up to events around the country. March for Science Australia spokeswoman Taylor Szyszka says the greatest achievement of the marches was getting scientific messages out there. "It's through the continuation of the movement that we hope to make change," she told AAP on Friday. Along with the Sydney rally, marches will be held in Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth and Townsville on Saturday. A West Australian man is among three people stopped at airports in as many days for allegedly carrying child exploitation material. The 46-year-old was returning to Perth from Vietnam when Australian Border Force officials searched a mobile phone and laptop, allegedly uncovering a number of images of child exploitation. He was charged with importing child exploitation material and is due to face Perth Magistrate's Court on Friday. The incident followed two similar intercepts involving international travellers in Sydney and Melbourne on Monday, . A Sierra Leone national, who resides in Indonesia, arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Jakarta after being interviewed there. Images and videos of child abuse were allegedly found on two mobile phones and the man's visa was immediately scrapped before he was put on a flight to Jakarta. The third incident involved a 22-year-old Chinese national whose student visa was cancelled after he was allegedly found to be in possession of child abuse material at Melbourne Airport. ABF Deputy Commissioner Clive Murray said his team was committed to stamping out the movement of the "sickening" material. "Child exploitation is a global issue," he said in a statement. "We are co-operating with international law enforcement agencies to further investigate this unsavoury character and to prevent any harm to children here or overseas." A secret deal threatening Newcastle port with a hefty financial penalty should it hope to expand its container shipping business is a century-long "set of handcuffs" on the local economy, the NSW opposition says. Labor leader Luke Foley's attack on what he's dubbed the coalition government's "ports rort" comes as the competition watchdog's chairman revealed an investigation into potential anti-competitive arrangements would be finalised before Christmas. ACCC chairman Rod Sims on Friday told AAP that while any subsequent court action could take "years" to resolve, sometimes the threat of legal action was enough to change anti-competitive behaviour. Under the deal, the Port of Newcastle is obliged to pay NSW Ports - which owns the Botany and Kembla Ports - for loss of container business if it handles more than 30,000 shipping containers a year. The government, which struck the deal with NSW Ports during the 2012 sale of Botany and Kembla, is "scandalous" according to Mr Foley. It is understood Newcastle was privatised the following year, with the new owners knowing what the deal entailed. Now that the Port of Newcastle has a concrete plan to build a container terminal the ACCC is investigating whether the deal between Botany and Kembla breaches laws which ban agreements that substantially lessen competition. "If we form the view that it is a breach then we've got to put it to a court," Mr Sims told AAP. "If the court finds it is a breach of the act then consequences follow - particularly penalties and injunctions." The ACCC has long advocated that when governments privatise assets they shouldn't include anti-competitive clauses to artificially inflate the sale price. "Because," Mr Sims noted on Friday, "the population will pay for that forever and a day." The watchdog's chairman hopes the ACCC investigation will be completed by the end of 2018. Any court action against NSW Ports or the government could, however, take "years". Science enthusiasts are expected to take to the streets across Australia calling on MPs to make policies based on evidence, not populism. Marches are set to be held across eight cities on Saturday, building on the March for Science movement originating in the US last year. "We will hold our elected and appointed officials responsible for enacting equitable, evidence-based policies that serve all communities," organisers of the Australian marches said on Facebook. They are calling on MPs to stick to evidence-based policymaking and for the reinstatement of a federal science minister. Marches are expected to be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Townsville, Hobart and Launceston. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is heading to India on a four-day trade mission where she plans to meet with business and government figures. Ms Berejiklian will visit Mumbai and New Delhi between April 16 and 19, citing rapid growth in India's economy and tourism market as reasons for the visit. "Over the last five years India has been the fastest-growing inbound tourism market for NSW, but we need to work to ensure we continue to attract Indian tourists," Ms Berejiklian said in a statement. Goods trade between NSW and India totalled $3.9 billion in 2016-17, split almost evenly between exports and imports. The ACCC says it should finalise an investigation into potential anti-competitive arrangements affecting Newcastle port before Christmas, after revelations of a secret deal between the government and port owners. The deal forces Newcastle port to pay NSW Ports - which owns the Botany and Kembla Ports - for loss of container business if it handles more than 30,000 shipping containers a year. The deal was struck between 2012 and 2013, when the NSW government privatised several of the state's ports. ACCC chairman Rod Sims on Friday told AAP the competition watchdog would finalise its investigation into the deal before the end of the year. Now that the Port of Newcastle has a concrete plan to build a container terminal, the ACCC is investigating whether the deal between Botany and Kembla breaches laws which ban agreements that substantially lessen competition. "If we form the view that it is a breach then we've got to put it to a court," Mr Sims told AAP. "If the court finds it is a breach of the act then consequences follow - particularly penalties and injunctions." Any court action against NSW Ports or the government could, however, take "years". Labor leader Luke Foley described the deal as "a set of handcuffs" for the Newcastle area. "I want to see the ACCC do their good work, and hopefully knock for six the scandalous, anti-competitive port rort that the state government's got up to here," Mr Foley told reporters on Friday. Trade Minister Steve Ciobo says the 11 nations behind the Trans-Pacific Partnership hope to finalise the trade deal by early 2019. But Mr Ciobo said the process would not be stalled by the United States, after Donald Trump assigned his two top trade advisers to take a fresh look at the agreement. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his new chief economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, are examining whether a better deal could be negotiated involving America, after Mr Trump pulled his nation out last year. Mr Ciobo says it's a good deal for all countries involved and work was well under way to bring it into effect. He said he could not see it "all being thrown open now to appease the United States". The agreement partners had little appetite for substantial negotiation, but would welcome the US coming back to the table for further talks, he said. The TPP 11 countries are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam. The text of the agreement has been tabled in the Australian parliament and two committees are examining it. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mr Trump are expected to discuss the TPP at a meeting in the US next week. President Rodrigo Duterte has sought to improve the Philippines' relations with China Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday formally apologised over the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists in a 2010 Manila hostage crisis that soured ties with the Chinese territory. The incident happened under previous president Benigno Aquino who had rejected Hong Kong's demands for an apology because he said the hijacker caused the crisis. However Duterte on Thursday said an apology to "the Chinese government and the people of China" was "only right" and necessary. "From the bottom of my heart as the president of the Republic of the Philippines and in behalf of the people of the Philippines, may I apologise formally to you now," Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community in Hong Kong. "We are sorry that the incident happened and as humanly possible, I would like to make this guarantee also that it will never, never happen again." Hong Kong had been infuriated by the Philippine government's response to the incident, in which a disgraced former police officer hijacked a tour bus in protest at his sacking. Day-long negotiations to release the hostages trapped on the bus failed and, with the drama being broadcast live around the world, Philippine security forces bungled a rescue attempt. A deeply emotional row was resolved in 2014 after the Philippine government expressed "its most sorrowful regret and profound sympathy" but avoided a formal apology. An apology was instead issued by the Manila city government. Efforts to rescue the tourists held hostage on their bus went badly wrong Duterte, 73, was elected in mid-2016 and had sought to improve his nation's relations with Beijing despite a territorial row over the South China Sea as he courted investments and trade from the world's second-largest economy. He visited Hong Kong after participating in the Boao Forum -- dubbed the Asian Davos -- in China where he met with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. Thursday's apology came as Duterte declared the Philippines' "love" for China. "I hope this would go a long way to really assuage the feeling of the Chinese people and government," Duterte said. A small anti-Duterte demonstration had been held earlier in Hong Kong, home to around 190,000 Filipina domestic workers. Around 50 people gathered near his hotel to chant slogans in protest at his war on drugs, which they said was a sham used to target activists and opponents. US President Donald Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership but now has instructed officials to look at rejoining the trade pact President Donald Trump has instructed trade officials to examine re-entering the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, Republican lawmakers said Thursday. The decision would mark an abrupt about-face by a president who had campaigned against the trade deal. Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP immediately after taking office in January 2017, and his officials have said repeatedly he prefers bilateral negotiations. But Republican Senator Ben Sasse said Trump has instructed US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his top economic advisor Larry Kudlow to review rejoining the TPP. "Definitely the big headline coming out of this meeting is that the president said he was deputizing Larry Kudlow and Ambassador Lighthizer to look at reentering the TPP negotiations," Sasse told reporters following a meeting at the White House. The Washington Post reported that Trump had made the sudden decision during a meeting with legislators and state governors on trade. Senator John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, was quoted as saying Trump told Lighthizer and Kudlow to examine making the rejoining "on our terms." Some present at the meeting said joining the trade pact could strengthen the US position in the current trade spat with China, which is not a party to the agreement The 11 TPP members, including Canada, Mexico and Japan, proceeded without the United States, and signed the sweeping agreement last month. Critics said exiting the agreement was a strategic gift to China, which stood to strengthen its trade dominance in the region as the United States retreated. Despite being harshly critical of the agreement, Trump had suggested in recent months that he would consider rejoining the group if it could be altered to suit administration priorities, but without providing specifics. At least 100 kidnapped Chibok girls are still missing As Nigeria prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of the Chibok kidnapping, UNICEF reported on Friday that over 1,000 children have been abducted by jihadists since 2013. "Since 2013, more than 1,000 children have been abducted by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, including 276 girls taken from their secondary school in the town of Chibok in 2014," said UNICEF in a statement. "These repeated attacks against children in schools are unconscionable," Mohamed Malick Fall, a UNICEF representative in Nigeria. Boko Haram's fight to establish a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria has claimed at least 20,000 lives and displaced more than two million people. Schools, particularly those with a secular curriculum, have been targeted by Boko Haram, whose name roughly translates from Hausa -- the language spoken widely across northern Nigeria -- as "Western education is forbidden". At least 2,295 teachers have been killed and more than 1,400 schools destroyed by the Islamist extremists since the conflict started in 2009, according to UNICEF. While a 2015 offensive launched by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari successfully reclaimed swathes of territory back from the jihadists in Nigeria, the group still stages deadly attacks on both military targets and civilians. In February, the Islamists shocked Nigerians by driving unopposed into the northeastern town of Dapchi and kidnapping over 100 schoolgirls. The response from the authorities -- denials then contradictions -- was eerily similar to the confusion when the Chibok girls were kidnapped. Most of the girls have since been returned, but the brazen abduction revived painful memories of the Chibok kidnapping in 2014. Of the 276 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram from the northeastern town of Chibok on April 14, 2014, over 100 are still missing. Abubakar Shekau, the mercurial Boko Haram leader responsible for using girls as suicide bombers, has claimed in videos that the girls have converted to Islam and have been "married off". For those following Boko Haram, the Dapchi kidnapping wasn't entirely a surprise. Over the past year, the jihadists have ramped up attacks, killing soldiers, kidnapping government workers and terrorising the northeastern city of Maiduguri with relentless suicide bombings. Under pressure to live up to his election promise of beating Boko Haram, this month Buhari reiterated his support for the release of $1 billion in emergency funds to fight the Islamists. Buhari's government has recovered scores of the girls. But the negotiations with the jihadists -- which reportedly involved ransom payments and the release of high-ranking commanders -- rankled critics who questioned the wisdom of funding and rejuvenating the ranks of the extremists. Backpage.com was shut down by the US authorities and two co-founders and top executives indicted for enabling prostitution and money laundering The recently shuttered classified advertising website Backpage and its CEO have pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges, the US Justice Department announced Thursday. Backpage -- accused of being the biggest website for prostitution in the world, with its classifieds used to promote paid-for sex with minors and victims of human trafficking -- was abruptly shut down by US authorities on April 6. The 93-count indictment by a federal grand jury in the southwestern state of Arizona, where the company was launched in 2004, was unsealed on Monday. According to the plea agreement terms the company's CEO Carl Ferrer, 57, agrees to cooperate in the prosecution of alleged co-conspirators Michael Lacey, 69, and James Larkin, 68. Although the pair sold their interests in Backpage in 2015, the indictment said they had since "retained significant control over the website," receiving tens of millions of dollars. "For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "But this illegality stops right now." In the plea agreement Ferrer -- identified in the indictment only by the initials "C.F." -- acknowledged wrongdoing, saying he worked with co-conspirators to "create 'moderation' processes through which Backpage would remove terms and pictures that were particularly indicative of prostitution and then publish a revised version of the ad." "Such editing did not, of course, change the essential nature of the illegal service being offered in the ad -- it was merely intended to create a veneer of deniability for Backpage." The terms of the agreement also require Ferrer to assist US authorities to shut the operation down, as well as forfeit to the government corporate assets and other property owned or controlled by Backpage-linked entities. Ferrer additionally pleaded guilty to state money laundering charges in California as well as Texas, where the company itself pleaded guilty to human trafficking, according to the attorneys general in those states. The US Congress passed a bill last month that allows victims of sex trafficking to seek justice against website owners who knowingly promote or facilitate the practice. Supporters hailed the passage of the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) as a major victory. But the measure is not without its critics -- some say it would undermine a basic underpinning of the internet which enables websites to host information from third parties without liability. Some 34,000 Cameroonians from English-speaking regions have taken refuge in Nigeria's Cross River State Cameroonians swept up in a conflict between anglophone separatists and the government are facing a humanitarian crisis, aid groups say as they struggle to reach people in remote areas that have become virtually off-limits. They have "numerous humanitarian needs", said Allegra Maria Del Pilar Baiocchi, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Cameroon. "Beyond the violence, (the crisis) has an impact on health, on employment," she told AFP. Separatist ambitions have long simmered in two minority anglophone regions in the west of the country, where people complain of being marginalised by the French-speaking elite. The push for separation was galvanised by a heavy deployment of government troops last August, spurring a low-intensity conflict with sporadic attacks on symbols of the state. "As with any armed conflict, civilians suffer the consequences of the violence, insecurity and fear," said Alberto Jodra Marcos, who heads the Swiss branch of the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Cameroon. According to UN estimates, tens of thousands of people are internally displaced in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, a one-time German colony that was divided between France and Britain after World War I. In the worst-hit areas of Mamfe and Kumba in the southwest, some 40,000 people are estimated to have fled their homes. But some fear the numbers affected could be much greater, with one humanitarian worker saying it was impossible to quantify the displacement given the limited access. The government has imposed curfews on civilians in both regions, and aid groups are rarely allowed in. - 'War situation' - "It's difficult for organisations like ours to carry out missions on the ground," said Agbor Bala Nkongho, director of the NGO Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa. "We are in a war situation. We can't send people everywhere." Nigeria's Cross River State has said it will set up a refugee camp with UN backing, but for now local communities are sheltering the majority of the Cameroonian refugees As well as those who are internally displaced, many Cameroonians have fled the violence to neighbouring Nigeria. SEMA, a Nigerian relief agency, said some 34,000 have taken refuge in Nigeria's Cross River State. The state has said it will set up and fund a refugee camp with UN backing, but for now local communities are sheltering the majority of the Cameroonian refugees, according to SEMA chief John Inaku. "The situation is very difficult for us," said Peter Kechi, the village chief of Bashu, which is some five kilometres (three miles) from the border and whose population has ballooned from 1,500 to 4,000 in a few months. "We are taking refugees into our homes and our bedrooms, with sometimes 20 people sleeping in the same room," Kechi said. Locals say the refugees cross the border on foot through heavily forested mountainous areas, making it difficult to record their arrival. The UN has registered 20,485 Cameroonians in Nigeria, according to Baiocchi, who added that "the arrivals are continuing". Following a fact-finding mission in Cameroon's anglophone regions, "we know more or less where the needs are... the next step is how to respond to them," she said, reached by telephone from the Gabonese capital Libreville. Jodra Marcos of MSF said its workers had carried out training on how to care for the "wounded and traumatised" and donated medicines and equipment in anglophone areas. However, "many communities (are) in a precarious situation" after staff have fled and some clinics have closed, he noted. Separatists have been blamed for the torching of schools in the areas, while aid groups and residents also regularly accuse the army of carrying out abuses against civilians. Early this month a human rights activist charged that soldiers killed several civilians by setting fire to their homes. A security source, for his part, accused "some aid groups" of spreading disinformation. The government in Yaounde has repeatedly denied accusations of excessive violence and extortion. February's quake was the most power to hit Papua New Guinea in a century ExxonMobil's massive gas project has resumed operations in Papua New Guinea after a major earthquake damaged the plant, the US energy giant said Friday, in a boost for the Pacific nation as it rebuilds after the devastation. More than 125 people were killed and many more injured after the 7.5-magnitude tremor hit the country's mountainous interior on February 26, cutting off villages and knocking out power. The quake also damaged facilities at the US$19 billion PNG LNG project operated by ExxonMobil, the impoverished country's biggest-ever development, in the remote Southern Highlands region. "Resuming LNG production ahead of our projected eight-week timeframe is a significant achievement for ExxonMobil, our joint-venture partners and our customers," ExxonMobil Development Company president Neil Duffin said in a statement. "We will continue to support those communities impacted by the earthquake as we work toward fully restoring our operations." The firm said that LNG exports were expected to resume soon. PNG's economic growth is heavily dependent on its natural resources, and the resumption of operations would be a relief to authorities. The country was also boosted by news from ExxonMobil on Thursday that the amount of gas believed to be held at the P'nyang field in the Western Province was 4.36 trillion cubic feet, a 84 percent jump from a 2012 assessment. This meant there was a potential "significant expansion of operations" in PNG, the company said. There are regular earthquakes in PNG, which sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire -- a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. The February quake was described by Australian officials as the biggest to hit the highland region in a century, with countless aftershocks also rattling residents. Some traumatised villagers had told local media they were suspicious of the plant's operators and fearful they might have been using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and destabilised the rock structure underneath. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has said there was no evidence the energy developments were linked to the quake, but asked the Australian government to conduct an independent review into its causes. US President Donald Trump plans to pardon I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby, the former chief of staff to former vice president Dick Cheney, who was convicted of perjury in connection with leaking a CIA officer's identity, reports said. ABC News said Trump had already signed off on the pardon which he had been considering for months. CNN also carried the report, citing a White House official. It would mark another controversial pardon by the president, who has previously reportedly contemplated pardons for former aides now cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and allegations of collusion with the Trump campaign. I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby was handed down a 30-month prison sentence for perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators in 2007 Last year, Trump pardoned Arizona ex-sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of violating a court order to halt traffic patrols targeting suspected unauthorized immigrants. Libby was handed a 30-month prison sentence for perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators in 2007. His sentence was commuted by former president George W Bush, who declined however to issue a pardon - reportedly sparking a rift between him and Cheney. The affair dates back to July 2003 when the name of CIA agent Valerie Plame, the wife of a diplomat who had accused the Bush administration of exaggerating the threat posed by Iraq, was leaked to the press. US President Donald Trump (pictured Thursday) plans to pardon Libby, according to multiple reports Libby was not accused of blowing Plame's cover, but of lying during the subsequent inquiry. Bush critics claim Libby was part of a White House effort to punish Plame's husband, former US ambassador Joseph Wilson, whom the CIA sent to Niger in February 2002 to investigate claims that Saddam Hussein tried to buy uranium for nuclear bombs. Japan has been irked by Chinese boats near disputed waters Japan will beef up airborne patrols of disputed islands in the East China Sea, an official said Friday, in response to increased Chinese activity in the area. New crew members will operate two extra jets that will be deployed in the next 12 months to strengthen patrols around the Senkaku Islands, according to a spokesman from the Japan Coast Guard. "We'll boost our aviation crew by bringing in 60 more members," the spokesman told AFP. Japan will deploy two Falcon 2000LXS jets this fiscal year and one more plane next year to allow a "24-hour patrol system" to monitor the disputed islands, known in China as the Diaoyus. The move comes after Japan spotted a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine in disputed waters early this year. Maritime tensions The uninhabited islets are at the centre of a festering row between Tokyo and Beijing, which is also involved in a widening dispute with several Southeast Asian countries over islands in the South China Sea. The Japanese government has long complained about China's routine dispatch of coast guard ships to waters surrounding the islands. Relations between Japan and China deteriorated in 2012 when Tokyo "nationalised" some of the islets. Since then, the two top Asian economies have taken gradual steps to mend fences but relations remain tense. Known as the "godfather" of Macau casinos, 96-year-old Stanley Ho was instrumental in turning Macau, a city on China's southern coast, into a gambling boomtown, with gaming revenue surpassing Las Vegas Macau gambling tycoon Stanley Ho, who has announced his retirement from his flagship company SJM, made his riches by transforming neighbouring Macau from a sleepy Portuguese outpost into the world's biggest casino hub. Known as the "godfather" of Macau casinos, 96-year-old Ho was instrumental in turning the city on China's southern coast into a gambling boomtown, with gaming revenue surpassing Las Vegas. Ho is the great-nephew of one of Asia's first tycoons, Robert Hotung, among Hong Kong's wealthiest individuals at the turn of the 20th century and an influential Eurasian businessman and philanthropist. Ho made his fortune smuggling luxury goods into China from Macau during World War II, before securing the only gaming licence in the then-Portuguese colony in 1962. A flamboyant entrepreneur, Ho first married in 1942 but subsequently had three other partners, one of whom is a lawmaker in Macau. It is unclear whether or not he married all the women he called wives. He has said that he had never wagered a bet, even as his casinos continued to rake in billions in revenues annually. Macau gambling The keen ballroom dancer cultivated a playboy lifestyle, fathering at least 17 children, one of whom, Lawrence, runs rival casino and hotel operator Melco International in Macau. The billionaire monopolised Macau's gaming industry until 2002, when the government introduced foreign investors, sparking a boom which saw casino takings contribute around 80 percent of the city's annual revenue. But his casino-hotel business took a dive after Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a high-profile corruption crackdown in 2014 which triggered a dramatic decline in high-rollers in the city. Ho's hotel giant Sociedade de Jogos de Macau Holdings (SJM) saw its net profit for 2014 drop 13 percent and saw an even steeper profits fall of 63 percent for 2015. Profits continued to decline in 2016, which saw a 6 percent decrease from the year before, and continued to fall by the half-year point of 2017. The lower profits were compounded when his nephew Alan Ho, executive director for the company's Hotel Lisboa, was caught along with 96 sex workers in 2015 after police broke up a prostitution ring. He spent 14 months in jail. SJM Holdings is trying to lure back visitors with the sprawling new Grand Lisboa Palace complex, which will feature Versace and Lagerfeld hotels, reportedly due to open in 2019 in a bid to diversify from gambling and attract more mass-market tourists. Ho has been keeping a low profile after a serious fall in 2009 at the age of 87 which left him requiring brain surgery. A Rohingya refugee looks out from a school window at Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh's Ukhia district on April 5, 2018 Rohingya refugees will be allowed to return to Myanmar "as soon as possible", a minister said, despite a stillborn repatriation process and UN warnings that the safety of returnees could not be guaranteed. Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's social welfare minister, made the comments in Dhaka late Thursday after visiting one of the Bangladesh camps struggling to provide for some of the one million Rohingya Muslims who have fled the country. "We can overcome many difficulties we are facing," he told reporters after a meeting with Bangladeshi officials. "I am very sure we can start repatriation process as soon as possible." Myanmar has repeatedly said it is ready for repatriation, but no date has been given for the return, and scepticism is rife in Bangladesh and elsewhere that the stalled refugee return plan will ever be implemented. Refugee camps in Bangladesh Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed in November to repatriate three-quarters of a million Rohingya by the end of the year but the deal has been delayed indefinitely, with each side blaming the other for a lack of preparation. Win Myat Aye had met with Rohingya leaders at the giant Kutupalong camp near Cox's Bazar, where a group of refugees tried to stage a protest during his visit. Wednesday was the first time a Myanmar cabinet member has visited the overcrowded camps since a military crackdown that began last August in response to a spate of insurgent attacks, forcing some 700,000 of the Muslim minority to flee across the border. They joined around 300,000 refugees already living there after previous bouts of violence. Myanmar has so far approved fewer than 600 names from a list of more than 8,000 refugees provided by Bangladesh. An injured Rohingya woman arrives to attend a meeting with Myanmar Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye during his visit to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh Last month a top Bangladesh cabinet minister, A.M.A Muhith, said it was unlikely the refugees would ever return, accusing Myanmar of deliberately obstructing the process. The UN refugee agency said in a statement that Win Myat Aye's visit was an important "confidence-building" measure between the two governments, but that conditions in Myanmar "are not yet conducive for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of refugees." The agency said the responsibility to create such conditions lies with Myanmar, and that refugees in Bangladesh want to see steps taken to ensure basic rights and security. Ursula Mueller, assistant secretary general for the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, visited northern Rakhine this month and said Myanmar still needs to address "critical issues of freedom of movement, social cohesion, livelihoods, and access to services". Myanmar Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye talks to Rohingya refugees, many of whom fear a repeat of the persecution that forced them off their lands if they go back under the repatriation deal Bangladesh foreign minister A.H. Mahmood Ali, who led repatriation talks for his country, told reporters Thursday that the two sides were committed to implementing the refugee deal. Many refugees say they fear a repeat of the persecution that forced them off their lands if they go back under the repatriation deal, and of being placed in temporary transit camps for an unknown period of time as they await new housing. Nearly 100 Indonesians have died after drinking bootleg alcohol in recent weeks Thousands of booze bottles were destroyed by Indonesian police on Friday in a dramatic show as they crack down on bootleg alcohol blamed for killing close to 100 people in recent weeks. Authorities in Tangerang, on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, drove a yellow steamroller over a carpet of some 6,000 bottles, while others raided vendors in a bid to stop the worst string of homebrew deaths in years. The world's most populous Muslim majority country banned the sale of alcohol in most convenience stores and small shops outside holiday hotspot Bali in 2015, although it is still widely available in supermarkets, bars and hotels. High taxes make alcohol expensive, however, so low-paid workers often turn to cheap and sometimes deadly homemade booze instead. As of Friday, authorities said at least 97 people have died nationwide since late March from drinking illegal spirits. Some 160 others are in hospital with many still in critical condition. At least 17 people have been arrested or named as suspects for selling and distributing bootleg alcohol, police said. "One of the suspects himself died in hospital because he also consumed bootleg alcohol," local police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko told AFP. Lab tests have turned up toxic levels of methanol -- a form of alcohol used in antifreeze and solvents -- in victims' systems. Some of the suspects confessed to mixing pure alcohol with Coca-Cola, energy drinks, cough syrup and even mosquito repellent. The string of deaths prompted Bandung, a major city east of Jakarta, and its surrounding area to declare a state of emergency Tuesday. Bootleg booze is usually sold under the table by street vendors, who sometimes make the toxic concoction themselves. But police said they believe there are big distributors behind the sale of toxic alcohol implicated in the recent deaths. Those found guilty of supplying beverages they knew to be dangerous could face a maximum life sentence, national police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said. In 2016, 36 people died in Central Java after drinking locally bought homebrew. South Korean police launched an inquiry into the sister of Korean Air's infamous "nut rage" heiress Friday over claims that she hurled water into a man's face during a business meeting South Korean police launched an inquiry into the sister of Korean Air's infamous "nut rage" heiress Friday over claims that she hurled water into a man's face during a business meeting. Cho Hyun-min apologised for her "reckless behaviour" after the latest incident to draw widespread condemnation and highlight the prominent family's hot-tempered behaviour. Cho, 36, is the younger sister of Cho Hyun-ah, who made global headlines in 2014 when she angrily kicked a cabin crew member off a plane after being served macadamia nuts in a bag rather than a bowl. The latest row over the younger Cho emerged when local media reported that she had thrown water at an advertising agency manager's face during a meeting last month. Cho, a Korean Air marketing executive, reportedly flew into a rage when she did not like one of the manager's responses. The ad firm produces adverts for the South's flag carrier. Seoul police said they had launched a preliminary investigation to see if Cho had broken any laws. Throwing water into someone's face can amount to assault in the South, where a housewife was fined about $650 in 2015 for throwing water at a real estate broker during a heated argument. Cho Hyun-min and Cho Hyun-ah are the daughters of Korean Air chairman Cho Yang-ho. The offspring of South Korea's wealthy business elite families often make headlines for behaviour considered arrogant or shameful. In the 2014 incident, Cho's older sister forced two airline employees to kneel and beg for forgiveness on a Seoul-bound flight from New York, after being served nuts in a bag before take-off. She apologised but was eventually sentenced to a year in prison over violation of transport laws. The Cho sisters' younger brother, Cho Won-tae, also made headlines in 2005 after assaulting a 77-year-old lady on the street after she scolded him over reckless driving. Dozens of online petitions on Seoul's presidential website condemned the Cho family and called for Korean Air to be stripped of its flag-carrier status. "It is a national disgrace that this family keeps making embarrassing troubles while doing business under the 'Korea' brand," one petitioner wrote. Korean Air has partially disputed media reports of the latest incident, saying Cho "only threw a cup with water onto the floor". A Congolese woman and her child, seen at a makeshift camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's) and returnees in Kabutunga, are among an estimated 4.5 million IDP's in Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the UN Donors meet in Geneva on Friday in a bid to stump up nearly $1.7 billion (1.38 billion euros) for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), facing a crisis that experts say could become a tragedy. The conference comes amid mounting strife in the DRC, where a legacy of ethnic conflict, corruption and instability are combining with political tensions to spark fears of a bloodbath. But -- in a position that has deepened the country's political divisions -- the DRC is boycotting the talks. In January, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the humanitarian crisis as being at "breaking point" and identified needs of $1.68 billion. At least 13.1 million Congolese are in need of aid, including 7.7 million who are severely food insecure, according to UN estimates. "I was shocked by the scale of the suffering. Five million people have fled for their lives really from violence," Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, told AFP on Thursday. "The Congo has been forgotten and neglected for too long. A widow with children in desperate need in the Congo needs as much help as if she was in Syria or in Iraq or anywhere else." The DRC angrily contests the figures as an exaggeration and says it will refuse to attend the conference, accusing the organisers of snubbing it. Aid bodies and NGOs are propagating a "bad image of the Democratic Republic of Congo throughout the world," Prime Minister Jose Makila charged on March 23. The minister of humanitarian affairs, Bernard Biango, put the number of internally-displaced people at 231,241 -- just a fraction of the UN estimate of 4.5 million. The government has promised $100 million "to ease humanitarian distress" and earmark $10 million to help refugees or those internally displaced to return home. Felix Tshisekedi, the leader of the main opposition party, the UDPS, has called on the conference to drum up as much aid as possible. "The irresponsible attitude of the Kinshasa government reflects its indifference to the suffering of the Congolese people," he said. Dark clouds hang over the DRC's political future. President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, is under mounting pressure to quit. He should have stepped down at the end of 2016 when his two-term limit expired, and is staying on under a constitutional clause that says the head of state can remain in office until his successor is elected. Elections are now scheduled for December 23, but there is much uncertainty about whether they will take place, be fair or credible -- and whether Kabila will run or not. Dozens have died in anti-Kabila protests. - Crisis-ridden - A malnourished child gets measured in a clinic treating cases of severe malnourishment in the restive region of Kasai, central Democratic Republic of Congo, last October A country four times the size of France, the DRC has been chronically unstable since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Two wars took place from 1996-97 and 1998-2003, sucking in other African countries and causing millions of deaths in violence, disease and starvation. In eastern DRC, the humanitarian crisis is rooted in years of violence between rival ethnic groups and militias. More recently, conflict has escalated in the diamond-rich central region of Kasai, after soldiers killed a local traditional leader known as the Kamwina Nsapu. Fighting between security forces and Kamwina Nsapu loyalists has since killed more than 3,000 people and displaced 1.4 million, according to the Roman Catholic church. Hunger stalks the region, as a result of successive harvests that have been destroyed. According to the UN Children's Fund, Unicef, 400,000 severely malnourished children are in danger of dying. The pledging conference will be co-hosted by the European Commission, the United Nations and the Dutch government. In 2017, OCHA had requested $812.5 million for the DRC, but received only $427.8 million -- a shortfall of 47 percent. Britain's Tom Daley has voiced his concerns about the treatment of homosexuals in large parts of the Commonwealth, whose athletes are gathered on Australia's Gold Coast for the ongoing Games English world champion diver Tom Daley on Friday urged Commonwealth nations who outlaw homosexuality to relax their anti-gay stance. Openly gay Daley, who is expecting a child with his partner through a surrogate, grasped the opportunity of his gold medal triumph in the 10m synchro event to push for change. Daley, who won gold with team-mate Daniel Goodfellow, said sexual acts between consenting adults of the same sex are criminalised in 37 Commonwealth countries. Daley voiced his concerns about the treatment of homosexuals in large parts of the Commonwealth, whose athletes are gathered on Australia's Gold Coast for the ongoing Games. "Hopefully, I know this might sound a bit political, but by the next Commonwealth Games (in Birmingham 2022), there are 37 countries in the Commonwealth where it's currently illegal to be who I am, so hopefully we can reduce that number between now and then," Daley told reporters. "Coming to the Gold Coast and being able to live as an openly gay man is really important and to be able to feel comfortable in who you are when you are standing on that diving board. "For 37 countries that are here participating that's very much not the case." Daley said it was time for those Commonwealth countries to change their anti-gay laws. "You just have to face those things and try and make change," he said. "There are lots of things that are going to take a long time to change, but I feel with the Commonwealth I think we can really help push some of the other nations to relax their laws on anti-gay sex." The penalties for private, consensual sexual conduct between same-sex adults remain harsh in a number of Commonwealth countries, including imprisonment, hard labour and in some cases flogging. The Commonwealth countries that outlaw homosexuality include Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Tonga. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has walked back comments dubbing Myanmar's persecution of the Rohingya a "genocide" Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte issued a public apology to Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi Friday, a week after describing the military crackdown on the country's Rohingya minority as a "genocide". Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate, has come in for intense global criticism over her public silence regarding a brutal military crackdown that has forced nearly 700,000 Muslim Rohingya to flee the mainly Buddhist nation for Bangladesh. Duterte's original comments, made in a Manila speech a week ago, were a rare example of public criticism by the head of one Southeast Asian country of another. "I will apologise to you, but if you have noticed, my statement was almost a satire," Duterte told a pre-dawn news conference Friday in the southern city of Davao. He said his original comments were intended as a dig at European countries that have criticised his deadly war on drugs, which has left more than 4,000 suspects dead at the hands of the police in less than two years. Duterte had told government officials in a speech on April 5 that European governments "can't even solve" the problem in Myanmar's Rakhine state. "That's the real genocide, if I may (say) so," he said, while qualifying that he was friends with Myanmar's leader. Duterte also said then that he was "willing to accept refugees" from Myanmar if Europe would take in others displaced there as well. "They keep on criticising us, Aung (San Suu) Kyi and the others. Now, why did I say that? Madam Chancellor, let me confess to you publicly, I was doing a -- very sarcastic...." Duterte said Friday, his words trailing off. The Philippine foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the apology when sought by AFP. Japan enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the developed world but a relatively high re-offending rate More than 1,000 Japanese police were on the hunt Friday for a "model" inmate who fled an open prison, officials said. Tatsuma Hirao, 27, who was serving time for multiple thefts, had been working at a shipbuilding yard at the Matsuyama prison in the southwestern city of Imabari. But he gave guards the slip on Sunday night, disappearing from the facility he shared with around 20 other inmates. "We deployed a total of 1,200 officers" to find the prisoner as soon as possible, said Masafumi Shigematsu, a local police investigator. Hirao was caught on security cameras running away from the dorm, according to the investigator. It was "an open institution" where inmates can walk around freely, said prison official Mutsuhiro Kawauchi. "The inmates at the facility are trusted. They are believed to be able to control their desire to run away," Kawauchi told AFP. A total of 21 inmates have escaped since the opening of the prison in 1961, but Kawauchi said it had no plans to increase security. "The purpose of the facility is to teach prisoners about building a relationship of trust... We have a lower re-offending rate, so that's the merit" of the facility, he added. After Hirao's escape, a car was stolen nearby and later found abandoned on Mukaishima island, which is tens of kilometres (miles) away. Residents on the island reported to police that socks, a mobile phone, a wallet and a pair of sandals were stolen, according to local media. A resident on the island also reported his car keys had been stolen and said he found a note saying "I'm borrowing your car but I'll never damage it." Japan enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the developed world but a relatively high re-offending rate. Myanmar's Thingyan water festival is not for the faint-hearted The thuds of party music and splash-happy water fights marked the start of celebrations leading up to the Buddhist New Year in Myanmar on Friday, a time of high spirits and revelry. While similar to other water festivals in Laos and Thailand, Myanmar's Thingyan is particularly frenzied The colourful Thingyan festival lasts for four days from April 13 to 16, with the New Year arriving a day later. Called Songkran in Thailand and Laos, the event is particularly frenzied in Myanmar, where major cities like Yangon are virtually shut down and it is difficult to walk outside without getting blasted with water. Visitors to Myanmar during Thingyan can expect days of endless public water fights In additional to traditional ceremonies, the festival takes the form of a country-wide party, with ear-splitting music and concerts, street food and endless water fights. Traditional dancing is a staple of Myanmar's new year celebrations Partygoers take to pandals, or stages, to shower others dancing below with water. It is not for the faint-hearted, nor the dry-clothed. Revellers on stages spray passersby with water hoses during Thingyan celebrations in Yangon Cars on the street keep their windows rolled up and taxi drivers cover their seats in plastic. The raucous four days are also watched closely by the authorities, who issue frequent warnings about improper behaviour. Ear-splitting concerts accompany more traditional dance celebrations during Thingyan celebrations in Myanmar In a notice published in state media Friday, the Myanmar police force published a 13-point bulletin urging those taking part to avoid drinking too much, swimming or showering in lakes and creeks, donning clothing inappropriate to local culture, and "excessively teasing other people." burs-joe/gle/hg A Palestinian girl carries a burning tyre during clashes with Israeli security forces near the Gaza border on April 13, 2018 Clashes erupted as thousands protested for a third consecutive Friday along Gaza's border with Israel amid violence in which Israeli forces have killed 34 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others. The numbers of protesters were smaller than in previous weeks, though still substantial and with Gaza's health ministry reporting dozens more Palestinians wounded and one killed by Israeli gunfire. Islam Herzallah, 28, died in hospital after being shot by Israeli troops east of Gaza City, the ministry said. Clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers took place in multiple spots along the border while tear gas and plumes of black smoke from burning tyres filled the air in some areas. More than 500 people were wounded, including 122 from gunfire, according to Gaza's health ministry, with the other injuries including those from tear gas. Two journalists were wounded by gunfire, the Palestinian journalists' syndicate said, a week after a Gazan journalist was killed. Israel's army estimated the number of people "rioting" at 10,000 and alleged there were attempts to damage and breach the border fence, while it said firebombs and explosive devices were used. Palestinians evacuate an injured protester during clashes with Israeli security forces near the Gaza border fence on April 13, 2018 Palestinians also sought to pull away barbed wire set up by Israeli forces to keep them away from the fence, an AFP journalist said. The military said soldiers responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." It distributed a photo of "a terrorist wielding an item suspected of being an explosive device," but an AFP journalist who witnessed the event said it was a firework that did not explode. Dozens of Israeli flags were burned, as were photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seen by protesters as cooperating with Israel. Palestinian protesters gather near the Gaza-Israel border on April 13, 2018 The protests since March 30 have posed a challenge to Israel, which has dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement are necessary and will not change. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Friday "there are fewer riots on our border," adding that "our resolve is well-understood on the other side." - Calls for independent probe - In the northern Gaza Strip, Sumaya Abu Awad, 36, attended the protest with her three daughters and son. Palestinians take cover from tear gas during clashes with Israeli security forces near the Gaza border fence on April 13, 2018 "I am not afraid of death because there is no life in Gaza already," she said. The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes, now inside Israel. Israelis say that amounts to calling for the country's destruction. The first two Fridays saw tens of thousands gather at five locations along the border with Israel. Smaller numbers have approached the fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres towards soldiers who took up positions on the other side. Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protests as cover to carry out violence. An Israeli soldier aims his weapon as Palestinian protesters gather near the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza city on April 13, 2018 It has pledged to stop attacks, damage to the fence and infiltration bids, and says there have been attempts at all three. But Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation. - 'Excessive and lethal force' - The dead from last Friday included a journalist, Yasser Murtaja, who witnesses said was wearing a press vest at the time he was shot. Israel claimed he was a paid member of Hamas, but produced no evidence. The company Murtaja co-founded had been vetted for US government funding, while an international journalists federation said he was harassed and beaten by Hamas police in 2015. Rights groups have strongly criticised Israeli forces while pointing to unverified videos that have spread online of Gazans appearing to be shot, including one seeming to show a Palestinian targeted as he ran away from the fence while holding a tyre. "The Israeli authorities must put an immediate end to the excessive and lethal force being used to suppress Palestinian demonstrations in Gaza," Amnesty International said Friday. Hamas officials had said in recent days they wanted this week's protest to see less bloodshed and hoped to keep momentum building for May 14, when the United States is expected to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see the Israel-annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Organisers have reiterated their call for peaceful protests. The official end date of the protests is May 15, when Palestinians mark the Nakba, or "catastrophe," commemorating the more than 700,000 who fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years, while its border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years. The Taliban frequently attack Afghan security forces and steal their equipment, eroding morale among poorly-paid personnel Taliban militants ambushed a checkpoint in western Afghanistan, killing at least nine policemen, officials said Friday, in the latest attack on the country's beleaguered security forces. Two other policemen were killed and four wounded by a roadside bomb en route to the checkpoint to provide backup during the hours-long assault that began late Thursday night, Herat provincial governor spokesman Jailani Farhad told AFP. Two armoured Humvees were destroyed in the attack in Shindand district, Farhad said. The Taliban also seized weapons and ammunition during the raid, he added. Shindand district governor Shukrullah Shakir confirmed the casualty figures. He added that the checkpoint was eight kilometres (five miles) from the district centre. The attack comes a day after Taliban fighters raided a district government compound in the southeastern province of Ghazni, killing at least seven people, including the local governor. The Taliban frequently attack Afghan security forces and steal their equipment, eroding morale among poorly-paid police and soldiers. The latest assaults are the deadliest by the Taliban in several weeks and come as the group prepares to launch its annual spring offensive, which marks the beginning of the traditional fighting season. The Taliban are under pressure to take up President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks but so far have not responded directly to the proposal. Though victory in July's vote is all but assured, Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party party is leaving no stone unturned, rallying the youth vote that the opposition capitalised on in 2013 when it won a chunk of seats in parliament Cambodian leader Hun Sen urged thousands of young supporters on Friday to help the country avoid a fate similar to Syria's as he looks to assure victory in a future vote despite the absence of a viable opposition. The prime minister has tightened his grip on dissent ahead of the July poll by backing the dissolution of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party last year following the arrest of its leader Kem Sokha on treason charges. Speaking at the ancient Angkor complex in Siem Reap at an event organised by the ruling party-linked Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, Hun Sen dredged up the country's violent past and urged the youth to help maintain the "hard-won peace." "Look at Syria, is that country able to organise things for happiness when it is being torn apart by war?" Hun Sen rose to power in 1985 after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, an ultra-Maoist movement whose policies contributed to the deaths of roughly a quarter of the population in the late 1970s. A former Khmer Rouge cadre who defected, he has portrayed himself and his party as saviors of the country, and throughout the 1980s and 1990s he led the fight against his former comrades in a grinding civil war. He has often justified his long-standing rule in Cambodia by warning of a repeat of the unrest and pointing to modern conflict in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. Though victory in July's vote is all but assured, the ruling Cambodian People's Party party is leaving no stone unturned, rallying the youth vote that the opposition capitalised on in 2013 when it won a chunk of seats in parliament that have now been redistributed to other parties. "Hun Sen needs Cambodia's youth," said Sebastian Strangio, author of a book about the strongman. "The long-term viability of CPP rule hinges on the party's ability to win the support of Cambodia's young generation." "Hun Sen needs Cambodia's youth," said Sebastian Strangio, author of a book about the strongman. "Even though the CPP is likely to sail through July's election mostly unopposed, the long-term viability of CPP rule hinges on the party's ability to win the support of Cambodia's young generation." Friday's event was held at 12th century Bayon temple to mark the start of festivals to ring in the Cambodian New Year. Some who attended were hesitant to talk about the election but seemed to absorb Hun Sen's message. "We are afraid of a civil war. We don't want it again in our country," said 26-year-old Pon Thon. Event spokesman Som Ratana said the event was not political and described it as a "platform for youth to participate, to love culture and to preserve and develop the country's rich culture." Cambodia's most visited site has served as the backdrop to ruling party activities in the past. In December, thousands of monks joined Hun Sen Sunday for a ceremony in Angkor Wat that lauded "political stability" after the CNRP was dissolved. The wannabe cop ran into trouble after officials discovered he had put fake grades on his police academy application An Indonesian man wanted to be a cop so badly that he broke the law trying to get into the police academy, authorities say. Now, the 20-year-old has been arrested and faces the prospect of years in prison for putting fake grades on his entrance application, police said. The aspiring law-enforcer-turned-suspect, identified only by his initials MRF, ran into trouble after police and education officials compared notes to verify applicants' credentials. That's when they discovered the man had wildly overstated his grades to cover up a poor academic record that would have kept him out of the police academy in Indonesia's capital Jakarta. "His real overall grades were actually below the (entry) threshold," Jakarta Police spokesman Argo Yuwono said Friday. The suspect's partner in crime, a university friend who helped forge the diploma, is on the run, authorities said. "The suspects can be charged with document forgery under the criminal code which has a maximum possible penalty of six years in prison," Yuwono said. Document forgery is a rampant problem in the Southeast Asian nation of some 260 million people. A district head in Sumatra vying to become provincial governor is now under investigation after police said last month he submitted a fake high school diploma to the election commission. The man remains free but his candidacy has been cancelled. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir speaks to journalists in Riyadh on April 12, 2018 ahead of an Arab League summit Saudi Arabia's push for a tough stand against its arch-rival Iran is expected to dominate an Arab League summit on Sunday as regional tensions grow over the wars in Syria and Yemen. The fate of Jerusalem will also be on the summit's agenda, as the United States prepares to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city after declaring it the capital of Israel. Saudi Arabia, which is hosting the yearly summit in the Eastern Province city of Dhahran, is likely to seek Arab support to pile the pressure on Iran, analysts say. "The Saudis are going to push for a much harsher stance on Iran -- not necessarily on the nuclear dossier per se, but on Iranian influence in the Arab countries, particularly Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen," said Karim Bitar of the Paris-based Institute of International and Strategic Affairs. Iran's influence is wielded through a land route of armed parties in the Middle East -- the so-called "Shiite crescent" that cuts across the mainly Sunni Arab world. Iran has long been a supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, seen here talking with troops in Eastern Ghouta on March 18, 2018 Iran has long been a supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and backs Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah movement, whose fighters are deployed in Syria alongside regime forces. Iran also openly supports the Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen in their war against the Saudi-backed government but denies accusations of smuggling arms to the insurgents. And in Shiite-dominated Iraq, the Islamic republic backs armed groups and supports the government. "The securitisation of Iran is being pushed predominantly by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with other Arab countries including Egypt," said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor of defence studies at King's College London. "Saudi Arabia has also reached out to Iraq to try and build ties and tackle militias there," Krieg told AFP. "It's definitely safe to say that Iran is the centrepiece of this summit." - Syria chemical attack - The summit will be attended by delegations from 21 of the Arab League's 22-member states. Syria has been suspended from the organisation for seven years over Assad's crackdown on protesters. The gathering comes as the US administration of President Donald Trump, a key Saudi ally, faces crucial decisions on how to react to the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Trump has put off a final decision on US-led strikes against Syria after an alleged chemical attack against the rebel-held town of Douma that killed dozens. The flags of the Arab League countries are seen at a meeting of foreign ministers in Riyadh on April 12, 2018 The summit is expected to release a statement on the suspected toxic gas attack, but it remains to be seen whether the Arab League will take any action as well. Syria serves today as a major pivot between Saudi Arabia and its allies on the one hand, and Iran and Hezbollah on the other. Each party in the conflict backs opposing sides but all agree that the country's future cannot be decided solely by the Assad regime, whose troops have regained territory with Russia's support. After years of demanding that Assad step down, Saudi Arabia this month conceded, in the words of its powerful crown prince, that the embattled president was staying. "Certain regional powers previously determined to bring down the Syrian regime -- particularly Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- have now accepted the status quo, that Assad is staying," Bitar said. "Bashar's Iranian patrons are also very well aware that their protege cannot run the show on his own and they are starting to accept the premise that they will have to negotiate spheres of influence in Syria territories". - Fate of Jerusalem - Not on the table at the summit, according to Krieg, is Qatar, cut off from its Gulf allies over accusations of ties to Iran and support for Islamist extremists -- claims denied by Doha. On the eve of the summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir confirmed as much, saying a solution for Qatar would be found within the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council. The summit also comes after 33 Palestinians were killed and hundreds wounded at the hands of Israeli forces in mass protests along the Gaza border in recent weeks. The protests are to continue until mid-May, around the time Washington is to move its embassy to Jerusalem, which both Palestinians and Israelis claim as their capital. Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi has said she hopes the summit will lead to a resolution, and concrete action, supporting the Palestinian position on Jerusalem. Palestinians take cover from tear gas during clashes with Israeli security forces near the Gaza border fence on April 13, 2018 Clashes erupted along the Gaza-Israel border as thousands of protesters gathered for a third consecutive Friday, AFP journalists said. Limited clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers began in at least two places along the border, AFP reporters said, with larger protests expected after Friday Muslim prayers. At least eight Palestinians were wounded, the health ministry in Gaza said, with one shot in the head. Most were injured east of Gaza City, but two were hurt in clashes near Al-Bureij in central Gaza. Many protesters left for midday prayers but larger numbers are expected to gather in five spots along the border on Friday afternoon. In northern Gaza, a large Israeli flag was burned. Israeli forces have killed 33 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others since protests that began on March 30 and have led to clashes. The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes that are now inside Israel -- which Israelis say essentially amounts to calling for the country's destruction. A vehicle carrying Jaish al-Islam fighters and their family members evacuated from the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma, arrives at the Wafideen Camp on April 12, 2018 As Syrian rebels evacuate their holdout town of Douma, hope is dwindling that four iconic activists and hundreds of others suspected to have been kidnapped there will be found alive. Jaish al-Islam has released 200 detainees as part of an evacuation deal reached Sunday, but the fate of several thousand more is unknown, including four human rights defenders. Razan Zeitouneh, Wael Hamada, Samira Khalil and Nazem al-Hammadi were abducted by unidentified assailants in December 2013 from the office of a rights group they ran together in the town. Residents largely blamed Jaish al-Islam but the group has denied involvement. "We're even more afraid now that Jaish al-Islam has practically handed over Douma to the regime and we haven't heard anything," Hamada's brother Basel told AFP. The four played an active role in Syria's anti-regime uprising since 2011 but were also documenting violations by Jaish al-Islam. "There's this helplessness. We sent letters to countries, ambassadors, leaders, kings" but no one was able to help, said Basel. Rumours circled for years that the four were dead, had been transferred elsewhere, or swapped for rebels jailed by the government. "I expect I'll never see them again. I hope I turn out a liar and they're still around and will be freed. But my brain is telling me they're either dead or with the regime," Basel said. - 'No hope' - Seven years into Syria's devastating civil war, thousands of people are still missing, with families in the dark about whether they are dead of alive. Syrian lawyers in Germany who closely followed the case of the "Douma Four" also told AFP they had little reason to believe they were alive. "What I'm most afraid of is that they were executed from the beginning," said human rights advocate Michel Shammas. Relatives of Syrians they believe were kidnapped by Jaish al-Islam fighters wait on the Syrian government-held side of the Wafideen checkpoint on the outskirts of Damascus on April 5, 2018 And Anwar al-Bunni, who was represented by Zeitouneh when he himself was held in regime prison before Syria's uprising, sounded despondent. "There is no hope we will learn of their fate, wherever they are," said Bunni. "Daesh (Islamic State group) is gone but we still don't have details on Father Paolo," he said, referring to a Jesuit priest kidnapped by IS in 2013 and whose whereabouts remain unknown. Since February 18, the regime has ousted rebel groups from their onetime Eastern Ghouta bastion through deadly bombardment and evacuation deals. Under these Russia-brokered agreements, people taken hostage by the rebels have slowly been released. Douma was the last rebel-controlled pocket and while some detainees have been released by Jaish al-Islam, some 3,000 remain unaccounted for, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. They included people captured by Jaish al-Islam in December 2013 from the industrial area of Adra, some of whom had been placed in metal cages in public squares as "human shields". - 'We will free him' - Some of them were released by Jaish al-Islam this month and reunited with their relatives in Damascus. A handout picture released by the official Facebook page of the Syrian Presidency on April 10, 2018, shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad being kissed by a woman whose relative is believed to be captured by opposition fighters in Douma Others were never released, and President Bashar al-Assad met with their families this week to offer support. "We will not abandon any missing or kidnapped. If he is alive, we will free him, whatever the cost," Assad said. Rights groups have continued to make appeals for the release of all detainees, including the "Douma Four". Amnesty International, the International Committee for the Red Cross and Human Rights Watch all told AFP they had no details on the four. HRW's Syria researcher Sara Kayyali said the four activists did not appear to have been discussed as part of talks over Douma that took place between Jaish al-Islam, the government, and Russia. "Concerns about them not being included in negotiations wed into larger concerns about how effective these prisoner exchange agreements are at resolving Syria's long standing detentions issue," said Kayyali. The Violations Documentation Centre, where the four were working when they were abducted, issued a joint appeal last week for any information concerning them, as did the husband of one of the "Douma Four". "I would have preferred an internal dissolution of Jaish al-Islam, resulting in your liberation along with Razan, Wael, and Nazem," Yassin al-Haj Saleh said in a letter addressed to his wife, Samira Khalil. "But the time for such hopes has now passed." President Rodrigo Duterte has threaten to arrest the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, who is probing his deadly drug war, telling her to stay away from the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte threatened Friday to arrest the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, who is probing his deadly drug war, telling her to stay away from the Philippines. Fatou Bensouda launched a preliminary investigation in February into allegations that Filipino police were murdering thousands of drug suspects, prompting Manila last month to withdraw from the Hague-based tribunal. "What is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty... you cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis," Duterte told a news conference in his southern home city of Davao. "That is illegal and I will arrest you," he added, according to official transcripts. Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,000 drug suspects who fought back during arrest. Rights groups claim the actual number is three times higher, accusing authorities of murder. In the face of widespread international criticism of its drugs war, Manila has described its withdrawal from the ICC as a "principled stand against those who would politicise and weaponise human rights". The ICC has urged Manila to reconsider its decision, while warning that the move does not prevent the tribunal from continuing its investigation into the killings. "You, Ms Fatou, do not come here because I will bar you," Duterte said. "Not because I am afraid of you (but) because you will never have jurisdiction over my person, not in a million years." The ICC opened in 2002 to try abuses in countries where national courts cannot or will not prosecute. Manila ratified the Rome Statute that created the treaty in 2011, but Duterte has insisted it cannot be enforced in the Philippines on a technicality. Buoyed by high domestic popularity ratings, Duterte has fiercely defended his drug war as a battle to provide security for the nation's 100 million people. He has frequently urged authorities to kill drug suspects while promising to protect police from legal repercussions. Harrowing testimony from Rohingya refugees of rape, extrajudicial killing and arson has prompted accusations of ethnic cleansing Myanmar has expressed "serious concern" over an attempt at the International Criminal Court to open a probe into mass deportations of Rohingya Muslims, dismissing the claims and saying the court has no jurisdiction. Some 700,000 people from the stateless Muslim minority fled Myanmar's Rakhine state to Bangladesh following Rohingya insurgent attacks on border guard posts in August last year. Myanmar says it was defending itself from the rebel Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army but harrowing testimony from refugees in Bangladesh of rape, extrajudicial killing and arson has prompted accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide. On Monday, the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court in The Hague asked judges to rule whether the body has jurisdiction to open a probe into the more than 670,000 Rohingya who have been "intentionally deported across the international border into Bangladesh". Myanmar responded on Friday in a statement from the ministry that oversees civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's state counsellor office. The statement highlights the legal thorniness around the possible probe by arguing that Myanmar is not a party to the Rome statute that countries must sign on to as ICC member states. "Nowhere in the ICC Charter does it say that the Court has jurisdiction over States which have not accepted that jurisdiction," Myanmar's statement says. Bangladesh is a member, however, and chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in her filing that her office does have the authority to investigate. She contends the crime of deportation is like a cross-border shooting and "not completed until the bullet (fired in one state) strikes and kills the victim (standing in another state)". A pre-trial chamber of judges is currently reviewing her request but no decision has been made. Myanmar's government said the prosecutor is attempting to override its sovereignty and rejected the claims in the filing. "Myanmar reiterates that it has not deported any individuals in the areas of concern and in fact has worked hard in collaboration with Bangladesh to repatriate those displaced from their homes," the statement said. The two countries have agreed to start repatriating Rohingya refugees but so far not one has returned. Set up in 2002, the ICC is the only permanent war crimes court and acts to prosecute abuses including genocide in countries where national courts are unwilling or unable to act. burs-joe/qan Flowers growing on a barrier made of barrels on the green line, a UN controlled buffer zone separating the divided Cypriot capital Nicosia Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades hopes to reignite a dormant UN-backed peace process to reunify the island when he sits down for dinner next week with the Turkish Cypriot leader, officials said Friday. "It is a positive development in the sense that it is something that needed to happen. It is not, of course, a formal negotiation, but it is a meeting through which the president hopes to resume talks," said Cyprus government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou. "It will be a meeting without an agenda and this will allow the two leaders to freely exchange views," he added. The UN said there was no fixed agenda for Monday's dinner date which is the leaders' first meeting of any kind since reunification talks collapsed last July. "It is up to the two leaders what they will discuss, there is an open agenda. We will leave it up to them," UN official Elizabeth Spehar told reporters on Friday after meeting Anastasiades. The United Nations is hoping that dinner diplomacy can break the current stalemate and open the way for a resumption of reunification talks that crashed at a Swiss summit last summer. "As you know this will be the first time that they sit down with each other and speak in a number of months," said Spehar Diplomats are hoping the Cypriot leaders can find common ground on reviving the peace process, although expectations are not high. The east Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third in response to a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece. Since Cyprus talks came to a gridlock, tensions in the region have heightened following Nicosia's search for natural gas reserves which is opposed by Turkey. The dispute over resources in the Mediterranean is another complicating factor in efforts to reunify the island after negotiations on the 44-year feud collapsed last year. Anastasiades has said reunification talks cannot resume while Turkey is trying to block foreign companies from drilling for oil and gas offshore Cyprus. Last month the European Union condemned Turkey's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean telling it to cease such actions against member state Cyprus. Repeated rounds of talks on reunifying the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation have all failed. The Philippines is looking for answers from Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg over the scope and impact of the leak of user data The Philippine government said Friday it was investigating the breach of data of its citizens who use Facebook, after a massive leak of user information to British political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. Manila's National Privacy Commission has written to Mark Zuckerberg requiring the Facebook chief to submit to the government body documents that would shed light on the scope and impact of the leak on Filipino users. "We are launching an investigation into Facebook to determine whether there is unauthorised processing of personal data of Filipinos," said a copy of the letter, released to the press Friday. The letter, dated Wednesday, said 1.18 million Filipino Facebook users "may have been affected by the Cambridge Analytica incident". "The Philippines has exceeded user growth projections and now has more than 67 million active Facebook users. It is our duty to protect the data privacy interests of these users, and to provide those affected with avenues for redress," the letter added. The Facebook founder apologised in US congressional hearings this week over how his company has handled the growing furore over online privacy. Zuckerberg said Facebook had "failed" to protect people's information following the use by Cambridge Analytica of data scraped from 87 million Facebook users to target political ads ahead of the 2016 US presidential election. Separately, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Friday rejected suggestions in the local press that his election campaign team worked with Cambridge Analytica in his successful 2016 presidential run. "I don't know them. Honestly, I don't believe in surveys," he told a news conference in his southern home city of Davao. "And why would I pay these fools from Cambridge to work for my campaign? I might have lost with them," he added. The local press this week published a photograph supposedly showing Duterte election campaign officials sharing a meal with the Cambridge Analytica chief executive in 2015, a year before the presidential election. For several years, rural communities in Nigeria's Zamfara state have been under siege from gangs of cattle rustlers who carry out deadly raids on herding communities to kill, loot and burn homes Gunmen have killed 26 people in northern Nigeria's Zamfara state, in the latest in a series of attacks blamed on cattle thieves, a local official said Friday. Men on motorcycles attacked gold miners near Kuru-Kuru village in Anka district late Thursday and clashed with residents from a nearby village who had mobilised in anticipation of the assault. "We buried 26 people killed in the two attacks by the armed bandits," chairman of Anka local government Mustapha Gado Anka told AFP. "The victims were miners from Kuru-Kuru that were attacked and residents of Jarkuka village who had come to help their neighbours," Anka said. He said the assailants ambushed the group of volunteers from Jarkuka who had come to help. Zamfara state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu confirmed the attack, but declined to give details "until after the police commissioner is briefed". The killings were the latest round of tit-for-tat attacks by cattle thieves on farming communities in the state. Last month, at least 36 people were killed in a similar fashion in nearby Bawar-Daji. Gunmen on motorbikes invaded the village and opened fire on mourners who had gone to a cemetary to bury victims of a previous attack. For several years, rural communities in the agrarian state have been under siege from gangs of cattle rustlers who carry out deadly raids on herding communities to kill, loot and burn homes. In the absence of a robust police force and effective judicial system in Nigeria, villagers have created local vigilante groups to fight off the gangs. But the vigilantes are equally responsible for the bloodshed and are also accused of extra-judicial killings. Residents said the intensification of the attacks was because locals were cooperating with soldiers sent to quell the attacks. "People have been cooperating with soldiers sent to fight the bandits and we believe this is why they have been launching renewed attacks," a resident told AFP. In early April, the Nigerian air force deployed special forces to the state to reinforce troops on the ground fighting the bandits. Following the Bawar-Daji attack, state governor Abdulaziz Yari ordered troops to shoot on sight anyone found with a gun in the area. Nigeria, West Africa's largest economy, is battling an array of security concerns across the country, from Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast to oil militants in the south. President Muhammadu Buhari has deployed troops in many states to combat cattle rustlers and criminal gangs and try and contain clashes between herdsmen and farmers. A Congolese woman and her child, seen at a makeshift camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's) and returnees in Kabutunga, are among an estimated 4.5 million IDP's in Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the UN Donors gathered in Geneva Friday pledged $528 million (428 million euros) towards addressing a towering humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN said. The amount was less than a quarter of the some $2.2 billion the UN has estimated is required this year to provide desperately needed aid inside DRC and to Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries. But UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock stressed that the expectation had never been to raise the entire amount in one conference. "I am pleased with the progress," he told reporters, highlighting that a number of countries which had not yet made pledges had indicated they planned to do so soon. Around 100 delegations, including from 54 UN member countries, took part in Friday's conference. - DRC boycotting conference - But the DRC itself was conspicuously missing. The government has accused the UN of exaggerating the crisis and is boycotting the event. That move has deepened political divisions in a country facing mounting strife, while its legacy of ethnic conflict, corruption and instability are combining with political tensions to spark fears of bloodshed. The growing violence has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation in several areas, with underfunded aid agencies struggling to keep up with the needs. In a video address to Friday's conference, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that the DRC was "experiencing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises." "Millions of people are suffering," he said, warning that "the single biggest obstacle is the lack of funding." In January, the UN and Kinshasa said $1.68 billion was needed in 2018 to provide urgently needed assistance to some 10.5 million people inside the country. Kinshasa says the UN estimates of the internally displaced is vastly exaggerated The UN refugee agency has meanwhile said another $508 million is needed to support more than 800,000 Congolese refugees in surrounding countries, as well as the some 540,000 refugees from the Central African Republic, South Sudan and other countries who have fled into DRC. Lowcock acknowledged that the total of $2.2 billion was "a lot of money". But, he stressed, "it amounts to less than 50 cents a day for each of the people whose lives we are trying to save and protect." - 'Unbelievable pain, horror' - Friday's conference got off to a strong start, with co-host Christos Stylianides, the European Commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, pledging 77 million euros ($95 million) of EU aid inside the DRC this year. Stylianides, who recently visited DRC, told reporters he had seen "with my own eyes the massive humanitarian needs on the ground, (and heard) stories of unbelievable pain and horror. Stories that cannot be forgotten." DRC's former colonial power Belgium meanwhile announced that it would give 25 million euros this year, up from 17 million in 2017. Lowcock said at least 15 donor countries had "significantly" increased their pledged amounts this year. "It is obvious that we will get a better financed response for the DRC this year than we got last year," he said. Last year, humanitarian actors requested $813 million for DRC, but received just over half that amount. In a statement, a coalition of humanitarian organisations warned Friday that the dire underfunding had forced them to cut back on essential aid, including providing food, water and safety to people fleeing violence. - Impossible choices - "The lack of funding forces us to make choices we shouldn't have to make," Jose Barahona, Oxfam's Country Director in DRC, said in the statement. The UN says 13 million Congolese need aid Norwegian Refugee Council chief Jan Egeland meanwhile voiced dismay that Friday's conference had not generated more funds. "We are disappointed that too few countries sent a real message of hope to the millions of Congolese children, women and men in desperate need of assistance," he said in a statement. In all, the UN estimates that 13 million Congolese need aid, including 7.7 million who are food insecure, and 4.5 million internally displaced people. The DRC has angrily contested the UN figures, with humanitarian affairs minister Bernard Biango putting the number of IDPs at just 231,241. Aid bodies and NGOs are propagating a "bad image of the Democratic Republic of Congo throughout the world," Prime Minister Jose Makila charged last month. The government has meanwhile promised $100 million "to ease humanitarian distress" and earmarked $10 million to help refugees or those internally displaced to return home. Lowcock hailed that pledge and said "the government of the DRC is providing the leadership on this crisis." Felix Tshisekedi, the leader of the main opposition UDPS party, has urged the conference to drum up as much aid as possible. "The irresponsible attitude of the Kinshasa government reflects its indifference to the suffering of the Congolese people," he said. African migrants and Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv on April 9 against the Israeli government's deportation plans Following months of denials, Uganda said Friday it was "positively considering" a proposal from Israel to accept hundreds of Africans the country wishes to deport. Uganda's junior refugees minister, Musa Ecweru, said Israel had requested that Uganda accept about 500 Eritrean and Sudanese migrants. "The government (is)... positively considering the request," he said in a statement. Ecweru denied any suggestion of a financial motive for taking in the migrants. Uganda's motivation is "purely humanitarian" and "all refugees world over, are voluntarily repatriated" in "strict observance" of international law, Ecweru said. In November last year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to deport some 40,000 African migrants who had entered the country illegally. Africans began entering Israel through what was then a porous Egyptian border in 2007. The border has since been strengthened, all but ending illegal crossings. Netanyahu's plan has stirred up a political storm, given that some migrants come from Eritrea or Sudan, where rights experts point to a high risk of abuse or armed conflict. Israel tacitly recognises the Sudanese and Eritreans cannot be returned to their dangerous homelands, which is why a third country was sought as a viable option. Netanyahu has repeatedly referred to migrants from these countries as "not refugees but illegal infiltrators". The United Nations has referred to the migrants as "people needing asylum". Deportees and aid workers said the destination sketched in Netanyahu's plan was either Rwanda or Uganda, although both countries denied that any such deal had been agreed. Rights groups reported that Israel had offered the migrants $3,500 (2,800 euros) to relocate to Uganda or face indefinite imprisonment with eventual forced expulsion. Netanyahu last week agreed to cancel the controversial plan and grant 16,000 migrants temporary residency with an equivalent number resettled in Western nations. But he reversed his position just hours later. - Appeal - The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) on Friday said it did not know what had been agreed between Israel and Uganda and was seeking more information. But it reiterated its appeal for the deal scuppered by Netanyahu -- the Framework of Common Understanding -- to be implemented, calling it a "win-win for everyone". "We have been appealing for Israel to halt its policy of relocating asylum-seekers to sub-Saharan Africa," UNHCR spokesperson Duniya Khan told AFP by phone from Nairobi. Human rights groups have long condemned Israel for its immigration policy and treatment of Africans seeking a safe haven. In reply, Israeli officials say that no-one they classify as a refugee or asylum seeker will be deported. However, the process of granting asylum in Israel has been criticised as extremely slow and biased against claims. Only a handful of asylum claims have been approved in recent years. Under a previous plan launched in 2013, more than 4,000 African migrants left Israel for Uganda and neighbouring Rwanda, according to campaign groups. Andie Lambe, executive director of International Refugee Rights Initiative, based in the Ugandan capital Kampala, told AFP that migrants arriving under that scheme were denied official refugee status -- something she wants to see change if the request announced on Friday goes ahead. Lambe argued that the question remained, "Why can't Israel simply accommodate these people?" Sheldrick was born in Kenya and spent nearly 30 years working with her husband David who founded the country's biggest national park Dame Daphne Sheldrick, a conservationist famous for her work rearing baby elephants in Kenya and fighting for the protection of the species, has died aged 83, her family said Friday. "Daphne passed away the evening of the 12th April after a long battle with breast cancer, a battle she finally lost," her daughter Angela wrote in a statement. "Her legacy is immeasurable and her passing will reverberate far and wide because the difference she has made for conservation in Kenya is unparalleled." Sheldrick was born in Kenya in 1934, and spent nearly 30 years working with her husband David who founded Kenya's biggest National Park, Tsavo East. After his death, she founded The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), famous both for its contribution to conservation and to tourists who flock to the Nairobi centre daily to witness orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed and frolicking in the mud. "Daphne was the first person to successfully hand raise a milk dependent new born elephant and rhino, knowledge that has seen more than 230 orphaned elephants saved in Kenya, and countless other infant elephants in countries across Africa and into India," read a statement on the trust's website. With their mothers shot by poachers for ivory, or dying due to frequent droughts, or human-wildlife conflict, scores of baby elephants found their way into Sheldrick's care. However, it took her 28 years to discover the magic milk formula that would keep alive the baby elephants, who cannot survive without it under the age of two. But milk is often not enough. Dedicated keepers spend 24 hours a day with the elephants, highly social and emotional creatures who are often severely traumatised when they arrive at the orphanage. "The infant is very fragile. One must think in human terms for an elephant," Sheldrick told AFP in a 2004 interview. When they are about two years old, the elephants leave the orphanage for Tsavo park where they try to join a new herd in what can be a long and difficult process. However they continue to return to greet new elephants and their keepers for years to come. - 'She lived alongside elephants' - Sheldrick's work has featured on countless television programmes and documentaries, while she also wrote several books. In 2006 Queen Elizabeth II appointed Sheldrick Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the first Knighthood to be awarded in Kenya since the country received independence in 1963, according to the trust. The Kenyan government in 2001 presented her with a Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) decoration -- one of the country's top honours. An orphaned baby elephants feeds on milk at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi According to the Great Elephant Census project, African Savanna elephant populations fell by 30 percent between 2007 and 2014. "Daphne lived alongside elephants and learned to read their hearts, much as they read ours - she understood their fragility, their intelligence, their capacity to love, to grieve, to heal, to support one another and she took those lessons to the global stage," read the tribute to her on the trust's website. "In doing so, Daphne became a leading voice for elephants, never through a desire for the limelight, only ever driven by her belief that elephants, and other wild species, have a right to live a free and protected life - just like us." An unidentified volunteer holds an oxygen mask over a child's face at a hospital following an alleged chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma on April 7, 2018 As Western leaders consider military action over a suspected poison gas attack in Syria -- with US President Donald Trump leading the charge -- chemical weapons inspectors are due to start work in the country on Saturday. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has confirmed that a fact-finding mission team is on its way to Syria and due to begin its probe almost a week after the alleged attack. Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May have been categorical in saying the attack took place. Damascus and its allies Russia and Iran have denied any use of chemical weapons, with Moscow suggesting the attack was staged to prompt international military action. Much is still not clear about what happened on Saturday in the town of Douma, access to which is controlled by the regime, making it extremely difficult for journalists to independently verify claims. But here's what we know so far: What happened? - Douma, the last rebel-held town in the onetime opposition bastion of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus, was under intense bombardment on April 7 after Russian-brokered talks on the evacuation of the Jaish al-Islam Islamist group had stalled. - At approximately 4:00 pm, an air strike hit near a bakery on Omar bin Al-Khattab street in Douma in a first attack that caused breathing difficulties, according to several monitors including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Two other monitors, the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Violations Documentation Centre, said it appeared chlorine may have been used. - At approximately 7:30 pm, a second strike hit near Martyrs' Square in the Numan area, apparently using chlorine and, based on symptoms shown by the victims including foaming at the mouth and burning of the cornea, another more potent chemical such as sarin, according to the monitors and medical experts. - A doctor interviewed by AFP the next day said waves of patients began to arrive on Saturday evening, many of them with breathing difficulties and "there was a strong smell of chlorine". - Several witnesses spoke to AFP after their evacuation from Douma, largely corroborating the circumstances and describing similar symptoms. One of them was a 51-year-old man who gave his name as Abu Mohammed: "I was coming up the stairs from the basement and got an indescribable tightness in the chest, inability to breathe, and headache... I went back downstairs and started splashing water on myself, wiping my face, and splashing more water." - By Sunday morning, Syria's government and its ally Russia announced a deal was reached for the town's evacuation. Jaish al-Islam confirmed the deal days later, saying the alleged chemical attack had forced them to accept Russia's terms. Thousands of rebels and civilians have been bussed out of Douma, including Jaish al-Islam's chief, and rebels have surrendered their heavy weapons. How many people were allegedly exposed and died? - Tens of thousands of civilians remained in the town, with many having spent weeks in shelters and basements after regime forces, backed by Russia, launched a major offensive to retake Eastern Ghouta in February. - Monitors, rescuers and medical groups have given varying tolls for the number of people affected by the attack but have all reported hundreds exposed and dozens dead. The White Helmets civil defence organisation and Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) said 500 cases of suspected exposure to chemical substances were observed and more than 40 people killed. The Britain-based Observatory said at least 21 people were killed and 70 suffered breathing difficulties. The World Health Organization said based on reports from local partners: "More than 70 people sheltering in basements have reportedly died, with 43 of those deaths related to symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals." - Graphic pictures and videos shared on social media, including by activists and the White Helmets, showed piles of bodies on the floors of shelters and entire families lying dead, their mouths and noses covered with foam. One of the videos showed a large number of bodies spread across several rooms in what appeared to be a residential building, indicating that many of the deaths may have been from a localised strike. Other videos showed victims including children being treated for breathing problems and hosed down. It has not been possible to independently verify the contents of these videos. Who was responsible? - Opponents said the attack was only the latest use of chemical weapons by President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which has repeatedly been accused of using sarin, chlorine and poison gases during the country's seven-year civil war. The OPCW has confirmed the use of sarin gas in an attack on the town of Khan Sheikhun a year ago that left dozens dead. UN inspectors also confirmed the use of sarin in a 2013 attack near Damascus, including Ghouta, that killed hundreds. - Aircraft observers from the Sentry Syria network, which is linked to the White Helmets, observed military helicopters and warplanes heading southwest from the Dumayr airbase near Damascus in the direction of Douma. The observers saw them above the town around the time of the second attack, according to open source investigation website Bellingcat. - A video shared by the White Helmets after the alleged attack shows a large yellow canister, apparently on the roof of the building where most of the bodies were found. A second video shared on social media shows a similar canister that appears to have crashed through a wall into a bedroom at an undisclosed location. Both appear to be compressed gas cylinders. The contents of the videos have not yet been verified. - Syria's regime and its allies Moscow and Tehran have denied any use of chemical weapons in Douma on Saturday, accusing opposition activists of fabricating reports in order to win support from the West. Regime supporters have said its forces already had the upper hand in the battle to retake Ghouta and there was no reason for it to take the risk of deploying chemical weapons. - Moscow and Damascus suggested in recent months that Syria's rebels, who have been steadily losing ground since Russia intervened in 2015 to support the regime, were preparing a "provocation" to prompt Western military action. The Russian military said Friday it had proof Britain had ordered the White Helmets, accused by Moscow of being a front for jihadists, to "stage" the attack. Online, regime supporters have rushed to discredit the rescue force by posting pictures that appear to show the first responders on a film set. It later emerged the photographs were from the set of a Syrian government-sponsored film about opposition groups fabricating a chemical attack. What could investigators find? - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this week that Moscow's military specialists had already visited the site and "did not find any trace of chlorine or any other chemical substance". A video released by the Russian defence ministry showed a Russian military police vehicle and personnel in the area. It has offered to take the investigators to the area of the alleged attack, where Russian military police are deployed. - The OPCW has been tight-lipped about how exactly its investigators will work, saying it does not disclose "operational details" of its investigations in order to preserve their integrity. Damascus, which invited the investigators in to Douma, has said it will cooperate with the probe. - The Hague-based body has however outlined its usual modus operandi: "Members of the team may take chemical, environmental and biomedical samples for analysis on-site or off-site at an OPCW-designated laboratory. Team members may also interview victims, eyewitnesses and medical personnel and participate in autopsies." It adds that the inspection team is expected to send a situation report within 24 hours of starting its work, a preliminary report within 72 hours of returning to The Netherlands and a final report within 30 days. US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley (C), told the Security Council that Washington is taking time to assess the full implications of possible military strikes against Syria The United States, Britain and France made the case at the United Nations on Friday for military action against Syria, saying President Bashar al-Assad's repeated use of chemical weapons posed a threat to the world. US Ambassador Nikki Haley said no decision had been taken to launch strikes and stressed Washington was taking time to assess the implications of possible military action after Russia warned it could lead to a dangerous US-Russian war. "Our president has not yet made a decision about possible action in Syria," Haley told a Security Council meeting. "But should the United States and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defense of a principle on which we all agree." Citing US estimates that Assad has used chemical weapons "at least 50 times" in the seven-year war, Haley said: "All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow Assad to normalize the use of chemical weapons." The United States is consulting with Britain and France about a joint military response to an alleged toxic gas attack in the rebel-held town of Douma that medics and rescuers said left at least 40 people dead on Saturday. "You don't rush decisions like this," Haley told reporters ahead of the meeting - the fourth on Syria at the council this week. Syria and Russia have denied using poisonous gas in Douma on April 7, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saying that Moscow had evidence that the attack in Douma was staged. A UN-led panel has determined that Assad's forces had used sarin in the town of Khan Sheikhun last yaer and chlorine in at least three attacks on villages in 2014 and 2015. - Intolerable threat to security - Echoing the US stance, France said Assad's government had reached a "point of no return" with repeated use of chemical weapons. "France will shoulder its responsibility to end an intolerable threat to our collective security," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre, who called for an end to the "chemical weapons escalation in Syria." Britain accused Russia of chipping away at international norms on non-proliferation by supporting Assad. "We will not sacrifice the international order we have collectively built to the Russian desire to protect its ally at all costs," said Ambassador Karen Pierce. By supporting Assad, Russia's actions are "prejudicial to our security" and will let the Islamic State group "re-establish itself" - something that "we believe we need to take action to defend," said Pierce. The arguments put forward by the three allies were dismissed by Russia as a pretext to advance the West's goal of overthrowing Assad and keeping Moscow's influence in check. "The sole thing that they have an interest in is to oust the Syrian government and to deter, contain the Russian Federation," Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council session. The ambassador urged Britain, France and the United States "not to bring the world to such a dangerous threshold." Russia has told the United States that it will not allow its troops on the ground in Syria to be put at risk by military action, even though the two countries have channels of communication to avoid such a clash. The warning from Moscow came as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that increasing tensions over Syria could lead to "full-blown military escalation." Guterres urged the Security Council to "act responsibly in these dangerous circumstances." Syria warned that it will have "no other choice" but to defend itself if the West launches military action. "This is not a threat, this is a promise," Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari told the council. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivers an address on the movement's al-Manar TV on December 11, 2017 Israel's strike on a Syrian airbase this week has put it in direct confrontation with regional foe Iran, the head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah movement said on Friday. "The Israelis committed a historic mistake... and put themselves in direct combat with Iran," Hassan Nasrallah warned in a televised address. Seven Iranian personnel were killed in Monday's early-morning strike on the T-4 airbase in Syria, but Tehran had not specified which units the fighters belonged to. On Friday, Nasrallah said the casualties were elite Iranian Revolutionary Guards, making the strike the first time in Syria's long-running conflict that they were intentionally hit by Israel. "This is unprecedented in seven years: that Israel directly targets Iran's Revolutionary Guard," Nasrallah said. "This is a turning point for the region, and what came before is not what will come after," he warned. In Israel, the army said Friday that an Iranian drone it which infiltrated the country from Syria before being shot down had been armed with explosives and was primed to carry out an attack. Israeli warplanes had retaliated the same day, attacking the "Iranian base" inside Syria from which the drone was allegedly launched. One of the planes was downed by Syrian air defences, crashing in Israel as its two pilots were hospitalised. Israel is believed to have carried out numerous raids inside Syria since 2013 but it rarely admits to them publicly, although it does say it wants to curb Iranian influence in Syria. It declined to comment on accusations by the Syrian and Russian governments that it was behind the T-4 strike. - US threats - Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah fighters have a presence at the T-4 base, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said a total of 14 fighters, including Iranians, died in the strike. No Russians were reported to have died. The strike came just two days after a suspected chemical gas attack which killed more than 40 people in a rebel-controlled town outside the Syrian capital. The alleged use of poison gas prompted US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders to threaten military action against Syria -- something Nasrallah shrugged off on Friday. "Let the whole world know that Trump's Hollywood-style tweets and threats have not, and will not, scare Syria, Iran, Russia, or the region's resistance movements and peoples," he said. Nasrallah echoed Syrian and Russian government denials that President Bashar al-Assad's forces were behind the attack. Douma was the last rebel-controlled town in the devastated suburb of Eastern Ghouta, which Assad is now poised to declare fully in government hands after a two-month assault. "Why would the victor use a chemical substance?" Nasrallah asked. Renwick Haddow, 49, has been charged with two counts of wire fraud connected to a pair of purported startups: Bitcoin Store, an online marketplace for the cryptocurrency, and Bar Works, a venture to transform former restaurants into work spaces US authorities have extradited a British citizen from Morocco to face charges of allegedly defrauding investors of more than $36 million, US prosecutors said Friday. Renwick Haddow, 49, has been charged with two counts of wire fraud connected to a pair of purported startups: Bitcoin Store, an online marketplace for the cryptocurrency, and Bar Works, a venture to transform former restaurants into work spaces. As he solicited investors for the businesses "Haddow made material misrepresentations about, among other things, the management, operations and historical performance of the companies," US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said in a statement. Haddow was originally charged in the US in June 2017, arrested in Morocco in July 2017, and scheduled to appear in a New York Court on Friday, Berman said. He faces jail of up to 20 years for each of the charges. The alleged fraud included creating a fake identity "Jonathan Black," who he said was the chief executive of Bar Works, according to the complaint. Haddow also fabricated a team at Bitcoin Store led by chief executive "Gordon Phillips," who was said to have received a Master of Science degree in finance from Yale and worked as global head of currency and options trading at HSBC. The FBI found neither HSBC nor Yale had records for Phillips. Haddow confected similar resumes for two other members of Bitcoin Store's "experienced team of leading investment professionals," the FBI charges said. Haddow also said Bitcoin Store had generated $7.6 million in sales, but the only bank account that Haddow had opened for the firm had less than $500, Beresford said. For several years, rural communities in Nigeria's Zamfara state have been under siege from gangs of cattle rustlers who carry out deadly raids on herding communities to kill, loot and burn homes At least 28 people have been killed in gang violence in northern Nigeria, police and local residents said on Friday, in the latest unrest causing security concerns for the government. Twenty-six people lost their lives on Thursday evening when gunmen on motorcycles attacked gold miners in the Anka district of Zamfara state. In a separate attack also on Thursday, two police officers on patrol were shot dead and six people were kidnapped in the Birnin Gwari area of neighbouring Kaduna state. Meanwhile there were reports that up to 25 people may have been killed in clashes between farmers and nomadic cattle herders in Taraba state but police did not confirm the death toll. Nigeria, West Africa's largest economy, is battling an array of security threats across the country, from Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast to oil militants in the south. Troops have been deployed in many states to combat criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling, as well to try to contain violent clashes between herdsmen and farmers. - Shoot on sight - In the first attack, the chairman of the Anka local government district, Mustapha Gado Anka, told AFP: "We buried 26 people killed in the two attacks by the armed bandits. "The victims were miners from Kuru-Kuru that were attacked and residents of Jarkuka village who had come to help their neighbours." The assailants ambushed the volunteers from Jarkuka who had come to help, he added. Zamfara state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu confirmed the attack, which are the latest against farming communities in the state. Last month, gunmen on motorbikes killed at least 36 people in nearby Bawar-Daji as they attended a funeral for victims of a previous attack. Rural communities in the agrarian state have been under siege from gangs of cattle rustlers who carry out deadly raids on herding communities to kill, loot and burn homes. In the absence of a robust police force and effective judicial system in Nigeria, villagers have created local vigilante groups to fight off the gangs. But the vigilantes are equally responsible for the bloodshed and are also accused of extra-judicial killings. Residents said the intensification of the attacks was because locals were cooperating with soldiers sent to quell the attacks. In early April, the Nigerian air force deployed special forces to the state to reinforce troops on the ground fighting the bandits. Following the Bawar-Daji attack, state governor Abdulaziz Yari ordered troops to shoot on sight anyone found with a gun in the area. - Cattle rustling gangs - In Kaduna, state police spokesman Mukhtar Aliyu said: "We lost two policemen in armed bandits attack on our men on patrol in Birnin Gwari area yesterday (Thursday). "The gunmen also kidnapped six members of the Birnin Gwari branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who were returning from Zamfara state where they attended a wedding. "The six men were stopped by the gunmen near Dan Fall village from where they herded them into the bush and allowed their driver to go." The Kaduna state NURTW chairman, Alhassan Haruna, said the attackers were "obviously part of the kidnapping and cattle rustling gangs that terrorise Birnin Gwari district". "We know they are looking for ransom but they are yet to make contact with us," he added. Meanwhile in Taraba, which has seen repeated clashes between herders and farmers, state police confirmed an attack on Jandeikyula in the Wukari district. But they could not confirm local reports that up to 25 people may have been killed. "I can't give a figure of casualties at the moment but definitely we have some people who lost their lives in the course of the attack," said spokesman David Misal. "Military operatives have been deployed to the affected communities to restore order. Our men are still on the field gathering information," Misal said. Former FBI director James Comey describes President Donald Trump as 'unethical' and 'untethered to reality' in his upcoming memoir Former FBI director James Comey's memoir, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. The following are excerpts from the 304-page book, which Agence France-Presse obtained ahead of its public sale on Tuesday. President Donald Trump fired Comey as head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in May 2017: - Mob boss - "As I found myself thrust into the Trump orbit, I once again was having flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." - Hillary Clinton emails - "I have replayed the Clinton email case hundreds of times in my mind. Other than mistakes in the way I presented myself in the July 5 public statement in front of the television cameras, I am convinced that if I could do it all again, I would do the same thing, given my role and what I knew at the time. But I also think reasonable people might well have handled it different... I have read (Hillary Clinton) has felt anger toward me personally, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry that I couldn't do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made." - The 'kiss' - "I thwarted the hug, but I got something worse in exchange. The president leaned in and put his mouth near my right ear. 'I'm really looking forward to working with you,' he said. Unfortunately, because of the vantage point of the TV cameras, what many in the world, including my children, thought they saw was a kiss. The whole world 'saw' Donald Trump kiss the man who some believed got him elected." - 'Close inspection' - "His face appeared slightly orange, with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assumed he placed small tanning goggles, and impressively coifed, bright blond hair, which upon close inspection looked to be all his... As he extended his hand, I made a mental note to check its size. It was smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so." - 'I expect loyalty' - "With a serious look on his face, he said, 'I need loyalty. I expect loyalty.' During the silence that followed, I didn't move, speak or change my facial expression in any way. The president of the United States just demanded the FBI director's loyalty. This was surreal.... To my mind, the demand was like Sammy the Bull's Cosa Nostra induction ceremony -- with Trump, in the role of the family, asking me if I have what it takes to be a 'made man.'... 'You will always get honesty from me,' I said. He paused. 'That's what I want, honest loyalty,' he said. This appeared to satisfy him as some sort of 'deal' in which we were both winners." - Where's the humor? - "I don't recall seeing him laugh, ever. Not during small talk before meetings. Not in a conversation... There is a risk I'm overinterpreting this... but I don't know of another elected leader who doesn't laugh with some regularity in public. I suspect his apparent inability to do so is rooted in deep insecurity, his inability to be vulnerable or to risk himself by appreciating the humor of others, which, on reflection, is really very sad in a leader, and a little scary in a president." - The 'golden showers thing' - "Unprompted, and in another zag in the conversation, (Trump) brought up what he called the 'golden showers thing,' repeating much of what he had said to me previously adding that it bothered him if there was 'even a one percent chance' his wife, Melania, thought it was true... He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldn't possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie. I said it was up to him." "That distracted me slightly because I immediately began wondering why his wife would think there was any chance, even a small one, that he had been with prostitutes urinating on each other in Moscow." - 'Effective immediately' - "I was fired, effective immediately, by the president who had repeatedly praised me and asked me to stay... I felt sick to my stomach and slightly dazed." "I took an emotional call from General John Kelly, then the secretary of Homeland Security. He said he was sick about my firing and that he intended to quit in protest. He said he didn't want to work for dishonorable people who would treat someone like me in such a manner. I urged Kelly not to do that, arguing that the country needed principled people around this president. Especially this president." - Obstruction of justice? - "One of the pivotal questions I presume that Bob Mueller's team is investigating is whether or not in urging me to back the FBI off our investigation of his national security advisor and in firing me, President Trump was attempting to obstruct justice, which is a federal crime. It's certainly possible... I do know that, as of this writing, Special Counsel Mueller and his team are hard at work and the American people can have confidence that, unless their investigation is blocked in some fashion, they will get to the truth, whatever that is." - Forest fire - "Donald Trump's presidency threatens much of what is good in this nation. We all bear responsibility for the deeply flawed choices put before voters during the 2016 election, and our country is paying a high price: this president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values. His leadership is transactional, ego driven, and about personal loyalty. We are fortunate some ethical leaders have chosen to serve and to stay at senior levels of government, but they cannot prevent all of the damage from the forest fire that is the Trump presidency. Their task is to try to contain it." Mourners line the streets of Soweto as a hearse carrying the body of Winnie Mandela makes its way through the township Hundreds of people lined the streets of Soweto on Friday to see the funeral procession of Winnie Mandela ahead of her final send-off this weekend. A black hearse carrying the body of Mandela, one of the most divisive figures in the anti-apartheid struggle, slowly drove to her house led by uniformed men bearing the flag of her African National Congress (ANC) party. Mandela, who died in Johannesburg aged 81 on April 2 after a long illness, was celebrated for keeping her husband Nelson Mandela's dream of a non-racial South Africa alive during his 27-year imprisonment. South Africa's new President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the mourners at a pre-burial service on Saturday "There were times when people could not afford a funeral and she would assist," said neighbour Gloria Searole, 31, a service consultant who went to catch a glimpse of the procession along with her daughter. "She was very generous. It is a pity that all these things were not known. She was an exceptional woman, she was fearless." South Africa's new President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took office two months ago, will lead the mourners at a pre-burial service due to start at 0600 GMT on Saturday at Soweto's 37,000-capacity Orlando stadium. Women wrap themselves in ANC flags to pay their respects to the former wife of Nelson Mandela American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson is expected to attend, as are the presidents of Namibia and the Republic of Congo. "She is truly the mother of South Africa," Jackson told journalists on Friday. The township of Soweto is hugely symbolic in South Africa as it became a crucible of black resistance to white minority rule which ended with elections in 1994. Relatives carry Winnie Mandela's coffin at her house in Soweto Mandela's husband became the first black president of democratic South Africa, but she refused to follow many other struggle-era politicians who moved from townships like Soweto to formerly white-only suburbs after the end of apartheid. Yemeni photographer Abdullah al-Qadry, who was killed in shelling April 13, 2018, contributed to AFP A Yemeni photographer and videographer who contributed to AFP, Abdullah al-Qadry, was killed in shelling Friday in the centre of the country, his colleagues said. Qadry died while on assignment for Yemen's Belqees television, the station said. A security source said Shiite Huthi rebels were behind the shelling. Three other journalists were also wounded in the shelling of Qaniyah, near the border between Marib and Baida provinces in the centre of the country. Qadry died from a shrapnel wound to the neck, according to a doctor at the hospital to which he was evacuated. A journalist in his thirties, he had been married for a year and had one child. Journalists who worked with Qadry praised his courage and determination. Qaniyah was retaken by pro-government forces on Wednesday and fierce fighting in the area has continued. Yemeni AFP photographer Saleh Al-Obeidi was seriously injured in April 2017 during rebel bombing near Mokha in the country's southwest. Since March 2015, at least 15 journalists have been killed in Yemen, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The conflict in Yemen has raged for three years, pitting pro-government forces backed by neighbouring Saudi Arabia and its allies against Iran-backed Huthi rebels. The Huthis control the capital Sanaa. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed and more than 54,000 injured in what the United Nations has called "the world's worst humanitarian crisis". Lewis "Scooter" Libby -- shown here in a 2011 file picture -- has been pardoned by President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump pardoned a former White House aide convicted of lying to the FBI in connection with the leak of a CIA operative's identity -- a move seen by critics as a message to witnesses in the current Russia probe. "I don't know Mr. Libby," Trump said of vice president Dick Cheney's former chief of staff Lewis "Scooter" Libby. "But for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly," Trump added. "Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life." Libby was handed a 30-month prison sentence for perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators in 2007. His sentence was commuted by former president George W Bush, who declined however to issue a pardon -- sparking a rift between him and Cheney. The affair dates back to July 2003 when the name of CIA agent Valerie Plame, the wife of a diplomat who had accused the Bush administration of exaggerating the threat posed by Iraq, was leaked to the press. Libby was not accused of blowing Plame's cover, but of lying during the subsequent inquiry. Democrats were quick to criticize the decision -- and its possible repercussions on the probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election and allegations of collusion with the Trump campaign, as well as possible obstruction of justice. "President Trump's pardon of Scooter Libby makes clear his contempt for the rule of law," said leading congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. "This pardon sends a troubling signal to the president's allies that obstructing justice will be rewarded," she added. "The suggestion that those who lie under oath may be rewarded with pardons poses a threat to the integrity of the Special Counsel investigation, and to our democracy. Neither the president nor his allies are above the law." Former vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine said it "seems like he's sending a message to current WH staff worried about investigation of Trump obstruction: 'Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.'" White House press secretary Sarah Sanders insisted the two situations should not be linked, telling reporters: "One thing has nothing to do with the other." - 'Held in high regard' - Trump has used his power to pardon sparingly -- last year, he pardoned Arizona ex-sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of violating a court order to halt traffic patrols targeting suspected unauthorized immigrants. The White House said that Libby had "rendered more than a decade of honorable service to the Nation as a public servant at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the White House." "His record since his conviction is similarly unblemished, and he continues to be held in high regard by his colleagues and peers," Sanders said earlier in a statement. Bush critics claim Libby was part of a White House effort to punish Plame's husband, former US ambassador Joseph Wilson, whom the CIA sent to Niger in February 2002 to investigate claims that then Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein tried to buy uranium for nuclear bombs. The White House pointed out that a "key witnesses against Mr. Libby recanted her testimony" and "the District of Columbia Court of Appeals unanimously reinstated Mr. Libby to the bar." The Justice Department said President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen is under criminal investigation because of his 'personal business dealings' President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen is under criminal investigation for his "business dealings" and has been a target of law enforcement for months, the Justice Department said Friday. US Attorney Robert Khuzami, in a motion filed with a US District Court judge in New York, redacted the alleged criminal conduct for which Cohen is being investigated. The Justice Department filing was in response to a request by Cohen for a temporary restraining order that would prevent prosecutors from reviewing certain material seized by the FBI on Monday. FBI agents searched Cohen's home, hotel room, office, a safety deposit box and seized two cellphones in a raid on Monday that drew a furious reaction the same day from Trump. Trump denounced the FBI raid on "good man" Cohen as "disgraceful" and an "attack on our country." The New York Times, citing several people close to Trump, said the president called Cohen on Friday to "check-in" with his long-time lawyer and fixer. The Justice Department motion revealed that "multiple different email accounts maintained by Cohen" had been secretly monitored by law enforcement for some time. Cohen has been Trump's personal lawyer for years and has acknowledged making a $130,000 payment before the 2016 election to porn star Stormy Daniels, who says she had a tryst with Trump a decade ago. Some of the documents seized in the raids reportedly relate to payments to Daniels and another woman, a former Playboy model named Karen McDougal who also claims to have had an affair with Trump. According to The Washington Post, Cohen may be under examination for possible bank fraud and for campaign finance violations. Cohen's lawyer cited attorney-client privilege in seeking to restrict access to "documents and communications related to numerous clients." - 'One client - Donald Trump' - But the government said Cohen appears to have only one client -- Donald Trump. "The (US Attorney) and FBI have reason to believe that Cohen has exceedingly few clients and a low volume of potentially privileged communications," the Justice Department said. "It is neither apparent that Cohen, in his capacity as an attorney, has many, or any, attorney-client relationships other than with President Donald Trump," it said. "Although Cohen is an attorney, he also has several other business interests and sources of income," the motion said, and the lawyer "is being investigated for criminal conduct that largely centers on his personal business dealings." "The searches are the result of a months-long investigation into Cohen, and seek evidence of crimes, many of which have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, but rather relate to Cohen's own business dealings," it added. US District Court Judge Kimba Wood put off making any decision until Monday at the earliest but granted a request by Trump's lawyer to be a party to the hearing. Joanna Hendon, Trump's lawyer, argued in court that Trump has an "acute interest" in the matter. - Stormy Daniels lawyer in court - Present in the courtroom Friday was Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for Stormy Daniels, who is seeking to have the courts throw out a hush agreement prohibiting her from talking about her affair with Trump. Trump has denied any knowledge of Cohen's payment to secure Daniel's October 2016 signature on a secret agreement preventing her from talking about the affair. The raid on Cohen's home and office came as special counsel Robert Mueller's probe intensifies its focus on the president's inner circle. The US Attorney said the raid on Cohen was conducted on information supplied by the special counsel's team but was an independent investigation. Mueller's team is examining possible collusion between Trump's 2016 election campaign team and Russia, as well as allegations of corrupt behavior by Trump campaign lieutenants and of White House efforts to obstruct the investigation. So far, 19 people have been indicted, including the chairman of Trump's campaign and his former national security advisor. President Joao Lourenco's first major labour challenge since he came to power in September occured when teachers had began the walk-out on April 9, 2018 Angolan teachers on Friday ended a strike after reaching a deal with the government on pay and conditions, their union said. The teachers had begun the walk-out, originally planned to last for three weeks, on Monday in what was seen as President Joao Lourenco's first major labour challenge since he came to power in September. "We have obtained an undertaking by the government that measures will be taken," the head of the teachers' union Sinprof, Guilherme Silva, told AFP at the end of more than 10 hours of negotiations. Under the terms of the agreed deal, the teachers will be awarded a new status, including a new pay scale, Silva said. Many Angolan schools that have been shut for five days are therefore likely to re-open on Monday morning. For a number of years, teachers have been campaigning for better salaries and working conditions. Class sizes often reach 100 to 150 pupils. Lourenco took over from Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who had ruled the country for 38 years. The new president has vowed to revive the oil-dependent economy and improve funding for the public sector. More than half of the country's population live below the poverty line. Since coming to power, Lourenco has promised an "economic miracle" and an end to corruption. The Kentucky Education Association (KEA), the teachers' union which had previously organized a one-day march earlier this month, estimated that several thousand teachers were at the capital Frankfort on Friday Striking teachers in the US state of Kentucky on Friday won a major concession from lawmakers with a $480 million tax bill that includes a boost for public school funding. The teachers had earlier shuttered schools and descended on the capital Frankfort, the latest in a wave of protests that have swept Republican-governed states. It began a day after tens of thousands of protesters in Oklahoma ended a two-week demonstration, declaring victory after the state legislature agreed to meet a little less than half of their demand for $200 million in increased funding for schools over three years. The groundswell is part of a political shift that has seen teachers organize grassroots campaigns to flex their political muscle in several states where years of budget cuts that began during the 2008 economic downturn left salaries stagnant and many public schools in disrepair. In Arizona, the mere threat of a teacher walkout appeared to have changed that state's Republican governor's mind about teacher raises. Governor Doug Ducey announced Thursday a plan to give teachers a 20-percent pay boost. The Kentucky Education Association (KEA), the teachers' union which had previously organized a one-day march earlier this month, estimated that several thousand teachers were at the capital Frankfort on Friday. "They filled up the whole plaza from the front door of the capitol," KEA spokesman Charles Main told AFP. "The slogan of the day, the thought of the day, the message to legislators is: fund our future." Kentucky's legislature overrode Governor Matt Bevin's earlier veto of the two-year spending plan. The final budget increases base funding for schools to $4,000 per student compared to $3,981 in the current school year, and also funds transportation and employee health insurance costs previously set to be paid for by local school districts. Kentucky educators promised to return Saturday -- on the last day of the legislative session -- to ensure all of their demands are met. Teachers in West Virginia got their first pay raise in four years last month after a nine-day strike. (COMBO) This combination of pictures created shows a March 13, 2018, file photo of US President Donald Trump (L) at the White House and a December 13, 2017, file photo of US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on Capitol Hill The White House on Friday said President Donald Trump is frustrated with his deputy attorney general -- a pivotal figure in Russia investigation -- raising the specter he may soon be fired. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders refused to rule out the departure of Rod Rosenstein, a first step to removing special counsel Robert Mueller and a leap toward a constitutional crisis. "I don't have any announcements at this time. The President has voiced some frustrations, but beyond that, I don't have anything to add," Sanders said. With Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused from overseeing the investigation into collusion with Russia, his deputy has the power to fire special counsel Robert Mueller. Rosenstein has refused to fire Mueller without cause and has infuriated Trump by authorizing a raid on the offices of the president's personal lawyer Michael Cohen. In what appeared to be an concerted effort to push Rosenstein out, Trump's allies took to Twitter and television to make their case, while his allies in Congress turned up the heat on the Justice Department veteran. Lawmakers Devin Nunes, Trey Gowdy and Bob Goodlatte demanded Rosenstein produce memos from former FBI director James Comey, which may prove an impossible request. "Rosenstein will be forced to choose between turning over material that they'll share with Trump to help him get his story straight or being fired for refusing to help them undermine the rule of law," said Walter Shaub, the former head of the White House's internal ethics watchdog. Democratic Senator Ed Markey warned that if Trump fires Rosenstein it would push the country into "a constitutional crisis the likes of which we have not seen since Watergate." Richard Nixon's similar order to fire a special counsel investigating that scandal was ruled illegal and hastened the end of his presidency. Handout picture released by Andina showing US Vice President Mike Pence (C) upon arrival at the Peruvian Air Force base in Callao, Lima on April 13, 2018, to take part in the Summit of the Americas Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and US Vice President Mike Pence plan to meet on Saturday on the sidelines of a Summit of the Americas in Peru to discuss ties frayed by NAFTA renegotiations and border tensions. The meeting will come after Pena Nieto met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday in Lima to discuss progress made so far on the North American Trade Agreement, which US President Donald Trump has threatened to tear up if it is not revised to be more favorable to his country. Pena Nieto has ordered his government to carry out a sweeping review of its cooperation with the United States over rising tensions that have been fueled by the NAFTA do-over and Trump ordering National Guard troops to the US-Mexican border, along which he wants a wall built. Pena Nieto "received a proposal" from Pence's side "with the aim of discussing the state and perspectives of the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States," the Mexican president's office said in a statement. A Pence aide said Pence planned to meet with Pena Nieto early Saturday, with the get-together only being finalized late on Friday. Pence, who is accompanied by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor tasked with various international foreign policy issues, is filling in for Trump, who canceled his trip to Peru to watch over America's response to a suspected poison gas attack in Syria. Just ahead of the Friday-Saturday summit, a White House official said "negotiations continue to be ongoing" over NAFTA and nothing on the subject was expected to be announced in Lima. The White House has said the United States is "pursuing fair and reciprocal trade" throughout Latin America and intends to "push back against external economic aggression." LISBON, Portugal (AP) - Spain's Supreme Court on Thursday turned down a second request by a jailed leader of Catalonia's independence movement to be released so that regional lawmakers can vote on making him their leader. Judge Pablo Llarena said in a ruling that there remained a risk that Jordi Sanchez, a prominent secessionist, would repeat the offenses that landed him in a Madrid jail. He is being detained while the Supreme Court investigates whether he orchestrated protests that hindered officials who were trying to stop a court-banned Catalan independence referendum last October. The ballot triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades. Backdropped by supporters former Catalan Minister Professor Clara Ponsati, who is facing extradition to Spain, stands outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court with her lawyer Aamer Anwar, left, after an extradition hearing, Thursday April 12, 2018. Former Catalan education minister Professor Clara Ponsati returned to court Thursday facing an extradition hearing on charges of violent rebellion and misappropriation of public funds over her role in Catalonia's controversial independence referendum last year. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP) Pro-independence political parties in Catalonia have defied the Spanish government for the past six months with efforts to secede from Spain and create a new country. Court rulings have repeatedly thwarted their ambitions, however, because the Constitution says Spain is "indivisible." Llarena said the only new argument in Sanchez's latest request was a reference to the U.N.'s Human Rights Committee calling for Spain to respect the rights of arrested Catalan separatists. The judge said the U.N. body had made no specific demand that might be binding on the Supreme Court. Llarena also denied Sanchez's request to appear in the Catalan parliament via video link, noting that Sanchez's rights were "partially limited." Sanchez, who was elected to the Catalan parliament in December, hoped to attend a parliamentary session Friday where the slender majority of pro-independence lawmakers were to debate making him Catalan president. The court also refused to release Sanchez last month for a similar session. The northeastern region of Catalonia, Spain's wealthiest, has been without its own government since elections in December that were called by the national government in an attempt to end a standoff with secessionists. Spanish authorities are showing no sign of letting up on pursuing legal charges against those behind the independence movement, though their success has been patchy. Llarena last month charged 13 leading Catalan separatist politicians with rebellion for their attempts to make the region independent and ordered that international arrest warrants be issued for six who fled the country. Former regional President Carles Puigdemont was arrested in Germany while driving to Belgium. They are all fighting extradition. The lawyer for one of the fugitives, former Catalan government minister Clara Ponsati, said in a Scottish court Thursday the Spanish arrest warrant should be considered invalid because the politician has committed no crime under Scottish law. Ponsati, a professor at St. Andrews University in Scotland, was arrested last month at Spain's request. Her lawyers said during a Thursday hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court that they would fight extradition on grounds that include the validity of the warrant and Ponsati's human rights. The case is due to be heard in July. Outside court, attorney Aamer Anwar accused Spanish authorities of "prosecuting Clara for her political opinions" and said her extradition would be "unjust and oppressive." The case is due to be heard in July. Also Thursday, Spanish prosecutors requested pre-trial detention for a woman believed to be a leader of Catalonia's so-called Committees for the Defense of the Republic, a grassroots group that organizes protests. Those groups have been behind the blocking of road and train lines in Catalonia to press their demand for independence. The public prosecutor argued that her actions had led to violence in the street and asked the National Court to charge her with rebellion, but a judge recorded a lesser charge of public disorder and ordered her to be released with instructions to report to the court weekly. ____ Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report. LIMA, Peru (AP) - When presidents gather this week in Peru at the Summit of the Americas, they may be tempted to walk past Vice President Mike Pence and make a beeline for another person who has President Donald Trump's ear on Latin America: Sen. Marco Rubio. In Trump's absence from the meeting, the Florida Republican is playing an even more prominent role. He began the week presiding over a Senate hearing on the summit, lunched Thursday with Pence at the White House to discuss the trip and starting Friday, when he arrives in Lima, will meet one-on-one with about a half-dozen heads of state - around the same number as Pence himself. The American president cancelled what would've been his first presidential visit to Latin America as he weighs a possible U.S. military strike in Syria in retaliation for an apparent chemical attack on civilians. FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2018 file photo, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks with reporters as he leaves the office of Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who is moderating bipartisan negotiations on immigration, at the Capitol in Washington. When presidents gather on April 13, in Peru at the Summit of the Americas, they may be tempted to walk past Vice President Mike Pence and make a beeline for the person who has President Donald Trump's ear on Latin America: Sen. Marco Rubio. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Rubio, in a phone interview from Washington, called Trump's absence understandable but a nonetheless disappointing example of how Latin America often takes a backseat to more pressing national security challenges. In his absence, he said he and Pence, who was picked by Trump to lead the U.S. delegation and is the administration's main envoy to the region, would work with leaders to take tougher action on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who at the U.S. administration's urging was the only Western Hemisphere leader barred from the gathering. For the region's leaders, many of whom were dreading shaking hands with the American president as he pushes forward with plans to build a wall on the Mexican border and renegotiate trade deals, there couldn't be a better stand-in. Since Trump's election, Rubio has exerted outside influence over U.S. policy toward Latin America. He drafted a list of Venezuelan officials accused of human rights abuses that became the basis for U.S. sanctions. He also urged Trump to roll back the U.S.' opening to communist Cuba that led to President Raul Castro's historic handshake with Obama at the last Summit of the Americas three years ago. Castro is again expected to attend this year, a farewell tour as he prepares to step down later this month. In addition, several friend and political allies occupy key positions inside the administration. Among them are CIA Director and Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo, who endorsed him in the 2015 presidential race, and former Miami Rep. Carlos Trujillo, who is the new U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States and whose kids study at the same school as Rubio's. Now as Trump threatens crippling oil sanctions on Venezuela in retaliation for Maduro's plowing ahead with what is widely seen as a sham presidential election, his insight is once against being sought. Rubio said that while the White House shouldn't rule out such a dramatic escalation, he's yet to conclude himself that's the right course of action. "There are no sanctions off the table but I'm certainly not going to telegraph what's coming," he said. Rubio, 46, downplays his pull on Trump but says the two are "instinctively aligned" on the need to promote democracy in the Western Hemisphere. In Rubio's case, he credits his Cuban heritage - he considers his parents exiles even though they migrated to the U.S. before Fidel Castro took power - in teaching him to combat Venezuela's "dictatorship" with strength. Growing up in Miami, he had many close Venezuelan friends. He also credits Pence with playing a pivotal role. The vice president last August traveled to four countries in the region, met several times with Venezuelan dissidents and chaired a summit in Miami with leaders of Central America to discuss security. More recently, though, Rubio has seen his hard-line stance challenged. Last week Senator Dick Durbin, the Democratic whip, and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, made separate trips to Caracas, where they met with Maduro in what observers saw as an attempt to ease hostilities between the two countries. "Lots of people in Congress oftentimes want to play the role of special envoy," Rubio said while urging fellow lawmakers to avoid getting burned trying to open a backchannel to Maduro. "They think they are going to travel abroad, meet some leader, cut a deal and come back. But the bottom line is that U.S. policy toward Venezuela is directed by the administration and there's no member of Congress who can cut a deal on its behalf, myself included." Rubio's reputation as a Trump whisperer hasn't gone unnoticed in Caracas, where he' regularly mocked as "Narco Rubio," for his obsession with exposing drug running by top Chavista officials. Much of the venom is spewed by the socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello, whom Rubio has dubbed the "Pablo Escobar of Venezuela." While Cabello is not among the many Venezuelan officials charged with crimes in the U.S., "we've got something special for him," Rubio said. Last year, Rubio took on extra security after reportedly receiving death threat originating from Venezuela. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committees, he's taken a deep interest in Venezuela's vast criminal underworld and its potential links to Middle Eastern terrorist groups. Venezuelans who fear taking public explosive information about corruption in their own country often turn to Rubio instead, communicating sometimes through secret channels. "I doubt anyone in Washington has more accurate information on Venezuelan than him," said Martin Rodil, head of the Venezuelan-American Leadership Council, who has introduced Rubio's office to several Venezuelan defectors looking to cooperate with U.S. law enforcement. Even critics on the left acknowledge his importance. "Though Trump hasn't always gone as far as Rubio would like, the president clearly listens to him," said Matt Clausen, head of the Washington Office on Latin America. But the president's anti-immigrant bluster is an obstacle, said Clausen. Rubio said while the president's rhetoric doesn't advance the U.S.' policy goals, beyond the headlines real progress is being made on critical issues like trade and migration. "If I'm the president of a country and the United States is bashing me, I have to respond in kind just to save face domestically," Rubio said. "So what I encourage people to do in the administration, and when I talk to the president, is to put yourself in their position and understand that they have an interest as well in dealing with this migration problem and not to back them in a corner." ___ Associated Press writer Christine Armario reported this story in Lima and AP writer Joshua Goodman reported from Bogota, Colombia. ___ Joshua Goodman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APjoshgoodman QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno on Friday confirmed that three press workers kidnapped along the conflictive border with Colombia had been killed, opening the door to a military strike against their captors. Moreno spoke after a 12-hour deadline ended with the captors failing to demonstrate the hostages were still alive. It's still not clear how they died but Moreno denied the hostage takers' unsubstantiated claims it was the result of a stealth military operation. "Despite our best efforts, we've confirmed that these criminals never had the intention of handing them back safe and sound," Moreno said. Women place flowers on pictures of three press workers from the newspaper EL COMERCIO, after Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno confirmed their deaths, in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. Moreno confirmed the deaths of the three press workers kidnapped along the country's conflictive border with Colombia. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) He said elite troops would soon be deployed to the northern border area where the employees of El Comercio newspaper were last seen nearly three weeks ago while investigating a rise in drug-fueled violence. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos dispatched his top military advisers to Quito to assist in the military planning. Moreno also offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Walter Arizala, better known by his alias Guacho, the leader of a holdout group of guerrillas from the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia that claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. The International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement from Bogota that it had received approval from the two governments as well as members of Guacho's groups to organize a humanitarian mission to recover the bodies. Fears that the kidnapping had ended in tragedy emerged Thursday when a Colombian TV network said it had received gruesome photos purporting to show the bodies of the three men. However forensic experts in both countries were unable to confirm the authenticity of the images, exasperating press groups and family members who say accused both governments of taking the incident too lightly. Moreno on Thursday night rushed back from a regional summit in Peru to deal with a crisis that has shaken Ecuadoreans' long held self-identity as a tiny, peaceful nation insulated from the drug-fueled violence raging across its border. In a late-night press conference, he said there was an "enormous possibility" the deaths were real and on Friday said authorities had obtained new, unspecified information that confirmed the three men had been killed. He decreed four days of national mourning As Moreno spoke, dozens of colleagues and friends of reporter Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and their driver Efrain Segarra gathered in tears in a plaza outside the presidential palace under the slogan "Three Are Missing," the same one that has featured in candlelight vigils held almost every night since their disappearance. "We are torn apart, there are people who've had to seek medical attention to calm down, it's very hard," said Monica Mendoza, a top editor at the century-old newspaper, Ecuador's most-respected and one of its best-selling broadsheets. She described Ortega as a young, energetic reporter who was up for any assignment. Rivas, 45, was a prize-winning photographer and collector of antique cameras - more than 40 sit in a glass cabinet at his home - who learned his trade from his father and passed it on to his daughter. Both the Ecuadorean and Colombian governments have tried to limit the fallout from the kidnapping, with officials in both countries denying the men were being held inside their territory and even squabbling over Guacho's supposed nationality. Earlier this week, authorities dismissed as fake a statement signed by the captors claiming the journalists were killed during a military raid coordinated by the two governments. "Both governments failed," said Sebastian Salamanca, a lawyer at Colombia's Foundation for Press Freedom. While more than a dozen journalists used to be killed every year in Colombia at the height of Pablo Escobar's reign in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the numbers have fallen dramatically as the country's half-century conflict winds down to that point only a single press worker was killed in 2017, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. In Ecuador, only two journalists have been killed since 1992. Moreno's promise of a "devastating" military response was seen by many as a tacit acknowledgement that both governments had been too restrained. "When there is cooperation between the two countries the criminal will always fall," Santos said from the Summit of the Americas in Peru, promising to work closely with Moreno on a military campaign. In a proof-of-life video released earlier this month, the three men identified their captors as members of the Oliver Sinisterra Front, a group of a few dozen combatants that authorities say is led by Guacho, a former FARC rebel. The group is believed responsible for a string of recently deadly attacks in northern Ecuador against military targets. The group in another statement Friday Moreno announced last month that he was sending 12,000 soldiers and police to combat drug gangs and boost security along the border. That represents about 10 percent of the small nation's police officers and troops. Ecuador is a major transit zone for Colombian-produced cocaine, with small boats carrying the drugs from the South American nation's Pacific shore to Central America and on to the United States. ___ Goodman reported from Bogota, Colombia. Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno speaks during a press conference confirming the deaths of three press workers from the newspaper EL COMERCIO, in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. Moreno confirmed the deaths of the three press workers kidnapped along the country's conflictive border with Colombia. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) Relatives of three press workers from the newspaper EL COMERCIO cry as Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno confirms their deaths, in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. Moreno confirmed the deaths of the three press workers kidnapped along the country's conflictive border with Colombia. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno speaks during a press conference confirming the deaths of three press workers from the newspaper EL COMERCIO, in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. Moreno confirmed the deaths of the three press workers kidnapped along the country's conflictive border with Colombia. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) Relatives of three press workers kidnapped along the conflictive border with Ecuador and Colombia arrive to meet with Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. President Moreno said that it is highly likely that the journalists were killed and gave their captors 12 hours to demonstrate they remain alive before he orders a major military operation against them.(AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) A relative of on of the three press workers kidnapped along the conflictive border with Ecuador and Colombia arrives to meet with Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. President Moreno said that it is highly likely that the journalists were killed and gave their captors 12 hours to demonstrate they remain alive before he orders a major military operation against them. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) Women place flowers on pictures of three press workers from the newspaper EL COMERCIO, after Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno confirmed their deaths, in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. Moreno confirmed the deaths of the three press workers kidnapped along the country's conflictive border with Colombia. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) WASHINGTON (AP) - Former FBI Director James Comey blasts President Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" in a sharply critical new book that describes Trump as fixated in the early days of his administration on having the FBI debunk salacious rumors he insisted were untrue but could distress his wife. In the forthcoming book, Comey compares Trump to a mafia don and calls his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty." He also reveals new details about his interactions with Trump and his own decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election. He casts Trump as a mobster-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him personally regarding his investigation into Russian election interference. FILE - In this June 8, 2017, file photo, former FBI director James Comey testifies before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Comey blasts President Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" and his leadership of the country as "transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty." Comey's comments come in a new book in which he casts Trump as a mafia boss-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him regarding the investigation into Russian election interference. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The book adheres closely to Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with Trump and his growing concern about Trump's integrity. It also includes strikingly personal jabs at Trump that appear sure to irritate the president. The 6-foot-8 Comey describes Trump as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. He also says he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine but did not seem unusually so." The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. The Associated Press purchased a copy this week. "Donald Trump's presidency threatens much of what is good in this nation," Comey writes, calling the administration a "forest fire" that can't be contained by ethical leaders within the government. On a more-personal level, Comey describes Trump repeatedly asking him to consider investigating an allegation involving Trump and Russian prostitutes urinating on a bed in a Moscow hotel, in order to prove it was a lie. Trump has strongly denied the allegation, and Comey says that it appeared the president wanted it investigated to reassure his wife, Melania Trump. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Mueller's probe has expanded to include whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey, which the president denies. Trump has assailed Comey as a "showboat" and a "liar." Comey's account lands at a particularly sensitive moment for Trump and the White House. Officials there describe the president as enraged over a recent FBI raid of his personal lawyer's home and office, raising the prospect that he could fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, or try to shut down the probe on his own. The Republican National Committee is poised to lead the pushback effort against Comey by launching a website and supplying surrogates with talking points that question his credibility. Trump has said he fired Comey because of his handling of the FBI's investigation into Clinton's email practices. Trump used the investigation as a cudgel in the campaign and repeatedly said Clinton should be jailed for using a personal email system while serving as secretary of state. Democrats, on the other hand, have accused Comey of politicizing the investigation, and Clinton herself has said it hurt her election prospects. Comey writes that he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Clinton. But he says he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high profile cases. Every person on the investigative team, Comey writes, found that there was no prosecutable case against Clinton and that the FBI didn't find that she lied under its questioning. He also reveals new details about how the government had unverified classified information that he believes could have been used to cast doubt on Attorney General Loretta Lynch's independence in the Clinton probe. While Comey does not outline the details of the information - and says he didn't see indications of Lynch inappropriately influencing the investigation - he says it worried him that the material could be used to attack the integrity of the probe and the FBI's independence. Comey's book will be heavily scrutinized by the president's legal team looking for any inconsistencies between it and his public testimony, under oath, before Congress. They will be looking to impeach Comey's credibility as a key witness in Mueller's obstruction investigation, which the president has cast as a political motivated witch hunt. The former FBI director provides new details of his firing. He writes that then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly - now Trump's chief of staff - offered to quit out of disgust at how Comey was dismissed. Kelly has been increasingly marginalized in the White House and the president has mused to confidants about firing him. Comey also writes extensively about his first meeting with Trump after the election, a briefing in January 2017 at Trump Tower in New York City. Others in the meeting included Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, Michael Flynn, who would become national security adviser, and incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer. Comey was also joined by NSA Director Mike Rogers, CIA Director John Brennan and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. After Clapper briefed the team on the intelligence community's findings of Russian election interference, Comey said he was taken aback by what the Trump team didn't ask. "They were about to lead a country that had been attacked by a foreign adversary, yet they had no questions about what the future Russian threat might be," Comey writes. Instead, they launched into a strategy session about how to "spin what we'd just told them" for the public. Comey says he had flashbacks to his time investigating the Italian Mafia as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, thinking that Trump "was trying to make us all part of the same family." "For my entire career, intelligence was a thing of mine and political spin a thing of yours. Team Trump wanted to change that," he writes. Comey then describes talking to Trump one-on-one after the broader meeting. He says he described the allegations about Russian prostitutes. He writes that he told Trump about the dossier because it was the FBI's responsibility to protect the presidency from coercion related to harmful allegations, whether supported or not. Comey said he left out one detail involving an allegation that the prostitutes had urinated on a bed once used by the Obamas. Trump raised the subject again a week later, after the dossier had been made public. He then told Comey, the director writes, that he had not stayed in the hotel and that the most salacious charge could not have been true because, Trump said, "I'm a germaphobe. There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way." Comey writes that Trump raised the issue again, unprompted, during their one-on-one dinner at the White House and it bothered the president that there might be even "a one percent chance" his wife might think it was true. Comey then registers surprise, writing that he thought to himself "why his wife would think there was any chance, even a small one, that he had been with prostitutes urinating on each other in a Moscow hotel room." ___ Lemire reported from New York. President Donald Trump speaks during an event on tax policy in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, April 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) MEXICO CITY (AP) - Prosecutors are investigating the killing of two women and four men in the northern Mexico border city of Reynosa, apparently as the result of crossfire, officials said Thursday. The Tamaulipas state prosecutor's office said state police had responded to a report of gunfire between gunmen in the area where the six bodies and a seventh wounded man were found. The office said in an initial report that none of the six bodies tested positive for having a gun. Three were identified as members of a family passing through the area and three others were thought to have been employed at a nearby factory. All were believed to be bystanders. It was not clear who killed them or why, but civilians in Tamaulipas have been injured and killed in the crossfire of drug gang battles and shootouts between criminals and law enforcement. Last week, the Mexican marines accepted responsibility for the deaths of three civilians killed when they drove through a running gun battle between marines and cartel gunmen in the border city of Nuevo Laredo in late March. The family's car was hit by bullets from a helicopter that was battling gunmen nearby. Also Thursday, gunmen killed a mayor near the colonial city of Puebla in central Mexico. The Puebla state prosecutors' office said Jose Efrain Garcia was killed when gunmen blocked his vehicle on a road and opened fire. Garcia was mayor of the town of Tlanepantla, just east of Puebla. The area has been a hotbed of thieves drilling illegal taps into state-owned pipelines to steal fuel. At least 55 mayors or mayors-elect have been killed in Mexico since 2006, often by criminal gangs or corrupt police. On Wednesday, Mexico's Green party said a female state assembly candidate was killed in the neighboring state of Michoacan. In February, two female state assembly candidates were slain in Guerrero. Violence threatens Mexico's July 1 presidential and local elections. Comcast will drop the Big Ten Network from its cable television system in states where there are no teams in the conference. The Big Ten Network will remain available on Comcast Xfinity in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Comcast is not available in Nebraska and Iowa. Comcast said Thursday in a statement it regularly evaluates its channel lineups, looking at what programmers charge to carry the channels, viewership information and available alternatives. Comcast says out-of-market drops have already started and will be completed in May. BTN posted on Twitter to fans: "Comcast XFinity has decided unilaterally to drop BTN in many markets. All of their competitors still carry BTN everywhere. We at BTN share your disappointment. Let Comcast know how you feel." SHANGHAI (AP) - When farmer Liu Cong first started planting soybeans in northeastern China's Heilongjiang province, he lamented how low prices were, thanks largely to competition from American exports. "U.S. soybeans assaulted the Chinese market," said Liu, who was visiting a soybean industry exhibition this week in Shanghai. "They were like wolves coming." China is the largest buyer of American soybeans in the world, accounting for almost 60 percent of U.S. soy exports worth $12.4 billion in revenue for the year that ended on Aug. 31. In this April 12, 2018, photo, a man walks by a billboard displaying a Chinese company developed packaging machinery for local and foreign food and beverage companies at the International soybean exhibition in Shanghai. Chinese soybean farmers, importers and processers say they are unconcerned about potential Chinese tariffs on American soybeans in an escalating dispute with the administration of President Donald Trump over trade and technology. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Liu and other Chinese soy growers are cheering a proposed 25 percent Chinese tariff on American soybeans announced last week, relishing the prospect of potential new business while farmers from Iowa to Indiana fret over losing their biggest overseas customer. The tariffs are part of a trade dispute that escalated last week when the administration of President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports. China lashed back within hours, matching the American tariffs with plans to tax $50 billion of U.S. products, targeting products they can get elsewhere like soybeans and small aircraft. If enacted, the tariffs could boost food prices for Chinese consumers, as American soy is used to make cooking oil and animal feed. Still, tofu producers, soymilk makers, and soybean importers at a trade exhibition in Shanghai expressed little concern about the potential tariffs. "The cost of soybeans in the making of our products isn't actually all that big," said Wu Yuefang, Vice President of the Bean Products Committee of China. "When the price of soybeans goes up, farmers are more willing to plant them." "This problem is actually an opportunity," Wu said. China has already been looking for alternative soy sources in places like Brazil, Canada and Russia, and the tariffs could help reduce Chinese dependence on U.S. suppliers, says Beijing-based trade analyst Erlend Ek. "The discussion at the moment in China is a confident one. They think they can weather out the effects of these extra tariffs. Tariffs aren't stopping imports, it's just making it more expensive," Ek said. "They're willing to bite that pill." On the U.S. side, the tariffs will hurt, industry experts say. American farmers could lose up to 70 percent of their Chinese export volume and a large chunk of their future business, said North Asia Director of the U.S. Soybean Export Council Paul Burke. There's only so much slack that other big importers like Japan can take up. "We can sell more soybeans to these other, older, more mature markets, but it doesn't change the fact that we're being cut out of the fastest growing market in the world," Burke said. Beijing has long warned that U.S.-grown soybeans would be a target if a trade war erupted with Washington. Last September, Chinese officials told Burke they were likely to impose tariffs on soybeans if trade tensions started to escalate. "The Chinese government has done a more thorough analysis of the impact than the U.S. government has," Burke said. "The individual U.S. soybean farmer will notice the pain more than any other participant in the supply chain." The potential soybean tariffs strikes at the heart of Trump's political base, as soy production is concentrated in the rural Midwest. Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana and Missouri account for over half of all soy produced in the United States. Trump won 89 percent of America's counties that produce soy, according to an Associated Press analysis of Agriculture Department and election data. The soybean tariff is part of a carefully-targeted strategy by Chinese President Xi Jinping to strike at the heart of Trump's base, Ek says, while minimizing risks to the Chinese economy. "This trade war is making our prospects really bright this year," said Liu, the farmer. "Everyone back home has high hopes for 2018." __ Associated Press researcher Fu Ting contributed to this report. A man watches a Chinese company displaying a Chinese-made industrial robot demonstration on processing soybean at the International soybean exhibition in Shanghai, Thursday, April 12, 2018. China's government has denied President Xi Jinping's promises this week to cut import tariffs on cars and open China's markets wider were intended as an overture to settle a tariff dispute with Washington. A commerce ministry spokesman said negotiations were impossible under 'unilateral coercion' by President Donald Trump's government. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Visitors look at a Chinese company displaying industrial machinery used for processing soybean at the International soybean exhibition in Shanghai, Thursday, April 12, 2018. China's government has denied President Xi Jinping's promises this week to cut import tariffs on cars and open China's markets wider were intended as an overture to settle a tariff dispute with Washington. A commerce ministry spokesman said negotiations were impossible under 'unilateral coercion' by President Donald Trump's government. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) This photo gallery highlights some of the top news images made by Associated Press photographers in Latin America and the Caribbean published in the past week. Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was taken into police custody after a tense showdown with his own supporters, capping an intense three days that underscored raw emotions over the incarceration of a once wildly popular leader who has been engulfed by corruption allegations. In Guatemala City, soldiers returned to their barracks after attending a ceremony marking the withdrawal of the army from day-to-day law enforcement duties. President Jimmy Morales announced in March that he would withdraw troops from the streets following accusations that soldiers were involved in corruption and criminal activities. The army had taken on policing duties, alongside the police, for the past 18 years. In this Saturday, April 7, 2018 photo, a supporter of Brazilian former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cries as she listens to his speech, outside the Metal Workers Union headquarters in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil. Da Silva told supporters he will comply with an arrest warrant and turn himself in to police, to begin serving a sentence of 12 years and one month for a corruption conviction. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) A humpback whale stranded on Argentina's coast died despite a round-the-clock rescue effort that drew dozens of volunteers. In a desperate attempt to keep the whale alive, Mar de Plata residents joined the effort, dousing the 10-meter-long (33-foot-long) animal with water and covering it with moist cloths. In Bolivia, an explosion inside a tin mine in Huanuni, south of La Paz, left at least eight people dead and about 13 wounded. A dump truck transporting miners and dynamite apparently exploded accidentally when the vehicle descended down a ramp into the mine. About 600 remaining participants in the migrant caravan that drew President Donald Trump's ire made their last stop in Mexico City to give thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The caravan started about two weeks ago near Mexico's southern border. The largely symbolic caravan is held annually to draw attention to the dangers faced by migrants. ___ This photo gallery was curated by Chery Dieu Nalio on twitter @CheryHaiti. ___ AP photographers and photo editors on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AP/lists/ap-photographers In this Saturday, April 7, 2018 photo, Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is escorted into the Federal Police in Curitiba, Brazil. Da Silva's arrest is the latest development in a whirlwind series of days, which began when the Supreme Federal Tribunal, the country's top court, ruled against his petition on Thursday to remain free while he continued to appeal his conviction. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, soldiers return to their barracks after attending a ceremony marking the withdrawal of the Army from day-to-day law enforcement duties, in Guatemala City. President Jimmy Morales announced in March he would withdraw troops from the streets nationwide following accusations that soldiers were involved in corruption and criminal activities. The army had taken on policing duties, alongside the police, for the past 18 years. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, members of the Argentine Naval Prefecture and volunteers try in vein to rescue a stranded humpback whale in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The whale stranded on Argentina's coast died Monday despite a round-the-clock rescue effort over the weekend that drew in dozens of volunteers. (AP Photo/Pablo Hugo Funes) In this Tuesday, April 10, 2018 photo, students fight with security as they invade the National Education Fund building in Brasilia, Brazil. Students took over the building, part of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, to protest the government's education policies and what they see as a lack of investment in public universities. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) In this Saturday, April 7, 2018 photo, Colombia's Alejandro Gonzalez celebrates after defeating Brazil's Joao Pedro Sorgi, in a Davis Cup World Group playoffs tennis match in Barranquilla, Colombia. Colombia won the series 3-2. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) In this Wednesday, April 11, 2018 photo, Felipe Melo of Brazil's Palmeiras, left, and Emanuel Reynoso of Argentina's Boca Juniors, collide in their battle for control of the ball, during a Copa Libertadores soccer match in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The match ended 1-1. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) In this Wednesday, April 11, 2018 photo, a relative mourns as he stands in front of a coffin containing the remains of a tin miner during a wake in Huanuni, Bolivia. An explosion inside the tin mine south of La Paz left at least eight people dead and about 13 wounded on Wednesday, authorities said. A dump truck transporting miners and dynamite apparently exploded accidentally when the vehicle descended down a ramp into the mine. (AP Photo/Juan Karita) In this Wednesday, April 11, 2018 photo, a woman holds a piece of cardboard with a message that reads in Spanish: "Temer is a fascist, coup leader, denier of truth" in reference to Brazil's President Michel Temer, during a demonstration in support of Brazilian former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, outside the Brazilian embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay. Da Silva was taken into police custody April 7, after the Brazilian Supreme Federal Tribunal ruled against his petition to remain free while he continued to appeal his 12-year sentence for money laundering and corruption. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) In this Saturday, April 7, 2018 photo, a man, part of the the annual Stations of the Cross caravan march for migrants' rights, sits silently during a protest at Mexico City's Angel of Independence monument. Mexico's capital is the final planned stop of the migrant caravan that left from the Mexico-Guatemala border late last month to draw attention to policies toward immigrants and refugees. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) ST. LOUIS (AP) - Embattled Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens says his upcoming criminal trial will prove his innocence of an invasion of privacy charge stemming from an extramarital affair and allow him to move past the scandal. Experts say that's far from certain, especially after new and even more troubling allegations emerged this week. The Republican governor is set for trial May 14 in St. Louis on a felony indictment accusing him of taking a lewd photo of the woman without her permission in 2015, before he was elected. But other details by the woman in testimony to a special legislative committee include accusations of unwanted sexual aggression - allegations that have raised questions about whether additional charges are possible and whether lawmakers should seek to impeach the governor. Greitens said the report was full of "lies and falsehoods." He has called the investigations into his alleged wrongdoing a "political witch hunt," even though his own party controls the Legislature and Republicans hold five of the seven seats on the panel that investigated him. FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2018, file photo, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens listens to a question during an interview in his office at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., where he discussed having an extramarital affair in 2015 before taking office. His political future faces a big test Wednesday, April 11 when a special legislative committee issues an investigative report related to the affair. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) "In 32 days, a court of law and a jury of my peers will let every person in Missouri know the truth and prove my innocence," Greitens posted on Facebook. But that trial next month is only on an invasion-of-privacy charge. Not only does it not address other allegations in the legislative report, acquittal of the charge might not be enough for Greitens to keep his job, said Jack Sharman, a lawyer who headed an Alabama House committee's impeachment investigation of Gov. Robert Bentley before Bentley resigned and pleaded guilty in April 2017 over allegations linked to his alleged affair with a longtime aide. The Missouri Constitution provides for impeachment for any offense involving "moral turpitude," though it's unclear whether that must occur while a person is in office. The standard of proof is far less stringent than what is required in a court of law, Sharman said. "Impeachment is a remedy for an offense against the office. The constitution provides the Legislature greater latitude in determining what, in fact, is an impeachable offense," Sharman said. As for the possibility of additional criminal charges, the St. Louis prosecutor's office says the investigation remains active but declined to discuss details. In her testimony to lawmakers, the woman said Greitens slapped, grabbed, shoved and threatened her during unwanted sexual encounters. The woman involved with Greitens never sought charges. It's unclear whether she may feel differently now that Greitens and his legal team have attacked that report. Her attorney, Scott Simpson, declined comment. Washington University School of Law professor Peter Joy said the woman's willingness or unwillingness to pursue new charges would be a major factor considered by prosecutors. "The victim in any offense doesn't make the final decision, but every prosecutor takes that into consideration, especially in a situation where it involves some kind of sexual assault," Joy said. Either way, experts say prosecutors would face significant hurdles if they decided to file a new charge. "There was no report to police at the time. There was no physical examination of any sort," said Mike Wolff, dean emeritus of the St. Louis University School of Law and former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. "So what the prosecutor has is really a classic he-said-she-said case, and I think that would be a really hard case to make." Joy said the woman's willingness to continue the relationship for several months "also would be problematic in terms of the issue of consent." Regardless of whether Greitens might ever face additional criminal charges stemming from the affair, he does face political fallout, including mounting pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to resign. "I think it's going to be awfully difficult for him to survive politically," said University of Missouri-Columbia political scientist Peverill Squire. "He thinks if he just stretches it out he can survive, but it's hard to imagine that with the number of Republicans who have come out against him, there will be enough support to see him staying in the job." ___ Associated Press writers David A. Lieb and Summer Ballentine contributed to this report from Jefferson City, Mo. In this Jan. 10, 2018, photo, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens delivers the annual State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate in Jefferson City, Mo. Facing mounting calls to resign following sexual misconduct allegations, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens appears to be taking a cue from President Donald Trump as he fights for his political survival amid a #MeToo movement that has felled dozens of other prominent politicians and public figures. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens speaks at a news conference about allegations related to his extramarital affair with his hairdresser, in Jefferson City, Mo., Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Greitens initiated a physically aggressive unwanted sexual encounter with his hairdresser and threatened to distribute a partially nude photo of her if she spoke about it, according to testimony from the woman released Wednesday by a House investigatory committee. (Julie Smith/The Jefferson City News-Tribune via AP) Republicans from a special committee investigating Missouri Gov. Greiten's affair speak at a press conference in Jefferson City, Mo., on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, after Gov. Greitens gave his own press conference to debunk the report. House Speaker Todd Richardson, center, said he wants the committee to continue their work to determine if the governor should be disciplined. (J.B. Forbes/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP) HAVANA (AP) - Fidel and Raul Castro were scruffy young guerrillas in 1959, when they descended from Cuba's eastern mountains, seized power and never relinquished it. As they aged into their 80s and 90s, the Castros and their fellow fighters cast a shadow so deep that Cubans born in the first decades after the revolution became known as Cuba's "lost generation," men and women who spent their lives executing the orders of graying revolutionaries. Next week, Raul Castro will step down as president after a decade in office, handing the position to a successor widely expected to be 57-year-old Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel. The April 19 handoff is the centerpiece of a broader transition to a group of leaders from the lost generation, who face an unprecedented test of their ability to guide a nation that has followed the same "commandantes" for 60 years. FILE - In this March 15, 2016 file photo, images of revolutionary hero Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos , Fidel Castro, Cuban President Raul Castro, and singer Compay Segundo, adorn a wall, in Havana, Cuba. Despite a series of reforms under Raul Castro, Cuba remains locked in grinding economic stagnation that has driven hundreds of thousands of Cubans to emigrate in search of better lives. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File) Despite a series of reforms under Castro, Cuba remains locked in grinding economic stagnation that has driven hundreds of thousands of Cubans to emigrate in search of better lives. Change will require potentially painful reforms, like the elimination of a dual-currency system that has created damaging economic distortions. "A great number of this country's young people will be watching to see if they're capable of changing things, of offering something new, of going beyond what's seemed like a great grayness until now," said Yassel Padron Kunakbaeva, a 27-year-old blogger who writes frequently from what he describes as a Marxist, revolutionary perspective. The world should expect no immediate radical change from a single-party system dedicated to stability above all else. Raul Castro will remain first secretary of the Communist Party, described by the Cuban constitution as the country's "highest guiding force." Castro has said nothing publicly about how he will use that position. But Cuban leaders have been making clear that a generational handover is underway. On Feb. 24, Castro awarded one of Cuba's highest honors, the title Hero of Labor, to fellow guerrillas Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, an 87-year-old vice president and second secretary of the Communist Party, as well as to 85-year-old vice president Ramiro Valdes and 90-year-old former rebel leader and vice president Guillermo Garcia Frias. For many Cubans, the elaborate ceremony in the soaring, newly reopened neoclassical Capitol building had a valedictory tone, a sign that the powerful Valdes and Machado Ventura will have far less important roles in Diaz-Canel's administration. While the inner workings of the Cuban government are opaque, both men were widely perceived as conservatives slowing reform. "We're practically already in that future that's been talked about so much, that a moment of transition had to arrive," Machado Ventura told state television in March. "Now it's generational. It has to materialize, has to be that way." Along with Diaz-Canel, a group of middle-aged leaders are being closely watched as candidates for more powerful positions. They include 60-year-old Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, 54-year-old Havana party leader Mercedes Lopez Acea, 57-year-old economic reform czar Marino Murillo and 63-year-old Lazaro Exposito, party head in Cuba's second most-populated province, Santiago. Behind the scenes, Raul Castro's 52-year-old son, Alejandro, is a powerful figure in the Interior Ministry, who secretly negotiated the reopening of diplomatic relations with the U.S. under President Barack Obama. Castro's former son-in-law, Gen. Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-Callejas, also in his 50s or 60s, runs the economic arm of Cuba's military, which controls a vast swathe of state-run businesses ranging from tourism to shipping. Born in the years after the Cuban revolution, leaders from the lost generation lack the credentials of their revolutionary predecessors, who were adored by some, despised by others, but always recognized as figures of historical importance endowed with popular credibility among Cubans on the island by their actions on the battlefield. Diaz-Canel and his cohort of middle-aged leaders rose through the Communist Party bureaucracy thanks to their success in local governance. "This government that we're choosing today will be a government that will owe its existence to the people," Diaz-Canel told state-run media after voting for members of the National Assembly in March. "The people will participate in the decisions that this government takes." Whatever his style, the Cuba that Diaz-Canel will lead is radically different from the country that he knew as both a child and a younger adult. For those growing up in pro-revolutionary families in the heyday of Soviet aid to Cuba, the socialist state was a paternalistic presence that provided modest but comfortable lives to virtually everyone on the island. Russian products filled the stores and Russian cartoons played on Cuban television. "There was the sensation that we were living very happily, everyone mixed together, with no pressure to earn money in the marketplace," said Abelardo Mena, a 55-year-old fine art curator. Mena remembers receiving three nearly free toys a year from the government, and never worrying about his parents putting enough food on the table. There were ample supplies of coffee, Russian television sets and wristwatches, and canned meat from Bulgaria. Instead of defending their homeland, Diaz-Canel's generation fought overseas in wars waged by Cuban forces alongside Soviet allies in Angola and Nicaragua. For those who disagreed with the communist system, times were harsh. The government organized public gatherings to "repudiate" those who spoke against the system or wanted to emigrate. Gays and even mild dissenters were sent to work camps, "hippies" forced to cut their hair and hide their rock-and-roll records in album covers of more acceptable musicians. Life changed dramatically after the fall of the Soviet Union, which nearly eliminated Cuba's exports and imports, and cut gross domestic product by more than 30 percent in a crisis known as the Special Period. There were blackouts, shortages and questions about domestic and foreign policy. "We realized we weren't saving much. We weren't ready for the Special Period. Cuba spent 15 years fighting wars in Africa. We gave a lot away for nothing," said Carlos Alberto Careaga, a 52-year-old parking attendant at Havana's Commodore Hotel. Diaz-Canel's generation was marked by three waves of mass migration from Cuba. Some 125,000 fled in 1980 when Fidel Castro allowed free migration from the port of Mariel outside Havana. The Special Period saw tens of thousands more Cubans fleeing on homemade rafts. And Raul Castro's elimination of mandatory exit permits for most Cubans saw hundreds of thousands other Cubans leave over the last decade. As a result of the migratory waves, hundreds of thousands of Cubans in their 50s and 60s have regular contact with friends and relatives in other countries, a sharp distinction from Cuba's original revolutionaries. That increased contact with the outside world is boosted by a broad set of changes implemented by Raul Castro that include the spread of cell phones and internet and a private sector that's come to employ nearly 600,000 Cubans. Cuban officials did not respond to requests by The Associated Press for interviews with Diaz-Canel and other leaders expected to assume higher profiles when a new Cuban government is seated this month. In occasional public statements, Diaz-Canel has given indications of support for some of those changes and hostility toward others. But his most defining characteristic in recent years has been his low public profile. Many Cubans believe he's been trying to avoid the fate of men like former Vice President Carlos Lage and former Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, young stars who rose to prominence under Fidel Castro and were pushed out of power in the first years of Raul Castro's presidency. "Diaz-Canel has spent years in a very uncomfortable position. No one of his generation has managed to get to the level he's at, and that creates a certain amount of tension," said Harold Cardenas, a pro-revolutionary blogger whose work has been supported by Diaz-Canel. After years in the shadows, Diaz-Canel and his generation now must show they are able to lead a nation facing deep economic problems, a hostile U.S. administration, dwindling ranks of regional allies and increasing disenchantment among younger generations of Cubans. But just a week before a new president takes office, many Cubans are unconvinced leaders from the lost generation will be able to fix the problems they have inherited from the founders of communist Cuba. "This generation hasn't been able to make any proposals of its own, and those who've shown initiative have paid a heavy price," said Armando Chaguaceda, a Cuban political scientist at the University of Guanajuato, Mexico. "It's a very gray generation, or so they'd have us believe." _____ Michael Weissenstein on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mweissenstein Andrea Rodriguez on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARodriguezAP FILE - In this March 14, 1957 file photo, Fidel Castro, the young anti-Batista guerrilla leader, center, is seen with his brother Raul Castro, left, and Camilo Cienfuegos, right, while operating in the Mountains of Eastern Cuba. Fidel and Raul Castro were scruffy young guerrillas in 1959, when they descended from Cuba's eastern mountains, seized power and never relinquished it. (AP Photo/Andrew St. George, File) FILE - In this April 19, 2011 file photo, Fidel Castro, left, raises his brother's hand, Cuba's President Raul Castro, center, as they sing the anthem of international socialism during the 6th Communist Party Congress in Havana, Cuba. As they aged into their 80s and 90s, the Castros and their fellow fighters cast a shadow so deep that Cubans born in the first decades after the revolution became known as Cuba's "lost generation," men and women who spent their lives executing the orders of graying revolutionaries. (AP Photo/Javier Galeano, File) FILE - In this July 6, 2013 file photo, Cuba's President Raul Castro, left, Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, right, Armed Forces Minister Leopoldo Cintras Frias, back left, and Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez, attend the opening of a legislative session, at the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba. Born in the years after the Cuban revolution, leaders like Diaz-Canel and Rodriguez from the lost generation lack the credentials of their revolutionary predecessors, who were adored by some, despised by others, but always recognized as figures of historical importance endowed with popular credibility among Cubans on the island by their actions on the battlefield. (AP Photo/Ismael Francisco, Cubadebate) FILE - In this May 1, 2016 file photo, Cuba's First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, left, stands with President Raul Castro during the May Day parade in Havana, Cuba. On April 19, 2018 Raul Castro will step down as president after a decade in office, handing the position to a successor widely expected to be the 57-year-old first vice president, although the government has said nothing about the handover process. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File) FILE - In this May 17, 2005 file photo, Raul Castro, center, longtime Defense Minister and brother of Cuba's leader Fidel Castro, and his son Alejandro Castro Espin, second from left, take part in an anti-terrorism protest in Havana. Behind the scenes, Raul Castro's 52-year-old son, Alejandro, is a powerful figure in the Interior Ministry, who secretly negotiated the reopening of diplomatic relations with the U.S. under President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Jorge Rey, File) FILE- In this May 1, 2016 file photo, people march in the May Day parade at Revolution Square, in Havana, Cuba. But just a week before a new president takes office on April 19, 2018, many Cubans are unconvinced leaders from the "lost generation" will be able to fix the problems they have inherited from the founders of communist Cuba. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File) FILE - In this March 17, 2015 file photo, Cuba's President Raul Castro listens to the playing of national anthems during his welcome ceremony at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela. On April 19, 2018 Raul Castro will step down as president after a decade in office. The world should expect no immediate radical change from a single-party system dedicated to stability above all else. Raul Castro will remain first secretary of the Communist Party, described by the Cuban constitution as the country's "highest guiding force." (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File) WASHINGTON (AP) - Firing back at a sharply critical book by former FBI director James Comey, President Donald Trump blasted him Friday as an "untruthful slime ball," saying, "It was my great honor to fire James Comey!" Trump reacted on Twitter early Friday, the day after the emergence of details from Comey's memoir, which says Trump is "untethered to truth," and describes him as fixated in the early days of his presidency on having the FBI debunk salacious rumors he said were untrue but that could distress his wife. The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. The Associated Press purchased a copy this week. FILE - In this June 8, 2017, file photo, former FBI director James Comey testifies before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Comey blasts President Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" and his leadership of the country as "transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty." Comey's comments come in a new book in which he casts Trump as a mafia boss-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him regarding the investigation into Russian election interference. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) In the book, Comey compares Trump to a mafia don and calls his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty." Comey also reveals new details about his interactions with Trump and his own decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election. He casts Trump as a mobster-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him personally regarding his investigation into Russian election interference. The book adheres closely to Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with Trump and his growing concern about Trump's integrity. It also includes strikingly personal jabs at Trump that appear sure to irritate the president. The 6-foot-8 Comey describes Trump as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. He also says he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine but did not seem unusually so." "Donald Trump's presidency threatens much of what is good in this nation," Comey writes, calling the administration a "forest fire" that can't be contained by ethical leaders within the government. On a more-personal level, Comey describes Trump repeatedly asking him to consider investigating an allegation involving Trump and Russian prostitutes urinating on a bed in a Moscow hotel, in order to prove it was a lie. Trump has strongly denied the allegation, and Comey says that it appeared the president wanted it investigated to reassure his wife, Melania Trump. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Mueller's probe has expanded to include whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey, which the president denies. Trump has assailed Comey as a "showboat" and a "liar." Top White House aides also criticized the fired FBI director on Friday. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders questioned Comey's credibility in a tweet and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Comey took "unnecessary, immature pot shots." Comey's account lands at a particularly sensitive moment for Trump and the White House. Officials there describe the president as enraged over a recent FBI raid of his personal lawyer's home and office, raising the prospect that he could fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, or try to shut down the probe on his own. The Republican National Committee is poised to lead the pushback effort against Comey by launching a website and supplying surrogates with talking points that question his credibility. Trump has said he fired Comey because of his handling of the FBI's investigation into Clinton's email practices. Trump used the investigation as a cudgel in the campaign and repeatedly said Clinton should be jailed for using a personal email system while serving as secretary of state. Democrats, on the other hand, have accused Comey of politicizing the investigation, and Clinton herself has said it hurt her election prospects. Comey writes that he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Clinton. But he says he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high profile cases. Every person on the investigative team, Comey writes, found that there was no prosecutable case against Clinton and that the FBI didn't find that she lied under its questioning. He also reveals new details about how the government had unverified classified information that he believes could have been used to cast doubt on Attorney General Loretta Lynch's independence in the Clinton probe. While Comey does not outline the details of the information - and says he didn't see indications of Lynch inappropriately influencing the investigation - he says it worried him that the material could be used to attack the integrity of the probe and the FBI's independence. Comey's book will be heavily scrutinized by the president's legal team looking for any inconsistencies between it and his public testimony, under oath, before Congress. They will be looking to impeach Comey's credibility as a key witness in Mueller's obstruction investigation, which the president has cast as a political motivated witch hunt. The former FBI director provides new details of his firing. He writes that then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly - now Trump's chief of staff - offered to quit out of disgust at how Comey was dismissed. Kelly has been increasingly marginalized in the White House and the president has mused to confidants about firing him. Comey also writes extensively about his first meeting with Trump after the election, a briefing in January 2017 at Trump Tower in New York City. Others in the meeting included Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, Michael Flynn, who would become national security adviser, and incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer. Comey was also joined by NSA Director Mike Rogers, CIA Director John Brennan and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. After Clapper briefed the team on the intelligence community's findings of Russian election interference, Comey writes, he was taken aback by what the Trump team didn't ask. "They were about to lead a country that had been attacked by a foreign adversary, yet they had no questions about what the future Russian threat might be," Comey writes. Instead, he writes, they launched into a strategy session about how to "spin what we'd just told them" for the public. Comey says he had flashbacks to his time investigating the Italian Mafia as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, thinking that Trump "was trying to make us all part of the same family." "For my entire career, intelligence was a thing of mine and political spin a thing of yours. Team Trump wanted to change that," he writes. ___ Lemire reported from New York. President Donald Trump speaks during an event on tax policy in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, April 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Buffalo, New York, is inviting tourists to eat their way through a new "wing trail" featuring a dozen chicken wing hot spots. Tourism officials unveiled the Buffalo Wing Trail on Thursday at the Anchor Bar, where the Buffalo wing took flight in 1964. While just about every restaurant in the city has wings on the menu, the restaurants chosen for the trail each put a unique spin on how they cook, season and serve the appetizer. Visit Buffalo Niagara says it polled its 86,000 Facebook followers, looked at online reviews and consulted with National Buffalo Wing Festival founder Drew Cerza before settling on the final list. Visit Buffalo Niagara President Patrick Kaler says that with the success of food and beverage trails across the country, launching a wing trail in Buffalo was a no-brainer. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A local official says a Taliban attack in western Herat province has killed 10 police and wounded four. The attack Thursday night in Shindand district lasted for hours. Shindand governor Shukrullah Shaker said a roadside mine and a rocket hit a car carrying police reinforcements to the scene, killing the police commander. Shaker said Taliban were killed but it's not clear how many. No militant group claimed responsibility. The Taliban on Thursday morning had stormed a government compound in a central province, triggering an hours-long gunbattle that killed 15, including three top local officials. LIMA, Peru (AP) - Showing solidarity with opposition leaders, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged Latin American allies on Friday to further isolate Venezuela, suggesting the Trump administration would seek additional sanctions to counter the country's political crisis. Pence, in Lima for the Summit of the Americas, was whisked away from the gathering and to his hotel shortly before President Donald Trump announced retaliatory strikes in Syria for apparent chemical weapons use. Pence had been scheduled to attend a banquet hosted by Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Friday night, and it was not immediately clear if he would still attend. The vice president announced that the U.S. would provide nearly $16 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans who have fled their country under the rule of President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence receives a Venezuela's flag pin from Venezuelan opposition leader Antonio Ledezma during a meeting at the residence of the U.S. ambassador, in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) "We want one message to be clear: We are with the people of Venezuela," Pence said at the U.S. ambassador's residence, seated with a group of Venezuelan opposition leaders. The vice president called Maduro's government a "dictatorship" and said the U.S. would continue to push a hard line against the country's leadership. "The U.S. and our allies, I believe, are prepared to do much more," Pence said, accusing Maduro of "refusing humanitarian aid to be delivered to Venezuela." He said the U.S. would push "additional sanctions, additional isolation and additional diplomatic pressure - beginning in our hemisphere but across the wider world." Pence is subbing for President Donald Trump after the president pulled out of his first planned visit to Latin America to manage the U.S. response to an apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria. The White House said Pence would sit down Saturday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who has yet to meet with Trump in an impasse over the wall Trump has pledged to build along the U.S.-Mexico border. Pence's meeting with Pena Nieto will follow Trump's calls to send National Guard troops to the border. That adds further tensions as the neighbors, along with Canada, work to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. In a series of meetings with Latin American leaders, Pence plans to promote good governance and democratic institutions and urge allies to maintain pressure on Maduro. The U.S. has sanctioned Maduro and dozens of top officials, accusing the country of human rights abuses and sliding into a dictatorship. With the White House's encouragement, Maduro has been barred from the summit over his plans to hold a presidential election that the opposition is boycotting and that many foreign governments consider a sham. During the meeting with four opposition leaders, Pence listened as they described their once-prosperous country devolving into chaos. Antonio Ledezma, the former mayor of Caracas, pleaded with Pence through a translator to bolster sanctions against Maduro, asking for "not only humanitarian aid but humanitarian intervention." The Trump administration is considering imposing an oil embargo on the OPEC nation, while Panama recently said it would pursue sanctions of its own - the first Latin American nation do so - by blacklisting dozens of Venezuelan officials from doing business in the Central American country. Ana Quintana, a senior policy analyst on Latin America and the Western Hemisphere for the Heritage Foundation, said Pence would seek to "continue the momentum" of U.S. policy on Venezuela. She said the "vast majority of the region's democratic leaders have been so united on addressing the crisis." Pence will also aim to counter China's attempt to exert more economic influence in the Americas at a time when the Trump administration has been embroiled in a trade dispute with the Chinese. White House officials said the vice president would emphasize the U.S. as the "partner of choice" in Latin American trade, noting that nearly half of the U.S. trade agreements are based in the Western Hemisphere. Yet the timing of the trade pitch will be delicate. Pence landed in Peru shortly after Trump signaled his interest in possibly rejoining negotiations in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Pacific Rim trade pact he frequently blasted during the 2016 campaign, injecting a dose of uncertainty among U.S. trading partners. Richard Feinberg, a senior fellow in the Latin America Initiative at the Brookings Institution, said it would be difficult for the U.S. to make a case to become the "preferential trading partner" as Trump seeks to upend trade agreements. "If it means reliable, predictable, Trump is the opposite," Feinberg said. "If preferred means lowering trade barriers, Trump is the opposite of that. He's talking about higher trade barriers and tariffs." Trump, meanwhile, has long assailed the impact of NAFTA on U.S. workers and has insisted on a new round of negotiations between the U.S., Canada and Mexico on NAFTA. In addition to Pena Nieto, Pence is also planning to meet in Lima with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The U.S. president has been pushing a tougher line on immigration and seeking stronger protections along the U.S.-Mexican border in recent weeks. The president's recent tweets called on Mexico to halt "caravans" of migrants, many from Honduras, a message that Pence may be asked about in his discussions. ___ On Twitter follow Ken Thomas at https://twitter.com/KThomasDC U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, right, shakes hands with Venezuelan opposition leader Julio Borges during a meeting at the residence of the US ambassador, in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, center, speaks with Venezuelan opposition leaders Carlos Vecchio, left, Julio Borges, David Smolansky and Antonio Ledezma during a meeting at the residence of the US ambassador, in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with Peruvian diplomat Gustavo Bravo upon his arrival at the Jorge Chavez international airport in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. Pence is in Lima to attend the Americas Summit. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with Peru's Housing Minister Javier Pique upon his arrival at the Jorge Chavez international airport in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. Pence is in Lima to attend the Americas Summit. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence arrives to Jorge Chavez international airport in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. Pence is in Lima to attend the Americas Summit. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence waves as he arrives at Jorge Chavez international airport in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. Pence is in Lima to attend the Americas Summit. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with Rosa Maria Paya, daughter of the late Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya, after a meeting at the residence of the U.S. ambassador, in Lima, Peru, Friday, April 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro) Childhood friends reunite 76 years later after being separated in Brussels during the holocaust. Alice Gerstel bid an emotional farewell to 'Little Simon' Gronowski, her childhood friend. Gerstel and her Jewish family had hidden in the Gronowskis' home for nearly two weeks before her father sent word from France that he had reached a deal with a smuggler who would get her, her siblings and their mother safely out of Nazi-occupied Belgium. The Gronowskis, also Jewish, decided to stay. They hid for 18 months until the Nazis came knocking at the family's door and put Simon, his sister and mother on a death train to Auschwitz. Childhood Holocaust survivors Simon Gronowski and Alice Gerstel Weit embrace at the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum 'I thought the entire family was murdered. I had no idea,' Gerstel (now Gerstel Weit) said Wednesday, the day after their tearful reunion. She and her friend clutched hands at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust as they recounted their story. 'You didn't know that I jumped off the train?' asked Gronowski, now 86. 'No, no. I didn't know anything,' his 89-year-old friend replied. Holocaust survivors Simon Gronowski, center right, and Alice Gerstel Weit hold hands as they tour the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum on Wednesday The pair were interviewed at the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum memorial after their reunion after more than 70 years on Wednesday The two will return to the museum Sunday to recount to visitors how the Holocaust ripped apart a pair of families that had become fast friends after a chance meeting at a Belgian beach resort in 1939. The two recounted about their separate journeys that culminated three-quarters of a century later in a joyful, tear-streaked reunion in Los Angeles just before Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Commemoration Day. 'I didn't recognize him at all. I don't see Little Simon,' Gerstel Weit said Wednesday of her previous day's reunion with the now-bald, white-bearded man who sat next to her chuckling. 'But he's here. Little Simon is here,' she added, her voice breaking as she put her hand over Gronowski's heart. In their childhood, Simon Gronowski, and Alice Gerstel Weit's families vacationed together There was much hugging, kissing and crying Wednesday as the two old friends held hands tightly while sitting outside on a museum patio to share memories from a long-ago past. It was a past that began idyllically before turning nightmarish after the Nazis invaded Belgium in 1940 and began rounding up Jews. Gerstel Weit's father, a diamond dealer with a wife and four children, decided to flee in 1941. He turned his diamonds into cash, bought nine visas that got his family and brother's family through Nazi-occupied France and to the French-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca. There they boarded a ship bound for Cuba. Simon Gronowski and Alice Gerstel Weit stand at the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum memorial together After the Nazis invaded Belgium they hidin the Gronowski family's home before the Gerstel family fled on a perilous journey that eventually led them to the United States Gronowski's father believed naively he and his family would be safe hiding in Brussels. 'My father was not very conscious to tension. My father was not political. He was a poet. He wrote in six languages,' Gronowski said, pausing to wipe away tears. 'And like so many of the families he remember in Brussels,' he continued in Dutch-accented English, 'he cannot believe that in Europe of the 20th century, of that civilization, he cannot believe that Germany can fall into barbarism.' When the Nazis arrived, Gronowski's father was in a hospital. His wife quickly lied, telling them he was dead and sparing him from Auschwitz. Simon Gronowski plays What a Wonderful World while he and Alice Gerstel Weit tour the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum after their reunion after more than 70 years There was much hugging, kissing and crying Wednesday as the two old friends held hands tightly while sitting outside on a museum patio to share memories from a long-ago past The childhood friends had a joyful yet emotional reunion at the museum in Los Angeles It was on a train to that death camp a few weeks later that she saved her son, pushing him toward the door of the boxcar they were in and telling him to jump. After the war he reunited with his father and eventually moved back to the apartment where he grew up. He rented out the other units and used the money to pay for law school. He is a practicing attorney in Brussels. Gerstel Weit's family immigrated to the United States, where she married, had two sons and eventually settled in Los Angeles and a career in real estate. Simon Gronowski and Alice Gerstel Weit are pictured hugging at the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum memorial Simon Gronowski and Alice Gerstel Weit exchange photographs they haven't seen in decades Immediately after the war, her family tried to locate their friends. Gronowski eventually wrote back to Gerstel Weit's late older brother Zoltan, telling him his sister and mother had died at Auschwitz and his father had since passed away. For some reason, Zoltan never told his family 'Little Simon' survived. She learned he was alive six months ago when her nephew searched her maiden name online looking for more family history. He came across Gronowski's 2002 memoir, 'The Child of the 20th Train,' in which her family is mentioned prominently. Gronowski says he believes Gerstel Weit's brother was too distraught to say much about his family. His 18-year-old sister, Ita, had been Zoltan Gerstel's girlfriend in Belgium, and he had professed his love for her repeatedly in wartime letters, including some she never lived to see. Gronowski's own father could never come to grips with the Holocaust either, he said. For a time, Leon Gronowski held out hope his wife and daughter somehow survived and he would find them. 'But when we received information of the concentration camps, the gas chamber, the mountains of corpses, my father understood that his wife and his daughter would not come back. And he died of ...,' he said, his voice trailing off. 'Of a broken heart?' Gerstel Weit asked. 'Of a broken heart,' he replied. PARIS (AP) - Diplomats at UNESCO are hailing a possible breakthrough on longstanding Israeli-Arab tensions at the U.N. cultural agency. Israel's ambassador to UNESCO said the mood was "like a wedding" after member nations signed off on a rare compromise resolution Thursday on "Occupied Palestine." The document is still quite critical of Israel, notably its actions in Jerusalem and Gaza. But Israeli Ambassador Carmel Shama-Hacohen told The Associated Press that diplomats agreed to move the most controversial language to a non-binding annex and avoided a contentious vote. FILE - In this Thursday, April 12, 2018 file picture shows Palestinian alternate ambassador to UNESCO Mounir Anastas, right, UNESCO Director General France's Audrey Azoulay, left, and Israeli UNESCO ambassador Carmel Shama Hacohen speak after a meeting in Paris, France. Diplomats at UNESCO are hailing a possible breakthrough on longstanding Israeli-Arab tensions at the U.N. cultural agency. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File) The compromise, worked out in months of painstaking negotiations, was largely technical. But it was an unusual example of Mideast cooperation at UNESCO, which Israel has long seen as biased toward Arab nations - especially since it admitted Palestine as a member in 2011. Other diplomats said they hope the compromise encourages the U.S. and Israel to reconsider their decision to quit UNESCO at the end of this year. "It means that the spirit of dialogue is not broken," UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay told The Associated Press. Since taking over in November, Azoulay has been working to clean up the agency's reputation and shore up a budget gutted by geopolitical disputes. The relief and optimism at UNESCO's Paris headquarters after Thursday's meeting were a far cry from the hostility that has for decades soured its discussions on Israel and the Palestinian territories, and hampered the agency's efforts to protect cultural heritage or promote peace through school projects in the region. The enthusiasm over what on the surface seems like a minor move is a reflection of the very low expectations for Israeli-Palestinian cooperation in the current climate. The UNESCO negotiations notably hit trouble as deadly confrontations erupted in Gaza in recent weeks, said diplomats involved, who were not authorized to be publicly named discussing the closed-door negotiations. The Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian, U.S. and European Union delegations negotiated the compromise resolution, along with representatives of UNESCO leadership. They notably decided to limit the official "Occupied Palestine" resolution to three short paragraphs, and attach multiple pages of complaints about Israeli policies and Arab claims on Jerusalem in an annex, which is made public but is not binding. And then they agreed to adopt it by consensus instead of a public vote. "I'm more than happy" with the outcome, the Israeli ambassador said. "Confrontation is not the way. Nothing will be changed in Jerusalem or in Gaza by forcing Israel into a corner." The annex notably criticizes Israeli actions in east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and claimed by the Palestinians as their capital. East Jerusalem is home to the city's most sensitive Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites. Time and again, past UNESCO resolutions infuriated Israel, notably with language seen as denying Jewish ties to Jerusalem, or referring to sites that are holy to Jews and Muslims solely as Palestinian. Mounir Anastas, the Palestinians' alternate permanent delegate to UNESCO, welcomed "so many efforts from all concerned parties and different delegations in order to enhance the dialogue and to reach a consensus." But he urged progress on the ground, notably allowing UNESCO delegations to visit historic sites in Jerusalem, allowing Palestinian youth groups into Jerusalem for education programs, and protection for media covering protests in Gaza. The U.S. delegation said it "warmly welcomes the progress demonstrated here" and praised the "constructive spirit," but wouldn't comment on whether it could lead to a rethink of the pending U.S. withdrawal. The U.S. stopped paying its UNESCO dues after Palestine joined in 2011 but continues to participate in agency activities for now. President Donald Trump announced in October that the U.S. would pull out at the end of 2018 because of perceived anti-Israel bias. Israel followed suit. Asked Thursday whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government could now reconsider, Shama-Hacohen said, "it's possible." "UNESCO should be a bridge, especially in periods like we have now," he said. The resolution announced Thursday is expected to be approved at UNESCO's full plenary next week. ___ Joe Federman in Jerusalem contributed. WASHINGTON (AP) - Russia and Britain exchanged sharp accusations Friday over the suspected poison gas attack in Syria, and the U.S. Navy was moving an additional Tomahawk missile-armed ship within striking range as President Donald Trump and his national security aides mulled the scope and timing of an expected military assault. Trump's U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, said the president had not yet made a final decision, two days after he tweeted that Russia should "get ready" because a missile attack "will be coming" at Moscow's chief Middle East ally. The presence of Russian troops and air defenses in Syria were among numerous complications weighing on Trump, who must also consider the dangers to roughly 2,000 American troops in the country if Russia were to retaliate for U.S. strikes. Despite strong reservations expressed by some Democrats in Congress, the likelihood of Trump ordering a military strike seemed high given his public threats and indications from Britain and France that they, too, believe the Syrian government was behind the April 7 poison gas attack and must be penalized. Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting, Friday, April 13, 2018, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, based in the Netherlands, announced it would send a fact-finding team to the site of the attack outside Damascus. The team is due to arrive Saturday. It was not clear whether the presence of the investigators could affect the timing of any U.S. military action. Three Democrats in the Senate, led by Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Trump urging him to make a public and compelling legal case for any attack. "This issue is of critical importance and the American people should be fully informed about your rationale for deploying American military power and the objectives of any U.S. military action in Syria," Reed wrote, joined by Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Bob Menendez of New Jersey. "As previous commanders in chief have done in similar situations, we believe you should present a clear public articulation of these matters to the American people at the earliest appropriate time." The British Cabinet gave Prime Minister Theresa May the green light to join the U.S. and France in planning military strikes in Syria. She and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke separately with Trump on Thursday. Macron said France had proof the Syrian government launched chlorine gas attacks and his country would not tolerate it. In Moscow, the Defense Ministry accused Britain of staging a fake chemical attack in Douma, a Syrian town outside Damascus. The incident a week ago, believed to have killed dozens of civilians, is the focus of international outrage and is the basis for Trump's threat to unleash a missile barrage to punish the government of President Bashar Assad. Britain called the Russian charge a "blatant lie." Tensions between Moscow and London have escalated since the recent poisoning of a former Russian spy in Salisbury, England. Britain accused Moscow of ordering the poisoning; Moscow denies it. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Macron and the two leaders agreed to coordinate their actions to avoid further military escalation in Syria. It was unclear how this might influence the direction of events. A day before a fact-finding team from the international chemical weapons watchdog was to arrive in Douma, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said images of victims of the purported attack were staged with "Britain's direct involvement." He provided no evidence. As Trump deliberated, the Navy said the USS Winston S. Churchill, a destroyer armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, was approaching the Mediterranean. It is joining the USS Donald Cook within range of Syria for potentially firing Tomahawks, which were the weapon of choice when the U.S. struck Syria in April 2017 to punish it for using chemical weapons. Navy submarines also are capable of firing Tomahawks; their movements are secret but they commonly operate in the Mediterranean. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was not seen publicly Friday, but he is known to argue for ensuring that military action in any context is linked to a broader political strategy. It's unclear what policy the Trump administration is pursuing in Syria beyond fighting the Islamic State militants and hoping for a U.N.-brokered end to the civil war. In congressional testimony on Thursday, Mattis cited the risk of military action in Syria "escalating out of control." Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that should the United States and its allies decide to act in Syria, it would be to defend "a bedrock international norm that benefits all nations" - the prohibition of the use of chemical weapons. She said Friday that "the United States estimates that Assad has used chemical weapons in the Syrian war at least 50 times." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the Middle East is in such "peril" today that it has become a threat to international peace and security, and that Syria "represents the most serious threat." The U.S., France and Britain have been in extensive consultations about launching a military strike as early as the end of this week, U.S. officials have said. A joint military operation, possibly with France rather than the U.S. in the lead, could send a message of international unity. ___ AP writer Edie Lederer contributed from the United Nations. FILE - In this April 10, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump listens as he meets in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington. Trump said Thursday, April 12, that an attack on Syria could take place "very soon or not so soon at all!" (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, left, with Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, testify on the FY2019 budget during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, Thursday, April 12, 2018 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Protesters hold up a placard as bus passengers look on during a demonstration, Friday, April 13, 2018, in London, organised by the Stop the War Coalition against possible military intervention or bombing by western allies in Syria. Amid escalating global tensions over Syria, President Donald Trump and other world leaders weighed options for responding -- possibly with military strikes -- to the Syrian government's suspected chemical weapons attack against civilians. Trump's U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, said Friday the president had not yet made a final decision on how and whether to respond.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant) MOSCOW (AP) - A Russian court has ordered the blocking of a popular messaging app following a demand by authorities that it share encryption data with them. The ban follows a protracted row between Telegram and Russian authorities, who insist they need access to the encryption keys to investigate serious crimes including terrorist attacks. The Moscow court ruled on Friday that Telegram will be blocked in Russia until it hands over the keys. Telegram, a popular app developed by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, argues that the FSB intelligence service is violating consumer rights, while authorities say the app has been used by violent extremists The Supreme Court last month threw out an appeal by Telegram against the requirement to provide the data. BERLIN (AP) - Three Syrian men accused of membership in Islamic extremist groups have been arrested in Germany. One of them is believed to have tried to recruit people in Germany to fight in Syria's civil war. Police and prosecutors said the men, who entered Germany as asylum-seekers in 2015, were arrested Thursday in Saarlouis, near the French border. Authorities said Friday a refugee home employee tipped officials off after recognizing one suspect in a video that showed him in uniform with weapons. Officials accuse the 23-year-old of membership in the Ahrar al-Sham group and say he tried to recruit fighters over the internet. His alleged accomplices, 21 and 27, are accused of having belonged to the Islamic State group in Syria. Authorities say there's no evidence the three planned attacks in Europe. CAIRO (AP) - Egypt's state security prosecutors have summoned nine journalists for questioning over their coverage of last month's presidential election, a senior official of the country's press syndicate said Friday. The summons is for the recently-dismissed chief editor of the Al-Masry Al-Youm daily and eight other reporters, according to Hatem Zakaria. The nine are expected to show up for questioning next Thursday, said Zakaria, the syndicate's secretary-general. Al-Masry Al-Youm was fined 150,000 Egyptian pounds, or about $8,500, and its chief editor, Mohammed el-Sayyed Saleh, was dismissed after a report saying the state rallied voters to participate in the presidential election by using rewards. One of the daily's sub-headlines had read: "Officials promising financial bonus, gifts in front of the polls." Saleh was also referred for questioning. Pro-government media and the state's regulatory bodies have largely criticized independent and foreign media's coverage of the election. In the March balloting, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi was re-elected for a second term, getting 97 percent of the vote in a virtually one-man race, with only one obscure politician running after all serious challengers were arrested or pressured to withdraw from the race. About a month before the election, authorities expelled British journalist Bel Trew after arresting her and threatening her with a military trial. Reporters Without Borders has ranked Egypt as 161 out of 180 countries on their 2017 World Press Freedom Index. ___ This story has been corrected to show that while holding the title of secretary-general, Zakaria is not the top official of the press syndicate. Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. COMMANDER IN CHIEF AVOIDS RASH RESOLUTION President Trump has put off a final decision on possible military strikes against Syria after tweeting earlier that they could happen "very soon or not so soon at all." In this photo taken Friday, March 23, 2018, wildlife veterinarian Ernest Mjingo, center, runs as an elephant starts to charge toward him after being darted with a tranquilizer during an operation to attach GPS tracking collars, near Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. The battle to save Africa's elephants appears to be gaining momentum in Mikumi, where killings are declining and some populations are starting to grow again. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) 2. WHO'S HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT HUGE COMMERCIAL DEAL Trade officials have been asked by the president to explore the possibility of the United States rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, a free trade deal Trump pulled out of during his first days in office 3. FORMER FBI DIRECTOR'S BOOK PAINTS UNVARNISHED PRESIDENTIAL PICTURE James Comey blasts Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth," comparing him to a mafia don and calling his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty." 4. CHIEF ACCUSER TAKES THE STAND AT BILL COSBY'S SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIAL Andrea Constand says the comedian drugged and molested her in 2004, but his lawyers accuse her of being a "con artist" who framed Cosby for money 5. WHICH PACHYDERMS ARE GETTING MORE PROTECTION The battle to save Africa's elephants is gaining some momentum, with killings declining and some herds showing signs of recovery. 6. SOME EDUCATORS ARE GETTING POLITICIANS TO LISTEN Arizona Governor Doug Ducey is offering teachers a 20 percent wage hike by 2020, but they want more details before responding . 7. CAN NEW TECHNOLOGIES GET THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED BEHIND THE WHEEL Advocates for the estimated 1.3 million legally blind people in the U.S. are worried the industry is not factoring their needs into the design of self-driving vehicles. 8. USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE BOVINES A Dutch company is using a motion-sensing device to predict whether a particular the animal is ill, has become less productive, or is ready to breed, helping farmers better manage their herds. 9. WHAT'S GIVING A BOOST TO TINSELTOWN As Hollywood has struggled to find areas of growth outside of the pages of comic books, it's now hailing slashers as saviors. 10. WHO WAS DISTINGUISHED FOR SUPPORTING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY Britney Spears has won the Vanguard Award, given to an entertainer who has made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance. A reporter asks a question of Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, center, and Bolivian Ambassador to the United Nations Sacha Llorenty as they leave Security Council consultations of the situation in Syria, Thursday, April 12, 2018 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Teachers and supporters continue their walk around the state Capitol as protests continue over school funding in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) In this April 2, 2018 photo a Moocall device is seen on the tail of a pregnant dairy cow at the Mackinson Dairy Farm in Pontiac, Ill. The device monitors the cow's movements and will trigger a text message to announce that the cow is about to give birth. Today's cows are getting an upgrade and the marriage of two technologies, motion sensors and artificial intelligence, is making mass-scale farming more efficient. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford) NYON, Switzerland (AP) - Arsenal will play two-time champion Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semifinals. Atletico, the 2010 and 2012 winner, will travel to London for the first leg against Arsenal, which has never won the Europa League or the UEFA Cup but did win the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup - a predecessor competition not recognized by UEFA. Marseille will host underdog Salzburg in the first leg of the other semifinal. Marseille's Hiroki Sakai, center, is congratulated by teammates at the end to their Europa League quarter final second leg soccer match against RB Leipzig at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, April 12, 2018. Marseille defeated Leipzig 5-2. (AP Photo/Claude Paris) The first legs will be played on April 26, with the return games on May 3. The final will be played on May 16 in Lyon. The Europa League champion will get direct entry into next season's Champions League. Marseille's Hiroki Sakai acknowledges applauses at the end of the Europa League quarter final second leg soccer match between Olympique de Marseille and RB Leipzig at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, April 12, 2018. Sakai scored his side's 5th goal and his team advances to the Europa League semi-finals. (AP Photo/Claude Paris) Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, left, celebrates with Danny Welbeck after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League quarterfinal, second leg soccer match between CSKA Moscow and Arsenal at the CSKA Arena, in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) Atletico coach Diego Simeone, left, celebrates at the end of the Europa League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Sporting CP and Atletico Madrid at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Thursday, April 12, 2018. Atletico Madrid advances to the semifinal. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union is calling on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify at the legislature of the 28-nation bloc about the widening data privacy scandal at his company. EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova had a phone exchange with Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and said on Friday that Zuckerberg should act on the Parliament's invitation to come explain the situation. Last week, Facebook acknowledged that up to 2.7 million people in the EU may have been victim of improper data sharing involving political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before a House Energy and Commerce hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 11, 2018, about the use of Facebook data to target American voters in the 2016 election and data privacy. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) On Friday, Jourova said that Facebook was "working on an audit of other possibly dangerous apps now." Zuckerberg this week testified before the U.S. Congress about the scandal. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A gun rights advocate won't be allowed to speak on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School campus where a teenager with an assault rifle killed 17 people. Broward Schools spokeswoman Cathleen Brennan announced late Thursday that "non-school sponsored, student-initiated guest speaker assemblies/meetings are not permitted to take place on campus." Charlie Kirk had tweeted that he'd accepted an invitation from students to speak on the campus in Parkland, Florida. Kirk founded Turning Point, USA, a group that maintains a watchlist of professors it accuses of promoting leftist propaganda. The SunSentinel reports that Kirk was invited by conservative students Kyle Kashuv, who has met with President Trump, and Patrick Petty, whose sister Alaina was killed. Kashuv told the paper they'll meet off campus if they have to. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma turkey hunter was found alive but badly burned Friday after spending the night trapped by one of two wildfires raging in northwestern Oklahoma that forced about 1,400 people from their homes. The fire that trapped the hunter began Thursday afternoon near Leedey, about 110 miles (177 kilometers) northwest of Oklahoma City and has burned about 82,000 acres (331 sq. kilometers), Oklahoma Forestry Services spokeswoman Michelle Finch-Walker said. Three hunters were trapped, but two were rescued. The man who was burned was hospitalized in serious condition, Finch-Walker said. A helicopter moves in through smoke to drop water on a wildfire north of Woodward, Okla., on Friday, April 13, 2018. A wildfire in northwestern Oklahoma has burned more than 120,000 acres and forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes. (Rachael Van Horn /The Woodward News via AP) Dewey County Sheriff Clay Sander said his deputies went door-to-door in the small towns of Seiling, Taloga and Putnam telling residents to leave. Sander urged people to heed the warning. "Your property is not worth your life," he said. "Evacuate and leave it to the firefighters." The fire also resulted in the evacuation of Vici, a town of about 750, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Leedey. Most Vici residents were able to return home Friday. A second fire has burned more than 120,000 acres (485 sq. kilometers), several homes and forced the evacuation of about 450 people from their homes near Woodward, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Leedey, according to Woodward County Emergency Management Director Matt Lehenbauer. Finch-Walker said neither of the fires has been contained. Sally Loyd, who lives with her 16-year-old son near Vici about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of the Woodward County fire, said she could see the flames, but did not evacuate. "Not much sleeping just a lot of watching," Loyd said. "I did get out and drive around .... but extremely scary," Loyd said. She said they drove with her son until they saw the lights of emergency vehicles and ash from the fire on the roadway, then turned and went home. The National Weather Service says dangerous fire weather conditions are expected in much of western Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle through Saturday, with low humidity and strong winds of 20-30 mph (32-48 kph) and gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kph). Lehenbauer said the wind has been changing direction, hindering firefighting efforts. "Every time we have a wind shift, we have a finger of that fire break off and it'll move in a different direction," Lehenbaur said. "We're looking at a really, really rough day." Gov. Mary Fallin declaring a state of emergency for 52 of the state's 77 counties in the western two-thirds of Oklahoma. Lehenbaur said federal assistance in the form of firefighting personnel and equipment, including aircraft, has been sent to help battle the flames. ___ AP writer Adam Kealoha Causey contributed to this report. PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) - Montenegro is holding a presidential election this weekend that will test the popularity of long-time leader Milo Djukanovic, who defied Russia to lead the Balkan country into NATO last year. The vote on Sunday is the first election for Montenegro since it joined the Western military alliance in December despite fierce opposition from traditional Slavic ally Russia. The outcome of the vote also is expected to reflect the level of public support for Djukanovic's policies of Euro-Atlantic integration. Some 530,000 voters will choose among several candidates. Djukanovic leads the polls, followed by a candidate supported by various opposition parties - including pro-Russian ones - and the first ever female presidential hopeful in the staunchly conservative, male-dominated Adriatic state. In this photo taken on Thursday, April 12, 2018, a woman walks past a billboard showing Montenegro's long-time leader Milo Djukanovic, in Montenegro's capital Podgorica. Djukanovic is seeking a new term as president at the election this weekend after defying Russia to lead the small Balkan country into NATO last year. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) Latest surveys have predicted that Djukanovic, representing the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, could win more than half of the votes in the first round on Sunday and avoid a runoff vote two weeks later. Dominant in Montenegrin politics for the past 30 years, the 56-year-old Djukanovic has served both as president and prime minister. He led Montenegro to independence from much larger Serbia in 2006 and later into NATO. He hopes next to steer the country into the European Union. "Today, Montenegro is on the doors of Europe," he told supporters at a pre-election rally. "The time has come for us to complete the job we started 20 years ago." Djukanovic was prime minister during a tense October 2016 parliamentary election when authorities said they thwarted an attempted pro-Russian coup designed to prevent the Adriatic country from joining NATO. Djukanovic's main challenger is Mladen Bojanic, who is backed by a diverse group of parties. They include the pro-Russian Democratic Front whose two main leaders are on trial for taking part in the alleged coup attempt. During the campaign, the opposition's main argument has been a recent spike in crime-related violence and killings in the country, which they blame on Djukanovic's government. Bojanic has vowed to "fight against everything my rival represents: corruption, violation of human rights, nepotism and all that is bad in this society." Although Bojanic - who is predicted to garner some 35 percent of the votes - has promised to honor Montenegro's international position, his victory could trigger political uncertainty. Analyst Sergej Sekulovic believes Djukanovic needs a triumph in the first round, and even a runoff vote would signal a possible shift in public opinion. "An opposition victory in the runoff would mean that people's will has changed and that talks about early parliamentary elections would need to follow," he said. Pro-Russian opposition parties behind Bojanic have pledged in the past to freeze Montenegro's NATO membership and organize a referendum on the issue if they come to power. Two Russian military intelligence officers also have been tried in absentia for the failed plot that prosecutors said included plans to assassinate Djukanovic and take over power. Moscow has denied involvement. Lawmaker Draginja Vuksanovic, the Social-Democrats' candidate, is making history as the first ever woman running for the presidency. Vuksanovic is trailing third in the polls with around 8 percent support. In this photo taken Thursday, April 12, 2018, a people walk past a billboard showing Montenegro's long-time leader Milo Djukanovic, reading: ''Milo Djukanovic, for stability and progress of Montenegro'' and ''Leader. Statesman. President of all citizens.'' in Montenegro's capital Podgorica. Djukanovic is seeking a new term as president at the election this weekend after defying Russia to lead the small Balkan country into NATO last year. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) In this photo taken Thursday, April 12, 2018, people rest near a billboard showing Mladen Bojanic, backed by a diverse group of parties, including a pro-Russian Democratic Front, reading: ''Mladen Bojanic - Yes, together we can'' in Montenegro's capital Podgorica. During the campaign, opposition's main argument was a recent spike in crime-related violence and killings in the country, which they blamed on Montenegro long-time leader Milo Djukanovic's corruption-plagued government. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) BEIRUT (AP) - The Latest on Syria developments (all times local): 10:45 p.m. Russia's military says its personnel in a Syrian city allegedly hit by a chemical weapons attack have not found evidence to support the claim. A Hezbollah supporter waves her group flags during an election campaign speech by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, April 13, 2018. Nasrallah says Monday's attack on the T4 air base ushers in a new phase that puts Israel in a state of "direct confrontation" with the Islamic Republic of Iran. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Maj. Gen. Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian center for reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria, said Friday that "According to the results of a survey of witnesses, studying samples and investigating locations undertaken by Russian specialists and medical personnel in the city of Douma, where chemical weapons purportedly were used, the use of poisonous substances was not shown." Yevtushenko also said the Russian military will ensure security for investigators from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, who will be working to determine whether chemical weapons were used in Douma. ___ 10:30 p.m. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says President Donald Trump isn't letting anyone rush him into a decision on possible military action against Syria for its use of chemical weapons. Nikki Haley, who was at White House meetings on Thursday and was heading back to Washington for meetings on Friday, said "you don't rush decisions like this." "If you rush decisions like this you make a mistake," she told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York. "What we're making sure is that we have all the information to know if we do something what will happen, how will it happen and will it hurt anyone." Haley said she was "unbelievably proud of how president Trump has looked at the information, analyzed, not let anyone rush him into this." She said Trump said from the beginning the U.S. must have all the information and proof, "and we have to know that we're taking every precaution necessary should we take action." Haley added that the National Security Council "has gone back multiple times" and put forward "multiple options." ___ 8:25 p.m. Russia's U.N. ambassador says the United States appears to have adopted a policy to "unleash a military scenario against Syria," saying Moscow continues to observe "dangerous" military preparations. Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday that "bellicose rhetoric is being ratcheted up at all levels, including at the highest levels." He said these developments "cannot be tolerated" and are "fraught with grave repercussions for global security," especially with Russian troops deployed in Syria. Nebenzia said it was "unworthy" of the United States "to saber rattle." ___ 7:45 p.m. Britain's U.N. ambassador is vehemently denying a Russian military claim that the United Kingdom staged an alleged chemical attack in Syria last weekend, calling it "bizarre" and "a blatant lie." Karen Pierce said she wanted "to state categorically ... that Britain has no involvement and would never have any involvement in the use of a chemical weapon." Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Friday that Britain was "directly involved in the provocation," but didn't elaborate or provide evidence. "This is grotesque," Pierce told reporters as she left an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. The meeting was called by Russia to address U.S. threatened military action in response to last weekend's attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma. She added: "It's some of the worst piece of fake news we've yet seen from the Russia propaganda machine." ___ 7:15 p.m. Hezbollah's leader is telling President Donald Trump: "Your tweets do not scare us." Speaking at an election campaign rally in Beirut on Friday, Hassan Nasrallah describes Trump's threats to send missiles into Syria as "Hollywood." "All these tweets and threats ... do not scare Syria, Iran, Russia nor any of the resistance movements in the region," he said. Nasrallah said there is no proof and no logic to accusations that the Syrian government used chemical weapons in Douma. "Someone who is cornered might use chemicals, but why would a victor need to?" added. Speaking via satellite link to supporters in Beirut on Friday, Nasrallah also called the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma a "theater." ___ 6:50 p.m. The leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group says an Israeli airstrike on an air base in central Syria that killed seven Iranians is a "historic mistake." Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah says Monday's attack on the T4 air base ushers in a new phase that puts Israel in a state of "direct confrontation" with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran, Russia and Syria have blamed Israel for the airstrike, which followed a suspected chemical attack on a rebel-held town near Damascus that was blamed by Western powers on the Syrian government. Israel has not acknowledged carrying out the strike. Nasrallah said the "targeted killing" of Iranians was an act of "grave foolishness." Speaking via satellite link to supporters in Beirut Friday, Nasrallah also called the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma "theater." ___ 6:20 p.m. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says President Trump "has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria." Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by Russia that should the United States and its allies decide to act in Syria it will be to defend "a bedrock international norm that benefits all nations" - the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons. She said Friday that "the United States estimates that (President Bashar) Assad has used chemical weapons in the Syrian war at least 50 times." As for last week's suspected poisonous gas attack on the Damascus suburb of Douma, Haley said: "We know who did this. Our allies know who did this. Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups." ___ 6 p.m. The Russian military says that an alleged chemical attack in Syria was staged and directed by Britain. Volunteer first responders and activists claimed a chemical attack by the Syrian government killed over 40 people in the town of Douma, which drew international outrage and prompted Washington and its allies to consider a military response. Moscow warned against any strikes and threatened to retaliate. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, released statements by medics from Douma's hospital who said a group of people toting video cameras entered the hospital, shouting that its patients were struck with chemical weapons and causing panic. The medics said none of the patients were hurt by chemicals. Konashenkov said Friday that Britain was "directly involved in the provocation," but didn't elaborate or provide evidence. ___ 5:40 p.m. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the Middle East is in such "chaos" today that it has become a threat to international peace and security - and Syria "represents the most serious threat." The U.N. chief told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council Friday called by Russia that the highly volatile situation risks "escalation, fragmentation and division as far as the eye can see with profound regional and global ramifications." Guterres said "the Cold War is back - with a vengeance but with a difference," because safeguards that managed the risk of escalation in the past "no longer seem to be present." He cited the Palestinian-Israeli divide, the Sunni-Shiite divide "evident from the Gulf to the Mediterranean," and other divisive factors reflected in a multiplicity of conflicts. But Guterres said Syria today is the most serious, and "there is no military solution to the conflict." ___ 4:30 p.m. The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to coordinate their actions to avoid further military escalation in Syria. A suspected poison gas attack in the suburbs of the Syrian capital, which killed more than 40 people, has drawn international outrage and prompted the United States and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria. France is reported to be one of the strongest backers of a possible strike which Russia strongly opposes. The Kremlin said on Friday in its readout of the phone call between the two presidents that Putin and Macron agreed to ask their foreign policy chiefs to "keep in close contact" to "de-escalate" the situation in Syria. Putin was quoted as urging for a "thorough and objective probe" into the reports of the chemical weapons attack. The Kremlin said both Putin and Macron lauded the upcoming visit of the international chemical watchdog's fact-finding mission to Syria and pledged to join efforts to provide necessary assistance to that mission. ___ 4:05 p.m. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "deep concerns" over the deterioration of the situation in Syria in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to a statement of the French presidency, Macron calls for dialogue between France and Russia to "continue and intensify" to bring peace and stability to Syria. He "regretted" the Russian veto at the U.N. Security Council which prevented a "united and firm response" after a suspected gas attack last week in Douma, Syria. Macron said Thursday on French national television France has proof that the Syrian government launched chlorine gas attacks and has crossed a line that could prompt French airstrikes. The U.S., France and Britain have been consulting about launching a military strike in Syria. ___ 3:30 p.m. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has urged calm and efforts to restitute peace in Syria during separate calls this week with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Erdogan also told reporters on Friday that tensions between the two countries over a suspected chemical attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma now seem to have eased. Erdogan says: "What we insisted on tenaciously was the fact that is not right for tensions to heat up; we made requests concerning the restitution of peace and the end of the tragedy that is going on." The Turkish leader also said he sent video recordings concerning the "painful and disastrous scenes" in eastern Ghouta and Douma to Putin through an envoy of the Russian leader. Erdogan did not elaborate. ___ 3:20 p.m. France's foreign minister has cancelled trips to Albania and Slovenia because of rising global tensions around Syria. The move Friday came as the U.S., France and Britain are in extensive consultations about launching a military strike on Syria in retaliation for suspected chemical weapons attacks. Slovenia's Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec said in a statement to the official STA news agency that "due to the Syria crisis," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian cancelled his planned visit to Slovenia on Friday and Saturday. Albania's Foreign Ministry said Le Drian canceled a trip there planned Friday "due to international developments in the security field." French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday he has proof that Syrian President Bashar Assad's government was behind chlorine attacks in recent days. Syria's government denies responsibility. ___ 2:35 p.m. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says the use of chemical weapon against civilians in a Damascus suburb is "unforgivable" but says Turkey is urging all sides to refrain from actions that will cause further turmoil in Syria. Yildirim on Friday again condemned the "heinous" the attack in Douma and said the perpetrators should "pay a price." "However ... any action that would lead to the failure or harm activities led by Turkey, Iran and Russia toward a lasting peace should be avoided," Yildirim said. He was referring to the three countries' efforts to reduce violence in Syria. Syrian opposition activists and medics say a suspected gas attack last week killed more than 40 people in Douma. The Syrian government has denied the allegations. ___ 1:35 p.m. Russia's foreign minister has asserted that a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov says Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He says Moscow has "irrefutable information that it was another fabrication." Lavrov spoke to reporters in Moscow on Friday. He said that "intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication." He didn't elaborate or name the state. The attack has drawn international outrage and prompted the United States and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivers a broadcast speech through a giant screen during an election campaign in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, April 13, 2018. Nasrallah says Monday's attack on the T4 air base ushers in a new phase that puts Israel in a state of "direct confrontation" with the Islamic Republic of Iran. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov speaks to the media a joint news conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Halbe Zijlstra following their talks, in Moscow, Russia, Friday, April 13, 2018. Lavrov said Friday Russian experts inspected the site of the alleged attack in the town of Douma and found no trace of chemical weapons. He said Moscow has "irrefutable information that it was a fabrication." (AP Photo/Sergei Poliakov) Hezbollah supporters, applaud as they listen to Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on a televised speech on giant screens during an election campaign in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, April 13, 2018. Nasrallah says Monday's attack on the T4 air base ushers in a new phase that puts Israel in a state of "direct confrontation" with the Islamic Republic of Iran. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) LIMA, Peru (AP) - Some bad habits die hard when it comes to U.S. politicians traveling to Latin America. The latest faux pas came from the White House ahead of Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Peru to attend the Summit of the Americas. Guidance sent to the press by Pence's office on Thursday said the vice president would attend a Friday banquet hosted by Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. But Kuczynski resigned last month amid a corruption scandal and was replaced by his vice president, Martin Vizcarra. By Friday the mistake had been corrected. FILE - In this March 22, 2018 file photo, Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the America First Policies, "Tax Cuts to Put America First" event in Manchester, N.H. Pence plans to meet with four Latin American leaders during his weekend trip to Peru for an international summit where he is filling in for President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) Latin Americans have long been accustomed to such snubs from their powerful neighbors to the north. President Ronald Reagan in 1982 famously raised his glass in the company of Brazil's president to toast the people of Bolivia. When the slip was pointed out, he quipped "Sorry, we're going there next." Except he wasn't and instead continued on to Colombia. But errors in the age of Twitter aren't a monopoly of U.S. leaders. The official summit schedule released by Argentine President Mauricio Macri's office on Friday said he would be holding a bilateral meeting with Mike "Pince." Pence's office had no immediate comment on the mistake. SOUTH STRABANE, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania authorities say a man wanted for gunning down a Florida trombone player as she left orchestra practice has been killed after he pulled a gun on officers trying to make a traffic stop. State police say troopers tried to stop Steven Brooks late Thursday for erratic driving in South Strabane, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Pittsburgh. They say the 45-year-old St. Petersburg, Florida, man drove off the wrong way down Interstate 70 before crashing into a bridge support column. Brooks then fled on foot and scaled a fence before pulling out a gun. Authorities say he refused orders to drop the weapon and was shot. A manhunt had been underway for Brooks since the February killing of Caroline Morton-Hicks. Police in Madison County, Alabama, say Brooks was tracked to a home there. That led to a standoff with police Wednesday night, but he managed to flee. ___ This story has been corrected to remove reference to hostages because police say the elderly couple was housing him, not knowing he was wanted. It also changes references to Brooks shooting at troopers to Brooks pulling out a gun and turning toward troopers, as per state police. LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) - Slovenia has signed a 5-year agreement with Russia's state monopoly Gazprom for the supply of gas, praising cooperation with Moscow despite a crisis over Syria. Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec hailed Friday's five-year deal as important for Slovenia's economy. Official STA news agency quotes Erjavec as saying "Slovenia and Russia have a good cooperation despite the complexity of international relations." The deal envisages the import of some 600 million cubic meters of gas a year. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. European Union member Slovenia has maintained friendly relations with Moscow, citing historic and cultural ties. It has refused to expel Russian diplomats after Britain blamed Moscow for the March 4 poisoning of a former Russian double agent and his daughter. Russia denies any involvement. NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A former New Orleans police officer has been sentenced to five years in prison on malfeasance and obstruction of justice charges connected to the 2015 death of a fellow officer. Police said Wardell Johnson failed to properly search an arrested suspect in June 2015. That suspect later fatally shot police Officer Daryle Holloway with a gun he is believed to have smuggled into Holloway's SUV. Johnson also tried to cover up his sloppy police work. Johnson pleaded guilty in October 2015. Before Johnson was sentenced Friday, Holloway's mother faced him and told him that - but for his shoddy work - her son might still be alive. Johnson was among officers who had arrested Travis Boys in an assault case hours before Holloway was shot while driving Boys to jail. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The videotaped testimony from a woman who died two years after she was doused in gasoline and set ablaze can be used at her former boyfriend's trial, an Ohio judge ruled Friday. Franklin County Judge Guy Reece called it an unprecedented situation because officials knew of no other case in which a victim would testify at his or her own murder trial. Judy Malinowski testified five months before she died last June, expecting that the recording would be played at her former boyfriend's trial. Malinowski, 33, was hospitalized for almost two years and underwent dozens of surgeries after she was engulfed in flames in 2015 behind a gas station in Gahanna, a Columbus suburb. Her ex-boyfriend, Michael Slager, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading no contest in 2016 to charges including felonious assault and aggravated arson. After Malinowski's death, a grand jury indicted Slager on aggravated murder and murder charges. He could face the death penalty, if convicted. His defense attorneys argued against allowing the testimony from Malinowski saying prosecutors improperly relied on civil law rather than criminal law to obtain the recording. Malinowski inspired Ohio legislation requiring six additional years in prison for crimes that permanently maim or disfigure victims. Her two daughters said the law helped them know their mom did not suffer in vain. JERUSALEM (AP) - An unmanned Iranian aircraft shot down in February after infiltrating Israeli airspace was armed with explosives and on a mission to attack the Jewish state, Israel's military said Saturday. Tensions had heighted between the bitter enemies following an airstrike Monday on a Syrian air base that its allies blamed on Israel. The army statement was released soon after the leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group said the airstrike that killed seven Iranians was a "historic mistake." Israel has neither confirmed nor denied carrying out the strike on Syria's T4 air base. The Israeli military said Friday evening that following an "operational and intelligence-based investigation," its military has concluded that the "Iranian aircraft was armed with explosives and was tasked to attack Israeli territory." By intercepting the craft Israeli "combat helicopters prevented the attack Iran had hoped to carry out," it said. Israel considers Iran an existential threat because of its nuclear and missile programs, its support of violent anti-Israel groups in the region and frequent calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. Israel has issued several stern warnings of late about the increased Iranian involvement along its border in Syria and Lebanon. It fears Iran could use Syrian territory to stage attacks or form a land corridor from Iran to Lebanon that could allow it to transfer weapons more easily to Hezbollah - Lebanon's Iranian-backed political party and militant group sworn to Israel's destruction. Hezbollah's leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, said the attack on the air base in Syria ushers in a new phase that puts Israel in a state of "direct confrontation" with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Israel's Channel 10 TV said the Iranian drone was launched from the T4 base and marked the first time Iran directly attacked Israel, rather than through Hezbollah. Iran, Russia and Syria have blamed Israel for the airstrike, which followed a suspected chemical attack on a rebel-held town near Damascus that killed dozens of civilians. Speaking via satellite link to his supporters in Beirut Friday, Nasrallah called the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma "theater." Israel and Hezbollah fought a monthlong war in 2006. QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - The Latest on the kidnapping of Ecuadorean press workers. (all times local): 12:55 p.m. Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno has confirmed the deaths of three press workers kidnapped along the country's conflictive border with Colombia. A relative of on of the three press workers kidnapped along the conflictive border with Ecuador and Colombia arrives to meet with Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 13, 2018. President Moreno said that it is highly likely that the journalists were killed and gave their captors 12 hours to demonstrate they remain alive before he orders a major military operation against them. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) Moreno spoke Friday after a 12-hour deadline ended with the captors failing to meet his demands they demonstrate the hostages were still alive or face a military strike. He said the government has obtained new information that confirmed the journalists were killed. On Thursday a Colombian TV network said it obtained gruesome photos purporting to show the bodies of the three men. The three employees of Ecuador's El Comercio newspaper were taken hostage three weeks ago by a holdout faction of the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia while investigating a rise in drug-fueled violence along Ecuador's northern border. ___ 11:05 p.m. Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno says it is highly likely that three press workers kidnapped along the conflictive border were killed and is giving their captors 12 hours to demonstrate they remain alive before he orders a major military operation against them. Two journalists and a driver from the Ecuadorean newspaper El Comercio were taken hostage three weeks ago by a holdout faction of the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia while investigating a rise in drug-fueled violence along Ecuador's northern border. An emotional Moreno said that photos obtained earlier Thursday purporting to show the bodies of the men were still being verified by forensic specialists were likely authentic. He said the time for restraint was over and that he won't allow Ecuador to become a haven for transnational drug gangs. President of Ecuador Lenin Moreno he arrives to attend the Americas Summit in Lima, Peru, Thursday, April 12, 2018. (AP Photo/ Juan Pablo Azabache) Stormy Daniels' attorney Michael Avenatti has said the adult entertainment star will attend Michael Cohen's court hearing in Manhattan at 2pm Eastern on Monday. Cohen, who is Donald Trump's long-time personal lawyer, paid the adult actress $130,000 in hush money to keep quiet about her alleged affair with the president. He was also subjected to a raid by the FBI last week, which individuals familiar with the investigation said was intended to produce information on payments made to Daniels. Monday's hearing was scheduled to determine whether Cohen will be granted a temporary restraining order to delay prosecutors' review of items seized in the raid, which Cohen claims are protected by attorney-client privilege. Daniels' decision to attend the hearing came after after Judge Kimba Wood order Cohen to appear for the hearing at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday, after he was absent from proceedings on Friday. Attorney Michael Avenatti announced that his client, adult entertainer 'Stormy Daniels,' will be present at a hearing on Monday related to review of documents produced by the FBI's raid on the home, hotel and office of President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen; Cohen is seen here in New York on Friday Stormy Daniels' lawyer, Michael Avenatti (right), told CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday that Daniels would be in attendance at Cohen's hearing on Monday in New York at 2pm Avenatti told CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday, 'We could see Michael Cohen plead the 5th Amendment in open court on [Monday] depending on what questions are posed to him.' 'Pleading the 5th' refers to a person invoking his or here constitutional right to refuse to answer a question under oath on the grounds that being compelled to do so may incriminate that person. Then Avenatti announced that Daniels would be in attendance at the hearing, noting that the decision rested on ensuring adequate security for the entertainer. 'I think Monday afternoon could prove to be very interesting,' Avenatti said. When asked whether Daniels' attendance at the hearing is intended to provoke or 'get into the head' of Cohen, Avenatti said: 'No, not at all. It's intended to send the message that this is a very, very serious matter for her, and she wants to make sure that the American people know that she's behind efforts to bring to light as much information and documents as possible. She also wants to ensure that she is heard and that she is represented at the hearing.' He added: 'It has nothing to do with getting in his head at all.' Before confirming that Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, would be at the courthouse on Monday, Avenatti posted a suggestive tweet that 'the weather forecast for Mon looks very Stormy.' Cohen previously admitted paying Daniels $130,000, which she said was in exchange for an agreement not to discuss an affair she claims to have had with the president; Daniels is seen here with Donald Trump, before he was elected president Avenatti first suggested that Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, may show up on Monday right after US District Judge Kimba Wood order Cohen to appear for the hearing Avenatti tweeted on Friday: 'The Hon Kimba Woods order directing Mr. Cohen to appear in person on Monday at 2 pm to potentially answer questions from her could be a problem if he intends on taking the 5th. I checked and the weather forecast for Mon looks very Stormy... #basta.' Daniels' attorney has taken to ending his tweets related to Cohen and Trump with the hashtag #basta, which according to Dictionary.com, 'is an interjection that means "enough; stop."' Judge Wood said on Friday that Cohen needed to be present at the hearing on his temporary restraining order request to help answer questions about his law practice. Prosecutors who seek to continue their review of seized contents have argued that Cohen barely practiced law so most of the documents aren't off limits. A brief they filed in response to Cohen's court action revealed that he'd been under investigation for months and that the FBI had searched multiple email accounts. The prosecutors' filing said none of those emails was exchanged with Trump. People familiar with the federal investigation that provided the factual basis for the search warrant which resulted in the raid on Cohen said that part of what the search warrant sought to uncover included information on payments made to Stormy Daniels (pictured) Trump, who in the last month has escalated his attacks on Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, said it was a 'disgrace' that the FBI 'broke into' his lawyer's office. He called Mueller's investigation 'an attack on our country.' The prosecutors' brief in this case, brought by Cohen to stop the review of seized documents, stated that the criminal probe that led FBI agents to raid Cohen's offices is focused on his 'personal business dealings.' Prosecutors blacked out a section in the document describing what crime they believe Trump attorney Michael Cohen has committed. People familiar with the federal investigation that provided the factual basis for the search warrant which resulted in the raid on Cohen told The Associated Press that part of what the search warrant sought to uncover included information on payments made to Daniels. Cohen is seen here leaving the Lowes Regency Hotel in New York City on Saturday morning Daniels is shown here in a still image taken from an interview with Anderson Cooper which aired on CBS' 60 Minutes on March 25 Cohen previously admitted paying Daniels $130,000, which she said was payment in exchange for an agreement not to discuss an affair she claims to have had with the president. When news first broke that it was suspected Daniels and Trump had an affair around the time of the bitrh of his youngst son Barron, Daniels denied the sexual relationship. However, after Cohen spoke about paying Daniels $130,000, she claimed the agreement had been breached, setting her free to tell her story about her alleged physical encounters with the president. Trump has denied that he had an affair with Daniels, and also claims she made that he had her threatened to remain quiet about their alleged romantic relationship. But in an interview with Anderson Cooper for CBS's 60 Minutes that aired on March 25, Daniels recounted the experience. Inan interview with Anderson Cooper for CBS's 60 Minutes that aired on March 25, Daniels recounted her version of her interactions with Trump; Daniels is seen here posing for a photo before her performance at Gossip Night Club on February 22 in Melville, New York Trump has denied that he had an affair with Daniels, and also claims she made that he had her threatened to remain quiet about their alleged romantic relationship; Trump is seen here addressing the nation on the situation in Syria on Friday at the White House in Washington, DC She said in the interview that she had one encounter of consensual sex with the future president. 'He knows I'm telling the truth,' she said. She did not allege however that she was coerced into the encounter with the real estate scion, saying, 'This is not a "me too." I was not a victim.' Daniels said her night with Trump began with him talking about himself and showing her an issue of a magazine with his picture on the cover. 'Does this normally work for you?' Daniels said she told the then-reality TV star. That threw Trump off guard she claimed, going on to explain: 'And I was like, "Someone should take that magazine and spank you with it."' Daniels then ordered Trump to drop his pants and 'gave him a couple swats' in playful manner she said to Cooper. She said they talked some more after that and that she became more comfortable when he stopped speaking about himself. 'He was like, "Wow, you - you are special. You remind me of my daughter." You know - he was like, "You're smart and beautiful, and a woman to be reckoned with, and I like you. I like you,"' said Daniels. The pair had dinner in Trump's room she said and then had sex. He didn't use a condom, she said, and she didn't ask him to. Afterward, he asked to see her again, she said. Daniels said that before they had sex Trump had broached the idea of her being a contestant on The Apprentice, and she likened it to a 'business opportunity.' After the alleged tryst she said he called her several times and would ask if they could get together again and would claim that he had an update for her about the Apprentice. Daniels is shown here arriving to perform at the Solid Gold Fort Lauderdale strip club on March 9 in Pompano Beach, Florida She said she felt that he was holding out the opportunity to keep her coming back. 'Of course. I mean, I'm not blind. But at the same time, maybe it'll work out, you know?' said Daniels. In July 2007, a year after they had met, Daniels said Trump asked to meet with her privately at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. She said they did not have sex, but he wanted to. Daniels reported that Trump called her the following month to say he had not been able to get her a spot on his TV show. She said they never met again. Regarding the claim that Trump tried to intimidate her into silence, Daniels explained to Cooper that she was approached by a man while with her young daughter. 'And a guy walked up on me and said to me, "Leave Trump alone. Forget the story." And then he leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, "Thats a beautiful little girl. It'd be a shame if something happened to her mom." And then he was gone,' Daniels said. She said, seven years later, she'd still be able to recognize him. 'If he walked in this door right now, I would instantly know,' Daniels told Cooper. Joanna Hendon, an attorney for the president, also appeared on Friday and told Judge Wood that Trump has 'an acute interest in this matter.' The hearing on Cohen's petition asking the court seeking to block prosecutor's the review of the seized information was first announced late on Thursday. His team has asked to review the documents and devices first, before prosecutors may examine them, to protect information covered under attorney-client privilege and specify items they believe aren't relevant to the investigation. VATICAN CITY (AP) - The three main protagonists in denouncing Chile's sex abuse scandal will meet with Pope Francis on April 28-29 and will stay as his guests at the Vatican hotel where he lives, one of the men told The Associated Press. Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of Chile's most famous predator priest, said he and his colleagues had agreed to Francis' invitation to come to Rome so the pope could personally apologize for having discredited them during his recent trip to Chile. In a telephone interview, Cruz said the three men would not allow the meeting to become a public relations coup for the Vatican. He said he would tell Francis of the "horror of abuse and the horror of the cover-up" that church leaders have committed over decades, and how they have discredited and defamed victims who went public. FILE -- In this photo taken on Feb. 17, 2018, Juan Carlos Cruz poses for a picture before a meeting with Archbishop Charles Scicluna near a Roman Catholic church in Manhattan, New York. Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of Chile's most famous predator priest, and two other of the main protagonists in denouncing Chile's sex abuse scandal will meet with Pope Francis on April 28-29 and will stay as his guests at the Vatican hotel where he lives, one of the men told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) Francis himself "was on that path, unfortunately" when he accused victims of "calumny" for having repeatedly denounced the behavior of Chilean Bishop Juan Barros, Cruz said. But he said Francis appeared to have "opened his eyes to a reality ... about thousands of lives who have been crucified" by priests who rape and fondle children. Francis made the about-face on Wednesday in a dramatic letter to Chile's bishops in which he admitted he had made "grave errors in judgment" in the case of Barros, who is accused by Cruz and other victims of witnessing and ignoring their abuse. Barros, a protege of the predator priest the Rev. Fernando Karadima, has denied their accusations. Francis blamed a lack of "truthful and balanced information" for his missteps, and said he wanted to apologize in person to the victims he had offended. Cruz said he and the two other vocal Chilean survivors, Jimmy Hamilton and Jose Andres Murillo, had been in talks for some time to arrange the visit. He said they would meet with Francis individually and as a group over the April 28-29 weekend, and that the pope wanted to spend a significant amount of time with them. They will stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican hotel where Francis lives. The three will also meet with the Rev. Jordi Bertomeu, the Vatican official who along with Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna prepared the 2,300-page report on Barros that led to Francis' turnabout. Cruz thanked both men for having "restored what so many of us have lost: faith that there are good people who want to do the right thing in the church." In the letter, Francis also announced he was summoning all of Chile's 32 bishops to Rome to discuss short, medium and long-term changes to the local church. That visit is expected at the end of May, after Francis hears first from the victims. VIENNA (AP) - An Austrian court convicted a 19-year-old man on Friday of involvement in plans for two Islamic extremist attacks in Germany, one of which was supposed to be carried out by a 12-year-old boy. The defendant was convicted Friday at the Vienna state court of two counts of attempted incitement to murder as a terrorist crime, as well as membership in a terrorist organization and other offenses, the Austrian Press Agency reported. He was given a nine-year sentence. The Austrian of Albanian descent was accused of trying to incite an already radicalized 12-year-old to attack a Christmas market in Ludwigshafen in 2016, and plotting an attack on the United States' Ramstein Air Base along with a 16-year-old girl. During his trial, he denied giving any orders and said that, while he had considered targeting Ramstein, he had dropped the idea. He was arrested in Vienna in January 2017 following tips from German authorities. The defendant testified he became a supporter of the Islamic State group following a previous jail term for robbery. Defense lawyer Wolfgang Blaschitz asked for time to consider whether to appeal and argued that a nine-year sentence is "way too much." He added that "the deradicalization process is underway concerning his membership in IS." CINCINNATI (AP) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it's monitoring what happened to a teenage boy in Ohio who became trapped by a Honda minivan rear bench seat and died. The agency said Friday it's been in contact with local authorities and Honda "to understand all of the facts related to this tragic incident." Sixteen-year-old Kyle Plush died Tuesday after becoming trapped inside a 2004 Honda Odyssey. A coroner says Plush died of asphyxiation due to "chest compression." Plush made two 911 calls Tuesday afternoon begging for help from a parking lot at Seven Hills School in Cincinnati. Two Cincinnati police officers and a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy searched but failed to locate him. A Cincinnati police spokesman said Friday the department has verified that the minivan wasn't subject to recalls. SAO PAULO (AP) - Public security officials in Brazil's northern state of Para say that 21 of the 22 people killed this week in a gunbattle at a prison in the state capital of Belem were inmates trying to stage a mass escape. A guard at the Santa Izabel penitentiary was also killed during the shootings that occurred on April 10. In a statement, the state's Public Security Department said Friday that five of the 21 inmates killed were prisoners from a block of the penitentiary who used assault weapons, pistols and explosives to help fellow inmates escape. Officials earlier said 20 had died. The statement said none of the prisoners managed to flee. Police are investigating if the plan originated inside or outside the prison. Further details were not immediately available. WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States, France and Britain launched military strikes in Syria to punish President Bashar Assad for an apparent chemical attack against civilians and to deter him from doing it again, President Donald Trump announced Friday. Pentagon officials said the attacks targeted the heart of Assad's programs to develop and produce chemical weapons. Explosions lit up the skies over Damascus, the Syrian capital, as Trump spoke from the White House. Syrian television reported that Syria's air defenses, which are substantial, responded to the attack. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said there were no reports of U.S. losses in what he described as a heavy but carefully limited assault. Explosions lit up the skies with anti-aircraft fire, over Damascus, the Syrian capital, as the U.S. launches an attack on Syria targeting different parts of the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria, early Saturday, April 14, 2018. Syria's capital has been rocked by loud explosions that lit up the sky with heavy smoke as U.S. President Donald Trump announced airstrikes in retaliation for the country's alleged use of chemical weapons. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Trump said the U.S. is prepared to sustain economic, diplomatic and military pressure on Assad until he ends what the president called a criminal pattern of killing his own people with internationally banned chemical weapons. "The evil and the despicable attack left mothers and fathers, infants and children, thrashing in pain and gasping for air. These are not the actions of a man; they are crimes of a monster instead," Trump said. Mattis, however, said the assault was a "one-time shot," so long as Assad does not repeat his use of chemical weapons. The strikes were carried out by manned aircraft and from ships that launched cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea. Mattis disclosed that the U.S. had not yet confirmed that the most recent suspected Syrian chemical weapons attack, on April 7 in the Damascus suburb of Douma, included the use of sarin gas. He said at least one chemical was used - chlorine, which also has legitimate industrial uses and had not previously triggered a U.S. military response. Mattis said the targets selected by U.S., British and French officials were meant to minimize civilian casualties. "This is difficult to do in a situation like this," he said, in light of the volatility of chemical agents. At a Pentagon news conference alongside Mattis, and with British and French military officers beside them to emphasize allied unity, Gen. Joseph Dunford said the attacks targeted mainly three targets in western Syria. Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said missiles first struck a scientific research center in the Damascus area that he said was a center of Syrian research, development, production and testing of chemical and biological warfare technology. The second target was a chemical weapons storage facility west of Homs. He said this was believed to be the main site of Syrian sarin and precursor chemical production equipment. The third target was a chemical weapons equipment storage facility and an important command post, also west of Homs, Dunford said. British Prime Minister Theresa May said in London that the West had tried "every possible" diplomatic means to stop Assad from using chemical weapons. "But our efforts have been repeatedly thwarted" by Syria and Russia, she said. "So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," May said. "This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change." French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement that a target of the strike was the Syrian government's "clandestine chemical arsenal." The Syrian government has repeatedly denied any use of banned weapons. The decision to strike, after days of deliberations, marked Trump's second order to attack Syria. He authorized a barrage of Tomahawk cruise missiles to hit a single Syrian airfield in April 2017 in retaliation for Assad's use of sarin gas against civilians. Mattis estimated the latest air campaign was about twice the size of the 2017 strike. He added that the U.S. expects the Syrian government and its allies to conduct a "significant disinformation campaign," which the Pentagon would rebut with additional information Saturday morning. The air campaign could frustrate those in Trump's base who oppose military intervention and are wary of open-ended conflicts. Trump chastised Syria's two main allies, Russia and Iran, for their roles in supporting "murderous dictators," and noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had guaranteed a 2013 international agreement for Assad to get rid of all of his chemical weapons. He called on Moscow to change course and join the West in seeking a more responsible regime in Damascus. "Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path, or if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace," Trump said. "Hopefully, someday we'll get along with Russia, and maybe even Iran - but maybe not." The Russian ambassador to the U.S., Anatoly Antonov, condemned the airstrikes and warned that "such actions will not be left without consequences." The U.S. missile strike a year ago, which targeted the airfield from which Syrian aircraft had launched their gas attack, was meant to deter Assad from further use of chemical weapons. Since that did not work, a more intense attack would aim to degrade his ability to carry out further such attacks, and would try to do this by hitting Syrian aircraft, military depots and chemical facilities, among other things. The strikes that hit early Saturday in Syria came hours before inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons were set to arrive to inspect the site of the apparent attack. A broader question is whether the allied attacks are part of a revamped, coherent political strategy to end the war on terms that do not leave Assad in power. The strikes appear to signal Trump's willingness to draw the United States more deeply into the Syrian conflict. Just weeks ago, Trump said he wanted to end U.S. involvement in Syria and bring American troops home to focus on the homeland. The participation of British and French forces enables Trump to assert a wider international commitment against the use of chemical weapons, but the multi-pronged attack carries the risk of Russian retaliation. Dunford said the U.S. did not coordinate targets with or notify the Russian government of the strikes, beyond normal airspace "de-confliction" communications. In his nationwide address, Trump stressed that he has no interest in a longtime fight with Syria. "As other nations step up their contributions, we look forward to the day when we can bring our warriors home," Trump said. "And great warriors they are." The U.S. has about 2,000 troops on the ground in Syria as advisers to a makeshift group of anti-Islamic State fighters known as the Syrian Democratic Forces. They are in eastern Syria, far from Damascus. A U.S.-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes in Syria since September 2014 as part of a largely successful effort to break the IS grip on both Syria and Iraq. Jarrod Agen, Vice President Mike Pence's deputy chief of staff, said Pence called congressional leaders from his hotel suite in Lima, Peru, to notify them of the president's plan to address the nation about the Syrian air strikes. __ Associated Press writer Ken Thomas contributed from Lima, Peru. President Donald Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on Friday, April 13, 2018, in Washington, about the United States' military response to Syria's chemical weapon attack on April 7. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, joined by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, speaks at the Pentagon, Friday, April 13, 2018, on the U.S. military response, along with France and Britain, to Syria's chemical weapon attack on April 7. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Don Prudhomme had no clue what he was doing the first time he raced Baja. He didn't know the course. He didn't grasp the conditions. He didn't even have the right setup in the car. The legendary drag racer was a last-minute fill-in for actor Steve McQueen, who had to bail because of filming obligations. Prudhomme teamed with friend and fellow racer Tony Nancy for the 1,000-mile sprint across the desert and through tiny towns in Mexico. They drove McQueen's car - a dune buggy Nancy built with a Porsche engine - and made it about 100 miles before flames started spewing out of the tailpipes. This photo provided by Don Prudhomme Racing shows Don Prudhomme posed at his shop in Vista, Calif., in March 2018. Don Prudhomme had no clue what he was doing the first time he entered the Baja 1000. The legendary drag racer made it about 100 miles before blowing an engine. Now, 50 years later, he gets to try again. The 77-year-old Prudhomme will return to Baja for the Mexican 1000 next week, his first competitive race since retiring from NHRA in 1994. (Donna Prudhomme/Don Prudhomme Racing via AP) Prudhomme walked away with more regrets than recollections. Now, 50 years later, he's looking for redemption. "Hope to have a little better luck this time," Prudhomme told The Associated Press from his home in San Diego. The 77-year-old Prudhomme will return to Baja for the Mexican 1000 next week, his first competitive race since retiring from NHRA in 1994. "It's always been a thorn in my side that we never finished the race," Prudhomme said. "But thinking back on it, it's kind of a good thing or else I'd still be lost out there in the desert. We didn't know what the hell we were doing. I would say luckily we broke down, to be honest with you. Now, going back, it's a bucket list thing. It's like climbing a mountain you didn't make it up years ago." Or decades ago. The Mexican 1000 is a five-day, off-road rally run by the National Off-Road Racing Association, which ran the first Baja 1000 in 1967. It celebrates off-road racing history and vintage off-road vehicles. Cars, trucks, buggies and motorcycles from all eras of Baja racing are eligible to participate in a variety of classes. The race begins April 22 in Ensenda, Mexico, and ends in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Even though Prudhomme hasn't entered the event since that ill-fated trip in 1968, he has plenty of desert experience. He's made countless trips through the Baja desert in recent years, either alone on an adventure motorcycle or with buddies in off-road vehicles. Prudhomme was with three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and fellow drivers Jeff Gordon and Greg Biffle in 2016 when Stewart broke his back flying over a sand dune and bottoming-out his buggy. He also knows the course considerably better half a century later. There have been significant technological advances, too, like GPS, on-board computers, helmets that don't allow in fumes and dirt, and sensors for every part of his 2018 Polaris that's been beefed up by P.J. Jones, son of 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones. "This should be a fun event for him," said former NASCAR driver and off-road champion Robby Gordon. "It's pretty cool. It's good to have other forms of motorsport come to Baja and see the adventure. That's the biggest thing that Baja brings: It brings an adventure that no other form of motorsport does because every corner is different, every road is different and just because the car went through there in front of you, the road will change. "It's the wild west of motorsports. There are no guardrails. There are no catch-fences." There's no maximum age limit, either. "It's about time he got back out there," said longtime NHRA rival "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, who recently turned 86. "He's too young to be parked." Prudhomme agrees, adding that he feels about half his age. "Physically, it's a piece of cake," he said. "I'll have a couple of Red Bulls along the way to keep me awake, but I don't think it will be a problem. ... I'm not trying to pretend I'm Superman or anything, but we go to Baja all the time." Prudhomme will race in the Stock Turbo UTV class. He also will have a full crew and a helicopter following along. "It's not a cheap date," he said. The driver nicknamed "the Snake" won 49 national events in the Funny Car and Top Fuel classes during his NHRA career divisions, including four consecutive titles (1975-78) in Funny Car. He later added another 63 victories as an owner before shuttering his team following the 2009 season. "Once you're competitive, you're always competitive. You never lose that," he said. "To be honest with you, I feel like it was yesterday that I quit drag racing, quit driving. I had a dream about it the other night. I had a dream I was in the staging lines getting ready to make a run. After competing for 50 years in drag racing, it just doesn't leave you. It's there. It's embedded." ___ More AP auto racing: https://racing.ap.org CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - A University of Virginia statue of Thomas Jefferson was vandalized with the words "RACIST + RAPIST" as the university commemorates the 275th anniversary of its founder's birth. The Washington Post reports that the words were spray-painted on the base of the statue on the university's lawn and discovered Friday on Founder's Day. Virginia spokesman Anthony de Bruyn said "acts of vandalism do not contribute to meaningful discussion" as the university reckons with the complexities of the slave owning Founding Father's legacy. Statues of Jefferson on campus have been flash points in recent months. During last August's deadly white nationalist rally, community members surrounded a statue to protect it as torch-bearing white supremacists circled them. The next month, community members shrouded a statue in black, with signs labeling Jefferson a racist and rapist. ___ Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Efforts to exempt some farmers from Arkansas' ban of an herbicide blamed for widespread damage were challenged in state court Friday, days before the prohibition was set to take effect. Arkansas' attorney general asked a judge to dissolve her order exempting more than 100 farmers and farming entities from the dicamba ban, which begins Monday and runs through October 31. The state Supreme Court, in a separate case, halted another judge's order exempting six farmers from the ban. Arkansas' dicamba ban was issued after the board received nearly 1,000 complaints last summer that the herbicide drifted onto crops and caused damage. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said Mississippi County Circuit Judge Tonya Alexander's restraining order against the ban was invalid, saying it didn't state why farmers would face harm or why it was issued without giving notice to the state first. She asked for a hearing on or by Tuesday if the judge doesn't dissolve the ban. Rutledge argued the farmers don't have standing to challenge the ban and that the state is immune from being sued over the prohibition. An effort by Monsanto, one of the companies that makes dicamba, to block the ban was dismissed by a state judge earlier this year. The Arkansas Supreme Court on Friday stayed an earlier ruling by a Pulaski County judge that exempted six other farmers from the dicamba ban. Rutledge's office asked the state Supreme Court last week to stay Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox's order until an appeal is heard. But attorney Grant Ballard argued that the six farmers' herbicide use won't be a statewide threat. The six farmers sued the board in November after unsuccessfully contesting the April 16 cutoff date. They instead asked for a May 25 cutoff, along with other restrictions, which were rejected by the board. Fox dismissed the farmers' lawsuit over the ban, citing the state's sovereign immunity. But he voided the rule for the six farmers, ruling their due process rights and right to appeal the ban had been curtailed. ___ Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com WASHINGTON (AP) - As President Donald Trump and top Republicans dined on filet mignon at the White House this week, just hours after House Speaker Paul Ryan announced his stunning retirement, Trump and Ryan's top lieutenant found themselves with a moment alone. Do you really want to be the next speaker of the House, Trump lightly asked Kevin McCarthy, one of his closest allies in Congress. The Californian - the leading but undeclared contender - told the president he wants the job, according to two sources familiar with the conversation. McCarthy emerged from the Wednesday evening chat confident he had Trump's backing to succeed Ryan, said one of the sources, a GOP operative. Trump tried not to explicitly endorse McCarthy, said the other source, but it was clear the president would be "very happy" for McCarthy to ascend to the post. FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2018, file photo, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., joined at right by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., talks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington. Ryan is backing McCarthy as his successor. In an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," Ryan says McCarthy is "the right person." "I think Kevin is the right guy to step up," Ryan says in the interview that will air Sunday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Both people spoke anonymously about the conversation because they weren't authorized to relay details of a politically sensitive but possibly critical exchange. Trump's embrace could be crucial for McCarthy, the No. 2 House Republican leader, if he wants to nail down support from conservative lawmakers who have been leery of his GOP establishment ties and could sink his bid. But even in a contest of Republican lawmakers, a Trump endorsement is a double-edged sword. The president is unpopular in many suburban and other swing districts, and many Republicans don't want their leader to be viewed as beholden to the whims of the unpredictable president. Others bristle at the idea of presidential meddling in their contest. "This is a matter to be decided by the legislative branch of government, not the executive branch," Rep. Leonard Lance, R-N.J., said of Trump supporting a candidate. Still, the Trump factor will be hard to avoid. With Ryan's departure slated for January, Republicans will lose another establishment force who, at times, pushed back at Trump. It's far from clear McCarthy intends to play the same role. He was one of Trump's earliest supporters and has never flinched as Trump endured criticism for his comments on women, minorities and others. Since Trump's election, the two have advertised their close relationship and a buddy-movie-style bond. Aides say the two men speak frequently. Trump sometimes calls out "my Kevin" at events. It's a partnership that's benefited both men. In McCarthy, Trump has a Capitol Hill confidant who fits the president's tendency to pluck allies from central casting - McCarthy looks the part of the silver-haired politician with his sharp suits and ready smile. McCarthy boosts his conservative credentials every time he is able to flash his link to Trump. Neither man is tethered to strict GOP dogma, which creates space for the deal-making both favor. Both like to rely on gut political instincts than expertise in guiding decisions. In one speed bump in their relationship, The Washington Post reported that a leaked 2016 audiotape included a suggestion by McCarthy that Trump was being paid by Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Trump repeatedly praised during the presidential campaign. McCarthy aides said the remark to other GOP leaders was a bad joke. The leadership vacancy comes at an awkward time for a GOP that could face massive losses in this November's congressional elections, perhaps losing House control. That would make the top Republican in the House the minority leader, not speaker. Many Republicans say it's crucial that the party unify behind an effort to pass additional bills on taxes and other subjects and focus on re-election campaigns, not a divisive internal contest over the next leader. In a sign of the desire to tamp down intra-party squabbling, Ryan himself endorsed McCarthy in an interview to be broadcast Sunday on NBC News' "Meet the Press," saying, "We all think that Kevin is the right person." Even with backing from the top, McCarthy's grasp on the top job is uncertain. In 2015, his effort to succeed Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, flopped in just a few days as he failed to corral enough votes, especially from conservatives. As if to underscore that problem, a leader of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus said he's "open to running" and has been encouraged by colleagues to do so. A candidacy by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, would seem all but certain to fall short and would be widely viewed as a way for that group's roughly 30 members to win leverage by trading their support for promises of leadership and committee posts. Ryan's successor will need to secure 218 GOP votes because the entire House votes on the speaker and all Democrats would be sure to oppose the Republican candidate. No. 3 House Republican leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who is viewed as more conservative than McCarthy, is seen as his top rival for the post. While Scalise has said he wouldn't run against McCarthy - a longtime friend - he's left the door open for seeking the post should McCarthy's effort fall short. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Friday that Trump "has a great relationship" with McCarthy but declined to say whom he wants as speaker. Aides to McCarthy and Scalise declined to immediately provide comment. ___ AP congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed. HELENA, Mont. (AP) - An online pharmacy that bills itself as Canada's largest was fined $34 million Friday for importing counterfeit cancer drugs and other unapproved pharmaceuticals into the United States, a sentence that one advocacy group called too light for such a heinous crime. Canada Drugs has filled millions of prescriptions by offering itself as a safe alternative for patients to save money on expensive drugs, and its founder, Kris Thorkelson, has been hailed as an industry pioneer for starting the company in 2001. But U.S. prosecutors say Canada Drugs' business model is based entirely on illegally importing unapproved and misbranded drugs not just from Canada, but from all over the world. The company has made at least $78 million through illegal imports, including two that were counterfeit versions of the cancer drugs Avastin and Altuzan that had no active ingredient, prosecutors said. FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2003, file photo, CanadaDrugs.com Director of Pharmacy Robert Fraser, left, takes Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, second left, on a tour of the Internet pharmacy CanadaDrugs.com in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. The Canadian online pharmacy is expected to be fined $34 million for importing counterfeit cancer drugs and other unapproved pharmaceuticals into the United States. Canada Drugs, which calls itself that nation's largest internet drugstore, and its founder, Kris Thorkelson, not seen, are being sentenced Friday, April 13, 2018, after pleading guilty to felony charges in the U.S. state of Montana. (AP Photo/Ruth Bonneville, File) After more than two years of struggling to get the international company to appear in U.S. court to face the felony charges, Canada Drugs and Thorkelson, struck a plea deal with prosecutors late last year. On Friday, a judge in Missoula, Montana, approved federal prosecutors' recommended sentences that include $29 million forfeited, $5 million in fines and five years' probation for Canada Drugs. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen also sentenced Thorkelson to six months' house arrest, five years' probation and a $250,000 fine. Canada Drugs also will permanently cease the sale of all unapproved, misbranded and counterfeit drugs and will surrender all of the domain names for the myriad websites it used to sell the drugs, under the deal. An advocacy group had urged the judge to impose harsher penalties to deter future crimes. "Counterfeiting oncology medications is a nearly untraceable and heinous health care crime," Shabbir Imber Safdar, executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, wrote in a letter to the judge. "You put saline in a bottle, and when the cancer patient takes it, there is no evidence in the patient of the crime." After the sentencing, Safdar called the penalties "a slap on the wrist and an insult to the victims of Canada Drugs' crimes." Safdar said Thorkelson should receive prison time and that Thorkelson's and Canada Drugs' pharmacy licenses should be surrendered. The group also wants Canada Drugs to give up all of its internet domain names, including ones not named in the plea deal, to prevent the company from continuing to sell misbranded and counterfeit medicine. Canada Drugs' and Thorkelson's attorneys did not return messages seeking comment. Federal prosecutors wrote in court documents that the recommended sentence is appropriate. U.S. Attorney for Montana Kurt Alme said after the sentencing that Thorkelson and Canada Drugs jeopardized the health and safety of Americans by circumventing the Food and Drug Administration's approval process. "As this case shows, American providers and consumers need to beware when purchasing drugs on the internet," Alme said in a statement. The case is being handled in the U.S. state of Montana, where Canada Drugs bought another company for its drug inventory and customer list when it was expanding in 2009. Canada Drugs continued to deposit money into that company's Montana bank account from doctors' purchase of the illegally imported drugs before the proceeds were shipped to offshore accounts in the Caribbean, prosecutors said. The company and two overseas subsidiaries pleaded guilty to introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, and the subsidiaries also agreed to plead guilty to selling counterfeit drugs. Thorkelson pleaded guilty to knowing about and concealing a felony crime. SAO PAULO (AP) - One of the front-runners in Brazil's presidential campaign was charged with racism on Friday by the country's top prosecutor. Attorney General Raquel Dodge charged conservative deputy Jair Bolsonaro for statements comparing members of rural settlements founded by the descendants of slaves to animals. Members of the settlements are called "quilombolas" in Brazil. Dodge said Bolsonaro promotes hate speech by attacking blacks, women, foreigners, native Brazilians and homosexuals, dealing a major blow to a politician polling second ahead of October's presidential elections. Jailed former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva currently leads the preferences, but could be barred from running by Brazil's electoral authorities. Demonstrators opposed to Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have their picture taken with Lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro, the main right-wing candidate for the October presidential election, during a protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, April 4, 2018. Brazil's top court could rule as soon as today whether former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva can stay out of prison while appealing a corruption conviction, a decision that could radically alter October's presidential election in Latin America's largest nation. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) "This unacceptable statement on quilombolas is aligned with the regime of slavery in which blacks were treated as merchandise and with the idea of inequality between human beings," Dodge said. "After that, the accused said quilombolas don't do anything and are unfit even to breed, deprecating them emphatically and absolutely for who they are." At the time of the remarks, the conservative lawmaker denied he was a racist, but acknowledged being a homophobe. Brazilian politicians have a special jurisdiction in the country's top court, which will later decide whether Bolsonaro will have to stand trial. If convicted, Bolsonaro could be jailed for up to three years. Dodge also wants him to pay about $120,000 in collective damages. A Datafolha poll published in the end of January showed Bolsonaro leading in Brazil's presidential race if da Silva is not allowed to run SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) - A Roman Catholic bishop on Friday announced the appointment of a prominent judge to handle complaints of sexual abuse by priests in central Michigan, but police responded by urging victims to contact investigators instead. Michael Talbot will help the Saginaw Catholic Diocese after he retires from the Michigan appeals court on April 25. The diocese has been under scrutiny since the Rev. Robert DeLand was charged in February with sex crimes against two males. Another priest, the Rev. Ron Dombrowski, has been suspended but not charged. Bishop Joseph Cistone said Talbot will be independent and have "full authority" in all matters of alleged sexual abuse of minors. Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, left, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, and Judge Michael Talbot listen duringa press conference in the diocese offices, Friday, April 13, 2018, in Saginaw, Mich. Talbot, who is retiring soon, will help the Saginaw Roman Catholic Diocese deal with allegations of sexual abuse by priests. (Jacob Hamilton/The Saginaw News via AP) "I need to hear from victims. ... I especially have to hear from people who have been hesitant to come forward," Talbot told reporters. He promised to share information with police when necessary. But in response, a Saginaw-area police team that's continuing to investigate DeLand and the diocese said the public should contact authorities with allegations of sexual abuse, not church representatives. "We respectfully disagree with the procedure" announced by Cistone, investigators said in a statement released by the Saginaw County prosecutor. "The diocese cannot and should not be used as a clearinghouse for the reporting of crimes by victims. That is the function of law enforcement." Police recently seized records from church properties, including Cistone's home. Cistone, who is being treated for cancer, said he appointed Talbot because the 11-county diocese needs a "fresh start" during a "very distressing time." Hours after Cistone's announcement, the diocese posted the names of four former priests and a former deacon who were removed from religious duties years ago due to "credible allegations" of sexual abuse of children. They are Stanislaus Bur, John Hammer, Richard Howard, Jack Leipert and Leonard Wilkuski, according to the diocese. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A Mississippi high school senior was jailed without bail Friday after the FBI charged him with threatening a school shooting over social media, but his defense lawyer says officials are misreading the student's dark humor. After a hearing in federal court in Oxford, U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy Percy ordered 19-year-old Nathan Caleb Brown of Southaven held in the Lafayette County jail, finding him too dangerous to release. Court papers show officials confiscated three handguns, two knives and ammunition from Brown's home. The FBI arrested Brown on Thursday at DeSoto Central High School in Southaven. Court papers show Brown admitted the postings in questioning at the school. "Brown stated the whole basis for these tweets was to be funny online," wrote Special Agent Charles Boling in a sworn criminal charge filed Thursday. Boling added Brown was asked "how he thought normal people would receive the posts, and Brown responded that he could see where it would be concerning for people outside his social group." The charge of transmitting a threat across state lines carries a prison sentence of up to five years in federal prison. Defense lawyer Steve Farese said Brown's parents testified at the Friday detention hearing has never been in trouble, has no violent tendencies and has never owned or fired a gun. Farese said it's "undisputed" that the guns, including one that was loaded, belong to Brown's mother and were found in her bedroom. Farese said he Brown's actions don't justify him being charged with a federal crime, saying Brown and other teens communicate things electronically that would have never been circulated widely in previous generations. "No longer can you sit at home and write in your personal journal your fantasies," Farese said. "You cannot put tone in an email or a text. You cannot understand the context of a dark joke." The FBI, though, disagrees. Boling wrote that two different people outside Mississippi had reported Brown's tweets to the FBI "as potential threats of violence." The charge cites a number of tweets that Brown made between February and April, including one saying he wanted to "make a Columbine v2," or version two of the 1999 shooting at the Colorado high school; one telling another user "I can't believe you shot up a school without me" on the day of a shooting at Great Falls High School in Maryland; and a tweet Monday threating a shooting at Snapchat headquarters after the service locked Brown's account. On April 1, court papers say Brown responded to a user who sent some of the tweets to the FBI saying "They knew about Nikolas Cruz too," referencing the person accused in Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school that killed 17. The Cruz tweet zeroes in on criticism of the FBI for ignoring tips warning about Cruz. "I understand what they did and I understand why they did it," Farese said of the FBI. Officials began investigating after a March 19 tweet was reported, eventually tracked an internet address to a Southaven home, and observed Brown leave home and drive to DeSoto Central on Wednesday. Boling said a brief search of Brown's phone after his arrest "revealed numerous searches involving serial killers and numerous photos of Columbine and other school shootings." The case will be referred to a grand jury and Farese said he hoped at some point to meet with prosecutors to discuss "the totality of the circumstances." Even if he's not convicted, Brown could face consequences up to expulsion for year at the high school from which he had been scheduled to graduate from in May, according to DeSoto County school discipline policies. Spokeswoman Katherine Nelson issued a statement acknowledging the arrest, but declined further comment. ___ Follow Jeff Amy at: http://twitter.com/jeffamy . Read his work at https://www.apnews.com/search/Jeff_Amy . Gareth Bale could only leave Real Madrid for another giant club, according to his former boss Chris Coleman. Speculation is rife that Bales time at the Bernabeu could be drawing to a close, with Real manager Zinedine Zidane relying less heavily upon him in recent weeks although he did select him for Wednesday nights dramatic Champions League quarter-final clash with Juventus. However, Coleman, who worked with the 28-year-old during his time in charge of Wales, insists the former Southampton and Tottenham player remains happy in Madrid. Real Madrids Gareth Bale (left) in action (John Walton/EMPICS) Asked he he still has a future in Spain, Sunderland boss Coleman told a press conference: How long has he been there? Five years, has he? After his first year when I used to do the Welsh press conferences, they always used to ask, The Spanish press are not very happy with him, has he got a future there?. I think hes won three Champions Leagues there. All right, hes done a good stint there, but the last time I spoke to him, he was very happy in Madrid, his family is settled there. But he is who he is, Real Madrid are who they are and there are comings and goings all the time. If you work so hard to get to a stage in your career where you are seen as one of the better players and you are playing for one of the biggest clubs, thats not somewhere where you want to leave, I would imagine. Where does he go from there thats bigger? Theres nowhere bigger, so if he does leave Madrid, wheres he going to go? Its going to have to be another giant club. Is it back here? Probably, maybe if he does move, if its on the cards. But the last conversations I had with him, he was happy there. He liked the life in Madrid, loved the club. But I dont know, to be honest. Manchester United have been linked repeatedly with a summer move for Bale, who cost Real 87million when he joined them in September 2013. However, Zidane is adamant the forward, who has four years remaining on his current deal, will remain at the Bernabeu next season despite enduring an injury-hit 2017-18 campaign. British Airways owner International Airlines Group (IAG) is exploring a potential acquisition of low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle. IAG said in a stock market announcement that it has acquired a 4.61% stake in the airline, which is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, including the possibility of a full offer for the firm. A deal to acquire the fast-growing budget carrier would see IAG fork out an estimated 2.5 billion, which includes Norwegians 2 billion debt pile. The group added: IAG confirms that no such discussions have taken place to date, that it has taken no decision to make an offer at this time and that there is no certainty that any such decision will be made. A further announcement will be made if appropriate. Norwegian Air has expanded rapidly over the last 12 months, ordering several aircraft to serve a raft of new routes. The firm has shaken up the long-haul market by offering flights at knockdown prices. Some of its most popular deals have included 99 flights from Edinburgh and Dublin to New York. Norwegian has shaken up the market (PA) The firm said in response to the news: Norwegian has just been made aware that the International Airlines Group (IAG) has acquired 4.6% of the shares in Norwegian Air Shuttle. Norwegian had no prior knowledge of this acquisition before it was reported by the media mid-morning Thursday. Norwegian has not been in any discussions or dialogue with IAG about the matter. Norwegian believes that IAGs interest in the company confirms the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth. As well as British Airways, Irish carrier Aer Lingus and Iberia, IAG also owns Spanish low-cost airline Vueling and recently launched a budget long-haul operator dubbed Level. IAG has been stepping up its position in the low-cost long-haul market as it looks to fend off fierce competition in the sector. Shares in Norwegian Air rocketed nearly 40% in Oslo following news of IAGs interest. IAG shares were flat. Norwegian Air carries over 30 million passengers a year, including 5.2 million from the UK, and last year struck an agreement that allows easyJet customers to access its long-haul routes. It has also previously explored a long-haul flight deal with Ryanair, but talks between the airlines collapsed. Shares in budget rivals easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air were boosted off the back of the news. Jasper Lawler, head of research at London Capital Group, said: Investors questioned the merits of a possible merger but recognised it could be a boon for other budget airlines. For one, shareholders may be reticent to approve another deal so soon after acquiring Aer Lingus. And two, it is an upfront cost to IAG that could otherwise be spent improving customer experience. If one assumes IAG will lift the fares and cut routes operated by Norwegian, then it reduces competition for the likes of easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. Protesters gathered outside the hospital where terminally ill Liverpool boy Alfie Evans is being cared for, as his father insisted he has the right to take him home. The demonstration came a day after a High Court judge expressed his sympathy for the parents of the 23-month-old who is approaching death after being at the centre of a life-support treatment battle. Mr Justice Hayden described what had happened to Alfie as profoundly unfair as he endorsed an end-of-life care plan drawn up by specialists. Tom Evans and Kate James, the parents of Alfie Evans (Philip Toscano/PA) Merseyside Police said on Thursday night that they were at the protest outside Alder Hey Childrens Hospital and said access to the hospital was being disrupted. Footage posted online showed what appeared to be Alfies parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, receiving huge applause as they joined the significant crowd of protesters who were chanting Alfies name, while a banner emblazoned with Alfies Army could also be seen in footage. A video posted on Facebook showed Alfies father filming his son in the hospital and holding a letter which he said states he has the right to leave with his child. The words Christian Legal Centre can be seen at the top of the letter. We can confirm that officers are at @AlderHey to monitor a peaceful protest tonight, Thursday 12 April. Please note that access to the hospital is currently being disrupted and protestors are asked to be respectful of other patients and visitors trying to access the location. pic.twitter.com/BWxSsbqIJF Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) April 12, 2018 I have documentation that says I have the right to take my son out of the hospital, I have the right to take my son out of this hospital, he says in the video. Mr Evans said the documentation says he is allowed to leave legally, and that he has removed the duty of care and given it to their air ambulance company. Alder Hey have phoned the police to stop me from taking my son out of the hospital. This is my son. Look at my healthy, healthy young boy who is undiagnosed, who is certainly not dying, he said. During the nearly two-and-a-half minute clip he also encouraged people to come to the hospital to stand outside and tell them to release our son in a quiet protest. He added: They have phoned the police over a child Look how innocent the boy is, look at him, he lies there eagerly waiting for his trip home. How can this come to this? Alfies parents, who are both in their 20s and from Liverpool, have lost treatment fights in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. In February, Mr Justice Hayden ruled that doctors at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital could stop treating Alfie against the wishes of his parents following hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Liverpool. On Wednesday, during a follow-up hearing in London, he endorsed a plan put forward by Alder Hey doctors for withdrawing life support treatment. The judge said detail of that plan could not be revealed because Alfie was entitled to privacy at the end of his life. Assistant Chief Constable Serena Kennedy: Although peaceful, the large protest that took place tonight did cause significant traffic disruption and inconvenience for other people trying to access the hospital. I want to remind people to please consider other hospital users, as these delays could have caused serious problems for staff and patients alike. We fully understand what a sensitive and emotional time this is for everyone involved and I would also therefore like to pass on our appreciation for the way in which Alfies family were later able to speak to the crowd and offer assurance and calm. A television producer has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her sister by drugging her and torching their garage in North Hollywood in a cover-up, police said. Jill Blackstone, who has worked with Jerry Springer, killed her sister Wendy and two of their dogs in the blaze, the Los Angeles Police Department said on Thursday. She was arrested in Baltimore, Maryland, on suspicion of one count of murder and three counts of animal cruelty over the fire on March 14, 2015. Jill Blackstone had produced on an episode of a Jerry Springer show (Zak Hussain/PA) The LAPD said she drugged her sister before placing her in their garage along with three pet dogs, two of which died when she set the site on fire staging it as an accident. Homicide detectives believe the motive was Jills frustration of being forced to provide Wendy long-term care, as well as the associated financial hardship, a police statement added. Wendy Blackstone, 49, was deaf and partially blind and found with a suicide note, according to reports. A Los Angeles County coroner recorded her death as being from the combined effects of the fires effect on her breathing and of the tranquilliser alprazolam, which can be known by the trade name Xanax. The manner of her death was left undetermined. The district attorneys office filed the charges in March and issued an arrest warrant for Jill Blackstone. She was arrested on Thursday when she checked herself into hospital in Baltimore for a medical condition, the LAPD said. Blackstone, whose age was not provided by police, will now face extradition to Los Angeles where she will appear in court. Arsene Wenger suggested his Arsenal side showed a hint of complacency as they were made to fight for their place in the Europa League semi-finals having fallen two goals behind at CSKA Moscow. The Gunners were boasting a 4-1 lead from the opening leg but found themselves deservedly behind on the night as Fedor Chalov and Kirill Nababkin pounced on Petr Cech parries to put the hosts within touching distance of an unlikely turnaround. Danny Welbeck halted the comeback with a well-taken goal on 75 minutes, Arsenals first shot on target on the night. Aaron Ramsey then scored in stoppage time to seal a 2-2 draw, sending Arsenal through 6-3 on aggregate. It was a much nervier night than the Gunners would have anticipated and Wenger put that down to the margin of victory from the first leg. You could see when you have a big difference after the first game it is difficult to turn up with the same urgency than if the difference is very small and that played a part in the first half, he said. I felt in the two games they (CSKA) played well, especially tonight they made my heart beat much quicker than I expected it to be played against a good team. I knew that after the first game they showed that again tonight, they gave us many problems. Arsenal were without the injured Henrikh Mkhitaryan for this game after he limped out of the first leg with a knee injury. He has been superb for Arsenal in the competition this season and could now be fit for the semi-finals. (The injury is) a medial knee ligament strain, he said. He should be out for two more weeks, dont be too worried we have good medical staff and he is very serious in his rehab. Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be back for the semi-finals, Arsene Wenger said (Adam Davy/PA) CSKA boss Viktor Goncharenko felt his sides recent fixture pile-up played a big part in his players being unable to sustain the high tempo that had frightened the life out of their visitors in the first half. Until 75 minutes we played extremely well and were wining in a justified way, he said. We took the lead and were so close winning the this match, after the recent duels with Barcelona and Juventus, it was just too much for us to make a marvellous comeback in this game. The tempo of the match began going down and down, the speed Arsenal were playing was high and our schedule at the moment is tough it didnt happen because we have been playing so many matches. Anthony Rapp has celebrated others telling their truth after he helped ignite the Me Too movement by making a public allegation against Kevin Spacey. The actor, 46, was joined on stage at an LGBTQ awards show on Thursday by his Star Trek: Discovery co-star Wilson Cruz, who he shared the shows first gay relationship with. Rapp praised the awards host Glaad, a LGBTQ advocacy group, for preparing him to accuse double-Oscar winner Spacey of sexual misconduct. I hoped that my story would encourage other people to tell their truth and that did happen, Rapp told Los Angeles Beverly Hilton hotel. He also thanked the audience for supporting him both publicly and privately during the process. Cruz, 44, added he wanted to give props to Rapp for being one of the first and most prominent voices that led to the explosion of the Me Too movement, especially within the LGBTQ community. Their comments came a day after it emerged prosecutors in Los Angeles were considering bringing a sexual assault charge against Spacey, 58. A sexual assault charge against Kevin Spacey is being considered by prosecutors in Los Angeles (Matt Crossick/PA) Prosecutors from the Los Angeles District Attorneys industry sex crimes task force are considering an allegation that Spacey attacked a man in West Hollywood in October 1992. Spacey is also being investigated by the Metropolitan Police in the UK over alleged sexual assaults. Scotland Yard has been investigating accusations of sexual assault on three men in London, spanning from 2005 to 2008. As movie mogul Harvey Weinsteins downfall spread throughout Hollywood, Spacey was one of the first to face public allegations when Rapp spoke out. Rapp claimed he was 14 when a 26-year-old Spacey made a sexual advance to him in 1986. Spacey said he did not remember the encounter but apologised for any inappropriate drunken behaviour. Rapps allegation was a watershed moment. Londons Old Vic theatre, where Spacey was artistic director from 2004 to 2015, found 20 people said they had been subjected to inappropriate behaviour from Spacey. The US actor was sacked by Netflixs House Of Cards and Sir Ridley Scott scrubbed Spacey from completed film All The Money In The World in re-shoots costing millions. A spokeswoman for Spaceys legal team declined to comment on the latest investigation. The average home in Britain has piled 44 per day onto its value since the start of 2018, analysis by a website has found. In total, Britains property market is now worth an estimated 8.3 trillion having increased by 114 billion during the first quarter of this year, Zoopla found. The total rise equates to an increase in value of 3,917 for the average home between the start of January and the end of March or around 44 per day. The average home in Britain added 44 per day to its value in the first quarter of 2018, Zoopla has found (PA) The growth in property values seen in early 2018 is in contrast to the same period in 2017, when the property market shrank by 29 billion, Zoopla said. The region with the strongest percentage growth in property values during the first quarter of 2018 was the North West of England, which saw average values rise by 1.85% or 3,552. The East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber closely followed as both saw growth of 1.58%, equating to 3,357 and 2,750 respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, Wales saw values increase by 0.11% or 203 a contrast to the first quarter in 2017 when it was the only area to see growth, at 0.4%. Scotland followed, with modest growth of 0.17% or 331, with the South West seeing the third slowest growth at 1.38% or 4,162. On a more local level, Sidcup in Kent was identified as the best-performing place in the first quarter of 2018, with property prices rising by an average of by 11,761 (2.89%). Immingham in North East Lincolnshire was identified as the weakest performer in the first quarter of 2018 as values fell by 1.72% (2,097) on average. Lawrence Hall, a spokesman for Zoopla, said: Home owners may be relieved to see that the market has had a more positive start to 2018 than 2017. Here is how average property values changed across the regions between the start of January and the end of March 2018 according to Zoopla, with the average value in March and the increase in cash and percentage terms: 1. North West England, 195,949, 3,552, 1.85% 2. East Midlands, 215,914, 3,357, 1.58% 3. Yorkshire and the Humber, 177,103, 2,750, 1.58% 4. West Midlands, 227,363, 3,477, 1.55% 5. London, 673,013, 9,841, 1.48% 6. South East England, 410,452, 5,906, 1.46% 7. East of England, 360,695, 5,047, 1.42% 8. North East England, 188,580, 2,578, 1.39% 9. South West England, 306,009, 4,162, 1.38% 10. Scotland, 189,628, 331, 0.17% 11. Wales, 186,256, 203, 0.11% Here are the top 10 towns with the biggest value increases in the first quarter of 2018, with the average value in March and the cash and percentage increase, according to Zoopla: 1. Sidcup, Kent, 418,490, 11,761, 2.89% 2. Heathfield, East Sussex, 448,727, 12,525, 2.87% 3. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, 502,017, 13,860, 2.84% 4. Glastonbury, Somerset, 314,476, 8,587, 2.81% 5. Darwen, Lancashire, 130,104, 3,552, 2.81% 6. Faversham, Kent, 337,389, 9,143, 2.79% 7. Batley, West Yorkshire, 143,947, 3,878, 2.77% 8. Devizes, Wiltshire, 328,744, 8,838, 2.76% 9. Kenilworth, Warwickshire, 408,085, 10,895, 2.74% 10. Hungerford, West Berkshire, 466,188, 12,135, 2.67% And here are the 10 towns with the weakest growth in property values in the first quarter of 2018 according to Zoopla, with the average value in March and the change in cash and percentage terms: 1. Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, 119,708, minus 2,097, minus 1.72% 2. Esher, Surrey, 1,059,661, minus 12,042, minus 1.12% 3. Ripon, North Yorkshire, 282,885, minus 3,097, minus 1.08% 4. Caernarfon, Gwynedd, 171,177, minus 1,797, minus 1.04% 5. Edgware, London, 493,212, minus 5,048, minus 1.01% 6. Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, 106,339, minus 1,022, minus 0.95% 7. Snodland, Kent, 272,109, minus 2,602, minus 0.95% 8. Lee-On-The-Solent, Hampshire, 319,570, minus 3,017, minus 0.94% 9. Thame, Oxfordshire, 439,966, minus 4,046, minus 0.91% 10. Windsor, Windsor and Maidenhead, 590,166, minus 5,214, minus 0.88% Russias foreign minister has claimed a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov said Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He said Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication. Mr Lavrov, speaking to reporters in Moscow, said: Intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication. He did not elaborate or name the state. A medical worker giving toddlers oxygen in Douma (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets/AP) The attack, which killed more than 40 people, has drawn international outrage and prompted the US and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. Mr Lavrov reiterated warnings against military action, saying any such adventures would increase flows of refugees into Europe. Neither us nor European neighbours need it, he said. On Thursday, Russias military said Douma had been brought under full control of the Syrian government under a Russia-mediated deal that secured the evacuation of the rebels and thousands of civilians after it was recaptured by Syrian forces. The government, however, said evacuations were continuing and no Syrian government forces had entered the town. Douma and the sprawling eastern Ghouta region had been under rebel control since 2012 and was a thorn in the side of President Bashar Assads government, threatening his seat of power with missiles and potential advances for years. The governments capture of Douma, the last town held by the rebels in eastern Ghouta, marked a major victory for Assad. On Thursday President Donald Trump emerged from a meeting with his national security team without a final decision on how to respond to the suspected chemical attack. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump held a meeting with his team to discuss the situation, but she no final decision has been made. She said US officials are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies. Demonstrators calling for the public to be given a vote on the final Brexit deal will be out in Scotlands capital. Thousands of marchers are expected in Edinburgh on Saturday, with the city hosting one of the events planned as part of what organisers claim will be the largest ever pro European day of action. It comes ahead of the launch of a Peoples Vote campaign on Sunday, calling for Britain to hold a ballot on the final deal for the UKs departure from the European Union. Campaigners are calling for the public to be given a vote on the final Brexit deal (Victoria Jones/PA) This Saturday, we will campaign for a #FinalSay for the people on the #Brexit deal. Join us and @YEMEdinburgh at the northern end of Middle Meadow Walk in #Edinburgh, starting at 11am. We're getting a lot of interest in volunteering, this will be a big day across all of Britain! pic.twitter.com/7yHd7xuCIG European Movement in Scotland (@euromovescot) April 11, 2018 The day of action is being organised by the European Movement, Open Britain and Britain for Europe, with more than 100 planned across the UK, from Aberdeen to Falmouth. Thousands of activists will be taking part, with 500,000 leaflets being handed out and more than 100 street stalls set up. Juuso Jarviniemi, president of the Young European Movement, said they were taking part in the Edinburgh demonstration with other groups to persuade the Scottish people that we should all have a say on the final Brexit deal. The Edinburgh University student added: Each day that passes shows Brexit is turning out to be much more complicated and costly than people were told during the referendum. Scotland voted clearly to remain and thats why its people should get the chance to vote on the final Brexit deal. It would be fair and democratic. James McGrory, executive director of the Open Britain campaign group, said: Our largest ever national day of action is all about bringing together the various pro-European groups so that we can speak with one, unified voice, because we know that together we are stronger. Meanwhile James MacCleary, the campaign director of European Movement UK, said: The pro-European movement is gaining in strength and momentum and that progress will be reflected this weekend with a huge demonstration of grassroots power in favour of a Peoples Vote on the Brexit deal. Anne Weyman, vice chair of Britain for Europe, stated: We may come from different political parties, different traditions and different groups, but we are united by our desire for the people to have their say on the Brexit deal and we are determined to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear. A tower built in tribute to one of Irelands most celebrated politicians has reopened 47 years after being damaged in a bomb blast. Visitors can now climb a newly installed staircase to reach the top of OConnell Tower in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. The 55-metre round tower was built in the 1850s to commemorate the life of Daniel OConnell. Visitors can climb a staircase within the tower for panoramic views (Brian Lawless/PA) Known as the Liberator, OConnell led the successful campaign to repeal discriminatory laws against Catholics Catholic Emancipation and went on to become a key figure in the political movement to repeal Irelands union with Britain. He founded Glasnevin cemetery in 1832 and was laid to rest there after his death in 1847 as he travelled to Rome on a pilgrimage. OConnells remains were later exhumed and interred in a crypt at the base of the memorial tower built in his honour. The granite tower was a popular visitor attraction for more than century but was forced to close in 1971 when it was badly damaged in a suspected loyalist paramilitary bombing. The blast shot up through the tower, destroying its staircase and blowing out the windows. A large crack caused by the bombing is still visible on the structure. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe (right) and chairman of the Glasnevin Trust John Green take in the view at the top of the tower (Brian Lawless/PA) The crypt was refurbished a decade ago and in 2016 the Glasnevin Trust, in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW), began work to restore the tower and install a new 198-step staircase. Visitors can now climb to the top and access a 360-degree panorama affording views across Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and the Irish Sea. The reopening of the OConnell Tower was marked by the laying of a time capsule at the base by students from the OConnell School in Glasnevin. When the foundation stones of the tower were laid in 1854 a lead time capsule containing medals, documents and objects relating to OConnells life was placed within it. Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, attended the reopening ceremony. In recent years, Glasnevin Cemetery has become a unique and unmissable Dublin attraction, he said. Developing from a traditional cemetery, and the resting place of more than one million people, to the home of the wonderful museum and visitor centre and an exceptionally engaging and entertaining tour, it draws tens of thousands of visitors every year. The restoration of the iconic OConnell Tower, with a newly installed staircase that promises unparalleled views, adds yet another string to the already fulsome Glasnevin Cemetery bow. It is a privilege to be here today, alongside the students from the local school that takes OConnells name, to see the results of the extraordinary work undertaken by the OPW and the Glasnevin Trust. It is testament to the man we refer to as the Liberator and one of the seminal figures in Irish political life. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (right) attended the towers reopening (Brian Lawless/PA) Chairman of the Glasnevin Trust, John Green, said: The reinstatement of the stairs in the OConnell tower will allow us to experience the full magnificence of this mausoleum. Of course, we remember OConnell through the bridges, streets, and squares named after him, but as we approach the centenary of the founding of our state we must remember how important OConnell is in our nationhood. OConnell lit a beacon for the peaceful parliamentary political process, a beacon carried on by (Isaac) Butt, (Charles Stewart) Parnell, (John) Redmond and, perhaps more significantly, every Taoiseach since the end of the civil war. Hopefully the exhibition inside the tower will not only enhance the climb but also help to reinstate Daniel OConnell to his rightful position in the pantheon of Irish leaders. Tickets are required to access the tower. For more information visit www.glasnevinmuseum.ie. Russian intelligence agencies have been spying on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter for at least five years, Britain has said in the latest twist in the Salisbury nerve agent attack. National Security Security Adviser Sir Mark Sedwill said cyber specialists from the GRU Russian military intelligence targeted Yulia Skripals email accounts as far back as 2013. Sir Mark Sedwill oulined the allegations against Russia (PA) In a letter to Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Sir Mark also said that in the 2000s the Russians had begun a programme to train personnel from special units in the use of chemical warfare agents. He said that it included investigating ways of delivering nerve agents by applying them to door handles. The strongest concentration of the Novichok nerve agent found in the Salisbury incident was on the front door of Mr Skripals home. The claims come after the international Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons backed Britains assertion the Skripals were poisoned by Novichok a military grade nerve agent developed by the Russians in the 1980s. In his letter, Sir Mark set out why the Government believes that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and the motive to carry out such an attack including some declassified intelligence material. He said Russia had a proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination and that it was highly likely some defectors like Mr Skripal, a former GRU officer who was exchanged in a spy swap in 2010 may be regarded as legitimate targets. We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals dating back at least as far as 2013, when email accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists, he said. The strongest concentration of Novichok was found on the front door handle of Mr Skripals home (Ben Mitchell/PA) Sir Mark also identified the key institute for developing Novichok in the former Soviet Union as a branch of the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikany near Volgograd. The code word used for the offensive chemical weapons programme (of which the Novichoks were one part) was FOLIANT, he said. It is highly likely that Novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international weapons controls. He said that Russia had continued to produce and stockpile small quantities of Novichoks within the last decade. We therefore continue to judge that only Russian has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible, he said. There is no plausible alternative explanation. A new suspect is facing potential charges in the investigation into a 2016 jewellery heist in Paris targeting Kim Kardashian West. A judicial official said the suspect was detained on Tuesday, and is meeting an investigative judge who is expected to file preliminary charges. The official did not identify the suspect or provide other details. French police at the residence of Kim Kardashian West in Paris (Michel Euler/AP) Ten people have been charged in the case. The alleged mastermind wrote the reality TV star an apology letter from his prison cell. Robbers allegedly forced their way into the apartment where Kardashian West was staying during Paris Fashion Week, tied her up and stole more than 10 million dollars (7 million) of jewellery. She said the experience made her less materialistic. A serving British soldier and self-confessed racist convicted of having a banned CS gas canister has been jailed. Corporal Mikko Vehvilainen, who stockpiled a host of legally held weaponry, pleaded guilty to possession of the spray, which he kept in the drawer of a home he was renovating. The 33-year-old also kept a photograph at the property in Llansilin, Powys, Wales which showed him giving a Nazi-type salute at a memorial to his native Finlands independence. Vehvilainen giving a Nazi salute at a national independence memorial in his native Finland. (West Midlands Police/PA) Sentencing him to 12 months for the offence on Friday, Judge Melbourne Inman QC, the Recorder of Birmingham, said Vehvilainen had a long and deep-seated adherence to racist ideology. He added: It is to be hoped the time in custody will enable you to look and consider of what you seek to achieve, in hope you put it behind you. Vehvilainen, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, was cleared following a trial on Thursday of having a copy of a terrorist document namely white nationalist mass murderer Anders Breiviks manifesto, the European Declaration of Independence. In evidence, the jury was shown his stockpiles of legally held weaponry, including knives, a shotgun and bow and arrows, weapons lists, customised black spray-painted body armour and notebooks containing racist language. He also had a box of Nazi swastika flags, another pennant pinned to his wardrobe door, and two ceremonial daggers, one inscribed with the symbol of the feared Second World War Nazi paramilitary group the SS. Some of the legally-held weapons, including a shotgun, an air rifle, a warhammer and a Hitler Youth knife, stock-piled by Vehvilainen, and recovered by police during raids on his two addresses. (West Midlands Police/PA) The Army trainer and Afghan veteran was also cleared of two counts of stirring up racial hatred in forum posts on the website Christogenea.org. The married father-of-three was arrested on September 5 2017 at his family accommodation at Sennybridge Camp Army base in Brecon, Powys, Wales. When detained, he told his wife: Im being arrested for being a patriot. Pavlos Panyai QC, the soldiers barrister, told the trial jury it was not in dispute he a racist but that it was not criminal, by itself, to hold such views. In mitigation, his counsel told the judge: His career in the Army is over and he leaves having dishonoured himself and, what is more, having brought infamy on himself. A box of Nazi flags that were found at the soldiers home. (West Midlands Police/PA) Mr Panayi explained how Vehvilainens in-laws had been staying with him during the arrest. He said the soldiers father-in-law suffered a stroke the following day and died a month later for which he bears responsibility. Vehvilainen, who appeared stoic and unmoved throughout the five-week trial, appeared emotional as that fact was read to the court. The illegal canister of CS gas, owned by Corporal Vehvilainen, discovered in a drawer at the home he was renovating in Llansilin, Powys, Wales. (West Midlands Police/PA) Also sentenced was a 23-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, after he was convicted at the same trial of possession of two terrorist documents and distributing another. He was jailed for three-and-a-half years for the offences, to run concurrently. A third man, also of the Royal Anglians, Private Mark Barrett, 23, of Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore, Rutland, Leicestershire, was acquitted of membership of the banned extreme far right terrorist group, National Action. Bombing Syria will not help the war-torn country, Labour has insisted as it accused Theresa May of waiting for instructions from US President Donald Trump on how to handle the crisis. The comments came as Russia claimed a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. The Douma attack has drawn international outrage which has seen the Prime Minister and Mr Trump agree that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged after Mrs May won the backing of her Cabinet for action to prevent their further use in Syria. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was scathing about the PMs stance, stating: Further UK military intervention in Syrias appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. The Government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. Even US defence secretary James Mattis has said we dont have evidence and warned further military action could escalate out of control. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. (PA Graphics) He said Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication. Russias ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko told a London press conference that the US and its allies had provided no tangible proof to back up claims the Syrian government was responsible for the Douma attack. He said: The Syrian government had been repeatedly warning for at least a month that rebels prepared to stage a provocation with chemical weapons in this very area. Mr Yakovenko added: We are witnessing very dangerous developments in Syria. The current US politics, supported almost mechanically by France and the UK, is becoming a threat to the peace and security in the region and beyond. Mrs May and the US president discussed the situation on Thursday night, saying there was a need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, as they pledged to work together on the international response to the suspected chemical weapons attack. Further UK military intervention in Syria's appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. My full statement: https://t.co/wWpxxk8eYI Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 13, 2018 Ministers have said it is highly likely Syrian President Bashar Assad was responsible for the attack on Saturday on the rebel-held town of Douma which reportedly left dozens dead and that there was agreement around the Cabinet table that such actions should not go unchallenged. Mrs May and Mr Trump spoke hours after this meeting and reiterated the use of chemical weapons should not be tolerated. The largest US air and naval strike force since the 2003 Iraq war was said to be heading towards Syria, according to reports in The Times, paving the way for strikes within the next three days. Russia has been granted a request for the United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday for fresh discussions on the threat to international peace from air strikes on Syria. (PA Graphics) A statement released by Downing Street after Thursdays Cabinet meeting made no direct reference to military action, but will be seen as a signal Britain would be prepared to join any US-led air strikes against the regime should the Americans decide to go ahead putting it on a potential collision course with Assads principal backer Russia. In a statement released on Thursday night, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response. Earlier, Mr Trump appeared to row back from a suggestion on Wednesday that missile strikes were imminent, insisting in his latest tweet that he had never set out a timetable for military action. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! he wrote. US broadcaster NBC quoted US officials familiar with the intelligence as saying they had now obtained blood and urine samples which had tested positive for chemical weapons. It is vital that parliament has the chance to debate and decide in advance on any government proposals to support a new US-led military intervention in Syria, which risks a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 12, 2018 That assessment appeared to echo French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France had proof that at least chlorine was used in the attack by the regime. The White House said it was still assessing the evidence after its security council meeting on Thursday. The post-Cabinet meeting statement made no reference to whether Parliament would be given a say on military action prompting renewed concerns among opposition parties and some Tory MPs that Mrs May is prepared to go ahead without a Commons vote. Mr Corbyn insisted that MPs were entitled to a vote, saying Parliament must be consulted. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is due to start its investigation in Syria on Saturday. On Friday campaigners from the Stop the War Coalition will hand in a letter signed by MPs, trade unionists, celebrities and academics to Downing Street urging Mrs May to not take military action in Syria. A full scale replica of HM Bark Endeavour has been lifted over the Tees Barrage en route from Stockton to a dry dock in Middlesbrough. (Owen Humphreys/PA) The original craft was commanded by Lieutenant James Cook when he charted New Zealand and discovered the eastern coast of Australia. (Owen Humphreys/PA) After the refit, the vessel will head down the North East coast to Whitby, where it is expected to become a major tourist attraction for the Yorkshire seaside resort. (Owen Humphreys/PA) (Owen Humphreys/PA) (Owen Humphreys/PA) With a UK businessman the latest individual to win the right to be forgotten over a past crime, here is a Q&A on Googles controversial search removals. What is it? The right to be forgotten is based on the premise that outdated information about people should be removed from the internet after a certain time, following a European court decision. Google only deletes information that appears on its own results pages. It has no control over information on external websites. When did it come into force? In May 2014, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said links to irrelevant and outdated data should be erased from searches on request. The ruling came about after a case brought against Google by Spaniard Mario Costeja Gonzalez, who wanted two newspaper articles dating back to 1998 to be deleted from the search results page. They contained an announcement for a real-estate auction after he got into debt. Who will it affect? (Andrew Parsons/PA) The initial purge of search results applied to Googles local search pages covering the EUs 28 member nations and four other European countries, encompassing more than 500 million people. In early 2016, Google said it would hide content removed through the ruling from all versions of its search engine if a European IP address was detected. How do you ask for something to be removed? Anybody can exercise their right to be forgotten via an online form. The California-based search engine will then make a decision by balancing the individuals right to privacy with the publics right to know. What impact has it had? Some 669,355 requests for links to be removed from the search engine results have been made to Google since the ruling. These cover almost two-and-a-half million URLS, 49.3% of which were deleted. The most affected website is Facebook, with 18,723 links removed. How do people feel about it? Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales (Yui Mok/PA) Proponents of the court decision say it gives individuals the possibility to restore their reputation by deleting references to old debts, past arrests and other unflattering episodes. But the move has sparked concerns about news stories and other previously public information being hidden. Immediately after the 2014 ruling, the founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales warned that Google must not be left to censor history, warning that would be a very dangerous path to go down. Supporters point out that the court specified Google should not remove links to information when the publics right to know about it outweighs an individuals right to privacy for example when a politician or public figure seeks to clean online records. Diego Costa has picked up a hamstring injury but Atletico Madrid have yet to reveal whether the striker could be a doubt to face Arsenal in the Europa League semi-finals. Costa was taken off early in the second half against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday as Atletico booked their place in the last four of the competition with a 2-1 aggregate victory. The LaLiga club were drawn against Arsenal in the semis before announcing later on Friday that Costa had suffered a hamstring injury to his left leg. Diego Costa has picked up a hamstring injury (AP) Spain international Costa underwent tests in Madrid but the length of the layoff was not determined in a statement published on their official website. The Gunners, currently sixth in the Premier League, host Diego Simeones side on April 26 before the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on May 3. Atletico are second in LaLiga, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona with seven games remaining, and face Levante at home on Sunday. Britain has accused Russian intelligence agencies of spying on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter for at least five years in the run up to the Salisbury nerve agent attack. The Governments National Security Adviser Sir Mark Sedwill said cyber specialists from the GRU Russian military intelligence had targeted Yulia Skripals email accounts as far back as 2013. In an account based in part on declassified UK intelligence, Sir Mark also said the Russians had developed a programme in the 2000s to train personnel from special units in the use of chemical warfare agents. Among the techniques they had investigated for delivering nerve agents was applying them to door handles, he said. The strongest concentration of the Novichok nerve agent found in the Salisbury incident was on the front door handle of Mr Skripals home. My letter to the NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg with more information on Russian responsibility for Salisbury attack following @OPCW report confirming the nerve agent. https://t.co/4U7uBhaLMv Mark Sedwill (@marksedwill) April 13, 2018 Russias ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko described the claims as a big surprise and complained they had not been formally notified of the allegations by the UK authorities. It is not the right way how the serious people handle these issues, he told a news conference at the embassy in London. Sir Marks account set out in a letter to Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg represents the most detailed explanation yet by the UK as to why it holds Moscow responsible for the poisoning of the Skripals. It follows the confirmation on Thursday by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that the toxin used in the Salisbury incident was Novichok a military grade nerve agent developed by Russia in the 1980s. In his letter, Sir Mark argued that only Russia had the technical means, operational experience and the motive to carry out such an attack. He said Russia had a proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination, including the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006. It was highly likely, he said, that some defectors like Mr Skripal, a former GRU officer who was convicted of treason in 2006 and exchanged in a spy swap in 2010 were regarded as legitimate targets. We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals dating back at least as far as 2013, when email accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists, he said. The strongest concentration of Novichok was found on the front door handle of Mr Skripals home (Ben Mitchell/PA) Sir Mark also identified the key institute for developing Novichok in the former Soviet Union as a branch of the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikany near Volgograd. The code word used for the offensive chemical weapons programme (of which the Novichoks were one part) was FOLIANT, he said. It is highly likely that Novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international weapons controls. While it was unlikely that Novichok could be made and deployed by terrorists or criminal gangs, Sir Mark said Russia had continued to produce and stockpile small quantities of the nerve agent within the last decade. We therefore continue to judge that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible, he said. There is no plausible alternative explanation. Mr Yakovenko however insisted that Russia had destroyed all its chemical weapons and had never possessed Novichok. We didnt produce Novichok, we didnt store this Novichok, so-called under the Western classification, was never in our military forces. This is the fact of life, he said. He also complained at the continued refusal of the British authorities to grant consular access to Ms Skripal following her discharge from hospital. We are not allowed to see our citizens, talk to doctors, have no idea about the treatment the Russian nationals receive, he said. We cannot be sure that Yulias refusal to see us is genuine. Anchorman star Will Ferrell has been taken to hospital after a car accident in California that left one person critically injured. The actor was travelling on a motorway in Orange County when the crash happened. Captain Larry Kurtz of the Orange County Fire Authority told the Press Association: It happened at 10.55 last night on the northbound 5 freeway at Alicia Parkway. The vehicles involved were a limo-type SUV and a small sedan. Will Ferrell (Isabel Infantes/PA) There were four patients. One female in her 20s and three males in their 40s and 50s. Three patients considered to have minor injuries were taken to local hospitals. One patient was deemed to be a critical trauma and was transferred to an area trauma centre. California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Mr Kurtz said he could not identify patients because of confidentiality issues. Photos of the crash on US website TMZ show the Hollywood star talking on a mobile phone as he is carried on a stretcher. A representative for Ferrell has been contacted for comment. Russia has evidence that Britain had direct involvement in staging the suspected chemical attack in Syria, its military chiefs have claimed. Humanitarian volunteers were seriously pressured by the UK to speed up plans for a provocation in Eastern Ghouta, according to the federations defence ministry. Britains UN ambassador Karen Pierce told reporters following an emergency meeting of the Security Council the suggestion was grotesque and a blatant lie. It comes as Russia and the United States traded fresh blows as the latest round of talks at the UN Security Council. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the government of waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed as he left open the possibility that Bashar Assads regime was not responsible for the attack. According to RT, Russias state broadcaster, a Russian Defence Ministry spokesman accused London of directing the assault on Douma. Major-General Igor Konashenkov is reported to have said: The Russian Defence Ministry also has evidence that Britain had a direct involvement in arranging this provocation in Eastern Ghouta. He added: We know for certain that between April 3 and April 6 the so-called White Helmets were seriously pressured from London to speed up the provocation that they were preparing. The Douma attack has drawn international outrage which has seen Theresa May and Mr Trump agree that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged after the Prime Minister won the backing of her Cabinet for action to prevent their further use in Syria. Further UK military intervention in Syria's appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. My full statement: https://t.co/wWpxxk8eYI Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 13, 2018 Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He said Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication. Russias ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko said The White Helmets, a group of humanitarian volunteers, are supported by the British Government and are famous for staging fake chemical attacks. He told a London press conference: The Syrian government had been repeatedly warning for at least a month that rebels prepared to stage a provocation with chemical weapons in this very area. At the UN Security Council, Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said there was no credible confirmation of a chemical attack and accused intelligence agencies of directing the attack. He said: Our specialists found no traces of toxic substance use. We have information to believe that what took place was a provocation with the participation of certain countries intelligence services. He said the sole interest of the UK, US and France was to oust the Syrian government and contain the Russian Federation. US ambassador Nikki Haley said: It is Russia alone that has stopped at nothing to defend the Syrian regimes multiple uses of chemical weapons. It is Russia alone that used its veto 12 times to protect the Assad regime. (PA Graphics) She added: Russia can complain all it wants about fake news but no-one is buying its lies and its cover-ups. UK ambassador Karen Pierce said: It is Russias own actions that have led to this situation. We will not sacrifice the international order that we have collectively to the Russian desire to protect its ally at all costs. Mrs May and the US president discussed the situation on Thursday night, saying there was a need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, as they pledged to work together on the international response to the suspected chemical weapons attack. Ministers have said it is highly likely Assads regime was responsible for the attack on Saturday on the rebel-held town of Douma which reportedly left dozens dead and that there was agreement around the Cabinet table that such actions should not go unchallenged. Mr Corbyn said there must be an inquiry to find out who was responsible. He told Sky News: If there is proof the regime did it, then the regime must be held responsible. If there is proof that anybody else did it, they must be held responsible. Asked if there were circumstances in which he would back military action, he replied: Lets cross that bridge when we get there. My position is lets do everything we can to stop the war at the present time. An escalation of the war is in nobodys interests. The largest US air and naval strike force since the 2003 Iraq war was said to be heading towards Syria, according to reports in The Times, paving the way for strikes within the next three days. (PA Graphics) A statement released by Downing Street after Thursdays Cabinet meeting made no direct reference to military action, but will be seen as a signal Britain would be prepared to join any US-led air strikes against the regime should the Americans decide to go ahead putting it on a potential collision course with Assads principal backer Russia. Mr Trump appeared to row back from a suggestion on Wednesday that missile strikes were imminent, insisting in his latest tweet that he had never set out a timetable for military action. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! he wrote. US broadcaster NBC quoted US officials familiar with the intelligence as saying they had now obtained blood and urine samples which had tested positive for chemical weapons. It is vital that parliament has the chance to debate and decide in advance on any government proposals to support a new US-led military intervention in Syria, which risks a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 12, 2018 That assessment appeared to echo French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France had proof that at least chlorine was used in the attack by the regime. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is due to start its investigation in Syria on Saturday. The father of Alfie Evans has said he still hopes to take his terminally ill son to Italy. Speaking outside Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool on Friday, Tom Evans, 21, said he had a jet chartered to take the 23-month-old for treatment on Thursday night but had been stopped by the hospital. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the hospital on Thursday, a day after judge Mr Justice Hayden endorsed a plan for Alder Hey doctors to withdraw life support treatment from the child. Speaking on behalf of himself and his partner Kate James, 20, Mr Evans said: Yesterday we attempted to discharge our son Alfie Evans from the care of Alder Hey, legally, by formally withdrawing their duty of care. He stated the hospital had falsely claimed Alfie was a ward of court and the delay meant the youngster had missed the flight, which was chartered from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Tom Evans and Kate James, the parents of Alfie Evans, who have been at the centre of a life-support treatment battle are set to mount another legal challenge (Philip Toscano/PA) He said: The alarm was pulled and police were alerted and within a matter of 15 or 20 minutes I had three police officers round the bedside telling me that Alfie was a ward of court and they had been notified by the hospital and if I touched my son I would be arrested for assault. He added: We want to know why they are fighting so hard and what are they trying to hide. Mr Evans said an appeal would be heard on Monday and the family hoped to go to Italy for treatment next week. He said: If he stays here and dies, he dies, if he goes and he dies at least he has died a hero, trying. The couple, from Liverpool, have asked the courts to allow Alfie to continue to receive treatment but have already lost fights in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. Merseyside Police said the protest on Thursday was peaceful but did cause significant traffic disruption and inconvenience for other people trying to access the hospital. On Friday some protesters gathered outside the hospital, on East Prescot Road, with banners in support of Alfie. A spokesman for Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust said: Alfies clinical condition is truly heart rending but at each stage of the legal process which has to be followed in such cases, the courts have agreed with the treating team and the independent expert advisers instructed by the trust and the family that Alfies condition is irreversible and untreatable. All treatable conditions have been diagnosed. All the experts agree that it will not assist Alfie to subject him to further tests in order to identify a diagnosis. As part of that process, his parents are making further appropriate representations to the Court of Appeal to present their views. Last night Mr Justice Hayden ordered that Alfie cannot be removed from Alder Hey Childrens Hospital pending the hearing before the Court of Appeal on Monday. The hospital called for the public to respect the decision and allow staff to continue caring for Alfie. The spokesman added: Unfortunately the action taken last night and the behaviour of a small minority of supporters impacted very negatively on other patients, families and staff at Alder Hey. We would therefore be grateful if all respect and consideration is shown to all our staff, patients and families at the hospital. Arlene Foster has told the RHI public inquiry she was directly alerted to a bid to control costs of the Great Britain scheme, but insisted it was not a burning issue in Northern Ireland. Inquiry chairman Sir Patrick Coghlin said the UK governments then energy minister Greg Barker wrote to Mrs Foster in the early stages of the RHI to inform her of the steps taken to limit spending on the model he was overseeing across the Irish Sea. The retired judge asked why this correspondence had not prompted similar moves to clamp down on the cost of Northern Irelands ill-fated boiler subsidy scheme. Arlene Foster has been giving evidence to the RHI Inquiry (Yui Mok/PA) You knew it was being done in England within six months or so of their scheme going live, he told Mrs Foster during her second day giving evidence. The DUP leader replied: I accept that he wrote to the department and to me in particular and I have already indicated that if that came in I would have seen that correspondence coming in. It would then have gone off to the (energy) division for advice back to me as to what I needed to say and Im sorry I cant recall what advice was given back to me on that particular letter or letters from minister Barker. The inquiry chairman said there must have been a subsequent conversation about controlling costs within the department. I cant recall any burning issue around cost controls being raised with me, Mrs Foster replied. Whether it was a burning issue or not if you are getting advice from your equivalent minister in GB to say this is what we are doing within six months of the scheme going live and we are also about to consult on digression (lowering the tariff in the face of demand), one would have thought that that might have been something you would have raised with officials or perhaps your special adviser (to ask) should we be doing something like this?. So whatever way you look at it you as a minister and a department were alerted to the fact of what was happening in GB. Mrs Foster responded: I think thats correct. The DUP leader said she had also been under a wrong impression that the Northern Ireland scheme included an emergency brake that would enable it to be suspended if costs spiralled. It turns out this is the wrong understanding but I had an understanding that Ofgem (scheme administrators) could suspend the scheme, she said. Mrs Foster said she was not made aware about concerns flagged by Ofgem. It had highlighted the potential ways the scheme could be abused and stressed the need to only subsidise boilers that could be proved to be generating useful heat thus negating the possibility of applicants burning fuel unnecessarily, simply to draw down more RHI money. Under questioning from counsel to the inquiry David Scoffield QC, Mrs Foster rejected any suggestion she was passive and allowed officials to get on with running schemes. I dont think anybody would have described me as a passive minister, she said. I certainly didnt see my role as interfering in which project management style you were using to monitor this particular scheme. Five men have been arrested in a major police crack-down on the criminal activities of the INLA. More than 200 officers were involved in raids and arrest operations carried out across greater Belfast under the auspices of the Stormont established Paramilitary Crime Task Force. Four suspected victims of human trafficking were found in a house in south Belfast. The four Romanian women have been taken to a police care suite. A statue portraying an INLA member (Paul Faith/PA) ACC Martin briefs media following the Paramilitary Crime Task Force Operation into the criminal activities of INLA. https://t.co/86oqMFKyyk Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 13, 2018 The Police Service of Northern Ireland, The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Her Majestys Revenues and Customs (HMRC) took part in Fridays series of swoops against the supposedly on-ceasefire Irish National Liberation Army. The west Belfast offices of the Irish Republican Socialist Party, the political wing of the INLA, was one of 12 properties raided in various parts of Belfast, Lisburn, Crumlin and Newtownabbey. The suspects detained are aged 33, 41, 48, 49 and 51. The police said further arrests were planned. Great job so far by Paramilitary Crime Taskforce and much more enforcement action to come. Thanks to the team including colleagues in @NCA_UK and @HMRCgovuk #KeepingPeopleSafe BringingOffenderstoJustice https://t.co/OImJnUNlJD Sir George Hamilton (@SirGHamilton) April 13, 2018 PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: This search and arrest operation is the largest conducted by the Task Force to date and is the result of an investigation that has been under way for a significant period of time into the groups criminality and specifically its involvement in extortion and prostitution. Id like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who believes they or their business are the subject of extortion to contact officers at the Paramilitary Crime Task Force on our 101 non-emergency number. We want to hear from you and, as todays action demonstrates, where we can secure evidence of these suspected offences we will take action. There has been a misconception in some quarters that the work of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force is focused only on loyalist paramilitaries. Todays policing activity and a related operation in Derry/Londonderry in March clearly demonstrate that our work is to remove paramilitarism from all our communities across Northern Ireland. ACC Martin added: There is not and will not be any hiding place for paramilitaries. These criminal gangs destroy peoples lives and harm our communities and we are committed to tackling them head on so that communities and businesses can prosper without any threat or fear. Paramilitaries exploit their own communities and others through various types of criminality, including extortion and prostitution, and they are ruthless in their methods including so-called paramilitary style attacks. They exploit vulnerability, including younger citizens who can so easily be drawn in. They destroy lives and harm the communities they so often claim to represent. The majority of people in our communities want to make the transition away from that sort of control and intimidation. This means that the response to the paramilitaries needs to fall to everyone. The IRSP described the operations as political policing. A US man killed his wife who was also his daughter and their seven-month-old son before taking his own life after the woman broke up with him, according to a 911 call. Steven Pladls mother called police in North Carolina to say she had a disturbing call from her son and to ask officers to check on the well-being of her baby grandson. The mother told police Pladl said he had killed his baby in Knightdale, North Carolina, as well as his 20-year-old daughter and her adoptive father, who were shot in Connecticut. Steven Pladl is the suspect in the apparent murder-suicide (Wake County Sheriffs Office/AP) Pladls mother said he was upset because the woman had broken up with him. The baby had been born of the relationship between Pladl and his daughter, Katie. I cant even believe this is happening, said Pladls mother, whose name was redacted from the recording of the 911 call released by police in Cary, North Carolina. The woman asked police to check on her grandson, Bennett Pladl. She said Steven Pladl had told her that he left a key under the front mat. He told me to call the police, that I shouldnt go over there, she said. Police found the baby dead, alone in the house. Were trying to make sense of all the factors that led up to this senseless taking of life, Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps said. The 911 call came shortly after witnesses in rural western Connecticut reported hearing what sounded like semi-automatic gunfire on Thursday morning. Inside a pick-up truck with the window shot out police found the bodies of Katie Pladl and her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, 56. Pladl had contacted his daughters adoptive family in Wingdale, New York, on Wednesday night and said he would be coming to see them, according to Shawn Boyne, chief of police in New Milford, Connecticut. Katie Pladl and Fusco were shot as they were out running errands. Police said Steven Pladl was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a car across the state line in Dover, New York. Katie Pladl was shot dead in Connecticut (Wake County Sheriffs Office/AP) Steven Pladl and Katie Pladl had been arrested on incest charges in Henrico County, Virginia, in January. Since the arrests, their son had been in the custody of Steven Pladls mother. Knightdale police said the boy was last seen alive by his grandmother on Wednesday night, when Steven Pladl asked to take the child home to Knightdale, telling his mother he planned to speak with his daughter via Skype. Steven Pladl told his wife last year that he had impregnated their daughter and planned to marry her after obtaining a divorce, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. As a child Katie Pladl had been adopted by a family out of state but after turning 18 she reached out to her birth parents through social media and began living with the family. Attorney Rick Friedman, who had been representing Steven Pladl in the felony incest case, said he had breakfast with Pladl only a month ago and had no indication such violence was possible. This really bothers me a lot because nobody ever could have predicted this. If anybody had a remote idea anybody was in harms way there would have been no bond set, he said. There was just absolutely no prior notice anything would happen to these people. As part of the bond requirements, Mr Friedman said, the father and daughter were not supposed to communicate with one another. He said Katie Pladl had been living in New York with her adoptive parents. Benjamin Mendy stepped up his recovery from a knee injury by turning out for Manchester Citys elite development squad on Friday. The 23-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg against Crystal Palace in September and has not played a first-team game since. Mendy, a 49.4million signing from Monaco last summer, has made just five appearances under Pep Guardiola this season. Benjamin Mendy is on the road to recovery (Martin Rickett/PA) The France international managed 45 minutes as City drew 1-1 with Manchester Uniteds under-23 side in Premier League 2. City have six games remaining in the Premier League and Mendy will be hoping to feature before the final fixture against Southampton on May 13. Mendy later took to Twitter, saying: BREAKING : my loan to INJURY FC has officially ended today, and Im back playing for @ManCity baby !! So happy, thanks to all the staff & players that helped me through this looong time, and of course everyone in here #SharkTeam we back !!! Minister of Megapolis Patali Champika Ranawaka today urged Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to allocate Ministry subjects scientifically when restructuring the Cabinet so that development could be carried out efficiently and effectively. Minister Ranawaka said this at the inauguration of Lakeview middle-income housing project in Thalawathugoda last morning. Our Ministry will have to work with over 123 institutions including the Department of lands. This is a time consuming one. We had to wait for a long period to rectify a certain issue pertaining to a land and if the subjects are allocated for Ministries effectively and scientifically we would be able to minimise the problems. I hope the President and Prime Minister take this into an issue when allocating ministry subjects in the coming cabinet restructure, the Minister said. Making the State institutions and the judiciary independent alone is not enough as efficiency should be brought into these, he added. The Minister said it took 17 years for him to settle a certain court case. Also, Minister Ranawaka said areas coming under local bodies should also be changed. He said some parts of Kotte and Battaramulla came under Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha but other areas come under Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. This he said also created problems when carrying out development work. Therefore the Minister suggested that all these areas should come under one local body so that development could move speedily. He said the Government would go ahead with Sethsiripaya Phase 4 and 5 soon. He said lands have been already allocated to set up official residence for the Prime Minister and President. Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte will soon become an administrative area, he said. (Yohan Perera) Pics by Pradeep Pathirana China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) will invest $800 million to build an underground road network to the Port City, the $1.4 billion project built on reclaimed land, Reuters reported today. The plan, for which an agreement has already been signed, is expected to reduce traffic congestion on the existing route once the Port City - part of Beijings ambitious plan to create a modern-day Silk Road across Asia - starts operating. Once legal procedure on the new reclaimed land is done, the construction will start, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Champika Ranawaka told a Foreign Correspondents Association forum late on Wednesday. More than 60 percent of the Port Citys area has been reclaimed from the sea in the commercial heart of Colombo, and is adjacent to the main port and the historic Galle Face Green park. Total reclamation of the 269-hectare (665-acre) tract is expected to be completed by year-end, he said. Sri Lanka is preparing legislation with tax incentives to lure investment into the Port City, a project of CCCC through its subsidiary, the state-run China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. Sri Lanka anticipates an eventual investment of $15 billion in the project, which includes housing, marinas, health facilities and schools, over the next 30 years. CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, the Sri Lankan company handling the project for CCCC, aims to deliver the first site for construction by the end of 2018. The Sri Lanka Army has earned more than USD 161 million from UN peacekeeping missions since 2004, Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake said on Thursday. He said this at the opening ceremony of the Directorate for Overseas Operations (DOO) at the Old Dutch Building in Colombo 3. Since 2004, Sri Lanka has been earning a minimum of USD 2.5 million per annum from peacekeeping missions overseas. The troops deployed for such assignments benefit financially and through these undertakings, the country amasses foreign remittances that are utilised to train more and more soldiers. Since 1955, a number of 18,179 members attached to the Sri Lanka Army have extended their invaluable services to UN peacekeeping missions. The contingents are currently engaged in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon (UNIFIL), South Sudan (UNMISS), Mali (MINUSMA), Abyei (UNISFA), New York (UNHQ), Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and Western Sahara (MINURSO), either as military observers, staff officers or officer assistants or general contingent troops, he said. The DOO Defence Secretary declared open the Mansion of Peace (Sama Madura) building at the complex, which is established to handle international peacekeeping and overseas operational commitments under the Director General, Staff Branch. Our vision towards world peace is to contribute an effective combat outfit under the United Nations to achieve sustainable peace in conflict zones. Fast changing political dynamics have become a complex and multi-dimensional challenge, the Army Commander said. Earlier, the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) insisted that feasible clearance for such deployments should be sought from the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission (SLHRC) by vetting respective overseas bound UN candidates before their departure. Meanwhile, DG of the Directorate for Overseas Operations, Major General Mervyn Perera said future peacekeeping deployments, training and other activities related to overseas operations would be handled by the DOO.(Darshana Sanjeewa) AUBURN, AL - April 13, 2018 - The East Alabama office of Three Sixty {real estate} welcomes Kathy Dodgen to a swiftly growing East Alabama office. Kathy Dodgen has a lifelong love of houses and recalls childhood vacations that almost always included historical home tours. To this day, her favorite cities are New Orleans, Savannah and Charleston, where she can spend time touring houses all day long. An HSR Certified Home Stager and Re-designer, Kathy truly enjoys decorating and organizing both her own and her friends' homes. She looks forward to bringing this skill to her career in real estate by helping sellers stage their homes and helping homeowners set up their new homes. "It is so exciting to help each client find and attain a home. I am honored to be able to take that journey with my clients." Kathy Dodgen, REALTOR(r) Born and raised in Ozark, Alabama, Kathy got her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and has been teaching Psychology & History for 23 years, with 12 years in South Florida and 12 years at Auburn High School. She has been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2001. Kathy has two daughters and is a very active member of Church of the Highlands, serving as an events host and small group leader. Her passion is travelling, with Bora Bora at the top of her bucket list! She makes the very best grapefruit margarita in the world, loves to visit model homes and tour neighborhoods and looks forward to the day when she can live by the ocean again... eventually! About Three Sixty Three Sixty is a full service real estate and development needs firm. Our primary goal is to take a project from concept to closing. Three Sixty will make the development, construction and sales process as smooth as possible by providing a consistent partner to maintain the integrity of projects as a whole. We strive to offer a unique real estate experience for clients, customers and real estate professionals alike. Through our forward-thinking and creative processes, Three Sixty has become the sought after firm to work with for real estate development and sales needs. As a respected and profitable real estate organization, we strive to make a positive impact on the communities that we serve. To learn more about Three Sixty visit us online www.concepttoclosing.com or call 334.887.3601. Media Contact: Julie Musheno, JKM Marketing Associates, 404.314.0309, julie.musheno@gmail.com. ### On the weekend of April 19-21, the University of Montevallo campus will host a multitude of workshops, lectures and performances as part of the annual Forte Festival of Creativity. The interdisciplinary collaboration is co-hosted by the UM College of Fine Arts, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Montevallo Arts Council. Media sponsors include the Shelby County Reporter, Pitts Media and iHeartRadio. On Thursday, the festival will begin with a native plant walk led by local herbalist Cameron Strouss, a reading by Birmingham author Gin Phillips and an artist talk with UM Professor of Music Jody Landers, who will perform selections of his bicentennial opera adaptation, "Let Us Now Praise Famous Men," along with other UM music faculty members. The day will conclude with the groundbreaking ceremony of UM's upcoming Center for the Arts followed by the official Forte Kickoff Bash. Friday will see theater performances, yoga, virtual reality demonstrations and a showcase of work by UM mass communication students. L.A. filmmaker Neal Thibedeau, fiction writer Joe Scapellato and University of New Hampshire theater professor David Kaye will also offer expert talks. Finally, Saturday will conclude the festival with an unloading of UM's famed anagama kiln, an Earth Week event hosted by Alabama Water Watch and Arts Fest in the city of Montevallo's Orr Park. On Friday and Saturday, the UM theatre department's performance of "Urinetown: The Musical" will close out each evening. For a full schedule, including event locations and times, visit montevallo.edu/fortefestival. GULFPORT, Miss. -- Three Pascagoula educators was gifted a special award on Friday by Hancock Bank and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Casey Campbell of William Colmer Middle School, Brittany Pitman of Central Elementary School, and Erika Reynolds of College and Career Technical Institute received this year's Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants for creative excellence in their classrooms. Established in 1994 and funded by Hancock Bank, the Leo W. Seal grants recognize and encourage educational excellence by underwriting original classroom teaching initiatives developed by teachers in the seven Mississippi counties in which Hancock Bank has locations: Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, and Pearl River. "We continue to honor the legacy of the Seal family in recognizing and rewarding the exceptional educators we have throughout Mississippi," said Hancock Bank Mississippi President Keith Williams, Sr. "Hancock Bank is committed to education and supports teachers who work tirelessly to develop innovative teaching solutions, demonstrate strong educational leadership, and remain passionate about their role in developing tomorrow's leaders." The awards also commemorate the leadership of Leo W. Seal Sr.-- Hancock Bank president from 1932 until his death in 1963--and his son, the late Leo W. Seal Jr., Hancock's chief executive for 45 years, in facilitating countless economic and educational opportunities for the region. The GCCF manages the endowment as a permanent fund of the GCCF's Pat Santucci Friends of Public Education program and coordinates the selection of winners. Campbell taught her students about the Civil War with a trunk full of artifacts, replica uniforms, and documents. The War Between the States will become tangible so that students can see, hear, and touch many of its important relics. Pitman's students will better understand historical figures as they participate in a living wax museum through their project, "Bringing Mississippi History to Life." Using 21st-century technology to research cultural significance, students will learn to think, speak, and dress like their Miss. innovator. Reynolds created a community service project titled, Helping Ill Children Cope Using Puppetry (H.I.C.C.U.P.). Students will purchase children's books as well as supplies to create puppets of the books' main characters, which will be donated to organizations that care for sick children. The educators received commemorative crystal bowl awards, and grants up to $2,000. Educational leaders and school superintendents from South Mississippi attended the awards ceremony, which highlighted the winning teachers' initiatives. Other South Mississippi educators who were awarded with Leo W. Seal grants include: The Visual Arts section has recently acquired a portrait of Adam Sri Munni Ratna, a Singhalese Buddhist monk, who accompanied Sir Alexander Johnston (1775-1849) from Sri Lanka to England in 1817-18. Raised between Scotland, Madras and England, Johnston would be appointed as the President of the Council of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) in 1811 and be a founding member of the Royal Asiatic Society in Great Britain in 1823. Fluent in multiple languages including Tamil and Telegu, he was in regular communication with local Buddhist priests who elucidated Buddhist judicial matters and were instrumental towards helping Johnston to establish trial by jury on the island. In 1817, Sri Munni Ratna and his cousin Dharma Rama, approached Johnston and requested his support to travel to England as it was understood that they were keen to learn about Christianity after reading the Singhalese translation of the New Testament by the Wesleyan ministers in Colombo. Ratna was in his late twenties. Adam Sree Goona Munhi Rathana Vadhegay by Robert Hicks, published by Henry Fisher, after Alexander Mosses hand-coloured stipple engraving, published 1821. British Library, P3386. Arriving in England in May 1818, the two monks were met by Dr. Adam Clarke (1762-1832), an Irish Methodist and well known scholar on the New Testament who took it upon himself to look after them. Later in his life, Clarke would become a notable collector of Arabic, Persian and Syriac Manuscripts. In 1820, Clarke wrote: did so; and in doing it encountered many difficulties, which, because the good hand of my God was upon me, I surmounted; and, after twenty months instruction under my own roof, I was fully convinced that they were sincere converts to the Christian religion, and that their minds were under a very gracious influence. At their own earnest desire I admitted them into the church of Christ by baptism. An Account of the Baptism of two Budhist Priests by Adam Clarke as observed and written by Philoxenas provides the detailed account of the education the Singhalese monks received while living in Millbrooke, Clarkes home near Prescot. As Clarke could not speak Singhalese or Tamil and the monks did not understand English, the teacher and his pupils formed, in effect, a language for themselves, and that principally out of the Portuguese, Cinghalese and Sanscrit [sic]: these helps, however proved insufficient; but Dr C. had the high satisfaction of frequently witnessing, that his pupils, under the immediate influence of a Divine Teacher, comprehended his meaning.. Philoxenas, An account of the Baptism of Two Budhist Priests by Adam Clarke, L.L.D. Thomas Courtney, Dublin, 1820. British Library 4323.000.44 During their brief stay in England, several portraits of the Buddhist monks and their tutor Adam Clarke were produced. In the collection of the John Wesleys House & Museum of Methodism, is a portrait by the artist Alexander Moses. This 19th century orientalist painting features Clark seated in a chair in his library with one of the monks seated in a chair and pointing to a manuscript, possibly a copy of the New Testament. An engraved version of this painting was published in 1844. In comparison, our newly acquired portrait instead features the Singhalese monk dressed in western clothing, including a suit jacket and a cravat. In the period following their baptisms, Munni Ratna and Dharmma Rama returned to Ceylon where they entered into government service (Sivasundaram 2013, 111) Adam Clarke and Two Former Buddhists by Alexander Mosses (17931837). Image reproduced with the permission of The Trustees of Wesleys Chapel, John Wesleys House & The Museum of Methodism. Bibliography : Britain, Sri Lanka, and the Bounds of an Indian Ocean Colony, University of Chicago Press, 2013. Philoxenas, An account of the Baptism of Two Budhist Priests by Adam Clarke, L.L.D. Thomas Courtney, Dublin, 1820. Happy Birthday Alexander Johnston, Royal Asiatic Society, April 2015. Malini Roy, Head of Visual Arts Posted Thursday, April 12, 2018 1:00 pm Barton E. Gibson, 49, was arrested March 18 on a warrant in another jurisdiction when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of West Clark Street. Levi D. Strong, 19, was arrested March 17 on a charge of minor in possession alcohol. Kayla L. Conrad, 22, was arrested March 18 on a charge of liquor/selling/supplying to minor when officers responded to the report of underage drinking and a verbal dispute in the 300 block of West Young Street.. Sean P. Dotson, 21, was arrested March 19 on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia when officers responded to the report of trespassing in the 600 block of West Clark Street. Destiney P. Boggess, 19, was arrested March 19 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. She was transported to the Johnson County Jail. Meagan L. Hopkins, 25, was arrested March 20 on a warrant in another jurisdiction when she turned herself in at the Warrensburg Police Department. She posted bond and was booked and released. Officers responded Jan. 28 to the report of a fight in the 100 block of West Pine Street. Officers responded Feb. 12 to the report of theft from vehicle. Officers responded March 2 to the report of counterfeit money at Woods Market. Officer responded March 4 to the report of a rape and transported a subject to Western Missouri Medical Center. Officers responded March 8 to the report fraud on the internet. Officers responded March 8 to the report of fraud. Officers responded March 12 to the report of a stolen vehicle from the 200 block of Ming Street. Officers responded March 12 to the report of sexual assault, past occurred. Officers responded March 13 to the report of stealing from vehicle in the 300 block of East Market Street. Officers responded March 15 to the report of property damage in the 200 block of East Oak Street. Officers responded March 14 to the report of assault. Officers responded March 15 tot he report of a domestic dispute in the 1700 block of Sunset Drive. Officers responded March 16 to the report of stealing from a vehicle. Officers responded March 16 to the report of stealing. Officers responded March 16 to the report of stealing in the 300 block of Franklin Street. Officers recovered a wallet March 16 and recovered it until the owner could collect it. Officers responded March 17 to the report of a domestic in the 500 block of West Clark Street. Officers responded March 17 to the report of stealing from vehicle. Officers responded March 17 to the report of stealing from a vehicle.Officers responded March 17 to the report of property damage in the 200 block of West Market Street. Officers responded March 18 to the report of larceny from auto in the 300 block of Birch. Officers responded March 18 to the report of burglary past occurred in the 400 block of West South Street. Officers responded March 17 to the report of theft from vehicle in the 500 block of South Main Street. Officers responded March 19 to the report of theft. Barton E. Gibson, 49, was arrested March 19 on a charge of trespassing when officers responded to the report of a dispute in the 500 block of West Clark Street. Officers responded March 19 to the report of found property in the 1100 block of Stahl Drive. Manpreet Singh, 46, was arrested March 13 on a charge of promoting sale of drug paraphernalia or imitation controlled substance. Douglas L. Austin, Jr., 26, was arrested march 21 on a charge of fugitive from out of state when officers responded to a warrant service in the 400 block of Franklin Street. Walter L. D. Ford, 32, was arrested March 22 on a Warrensburg warrant and a warrant in another jurisdiction when officers responded to the report of a suspicious person at Dollar Tree, 328 E. Young St. He was transported to the Johnson County Jail and trespassed from Dollar Tree. Jennifer M. Murrow, 33, was arrested March 22 on warrants in another jurisdiction and a probation and parole violation warrant when officers were conducting a follow-up call in the 100 block of West Young Street. She was transported to the Johnson County Jail. Caleb L. Frey, 21, was arrested March 22 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. He was transported to the Johnson County Jail. Carol A. Mitchell, 32, was arrested March 22 on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia after the Department of Family Services reported she was attempting to drive under the influence at Walgreen's. Officers arrested her at a traffic stop on U.S. 50 Highway at Devasher Road. The report states DFS was contacted and the juveniles were released to a family member. Officers responded March 17 to the report of trespassing an unlocked vehicle that resulted in missing items, later recovered, in the 700 block of Iron Horse Drive. Officers responded March 18 to the report of a domestic in progress and placed a subject on a 24-hour hold. Officers responded March 19 to the report of property damage that occurred March 17. Officers recovered and returned property on March 19. Officers responded March 21 to the report of theft in the 1200 block of Basswood. Officers responded March 21 to the report of stealing in the 600 block of Lakeview Drive. Officers responded March 22 to the report of theft. Officers responded March 14 to the report of an injury collision at the intersection of East North and North College streets when Kristin L. Farlin, Lees Summit, is reported to have violated sign/signal as she entered the intersection westbound on East North Street causing a collision between her 2016 Jeep Cherokee and Lillyan B. Wrights, Knob Noster, 1996 Buick that was northbound on North College Street. Officers responded March 14 to the report of a collision in the southbound lane of North Maguire Street when Jason A. Smith, Chilhowee, is reported to have improper lane usage/change as he turned out of a parking lot onto southbound North Maguire Street causing a collision between his 2015 Peterbilt Motors Company vehicle and Jessica N. Owens, Knob Noster, 2014 Nissan Maxima. Officers responded March 15 to the report of a multi-injury collision at the intersection of South Mitchell and East Culton streets when Mark W. Quinlin is reported to have violated sign/signal as he attempted to turn left from westbound East Culton Street onto southbound South Mitchell Street causing a collision between his 2005 Ford and Dannelle J. Chuggs, northbound on South Mitchell Street, 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. Two passengers in Chuggs vehicle were taken to Western Missouri Medical Center. Officers responded March 15 to the report of an injury collision in the northbound collision of Ridgeview Drive when Rachel A. Stark-Wroblewski is reported to have followed too closely causing a collision between her 2002 Toyota Camry and Nichole A. Myers 2013 Dodge Caravan. The report states and ambulance took Myers to Western Missouri Medical Center for Evaluation. Officers responded March 19 to the report of a collision in the southbound lane of South Maguire Street when Amanda D. Vanderpool, Knob Noster, is reported to have followed too closely causing a collision between her 1999 Ford Taurus and Megan J. Jaegers, Springfield, 2003 Honda Accord. Dillon G. Clark, 23, was arrested March 21 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, manufacturing of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful use of weapon. Brandon J. Clark, 21, was also arrested on charges of unlawful use of weapon, manufacturing a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance. Kiontae D. Williams, 20, was also arrested on charges of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Carol A. Barton, 59, was arrested March 23 on a charge of stealing. Jacob M. Herron, 36, was arrested March 23 on four warrants in another jurisdiction. He was transported to the Johnson County Jail. Dennis W. Delapp, 45, was arrested March 22 on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession, transport, manufacture, repair, or sale of illegal weapon, and delivery of marijuana. Catherine M. Klebba, 25, was also arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Melissa A. Meineke, 37, was arrested March 25 on a Warrensburg warrant. She was transported to the Johnson County Jail. Officers responded March 15 to the report of stealing in the 100 block of Vamo Road. Officers located March 23 missing items in the 600 block of Burkarth Road. Officers responded March 24 to the report of assault. Officers responded March 24 to the report of threats in the 400 block of East Young Avenue. Officers responded March 25 to the report of assault in the 700 block of Anderson Street. Officers responded March 25 to the report of illegal dumping in the 1400 block of East Hale Lake Road. Ryan A. Pittman, 26, was arrested March 26 on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Kayla B. Penfield, 27, was arrested March 29 on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and on a warrant in another jurisdiction when officers conducted a vehicle/subject check in the 900 block of Deer Run. Officers responded March 14 to the report of sexual assault. Officers responded March 17 to the report of assault and stealing in the 400 block of Chapel Road. Officers responded March 21 to the report of a burglary in the 400 block of Franklin Street. Officers responded March 23 to the report of larceny in the 1000 block of South Maguire. Officers responded March 25 to the report of child abuse. Officers responded March 25 to the report of property damage in the 700 block of South Holden Street. Officers responded March 27 to the report of a male subject not breathing. Kendra Chase, 30, was arrested March 29 on a Warrensburg warrant when officers responded to a warrant service. Andrew Coleman-Hooker, 25, was arrested March 29, on a charge of trespassing. Caleb Frey, 21, was arrested March 30 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. Matthew C. Gully, 22, was arrested March 31 on a charge of possession of marijuana when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Maguire Street. Tristan D. Rardon, 21, was arrested March 31 on a charge of driving while intoxicated - liquor. Desiree N. Lee, 36, was arrested March 30 on a Warrensburg warrant. Lanae G. Goth, 21, was arrested March 31 on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Evan R. Lanigan, 23, was arrested April 1 on a Warrensburg warrant, probation and parole violation warrant and on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Melissa A. Meineke, 37, was arrested April 1 on a charge of driving while revoked/suspended. Officers responded March 22 to the report of fraud. Officers responded March 24 to the report of burglary in the 100 block of West Oak Street. Officers responded March 22 to the report of fraud. Officers responded March 24 to the report of burglary in the 100 block of West Oak Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop March 24 that may have been reported to a possible burglary. Officers responded March 24 to the report of a hit and run in the a parking lot in the 400 block of Grove Street. Officers responded March 25 to the report of assault. Officers responded March 29 to the report of stealing and burglary in the 100 block of Emerson Street. Officers responded March 30 to the report of fraud. Officers responded March 30 to the report of fraud at Walmart. Officers responded March 30 to the report of potential suspicious activity in the 500 block of South Main Street. Chin Y. Sango, 24, was arrested April 2 on a charge of assault after officer responded to the report of assault - past occurred.. Officers responded March 24 to the report of fraud. Officers responded March 25 to the report of assault. Officers responded March 28 to the report of a stolen vehicle that Johnson County deputies later found. Officers responded April 2 to the report of trespassing in the 300 block of Jones Avenue. Officers responded March 28 to the report of harassment. Officers responded March 28 to the report of stealing. Officers responded April 2 to the report of found property in the 400 block of North Mitchell Street. Officers responded April 2 to the report of harassment via social media. Officers responded march 22 to the report of a collision at the intersection of Maguire and Gay streets between Christopher Jewell's, Lamar, 1998 Honda Civic that was attempting to turn left from eastbound Gay Street onto northbound Maguire Street and Alexis Carey's 2008 Ford Escape that was westbound on Gay Street. Officers responded March 7 to the report of a hit and run on March 6 in front of the Warrensburg City Hall on Madison Street. Officers reswponded March 21 to the report of an injury collision at the intersection of North Holden Street and East Sparks Avenue when Cierra L. Reynolds is reported to have had vision obstructed as she entered the intersection on westbound East Sparks Avenue causing a collision between her 2008 Mazda Tribute and Charlee L. Pyles', Higginsville, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt that was southbound on North Holden Street. The report states EMS transported an occupant of Pyles' vehicle from the scene due to company policy. Officers responded March 21 to the report of a collision at the intersection of West Market and North Water streets when Clifford W. Swope is reported to have followed too closely as he entered the intersection of westbound on West Market Street causing a collision between his 1999 Chevrolet Suburban and David M. Burk's 2013 Ford Fusion that was turning left from westbound West Market Street onto southbound North Water Street. Officers responded March 23 to the report of property damage in the 400 block of South Main Street. Officers responded March 23 to the report of a collision in the southbound lane of North Maguire Street when D'Shaun L. Johnson is reported to have followed too closely causing a collision between his 2011 Chevrolet Malibu and Robert Cox's 2015 Ford F350. Officers responded march 24 to the report of a collision on the on ramp to eastbound U.S. 50 Highway when Matthew L. Anderson, Knob Noster, is reported to have followed too closely causing a collision between his 2008 Chevrolet Trail Blazer and Garrett W. Labelle's 2004 Saturn Ion. Cassius A. Neal, 24, was arrested April 3 on charges of stealing and fraudulent use of credit/debit device. Judy A. Moon, 44, was arrested April 3 on charges of possession of controlled substance and improper lane use. Ethan D. Zeikle, 18, was arrested April 4 on charges of minor in possesison of alcohol and driving without valid operators license. Officers responded March 26 to the report of theft for auto at BiLo. Officers responded March 29 to the report of trespassing at Walmart. Officers responded March 30 to the report of fraud. Officers responded April 2 to the report of threats. Officers responded to the report of fraud. Officers received April 3 a reported missing debit card. Officers responded March 13 to the report of a hit and run in the on Ming Street. The vehicle was reported stolen. Officers responded March 30 to the report of a collision in the southbound lane of Holden Street when Clifford L. Kendrick is reported to have improperly backed causing a collision between his 1996 Ford Ranger and Logan M. Kirchhoff's, Sedalia, 2013 Toyota Camry. Melissa S. Peterson, 30, was arrested April 5 on a charge of fraud. Brandon I. Turner, 21, was arrested April 5 on a warrant in another jurisdiction. He was transported to the Johnson County Jail. Anothony S. Duddridge, 24, was arrested April 5 on a charge of drugs. Shelby M. Dines, 17, was arrested April 5 on a Warrensburg warrant. The Texas Board of Education gave final approval Friday to a plan to create standards to guide a class focused on the experiences of Mexican-Americans, but in a decision that riled up board members and supporters, it wont be called Mexican-American Studies. Get ready for a mouthful. The new class will be known as Ethnic Studies: An Overview of Americans of Mexican Descent. For advocates of the new class, getting it on the books has been an odyssey spanning more than four years. Back in 2014, the board nixed a proposal to create a Mexican-American studies class, though it left the option up to districts to offer as an elective. Effectively, this meant that that districts had to create the course guidelines all on their own and choose materials from scratch. The state also opened up bids for textbooks that interested districts could use, but twice rejected what publishers came up with because the materials were stereotypical and lacked rigor. So the new vote matters because it means that publishers will have a more detailed set of guidelines to aim for when they create these materials, and presumably a market of districts that might be interested in purchasing them. Whats In a Name? The course guidelines will be based on ones that the Houston district created to general acclaim in 2015, though the state department of education could make changes to those guidelines and will have to put a final set out for public comment. The big debate at the April 11 board meeting, at which the class was given a preliminary thumbs-up, had to do with the title of the class. According to the Texas Tribune, Republican David Bradley proposed the new name, saying that he finds hyphenated Americanism to be divisive. The Tribune reported that Marisa Perez-Diaz, a Democrat, had a quick retort: As someone who identifies as Mexican-American, your experience is unlike my experience, Perez-Diaz said. Ultimately, though, Democrats did not have the votes to nix the new name, despite a last-ditch effort today. The final vote to approve the standards was accompanied by tearssome of them of anger at the new name, reporters covering the meeting noted. Between the Teachers of the Year and the naming of the Mexican-American studies course, there has been a lot of crying. Including anger crying. (See other tweets.) Kimberly Reeves (@edwonkkimmy) April 13, 2018 Ethnic studies remains a growing phenomenon across the United States, with researchers as well as educators arguing that students are more engaged and when they have the opportunity to learn about their cultures and histories as part of history and social studies programming. It has also proved quite controversial, particularly in Arizona, where efforts to create the classes have led to a protracted legal battle. Texas, for its part, also OKd a process for the creation of additional ethnic studies classes. Whether they will avoid the longer name, though, is anyones best guess. Photo: People rally in front of the Texas Board of Education building before a preliminary vote on whether to create a statewide Mexican-American studies course.--Ricardo Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP Related stories: The upcoming assembly election in Karnataka has triggered great interest at the state and national level because of its possible implications for national politics, especially for the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a win or loss in Karnataka will affect the political calculations for the 2019 Lok Sabha election significantly. A win for the BJP here and possibly in Madhya Pradesh later this year might lead Modi to advance the Lok Sabha election to end-2018; a loss, either in Karnataka or Madhya Pradesh would make the BJP cautious on that front. The short is, therefore, that Karnataka holds the key, and therein lies its importance. It must be noted that Karnataka politics has been for over a decade witnessing a 'two-plus party' or a 'bipolar-plus' contest for power. The presence of the Janata Dal(S), which shared power for the first time in a coalition government with the Congress and later with the BJP between 2004 and 2007, is the reason for this. In a way, it is a reflection of the national trend. The Congress party, under Siddaramaiah, has completed its five-year term under one chief minister, a 'distinction' that had eluded the party for long. As an umbrella party, it has accommodated under its fold the dominant Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities, the forward castes, SC/STs, OBCs, Muslims and Christians. The much-talked-about 'Ahinda-isation' of the party under Siddaramaiah seems true on the face of it, but what has happened actually is merely the elevation of the Kuruba leader Siddaramaiah to the office of chief minister in 2013 just as the elevation of Devaraj Urs, belonging to the Arasu community among the OBCs, to power in 1972 and 1978. Otherwise, the rise of the Ahinda group has not altered the umbrella character of the Congress, as its socio-political base has remained largely the same. In the coming elections, the Congress is fighting to be re-elected on the claim of providing a stable government, conferring benefits on the poor and the common man through Anna Bhagya and other Bhagya schemes. The Anna Bhagya scheme is touted to have been a unique measure aimed at removing hunger among the poor. The Indira Canteens are also an effort to provide food at low cost to the common man. The party is also trying to impress Bengaluru voters claiming its success in expanding the metro rail network and other infrastructure facilities, though the city voters are unhappy with the government over the management of garbage, traffic, and other urban problems. Among the minuses, the Congress has to contend with the anti-incumbency factor, the deteriorating law and order situation in the coastal region resulting in the killings of some RSS workers, the Gauri Lankesh murder in Bengaluru, the attack on the Lokayukta recently in his office, etc. The Lingayat-Veerashaiva issue and the according of minority status to Lingayats, which is perceived largely as an electoral ploy to divide the community's votes, is also going to bother the Congress, specially as the central government has decided to reserve its decision until after the elections. As for the electoral campaign, Siddaramaiah is the main campaigner and vote-catcher, with the party high command and other state leaders playing a supplementary role. As for the BJP, the party is raising the issue of law and order in the capital and in the coastal region, corruption cases against some influential Congress leaders, problems faced by people of Bengaluru and the sensitive Lingayat-Veerashaiva divide the government has created. The party has endorsed the stand of the All-India Veerashaiva Mahasabha. The party in a way seems to be happy that the central government has put off a decision on the issue. Prime Minister Modi is their mascot and prime campaigner and vote-getter and Amit Shah is their strategist. Modi and Shah have toured the state several rounds and will do so when the campaign is in full swing. The state party president Yeddyurappa, who has a mass base among farmers, is the lead campaigner. The JD(S) is the third important player in the Assembly elections. The main issues being projected by the party are the farmers' suicides, loan waiver and support prices for crops. The party is also vocal on the Cauvery water issue and on the Mahadayi water issue, too, though marginally in view of its narrow support base in north Karnataka. Former prime minister Deve Gowda is their prime vote catcher and campaigner in view of his pan-Karnataka image, though former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, too, is a popular leader. The recent desertions from the party may affect its electoral fortunes to some extent. Several surveys are out on the election outcome, some projecting a Congress victory, some a BJP victory and others talking of a hung assembly. Karnataka voters are discerning, they judge parties and have often voted different parties to power at the state and national levels. However, if the youth and women, who constitute a good chunk of the voters, decide to go with Modi, the BJP may come to power. If the SC/ST, minorities and OBCs, who constitute over 50% of the voters, decide to vote for the Congress in a decisive way, the Congress will romp back to power; and if the votes in all the above categories get divided, along with a division of the Lingayat and Vokkaliga votes, which cannot be ruled out, the state may witness a hung assembly resulting in ugly horse-trading, and the coming to power of either of the main parties with the support of the JD(S). May 15 will, however, provide the answer. (The writer is a former professor of Political Science, Bangalore University, and is presently Senior Fellow, ICSSR) Who could hesitate to agree that one of the most famous U.S. Supreme Court decisions in history was correctly decided? It turns out that Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kan., the courts landmark 1954 ruling that the legal segregation of students by race violated the U.S. Constitution, has proved nettlesome for federal judicial nominees for years. The latest example: Wendy Vitter, a nominee of President Donald Trump for a federal district judgeship in Louisiana, this week attracted widespread news coverage when she refused to say at her confirmation hearing whether she believed Brown had been correctly decided. Senator, I dont mean to be coy, but I think I get into a difficult area when I start commenting on Supreme Court decisions, which are correctly decided, and which I may disagree with, Vitter told Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., during the April 11 hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Again, my personal, political, or religious views, I would set aside. That is Supreme Court precedent. It is binding. If I were honored to be confirmed, I would be bound by it, and of course I would uphold it. Blumenthal pressed Vitter, the general counsel of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, but she stood by her refusal to answer. If I start commenting on, I agree with this case or dont agree with that case, I think we get into a slippery slope, she said. Vitters response drew raised eyebrows and criticism from many quarters, including from CNN political commentator Keith Boykin, who tweeted: How can you be a federal judge and not state whether you agree with [... Brown ...]? Wendy Vitter is unfit for the federal bench. Blumenthal has raised the same question about Brown with other judicial nominees, including just over a year ago with then-Supreme Court nominee Neil M. Gorsuch, who quickly said that Brown corrected an erroneous decision of the courtthe 1896 ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson that upheld separate but equal facilities for African-Americans. When Gorsuch appeared to hesitate to say whether he agreed with the result in Brown, Blumenthal pressed him by noting that now-Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., in his 2005 confirmation hearing, had stated his agreement with the outcome in Brown without hesitation. Gorsuch replied that Brown was a seminal decision that got the original understanding of the 14th Amendment right, and corrected one of the most deeply erroneous interpretations of law in Supreme Court history, Plessy v. Ferguson, which is a dark, dark stain on our courts history, Gorsuch said. Respectfully, I dont see any daylight between what Ive just said and what you quoted from [Roberts], Gorsuch told Blumenthal. Were all on the same page on Brown v. Board of Education, senator. It was a great and important decision. There are several things going on with the questions about Brown. As Blumenthal has made clear, the question about the 64-year-old desegregation decision is designed to get nominees to indicate there is something they can agree the Supreme Court got right when those nominees are so reticent to answer similar questions about more recent landmark rulings, such as the one upholding the right to get an abortion in the courts 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade. Legal blogger Harsh Voruganti wrote after the Vitter incident this week that asking whether Brown was correctly decided is a cleverly worded Catch-22. Answer in the affirmative and youre forced into unprincipled verbal gymnastics when the follow-up question about Roe hits, said the Arlington, Va., lawyer. Decline to answer out of principle and youre branded uncooperative or prejudiced. He argues that a nominee could respond that if he or she were asked as a private citizen, I would have happily discussed my respect for the decision and its progeny but that as a judicial nominee it would be inappropriate to answer. Another side to discussing Brown is that while the decision is accepted and respected today, there are legal scholars and others who have questioned the legal reasoning and approach of Chief Justice Earl Warrens opinion for the unanimous court for its focus on the psychological effects of segregation on black schoolchildren, among other criticisms. One of those critics was Clarence Thomas, who as a civil rights lawyer who served several posts in President Ronald Reagans administration during the 1980s wrote essays and delivered speeches that raised questions about the written opinion in Brown. The great flaw of Brown, Thomas wrote in a 1987 article in the Howard Law Journal, is that it did not rely on Justice [John Marshall] Harlans dissent in Plessy, which understood well that the fundamental issue of guidance by the founders constitutional principles lay at the heart of the segregation issue. On the contrary, Thomas continued, Chief Justice Warren, writing Brown, made sensitivity the paramount issue. And in a 1988 speech to the Federalist Society at the University of Virginia law school, Thomas said, Brown v. Board of Education would have had the strength of the American political system behind it had it relied on Harlans arguments, instead of dubious social science. When Thomas was nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 to succeed the retiring Justice Thurgood Marshall, who had argued on behalf of black schoolchildren in the Brown case, some civil rights groups criticized Thomass views on the landmark case. Thomas was pressed on many matters during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing, and the Brown decision was mentioned in passing. But no senator substantively questioned Thomas about his views on the opinion in Brown. Ecuador's president gave renegade Colombian rebels 12 hours Thursday night to show whether three abducted reporters are alive, or face a forceful response. The government Thursday received photos Thursday from the Colombian TV station RCN suggesting the three had been killed. The journalists were abducted by rogue forces of Colombia's FARC guerrillas along the countries' shared border on March 26. President Lenin Moreno, in an emotional speech, said if the government does not receive word on the team's status "we will move forcefully ... not hesitating to punish these human rights violators," the president said. He spoke at Quito airport upon his return from a regional summit in Peru. "The clock starts clicking right now," Moreno said. Reporter Javier Ortega, 32, photographer Paul Rivas, 45, and their driver Efrain Segarra, 60, were kidnapped by rogue Colombian FARC guerrillas on March 26 at the Ecuador-Colombia border. On April 3, Colombia's RCN television aired a 23-second video showing the trio wearing chains with locks around their necks, the first proof of being alive. One of the hostages asked Moreno to reach an agreement for their release. Moreno, in turn, announced his government "will do everything possible and impossible so that they return safe and sound," according to a spokesman. Moreno decided to return urgently to Quito after a Colombian television channel announced it had received photographs that show the three journalists may be dead. The journalists were on assignment in the border area where Ecuadoran security forces have come under a series of deadly attacks blamed on rogue FARC elements involved in drug trafficking. The larger FARC movement reached a historic peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016. The Delhi High Court today issued notices to several media houses for disclosing the identity of the eight-year-old girl who was gangraped and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar, which took up the issue on its own after coming across print and electronic media reports, sought a response from the media houses, asking why action should not be taken against them on the matter. The girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community had disappeared from near her home in the forests next to Rasana village in Kathua, 90 km from here, on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. The state police Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed a main chargesheet against seven accused persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The chargesheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, raped inside a place of worship before being killed. The police resorted to lathi charge to control the situation when supporters of the sitting MLA from Molakalmuru S Thippeswamy stoned MP B Sriramulu's car, besides throwing footwear on Friday morning at Nayakanahatti. Earlier, BJP had decided to field the MP, rejecting the ticket to S Thippeswamy. As the police caned the mob, hundreds of them ran helter-skelter. Several BJP workers who had gathered at Thipperudraswamy temple to receive the MP fled to safety. For a while, the temple premises turned into a virtual war zone. Amidst tight security, Sriramulu entered the temple and offered puja. Meanwhile, BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa in Hubli told reporters that Sriramulu was capable of handling the situation. "He would take a call and handle the situation," Yeddyurappa said. The voice of dissent has intensified ever since the BJP decided to field the MP from Molakalmuru. A day after the BJP announced its first list, the MLA had marched to Ballari along with his supporters to seek an answer from Sriramulu. They had even planned to lay a siege to the MP's residence. Principal Opposition DMK on Friday sought Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit's intervention in getting an appointment for a delegation from the state to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Cauvery issue. A delegation of party leaders led by DMK working president M K Stalin met Purohit on Friday and asked him to convey the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu on the issue to the Union Government. The leaders met the governor after the completion of their week-long Cauvery Rights Retrieval Walk from Tiruchirapalli to Cuddalore in the state on Thursday night. Stalin said they were forced to knock at the doors of the Raj Bhawan since the elected government led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has "gone missing from action" and has failed in getting an audience from Modi. "We did oppose the governor on his review meetings, but he is the representative of the Union Government. So, we have requested him to get an appointment for our delegation to meet the prime minister on the Cauvery issue. The governor has promised to help us," Stalin told reporters after the meeting. Opposition parties accused Modi of refusing to meet them on the Cauvery issue. While Tamil Nadu wants constitution of Cauvery Management Board, Karnataka is opposed to its formation. They have also been accusing the state government of being "subservient" to the Modi government and surrendering the state's rights. The brazen misuse of administration and the eagerness of its functionaries in shielding the accused in two sensational rape cases have added to the woes of the BJP that is already facing the wrath of Dalits and farmers. Entering the last leg of its term before the party jumps into election mode, the BJP government is already saddled with protests in Andhra Pradesh for special category status and in Tamil Nadu on Cauvery Management Board. Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced 'black balloon' protests across Tamil Nadu on Thursday during his one-day visit while social media was on fire with #GoBackModi posts. Though no BJP leader has come out in the open to discuss how the latest developments would affect their prospects, party insiders admit that the rape cases in Jammu Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao where one of its MLA is an accused have come at the most testing times and it has a multiplying effect on party's morale when coupled with the Dalit and farmers protests. In its defence, the BJP is seeking to highlight the fact that Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's election agent spearheaded the Kathua agitation against the filing of chargesheet and the Unnao victim not naming MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in her first statement. With the protest pitch on the rise, the BJP is also questioning why the Opposition was silent about the gangrape and murder of a Class V student last month highlighting that the accused were from the minority community to blunt the Opposition. Incidentally, almost all accused were arrested in the case. Some of the BJP leaders, however, see an eerie similarity with 2013 when the then Congress-led UPA faced people's ire just one year into election, as it faced corruption charges and anger over the sensational 'Nirbhaya' rape case. BJP benefited from these in 2014 and some believe it could be the Opposition's turn now. Party leaders feel that the Opposition campaign mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet theme of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' following the rape cases and rising instances of crime against women would have an impact. The delay in taking action against BJP MLA in Unnao case has put UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the BJP in the line of fire while the presence of two BJP ministers in Jammu and Kashmir government at a Hindu Ekta Manch function in support of accused in Kathua will have an adverse impact, they believe. Seizing the opportunity, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called for an impromptu night vigil at India Gate on Thursday midnight which saw an impressive turnout. BJP leaders were eager to target Gandhi's initiative on TV debates but at the same time, none of the seniors was heard addressing the issues. Questions are also being raised about the silence of women MPs in BJP while some in the Opposition highlight how BJP's Dalit MPs came together to pressurise government to counter Supreme Court's order on SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Union minister Smriti Irani today said stern action will be taken against those found guilty in the Unnao rape case. "I appeal to the people to have faith in the legal process...stern action will be taken as per the provisions of the Constitution against those responsible (for the incident)," she told reporters here. "The CBI is investigating the matter...our government is with the victim's family," the Union Information and Broadcasting minister, who arrived here this morning on a two-day Amethi visit, said. Her remarks came hours after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe in three cases related to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and detained the legislator for questioning. The victim has alleged that on June 4, 2017, she was raped by the MLA of Bangarmau in Unnao district at his residence, when she had gone to meet him with a relative, seeking a job. In February, the girl's family had moved the court, seeking to include the MLA's name in the case. After the filing of the case, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 and put in jail on April 5. Frustrated with the alleged police inaction on her complaint and coercion from influential people, the victim had attempted self-immolation in front of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath's residence on April 8. The next day, her father had died in jail with the post-mortem report suggesting serious injuries on his body, triggering a massive political row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. The CBI sleuths swooped down at Sengar's residence in Lucknow in the early hours today and took the four-time MLA to its office for questioning. After mounting threats of a teachers strike and with a midterm election looming, Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey reversed course Thursdsay and said he will urge the states legislature to provide the states teachers a combined 20 percent pay raise by 2020. Its amazing what a threatened teachers strike in an election year can get the Republicans to do, Democratic state Rep. Rebecca Rios told the Associated Press. Im impressed. The promised 20 percent raise is a far cry from the 1 percent raise Ducey just days earlier said would be the most teachers could expect this fall. Teachers in the state remain skeptical. As of Friday, it was still unclear where Ducey would find the money to sustain the raise in the coming years without increasing taxes or closing tax loopholes. And the proposal still must go through the states Republican-dominated legislature. The states legislative session officially ends April 17. Pressure had been building on the one-term governor, whos up for re-election this fall. At a raucous rally in late March, Arizona Educators United, a group of teacher activists, demanded a 20 percent raise for teachers this fall, along with $1 billion more annually set aside for the states public schools. They also demanded that the state institute annual ladder pay increases for all teachers and prohibit tax cuts until the states $7,500 average per-pupil spending matches the nations $11,400 average. Ducey the very next day after the rally said that the best the states legislature would be able to do would be provide a 1 percent pay increase this fall. Teachers fumed, continuing to write letters to their legislators, vowing through petitions and campaign donations to vote Ducey out of office this fall and, this past Wednesday, staging a statewide walk-in, chanting slogans, wearing bright red shirts and walking in unison into their schools. Earlier this week, organizers said they would soon decide a day to walk out of classrooms, a move that could potentially shut down the states schools. Ducey said Thursday afternoon that he may have found a solution . By pulling money from the states cash-starved coffers, from other state departments budgets, and with anticipated revenue from the states rebounding economy, he would be able to provide a 9 percent pay hike starting this fall for the states teachers, and a 5 percent hike each in the 2019 and 2020 school year. Combined with the 1 percent pay raise the teachers were already expected to get if this years budget passes, the governor said he would be able to meet the teachers salary demands. Derek Harris, a teacher in Tucson and an organizer for Arizona Educators United told the Associated Press, What he gave us today was just a proposal. It wasnt legislation, and we dont know where the moneys coming from, and we dont know if hes talking about everybody involved in education or just classroom teachers. Teacher protests, walkouts, and strikes have shaken states such as West Virginia and Oklahoma. Friday, thousands of teachers in Kentucky walked off the job and crashed the states capital in Frankfort to protest Gov. Matt Bevins veto of the legislatures budget and his signing off on changes to the states pension. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. Badami: April 12, 2018 will be a red letter day for the villagers of Ananthagiri, one of the last villages in the Badami taluk of Bagalkot district, as for the first time since independence, a public transport bus arrived to their village on Thursday. There was no bound to the happiness of the villagers, as they danced, sang and even poured water on road to cleanse it to welcome the new bus. There was an festive atmosphere in the village. There women and children who were seeing bus for first time in their lives. The bus service was not a 'gift', but a hard fought victory trophy for the villagers, as they succeed in making deputy commissioner to announce a new bus service to the village within a day. The villagers had threatened to boycott polls as the villagers had not received any basic facilities like road, drinking water, education and others, in the last seven decades. The villagers on Wednesday had staged a protest and threatened to boycott the ensuing elections. Deputy Commissioner K G Shanthkumar visited the village after the protest. The villagers withdrew the protest only after the DC assured that they would get a new bus from Thursday. As per the assurance, the new bus service was started between Bagalkot and Ananthagiri and the bus plies four trips, two in the morning and two in the evening. District Public Transport Institute Officer Nitish Hegde, P V Maithri and local unit managing director I S Naikar and revenue department officials were present. Initial hurdles Bus driver had an herculean task in the first trip to make the bus climb the small hill, as there was hardly any road available. Villagers helped the bus driver to drive the bus to hill top. And to the villagers disappointment, the service was withheld in the evening stating that bus service can not be provided as long as there is proper bus service. The officials have however assured that the road will be repaird by Friday and the buses would start plying again. The bus would depart from Bagalkot at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, said Mr Naikar. Signalling deviation from the historical policy of maintaining huge cash reserves, Infosys, India's second largest IT services company, on Friday decided to distribute up to Rs 13,000 crore ($2 billion) to its shareholders, other than dividend of Rs 8,771 crore. Of this amount, the company has announced a special dividend of Rs 10 per share ($0.15 per ADR) resulting in a payout of approximately Rs 2,600 crore (approximately $400 million) in June 2018. For remaining Rs 10,400 crore (approximately $1,600 million), the company has decided to pay it out to the shareholders for the Financial Year 2019. A decision on the ways and method of the rollout will be taken by the board in its subsequent meetings, the company said in a statement. For the Financial Year 2018, the board of the company has recommended a final dividend of Rs 20.50 per share ($0.31) amounting to Rs 5,349 crore ($821 million) including Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT). After including the interim dividend of Rs 13 per share, the total dividend for Financial Year 2018 will amount to Rs 33.50 per share resulting in a payout of Rs 8,771 crore ($1,349 million) including DDT, which will amount to approximately 70% of free cash flow for the Financial Year 2018. The total dividend of Rs 33.50 per share is approximately 30% higher than total dividend of Rs 25.75 per share for Financial Year 2017. The aggregate dividend including the special dividend of Rs 10 per share ($0.15 per ADR) works out to Rs 43.50 per share ($0.67) resulting in an aggregate dividend payout of approximately Rs 11,371 crore (approximately $1,749 million), including DDT. Last financial year as well, the company had announced a share buyback worth Rs 13,000 crore, priced at Rs 1,150 per scrip. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) on Friday reported a total business of Rs 13,859 crore in Karnataka during 2017-18, a decline of 7% over the previous year. In 2016-17, Nabard's total business stood at Rs 14,912 crore. The decline in business during FY18 was attributed to a prolonged drought in the State which impacted the off take of ground level credit and term loan disbursals. Also, conversion of three NBFCs into small banks affected the business overall, a top official of Nabard said. "Due to conversion of three NBFCs a Ujjivan, Disha and Janalakshmi a into small finance banks led to lower business during the year. During the previous year, these three firms accounted for Rs 2,000 crore," M I Ganagi, Chief General Manager, Nabard Karnataka Region told reporters. He said the long term refinance disbursements from Nabard to banks for financing agriculture and allied activities touched Rs 6,430 crore during 2017-18. This amounts to 9% of the total long term refinance disbursed by Nabard across the country. During the year, Nabard also disbursed Rs 4,695 crore to cooperative banks and RRBs/SBI for crop loans. An amount of Rs 1,284 crore has been disbursed to district central cooperative banks (DCCBs) in Karnataka towards non-agriculture purposes for improving its business portfolio and is the highest by any regional office in the country, Ganagi added. During 2017-18, Nabard disbursed a total loan assistance of Rs 380.56 crore to Government of Karnataka (Rs 26.38 crore to Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) and Rs 354.18 crore to Karnataka State Warehousing Corporation) which is highest in the country, thus taking the cumulative disbursement under Warehouse Infrastructure Fund (WIF) to Rs 739 crore. A 25-year-old accused, charged with raping a minor in Bihar's Begusarai district, was enlarged on bail after he married the victim on the court premises. The court of additional district and sessions judge Krishna Murari Sharan had laid down a condition that the accused, Kundan Kumar, in order to secure bail will have to marry the victim. "Be prepared to land in jail again if we get the report, that you have tortured the girl whom you are marrying," the court warned Kundan before releasing him on bail. The victim has now turned 18, but was a minor when the rape incident took place early this year. "Kundan's marriage was solemnised on Thursday at the temple on the court premises in the presence of lawyers and family members," an eyewitness said on Friday. The accused was initially reluctant to marry the victim when the judge made the suggestion but he relented after his lawyer Rishikesh Pathak counselled him. Kundan was earlier jailed after a case of rape was lodged against him (Case No: 66/18) in Begusarai on the basis of the statement of the girl's father. "Kundan was booked under Section 376 (rape) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Since the victim was a minor when the crime against her took place, Kundan was booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act too," special public prosecutor (SPP) Kumari Manisha said. Seeking to corner the Modi government on the issue of crime against women, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's Thursday night's candlelight vigil at India Gate was aimed at re-creating the groundswell against the BJP similar to what the UPA-II faced in December 2012 after the infamous Nirbhaya gangrape. Congress sources said the midnight vigil was Rahul's idea and at his behest, it was projected as an "apolitical" event that could get the support of NGOs and commoners alike who may have apprehensions on aligning with a political party. "We are here against the crimes that are committed against women, against rapes, violence and murder and the government must act on this. This is a national issue, not a political one," Rahul said in brief remarks at the India Gate on Thursday night. Hundreds of Congress workers, senior leaders, NGO activists and students hit the streets demanding justice for the victims of the heinous crimes. Rahul's sister Priyanka along with her husband Robert Vadra and daughter Miraya also joined the spontaneous midnight candlelight vigil. To keep the protests apolitical, Rahul also refrained from any reference to the Congress party or its headquarters at 24, Akbar Road in his Tweet on Thursday night inviting people to join him for a midnight vigil at India Gate. On Friday, the Congress stepped up the pressure by organising candlelight vigils in state capitals across the country urging the government to act against the perpetrators of the gang-rapes. "Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting," Rahul said on Twitter on Friday. At the vigil, Rahul said the women of the country were afraid to go out and the government must ensure their safety and help them live in peace. Taking a dig at Modi government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative, he said it was the right slogan and the prime minister must start working on 'Beti Bachao'. "When the government sleeps, the country's watchman sleeps... the Congress has the responsibility to wake him up," senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said when asked about the rationale behind the midnight vigil. The protests were reminiscent of a similar agitation that took place in the capital in December 2012 after the gang-rape of a trainee physiotherapist on a moving bus. The capital witnessed huge protests, demanding justice for the young girl, who subsequently came to be known as Nirbhaya. The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of protests and strike by Kathua lawyers in the wake of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, asking them to conduct themselves and not obstruct the smooth functioning of the justice delivery system. The Delhi High Court, for its part, issued notice to several newspapers and news channels for revealing the identity of the rape-victim and carrying her picture, prohibited under the law. It restrained from further publishing the victim's name. A group of lawyers, including P V Dinesh, Gopal Shankar Narayanan and Shobha Gupta, sought the top court's intervention relying upon news paper reports. They contended that the bar association over there had prevented the counsel from the victim's family to appear in the court. They also claimed the police were prevented from filing the charge sheet, forcing them to submit in the home of judicial magistrate. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud issued notice to the Bar Council of India, the State Bar Council, Jammu and Kashmir, the High Court Bar Association at Jammu and the Kathua District Bar Association. The court sought their response in the matter on April 19. "If a lawyer who is engaged, is obstructed from appearing in the court or if his client is deprived of being represented in the court when he is entitled to do so in a lawful manner, that affects the dispensation of justice and would amount to obstruction of access to justice and interference with the administration of justice," the bench said. The court also referred to the its previous judgement stating that a Bar Association cannot pass a resolution that they would not defend an accused in any particular case and it is the duty of the Bar Association as a collective body and they cannot obstruct the process of law. "We hope and trust that the members of the Bar Associations shall conduct themselves and would not obstruct the smooth functioning of the justice delivery system which includes the presence of the persons aggrieved or accused in court or for that matter the presence of investigating agency and the witnesses," the bench said. Opposing a CBI plea, state counsel Shoeb Alam contended, after filing of the charge sheet by a thorough investigation by the Crime Branch, the case could not be handed over to the central investigating agency. The court posted the matter for further hearing on April 19. A war of words broke out between the Congress and the BJP over the gang-rapes in Kathua and Unnao. Congress leader Sushmita Dev hit out at BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi for suggesting that the Opposition had adopted a "pick and choose" policy while highlighting cases of gang-rapes. "You see their plan - first shout 'minority minority', then 'Dalit Dalit', and now 'women women' and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state governments," BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said at a press conference here. She wondered why the incident of rape in Assam had not received the same kind of coverage that the Kathua and Unnao rapes did. "A class V student... 12 years old (was) raped and burnt with petroleum. Zakir Hussain was the main culprit with two (other) culprits," Lekhi said. Congress leader Sushmita Dev condemned Lekhi's statement. "When a woman is stripped and raped and killed, does her religion matter? It does to Narendra Modi according to the Member of Parliament Meenakshi Lekhi. It is a disgrace," Sushmita told reporters here. The Congress also questioned the silence of women leaders of the BJP, particularly Union ministers Smriti Irani and Sushma Swaraj who made impassioned speeches in favour of women's rights while in Opposition. "Where is Sushma Swaraj? Where is Smriti Irani? Where are the other prominent women leaders of the BJP who were sloganeering during the UPA? Now some of them are giving us homilies of not to politicise these things," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said. The women and child development (WCD) ministry has decided to propose an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012 for handing down death penalty to convicts of rape of children below twelve years. The ministry is expected to prepare a cabinet note in this regard and send it to the law ministry for its opinion on Monday. The move comes amid a nationwide outrage over rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir and "other cases of rape" of minors. "I have been deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened with the children. I and my ministry intend to bring an amendment to the Pocso Act, asking for death penalty for rape of children below twelve years," WCD minister Maneka Gandhi said in a video clip posted on her official Twitter account on Friday. Incidentally, the Pocso Act, 2012, which seeks to protect children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography and provides for the establishment of special courts for trial of such offences, is not applicable to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. An official of the ministry said a cabinet note proposing an amendment to the Act for handing down death penalty to the convicts of rape of minors below 12 years would be prepared and circulated to various ministries including the law ministry for their opinion on Monday. "We have to examine the Pocso Act to propose an amendment in it for handing down death penalty to the convicts of rape of minors below 12 years," WCD secretary Rakesh Srivastava said. The ministry prepares for seeking an amendment to the Act at a time when the BJP is under attack over accusations against its MLA of raping a 17-year-old girl in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh last year. The Allahabad High Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to arrest BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the case. Updated More than 30 districts in Kentucky canceled classes on Friday, as teachers stormed the state capitol to urge lawmakers to override the governors budget veto and invest more money into public education. And hours later, lawmakers did vote to override Republican Gov. Matt Bevins veto of a roughly $480 million tax hike, which will increase education funding, and his veto of the states budget, which provides around $4,000 per studentabout $300 more than current levels. Bevin tweeted that he will call a special session to pass a transparent and properly balanced budget. That budget, he tweeted, will be paid for in ways that are not arbitrary & complicated. By failing to significantly reduce the pension debt, while also increasing our overall spending, the legislature is proposing to continue Kentuckys dangerous fiscal habits by making promises to our citizens that we already know we cannot keep, Bevin wrote in an op-ed explaining his decision . Kentucky has the worst-funded pension system in the United Statesits pensions are about 53 percent funded, with an unfunded liability of nearly $33 billion, Reuters reported . Bevin has had harsh words for the Kentucky Education Association, which supported the budget veto override. On a local radio show, Bevin called the state teachers union a fraud and said it was unleashing mayhem by rallying teachers. They are not representing whats best for the teachers, and theyre sure not representing whats best for our students, he said. This is the third time teachers have gathered at the capitol in the past month to protest the governor and the legislature. On Friday, March 30, thousands of teachers called in sick to protest the passage of the pension reform bill . The following Monday, schools in all of Kentuckys 120 counties were closed as teachers rallied at the capitol (most districts were shut down for spring break, but the protest forced about 20 districts to close). This time, schools in at least 36 counties were closed for the protest, including Louisville and Lexington, which are the largest districts in the state. Other districts stayed open and sent delegations to the capitol. One district that closed is Fayette County schools, a 42,000-student district that includes the city of Lexington. Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk closed schools to let employees rally at the capitol , saying the legislaure should fully fund education. (Caulk was recognized as one of Education Weeks 2018 Leaders to Learn From .) For me, this is about social justice, this is about equity, this is about all children, Caulk said in an interview. Not just my children in Fayette County, but children of the commonwealth, who look to public education as a pathway to a better life. In order to do that, we need the resources to be able to help our students. ... With the governors proposed budget, it would significantly continue to underfund education and leave many children behind, including our most vulnerable studentsour students in poverty, our students who are learning English as a second language, our students with disabilities. Bevins proposed budget would keep the main funding formula for K-12 the same, but it cut funding to other programs like virtual learning and school improvement funds. It also cut about $138 million in state funds for student transportation in school districts, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader . The Kentucky teachers protest is the latest in a wave of teacher activism sweeping the country. Last night, the Oklahoma Education Association called the statewide teacher walkout off after nine school days. The union called the effort a historic victory for public education, despite not achieving all of its goals. Hundreds of teachers still gathered at the capitol today, but the crowd was the smallest it has been , according to The Oklahoman. Story updated 5:10 pm with news of the veto override Image: Karen Schwartz, a teacher at Phoenix School of Discovery in Louisville, stands outside the House chambers on April 13 as teachers from across Kentucky gathered outside the state capitol in Frankfort to rally for increased funding for education. Bryan Woolston/AP India's second largest IT services company Infosys on Friday announced that it would roll out single-digit salary hike for a majority of its employees, effective from April 2018 onwards. "We are also pleased to announce compensation revision for 85% of our employees starting April. For rest of the employees, primarily middle management and senior management. It will be effective July 1, 2018, and it is for both onsite and offshore employees," Infosys COO Pravin Rao told reporters. Infosys had a total headcount of 2,04,107 people at the end of March 31, 2018. While the gross addition stood at 12,329 people, the net addition was of 2,416 employees. The company also announced the acquisition of WongDoody Holding Company, a US-based digital creative and consumer insights agency for a total consideration of $75 million including contingent consideration and retention payouts, subject to regulatory approvals and fulfilment of closing conditions, Infosys said. Dalit organisations, led by the young Dalit legislator from Gujarat Jignesh Mevani may have given a call not to allow the ruling BJP leaders to garland statues of B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary on April 14. The BJP in Gujarat has announced a slew of programmes to commemorate the event. Mevani had issued the call recently, in the wake of observations made by Supreme Court with regards to the SC/ST Atrocities Act. He blamed the central government for not making enough efforts to convince the apex court on the issue. "Before April 14, the government should bring an Ordinance on Atrocity Act (to repeal the recent order). If they do not, we will not allow them to garland Dr Ambedkar's statue," he had said at a public event recently. He had also said that he wanted Dalits to celebrate April 14 as "sangharsh diwas" for their rights. While he had earlier announced that he would be part of a large human chain by Dalit workers at Sarangpur in Ahmedabad to stop BJP leaders from reaching the statue of Dr Ambedkar, he is now slated to be at Samakhiyali in Kutch district. Mevani will be at the entry checkpoint of Kutch, blocking the national highway in protest against the transfer of land allocated to members of Dalit community several years ago. Mevani also released a video message for his followers to ensure that there is no violence during their protest and no attempt to stop BJP leaders from reaching Ambedkar's statue. Meanwhile, the BJP in Gujarat on late Friday evening stated that its youth wing would be celebrating Dr Babasaheb's birth anniversary by organising 'Social Harmony Convention' across all the 33 districts and 8 major cities of the state. As part of the celebrations, BJP youth wing workers would organise 'maha aarti' in temples along with youngsters from different communities. "Thereafter, photographs of Dr Ambedkar would be garlanded and his views on nationalism discussed. To emphasise that he was not a leader of any particular community but of the entire country, luncheons too would be held," the BJP said in its statement. The events across the state would be attended by several legislators and parliamentarians from the party, with main event to be held in Surat. The Surat event would be attended by Gujarat BJP chief Jitu Vaghani and BJP Yuva Morcha national president Poonam Mahajan. Breaking his silence over the Kathua and Unnao gang-rapes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said no culprit will be spared and justice will be done. "I want to assure the nation that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," Modi said after inaugurating a memorial to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar here. Modi said the incidents that were being discussed for the past two days were an embarrassment to any civilised society. "As a society, as a country, we will be ashamed," the prime minister said referring to the incidents of rapes in Unnao and Kathua. The prime minister has been facing flak for remaining silent on the incidents of rape in Kathua and Unnao, where the perpetrators of the crime were supported by a section of the BJP leadership. Earlier, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had dared the prime minister to speak up on the horrific crimes. "Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable," Gandhi had said. On Thursday night, Gandhi had led a midnight candlelight vigil at India Gate, where he was joined by hundreds of party workers and commoners alike to protest the rising incidents of crime against women. The prime minister also asserted that the government would not allow the dilution of the SC/ST (prevention of atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court had diluted the anti-atrocities law prompting the Opposition to attack the Modi government for not defending the law in the apex court. "In 2015, we strengthened the law against atrocities on Dalits. We have increased the number of crimes against Dalits enlisted in the law from 22 to 47," he said. Modi said special courts were being formed for the urgent hearing of cases involving torture on SC/ST community and the government has also decided to set up a commission for sub-categorisation of backward castes. The JMFC Court, on Thursday, has sentenced an Israel citizen to two years and two months imprisonment on charges of causing the death of a person in an accident, that occurred at Kodishettipura village in the taluk in December 2017. The accused is Vasnman Almog, 22. He was on his way to Mysuru from Bengaluru on December 6, 2017, on his motorbike, when he hit a pedestrian near Kodishettipura. The pedestrian, Nanjegowda, died. The police had submitted a chargesheet under Motor Vehicles Act and IPC 304(A), for driving without an Indian license and causing the death of a person. Judge Prasheela Kumari, who heard the case, sentenced him to 26 months jail and imposed a fine of Rs 10,500 fine. Amid reported reluctance of the Congress to part with seats for an ally in Karnataka Assembly polls, the Sharad Yadav faction of the JD(U) has sought those constituencies to put up its candidates where the ruling party had slipped to the third position in the 2013 polls. Sources said the Yadav faction has sought seven seats from Congress to contest in the highly-pitched electoral battle where the latter was placed third in the previous polls. However, it expects that the Congress may give at least three seats even if it does not give all the seven demanded. Yadav had met Congress president Rahul Gandhi recently to place before him the demand of his faction and the choice of constituencies and candidates of his faction. Sources said a detailed document explaining the voting pattern in these constituencies has also been presented to the Congress leadership. In all these seats, the Congress was third behind the JD(S) and the BJP in the 2013 polls. Even in 2008, they had not won all these seats. However, if the Congress does not want to give seats, it may allow a couple of Yadav's candidates to contest the election but on the Congress symbol. The JD(U) rebels have demanded Chitradurga or Basavangudi seat for former MP and ex-Bengaluru Police Commissioner P Kodandaramaiah, who was MP from the Chitradurga Lok Sabha seat while it had sought Sindagi seat for N S Khed, a former MLA and Lingayat leader. S K Kantha, another Lingayat leader and a former minister, is also in Yadav's list for Gulbarga South seat while he has also asked Navalgund seat for M P Nadagoud, a four-term MLC. For Kolar, which he said the Congress has won only once in last 25 years, Yadav has suggested the name of G V Ramachadraiah, a Kuruba community member running educational institutions. Bommanahalli (GKC Reddy), Arabhavi (Aravind Dalwai) and Raybag (Thyagraj Kadam) are among other seats sought by the Yadav faction. Five members of a family, including a doctor couple, were killed after a car they were travelling in crashed into a bridge on Bidar-Srirangapatna highway near Kurugodu in Ballari district on Friday. While Dr Santosh (36), wife Dr Archana (34), daughter Lakshmi (3) and Santosh's father Siddramappa (60) died on the spot, his mother Leelavathi died at the Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Ballari. The doctor couple's three-year-old son Thanush has suffered grievous injuries and is undergoing treatment at VIMS. The victims are from Chalakapur in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district. They were going to Bengaluru. The car hit the bridge after it approached Bhagyanagar on Bidar Srirangapatna highway, added the police. The poll campaign launch of B Sriramulu, who has been named the BJP candidate from Molakalmuru (ST) seat, turned violent on Friday at Nayakanahatti village as the police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the clashing supporters of the BJP leader and Molakalmuru MLA S Thippeswamy. Angry over denial of the BJP ticket to Thippeswamy, his supporters stoned Sriramulu's car and hurled footwear. While a video journalist was injured in the incident, the MLA's supporters assaulted BJP national council member Venkataswamy. Thippeswamy's supporters have been targeting Sriramulu ever since the party decided to field the Bellary MP from Molakalmuru, denying the ticket to Thippeswamy. In the 2013 Assembly elections, Thippeswamy had won as a BSR Congress candidate and later joined the BJP along with the party founder Sriramulu. On Friday, Sriramulu was scheduled to visit the renowned Sri Thipperudra Swamy temple at Nayakanahatti at 9 am. Aware of his schedule, the MLA's supporters started protesting there since 7 am with many women among the protesters holding broomsticks. Some of the protesters were seen rolling over the road charging that Sriramulu had assured the ticket to Thippeswamy, but had failed to keep up his promise. Meanwhile, hundreds of Sriramulu's supporters were preparing to give him a rousing welcome on his arrival at the temple. The protesters objected to the preparations, resulting in heated arguments. The situation turned tense and in the melee, Venkataswamy was assaulted. There was chaos when Sriramulu arrived at the temple, along with his wife. As the protest had intensified, the police took the couple inside the temple amidst tight security. The protesters pelted stones and footwear at the couple when they came out of the temple after offering the puja. However, Sriramulu and his wife managed to get into their car. Efforts by the police to calm down the protesters failed as they started pelting stones at the MP's car, damaging one of its windows. As supporters of both, the leaders kept fighting and, repeated pleas by the police did not have any impact on the warring groups, the police resorted to lathi charge to disperse them. For a while, the temple premises turned into a virtual war zone as the crowd ran helter-skelter. The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Karnataka government on a plea by a group of state employees, contending there was the unfair implementation of the apex court's judgement delivered on February 9 last year on revising seniority list, after invalidating the state law on promotion to the SC/ST employees. The top court, however, reiterated that its verdict in the B K Pavitra case (on the reservation in promotion to the SC/STs) has to be complied with. A bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and R F Nariman sought the response from the state government on a special leave petition filed by Baby S Janaki and others. "In the meantime, the judgment of this Court in (Pavitra case) to be complied with but there will be no reversion of the petitioner(s) in this case," the court said. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and V Lakashminarayana challenged the Karnataka High Court's judgement of October 17, 2017. The HC had then declined to interfere in the matter, saying such an exercise would be impermissible in the view of the apex court's judgement. In their plea, the employees sought a stay of the notifications issued by the state government on May 8, last pertaining to revising of the seniority list. The petitioners claimed the lists prepared by different department heads have been found not in accordance with the B K Pavitra case. They demanded that the promotions which have been saved by the top court in the Indira Sawhney (Mandal) case to November 15, 1997, should be protected. The reservation policy has been totally denied with effect from April 27, 1978, which was not the direction of the top court, they said. A two-judge bench of Justices A K Goel and U U Lalit had on February 9, last declared the Karnataka law as 'ultra vire' to right to equality and right to equality in matters of public employment under the Constitution for doing away with the 'catch up' rule and providing for consequential seniority to persons belonging to SCs and STs on promotion against roster points. On April 2, the court had said the Karnataka government has to take consequential action within one month after having revised seniority list of its employees. It had explained that a previous order passed by a separate bench granting status quo in the matter has stood modified on March 20, this year. The April 1st Washington Post carried an op-ed by Arne Duncan, President Obamas Secretary of Education titled, People are saying education reform hasnt worked. Dont believe them . On April 10, Education Week announced the most recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress with the following headline: Achievement Flattens as Gaps Widen Between High and Low Performers . I wish also to call to your attention another Education Week headline: DeVos Calls School Choice-Friendly Fla. A Bright Spot in Stagnant NAEP Scores . In my blog this week, I will parse the claim, counterclaim and counter-counterclaim. First up is Arne Duncans claim that education reform has worked. Duncans exhibit A is NAEP. Since 1971, he tells us, 4th grade reading and math scores are up eight points and 19 points respectively and much of the gains have been driven by students of color. Yes, there have been great gains made by students of color since 1971 as recorded by NAEP. The former Secretary claims that the education reforms he championed when in office were responsible for the gains he cites. But more than half of those gains cited were made in the 1970s and 80s as a result of the ESEA legislation, long before Arne Duncan came to Washington. Duncan notes that NAEP does not record comparable gains at the high school level, and wonders out loud whether that is the result of excessive resistance to change among the nations high schools. Duncan might want to consider the possibility that since most of the ESEA money went to the lower schools, not to the high schools, thats why the lower schools did so much better. Heres what Education Week had to say about the just-released NAEP results: The results... showed no change at all for 4th grade in either subject [referring here to mathematics and reading] or for 8th graders in math since the tests were last given in 2015. Eighth graders on average made only a 1-point gain in reading....The meager gain in reading was driven entirely by the top 25 percent of students. During the last decade, 8th grade reading was the only test in which the average score for both high and low performers rose. Since then, they have been diverging, thus showing a widening gap between the high and low performers. Many commentators spoke of continued stagnation in NAEP scores and highlighted the growing gap in performance between the high and low performers. A few noted the parallel between the stagnation in the performance of American 4th and 8th graders on NAEP and the flat performance of American 15-year-olds on PISA for years on end, which, in turn, mirrored the flat performance of American high school students on the historical version of NAEP until it was discontinued. The picture that Secretary DeVos paints with the NAEP data is, if you dont mind my saying so, a bit bizarre. She uses the release of that data to point to Florida as the bright spot in an overall picture of stagnant NAEP scores. Florida, she points out, was able to show significant improvement in 4th and 8th grade mathematics and 8th grade reading. What she failed to point out is that Florida ranked 30th in Education Weeks annual Quality Counts K-12 state ranking for 2018 and its meager gains on this administration of NAEP only restore it to its performance levels in 2013 after dipping in 2015. Indeed, the state is doing no better now than it did in 2007. She touted Floridas scores, of course, because it is a poster state for the reforms that the Secretary favors. Just as Secretary Duncan used 20th century school performance to create the impression that the reforms he favors produced 21st century progress on NAEP scores, Secretary DeVos would have you believe that the current NAEP report shows that the reforms she favors work. If Secretary DeVos wants to use Florida as proof that her reforms works, Florida will have to perform at much higher levels than it does and show consistent growth over several years. The truth is that the NAEP numbers dont validate the reform agendas of either secretary. If you want a more balanced, nuanced analysis of state performance on NAEP as revealed by the data, you should read the op-ed piece by John White, Louisianas Commissioner of Education, that appeared in the Washington Post about two months ago. Regular readers of this blog will not be surprised by my take on this subject. The most important indicator of American student performance is not 4th grade NAEP or 8th grade NAEP. It is American students performance on PISA, an international comparative measure of the performance of 15-year-old students in 72 countries, including virtually all of the wealthiest countries as well as many others. The performance of American students on this assessment has been essentially flat since it was first administered in the year 2000. In math, 20 countries scored higher than the U.S. in that first year. Now, 36 countries have statistically significantly higher scores than the U.S in math. Students in the top-performing countries leave high school two to three years ahead of our students. A considerably larger fraction of their students performs in the top quarter of the PISA performance scale than is true of American students. And a larger fraction of American students performs in the lowest quarter of that scale than is true for these top performers. Which is to say that both our top performers and our lowest performers are way behind our competitors. And, by the way, remember that big gain in mathematics performance on NAEP that Arne Duncan referred to with such pride? Well, American students are further behind their counterparts on the PISA survey in mathematics than any other subject. The people who say that reform has not worked are both right and wrong. They are right if what they mean is that, where it counts most, at the point at which students leave high school, performance has been essentially flat for decades. They might also have noted that this essentially flat performance has been purchased at a steeply rising price in dollars-per-student. But these critics are dead wrong if what they are saying is that reform does not work. If reform does not work, there would be no list of close to 30 countries whose students are outperforming ours. Those countries have for years been pursuing reforms that have worked very well indeed. It is not that reforms do not work. It is the reform agendas of both secretaries that has not worked in the United States. Lets look a little closer at the reforms that Duncan identifies as the reform movement. These are the new standardspresumably he means the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards and the assessments intended to measure the Common Corethe various incarnations of choice among schools and teacher accountability, all vigorously promoted by Secretary Duncan when he was in office. It is true that a large majority of states have adopted these standards and most, despite pressure to drop them, have kept them, often after calling them something else. It is also true that many states have adopted the assessments the federal government helped develop to measure the extent to which their students have mastered the standards. But, as I have repeatedly pointed out, none of the high-performing countries ever believed that the implementation of standards and assessments, by themselves, would produce big gains in student achievement. Most use their standards to produce well-developed curriculum frameworks and course syllabi that teachers all over their country are supposed to use. Their assessments are designed to measure what is in the syllabi. While in teachers college, teachers are taught how to teach the courses defined by the syllabi. So, the standards and assessments are only two parts of a tightly integrated system of instruction defined by the state. But most states just conducted workshops for teachers designed to tell them what was in the standards. Few states even attempted to give their teachers the knowledge, skills or even the high-quality curricula needed to teach the new standards like New York State when David Steiner was Commissioner of Education and Louisiana under John White. No state has been able to implement the kind of full standards-based instructional system I just described. Standards-based education has not failed. It was never tried. That leaves two of Secretary Duncans markers of education reform. The first is choice. As I have pointed out , there is not a single top-performing country that has used choice to propel its students to high achievement, with equity. There are countries that used the same strategies that the other top performers have used to get high achievement and that have, in addition, embraced choice, but they do that because they value choice as a right in a democratic society, not because they believe it results in net gains in student achievement. The fact is that, all over the United States, in study after study, choice and regular schools run neck and neck in student achievement, or choice comes up short, when students are matched on background. If Secretary Duncan thinks that choice is an effective strategy for raising student performance at the scale of a state, he has yet to make his case. The third and last arrow in Secretary Duncans education reform quiver is teacher accountability. On this one, the critics are dead right. This reform strategy, a keystone of federal education policy while Arne Duncan was Secretary of Education, can only be described as a catastrophic failure. Built on deeply flawed methods for connecting the performance of students to individual teachers, it sought to impose often draconian sanctions on teachers whose students were said to perform poorly and on principals who failed to get rid of such teachers. While other countries put their efforts into producing a surplus of great teachers , the United States under Arne Duncan went looking for poor teachers, using methods for identifying them that had severe negative consequences. Little wonder that survey after survey showed that teachers were telling their own children not to go into teaching, applications to teachers colleges plummeted and good teachers left teaching before getting to retirement age in ever-increasing numbers. The result has been growing teacher shortages, which legislators have responded to by waiving the already very low requirements for teacher licensure and authorizing the granting of emergency certificates to people manifestly unqualified to teach. Secretary DeVos has offered no evidence that her brand of school choicethat is, a choice between public and private providersworks, if by works one means that it is a lever for improved student performance. She appears to be in the camp of those who believe that choice is a value in and of itself in a democratic society and does not need to be justified by any other criterion, such as effectiveness. In her case, the choice that is more important is the choice between a public and a privateespecially religiously affiliatedprovider. If I have that right, efficacy is simply not an issue, at least for her, though it is for me. So I come back at the end to the point at which I started. The NAEP data do not show that reform has failed, nor do they show that reform has succeeded. What they do show is that the American model of school reform has failed, if you measure success as improved achievement and narrower gaps between the top and bottom performers among our students, at the point at which they leave high school, which is the only point that really counts. If you want a model of education reform that could vault any state in the nation to the top of the global league tables, go and look at the education systems of the countries that are already at the top of those league tables. The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its anguish over the sorry state of affair in Karnataka where even people occupying constitutional posts such as the KPSC chairman faced trial for fraud and cheating in the selection of candidates to the government posts. "The (former) chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is facing a criminal trial. What has this country come up to," a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and R Banumathi said. The court made its oral remarks while ordering trial of Karnataka Administrative Service officers a Asha Parveen S M and Salma Firdose (both from 1998 batch), and KSPC staff K Narasimha and M B Banakar (both from 2004) and P Gopi Krishna, personal assistant to Dr H N Krishna, then KPSC member who later became chairman. In separate proceedings, the top court recently upheld the High Court of Karnataka's order for revising the selection list of 1998, 1999 and 2004 batches, after finding large-scale irregularities. On Friday, the apex court was hearing a plea by the state government against the high court's order of July 16, 2015. The state government contended that the HC's order quashing the entire criminal proceedings, relating to the offence of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, among others, against the accused had resulted in grave miscarriage of justice. The court rejected a plea made by senior advocate Basava Prabhu Patil, representing Asha and others, who contended that the fact that they belonged to Muslim backward category was not disputed. Advocate Joseph Aristotle, appearing for the state government, submitted that the forensic report sent by the Hyderabad lab proved that there was fudging in their caste certificates. "It is a very very serious charge. The matter should be examined in the trial. The second set of forensic reports clearly stated it was not the signature of the official who was said to have issued the certificate," the bench said. Aristotle also pointed that the Bengaluru lab official who gave wrong forensic report faced the adverse proceedings. "We have examined the matter. It is considered a fit case for trial, which will commence now and conclude as expeditiously as possible," the bench ordered. The case against the accused was registered in the Vidhan Soudha police station on August 11, 2011, on the basis of the investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The enquiry was ordered by the HC into the irregularities in the recruitment process of Group A and B officers by the KPSC in 1998, 1999 and 2004. Besides, the five accused, the charge sheet was also filed against Krishna, who later became the KPSC chairman. The state government contended that the HC had on March 17, 2016, dismissed a similar plea for quashing of the proceedings against Krishna. Subsequently, the apex court too had dismissed a special leave petition by Krishna against the HC's order. Former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh has objected to a provision in the Centre's new draft forest policy to grant forest land to private players. He was speaking at a discussion on the draft forest policy organised by Environment Support Group and Action Aid in the city on Friday. "The new policy is only beneficial to private players. Everyone should oppose this draft policy," he said. About 40% of the forests in our country are facing threats today. Instead of framing policies to develop the forest area, it is being given away to private players, he said. "The government reasons that private companies, with their advanced technology, will be able to develop the forests. But this would be as good as handing over," Ramesh said. He said state governments should gather courage and write to the Centre expressing their objections to this policy. The Central government is thinking only in the short term on this. It has not discussed the pros and cons of involving private players in the management of natural resources. The new policy gives permission for expansion of national highways in forest areas, permission for railway projects, the establishment of reservoirs and hydel plants, and other such activities, he said. Ramesh warned that if the draft policy is allowed to be finalised, state governments would lose control over their forests. The CID has arrested the director of TGS Group company from Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday in connection with the 657-crore scam involving the real estate firm. Jaswant Singh was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody. He is one of the two sons of an ex-army officer Harjeet Singh. The Madiwala police had registered a case over the multi-crore scam involving real estate and Bollywood movie productions. The case was then taken over by CID as the scam grew larger with more complainants forthcoming. Immigration officials at the Kempegowda International Airport nabbed foreigners, who had switched from the domestic to international terminals flashing fake Spanish passports at the immigration desk. Golboustani Vahid (38) and Erfaneh Sadighpourahmadiyeh (27), a couple hailing from Mehran All in Azerbaijan ST in Iran's Tabriz, were flying to Malaga City in Spain on April 4. Based on suspicions raised by the British Airways staff, Investigating Officer D K Singh from the Bureau of Immigration at the KIAL intercepted the couple and confiscated their fake Spain passports along with other travel documents. Making Singh as the complainant, the international airport police registered an FIR under the Foreigners Act, 1946, under Section 14(a) (b), and under IPC Sections 34, 420, 465 and 471. The couple, along with their fake passports, were handed to the airport police, who arrested and lodged them in jail. A third unknown suspect has also been named in the FIR, as the couple claimed it was from him in Bangkok that they managed to procure two fake Spanish passports. In their fake passports, the couple's names are Andres Ramos Pasha and Maria Gomez Demirci. Inquiries so far revealed that the couple came as tourists to India from Iran via Bangkok, where they met with an unidentified man, who made them fake passports along with e-visas and e-tickets to Spain for $3,000. The couple reached Mumbai and headed to Bodh Gaya in Bihar on March 19. They were caught when they were flying from Gaya via Bengaluru to Malaga. During questioning, the couple told police that they suffered from spinal cord ailments and swelling on their bodies and were travelling to Malaga City for medical treatment as it is affordable. Due to the language barrier, the investigation is crawling along at a snail's pace. The couple has also provided conflicting statements. The North-East police have also written to the Iranian Embassy, seeking information about the arrested couple, including their criminal background, if any. The Jeevanbima Nagar police have arrested a gang of six involved in multiple robberies on the Kempegowda International Airport road targeting lone travellers waiting for cabs late at night. The arrested are Gulshan (20), a resident of Thippasandra, Sunil (20), a resident of Anekal, Praveen (27), Shivaprasad (21) Govind (19) and Abhi (23), all from Indiranagar. According to the police, the gang had planned their robberies to make quick money. The arrests were made by a special police team after 25-year-old victim Ajay Yaduvanshi from Jaipur lodged a complaint. He was attacked with lethal weapons and robbed by a gang that had come in an Innova car, he stated in his complaint. The gang, after finding Ajay standing alone, approached him and demanded that he hand over his valuables. When he resisted, they attacked him with machetes and fled with his cash, phone and other valuables. The incident took place around 3.30 am on March 14 in Indiranagar, the police added. Modus operandi The gang members targeted lone walkers late at night. They split into teams and looked for victims while a few of them roamed around in an MUV. When the teams found their victims, they would inform the other members who come to the spot and rob them. They first try to threaten them by brandishing lethal weapons and when the victims resist, they would assault and rob them. The Congress on Friday deferred the Central Election Committee meeting convened to finalise the candidates for the May 12 Karnataka Assembly elections to Saturday following a bitter fight among senior leaders on giving tickets to their followers. During two rounds of meetings, sparks flew as leaders, mainly Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, party leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge, former chief minister M Veerappa Moily and Pradesh Congress president Parameshwara, differed on names of candidates to be fielded. As the two rounds failed to resolve the issue of giving tickets to new entrants and some sitting MLAs, the party top brass advised screening committee chairman Madhusudhan Mistry to hold a meeting of senior leaders on Friday night at an undisclosed place to iron out the problems over the selection of candidates. The CEC will meet again on Saturday morning. The first round of meeting, chaired by national president Rahul Gandhi, began at 10.45 am at 10, Janpath. Mistry, Karnataka in-charge General Secretary K C Venugopal, senior leaders Ashok Gehlot, Ambika Soni and Girija Vyas were also present. However, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was not present as she reportedly asked Rahul to decide on the seats. When there were heated arguments and exchange of words between Siddaramaiah, Kharge and Parameshwara, Rahul was forced to intervene to bring the situation under control. It is learnt that Kharge stormed out of the meeting around 1 pm even as the discussions continued. A visibly upset Rahul deferred the meeting to 5 pm, a source said. In the second round, Sonia Gandhi was present but she too could not find a solution to the problem. As the impasse could not be broken even after three hours of meetings in the evening, Sonia reportedly told them to meet at night and resolve the issue. Emerging out of the meeting, party leader Ambika Soni said, "The meeting was inconclusive and will continue on Saturday." "The central leadership has asked the state leaders to resolve the issue tonight and place the list before the CEC. The CEC will meet on Saturday and is likely to announce the first list by evening," she told reporters. However, the state leaders refused to speak to waiting reporters. The differences are mainly over giving tickets to new entrants, including seven JD(S) rebel MLAs, and others. hile Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara wanted tickets for all the sitting MLAs and new entrants, Kharge and Moily opposed this saying that it would hurt party loyalists. Some leaders also apprehended that many new entrants will not win and would be a liability to the organisation. When Kharge tried to push his candidates for seats in the North Karnataka region, Siddaramaiah opposed it, according to the source. When Siddaramaiah expressed his desire to contest from both Chamundeshwari in Mysuru district and Badami in Bagalkot, it was opposed by a section of leaders saying it would set a bad precedent. Kharge opposed giving a ticket to Ashok Kheny from Bidar while Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara strongly batted for his candidature. Moily, who had kicked up a row over a controversial tweet of money bags, said the priority should be given to loyalists and not newcomers. The leaders differed over even giving tickets to M Y Meti from Bagalkot and N A Haris from Shantinagar. Posted Friday, April 13, 2018 1:45 am Looking back on last year's statistics, the Bolivar Police Department says it saw a significant increase in reports of sexual assault thanks to its implementation of a progressive reporting program at the beginning of 2017. With only 11 reports of sexual assault in 2016, Lt. Roger Barron said that number increased to 36 in 2017. Nine of those reports came directly from BPD's You Have Options program. Barron said the jurisdiction of the nine cases reported through YHOP in 2017 is unknown, so they may not have all occurred within Bolivar. While it may seem counterintuitive, Barron said the 227-percent increase is a sign of progress. I think people are becoming more comfortable with reporting sexual crimes, Barron said. This is a great step, but the numbers we're seeing are still much lower than they should be compared to the national average. According to nationwide statistics, more than 100 sexual assaults are likely to occur each year in a city Bolivar's size, Barron said. {{tncms-inline alignment="left" content="

Survivors of sexual assault can report online at reportingoptions.org/bolivar-pd.

The link provides full details about the department and the You Have Options program. There is information about community resources for sexual assault survivors, as well.

On the YHOP website, people can also find information about ways to report, which include filling out an online report form, calling the police department or speaking with someone in person.

Survivors can report an assault by phone at 326-5298 or in person at the Public Safety Center, located at 211 W. Walnut St., Bolivar.

" id="f9a89f71-7bcf-46c2-8a0e-98c3767de570" style-type="info" title="How to report a sexual assault through YHOP" type="relcontent" width="half"}} Working to establish the program since November 2015, YHOP went live in Bolivar in February 2017. Barron said it's common to see a more than 100-percent increase in sexual assaults reported in an agency's first year using YHOP. BPD is the only law enforcement agency in Missouri to implement the unique program, which gives survivors multiple reporting options ranging from information-only anonymous reports to full investigations. Barron said the department also handled a large number of crimes against children in 2017. We had 156 reports of crimes against children, he said. This includes child abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, child porn and sexual assaults. Barron credited the high number of calls to recent education initiatives in the community focused on child abuse prevention and mandated reporting. Our mandated reporters are more confident in reporting these things, and our citizens are more confident in reporting, as well, he said. The success of recent training lies in bringing attention to child abuse and getting people to make those phone calls, he said. We can't investigate anything unless we know what to investigate, Barron said. In 2017, the department also added a new investigative support specialist position, filled by Aubrey Hampton, to provide victims a central point of contact in the office, helping investigators follow up on child abuse and sex crime investigations, among other cases. Significant numbers Barron said many of the crimes the department sees each year tie back to substance abuse. {{tncms-inline alignment="right" content="

Offense                  No. of cases 2016        No. of cases 2017                

Sexual assaults/rape                       11                            36            

Assault                                          341                          281

Domestic violence                          153                          231

Theft                                             515                          592

Burglary                                          82                           57

Shoplifting                                     202                          105

Mental health check                        101                          119

Driving while intoxicated                  25                            56

Total calls for service             20,245                     20,369

" id="00350f49-9ad2-4b48-985f-039df03b6119" style-type="fact" title="BPD by the numbers " type="relcontent" width="half"}} In 2017, Barron said officers handled 285 calls related to possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Officers also saw an increase in calls for driving while intoxicated, related to both alcohol and drugs, moving from 25 in 2016 to 56 in 2017. You can tie just about every other crime we have back to drugs, he said. Most property crimes are drug-related because they're stealing stuff to sell to get their drugs. While some property crimes, like shoplifting and burglary, sharply decreased in 2017, overall theft rose from 515 calls in 2016 to 592 in 2017. Like other law enforcement agencies in the area, Barron said BPD doesn't have the personnel to devote the needed amount of time drug abuse and its overall effect really deserve. A new approach {{tncms-inline alignment="left" content="

“Step one is to treat citizens the way they want to be treated — with dignity and respect. If we treat people the way we want to be treated ourselves, that goes a long way.” — Lt. Roger Barron

" id="1a19fa85-b70e-4103-8724-74fbef3dd2a4" style-type="quote" title="Lt. Roger Barron " type="relcontent" width="half"}} BPD's overall calls for service held steady in 2017 with 20,369 for the year, just one percent higher than 2016's 20,245 total calls for service. There were 21,454 calls for service in 2015. We are seeing an increase in more serious crimes, Barron said. A lot of that, I think, is due to the public's willingness to report things. Barron said the department's more victim-centered approach has increased the public's trust and confidence in officers, which in turn has raised citizens' willingness to call when they need help. He said it all comes back to respect. Step one is to treat citizens the way they want to be treated with dignity and respect, Barron said. If we treat people the way we want to be treated ourselves, that goes a long way. He said increased education for citizens on the legal process, as well as improved relationships with other key players like the Polk County Sheriff's Office, has improved the department's overall success. Auto manufacturers and many other companies have been working for years to bring self-driving automobiles and their various related technologies to market. Many manufacturers already offer such features as intelligent cruise control and automated parallel parking, but more are becoming available with even more on the horizon. These features have limitations on what they will and will not do. There are still problems to be solved, in particular many, many variables in driving situations. Nevertheless, the day surely is coming when your car or one that you share or ride in will reliably drive itself. Some people are impatient. They want self-driving cars sooner and see making that happen as a challenge for them to meet. Perhaps you are such a person. Using a combination of hardware and software, people have been able to modify certain makes and models of automobiles to add limited self-driving capabilities some more so than others. One of these vehicles is Toyotas Prius Prime, when it is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) and Electronic Power Steering (EPS). Prius Prime at Kearny Mesa Toyota in San Diego Jan Wagner TSS-P with EPS incorporates a suite of safety features that would likely be required of a self-driving car, if Toyota offered such a Prius Prime (it does not). These features include Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (see Toyota.com). These features are designed to function under certain limited, specified situations that are dependent upon such factors as vehicle speed, the visibility of lane markings and so forth. For example, regarding Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Toyota says on its website the system may automatically make small corrective steering inputs to help keep your vehicle in its lane. This is a far cry from full self-driving steering functionality. At https://github.com/commaai/openpilot, we are told that Toyotas Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is required to enable stop-and-go driving. Toyota Prius Prime dash with instrumentation Jan Wagner At https://comma.ai, you will find a video of a self-driving Honda on a freeway. Its steering wheel makes slight adjustments as it negotiates curves in the road. The car seems to slow as it approaches traffic in its lane. There are no hands visible in the shot. There is, however, what appears to be a cellphone mounted slightly below the interior rearview mirror. Its screen displays what appears to be a track of the vehicle as it drives along. Scroll down on the comma.ai home page and you will see products named panda and giraffe. In this case, a panda is not an adorable animal but rather a piece of hardware: specifically a panda OBD-II Dongle. Designed for cars 2008 and newer, this is described as a universal car interface that is intended to provide full access to the many communication buses of a car from a computer or a phone (recall that phone mounted next to the interior rearview mirror in the video). Prius Prime badge Jan Wagner Giraffe for Toyota is an adapter board designed to get the panda deeper into certain Toyotas with TSS-P than does the main OBD-II connector, passing through the signals to the existing driver assistance system. Performing Google searches for AI OpenPilot, hacker George Hotz and building a self-driving car, plus visiting https://priuschat.com/threads/self-driving-prius-prime.191512/ will reveal much more about the hardware, software and how-to-do-it steps that people are using in their efforts to achieve self-driving functionality. Toyota Prius Prime rear view Jan Wagner Making unauthorized modifications to automobiles in an effort to enable them to drive themselves, and then operating those vehicles on public roads, exposes the public to potentially grave danger. There are also significant legal implications, including issues concerning U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and individual states motor vehicle departments. At best, do-it-yourself modifications should only be considered as driver aids. Drivers should pay attention, keep their hands on the wheel and be prepared to immediately take over control of their vehicle. Achieving full self-driving capability in a vehicle is many years away. There are many variables that may be encountered while driving. What is more likely in the near future is utilizing self-driving vehicles in specific places and situations where extraneous variables can be eliminated or substantially minimized. For a better understanding of the complexity of the challenge, I encourage you to watch Massachusetts Institute of Technologys online lecture titled Deep Learning for Self-Driving Cars (lecture two of course 6.S094, 2018 version) at https://youtu.be/_OCjqIgxwHw. Until next time, send your comments and suggestions to AutoMatters@gmail.com. To see many more photos go to www.drivetribe.com, search for AutoMatters & More and click on TRIBES. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Subscriber content preview Public worker pension funds with heavy state government involvement owed retirees and current workers $4 trillion as of 2016. They had about $2.6 trillion in assets. By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press CHERRY HILL, N.J. A public employee pension crisis for state governments has deepened to a record level even after nearly nine years of economic recovery for the nation, according to a study released Thursday, leaving many states vulnerable if the economy hits a downturn. The massive unfunded pension liabilities are becoming a real problem not just for public-sector retirees and workers concerned about their future but also for everyone else. As states try to prop up their pension funds, it means less money is available for core government services such as education, public safety and parks. . . . Subscriber content preview LONDON (AP) British Airways' parent company says it is considering making an offer for low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle. International Airlines Group says in a statement Thursday that it has acquired 4.61 percent of Norwegian Air Shuttle to establish a position from which to initiate discussions, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE The Murray Hill apartments, at 1810 15th Ave., sold late last month for $4.1 million, according to King County records. The seller was Murray Hill Apartments LLC, an entity of West Freeman Properties, which had owned the property for decades. . . . ABC/Image Group LAMike Shinoda has added another solo show to his schedule. The Linkin Park vocalist/multi-instrumentalist is performing at France's Rock en Seine festival on August 24. Prior to his trip to France, Shinoda will play a free show in Los Angeles on May 12, and the Imagine Dragons-hosted LOVELOUD festival in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 28. He's also performing at the U.K.'s Reading & Leeds and Japan's Summer Sonic festivals in August. Shinoda will release a new solo album titled Post Traumatic on June 15. The album was written and recorded following the death of Shinoda's friend and Linkin Park band mate Chester Bennington. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Could not establish database connection. DB: bostonimc and SQL: --> The administrator has been notified and will resolve the problem ASAP. Having recently closed a US$3.8m Series A round led by Allectus Capital, Switch Automation is now in the words of co-founder and CEO Deb Noller seeking to help a greater number of companies worldwide transform their buildings from leaky buckets into smart assets. [Related: Success you can see: nine female entrepreneurs on the attitudes that fuel growth in business, We need to highlight the wins of under-the-radar female founders: Heads Over Heels CEO and You cant be what you cant see: addressing gender imbalance in the startup ecosystem] Using next-generation smart building software and analytics, were helping enterprises boost sustainability, comfort and brand equity while reducing operating expenses, Noller explained. On our quest to fundamentally improve the way people manage buildings, weve rapidly acquired innovative customers and partners who realise that big data and analytics can drive cost efficiencies while delivering an exceptional customer experience. Due to high-profile direct customers like WeWork, Lendlease, Oxford Properties and Forest City, Noller said she and co-founder John Darlington have been able to attract many global partners, such as NHP and Pioneer Energy, to their smart building platform. In addition, the company serves multiple Fortune 100 clients across the retail, financial, grocery and commercial real estate sector. Were in high-growth mode and hiring aggressively in our Denver and Sydney offices to meet increasing customer demand, Noller said. Were particularly focused on augmenting our engineering and development teams to support new clients and existing customer expansion. Noller spoke to Dynamic Business about the evolution of Switch Automation, the wastefulness of traditional building management and the strategies that have fuelled her companys global success. The homegrown, US-based serial entrepreneur also discussed the support provided by Heads Over Heels, an Australian not-for-profit that provides female entrepreneurs opportunities to expand their professional networks. DB: How did you and Darlington come to partner on Switch? Noller: After initially enrolling in environmental management studies at James Cook University in Townsville, I discovered an affinity for technology and earned my degree in computer science. Following graduation, I began my career as a software engineer and, shortly thereafter, met my kindred Enterprise IT spirit and business partner John . The success of our first three companies Crater Software, Dune Software and Web Garage paved the way for the launch of our fourth, Switch Automation, in 2005. Having learned the nuances of helming a company and built an extensive network of supporters, we were able to attract high-quality investors whod seen us prove ourselves repeatedly. DB: How has Switch Automation transformed since 2005? Noller: In the beginning, John and I served the local home automation market; however, we were busy laying the groundwork for a scalable solution for enterprises. Wed always planned to become a global business because broken buildings are a worldwide problem. Over time, we reinvented the platform using brand new cloud technologies, IoT and machine-to-machine communication. Anticipating a radical transformation in the way people live, work and experience their surroundings, we gained a three-year advantage over our competitors in 2012 by rebuilding our platform architecture entirely in the cloud. Then, in 2015, we took a huge leap of faith and relocated our headquarters to San Francisco to fill a gap in the North American market for building performance optimisation technology. We wanted to be the first to claim the space and knew that if we could prove ourselves in the US, itd be an ideal launch pad to access the global market. Today, were highly focused on helping big businesses optimise their expensive, wasteful assets using tailored smart building platforms. DB: In what way has building management been inefficient? Noller: Well, you cant fix what you cant see. By that, I mean traditional building management has relied on vast amounts of building data siloed in spreadsheets, cloaked by vendors or not collected at all. Without truly transparent, real-time building operations, operators were constantly rushing to fill a leaky bucket they couldnt find the hole in. Enter increased operational costs, preventable capital expenses, energy inefficiency, tenant non-renewals, and decreased occupant health, wellness and productivity. We help find and patch those holes (and actually prevent them from occurring in the first place, when possible) by gathering and mining data to identify hidden inefficiencies. DB: How did you manage the move from Australia to the US? Noller: I came to the US. first, followed by a few additional Australian team members and we connected with local groups like the Aussie Founders Network and the Australian Chamber of Commerce. That helped establish our company culture stateside before we went on to expand our offices with U.S. hires. John remains in Sydney and leads our technical team from there. DB: What strategies have fuelled the success of Switch? Noller: Weve always maintained that to deliver a superior product, you must cultivate an exceptional team. Our people are the absolute best in the industry at what they do, and weve handpicked them for their expertise and shared passion for our vision. Weve also invested heavily in the Switch Platform, taking our time to develop features and resources our customers need in a way that puts them at the center of the experience. Were especially excited about our new mobile applications, which allow busy building operations professionals to manage and control assets in real-time from their smartphones. DB: How has Heads Over Heels helped you with Switch? Noller: Heads Over Heels is an invaluable network of supportive people. Weve built lasting, high quality relationships that, in our case, led to at least three investors all of whom bring extensive value and insights to our business. DB: How do you plan to continue growing the company? Noller: Our growth strategy is very much about fostering an ecosystem that serves our customers. We seek to eliminate some of the competitive barriers in the industry, move the needle for our customers and partners and create a rising tide that lifts all boats. To that end, were very active in programs like Linux Foundations open source project, EdgeX Foundry, which aims to unify the IoT ecosystem and Project Haystack, an open source initiative to develop naming conventions and taxonomies for building equipment and operational data. DB: What have been the three defining moments for you? Noller: Firstly, we decided to go into the cloud in the pre-iPad days. That easily put Switch years ahead of competition, and we continue to benefit from that early investment in technology. Secondly, I had an a-ha moment at an industry event, CoreTech, last year when I saw the leaders of three Fortune 100 companies on stage discussing their efforts to build what weve already built. Since then, theyve become Switch customers. Most recently, we made the decision to create a mobile app that would enhance the application layer of this collaborative ecosystem were nurturing. It serves our vision for the future that the industry will be transformed by not one, but a family of new and interesting companies that deliver a comprehensive solution for customers. Kelley Sheenan, the Brisbanite behind Peppermint an independent fashion and lifestyle magazine with a focus on sustainability recently returned from London where she participated in StepUp, a mini-accelerator program run by Richard Bransons Virgin StartUp (VSU). [Related: Winning Creative3 Pitch helped Darren Tonkins photo sharing app cut through all the noise and If you can tell a great story, the battle is half won: Creatively Squared on pitching success] Sheenan was selected for the program by the Queensland University of Technologys creative tech hub Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA), which holds the exclusive rights to placing Australian startups in StepUp. Peppermints founder and editor in chief told Dynamic Business that StepUp was great for connections from many different perspectives. Although weve been in business for 10 years now, its important to keep learning and to work out ways to continue moving forward, growing and scaling, she explained. Being introduced to such great industry experts from many fields and learning from their mistakes and knowledge is beneficial to any business, and not something that is easily accessible. Virgin was great at helping us make important connections. There were also many innovative and sustainable businesses attending that will be great for future Peppermint content! Plus, meeting and networking with other founders is incredibly valuable to small business owners. It can be so isolating when you are a sole founder trying to find your way through what is often a closed-door industry. So, speaking to other founders and sharing experiences and insight is invaluable, no matter which stage of the journey you are at. Asked to identify a key takeaway lesson from the StepUp accelerator program, Sheenan replied: It doesnt matter how long you have been in business whether you are a start-up or have been in business for 10 years like us, it is incredibly important to know why you do what you do, and to use that to determine your focus. She continued, Your why is everything. It may seem like a super obvious takeaway but taking the time to stop and go back to the beginning and strengthen my why was just what I needed at the right time. Its easy to get bogged down in the logistics and running of a business but working on the business and not just in it is crucial. Scott Leonard from The Champion Agency was a fantastic speaker and his session on refining your why, how and what was very insightful on defining your brand foundation, listening to outside advice (including the criticisms) and a reminder that evolution is not an option, it is mandatory. Sheenan operates Peppermint out of CEAs coworking space, the Coterie, and credits the creative tech hub with playing an essential role in the success of her quarterly publication. Weve had great support in the physical and financial sense, she said. This includes a completely affordable office space in a hub with many other creatives never underestimate the importance of not overreaching in rent and your premises I have seen it be the demise of many! Connecting us with other founders and offering mentoring and support has also been invaluable to our ongoing success CEA have provided many fantastic opportunities for accessing industry experts, from workplace lawyers and marketing specialists to business mentors and advisors. There have also been many great contacts and creatives in the building that we have worked with along the way who were integral to our business, from web developers and designers to SEO specialists. CEAs acting CEO Mark Gustowski said he and his team have watched Sheenan and her colleagues work tirelessly from their office space in The Coterie over the last few years. As a strong team with a clearly aligned passion for style and sustainability, Peppermint has been able to carve itself a unique position in the Australian market, he said. The collective mindset behind Peppermint made them a standout company and weve been delighted to hear about their success since attending VSUs mini accelerator. Having the right market is the key to a successful brand and thats the purpose of programs like StepUp to provide the best networks that open access to new market opportunities. This is the outcome for Peppermint who are now following a number of leads as a direct result of the program which could equal significant growth for their company. Gustowski noted that CEA will be opening up applications for its pinnacle event, Creative3 Pitch, in early May. The winner of the pitch with be awarded with flights and accommodation in London for them to take part in VSUs StepUp, he said. Theyll also secure their place at the Creative Business Cup in Copenhagen where they will represent Australia and have the chance to be seen by top investors the world over. No one else in Australia is offering these placements and its been incredibly gratifying to see those whove gone through those channels experience a trajectory to rapid growth. We are proud to provide this to startups who demonstrate true grit. We know that small businesses employ around 40% of Australias workforce, but they also play more than their fair share of taking on interns for work experience. Most interns that I speak to are getting their work experience at a small business, usually a place with fewer than 10 employees. With an increasing number of people going to university, and more courses offering a work experience component, there arent an increasing number of internship programs at large companies. Some do offer summer programs, but these are rigid as they can only be held at a certain time of the year. Getting into these requires significant notice, which many students dont have and it is incredibly competitive. Despite large companies offering graduate programs each year, some form of interning experience is still generally required to be accepted. For most people seeking an internship, they look to small businesses and startups to fill the void left by larger companies. There is nothing wrong with completing an internship at a startup or small business. But why are they having to carry the weight for the lack of internships offered by larger companies? Too much bureaucracy Larger businesses usually have the resources to take on more interns yet dont do so. They are less likely to take on interns because of the bureaucracy involved in having new people in the workplace and are bound by ridiculous regulations that makes it seem impossible. One reason for this is that they dont believe in unpaid internships, in spite of it being legal, but also dont want to be paying additional money for work to be done. They find it unproductive for existing team members to spend time showing interns processes and tasks when they may only be there for a temporary period. There isnt a risk for taking on interns. Companies think that they will get in trouble for having them do things but as long as it is part of their university or TAFE course, it is legal to have them join you at no cost. As long as the hours and tasks interns are required to complete are reasonable, most dont mind not being paid as they realise the longer-term benefits of an internship. They arent supporting peoples future Workplace experience is so important for the next generation to learn about what they are studying. Its particularly useful for those that are still studying and want to confirm that they are making the right course decision to continue. What they dont realise is that interns are usually happy to stay on if offered permanent, ongoing work so the time spent teaching them during their internship period isnt necessarily going to waste. Most importantly, its necessary for their overall learning and small businesses are forced to pick up the slack of larger companies and take on more interns. For international students, in particular, they face even more challenges trying to get an internship, where larger companies will almost never consider them. How can this change? Larger enterprises need to realise the importance of taking on interns, the benefits that it has for the personal and professional development of students. A good start to change this is implementing internship programs that can run at various times of the year and of course, taking on a greater number of interns altogether. Education providers and students rely on companies to open their doors and allow them to experience a real workplace in their field of study as well as implement their knowledge where appropriate. For smaller businesses, I encourage them to continue to accept interns but join me in urging larger companies to play their part and share the load of helping others in their journey to complete their studies and find a job. About the author Gerard Holland is the co-founder of Outcome.Life and Outcome-Hub and specialises in empowering international graduates through independent advice and help. He and his co-founder Domenic Saporito spoke with Dynamic Business earlier this year. See: Stemming the brain drain: meet the duo behind the new start-up hub for international talent. In addition, Holland wrote Why start-ups and education providers should go hand-in-hand in Australia moving forward. 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Damian McGrath's side beat USA 26-19 in the final of last year's edition of the tournament, which is now in its third year. Canada will have their work cut out for them though in Pool C as they are joined by series leaders South Africa, Argentina and Samoa. VIEW FULL SCHEDULE HERE >>> Fresh from their fourth consecutive win in Hong Kong, Fiji will round off the first set of Pool matches against Japan in Pool A on Saturday afternoon at 13:38hrs (GMT+8). The Pacific islanders also join Russia and Spain in Pool A. Hong Kong finalists Kenya will return to the scene of their first ever Cup win back in 2016, taking on England in Pool B at 12:52hrs. They are also joined by Las Vegas champions USA and France, who will be bolstered by the ever strong French contingent among the Singapore Stadium crowd. WHERE TO WATCH THE HSBC SINGAPORE SEVENS >>> In Pool D, Hong Kong semi-finalists New Zealand feature in the second match of day one against Wales at 11:22hrs. The All Blacks Sevens will be joined by Scotland and Sydney Sevens champions Australia in their pool. One of my latest beauty addiction is facial masks. I just love how I can get a quick beauty boost after using it . You just down know how happy I was when I stepped into a beauty store in Taipei and saw a number of facial masks onntheir shelves. It felt like facial masks heaven for me. I had this urge to get them all just because! Buti nalang I had self control and decided to do my shopping after all my sightseeing and tours. Plus I can be a very very trifty traveller, I rarely shop when I go out-of-the-country but this trip was an exception. On my third day and last hour of the store opening, I raided Japan Medical (a drugstore like Watson beauty, health and wellness store in Taiwan but from. Japan). They sell Kawaii beauty, Korean beauty, Taiwan beauty , basta a loot of Asian beauty products. I went to Japan Medical because it is just at a corner near my hostel. I spent hours at the store looking for the best Taiwan made facial masks. I even asked locals about the best selling facial masks in Taiwan and other beauty products and this is what I got! What I got: Dr. Morita Firming Essence Facial Masks Dr. Morita Hyaluronic Acid Essence Facial Masks Dr. Morita Hyaluronic Acid & Sake Yeast Essence Moisturizing Facial Masks Dr. Morita Black Pearl Essence Black Eye Patch Dr. Morita Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Essence Facial Masks (Black) Dr. Morita Blackhead Remover Lucky for me, Dr. morita products were on a buy-one-get-one free promo! I was told by the locals that Dr. morita is their favorite local brand another one was Kissu. My Beauty Diary is famous but not much to the locals. I also got non-facial masks products: Perfect Whip Foaming Cleanser by Shieseido (Senka) Heroine Make Volume and Curl Mascara Super Waterproof Opal One Minute Hair Treatment I also shopped at the Innisfree branch in Taipei and got the following: Green Tea Seed Serum Signature Set (One of their best selling product and has a promo for their 4th year anniversary In Taipei) Innisfree Capsule Recipe Pack (Jeju Volcano) Innisfree My Hair Recipe Strength Shampoo I will try to post a review some of these Taiwan beauty products soon because I will be giving some of them to my lucky readers via the #EarthlingorgeousMysteryBox giveaway Taipei edition. For the mechanics, click here. Stay gorgeous everyone! Sharing is caring ! Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Skype Reddit Tumblr Print Email This is becoming indecent Its no secret that Michigan Republicans are deeply in the pocket of corporations in our state. One of their first orders of business after taking control of our state government in 2010 was to pass a massive tax cut for corporations paid for by raising the taxes of over half of the residents in our state (most profoundly on the poor, of course) and cutting education spending. They have worked their asses off to privatize any government service that isnt nailed down and to funnel as many of our tax dollars into corporate bank accounts as is humanly possible. And, every once in awhile, like a dog who is being a good boy, they get a little reward in the form of a campaign donation (and, later, if they are a REALLY good dog, a job as a lobbyist.) These things we know. We dont like it and we dont approve of it but we accept it as the status quo when Republicans are in charge. Thats just how they roll and they seemed completely unashamed of being bought and paid for by corporate America. But this week something happened that sinks to such depths of crass obsequiousness and abject shamelessness that even a cynical bastard like me is forced to do a spit take. Republican State Senator Mike Nofs introduced a resolution to name yesterday, April 12th, 2018 Corporate Citizenship Day. Seriously, Im not kidding: Senate Resolution No. 149. A resolution to declare April 12, 2018, as Corporate Citizenship Day. Whereas, Michigan corporations are recognized around the globe as business leaders in food, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, technology, and many others; and Whereas, Corporations have been doing business as responsible citizens in the state of Michigan and around the world; and Whereas, Michigan corporations employ hundreds of thousands of citizens in our great state and have committed to building a better future for the communities in which they operate; and Whereas, Corporations demonstrate ongoing commitment to improving the lives of individuals through food, agriculture, and technology; and Whereas, Michigan corporations are committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents consumers around the world; and Whereas, Corporations purchase goods and services from a wide range of suppliers, including women and minority-owned, stimulating business across the state of Michigan and the world; and Whereas, Independent organizations around the world assess and recognize these companies for their progress in protecting and nurturing the environment, operating with integrity, and creating great places to work; and Whereas, Michigan corporations should be encouraged to integrate corporate citizenship into their business models; and Whereas, The state of Michigan wishes to celebrate the good deeds of our corporate citizens; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body declare April 12, 2018, as Corporate Citizenship Day; and be it further Resolved, That we commend our corporate constituents for their dedication to improving the lives of Michiganders on this special day. Protecting and nurturing the environment. LOL. As if. Look, I dont hate all corporations. The multinational corporation that I work for is amazing. They treat their employees well. They care about the environment. They work hard to improve the community they operate in. For all of this, they are rewarded every single day with ever-growing profits. What they dont need is to be fluffed by Republicans in the state legislature for doing the very basic things required to be a good member of their community. Thats the baseline from which ALL corporations should operate and they dont deserve a gold star, a tasty dog treat, or a special day for doing it. Frankly, its the least they can do considering that the rest of us pay for the infrastructure that allows them to operate their profitable business. Michigan Republicans have already cut corporations taxes and kneecapped their workers by turning the birthplace of the modern labor movement into a Right to Work state to make it ever-harder for workers to bargaining collectively. Passing a resolution like this almost seems like Republican legislator version of the dog who is humiliated by being made to balance a dog bone on its nose while the owner laughs and laughs. Thankfully the resolution died in committee. Sen. Nofs couldnt seem to find enough other Republicans to debase themselves quite this far. And, given the state of affairs in this disgustingly gerrymandered state, that is probably the best we can hope for. For now. [CC image credit: DonkeyHotey | Flickr] China now largest buyer of Vietnam seafood, catfish China has dislodged the US as the largest importer of Vietnamese seafood, even as the country's seafood exports in March 2018 increased 16% to US$279 million and 16% also in the first three months to more than US719 million compared with the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). The world's second-largest economy has also become the largest importer of Vietnamese catfish. VASEP said catfish exports to China increased 42%, and this market has also surpassed the US to become the top market for Vietnamese catfish. However, the export of catfish to China is a potential concern for the industry both across the sea and land. Because the quality control is not synchronized, the export price through these two route methods are different, leading to unfair competition and destabilizing the source of exports, VASEP said as reported in Customs News. Exports of catfish to China in March 2018 were estimated at $165 million, up also by 16%. The total export value of catfish in the first three months was nearly $430 million, an increase of almost 16% over the same period. The increase in quantity and the price of catfish has led to a steady increase in catfish exports during the first months of the year, VASEP said. Exports of bivalve mollusks decreased 10% in the first quarter, while octopus exports increased 19% to $157 million. Other marine fish exports increased 19% to nearly $310 million. Seafood exports in the second quarter is expected to face some market difficulty including the high anti-dumping tax. The tax of $3.87 per kilogramme in the 13th administrative review (POR13) for Vietnamese catfish makes the number of catfish-exporting companies much fewer. In addition, the inspection programme of catfish and yellow card may continue to affect the seafood exports of Vietnam. However, Vietnamese companies can boost exports if they take advantage of the free trade agreements with the EU (effective June 2018) and with South Korea, while expanding and transferring to other potential markets, VASEP said. New Cobb agent appointed in Uzbekistan Kefayat General Trading Company has been appointed by Cobb Europe as its agent for Uzbekistan, thus strengthening the position of the company's breed in the growing market. The agreement was signed at the VIV MEA 2018 show in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where Mark Sams, Cobb Europe's general manager, said that Uzbekistan is important for Cobb's breed and one where there is great potential to expand. "We are delighted to sign this contract with Abdullah and Abdul Vahab Vahab who will be joining us on the Cobb booth at the AgroWorld exhibition in Tashkent on March 14 to 16," he added. Abdul Vahab Vahab is managing director of the Kefayat General Trading Company. His nephew Abdullah Vahab has a breeder farm where he has been using the Cobb breed for several years. Tore Mercan, Cobb Europe's sales and technical director, stated: "It's been a pleasure to work with Abdullah in the Uzbekistan market. It is great that we share the same customer-focused approach and ideas. We welcome Abdullah and his colleagues to the Cobb family, and look forward to working with them to increase the breed's presence in the market." Uzbekistan has been expanding its chicken production to meet increasing domestic demand and particularly export sales which are the main driver of growth. Last year, production increased by 10-15% mainly through good prices in the domestic market. Cobb began to focus on Uzbekistan three years ago and has already gained more than one-third of the market with good prospects of further growth. Posted 4/13/18 Our sympathy is with the families of Harold Don Waters, 53 years old. He lived in Montreal, Mo., and worked on a pig farm. His father is Don Waters, Tunas. His funeral was Monday afternoon. Also, To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. By CBS News , April 11, 2018 On the eve of Mike Pompeo's Thursday confirmation hearing to be Secretary of State, a number of his most prominent backers are making their support for him public. Thirty former government officials with national security experience have written a letter to the top Republican and Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, Sens. Bob Corker and Bob Menendez, endorsing the current CIA Director and former Kansas Congressman. The authors cite the "hot wars" in Syria and Afghanistan, emerging crises in Iran and North Korea, as well as humanitarian disasters in Venezuela and across Africa, arguing that Pompeo is the right man to confront those challenges. Read More: Join us - become an Elderado today at: LarryElder.com Follow Larry Elder on Follow Larry Elder on Twitter "Like" Larry Elder on Facebook By STL Today , April 11, 2018 WASHINGTON Attorney General Josh Hawley and Sen. Claire McCaskill are in a statistical tie in Missouris pivotal 2018 Senate race, but Hawley is unfamiliar to more than a sixth of the states citizens, a new Mason-Dixon Poll says. The April 4-6 survey shows Hawley with wide margins in rural Missouri, with McCaskill, D-Mo., holding smaller, but still substantial, advantages in St. Louis and Kansas City. Read More: Join us - become an Elderado today at: LarryElder.com Follow Larry Elder on Follow Larry Elder on Twitter "Like" Larry Elder on Facebook By Washington Examiner , April 11, 2018 Russia's navy appears to have responded to President Donald Trump's warning that US missiles are headed to Syria after he accused the Syrian government of again conducting chemical warfare against its people. The Russian military has said it is tracking the movements of the US Navy, Reuters reported Wednesday. 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Carlos Santana exceeded my expectations in every way. The crowd was great and the music was even better. The band was tight and each of the members had plenty of opportunities to showcase their talent. The optics and the light show where over the top! They played for 2 1/2 hours and their playlist included many of their greatest ... (click for more) The Tennessee Lotterys Play It Again! program awarded more than $3.6 million to 14 Tennesseans this week, with prizes ranging from $1,000 to $2 million. Players win by entering non-winning instant tickets online. Misty Moses, a restaurant manager from Benton who won $500,000, arrived with her entire immediate family, all of whom were thrilled. Ms. Moses said she will invest and pay bills with her prize. There was no way in the world I ever thought this would be me, said Russell Holladay, a road project employee from Huntingdon who was one of five winners of $200,000 each. Im going to hug your neck! he told Lottery President and CEO Rebecca Hargrove, who notifies the winners by telephone and is on-hand to award the special prizes. Lea Garcia of Maryville, a paralegal and massage therapist who also won $200,000, said she will pay off student loans with part of her winnings. And who knows? She might open her own therapy practice one day, she said. Yet another $200,000 winner, shoe salesman Robert Simpson of Hermitage, had fun with Ms. Hargrove discussing shoes and what he might do with his prize. This puts a reset button on my finances, he told her, as wife Sheila stood by wiping tears from her eyes. Vincent Warr, a security guard from Chattanooga, differed from most of the winners because he had no doubt he would get the magic phone call. Ive been waiting, and I knew this day would come, he told Ms. Hargrove as she presented him with a ceremonial $200,000 big check. To Play it Again, players visit tnvipsuite.com and become a VIP Players Suite member (free). Once registered, players can scan non-winning instant tickets with the TN Lottery phone app or enter online. By entering tickets, VIP Members also receive points to enter drawings for a variety of merchandise, travel packages, and more. TRT World speaker gave Israeli ambassador a hard time After the Israeli ambassador Eitan Naeh stated that Israeli army is the most moral army in the world, Turkeys TRT World speaker Imran Garda gave a hard time to the ambassador. Israeli ambassador, Eitan Naeh, has joined TRT Worlds The Newsmakers programme and stated that his government is investigating the killing of Palestinian journalist Yasser Murtaja, contradicting an earlier statement from the Israeli defence minister. Yasser Murtaja had been shot during demonstrations near the Gaza border last week. Naeh told that Israeli army doesnt target civilians and those who were killed were Hamas terrorists by adding that Israeli army is the most moral army in the world. TRT World speaker gave Israeli ambassador a hard time WATCH After ambassadors statements, Israeli snipers taking pot-shots at Palestinian unarmed civilians, and youre telling me that one of the most moral army in the world? asked Garda. Naeh, taken aback, has answered the question as soldiers shot unarmed civilians because of that they were posing a threat to the soldiers. Turkey remains favourite vacation route for Russian tourists Turkey will attract a record high number of Russian tourists this year with a significant increase from last year. According to the statement by Russian statistical agency Rosstat, Russian tourists visited Turkey last year and made Turkey the top tourism market for Russians, with a 12.7 percent of share in the total. After a record figure of 4.7 million of tourists that had visited Turkey last year from Russia, which is one of the country's largest markets, growth is expected to continue this year. Hotel Association of Turkey (TUROB) has predicted that Turkey expects to see an increase of 20 percent in the number of Russian tourists coming to the country in 2018. 2017 was the year when Turkey hosted the highest number of Russian tourists in its history. But there was a dramatic decline in their spending per capita. While Russians spent 800 dollars in 2013 per capita, their spending was 609 dollars last year. TUROB President Timur Bayndr said. Bayndr also stated that 2019 has been announced as culture and tourism year between Turkey and Russia. This should be seen a key opportunity to raise our share and achieve more diversification in the Russian market. he added. According to British flight search app Skyscanner data, April 30 - May 9 flight bookings from Russia to Istanbul have increased by 102 percent compared to the same period last year. The National Organization for Workforce Diversity, in partnership with presenting sponsor BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, will host its 2018 Workforce Diversity Summit and Bus Tour in Chattanooga on Monday, May 21.NOW Diversity, which organizes tours in cities across the country, hosts these events to educate employers about the diverse communities from which they hire, and the May 21 tour is the organizations first in Chattanooga.We are excited to bring our diversity summit and bus tour to Chattanooga, says Jacky Akbari, national board chair for NOW Diversity.The city is culturally rich, and it plays an important role in the economic health of Tennessee as a whole. We look forward to talking with local business leaders and employers about diversity efforts and hiring practices.The agenda features a full-day narrated tour of sites within the city, including the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Mizpah Congregation and the Islamic Society of Chattanooga. Each stop will include presentations and panel discussions.Following the tour, attendees will participate in a town hall discussion about diversity efforts in the city and county featuring Chief David Roddy of the Chattanooga Police Department, Lieutenant Van Hinton of the Hamilton County Sheriffs Department and Superintendent Bryan Johnson of Hamilton County Schools. Ron Harris, vice president of diversity and inclusion for BlueCross, will also make remarks.We are proud to partner with NOW Diversity in bringing this important event to Chattanooga. Weve worked hard to build a culture at BlueCross where everyone feels included, and we look forward to sharing the value of diversity in the workplace with other area employers, Mr. Harris says.Nationally recognized for its efforts, BlueCross was recently named one of the countrys best employers for diversity by Forbes. The company ranked 33rd out of 250 national organizations and was the highest-ranked Tennessee company on the list.For more information about the NOW Diversity summit and bus tour or to register, visit the event site Cherishing Possibilities: Mustang senior highly anticipating final season Jo (JoHannah) McKibben has a plan for post-graduate life.Right now, though, she is taking one day at a time as slow as the minutes and seconds that pass by allow her to which included the annual Area city and school board elections to be held on Nov. 2 The names of the candidates for the upcoming city and school board election on Tuesday, Nov. 2 have been announced. In Mapleton, Brent Streck will be the ballot for mayor as he seeks a second-term. Written by ACM *Strasbourg/Great East Region HQ/Angelo Marcopolo/- Speaking to "Eurofora" on their Decision, Today, to start Building here the 1st European University, Key Franco-German Actors at this EU's Core Area, as, inter alia, also, f.ex, Baden-Wurttemberg's Minister-President Kretschmann, Euro-Campus' President, Professor Schiewer, French EU affairs Minister Loiseau, Strasbourg's "Great-East" Region's Education, Research and European affairs' Committee President Werner, Academy Rector Bejean, etc, (See Infra), Highlighted mainly the 1st Priorities and a Time-Horizon, as things stand Today, at the foreseable Future. The Ambitious Project, had been already Evoked at an "Eurofora" Question, back on 2016, in the Press Conference which had Marked the Creation, as a 1st Step, of the Franco-Germano-Swiss "European Campus" here (Comp.: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/eusciencecomissioneronchinaandeuuniversitiesgroup.html , etc), and even as Early as in a Press-point by f. Rapporteur on Science for Alsace Region, f. University v.President responsible for Research, Professor Michel Granet, already from 2012, but Discussed also from the Beginning of 2018 with Strasbourg University's President Deneken and Prefect Jean-Claude Marx, (who had a ...Premonitory feeling, pointing at Franco-German Leaders' forthcoming moves: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/strasbourgregionprefectoneuropeanuniversity.html ). Meanwhile, it has Become a Key part in New French President Emmanuel Macron's EU-ReVival Project, presented at his landmark Speech at Sorbonne University in Paris on 2017, and probably also of his overall Project for the Future of Europe, that he's expected to Debate with MEPs Next Week at EU Parliament in Strasbourg, just before Launching (at the Vosges Mountain's Hights) the 1st EU Citizens' Consultation in a Long Series in the run-up to the forthcoming EU Elections of May 2019. - Put Science Nowadays, at the Place of Coal and Steel, in the Beginning of EU Integration, could realistically Revive the European Dream, while History always Advances based on Necessities, stressed in Substance from the outset the New President of Strasbourg's "Great East" Region, (which Extends from Swizerland up to Belgium, and Brings Together 5 EU Countries at the Core of Europe, Together with France, Germany, and Luxembourg, by Sharing Common Borders), Jean Rottner, giving the tone. "Eurofora" was Surprized to be given the floor to Raise the 1st Question among Journalists in a Press-Point organized just after the Officials' Announcements and the Signature of a Formal Declaration of Intent for the Creation of the 1st European University, asked, in substance, whether the Priority, at the Beginning, would be Integration at the Franco-German Core of the EU, or, rather, to Focus from the outset into Dealing with the Most Developed Science centers in Europe and the World, as, f.ex. in USA, Russia, China, etc, (the one, obviously, not excluding the other)... - The First thing to do, naturally is to launch an Efficient Integration, creating a Common Organisation, withOut various Obstacles provoking Division, but f.ex. Common Courses, Joint Infrastructures, Planification, etc. But this is certainly due to evolve, at a 2nd Stage, in Joint Projects able to Succesfully Face Global Competition, stressed, in substance, in Reply to "Eurofora"s Question, the President of "Euro-Campus", Professor Hans-Jochen Schiewer, from the University of nearby Freiburg. - The Franco-German+ Integration aims to create an Avant-Guard Able to UpGrade All the EU", since it acts according to the General European Interest, reacted, in substance, to "Eurofora"'s Question, afterwads, the New French Minister for EU Affairs, Nathalie Loiseau. + At the Same Time, in Parallel, Strasbourg University's President, Michel Deneken, speaking to "Eurofora", declared also his Interest to take a Leading Part in a possible realisation of the proposal made by new COE Assembly''s President, Michele Nicolletti, to create PanEuropean "University Networks" around Research on the Content and the Implementation of CoE's main Legal Treaties, as that on Human Rights, BioEthics, etc.. + Nevertheless, When "Eurofora" started Asking the main participants about a more or less concrete "Time Horizon" for the real Beginning of the overall Project to Build the 1st European University at EU's Core, there were Various, but, in fact, Convergent reactions : - Winfried Kretschmann, the Minister-President of Baden-Wurttemberg's Federated State (Lander), at Neighbouring Germany, Replying to a relevant Question by "Eurofora", pointed a the Need to Consult, at First, collectively the Academia, about its own concrete Preferences, and, the, in about one years' time, really start to move collectively. But, already, in the Meantime, there are at least "2 First Pojects", almost Ready to Boost, one including Quantum, the other Chemistry, etc., as Kretcshmann told us, (speaking also in the vicinity of NOBEL Prize Winner in Chemistry, Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, from Strasbourg)... ------------------- - F.ex., the Rector of the Academy of Strasbourg, (who represented there also the French Minister of Education and Scientific Research), Sophie Bejean, told us, in substance, that a very Probable RDV might be around the "End of 2018", i.e. just "Before" the May 2019 EU Elections. - Because, inter alia, also Jean-Claude Juncker, EU Commission's President, has expressed the Wish to See the First Projects from European Universities to Start be presented for EU Funding at approximatively that Period of Time, she explained. ------------------------ - At any case, "If they (Public Authorities) don't Move Fast Enough, then, it's the Society which will Start doing things by itself !", Warned, with Voluntarism, Francois Werner, the President of Strasbourg's "Great East" Region's Committee for Education, Research and European affairs... Already, "Euro-Campus" brings Together 5 Universities around the Superior Rhine (Ober-Rhine) Trans-Border area, (Strasbourg, Freiburg, Basel, Kalrsruhe and "Haute Alsace" - i.e. Colmar+Mulhouse), with more than 15.000 Scientists, 10.000 PhD Young Researchers, and 120.000 Students. Without excluding a priori also an eventual Future Extension up to Luxembourg and particularly Belgium, (since the New Strasbourg's Region of "Great-East" was, meanwhile, Extended up to there too, adding also another German Lander as Neighbour by the way), where "the Universities are Ready", as President Werner spontaneously reacted to a relevant "Eurofora"s query. ---------------- +However, Science/Research are expected to Develop also the Economy, as "Great East" Region's President Rottner had already stressed Earlier Today, and, indeed, the Franco-German Regional Presidents Rottner and Kretschmann's Working Meetings didn't stop there at all, but fully Extended also during a busy Afternoon, as "Eurofora" found, Focusing, inter alia, particularly on the preparations of a Joint Franco-Germano-Swiss Mega-Exhibition on the "Industries of the Future" ("ZukunftsIndustrie"), scheduled on November 2018 at nearby Mulhouse, where Automatisation/Robotisation and Digitalisation seem to play the overall Music's main tune... (../..) --------------- The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is marking Child Abuse Prevention Month with Five Days of Action, April 16-20. Leading up to Healthy Kids Day --a national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids-- Five Days of Action focuses on preventing child sexual abuse by sharing tips on how adults can step up and speak out to prevent child sexual abuse. During April and all year long, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga encourages adults and organizations in the community to play a vital role in making communities a safer place for children. "By encouraging adults to step up and speak out, we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and foster conversations around how we can all work together to prevent it from happening," officials said. Protecting children from sexual abuse must be the number one goal of every person who cares about the health and well-being of kids, said Janet Dunn, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. Together, we can stand up to demand that children are protected and speak out to encourage adults to make it happen in our community. It takes all of us. Five Days of Action leads up to YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooas Healthy Kids Day, a free event to the public centered around family/kid-friendly activities, food, games and more. See the following branches on these days/times: Downtown Family YMCA: Saturday, April 28 from 1-3 p.m. on the Miracle League Field at Warner Park. Hamilton Family YMCA - Saturday, April 21 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hamilton Family YMCA YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River Saturday, April 21 from 9-11 a.m. at the YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River Cleveland Family YMCA Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Cleveland Family YMCA. Family Color Run begins at noon. J.A. Henry Community YMCA Saturday, April 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Orange Grove Center, 615 Derby St. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, with support from YMCA of the USA, Darkness to Light, the Redwoods Group Foundation and Praesidium have made materials available to help adults learn more about preventing child sexual abuse. For more information about preventing child sexual abuse visit www.fivedaysofaction.org. Child Sexual Abuse Statistics - provided by Darkness To Light: One in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. Approximately 30 percent of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members. 60 percent of child sexual abuse victims never tell anyone. False reports are rare. Research shows that only four to eight percent of child sexual abuse reports are fabricated. What to do if you believe a child is being abused - provided by Darkness to Light: You do not need to have proof that abuse is occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that you have witnessed maltreatment or boundary violations, either in the child or adult, or both. Or, you have received a disclosure from a child about abuse, neglect or boundary violations towards them. Child sexual abuse reports should be made to the police and/or state child protective services. Contact the Darkness to Light Helpline at 866-FOR-LIGHT to have questions answered by trained counselors at no charge. Hi everyone First of all sorry if all thoses question have been ask a thousand time already........... We are planning on moving to limassol in june. My husband as already a job there. we are moving with our 2 daughters age 8 and 10. I m looking at 2 school within limassol, the American Academy and Silverline. Does anyone has any experience with any of those 2 schools, or have heard anyhing of it? How difficult will it be to find a place to rent long term in july we would like a place close to limassol center and walking distance to the beach???? (we are leaving in spain in a tourist area and by experience from june to september its really difficult to find any long term rental as most owner figure they will make more money renting their place by the week during those months) Also is it a good idea to bring our furniture? I would prefer as I think we and especially the kids would feel at home more rapidely... I see online that a lot of places are already furnished. Can you recommend any real estate agent site ? Eight representatives from the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) traveled to Washington, D.C. for two days as part of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) legislative action conference. While there, Mike Haag (Current IPPA President), Pam Janssen (IPPA President Elect), Dale Wietekamp (IPPA Vice President), Jason Propst (District 8 Director), Bob Frase (At-Large Director), Phil Borgic (NPPC board member), and Jennifer Tirey (IPPA Executive Director) conducted 20 meetings, one with each member of the Illinois Congressional delegation. Key issues discussed during those meetings were: visa reform to support a viable workforce for U.S. agriculture, the importance of positive trade relations, especially the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), keeping food affordable by allowing producers the opportunity to choose their production methods, and export relations with Thailand. This two-day event allows pork producers from Illinois the chance to join fellow producers from across the states in the United States Capitol. One-on-one conversations with our Illinois congressional members, and their staff, gives us an opportunity to advocate for our industry and get in front of issues that impact us, says Haag, current IPPA President. The U.S. pork industry is suffering from a serious labor shortage that undermines its commitment to the highest standards of animal care. Current visa programs widely used by pork producers are not effectively addressing the issue. Without visa reform to support a viable workforce for U.S. agriculture, animal welfare is jeopardized, and production costs will increase, leading to higher food prices for consumers. Illinois pig farmers depend on solid trade relationships with countries, such as Canada and Mexico. Losing the NAFTA agreement would cost the United States pork industry $1.5 billion. Source : Illinois Pork Producers Association The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), on the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on proposed tariffs and trade with China. Ag exports support more than one million American jobs and are a major driver of the U.S. economy. With 95 percent of consumers living outside the U.S., the future of American agriculture depends largely on the ability to sell to foreign markets. As corn farmers, we need open markets for our agricultural goods and want the trade doors with China to remain open. While not a lot of U.S. corn is exported to China today, we view China as having great potential as a market for U.S. corn and corn products. We appreciate President Trumps commitment to agriculture by offering Secretary Perdue the option to make emergency assistance payments to farmers, but farmers prefer having a market for their crops. With commodity prices so low, we cannot afford another blow to farm income. While we are grateful for the support, Americas farmers prefer building markets through trade, not relying upon aid payments. "If aid becomes necessary, it should come as a part of the farm bill. The farm bill is the best vehicle to provide this risk management tool, as payments are only paid when a farmer faces low prices, something that is beyond their control. If this is the route that is taken, the amount of funds needed to be appropriated by Congress to write a farm bill needs to reflect the severity of the situation. The rooftop ballroom at Aloft Hotel overlooking Perth city skyline, Optus Stadium and the Swan River was a fitting venue on Saturday night to applaud the pinnacle of Elders Real Estate achievements for the past 12 months. State leaders Drew Cary, real estate executive western zone and Jim Sangalli, real estate executive WA rural, MC'd the evening and general manager real estate Tom Russo flew in from Adelaide, South Australia, head office to thank staff and their partners for their efforts and dedication in helping the real estate portfolio achieve some outstanding results for the company nationally. "We set an ambitious goal for 2017 and you delivered, helping grow real estate revenue by 15 per cent," Mr Russo said. "In total, $4.6 billion worth of assets were transacted by Elders staff. "Our corporate rent roll currently stands at almost 9000 properties, or 56,000 properties when you take in franchises. "Broadacre sales revenue grew enormously and we were entrusted to transact a number of the most signficant WA holdings, including Yathroo and St Leonards," Mr Russo said. Corporately, we are working hard to grow our iconic brand for the benefit of our team and clients, including an aggressive digital strategy that has resulted in us being recognised as a leading influencer in the online real estate space in Australia. We have launched a contemporary brand refresh for our residential agency business and have undertaken extensive lead generation campaigns which have created more than 112 million unique digital impressions for our brand. And we are soon to launch a new real estate dedicated website which looks quite amazing and will provide a great digital shop front for our business. Mr Russo said the company had employed 400 new real estate people in the past 12 months, making a total of 1200 staff in the real estate space. Ninety training sessions had been held involving 1800 attendees plus a very successful masterclass for franchisees. Major winners on the night were Digby Shepherd and Terry Bright, Bunbury, joint recipients of the award for excellence, Will Morris, Merredin, top residential sales performer and third nationally, Jeff Douglas, top rural sales performer and Jeni Dawson, Albany, outstanding new talent. Elders Northam was named real estate branch of the year. THE 2018 cropping program is well and truly underway at King Edward Farm, Lake Grace. The 5700 hectare farm is owned and operated by Greg and Paula Carruthers and their son Justin. They have just finished planting 300 hectares of Serradella clover and this week started seeding their canola crop. The cropping program will see 3000ha planted to barley, 550ha to wheat, 300ha to oats, 360ha to peas, 210ha to lupins with the remaining 400ha seeded to canola. Cropping makes up about 80 per cent of the Carruthers mixed-farming enterprise with the remaining 20pc being dedicated to sheep for Merino wool production, with about 1500 breeding ewes. The Carruthers family immigrated from Scotland and Gregs great grandfather Robert Carruthers secured a parcel of farmland at Lake Grace in 1911. More than a century on, Justin has returned to work alongside his parents Greg and Paula who have been farming since 1994. Prior to farming Greg worked as a shearer from the time he left school in 1974. Greg and Paula also have two daughters Leanne who lives in Perth with her husband and three sons and Sonia, who farms at Nyabing with her husband and daughter. Prior to returning to Lake Grace, Justin lived in Perth where he completed a heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship. He decided to return to the farm business for the 2011 harvest. Growing up on the family farm, I had always been involved with all aspects of the farm, I always enjoyed farming and had it in the back of my mind that one day I would come back, Justin said. I could see there was an opportunity for me to progress the farm. When Justin moved back to the farm it meant his relationship with his partner Shenae Prater was long distance for about three years, until Shenae also moved back to town to start up her beauty and skincare salon. Greg said he was pleased to have his son back on the farm and that he always thought Justin would want to carry on the business. It is fantastic to have Justin back Paula and I had built the business as much as we could and now with Justin coming back, our productivity and enthusiasm has increased, Greg said. I think the three of us make a very good team. When he went away to do his apprenticeship we were pleased that he was getting a qualification but had a feeling that he would come back, so in that time we kept increasing the farm in size, machinery and so on. We never pushed him to come back at the end of the day it was his decision and he eventually decided he would return. It is great to see that in the Lake Grace area there are a significant number of young people returning to their family farm businesses. This is wonderful for the future of farming in our area. The Carruthers cropping program for this season is consistent with previous years, but they have slowly begun to grow more barley due to higher yields and agronomic benefits. This year they will be planting Spartacus barley for the first time on a large scale, on the back of sowing La Trobe in previous years. Justin said they trialled Spartacus last season in one paddock and were pleased with the results. Spartacus has very similar traits to La Trobe which we have been happy with, he said. The family has a diverse mix of soils its needs to cater to, with heavy clay, deep sand, ironstone and crumbly clay which Justin said could sometimes be difficult to manage. Every soil type needs different management strategies which we try to work in where we can but because we are broadacre it gets a bit complicated sometimes, he said. Spreading lime has become a priority in recent years with a consistent application each year, focusing on a different area. The farm doesnt receive much summer rain, with only about 50 millimetres recorded so far this year. To help in combatting weeds, a crop rotation program allows the operation to use a wider range of chemicals, along with harvest weed seed management using a seed destructor. The weed burden in the paddock makes the decision on how long we can leave it in a cereal rotation or whether we have to put it back to a legume or pasture to clean it up, Justin said. We find a mix of peas, lupins, canola and pasture seems to work quite well as break crops. Over the past seven years crop yields have averaged 2.05 tonnes per hectare for wheat, 2.3t/ha for barley, 0.9t/ha for canola, 2.7t/ha for oats, 1.25t/ha for peas and 1.12t/ha for lupins. The sheep side of the enterprise has been structured to complement the cropping. Keeping their feet in sheep has paid off for their crops and with wool prices on the rise, the family is starting to see a significant financial return. Justin said they would not go 100pc cropping as sheep helped to relieve pressure from the cropping enterprise, spreading their management options. He said the biggest challenge would be managing how the business developed in the future. If we keep expanding as we have been doing, it will probably get to a point where we need to make sure we are able to handle the work load and things still get done properly, Justin said. As far as the workload goes, finding good labour will most likely be the biggest issue for us. As we all know in farming a lot of the future is out of our control, so we will continue to do the best we can with what we have and what rain we receive. LIVE exports from Australia were grounded this week after footage of sheep dying on a boat from Fremantle to the Middle East in August last year were aired on commercial television on Sunday night. The vessel at the centre of the controversial journey, Awassi Express that was chartered by Emanuel Exports, arrived at Fremantle Port on Sunday morning. It was due to move 57,000 sheep and 250 cattle to the Middle East on Monday but the Federal government imposed a series of conditions that have delayed the departure including reducing the number of sheep on board by 17.5 per cent and improving ventilation. At the time of Farm Weekly going to print the vessel was being moved to another berth at Fremantle Port so its ventilation system could be independently assessed. The footage on 60 Minutes was secretly filmed by Faisal Ullah on five separate sheep shipments from Australia last year. Mr Ullah was a graduate of Pakistans Marine Academy and trainee navigation officer on board at the time. The boat (in the 60 Minutes vision) had 63,804 sheep on the 23-day voyage with up to 2400 sheep perishing due to an extreme weather event equalling 3.76 per cent well above the acceptable level of 2pc for live exports. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) said it had taken immediate action to add an independent department veterinarian to the Awassi Express voyage to the Middle East when the journey does get underway. The vet will monitor and record the health and welfare of all animals on board, send back daily reports and images and will also be able to issue directions on the vessel to ensure the welfare of the sheep. In addition the department has added other specific conditions to ensure that the health and welfare outcomes required under law were met, including having an additional accredited stockman on top of the exporters normal practice of two accredited stockmen. Improved ventilation equipment will be installed and the animal health and welfare, feed, water and bedding will be inspected and recorded four times each day, including by the independent department vet. A daily report with images of conditions will be provided to the department. The first port of discharge will be Kuwait when travelling to multiple ports in the Middle East, providing greater space for the remaining livestock as they head towards higher humidity ports. The department said conditions would be designed to ensure the health and welfare of sheep on this voyage while longer-term measures are developed for the industry. WA Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan launched her own investigation into the incident in February and alerted Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud who responded after the graphic footage emerged last week. On Monday morning Ms MacTiernan was scathing of Emanuel Exports, as well as of the Federal governments delayed response. I have been talking to WA farmers and warning them that there is a freight train coming down the road and that they really need to act, Ms MacTiernan said. I can tell you that we are going really hard with our investigation we really want to get an outcome here and to get this behaviour properly exposed. Those people that are in the live export industry, that are in the Federal government department say, oh my God, we are so shocked that this is happening. Im not sure what they thought 2400 sheep dying of heat stress in a confined space was going to look like. It was always going to look like this and unfortunately there has been a culture of keeping their head in the sand and just allowing these appalling practices to continue. It has got to end here and our part as a State government is to make sure that our animal legislation is enforced. Ms MacTiernan said she started an investigation six weeks ago after being advised by the WA Solicitor General that the Animal Welfare Act 2002 applied to on board vessels and that WAs legal obligations were not inconsistent with Federal laws regarding live export. She said she had assembled a team of experienced investigators and lawyers, who now will take this footage and really accelerate this investigation. We want to make sure that this is properly dealt with, that those that have been responsible for perpetrating this cruelty on those animals are bought to accept the consequences of their conduct, she said. We believe that there is prima facie evidence that there have been breaches of the Animal Welfare Act, and we are looking to see how we can take those charges forward. Ms MacTiernan said the penalties were, that a company could face fines up to $250,000, and for the individuals involved there was the possibility of imprisonment for up to five years. And you would have to say conduct of this nature seems to be at the top end of the scale, she said. Ms MacTiernan also slammed a report released by the Federal government less than two weeks ago that she said basically white washed what happened on that vessel, which was an exact replica of what had happened the year before when they also had white washed it. Quite clearly taking sheep from a southern summer, going into the heat of the Middle Eastern summer the experience has been over and over again that these animals suffer immensely, she said. So we had 3000 in 2016, over 2500 last year, yet until this footage came out, the Federal government was not prepared to do anything, so they have had their head in the sand. They havent been prepared to take on these hard cases and say look, if this live export industry is to have any future we have got to lift our game. Theres just been this papering over of the problem. Ms MacTiernan said there were a number of things that have to happen as a matter of urgency. We seriously have to consider banning sheep going into the Middle East in those high summer months, she said. We should be looking at a two-three month ban because that is where we are seeing the most travesties. The minister said unless the vessels were adequately air-conditioned, the industry should look at cutting trade on those months. Weve also got to ensure that we have independent vets, Ms MacTiernan said. This practice of having user-friendly vets going onto these vessels supposedly doing the supervision clearly doesnt work. What we need to do is have the Federal government department actually allocating the vet to the vessel and there not being any capability for the companies involved to pick and choose who they have. We have got to make sure that the vessels are modern vessels and we have to make sure that the vets are independent. Ms MacTiernan said she had been calling on the Federal government, for some time now, to phase out old vessels that were not up to modern standards. They set in new standards 10 years ago that had a grandfathering clause that said any old vessel could continue and not just for a limited time but forever. Now that clearly has to change, we have to bring that to an end and insist on all vessels having the modern standard. Ms MacTiernan said there also needed to be an acceptance that if you dont do this you are not a friend of the farmers, you are not being a friend of the livestock industry - you are being a friend only of those exporters. The Federal government has to recognise either there has been gross failure in implementing the regulations or the regulations themselves are woefully inadequate, she said. But there has to be consequences. Ms MacTiernan said she didnt want to see a repeat of the 2011 live export ban, that could generate some really difficult consequences for the industry. You cant just cut this off, she said. You have got all these sheep in the system coming in, theres a series of ships coming in this week, and if you just suddenly stop this industry, youve created this logistical nightmare. There isnt the feedlots for these animals, so I think that we have to let that vessel (the Awassi Express) go, but we have to start being really serious about this and not just trying to paper over it. Ms MacTiernan said the State government would continue to look at how to encourage more onshore meat processing, to get more value out of livestock and create more jobs in WA abattoirs. Emanuel Exports director Nicholas Daws responded to the journey footage, saying it was simply devastating. Emanuel Exports apologises to farmers and the broader community for these absolutely unacceptable outcomes, Mr Daws said. Animal welfare failures resulting in high mortalities, like the footage weve seen from the August 2017 Awassi Express shipment in which 2400 sheep died, are heartbreaking for our company and the producers whose livestock we export. Mr Daws said since the shipment last year Emanuel Exports had been consulting closely with Australian Government accredited veterinarians and professionally accredited stockpersons who had worked on the Awassi Express and other livestock vessels servicing the Arabian Gulf, gaining their first-hand insights. Based on their suggestions, weve taken important practical steps above regulatory standards to prevent the extraordinary circumstances of August 2017 reoccurring in the future, he said. This work has coincided with extensive consultation over the past seven months with the DAWR as the industry regulator an important collaboration which has helped secure improved animal welfare outcomes over subsequent voyages. We know more needs to be done, which is why our company has instigated with DAWR substantial risk mitigation measures to be adopted for the forthcoming 2018 northern hemisphere summer. It is also why weve accepted the special conditions DAWR has placed on the Awassi Express shipment which is due to load at the Port of Fremantle this week. Mr Daws said the conditions included a 17.5 per cent reduction in loading volumes, reducing the consignment from 65,000 to 57,000, the presence of a Federal government observer on the voyage (in addition to an Australian Government accredited veterinarian, as required for all voyages to the Arabian Gulf). We have also agreed to employ extra accredited stockpersons for the shipment and to adjust the voyage schedule so that Kuwait will now be the first port of discharge, ahead of Qatar, he said. The ship is due to unload approximately 24,000 sheep in Kuwait approximately 14 days after its departure from Fremantle, and will then discharge the remaining 33,000 sheep in Qatar approximately three days later. The delay in port has meant that another live export vessel, from a different company, has arrived in Fremantle carrying sheep from the Eastern States on its way to the Middle East. This vessel will also be put under stricter controls. 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. For the book American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus, I asked 101 college students to journal about their experiences hooking up. Here is what they had to say. Lisa Wade In a hookup culture, saving sex for romantic relationships is off-script and preferring monogamous commitments is old-fashioned. Its not that dating relationships dont occur, but . . . a lot of people look at it as something that they would never do. Luke (white, gay) Hooking up is the norm. Participating is all but obligatory, lest you seem boring, prudish, or judgmental. I know that I should want to have sex all the time and should take advantage of it when I get the chance. [When] I didnt, I felt like a loser, or uncool. Wren (white, pansexual) Even women often try to adopt a tomboyish approach, since most hookup cultures value a stereotypically masculine attitude towards sex. I railed against the idea that women were needy, dependent, easily heartsick, easily made hysterical by men, attention-obsessed, and primarily fixated on finding romance. I did this by proving how very like a boy I could behave. Eloise (white, heterosexual) The rule is to not take anything too seriously. Sex in a hookup culture is just sex. Oddly, that means that other thingslike holding hands, sustained eye contact, and forehead kissescan carry substantially more meaning. To me, holding hands and cuddling is something that people participate in when they actually care about someone. Arielle (Latina, heterosexual) So, how do you ensure no ones taking it too seriously? One way is to be drunk. Sober sex is something people do when they are exploring a romantic relationship. In contrast, hookups happen after people have been drinking. You dont walk out of the house without your shoes on and you dont walk into a party without a couple of shots of vodka. Its real. Nevaeh (black, heterosexual) But if romance is off-the-table, how do students decide who to hook up with? In a hookup culture, the goal is to hook up with someone your friends think is hot. The currency is popularity and status. In our room, sex is a commodity [that] increases a mans social status, especially if he scores or pounds an especially blonde girl. Justin (Latino, heterosexual) Afterwards, re-set the relationship, whatever it was, by giving it a temporary demotion. Acting a little cold, a bit aloof, and even ignoring someone says, Dont get any ideas. We arent any closer now than we were before. Being mean was the best way to handle it. Giselle (white, heterosexual) What do students think of hookup culture? Some people love it. A quarter of college students are genuinely enthusiastic about hookup culture and the more they hook up, the happier they are. Practically unlimited and uninterrupted sex whenever I feel like it? I dont think I could pass that offer up. Monica (white, heterosexual) About 40 percent participate ambivalently, having mixed experiences and mixed emotions. Ive been going about it how I usually do, which is to hook up with them and hope the feelings come out of it. Rhea (white, bisexual) The remainder abstain. A third of students will never hook up a single time. Some opt out for religious reasons, but most do so because the emotionless approach to sex doesnt appeal to them. I simply cannot behave that way. Emory (white, heterosexual) Even abstainers, though, have to contend with the norm of casual sex. Even if you arent hooking up, there is no escaping hookup culture. Shawna (white, heterosexual) Ted Sarandos has announced that Netflix will not be at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Ted Sarandos The streaming service's chief content officer says that no Netflix film will be screened across the event in May after Thierry Fremaux, the artistic director of Cannes, revealed that no movie without a theatrical distribution in France would be eligible from playing in competition. It was hoped that Netflix would still screen its' upcoming projects out of competition, but Sarandos insists nothing from the company will be previewed. In an interview with Variety, he said: "We want our films to be on fair ground with every other filmmaker. There's a risk in us going in this way and having our films and filmmakers treated disrespectfully at the festival. They've set the tone. I don't think it would be good for us to be there ... Thierry announced the change in their qualification rules [that] requires a film to have distribution in France to get in, which is completely contrary to the spirit of any film festival in the world ... The rule was implicitly about Netflix, and Thierry made it explicitly about Netflix when he announced the rule." Sarandos, 53, insists the decision is even more bewildering and disappointing because Netflix attracted a lot of positive attention at Cannes in 2017 after the screening of two films; Noah Baumbach's 'The Meyerowitz Stories' and Bong Joon-ho's 'Okja' - which competed for the Palme d'Or. When asked if he was shocked by the new ruling follow last year's Netflix successes, Sarandos said: "I think they were the biggest films in the world last year with Bong Joon-ho and Noah Baumbach and the star power we were able to bring - Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, it goes on and on. We loved the festival. We love the experience for our filmmakers and for film lovers. It's just that the festival has chosen to celebrate distribution rather than the art of cinema. We are 100 per cent about the art of cinema. And by the way, every other festival in the world is too." Sarandos will not personally be attending Cannes this year either but he will have staff at the event looking for films to buy to be shown on Netflix. He said: "We will have people there who are in the business of acquiring films, because many films will be there without distribution. We don't discriminate that way." Experts always agree that investing in real estate is a wise financial decision. So, anyone looking for a holiday or retirement home in Turkey will be glad to know that property in Fethiye can step up to the podium as a worthy contender for your net worth portfolio. The country already offers many benefits to foreign buyers, as proven in an ever-growing expat community and foreign ownership of holiday homes, especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean. However, Fethiye has an established reputation as one of the most popular destinations to buy a Turkish home. Sitting on the Mediterranean coast, it is without a doubt, a stunningly beautiful destination boasting of landmarks like the Blue Lagoon, Butterfly Valley and Kayakoy Ghost Village. Beneath the surface though, are many more concrete reasons why foreign buyers choose the area for their real estate investment portfolio. 5 Excellent Reasons to Buy Property in Fethiye 1: It is as Safe as Houses A Victorian expression as safe as houses means real estate investment bears minor risk, and this accurately sums up the Fethiye property market. Everyone can remember the famous Spanish property bubble bursting in 2008, because of overinflated prices and mass construction without demand, but Fethiye runs like a well-oiled machine with realistic prices and a linked supply and demand construction rate. It is safer and more stable than Bitcoin and is easier to understand than stocks and shares. Unlike the first two examples, it also exists in real life and presents buyers with an idyllic seaside lifestyle. For doubters who question whether Turkey is safe, experts predict 2018 will be its most successful tourism year to date. Bookings are flooding in, and many expats continue to live here all year round. The country did suffer a series of terrorist attacks in 2015 and in 2016, but an intense security campaign from east to west returned it to a state of normality in 2017. Turkey has never been so popular and now attracts many nationalities from across the globe. 2: Buying Property in Fethiye Is Easy Look at countries like Switzerland or Australia and buying real estate as a foreigner is an arduous task that puts many people off. This is where Turkey stands out thanks to its smooth, streamlined process that is simple and easy to enact. Although navigating land registry offices and paying taxes might seem like a nightmare for non-Turkish speakers, using a registered and established estate agent like Turkey Homes ensures you have someone to walk you through the process. 3: Mass Potential for Long-term appreciation One key reason foreigners buy property in Fethiye is the long-term potential to increase their net worth. The Turkish real estate market, when compared to other countries, is still in its infancy, and this reflects in prices starting from 50,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Buyers also have another advantage, boosted by the recent trade war between the US and China, in that the exchange rate between the British pound, US dollar and Euro to the Turkish lira works in their favour. Buyers get more for their buck than ever before and once global exchange rates return to normal, your property will increase in value, when converting back to your home country currency. 4: It is Easy to Sell Of course, any long-term real estate investment needs at least ten years to maximise returns. However sometimes life throws us a curveball, and in these moments, when we need to convert our bricks and mortar back into cash, we want a vibrant market with a quick turnover. This is where Fethiye delivers because it is also popular with Turkish buyers as well as foreigners. So anyone selling property in Fethiye has a global audience. The market isnt limited and as Turkey continues to grow in popularity, so will Fethiye. 5: Potential for Cash Flow Income Anyone who wants to expand into buy-to-let property should definitely look at Fethiye. The region including Hisaronu, Oludeniz, Ovack, CalS Beach and the main town centre is serviced by Dalaman airport, one of the top three touristic airports in Turkey serving more than 120 destinations. Fethiye also sits alongside the D400 Highway, running across the south side of Turkey and is a major hub of the Turkish Riviera. All this makes it a mass of tourism hotspots and a global name for beach and cultural holidays. Market your Fethiye property like a savvy business executive and show a sterling reputation for repeat word of mouth advertising and you have mass potential to cover running costs and gain an income. Further information If you would like advice or to know more about the Turkish real estate market, drop into the Turkey Homes office on Ali Gaffar Okkan Caddesi, find us on the 3rd floor of the Se-Sa Is Merkezi Building right opposite the Fethiye Mc Donalds or browse through their Fethiye property portfolio to see whats for sale in 2018. This is a sponsored advertorial brought to you in association with Turkey Homes. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category HON PM BAINIMARAMA'S STATEMENT ON CYCLONE ASSISTANCE RELIEF EFFORT (CARE) FOR FIJI My fellow Fijians,Ladies and Gentlemen.Bula Vinaka and good evening.It has been a very trying two weeks for those Fijians who have endured the wrath of the two major tropical cyclones that struck our country; bringing heavy rains, flooding and severe winds that have devastated some communities.First, was the arrival of Cyclone Josie two weeks ago which developed rapidly overnight into a full-fledged tropical cyclone, and dumped massive amounts of rain on Fijians in our Western Division. Then, as we were beginning to pick up the pieces, Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Keni arrived last week, and with it another round of heavy rains, flooding, severe winds and devastation. As of today, we've recorded the loss of eight of our people due to these cyclones, and I'd like to extend my sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who have lost their lives.In total, it is estimated around 150,000 Fijians have been impacted by these two storms, and I've been on the ground with our disaster officials and authorities who are providing immediate relief to affected Fijians and conducting assessments to determine how we can best get our communities back on their feet.While we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, it is abundantly clear that we need an immediate programme of assistance to help our fellow Fijians recover from these events. Today, I am announcing that I have authorised a comprehensive relief package - the Cyclone Assistance Relief Effort for Fiji, or CARE for Fiji.CARE for Fiji is an unprecedented and wide-reaching programme of Government assistance that cuts across Government ministries and departments to aid those Fijians impacted by the back-to-back onslaughts of TC Josie and TC Keni.Under CARE for FIJI are a host of new Government initiatives covering affected Fijians: HOMES-CARE, FARMS-CARE, SUGARCANE-CARE, LEASEHOLDERS-CARE, WELFARE-CARE AND eTRANSPORT-CARE.And the first round of assistance under these initiatives will go directly towards affected Fijians living in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.Under HOMES-CARE, households with an annual income of under $50,000 who have lost items in their homes or whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the cyclones can apply to receive prepaid electronic cards to purchase materials to repair their homes and replace possessions that were lost or badly damaged.If your home was totally destroyed or suffered severe structural damage you qualify for $7,000 in relief assistance. Those funds can go towards the reconstruction of your home and to cover the replacement costs for your lost possessions or household items, that includes television sets, furniture, housewares; anything of value in your home that was damaged by the rains and flooding.If your home suffered partial structural damage in the cyclones, say you had a wall collapse or your roof was blown away, you can apply for $3,000 in assistance to rebuild your home and replace your lost possessions. If your home was not severely damaged, but all or most of your possessions were lost or damaged beyond use by high flood waters you will be eligible for $3,000 in assistance.Fijians whose homes suffered minor water damage and who had some possessions lost or damaged can apply to receive $1,000 in assistance to make any repairs and replace their lost or damaged possessions.Those Fijians under vakavanua arrangements are eligible for $1,500 in relief assistance if their homes were severely damaged or destroyed. If only their possessions were damaged, they are eligible to receive $1,000 in assistance.Recipients under HOMES-CARE will be able to use their electronic cards at approved retail vendors to purchase the items they need to rebuild their homes and replace the items they lost. Expressions of Interest for vendors will be in tomorrow's Fiji Sun and we'll announce the full list of vendors next week.If you meet the criteria for this programme, you can find the full details on when, where and how to apply for HOMES-CARE advertised early next week in the Fiji Sun, on Radio and published on the Fijian Government Facebook page.I'm also happy to announce that my Government will be assisting leaseholders on iTaukei and State land with an annual household income of under $50,000 who were affected by the recent cyclone under the LEASEHOLDERS-CARE programme. Again, this is for affected areas in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. For those Fijians who are leasing iTaukei or State land for residential or agricultural purposes, Government will pay 12 months of your due lease payment. The full details and relevant dates for that assistance programme will also be advertised in early next week in the Fiji Sun and on Radio.We're also coming to the aid of our farmers -- all of our farmers -- through two new relief programmes: SUGARCANE-CARE and FARMS-CARE.Under SUGARCANE-CARE, my Government will be directly assisting cane farmers affected by these storms by covering the cost of replacing fertiliser that was washed away for all cane that was planted between November of last year until now. We will also be clearing debris brought in by flooding in cane growing regions, and clearing all in-field drainage and waterways in the wake of the cyclones. Applying for this assistance is simple, application forms will be made available through the FSC sector offices.And my Government is not just dedicated to helping our cane farmers. The rest of our crop farmers in affected regions need assistance as well, for example, we know that at the minimum, most vegetable farmers have lost 90 per cent of their crops. So whether you're farming yaqona, fruits, vegetables, root crops, a mixture of these or any of the many staples that feed our Fijian families every day, my Government will be there to help.Through the Ministry of Agriculture, we will be providing new seedlings and dry seeds, along with dalo tops and root crop suckers, for free to all farmers affected by these cyclones. The Ministry will also be clearing debris on all of our affected farmers property, helping to replace damaged fencing, and providing assistance for lost weedicide and fertiliser.Depending on their land's preparedness for their replacement planting, farmers can expect to see the benefits of my Government's replanting assistance as soon as is both possible and appropriate. For those farmers replacing some of Fiji's heartier, ready-to-plant crops like dalo, cassava and kumala, that will be as soon as the assessments are completed.And for our livestock farmers, we are offering free feed and replacement fencing to help cover any damages to your farms and recoup the value of lost heads of livestock sustained due to the severe weather, along with the clearing of debris.We will have full details on FARMS-CARE available in the Fiji Sun and on Radio next week and, of course, on our Government Facebook page as well.We also have two other programmes coming into effect for all Fijians affected by these storms. WELFARE-CARE and eTRANSPORT-CAREUnder WELFARE-CARE, all Fijians living in affected areas who already qualify for any of our social welfare programmes will receive a one-month top-up, effectively giving them a double payment for this month.For eTRANSPORT-CARE, Fijians living in affected areas using permanent eTransport cards will receive a free top-up of 50 dollars and school children with unsubsidised yellow eTransport cards will receive a top-up of 25 dollars. Children with blue eTransport cards, of course, will continue to ride for free. All recipients can receive their top-ups at any Vodafone approved outlets in the country after signing a statutory declaration, and the exact dates and details will be advertised in the Fiji Sun and on Radio in the coming days as well.Please read over the specific details of all programmes under CARE for Fiji which will all be advertised throughout next week in the Fiji Sun and on the Fijian Government Facebook page.Now I want to be very clear on this: for all of the relief programmes, if any Fijian is found to be lying about the state of their property, farm, produce, home or their belongings, there will be very serious consequences. We will have teams deployed throughout the country carrying out regular spot checks of areas benefiting from these programmes, and we will also establish a hotline where concerned Fijians can report those who they suspect have abused these very important relief programmes. The Hotline will also allow members of the public to lodge complaints against those civil servants who do not fully implement CARE Fiji.As we all know, Kadavu Island has been the most severely impacted by these storms, particularly by TC Keni. We have assessment teams on the ground as I speak, with more relief supplies on the way. After we've attended to the immediate needs of affected Fijians in Kadavu and finished damage assessments, we will be announcing another relief package, CARE for KADAVU, that is tailored to the unique needs of communities on the island.So, my fellow Fijians, the bottom line is this: If you and your families have been severely impacted by TC Josie or TC Keni, or both, help is on the way.I am departing this evening to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. I am going to London as your Prime Minister and to again take our campaign against climate change to the global audience in my role as President of COP23.We know too well that storms like Cyclone Winston, Josie and Keni are already having a very serious impact on our people, our development and our way of life. Due to the worsening effects of climate change, tropical cyclones are only expected to become more severe in the years ahead.CARE for Fiji is going to be a big help in getting many of our people back on their feet, but our response and strategy have to be even bigger, because we cannot afford to remain stuck in the same cycle of rebuilding year after year and cyclone after cyclone.That is why we are carrying out extensive work around the country to build back better, to build a more resilient Fiji, and it is also why we cannot rest -- even for a minute -- in making our case on the international stage.We need to keep up the pressure and seek full implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change so we can limit the harmful emissions that are causing our climate to change. More than that, we need the support, the ideas and the resources of our development partners to continue to adapt our nation to the realities of climate change -- the rising seas, the storms, the rains, the flooding and the changing weather patterns that are causing immense harm in Fiji and all around the world.So as I depart for London, I take with me the stories of the many Fijians who are suffering in the aftermath of these storms, including the many I've had the chance to meet and speak with personally in their communities. I take with me our struggle, the struggle of the Fijian people in the face of climate change -- the same struggle faced by billions of vulnerable people the world over. And I take with me the same steadfast and unrelenting commitment we brought to the COP23 negotiations in Bonn last year. The same spirit that has already led us to such great progress, and that will continue to inspire women, men and young people around the world to join our mission to spare our planet from the worst effects of climate change.May God bless you all and God Bless our beloved Fiji.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. BARCELONA, Spain, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alimentaria Barcelona , one of the main food, drink and foodservice trade shows worldwide, is about to start its biggest edition in years to offer the food industry a major platform for internationalization and business and a high level of innovation, making gastronomy its differentiating factor. The event, that will take place from 16 to 19 April at Fira de Barcelona (Spain), expects to attract an increasing number of exhibiting companies from Asian countries. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/659718/Fira_Barcelona_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/665300/Fira_de_Barcelona_Alimentaria.jpg ) With a net exhibition space of over 100,000sq.m, the joint organization of the show with Hostelco, the International Exhibition of Equipment for Restaurants, Hotels and Mass Catering, offers both the retail and HoReCa sectors the most comprehensive offering to date. Some 4,500 exhibiting firms - some 200 coming from Asia, mainly Chinese- and more than 150,000 professional visitors are expected. Performing a strong growth, China is the most dynamic external market for Spanish products, with 1,1 billion in 2016, with an increase of 49% of the purchases, according to the Spanish Federation of Food and Drink Industries (FIAB). Pork meat, wine and olive oil are the most exported goods. On the other hand, Thailand -with 72 million spent in Spanish food products- is becoming an attractive market as it experienced a growth of 36% in its purchases from Spain, especially frozen fish, fish flours and olive oil. Japan, India, South Korea and Indonesia are other Asian key markets for Alimentaria. In this edition, over 200 companies invited to visit the show through the program Hosted Buyers will come from Asia, especially from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapur and India. Gastronomic and innovative Excellence Boosting innovation and gastronomic quality remain two major hallmarks of Alimentaria. Consequently the show's activities are geared towards identifying the main trends and enhancing the connections between the food, gastronomic and tourist industries. In the area The Alimentaria Experience, more than 100 workshops and cooking shows will take place, with a selected group of chefs that own 45 Michelin stars (Carme Ruscalleda, Angel Leon and Elena Arzak, among others), while top international wine experts such as Jancis Robinson and Nick Lander will participate in the Vinorum Think event. The area The Alimentaria Hub will become a knowledge, trends and business center, in which some 12,500 meetings between international buyers and exhibiting companies will be developed. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 12, 2018) - Crown Mining Corp. (TSXV: CWM) ("Crown" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a National Instrument 43-101 technical report for its 100% owned Moonlight-Superior Project titled "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" with an effective date of March 2, 2018 and a release date of April 12, 2018. The Preliminary Economic Assessment Study ("PEA") was prepared by Tetra Tech of Vancouver, Canada and describes the potential technical and economic viability of establishing a conventional open-pit copper-silver mine-and-mill complex for a 60,000 ton-per-day operation. The Company also engaged Cameron Resource Consulting, LLC ("CRC") to complete a mineral resource estimate on the Moonlight deposit with an effective date of December 15, 2017. There are no material changes to the PEA results which were originally announced on March 2, 2018. Highlights of the PEA Include: Pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV): US$ 237M at a 8% discount rate and a $3.15 copper price. Pre-Tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 16.4% Pre-tax Payback Period: 4.8 years After-tax NPV of US$179M and after tax IRR of 14.6% for the base case Initial Capital Cost: US$513M, including a contingency provision in the amount of US$71M Plant Processing Rate: 60,000 tons per day (STPD) Average Copper Recovery: 86.0% Copper concentrate Production: Averaging 163,000 tons per year (STPY) with an average grade of 28%. Mine Life: 17 years, based on the existing Mineral Resource estimate Projected Direct Employment: 332 employees (163 process and G&A; 169 mining) Life of mine copper production of 1.5 billion pounds The full news release with the PEA highlights dated March 2, 2018 can also be found on both the company's website at www.crownminingcorp.com or on www.sedar.com under the Crown Mining Corp. profile. Please note the PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Furthermore, there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Readers are encouraged to read the technical report when it is filed. About Crown Mining Corp. Crown controls approximately 15 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District in Plumas County, NE California; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets. The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915-1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 million tons of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits. The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer Amex during the 1960's. Further details of the resources on Crown's property and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the above mentioned Technical Report on the Moonlight Project dated April 12, 2018 now filed on Sedar.com. Mr. George Cole is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 responsible for the technical information contained in this news release, and he has reviewed and approved this news release. For more information please see Crown's website at www.crownminingcorp.com. For Further Information Contact: Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, Crown Mining Corporation (416) 361-2827 or email info@crownminingcorp.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction. The common shares will not be and have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. BALA CYNWYD, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 12, 2018 / Law office of Brodsky & Smith, LLC announces that it is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of Verifone Systems, Inc. ("Verifone" or "the Company") (NYSE: PAY News) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of federal and state law in connection with the sale of the Company to Francisco Partners ("Francisco"). Click here to learn more http://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/verifone-systems-inc-nyse-pay/, or call 877-534-2590. There is no cost or obligation to you. Under the terms of the transaction, Verifone shareholders will receive only $23.04 in cash for each share of Verifone stock they own. The investigation concerns whether the Board of Verifone breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders and whether Francisco is underpaying for the Company. The transaction may undervalue the Company and will result in a loss for many Verifone shareholders. Verifone stock has traded at $38.17 per share and an analyst has set a $26.00 per share price target for the stock. If you own shares of Verifone stock and wish to discuss the legal ramifications of the investigation, or have any questions, you may e-mail or call the law office of Brodsky & Smith, LLC who will, without obligation or cost to you, attempt to answer your questions. You may contact Jason L. Brodsky, Esquire or Evan J. Smith, Esquire at Brodsky & Smith, LLC, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 510, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, by visiting http://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/verifone-systems-inc-nyse-pay/, or calling toll free 877-LEGAL-90. Brodsky & Smith, LLC is a litigation law firm with extensive expertise representing shareholders throughout the nation in securities and class action lawsuits. The attorneys at Brodsky & Smith have been appointed by numerous courts throughout the country to serve as lead counsel in class actions and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients and shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. SOURCE: Brodsky & Smith, LLC WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The following are some of today's top gainers in the pharma/biotech sector. 1. MYnd Analytics Inc. (MYND) Gained 32.21% to close Thursday's (Apr.12) trading at $1.97. News: No news MYnd is a predictive analytics company that has developed a decision support tool to help physicians reduce trial and error treatment in mental health and provide more personalized care to patients. Recent events: -- On March 29, 2018, the Company completed a private placement for gross proceeds of $2.1 million. -- Last November, the Company acquired revenue-generating Arcadian Telepsychiatry Services which is anticipated to generate rapid growth and benefits from cross-selling going forward. -- The Company ended the fiscal year-end on September 30, 2017 with no long-term debt and over $5 million cash. 2. SteadyMed Ltd. (STDY) Gained 22.03% to close Thursday's trading at $3.60. News: No news Recent events: -- On August 31, 2017, the FDA refused to even accept the Company's New Drug Application for Trevyent for the treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Trevyent is a PatchPump wearable injector prefilled with a therapeutic drug, Treprostinil. The active pharmaceutical ingredient used in United Therapeutics' approved PAH drug Remodulin is also Treprostinil. In its Refusal to File Letter, the FDA had concluded that the application was not sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. -- On November 1, 2017, the Company formally met with the FDA to discuss the issuance of the refuse-to-file letter, and it was informed that no clinical trials are required for NDA resubmission. The Company was told by the FDA that a repeat of in vitro Design Verification (DV) testing on Trevyent, supported by pharmacokinetic modeling and Process Validation, are sufficient for the resubmission and acceptance of the NDA. As of December 31, 2017, SteadyMed had cash and cash equivalents of $32.5 million. Near-term Catalysts: -- Trevyent performance data are expected to be available around mid 2018. -- Resubmission of Trevyent NDA is expected to occur before the end of 2018. 3. Geron Corporation (GERN) Gained 20.54% to close Thursday's trading at $3.99. News: No news Pipeline: The Company's lead drug candidate is Imetelstat, which is being developed for the potential treatment of hematologic myeloid malignancies. Geron has a deal in place with Janssen, under which Janssen is wholly responsible for the development, manufacturing, seeking regulatory approval for and commercialization of imetelstat worldwide. -- A phase 2/3 clinical trial of Imetelstat, dubbed IMerge, in transfusion dependent patients with Low or Intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes who have relapsed after or are refractory to prior treatment with an erythropoiesis stimulating agent, is underway. -- A phase II clinical trial evaluating two doses of Imetelstat in intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF) patients who are refractory to or have relapsed after treatment with a JAK inhibitor, dubbed IMbark, is ongoing. Near-term Catalysts: -- A protocol-specified primary analysis, which includes an assessment of overall survival, for the IMbark study will begin by the end of the second quarter of 2018. -- Based on the primary analysis, Janssen will decide whether or not to maintain the license rights and continue the development of Imetelstat in any indication. The decision of Janssen will be known by the end of the third quarter of 2018. If Janssen takes a positive decision, Geron would receive a $65 million milestone payment at the time of an affirmative Continuation Decision, and would be eligible to receive potential payments of up to $470 million for the achievement of certain development and regulatory milestones, up to $350 million for the achievement of certain sales milestones, and tiered royalties ranging from a mid-teens up to low twenties percentage rate on worldwide net sales of Imetelstat. 4. Bellicum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BLCM) Gained 20.29% to close Thursday's trading at $8.24. News: The FDA has lifted the clinical hold on BPX-501 studies in the U.S. On January 31, 2018, the FDA had imposed clinical hold on the Company's U.S. studies of BPX-501 due to three cases of encephalopathy deemed as possibly related to the drug candidate, which sent the shares down as much as 38% to $5.02 that day. BPX-501 is under multiple phase 1/2 clinical trials in adults and pediatric patients with leukemias, lymphomas, and genetic blood diseases in the U.S. and Europe. 5. Selecta Biosciences Inc. (SELB) Gained 19.68% to close Thursday's trading at $12.04. News: No news Recent event: -- On April 10, 2018, the Company presented new data from its ongoing phase II trial of SEL-212 for the treatment of chronic severe gout. The data reported consisted of patients that received three monthly doses of SEL-212. The 3 month, phase II data indicated that SEL-212 product profile may provide better and more sustained serum uric acid control, fewer flares, and less frequent dosing compared with recent data reported with the current FDA-approved uricase therapy. Near-term Catalyst: -- Data from patients receiving five doses of SEL-212 in the phase II trial are expected to be presented at Q3 medical conference. 6. Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RIGL) Gained 16.72% to close Thursday's trading at $3.91. News: No news Near-term Catalyst: -- The Company's oral drug candidate Tavalisse, proposed for the treatment of adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia, is under FDA review - with a decision expected on April 17, 2018. If approved, analysts expect Tavalisse to rake in peak sales of $360 million. 7. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Inc. (EYPT) Gained 15.87% to close Thursday's trading at $1.46. The stock is up 28% in the last 2 days. News: No news Recent event: -- On March 28, 2018, pSivida Corp. (PSDV) acquired specialty biopharmaceutical company Icon Bioscience Inc. -- pSivida Corp. rebranded and changed its name to EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Inc., with ticker EYPT, effective April 2, 2018. Near-term Catalysts: -- DEXYCU, a dropless, long-acting therapeutic, which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of inflammation in post cataract surgery on February 9, 2018, is expected to be launched in the U.S. in the first half of 2019 following the successful scale up of commercial supplies. -- The NDA for Durasert micro-insert, proposed for treatment of non-infectious posterior segment uveitis, is under FDA review - with a decision expected on November 5, 2018. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de MORPHOCHEM's MCB3837 antibiotic compound aims to treat severe gastrointestinal infections caused by Clostridium difficile , a priority pathogen according to the WHO and the CDC 1 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the MCB3837 program the Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status and Fast Track 2 designation. MORPHOCHEM had already received "the study may proceed" FDA letter for the upcoming Phase II. Through a contribution in kind, DEINOVE acquires the Austrian company BIOVERTIS and its German subsidiary MORPHOCHEM (100% owned), and therefore this antibiotic program, in particular from specialized investment funds managed by TVM Capital (majority shareholder of BIOVERTIS). Following the completion of this operation (subject to the approval of the shareholders' meeting of 23 May 2018), TVM Capital, one of the most prominent European life science venture capital funds, will become one of DEINOVE's shareholder. This operation significantly reinforces DEINOVE's Antibiotics activity with the integration into its pipeline of a compound already in clinical development. Regulatory News: DEINOVE (Paris:ALDEI) (Euronext Growth Paris: ALDEI), a biotech company that discovers, develops, and produces high-value compounds from rare bacteria, announces the acquisition, through a contribution-in-kind transaction, of the entire capital3 of the Austrian company Biovertis AG ("BIOVERTIS"), which owns the entire capital of the German company Morphochem AG fur kombinatorische Chemie ("MORPHOCHEM"), with the latter developing the clinical-stage antibiotic compound "MCB3837". Subject to approval by DEINOVE's shareholders' meeting, all shareholders, option and right holders of BIOVERTIS will become shareholders of DEINOVE. In addition to its AGIR4 program for the discovery of new antibiotics, and its recently announced agreement with RedX Pharma, DEINOVE acquires a clinical-stage molecule, ready to enter Phase II, targeting the treatment of severe Clostridium difficile gastrointestinal infections (CDI) generally related to a disruption of the gut microbiota in weakened patients. The incidence of CDI has doubled or quadrupled over the last 20 years in Europe and North America5. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently identified CDI as one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections, even ahead of MRSA.6 In 2011, about half a million Americans were infected and more than 29 000 patients died within 30 days7 following the diagnosis two times more than the number of AIDS victims. In 2021, experts predict 1.5 million cases of CDI in the United States and Europe combined. 1 World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggest_threats.html 2 The Fast Track status facilitates the development of the molecule through a faster and more flexible regulatory review of the dossier. This status is granted by the FDA to drugs under development that meet critical and unmet therapeutic needs. 3 With the exception of 316 treasury shares. 4 AGIR (Antibiotics against Resistant Infectious Germs) consists in the exploration by DEINOVE of new bacterial strains with antibiotic activity. This project benefits from the support of the 'Investments for the Future' Program amounting to 14.6 million. 5 Aspects epidemiologiques et medico-economiques des infections Clostridium difficile, A. LE MONNIER, 14es Journees Nationales d'Infectiologie 2013 To date, no effective antibiotic treatment is available for severe gastrointestinal infections because of the very nature of the disease: oral treatments struggle to reach the intestine because of the pathological state of the patient (reduced gastrointestinal motility, intubation, intestinal perforation, etc.), while current intravenous (IV) antibiotics do not penetrate the gastrointestinal barrier and thus do not reach the infection site. The MCB3837 compound, under development by the German biotechnology company MORPHOCHEM, is a first-in-class antibiotic effective on Gram-positive bacteria and more particularly on Clostridium difficile. In addition to its spectrum of activity, its interest lies mainly in the way the product is administered and distributed in the body, which makes it particularly interesting in the treatment of severe gastrointestinal infections. MCB3837 is an antibiotic administered by intra-venous infusion and able to cross the gastrointestinal barrier. It precisely targets the infection site. Several Phase I trials (on healthy volunteers) have shown a high concentration of the antibiotic in stools, which is a strong marker of its presence in the intestine. It has demonstrated an ability to eliminate Clostridium difficile bacteria without destroying other microorganisms of the gastrointestinal flora. It has also shown an acceptable tolerance profile. The next stage of development will be a Phase II clinical trial on a small number of patients. Green light has already been given by the FDA for the initiation of this study. Furthermore, in 2016, MCB3837 was granted the QIPD designation as well as Fast Track status from the US Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). Terms of the transaction The acquisition of the entire capital of BIOVERTIS will be achieved through a contribution in kind of shares, within Article L. 225-147 of the French Commercial Code, by BIOVERTIS' shareholders, option and right holders for the benefit of DEINOVE. In consideration of this contribution in kind, the contributors, including two specialized investment funds managed by TVM Capital which hold 82.98% of the contributed rights, will receive 500,001 DEINOVE shares to which will be attached 8 million warrants (Bons d'attribution d'actions, BAA). The total value of the rights granted is equal to 500,001 multiplied by 1.80 euro, i.e. the closing share price on January 17, 2018, which is the last trading day preceding the signature of a letter of intent between the parties. The total value of the rights amounts to 900,001.80. No cash payment will be made by DEINOVE. In accordance with Article L. 225-147 of the French Commercial Code and recommendation no. 2011-11 of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers), a contribution auditor will be appointed by order of the President of the Commercial Court of Montpellier. The mission of the contribution auditor will be extended to the assessment of the fairness of the remuneration of the contributed BIOVERTIS shares and options. This contribution-in-kind transaction and the related capital increase will be submitted to the approval of DEINOVE's shareholders' meeting rescheduled to 23 May 2018. 6 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 7 Burden of Clostridium difficile Infection in the United States Fernanda C. Lessa, The New England Journal of Medicine, 2015 Following the contribution, the 500,001 new shares issued as part compensation for this contribution will represent 4.06% of DEINOVE's capital after the transaction. The 8 million warrants, entitling the holder to a maximum of 8 million new DEINOVE shares, will only be exercisable by their holders in the event of reaching various milestones in the development of the drug candidate. Therefore, the exercise of the warrants is conditional on achieving highly value creating milestones for DEINOVE alongside the development of the targeted antibiotic compound. Subject to certain exceptions, the warrants will entitle the holders to receive new DEINOVE shares as follows: 500,001 new shares upon the beginning of the Project's next clinical trial (first patient in); 2,300,000 new shares upon the start of the Project's phase IIb/III pivotal trial or phase III (first patient in); 2,300,003 new shares upon the end of the Project's positive phase IIb/III pivotal trial or phase III. For the sake of clarity, "positive" shall mean that all primary efficacy clinical endpoints together with at least one secondary endpoint and safety objectives supporting registration have been met; 1,399,998 new shares upon the FDA acceptance of regulatory filing for the first marketing approval of the Project at least in the USA or any other country or countries which alone or taken together actually represent the same number of qualified patients and, as a consequence, the same commercial value as in the USA; 1,499,998 new shares upon the first marketing approval of the Project at least in the USA (New Drug Application) or any other country or countries which alone or taken together actually represent the same number of qualified patients and, as a consequence, the same commercial value as in the USA. As part of the transaction, the contributors, they have agreed, as from the date they come to hold the new shares, to a lock-up period of six months for all new shares transferred to them. For as long as the contributors collectively hold shares in DEINOVE that represent 5% or more of the issued share capital of DEINOVE or for the duration of the development of the Project through marketing authorization in the USA or Europe, TVM Capital shall have the right to nominate one representative only to the board of directors of DEINOVE. Finally, DEINOVE has made a commitment to have sufficient financial resources to ensure its going concern as well as that of its subsidiaries. In this context, DEINOVE could soon proceed with the raising of funds, notably but not only, through a capital increase. "The MCB3837 program has the potential to address the major health challenge of Clostridium difficile infections, a rapidly growing epidemic. We are pleased to entrust DEINOVE, which has set the search for new antibiotics as its top priority, with its continued development. We will support DEINOVE in the next stages of development and, in this respect, we are already committed to making a substantial contribution to its future financing needs," said Dr. Hubert BIRNERManaging Partner, TVM Capital Emmanuel PETIOT, CEO of DEINOVE, added: "With this transaction, we are significantly strengthening our portfolio of antibiotics in development and our health activities. With the entry into our capital of TVM, a European investment fund specialized in health innovation, along with its commitment to participate in our financing needs, we find ourselves with a new high-quality shareholder that supports our development strategy." For further information, a meeting will be held on 26 April 2018 at 10am in Paris at the SFAF (French Society of Financial Analysts) facilities. ABOUT CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE INFECTIONS8 Clostridium difficile infections include a broad spectrum of clinical conditions of varying severity ranging from mild diarrhea to fulminant colitis that can progress to septic shock and death. 40% of patients have severe forms, with mortality rates as high as 50%. Over the past 20 years, Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) have had a strong tendency to increase in incidence and severity, particularly due to the development of new, hyper virulent strains, some of which are resistant to existing antibiotics. About 25% of patients relapse within two months of the first episode, regardless of treatment. Half of the cases are due to the persistence in the digestive tract of the same C. difficile strain in the sporulated form, and the other half to reinfection (infection with a new strain, most often acquired during hospitalization). The treatment of CDI represents a real therapeutic challenge. The main factors associated with CDI are: an age over 65 years, hospitalization, and taking medication affecting the intestinal flora. The risk of renewed infection increases with the number of recurrences: 45% after the second and 65% after the third. ABOUT TVM CAPITAL LIFE SCIENCE TVM Capital Life Science is a group of independent investment advisories and fund managers for Venture Capital funds, investing into innovative biotech, pharmaceutical, and medtech companies, with teams based in Munich and Montreal. Since 1984, TVM Capital Life Science has invested in more than 130 life science companies in Europe, Canada and the United States, currently managing in excess of 900 million from more than 50 investors. Notably, TVM Capital Life Science was the Series A lead investor in the following publicly listed companies with market capitalizations that at some point were or still are greater than 1 billion: Qiagen, Sequenom, Actelion, Intercell, Evotec and most recently Colucid. 8 Recidives d'infection Clostridium difficile: l'importance du microbiote intestinal MC Zanella Terrier et al. Revue Medicale Suisse, 2013 ABOUT DEINOVE DEINOVE (Euronext Growth Paris: ALDEI) is a biotech company that discovers, develops and produces high added-value compounds from rare microorganisms for use in the fields of health, nutrition and cosmetic markets. To do so, DEINOVE draws on two key assets: a unique library of 6,000 rare or unexploited bacterial strains; a metabolic and fermentation engineering platform capable of leveraging these natural "micro-factories" to turn them into new industrial standards. Based in Montpellier, DEINOVE employs approximately 55 employees and has nearly 130 international patents. The Company has been listed on Euronext Growth since April 2010. www.deinove.com twitter.com/Deinove linkedin.com/company/deinove View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180412006425/en/ Contacts: DEINOVE Emmanuel Petiot, +33 (0)4 48 19 01 28 Chief Executive Officer emmanuel.petiot@deinove.com or Coralie Martin, +33 (0)4 48 19 01 60 Communication, Marketing and Investor Relations coralie.martin@deinove.com or ALIZE RP, Press Relations Caroline Carmagnol Aurore Gangloff, +33 (0)1 44 54 36 66 deinove@alizerp.com Public Relations Department Eisai Co., Ltd. +81-(0)3-3817-5120 TOKYO, Apr 13, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that it has entered into a joint research agreement with the Broad Institute, Mycobacteria Research Laboratories at Colorado State University, and the University of Chicago to develop a potential new treatment for tuberculosis (TB).In this joint research program, compounds identified from Broad's Diversity-Oriented Synthesis chemical library will be modified to design molecules that demonstrate improved activity as TB treatments. Anti-TB activity will be researched through a new mechanism of action involving the inhibition of tryptophan synthase, an essential enzyme present in Mycobacterium sp.TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, with 10.4 million new cases of TB infections resulting in 1.7 million deaths in 2016 alone. Existing anti-TB medicines were introduced several decades ago, but require long courses of treatments (six to nine months), resulting in poor compliance with treatment. In addition, resistance to existing TB treatments has emerged in various parts of the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel anti-TB agents with shortened treatments period and new mechanisms of action.The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund), an international non-profit organization headquartered in Japan, is funding this new joint research program. TB Alliance is serving as an advisor to the program.Under its human health care (hhc) philosophy, Eisai is proactively forming partnerships with governments, international organizations, and other non-profit private sector organizations, aiming to expedite the development of new treatment methods for TB, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, and thereby contribute to these patients and their families.About the Broad InstituteBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard was launched in 2004 to empower this generation of creative scientists to transform medicine. The Broad Institute seeks to describe all the molecular components of life and their connections; discover the molecular basis of major human diseases; develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics; and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods, and data openly to the entire scientific community.Founded by MIT, Harvard, Harvard-affiliated hospitals, and the visionary Los Angeles philanthropists Eli and Edythe L. Broad, the Broad Institute includes faculty, professional staff, and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities and beyond, with collaborations spanning over a hundred private and public institutions in more than 40 countries worldwide. For further information about the Broad Institute, go to http://www.broadinstitute.org.About Colorado State University (CSU)Founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, CSU is now among the nation's leading research universities. Located in Fort Collins, CSU currently enrolls more than 33,000 students, and has more than 1,800 faculty members working in eight colleges.CSU is recognized as a premier research institution and routinely ranks as one of the top American universities without a medical school in research expenditures. In Fiscal Year 2017, CSU research expenditures totaled $338 million; this was the 10th consecutive year research expenditures at the university have topped $300 million. More information is available at www.colostate.edu(.About The University of ChicagoThe University of Chicago is a leading academic and research institution that has driven new ways of thinking since its founding in 1890. As an intellectual destination, the University draws scholars and students from around the world to its home in Hyde Park and campuses around the globe. The University provides a distinctive educational experience, empowering individuals to challenge conventional thinking and pursue research that produces new understanding and breakthroughs with global impact.About the Global Health Innovative Technology FundThe first of its kind in Japan, the GHIT Fund is a public-private partnership between the Japanese government, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and UNDP. Launched in April 2013, the organization utilizes Japanese research and development (R&D) to fight neglected diseases. GHIT Fund invests and manages a portfolio of development partnerships aimed at neglected diseases that afflict the world's poorest people. GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese pharmaceutical companies and academic and research organizations to engage in the effort to get new medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools to people who need them most. For more information, please visit: www.ghitfund.org.About TB AllianceTB Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding faster-acting and affordable drug regimens to fight tuberculosis (TB). Through innovative science and with partners around the globe, we aim to ensure equitable access to faster, better TB cures that will advance global health and prosperity. TB Alliance operates with support from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research through KfW, Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, Irish Aid, Indonesia Health Fund, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Kingdom Department for International Development, United States Agency for International Development, and the United States Food and Drug Administration.About EisaiEisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.Source: EisaiContact:Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. FRANKFURT, Germany, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FRA/sr-gk - In the first three months of 2018, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed more than 14.4 million passengers - an increase of 10.0 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. This strong growth was mainly attributable to the early timing of the Easter holidays and a significant expansion of flight offerings from airlines. Cargo throughput (airfreight + airmail) rose by 0.7 percent to 539,610 metric tons in the first quarter of 2018. Aircraft movements climbed by 8.3 percent to a total of 113,213 takeoffs and landings. Accumulated maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) expanded by 6.1 percent to nearly 7.1 million metric tons. In March 2018, Frankfurt Airport served more than 5.5 million passengers, representing strong growth of 13.2 percent year-on-year. Spurred by the Easter holidays, European traffic - including to tourist destinations such as Italy, Spain or Portugal - served as the main growth driver. Cargo volumes slightly contracted by 1.7 percent to 201,965 metric tons in the reporting month, due to the early timing of Easter and the impact of the Chinese New Year falling late this year. Aircraft movements were up 8.6 percent to 41,204 takeoffs and landings, while MTOWs advanced by 6.4 percent to just under 2.6 million metric tons. Across the Group, airports in Fraport's international portfolio showed largely positive performance in the first quarter of 2018. Ljubljana Airport (LJU) in the capital of Slovenia welcomed 329,212 passengers in the first three months of the year, an increase of 14.2 percent. Fraport's two Brazilian airports of Fortaleza (FOR) and Porto Alegre (POA) achieved combined growth of 5.8 percent to some 3.6 million passengers. The 14 Greek regional airports saw traffic slightly decrease by 2.1 percent to a combined total of some 1.8 million passengers. The primary contributing factor here was reduced flight operations at the high-traffic Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), required for runway construction works. As a result, SKG's passenger traffic dropped by 7.0 percent during the reporting period. In the meantime, the SKG runway project has been completed. Traffic at Lima Airport (LIM) in Peru advanced by 10.6 percent to about 5.3 million passengers. On the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, the Twin Star airports of Varna (VAR) and Burgas (BOJ) served 216,218 passengers overall, up 71.6 percent. Antalya Airport (AYT) in Turkey has continued its growth path, with traffic soaring by 21.4 percent to about 2.6 million passengers. In northern Germany, Hanover Airport (HAJ) grew by 8.5 percent to just over 1 million passengers. Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg, Russia, saw traffic improve by 9.6 percent to about 3.2 million passengers in the first quarter of 2018. Xi'an Airport (XIY) in China welcomed nearly 10.5 million passengers, an increase of 6.3 percent. Print-quality photos of Fraport AG and Frankfurt Airport are available for free downloading via the photo library on the Fraport Web site. For TV news and information broadcasting purposes only, we also offer free footage material for downloading. If you wish to meet a member of our Media Relations team when at Frankfurt Airport, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our contact details are available here. For further information about Fraport AG please click here. Fraport Traffic Figures March 2018 Fraport Group Airports1 March 2018 Year to Date (YTD) 2018 Fraport Passengers Cargo* Movements Passengers Cargo Movements Fully-consolidated airports share (%) Month I" % Month I" % Month I" % YTD I" % YTD I" % YTD I" % FRA Frankfurt Germany 100.00 5,516,585 13.2 197,715 -2.4 41,204 8.6 14,430,912 10.0 527,401 -0.1 113,213 8.3 LJU Ljubljana Slovenia 100.00 129,624 19.0 1,085 5.8 2,635 -7.2 329,212 14.2 3,030 11.3 7,311 1.6 Fraport Brasil 100.00 1,147,286 4.2 6,993 46.3 11,115 -2.0 3,583,828 5.8 19,091 47.7 32,962 1.3 FOR Fortaleza Brazil 100.00 476,877 1.9 3,576 22.8 4,252 1.2 1,561,431 2.6 10,133 25.0 13,133 0.1 POA Porto Alegre Brazil 100.00 670,409 5.9 3,417 82.8 6,863 -3.9 2,022,397 8.4 8,958 86.0 19,829 2.1 Fraport Regional Airports of Greece A+B 73.40 719,980 5.9 696 -20.5 7,183 4.4 1,786,924 -2.1 1,696 -25.7 18,455 -2.5 Fraport Regional Airports of Greece A 73.40 539,419 6.2 541 -25.3 5,051 8.1 1,334,407 -3.7 1,225 -34.4 12,732 -1.7 CFU Kerkyra (Corfu) Greece 73.40 32,186 44.6 16 n.a 498 90.1 70,077 37.5 32 > 100.0 1,217 85.0 CHQ Chania (Crete) Greece 73.40 70,353 -14.7 39 -23.0 519 -22.1 153,446 -29.2 92 -32.4 1,123 -34.2 EFL Kefalonia Greece 73.40 4,556 > 100.0 -100.0 104 26.8 8,481 47.9 -91.8 256 13.3 KVA Kavala Greece 73.40 22,101 > 100.0 4 -67.4 284 > 100.0 80,920 > 100.0 9 -56.3 952 > 100.0 PVK Aktion/Preveza Greece 73.40 552 > 100.0 n.a 86 22.9 1,080 > 100.0 n.a 220 -0.9 SKG Thessaloniki Greece 73.40 405,965 3.7 482 -27.2 3,418 2.5 1,011,390 -7.0 1,091 -36.2 8,598 -8.9 ZTH Zakynthos Greece 73.40 3,706 9.7 1 n.a 142 7.6 9,013 2.6 1 n.a 366 -1.6 Fraport Regional Airports of Greece B 73.40 180,561 5.1 154 2.2 2,132 -3.4 452,517 2.7 470 13.5 5,723 -4.1 JMK Mykonos Greece 73.40 11,549 -33.1 2 -29.8 170 -11.0 19,410 -50.6 3 -57.4 351 -29.4 JSI Skiathos Greece 73.40 1,221 -10.1 n.a 54 28.6 3,017 8.1 n.a 134 24.1 JTR Santorini (Thira) Greece 73.40 50,898 17.7 13 -1.1 466 19.2 111,768 10.7 23 -30.9 1,036 6.4 KGS Kos Greece 73.40 8,753 -32.5 11 -53.8 172 -38.4 39,999 18.7 49 -27.5 777 3.9 MJT Mytilene (Lesvos) Greece 73.40 23,675 -3.2 37 7.3 332 -10.5 63,023 -4.5 101 4.6 939 -9.5 RHO Rhodes Greece 73.40 73,432 18.4 66 36.4 698 8.2 185,463 9.5 230 69.6 1,803 0.3 SMI Samos Greece 73.40 11,033 5.9 25 -9.6 240 -16.7 29,837 4.9 65 -13.5 683 -15.0 LIM Lima Peru2 70.01 1,795,005 12.3 23,275 26.0 16,083 2.9 5,337,005 10.6 65,784 8.1 47,295 6.4 Fraport Twin Star 60.00 82,286 67.6 843 -6.3 852 31.9 216,218 71.6 2,462 -29.7 2,319 28.8 BOJ Burgas Bulgaria 60.00 14,763 8.8 836 -5.7 184 -17.9 37,610 16.0 2,444 -27.8 526 -11.9 VAR Varna Bulgaria 60.00 67,523 90.1 7 -47.3 668 58.3 178,608 90.8 19 -84.1 1,793 49.0 At equity consolidated airports2 AYT Antalya Turkey 51.00 1,074,713 28.2 n.a. n.a. 7,342 20.9 2,568,967 21.4 n.a. n.a. 17,674 12.2 HAJ Hannover Germany 30.00 423,447 7.7 1,639 -10.0 5,724 -7.6 1,062,729 8.5 5,214 -2.0 15,632 -0.1 LED St. Petersburg Russia 25.00 1,144,252 12.3 n.a. n.a. 11,734 7.8 3,177,334 9.6 n.a. n.a. 33,112 7.3 XIY Xi'an China 24.50 3,647,270 10.0 21,935 6.2 26,933 5.0 10,452,474 6.3 64,525 12.0 77,763 3.0 Frankfurt Airport3 March 2018 Month I" % YTD 2018 I" % Passengers 5,516,953 13.2 14,431,831 10.0 Cargo (freight & mail) 201,965 -1.7 539,610 0.7 Aircraft movements 41,204 8.6 113,213 8.3 MTOW (in metric tons)4 2,577,042 6.4 7,095,543 6.1 PAX/PAX-flight5 144.0 3.7 136.9 1.1 Seat load factor (%) 78.9 75.3 Punctuality rate (%) 68.1 72.9 Frankfurt Airport PAX share I" %6 PAX share I" %6 Regional Split Month YTD Continental 62.7 16.7 61.7 13.3 Germany 11.7 6.2 11.5 5.3 Europe (excl. GER) 51.0 19.4 50.2 15.3 Western Europe 42.7 19.2 41.9 15.1 Eastern Europe 8.3 20.2 8.3 16.6 Intercontinental 37.3 7.8 38.3 4.9 Africa 4.6 19.4 4.8 13.7 Middle East 6.2 8.5 6.3 4.3 North America 11.5 7.7 11.2 4.4 Central & South Amer. 3.9 0.7 4.3 -0.4 Far East 11.1 5.8 11.7 4.5 Australia 0.0 n.a. 0.0 n.a. Definitions: 1 According to ACI definition: Passengers: commercial traffic only (arr+dep+transit counted once), Cargo: commercial and non-commercial traffic (arr+dep excluding transit, in metric tons), Movements: commercial and non-commercial traffic (arr+dep); 2 Preliminary figures; 3 Commercial and non-commercial traffic: Passengers (arr+dep+transit counted once, incl. general aviation), Cargo (arr+dep+transit counted once, in metric tons), Movements (arr+dep); 4 Inbound traffic only; 5 Scheduled and charter traffic; 6 absolute change vs. previous year in %; *Cargo = Freight + mail LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Phoenix Group Holdings (PHNX.L) said, further to the announcement of the proposed acquisition of Standard Life Assurance on 23rd February 2018, the Group expects to publish a combined circular and prospectus on or around 4th May 2018 and the shareholder vote will follow at a general meeting to be held on 29th May 2018. Due to its size, the acquisition is categorised as a 'reverse takeover' under the Listing Rules and is therefore subject to the requirements of a Class 1 transaction, including being conditional upon the approval of Phoenix's shareholders. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Series B round brings total raised to $30m TravelPerk has grown at a rate of 1,200% YOY Clients include TransferWise, Typeform, GoCardless, Outfittery and CityJet TravelPerk, the next-generation business travel booking and management platform for companies of any size, announces today that it has raised $21m (15m) in a Series B round led by Berlin-based Target Global and London's Felix Capital. Earlier investors Spark Capital and Sunstone also participated in the round, alongside new global player Amplo. Adding to early stage backers LocalGlobe. Founded in 2015 by CEO Avi Meir and CPO Javier Suarez, TravelPerk is at the forefront of reinventing business travel a category that is worth $1.25 trillion globally. TravelPerk ranks as the fastest-growing SaaS company in Europe and the fourth fastest-growing globally on *the SaaS 1000 list, and consistently leads its sector in customer satisfaction on review sites such as G2 Crowd and Capterra. The company, whose team has increased from 20 to around 100 over the past year, has grown revenue at a rate of 1,200% year-on-year and now counts a raft of over 1,000 customers including Typeform, TransferWise, Outfittery, GetYourGuide, GoCardless, Hotjar, and CityJet - among its clients. TravelPerk which is free to use has developed an end-to-end business travel platform on which clients can search flights and hotels, book and pay for them (including prepay for any hotel worldwide), manage their itineraries, receive instant invoices, have full control of their travel preferences and loyalty programs, automate their travel policy, and access their travel data and rely on 24/7, multilingual support all in one place. TravelPerk has built the world's largest bookable inventory by integrating not only with hotels, airlines, and rail companies, but also with all the major leisure travel sites including Booking.com, Expedia, Skyscanner and Airbnb. By offering free customer support, and taking no client commissions, the company saves its customers over 20% in annual business travel costs compared to legacy corporate tools and travel agents. "Almost everyone you speak to, who has traveled for work, has personal experience of how painful business travel can be," says TravelPerk CEO Avi Meir. "Until now, businesses had to choose between two bad options: either antiquated enterprise solutions or an alphabet soup of ad hoc consumer tools. We went back to first principles instead to design the world's best experience for travelers, business administrators and finance managers, alike. "The corporate travel industry is one of the largest global markets yet to be disrupted online," says Antoine Nussenbaum, Partner at Felix Capital. "At Felix Capital we have a high conviction about a new era of consumerization of enterprise software. With a seasoned and highly ambitious management team combining all the skills required to build both a top class tech stack and a smooth consumer experience for travelers through personalisation and mobile, TravelPerk are ideally positioned to be the global leaders in the space." The Series B investment which brings the total raised by TravelPerk to $30m will be used to rapidly scale all facets of the business. The company will add software engineers, product owners, sales reps and customer support to its team, which is set to double to around 200 people, as well as expand globally with offices in 3-5 new countries by 2019. Target Global General Partner Shmuel Chafets adds: "TravelPerk is very well positioned to be a market leader in the business travel space with a product that makes business travel as seamless and easy as personal travel, thereby winning a highly fragmented trillion dollar market a key investment thesis of Target Global. We're excited to support such an experienced and dedicated team that has a strong track record in the travel space. TravelPerk is our first investment in Barcelona. We believe in a pan-European startup ecosystem and we look forward to seeing more opportunities in this emerging startup hub." -ENDS- About TravelPerk TravelPerk is a next generation travel booking and management platform pioneering the future of corporate travel. TravelPerk offers the world's largest travel inventory alongside powerful management features and 24/7 customer support, allowing companies of any size to effortlessly manage the entire process in one single place. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, 'consumer-level' design and a revolutionary business model that is 100% free, the company is transforming the business travel experience for both travelers and administrators worldwide. Backed by world-class VCs Target Global, Felix Capital, Spark Capital, Sunstone, LocalGlobe, and Amplo-investors in some of the most disruptive companies in tech including Slack, Trello, Twitter, Farfetch, Deliveroo and Delivery Hero-TravelPerk is now poised to reinvent business travel with an end-to-end solution that just works. * To start using TravelPerk for free or to request a demo for TravelPerk Premium, visit travelperk.com TravelPerk is hiring for all roles, see current openings here: https://www.travelperk.com/careers/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180412006108/en/ Contacts: For TravelPerk Antonella Scimemi antonella@burlington.cc 07530815018 The European Union's (EU) stated enlargement goal of promoting economic growth and strengthening democratic forces is being tested by the political winds sweeping newer members, Hungary included. The repeat election of Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a vote this past weekend and the continuation of a supermajority government are increasingly testing the EU's tolerance level for Hungary's blatant disregard of democratic values. The EU has just released first ever detailed report threatening Hungary with sanctions over repeated breaches of EU democratic principles. As EU support for Hungary is an important credit feature, this report explores the developing conflict underway. The most likely scenario is that the EU does not have the support of member countries necessary to sanction Hungary for its anti-democratic policies. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian and New Zealand dollars strengthened against their major counterparts in early European deals on Friday, as sentiment improved on fading geopolitical worries following Trump's comments on Syria and rejoining TPP. Trump tweet that the U.S. would rejoin the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership trade pact if the deal were substantially better than the one offered to former President Barack Obama helped eased geopolitical and trade tensions. Regarding Syria, Trump tweeted that a possible U.S. missile strike on Syria might not be imminent. 'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!' Trump said. Investors digested mixed Chinese trade data for March. China's March exports fell an annual 2.7 percent in dollar terms to mark the first drop since February last year, while imports grew 14.4 percent, beating forecasts, customs data showed. In economic front, data from BusinessNZ showed that the manufacturing sector in New Zealand continued to expand in March, albeit at a slower pace, with a seasonally adjusted PMI score of 52.2. That's down from 53.3 in February, although it remains above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction. The aussie climbed to 4-week highs of 1.5808 against the euro and 0.7796 against the greenback, from its early lows of 1.5901 and 0.7751, respectively. The aussie is seen finding resistance around 1.56 against the euro and 0.79 against the greenback. The aussie strengthened to a 3-day high of 0.9802 against the loonie and more than a 4-week high of 83.93 versus the yen, coming off from its previous lows of 0.9756 and 83.14, respectively. If the aussie rises further, 0.99 and 86.00 are possibly seen as its next resistance levels against the loonie and the yen, respectively. The aussie advanced to a 4-day high of 1.0559 against the kiwi, from Thursday's closing value of 1.0507. On the upside, 1.07 is likely seen as the next resistance for the aussie. The New Zealand dollar firmed to near a 2-month high of 0.7392 against the greenback, more than 2-month high of 79.54 versus the yen and near a 3-month high of 1.6674 against the euro, reversing from its early lows of 0.7368, 79.09 and 1.6728, respectively. The next possible resistance for the kiwi is seen around 0.75 against the greenback, 81.00 versus the yen and 1.64 against the euro. Looking ahead, Eurozone trade data for February is due in the European session. In the New York session, Canada existing home sales for March and University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for April are scheduled for release. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Federated Investors, Inc. (FII) announced an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Hermes Fund Managers Limited, which operates Hermes Investment Management, from BT Pension Scheme. Upon closing, Federated will pay 246 million pounds to BTPS for a 60 percent interest in Hermes. BTPS will retain a 29.5 percent share in Hermes and will continue to invest in Hermes' strategies as a client. Certain members of Hermes' management will hold an aggregate 10.5 percent interest in Hermes. Hermes provides 16 differentiated strategies in high-active share equities, credit and private markets, including real estate, infrastructure and private equity, serving more than 550 clients through wholesale and institutional markets. Hermes' headquarters will remain in London, operating as a subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc. After completion of the transaction, Federated will have the opportunity to purchase and BTPS will have the option to sell additional shares of Hermes from BTPS over the next three to six years pursuant to certain put/call provisions. Federated Investors noted that the combined organization would have approximately $442.2 billion in assets under management. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. At the signing ceremony Tokyo, Japan / Karachi, Pakistan, Apr 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International Co,. Ltd (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., signed an agreement with 1LINK (Guarantee) Limited (1LINK) for co-badging of PayPak cards as per approval of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This signing ceremony was held on 28 March, 2018 at 1LINK's office. This agreement will allow 1LINK member banks to issue co-badged cards to those customers who seek both international and domestic spending convenience on one plastic.Co-badging is the inclusion of two payment schemes on the same card (PayPak and JCB), enabling functionality of two networks on one physical card. Domestic transactions for PayPak - JCB co-badged card will route via PayPak. PayPak-JCB card holders will be able to use their card internationally utilizing JCB's world-wide network.This alliance is the first co-badged PayPak agreement, enabling increased issuing of PayPak cards across the nation. 1LINK will be able to make PayPak - JCB a payment card of choice, capable to service customers on both international and domestic markets. In line with SBP Vision 2020, 1LINK is committed towards driving financial inclusion and enhancing PayPak's footprint internationally.Kimihisa Imada, President and COO of JCB International, said "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with PayPak. Card holders will be able to benefit from acceptance at around 30 million merchant locations and our extensive E-commerce network across the globe. We believe this will also help develop PayPak's domestic proposition."On the occasion Mr. Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO, 1LINK, said "With this strategic move, PayPak cards will now be accepted globally, which will give customers an economical option for usage abroad."About 1LINK Guarantee Limited1LINK (Guarantee) Limited, owned by a consortium of 11 banks, is the country's 1st PSO/PSP and largest switch and payment system, providing a host of valuable online banking services like ATM switching, Bills Payment, Inter Bank Funds Transfer, Fraud Risk Management, Switch Dispute Resolution, Global Payment Schemes, PayPak - Domestic Payment Scheme, etc. 1LINK is continuously evolving and adding new products and services to benefit the financial industry.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ContactAsad Zahid1Link Guarantee LimitedAssistant Manager - Global Payments Schemes Department1Link (Guarantee) LimitedTel: +92-21-111-115-465| Extension: 935 Direct: +92-21-35814935Email: muhammad.asad@1link.net.pkKumiko KidaJCB Co., Ltd.Assistant Vice President - Corporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jpSource: JCBCopyright 2018 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. ZWIJNDRECHT, Netherlands, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group has acquired the business of Ferrostaal Piping Supply, a German-Dutch pipe and tube trading company that primarily supplies the chemical, petrochemical and machine building segments. The acquisition takes effect on May 1, 2018. Ferrostaal Piping Supply, founded in 1953, specializes in the supply of pipes and piping materials, and operates in the chemical and petrochemical, the equipment and machine building, and trade segments. The company's head office is in Essen, Germany. The company primarily focuses on markets in Germany and the Benelux. In addition, Ferrostaal Piping Supply exports its products to various parts of the world. The company's annual turnover is more than 50 million and it employs approximately 40 persons. The activities of the Dutch branch of Ferrostaal Piping Supply will be carried out from existing Van Leeuwen companies. The Ferrostaal teams in Germany will operate as independent commercial teams, as part of Van Leeuwen's network. The company will retain its own name, employees and customer base that will benefit from Van Leeuwen's broader offering of products and services. Van Leeuwen's strategy is focused on further expanding and strengthening its leading market position in various industrial segments through means of acquisitions and autonomous growth. The acquisition represents an important expansion of Van Leeuwen's commercial network. Ferrostaal Piping Supply gives Van Leeuwen greater access to the German market, in particular the chemical and petrochemical segments, in which Van Leeuwen operates throughout the world. In addition, the acquisition provides an opportunity for further expanding the services provided to the machine building segment, a segment in which Van Leeuwen has successfully operated for many years in other European countries. Peter Rietberg, Chairman of the Management Board: "Through the addition of Ferrostaal Piping Supply to our network, we are in a position to especially serve the German market even better. This expansion of our global network offers benefits to our national and international customers, as well as our suppliers. Especially our customers in the German market in the chemical and petrochemical segments can now make optimal use of our expertise and specialisms relating to stocks, procurement, distribution and project management." Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is a globally operating trading company that specializes in steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. The company operates in nearly all industrial sectors. The company was founded in 1924. The Group has approximately forty branches spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. http://www.vanleeuwen.com Photos are available at this link. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2018) - Skyline Investments Inc. (TV: SKLN) is pleased to announce that Mr. Robert Waxman has joined Skyline as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") bringing with him over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and real estate. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Waxman was the Real Estate Practice leader for Deloitte's Finance Modernization & Effectiveness advisory group where he advised CFO clients on real estate operating efficiencies, financing, and capital markets. Previously Mr. Waxman held the CFO position at real estate company CHC Student Housing Group of Companies, which specializes in student housing real estate investments and prior to this was a senior investment professional at TD Newcrest, National Bank and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Waxman is a CPA in Canada and the US and also a Chartered Financial Analyst. "Robert's two decades of high-level industry experience makes him an ideal candidate for Skyline's CFO position" said Blake Lyon, Chief Executive Officer for Skyline Investments, "Mr. Waxman's expertise in all aspects of real estate operations, capital markets and focus on finance modernization will be an asset for the Company as we aim to fulfill Skyline's mid and long-term strategic plan, and position ourselves for the future." Skyline is further announcing that Vadim Shub, Skyline's current CFO, will assume the role of Executive Vice President ("EVP"). As EVP, Mr. Shub will work with Mr. Lyon on various strategic projects in the implementation of Skyline's growth plan. "Vadim's contribution to Skyline as CFO over the last decade cannot be overstated" says Blake Lyon, CEO of Skyline Investments, "Vadim assisted Skyline during its transition from a private to public company and the whole Company recognizes the essential CFO role he led in ensuring Skyline's continuous success and growth. We look forward to his continued contributions to Skyline as EVP." Skyline Investments Inc. is a Canadian company that specializes in hospitality real estate investments in Canada and the US. The Company owns 19 assets in Canada and the US with 3,180 hotel rooms under management spread over 18 cities, and development lands with rights for 3,000 residential units in three main areas north of Toronto, Canada. The Ontario, Canada company is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (ticker: SKLN) and is a reporting issuer under the securities laws of Ontario, Canada. For more information, please go to our website at www.skylineinvestments.com, or call Ben Novo-Shalem, Head of M&A and IR, at 416 368-2565 ex.2222; or go to the websites of the Ontario Securities Commission www.sedar.com or the Israeli securities regulator www.magna.isa.gov.il. Any forward-looking information is intended solely for the date to which it relates. Except for the undertaking to disclose information as required by the securities laws applicable to the Company, the Company does not undertake to update or modify any information contained in this notice, whether as a result of new information, future events or other reasons. Skyline Investments Inc. Blake Lyon Chief Executive Officer www.skylineinvestments.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2018) - Metals Creek Resources (TSXV: MEK) ("Metals Creek" or "the company") has completed an airborne EM/Mag survey comprising of 156.2 line kilometres, over the Great Brehat project on Newfoundland and Labrador's Great Northern Peninsula. The Great Brehat property is located on the Great Northern Peninsula near St. Anthony, Newfoundland. The MEK claims are contiguous to and located to the south and west of White Metal Resources Corp's Gunners Cove property which hosts a number of recent gold discoveries. This newly discovered mineralization is described as highly anomalous gold values over an approximately 15 sq km area, hosted in black graphitic shale units (See WHM-TSX.V PR dated November 20, 2017). The Metals Creek claims were staked to cover favorable geology similar to that of White Metal Resources Corp. Preliminary results from the recently completed airborne survey define a number of conductive zones, including a north-northwest striking large conductive anomaly that measures approximately 3 kilometers long and ranges from approximately 0.5 km to 1.5 km wide. The anomaly is interpreted as a strong bedrock conductor response and is possibly sourced by a graphitic and/or pyritic source similar to the host rocks at the Gunners Cove showings. The geophysical targets will be ground proofed as soon as possible (See Image 1). Alexander Stares, President and CEO of Metals Creek comments, "The results of this survey clearly define a very large conductive response as well as other conductive responses which will be the focus of follow-up prospecting and mapping." The company believes the Gunners Cove style of gold mineralization could potentially represent an important new discovery in a unique geological environment similar to other large gold deposits hosted in black shale environments around the world. Wayne Reid (PGeo) is a director of the company and is responsible for the preparation of this News Release. About Metals Creek Resources Corp. Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has a 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF) that stretches between Timmins, Ontario and Val d'Or, Quebec. Metals Creek also has an option agreement with Quadro Resources on Metals Creeks and Benton Resources Staghorn Gold Project in Newfoundland as well as two option agreements with Anaconda Mining Inc. on Metals Creek's Jacksons Arm and Tilt Cove Properties also in Newfoundland. The company have also signed a LOI on its Clarks Brook property with Sokoman Iron Corp. and is engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of other mineral resource properties, and presently has mining interests in Ontario, Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador including the recently acquired Great Brehat project on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO Metals Creek Resources Corp telephone: (709)-256-6060 fax: (709)-256-6061 email: astares@metalscreek.com MetalsCreek.com Twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes Facebook.com/MetalsCreek Image 1 To view an enhanced version of Image 1, please visit: http://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/943/34009_a1523565184907_81.jpg Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2018) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or "the Company") would like to provide an update on the Company's ongoing activities on the Great Northern Peninsula in Northern Newfoundland and Ontario. The Company has acquired two large land positions, the GNP and Cape Eagle projects, both being hosted in a black shale geological environment. Both projects are mapped by the Newfoundland government as having similar geology to that of White Metal Resources Corp's new discovery at their Gunners Cove project where they recently announced anomalous gold values over approximately a 15 sq-km area in black sedimentary shale units (see White Metal PR dated November 20, 2017). In addition, Benton's Cape Eagle project is adjacent to the east boundary of Altius Minerals Corporation's new Sail Pond discovery where Altius obtained grab samples up to 2,030 g/t silver, 7.08% copper, 9.40% lead, 2.54% antimony, 0.46 g/t gold on the property (see Altius Minerals Corporation website). Benton has now completed an airborne Electromagnetic ("EM") and Magnetic survey consisting of approximately 560 line-km, covering the GNP and the Cape Eagle projects and preliminary results have defined a number of conductive zones striking in a northward direction that measure up to 5 km in length. Some of these EM responses are associated with high magnetic anomalies. The Company believes some of the conductive responses are potentially associated with graphitic and/or pyritic sources similar to the host rocks at the Gunners Cove showings. Prospecting, mapping and geochemical sampling will begin as soon as weather permits. The Company believes that the Gunners Cove style of gold mineralization could potentially represent an important new discovery in a unique geological environment similar to other large gold deposits hosted in black shale environments around the globe. In addition, the Company would like to announce that it has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire the Bolton Bay project located 120 km west of Thunder Bay and is adjacent to the east boundary of Benton's Bark Lake project which is currently under option to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc. Benton will have the option to earn a 100% interest in Bolton Bay by making cash payments totaling $174,000 and by issuing 425,000 common shares over a period of 5 years following the execution of the LOI. The vendor will retain a 2% NSR which the Company can purchase 1% for $1 million and retains a right of first refusal to purchase the remaining 1% NSR. This agreement is subject to the Company receiving regulatory approval. The Bolton Bay project has the potential to host gold as well as copper-nickel-platinum-palladium mineralization of economic interest. Recent work completed by the vendor has identified mafic intrusive rock units similar to that hosting copper-nickel-platinum-palladium mineral-rich boulders found on the Bark Lake property. Historical work completed by Falconbridge and Inco Ltd. identified numerous mineralized zones across the property. Diamond drilling by Falconbridge in 1974 returned drilled intercepts of 0.13 oz/t gold over 23ft (4.46 g/t over 7.01m) including 0.288 oz/t gold over 10 feet (9.87 g/t over 3.05m). Recent logging activity in the area has provided excellent access to the mineralized zones where historically the project could only be accessed by boat or by air. Permitting for work on the project will be initiated shortly. About Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) Benton Resources Inc. is a well-funded Canadian-based project generator with a diversified property portfolio in Gold-Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. Benton holds multiple high grade projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's website. Interested parties can contact Stephen Stares from the contact below. Clinton Barr (P.Geo.), V.P. Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., is the qualified person responsible for this release has prepared, supervised the preparation or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc., "Stephen Stares" Stephen Stares, President THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections For further information contact Stephen Stares @: 684 Squier Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4A8 Phone (807)475-7474 Cell (807)474-9020 Fax (807)475-7200 www.bentonresources.ca sstares@bentonresources.ca Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2018) - American Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LI) (OTCQB: LIACF) (FSE: 5LA) (WKN: A2AHEL) ("American Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a forward share split on the basis of two common shares for every one common share currently outstanding. The board is of the view that the share split will provide a more attractive capital structure for ongoing financing efforts. Following completion of the share split, the Company will have approximately 35,730,672 common shares outstanding. Completion of the share split remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company will issue a further news release once such approval has been obtained and a record date determined for the share split. About American Lithium Corp. American Lithium is actively engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of lithium deposits in the United States. American Lithium holds options to acquire Nevada lithium brine claims totaling 22,332 acres (9,038 hectares), including 18,552 contiguous acres (7,508 hectares) in Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda county; and the 2,240-acre (907-hectare) San Emidio project in Washoe county. The Company's Fish Lake Valley lithium brine properties are located approximately 38 kilometres from Albemarle's Silver Peak, the largest lithium operation in the United States. For more information, please contact the Company at info@americanlithiumcorp.com or visit our website at www.americanlithiumcorp.com. On behalf of the Board, American Lithium Corp. Michael Kobler, Chief Executive Officer Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Statements in this release that are forward-looking information are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here. Information provided in this release is necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material information. All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by American Lithium management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include those described under the heading "Risks Factors" in American Lithium's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. BENGALURU, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Revenues from Digital offerings at $ 2.79 billion (25.5% of total revenues) for FY 18 which grew at 3.6% sequentially in Q4 in constant currency terms (25.5% of total revenues) for FY 18 which grew at 3.6% sequentially in Q4 in constant currency terms Entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WongDoody Holding Company, Inc., a US-based digital creative and consumer insights agency FY 18 revenues grew by 7.2% in USD terms, 5.8% in constant currency terms, with operating margins at 24.3% 1. Highlights of financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018 Q4 revenues grew year-on-year by 9.2% in USD terms; 6.4% in constant currency terms Q4 revenues grew sequentially by 1.8% in USD terms; 0.6 % in constant currency terms Q4 operating margin improved to 24.7% from 24.3% in Q3 18 Q4 Basic EPS at $0.26 ; year-on-year growth of 10.8% ; year-on-year growth of 10.8% FY 18 Basic EPS at $1.10 ; year-on-year growth of 17.8% ; year-on-year growth of 17.8% FY 18 Basic EPS of $1.10 includes positive impact of $0.09 from Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) with the US IRS concluded earlier in the year includes positive impact of from Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) with the US IRS concluded earlier in the year Board recommended a final dividend of INR 20.50 per share ( $0.31 per ADS*) and a special dividend of INR 10 per share ( $0.15 per ADS*) per ADS*) and a special dividend of INR 10 per share ( per ADS*) FY 19 revenue guidance in constant currency at 6%-8%; FY 19 operating margin range at 22%-24% *USD/INR exchange rate as at March 31, 2018 (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/610722/Infosys_Logo.jpg ) Financial Highlights Consolidated results under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 Revenues were $2,805 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 YoY growth of 9.2%; QoQ growth of 1.8% for the quarter ended YoY growth of 9.2%; QoQ growth of 1.8% Operating profit was $693 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 YoY growth of 9.3%; QoQ growth of 3.6% for the quarter ended YoY growth of 9.3%; QoQ growth of 3.6% Net profit was $571 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 YoY growth of 5.3%; QoQ decline of 28.2%; Q3 FY 18 net profits included positive impact of $225 million on account of conclusion of an APA with the US IRS for the quarter ended YoY growth of 5.3%; QoQ decline of 28.2%; Q3 FY 18 net profits included positive impact of on account of conclusion of an APA with the US IRS Basic EPS at $0.26 for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 Consolidated results under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the year ended March 31, 2018 Revenues were $10,939 million for the year ended March 31, 2018 YoY growth of 7.2% in reported terms; 5.8% in constant currency terms for the year ended YoY growth of 7.2% in reported terms; 5.8% in constant currency terms Operating profit was $2,659 million for the year ended March 31, 2018 YoY growth of 5.5% for the year ended YoY growth of 5.5% Net profit was $2,486 million for the year ended March 31, 2018 YoY growth of 16.2% FY 18 net profits included impact on account of conclusion of an APA with the US IRS "I am pleased with our healthy revenue growth, profitability, and cash generation in Q4. Our robust performance is a reflection of the strong impact we have with our clients and the dedication of our employees. 'Navigating Your Next' is our aspiration of how we will partner with each one of our clients," said Salil Parekh, CEO. "We will execute our strategy around the four pillars of Scaling our Agile Digital business which is today US$2.79 billion in revenue, Energizing our client's Core technology landscape via AI and automation, Re-skilling our employees, and Expanding our localization in markets such as US, Europe, and Australia." "Revenue productivity per employee was stable during the year as the benefits of automation and newer services kicked in. Employee utilization remained healthy," said Pravin Rao, COO. "During the quarter, we provided highest level of variable payouts in several years. We will be rolling out compensation increases for a large part of our workforce effective April 1st." "Our operating margins during the quarter and fiscal 2018 were resilient due to unwavering focus on productivity and operational efficiency, leading to a robust cash generation. During the year, the company implemented the capital allocation policy including the successful closure of $2 billion share buyback program in December 2017 and healthy increase in Dividend Per Share for the year," said M.D. Ranganath, CFO. "Our margin guidance reflects our emphasis on digital-led growth and focused investments in this journey." 2. Outlook for FY 2019 The Company's outlook (consolidated) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019, under IFRS is as follows: Revenues are expected to grow 6%-8% in constant currency*; Revenues are expected to grow 7%-9% in USD terms based on the exchange rates as of March 31, 2018 ** *FY 18 constant currency rates - AUD/USD - 0.78; Euro/USD - 1.18; GBP/USD - 1.33 **Currency rates as of March 31, 2018 - AUD/USD - 0.77; Euro/USD - 1.24; GBP/USD - 1.42 3. Capital Allocation The Board, in its meeting on April 13, 2018, reviewed and approved the Capital Allocation Policy of the Company after taking into consideration the strategic and operational cash requirements of the Company in the medium term. The key aspects of the Capital Allocation Policy are: The Board has decided to retain the current policy of returning upto 70 % of the free cash flow of the corresponding Financial Year in such manner, as may be decided by the Board from time to time, subject to applicable laws and requisite approvals, if any. Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditure as per the consolidated statement of cash flows prepared under IFRS. Dividend payout includes Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT). In addition to the above, out of the cash on the Balance Sheet, the Board has identified an amount of upto INR 13,000 crores ( $2 billion *) to be paid to shareholders in the following manner: A special dividend of INR 10 per share ( $0.15 per ADR*) resulting in a payout of approximately INR 2,600 crore (approximately $400 million *) in June 2018 Identified an amount of upto approximately INR 10,400 crore (approximately $1,600 million *) to be paid out to shareholders for the Financial Year 2019, in such a manner, to be decided by the Board, subject to applicable laws and requisite approvals, if any. Further announcements in this regard will be made, as appropriate, in due course. *USD/INR exchange rate at 65.00 4. Dividend Payout For the Financial Year 2018, the Board recommended a final dividend of INR 20.50 per share ($0.31 per ADR) amounting to INR 5,349 crore ($821 million) including DDT. After including the interim dividend of INR 13 per share, the total dividend for Financial Year 2018 will amount to INR 33.50 per share resulting in a payout of INR 8,771 crore ($1,349 million) including DDT, which will amount to approximately 70% of free cash flow for the Financial Year 2018. The total dividend of INR 33.50 per share is approximately 30% higher than total dividend of INR 25.75 per share for Financial Year 2017. The aggregate dividend including the special dividend of INR 10 per share ($0.15 per ADR) works out to INR 43.50 per share ($0.67 per ADR) resulting in an aggregate dividend payout of approximately INR 11,371 crore (approximately $1,749 million), including DDT. 5. Lead Independent Director The Board appointed Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Independent Director as the Lead Independent Director of the Board. 6. Acquisition On April 13, 2018, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WongDoody Holding Company, Inc., a US-based digital creative and consumer insights agency for a total consideration of up to $75 million including contingent consideration and retention payouts, subject to regulatory approvals and fulfillment of closing conditions. 7. Review of Subsidiaries In the quarter ended March 31, 2018, on conclusion of a strategic review of its portfolio of businesses, the Company initiated identification and evaluation of potential buyers for its subsidiaries, Kallidus and Skava (together referred to as "Skava") and Panaya (collectively referred to as the "disposal group"). The Company anticipates completion of the sale by March 2019 and accordingly, assets amounting to INR 2,060 crore ($316 million) and liabilities amounting to INR 324 crore ($50 million) in respect of the disposal group have been reclassified and presented as "held for sale". On reclassification, an impairment loss of INR 118 crore ($18 million) in respect of Panaya has been recognized in the consolidated profit and loss for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018. The corresponding write down in the investment value of Panaya in the standalone financial statements of Infosys Ltd. is INR 589 crore ($90 million). About Infosys Ltd. Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to create and execute strategies for their digital transformation. From engineering to application development, knowledge management and business process management, we help our clients find the right problems to solve, and to solve these effectively.Our team of 200,000+ innovators, across the globe, is differentiated by the imagination, knowledge and experience, across industries and technologies that we bring to every project we undertake. Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise thrive in the digital age. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release, including those concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations, the amount and timing of future dividends and other potential future payments to shareholders, and the intent to identify potential buyers for Skava and Panaya and the anticipated timing to complete such sales, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited those relating to risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry, capital allocation policy and the ability and timing to identify buyers for Skava and Panaya and to successfully complete such sales. Additional risks that could cause actual results to differ materially are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Infosys Limited and subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at (Dollars in millions except equity share data) March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 3.041 3,489 Current investments 982 1,538 Trade receivables 2,016 1,900 Unbilled revenue 654 562 Prepayments and other current assets 662 749 Derivative financial instruments 2 44 7,357 8,282 Assets held for sale (4) 316 - Total current assets 7,673 8,282 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 1,863 1,807 Goodwill 339 563 Intangible assets 38 120 Investment in associate - 11 Non-current investments 883 984 Deferred income tax assets 196 83 Income tax assets 931 881 Other non-current assets 332 123 Total non-current assets 4,582 4,572 Total assets 12,255 12,854 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Trade payables 107 57 Derivative financial instruments 6 - Current income tax liabilities 314 599 Client deposits 6 5 Unearned revenue 352 274 Employee benefit obligations 218 209 Provisions 75 63 Other current liabilities 1,036 954 2,114 2,161 Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale(4) 50 - Total current liabilities 2,164 2,161 Non-current liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities 82 32 Employee benefit obligations 7 - Other non-current liabilities 42 24 Total liabilities 2,295 2,217 Equity Share capital- INR 5 ($0.16) par value 2,400,000,000 (2,400,000,000) equity shares authorized, issued and outstanding 2,173,312,301 (2,285,655,150), net of 10,801,956 (11,289,514) treasury shares as at March 31, 2018 (March 31, 2017), respectively 190 199 Share premium 247 587 Retained earnings 11,587 12,190 Cash flow hedge reserve - 6 Other reserves 244 - Capital redemption reserve 9 - Other components of equity (2,317) (2,345) Total equity attributable to equity holders of the company 9.960 10,637 Non-controlling interests - - Total equity 9,960 10,637 Total liabilities and equity 12,255 12,854 Infosys Limited and subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Dollars in millions except share and per equity share data) Three months Three months Year ended Year ended ended March ended March March 31, March 31, 31, 2018 31, 2017 2018 2017 Revenues 2,805 2,569 10,939 10,208 Cost of sales 1,793 1,614 7,001 6,446 Gross profit 1,012 955 3,938 3,762 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing expenses 147 133 552 535 Administrative expenses 172 188 727 707 Total operating expenses 319 321 1,279 1,242 Operating profit 693 634 2,659 2,520 Other income, net[(4)(5)] 82 112 495 459 Share in net profit/(loss) of associate, including impairment[(6)] - (4) (11) (5) Profit before income taxes 775 742 3,143 2,974 Income tax expense[(3)] 204 199 657 834 Net profit[(3)] 571 543 2,486 2,140 Other comprehensive income Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Re-measurements of the net defined benefit liability/asset, net 6 3 9 (7) Cumulative impact on reversal of unrealized gain on quoted debt securities on adoption of IFRS 9 - - - (5) Equity instruments through other comprehensive income, net 1 (1) 1 (1) Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Fair valuation of investments, net (2) (2) - (2) Fair value changes on derivatives designated as cash flow hedge, net - 2 (6) 6 Foreign currency translation (164) 441 18 198 Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax (159) 443 22 189 Total comprehensive income 412 986 2,508 2,329 Profit attributable to: Owners of the Company 571 543 2,486 2,140 Non-controlling interests - - - - 571 543 2,486 2,140 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Owners of the Company 412 986 2,508 2,329 Non-controlling interests - - - - 412 986 2,508 2,329 Earnings per equity share[(3)] Basic ($) 0.26 0.24 1.10 0.94 Diluted ($) 0.26 0.24 1.10 0.94 Weighted average equity shares used in computing earnings per equity share Basic 217,32,77,060 228,56,54,881 225,53,32,322 228,56,39,447 Diluted 217,48,08,512 228,66,52,003 225,75,73,870 2,28,63,96,745 NOTES: The unaudited condensed consolidated Balance sheets and Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months and year ended March 31, 2018 have been taken on record at the Board meeting held on April 13, 2018 A Fact Sheet providing the operating metrics of the Company can be downloaded from http://www.infosys.com. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017 , on account of the conclusion of an Advance Pricing Agreement ("APA") with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), the Company has, in accordance with the APA, reversed income tax expense provision of $225 million which pertains to previous periods which are no longer required. Consequently, profit for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 and the year ended March 31, 2018 has increased and therefore has led to an increase in Basic earnings per equity share by $0.10 for quarter ended December 31, 2017 and $0.09 for the year ended March 31, 2018 . In the quarter ended March 2018 , on conclusion of a strategic review of the portfolio businesses, the Company initiated identification and evaluation of potential buyers for its subsidiaries, Kallidus and Skava (together referred to as "Skava") and Panaya (collectively referred to as the "disposal group"). The Company anticipates completion of the sale by March 2019 and accordingly, assets amounting to $316 million and liabilities amounting to $50 million in respect of the disposal group have been reclassified as "held for sale". On reclassification, the disposal group has been measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell and consequently, an impairment loss of $18 million in respect of Panaya has been recognized in the consolidated profit and loss for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018 . The disposal group does not constitute a separate major component of the company and therefore has not been classified as discontinued operations Other income includes $41 million towards interest on income tax refund for the year ended March 31, 2018 During the year ended March 31, 2018 , the Company has written down the entire carrying value of the investment in its associate DWA Nova LLC amounting to $11 million . The write-down in the carrying value of investment in associate DWA Nova LLC during the quarter and year ended March 31, 2017 was $3 million. IFRS-INR Press Release: https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2017-2018/q4/Documents/IFRS-INR-press-release.pdf Fact Sheet: https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2017-2018/q4/Documents/fact-sheet.pdf Contacts: Investor Relations Sandeep Mahindroo +91-80-3980-1018 Sandeep_Mahindroo@infosys.com Media Relations Sarah Vanita Gideon +91-80-4156-3998 Sarah_Gideon@infosys.com Chiku Somaiya +1-408-375-2722 Chiku.Somaiya@infosys.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2018) - Alliance Growers Corp. (CSE: ACG; FWB: 1LA; WKN: A2DFYX) ("Alliance Growers" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has expanded its binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with WFS Pharmagreen Inc. ("Pharmagreen"), and its proposed subsidiary BC New Co, to create a strategic relationship, together with equity participation by Alliance Growers and Pharmagreen, whereby Alliance Growers will acquire a 30% non-dilutive equity interest in Pharmagreen's subsidiary BC New Co (the "Proposed Transaction"). The binding LOI was first reported in a news release dated December 28, 2017. The expansion will see the Cannabis Botany Centre expand from a 40,000 sq. ft facility with 20,000 of finished floor space to a semi-automated 58,000 sq. ft facility with all finished floor space. The upgraded design can be expanded from the main building in all direction and the new semi-automated functions for upscale production. The projected cost of the building is $15 Million Cdn and the projected annual plantlet production is 10 Million, a significant increase over the previous estimated production of 3 Million. The plantlets are anticipated to sell for a price of $5 per unit for $50 Million in gross revenues, while the cost per plantlet is anticipated at $1 Cdn. The projected annual profit $40 Million Cdn. The execution of this expanded LOI, to be followed by a formal Definitive Agreement, furthers the development of the Cannabis Botany Centre that Alliance and Pharmagreen have been working on for nearly one and a half years. Pharmagreen principals have purchased the land required to build the Cannabis Botany Centre East of Mission, BC (the "Land"). The Land will be leased to own to BC New Co. Under the new expanded terms of the LOI, Alliance Growers will purchase up to 30% of BC New Co Shares for total consideration of $4.5 Million within the next nine months. Alliance Growers will derive its proportionate amount of net revenue and resulting cash flow from the facility for its 30% interest. Alliance Growers will elect one of the three Directors of BC New Co, the company that will build and operate the Cannabis Botany Centre to permit the growth and sale of tissue culture plantlets, and storage of strains and nursery plants to wholesale, retail and medical markets. The development of the Cannabis Botany Centre is consistent with Alliance Growers business plan to be in partnership with a range of cannabis sector business opportunities including strategic investments in ACMPR licensed cannabis producers. Alliance Growers has already acquired interests in two ACMPR applicants, most notably 100% of BiocannaTech, a late-stage ACMPR applicant based in Quebec and Canwe, a private company based in Ontario that has applied for its ACMPR license and is currently in the review and security clearance stage. Commenting on the development of the Cannabis Botany Centre, Dennis Petke, Alliance Growers' President and CEO, noted "We anticipate breaking ground in the very near future and are truly excited to be creating Canada's first high-tech Cannabis Botany Centre. We will be fast tracking the build to shorten our timeline to receive approval for an ACMPR application. Consummating the Cannabis Botany Centre deal with Pharmagreen is a bell weather milestone in the Company's business plan. It represents the beginning of the execution of multiple initiatives that Alliance Growers has been developing over the last year. In December of 2017 and into January of 2018, Alliance Growers secured funding of over $1M from a private placement and the exercise of warrants and options. Following a small financing in April and a larger financing in May of between $5 and $10 Million, the Company will be financing the "initial build stage" of BiocannaTech, executing on additional acquisitions of interests in ACMPR applicants, development of the Canna-App and finalization of its Pharmaceutical Grade CDB Oil partnership with an Israeli Medical Cannabis Company as well as further development of the Botany Centre. The Company has received significant strong interest in financings and we will be announcing the details in the coming weeks". About Alliance Growers Alliance Growers is a diversified cannabis company driven by the Company's 'Four Pillars' Organization Plan - Cannabis Botany Centre, Strategic ACMPR Investments, CBD Oil Supply and Distribution, and Research and Development. Alliance Growers has finalized its a new business partnership with WFS Pharmagreen Inc., to jointly develop and operate a 40,000-square foot facility to be the first of its kind in Western Canada to house a DNA Botany lab, extraction facility and Tissue Culture Plantlet Production facility to service the Cannabis market and agriculture market in general. The proposed Cannabis Botany Centre will grow Cannabis plantlets using proprietary tissue culture propagation, specifically the "Chibafreen Invitro Plant Production System", which assures consistent composition and purity of each plantlet for the growers. Alliance Growers has entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire a late stage licensed producer applicant, Biocannatech, to become a licensed producer under Health Canada's access to cannabis for medical purposes regulations ("ACMPR") in Quebec. Alliance Growers will supply financing and resources to build out the medical marijuana facility in preparation for the inspection required to obtain a growing license. Once Health Canada is satisfied with a successful crop, Alliance Growers will be granted its distribution license. This acquisition allows the Company an opportunity to become a licensed producer in the Province of Quebec and gain an in-road to provide tissue culture plantlets to all licensed producers in Quebec. Further, Alliance Growers has been negotiating to obtain other exclusive Canadian distribution agreements for certain proprietary products for support of the Cannabis growing industry in addition to possible partnerships with Licensed Producer Applicants at various stages in the Health Canada License process. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.alliancegrowers.com or the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. If you would like to be added to Alliance Growers' news distribution list, please send your email address to newsletter@alliancegrowers.com On behalf of the board of directors of ALLIANCE GROWERS CORP. "Dennis Petke" Dennis Petke President and CEO For more information contact: Dennis Petke Tel: 778-331-4266 DennisPetke@alliancegrowers.com Rob Grace Communications Consultant Tel: 778-998-5431 RobDGrace@gmail.com THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, the news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to Company's corporate strategy. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company, including, without limitation, the Company's ability to carry out its business plan. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to identify and complete additional suitable acquisitions to further the Company's growth as well as risks associated with the medical marijuana industry in general, such as operational risks in development and production delays or changes in plans with respect to development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of the capital markets; the uncertainty of receiving the required licenses, production, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental risks; competition; incorrect assessment of the value of the potential market; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and regulated regulations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, timelines and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the Canadian Securities Exchange. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. PALO ALTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 13, 2018 / Today CarSmartt, (OTC PINK: CRSM), Vito Visconti, COO of CarSmartt and CEO of Mining Boys, its new acquisition engaged in retail sales of mining servers, is pleased to announce that Mining Boys has introduced a new application, POSoBIT. Mining Boys has begun the following marketing campaign initially in Miami Beach, Florida: Vito Visconti stated, "By signing up to our POSoBIT program you will receive a package with stickers, a tablet PC with an application which enables your business to accept a wide range of cryptocurrencies. The cost for each customer to enroll in POSoBIT program will be $259.00 as down payment and a $20 fee a month for marketing. Our sales associates will explain in detail how to use and receive Bitcoin. Your business will be displayed on our POSoBit web portal as bitcoin-friendly and joining will be an addition to our social media marketing plan with picture and reviews which, will facilitate driving customers to your business door. We believe any business that is not acknowledging the importance of cryptocurrency in today's retail market will be losing the opportunity to access a continuously growing network of customers. Bitcoin is increasingly becoming "mainstream", by the day in commerce. It is a fact! Bitcoin is the currency of the future and it can bring businesses a great positive outcome since it also presents an incredible potential to greatly reduce costs associated with payment transactions. We believe the major benefits of utilizing our POSoBIT application to integrate Cryptocurrency as a payment method are: (1) Lower Transaction fees: Bitcoin can reduce credit card processing fees to less than 1 percent (2) Fraud Prevention: Bitcoin provides a level of identity-theft protection that credit cards and other banking services are simply not able to offer. Once you receive payment, it will never be disputed. (3) No Chargebacks: Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, so it automatically prevents having chargebacks or returns, like what happens with credit cards and other banking transactions. (4) Faster Payments: Having funds immediately available is critical for the survival of many small businesses. Accepting Bitcoin payments have the ability to put funds immediately available much faster than with credit card payments." Vito reveals today the new website for its POSoBIT application, http://www.posobit.com. Mining Boys kicks of its POSoBIT Tablet PC with its three (3) initial sales representatives in Miami Beach, Florida. About CarSmartt CarSmartt Inc. is a startup company of the revolutionary APP.CARSMARTT.COM a ride-sharing concept located in Palo Alto CA. (Silicon Valley), at CarSmartt we aim to make long distance traveling safer and more affordable while connecting with people along the way. CarSmartt members can choose to share a ride or ship a package with the option of applying insurance coverage. All CarSmartt drivers are subject to a background check to reassure the safety of passengers. CarSmartt is currently now active in the USA, Italy, Mexico and Colombia. However, our company will soon continue to expand to Europe, Canada and Latin America. About Mining Boys, Inc. Mining boys, Inc. is the first retail store of Mining servers in USA, a privately held Florida corporation with its retail location at 531 Jefferson Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, http://www.miningboys.com. Mining boys retail operations sell, own and host bitcoin mining servers. The Company has both retail and its own mining servers and receives profit from its retail sales and recurring revenue from its hosting facility in Georgia and Florida. POSoBIT is owned by Mining Boys, Inc. CONTACT CarSmartt 228 Hamilton Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Website: http://www.carsmartt.com Phone: 650-460-7416 Email: ir@carsmartt.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT Statements in this press release that are not historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although CARSMARTT, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, CARSMARTT, Inc. is unable to give any assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include the company's ability to meet the conditions necessary to, among other matters, obtain a public listing on a major national exchange. SOURCE: CarSmartt Two Innocent Lives, Alfie Evans and Vincent Lambert, Sentenced to Death by European Courts Contact: Tom Shakely, Executive Director, Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network, 855-300-4673, tshakely@lifeandhope.com PHILADELPHIA, April 13, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Alfie Evans, a precious infant with an undiagnosed condition requiring a ventilator. Vincent Lambert, a disabled non-terminal adult who simply needs assisted food and water. European courts have ruled in two separate decisions that both Alfie and Vincent are to die. Alfie, by court order to physicians to deny oxygen to the infant against the parents wishes. Vincent, by court order to deny him food and water, starving him to death at the request of his wife. Vincent faces almost precisely the same fate as Terri Schiavo did. To some, it might seem strange that some of the only voices for sanity in either case have come from the Catholic community. First, in Alfie's case, the offer to take the child and care for him in a Vatican hospital. And second, in Vincent's case, where Elio Sgreccia, a cardinal and bioethicist who defended Terri many years ago, is again pointing out the potential for recovery, this time for Vincent to recover from his present condition. He has stated clearly that Vincent "is not terminally ill and may still live a long time when treated with care." Denying Vincent food and water would be a violation of the man's basic human rights, Sgreccia plainly says. "What we are witnessing is the increasing power of a global euthanasia mentality," reflected Bobby Schindler, President of the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network. "Those who advocated for so-called 'limited' or 'reasonable' allowances for euthanasia in certain instances, or for assisted suicide, know that inevitably the 'limits' fall away once the primary reason for euthanasia captures the minds of a culture. And that primary reason is, in essence, the attitude that we need a way to remove undesirable persons whom those in power decide have a 'quality of life' insufficient to justify their existence." "In practice," warned Schindler, "the right to euthanasia will always be primarily a right for the state to euthanatize its most vulnerable citizens." The Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network upholds human dignity through service to the medically vulnerable. Share Tweet PUNE, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Unified Monitoring Market by Component (Solutions and Services), Deployment Type (On-Premises and Cloud), Organization Size, Vertical (BFSI, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Telecommunications & ITES, Manufacturing), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets', the market size is expected to grow from USD 3.32 Billion in 2018 to USD 11.10 Billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.3% during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse68 market data Tables and34 Figures spread through 133 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Unified Monitoring Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/unified-monitoring-market-308337.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The growth of the Unified Monitoring Market is driven by many factors, such as increasing complexities in applications, applications running on the dynamic IT environment, reduced time to resolve issues, and increasing need to efficiently manage the security and performance of the IT infrastructure. With the increase in the adoption rate of Internet of Things (IoT) and big data among enterprises, the Unified Monitoring Market is expected to gain a major traction during the forecast period. Solution component is expected to hold a larger market share during the forecast period Unified monitoring solution provides an integrated view of the activities and performance of resources by using monitoring tools for evaluating, monitoring, and managing services, applications, and infrastructure. It provides several features, such as full visibility across the cloud/virtual or on-premises environment, elimination of blind spots, and early detection of issues and vulnerabilities. Moreover, unified monitoring solutions are built for organizations of all sizes, and as business activities increase, the monitoring tools can scale simultaneously. Unified monitoring helps organizations in reducing their operational expenditure. These advantages are expected to spur the demand for unified monitoring solutions. Inquiry Before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=308337 On-premises deployment type is estimated to hold a larger market size in 2018 The on-premises deployment type is the traditional approach of implementing unified monitoring solutions. It provides enterprises complete control over their platforms, applications, systems, and data, and these can be handled and managed by organizations' internal IT staff. The government and BFSI verticals prefer the on-premises deployment type, as enterprises in these verticals cannot put the confidential data of the nation at risk, by losing complete control over sensitive data, financial records, accounting information, and money transaction information. Large enterprises segment is expected to hold a larger market size during the forecast period Large enterprises are defined as business entities with more than 1,000 employees. The adoption rate of unified monitoring solutions and services by large enterprises is high and is expected to continue during the forecast period. Large enterprises have dedicated in-house IT resources with large IT budgets, hence they can consider a variety of cloud and non-cloud unified monitoring strategies. Additionally, they have a global presence, high market shares, technical expertise, and effective business strategies. Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) vertical is estimated to hold the largest market size in 2018 Financial service firms focus more on how to engage, sell, and serve their customers across all channels and connected devices. Using unified monitoring solutions and services, financial institutions can seamlessly serve their customers across all channels, including the web and mobile devices. The BFSI vertical offers significant opportunities for the growth of the Unified Monitoring Market, as complex enterprise applications create the need for tracking all IT infrastructure processes, the deployment environment, and the performance of applications. Enterprises in the BFSI vertical are concerned about data security and privacy issues. This vertical can access better security features through the enhanced security tools that accompany unified monitoring solutions and services. North America region is estimated to hold the largest market size in 2018 North America is estimated to hold the largest market size in 2018, while APAC is projected to be the fastest-growing region. North America is a matured market in terms of technology adoption, due to various factors, such as standards regulation, advanced IT infrastructure, presence of many enterprises, and the availability of proficient technical expertise. The US and Canada are expected to contribute to the growth of the Unified Monitoring Market in North America. The major vendors providing unified monitoring solutions and services include Dynatrace (US), CA Technologies (US), AppDynamics (US), Zenoss (US), Zoho Corporation (US), Opsview (UK), GroundWork Open Source (US), and Fata Informatica (Italy), Acronis (Europe), and Paessler (Europe). Know more about the Unified Monitoring Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/unified-monitoring-market-308337.html About MarketsandMarkets' MarketsandMarkets' provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets' for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets' are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets' now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets' is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets' INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/telecom-it Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets Regulatory News: United Company RUSAL Plc (Paris:RUSAL) (Paris:RUAL): Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement. UNITED COMPANY RUSAL PLC (Incorporated under the laws of Jersey with limited liability) (Stock Code: 486) UPDATE ON MANDATE IN RELATION TO THE POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OR DISPOSAL OF SHARES IN NORILSK NICKEL PURSUANT TO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH INTERROS Following the inclusion of the Company into the Specifically Designated Nationals List issued by OFAC, US Treasury, the Company will not proceed to seek the shareholders' Mandate for the Board in respect of a Potential Shoot Out Transaction at the current time. Reference is made to the announcements of the Company dated 23 February 2018 and 9 April 2018 (the "Announcements"). Unless the context otherwise requires, capitalised terms shall have the same meanings as those defined in the Announcements. In the announcement of the Company dated 23 February 2018, the Company proposed to seek the approval of Shareholders, at the EGM by way of poll, of a Mandate which would authorise the Board to effect the Potential Shoot Out Transaction as and when appropriate. It was intended that such Mandate would facilitate the Company in its initiation of, or response to, an offer under a potential Shoot Out (a dispute resolution mechanism under the Agreement dated 10 December 2012 to deal with potential deadlocks or disagreement between the Company and Whiteleave) which would enable the Company or Whiteleave to buy out the other's Norilsk Nickel Shares after expiry of the Lock-up period. The Potential Shoot Out Transaction resulting therefrom could constitute a very substantial acquisition or very substantial disposal for the Company (depending on the results of the Shoot Out) under Chapter 14 of the Listing Rules, and it was expected that a circular containing details of the Potential Shoot Out Transaction would be despatched to Shareholders on or before 30 April 2018. Following the inclusion of the Company into the Specifically Designated Nationals List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the Department of the Treasury of the United States of America ("US Treasury"), the Company believes that it would not be in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole to seek a Mandate in respect of a Potential Shoot Out Transaction at the current time. The Company will continue to monitor the position and may determine to proceed with seeking the Mandate as and when appropriate in the future should it consider that doing so would be in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. Shareholders and potential investors should exercise extreme caution when dealing in the securities of the Company. By Order of the Board of Directors of United Company RUSAL Plc Aby Wong Po Ying Company Secretary 13 April 2018 As at the date of this announcement, the executive Directors are Mr. Vladislav Soloviev and Mr. Siegfried Wolf, the non-executive Directors are Mr. Oleg Deripaska, Mr. Maxim Sokov, Mr. Dmitry Afanasiev, Ms. Gulzhan Moldazhanova, Ms. Olga Mashkovskaya, Ms. Ekaterina Nikitina and Mr. Marco Musetti, and the independent non-executive Directors are Mr. Matthias Warnig (Chairman), Dr. Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Mr. Mark Garber, Mr. Dmitry Vasiliev and Mr. Bernard Zonneveld. All announcements and press releases published by the Company are available on its website under the links http://www.rusal.ru/en/investors/hkse/,http://rusal.ru/investors/info/moex/ and http://www.rusal.ru/en/press-center/press-releases.aspx, respectively. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005425/en/ Contacts: United Company RUSAL Plc Regulatory News: Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) will host a live audio webcast at www.pmi.com/2018Q1earnings on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss its 2018 First-Quarter results, which will be issued at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET the same day. During the webcast, Martin King, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss PMI's results and answer questions from the investment community and news media. The webcast will be in a listen-only mode. The audio webcast may also be accessed on iOS or Android devices by downloading PMI's free Investor Relations Mobile Application at www.pmi.com/irapp. An archived copy of the webcast will be available until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 18, 2018, at www.pmi.com/2018Q1earnings Slides and script will also be available at www.pmi.com/2018Q1earnings. Philip Morris International: Who We Are We are a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products in markets outside the United States of America. We're building our future on smoke-free products that are a much better consumer choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities and scientific substantiation, we aim to ensure that our smoke-free products meet adult consumer preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. Our vision is that these products ultimately replace cigarettes to the benefit of adult smokers, society, our company and our shareholders. For more information, see www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005455/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations: New York: +1 (917) 663 2233 Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4666 or Media: Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4500 Regulatory News: Getlink(Paris:GET): Today, Friday 13 April, the Group has finalised the internal reorganisation of its corporate legal structure, initiated in 2015 with the removal of two monoline credit enhancers. Groupe Eurotunnel SE (Getlink) has transferred, by means of a share contribution, its holdings in the two Concessionaires (FM SA and CTG Ltd) to Eurotunnel Holding SAS in order to ring-fence the activities of the Fixed Link inside this sub-holding company, thereby separating them from the other activities of the Group, including Europorte (rail freight), ElecLink (electrical interconnector between the UK and France) and property development. This internal re-organisation does not involve any change of control. The new structure reflects the operational organisation of the Group. The Concessionaire companies, France Manche SA and The Channel Tunnel Group Ltd, which were previously direct subsidiaries of Groupe Eurotunnel SE, are now held by Eurotunnel Holding SAS which becomes the holding company of all Channel Tunnel activity. The objective of this re-organisation of the corporate structure is to ensure a separation between the Eurotunnel debt linked to the Concessionaire businesses and the rest of the Group, thereby enhancing the future financing flexibility of the Group. Consequently, the Moody's rating (Baa2) will from now on relate to the CLEF bonds guaranteed by the sub-group, Eurotunnel Holding SAS, and not to the whole Group. GROUPE EUROTUNNEL S.E. European Company with a capital of 220,000,009.70 3 rue La Boetie 75008 Paris, France 483 385 142 RCS Paris View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005481/en/ Contacts: Getlink Contacts For UK media enquiriescontact John Keefe on 44 (0) 1303 284491 press@getlinkgroup.com or For other media enquiries contact Anne-Laure Descleves on +33(0)1 4098 0467 or For investor enquiries contact Jean-Baptiste Roussille on +33 (0)1 40 98 04 81 jean-baptiste.roussille@getlinkgroup.com or Michael Schuller on +44 (0) 1303 288749 Michael.schuller@getlinkgroup.com RenewSys India has filed an application before the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties for the imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of 'Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Sheet for Solar Module' from China PR, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Thailand. RenewSys India Pvt Ltd, who is the most significant producer of the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) films in India, has supported its petition with the letters from Vishakha Renewables Pvt Ltd and Allied Glasses Pvt Ltd, who are also the producers of the same goods. EVA is the polymer-based component used for encapsulation ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. 1549: Interfax reports Russian government has proof of the UK's role in "organising provocations" by militants involving chemical weapons in Syria's eastern Ghouta. 1500: The University of Michigan's preliminary reading on its consumer confidence gauge for April has printed at 97.8, which was down from 101.4 at the end of the previous month, leaving economists divided. With a positive take on the data, Capital Economics says that: "[the] index remains at a high level by past standards and ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Optus, the second largest telecom company in Australia, has issued an apology after it posted a job ad on Thursday seeking 'Anglo Saxon' candidates. The company had posted advertisement searching for a retail assistant to work at one of its stores near Sydney. Under preferred, the company wrote it was looking for candidates who are Anglo Saxon and live near to Neutral Bay. 'Fantastic opportunity for those seeking a career in retail and sales,' the ad also said. Optus took down the ad and apologized after the ad created a huge storm of criticism on social media. 'This is an error and completely unacceptable and a clear breach of our advertising standards and our commitment to equal opportunity,' Vaughan Paul, the company's vice president of human resources, said in a statement. 'Optus proudly supports diversity and employs staff representing more than 70 nationalities,' said Paul. 'We've removed the advert and will be investigating how this occurred with a view of taking disciplinary action to those who were involved.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The UN mission, known by the acronym Minusca, says it launched the military operation after residents complained about extortion and violence by the armed group. The U.N. said a Rwandan peacekeeper was killed and eight others were wounded Tuesday during "an exchange of fire with armed elements" for several hours in the capital, Bangui. The incident also coincided with a visit to the vehicle by UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Smail Chergui. On Wednesday, demonstrators calling for an end to violence put 17 bodies outside the United Nations building in Bangui. But a statement by Central African Republic's defense minister said the country's armed forces had not been involved. They shouted and carried improvised signs as armed peacekeepers stood before the entrance to the fortified compound. "Here are the dead, which we have brought here", one man said. A self-styled Muslim militia is based there, purporting to protect residents. "Yesterday they killed lots of people". United Nations troops and the local Red Cross team later removed the bodies. Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), which operates one of the main hospitals in Bangui, said it had treated more than 40 people for gunshot wounds on Tuesday. It deplores the fact that this violence resulted in civilian casualties. In a statement late on Tuesday MINUSCA said that Rwandan peacekeepers had come under attack. France condemns in the strongest possible terms the attacks and violence perpetrated against MINUSCA and Central African security forces jointly engaged since April 8 in an operation to disarm and arrest criminal gangs in Bangui's 3rd arrondissement. FREMONT, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 13, 2018 / Textmunication Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: TXHD), a cloud-based mobile SMS marketing platform provider, has been recognized among an elite group of companies featured in the Digital Marketing special edition of CIOReview magazine. "We are excited to announce Textmunication in our annual ranking list of "20 Most Promising Digital Marketing Solution Providers 2018," said Jeevan George, Managing Editor of CIOReview "This recognition will bring more visibility to Textmunication and positive attention from companies looking for an exciting digital marketing solution." In today's economic environment, businesses are looking for cost-effective, proven ways to reach current and new customers, boost sales and increase the bottom line. Textmunication provides a cutting-edge mobile marketing solution helping clients grow revenues and increase ROI. With a powerful yet intuitive suite of services, businesses can reach more customers faster and fine-tune their mobile advertising strategy to achieve the best results. Textmunication's mobile marketing platform named "Smart Automated Messaging" (SAM), provides businesses all over the country a robust and effective tool to better communicate with their customers with 97% read-rates. About Textmunication Holdings, Inc. Textmunication is an online mobile marketing platform service provider that helps health clubs and martial arts studios communicate with their members by allowing them to build loyalty, engage member retention, and create new business through a non-intrusive, value added medium. Textmunication connects members to the content they desire through any mobile device for health clubs and studio events, as well as promotions. Clients can send the most up-to-date offers, discounts, member alerts, events, PT schedules, or any other personalized campaign. www.textmunication.com About CIOReview Published from Fremont, California, CIOReview is a print magazine that explores and understands the plethora of ways adopted by firms to execute the smooth functioning of their businesses. A distinguished panel comprising of CEOs, CIOs, IT-VPs including CIOReview editorial board finalized the "20 Most Promising Digital Marketing Solution Providers 2018" and shortlisted the best vendors and consultants. For more info, visit: www.cioreview.com Contact: Andrew Smith - Andrew@cioreview.com SOURCE: Textmunication Holdings, Inc. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Lewis 'Scooter' Libby, former Chief of Staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced on Friday. Libby was convicted of obstruction of justice, perjury, and making false statements in connection with the investigation of the 2003 leak of the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame. President George W. Bush commuted Libby's 30-month prison sentence shortly after his conviction, although he was still required to pay a $250,000 fine, perform 400 hours of community service, and serve two years of probation. Sanders indicated the decision to issue the pardon partly stemmed from one of the key witnesses against Libby recanting her testimony. Libby was also unanimously reinstated to the bar by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, Sanders noted. 'I don't know Mr. Libby,' Trump said in a statement, 'but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life.' However, Democratic lawmakers argued that the pardon sends a troubling signal to Trump's allies that obstructing justice will be rewarded. 'President Trump's pardon of Scooter Libby makes clear his contempt for the rule of law,' House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement. 'The suggestion that those who lie under oath may be rewarded with pardons poses a threat to the integrity of the Special Counsel investigation, and to our democracy,' Pelosi added. 'Neither the President nor his allies are above the law.' (Photo: Gage Skidmore) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Stocks on the Continent finished off their best levels heading into the weekend, as traders opted to play it safe given the heightened tensions in the Middle East. Helping to buoy sentiment nonetheless, and acting as a backdrop alongside the ongoing situation in Syria, was the more positive line taken by the White House overnight on the global trade front. On Thursday evening, US president Donald Trump said of China "now we're really negotiating and I think they're going to treat us really ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2018) - McLaren Resources Inc. (CSE: MCL) (FSE: 3ML) ("McLaren" / the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of a four-hole, 1,038 metre, exploration drill program on its 238-hectare TimGinn Gold Property (the "Property") located in Tisdale Township, central Timmins, in the prolific Timmins Gold District, Northeastern Ontario, Canada. Drill core from the program has been sent for assay and results will be released in the coming weeks. The Property is located immediately north of the Hollinger and McIntyre Mines, both owned by Goldcorp Canada Ltd. ("Goldcorp"). These mines have produced over 30 million oz. of gold over their lifetime. The purpose of the current drill program is to further evaluate gold zones which trend from the former producing Gilles Lake Mine towards the Hollinger Mine. The information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kenneth Guy, P.Geo, the Qualified Person for exploration on the TimGinn Gold Property, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects". About McLaren McLaren is focused on exploration work on its three gold properties located in the Timmins Gold District of Northeastern Ontario. These properties include the Augdome Property, the TimGinn Property (described above) and the Blue Quartz Property. The TimGinn Property, which hosts the former Gilles Lake Gold Mine, consists of 9 patented mining claims covering 238 hectares in Tisdale Township in Central Timmins and lies adjacent to the Hollinger Mine (19.3 million oz) and McIntyre Mine (10.7 million oz) both operated by Goldcorp. The Blue Quartz Property, which hosts the former Blue Quartz Mine, consists of 25 patented mining claims and 8 crown claims covering a total of 640 hectares in Beatty Township and is located 10 km north of McEwen Mining's Black Fox Mine in East Timmins. During 2018, McLaren intends to continue its exploration efforts on these three attractive gold properties and will continue to review other properties of merit in the Timmins Camp for acquisition or joint venture. For more information, please contact: Radovan Danilovsky, President, Phone: 416-203-6784, www.mclarenresources.com MCLAREN RESOURCES INC. 44 Victoria Street, Suite 1616 Toronto, Ontario M5C 1Y2 The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of the press release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management; however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. McLaren Resources Inc. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws. Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. (NYSE: OEC), a leading worldwide supplier of specialty and high-performance Carbon Black, today announced that it has signed a contract with Haldor Topsoe (Lyngby, Denmark; www.topsoe.com) to install Topsoe's sustainable emissions control technology, SNOX, in a Carbon Black production plant for the first time. By combining Topsoe's proven SNOX system with Orion's capabilities in Carbon Black, the technology will remove SOx, NOx and dust particles from tail gases at Orion's Ivanhoe, Louisiana, plant and reach the standard required by the U.S. EPA as a result of a settlement to install certain control equipment at its facilities in the United States. "Orion is committed to environmentally friendly operation of its facilities," said Jack Clem, CEO of Orion. "Our extensive research determined that the Haldor Topsoe SNOX system, suitably adapted by our technical teams over the last several years, was the most dependable and cost effective means of meeting or exceeding the requirements we now face." Orion also is planning a cogeneration facility at the Ivanhoe Plant to utilize energy from the production process to supply electricity for this new control technology, the current manufacturing processes and for the surrounding communities. Discussions with the local electricity utility are underway. About Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. (NYSE: OEC) Orion is a worldwide supplier of Carbon Black. We produce a broad range of Carbon Blacks that include high-performance Specialty Gas Blacks, Furnace Blacks, Lamp Blacks, Thermal Blacks and other Carbon Blacks that tint, colorize and enhance the performance of polymers, plastics, paints and coatings, inks and toners, textile fibers, adhesives and sealants, tires, and mechanical rubber goods such as automotive belts and hoses. Orion runs 14 global production sites and four Applied Technology Centers. The group has approximately 1,434 employees worldwide. For more information please visit our website www.orioncarbons.com. Forward Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business. These statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning the potential exposure to market risks, statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions and statements that are not limited to statements of historical or present facts or conditions. Some of these statements can be identified by terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "continue," "could," "should," "may," "plan," "project," "predict" and similar expressions. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include those factors detailed under the captions "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements regarding contingent liabilities, including litigation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information, other than as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005662/en/ Contacts: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. Investor Relations Diana Downey, +1 832-589-2285 Investor-Relations@orioncarbons.com RICHMOND, Virginia, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced today that it has reorganized the leadership structure of its excess casualty team. The underwriting unit, with teams in the US, Bermuda, Dublin, and London, reports into Alan Rodrigues, Executive Underwriting Officer, Casualty. Matt Mullen and Colin Shaw, both Managing Directors, Casualty, report to Rodrigues directly. Mullen and Shaw are responsible for running the risk management excess casualty business within the Markel Assurance division, focusing on cultivating broker relationships and making Markel a more attractive market. Mullen is based in New York and leads the excess casualty underwriting teams located in the US and Bermuda. Elizabeth Stewart, Senior Director, reports to Mullen and now oversees Markel's excess casualty underwriting efforts in Bermuda. "Liz has worked directly with our Bermuda brokers for a number of years and knows what it takes to develop meaningful, long-term relationships. She has done an excellent job increasing our visibility in the market and representing Markel and its expanding product portfolio," said Mullen. Shaw is based in Dublin and leads the European excess casualty teams in Dublin and London. Siobhan Walshe reports to Shaw and oversees the excess casualty business in London. "Siobhan has a wealth of experiencein theLondon excess casualty market space. She manages the day-to-day operations for the casualty team and continues to develop meaningful and valuable relationships with brokers and clients in the London marketplace," said Shaw. "Both Matt and Colin have developed long-tenured teams and forged enduring and valuable relationships with brokers in their respective markets," stated Rodrigues. "Coupled with their years of underwriting expertise in this space, I am confident they will lead the excess casualty team to continued growth and new opportunities." The excess casualty underwriting unit focuses on large accounts and targets Fortune 1000 companies and businesses that specialize in health care, life sciences, transportation, industrials, construction, and energy. About Markel Assurance The Markel Assurance business division offers products for standard and hard-to-place risks in the US, Bermuda, Dublin, and London. Policies are written on admitted and excess and surplus lines bases. Product verticals include professional liability, casualty, and property/marine. Regional offices in the US are located in Richmond, Virginia; Atlanta; Dallas; Scottsdale, Arizona; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Chicago; New York City; and Red Bank, New Jersey. Markel Assurance is a business division of Markel Service, Incorporated. Markel Service, Incorporated provides underwriting management and claim services for the Markel insurance companies. In California, Markel West Insurance Services (license numbers 0D95581 and 2E11302) provides risk analysis and claim services to their wholesale partners in need of excess and surplus lines products offered by Markel Assurance. About Markel Corporation Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/73238/markel_event_insurance_markel_logo.jpg Salveo Capital, a Northbrook, Illinois-based alternative investment firm specializing in the legalized cannabis space, has appointed Thomas Mazarakis as a Managing Partner. Mr. Mazarakis will work alongside Managing Partners Michael Gruber and Jeffrey Howard in overseeing strategic direction and will be responsible for portfolio management as well as scaling the firm and its operations. Mr. Mazarakis, 47, has over 18 years of financial and investment experience. Most recently, he served as a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs in London where he was head of the Fundamental Strategies Group, a department of research analysts within the securities divisions multi-billion dollar equity and credit businesses. Earlier in his career at Goldman Sachs, Mr. Mazarakis served as an Executive Director and led the retail/consumer sector team. Prior to his tenure at Goldman Sachs, he spent two years at Citigroup in New York where he analyzed high yield and distressed industrial companies within the credit research department. Launched at the end of 2016, Salveo Capital is an alternative investment firm specializing in the legalized cannabis space, particularly ancillary businesses. FinSMEs 13/04/2018 Userbot Srl, a Milan, UK-based developer of an AI powered customer interaction platform, raised 300k in funding. Some undisclosed angels participated in the round coming from BacktoWork24s network and from the IT field. The company intends to use the funds to extend the contact network and sign new partnerships in Italy and abroad. A spin-off of Mobixee Ltd and incubated within Polihub, Usebot is advancing an AI driven CRM solution, which comprehends requests and emotions of customers to interact automatically with them. The system, which also learns from answers from human operators, aims to guarantee a quick customer service. The company is also launching an equity crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfundme, with a premoney value of 3m. The company, part of the Comunicatica group, is led by Antonio Giarrusso, Founder & CEO, and Jacopo Paoletti, Co-Founder & CMO. FinSMEs 13/04/2018 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) The Philippines will not take sides in the trade tiff between the United States and China which had strong effects on the world market, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday. Both sides have engaged on slapping higher tariff on each others' products, triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's accusation that China has been engaging in unfair trade practices. In a media briefing in Hong Kong, Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte told Chinese President Xi Jinping to "defend the East." "Everyone basically in the meeting was talking about globalization, trade liberalization and of course that Asia was benefitting greatly from globalization and trade liberalization. So, basically it was an endorsement of China's position that the world trading system should be governed by the rules based WTO (World Trade Organization) system, and that there should be no obstacles to further globalizations and liberalization." he said. The President's spokesperson said Duterte's statement was related to the possible trade war. "He basically reiterated we're not siding, but of course everyone in Boao was emphasizing on the need to further strengthen globalization and the need to further speedup trade liberalization to benefit everyone, rather than a return to isolationist trade policies," Roque said. The standoff between U.S. and China's trade policies go back to 2017, when Trump first questioned the security of steel imports from China. On January 2018, the U.S. announced a 30 percent tarriff on imported solar panels most of which are from China and a 20 percent tarriff on washing machines. In the months that followed, the Trump administration also imposed tarriffs on both steel and aluminum, to which China expressed its dissatisfaction. In April 2018, Beijing hit back with imposing tarriffs on U.S. imports worth around $3 billion. In response, the United States threatened to impose tarriffs on close to 1,300 Chinese goods worth $50 billion. The tit-for-tat trade policies have affected the world market, with U.S. stocks dropping by 572 points on April 6. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano said the Philippines will be affected by the trade policies from both superpowers. "And in the Philippines we know too well that when America sneezes the rest of the world gets a cold," Cayetano said. "So now if U.S. is sneezing and China is coughing, you know definitely the Philippines will somehow be susceptible to the flu." Cayetano, however, said the administration is doing everything to make the country's economy "bullet-proof." Before arriving in Hong Kong Tuesday night, Duterte was at the Boao Forum in Asia (BFA) in Hainan where Xi spoke about opening China's economy to the world. The Chinese President also said he would lower tarriffs on automobile imports, a concern U.S. has previously raised. Trump expressed gratitude for Xi's kind words. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) The Department of Agriculture wants Filipino farmers to take up coffee farming. Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol on Friday revealed his department's goal to make the Philippines self-sufficient in coffee by 2022. "The biggest challenge actually in the coffee industry is to convince people to plant coffee again... In the past walang [there was no] marketing linkage," Pinol told CNN Philippines' The Source. "Filipino farmers could plant almost everything. We have..fertile land in this country, we have ideal climate. But... when the farmer feels that he does not make money out of what he's doing, he will not plant," he added. Pinol pegged the Philippines as being able to produce only about 10 percent of the coffee it consumes. A 2015 study by Kantar Worldpanel characterized coffee as a "go-to" drink for Filipinos, who spent an average of P22 per shopping trip on coffee products. Pinol says coffee is not the only product the Philippines largely imports. He said the country still imports milk, peanuts, and even fish. "Did you know that we only produce 1.8 percent of our national dairy requirement? 98.2 percent is imported," said Pinol. The Department of Trade and Industry lists Central Mindanao, Davao, and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao as the top producers of coffee. Related: The untold heritage of Sulu's fascinating coffee culture "Of course, we might miss the (100 percent self-sufficiency) target but at least we have a target," said Pinol. . 10- . . ... Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he would have lost the 2016 presidential elections if he had partnered with political data firm Cambridge Analytica. The President denied his team worked with the firm behind the massive Facebook data breach scandal. "Wala man akong alam. Hindi ko man kilala 'yan... Tsaka bakit ako magbayad sa mga ugok na taga-Cambridge ang magtrabaho para sa kampanya ko? Mas lalo akong matalo niyan," he said in Davao City upon his arrival from the Boao Forum for Asia in China and working visit to Hong Kong. [Translation: I don't know them... Why would I work with those fools from Cambridge to work on my campaign? If I teamed up with them, I would have lost.] Duterte received over 16 million votes during the presidential elections in May 2017, over 6.6 million more than his closest rival, Mar Roxas. Duterte's 2016 presidential campaign team was photographed with Cambridge Analytica Chief Executive Officer Alexander Nix in March 2015 more than a year before the national elections. The photo shows Nix sharing a meal with Duterte campaign team members Jose Gabriel "Pompee" La Vina and Peter La Vina, then National Press Club President Joel Egco, and Atty. Taipan Millan. Pompee La Vina, Duterte's Social Media Campaign Director, clarified the story behind the photo. "The NPC invited us to go. We were reaching out to the NPC because Mayor Duterte then was weighing a run for (the) presidency, and we were in the media, and Peter La Vina was Head of Media so he wanted to connect and renew his membership to the NPC," he told CNN Philippines' On The Record on Thursday. Cambridge Analytica's parent firm, Strategic Communications Laboratories (SCL), also wrote on its website that it helped get an unnamed Philippine presidential candidate elected in 2016 by presenting him as a "strong, no-nonsense man of action" to appeal to the voters. But Duterte insisted he was not linked to the company that was reportedly working to develop techniques to influence voters. "Wala 'yan. Kalokohan 'yan (That's not true). I will not trust Cambridge," he said. Cambridge Analytica is in hot water for its unauthorized harvesting of over 87 million Facebook personal data worldwide. In the Philippines, the personal data of 1.2 million Facebook users have been compromised, the National Privacy Commission said. In its recent meeting with Facebook representatives, the NPC required them to provide updates on measures taken to address risks involved in the data breach. There are over 67 million Facebook accounts in the Philippines, according to a 2018 report by UK-based consultancy firm We Are Social. -: , -, , : -. . -: . : ? -: . 22 . . , . . , , . , . , - , , , . .. , - , . , - . . . , - , . , , -8, , , , . - . .. . , . -, , . , , 8 . . . : , , , . , ? : , , , , . , . , , , , , , , , , . : , . ? , . : . , , . ... : , , , . : . , , .. , ? , - , , , , , ? , . , , , , , , , -. , , - , . : , . : , , , . . , . : , , , , , ? : . , . : , . , , . : . , . , . , , ? , , , , ? : , , ... : , ? , ? : , . , . .. . . : . , , , , , , . , , , , , , - , , . , , , , , , , , : . . : , , . , , . : , ? : . : , ? : , . , , , . , , , , . : ? : , , ... : , , ? : , . , , , , , , - , , , . : 21 , . : , . , - , , . , , , , , , . : , , . , -, . Reliance Jio is said to be in talks with the chip maker Qualcomm to bring laptops running Windows 10 and built-in cellular connection for the Indian market. With Qualcomm already working closely with Jio for the 4G feature phone, these reports do make sense as they also help Jio in increasing its average revenue per user. Furthermore, Qualcomm is also in talks with the home-bred Internet of Things (IoT) brand Smartron to bring the Snapdragon 835-powered laptops with cellular connectivity, Smartron later confirmed the same. Smartrons CEO, Mahesh Lingareddy said: Since we already have tbook line of computing products, we are always exploring innovative form factors and devices where we can bring tronX experiences, services, solutions, and support to users. Globally, Qualcomm is already working closely with HP, Asus, and Lenovo for the Always-Connected PCs. Miguel Nunes, senior director, product management, Qualcomm Technologies said that over 14 operators had extended their support for this new category, including the US Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and major carriers in Germany, Italy, the UK, France, and Australia. He further added that we have talked to Jio. They could take the device and bundle it with data and content. We are trying to make sure that the operators understand the value. Its new for the OEMs, new for the operators, and new for the channel. While we are not sure when the so-called Jio laptop with built-in connectivity would make its way to the public. Source Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) has unveiled the first collection in its new spice blends range Blends of the Americas. The 17 ready-to-use dry blends offer food... Read More Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) President Rodrigo Duterte apologized to Myanmar's leader for calling the Rohingya crisis a "genocide." Duterte addressed Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in a press briefing early Friday, upon his return from official visits to China and Hong Kong. "I will apologize to you but if you have noticed my statement was almost a satire," Duterte said. "I was just adapting their findings that there are a lot of violations in your country," he said of the remarks he made in an April 5 speech. He explained that all he wanted to say was European countries criticize Myanmar for its supposed human rights violations, while they do not offer the Rohingya refugees a home in their country. Presidential Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo in a statement said Duterte is sorry for his remarks "which would appear to be an intrusion into the eternal affairs of Myanmar." Duterte said he is willing to accept the displaced Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority in Myanmar's Rakhine State. More than 680,000 of them have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since August 2017, an exodus which the United Nations called the "world's fastest-growing refugee crisis." Myanmar's military has repeatedly denied claims it was deliberately attacking the Rohingya civilians, insisting instead that it was combating a terrorist insurgency in the province. Suu Kyi, meanwhile, has drawn international criticism for her perceived silence on the army's supposed crackdown on the Rohingya. READ: Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi stripped of human rights award Duterte in a January speech recalled telling Suu Kyi, "Do not mind the human rights (groups). They're just a noisy bunch actually.'" As authorities in Cincinnati investigate the police response to a 911 call from a teenager who was pinned in a Honda Odyssey minivan and died before help arrived, speculation of how the boy got stuck in the first place centers on the vehicles fold-down third row seat. While the details of the incident have not yet been determined, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the boy, Kyle Plush, was reaching over the folding third row seat to grab something when its release mechanism was activated and it collapsed into the bin behind it, trapping him. The newspaper acquired a similar vehicle to try to determine how this could have happened, and found that the so-called "Magic Seat" easily folds down if a person leaning against and reaching over the back of it triggers the latch holding it in place. The latch is activated by a strap hanging from the back of the seat that is designed to be used by someone accessing it through the rear of the vehicle, through the hatchback. There is a loop at the end of the strap that could become unintentionally snagged on a body part or item in some circumstances, which could have been what happened here. Honda said that it "does not have any specific information from which to definitevely determine what occurred in this incident. We can confirm that there were no seat-related recalls affecting the 2004 Honda Odyssey." A search by Fox News found no reports of any similar occurences in the NHTSA complaints database for the 2004 Odyssey or any of the model years that share its design. Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac said his department will be looking to see if there was an equipment malfunction. With AP Ex-FBI Director James Comey compared President Trump to a "mob boss" in a yet-to-be aired interview with George Stephanopoulos, likely signalling that bashing the man who fired him to a fawning press is Comey's strategy for selling his new book. Not too long ago, Comey was loathed by people on both sides of the political aisle. Republicans blamed him for flubbing the probe into Hillary Clinton's illegal email server, and Democrats faulted him for reopening it just days before the 2016 presidential election. However, the fired FBI chief has since found himself back in the good graces of liberals -- due largely to his combative relationship with Trump. Comey's first stop on the tour promoting his upcoming book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies & Leadership," was at the reliably liberal ABC News, where he spent five hours with former Clinton aide Stephanopoulos, according to Politico. Axios published an excerpt from the sitdown with Stephanopoulos in which Comey compared Trump to a mob boss. The source told Axios that Comeys comments stunned people in the room because he answered every question and goes there. The question will be how to fit it all into a one-hour show, Axios wrote. Comeys book is already marked as a best seller on Amazon. The description of Higher Loyalty makes sure to appeal to both sides of the aisle, noting that he has been involved in some of the most consequential cases and policies of recent history including Clinton e-mail investigation as well as ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Stephanopoulos became a source of unease for ABC during the presidential campaign when it was revealed he gave money to the Clinton Foundation and had to recuse himself from hosting any presidential debates. President Trump has denounced Stephanopoulos for liberal bias, deriding him as little George. It will be interesting to see if ABC News discloses Stephanopoulos ties to Clinton during the Comey special interview. If there's anything besides Trump-bashing in the interview, I could see the possibility of Stephanopoulos hitting Comey from the left on his October 2016 letter to Congress [which reopened the probe], Newsbusters managing editor Curtis Houck told Fox News when the interview was announced last month. An ABC News spokesperson provided the following statement: The interview will speak for itself - we expect it [to be] revealing, tough and fair. CNN recently announced that it will allow Comey to spend an hour promoting the book in what is being billed as a town hall event moderated by Anderson Cooper. Comey will then sit down with Fox News anchor Bret Baier following appearances on ABC, CNN and MSNBC. Political watchdogs will surely take note to whether or not Comey drops the anti-Trump shtick when speaking to a non-partisan anchor. Arnold Schwarzenegger took to Twitter Thursday to thank his fans for their ongoing support since undergoing heart surgery in late March. The 70-year-old actor told them hes feeling much better, although not great yet. In the 53-second video post, the Terminator star said he appreciated all the love hes gotten from people across the globe in the form of cards, emails, phone calls and more. "I just want you to know that I am feeling much better," he said. Schwarzenegger is on the mend after going into the hospital for an expected surgery to replace an artificial pulmonary valve in his heart. The valve had been installed in 1997 after he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER SHARES FIRST TWEET AFTER HEART SURGERY: ITS TRUE: IM BACK! In terms of his recovery progress, Schwarzenegger said that hes improving, but he wouldnt characterize himself as great. I just want you to know that I am feeling much better, he said. I cant say even with my positive attitude that I'm great because I am not great yet. Great is a totally different level. But I'm good. I feel good. I get good care, good doctors - everything - good nurses. The video then showed the former California governor sitting in front of a chess board, which he said he was playing to help freshen my mind and my memory a little bit. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER SAYS, IM BACK, LISTED AS STABLE AFTER HEART SURGERY A few days after his surgery, Schwarzenegger wrote on Twitter, Its true: Im back! I went to sleep expecting to wake up with a small incision and woke up with a big one - but guess what? I woke up, and thats something to be thankful for," he wrote. "Thank you to the doctors & nurses. And Im truly filled with gratitude for all of the kind messages. Fox News Tyler McCarthy contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) President Rodrigo Duterte yet again issued strong words against the International Criminal Court (ICC), this time threatening to arrest its chief prosecutor if she sets foot in the country to investigate the government's drug war. "Kaya ikaw Ms. Fatou, 'wag kang pumunta dito (Do not go here, Ms. Fatou) because I will bar you. Not because I am afraid of you, I said, because you will never have jurisdiction over my person, not in a million years," Duterte said in a press briefing early Friday, upon his return from official visits to China and Hong Kong. Duterte referred to ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda who announced in February that her office will conduct a preliminary examination on the country's bloody anti-drug campaign. Duterte let out an expletive as he maintained that the Philippines was never a member of the ICC, saying the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over the country. He argued that the country's ratification of the Rome Statute, the treaty that formed that ICC, was never published on government website Official Gazette. "What is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty, why are you f****** in this country?" Duterte said. "You cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis. That is illegal and I will arrest you," he added. Duterte's turnaround Duterte in February said he welcomed the ICC's review. In March however, Duterte said the ICC had no jurisdiction over him and pulled the country out of the tribunal. His officials later explained that the Philippines could not be considered a member of the ICC to begin with, since there was no publication of its membership in the government website. For its part, the ICC said it will push through with its preliminary examination. This step will determine whether there is cause to go on a full-blown investigation. Malacanang said it will not cooperate with the probe, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police the agencies leading the anti-drug campaign are following its lead. ICC looks into drug killings The ICC's review was launched after lawyer Jude Sabio filed a communication against Duterte at the ICC, followed by supplemental information from opposition lawmakers Senator Antonio Trillanes and Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano. They said over a thousand were killed by the so-called Davao Death Squad under the leadership of then Mayor Duterte, and thousands more were killed in the government's war on drugs since Duterte took office. More than 4,000 suspects were killed in anti-drug operations since the start of the bloody drug war in July 2016, government data show. Local and international human rights groups said Duterte in his public pronouncements ordered or encouraged policemen to kill those involved in the drug trade. They said this resulted in more than 13,000 extrajudicial killings in the drug war. Malacanang has said there are no state-sponsored killings and it is committed to investigate officers who violate and abuse their authority. Queen Elizabeth II is set to hit another milestone on April 21 when she will turn 92 years old. The British royal has been depicted in popular culture many times -- including in the Netflix series created by Peter Morgan, The Crown, where shes played by Claire Foy. Theres a whole research team of ten working full time on the series so that every single episode can be based on solid history, its historical consultant Robert Lacey told History Extra. Peter Morgan takes his inspiration from that, then checks the scripts with people like me, as well as with the people who were actually involved in the real events the best sources of all. He acknowledged that from time to time, Peter also pushes his imagination to outright invention what you could call dramatic license, or as I would prefer to put it, dramatic underlining. Royal historian Christopher Warwick told Fox News in an email that hes watched very little of the show, before noting I am aware that there are any number of inaccuracies and mistakes both in fact and detail. Ahead of the queens birthday, read on for a look at some of the plot points depicted in the program -- and the history behind them. Warning: Spoilers below for The Crown Caught on camera? Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip get into a dispute -- only to find themselves being filmed by a crew -- while in Australia in the first season. Eventually, the crew gives Elizabeth the footage, History Extra notes, with Lacey telling the website that the incident really took place. Our evidence for the incident comes from a PhD thesis on the tour researched by an Australian scholar who tracked down the camera crew, he explained. However, there was a slight variation in real life. Lacey added, One difference between what happened and what we see on the screen is that the crew themselves decided to open the back of the camera and expose the film, without any pressure from the royal family or from Commander Richard Colville [the Queens then-press officer]. Venetia Scott British prime minister Winston Churchills secretary Venetia Scott is hit by a bus during the Great Smog of London in December 1952 and dies in the shows first season. Scotts death, however, is a fictional creation - as is the character. It is estimated that 6,000 people died of breathing-related diseases in London that month more than were killed in any single month of bombing during the Blitz in the Second World War and the way that The Crown deals with that event dramatically is to have Venetia Scott die, Lacey explained. Prince Philips affair? An extramarital relationship between Prince Philip and Russian ballerina Uliana Galinova is insinuated in the second season of The Crown yet no proof exists, Town and Country reports. The news outlet notes that in real life, Philip has long been dogged by speculation about affairs with different women. Have you ever stopped to think that for the last 40 years, I have never moved anywhere without a policeman accompanying me? Philip told The Independent in a 1992 article. So how the hell could I get away with anything like that? The show doesnt explicitly depict any affairs involving Philip. Princess Margarets delayed engagement A second season plot point involves the queen asking her younger sister Princess Margaret to hold off on announcing her engagement to photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. An excerpt of a biography about Armstrong-Jones published by Vanity Fair in 2009 goes into this tidbit. After giving her consent, the Queen, who was pregnant with Prince Andrew, asked if they would refrain from announcing their engagement until after the birth of her child, author Anne de Courcy wrote. Royal historian Hugo Vickers also covered the incident in his breakdown of the show -- which he said depicts real life people in situations which are partly true and partly false -- for The Times of London. He wrote that the film-makers have invented some dodgy protocol that the engagement could not be announced until Prince Andrew was born, since they decide that no announcement can be made until the Sovereigns child is born. It is true, however, that the Queen asked for the announcement to come after Prince Andrews birth, Vickers continued. Requests for comment from Lacey and Vickers were not immediately returned. A former producer of the "Rosie O'Donnell Show" and Jerry Springer" has been arrested for the murder of her sister. Jill Blackstone is believed to have aided her disabled sister in a mercy killing. The Baltimore Police Department told People that Jill is facing extradition to Los Angeles, where the alleged March 2015 murder occurred. The producer was arrested at Johns Hopkins Hospital as she was awaiting medical treatment, according to the mag. Blackstones sister, Wendy, died from a combination of carbon monoxide poisoning and Xanax. A suicide note was left behind, but police later found reason to suspect that it was Jill who wrote it. Wendy, who was blind and partially deaf, was found in an enclosed garage along with three dogs. Jill herself was there and reportedly suffered from severe carbon monoxide poisoning too, resulting in a two-day hospital stint. This led police to initially believe that the duo engaged in a suicide pact, but that Jill abandoned the agreement during its execution. According to TMZ, Jill is also facing three counts of animal cruelty. It's unclear what, if any, new evidence led to law enforcement's decision to arrest Jill after all this time. Jill was initially taken into custody following the 2015 incident, but the charges were dropped. However, police at the time said that they were still investigating the incident as a potential murder. Doubt was reportedly cast on Jills involvement after police say it became clear that she was the author of the suicide note. At the time, Jill said she had no idea that Wendy was suicidal. Jenni "JWoww" Farley revealed during Thursday nights episode of "Jersey Shore Family Vacation" that she suffered a miscarriage in 2011. Farley, 32, told her co-star Mike The Situation" Sorrentino about the miscarriage during a serious conversation. Farley said she became pregnant with now-husband Roger Matthews in 2011 shortly before filming the fourth season of the hit MTV reality show in Italy. JERSEY SHORE FANS FIND MISTAKE IN MTV REBOOTS SEASON PREMIERE, DEMAND ANSWERS "I was a mess in Italy," Farley told Sorrentino. "Right before Italy, like three or four weeks before Italy, my grandmother passed. And me and Roger actually lost a baby, like I ended up pregnant. Not a lot of people know." Farley said she was put on medication including Xanax to help cope with the losses. She said the Xanax made her "groggy." JERSEY SHORE STAR NICOLE SNOOKI POLIZZI REVEALS HOW MUCH SHE EARNED DURING SEASON 1 OF THE MTV SERIES "And they put me on medication because of it, I couldnt handle life," she recalled. "Then I started taking uppers with it, segway right into Italy. I was a f---ing mess." This is not the first time Farley revealed she had a miscarriage. In 2014, she posted on Instagram that she lost her baby, People reported. She and her husband, Roger, have two children, 3-year-old Meilani Alexandra and 23-month-old Greyson Valor. "Jersey Shore Family Vacation" airs Thursdays on MTV. Not too many people can say Mary Poppins is their grandmother but Kayti Edwards can. The 41-year-old told Closer Weekly Thursday she grew up just down the street from beloved British star Julie Andrews. I could walk to her house in Malibu, she told the magazine. Wed all be there." Edwards added family time was crucial to Andrews because she was always busy. And it looks like playing the worlds most famous nanny gave Andrews inspiration on how to keep order at home. [My grandmother] was very strict, said Edwards. We had a set schedule. We had tea time. She guarded us. But Andrews was far from the characters she played on screen. Shes actually a real person, said Edwards. She gets angry. She has feelings. She is not the character you see in the movies. Still, Edwards is grateful that she didnt get the celebrity treatment under her grandmothers care. Shes an ambassador of UNICEF, and she adopted children from Vietnam, said Edwards. I followed in her footsteps by starting my own community outreach. I help the homeless. Despite her lasting fame in Hollywood, Andrews was always determined to be by her familys side. As a mother, my children have always come first, she told The Australian Womens Weekly back in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music. And even though Ive always been a working woman, I have also tried to have them with me, as often as I could I tried to make things silly and funny, so we all had a good time. Andrews also described at the time how adopting children caused her film career to be put on hold. I wanted to be there, she stressed. To make a proper protein breakfast for them before school in the morning. To go to parent-teacher interviews. It is important. I do admire women who manage to do both. I tried and it is extremely difficult. Angela Cartwright, who starred in The Sound of Music opposite Andrews in 1965, told Fox News earlier this year it was like heaven being on set. I loved her. We all did, said the 65-year-old. You can kind of tell in the movie. We totally enjoyed her. She embraced us right from the beginning. She sang to us in between takes and we would dance. "She just did Mary Poppins so she would sing all these songs from the film. I mean, you can really tell that we adored her. Shes such a talent. She has such an amazing voice and it really was a great experience. Yes, they ride the rides in Disney. No, they dont eat with their clients. Yes, they always have a spare change of clothes with them. This is the life of private security professionals. If my life is a movie, sometimes it is a fairy tale and sometimes I feel like its a horror story, Shawn Engbrecht, President of CASS Global Security, told Fox News. Change is constant in my life. When most people think of private security, they think of a 6-foot, muscly, tight-T-shirt wearing guard with dark sunglasses and a walkie-talkie. If someone refers to themselves as a body guard, those are not people you want to work with, said Paul Michael Viollis Sr., CEO of Viollis Group International. In the age of escalating violence at home and abroad, more and more people are turning to alternative security solutions. A $34 billion a year industry, according to research firm IBISWorld, Engbrecht and Viollis say business has been booming. I think insurance is a good analogy, everyone who buys insurance buys it on 'what if' and people and dont really want to roll the dice anymore. There are so many things that have raised the risk level and raise the concern to absolutely take certain measures, Viollis said. From intel gathering, kidnapping, stalking, fraud and foreign leader protection, private security services extend beyond just following around an A-list actor to the red carpet. Clients include government officials, fashion designers and business leaders. The first rule of thumb, like when you are collecting art, [is] if you have to ask how much it is, you probably cant afford it, Engbrecht said. Most of our junior level folks, first assignment out they are clearing approximately $20K a month. And those agents are always on the move. One day they can be in the U.S. and within 24 hours be flown across the globe. You have to accept the fact that you are living perpetually in limbo and you adapt and the key to that is to not let anything really rattle you. You can be packed to go to the oil fields in Northern Alberta, Canada and you get on the Gulf Stream and they say Surprise, we are going to Singapore and you just accept and the key to that is to not worry about the little stuff and stay focused on the mission, Engbrecht said. From an outsider point of view, the life of a security professional may indeed sound like a Hollywood movie, but Viollis and Engbrecht say its really about life and death. There is nothing that is better than bringing people home safely that have been in harms way There is nothing better than bringing a kid home to their parents or reuniting family, said Viollis. Be sure to watch the full video above to learn what it takes to be a security professional. James Comey's book tour has given the press new license to discuss unverified, lurid claims about President Trump's alleged activities in a Moscow hotel room, yet the former FBI director still admits he has no evidence they are true. For months before the 2016 election, much of the media was aware of an unverified dossier generated by Hillary Clinton's campaign and then used by the Obama Department to Justice to obtain a warrant to spy on Trump's campaign. The dossier claimed without substantiation that Trump cavorted with prostitutes who urinated on each other. The claim was so outrageous, disgusting and lacking in evidence that even the most left-wing media outlets steered clear. But Comey has put it all back in play as he touts his new book bashing the president who fired him. "I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, Comey told Disney-owned ABC News. Comey went on to say Trump's outrage at the dossier's allegation, of which Comey told him, did not ring true because Trump worried that there was a 'one-percent chance' his wife might believe it. "In what kind of marriage, to what kind of man, does a spouse conclude there is only a 99 percent chance her husband didnt do that?" Comey mused in the book, according to the New York Post. While Trump has repeatedly said hes a germaphobe grossed out by the accusation, his critics in the mainstream media have used Comeys comments as an excuse to lift the curtain on filthy, salacious and uncorroborated rumors. Media Research Center Vice President Dan Gainor told Fox News that America has left the world of news and headed into one of narrative. Journalists don't want to actually cover anything fairly, they just want to push content out that makes their liberal bosses and friends happy. This isn't news, its yellow journalism, Gainor said. CNN, which has dedicated much of its airtime in recent weeks to promoting the career of an adult film star, now appears focused on helping Comey sell his anti-Trump book which is a common theme among the mainstream media at the moment. CNN has featured chyrons referring to hookers, while The New York Daily News published a cover headline calling the President of the United States a pee brain, complete with yellow blotches meant to resemble urine stains. Publications such as HuffPost, Daily Beast, Mediaite and The Hill have published headlines that arent exactly family friendly, and every Trump critic seemed to make a joke on Twitter regarding Comeys comments. MSNBCs Joy Reid tweeted to her 1.18 million followers that Trumps obsession with the dossier and the alleged pee tape was severe, apparently, while NBCs Late Night host Seth Meyers told his audience that the unverified rumors are real. Oh my god, its real, Seth Meyers said. It has to be. Why would you ask the FBI director to investigate a pee tape if you knew for a fact that pee tape definitely didnt exist? Kellyanne Conway appeared on Fox & Friends on Friday morning, calling Comey a disgruntled ex-employee who is retroactively putting his own spin on things to sell books. Trump responded on Friday by slamming James Comey as an untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. Fox News Samuel Chamberlin contributed to this report. A man in Victoria, Australia, may have saved an entire brood of baby sharks after giving their deceased mother an impromptu C-section during a recent fishing trip. Mathew Orlov, 46, was angling off the coast of Barwon Heads when he and his fishing buddy reeled in the 8-foot-8-inch female shark. But even before hauling it into the boat, Orlov said he could sense something was wrong, The Independent reported. I could feel through the line when she was being attacked. As soon as we pulled it up, I knew [it] was mauled by another shark, he said. GRAPHIC PICS: EXPLORER'S FROSTBITTEN TOES TO BECOME GARNISH IN 'SOURTOE' COCKTAIL Orlovs suspicions were confirmed upon bringing in the dead sevengill shark, which appeared to have suffered from numerous bite wounds. Thats not all Orlov observed the sharks belly appeared to be moving, and thats when Orlov realized the animal was carrying pups. When I saw the belly moving, instinct kicked in. Ive never done anything like this before, but Ive been fishing long enough to know we needed to get the pups out as quickly as possible, said Orlov. In footage from the fishing trip, tiny shark pups can be seen popping out of the dead shark as soon as Orlov begins slicing her open. Then, one by one, he releases each back into the ocean. IDAHO FISHERMEN CATCH 'MONSTER' 8-FOOT STURGEON FROM KAYAKS It was a very overwhelming feeling when they started popping out, I got this adrenaline rush. I was just dumbfounded there was so many, we counted 98. Orlov said it took nine minutes to free all 98 of the pups from the shark. He also commented that they looked healthy as they swam off, leading him to believe they likely survived. As for the dead shark, Orlov said he brought it home and ate it. As a fisherman, I catch fish to eat. The meat from this shark fed lots of my family members, he said. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Orlov's isn't the only unlikely find to turn up inside a fish in recent memory: In January, a fisherman in Costa Rica sliced open a dolphinfish to find garbage and various plastics in its stomach. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 An Ohio family is celebrating the recent homecoming of their 17-month-old daughter, who has already beaten cancer twice. Grace Rosian, who has Down syndrome and was born two months prematurely, was diagnosed with a form of leukemia at birth. Grace underwent her first rounds of chemotherapy at just two days old. While she was given the all-clear to head home after two months, the cancer returned in the form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in August 2017. Because the treatment carries a high-risk of infection, Grace was hospitalized for eight months, during which she received 10 spinal tap procedures so that she could receive the chemotherapy directly into her spinal fluid. LAWSUIT ALLEGES MICHIGAN ILLEGALL OBTAINS NEWBORNS' BLOOD With everything Grace has been through, shes always been a happy baby, Valerie Revell Rosian, Graces mother, said on the Cleveland Clinic newsroom blog. I dont think a single day went by that we werent able to get a smile out of her. Rosian said that since her daughter has been born, the family has only had her home for about five or six months, with the rest broken up into hospital stays and doctor visits. On her pictures for her first birthday, it hurts my heart to look at them, Rosian told People magazine. We tried so hard to make it special for her, she was so sick. She looked so sick. But on March 21, which coincidentally marks World Down Syndrome Day, the Rosians were able to take Grace home. When I got the news that I could take her home, I was like I can breathe now, Rosian told People. It felt good but strange because most of my time with her had been at the hospital. When I got to have her home, it felt good because now I can be the mom. I can be the mom 100 percent. Rosian has continued to update supporters on the Fight with Amazing Grace Rosian Facebook page, where she has shared photos of the toddler reading with her older brother and playing with her new toys. A plus-size blogger says she was told to cover up at the Las Vegas hotel where she was doing a photo shoot in a bikini. Anna OBrien, who runs the fashion and lifestyle blog Glitter and Lazers, posted about her experience on Instagram along with the photo she took in the glamorous lobby during her shoot. SURGEON SPECIALIZING IN 'DESIGNER NIPPLES' SAYS PATIENTS WANT THE KENDALL JENNER LOOK OBrien said she found it ironic that of all the places around the world shes taken similar photos, it was in Las Vegas where someone made a comment, which she believes had to do with her size. Sure, thin girls in thongs and pasties are A OK but a plus girl in a full coverage suit, trying to take an epic editorial shot - now thats just too much, she wrote on Wednesday. The blogger, who did not disclose the name of the hotel, said she was granted permission to do her photo shoot on the property. I asked to shoot swimsuits with a professional photographer and included my media kit, OBrien told Yahoo Lifestyle. I received a reply stating that I was welcome to shoot anywhere in the hotel except the casino floor, provided I had no large equipment. But OBrien said that despite getting approval in advance, the security guards seemed to have a problem with it. About five minutes after she started shooting in the lobby, wearing a snake skin two-piece, the guard approached her with his objections. He told me to cover up, that I needed to put clothes on because I wasnt allowed to be in a swimsuit, she told Yahoo. I tried talking to him but he wouldnt listen. Determined to finish her shoot, OBrien decided to try again about an hour later, this time wearing a one-piece swimsuit. We were shooting in a different part of the lobby and another guard approached us and told us to stop, she said. I showed him the emails from the PR team but it didnt make a difference. OBrien told Yahoo she didnt like that the security guard wouldnt believe her when she said she had permission to be there, and she feels her size played a role in the way she was treated. Other women were walking around with as much coverage as me and no one said anything to them. I dont want to think the worst of people but in cases like these, I cant help but wonder, she said. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS The blogger finished her Instagram post with a body positive message. We will be seen. Were not hiding anymore. And were going to wear whatever we want, wherever we want. Not just in Vegas. EVERYWHERE. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Among the daily noise of a dysfunctional government, the immigration debate has dragged on in Washington for so long that we have forgotten whats really at stake. America needs immigrants to be great. U.S. economic growth is fueled by two key factors: productivity increases usually led by technology (allowing us to produce more with less), and workforce expansion. Productivity has been slowing for decades. Economists dont necessarily agree why that is the case, but innovation just isnt delivering the economic boost it once did. Immigrants dont typically take American jobs and, in fact, they create jobs. And, immigrants just might be the ones who will help save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. So, that leaves workforce expansion. Unfortunately, Americas workforce is shrinking because (a) baby boomers are retiring en masse, and (b) our birthrate is now half what it was 50 years ago. It would take twenty-plus years and a significant societal adjustment, plus infrastructure support, to alter the birth pattern and maturation of the population. That leaves more legal immigration as the best and only alternative. A few years ago, we had the privilege to attend the swearing-in of 100 new citizens, hailing from 41 different nations, at the New York Historical Society. If history is any guide, and it should be, these immigrants will contribute a lot more to our country than they take out. On balance, immigrants are great additions to the American workforce, growing the economy and wages for everyone. Though some accuse immigrants of stealing American jobs, an extensive study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine found that immigration and immigrant workers had no negative effects on the hours or wages of any worker with at least a high school degree. Immigrants on one end of the economic spectrum are doing the tough manual labor other Americans cant or wont do. Immigrants are also responsible for much of the productivity-boosting innovation so important to our economy. More than half of all American startups worth $1 billion or more today were founded by immigrants, and their success has provided millions of jobs to people born in America, as well as to immigrants. Chobani, Google, Uber, Colgate, Sara Lee, Nordstrom, DuPont and Pfizer are just a few of the iconic brands launched by people who werent born in America. Immigrants dont typically take American jobs and, in fact, they create jobs. And, immigrants just might be the ones who will help save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Because of Americas shrinking workforce, these programs are in jeopardy. They are funded on a current basis and not from historical deposits, and depend on todays workers paying into their coffers to support retirees. Under current trends, Social Security only has fifteen more years before it can no longer pay full benefits. The chief actuary of Social Security estimates that immigration could add an additional $500 billion to Social Securitys finances over the next 25 years and $4 trillion over the next 75. This alone isnt enough to close the funding gap, but it would certainly reduce the need for some of the benefit cuts or tax increases that will otherwise be required. Even if Americans arent aware of these economic benefits, they seem to grasp that immigration makes us stronger. According to Gallup polling, 71 percent of Americans think immigration is good for America, which is actually ten points higher than a decade ago. Unfortunately, Americans openness to immigrants in principle runs into conflict with their hostility to how Washington is addressing a broken immigration system. Theres a way out of this mess. Congress and the White House need to recognize that they dont have to fix our entire immigration system all at once. The outlines of a limited bipartisan deal remain clear for anyone who cares to look. There needs to be a permanent solution for the Dreamersthe undocumented immigrants brought to America as childrenpaired with more investments in border security. Dealing with just these two issues would be good for both political parties and solutions to each would enjoy overwhelming public support. In a recent Harvard/Harris poll, 77 percent of Americans said Dreamers should be given a path to U.S. citizenship. And 61 percent said our border security is inadequate. Once Washington gets past this near-term immigration impassewhich would foreclose the threat of 800,000 Dreamers being deportedit then has to tackle the more fundamental questions underpinning years of failed comprehensive immigration reform, like: How do we bring 11 million undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and onto the tax rolls? We lose sight of the fact that legal immigrants will now be incented to become full taxpayers! How do we ensure immigration laws are followed and enforced, not just at the border, but in our communities? Should America have a more merit-based immigration systemas they do in Canada and Australiarather than the family-based system we have today? The most important thing for citizens and our elected leaders to remember is that the problem is Americas broken immigration system. Not the immigrants. Mary Skafidas is Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Loews Corporation. Mary and Andrew are co-writing a book called "Journeys: An American Story," to be published this summer. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) A spokesperson for embattled Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said Friday she would not reply to the name-calling that President Rodrigo Duterte had resorted to in describing her amid attempts to unseat her. Lawyer Jojo Lacanilao said Sereno would not return Duterte's harsh words, but would instead focus on fighting for freedom, democracy, and judicial independence. Duterte had described the Chief Justice as "ignorant" and "dumb" in a press conference when he arrived from China early morning today. Noting that Sereno's term is until 2030, Duterte said this was "too long for an ignorant Chief Justice." "And so talagang dapat paalisin ka noon pa. B*** ka (You should have been removed even before. You are dumb)," the President said. But Sereno's camp chose to let the remarks go. "Well, it's unfortunate that the discourse will go down to that level. CJ (Chief Justice) will not go to that level of discourse," Lacanilao told CNN Philippines in a phone interview. Duterte, allies vs. Sereno The President declared himself an enemy of the Chief Justice on Monday, after she asked in a public forum how he was involved in the quo warranto petition to remove her from office. "Ikaw Sereno, sinabi ko na sa'yo, hindi ako nakialam. If you are insisting then count me in, and I will egg (Solicitor General Jose) Calida to do his best," Duterte said. "Ako na mismo ang maglakad rin, kalaban sa'yo." [Translation: Sereno, I already told you that I don't meddle. If you are insisting, then count me in, and I will egg Calida to do his best. I will handle this myself, against you.] Sereno demanded to know who ordered Calida to file the quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court. The move came as the justice committee in the House of Representatives had voted to impeach Sereno. Duterte clarified that he was not asking Congress, as an institution, to impeach Sereno, but was simply calling on his PDP-Laban party mates in the legislature to vote for her ouster. Sereno's camp said they hope Congress would be independent of the Executive in its decisions. "If there's any form of coalition, or collusion among the three branches, then we lose the checks and balances, the independence of each branch," Lacanilao noted. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Fired FBI Director James Comeys new tell all book is a dream come true for President Donald Trumps opponents and a hatchet job on the president. Its important for every fair-minded person to remember that just because Comey makes a charge, he is not speaking gospel truth despite his inflated sense of virtue and self-importance. Just about anyone whos ever been fired fancies getting even with the boss. Comeys new book does that in spades, according to excerpts leaked to the media Thursday. In the process, it lowers the reputation of both the FBI and Comey, undermines the presidency and hurts the nation. The book is seething with disdain and insults for a man the American people elected to lead our nation. Comey openly vilifies President Trump, throwing forth every insinuation and slur you can think of, even descending into petty criticism of the presidents tan, length of his ties and height. Comey openly vilifies President Trump, throwing forth every insinuation and slur you can think of, even descending into petty criticism of the presidents tan, length of his ties and height. On top of this, Comey repeats unproven salacious allegations about President Trumps sex life a surefire way to increase book sales. All the while, Comey feverishly feeds the resistance beast. By contrast, Comey paints himself as the noble and heroic public servant a veritable Superman, fighting the superheros never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way. One thing you can say for Comey he has a healthy sense of self-esteem. Lets be honest: Comey wrote this book to retaliate against President Trump for firing him, make a huge amount of money, and establish himself as an American icon. Sadly, it appears he may succeed on all three counts, as he styles himself entirely above reproach and holier than thou. While Comeys book is titled A Higher Loyalty, the volume is fundamentally an act of disloyalty. Yes, senior officials write books after presidents leave office. But doing so while a president is serving does a deliberate disservice to the president and nation. Comey clearly does not to care. Any president whether Republican or Democrat expects top government officials to provide him with judgment, integrity, competence and discretion. Advice is provided in confidence and dialogue is assumed to be private, unless otherwise stated. Government cannot function without that essential understanding. If the president doubts any of those attributes as President Trump had good reason to do with Comey he has every right to fire an official under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. That is what happened. The president lost confidence in Comey, the FBI director did not want to accept this fact, and for reasons not hard to understand he was fired. Comeys book has one last purpose. It is a thinly disguised attempt to pre-empt further investigation into his own questionable actions, including the indefensible hobbling of a major investigation into 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her email scandal. Comeys book has one last purpose. It is a thinly disguised attempt to pre-empt further investigation into his own questionable actions. The investigation and Comeys judgment were thrown into question numerous times, before, during and after he chose to exonerate Clinton. To this day, more questions remain unanswered than have been answered about the Clinton probe, many of them nagging and constitutional in nature. On top of this, add Comeys odd preoccupation twisted into a virtue for his book of linking Donald Trump to Russia. Objective evidence was scant when Comey launched what has now turned into a seemingly never-ending fishing expedition, looking for evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Beyond prematurely exonerating Clinton from serious charges, Comey made an embarrassing beeline for Trump, assuming the worst, bending established rules, and offering half-truths to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court for a warrant to surveil a Trump campaign aide. The audacity of this all must impress even the ghost of long-time FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, whose offenses were many but never extended to seeking to prematurely unseat a potential president. Members of Comeys FBI team, including those intimately involved in premature shutdown of the Clinton investigation, fretted over Trumps surprising election victory. Their own communications overtly seeking an insurance policy against a Trump victory and showing contempt for the man who is now our president were discovered only through persistent congressional oversight. At best, Comeys leadership of the FBI was self-absorbed and lax. Oversight of FBI agents and lawyers was utterly missing. On his watch as the top dog, senior FBI officials went rogue. That was, as chain of command goes, his fault. Now Comey styles himself a national hero, a status that he never had but seems to have assumed for himself. In all this, I see only sadness, ego and a fall from grace. Comeys book is just another passing stab at vain glory common currency in todays Washington, unlike past years when the nations capital prided itself on getting things done, respecting electoral outcomes and decency. Today, books sell if they fan the flames of disunion and division, coddle popular prejudices and take aim at the president. Comeys does all that, very well. My sadness is only deeper because, in an earlier day, Comey was a man I recall sitting with in the National Security Council back when he was a deputy attorney general, more soft-spoken, not so impressed by himself. I do not know where that man went, but perhaps when and if we ever see him again we will rediscover a bit of ourselves. As for the book with deference to judgment, integrity, competence and discretion I suggest readers skip it. Robert Charles is a former assistant secretary of state for President George W. Bush, former naval intelligence officer and litigator. He also served in the Reagan administration. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Will House Speaker Paul Ryans retirement increase the odds of President Trumps impeachment? Maybe, but Democratic leaders dont want to talk about it. President Obamas former Attorney General Eric Holder and former top Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod, among others, want their liberal allies to shut up about impeaching President Trump. They fear that threats to drive the president from office will boost voter turnout not among Democrats, as some on the left hope, but rather among Republicans. Axelrod tweeted recently: Dems should NOT commit to impeachment unless & until theres a demonstrable case for one. If we normalize impeachment as a political tool, it will be another hammer blow to our democracy. Holder tweeted in response: Ax is exactly right. Midterms can be, among other things, a referendum on this Administration, its policies and its supporters - at federal and state levels. Midterms should not be centered around questions of impeachment. Trump supporters consider the president under siege. They are livid that Democrats have blocked his agenda and indeed the functioning of the government through their brick wall of resistance. Why this high-minded stance? Because the savvy politicos see Republicans beginning to score with that potent political tool. GOP fundraising outfits are busily alerting voters that if Democrats take over the House, they will vote to remove the president from office. They warn of a coup by the extreme left against the duly elected president. The House can vote to impeach by a simple majority, but it would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate after a trial to actually send the president packing. Not only do Republican organizers hope alarming anti-impeachment messages will pump up fundraising; they also expect the messages will boost voter turnout. These Republicans are almost certainly correct. Trump supporters consider the president under siege. They are livid that Democrats have blocked his agenda and indeed the functioning of the government through their brick wall of resistance. Trump supporters also think the media are grossly unfair. Eighty percent of Republicans think journalists make up stories about the president, according to Quinnipiac. They are also increasingly skeptical of the investigation into alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. A Quinnipiac poll shows only 52 percent of the country thinks Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe is fair the lowest level of support since the organization began tracking the topic last November. Some 54 percent of Republicans think the inquiry is unfair. Rasmussen reports a similar trend: 40 percent of likely voters see Muellers investigation as a partisan witch hunt, up from 34 percent last October. Quinnipiac also reports that President Trumps approval rating is at its highest level in a year, despite breathless reporting about Stormy Daniels. A solid 73 percent of voters say the alleged one-night stand with the porn star is unimportant. In short, Democrats may be underestimating President Trumps continued support within his own party, and the growing sense of injustice among Republicans. Any whiff of impeachment will send the presidents furious backers charging to the voting booth, if not to the barricades. This is important because midterm elections are decided by who shows up. Historically, off-year election participation is nearly always lower than during the presidential cycle. The amount of the drop-off is critical. According to the Pew Research Center, the GOPs victory in the national popular vote in 2010 and their gain of 63 seats in the House was ultimately fueled by a sharp rise in turnout by the Republican base, particularly among conservatives and older voters. Not since 1938, when Franklin D. Roosevelts Democrats suffered a crushing 71-seat loss, has any president suffered such a shellacking, as President Obama himself called it. Democrats hope to turn the tables in November. Instead of Tea Party activists driving turnout, progressives expect the anti-Trump fever that has sparked so many demonstrations over the past year to translate into a blue wave in November. They think the promise to impeach the president will add fuel to the lefts fire. Democratic Party leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California have urged caution, with the latter telling CNN: "It's not someplace that I think we should go. Rep. Adam Schiff of California, ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, recently said: Ive been urging members to refrain from discussing impeachment; I think we should let these investigations conclude and see what evidence is found. Nonetheless, many on the left are charging ahead, encouraged in part by super donor Tom Steyer, who has earmarked $20 million for candidates who climb aboard his Need to Impeach campaign. That may be why someone like Rep. Beto ORourke of Texas the liberal darling running to unseat Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November recently told a radio interviewer that he would vote to impeach the president. Though in December ORourke declined to back such a measure brought to the floor by fellow Texan Al Green, ORourke has seen the light, now telling listeners that he thinks President Trump is guilty of attempting to collude with a foreign government in our national election (and to) obstruct justice in the investigation of what happened in the 2016 election. The New York Times suggested in a recent piece that impeachment talk is the stuff of fevered right-wing imaginations and a useful strategy as Republicans try to stave off a Democratic wave. The newspaper reported that what started as blaring political hyperbole on the right has now entered the GOP mainstream. When the principal vocalist for impeachment was California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters the threat seemed almost benign. But Steyer shocked many by gathering 4 million online signatures from activists last fall, creating what Politico described as an avalanche of grass-roots support for impeachment. In addition, as the Times admits, Democrats have already held two impeachment votes in the House. In the most recent one, in January, 66 Democrats over one third of the caucus voted to initiate impeachment proceedings, up from 58 in a December headcount. So, maybe not so fevered after all. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! WASHINGTON -- President Trump's decision last year to launch 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian air base was intended to send the Assad regime a message that its use of chemical weapons would no longer be tolerated. But the strikes also had a broader purpose: showing other regimes that the Obama era of U.S. weakness was over, and that America's adversaries would have to adjust their calculations about our willingness to act in response to their provocations. Now, a year later, the Assad regime has reportedly defied Trump by its apparent launch of another chemical weapons attack. Once again, how Trump responds will have consequences far beyond Syria. With a high-stakes summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un coming up, Trump needs to keep in mind how his next move in Syria will be seen not just in Damascus, Tehran and Moscow but also in Pyongyang. He should use his next strikes on Syria both to punish dictator Bashar Assad and to demonstrate to Kim what might happen to North Korea if it continues to pursue nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could destroy American cities. Last year, Trump delivered a measured, proportionate response to Assad's chemical attack, hoping this would deter the Syrian dictator. According to retired Gen. Jack Keane, former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army, "What we shouldn't do is another measured, proportionate response yet larger. That won't deter him." Instead, Keane says, "What we have to do is destroy all his capabilities that deliver those weapons." The United States should take out all of Assad's rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, Keane says, and destroy all of his airfields, aviation fuel at those airfields, aviation maintenance equipment and aviation munitions. "If he still has artillery-delivered chemical weapons," Keane says, "then we should take down his artillery as well." In other words, another "bloody nose" strike -- even a bigger one -- is not enough. We need to conduct large-scale operations that will destroy Assad's weapons-of-mass-destruction capability. Such an attack would eliminate Assad's ability to commit chemical weapons atrocities. Just as importantly, it would also provide an unspoken preview for Kim of what could happen to his nuclear and missile programs if he persists in developing and testing the capability to threaten the United States with nuclear destruction. Sen. Lindsey O. Graham, R-S.C., has suggested that Trump should also consider taking out Assad with a "decapitation" strike. "Assad and his inner circle should be considered war criminals, legitimate military targets," Graham said this week. "If you have the opportunity to take him out, you should." Graham is absolutely right that Assad and his cronies are legitimate military targets, but Trump should hold off on such a strike -- at least initially -- and instead warn Assad that he reserves the right to hit leadership targets directly if he retaliates. Why? Because Trump wants Kim to see that a similar military operation against North Korea's weapons of mass destruction would not necessarily result in regime destruction -- as long as Kim does not retaliate. By acting decisively in Syria, Trump also has an opportunity to send a message not just to North Korea but also to China that he is not bluffing when he threatens to act against Kim's regime. Chinese President Xi Jinping was with Trump at Mar-a-Lago when he launched last year's strikes against Assad, and the Chinese leader responded by stepping up economic pressure on Pyongyang. A large-scale operation to eliminate Assad's capability to produce weapons of mass destruction would be a wake-up call to China that Trump is willing to take similar action against North Korea; it would also create an incentive for Xi to step up the pressure for denuclearization. Trump also needs to stop talking about withdrawing U.S. forces from Syria. An American withdrawal would not only allow Assad to escalate his brutal campaign of atrocities in Syria, but also it would tell Pyongyang that Washington does not have the stomach to see its military campaigns through. If Trump can't keep 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, Kim would calculate, he would hardly have the fortitude to see through a much more difficult military intervention against North Korea. Trump has an opportunity to end Syria's ability to massacre innocent men, women and children with weapons of mass destruction. But he also has a chance to show Pyongyang before the summit meeting that his threats of military action are more than bluster. The success or failure of that meeting depends on whether Kim believes Trump is serious about taking military action -- which is why Kim will be carefully watching what Trump does next in Syria. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. This call to action by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. rang true when I was visiting the largest refugee camp the world has ever known with an estimated 700,000 to 1 million people. Bangladesh has taken in the people fleeing genocide of Myanmar (formerly Burma), who are being slaughtered by the Burmese military. This army is systematically working to eradicate anyone who is not like them: Rohingya Muslims, Christians, Hindu, other tribesthe list goes on. Traveling with a U.S. delegation of interfaith leaders from every religion, we visited the camps in eastern Bangladesh. After taking-in the chaotic situation, there is no way to comprehend how this militarized Myanmar government can commit such heinous acts of brutality such evil. In speaking with the refugees, these are the stories I encountered in the camps that I never expected to bear witness to, and that must be told: 1. A sweet 13-year-old girl in a princess dress, who told me she had been raped repeatedly alongside her mother, by over 10 men. Today, Moriom is treated regularly for STDs. Her mother and father and three siblings are all dead. 2. A woman who desperately clung to her 1-year-old baby, as soldiers stabbed her in the head and chest, and tried to slit her throat. When they finally wrestled her baby from her, the soldiers smashed the babys head into the ground and the baby died instantly. All of Rashidas children were killed by soldiers, and every night she contemplates suicide. 3. The story after story of women systematically being put into groups of 5-6, and then repeatedly raped for a day by 10 soldiers. If these women lived through this brutality, they were lucky to wake up before the house around them burned down. 4. A place where 52 percent of the women have been raped. 5. The violence and rage acted out against the Rohingya babies and toddlers. In some cases, babies were thrown in the river to drown, in other cases the babies were chopped into pieces and then thrown into the river, and in other villages they were thrown into fires. Of all these atrocities, my mind is least able to process the slaughter of the Rohingya babies and toddlers. It is clear the Burmese military had a systematic plan for surrounding villages, killing the men, and raping the women. However, their actions varied from village to village in how they enacted psychotic rage against Rohingya babies. At the same time, it is the slightly older four to eight year old brothers and sisters of these deceased babies who escaped to the fields, who renew my faith. The swarms of young children who followed me around the camps have witnessed unimaginable atrocities over the past eight months, and yet they were so sweet, happy, and innocent. These precious children are awe-inspiring. It is for their futures that this situation must immediately end, and we must ensure no children suffer this slaughter ever again. Most of all, it is clear none of these refugees would be alive if the Bangladeshi government had not immediately opened their border to the surviving victims of genocide occurring to their east, when the Myanmar government began their latest killing spree on Aug25, 2017. Many of the refugees who made it across the Bangladeshi border would not have survived their injuries if not for the volunteer doctors of organizations such as Doctors Without Borders. As people poured in across the Bangladesh border, trauma victims were immediately whisked off for life-saving aid. As a Christian, I am called to bear witness to these atrocities, and I am obligated to help these voiceless victims of genocide be heard. I ask the world community: if our nations called for an end to genocide and crimes against humanity after World War II, how is this genocide occurring today in Myanmar? Today the Myanmar government brags that they have eradicated 90 percent of the Rohingya population. If we allow this to occur in Myanmar, how will we stop the next wave of genocide there or anywhere else? We cannot allow this injustice to continue. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! My first reaction to fired FBI Director James Comeys new book "A Higher Loyalty" is to demand that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein release the still-secret Comey memorandums describing his conversations with Donald Trump as president-elect and president. After seeing hundreds of pages of Comeys self-serving version of reality, the American people deserve to see what he actually wrote at the time of these conversations. I suspect the memos will undermine a lot of Comeys case. In fact, it is hard to understand why Rosenstein is keeping these memos hidden unless it weakens the Deep States case against President Trump. There are two striking things about the initial leaks of the Comey anti-Trump novel. And I call it a novel because it will be amazingly discredited after the elite media is done fawning over Comey and people actually look at what he wrote and how he positioned himself. Before you believe what is written in Comeys book, you should watch this video compiled by the Republican National Committee to remember what leading Democrats said about Comey in 2016. Immediately after Comey announced that the FBI had reopened the investigation into Hillary Clintons emails in late October 2016, virtually every leading Democrat called him a disgrace and said that he should be fired or resign. Democrats attacking Comey included House Minority Nancy Pelosi of California, current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and former Senate Minority leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Democratic Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Clinton, joined in the anti-Comey chorus. Then, miraculously after President Trump fired him and Comey began to attack his former boss Democrats suddenly considered Comey a saintly, loyal public servant. Make no mistake, this book is a work of political fiction in which Saint Comey was perfect in his treatment of Hillary Clinton, perfect in his treatment of President Trump, and perfect in his reflection every time he looked in the mirror. The book is, of course, the angry diatribe of an embittered, fired employee. Anyone who has had to fire someone who was convinced they were right and you were wrong can appreciate the intensity of Comeys anger. That intensity and that bitterness flows throughout the book. Comey is a man who lied to Congress about never having leaked documents and then admitted a few weeks later that he had given documents to a college professor friend, specifically so this professor could pass the information to the media in this case, the New York Times. Comey told Congress he did this so the media could demand a new independent counsel, who Comey was sure would be Robert Mueller. Comey is a man who took a now totally discredited dossier written by Christopher Steele to Donald Trump and was surprised that Trump was shaken by some of the viciously dishonest things written about him in it. Comey also had used this phony document to get a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (FISA) Court warrant to eavesdrop on Americans involved in the Trump campaign. I am sure Comey will make a lot of money as anti-Trump media personalities swoon over him and anti-Trump elites rush to buy his book. Sadly, he will have tarnished the FBI and set a terrible precedent for future directors. After this, if you were president, would you confide in an official who could end up writing a vicious version of your conversations a year later? Comey will go down in history as the most discredited director of the FBI we have ever had. Remember that when you watch the self-serving interviews and fawning left-wing media reports. Gay couples in Uruguay can begin to marry in mid-July, after lawmakers passed historic legislation legalizing same-sex marriage on Wednesday. The South American country is now the second in the region, after Argentina, to legalize gay marriage. When the results were announced, supporters of the law, who had filled the public seats in the legislative building, erupted in celebration. The bill received the backing of 71 of the 92 members of the Chamber of Deputies present. "I have all the rights and obligations of everyone else. I pay my taxes and fulfill my responsibilities, why would I be discriminated against?" Roberto Acosta, a 62-year-old retired gay man. "We are living a historic moment," said Federico Grana, a leader of the Black Sheep Collective, a gay rights group that drafted the proposal. "In terms of the steps needed, we calculate that the first gay couples should be getting married 90 days after the promulgation of the law, or in the middle of July." The "marriage equality project," as it is called, was already approved by ample majorities in both legislative houses, but senators made some changes that required a final vote by the deputies. Among them: Gay and lesbian foreigners will now be allowed to come to Uruguay to marry, just as heterosexual couples can, said Michelle Suarez of the Black Sheep Collective. President Jose Mujica, whose governing Broad Front majority backed the law, is expected to put it into effect within 10 days. Nationalist Sen. Gerardo Amarilla opposed the law, saying it "debases the institution of marriage" and affects the family, especially in its "role in procreation." The vote makes Uruguay the third country in the Americas after Canada and Argentina to eliminate laws making marriage, adoption and other family rights exclusive to heterosexuals. In all, 12 nations around the world now have taken this step. While some countries have carved out new territory for gay and lesbian couples without affecting heterosexual married couples, Uruguay is creating a single set of rules for all people, gay or straight. Instead of the words "husband and wife" in marriage contracts, it refers to the gender-neutral "contracting parties." All couples will get to decide which parent's surname comes first when they have children. All couples can adopt, or undergo in-vitro fertilization procedures. The legislation also updates divorce laws in Uruguay, which in 1912 gave women only the right to unilaterally renounce their wedding vows as a sort of equalizer to male power. Now either spouse will be able to unilaterally request a divorce and get one. The law also raises the age when people can legally marry from 12 years old for girls and 14 for boys to 16 for both genders. Outside congress, gay couples holding hands, transvestites and transgender couples jumped in celebration when the result was announced. People in costumes carrying Uruguayan and rainbow flags danced to electronic music. "I have all the rights and obligations of everyone else. I pay my taxes and fulfill my responsibilities, why would I be discriminated against?" said Roberto Acosta, a 62-year-old retired gay man. Mujica, who spent more than a decade in prison for his actions as a leftist guerrilla in the 1970s and still lives on a ramshackle flower farm in a poor neighborhood on the edge of Uruguay's capital, has pushed for a series of liberal laws recently. Congress agreed to decriminalize abortion, but Mujica had to suspend an effort to put the government in charge of the marijuana business, saying society has to reach consensus on that idea first. Uruguay's Roman Catholic Church asked lawmakers to vote their conscience and challenged the label of "marriage equality" as a false pretext, saying it's "not justice but an inconsistent assimilation that will only further weaken marriage." Based on reporting by The Associated Press. Follow us on twitter.com/foxnewslatino Like us at facebook.com/foxnewslatino The House of Representatives failed to pass an amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced budget, following a damning Congressional Budget Office report that said the tax reform law and the omnibus spending package would push the deficit to just under $1 trillion in 2019. The vote was 233-184 in favor, but in order to pass a constitutional amendment, the measure needed two-thirds of the House to vote for adoption, meaning almost 50 more congressman needed to cast votes in the affirmative. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said the House has repeatedly passed balanced budgets and each funding bill on time, and has fought for cuts to help balance our budget and mandatory reforms to save our entitlement programs. Weve shown Washingtons spending problem cant be boiled down to a lack of will. Its a problem of structure and process -- and everyone knows the process of government funding in Washington is broken, McCarthy said. Im extremely disappointed our Democrat members didnt vote in line with their newfound concern about deficits, but this is not the only battle line in the fight to fix our spending problem. Six Republicans voted against the amendment proposed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte: Justin Amash, R-Mich.; Thomas Massie, R-Ky.; Louie Gohmert, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla.; and Andy Biggs, R-Ariz. A balanced budget amendment requires the government to spend no more than it takes in each year and Republicans have pushed to consider the measure since the 1980s. The last time the House of Representatives voted on a constitutional balanced budget amendment was in 2011 -- before that, 1995. Congress has never been able to fully pass the amendment, failing to garner support from both the House and the Senate each time its been taken to the floor in 1982, 1986, 1995, 2011 and now, this year. The U.S. Constitution says that the House needs a two-thirds vote to adopt the amendment and move it along to the Senate. But in order to actually amend the Constitution, Congress needs an unlikely two-thirds vote in favor in the House and two-thirds in the Senate, plus the approval of the measure in 38 state legislatures. This time around, Goodlatte, R-Va., who will not seek re-election at the end of his term, proposed the joint resolution voted upon on Thursday evening. A balanced budget amendment has been one of the highest priorities of my tenure in Congress. A constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget would finally bring discipline to federal spending and would benefit generations to come, Goodlatte said in a statement, praising House leadership for scheduling a vote. I challenge my colleagues in the House and Senate to do what is morally right and responsible by passing this amendment and sending it on to the states for ratification. Goodlattes resolution required that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenue, and requires a true majority two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to pass tax increases, along with a three-fifths supermajority to raise the debt limit. Goodlattes resolution is identical to the balanced budget amendment considered in 2011, which also failed. Even if Goodlattes resolution had been passed in the House, the chances of it passing the Senate were slim. The Senate would need at least nine Democrats to vote across party lines to approve the measure. I think thats something we ought to consider, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on Capitol Hill this week, when asked about a balanced budget amendment. Most of my members think a balanced budget amendment would bring the kind of discipline that has been missing under administrations of both parties. Democrats have blasted Republicans time and again for the proposal of the amendment especially following the passage of the Republican tax reform plan, and of the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill that gained passage last month. President Donald Trump signed the measure into law, but slammed the legislation for carrying such a hefty price tag. Democrats also said passage of the amendment would have resulted in deep entitlement cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., attacked the balanced budget proposal this week, invoking the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Im reminded in the course of the tax bill, the budget, and now the so-called balanced budget amendment, of Reverend Kings words, Pelosi said at her press conference on Capitol Hill. God never intended for any group of people to live in superfluous, inordinate wealth while others live in abject, deadening poverty. Even some Republicans disagreed with bringing the resolution to a vote. "What a joke. What a joke. It is the biggest joke in the world," Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., told The Washington Post. "It's a way for people to hide behind making tough decisions. I'm for a balanced-budget amendment, but the way it's drafted, it's just to give people cover. We've got the House, the Senate and the presidency. If we wanted to figure out a way to balance the budget we could do it." Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, also deemed the bill a "joke." "It's all pretend, Never gonna become law, never gonna happen," Jordan said on the House floor. "Everybody knows this is all pretend." And Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said no one "will take this vote seriously." Pelosi's office sent a statement ahead of the vote, again blasting the resolution. House GOPs balanced budget amendment is not about budgeting or balance. Its about Republicans pushing their cruel agenda to further enrich the special interests on the backs of working families, Pelosis office said in the statement. Democrats believe in real fiscal responsibility and continue to fight for Americas seniors and our veterans, to create more good-paying jobs, and to reduce deficits in a responsible and sustainable manner. The CBO report earlier this week forecast that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would reduce federal revenues by $1 trillion, but would add another $500 billion to the debt. In 2018, tax cuts and spending hikes would add up to $242 billion. Attorneys for embattled Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens claimed Thursday that the prosecutor in his felony invasion-of-privacy trial concealed evidence until after the release of a legislative committee report that led to calls for the Republican to step down. In a statement, Greitens claimed St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, a Democrat, "hid a video that she knew directly contradicted allegations in the House report, and she allowed her lead investigator to lie about it, under oath." The report, released Wednesday, contained detailed testimony from a woman who claimed the governor slapped, grabbed, shoved and threatened her during unwanted sexual encounters in 2015, a year before he was elected. The woman, known only as "K.S.," told lawmakers that Greitens took a partially nude photo of her after tying her to exercise equipment and ripping off clothes that he had made her change into for what she initially thought would be a "sexy workout." The alleged photo led to Greitens' February indictment by a St. Louis grand jury. He is set to go to trial May 14. Greitens has claimed that the affair was consensual and has denied taking the photo the woman described. His attorneys have claimed that the woman's testimony in a March interview with prosecutors backs up the governor's story. The defense team said prosecutors initially claimed a video of the woman's interview was lost due to a recorder malfunction, but then shared the video Wednesday night -- after the release of the Legislature's report. "The House report contained explosive, hurtful allegations of coercion, violence, and assault. They are false," Greitens said in his statement. "Those allegations can be refuted with facts. Despite the Circuit Attorney's attempts to keep it from the people of Missouri, we have video evidence that contains some of those facts." Gardner said in a court filing later Thursday that she supplied the video once her office determined it could be accessed. She accused Greitens' attorneys of using "diversionary tactics" to shift the focus from his "illegal and reprehensible conduct." The woman's attorney, Scott Simpson, declined to comment on the video, citing a gag order in the criminal case. Republican legislative leaders said they would start gathering signatures from colleagues next week to call themselves into a special session to consider potential disciplinary action against Greitens. The special House investigatory committee is to make a recommendation after the regular session ends May 18 about whether Greitens should face impeachment proceedings to try to oust him. It's also expected to release a second report focused on potential campaign finance violations involving Greitens' use of a charity donor list to raise money for his gubernatorial campaign. Impeachment proceedings can operate independently from a criminal trial. The state constitution lays out several grounds for impeachment, including "moral turpitude," although there is disagreement on whether the offending behavior must occur while a person is in office. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The White House hit back on Thursday against a report that President Trump is considering forgoing an interview with Special Counsel Robert Muellers team in light of the raid on the office and home of Trumps personal attorney earlier this week. Untrue, White House lawyer Ty Cobb told Fox News. Cobbs one-word reply followed an earlier NBC report claiming, Muellers office and President Donald Trumps legal team are now proceeding with strategies that presume a presidential interview will likely not take place as part of the Russia investigation. According to NBC, the White House legal team was preparing for a potential interview with Muellers team as recently as Monday and had been working on issues like timing, scope and length of any possible talks. The report even claimed that Trumps lawyers sought over the weekend to expand his legal team to include individuals who would prepare him for an interview. Those plans were dashed according to the report following Mondays FBI raid on the hotel room, office and home of Michael Cohen. Fox News has learned that during the raid, agents obtained documents related to several issues, including Cohen's payments to porn star Stormy Daniels as part of a nondisclosure agreement she has since sought to invalidate. Documents related to the infamous 2005 Access Hollywood tape featuring Trumps vulgar comments about women also were sought. Trump has denied an affair with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Cohen's Midtown Manhattan office and a Park Avenue hotel room were both searched after prosecutors reportedly received a referral from Mueller -- who is investigating alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 election. Prosecutors reportedly were looking into whether Cohen committed bank fraud, along with possible improper campaign donations to the president. On Twitter Thursday, Trump wrote that he supported Cobb's guidance on the Russia probe. "I have agreed with the historically cooperative, disciplined approach that we have engaged in with Robert Mueller (Unlike the Clintons!). I have full confidence in Ty Cobb, my Special Counsel, and have been fully advised throughout each phase of this process," the president wrote. Fox News' John Roberts contributed to this report. A self-proclaimed atheist who was recently removed from a city council meeting in Missouri after objecting to an In God We Trust display is now getting some help from the ACLU. The American Civil Liberties Union's Missouri chapter announced a lawsuit Thursday, claiming that officials in Wentzville, a St. Louis suburb, violated Sally Hunt's First Amendment rights. Hunt, of Maryland Heights, was forcibly removed from the Feb. 14 meeting after opposing the In God We Trust sign, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The right to disagree with public officials without retribution is at the heart of a thriving democracy, the civil liberties group said in a statement. Just because a public official does not like what someone says about his decision it does not give him the right to intimidate someone or censor constitutionally protected speech. Hunt posted a video of her confrontation with the council. It shows a police officer asking her to leave. City officials denied she was removed because of her opinions, claiming instead that she exceeded her speaking-time limits and was being disruptive. IN GOD WE TRUST SIGN GETS LOUD SUPPORT AMID OUTSIDERS OPPOSITION The In God We Trust motto display has been on the council dais since November, but Hunt -- who lives about 27 miles away from Wentzville -- contends it doesn't belong there. Its offensive to a lot of people. Im outspoken about it but there are a lot of people like me that are afraid to speak out publicly, Hunt said at the meeting, according to KMOV-TV. It says In God We Trust when it should say In God some of us trust. Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione said at the council meeting that before the sign paid for by private funds was put on display, he consulted with legal expert and the citys board voted in favor of posting it. At a rally last month, hundreds of supporters seemed to agree. The overwhelming majority is in support of what weve done, he said. I dont understand why it is offensive, but you cant please everybody. I will not take it down. I will stand strong on it. I do believe its our national motto and it promotes patriotism. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) The policy-making National Food Authority (NFA) Council is likely to face reorganization in the face of cheap rice shortage, Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol said Friday. "Actually in the proposed reorganization of the NFA Council, mukhang magkakaroon ng pagbabago [it looks like there will be changes]," Pinol told CNN Philippines' The Source. The Cabinet official was responding to a question on strained relations between NFA Council Chair and concurrent Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco and NFA Administrator Jason Aquino. The two butt heads after Evasco blamed the NFA of causing panic over low cheap rice supply. Evasco earlier said 250,000 metric tons of NFA rice will arrive in June "so there is nothing to worry (about)." President Rodrigo Duterte has since ordered Aquino to push through with the importation absent an NFA Council decision. Pinol said he is not privy to the relations of Aquino and Evasco, but he thinks a possible council reorganization will be discussed during an upcoming meeting on Monday. The April 16 meeting will also tackle how the Department of Agriculture and NFA can better coordinate. In an interview with CNN Philippines' News Night, NFA Region 3 Director and spokesperson Rex Estoperez confirmed that the agency is now awating President Duterte's official statement on the fate of the NFA Council. He added that a decision must be made immediately amid the cheap rice supply shortage. "The legal luminaries of Malacanang will evaluate and analyze what will be the result of what the President would say because the National Food Authority Council was created during the creation of National Food Authority under Presidential Decree No. 4," Estoperez said. The NFA Council has representatives from the farmers' sector, government banks, the departments of Finance and Trade, and other government offices. President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly floated the idea of abolishing the body. Pinol said that while abolishing the NFA Council is a "presidential decision," he was personally against it. He lamented the NFA was mostly concerned with the importation and procurement of rice when it could play a bigger role. "If you ask me whether it is right to abolish NFA, I say it's wrong," said Pinol. "The NFA should play the role of the export agency of the Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. It should not only be involved with rice." Pinol also believes the NFA should be under his department. Related: Palace: Duterte wants NFA placed under Office of the President Presidential Decree 1485 issued in 1978 created the NFA Council. Andrew McCabe has long been under fire, specifically by Republicans who have voiced conflict-of-interest complaints over McCabe's ties to the Democratic Party. Now, a bombshell report released by the Justice Department, reveals the former FBI director misled investigators multiple times about his role in a news media leak, though McCabe denies the allegations. "DOJ just issued the McCabe report - which is a total disaster," Trump said in an April 13 tweet. "He LIED! LIED! LIED! McCabe was totally controlled by Comey - McCabe is Comey!! No collusion, all made up by this den of thieves and lowlifes!" McCabe says that when he believed his answers to the inspector general were misunderstood, he went back and tried to correct them. His lawyer says the inspector general unfairly tried to conclude its work before McCabe could retire with a full pension. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired McCabe on March 16 -- two days short of his retirement and receiving a full pension. The firing was followed by reports that McCabe kept personal memos detailing interactions with President Trump. Spent very little time with Andrew McCabe, but he never took notes when he was with me, Trump tweeted on March 18. I dont believe he made memos except to help his own agenda, probably at a later date. Same with lying James Comey. Can we call them Fake Memos? "[W]e concluded that McCabes decision to confirm the existence of the CF Investigation through an anonymously sourced quote, recounting the content of a phone call with a senior Department official in a manner designed to advance his personal interests at the expense of Department leadership, was clearly not within the public interest exception," the report says. Here's what you need to know about McCabe's FBI career and the controversies -- including his wife's having received donations for a failed 2015 Senate run from a group tied to former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe -- that have followed. What should I know about McCabes FBI career? McCabe started at the FBI in 1996 as a special agent and has held leadership positions in the Counterterrorism Division, the National Security Branch and the Washington Field Office, the FBI said. In July 2015, a press release announced that then-FBI Director James Comey had appointed McCabe associate deputy director. Comey named McCabe the bureaus deputy director in January 2016. Andys 19 years of experience, combined with his vision, judgment and ability to communicate, make him a perfect fit for this job, Comey said in a statement at the time. After Trump fired Comey, McCabe was acting director of the FBI from May 9, 2017, until Aug. 2, 2017. Trumps pick to replace Comey, Christopher Wray, was sworn in the same day. What about his handling of the Clinton email probe? The inspector general's office, which for more than a year investigated the FBI's handling of the Clinton email investigation, concluded that McCabe authorized FBI officials to speak with a journalist for an October 2016 story in The Wall Street Journal, according to The New York Times. Though Trump has called McCabe biased, the story in question suggested that FBI officials wanted to more actively probe the Clinton Foundation but were discouraged from more aggressive steps by the Obama Justice Department. The DOJ's April report found that McCabe authorized a leak to a Wall Street Journal reporter about the contents of a telephone call in August 2016. "Among the purposes of the disclosure was to rebut a narrative that had been developing following a story in the WSJ on October 23, 2016, that questioned McCabes impartiality in overseeing FBI investigations involving [Clinton], and claimed that McCabe had ordered the termination of the [FBI's Clinton Foundation investigation] due to Department of Justice pressure," the report says. In January, The Journal reported that McCabe knew of thousands of emails related to the Clinton investigation for at least a month before Comey told Congress about them. The day he was fired, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that "the FBI expects every employee to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability." In response, McCabe said that his firing was a part of the Trump administration's "war on the FBI," adding that he was being singled out because of the "role I played, the actions I took, and the events I witnessed in the aftermath of the firing of James Comey." What is the Andy text message? FBI agent Peter Strzok was dismissed from Muellers Russia probe after being linked to a number of anti-Trump text messages, including those calling Trump a menace and a loathsome human. An Aug. 15, 2016, text message Strzok sent to FBI lawyer Lisa Page apparently references an insurance policy against Trump winning the 2016 election. I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andys office - that theres no way he gets elected - but Im afraid we cant take that risk, Strzok said in the text message. Its like an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before youre 40. The Andy mentioned in the text was possibly a reference to McCabe. What about his wifes State Senate campaign? McCabes wife, Dr. Jill McCabe, ran for a Virginia State Senate seat in 2015. The political action committee for then-Virginia Governor McAuliffe, a Democrat and Clinton ally, donated $467,500 to her campaign, while the Virginia Democratic party gave $207,788, The Journal reported. Andrew McCabe was associate deputy director of the FBI at the time. McCabe played no role, attended no events, and did not participate in fundraising or support of any kind, the FBI told The Journal in a statement. Months after the completion of her campaign, then-Associate Deputy Director McCabe was promoted to Deputy, where, in that position, he assumed for the first time, an oversight role in the investigation into Secretary Clintons emails. Trump has been critical of the donations. Dr. McCabe later lost the race to her Republican opponent, incumbent Dick Black. Fox News Jake Gibson, Barnini Chakraborty, Madeline Farber, Lukas Mikelionis, Joseph Weber and The Associated Press contributed to this report. As President Trump weighs what actions he wants to take in response to a purported chemical attack in Syria, a debate among lawmakers and congressional scholars has been reignited what should Congress do about the Authorization for Use of Military Force? House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has said Trump needs a new AUMF from Congress before he can authorize a strike in Syria. And Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has called on colleagues to debate bills that grant the president the ability to use military force in general. Read on for a look at the law and why its controversial. What is AUMF, and why was it created? AUMF became a public law on Sept. 18, 2001 as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The resolution, in part, allows for the president to use all necessary and appropriate forces against terrorists who committed or aided in the 9/11 attacks particularly, Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Under former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, AUMF was used to authorize military action in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Georgia, Iraq, Kenya, the Philippines, Somalia and Yemen. Another resolution authorizing military force was approved by Congress in 2002, pertaining to Iraq. Why is it relevant now? AUMF originally authorized the president to use military force on specific terrorist organizations, but its been misused over the years by both Obama and Trump to fight other terrorist groups around the world, Jimmy Gurule, a Notre Dame law professor, told Fox News. Its pretty obvious just from the text that it was in response to the 9/11 attacks and intended to authorize the president to use force and kill the persons responsible for the terror attacks, Gurule, a former assistant attorney general, said. Here we are 16 years after the authorization was passed by Congress. As Trump weighs his options in Syria, lawmakers, such as Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., have called on the president to seek congressional authorization before any military action, such as an airstrike. But House Speaker Paul Ryan said Trump already has broad authority to attack Syria, saying, "The existing AUMF gives him the authority he needs to do what he may or may not do." Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., disagreed with Ryan's assessment on Twitter. Multiple lawmakers also expressed desire to review the broad war authority resolution after the deadly Niger ambush, which left questions as to why U.S. troops are in the African country. For 16 years, Congress has remained largely silent on this issue, allowing administrations to go to war anywhere, anytime, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said in 2017. A new AUMF is not only legally necessary, it would also send an important message of resolve to the American public and our troops that we stand behind them in their mission. Who is to blame for its misuse? Although multiple presidents have used AUMF for unintended purposes, both the executive and legislative branches are to blame, Gurule said. There have been repeated efforts to get Congress to adopt a new resolution focused on ISIS, but for many reasons Congress cant come to an agreement on what the scope of the new AUMF should be, he said, citing arguments over the type of force, temporal limitations and geographical boundaries. The House Appropriations Committee voted to strike the 2001 AUMF in June 2017, but the repeal was eventually removed from the defense appropriations bill later that month. Pauls bill to sunset the AUMFs was scuttled in September 2017. James Comey's book tour hasn't even started and it's already becoming ground zero in the political and media war over President Trump. The RNC has set up a website called LyinComey.com, trying to blunt the television blitz that begins with a prime-time Sunday special with ABC's George Stephanopoulos. One thing is clear: the man will sell plenty of books. It was Trump's decision to fire Comey nearly one year ago that set off the Russia investigation that continues to dog him and the White House. Had Comey not been cannedand some Trump advisers thought his firing would bring plauditsthen Rod Rosenstein would never have named another ex-FBI director, Bob Mueller, as special counsel. Any notion that Comey would take the high road was dispelled by an advance ABC clip in which Stephanopoulos asked why he referred to Trump as a mob boss. This is not going to be a polite debate as Comey peddles his book "A Higher Loyalty." The Washington Post has an advance copy, in which Comey says Trump seemed obsessed with having Comey disprove the unsubstantiated "pee tape" -- part of the unverified dossier on Russia -- raising the issue several times. "Comey paints a devastating portrait of a president who built 'a cocoon of alternative reality that he was busily wrapping around all of us.' Comey describes Trump as a congenital liar and unethical leader, devoid of human emotion and driven by personal ego. "Comey narrates in vivid detail, based on his contemporaneous notes, instances in which Trump violated the norms protecting the FBI's independence in attempts to coerce Comey into being loyal to him such as during a one-on-one dinner in the White House residence." And dealing with this "forest fire" of the Trump presidency, Comey writes, gave him "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob." Comey has Republican roots, having served as U.S. attorney and deputy attorney general in the Bush administration before Barack Obama tapped him to run the FBI. And in 2016 he managed to enrage the Republicans (by not seeking an indictment of Hillary Clinton) and the Democrats (by reopening the probe in the campaigns final days). He has already testified about his tense interactions with Trump, how the president asked for his loyalty as well as assurances that the FBI wasn't personally investigating him. Comey said he gave those assurances three times, just as Trump had claimed. But Comey also had to confess to being a leaker. Shortly after his firing, the New York Times reported on a memo he had written, saying that Trump had suggested he drop his investigation of Mike Flynn, the former national security adviser who has since pleaded guilty. Comey testified that he gave the memo to a friend to share with the Times, and hoped it might lead to the naming of a special counsel. RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel told CNN that "Comey is a liar and a leaker and his misconduct led both Republicans and Democrats to call for his firing." Comey, for his part, tweeted last month: "Mr. President, the American people will hear my story very soon. And they can judge for themselves who is honorable and who is not." The leaks are already under way. The Daily Beast reports Comey's claimdenied by the White Housethat John Kelly told him that he was "sick" over the firing and "intended to quit" because he didn't "want to work for dishonorable people." Kelly was then running the Homeland Security department. The reactions to Comey largely hinge on partisan politics. Republicans denounced him for not bringing charges in the Hillary email scandal. Democrats condemned him just as vigorously when he reopened the probe over an Anthony Weiner laptop, a move that prompted candidate Trump to praise Comey's "guts." Clinton has blamed him for costing her the election. Now the roles are again reversed, with the GOP vilifying Comey and the Dems viewing him as a savior. The book tour has the potential to be a media lovefest, with journalists who are no fans of Trump embracing Comey's narrative as a victim of the president. No wonder the Trump team is already trying to blacken his image. A deported U.S. Army veteran from Los Angeles, who was pardoned for a crime by California Gov. Jerry Brown, was to be sworn in as an American citizen Friday. Im coming home, ma! Hector Barajas said from Tijuana, Mexico, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. Barajas was a lawful permanent resident in 1992 as teenager. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in the 82nd Airbourne Division, the report said. He reportedly could have applied to become a naturalized citizen, but he incorrectly assumed that his military service made that automatic. In 2001, he was honorably discharged from the military, but his problems soon began after returning to civilian life, the Washington Times reported. He had a DUI conviction in 2001. In 2002, he pleaded no contest to shooting at an occupied vehicle and served more than a year in prison, the report said. He was then deported to Mexico in 2004. That was 15 years ago, the incident. Im more mature now, older. We all make mistakes, he said, according to the Times. Im almost 100 percent sure Im not going to make a mistake as stupid as that was, putting myself in a situation. That was 15 years ago, the incident. Im more mature now, older. We all make mistakes. Hector Barajas, deported U.S. Army veteran pardoned by California's governor In 2010, he returned unlawfully to the U.S., but was deported again in 2011, the Daily News reported. In 2013, Barajas founded the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, known as The Bunker, the Daily News reported. In April 2017, Brown, a Democrat, pardoned Barajas, saying the veteran has shown that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. But critics say that Barajas, and others like him, are taking advantage of loopholes in order to circumvent immigration-law penalties. It seems a travesty to be granting pardons to violent foreign criminals, merely because they spent time in our armed forces," Matthew J. OBrien, director of research at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, told the Washington Times. "Especially in light of the fact that most of them remain subject to deportation specifically because they failed to seek U.S. citizenship. "It seems a travesty to be granting pardons to violent foreign criminals, merely because they spent time in our armed forces." Matthew J. OBrien, director of research, Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) President Donald Trump has also been critical of Brown's pardons of illegal immigrants who have been convicted of crimes. On March 31, after Brown announced five such pardons, Trump tweeted: "Governor Jerry Moonbeam Brown pardoned 5 criminal illegal aliens whose crimes include (1) Kidnapping and Robbery (2) Badly beating wife and threatening a crime with intent to terrorize (3) Dealing drugs. Is this really what the great people of California want?" Barajas applied for U.S. citizenship before receiving the pardon from Brown, the Union-Tribune report said. He is one of at least three deported veterans whom Brown pardoned last year, the Washington Post reported. He also has a middle-school-age daughter named Liliana who lives in Los Angeles, the Union-Tribune reported. I have devoted my life to the United States and its veterans. All I want is to be home with my family and my daughter, said Barajas, The most important thing is family. His daughter was born after he was deported, the Post reported. I have a responsibility to my daughter, to make sure she gets to college, he said. Andrew McCabe, onetime acting FBI director, leaked a self-serving story to the press and later lied about it to his boss and federal investigators, prompting a stunning fall from grace that ended in his firing last month, says a bombshell report released Friday by the Justice Department's internal watchdog. Inspector General Michael Horowitz, appointed by President Barack Obama, had been reviewing FBI and DOJ actions leading up to the 2016 presidential election. The report, handed over to Congress on Friday and obtained by Fox News, looked at a leak to The Wall Street Journal about an FBI probe of the Clinton Foundation. The report says that McCabe authorized the leak and then misled investigators about it, leaking in a way that did not fall under a "public interest" exception. "[W]e concluded that McCabes decision to confirm the existence of the CF investigation through an anonymously sourced quote, recounting the content of a phone call with a senior department official in a manner designed to advance his personal interests at the expense of department leadership, was clearly not within the public interest exception," the report says. McCabe was fired from his role as FBI deputy director last month by Attorney General Jeff Sessions just days before he would have been eligible for a lifetime pension after it was determined that he misled investigators reviewing the bureaus probe of Hillary Clintons email server. Sessions said that McCabe made an unauthorized disclosure to the news media and lacked candor including under oath on multiple occasions. President Trump reacted to the report Friday in a highly charged tweet saying McCabe "LIED! LIED! LIED!" Trump also used the social media platform to describe allegations of collusion between his campaign and Moscow as "all made up by this den of thieves and lowlifes!" The report faults McCabe for leaking information of an August 2016 call to Wall Street Journal reporter Devlin Barrett for an Oct. 30, 2016, story titled FBI in Internal Feud Over Hillary Clinton Probe. The story -- written just days before the presidential election focused on the FBI announcing the reopening of the Clinton investigation after finding thousands of her emails on a laptop belonging to former Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, who was married to Clinton aide Huma Abedin. The Journal's account of the call says a senior Justice Department official expressed displeasure to McCabe that FBI agents were still looking into the Clinton Foundation, and that McCabe had defended agent's authority to pursue the issue. "Among the purposes of the disclosure was to rebut a narrative that had been developing following a story in The WSJ on Oct. 23, 2016, that questioned McCabes impartiality in overseeing FBI investigations involving [Clinton], and claimed that McCabe had ordered the termination of the [FBI's Clinton Foundation investigation] due to Department of Justice pressure," the report says. That leak confirmed the existence of the probe, which then-FBI Director James Comey had up to that point refused to do. The report says that McCabe "lacked candor" in a conversation with Comey when he said that he had not authorized the disclosure and didn't know who had done so. The IG also found that he also lacked candor when questioned by FBI agents on multiple occasions since that conversation, where he told agents that he did authorize the disclosure and did not know who was responsible. McCabe has denied doing anything wrong. "This attack on my credibility is one part of a larger effort not just to slander me personally, but to taint the FBI, law enforcement and intelligence professionals more generally," McCabe said in a statement after his firing last month. In a letter submitted by McCabes counsel after reviewing a draft of the report, McCabe argues that the OIG should credit Mr. McCabes account over Director Comeys and complains that the report paints Director Comey as a white knight carefully guarding FBI information, while overlooking that Mr. McCabes account is more credible for at least three key reasons ... McCabe's counsel, Michael Bromwich, in a statement to Fox News, slammed the OIG report. "The core weakness of the OIG report is the lack of any understandable motive for his alleged wrongdoing. It is undisputed that Mr. McCabe was one of three senior FBI officials authorized to share information with the media, including on sensitive investigative matters," he said. "He chose to exercise that authority in October 2016, during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the bureau, with the knowledge of Director Comey and other senior members of FBI management. His purpose was to protect the institutional reputation of the FBI against false claims, including that a sensitive investigation was being shut down for political reasons." McCabe and Bromwich seemingly sought to diminish the credibility of Comey, blasting his "recollection" as "not at all clear." "Mr. McCabes recollection of discussions he had with Director Comey about this issue is extremely clear; Director Comeys recollection is, by his own acknowledgment, not at all clear. And yet two of the lack of candor allegations are based on Director Comeys admittedly vague and uncertain recollection of those discussions. " Later on Friday, Bromwich had another statement on McCabe's behalf, raising the specter of further legal action: We have for some time been actively considering filing civil lawsuits against the president and senior members of the administration that would allege wrongful termination, defamation, constitutional violations and more. The distinguished Boies Schiller law firm has recently joined us in this project. This is just the beginning." And, retweeting Trump's Twitter barrage, Bromwich had this to say: "Thank you for providing even more material for the defamation suit we are actively considering filing against you and your colleagues. Stay tuned." House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., said that the report showed that the decision to fire McCabe "was the correct one." "According to the inspector general report, Mr. McCabe repeatedly lied under oath about the disclosure of information to a reporter. In doing so, he not only violated FBI policy, but he may have committed a federal crime," he said in a statement. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that while she can't disregard McCabe's actions, "I'm disappointed the context wasn't given more weight." The rush to fire McCabe late on a Friday night, just hours before he was to retire, casts a tremendous shadow over the integrity of this process," she said in a statement. "Theres really no way to look at McCabes firing other than overtly political." McCabe has been in the news since his firing, particularly over a GoFundMe campaign which raised more than $500,000 for a legal defense fund. McCabe also wrote a dramatic op-ed for The Washington Post in which he again denied lying to or misleading investigators, and talked of the humiliation he had undergone over the probe and the way in which he was fired. Not in my worst nightmares did I ever dream my FBI career would end this way, he wrote. Fox News Chad Pergram, Jake Gibson and Alex Pappas contributed to this report. President Trump announced in July he has given full pardons to Dwight and Steven Hammond. The two Oregon cattle ranchers were initially convicted in 2012 of intentionally and maliciously setting fires to public lands. After a federal judge gave the father and son duo a more lenient sentence, the prosecution successfully appealed, meaning they were resentenced in 2015. The resentencing led to the protests and standoff led by Ammon Bundy, who occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near the Hammond ranch in 2016. Including the Hammonds, Trump has pardoned seven people since taking office in 2017. Read on for a look at what presidential pardons are, and why the president has the authority to issue them. What is a presidential pardon? A pardon is seen as a sign of forgiveness, not necessarily evidence that a person is innocent, according to the Department of Justice. A presidential pardon is ordinarily a sign of forgiveness and is granted in recognition of the applicants acceptance of responsibility for the crime and established good conduct for a significant period of time after conviction or release from confinement, the Justice Department states. A pardon is not a sign of vindication and does not connote or establish innocence. For that reason, when considering the merits of a pardon petition, pardon officials take into account the petitioners acceptance of responsibility, remorse and atonement for the offense. If pardoned, people must still disclose the past conviction when required but can also disclose a pardon has been granted. A pardon will restore some of a persons rights, but not those that are dictated by the state, such as the ability to hold public office or vote. Who grants the president the authority? The president shall have the Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment, according to Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. This power which only the president has applies to federal crimes, not state offenses, according to the Justice Department. The pardoning power does cover Washington, D.C., and military court-martial proceedings. How does one receive a pardon? To apply for a pardon, a person must submit a petition to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, a part of the Justice Department. Additionally, a five-year waiting period must occur before a person is eligible to be pardoned. Those seeking a pardon for a military offense must apply through the secretary of the military department that had jurisdiction over the case, according to the Justice Department. If a pardon petition is denied, the Justice Department allows a new petition to be filed two years later. Are they common? They certainly arent unusual. Former President Barack Obama noticeably granted many during his two terms in office. According to data from the Pew Research Center, Obama granted clemency to more people 1,927 people, to be exact than any president since Harry S. Truman. In comparison, former President George W. Bush granted 200 people total clemency, and former President Bill Clinton did so for 459 people. Truman granted clemency to 2,044 people, and former President Franklin D. Roosevelt to 3,796. Obama also received more requests than any other president. So far, Trump has pardoned seven people: former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, former Navy sailor Kristian Saucier, former Vice President Dick Cheney chief of staff Scooter Libby, the late boxer Jack Johnson, conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza and Dwight and Steven Hammon, the father and son cattle ranchers. Johnson's pardon was given posthumously. He also commuted the sentence of meat plant executive Sholom Rubashkin. President Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen recently arranged a nondisclosure agreement on behalf of a GOP donor who impregnated a woman and then "made sure she had an abortion," porn star Stormy Daniels' attorney tweeted late Thursday. And on Friday, reports emerged that the donor had quit on the heels of news about the payment. The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that a $1.6 million nondisclosure agreement was arranged on behalf of Elliott Broidy, a Los Angeles-based venture capitalist who has served as deputy finance chairman of the Republican National Committee. The newspaper said the payments were arranged for a former Playboy model who said she was impregnated by Broidy. It is unfortunate that this personal matter between two consenting adults is the subject of national discussion just because of Michael Cohens involvement, Broidy said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal. On Friday, The Journal further reported that Broidy had quit his RNC post after news broke about the damaging claim, according to a person familiar with the matter. Since Mr. Trumps inauguration, Broidy has often met with the president at the White House and at Trumps Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, according to people familiar with the matter. He helped organize a fundraiser in Los Angeles last month that Trump attended, the people said. RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel accepted Mr. Broidys resignation, a source familiar with the situation told Fox News. The Twitter revelation on the situation by Michael Avenatti, who filed Daniels' ongoing defamation suit against Cohen earlier this year, came at the end of a whirlwind week in which Cohen's home and office were raided by FBI agents. "In last 18 mos, Mr. Cohen negotiated yet another hush NDA, this time on behalf of a prominent GOP donor who had a relationship with a LA woman, impregnated her and then made sure she had an abortion," Avenatti tweeted. "The deal provided for multiple payments across many months. #basta." "Basta" is the Italian word for "enough." Three hours after his first tweet, Avenatti provided more detail for his claim: "And to be clear, the GOP donor is also LA based." There is no indication that this alleged NDA involves illegal activity or illicit funds. FEDERAL AGENTS SEIZE DOCS RELATED TO COHEN'S PAYMENTS TO DANIELS Daniels has sought to invalidate her own non-disclosure agreement signed by Cohen, and has offered to return the money she was paid in exchange for her silence. Avenatti's tweet provided no other evidence for his claim, and the Los Angeles-based lawyer has a history of attention-grabbing stunts on social media. In March, three days before CBS 60 Minutes aired an interview with Daniels about her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump and the alleged threats to keep quiet about it, Avenatti tweeted a mysterious picture of a CD or DVD that some suspected might be a recording of Daniels with Trump. FBI agents who executed a search warrant on Cohen's home, office, and hotel on Monday reportedly obtained documents related to several issues, including Cohen's payments to Clifford as part of the nondisclosure agreement. The raid angered President Trump, who called the situation a political "witch hunt" and an "attack on our country." DANIELS SUES COHEN HOURS AFTER RECEIVING 'CEASE-AND-DESIST LETTER' Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. In March, Daniels sued Cohen after he denied having any involvement in Daniels claim that a man threatened her in Las Vegas in 2011, warning her to leave Trump alone. According to Daniels' complaint, Cohens denial represented a defamatory statement that "was reasonably understood Mr. Cohen meant to convey that Ms. Clifford is a liar." President Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen is under criminal investigation for his conduct in his personal business dealings as part an ongoing grand jury investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of New York and the FBI--independent of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, court documents obtained by Fox News state. U.S. Attorney Robert S. Khuzami of the Southern District of New York on Friday made a motion opposing Cohen's motion for a temporary restraining order. The order stated that the FBI raid of Cohens residence, hotel room, office, safety deposit box, and electronic devices on April 9 was approved by a federal magistrate judge. The order states that the searches into Cohens properties are the result of a monthslong investigation into Cohen, and seek evidence of crimes, many of which have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, but rather relate to Cohens own business dealings. These searches were carried out as part of an ongoing grand jury investigation being conducted by the USAO-SDNY and the FBI, the order, obtained by Fox News, read. The order goes on to explain in a footnote that while Mueller did, in fact, refer the investigation into Cohen, the USAO-SDNY is proceeding with the investigation independent of Muellers team. This week critics of Mueller have claimed that the special counsels referral of an investigation into Cohen was an overreach of his original jurisdiction. But the order filed on Friday states the investigation is focused solely on Cohens personal conduct in his business dealings, and independent of Muellers investigation. Although Cohen accurately states that the Special Counsels Office [Robert Mueller] referred this investigation to the USAO-SDNY, the investigation has proceeded independent from the SCOs investigation. The judge had found probable cause to believe that the premises and devices searched contained evidence, fruits, and instrumentalities of conduct for which Cohen is under criminal investigation. The order goes on to cite a topic of investigation, which has been heavily redacted. Absent a search warrant, these records could have been deleted without record, and without recourse for the law enforcement, the motion states, citing heavily redacted information that the USAO-SDNY learned throughout the investigation. Cohens legal defense, at this point, the order said, is seeking to prevent the USDNY attorneys office from reviewing lawfully-obtained evidence of Cohens alleged criminal conduct, and instead requested that they first have the ability to review the documents and materials and determine what they believe to be responsive and non-privileged. Cohen is not a criminal defense attorney, has no cases with the USAO-SDNY, and is being investigated for criminal conduct that largely centers on his personal business dealings, the order reads. Based on the information gathered in the investigation to date, the USAO-SDNY and FBI have reason to believe that Cohen has exceedingly few clients and a low volume of potentially privileged communications. The order also states that Cohens claim that he has confidential communications with multiple clients is exaggerated. Cohen has told at least one witness that he only has one clientPresident Trump, the order states. Trump has called Cohen in recent days, a White House official told Fox News. Earlier this week, the president tweeted, Attorney-client privilege is dead! But the order states that the U.S. Attorneys office at SDNY and the FBI would take seriously the obligation to respect attorney-client privilege. Under no circumstances will a potentially privileged document or documents potentially subject to the crime-fraud exception be provided to or described to the Investigative Team without the consent of the privilege holder or his/her counsel, or the courts approval, the order read. This week federal prosecutors reportedly sought records of the payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election. The $130,000 payment was in exchange for Daniels whose real name is Stephanie Cliffordsigning a nondisclosure agreement regarding a one-time alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, Daniels has said. Daniels, who initially denied a sexual relationship with the president, is now seeking depositions from both Trump and Cohen. If approved, Trump would be the first sitting president to be deposed since former President Bill Clinton during Ken Starr's special counsel investigation. Late Tuesday, Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, tweeted that he and his client would "fully cooperate" with any investigation involving the $130,000 payment. Federal agents also sought records on ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal, who received $150,000 from the parent company of The National Enquirer, according to a Wall Street Journal report this week. McDougal also claims she had sexual relations with Trump while he was married to his wife, Melania. FEDS REQUEST DOCUMENTS FROM TRUMP ORGANIZATION RELATED TO MICHAEL COHEN'S PAYMENT TO STORMY DANIELS The warrant relating to Cohen also seeks information about his associates in the taxi industry. Cohen has been a longtime owner of taxi medallions, in addition to working as a top lawyer for the Trump Organization. We do not generally comment on such matters, but have and will continue to comply with inquiries from proper authorities, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization said in a statement to Fox News this week. In an off-camera interview with CNN on Tuesday, Cohen said that members of the FBI who conducted the search and seizure were extremely professional, courteous and respectful. I think it will be proven that everything I did was legal, Cohen told CNN. When asked at the White House press briefing Friday if Cohen was still Trumps personal attorney, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said she was not sure. Fox News Shira Bush contributed to this report. New York state plans to spend spend $18.5 million to fund programs aimed at keeping young people on Long Island from joining MS-13, a gang linked to brutal murders and violence across the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, announced the funding this week in a bid to prevent youths from joining the gang, the Wall Street Journal reported. Lets stop the young people from getting caught in the gang pipeline to begin with, rather than just treating them as criminals once the gang takes over, the governor said at a news conference. Lets not treat the disease, lets prevent the disease. MS-13 is among the largest street gangs in the U.S., with many members arriving from Central America. The gangs motto is kill, rape, control, according to the newspaper. State officials claim that $16 million will go to after-school, job-training and social-service programs for young people. About $2.5 million will be allocated to support violence-reduction efforts. Cuomo said law-enforcement measures are important in tackling the gang, but stressed that more needs to be done to prevent young people from becoming easy prey for MS-13 recruiters. The announcement marks a shifting tide among Democrats, who previously accused Republicans and President Donald Trump of exaggerating the threat that the gang poses. Trump previously pledged to arrest and deport gang members who turned the streets into blood-stained killing fields. Just last month, six alleged members of MS-13 were indicted in Maryland on charges of murder, conspiracy and racketeering. SIX MS-13 MEMBERS FACING MURDER, CONSPIRACY CHARGES, AUTHORITIES SAY In his State of the Union address in January, Trump acknowledged the parents of a teenager killed by the gang in Brentwood, N.Y. -- one of New York City's Long Island suburbs. Nisa Mickens, 15, was brutally murdered in 2016 along with her friend, Kayla Cuevas, 16. The parents at the time criticized House and Senate Democrats for declining to stand and applaud when Trump honored them. "It's not right. Regardless of how they feel about the president, they should show the respect. I would show them respect if it was their loved one," Robert Mickens, the father, told Fox News. MSNBC star Joy Reid mocked Trump at the time for bringing up MS-13. She suggested the president inflated the threat. He gives a speech tonight, in which he makes it sound like the biggest issue in the United States, the biggest threat, is MS-13, a gang nobody that doesn't watch Fox News has ever heard of. So he makes it sound like they're the biggest threat, she said during the networks coverage of the SOTU address. But on the very same evening on MSNBC, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., offered a very different view of MS-13 than Reid did. MS-13 is an example," Harris said, "of some of the worst of criminal gang behavior. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders slammed the media for giving so much attention to a disgraced, partisan hack, former FBI Director James Comey, during Fridays White house press briefing. You guys spend hours upon hours every single day praising Jim Comey, propping him up, giving him the biggest platform, Sanders said. We shouldn't be praising him. We should be putting him down and taking him off of air instead of giving him minute after minute. Comey is about to kick off a promotional tour for his new book with a prime-time interview on ABC scheduled for Sunday night. Early excerpts of the book and a promotional sitdown have resulted in the press receiving a new license to discuss unverified, lurid claims about President Donald Trump's alleged activities in a Moscow hotel room, despite the former FBI director admitting he has no evidence they are true. "I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, Comey told Disney-owned ABC News. "We should be talking about the economy and Syria and the drug crisis. But instead, we're going to talk about Jim Comey." Press Secretary Sarah Sanders The salacious claim was given a wide berth by even even the most left-wing media outlets. But Comey has put it all back in play as he touts his new book bashing the president who fired him and Sanders doesnt seem to appreciate it. This country has a lot of real problems. We should be talking about the economy and Syria and the drug crisis. But instead, we're going to talk about Jim Comey, she said. Comey also questions Trumps marriage in A Higher Loyalty, according to the New York Post. The book is scheduled to hit stores on April 17. The book is already an Amazon best seller, but Sanders said it belongs in the bargain bin of the fiction section after referring to Comey as a self-admitted leaker. You guys will cover it endlessly all day today. All day tomorrow and my guess every day next week with very little time given to the issues that people care about. So the president has every right to call out that individual that you guys are propping up and saying that there are problems and that we should be concerned about it, Sanders said. Media Research Center Vice President Dan Gainor agrees with Sanders and told Fox News that America has left the world of news and headed into one of narrative. Journalists don't want to actually cover anything fairly, they just want to push content out that makes their liberal bosses and friends happy. This isn't news, its yellow journalism, Gainor said. Trump also responded to Comey himself on Friday by slamming him as an untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. Meanwhile, Comey is poised to appear on Good Morning America, The View, an hourlong CNN town hall, Special Report with Bret Baier, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a variety of other programs, in addition to his prime-time special on ABC, to promote his controversial book next week. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) The Philippines' data privacy regulator has demanded the cooperation of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg as it is set to launch an investigation on how the massive Facebook data breach has affected Filipino users. The National Privacy Commission (NPC) sent a stern letter to Zuckerberg. It was obtained by the media on Friday. "We are launching an investigation into Facebook to determine whether there is unauthorized processing of personal data of Filipinos," the letter dated April 11 read. National Privacy Commission will look into how Facebook shares the personal data of Filipino users with unauthorized third parties. It required the founder of Facebook to provide the government information on how the personal data of the 1.8 million affected Filipino users was shared to unauthorized third parties. "As the Philippine data privacy authority, we are directing you to furnish this Commission with information relevant to the processing of Facebook data of affected Filipinos, and how personal data is generally shared with third parties using your platform," NPC said. NPC said failure of Facebook to submit the "required" documents within 15 days will prompt the privacy body to "take further corrective actions." There are over 67 million Facebook accounts in the Philippines, according to a 2018 report by UK-based consultancy firm We Are Social. Massive data breach The data on Facebook users was gathered through a survey app on Facebook called "This Is Your Digital Life." It was shared without authorization to third-parties, including Cambridge Analytica, the controversial data firm that reportedly worked to develop techniques to influence voters. NPC said they were told by Facebook representatives that 558 Filipino Facebook users installed Aleksandr Kogan's personality quiz app, through which personal data may have been "improperly shared" with the controversial political data firm. Those who accessed the app, did not only put their personal data in jeopardy, but also the data of all their Facebook friends. Because of this, 1.2 million more Filipinos have been indirectly affected by the data scandal - making the Philippines the second most affected country in terms of total number of data subjects. Worldwide, the number of Facebook users whose personal information was accessed by Cambridge Analytica is pegged to be over 87 million accounts, whistleblower Christopher Wylie said. Private messages, birthdays, and more personal information were collected by Cambridge Analytica. Meanwhile, NPC has urged Filipino Facebook users to remain vigilant and prudent with their online activities. "We encourage the public to exercise a new level of care about their privacy and to take part in forming the future of Facebook in the country," it said. CNN Philippines correspondent Triciah Terada contributed to this report. President Trump officially pardoned I. Lewis Scooter Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. Libby, now 67, was a chief planner of war in Iraq when he was in the Bush administration. And in 2007, he was convicted on perjury charges related to an investigation into the leak of a CIA agents name to the press. His sentence was commuted by former President George W. Bush but not pardoned -- until Trump did so on April 13. I dont know Mr. Libby, Trump said in a statement, but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life. Read on for a look at the Libby case. What did Scooter Libby do? Libby was convicted on four felony counts of perjury, lying to the FBI and obstructing an investigation into the leak of a CIA operative's identity. The court determined that Libby had lied to investigators about his role in the leak of CIA agent Valerie Plames identity. He reportedly lied to FBI investigators, who were working to discover if the administration purposefully leaked Plames name, about conversations he had with reporters regarding the CIA agent. Plames husband, an ambassador, had criticized the White House regarding the war in Iraq. Days later, Plames identity was revealed in a column, the Washington Post reported at the time. Libby's defense argued that any inconsistencies in what he told investigators was just due to innocent mistakes in his memories. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him. Libby was not the leaker, according to The New York Times, and no one was ever charged for that. Plames identity, it turned out, was leaked to journalist Robert Novak by Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage. A lawyer, Libby was disbarred after the conviction, but he got his law license back in 2016. What did the Bush administration say? In 2007, then-President George W. Bush commuted Libbys prison sentence, sparing him from serving 30 months in prison. CAN A PRESIDENT SELF-PARDON? However, despite Bushs commutation, Libby was still required to pay a $250,000 fine and spend two years on probation. Cheney defended his former aide throughout the trial. As I have said before, Scooter, has served our nation tirelessly and with great distinction through many years of public service, Cheney said in a statement after Libbys conviction. Why might Trump find a connection to this case? The Libby case has been criticized by some conservatives who argued that he was the victim of an overly zealous and politically motivated prosecution by a special counsel. HOW DO PRESIDENTIAL PARDONS WORK? Those criticisms mirror Trumps own attacks on special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible coordination with Trumps campaign. Trump has called the probe a witch hunt. As investigators worked in the early 2000s to learn more about how Plames identity was leaked, then-Attorney Gen. John Ashcroft recused himself from the case, the Washington Post reported. So it was the deputy attorney general James Comey who was appointed to the special counsel in the case. Trump fired Comey as his FBI director in May 2017 and has had some colorful things to say about him since. Trump was asked if he would pardon Libby when he was a presidential candidate in 2015, but the soon-to-be Republican president did not give an answer. Trump has been a vociferous opponent to the Iraq war. Fox News Alex Pappas and The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Trump on Friday pardoned Scooter Libby, the former aide to Vice President Dick Cheney who was ensnared in what was known as the Valerie Plame affair during the Bush administration. I dont know Mr. Libby, Trump said in a statement. But for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life." Libby told Fox News in a brief phone call after Trump's announcement he is pleased his "innocence has been recognized. Libby, who served as Cheney's chief of staff, was convicted in 2007 of perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements. The case stemmed from an investigation into the leaking of the covert identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame, though Libby was not charged for the leak itself. President George W. Bush had previously commuted Libby's prison sentence. The Libby case has been criticized by conservatives, who argue he was the victim of an overly zealous and politically motivated prosecution by a special counsel. Cheney celebrated the news on Friday, calling Libby "one of the most capable, principled, and honorable men I have ever known." "He is innocent, and he and his family have suffered for years because of his wrongful conviction," he said. "I am grateful today that President Trump righted this wrong by issuing a full pardon to Scooter, and I am thrilled for Scooter and his family. HOW DO PRESIDENTIAL PARDONS WORK? Supporters of Libby, including Cheney, have long pushed for a pardon. The effort intensified after former New York Times reporter Judith Millers 2015 book where she doubted the accuracy of her testimony that prosecutors used to convict Libby. Miller testified in 2007 that Libby told her Plame was a CIA agent. Prosecutors used that testimony to say Libby lied. But Miller wrote in her 2015 book, The Story: A Reporters Journey that shes worried her memory may have failed me during the trial, and now doubts Libby ever told her that Plame worked for the CIA. A statement from the White House explaining the pardon made an apparent reference to Miller, saying one of the key witnesses against Mr. Libby recanted her testimony, stating publicly that she believes the prosecutor withheld relevant information from her during interviews that would have altered significantly what she said. The White House also noted that the District of Columbia Court of Appeals unanimously reinstated Libby to the bar, reauthorizing him to practice law, in 2016. In light of these facts, the president believes Mr. Libby is fully worthy of this pardon, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Appearing on Fox News Americas Newsroom on Friday, former Bush adviser Karl Rove, who was caught up in the controversy at the time, took aim at the case's federal prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald persisted for years in trying to get somebody's pelt nailed to his wall, Rove said. Mine and Scooter's. And he got Scooter. Plames identity, it turned out, was leaked to journalist Robert Novak not by the White House, but by Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage. The move marks the third pardon by Trump. He granted one last year for former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was awaiting sentencing for contempt of court. Trump also has pardoned a U.S. Navy sailor, who was convicted after taking photos of classified portions of a submarine. It comes as Trump is slamming former FBI director James Comey -- who is promoting his anti-Trump book -- as a proven leaker and liar." Comey himself had a role in the Libby case: after Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself from the case, then-Deputy Attorney General Comey appointed Fitzgerald as special counsel. Victoria Toensing, an attorney for Libby who is close to President Trump, referenced Comey in her statement celebrating the pardon on Friday. Our law firm, diGenova & Toensing, was honored to represent Lewis (Scooter) Libby to request a pardon for the injustice inflicted on him and his family by Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald and then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey, Toensing said. Fox News Catherine Herridge and John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Trump on Friday slammed James Comey as an untruthful slime ball, as the ex-FBI director's upcoming book and accompanying tour raised anew salacious allegations about Trump first made in an unverified dossier and blasted the president for everything from integrity to his height, skin and hair. James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR, the president tweeted. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH. In another tweet, Trump called Comey a untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history, Trump said. It was my great honor to fire James Comey! Comey, who was fired by Trump in May of 2017, is coming out with his "A Higher Loyalty book next week. Excerpts began surfacing Thursday, as Comey kicks off a media tour to promote the book. COMEY ATTACKS TRUMP'S INTEGRITY, QUESTIONS HIS MARRIAGE IN NEW BOOK In an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos published Friday morning, Comey drew attention to the salacious claims in the infamous unverified dossier about Trump that the president has denied. I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, Comey told Stephanopoulos. It's possible, but I don't know. In his book, according to excerpts, Comey also describes Trump as "untethered to truth" and "ego-driven." Comey goes so far as to question the strength of Trump's marriage to his wife, Melania, after revealing that Trump asked him to investigate salacious allegations about his actions with Russian prostitutes. "It bothered [President Trump] if there was 'even a one percent chance' his wife, Melania, thought it was true," Comey wrote,according to the New York Post. Later on, Comey mused: "In what kind of marriage, to what kind of man, does a spouse conclude there is only a 99 percent chance her husband didnt do that?" The claim was repeated in a dossier compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele and published by BuzzFeed News in January 2017, shortly before Trump's inauguration. That wasn't the only personal jab at Trump: The AP reported that Comey, who stands 6-foot-8, described the president as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggested came from tanning goggles. He also said he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size -- briefly a subject of mockery among Trump's Republican rivals on the campaign trail -- saying it was "smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so." According to The Washington Post, Comey described Trump's presidency as a "forest fire" and wrote that his interactions with the administration recalled "my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. "The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview," Comey reportedly wrote. "The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." The New York Post reported that Comey returned to the Mafia theme in describing a Jan. 27 dinner with Trump at which, Comey wrote, the president told him: "I need loyalty. I expect loyalty." "You will always get honesty from me, Comey said he replied, later writing, "The demand was like [mobster] Sammy the Bulls Cosa Nostra induction ceremony." Trump fired Comey in May 2017, claiming he did so because of Comey's handling of the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's email practices. According to The AP, Comey wrote that he regretted his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Clinton. But, he said he believed he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high-profile cases. Fox News Samuel Chamberlain and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Despite having pulled out of the trade deal last year, President Trump has reportedly asked his top trade officials to negotiate re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). He told a group of Republican senators at the White House he would ask Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative, and Larry Kudlow, his national economic council chairman, to get it done, Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., told Fox News. In a tweet, Trump said he would consider joining TPP "if the deal were substantially better" than the one former President Barack Obama had negotiated. Trump has been highly critical of the 2016 trade deal, especially when he was a presidential candidate. Read on for a look at what the deal is and what the president has said about it. What is the TPP? The trade deal was a massive free-trade agreement pushed by the Obama administration. The deal included the U.S. and 11 other countries along the Pacific Ocean, including: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. At the time, Obama said the deal puts American workers first. Right now, the rules of global trade too often undermine our values and put our workers and businesses at a disadvantage, he said in a statement. TPP allows America and not countries like China to write the rules of the road in the 21st century, which is especially important in a region as dynamic as the Asia-Pacific." Signed in February 2016, the deal was supposed to provoke investment among the 12 regions, which together make up about 40 percent of the global economy, the BBC reported at the time. However, the countries involved needed to ratify the agreement in order for it to actually go into effect. Trumps presidency, which began less than a year later, complicated that. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the trade deal through an executive order in January 2017. Last month, the remaining 11 countries signed a deal without the U.S. What were the criticisms against it? Opponents of the deal, including labor unions, argued it would be a threat to manufacturing jobs and encourage exports of jobs to lower-wage countries overseas. If TPP would be enacted, the U.S. would lose 448,000 jobs, according to a study from Tufts Universitys Global and Environment Institute. In comparison, the study found a total job loss of 771,000 across all 12 nations involved in the deal combined. Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, broke with the Obama administration in opposing the deal. She expressed concern that it would benefit drug countries and wouldnt combat currency manipulation, Time magazine reported. What has Trump said about it? Trump has been critical of TPP, not holding back. The Trans-Pacific Partnership is another disaster done and pushed by special interests who want to rape our country, just a continuing rape of our country, Trump, then a presidential candidate, said in 2016. Thats what it is, too. Its a harsh word: Its a rape of our country. Trump also railed against the deal and Republicans who supported it on social media. Upon withdrawing the U.S. from the deal in 2017, Trump said his move was a great thing for the American worker. But in January 2018, Trump floated the possibility of re-negotiating terms and re-entering the TPP, noting that he would consider signing back on only if he could make a substantially better deal. "As I have said, the United States is prepared to negotiate mutually beneficial, bilateral trade agreements with all countries. This will include the countries in TPP, which are very important," Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "We would consider negotiating with the rest, either individually, or perhaps as a group, if it is in the interests of all." Fox News Barnini Chakraborty and Brooke Singman contributed to this report. From his handling of a probe into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to his investigation into Russian meddling in the election, former FBI Director James Comey has long been a punching bag for President Trump. After Comey left the FBI, Trump accused him of leaving the agency in "tatters." And as Comey released his explosive tell-all book, Trump called for the former FBI boss to be "prosecuted" for allegedly leaking information and lying under oath to Congress. "He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI," Trump said in April. "It was my great honor to fire James Comey!" But while Trump has publicly hit the nations former chief investigator hard, his public opinion throughout his presidency and campaign hasn't been all bad. Criticism On Comey's Capitol Hill testimony On Dec. 7, Comey testified behind closed doors, despite previously seeking an open hearing. He was expected to answer a variety of questions from his decision not to recommend any criminal charges against Hillary Clinton for her private server scandal in 2016 to the FBI's investigation into potential Russian collusion during the 2016 presidential campaign. Comey tweeted days before his testimony that it was "hard to protect [his] rights without being in contempt," so he agreed to "sit in the dark." House Republicans apparently weren't satisfied at the conclusion of Comey's questioning and indicated they may want to bring Comey back, according to reports. Trump, too, was clearly frustrated. "It is being reported that Leakin' James Comey was told by Department of Justice attorneys not to answer the most important questions," Trump tweeted afterward. "Total bias and corruption at the highest levels of previous Administration. Force him to answer the questions under oath!" On Clintons emails Trump has often tweeted about Comeys involvement in the FBIs investigation into Clintons use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state, saying his handling of the probe has left the FBI in tatters. Hillary and the Dems loved and praised FBI Director Comey just a few days ago. Original evidence was overwhelming, should not have delayed! Trump tweeted in October 2016. Before Comey was officially sacked, Trump said Comey was the best thing that ever happened to Clinton because he gave her a free pass for many bad deeds. After the FBI confirmed Comey had drafted a statement about Clinton before the investigation was completed, Trump took to Twitter to lambast the former FBI chief even more. Wow, FBI confirms report that James Comey drafted letter exonerating Crooked Hillary Clinton long before investigation was complete. Many people not interviewed, including Clinton herself, Trump tweeted. Comey stated under oath that he didnt do this obviously a fix? Where is Justice Dept? Trump tweeted. As it turned out, James Comey lied and leaked and totally protected Hillary Clinton. He was the best thing that ever happened to her! he said. He's also said Comey, along with others, have "committed many crimes." On Comeys firing Trump fired Comey on May 9, 2017 and sent his FBI chief a short, impersonal letter to make him aware of his termination. Trump predictably took to Twitter to defend the firing. James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI," Trump said the morning after the firing. Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me! Trump added. On the Russia investigation Comey told Trump that he was not under investigation by the FBI, Trump said in a May 2017 interview with NBC News. I said, if its possible would you let me know, am I under investigation? He said, You are not under investigation, Trump said. When asked if he was angry with Comey over his investigation into Russias meddling in the presidential election, Trump just said he want[s] somebody thats competent to lead the FBI. He added that he is a big fan of the FBI. Trump reportedly called Comey crazy and a nut job during a conversation with Russian officials in the Oval Office the day after Comeys firing, according to The New York Times. I just fired the head of the FBI. He was crazy, a real nut job, Trump said according to a document of the meeting obtained by the Times. I faced great pressure because of Russia. Thats taken off. And when it comes to his former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Trump has denied asking Comey to stop his investigation into potential wrongdoing. I never asked Comey to stop investigating Flynn. Just more Fake News covering another Comey lie! Trump tweeted on Dec. 3. On Comey's memo As Comey has promoted his new memoir, titled "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership," Trump called the former FBI head a "slimeball" and dubbed him "Slippery James Comey." "Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!" Trump said on social media. He also criticized the book for not answering certain questions, such as: "how come he gave up Classified Information (jail), why did he lie to Congress (jail), why did the DNC refuse to give [Clinton's email server] to the FBI (why didn't they TAKE it), why the phony memos," among other things. Trump has also denied asking Comey for his loyalty, something Comey detailed in his memoir. On stopping government leaks Trump has several times expressed his disappointment with Comey and the FBI not being able to stop national security leakers and even accused the former FBI boss of leaking as well. The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security leakers that have permeated our government for a long time. They can't even find the leakers within the FBI itself. Classified information is being given to media that could have a devastating effect on U.S. Trump tweeted in February 2017. Trump also threatened Comey against leaking, himself, information to the media. James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press, Trump tweeted. His tweet came after The New York Times reported Trump asked for Comeys loyalty during a private dinner, which Comey declined to give. The New York Times cited sources who said they knew about the details of the dinner through Comey. Later, after Comey told Fox News the memos he shared with his legal team did not constitute a leak of classified information, Trump took to social media to call him "either very sick or very dumb." Is everybody believing what is going on. James Comey cant define what a leak is. He illegally leaked CLASSIFIED INFORMATION but doesnt understand what he did or how serious it is. He lied all over the place to cover it up. Hes either very sick or very dumb, he wrote. Praise On Clintons emails While the president eventually castigated Comeys handling of the probe into Clintons private email server, Trump initially praised him for investigating Clinton at all. It took a lot of guts, Trump said in October 2017 of Comeys decision to reopen the Clinton investigation. I have to give the FBI credit. That was so bad what happened originally, Trump said after the FBI did not recommend charges be brought against Clinton by the Justice Department. It took guts for Director Comey to make the move that he made in light of the kind of opposition he had where theyre trying to protect her from criminal prosecution, Trump said. I was not his fan, but Ill tell you what what he did, he brought back his reputation, Trump continued. He also encouraged Comey then to hang tough. On the Russia investigation In prepared remarks released ahead of Comeys testimony in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2017, Comey confirmed reports that Trump asked the FBI to lay off his former national security adviser as the department investigated Russias influence on the 2016 presidential election. But Comey also confirmed that he did reassure the president that Trump was not under investigation. Trump was pleased by Comeys admission. The president is pleased that Mr. Comey has finally publicly confirmed his private reports that the President was not under investigation in any Russian probe, Trumps lawyer said in a statement. The President feels completely and totally vindicated. He is eager to continue to move forward with his agenda. Former FBI Director James Comey has an explosive book coming out this week and several leaked passages have already made headlines. In his book, titled A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, Comey, 57, compared Trump to a mob boss who is untethered to the truth. The ousted FBI director also said Trumps presidency has been ego driven and about personal loyalty. The president and his aides have lambasted Comey, who was fired in May 2017, ahead of the book release. He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI, Trump said of Comey. It was my great honor to fire James Comey! But as he's promoted his memoir, Comey has continued to take shots at the president, calling him "medically" and "morally" unable to be president. Heres a look at five passages from the upcoming memoir. 'Loyalty dinner' As reported by Axios, Comey discussed whats become known as the loyalty dinner he had with Trump at the White House in January 2017, right after the inauguration. Comey had previously testified before a Senate panel that Trump asked him if he wanted to keep his job during the dinner. He said lots of people wanted to be director of the FBI, but that he thought very highly of me, Comey wrote, according to Axios. He said he had heard great things about me and knew the people of the FBI thought very highly of me as well. He said despite that, he would understand if I wanted to walk away given all I had been through, although then he noted that that would be bad for me personally because it would look like I had done something wrong, Comey continued. Comey described the dinner as strange because he said Trump had decided my job security was on the menu. Trump said, I need loyalty. I expect loyalty, at the meeting, ABC News reported. Now it was pretty clear to me what was happening. The setup of the dinner, both the physical layout of the private meal and Trumps pretense that he had not already asked me to stay on multiple occasions, convinced me this was an effort to establish a patronage relationship, Comey said. Comey compared Trumps quest for loyalty to Sammy the Bulls Cosa Nostra induction ceremony in the book, according to ABC. Salvatore Gravano or Sammy the Bull is a former mobster who helped the FBI put the late gangster John Gotti in prison. Investigate the prostitute claim for Melania Trump considered having Comey launch an investigation into the claims about his interactions with Russian prostitutes in the now-infamous dossier, the former FBI director wrote in the memoir, according to the New York Post. The salacious but unverified dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele alleged that Trump asked Russian prostitutes to urinate on a Moscow hotel bed in a room that former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama had stayed in before. Comey wrote that Trump brought up what he called the golden showers things adding that it bothered him if there was even a 1 percent chance his wife, Melania, thought it was true. He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldnt possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie, Comey wrote, according to the New York Post. I said it was up to him. Comey said he warned Trump if he did investigate the claim, it could create a narrative that we were investigating him personally. He said Trump told him the allegation couldnt be true because hes a germaphobe. Comey then speculated about the state of Trumps marriage if the first lady would even think theres a 1 percent chance the claim in the dossier was true. In what kind of marriage, to what kind of man, does a spouse conclude there is only a 99 percent chance her husband didnt do that? Comey said in his book. A Loretta Lynch mystery Comey hinted about a secret involving former Attorney Gen. Loretta Lynch that should it come out would undoubtedly have been used by political opponents to cast serious doubt on the attorney generals independence in connection with the Clinton investigation. Lynch fueled speculation that she was biased in favor of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton even during the investigation into her use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state when she infamously met with former President Bill Clinton on her plane on a Phoenix airport tarmac in July 2016. The oft-speculated about meeting occurred just days before Comey said he would not recommend charges against Clinton, despite calling her handling of classified information extremely careless. According to ABC News, Comey said in his memoir that he took on more of a role with the email investigation because of something involving Lynch that was a development still unknown to the American public to this day. He said the information about Lynch, according to ABC News, came from a still-classified source. Had it become public, the unverified material would undoubtedly have been used by political opponents to cast serious doubt on the attorney generals independence in connection with the Clinton investigation, he said. Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., told Fox News there were a lot of things that called into question the legitimacy of the Clinton email investigation. It wasnt the tarmac, it was the information he had about Loretta Lynch that if it became public, people would question their objectivity, Gowdy said. Obamas blessing Even throughout the controversy surrounding the FBIs handling of the Clinton email investigation, Obama still gave Comey praise, he wrote in his book. I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability. I want you to know that nothing has happened in the last year to change my view, Obama told him, according to Business Insider. Comey said Obamas encouragement nearly made him cry. Boy, were those words I needed to hear Im just trying to do the right thing, Comey said. Obama responded by saying, I know. The Washington Post reported that, "Perhaps the only politician who comes off well in the excerpts so far is Obama." John Kellys offer After he was fired, Comey wrote that John Kelly, then the secretary of Homeland Security, offered to quit his job in protest in an emotional call, The New York Times reported. Kelly is now Trumps chief of staff. Comey said Kelly told him he was sick about his ousting. According to the Daily Beast, Kelly told Comey he didnt want to work for dishonorable people. I urged Kelly not to do that, arguing that the country needed principled people around this president, Comey wrote of Kellys offer. Especially this president. Fox News Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A gorgeous ocean-front home once owned by convicted Ponzi-schemer Bernie Madoff is hitting the market for a cool $21 million. PHOTOS: BURNED OUT SILICON VALLEY HOME SELLING FOR $800K The house, located on the end of Long Island in Montauk, N.Y., was originally seized by the feds in 2008 following Madoffs arrest, along with other vacation properties and assets. The U.S. Marshals Service later sold off the three-bedroom beach house for $9.41 million in 2009, using the money to pay back Madoffs victims. Now, current homeowners Steven and Daryl Roth a real-estate mogul and Broadway producer, respectively are listing Madoffs former getaway for $21 million with Corcoran Group real estate agents Gary DePersia and Joan Hegner, Bloomberg is reporting. BEN AFFLECK PURCHASES $19 MILLION MANSION NEAR EX JENNIFER GARNER The homes asking price reportedly reflects a gut renovation of the beachfront property, which currently features three bedrooms, three baths, a large living area, a window-enclosed seating area, a pool, and a deck that spans the ground floor. The 3,000-square-foot property further boasts 180 feet of Atlantic coastline, and sits on 1.5 acres. The listing also makes clear that the homes furnishings could be available separately, per Realtor.com. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Madoff pleaded guilty to criminal financial activity in 2009, and is currently serving a 150-year sentence. On Tuesday, The New York Times announced that the Justice Department will be distributing a further $504 million to victims of Madoffs schemes via the Madoff Victim Fund, which has so far repaid $1.2 billion in money generated from Madoffs seized assets. The nearest exoplanet to Earth may get hit hard by damaging ultraviolet radiation, making it tough for life to survive there, a new study suggests. That planet, the roughly Earth-mass Proxima b, circles the small, dim star Proxima Centauri, which lies just 4.2 light-years from Earth. And Proxima b orbits in its host's star "habitable zone" the just-right range of distances where liquid water could theoretically exist on a world's surface. But there's a lot more to habitability than just being in the habitable zone, as the new study indicates. In it, a team of researchers analyzing observations by the Evryscope, an array of small telescopes at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in the Chilean Andes, report that Proxima Centauri fired off a powerful "superflare" whose light made it to Earth's neighborhood in March 2016. [Proxima b: Closest Earth-Like Planet Discovery in Pictures] The outburst was 10 times more energetic than any previously observed Proxima Centauri flare, and it briefly boosted the star's brightness by a factor of 68, study team members said. In the flare's immediate aftermath, observers under dark skies would have been able to see the star with the naked eye, which is pretty much unheard of for "red dwarfs" such as Proxima Centauri. The Evryscope also spotted 23 less-powerful Proxima Centauri flares over the past two years, according to the study. Based on these observations, the researchers calculated that the red dwarf probably blasts out superflares at least five times per year. Such activity likely has a profound effect on Proxima b and its atmosphere, the team further found. The team's computer-modeling work suggested that Proxima Centauri's repeated flaring would reduce concentrations of UV-blocking ozone in an Earth-like atmosphere by 90 percent in just five years, and would strip the stuff out of the air completely in a few hundred thousand years. (This isn't to imply that Proxima b has, or ever had, an Earth-like atmosphere; nothing is known about the exoplanet's putative air.) The UV light generated by the March 2016 superflare "therefore reached the surface with about 100 times the intensity required to kill simple UV-hardy microorganisms, suggesting that life would struggle to survive in the areas of Proxima b exposed to these flares," the team wrote in the new study, which has been submitted to The Astrophysical Journal. (You can read it for free at the online preprint site arXiv.org.) The new results further bolster a growing sense among astronomers and astrobiologists that radiation could pose a major hurdle to the establishment and evolution of life on Proxima b and other planets circling red dwarfs (which are also known as M dwarfs). Previous studies, for example, have suggested that flares might completely strip away the atmospheres of such worlds over time, leaving their surfaces bare and exposed. Such dangers aren't as high for possibly habitable worlds around sun-like stars, which tend not to be so active. Also, because sun-like stars are hotter than red dwarfs, their habitable zones are farther away meaning potentially life-supporting worlds don't get hammered as hard by stellar eruptions. Still, we shouldn't write off red-dwarf systems as possible abodes of life, said Ward Howard, the lead author of the new study. He cited the lack of detailed knowledge about such planetary systems, as well as the toughness and tenacity of "extremophile" organisms here on Earth, which have surprised researchers time and again. Researchers "should be careful not to go beyond what we can actually compute and study and measure and observe right now," Howard, a graduate student at the University of North Carolina, told Space.com. "I don't think we can say that there is not life around M-dwarf stars, given the current state of the field." Originally published on Space.com. This is a rush transcript from "Hannity," April 11, 2018. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. SEAN HANNITY, FOX NEWS HOST: All right, Tucker. Great show as always. And welcome to 'Hannity.' All right. In just a couple minutes, we will be joined by professor Alan Dershowitz and Joe diGenova. We're going to get some incredible legal analysis. But tonight, disgraced former FBI Director James Comey is days away from kicking off the much-anticipated media blitz where he is likely going to hawk his new book of his. And warm up in the spotlight next to some of his favorite liberal friends. Well, tonight, Comey is already in hot water after comparing the president to a mob boss. Really? We're going to break down this appalling analogy. We'll remind Comey tonight what a real mob boss looks like and you would think that a former FBI director would understand this but we'll give him an education tonight. And also, an American-led response to Syria's a gas attack looms ever so present. The president is now sending a clear warning to Assad's ally, Vladimir Putin. He's pulling his ships out of the region. And also breaking tonight, after eight months of DOJ stonewalling, the House Intel Committee Chairman Devin Nunes and the House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy were finally able to see the original document that kicked off the entire corrupt Russia investigation. OK, good start, where's the other 1.2 million documents that they have subpoenaed? This only happened because Devin Nunes threatened Rod Rosenstein and the FBI Director Chris Wray with contempt and impeachment. All right. We've got all of this and more an important breaking news opening monologue. (MUSIC) HANNITY: It's the moment liberals, the Trump-hating press have been so anxiously waiting for. Former disgraced FBI Director James Comey is ready to cash in on his very public hatred for President Donald Trump. Now his book tour kicks off on Sunday. We couldn't have scripted this any better. He's sitting down for his first interview with Clinton sycophant turned ABC so-called news journalist, George Stephanopoulos. Watch this promo they're running. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, ABC NEWS HOST: How strange is it for you to sit here and compare the president to a mob boss? ANNOUNCER: This Sunday night on ABC. STEPHANOPOULOS: Are there things that you know but haven't said that could damage President Trump? ANNOUNCER: James Comey. STEPHANOPOULOS: And to those who say you should have brought Hillary Clinton before grand jury? ANNOUNCER: The exclusive interview everyone will be talking about. STEPHANOPOULOS: Was President Trump obstructing justice? Should Donald Trump be impeached? ANNOUNCER: Stephanopoulos, Comey, this Sunday night at a special time, 10:00, 9:00 Central on ABC. (END VIDEO CLIP) HANNITY: Really? Mob boss, let's think about this. Of all the people, the former head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the person responsible for taking down actual deadly criminal gangs, shouldn't James Comey know better to make an outrageous comparison like that? Since Comey clearly doesn't know what he's talking about, we're going to remind the former FBI director what an actual mob boss looks like, like for example Al Capone. Remember notorious gangster organized the illicit gambling, prostitution, tax evasion and, of course, was responsible for an untold number of murders, including seven people in one day which is now famously known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. And we got, oh, Lucky Luciano. He was responsible for widespread extortion, prostitution rings, bootlegging and also murder. And last but not least, we can go on all night, look at John Gotti, convicted of 13 murders, also involved in racketeering, tax evasion, at least illicit gambling and, of course, obstruction of justice. So, Mr. Comey, you're really going to compare the sitting president of the United States to a mob boss so you can make money, people that are tied to murder, drugs, money laundering, extortion, prostitution, loan sharking and all sorts of other racketeering crimes. Why are you doing this, just to make yourself look good? Do you really need the extra money just to become rich and famous, just to make your point that you don't like Donald Trump? I guess since Comey, if he's going to use the sweeping analogy, I've decided tonight we're going to use the Comey standard, I call it, and make some comparisons of our own. If Comey thinks Trump is a mob boss, he is in his eyes, well, let's talk about a family responsible for actual crimes. We'll call it the head of the notorious political cabal, of course, Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Clinton crime family. Bill Clinton, as we've shown you many times, had been accused of severe sexual misconduct, harassment, even rape by Juanita Broaddrick. We know he lied under oath and we know he paid Paula Jones. We know he was impeached. And meanwhile, Hillary Clinton, well, we know she committed crime. She should have been charged if we have equal justice under the law. She mishandled national secrets on that illicit private server, obstructed justice, destroyed evidence. And Clinton wasn't alone in covering up her misdeeds. Look at Cheryl Mills on the screen. She was a witness in this email investigation, declared attorney-client privilege in order to abstain from answering any questions. Attorney-client privilege, imagine that. A longtime Clinton aide, remember, Huma Abedin, who possessed classified information on her private computer uncovered in the Anthony Weiner underage sexting investigation. And we got sketchy Terry McAuliffe. He directed his political action committee, remember, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars, an obscene amount of money, to the state senate campaign of Jill McCabe, the wife of, oh, Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe. And, of course, he now obviously is out of that post and he got fired, and he sat on Huma Abedin's emails for months. And, of course, Loretta Lynch. Really? We do believe that the former attorney general had a secret meeting on an airport tarmac with Bill Clinton in Phoenix just days before Comey clear Clinton? And next, of course, we're going to look at the Clinton crime family. You have the Clinton bought and paid for dossier. That was used to get and three times renew a FISA warrant against the Trump campaign associate. This was authored by ex-foreign spy, remember, foreign national Christopher Steele working for Fusion GPS, hired by the law firm Perkins Coie at the request of the Clinton campaign. And according to reports Clinton crony Sid 'Vicious' Blumenthal and others shopped that dossier around the State Department and to the media. This brings us to Debbie Wasserman Schultz, OK, part of the same family, OK. She helped rig the primary for Hillary Clinton as head of the DNC, according to Donna Brazile. And Donna, of course, gave some questions before a debate. Last but not least, you, of course, have the Uranium One scandal. Then-Secretary of State Clinton, along with the attorney general, Eric Holder, others in the Obama administration. Why would we ever sign off on giving away control of 20 percent of America's uranium to a hostile actor like Russia and a Russian state-owned company after the president of Uranium One pumped the Clinton Foundation with millions of dollars of cash, when we import 90 percent of our uranium? The next, by the way, if we're going to go to crime families, let's look at the Mueller crime family. And, of course, we are now on day 329 of the Mueller witch hunt and there's still zero evidence of collusion. Imagine that. And now, we're talking about Stormy and Karen McDougal, oh, and even the NBC 'Access Hollywood' tape. Let's start with Mueller. Remember this whole witch hunt started when Mueller's best friend James Comey leaked his personal, potentially classified notes to his friend who was a professor at Columbia who leaked those notes to the press, all as a purpose for setting forward the wheels in motion for a special counsel, which he got another best friend Robert Mueller. We'll have more on that in a minute. But stay focused on Mueller. During Mueller's time as a federal prosecutor in Boston, four -- four men wrongfully imprisoned for decades framed by an FBI informant and notorious gangster Whitey Bulger, all while Mueller's office looked the other way. And Mueller was also responsible for the prosecution of the wrong person following the anthrax attacks after 9/11. That took place during Mueller's tenure as the head of the FBI. And, by the way, in that case with Whitey Bulger, $100 million payout and two of the four people died in jail that were put in there and they were innocent. And then look at Mueller's merry band a Democratic donors. You couldn't find one Trump supporter to work on the special counsel case? Take a look at the side of your screen. Tens of thousands of dollars to Democrats, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, not a single penny to Donald Trump. And then you have -- why would anybody pick this guy? 'The New York Times' describes as Mueller's pitbull, Andrew Weissmann. His aggressive prosecution tactics have caused tens of thousands of people to lose their jobs, their livelihood, in the case against Andersen Accounting. That was eventually overturned 9-0 in the Supreme Court. He's also responsible for the imprisonment of four Merrill Lynch executives. That was overturned by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and he been accused twice that I know of a withholding exculpatory evidence by judges in cases. And Weissmann also wrote a note to Sally Yates, remember, praising her for refusing to enforce President Trump's travel ban. 'The Wall Street Journal' reporting Weissmann attended Hillary Clinton's election night party. Well, you want him hired as the pitbull to go after you in this never- ending wide -- with zero mandate witch-hunt of Robert Mueller? Because that's what's happening. Would you want that guy going after you with that track record and why would Mueller ever appoint that man? And then also on his team, Jeanne Ray. She previously is done legal work for the Clinton Foundation, huge Democratic donor. Can we say conflict of interest? Next up, OK, we have the disgraced Trump aiding lovebirds. There's Strzok, there's Page, who Mueller tapped to help with the investigation. And based on all the text messages that so far have been exposed is a lot more coming, hopefully, one day, it's apparent that they were out to get Trump from the very beginning and they're the ones that texted about having the insurance policy in case Donald Trump actually won and called them pretty much every nasty name in the book. And they got removed once their bias was exposed. Last but not least, we have one other crime family we want to tell you about and -- well, this is near and dear to Comey's heart, we'll call the Comey crime family. He loves this analogy, let's stay with it. And during his tenure at the FBI, we all know about the special treatment that Hillary Clinton received from the bureau. Comey agreed to call Clinton's email investigation a ' matter' when it was an investigation, at the request of Loretta Lynch. Comey, with Peter Strzok and others, they wrote an exoneration in May before they even interviewed her or other witnesses in July, an exoneration before investigation. And we also know Comey signed off on multiple FISA warrants against a Trump campaign associate, as did Rod Rosenstein, Sally Yates and others. And we know that Christopher Steele's phony dossier -- well, according to the Grassley-Graham memo, that was the bulk of the FISA application. Hillary paid for it, they never verified it, according to FISA law they should have, and according to FBI protocol. This is the very same dossier that John McCain gave to Comey after it was obtained by his associate David Cramer. And fellow Comey deep state sycophant, then-CIA Director John Brennan, remember, he briefed Harry Reid on that dossier. Harry Reid leaked the details about these Clinton bought and paid for lies to the press. Knowing what we now know about what is obvious deep state crime families trying to take down the president -- again, staying with Comey's analogy, aren't you now glad that Trump fired Comey? This is clearly a guy that has his own self-aggrandizing, arrogant agenda who himself should be under investigation, who lied to Trump, mishandled the FISA court system, maybe even lies to the FISA court judges, we'll find out, leaked privileged government documents, failed to apply the law equally which should be everybody's concern. And Comey is now set to make millions of dollars off this impending book tour, all while trashing the president the whole way. I again I say to Mr. Comey, I'll make you an offer you can't refuse come on this show you get the whole hour. I'm on 570 radio stations with 40 million, with 15 million listeners, promote your book. And I'll ask you tough fair questions that the American people deserve answered. Also tonight, we cannot forget the U.S. preparing to respond to Syria's gas attack against innocent men women and children, the president sending a clear warning to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump taking to Twitter earlier today: 'Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria get ready Russia because they'll be coming nice new and smart and you shouldn't be partners with a gas killing animal who kills his own people and enjoys it.' And then the president continued: Our relationship with Russia is now worse than it has ever been and that includes during the Cold War. There's no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do and we need all nations to work together to stop the arms race. Much of the bad blood with Russia is caused by the fake and corrupt Russia investigation headed up by all Democratic loyalists, people that work for Obama, Mueller is most conflicted of all except for Rosenstein who signed the FISA and the Comey letter, and there's collusion so they go crazy. So, it's time for Putin to wake up and President Trump is nothing like President Obama. You will see. We'll keep you posted on any of these developments out of Syria as they happen an action could be imminent. Ed Henry will also join us with a full report. We have another breaking news story we are following, this is a major development after eight months of unprecedented DOJ obstruction. Under the threat of contempt and impeachment, Rod Rosenstein finally today at the last hour cooperated with the House Intel Committee Chairman Devin Nunes and his request to see the original document that started this Russia investigation. Nunes and Congressman Trey Gowdy and congressional staffers, they met with Rosenstein at the DOJ today. We're finally able to view a still redacted version of the document that was used to start this Russia investigation. Good step. Why do we have to push it to this point and it is it amazing how Rosenstein, all of a sudden, starts cooperating after others are threatening him with impeachment and then threatening Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress. You know what? It shouldn't have to come to this. It's a big step and Chairman Nunes is now saying it allows him to continue the House Intel investigation into the DOJ and the FBI abuses. However, we can't forget this is one tiny piece of the evidence, Congress and we know Rosenstein is the one that's obstructed. He didn't want us to know anything about FISA abuses and Congress is subpoenaed and demanding that 1.2 million documents be turned over. So, there's a long way to go. Nunes, Gowdy, other members of Congress, they have constitutional oversight authority. All right. A lot to get to tonight. Joining us now, former U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Joe diGenova, author of 'Trumped Up: How Criminalization of Political Differences Endangers Democracy', Professor Alan Dershowitz. Professor, good to see you. ALAN DERSHOWITZ, PROFESSOR, HARVARD LAW SCHOOL: Thank you. HANNITY: You've had a busy 36 hours. Let's go back a little bit to yesterday, and I also really want your take when an FBI director compares a sitting president to a mob boss. DERSHOWITZ: Well, let's start with that. I mean, it really proves the point of my book 'Trumped Up'. You can find evidence to create or manufacture crimes against anybody if you determined to do it. That's what's wrong with the special counsel, because they come in with targets painted on people's back. And people like Comey and people like Mueller are going to find crimes. Whether they have to go and try to find a technical violation of banking laws on which they can hook pornography stars or things of that kind, and even your account which was obviously metaphorical and in part proves again, if you're determined to find crimes against anybody, you can do it. That's why we have to restrict and limit the application of the criminal law to clear unequivocal crimes and don't use it against political enemies unless the evidence is just overwhelming. HANNITY: Joe diGenova, let's bring you in. JOE DIGENOVA, FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: First of all, it is now clear that no matter what James Comey says about the president of the United States, which are disgraceful comments by a former FBI director and he has besmirched forever his term as FBI director, what we now know and have known for almost two years is James Comey is a dirty cop. He is a completely dirty cop who was compromised from the very beginning of the investigation in the Hillary Clinton. And it is also very clear that Rod Rosenstein is so incompetent, compromised and conflicted that he can no longer serve as the deputy attorney general. And Jeff Sessions now has an obligation to the president of the United States to fire Rod Rosenstein after Rosenstein authorized the unconstitutional and unprofessional search of the office of Michael Cohen in New York. Jeff Sessions, tomorrow morning, should fire Rod Rosenstein. It is not up to the president to fire Mr. Rosenstein. It is Mr. Sessions' job and he has a duty to fire Rod Rosenstein. HANNITY: Professor Dershowitz, you have said that the raid on Michael Cohen's hotel room, his home and his office was a violation of his constitutional rights. Do you agree with Joe that it's the attorney general's job to now step in and fire Rod Rosenstein? DERSHOWITZ: I would do it differently. I think Rod Rosenstein is recused. I don't he can serve on an investigation in which he will end up being the key witness. And if I were a lawyer for Donald Trump and I am not, I'm just saying what I would say about anybody, I would be making a motion in front of a judge -- first, I'd make it into the Justice Department to recuse Rosenstein, then I'd make it in front of a judge. You cannot be a prosecutor and you cannot be a witness in the same case. But the thing to me that's most disturbing tonight, I am a lifelong member of the American Civil Liberties Union. I was on the national board of the American Civil Liberties Union. To its everlasting disgrace, today, the American Civil Liberties Union went out of its way to justify and defend the raid on the lawyer's office, never saying anything about the risks that it does to confidential communications, because most of your viewers don't know how taint teams work. Joe diGenova does because he was a great United States attorney. HANNITY: Explain what a taint team is because they take all this information, everything. DERSHOWITZ: Including the material that is ultimately found to be confidential and lawyer-client. And then somebody in the government reads the material, including the material that's confidential, and then the person says, oh, but this material is confidential although I've read it. I'm not going to give it to the prosecutor. I'm never going to tell anybody about it, and then suddenly it would have caused leak. Let me give you an example, just to bring it home. So, we now -- we know they raided the office to look for this stuff about the 'Access Hollywood' tape. I can easily imagine the conversation between President Trump, then candidate Trump and his lawyer Michael Cohen. President Trump says, look, that was an illegal tape of me. I didn't know the microphone was on. California requires two parties to consent. Is there anything we can do now to stop that tape from coming out, lawfully because it was illegally obtained? Now, then the government gets that conversation -- HANNITY: Does it have anything to do with Russia? Does this have anything to do Russia? DERSHOWITZ: No. HANNITY: I mean, seriously, I mean, you're laughing because it's so absurd. DERSHOWITZ: It's so absurd. HANNITY: All right, Joe, we have so much to get to we're going to carry you guys over the next segment. But, Joe, I want you to weigh on the taint aspect of this and more importantly, the person that has attorney-client privilege that that would be the president's right to invoke, not Michael Cohen's. DERSHOWITZ: Right. DIGENOVA: Look, I must tell you, I find this raid of Mr. Cohen's office so appalling in every sense -- legal, ethical professional responsibility. What Rod Rosenstein and Bob Mueller have done is weaponized in an unconstitutional way the criminal investigation process which should be sacrosanct. And what they have done is they have conducted and are conducting now something that is called an in terrorem grand jury. They are using a grand jury to terrorize people. That is an abuse of power. Mr. Rosenstein is responsible for it. And while I agree with Alan wholeheartedly that Mr. Rosenstein cannot possibly ethically participate in this, it will make no difference to him because he now has an animus toward the president of the United States, which disqualifies him from the performance of his duties and Jeff Sessions should fire him tomorrow morning. HANNITY: All right. Well, when we come back, these are very, very important legal questions. We'll continue with Joe diGenova and Professor Dershowitz on the other side. Also, Newt Gingrich is slamming the FBI raid on Michael Cohen. Wait until you hear who Newt is actually comparing them to. A lot of information, a lot of news and we're watching Syria as we speak, straight ahead. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) HANNITY: All right. Earlier today, while appearing on 'Fox and Friends', former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich had harsh words for the Mueller investigation and the FBI's tactics. (BEIN VIDEO CLIP) NEWT GINGRICH, R, FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER: The fact is, that Rod Rosenstein has not done his job. He has not supervised Mueller. This whole thing is an absurdity. We've now had one Paul Manafort and his wife in their pajamas at 3:00 in the morning, having the FBI break down the door. We've had this real last week, Cohen, the lawyer have the door taken off the hinges at 6:00 in the morning. We're supposed to have the rule of law. It ain't the rule of law when they kick in your door at 3:00 in the morning and you're faced with armed men and you have had no reason to be told you're going to have that kind of treatment. That's a -- that's Stalin. That's the -- that's the Gestapo in Germany. That shouldn't be the American FBI. (END VIDEO CLIP) HANNITY: All right as we continue with Joe diGenova and professor Alan Dershowitz, these tactics are not American. That's the point. This is -- this is what we expect in Venezuela. This is not the United States or anything. So, my question to you -- what is the president now do? Because I don't think you can in good faith ever talk to Robert Mueller anymore. DERSHOWITZ: I think that's right. Look, nobody should ever talk to a prosecutor unless they have absolutely no alternative. No prosecutor is trying to help a person who is a subject in an investigation. Just ask Martha Stewart what happens when you talk to prosecutors. But he may have no choice. HANNITY: That's horrible. DERSHOWITZ: Yes. HANNITY: Was that lying into the FBI, not the underlying crime? DERSHOWITZ: Right, right. And that's what happens and that's, of course, why they want him to come and testify because remember, you can be charged with perjury for telling the truth. If somebody else gives a contrary story and the prosecutors decide to believe the other person, you can end up in a perjury trap for telling the truth. HANNITY: It's -- these are unbelievable times. You know, I remember during the Clinton impeachment, people like Professor Dershowitz, Joe, was saying where's the sense of proportionality? Where is the prosecutorial discretion and in a lot of these things? DIGENOVA: Yes. HANNITY: I worry for the country because the president no longer can trust Mueller. What is his legal team to do here? Because now I would argue they've now got to go on offense and they've got to make their case and they've got to understand that it seems like there's no topic that is off the table here. DIGENOVA: Well, as a result of the tactics authorized by Mueller and instigated by Mueller in New York, with the raid of the Cohen office, and as a result of the manner in which they raided the Paul Manafort home, it is now clear that Mueller is acting in bad faith, that he has surrounded himself with literally a bunch of legal terrorists, and that they are conducting an in terrorem grand jury. They are not interested in getting facts from the president of the United States through an interview. They are trying to trap him into a perjury trap or simply get information that they can send to Rosenstein to transmit to the House of Representatives for impeachment. Those are improper methods for seeking to question the president of the United States. The president should refuse to cooperate with them completely. No more documents, no testimony. And if necessary, he should also take the Fifth Amendment. HANNITY: Here's my next question then. DIGENOVA: Take the Fifth. DERSHOWITZ: I don't think he should take the Fifth, let me explain why. HANNITY: You don't? DERSHOWITZ: If he takes the Fifth, they can give him immunity and then they can compel him to testify and the evidence can be used against him in an impeachment proceeding because the privilege against self-incrimination doesn't apply in an impeachment proceeding. So, I think it's a mistake. But he could take the Sixth. Let me explain how he does that. What he says is, I would love to testify, I have nothing to hide, but my lawyers have told me that under no circumstances will they allow me to testify. I don't want to lose my lawyers. I have a right to be represented by counsel and I have to listen to my lawyer's advice. HANNITY: What about, Joe, I laid out -- look at the team that Mueller's put together. Why would anybody who's supposed to be fair, balanced and objective ever hire Andrew Weissmann? DIGENOVA: Yes. HANNITY: With one of the most atrocious records of any lawyer that I've ever read about, and frankly even Mueller, going back to Boston and the anthrax case. These are not small cases here. DIGENOVA: Let me say I agree with everything that Alan said. I just take a different view of why the president should take all legal steps necessary to avoid testifying. ALAN DERSHOWITZ, PROFESSOR, HARVARD LAW SCHOOL: I agree with that. DIGENOVA: And by the way, if Mueller attempted to immunize him, I happen to believe that there are legal arguments that would make the president not have to comply with an order to make him testify before a grand jury. But let's put that aside. Mueller is now, has no legitimacy. The tactics that they have chosen to use against a president of the United States, against whom there is no evidence of a crime and never has been from the beginning, the use of those techniques has delegitimized this investigation. Here's the other thing that's going on. Robert Mueller and Rod Rosenstein and Christopher Wray are doing mortal damage to the institutions that they represent. The American people know what's going on. They are watching this, and they are not happy. And I must tell you, Robert Mueller, I used to think was a decent guy and a guy who had a great career. He is destroying his reputation through the thuggish tactics which he has authorized and through the people that he has surrounded himself with Andrew Weissmann-- (CROSSTALK) DERSHOWITZ: But let me remind you-- HANNITY: Last word, yes, sir. DERSHOWITZ: -- let me remind you where this began. Let's go back in time. The Clintons were being investigated for Whitewater. What he did end up with? It ended up with a perjury charge for not disclosing an alleged sex relationship with a woman that had nothing to do with the alleged underlying crime. HANNITY: Yes. DERSHOWITZ: And we allowed that to happen. And some of the same people who are complaining today were pushing that kind of thing, including some of the senators and congressmen. HANNITY: These circumstances, Joe, I here you signing in, go ahead. DIGENOVA: No, I am just saying that I agree with Alan. And I think the one thing we shouldn't do is repeat a mistake. DERSHOWITZ: That's right. DIGENOVA: And I just have to tell you that what Bob Mueller is doing and has done is destroying the Department of Justice. And for Jeff Sessions to sit there like a bump on a log and do nothing about it is disgraceful. HANNITY: I think we all agree on that. DERSHOWITZ: And I would take it one step further. I think Jeff Sessions engaged in wrongful conduct by not telling the president before he was appointed that he's going to recuse himself. (CROSSTALK) HANNITY: I concur. DERSHOWITZ: The president would have never would have appointed him. The president doesn't want a part-time attorney general. HANNITY: I agree. DERSHOWITZ: If he would have had a nice conversation saying I appreciate you're recusing yourself but I need a full-time attorney general. He should have appointed Joe diGenova to be the attorney general. HANNITY: Well, maybe Joe or maybe you, professor. All right, guys, thank you. Very smart analysis. Our audience needs to hear from both of you. When we come back, the media's anti-Trump agenda hitting now new lows. Michelle Malkin, Dr. Gorka, they're next as we continue. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) HANNITY: All right. Living up to its anti-Trump reputation, the liberal mainstream media they've have gone totally off the rails over the FBI's highly questionable raid on Michael Cohen, and of course, President Trump's harsh criticism of Robert Mueller witch hunt. Watch this. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ANDERSON COOPER, HOST, CNN: Do you feel like we are on the verge of a Saturday night massacre here? Because what would be the point of firing Rosenstein if it's not in order to have some sort of impact on Mueller and the investigation? CARL BERNSTEIN, POLITICAL ANALYST, CNN: We are in a constitutional crisis. The President of the United States has made clear to those around him and those who were closest to him in the White House and among his friends that he is determined to shut down this investigation. MEGHAN MCCAIN, CO-HOST, ABC NEWS: We are pontificating about some that hasn't happened. That's going on a lot of unnamed sources. So I don't think that we should get too far ahead of our skis. I do think everything you're saying about what would happen if he fires Mueller, I've said, Lindsey Graham have said it's political suicide. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. MCCAIN: I want to present that there would, I think there would be rioting in Washington, D.C. I think it would be-- (CROSSTALK) WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, ABC NEWS: That would be fun to watch, I have to say. (END VIDEO CLIP) HANNITY: All right. Joining us now to react to all of this, the host of the Michelle Malkin Investigates CRTV, Michelle Malkin. Former deputy assistant to the president and Fox News national security strategist, Dr. Sebastian Gorka. All right. Michelle, there is so much here. I'm just going to let you take it because I know you've got a lot to offer. MICHELLE MALKIN, HOST, CRTV: Well, the fact is that the resistance media is shooting blanks. And when they are using cross hairs imagery, I mean, they have no self awareness. These are the people went -- who went nuts with Sarah Palin over crosshairs, remember that? And now you've got Whoopi Goldberg essentially rooting for riots. I recall a time before the election when the left and the leftists in the media lectured America when they were so confident that it was going to be Hillary Clinton that we had to accept the election results. Remember this? And we couldn't have any kind of civil unrest. We needed civil order. And now they are cheering for riots. As a result of their empty, empty conspiracy theories. And they are refusal to accept reality. I mean, if you are familiar with "The Caine Mutiny," the novel, Captain Queeg was the crazy guy onboard the ship who was on this fishing expedition for strawberries that he couldn't find. That's Robert Mueller and that's Robert Mueller's enablers in the media as well. HANNITY: You know, the complicity here is very key because the media not looking at the FISA abuses, not looking at Hillary's, we know she committed felonies. We know that she was exonerated without an investigation. We know she paid for the dossier. We know that the judges, the FISA judges were lied to, Dr. Gorka. Their focus on Russia, Russia, Stormy, Karen, and whatever else, now the Access Hollywood tapes, they are complicit in all of this. They don't report the news anymore. They don't do investigative work anymore. SEBASTIAN GORKA, FOX NEWS NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGIST: But Sean, I'm not sure they ever really did. I mean, look at the last eight years, what did we see during the Obama administration? Just outrageous sycophancy. Not once -- not one smidgen of corruption and they actually towed the line despite fast and furious, IRS, Benghazi, and now they are excited, excited about lawyer-client privilege being broken for the first time in American history with regards to a presidential lawyer. They live in a fever dream, Sean. They can't get over Watergate and they are desperate, desperate to get back to the days of Watergate. And the fact is they see their mission as one thing, Sean, to take down a Republican president. That's not the job of the media. But that's what they think they are doing. And they are detached from reality because compare that to what the average person outside the bubble is lived through in the last 15 months, and they are loving it. From the economy, to ISIS, to the crushing of illegal migration across the southern border. These people-- (CROSSTALK) HANNITY: Nobody ever -- I think we're the only show that has reported all of the good news. And I put my list up above. I will bring it back this week. GORKA: Please. Please. HANNITY: Yes. GORKA: Now look, Sean, look, I just came back from L.A., and I'm meeting with people in California who are finally actually optimistic that they can get some sanity back into the people's republic. Why? Because they saw a president who has broken all the rules and is bringing us back to where we should be as a nation. That's California, Sean. But these people live in their little cosseted, Kevlar coated bubble and they will never understand it. They are fueling this hatred, Sean, pure hatred. HANNITY: What do you, what advice do you give the president, Michelle? He is his best advocate, he is his best spokesperson, he is his best defender? Does he go out directly now to the American people? Does he just let his lawyers go out there and do it? What would you recommend? MALKIN: Well, he has always trusted his own instincts. And clearly there has been a housecleaning, housecleaning I think that was in order. And he is just going to, you know, let Trump be Trump. I think that's what going to have to happen here. And as long as he has a direct conduit to the American people, that's why it's important. That he keeps speaking his mind. Whether it's impromptu at tax reform conferences where he throws out the talking points and instead, talks about what people were very concerned about at that moment, which was the invasion that continues to happen on our border and pulling out all of this stuff-- (CROSSTALK) GORKA: Sean, can I add one thing? HANNITY: Yes, go ahead, Dr. Gorka. MALKIN: Yes. GORKA: One thing for the president, we need more surrogates. He's the best communicator but when I was in the White House, it was just Sean, me, Kellyanne and Sarah. We need everybody out there. Stephen Miller, Peter Navarro, more surrogates telling the success story. HANNITY: OK. Guys, great advice. We appreciate your time. All right. When we come back, Ed Henry with a live report from the White House on President Trump's potential military action. Could be any minute against Syria. That's straight ahead. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) HANNITY: All right. New developments tonight concerning President Trump's potential military action against Syria and the Assad regime as the result of the gassing of innocent men, women, and children. From the White House, Fox News chief national correspondent Ed Henry who had a news on that front. A lot of expectations, Ed. ED HENRY, FOX NEWS CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Sean. Remember, on Monday, President Trump said a decision would be coming in 24 to 48 hours. That puts us right about now which is why the U.S., Russia, and Syria, all the militaries of those nations preparing for the possibility at least of military action. In fact, the U.S. has a guided missile destroyer in position off the coast of Syria. You see it there. The USS Donald Cook, roughly 75 tomahawk missiles on board, 20 surface-to-air missiles. Other air and military power on the way, as well. Russia has about 11 warships in the vicinity of its naval base in Syria that have been put out to sea in recent hours as Russian officials declare they are ready to engage any U.S. or ally warships that fire on Syria. That tough talk from Russia came after the president tweeted today, quote, "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You should not be partners with a gas killing animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Now Sarah Sanders insisted the president was not telegraphing military action. Remember, he was sharply critical of the Obama administration for doing that. She pushed back on claims from Russia that the chemical weapons attack was staged by a Syrian rebel group even though Defense Secretary James Mattis who came to the White House today to brief the president on the latest military options was noncommittal on whether he can say with absolute certainty that the Assad regime is to blame. Listen. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have you seen enough evidence to blame the Assad regime for this most recent chemical attack, have you seen evidence, are you confident to make that assumption? JAMES MATTIS, SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: We're still assessing the intelligence ourselves, and our allies. We are still working on this. (END VIDEO CLIP) HENRY: But Secretary Mattis quickly added that the U.S. military stands ready to provide all military options of the commander in chief, Sean. HANNITY: All right. You know, a lot of this has come down to, in a lot of different ways, OK, what is America's role? And I think the president has been very clear. He doesn't want to be an interventionist. He doesn't believe in nation-building. But we saw that the president well, last time, very emotional reaction. I don't think anybody can look at those images of women, children and innocent people being gassed-- HENRY: Yes. HANNITY: -- and not say that only the United States of America is probably capable of putting an end to it. The only thing that it will work is military force but in no way is this nation-building. HENRY: That's right. This president has said in fact that he's trying to learn the lesson of the previous president who put out the red line in Syria but did not enforce it. So it's one thing to have rhetoric. You have to follow it up if you're going to lay that red line out there with military action. This president did it last year after the chemical attack. You're right. But this time, the question is going to be, what is the medium to longterm? Is it just short-term military action and then moving on? Because as you know, the president has also said he wants to get out of Syria long- term, Sean. He doesn't want to stay for nation-building. HANNITY: All right. Let's go to the Comey book for just a second here and get some reaction. I tried to make a big point on this tonight and that is very clear. When you have a former FBI director comparing a sitting president of the United States in the release of his book to mob family, mobs that are responsible for murder, extortion, money laundering, constitution drug dealing, I used the Comey model, if you will, tonight. That's what we are going to say. Fine, we'll talk about the criminal -- the Clinton crime family. What is the reaction been in D.C. tonight over Comey's analogy? HENRY: Well, there is some shock about this, number one, because it certainly makes it seem like James Comey is much less of an honest broker than he has portrayed himself in the mainstream media when he says things like that. If, in fact, that's what he is telling ABC News in their special to come. The other key point that I'm hearing from Republicans on Capitol Hill who have been investigating the possibility of a second special counsel is that James Comey is a fine one to talk because even before this book has come out, there are some big developments. You have Andrew McCabe challenging James Comey's account in some ways, and Loretta Lynch, the former Obama attorney general, has challenged his account as well. So he has his own problems with the truth, James Comey. And let's not forget another big development is coming-- (CROSSTALK) HANNITY: A lot of issues. Wait until next week. We have a lot on James Comey. HENRY: And what's coming out, guess what, the inspector general report is coming up from the Justice Department, Sean, and it might not be good for James Comey. So that may coincide with this book tour. HANNITY: All right. Ed Henry at the White House. Joining us now with reaction, author of the new book ' Reaper: Ghost Target: A Sniper Novel,' former brigadier general Tony Tata. Also with us, retired CIA senior intelligence officer Sonoran Policy Group vice president, Daniel Hoffman. Mr. Hoff man, I'll start with you. I think we're obviously a little closer. It looks like it's happening. You know Russia better than anybody. They pulled their ships out earlier today. Obviously they are expecting something. DANIEL HOFFMAN, RETIRED SENIOR INTELLIGENCE OFFICER, CIA: They are. And I can tell you from the perspective of a CIA officer who serve, I served in Moscow for five years and in the Middle East. Our intelligence community is on a full court press, you know, collecting intelligence on Russia's actions, right now military and diplomatic. And then what they might do in response to our military action. HANNITY: Yes. All right. General Tata, at this point, with all the bluster from Moscow, not Putin himself, when you -- when Russia starts pulling their ships out, they obviously don't want to be collateral damage here or involved in this. So would you say that the threats that they are making, Moscow is making, though, to take our missiles out of the sky, is that an empty threat? TONY TATA, RETIRED BRIGADIER GENERAL: I don't think so. I think what they may be doing is trying to save face with Syria as they remove all possible threat from, you know, U.S. airplanes, jets, missiles, that could be coming in. And I would just like to say, unlike with the Democrats have been trying to do in this country for the last 16 months which is to remove a duly elected president, regime change is not our goal in Syria. In fact, what we should be doing is, and what we are doing is applying the elements of national power, diplomatic information, military, economic to enable our national security strategy which is to essentially prevent weapons of mass destruction and to have international order based on the rule of law. HANNITY: Real quick. Last exit question. Are you both convinced that this was Assad and Syria? No chance otherwise. (CROSSTALK) TATA: Absolutely, I think Syria. HOFFMAN: A hundred percent. HANNITY: You both answer the same, a 100 percent. HOFFMAN: Yes, sir. HANNITY: All right, thank you both. We appreciate it. We're watching that closely. When we come back, former speak -- I'm sorry -- Speaker of the House Paul Ryan announcing he is not seeking reelection. His reasons, next. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) HANNITY: All right. Earlier today, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that he will not be seeking re-election. Here's what he said. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) PAUL RYAN, R, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Today I am announcing that this year will be my last one as a member of the House. To be clear, I am not resigning. I intend to fulfill my serve term as I was elected to do, but I will be retiring in January, leaving this majority in good hands with what I believe is a very bright future. My kids weren't even born when I was first elected. Our oldest was 13 years old when I became speaker. Now all three of our kids are teenagers. One thing I've learned about teenagers is their idea of an ideal weekend is not necessarily to spend all of their time with their parents. What I realize is, if I am here for one more term, my kids will only have ever known me as a weekend dad. I just can't let that happen. (END VIDEO CLIP) HANNITY: I understand that. I've worked nights all my career. And unfortunately, I would say I totally get it, Mr. Speaker. We wish you the best in all that you do. Unfortunately, that's all the time we have left this evening. But remember, this show will always be fair and balanced. I am loving it that the news media is having a meltdown like Alka-Seltzer in water because I use the Comey standard. I guess to catch the nerve. Let not your heart be troubled. She's here. Copy: Content and Programming Copyright 2018 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2018 ASC Services II Media, LLC. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of ASC Services II Media, LLC. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) With no consolidated congressional measure to delay it, the election period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls is finally pushing through this Saturday. Aspirants for the posts can now file for candidacy starting tomorrow, April 14. Comelec will start receiving Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. of April 20. Comelec reminds the public that starting midnight a gun ban will take effect. This means the bearing, carrying, and transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons will be strictly prohibited. The gun ban is expected to end on May 21. The poll body also assured that it will closely monitor not only possible election violations but also election-related violence. "Historically, nakikita natin sa barangay elections. Maliit teritory, pinaglalabanan at magkakakilala. (We see this in barangay elections. People who know each other fight over small territories.) Worse is when they (rival candidates) are relatives. Conflicts are deeper," said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez. In a media briefing on Friday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said there are 5,744 barangays nationwide among election watchlist of areas or hotspots. "The PNP assures it is doing its best efforts in order to uphold the security and integrity of barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan elections as well as to sustain peace and order in the country," said PNP spokesperson PC/Supt. John Bulalacao. Postponed twice due to drug war The village and youth council polls have been postponed twice due to President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. It can be recalled that Duterte expressed fears that incumbent barangay officials who allegedly have links with drug syndicates might get re-elected. On March 12, the House suffrage and electoral reforms committee agreed to delay SK and barangay elections to October 8. However, there was no counterpart measure filed at the Senate. The President can only defer local polls to a later date if he signs into law a reconciled and consolidated bill submitted by the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), meanwhile, urged aspiring candidates involved in illegal drugs to desist from running. "Do your country a favor. Do not even consider the thought of filing your certificate of candidacy for any position in the coming barangay and SK elections," DILG OIC-Secretary Eduardo Ano said in a statement. DILG also encouraged the public to vote on May 14 for good leaders who are "matino, mahusay, at maaasahan (decent, competent, reliable)." CNN Philippines' Jerald Uy contributed to this report. Put it on the packing list. The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced that state residents will require a new form of identification to pass through Transportation Security Administration screeners in the near future. As of Oct. 1, 2020, Grand Canyon state residents traveling out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Phoenix Mesa-Gateway, Flagstaff, Tucson International and Yuma International airports will need to carry "Voluntary Travel IDs or be grounded, AZ Family is reporting. The new ID will also be requisite to access restricted federal buildings and military bases, as standard credentials will no longer suffice. DRUNK BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHT ATTENDANT FINED FOR BEING 10 TIMES OVER LEGAL LIMIT Minors under age 18 will not be required to have the new ID if they are traveling with an adult who does. According to AZ Central, drivers licenses are not compliant with the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, which amped up identification requirements for air travelers in the wake of 9/11. To compensate, the Arizona Legislature passed a law that said a license or card holder must voluntarily take steps to secure a Voluntary Travel ID. Now is a great time to get a Voluntary Travel ID because the federal deadline gets closer every day, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Director Eric Jorgensen told AZ Family. MVD is making this process simple. Customers can go to ServiceArizona.com and make an office appointment. The website provides information about what documents customers should bring with them to meet the REAL ID requirements for the Voluntary Travel ID. SYRIAN MAN STRANDED AT AIRPORT FOR OVER A MONTH The Voluntary Travel IDs cost $25 and are valid for eight years, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The new ID sets itself apart from the standard state driver's license with a gold star in the top right corner. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS While the new measures may seem intense, Arizona is not alone in increasing travel security. In correlation with the 2005 REAL ID Act, as of Jan. 22, 2018, residents of Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington were supposed to be required to have their passports to fly anywhere, although the federal government has granted extensions. A horrified P&O Cruises passenger speaking about a woman who went overboard on Thursday claims neither a rogue wave nor a listing ship caused her death. The Pacific Dawn was in the middle of a week-long cruise of the Pacific islands when, at approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, a crew member spotted a female passenger go over the side of the ship near the Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. MSC CRUISE SMASHES INTO DOCK UPON ARRIVAL IN HONDURAS A spokesman for the cruise line told the outlet that a person overboard response was sent to the bridge crew, who immediately reversed course to search for the passenger. Life preservers were also thrown in the womans direction, per News.com.au. [It was] by far the worst thing Ive seen happen on a cruise, said a fellow passenger identified as Ms. An by the Australian Associated Press (AAP). Ms. An also refuted any notion that the ship was listing at the time the woman went overboard, and said she was unaware as to how [the passenger] fell. The rails are all chest high on me and Im 5-foot-4, added An. Previous reports also suggested the woman was suffering from sea sickness and had been vomiting over the side, but a representative for P&O said there was nothing to suggest anything of this kind, according to the AAP. PREGNANT WOMAN UPSET WITH DISNEY CRUISE LINE AFTER FAMILY ESCORTED OUT BY ARMED OFFICER The Pacific Dawn continued search and rescue efforts throughout Thursday night and into Friday morning, with the search officially called off at 7:45 a.m., after medical professionals deemed it "not possible" that she could have survived. The captain later informed guests of the decision to continue on with the cruise. I have an update on our search and rescue mission overnight for one of our guests that fell over the side yesterday afternoon. It is with a very heavy heart that I need to let you know that we have been unable to locate our guest. The captain added that weather conditions made the search extremely challenging. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest and her family at this time," said P&O in a statement obtained by Fox News. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Ms. An further said the crew handled the unfortunate situation very well, and asked guests to respect the privacy of the victims family. The Sydney Morning Herald added that the woman has since been identified as a 47-year-old woman from Brisbane. The Pacific Dawn is expected to return to Brisbane on Sunday morning. The chief executive of Backpage.com, a website investigators have described as an online brothel, pleaded guilty Thursday to California money-laundering charges, while the company itself pleaded guilty to human trafficking in Texas. In addition to those pleas, federal prosecutors in Arizona announced Thursday Backpage.com and CEO Carl Ferrer had pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges on April 5. Under the California plea agreement, Ferrer will cooperate in prosecuting Backpage.coms creators and will serve no more than five years in state prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of money laundering in California. In the Arizona plea, Ferrer acknowledged knowing that a great majority of Backpage.coms ads were for sex services. He also admitted to conspiring with others at the company to launder the proceeds from such ads after credit card companies and banks refused to do business with the site. Ferrer also agreed to make the companys data available to law enforcement as investigations and prosecutions continue. The guilty pleas are the latest in a cascade of developments in the last week against the company founded by the former owners of the Village Voice in New York City, Michael Lacey, 69, and James Larkin, 68. The company founders were among company officials indicted by a federal grand jury in Arizona, while Ferrer, 57, was noticeably absent from the indictment. The U.S. Justice Department also seized and shut down the website used to prominently advertise escorts and massages, among other services and some goods for sale. Authorities allege the site was often used to traffic underage victims, while company officials said they tried to scrub the website of such ads. Attorneys for the company and the three men did not respond to multiple telephone and email messages from The Associated Press. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it is happening in our own backyard, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement announcing the plea deal. The shutdown of Backpage.com is a tremendous victory for the survivors and their families. And the conviction of CEO Ferrer is a game-changer in combating human trafficking in California, indeed worldwide. Larkin remains jailed in Arizona while he awaits a hearing Monday on whether he should be released after pleading not guilty to federal charges alleging he helped publish ads for sexual services. Magistrate Judge Bridget Bade said Thursday that attorneys have agreed on the terms of release, but other details must be ironed out. Four employees and the sites founders pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. Lacey and Larkin also earlier pleaded not guilty to the California charges after Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Larry Brown last year allowed the state to continue with money laundering charges. Prosecutors allege Backpages operators illegally funneled nearly $45 million through multiple companies and created websites to get around banks that refused to process their transactions. But Brown threw out pimping conspiracy and other state charges against Backpages operators. Brown ruled that the charges are barred by a federal law protecting free speech that grants immunity to websites posting content from others. President Donald Trump this week signed a law making it easier to prosecute website operators in the future. Paxon called Thursdays pleas a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking in Texas and around the world. Texas state agents raided the Dallas headquarters of Backpage and arrested Ferrer on a California warrant after he arrived at Houstons Bush Intercontinental Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on Oct. 6, 2016. The Dutch-owned company is incorporated in Delaware, but its principal place of business is in Dallas. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A former substitute teacher is charged with supervising a student "fight club" at a Connecticut high school, police said Thursday. Ryan Avery Fish, 23, oversaw at least three scheduled fights last October involving five male students ages 14 to 16, Hartford's Fox 61 reported. The truth is, Im an idiot and wanted to befriend them, Fish, who was 22 at the time, told police, the Hartford Courant reported. The suspect is seen in a cellphone video, encouraging students as they slap each other in the middle of a classroom at Montville High School, police said. Hes not a certified teacher, Sgt. Mark Juhola of the Connecticut State Police told Hartford's Fox 61. And it bothers me that so many teachers work so hard to get where they are ... that this wasnt a teacher but he was in that role. Fish pleaded not guilty to several charges, including reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a minor. He denied facilitating the fights and said he thought the students were just being "rambunctious." I am so sorry. ... To be perfectly honest, I was just trying to reach the kids, Fish reportedly said. I thought these kids were just being rambunctious. I just thought they needed an out." Police said Fish told the principal boys will be boys, after he was confronted about the fighting on Oct. 10, the report said. Fish was fired later that day, Fox 61 reported. Police began investigating in December after a student told a social worker he had been beaten and robbed at school. Superintendent Brian Levesque told the Day that he did not immediately alert police after firing Fish because he knew of only one fight and thought it was an isolated incident. The warrant did not say whether anyone suffered serious physical injuries in the fights, however one student reportedly vomited during a fight, while another appeared traumatized, the report said. A student told police that Fish told his class he had smoked marijuana and tried other drugs, and that he allowed students to draw pictures of male body parts on the board, the warrant reportedly said. Fishs bail was set at $75,000, the Courant reported. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A man serving more than 100 years in prison for sexually abusing a Maryland girl has become a person of interest in the disappearance and homicide of her mother almost 18 years ago, police said. The Montgomery County Police Department announced on Thursday that after an 18-year investigation, Fernando Asturizaga, 51, is now a person of interest. Alison Thresher, 45, was reported missing on May 25, 2000 by her sister after Thresher failed to show up for her job at the Washington Post, according to a press release from Montgomery police. She last was seen two days earlier by her parents. Eight months after her disappearance, authorities announced that the missing persons case now was being looked at as a homicide. But a lack of evidence prevented investigators from ever naming any suspects. Montgomery police had a break in the case after recent forensic analysis of evidence taken from Threshers apartment at the time of her disappearance led investigators to believe that she was murdered inside her apartment, and that the suspect attempted to destroy evidence at the scene. Officials said it was these developments that led them to naming Asturizaga as a person of interest. Asturizaga was arrested in 2010 after Hannah Thresher, the victims daughter, told police that between 1999 and 2001 she was involved in an inappropriate and illegal sexual relationship with Asturizaga, who was the girls Spanish teacher, according to the press release. Hannah was 10 at the time and Asturizaga was 33. He was found guilty in 2012, and sentenced to more than 100 years in prison. Police said at a press conference on Thursday that based on her personal letters and journal, Thresher may have discovered the abuse and notified her ex-husband and the girls school. Hannah Thresher also spoke at the press conference, and seemed to confirm her mothers suspicions and Asturizagas alleged role in her disappearance. Soon after she made her suspicions known, she disappeared. A few months later, when I expressed frustration at his lack of empathy towards my grief over the loss of my mother, FA said to me: I thought things would be easier for us now that shes gone. At the time I didnt think anything of it. After 9 or 10 years of reflection I started to question if his words meant something more, her statement read. Threshers body was never found, and as a result Asturizaga has not been charged. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward and contact the Major Crimes Detectives Unit at 240-773-5070. Anonymous callers are encouraged to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). The suspect accused of fatally shooting a Massachusetts police officer on Thursday while he was being served a warrant had 111 prior adult offenses and was on probation, authorities said. Tom Latanowich, 29, of Somerville, Mass., will be charged with murder, police said. Massachusetts State Police identified the deceased as Sean Gannon, an officer from the Yarmouth Police Department. The K-9 officer died after he was shot in the head, a police source told Fox 25 Boston. He was serving the warrant in the town of Barnstable. "We are also praying tonight for the recovery of Officer Gannon's K9 partner, who was also injured in today's tragic incident," state police said in a statement. Latanowich has a long history of run-ins with law enforcement and was linked to 111 prior criminal charges, police said in a Facebook post. The shooting unfolded around 3:30 p.m. while the officer, who was with two state troopers, was serving a warrant, Fox 25 Boston reported. The officer was rushed to a local hospital where he died, Boston 25 reported. The suspect had been barricaded in the home for hours before finally surrendering to law enforcement. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted that he was "heartbroken" after hearing about the officer's death and said his thoughts and prayers were with Gannon's "family, loved ones and the @yarmouthpolice after this tragic loss." "MA is blessed to have courageous men & women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day," he continued. The Boston Herald reported that police cruisers drove with their lights flashing as his body was transported from the hospital to the medical examiners office. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Mexican drug kingpin convicted in the 1985 killing of a DEA agent was added Thursday to the FBIs list of most-wanted fugitives the 518th addition to the list. Officials have said its the first time a suspect sought by the DEA was added to the FBIs list. Rafael Caro-Quintero has controlled the Sinaloa Cartel along with Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garcia since the arrest of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman in 2016. Caro-Quintero was released mistakenly from a Mexican prison in 2013 while serving a 40-year sentence for the kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar. We believe [the killer] is still in Mexico, FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich said at a news conference. Salazar was a Marine, fireman, police officer and deputy sheriff who was extremely close to unlocking a milliondollar drug pipeline from Mexico to the U.S. in 1985 before he was abducted and killed in Mexico, according to the FBI. Bowdich said the most-wanted list is one of our most valuable tools, and that 484 of the 518 fugitives who have been on the list have been captured. The U.S. Marshals remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice for our brother, DEA Special Agent Kiki Camarena, U.S. Marshals Associate Director for Operations Derrick Driscoll said in a statement to the FBI. We will continue to leverage all resources and work with our law enforcement partners here and in Mexico to develop the information that will lead to the capture of Rafael Caro-Quintero. The DEA is grateful for all of the federal law enforcement agencies that have committed to pursuing Rafael CaroQuintero until the moment he is captured and returned to his rightful place in prison, DEA Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson said in a statement to the FBI. Officials also increased the reward for Caro-Quinteros capture to $20 million. James Walsh, a deputy assistant secretary for the State Department, said the amount was the highest offered by the Narcotics Reward Program, and the highest among the 33 active targets. The feds also unsealed Thursday an additional indictment against Caro-Quintero, accusing him of trafficking in methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana from 1980 until 2017. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Symone Sanders, a CNN political commentator and former press secretary for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was reportedly detained by police after an outburst Thursday morning at LaGuardia Airport. Sanders, 28, was in line at the security checkpoint when TSA agents asked her to step out of line, PIX 11 reported. Sanders reportedly started to curse in front of patrons and young children. She was accused of disorderly conduct and given a summons, according to PIX 11. Sanders has had issues at airports in the past. American Airlines called the police on Sanders last year after an incident while she was trying to check her luggage minutes before a flight from Los Angeles, according to Essence. Sanders tweeted she didnt want to pay full price for a new ticket despite being a frequent flier of the airline. The incident apparently prompted customer service representatives to call authorities. After the incident was apparently resolved, Sanders said she made the flight on time, but didnt understand why the airline called police. (CNN) China has held its largest military drills in the hotly contested South China Sea, according to the country's defense ministry, culminating in a naval parade Thursday overseen by Chinese President Xi Jinping. At least 10,000 personnel took part in the drills, which involved 48 naval vessels and 76 fighter jets, the ministry said. Speaking aboard the Chinese destroyer Changsha, Xi called for further modernization of the country's navy into a "world-class force" and emphasized the Chinese Communist Party's leadership over the military. China's only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, took part in the parade with a display of J-15 fighter jets under Xi's observation. The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint in Asia. The Chinese government claims a huge swath of territory across the sea, overlapping with claims of the Philippines and Vietnam, among others. A series of live-fire military drills in the region had been expected after satellite photos showed the Liaoning and a large number of navy vessels operating in the region on March 26. Experts told CNN at the time the sheer number of ships on display was a "show of force" from Beijing in the politically sensitive region. On Friday the maritime safety administration for Hainan province announced a weeklong ban on all ships in the sea because of "military training." At a press briefing in March, the defense ministry refused to confirm or deny the drills or which ships would be involved. In a foreshadowing of future drills, the Fujian provincial maritime authority on Thursday announced live-fire naval exercises for Wednesday in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese exercises are taking place amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington over trade, but analysts have also expected the Trump administration to harden its policy on the South China Sea. A U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, arrived Wednesday in Manila, Philippines, for what was described as a "scheduled port visit." The U.S. Navy recently conducted several "freedom of navigation" operations with warships sailing near increasingly militarized man-made Chinese islands in the South China Sea, triggering strong protests from Beijing. Earlier in the week, Xi gave a much anticipated speech at the annual Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province on the northern edge of the South China Sea. The forum is the Chinese equivalent of the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, involving high-level talks among economic leaders. Speaking Tuesday, Xi promised a new phase of economic "opening up" from China amid threats of a possible trade war with the United States. He also said China would stick to "the path of peaceful development" going forward. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Xi Jinping inspects massive naval parade in South China Sea." The family of a Massachusetts police officer who was fatally shot in 2007 found out Thursday that the convicted killer has taken a plea deal that will spring him from prison in 2021. Revere, Mass., Officer Daniel Talbot was just 30 years old when he was shot in the face by Robert Iacoviello Jr. behind Revere High School as the officers fiancee and three fellow police officers watched in horror, the Boston Herald reported. Iacoviello mistakenly believed that the off-duty Talbot was a member of a rival gang who had taunted one of his friends, Bostons WBZ-TV reported. The fact that you might get out in two [sic] years is insane to me, Talbots brother, Robert, said to the cop killer in court Thursday, the Herald reported, and I beg the court not to take this offer. The fact that you might get out in two [sic] years is insane to me, and I beg the court not to take this offer. Its not fair to me and not fair to my family. Robert Talbot, brother of slain police officer Its not fair to me and not fair to my family. According to the Boston Globe, Iacoviello, now 30, was a supermarket clerk and reputed gang associate who was convicted of second-degree murder in Talbots death in 2010. He received a life sentence, and was to be eligible for parole after 15 years. But an appeals court tossed the conviction in 2016, ruling that jurors were not instructed about a possible self-defense verdict. There was debate during the trial about which man had pulled his gun first, the Globe reported. Prosecutors decided to strike a plea deal for manslaughter rather than retry the case, the Globe reported. There was concern that the passage of time would make the gathering of witnesses more difficult, WBZ reported. The deal calls for Iacoviello to serve 14 years, minus the 11 he has already spent behind bars, the Herald reported. We hope that everyone involved will go forward with peace and understanding of this resolution, Iacoviellos attorney, Jonathan Shapiro, told the court, according to the Herald. Everyone but Dan Talbot, Suffolk Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Locke noted. Florida investigators on Thursday released DNA evidence that they say helped lead to the arrest of a woman suspected of dressing up as a clown and fatally shooting her future husbands then-wife 27 years ago. Palm Beach County prosecutors said that recent forensic tests conducted by the FBI concluded that hair fibers found in a suspected getaway car could have come from Sheila Keen Warren. "Sometimes justice can be delayed, Palm Beach County state attorney Dave Aronberg told the Sun Sentinel, but justice eventually arrives." The nearly 3,000-page report also included financial statements, witness statements and previously unreleased police reports, the Palm Beach Post reported. "Sometimes justice can be delayed, but justice eventually arrives." Dave Aronberg, state attorney, Palm Beach County, Fla. Keen Warren, now 54, had long been suspected of disguising herself in a clown costume and murdering Marlene Warren, 40, on her front doorstep in 1990. Authorities arrested Keen Warren on charges of first-degree murder in September 2017 at the Abington, Va., home that she shared with her husband, Michael Warren, who had previously been married to Marlene Warren. Prosecutors have said they would seek the death penalty if Keen Warren, who has remained in jail without bond, is convicted. Authorities have not ruled out Michael Warren as a possible suspect in the slaying, though he was on a trip with friends at the time his wife was slain, the Sun Sentinel reported. Marlene Warren opened the front door of her Wellington, Fla., home on the morning of May 26 nearly 27 years ago to find a clown in an orange wig and red nose, holding two foil balloons and carnations. The clown handed her the gifts, shot her in the face, and drove away in a Chrysler LeBaron convertible, authorities have said. Keen Warren and Michael Warren had been rumored to be having an affair before the victims death. Witness statements said Marlene had confronted Keen Warren about the affair with her husband, according to the Sun Sentinel. But the two denied ever having a relationship. Michael Warren's employees told detectives he had said he would never divorce because his wife would get half his assets. The couple had amassed rental properties valuing upwards of $1.1 million by the time of Marlenes Warrens murder, the Palm Beach Post reported, citing court records. Michael Warrens primary business at the time had been a used car lot and Sheila Keen did repossessions for him. The two were married in 2002 after Michael Warren served almost four years in prison for grand theft, racketeering and odometer tampering. The couple had moved to Virginia, and operated a restaurant together in nearby Kingsport, Tenn., which they sold a year before Keen Warrens arrest. They have both continued to deny involvement in the murder. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The FBI has recovered a valuable Marc Chagall painting that was swiped from a New York City apartment nearly 30 years ago. The critically-acclaimed artists Othello and Desdemona had been stashed for years in a Maryland attic, the FBI said Thursday. According to the FBI, the oil-on-canvas work will be returned to the estate of an elderly couple, Ernest and Rose Heller, who were the owners when it was stolen. They have since passed away. The Hellers returned from a two-month vacation in August 1988 to find their 16th-floor Manhattan East Side apartment had been looted of more than $750,000 in art and jewels, The Associated Press reported at the time. The stolen works included a Renoir and the Chagall, which they purchased in the 1920s, according to the report. Chagall painted it in 1911 in Paris. PICASSO PRINT WORTH UP TO $50G STOLEN FROM MILWAUKEE ART APPRAISER As soon as I opened the door, there was an emptiness, The AP quoted the then 88-year-old Mrs. Heller as saying. She said the thieves took the most valuable works, leaving behind those by lesser-known artists. It was an inside job, Marc Hess, a member of the FBIs Art Crime Team, said. A person who had regular access to the building was stealing from apartments while the tenants were away. The thiefs fence was a Maryland man with ties to the Bulgarian mob, the New York Post reported. The fence found a black-market buyer shortly after the theft but the deal fell through when he discovered he wasnt going to receive any of the proceeds, the paper reported. According to the Post, the thief was trying to deal with the mobsters directly without the fence. The FBI said that after the deal collapsed, the fence kept possession of the Chagall and over the years stored it in his attic in a makeshift wooden box. According to the FBI, in 2011 and then in 2017 the man tried to sell it through a Washington art gallery. He was rebuffed. The gallery owner was suspicious about the lack of paperwork supporting the paintings authenticity and provenance and suggested that he call law enforcement, which he did, the FBI said. Well documented and known art is very hard to move once it has been stolen, Art Crime Team supervisor Tim Carpenter said. The FBI said the painting shows Shakespeares Othello holding a sword and looking at his bride, Desdemona, lying on a bed. MAN LINKED TO BIGGEST ART HEIST IN HISTORY FOUND COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL The statute of limitations for the theft has expired so no charges are pending against the thief or the fence, the FBI said. The thief has served time in prison for burglarizing artwork from other apartment buildings. The investigation into the other missing Heller-owned artwork, including the Renoir, is continuing. The Heller estate says it will auction the Chagall. Some of the proceeds from the sale will be used to repay the insurance company that paid the theft claim years ago. Just days after the FBI's unnannounced Monday raid on President Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohens home, office and hotel room, a federal court in New York has scheduled a hearing in the matter, Fox News has learned. The hearing, set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, will relate to the search warrant executed this week to obtain various documents in Cohen's possession. A court spokesman reached by the AP did not elaborate further on the subject matter of the court proceeding. To obtain a search warrant like the one executed against Cohen, agents must convince a judge they have probable cause of criminal activity and believe they'll find evidence of wrongdoing in a search. A warrant requires high-level approval within the Justice Department, and agency guidelines impose additional hurdles when the search target is an attorney. But the legitimacy of warrants can be challenged, even after they have been issued. And seizures of potentially attorney-client privileged documents raise a host of additional after-the-fact legal considerations, including how to segregate legitimately confidential communications from those unrelated to Cohen's legal advice. Southern District of New York District Judge Kimba M. Wood is expected to preside at the hearing, according to the court. Wood, who was selected for the bench by Ronald Reagan, was one of Bill Clinton's failed nominees to become attorney general. DERSHOWITZ: MUELLER 'LAUNDERING INFORMATION TO ANOTHER PROSECUTORIAL AUTHORITY' Federal agents reportedly seized documents from Cohen related to several issues, including his $130,000 payment to adult-film star Stormy Daniels in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Trump, who in the last month has escalated his attacks on Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, said it was a "disgrace" that the FBI "broke into" his lawyer's office. The FBI initiated the Manhattan raid after Mueller, who is authorized to investigate matters related to Russian election meddling, referred information about Cohen to New York authorities. Trump on Monday called the unprecedented raid "an attack on our country" and tweeted later that "attorney-client privilege is dead." Meanwhile, The Washington Times reported that Cohen is planning to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in Daniels' defamation lawsuit against him. Cohen will also reportedly seek an emergency stay of that lawsuit, citing the FBI's raid and the "overlapping" ongoing criminal investigation. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A New York judge on Friday heard arguments but didn't immediately rule on whether a former radical who fatally shot two New York City police officers in 1971 should be released on parole. The state parole board last month approved the release of Herman Bell for next Wednesday but the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association filed a lawsuit on behalf of a widow of one of the slain officer to try to keep him in jail. PBA lawyers argued Friday that the parole board should have considered Diane Piagentini's victim impact statement, while lawyers for the state argued that the parole board did its job. State Supreme Court Justice Richard Koweek said he would start reviewing Friday's arguments on Monday. He said his temporary restraining order granted in the PBA's lawsuit seeking to halt Bell's release remains in effect, essentially keeping the 70-year-old Bell behind bars until the judge issues a decision. Bell has served 44 years for his role in the fatal shootings of officers Waverly Jones and Joseph Piagentini at a Harlem housing development. Bell and two other members of the Black Liberation Army, a violent offshoot of the Black Panther Party, were convicted of killing Waverly Jones and Joseph Piagentini after luring he officers to the housing development with a bogus 911 call. Authorities say both officers were shot multiple times, with Piagentini hit by more than 20 bullets. During Bell's eighth parole hearing in early March, the state parole board approved Bell's release from Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Ulster County, determining "his debt has been paid to society." Board members took into consideration his stated remorse for killing the officers and the fact he had earned bachelor's and master's degrees while in prison and counseled other inmates. The officers' union says Bell should be kept in prison. The lawsuit against the state contends parole board members failed to consider, as required under state law, the comments of the sentencing judge and prosecutors, who indicated Bell should never be released from prison. The board also didn't consider the victim impact statement she submitted, her lawyers argued. Parole board members can consider many factors, but "it doesn't give them the right to act outside the law," said Mitch Garber, Piagentini's lawyer. The lawsuit also seeks a new parole board to reconsider whether Bell is eligible for parole. Joshua McMahon, the assistant attorney general handling the case for the state, argued that relatives of a crime victim have no standing when it comes to the parole process other than to submit impact statements. Diane Piagentini and her two daughters sat in the front row of the courtroom along with leaders of the PBA of the City of New York. One of Bell's co-defendants has since died in prison while the other, Anthony Bottom, is serving 25 years to life at maximum-security Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County. Bottom, 66, is due for a parole hearing in June. A man who's serving more than 100 years in prison for abusing a Maryland girl, and who is now a person of interest in her mothers disappearance nearly 18 years ago, was found dead in his jail cell Thursday night, police say. About 8:45 p.m., Fernando Asturizaga, 45, was found unresponsive in his cell by a corrections officer at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland, according to a press release from the Montgomery County Police Department. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative division are investigating Asturizagas death. Police did not immediately release a cause. MARYLAND MAN WHO SEXUALLY ABUSED GIRL IS NAMED AS PERSON OF INTEREST IN HER MOTHERS DISAPPEARANCE, COPS SAY Montgomery police announced hours before Asturizagas mysterious death that he'd been designated a person of interest in the disappearance and homicide of Alison Thresher, 45, who was reported missing on May 25, 2000. Threshers body was never found, but according to police, recent forensic analysis of evidence taken from Threshers apartment at the time of her disappearance led investigators to believe that she was murdered inside her apartment, and that the suspect attempted to destroy evidence at the scene. This new information led to Asturizaga's being named a POI. He was arrested in 2010 after the victims daughter, Hannah Thresher, told police that she was involved in an inappropriate and illegal sexual relationship with Asturizaga between 1999 and 2001. He was the girls Spanish teacher at the time. Police believe that Thresher may have discovered the abuse and tried to put a stop to it. A domestic violence case in South Carolina this week led a man to fatally shoot a horse before holding a woman against her will and making her watch as he shot himself in the face with a shotgun and survived, authorities said. Colton Hurley, 20, suffered non-life-threatening injuries from the shotgun blast due to its placement and peacefully surrendered to deputies, Laurens County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Deputies said Hurley had gone to the female victims home in the Hickory Tavern Community, but she wasnt home at the time. When she arrived in her car, Hurley rammed it with his pickup truck until the victim got out and ran. Hurley pursued, tackled and assaulted her, police said. The victim was able to escape his grasp and take shelter at a relatives house. Police said Hurley got a shotgun from a nearby house and shot a horse at point-blank range, killing the animal, before forcing his way into the home where the victim was hiding. The victim held a small child in her arms as Hurley held her captive, police said. He then dragged her outside and made her watch as he shot himself in the face. "Hurleys actions during this incident caused the victim to fear for her life and unnecessarily caused the death of an animal, the Laurens County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Domestic Violence and the inhumane and ill treatment of animals will not be tolerated. Hurley received treatment for his minor wounds and was charged Wednesday with attempted murder, kidnapping, first-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, aggravated breach of peace, ill treatment of animals, unlawful neglect of a child, and two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm. FOX Carolina reported that Hurley had a prior domestic violence arrest in February. A 5-year-old boy was treated to a very exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour at a Nevada police station Thursday after his lemonade stand raised more than $400 for fallen officers. Grady Valen asked his mother last week if he could start a lemonade stand to raise money for deceased police officers, FOX 5 Vegas reported. SUCKER PUNCH IN VEGAS BAR FIGHT LEADS TO MURDER SENTENCING "He wanted to do it because he wanted to support police officers," Gradys mother, Tricia, told FOX 5 Vegas. She was surprised by her sons request. Funds from his last lemonade stand were planned to be used for Legos. "As a mom, that's what you want to hear from your child. You want to know that they have empathy, that they're thinking of others ... it gets me a little teared up when I talk about it because I'm so proud that he has that in him, she said. THUNDERBIRDS PILOT DIES IN F-16 CRASH AT NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS The young boy was able to raise $425 last weekend and the officers wanted to reward him for his generosity. Officers at Hendersons Police substation took Grady on a tour which included a meet-and-greet with one of the departments drug dogs and a chance to sit behind the wheel of a SWAT vehicle. Grady told the officers he hoped to become a police officer when he grew up. The officers told the selfless boy he would make a great cop. "Somebody that has that kind of a heart already at five is just going to make an awesome officer," Officer Scott Williams said. The North Carolina incest dad, whose Thursday murder spree took the lives of the biological daughter he married and the infant child he fathered with the girl, reportedly explained his possible motive to his own mother in a stunning phone call moments before he turned the gun on himself. In a 911 call obtained by WNCN in Raleigh, Steven Pladl's mother -- who attended the lakeside "wedding" between her son and his daughter-turned-wife -- said Steven admitted to killing 20-year-old Katie Pladl and the couple's 7-month-old son, Bennett. Pladl's mother had been taking care of the boy since his parents were busted earlier this year for the illegal relationship. Oh God, he told me to call the police and I shouldn't go over there, a caller identified as Steven's mother told the dispatcher. She added: He killed his baby and [the baby is] in the house...His wife broke up with him over the phone yesterday...I can't even believe this is happening." Steven Pladl, 42, was found dead Thursday morning in his vehicle in Dover, N.Y., several miles from the New Milford, Conn., murder scene where Katie and her adoptive father, 56-year-old Anthony Fusco, were discovered. Those two were also found dead in a vehicle that had one of its windows shot out, police said. The childs body was found inside Pladl's home, hundreds of miles south in Knightdale, N.C., the same day. Pladls mother -- the one who tipped off authorities about the toddler's death -- had obtained custody of the child Steven fathered with his daughter following their arrests in January for adultery and contributing to delinquency, police told WNCN. The mother lives in Cary, about a half hours drive from Knightdale, and reportedly told them that Steve had picked Bennett up from her home Wednesday night. The toddler was found dead around 9 a.m. Thursday after officers performed a welfare check on the Knightdale home, where Pladl -- and previously his daughter -- had lived. Katie Pladl moved out of the home earlier this year and was living with her adoptive family in New York after bonding out of jail in Virginia, WNCN reported, citing court documents. It appeared Steven Pladl drove through the night Wednesday to hunt down his daughter and Fusco. They were found dead around 8:40 a.m. Thursday, and Pladl shot himself shortly afterward. "This is a terrible tragedy that nobody foresaw, Rick Friedman, an attorney who had been representing Steven Pladl, told WNCN. I really believe that if the judges or the prosecutor or the defense attorneys in this case had any clue that the minor child or anyone would be harmed there would not be a bond set for any of the parties. While the couple's recent breakup may have spurred on Thursday's murders, the exact motive for the shooting is under investigation, New Milford Police Lt. Lawrence Ash said. Following their January arrest, Steven Pladl was let go on a $1 million bond but his daughter remained at the Wake County Detention Center until late February, when she posted a $12,000 secured bond, the Daily Mail reported. According to the terms of her release she was prohibited from contacting Steven and was mandated to reside in New York with her adoptive parents. Pladl and his first wife, Alyssa, reportedly gave up Katie for adoption as an infant in the 1990s but they all reunited in 2016 after Katie tracked down her biological parents via social media. Pladl and Alyssa divorced in 2017. Around that time, he apparently became romantically involved with his biological daughter. In July, an image posted to an Instagram account purportedly belonging to Katie showed a heavily-pregnant Katie kissing Steven Pladl. Nothing fancy, just love, the post had read, with the hashtags #justmarried #simplewedding #pregnancy. The lakeside event was attended by Pladls mother and Katies adoptive parents, according to the Daily Mail and photos posted on social media. Katie Pladl gave birth to Bennett in September. There are no words to describe the sense of betrayal and disgust I'm feeling, Alyssa told the Daily Mail in February. I waited 18 long years to have a relationship with my daughter -- and now he's completely destroyed it. Alyssa who ended up having two more children with Steven found out about the relationship between Steven and Katie after reading entries in a journal her 11-year-old daughter had been keeping, the Daily Mail reported. The website said after Alyssa and Steven split, the daughter had spent time living at Pradls Knightdale home and wrote about Katie being heavily pregnant. She also referred to Steven as Satan. During her time in New York, where she was formally known as Katie Fusco, she graduated from Dover High School in 2016, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported. The newspaper added that, in an online artist portfolio page belonging to her, Katie wrote about attending Dutchess Community College and her plans to hopefully be graduating from SUNY Purchase in 2020. After that, although hard to tell at this time, I plan to already have started my career in digital advertising, some small projects like logos to larger ones like signs or websites the page said. I will hopefully gain attention to bigger businesses and make a name for myself. Katie also reportedly wrote about becoming nearly famous at Dover High School for writing comic strips. A pen and something to draw on became a safe place for me, the page said. Ink became my weapon against rules and regulations. There wouldnt be a corner in a classroom or park that didnt have a secret little character living on itto be short: for me, a life without art is no life at all. Fox News Matt Richardson contributed to this report. A Danish tourist was robbed at knifepoint by two thugs who snatched his Make America Great Again cap and threatened him when he tried to get it back, authorities said. The 18-year-old victim was about to jump on the subway at Union Square about 5:40 p.m. Thursday when one of the two men grabbed him from behind and grabbed his polarizing cap, police said. The victim put up a fight, but the second suspect pulled out a knife and threatened him, cops said. At some point, one of the men demanded, What are you doing with that hat on? according to police. The two suspects then bolted with the cap. Police released a sketch of one of the suspects, who was described as being an almost bald, 6-foot-tall white man in his 20s or 30s, with light facial hair. Click for more from the New York Post. After nine days, the Oklahoma teacher walkout, with educators demanding more money for salaries and classroom needs, came to an end Thursday. Instead of continuing to strike, the largest teachers union called for its members to shift focus to electing educators in November who are more in-line with their demands. Oklahomas Republican governor has already signed legislation to increase teacher salaries in the state, but the union said it was not enough. The average teacher starting salary for the 2016-2017 school year was $38,617, according to the National Education Association. In comparison, the average starting salaries for teachers in Oklahoma that same year was $31,919. Heres a look at what Oklahoma educators demanded. What do the teachers want? The Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) demanded $10,000 in raises for teachers over the next three years, KOKH-TV reported. The union also asked for a $5,000 pay increase for other school officials, such as bus drivers, food service workers and custodians, according to KOKH. At rallies in front of the state Capitol, teachers asked for newer and updated textbooks, more arts classes and smaller class sizes, according to the OEA. Arent they already getting a raise? Gov. Mary Fallin, a Republican, already signed legislation that would up teacher pay by about $6,100 through an increase in taxes on certain goods, such as cigarettes and fuel. The state legislature approved $2.9 billion for public schools, an increase of nearly 20 percent over last year's spending. Much of the new money was earmarked for the teacher raises. Oklahomas new revenue measures are expected to generate about $450 million, with the bulk going to teacher raises and about $50 million going to general education funding. The teachers union has called for an additional classroom funding of $75 million. It has also criticized the governor for passing a measure repealing a $5-per-night hotel and motel tax that was part of the original education package. Repeal of the hotel tax reduces the total package by about $45 million. In the midst of the walkout, Rep. John Pfeiffer, a House majority floor leader, said lawmakers are unlikely to consider any other major revenue bills this session. How does the state budget look? State funding for Oklahomas public schools has decreased by about 9 percent since 2008, The Oklahoman reported. In contrast, student enrollment has increased by more than 8 percent. But Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, pointed to a growth in non-teacher employment in Oklahomas public education that could drain the education budget. Schools, largely driven by the perverse incentive by unions to get more members and memberships, have focused dollars on things other than whats most important to Oklahomans which is a direct teacher in the classroom, Small told Fox News. We need to see a greater focus on teachers with the current dollars that we have already now that [the legislature] passed one of the highest tax increases in Oklahoma history, Small said. With the actions of the legislature its not going to be argued that more additional funds havent been pumped into education at a time when Oklahoma is still recovering from a massive economic decline. His organization also warned comparing teacher salaries in Oklahoma to Texas can be misleading because of a difference in the economic makeup of both states. Fallin, too, warned the budget is tight and there are other critical needs in the state as well. We must be responsible not to neglect other areas of need in the state, such as corrections and health and human services, as we continue to consider additional education funding measures, the Republican said. Are Oklahoma teachers alone? There has been a surge of teacher coalitions nationwide striking and rallying to demand more money in recent months. Hundreds of teachers in Kentucky called in sick in April to protest last-minute changes to their pension system. And thousands have descended upon the state Capitol in Frankfurt to rally for additional education funding multiple times this month. Teachers in Arizona staged what organizers called a walk-in to demand more funding. The walk-in occurred before school and gave teachers and parents an opportunity to show unity for their demands, according to organizers. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, caved to the demands and moved a planned 1 percent raise proposal to a 9 percent wage hike starting in the fall. He also granted an additional 5 percent increase in the 2019 and 2020 school years. West Virginia teachers went on strike for two weeks earlier this year until Republican Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill that included a 5 percent pay increase. The Associated Press contributed to this report. An outspoken Oregon sheriff -- who gained national attention following a mass shooting at a community college in 2015 -- apologized this week after a photo appeared online that showed him without pants on. In the photo, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin seems to be thrusting his pelvis at the camera, while a sticker reading Lit Saturday covers his genitals, according to a report. Hanlin told the News-Review in Roseburg, Ore., the photo was likely posted by an ex-girlfriend on a fake Facebook account designed to resemble his own. The sheriff said the photo was taken in private at his home. Recently, my girlfriend and I ended our relationship, Hanlin said in a statement. After the fact, it was brought to my attention that a private photo of me was posted on a Facebook site intended to appear as if the Facebook site was mine. The sheriff said he did not authorize the creation of this second site or the posting of the photo. He said he had the photo taken down after contacting Facebook. I apologize for this distraction, he said to conclude the statement. The sheriff had also faced a troubling Facebook incident in October 2015 during his investigation of the Umpqua Community College shooting that left 10 people dead. A report at that time showed he had posted a video to his social media profile about a Sandy Hook conspiracy theory, according to the Oregonian. The paper reported that Hanlin an outspoken gun rights advocate suggested in the video that the Newtown, Conn., massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, in which 20 children and six adults were killed, could have been staged by the government to warrant disarming the public. He went on to call the parents who lost children at crisis actors, according to the paper. Hanlin later claimed he didn't believe the conspiracy theory, the outlet said. Recovered vehicle debris and personal items confirm that an SUV seen plunging into a storm-swollen Northern California river belonged to a family that disappeared last week in the same county as the Hart family, authorities said Thursday. The vehicle itself and the four members of the Thottapilly family have not been recovered from the Eel River, which remains too dangerous for divers to enter, but searchers along the banks located numerous items consistent with a Honda vehicle and interior, and items consistent with a family traveling on vacation, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "Several items have been positively identified, by family members, as belonging to the Thottapilly family," it said. "These items were of a personal nature and will not be described further at this time, but it does confirm the fact the vehicle that was seen going into the river was that of the Thottapilly family." The family members were identified as Sandeep Thottapilly, 41; Soumya Thottapilly, 38; Siddhant Thottapilly, 12; and Saachi Thottapilly, 9. Just weeks after the Hart family perished in a fatal plunge from an ocean overlook along the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California, rescuers were searching for another family feared to have driven into water in the same county. Authorities said that a vehicle, which witnesses identified as possibly a Honda Pilot SUV, vanished after falling into the rain-swollen Eel River in Mendocino County around 1 p.m. Friday. That's the same area where a family of four that vanished during a road trip from Portland, Ore., to their home in Santa Clarita, Calif., is last known to have been, the San Jose Police Department told the Associated Press. The family was traveling as a strong storm dumped rain on Northern California. Police identified their vehicle as a maroon or burgundy 2016 Honda Pilot with license plates 7MMX138. Mendocino County sheriff's Lt. Shannon Barney told the Press-Democrat of Santa Rosa that officials will launch a search of the south fork of the Eel River once water levels drop and the flow slows. The lost vehicle was reportedly southbound on Highway 101, pulled into a turnout and went over the side and into the river. A "missing" poster shared by friends and family on Facebook identified the Thottapilly family members as 42-year-old Sandeep, 38-year-old Soumya, 12-year-old Siddhanty and 9-year-old Saachi. The poster said their last known location was the "Klamath-Redwood National Park area." The Klamath River and a string of state and federal redwood parks lie along Highway 101 to the north of where the vehicle was seeing falling into the Eel River. A powerful storm late last week dropped 2 to 5 inches of rain in the region. Farther south along the Mendocino County coast, authorities continue to look for members of the Hart family, missing since an SUV made a deadly and possibly intentional plunge off a towering ocean bluff along the Pacific Coast Highway last month. Sarah and Jennifer Hart and their six adopted children were believed to be in the SUV at the time. Five bodies were found March 26 near Mendocino, a few days after Washington state authorities began investigating the Harts for possible child neglect, but three of their children were not immediately recovered from the scene along the shoreline. A body was pulled out of the surf Saturday but was not immediately identified. Fox News' Edmund DeMarche, Gregg Re and The Associated Press contreibuted to this report A Wisconsin man who was killed in an explosion at an apartment complex last month may have been a white supremacist building ISIS-style bombs, authorities say. Benjamin Morrow, 28, of Beaver Dam, Wis., was found dead in his apartment on March 5 after he blew himself up accidentally while making homemade explosives in his laboratory, authorities believe, according to FOX6 Now. When authorities found Morrow, he was lying on the floor in front of his stove, which was still lit. Authorities investigating the scene deemed Morrow's apartment a safety hazard and were forced to evacuate. Before demolishing the entire structure on March 15, investigators say they took another look inside Morrows apartment and found some unsettling objects. PAUL RYANS POLITICAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS, FROM VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TO HOUSE SPEAKER A pistol, a ballistic helmet, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, long guns and white supremacist material were among some of the items recovered from the apartment. Investigators also found a bottle labeled TATP in his garage. Triacetone triperoxide is a volatile chemical compound often used in homemade explosives, FOX6 Now reported. The chemical is also used to make the Mother of Satan bomb used in the terror attack on Manchester stadium last year, the Daily Beast reported. Beaver Dam police declined to say if Morrow identified as a white supremacist despite the material found. It does cause me some concern, but I want to make very clear just because Mr. Morrow was in the possession of this material, does not categorize in any particular light, Lt. Terrence Gebhardt told CBS 58. He could have been an individual that was doing research. However, Kevin Heimerl of the Wisconsin Department of Justice called Morrows apartment a homemade explosives laboratory and said it was possible the man may have been inspired by white supremacist groups. He declined to say which groups were highlighted in the material found. HUNT FOR SPRING BREAKER WHO VANISHED IN GULF OF MEXICO OFF DAUPHIN ISLAND INTENSIFIES: ISLAND LIVES MATTER Morrow worked as a quality control technician at Richelieu Foods. His former coworkers said he often smelled like mothballs. Some of those co-workers reported that it was common for Benjamin Morrow to arrive for work and he had an odor emitting from his person that co-workers described as smelling like mothballs, Heimerl said. Those co-workers further stated that they had made comments to Benjamin Morrow about the fact that they could smell mothballs on him. Mothballs are composed of flammable materials. Heimerl wrote in a second warrant that investigators were interested in Morrows storage unit, computers, flash drives and phone. Investigators hoped the records could help determine if Morrow was acting alone. I am aware that a person could work solely to connect this type of manufacturing homemade explosives themselves, Heimerl said. But I am also equally aware that individuals oftentimes communicate, inspire and engage with other persons to manufacture homemade explosives. Morrows family described him in a different light: a religious man who worked hard. His obituary stated he graduated from Pensacola Christian College and majored in pre-pharmacy. The Associated Press contributed to this report. China is engaged in large-scale theft of American research and technology from universities, using spies, students, and researchers as collectors, experts told Congress on Wednesday. Compounding the technology theft, the administration of President Barack Obama weakened U.S. counterintelligence efforts against foreign spies by curbing national-level counterspy efforts, a former counterintelligence official disclosed during a House hearing. Michelle Van Cleave, former national counterintelligence executive, said shortly after the creation of the office of the director of national intelligence in 2004, a national counterspy program against foreign spies was restricted during the administration of President George W. Bush. "Unfortunately, the backsliding continued under President Obama," Van Cleave told two subcommittees of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Van Cleave said a directive issued by then-DNI James Clapper in 2013 and still in force reduced the national counterintelligence program authority by directing all counterspy programs to be run by individual departments or agencies. Read more from the Washington Free Beacon. Italy's president says a second round of consultations aimed at forming a new government has failed, and that he will consider for a few days how to break the logjam. Sergio Mattarella said Friday that the discussions among political parties "to give life to a majority in parliament that sustains a government have not made progress." Mattarella said he has impressed upon the parties the urgency of having a fully functional government in Italy, referring also to the threat of U.S. air strikes against Syria. He said he would give himself a few days to consider next steps. Both the center-right coalition led by Matteo Salvini and the populist 5-Star Movement are claiming the right to head a new government following last month's inconclusive elections. At least 32 people were fired at the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia after they were allegedly caught sharing pornographic material in a non-official chat group. Sources familiar with the situation said the videos and photographs included some featuring people under the age of 18. They were shared in a Facebook Messenger chat group, Reuters reported. They had their identification cards taken and some of their phones checked, a former U.S. embassy staff member told Reuters. The 32 embassy workers fired were mostly Cambodian and Cambodian-American guards and clerical staff. There were no diplomats fired. According to the report, the images were seen by the wife of an embassy worker who alerted officials at the embassy. The incident was then forwarded to the FBI. An embassy spokesman told Reuters he could not comment and referred queries to the State Department. A State Department official declined to comment, saying Friday the records were confidential. I am not sure thats really something we would comment on, the official told Reuters. The dismissals come at a time of tension between the two nations after the United States criticized the crackdown on dissent by Prime Minister Hun Sen, and his anger over what he says have been U.S. efforts to undermine his rule. The United States has denied interfering in Cambodian politics. The dismissals also come just days after the embassy issued a security alert over an alleged plot to set off a bomb during Cambodias traditional New Year Holiday, which runs Thursday through Monday. It was not immediately clear Friday how many people are employed at the embassy. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Even as Islamic State group fighters flee the Middle East and cause fear across Africa's Sahel region it is al-Qaida that poses the more serious long-term threat, the U.S. military's special operations commander in Africa said in an interview with The Associated Press. Speaking on the sidelines of the annual U.S. counterterror exercise to train West African special forces, Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks pointed to last month's deadly attack on the army headquarters and heavily guarded French Embassy in Burkina Faso that was claimed by an al-Qaida-linked group in neighboring Mali. It was the first evidence of a transition away from attacks on "soft" targets such as hotels, he said Thursday, and further proof that West Africa's multiple extremist groups continue to push into new areas of the Sahel. Although close to 1,000 members of U.S. special forces are in Africa and a new G5 Sahel multinational force is taking aim at fighters with shifting alliances to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, reversing the worsening security situation "will be frustratingly, unsatisfyingly slow," Hicks said. "I believe al-Qaida has a more disciplined approach to developing infrastructure across Africa, north Africa, the Sahel," he said. "They are taking a patient approach to gaining ground in influence over organizations that are already there and co-opting local and regional grievances and turning it to their own devices." At the same time, "we are mindful of, very concerned about, the possibility of returned foreign fighters coming out of the Middle East" as the Islamic State group collapses, he said. No one knows how many Islamic State group fighters may have returned to West Africa. The current threat largely comes from local fighters who have declared their allegiance. This year's U.S.-led Flintlock counterterror exercise takes place in Niger, where the killing of four U.S. soldiers and several Nigeriens in an extremist ambush in October raised questions in Washington about the U.S. military's operations in Africa. A U.S. investigation into the ambush, which was claimed by fighters linked to the Islamic State group, has not yet been released. "We'd not seen any major incursion like this down into Niger before October," Hicks said. The U.S. is now shifting more of its efforts away from training, advising and assisting tactical formations with local partners in the Sahel and into a similar role "farther up the chain of command at the battalion level," Hicks said. He said the change began before the Niger ambush. "Where it makes sense, we still accompany those tactical formations," he said, but he called supporting a "battalion-sized maneuver" more effective. "We're not reducing our footprint or tempo," he added. U.S. special forces intentionally have a "light footprint" in a region where countries may not want to have more, he added, calling the approach sustainable and affordable. The threats include al-Qaida-linked fighters in Mali and Burkina Faso, Islamic State group-affiliated fighters in Niger, Mali and Nigeria and the Nigeria-based Boko Haram. They take advantage of the vast region's widespread poverty and countries' often poorly equipped security forces. The extremist threat has been marching south in the Sahel at an unprecedented level, Hicks said. "The threats are very real here and, if anything, October should remind us that these groups are very capable and very dangerous," he said. The U.S. special operations' shifting approach is meant to be more effective in supporting the recently created G5 Sahel Force that aims to have 5,000 troops from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Chad countering extremist groups in the region. The approach is similar to that of the Multinational Joint Task Force that has been combatting Boko Haram's insurgency in the Lake Chad region further east. Although the U.S. counterterror effort in remote areas of Africa plays out far from home, it's worth it, he said. "This is a very, very high return on investment activity," Hicks said. "If we fail to take this opportunity to deal with these threats here, then we have to deal with them somewhere else." ___ Follow Carley Petesch at https://twitter.com/carleypetesch Israel's military says an unmanned Iranian aircraft shot down in February after infiltrating its airspace was armed with explosives and on a mission to attack Israel. It said Friday that following an "operational and intelligence-based investigation" the military concludes that the "Iranian aircraft was armed with explosives and was tasked to attack Israeli territory." It said it prevented an attack on Israeli territory in February when it intercepted the aircraft. The statement comes after Iran, a strong ally of Syria, this week threatened to respond to an airstrike on a Syrian military base that the Syrian government, Russia and Iran blamed on Israel. Lebanon's Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah earlier said that Israel had made a "historic mistake" with the strike. A pastor from North Carolina imprisoned in Turkey on what many view as trumped-up terrorism charges finally gets his day in court on Monday, in the most high-profile of several cases involving American citizens swept up by Turkish police since a failed 2016 coup attempt. Andrew Brunson, who has languished in a Turkish prison since October, 2016, faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted of charges claiming he supported both the secessionist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) guerrilla movement and the outlawed organization of Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, whom the Turkish government of President Tayyip Erdogan says was behind the attempted coup. The charges against Brunson, a Presbyterian pastor who operated a church in the Turkish coastal city of Izmir without incident for 23 years before his arrest, have been widely slammed not just by his supporters, but also by a range of human rights groups, the U.S. government and other Christians in Turkey. State Department authorities have referred to Brunsons indictment as nonsense. President Donald Trump, along with Vice President Mike Pence, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have all expressed their deep concern over the Brunson case, and have asked for the release of him and other Americans being held. But U.S. efforts to secure Brunsons freedom havent made any progress, leading some to question the strength of what was once a tight U.S.-Turkish relationship. Pastor Brunson has lost over 50 pounds; he has lost precious time with his family that can never be replaced, CeCe Heil, executive counsel for the nonprofit American Center of Law and Justice (ACLJ) which represents Brunson in the U.S., told Fox News. But worst of all, he has lost hope wondering how Turkey a NATO ally and a country he loves and served for over two decades -- has been able to hold him hostage. Its widely understood that Erdogan and other Turkish officials were hoping to make a pastor-for-pastor swap of Brunson and Gulen, whose extradition request from Turkey has stalled because of what U.S. officials have pointedly said is a lack of evidence of his role in the failed coup. Erdogan is also clearly irritated some observers have said even enraged over the recent conviction of a close former aide of his convicted in New York for helping evade sanctions against Iran. The DOJ has been in close contact over the extradition request, and we do have an extradition treaty with Turkey, said one official, noting that so far the Erdogan government has not produced enough evidence of Gulen's role to hold up in a U.S. court. And when President Erdogan goes on TV saying they should bring the death penalty back for this one man, it doesnt help, continued the official, referring to a July 2016 speech in which he signaled the thatr the death penalty could be restored. An official told Fox News that U.S.-Turkey relations are in the worst shape they have been in decades, due in large part to the sweeping arrests of U.S. citizens including Brunson and others. In February, a Turkish court sentenced NASA engineer and Houston resident Serkan Golge, a dual U.S.-Turkish citizen, to seven and a half years' imprisonment over terrorism-related charges. This, after the main witness against him, a disgruntled relative, later recanted. Another dual citizen, 26-year-old Nilufer Sonmez, was released in February after almost a year in a Turkish jail. She was accused of using a cryptoprogram like that deployed by the coup plotters, though the program was in use by Turks throughout the nation. She remains in Ankara, the Turkish capital, unable to leave the country, regardless of her American citizenship. Many of those implicated in the post-coup crackdown have said Turkish defense lawyers fear repercussions if they back much-loathed clients, adding to the legal woes. More than 100,000 Turks have been detained in the ongoing post-coup crackdown, with more than 50,000 charged on related matters, according to Turkeys Ministry of the Interior. Pastor Brunsons evidence defending against these accusations has been left out and the translations of his text messages are inaccurate, Heil said. Furthermore, the majority of names mentioned, he has never even heard of. The majority of the indictment has nothing to do with Pastor Brunson. The official also highlighted that other dual U.S.-Turkish citizens, like Golge, have been treated with the same insane lack of due process. Nonetheless, they are endeavoring to work out practical solutions within the legal framework -- such as the appeals process -- to secure the release of all Americans believed to be unjustly detained. Golge is the only American thus far to have been formally sentenced. U.S. officials at the highest levels maintain they are working to ensure that his sentence, and Brunsons fate, will not simply be dragged out without a fierce diplomatic fight. We have not given up, the official affirmed. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 The Latest on Syria developments (all times local): 2:35 p.m. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says the use of chemical weapon against civilians in a Damascus suburb is "unforgivable" but says Turkey is urging all sides to refrain from actions that will cause further turmoil in Syria. Yildirim on Friday again condemned the "heinous" the attack in Douma and said the perpetrators should "pay a price." "However ... any action that would lead to the failure or harm activities led by Turkey, Iran and Russia toward a lasting peace should be avoided," Yildirim said. He was referring to the three countries' efforts to reduce violence in Syria. Syrian opposition activists and medics say a suspected gas attack last week killed more than 40 people in Douma. The Syrian government has denied the allegations. ___ 1:35 p.m. Russia's foreign minister has asserted that a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov says Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He says Moscow has "irrefutable information that it was another fabrication." Lavrov spoke to reporters in Moscow on Friday. He said that "intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication." He didn't elaborate or name the state. The attack has drawn international outrage and prompted the United States and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. An explosive U.K. intelligence dossier made public Friday claims Russia tested the use of door handles as a way to infect people with nerve agents before an ex-spy and his daughter were poisoned exactly that way last month. In a letter to NATO, the United Kingdoms national security chief, Sir Mark Sedwill, said the Kremlin set up a program in the 2000s under the code name Foliant that tested the means for delivering chemical warfare agents and to train personnel from special units in the use of these weapons. This program subsequently included investigation of ways of delivering nerve agents, including by application to door handles, he wrote, according to the Guardian. Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities of novichok under the same program. DAUGHTER OF POISONED SPY SERGEI SKRIPAL TURNS DOWN RUSSIAN HELP U.K. officials have said Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter, Yulia, were poisoned when they came in contact with a chemical nerve agent at his home in Salisbury on March 4. Samples taken from the home found a high concentration of the nerve agent believed to be Soviet-produced novichock on the door handles. The letter, which was directed to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenbeg, emphasized Englands belief Russia is responsible for poisoning the Skripals. Russia has denied all involvement. Additionally, Sedwill wrote evidence was discovered showing Russian military intelligence had targeted the email accounts of both victims since at least 2013. He said Russia regarded at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination, with the suggestion Sergei Skripal -- a former member of Russian military intelligence sent to prison in 2004 after working with the U.K. -- was on the list. SERGEI, YULIA SKRIPAL TO GET NEW IDENTITIES TO LIVE IN THE US, REPORT SAYS We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals, dating back at least as far as 2013, when e-mail accounts belong to Yulia were targeted by GRU cyber specialists, Sedwill wrote. At a press conference arranged before the letters release, Russian ambassador to the U.K. Alexander Yakovenko said he was not familiar with the latest allegations. If somebody was spying, why were the British services not complaining about that, he said, according to Sky News. We didnt hear any signs, any applications from the British side. The letter was made public a day after investigators at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed British findings that the Skripals were poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent. The watchdog did not say who was responsible for the poisoning. On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the report does nothing to back the British allegations that Moscow was behind the attack, which Moscow denies. "I want to underline: the OPCW only has confirmed the composition of the chemical agent," Lavrov said at a news conference. Yulia Skripal, 33, has been released from the hospital. Her father remains in the hospital but British health officials say he is improving. Russia has charged that British officials were keeping Skripal's daughter in isolation. It demanded access to her and prodded Britain to share evidence in the case. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday that the Middle East is in such "chaos" that it has become a threat to international peace and security and Syria "represents the most serious threat." The U.N. chief told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the highly volatile situation in the region risks "escalation, fragmentation and division as far as the eye can see, with profound regional and global ramifications." "The Cold War is back with a vengeance but with a difference," Gutteres warned. And he said the safeguards and mechanisms that managed the risk of escalation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the past "no longer seem to be present." Russia called the council meeting to focus on the threat to international peace and security from possible military action against Syria by the United States and its allies. But the secretary-general took a much broader view of the often-interlinked factors escalating the chaos and threatening peace in the Middle East. Guterres cited the Palestinian-Israeli divide, the Sunni-Shiite divide "evident from the Gulf to the Mediterranean," opposing attitudes on the Muslim Brotherhood and the status of the Kurds, threats to communities that have lived in the region for millennia, and other factors. "This multiplicity of divides is reflected in a multiplicity of conflicts with different degrees of interconnection, several of them clearly linked to the threat of global terrorism," he said. Guterres warned that "many forms of escalation are possible." The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is deepening again, he said. And in what appears to be implicit criticism of Israel for its use of force against protesters, Guterres said, "The recent violence in Gaza has resulted in many needless deaths and injuries." He also reiterated his call for "an independent and transparent" investigation of the incidents. In Yemen, which faces the world's worst humanitarian crisis, Guterres called for a negotiated political settlement to the three-year stalemated war that has killed more than 10,000 people. He said it is also "high time to end the Libyan conflict." And he said it is "absolutely essential" to avoid a new conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militia which could be more deadly and destructive than the last war. In Syria, Guterres said, "we see confrontations and proxy wars involving several national armies, a number of armed opposition groups, many national and international militia, foreign fighters from everywhere in the world, and various terrorist organizations." He singled out "recent confrontations between Iran and Israel in Syria. In this "bleak panorama," the secretary-general said he was "outraged" by continued reports of chemical weapons use in Syria. He strongly backed the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' fact-finding mission to investigate last weekend's suspected poison gas attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma, saying the first OPCW team is already in Syria and "a second is expected today or tomorrow." The secretary-general urged the deeply divided Security Council, which has been paralyzed over Syria, to agree on a new body to determine responsibility for chemical attacks. Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise "threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation," Guterres warned, and risk "that things spiral out of control." 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. Mendezs research team published the results of that clinical trial last month in the journal Clinical Cancer Research. Including Stone, 10 people with advanced head and neck cancer were treated with the experimental drug combination. All the participants were either ineligible for surgery or, like Stone, their tumors were such that surgery would have been significantly disfiguring. Nine of the 10 participants had a partial or complete response to the drug, seven of whom were able to go on to a successful surgery. The 10th patients cancer progressed in the middle of the experimental treatment and died soon after. Mendez himself passed away from another cancer in January, but he was able to see the results of the trial through, said Fred Hutch head and neck cancer researcher and SCCA oncologist Dr. Laura Chow, senior author on the study. The Phase 1 study was small and designed to figure out the drugs safety as well as its most tolerable dose, Chow said. The next step would be a much larger, Phase 2 trial with more patients to nail down whether the experimental combination therapy AZD1775, made by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, plus two chemotherapies, cisplatin and docetaxel really works for many patients with this cancer. But of the nine patients who did respond, the responses were much more dramatic than she and her colleagues had anticipated. Of the nine, several were able to have much less invasive surgeries than usually warranted. The interesting thing is it had more of an effect than we expected. People actually had dramatic shrinkage of their cancers to the point that they didnt have cancer left at time of surgery, Chow said. It changed the outcomes more than we thought it would. When basic science and clinical research come together The study was born on Mendezs own laboratory bench, through a series of preclinical studies spearheaded by Mendez and Fred Hutch colleague Dr. Christopher Kemp. The research team used a technique termed functional genomics, which sifts through hundreds or thousands of genes to find cancer cells weak spots. The genes the researchers are looking for are those which, when shut off, kill cancer cells but not healthy cells. Those are promising new targets for drugs that could selectively kill cancer without harming the rest of the patient. When Mendez and Kemp applied the functional genomics technique to head and neck cancer cells with mutations in a gene known as p53, which is mutated in approximately two-thirds of head and neck cancers, their screen identified a gene known as Wee1 as a potential Achilles heel for these tumor cells. Luckily for the researchers, there was already a drug AZD1775 that targets Wee1. When Mendez and Chow designed the clinical trial, they allowed patients with or without mutations in p53 to join additional preclinical data from Mendezs team had found that the drug also seemed to work on cancerous cells without a p53 mutation but where the cancer was triggered by HPV infection, a cancer-linked virus that inactivates p53 in a different way. Indeed, three of the trial participants who had a good response to the drug did not carry p53 mutations in their tumors but were HPV-positive. I think the trial is really a great example for what can happen when basic science research and clinical research come together, said Rodriguez, who is also one of the study authors. This turned out to be a successful approach both in the petri dish and in human beings. National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, philanthropic donations to Fred Hutch and SCCA, and AstraZeneca funded the clinical trial. Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. Page Content Ethnic minorities and immigrants in Europe retain higher levels of trust in institutions particularly local government, the police and the legal system than the general public despite one in four declaring that they had experienced discrimination in the past 12 months and despite two in five believing that they were last stopped by the police because of their background, the European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency said at its annual meeting with the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 11 April. Another key conclusion from the meeting, highlighted by a think-tanker and practitioner, was that national policies on integration, discrimination, and equality contribute significantly to integration in local communities, schools and job markets. Speaking at a meeting of the CoR's Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX), Rossalina Latcheva, a senior programme manager for statistics and surveys at the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), said that the FRA's second Minorities and Discrimination Survey, published in December 2017, found that perceived discrimination is highest among north Africans (31%), Roma (26%) and sub-Saharan Africans. Three percent said they had been physically attacked in the past 12 months, with Roma and sub-Saharan Africans being particular targets; while Roma (16%) and north Africans (15%) felt particularly discriminated against in job search and also in search for housing (12% for Roma, 9% for north Africans). She noted, however, that results vary widely by country and group, with 50% of sub-Saharan Africans in Luxembourg encountering discrimination compared with 6% of Russians in Lithuania. Overall, she said, levels of trust in Europe's institutions are higher among these groups than among the population as a whole, but rates depend on the experience of discrimination, particularly among sub-Saharan Africans. Thomas Huddleston of the Migration Policy Group urged policy-makers to make greater use of the FRA's work, describing it as the best source of information in Europe on discrimination and equality. His organisation's Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX), partly drawing on data from the FRA, has found a strong link between strong national rules on discrimination and equality on the experience, attitudes, and behaviour of ethnic minorities and new arrivals in Europe. Strong laws spread ideas of fairness and equality among the population and immigrants, he said, and those countries with the strongest anti-discrimination laws are those where victims are more likely to know their rights and of body that protects those rights. "When you talk about trust and social cohesion, these can seem abstract, but increasingly research shows that this has an impact on social integration, and also on their health. Countries with stronger laws are where immigrant kids are more likely to stay at school, where they are less to be depressed and to suffer from other health problems." The impact of integration policies and their absence was emphasised by Marta Siciarek of the Gdansk Immigrant Support Centre. "When there is no integration policy, discriminatory practices flourish," she said, arguing that the lack of a national-level policy on integration in Poland also meant that cities lacked tools, resources and capacity to cope with the challenges posed by Poland's transformation into a country of immigration in the past three years. Gdansk has seen the percentage of immigrants rise from 1% to 10% in the space of three years, she said, with most new arrivals coming from Ukraine, and has formed a working group on integration with the ten other biggest cities in Poland. What Polish organisations like hers are doing is "not big physics", she said, and will not be "competitive or innovative" in applications for European money "because we are working on basic standards". But "we need to put money into cities to do the job we need to do", which is "very practical and simple, but still needs a lot of coordination, work and effort". News Mayor: Police pension plan could go before voters Jim Yarbrough GALVESTON Voters could have the final say in resolving police pension issues if the city and police pension board cant come to an agreement on fixes to the plan, Mayor Jim Yarbrough said this week. In a campaign forum Wednesday, the mayor said it was not only a possibility but a probability that a ballot initiative to resolve issues with the plan will be put to voters in November. The city is waiting on an analysis of the plan from an independent actuary before making any real decisions, Yarbrough said in an interview Thursday. City officials will begin discussions with the board of the Galveston Employees Retirement Plan for Police once they have the analysis. If the two cant reach a good-faith agreement, voters would be asked to decide, Yarbrough said. Ultimately if we cant reach some kind of agreement, well ask the voters if they want to raise taxes to pay for an increase, Yarbrough said. Ultimately its the peoples money. The board overseeing Galvestons police pension plan was anxious to hear about what the citys actuary had drafted and what the city has in mind for negotiations, board Chairman Geoff Gainer said. The city and board have not had contact since the city manager sent a response to the police pension board in early March, Gainer said. Gainer had heard about the possible proposal to put something before voters, but didnt know the details to comment on it specifically, he said. Gainer and a city representative will meet with an actuary committee of the states Pension Review Board in Austin on April 24, Gainer said. Im hoping we get to this meeting and the state gives us clarity and direction on how to proceed with this legal issue, Gainer said, adding that theres still a difference between the city and board trustees over how the pension requirements are interpreted. Gainer is one of four police union members on the seven-member police pension board. Galvestons police pension plan faces $29 million in unfunded liabilities, with an estimated payoff period of 48.7 years. That period is one of the highest in Texas, according to the states actuarial report of the plan. The city is required to get the plan to a payoff period of 40 years or less, City Manager Brian Maxwell has said. The Texas Pension Review Board has urged a payoff period closer to 30 years, Maxwell said. The police pension board wants that figure closer to 25 years, he said. City officials and the police pension board have at times been at odds over what is required of the city and who has the authority to make major changes to the plan that might affect taxpayer contributions. Gainer has argued state law lays out the requirements for the police pension. Under the board actuarys interpretation of state law, the city would need to inject more money into the fund initially to get it to solvency, but those contributions would likely decrease over time, he said. The city has hired a lawyer and an actuary to conduct an independent review of the statutory requirements and to present different models for the plan, Maxwell has said. The citys hired legal staff and actuary have not yet made a presentation to the board, but were analyzing the law and the citys position, Maxwell said. The city cannot consider adopting the boards proposal without deliberating it because the additional funding has wide-reaching consequences for residents, Maxwell has said. As it is, employees for the Galveston Police Department pay 12 percent of each paycheck to their retirement pension plan. City taxpayers pay an amount equal to 14.83 percent of each police officers salary into the plan every pay period. The city council increased the citys pay-in by 2 percent in February. Yarbrough is unopposed in this years municipal election, and will serve a final two-year term. He wants the pension plan resolved by the time his last term ends, he said. The pension issues stem in part from previous plan board trustees and city administrations kicking the can down the road on the issue, Yarbrough said. I only have two years left and were going to solve problems and get things done one way or another, Yarbrough said. Im not going to dance around the issues. Im hopeful well have good faith negotiations before we get to that point, Yarbrough said. If not, well do it in November. The 18-year-old woman was on life support after being shot by a school safety officer near Millikan High School on Monday, family members said. Renovation and Extension plans : What is happening with the pavilion in Bonns Rheinaue? Bonn The Rhineland-Palatinate pavilion in the Rheinaue still lies empty. However, the renovation and extension plans for its use as a restaurant could now be moving forward. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Lessee Dirk Dotsch, who also runs the Parkrestaurant Rheinaue in the former grounds of the national horticultural show, has submitted a planning application. For a while I had the feeling we were going round in circles. However, I am now confident I have fulfilled all of the citys requirements, said Dotsch. The city has confirmed receipt of the planning application. It will now be reviewed. It wants to report on the results at the district councils meeting in May. The Burger Bund Bonn (Bonn Citizens Federation) had asked about the current position in the latest meeting on Tuesday. When asked, Markus Schmitz from the citys press office stated: The application is approvable in principle, but various details, which arose from changes to the outline planning application, still need to be processed. These relate, among other things, to noise protection for the planned outside eating area during changes to operating hours as well as areas to compensate for the additional sealing of park areas in the landscape conservation area because of construction. Rheinaue is a protected historic area The contract with the city has now been running for a year, said Rheinaue lessee Dotsch. The first idea to revive the pavilion dates back to 2014. Dotsch had to amend certain parts of the original planning application in cooperation with the city. As early as 2016, the Cologne district governments Office for the Protection of Historic Monuments expressed doubts about the initial original plans for an alpine restaurant with lots of wood. The Office is involved because the entire Rheinaue has protected status. Dotchs original reconstruction plans went too far for politicians and preservationists. The city also demanded noise protection reports, concrete information on visitors arrival and departure traffic and for delivery traffic as well as possible events. Dotsch emphasised there had been good cooperation with the city. In his view, all the necessary information is now available. Alpine atmosphere The restaurant owner is planning the renovation of the existing building on the hill next to the Botchen Lake. He wants to have a kitchen, toilets and bathroom facilities installed for future employees. He is planning to use the two extension buildings for visitors. He estimates the extension will be able to seat around 175 people. In addition there would be tables and chairs outside, including on a terrace with a view of the lake. The exterior facade of the octagonal wine pavilion will remain and the extension will have large glass windows to provide a beautiful view. The ambience should exude an alpine atmosphere. Tyrolean bread and Swiss chocolate will be on the menu. However, Dotsch wants regional companies to supply him. The restaurant will not be a party temple. Concerts are not planned. If the city accepts the building application, Dotsch estimates he needs to invest an amount in the millions: Because the building has been vacant for a long time, it is time to start now. If the conversion and extension can start in the summer, he could be greeting the first guests at Easter 2019. Christians in China have asked the international community to unite in prayer as Communist party authorities continue to intensify their campaign against churches in the country. "The condition is deteriorating, but the obstacles tie the house churches together and direct them to God," a believer with the surname Li from a house church in Nanyang said, according to ChinaAid. Restrictions on believers have increased in recent months following the implementation of the revised Religious Affairs Regulations. The rules, which define the administrative framework around religious activities, have the stated aim of "protect[ing] citizens' freedom of religious belief". "Religious affairs maintenance should persist in a principle of maintaining legality, curbing illegality, blocking extremism, resisting infiltration and attacking crime," the regulations say. "Any group or individual must not create conflict or contention between different religions, with a single religion or between religious individuals and non-religious individuals," they say. A believer with the surname Cao told ChinaAid that in the central Henan province, officials demanded the outdoor cross of a newly constructed Three-Self Church be taken down -- even though such churches are sanctioned by the government. Cao explained that the cross cost around $3,183.20 USD, with officials arguing that it violated regulations. According to World Watch Monitor, authorities also forcibly removed "two or three" crosses in the county because they were "illegally built." "Activities in the illegally-built parishes will be prohibited," he said. "Other legal Christian activities here will remain open," he said, adding that the government was targeting unregulated activities, not Christians. Last month, a church-run kindergarten in Weihui parish was shut down by officials. A source from the state-approved Catholic Church told the Catholic news website UCAN that Tian-ai Kindergarten, run by Zhifang Church, was "disqualified." Police posted warnings on the gates of the school twice, on 14 February and 14 March, and then sealed them late last month, leaving its 60-70 pupils to find another school to go to. "Nearby kindergartens which are run much more badly [sic] were not seized," a source told UCAN. "Only the one run by the church." "Authorities pay more attention to kindergartens run by Christians," a local source told WWM. Last week, the Chinese government banned the sale of Bibles at online bookstores across the country, also as part of the renewed regulations. A short time earlier, a Chinese Christian woman was arrested by public security bureau officers and criminally detained after she attempted to share the gospel with President Xi Jinping. Xi has said he wants Chinese faith communities to move "to the direction of localizing the religion, practice the core values of socialism, develop and expand the fine Chinese tradition and actively explore the religious thought which accords with China's national circumstances." Governments around the nation are working to design the best vaccine policies that keep both their employees and their residents safe. Although the latest data shows a variety of polarizing perspectives, there are clear emerging best practices that leading governments are following to put trust first: creating policies that are flexible and provide a range of options, and being in tune with the needs and sentiments of their employees so that they are able to be dynamic and accommodate the rapidly changing situation. Increased funding Election season Oklahoma's largest teachers union has called for an end to a statewide walkout, 11 days after it began.For nearly two weeks, thousands of Oklahoma teachers have flooded the state Capitol to advocate for additional school funding, which had been cut on a per-student basis over the past 10 years."We need to face reality," said Alicia Priest, president of the Oklahoma Education Association. "Despite tens of thousands of people filling the Capitol and spilling out onto the grounds of this Capitol for nine (school) days, we have seen no significant legislative movement since last Friday."Priest said a survey found 77 percent of her members indicated they were doubtful a continuation of the walkout would lead to any more funding gains.With nearly 40,000 members, the Oklahoma Education Association represents many, but not all of the state's teachers.While it's possible some teachers may return to the Capitol on Friday, especially because many districts have already declared schools closed for that day, it seems likely most Oklahoma schools will reopen by Monday."Unfortunately, because they are the organization that is supposed to be organizing this movement, I think that a lot of people will follow suit with the OEA," said Kambra Reynolds, a second grade teacher from Norman.Moore Public Schools had already reopened on Thursday, and Putnam City Schools announced they would be back in session on Monday.Oklahoma City schools had already announced it would remain closed on Friday.Ed Allen, president of the Oklahoma City American Federation of Teachers, said his members would vote Thursday night on how to proceed.Thursday's crowd at the Capitol appeared smaller than in previous days, but thousands of teachers filled the inside of the building to capacity, chanting "take a vote" during a morning session of the House, pushing for lawmakers to take up a repeal of the capital gains tax deduction.The threat of a walkout motivated lawmakers to approve more than $400 million in new education spending, most of it going to teacher pay, which ranks near the bottom nationally.Teachers went ahead with the walkout and the Senate later approved two funding measures, including a sales tax on third-party internet sales, estimated to raise another $20 million for public schools.But Senate leadership said that was as far as they were willing to go this year, and the Republican-controlled House continued to say it would not take up a vote on a repeal of the capital gains tax deduction, which could have raised an additional $100 million.As it became clearer throughout the week that additional revenue-raising measures were unlikely, many teachers said the walkout felt like it was coming to an end without a definitive victory.One teacher described his feelings by quoting the end of "The Hollow Men" poem, saying, "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper."Some schools had already reopened on Thursday, including Moore Public Schools, the state's fourth-largest school district.However, several dozen Moore teachers returned to the Capitol to great applause, a sign that not every teacher was ready to end the walkout.Even after the House adjourned on Thursday and was set to enter its three-day weekend, teachers remained at the Capitol, meeting with any lawmaker whose door was open."One of the things that we can take away from the walkout is a lot of the concerns that teachers have on a daily basis are being brought to the Legislature," said Rep. John Paul Jordan, R-Yukon, who was in his office talking to teachers.Jordan said he didn't see any tax increase measures coming before lawmakers, at least not in the coming days."I don't see a bill that could get enough votes," said Jordan, while deflecting to House leadership to provide the ultimate assessment.As teachers filled the upper floors of the Capitol, a few were in the basement to submit their paperwork to run for state office.The three-day candidate filing window began on Wednesday and several teachers signed up to run for a state House or Senate seat.On Thursday, at least four more teachers entered races."Being in the classroom for the past 15 years, I have experienced firsthand all of the things that the teachers are complaining about today," said Sherrie Conley, a Republican candidate in House District 20 who is also an educator.In announcing an end to the walkout, the Oklahoma Education Association said it was now focused on the November elections."We must turn our attention toward election season," Priest said. "We must work harder than ever to elect education champions who put students first."Immediately following the Oklahoma Education Association's call to end the walkout, some teachers said they weren't ready to return to work."The movement didn't start with OEA, I'm not sure it's the best decision to stop when OEA says it's over," said Greg Oppel, a teacher from Edmond Memorial High School.Oppel said some teachers were eager to remain at the Capitol, especially as there is talk the Legislature might consider taxes increase on wind energy production, potentially raising new revenue for schools."I think there are some teachers whose goal was to wait for one of those bills before they made a decision on going back," Oppel said.However, Oppel admitted that if districts call their teachers back it will be hard to stay at the Capitol.Edmond Public Schools announced shortly after 6 p.m. that classes would resume Friday.District leaders and school boards have largely supported teachers during the walkout by pre-emptively closing schools.But with state testing underway and some districts already extending the calendar to make up for lost days, pressure had been mounting for schools to reopen."Being at the Capitol has really been like beating your head against a brick wall," said Reynolds, the second-grade teacher from Norman. "But we know who is pro public education and who is not. Even if (the walkout) ends, there's going to be change later this year." Under pressure from his temporary successor, House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger is resigning immediately from the legislature instead of at the end of the month as initially planned, according to House GOP spokesman Brad Miller.Rosenberger's decision came at the request of House Speaker Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring, Miller said in a statement Thursday evening. Schuring is taking over the speaker's duties until a new speaker is elected to finish out the rest of the year."After now having time to fully assess the responsibilities of the office of Speaker, address the operational aspects of the Ohio House, and resolve questions regarding who has the appropriate decision-making authority, Rep. Schuring felt it was in the best interest of the institution that Cliff Rosenberger resign effective immediately," Miller stated.Rosenberger said Tuesday that he would step down on May 1 amid an FBI inquiry into his spending and travel. The Clinton County Republican has denied any wrongdoing, but he said in a resignation statement that "Ohioans deserve elected leaders who are able to devote their full and undivided attention" to issues facing the state."Thursday's announcement came as a surprise to House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz. Asked Thursday evening via text to confirm that Rosenberger was resigning immediately, Seitz responded, "I doubt that it is true. Would be news to me if it is!" A state legislator who once flew to Damascus for a two-hour sit-down with Bashar al-Assad took to the floor of the Virginia Senate this week to say the Syrian president might have been framed with a suspected chemical attack if the attack happened at all.It is not entirely clear that there was an attack, Sen. Richard H. Black (R-Loudoun) said in a 20-minute speech on the floor of Virginia Senate on Wednesday. There was a doctor, from the hospital from the main hospital in Douma who has said, We havent received any casualties. Nobody has been sent in. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a global watchdog, has sent inspectors to Syria to try to confirm whether it was a chemical attack that killed dozens in Damascus on Saturday.But in Richmond, the sequence of events was clear: Black spoke; Democrats erupted.While legislators from around the Commonwealth came to Richmond for a special session to work out a budget and deliver healthcare to 400,000 Virginians in the Medicaid coverage gap, Dick Black felt a better use of the peoples time was to mock Assads latest chemical atrocity as a false flag attack, the Democratic Party of Virginia said in a news release. Black said not a word about the budget or helping uninsured Virginians, using his time only to offer a defense of one of the worlds most murderous dictators. In other public finance news this week: Pensions Hurting Recruitment? Big Revenue Growth for States When Congress capped the state and local tax deduction at $10,000 as part of its tax overhaul late last year, it was mostly officials from high-tax states such as California, New Jersey and New York that cried foul. But new research shows that taxpayers in more than one-third of states -- some with relatively low income taxes -- could be negativelyaffected by the change.In 19 states and the District of Columbia, the average taxpayer deducted more than $10,000 in state and local taxes, according to a report released this week by the Pew Charitable Trusts. It looked at tax returns from 2015 and found that the average deductions in those 19 states ranged from more than $22,000 in New York to just $10,121 in New Hampshire.The reports author, Phillip Oliff, says the data indicates that the new cap will affect filers in states all across the country. That runs contrary to popular sentiment that only high-tax states would be negatively impacted by the cap. Officials from those states have worried that limiting the deductability of state and local taxes could make it harder to raise tax rates in the future because taxpayers wouldn't be able to increase their tax deductions accordingly.In addition to those high-tax states -- those in the Northeast and on the West Coast -- Iowa, Ohio, Nebraska and Wisconsin will also be affected by the new cap. Deductions for state and local taxes in these four states averaged between $10,000 and $15,000.In many states, high property taxes are to blame. State and local property tax collections per capita in Iowa and Nebraska, for example, both rank in the top third, according to the conservative Tax Foundation.Moodys Investors Services predicts that the new tax law will slow home price growth in counties with the highest property taxes. Of the 25 counties where growth in home prices is projected to slow the most over the next 16 months, 21 are in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.Ironically, a slowdown in home prices could increase property tax rates even more because, according to Moodys, local governments facing slower home price appreciation will become more dependent on property tax increases to keep revenues in balance.Local income taxes also play a role. Pennsylvania and Ohio have relatively low state tax rates, but their localities also tax income. As a result, those states rank 11th and 16th, respectively, for local and state income tax collections per capita.Still, theres a lot that isn't known. For instance, states like California and New York have created policy workarounds that allow taxpayers to realize their full state and local tax deduction and avoid the $10,000 cap. And Iowa is considering legislation that would cut income tax rates, which would then lower taxfilers' average state and local tax deduction.Meanwhile, the tax overhaul also doubled the individual standard deduction to $12,000, which may mean that some taxpayers who previously itemized their income deductions may start taking the standard deduction instead. The standard deduction creates a wild card, says Oliff. We wont understand the precise impact until folks start filing their taxes next year.Its becoming harder and harder to fill public-sector jobs. Just ask the states, such as Arizona and Oklahoma, that are dealing with a teacher shortage and protests for better pay.A study this week suggests that one culprit to blame for this problem is less attractive pension benefits. According to the Center on State and Local Government Excellence, there has been a 71 percent increase in job openings since 2012, but the gap between job openings and hirings has continued to grow since then. Meanwhile, nearly all governments have cut pension benefits for new hires.In most cases, they did this to help stabilize budgets and a growing debt load. But, notes the Centers CEO Joshua Franzel, they have likely done so at the cost of becoming less competitive with the private sector.Given the current, increased focus on wage and benefit compensation for teachers, public safety professionals and many other public servants in a range of states, Franzel says, it is essential for reforms to be analyzed not only by their budgetary impacts, but also for their long-term public workforce development implications.States are expecting significant tax revenue growth over the next two years, according to a new analysis by the Rockefeller Institute of Government. On average, states are expecting a 4.4 percent increase in income tax revenue in fiscal 2018 and a 3.8 percent increase in sales tax revenue. Thats a big leap from 2017, which saw less than 2.5 percent growth in both categories.Meanwhile, twice as many states expect more than 5 percent revenue growth in sales and income taxes, compared with last year.States are forecasting similarly robust figures for fiscal 2019 as well. Still, the reports author Lucy Dadayan cautions that the numbers are highly speculative, as the mad rush of taxpayers who prepaid their state and local taxes last year before certain tax breaks expired may have skewed expectations. Description GIS 13 April, 2018: A Consultative Meeting on the Childrens Bill was held yesterday at La Pirogue Resorts and Spa in Flic en Flac. Around 100 children attended the meeting which allowed them to discuss and exchange views on the draft legislation as well as to engage their active participation in all issues and decisions that concern their rights and wellbeing. The event was organised by the National Childrens Council (NCC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare. Children of different age groups and coming from several Shelters and Childrens Clubs run by NGOs as well as by the NCC were in attendance. Participants were given an overview of the Childrens Bill and were divided into groups to brainstorm on several topics. The different groups of children then proceeded to make presentations. In her opening address, the Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Roubina Jadoo-Jaunbocus, emphasised that a Childrens Bill is long overdue and it is important now to make the Bill a reality. This Bill is a piece of legislation being prepared to ensure that all the rights of all children are respected, she pointed out. According to the Minister, it is also crucial for children to understand that, while they have rights, they equally have responsibilities such as listening to parental advice and choosing to tread on the right path instead of letting themselves be led on the wrong path. Speaking about the consultative process, Mrs Jadoo-Jaunbocus said that it is an essential one as the subject discussed concerns children directly and their voices should be heard so as to find the best solutions to address the problems children have faced or are facing. All issues, whether positive or negative, raised by children during the meeting are important and Government will ensure that the law will protect childrens interests and rights which is primordial, she highlighted. The Minister also assured that the Childrens Bill will make provision for appropriate measures to address issues related to emerging and new challenges with the aim to better protect children and ensure their development. The legislation, she said, will put into practice Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which stipulates, amongst others, that in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. For his part, the chairperson of the NCC, Mr M. Murtuza recalled that in 1959 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child defining childrens rights to protection, education, healthcare and shelter. The CRC, he further stated, which was adopted 1989 has changed the way children are treated that is as human beings with rights instead of passive objects of care and charity. Much has been accomplished since the adoption of the Convention from declining infant mortality to rise in school enrolment but much remains to be done, he indicated. Stakeholders in Mauritius have been given a challenging task to meet the objectives and goals set by the UN and the Government of Mauritius and there is no doubt that the desired outcome will be reached to ensure that childrens rights are protected and that they become the ambassadors of tomorrow, he added. Description GIS 13 April, 2018: An ICT awareness training for senior citizens kicked off yesterday at the Lady Sushil Ramgoolam Recreational Centre at Pointe aux Piments. The two caravans of the National Computer Board, equipped with 46 computers and other equipment will eventually tour other recreational centres and three courses are being provided to the senior citizens, namely ICT Literacy Course, IC3 Course and Microsoft Office Package Course. An ICT awareness training for senior citizens kicked off yesterday at the Lady Sushil Ramgoolam Recreational Centre at Pointe aux Piments.The two caravans of the National Computer Board, equipped with 46 computers and other equipment will eventually tour other recreational centres and three courses are being provided to the senior citizens, namely ICT Literacy Course, IC3 Course and Microsoft Office Package Course. Present on the occasion, the Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, underlined that Government will ensure that the elderly population is part of the socio-economic development process of the country. They should be given the respect they deserve for their longstanding contribution to the countrys progress, he stated. Moreover, he underpinned the imperative need for everyone to have digital skills in an increasingly digital society. As Government is inclined in transforming the country into a smart, wireless and connected digital society for the benefit of the whole population, it is primordial that the elderly acquire the necessary basic ICT skills to take full advantage of technological advances, he added. The Minister further emphasised that the objective of the training is to provide assistance to senior citizens to acquire digital literacy to join the online world so that digital technology consequently becomes an integral part of their daily lives. On that note, he underscored measures taken by Government to yield significant advances of technology for the betterment of the population. The recently launched Mobile Applications, he pointed out, allow access to better services and facilities such as quick access to emergency numbers. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity and Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr Etienne Sinatambou, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Dhanandjay Kawol, underlined that the acquisition of knowledge regarding the use of digital tools by the elderly, will reduce the generation gap between them and the youth. Underlining the important role that grandparents play in the socialisation of children, he added that understanding and using social media will better connect and create understanding and synergy with the new generation. Sacramento, Calif., Is Accepting Applications for $1 Million in Innovation Grants San Antonio Announces 2018 CivTechSA Residency Program Winners Aurora, Ill., Works to Create a Smart Park As social networks like Facebook weather ongoing scrutiny over enabling Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, nonprofit transparency and pro-democracy groups continue to voice support for the Honest Ads Act , a bipartisan piece of legislation that has been introduced in both houses of Congress.In a group letter to U.S. senators on April 11, nearly 30 such groups called for policymakers to pass the act, which would strengthen disclosure requirements for political ads online. Under the law, any digital platform with at least 50 million monthly views would be required to maintain a public file of any electioneering items purchased by a person or group that spends more than $500. That file would include a digital copy of the ad, a description of audience targets, the number of views it generated, time of publication, rate charged and contact information for the purchaser.The groups calling for this act are wide ranging, including the Sunlight Foundation, Issue One, League of Women Voters, Democracy 21 and the Center for Digital Democracy, among others.The letter does not mince words.The bill recognizes that voters have a right to know about foreign sponsors and funders of campaign-related Internet ads, the groups wrote. Our organizations and experts strongly urge you to support the Honest Ads Act and to publicly press for prompt passage of the bill by Congress. This is not only a campaign finance issue. This is a matter of the utmost importance to our national security, to the integrity of our elections, and to protecting our democracy from sabotage by foreign adversaries.The details of Russian meddling in the most recent U.S. election are murky. The White House has penalized Russia over it, but information has continued to emerge that indicates platforms such as Facebook were used as tools to distribute false information, and investigations into what occurred are ongoing.Sacramento, Calif., is now accepting applications for $1 million in innovation grants being offered up through its Rapid Acceleration, Innovation and Leadership in Sacramento (RAILS) program.Stakeholders announced the start of the application process for this year earlier this month. The framework for the RAILS program was approved by the Sacramento City Council in June 2016 as part of an effort to expand the startup pipeline in the city and foster a more robust innovation ecosystem. This is the second year the money will be distributed.Notable differences from the previous class include this years program requiring that startups are focused on advancing through the Sacramento Urban Technology Lab framework as well. Officials involved with the application process have encouraged would-be participants to focus projects around workforce development of young people as well as around serving low-income and underserved communities.Grants are split into three categories of varying amounts, with those being acceleration grants, innovation grants, and leadership grants. Frequently asked questions , as well as the application itself , are available on the RAILS program website.San Antonio has named the winners for its 2018 CivTechSA Residency Program, which aims to connect local government with the tech and entrepreneurial communities in the Alamo City, simultaneously solving civic challenges while growing the startup ecosystem there.This years winners were Kinetech Cloud, a cloud-native company that will work with the San Antonio Department of Human Services, and Reckon Point, which will work with the airport. These two companies essentially make up the inaugural class for CivTechSA , which is a localized variation of the now-nationwide Startup in Residence program. Throughout the next 16 weeks, the startups will work closely with their respective public agencies to build custom solutions for challenges there.The work that Kinetech will be doing is centered around streamlining the citys current application system for utility assistance, which at the moment necessitates a paper application that must be mailed in or dropped off in person, both of which are things gov tech solutions work to eliminate. Due to the paper process, public agencies must manually sort through applications to determine eligibility en route to establishing who gets assistance. Kinetech Cloud aims to create a solution capable of pre-screening eligibility, ending automatic updates to applicants and validating required documentation before allowing submission.Reckon Point, meanwhile, will help the airport collect and manage flight info while also working to unify the airports current mapping applications. More info is available here Aurora, Ill., one of Chicagos largest suburbs, recently announced plans to bring fiber-optic infrastructure to RiverEdge Park, essentially turning that public space into what local media is calling a smart park.This is part of an ongoing expansion of OnLight Aurora , the citys publicly-owned fiber-optic network, and officials hope it will lead to infrastructure that fosters better security at the park and also provides some control over parking there. Aurora CIO Michael Pegues has said that monitoring and control of parking at RiverEdge Park will let the city provide quicker emergency response and more efficient use of energy.This is part of an effort underway in Aurora to turn the city into a tech-savvy community, and officials have said they could potentially extend the fiber-optic network into nearby areas such as Naperville or North Aurora. Dogs-Eye View 12,000 Technical Assistance 175 While most Google Street View footage is shot from the roof of a car, a new option in one Japanese city is getting a little closer to the ground. Odate is a city in the Akita prefecture, the birthplace of Akita dogs. To bring attention to the dogs legacy in the city, Odate has partnered with Google and strapped cameras to the harnesses of two Akitas named Ako and Asuka so Google Maps users can see what the city looks like on four legs. The dogs visited, among other locations, a hot-spring foot bath, the Akita Dog Museum and a mountain path. And since the cameras are perched on Ako and Asukas backs, Googles 360-degree view means cameos from their fluffy tails and ears. Source: The Verge As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, infrastructure must also change to accommodate them, and German telecommunications company Telekom is prepared to more than double the number of EV charging stations in the country by as early as 2020. The company plans to convert 12,000(utilities distribution boxes) into charging stations, adding to the existing 10,800 ports. Source: TreeHugger A small Korean restaurant in Milpitas, Calif., has made a high-tech hire. At Kang Nam Tofu House, a robot delivers orders to tables. While this might incite fears that robots will soon eliminate the need for human servers, these bots from Bear Robotics are designed to assist traditional servers, taking over the manual labor elements of restaurant work and allowing humans to focus on customer service. The pedestal-shaped robot uses sensors to navigate the dining room, has the location of each table programmed into it and is controlled via a tablet. The owner of both Kang Nam Tofu House and the robotics company are one in the same, and since the bot, named Penny, came on board at the restaurant, customer service has improved and tips have increased. Source: Fast Company In an effort to keep up with the competition, Apple Maps has added locations of bike-sharing services to its offerings. In a partnership with bike-sharing data company Ito World, the feature has rolled out to 175 cities in 36 countries worldwide. While Apples maps did previously have some bike-sharing data, integrating Ito Worlds data sets greatly expands the app. Source: Tech Crunch (TNS) - Running past the wounded crying out for help, a team of police officers made sure an active shooter was was no longer a threat. Only then did they start giving other assistance at a mass casualty drill on Thursday morning.You can't assume he's dead, said Officer Michael Eldred of the Indiana State University Police. They are still a possible threat. That's why we handcuffed him. Then, once the shooter is secured and we make sure there were no other active shooters, we try to lend any assistance we can.Blood, wounds and weapons -- all fake -- added to the chaotic scene in a parking lot near the Landsbaum Center on the campus of Union Hospital.Teams from both Regional and Union hospitals participated in the drill, along with Air Evac, IU Health Lifeline personnel, staff of the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative Simulation Center, and other agencies.Students from ISU and Ivy Tech Community College portrayed the wounded, with realistic looking wounds and an abundance of fake blood.Coordinating was the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency.Law enforcement did a phenomenal job today, said Dr. Dorene Hojnicki, Vigo EMA director, as she assessed the activity. They really got in there and went to the shooter.The training was provided by the West Central Indiana Area Health Education Center to better prepare local health professionals and emergency medical personnel how to respond to a traumatic community event.The drill was part of the District 7 Trauma Symposium for the counties of Vermillion, Parke, Putnam, Clay, Vigo, Owen, Sullivan and Greene.Our goal is to respond to a mass casualty situation, and later debrief on what we did and can do better, AHEC director Jackie Mathis said.In rural counties, responders to a mass casualty event tornado, bombing, bus crash or building collapse, for example will need to assess the wounded and determine where a patient should be sent for treatment.We want to educate the providers on where to go, what each facility is capable of handling, Mathis said.Both Regional and Union hospitals are certified as trauma centers, Mathis pointed out, but at different levels with different capabilities.The goal is to get the right patient to the right hospital at the right time, said Dr. Christian Toevs, surgeon at Regional Hospital. We are not in competition during these types of events.A simulation is an opportunity for the medical community to work together and assess itself, she said.People who generally don't work together on a daily basis get to see what others are doing and how to communicate and practice coordinating in that environment, Toevs said.As the drill moved into full action, evacuating the wounded was a priority. Ambulances pulled up and the volunteers worked together to load patients for a trip to mobile treatment tents set up nearby for the drill.Vigo Schools Supt. Danny Tanoos and Tom Balitewicz, director of student services, observed and assisted.We want to see how the simulation works first hand, Balitewicz said amid the early chaos.While Vigo Schools have not dealt with an active shooter, a gunman and bomb hoax at North Vigo High School in April 2017 tested some of the procedures in place.Local school leaders watched as the injured were moved to either green tarps for the walking wounded, yellow tarps for the more serious patients, and red tarps for the critically injured.Assistant EMA director J.D. Kesler said another part of the drill is for responders to learn how to handle people experiencing emotional distress from the traumatic event, and how to treat the dead with dignity by covering their bodies until they can be removed.On Wednesday evening, some advanced preparation allowed for setup of a tent equipped with cots, lights, heat or air conditioning, and oxygen.It takes about an hour to set up the tent, which is stored in an Area 7 mobile unit provided by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.The mobile hospital is particularly useful for mass casualties, and creates a safer space for treatment until victims can be transported from the scene.Vigo EMA also has a mass casualty trailer outfitted with medical equipment, lights, generators, trauma bags and other items that will be taken to an emergency incident scene.At the end of the drill, the participants shared their successes, frustrations and debriefed on the experience. All in hopes of never having to use such skills, but better prepared because of the training.We get the experience of learning what to set up first and seeing how other groups operate, Kesler said. This reinforces in us what we need to be teaching when we do drills and training.Lisa Trigg can be reached at 812-231-4254 or at lisa.trigg@tribstar.com. Follow her on Twitter at TribStarLisa.2018 The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.)Visit The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.) at tribstar.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) PROVIDENCE, R.I. As a direct result of the $492-million UHIP debacle, the state has been unable to apply for a federal match on more than $100 million in Medicaid payments that the Raimondo administration advanced over the last year and a half to nursing homes and other long-term care providers, according to a key lawmaker."We are bleeding this money out of the general fund," said House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Patricia Serpa."That's money that we could be dedicating to the budget that we're going to be voting on in June ... [to help avert] the cuts that the governor has proposed to the hospitals, to the developmentally disabled, to the people receiving home-care services," she said.Serpa raised the concern on Thursday, on the day that representatives of Deloitte Consulting came to the State House to apologize for all of the problems the state has faced since launching the Deloitte-designed Unified Health Infrastructure Project, known as UHIP, in September 2016 to "streamline" eligibility verification for food stamps, Medicaid, subsidized child care and cash assistance.Under-payments. Over-payments. Long lines at field offices. And application-processing backlogs for Food Stamps so high at one point, the ACLU sued."On behalf of Deloitte, we want to apologize to you and to the people of Rhode Island," said Deborah Sills, the national managing principal for the public-sector arm of Deloitte's business."We are very sorry for the impact that our system issues have had on your constituents, on state workers and on service providers,'' she told the Oversight Committee. "While the technology is working much better than it was, we still have work to do. We know there are still some people having difficulty accessing benefits, processing cases or receiving timely payments."We will not let up until we have made things right,'' she said. By her estimate, Deloitte has been paid close to $240 million for its working on the two-phase project, credited some of that back and agreed not to bill the state close to $87 million overall.As to why so many things went wrong, Sills said: "Simply put, the system is very complex ... the only eligibility system in the country that integrates more than 10 state and federal health and human services programs and a state based health insurance exchange ... As the state's comprehensive analysis last year made clear, Deloitte and the state needed 'more time, more people and more training.'"Over the next two hours, lawmakers grilled Sills and her colleague, Kenny Smith, repeatedly on whether the Raimondo administration made a mistake when it flipped the switch, without the "live pilot'' urged by the federal government."With the best information we had at the time, both the state and us together felt the system was ready to go into production,'' Sills said. "If we were making the decision with the information we [have] today, in retrospect, it would have been a very good idea for us to go to pilot and have the opportunity to find some of the problems that didn't present themselves'' until later.Asked if the trouble-prone system will ever be fully functional "with no backlogs,'' Smith said: "The system is working well for many, many Rhode Islanders and many of the programs ... We have data that shows us that we are moving absolutely in the right direction across all of the programs ... It is normal that states carry some backlogs.... There is never a time where there is none.''"So there is no definitive date on when the system will be fixed, when the backlog is at a level that's typically seen in other states?" asked Rep. Joseph Solomon. Smith said he is confident the system will meet the state's needs, but "I can't comment on a date at which it's going to be acceptable."Earlier in the day, Serpa questioned the state's ability to recoup any portion of the $100-million plus advanced to the nursing homes. Auditor General Dennis Hoyle said the math goes like this: the state has, over the last 21 months, made about $130 million in advance Medicaid payments to nursing homes and other providers, for patients snagged in UHIP's application backlogs.The federal government normally reimburses the state for about 51 percent of that spending, but only a small portion has been reimbursed by the federal government so far: about $12.5 million.Hoyle said the other $100 million is "potentially eligible for reimbursement [at the federal matching rate] but they haven't drawn any federal funds or claimed that yet because eligibility hasn't been fully determined and reconciled back to the advances that were made."While Serpa said she has been told that could take up to two years, Ashley G. O'Shea, the spokeswoman for the Executive Office of Health & Human Services, said:"The State has plans in place to ensure that we will receive matching federal funds for the contingency payments cited in the Auditor General's report ... We have already recovered more than $1 million in over payments from three nursing homes and continue to make progress clearing the backlog of applications."But Serpa said some nursing home administrators have told her privately that they have been overpaid. "I don't think that the federal government is responsible for reimbursing us for any over payments we made.""I'm very, very worried," she said. "I feel like we are doing a dance around a big fire. This is a failure of Biblical proportions, and I don't think that is hyperbole." 5G mobile connectivity promises to bring faster speeds, enabling higher-bandwidth technology like virtual reality.But don't expect to see it soon.If one can cut through all the noise surrounding 5G, one will find that despite the fanfare about 5G trials rolling out this year and the industry attacks on cities ability to control a messy 5G infrastructure, the technology is nowhere near real implementation.5G deployment is not imminent at all, said Doug Dawson, owner of CCG Consulting. Giant companies like Verizon and AT&T are trying to stir up their stockholders by announcing the deployment, he said.But most cities will not see the deployment of the technology in 2019.Nobody is going to go straight to the 5G standard, last year they finally started using the [full] 4G set of rules, he said. We will start seeing some radios as soon as next year with a little bit of 5G in them, but they will just be improved 4G. It takes them about seven years on average to implement the standards.To understand the deployment of cellphone technology, one begins with the word "generation" from which the "G" in 5G comes. Wireless phone technology technically started with 1G phones that just allowed the user to make a phone call in the early 1990s. As cellphone capabilities expanded, the technology went through a 2G iteration that allowed for both text and phone conversations. What followed was 3G, which gave consumers the opportunity to make phone calls, send texts and browse the Internet. The current generation of phone technology is 4G, which just enhanced and sped up many of the capabilities of 3G. Added to this was long-term evolution, or LTE, which made cellphones that much faster and more consistent.When the industry hit the third generation of cellphones, the big players in telecommunications decided that they would create basic rules to gain consistency across cell phones and signals for consumers no matter where they were. To achieve worldwide buy-in on 3G standards, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) was formed.The goal of 3GPP was to develop a worldwide standard so that people could buy devices that would work all over the world, said Eric Lampland, founder and principal consultant of Lookout Point Communications in Minnesota.Without those guidelines, you could buy a cellphone, but it wouldnt necessarily work everywhere.This past December, the 3GPP announced its first 5G standards to the public during an industry meeting in Europe.After the 3GPP group passed its standards, the standards move to a group within the United Nations called the International Telecommunication Union, [which will] finally pass a standard for the whole world, Lampland said.The ITU has said it hopes to publish its standards by 2020.And while the 3GPP group has managed to get the ball rolling, there is still a lot of work for the telecommunications companies to do. First and foremost is the deployment of infrastructure that will support the higher frequencies that will be used by 5G technology.Deploying new wireless technology requires the industry to choose a frequency not already in use. For example, 4G occupied frequency bands up to 20 MHZ, but it averaged 15 MHZ. The FCC has made several frequency bands available to carriers, including 28/37/39 GHz and 37-37.6 GHz.The goal of the actual 5G standard is to be able to deliver 50 MB cellphone coverage everywhere, Dawson said. And herein lies the problem with the 5G frequency they will not travel as far as the 4G frequencies and will require multiple input and output antennas to boost the signal."These fast speeds should allow driverless cars to talk to one another in traffic and allow cell users to use virtual reality. To do this, the faster 5G speed will create something that is called ultrareliable low latency, Lapland said. Low latency for mobile broadband is 4 milliseconds.The target for ultra-low latency is 1 millisecond. For technologies like virtual reality, too much latency from the eye to the brain can cause nausea.Another impediment to wide deployment is the factor that higher frequency radio phones use millimeter wave technology, which does not travel over the long distances that 4G traveled. These short waves need more antennas to carry within a block, a downtown or a neighborhood. The fact that cities could have antennas strung up everywhere has inspired a battle between cities and telecoms that want to deploy their hardware everywhere. At least 30 state legislatures have passed legislation in favor of the telecom industry and stripped their cities of the ability to control deployment of 5G infrastructure and the costs that it could cause.In March, the FCC has jumped on the bandwagon seeking to change regulations that would streamline the deployment of wireless infrastructure for 5G.Dawson says this action on the part of the FCC would cause more conflict than goodwill.The telecom act of 1996 gave cities and states the right to do this themselves," said Dawson. It would take an act of Congress to pass a rule to do that, but this Congress is in the pocket of the big telecom companies.Other impediments to quick deployment of 5G include the manufacture of phones that will be able to handle several frequencies simultaneously.The cell of the future will have something like five different frequencies, all jammed together which will require a separate antenna, Dawson said. But, if you slice together more signals you will have a problem with batteries [draining rapidly].He suggests that the technology of cell phones will have to be reimagined quickly to be useful.Another barrier to deployment is the status of critical infrastructure like fiber."Demand for bandwidth is exploding, and we are developing last-mile technologies to deliver the needed bandwidth, but we are largely ignoring the backhaul network needed to feed customer demand," he wrote in a blog post.Some of these existing networks are almost 30 years old, he said. Even if they were adequate for the speeds required by 5G, how long will we be able to rely on them? Fibers tend to lose capacity over time. Bad fibers can cause regular outages for these systems. Kimi Raikkonen has dismissed team boss Maurizio Arrivabene's statement that the Finnish driver is in better physical shape in 2018. Some have observed that the 2007 world champion appears slimmer and fitter this year, coinciding with his better performance at the wheel of his Ferrari. "I'm pretty pleased with Kimi's performance," team boss Arrivabene is quoted by Finnish media in China. "He's in good physical condition now, which is very important for him. He drives well, he's in very good shape and focused on his work," he added. But when told that Arrivabene and others have noticed Raikkonen's better condition, the 38-year-old was not impressed. "How do people measure fitness? By looking?" Raikkonen wondered. "In my opinion it's a pretty questionable way to go about measuring fitness," he said. "I have not done too many fitness tests, or especially ones that the team knows about. The comments are a bit strange. I've never had any problem with my condition," Raikkonen added. (GMM) Chinese GP 2018 Friday Team Quotes Sergio Perez, Chinese GP 2018 RV Press Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport Lewis Hamilton (1st, 1:33.482): "When I got to Shanghai the weather was really good, but it's gone downhill - now we got the rain and it's cold. But it has been a good day, we got through all the laps that we needed and got some good feedback about the car. All the tyres here are quite similar in pace, so there's not a big difference between them even though we have the double step between the Soft and the UltraSoft. The balance of the car is good but we have some fine-tuning to do on it tonight. Ferrari were quick and Red Bull looked really fast on the long run. It's good to see all the times so close, but it means that we really need to bring our A game. We need everyone in the team to be on it throughout the weekend because it is a joint effort." Valtteri Bottas (3rd, 1:33.515): "It's good that the rain didn't come until the end of the session because the race is expected to be dry. The track improved a lot over the course of the day, even during the sessions. Lap after lap you could just feel more and more grip but that's quite usual for this track. We're expecting tomorrow morning to be a little bit trickier after the rain, and hopefully the conditions will improve for qualifying. We had some issues with the balance in the morning; the car was quick, but it wasn't easy to drive. We changed the set-up for FP2 and saw the lap times improve; hopefully we can make another step forward for tomorrow.. Overall, we got some good running and plenty of information, so I'm feeling all set for tomorrow. It looks like it will be extremely close again with Ferrari, both in qualifying tomorrow and the race on Sunday." Andrew Shovlin: "We've had a fairly normal Friday programme here, a few test items on the cars for the early running but mainly we have been focussed on understanding the car balance and the tyre behaviour for qualifying and the race. We only tried the Soft tyre during FP1 but the initial feedback from the drivers was quite encouraging and the car seemed to be working well. Shanghai is never an easy track to balance because there are so many different types of corner but overall we seemed to be in reasonable shape. Free practice two saw us running all three tyres, both using UltraSoft but splitting the harder tyres so that Valtteri could focus on the Medium and Lewis on the Soft. We had concerns over the UltraSoft coming into this event but it was surprisingly consistent over the long runs and still going strong when we boxed both cars having seen the rain approaching on the radar. The Soft and Medium runs were cut short by the rain when it finally arrived although we managed to get a feel for the grip and balance and it seems that most of the other teams were also unable to complete their plans. The conditions are very cool today, similar to winter testing, and that does change the way the tyres behave. We are expecting more mixed weather tomorrow and our normal qualifying preparation could be affected by a bit of rain in free practice three. However, for Sunday the current forecasts show the sun coming out and we should get a much hotter track. Some of the work tonight needs to focus on that change of temperature for the race, but even for the cool conditions we anticipate tomorrow, we have work to do on the balance to fine tune a few corners. It's clear that ourselves, Red Bull and Ferrari are closely matched on pace and, as always, they will be improving their cars overnight so we will be working with our usual diligence to try and find every last bit of performance." Scuderia Ferrari Kimi Raikkonen (2nd, 1:33.489): Sebastian Vettel (4th, 1:33.590): Maurizio Arrivabene, Team Principal: Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen (5th, 1:33.823): "We spent a bit of time during the first session today working on the setup of the car in order to understand it better. By the end of the day the pace was looking good and I think we can be happy with the car's performance, it's always good to finish a day's running with no major problems and we don't look too far off. We just managed to fit in a longer stint before the rain came towards the end of the second session so we didn't feel the need to stay out. The long runs were once again very positive and I felt pretty comfortable. A little bit of fine tuning on the short runs to get the balance better and we should be alright. This track is good for overtaking anyway so I think we can have a good race judging by our pace." Daniel Ricciardo (9th, 1:34.557): "Half of the morning and half of the afternoon were good. Generally with the harder compounds I was more comfortable, but once we put the ultrasoft on we didn't have as much speed so we need to find a bit of time there and understand where we are losing. I obviously know what doesn't feel right in the car, but now we need to find the answers and change that for tomorrow. The long runs were much better and I'm confident we can find the speed. Overall, we aren't looking too bad and I hope we can be in the fight with Ferrari and Mercedes." Sahara Force India F1 Team Sergio Perez (11th, 1:34.792): "It was a positive day. We worked our way through all the different tyre compounds and we've collected lots of information, which is always the focus of a Friday. It's been pretty cold and wet today so let's see what the weather does tomorrow. At least we have done a few laps on the intermediate tyres to be ready just in case we get some more rain over the weekend. Based on my feeling today, the goal tomorrow is to reach Q3." Esteban Ocon (13th, 1:34.874): "A good day overall and a very busy one. We worked through the test items and ran all the tyres we needed to, and even did some laps on the intermediates when the rain arrived. The long runs went to plan and I tried the ultra-soft tyre for the first time, which has given us a good idea of the direction we need to take for qualifying. We've worked hard to find more performance too and I would say it's been a more solid Friday compared to Bahrain. We will keep working hard tonight and see where we stand tomorrow." Robert Fernley, Deputy Team Principal: "We split the programme between the cars this morning in order to evaluate some development parts, just as we did in Bahrain. The rest of the day was routine giving us a chance to evaluate all three tyre compounds as well as the intermediates. Both drivers are reasonably happy with the balance of the car, but track temperatures are very low and it's been quite windy throughout the day. Adapting to the changing weather conditions over the weekend will be very important." Williams Martini Racing Sergey Sirotkin (16th, 1:35.340): "It's tough, but we didn't expect it to be easy. We know where we are and we know there's a lot of work to be done. So far, it's looking quite good. We are not the fastest car, but the way we work is good. We tried a couple of interesting things in the morning and in FP2. The long runs were a bit messy with traffic and rain, so it was not the most productive afternoon. Personally, I'm quite happy. I can point out the progress. Tomorrow and the race can be different, but I'm happy with my progress and with the team. It's looking good." Lance Stroll (20th, 1:37.147): "We had a tough FP2. In FP1 we were on the medium tyres for the session, but in FP2 I made a mistake on my first run and ran off the track. I was on a good lap on my second run and lost the car, and that was it as I never really set a lap time. Then we went into the race simulation that seemed half decent. The car seems a little bit better on ultrasofts, like in Australia, but we are still towards the back. I think it is going to be difficult again to get out of Q1." Paddy Lowe, Chief Technical Officer: "We had a pretty busy programme planned for today with a lot of aerodynamic tests. With rain predicted for FP2, we shuffled the tyres around a bit between both sessions relative to our normal pattern. We've completed all of our programmes that we set out to do, even though we lost some track time with the rain at the end, and Lance flat spotting a set of tyres in FP2. I think we've got some good data to analyse that will put us in a better place tomorrow, but there's still a lot of work to do. There are lots of things we can analyse but we'll do what we can trackside to maximise performance this weekend." Renault Sport Formula One Team Nico Hulkenberg (6th, 1:34.313): "It was pretty windy in the morning session then we did see some rain at the end of the afternoon session otherwise it's been pretty straightforward. We've got a good starting point with the car here so it's a case of seeing what we can do to get the most out of qualifying tomorrow then the race on Sunday." Carlos Sainz (8th, 1:34.473): "It was a clean Friday and I'm feeling more comfortable with the car. The balance is better than it was in Bahrain. We still need to look at the long-runs and make a step forward in that area but it's certainly an encouraging Friday for us. It's a lot trickier this weekend in terms of tyres and there's a big gap between the compounds and a lot of tyre degradation. We'll analyse that area and then assess the strategic options we have for Sunday." Bob Bell, Chief Technical Officer: "It was a reasonably successful day for us with no issues. We completed our programme, despite the rain at the end of the second session, which is a positive. FP1 saw some early aero work before moving to looking at set-up then the afternoon comprised of the usual qualifying runs followed by longer stints on the tyres to get an understanding of how they should perform in the race. There were no real issues or surprises to report, so overall, it's been a productive day." Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda Pierre Gasly (12th, 1:34.849): "Today was my first time driving around Shanghai and it was a good day overall. It was nice to discover the track and drive on the real thing rather than the simulator or PlayStation! I think it was positive overall, the midfield is super tight and we are kind of in the middle at the moment. There are a couple of teams who seem to be quite fast here so we need to work hard tonight to improve for tomorrow, also for myself because I think I can improve a bit. I will work hard and study the data tonight, hopefully we can find some extra pace tomorrow to be more in the fight with the other midfield teams." Brendon Hartley (15th, 1:35.333): "It was a reasonable clean day, we had a broken floor this morning so we lost some time in the first practice session which is never ideal, but other than that it was quite clean. Like the previous races we are in a very tight midfield battle, so getting everything 100% together will be key tomorrow to move as high up the grid as possible because it is extremely tight, so we have some work to do overnight. Although we missed a little bit of track time this morning, I'm feeling quite comfortable in the car, the balance feels good so if we can improve on certain areas overnight we could be fighting at the sharp end of the midfield battle again." Jonathan Eddolls, Chief Race Engineer: "Building on the successful work at the previous event mainly on the aero side, we came here with some further ways to try and optimise the aerodynamics of the car, so we put those into practice in P1. It was a bit of an eventful first practice session across the cars with a few problems, we had a bird strike Brendon's front wing so we had a little bit of damage there. We also suffered some floor damage on his car, so we had to do a floor swap during the session which meant his run plan was a little bit disrupted. For Pierre, we managed to complete the plan and test some of the new parts which were good, and we carried those into P2. It was very windy which is the same for everyone but it made analysing the balance quite difficult because it was inconsistent from corner to corner. In the second session, we completed the normal focus of qualifying and long run performance, it's fair to say that we improved a bit on the balance but we probably haven't extracted the maximum potential from the car over the short and long runs, and there's a little bit more for us to find tonight. It rained at the end of the session during a cooling test that we were trying to complete, so we weren't able to gather all of the data on that because of the weather but this was more for longer term understanding rather than this weekend." Toyoharu Tanabe, Honda F1 Technical Director: "This weekend, we face a completely different challenge to the one in Bahrain, both in terms of the track, as Shanghai has one of the longest straights of the year and also with the weather, which was quite cool today. Over the weekend, we will have to cope with changeable conditions, so we will have to adjust our engine settings accordingly. So far, over these three hours of practice, everything has gone smoothly on the PU front on both cars, although the rain right at the end prevented us from completing all our programme." Haas F1 Team Kevin Magnussen (7th, 1:34.458): "It was a good day for us another good Friday. I'm happy with what we've seen. We need to work a bit on tire management, especially for the first stint on the ultrasoft, but then I think everyone's struggling a little bit. Let's see what happens. The team's doing a good job. The car's behaving well. It's performing at a good level. I'm happy. I had a good feeling in the car." Romain Grosjean (19th, 1:36.471): "Well, we've done quite a bit today. We've tried different things on the car some worked, some didn't. We didn't quite get the qualifying simulation lap right, which is a bit of a shame. The longer run felt better, which is always encouraging and what you want for the race. We know Shanghai is a difficult circuit, so we're studying all the options. The time sheet for today is not really representative of where we are." Guenther Steiner, Team Principal: "FP1 went very well. It was very solid, FP2 as well Kevin was solid. We learned a lot and did all our testing. With Romain, we still have some work to do with his balance. Overall, it was a good day. We didn't have any issues with the car and we learned a lot." McLaren F1 Team Fernando Alonso (10th, 1:34.632): "The first session today was primarily spent testing some new parts we have on the car, while in the second session we focussed on the tyres. Since the degradation here is quite high, especially on the front tyres, it was important for Stoffel and me to test both compounds. We also managed to check the car in wet conditions, on Inter tyres, even though it was only for a few minutes at the end of the session. It's always good to have an idea of engine mapping and everything else, which is different in the wet. We're expecting good weather for the race dry, sunny and wind blowing in a different direction therefore not very similar conditions to today, so on Sunday we'll need to improvise. We completed all the items on our programme and now we need to go through all the data and find performance for tomorrow." Stoffel Vandoorne (14th, 1:35.163): "It's not been the smoothest Friday for us. We had a few problems in FP1, and FP2 wasn't perfect either with the issue with the pit-stop, but I did feel a lot more confident in the car this afternoon. In general, we've learned a lot again and FP2 was a much better session. The most positive thing from today, as we've learned over the last couple of weekends, is that our race pace looks promising and there's a lot of effort going into our race preparation. Our qualifying performance we still need to work on a bit and understand a few things, but generally I feel okay. There's plenty to play with here the weather might look a bit tricky tomorrow and we'll have a few different possibilities in terms of allocating tyres, but I think we have everything we need. There is quite a big difference between the Prime and the Option tyres as they behave quite differently so it will make things pretty interesting. We're prepared and we know what we want for the race, so we should be in a strong position. It was also quite windy today and I think everyone was affected by it, but generally we had no major issues. After the pit-stop I left the box and I didn't feel that there was anything wrong straight away. It was only as I turned left into Turn Three that I felt something happen, and when I looked in the mirror I could see that the right rear wheel was wobbly, so I immediately parked the car as a safety precaution. At the moment we're still investigating, so it's a bit too early to say what caused it. Pit-stops are part of Formula 1 and I think they always will be in some way. Of course, we don't like to see incidents like we saw in Bahrain we've seen a couple of cars having to park up and it's definitely not what we want but it happens every now and then." Eric Boullier, Racing Director: "Today was a useful day for us in terms of setting up the car for the weekend ahead. We managed to complete a solid amount of work and test a lot of different components, compounds and configurations, and now we'll focus on analysing the data ahead of tomorrow. The threat of rain over the weekend puts a question mark over set-up for all the teams in the pit-lane, but we're working hard to prepare ourselves for any eventuality using the data we have and read the situation as best we can. We managed to get one run in on the Inters at the end of the session so at least we have some information and feeling for the car's behaviour in these kinds of conditions here in Shanghai. We don't know yet what caused the issue in Stoffel's practice pit-stop. It appears the right rear wheel didn't attach properly, but we're still investigating." Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team Marcus Ericsson (17th, 1:35.624): "It has been a productive day for us. We completed the planned programme for both practice sessions, and tested all three tyre compounds, in addition to doing set-up work. The characteristics of the Shanghai International Circuit are quite different compared to the tracks in Melbourne and Bahrain. Therefore, we explored how our new car behaves on this track, and focused on finding the ideal set-up for the race. We gathered some interesting data and will work overnight to make sure we move in the right direction and have a positive qualifying tomorrow." Charles Leclerc (18th, 1:35.916): "It was a productive day for us. It was the first time I had driven on this circuit, which is always an interesting experience. Learning a new track is a great way to continue developing as a driver and becoming more familiar with different challenges such as the long straights and variety of corner combinations here in Shanghai. We were quite competitive on the soft and medium compounds this morning. We also completed some laps on the ultrasoft compound in the afternoon, and will be looking at our data to understand how to optimise our performance in tomorrow's qualifying. I look forward to being back in the car tomorrow." The Pan-Canadian Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trial: Phase I was launched at TransLink in Vancouver as part of a national coordinated effort to advance zero emissions transit technology, spear-headed by the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC). The $40-million project encompasses 18 standardized and interoperable electric buses, seven standardized and interoperable overhead chargers, and five routes in three cities, said CUTRIC Executive Director & CEO Josipa Petrunic. CUTRIC brought together manufacturers, transit agencies, utilities, funding partners, research teams, and technology development capacities for the demonstration trial that is launching first in TransLinks system in Vancouver, B.C. TransLink is joined by Brampton Transit and the Regional Municipality of York as sites for the trial, with Brampton Transit having spearheaded the trial planning process back in 2016. This funding investment will support the first global trial to integrate competitive bus manufacturers with competitive charging station manufacturersall of whom are designing and delivering interoperable high-powered charging systems for on-route charged electric busesacross multiple municipalities and utility jurisdictions. This type of collaboration, standardization and integration is proving to the country and the world that transit agencies can be at the forefront of technology development and job creation. And its happening in Canada first. Josipa Petrunic TransLink is working with two Canadian transit vehicle manufacturers (New Flyer Industries of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Nova Bus, of St. Eustache, Quebec) and two charging station manufacturers (ABB Group and Siemens Canada) to deploy four electric buses and two overhead electric charging stations that plug into an open protocol known as the OppCharge protocolfirst jointly developed by Siemens and Volvo Bus Corporation. New Flyer is providing Xcelsior CHARGE battery-electric buses. For the purposes of the CUTRIC trial, the company is implementing an on-route rapid charging system in co-operation with ABB and Siemens who are the providers of the charging equipment. This overhead charging strategy allows the bus to essentially stay in service indefinitely and is limited only by the transit service demands. Nova Bus, part of the Volvo Group, is providing LFSe electric buses. Through it fast charging technology, the LFSe can be charged in less than 5 minutes at the end of route stations. ABB will supply interoperable opportunity charging systems with inverted pantograph technology for e-buses, rated up to 450 kW, to the e-bus demonstration project in Brampton, Ontario. Siemens Canada is an eBus charging solution provider for the Pan Canadian Demonstration Project. Siemens modular charging systems are available in 150kW, 300kW and 450kW configurations and include an overhead-charging interface that can charge the bus in station, while passengers exit and enter the bus. The chargers are also OppCharge compliant and in use with multiple bus OEMs. The protocol standardizes the design of the off-board pantograph that connects the high-powered charging station to the bus, communications between the bus and the charger, and performance metrics of the overall system. The trial will also integrate neutral third-party vehicle and systems analyses by the National Research Council of Canada. CUTRIC is a member-based innovation consortium that partners stakeholders in industry, transit and academia to develop the next-generation of low-carbon smart mobility technologies. Its mandate is to drive forward innovation in transportation across Canada, create jobs by doing so, and lead to significant GHG reductions. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is calling on the Dutch Government to form a coalition with countries in North-West Europe so that a joint CO 2 price can be introduced. At the Port Authoritys Energy in Transition Summit 2018 in Rotterdam, Port Authority CEO Allard Castelein made a case for a much higher CO 2 price in conjunction with a new industrial policy for the Netherlands. A price in the range of 50-70 euros per ton of CO 2 will stimulate companies to invest in solutions that we really need in order to realize the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement. Allard Castelein Castelein hopes that a significantly higher CO2 price will stimulate new investments in clean technologies and innovation. The Port Authority also announced that it would introduce an incentive of in total 5 million to support vessel owners and charterers that experiment with low-carbon or zero-carbon fuels to promote climate-friendly maritime shipping. The Rotterdam/Moerdijk port industrial area faces the challenge of reducing CO 2 by 20 million tons per year as of 2030 (49% compared to 1990). The Port Authority is convinced that this target can be realized as part of the national Climate Agreement. The Port Authority also presented new research figures at the Energy in Transition Summit 2018. The study, done by the Wuppertal Institute, shows that marine and inland transport with Rotterdam as the destination or departure point is responsible for emissions of around 25 million tons of CO 2 every year. The majority of this amount (21.5 million tons) can be attributed to marine transport. To ensure that this sector also complies with the Paris Climate Agreement, emissions will have to be reduced by 95% by 2050. The first half of this target (up to 50%) can be achieved by efficiency measures, but the remainder will require the deployment of different fuels. According to the Wuppertal Institute, in the coming decades LNG and biofuels can help shape the transition, but the ultimate goal can only be achieved with electrification and hydrogen and the use of synthetic fuels such as methanol. Green Rivers city administrator started receiving a bigger paycheck after his contract was renewed by the Green River City Council last month. According to the two contracts, Clevenger now makes $147,290 a year, up from the $128,750 his previous contract called for. The contract also contains an increase for Clevengers automobile allowance, from $500 a month in the previous contract to $600 a month. The Council approved a new contract with Reed Clevenger at the end of its March 20 meeting. The contract was not available publicly until both Mayor Pete Rust and Clevenger signed the document. Green River operates under a city administrator form of government, one of three types of municipal governments used in Wyoming. With this form of government, the mayor relinquishes certain responsibilities that traditionally are assigned to mayors and manages the municipalitys daily operations. Clevenger was originally hired March 3, 2015, after a unanimous vote by the Council, starting March 16, 2015. Prior to that, former police chief Chris Steffen fulfilled the role in a interim capacity, replacing Marty Black when he resigned in 2014. Rust has nothing but high praise for Clevenger, saying he believes Clevenger is the best city administrator in the state. Clevengers pay appears to reflect that sentiment as well. Comparing Clevengers salary to what similar positions pay in Cody, Rawlins and Jackson, Clevenger earns more than the other administrators outside of Jackson. Barry Cook, Codys city administrator, earns an annual salary of $106,000 and a $400 a month vehicle allowance. Cook had previously worked as Green Rivers city administrator. In Rawlins, its city administrator earns $110,910.02 annually. Jackson pays its town administrator $175,000, with a vehicle allowance of $750 per month and a lump sup payment of $5,000 at the end of the contract. All of those positions include employee benefits such as health insurance. Rust said the decision to give Clevenger a raise was the result discussions occurring between himself and the Council over a two-month period. Rust said he interviewed the citys department heads, examined salaries and benefits provided to other city administrators across the state as well as similar positions in Sweetwater County. Rust said the Council also evaluated Clevengers accomplishments as Green Rivers city administrator, saying the position is responsible for overseeing a general fund budget of $16 million and a total budget of $36 million, with a workforce of 104 full time and 125 part-time employees. Rust said Clevenger has been involved in a number of measures that have saved the city money or generated additional funding. He said Clevenger encouraged departments to apply for more grant funding, bringing in approximately $1 million for the city. A lighting retrofit program initiated under Clevengers direction is expected to save the city between $15,000 and $25,000 annually. The restructuring of the citys community services department is also anticipated to save $25,000 each year. Reed has been involved in the reorganization of several departments, which among other things resulted in changed assignments and through attrition of personnel, considerable savings, Rust said. The city has also received an additional $2 million in sales tax revenues, which Rust attributes to changing fortunes in the states minerals industry. Rust said the savings will help fund Clevengers pay increase, saying the work Clevenger has done so far has improved the city. We believed the contract, as provided, was appropriate, Rust said. A last-minute approval by the Wyoming Department of Education allows Sweetwater County School District No. 2 the chance to purchase a special needs bus and may help other school districts with similar needs. The districts board of trustees approved a request to purchase a wheelchair lift-equipped bus for Harrison Elementarys special needs program. The bus will not cost more than $144,000 and will be completely reimbursed. Pete Brandjord, the districts business manager, said the WDE approved their request for an emergency bus purchase Monday, one day prior to the trustees meeting. According to Oscar Barton, the districts transportation supervisor, said the districts request had been denied twice before Mondays approval. Barton said the bus would fulfill a need within the district because the current bus they operate for Harrisons special needs group isnt adequate. Barton said he thinks the final cost will come under the $144,000 approved because he plans to have the bus shortened by 2 feet. Trustee John Malone believes the precedent will help other school districts with similar needs, saying its harder to deny an emergency special needs bus purchase when the WDE approved a request from Green River. We cant be the only ones who need this, he said. Other business The trustees approved the purchase of a 2018 Ford Fusion for the drivers education program. Barton said the costs for a new car was low enough to justify the purchase and chose the vehicle based on its size, safety rating, fuel economy and availability. The vehicle will cost the district $20,330.18 and replaces a 2000 Crown Victoria with more than 150,000 miles on its odometer. Trustees approved a request from Green River High Schools speech and debate team for $3,745 to help cover costs associated with taking the teams qualifying members to Nationals this summer. The decision was not unanimous however, with Ann Rudoff voting against the request. Rudoff said she supports speech and debate, claiming the decision to vote against was difficult, but said a discussion needs to take place with the team regarding Western Wyoming Community College, Rudoffs employer. Western is not an ugly place and Western has a good speech and debate team, Rudoff said. Once again, Green River Animal Control is hosting a pet food drive for the Green River Food Bank. Animal control officer Kim Wilkins said, this is about the fourth year in a row they have hosted the pet food drive. The goal is to help those out who are in need. She said the pet food is taken to the citys Food Bank where employees distribute it to families who are in need of pet food. Wilkins said sometimes when a family comes on hard times, they dont have enough money to purchase pet food for their pets. To make a hard situation even worse, is when some of those families have no choice, but to give the animal away. If it help them keep their pets until they get through the hard times, its worth it, Wilkins said. Over the years, this program has grown. Wilkins said she cant recall how many pounds of food was raised the first year, but last years amount, 1,900 pounds, was the most the shelter had ever received. This entire office was (filled with) food, toys and other supplies, Wilkins said. What impressed Wilkins the most was what residents donated. They not only donated cat and dog food, but rabbit, bird, fish and even turtle food. She said its not just for cats and dogs. She was also impressed with the other items residents brought it that they never even asked for. Not only was food dropped off, but toys and brushes. It was amazing for the community to think of everything, she said. Wilkins knows this is something that is needed because she saw it first hand. Last year, when Wilkins and other animal control officers were dropping off the pet food to the food bank, food-bank patrons were already at the bank. People were waiting for us, she said. For them, pet food is as important as food for themselves, she said. Residents who would like to donate can so do during the month of April. Residents can drop off their pet f00d donations at the Green River Animal Shelter or at Joes Pet Depot in Rock Springs. Cash donations will not be accepted. Two Green River High School juniors were selected to participate in the American Legion Auxiliary Wyoming Girls State. Mary Harris and Abby Alcorn both submitted applications to the American Legion Tom Whitmore Post No. 28 and were accepted to attend Girls State, which is scheduled to take place in June 10-16 at Laramie County Community College. According to the website http://www.wyamericanlegionauxiliary.org/girls-state, "The purpose of American Legion Auxiliary Department of Wyoming Girls State is to provide citizenship training for girls who have completed their junior year of high school; to afford them an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens; to inform them about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, in order that they may understand and participate in the functioning of their government and to help them grasp the meaning of some of the responsibilities which they must assume when they become adults." Alcorn said she and Harris had only three days to complete the application and turn it in. Both of them found out about Girls State from their high school history teachers. Auxiliary member Judith Killion said they had several applications to chose from and they looked at the student's merit, letters of application and willingness to participate. They also looked at what activities the students were involved in at school. All of the applications were reviewed by a committee the auxiliary formed for this task. Alcorn said it's an opportunity for her to participate in mock government by creating a bill and then debating the bill. Those in attendance also decide what office of government they would like to run or try to be appointed to and then pursue it. Alcorn would like to be a Supreme Court justice, while Harris a U.S. Senator. They can also run for state-level elected positions. Killion said even though some women may lose their elections or not be appointed to the office they wanted, they will all have a job to do. "Everybody gets to do something," Killion said. Harris said she has the chance to be involved and take part in the governmental process. "I've never done anything like this," Alcorn said. As for the proposed bills Alcorn and Harris have to create, they both already have pretty good ideas of which direction they'd like to go. Alcorn would like to propose a bill to make Wyoming a primary state, instead of a caucus state, while Harris would like sex education to be taught in public schools. "I'm super excited to be working with women who are passionate about the same thing," Alcorn said. Harris is looking forward to obtaining a better understanding and knowledge of how the government works. The trip is being paid for by the auxiliary, Killion said, which is why the field was narrowed down to two. The auxiliary does all of the fundraising on their own. "We wanted to make the opportunity available for at least two young ladies," Killion said. Mary Harris Killion knows how valuable this process is to those who are picked to attend. "I think it will make them stronger citizens," Killion said. "It will encourage them to become involved on all levels. It will empower them as women." Killion said most of the young ladies who participate leave truly believing they can make a change and make things happen to see that change. "I'm excited," Killion said. "They are amazing young women and they are going to be awesome." While at Girls State, national delegates will be selected by a state auxiliary committee. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. NFIS in hand, Prime Minister wants document translated into all (three) languages to benefit everyone, while Minister of Finance Gaeton Pikioune (left) and Governor of RBV Simeon Athy look on Haiti - Social : Assistance to children and vulnerable women in border regions This week the members of the Steering Committee of the project "Help for vulnerable children and women in border regions in Haiti", funded by Canada and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Social Affairs, met to follow up the progress of the project and discuss the topic of illegal migration. This project, which aligns with Canada's international feminist aid policy and promotes the empowerment of women and girls, in addition to protecting their rights, aims to improve the capacities of local actors in their fight against illegal migration and human trafficking and setting up referencing mechanisms to promote the protection of vulnerable migrants, especially children and women. To date, the project has successfully trained 295 national protection actors, established and put into operation 4 Border Resource Centers (CRF) Malpasse, Ouanaminthe, Anse-a-Pitres and Belladere for the reception of migrants deported from the Dominican Republic, rehabilitate 6 Support Centers for Vulnerable Migrants and documented 2,073 migrants. Canada reminds all project partners of the importance of continuing to ensure good collaboration with the Haitian authorities, in particular to ensure the protection and respect of the rights of vulnerable children and women and in general that of illegal migrants. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24025-haiti-dr-nearly-35-000-haitians-deported-or-turned-back-in-haiti-since-the-beginning-of-the-year.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23513-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-22880-icihaiti-dr-inauguration-of-the-3rd-border-resource-center.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22801-haiti-rd-229-885-haitian-volunteers-or-deportees-back-in-haiti-since-2015.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23629-haiti-economy-iom-helps-hundreds-of-haitians-back-from-dr-to-have-a-small-business.html HL/ HaitiLibre Portugal gears up for Best of Vinho Verde awards By Harpers Editorial Portugals Vinho Verde region is to host its latest annual Best of Vinho Verde awards next week, with a panel of international judges pronouncing on the top wines from this on trend region. The international aspect to the competition was introduced in 2009 as part of a profile-raising drive to reinvigorate awareness of the regions fresh, lighter styles of white, building upon a national contest that has been running for 25 years. The results will be announced on 20 April 2018 at the Leixoes Cruise Terminal in Porto, following a week of intense judging, covering white, red, rose, sparkling wines and brandies, from the different varieties permitted in this cool, Atlantic-facing region. The top 35 wines, as judged by a panel of leading Portuguese critics from a region-wide selection, will then be assessed by judges from Brazil, Canada, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, US, UK and Portugal, to rank the final selection and identify a top five for the accolade of a Best Of Vinho Verde trophy. Harpers will this year be joining the international panel of judges, with both those results and coverage of a broader trip to visit many producers in the region to appear in our May edition. Senate Panel Endorses Trump Pick for Bench in Hawaii by Tim Ryan, Court House News, April 12, 2018 WASHINGTON (CN) The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday unanimously approved President Donald Trumps nominee for a position on a federal court in Hawaii. At a business meeting dominated by talk of a bill to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller from being fire without good cause, Jill Otake, who is up for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, was the lone judicial nominee on the agenda to receive a vote. Otake sailed through on a voice vote with no objections and now heads to the full Senate for confirmation. She is exactly the type of nominee this president or any president should be putting forward for every district court vacancy, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said before the vote Thursday. Otake has worked as a federal prosecutor since 2005, starting her career in Washington before moving to Hawaii in 2014. Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Otake worked at the state level in the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. In response to questions submitted in writing after her March nomination hearing, Otake told Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., her time as a prosecutor has given her valuable insights that she will apply to her decision making on the bench. My work as a prosecutor has also humbled me and made me aware of the gravity of each decision I make, Otake wrote. I am sensitive to the power I hold and treat it with humility and respect. If fortunate enough to be confirmed, I would understand that the position is greater than I am and that the public confidence in the judiciary is governed in large part by the behavior of judges. Trumps 9th Circuit Nominee Shows Limits Of Outside Group Influence On Judges by Kevin Daley, Daily Caller, 04/12/2018 That the White House has outsourced judicial selection to interest groups like the Federalist Society or the Heritage Foundation is a widely-held truism, though one of President Donald Trumps nominees to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals shows that conventional wisdom isnt quite right. Mark Bennett, who will likely become Trumps first appointee on the 9th Circuit, is practically unknown to the conservative stalwarts who advise the White House of federal judgeships, and the advocacy groups who galvanize right-wing support for judicial nominees. Though a questionnaire Bennett completed for the Senate Judiciary Committee indicates he joined Hawaiis chapter of the Federalist Society in 2016, he is a professional and personal mystery in Washingtons conservative legal circles. A source at the Heritage Foundation active in judicial confirmations told The Daily Caller News Foundation that Bennett has not been a presence in the conservative legal firmament, even during his tenure as state attorney general from 2003 to 2010. The source added that Bennetts nomination is probably the best the administration can hope for from a deeply liberal state he was tapped for Hawaiis seat on the 9th Circuit, and enjoys the support of both that states senators, Democratic Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono. The Judicial Crisis Network (JCN), a conservative advocacy group that messages aggressively around judicial selection, declined to comment about Bennetts nomination. Since Trump assumed office, JCN has spent millions promoting the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch and numerous lower court nominees, while lavishing praise on Senate Republicans for making judges a top priority. Americans for Prosperity, the vehicle through which the Koch network organizes and messages on judgeships, expressed its continued support for the presidents confirmation efforts, but did not take a position on Bennetts nomination in response to inquiries from The DCNF. GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas had skeptical questions for Bennett at his confirmation hearing Wednesday. The senator grilled Bennett on several amicus (or friend of the court) briefs he supported at the U.S. Supreme Court bucking conservative legal orthodoxy on the First and Second Amendments during his tenure as Hawaii Attorney General. The senators office would not confirm whether he intends to support the nomination. Hirono praised Bennetts nomination as a model for bipartisan cooperation with the White House, touting the influence of her office in the selection process. Ive been very critical about the lengths to which this administration is going to pack our federal courts with ideologically driven nominees, she said during Wednesdays hearing. Unlike other circumstances over the last year where the administration failed to consult home state senators during the selection process, I worked with White House Counsel Don McGahn to come to an agreement on our slate of judicial nominees. At the same hearing, Schatz noted Bennett was confirmed as attorney general by a state legislature in which Democrats held a significant majority. Confirming qualified conservative nominees to the 9th Circuit poses a daunting challenge for the administration. Senators are generally given deference over judicial vacancies in their state, and may use a procedural mechanism called the blue slip to veto candidates they do not support. The Senate Judiciary Committee does not hold hearings for a particular nominee until the senators from the state where the vacancy occurs submit their blue slip, though GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley, who currently chairs the panel, has occasionally set aside this prerogative in recent months. Since many states within the 9th Circuit, including California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, have two Democratic senators, liberal lawmakers could stall progress on appointments to that court for months, absent escalatory action from Grassley and other committee Republicans. Liberal political dominance throughout the 9th Circuit is itself a problem for the White House, as it makes finding well-credentialed conservatives of sufficient intellectual heft a challenge. With west coast political institutions, law schools, and bar associations firmly aligned with progressive causes, the administration has few scouts or sources to recommend attractive nominees. Hawaii schools need flexibility, not centralization From Grassroot Institute, April 13, 2018 At a time when many advocates of education reform are promoting greater local involvement in schools, Hawaii appears to be moving in the opposite direction. The Aloha State is already unusual in the way it manages education. Generally throughout the country, state education departments supplement local property taxes in order to fund local schools. That means local school boards have a great deal of influence in school policy. In Hawaii, however, power and money are centralized at the state level. Money for the school system is disbursed through the Legislature, and the state Department of Education calls the shots regarding school policy in Hawaii. Of course, there are pros and cons to Hawaiis system. Critics of the local-control model point out that funding schools through local property taxes can lead to significant disparities between schools in rich and poor areas. On the other hand, local control means more parental influence and community involvement in schools. It also can give educators more flexibility to innovate and improve performance in their districts. The ideal may be a balance of local control and state influence, but a bill before the Hawaii legislature threatens to make such reform more difficult. The measure, SB2922, proposes an amendment to the Hawaii Constitution that would allow a surcharge on investment real property to fund education. There are a number of issues with the bill, from the problematic nature of adding a special interest tax in the Constitution to the way it infringes on a power that previously belonged to the counties. Theres also a strong likelihood that the surcharge will increase over time. As well, its likely it will affect the real estate market and drive up rents. These issues have all been raised in testimony opposing the bill. But few critics have looked at how it might hurt the cause of education reform. The proposed amendment gives the Legislature total authority over funding public education, creating a substantial bureaucratic and political barrier to reform. Any effort to create more local control and funnel local taxes into district schools would require another constitutional amendment. In essence, this amendment would lock in the current system of education funding and strengthen centralized control of Hawaiis schools. Those on the Big Island, Maui or Kauai who want a larger voice in education policy would continue to find themselves up against bureaucrats in Honolulu. This isnt an argument against improving schools, paying teachers well or providing better resources for students. Whether Hawaii needs more money for education and whether this is the right way to go about it are two different discussions. Responsible policymaking means asking ourselves what the unintended consequences of this amendment will be. Its a simple truth that in government policy, as with so many other things, influence follows the money. If Hawaii wants to reform education and pass more control to local educators and parents, then a measure that promotes centralized control is not the answer. E hana kakou (Lets work together!), Keli'i Akina, Ph.D. President/CEO Three injured in explosion at 3M plant in Minnesota Three people were injured on April 13 as a result of an explosion at 3Ms Hutchinson manufacturing site in southern Minnesota. Local media said one of those affected had serious injuries and the other two minor injuries. There was no fire, and no release of hazardous materials. 3M's Hutchinson plant - Image: 3M According to a 3M spokesperson, the equipment experienced a "process upset" during a cooling operation, causing heavy smoke and heat. A small area of the plant has been shut down for an internal investigation after the incident. Hutchinson Police Chief Dan Hatten said he was not aware of any structural damage at the 3M facility. He said it was too early to determine the cause of the incident. We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here The government was considering earmarking a total of 16.3 million euros for the 30-month programme, which would have entitled the buyers of new electric bicycles to an incentive of 400 euros. The Ministry of Transport and Communications has revealed that the government has decided not to allocate funds in its next years budget to its much-discussed incentive programme for the promotion of the sales of electric bicycles. Its proposal, however, was met with vehement opposition from economists and bicycle retailers alike, with many experts calling particular attention to the size of the purchase incentive. Juhana Brotherus, the chief economist at the Mortgage Society of Finland (Hypo), stated in March that the incentive is unusually high in light of the fact that it has been designed to promote the sales of what is essentially a consumer product. He also warned that the incentive could throw the otherwise market-based bicycle trade into a state of confusion and dent the sales of regular bicycles. As electric bicycles are available for less than 400 euros, everyone should grab a free bicycle the government is paying, he explained. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Vesa Moilanen Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Political prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, hanger on of academia, parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me. omg there is plenty of blame to go around for this. still, that doesnt excuse the piss poor reaction by the police, and they should be held accountable. same with all the other assholes who helped to make tragedies like this one possible...... From the article:"It's like Forrest Gump won the presidency, but an evil, really f*cking stupid Forrest Gump. He can't help himself. He's just a f**king idiot who thinks he's winning when people are b*tching about him. He really does see the world as ratings and attention. I hate Forrest Gump. I listen to your podcast and heard you hate it too. What an overrated piece of sh*t movie. Can you believe it beat the Shawshank Redemption?" FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA In 1978, Time magazine claimed that 80 percent of all stand-up comedians in the United States were Jewish. And this at a time when Jews made up only 3 percent of the U.S. By way of explanation, psychologist Samuel Janus told a meeting of the American Psychological Association that, Jewish humor is born of depression and alienation from the general culture. For Jewish comedians, comedy is a defense mechanism to ward off the aggression and hostility of others. Or as Mel Brooks put it: If theyre laughing, how can they bludgeon you to death? Freuds Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious, which was published in 1905, drew almost exclusively on Jewish stories, because, he maintained, they were the funniest and the most interesting. Salcia Landmann, a scholar of Yiddish, argued that Jewish humor is more acute, more profound and richer in expression than that of any other people. A 2013 survey from the Pew Research Center, Portrait of Jewish Americans, found that humor is one of the main qualities that four in 10 of the nations 5.3 million religious and cultural Jews say is essential to their Jewish identity. All this comedic examination brings to mind E.B. Whites wonderful quote, Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it. Therefore, let us instead celebrate the rich variety of Jewish humor from 25 of the funniest Jewish comedians in history. And for the love of God, let the poor frog live! 1. Jon Stewart: Weve come from the same history2000 years of persecutionweve just expressed our sufferings differently. Blacks developed the blues. Jews complained; we just never thought of putting it to music. 2. Groucho Marx: Outside of a dog, a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog its too dark to read. 3. Billy Crystal: At 60, I could do the same things I could do at 30, if I could only remember what those things are. 4. Jerry Seinfeld: My parents didnt want to move to Florida, but they turned 60 and thats the law. 5. Jackie Mason: My grandfather always said, Dont watch your money, watch your health. So one day while I was watching my health, someone stole my money. It was my grandfather. 6. Rodney Dangerfield: My wife and I were happy for 20 years. Then we met.. 7. Mel Brooks: Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die. 8. Lenny Bruce: If you live in New York, even if youre Catholic, youre Jewish. 9. George Burns: Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. 10. Gilda Radner: Well it just goes to show you, its always something, you either got a toenail in your hamburger or toilet paper clinging to your shoe. (as Roseanne Roseannadanna on SNL) 11. Joan Rivers: I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again. 12. Don Rickles: Room service is great. If you want to pay $500 for a club sandwich. 13. Sid Caesar: The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three, he was a genius. 14. Milton Berle: My wife and I have a perfect understanding. I dont try to run her life, and I dont try to run mine. 15. Jerry Lewis: When I was a kid, I said to my father one afternoon, Daddy, will you take me to the zoo? He answered, If the zoo wants you, let them come and get you. 16. Jack Benny: I dont deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I dont deserve that either. 17. Albert Brooks: I was in Kashmir last weekend. Went to visit one of my sweaters. 18. Roseanne Barr: Im not going to vacuum til Sears makes one you can ride on. 19. Garry Shandling: Im very loyal in a relationship. Any relationship. When I go out with my mom, I dont look at other moms and go, I wonder what her macaroni and cheese tastes like. 20. Robert Klein: I was in the De Witt Clinton High School marching band. One of the worst bands ever formed. When we played the national anthem, people from every country stoodexcept Americans. 21. Nichols & May: No doubt you are as alarmed as I by the tragic decline in Americas language skills. If 10 people read the following sentence: Two tanker trucks have just overturned in Alaska, spilling a total of 10,000 gallons of beer onto a highway, two would find an error in subject-verb agreement, two would find an error in spelling, and six would find a sponge and drive north. 22. Andy Kaufman: Okay, now be quiet, I will pay $1000 to any woman that will beat me in this ring. I will not only do that, I will shave my head completely bald if I am beaten here. And any woman that will beat me has an extra prize she will get to marry me. Right here. She will take my hand in marriage. I will offer my hand in marriage if she beats me right here. 23. Shelly Berman: If youve never met a student from the University of Chicago, Ill describe him to you. If you give him a glass of water, he says, This is a glass of water. But is it a glass of water? And if it is a glass of water, why is it a glass of water? And eventually he dies of thirst. 24. Mort Sahl: Most people past college age are not atheists. Its too hard to be in society, for one thing. Because you dont get any days off. And if youre an agnostic you dont know whether you get them off or not. 25. Seth Rogen: I am lazy, but for some reason, I am so paranoid that I end up working hard. Mark Miller has held positions as a nationally syndicated humor columnist for the Los Angeles Times, an interviewer and humor blogger for The Huffington Post (along with a wealth of other publications), a TV sitcom staff writer/producer, a stand-up comic in nightclubs and on TV, and a writer for comedians such as Jay Leno, Dana Carvey, Roseanne Barr, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jim Carrey. (JNS)-In an interview, former U.S. President Bill Clinton admitted that he tried to help former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres defeat Benjamin Netanyahu during Israel's elections in 1996, just a year after the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Clinton stated in an interview on Israel's Channel 10 news that it "would be fair to say" that he assisted in the process to elect Shimon Peres, adding that "I tried to do it in a way that didn't overtly involve me." He explained his motivation in supporting Peres, stating: "I did try to be helpful to him because I thought he was more supportive of the peace process. And I tried to do it in a way that was consistent with what I believed to be in Israel's interest, without saying anything about the difference in domestic polices, without anything else." Despite Clinton's under-the-radar efforts, Netanyahu defeated Peres in a narrow upset, in what was seen by many as a rejection of the Oslo peace process. Clinton additionally noted that when the newly elected Netanyahu visited him for the first time in the White House, "Bibi" (as Clinton referred to him in the interview) "wanted me to know that he knew I wasn't for him, and he beat us anyway." Yet Clinton acknowledged the reality that his efforts had failed: "You know, I realized that he was now the leader of the country, and if I wanted to support the peace process, I had to find a way to work with him. I wasn't so much angry as just bemused by the brashness with which he played his hand. But that's who he is. He did a very good job of it." The Clinton administration has also been accused of working to defeat Netanyahu during Israel's 1999 general elections, in which Ehud Barak defeated Netanyahu by a large margin. In a New York Times article titled "White House is quietly pro-Barak" published in the middle of the 1999 campaign, Richard N. Haass, then-director of foreign-policy studies at Brookings Institution, said that the Clinton team was being too careful about making their preference for Israeli prime minister too overt. "They tilted heavily the last time toward Shimon Peres, and it clearly didn't help," he said. "They realized it would be counterproductive to make the same mistake as last time." Yet the same article notes that three Clinton advisers-James Carville, Robert Shrum and Stanley Greenberg-were working for Barak during the 1999 campaign, with Carville stating while in Barak's Tel Aviv "war room" that "I'm all for aggressive neutrality. As for the president, well, all politicians have personal preferences, of course." President Barack Obama is also accused of working to have Netanyahu defeated during the 2015 election campaign. An article from The Hill in 2015 cites an interview on New York's 970 AM Radio, in which Republican strategist John McLaughlin stated: "What was not well reported in the American media is that President Obama and his allies were playing in the election to defeat Prime Minister Netanyahu." "There was money moving that included taxpayer U.S. dollars, through nonprofit organizations," said McLaughlin. "And there were various liberal groups in the United States that were raising millions to fund a campaign called V15 against Prime Minister Netanyahu." In this week's Channel 10 interview, Clinton noted that Netanyahu's approach to the peace process changed during his current consecutive terms in office since 2009, due to new realities that did not exist during Netanyahu's first term between 1996 and 1999. "By the time prime minister Netanyahu got back in office, the security situation was markedly better on the West Bank because of President [Mahmoud] Abbas," said Clinton. "Now, the coalition that Prime Minister Netanyahu heads, I think they believe that the Palestinians are too weak to cause them any trouble. And the security seems to be working," he maintained. Clinton added his hopes that a peace agreement may be reached, saying "I still hope that some day, if some decent accommodation could be reached, that Israel would be even more prosperous." (JTA)-In "7 Days in Entebbe," which hits theaters on Friday, Daniel Bruhl plays a German leftist terrorist tortured by the fact that he's hijacking a plane full of Jews and taking them prisoner. The movie, about the 1976 Israeli rescue operation that freed the mainly Jewish and Israeli hostages of a hijacked plane in Uganda, focuses on the conflicted experiences of the two Germans-played by Bruhl and Rosamund Pike-who allied with Palestinian terrorists to hijack the Paris-bound plane. Even as they hold Jews at gunpoint, the two insist they are "humanitarian" activists fighting against fascism. But the parallels to their German forebears are clear. "Germans killing Jews," an associate of his says. "Ever thought about that?" At another point, Bruhl's character, Wilfred Bose, insists, "I'm no Nazi." That last line applies just as well to how Bruhl, who was born in Spain and grew up in Germany, sees his career. The actor, 39, had his breakout role in the 2003 film "Goodbye, Lenin!" about East Germany at the end of the Cold War, and met American audiences six years later playing a Nazi sniper in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds." He's been cast as a Nazi, or a civil servant under the Nazis, or a supervillain from a Nazi family, in at least five films. In "Entebbe," he plays a German bad guy grappling with how to avoid looking like a Nazi. And in an interview with JTA, Bruhl made clear that he doesn't want those roles to define him. "I've done so many different things," he said. "Looking back, there's a body of work which is very diverse. Fortunately, I can say I've done many different things. I wouldn't have liked to be typecast and limited to that. When I decided to take these parts it was always out of an interest in period projects, in history" The multiplicity of Nazi roles, Bruhl said, is a natural consequence of being a German actor in an industry that keeps churning out World War II movies. But it also has to do with his interest in playing out historical events. In addition to films about World War II, the Entebbe raid and the fall of the Berlin Wall, Bruhl was in "The Carpenter's Pencil," about the Spanish Civil War, as well as dramas set in Franco's Spain and 1970s Chile. His mother is Spanish. "I'm always interested in history," he said. "It's important to read about history, to analyze history, to also understand where we are right now. I'm not Swedish or Finnish, or I'm not from India, so being a German-Spanish actor, of course I'm participating in projects that deal with the history of my countries... I want to understand where I come from. This is what drives me." Bruhl does historical research to prepare for those roles. For "Inglorious Basterds," a revenge fantasy that cared little for historical accuracy (the movie has-spoiler alert!-a Jew machine-gunning Hitler in the face in 1944), Bruhl took courses with a sniper. For "The Zookeeper's Wife," a Holocaust drama based on a true story, he and co-star Jessica Chastain met with the titular zookeeper's daughter. And for "Entebbe," Bruhl read up on the German far-left activists of the 1960s and 1970s, including Revolutionary Cells, the urban terrorist group that conducted the Entebbe hijacking. He also met with survivors of the raid. The period when the hijacking happened resonates for Bruhl, who was born two years later and heard his parents talking about the leftist groups. "I just wanted to go back in time and dig a little bit further and get into the mindset of a person who was taking the decision to not only be politically active, but to go that extra step and be a radical and join a mission in which a left-wing German terrorist is hijacking a plane with Jewish passengers," he said. "It's still so unbelievable. That made me curious to do some more research." "7 Days in Entebbe," directed by Brazilian Jose Padilha, departs from the traditional narrative of Entebbe that's been enshrined in Israeli lore. "Operation Thunderbolt," the 1977 movie about the operation, tells a heroic saga starring Israeli soldiers. In that movie, and in the Israeli popular imagination, the hero is Yoni Netanyahu, the brother of the current Israeli prime minister, who was killed in the raid. But "Entebbe" alternates mainly between the hijackers and an Israeli political drama centered on Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, who at the time were prime minister and defense minister, respectively. Much of the dialogue between Peres and Rabin, who is played by Israeli A-lister Lior Ashkenazi, is a heavy-handed discourse-performed in heavily accented English-on the need to negotiate for peace. The end credits trace the two men's lives after 1976 and note that the peace process is inactive now-as if to draw a comparison between a hostage negotiation with a terror group and final-status talks between two recognized governments. The part that does feature the Israeli army's rescuers focuses on an ambivalent soldier and his girlfriend, a dancer whose performances are, for some reason, interspersed with scenes of the raid. (The choreography is by famed Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin.) Yoni Netanyahu plays a bit role in this version and is unceremoniously killed as the operation is beginning. The movie is most engaging as it explores the dilemmas of the Bruhl and Pike characters, whose dynamic-conflicted man and zealous woman on a violent ideological mission-is familiar to any fan of "The Americans." The movie humanizes them, telling their backstories, showing how they were trained and, ultimately, how they break down during the escalating hostage crisis. But it's hardly ambiguous in judging them: They are villains in this story. For Bruhl, that's not a problem. As with much of his work, it's another way to delve into history, however messy it may be. "That ongoing conflict is important, especially for younger generations, to take a step back, and look at the '70s, look at the situation back then," he said. "It can help you understand the current situation a little bit better, to remind yourself of the positions of what historically, politically was behind such a mission... To not show an easy black-and-white picture of the conflict." NEW YORK (JTA)-The Torah tells how God created the earth and the heavens, although the stories that follow tell us more about the former than the latter. A new exhibit doesn't quite answer theological questions about space, but it does show the ways in which Jews have looked at, written about and traveled into the final frontier. "Jews in Space: Members of the Tribe in Orbit," named after a Mel Brooks gag, is an exhibit organized and on view at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and the Center for Jewish History. It features both Yiddish and Hebrew books on astronomy and astrology, science fiction works created by Jews and sections on the history of Jewish astronauts. JTA was given a tour by Eddy Portnoy, YIVO's senior researcher and director of exhibitions, who curated the collection with Melanie Meyers, and learned about some of the unusual and unexpected relationship between Jews and the cosmos. This book of horoscopes was written in Yiddish. Published in 1907 in Odessa, Ukraine, "The Revealer of That Which Is Hidden: A New Practical Book of Fate" gave Yiddish readers a way to learn about their futures by way of astrology. Much like a modern-day horoscope, the book offered predictions based on the reader's zodiac sign. Similar books existed both in Yiddish and Hebrew during the time period, but rabbinic authorities were not thrilled, since astrology is banned by Jewish law (although zodiac symbols have shown up as synagogue decorations for at least 1,500 years). Despite that, Jews at the time continued to read horoscopes as well as seek other ways of predicting the future, such as by going to psychics and reading tea leaves. The first Jewish American to go into space was a woman. Judith Resnik became the first Jewish American and second Jew (Soviet astronaut Boris Volynov was the first) to go into space when she flew on the maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1984. Born in 1949 to Jewish immigrants from Ukraine who settled in Ohio, Resnik worked as an engineer at the Xerox Corp. before being recruited to NASA in a program to diversify its workforce. Resnik was only the fourth female to ever do so. She died in 1986 along with the rest of the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger when the spacecraft broke apart shortly after takeoff. In 1985, a Jewish-American astronaut read from the Torah in space. consulted a rabbi on how to observe Judaism on his first trip, in 1985. Hoffman, a Brooklyn native who was born in 1944, brought with him a scaled-down Torah and did the first Torah reading outside of Earth. He also had a set of Jewish ritual items specially made for his trip, including a mezuzah with a Velcro strip that he would attach to his bunk and a prayer shawl with weights to keep it from floating away in zero-gravity. He also brought a menorah to celebrate Chanukah, although he was never able to actually light it aboard the spacecraft. The Vulcan salute on "Star Trek" has Jewish origins. Actor Leonard Nimoy used an unlikely source of inspiration for his character Spock's iconic Vulcan salute, which consists of a raised hand with the middle and ring fingers parted into a V. The gesture looks just like the one kohanim do in synagogue during the Priestly Blessing. In his autobiography, Nimoy explained that he had copied the Jewish gesture, which he had seen in a synagogue as a child (it also appears on tombstones of kohanim). The Vulcan salute, which is accompanied by the phrase "Live long and prosper" (the kohanim's blessing begins "May God bless you and guard you"), became so iconic that the White House mentioned it in a statement issued on Nimoy's death in 2015. An alien in "Futurama" was named after the YIVO Institute. NASA/Space Frontiers/Getty Images Mission specialist Judith Resnik sending a message to her father from the shuttle Discovery on on its maiden voyage, Aug. 30, 1984. Some might think it a coincidence that the institute shares a name with a bizarre extraterrestrial in the animated science fiction comedy series. In a 2008 direct-to-video film based on the TV series, Yivo (voiced by actor David Cross, who was raised Jewish) is a tentacled being who uses his many limbs to have sex with every living being in the universe. Turns out the screenwriter, Eric Kaplan, is friends with Cecile Kuznitz, a professor at Bard College who has done extensive research on the institute. He decided to, um, honor her by naming the character after the topic of her work, the archive and research center on Eastern European Jewish life founded in Vilna in 1925. A Jewish immigrant to the U.S. helped popularize science fiction. Hugo Gernsback, a Jewish immigrant from Luxembourg, is sometimes called "The Father of Science Fiction" for publishing a magazine that helped popularize the genre. Launched in 1926, "Amazing Stories" featured tales of aliens, robots and other beings, including ones written by Gernsback himself. His magazine brought science fiction-a term he coined-to the mainstream and inspired many writers, such as Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Jewish-American duo that created Superman. Gernsback left "Amazing Stories" in 1929, although it held on in one form or another until 2005. Among the Jewish writers who had their first stories published in the magazine were Isaac Asimov and Howard Fast. NEW YORK (JTA)The Zionist Organization of America has filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in support of President Donald Trumps most recent ban on travel from a number of predominately Muslim countries. The group, which has been an outspoken supporter of many of Trumps policies, in its brief said the action did not amount to a Muslim ban or violate the Constitution. On Wednesday, ZOA released a statement announcing its Feb. 28 filing of the brief. ZOA cited terror attacks by immigrants in Boston, San Bernardino, Orlando and Manhattan, as well as Europe, in its defense of the executive order. The six Muslim majority countries affected by the Proclamation are marked by combat zones and infested with terrorist groups and sympathizers, the groups president, Morton Klein, said in the statement. The Proclamations vital purpose exemplifies our most fundamental, overriding value of protecting American lives. The executive order announced in September prohibits travel from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, as well as from Chad and North Korea, and includes some Venezuelan government officials and their families. The ban went into effect in December, even as the appeals moved forward. It was the Trump administrations third attempt to prevent the entry into the United States of travelers from those countries. U.S. courts struck down the earlier bids by Trump to impose a ban on travel from a number of Muslim-majority countries, in part because Trump himself signaled that the ban was meant to target Muslims. On Friday, at least six Jewish civil rights groups signed onto a joint amicus brief, spearheaded by the Anti-Defamation League, urging the Supreme Court to block the executive order. The American Jewish Committee also filed a brief opposing the ban. In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Virginia declared Trumps travel ban unconstitutional. The decision came a month after the Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal from a similar decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Attorneys general for 16 states and Washington, D.C., also filed an amicus brief Friday with the Supreme Court against the travel ban. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the ban at the end of April. In a Twitter post on Wednesday, former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani stated that Israelis have a right to live in their own land, The Jerusalem Post reported. ...Israelis have a right to live in their land in peace and safety, this is my conviction. Ive had this conviction for many long years, and I still do, Hamad wrote in Arabic, the Post said. Hamad also called on Qatari leaders to improve its relationship with other countries in the region. What we need now in our Gulf, he said, is to advise each other and try to reform the severed ties between our peoples, the Post reported. Qatars problematic situation has come about because of a lack of strategy and clear belief in dealing with our disputes and in outlining a desired future for generations to come, he concluded, according to the Post. These surprising comments were made just a couple of days after an interview appeared in The Atlantic, quoting Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as saying that Israelis have a right to their own land. Apparently pushing for a two-state solution, the Saudi prince said, I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations. Ties between Israel and the Gulf states have improved over the past year, triggered by the common Iranian threat. REYKJAVIK, Iceland (JTA)-At a windswept harbor of this Nordic capital, a bearded man wearing a black hat dips eating utensils into the icy water while hissing from pain induced by the bitter cold. Perplexed by the spectacle, a caretaker helpfully offers to let the man and his three companions use a washing basin to clean their dishes instead of precariously bending over the freezing water. "Thank you, but we need to do it in the sea," one of the men, 27-year-old Avi Feldman of New York, tells the caretaker. "It's for religious reasons." Feldman and his companions, a journalist and two relatives who are visiting him here for the holidays, haul the wet dishes back to a car parked at the foot of one of the many snow-capped volcanoes surrounding this gray but picturesque capital city. The exchange last week was Feldman's first attempt since registering as a resident of Iceland at explaining to a local a potentially awkward Jewish religious custom: in this case, "tevilat kelim"-immersing utensils acquired from non-Jews to make them kosher. But it won't be the last explanation coming from the New York native, who this year became Iceland's first resident rabbi in documented history. Feldman and his wife, Mushky, and their two small daughters settled in the country as its parliament prepares to vote on a bill that would outlaw nonmedical circumcision of boys Measuring his words on the subject, Feldman, a Chabad rabbi, told JTA before his arrival only that he and his wife "hope to bring awareness to local Icelandic people and especially to lawmakers in their decision on rules." He also said the bill is a "matter of great concern" for those who "value religious freedom." According to Feldman, the issue is not rooted in any hostility to Judaism in Iceland. Hotly opposed by the several hundred Jews and Muslims who live in this Christian nation of 330,000 citizens, the bill has wide support in the parliament and population, according to polls, and is expected to pass when brought to a vote at a date that has yet to be determined. This is part of the reason that leaders of European Jewry view the bill as a dangerous precedent amid a two-pronged attack on fundamental customs of Judaism and Islam-including circumcision and ritual slaughter of animals, which already is illegal in Iceland. As European nationalists hostile to Islam or Judaism target such customs, so do secularists and progressives who find the rituals intolerably cruel. In the rest of Europe, the debate about such bans is informed by the continent's sad history of centuries of virulent anti-Semitism. "In Iceland there isn't this awareness" because the country never had more than a few dozen Jews, according to Hannah Jane Cohen, a Jewish-American journalist from New York who moved to Iceland last year. "If you try to explain that the Nazis also banned it, it comes across as exaggerated." To Sigal Har-Meshi, an Israel-born mother of three boys who has been living in Iceland for 14 years, "it's an insult," she told JTA at a chic cafe near Reykjavik's university. "It's my country telling me and my husband we are not only barbarians, but criminals just because I'm Jewish." At the same time, she shares the reservations of many Jewish mothers with regard to circumcision. "It's pretty shocking, I don't feel 100 percent comfortable with it, either," said Har-Meshi, a successful jeweler who first came to Iceland as a tourist in 1986 and married a local non-Jew. Her teenage sons suffered taunts at school and "don't feel comfortable showering in public" in a country that had fewer than 20 nonmedical circumcisions of boys since 2007, she added. Against this backdrop, the arrival of a Chabad rabbi to Iceland is "great news," said Mike Levin, a Chicago native who is the unofficial leader of the Jewish community of Iceland. Judaism is not among Iceland's recognized state religions, so there is no way of gaining official status for his community. A group of a few dozen people without a synagogue, they celebrate Jewish holidays and events together at hotels, restaurants, picnics and at each other's homes. Some years, community members brought leavened bread to get-togethers on Passover, when the consumption of such food is forbidden, Levin and Har-Meshi recalled. But other events were supervised by visiting rabbis from Chabad, who imposed a strictness that was foreign and unwelcome at this highly secularized community, where the Feldmans are the only observant members. Unlike the mink whale meat that is sold here in many supermarkets and restaurants, kosher meat is nowhere to be found in Iceland. But it does have world-famous kosher fish, most notably salmon. It was the main course at one of the largest Passover seders in the island nation's history: a gathering of 100 last week at a local hotel, followed by a second seder for 50 people. "On a community level, it will give us representation to the outside world," Levin said of the Feldmans' arrival. "Recognition. And perhaps also state funding, visibility, a synagogue, a Jewish kindergarten." The Feldmans said they are looking into opening a Chabad house and synagogue. In parallel, they are negotiating the import of kosher meat through local distributors. They represent a Hasidic movement with a mission to build Jewish communities in sometimes unlikely places. Levin, a carpenter in training who recently sold his popular catering firm for offices, said he is also "happy to be relieved" of the duties that come with leading a small Jewish community, with the usual bickering and logistical problems they entail. A follower of Conservative Judaism with cantorial skills, Levin said he never really sought to become the national leader of a Jewish community. "But someone had to do it," he said. The proposed ban on circumcision, though, risks undoing decades of community building, Levin said. "It definitely doesn't feel good. It sends a bad message," he said. The leaders of the Jewish communities of four Nordic countries warned in a joint statement that a ban "will guarantee" that no Jewish community is established in Iceland and make it "the only country to ban one of the most central, if not the most central rite in the Jewish tradition in modern times." The Feb. 13 statement also noted how the Nazis imposed bans on circumcision. Iceland, however, is hardly the only European country where Jewish circumcision, or milah, and ritual slaughter, or shechitah, are being attacked. A law banning shechitah passed in the Netherlands in 2011. Tellingly, it was submitted by the ultra-progressive and small Party for the Animals, but it passed thanks to the support of the large and populist Party for Freedom-an anti-Islam movement. Ultimately the law was scrapped by the Dutch Senate. Last year in Belgium, shechitah was banned in two of the country's three regions with similar alliances. In Sweden, where progressives have spoken out for years against ritual circumcision, a draft motion against it was submitted to parliament in 2013 by a far-right, anti-Islam party. Iceland for the first time is seeing the arrival of relatively large numbers of Muslims-asylum seekers and other immigrants, often from the war-torn Middle East. "This comes with some tensions," Har-Meshi said. Still, xenophobia appears to have had a negligible role in Iceland's bill on circumcision, which lawmakers from four political parties introduced in January. Together, the parties account for 46 percent of the parliament's 63 seats. Seeking a prison sentence of up to six years on offenders regardless of where the underage circumcision is performed, the bill equates the practice with female genital mutilation, calling both human rights violations. Circumcision, the bill also says, places subjects at an elevated risk of infection and causes "severe pain." "It's concerning the community in Denmark," Andrew Baker, the personal representative on combating anti-Semitism for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said in February during a symposium in Vienna on anti-Semitism. "They fear it will set a precedent. Nordic countries will somehow look one to another and it will open the door." In Denmark, a petition favoring a milah ban has received 68 percent of its target of 50,000 signatures. Once the target number is reached-organizers have until August to collect signatures-the petition will go up for a vote as a draft resolution in the Danish parliament. Stopping short of calling the proposed ban in Iceland a form of anti-Semitism, Baker said, "We have acknowledged the kind of public discourse that accompanies these debates"-a reference to an anti-Semitic caricature that appeared in 2013 in a Norwegian paper, among other materials. Occurring simultaneously with efforts to ban ritual slaughter, the campaigns to ban circumcision in Iceland and Denmark are the latest development in an escalation that occurred in 2012, when a German court in Cologne ruled that ritual circumcision of minors amounted to a criminal act of child abuse. The ruling triggered temporary bans in Austria and Switzerland but was overturned. Seen in this context, it's easy to understand why Jewish communities are up in arms over the bill in Iceland, Baker said in an address in Vienna on Feb. 20. He also noted that the audience for his talk outnumbered Iceland's Jewish population, drawing chuckles. "So here we are," he said, "fighting for the protection of an element of religious practice on behalf of frankly a handful of people who may themselves never exercise it." (JTA)When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walked back an agreement with the United Nations last week to resettle abroad at least half of the African migrants seeking asylum in his country, it did not play well with the majority of Israelis. But dont assume that means the public wants the migrants to stay in Israel, pollsters warn. While most knocked Netanyahu for a lack of leadership, the Israeli public overwhelmingly rejects the idea of granting residency to all or most of the migrants. They are not ready to have 40,000 people being recognized, said Tamar Hermann, the academic director of the Guttmann Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, which has done surveys on the issue. Hermann was referring to the 40,000 or so Sudanese and Eritrean migrants who have made their way to Israel, often to South Tel Aviv. While nongovernmental organizations in Israel and Jewish and civil rights group abroad consider them refugees, opponents regard them as infiltrators who came to Israel for economic reasons, not fleeing persecution. Israelis also ask why it is their responsibility to solve problems originating in Africa, and question the economic and social impact of absorbing the non-Jewish migrants. Over 70 percent of Jewish Israelis are against granting the migrants residency, Hermann estimated. However, in that group some support granting residency to those of the migrants who qualify for official refugee statusbut under the assumption that the number of recognized refugees will be small, she said. Hermann said it is hard to estimate how many of the group would actually qualify as refugees. Among those on the right of the migrant issue, meaning they do not want to the migrants to settle in Israel, Hermann said there are two groups that are the most vocal in their opposition to allowing the migrants to settle: residents of South Tel Aviv and religious Zionists. Those two groups oppose the asylum seekers for different reasons. The South Tel Avivians say the migrants who have moved there have brought crime and significantly deteriorated conditions in the low-income neighborhood. One such activist, Mai Golan, told the Israeli news site Walla that the situation in the neighborhood was unbearable. Its not the situation five years ago, its worse, Golan said. The foreigners raised their noses, they got confidence and they enjoy the aid organizations that surround them. They talk to us inappropriately; the fear in the street increases. Those who are part of the religious Zionist camp oppose settling the migrants for ideological reasons. They believe that as a Jewish state, Israels responsibilities do not extend to the non-Jewish migrants, Hermann said. In January, the Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel, David Lau, defended the governments announced plan to deport the migrantsoriginally scheduled to be implemented this monthby distinguishing between refugees and economic migrants. We have many people in the State of Israel who need to be cared for citizens of the state, he said. Im thinking of the disabled, whom we arent always able to support; the Holocaust survivors living amongst us including some in disgraceful conditions. And Im also talking about the residents of South Tel Aviv. Aside from all that, Lau said, we have to distinguish between refugees and people looking for work. Hermann said that between a fifth and a quarter of Jewish Israelis are on the left on the issue, meaning they agree a solution must be worked out that will allow migrants to stay or that ensures their safety if they are sent elsewhere. But among progressives there is also a split, with some in support of allowing all the asylum seekers to stay in the country, regardless of whether they meet the international standards for refugee status, and others saying only those who can be classified as refugees should be allowed to stay. Rabbi Susan Silverman of Jerusalem has drawn comparisons to Jewish history, including Jews facing deportation to concentration camps during the Holocaust, in her advocacy work on behalf of the migrants. People risked their lives to save Jews, and we as a country are now saying we dont want to risk the tiniest demographic shift? she told Haaretz. When the migrants were facing threats of deportation, Silverman helped lead an initiative urging Israelis to shelter the asylum seekers in their homes. Hermann said the debate is not only about the fate of the migrants, but also touches upon a larger question in Israeli society. The struggle is not only about these 40,000 people, she said, its about is Israel a liberal democracy acting along the lines of international law or the code of conduct of liberal democraciesor is it another kind of a country, for Jews and therefore those who are not Jewish should not be allowed to stay here for a longer period of time unless they have a very good reason. Meanwhile, Netanyahu earned scorn for what even in Hebrew is described as a zigzag on the UN. deal that would have granted refugee status to about half the migrants and resettled the rest in Western countries. Fifty-six percent of Israelis described his move as very bad or bad, according to a poll by Israels Channel 10. Another 23 percent described his handling of the agreement as fair and only 10 percent said it was very good, with the rest saying they were not sure. Hermann said the decision was viewed very negatively even among those who had criticized Netanyahu for the agreement because it was seen as an example of bad leadership. People are wondering how does he make his decisions, why didnt he consult with his coalition partners earlier on, she said. They see it as a negative sign of his ability right now to deal with strategic issues. (JNS)As American society has become more polarized in recent years, the debate over gun control has reflected this reality, with leaders and lawmakers on both sides firmly entrenched in their positions. Yet the recent school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., which left 17 dead14 of them teenagershas transcended the usual debate on gun control as an entire new generation, fed up with violence in their schools, has launched a social movement for change. While school shootings seem to be a uniquely American phenomenon, Israel is no stranger to violence. Anyone who has visited the Jewish state quickly becomes accustomed to seeing security guards in nearly every public venue, including schools, with Israeli soldiers carrying M16s slung over their shoulders. Many supporters of gun rights have pointed to Israel as a potential model for the United States. Just waking up in Israel to news of heartbreaking school shooting in FL; Reminded that Israel pretty much eliminated it by placing highly trained people strategically to spot the one common threadnot the weapon, but a person with intent, tweeted former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee following the Parkland tragedy. Similarly, Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, has praised Israel for placing armed guards at schools, saying in December 2012 following the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., which left 20 children ages 6 and 7 dead, along with six staff members, that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. How to respect the weapon While some may point to Israel as an exemplar of how a society with widespread gun ownership can still prevent school shootings and gun violence in general, several key differences exist between the United States and Israel. A 2012 study by Janet E. Rosenbaum, an epidemiologist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., examined the perception of many gun-rights advocates, noting that Israel and Switzerland are gun utopias with permissive gun laws and widespread gun ownership, and that they encourage the arming of civilians who can confront shooters. She concludes that Swiss and Israeli gun ownership is rare [and] regulated stringently, such as by putting the burden of proof on permit applicants to demonstrate a specific need for a gun, adding that neither country promotes gun ownership. Unlike America, where gun rights are protected by the Second Amendment, there is no parallel in Israels legal framework. Instead, like most of the developed world, Israel has strict gun-control laws, where gun ownership is considered a privilege granted by the Ministry of Public Securitynot a right. As such, only a small percentage of Israelisabout 135,000 citizens out of some 8.5 million peopleare licensed to carry guns. Contrast that with the United States, with its estimated 300 million firearms, nearly one for every man, woman and child. Simon Perry, professor at Hebrew Universitys Institute of Criminology in Jerusalem and co-director of the Program in Policing and Homeland Security, dismissed the lessons people appear to have drawn from Israels gun-control policies. Firstly, the people who refer to Israel as an example of successful gun control see a lot of weapons on the street, but these are soldiers on the way to or from base, not ordinary civilians. According to Perry, there are two major differences between Israel and America when it comes to gun control. One, in the U.S., it is easy to obtain a weapon. In Israel, it is very difficult. If you want one, you need to have a very good reason why. At most, you can get a small caliber pistol, not an automatic or semi-automatic rifle. The process makes it very complicated to obtain a weapon. And two, the fact is that most Israelis undergo some type of training in the military. Even in lower-level basic training, they treat you how to respect the weapon. Israelis know how to handle weapons. The gun culture you see in America is not accepted by Jews or Arabs in Israeli culture. He added that we dont have a lot of school shootings because we have security in schools to protect against terror attacks. More can and should be done For American law enforcement, the best lesson from Israel may not be the fact that a security guard is armed, but that a greater focus is placed on that guards training and state of mind. Shortly after the Parkland shooting, U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School resource officer Scot Peterson, saying he didnt have the courage to run inside and confront teen shooter Nikolas Cruz. But Perry retorted: Its not about courage. Its a state of mind. We test our security system on a daily basis. People have to be alert, aware and constantly checking. Its important to understand how to keep people prepared for this type of instance. Training is not enough. Perry listed two major elements that define criminal behavior: motivation and opportunity. If you prevent a criminal from obtaining a weapon, you remove the opportunity. You need to build systems that will prevent people like this from purchasing such weapons. You need to build the system that actively deals with finding these people and have someone who deals with it exclusively, working on it full-time in order to prevent similar such tragedies. American law enforcement is already considering these suggestions. The Broward County Sheriffs Department, led by Sheriff Scott Israel, told JNS that there is no simple solution for this very difficult problem, but pointed to several measures that it believes could help prevent future attacks. First, and most importantly, it noted, is creating Violent Threat Restraining Orders because they will empower the justice system to prohibit the sale or possession of guns to violent or individuals deemed to be mentally ill. The department added that another reform is to strengthen the Baker Act, so that those who are involuntarily committed to mental-health institutions have their firearms temporarily removed from their possession and not permit them to reacquire those weapons until a court approves. Additionally, threats of violence made online are not always arrestable offenses. Sheriff Israel supports the efforts of law-enforcement leaders around the state to urge legislators to close a loophole in Florida law so that police can make an arrest when broader online threats are made. The Sheriffs Department concluded that more can be done and should be done ... A uniform national system of mandatory background checks should be implemented to stop criminals and the mentally ill from acquiring guns. This will take bipartisan consensus in Washington to make this a reality. Asked if police support a ban on AR-15 types of assault rifles, the department said: Sheriff Israel supports common-sense gun reform, including reinstating the federal ban on assault rifles, and banning the sale and possession of modifiers such as bump stocks. The department did not comment on allegations against it that its officers acted improperly during the shooting. (JNS)The risk of the March of Return, organized by Hamas last Friday, is that of a new kind of mass terrorism, a new kind of war. The whole world knows that this organizations foremost aim, together with the death of the Jews and the conquest of the West, is a strategic turn taking place with these mass marches. Its a terrorist spark in the haystack of the Middle East. Yet the United Nations again blames Israel by engaging in its favorite sportblaming Israel, even if it was unable to pass a condemnation this time. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supports the call for an international inquiry. He adheres to the traditional and wrong idea that Israel has used disproportionate force in countering the mass demonstrations on its border, while promoting the idea that it killed Palestinians who marched peacefully along its border. And European Union official Federica Mogherini argues against Israel that the civil liberties of the protestors, armed with rocks and Molotov cocktails, must be respected. Whose liberties? Those of the Islamist dictators of Gaza killing the Jews? Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, a so-called human-rights champion whose country holds the title of being the worlds biggest state sponsor of international terrorism, immediately presented himself as Hamas defender by saying: The Zionists tyrants murder peaceful Palestinian protestors, whose land they have stolen, as they march to escape their cruel and inhuman apartheid bondage. Taking to the stage with him is that other proponent of human rights, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose army has almost concluded its ethnic cleansing of the Kurdish region of Afrin in Northern Syria. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Anyone who dares to oppose it is executed. The marcherspushed towards the border with Israel en massehad members of the armed militia of Hamas in their midst. Evidence came in the fact that 10 terrorists were among the killed, and by a skewed pride noting that among the 15 dead, five of them were members of its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas took power in 2007 against Fatah. The Israelis withdrew every last Jew from the Gaza Strip, leaving Gaza residents to be the masters of the agriculture and industrial facilities left behind, which were subsequently destroyed, often razed to the ground. Hamas doesnt care about the welfare of its people; it cares about their obedience in fighting the Jews. Hamas engages only in warfare. Its charter sees in world Zionism the origin of all evil, citing the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. It encourages killing them, stating: Allah is its goal, the prophet is its model, the Koran is its constitution, jihad is its path, and death for the sake of Allah is its most coveted desire. Hamas has invested the major part of its millions of dollars that have come as donations from Iran, Qatar and other sympathizers in missiles and tunnels. Its perennial humanitarian crisis would not exist if those funds had gone into businesses and social structures. Instead, Hamas financed the terrorist enterprise that has killed thousands in Israel. Israel tried to continue to allow help for and trade with the population. But, of course, the border is closed to terrorism, as is the one with Egypt, which would be the most natural exit. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is careful not to liberalize Gaza. Hamas is only interested in using the exasperated crowd for terrorist ends than for any real progress. After trying in vain to terrorize Israel with the Second Intifada, Hamas moved to the strategy of missiles against citizens in the south. Only the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system saved Israelis from a massacre. The timing of the symbolic move over the crowds last week was not lost on an Israel preparing for Passover. Or at a time when Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) is ill and weak, and competition for his job is being considered. It also comes at a time when the Arab world tries to conform to a new course inaugurated by the Trump administration, in which the U.S. Embassy will move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in a matter of months. It is no coincidence that Hamas wants to continue its demonstrations until May 15, the day of Israels independence and the proposed transfer of the embassy. At the border during those pacifist demonstrations, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh hurled death threats and calls for Israels destruction. He also announced the conquest of Israel in order to give it to the Palestinian refugees and their descendantspeople Hamas does not allow to escape from what has become a conceptual ghetto, consigning them to militant terrorism. The crowds who marched to the border did so for the right of returna strategic move to ally Hamas to the most extreme front. Never can the return be part of a peace process unless it wipes out the Jewish state. The march only wants death and destruction. It is for this reason that Israel cannot allow Hamas to penetrate its security fence, especially when it advances by throwing rocks, launching Molotov cocktails and burning tires. Last week, Hamas launched human missiles. Escalation will come, especially if the United Nations and the Arab world continue to do nothing but fire off misnomers. Journalist Fiamma Nirenstein was a member of the Italian Parliament (2008-13), where she served as vice president of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the Chamber of Deputies, served in the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, and established and chaired the Committee for the Inquiry Into Anti-Semitism. A founding member of the international Friends of Israel Initiative, she has written 13 books, including Israel Is Us (2009). Currently, she is a fellow at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Translation by Amy Rosenthal. JERUSALEM (JTA)All too often, when I ask campus organizations that are pro-Israel and deeply Zionist why they avoid using the Z-word in their messaging and literature, Im told, Zionism doesnt poll well. True, not polling well is one of todays great sins. But imagine what our world would be like if our ancestors feared the polls. The American Revolution wouldnt have polled well. Suggestions that Northerners crush slavery in 1860 wouldnt have polled well. And proposing a new Jewish state in 1897 wouldnt have polled well either. At the time, most European Jews believed enlightened Europe was outgrowing anti-Semitismthat polled well. Lets learn from our heroic predecessors, and from feminists, gays and African-Americans, whose first attempts to defend their rights didnt poll well either. Take back the night, resist internalizing our oppressors hatred of us. Reclaim the Z-word: Zionism. You cannot defeat those delegitimizing Israel by surrendering Zionism, the movement that established Israel. If a century ago Zionism brought pride back to the term Jew, Jews and non-Jews today must bring pride back to the term Zionist. In his book on the strange career of the troublesome N-word, the African-American Harvard Law professor Randall Kennedy explains the protean nature of political words. Groups can triumph with linguistic magic by defining themselves and their aims; when enemies define them, they lose. Kennedy warns against allowing the hater to define the hated, and thats what is happening. First, shame on them: Shame on the anti-Zionists who single out Jewish nationalism, meaning Zionism, in a world organized by nationalisms, and call it racist. Shame on them for libeling a democratic movement. Shame on them for ignoring Judaisms national-religious duality, which allows non-Jews to convert into the Jewish religion and join the Jewish nation, making Zionism among the least biologically based, least racist, most permeable forms of nationalism. And shame on them for racializing the national conflict between Israelis and Palestiniansinflaming hatred, making peace more elusive. Alas, shame on us, too. Zionism should be a more popular term than Israel. Until 1948, Zionism was the movement affirming that Jews are a people with a homeland and that like other nations, Jews have the right to establish a state on that land (others may, toonationalism involves collective consciousness, not exclusive land claims). Since 1948, Zionism has been the movement to perfect that state. Like all countries, Israel makes good and bad moves. If youre anti-Zionist, you reject Israels very existence. If youre critical of Israel somehow, youre a thinking human being. Americas president offers an opportunity to understand that distinction. The 77 percent of American Jews who hate Donald Trump still remain proudly American. Why cant we love Israel and Zionism regardless of particular prime ministers or policies, too? Heres the real question for Jews: Do you feel connected to Israel, todays great Jewish people project? If so, you stick with it because you belong to the Jewish people. And you help perfect that state through Zionismembracing different schools of Zionist thought. It could be Religious Zionism or left-leaning Labor Zionism or right-leaning Revisionist Zionism or Cultural Zionism. In honor of Israels 70th birthday, I just published The Zionist Ideas, updating Arthur Hertzbergs classic anthology The Zionist Idea. Adding the s broadens the conversation, from the 38 thinkers in his book to the 170 in mine. As part of its publication and in honor of Yom Haatzmaut, Israels Independence Day, I am urging readers to host Zionist salons, home-based conversations addressing what Zionism and Israel mean to me today. Establishing Israel in 1948 fulfilled the Zionist idea that powerless Jews need a state as a refuge, immediately, and as a platform to flourish and express Jewish values, long-term. Seventy years later, debating Zionist ideas welcomes debate from left to right, religious and nonreligious, about what Zionism and Israel can mean to me as Jew, as a personand how some of these ideas can help Israel become a model democracy. Thats why Zionism didnt end in 1948the debates continue. If Zionism as an idea asserts that Jews are a people with a homeland, and Zionism as a movement builds, protects and perfects the state, Zionism as a value is more personal. Zionists see it as a way of explaining Judaism as a culture, a civilization, an ethnicity, a tradition, not just a religion. It anchors us in a self-indulgent, throwaway society, providing a sense of community in an often lonely, alienating culture, and a sense of mission in an often aimless world. Reclaiming Zionism often entails moving from Political Zionismasking what we can do for our countryto Identity Zionismasking, with apologies to JFK, what your country can do for you. Theres a reason why Israel ranks 11th on the world Happiness Index, despite the nations many challenges. Most Israelis are instinctively Identity Zionists. Their identity blossoms from the Zionist statewhich appreciates strong family values, robust community ties, deep patriotic feelingsand a broader sense of mission in life. Thats part of the package Birthright participants and other tourists appreciate when visiting Israel. And thats the recipe that makes so many Israelis happy despite the rush-rush of their society and the roar-roar of some Palestinian neighbors demanding their destruction. Zionism isnt the only way or the best way, its just my way, my peoples way. Im not smart enough to improvise another framework. Identity Zionism includes commitments to Jewish education, Jewish action, to making Jewish ethics come alive, to Jewish peoplehood and Jewish communitythese are core Zionist values I, for one, wouldin Churchills wordsnever surrender. Today, the #MeToo conversation spotlights how often victimsespecially womeninternalize persecution, letting bullies win. Anyone interested in abandoning Zionism first should ask: How much of this internalizes the delegitimization campaign? If we dont stand up for ourselves, who are we? If we let those haters win, what are we? And if we dont start celebrating and reclaiming the Z-word nowat Israels 70ththen when? Gil Troy is the author of The Zionist Ideas, which updates Arthur Hertzbergs classic work The Zionist Idea, and was just published by The Jewish Publication Society. He is a Distinguished Scholar of North American History at McGill University. Follow on Twitter @GilTroy The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. Seventh-three years ago this week, three young men who were neighbors of my family, borrowed weapons from Soviet troops occupying post-war Poland, and returned to their hometown to escort the remaining Jews out of Kanczuga for the last time. The three young men had survived the war that ended three months earlier, but the anti-Semitism that fueled the Holocaust was alive and well. They had returned to Kanczuga because of threats of a pogrom, to murder the remaining surviving Jews who had returned to Kanczuga. The pogrom started a day before. Polish neighbors murdered seven Jewish survivors who had returned to search for family and restart their lives. The Poles threatened to finish the job, murdering the remaining Jews of Kanczuga, the next day. The second day of Passover. Twenty-five years ago I got to know Willie, Yehudah, and Benny (*), the three then in their late teens who were well into their 70s. They recounted how they buried the seven murdered Jews of Kanczuga, and saved their surviving neighbors. They each shared with me parallel accounts of the same story, stories that after recounting they would say they wouldnt be able to sleep for three days. In a year when Poland has made it illegal to refer to Polish collaboration with and participation in the murder of Jews and other atrocities during the Holocaust, it is worth highlighting that it was neither Nazi nor Soviet troops that murdered the seven Jews of Kanczuga in April 1945, but the Polish neighbors of their Jewish victims. Polish atrocities. Polish mass murder. Polish death-culture bread in Polish anti-Semitism. For every one of the several thousand Polish Righteous Among the Nations, there must have been hundreds or more willing Polish accomplices. That Poles were willing accomplices is an undisputable fact. But in light of Poland today trying to whitewash its history, its worth underscoring. The simple fact is that in Poland, countless Jews died at the hands of their Polish neighbors, before, and especially during and after the war. This fact is not open for dispute no matter how many coats of whitewashing and revisionist laws are enacted. While the murder of seven Jews of Kanczuga took place after the war without Nazi oversight, orders, or encouragement, the beginning of the end of the Jewish community of Kanczuga took place in August 1942. Indeed, Nazi troops and SS went town-by-town rounding up, deporting, and murdering Jews wherever they could be found. But in Kanczuga, and throughout Poland, they did this with the willing partnership, enthusiasm, and glee of Poles. The following is excerpted from Hidden by brother and sister survivors Fay Walker and Leo Rosen. They were born and raised in Kanczuga and recounted the last days of its Jewish community in August 1942. It is quoted liberally here, highlighting the fact that even in the rounding up and murder of Kanczugas Jews, Polish neighbors and police participated willingly and enthusiastically. Cases where Polish participation are noted are highlighted in italics. We were hidden in the countryside by the time the war flooded the streets of tiny Kanczuga, until the screams and bursts of gunfire were as familiar as the cries of the peddlers hawking their wares in the towns main marketplace. More than a hundred of our people were executed at point blank range in front of the Brills house. Then early one morning, two young SS men, ably aided by the Polish police, rounded up the hundreds of Jews who had not managed to hide in time. The officers deposited them in the main square, where they stood in shocked silence, shivering in the sparkling dawn. The police herded their prisoners past the jeering crowd in to the synagogue. Our people struggled to stare straight ahead, but, as they trudged the dusty streets, they found themselves peering into the faces they had known all their lives, into the flat features and pale eyes of their closest neighbors, empty and cold as death. Kanczugas newest synagogue was a quarter mile from the Jewish cemetery. Its sanctuary (was) large enough to seat several hundred people. That Shabbos, every inch was filled for the first time. Yet it was eerily quiet, the low murmurs punctuated only by the occasional barking of policemen. Wordless, Tata fingered a pocket of his long, black coat and stroked his beard. Beside him, Mamche, her face raw from weeping, rested a delicate hand on one of my sisters shoulders. Now and then she whispered to little Tunia, who was serious even in the best of times. (Her) olive-skinned face glistened with tears. Pretty Senia, Aryan-blond and almost a teenager, seemed out of place in this group of frightened Jews. With so many bodies huddled together, the room was close with the odor of human flesh. People slept standing, straight as sentries; others twisted into unnatural positions on the floor. A poor tradesman, cowering, consulted with Tata. Do you think theyll deport us instead of killing us? Maybe send us away and spare our lives, God willing? Father shrugged. Who is to say? I heard that the families who didnt come to the square to be picked up were shot in their homes. We can only wait and put our faith in God. God will provide for us. God has never forsaken us. Like everyone else, my parents had come to the shul without packing a bag. Shabbos morning arrived warm and bright, but musky with fear. Several men began to daven, (pray). They were still praying when the police ordered them to leave their families and trek up the hill to the cemetery. Mamche gripped the girls harder, her fingers digging so deeply into their flesh that they squirmed, but they did not break away. Our father, never a demonstrative man, reached for our mothers hand. The gesture was so unexpected that she met his eyes with a smile. Then the butt of an unseen rifle knocked Tata squarely between the shoulder blades, and he flinched and moved on without speaking. They traveled a short distance in wagons. A boy named Yankele Kelstecher jumped out of his wagon and disappeared into the woods before the policemen could fire.(*) Then the men were ordered out of the wagons. Perhaps the thought of Yankele gave the men strength as they climbed in a thin, halting line along the muddy path (weaving) through a cornfield. At the crest of the hill was the tree-lined cemetery, its tombstones swathed in even rows of shrubbery. The men paused to catch their breaths and wipe their brows. They gazed out over the hill to the patchwork of fields below. For a moment, they forgot their terror and shook their heads at the lush landscape. It could not be helped; they loved this country. A straight-backed officer handed out shovels and told them to dig. Keep digging, he said. Well tell you when youre finished. Thought you could get away with something, eh? Thought you could hide from us, you filthy Jews? When at last they were allowed to stop, the men stood in silence beside the freshly dug earth. Their faces slick with tears and sweat, they stared at the raised rifles in astonishment. At eyes opaque as marbles, that didnt look back. Then they saw the other eyes, those of their neighbors, the customers in their shops, the people to whom they had just last week sold a loaf of bread, who gave them a good price on chickens and eggs. The goyim stood or sat on their haunches in unruly rows alongside the policemen. Whole families, with baskets of cheese and bread and homemade wine. The chattering spectators were in a festive mood, the womens heads bobbing in their colorful scarves. Zyd! they cried. Jew! Out with the Jews! The policemen raised their rifles. One hundred hearts were broken before a single shot was fired. When it was over, the audience applauded and cheered. The next day, the sunlight was so fierce that the women shielded their eyes when they were led outside. They climbed through the tall grass directly to the pit, as if they had done so many times before, children sobbing at their skirts. A fetid smell they did not recognize reached their nostrils, and they covered their faces in horror. When the policemen loaded their rifles, Senia clutched Mamches waist. I dont want to die! she cried. For the first time in Senias life, our Mamche could do nothing to help. One policeman who witnessed this scene was so moved that, later, he would recall Senias words to the Kwasniaks, who had worked for us back in town. Then a bullet shattered our little sisters face, and she collapsed at Mamches feet, spraying blood in her new white shoes. Next, Tunia dropped onto Senia, her breath a shallow purr. Even before the third shot was fired, our mother fell on them both, trying to protect what was no longer hers. Beside the gunmen, the onlookers, some of whom had tied handkerchiefs over their noses to stave off the scent, clapped and shouted their approval. A burst of laughter skimmed the crowd. At the Passover Seder, we recite and recount a concise history of the Jewish people: In every generation they rise up against us to destroy us. And the Holy One, blessed be He, rescues us from their hands. In a generation not long ago, Poland embodied the rising up to destroy us. Let us pray this year that they get a better sense of history. Its their call, whether they want to be part of this generation rising up against us or not. But either way, no matter who rises up, God has our back as He always has and will have. * NOTE: In America after surviving, Yankele Kelstecher became Benny Schanzer and recounted this to me personally, crediting my great-grandmother for inspiring him to run away and saving his life. Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. He has a three-decade career in nonprofit fundraising and marketing and throughout his life and career, he has become a respected bridge between Jews and Christians. He writes regularly on major Christian web sites about Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He can be reached at FirstPersonIsrael@gmail.com. (JNS)Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman made history after telling The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg that his country recognized the right of the Jews to their own land. Though he added that the Saudis also care about the rights of Palestinians and the fate of the holy mosque in Jerusalem, the message he was sending to Muslims and Arabs was loud and clear. As far as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabiathe state that has styled itself the defender of Islamic holy places, and thus the self-styled moral leader of the Arab and Muslim worldthe long war against Zionism is over. Thats good news for Israel and the United States, which wants friendly relations between two of its most important allies, especially in the context of the threat from Iran. Yet this shouldnt be treated as a harbinger of a peace agreement that will end the struggle between Israel and the Palestinians. The reason why has little to do with Israel or the Saudisand everything to do with the Palestinians. While important, it should also be understood what the statement from the princepopularly known as MbSdoesnt mean. His comments shouldnt be confused with a formal declaration of Saudi recognition of the Jewish state. Nor should we imagine that it means that the Saudis will not continue to be something of a contradiction as they are, at one and the same time, a close ally of the West while also being the primary funder of Wahhabism. It is a particularly militant form of Islam that is closely identified with the Saudi ruling family that has helped inspire violent radicals who have, ironically, become a major thorn in the side of their regime. Unlike his more traditional father King Salman, MbS, who appears to wield the real power in Riyadh, is something of a reformer. Under his leadership, the kingdom is trying to respond to the challenges of the 21st century by opening its archaic Islamist society up to certain changes, such as allowing women to drive. However, as he made clear to Goldberg, Saudi Arabia will remain an absolute monarchy. Its also true that Saudi outreach to Israel is not entirely new. The Saudis put forth a proposal in 2002 that called for recognition of Israel and ending the conflict. But that so-called Arab peace initiative had its flaws. Initially, it linked peace to the right of return for descendants of Palestinian Arab refugees from Israels 1948 War of Independence. Since then, the Saudis have dropped that part and made it more acceptable to Israel, and it remains a talking point for some on the Jewish left who insist that there is an offer on the table that Israel hasnt embraced. That isnt true, as Israel has informally discussed the initiative with the Saudis for years. However, the explanation for the failure of the plan and the motivation for the crown princes latest Western charm offensive rests primarily in the failure of the Palestinians to take the hint with respect to Israel. Since 2002, Israel has made several attempts at peace that have all run aground on Palestinian rejectionism. In 2005, it withdrew from Gaza. In 2008, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert offered Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas a state in almost all the West Bank, Gaza and a share of Jerusalem. Abbas walked away from that offer and torpedoed subsequent negotiations sponsored by the United States, during which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered another withdrawal from the West Bank. Since then, Abbas has continued to refuse to negotiate, while the P.A. also continues to incite hate against Israel and Jews with its media and schools on a daily basis, and to subsidize terrorists. The Saudis have become closer to Israel as a result of President Obamas appeasement of Iran, which scared them even more than it did Israel. Just as important, the Palestinians have made it clear to the Trump administration that they wont consider any new peace plan. This is in spite of the fact that, like those plans that have preceded it from previous administrations, this effort to achieve what Trump calls the ultimate deal will likely involve more Israeli retreats and a Palestinian state. The key event preceding the Saudi crown princes statement came earlier this year when, in the aftermath of the Trump administrations recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital, Abbas journeyed to Riyadh. The message he reportedly got there was a Saudi demand that Abbas accept what the United States was offering in terms of a two-state solution. They even offered serious financial support for him if he was willing to make peace and become part of an anti-Iran alliance. Abbass reply was that no Palestinian leader could accept such a deal. Abbas is more concerned about competing with Hamas, which is why he supported Hamass violent riots along the Gaza border also intended to promote the idea returnsynonymous with Israels destructionas the keynote of Palestinian demands. So when MbS spoke of a Jewish right to a land, he wasnt so much speaking to Trump or Netanyahu, who realize that the Saudis look to Israel as an ally against an Iranian foe that they, as the prince stated, regard as worse than Hitler. Rather, it was a message to Abbas, Hamas and the Palestinian people emphasizing that if they are determined to persist in their century-old war on Zionism, then they can do it without any help from the Saudis. As the prince made clear, the Palestinian refusal means Israel-Saudi relations will remain warm, but under the table. That probably suits them just fine since the Saudis are too conscious of their role as guardian of the Muslim holy places and the standing it gives them in the Islamic world to have normal relations between their kingdom and the Jewish state. The Saudi peace initiative is a dead letter not because Israel said no to it, but because the Palestinians still wont recognize the legitimacy of a Jewish stateno matter where its borders are drawn. As long as the Palestinians wont give up their dreams of return, even a royal pronouncement like that of MbS, wont end the conflict. Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNSthe Jewish News Syndicate. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin. General Nguyen Khanh sheds light on Saigons swirling world of coup and counter coup This Khanh is the toughest one they got and ablest one they got, President Lyndon B. Johnson told a reporter in 1964. LBJs Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara called General Nguyen Khanh the George Washington of Vietnam. Whether either glowing assessment was true or not, one thing is for sure, General Khanh was a central figure in the tumultuous and coup-riddled years leading up to Americas long and disastrous war in Vietnam. Little recalled today among the familiar and often notorious South Vietnamese leadership from Diem to Ky to Thieu, Khanh was in the thick of the intrigue, both plotting alongside Americans as well as ultimately becoming a coup victim himself. As a young man, Khanh fought the French colonial army with the Viet Minh. However, he later graduated from the French military academy at Da Lat, Vietnam, and then studied at St. Cyr, the French equivalent of West Point. In 1957 he graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and from there went back to his homeland and was soon enmeshed in the power struggles between the often corrupt elite. Just three months after participating in a U.S.- backed coup that toppled President Ngo Dinh Diem on November 2, 1963, while commander of II Corps, Khanh and General Tran Thien Khiem seized control of the Military Revolutionary Council on January 30, 1964, prompting the praise from Johnson and McNamara. Initially, he kept General Duong Van Minh as figurehead chief of state, but in August 1964 he assumed Minhs position. Generals Le Van Kim, Tran Van Don and others were arrested by troops loyal to Khanh. Khanhs place at the pinnacle of power was brief, due to Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodges departure to pursue the U.S. presi dency as a Republican Party candidate. Lodge was replaced by Maxwell Taylor, who previously had clashed with Khanh. However, the U.S. Embassy, the CIA station chief and General William Westmoreland were greatly concerned about Khanhs safety and did not want a replay of the Diem coup. Both Ambassador Taylor and Westmoreland knew that LBJ would hold them responsible if, like Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu, Khanh was assassinated. Therefore, after being deposed by the U.S.- supported coup, Khanh was made Ambassador At Large and allowed to depart Vietnam. After 12 years in exile in Europe, Khanh, with his wife and six children, went to the United States in 1977. By any measure, Nguyen Khanh, born a Buddhist in a small village in the Mekong Delta, has led an extraordinary life, both shaping and being buffeted by the fortunes and failures that have comprised the last 50 years of Vietnams history. He served as head of state and prime minister, commander of the army, chief of staff of the Joint General Staff, and at different times commander of I, II and IV Corps. Even today, Khanh remains very active in the political life of Vietnams exile community. In an interview with veteran journalist Edward Rasen, Khanh reveals intimate insights into the leaders and the intriguesand the U.S. role in those intriguesthat shook Vietnam in the early 1960s. Still reticent about many details, Khanh prefaced his comments to Rasen by saying: It is very dangerous what I am doing now, talking to Americans without knowing exactly the meaning of the American war. But, I will try to do my best. I am a friend of America. Vietnam: Did President Diem have a plan to win the war? Khanh: No. I wrote one for him. After being at Fort Leavenworth for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, I returned to Vietnam. President Diem assigned me to the Presidential Palace where I created the Office for National Defensethe complete national defense, not just the military but the economy, security of the people in the countryside, foreign relations, everything. Diem always worked long hours. One night at 2 in the morning he called me at home and asked me to visit him in order to discuss the plan to defend Vietnam. He was not married. I was married. I was sleeping with my wife. I did not want to go to work, but I had to go. I explained to Diem how to win the war. I told him we must prepare the defense outside Vietnam. He understood that. I asked him to make preparations and he agreed. But, Diem was not a military man. I talked with Diem and especially his brother Nhu, chief of national security, about defense of our country. I thought we had to militarily defend Vietnam in Laos by occupying the Plateau of Bolovens, the Saravane-Attopeu front and also along the north national road Number 9 from Quang Tri to Tchepone, Laos. Did Diems brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu, have a military mind? No. Ngo Dinh Nhu had a political mind. Different, devious. He mixed politics with other things to his advantage. Did Nhu want to be prime minister? Maybe. But, certainly, 100 percent, Madame Nhu wanted to be first lady. In order for her to be first lady, Nhu must be president. The Republic of Vietnam constitution was written so that Diem and subsequent presidents only could serve three terms. So they were preparing Nhu. She had big ambitions. How were you involved in the coup detat against President Diem during 1963? The coup that Generals Minh and Don made with the CIA. I had a friend, Lou Conein [CIA officer, Saigon station], who was close because his wife was half-Vietnamese, half- French. We were close because he spoke French and Vietnamese. He visited me maybe two weeks before the coup. He did not come talking about the coup even though he knew. He said a French sentence, Ne pas dormer sur les deux oreillesBe careful not to sleep on both ears. The day before the coup at 10 oclock in the morning, General Duong Van Duc, my friend and former classmate, flew from Saigon to visit me in Pleiku. He said he represented some generals in Saigon who dont like things going on because it could go like General Charles de Gaulle is talking. [Charles de Gaulle advocated Vietnam unification, and the election of one leader as called for in the Geneva Accord of 1954.] They were worried because some Vietnamese generals were still involved with the French. Even Tran Thien Khiem was in the Service Historique, which is the Historical Record Service of the Army Forces, similar to the CIA. Also, General Tran Van Don. General Duong Van Minh, the other coup leader, had a brother who was a Viet Minh officer, a major, from Hanoi, living in his house for six months. All that was true. And Mai Huu Xuan, chief of police during the French time, was involved as the command chief. He had been in charge of controlling the nightclubs and prostitutes for the French. And Prime Minister Nguyen Ngo Tho previously was a French civil servant. I was not the coup author, even though many people say I was. I accepted the generals invitation. General Duong Van Duc went back to Saigon at 11 oclock. I wanted to learn what the Americans were thinking. The coup could not succeed without direct intervention of the Americans. I sent Colonel Jasper Wilson to Saigon to check with the U.S. Embassy and General Paul Harkins at MACV. He was a friend. I departed Pleiku for Saigon on the last flight at 6 oclock in the evening and arrived at approximately 8 oclock. I met with some generals: Tran Thien Khiem, airborne and others. Colonel Wilson brought us to what the Americans called the White House and we called the Maison Blanche. It was for colonels and above. The morning of the coup I went by the General Staff headquarters. I saw the guards but nothing happening. So, I went to the airborne units, my old units. I had built the paratrooper branch. I was the first commander, so I went back to them. Did you know about the plan to assassinate Diem and his brother? Minh and Don lied to me. I did not want to kill Diem and Nhu. That is the condition I demanded for supporting the coup. But they lied to me. The day after the coup they had a big reception, and I did not attend. I was the only invited general that did not attend. They knew I was against the assassination of a civilian leader by the armed forces. It is the same as gangsters with guns. I did not agree and still cannot agree. After the coup, they were supposed to make me commander of III Corps, but then Minh broke his promise. What was your relationship with the United States after you took control of Vietnam on January 30, 1964? The first ambassador I worked with was Henry Cabot Lodge. We worked hand in hand. I remember one day he came to see me during the first week I was in power. I said, Mister Ambassador, the French want to kill me, assassinate me in Tay Ninh, while I attend a ceremony with the Cao Dai. The Cao Dai still had some connection with the French. His answer was, If so, lets go together. And he did go with me. We were like brothers, closer than combat soldiers. When Lodge returned to the United States to become a presidential candidate during 1964, he was replaced by General Maxwell Taylor. I had asked Washington to send me another Henry Cabot Lodge, someone who knew the politics and problems we faced. But Washington sent me an uncertain trumpet. Taylor was a prominent military leader who had been rescued by President Kennedy after a fatal career under President Eisenhower. But, he did not know very much about the situation in Vietnam or the Vietnamese people and their culture. Also, I can frankly tell you that he did not know anything about revolutionary war. How was I supposed to work with him? You ultimately had some advice to give to Ambassador Lodge? After I departed Vietnam near the end of February 1965, two months later Taylor was removed as ambassador. When Lodge was asked by President Johnson to return as ambassador for the second time, he invited me to visit him at his house in Massachusetts. I stayed as a guest for five days, and we talked very much about Vietnam. He asked what I thought he should do. I said he had to respect the Vietnamese people. You cannot go there like a boss, like Maxwell Taylor. When you attempted to negotiate with the Buddhists, advisers to President Johnson accused you of being in favor of peace, and the Dai Viet political party accused you of being pro-Communist. I will tell you about the situation in Saigon. When you did not appease certain groups, they called you a Communist. Who was it in the United States that practiced that tactic? Joe McCarthy? We had the same people in Vietnam. Anyone you disagree with, just call him a Communist. It was very demoralizing and counterproductive. The accusations were unfair and destructive, especially when you are trying to build a representative government. Why was Ambassador Maxwell Taylor angry with you during December 1964, after you dissolved the High National Council? I knew Taylor was angry about the dissolution of the Council. But the military leaders created the Council and gave the civilians certain powers. When General Duong Van Minh issued an order for military officers of a certain age to be retired like in the U.S. Army, the Council said no. So I enforced the order. The Council overruled me. They decided Minh and I made the rule because we wanted to eliminate enemies. I said they were wrong in doing such. They were not elected by the people. They did not ask me or other military leaders why we made the rule. Taylor was angry because he and other people, including some Vietnamese politicians, thought all orders should originate from the U.S. ambassador. I did not think so. We were fighting with the Americans and the Americans were helping us. We were thankful about that. We worked together. But, the Americans cannot be both allies and rulers. So, the conflict between Taylor and me was about that. He had some habits from serving in occupied Japan and Korea. Then he came to Vietnam and acted the same way, like a military ruler. Why did you meet on February 8, 1965, at Camp Holloway with Ambassador Taylor, National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy and General Westmoreland? Camp Holloway had been attacked by Communist guerrillas, and at the time it was a big loss for the United States. More than 100 Americans were killed or wounded. At the time I never slept in Saigon as I was more confident with the armed forces because of the political climate in Saigon, where you can find mistrust and betrayal. I slept at different corps headquarters, with my personal headquarters in the air. The morning of the attack against the camp, I flew from Qui Nhon to Pleiku. I had been commander of II Corps, which was headquartered in Pleiku, so I knew the area and the problems. After landing, I met with our local military officers. Then McGeorge Bundy, Ambassador Taylor and General Westmoreland arrived from Saigon for the same purpose. Bundy was visiting Vietnam for a few days and was scheduled to depart that day. We had a meeting and exchanged ideas. It was in Westmorelands C-123 twin-engine cargo aircraft. It had a small area with maps and chairs. We decided to retaliate for the camp attack by bombing North Vietnam. Bundy promoted the idea. Ambassador Taylor agreed and so did I. But, I asked for participation by the Vietnamese Air Force. I said the United States cannot alone bomb North Vietnam. We have to go with the United States, even if only with a couple of fighters, but we must be present. They agreed. That is how South Vietnam flew on the first bombing missions with the Americans. And Nguyen Cao Ky was there. I gave him orders to gobut I told him to be careful. I did not want to lose my Air Force commander in the first attack! When did you become aware that Taylor and Westmoreland were promoting a coup detat to eliminate you? I call the coup detat against me the double coup. The first was the failed coup led by Colonel Pham Ngoc Thao. The second was by Vice Air Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky and General Nguyen Van Thieu, the leaders of the so-called Young Turks, backed by Ambassador Taylor and General Westmoreland. The trouble did not start in Vietnam, despite what the Americans said. Before the incident at Camp Holloway, I had a meeting at Bien Hoa air base with Vietnamese general officers. I know what happened there. I regret to say to you that it is true. It was the start of the second coup against me with the participation of Ambassador Taylor and General Westmoreland. MACV even sent jet airplanes to move Vietnamese commanders from Hue and Da Nang to Bien Hoa while I was in Pleiku. They had to move very quickly while I was in the field. The Americans arranged a vote of no confidence, even though a vote of no confidence was not an official act in the constitution. Then, they encouraged Ky and Thieu to replace me. I know what happened. It is a very long story about the coup against me. I took off from Tan Son Nhut airport while tanks began occupying the other end of the runway. I flew to Cap Saint Jacques [Vung Tao], which was my second headquarters with a complete communications system. I sent a message to the nation while in the air via Radio Soc Trang, presenting the real situation of the coup executed by the Young Turks, with the help of Taylor and Westmoreland. Then I traveled from Cap Saint Jacques to Nha Trang because I wanted to meet with the commander of the 23rd Division. Also, I was friendly with the commander of the Vietnamese Special Forces, which had headquarters in Nha Trang. When I landed in Nha Trang, I knew an attempted coup was brewing. Colonel Wilson of the U.S. Army was with me. He was my permanent American aide. He was the only American with me. He tried to get my airplane refueled, as did I. The Vietnamese Air Force [commanded by coup co-leader and Vice Air Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky] refused me. The Americans told Colonel Wilson that it was too dark and we had to wait until morning. The situation was suspicious. I did not comprehend who was the enemy. We snuck away. After we departed Nha Trang, I saw two fighter aircraft circling. They had orders to destroy my aircraft. It is true. Phung Ngoc An, who was combat operations commander in II Corps for the Vietnamese Air Force says he was ordered by Nguyen Cao Ky to shoot down my aircraft. I told Captain Doan, my pilot, to be careful. He had flown many times over North Vietnam, dropping Vietnamese Special Forces for CIA missions. So he flew very low to Da Lat. But, we could not see the Bao Dai airfield near the former Bao Dai palace. We flew to the Lien Khoung airfield about 15 or 20 miles from Da Lat, where Air Vietnam and military aircraft landed. But we could not see it. Then we flew to Ban Me Thuot, but we did not see anything. I asked Doan, What do we do now? He said, Very little fuel, so soon we must glide. I told him to proceed to Phan Rang, 50 miles south of Nha Trang and three miles in from the coast. On the way from Ban Me Thuot to Phan Rang, we had to fly past Da Lat. We saw a hole in the clouds. We descended and saw the Da Lat airfield. We stopped just two meters from the end of the airfield. We could not move because we were out of fuel. Then we went to my house. Did Taylor or General Westmoreland ever call you? No, those are false rumors. And I did not call Ky or Thieu. After a few days, Ky and Thieu sent General Linh Quang Vien to negotiate with me. He was a friend and still works with me. I said, No negotiations, I will leave the country. I knew the United States was behind the coup. The United States sent a U.S. Army plane to fly me from Da Lat to Cap Saint Jacques. My mother lived in Cap Saint Jacques and I wanted to say goodbye. After visiting her, Colonel Wilson asked, Now where do we go? I said, Saigon. Wilson said, You know better than me that this plane cannot land there. I knew that Tan Son Nhut airport must be occupied by rebel South Vietnamese troops. So I decided to fly from Cap Saint Jacques to my house in the headquarters of the Vietnamese Navy on the Saigon River. I had a house, the prime ministers house, near the headquarters of the Navy, with a large area where you could land a small aircraft. Then the U.S. protectors arrived. U.S. helicopters arrived at Cap Saint Jacques. Colonel Wilson told my plans to a U.S. Army one-star general who became upset and said, No, no, colonel we dont want to be involved. I did not say anything. Wilson took a paper from his pocket and showed it to the general. He read it and said, Yes, sir. The orders must have come from MACV, not from Wilson. Did you know that General Huynh Van Cao was spying on you for the CIA? I did not know for sure until my end as leader of Vietnam. Sometimes you never know for sure if someone is on the CIA payroll. Sometimes it is the wife that is on the payroll. The CIA is very devious. I had a feeling about that then. I had our intelligence service investigating secrets being leaked. I did not have proof but I had indications. Guys like Cao, I do not understand at all. What do you think about Nguyen Cao Ky? He was my baby. I pushed his military career. I will not give my candid opinion here. It will look like I attack somebody who is not in front of me. But, he is not a very good guy either in fighting the war in Vietnam or now, regarding the new U.S. policy for Vietnam. What did you think of General William Westmoreland? Westmoreland, when he came to Vietnam, was a three-star general. Previously, I had been chief of staff of the Joint General Staff [equivalent to the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff]. Westmoreland tried to do his best but, he did not understand the problems. The containment strategy was not applicable in Vietnam. He should have asked Washington to change it, rather than constantly asking for more troops. Do you believe the problem was greater than General Westmoreland? The American policy was no good. They did not know anything about a peasant-based guerrilla war. Also, many Vietnamese in Saigon were not working for their countrythey were working for their pockets. So, we lost South Vietnam. I am not surprised that it was lost. But, I regret it very much. Many mistakes were made beyond General Westmoreland. You say you were just bombing the Ho Chi Minh Trail. But, in fact you put bombs everywhere, all over Laos and Cambodia. The United States used more bombs in the Vietnam War than it did during World War II and Korea. You wasted bombs so back home you could spend money to make new bombs. I think it was immoral. You cannot take the lives of people just to solve a political problem. You create more problems. Isnt it immoral to kill people because you really want to resolve domestic problems, political or economic? Edward Rasen Jr. was a combat infantryman and long-range patrol team leader in Vietnam, and producer for ABC News in Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam War Secrets, a 10-hour series produced by Rasen, is now available on DVD and has an extensive interview with Nguyen Khanh. Originally published in the June 2009 issue of Vietnam Magazine. To subscribe, click here. Officially classified as an operation with indifferent results, Elk Canyon I was a bloody and costly trial by combat for one American artillery battery. Andrew Grey, a young Native American cannoneer, climbed aboard the CH-47 chopper at 1420 hours on July 12, 1970, and mentally prepared for a to- tally unexpected move. Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery (1-82 FA) was being airlifted to Kham Duc airfield, some 18 miles away from the Laotian border, a place that had not seen a U.S. military presence since it was overrun by the NVA and hastily evacuated two years and two months earlierto the day. Now, Kham Duc was a key objective in a mission, dubbed Operation Elk Canyon I, to strike deep within the enemy-controlled territory. Few of the artillerymen of A Battery, part of the 23rd (Americal) Infantry Division (23 ID), had any recent experience with an airlift of this sort. Compounding the apprehension felt by Spc. 4 Grey and his comrades was the fact that the offensive operation came as a total surprise. With Vietnamization well underway and American troops being withdrawn, an assault by U.S. forces at Kham Duc seemed extraordinary indeed. And, as the 1-82 lifted off from the Tam Ky airstrip, Grey couldnt help but recall what he had been told about Kham Duc when he first arrived at the Americals reception center seven months earlier: We would never have to worry about that place anymore. When the men of the 1-82 flew over Kham Duc that afternoon, they could see the craters from the B-52 strikes and the abandoned wreckage of aircraft, vehicles and artillery still strewn about the airstrip, eerie remnants of the earlier ill-fated U.S. occupation there. The harried evacuation on May 12, 1968, came under an intense hail of mortars from the advancing NVA, as nearly 1,500 South Vietnamese and U.S. troops struggled to hold on to the U.S. Special Forces camp and airfield. First established as a South Vietnamese regimental frontier post and used by Special Forces beginning in September 1963, by May 1968 more than 1,000 Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) troops were stationed therealong with their families and advisers from the 5th Special Forces Group. The evacuation devolved into near panic as desperate civilians and troops mobbed the runway to scramble aboard Chinooks, C-130s and C-123s, which were struggling through heavy anti-aircraft fire. One C-130 was shot down as it took off, killing all on board, and another was destroyed by enemy fire while it was on the airstrip. Several helicopters were hit and exploded. One of the Chinooks crashed on the runway and had to be bulldozed to the side to keep the airstrip open. The last of the camps defenders was finally rescued just minutes before NVA riflemen overran the airfield. Out of the more than 1,500 Americans and South Vietnamese at Kham Duc that day, 259 were killed. Left behind, among the burning wreckage of two transports and several choppers and artillery pieces, were a number of fallen and missing soldiers. With the defeat at Kham Duc in 1968, which came just two days after its patrol base at Ngok Tavak fell to the NVA, the United States had lost its last two border surveillance camps in I Corps, leaving the region vulnerable to further Communist infiltration from Laos. Now, in 1970, the war was in a different phase, and the U.S. mission was to try to destabilize the enemy and give the ARVN a chance to survive. In May and June, during the incursion into Cambodia, raids had destroyed NVA base areas, netted 23,000 enemy weapons, 2,500 mortars, machine guns and artillery pieces, 16.7 million rounds of small-arms ammunition and 7,000 tons of rice. American intelligence now believed that the NVA and VC were using Kham Duc to facilitate attacks from Laos against the populated coastal areas. The U.S. forces were to retake the Kham Duc airfield and use it as a base for search and destroy operations to neutralize NVA/VC in the area. Elk Canyon I started at 0730 hours when the ARVN 1st Battalion, 6th Regiment, was airlifted to LZ Kala, a clearing that had been blasted out of the jungle by U.S. Air Force bombers just northeast of Kham Duc. Its mission was to secure the high ground overlooking the airfield and camp. The LZ was cold when the choppers touched down, but as soon as the infantrymen started to disperse on foot to the surrounding hilltops they began taking mortar and small-arms fire. With the help of U.S. airstrikes, however, they quickly overcame this resistance and secured the high ground. Additional U.S. forces were soon airlifted in, including the same infantry unit that had helped to defend the airfield and camp during the siege two years earlier: the 23 IDs 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry (2-1), 196th Light Infantry Brigade. The 2nd Battalions A and D companies, along with a squad of engineers, a .50-caliber machine gun crew and a single 81mm mortar crew arrived on one of the airlifts. In addition, a forward operational command group, the 2-1s Reconnaissance Platoon, the mortar sections from the 2-1s E Company and more attached engineers were inserted. When Delta Company, 2-1, landed northeast of the airfield, it took several grenade rounds that wounded some of the troops, but U.S. gunships flying cover out of Chu Lai had soon silenced the enemy. On the last airlift with Greys platoon from A Battery, were the 2-1s B and C companies, and another supporting artillery unit: B Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery (1-14 FA). Companies B and C took up defensive positions to form the southern end of the security perimeter around the airstrip. Both the 1-82 FA and the 1-14 FA emplaced their guns on the southeast side of the airfield, close to each other but separated by an open space. Four 105mm howitzers from B/1-14 were also deployed along with three of A/1-82s 155mm towed howitzers. Within 20 minutes of arrival, the two batteries were set up and ready to fire. Other than the grenades that had been launched at Delta and the friendly fire laid down at the LZs by the slicks door gunners, there was hardly another shot fired or any sign of a substantial NVA/VC presence at the U.S. insertion sites. It was a spooky place that had bones all over and destroyed 105mm howitzers and aircraft, said Grey. From the minute they arrived, he and his battery mates were uneasy, feeling restless and on edge, like we were being watched all the time, Grey recalled. By nightfall, all the planned patrol bases for the infantry units were secured, the supporting artillery was in place and the logistics build-up initiated. With the ARVN conducting sweeps in the surrounding hillsides and blocking any NVA movement to or from Laos, the Americans could begin to establish a ring of outpost positions around the airstrip. A staging area for refueling and rearming gunships was set up along the airstrip immediately to the south of the artillery area. Just south of that, the mortars and the Recon Platoon established their perimeter. More than 400 booby traps were found and destroyed as engineers worked to fill gaping bomb craters on the airstrip. In just four daysone day ahead of schedulethe airfield was ready to accept C-123 and C-130s. While the engineers toiled, infantry and support units spent the first few days consolidating security in the area. While they saw an occasional solitary NVA and fired random shots, overall there was little enemy contact in the immediate area of the airstrip. Additional ARVN units were inserted into several LZs west of the initial landing area and closer to Laos to reinforce the western border. During the first weeks of the operation, both artillery batteries answered calls from the infantry for supporting fire and worked on their perimeter, following the artillerys long-standing axiom of always improve your position. They salvaged as much material as they could from the 1968 battlefield and had more material airlifted in, but the best they could manage was a few strands of protective wire with a line of makeshift bunkers behind it. The bunkers were simply shallow holes in the ground with parapets of dirt-filled ammo boxes or sandbags. Corrugated metal culvert sections turned upside down and covered with sandbags formed the overhead cover. The batteries fire missions were mainly called in on suspected NVA locations or enemy logistics sites rather than troops-in-contact missions. One fire mission was targeted on a convoy of elephants that was hauling supplies for the NVA. As search activities increased and spread out in July, there was more enemy contact, mostly from probes and indirect fire attacks coming from the area south and southeast of the airfield along a small stream called the Dak Mi. The troops suspected that the NVA had begun aggressive reconnaissance. On July 19, an eight-man NVA patrol was spotted near the airfield, between the artillery perimeter and the 2-1 Infantrys mortar position. To boost search and recon efforts, four long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) teams from G Company, 75th Infantry, were inserted. The next night and again on July 23, all of the units around the airfield reported movement outside their perimeters. All of 1-2s companies, recon elements and the LRRP teams increased their close-in patrols and the use of sensors to detect movement. Patrols by Alpha Company discovered an M16 and ammunition hidden under some brush on July 25. Two days later, Charlie Companys 2nd Platoon went out on a sensor response mission and came under small-arms fire. Then on August 4, the Recon Platoon got involved in a sharp but short firefight and killed two NVA. It also managed to destroy a newly dug enemy firing pit and seize an 82mm mortar, a rifle and demolitions. In the early morning darkness of August 5, Spc. 4 Grey was on guard duty with a Pfc Terry in a bunker on A Batterys perimeter when they began receiving small-arms and mortar fire at 0415 hours. Were being hit! cried Terry as mortar rounds exploded all around them. Minutes later Company A and the Recon Platoon to the north and south of the artillery position also began to take mortar rounds, preventing them from supporting the artillery. Grey and others along the perimeter began to spray the perimeter wire with their M-60s and M-16s as soon as the mortar fire started. Along the wide gap between Greys position and the guard bunker next to him, manned by Spc. 4 Robert Velasquez and Pfc David Malone, NVA sapper teams began to work their way through the wire barriers. In seconds, a grenade hit Velasquez and then a satchel charge thrown from in front of the bunker exploded in Velasquezs face, causing him massive head wounds and blowing off a part of Malones ear. After striking the guard bunker, one of the sappers found cover in a nearby half-finished bunker while the remaining dozen or so scrambled toward a gun pit commanded by Sergeant Mike Ruibal. Bill Chace, a private first class in Ruibals section nicknamed Gramps because he was older than the average soldier, had just drifted off to sleep in a small makeshift bunker in the gun pit about 20 feet from the artillery piece when all hell broke loose, Chace recalled. I heard someone in the bunker behind me outside the gun pit yelling Gooks in the perimeter wire! Grabbing his M-16, Chace heard a burst of automatic weapons fire from behind him and several explosions coming from his left, and he tried to crawl out of his bunker in the gun pit. Sergeant Ruibal and Randy Fleetwood, the section gunner, were in their bunker near Chace when Fleetwood spotted at least four sappers crawling toward them. Fleetwood was just about to open fire on them when a blackened arm appeared and threw a satchel charge into the gun pit where Chaces bunker was. I took about two crawls on my hands and knees on my way out of the bunker, when my bunker and duffel bag blew up, said Chace, sending me the rest of the way out. Shaking off the numbness in his body and the ringing in his ears, Chace then grabbed his weapon and crawled to the entrance of the gun pit to fend off the sappers. Sergeant Ruibal saw the satchel charge being thrown into the gun pit, and he stood up on top of his bunker to try to shoot the sapper who threw it. While he was firing, the sapper in the half-built bunker shot Ruibal several times with his AK-47. Chace could hear someone moaning close by, but it wasnt until daylight that he learned it was Ruibal, who had taken nine AK rounds to his abdomen and legs. Just then, several illumination flares went up and Chace could see about half a dozen grayish-black stick figures nearby. It was as if they knew exactly where we were, said Chace. He fired several quick bursts, and then other defenders around him started firing. As the flares faded out, I saw several sappers drop, he said. More flares shot up from Chaces right as he was surrounded by the blasts of small-arms and mortar fire. Meanwhile, Fleetwood, wounded and stunned from the explosion of the satchel charge in the gun pit, made his way to a nearby bunker where Grey was firing toward the perimeter wire. Because his M-16 had been damaged, Fleetwood grabbed one from a soldier who was using an M-79 grenade launcher and began firing. In the nearby darkness, Monte Forrest, Daniel Hankins, Bob McFee, Tony Torres, John Spoon and many other A Battery soldiers struggled to repulse the attack. One of the batterys cooks, Lawrence Carreras, fired hand flares from the mess area and from a second gun pit to help illuminate the area. The lead sappers, armed with AK-47s, RPGs and hand grenades, worked their way over to the gun pit and blasted it, injuring Carreras and killing Forrest. Though wounded, Carreras managed to fire his M-16 and kill the sapper in the half-finished bunker who had wounded Ruibal. As the sappers moved deeper into the batterys position in the direction of the airstrip, they approached the medics bunker. In the open nearby was the batterys medic, Dave Denna. As he was treating a wounded comrade, one of the sappers strode up to Denna, shooting him in the head and killing him instantly. Meanwhile, the 155mm howitzer in the third gun position, the most northern of the three, was nearly destroyed when an RPG round or a satchel charge blew off the sight and its mount and damaged the breech. The men of A Battery were not alone in the fight. The nearby 105mm howitzers of the 1-14 FA, just north of the 1-82, began firing deadly Beehive antipersonnel rounds. Grey and Chace recalled watching one sapper simply disappear as he was hit by a wave of flechettes from a Beehive, and another sapper shot out of a tree. As well as pounding suspected NVA mortar positions with high-explosive rounds, the 2-1s 81mm mortars began firing illumination rounds. As the artificial light swept over the area, it forced several sappers to take cover under one of the batterys 5-ton trucks near the southernmost gun pit. Dave Bewley, serving in a counter-mortar radar unit attached to the mortars of 2-1 Infantry, was a short distance away from A Battery. When the attack began, he had managed to get his radar unit on line and was able to direct counter-mortar fire against one tube. Then, yelling for his crew to take over, he grabbed the stretcher he had been using as a cot from the top of his units bunker and ran to the A Battery area. After using his stretcher to help with the wounded, Bewley worked his way over to one of the gun pits, where he knew that some sappers had crawled under a 5-ton truck. He then passed his M-16 to an A Battery soldier and grabbed a flashlight, which he used to help illuminate and target the sappers. While Bewley trained the light beam on the sappers hiding under the truck, several of the artillerymen opened up with their M-16s and M-60s, killing all of them. At sunup the next morning, A Battery found 14 dead sappers inside the perimeter. A sweep by the infantry outside the wire revealed eight more bodies along with a number of packs, weapons and ammunition, including three RPG launchers, 50 grenades, 200 pounds of PETN high explosives and two AK-47s. Bob Forester spent most of the night of the attack helping to medevac the wounded and dispose of the NVA. He wore sandbags over his hands in place of gloves as he and others removed the bodies of the sappers and placed them in an old bomb crater for burial. Bewley and others helped to load Velasquez aboard the Dustoff chopper, but Velasquez died shortly afterward. Following daybreak, Bewley returned to his radar site and found the two soldiers he had left to operate the unit. They had refused to come out of their bunker during the attack, too frightened to fight. It was only when Chace went to the aid station after sunrise that he realized he had shrapnel wounds in the back of one leg and in his back and buttocks, as well as a sprained knee. He was one of the last to be medevaced. Malone and Carreras were treated for their injuries and quickly recovered. Fleetwood took over as the acting gun chief, temporarily replacing the injured Sergeant Ruibal, until the battery returned to its home at Fire Base Fat City, south of Tam Ky. Andrew Greys morning after the attack was spent cleaning up the guard bunker where his buddy Velasquez had been hit. Nothing could compare to the anguish he now felt, finding the bodies of some of his closest friends and comrades and washing away their blood. As he did his grim work, he felt the anger rising. I thought about avenging Monte Forrest and Robert Velasquezs deaths, Grey said. I wanted at least 10 NVA killed for each of them. Operation Elk Canyon I ended 21 days later on August 26. Alpha Battery continued to provide fire support until the end of the operation, when it moved to LZ Judy, and its artillery fire was credited with 16 NVA killed. The overall results of the operation were described in one official report as indifferent. Sixty-six NVA had been killed in the operation, and one was captured. A disappointing amount of weapons and supplies were captured, including a large number of bicycles. Five Americans died in the action. For the GIs who were missing in action after the 1968 Kham Duc siege, the U.S. occupation during Operation Elk Canyon I allowed search and rescue teams to recover the remains of five of them. For A Battery, 1-82 FA, caught in the sapper and mortar attack, August 5, 1970, yielded the batterys worst single-event casualty total in its four-year deployment in Vietnam. Three of its artillerymen had been killed and 14 were wounded. As a result of this action, three members of A Battery received the Silver Star, nine were awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device and two received the Army Commendation Medal with V Device. On August 26 came the final tragic act of Operation Elk Canyonperhaps a fitting coda for the ill-fated place called Kham Duc. A CH-47, on the last lift transporting 25 infantrymen and two artillerymen out of the base to LZ Judy, was hit by enemy ground fire as it hovered, preparing to land. The chopper crashed just off the LZ, killing all 30 GIs on board and one on the ground, and injuring eight. Those dead and wounded were never included in Elk Canyons official casualty count. Ronald Griffin served as a gun section chief with Battery A, 1-82nd Field Artillery. He writes from Oshkosh, Wisc. For additional reading see Vietnam Firebases 1965-73, by Randy E.M. Foster and Peter Dennis, and Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery, by David E. Ott. Originally published in the June 2009 issue of Vietnam Magazine. To subscribe, click here. In the closing days of World War I U.S. commanders tangled their forces in a costly race toward a pointless objective The monument rises from a hillside on the west bank of Frances Meuse River, overlooking the town of Sedan less than a mile downriver on the opposite bank. Placed after World War I by the Society of the 1st Infantry Division, it marks the spot of the forward-most U.S. advance during the offensive that ended the war and is intended to commemorate a great American feat of arms. What became known as the Race to Sedan was anything but. In fact, it was among the worst blunders of the war by senior U.S. commanders. The 1st Division had no business being where it was, and far too many American soldiers paid the price for what was little more than a naked glory grab of dubious tactical or operational value. The Meuse-Argonne offensive started on Sept. 26, 1918, as a combined Franco-American operation. Its objective was the vital German rail junction at Mezieres, a dozen miles north of Sedan and more than 50 miles from the line of departurea huge distance by World War I standards. Attacking north from just west of Verdun, the U.S. First Army had the Meuse River on its right flank. Three American corps extended some 20 miles to the east through the Argonne Forest. The French Fourth Army, commanded by Gen. Henri Gouraud, was on the American left flank. Initially, Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), was dual-hatted as the First Army commander. Two weeks into the battle the U.S. Second Army was activated on the opposite bank of the Meuse, and Pershing ceded command of the First Army to Lt. Gen. Hunter Liggett. Pershing remained the AEF commander, which by then was officially an army group independent of European command. The American attack through the densely wooded and hilly Argonne bogged down almost from the start. The Germans had occupied the sector for nearly four years and were masters of defensive warfare. Their overall defensive zone was called the Hindenburg Line, which in the Argonne sector comprised three deeply echeloned and heavily fortified lines, each comprising three or more mutually supporting trench lines. The Germans had almost every inch of ground mined, wired and covered by interlocking machine gun fire. Every piece of high ground was a strongpoint, supported by artillery and trench mortars. Pershing expected his troops to advance 8 miles on the first day and reach the second German line, known as the Kriemhilde Position. But the maximum advance at any point on that day was 5 miles. American tactics only made things worse. Pershing was the brilliant organizer of the AEF, but he did not understand the kind of war he was fighting. Prior to his arrival in France he had significant personal combat experience, but it was all low-intensity and frontier fighting, in no way comparable to historys first modern industrialized war. The Americans came late into the conflict, and Pershing was infused with a deep belief in American exceptionalism and an unstinting faith in superior U.S. marksmanship. Ignoring the experiences of the previous three years, he believed the tired and dispirited enemy soldiers hunkered down in their trenches could never stand up to the fresh and robust American Doughboys. Accordingly, he discounted the effects of weapons like machine guns, trench mortars and artillery. Pershings overriding doctrine was open warfare, which all too often meant relentless frontal attacks. Within the first year of the war the other Allies had learned the hard way the cult of the offensive did not work on the modern battlefield. Command and staff experience was the American Achilles heel. Most of the U.S. division and corps commanders had never led anything larger than a battalion under fire. Not since the Civil War had staff officers been required to plan and coordinate an operation so large, and warfare had become far more complex a business. The Americans were being forced to climb a very steep learning curve, very fast. The French, Germans and, to an even greater extent, the British had all gone through a similar process at the outset of the war, but by September 1918 those armies had been at it for four years. Logistics was a particular nightmare for the Americans. Each corps had only a single main supply route leading into the forest, each of which was little better than an unimproved dirt road. Miles-long traffic jams made it almost impossible for rations, ammunition and supporting artillery to get forward and for the wounded to get back. During a visit to the front lines on September 29, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceaus limousine got bogged down in an immense jam in the middle of the forest as he approached the American front lines, stranding him for hours. Infuriated, Clemenceau fired off a note to Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the Allied supreme commander, calling for Pershings dismissal and demanding U.S. President Woodrow Wilson be informed of the AEF commanders incompetence. It was not the first time Pershing and Clemenceau had clashed, and it would not be the last. British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and British Expeditionary Force commander Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig also thought Pershing should be sacked. Since September 1917 Pershing had resisted all efforts to attach the arriving American battalions and regiments to French and British divisions for advanced training. Pershing steadfastly refused on the grounds that his command mandate from Wilson made it clear the American forces were to fight as an independent army and not serve as fillers for the Allies. Pershing also did not want his fresh and spirited troops contaminated with what he considered mistaken European notions of trench warfare. The Allied leaders were confounded by what they perceived as Pershings megalomania, while he in turn believed they sought to minimize the American contribution to the final victory over Germany. If General Pershing continues along his current path, Clemenceau wrote in early October, he is risking a disaster. Days later Lloyd George criticized Pershing as most difficult, and the First Army as quite ineffective. Pershings rapport with his fellow Allied military commanders was not much better. His relationship with Foch was icy at best; Pershing regarded the Allied supreme commander as haughty, Napoleonic and moderately conceited. The American commanders relations with French army commander Philippe Petain were a little better, although Petain was also quite critical of the U.S. performance in the Argonne. Back on April 24 Gen. Sir Henry Wilson, the British chief of the Imperial General Staff, had confided to his diary he considered Pershing so stupid, so narrow, so pigheaded. Following a meeting a week later Haig had written in his own diary, I thought Pershing very obstinate and stupid. After five weeks of bloody and brutal fighting the Americans finally broke through the Kriemhelde Position, having advanced some 13 miles. On the night of November 1 the Germans withdrew to their last line, the only partially completed Freya Position. By the following day, however, they were in full retreat. Their intent was to break contact with the Allies in order to establish a new defensive line running from Antwerp to the Meuse. The Americans pursued, advancing some 17 miles between November 2 and 7. Pershing had finally secured his long dreamed-of open warfare. The town of Sedan lay a dozen miles southeast of the main objective of Mezieres. Sedan loomed large in the French national psyche. It was there in battle on Sept. 2, 1870, Emperor Napoleon III surrendered to Prussian King Wilhelm I during the Franco-Prussian War. In the aftermath of that war Wilhelm became the first emperor of a united Germany, and France lost the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany. France wanted revenge for 1870, and the boundary between the French and the AEF swung just to the south of Sedan, placing the town well within the French zone. But after the American breakout on November 1, the French had trouble keeping up on the left flank. With his own troops closing on Sedan faster than Gourauds, Pershing saw an opportunity to vindicate both the AEFs role in the offensive and his open warfare doctrine. On the morning of November 3 he met with Gen. Paul Maistre, the commander of the French Central Army Group and Gourauds superior. Maistre reluctantly agreed the rail line between Mezieres and Sedan was of such importance the Americans should take the town if the French Fourth Army continued to lag. At that point the 42nd Division on the American left flank was the closest to Sedan, and the 77th Division next on the right, the two comprising I Corps. On the 77th Divisions immediate right was V Corps 1st Division. At 4:30 in the afternoon on November 5 Brig. Gen. Fox Conner, the AEF operations officer, showed up at the field office of Colonel George C. Marshall, operations officer of the First Army. Conner handed Marshall a draft message: General Pershing desires that the honor of entering Sedan should fall to the First American Army. He has every confidence that the troops of the I Corps, assisted on their right by the V Corps, will enable him to realize this desire. In transmitting the foregoing message, your attention is invited to the favorable opportunity now existing for pressing our advantage throughout the night. Marshall was reluctant to issue the order immediately, as neither Gen. Liggett, the First Army commander, nor his chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Hugh Drum, were at headquarters. Marshall finally agreed to release the order if neither returned by 6 p.m. Conner left for AEF headquarters at 5:30, and Drum returned shortly thereafter. After reviewing the message, Drum added a final sentence to the second paragraph: Boundaries will not be considered binding. The message went out. Liggett did not even learn of the order until about noon on November 7. What Drums added last sentence meant was that the boundary between the U.S. First Army and lagging French Fourth Army would not be binding. Some U.S. commanders, however, assumed the AEFs own divisional and corps boundaries would also not be binding. Unit boundaries that define tactical areas of responsibility are the most fundamental and important of all standard operational control measures. The order was a recipe for disaster. When V Corps commander Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall got the directive, he apparently concluded that rather than assisting I Corps on its right, as the first paragraph of the order specified, V Corps had carte blanche to lunge straight for Sedan. Summerall handed a copy of the directive to Brig. Gen. Frank Parker, commander of the 1st Division, and told Parker that while he could not give detailed orders for the execution of the directive, he expected Parker to be in Sedan the next morning. I understand, sir, Parker replied. I will now give my orders. The confusion only spread. In his World War I memoirs Marshall states, It developed afterwards that General Pershing, in person, had given instructions to General [Joseph] Dickman of the I Corps about 5 oclock that afternoon to advance directly on Sedan. If so, those instructions preceded Summeralls distribution of the directive to his divisional commanders. In his memoirs Pershing says nothing about such orders to Dickman. Still unaware of the November 5 directive, Liggett intended to wheel the First Army to the east and coordinate with the Second Army, which was gearing up operations on the other side of the Meuse. On November 6, however, Parkerbelieving he was following both Pershings directive and Summeralls ordersturned the 1st Division to the west and sent his tired troops on a forced march directly across the front of the 77th Division and deep into the sector of the 42nd Division. Utter chaos ensued. With friendly troops to their front, the two I Corps divisions were forced to stop moving and firing. As the 1st Division continued to drive forward through the night of the 6th, U.S. troops shot at each other in the dark. But friendly fire was only one of the 1st Divisions problems. During the entire maneuver the divisions right flank was wholly exposed to German fire from the far side of the Marne. Meanwhile, the lead elements of the 77th Division reached the Marne about 3 miles southeast of Sedan on the 7th, only to be cut off by the 1st Division advancing across their rear. By that time the French Fourth Army had pretty well caught up with the Americans, but the 42nd Division had shifted left into their sector, confounding the French operations. The 1st and 42nd Divisions then engaged in a race to reach Sedan before the French. In one of the more absurd episodes of the entire fiasco 1st Division soldiers temporarily captured at gunpoint Brig. Gen. Douglas MacArthur of the 42nd Division. Due to the latters penchant for flamboyant uniforms and insistence on wearing a peaked cap in combat instead of a helmet, an overeager lieutenant of the Big Red One mistook the commander of the 84th Infantry Brigade for a German officer. More tragic than absurd was the number of casualties (80 killed and 503 wounded) the 1st Division sustained that November 6 and 7 in what Liggett later decried as a tactical atrocity. Had the depleted German forces been in better position to respond, the toll might have been far greater. There was no justification for such a reckless maneuver, especially one that violated the most fundamental principles of tactics. By November 1918 the Germans were all but beaten. Everyone knew it, especially the Germans. Prince Maximilian of Baden, Germanys new chancellor, had been exchanging peace feelers with the Allies since mid-October. On the northern end of the Western Front the Germans were reeling under the relentless hammering of British and French offensives. Certainly, there was a need to maintain steady military pressure on the Germans all along the line until they finally threw in the towel, but there was no strategic or operational advantage to securing Sedan itself. A desire for acclaim and praise drove that raceone that went unfinished. When the Armistice went into effect on November 11, Sedan remained in German hands. Many American generals at the time believed Summerall should have been court-martialed, but Pershing downplayed the whole affair as a misunderstanding. In the first place, there was the question of his own responsibility for the mess. Second, although Pershing was notorious for firing National Guard generals at the drop of a hat, he had a reputation for going easy on regular Army generals, especially fellow West Pointers like Summerall. In his World War I memoirs, Pershing praised the soldiers of the Big Red One even while admitting the race to Sedan never should have happened: The troops of the 1st Division carried out this unnecessary forced march in fine spirit despite their tired condition. He made no mention of the casualty count. The American commander also tacitly laid the blame at Summeralls feet: Under normal conditions the action of the officer or officers responsible for this movement of the 1st Division directly across the zones of action of two other divisions could not have been overlooked, but the splendid record of that unit and the approach of the end of hostilities suggested leniency. In his own posthumously published memoirs Summerall wrote that when he told Parker to be in Sedan the next morning, he assumed Parker would do so by first crossing the Meuse from his present position 7 miles southwest of Sedan and then advancing on the town from the far bank. Summerall said he was amazed to learn Parker had started moving laterally across the sectors of the adjacent American divisions rather than crossing the river first. The implication in Pershings memoirs infuriated Summerall, who had just retired as Army chief of staff and was about to assume the presidency of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. He reportedly prepared a rebuttal, accusing Pershing of disloyalty, but friends talked him out of releasing it to the press. The animosities resulting from the race to Sedan continued to ripple through the senior ranks of the U.S. Army during the interwar years. Four of the six chiefs of staff of the Army during that periodPershing, Summerall, MacArthur and Marshallhad been involved in the November 67 fiasco to one degree or another. The ultimate price, however, was paid by those soldiers killed or missing whose names are inscribed in bronze on the 1st Division monument still standing just shy of Sedan. David T. Zabecki is HistoryNets chief military historian. For further reading he recommends The American Army in France, 19171919, by James G. Harbord; My Experiences in the World War, by John J. Pershing; and The Way of Duty, Honor, Country, by Charles Pelot Summerall. Disjointed and dysfunctional, the application of American air power was severely hobbled by competing objectives and outdated thinking. Joint warfare, or jointness, is accepted by all the U.S. services today as desirable and necessary for success in modern war, but that has not always been the case. With the advent of air power, such coordination became ever more crucial, but achieving it remained elusive. There were many reasons for Americas defeat in Vietnam, but it is clear the lack of air jointness was a significant contributing factor. Ultimately, the recognition of this failure was one lessons from the war that was indeed learned and put to use. The problems in the air war over Vietnam began with different military service cultures leading to arguments over strategy, made the more unwieldy by a complicated and dysfunctional air command and control system. Air, land and sea warfare are fundamentally different things. Soldiers, sailors and airmen think differently regarding the nature of war, the objectives and the strategies to be followed. This was clearly the case during the Vietnam War. The U.S. Armys doctrine states that the main objective of surface operations is to close with the enemy and to decisively defeat him in battle. In the soldiers culture, boots on the ground and the occupation of territory are crucial to success. This view shapes the strategy of ground officers; they assume a ground battle is necessary for victory, and therefore their plans build toward such an event. Sailors think otherwise. It is difficult if not impossible for a navy to come to grips with enemy ground forces and destroy them. Instead, sea power is traditionally a form of economic warfarethe objective of surface navies is to gain control of the seas and prevent enemy naval activity or trading, to blockade an enemy and slowly strangle its economy. Whether land- or sea-based, airmen believe that air power can bypass the deadly land battle favored by armies and strike directly at an enemys centers of gravity. This is similar to the economic warfare of a navy, but is more direct and immediate. In Vietnam, these very different views of the nature of war and strategy were at work, competing with one another. The roots of jointess go back to World War II. Before then there had been little cooperation between the U.S. services for the simple reason that it was usually unnecessary. But a global war against powerful enemies meant the services would have to work together. Besides, the advent of air power made cooperation essential because airplanes could fly over land and sea, and both armies and navies realized that air power was pivotal to their success. Thus, the services insisted on controlling their own air assets to accomplish their own missions, and this led to inevitable conflicts over resources, priorities, training and targeting. As a result, theater commands were established, some led by soldiers, some by sailors and a few by airmen. The theater commands were joint units with elements from all services working together. In the Pacific, however, there was also rivalry, as there were two major theaters, one commanded by a soldier, General Douglas MacArthur, and the other by a sailor, Admiral Chester Nimitz. While these two commanders did not always get along, it was in reality of little concern because the overwhelming U.S. power made victory inevitable. Korea also presented problems. MacArthur was still around, but this time he was unquestionably in chargethere was no divided command in the western Pacific. In the air war, however, there was still little cooperation between Air Force, Navy and Marine air units. Although some pushed for an Air Component Commander, this was never established. Instead, the various air arms were expected to coordinate their efforts to avoid fratricide and provide unity of effort. This inefficient, poor command-and-control model was allowed to persist into the Vietnam War. At the beginning of the war in Vietnam, the Navy claimed overall responsibility because it fell within its geographic command areathe Pacificso the admiral at Pacific Command (PACOM) in Hawaii remained in charge. The Army sought to have its commander in SaigonCommander, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (COMUSMACV) run the war. This remained an area of tension throughout the war. Because sailors and soldiers think differently about war and strategy, there were inevitable disagreements between the general in Saigon and the admiral 6,300 miles away in Hawaii. In addition, politicians in Washington, as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), attempted to run the war from halfway around the world. Political leaders took a more direct role in military strategy, and even tactics, than had ever been the case previously, leading to tension between civilians and military commanders. As had been the case in Korea, command and control in Vietnam was a major problem because there was no Air Component Commander to ensure unity of command. In late 1964 and early 1965, the Viet Cong attacked U.S. bases at Pleiku and Bien Hoa, killing 12 American military personnel, wounding 200 others and destroying or damaging more than 35 aircraft. President Lyndon B. Johnson decided that some type of response was necessary and air power was chosen because it was seen as the least politically risky. An invasion of North Vietnam, favored by the Army, might bring China into the war as had happened when U.S. troops ventured too close to the Chinese border in Korea in October 1950. The air campaign that Johnson and his advisers decided upon was coined Rolling Thunder, and it would last from March 1965 until November 1968. From the outset, the critical players in the U.S. war effort saw the air campaigns objectives in several different lights. President Johnson viewed the purpose of the retaliatory airstrikes against North Vietnam in political terms: I saw our bombs as my political resources for negotiating a peace. On the one hand, our planes and our bombs could be used as carrots for the South, strengthening the morale of the South Vietnamese and pushing them to clean up their corrupt house, by demonstrating the depth of our commitment. On the other hand, our bombs could be used as sticks against the North, pressuring North Vietnam to stop its aggression against the South. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, by contrast, wanted the bombing first, To give us a better bargaining counter across the table from the North Vietnamese and, second, to interdict the flow of men and supplies from the North to the South. The National Security Council, in its memorandum to the JCS on November 10, 1964, described the bombing as a stopgap operation to buy time: To hold the situation together as long as possible, so that we have time to strengthen other areas of Asia. The JCS Chairman at the time, General Maxwell Taylor, envisioned airstrikes as A slow but inexorable barrage of air attacks advancing to the north, capable of convincing the Hanoi government that everything in the Hanoi area was going to be destroyed unless the leaders mended their ways. The PACOM commander, Admiral U.S. Grant Sharp, viewed the war in terms broader than just Vietnam: To cause the DRV [North Vietnam] to cease and desist in its support of the insurgency in Southeast Asia. Given the differing views of key leaders, what were the objectives that Rolling Thunder was expected to achieve? Different objectives required totally different types of air campaigns, and these would call for different aircraft, weapons and targets. Several proposals were put forward for the campaign. The first, usually termed the Air Force proposal even though it was a joint plan, listed 94 key industrial and transportation targets in North Vietnam such as electrical power plants, armaments factories and bridges. The intent was to neutralize all of these targets very quicklywithin 16 days. It was believed that a rapid air campaign would deliver a psychological as well as a physical blow to the enemy. The JCS plan also envisioned the mining of Haiphong Harbor and the blockade of the coast, as well as the introduction of American ground troops into South Vietnam to combat the insurgency. The objective of this plan was to damage both the enemys capability and his will. The Army believed that the war could only be won in the South, so its expectation for the air campaign was to isolate the battlefield. In this concept, Rolling Thunder would be an interdiction campaign of constant, heavy pressure over a long period of timerather than the quick and sharp attacks of the Air Force plan. The objective was the enemys capabilityit didnt matter about his will. If supplies and reinforcements headed south could be stopped by airstrikes, then the Viet Cong and those North Vietnamese Army units in South Vietnam could be defeated by American, South Vietnamese and allied ground troops. These different service views on war resulted in contradictory military strategies. What was actually adopted was dubbed the civilian plan because it came from an all-civilian executive group. The objective of this approach was to influence the will of the enemys leadership by coercing him into negotiations and concessions. The idea was to send a signal with the bombingcertain behaviors were acceptable, while others were not. The United States would bomb only somewhat important targets initially, while holding more valuable targets as hostages. This would signal to the enemy that we would gradually increase pressure until it became unbearable for him. Therefore, the logical thing for him to do was to concede before he was strangled. The intent was to choke the enemy gradually, letting up when he was good, and increasing pressure when he was bad. The metaphor generally used to describe this concept was a ratchet. The gradually escalating air campaign of Rolling Thunder actually unfolded from the panhandle region of North Vietnam and, over a period of several months, moved north. This slow and deliberate pace was intended to give the North Vietnamese the opportunity to submit to U.S. will. Instead, it actually allowed them to prepare a better defense and to grow accustomed to the airstrikes. The choice of targets to be hit in Rolling Thunder was another ongoing source of friction. Although airmen in Vietnam and Hawaii nominated targets, those that were actually approved emerged from an all-civilian committee that met weekly in the White House, consisting of Johnson, McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy, the head of the CIA and a few others. None of these men had any real experience with air warfare, although Walt Rostow, Bundys deputy who sometimes attended, thought he knew something about air operations based on his experiences as a World War II target planner. After two years of urging, an infantrymanGeneral Earle Wheeler, who followed Taylor as chairman of the JCSwas allowed to join these meetings and give what was presumably the air point of view. Given the differing perspectives on the war and the air campaign between soldiers and airmen, however, this proved to be an unsatisfying solution for the Air Force. Disagreements over the fundamental purpose of Rolling Thunder, in large part a result of unique service views of war, led to a schizophrenic air campaign. Command and control of all the allied air assets employed in the Vietnam War was also a major problem. Rejecting the concept of air unity of command, North Vietnam was divided into geographic areas. These route packs were split between the Air Force and Navy/Marines, and inside them the services carried on their own wars, largely independent of each other. The United States had two tactical air forces that fought in Vietnam: the Seventh, headquartered in Saigon, and the Thirteenth, based in the Philippines. Aircraft based in South Vietnam were controlled by Seventh Air Force and were usually not allowed to strike targets in Laos. Aircraft stationed in Thailand were controlled by Thirteenth Air Force, but they were generally not permitted to hit targets in South Vietnam. When either air force flew into North Vietnam, PACOM in Hawaii determined the targets. When targets were struck in South Vietnam, the Army staff in Saigon chose them. There were two different air command posts in Saigonone termed in-country for strikes occurring in South Vietnam, and the other called out-country for strikes against the North or in Laos. Thus, from one day to the next, aircraft could fly against targets in three different countries, be controlled by two different agencies and receive targets from two other agencies. It was extremely confusing. The president and his civilian advisers in Washington would tell the secretary of defense what the targets would be in North Vietnam. These would be passed through the Joint Chiefs to PACOM, who would then dole them out to either Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) or the Pacific Fleetboth also headquartered in Hawaiiwhich would then relay them to operational units in Vietnam or offshore. The various air components were expected to coordinate their efforts through an Air Coordinating Committee. The number of sorties flown in each route packa number that was rigidly controlled from Washingtonwas not always seen as fair. The PACOM commander tended to give more missions to the Navy, but these were seen as safer because they generally involved coastal targetswhich meant the planes did not have to penetrate as deeply into enemy airspace and face as many surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery as did the Air Force planes. This seeming inequitymore imagined than real since there were no easy targets in North Vietnamwas an ongoing source of irritation to Air Force pilots. For targets in the South, COMUSMACV would pass targets to the air components working for himthe Air Force, Army and Marines. Again, there was little or no coordination between these three air arms. On top of all this, the South Vietnamese air force had its own command-and-control system largely independent of the United States. The Eighth Air Force was also involved, and it contained the B-52s and KC-135s of Strategic Air Command (SAC). Because these assets needed to be available for the nuclear deterrence mission against the Soviets, SAC refused to relinquish control of them either to PACOM or even to their own airmen at PACAF. These assets were therefore controlled from Offutt AFBin Nebraska through an Eighth Air Force forward headquarters based on Guam. Furthermore, strategic airlifters such as C-141s and C-5s belonged to Military Airlift Command, which was headquartered at Scott AFB in Illinois. Regarded as global assets, they did not come under the control of the theater commanders, either. The foolishness of this situation came to a head during the siege at Khe Sanh in 1968. The main problem was unity of command versus service control over air assets in a specific geographic area. The northern portion of South Vietnamthe I Corps areacontained only U.S. Marine Corps units during the early years of the war. The III Marine Amphibious Force consisted of two ground divisions supported by the 1st Marine Air Wing. Geographic division worked adequately until the fall of 1967 when General William Westmoreland began shifting more U.S. Army forces, South Vietnamese forces and South Korean marines into the I Corps region. Soon, this force grew to the size of a field army, of which the Marine contingent was only one part. However, Marine air supported only the Marine ground forces. The Seventh Air Force was therefore responsible for supplying air to the other ground forces. As things began heating up in the I Corps ground campaign, Westmoreland sought to reorganize for better efficiency. He wanted to appoint a single manager for air to control all air assets in the region, with his air deputy, the head of Seventh Air Force, to be the air commander. The Marines objected. Nonetheless, in January 1968, Westmoreland directed the change as a result of the attack on Khe Sanh earlier that month. The Marine commander in I Corps complained to the commandant of the Marine Corps, and the issue was referred to the JCS. They could not agree either, and so the problem was kicked upstairs to the secretary of defense, who, finally, agreed with Westmoreland on May 15. This was a nasty interservice fight over the control of air assets that all ground commanders agreed were essential to their successand in the case of Khe Sanh, to its defenders very survival. Westmoreland had to worry about all the forces under his command in the I Corps region, not just the Marines. He believed that allowing Marine air assets to support only Marine ground units was inefficient and dangerous. What if those airplanes were needed to support an Army unit that was being overrun? The Marines, however, were adamant about not surrendering control of their planes to the Army or the Air Force because the Marines are, essentially, light infantry units that do not have organic heavy artillery support but instead rely on air power. They were understandably very sensitive about who controlled these essential air assets. There were other problems areas regarding air power throughout the war. MACV in Saigon controlled all targets for airstrikes in South Vietnam and also in Route Pack 1the area just north of the DMZ. Soldiers dominated the MACV staff, which had only a small number of airmen and very few sailors. As a result, airmen had very little say about which targets were to be struck or why. The use of refueling tankers also became an area of friction between the Air Force and the Navy. The Air Force purchased more than 700 KC-135s beginning in the late 1950s for the purpose of supporting its B-52 bombers in the nuclear strike mission. Vietnam showed, however, that fighter planes also needed to be air refueled, not only to deploy to the theater, but also to fly against North Vietnam. Virtually every strike sortie flown by Air Force fighters against North Vietnam required multiple air refuelings by the KC-135s. Although the Navy planned missions so that their route packs and targets were within range of their carriers, there were still instances when Navy airplanes could have used air refueling. The Air Forces reluctance to share the KC-135s was a source of irritation during and long afterthe war. There was one situation in which interservice rivalry was always forgottenwhen an airman went down. Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) was a joint mission that saw all the services selflessly work together. When an aircraft went down, it was common for assets of all servicesair, ground and seato move toward the area and cooperate to rescue the downed airman. When bullets are flying, people tend to forget the color of their uniform and simply work together, out of necessity, to get the job done. Thus, when jointness did occur, it usually took place at the tactical level. At higher levels of command, however, there were continual disagreements over the nature of the war: Was it a conventional war or an insurgency? Was the center of gravity in Hanoi or among the Viet Cong in the South? What was the correct strategy to achieve U.S. objectives? And, of course, what targets should be hit to achieve those objectives? At the tactical level, airmen of all services and countries displayed professionalism and courage. Airmen were adaptive and clever in attempting to achieve their mission, because their lives depended on it. Yet this was a classic example of outstanding tactics being insufficient to overcome a flawed strategy. The use of air power was extremely disjointed during the Vietnam War. Although the targets in North Vietnam were nominated by airmen, civilians with little or no understanding of air powers strengths or its limitations made the ultimate calls. The division of the North into route packs guaranteed that there was little or no coordination between the services over trying to achieve a unified effort against the enemy. If the targets to be hit were in the South, an Army commander in Saigon selected them, and he seldom shared with airmen what effects he hoped to achieve. In the B-52 Arc Light strikes for example, the crews were simply given coordinates to bombthey seldom had any information about the target they were supposed to be hitting. At Khe Sanh, this division in air command posed a serious problem that threatened the lives of forces on the ground, and only a decision by the secretary of defense placed all air assets under the control of a single airman who could best orchestrate the air defense of Khe Sanh. This concept of a single airman in charge, to eliminate redundancy and waste and achieve unity of command, was seldom seen elsewhere in Vietnam. There were major command-and-control problems experienced in air operations during the Vietnam War because there was no centralized control of air assets. As a result, the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, South Vietnameseand even separate parts of the Air Forceoperated under their own systems with little coordination between them. This was a gross violation of the principle of unity of command. Too often the U.S. application of force was fragmented and confused, simply because all the components wanted their air assets working under their control to complete their missions. The joint mission suffered as a result. In the aftermath of the war in Vietnam, the issue was one of the first to be taken up by the new joint doctrine process. It was not, however, an easy journey, and not until 1986more than a decade after the Vietnam War had endeddid joint doctrine finally include a provision for appointing a Joint Force Air Component Commander. Even so, there were still those who resisted, and it took a major war in the Persian Gulf in 1991 to make everyone finally realize that such unity of command was essential. In Desert Storm there were more than 2,000 combat sorties being flown every day by all the U.S. services as well as those of a dozen coalition countries. Unity of command was essential to ensure effective operations and to prevent fratricide. If there is any possible benefit to be gained from failure, it must be to learn from your mistakes. The U.S. military learned from some of its mistakes in Vietnamat least those regarding the command and control of its powerful, multiservice air assets. Phillip S. Meilinger, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 30 years service as a pilot, staff officer and educator, flew C-130s and HC-130s in Europe and the Pacific and was a staff officer in the Pentagon during Desert Storm in 1991. After receiving a Ph.D. in military history, he taught at the Air Force Academy and the Naval War College, was dean of the School of Advanced Airpower Studies and worked as a defense analyst. His latest book is Hubert R. Harmon: Officer, Aviator and Father of the Air Force Academy. Originally published in the June 2009 issue of Vietnam Magazine. To subscribe, click here. Icons and their makers The lasting influence of the Vietnam War cannot be overstated. It remains a touchstone not only for those who fought it and lived through it, but for the generations that have followed. The American experience in Vietnam has profoundly affected four decades of military and political policy. The lessons learned or not learned, the memories that haunt and inspire our current thinking and world. Out of such a monumental time emerge a select number of iconic images and impressions that become burned into our consiousness. Perhaps no single vision, as that of a Huey roaring above the jungle, no sound like the rotor blades of a chopper ripping the air, is more evocative of the war in Vietnam. To those who were on the ground, it remains visceral. It was a helicopter war. But as author David Crosby reveals in our cover story, even though the machines were menacing, they were also extremely vulnerable. It was the men who flew them, taking incredible risks, that created the true legacy, a legacy that lives today in the way wars are fought. A cunning but low-tech enemy, facing a vastly superior technology, devised effective and deadly tactics that had to be countered with equal cunning. As Crosby shows us, it was the innovative genius of the intrepid pilots who took a step beyond courageousthat always found an answer in the ever evolving game of cat and mouse. Another enduring icon of the war was created one chaotic 1968 spring day on a Saigon street. When Eddie Adams snapped his photo of a summary execution of a Viet Cong guerrilla during Tet, he didnt imagine that the single image would help shape the history of the war. Adams was neither soldier nor advocate, but rather a chronicler of the events that transpired around him. In his images, he exposes myriad realities about this war, and any war. In this issue we present a special portfolio of several of Adams extraordinary pictures. Nine of the finest journalists who covered Vietnam have each selected their favorite Adams image, and they eloquently reveal to us how and why it moves them. Another iconic figure, stretching across generations but mostly associated with an earlier era, Jimmy Stewart, had a little-known cameo appearance in Vietnam. As a brigadier general in the Air Force Reserves, Stewarts last combat mission was in a B-52 over Vietnam, and now a story long kicking around in the realm of urban legend, is told here for the first timeHollywood ending and all. Originally published in the August 2009 issue of Vietnam Magazine. To subscribe, click here. Vietnams Shadow Reaches Obama Will February 17, 2009, someday be regarded as a date of great historical import, the starting point of what could be a dangerous road into an unwinnable military conflict? That is the alarm being sounded in light of President Barack Obamas decision to send an additional 17,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. The Vietnam parallels and warnings are plentiful. Prior to the announcement, Newsweeks ominous January 31 cover proclaimed: Obamas Vietnam, and an essay by John Barry and Evan Thomas opened by describing a 2008 interview with Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, the White House military adviser coordinating efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq: We have never been beaten tactically in a fire fight in Afghanistan, Lute said. To even casual students of the Vietnam War, his statement has an eerie echo. One of the iconic exchanges of Vietnam came, some years after the war, between Colonel Harry Summers, a military historian, and a counterpart in the North Vietnamese Army. As Summers recalled it, he said, You never defeated us in the field. To which the NVA officer replied: That may be true. It is also irrelevant. The parallels are disturbing, as Newsweek noted: the president, eager to show his toughness, vows to do what it takes to win. The nation that we are supposedly rescuing is no nation at all but rather a deeply divided, semi-failed state with an incompetent, corrupt government held to be illegitimate by a large portion of its population. The enemy is well accustomed to resisting foreign invaders and can escape into convenient refuges across the border. There are constraints on America striking those sanctuaries. Many, however, are dismissing the comparisons as much too simplistic. After Newsweeks cover story, an Associated Press article reported that the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, cautioned against comparing the Pentagons renewed focus on Afghanistan to the Vietnam War, citing terrorism and a nonoccupation strategy as dramatic differences between the two conflicts. While politicians, historians and commentators will disagree about the extent to which these conflicts are comparable, what is undeniable is the relevance, four decades later, of the Vietnam War experience to the critical decisions of war and peace today. Tonkin Resolution: My worst vote As the 111th Congress convened in January, Michigan Democrat John Dingell became the longest-serving representative in the history of the House. First elected in 1956, Dingell has since cast literally thousands of votes in his 26 terms. In a Detroit News interview, however, Dingell was quick in identifying his worst vote. The worst mistake I ever made was the Gulf of Tonkin vote authorizing the Vietnam War. I went to the floor with the assumption I was going to vote against it. When I got to the well, I got to thinking that the president should be able to conduct the foreign policy of the United States. Lets give him what he wants. It wasnt long before I realized I had made a terrible mistake. That was one of the reasons I suffered so much over George H.W. Bushs vote to go into Iraq after they invaded Kuwait, which was the right thing to do. I voted with him on that. But, Dingell added, I didnt vote with George W. A Sad Milestone Army officials reported in February that suicides among soldiers in 2008 rose for the fourth year in a row, reaching the highest level in nearly three decades. At least 128 soldiers committed suicide in 2008, surpassing the suicide rate in the civilian population for the first time since the Vietnam War. Officials are cautioning that the 2008 count, which includes soldiers serving in the Army Reserve and the National Guard, is actually expected to grow. An additional 15 deaths are still being investigated, and it is believed that the majority of those will ultimately be ruled suicides. After 37 Years, Jane Fondas F.T.A. Antiwar Revue Resurfaces on Film When film documenting a subversive, satirical traveling revue that targeted U.S. troops stationed around the Pacific Rimfeaturing antiwar activist actors Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland and Peter Boylewas first released in 1972, it had a very short run. Its title, F.T.A., is an acronym for either Free the Army or, more likely, a favorite profane soldiers referenceor commandwith regard to the Army. Just as the documentary was released to theaters in the summer of 1972, Fondas infamous trip to North Vietnam and her photograph sitting atop an anti-aircraft gun hit the news. The films distributor quickly yanked it from theatersand it has rarely been seen since, until now. Including a recent interview with Fonda, the newly restored film premiered at New Yorks IFC Center in February prior to its DVD release. F.T.A. chronicles the radical troupes 1971 tour of U.S. military bases in Hawaii, Okinawa and the Philippinesand their efforts to encourage opposition to the war among the troops. Barred from performing on U.S. bases, they played in nearby coffeehouses and other venues. In its 21 engagements, 64,000 servicemen and women reportedly attended. Fonda conceded recently that many of the GIs likely were there to see the sex kitten Jane from the movie Barbarella, not the radical Jane with clenched fist denouncing the war. Along with bawdy skits that take shots at the war and top-brass privilege, and protest songs from the revue, the film includes interviews with individual soldiers about army life, including many black GIs recounting racism and abuse in the service. Transglobe to the Hall of Fame It was a favorite target for Viet Cong guerrillas twice a month as it cruised up the Saigon River to Da Nang, loaded down with American war supplies. Sinking the WWII-vintage SS Transglobe would have been both a militarily significant and a morale-boosting feat for the VC. They never did. In honor of its service in Vietnam and World War II, the ship and its crew were recently inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. During World War II Transglobe was a cargo ship then named Marine Wolf that transported GIs across the North Atlantic, shuttled troops between Britain and France and returned GIs to the U.S. after the war. Renamed Transglobe in 1966, the ship was chartered to shuttle supplies from Okinawa to Da Nang. The ship, with its sandbagged bridge, flak-jacket-wearing crew and heavily armed Marines at bow and stern, would cruise up the Saigon River shadowed by swift boats alongside and helicopters overhead. Even so, the ship took many hits from enemy mortar and rocket fire, but always managed to get through. From 1966 to 1972, Transglobe saw the most action and became the most decorated U.S. merchant vessel of the Vietnam War. The Dover Dilemma During the Persian Gulf War, President George H.W. Bush and his secretary of defense, Dick Cheney, feared that photos and television footage of caskets of dead soldiers being unloaded at Dover Air Force Base would undermine support for the war. Their ban on media at Dover remained through the George W. Bush administration as nearly 5,000 U.S. KIA have been returned through Dover. On February 26, the Obama administration reversed course somewhatannouncing that news organizations can now cover Dover homecomings of war dead if families give permission. The Vietnam experience echoed loudly during the debate about the ban. A February 18 Los Angeles Times opinion piece by Tim Rutten called the restrictive policy: A distortion of one of the so-called lessons of Vietnam. Yes, theres a line of conventional wisdom that says media coverage of the war in Southeast Asia, particularly television, fatally undercut public support for the war. According to that version of events, nightly network news footage of coffins rolling down conveyor belts from Air Force planes at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii pushed popular approval of the war into the basement. Citing Vietnam Magazines founding editor Colonel Harry Summers, Rutten wrote: Summers, who was a career Army officer first, last and always and the furthest thing from sentimental, utterly rejected such an approach. Summers made it clear that Americans did not lose faith in the Vietnam War because they abhor sacrifice, but because they were unwilling to suffer enormous losses in the service of a mistake.As he told an audience in Berkeley in 1996, I think the American public has learned the lessons of the Vietnam War fairly well.And all of the comments made about how we cant stand casualties [are] baloney. 2009 POW/MIA Seminar Schedule The Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) has announced its slate of 2009 family seminars around the country. Specialists travel to various cities each year to meet with MIA family members, address their individual needs and provide new information. Officials will also meet one-on-one with family members. The DPMO also conducts monthly updates and annual briefings for families of American service members who are missing in action, designed to keep their family members informed of the governments worldwide mission to account for MIAs. This years seminars are: March 28: Baltimore April 25: Denver May 30: Walla Walla, Wash. June 27: Nashua, N.H. July 23-25: Washington, D.C. August 29: Minneapolis October 23-24: St. Louis November 21: Jackson, Miss. For more information: www.dtic.mil/dpmo Magnum P.I. Joins VVMF Actor Tom Selleck of Magnum, P.I. fame is now the national spokesman for the campaign to build the Education Center at The Wall. Selleck is a Vietnam-era veteran who served with the 160th Infantry of the California Army National Guard. His role as Thomas Magnum in the 1980s television series is widely regarded as among the first positive portrayals of a Vietnam veteran in broadcast television. Selleck claims a close connection to those who served in Vietnam, and especially to a friend who is remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. At an estimated cost of $75 to $100 million, the Education Center at The Wall will illustrate Americas legacy of service through the lens of the Vietnam War. Nearly $18 million has been raised so far. Selleck and others are filming public service announcements to raise awareness for the project. North Dakotas New Vietnam Veterans Day North Dakotas Senate unanimously approved a bill that sets aside March 29 to honor Vietnam Veterans. The bill, headed to the North Dakota House, needs a two-thirds approval there. A number of states have designated March 29the day the last American forces were withdrawn from Vietnam in 1973as Vietnam Veterans Day. Lt. Gen. Victor Krulak, Marine Legend Lt. Gen. Victor Krulak, who headed all U.S. Marine forces in the Pacific during part of the Vietnam War, died in January at age 95. He famously summed up the Americas challenge in the war by saying, It has no front lines. The battlefield is in the minds of 16 or 17 million people. He commanded 100,000 Marines as the United States dramatically built up its forces in Vietnam in 1964-68. In retirement, he was a critic of the handling of the war, writing that it could have been won only if the South had been protected and befriended and the Norths supply routes cut. The destruction of the port of Haiphong would have changed the whole character of the war, he said after Saigons fall. Ronald Scott Taylor, Que Son Hero A highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who went on to become a lawyer in the U.S. Justice Department, Ronald Scott Taylor, 64, died in January. According to his family, Taylor reportedly died from complications from diabetes stemming from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Taylor served two combat tours in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile and the Military Advisory Command, Vietnam. At the start of Tet in January 1968, Taylors unit was heavily engaged in the Que Son Valley and his platoon was encircled by an NVA regiment that repeatedly tried to overrun it. During a 26-hour fight, 20 of his 50 men were wounded. Taylor was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for rallying his men while constantly exposed to enemy fire as he called in a concentrated ring of some 7,000 rounds of artillery fire. Originally published in the June 2009 issue of Vietnam Magazine. To subscribe, click here. Between the Lines DVD produced by Ty Ponder, Scott Bass and Troy Page, Pure Frustration Productions LLC, narrated by John Milius, 52 minutes, release date April 15, 2009, 29.95. Limited edition companion book from Headline Graphics, $39.95, www.betweenthelinesfilm.com I thought Id heard just about every kind of off-the-wall story about Americans experiences in Vietnam, having written about the war and its veterans for more than three decades. Then, last year, I read Craig Venters memoir A Life Decoded. Thats when I learned that Venterthe internationally renowned scientist who led a team that unveiled the sequencing of the human genome in 2001spent his off hours as a Da Nang Navy Hospital corpsman body surfing, board surfing, sailing and swimming at China Beach. Surfing? Before that, all Id known about surfing in Vietnam came from the memorable helicopter assault scene in Francis Ford Copollas Apocalypse Now. Thats when the insane Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore (Robert Duval) dresses down a young trooper who questions Kilgores order to Lance the Surfer Johnson and other First Cav soldier/surfers to hit the waves in a Viet Conginfested area. You know the scene, the one punctuated by Kilgores iconic line: Charlie dont surf! But Apocalypse Now was a made-up Hollywood movie; Venters story was true. He had pictures to prove it. Which brings us to Between the Lines, the surprisingly enlightening and evocative new documentary film that looks at the Vietnam War primarily through the lives of California surfers Pat Farley and Brant Page. Farley, like Venter, was drafted off his surfboard and sent to Vietnam. He did not see a surfboard in Vietnam, but did see combat at its worst from his first day in the field. Farley today still rides the wild surf in California, but is haunted by what he went through in the war. Page, like hundreds of thousands of others, took measures to avoid serving andin his caseto keep surfing. He moved to Hawaii and lived a vaga bond life for years until the draft caught up with him. Page, who purposely failed his physical, still surfs in Hawaii, and has no regrets today for his draft dodging. The film uses Farley and Pages stories as touchstones to shed light on the wider phenomenon of surfing in the Vietnam War. Filmmakers Ty Ponder, Scott Bass and Troy Page also look at GI lifeguards at the in-country R&R spots (Nha Trang, Vung Tau and China Beach at Cam Ranh Bay) who used their surfboards to save American lives and who encouraged recreating GIs to hit the waves. The film, narrated by John Milius (Apocalypse Now co-writer) makes excellent use of archival footage, including GIs surfing at China Beach and elsewhere in South Vietnam, along with a good deal of present-day interviews. It may focus on surfing, but Between the Lines tells a broader story of the Vietnam Warhow Americas most controversial overseas conflict permanently affected the lives of a generation of men who came of military age from 1965-72. The movie also happens to have a lot of cool shots of guys shooting the curl from California to the South China Sea. And some really boss surfing music. The film has an accompanying 164-page, full-color coffee table book and an extensive Web site. Originally published in the June 2009 issue of Vietnam Magazine. To subscribe, click here. Due to phenomenal demand, Arctic Monkeys have added a second date at 3Arena. The Lemon Twigs will be special guests. Arctic Monkeys will perform their second show on September 25. Arctic Monkeys forthcoming album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino will be released on Friday the 11th of May. Advertisement Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is available to order now via the AM Store Peter Buck and Joseph Arthur have just shared the first track from their exciting joint project. "My first thought was, Hey, Ill get Peter to play acoustic guitar on some of the stuff Im working! Arthur said about the new album entitled Arthur Buck. "So, I started showing him songs. But he was like, Thats cool. Now check this out. And he started playing chords and whatnot. So I put my guitar down and began singing over his changes, and it was magical. It was easy. And these great songs just started popping out. Buck added: It was all new songs, and it was spontaneous. And the great thing about working that way was that it didnt have to be anything in particular. It was liberated from any expectation. It was free. Ten ago, in the pre-ancient DNA "Dark Ages" a big debate raged on about the origin of R1a men in India. The stage had been set even earlier, by the pioneering Eurasian heartland paper which was the first (to my memory) to link M17 with steppe migrations and Indo-Iranians. Yet, there was pushback as the distribution of M17 was better described, and people started using Y-STRs to try to date and place phylogeographically its migrations.The two poles of the debate were the "Out-of-India", which relied primarily on Y-STR based time estimates that seemed very old (even Paleolithic, if one used the wrong mutation rate) in India, and the "Into-India" which thought that the R1a distribution pointed to its being brought into India by the Indo-Aryans in the conventional ~3,500BC time frame of the "Aryan Invasion Theory" (AIT).AIT has been much maligned because it has been received as a Western colonialist imposition on Indian history: a way to claim that Indian civilization was not native but European in origin. Europeans were certainly guilty of misusing AIT: for British colonials it represented a precedent for their colonization of India; for German National Socialists it was evidence for the greatness of the Aryan race and its past expansions eastward. It also played into internal Indian politics, espoused by some as a means of furthering their superiority as either descendants of "Aryan conquerors" or as oppressed victims of the same.The opposing Out-of-India theory is all but dead, although failed theories often have a long half-life, especially if they are espoused for psycho-political reasons. I would argue that Out-of-India was dead for thousands of years before it was conceived, since(which differed from their western "actual" Ethiopians of Africa by their possession of straight rather than curly hair). These were the "Ancestral North Indians" and "Ancestral South Indians" that modern science has revealed. Out-of-India is little more than a nationalistic myth functioning as an antidote to this basic dichotomy, a way to imbue India's diverse citizens with a myth of common origins.Both OIT enthusiasts (who expected copious and abundant R1a in India and its environs since the Paleolithic) and AIT/R1an enthusiasts (who expected to see it come in c. 3,500BC) are bound to be disappointed.Perhaps the R1a Indo-Aryans did come to South Asia in a conventional AIT time frame and they haven't been sampled. Or, maybe they were, indeed, there, but were not R1ans.bioRxiv: doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/292581Vagheesh M Narasimhan, Nick J Patterson et al.The genetic formation of Central and South Asian populations has been unclear because of an absence of ancient DNA. To address this gap, we generated genome-wide data from 362 ancient individuals, including the first from eastern Iran, Turan (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan), Bronze Age Kazakhstan, and South Asia. Our data reveal a complex set of genetic sources that ultimately combined to form the ancestry of South Asians today. We document a southward spread of genetic ancestry from the Eurasian Steppe, correlating with the archaeologically known expansion of pastoralist sites from the Steppe to Turan in the Middle Bronze Age (2300-1500 BCE). These Steppe communities mixed genetically with peoples of the Bactria Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) whom they encountered in Turan (primarily descendants of earlier agriculturalists of Iran), but there is no evidence that the main BMAC population contributed genetically to later South Asians. Instead, Steppe communities integrated farther south throughout the 2nd millennium BCE, and we show that they mixed with a more southern population that we document at multiple sites as outlier individuals exhibiting a distinctive mixture of ancestry related to Iranian agriculturalists and South Asian hunter-gathers. We call this group Indus Periphery because they were found at sites in cultural contact with the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) and along its northern fringe, and also because they were genetically similar to post-IVC groups in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. By co-analyzing ancient DNA and genomic data from diverse present-day South Asians, we show that Indus Periphery-related people are the single most important source of ancestry in South Asia consistent with the idea that the Indus Periphery individuals are providing us with the first direct look at the ancestry of peoples of the IVC and we develop a model for the formation of present-day South Asians in terms of the temporally and geographically proximate sources of Indus Periphery-related, Steppe, and local South Asian hunter-gatherer-related ancestry. Our results show how ancestry from the Steppe genetically linked Europe and South Asia in the Bronze Age, and identifies the populations that almost certainly were responsible for spreading Indo-European languages across much of Eurasia. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. The City Council spent about an hour debating the creation of such a committee on Tuesday. Pittsfield Council Debates Police Oversight, or Advisory, Committee PITTSFIELD, Mass. The City Council agrees with having a citizen's committee to peer into the Police Department. But, it is more a matter of on whose terms. That's how City Council President Peter Marchetti phrased it to help move debate along in the final hours of Tuesday night, as the City Council spent a lengthy amount of time on a petition from resident Craig Gaetani to establish a police oversight committee. The councilors hadn't really disagreed with the principles of such a committee, but rather, whether it should be a new committee created under the Tyer administration or just the filling of a committee started under the Bianchi administration. "I don't know why we would not have some sort of citizen's oversight. It seems to make sense. It is part of checks and balances, other communities have done it and it was successful," Council Vice President John Krol said. Krol said he had a meeting with a group of citizens looking to start a police oversight board, the mayor, the chief of police, and the city solicitor to sort out the workings of such a committee. He said Gaetani's petition was essentially duplicating what is already happening internally. However, the city already has a similar committee. What had begun as the Police Advisory Committee, formed under former Mayor Daniel Bianchi in 2012, had since morphed into a public safety advisory committee. But, Mayor Linda Tyer hasn't filled that roster, making it difficult for the committee to meet regularly. It hasn't met in some time because of difficulties with its make up. "This is an established committee. I feel it should be staffed correctly so it can meet on a regular basis," Ward 4 Councilor Christopher Connell said. The Police Advisory Committee had some success in the three or so years it had been in operations. It was a force advocating for the hiring of a crime analyst position, it worked with Connell and Councilor at Large Melissa Mazzeo to revamp traffic fines, it provided guidance during the feasibility study for the new police station, and it brought together school officials to handle jaywalking at Pittsfield High School, which ultimately led to the donation of a fence. It handled a petition for downtown foot patrols, which helped create the downtown ambassador program. But the group was somewhat hamstrung by a disparity between operational aspects of the department and broader issues. Those members had hoped to be a place for people to go to with complaints and concerns. But Chief Michael Wynn pushed back on topics that would publicly air the department's enforcement operations. Ultimately, the committee was somewhat stuck. It wanted a more active role in the Police Department but was restricted as to what it could and could not discuss. In October 2015, the committee's role was expanded. That expansion broadened the scope to the Public Safety Advisory Committee, which allowed it to take on issues with the Fire Department, Health Department or the likes as well. But that was just a month before Bianchi lost the election. After Tyer took office, the committee was treading water. Three members resigned and three other's terms came to an end. The committee had expanded to 13 and those added spots needed to be filled. By May 2016, the committee determined it needed more direction from the administration. The mayor did sit down with the group and start a conversation as to what its role moving forward would be. But that conversation never moved forward. The group has struggled to get Tyer to make appointments, despite providing the office with names of those interested. As the meetings got more difficult to hold, and as active members dwindled, the committee basically stopped meeting. "The people who were on it did a lot of good. And then there was a change in administration, things got a little sticky, and people went to the wayside," Mazzeo said. In the fall, Igor Greenwald, members of the NAACP, and other citizens started a petition calling for an oversight committee, which Krol says is significantly more targeted in its role than the Public Safety Advisory Group. They have been working internally with the mayor to develop the parameters of the new committee. But Connell and Mazzeo feel that is a backward way to handle the creation of such a group -- especially given the history of the Public Safety Advisory Committee. Mazzeo said the existing committee can certainly be changed to have a slightly different role, as it had done already, and that the development of such committee should come from the council. Councilor Kevin Morandi said those types of meetings should be done publicly. "This needs to be a city committee, not a committee of private individuals behind closed doors. This needs to be out in the open. This needs to be a city committee that looks at this," Morandi said. Ward 1 Councilor Helen Moon responded by saying those conversations simply stem from the petition. She said she was asked to join the effort during a debate at Conte Community School and that the topic was brought to the mayor for a collaborative effort. "We were asked by the citizen to look at a police oversight committee and we reached out to the mayor's office to see what could be possible," Moon said. Krol said that is the natural way many petitions are handled and once the details are fleshed out, it will come to the council. He called it an organic process and one steeped in collaboration. "The ultimate goal is to come before the council to start something that is greater than an advisory commission, an oversight commission. That is the process," Krol said. He later added, "there are internal conversations all the time before the mayor presents something to the council." Ultimately, the councilors didn't do anything with the petition. While they all agree that there should be some type of committee, they can't agree on the steps needed to take to begin discussing the details of the committee's makeup and purview. Southern Vermont Women's Lacrosse Edges MCLA NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The visiting Southern Vermont women's lacrosse team received seven goals from Alex Safford as the Mountaineers held off the MCLA Trailblazers 11-9 in a non league match played in a driving rainstorm. SVC (2-5) came out firing as they quickly moved out to a 5-0 lead over the Trailblazers (1-4). Abigail Landon started the scoring for SVC with a goal at the 26:19 mark for a 1-0 advantage. Safford would then score the next three for the Mountaineers to begin her big night, and when Natalie Rose Canterbury tallied, it was 5-0. The Trailblazers came storming back though as Granito started to assert herself. She won the draw and sprinted down field and got the Trailblazers on the board with 13:08 left in the half. Her goal triggered a 4-0 MCLA run to pull within 5-4. Rachel Green, Mackenzie Cutler, and Brianna Morris all had goals in the spurt. The two teams would trade a pair of goals as the half closed with SVC clinging to a 7-6 lead. The Mountaineers extended the margin in the second half to 9-6 as Safford tallied twice. After trading goals and SVC holding a 10-7 lead, MCLA would get within one. Granito converted a nice pass from Cutler for the first goal and then Cutler did it herself to pull MCLA within 10-9, still with over 12 minutes left to play. SVC would play possession and both teams offenses went stale late in the second half. Finally, with just 1:59 remaining, Safford would convert her final marker of the night to provide some breathing room for the visitors. MCLA couldn't muster up any offense as SVC earned the win. SVC outshot MCLA 40-21 in the contest and scooped up 27 groundballs compared to 17 for the Trailblazers. Kristiana Goldup earned the win in net stopping 7 shots on the night. For MCLA, Cutler ended with three goals and three assists. Granito led the team with four goals, but was very effective winning nine draws and picking up three groundballs on the night. Zoe Elwell absorbed the loss but made 15 saves on the evening for the Trailblazers. MCLA is back in action on Saturday night at 6 p.m. when it hosts Salem State. Mayor Thomas Bernard and his financial team, Auditor David Fierro, left, and Administrative Officer Michael Canales, second from left, present the general government portion of the fiscal 2019 budget. North Adams Finance Begins Review of $44M Budget for Fiscal 2019 Councilors Marie T. Harpin, Benjamin Lamb and Chairman Wayne Wilkinson listen to explanations of budget line items on Wednesday. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The Finance Committee began its review this week of a proposed $44 million spending plan for fiscal 2019. The committee will look through the draft budget over four meetings, the first of which was held on Wednesday night in City Council chambers. That session looked at general government, revenues, unclassified, debt and capital costs. Over the next three meetings, the committee will look at public services and public safety; McCann Technical School; and North Adams Public Schools. The members of the committee are Chairman Wayne Wilkinson, Benjamin Lamb and Marie T. Harpin. Also in attendance were Councilors President Keith Bona and Jason LaForest. This is Mayor Thomas Bernard's first budget in office and he described it as a level-funded maintenance budget that is right now $114,376 out of balance to the red. "Fiscal '19 is going to be a challenging budget year because this is going to be a maintenance budget, this isn't a strategic or investment budget," he said. "It does set the stage for fiscal 2020 when significant debt will be falling off and the city can look at investment in a different way." The total budget is $44,034,196 and is up 1.6 percent, or $806,979, over this year. Almost $17.5 million of that is the school budget, which has not yet been approved by the School Committee. Revenues are forecast at $43,919,820, leaving the $114,000 gap. Bernard said he and his financial team that includes Administrative Officer Michael Canales and Auditor David Fierro would be looking at models for closing the gap. The figures may also change based on more current numbers as the state continues its budget process. "We're basing this number on the governor's preliminary budget numbers, the revenues are based on that," the mayor said, noting the House budget had just been released but that the Senate and final conference budget have yet to be approved. "We're going with the best information we have. The other thing that is a known is our labor costs. The previous administration settled contracts for three years so those costs are built into the budget with the exception of non-union staff." Along with the contract costs, the budget draft also has a number of solid figures in areas that could have been higher. "One of the things we were fortunate about with this budget is we will be looking at favorable assessments and entitlements so our Hoosac Water Quality District, the McCann budget and our insurance costs all came in at the lower or level estimates," Bernard said. Fierro said estimated receipts are based on actual 2017 figures and bumping up the percentage according to historical data. "It's usually proved out to be pretty true," he said. Sewer, however, was set with a higher rate of increase as a way to begin capturing the total cost of the HWQD, which processes the city's septic waste. The district's assessment for fiscal 2019 is $1,191,536, up $16,000, and the city is estimating receipts for sewer usage at $1,185,011. Canales said this figure was still under discussion and could be pulled back to the actual 2017 expenditures and also believes the tuition receipts might be too conservative and could be bumped up. "Probably the best news that we had coming in was that our medical insurance came in at a 3.69 percent increase and looking at back at the last 12-month average, our average -- the number of people using insurance -- went slightly down," Canales said. Overall, the amount budgeted has actually dropped slightly from this year. That's a significant change from the past that often saw insurance hikes in the high single or double-digits. The city is insured through the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, pooling its resources with more than 400 municipalities and public entities. "That's really remarkable for any institution and we know that there are other entities looking at double digits," said the mayor. "To be able to come back and report this is incredibly good news in the context of our fiscal management and in our context of the budget." Other major changes for fiscal 2019 were in the salary lines for the Office of Community Development, which saw an increase for a full-time and a part-time salary but was offset in part by a 31 percent decrease in the line item for purchasing department salaries. The changes were because Larysa Bernstein has taken over as director of community development and the former director, Michael Nuvallie, has been put in charge of special projects and taken over the purchasing department. Canales said both he and Nuvallie had taken the training to be certified in purchasing so the city would have a backup. "We think it's working really well so far," he said. There is also an increase in the Office of Tourism and Cultural Development to reflect Suzy Helme moving from part time to full time. Bernard said she was basically working full time, including working closely with the Office of Community Development on grants, but not being compensated. Mayor Bernard and Auditor David Fierro make a presentation. Another salary change is the zeroing out of the city solicitor at $46,000 and the same amount budgeted for legal expenses. City Solicitor John DeRosa stepped down from the post and it was filled effective April by KP Law (formerly known as Kopelman & Paige) with offices in Northampton. Bernard said his choice of the firm was based on the fact it has been "tested and fully vetted" by the numerous municipalities it services in Massachusetts. The practice has attorneys with specialization in different types of law related to municipal concerns and has contracts and boilerplate language available for most situations, he said. He offered to have a representative come in for a presentation if the councilors so desired. The administration also plans on filling the assistant management information systems assistant post. Wilkinson questioned the need for $50,000 to be put in the reserve account if contracted salary increases have already been accounted for. The account has been used historically to cover benefits for contracts that had not been concluded by the beginning of the fiscal year. That money would cover nearly half the projected gap for fiscal 2019, he said. Bernard said one option would be to budget for half the amount so there would be funds set aside in case there were salary increases for non-union employees. "We pegged that at $25,000 if we did a one percent increase," he said. The reserve account is not part of the "reserves," a set of accounts for saving money, which now stands at $2.4 million. The committee also looked over the capital expenses, which are up about $50,000 over this year to $791,000. Road paving -- largely asphalt for filling potholes and repairs -- is up by $12,000 from $30,000 this year to reflect actual expenditures in 2017. The cost and the need to transport the asphalt from South County was cause for the increase. On the other hand, electrical costs have remained down because of the municipal solar array. Canales said the city was able to sell off credits because it overperformed last year. The committee will next meet on Wednesday, April 18, at 6 p.m. in council chambers to review public service and public safety. Wilkinson said these meetings will continue to be reviews and that the Finance Committee will do a final wrap up before voting to recommend. "We will probably wait to vote on any particular items until ... probably the last one, because we don't know all the numbers," he said. "We could approve something this evening that could change with the state funding." The late Dagmar Bubriski's yellow Victorian, surrounded by Williams College buildings, was purchased by the college and set for demolition. Thursday, the Historical Commission put a six-month delay on the razing. Historical Commission Chairman Bill Barkin directs Thursday's meeting. Rachel Park was one of many town residents who came out to ask the Historical Commission to save the house at 42 Hoxsey St. PreviousNext Williamstown Historical Commission Orders Delay on Hoxsey Street Demolition Wanda Bubriski testifies to the historic significance of her family's home. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Historical Commission on Thursday ordered a six-month delay for the demolition of a Hoxsey Street house that once was home to one of the town's most noted residents. Williams College was before the commission with a request to raze the 19th-century Victorian home at 42 Hoxsey St. best known locally as the longtime home of Dagmar Burbriski. Bubriski, who died in 2011 at the age of 84, was a well-known writer and columnist for local publications, hosted a weekly radio show, served on numerous civic and community boards, and was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and historic preservation frequently taking opposition to Williams College's building projects. Bubriski's children, who sold the home to the college, were among several people who testified before the commission to the home's historic and architectural value two criteria the commission could use to declare the home "preferably preserved" and, therefore, subject to a potential delay. In a unanimous vote, the three members of the five-person panel present at Thursday's hearing determined that 42 Hoxsey St. was subject to the delay, which will give the college additional time to attempt to find someone willing to move the building from the site. The college needs to clear the site as part of its plans for a new science building. Williams attorney Jamie Art told the commission that the school offered to move the building for its previous owner prior to purchasing it and in fall 2017 advertised its availability to the general public on historic home websites, the college's website and three local publications, including iBerkshires.com, prior to its request for permission to demolish the home. Art said when the college purchased the home, the school's plan was to use it for construction offices during the science center project and faculty housing when the science center was completed. "That wasn't a promise, and it wasn't a covenant or a commitment as part of the deed," he said. "That was a true and honest statement of the college's intent at that time." Later in the meeting, Art interjected to correct one town resident who referred to the college going back on a "promise" to maintain the building as a residence. Some time after the college acquired the site, the plans for the north building of the unified science center changed, Art said. "I, personally, was surprised when I heard that during further evaluation of the engineering for the project, the decision was made that the house would be removed to solve a logistical challenge of where you put all the utilities," Art said. "There's stormwater management infrastructure that needs to be buried underground. "The decision was made, I think reluctantly, that in order to make the project feasible and to minimize the impact on neighbors during the construction phase, we would have to make the house available for relocation if someone wanted to do that." Art said a couple of dozen people had expressed some interest in the home, and there were a handful of "serious inquiries." But given the fact that, "it might cost $400,000 or $500,000 or more to move that house There have been no takers," he said. Williams' request for relief from a town-ordered demolition delay was based on its own unsuccessful efforts to find a taker and not a contention that the house has no value, according to Art's argument. "I know that the Bubriski family, and especially Dagmar, have been prominent members of the community and have a personal history," Art said. "I grew up in town, and even as a young kid in the '70s and '80s, I certainly knew who Dagmar was. I certainly understand the concern and everyone's feelings about this." Those feelings were strongly expressed to the commission on Thursday. Williams College attorney Jamie Art tells the Historical Commission what the college had done to try to move the building. Katharine Park, whose family home is across from the Bubriskis' at 29 Hoxsey St., told the commission that while the college is good at preserving its own history, it should also have concern for the history of town residents like Dagmar Bubriski. Park, a professor of history at Harvard, explained that the Cambridge school has started to correct its own negligence in attending to the contributions of previously neglected individuals by installing plaques to recognize women and the slaves who built Harvard's buildings. "Dagmar Bubriski was an important person in this town," said Park, whose sister Rachel also addressed the commision. "She was an important woman. I think if we're interested in the history of women in Williamstown and women in the community, Dagmar is No. 1, particularly because she was vocal. She was a thorn in the college's side when they were doing Bronfman [the science building the college currently seeking to replace]. "That's exactly the kind of historical figure who tends to get buried because she was a difficult person to tangle with and she was a woman and she lived in a domestic house instead of being chair of a department or something. "If that house isn't historically important, I don't know what is." Charles Bonenti, a former chair of the town's Historical Commission who worked with Bubriski on the panel, talked about the irony that her home could be razed in the exact manner that she would have fought against for other properties in town. "I want to emphasize how she was a lone voice for historic preservation in this community for a long time. Because of her and a team of us working on it, we have this demolition delay we have now. "This house expresses Dagmar's personality. Anyone who knew her realizes what a vivid personality she was. The house is just like that: vivid, patterned, filled with momentos. "She was an important person in this community." Bubriski's son Kevin, now a professor at Green Mountain College in Vermont, read a letter from representatives of the Doughty family, which includes five generations of Williams College alumni. " 'The loss of 42 Hoxsey St. would be very sad because it has always been one of the elegant homes that has made Williamstown the Village Beautiful,' " Bubriski read. " 'At the very least, we would like to see the college stay any demolition until further plans could be considered.' " Several speakers at the hearing recommended that the college pay to have the house moved to another property in town or change the plans for the new science building to move it 20 feet closer to Main Street to the north, opening up more space to the south between the new science building and 42 Hoxsey. Art told the commission that the latter alternative was not one the college is likely to consider. After hearing nearly two hours of testimony, Historical Commission Chairman Bill Barkin moved that the body order a 90-day delay. On a motion from Sarah Currie, that was raised to six months, and that time frame was swiftly approved by Barkin, Currie and Patricia Leach, the third member in attendance. The Selectmen and planners discuss pathways to becoming a Green Community. Cheshire Looks at Green Community Designation CHESHIRE, Mass. The town may become a Green Community and benefit from state funds that will allow it to become more energy efficient. James Barry, Green Communities coordinator for Western Massachusetts, and Lauren Gaherty of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission at Tuesday's Board of Selectmen meeting went over the state program that provides towns with funds to implement green and efficiency projects. "This is completely voluntary and there is money available at the end of the tunnel if you want to go through the tunnel," Barry told the Selectmen. The board has been toying with becoming a state-designated Green Community for some time now but has been hesitant to go all in because of some requirements. Since the passage of the act in 2008, some 210 municipalities have been designated as Green Communities and have had access to more than $39 million in grants. Adams, Clarksburg, Lanesborough, North Adams and Williamstown are all Green Communities. Barry said the first two criterion are often more controversial in smaller communities. He said they ask towns to adopt zoning that would make them more business-friendly toward green endeavors such as renewable or alternative generating facilities, research and development facilities or manufacturing facilities. "You have to have it in your zoning or overlay where it is less of a pain in a neck to start a business in green energy," he said. "It doesn't have to be everything in the universe.You don't have to say yes to wind, yes to solar, yes to nuclear. You pick a place and something that makes sense to the town." Barry said green businesses would not need a special permit to locate in these designated areas, but the town can still maintain some control by setting up a process and possibly designating land the town owns. This still caused town officials some pause and Planning Board Chairwoman Donna DeFino felt that allowing any solar or wind by right could be a slippery slope. Selectwoman Carol Francesconi agreed and was concerned that adopting this zoning would negate the town's recently established wind and solar bylaws. Barry said the bylaw change would only be an amendment and would not overturn everything the town has on the books. He added that the town does not have to pick solar or wind production but could zone the area for manufacturing or research related to green energy. "We can structure it so it meets our minimum requirements in Boston but still does what you need it to do in terms of control and not messing with zoning you already have," Barry said. DeFino said the zoning could even coincide with the new light manufacturing district the town wants to set up on Route 8. Barry added that the zoning amendment would still be subject to a town meeting vote. The third criterion would ask the town to assess all its buildings and their energy use and develop a plan, with the help of BRPC, to reduce this amount by 20 percent. "It doesn't mean you have to fund the plan ... we are just asking you to take a serious look at your buildings," he said. "Make a list of what you would do to save energy if you had the money." He said the town would receive a minimum of up to $125,000 to implement the plan. He added in the coming years, the town can apply for more money for projects the state deems worthy. Barry then went on to criterion four, which asks the town to adopt a policy to purchase fuel-efficient vehicles where possible, however, this really does not affect the town because it does not cover safety or Department of Public Works vehicles. The last criterion is the stretch code, a more stringent building code that stresses efficiencies, and Barry said currently it is not far off from the state code. "The stretch code is not that much of a stretch anymore," he said. "It used to be a challenge, but it is no longer. It's the standard code but just bumped up a little." Building Inspector Gerald Garner said he had no issues with the stretch code and said it was common in other communities. Selectman Edmund St. John IV asked if the stretch code changes, would the town have to adopt it? Barry said, yes but if it gets to a point where the town wants to opt out, it can without any penalties. The Selectmen said they would take the information under advisement and would like to meet with Barry in the near future. "It really isn't as scary as I thought it would be," Chairman Robert Ciskowski said. "This could be a real benefit." Israelis You Should Know: Dr. Chaim Sheba The Fellowship | April 13, 2018 Israelis You Should Know: Dr. Chaim Sheba Chaim Sheba Lived: 1908-1971 Why you should know him: An Israeli physician, he also founded Sheba Medical Center Chaim Sheba was born to a well-known Jewish family in what was at the time Austria-Hungary. While he studied at a religious school at an early age, he transferred to a secular school for eighth grade. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, he studied medicine, earning his degree in Vienna in 1932. The next year, Dr. Sheba made aliyah (immigrated) to the Holy Land, where he would live the rest of his life. Early on Sheba worked as a rural doctor. In 1942, he served with the Jewish Brigade, and joined the Haganah (the precursor to the IDF) in 1947. Once Israel gained her independence, Sheba commanded the IDF Medical Corps from 1948 to 1950, and became the countrys Director General of the Ministry of Health after his time in the military. In 1953, Dr. Sheba became the director of Tel HaShomer Hospital, which has since been renamed Chaim Sheba Medical Center in his honor. He also served as Professor of Medicine at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, was one of the founders of the Tel Aviv University Medical School, and helped establish medical schools in Jerusalem and Haifa. In 1968, Dr. Sheba was awarded the Israel Prize in medicine. Contact Us The IMO Newsroom is staffed between 9.00 and 5.30 UK time, Monday to Friday, by members of the Public Information Services team. To contact us, please telephone or email using the contact points below: Imperial Valley News Center Secretary Perdue Statement on Release of 2018 Farm Bill Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement on the release of the 2018 Farm Bill: I applaud Chairman Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee for their diligence and hard work in crafting the 2018 Farm Bill. The trend of low commodity prices over recent years and headlines about trade disputes have caused anxiety among agricultural producers these days, so this legislation is critically important to give them some much-needed reassurance. In my travels across the country, I have found that farmers have confidence in President Trumps ability to negotiate strong trade deals with other nations, but they also want a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill that puts their needs above Washington, D.C. politics. While there is still much work to be done, I am pleased that this Farm Bill aligns with many of the principles USDA released in January. I look forward to working with the Agriculture Committees and members of Congress from both sides to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill in a timely fashion to provide the needed support and certainty to our farmers. The Trump Administration has made rural prosperity a priority for the country, and a Farm Bill that works for agriculture is a key component of the agenda. Imperial Valley News Center Uber Agrees to Expanded Settlement with FTC Related to Privacy, Security Claims Washington, DC - Uber Technologies, Inc. has agreed to expand the proposed settlement it reached with the Federal Trade Commission last year over charges that the ride-sharing company deceived consumers about its privacy and data security practices. After the announcement of last years proposed settlement, the Commission learned that Uber had failed to disclose a significant breach of consumer data that occurred in 2016 -- in the midst of the FTCs investigation that led to the August 2017 settlement announcement. Due to Ubers misconduct related to the 2016 breach, Uber will be subject to additional requirements. Among other things, the revised settlement could subject Uber to civil penalties if it fails to notify the FTC of certain future incidents involving unauthorized access of consumer information. After misleading consumers about its privacy and security practices, Uber compounded its misconduct by failing to inform the Commission that it suffered another data breach in 2016 while the Commission was investigating the companys strikingly similar 2014 breach, said Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen. The strengthened provisions of the expanded settlement are designed to ensure that Uber does not engage in similar misconduct in the future. In announcing the original proposed settlement with Uber in August 2017, the FTC charged that the company had failed to live up to its claims that it closely monitored employee access to rider and driver data and that it deployed reasonable measures to secure personal information stored on a third-party cloud providers servers. In the revised complaint issued today, the FTC alleges that Uber learned in November 2016 that intruders had again accessed consumer data the company stored on its third-party cloud providers servers by using an access key an Uber engineer had posted on a code-sharing website. This time, the intruders used the access key to download from Ubers cloud storage unencrypted files that contained more than 25 million names and email addresses, 22 million names and mobile phone numbers, and 600,000 names and drivers license numbers of U.S. Uber drivers and riders. The revised proposed complaint further notes that Uber paid the intruders $100,000 through its third-party bug bounty program and failed to disclose the breach to consumers or the Commission until November 2017. The bug bounty program was created to provide financial rewards to parties who responsibly disclose security vulnerabilities rather than those who maliciously exploit vulnerabilities to access consumers personal information. In addition to compelling Uber to disclose certain future incidents involving consumer data, the new provisions in the revised proposed order include requirements for Uber to submit to the Commission all the reports from the required third-party audits of Ubers privacy program rather than only the initial such report. It also must retain certain records related to bug bounty reports regarding vulnerabilities that relate to potential or actual unauthorized access to consumer data. The Commission vote to withdraw the original administrative complaint and proposed consent agreement and to issue the revised administrative complaint and to accept the revised proposed consent agreement was 2-0. The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning today and continuing through May 14, 2018, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Interested parties can submit comments electronically by following the instructions in the Invitation To Comment part of the Supplementary Information section. Imperial Valley News Center Fugitive Wanted for the Kidnapping and Murder of a Federal Agent is Added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List Washington, DC - Federal Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director David L. Bowdich, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary James Walsh, and U.S. Marshals Service Acting Associate Director Derrick Driscoll today announced the addition of fugitive Rafael Caro-Quintero to the FBIs list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Fugitive Rafael Caro-Quintero marks the 518th addition to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Caro-Quintero is wanted for his alleged involvement in the 1985 kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar aka Kiki. This is the first time a DEA fugitive has been listed on the FBI Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. In addition, DEA and U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York today announced the unsealing of an additional indictment against Quintero, alleging his role as leader of a continuing criminal enterprise and the individual responsible for the brutal murder of Camarena. The indictment also details his leadership role in trafficking methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana into the United States and elsewhere and reflects his criminal activities from 1980 to 2017. (EDNY Docket No. 15-CO-208(S-2) On July 30, 1992, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, charging Caro-Quintero with violent crimes in aid of racketeering; conspiracy to kidnap a federal agent; kidnapping of a federal agent; felony murder of a federal agent; aiding and abetting; and accessory after the fact. Together with our federal partners at the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Department of State, we are committed to bring to justice this dangerous criminal and cartel leader responsible for the brutal murder of a DEA Agent, said FBI Deputy Director Bowdich. Special Agent Camarena was devoted to stopping drug trafficking and breaking the cycle of drug-related crime. He showed tremendous courage to pursue the most violent drug traffickers, and it is because of his courage, and his selflessness, that we're not going to stop looking for Caro-Quintero until we find him and put him back behind bars where he belongs. The DEA is grateful for all of the federal law enforcement agencies that have committed to pursuing Rafael Caro-Quintero until the moment he is captured and returned to his rightful place in prison, said DEA Acting Administrator Patterson. Kiki Camarena holds a special place in our hearts and his sacrifice will always be remembered by the men and women of DEA who carry out our mission every day. Our $20 million Narcotics Reward Program offer reflects the State Departments commitment to the government-wide effort to track down Caro-Quintero, said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Walsh. Were pleased to be using the Reward Program to support this reinvigorated law enforcement effort, and at long last bring this criminal to justice. The U.S. Marshals remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice for our brother, DEA Special Agent Kiki Camarena, said U.S. Marshals Associate Director for Operations Derrick Driscoll. We will continue to leverage all resources and work with our law enforcement partners here and in Mexico to develop the information that will lead to the capture of Rafael Caro Quintero. Caro-Quintero is widely regarded as one of the Mexican godfathers of drug trafficking, and helped to form the Guadalajara Cartel in the late 1970s. Allegedly, he became one of the primary suppliers of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana to the United States, and was in charge of the cartel in Costa Rica and the U.S./Mexico border. In November of 1984, Mexican authorities raided a 2,500 acre marijuana plantation owned by Caro-Quintero. The Guadalajara Cartel blamed Special Agent Camarena for the takedown, and decided to retaliate. Special Agent Camarena a former Marine, fireman, police officer, and deputy sheriff was extremely close to unlocking a million-dollar drug pipeline from Mexico to the United States in 1985. Before he was able to expose the drug-trafficking operations, he was kidnapped en route to lunch with his wife on Feb. 7, 1985, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Allegedly, the direct orders for the kidnapping came from Caro-Quintero. Camarena was surrounded by five armed men who threw him into a car, then sped away. It is believed that Camarena died within two to three days of his kidnapping, but his body was not found until March 5, 1985. Special Agent Camarena is survived by his wife and three sons. The Department of States Narcotics Rewards Program is offering a reward of up to $20 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Rafael Caro-Quintero. Anyone with information concerning Caro-Quintero should take no action themselves, but should immediately contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Caro-Quintero is described as follows: Name: Rafael Caro-Quintero, aka Rafa Dates of Birth Used: Oct. 24, 1952; October 2, 1952; Nov. 24, 1952; Oct. 24, 1955; Nov. 24, 1955; March 9, 1963 Height: 60 Weight: Approximately 159 to 170 pounds Place of Birth: Badiraguato, Sinaloa, Mexico Rafael Caro-Quintero replaces Jesus Roberto Munguia on the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March of 1950. Since then, 484 fugitives have been apprehended or located 162 of them as a result of citizen cooperation. Tips may also be directed 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or can be submitted online at https://tips.fbi.gov . Additional information concerning Caro-Quintero, including his Wanted poster and the FBIs list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, can be found by visiting the FBIs website at https://www.fbi.gov . Imperial Valley News Center Former U.S. Congressman Convicted of Mail and Wire Fraud, Campaign Finance Violations, Money Laundering and Filing a False Tax Return Washington, DC - A federal jury convicted former U.S. Representative Stephen E. Stockman for orchestrating a scheme to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from charitable foundations and the individuals who ran those foundations to illegally finance Stockmans campaigns for public office and to pay for his and others personal expenses. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI's Washington Field Office and Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Houston Field Office made the announcement. Stockman, 61, of Clear Lake, Texas, was convicted of seven counts of mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to make conduit campaign contributions and false statements to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), one count of making coordinated excessive campaign contributions, two counts of making false statements to the FEC, 11 counts of money laundering and one count of filing a false tax return. Thomas Dodd, 38, of the Houston, Texas area, a former special assistant in Stockmans congressional office, and Jason Posey, 46, formerly of Houston, a former Stockman congressional staffer, previously pleaded guilty to their involvement in the scheme. Stephen Stockman abused his position as United States Congressman to defraud charitable donors and then used the proceeds of his crimes to corrupt the election process and make a range of impermissible personal expenditures, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. The Criminal Division is committed to preserving the publics confidence in our government by investigating and prosecuting corrupt public officials. We also will continue to address the threat that illegal coordinated campaign contributions pose to the integrity of federal elections, and aggressively pursue these offenses at every appropriate opportunity. This case was a fantastic collaboration between the Southern District of Texas and the Department of Justices Criminal Division, said U.S. Attorney Patrick. When public officials use their office to defraud donors and violate federal law, we will hold them accountable. Corrupt officials like former congressman Stockman make it harder for the honest ones to do their jobs. Former Representative Stockman used his position as a Member of Congress to fraudulently solicit charitable donations for the purpose of keeping himself in public office, said Assistant Director McNamara. Todays verdict shows that no one is above the law and the FBI and our partners will thoroughly investigate all allegation of violations of federal election system. The integrity of our political system is paramount to maintaining our way of life, said Special Agent in Charge Goss. IRS-CI Agents along with the assistant of our Federal partners unraveled a scheme in which Stockman diverted considerable funds intended for charitable organizations for his own purposes that included funding his campaign. This type of behavior undermines our democracy and cannot be tolerated. According to the evidence presented at trial, from May 2010 to October 2014, Stockman solicited and obtained approximately $1.25 million in donations based on false pretenses. Specifically, in 2010, Stockman diverted a significant portion of $285,000 in charitable donations to pay for his and Dodds own personal expenses and to further Stockmans own interests. The evidence at trial established that in 2011 and 2012, Stockman and Dodd received an additional $165,000 in charitable donations, much of which Stockman used to finance his 2012 congressional campaign. According to the evidence at trial, shortly after Stockman took office in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, he and Dodd used the name of a nonprofit entity to solicit and receive a $350,000 charitable donation. Stockman used this donation for a variety of personal and campaign expenses, including illegal conduit campaign contributions, a covert surveillance project targeting a perceived political opponent and payments associated with Stockmans U.S. Senate campaign in early 2014. Trial evidence also demonstrated that in connection with Stockmans Senate campaign, Posey used a nonprofit entity to secure a $450,571 donation in order to fund a purported independent expenditure for a mass-mailing project attacking Stockmans opponent. In reality, the independent expenditure was directed and supervised by Stockman. Only approximately half of the donation was spent on the mail campaign, and Posey used a portion of the unspent balance to pay for expenses associated with Stockmans Senate campaign and to fund personal expenses. Stockman was taken into custody following the return of the verdict. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 17. The FBI and IRS-CI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Annis of the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorneys Ryan J. Ellersick and Robert J. Heberle of the Criminal Divisions Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case. Imperial Valley News Center Justice Department Sends 1373 Compliance Letter to City Of Oakland, Document Request and Subpoena Threat to Two Other Jurisdictions Washington, DC - The Department of Justice yesterday sent the attached letters to the City of Seattle, Washington, and the State of Vermont, demanding the production of documents that could show whether each jurisdiction is unlawfully restricting information sharing by its law enforcement officers with federal immigration authorities. The Department of Justice previously contacted these jurisdictions and raised concerns about laws, policies, or practices that may violate 8 U.S.C. 1373, a federal statute that promotes information sharing related to immigration enforcement and with which compliance is a condition of FY2016 and FY2017 Byrne JAG awards. The letters also state that failure to respond, respond completely, or respond in a timely manner will be subject to a Department of Justice subpoena. The Justice Department also sent a letter to Mayor Libby Schaaf of the City of Oakland, regarding Oaklands laws, policies, or practices, which the Department believes may violate 8 U.S.C. 1373. When cities and states enact policies that thwart the federal governments ability to enforce federal immigration law, they choose to place the protection of criminal aliens over the safety of their communities, said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Justice Department will not tolerate this intentional effort to undermine public safety and the rule of law, and I continue to remind all jurisdictions to reconsider policies that put their residents in harms way. Failure to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373 could result in the Justice Department seeking the return of FY2016 grants, requiring additional conditions for receipt of any FY2017 Byrne JAG funding, and/or jurisdictions being deemed ineligible to receive FY2017 Byrne JAG funding. The Department of Justice periodically reviews the laws, policies, or practices of jurisdictions that previously certified compliance with section 1373 as a condition of their FY2016 Byrne JAG awards. In addition to these actions, the Justice Department also notified the District of Columbia and the Louisville-Jefferson (KY) County Metro Government that there is no evidence that either jurisdiction is currently out of compliance with section 1373. Justice Department Honors Former Office for Victims of Crime Director for Her Commitment to Victims Rights and Services Washington, DC - Today, the Department of Justice recognized the late Joye E. Frost with the Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services for her lifelong dedication to improving victims services during the National Crime Victims Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Frost passed away on March 12 after a long battle with cancer. Joye Frost dedicated her career to advocating on behalf of victims of crime, and she was highly effective, said Attorney General Sessions. Her work to expand and improve the impact of victim assistance after trauma such as sexual assault, terrorism, or mass violence, made sure that many people received the help they needed. The Department of Justiceand the United Statesis better because of Joye and her invaluable efforts, and so today we honor her memory. During her almost 20-year tenure with the Office for Victims of Crime, Frost launched the Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Initiative to expand the reach and impact of the victims assistance field. She fostered a groundbreaking partnership between OVC and the U.S. Department of Defense to strengthen support to military sexual assault victims. Frost was also instrumental in developing OVCs Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Sexual Assault Response Team training and technical assistance initiatives. Ms. Frosts untimely death is not only a devastating loss for us in the Office for Victims of Crime, but also for the victim services community which she helped to transform by spending most of her professional life advocating on behalf of victims, said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. The Department of Justice is extremely proud to honor Joye for her contributions. Her passion, integrity, and dedication will not be forgotten. During todays ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories. Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This years observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims. The Department of Justices Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at https://www.ojp.gov . More information about Crime Victims Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/ . Mike Pompeo is the Leader America Needs as Its Top Diplomat Washington, DC - When Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo gave his first public speech after taking charge last year, national security expert Juan Zarate asked him about a recent foreign trip to Turkey and the Gulf. Why did you go there first, and what did you hear? Zarate wondered. I wanted them to know that this was an Administration that wanted them to think about [terrorism] differently and to be true partners in this defeat of terrorism in the Middle East, Director Pompeo said. For the past 14 months, Mike Pompeo brought that same attitude to the CIA. The proof is in the results, which have been exemplary. When Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons in an attack against his own people last April, the CIA quickly provided President Donald J. Trump with the intelligence he needed to decide to launch missile strikes against the Syrian regime. In fact, the CIA under Director Pompeo has been at the heart of some of the Trump Administrations biggest foreign policy accomplishments. The CIA helped preserve the integrity of North Korean sanctions, using creative, new methods to enable the interception of shipments that violate terms. The Agency also works with the Department of Defense and U.S. allies to target ISIS leadership and reduce ISIS territorial holdingsnow down to virtually zero percent of its former caliphate. Part of that success comes from proven experience. Mike Pompeo has been privy to some of Americas toughest national security challenges since 2010, when he served on the House Intelligence Committee as a freshman member of Congress. Two decades earlier, he patrolled the Iron Curtain as a U.S. Cavalry officer in West Germany before the Berlin Wall fell. In truth, Pompeo was a leader long before he arrived in Washington. As a scholar, he graduated first in his class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and later served as Editor of the Harvard Law Review. As an entrepreneur, he founded Thayer Aerospace, which provides components for commercial and military aircraft, and he served as its Chief Executive Officer for more than a decade. This storied career adds up to one certainty: Mike Pompeo would be ready to lead the State Department on day one. With the grave threats facing our country abroad, America needs him as our next Secretary of State. Two Associates of La Cosa Nostra Sentenced to Prison For Extortion-Related Charges Worcester, Massachusetts - Two associates of the Genovese La Cosa Nostra (LCN) crime family were sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Worcester, Massachusetts on extortion-related charges. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling for the District of Massachusetts, Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw of the FBI Boston Field Division, Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Ralph Santaniello, 50, and Giovanni Calabrese, 54, both of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to serve 60 months in prison and 36 months in prison, respectively. Following their prison sentences, they were both ordered to serve two years of supervised release. In November 2017, Santaniello and Calabrese each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence; one count of interference with commerce by threats or violence aiding and abetting; one count of conspiracy to use extortionate means to collect extensions of credit; and one count of using extortionate means to collect extensions of credit aiding and abetting. Santaniello and Calabrese were arrested and charged in August 2016 along with three other associates, Gerald Daniele, 52, of Longmeadow; Francesco Depergola, 62, of Springfield, Massachusetts; and Richard Valentini, 51, of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. According to plea documents and evidence presented in court, Santaniello, Calabrese, and their co-defendants, were associates of the New York-based Genovese LCN crime family and engaged in various criminal activities in Springfield, Massachusetts, including loansharking and extortion from legitimate and illegitimate businesses, such as illegal gambling businesses and the collection of unlawful debts. The defendants used violence, exploited their relationship with LCN, and implied threats of murder and physical violence to instill fear in their victims. In 2013, Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini attempted to extort money from a Springfield businessman. Santaniello assaulted the businessman, and Santaniello and Calabrese threatened to cut off the mans head and bury his body if he did not comply. Over a period of two months, the businessman paid $20,000 to Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini to protect himself and his business. In addition, during a six-month period in 2015, Daniele extended two extortionate and usurious loans to an individual, and then, along with Santaniello and Calabrese, threatened the individual if he did not make payments on the loans. In March 2018, Daniele was sentenced to two years in prison. In December 2017, Depergola pleaded guilty and Valentini was convicted by a federal jury; they are both scheduled to be sentenced on May 11. Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin ORegan, Chief of Lellings Springfield Branch Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine Wagner of Lellings Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the cases. Bengali New Year Washington, DC - Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan: "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish Bengalis everywhere a joyous New Year. We commemorate this important day along with all those from Bangladesh, India, and around the world who come together today to mark the arrival of the New Year. "Pohela Boishakh is an opportunity for those who speak Bangla as a mother tongue, of all faiths and beliefs, to celebrate their rich history and culture with beautiful parades, fairs, and dances. "Here in the United States, we take this opportunity to thank the Bangladeshi American community for its outstanding contributions to our nation, our economy, and our culture. We join all of you in looking toward a bright future, and wish you the best in the year to come. "Shubho Noboborsho!" During the promotions of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, last year, actor Prabhas, along with the films team, had visited Chandigarh University to celebrate Baisakhi. This year too his fans in Punjab want him there for the festival. (photo provided) An Indian American family from Southern California has been missing since April 5; the family was returning home from a spring break trip to Oregon. Pictured here are Sandeep Thottapilly (center) and children, Sidhant, 12, and Saachi, 9. Not pictured but also missing is Soumya Somanath Thottapilly, who took the photo. (Facebook photo) Rio Tintos zircon customers are uncertain as to whether they will receive second-quarter supplies on time, after protesting workers closed Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa. The company has previously declared force majeure to its titanium dioxide feedstock customers, but buyers of zircon, which Richards Bay Minerals supplies... April 11, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The expected U.S. attack on Syria last night did not happen. Today U.S President Trump seemed to pull back from his earlier attempt to pressure Russia over a faked chemical incident in Ghouta, Syria: Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump - 10:15 AM UTC - 12 Apr 2018 Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our Thank you America? Over night high level military and political negotiations between Russia and the U.S. continued with at least some success: Elijah J. Magnier @ejmalrai - 12:49 PM UTC - 12 Apr 2018 #BreakingNews #Russian sources told me: possibility of war on #Syria has gone down from 9 to 5/10. Diplomatic contacts with #USA never stopped. It was acknowledged that the possible war on #Syria serves no purposes but to create a war situation where worse case scenario can happen A war on Syria has been ongoing for over seven years. It will continue for another two or three years. But Trump's recent threat of a large U.S. air or missile campaign against the country has probably been defused. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Trump is certainly under pressure to attack Syria. U.S. media, the neoconservatives and Zionists are pushing for it. The CBS News graphic department revealed their real aim: What made Trump blink? Was it the lack of evidence his Secretary of Defense Mattis acknowledged? Or was it the earlier reluctance of Britain to become a partner in crime? Was it the threat of Russian retribution? Just now Britain seems to reengage. Prime Minister May called a cabinet meeting to discuss a possible strike on Syria. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn demands a parliament vote on the issue. The British public opposes any missile or airstrikes. The French poodle Macron claims that he has proof that the Syrian government attacked Douma with chemical weapons. He did not provide any. Britain, the U.S. and France have recently been visited by the Saudi clown prince Mohammad bin Salman. He offered billions of dollars in form of new contracts. Where promises to attack Syria part of those deals? The only 'proof' for a 'chemical attack' in Douma are dubious videos of stacked bodies, staged pictures with babies added for extra effect. Claims from the White Helmets, a mainly British financed propaganda organization, and by SAMS, the Syrian American Medical Society which is a Muslim Brotherhood outlet financed by the CIA offshoot USAID. UN personal in Damascus, the Syrian Red Cross, journalists on the ground and Russian military police have checked the place where the incident allegedly happened as well as local hospitals. They found neither casualties nor witnesses confirming such an attack. The often quoted Syrian Observatory For Human Rights in Britain did not report any casualties of a chemical attack. Its report of the day in question notes of Douma: 21 civilians including 9 children and 3 women were killed as a result of suffocation caused by the shelling which destroyed basements of houses as a result of the violence bombardment It is possible that the terrorist propaganda made videos of the casualties of this incident to make its 'chemical attack' claims. The terrorist group Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam), which held Douma when the incident happened, received Saudi and British money and in 2016 used chemical weapons and commit war crimes against a Kurdish suburb of Aleppo. Of the 3,000 men, women and children it abducted from Adra in 2013 only 200 survived. It is not beyond them to kill dozens for propaganda purposes. Why would anyone believe such sources like the terrorists supporting SAMS and White Helmets? Why should the Syrian government uses an illegal weapon in the very moment it is winning the battle and shortly after Trump said that he wants to retreat from Syria? It makes no sense at all. Despite that two U.S. professors, Joshua Landis and J.R. Cole, swallow the propaganda nonsense hook, line and sinker. They sold out. Their job and reputation requires that they stick to the official narrative. Keep that in mind the next time they lecture and lament about the 'corrupt' Middle East. The Syrian army and Russian forces in Syria had prepared for U.S. missile attacks. Essential equipment was secured and soldiers had left their barracks. They will stay dispersed until the imminent danger is over. Today the last Jaish al-Islam takfiris left Douma and were transported to the terrorist haven of Idleb governorate. All other 'rebel' groups now sheltered in Idleb hate Jaish and will try to eliminate it. Russian military police deployed in Douma. The Syrian government flag was raised above the suburb. The last important opposition holdout near to Damascus has been eliminated. (While the Islamic State still holds an enclave in the southern Yarmouk quarter of Damascus it is, unlike Jaish, only a small threat and not under foreign control.) With the end of the resistance in Douma the U.S. and Saudi Arabia lost their capability to directly attack the capitol Damascus with (proxy) boots on the ground. All the 'rebel' terrorists are now in Idleb and fight each other. Neither the U.S. nor Saudi Arabia has enough (proxy) forces left on the ground to defeat the Syrian government. The hullabaloo of the 'chemical attack' expresses their anger about this defeat. Trump is under pressure to do 'something'. He has only himself to blame. A year ago he said that he wants the U.S. to leave Syria. Soon thereafter a fake chemical incident happened and he was pulled back in. The same thing happened this time after he declared that he wants the U.S. troops to leave. Why wasn't he prepare for the follow up? Now his earlier blustering and tweets brought him into this unpleasant position. He will have to find an 'action' or deal that is big enough to claim that he did 'something', but small enough to not incite a deadly Russian or Syrian response. He will also have to act within the next 48 hours. Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency Google Ad UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. "The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer Generation A 13 your chance to be the change President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev "uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Joint statement Google Ad Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia Armenia: Remarks by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the press point with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan The United States Welcomes Azerbaijans Release of Armenian Detainees and Armenias Actions to Facilitate Demining The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia International aviation: Council greenlights signing of major agreements with four countries With UCOMs level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Netflix, Duolingo and Zoom Armenia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the early parliamentary elections Armenias Parliamentary Elections PRESS STATEMENT COVID19:77 new cases Armenias early parliamentary elections were competitive and well run, but polarized and marred by aggressive rhetoric, international observers say International election observers to Armenias early parliamentary elections held press conference Drop Charges Against Rights Defender Sashik Sultanyan In this statement released Wednesday, a group of international law experts warn that a U.S. military strike on Syria would be illegal if not in self-defense or with U.N. Security Council authorization. April 11, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - We are practitioners and professors of international law. Under international law, military strikes by the United States of America and its allies against the Syrian Arab Republic, unless conducted in self-defense or with United Nations Security Council approval, are illegal and constitute acts of aggression. The unlawful killing of any human being without legal justification, under every legal system, is murder. And an act of violence committed by one government against another government, without lawful justification, amounts to the crime of aggression: the supreme international crime which carries with it the evil of every other international crime, as noted by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg in 1946. The use of military force by a state can be used in self-defense after an armed attack by another state, or, with the approval of the United Nations Security Council. At present, neither instance would apply to a U.S. strike against Syria. We understand the urge to act to protect innocent civilians. We strongly condemn any and all violence against civilians, whoever the perpetrators. But responding to unlawful violence with more unlawful violence, bypassing existing legal mechanisms, is a road to a lawless world. It is a road that leads to Hell. Accordingly, we urge the United States and its allies to refrain from illegal conduct against Syria. We must point out that for the last several years, as is now common knowledge, the United States has armed rebels/insurgents to overthrow the current government of Syria. This is illegal under international law. In 1986, in The Nicaragua Case, the International Court of Justice reprimanded the United States for arming and supporting contra militias and combatants, and for mining Nicaraguas harbors, as acts which violated the U.N. Charter and international law. Perhaps the Syrian crisis would look differently today if the United States and its allies had consistently respected law for the last several years. They have not. We take pains to note what should be obvious: our demand that the United States and its allies immediately comport themselves with their international legal obligations is not a justification, excuse, or some type of free pass on the investigation and accountability for international legal violations committed by other actors who may be involved in this sad affair. But our point is a simple one: the only way to resolve the Syrian crisis is through commitment to well-settled principles of international legal norms. We urge the United States to abide by its commitment to the rule of international law and to seek to resolve its disputes through peaceful means. These means include recourse to the use of established and legitimate institutions designed to maintain international peace and security, such as the U.N. Security Council or the International Court of Justice. Unilateral action is a sign of weakness; recourse to the law is a sign of strength. The United States must walk back from becoming the very monster it now seeks to destroy. Inder Comar Executive Director Just Atonement Inc. Dr. Ryan Alford Associate Professor, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Lakehead University Marjorie Cohn Professor Emerita Thomas Jefferson School of Law Jeanne Mirer President International Association of Democratic Lawyers Dr. Curtis F.J. Doebbler Research Professor of Law University of Makeni UN Representative of International-Lawyers.org Dr. Curtis F.J. Doebbler Research Professor of Law University of Makeni UN Representative of International-Lawyers.org Abdeen Jabara Civil Rights Attorney and Co-Founder of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Ramsey Clark 66th Attorney-General of the United States April 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The Russian Defense Ministry has presented what it says is proof that the reported chemical weapons attack in Syria was staged. It also accused the British government of pressuring the perpetrators to speed up the provocation. During a briefing on Friday, the ministry showed interviews with two people, who, it said, are medical professionals working in the only hospital operating in Douma, a town near the Syrian capital, Damascus. In the interviews released to the media, the two men reported how footage was shot of people dousing each other with water and treating children, which was claimed to show the aftermath of the April 7 chemical weapons attack. The patients shown in the video suffered from smoke poisoning and the water was poured on them by their relatives after a false claim that chemical weapons were used, the ministry said. Please, notice. These people do not hide their names. These are not some faceless claims on the social media by anonymous activists. They took part in taking that footage, said ministry spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov. Trigger-Happy Trump and Syria: The Worst Case Scenario Is Now Our Reality. By Felicity Arbuthnot April 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - As all becomes ever more rapidly surreal it seems that, barring a miracle, Draft Dodger in Chief, Donald Trump might trigger a world war, over an incident in Syria which is entirely evidence free. The discredited White Helmets a rescue group only operating in areas held by rebels who routinely decapitate, including children, set fire to people and commit numerous unspeakable acts have produced a video of an apparent chemical attack on 7th April. The White Helmets are funded in millions by the UK Foreign Office, the US, Canada and various other Western governments. Coupled with this is: A UK government 5.3 million media activists programme included training Syrian independent journalists and activists, including for reporting of White Helmets activities across Twitter and Facebook. (See Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Providing non-humanitarian assistance in Syria, Updated 1 December 2015.) No wonder every seemingly staged rescue always has a few convenient camera people handy, recording the victims. The duty of first responders of course, is to also protect the victim at all cost, in their vulnerable state, from public view. The latest camera friendly crisis is yet another chemical weapons attack which the US, UK and usual suspects are blaming on the Syrian government. However this is such a worn and discredited theme, were it not for trigger-happy Trump and his band of war obsessed mongers, it would simply be dismissed out of hand. For the US both supplying chemical weapons to the moderate head choppers and the discrediting of the endless attempts to pin chemical attack on the government, see Professor Michel Chossudovskys meticulous documentations. (1) See also Robert Stuarts impressive, minute unraveling of the propaganda which was Saving Syrias Children. (2) Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter It also seems to have escaped the Trumposphere that in 2013, Syria surrendered all stocks of chemical weapons, under the auspices of the UN Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical weapons and international observers and participants. I wrote at the time: On 12th September 2013 Syrias President al-Assad committed to surrender Syrias chemical weapons, with the caveats that the United States must stop threatening his country and supplying weapons to the terrorists. (Weapons disposal detail, 3.) Why do you need the attribution mechanism, if youve already named the perpetrators before any investigation? asked Russias Ambassador to the UN this week, referring to blatant accusations against Damascus coming from the US and its allies. It is worth noting that those dealing with patients suffering the effects of a chemical weapons attack need specific protective clothing. Pictures have been shown of an allegedly affected toddler being sprayed with water, held and sprayed by people in jeans, t-shirts and without even plastic gloves. Strangely at the site of an alleged chemical attack at Khan Sheikhun on 5th April 2017, just two days over a year before the latest allegations, pictures not only emerged of first responders with no protective clothing, gloves, but of the White Helmets in flip flops and casual clothing gathering soil samples from areas allegedly hit by the weapons. In Douma the Russian military have been rather more professional, with the Russian Embassy in South Africa Tweeting: Russian MoD investigates #DoumaProvocation, sheds light on the situation: All soil test results from Douma, #Syria have shown NO trace of neither sarin nor chlorine nor any other chemical agent. Local hospitals have NOT received ANY patients with chemical poisoning symptoms pic.twitter.com/cwIY8zXOIC Russia in RSA (@EmbassyofRussia) April 10, 2018 War Correspondent Alexander Bilibov from #Syria: We checked the place of the alleged CW attack together with #Russian military, asked the civilians. Nobody heard about #CW attack. Alexanders group went to all hospitals,spoke to the doctors. Nothing. #SyrianCWHoax #EastGhouta pic.twitter.com/CKcVOWqseh Springprincess (@TamrikoT) April 10, 2018 At the UN, on Monday, 9th April ironically the fifteenth anniversary of the toppling of Saddams statue in Baghdads Firdos Square, marking the destruction of Iraq on pack of lies Steffan de Mistura, Special Envoy for Syria, stated regarding the attack that: the United Nations was not in a position to verify those reports (of a chemical weapons attack.) The UK and France were predictably hawkish with the Russian Ambassador responding factually: that Washington, D.C., and those blindly following it namely London and Paris were deliberately stoking international tensions and engaging in a confrontational policy against the Russian Federation and Syria without any justification. The United States and its partners did not understand the potential consequences of their reckless geopolitical experiment in the Middle East, he said, emphasizing that Western capitals were taking up rumours spread by non-governmental organizations, the White Helmets and the media. The use of sarin or chlorine gas in Douma had not been confirmed, he stressed, calling for a prompt investigation and for Western politicians to scale down their rhetoric. Syrias representative agreed that the lies of some permanent Council Members had fuelled conflicts, including in Viet Nam, the Korean Peninsula and Iraq. Now they sought to defeat Syria. Emphasizing that the United States, United Kingdom and France were eager to hold Council meetings on the basis of fabricated information, he recalled that the Syrian Government had warned the Council, OPCW and the Joint Investigative Mechanism on many occasions about terrorist groups possessing chlorine and sarin. The White Helmets would fabricate evidence and Hollywood-like scenes intended to stir incitement against Syria and its allies. The Syrian military had no chemical weapons, having destroyed them under United States auspices, he stressed. (4) Emphasis mine. Of course in this new equivalent of the forty five minute to destruction lie (Tony Blairs governments infamous September 2002 dossier of fairy tales which massively contributed to Iraqs destruction) who should pop up but Tony Blair, urging Prime Minister May to join strikes on Syria without even putting it to a Parliamentary vote. He said that there was no need for her to ask her MPs as reprisals were likely to be air action, rather than ground force action. Work that one out. And Blair, who if justice existed, should be answering for his part in Nurembergs supreme international crime at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, was Middle East Peace Envoy. The British and Americans of course, on Syrian land, in sea or air space are in the country entirely illegally. President Assad has immediately invited the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to Syria to investigate, as did the Russians, the US are fighting their visit. Doesnt take much thinking about. According to the OPCW website, they are leaving shortly. However, in this truly terrifying scenario the world is facing not the ruthless horrors of the Bush family, or of the Clintons, Jimmy Carters threats to the Middle East, Nixons criminality. No, we have Donald Trump. In The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, twenty seven eminent psychiatrists and mental health experts put their careers on the line, flagging up their clinical assessments, arguing that in Mr. Trumps case they had a moral and civil duty to warn. Each chapter is more concerning than the last. But perhaps in the present circumstances it is apt to quote John D. Gartner, Ph.D, clinical psychologist, who taught at the Department of Psychiatry at John Hopkins University Medical School for twenty eight years. In a chapter entitled: Donald Trump is A) Mad B) Bad C)All of the Above, he cites a colleagues assessment of Trumps grasp on reality: He cannot be contained because he is psychologically off the chain. With each passing week he displays the classic symptoms of medium grade mania in more disturbing forms Trumps first hypomanic crash resulted in only a few bankruptcies, but while he is President the consequences could be on a scale so vast its difficult to even contemplate: exhibiting malignant narcissism His worsening hypomania is making him increasingly more irrational, grandiose, paranoid, aggressive, irritable, impulsive He evinces the most destructive and dangerous collection of psychiatric symptoms possible for a leader. The worst case scenario is now our reality. He warns of the consequences being most likely catastrophic. Professor Gartner ends the chapter defending the authors of the book for breaking the rules by going public: History will not be kind to a profession that aided the rise of an American Hitler through its silence. It would be hard to dispute this chilling assessment having read how lightly Trump takes a possible world war in a Tweet today: Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 Now Trumps right hand man is John Bolton, arch hawk, advocate of regime change in Iran, North Korea, Syria, supporter of the horrors of Libya and Iraq. But of course, for someone possibly in a parallel universe, incinerating a nation or the planet would be a great diversion from Trumps troubles at home and the raid on his lawyers office and seizure of countless possibly incriminating documents. * Veteran War Correspondent Felicity Arbuthnot is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization and Associate Editor of Global Research. Notes 1. https://www.globalresearch.ca/the-syria-chemical-weapons-saga-the-staging-of-a-us-nato-sponsored-humanitarian-disaster/5315273 2. https://bbcpanoramasavingsyriaschildren.wordpress.com 3. https://theecologist.org/2014/mar/13/syrias-chemical-weapons-lawbreakers-rule-supreme 4. https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13284.doc.htm " - This article was originally published by " Global Research Copyright Felicity Arbuthnot, Global Research, 2018 ===== Join the Discussion April 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The lessons of history? Who needs them? Certainly not Washington's present cast of characters, a crew in flight from history, the past, or knowledge of more or less any sort. Still, just for the hell of it, lets take a few moments to think about what some of the lessons of the last years of the previous century and the first years of this one might be for the worlds most exceptional and indispensable nation, the planets sole superpower, the globes only sheriff. Those were, of course, commonplace descriptions from the pre-Trump era and yet, in the age of MAGA, already as moldy and cold as the dust in some pharaonic tomb. Lets start this way: you could think of the post-Cold War era, the years after the implosion of the Soviet Union in 1991, as the moment of Americas first opioid crisis. The countrys politicians and would-be politicians were, then, taking street drugs (K-Street and military-industrial-complex ones, to be exact) and having remarkable visions of a planet available for the taking, as well as the keeping, forever and ever, amen. On a globe without another superpower -- pre-Putin Russia was a shattered, impoverished shell of the former Soviet Union, while China was still entering the capitalist world, Communist party in tow -- historys ultimate opportunity had obviously presented itself. And about to ascend to the holodeck of the USS America (beam me up, Dick Cheney!) were historys ultimate opportunists, the men (and woman) who would, in January 2001, occupy the top posts in the administration of President George W. Bush. That, of course, included Cheney who, after overseeing a wide-ranging search for the best candidate for vice president, had appointed himself to the job. As a group, they couldnt have been more ready for Americas ultimate moment in the sun. They had been preparing for it for years and largely came out of the first think tank -- the Project for the New American Century -- ever to enter the Oval Office. They had long been in favor of ensuring this countrys unchallenged supremacy by building its already staggering military into a force beyond compare. In doing so, they had no doubt that they would achieve the previously inconceivable: an American geopolitical preeminence, as they politely put it, that would be like no other great powers ever. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter A Power Beyond Challenge As it happened, their moment came with blinding, thoroughly unexpected speed on September 11, 2001. Their response would be captured perfectly only five hours after the attacks of that day. From the partially devastated Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, already certain that al-Qaeda was behind the strikes, ordered his aides (as one of them scribbled down) to go massive. Sweep it all up. Things related and not. And so they did. What followed would be not just the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, but of Saddam Husseins Iraq, a country completely unconnected to the attacks of 9/11. And not just Iraq either, not in their fevered imaginations anyway (as once again today in the fever dreams of newly appointed National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo), but Iran, too. Not far behind in the sweep-it-up category would come, they were convinced, the rest of the Greater Middle East (still being called in those days the arc of instability -- little did they know!). In the end, they had no doubt that the rest of the planet would fall in line, too (or pay the price). It was to be a Pax Americana planet for the ages. In the carnage that followed, it was easy to forget just how expansive those fever dreams were. But give them credit: whatever else they did (or didnt do), geopolitically speaking, George W. Bushs crew thought big. Just consider their seminal document of the post-9/11 moment, the 2002 National Security Strategy. Their goal, it stated, was to ensure that the U.S. would "build and maintain" the countrys defenses (that is, military power) beyond challenge. And keep in mind that they were already talking about a country in, as that document put it, a position of unparalleled military strength. Let that roll around in your head for a second so many years later: on this planet a single, unparalleled military power "beyond challenge." That was a dream of dominion that once would have been left to Evil Empires or madmen (or the truly, truly bad guys in Hollywood movies). But in the world as they imagined it then, the one in which only that sole superpower stood tall, how easy it proved to imagine a Great Game with just a single player and an eternal arms race of one. The top officials of the Bush administration were, as I wrote back then, pure fundamentalists when it came to U.S. military power. As President Bush later put it, they considered that military the greatest force for human liberation the world has ever known. Under such circumstances, why would anyone be shy about loosing it to liberate the rest of the planet? In that 2002 document, the Bush administration essentially called for a world in which no other great power or bloc of powers would ever again be allowed to challenge this country's supremacy. As the president put it in an address at West Point that same year, "America has, and intends to keep, military strengths beyond challenge, thereby making the destabilizing arms races of other eras pointless, and limiting rivalries to trade and other pursuits of peace." The National Security Strategy put the same thought this way: "Our forces will be strong enough to dissuade potential adversaries from pursuing a military build-up in hopes of surpassing, or equaling, the power of the United States." And the president and his men promptly began to hike the Pentagon budget to fit their oversized fantasies of what an American planetary "footprint" should look like (a process that, despite everything that followed, has never ended). The Lessons of American War So much of this has, of course, already been buried in the sands of history, but thats no reason for it to be forgotten. Almost 17 years after 9/11, the parts of the planet that the greatest force, etc., etc. was loosed upon remain in remarkable upheaval and disarray, while failed states and terror groups multiply, producing more displaced people and refugees than at any time since the end of World War II. Another great power, China, is rising, and an economically less than great Russia continues to hang in there militarily and strategically by force of Putinian chutzpah. Not surprisingly, American decline has become a topic of the moment. What conclusions, then, might be drawn from the era of folly that led us to this Trumpian moment? Here are my suggestions for five possible lessons from the American experience of war in the twenty-first century: Lesson one: It should have been too obvious to say, but wasnt: Earth cant be conquered by a single power, no matter how strong. Try to do so and youll end up taking yourself down in some fashion. Shakespeare would have been fascinated by the hubris of Americas leaders in these years (and that was before Mr. Hubris Himself even hit the White House). It couldnt be clearer today that the military-first grab for an all-American planet proved strikingly too much for the U.S. to swallow by an Iraqi mile. It never even came close to happening. When the history of American decline is written, perhaps it will be said that never was there a great power whose leaders so effectively took it down themselves simply by wanting too much too badly and by woefully misunderstanding the nature of power on this planet. For Washington, the urge to make Earth into its imperium proved the equivalent of a submarine putting a torpedo into its own bow. Lesson two: In the twenty-first century, military power, even that of the finest fighting force in the history of the world (another presidential descriptor of these years), isnt all its cracked up to be. It doesnt matter how many hundreds of billions of dollars you put into building up and maintaining that military yearly or how many trillions of dollars you sink into its wars and the mayhem they produce. In 2018, the greatest military on Earth turned out to be incapable of ultimately defeating forces that were producing roadside bombs for the cost of a pizza. If you want to measure the effectiveness of the U.S. military, note, for instance, that more than a decade and a half after its Global War on Terror was launched there are al-Qaeda affiliates in far more places than on September 12, 2001; the original al-Qaeda still exists; other al-Qaeda crews are fighting with reasonable success from Yemen to Syria to North Africa; ISIS, while destroyed as a state or caliphate, continues as a guerrilla movement in parts of Syria and Iraq and its branded affiliates have spread across that former "arc of instability" from Niger and Libya to Afghanistan and the Philippines. Washingtons war on terror, in other words, turned into a war for the spread of terror. Lesson three: Military power is now a force for chaos. Historically, in the imperial ages that preceded this one, such power, while applied brutally and devastatingly, could also be a way of imposing order on conquered and colonized areas. (Hence, say, the British Raj in India or the French military hold on Indochina.) No longer, it seems, not in the wake of the twentieth century wars of liberation and independence in the formerly colonized world. Were now on a planet that simply doesnt accept military-first conquest and occupation, no matter under what guise it arrives (including the spread of democracy). So beware of unleashing modern military power. It turns out to contain within it striking disintegrative forces on a planet that can ill afford such chaos. Lesson four: At least at the imperial level, victory turns out to be a concept from another century. In its wars of recent years, the American military has moved from dreams of victory to an acceptance that its conflicts might be generational in nature to, most recently, the idea of infinite war (that is, war without hope of end or ultimate success). In this way, its top commanders have admitted that, by their own definition, they now live in a victory-less world. Lesson five: Imperial wars do come home, even if in ways often hard to spot or grasp. Indeed, Americas wars of the twenty-first century have been returning to the homeland not as victory but as a kind of defeat, however hard that may be to see. Donald Trump is proof of that. His slogan Make America Great Again -- implying, as no other politician of his moment dared do, that the country was no longer great -- rang a bell in the heartland and helped win him the 2016 election. His America First campaign similarly embodied a declinist sensibility, even if not recognized as such. In promoting a presidency that would (again) put American first, Trump reflected what, for so many Americans, was a distinctly twenty-first-century message. Despite those soaring Washington dreams of an all-American planet, this century has proved anything but an America First one in the white American heartland. While citizen tax dollars poured down the drain of those distant wars (and the scams linked to them), the countrys unparalleled global corporate power helped generate profits and wealth beyond compare -- but mainly for a single gilded class of one percenters. And so the numbers of multimillionaires and billionaires multiplied impressively, creating an ever-widening inequality gap. In those same years, with a helping hand from the Supreme Court, the American political system was turned over, lock, stock, and barrel, to those very billionaires and multimillionaires and their super PACs. Meanwhile, actual investment in this countrys basic infrastructure, in everything that had once made it the most advanced of first world countries, went off a cliff. All of this was felt particularly deeply by the inhabitants of the countrys white heartland, as the future seemed to close in on so many of them. In their own fashion, they had absorbed some intuitive version of the above lessons of recent history, as had Donald Trump. As a result, in election 2016, along with all his tweets, insults, and nicknames, which became the heart and soul of media coverage, he did something far more crucial. He reassured Americans who felt that their lives and those of their children (going into debt for their very educations in ways that once would have been unimaginable) were turning third world on them. This they blamed on both the swamp of Washington and people of color of every sort. In his own distinctive way, Trump reassured them that life in America didnt have to be like this, repeatedly sending them messages of firstness and greatness, as well as anti-immigrant-ness, with convincing fire and fury. Of course, upon entering the Oval Office, our first billionaire president promptly chose a cabinet of billionaires and multimillionaires, while the great achievement of his initial year as president would be to free both corporate America and that same gilded class of yet more financial responsibility for the nation, thanks to his tax reform bill. Meanwhile, he oversaw the expansion of Americas wars in distant lands. None of this should have been slightly surprising. After all, whatever reassurance he may have offered, his campaign was always a The Donald First one. And whatever they thought they were doing, his voters were electing a man whose deepest expertise lay in how to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings smelling like a rose. Now, he seems intent on applying those special skills to peace, war, and the economy. That means, in another year or two, you can count on lessons of American war six through 10 from me. In the meantime, hold on to your hats. Tom Engelhardt is a co-founder of the American Empire Project and the author of The United States of Fear as well as a history of the Cold War, The End of Victory Culture. He is a fellow of the Nation Institute and runs TomDispatch.com. His latest book is Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World. His next book, A Nation Unmade by War (Dispatch Books), will be published in May. Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Alfred McCoy's In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S. Global Power, as well as John Dower's The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II, John Feffer's dystopian novel Splinterlands, Nick Turse's Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardt's Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World. Copyright 2018 Tom Engelhardt By Finian Cunningham April 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Frances President Macron raised the stakes for war in Syria by claiming to have proof chemical weapons were used by the regime last weekend. Macron is thus making a joint military strike on Syria with the US more likely. Frances Macron Shamelessly Peddling War Opportunities Over Syria From the outset of the dubious chemical weapons incident on April 7 in the city of Douma, near the Syrian capital Damascus, US President Donald Trump has relied heavily on his French counterpart for guidance on what military action to take. Bloomberg has described Emmanuel Macron as Trumps go-to guy in Europe. The American president is said to trust Macron more than any other European leader. When the news of the alleged chemical weapons incident broke, it was Macron whom Trump phoned first much to the chagrin of the British and their presumed special relationship with Washington. In a series of follow-up calls, the French reportedly exchanged intelligence with the White House to show that chemical munitions had been used against civilians by the Syrian government forces of President Bashar Assad. It seems it was due to the French lead that Trump adopted such a bellicose position, blaming animal Assad and Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the atrocity. Trump went on to warn Russia to get ready for new, smart missiles coming. However, the president then appeared to quickly back down, later intimating that a decision on whether or not to launch military strikes had not yet been taken. Significantly, Frances Macron then weighed in with his categorical claim to have proof that chemical weapons were used by the Syrian regime. This was while US Defense Secretary James Mattis said that they are still making an assessment about the purported incident. Macron has previously said that not implementing red lines on chemical weapons is a sign of weakness which he will certainly not balk at. Given his categorical claim about chemical weapons being used by the Assad forces, that can only mean one outcome military action. So, it seems the French leader is indeed Trumps go-to guy in Europe for war on Syria. What the precise French intelligence on the Douma incident is based on, and from where it was sourced, is not publicly substantiated. It is unverified as with so much else Western governments claim these days. We are expected to simply take the word of the French president. Though, thats entirely questionable. For its part, the Syrian government has unequivocally rejected accusations its forces used chemical munitions in recapturing Douma and its Eastern Ghouta environs. Syria and Russia say the alleged incident was a staged provocation carried out by the Western-backed insurgents. The strategic victory has routed the last-remaining stronghold of the anti-government militants near the capital. As President Assad remarked, the staged provocation was aimed at distracting from the military breakthrough against the Western-backed regime-change proxies. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Russian chemical warfare analysts, as well as locally-based Red Crescent medics at Douma City hospital, have also found no traces of chemical weapons, or people showing symptoms of poisoning. A World Health Organization claim that 500 people were injured with chemicals is not based on its own on-the-ground information-gathering, but rather on the claims of activists in the area which probably means the notorious White Helmets, the so-called rescue group which is embedded with terrorist outfits like Al-Nusra Front and Jaysh al-Islam. Therefore, how can President Macron be so confident to have proof under the circumstances? He cannot possibly have the evidence he claims to have. He is either lying or willfully peddling allegations communicated by the White Helmets and other proxies which have been exposed as on the payroll of the French government, as well as the CIA and Britains MI6. In this way, Macron is reprising the role played by former British leader Tony Blair when the latter served as the public relations manager to the George W Bush administration over the Iraq War. Like Blair, Macron lends Trump a certain gravitas upon which to launch a war. If there is one outstanding trait in the 40-year-old French leader, it is his ruthless ambition. The former investment banker has a knack for climbing up greasy poles. He has endeavored to position himself as the pre-eminent European leader, eclipsing Germanys Angela Merkel or Britains Theresa May, as the point man for Washington. Later this month, he will be the first European leader to be given an official state reception in Washington a gesture from Trump in response to Macrons guest-of-honor invitation at the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris last year. Macron has deftly set himself up as a strong man to Trump over the issue of climate change. Recall his knuckle-crunching handshake with the American during the G20 summit in Berlin last July. Macron has slyly played on anti-Trump sentiments in Europe, re-coining the Make America Great Again slogan to Make the Planet Great Again. But all the while, Macron has been careful never to rebuke Trump personally. The French leaders desired portfolio is to promote himself as the interlocutor between Europe and America. His calculations seem to be paying off, too, as can be gleaned from the way Trump is liaising most closely with Macron over what military steps to take on Syria. Macron has other ambitions for revamping the former colonial power as a key player in the Middle East. This week, he wined and dined the young Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The pair shared a two-hour meal at the Louvre Museum and reportedly discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between France and Saudi Arabia. Evidently, the president was lavishing the Saudi heir with French culture and arts and playing to the latters pretensions for development in these domains. Macron said France would help the Saudi rulers create a national orchestra, theaters and film-making. Macrons charm offensive earned prospective deals signed this week with Saudi Arabia worth $18 billion. The French are lined up for developing Saudi public infrastructure and utilities, water treatment, solar energy, petrochemicals, agriculture and tourism. To smooth the signing of those deals, Macron provided important public relations for the Saudis this week. In a joint press conference in Paris, the French president defended the multibillion-dollar sales of warplanes to Saudi Arabia as being in the interests of regional security. With a straight face, Macron distorted Saudi Arabias genocidal war on Yemen as a necessary defense against ballistic missiles being fired by Houthi rebels. Macron also indulged the Saudi obsession that the Middle Easts security is threatened by Iranian expansionism. Ingratiating himself with the head-chopping, terrorist-sponsoring Saudi regime was top priority for the ambitious Macron to the point where he glibly spouted outrageous lies about the abominable war in Yemen. That also explains why Macron is keenly pushing the militarist agenda on Syria. The Saudis have long been soliciting the US and its European allies to launch a full-scale intervention in Syria to get rid of Assad and the Iranian-Hezbollah axis. Macron knows he is banging war drums over Syria to entertain the Saudi despots and loosen their oil coffers for French benefits. Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent. Home Search ICH What Price Will Mankind Have to Pay for the Collapse of the Empire? By The Saker I am surrounded, they are outside, I dont want them to take me and parade me, conduct the airstrike, they will make a mockery of me and this uniform. I want to die with dignity and take all these bastards with me. Please my last wish, conduct the airstrike, they will kill me either way. This is the end commander, thank you, tell my family and my country I love them. Tell them I was brave and I fought until I could no longer. Please take care of my family, avenge my death, goodbye commander, tell my family I love them Alexander Prokhorenko This is for our guys Roman Filipov We are currently living the most dangerous days in human history. You think that this is hyperbole? Think again. We are risking a nuclear Armageddon The first thing to realize is that this is not, repeat, not about Syria or chemical weapons, not in Salsbury, not in Douma. That kind of nonsense is just mental prolefeed for the mentally deficient, politically blinded or otherwise zombified ideological drones who, from the Maine, to the Gulf of Tonkin, to NATOs Gladio bombing of the Bologna train-station, to the best and greatest of them all 9/11 of course will just believe anything their (as they believe) side tells them. The truth is that the AngloZionists are the prime proliferators of chemical weapons in history (and the prime murderers of Arabs and Muslims too!). So their crocodile tears are just that crocodile tears, even if their propaganda machine says otherwise. Does anybody seriously believe that Trump, May, Macron or Netanyahu would be willing to risk an apocalyptic thermonuclear war which could kill several hundred million people in just a few hours because Assad has used chemical weapons on tens, hundreds or even thousands of innocent Syrian civilians (assuming, just for arguments sake, that this accusation is founded)? Since when do the AngloZionist care about Arabs?! This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever! Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter For those who would say that speaking of several hundred million people killed is hyperbole, I would recommend looking up past western plans to solve the Russian problem including: Plan Totality (1945): earmarked 20 Soviet cities for obliteration in a first strike: Moscow, Gorki, Kuybyshev, Sverdlovsk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Saratov, Kazan, Leningrad, Baku, Tashkent, Chelyabinsk, Nizhny Tagil, Magnitogorsk, Molotov, Tbilisi, Stalinsk, Grozny, Irkutsk, and Yaroslavl. Operation Unthinkable (1945) assumed a surprise attack by up to 47 British and American divisions in the area of Dresden, in the middle of Soviet lines. This represented almost a half of roughly 100 divisions (ca. 2.5 million men) available to the British, American and Canadian headquarters at that time. () The majority of any offensive operation would have been undertaken by American and British forces, as well as Polish forces and up to 100,000 German Wehrmacht soldiers. Operation Dropshot (1949): included mission profiles that would have used 300 nuclear bombs and 29,000 high-explosive bombs on 200 targets in 100 cities and towns to wipe out 85% of the Soviet Unions industrial potential at a single stroke. Between 75 and 100 of the 300 nuclear weapons were targeted to destroy Soviet combat aircraft on the ground. Articles like this one, this one, and this one are also good pointers (these are all estimates, of course, nobody knows for sure; all that matters is an approximate orders of magnitude). By the way, I am not suggesting that at this point in time the AngloZionists would want to deliberately start a thermonuclear war with Russia. What I am suggesting is that there is a very simple and basic asymmetry between the Russian and AngloZionist forces in the Middle-East which could lead to such an outcome regardless of original intentions. Here is how: How are we risking a nuclear Armageddon? Step one: the AngloZionists strike Syria hard enough to force the Russians to retaliate. Step two: now outraged by the Russian response, the AngloZionists retaliate against the Russian forces in Syria. At this point it is crucial to remember that while the Russians have better equipment and far better soldiers than their western opponents (the examples of Alexander Prokhorenko or Roman Filipov will tell you all you need to know about how Russians in Syria fight, especially compared to the kind of personnel deployed by the US and NATO), the CENTCOM+NATO+Israel+KSA have an immense numerical advantage. It does not matter how effective the Russian air defenses or (tiny) air superiority aircraft force is when it can simply be overwhelmed by numbers. All the Empire needs to do is first fire a large number of dumb old Tomahawk cruise missiles, let the Russian use their stores of air defense missiles and then follow-up with their more advanced weapons. The truth is that if the Empire wanted to, it could even establish a no-fly zone over Syria and completely wipe-out the Russian task force. Sure, there would be losses on both sides, the Russians would fight heroically, but they would lose. Unless, of course, they got help from the Motherland, specifically in the form of cruise missile attacks from the Black Sea Fleet, the Caspian Flotilla, the aircraft stationed in southern Russia (Crimea) or even in Iran. Russia also strike with land and sea based missiles. So Russia does have the capability to strike at numerous lucrative (and more or less defenseless) US and coalition targets throughout the Middle-East. But what would be the consequences of that? Step three: Russian strikes on CENTCOM targets would force the Empire to fight back and strike at Russian Navy ships and, even worse, at military installations in Russia proper. Step four: US/NATO attacks on Russian territory would inevitably trigger a Russian response on the USA itself. That response would be initially conventional, but as the losses on both sides would mount, the use of nuclear weapons would be almost inevitable. Yes, in theory, at any time during this escalatory cycle both sides could decide to de-escalate. In theory. But in the real world, I dont see that happening nor have I ever seen any model which would convincingly explain how such a de-escalation could happen (especially with the exceptionally low-quality type of narcissistic and psychopathic individuals in command in the USA think Trump or Bolton here and all their we are the best and biggest and greatest pseudo-patriotic nonsense). I am not predicting that this is what will actually happen, but I am saying that this is the risk the AngloZionist Empire is willing to take in order to achieve.. what exactly? What is worth taking such a risk? I think that the UK Minister of Defense put it best: the AngloZionists want Russia to go away and shut up. Why we are risking a nuclear Armageddon (go away and shut up!) Go away and shut up has been the dream of all western leaders since at least a millennium (interspersed and strengthened by regular (and failed) attempts at conquering and/or converting the Russians). Just think how frustrating it has been for a civilization which has established colonies worldwide, including in the farthest regions of our planet, to have this unconquerable nation right next door which was not only refusing to submit, but which would regularly defeat them on the battlefield even when they all joined forces lead by their best and brightest leaders (Napoleon, Hitler and Trump?). Just imagine how a civilization centered on, and run by, bankers would go crazy realizing that immense riches were literally right next door but that those who lived on that land would, for some unfathomable reason, refuse to let them exploit it! The very existence of a Russian Russia is an affront to all the real (as opposed to official) western values and that is simply not something the leaders of the Empire are willing to tolerate. Hence Syria, hence the Ukraine, hence all the silly accusations of novichok cum buckwheat attacks. These are all expressions of the same policy Paint Russia as some kind of Mordor and create yet another grand coalition against her Force Russia to submit to the AngloZionist Hegemony Defeat Russia politically, economically or militarily These are objectives for which it is worth risking it all, especially when your own Empire is collapsing and time is not on your side. What we are witnessing since at least 2015 is yet another western Crusade against Russia, a kind of holy war waged in the name of everything the West holds sacred (money, power, hegemonic world domination, secularism, etc.) against everything it abhors (sovereignty, independence, spirituality, traditions). The simple truth is this: were it not for the Russian military capabilities, the West would have wiped Russia off the map long ago, and replaced it with something like a number of mini-Polands ruled by a liberal comprador elite just like the one currently in charge of the EU. The desperate scream go away and shut up is just the expression of having this western dream frustrated by the power of the Russian armed forces and the unity of the Russian people behind their current leader. But even the admittedly frustrating existence of Russia is not a sufficient reason to risk it all; there is much more at stake here. Russia as the tip of a much larger iceberg Due to geographical, historical, cultural, religious and military factors, Russia is today the objective leader of the worldwide resistance to Empire, at least in moral, psychological and political terms. But that does not mean that she is anti-USA, not at all. For one thing, Russia does absolutely not run or control the worldwide resistance to Empire. In fact, to a superficial analysis, Russia often looks pretty much alone in her stance (as shown by the recent Chinese behavior at the UN Security Council). The truth is that other countries who want an end to the AngloZionist hegemony have absolutely no incentive to join Russia on top of the US shit list and expose themselves to the wrath of the Hegemon, especially not when Russia seems to be more than willing to bear the brunt of the Empires hatred. Besides, like all large and powerful countries, Russia lacks real friends and most countries are more than happy to demand that Russia fix all their problems (as shown by the constant stream of accusations that Russia has not done enough in this or that part of the planet). And yet all these countries are not exactly standing in line to show solidarity with Russia when she might need it. So when I say that Russia leads the resistance I am not suggesting that she does that the way the USA runs NATO or some coalition of the willing. Russia simply leads by the fact that she does not go away or, even more so, does not shut up. Russia is the only country on the planet, with the possible exception of Iran, which openly and unapologetically dares to denounce the Empires hypocrisy and which is willing to back her words with military power if needed. The DPRK is a unique and local case. As for the various Bolivarian countries and movements in Latin America, they are currently being defeated by the Empire. In theory, the Muslim world definitely has the potential to play a bigger role in the resistance to the Empire, but the Wahabi-virus injected into the Muslim world by the USA+KSA+Israel has, at least so far, prevented the emergence of a successful and truly Islamic model besides the one of the Islamic Republic of Iran (hence the demonization of the latter by the AngloZionists). And yet The Empire is in the process of losing the entire Middle-East. Not so much because of some brilliant and Machiavellian Russian or Iranian policies, but more as a courtesy of its own infinitely arrogant, stupid and self-defeating policies. The overthrow of Saddam Hussein will probably go down in history as one of the dumbest political decisions ever (Bolton was behind that one too, by the way). That was an entirely self-inflicted catastrophe. As was the almost equally disastrous invasion of Afghanistan. Another self-inflicted disaster for the AngloZionists was their support for the US/EU led coup in the Ukraine, which not only resulted in a calamity which the Europeans will have to pay for for many decades to come (think of it as a big Somalia on the EUs doorstep) but also did an amazing job uniting the Russian people behind their leaders and reduced the pro-Western feelings in the Russian public opinion to something in the range of 2-5 percent at the most. Getting the Ukraine sure would not have been worth losing Russia. Then there is China which the USA has grossly mismanaged since the so-called Third Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1996 when Clinton militarily threatened China (see here for details) and with whom Trump has now launched a trade war in order to MAGA (good luck with that!). In contrast, all the real action is now centered around the OBOR project in which China and Russia play the main role and in which the Anglosphere will play no role at all. Add the Petro-Yuan to the equation and you have the emergence of a new Eurasian model which threatens to make the entire Empire simply irrelevant. And then there is Turkey (2nd most powerful NATO member state). And Pakistan for that matter. Or Afghanistan. Or Iraq. Or Yemen. Everywhere the Empire is in full retreat leaving only chaos behind. The truth is that Russia would never be a credible threat to the AngloZionist Hegemony if it was not for the innumerable self-inflicted disasters the Empire has been absorbing year after year after year. In reality, Russia is no threat to anybody at all. And even China would not be a threat to the Empire if the latter was not so arrogant, so over-stretched, so ignorant, reckless and incompetent in its actions. Let me just give one simple, but stark, example: not only does the USA not have anything remotely resembling a consistent foreign policy, it does not even have any ministry of foreign affairs. The Department of State does not deal with diplomacy simply because the US leaders dont believe in diplomacy as a concept. All the DoS does is issue threats, sanctions, ultimatums, make demands, deliver score-cards (on human rights and the like, of all things!) and explain to the public why the USA is almost constantly at war with somebody. That is not diplomacy and the likes of Nikki Haley are not diplomats. In fact, the USA has no use for International Law either, hence the self-same Nikki Haley openly declaring at a UNSC meeting that the USA is willing to ignore the decisions of the UNSC and act in complete violation of the UN Charter. Simply put: thugs have no need for any diplomacy. They dont understand the concept. Just like their Israeli masters and mentors, the US Americans have convinced themselves that all they need to be successful on the international scene is to either threaten the use of force or actually use force. Which works great (or so it seems) in Gaza or Grenada, but when dealing with China, Russia or Iran, this monomaniacal approach rapidly shows its limitations, especially when your force is really limited to shooting missiles from afar or murdering civilians (neither the USA nor Israel nor, for that matter, the KSA has a credible boots on the ground capability, hence their reliance on proxies). The Empire is failing, fast, and for all the talk about Animal Assad or Rocket Man being in need of AngloZionist punishment, the stakes are the survival of Hegemony imposed upon mankind at the end of WWII and, again, at the end of the Cold War, and the future of our planet. There cannot be one World Hegemon and a multipolar world order regulated by international law. Its an either-or situation. And in that sense, this is all much bigger than Syria or even Russia. From Douma to Donetsk? There is still a chance that the AngloZionists will decide to strike Syria symbolically, as they did last year following the previous chemical false flag in Khan Sheikhoun (Trump has now probably tweeted himself into a corner which makes some kind of attack almost inevitable). Should that happen though, we should not celebrate too soon as this will just be a minor course change, the 21st-century anti-Russia Crusade will continue, most likely in the form of a Ukronazi attack on the Donbass. Quick reminder: the purpose of such an attack will not be to reconquer and then ethnically cleanse the Donbass, but to force the Russian Federation to prevent such an outcome by openly intervening. Such a Russian intervention will, of course, quickly stop the war and crush the Ukronazi forces, but at that point the tensions in Europe will go through the roof, meaning that NATO will (finally!) find a halfway credible mission for itself, the Germans will have to give up on North Stream II, Poland and the Baltic statelets will make money by becoming the East European version of Okinawa and the Anglo powers (US/UK) will firmly reestablish control over the EU, Brexit notwithstanding. Furthermore, Russia will become the target of a total economic war, including an energy blockade (the US will be more than happy to impose its overpriced gas on the Europeans), a disconnection from SWIFT, a seizure of Russian assets, a ban on Russian financial operations in the EU, etc. That could be risky, of course, especially with a trade war with China also taking place, but these are just options. What is certain is that as long as Putin or anybody like him remains in power in Russia, the Congress will continue to slap sanctions after sanctions after sanctions on Russia. In fact, during most of her history, even before the Revolution, Russia was under one type of western sanctions or another. There is absolutely nothing new here and, as I like to remind people these days, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, especially with maniacal regimes and leaders. Besides, as I have already mentioned in the past, and unlike the current confrontation in Syria, a war in the Ukraine is a very safe bet for the Empire. First, when the goal is the defeat of your side, almost any military adventure is pretty safe. Second, once the Russians are in Novorussia, they will own it, meaning that they will have to carry the huge financial burden of rebuilding it. Third, such a Russian presence would consolidate and even boost the Ukie nationalists who, by the way, will have a golden opportunity to blame everything they did wrong over the past 4 years on the Russians. Fourth, any such operation will get a lot of the worst and most rabid Ukronazi killed and that will remove a potential problem from the Poroshenko-types the US much prefers to deal with. Finally, as I said, this will give NATO a sacred mission to defend Europe against a revanchist Russian rogue state thereby crushing any European hopes for even a modest degree of independence from the Anglosphere. And the worst case? The worst case would be if the Novorussians can stop the Ukronazi attack without overt Russian intervention. But even if that happens and even if the Novorussians launch some kind of counter-offensive liberating Mariupol or Slaviansk, these are irrelevant losses from the point of view of the Empire which sees both Russians and Ukrainians as cannon fodder. Just as the Empire wants Arabs and Muslims to kill each other on Israels behalf in the Middle-East, so does the Empire want nothing more than to see Ukrainians and Russians kill each other in maximal numbers and for as long as possible. [Sidebar: Some might suggest here that the Novorussians could not only defeat the Ukronazi forces but also liberate the rest of the Ukraine, including Kiev. I find that exceedingly unlikely. Here is why: First, all the hurrah-patriotic nonsense notwithstanding, there are very good and objective reasons why the Novorussians could not liberate Mariupol the first time around (there was a major risk of Ukrainian envelopment for the Novorussian force) or why it took them so long to retake control of the Donetsk airport: during most of their existence, Novorussian forces were composed of a mix of different types of units which, for all their personal courage, were simply not capable of operational-level offensives. They were limited to tactical-level engagements which, even when successful, do not necessarily lead to operational-level developments. There seems to have been major changes made in the command structure of the Novorussian forces. The liberation of the Donetsk airport and, even more so, the Debaltsevo cauldron were joint DNR-LNR efforts, but even if, as I suspect, the Novorussians are now capable of operational-level counter-offensives, this is still not what it would take to liberate Kiev. Furthermore, as one Novorussian officer commented, the further West we go, the less we are seen as liberators and the more as occupiers. Last but not least, Russia will not allow the Novorussians to liberate most of the Ukraine even if they could do so, because then Russia would have to pay for the staggering costs of trying to fix this massive European Somalia, and that is a task far beyond her current means. For all the East-European hallucinations about some Russian invasion, Russia has neither the desire nor even the means to invade anybody. The painful reality is this: the Ukrainians will pay a dear price for their Russophobic delusions and most of the bill to fix that mess will have to be paid by the rest of Europe. They created that nightmare, let them fix it now.] Conclusion: back to Syria None of the above should distract us from what is by far the biggest danger currently facing us all the risks of a US-Russian war in Syria. In fact, this reality seems to be slowly dawning even on the most obtuse of presstitutes who are now worrying about a spill-over effect. No, not in Europe or the USA, but on Israel, of course. Still, the fact that there are folks who understand that Israel might not survive a superpower clash on its doorstep is a good thing. Maybe the Israel lobby in the USA, or a least the part of it which cares for Israel (many/most only pretend to), will be more vocal than all the silent Anglo shabbos-goyim who dont seem to be able to muster even a minimal amount of self-preservation instinct? Bibi Netanyahu felt the need to call Putin after the Israeli ambassador to Russia was read the riot act by Russian officials following the (admittedly rather lame) Israeli airstrike on the T-4 Syrian air force base. Not much of a hope, I admit.. This is not about good guys versus bad guys anymore. Its about sane versus insane. I think that we can safely place Trump, Bolton, Haley and the rest of them in the terminally delusional camp. But what about the top US generals? I asked two well-informed friends, and they both told me that there is probably nobody above the rank of Colonel with enough courage left to object to the Neocons insanity, even if that means WWIII. Again, not much hope here either There is a sura (Al-Anfal 8:30) of the Quran which Sheikh Imran Hosein often mentions which I want to quote here: And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners. And since we are talking about Syria where Iran and Hezbollah are targets as much (or more) as the Russians, it is also fitting here to quote a very popular Shia slogan which calls to remember that the battle against oppression must be fought ceaselessly and everywhere: Every Day Is Ashura and Every Land Is Karbala. And, of course, there are the words of Christ Himself: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt 10:28). Such religious references will, no doubt, irritate the many enlightened westerners for whom such language reeks of obscurantism, fanaticism, and bigotry. But in Russia or the Middle-East, such references are very much part of the national or religious ethos. To illustrate my point I want to quote from Sayyed Hassan Nasrallahs Divine Victory Speech spoken in 2006 following the crushing victory by a relatively small Hezbollah force of the combined might of the Israeli ground, air and naval forces: We are today celebrating a big strategic, historic, and divine victory. How can the human mind imagine that a few thousand of your Lebanese resistance sons if I wanted, I would give the exact number held out for 23 days in a land exposed to the skies against the strongest air force in the Middle East, which had an air bridge transporting smart bombs from America, through Britain, to Israel; against 40,000 officers and soldiers four brigades of elite forces, three reserve army divisions; against the strongest tank in the world; and against the strongest army in the region? How could only a few thousand people hold out and fight under such harsh conditions, and [how could] their fighting force the naval warships out of our territorial waters? By the way, the army and the resistance are capable of protecting the territorial waters from being desecrated by any Zionist. [Applause] [And how could their fighting] also lead to the destruction of the Mirkava tanks, which are an object of pride for the Israeli industry; damage Israeli helicopters day and night; and turn the elite brigades I am not exaggerating, and you can watch and read the Israeli media into rats frightened by your sons? [How did this happen] while you were relinquished by the Arabs and the world and in light of the political (human solidarity was profound though) division around you? How could this group of mujahidin defeat this army without the support and assistance of Almighty God? This resistance experience, which should be conveyed to the world, depends on the moral and spiritual level on faith, certainty, reliance [on God], and readiness to make sacrifices. It also depends on reason, planning, organization, armament, and, as is said, on taking all possible protective procedures. We are neither a disorganized and sophistic resistance, nor a resistance pulled to the ground that sees before it nothing but soil, nor a resistance of chaos. The pious, God-reliant, loving, and knowledgeable resistance is also the conscious, wise, trained, and equipped resistance that has plans. This is the secret of the victory we are today celebrating, brothers and sisters. These words could also be used to describe the relatively small Russian task force in Syria. In fact, there are numerous parallels which could be made between Hezbollahs role and position in the Middle-East and Russias role and position in the world. And while both are well-trained, well-armed and well-commanded, it is their spiritual power which will decide the outcome of the wars waged against them by the Hegemony. AngloZionist secularists will never understand that they just cant and that will bring their inevitable downfall. The only question is the price mankind will have to pay to have that last Empire finally bite the dust. The Saker The Essential Saker: from the trenches of the emerging multipolar world Free Download This article was originally published by " Unz Review " - ===== Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. We ask that you treat others with respect. Take a moment to read the following - Comment Policy - What Or Who is Information Clearing House and Purpose and Intent of this website: It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. Our Twitter In Chief By Cesar Chelala April 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Donald Trump is the first president in U.S. history (even world history) to conduct the business of his presidency through frequent tweets addressed to those he considers his enemies. He also uses them for personal, and sometimes even cruel and unnecessary personal attacks. In March 2014, after watching actress Kim Novak, then 81, at the Academy Awards ceremony, he sent the following message via Twitter: I am having a real hard time watching, he wrote, Kim should sue her plastic surgeon. As a result, Ms. Novak became extremely depressed and refused to leave her house for several days. Although Mr. Trump later apologized, the harm was already done. What follows are some of his most recent (fake) tweets. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter On Russias interference in the U.S. elections Glad to report that there is no collusion, no collusion at all! Lets go to work and make America great again! No collusion. On Hillary Clinton The FBI people closed the case on her without any investigation, but they are still bothering us. No respect! On Trade War with China China is still on Abacus Time! They should stop taking advantage of us! On Chinas President Xi Jinping I love President Xi Jinping. As I frequently say, Make love, not war. On Alec Baldwin Pathetic clown! Not even his wife thinks he is funny. Sad! On Jared Kushner Nice, bright boy. Dont understand why people dont like him. On the wall with Mexico Ill build a wall (paid by Mexico!) that not even a fly will be able to go through! We are invaded by rapists. Enough! On the Democrats The Democrats are blocking progress! Because of them we have all those Mexicans coming in. America for Americans! On Robert Mueller Nitpicker-in-Chief! Get a life! On the Washington Post One day they will learn what are real news! Fake, totally fake! Shame on them! On the Rasmussen poll showing high approval rating for the Trump administration Thank you, Rasmussen, for showing an all time approval rating for my administration! Love u! On Kim Jong Un Missile boy, my nuclear button is bigger than yours and, most important, it is not Made in Korea. Mine works! So there! On Stormy Daniels Who is this Stormy Daniels woman? To me she looks more like a drizzle, not a storm On Amazon Bunch of losers! Stop making money out of the U.S. government. Get a job! On arming teachers at schools The best defense is a good weapon! Teachers, even in religious schools, should be armed. Nuns for guns!! Cesar Chelala is NewYork writer. ===== Donald Trump tweets James Comey is an untruthful slime ball Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. We ask that you treat others with respect. Take a moment to read the following - Comment Policy - What Or Who is Information Clearing House and Purpose and Intent of this website: It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. An 88 year old man has passed away a day after graduating from Salvation Ministries Bible school in Rivers state. It was revealed that the old man apparently knew he was to die as he decided to call his children and check up on them before he finally gave up the ghost. Report has it that the man will be buried on Saturday, the 12th of May, 2018 at Kalio Ama in Okrika, Rivers state at the exact spot he chose by himself. Oraye St. Franklyn shared the news of the mans death on Facebook. Below is what he wrote; THE LAST DON DROPS THE MIC LIKE A REAL SUPERSTAR Its not every day you find a man prepare himself for the glorious life hereafter. A day after these photos were taken on the day of his graduation from Bible School, he checked out quietly without hassling anyone at age 88. He knew his time had come but he wasnt going to leave without checking up on his children. So he put calls through. Who really does that? lol Hello people, I hope yall are good? Nothing much just checking up on you. How could we have known it was the last we would be hearing from him? Hed be laid to rest on Saturday, the 12th of May, 2018 at Kalio Ama in Okrika, at the exact spot he chose by himself. You think this is made up right? Well, youd hear from others too. Good bye Daddy, GrandPa, Great GrandPa. The entire Obed-Kalio Clan of Kalio Ama appreciates your condolences expressed in many ways than one. Thanks so much. Leave a Comment comments Jide and Kemis parents are friends, so they spend a lot of time in each others house. Their parents would tease them about ending up as husband and wife, but they both knew that was never going to happen; or so they thought! Jide is five years older than Kemi; and they saw each other like big brother and little sister especially because Kemis parents have five girls and Jides, five boys. Years later, Jide at 24 finally got admission to study his dream course, Computer engineering in Unilorin; he had been turning other admissions down because he was not getting this course. At this time, Kemi was 19, she was just rounding up her training in makeup and bead making. This was a rule in Kemis home because her parents did not think it was wise for them to go into the University immediately they were done with secondary school. Distance was not an issue for Jide and Kemi, they kept in touch through all the media available. But 2 years later, Kemi was still finding it difficult to make her papers; she was battling with math especially. Her father was not ready to send her to a private school even though he could squeeze out the money. Jide came home for the holiday, and Kemi poured her heart out to him in tears. If she had not spent a year learning that stupid makeup and bead, she felt she would probably be in school now like her mates. Jide calmed her down and promised to help her with her maths while he was around. While he kept trying to lighten her mood, one thing led to another and for the first time Jide and Kemi made out! This was an eye opener; their chemistry was explosive and with their strong friendship, they both knew that they were meant for each other! A year later, Kemi had passed her maths and got admission to a university in Lagos instead of her hometown Ilorin but she was over the moon to be free of the 3 years and counting she had spent at home. Her relationship with Jide was public now and their parents were openly hinting at them to get married as soon as they were done with their education. Two years later, with a very moderate strike in between, Jide came out top of his class at 29. He was no longer interested in working for anyone, so with help from his parents, he transformed the tutorial business he had started while in school into a full-time business. At 30, Jide was doing great at his business and he was sure that he was in the right career path, but he needed his woman by his side, and he did not think he could wait for two years or more to have his Kemi to himself. So, he took the first step by proposing to her. Kemi and Jides parents were excited about the proposal, but they also had concerns about Kemi getting pregnant while still in university or dropping out of school due to the stress of motherhood. Now one day while Kemi and Jide were over at her place, Kemis family Nurse- Aunty Titi walked in, said her pleasantries and was about to go to the kitchen to gist with kemis mom when Kemi wisely asked her to wait a minute and asked for her help. Nurse Titi told them that with contraceptives, they could have it all,be it an education, career and even a well-planned family. One of the methods she advised Kemi to go for was Sayana Press, a new contraceptive injection that works for 3months. She told Kemi that it is very private and no one will know shes on it. She also said that it is convenient-since she only needs one shot every 3 months so it would not interfere with Kemis studies. And finally that it is not even painful because the needle is so small unlike other injections she knows. Jide was also curious, so he asked if it was affordable, but Aunty Titi explained that Sayana Press will cost her just N500 at her own hospital. So without wasting time, Kemi agreed on when to go to the hospital where Aunty Titi works so she can get counselled some more and get this her Sayana Press. Before she could thank Aunty Titi, Kemis mummy that was stylishly eavesdropping from the kitchen gave a very big shout. Ope O! Oya Let the preparation begin!!! This is going to be a wedding like no other! Leave a Comment comments Wizkid and Ceeza Milli team up again on this Mut4y track titled Commando. With Soco still making waves, it is only safe to say that Commando will definitely be doing major damage on the radio and in the clubs. Add this fire tune to your playlist ASAP!. Listen below and share your thoughts. DOWNLOAD Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. "The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer Generation A 13 your chance to be the change President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev "uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Joint statement Google Ad Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia Armenia: Remarks by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the press point with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan The United States Welcomes Azerbaijans Release of Armenian Detainees and Armenias Actions to Facilitate Demining The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia International aviation: Council greenlights signing of major agreements with four countries With UCOMs level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Netflix, Duolingo and Zoom Armenia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the early parliamentary elections Armenias Parliamentary Elections PRESS STATEMENT COVID19:77 new cases Armenias early parliamentary elections were competitive and well run, but polarized and marred by aggressive rhetoric, international observers say International election observers to Armenias early parliamentary elections held press conference Drop Charges Against Rights Defender Sashik Sultanyan A man has been left without genitals and with three missing toes after a witch doctor told him that losing his body parts would make him rich. Chamangeni Zulu, from Malawi, has been hospitalised at Chipata General Hospital in Zambia, near the Malawi border, after he allowed the hyena to eat his manhood. Mr Zulu told the Times of Zambia yesterday that he was promised by a witch doctor that by sacrificing his body parts he would become rich. I met some business persons who told me the best way to become rich was to sacrifice parts of my body, he told the paper. At around 4am on Monday last week, the man went into the Zambian bush. Mr Zulu said: I was instructed to be unclad and a hyena came to me and started eating my toes and eventually my manhood was eaten. Mr Zulu said that the witch doctor did not make it clear that his body parts would be lost. Yet despite the horrific ordeal, Mr Zulu admitted he was still hopeful of becoming rich. Even if I have lost some important parts of my body, I still want to get rich, he said. The Malawi man has been living and working in Zambia for the past four months. Chipata Hospital described the mans condition as stable and said that he had been brought to the hospital by police officers. A young Nigerian man identified as Emenike who impregnated a lady simply known as Emerie without paying her bride price has landed in big trouble in Lagos It was gathered that Emenike impregnated Emerie and she died during child birth as a result of complications while the baby was saved. The incident happened at FESTAC town area of Lagos where they resided before the ugly incident. Now, the incident has left Emenike in serious trouble as the family of the woman insists that he must marry the dead body of their daughter. It was gathered that Emenike and Emerie met in Lagos and lived together but Emerie was said to own some properties. Emenike was from Ngor Okpala while the late Emerie hailed from Owerri town, all in Imo State. When Emerie was still alive, she had advised Emenike to go to her family and formalise their relationship since they were living together. He promised to go and pay her bride price but never did. He continued to shift the date until he impregnated Emerie and nothing was done. It was learnt that they had agreed that since she was pregnant, that everything will be done after Emerie must have put to bed as it was not proper to marry a pregnant woman according to their culture and tradition. However, the whole plan did not work out as Emerie had complications and died while she was to be delivered of the baby. Her corpse was deposited at an undisclosed mortuary. An embattled Emenike became confused on how to bury her and went to Emeries family to inform them about what happened. They told him that he was behind her death and cannot bury her as his wife. On Emenikes family side, they also blamed him and thereafter went to the deceased family to plead on his behalf. Emenikes family posited that since the baby survived, that they should consider Emenike, and accept him as their in-law and then other rites can be performed. Both families had agreed that Emenike will have to properly marry the late Emerie according to their culture before he will be allowed to bury her and also inherit her properties and he accepted their condition. Using the atomic force microscopes carbon monoxide functionalized tip (red/silver), the forces between the tip and the various atoms in the graphene ribbon can be measured. Image: University of Basel, Department of Physics Graphene is made of a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The strong bonds between the carbon atoms make graphene extremely stable yet flexible. It is also an excellent electrical conductor through which electricity can flow with almost no loss. Graphenes distinctive properties can be further expanded by incorporating impurity atoms in a process known as doping. The impurity atoms cause local changes of the conduction that, for example, allow graphene to be used as a tiny transistor and enable the construction of circuits. Targeted incorporation In a collaboration between scientists from the University of Basel and the National Institute for Material Science in Tsukuba in Japan, Kanazawa University and Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan, and Aalto University in Finland, the researchers specifically created and examined graphene ribbons containing impurity atoms. They replaced particular carbon atoms in the hexagonal lattice with boron and nitrogen atoms using surface chemistry, by placing suitable organic precursor compounds on a gold surface. Under heat exposure up to 400C, tiny graphene ribbons formed on the gold surface from the precursors, including impurity atoms at specific sites. Measuring the strength of the atoms Scientists from the team led by Professor Ernst Meyer from the Swiss Nanoscience Institute and the University of Basels Department of Physics examined these graphene ribbons using atomic force microscopy (AFM). They used a carbon monoxide functionalized tip and measured the tiny forces that act between the tip and the individual atoms. This method allows even the smallest differences in forces to be detected. By looking at the different forces, the researchers were able to map and identify the different atoms. The forces measured for nitrogen atoms are greater than for a carbon atom, explains Dr. Shigeki Kawai, lead author of the study and former postdoc in Meyers team. We measured the smallest forces for the boron atoms. The different forces can be explained by the different proportion of repulsive forces, which is due to the different atomic radii. Computer simulations confirmed the readings, proving that AFM technology is well-suited to conducting chemical analyses of impurity atoms in the promising two-dimensional carbon compounds. Original source Shigeki Kawai, Soichiro Nakatsuka, Takuji Hatakeyama, Remy Pawlak, Tobias Meier, John Tracey, Ernst Meyer, Adam S. Foster Multiple heteroatom substitution to graphene nanoribbon Science Advances (2018), doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aar7181 Further information Prof. Dr. Ernst Meyer, University of Basel, Department of Physics, tel. +41 61 207 37 24, email: ernst.meyer@unibas.ch This content is from: Premium Third Point, Citadel, and other hedge funds are gearing up for this biopharma IPO less than a month after investing in the companys latest financing round. firms_thumbnail The UK firm was founded in 2007 by Mark Davies, who has more than 20 years of experience in international tax. The practice offers international clients holistic tax advice, covering residency, remittances, holding structures, trusts and tax investigations. One of the firms key focus areas is compliance for international clients exposed to UK tax. The London-based tax practice joins RBC VAT as the British face of Andersen Tax. The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ. Share this article Toronto, Ontario - April 13, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Metals Creek Resources (TSXV: MEK) ("Metals Creek" or "the company") has completed an airborne EM/Mag survey comprising of 156.2 line kilometres, over the Great Brehat project on Newfoundland and Labrador's Great Northern Peninsula. The Great Brehat property is located on the Great Northern Peninsula near St. Anthony, Newfoundland. The MEK claims are contiguous to and located to the south and west of White Metal Resources Corp's Gunners Cove property which hosts a number of recent gold discoveries. This newly discovered mineralization is described as highly anomalous gold values over an approximately 15 sq km area, hosted in black graphitic shale units (See WHM-TSX.V PR dated November 20, 2017). The Metals Creek claims were staked to cover favorable geology similar to that of White Metal Resources Corp. Preliminary results from the recently completed airborne survey define a number of conductive zones, including a north-northwest striking large conductive anomaly that measures approximately 3 kilometers long and ranges from approximately 0.5 km to 1.5 km wide. The anomaly is interpreted as a strong bedrock conductor response and is possibly sourced by a graphitic and/or pyritic source similar to the host rocks at the Gunners Cove showings. The geophysical targets will be ground proofed as soon as possible (See Image 1). Alexander Stares, President and CEO of Metals Creek comments, "The results of this survey clearly define a very large conductive response as well as other conductive responses which will be the focus of follow-up prospecting and mapping." The company believes the Gunners Cove style of gold mineralization could potentially represent an important new discovery in a unique geological environment similar to other large gold deposits hosted in black shale environments around the world. Wayne Reid (PGeo) is a director of the company and is responsible for the preparation of this News Release. About Metals Creek Resources Corp. Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has a 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF) that stretches between Timmins, Ontario and Val d'Or, Quebec. Metals Creek also has an option agreement with Quadro Resources on Metals Creeks and Benton Resources Staghorn Gold Project in Newfoundland as well as two option agreements with Anaconda Mining Inc. on Metals Creek's Jacksons Arm and Tilt Cove Properties also in Newfoundland. The company have also signed a LOI on its Clarks Brook property with Sokoman Iron Corp. and is engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of other mineral resource properties, and presently has mining interests in Ontario, Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador including the recently acquired Great Brehat project on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO Metals Creek Resources Corp telephone: (709)-256-6060 fax: (709)-256-6061 email: astares@metalscreek.com MetalsCreek.com Twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes Facebook.com/MetalsCreek More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. 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Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp San Francisco, CA - April 13, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mayor Mark Farrell, the Department of the Environment and the Port of San Francisco today announced that ferries serving the Bay Area will transition to renewable diesel, becoming the first region in the nation to adopt the environmentally-responsible fuel standard. "San Francisco is and always will be a leader in protecting our planet," said Mayor Farrell. "As the federal administration fails to act on this crucial issue, San Francisco will be at the forefront of environmental leadership for the nation and the world. To protect our region and our environment, we are taking climate action now." Switching to renewable diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent or more, and it can also reduce other emissions such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Renewable diesel is not a fossil fuel. It is made from nonpetroleum renewable resources like natural fats, vegetable oils, and greases and works just like regular diesel. The San Francisco Bay Area water fleet's transition to renewable diesel has cleared a potential path for all water fleets worldwide to use renewable diesel. To reach this achievement, San Francisco has collaborated with every level of government, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Department of Transportation, National Parks Service, California Air Resources Board, California Department of Agriculture and the California Coast Guard. In addition, collaboration with science-based organizations such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and with fuel providers and engine manufacturers, led to success that can be replicated wherever water fleet engines are retailed. "San Francisco has a world-class waterfront, and today, we are celebrating a world-class commitment to reducing fossil fuel use on our Bay," said Debbie Raphael, Director of the San Francisco Department of Environment. "Transitioning our water fleet to renewable diesel demonstrates what's possible when the public and private sector work together towards shared environmental goals. We can improve air quality and deliver high-quality, sustainable transportation options for everyone who lives, works, and visits San Francisco." Red and White Fleet made the switch in late 2017. The San Francisco Fire Department has committed to transition all fire boats to renewable diesel in 2018. Bay Area ferries and excursion providers, including Golden Gate Ferry, Hornblower Cruises, Blue and Gold, and Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) will begin the transition process through 2019 to renewable diesel, which will include specific field testing in higher-performing marine engines. The Port's public fuel dock at Hyde Street Harbor, which is operated by Maxum Petroleum, will transition in 2018. Hornblower Cruises committed to switching in 2018. Other Bay Area ferries and excursion providers, including Golden Gate Ferry, Blue and Gold Fleet, and the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) will transition in 2019. The Port's public fuel dock at Hyde Street Harbor, which is operated by Maxum Petroleum, will transition in 2018. "San Francisco is not only a hub for knowledge of clean maritime transportation, it is one of action," said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. "At a time with increased water transit ridership, we are pleased to partner with our ferry and excursion providers to be on the forefront of climate action and environmental leadership for our City and nation." This project is one example of the City's collaborative leadership of environmental initiatives, which includes the Embarcadero Seawall Program, an interagency effort to rebuild the Seawall to improve seismic and adapt to sea level rise. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Iowa State Student Government elections take place every spring. One of 15 constituencies, the College of Design is represented by o This collection features the arguments in favor of and against the renaming of Catt Hall on Iowa State's campus, which was named in Aharon Adibekyan: Serzh Sargsyan has 95% capacity (video) In internal economic issues, people rely more on PM Karen Karapetyan than Serzh Sargsyan, sociologist Aharon Adibekyan told reporters today. "As a result of our survey, it became clear that 45% of respondents rely on Karen Karapetyan for internal economic issues, 35% rely on Serzh Sargsyan. Approximately 60% trust Serzh Sargsyan with regard to foreign economic issues. Overall, Serzh Sargsyan has 95% capacity. Karen Karapetyan has 10% in foreign policy," the sociologist said. The sociologist also touched upon the situation in Russia and foreign policy, noting that no one predicted such a crisis situation. "Now they hit the ruble. Europe is trying to abandon Russian oil and gas. That's why we need a president who can experience the fact that Armenia does not sink into this political ocean. It seems to me that they are trying to preserve Serzh Sargsyan's power functions. If Serzh Sargsyan and Karen Karapetyan stayed in the executive power, it would increase the power of the Republicans and the strikes would hardly drop its rating." The woman who saw a terrible war applies to ordinary citizens for help Syrian-Armenian Yeranuhi Stepanyan did not think that escaping from the war to Armenia she would find herself in a worse situation. Her spinal cord has almost made her disabled. Yeranuhi Stepanyan's house was completely destroyed by the bombing in Aleppo. Three years ago she was able to reach Armenia with her three small children. Her husband was later able to leave Aleppo. Now a 48-year-old Yerhanuhi should be operated on immediately. "Few people say advise me to go abroad, others cannot afford it, I beg you to operate on my spinal cord, they say, in case of the operation you will either be cured or will stay paralyzed. I cannot afford to leave for Germany. I cannot sit, cannot walk," Yeranuhi said. Yeranuhi Stepanyan has applied to many officials asking for money for her operation. Her husband works in a shop, her children are juvenile. Her eldest son works as a labourer after school to help his parents. "I am willing to return to my city during this war; everyone - Christian Arabs and Armenians- will help me. But they say it is not possible us to send you to Aleppo. Go and earn your money on your own. If I were able to I would never ask anyone," Yeranuhi Stepanyan said. The woman who saw a terrible war applies to ordinary citizens for help. [JURIST] The Arkansas Supreme Court [official website] on Thursday ruled [opinion] that the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act (AWBA) [materials] does not protect a former employee of the Department of Arkansas Community Corrections (ACC) [official website] who alleged she was fired for protesting and participating in an investigation to uncover workplace discrimination. Annette Barnes, the employee in question, alleged that she was terminated from her position with the ACC for protesting discriminatory actions on behalf of her employer and participating in an investigation designed to discover further discrimination. Her firing, she argued, amounted to a violation of the AWBA and she asked for damages, reinstatement, and all other relief available under the AWBA. In making their decision, the Court relied on an earlier decision[text] it issued in January holding that the states legislature could not pass laws waiving the sovereign immunity provision of the state Constitution in civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages. In this most recent opinion, the court stated that because the state legislature cannot waive constitutional sovereign immunity, the statute that provided for the State to be made a defendant in the [AWBA] was beyond the scope of legislative power as defined by the Arkansas Constitution. In light of this finding, the court never considered whether the acts of the ACC fell within the scope of the AWBA. Sovereign immunity, the court reasoned, was the only issue that needed to be examined. The dissent, joined by the same justices that dissented in the January opinion, relied largely on Article 2 and Article 5, section 20 of the states Constitution. Article 2 of the states Constitution states that: [e]very person is entitled to a certain remedy in the laws for all injuries or wrongs he may receive in his person, property or character; he ought to obtain justice freely, and without purchase; completely, and without denial; promptly and without delay; conformably to the laws. In their opinion, the court stated that: Article 2 then sets forth many principles with respect to the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Arkansas citizens and exempts those rights and freedoms from the authority delegated to the state government. Article 5, section 20, on the other hand, simply states that [t]he State of Arkansas shall never be made defendant in any of her courts. The dissent argued that [I]t is absolutely ludicrous to suggest that the drafters of the 1874 Constitution, considering the context in which it was drafted, intended to guarantee the rights enumerated in article 2 and to except those rights from interference by the state government, and then simultaneously intended to take away the peoples ability to judicially enforce those rights with article 5, section 20. Article 2 trumps article 5[.] The dissent concluded its argument by urging the court to over rule the January precedent. [JURIST] The foreign secretary of Bangladesh and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) [official website] signed [press release] a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday to cement their agreement that Rohingya refugees should be able to voluntarily return to Myanmar when the countrys conditions improve. About 870,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh, with about 670,000 of those refugees arriving since last August. Refugees said that before choosing to return to Myanmar, they would need to see concrete progress in relation to their legal status and citizenship, security, and their ability to enjoy basic rights at home in Rakhine State. UNHCR is currently discussing an agreement with Myanmar. The goals for UNHCR is for the agreement to set forth a framework for refugees voluntary repatriation in line with international standards, aim to create conditions that are conducive to eventual voluntary repatriation, and provide humanitarian and development assistance for all people of Rakhine State. The treatment of the Rohingya community has caused concern throughout the international community. Earlier this week an ICC prosecutor requested [JURIST report] a ruling on jurisdiction over Rohingya deportations. In March a UN official said [JURIST report] that she was convinced the Myanmar governments treatment of the Rohingya community constituted genocide. In February, Human Rights Watch reported [JURIST report] on the Myanmar government bulldozing Rohingya villages. The Spanish Supreme Court [official website] on Thursday rejected [decision, PDF} a second appeal by Catalan political activist Jordi Sanchez. His first appeal [JURIST, report] was denied in March by the same court and judge. While in jail, Sanchez will not be eligible to be elected leader of a regional Catalan independence party. Sanchez has been in custody [JURIST report] since October over charges of rebellion and sedition based on his alleged role in using demonstrations to stop police from halting the unilateral independence referendum, that eventually was found to be unconstitutional [JURIST report]. Judge Pablo Llarena denied [press release] Sanchez the opportunity to be seen via video at the Catalan parliament. Sanchez, in his second appeal, claimed he should have protected rights because the UN called on the Spanish government to respect the rights of arrested Catalan independence supporters. Llarena responded that the UN did not specifically ask anything special of Spains treatment of prisoners but merely respect their rights. The UNs Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic said [press release] Friday they are gravely concerned over the use of chemical weapons in Syria. The commission condemned the use of chemical weapons and noted that they have 34 documented incidents of the use of chemical weapons. The commission called for the secretary-general to investigate the use of chemical weapons to determine who is responsible. They also stressed the importance of preserving evidence at sites of suspected uses of chemical weapons. The Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will be dispatched to complete a technical investigation into the events. The Syrian Arab Republics representative to the UN Security Council has stated that the OPCW will be able to fulfill its task and the Commission has urged the Syrian authorities to full cooperate to ensure unfettered access and freedom of movement for investigators. There has been ongoing reports of chemical use in Syria for several years. In April 2017 Russia had vetoed [JURIST Report] a UN resolution that would have condemned Syrian president Bashar Al-Assads use of neurologic gas. In November 2016 IHS Conflict Monitor reported [JURIST report] 52 uses of chemical weapons by the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. A multi-agency investigation in Klamath Falls earlier this week led police to make two arrests and recover large quantities of methamphetamine, cash, firearms, and stolen goods, according to the Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD). The first bust occurred on Sunday, April 8, when KFPD assisted Oregon State Police (OSP) and detectives from the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) in arresting two people in Klamath Falls. Police seized 12.9 pounds of meth during the bust. One of the suspects arrested during the bust was 32-year-old Carlos Pena Jr., who had just gotten out of prison on meth-related charges. Pena Jr. was arrested back in June of 2016 by BINET in Klamath Falls for possession of more than 7 pounds of meth. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, according to KFPD. A KFPD statement did not give any details on the second suspect in this bust. On Tuesday, April 10, police raided a residence on Owens Street in Klamath Falls. They arrested 57-year-old Ruben Ramos Cano, and lodged him in the Klamath County Jail, according to KFPD. This second bust yielded 3.9 pounds of meth, $8000 in cash, 2 handguns, and a large amount of laptop computers and jewelry that police suspect were stolen. KFPD had help from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the investigation and execution of the search warrant. BINET is comprised of detectives from the KFPD, OSP, and Klamath County District Attorneys Office. BINET operates out of the Klamath Falls Police Department and works closely with the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Klamath County Sheriffs Office, Klamath County Parole and Probation, and DHS Child Welfare. Anyone who was a recent victim of laptop, jewelry or coin collection theft or has information regarding the illegal distribution of drugs within Klamath County is encouraged to call the Klamath Falls Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at (541) 883-5334. WASHINGTON, D.C. An effort to legalize hemp at a federal level has arrived at the U.S. Senate in the form of the 'Hemp Farming Act of 2018.' Two of the bill's chief sponsors are familiar Oregon DemocratsSenators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-Or). The third sponsor is U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). "During the recent state work period, I talked to a number of farmers, manufacturers, and small business owners who expressed enthusiasm for hemps potential, and I was proud to stand with Kentuckys Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles to announce the impending introduction of this bill, said Senator McConnell. According to a joint statement from the sponsors, the bill aims to legalize and define hemp as a purely agricultural commidityremoving it from the list of controlled substances. The bill would also make states the primary regulators of hemp, make hemp farmers eligibile for crop insurance, and allow researchers to apply for federal grants from the Department of Agriculture. Its past time that we move beyond these outdated and frustrating restrictions on hemp farming in the United States. If were selling hemp products in the United States, we should be growing hemp in the United States its good for jobs, good for our communities, and its just common sense, said Senator Merkley. "Hemp products are made in this country, sold in this country and consumed in this country. Senator McConnell, our colleagues and I are going to keep pushing to make sure that if Americans can buy hemp products at the local supermarket, American farmers can grow hemp in this country, said Senator Wyden. Congressman James Comer (R-KY) is set to introduce a similar bill to the House of Representatives. McConnell, Merkley, and Wyden teamed up in 2014 to support hemp pilot programs, according to the statement. In 2016, they fought for clarification of laws for hemp farmers, who found themselves regulated by three different federal agencies for the growing and selling of industrial hemp. The text of the Hemp Farming Act can be viewed below. FILE - In this March 29, 2018, file photo, a cargo truck drives amid stacked shipping containers at the Yangshan port in Shanghai. ChinaAos export orders shrank in September as a tariff battle with Washington over technology escalated, adding to downward pressure on the worldAos No. 2 economy, two surveys showed Sunday, Sept. 30. The reports add to signs Chinese trade, which had held up despite U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, might be weakening. That adds to pressure on an economy that already was forecast to cool due to slowing global consumer demand and lending controls imposed to rein in a debt boom. (AP Photo/File) MCpl Alfred Barr, of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, is seen in an undated handout photo. A military investigation report says a parachute accident which killed a search and rescue technician near Yorkton, Sask., in March 2017 came after the man's chute became twisted as he jumped in a low-level exercise. It says Master Cpl. Alfred Barr waited too long to cut away his tangled main chute and deploy his reserve. Barr, who was qualified as a jumper, but was still relatively inexperienced, was taking part in an exercise which involved a jump from a C-30 Hercules aircraft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-DND, 17 Wing Winnipeg, *MANDATORY CREDIT* This June 16, 2016 file photo made with a fisheye lens shows bottles of alcohol during a tour of a state liquor store in Salt Lake City. A plebiscite will be held May 8 whether to allow the sale of alcohol in a number of communities in Nova Scotia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP /Rick Bowmer Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr speaks to reporters with Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, after an emergency cabinet meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Paul Bernardo sits in the back of a police cruiser as he leaves a hearing in St. Catharines, Ont., April 5, 1994. One of Canada's most notorious killers is back before the courts for an offence allegedly committed from behind bars. Paul Bernardo appeared in a Napanee, Ont., courtroom via video on Friday facing one count of possession of a weapon. Court documents show the alleged offence took place on Feb. 9 at the maximum-security Millhaven institution, but did not reveal other details. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn FILE - In this May 4, 2014 file photo, an Etihad Airways plane prepares to land at the Abu Dhabi airport in the United Arab Emirates. The United States and the United Arab Emirates are nearing a deal to resolve a years-old spat over alleged government subsidies to Emirati airlines that the major U.S. airlines claim have tilted the competition against them. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File) Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens speaks at a news conference about allegations related to his extramarital affair with his hairdresser, in Jefferson City, Mo., Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Greitens initiated a physically aggressive unwanted sexual encounter with his hairdresser and threatened to distribute a partially nude photo of her if she spoke about it, according to testimony from the woman released Wednesday by a House investigatory committee. (Julie Smith/The Jefferson City News-Tribune via AP) FILE -- In this Jan. 10, 2017 file photo, Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer leaves the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Ferrer will serve no more than five years in state prison under a plea agreement announced Thursday, April 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, file) FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2013, file photo, Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas, right, participates in a mock swearing-in ceremony in Washington. A federal jury has convicted the former Texas congressman of fraud and conspiracy for misusing charitable donations to pay for personal and political expenses. Stockman was found guilty Thursday, April 12, 2018, following a three-week trial in Houston. Prosecutors say Stockman conspired with two staffers to bilk conservative foundations out of at least $775,000 that was meant for charitable purposes and voter education. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) FILE - In this June 8, 2017 file photo, former FBI director James Comey speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington. Comey is blasting President Donald Trump as Auunethical and untethered to truth,Au and says TrumpAos leadership of the country is Auego driven and about personal loyalty.Au ComeyAos comments come in a new book in which he casts Trump as a mafia boss-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) In this Wednesday, April 11, 2018, photo, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's personal attorney, walks along a sidewalk in New York. The company that publishes the National Enquirer paid a former doorman at one of TrumpAos New York skyscrapers $30,000 during the presidential campaign for a tip about Trump it never ran. Dino Sajudin signed a contract with American Media Inc. that barred him from discussing his tip with anyone. Cohen acknowledged to the AP that he had discussed SajudinAos story with the magazine when the tabloid was working on it. He said he was acting as a Trump spokesman when he did so and denied knowing anything beforehand about the Enquirer payment to the ex-doorman. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) In this April 8, 2018 photo women look at second hand clothes at roadside stall, in Nairobi, Kenya. The used clothes cast off by Americans and sold in bulk in African nations, a multimillion-dollar business, have been blamed in part for undermining local textile industries. (AP Photo/Sayyid Abdul Azim) In this April 10, 2018 frame from video, a National Guard troop watches over Rio Grande River on the border in Roma, Texas. The deployment of National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border at President Donald Trump's request was underway Tuesday with a gradual ramp-up of troops under orders to help curb illegal immigration. (AP Photo/John Mone) Ban Gioc waterfall, a famous tourist attraction located inside the Non Nuoc Cao Bang geopark The decision was made under a resolution approved by the UNESCO Executive Board during its 204th session held in Paris, France on April 12th (local time). Covering a total area of more than 3,270 square kilometres and spanning nine districts of Cao Bang province, the geopark is home to more than 250,000 people from nine ethnic minority groups. The Geopark occupies an exceptional territory with various classic karst landforms, subterranean and surface rivers, lake systems, pillow basalts, and ultramafic and granitic intrusions. The areas sedimentary rocks date from 500 million years ago, with stratotype cross-sections, and fossils indicating different paleo-environments and biosphere extinction events. The Geopark is known as a land of beautiful tourist sites, and cultural and historical vestiges but is also a cradle of the Vietnamese revolution during the national resistance war against the French. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (standing, centre) and other delegates attending the UNESCO Executive Boards 204th session (Photo: MOFA) Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said the global geopark title is UNESCOs recognition of the diverse landscapes and spiritual cultural values of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang area. It will also help the province to boost its sustainable socio-economic development and improve local living standards. During the dossier verification process, Ambassador Tran Thi Hoang Mai, head of Vietnams Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, said that UNESCO experts highly regarded the values of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. The UNESCO global geoparks title is awarded to single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are rich in scientific, educational, aesthetic, archaeological, historical, social, and cultural values as well as biological diversity. The areas are managed with a holistic concept of protection and sustainable development, while having significant impacts on the local communities sustainable socio-economic development. Non Nuoc Cao Bang was established in 2015. Since then, the local authorities, departments, sectors, and community worked closely with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to compile and submit a dossier to UNESCO in November 2016 as they sought its recognition. Concurrently, the local authorities have drafted plans and taken actions to protect the environment, natural resources, and biological diversity as well as the cultural and historical value of the site, while promoting tourism in a sustainable manner./. SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- High school students in the Eugene and Springfield area had the opportunity to think about their future careers on Thursday. Elevate Lane County held it's first job fair for graduating seniors at the Bob Keefer Center in Springfield. More than 40 local businesses and companies registered to participate. A variety of job sectors were represented, including construction and food and beverage. Each of the participating businesses had entry-level positions open for students. They accepted resume and applications, and hosted interviews. Employers also gave students tips on how to interview well, and offered help with resumes. ALLEGANY, Ore. Oregon State Police have identified the man found dead in a truck submerged in the Coos River near Allegany. Troopers say they responded to a report of a pickup in the river around 10:30 a.m. on April 11. They say the truck was heading east on Highway 241 when it drifted off the road down a steep embankment and into the river. They have not determined why. The vehicle was completely submerged in eight feet of water, officials said. The driver, Kenneth Nailon, 66, of Creswell was found dead inside. No one else was in the truck. Troopers say witnesses spotted the truck in the water and they tried to save Nailon but were unsuccessful. EUGENE, Ore. -- Some University of Oregon Law School students said they're upset after learning that a professor would be teaching classes in the fall after a controversial incident more than a year ago. Nancy Shurtz was photographed in blackface as part of a Halloween costume in 2016. She was placed on leave after the incident and then took sabbatical. University officials said her sabbatical was pre-planned and had nothing to do with the incident. On Wednesday, the law school held a town hall meeting for students and many used that as an opportunity to voice their concerns about Shurtz returning to the classroom. Many students said they didn't know she would be teaching again until they saw her name on the fall 2018 course list. Tweets from the forum show some students felt the university was trying to sweep Shurtz's return under the rug by not making a formal announcement. However, university officials said they don't typically announce to students when professors come back from sabbatical. Some students said this situation was different because they don't feel like the university took proper action to address the incident. "For me, it's really the accountability," said Fernanda Douglas, a law student. "I just have a concern being in a university where a professor may have made a mistake but no accountability was really shown for the small percentage of the students of color here." Many students said Shurtz doesn't represent the university well after the incident and some even said they wouldn't take her classes. However, some students disagreed, and said it was a mistake that she can recover from. "She has decades of incredible legal experience and I think students still have a lot to learn from her and the areas that she teaches," said Aaron Haynes, a law student. "It's just a matter of whether the school and university can move on from what happened." Other students said they wished they could share their concerns directly to Shurtz, who wasn't at the town hall. Photo: HNMO According to Mr. Anastasios Diou, this was the first time Edessa citys leader paid a working visit to a Vietnamese city. On the foundation of the close relationship between the two countries, Edessa citys delegation wants to study Vietnamese culture and history, thus promoting tourism cooperation with localities, especially with Hanoi and Nghe An province, he said. He added that Edessa city and Hanoi share a lot of similarities in terms of long-term culture, history, ancient constructions and famous scenery. In particular, President Ho Chi Minh lived in Edessa, which is the honour of Edessa residents in particular and of Greek people in general, and the foundation for increased cooperation between the two countries and localities. Expressing his belief that there would be new steps of development in cooperation between the two cities after the visit, he pledged to organise visits of Greek businesses to Hanoi, as well as other Vietnamese provinces and cities for investment promotion. Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Hung stressed that Hanoi wanted to expand cooperation with localities in the world, including Greeces Edessa city. He showed his pleasure with the relationship between Hanoi and Greek localities. Last year, Hanoi exports to Greece reached some USD2 million, mainly agricultural products, mechanics and handicraft products, while it also imported key products from Greece. He also said he believed that the Edessa city delegations visit would help open up opportunities for cooperation and investment between the two cities, especially in tourism, culture and trade, adding that in 2017, Hanoi welcomed some 3,000 Greek visitors. Noting that Hanoi has a population of some 10 million people and an area of over 3,300 square kilometres, he said it would be potential market for businesses. Hanoi welcomes Greek investors, he asserted, considering the cooperation between Hanoi and Edessa as a contribution to heighten the Vietnam - Greece relationship./. The delegates at the ceremony (Photo: VNA) Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mel Vibol, Head of Svay Rieng province, highly appreciated the significance and role of the new television station in improving the cultural and spiritual life of the local people. He stressed that this is an effective information channel to communicate policies, laws and raise the people's intellectual standard in the border area fully and accurately. Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Vu Quang Minh affirmed that this is a vivid symbol of the effective cooperation between the two nations. He praised the efforts of officials and workers of units of Vietnam and Cambodia for trying to complete the work with high quality. The station will operate stably and contribute to meeting the demands of communication of Svay Rieng province, positively contributing to the socio-economic development and spiritual life improvement of the local people. Svay Rieng television station is a modern system, including the UHF 5KW (Ultra High Frequency) transmitter system that can broadcast digital television, satellite antenna systems and synchronous program production equipment. It will increase broadcasting time, expand the area of television signal coverage, improve the program production capacity and the quality of the television signal, effectively contributing to the cause of building and developing the Kingdom of Cambodia to be more prosperous. There have been 19 radio stations and two television stations built and installed in provinces and cities of Cambodia so far. In 2018, the Government of Vietnam will fund Cambodia to build three additional television stations, which will be built and installed by VOV./. DODGE COUNTY, Minn. A Second-degree murder charge is now pending against Lois Riess for the murder of her husband. David Riess was found March 23 in rural Blooming Prairie, dead from multiple gunshots. Investigators have been searching for Lois, 56, ever since. Lois Riess The make of car Lois Riess is believed to be driving (from the Dodge County Sheriff's Office). The make of car Lois Riess is believed to be driving (from the Dodge County Sheriff's Office). The make of car Lois Riess is believed to be driving (from the Dodge County Sheriff's Office). The make of car Lois Riess is believed to be driving (from the Dodge County Sheriff's Office). Lois Riess The Dodge County Sheriffs Office says the white 2003 Cadillac Escalade Lois Riess was believed to be driving has been found in Florida. It was abandoned earlier this week and authorities believe Lois Riess is now driving a stolen white 2005 Acura TL with Florida license plate Y37TAA. Lois Riess is considered armed and dangerous and anyone with information on her is asked to contact Dodge County Dispatch at 507-635-6200. The U.S. Marshals Office in Fort Myers, Florida, is now assisting in the search for Lois Riess, as well as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. She is also wanted for theft for allegedly stealing money from her dead husbands accounts. Related: The search for Lois Riess. Law enforcement say they believe that after David Riess was killed, Lois Riess transferred nearly $10,000 from his business account into his personal account and then forged her husbands signature on three checks to herself for $11,000. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa Its 15 years in federal prison for a Butler County man convicted for child pornography. David Myers, 54 of Greene, was indicted in October 2017 on five federal child porn crimes. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa says Myers received sexually explicit images of minors between March 2005 and August 2014. He pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography after being convicted of sexual abuse. Myers was found guilty of 3rd degree sex abuse in Floyd and Butler counties in 1998. Authorities say the victim in both cases was under 14 years old. 15 years in federal prison is the minimum sentence Myers could have received. He will also be on supervised release for five years after leaving prison and must pay $3,000 in restitution. WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa A man who was in the Winneshiek County Jail is in more trouble after damaging the toilet in his cell. Ramon Sepulveda, 37, of Postville, has been charged with felony criminal mischief in the second degree. Sepulveda allegedly intentionally damaged/destroyed a toilet in his cell area on Wednesday at 2 p.m. The total to repair the damage is listed at between $1,000 and $10,000 dollars. FORT MYERS, Florida A nationwide search is underway for Lois Riess, now connected to murders in Minnesota and Florida. Charges are pending for Riess in the murder of her husband in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, and now she is being charged with the murder of 59-year-old Pamela Sellers Hutchinson in southwest Florida. The Lee County Sheriffs Office in Fort Myers said Friday that Riess is suspected of being near Corpus Christi, Texas, and should not be approached. Related: More on the search for Lois Riess. Authorities in Florida say Riess befriended Hutchinson due to similarities in their appearance. They say Hutchinson was found with fatal gunshot wounds and that her purse was in disarray" earlier this week. Hutchinsons cash, credit cards, identification and vehicle were stolen. The Dodge County Sheriffs Office in Minnesota said the white 2003 Cadillac Escalade Lois Riess was believed to be driving was found in Florida. It was abandoned earlier this week and authorities believe she is now driving the stolen white 2005 Acura TL with Florida license plate Y37TAA. It has been determined that Riess has fled southwest Florida and has traveled through the gulf states and into Corpus Christi, Texas, and her current whereabouts is unknown, the Sheriffs Office said. In addition to the murder charge in Florida, she is wanted for grand theft of motor vehicle and grand theft criminal use of personal information. Authorities said Riess plan is to befriend women who resemble her and steal their identity. U.S. Marshals are actively involved in a national search for this dangerous fugitive. Anyone with information regarding Riess is asked to call 1-800-780-TIPS. On Thursday, the Dodge County Sheriffs Office announced a second-degree murder charge against Riess for the murder of her husband. David Riess was found March 23 in rural Blooming Prairie, dead from multiple gunshots. Investigators have been searching for Lois, 56, ever since. Law enforcement say they believe that after David Riess was killed, Lois Riess transferred nearly $10,000 from his business account into his personal account and then forged her husbands signature on three checks to herself for $11,000. The events and market sentiment which moved gold higher yesterday shifted today which resulted in sharply lower gold prices. Gold prices surged to a 21-month high following a tweet made by President Trump, implying an immediate missile response to the chemical weapons attack in Syria. This 21-month high was short-lived. Beginning with yesterdays release by the Federal Reserve of last months FOMC meeting minutes, gold prices began to move off of the highs achieved earlier that day. Yesterday his tweets warned Russia that missiles will be coming, nice and new and smart. This was followed by an immediate response from Russia saying, in essence, that they would shoot down any incoming missiles to Syria as well as retaliate against the point of origin of those missiles. Today tweets from President Trump appeared to soften his response to the chemical weapons attack in Syria. Trump moved away from an immediate response when in an early morning tweet, he said, Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" This was followed by a statement made during a meeting with farm-state lawmakers, "We're looking very, very seriously, very closely, at that whole situation. We have to make some further decisions. So they'll be made fairly soon." Although yesterdays high was short-lived, it was the first time gold had traded to this level. In fact, this was the first occurrence of gold trading above $1365 since March 2014. The highs achieved in March 2014 were significant. They were the first occurrence of gold trading to a higher high and a higher low since the multiyear correction began in the middle of 2011. Prior to that time gold prices consistently made lower lows and lower highs. Yesterday those weekly highs were challenged when gold prices traded to $1369.30. However, this new high could not be sustained even for a day. Today traders bid down gold futures pricing to $1337, a net decline of $22 on the day. Nonetheless, yesterdays highs are significant even though there was no follow-through today. The events and factors that took gold pricing sharply higher remain in the fabric of market sentiment even though they have once again moved to the back. The current trade dispute between the United States and China, as well as a possible missile attack in response to Syrias use of chemical weapons, is still unresolved and most likely will reemerge at some point in the near future. For those who would like more information, simply use this link. Wishing you as always, good trading, WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump denied allegations of lewd behavior made in an intelligence dossier and asked whether the FBI would consider proving it was a lie, former FBI Director James Comey wrote in an upcoming memoir, according to the Washington Post. Comey, fired by Trump in May 2017, wrote in A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership that Trump raised the dossier with him at least four times during meetings, the Post said. The dossier was compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele about Trumps ties to Russia, and included an allegation that involved prostitutes. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. Comeys publicist also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment. The newspaper said it obtained a copy of the 304-page book, scheduled to be released on Tuesday, and that Comey detailed in it his private interactions with Trump. Comeys firing led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion between Russians and the Trump campaign. Russia has denied interfering in the election. Trump has said there was no collusion. (Kitco News) - Participants in the Kitco News weekly gold survey look for gold to build upon this weeks gains, helped in large part by geopolitical tensions but also technical-chart support. Wall Street Bullish Bearish Neutral VS Main Street Bullish Bearish Neutral Gold surged midweek as the market factored in potential U.S. military action in Syria, before later pulling back. Sixteen market professionals took part in the weekly survey. Eleven respondents, or 69%, called for gold prices to rise over the next week. Another three voters, or 19%, looked for gold to fall, while two, or 13%, see a sideways market. Meanwhile, 2,142 voters responded in an online Main Street survey, the most since mid-January. A total of 1,764 respondents, or 82%, predicted that gold prices would be higher in a week. Another 267 voters, or 12%, said gold will fall, while 111, or 5%, see a sideways market. For the trading week now winding down, 57% of Wall Street voters and 47% of Main Street voters were bullish. They were right as of 11:01 a.m. EDT, as Comex June gold was up 0.9 % for the week so far to $1,348.40 an ounce, although down from Wednesdays $1,369.40 peak, which was the highest price since late January. These dips are going to provide buying opportunities, said Sean Lusk, director of commercial hedging with Walsh Trading. Its very headline-driven, though. Jim Wyckoff, senior technical analyst with Kitco, said higher on likely rise in geopolitical tensions. Adrian Day, chairman and chief executive officer of Adrian Day Asset Management, and Adam Button, managing director of ForexLive, said the same, in particular citing worries about potential military action surrounding Syria. The Syria issue is not over by any means, and there is a risk of a direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Russia, which would have enormous consequences, Day said. Moreover, Washington remains in turmoil and monetary factors continue to be favorable. Added Button: Gold is a trade about bombs dropping right now. [U.S. President Donald] Trump has delayed the strikes on Syria but theyre inevitable sometime in the weeks ahead. A Kitco reader from Florida named Max offered a similar view. He said, Geopolitics are back after chemical weapons were used on civilians in Syria earlier this week. This event has some uncertainty, and gold will benefit from this. Charlie Nedoss, senior market strategist with LaSalle Futures Group, looks for support in gold to hold with crude oil strong, the U.S. dollar retracing and geopolitical uncertainties. As of when he spoke, the 50-day moving average for June gold was at $1,036.30, the 20-day was at $1,038 and the 10-day was at $1,040.50. Meanwhile, Kevin Grady, president of Phoenix Futures and Options LLC, sees potential for gold to fall back further on more long-liquidation selling. He pointed out that the number of open positions rose Wednesday by some 32,000 lots, meaning fresh buying. Then preliminary data shows a 15,000 decline during a price pullback Thursday. For now, many of the fresh longs (bullish traders) are staying in the market, probably in case of a U.S. missile strike on Syria, Grady said. However, if you do not see any missile strikes this weekend and the stocks stay high, gold will sell off on Monday, Grady concludes. Ken Morrison, editor of the newsletter Morrison on the Markets, also sees a pullback. The midweek rally on high volume, responding to U.S. threats of military action in Syria, was accompanied by a surge of new money into gold, he said. But the apparent easing of tensions combined with a quick rejection at the January and February twin peak highs saw much of that money come out of gold yesterday. Without a new catalyst to take out overhead resistance at $1,370, I expect gold to drift lower but still maintain some political-risk premium. There's minor trendline support at $1,330 that I expect is tested in the week ahead. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will focus heavily on the challenge posed by North Koreas nuclear arms program when they meet next week in Florida, a senior Trump administration official said on Friday. The Trump-Abe summit at Trumps Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach comes as U.S. officials are working to set up a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late May or early June. Communications will by definition have to be sufficient for us to establish and prepare a successful summit, the official told reporters. Preparations are under way. WASHINGTON/TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would only join the Trans Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade deal his administration walked away from last year, if it offered substantially better terms than those provided under previous negotiations. His comments, made on Twitter late Thursday, came only hours after he had unexpectedly indicated the United States might rejoin the landmark pact, and amid heightened volatility in financial markets as Washington locked horns with China in a bitter trade dispute. Trump had told Republican senators earlier in the day that he had asked United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow to re-open negotiations. In his Twitter post, which came during Asian trading hours, Trump said the United States would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama. We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years! Policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region on Friday responded to the possibility of the U.S. rejoining the trade deal with scepticism. If its true, I would welcome it, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Friday and before Trumps tweet. Aso added that the facts needed to be verified. Trump is a person who could change temperamentally, so he may say something different the next day, Aso said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, commenting after Trumps tweet, said it would be great to have the U.S. back in the pact though doubted it would happen. Were certainly not counting on it, Turnbull told reporters in Adelaide in South Australia. The TPP, which now comprises 11 nations, was designed to cut trade barriers in some of the fastest-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region and to counter Chinas rising economic and diplomatic clout. Trump, who opposed multilateral trade pacts in his election campaign in 2016 and criticized the TPP as a horrible deal, pulled the U.S. out of the pact in early 2017. He argued bilateral deals offered better terms for U.S. businesses and workers, and signaled an intention to raise trade barriers. But Trump is struggling to get support from other countries for his recent threat to impose import tariffs on China and the U.S. farm lobby is arguing that retaliation by China would hit American agricultural exports. Trade experts believe Trump is probably trying to placate his political base in the wake of criticism over the U.S.-China China tariff standoff. Well I think you have to take it seriously but I think there is an enormous chance that this is simply posturing or a tactical decision taken to placate concerned governors and senators from agricultural states that could be affected by China imposing tariffs, said Charles Finny, a Wellington-based trade consultant and a former New Zealand government trade negotiator. I think its very important for people to realize, particularly given this most recent tweet, if there is a negotiation it will not be an easy one. It will take a long time and also there is huge risk around ratification. NEW PROCESS Even before Trumps official withdrawal last year, U.S. participation in the pact was seen as increasingly unlikely due to opposition in the U.S. Congress. The United States entered TPP negotiations in 2008. In 2016, then President Barack Obamas administration abandoned attempts to push the pact through Congress. The other 11 countries forged ahead with their own agreement without U.S. participation, and in the process eliminated chapters on investment, government procurement and intellectual property that were key planks of Washingtons demands. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, noting the progress made by the 11 countries after Trump abandoned the deal, also flagged challenges to the Untied States rejoining the pact. If the United States, it turns out, do genuinely wish to rejoin, that triggers a whole new process, she told reporters in Auckland. There would be another process and so, at this stage we are talking hypotheticals. The 11-member pact includes Mexico and Canada, which are in the process of re-negotiating the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States. A Canadian government official said on Thursday there had not been any formal outreach from the United States about the pact. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Trump next week. Japan, a close U.S. ally, is a member of the TPP. Red Bull's Max Verstappen defended his aggressive maneuver on Lewis Hamilton in last Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix and which the Mercedes driver had criticized. Verstappen tangled with Hamilton on the second lap as he fought his way up the field at the start. As the two made contact, the Dutchman picked up a puncture and damaged his differential, which ultimately led to his retirement a lap later. Hamilton was left unimpressed by his rivals tactics, believing Verstappen's driving still lacked maturity. "Its quite simple and easy to blame the younger driver," said Verstappen in Thursday's press conference in Shanghai. "Thats the only way I can see it. But these things happen, theres no reason for me to change anything. "I dont think I did anything wrong in terms of my approach. I was just trying to overtake a car and I think it was a fair chance, I went for it," added the 20-year-old. "For example last year in Mexico it could have gone wrong as well maybe for me, maybe for another car. As you could see in Mexico it did. "Its racing, its very simple, and I dont understand why everyone is so on top of the topic because those things happen in racing." Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly was hit with a deluge of 'tough' messages from Fernando Alonso's fans for jokingly repeating in Bahrain a comment made by the Spaniard in Melbourne. Gasly finished an amazing fourth in Sakhir last weekend, a spectacular result which has gone a long way towards restoring Honda's level of performance following its depressing three-year stint with McLaren. The Toro Rosso driver took in his achievement by crying out to his team over the radio "Now we can fight!", the same phrase used by Alonso when he finished fifth in Australia, and referred to a McLaren resurgence with Renault. In China on Thursday, Gasly insisted the dig was just a joke, and a way of expressing his encouragements to Honda. "For me it was simple, it was just a little joke. That was it," said the young Frenchman. "I think we need to give credit back to Honda. In the end it was a really tough three years with McLaren and to finish P4 in just our second race with them is amazing so it was a way to give them back credit as they are working really hard and I think they need credit for the hard work they are doing." The mischievous comment did not go down well however with the very serious Spanish fans of Alonso. Gasly set the record straight however. "I've had some pretty tough messages after the race by some Spanish people, they were actually quite crazy, I have huge respect for Fernando so just to make it clear please don't get me wrong. "Fernando is one of the best drivers of all time in Formula 1 and one of the drivers I looked at when I was young and one of my idols so I have a huge respect to him. "It was nothing related to him it was a comment for Honda and I think they deserved the credit." Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter You can bet a case of Red Bull that if he had been in Valtteri Bottas' boots last Sunday, Daniel Ricciardo would have pulled out all the stops to try and pass Sebastian Vettel. The Mercedes driver caught up with Vettel in the final stretch of the Bahrain Grand Prix buy came up short in his attempts to build himself an opportunity to pass the race's future winner. Meanwhile, Ricciardo was soaking up his disappointment after retiring from the race on the opening lap following a complete and terminal electrical failure. Had he been racing at the front however, and snapping at Vettel's heels on the last lap, he would have gone all in. "I definitely would have sent it. 100 per cent," Ricciardo told Sky F1. "I would have gone. There's a gap, you're finishing second anyway, if you overshoot you're finishing second." The Aussie says the fact that it was the last lap would have made a last ditch effort compelling, even at the risk of taking both cars out. "Last lap, for the win, you have to go. You have to go. Take them both out [if it goes wrong]," he said. "How the race would have gone, I don't know. I don't want to say I would have won, but if that was me on the last lap you can bet everything that I was going for it." Bottas says he reviewed the final stages of last Sunday's race, and says he would change nothing if offered an opportunity to do it again. "I have reviewed everything and if I could relive the situation again, I wouldn't do anything differently," Bottas said. "Afterwards and from the outside it is easy to say 'You should have done this, you should have done that'. "We analysed all the scenarios and it is nearly impossible to say what would have been the best. "From each race there is always something you can do better and probably in the middle stint we could have tried to pressurise Sebastian a bit more because we had a decent pace. "But what would have happened in the end with the tyres, that is a question mark." Lewis Hamilton believes Red Bull racing is currently not operating on the same level as Mercedes and Ferrari, insisting however that the team remains a potential race winner. Red Bull's pre-season form indicated that the Milton Keynes-based outfit would be a force to be reckoned with from the outset in 2018. But reliability issues have hindered the outfit's progress so far. "The team has the potential to win races," Hamilton said. "In testing they looked a lot faster than they have done in the last two races. "But so far they are not operating on the same level as Ferrari or Mercedes. Ferrari have almost been flawless, and we are working on being flawless." Indeed, flawless execution from the Silver Arrows outfit will be required in China to help the team bridge the gap with the Scuderia following the latter's two successive wins delivered by Sebastian Vettel in Melbourne and Bahrain. While he is expecting another tight fight with the red squad in Shanghai, Hamilton does not believe Ferrari enjoys a clear edge over Mercedes, putting Vettel's Australian win down to a lucky set of circumstances in the form of a well-timed Safety Car. "I dont feel that Ferrari did a better job in Australia, that would be unfair to say, because we outperformed them all weekend, it was just one little thing that tipped it over and sometimes you get lucky," he said. "That was very much a fortunate scenario for them, but they capitalised on it. "The next race they did the job, but they didnt do the whole job, it was only on one car [that finished ahead]. The full package is getting a one-two, and neither of us have done that," he added. "You cant say they are perfect, and neither are we, but it is very close between us, and its going to be interesting to see how we perform from track to track. "Theyve really picked up their engine programme, its really taken a big step into this season." Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter Young jobseekers examine recruitment information at a job fair in Incheon City, Wednesday. / Yonhap Mike Pompeo / AFP The United States will not reward North Korea before the regime "permanently, irreversibly" dismantles its nuclear weapons program, the nominee to be the top U.S. diplomat said Thursday. Mike Pompeo, the nominee for U.S. secretary of state, told his Senate confirmation hearing that the Trump administration does not plan to repeat the failures of past negotiations that provided Pyongyang with economic aid before its nuclear program was undone. "It is the intention of the president and the administration not to do that this time to make sure that before we provide rewards, we get the outcome permanently, irreversibly, that it is that we hope to achieve," said Pompeo, who currently serves as director of the Central Intelligence Agency. "It is a tall order, but I am hopeful that President Trump can achieve that through sound diplomacy," he said. Pompeo is known to be leading preparatory talks with Pyongyang ahead of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in May or June. He expressed confidence that the administration will come up with conditions for a peaceful solution to the North Korean nuclear issue. "No one is under any illusions we'll reach a comprehensive agreement through the president's meeting," Pompeo said. "But to set up the conditions acceptable to each side, for the two leaders who will ultimately make the decision about whether such an agreement can be achieved and then set in place, I'm optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately." Then Trump and Kim "can have that conversation" and "set us down the course of achieving the diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need." The summit is being planned after the U.S. president accepted Kim's invitation and commitment to denuclearization, conveyed by South Korean officials last month. Trump's pick of Pompeo, who has been labeled a foreign policy hawk, raised concerns the administration could lean toward military action against Pyongyang. The nominee denied that he had ever advocated for regime change in the North. "My mission, and I've articulated my own personal views on this -- we have a responsibility to achieve a condition where Kim Jong-un is unable to threaten the United States of America with a nuclear weapon," he said. Tensions heightened last year as the communist nation test-fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile apparently capable of striking the U.S. mainland and detonated its sixth nuclear bomb. Pompeo said the U.S. may have to move "past diplomacy" if there were indications of a direct North Korean threat to the U.S. But he also agreed with a Democratic senator that the consequences would be "catastrophic" if the U.S. initiated an attack on the North. (Yonhap) By Andrew Hammond Tuesday marked the 20th anniversary of the 1998 Good Friday agreement which sought to put an end to around 30 years of conflict stemming from tensions between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. While the deal has achieved significant success, it now faces a new test with Brexit which raises the specter of a "harder border" between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and the threat of renewed sectarian tensions. Less than a year before the United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the EU, and despite last December's interim Brexit agreement and March's transitional deal, progress has been very slow on the future status of the border between the Republic of Ireland (which will remain in the EU) and Northern Ireland (which will leave the Brussels-based club along with the rest of the United Kingdom). Indeed, Ireland may be the last big Brexit block to a final EU-U.K. deal. To be sure, all parties have repeatedly stated their desire to avoid a harder border (any kind of physical border or visible customs checks), and the preference of all sides is to keep an open border in the context of an over-arching future post-Brexit U.K.-EU trade deal. Yet, Brussels insists such a frictionless border is incompatible with Prime Minister Theresa May's promise of the United Kingdom leaving the EU Customs Union. Last year, the EU's Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and European Parliament chief negotiator Guy Verhofstadt poured cold water on the U.K.'s Brexit negotiating publication on Ireland with its call for continuation, post-Brexit, of the current soft border even if Northern Ireland left the Customs Union. Verhofstadt described London's positions as a "fantasy," while Barnier repeated that U.K. officials appear to still not be listening that "frictionless trade is not possible outside of the European Single Market and Customs Union" given the longstanding EU commitment to the four freedoms of goods, capital, services and labor. Some of the rhetoric from Verhofstadt and Barnier is aimed at turning the screws on London in the negotiations, and EU decision-makers also need to engage much more constructively. Yet, Brussels rightly believes the U.K. government has still not fully reconciled many key negotiating "trade-offs" by apparently wanting close, favorable post-Brexit ties without the costs. Given the difficulty of finding a breakthrough, the United Kingdom and the EU have agreed to a "backstop solution" unless or until an alternative solution is agreed to by all sides to ensure there is no hard border. Under this backstop, Northern Ireland will remain "in full alignment" with the EU Customs Union and Single Market with harmonization with the Republic of Ireland over customs, VAT, energy, environment protections, and agricultural and fisheries laws. Under this so-called "special EU status," Northern Ireland would also adhere to EU rules on state aid and be under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in these areas. In effect this would mean Northern Ireland submitting to EU economic rules and, potentially, becoming politically isolated from the British mainland. On these issues, May is on a diplomatic tight rope given her political pact with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) whose contingent of 10 MPs from Northern Ireland has agreed to support her government in Westminster on key votes. The DUP is very sensitive to any post-Brexit arrangement for Ireland that would leave Northern Ireland out of sync with the rest of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales) given its strong commitment to remaining in the union. And this position is shared by most within the unionist community in Northern Ireland. Take the example of Lord Trimble who was the leader of the Ulster Unionists (a more moderate party than the DUP), and first minister of Northern Ireland, at the time of the Good Friday Agreement winning the Noble Peace Prize. He warned this week that any Brexit deal that leaves Northern Ireland with special status in the EU would kill a key tenet of the 1998 peace accord that there would be no constitutional change without majority consent in Northern Ireland. And Trimble warned of the possibility that loyalist paramilitary groups could be provoked into action, again, if that core principle of consent was threatened. The position of the DUP is supported too by most, if not all, conservatives MPs in May's own Conservative Party. Part of the reason for this is that allowing Northern Ireland to be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom would be a political fillip to the Scottish National Party and others in England and Wales who want to see the United Kingdom remain in the Single Market and Customs Union. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that if Northern Ireland was allowed to operate under different rules there is "surely no good practical reason" why other parts of the U.K. could not do the same. This is a message echoed by Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Taken overall, significant distance still needs to be bridged if a big breakthrough on Ireland is to be secured. Failure to move forward in coming weeks will not just potentially delay already tight overall negotiating timelines, but also increase prospects of talks breaking down and a hard, and potentially disorderly Brexit in 2019 or beyond. Andrew Hammond is an associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics. Contact him at andrew.hammond.james@gmail.com . The diplomat made the statement at a workshop themed Sustainable investment in Vietnam, jointly held by Italys Diplomatia association and the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy, on April 12, as part of the celebrations of the 45 years of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic ties (March 23, 1973-2018). New as it is in Vietnam, the area of sustainable investment (SRI and ESG) always receives care from the Vietnamese Government, Thien said, stressing that in addition to the continuous implementation of incentive policies to attract foreign investment, the Vietnamese Government is also committed to boosting administrative reforms and creating favourable conditions for investors. Vietnam is a perfect gateway to access the vast ASEAN market with a population of more than 600 million, which offers a good opportunity for Italian companies to start and develop their businesses in both the Vietnamese and ASEAN markets, Thien affirmed. The Vietnam-Italy relations have been growing finely, especially since the signing of a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership. Italy is one of Vietnams major trade partners in Europe, while Vietnam is the largest trade partner of Italy in ASEAN, with two-way trade having increased fivefold to approximately US$5 billion in the last three years. At the workshop. (Photo: VN+) According to the ambassador, the Vietnamese and Italian economies are not competitive but are complementary and interactive. In addition, the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), will produce direct and positive impacts on the economies of both countries once it comes into force. These factors have created favorable conditions for the two sides enterprises to further develop their business and investment relations. The Vietnamese Government is implementing a number of policies to improve national competitiveness, restructure the economy, and transform the growth model, focusing on the restructuring of public investment, state-owned enterprises, and the financial-banking systems. Vietnam is determined to create a business climate of equality and healthy competition for companies, he added. Participants at the workshop expressed their high appreciation for the Vietnamese economy, whilst actively discussing business and investment opportunities between the two countries enterprises, as well as ways to make sustainable investments in Vietnam. Stefano Balsamo, the founding president of the Diplomatia association and vice president of JP Morgan Chase, stated that he was very impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of the Vietnamese people during his trip to the country in the past. The consumption rate of the Vietnamese has increase in an amazing manner, he said, affirming that Vietnam offers a lot of favourable factors for foreign companies, including Italian firms, to do business and make investments. Vice Chairman of the Piaggio Group, Matteo Colaninno, addressing the event. (Photo: VN+) Vice Chairman of the Piaggio Group, Matteo Colaninno, shared with the Italian enterprises about Piaggios experience and attainments in the process of its business operations in Vietnam. He hailed Vietnam as a nation that always welcomes foreign direction investment (FDI) flows and is capable of dealing with administrative procedures in a rapid and convenient fashion. Vietnam is a young and vibrant country with an abundant workforce and the maintenance of a relatively high growth rate, Colaninno said, affirming Piaggios investment in Vietnam has been included in the groups long-term strategy. He stressed that Vietnam is an ideal market for Piaggio to make investments and a bridge that helps to connect the groups products with Southeast Asia as well as the whole Asia. Vietnamese businesses will bring around 60 booths to the event, showcasing agricultural products, processed food, and consumer goods, as announced by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade), under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, at a press conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 13. According to Vietrade Director Vu Ba Phu, the event will provide a practical opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to expand their channels and gain access to the Chinese market, thus contributing to narrowing the trade deficit with China. Furthermore, they can also seek trade partners from China and hundreds of other economies participating in the event. The China International Import Expo is a new and major channel built by China to stimulate trade activities. The 2018 expo will welcome more than 150,000 businesses from China and abroad. The exhibition will cover 210,000 square metres and products will be displayed in six categories: information and technology, consumer electronics, automobile industry, accessories and consumer goods, agricultural products and foodstuffs. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dung sent his best wishes to Lao Ambassador Khan-Inh Khitchadeth and Lao officials in Geneva and their families a New Year of happiness and prosperity He reiterated the close relationship between the two missions in Geneva, reflecting the special ties between Vietnam and Laos at the UN and at multilateral forums as well. He expected the two missions will maintain and develop the traditional relations in professional work and cultural exchange. Lao Ambassador Khan-Inh Khitchadeth, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese diplomats for their congratulations, bringing them joy and luck on the new year of Buddhist calendar 2561. He and other Lao diplomats splashed water on their Vietnamese guests and tied threads on their twists, which are among Lao traditional rituals on the Bunpimay Festival. He underscored that the two countries governments and people need to continue stay united each other as expected by their former leaders. He thanked Vietnam for always supporting and providing help for Laos, particularly at many multilateral forums. The fund-raising ceremony drew a lot of Vietnamese businesses and people in Cambodia and representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh. Chau Van Chi, chairman of the association, said the event aims to encourage soldiers and families of fishermen in Truong Sa who are making significant contributions to the cause of national construction as well as sea and island safeguarding. He added that the patriotism and solidarity of the overseas Vietnamese community in Cambodia will be further nurtured and promoted. Despite facing a lot of hardships, Vietnamese expatriates in Cambodia, especially those in remote areas, still actively joined movements looking toward the homeland such as raising money to assist soldiers and residents in Truong Sa island district, flood victims in the central region, and Agent Orange (AO)/Dioxin victims, Chi noted. The association will continue organising similar events to collect more money for local residents in Vietnamese sea and island areas, he said. The decision was made at a meeting of the Politburo in Hanoi on April 11-12 under the chair of General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. According to the CPV Central Committees Inspection Commission, Cuong was found responsible for violations when holding the position as Secretary of the Party Committee, Director of the Department of Politics-Logistics and Deputy General Director of General Directorate V under the Ministry of Public Security during the 2009-2012 period. He signed unlawful documents relating to the general directorates Hanoi-based Dai Kim housing project. This helped create loopholes which were taken advantage of by his inferiors to commit fraud and property appropriation, causing serious consequences. During the meeting, the Politburo also gave opinions on some reports for submission to the upcoming seventh plenary meeting of the 12th Party Central Committee. The reports focus on building a contingent of cadres, especially those at the strategic level with adequate virtues, capabilities and prestige for their tasks, reforming social insurance policies and salary reforms for officials, public servants, officers in the armed forces, and employees in businesses. BMLG Monday night's American Idol episode featured the contestants singing with celebrity partners, including the country duo Sugarland and Train frontman Pat Monahan. Now it turns out that those two artists have something else in common. About five years ago, Pat co-wrote a song with Taylor Swift called "Babe," but it was never released. Now, Sugarland has recorded it for their comeback album, Bigger, and Taylor herself is a featured performer on the track. The last time Taylor Swift wrote a song for a country group, it was "Better Man," for Little Big Town. That song ended up hitting #1 on the country chart and won Little Big Town a Grammy to boot. Bigger, Sugarland's first new studio album since 2010, will arrive June 8. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Currently, the number of private hospital beds accounts for about 5% of the total number of hospital beds nationwide and more than 30,000 private clinics. The VSS has signed medical examination and treatment contracts with more than 600 private medical facilities. In 2016, health insurance paid VND 6,618 billion for 17 million medical examinations and treatments. In 2017, the same figure was VND 8,645 billion (approximately 10% of total national health insurance spending) for 24.8 million medical treatments. Addressing the event, Deputy PM Dam stressed the policy of the Party and the State is to encourage the private health sector to develop and implement policies on protecting, caring for and improving the people's health in accordance with the law and to ensure that it is suitable for real-life conditions. He stressed that ensuring the balance and sustainability of the health insurance fund is very important in the context of increasing medical costs and lowering health insurance premiums. In the dialogue, the Deputy PM said that in the coming time, the MOH, the VSS and the private medical facilities should increase dialogue and information in order to immediately handle problems which arise. A La Jolla High School student and her music teacher are among the inaugural San Diego Unified School District Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA) Spotlight Award winners. Senior Grace Dessert is one of three district students to receive the Artistic Growth Award, and teacher Michael Fiedler is one of seven winners receiving the Creative Leadership Award. The honorees will be recognized at the Spotlight on VAPA Reception, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown San Diego. According to a District release: These awards are intended to shine a light on some of the many successes happening across our District at all levels and in all disciplines of the visual and performing arts. Awardees were nominated by the SDUSD VAPA stakeholder community, which includes teachers, parents, community arts partners, administrators and students. The winners were selected by a committee that included representatives from the Districts VAPA Advisory Council, VAPA Department, and the newly formed VAPA Foundation. La Jolla High music teacher Michael Fiedler has won an inaugural Visual And Performing Arts (VAPA) Creative Leadership Award from the San Diego Unified School District. (Ashley Mackin-Solomon ) Fiedler said he nominated the 18-year-old multi-instrumentalist (with a focus on flute) due to her steady musical progression. The idea of an Artistic Growth awardee to me is a student who started in one place and made their way to another place musically, growing more than even they thought they had, he said. Reflecting on his history with Dessert, Fiedler said: When I heard her play flute (freshman year), I coerced her into joining the marching band. The band needed students who were strong in their instruments good musicians with good attitudes. I could see right away that Grace was someone who could be a leader if she wanted to. Along the way, it became something she wanted to do. I dont know how or when that happened, but from there, shes been a force for the music department. Shes involved in multiple classes (including the audition-only chamber ensemble) and the leader of the marching band. In her high school tenure, Dessert has spoken at board of education meetings advocating for music education, performed in the jazz band, joined outside-the-classroom jazz ensemble, participated in the UC San Diego jazz camp, and is in her second year of honor band. She has been exploding with all kinds of musical talent, Fiedler said. People respect Grace a lot in the music community, and many want to see her recognized. The feeling seems to be mutual. Dessert said Fiedler is the best music teacher I could ever imagine. Its not known who nominated Fiedler for his award, but Desserts attitude would suggest it was inevitable. Honestly, it can be hard to have an enthusiastic music department because not a lot of kids play music or value music, but Mr. Fiedler puts in so much work and effort, he makes this community of musicians the best it can be, she said. Mr. Fiedler makes everyone feel welcome. Ive grown so much as a flute player, and Mr. Fiedler has definitely pushed me and shown me what I can do. Starting out young Fiedler said he grew up in a musical family, with a mother who plays the flute and who encouraged his musical instruction. Some families have chores like washing dishes or taking out the trash, he explained. In our house, everyone had to take a music lesson from mom. By age 7, we had the choice to continue or stop. My older sister and younger brother kept going, but I stopped. I didnt play anything at all again until maybe fourth grade. I wanted to join the band class in school. It took off from there. Dessert said she, too, started learning an instrument at a young age. I took piano lessons, but it didnt go well, she said. Since I went to Mission Bay Montessori Academy, 75 percent of the students there play music. They all begin in second grade, and theres this band fair where students are encouraged to try different instruments. Its like a rite of passage. I picked the flute. Of the award, she said: Its cool. Ive never won anything of this level of significance and Ive very honored. Fiedler added: Im always honored to be recognized for anything and this seems to be one that is really significant because were being recognized by a large group of people. Its an honor to be blazing a trail. The event was attended by Politburo members: Tran Quoc Vuong, Head of the Central Inspection Committee and the permanent member of the Secretariat; Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Tong Thi Phong, Vice Chair of the National Assembly; Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Vice President and delegates from Vietnamese ministries and departments. On behalf of the Party, State and Vietnamese people, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh extended her best wishes to the Party, State and people of Lao. She congratulated the Lao people on their significant accomplishment in all fields. She also stressed that this year's traditional Bunpimay New Year festival took place in an atmosphere of excitement as the Lao Party, State and people deployed the Resolution of the 10th National Congress of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the five-year socio-economic development plan in the 2016-2020 period. The Vice President affirmed that the traditional friendship and unique solidarity are valuable assets. She stressed that Vietnam vows to work with Laos to preserve and promote the special relationship, enhance their comprehensive bilateral co-operation and make contributions to building the ASEAN Community, for peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region and the world. Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their valuable assistance in the past and at present. President Maithripala Sirisena will join the Heads of Government of the 53-member Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that is to convene in London from 16-20 April 2018. The President will be joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana. The Commonwealth is a diverse community of nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings are occasions where the leaders of the Commonwealth member states come together to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges faced and agree on how to work to create a better future for all citizens, particularly young people. The theme of the Summit in London Towards a Common Future is focused on building on the strengths of the Commonwealth to ensure that the organisation is responsive to global challenges and delivers a more prosperous, secure, sustainable and fair future for all the citizens of the Commonwealth, particularly the young. Recognizing the common challenges faced by all member States, such as weak global trade and investment flows; new cross-border security threats; the effects of climate change on small and other vulnerable states; and threats to shared values of democracy, good governance and inclusivity as set out in the Commonwealth Charter, the leaders will focus on action required to deliver a more sustainable, fairer, secure and prosperous future for the citizens of the Commonwealth. President Sirisenas participation at the CHOGM will be focused on reaffirming Sri Lankas firm commitment to the Commonwealth and deepening Sri Lankas partnership with the Organisation as well as with each individual member nation. The Presidents engagements will include the Heads of Government meeting on 19 April, the leaders retreat on 20 April, and addressing the Commonwealth Business Forum as the keynote speaker on 18 April on the theme Delivering the SDGs: Aligning Business, Society and the Governments. Over 50 entrepreneurs from Sri Lanka, mainly from the small and medium enterprise sector, will participate in the Commonwealth Business Forum, positioning Sri Lanka as a trade and investment hub in South Asia to gain the Commonwealth trade advantage. The Business Forum is expected to make a compelling case for free and inclusive trade as the best way to promote higher living standards around the world. Sri Lanka will become a champion country in the Commonwealth Blue Charter initiative and engage with other member countries in developing a cohesive ocean strategy for the sustenance of the blue economy. A key area where Sri Lanka has expressed interest in spearheading action in this connection is in the restoration of mangroves. Sinhala Pdf Tamil PDF Source : mfa.gov.lk Ministry of Foreign Affairs Colombo 12 April 2018 The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, announced the NAs Committee for External Relations. Vietnam and Iran set up diplomatic ties on August 4, 1973. Since then, they have continuously enhanced bilateral cooperation in all fields and supported each other at global multilateral forums. Geographers and journalists tend to think of the Southwest as a region, but in truth, its more a haphazard assortment of microclimates, environmental and cultural. Its reservation and barrio, barren deserts and overrun tourist traps. Its home to global centers for New Age woo-woo (Taos, Sedona), scruffy foothill cities (Tucson) and sun-baked urban sprawl (Phoenix, Los Angeles). Palm Springs pays tribute to the largesse of the Colorado River; the shrinking Salton Sea is a warning about its limits. Southern Utah and northern Arizona make grand cases for why nature is worth preserving; Las Vegas and vast military test bases demonstrate our irrepressible urge to subdue it. Joshua Wheeler detours around them all in favor of his native southern New Mexico in the engagingly chatty and seriocomic Acid West. In the popular imagination, the region is defined by cliched Wild West tales about Billy the Kid and UFO conspiracy theories about Roswell. But in his first essay collection, Wheeler is determined to put SNM on the map on new terms that dont play to stereotypes. When you hear Im from New Mexico, you may have visions of saguaro, towering green beacons of lawless freedom, but there are no saguaros here, he writes. They are your icon of the West. For us they are signposts of a myth we didnt make. (Either via accident or irony, the books cover includes images of saguaros anyway.) So if SNM isnt Sonoran Desert flora or Billy the Kid (whos only mentioned in passing), what is it? For one thing, its a place that hasnt fully reckoned with its legacy as the site of the first nuclear bomb test. In Children of the Desert, Wheeler zips from history to reportage to personal essay to explore the tests effect on the generations of people whove lived downwind from it, the cancer theyve inherited from it and the official silence it has been met with. Wheeler bemoans how the event has warped into cultural totem, where I Had a Blast at Trinity T-shirts sell for $25.99, reducing immense tragedy to a corny pun, and the local Applebees is be-flaired with Trinity memorabilia. They are enjoying their Quesadilla Burgers or Grilled Chicken Wonton Tacos while looming over them is a memorial to the thing that will likely bring the world as we know it to an end. Advertisement Good-faith efforts to speak the truth are problematic too: An activist insists that downwinders are ultimate patriots whove died for their country. But as Wheeler notes, A patriot makes a conscious sacrifice. A victim, on the other hand, is powerless. And though Acid West doesnt have a theme so much as a setting, its longest and most forceful pieces depict the region as a place full of people like those downwinders, residents exploited in the name of myths about technology. On a relatively innocuous level are the UFO-enthusiast jamborees in Roswell, populated by what Wheeler calls patronoiacs, (a combination of patriots and paranoiacs) whose love for America is outstripped only by their distrust of the government. Or its a place of unlikely modern gold mines, like the 2014 convergence of video-game geeks and profiteers in Alamogordo hoping to cash in on a legendary, massive buried cache of glitchy E.T. Atari cartridges the company had dumped in 1983, reducing the town to a symbol of trash culture, literally and virtually. More seriously, though, that exploitation results in things like Spaceport America, built in 2011 as the launch point for Virgin Galactics still-unrealized plans for commercial spaceflight. New Mexico, one of the countrys most persistently impoverished states, remains saddled with a construction bill barely offset by the small groups of tourists it can attract to Truth or Consequences, the nearest town. Wheeler wants, he writes, to know for sure whether Spaceport America represents a paradigm shift for human travel or a boondoggle for the forty-second poorest state in the nation or a carnival fad for the 1 percent. As an essayist, Wheeler has some clear influences: Joan Didions bone-deep skepticism, David Foster Wallaces polymathic, omnivorous greed for information, Edward Abbeys grizzled affection for desert culture. But theres also a somberness, even fatalism, to Acid West thats unique to Wheeler and perhaps to southern New Mexico as well. The feeling is pronounced in Things Most Surely Believed, about Terry Clark, who was executed in 2001 for raping and murdering a 9-year-old girl; corresponding with Clarks widow and researching the case, Wheeler becomes caught up in themes of hellfire and salvation he cant resolve. I feel powerless and complicit in something, he writes. I feel my feelings make it worse. In that line, Wheeler is the inheritor of a conflict thats defined the last few generations of American essay writers theyre supposed to speak their passions but also keep their emotions at a distance. Its a hard balance to maintain, and sometimes Wheeler drifts toward glibness or callousness. A riff on the 2012 Red Bull-sponsored space jump that launched from Roswell all but invites snark about commercialism and hype. But he struggles to make sense of the death of a high school acquaintance he hardly knew but who kept pictures of me or snippets of things about me that might have been in my scrapbook. So he riffs broadly on the theme of memory, encompassing Mark Twain, a gas mask and other scraps. Its an erudite but evasive piece, circling its subject without quite closing in on it. Wheeler strays from his home state in these essays only once, and then just barely. In the closing A Million Tiny Daggers, he visits a Ciudad Juarez asylum for mentally ill criminals who are experimenting with acupuncture treatments, five needles shooting an inch out of each ear like a mad science experiment or some Hellraiser congregation. Here too, Wheeler is comfortable rambling a bit, delivering longueurs on earrings, toilet seats, the Trinity test again, how we define healing and how often its in the eye of the beholder. Like a southern New Mexican, hes doubtful that all those pinpricks can add up to something. But like the southern New Mexicans who courted an empty and useless spaceport, theres a part of him that wants to believe. Athitakis is a critic in Phoenix. Joshua Wheeler appears at the L.A. Times Festival of Books at 3 p.m. April 21 on the panel Writing the West, moderated by William Deverell, with Stephen G. Bloom (The Audacity of Inez Burns) and Bryan Mealer (The Kings of Big Spring: God, Oil, and One Familys Search for the American Dream). Advertisement Acid West: Essays Joshua Wheeler MCD x FSG Originals: 416 pp., $17 paper Edward Lee may be a multi-year James Beard Award nominee and Top Chef competitor, but the subjects of his new book, Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chefs Journey to Discover Americas New Melting-Pot Cuisine, arent culinary celebrities; theyre the family restaurant owners and home cooks that he met while while eating his way across the country. What interests him is the origin story of a meal and of the person who prepared it. To me, when you eat something delicious, thats the beginning, Lee says by phone. Whenever I eat something thats truly transformative, I want to unravel it all, and it starts with the person cooking. That included, in Lowell, Mass., a Cambodian chef, and in Clarksdale, Miss., Lebanese sisters who make cabbage rolls. Lee, a Korea-born chef raised in New York, is known for embracing the cuisine of the American South; he is chef and owner of two restaurants in Louisville, Ky., and the culinary director of restaurants in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. He spent two years road-tripping to unlikely food destinations to stitch together a tapestry of American cuisine. I wanted to put myself in places of discomfort, he said. If a Korean kid from Brooklyn can be in the good graces of the South in Louisville, Ky., I can talk my way into anyones culture. How? Lee said its all about embracing humility. I didnt want to come at it from a place of authority, he said. Its OK to not know about something. Its OK to make some mistakes culturally, and its OK to offend people if youre doing it in the bigger picture to try and learn. Advertisement In that spirit, Lee visited Dearborn, Mich., which has a large Arab American population. Following a humbling conversation in a Middle Eastern bakery, he made an unlikely choice for a chef and food writer: He decided that the most authentic way to experience the regions cuisine during Ramadan was fasting. Sometimes, before you even get to the food, you have to dance around the culture, said Lee. I would never have gone to a mosque if it werent for writing a food story. At sundown after his fast he sipped mint tea in a Syrian restaurant, writing, it is as if I have never tasted mint before. It is so sharp, so singular. Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chefs Journey to Discover Americas New Melting-Pot Cuisine by Edward Lee (Artisan Books ) Lees elevation of the often anonymous people behind the food we eat speaks to his concern with not just style, but substance. Maybe the lady in the home kitchen isnt doing something with a vacuum sealer, he says of the untrained cooks he met while researching Buttermilk Graffiti, but I can tell you the food I ate on these trips was as good anything Ive eaten in any restaurant. Their resourcefulness moved him. I cant tell you how many times I actually cried, or was on the verge of crying, listening to these people and their stories and their devotion to food, he said. Those stories are often inextricable from stories of immigration, tradition and assimilation. What I found was in smaller towns and smaller places, you still find authentic food, but [the cooks] also have to weave their way around this thing called America culture. In Mississippi, Lee discovers a Lebanese kibbeh made with beef, not lamb, because beef is cheaper and a local favorite. In Westport, Conn., he learns the technique for preparing Moroccan smen a kind of fermented butter from a recent immigrant from Marrakesh. She teaches Lee to use the traditional thyme as a flavoring, but his mind wanders to what other flavors could work: basil, red peppercorn, corn cobs. This is the difference between us. She has a tradition; I dont. To Lee, the concept of authentic versus fusion cooking feels thorny; everything is a mash-up. Maybe part of being American is releasing the anchor that we have to our heritage, he writes. Maybe it is this very conflict that defines who we are. In other words, American cuisine is indefinable precisely because in trying to define it, he says, youre also asking: What is America? Advertisement Thats not a question he felt equipped to answer in Buttermilk Graffiti. The process of writing his first work of narrative nonfiction was challenge enough, but in some sense not an unfamiliar one. Coming up with a sentence is very similar to coming up with a dish. You have almost infinite words at your disposal and you have almost infinite ingredients. The hardest thing to do is to start with an empty page, he said, or to start with an empty plate. Edward Lee will appear at 2 p.m. April 21 at the Festival of Books on the panel Food: The New Culture with Andrew Friedman (Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll) and Dan Stone (The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats), moderated by Gustavo Arellano. Advertisement agatha.french@latimes.com @agathafrenchy Juan Felipe Herrera cant stand still. He finished his last chapter as U.S. poet laureate last year, but the 69-year-old is as busy as ever. He wrapped up a poetry reading of his new book Jabberwalking in Washington, D.C., before jetting to Dallas for a librarians conference. Hell be in San Jose holding a workshop on visual poetry before coming to Los Angeles for the Festival of Books. Theres not a time zone he wont cross for poetry. His frantic energy is everywhere in Jabberwalking. First conceived as a manual for middle-school students looking to find their inner poet, it turned out to be something a little different. Its not prescriptive. Instead, it features scribbles, comic strips and ink drawings using Japanese bamboo pens. Like its author, the book wants you to forget what you think you know about poetry. I wanted to stretch this thing as far as I could, said Herrera, who at one point has a character slip into a time warp only to find herself on Pluto. Theyre interested in super-exciting things, he says about young readers. Theyre explosive. And they feel everything. Advertisement The book encourages its young reader to begin to write, even if it means scribbling, to find whatever material one can find to write on, especially if its not paper, and to write and walk to get the creative juices flowing. I dont talk about metaphor, simile, and sestinas, and meter, and caesura, and all those beautiful elements we can use to make a poem deep and meaningful, and expansive and elegant y todas esas palabrotas [and all those big words], he said. Instead, hes hoping to inspire young authors feel free to experiment with the format. You have to play with that page, Herrera said. Be a migrant traveling artist poet that uses whatever you find to create something new. I would turn in poetry for term papers. Whatever class it was, most of the time, Id turn poetry in. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera He recalls his father waking up early in the morning for long walks. That was kind of in my blood, he says. He himself wrote poetry while walking when young, and continued as an undergraduate student at UCLA. I used to walk nonstop and write madly on yellow legal pads. Just moving and writing. Herrera wasnt penning research papers on those strolls along Westwood. I would turn in poetry for term papers. Whatever class it was, most of the time, Id turn poetry in. Herrera remembers turning in a 40-page poem for his Economic Anthropology class. They gave me an A-minus. He wants young writers to feel as free as he did. Part of that comes from his experience of being U.S. poet laureate. The job opened his eyes and changed him in ways he didnt expect. Advertisement Juan Felipe Herrera leads a poetry workshop at UC Riverside in 2012. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times ) I met so many people. So many audiences in so many different places. And I listened to so many stories. He met undocumented students, young people who were rattled by the 2016 presidential election, and refugees from different parts of the world. But theres one experience Herrera cant forget. One white high school student who, during a reading, was critical of Herreras poetry. You dont write for us people. You just for for your people, Herrera recalls the student saying. At the core, he was right. The experience of being U.S. poet laureate made him a better listener. It also left him exasperated. Advertisement I was very tired. I was very angry when I finally finished those two years. I just felt so much pain from so many people. I became angry. I wanted to do something about it. What can I do? Herrera said he took to the page only to find he didnt recognize his voice anymore. I looked at the poems and go, God these are angry poems. I went from Mr. Happy Go Lucky to clenching my jaws. I was crabby. Not only the poetry but myself. I felt all the unfairness. Herrera has turned the page. He says hes not only back to being Mr. Happy Go Lucky but also finds himself with more wisdom, humility and finally, inspired again. Advertisement In terms of my writing, he says. I want to write about hope. Juan Felipe Herrera will appear at the Festival of Books on April 21 for two readings, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and lead a poetry workshop at 3:30 p.m. with students from High School Insider. CEO pay is up yet again. A booming stock market and bulging equity awards propelled the median 2017 compensation for CEOs of the 100 largest companies to the highest figure in 11 years, according to a new analysis. The report, released Wednesday by executive compensation and governance research firm Equilar, examines pay of the 100 largest public companies by revenue, and comes in advance of broader CEO pay rankings that typically arrive later in the spring and analyze the companies of the entire Standard & Poors 500-stock index. Although the 5% median pay increase for CEOs was slightly lower than the prior years 6% rise, the median CEO pay package was valued at $15.7 million, the first time it notched above 2016s previous high of $15 million. Equilar has run the analysis since 2007. Dan Marcec, Equilars director of content and communications, said the number was not surprising given that the majority of CEO pay is made up of stock grants and 2017 was a banner year for market performance: The S&P 500 index climbed nearly 20%. Advertisement New to Equilars analysis is the inclusion of a CEO-to-worker pay ratio for each company, thanks to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rule that went into effect this year. The rule requires publicly traded companies to release a ratio of what their CEOs make in comparison to their median paid worker. For the 100 largest companies, the ratios tend to be far higher than the broader market, with a median of 235 to 1, compared with 72 to 1 for companies in the Russell 3000 index that have reported their 2017 numbers so far. In other words, CEOs of the largest companies tend to get paid a lot more than others. Each year, the list produces some eye-popping numbers in part because CEO pay packages are valued on the date new stock awards are granted. As a result, multi-year grants that CEOs only get access to over time can bulk up the size of a CEOs pay package one year, only to see the number plummet albeit still to relatively high numbers the following year. The highest-paid CEO in this years study is Broadcoms Hock Tan, who has been in the news after President Trump blocked the companys $117-billion bid for Qualcomm and, weeks later, for changing its legal domicile from Singapore to the United States. Tans 2017 package was valued at $103.2 million. That massive number includes a new stock grant valued at $98.3 million that will pay out over a period of several years only if Broadcom meets certain total shareholder return performance thresholds. Other names at the top of the new list include American International Group CEO Brian Duperreault ($42.8 million); Oracle co-CEOs Mark Hurd and Safra Catz (north of $40 million each); and Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger, whose pay was valued at $36.3 million. Many of the companies on this list with the highest CEO pay ratios, meanwhile, employ large groups of retail, temporary or foreign workers whose lower annual wages can make the ratio look particularly high. At ManpowerGroup, the staffing provider, the ratio of CEO to worker pay is 2,483 to 1; at retailer Kohls, the ratio is 1,264 to 1. (Manpower notes in its proxy that 95% of the employees used in that calculation are associates employed at client firms in 80 countries, a majority of which are in temporary roles; if it calculated the ratio using just the 5% that are permanent staff, the ratio would be 273 to 1.) And who was the lowest-paid CEO in this ranking of the 100 largest companies? That would be the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, whose stock holdings may number in the billions but whose annual compensation from Berkshire Hathaway, where he is CEO, is limited. Advertisement According to Berkshires proxy, Buffett received a $100,000 salary, the same he has received for more than 25 years but no bonus or new stock awards; Berkshire also provided security services for Buffett that cost $375,000 in 2017. The CEO pay ratio at Berkshire is 1.87-to-1. More than any other neighborhood, with the possible exception of Sherman Oaks, Reseda has been called upon again and again to represent the experience of the San Fernando Valley in popular culture. Its the oh-so-California locale in which a scrawny Italian kid from New Jersey struggles to find his place among blond giants before coming into his own as the Karate Kid; the seedy place so close yet so far from Hollywood where a young dishwasher from Torrance is recruited into the world of porn in Boogie Nights; and the All-American hometown of the doomed innocent at the center of Tom Pettys classic ode to Valley ennui, Free Fallin. Fixed in the mind of all as a suburb, Reseda is actually denser than Chinatown or the Fairfax district, with 60,000 people living along the boulevards and avenues that crisscross its 6 square miles. Thats a remarkable figure, considering that just within living memory fewer than 5,000 people called the neighborhood home. Its story begins in 1912 when it was founded as one of the Wonder Towns of the San Fernando Valley, one of the sparsely populated crossroad settlements that the L.A. Times dutifully promoted as a string of burgeoning suburban oases at the behest of its powerful publisher Harrison Gray Otis. Advertisement Otis and his son-in-law Harry Chandler, who would become the papers publisher after Otis death, led a real estate syndicate that had purchased vast swaths of the Valley, including the Wonder Towns, and were keen to turn a buck on their investment. They named the future suburban boomtown after Otis daughter Marian and partnered with Moses Sherman to run a Pacific Electric line through the areas fragrant citrus groves and verdant bean fields in order to connect downtown to their new municipal creations. Marian, however, suffered a failure to launch. Van Nuys thrived, Canoga Park dumped its unfortunate former name of Owensmouth and fared better, but Marian remained farmland, even after the aqueduct opened and water flowed freely across the Valley. All the way up until the end of World War II, ranches and farms defined what became Reseda, a name the community adopted for itself in 1921. After the war, the boom began. Between 1940 and 1950, Resedas population increased nearly 300%, and the growth continued until the last ranch was replaced by a California ranch home. That total transformation, the erasure of one mode of being with another via the creation of an instant city, has left its mark on our collective consciousness. Reseda has become an avatar for American suburbanization, and filmmakers and musicians will probably continue to mine meaning from its story for decades to come. (Ellis Simani / Los Angeles Times ) Neighborhood highlights Advertisement A home in the burbs: Although its population has grown over the years, Reseda still retains a suburban feel in its many postwar tracts of ranch homes. A central location: Convenient to Warner Center, Northridge and Sherman Oaks, Reseda is a short commute to many of the Valleys shopping and employment centers. Affordable asks: The median price of a home in the Valley just hit $700,000, but houses in the $500,000 to $600,000 range are still easy to find in Reseda. Neighborhood challenge Advertisement Slow-paced lifestyle: Like many other suburbs, newer and established, Reseda has a relative paucity of nightlife and cultural activities. 1 / 4 The restaurant serves Salvadorean food. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 4 John R. Wooden High School has an organic farm and a refuge for rescues; the students feed and take care of the animals. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 4 A priest prays over a parishioner after a Sunday Mass. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 4 The skate park is at the border of Reseda. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Expert insight Janice Fisher, a real estate agent whos been living and working in Reseda for roughly a decade, said the sleepy suburban haven is a bit livelier than outsiders imagine. Advertisement Roughly half of residents are homeowners, and the other half are renters, which creates a nice mix of long- and short-term residents, Fisher said. She added that the Orange Line, which opened in 2005, has made the neighborhood feel more connected to the rest of the city. Since then, a steady stream of development nothing major, but a few new homes and restaurants here and there has kept things from getting stale, Fisher said. Market snapshot Advertisement In the 91335 ZIP Code, based on 27 sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in February was $518,000, up 8.9% year over year, according to CoreLogic. Report card Of the 14 public schools in Reseda, nine scored above 800 in the 2013 Academic Performance Index. Highlights include Joaquin Miller Career and Transition Center, which scored 874, and Newcastle Elementary, which scored 842. The areas public high school, Grover Cleveland High, scored 807. Advertisement Times staff writer Jack Flemming contributed to this report. hotproperty@latimes.com MORE FROM HOT PROPERTY: Actor Steven Weber is ready to give up his spot in Malibus Paradise Cove Advertisement Coastal Craftsman is Del Mars second-priciest home sale this year at $18 million Flip or Flop star Christina El Moussa sees action on her Yorba Linda home Bond girl Izabella Scorupco seeks a match for Spanish bungalow near Griffith Park If youre not paying for the product, then you are the product. That business-world adage has allowed Facebook to thrive, attracting 2 billion users who choose to trade their personal information for no-cost access to the worlds largest social network. The data they fork over have proven to be a treasure trove for Facebook, which relies on the information to sell ads targeted to specific swaths of users. But after years of exchanging their privacy for a free feed of news, ads, family photos and cat videos, some people are questioning whether theyre actually getting a good deal. With Facebook under fire for its mishandling of user data in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the social network is being pressed by some to consider a different business model one that charges users instead of advertisers and, in turn, is not fueled by personal information. Advertisement Facebook appears to be giving it some thought. When asked about the possibility of a paid service during Senate testimony this week, Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said his company would certainly consider ideas like that. Its a proposal that is winning favor among technologists. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently told USA Today that hed rather pay for Facebook than have his personal information exploited for advertising. Users provide every detail of their life to Facebook and ... Facebook makes a lot of advertising money off this, Wozniak said. The profits are all based on the users info, but the users get none of the profits back. A recent survey conducted by Recode and market research firm Toluna found that 23% of respondents said theyd be willing to pay to use a version of Facebook that had no ads. Of those respondents, 41.6% said theyd be willing to pay between $1 to $5 per month. The remainder said they would be willing to pay more. Subscription companies were once an anomaly on the internet, where the prevailing wisdom was that information trended toward free. But in recent years, successful online companies that built their empires on free content supported by advertising have also been exploring pay models. The general strategy has been to charge for special features, so users feel like theyre getting something extra for their money. YouTube is available for free, but those who pay can lose the ads and get exclusive content. Spotify lets people listen to music for free, but the paid version cuts out ads and gives them more control over how they listen to music. LinkedIn, the social network for job-seekers, lets paying users see who has viewed their profile. Advertisement Though consumers have been willing to subscribe to some online services, social media experts say when it comes to firms like Facebook which has been free since its launch and whose ads can easily be scrolled past a pay model is unlikely to catch on. Thats because the core function of Facebook connecting people is something that can be done elsewhere without having to pay. The social network could tack on extra features, but social media experts are unsure what features would compel a user fork over cash. And researchers remain unconvinced that many people would opt to pay simply for their privacy even as they pay lip service to it. The whole fantasy that people care about privacy or theyre desperate to get out of ad-supported networks is ridiculous, said Clay Shirky, a researcher on the social and economic effects of internet technologies at New York University. Advertisement Simply put, the majority of social media users either dont really understand or dont care how their information is collected and used, said Ryan Detert, chief executive of Influential, a Los Angeles start-up that uses artificial intelligence to match advertisers with social media influencers. The biggest growing segment for these social media platforms is the youth, and they grew up with this, so they know all their data is being collected, and they know they dont have privacy, said Detert. Im on the older side of Millennial and even I dont particularly care whether someone has my data. If youre Gen-Z, you really dont care. There can often be a disconnect between the behaviors consumers aspire toward say taking extra steps to protect their privacy and what they actually do. Ive been covering consumer attitudes and behaviors for a long time, and I dont see consumers changing their behavior very often, said Fatemeh Khatibloo, an analyst at Forrester Research. They might take a few steps here and there, they might go through and change some permissions, but were talking about 2 billion users. Youre not going to make a dent in that. Advertisement Zuckerberg made it clear in his Capitol Hill testimony that there will always be a version of Facebook that is free. That means if Facebook were to establish a subscription service, there would be a two-tiered system where some pay for privacy and others pay with their data. That structure could on the one hand end up disadvantaging less affluent users while simultaneously allowing wealthier consumers the ones advertisers might be most eager to court to bypass ads altogether. Then there are the technical challenges. Advertisement If a user who pays not to be tracked interacts with a user on the free platform, the subscribers data would likely be swept up too, Khatibloo said. And could Facebook guarantee that it wasnt tracking paying users on other parts of the internet? Perhaps the main reason social media companies havent tried pay models is because the ad-supported business has made them behemoths. Why is the advertising-based system so dominant? Because it works for the companies, it works for the advertisers and it works for consumers, said Dan Jaffe, executive vice president of policy for the Association of National Advertisers. Facebooks critics have long said the companys harvesting of personal information makes it a singular danger to digital privacy. But that is precisely why Facebook is one of the most valuable companies in the world. Advertisement That means any movement away from a data-driven business could undermine its success. [Facebook] is sitting on one of the richest, most longitudinal, quantitative data sets weve ever seen, said Khatibloo. Theyre not going to give that up easily. tracey.lien@latimes.com Twitter: @traceylien When our self-interest and the greater good are not perfectly aligned, the competing loyalties may be painfully divisive. They also make for compelling drama, as reflected in this weeks promising selections from L.A.s small theaters. "The Willows" at the Bootleg Theater and "The Dorothy Parker Project" at Pacific Resident Theatre have their premieres, while two other houses stage work by Ayad Akhtar, a leading storyteller for our contentious time. All explore conflicts between individual wants and collective obligations to family, race, religion, social class and national identity. The Willows at Bootleg The essentials: Theater co-founder Jessica Hanna directs the premiere of Kerri-Ann McCallas family drama, in which a morticians son reluctantly sets aside his dreams to honor his ailing fathers wish for him to take over the family business. His quandary worsens when he discovers that the latest grieving customers include a young widow who turns out to be his one-night partner from a tryst hes never gotten over. Why this? The premise may sound a bit like Before Sunrise meets Six Feet Under, but McCalla writes about everyday life with a relatable sensitivity all her own. Rather than relying on villains, the play meets a more difficult challenge in telling a compelling story: Its seven vividly drawn characters are all trying to do the right thing, but they fall short in the face of their all-too-human fears, biases and frailties. Details: A Bootleg Theater production, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; ends May 5. $20. (213) 389-3856, www.bootlegtheater.org From left, Napoleon Tavale, Stefanee Martin, Lorinda Hawkins Smith, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Thomas Silcott and Kacie Rogers in The Willows at Bootleg. Mae Koo Photography The Dorothy Parker Project at Pacific Resident The essentials: Id rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy, once quipped Dorothy Parker, the critic, poet and enfant terrible of the notorious Algonquin Vicious Circle. Although Parker was best known for her scathing put-downs (she famously mocked a Katharine Hepburn performance that ran the gamut of emotions from A to B), the complex, wounded spirit behind the acerbic facade emerges in the first full staging of Pacific Resident Theatres The Dorothy Parker Project. Based on producer Robert Cannons original concept, with additional material by playwright Kathrine Bates and co-directors Michael Cooper and Marilyn Fox, the piece features Diane Hurley as Parker, welcoming us into her New York apartment circa 1958 to dish and reminisce. As she traces her life, Pacific Resident veterans enact five original adaptations of her short stories and several emotionally raw poems. Why this? An emphasis on great writing has long distinguished Pacific Resident productions throughout its 33 years. This show reveals the underappreciated idealistic side of a crusader and activist who bequeathed her entire estate to Martin Luther King Jr. Consistently taking the side of social outcasts against the interests of her upper-class peers, she cheerfully explains that When I go for the jugular, its usually a vein with blue blood in it. Details: A Pacific Resident Theatre and Robert Cannon production at Pacific Resident, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays; ends May 20. $22. (310) 822-8392, pacificresidenttheatre.com Diane Hurley in The Dorothy Parker Project. KLHarrisonPhoto.com Disgraced at L.A. Theatre Works The essentials: A Muslim, a Jew, a black lawyer and a white artist sit down to a gourmet dinner in a picture-perfect validation of the assimilated, upwardly mobile American Dream and all hell breaks loose. Disgraced, Ayad Akhtars 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, returns to the stage in L.A. Theatre Works limited-run radio play version performed for a live audience. Hari Dhillon and Emily Swallow reprise their roles from the acclaimed 2016 Mark Taper Forum production, as a passionately secular hotshot attorney of Pakistani descent and his artistic wife who find their seemingly harmonious marriage and close friendships undermined by cross-currents of hidden ideological allegiances and resentments. Why this? Akhtar has emerged as a go-to playwright for chronicling the social fissures in divisive times. Yet as he articulates the issues fueling a climate of escalating tensions, Akhtar maintains a masterful dramatists focus on their human toll. His razor-sharp dialogue and character-based momentum are suited to L.A. Theatre Works format. This cast also includes Geoffrey Arend (from TVs Body of Proof and Madam Secretary). Details: An L.A. Theatre Works production at UCLA James Bridges Theater, 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Melnitz Hall, Los Angeles (parking in Lot No. 3). 8 p.m. this coming Thursday and Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, ends April 22. $45-$65. (310) 827-0889, www.latw.org The Invisible Hand at Ensemble Theatre The essentials: In another example of Akhtars insightful playwriting, Santa Barbaras Ensemble Theatre Company presents his political thriller The Invisible Hand. In something of a thematic flip side to Disgraced, the protagonist here is a midlevel American banker whos been kidnapped in Pakistan by terrorists seeking an impossibly high ransom to fund community improvements (or so they claim). To keep his captors from killing him, the banker offers to raise the money by applying his knowledge of commodity futures. Why this: Artistic Director Jonathan Fox brings excellent production values to his staging as Akhtars tense drama finds unexpected connections between the intractable problem of terrorism and the invisible hand of greed that corrupts the loftiest ideals and loyalties. Details: An Ensemble Theatre Company and English Theatre Frankfurt co-production at the New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; ends April 29. Also 7 p.m. April 17 and 4 p.m. April 21. $35-$70. (805) 965-5400, etcsb.org The 99-Seat Beat appears every Friday. Our reviewers shortlist offerings with an emphasis on 99-seat theaters and other smaller venues. Some (but not all) recommendations are shows we've seen; others have caught our attention because of the track record of the company, playwright, director or cast. Comprehensive theater listings are posted every Sunday at latimes.com/arts. See all of our latest arts news and reviews at latimes.com/arts. MORE ONSTAGE: David Bowie as dance Circle X and Echos 'An Undivided Heart' Last week on the 99-Seat Beat: Mulatto Love Child, Deathtrap Broadways hottest theater just might be on the West Coast At first blush make that the first washes of drone and scale that prepare a listener to enter into the harmonic realm of a raga the idea that Pacific Symphony would choose an India-centric program for its Carnegie Hall debut might seem curious, if not downright quirky. That is the way the Orange County orchestra plans to introduce itself to New York April 21. Turns out, its not so quirky. Orange Country competes with the Tri-State area for the size of its Indian population. At the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Thursday night the first of three performances of Ravi Shankars Sitar Concerto No. 3 and Philip Glass The Passion of Ramakrishna excellent performers in the centers new Argyros Plaza provided a free festival of Indian music and dance before the concert. Inside the hall, the program also happened to make surprising sense. Glass Ramakrishna, a 45-minute passion about the last days of the revered 19th century Indian yogi, was written for vocal soloists, chorus and large orchestra and was commissioned by the Pacific Symphony to open Segerstrom in 2006. It will serve as the climax to the composers Carnegie residency this season in celebration of his 80th birthday. Mention Glass and India together, and the next name to come to mind is Ravi Shankar. While studying in Paris in the mid-1960s, Glass assisted the great sitarist in notating his music for a film score. The revelation of learning about Indian raga is what led him to develop his early rhythmic processes that became one of the foundations of Minimalism. Advertisement Carl St. Clair conducts the Pacific Symphony in Philip Glass Meetings Along the Edge. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times ) Moreover, it is obviously about time for Carl St.Clair, in his 28th year as Pacific Symphony music director, to show off his orchestra to the Big Apple. It has toured Europe. It is about to embark on a tour of China. It will soon be featured on the PBS series Great Performances. But if not quirky, how about cheeky? Carnegie was the hall in which Shankars concerto, written for his sitarist daughter, Anoushka, was given its world premiere by Orpheus, the conductor-less New York chamber orchestra, in 2009. Less impressive than his two earlier, flamboyantly symphonic sitar concertos, Shankars third didnt make much of an impression with Orpheus. Meanwhile, the Ramakrishna premiere was something of a mess, what which the orchestra adjusting to a new hall with adjustable acoustics, Glass seeming daunted by the spiritual magnificence of his subject and a chorus over its head. The news then Thursday was that the Pacific Symphony has grown tremendously in the last dozen years, helped surely by what has proved to be a fine hall once the right settings were found. Shankars concerto may be made for an improvising soloist who reacts flexibly with an ensemble, but it turns out a conductor does matter. The Pacific Chorale has gone through its own growth process, as well, and voila, Glass passion got its needed passion. St.Clair began, logically, with Meetings Along the Edge, a movement from Passages, a recording that Glass and Shankar made together in 1990. In it Glass weaves together two of his themes and one of Shankars into a lyrical garland, part Indian and part anything but. St.Clair made it sparkle. Carl St.Clair conducts the Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale as they perform Philip Glass The Passion of Ramakrishna. on Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times ) Clearly thinking of his daughter, Shankar suggested that his concerto describes a young girls journey into maturity. The form, with a festive, purely orchestral overture, and three movements, may seem traditional. But the 89-year-old Shankar, who died three years after the pieces premiere, taught the solo part to Anoushka by singing the ragas. The charm naturally is in the melodies, often introduced by English horn and a pair of bassoons to which Shankar or his orchestrator, David Murphy took a particular shine. The solos are interactions with the melodic material of the piece, fancifully girlish in the first movement, dreamily seductive in the second and dashingly here-I-come in the finale. A sizable orchestra and conductor with a rhythmic drive is just what the concerto needs. Advertisement In Ramakrishna, Glass outlines a spiritual, rather than personal, coming of age. The mystic teacher here is portrayed by the full chorus as he sacrifices his ego to the goddess Kali. The main soloists are his devoted wife, Sarada Devi (glowingly sung by soprano Elissa Johnston) and his acolyte M (the stalwart baritone Christopheren Nomura, who premiered the role). The peculiar program note spoke of this being a work of joy and light rather than solemnity, and even mentioned critics calling it breezy. There is nothing breezy about Ramakrishna dying in great pain as he enters into his final extraordinary ecstasy. There was nothing breezy about ferocious, exhausting tension St.Clair brought to what now can be heard as a magnificent musical representation of the indescribable process of enlightenment. Pacific Symphony, Glass & Shankar Where: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa Advertisement When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Tickets: $25-$206 (subject to change) Info: (714) 556-2787, www.pacificsymphony.org mark.swed@latimes.com Liem made the confirmation at a meeting with visiting Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Vladimir Bartl on April 13. The official expressed his delight at the fruitful development of Vietnam-Czech Republic relations, which was reflected through the signing of several framework cooperation agreements on economy, investment, diplomacy, culture, and education. An inter-governmental committee for scientific and technological cooperation set up between the two nations is an effective mechanism to facilitate and implement bilateral cooperation contents, Liem added. He affirmed that HCM City wants to step up cooperative relations with the European country in line with both sides potential and demand, adding that it plans to work with Czech partners to further foster trade and investment ties in the coming time. For his part, Bartl said that based on the traditional friendship with Vietnam, the Czech Republic expects to enhance partnerships between Czech and Vietnamese localities, including Ho Chi Minh City. The minister said the Czech Republic wants to reopen its Consulate General in the southern largest economic hub of Vietnam to meet increasing demand of Czech businesses interested in the local market, and to spur collaboration in economy, tourism, and culture. Informing his host on the outcomes of the Vietnam-Czech Republic business seminar held in the city the same day, Bartl asked the municipal authorities to create favourable conditions for Czech firms to implement their projects in the city, particularly in IT solutions, urban transport infrastructure construction, and food. He also affirmed that the Czech Republic is committed to supporting Ho Chi Minh City in building wastewater systems, preventing floods and protecting the environment. Ever since Rosie Lee Hooks became director of the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus in 2010, she has helped to grow the number of visitors to Simon Rodias landmark artwork and greatly expanded the exhibition and education programs there. But this week, Hooks supporters said, the director has been suspended by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, which manages the Watts Towers center. The suspension began Monday and will last three weeks, Hooks supporters said. The Department of Cultural Affairs would not provide details on Hooks case because its a personnel issue, said Bruce Whidden, public information director for the citys personnel department. There was a discipline, he said, and she has the right, under the city charter, to appeal that discipline. And she hasnt done that. She has not afforded herself that opportunity. Hooks, in an email passed through one of her supporters, also declined to comment. The suspension, those supporters say, is related to the mural that local artist Jacori Perry had started to paint depicting jazz musician and Watts hero Charles Mingus on the side of the campus Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center building. Hooks may have failed to go through proper channels to get permission for the mural, supporters said. But they said the punishment outweighed the offense. We feel it was unjust, said longtime Watts Towers supporter Edward Landler, citing Hooks work for the Department of Cultural Affairs since 2001. In her 16 years there, shes been there for the community and followed her calling as a true arts educator. We just feel that given issues in the news currently, issues of rich and poor and immigration and race relations, we feel to suspend her in this manner, the Cultural Affairs Department is very shortsighted regarding the community it serves. Production on the mural, titled Charles Mingus, started in September, in preparation for the Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and for the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival that month. Perry spent one day on the mural. It was less than halfway completed when Leslie Thomas, director of the Department of Cultural Affairs Community Arts Division, told Hooks and the artist to stop, and they did, Perry said. Hooks didnt receive notice of her suspension, Landler said, until months later. The suspension comes as planning for the next drum festival and jazz festival are getting under way. Its especially bad timing, said Chioma Agbahiwe, vice president of the Watts Towers Community Action Council, one of the organizations that supports and promotes the arts center. For all she does, with the limited resources given to her by DCA, its very small-minded for DCA to suspend her for putting up a mural of Charles Mingus on the Charles Mingus building. On Tuesday, the mayors offices Watts Towers Arts Center Interdepartmental Task Force will hold its monthly meeting, at which the suspension is expected to be addressed. We want a clear explanation, Landler said. Watts Towers, he added, provokes deep feelings in locals and tourists alike. That the city responded so harshly to Hooks, he said, feels tone deaf given what the artwork stands for. The towers are an expression of the aspiration of humanity, he said. Its a symbol of initiative and freedom and the aspirations we have in a country like the U.S., the values we are supposed to stand for these towers rising from the mud towards the sky and the sun. And it cannot be separated from the history of Watts. The city isnt reflecting the community it serves. Perry said his mural didnt get finished, but it didnt get erased either. Its just not done, thats all, he said. deborah.vankin@latimes.com Twitter: @debvankin MORE ARTS: Future of MOCA director Philippe Vergne remains a big question mark Modern dance pioneer Donald McKayle dies at 87 Multicultural dance troupe pays tribute to Bowie Like John Logans vehicle for Bette Midler, Ill Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers, Significant Other is a Broadway comedy that works better in the cozier confines of the Geffen Playhouse. The glorious new production of Joshua Harmons play, which opened Wednesday at the Geffens Gil Cates Theater under the direction of Stephen Brackett, doesnt have to italicize jokes to captivate a large New York crowd concerned about getting its moneys worth. Im happy to report that in L.A. the wittiness of Harmons vibrant dialogue and the resplendent neuroticism of his characters are all that are required to win us over. One criticism that cant be avoided is that the playwright missed an opportunity to prune his work into a better-fitting form. The play, about a single gay man sinking into lonely terror as one by one his female BFFs find husbands, is overstretched. But the production compensates for the dramatic ungainliness by getting nearly everything else right. Significant Other could be accused of blurring the line between stage comedy and sitcom, but the work requires no laugh track. The audience is naturally convulsed in hilarity thats interrupted only by paroxysms of sympathy for a protagonist who doesnt understand why life is withholding from him the happy ending everyone else in his circle seems to be enjoying. Its refreshing to see the gay character normally reserved for comic relief the second bananas second banana take center stage. And how marvelous that the role, magnificently inhabited by Will Von Vogt, has as much depth and complexity as sass. Will Von Vogt: a fully realized gay protagonist with an inner life that matters. Chris Whitaker Von Vogt is Jordan Berman, a romantic dreamer in his late 20s who becomes smitten with a handsome co-worker named Will (one of a trio of male charmers played by John Garet Stoker) after seeing him in a bathing suit at an office pool party. Body-conscious Jordan, who hides his flesh in a polo shirt, memorizes every ripple in Wills torso while envying the cement for soaking up the water dripping off his body. Harmon has a gift for uncensored psychological detail. Jordan, obsessing over Wills forest green Converse sneakers, confesses that, after discovering they were size 12, he cried just thinking about waking up and seeing those large shoes next to this bed. Jordan, who has been sleuthing through Facebook to learn everything he can about the object of his unbridled affection, keeps his girlfriends abreast of every minor turn in his more or less nonexistent relationship with Will. Should Jordan invite him to a documentary on the Franco-Prussian War after learning that the book Will is reading in the office cafeteria is about Pearl Harbor? (War books. Thats so butch, he says, blurting out unconscious thoughts to someone whod rather not be privy to them.) Jordan and Wills eventual movie date only leaves Jordan in limbo. And with wedding showers, bachelorette parties and alternative marriage ceremonies making him feel as if hes running out of time, hes getting ready to fire off a confessional email he knows hell regret the moment he presses send. The three actresses who play Jordans faltering support system are (and I use this word unhesitatingly) perfect. Keilly McQuail brings just the right yakety-yak narcissism to her portrayal of Kiki, the cliques de facto boss and the first to get wed. ("I wasn't looking. That's the point that's the point I've been trying to make, she explains in drunken triumph to her posse on how she managed to turn around her romantic luck.) As Vanessa, a book editor whos the second in line to get married, Vella Lovell balances wildness with worldly skepticism. And Melanie Field movingly reveals the conflict her character, Laura, experiences in falling in love with a man who is unbelievably great yet who cant help sundering her from her gay significant other. Melanies engagement is the final straw for Jordan, whose mental health operatically spirals. Of course hes happy for her, but he also sees that he will be relegated to an inconspicuous place in her future happiness. Helene (a piquant Concetta Tomei), Jordans gently crotchety grandmother, tries to explain that hes merely stuck in a bad chapter in a long book. But Jordan isnt convinced that his story is moving inexorably toward romantic fulfillment. Harmon, author of the pungent comedy Bad Jews, is fascinated by characters who fall between the cracks of traditions. The modern free-thinking women Jordan considers his family have surprisingly made old-fashioned choices that exclude him even as the institution of marriage has opened up to same-sex couples. Hes stunned that Laura has asked her cousin to be a bridesmaid while relegating him, her closest friend, to reading a poem at the ceremony. The romantic songs Jordan and Laura used to parody are now an unironic part of the wedding rotation. (The way these soppy pop hits are deployed in the production is almost unbearably amusing.) The issues engaged by Significant Other are deeply felt, but the handling isnt really expansive enough to warrant the extended duration. Harmon indirectly introduces the subject of internalized homophobia through an interaction with Evan (Preston Martin, in one of several humorously overstated roles), a flamboyant colleague of Jordans who proposes that the two have sex to palliate their loneliness. But Jordan is too beholden to romantic fantasy to accept compromised reality. This scene comes rather late in the play, and Evan, a caricature intermittently deployed for obvious laughs, isnt in a position to challenge Jordans worldview. If theres one quibble with Bracketts otherwise expertly calibrated staging, its that the secondary male figures passing through the story are sketched a little too broadly. But the crisp presentation of Significant Other is undeniably impressive. The design especially Sibyl Wickersheimers abbreviated sets and Bobby Frederick Tilleys character-defining costumes combines canny detail with brisk theatrical efficiency. One hopes that the high quality of the production is a sign of more to come from Geffen artistic director Matt Shakmans attentive stewardship. Ah, but the lions share of gratitude goes to Harmon and Von Vogt for fully realizing a gay stage protagonist whose inner life ultimately matters more than his zingy punchlines. Significant Other is an unorthodox (and increasingly dark) romantic comedy that will appeal both to traditionalists craving more existential realism and theatergoers who have long felt excluded from the genre. Significant Other Where: Geffen Playhouses Gill Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A. When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; ends May 6 Tickets: $32-$90 (subject to change) Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (including one intermission) SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter charles.mcnulty@latimes.com Follow me @charlesmcnulty ALSO Review: Bedlams Hamlet and Saint Joan Review: Wooster Groups A Pink Chair 'Speechless' actor John Ross Bowie makes his stage debut Its been less than 24 hours since Miles Robbins completed what he calls his first high profile interview, and hes nervous. Nervous that he said too much, went too far, might be misunderstood. So he composes an e-mail trying to explain himself further. It is 940 words. I just want to make sure that, in my jet lag and candid comfort, [I] didnt brain fart and phrase something in a way that could be twisted by the internet people, he writes. Robbins, 25, is new to promoting a major studio movie. Or any movie, for that matter. He only really started acting a couple of years ago, but hes already landing plum jobs. Advertisement This month, he has a scene-stealing turn in Universals comedy Blockers, a film about three high school girls who make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. Robbins plays one of the ladies love interests: A blissed-out bro with a man bun who creates elaborate drug concoctions for his friends. And hell soon be seen in the highly anticipated reboot of Halloween. The budding actor doesnt have a publicist yet. At a recent photo shoot, his manager served as his stylist, advising he wear a vintage denim Mickey Mouse jacket instead of a t-shirt with a hot dog on it. And hes trying not to rely too much on his parents, the actors Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. Yes, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. In another sign hes still learning how to negotiate media attention, he earnestly requested that his mother and father not be mentioned in the first two paragraphs of this story. Hes close with both of them even suggesting this interview take place at his dads house in Venice instead of a hotel (it ultimately happened at the Culver Hotel) -- but says its hard not to be in their shadow. And I wont try to act like I will ever escape it, he says, sipping from a glass of scotch. I think at a certain point in my life, I was a lot more precious about that. Perhaps from a place of ego, I didnt want to be associated with them at all because I was going to be so overshadowed by them. Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon and son Miles attend a screening in 2008. (Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images ) This was more of a struggle for Robbins when he was a boy. The first girl he ever went on a date with, he later learned, only wanted to go out with him so she could score a ticket to the Shrek premiere. In his early twenties, when he was making a living as a disc jockey I hated saying I was a DJ, so Id say disc jockey. I at least wanted to explain that I owned discs that I was jockeying he met a manager who was interested in his music. And then I found out he was just trying to pimp out my name, and it was clear he didnt give a [crap] about the music I was making. Music, he explains, was his first true passion. He started a band when he was 11 after watching School of Rock. He was dorky obsessed with The Matrix and Philip K. Dick books and thought playing music would make him seem cool. Eventually, music became a therapeutic outlet a way for me to explore the feminine quality of self expression that a lot of boys deprive themselves of. Advertisement In his current psychedelic pop ensemble, the Pow Pow Family Band we play childrens songs for adult children he performs in drag. His character is Millie, a disgruntled housewife with an affinity for dresses and red lipstick. In 2015, Sarandon mentioned in an interview that her son sometimes performed in female clothing a comment that prompted a slew of headlines about Robbins sexuality. So he decided to respond by writing an op-ed in the Huffington Post: Is It Really That Strange for a Guy to Wear a Dress? Everyone was publishing articles saying that I was trans or non-binary, says Robbins, who identifies as male and heterosexual. Straight men havent figured out that they can kiss men yet or be comfortable with themselves yet. How many straight women have kissed their girlfriends? The only reason I know Im straight is because of the amount of guys that Ive kissed. I have gotten as close as possible and been like, Nah, not into it. Robbins poses at the Culver Hotel. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times ) Advertisement This is one of the things Robbins fears the trolls on the interwebs might take the wrong way. Or Universal, the studio releasing Blockers. I know what this [article] is for, and I should at least be a little nice for this one, he says during one of the many instances he stops himself mid-sentence during our interview. But he also wants to be himself. He wants to talk about his love of RuPauls Drag Race, and how hed love to be the first straight contestant on the reality show. He wants to talk about his moms politics and how ridiculous he finds it that she was criticized for saying Trump would bring the revolution if elected as President. (I have so much respect for her. Shes a badass. Shes always spoken her mind and been right.) And he wants to talk about psychedelic drugs and how much theyve impacted him. Because no, it isnt a coincidence that in three of his first big roles the indie My Friend Dahmer, Blockers and Halloween he plays a stoner. I mean, why does Tom Hanks play the everyman? Because hes the everyman, Blockers director Kay Cannon says with a laugh. Miles has the extensive knowledge and use of drugs. He really knows how to smoke, where when you ask a lot of actors to smoke on screen, it looks phony baloney, says David Gordon Green, the filmmaker behind Halloween. I didnt have to give him Huff n Puff 101. Advertisement Robbins admits he smoked a lot of marijuana in high school, and his mother famously argued on behalf of cannabis legalization for years. But now hes more into mushrooms, which he says changed his life. Im a completely different person than I was the first time I took mushrooms, he says, launching into a discussion of the link between Buddhist meditation and psychedelic drugs that he learned about as a student at Brown University. What I think psychedelic drugs do for people is bring you back to the beginners mind. You can embrace the inner child and relax in a really incredible way. Robbins attended Brown for three years, studying documentary film and music production. He dropped out in his senior year because he only had prerequisite courses left to complete and he wasnt interested in taking them. But it was at college that he first started exploring his love of film, obsessing over the experimental filmmaker Ron Fricke and serving as a teachers assistant to the head of the film department. Advertisement After Brown, he began his stint as a disc jockey. And one day in 2015, he went to the movies to see an independent film by that had earned its lead actresses rave reviews. He thought it was terrible. I hated this movie so much and thought everyone in it was so bad that I thought, This is a racket. Come on, I could do that. So he read for some agents and initially signed with one at UTA, where his mother is represented. Maybe it helped that my mom is who she is, he says, shaking his head. Im at the point now where if someone thinks of me that way or boxes me in to be being just the child of, I just think that theyre being narrow-minded and not looking at the fact that Im very different from them and dont work with them. Neither Cannon nor Green knew who Robbinss parents were when they cast him in their respective films. Green said the young actor jumped off the audition screen like if Twin Peaks was a comedy, exuding a spooky spaciness that he found made me laugh a lot and was simultaneously cool and hip. Its kind of neat when you hear so many stories of kids getting caught up in their celebrity parents lives and then you meet a grounded, cool, super energetic and positive young actor who has come out of probably a super unconventional life, says Green. And then you applaud Tim and Susan and say, Hell, yeah! Well done. Advertisement Sarandon with her son on a family history show, Who Do You Think You Are? (Nicole Rivelli / NBC ) Robbins, meanwhile, realizes that the way he got into acting is pretty hateable. But I would be lying if I didnt say that was a big inspiration to me to see [work] that was being celebrated that I thought wasnt so great, he says. Not that Im going to immediately be better, but I could do this passably and make a living. And now I love doing it. Hed like to continue acting, but hes currently focused on making a new record with his band. Then he says maybe hell try his hand at writing or directing. Whatever happens, he wants to blaze his own trail. Advertisement I think its really cool when someone can be more than an actor or a musician, he says. But theres no one who I know who has done it the way that I want to do it. I guess I aspire to be the first Miles. Robbins, left, and Geraldine Viswanathan attend the premiere of Blockers. (Christopher Polk / Getty Images ) amy.kaufman@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @AmyKinLA Two Los Angeles-area brands have joined forces for a California collaboration. The Toms X Clare V. Collection, which bowed on Thursday, melds the best of both labels for a lively and casually-chic footwear offering, combining the breezy coastal feel of a Toms shoe with the polished European aesthetic of the Clare V. handbag line. We started with iconic Toms espadrille silhouettes that incorporate effortless California style with Clares French influence, said John Whitledge, creative director of Toms. We used our classic Toms fabrics, and Clare added her signature colors and details such as a leopard print. Our leopard print bags have been one of our all-time bestsellers, Clare V. founder Clare Vivier said. (This marks the first time she has worked on shoes.) We knew we wanted to bring that into this collaboration. So the signature print now enlivens a classic Toms loafer. And the ankle wrap espadrille really evokes classic French style reminiscent of traits from our collection, she said. Sales of the Clare V. X Toms collaboration support the Downtown Womens Center, which works with women who are, or have been, homeless. The eight styles in the line range from $60 to $108 and are available on www.toms.com, www.clarev.com and both brands bricks-and-mortar stores including Toms at 775 Americana Way in Glendale and Clare V. at 619 N. Croft Ave. in West Hollywood. Entre Nous Randi Woods at the Entre Nous luxury consignment store in Los Angeles. Entre Nous When Randi Wood took over the 17-year old 3rd Street luxury consignment store Entre Nous last year she knew she wanted to make some changes, such as moving the store to a new location, offering a gown rental service, selling pieces online and stepping in as a personal stylist to shoppers. I wanted it to be a high-end experience, Wood said of the 1,300-square-foot space on Robertson Boulevard she moved into in December. People should be able to have an espresso or a glass of Champagne and enjoy one-on-one service. The store is filled with prestige brands including Hermes, Valentino and Chanel. Some pieces are from the 1980s; others are as recent as this season. Among those consigning with her, she said, are recipients of designer swag. There are famous people who get gifted a lot that isnt to their taste, Wood said. She also finds inventory among enthusiastic shoppers who realize, say, that they didnt need that Gucci bag after all. Many pieces, Wood said, still have their original tags and are priced at least 20% below traditional retail. Older pieces include Hermes Birkin bags, a vintage gold satin Oscar de la Renta gown and hard-to-find Thierry Mugler. Wood also offers a four-day rental for some pieces. For example, she charges $375 to rent a $12,000 sequined Versace gown. Overall, prices at Entre Nous range from $80 for an Hermes silk tie to $17,000 for a Valentino crocodile bag. Entre Nous, 130 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, www.entrenousshowroom.com Fendi A capsule collection from Fendi launched by Net-a-Porter. Net-a-Porter The Fendi logo a pair of Fs with one inverted is among the most recognizable in the fashion world. And now its at the heart of a collection launching Friday from Fendi and luxury e-tailer Net-A-Porter, bound to be appreciated by those who like their logos loud and clear. The FF Capsule Collection celebrates the motif, which was designed by Karl Lagerfeld in 1965. Nine years later he altered it from its original rectangular layout to its current squared one, which is now liberally splashed over offerings in the capsule collection. These include a printed silk crepe de chine shirt ($1,290); a grosgrain-trimmed cropped top in black and white ($950); and, in the least expensive piece from the line, a velvet slide ($650). Available at netaporter.com exclusively until May 14 and thereafter on fendi.com and select Fendi stores. Bumble Hive Shoe designer Tamara Mellon will discuss how to turn a passion into a career. Tamara Mellon Luxury shoe designer Tamara Mellon will be among the speakers at an event at social networking hub Bumble Hive on Melrose Avenue on Saturday. Mellon, who co-founded the Jimmy Choo brand before launching her eponymous line in 2016, will be part of a talk entitled Let Your Passion Run Your Life (And Career!). Mellon will be on a panel with Delali Kpodzo, founder of Onyx Box, a beauty subscription box aimed at African American women; and vegan chef Leslie Durso. The trio will share advice about how to build a career around something you love doing. Bumble Hive, which has hosted numerous beauty and fashion-related events, will end its Los Angeles residency on April 21. That fuming, blackened haunch of meat you see on half the tables at the new Majordomo thats the whole plate short rib, a massive cut rubbed with spices, slapped into a smoker for the better part of a day, carved into elegant slices tableside, and served with enough fermented Korean sauces, herbs and wrappers to feed four starving carnivores. The peppery formula was inspired by barbecue god Adam Perry Lang, whose initials appear on the menu, but the dish, a shotgun marriage between the barbecue traditions of Texas and Korea, is all David Chang. A few bourbons and an excellent plate of beef-fried rice made with the leftovers may help you forget the $190 that the short rib costs. Then again, they may not. If you were going to put a name to Changs aesthetic, which seems to be ruling the food world at the moment, it could be something like Cracked Perfection: the way of the shokunin, a Japanese craftsman whose bliss comes through the search for mastery, tempered with an all-American restlessness that keeps that mastery from being achieved. Changs style is a vividly flavored and willfully eclectic mash-up of traditional Asian cooking, modern European fine dining, and touches of bling, with flaws so evident that they announce themselves more as features than as bugs. When the kitchen is on point that succulent short rib the flaws (imperfectly rendered fat) can make a dish human, and thus compelling. When executed poorly (a gummy mass of vermicelli and shellfish that is presumably a riff on the Korean noodle dish japchae), his dishes just sing out of key. Is this review a hard one to write? It is indeed. Changs vision is everywhere and nowhere. And if I were going to be frank about these things, the disclosure statement alone might take up this entire column. I appear in Changs Netflix show, and he has a moment in a documentary about me, which also includes a scene shot in his soon-to-close New York restaurant Ma Peche. His number isnt in my phone, but weve dined together at group dinners in Copenhagen, New York, Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia. He once tried to get me to denounce Filipino cuisine in front of a roomful of his (non-Filipino) friends. I once tried to punk him by taking one of his chefs out to a K-town bossam restaurant when she visited, and she didnt quite recognize that the delicious dish she was eating had anything to do with the most famous preparation at Ssam Bar, the restaurant where she worked. Also, for the last several months I have been furious at the chef for dismantling Lucky Peach, a splendid food magazine created by him and Peter Meehan that I truly loved and wrote for. As Ive said, its complicated Im not sure whether Im here to praise Caesar or to bury him. Advertisement Majordomo, Changs 15th restaurant and the first in Los Angeles, is a massive new place squeezed between a soy sauce importer and the Los Angeles River, in a corner of Chinatown you likely havent visited unless you are a fan of the EDM events that sometimes pop up under the Spring Street viaduct. The restaurant occupies a glassed-in warehouse just off an improvised plaza decorated with Christmas lights. A reservation is basically impossible to snag at this point the website, which takes bookings precisely a month in advance, will announce zero availability when you get around to clicking on it and the line for bar seats and walk-ins forms long before the restaurant opens at 5:30. On a recent Saturday, it was difficult to sort out the Majordomo-bound from the people bound for a nearby Carl Cox DJ party. Im not sure the Venn diagram of the two crowds neatly coincided, but Im guessing that at least some of the people in the long restaurant line decided to peel off and go dancing instead. The chuck short rib is the $190 main attraction. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times ) Like most ambitious chefs coming to Los Angeles for the first time, Chang seems overwhelmed by the moreness of it all: the splendid produce and the deep cultural foodways, the culture of hard partiers who tend to go home early, and the large number of customers whose idea of bicoastal involves Tokyo or Seoul rather than New York. In New York, its difficult to get away with gummy quenelles de brochette. In L.A., the cumin lamb had better be on point, because there are three dozen Xinjiang grills in the San Gabriel Valley ready to take you down if it isnt. As at Ssam Bar, the New York restaurant that cemented Changs place in the food world, the Majordomo menu draws from the Korean dishes he grew up eating, but in Los Angeles they seem less abstracted: closer to the original. You can eat something like a pure Korean meal here. Still, if you go to Majordomo hoping to taste something like Koreatown cooking with the umami cranked to 10, you may be confused. Your first taste, Changs take on the Korean pickle dongchimi, will be delivered in a tiny black saucer, served from a wooden cart: slivers of quick-cured radish and pear floating in a sip or two of fizzy brine, barely sweetened with what I suspect is a bit of 7 Up or Sprite. On the Thanksgiving episode of Ugly Delicious, Chang talks a bit obsessively about the hack. This is not an uncommon way to start a meal in Koreatown the version at the Wilshire Boulevard Gangnam import Gwang Yang is especially good but this version lacks the punch, the sweetness of the best K-town versions. Your first time there, you will probably order the jumeokbap, which is to say a mound of rice seasoned with seaweed and egg like the dosirak at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, but instead of shaking the mixture together in a lunchbox, you slip on plastic gloves and mold the hot rice into fist-size rice balls. Advertisement There is a take on the pasta with butter, black pepper and hozon, a mild yet umami-rich fermented chickpea paste shipped from Momofukus lab in New York. When the dish was served as ceci e pepe at Nishi, Changs proto-Italian restaurant in Chelsea, it was savaged by the food press fermented chickpeas dont taste much like pecorino Romano, even if their salt profiles are pretty close but renamed and taken on its own terms, the pasta is actually good; something you might see on a modernized Middle Eastern menu, but with a ton more black pepper. SIGN UP for Jonathan Golds Counter Intelligence dining newsletter >> An entire section of the menu is dedicated to bing, the kitchens rough equivalent of the rough Chinese flatbread, served with any number of things transparent slices of country ham from Tennessees Bentons, a smokehouse Chang has long favored; smoked fish roe and scrambled eggs; maple butter; a paychecks worth of sea urchin; or a little bowl of that hozon. But bing, whether studded with green onions in Shandong or glazed with egg in Shanghai, is a pretty specialized entry in the world of flatbreads, crisp and chewy, with an oily flake when you pull it apart to stuff with sliced beef or drag through a puddle of chile oil. Changs version, mottled like a pancake griddled with a bit too much oil, is almost pudding soft not bad, but also not quite what I was expecting. There is a bland, tepid version of galbi jjim, the grandmotherly Korean short rib stew that is a standard on both homestyle menus and at the turbocharged Sun Nong Dan, a Koreatown restaurant Chang has been known to visit more than once in a day. Simmered long and slow with herbs and aromatics, galbi jjim can be a miracle of softness and sweet complexity. It may be served in restaurants, especially modest ones, but it is essentially a home dish, the kind of thing a grandmother might spend an entire afternoon coaxing into life. Majordomos galbi jjim isnt terrible it would probably sneak into any list of the top five restaurant versions in town but it isnt transcendent either; the meat too tough and the braised daikon too soft, the flavor slightly muddy and indistinct. Advertisement At Sun Nong Dan, the baller touch is a handful of mozzarella sprinkled over the top of the seething galbi jjim and blasted into submission with a blowtorch. The equivalent at Majordomo is the big half-wheel of Alpine cheese whose heat-softened edge is scraped into the stew at table. The spectacle is impressive a waiter chided us for not taking photos but ultimately a half-pound of stinking goo may not be what Changs mildly seasoned dish needed, and it obliterated the taste of the meat. But I loved a dish of skate-fried rice that I took as a riff on bibimbap: a slash of spicy gochujang, a scattering of herbs, and a bottom layer of crunchy fried skate wing that doubled for the crunchy rice crust that is always the best part. On a separate plate, another fried skate wing is elegantly served, as if to fool the eye. The crab-three-way dish at Majordomo in Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times ) The vegetable dishes, a much bigger part of the menu than at Changs other restaurants, are reliably good, whether snips of raw snap peas tossed with grated horseradish, greens served with dipping sauces of house-fermented miso and a Korean-ish fermented bean sauce he calls domojang, or even sweet, Malibu-grown cherry tomatoes seasoned with yuzu and slivers of the herb shiso in a quivery bowl of tofu, like something a talented kappo chef might come up with for early spring. Advertisement If youre in a good mood, you wont think too hard about the unshelled peanuts he fries with the tiny, spicy butterball potatoes, or the bits of pistachio tossed in with the smoky, delicious marinated mushrooms. You will have worked your way through the almost symphonic progression of the crab-fat fried rice, served in the shell, and its accompaniments. You will be less concerned about the mildness of the Sichuan peppercorns coating the Xinxiang-spiced lamb chops and the almost Provencal herbiness of the big shoulder roast alongside than you will be about what you are going to do with the leftovers the next day, and your physical inability to also handle the bossam (feeds eight), boiled chicken (feeds three) or smoked pork neck. Majordomos kitchen is brilliant at engineering pure food lust. You will instead, unable to eat another bite, stare down an enormous bingsu constructed from barely whipped cream and an enormous cloud of horchata-flavored shaved ice. Either it is going to melt or you will. Im betting on the ice. :: Majordomo Advertisement Chef David Chang opens his first L.A. restaurant. LOCATION 1725 Naud St., Los Angeles, (323) 545-4880, majordomo.la. PRICES Advertisement Snacks $10-$15; bing $5-$44; vegetables $12-$17; main courses $28-$38, large format dishes $85-$190. DETAILS 5:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 5:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Credit cards accepted. Full bar. Valet parking. RECOMMENDED DISHES Advertisement Raw sugar snaps; marinated mushrooms; fried skate rice; whole plate short rib. jonathan.gold@latimes.com @thejgold This hillside hike high above Tarzana and Encino is a gateway to the Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park. It features some steep sections, which will be slippery in wet weather, but pays off with huge views of the San Fernando Valley. 1. Start walking near the corner of Reseda Boulevard and Country Club Place, at about 4030 Reseda Blvd. On the east side of the street left, if youre facing uphill find a brown sign for Caballero Canyon. Take the trail to the right of this sign, heading into a shallow canyon. Find more great L.A. Walks >>> 2. Follow a flat trail as it winds up the canyon, under the shade of some oak and sycamore trees. At about the 1-mile point, stay on this trail as it veers left and begins to climb. Advertisement 3. Stay left at the fork in the road, and bear left again at the T intersection, as the trail continues to climb. Keep a steady pace until you pass a yellow gate and step onto a wide dirt road. A bicyclist climbs Reseda Boulevard where it meets Mulholland Drive near Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park in the Santa Monica Mountains. ( (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times ) 4. This is Mulholland Drive, an unpaved section (but closed to motor vehicle traffic) of the hilltop boulevard that runs from Lake Hollywood, near the Hollywood sign, to the Pacific Ocean, next to Leo Carrillo State Beach and the Ventura County line. Turn right onto Mulholland, and enjoy a stretch of flat walking and the fine views of the valley. 5. After about 15 minutes, after the road has begun to rise, turn right next to a white wooden signboard down a trail that leads to a parking lot the pay parking lot for Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, named after the late Los Angeles city councilman who, through three decades in office, was instrumental in preserving recreational space in the Santa Monica Mountains. There are informational maps and public restrooms here. 6. Walk past the parking lot and continue downhill, along Reseda Boulevard, until youve returned to your starting point. The stats Distance: 4 miles Advertisement Difficulty: 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 Duration: 2 hours Details: Dogs on leash welcome. OK for mountain bikes. Abundant free street parking. Nearest bus lines are 150, 154, 240, 750. Fleming is the author of Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles and Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles. Each month, he leads a free walk at one of his favorite spots in Southern California. Find out more at his Facebook page, Secret Stairs. He can also be reached on Twitter: @misterfleming Advertisement MORE L.A. WALKS This short, steep hike takes you high above Burbank Strolling around the lakes in El Dorado Park in Long Beach This hike takes you to an (allegedly) haunted mansion: The Cobb Estate in Altadena Like so many fire victims who escaped with nothing but their lives, 68-year-old Dorothea Shipp had decided to leave California. Shed been traumatized by the catastrophic fire that destroyed every home in her Santa Rosa neighborhood in October. She would sell the lot where her beloved home once stood off Mark West Springs Road, cash out her insurance policy and move to Arizona with her dachshund Erich to start a new life. Im not normally a person who cries, but I was pretty depressed, and a little crazed, she said. Flying off the handle every five minutes. But Shipp, who retired from her wine sales job last year, had a change of heart after her brother pleaded with her to stay. He said, If you leave California, it will break my heart. Please dont go. She also remembered some good advice she got 30 years ago after an unexpected divorce. My psychologist said, Do you want to come here every week and sit on my sofa and cry your eyes out? Or do you want to do something? And I said, I guess I am going to do something. She snapped out of her gloom. She asked friends and relatives to send photos, which helped take the edge off losing her family history. And then, because she loved her 17-year-old home, she tracked down the original building plans. A burned-out car sits in the Mark West Estates neighborhood in Santa Rosa. Wally Sklaij / Los Angeles Times The builder said, This is music to my ears, and he moved on it like a duck on a June bug, she said. Unlike many other fire victims whose policies will not nearly cover replacement costs, her insurance will cover all but $30,000 of her estimated $600,000 in construction costs. Although State Farm will pay her $2,400 monthly rent on her two-bedroom condo for two years, she plans to be back home long before her insurance runs out. I am going to be in there, she told me this week, before the year ends. :: Nearly 6,000 homes and other structures burned down in the deadly wildfires that incinerated parts of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties in October. Entire neighborhoods were wiped out. More than 40 people died. To many, it seemed as if the reconstruction would be arduous but straightforward: Clear the debris, get the permits, start rebuilding. It has been anything but. Hazardous substances have been found in soils affected by the fire. Septic and water systems have been impacted. Utilities were destroyed. In the Fountaingrove neighborhood north of downtown Santa Rosa, the entire water system will have to be replaced after cancer-causing benzene from melted plastics contaminated it. As of the end of March, only 54 building permits had been granted in Sonoma County. About 200 vacant lots are on the market, and 72 others have been sold. Shipp is one of the first homeowners here to have broken ground on a new home. Many homeowners were underinsured, cant afford to rebuild what they had and are selling their lots. An American flags adorns an empty lot in the Mark West Estates neighborhood in Santa Rosa. Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times Most of Shipps neighbors, she said, are moving on. Of course, you cant tell any of that by looking at her Berry Brook subdivision just east of Highway 101; its all dirt lots, marked off, in some cases by surveyors flags, hurricane fencing around empty swimming pools and the occasional for sale sign. One of the rebuilding challenges is that nobody really knows how much a vacant lot should cost. In the beginning, at least, there were no comparative sales figures. Its a scientific wild-ass guess, said Rick Laws, a Sonoma County real estate expert who offered a seminar this week to local agents about the challenges involved in selling firestorm lots. Builders from all over California and beyond have made forays into the market. Some have purchased several lots in order to build spec homes. Others have tried to contract with multiple homeowners who are staying and rebuilding. Theyll say, We have six floor plans to choose from and we need 10 of you to rebuild with us to make it worth our while, Laws said. But its fairly slow going. If we have 50% of the housing stock we lost rebuilt in five years, Laws said, I will be surprised. :: Six months on, the fire debris and cloying smell of smoke are gone. The melted cars and charred chimneys that gave suburban neighborhoods like Fountaingrove and Coffey Park the look of burned-out hellscapes are but memories. Foundations have been broken up and carted away. I dont think one home here will have a saved foundation, said Sylvia West, a Santa Rosa real estate agent who has listings for three lots off Mark West Springs Road. The intensity of this fire was so hot that it compromised the cement. Real estate agent Sylvia West stands in the empty lots at Mark West Estates in Santa Rosa. Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times That, she said, was a lesson learned in the Oakland hills firestorm of 1991, in which foundations that were thought to be OK were later found to have been damaged by the intense heat. As long as it will take for the physical scars to heal, the emotional ones may never fade. Wests uncle Art Grant, 95, and his wife, Suiko Grant, 75, died at their Santa Rosa home on Riebli Road. They were asphyxiated with their dog after seeking shelter in their wine cellar. On Wednesday, in a drizzle, West and I drove around looking at empty lots. We parked at 170 Pacific Heights Drive in the Mark West Estates, a lot she is selling for $275,000. The owners were planning a move to Texas and were readying the house for market when the fire destroyed it. Financially, they wont suffer, West said, and they thank their insurance agent for that. Every year, the agent bugged them about updating their policy. On some blocks, clumps of bright orange California poppies seemed like a hopeful rebuke to the blackened, once-magnificent redwood trees that still tower over dirt yards now covered with straw. It was a beautiful neighborhood, West said. I think it will be beautiful again. robin.abcarian@latimes.com Twitter: @AbcarianLAT A maroon SUV that veered off the 101 Freeway and landed in a Northern California river last week belongs to a missing Santa Clarita Valley family, authorities confirmed Thursday. Sandeep Thottapilly, 41; his wife, Soumya, 38; and their children, Siddhant, 12, and Saachi, 9, had visited Portland, Ore., and were headed Friday to a friends home in San Jose, Lt. Shannon Barney of the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, a Honda Pilot matching the description of the one the Thottapillys were driving was reported submerged in the Eel River, just north of the small community of Leggett and about 225 miles from their destination. Initially hampered by heavy rainfall, search crews were unable to locate a vehicle, but did find car parts as well as personal items that were positively identified by the Thottapillys extended family members, Barney said. Advertisement Rescue teams searched the banks of the river and used inflatable boats and flotation devices while probing the water with long poles. Barney said the sheriffs office also used its jetboat, which has a sonar system. The Thottapillys, who were driving a maroon 2016 Honda Pilot with the California license plate 7MMX138, were last heard from on April 5 while traveling in Klamath, a community in Del Norte County. Relatives of the Valencia family filed a missing persons report Sunday. According to his social media accounts, Sandeep Thottapilly is a vice president at Union Bank. California Highway Patrol Officer William Wunderlich said debris found where the SUV was spotted falling from the 101 Freeway could indicate some sort of impact. Small plastic pieces believed to be from the vehicle were recovered. Wunderlich said that the stretch of highway that runs through the rural area gets particularly windy and that the embankment is heavily forested and drops 50 to 100 feet down. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Jose Police Departments missing persons unit at (408) 277-4786. corina.knoll@latimes.com Advertisement @corinaknoll The decision was made under a resolution approved by the UNESCO Executive Board during its 204th session held in Paris, France on April 12 (local time). Covering a total area of more than 3,270 square kilometres and spanning nine districts of Cao Bang province, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark is home to more than 250,000 people from nine ethnic minority groups. The Geopark occupies an exceptional territory with various classic karst landforms, subterranean and surface rivers, lake systems, pillow basalts, and ultramafic and granitic intrusions. The areas sedimentary rocks date from 500 million years ago, with stratotype cross-sections, and fossils indicating different paleo-environments and biosphere extinction events. The Geopark is known as a land of beautiful tourist sites, and cultural and historical vestiges but is also a cradle of the Vietnamese revolution during the national resistance war against the French. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said the Global Geopark title is UNESCOs recognition of the diverse landscapes and spiritual cultural values of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang area. It will also help the province to boost its sustainable socio-economic development and improve local living standards. During the dossier verification process, Ambassador Tran Thi Hoang Mai, head of Vietnams Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, said that UNESCO experts highly regarded the values of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (standing, centre) and other delegates attending the UNESCO Executive Boards 204th session (Photo: MOFA) The UNESCO Global Geoparks title is awarded to single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are rich in scientific, educational, aesthetic, archaeological, historical, social, and cultural values as well as biological diversity. The areas are managed with a holistic concept of protection and sustainable development, while having significant impacts on the local communities sustainable socio-economic development. Non Nuoc Cao Bang was established in 2015. Since then, the local authorities, departments, sectors, and community worked closely with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to compile and submit a dossier to UNESCO in November 2016 as they sought its recognition. Concurrently, the local authorities have drafted plans and taken actions to protect the environment, natural resources, and biological diversity as well as the cultural and historical value of the site, while promoting tourism in a sustainable manner. USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits Education Secretary Betsy DeVos (Erik Lesser / European Pressphoto Agency) In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought after a meeting with federal officials in Washington that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again, said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style, she said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Global California 2030' aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups unrestricted by contribution limits a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe Cal State students protest against a tuition increase outside the chancellors office (Irfan Khan) After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner is greeted by Van Nuys High School principal Yolanda Gardea. (Melissa Barales-Lopez) Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education. What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions longtime stalwarts of the party and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ( Incoming L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner talks to students at Belmont High School.) Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans saying repeatedly, stay tuned but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe Sen. Kamala Harris (Chris Dekmas) California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist who has agreed to modify the artwork to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event his first speech and news conference with a photogenic background of students. His message that he would put those students first seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene (Phalaen Chang) At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, superintendent from 2006-2008. (L.A. Times file photo) L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman who also was black that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume L.A. schools superintendent candidate Andres Alonso got an endorsement Friday, but Austin Beutner and Vivian Ekchian also have supporters. (Elizabeth Malby) The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged and pressured the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members enough to control the outcome were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits (Los Angeles Times) Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people 12 students and one teacher killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends a 16-year-old boy made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus which the president said is less than 55% white that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces an arch and a garden after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies better known as CAVA had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY Sonali Kohli (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi Sonali Kohli (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits National test scores for fourth- and eighth-graders were generally flat from 2015, but eighth-grade reading scores showed some improvement. Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results out Monday night were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she Two years, a presidential election and many meetings after the California State Board of Education first started talking about how to satisfy a major federal education law, members finally agreed Thursday to submit a final plan. They voted in a special meeting, a month after they opted to delay. The plan, which came together after months of back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos U.S. Department of Education, is designed to satisfy the Every Student Succeeds Act. Time now is really getting urgent for us to take some action, board President Mike Kirst said before the vote. Delaying any vote will jeopardize the flow of the money. In 2017-18, California received $8.1 billion in K-12 funding from the federal government, $2.4 billion of which came from ESSA. Advertisement Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. The law is supposed to hold states accountable for giving all students a decent education. Where No Child primarily used test scores to evaluate the success of schools, ESSA gives states more flexibility to create their own accountability systems. After President Trump was elected, Kirst and fellow board members expressed hope that DeVos who often voices her support for local control of schools would give them more leeway in interpreting the law. But in December, federal education officials told state officials that their plan to satisfy ESSA still needed work. Board members drew out the process because they were intent on keeping a focus on Californias priorities rather than letting federal law determine the states plans. They speak of the California way, saying the state needs a plan uniquely tailored to the needs of its diverse student population. They focused on aligning their plan to fulfill ESSA requirements with the state Local Control Funding Formula. But while the funding formula requires the state to find and help low-performing school districts, ESSA requires states to identify and aid individual schools. In response to criticism from DeVos staff, the final ESSA plan states that California will separately report both academic performance and change in academic performance over time to the federal government. The state likely wont change its tool for rating schools academic performance ratings will remain a combination of current status and change over time but 11th-grade standardized testing scores will be added to the mix of what goes into high-school ratings. Under ESSA, the state must identify and intervene to help the lowest-performing 5% of schools serving high-poverty populations. But federal officials leave it largely up to states to define what constitutes that bottom tier of schools. California education officials have taken a long time to figure out how best to do this. Advertisement They wanted from the start to use the California School Dashboard, the states online color-coded school ratings tool. The dashboard uses colors to rate schools in numerous areas including academics, attendance, graduation, English learner progress, college readiness and chronic absenteeism with red representing the worst, and blue representing the best. Previous attempts to use these designations to define the bottom 5% have yielded either too few or too many schools, prompting board member Ting Sung to call the effort the Goldilocks approach. In California, finding the lowest 5% means identifying 303 schools. The board agreed Thursday to include: schools whose indicators are all red; schools rated red in all categories but one; schools with ratings that all are red and orange; and schools with five or more measurements available, half of which are red. Advertisement The state is asking the federal government for a waiver in order to use its own definition of what constitutes progress for English learners instead of the definition mandated by ESSA. joy.resmovits@latimes.com Twitter: @Joy_Resmovits A series of confrontations between right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters sparked unrest at college campuses across California last year. The incidents, including a melee at UC Berkeley over a proposed speech by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulous, also prompted debate in the California Legislature. Lawmakers are considering several proposals that seek to address how far the law should go to protect unpopular speech and prevent violence between those with opposing political views. Here are some other protest movements that arose from college campuses and, in some cases, inspired lasting change. Los Angeles Times Free Speech Movement In what some would later describe as a blueprint for subsequent campus demonstrations, protests erupted at UC Berkeley after student groups were told they could no longer use a plaza for off campus political action. On Oct. 1, 1964, a crowd of students gathered around a police car to prevent the arrest of an activist who had defied the policy. The movement culminated with a sit-in at the university's main administration building on Dec. 2 that saw hundreds of protesters arrested. In the end, the Free Speech Movement succeeded in overturning the campus ban on promoting off-campus movements. Many also credited the movement with introducing to college campuses civil disobedience tactics widely employed in connection with the civil rights movement. Los Angeles Times Antiwar demonstrations Though protests against the Vietnam War took place at college campuses throughout the 1960s, unrest intensified with President Nixon's announcement April 30, 1970, that the war was expanding into Cambodia. UC Santa Barbara was a hotbed of activity, and on Feb. 25, 1970, protesters burned down the Isla Vista branch of the Bank of America. Gov. Ronald Reagan called in the National Guard to quell what had become a full-fledged riot. That April, a student trying to defend the temporary bank set up to replace the one that had burned was accidentally shot and killed by police. In mid-May, UCLA officials declared the first state of emergency in the schools history when hundreds of students smashed windows and clashed with police officers in what The Times called "one of the worst disruptions on California campuses." Los Angeles Times Anti-apartheid protests Throughout the 1980s, student activists demanded that universities withdraw investments from corporations doing business with South Africa's apartheid government. Protests took place at all nine UC schools. UCLA administrators called one April 1985 demonstration the campus largest political protest since the Vietnam War. A demonstration at UC Berkeley the following year, in which protesters reportedly hurled bottles at baton-swinging police officers, was described to The Times as the universitys most violent since the 1960s. The Board of Regents voted in July 1986 to totally divest stock in companies tied to South Africa, and several other area colleges followed suit. At Occidental College, where students erected a shantytown on campus to symbolize their opposition, trustees ultimately rejected a petition for divestiture. But the movement reportedly inspired a young Barack Obama, who called his role in organizing an anti-apartheid rally at Occidental his first act of political activism. Chicano studies at UCLA A demonstration at UCLA on May 11, 1993, caused more than $50,000 in damage at the faculty center and led to 99 arrests. Protesters were responding to Chancellor Charles E. Youngs decision not to upgrade Chicano studies to an independent department. Berta Cueva, who helped organize a peaceful demonstration the next day, said that by denying departmental status to Chicano studies, UCLA "just emphasizes the Eurocentric academic perspective" and denigrates other cultures so important to California life and history. In June, hundreds of demonstrators marched 14 miles across Los Angeles to show support for nine UCLA hunger strikers demanding the separate department. The hunger strike was settled after 14 days, when the university agreed to create a Chicano studies center named for labor leader Cesar Chavez. The agreement gave Chicano studies the substance of a department without the name. It wasnt until January 2005 that Chicano studies became a full-fledged academic department. Los Angeles Times Tuition protests On Nov. 19, 2014, students rallied outside a regents committee meeting at UC San Francisco to protest a plan to increase tuition as much as 5% in each of the next five years. Some were involved in a tussle with police, and there was one arrest. Days later, hundreds of students demonstrated at campuses across the UC system. In Berkeley, scores of students and community members marched through the city and continued to occupy Wheeler Hall. At UCLA, several dozen students rallied in front of Powell Library. And dozens of protesters at UC Irvine staged a sit-in at the dean of students office, demanding an audience with the university's chancellor. Two years later, UC regents were still considering tuition hikes when more than 80 chanting students interrupted their San Francisco meeting. Police ordered the students to leave or face arrest. A 5% tuition increase was approved in March 2017. A homeless man accused of killing a homeless woman with a tree branch in February in Costa Mesa pleaded not guilty to a murder charge Thursday, according to Orange County Superior Court records. Daniel Correa, 24, who previously lived in Santa Ana, also denied a sentencing enhancement allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon. Authorities allege Correa killed Ashley Boulay, 29, at a nature preserve at 1299 Victoria St. Authorities described Boulay as a transient who previously lived in Massachusetts. Police said her body showed signs of blunt force trauma, but they did not detail her injuries. Advertisement Costa Mesa detectives began investigating Boulays death as a homicide after receiving a call on Feb. 28 at 7:10 a.m. from a man, later identified as Correa, who said he had found a womans body in the park, police said. It isnt clear how authorities came to suspect Correa in the crime. Correa, who is listed in jail records as a warehouse worker, is being held in Orange County Jail in Santa Ana with bail set at $1 million. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison. The driver of a vehicle that plunged off a Northern California cliff last month in a fatal crash thought to have killed all eight members of the family was under the influence of alcohol, and the crash appears intentional, authorities said Friday. Jennifer Hart was behind the wheel of a sport utility vehicle that fell 100 feet into the Pacific Ocean off a remote stretch of Highway 1 in Mendocino County, killing her, her wife and three of their six children. The body of an African American girl was pulled from the surf last week, and further tests will confirm whether its one of the missing children. There has been no sign of the other two children. Preliminary toxicology results show that Jennifer Harts blood-alcohol level was 0.102%, Mendocino County Sheriff-Coroner Thomas Allman said at an afternoon news conference. California drivers are considered legally drunk if they have a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Toxicology tests also showed that her wife, Sarah Hart, had a significant amount of an ingredient primarily used in Benadryl in her system, said CHP Capt. Bruce Carpenter. Two of the children also were determined to have Benadryl-type substances in their system, he said. Advertisement Authorities are using DNA to try to confirm the identity of the girl whose body was found Saturday floating in the surf close to the site of the crash, Allman said. The water had so badly damaged her body that she could not immediately be identified, he said. Authorities think the six children were all in the car with their parents, Sarah and Jennifer Hart, both 38, when their GMC Yukon dropped onto the rocky shore near Juan Creek. The two women were found dead inside the car on March 26, and three children were found outside the vehicle, officials said. Carpenter said Friday that no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt. This case is baffling, he said. CHP officials say the fatal plunge appears to have been intentional, based on the lack of skid marks and the fact that the vehicle was at a full stop before accelerating off the cliff. Although the investigation is in its preliminary stages, it appears the SUV had stopped about 70 feet from the cliffs edge, then sped off it, authorities said. The speedometer was pinned at 90 mph, Carpenter said. Investigators in recent days have released a timeline of the familys movements after March 23, when their neighbors in Woodland, Wash., reported the parents to social workers with allegations of possible child neglect. Advertisement About 8:15 a.m. the following morning, the family was in the area of Newport, Ore. Investigators think they continued south along U.S. 101 until they reached California 1 in Leggett. They made it to Fort Bragg about 8 p.m. and stayed there and in the Cleone area until 9 p.m. March 25. Carpenter said Friday that authorities are still trying to determine the familys exact route of travel based on cellphone data and data from the vehicle. hailey.branson@latimes.com Twitter: @haileybranson A womans body was found in a Northern California river on Friday amid a search for a missing family of four from the Santa Clarita Valley, authorities said. The body was found about seven miles south of the spot where, authorities believe, the familys maroon Honda Pilot veered off the 101 Freeway last week and landed in the Eel River just north of the small community of Leggett, Mendocino County Sheriff Thomas Allman said at a news conference Friday. The family includes Sandeep Thottapilly, 41; his wife, Soumya, 38; and their children, Siddhant, 12, and Saachi, 9. Relatives of the family filed a missing persons report Sunday. The family from Valencia had visited Portland, Ore., and were traveling on April 6 to a friends home in San Jose, authorities said. Shortly after 1 p.m. that day, a Honda Pilot matching the one in which they were traveling was reported to be submerged in the river. Advertisement The driver was pulling over to the side of the road amid heavy rain just before the vehicle went over the edge and may have misjudged where the road ended, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities have said the stretch of highway that runs through the rural area gets particularly windy and that the embankment is heavily forested and drops 50 to 100 feet down. The womans body was found in the water by authorities searching the river by boat, Allman said. Authorities, who originally had said the body was a childs, anticipate that an autopsy will be performed early next week. Allman said he was not surprised by the 7-mile distance from the crash site. This river at the flood stage is unforgiving, Allman said. Initially hampered by heavy rainfall and the rain-swollen river, search crews have been unable to locate the vehicle but did find car parts as well as personal items that were positively identified by the Thottapillys extended family members, authorities said this week. Rescue workers continue to search for the vehicle and its occupants. They have been using CHP helicopters, boats equipped with sonar, kayaks, river boards, jet skis and dive teams, authorities said. One of the key parts of this is locating the vehicle. Were not going to stop until our resources are completely gone, Allman said. The Eel River dumps into the Pacific Ocean, and search crews will continue all the way to the rivers mouth if they have to, Allman said. Law enforcement resources have been stretched, Allman said, because of the searches and investigation involving the Washington state Hart family of eight, whose vehicle plunged off a Mendocino County cliff last month. Advertisement CHP Capt. Bruce Carpenter said the two incidents, likely involving 12 fatalities, are unprecedented for this county. Our hearts go out to these families, Carpenter said. hailey.branson@latimes.com Twitter: @haileybranson Advertisement UPDATES: 1:35 p.m. April 14: This article has been updated with information from authorities that the body found was a womans. This article originally published April 13 at 3:10 p.m. President Trump took aim at federal air quality standards Thursday, directing the Environmental Protection Agency to relax restrictions on state governments and businesses that have been key to cutting smog. In a memo, the president instructed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to more quickly review states smog-reduction plans, make it easier for businesses to get air quality-related permits and to evaluate health-based smog and soot standards to determine whether they should be revised or rescinded, among other directives. Trumps mandates came at the request of industry, which has long complained that federal air pollution rules are too strict and have sought the reversal of tougher Obama administration policies. A statement by the EPA said the changes are necessary to ensure efficient and cost-effective implementation of air quality standards, and to further the administrations push to slash environmental regulations. The actions will reduce unnecessary impediments to new manufacturing and business expansion essential for a growing economy, according to the memo signed by Trump. Advertisement Environmentalists warned the presidents directives would allow for increased air pollution, more cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases. They also questioned the legality of those actions, saying some are in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. It is a polluters dream, said Frank ODonnell, president of the nonprofit Clean Air Watch. Add them up and this amounts to a significant weakening of the current system for reducing emissions of widespread air pollutants, and it creates a greater risk for public health damage. The presidents move has the potential to slow progress battling smog, particularly in California, where millions in the Inland Empire and San Joaquin Valley breathe the nations worst-polluted air. The California Air Resources Board is reviewing the document, a spokesman said. Ross Eisenberg, a vice president for the National Assn. of Manufacturers, in a statement called the move a tremendous step forward in helping manufacturers navigate the maze of federal air permitting regulations, including required studies that have become so complicated that it can be nearly impossible for manufacturers to secure the needed approvals just to open a new facility. Among the most contentious changes Trump ordered is one that would allow companies that want to pollute in an area where the air already violates federal health standards to get their permit by obtaining offset credits from a firm in an entirely different area. Environmentalists say such a change undermines the entire point of the offset program: to limit overall emissions in the areas where air is dirtiest. The courts have said on more than one occasion that the Clean Air Act does not allow that, said Janet McCabe, who ran the EPAs air quality office under the Obama administration. The changes would also give a break to companies struggling to get permits in California and other parts of the country where poor air quality is made worse by pollution that blows across the Pacific Ocean from Asia. Advertisement The rule change could help some regions come into compliance, at least on paper, by allowing greater consideration of foreign air pollution, wildfires and other exceptional events that can be used to exempt them from some requirements. The presidents directive expressed frustration with how often the federal government keeps tightening the rules around what levels of smog and soot are safe. Each new revision, his memo said, triggers numerous new planning, permitting, and other requirements that burden states and regulated industries and can affect federal transportation project funding. Trump also ordered regulators to start considering how difficult it would be for industry to obtain air quality standards before setting them. It is another move that riled environmentalists, who say the Clean Air Act specifically prohibits such considerations. Under the act, they say, such public health determinations must be driven only by the best available science. The presidents directive, in that regard, targets the science the EPA uses in setting federal air quality standards, instructing it to develop criteria to ensure transparency in the evaluation, assessment, and characterization of scientific evidence. Advertisement Air quality advocates say Trumps move is aimed at discrediting large-scale scientific studies involving the health records of tens of thousands of participants who were assured their privacy would be protected. McCabe said that many of the provisions in the presidents memo were familiar. These things were all on a wish list the industry brought us multiple times when I was at the agency, McCabe said. tony.barboza@latimes.com Advertisement @tonybarboza A Bay Area police department on Friday released police body camera images of interactions between two of its officers and a woman who would open fire inside the YouTube campus hours later. The video shows Mountain View police officers approaching Nasim Aghdam, 39, asleep in her car in a shopping center parking lot after 1:35 a.m April 3 and letting her know that she had been classified as a missing person out of San Diego County. The woman, in a pink hoodie and black yoga pants, appears to be calm and cooperative, answering questions and shaking her head slightly when police ask whether she is suicidal or wants to hurt herself or others. During the interaction with police, Aghdam gives no overt indication of the terror that she would inflict less than 12 hours later. Authorities say she slipped onto the tech companys grounds that afternoon and opened fire, injuring three people before taking her own life. Advertisement In this instance if an individual is cooperative and does not present any sort of threat, continuing to unnecessarily question or delay them can lead to an unwarranted detention, Mountain View police said in a lengthy statement regarding the release of the video and an explanation of actions by the officers. Her family members, who live in Menifee in Riverside County, have said they did get that early morning call from police, but then called back to say they thought Aghdam might be in the Bay Area because she had been angry with YouTube over its policies. Aghdam had her own channel, posting sometimes bizarre videos focusing on workouts and veganism. In releasing the body camera video, Mountain View police said the department had confirmed that San Bruno authorities no longer needed it as part of their investigation into the attack. We understand the public interest in MVPDs footage, and we believe that sharing our officers footage is tantamount to our constant pursuit of transparency, department officials stated. To that end, we are now able to provide the content and we thank you for your patience. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com Figueroa writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has endorsed President Trumps call to send National Guard troops to the border, and on Thursday echoed that theme in a key spot the Rio Grande Valley, epicenter of illegal smuggling on the southern border in recent years. This operation is necessary in order to deal with an escalation in cross-border traffic, Abbott said, noting that the number of people crossing the border illegally more than doubled last month compared with this time last year, including more MS-13 gang members and heroin smugglers. The cross-border activity is posing serious threats and dangers not only to people in the border region but to people across Texas and the United States, the Republican governor said, backed by scores of uniformed Texas Guard troops at an armory seven miles north of the border. Trump has said he expects up to 4,000 added troops to be stationed on the border in Texas, Arizona, California and New Mexico. He announced the deployments last week after tweeting his alarm at reports that a caravan of hundreds of Central American migrants was traveling north through Mexico, bound for the U.S. Advertisement But on Thursday, Abbott said the reason the National Guard was called up has nothing to do with the caravans but rather with cross-border activity people coming across the border and people who are bringing drugs and other contraband into the country. We are on a trajectory that would put us on the lines of the devastating cross-border activity we saw in years like 2014. So the president was right, Abbott said. In 2014, the Rio Grande Valley saw a surge in illegal crossings by tens of thousands of unaccompanied youth and families, mostly from Central America. Then-Texas Gov. Rick Perry faulted the federal government for not stepping in, and the state paid to deploy 1,000 National Guard troops. The deployment cost the state $12 million a month initially, but that dropped to about $1 million a month recently as illegal crossings decreased and troops were reduced to about a hundred as of last week. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, top left, meets with National Guard members Thursday. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times ) The latest deployment will be paid for by the federal government, Abbott said, and referred further questions about costs to the Department of Defense. Presidents Obama and George W. Bush also separately deployed the National Guard to the border at an estimated cost of $1.35 billion, according to the Government Accountability Office. National Guard soldiers will mostly be expected to observe and report illegal smuggling. They cannot arrest, detain or process migrants, Abbott stressed. He and federal officials have said Guard troops will be armed only for self-defense. But they can aid Border Patrol surveillance, running technology like aerostat blimps, helicopters and observation towers, freeing up agents to detain more immigrants, Abbott said. What just the Rio Grande Valley sector alone is dealing with is more than 450 apprehensions a day. It has gotten back to levels that are very high, he said. The federal government has a duty and responsibility to secure our border. Abbott said 762 Texas Guard troops were on the border Thursday, and said that will increase by 300 per week up to 1,400. Advertisement The National Guard is getting calls from some of their members who want to volunteer to participate in this mission, Abbott said, adding that he also received calls from other state leaders who want to send Guard troops to help. California Gov. Jerry Brown agreed this week to deploy 400 troops to the border, but stressed that their role is limited. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life, the Democrat said in a statement. The day Trump called for deploying the National Guard, Border Patrol officials in Washington released statistics showing illegal crossings jumped last month. Agents caught 37,393 people, more than twice as many as they did this time last year. But the monthly increase obscures a longer-term trend: Annual apprehensions have dropped steadily in past decades. Last year, agents caught 310,000 people, the lowest annual total since 1971. Advertisement Members of Congress have questioned why the National Guard was needed given the downward trend in apprehensions, how long the deployments will last and what they will cost. Its important for Congress to learn which priorities or programs the military will need to reprogram its funds to pay for this border operation, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.) said Thursday at a hearing in Washington. Some border-area residents welcomed the National Guards arrival as a backstop for the Border Patrol, but others dismissed it as a costly, unnecessary political stunt. John Michael Torres, a spokesman for La Union del Pueblo Entero, a Rio Grande Valley community services group also known as LUPE, said the National Guard deployments were only the latest militarization of the area, which he said has become ridiculous. Advertisement When our state did this in 2014, we were also outraged. The idea that we would be responding militarily to a humanitarian situation flies in the face of our values, said Torres, who brought 40 protesters to the Texas Army National Guard armory on Thursday. They carried hand-lettered signs that said in Spanish, No militarization of the border, The border says no and Families united. But Sheriff Benny Martinez of Brooks County, about 70 miles north of the border, said the deployment made sense given news of the migrant caravans and the influx in 2014 that overwhelmed his county and others near the border. Back then border apprehension spiked, but so did deaths. We dont know how many are coming or when they will arrive, but we dont want to be caught off guard like we were a few years ago, Martinez said Thursday at a Border Patrol conference in the Rio Grande Valley to address migrant deaths. Advertisement Miguel Angel Ortiz, the Salvadoran consul in the Rio Grande Valley, also attended the conference, and said that U.S. immigration officials at times impede Central American migrants ability to seek asylum, and that it wasnt clear what role the National Guard would play. We are waiting to see how they function will they help [Border Patrol] or act? he said. Torres noted that in 2014, many valley residents responded to the influx of Central American migrant families by providing food, clothing and other aid. They constructed shelters that still serve a steady flow of migrants, many of them families seeking asylum after fleeing violence. We want to see our communities progress, our families get ahead, Torres said. We should be devoting resources to healthcare, education, better jobs not militarization. Advertisement molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com @mollyhf * German Chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel on April 12 ruled out Germany joining a potential US-led military strike against Syria. On the same day, the British cabinet has "agreed the need to take action" to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons in Syria. * Britain and the European Union will start talks next week on their future trade relationship after Brexit, diplomats said on April 12. Britain will leave the EU next March and enjoy a status-quo transition until the end of 2020, according to the current plan. * The German government on April 12 said it would continue border controls at its border with Austria for six more months to ensure Germany's security and deal with ongoing migrant flows. * Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on April 12 began his trip to Peru, France and Britain, according to the Canadian Prime Minister Office. Trudeau will visit Peru from April 12 to 14, France from April 15 to 17, and Britain from April 17 to 20. * Libyan navy on April 12 rescued 137 illegal immigrants on two rubber boats off the coast of the city of Zawiya, some 45 km west of the capital Tripoli, a navy spokesman told Xinhua. * Egypt and Russia resumed direct flights between Cairo and Moscow on April 12 after a suspension since late 2015 after a bomb exploded on a Russian plane over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in same year, killing all 224 people on board, mostly Russians. * Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on April 12 suspended the parliament until May 8, a day after six ministers resigned from the nation's unity government. * Russia is actively implementing a lunar program through 2030, aiming to send astronauts to the moon, President Vladimir Putin said on April 12, Russia's Cosmonautics Day. President Trumps decision to deploy National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexican border is as lame-brained as his insistence on building an $18-billion wall between the two countries. Its pure theater aimed at his xenophobic supporters, a follow-up to his histrionic tweetings about the much-hyped caravan of migrants that was heading north to the border. The caravan has since disbanded. But the president is still fuming and fear mongering, and his fix is to pound his chest, bluster and call out the National Guard to augment the work of federal Border Patrol agents. To many peoples surprise, Gov. Jerry Brown acquiesced to the commander-in-chiefs request and will add 400 California guardsmen to an existing deployment of 250 only 55 of whom are near the border. Trump was wrong to make the request, but Brown was right to honor it. Presidents have deployed the National Guard to the border before President Obama did so in 2010 and President Bush in 2006. Obamas deployment was in response to demands from congressional Republicans that border security be strengthened as a precursor to discussions over immigration reform, and to help address a staffing shortage as Customs and Border Protection officials hired more agents. Bush sent out members of the Guard as a political move to signal that he was firming the border against illegal immigration. But in both cases and this will be true for the guards sent out by Trump as well they were barred from actual civil law enforcement, including interdiction of people crossing the border. They will be limited to offering support, equipment and surveillance. It sets a bad precedent if governors refuse to comply with a call-out request on political grounds. Advertisement Trump larded his order with his usual hyperbole. The situation at the border has now reached a point of crisis, he said in his declaration. The lawlessness that continues at our southern border is fundamentally incompatible with the safety, security, and sovereignty of the American people. My administration has no choice but to act. Yet illegal border crossings by migrants remain at modern-era lows. And while drug smuggling continues, theres little in federal data to suggest a big surge in criminality though the Texas Tribune reported earlier this year that enhanced border security and the threat of a wall has driven up profits for the smugglers. Despite the silliness of the presidents request, Brown agreed to send 400 California troops. As a counterweight to Trumps braggadocio, Brown included a restatement of the limitations under which the National Guard troops will work, and lectured the president on his immigration policies. This will not be a mission to build a new wall, Brown wrote. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws. Here are the facts: There is no massive wave of migrants pouring into California. Brown struck the correct tone. Trump is an awful president, but he remains commander in chief, and as such, his request for National Guard deployments must be taken seriously. Brown, as governor, has the authority to refuse to comply, but that could quickly escalate and end with the president federalizing the guard units and deploying them anyway. That might make for good showboating, but it sets a bad precedent if governors refuse to comply with a call-out request on political grounds. Brown avoided a showdown, ceded little, and fulfilled his obligation as the states top executive to respond to a lawful (if stupid) request from the president. Sending the National Guard to the border is stagecraft, not security, and could cost federal taxpayers $400 million while disrupting the lives of the National Guard troops. Most people living here without authorization didnt sneak in over the border, but came in legally and then didnt leave when their visas expired. And drug smugglers move more contraband through ports of entry than by slipping across the border. The first step in finding a solution to a problem is understanding the issue. Trump continues to show that he either doesnt understand or cynically misconstrues the problem, and that he has no idea how to craft workable solutions. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook To the editor: James Murphy writes that the optional SAT and ACT writing sections should be eliminated. (California, kill the SAT and ACT essay, Opinion, April 10) No, they should be required. The added cost to write the essay (up to $16.50) is hardly adequate compensation for the essay readers this is not money piled up in company coffers. The $25-million figure he provides is therefore misleading. But there is a more important reason to make the essays mandatory. If they were, high school educators would once again have to teach writing skills. Many intelligent high school graduates cannot write a complete sentence, let alone construct a paragraph or anything that remotely resembles an argumentative essay. Advertisement The reversal of this massive educational oversight would more than compensate for the cost of the compulsory essay we would approximate general literacy, which would benefit academic institutions and employers. More importantly, it would ensure that more of our young adults possessed the ability to give their reasons for the ideas they embrace. Lawrence Udell Fike Jr., Whittier The writer teaches philosophy at El Camino College. .. To the editor: Murphys well-written essay does nothing to relieve the need of colleges to assess the writing ability of students who want to be admitted. If the current essay tests fail to predict academic success, perhaps they should be replaced by a requirement to write several short paragraphs one summarizing data, one comparing and contrasting characters, and one explaining a procedure like the exercises we had in junior college. Michael Helperin, Los Angeles Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: I read with interest and pleasure David Lazarus April 10 column, TV commercials for prescription drugs doing more harm than good. As a 40-plus-year healthcare provider (in hospitals, long-term care and gerontology), I fully support the elimination of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Many years ago, Congress successfully overcame free-speech issues when eliminating most cigarette advertising. If the will were there, we could effectively do the same while simultaneously saving the American public the $6 billion spent on ads by the drug companies last year. Plus, most folks could watch their favorite TV programs without the insensitive advertising that has driven many of us away from network television. I have one point of disagreement with Lazarus: his statement that were stuck with these direct-to-consumer ads. As weve recently seen with focused efforts toward the gun lobby, we can change the outlook. Advertisement Unfortunately, we lack the current leadership to do so. However, I am confident that we will ultimately have leaders willing to respond to the public interest (and public health). Jeffrey S. Kirschner, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Thanks to Lazarus for his column on direct-to-consumer ads for medicine. I have told my primary care physician that I will not take any medicines advertised on television. She asked me why and I told her its just money laundering, nothing else, and she sighed, nodding her head knowingly. I wish the rest of the country would do the same, but this kind of spending on ads is what puts TV news anchors in high-income brackets and allows networks to inundate us with useless and harmful information. Anne Proffit, Long Beach Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook. To the editor: The April 10 article, Six years after the state came in to save Inglewood Unified, the district faces a budget crisis, buildings in disrepair and lack of steady leadership, was factually correct as far as it went. But it omitted the rest of the story. Despite the Inglewood Unified School Districts struggles, many parents, teachers and staff have helped broaden horizons for the next generation. Even as state administrators came and went, perseverant parents collaborated with dedicated teachers, principals and district staff to initiate Spanish and French dual-language immersion programs. Inglewood has earned the recognition and financial support of the L.A. French consulate as one of only two French dual-immersion programs in a South L.A. public school. Ladera Heights Frank D. Parent K-8 School was awarded a grant for a new playground, built entirely by school staff and the community. The Los Angeles Times focused solely on the IUSDs administrative and financial challenges, something that could discourage parents from sending their kids to district schools. This focus potentially curtails enrollment, which is the primary antidote to IUSDs financial maladies. The newspaper should correct this damaging misperception with a follow-up article on the innovative and even exemplary accomplishments of some IUSD schools. Advertisement Alka Patel, Ladera Heights Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Petition drive to repeal California gas tax increase temporarily slows down By Patrick McGreevy A motorist prepares to gas up her vehicle in San Rafael, Calif., in 2015. ( (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)) Paid signature-gatherers for a ballot measure that would repeal gas tax increases may be hard to find on the streets of California this week. Organizers say its not a money issue, adding that they needed to briefly halt paid signature-gathering to catch up on collecting petitions from volunteers. The petition drive has so far collected more than 327,800 verified signatures of the 587,407 needed to qualify the measure for the November ballot, according to Dave Gilliard, the political strategist behind the drive. We knew it was popular but the incredible pace is even faster than we expected so we outran the capacity of our verification operation over the Christmas holiday and told our crew managers to slow down so we could catch up, Gilliard said. We will be back up to speed by the end of this week. The gas tax and vehicle fee increases signed by Gov. Jerry Brown are expected to raise $5.2 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and expanded mass transit. The gas tax jumped from 18 cents to 30 cents per gallon on Nov. 1, and vehicle fees of at least $25 kicked in Jan. 1. The gas tax repeal petition is breaking records for both paid and volunteer signatures and were using the next two weeks to catch up on validation of signatures already received, said Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Councilman and conservative radio talk-show host. As a grass-roots-funded effort we are also continuously raising funds and volunteer support. We are highly confident well qualify this Initiative for the November 2018 ballot. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State pot bureau ready to enforce Californias new marijuana laws as license applications flood in By Patrick McGreevy Workers at Torrey Holistics, a San Diego marijuana dispensary. The state has issued 104 licenses for retail stores to sell marijuana for recreational use in California and 239 other applications for those permits are pending, officials said Tuesday. An official with the state Bureau of Cannabis Control added that the agency is prepared to begin taking enforcement action against pot shops that are not properly licensed. The bureaus enforcement team is ready to respond to any complaints it receives and start doing compliance checks and site visits at any time, said Alex Traverso, a spokesman for the bureau. Selling marijuana without a license is a crime punishable by up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $500. Those convicted of engaging in any marijuana business activity without a license will also be subject to a civil penalty of up to three times the amount of the license fee for each violation. A new report issued Tuesday indicated the bureau has issued 478 temporary licenses to firms to test, distribute and sell medical and recreational marijuana, which began Jan. 1 after voters approved a legalization initiative, Proposition 64, in 2016. Businesses have received 153 licenses to sell marijuana for medical use. Another 1,458 firms have applied for licenses that are still being processed. The state Department of Food and Agriculture has separately issued 207 licenses to marijuana growers. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Two possible instances of discrimination reported after California issues drivers licenses to immigrants here illegally By Jazmine Ulloa The front of the AB 60 license. (Courtesy: California Department of Motor Vehicles) The California Research Bureau on Tuesday released its first report on incidents of discrimination under a 2015 state law that has provided drivers licenses for hundreds of thousands of immigrants here illegally. Researchers found no complaints have been made against government agencies tasked with enforcing anti-discrimination laws. But two possible instances of discrimination were reported in focus group interviews conducted by Drive California, a coalition of advocates studying the impact of the new law. In one case, a woman in Fresno was told her license was not a valid form of identification at a retail store, though it was unclear whether the incident reflected intentional discrimination or simple ignorance of the license marking, the report states. A MoneyGram clerk in another case denied a license holder the ability to cash a check. The same person was later rejected again at a bank. The state Department of Motor Vehicles has issued 960,000 AB 60 drivers licenses as of Nov. 30. The state research bureau produced the report for the Legislature as part of the new law, which declares discrimination against an AB 60 license holder a violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California lawmaker proposes requiring panic buttons for hotel workers in response to widespread sexual harassment By Patrick McGreevy More than half of hotel workers surveyed report being sexually harassed at some point. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) Alarmed by a survey indicating sexual harassment of hotel housekeepers is widespread, a California state lawmaker on Tuesday proposed requiring employers to provide panic button devices to their employees so they can summon help if abused by a guest. The bill to be introduced Wednesday by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) would also require individual hotels to impose a three-year ban on guests who engage in harassment on the property. We want to protect our most vulnerable women workers, hotel maids who are going into rooms alone, from sexual harassment, said Muratsuchi, who co-authored the bill with Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward). The legislation signals that concerns over sexual harassment that dominated the state Legislature last year will continue to be an issue for lawmakers as they begin the new legislative year Wednesday. Harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, comedian Louis C.K. and other high-profile men have involved sexual misconduct in hotel rooms. A survey in July by Unite Here Local 1 found that 49% of female hotel workers in Chicago had experienced a guest answering the door naked or exposing himself. The report titled Hands Off, Pants On, found 58% of hotel workers said they had been sexually harassed by a guest. Californias Unite Here Local 11 has been calling for the action proposed in the legislation. It is the intent of this measure to protect hotel employees from violent assault, including sexual assault, and sexual harassment, and to enable those employees to speak out when they experience harassment on the job, said the introduction to the legislation introduced by Muratsuchi. In addition to requiring hotels to provide panic buttons to employees who work alone in rooms, the bill requires hotels to take written complaints from employees and keep them for five years. Any complaint backed by evidence including a statement given under penalty of perjury would result in a guest being banned from a hotel for three years. Hotels would also be required to post a notice on the inside of hotel room doors warning guests about the consequences of sexual harassment. Updated at 4:10 pm to include comment from Assemblyman Muratsuchi. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Money, Republican malaise and Tom Steyer: These are the things to watch for in Californias 2018 statewide elections By Seema Mehta Get ready, California. What had been a behind-the-scenes dash for cash closely watched by few other than political observers is about to burst into public view. Voters this year will decide who will succeed Democrat Jerry Brown as the next governor and whether they will send Sen. Dianne Feinstein back to Washington. Before the June 5 primary, candidates will ramp up their campaigns with messages on television and stuffed into mailboxes. Heres a primer on the states two marquee races. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Fickle L.A. County is pivotal in the race for California governor By Phil Willon Treasurer John Chiang, left, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, center, and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Los Angeles Times) Home to a quarter of Californias 5.2 million registered voters, Los Angeles County is the biggest prize in Californias 2018 race for governor. For two hometown Democratic candidates especially former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Treasurer John Chiang of Torrance doing well in L.A. County is essential if they hope to best the front-runner, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Yet this overwhelmingly Democratic stronghold continually bedevils even the most adept campaigns. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A renewed brawl over single-payer healthcare in California is on deck for 2018 By Melanie Mason Carolyn Angela Chen, a registered nurse, gives a free hepatitis A vaccination to Glenn Gardner, 52, at Joshua House Clinic (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) California officials are bracing for healthcare battles in Washington to have a major impact on the states budget and programs. Activists and politicians are planning a showdown over whether or not to establish a single-payer healthcare system in the state. And prescription drug manufacturers are the target of a number of bills meant to target the rising costs of medication. Sound familiar? Turns out the brewing healthcare battles in California in 2018 arent all that different from those from 2017. Heres a primer on the upcoming healthcare agenda in California: Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print How California lawmakers plan to protect the online privacy of consumers in 2018 By Jazmine Ulloa (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) With federal regulation rollbacks and a rise in data breaches, California lawmakers this year are looking for ways to protect consumers and their personal information. Some legislation under consideration could give people more notice and control over what data is collected, without having to pay for privacy or better services. Other bills could provide free credit freezes for consumers and require new privacy features for products that connect to the internet. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 2018 will see California motorists pay more to the state to repair roads and bridges By Patrick McGreevy The Main Street offramp from the Southbound 5 in L.A. in June 2015. (Los Angeles Times) The new year brings with it new vehicle fees in California ranging from $25 to $175 depending on the value of your car, but Republican lawmakers are hoping to qualify a ballot measure in November to repeal the higher charges. The fees and a 12-cent increase in Californias gas tax last year are part of a plan by Democrats to raise more than $5.2 billion annually to deal with a backlog of road and bridge repairs. Petitions to qualify a repeal initiative are circulating now. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A rent control battle tops the list of California housing issues to watch in 2018 By Liam Dillon A new-home community in Anaheim in 2016 (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times) California lawmakers arent wasting any time in tackling one of the most contentious issues in state housing politics this year. On Jan. 11, the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee is set to hold a hearing on legislation that could lead to a dramatic expansion of rent control policies across the state. The debate over rent control could spill over onto the 2018 ballot, where Californians also could see proposals to expand or curtail the property tax restrictions ushered in 40 years ago by Proposition 13. Lawmakers will have to wrestle with how to follow up a package of housing bills that passed last year. The measures provided new funding and regulations designed to encourage homebuilding, but are unlikely to make an appreciable difference in housing costs. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas is resigning By John Myers Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas abruptly announced his resignation from the California Legislature on Wednesday, citing health reasons. Ridley-Thomas, a Democrat from Los Angeles, informed Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) Tuesday night. The reason for this difficult decision is that I am facing persistent health issues, Ridley-Thomas, 30, said in a written statement on Wednesday. On December 18th, I underwent surgery for the fifth time this year. Although I expect a full recovery, my physicians advise that I will need an extended period of time to recuperate. Earlier this year, Ridley-Thomas was absent from work for more than two weeks. Staff members initially said the absence was a personal leave, then said the time off was due to unspecified medical reasons. His resignation letter on Wednesday offered no additional details. When I resume public life, I intend to remain active in civic affairs, where my passion lies, he said in the statement released by his office. Ridley-Thomas was first elected to the Assembly in a 2013 special election. He is the son of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Before winning elected office at age 26, the younger Ridley-Thomas worked as an aide for Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price and managed a 2012 Assembly campaign in San Bernardino County. In a statement about his sons decision, Mark Ridley-Thomas said he and his wife more than anyone, have seen him struggle with health challenges this year, and we fully support his decision to step down from the state Legislature so that he can recuperate with complete rest, in accordance with his doctors orders. His solidly Democratic district includes the west Los Angeles neighborhoods of Westwood, Culver City, Crenshaw and Baldwin Hills. He is chairman of the influential Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, which oversees all tax-related legislation. Ridley-Thomas is a proponent of changes in the operation of the state Board of Equalization, though his plan would have allowed the agency to ultimately retain many of its duties. A more substantial shake-up was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in June. Ridley-Thomas was the author of a bill signed into law in October giving the Los Angeles Unified School District the power to preserve some of its existing single-gender schools. He was unsuccessful, though, in an effort to stop local governments from imposing taxes on streaming video services like Netflix and Hulu. Ridley-Thomas departure will require a special election in 2018. He is the fourth Southern California legislator to leave office this year. The election of Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles) to Congress also required a special election. The other two lawmakers Assemblymen Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) and Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills) stepped down in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct, which both men have denied. A special election to fill Bocanegras seat will be held on April 3, with a potential runoff on June 5. A special election date has not yet been set for Dababnehs seat. My colleagues and I wish Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas all the best going forward as he deals with his health challenges, Rendon said in a statement. The Assembly will continue to assist the residents of the 54th Assembly District until a new assemblymember is seated. This post was updated with comment from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, as well as more information about special elections. It was originally published at 11:10 a.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California Senate Democrats are considering some ideas to counter the GOP tax plan By Liam Dillon Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Democrats in the California Senate are planning to write legislation to lessen the effects of the elimination of popular tax breaks in the GOPs overhaul of the federal tax system. To finance broad-based corporate tax cuts and reductions in individual tax rates, the GOP plan caps the deductibility of state and local income and property taxes a benefit used often in suburban areas of California. The Republican tax scam disproportionately harms California taxpayers, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement. Our hard-earned tax dollars should not be subject to double-taxation, especially not to line the pockets of the Trump family, hedge fund managers and private jet owners. De Leon, who also is running for U.S. Senate, said the state Senate is working with law professors at UCLA, UC Davis and the University of Chicago to develop the legislation. Ideas being considered, according to a de Leon spokesman, include: Reducing state personal income taxes through a tax credit program and offsetting that amount through payroll taxes. Allowing individuals to make voluntary gifts to the state of California, which would be deductible as a charitable donation under federal law. The deduction for the donated amount would replace the state and local tax deduction. Lawmakers return to Sacramento in January. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti admits considering a 2020 bid: I am thinking about this By Seema Mehta Eric Garcetti (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Its no secret Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is interested in running for president. When reporters ask about his intentions, he has used all sorts of ways to deflect, typically by saying hes focused on his day job for the moment. But speaking in Spanish to a Univision reporter this week, Garcetti edged ever closer to the telltale admission hes actually considering it. I am thinking about this, said Garcetti, who is partly of Mexican heritage but learned Spanish attending private school. The majority of time goes to my work as mayor of Los Angeles, but every [citizen] should think about what our role is in these difficult times, in these dangerous times. Garcetti added that he expects many mayors to run for president, and noted New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently visited Iowa, which holds the first presidential nominating contest. Garcetti has long been rumored to be flirting with a White House bid, and he has fueled such speculation by traveling out of state to places such as the early presidential primary state of New Hampshire to campaign for a mayoral candidate. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Brown makes judicial appointments, including attorney who helps train Legislature on anti-sexual-harassment policies .@JerryBrownGov makes two court of appeal and 33 superior court appointments including Lauri Damrell in Sacramento. Damrell, an attorney at Orrick, testified at the Assemblys recent hearing on sexual harassment, outlining the assemblys current prevention efforts. Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) December 22, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Californias former top cop forms marijuana distribution firm in new age of legalization By Patrick McGreevy Former state Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer (Robert Durell) Former California Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer is going from enforcing laws against marijuana to legally distributing the drug under the states new rules that allow the sale and possession of pot for recreational use. With state-licensed sales of marijuana starting Jan. 1, Lockyer has co-founded a firm, C4 Distro, that will distribute packaged marijuana concentrates and edibles to stores in Los Angeles. He says Californias new regulated system has a chance to be a model for the rest of the country. For me as somebody who was on the law enforcement side for so many years, I saw the inadequacies of the effort to regulate something just by calling it illegal, Lockyer said. I think legalizing will help stabilize and help legitimize this industry and result in better consumer protection and other public benefits. Lockyer, a Democrat who served in the state Assembly and was leader of the state Senate, has co-founded the firm with Eric Spitz, who was chairman and president of the former parent company of the Orange County Register. The businessmen aim to get their products to pot shops in L.A. in late January or early February, Spitz said. Asked if he uses marijuana himself, Lockyer, 76, said, Not in any recent times, but there were college years. He said he sees his involvement in the marijuana industry as a mixture of helping to pay for his kids college tuition and public service to help the new regulations work. This whole industry has to come from the dark side to the light, he said. By focusing on delivery to as many as 700 stores that might open in Los Angeles, C4 Distro hopes to capture a targeted market while other firms distribute statewide. The business has a warehouse in southeast Los Angeles County and is close to applying for a distributors license from the state, Lockyer said. Lockyer served a quarter century in the state Legislature before he was elected as state attorney general in 1999. He left that office in 2007 when he was elected as state treasurer, serving until his retirement from politics in 2015. Before co-leading a group that bought the Register newspaper in 2012, Spitz served as chief financial officer at Narragansett Brewing Company. Spitz left the Registers Freedom Communications in 2016. 2 p.m.: An earlier version of this article mistakenly said Spitz left Freedom Communications in 2015. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print House passes disaster aid bill with wildfire funding, 18 Californians vote no By Sarah D. Wire (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Eighteen of Californias 53 House members voted no on an $81-billion disaster aid package Thursday, which includes funds for Californias recent wildfires. The 17 Democrats and one Republican voted no on the bill, which passed the House by a 251 to 169 vote. The Senate is not expected to take up the bill until January, when Congress returns from its holiday break. The entire California delegation had recently signed onto a letter asking for the disaster aid. In a speech on the House floor before the vote, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) pleaded with colleagues not to take a political stance on a disaster aid bill. Dont play politics on a vote to give aid to the people of Texas, to the people of Puerto Rico and to the Virgin Islands, to the people of Florida, and to the people of California that are still fighting the fires. Dont play politics on a bill where you hope to maybe stop another. That would be the worst of any politics Ive seen played here, McCarthy said. Here and now, right before Christmas, dont vote against aid for Americans who just lost everything. Several of the Democrats who voted no also voted against the spending bill Thursday, and said that they felt they could not support either because the bills did not include Democratic priorities for the end of the year, including protections for people brought to the country illegally as children. Others said the aid bill doesnt provide enough money for California and doesnt treat Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands fairly in terms of competing for the funds. The 18 representatives voting no were: Nanette Barragan (D-San Pedro) Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) Tony Cardenas (D-Los Angeles) Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) Anna Eshoo (D-Menlo Park) Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles) Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove) Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey) Linda Sanchez (D-Whittier) Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) Norma Torres (D-Pomona) Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Three California House members cross party lines on spending bill to keep government open By Sarah D. Wire Democratic Rep. Jim Costa of Fresno (Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call) Three California House members crossed party lines Thursday on a vote to pass a spending bill that will keep the government open until mid-January. Democratic Reps. Jim Costa of Fresno and Raul Ruiz of Palm Desert joined the majority of Republicans to vote for the bill. Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter of Alpine joined Democrats to vote against it. The bill, which funds the government through Jan. 19, passed the House 231 to 188, right before representatives left for the holidays. Costa said in a statement that he voted yes because keeping the government open is Congress job, but he called the vote a continuation of the dysfunction in Washington. It further illustrates the damage that results from partisan politics and irresponsible leadership. It is unacceptable that we have to resort to funding the government for weeks at a time because we cannot sit down together Democrats and Republicans and negotiate a real budget bill, Costa said. Hunters staff said the congressman was concerned that military spending in the bill was extended for only a short period. He had wanted the spending to be extended until September. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Poll points to all-Democrat runoffs in California races for governor and senator By Seema Mehta Top row, from left: Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Treasurer John Chiang, former schools chief Delaine Eastin. Bottom row, from left: Assemblyman Travis Allen; attorney John Cox; Sen. Dianne Feinstein; state Senate leader Kevin de Leon. (Associated Press; Getty Images; Los Angeles Times) Californians could see two Democrat-on-Democrat contests in the states premier races in 2018, according to a new poll released Thursday. In the gubernatorial race, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom remains the front-runner with the support of 26% of likely voters in a Berkeley IGS poll. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa came in second with the backing of 17%. The poll found notable demographic differences in the two mens bases of support. Newsom had strong leads in the Bay Area, where he once served as the mayor of San Francisco, as well as among white voters, liberals and the wealthy. Villaraigosa saw strong backing in Los Angeles County, among Latino voters and among those who earned less than $40,000. Republicans splintered in the race, placing businessman John Cox and Assemblyman Travis Allen in a tie for third place with 9% each. Two other Democrats, state Treasurer John Chiang and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin, each won the support of 5% of likely voters. If Republicans fail to consolidate behind a candidate in the June primary, voters will for the first time see no GOP candidate on the November ballot for governor. Its a repeat of what occurred in the 2016 U.S. Senate race, and what is likely to occur again in the 2018 U.S. Senate race if the field does not grow. Sen. Dianne Feinstein has the support of 41% of likely voters in her reelection bid, but her rival, fellow Democrat Kevin de Leon, won the support of 27%, according to the poll. There is no GOP candidate in the race. Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for a quarter-century, has enormous advantages in fundraising, name recognition and support among powerful political groups. However, the poll found that nearly one-third of likely voters said they are undecided or would like to support another candidate. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California legislator wants to curb sexual harassment in Hollywood and eating disorders for models By Melanie Mason Fashion models show off the BCBG MAX AZRIA Spring 2016 collection during New York Fashion Week. (Richard Drew / AP) A new proposal by a California assemblyman is taking aim at two of the more criticized phenomena in the entertainment industry: sexual harassment and unhealthy body standards for fashion models. The legislation, by Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), would require the states Occupational Safety and Health Standards to adopt guidelines for fashion models in an attempt to combat the prevalence of eating disorders and excessive thinness in the industry. This is the second time Levine has tried to take on the fashion industry. His similar bill to impose standards on models sputtered in 2016. This time, Levine also is trying to address the prevalence of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry by requiring that talent agencies which represent actors, performers and other artists provide training on sexual harassment and how to identify and prevent inappropriate behavior. I believed women who told me their stories of abuse when I introduced legislation to provide workplace protections in the fashion industry in 2016 just like I believe them now, Levine said in a statement. Its time that law reflects societys rejection of sexual harassment in all workplaces, including Hollywood. My bill aims to address the problem before it starts, but also empowers survivors with the tools to report these cases. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Local Indivisible group picks Democrat to endorse against Rep. Duncan Hunter By Christine Mai-Duc Ammar Campa-Najjar, 28, is running against Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine). (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) With an already crowded field of contenders hoping to unseat Rep. Duncan Hunter and months to go before the candidate filing deadline, one local activist group has made an early endorsement in the race. Indivisible CA50, made up of activists mostly in San Diego County, announced Thursday that its endorsing Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Democrat and public affairs consultant whos challenging Hunter. The endorsement comes as liberal activists and interest groups all over the state are grappling with whether and how to winnow down the dozens of candidates vying for 10 GOP-held seats in California. The group held more than half a dozen endorsement meetings to allow members throughout Hunters district to vote on their preferred candidate. One of the candidates, Pierre Beauregard, dropped out of the race recently and endorsed Campa-Najjar. In a statement Campa-Najjar said in a statement that the nod represents the enthusiasm of hundreds of progressive grassroots activists. Indivisibles national political director Maria Urbina said the endorsement was the first made by any California chapter in the 2018 midterms. Aside from Campa-Najjar, two other Democrats are running for Hunters seat: Josh Butner, a school board trustee and former Navy SEAL, and realtor Patrick Malloy, who ran last year and lost to Hunter by nearly 27 percentage points. Hunter will also face at least two GOP challengers: Shamus Sayed and Andrew Zelt. Hunter is not considered to be particularly vulnerable in next years election, but an investigation into his alleged misuse of campaign funds has caused at least one election handicapper to move his race from solid Republican to the likely Republican column. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print San Francisco is getting a new mayor and creating a political star. Who will it be? By Mark Z. Barabak San Francisco is the city everyone loves, even if they hate it. The stately Victorians, like a gingerbread dream come to life. The majestic Golden Gate Bridge, standing like heavens portal above the fog. The plucky cable cars, scrabbling up its impossible hillsides. It can almost make you forget the bands of ravaged homeless, the paralyzing traffic, the scent of human waste wafting from sidewalks outside the citys posh eateries and palatial tech headquarters. San Francisco is getting a new mayor, owing to the sudden death of incumbent Ed Lee. All of the grandeur, and all of the grit, accompany the position. To say the race is wide open Lee having died just about a week ago is an understatement. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Sen. Dianne Feinstein is under pressure over a fix for Dreamers By Sarah D. Wire California Sen. Dianne Feinstein is under pressure from activists and fellow Democrats to withhold support for a spending bill that would avert a government shutdown in exchange for protections for people brought to the country illegally as children. Feinstein said in October that protections for so-called Dreamers are the most important thing we can get done, but the senator known for her moderate bent said this week that she wont try to block the end-of-the-year spending bill over it, and has not offered an explanation. Dreamers this week flooded Feinsteins five California offices and her office on Capitol Hill. Two UCLA students refused to leave her Capitol Hill office after three hours Tuesday and were briefly detained by police. On Wednesday, about a dozen students and parents returned and were asked to leave after about 30 minutes of shouting in her office lobby. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The GOP tax plan passed. Now Democrats have another big issue to use in the midterms By Sarah D. Wire As GOP leaders in Congress met behind closed doors to hash out the details of their massive tax overhaul, a group of UC Irvine graduate students met in Rep. Mimi Walters district, fretting about how the plan could cost them money. About 20 miles north, dozens of activists in top hats stood outside Rep. Ed Royces Brea office as they chanted, Shame on you! And up in the Central Valley, protesters gathered outside Rep. Jeff Denhams Modesto office to sing Protest ye dreary congressman Remember that he voted to take healthcare away. To save himself from taxes now, so you will have to pay. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kevin de Leon to Feinstein: Dont come back to California without forcing a government shutdown over Dream Act By Jazmine Ulloa State Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), left, and Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), right. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) Taking direct criticism to the woman he is attempting to unseat in next years U.S. Senate race, California Senate leader Kevin de Leon on Wednesday urged Democrats to block a year-end spending bill as leverage to pass a Dream Act clean of GOP demands for increased border security. At a news conference in downtown Los Angeles, De Leon commended Sen. Kamala Harris for pledging to block the measure, saying he could not understand why her colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein had failed to take a similar stance in pushing for legislation to protect the so-called Dreamers, immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. Dreamers make up hundreds of thousands of Sen. Feinsteins constituents, and while talking a good game on Dreamers, when it comes to standing up and supporting them, she is AWOL, said De Leon (D-Los Angeles), who has attempted to position himself to Feinsteins left as he campaigns for her seat. His statements follow days of demonstrations by young protesters at legislators offices in Washington and California. The coalitions of activists have been calling on Democrats to hold up the spending bill, a move that could force a government shutdown. They want to pass Dream Act legislation that would provide protections and a path to citizenship to young people without legal residency in the U.S. At least two young protesters were arrested Tuesday outside of Feinsteins Capitol Hill office, and more demonstrations took place at her offices in Washington and San Francisco on Wednesday. Feinstein, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) have sponsored Dream Act legislation but have not pledged to hold up the spending deal. A separate bipartisan group of senators is advocating punting the issue to January. President Trump has asked Congress to come up with a solution by March. Standing next to De Leon and immigrant rights advocates on Wednesday, state Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) said advocates had to double down the shame on any Democrat who thinks its time to wait on the issue. De Leon said they had made that message clear to Schumer, saying, It is time to find your spine, sir. To Pelosi and Feinstein, he said: Dont come back to California if you havent demonstrated your leadership and your courage to stand up for these young men and women. I can tell you this, De Leon said. If the Republicans were on the other side, they wouldnt hesitate for a nanosecond to shut down the government to move forward what they believe in. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 12 California Republicans vote to support tax overhaul for a second time; Rohrabacher and Issa say no By Sarah D. Wire The House gave final approval for the GOP tax bill Wednesday, with 12 Republicans in the state delegation again voting in favor of the bill. Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Darrell Issa of Vista voted no. The House and Senate both passed the bill Tuesday, but, because Democrats raised procedural objections that forced the bill to be changed in the Senate, the House had to vote on the bill again Wednesday before sending it to President Trump for his signature. Though many California taxpayers are expected to see an initial income tax cut under the plan, a significant number probably will have higher taxes because of the lost deductions. Analysts also expect the biggest cuts to flow to corporations and the states wealthiest residents. Republicans are expected to head to the White House later Wednesday for a celebration with Trump. No House Democrats, including the 39 from California, supported the bill. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) was not present for the second vote, but she voted no on Tuesday. See the Republican votes here: Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias Democratic senators vote no on GOP tax bill Californias @SenKamalaHarris and @SenFeinstein join rest of Democrats in the Senate in voting no on the GOP tax bill, which passed 51-48 along party lines. Sanders, who is an Independent, voted with Democrats. Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) December 20, 2017 "At a time when wages have stagnated and working Americans are trying to do more with less, this tax plan pulls the rug out from the middle class to give billions to those who already have so much. This is an attack on our values, and Americans deserve better," Harris said. Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) December 20, 2017 "Californians will be hit especially hard by the cap on the state and local tax deduction, making it more difficult for communities to pay for services that our families rely on, Its no wonder a bill that primarily benefits the wealthy is so unpopular..." Feinstein said Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) December 20, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print GOP tax overhaul passes House with help from a dozen California Republicans By Sarah D. Wire Despite weeks of consternation from some California House Republicans, a dozen of them joined their colleagues to pass an overhaul of the U.S. tax code Tuesday. Two Reps. Darrell Issa and Dana Rohrabacher voted against the plan. In the weeks before the vote, Republican Reps. Mimi Walters of Irvine and Steve Knight of Palmdale cited new caps on popular deductions as reasons they were uncertain about whether to vote for the bill. Both worked behind the scenes on changes and ultimately supported the bill, which passed the House on a near party line vote 227-203. Knight said hes satisfied the changes are enough to to turn what would have been a tax increase into a tax cut for his constituents. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement More than half of Californians oppose GOP tax bill, according to new poll By Sarah D. Wire House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) arrives for a news conference about the tax plan. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) More than half of Californians oppose the GOP tax bill expected to be approved by Congress today, and just 20% believe it will have a positive affect on their families, according to a poll released Monday. Just over half of California voters, 51%, oppose the tax bill, and 30% support it, according to the newest IGS Poll, a survey by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley. And the belief falls largely along party lines, with Democrats opposing the bill by a more than 4-to-1 (67% to 15%) margin and Republicans supporting it 3 to 1 (60% to 21%). The House and Senate are expected to vote on the tax bill Tuesday. Californias Republican members of Congress largely support the bill despite some concerns about how cuts to the state and local tax deduction and mortgage interest deduction might affect Californians. Democrats in the delegation oppose it and have said they will use the vote against vulnerable Republicans in the 2018 midterm elections. When asked about the impact they think the bill will have on themselves and their families, just 20% of the polls respondents said they think it will benefit them directly, while 40% foresee a negative impact. About 27% do not expect much of an impact, and 13% said they dont know if theyll be affected. The poll of a random sample of 1,000 registered voters was completed by telephone in English and Spanish from Dec. 7 to 16. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A quick look at some of the biggest tax changes for Californians By Sarah D. Wire (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) Congressional Republicans are framing their tax cut bill as a Christmas gift that will give Americans an average tax cut of $2,059. For Californians, especially in the wealthier areas along the coast, the situation isnt as clear-cut. When the measure comes up for a vote in the House on Tuesday morning, its expected to pass along party lines. At least two Republicans say they will join Democrats in the California delegation to oppose the plan because they fear it will hurt their constituents bottom line. Take a quick look at what some of the biggest changes in the tax bill might mean for average Californians. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Lawmakers, pot growers say Californias marijuana cultivation rules favor big corporate farms By Patrick McGreevy Civil engineer Praj White assesses a site in Humboldt Countys Eel River watershed that is home to a marijuana farm. (Humboldt County) Californias new rules allowing marijuana cultivation favor large corporate farms despite a promise in Proposition 64 that small growers would be protected, according to a group of state lawmakers and marijuana industry leaders who called Monday for the policy to be changed. The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued emergency rules last month that allow for small and medium-sized farms of up to a quarter acre and one acre, respectively, to get licenses for the first five years. That five-year head start for small farms was promised in Proposition 64, the initiative approved last year by voters that legalized growing and selling marijuana for recreational use. Individuals and businesses can get only one license for a medium-sized farm, but the new rules do not set a limit on how many small-farm licenses can be obtained by one person or business. That could allow a corporation to assemble a 20-acre farm by obtaining 80 licenses for a quarter-acre each, opponents worry. Democratic state Sens. Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Mike McGuire of Healdsburg, Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) and the California Growers Assn. asked for swift action by the state agricultural department to change the rule. This is clearly a broken promise, McGuire said. For two years, every discussion has included a cap on cannabis grows and the Department of Food and Agriculture needs to fix this massive loophole they have created. This last-minute revision rolls out the red carpet for large corporations to crush the livelihood of small family farmers. With cultivation licenses set to take effect next month, the lawmakers also promised legislative hearings on why the rules were drafted to disadvantage small, mom-and-pop farms. California only has one chance to get this right, and it is already on the wrong path with this last-minute change that flies in the face of what the backers of Prop. 64 promised, said Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Assn. This single decision will hand over the California marketplace to multinational corporations and a wealthy few at the expense of thousands of growers who are ready to play by the rules and provide economic opportunity in communities that until recently were criminalized or at the very least marginalized. The industry estimates there are about 3,500 independent growers on track to get a state license in the first half of 2018. Allens group estimates that number could grow to as many as 10,000 or 15,000 by the end of 2020, but not if large corporate farms are allowed in early. The agricultural agency issued a response later: A one-acre canopy limit has not been in proposed regulations at any point and was not included in the emergency regulations due to the fact that Proposition 64, the law guiding the process, did not provide authority to include it. However, local jurisdictions may impose that limitation on their own if it meets the needs of their constituents. Updated at 5:10 pm to include comment from agricultural agency. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Final tax bill dramatically softens blow to mortgage interest deductions in California By Christine Mai-Duc Last-minute changes to the Republican-led tax overhaul seem to be tailor-made to entice support from California GOP lawmakers, several of whom voted against a previous version passed in the House last month. The House version, passed with the support of all but three California Republicans, had proposed capping the mortgage interest deduction at loans of $500,000 or less. Republicans in high-tax, expensive states had voiced concerns the bill would have major effects in their districts. But the final version of the bill dramatically slashed the percentage of new mortgages that would be affected if the package becomes law. *New mortgages over $500,000 include data through Sept. 2017. New mortgages over $750,000 include data through Oct. 2017. Source: Times analysis of data provided by CoreLogic The particulars of the mortgage interest provision and other popular deductions were major sticking points as House and Senate negotiators hammered out a compromise between the two versions. A previous Times analysis showed that more than half of new mortgages this year in Rep. Dana Rohrabachers coastal Orange County district exceeded the $500,000 cap laid out in the House version. Text of the new bill released Friday outlined a cap of $750,000, which would apply to just under a quarter of new mortgages there through October 2017. Rohrabacher was one of three California Republicans, along with Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) and Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove) who previously voted against the measure. Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine) said she supported the House version after receiving assurances from leaders that the bill would be changed to account for the loss of deductions, The percentage of new mortgages over the cap dropped from 48% to 14%. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), whose district had 1% of mortgages exceeding the $500,000 cap proposed previously, saw that share drop almost to zero; 27 of 7,515 mortgages in his congressional district this year have been for more than $750,000. The House is expected to vote on the final tax bill Tuesday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A major change to Proposition 13 takes its first step toward the 2018 ballot By Liam Dillon A commercial property in San Bernardino County that could face higher property taxes under a proposed ballot measure (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times) Proponents of making a dramatic change to Californias landmark Proposition 13 property tax restrictions took their first step to getting a measure on the November 2018 statewide ballot Friday. The change would allow the state to receive more tax dollars from commercial and industrial properties by assessing them at their current market value, an effort known as split roll because existing tax protections on homes would remain in place. Advocates of the measure, including the League of Women Voters of California and community organizing nonprofits California Calls and PICO Network said the change could raise billions of dollars that could be spent on public schools and community colleges. I think the cumulative effects of the unfair tax system have gotten to the point where its created crippling economic impacts on the state, said Melissa Breach, executive director of the League of Women Voters of California. Backers filed their proposed initiative Friday. The attorney generals office will prepare an official title and summary for the measure and it will receive a financial analysis. From there, advocates will decide if they will collect signatures to put the measure on the ballot. Proposition 13 passed in 1978 amid concerns that rising property taxes could force people out of their homes. The ballot measure limited property taxes to 1% of a propertys value at the time of purchase and ensures that the assessed value on which taxes are based can only increase by a maximum of 2% a year no matter how much a propertys market value goes up. Split-roll measures have been long debated in state politics, but business groups and anti-tax groups have expressed substantial opposition to the idea, arguing that it would cause major harm to the states business climate. Breach said she expected an avalanche of big money against the measure should it go forward, but said that her organization wouldnt get involved without believing it could raise sufficient funding.S For the record 1 p.m., Dec. 18: An earlier version of this post said the split roll ballot measure would allow California to charge higher tax rates on commercial and industrial properties. It would allow the state to assess those properties at current market value, not charge higher rates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Three more women accuse California assemblyman of sexual misconduct By Melanie Mason Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills) (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) A Los Angeles woman has filed a police report alleging Democratic Assemblyman Matt Dababneh had sex with her without consent four years ago, adding new allegations of sexual misconduct to those that led the politician to announce his resignation last week. He says her claims are false. Nancy Miret, 26, told The Times that when she was 22 and a recent college graduate, she spent time with Dababneh over two months in late 2013, primarily at his Encino apartment. At the time, Dababneh was running for Assembly to represent the western San Fernando Valley. They had consensual sex on one occasion, but after that, Miret said she had multiple nonconsensual sexual encounters with Dababneh that left her traumatized. Miret, who now works in commercial real estate, is one of three women interviewed by The Times who have made new allegations concerning Dababnehs behavior. These allegations are false and Im confident that when all the facts are in, it will clearly show that these claims are not true, Dababneh told The Times. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print San Diego business is first in California to be issued license to sell marijuana for recreational use By Patrick McGreevy Marijuana for recreational use goes on sale Jan. 1 in California. (Los Angeles Times) A San Diego medical marijuana business is the first firm to be issued a license by the state of California to sell marijuana for recreational use, officials said Thursday. Torrey Holistics received two of the first 20 licenses granted by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control this week to sell or distribute marijuana, although the licenses do not take effect until Jan. 1, according to bureau chief Lori Ajax. An additional 180 firms have applied for licenses but they are being processed. Last week, we officially launched our online licensing system, and today were pleased to issue the first group of temporary licenses to cannabis businesses that fall under the Bureaus jurisdiction, Ajax said in a statement. We plan to issue many more before January 1. The bureau is issuing temporary, four-month licenses to firms initially, but will eventually require firms to undergo background checks and pay a $1,000 application fee for yearlong permits. Tony Hall left a chemical distribution business two years ago to start Torrey Holistics with a friend and classmate at San Diego State. He said he was ecstatic to have the first recreational permit in California. He also obtained a new license to continue selling marijuana for medical uses. We feel fricking great about it, he said Thursday. Its just exciting. This is a once in a multi-generational event, he added, likening it to the end of prohibition. Added Ruthie Edelson, the firms marketing director, We will be open at 7 a.m. on Jan. 1. Last year, voters approved Proposition 64, which makes California one of eight states that allow the growing and sale of marijuana for recreational uses. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Conservative activist group files a lawsuit over Los Angeles County inactive voter list By John Myers (Los Angeles Times) A Washington-based conservative-leaning activist group filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday alleging Los Angeles County officials are refusing to cancel the registrations of voters who are ineligible to cast a ballot. The legal action by Judicial Watch comes four months after the organization first accused elections officials across the state of maintaining registration lists that are larger than their voting-age population. The lawsuit also names Secretary of State Alex Padilla as a defendant and alleges the voter lists violate the National Voter Registration Act, or NVRA. They dont care about removing ineligible registration, said Robert Popper of Judicial Watch. I think we have a very strong lawsuit. The lawsuit names four Los Angeles County voters as co-plaintiffs and asserts that a countys two lists of voters the file of active voters and those whose registration has been placed on inactive status should be combined into a single total. The inactive list includes people who havent cast ballots in recent elections and havent responded to inquiries from elections officials. Though the names on that list are considered voters, they are not counted in official registration reports and are not mailed election material. Popper led an effort earlier this year to estimate the size of each countys voting-age population using the Census Bureaus American Community Survey. He said the surveys five-year average of county populations was then adjusted by focusing just on the estimate of those over the age of 18, and then comparing that with the combined active and inactive voter lists. Popper dismissed any concern that the resulting number might be skewed by the different standards used by counties for the inactive list, which could include names of voters who moved or died and thus be an imperfect guide. I believe that a court is going to accept our numbers, he said. Dean Logan, the registrar of voters in Los Angeles County, said his staffs practices are consistent with federal law. This lawsuit appears to fundamentally interpret the requirements of the NVRA in a manner inconsistent with ensuring voter enfranchisement and appropriate list maintenance, he said. The lawsuit also alleges that Los Angeles elections officials failed to provide Judicial Watch with requested data about the size of the inactive list, and accuses Padilla of failing to address the groups concerns about California not following NVRA rules. In a statement on Thursday, Padilla said county inactive-voter files are not out of compliance with the law. He criticized Judicial Watch for its baseless assertions, bad math, and flawed methodology. Local elections officials have said very few inactive voters show up on election day, and that any who do would be asked to cast a provisional ballot one that isnt counted unless the voters eligibility is confirmed through additional review. Popper insisted that if the list is never used, theres no reason to keep it. Judicial Watch, which sued for access to Hillary Clintons emails in 2016, alleged that its calculations show 11 California counties with questionable voter registration totals. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Voters in California GOP districts may get calls asking them to thank their member of Congress for tax plan By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Voters in four key Republican-held congressional districts could get a robocall starting Friday urging them to call and thank their member of Congress for supporting the tax bill. Its a last minute effort by American Action Network, a politically active nonprofit connected with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) that has spent millions to shore up Republican support for the bill. The robocalls include the members office number. The four California members being targeted are Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock, David Valadao of Hanford, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Mimi Walters of Irvine. All four represent districts that backed Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and are Democratic targets in 2018. Knight and Walters had been particularly vocal about their concerns with the plan, saying it might raise taxes for their constituents. The final text of the bill is set to be released Friday, with a vote expected early next week. In total, American Action Network plans to place 1 million robocalls in 29 districts nationwide. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Merry Christmas Republicans in Congress: Funny or Die video goes after California lawmakers over DACA By Christine Mai-Duc As members of Congress try to pass a controversial tax bill and a measure to keep the federal government funded, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus is hitting Republicans hard over another unresolved issue: the legal status of hundreds of thousands of people brought to the country illegally as children who could face deportation if lawmakers dont act. Amid negotiations over a long-term spending bill, Democratic leaders have been pushing their GOP colleagues to include a fix for those who were granted temporary protection under President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA. President Trump announced an end to the program earlier this year and gave Congress a March deadline to address it. Funny or Die and BOLD PAC released a video Friday featuring comedians skewering GOP members, including two in California, for their inaction. In the video, Oscar Nunez, best known for his role on The Office, calls out Reps. Steve Knight (Palmdale), Ed Royce (Fullerton), Carlos Curbelo (Florida) and John Culberson (Texas), who get to go ahead and celebrate as thousands of Dreamers are banished from the only country theyve ever called home. How many broken promises can fit in a stocking? Nunez asks later. Im asking for a congressman. The political action committee says its spending six figures on the weeklong buy, which will go out nationwide across Funny Or Dies social media channels. They are known for blasting out irreverent, often viral parodies that play to young audiences. The video will also be targeted to constituents in each of the four congressional districts. A separate video released by the ACLU last week also urged members of Congress to strike a deal on DACA. Many California Republicans have remained mum on the issue, particularly those facing tough races in 2018. So far, only Reps. David Valadao (Hanford), Jeff Denham (Turlock) and Mimi Walters (Irvine) have pressured fellow Republicans to come up with a solution before Congress breaks for Christmas. Following Trumps decision, Knight said the issue should receive attention by Congress. Royce, who has taken hard-line stances on immigration in the past, urged his colleagues to provide a permanent, legislative solution that gives certainty to these kids. Neither elaborated on what that solution should be. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print For a prominent California consumer group and savvy political consultants, documents reveal a close financial relationship By John Myers If theres a clear mantra for Consumer Watchdog, one of Californias most visible and vocal advocacy groups, its that hidden financial relationships shouldnt shape politics and public policy. The Santa Monica-based nonprofit has spent more than three decades reprimanding politicians and interest groups for doing the bidding of those who give them money. Its official motto is expose, confront, change. We are loud, and we speak more of a populist truth than the way people usually talk to each other in Sacramento, said Jamie Court, Consumer Watchdogs president. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Regional director resigns from California Democratic Party amid sexual misconduct claims By Jazmine Ulloa Craig Cheslog (Photo courtesy the California Democratic Party) A regional director with the California Democratic Party submitted his resignation on Thursday, nearly two weeks after a 23-year-old woman reported that he sexually assaulted her last year, spurring party leaders to seek his ouster. Craig Cheslog served as Region 2 director spanning the East Bay, Napa, Sonoma and the Clearlake areas. In a statement, his lawyer, Mary P. Carey, said she and her client were confident that a full and fair exploration of this matter, undertaken in an appropriate, fact-governed venue, would exonerate Mr. Cheslog. We are prepared, if necessary, to put forward the facts of this matter in just such a venue, she said. Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman and other officials initially called for Cheslogs removal in a Nov. 29 letter to state party secretary Jenny Bach. They said he was seen acting in an inappropriate and sexually aggressive manner toward a member of the party in a public area of the Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel, following a Nov. 18 executive board meeting. The level to which this activity advanced made a number of those in attendance uncomfortable, the letter stated. It added that another member reported that Mr. Cheslog raped her at a CDP executive board meeting the previous year. Party officers said the incident occurred during a weekend where the prevention of sexual harassment of women in politics was a dominant theme in the wake of the #metoo movement. Before the meetings conclusion on Sunday, the California Womens Caucus approved a resolution making clear that sexual harassment, bullying and other forms of abuse are grounds to lose endorsements and be stripped of party membership. Maddy Dean, who was not named in the letter, spoke at the meeting about her experiences of sexual harassment in the movie industry, and told the Times that she reported Cheslog. She said she could not provide further details about her allegation as she explores possible legal paths moving forward. This was about protecting other women and in particular other young women, she said of reporting the assault. In his own letter to Bach on Thursday, Cheslog did not acknowledge any wrongdoing. He said he was stepping down to prevent any personal misconduct allegations from creating a distraction with the party at a critical moment in national and state politics. I am confident of the results that would be forthcoming in a fair, fact-based exploration of this matter, he said. Since the report, Cheslog has been fired from his job at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that helps families navigate media and technology. He also has stepped down from his position on the Acalanes Union High School District Board of Trustees. The conduct represented a serious violation of both company policy and the way in which our employees are expected to conduct themselves in the community at large, Common Sense spokeswoman Corbie Kiernan said in a statement. We immediately suspended Mr. Cheslog and conducted an investigation. As a result of the investigation, Mr. Cheslogs employment with Common Sense was terminated. 4:05 p.m.: This post was updated with Cheslogs resignation from the school board. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Bob Hertzberg will cooperate with investigation into unwanted hugs By Patrick McGreevy State Sen. Bob Hertzberg works at his Senate Chambers desk. He faces an investigation into unwanted hugging (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) said Thursday he will cooperate with a state investigation into complaints from a former legislator that she was uncomfortable with his repeated hugs after she asked him not to touch her. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon said Thursday that a team of outside attorneys will investigate a complaint by former Assemblywoman Linda Halderman that Hertzberg has made her uncomfortable with hugs that were too close and lasted too long. Hertzberg, well-known for hugging other lawmakers, said he supports having any allegations investigated by the two outside law firms. I just learned of the investigation, and will fully cooperate, he said. The use of an independent third party investigator is essential to improving transparency and trust in the system. Halderman said Thursday she was encouraged that her concerns will be investigated, but said it was disturbing that attorneys for one of the law firms selected, Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, contributed more than $90,000 in campaign funds to sitting legislators including Hertzberg. Halderman, a surgeon, served in the state Assembly from 2010 through 2012 and said Hertzberg hugged her multiple times even after she asked him to stop because she was uncomfortable. The last incident occurred in a hallway of the Capitol, she claimed. I told him I dont care to be hugged. Dont touch me, Halderman recalled. He then grabbed me and pinned my arms to my side and used his hands to press my lower back into his groin and he essentially pinned me so I couldnt push off of him to get away the way I ended previous hugs. It was certainly so over the line, she added. Halderman said a current female senator and assemblywoman also have complained about inappropriate hugs from Hertzberg. However, Sen. Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) defended Hertzberg, saying she has known him for many years and he has always acted as a gentleman. I have never felt uncomfortable with him, and have always felt his hugs were a display of affection - which I appreciate, she said. I consider him a dear friend. Updated at 5:30 pm to include comment from Sen. Galgiani. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rep. Maxine Waters asks Justice Department to investigate fake letter tweeted by Republican opponent By Sarah D. Wire (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Rep. Maxine Waters is asking the Justice Department to look into a fake letter posted to Twitter by her Republican challenger that falsely indicated the congresswoman wants to resettle tens of thousand of refugees in her Los Angeles district. The GOP candidate, Omar Navarro, posted the letter on what looks like official House of Representatives letterhead to Twitter on Monday. The letter, which purports to be from the congresswoman, says the congresswoman wants to bring refugees to her congressional district after the 2018 election and perhaps even once I have secured the Speaker of the House position. Navarro accompanied the tweeted letter with a message: According to this document, Maxine Waters wants more terrorists, like the one who bombed NYC, in Californias 43rd District. As Congressman of CAs 43rd District, I will oppose such policies. Its been retweeted more than 680 times. But the letter is a forgery and a fake, her chief of staff, Twaun Samuel, said in a news release. The letter, dated June of this year, also contains several inaccuracies. It references multiple committees and subcommittees Waters does not serve on, and lists an address for a district office that has been closed for nearly a decade. Waters filed a complaint about the tweeted letter with the House general counsel, who forwarded the complaint to the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California and the fraud section of the Criminal Division for the United States Department of Justice. The complaint states that Waters has not communicated with the letters purported addressee Teri Williams, who is president and chief operating officer of the Los Angeles-based OneUnited Bank, about any refugee resettlement program. Impersonating a federal official and misusing a federal seal are federal crimes. Navarro, who is backed by big name far-right conservatives, said Thursday that the letter was sent to his campaign through Facebook by a person he didnt know. He said neither the Justice Department or Waters staff has asked him about the letter. I dont know if its real or not, so I put it out there, Navarro said, adding that he believed his followers would help him determine if it is real. It doesnt say that I know. Its according to this document what, am I supposed to send it to her and get an email back from Maxine? According to this document, Maxine Waters wants more terrorists, like the one who bombed NYC, in Californias 43rd District. As Congressman of CAs 43rd District, I will oppose such policies. #VoteNavarro2018https://t.co/vO8YUsyPp3 pic.twitter.com/k7ef0H20if Omar Navarro (@RealOmarNavarro) December 11, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Tony Mendoza refuses to take a leave of absence amid harassment probe By Patrick McGreevy Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), left, talks earlier this year about a pending bill with Sen. Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado Hills). (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Defying pressure from legislative leadership, state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) refused Thursday to take a leave of absence until an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him is concluded early next year. Mendoza has denied allegations by former employees that he treated three female aides inappropriately, inviting them to hotel stays and asking one to visit his home to work on her resume. I am very disappointed that certain Senate Rules Committee members are apparently asking me to take a leave of absence or resign before any investigation has even begun and without giving me an opportunity to defend myself, Mendoza said in a statement. This is contrary to the very concept of due process, which is a pillar of our American system of fairness and judicial prudence. These actions bypass any process in a rush to judgment. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) earlier Thursday called on Mendoza to take a leave of absence. Mendoza had previously been stripped of his leadership positions, including chairmanship of the Senates committee on banking and insurance. Mendoza questioned statements urging him to step down, saying they leave him concerned about the fairness of the investigation. He also said he has been disappointed that he has been told he cannot publicly address allegations. I was not appointed to the position I hold, but was elected by the voters in my district, he said. I am grateful to the voters in my district and thank them for their trust and their continued support. The Senate owes them an opportunity to hear the truth. I assure them that I will vigorously defend myself to clear my name. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State Senate leader asks Sen. Tony Mendoza to take leave of absence amid sexual harassment investigation By Patrick McGreevy (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State Senate leader Kevin de Leon said Thursday he has strongly suggested that Sen. Tony Mendoza take a leave of absence until the completion of an investigation by outside attorneys into allegations that Mendoza sexually harassed three former aides. Given the severity of the allegations against Senator Mendoza I do not believe he can perform the duties in Sacramento right now while the investigation is being conducted, De Leon told a packed news conference in his Capitol office. I believe Its the right thing to do, its the fair thing to do, to take a leave, he said. The Senate leader also said the outside attorneys have been asked to investigate complaints by former Assemblywoman Linda Halderman that Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) inappropriately hugged her on multiple occasions in a way that made her uncomfortable, even after she asked him to stop. De Leon also announced the hiring of two law firms to handle the Mendoza and Hertzberg investigations, and all future probes of harassment and abuse involving Senate employees. Mendoza, a Democrat from Artesia, did not immediately respond to the request to step aside. De Leon, a Democrat from Los Angeles who had been Mendozas roommate before the allegations were made public, said he made the suggestion to Mendoza in a meeting Thursday morning. If Mendoza refuses to take a leave, the Senate has the power to suspend him without pay, but De Leon said that is not currently under discussion. There is an effort underway to force his expulsion in January when the Legislature returns to Sacramento. Former Mendoza employees have claimed that he gave inappropriate attention to a female fellow and intern, inviting one to his home and hotel and giving the other alcohol in a hotel even though she was underage. Another former female aide told the Sacramento Bee that Mendoza invited her to one-on-one dinners and a weekend at Pebble Beach. Mendoza has denied the allegations. The Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher and Van Dermyden Maddux law firms have been retained for two years, according to Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), who participated in their selection. Have you experienced sexual harassment in government or politics? Tell us your story In addition, the state is contracting with Weave, a Sacramento crisis-intervention organization for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, to provide counseling and to establish a hotline for Senate employees who are victims of sexual assault. The hotline number is 1-800-729-1443. America is finally reckoning with entrenched inequities in our personal and professional relationships and in workplaces of every type, De Leon said. Nowhere is this reckoning more important than in the halls of power our political institutions. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Watch live: California Senate leader addresses sexual misconduct at state Capitol Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California state senator pledges to bring back net neutrality rules just as FCC votes to repeal them By Jazmine Ulloa Demonstrators rally in support of net neutrality outside a Verizon store in New York on Dec. 7. (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press) Moments after the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to roll back net neutrality regulations, a state senator pledged to introduce legislation that would preserve open internet protections for consumers in California. Net neutrality is essential to our 21st century democracy, and we need to be sure that people can access websites and information freely and fairly, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said in a statement. If the FCC is going to destroy net neutrality and create a system that favors certain websites just because they can pay more money, California must step in and ensure open internet access. The announcement of the proposal came shortly after the FCC voted to repeal net neutrality in an expected 3-2 party-line vote, with Republicans calling for an end to the utility-like oversight of internet service providers. The Obama-era rules put in February 2015 barred broadband and wireless companies, such at AT&T Inc., Charter Communications Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. from selling faster delivery of certain data, slowing speeds for certain video streams and other content, and discriminating against legal material online. Before the vote, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai argued loosening the regulations would allow the online economy to flourish. FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, one of the the two Democrats on the commission, said the rollback would inhibit the openness that has made the U.S. internet the envy of the world. Supporters of net neutrality are expected to file suit to try to halt the repeal plan. Weiners attempt to institute net neutrality rules in California could have challenges. The FCC order states that allowing state and local governments to adopt their own separate requirements, which could impose a heavier burden on companies, could disrupt the balance between state and federal regulations. The preemption of state and local net neutrality measures is something that could be challenged in court. Amid such legal battles state legislation could face heavy lobbying efforts from internet providers arguing against uneven regulations. A bill by Assemblyman Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park) was shelved last legislative session over similar disputes. It would have enshrined in state law other FCC regulations that were rolled back this year by President Trump and Congress. The Internet privacy rules limited what broadband providers can do with their customers data. The bills defeat capped a behind-the-scenes battle that pitted telecom companies against state internet service providers and brought other bills to a halt in the state Senate as negotiations unfolded over legislation that would have had national significance. UPDATES 7:57 a.m.: This post was updated with additional information about the potential legal case. LA Times reporter Jim Puzzanghera contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. County sheriffs office failed to follow policy for issuing concealed weapon permits, audit says By Patrick McGreevy Handguns are displayed at the Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas in 2016. ( (John Locher / Associated Press)) The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department has repeatedly failed to follow its own rules for issuing concealed weapon permits, the state auditor concluded in a report released Thursday. L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell disputed some of the key findings of the audit, saying state officials misinterpreted the policy. The department policy requires applicants to provide convincing evidence of a clear and present danger to life or of great bodily harm to get a license, but the audit found the department issued 24 licenses during the last few years without sufficient evidence. Most of the 197 active licenses in L.A. County as of August went to current or former law enforcement officers, judges and prosecutors, the audit found. The lieutenant in charge of reviewing applications told auditors that people in law enforcement satisfy the departments requirements by the nature of their jobs. However, making that decision based solely on the applicants profession both directly contradicts Los Angeless written policy which specifically states that no position or job classification in itself shall constitute good cause for issuance and has led the department to treat applicants inequitably based on their occupations, the audit says. McDonnell said the audit identified some legitimate issues, and the department has added a checklist to the application process in order to show requirements have been met. But he disagreed on the reports sweeping conclusion that the department consistently failed to follow its own policies. The LASD policy simply requires that the applicant provide convincing evidence that his or her life or physical safety is threatened, the sheriff said. He said the policy does not require additional documentation of that evidence if sufficient information is provided in the application. Auditors also concluded that Sacramento County issued some licenses without proper documentation and that San Diego Countys renewal process led it to inappropriately renew some licenses. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Anti-Issa effort discloses donors: Leo DiCaprio, Jane Fonda, Ted Danson and more By Joshua Stewart A political group that has brought professional political organizers into the campaign against Rep. Darrell Issa has received its most significant contributions to date from actress Jane Fonda and other celebrities. Fonda gave $100,000 to Flip the 49th! Neighbors in Action, which recently registered as a political committee to get Issa, R-Vista, out of office. Comedian Bill Maher gave $15,000 to the group, a rebuke of a politician who has twice appeared on his talk show. Former California Sen. Barbara Boxer gave $2,500, as did Academy Award recipient Leonardo DiCaprio. Actor Ted Danson gave $1,500. Flip the 49th gave the The San Diego Union-Tribune a list of donors more than a month before its required to disclose them to the Federal Election Commission. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Senate GOP leader: Release Capitol whistleblowers from non-disclosure agreements By Melanie Mason State Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) (Mark Boster) California Senate Republican leader Patricia Bates is wading into the sexual harassment debate that has swept up the Capitol and is calling on her Democratic colleagues to allow whistleblowers to speak out by releasing them from non-disclosure agreements. Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) wrote in a letter to the Democratic legislative leaders Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) that Senate Republicans are calling for the Legislature to allow victims or witnesses who may have signed such agreements to share their experiences publicly. This release from NDAs would empower victims of sexual harassment, create a new atmosphere for resolving sexual harassment or discrimination concerns, increase public awareness and transparency, and ensure that both the Senate and the Assembly fulfill their obligations to the public and their employees for providing a safe and welcoming workplace environment, Bates wrote in the letter, dated Dec. 12. The Republican senator also laid out suggestions to improve the Legislatures handling of sexual harassment complaints, such as jointly convening both houses rules committees which act as the chambers human resources departments to have a comprehensive, bicameral and bipartisan review. Bates wrote that the Joint Rules Committee should consider the assigning of an outside entity for assuming responsibility for all issues regarding sexual harassment. She said the California Highway Patrol or an inspector general could serve that function. Bates is currently serving on a panel designated by the Senate Rules Committee to select an outside law firm to investigate sexual harassment complaints. De Leon, in a statement, said he agreed with Bates that sexual harassment is a bipartisan, bicameral problem that requires bipartisan, bicameral solutions. Many of these recommendations we are already pursuing and evaluating in some form and we look forward to working in collaboration with Senator Bates as we did with the independent selection panel on additional reforms in the weeks to come, De Leon said. With regard to non-disclosure agreements, De Leon spokesman Jonathan Underland said the Senate is discussing with attorneys and anti-harassment experts about what options are available without violating the privacy rights of past victims. John Casey, a spokesman for Rendon, said the Assembly does not ask for NDAs in settlement agreements. The Speaker agrees with both the Legislative Womens Caucus and the Rules Committee chair that any sexual harassment policy should be both bicameral and bipartisan, Casey said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California plans to send out licenses for pot sales this month but they wont be effective until Jan. 1 By Patrick McGreevy Patrons shop at Bud and Bloom, a Santa Ana marijuana dispensary, last year. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) California officials said Wednesday they plan to use email before the new year to send out some licenses to sell marijuana to speed up the transition to a regulated market. The licenses will not go into effect until Jan. 1. Proposition 64, which legalized the sale of marijuana for recreational use, required the state to begin issuing licenses by Jan. 1. Because that date is a state holiday, the bureau originally planned to begin sending them out on Jan. 2. That has changed. Much of the date discussion Jan. 1 versus Jan. 2 was based on whether or not wed be able to be open on a state holiday, said Alex Traverso, a bureau spokesman. The solution to that issue was to issue licenses with an effective date of Jan. 1 since licenses will be issued electronically. That eliminates the need to have the office open on Jan. 1. He said that, as of Wednesday, the bureau has not yet sent out any emails with licenses approved to begin operating Jan. 1. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias budget director makes last ditch effort to urge GOP members to vote against tax plan By Sarah D. Wire House Republicans hold a news conference after the House passed the GOP tax bill. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) As closed-door negotiations over the final tax bill come to an end, the head of the California Department of Finance is making a last-ditch effort to convince Republicans in the states congressional delegation to vote against the plan. In a letter to the entire delegation Wednesday, Finance Department Director Michael Cohen detailed 10 issues in the current tax proposals about which the state is worried. Some of Cohens concerns may be addressed in the deal that House and Senate leaders said they reached Wednesday morning. Details of the agreement are not yet public. Cohens concerns range from potentially billions less in federal funding available to California to offset the $1.4 trillion the plan is expected to add to the federal deficit, to the environmental effect of ending green energy tax credits. Californias 39 Democratic representatives are expected to oppose the final tax bill, which could come before both chambers of Congress by early next week. Three California Republicans Reps. Darrell Issa of Vista, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Tom McClintock of Elk Grove voted against the original House version, and several other California Republicans have indicated they might be willing to vote against the final plan. Cohen specifically pointed to issues that have been raised by the uncertain House members, including the proposal to lower the cap on the mortgage interest deduction, the plan to limit state and local tax deductions and the elimination of a deduction for uninsured personal property damaged in natural disasters such as fires. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California lawmakers have fought sexual misconduct on military bases, farms and college campuses. Will they police their own house? By Jazmine Ulloa Over the past decade, California lawmakers have worked to help curb sexual violence in the workplace and other spheres of public life. They have pushed college campuses to keep better track of incident reports, created whistleblower protections for military officers who file claims and established sexual harassment training for farmworkers and janitors. Now, as more than 140 women have come forward in an open letter to denounce a pervasive culture of sexual harassment in the California Legislature, activists and employment lawyers say lawmakers have not held colleagues and staffers to the same standards demanded of those in other fields. Members [of the state Assembly and Senate] are quick at pointing the finger at other folks, said Fiona Ma, a former Democratic assemblywoman from San Francisco who is now running for state treasurer. But they dont want to look inside and fix their own house, air their own dark, dirty laundry. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias cap-and-trade climate program could generate more than $8 billion by 2027, report says By John Myers Gov. Jerry Brown signs an extension of Californias cap-and-trade program in July. (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) Although Californias cap-and-trade program was designed to combat climate change, a new analysis predicts it could also provide significant cash as much as $8 billion in a decades time for state and regional programs. The report issued Tuesday by the independent Legislative Analysts Office projects a wide range of revenue generated by the sale of permits for companies to emit greenhouse gases beyond a state-ordered emissions cap. The most recent auction of those emission permits brought in more than $800 million. The analysis warns that annual cap-and-trade revenue beyond 2020 is highly uncertain, and offers a possible range from $2 billion in 2018 to almost $7 billion in 2030 the final year of the program under legislation Gov. Jerry Brown signed in July. The estimate of $8.3 billion in 2027 is the high-water mark for any year in the report. Researchers cite a number of factors that make a specific prediction impossible, including future technology that allows industries to cut greenhouse gas emissions easily and thus pass on purchasing emission allowances. While it is clear that there will be additional revenues to the state beyond 2020, the amount that will be generated annually is highly uncertain, the report reads. Money collected from the sale of pollution permits is required to be spent on programs combating climate change. A portion of the money also is earmarked for the states high-speed rail program. The report urges lawmakers to provide oversight for future decisions made by the California Air Resources Board, the agency that has taken the lead on climate change efforts. In particular, the analysts warn that allowing businesses to stockpile too many permits ones bought at current low prices could lead to excessive greenhouse gas emissions in future years, potentially even causing the state to miss its annual benchmark as soon as 2024. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Vice President Pence meets with California lawmakers about massive fires By Sarah D. Wire Briefed bipartisan group of California reps on the fed response to #CAwildfires. @POTUS approved an emergency declaration last Friday & @forestservice is providing air & ground assets including 1,000 personnel. Together, we will help the people of CA restore, rebuild & recover. pic.twitter.com/zn7QdbCZOQ Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) December 12, 2017 A handful of California representatives discussed the federal response to their states wildfires Tuesday with Vice President Mike Pence. Attending the West Wing meeting were House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and Reps. Ken Calvert (R-Corona), Darrell Issa (R-Vista), Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village), Steve Knight (R-Palmdale) and Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara). It was a very bipartisan-spirited meeting. He clearly understood the significance of the fires and the impacts, Brownley said after the meeting. She said Pence offered federal assistance and recognized that recovery was going to be very important and that we want to work together to make sure that we can get the resources needed. President Trump signed an emergency declaration for the Southern California fires last week. Pence visited California this fall to view fire damage in Northern California. He stayed engaged and specifically wanted to make sure that FEMA and the other organizations were continuing to meet or exceed all expectations, Issa said after the meeting. We mostly thanked him for the fact that hes taken a personal interest and his team has been at the heart of the domestic coordination. There was no discussion about reinstating a federal tax deduction for uninsured damage repairs that would end up in the House and Senate tax bills, Brownley said. If you cant deduct uninsured property loss, its devastating. It would be devastating, Brownley said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement We must talk about the health aspects of climate change, Schwarzenegger says in Paris By Kim Willsher (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) He showed up at Paris City Hall on Monday on a green bicycle and wearing a green tie to talk climate change with the mayor. But Arnold Schwarzenegger almost didnt make the trip from Los Angeles. One of the wildfires scorching Southern California was threatening his home. Luckily we have extraordinary firefighters, he told a group of officials and journalists. The actor and former governor of California was speaking in Paris as the founder of R20, a nonprofit based in Geneva that aims to help regional, state and local governments reduce their carbon emissions by developing clean energy sources. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A special recall election for state Sen. Josh Newman would cost a lot more than waiting for the June primary, state says By Patrick McGreevy State Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) faces a recall campaign (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) State finance officials said Monday it would cost about $2.67 million for a special election on the recall of state Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), but only $931,000 to put his potential recall on the regular June primary ballot, which will also feature races for governor an A proposed balanced budget amendment failed in the House on Thursday when fewer than two-thirds of members voted to approve it, as nearly everyone in the Capitol expected. But for the members who stepped to the microphones during hours of debate, it was nothing but a win. For Republicans, it was a chance to be seen supporting fiscal austerity and condemning deficit spending, just months after passing a tax cut bill that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said will add $1.9 trillion to the deficit. The latest from Washington Advertisement The reason we have a big deficit is not due to a lack of tax revenue; its due to the fact that Congress spends too much money, said Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin. This proposed constitutional amendment will give us the discipline that we have not had. Sensenbrenner cited his young grandchild. Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas quoted Thomas Jefferson. Multiple members spoke about families balancing their checkbooks on kitchen tables, and businesses aligning their income and outflow. Its not fair and it is not right when career politicians spend every single nickel they collect from you in taxes and borrow what they want to spend more, railed Rep. Bruce Poliquin of Maine. Every big spending bill in this town is loaded with pork. Republicans did not talk about where the cuts would come were an amendment to be approved: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Democrats talked of little else, and cast the amendment vote as rank hypocrisy after the passage of the tax cuts. Lets call this balanced budget amendment what it is: A stunt to give Republicans political cover, said Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky. Surely its intended to save Republicans rear ends. Rep. John Delaney of Maryland called it the measure a doomsday machine. Im from Brooklyn, said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. I know a hustle when I see one. Advertisement For more on politics from Cathleen Decker Democrats regaled Republicans with quotes from within their own ranks, such as a tweet by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky: Audacity (n): voting on a Constitutional balanced budget amendment only 4 legislative days after ramming through massive deficit spending, because you believe this stunt will convince constituents that you care about balancing the budget. The balanced budget amendment has been sought like the Holy Grail by fiscal conservatives for generations; as Smith noted, Thomas Jefferson complained about debt. More recently, Ronald Reagan demanded one and Newt Gingrich added it to his Contract with America a dozen years later. (Reagan was quoted from the floor Thursday; Gingrich was not.) Advertisement But opponents, including a raft of economists, have fought against an amendment not only because of the cuts it would require but because it would be inflexible in times of war or national crisis. For decades, efforts to pass the amendment have been thwarted by the need to reach the two-thirds threshold demanded for a change in the Constitution. So it was Thursday, when the vote was 233 to 184. Only six Republicans voted against it and only seven Democrats voted for it precisely as members predicted. But each side got something it wanted: a chance to criticize the other. Advertisement cathleen.decker@latimes.com Twitter: @cathleendecker Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Live: White House holds surprise news briefing amid government shutdown Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause. #Georgia Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush. The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump as recently as Tuesday continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops You really are our heroes, he said as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see. James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes he last won reelection by a 14-point margin suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election again, in blowout fashion but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10. Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters... Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children the older ones are 5 and 2 about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican she the race felt m The move will leave Lighthizer's two NAFTA counterparts, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, to meet without him in Lima. The three had been expected to discuss the progress of talks to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement at the end of a high-level negotiating round in Washington this week. USTR spokeswoman Emily Davis said that Lighthizer will send Deputy USTR C.J. Mahoney to Lima in his place "due to a change in Ambassador Lighthizers schedule." US Vice President Mike Pence, who is going in place of Trump, will meet separately with four leaders of major economies in the region Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Peru, according to White House officials. * Separately, the third Business Summit of the Americas was inaugurated on April 12 in Lima, Peru. This business summit has gathered over 1,200 businessmen from across the continent and will conclude on April 13. It will provide recommendations to the heads of state and government participating in the Summit of the Americas to be held in Lima on April 13-14. An internal watchdog report concluded that Andrew McCabe, the fired FBI deputy director, repeatedly made misleading statements, including some to former FBI Director James B. Comey, about his efforts to influence a news story involving Hillary Clinton. The report says McCabe either told Comey or led him to believe that he didnt know who talked to a reporter for the Wall Street Journal who was preparing an article on friction between the FBI and Justice Department over an investigation into the Clinton Foundation. That was one of four times that McCabe lacked candor in talking about the story, the report said. And the inspector general concluded that McCabe, who has said he was only trying to defend the reputation of the FBI, was really trying to advance his own interests at the expense of department leadership. The report, part of an inspector general examination of the FBIs handling of the Clinton investigations during the 2016 campaign, was sent to Congress on Friday in the middle of a rush of media coverage of Comeys book detailing his actions during the investigation and conflicts with President Trump. Advertisement The reports findings were cited by Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions last month when he made the decision to fire McCabe, just before his planned retirement. The late-night firing came after a long campaign of angry public pressure from Trump, part of his continuing attacks on the FBI and Justice Department. Trumps rage about McCabe and Comey continued unabated Friday, as he used the report to once again try to discredit the investigation into his campaigns dealings with Russians. He LIED! LIED! LIED! Trump tweeted about McCabe after the reports release. Apparently ignoring the finding that McCabe misled Comey, Trump said McCabe was totally controlled by Comey McCabe is Comey! No collusion, all made up by this den of thieves and lowlifes, the president said. A lawyer for McCabe, Michael R. Bromwich, blamed his clients misleading statements on misunderstanding, miscommunication, and honest failures of recollection based on the swirl of events around him, statements which he subsequently corrected. He said the allegations were too thin to support firing McCabe, and he criticized Sessions for submitting to pressure in his rush to terminate McCabe. Bromwich also said that McCabe has hired additional lawyers, including the firm of David Boies, the noted litigator, and is considering suing Trump and other officials for wrongful termination, defamation, constitutional violations and more. Advertisement The inspector generals report said that McCabe authorized senior FBI officials to speak to a Wall Street Journal reporter. The reporter had heard complaints that McCabe was trying to put limits on an FBI investigation into conflicts at the Clinton Foundation. The bureau officials pushed back with another version of events, in which McCabe resisted pressure from a Justice Department official who was unhappy with the continuing pursuit of the Clinton family charity. Comey said he told McCabe he was upset about the story, which he thought improperly confirmed the investigation and was likely to increase friction between the Justice Department and FBI. I had a strong impression he conveyed to me, It wasnt me boss, Comey told the internal investigators. And I dont think that was by saying those words, I think it was most likely by saying, I dont know how this gets in the media or why would people talk about this thing. And I actually didnt suspect Andy. The report says McCabe twice told investigators that he didnt know anything about how the information got out. When he acknowledged that he had authorized the leak, he made more misleading statements by saying that he had told Comey about it, the report found. Advertisement Bromwich criticized the inspector general investigation for leaning too much on the admittedly vague and uncertain recollections of Comey about what McCabe told him. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the report makes it clear that Sessions made the right decision in firing McCabe. But Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the rush to fire McCabe casts a tremendous shadow over the integrity of the process. The pattern by the White House to intimidate and malign law enforcement professionals and potential witnesses in special counsel Muellers investigation grows more and more troubling, she said. Advertisement joseph.tanfani@latimes.com Twitter: @jtanfani Speaker Paul D. Ryans endorsement Friday of Rep. Kevin McCarthy as his successor vastly increases chances that the Bakersfield congressman will lead House Republicans come November, but it may not seal the deal. We all think that Kevin is the right person to become speaker, Ryan (R-Wis.) told NBCs Meet the Press anchor Chuck Todd in a segment that airs Sunday but was made public Friday. I think Kevins the right guy to step up. Ryans abrupt retirement announcement Wednesday threw the fractious House Republican conference into uncertainty, especially with news that he intends to hold on to the gavel until after the November election. Initially Ryan said he wouldnt talk about endorsing someone until then. Advertisement Anointing a successor now could be an attempt to tamp down calls from some House Republicans who say Ryan should give up the speakership in the coming weeks and let his replacement take the reins early, rather than muddle through a distracting seven-month race to replace him. Many Republicans see maintaining control of the House as their biggest concern, a goal that could be more difficult amid an intraparty fight. Some also questioned whether Ryan would be able to sustain his massive fundraising efforts as a lame duck speaker. Ryan forcefully rejected such concerns as coming from a small group and not the vast majority of the Republican caucus. As House majority leader, McCarthy is the second-ranking Republican official in the House, making him a logical replacement for Ryan. Still, Ryans endorsement doesnt mean that the race to replace him is close to over. McCarthy and his chief rival for the speakership, Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), have been quietly shoring up support for months. Although Ryan asserted on Meet the Press that Scalise agrees McCarthy is the best choice to be the next speaker, Scalise hasnt pulled his name from consideration. He told reporters earlier this week that its too soon to endorse McCarthy. His office declined to comment Friday on Ryans endorsement. Scalise, a six-term Republican, has shown no compunction about leapfrogging over senior members in the past as he quickly rose to a leadership role in the House. On Thursday, he noted that he had raised $3 million to help colleagues with reelection so far this year, a record for the House whip. But he also has indicated he would not challenge McCarthy. Ive never run against Kevin and wouldnt run against Kevin, Scalise said Thursday on Fox News. Advertisement Prominent House conservative Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio said Friday that he also is considering a speakers bid. Jordan co-founded the House Freedom Caucus, and his entry into the race would further scramble the coalitions that McCarthy and Scalise have been building. McCarthys spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment Friday. McCarthy rose quickly through the ranks after winning his first election in 2006 and became majority leader in 2014. He initially sought the speakership in 2015 when then-Speaker John A. Boehner resigned. Rumblings from the conservative Freedom Caucus that he wasnt conservative enough led McCarthy to withdraw his bid hours before his Republican colleagues were set to cast a vote. That prompted Ryan to reluctantly take the job. Advertisement In the three years since, McCarthy has worked to shore up support for a job he has long coveted, doing favors and campaign fundraisers for colleagues across the country, including for some of the same conservatives who kept him from becoming speaker in 2015. McCarthy is one of the most prolific fundraisers for the national Republican Party and GOP candidates raising $8.75 million so far this year. He often returns to California to raise money and build relationships with various power centers, but his home base at the southern end of the Central Valley is far from the heavyweight political centers of San Francisco and Los Angeles. If he becomes speaker, one of the most powerful Republicans in the country would hail from a state where Republicans hold little to no political power. President Trumps thumb on the scale could play a big role in determining who will lead the House Republican conference after November. Many House Republicans will turn to the head of their party for an indication of what he will do, and Trump could end the speculation now if he endorsed a candidate, but its unclear that will happen anytime soon. Advertisement McCarthy has worked to cultivate a positive relationship with Trump, who initially crowed when McCarthy dropped out of the speakers race in 2015. But since Trumps election, the president has taken to publicly referring to McCarthy as my Kevin and contacts him frequently. Trump also speaks highly of Scalise, particularly since last summers shooting during a congressional baseball practice in which Scalise was gravely wounded. It remains unclear whom the president would choose to support. Trump and McCarthy have a great relationship, but the president is not making an endorsement right now, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Friday. The scrambled shadow speakers race could be moot if Democratic momentum holds and Republicans lose control of the House in November. Advertisement That result would probably put the gavel back in the hands of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and leave McCarthy and other GOP candidates fighting over the less attractive minority leaders position. If McCarthy and Pelosi do end up holding the top House leadership spots for their respective parties next year, it would be the first time in history that the House speaker and House minority leader represented the same state. The latest from Washington More stories from Sarah D. Wire Advertisement Times staff writer Cathleen Decker in Washington contributed to this report. sarah.wire@latimes.com Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter Read more about the 55 members of Californias delegation Advertisement UPDATES: 3:10 p.m.: This article was updated with more background. 1:45 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from Ryan and analysis. This article was originally published at 12:30 p.m. President Donald Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen sometimes taped conversations with associates, according to three people familiar with his practice, and allies of the president are worried that the recordings were seized by federal investigators in a raid of Cohens office and residences this week. Cohen, who served for a decade as a lawyer at the Trump Organization and is a close confidant of Trump, was known to store the conversations using digital files and then replay them for colleagues, according to people who have interacted with him. We heard he had some proclivity to make tapes, said one Trump advisor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation. Now we are wondering, who did he tape? Did he store those someplace where they were actually seized? ... Did they find his recordings? Cohen did not respond to requests for comment. Stephen Ryan, an attorney for Cohen, declined to comment. A White House spokeswoman referred a request for comment to Cohen and his lawyer. Advertisement On Monday, FBI agents seized Cohens computers and phones as they executed a search warrant that sought, among other records, all communications between the lawyer and Trump and campaign aides about potential sources of negative publicity in the lead-up to the 2016 election, the Washington Post reported. Investigators were also looking for any records related to adult-film star Stormy Daniels and ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal, who both received payments after alleged affairs with Trump. It is unknown whether Cohen taped conversations between himself and Trump. But two people familiar with Cohens practices said he recorded both business and political conversations. One associate said Trump knew of Cohens practice because the attorney would often play him recordings Cohen had made of his conversations with other top Trump advisors. It was his standard practice to do it, this person said. Legal experts said Cohens taped conversations would be viewed by prosecutors as highly valuable. If you are looking for evidence, you cant do any better than people talking on tape, said Nick Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor. Such recordings would be considered a gold mine, said Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University who specializes in legal ethics. The significance is 9.5 to 10 on a 10-point scale, he added, noting that investigators know that when people speak on the phone, they are not guarded. They dont imagine that the conversation will surface. Advertisement Federal investigators would not automatically get access to any tapes that might have been seized in the raids. First, the recordings would be reviewed by a separate Justice Department team and possibly by a federal judge. The review is designed to protect lawyer-client privilege and to be sure that the conversations turned over are within the terms of the search warrant, legal experts said. They noted that the privilege accorded to attorney-client communications does not apply if the conversation was conducted to further commission of a crime or fraud. Cohen wanted his business calls on tape so he could use them later as leverage, one person said. He frequently noted that under New York law, only one party had to consent to the taping of a conversation, this person added. During the 2016 race, Cohen who did not have a formal role on the campaign had a reputation among campaign staff as someone to avoid, in part because he was believed to be secretly taping conversations. Advertisement In one instance, Cohen played a recording of a conversation he had with someone else to a Trump campaign official to demonstrate that he was in a position to challenge that persons veracity if necessary, an associate recalled. Cohen indicated that he had something to use against the person he had taped, the associate said. One outside Trump advisor said Cohen may have begun recording his conversations in an attempt to emulate his boss, who has long boasted often with no evidence about secretly taping private conversations. In May, for instance, a report appeared in the New York Times detailing fired FBI Director James Comeys account of a one-on-one dinner he had with the president, during which he said Trump asked him to pledge his loyalty to the president and Comey declined. Shortly after, Trump took to Twitter to cast doubt on Comeys version of events, seeming to imply that he had secretly recorded their encounter. Advertisement James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press! Trump wrote. At the time, it was unclear whether Trump truly possessed tapes of his conversation with Comey or was simply trying to intimidate the former FBI director. And ultimately, just over a month later, Trump cleared up the mystery by admitting in a duo of tweets that he had not recorded Comey. With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are tapes or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings, he wrote. Tim OBrien, a Trump biographer and executive editor of Bloomberg View, wrote a column in the wake of Trumps taping claim saying that Comey likely had little reason to worry. In the piece, OBrien recounted that Trump frequently made a similar boast to him. Advertisement Back in the early 2000s, Trump used to tell me all the time that he was recording me when I covered him as reporter for the New York Times, OBrien wrote. He also said the same thing when I was writing a biography of him, Trump Nation. I never thought he was, but who could be sure? But after Trump sued him for libel shortly after his biography came out, OBriens lawyers deposed Trump in December 2007 during which Trump admitted he had not, in fact, clandestinely taped OBrien. Im not equipped to tape-record, Trump said in the deposition. I may have said it once or twice to him just to on the telephone, because everything I said to him hed write incorrectly; so just to try and keep it honest. All of President Trumps most vexing legal problems seemed to converge in a federal courtroom in Manhattan on Friday. His longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, was fighting prosecutors attempts to sift through records which could include communications with the president himself seized during court-authorized raids earlier in the week. The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan revealed in a court filing that Cohen faces a months-long investigation into criminal conduct that largely centers on his personal business dealings. Prosecutors also disclosed that previous search warrants have allowed them to secretly examine Cohens emails. The case appears related to hush money paid to women who claim they had sexual affairs with Trump years ago, arrangements that could be considered illegal campaign expenditures because the money was delivered shortly before the election. However, the raids were launched using evidence passed along by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is leading the investigation into Russian political interference in the 2016 presidential election. Advertisement As the investigations into Russian actions and the presidents sex scandal collided, Trump raged against a tell-all book by former FBI Director James B. Comey, labeling him an untruthful slime ball. In tweets that began early Friday, Trump described Comey, whom he fired in May, as a proven LEAKER & LIAR. It was my great honor to fire James Comey! he declared. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also blasted the former FBI director during a press briefing. Instead of being remembered as a dedicated servant in the pursuit of justice like so many of his other colleagues at the FBI, Comey will be forever known as a disgraced partisan hack, she said. The days events in court, however, seemed only to add evidence to parts of the picture that Comey painted of Trump. In his book, he described Trumps repeated demands for loyalty and said they gave him flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. All that, he wrote had contributed to the forest fire that is the Trump presidency. Fridays court hearing featured a bulging cast of characters who have contributed to the blaze, all of which centered on a longtime Trump aide and fixer who has given the president the absolute loyalty he demands. Advertisement In addition to prosecutors, there was the attorney representing the porn actress known as Stormy Daniels, Michael Avenatti. He was interested in whether any evidence collected in the raids involved his client. Daniels was paid $130,000 by Cohen weeks before the election to prevent her from sharing her story about sleeping with Trump. The president had his own attorney present as well, the newly hired Joanna Hendon, who said Trump has an acute interest in these proceedings. She asked the judge to delay a decision about how the seized materials could be handled until she had a chance to review the governments case. And there was the attorney for Cohen, whose allegiance to Trump now faces a stern test. The public version of the governments legal filing blacked out the specific charges Cohen is accused of, but noted that the investigation into his work has proceeded independent from Muellers case. The searches of Cohens office, home and hotel room were the result of a months-long investigation into alleged crimes that have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, the government said, adding that hes performing little to no legal work. Advertisement Cohen wants prosecutors to allow his lawyers to sift through the seized records to determine whether anything is the subject of attorney-client privilege. Prosecutors said the argument doesnt have any precedent or legal basis and would permit subjects or targets of an investigation, who have not yet been indicted, to delay government investigations into their criminal conduct. They proposed using a filter team, a standard practice in which a separate unit of government lawyers examine documents and determine what can appropriately be passed along to prosecutors preparing a case. In their partially redacted court filing, prosecutors questioned how much of Cohens correspondence would fall under attorney-client privilege. Partly thats because hes done little legal work, prosecutors said. Advertisement But, they noted, Trumps own words may have invited legal trouble as well. The president recently told reporters he was unaware of the $130,000 payment to Daniels. If so, Cohen might have trouble claiming he was acting on behalf of Trump as a client, meaning any communications involving the money may not be privileged, prosecutors suggested. As if those dramatics were not enough, Trumps allies have cranked up their criticisms of the Justice Department and, particularly, Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod J. Rosenstein, who supervises Mueller. Rosenstein, a Republican appointed by Trump, has been a frequent target of the presidents rage, which only increased this week when it became clear that he had approved the investigation of Cohen. Former U.S. attorney Joseph DiGenova, whom the president almost hired as one of his personal lawyers last month, sharply denounced Rosenstein earlier this week: Rod Rosenstein is so incompetent, compromised and conflicted that he can no longer serve as the deputy attorney general, DiGenova told Sean Hannity on Fox News on Wednesday. Advertisement President Trump, left, shakes hands with James Comey, then director of the FBI, at the White House on Jan. 22, 2017. (Andrew Harrer / TNS ) Rosenstein is also facing attacks from conservative House Republicans, who are demanding that the Department of Justice turn over sensitive documents related to the Russia investigation. If he is not going to do the job, he needs to go and find one that he will do, said Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), who leads the House Freedom Caucus. Some of that pressure may have been alleviated when Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), the chair of the House Intelligence Committee and a sharp critic of the Russia investigation, announced that the Justice Department had been given access to additional records. Advertisement One of the records was an electronic communication detailing the beginning of the counterintelligence probe into Russian meddling during the campaign. Nunes said the information will help with his committees ongoing investigation of the Department of Justice and FBI. Democrats have expressed growing alarm that Trump could oust Rosenstein as a way to exert more control over the Russia case. Let me be clear, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday. Firing Mr. Rosenstein would be as great an injury to our democracy as firing Mr. Mueller. Some Republican senators have warned against more firings, saying that Trump would merely deepen the political peril that began last spring, when he fired Comey. Advertisement The former FBI directors book isnt being released until Tuesday, but portions have already leaked and ABC News released a partial transcript of an interview with Comey, which is scheduled for broadcast on Sunday night. During the interview, Comey said Trump fixated on one accusation against him repeatedly asking that Comey find a way to prove that the president never had prostitutes urinate on a hotel bed in Moscow, an unverified allegation that was included in a dossier of allegations against Trump. Comey said he was stunned by the exchange with the president. I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I dont know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, he said. Its possible, but I dont know. Advertisement The New York Daily News contributed to this report. Michael Avenatti, left, attorney and spokesperson for adult film actress Stormy Daniels, arrives at federal court in Manhattan on Friday. (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press ) chris.megerian@latimes.com Twitter: @chrismegerian All week, Washington has seemed to hold its collective breath waiting for an angry President Trump to lash out. Robert S. Mueller III, Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein, Syrian President Bashar Assad: In tweets and comments to friends and aides, Trump repeated his desire to punch back against one or more of his perceived foes. Friday morning came with calm still prevailing, but more storms ahead a new book by former FBI Director James B. Comey, whom Trump denounced as an untruthful slime ball. Thanks for reading. Tell your friends to subscribe, heres how Advertisement INESCAPABLE SYRIA Two acts, thousands of miles apart and vastly different in content one lawless, the other just the opposite kindled Trumps anger. The first came in Syria, over the weekend, when government forces launched an attack against one of the last areas still held by rebel groups near the capital, Damascus. According to witnesses, the attack included the use of poison gas, Alexandra Zavis, Nabih Boulos and Tracy Wilkinson wrote. U.S. and French intelligence agencies now say they have proof. As images of children suffocating circulated on social media, Trump fired off an angry tweet, denouncing the Syrian president as animal Assad. The same president, only days earlier, had ordered his national security officials to get the U.S. out of Syria within six months, if not sooner. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), was one of many who said that Trumps words had emboldened Assad, an allegation the White House rejected. Whether stung by McCain or by the images of dying children, Trump vowed retaliation. This is about humanity and it cant be allowed to happen, Trump told reporters, vowing there would be a big price to pay and pledging a major decision within 24 to 48 hours. As is often the case, Trumps words ran well ahead of his administrations ability to make policy. The deadline came and went. Advertisement At the Pentagon, military planners prepared for a strike, but top generals worried about a key issue, David Cloud reported: Could the U.S. attack Syria without killing Russians? Russia has about 2,000 official troops in Syria slightly fewer than the U.S. does as well as numerous civilian contractors and unofficial mercenaries fighting on behalf of Assad, who is a Russian ally. Syrias air defenses are Russian made, and Russian contractors help maintain them. In early February, U.S. soldiers and their Kurdish allies attacked a group of Russian mercenary fighters who threatened a U.S.-held position in eastern Syria. Russia has publicly admitted that five of its citizens were killed, but U.S. officials say the toll was higher. On Wednesday, as Defense Secretary James N. Mattis tried to tamp down talk of imminent war, Trump fired off another tweet, threatening a barrage of nice and new and smart! missiles, Noah Bierman and Cloud wrote. Advertisement White House officials, meantime, tried to defend Trump against accusations that his earlier 24 to 48 hours remark had telegraphed the timing of a strike, something he repeatedly and harshly criticized President Obama for doing. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! Trump tweeted on Thursday. Setting aside the political score settling, Trump, with all his bluster, has run up against the precise problem that Obama faced when he, infamously, went back on his declaration that Syrian use of chemical weapons would cross a red line. The U.S. and its allies have the power to blow up Syrian air bases and destroy other valuable property, but the bigger the strike, the more the risk of provoking a wider conflict with Syrias allies, Russia and Iran. The only way to truly guarantee an end to chemical warfare attacks would be an invasion to overthrow Assad, something on the scale of the Iraq war, which neither president has wanted to contemplate. Advertisement As the world waits for the U.S. response, Trumps goal of an early exit from Syria seems more distant than ever. INESCAPABLE MUELLER? Distant, too, was Trumps goal of bringing a quick end to the investigation being led by Mueller, the special counsel who is examining Russias interference in the 2016 election and allegations that people close to Trump collaborated. On Monday, a new shoot of that investigation suddenly broke through the surface as FBI agents raided the office, home and hotel room of Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. Advertisement As Chris Megerian and Joe Tanfani wrote, the agents were not working directly for Mueller, but for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan. But that distinction meant little to Trump, who talked for the first time publicly about firing Mueller as he denounced the raid as an attack on our country, in a true sense. Its an attack on what we all stand for. One target of the agents search was evidence related to Cohens payments of hush money to women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump. Speaking of the women, Maura Dolan and Michael Finnegan took a close look at Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for Stormy Daniels. Its a great read. On Thursday, another long-hushed story became public, Michael Finnegan reported. A former doorman at Trump Tower said he had been paid $30,000 by the company that publishes the National Enquirer for a story, which it never published, alleging that Trump had fathered a child with one of his employees. Advertisement No one has offered evidence that the child exists, but the former doorman, Dino Sajudin, confirmed the payment. As Megerian and Tanfani wrote, Cohen has long served as Trumps fixer and would know many of the presidents most intimate secrets. The prospect that some of those secrets now sit in the files of prosecutors clearly enraged Trump, who denounced the raid repeatedly as part of a plot by his opponents, even though it had been signed off on by a federal magistrate and senior officials of the Justice Department, Trump appointees. Attorneyclient privilege is dead! he lamented in one tweet. Advertisement In fact, as David Savage wrote, the privilege has always had limits, the most notable of which is the so-called crime-fraud exception. In simplest terms, your communications with your lawyer arent privileged if youve hired the lawyer to help you carry out a crime. What might be the crime here? One possibility: If Cohens payments of hush money were aimed at helping Trump win the presidency, the money might be considered an illegal campaign contribution. A lawyers documents also arent privileged if the lawyer was acting on his own, not working for a client. That could be an issue in this case because Trump claims that Cohens payment of $130,000 in hush money to Daniels, a porn movie actress, was done without his knowledge. Federal agents in New York will now have to sort through the documents they took from Cohen (according to the Washington Post, those may include audio recordings, perhaps of Trump) to decide whats covered by privilege and what isnt. A federal judge was scheduled to hold a hearing on the case Friday. Advertisement EXIT RYAN, STAGE RIGHT In the midst of all that, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) announced he would not run for reelection. As Cathy Decker wrote, Ryans decision highlighted the grim position of the GOP majority in Congress even as it made their situation worse. Ryan was the GOPs top fundraiser for the House. His decision to step down will dramatically weaken his ability to get money from donors. The move certainly will encourage other Republicans to quit already a record number have announced their intentions to go, and 19 states have not yet hit the deadlines for candidates to file for election. Advertisement Ryans departure could open the way for Rep. Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield to move up assuming that Republicans can hold their majority. But, as Sarah Wire reported, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana is hovering in the wings, waiting to see if McCarthy will fall short. In both parties, however, strategists are betting that McCarthy and Scalise will be competing for the minority leaders job, while the speakers gavel will once more land in the hands of the woman Republicans love to hate, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco. Republican donors are increasingly focusing their money on trying to hold onto the partys majority in the Senate, calculating that the House may be a lost cause. ITS TRUMPS PARTY Advertisement Whatever impact Ryans departure may have on GOP election prospects in the short term, the longer-term message was that Trumpism has triumphed. Ryan opposed Trump on and off in 2016, finally making an uneasy peace with him. He spent his career advocating tax reductions; cuts in Social Security, Medicare and other entitlements; free trade; immigration; and Republican outreach to minority groups. Trump has reversed the GOPs positions on all but the tax cuts. On the rest of the issues Ryan cares about, the party now represents the preferences of its older, white, blue-collar, nativist voting base much more than its upper-class, college-educated, libertarian-oriented donors and ideologists. For Ryan, its a good time to get out. ITS ZUCKERBERGS HEARING Advertisement This weeks House and Senate hearings featuring Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and chief executive of Facebook, got billed as a confrontation, but ended up as much less, as Evan Halper, David Pierson and Tracy Lien wrote. Congressional hearings dont usually function as fact-finding efforts. Neither the time limits nor the members desire to pose for cameras lends itself to effective cross-examination. At their best, hearings can provide expository theater. But that usually works only when the staging allows for a hero confronting a clear villain. That format didnt fit this case: Facebook remains far more popular than Congress, so casting Zuckerberg as the villain wasnt in the cards. As for posing as heroes, even if most members of Congress understood social media, which they clearly didnt, few have specific legislative solutions in mind. Many Americans worry that Facebook knows too much about its users personal information and shares that data too widely. But government regulation aimed at fixing that problem remains controversial. Advertisement As Pierson and Lien wrote, Zuckerberg largely disarmed members of Congress by saying he could support some form of government regulation, without agreeing to any specifics. NOMINEE VOWS DIPLOMATIC SWAGGER Mike Pompeo, Trumps nominee to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of State, got through his Senate confirmation hearings with only minor bruises. As Tracy Wilkinson reported, he appears on his way to confirmation, barring a last-minute surprise. Under his leadership, State will be a place that finds its swagger once again, Pompeo said. Advertisement Next up, the potentially far more contentious nomination of Gina Haspel to head the CIA. EPA SCALES BACK CLEAN-AIR REGULATIONS EPA administrator Scott Pruitt took another whack at clean air regulations on Thursday, giving industry more leeway in getting permits to build new facilities in regions with dirty air. As Tony Barboza and Evan Halper wrote, the new proposal will have the biggest impact in places like the Inland Empire and the San Joaquin Valley, which have some of the countrys most intractable air quality problems. Advertisement LOGISTICS That wraps up this week. My colleague Christina Bellantoni will be back Monday with the weekday edition of Essential Politics. Until then, keep track of all the developments in national politics and the Trump administration with our Essential Washington blog, at our Politics page and on Twitter @latimespolitics. Send your comments, suggestions and news tips to politics@latimes.com. If you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up. Advertisement David.lauter@latimes.com @davidlauter If you want to take a good stroll down memory lane, new research suggests youd better get out of that chair more often. In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have found that in people middle-aged and older, a brain structure that is key to learning and memory is plumpest in those who spend the most time standing up and moving. At every age, prolonged sitters show less thickness in the medial temporal lobe and the subregions that make it up, the study found. The prospect of thinning in the brains medial temporal lobe should spark plenty of worry. Some loss of volume in this region occurs naturally as we age, and the result is poorer episodic memory the kind which brings to mind events in ones past. Advertisement But shrinkage of the brain and its memory centers becomes particularly pronounced in dementia, and thinning of the cortex probably contributes to that. Even before Alzheimers disease steals memories, the condition begins to change the density and volume of the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, memory-making structures that lie at the heart of the medial temporal lobe. The findings are based on interviews and tests of 35 cognitively healthy people between the ages of 45 and 75. Researchers at UCLAs Semel Institute and its Center for Cognitive Neuroscience queried the volunteers about their physical activity patterns and scanned their brains in an MRI. Then they gauged how self-reported sitting time or physical activity levels corresponded to thickness in these critical brain structures. The study subjects reported average sitting times of three to 15 hours a day. After adjusting for their subjects ages, the researchers found that every additional hour of average daily sitting was associated with a 2% decrease in the thickness of the medial temporal lobe. The research suggests that, compared with a person who sits for 10 hours a day, someone of the same age who typically sits for 15 hours would have a medial temporal lobe thats 10% thinner. And that, said study leader Prabha Siddarth, represents a lot of missing brain. Neuroscientists frequently measure the brains volume. But examining variations in the thickness of a particular structure is a more revealing way to look at differences among individuals, said Siddarth, a biostatistician and quantum chemist at UCLA. Imagine that you are removing the cortex of the brain, smoothing out its many folds (or sulci) and laying it flat on a table to measure its depth (which, in the medial temporal lobe, typically ranges from 2 to 3 millimeters, about the thickness of a pencil lead). Now, take that flattened brain tissue, fold it back up and pop it into place. That will help you appreciate that a 10% increase in thickness will translate into a structure thats more densely packed with brain cells and the connections that lash them together. Advertisement The study did not find any correlation between subjects exercise habits and the thickness of either their medial temporal lobe or its constituent structures. That surprised the researchers, since other work has found that brain volume is generally greater and cognitive performance is better in people who work out more. Siddarth cautioned that this negative finding should not be reassuring to couch potatoes. Indeed, it suggests that for inveterate sitters, even regular bouts of intensive exercise will not undo the damage. Of course, we need larger samples and better ways to measure patterns of sedentary behavior, Siddarth said. But if youre sitting for long periods of time, it seems that that factor not physical activity becomes the more harmful or more significant measure of your fitness. Even for people who are physically active, sitting a lot seems to be bad for your brain. Thats consistent with studies of sittings effects on such health measures as heart disease, diabetes and mortality, she said. Now were finding it in brain atrophy, she added. Advertisement The results were published this week in the journal PLOS One. Though the new study sheds no light on why long periods of sitting might thin the brains memory structures, there may be clues in other studies that have looked at sittings influence on metabolic function and blood vessel health. The brain, of course, relies on adequate supplies of oxygen and nutrients to maintain itself and resist the depredations of aging. If sitting too long is compromising those supplies, then it stands to reason that our delicate cortical structures will have trouble maintaining the volume and density they had when we were young, Siddarth said. For those looking to keep their brains plump and their memories sharp, Siddarth said the message is clear: Get up. Pace while talking on the phone, dance with your headphones on, take a walk at lunch. And if youre at a computer all day, set hourly alarms that remind you to stand and march around. Advertisement melissa.healy@latimes.com @LATMelissaHealy MORE IN SCIENCE Singing tail feathers and a high speed dive help this hummingbird find a mate Advertisement A personalized vaccine helps patients fight back against ovarian cancer Bad news for night owls. Their risk of early death is 10% higher than for early risers, study finds Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviews the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in the South China Sea on April 12, 2018. Xi made a speech after the review. (Xinhua/Li Gang) SANYA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping reviewed the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in the South China Sea Thursday morning, saying that the need to build a strong navy "has never been more urgent than today." The navy review is the largest of its kind in the People's Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), called for efforts to build a first-class navy. Taking part in the review were more than 10,000 service personnel, 48 vessels and 76 aircraft. They included the aircraft carrier Liaoning and latest submarines, vessels and fighter jets. More than half of the vessels were commissioned after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. At around 9 a.m., Xi, clad in military fatigues, boarded the missile destroyer Changsha. Flags flew. The military band played the national anthem. Xi inspected the guard of honor on the deck before the destroyer set sail to where the review was to be conducted. At 10 a.m., navy commander Shen Jinlong and political commissar Qin Shengxiang reported that the fleets were ready for review. Xi gave the commencing order. Vessels sailed in seven groups according to their combat functions: strategic strike, submerged attack, open-sea operations, aircraft carrier strike, amphibious landing, offshore waters defense, and comprehensive support. Helicopters and planes flew in ten echelons. They can perform surveillance, warning, air-to-air strike, air-to-ship strike, long distance escort and other duties. Soldiers saluted Xi as their fleets passed by. "Salute to you, comrades," Xi called out to the soldiers. "Hail to you, chairman," they replied. Xi alternated the greeting with "Comrades, thanks for your hard work," to which soldiers replied "Serve the people." The procession was directed by CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang. Other senior military officials -- Zhang Youxia, Wei Fenghe, Li Zuocheng, Miao Hua, and Zhang Shengmin were all present. "It is my utmost honor to be inspected by Chairman Xi," said Ma Xiaohui, a navy soldier. "I will maintain momentum, train hard, and always be Chairman Xi's good soldier." Liu Furong, commander of an underwater attack combat group, said the review was a good demonstration of the navy's "historic achievements" under Xi's call for building strong armed forces. FIRST-CLASS NAVY Xi made a speech after the review, saying that it has always been China's aspiration to have a strong navy, which serves as a key guarantee to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He pledged to speed up the modernization of the navy. Xi said notable progress has been made and today's Chinese navy has "stood up in the East" with a brand new image. "The Party and the people are proud of the PLA Navy," Xi said. He asked naval officers and soldiers to fully implement the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces, be firm in ideals and convictions, and uphold the glorious traditions, while pushing for technological innovation, developing new types of battle forces, and building a modern maritime combat system. Xi asked naval officers and soldiers to remain on high alert, answer the calls of the Party and the people at all times, resolutely defend the national interests, and strive to contribute more to upholding the peace and stability of the region and the world. The officers and soldiers reacted with long applause. Later, Xi watched four J-15 fighter jets take off from the aircraft carrier. At the end, Xi went to the chart room and wrote down his name in the logbook. Xi had lunch with soldiers in a canteen and asked about their life and training. Immediately after Xi left, the navy launched a full-scale live drill. Liu Zhe, captain of the aircraft carrier Liaoning, said the carrier will leave for new waters to conduct combat drills. "I am lucky to have witnessed the navy's great leap in development," he said. "We should keep working hard and dedicate ourselves to building a first-class navy." On a cold, clear night in January, MIT astrophysicist George Ricker and his students stepped onto a rooftop on campus and aimed a camera at the highest point in the sky. That camera, an engineering model of the four being launched with NASAs TESS mission, revealed a night so thick with stars that they obscured the normally distinct constellations. In two seconds you could see things that were a hundred thousand to a million times fainter than what you could see with your naked eye, said Ricker, the missions principal investigator. The test offered a small taste of what TESS, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, will discover after it launches, which could occur as early as Monday afternoon. The spacecraft will scan almost all of the sky for neighboring stars, searching for the dips in their brightness that signal the presence of a planet. The goal: to find planets that are smaller than Neptune, with a radius less than about four times that of Earth. Scientists will then use other telescopes to measure the masses of 50 of them. A few of the worlds TESS finds may be small, rocky bodies, like Earth. And a few of those might, just possibly, be habitable places for life as we know it. Its very exciting, Ricker said. Were getting a chance to potentially answer a question that humanitys always been interested in: Whats in the sky? And are there other beings, other places like Earth? NASA is planning to launch its Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite in mid-April. TESS will help scientists study exoplanets that orbit other stars. The trick is to watch them as they pass in front of their host stars. Astronomers have been searching for planets beyond our solar system for decades. Some of their first discoveries were confirmed in the 1990s. Among them were exoplanets that were detected by ground-based telescopes that looked for the periodic wobble in a stars motion caused by a planets tiny tug a technique known as the radial velocity method. Others were found by searching for variations in the predictable rhythms of pulsars. About 325 exoplanets had been discovered by the time NASA launched the Kepler Space Telescope in 2009. It employed the transit method, staring deep into a patch of sky and looking for the shadows cast by planets as they crossed in front of their host stars. Kepler was a full-time planet hunter, and it revolutionized astronomers understanding of exoplanets. It was particularly interested in finding Earth-sized planets orbiting sun-like stars at a distance where water on the surface could be stable in liquid form the so-called habitable zone. To date, data from its primary mission have turned up 2,343 confirmed and 2,244 candidate exoplanets and revealed that there could be more planets than stars in the Milky Way. Many of them are in multiple-planet systems, and a large share of them appear to be super-Earths a class thats bigger than our planet but smaller than Neptune. TESS will discover thousands of exoplanets in orbit around the brightest stars in the sky by searching for temporary drops in brightness caused by planetary transits. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/CI Lab) TESS, which is managed by NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., will take the torch that Kepler lighted and run with it. Kepler stared at just one small patch of the heavens whose stars are up to 3,000 light-years away. That made it difficult to conduct follow-up studies with other telescopes. TESS, by contrast, will target stars that are less than 300 light-years away and it will look in nearly all directions. Kepler took a poll of stars in the galaxy to find out what planets they harbor, said Natalie Batalha, Keplers project scientist at NASA Ames Research Center. TESS is getting to know the neighbors. A worker assembles a set of flight camera electronics that will gather exoplanet data aboard TESS. MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research It will do that with four cameras, each focused on a different part of the sky. Together, the cameras will stare at a vertical strip of the celestial sphere stretching from the pole to the equator, proceeding to a new strip every 27 days. TESS will be on the lookout for the regular drops in brightness caused by a planet crossing in front of its stellar host and blocking a tiny amount of starlight. The bigger the planet is relative to its star, the deeper the drop. The more frequently these dips occur, the shorter a planets orbit and the closer it is to its star. Scientists need to witness these dimmings multiple times before they can tell whether its truly evidence of a circling world. This animation shows how a dip in the observed brightness of a star may indicate the presence of a planet passing in front of it, an occurrence known as a transit. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) It will take about a year to scan the heavens above the Southern Hemisphere and another year to finish the Northern Hemisphere. By the end of its two-year primary mission, it will have imaged roughly 85% of the sky. Astronomers anticipate that TESS will find on the order of 500 super-Earths, which dont exist in our solar system. The number of known planets in the solar neighborhood is slowly growing right now, Batalha said. TESS will bust that open wide. Because they lie so close to us, the stars in the TESS survey will be brighter, which will make it easier for future missions like NASAs James Webb Space Telescope to search for signs that their planets could be habitable. That work will require telescopes to examine the tiny fraction of starlight that passes through a planets thin shell of atmosphere (if it has one) and look for the fingerprints of life-friendly molecules like free oxygen, methane and water. Separating those weak signals from the rest of the stars light will be exceedingly difficult for small, rocky planets with compact atmospheres. Theyre going to become not just names in a catalog theyre going to become destinations, theyre going to take on personalities, Batalha said of those planetary profiles. Were going to learn so much more about them than we ever could with the Kepler planets because theyre so nearby. Technicians help prepare TESS for its mission. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch as early as April 16. NASA TESS will be primed to identify the worlds circling red dwarfs, the small, dim stars that make up about three-quarters of the stars in the sky. Red dwarfs are so small that their planets seem relatively big, which makes them easier to detect. And because the stars are so dim, their habitable zones are much more compact, which means TESS could witness multiple transits within each of its 27-day observing periods. The space-based telescope could also study all kinds of other celestial phenomena, including supernovas, flare stars and active galaxies. When you have a space mission in the sky, usually your best discoveries arent the ones you planned, said MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager, the missions deputy science director. TESS will search for exoplanets orbiting stars within hundreds of light-years of our solar system. Then large ground-based telescopes and the James Webb Space Telescope will be able to do follow-up observations on the exoplanets to characterize their atmospheres. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Because of those tight observing windows, the spacecraft wont be able to pick up planets with longer Earth-sized orbits, as Kepler could. But since the 13 observation strips in each hemisphere overlap at the poles, TESS will have eyes on both the northern and southern polar skies for nearly a year at a time. In a few years if TESS two-year mission is extended long enough it could eventually find the kinds of rocky, habitable-zone planets that Kepler could. And TESS could potentially last much longer than Kepler, which is expected to run out of fuel within the next few months. Thats because Rickers team designed a new kind of orbit a highly elliptical 13.7-day trip that allows the spacecraft to avoid damage from Earths Van Allen radiation belts, while also bringing it close enough to regularly send back loads of image data. The orbit is so stable that the spacecraft wont need to burn up fuel to keep itself in place. I cannot wait for the data to roll out, said Debra Fischer, a Yale University astronomer who is not involved in the mission. It is just going to be incredibly exciting. Humans havent developed the technology to reach even the nearest stars, but that may change in the coming generations, Ricker said. If it does, Earth will already know where to send small robotic explorers. We basically will have discovered the most interesting systems, he said. The TESS planets are going to be the ones youre going to look at. This time-lapse video shows the four TESS cameras being mounted to the spacecraft's camera plate. Support our journalism Please consider subscribing today to support stories like this one. Get full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Already a subscriber? Your support makes our work possible. Thank you. FOR THE RECORD: April 20, 6:10 p.m.: This article incorrectly referred to Natalie Batalha as the Kepler project scientist. She is the former Kepler project scientist. amina.khan@latimes.com Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and "like" Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE Singing tail feathers and a high speed dive help this hummingbird find a mate A finger bone from an unexpected place and time upends the story of human migration out of Africa What role should the L.A. River play in a future Los Angeles? UPDATES: 3:00 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information throughout. This was originally published at 3 a.m. Firefighters were called to Walt Disney Studios in Burbank Thursday morning after an overheated battery began to emit fumes inside a building. Burbank firefighters were called to the studio around 8:50 a.m. and were able to contain the fumes. Simone McFarland, a spokeswoman for the city, said eight employees complained of experiencing minor symptoms from the incident and were treated at the scene. The departments hazmat team tested the air inside the building and eventually cleared it for reentry. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc Lake View Elementary School students planted about 300 pinwheels at the front of their Huntington Beach campus Wednesday to honor kindness toward children at school and home. The event was part of the child abuse-prevention campaign coordinated by the Costa Mesa-based Raise Foundation. Lake View Elementary students placed these pinwheels on Wednesday as part of a child abuse-prevention campaign. (Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer ) Daniel Langhorne is a contributor to Times Community News. Twitter: @DanielLanghorne The founding and current deans of the UC Irvine School of Law went head to head Wednesday evening in the universitys first mock trial based on Shakespeares Hamlet. For one night, the Irvine Barclay Theatre was transformed into a courtroom where Song Richardson, the dean of UCI Law, defended the fictional Danish prince against a charge of first-degree murder in the killing of Polonius. The prosecutor was played by Erwin Chemerinsky, UCI Laws founding dean and now dean of UC Berkeleys law school. U.S. District Judge Andrew Guilford moderated the event as the two presented their case to the jury the audience which ultimately determined Hamlets fate. In Shakespeares tragedy, Hamlet learns from the ghost of his father, King Hamlet, that he had been killed by Claudius, the princes uncle, in order to seize the throne and marry the kings widow, Gertrude. The ghost calls on Hamlet to avenge his death. Hamlet and Gertrude have a heated conversation in which he accuses his mother of betraying his father by marrying Claudius. As they argue, Polonius, chief counselor to the king, spies on them behind a curtain and makes a noise. Hamlet stabs him, believing hes Claudius. Unlike most juries, the audience watched Hamlet thrust his knife into Polonius as professional actors brought the scene to life onstage before the mock trial. Richardson and Chemerinsky referenced quotes from the play throughout the trial and used props to drive their arguments. Chemerinsky urged the jury to focus only on the relevant facts. He argued that vigilantes cant take it on themselves to uphold the law as they see fit, even if theyre the prince of Denmark. As Richardson took center stage, she painted an elaborate picture of the prince, describing him as a bookworm with a healthy and close relationship with his father. Richardson argued that Hamlet killed Polonius in self-defense because he was caught off-guard and in a vulnerable state while in a heated discussion with his mother. The jury ultimately determined by a 327-310 vote that Hamlet was not guilty. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff will be retiring soon. Normally, his myriad fans would simply wish him well, but this is not a normal situation. Team Newport (Councilmen Will ONeill, Kevin Muldoon and Scott Peotter and Mayor Marshall Duffield) are running him out of town, despite wide acknowledgment among his peers and the residents that he is one of the best city managers in California. Our bay is no longer covered with green mats of algae because of his advocacy for clean water. We are proactively addressing our pension liability under his direction. His enormous depth of knowledge about the airport benefits everyone under the John Wayne flight plan, making his departure especially mourned by those concerned about flight noise. Team Newport claims that Kiff is retiring of his own accord and vigorously denies that it has pushed him out, but his newly amended contract calls for severance pay. Have you ever heard of a retiree getting severance pay? Of course not. Council members Jeff Herdman, Brad Avery and Diane Dixon were left completely out of this power play and were apparently not even aware that Mr. Kiffs contract was being discussed until it was a done deal. At Tuesdays meeting, Dixon presented Kiffs description of events, confirming to me that he had been forced out. This is a situation that can only lead to chaos. Newport Beach deserves better than this, but we may not get it. It is time to clean house in Newport Beach, but not by removing Kiff. It is time for Team Newport to be swept from office and elect representatives who put city before self on the City Council. Character matters. Susan Skinner Newport Beach Helicopter noise is unbearable I am writing you this letter because I was awoken at 2:40 on a recent morning by a Huntington Beach police helicopter flying over my neighborhood. This was especially irritating because I was awoken the previous day at 2:35 a.m. and then again at 6 a.m. After the 6 a.m. flyover, the helicopter flew over my house one, two, three, four times. Then at 1:15 p.m. it flew over for the sixth time that day. Then the helicopter flew over my house at 1:15 p.m., 1:22 p.m., 1:25 p.m.and again at 1:45 p.m. I left for a couple hours, then it flew over my house at 7:30 p.m. while my neighbors were trying to enjoy dinner on their porch. So in a 24-hour period the helicopter flew over my neighborhood at least 11 times. The noise, congestion and oppression of police helicopters has degraded Newport Beach like nothing Ive experienced since 1985. Beach ambience is being ruined. This was a huge mistake: if there is just one thing the city should do it is to cancel the contract with the H.B. police department. Donald Graham Newport Beach Condo proposal is too large for Newport I try to stay current with developments proposed to my city, especially a major project like the Koll Center Residences. I oppose it in its current size. Its three huge 13-story buildings. So dense, so massive, so imposing on other buildings. It also will add a large amount of traffic. There is no way this project fits into the area for which its proposed. I would turn it down. Jo Carol Hunter Newport Beach Save us from Allman, Nugent Im not a particularly religious person, but I do believe in living by the Golden Rule. With this thought in mind, I am begging religious leaders like Franklin Graham and Joel Osteen to help save our country from the likes of entertainer Ted Nugent and conservative commentator Jamie Allman. If you have forgotten or didnt know, Nugent recently called for Democrats, the media and academics to be shot like rabid coyotes, while Allman tweeted he wanted to assault Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg with a hot poker. I believe its time the likes of Graham and Osteen clearly and emphatically speak out and say, Enough is enough. Your comments are blasphemous, not to mention un-American. Its time religious leaders put aside their personal political beliefs and help save this country. If they dont, then I am afraid their Golden Rule will mean very little. Denny Freidenrich Laguna Beach How to get published: Email us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length. While California has established itself as a leader in the nation when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable residents, there is one particularly vulnerable population whose rights and safety have been largely ignored. It is in all of our best interest to ensure that every victim or witness feels safe and comfortable enough to report a crime. Unfortunately, there is an entire population within our state that experiences violent crime on a daily basis, but are too afraid to report these crimes because of who they are sex workers. Assembly Bill 2243 seeks to provide a safe path for these individuals to report violent crime by prohibiting evidence of a sex workers, or their clients, criminal liability when they are the victim or witness of that crime. To put it simply, a sex worker who reports a violent crime cannot be charged with prostitution when they come forward. In 2009, the University of California, San Francisco and St. James Infirmary conducted a study of San Francisco sex workers to determine at what rates sex workers experience crime. The study found that over 60% of sex workers face some form of assault while engaging in sex work 32% reported a physical assault, while 29% reported a sexual assault. The hard truth is, sex workers are often targeted repeatedly by violent predators because they know their victims are much less likely to report the crime. Failure to report these violent crimes leads to a decline in our communitys public safety, and allows violent criminals to remain on our streets. We should be encouraging every victim of violent crime to come forward to help law enforcement prioritize arresting those who commit more serious crimes. AB 2243 was inspired by a San Francisco policy that has already seen positive results. The policy prioritizes apprehending those who target and attack sex workers. Earlier this year, a sex worker who was brutally assaulted and stabbed by a client, refused to allow a bystander to call 911. Unable to ignore the womans injuries, the bystander called an ambulance. Once at the hospital, the sex worker continued to refuse to cooperate with law enforcement officers until they were able to show her a written copy of the citys new policy. After she saw the policy she felt safe enough to speak with the officers, and was able to provide the officers with enough information to arrest the perpetrator who attacked her. It is important that we provide law enforcement and prosecutors with every tool available to remove violent individuals who prey on some of our most vulnerable and marginalized residents. Many law enforcement officers and prosecutors currently provide immunity to sex workers when they act as cooperating witnesses in an investigation. AB 2243 would essentially implement this policy statewide, and will lead to safer communities for all of us. To date, AB 2243 has received unanimous bipartisan support and law enforcement and prosecutors have been on board. We can all agree that every victim deserves the opportunity to be heard and should be able to report violent crimes with the same confidence and safeguards as every other Californian regardless of their line of work. LAURA FRIEDMAN (D-Glendale) represents La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, Burbank and neighboring communities in the the 43rd Assembly District. Fare sales to Tahiti arent unusual, but this one is for two periods in high season. And these are also nonstop flights, which means youll be in French Polynesia in a little more than eight hours from LAX. The round-trip flight to Papeete, on Air Tahiti Nui, costs $881, including all taxes and fees. The fare, subject to availability, is for travel May 6-June 30, and Sept. 1-Oct. 25. Tickets must be booked by April 30. Info: Air Tahiti Nui, (877) 824-4846 Source: Airfarewatchdog.com Advertisement travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Get a taste of Midwestern hospitality and see some of the regions scenic areas on a 12-day land and sea Great Lakes tour. The itinerary, organized by Tauck, begins with a two-night stay in Chicago, where participants tour the city and go behind the scenes at Wrigley Field. Next is a seven-night cruise on lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario, which includes visits to Mackinac Island, Mich., where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the main mode of transportation; Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan; and Niagara Falls, which straddles the border between New York and the Canadian province of Ontario. The cruise, aboard the new Ponant small-ship Le Champlain, is followed by a two-night hotel stay in Toronto, with guided sightseeing. Advertisement Dates: Departures Sept. 20 and 27, 2019 Price: From $7,990 per person, double occupancy. Availability may be limited. Includes pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, seven-night cruise and all shore excursions, gratuities, airport transfers and luggage handling. Airfare not included. Info: Tauck, (800) 468-2825 ALSO That sunscreen that protects you? It harms Hawaiis corals. Now one airline is doing something about that Mexico named most popular cruise destination in 2017 Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas will be reborn as Virgin Hotels property travel@latimes.com Advertisement @latimestravel Lights and light festivals lend a certain glow to a city or a place. Here are five that can light up your life. Australia Sydney rocks the light art world every year. The city explodes in color with a three-week free Vivid Sydney festival in which dizzying, rotating images and lights transform the Opera House sails, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and several neighborhoods. New this year is a water fountain that uses lights and laser to create an underwater experience. The festival also brings filmmaker James Cameron to the ideas stage, and rapper Ice Cube leads the musical side. The festival starts May 25 and lasts through June 16. Advertisement Info: Vivid Sydney Maryland House of Cards by OGE Group was featured in the last years Light City. (Crystal Whitman ) Baltimores Inner Harbor takes a page from Sydney with its third Light City festival that also embraces light installations, music and ideas. Along the BGE Light Art Walk, visitors will find lighted prisms, an underwater light installation, kinetic whale ghost and octopus sculptures with thousands of LED lights, and a work called On the Wings of Freedom, which features a field of small butterfly sculptures that change color as visitors walk by. The free festival continues through April 21. Info: Light City U.S. and Canada Niagara Falls lights change colors to mark holidays and special events. (Lumileds ) If you havent been to Niagara Falls in a few years, you likely havent seen the light show at the spectacular waterfalls. Advertisement The falls have been illuminated since 1920, but two years ago LEDs were installed on the Canadian side that allow a range of colors. The lights project from three places: Illumination Tower, on the roof of Table Rock Centre and deep in the Niagara Gorge. The cascades turn red and white on Canada Day (July 1), and red, white and blue on the Fourth of July. In April, the illuminated show operates from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Info: Niagara Falls Illumination Oregon Tilikum Crossing in Portland, Ore. (Lumileds ) Advertisement On your next trip to Portland, take at least one evening to walk across the Tilikum Crossing over the Willamette River. Installation artists Anna Valentina Murch and Doug Hollis designed the LED modules that beautifully light the cables, towers and underside of the deck. The intensity and shades of the colors change according to a program based on the speed and temperature of the river water. The bridge accommodates light rail, cyclists and pedestrians but not cars. Advertisement Info: Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People DIY lantern fests Folks are turning out to launch their own personal lanterns at Lantern Fests around the county. The idea is to light a lantern and let it loose en masse in the air or on water with your highest hopes, deepest regrets, and fondest dreams, according to the website. Lantern Fests provide music, food and a lantern to launch (you cant bring your own). Check the schedule for upcoming fests. Depending on where you go, prices start at $35 per person but many are in the $50 to $60 range. Advertisement Info: Lantern Fest and Water Lantern Festival travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Ecuadors President Lenin Moreno confirmed Friday that three journalists kidnapped along the border with Colombia had been killed, opening the door to a military strike against their captors. Moreno spoke after a 12-hour deadline ended with the captors failing to demonstrate the hostages were still alive. Despite our best efforts, weve confirmed that these criminals never had the intention of handing them back safe and sound, Moreno said. He said that elite troops would soon be deployed to the northern border area where the employees of El Comercio newspaper were last seen nearly three weeks ago while investigating a rise in drug-fueled violence. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos dispatched his top military advisers to Quito, the Ecuadorean capital, to assist in the military planning. Advertisement Moreno also offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Walter Arizalam. Arizalam, better known by his alias Guacho, is the leader of a holdout group of guerrillas from the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. Fears that the kidnapping had ended in tragedy emerged Thursday when a Colombian television network said it had received gruesome photos purporting to show the bodies of the three men. But forensic experts in both countries were unable to confirm the authenticity of the images, exasperating press groups and family members who say the government has been taking the incident too lightly. Moreno on Thursday night rushed back from a regional summit in Peru to deal with a crisis that has shaken Ecuadoreans long-held identity as residents of a tiny, peaceful nation insulated from the drug-fueled violence raging across its border. In a late-night news conference, he said there was an enormous possibility the reported deaths were factual. On Friday, he said that authorities had obtained unspecified new information that confirmed the three men had been killed. As Moreno spoke, dozens of colleagues and friends of reporter Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and driver Efrain Segarra gathered in mourning in a plaza outside the presidential palace under the slogan Three Are Missing, the same one that has been featured in candlelight vigils held almost every night since their disappearance. The governments of Ecuador and Colombia have tried to limit the fallout from the kidnapping, with officials in both countries denying the men were being held inside their territory and even squabbling over Guachos supposed nationality. Earlier this week, authorities dismissed as fake a statement signed by the captors claiming the journalists were killed during a military raid coordinated by the two governments. We condemn the actions of the Colombian and Ecuadorean governments and their lack of seriousness in protecting the reporters lives, Colombias Foundation for Press Freedom said in a statement Thursday. Advertisement Morenos promise of a devastating military response was seen by many as a tacit acknowledgment that both governments had been too restrained. When there is cooperation between the two countries the criminal will always fall, Santos said from the Summit of the Americas in Peru, as he promised to work closely with Moreno on a military campaign. In a proof-of-life video released this month, the three men identified their captors as members of the Oliver Sinisterra Front, a group of a few dozen combatants that authorities say is led by Guacho, a former FARC rebel. The group is believed to be responsible for recent deadly attacks against military targets in northern Ecuador. Moreno announced last month that he was sending 12,000 soldiers and police officers to combat drug gangs and boost security along the border. That represents about 10% of the nations police and military forces. Advertisement Ecuador is a major transit zone for Colombian-produced cocaine, with small boats carrying the drugs from the South American nations Pacific shore to Central America and on to the United States. Under Xi's watch, China's sunshine island basks in warmth of opening up BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- On his fourth visit to the southern island province of Hainan since 2010, President Xi Jinping made an inspiring speech on opening-up earlier this week. At the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Tuesday, Xi spoke of "a new phase of opening up" for the shared prosperity of China and the world. This year is the 30th anniversary of Hainan as a province and special economic zone. The island of more than 9 million people, once a backwater of fisherfolk and poor farmers, is now a vivid example of China's commitment to the future. Being China's only province entirely within the tropics, at 35,400 square km Hainan is roughly the same size as Taiwan. On his first visit to Hainan as president in April 2013, Xi recognized the island's promise as the country's largest special economic zone, the host of the BFA and a popular tourist destination. By making full use of its geographic advantages, natural resources and special economic zone status, the island is now a vigorous center of tourism and green agriculture. In the past five years, the island's GDP has increased by an annual average of 8.1 percent to 446 billion yuan (about 71 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017. Since the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress in 2012, the number of tourists visiting the island increased from about 33.2 million to 67 million last year. Urban residents have seen their incomes rise by 9.6 percent every year. For rural residents the increase is 11.7 percent annually. OPENING-UP BRINGS VIGOR "Hainan has the advantage of being on the front line with ASEAN countries," Xi said. "It should be a pioneer in opening up." Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Hainan has hosted a series of diplomatic, economic and cultural gatherings. Since 2010, Xi's participation in four BFA events have been the highlights. These international events have greatly raised the island's profile and exposed the province to the very latest in business practices and pioneering services. On the island, overseas investors are allowed to set up medical institutions. The threshold for imports of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals have been lowered, and foreign doctors are allowed to extend their practice. In March, a new hospital opened in the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, expected to be one of the first hospitals in China to provide the nine-valent HPV vaccine. Moreover, people from 26 countries can now visit the island's beaches visa-free via 57 international air routes. The international airports in Haikou and Sanya received over 40 million passengers last year. The province has a five-year plan for participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and trade between Hainan and countries along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road increased by 14.8 percent last year. COMING UP ROSES In his 2013 visit, Xi dropped in on a small village named Bohou and made a statement that later became a catch phrase -- "whether Xiaokang is realized or not, only the ordinary folks can tell." "Xiaokang," a moderately prosperous society, is set to be achieved by 2020 and one key indicator is the elimination of absolute poverty. Bohou village has changed a lot since Xi visited five years ago. Since the president's visit, about 20 cooperatives have started running 70 hectares of rose plantations, earning the area the nickname of "rose valley." "Five years ago I earned about 1,800 yuan a month. Now I make more than 3,000," said Bohou villager Huang Qi'na. She also leases out her family land for about 10,000 yuan a year. Thanks to advances in agriculture, for the first time the annual per capita income of rural residents in all counties of Hainan exceeded 10,000 yuan in 2017. About 617,000 residents, including all villagers of 517 villages, have been lifted above the poverty line over the past five years. For the "ordinary folk" of Bohou village, Xiaokang is now just around the corner. Nearly 1,000 people were injured Friday some overwhelmed by tear gas, others struck by gunfire as Palestinians again massed along the Israeli border fence in a violent and ongoing protest. The protest marked the midway point for six mass demonstrations planned by Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militia that rules the Gaza Strip. The demonstrations are timed to culminate in mid-May, around the date commemorating the 70th anniversary of Israels founding and, this year, the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. It is also near the date when President Trump said the U.S. would move its embassy to Jerusalem a vow that has incensed Palestinians who claim half the city as their own. Hundreds have been injured in the every-Friday protests and at least 20 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip began the protest to demand the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their family homes in what is now Israel. The Gaza Strip is a cramped 141 square mile enclave of about 2 million people, bounded by Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Israel, the United States, Europe and much of the Arab world, including Egypt, list Hamas, which took over the strip from the Palestinian Authority after a 2007 military conflict, as a terrorist organization. Advertisement A group of physicians from Doctors Without Borders entered the Gaza Strip on Friday, and, according to Israel Radio, were treating about 100 people with bullet wounds. But the Health Ministry in Gaza reported that nearly 300 of the 960 people injured had been hit by gunfire and that a 28-year-old man was killed east of Gaza City. Palestinians carry a coffin covered with the Israeli flag and portraits of kidnapped Israeli soldiers during a protest near the Israeli border fence, east of Gaza City. (Mahmud Hams / AFP/Getty Images ) In a statement, the Israeli military said that Fridays rioting took place in five locations along the border and included attempts to breach the security infrastructure, the placement and detonation of an explosive device near the Karni Crossing in the northern Gaza Strip and the launch of a firebomb attached to a kite. Explosive devices, rocks and firebombs have continued to be hurled and several attempts were made to sabotage the security infrastructure, the Israeli army said. In a video released by Safa, a Hamas-linked news agency, young Palestinian men, some wearing the white masks of the so-called Anonymous group, are heard chanting, Allahu akbar God is Great in Arabic as they tear apart an oversize facsimile of the Israeli flag stamped with the images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. For the first time, Israeli soldiers this week used loudspeakers to warn the protesters, in Arabic, Dont touch the fence! If you do so we will shoot you! Israel fears that Hamas call for the protests will conclude with a march of thousands potentially breaking through the barrier. The fence, according to the company that built it, Magal Security Systems, is meant to detect infiltration, not stop it. Advertisement It would take about 30 seconds to cross, Saar Koursh, Magals chief executive officer, said in an interview with Bloomberg. This fence wasnt built to stop riots like you see now. It was built to give real-time indication if somebody is trying to cross the border. The Israeli army warned that it will not allow any harm to security infrastructure that protects Israeli civilians and will act against the violent rioters and terrorists who threaten either. Though considerable, the number of participants in the clashes has consistently fallen since they began three weeks ago, when there were roughly 30,000 marchers. Fridays gathering also drew less gunfire than previous protests. In last weeks protests, Yasser Murtaja, 30, a Gazan photographer who was wearing a vest marked Press was fatally shot. Israeli authorities have yet to release the findings of an investigation into the circumstances of Murtajas death. Advertisement A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot during clashes with Israeli forces near the border with Israel. (Said Khatib / AFP/Getty Images ) On Saturday, Lieberman implied that Murtajas death was the result of his use of a drone, common among news photographers. I dont know who he is, a photographer, not a photographer whoever operates multi-rotor drones above Israel Defense Forces soldiers needs to understand that he is endangering himself, the defense minister said. The Israeli army declined to endorse Liebermans remarks. Photographs of Murtaja show him using a large camera rig to document the demonstration, but no drone. Advertisement He was using a normal video camera all day, photographer Ashraf Abu Amra told Agence France-Presse. On Tuesday, Lieberman referred to Murtaja as a terrorist and longtime member of the military arm of Hamas, holding a rank equivalent to captain, an accusation repeatedly reiterated by Netanyahus press office, with no evidence, during the course of the week. A file compiled by the International Federation of Journalists, based on an interview with Murtaja, challenged those claims. According to the report, Murtaja was detained by Hamas in 2015 and was beaten by his captors, requiring hospitalization, when he resisted their attempts to force him into a vehicle after he covered a home demolition. Further casting doubt on the Israeli claims, the U.S. State Department confirmed that a media company co-founded by Murtaja was awarded a U.S. government grant last month. Advertisement State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Murtaja had passed the strict vetting process imposed to ensure grant recipients have no ties to militant organizations or activities. The Norwegian Refugee Council, which recently hired Murtaja to document the impact of persistent violence experienced by children in Gaza, expressed outrage at his death. Special correspondents Tarnopolsky reported from Jerusalem and Abu Alouf from Gaza City. BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China will greenlight medical institutions to conduct Internet medical services as part of a broader push to promote Internet Plus healthcare. Medical institutions will be allowed to provide online diagnostic services for some common and chronic diseases in patients' follow-up visits to their doctors, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang Thursday. The top two levels of hospitals within the country's three-tier hospital system are encouraged to provide online services including consultation reservation and test result inquiry. "The development of Internet Plus Healthcare is a major initiative to enhance our country's public health services. It will also help facilitate overall economic and social development," Li said. "As China joins the ranks of middle-income countries, the demand for health services has increased substantially. The Internet Plus Healthcare can help alleviate the problem of inaccessible and expensive public health services that have long been a big concern for the general public," he said. According to the Healthy China 2030 Blueprint released in October 2016, efforts will be made to foster new industries, new forms and models of business in the health sector and to develop Internet-based health services. The intelligent review for health insurance will be vigorously applied and the one-stop settlement will be brought forward. The real-time sharing of prescription and drug retail sales within medical institutions will be explored. The system of Internet Plus healthcare standards will be further refined, according to the statement. China will speed up the inter-connectivity and sharing of medical information, and beef up the quality supervision of medical services and information security. "We must waste no time in pushing forward the measures once the decision is made. In recent years, top-level hospitals in major cities have seen steady increases in the number of out-patients. Medical bills became a heavy burden on families, and high-end medical resources still fall short of meeting the growing demand of the public," Li said. He said that to solve the problem, a two-pronged approach must be taken. One is to establish medical partnerships such as healthcare consortiums to enhance the cooperation and coordination between major hospitals and community clinics. The other is to bring forward Internet Plus Healthcare to facilitate the sharing of quality medical resources. The government will see to it that long-distance healthcare services cover all healthcare consortiums and county-level hospitals, and the quality medical resources in the country's eastern areas be also made available to the central and western regions. More efforts will be made to ensure that high-speed broadband network will be extended to cover medical institutions at all levels in urban and rural areas. Dedicated Internet access services will be set up to meet the need for long-distance healthcare services. "Anything involving human life is of utmost importance. The government must step up financial support to establish dedicated Internet access services for medical purposes and increase the supply of high-end medical equipment at central hospitals in remote areas," Li said. "Meanwhile, the government must enact related supportive policies, exercise prudent supervision and set up a sustainable mechanism to effectively tackle this important issue of public well-being," Li added. The just concluded annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia is the first such meeting since China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind was written into the country's Constitution last month. The vision, together with China's proposal to build "a new type of international relations", represents the country's effort to search for the answer to a simple question: What kind of future does humanity wish to create? In his keynote speech at the opening of the conference on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping further explained the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, which is characterized by treating each other with respect and as equals, promoting dialogue and sharing responsibility, engaging in cooperation for win-win results, upholding inclusiveness and seeking harmony without uniformity, as well as treating nature with respect and treasuring the planet. He called for people around the world to work together toward a community with a shared future for mankind and to make Asia and the world peaceful, prosperous, open and beautiful. The vision has increasingly gained consensus worldwide. On March 23, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the resolution titled "Promoting Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights" by a vote of 28 in favor, one against and 17 abstentions. The resolution supports the fostering of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice and mutually beneficial cooperation, with the aim of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Yu Jianhua, head of the Chinese mission to the UN, introduced the resolution to the council, saying, "We live on the same planet, share common interests and face the same challenges, and we have become an interdependent community with a shared future." Liu Huawen, a researcher of international law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the adoption of the China-sponsored resolution shows that the country's wisdom is playing an important role internationally. "Chinese efforts in human rights protection have been recognized and have received support from more countries," he said. Visionary proposal The proposal of building a community was put forward by Xi in March 2013, when he spoke at Moscow State Institute of International Relations during his first trip overseas as president. Human society is becoming a community of a shared future, Xi said in his speech. During annual conferences of the Boao Forum for Asia from 2013 to 2015, Xi proposed to create the mentality of a community with a shared future, march to a community with a shared future, build a community with a shared future for Asia and build a community with a shared future for mankind. On Jan 18, 2017, Xi made a keynote speech at the United Nations Office at Geneva titled Work Together to Build a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, offering China's solutions to cope with global challenges. "Building a community with a shared future is an exciting goal, and it requires efforts from generation after generation," Xi said. "China is ready to work with all the other UN member states as well as international organizations and agencies to advance the great cause of building a community with a shared future for mankind." The president's speech drew strong and positive feedback from the international community. A month later, the Chinese concept of building "a human community with a shared destiny" was incorporated into a UN resolution for the first time at the 55th UN Commission for Social Development. While delivering a speech at the closing meeting of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress in March, Xi said that China will contribute more Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions and Chinese strength to the world and push for building an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. "Let the sunshine of a community with a shared future for humanity illuminate the world," Xi said. Pushing forward building a community with a shared future for mankind was enshrined in the amendment to the Constitution during the session of the top legislature. Xi, as the chief architect of China's major-country diplomacy, has been personally involved in planning and conducting "brilliant" head-of-state diplomacy, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a news conference on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress. Xi has visited 57 countries and received more than 110 foreign heads of state, which not only has deepened the world's understanding of China, but also enhanced China's profile and influence and facilitated the solution to many global problems, Wang said. Xi also will attend the BRICS Summit in South Africa, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Papua New Guinea and the G20 Summit in Argentina this year, Wang said. Put into practice Through such efforts as proposing and implementing theBelt and Road Initiative, China has translated the proposal of building a community with a shared future into practice. The initiative, comprising the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond via overland and maritime routes. Since Xi put forward the initiative in 2013, China has signed cooperation documents with more than 80 countries and organizations, carried out industrial collaboration with more than 30 countries and helped build 75 economic and trade cooperation zones in 24 countries. In May, representatives from 130 countries, including 29 heads of state or government and scores of international organizations, participated in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, where more than 270 projects aimed at enhancing the global cooperation network were finalized. China has also shouldered its responsibility in dealing with global challenges such as climate change. In a speech to mark Chinese Lunar New Year on Feb 16, French President Emmanuel Macron called China an "ally" of France in the fight against climate change. Macron hailed Beijing's involvement in helping to solve the issue as "a radically new" choice made by "our Chinese ally on this subject". Guo Yezhou, vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said at a symposium on March 24 that building a community of a shared future for mankind is the most prominent element of China's major-country diplomacy in the new era. The proposal has not only integrated China's traditional culture with the contemporary trend of international relations, but also reflected Xi's values and his responsibility, he said, adding that the proposal has been supported and acknowledged by more and more countries as well as political parties. The proposal of building a community of a shared future is put forward by China, but it needs joint efforts from the whole world to achieve the great goal, he said. Building a community of a shared future for mankind and establishing a new international order has great significance not only for China's rejuvenation but also for global peace and development, said Guo Shuyong, head of the International Relations and Public Affairs College of Shanghai International Studies University. The proposal of building a community of a shared future should be integrated with real practices, such as building the Belt and Road, so that the world can better understand the proposal and benefit from it, he said. A Bethlehem high school student brought a box cutter to school and initially refused to give it to a teacher, city police said. On April 5, Jeudy Fernandez Garcia, 18, was using the box cutter to slice paper inside a classroom at Liberty High School, police said. Teacher Michael Vassallo reported seeing Fernandez Garcia using the blade, and told the student he wasn't supposed to have it in school because it was considered a weapon. Fernandez Garcia placed his hand over the box cutter and, when Vassallo walked to the desk, hid it in his bookbag, police said. Fernandez Garcia refused to give up the box cutter after Vassalllo asked three times, police said. Eventually, Fernandez Garcia took the blade out of his bag and threw it on Vassallo's desk, police said. The teacher put it in an envelope and left the classroom to report the incident to an assistant principal. Fernandez Garcia allegedly left the classroom and then the school. He was arraigned Thursday on a charge of possession of a weapon on school property, and released on $10,000 unsecured bail. An attorney has not yet entered an appearance for Fernandez Garcia. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Officers investigating a complaint about marijuana smoke uncovered a heroin dealing operation in a Bethlehem Township apartment, police said. Steven Paredes, of the 2100 block of Johnston Drive, was in his apartment Thursday, wearing socks with marijuana leaves on them, when officers knocked on his door, police said. Officer Edward Fox said he told Paredes to "hand over the bud," and the 34-year-old Paredes said OK and let officers into the apartment. Paredes walked to the master bathroom and allegedly took out a small amount of marijuana from the medicine cabinet. When Fox asked if he could search the bathroom, Paredes reportedly said yes. Fox said under the sink he found a jar with multiple bags of marijuana, a heat sealer, glassine baggies and a digital scale. "I told the male he was in trouble and he said he knew," Fox wrote in court paperwork. Fox asked to search the rest of the apartment, and Paredes allegedly agreed to that as well. When officers found a handgun with an obliterated serial number and heroin packaging material in a backpack, they stopped the search and applied for a search warrant, prosecutors said. Police said all told they found 15 grams of loose heroin, "hundreds" of baggies with the word spider on the outside, 37 vials of cannabis oil, a quarter-pound of marijuana, $493 in cash, and the handgun -- a Taurus 9mm. Paredes is charged with two counts each of possession with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance, as well as possessing a firearm with an altered serial number. He was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Five people were arrested after Easton police raided three apartments Friday morning in three drug cases, Lt. Matthew Gerould said. Arrest and narcotics search warrants were served just after 6 a.m. at Apartments 408 and 103 in Bushkill House, 66 N. Locust St., Gerould said. Henry Rodriguez, 48, and Donnell Davis, 49, who were working together but living in different apartments, were taken into custody, Gerould added. Both men were targets of delivery of drugs warrants in the Vice Unit investigation, Gerould said. Controlled buys were made in Centre Square and in Rodriguez's apartment, Gerould and court papers said. The men were selling crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana out of the Easton Housing Authority property, Gerould said. Rodriguez also faces charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin and crack -- 15 packets of heroin and two corner ties of crack were recovered -- as well as possession of drug paraphernalia from items found in Apartment 408 or on Rodriguez, Gerould said. Both men arraigned Friday morning before District Judge Antonia Grifo. Davis was sent to prison after failing to post $35,000 bail. That amount could be reduced to $3,500 of he's approved for supervision by the Northampton County Pre-Trial Services division. Rodriguez's bail was set at $100,000 for Friday's crimes and $75,000 for crimes for which which police held a warrant. He could be eligible for the 10 percent option. The Bushkill House raid was in response to numerous complaints from inside the building and from the surrounding neighborhood, Gerould said. There was a lot of drug activity on the Bushkill Street side of the building at "all hours of the day and night," Gerould said. The department's Special Response Unit helped vice personnel enter the apartments. Police at Bushkill House also arrested Megan Ward, who formally lived in the Hotel Hampton in the 400 block of Northampton Street. She was staying in Apartment 408 and was already facing a delivery charge in a separate case from April 9, Gerould said. Ward, 32, sold crack cocaine to a police cooperating source earlier this month near Centre Square in the city's Downtown, court papers say. Detectives watched the transaction and there was video surveillance, police said in court papers. She is also charged with using a cellphone to facilitate a crime from that case and possession of drug paraphernalia from Friday's raid, court papers and Gerould said. Ward was arraigned by Grifo, who set bail at $25,000. If she's approved for pre-trial supervision, she'll need to post 10 percent of that amount to be released. "I'm going to go to jail," Ward said during a realization before her arraignment began. A second woman was in custody at Bushkill House, and Gerould identified her as Kimberly Geisberger, 49, who was also found in Apartment 408. She will be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and released, Gerould said. Ward said in court that she was an addict, not a dealer, and had been "struggling" with drugs since she was 15. Originally from Hunterdon County, she said she's been staying most recently in Phillipsburg, but lived a few months in Easton before that. She had been working in a hair salon in Phillipsburg, but wasn't allowed back until she could prove she was clean, she said. She was in drug rehab less than two years ago Georgia, she said. Five people -- including Henry Rodriguez, seen here -- were taken into custody just after 6 a.m. April 13, 2018, during drug raids at 66 N. Locust St. and 1154 Washington St. in Easton. The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Unit helped city police serve a narcotics search warrant at Apartment 1 at 1154 Washington St., Gerould said. Michael Jackson was arrested based on what was found during the search, Gerould said. Jackson, 34, was dealing marijuana and cocaine, and controlled purchases were made, Gerould said. Police recovered marijuana, a digital scale and a cellphone used to arrange a drug delivery, police said. Jackson was charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana and a felon possessing a firearm, Gerould said. Marijuana and a loaded .45-caliber Hi-Point semiautomatic were recovered in the apartment, Gerould added. After being read his rights, Jackson admitted he was actively selling marijuana and was in possession of the weapon, police said. District Judge Richard Yetter III arraigned Jackson and set bail at $100,000. Rodriguez spoke before Easton City Council two years ago to advocate on behalf of the city's homeless residents. He was homeless himself at the time and was among the 30 to 50 people evicted from a tent encampment along a Lehigh Drive hillside. Rodriguez told city council at the time he suffered from a spinal condition and couldn't pursue his trade as a carpenter. During his court appearance, Rodriguez listed previous addresses, but didn't say he had been homeless. Paul Lear Jr., 57, was sitting on a bench outside Bushkill House as police cleared out Friday morning. He recalled that Davis "was one of my best friends" before they had a parting of the ways. Lear said he was happy he "got away from that crap." Lear has lived in the building for several years and has seen a number of drug raids. He said he had noticed an increase in traffic along the street near the building. A woman who lives in the neighborhood agreed. "They're always coming and going," she said, choosing not to give her name. Dealers appear from a side door on the west side of the building and sell in public, she said. "I hate drugs," she said. "Drugs stole my life and I never took them," declining to explain further on the record. "I hate every part of it," she said. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. An "unauthorized individual" entered Easton Area Middle School on Friday morning but was quickly apprehended, according to a message on the school website. The message says a woman entered the school at 1010 Echo Trail in Forks Township during first period. She was identified as an intruder by school staff, was apprehended and turned over to police, the message says. The middle school campus was placed on "restricted movement for precautionary reasons" when the intruder was discovered, the message says. The middle school campus includes Tracy Elementary School, which is temporarily relocated while construction continues at Tracy Elementary in Palmer Township. "School officials conducted a thorough search of the campus prior to giving an all-clear and lifting the restricted movement," the message says. An automated phone call went out to district parents to alert them of the incident. The message doesn't say how the intruder got past the secure school entrances or why the intruder was in the school. "This matter remains under investigation; however, further information will be forthcoming from the Easton Area School District Police Department as it becomes available," the message says. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Police are investigating the death of a Lehigh County man who was arrested in 2016 with two others at the Holland Tunnel in a vehicle with a cache of weapons. Dean Smith, 54, was found dead Thursday morning in his Whitehall Township home, the Lehigh County coroner's office said. Whitehall Township police Chief Michael Marks said police were called at about 9 a.m. for a possible cardiac arrest at the home. There is nothing suspicious about the death, but police are investigating as a precaution, the chief said. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the cause and manner of death. The death is being investigated by the coroner's office and township police. Police did not immediately return a call asking about the death. Smith was thrust into the national spotlight when he, John Cramsey and Kimberly Arendt were stopped June 21, 2016, at the Holland Tunnel for a cracked windshield. The trio said they were headed to the Bronx to after Jenea Patterson called Arendt, her former counselor, when a friend overdosed. It was described as a rescue mission. Port Authority police said weapons were visible inside and they seized a 12-gauge shotgun; assault rifle with high-capacity magazines; five handguns, some of which were loaded; knives; prescription drugs and marijuana. Smith says he was along for the ride in a journalistic role. He entered pre-trial intervention in the case, a first-time offender program. When contacted about Smith's death, Smith's attorney, Mario Blanch, declined to comment. Patterson died in January 2017, of what her father said was a drug overdose. Friend Steven Jones said Smith will be remembered by friends as a very talented man, and a great and giving soul. "He was a fair and just man. Yes, he was a bit of a hell raiser, but he could also be very mild mannered," Jones said. "We were discussing working together on his project, Nor'eastern Magazine, and mine, Rocking the Valley. He will be missed." Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Trump pulled the United States out of the Pacific trade deal in January last year, one of his first moves as president. (File Photo) WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The White House is considering re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade pact that President Donald Trump pulled the United States out last year. "It is good news that today the President directed Larry Kudlow and Ambassador Lighthizer to negotiate U.S. entry into TPP," said Republican Senator Ben Sasse in a statement after a meeting with Trump on Thursday. The White House had no official announcement on this issue yet. According to local media reports, Trump on Thursday told a group of lawmakers at the meeting which Sasse also attended that he has directed the U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer and National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow to study the possibility of re-entering the TPP if the terms are favorable. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump called TPP a "disaster". He pulled the United States out of the Pacific trade deal in January last year, one of his first moves as president. Earlier this year, the remaining 11 TPP nations, including Japan and Canada, announced they struck an alternative agreement without the United States. Although the United States has withdrawn from the TPP, Trump has signaled his interest in reconsidering the trade deal. In January this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump told CNBC during an interview that "I would do TPP if we were able to make a substantially better deal." Trump in February also suggested he was open to the trade pact during a news conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. There are about to be some planned traffic problems this weekend on the I-78 West side of the toll bridge plaza in Northampton and Warren counties. The second 57-hour period of single lane traffic around the I-78 West toll bridge begins 10 p.m. Friday and will remain in place until 7 a.m. Monday, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission reminded drivers. The work will close two of the three travel lanes on I-78 West, from milepost 0.5 before the Carpentersville Road overpass bride in Jersey to milepost 77.2 in Pennsylvania after the I-78 approach bridge across Route 611. There is no way to avoid the work area after passing exit 3, the last exit in New Jersey, on I-78 westbound. The first 57-hour shift was March 16-19, and traffic became snarled on I-78 and Route 22 over the weekend. Severe traffic congestion is likeliest between the hours of 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the commission said in a news release. Backups in excess of a mile, and travel delays of an hour or more, are also likely. The construction is part of $12.6 million in work on the bridge commission's 7-mile stretch of the highway on both sides of the Delaware River. Crews are planning to replace slabs at the toll bridge and the approach bridge across Route 611. Later, slabs will be replaced in the area of the approach bridges across Route 519 in Pohatcong Township, and an on-ramp to I-78 East at the interchange for routes 22 and 173, outside Phillipsburg. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A patron who assaulted and severely injured his fiancee during a drunken fight can't get damages from the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem for the attack and his subsequent prison term, a Superior Court panel has concluded. Judge Victor P. Stabile made that call in denying a plea by Nicholas Mullins to revive a lawsuit Mullins filed against the Bethlehem gambling venue. Mullins claimed Sands employees served him and his now ex-fiancee Caitlin Shields alcohol three hours before the two got into a fight in their hotel room in January 2012. Shields suffered severe head trauma and Mullins sustained groin and facial wounds. Mullins, 33, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to an aggravated assault charge and spent four years in state prison. In suing Sands, Mullins claimed its employees violated the state Dram Shop Act by serving him and Shields drinks when they were visibly intoxicated. Therefore, he argued, the casino is responsible for the fight and his trip to prison. The suit went to trial in Northampton County Court, but Judge Paula A. Roscioli short-circuited the proceeding at midpoint by ruling Mullins hadn't proven his case against the casino. Specifically, Roscioli found Mullins hadn't shown he and Shields had been visibly drunk at Sands. Mullins' attorney claimed his client was served 17 drinks by casino workers. Mullins contended on appeal that Roscioli was biased against him and focused too much on his criminal conviction. Those arguments didn't sway Stabile. He agreed with Roscioli's finding. Stabile concluded as well that Mullins isn't entitled to damages from Sands for his incarceration under the "felony rule" that governs such cases. "Mullins' claim that his incarceration caused him to suffer mental anguish, loss of reputation, and loss of past and future earnings is not actionable because the felony rule prevents him from recovering losses which flowed directly from his criminal acts," Stabile wrote. Local and state firefighters extinguished a brush fire whipped up by strong winds Friday afternoon in Warren County. Reported about 3 p.m., it grew from about 50 feet by 50 feet to around 100 feet by 200 feet before it was put out, according to reports from the scene. The location was to the rear of the 800 block of South Main Street in Greenwich Township. Responding were the Stewartsville Volunteer Fire Co., New Jersey Forest Fire Service and township police. Authorities were not immediately available for comment, including on a cause. Freelance photographer Dave Dabour contributed to this report from the scene. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A case for partnership* May and June are important months for all those involved in Local Government. In May the Federal Budget will be handed down. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has made a Budget submission, Invest in Australian Communities: Make it Local. ALGAs Budget submission puts a strong case for Federal initiatives in partnership with Local Government, which is responsible for the maintenance of 75 per cent of all Australian roads by length and a wide range of community infrastructure and services. Local Government raises about 90 per cent of its own revenue, but Federal funding is crucial. Among other things the ALGA submission has pushed for increased funding for transport infrastructure and the upgrading of aging community assets. From 17-20 June the National General Assembly of Local Government will be held in Canberra. ALGA organises this conference. It is the largest and most significant annual gathering of Australian Local Government representatives. More than 800 Local Government representatives are expected to attend. Both the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Opposition Leader Bill Shorten have been invited. The National General Assembly provides another opportunity for Local Government priorities to be highlighted on the national stage. As the NGA18 program Australias Future: Make it Local states, The primary focus of all motions [for debate] should be to strengthen the capacity of Local Government to provide services and infrastructure in Australia. The conference is also an ideal opportunity for Local Government representatives to get to know each other and work together to advance the interests of their communities. *Copy supplied by ALGA Addressing youth unemployment The City of Ryde, New South Wales, will investigate opportunities to do more to assist young members of the community find more employment opportunities. The City of Ryde currently undertakes an intern program to support young workers including partnering with University of Technology Sydney for newly qualified engineers, and has resolved to investigate opportunities to expand its current intern program to assist local graduates and apprentices gain work experience. Ryde Young Citizen of the Year, Rhett Prado, addressed councillors about the struggle that young people in Ryde face in finding employment. Youth unemployment and under-employment, is an alarming issue facing the community of Ryde. With housing prices pushing up the cost of living, Rydes younger citizens are finding it harder to make ends meet. Expanding internships within the City of Ryde provides the Ryde youth an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the hope that it will increase their employment prospects and give them a kick-start into their future careers. These internships are not only valuable to the young people receiving them. It also gives Ryde Council many new bright and keen young workers who are willing to learn and grow in their positions. City of Ryde Mayor, Jerome Laxale, said more needed to be done at all levels of government to assist young people in finding employment opportunities. Expanding the Councils intern program is just one initiative and I will be working with councillors and staff over the next year to try and identify ways in which we can address youth unemployment in the City of Ryde. Community-led local government* The 2018 Future of Local Government National Summit will celebrate the local, exploring who is leading the (new) way and how theyre doing it. It will give leading edge examples of community-led activities from around Australia and the world, and the implications for the role of local government. For possibly the first time in history, there is a simultaneous breakdown of trust in the key social institutions: government, church and business. People want to take back control. Its not the communitys job to be heard but rather the governments job to listen. At the 2016 Future of Local Government (FOLG) National Summit, over 200 attendees were asked to stand at the beginning of the event and then to sit down if they were satisfied with the position Local Government was in: not one person sat down! The 2017 FOLG National Summit saw a recognition that Future Shock is upon us, but our system of governance is disintegrating. Business as usual is not an option. There is an urgent need to devolve power back to communities. A new Australian localism is emerging, emphasising the fundamental importance of place and place-based governance. Local government needs to demonstrate its relevance. The sector can capture the Australian political imagination by putting people and place first. The 2018 Summit will demonstrate the new community-led way and the implications for local government. International speakers include Andrew Walker (UK) on beyond devolution and Danielle Arigoni (USA) on building great neighbourhoods; leading edge case studies from around Australia will demonstrate how community-led processes can deliver amazing outcomes. For online registration and conference details go to mav.asn.au/events (click on upcoming events and scroll down to May 30). For further information: jhennessy[@]mav.asn.au *Copy supplied by MAV Contact centre rings up national award The Contact Centre team of Northern Australian Services, in an innovative partnership with Mackay Regional Council, Queensland, has been named Best in its Class in Australia. The team won the national honour at the IQPC (International Quality and Productivity Centre) Best Contact Centre 2018 Awards on the Gold Coast recently. It won the award for contact centres with 99 full-time employees or less. Council CEO Craig Doyle said the national award was well deserved for the team, which had 22 full-time equivalent staff and three management and support positions. He said the team formed Councils Shared Services Centre and also provided external services as Northern Australian Services. The team has achieved extremely high customer service satisfaction ratings while managing increases in call volumes. The Contact Centre received nearly 85,000 calls in 2017, up from just over 79,600 two years ago, and deals with about 30,000 emails a year. They regularly achieve customer service satisfaction ratings of around 94 per cent while handling this workload. Mr Doyle said the teams culture, service and use of technology helped it secure the national award. Councillor profiles - Adrian Dixon Shire President of Central Desert Regional Council Central Desert Regional Council area is located in the central southern section of the Northern Territory (NT) north of Alice Springs, encompassing the Tanami Desert. Inhabited by the Anmatjere, Warlpiri and Arrernte Aboriginal people it has a population of about 4,222 people (2016 Census) across a landmass of 282.064 sq km most of which is Aboriginal freehold land. The Region has eight Aboriginal communities and one township, the closest being 196km from Alice Springs and the furthest being 1,300km away. Council has representation from every community across our three Wards, which is unusual. Seven of the 12 councillors are new to the role with three women and nine men. There from the first I was elected as a councillor in the first sitting of the reformed NT Local Government in 2008, then elected President in 2012 and have remained on Council to this day. I was involved with Local Government for about three years prior to the forming of the Regional Councils. What I love about the job is travelling across Central Australia, meeting people, finding out what they are passionate about. Also helping our 370-odd Council staff to make positive change. I love everything about it [being on Council], thats why I have been a Councillor for so long. There are lots of great places across the Central Desert region. Laramba, where I live, is a beautiful place. Outside work hours I like spending time with family, hunting and listening to country and western music. Too few, too far The constituents of Central Desert Region are considered to be remote and disadvantaged. We have a declining population and poor household statistics including low levels of literacy and numeracy. Forty-two per cent unemployment, overcrowding in houses and a median weekly household income of $1,202.00 per week are among the challenges faced by Council. Another is distance; a remote road network of over 1,800km, only 100km of which is bitumen is expensive to maintain and frequently impacted by adverse weather events leaving residents stranded in communities for days, sometimes weeks. Deciding how to allocate our budget is difficult with so many needs across the area. Programs for reform In 2012 Council established a mediation and justice program in one of its larger communities of Yuendumu. The program employs local Aboriginal people who act as mediators in times of community trouble. In 2017 the program was extended to the nearby community of Willowra after their Local Authority requested assistance from Council to address violence in the community. In the background, Council staff have been working to transition the program to the Southern Tanami Kurdiji Indigenous Corporation (STKIC). The transition to independence will be complete by July 2018. Alongside this program, Council has recently approved an important policy, which will support the work of STKIC, called the Intentional Damage Policy. It aims to bring mediators, offenders and police together to work towards a productive outcome in the event that there is damage to Council property. Bringing new voices Among my personal successes as Councillor is being appointed an inaugural member of the NT Chief Ministers First Circles program 2015-2018. I am also proud of engaging Indigenous leaders across the NT to bring new voices to the conversation and help build the next generation of community leaders. One of the youngest female councillors in the NT, Councillor Audrey Inkamala from Atitjere is just 22 years of age. I am currently working on strategic planning with councillors and officers. We are largely focused on advocacy across all levels of government to improve peoples lives. I look forward to working with the CDRCs CEO, Diane Hood and staff to have conversations about change at other levels of government. HONG KONG/MANILA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday that he formally apologized for the 2010 hostage-taking incident in Manila that killed eight tourists from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Speaking to the Filipino community in Hong Kong, Duterte said that Manila has yet to make an "official apology" over the incident. "There has been no official apology coming form the Philippines regarding that incident that happened in August 2010," Duterte said. "From the bottom of my heart, as the President of the Republic of the Philippines and on behalf of the people of the Philippines, may I apologize formally to you now," Duterte was quoted by Philippine media as saying in a meeting with Filipinos in Hong Kong. "We are sorry that the incident happened and as humanely possible, I would like to make this guarantee also that it will never, never happen again," he said. A bus with 21 Hong Kong tourists onboard was hijacked in the Philippine capital Manila on Aug. 23, 2010. The 11-hour hostage crisis ended with eight Hong Kong tourists killed in a bungled police rescue. Duterte arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday for a three-day informal visit after attending the Boao Forum for Asia in China's Hainan Province. Growers become export ready Burdekin Shire Council, Queensland, will hold an export forum in Ayr next month aiming to get local growers thinking about opportunities to export their produce into lucrative international markets. Following Councils participation in last years Singapore Insights delegation, led by Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL), the 2018 Burdekin Export Forum will provide growers with the latest information on emerging markets, international opportunities and supply chains. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin, said mango producer Manbulloo and Achacha Fruit Plantation, two Burdekin businesses already exporting their products into markets around the world, will share their stories at the forum. Well also have speakers represented from across government, transport, business and agriculture. Council is very keen to work with local growers to explore exporting opportunities to support diversification of the local agriculture and horticulture industries. The forum will provide growers with the information needed to progress to being export ready. The Mayor said case studies from local and Queensland businesses would be presented to provide growers with practical insights into doing business internationally. The forum is also an opportunity to network, interact and learn from each other and from trade and investment service providers. Reconciliation plan endorsed The City of Cockburn, Western Australia (WA), has adopted its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), progressing its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help them achieve equality in all aspects of life. The City of Cockburn was the first Perth metropolitan Local Government to have a Reconciliation Action Plan endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in 2011. It is one of just three of WAs 138 local governments embarking on the third phase of developing a RAP, which aims to implement longer-term strategies that achieve equality by using measurable goals and targets. Some of the actions in the 2018-2021 RAP include establishing an Aboriginal Cultural and Community Centre, developing a policy to increase Aboriginal employment at the City, Aboriginal cultural learning activities for City staff and elected members, and consideration of dual signage and naming of locations with an Aboriginal name. The plan will also enable the City to notify the Australian Government of the findings of the Council-endorsed consultation with the Cockburn Aboriginal Reference Group and the wider Aboriginal community about Australia Day activities. The City will advise the Australian Government that the consultation findings represent the opinion of the Cockburn Aboriginal community, and not the City itself. Mayor Logan Howlett welcomed the new RAP, saying it was a positive step in the Citys continuing journey of reconciliation. He congratulated the Aboriginal Reference Group on the extent of its engagement within the Aboriginal community and the considerations and support they brought to the many activities conducted throughout the year. The Welcome to Country provided by Nyungar Elders at the Citys Citizenship Ceremonies remain a highlight for those choosing to become Australian Citizens. It provides an introduction to Nyungar culture and heritage for those who have come from the four corners of the world to make Australia, and particularly Cockburn, their home. Regional tourism growth is not universal - The Good Oil by Rod Brown The tourism industry spends a lot of time talking things up, but the sad fact is that tourism numbers are falling in quite a few regions. As the table shows, there have been some big falls in overnight visitor trips to some regions since the turn of the century. Im advised that the 33 per cent drop in the Upper Yarra region of Victoria is mainly due to the loss of tourism infrastructure following the Black Saturday fires of 2009. The Whitsundays, Queensland, too have suffered from Cyclone Yasi damage. But the big mystery are the 11 per cent falls in the Blue Mountains and Central Coast of New South Wales (NSW) whatever the causes, these are broad-based, resilient economies that can weather those downturns. Overnight visitor trips negative growth regions (000) But its the decline in tourism activity in the more distant regions like the Wimmera, Mallee, Murray and Outback NSW that is the big cause for concern. Theyve suffered droughts, water buy-back schemes and significant population losses over the last generation or two, and tourism has been touted as their saviour. Indeed there has been an army of tourism officers and local champions devoted to the cause. The possible reasons for these declines are: High domestic airfares e.g. Sydney to Broken Hill airfare is $1366 return, which is more than to/from Europe. Motoring costs e.g. the cost of petrol outside the capitals. The lack of tourism product and/or the lack of appreciation of that product. People being time poor i.e. apart from Grey Nomads and backpackers, few are willing to spend hours driving. The flat population growth of many regional centres, thus limiting the growth of regional aviation traffic and the lowering of airfares. I tried to run these possibilities past the tourism policy expert in the federal government, but couldnt find any such person. The tourism function is now buried in Austrade of all places as a result of the Abbott Government cutbacks, and Austrades mandate doesnt extend to regional or domestic tourism. This basically leaves the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), state tourism agencies and individual local councils to progress initiatives in this field. So let me try three ideas on you, the denizens of local government. 1. The big problem facing regional Australia is the lack of critical mass and consequently high transport and travel costs. Could regional stakeholders mount a big lobbying effort to convince the feds and state governments about relocation incentives to get balanced development? This critical mass thing will take decades to achieve so lets start now! 2. International tourists are having longer holidays Downunder the 6-7 day rush around a few hotspots is becoming less common. So lets galvanise inbound tourism operators to offer three day bus trips from Alice Springs down through Coober Pedy, the Flinders Ranges and the Barossa. Theyd see the real Outback, drink in a real pub, eat kangaroo steaks, fossick for opals and appreciate the haunting landscapes and sunsets. Similarly, Qantas could drop tourists into its birthplace of Longreach (Stockmans Hall of Fame) and arrange tour buses down through Blackall, Charleville, Roma, Toowoomba etc. Hotel/motel owners would need to get their food and accommodation up-to-scratch. Theyd also have to lobby (with local councils) because it wont happen of its own accord. 3. Tourists familiarity with rural and remote towns is usually very basic. Wiki entries on particular towns are pretty uninspiring, and glossy brochures tend to be too general. Could we interest local councils to engage expert travel writers to reveal brilliant reasons why tourists should visit rural towns, and to upload the articles onto the websites that tourists mostly use? As one travel writer commented we need to target the growing numbers that are too lazy, obese, couch-bound and risk-averse to even think of venturing out of wi-fi range. If you are thinking along the same lines, please contact us. Hewson no shrinking violet Former Liberal leader John Hewson was in his element last month, launching a new book, Fair Share: Competing Claims and Australias Economic Future at the National Library. The gist of the book, written by Dr Michael Keating and Professor Stephen Bell, is that the big economic problem is the continuing stagnation of aggregate demand across the developed economies. They argue that an investment-led economic recovery is highly unlikely while the growth of aggregate demand remains sluggish. Since pump priming is not an option because of huge public debts, governments are now looking for other ways to stimulate aggregate demand. In this context rising inequality is the prime cause of the continuing economic stagnation because the rich have a lower propensity to spend. This explains the calls for growth in wages, especially for low-income households. Hewson is an impressive, independent thinker. He suggested that the tax burden would need to be around three per cent higher if the nation was to fulfil its social and environmental objectives. He also railed about the lack of scrutiny of defence expenditure, opportunistic and short term government policies, and the loss of faith in our politicians and the governing class. Could he make a comeback please? Rod Brown is a Canberra-based consultant and lobbyist specialising in industry/regional development, investment attraction and clusters, and accessing federal grants. He also runs the Cockatoo Network. Phone: (02) 6231 7261 or 0412 922 559 Email: apdcockatoo@iprimus.com.au Blog: investmentinnovation.wordpress.com (750+articles) The ashes of democracy Blacktown City Council held a ceremonial cremation last month of the last development application to be voted on by its councillors. In a show of protest against New South Wales (NSW) Government changes to planning laws two urns now contain the ashes: one remains in the Council chambers as a memorial to accountable decision making, and the other was presented to NSW Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts. Blacktown City Mayor, Stephen Bali MP, said, We hope he will keep it as a reminder of how he has killed the voice of the community. Under legislation passed late last year, from March 1 NSW local councillors no longer vote on development applications: instead, they will be decided by independent planning panels. Since 1906, the residents and ratepayers of Blacktown have had accountable control over what happened in their neighbourhood. The basic democratic principle of electing representatives who were accountable through the ballot box for the decisions they made has been the guiding strength of our city. Not only have elected councillors lost the power to approve or reject development applications, but the community has lost the power to stand up before the councillors it elected to voice an opinion about how the neighbourhood takes shape. It simply cannot be argued that the process of councillors voting on development applications (DAs) slowed down development in Blacktown, Mayor Bali said. Last year, the councillors only voted on 21 DAs the other 2,500-odd were approved by council officers under delegated authority in an average time of just over a month. Councillors only looked at contentious developments of community concern or those where developers were not complying with regulations. Open Council meetings are the epitome of accountable, transparent and balanced decision- making. By contrast, local planning panels will be chaired by powerful state-level experts who are unlikely to have the same level of knowledge or understanding of our Citys needs. Mayor Bali is concerned that, because the panel meetings will be held during working hours, it will be harder for the community to come along and voice an opinion. My great fear is that planning panels will focus more on basic technical arguments rather than the implications for surrounding residents, whose opinions will no longer be heard. Its the death of democracy in Blacktown. Stock Market News Amur ready for busy field season at Kun-Manie 13-04-2018 10:01 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Friday newspaper round-up: TPP, VW, FirstGroup, Facebook 13-04-2018 07:06 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News FTSE 250 movers: Ultra Electronics boosted by upgrade; Hammerson hammered 13-04-2018 14:32 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Leaked financials suggest Saudi giant Aramco more profitable than Apple 13-04-2018 14:56 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News LSE appoints Goldman Sachs veteran David Schwimmer as CEO 13-04-2018 07:07 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk The guided-missile frigate Fushun (Hull 591) attached to a frigate flotilla of the navy under the PLA Northern Theater Command fires its close-in weapons system during a 6-day maritime realistic training exercise at an undisclosed sea area from March 5 to 10, 2018. [File Photo: chinamil.com.cn/Huang Liang] Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will conduct a live-fire drill in the waters of the Taiwan Strait on April 18, People's Daily reported citing a navigation warning issued by Fujian maritime administration on Thursday. Sanya maritime administration also issued a statement, saying the military training off Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, concluded on Thursday. Stock Market News Norwegian chief says no plans to sell to IAG 13-04-2018 15:15 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Trump considers rejoining TPP if presented 'better' terms 13-04-2018 09:05 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent condolences to his Algerian counterpart, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, over a deadly military plane crash. In his message, Xi said he was shocked by the news of the crash, which resulted in heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and also in his own name, Xi expressed his sympathies to the injured and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message to his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Ouyahia, to express his condolences over the accident. The military plane crashed Wednesday morning in Algeria's Blida Province, 30 km southwest of the capital Algiers, killing all 257 people on board, including 10 crew members. It is confirmed by Algeria's Defense Ministry as the worst air disaster in the country's history. Sun Zhengcai, former secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), stood trial for bribery Thursday at the First Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin Municipality. Sun is also a former member of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee. Between 2002 and 2017, Sun took advantage of his posts to provide help for certain units and individuals in project procurement, enterprise operations and adjustment of official positions, and accepted money and property worth 170 million yuan ($27.1 million) either by himself or through "certain affiliated persons," according to an indictment by the first branch of the Tianjin People's Procuratorate. During that period, Sun served as CPC chief of Shunyi district in Beijing, Standing Committee member and secretary general of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, agriculture minister, secretary of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee, Political Bureau member of the CPC Central Committee and Party chief of Chongqing Municipality. Prosecutors as well as Sun and his defense attorneys examined the evidence. Both sides questioned the two witnesses who testified in court, according to the court's statement. Every process in Sun's case, including collecting evidence and the trial, was conducted in accordance with the law. It also sends a clear signal that there was no "special Party member" in front of national laws and Party disciplines, read a commentary from the People's Daily on Thursday. On domestic and foreign factors, the Party's governance environment is still complicated, and the prominent problems of impure thinking and conduct in the Party have not been rooted out, the commentary said. Comprehensive and strict governance of the Party has to start from senior Party officials so that the anti-graft drive will not give up halfway, it added. In his final statement, Sun said he deserved to be punished and had no objections to the charges. He admitted his guilt, repented for his wrongdoing and said he would sincerely submit to the court's judgment, according to the court statement. More than 130 people, including lawmakers, political advisers and journalists attended the trial. The verdict will be announced at a later date. Properties / Hotels This newly renovated 5-Star hotel in Rome offers guests a top-flight, luxurious stay accompanied by unrivalled hospitality. Perfection just happens here. Find out more Apr 13, 2018 | By Andrea Sim Hotel Eden reopens in the heart of Rome, Italy The glitzy Hotel Eden situated in the heart of Rome has finally reopened its doors to public, after it closed for about a year and a half for refurbishment. Exuding an authentic Roman spirit with a grand interior decor, this radiant hotel has finally rose to life again with the stories of a legendary city and the hospitality of its remarkable people. The newly renovated 5-Star hotel offers guests a selection of 98 recently refurbished guestrooms, including rooftop terrace (certain guestrooms). Many beautiful rooms afford expansive views that whisper of exclusive serenity and peace of mind. The classy opulent Eden is situated in a wonderful location offering intoxicating views, a strong sense of place and a very Italian charm said Luca Virgilio, General Manager at Hotel Eden. Being listed in the 2015 Conde Nast Traveler Top 100 List and the 2016 Travel + Leisure 500, Hotel Eden offers two restaurants; La Terrazza and II Giardino offering Mediterranean cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere with the most incredible view of Rome. Whilst The Bar at Hotel Eden (operating all-day) invites guests to revel in the wraparound views, and at the same time, enjoy the classic cocktail hour. Embrace the citys pulse by venturing out and exploring the city by foot; view the ever-changing light, the awe-inspiring panorama replete with famous monuments, domes and bell towers or take a short stroll around the hotel vicinity. Served by one of Romes most pampering destinations, its just a short distant walk away from many of the citys buzz, sights and therapeutic shopping malls. For the more adventurous, do visit St. Peters Basilica (36-minute walk), Villa Borghese (12-minute walk), Piazza del Popolo (16-minute walk), Teatro dellOpera di Roma (16-minute walk), Piazza Venezia (17-minute walk), Vittorio Emanuele Monument (17-minute walk) and more. Spa Treatments Another distinctive highlight of the hotel is the Spa, offering a world of true relaxation with the range of custom-created treatments for both men and women. Visit the official website of Hotel Eden, Rome for enquiries, check availability and rates. The Art Department of Lycoming College will again host the annual Intercollegiate Art History Symposium on April 20. The event runs from 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. at Lycoming Colleges Fine Arts Building, Room 107. The event is free and open to the public. A professional forum for topics in art history, the symposium offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to present their ideas to scholars and peers, as well as the general public. Sixteen students are invited to present their original research from nine colleges and universities, including Bloomsburg University, Bucknell University, Gettysburg College, Juniata College, Lebanon Valley College, Lycoming College, Pennsylvania State University, Susquehanna University and Ursinus College. These presentations deal with a variety of subjects, such as feminism, indigenous art and iconoclasm (i.e. the destruction of art and cultural objects for religious or political reasons). Two speakers represent Lycoming College: Alicia Skeath, a senior art history major with an American history minor, and Tracy Robinson, a senior double-majoring in art history and international studies with a minor in photography. Skeath will present her research on Caravaggio, one of the most prominent Italian painters in the Baroque movement. Robinson, on the other hand, will examine modern iconoclasm as seen in the recent acts of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as known as ISIS. This annual event brings students together from area colleges to share experiences and research. It builds community and fosters the exchange of ideas and research among students who share interests and aspirations. And the presentations are always fascinating! said Amy Golahny, Ph.D., professor of art history at Lycoming and participant in the symposium since its inception. This annual symposium was established in 2006 by Roger Rothman, Samuel H. Kress Chair and associate professor of art history at Bucknell University, and previously hosted by Lycoming in 2012. Providing a forum for art history undergraduate research, it offers a chance for undergraduates to present their research, hone their speaking skills and share their ideas with an audience of their peers. These presentations highlight senior thesis research, the results of an in-depth research or independent study project, field work and study abroad, or exceptional internship experiences. China and the US have not undertaken any negotiations so far on the escalating trade dispute, and while China is willing to talk, it is not up to the country to force the issue if the US is reticent, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said Thursday. Judging by the latest US moves, the Trump administration is not showing any intention to negotiate in good faith, Gao Feng, a spokesperson for MOFCOM, told a meeting in Beijing on Thursday. The US Trade Representative (USTR) first published a proposed list of Chinese goods subject to additional 25 percent tariffs on April 3. Two days later, US President Donald Trump suggested an additional $100 billion in tariffs be imposed on Chinese goods. "Those moves were typically isolationist and protectionist," Gao said, noting that China will not agree to any negotiations when threatened by the US. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday announced China's new opening-up measures at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in South China's Hainan Province, which offered no concessions to Trump's proposals, Gao said. "The further opening-up policy is part of China's basic national policy, which will not be interrupted by other countries," he noted. Over the past four decades, China has made significant progress and only by continued opening-up will the country further develop, Gao noted. "The new measures come from us, are voluntary, and the US should not misjudge the situation," he said. Xi's vow to further open-up the economy at the BFA was also applauded by other countries. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former French prime minister, said he was inspired by Xi's speech, and that France and China share a common view of globalization. "We strongly support multilateralism, and dialogue and cooperation will help the world stay away from potential dangers," Raffarin told the Global Times on Wednesday night at the French Embassy in Beijing. As a French official who is active in promoting China-France relations, Raffarin said that China-US trade tensions should be tackled by discussion instead of confrontation. Russia is actively implementing a lunar program through 2030, aiming to send astronauts to the moon, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, Russia's Cosmonautics Day. Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L front) visits the renovated Cosmos pavilion of the VDNKh exhibition centre. [Photo: IC] Putin said "yes" to the question "We are going to fly to the moon, right?" when he visited the Space Pavilion at the all-Russian Center of Achievements of the National Economy, according to the Kremlin. Russia will first build a space station on the lunar orbit and then modules on the moon itself, he told cosmonauts and space industry veterans, saying he has no doubt that Russia will be able to do this. The program will run until 2030 and the Federatsiya spacecraft is now nearing completion, while work has begun on creating a super-heavy rocket for the moon projects, Putin said. According to him, Russia plans to test the super-heavy carrier rocket in 10 years and a special launch compound for the rocket's trials will be built at the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East. The Cosmonautics Day commemorates the first manned spaceflight on April 12, 1961 by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. To access our in-house intelligence please request a trial here. Read this article and more for a 30 day period. Are you already an Managing IP subscriber? Login here Trump says decision on Syria response to be made "fairly soon" U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he was going to hold meeting on Syria and the decisions on the U.S. response to the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria will be made "fairly soon." "We are having a meeting today on Syria," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We have to make some further decisions, so that'll be made fairly soon," Trump added. The new remarks by Trump on the deadly incident in Syria's Douma came hours after his tweet in which he refused to specify any timetable for potential U.S. military action on the war-torn country. "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Trump wrote in the tweet on Thursday morning. Activists, local rescuers, and rebels in Syria claimed that Syrian government forces used chlorine gas on Saturday in an attack in Douma, a rebel-held area near capital Damascus. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has denied the accusations, calling rebels' claims "premeditated pretexts." U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress on Thursday morning that he was convinced that there was a chemical attack in Syria. "I believe there was a chemical attack and we are looking for the actual evidence," the Pentagon chief told the lawmakers. He also noted that the United States had not made any decision to launch military action in Syria. Mattis added that Washington would like to have inspectors in Syria "probably within the week," as the evidence could become more difficult to collect when time passed by. NBC News reported that the U.S. officials said they were "confident" that chemical weapons have been used in Syria though not one-hundred percent sure. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has reiterated on Thursday the Syrian government's willingness to cooperate with an investigation team into the chemical attack allegations, according to the state news agency. The Dutch Marxists have launched a new paper, Revolutie (Revolution), which has replaced the old paper, Vonk. On 24 March they held a public event to announce the name change. The change did not come from nowhere. The new name connects much better to the new objective situation in the Netherlands. The Revolutie Conference: 1968-2018 The Revolutie Conference consisted of two sessions, one about the Revolutionary Year 1968, the other about the objective situation and need for the name change. The session about 1968 was given by Hamid Alizadeh, editor of marxist.com. He spoke about the magnificent revolutionary events that took place 50 years ago. The movement in France in May '68 was started by the students, but spread to the working class of France. At its peak there was a revolutionary general strike of 10 million workers, which basically controlled the whole country. The government of De Gaulle was powerless. The new paper was launched at the Revolutie Conference / Image: Revolutie This was not 'supposed' to happen, as all the 'experts' and 'left-wing intellectuals' had written off the French working class. However, under the surface, there were many processes going on which prepared this outburst of revolutionary energy. Unfortunately the leadership of the Communist Party and of the trade unions in the CGT played a negative role, leading eventually to the return of order under De Gaulle. Hamid then spoke about movements taking place in other countries, as a historical period of class struggle opened up that lasted until the mid-1980s. There is a big analogy with today. On the surface, in many countries, there does not seem to be much happening. Under the surface, however, there is a new 1968 being prepared on a much larger scale. This lead-off was followed by an interesting discussion on experiences in other countries, the role of students in the movement, the role of Stalinism, and the perspectives for a new 1968 today. Session about the launch of Revolutie The second session was about the name-change, the launch of the new magazine, Revolutie. Zowi Milanovi, editor of Revolutie, stated that the name-change was justified by the new situation in which the Netherlands finds itself. The most advanced layers of the workers and youth are looking for ideas that can help them change the world. He then spoke about the revolutionary history of the country, pointing out that the country itself came into existence as result of a revolution in the 16th century against Spanish absolutism. In the 18th century the American and French revolutions inspired the Patriot movement, which came to power with help from the French revolutionary armies and laid the foundations for the modern Dutch state. Comrades discussed the events of 1968, in addition to Dutch history and the perspectives for a revolutionary movement in the country / Image: Revolutie After that he gave examples of big movements of the Dutch working class, which always appeared to come out of nowhere and were every time preceded by scepticism from the leadership of the movement. The 1903 railway strike spread to other sectors and became a general strike; the 1970 dockworkers strike was the start of a decade of militant class struggle; the 2004 movement against austerity led to the biggest mobilisations since 20 years, in a period in which the workers movement was written off. Today we are entering a similar situation. Although many on the left only talk about the growth of the far right; this is a completely exaggerated threat. In fact, under the surface there is a processes of radicalisation that has yet to find a direct outlet. It is these layers that can and have to be won over to the ideas of marxism. The lead-off was followed by discussion about the political situation in the Netherlands, the failure of the left-wing parties to offer an alternative, and how the people in the Netherlands would react to revolutionary events in other European countries. It was pointed out that situations can change rapidly: for example, Britain used to be a 'boring' country where not much was taking place, but has in a few years changed from top to bottom. Objective conditions The Dutch economy has seen a small recovery, but this does not mean there won't be a new crisis. In fact, this recovery is based on a few factors. First of all, the Netherlands has been exporting itself out of the crisis. Exports now constitute 80 percent of GDP, while there is a trade surplus of almost 11 percent. This has been made possible because of the artificially low euro currency, which means countries like Germany and the Netherlands can get out of the crisis on the backs of the weaker Southern European economies. Secondly, the Netherlands has become a low-wage country, with even the Dutch Central Bank and the IMF warning the bosses that the wages should rise slightly, in order to stimulate consumption. Wage costs per unit product between 2008 and 2016 have gone up by a mere 3.6 percent, below the Eurozone average of 5 percent. At the same time, there has been an explosion of precarious 'flex contracts' without any security, mostly for young people. In fact, the Netherlands has the highest rate of 'flex contracts' in Europe after Spain. Thirdly there is a new housing bubble being inflated. While real wages have stagnated, house prices have gone up by more than 20 percent between 2013 and 2017. The government implemented extra stimulus policies, hoping to return to the boom situation of the 1990s and 2000s. From an economic point of view, this is dangerous, as the Netherlands already has very high mortgage debt rates. However, there is also a political dimension here, as the ruling class wants to keep the dream alive that every better-paid worker or middle-class citizen can 'move upwards' by buying a house. The problem is that in spite of all the stimuli, the precarious contracts and general pressure on wages make this impossible. The ruling class cannot solve this contradiction. When a new crisis comes, either through external causes like stock market crashes or a trade war, or through the collapse of the housing bubble, the effect on the consciousness of the Dutch workers will be different than with the last crisis. People will have the idea that they have been tricked, that after all the years of austerity nothing really has been solved. Political parties are already in a huge crisis, there is a fragmented situation with a four party centre-right coalition, which is not really popular. Mark Rutte managed to beat Wilders in the general election last year, by taking over his reactionary rhetoric. Rutte will have some support as long as the small boom lasts, mostly from small business people and home-owning suburban layers. However, the loyalty of these layers is not as deep as a few decades ago. The Dutch Labour Party was completely defeated in the elections last year, and saw no recovery with the recent municipal elections. This is a trend in Europe, where social-democrats are being punished for carrying out austerity and betraying their base. Also the left-reformist Socialist Party lost in both national and municipal elections. This shows the party is not a point of reference anymore for the advanced layers, as it was in the early 2000s. Especially in the municipalities where it joined the ruling coalition, the party lost. For example, in Amsterdam the party acted as the junior partner of a liberal coalition. While it got a few concessions for the poorest layers of the working class, this did not stop the general trajectory of Amsterdam becoming 'a second London' with 'Brexit businesses' settling there, and the city's real estate rapidly being bought up by investors, driving out working-class people to the periphery. GroenLinks (the Green Left) has tried to position itself as a 'progressive party' and has experienced some growth, mainly amongst the youth / Image: Alf van Beem The only party on the left that has grown has been GroenLinks (the Green Left). It has tried to position itself as a 'progressive party', with its defence of refugees and the environment. This has led to the party growing, mainly amongst young people. The party has become a first gateway to politisation for many young people. The fact that they did not join the new government has helped this process. With the municipal elections, they became the biggest party in some of the big cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. The process of politicisation and radicalisation does not follow a straight line. The Denk party has gained support from many Turkish and Moroccan immigrant workers and youth, by presenting itself as a party fighting for social equality for immigrants, and against discrimination. This party however has links with right-wing Turkish organisations and supports the policies of Erdogan, which shows it is not a 'progressive anti-racist force', as some on the left claim. On the other hand, others on the left dismiss the party on a racist basis, basically putting themselves in line with the hysterical hate-campaign waged by the Dutch far right. The support for this party is a sign of political awakening of several layers and takes this course because of decades of betrayal by the leadership of the Dutch labour movement and left-wing parties. The years of wage stagnation and the decline of trade union membership has led to some panic measures from the union bureaucracy of the FNV union. As with the decline of the PvdA, they lost their position, and now have decided to launch their 'FNV Offensive' against precarious work. This has energised many union cadres, in spite of the indecisiveness of the union bureaucracy to come with concrete fighting measures. Many in the Dutch left are pessimistic, but the Dutch Marxists of Revolutie are very optimistic. Where many only look to the surface and see the decline of left-wing parties and a shift to the right, below the surface there are other processes going on. A growing layer (youth in particular) is increasingly questioning the status quo. But there is no clear outlet or focal point for this. Many in the Dutch left are pessimistic, but the Dutch Marxists of Revolutie are optimistic! / Image: own work The name Revolutie connects very well with this layer. That is evident from the first sales of the paper, where the sellers had an easier time shifting copies than with its predecessor Vonk. The name is very clear: we stand for revolution. That does not mean we don't fight for reforms; but where are the reforms? In fact there have been constant attacks for decades on all the reforms that were won in the past. The latest plans by the Rutte government are to raise the low VAT-rate from 6 to 9 percent, provide tax cuts for the rich and corporations, and allow workers with a handicap to earn less than the minimum wage. If wealthy Dutch capitalism cannot even grant these reforms anymore, it is clear that there is need of a revolution. The reformist left is in crisis, but that does not mean that there is a general shift to the right. With the new name Revolutie, we will orientate to win over the most advanced layers to the ideas of Marxism, and build an organisation that can play a role in future struggles that will come to the Netherlands! The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) lauded Thursday China's "generous donation" that helped 86,000 school-age Syrian refugee children in Lebanon in 2017. File photo of UNICEF representative Tanya Chapuisat, right. [Photo: IC]. Tanya Chapuisat, UNICEF representative in Lebanon, voiced her appreciation at the signing ceremony of a protocol between the UN body and China on the completion of the latter's 1-million-U.S.-dollar aid project to Syrian refugee students. In February 2017, the Chinese government provided UNICEF with financial assistance of 1 million dollars for the UN children's fund's support for the Lebanese Ministry of Education. The funding, aimed at guaranteeing "educational coverage of all children," has been used to provide essential supplies to the refugee students, including winter clothes and stationery. Wang Kejian, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon who attended the ceremony, announced that the program has been completed as all the supplies had been delivered. He also reiterated China's consistent commitment to improving the humanitarian situation of the Syrian refugees. "In the future, the Chinese government will continue to make its own efforts to ease the humanitarian situation of the Syrian refugees and to promote a political solution to the Syrian crisis," Wang said. Since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in March 2011, the number of Syrian refugee school-age children and pre-school children in Lebanon has continued to increase, placing a heavy burden on Lebanese education and medical institutions. Chapuisat said that, with the Chinese donation, the UNICEF was able to provide clothes and different types of school supplies to the Syrian refugee students, and pay school tuition fees for them. She also pointed to the winter kits that were delivered to about 700 Syrian refugee children in the remote areas in Lebanon during the winter. Chapuisat said this is the first time that the UNICEF has benefited from a contribution of this type to help the refugee students around the world. "So we hope it has been a good experience as it was extremely useful for us and we want to thank you on behalf of the UNICEF," she added. SPRINGFIELD -- Joined by a cigar-chomping inflatable "fat cat" bearing the name of Baystate Health CEO Dr. Mark A. Keroack, union nurses from Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield brought their protest Friday to Baystate's headquarters in Springfield. The picket, with about 50 nurses and their supporters, put the 10-foot-tall pinky-ring-wearing feline on a traffic island near Baystate headquarters at 280 Chestnut St. Demonstrators also planned to visit the offices of members of the Baystate Health board of trustees. Motorists honked in support as they passed. That included Springfield police officers in their marked squad cars. The city's patrol officers union, Local 364 of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, protested Wednesday, saying their contract negotiations with the city have stalled. Donna Stern, senior co-chairwoman of the nurses union bargaining committee, said the nurses came to Springfield to hold the decision makers here accountable for the way she says nurses in Greenfield are treated. The 200-member bargaining unit has been either on strike or locked out of the hospital since 7 p.m. Tuesday. At issue in the long-running labor dispute is the nurses' contention that there are too few of them working at the 90-bed Greenfield hospital. Baystate has agreed to promise in the new contract that it will not diminish staffing. Management will also put 5 percent of the nursing workforce into a float pool. Those float pool nurses would come to work without an assignment and would be available to fill in when other nurses call out sick or there is a surge of patients. But nurses say that's not enough. They want Baystate to hire at least 20 more nurses, a process already begun, as well as contract language promising not to cut those positions. They also want charge nurses not to have a patient assignment, freeing them up to supervise and back up the other nurses when things get busy. Baystate is offering only that charge nurses would be without a patient assignment at the beginning of their shifts. Baystate has said it offered nurses a 4.9 percent raise over the life of the contract. A mid-career, full-time (36 hours a week) registered nurse would see a base salary increase from $75,610 to $79,372. The most senior nurses would increase from $94,423 to $99,122. But nurses counter that the raise wouldn't be retroactive to the expiration of the last contract in January 2017 and few nurses work 36 or more hours a week. The work stoppage -- the second of this contract dispute -- was a one-day strike declared by the Massachusetts Nurses Association and answered by management with a two-day lockout. The hospital hired replacement nurses on a minimum three-day contract. The union nurses go back on the job at 7 p.m. Friday. Fiore Grassetti, president of the Pioneer Valley Central Labor Council, said Baystate Franklin's negotiations with the nurses union drag on because very few of Baystate's employees are unionized, just the nurses in Greenfield, at Baystate Noble in Westfield and at some visiting nurse and hospice operations. Management is afraid that workers at the larger Baystate Medical Center in Springfield will organize, he said. Jane Albert, senior vice president of Baystate Health, said in a statement that the company has settled three union contracts in the past year: at Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Home Care and with security staff at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. Albert also called Friday's protests "destructive and divisive publicity stunts." "The ongoing campaign of negative misinformation being waged by the union is destructive to not only a critical health care resource -- it is also disrespectful to our employees. This union campaign devalues the work and commitment of our employees and the care they provide each and every day to our community," she said. "Instead of focusing on building a culture of community health, the union leadership is using the dues of our local nurses to wage a negative campaign, to target our organization along with our volunteer trustees, as they pay local spokespeople." In a separate news release, Ron Bryant, interim president of Baystate Franklin Medical Center and president of Baystate Noble Hospital, said patient care has not been interrupted. A Connecticut man has pleaded guilty to hacking the iCloud accounts of 240 people, including actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Kirsten Dinst and supermodel Kate Upton. George Garofano, 26, of North Branford pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information. He will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor Bolden in Bridgeport at a date to be determined. Garofano, who is free on $50,000 bond, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Federal authorities accused Garofano of stealing Apple iCloud accounts from the celebrities in a 2014 breach. Armed with their account information, Garofano lifted nude photos and videos that were then posted on popular sites, including 4chan, Reddit and Anon-IB, according to his plea agreement. Garofano's attorney told the Connecticut Law Tribune Thursday that his client was an unwitting player in the scheme. "This is a young man who has no criminal record that got involved with some more sophisticated types who turned out to be criminals. He was easily led by these criminal types to do things he would not normally do," said attorney Richard Lynch of New Haven. "He was led into this phishing scheme and he was naive and went along with it." The plea comes as another person charged in the ordeal, Emilio Herrera of Chicago, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for his role in the crime. Herrera, 32, pleaded guilty last year and was sentenced last month. Herrera's sentencing and Garofano's guilty plea wrap up the third and fourth cases related to the hacking. Edward Majerczyk, 28, of Chicago pleaded guilty in 2016 and received a nine month prison term last year. Ryan Collins, 36, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months last year. Garofano Plea Agreement by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd Former Transit Police Officer James Floyd, 60, of Winthrop, was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Friday for the alleged indecent assault of two women at an MBTA train station. According to a statement by the Suffolk District Attorney's Office, prosecutors allege that while on the job, Floyd assaulted two women within 17 minutes at North Station on March 29. Floyd allegedly indecently assaulted one woman, then offered her a knife and "challenged her to stab him" before opening a collapsable metal baton and "staring at her in a threatening manner." The women reported the events to Transit Police, and detectives investigated the case. He was relieved of his detail duty and later resigned from Transit Police, according to the D.A.'s office. Floyd was arrested and brought to court on Friday. Detectives secured a warrant for Floyd's arrest Friday morning. He was charged on two counts of indecent assault and battery, single counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and intimidation of a witness. Assistant District Attorney Ian Polumbaum recommended $10,000 cash bail and that Floyd have no contact with the victims, witnesses, or the locations where they work. Judge Thomas Horgan released Floyd without bail and agreed to the other terms. "There is no excuse for sexual assault and absolutely no room in law enforcement for the behavior alleged in these complaints," District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said in a statement provided by the D.A.'s office. "I want to thank Transit Police for taking this investigation so seriously from its earliest stages, and I want to remind every victim and survivor that our office will always be a safe, respectful, and confidential resource for anyone who wants to disclose sexual assault." Sean Spicer, the former White House press secretary for President Donald Trump, criticized US Sen. Elizabeth Warren and urged Massachusetts Republicans to coalesce behind state Rep. Geoff Diehl, one of three GOP candidates looking to run against Warren. Appearing at a Thursday night fundraiser for Diehl in the packed side room of the Union Oyster House, Spicer praised the Whitman state representative as an "early supporter" of Trump who would be a key backer of the president's agenda in the US Senate. The fundraiser also drew New Hampshire state Rep. Al Baldasaro, who made headlines in 2016 for saying Hillary Clinton should be "shot in a firing squad for treason." Warren, D-Cambridge, is running for a second six-year term and is often mentioned as a potential 2020 presidential candidate. "She's fighting for a White House run, he's fighting for the people of Massachusetts," Spicer said. Warren told reporters earlier this month she plans to serve out her term. Spicer said Republicans should unite behind the strongest candidate coming out of the GOP state convention, set for Worcester's DCU Center on April 28. State primaries for Democrats and Republicans are scheduled for Tuesday, September 4. The other GOP candidates jockeying to be the GOP nominee to take on Warren are former Mitt Romney aide Beth Lindstrom and businessman John Kingston. "We're going to beat her if we can get the grassroots together, get them unified, get them out, and get the funds necessary to defeat her," Spicer told the crowd. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 6. Gov. Charlie Baker, R-Swampscott, will be up for re-election, and the ballot will also include Congressional races and elections for state senators and representatives. More Republican votes are needed in the US Senate to get President Trump's agenda passed, Spicer added. "That one vote to repeal or replace Obamacare would not have been a failed vote if we had Elizabeth Warren out and Geoff Diehl in," he said. The former White House press secretary, who during his seven months in the job entered pop culture for his frequent sparring with reporters and inaccurate claims of a large inaugural crowd size, was raised in Rhode Island. "I grew up here in New England, I know how difficult it is for Republicans. But there's something very different about the Republicans who win," Spicer said. "They have a unified team, and when you look at just Massachusetts alone, whether it's Governor Baker or Senator Scott Brown, no one said that they could win. They gave a million reasons why. But when people come together and decide they're ready for change and that they've had enough, change can happen." Steve Wynn, the founder of Wynn Resorts, has filed a defamation suit against The Associated Press and one of its reporters. Wynn claims the news publication was malicious in its reporting of a rape allegation filed against him. The Associated Press obtained a police report filed by the woman with police and reported the allegations in February. Her name was redacted in the police report due to the nature of the alleged crime. The same woman filed the lawsuit in 2017 against Wynn. In the lawsuit, there was no mention of the alleged rape and she claimed Wynn "orchestrated the July 26, 1993, kidnapping of his daughter, Kevyn, and that Mr. Wynn's ultimate objective was to have Defendant Kuta and Kevyn murdered." Kevyn is the daughter of Wynn and his ex-wife, Elaine Wynn. She was born in 1967, at least seven years prior to the year the woman alleged Wynn raped her, resulting in the birth of a child. The woman claimed Kevyn was her biological daughter. The lawsuit alleges the Associated Press article "created a media frenzy of accusations against Mr. Wynn." Read the full lawsuit obtained by MassLive below. Steve Wynn, the former casino mogul who stepped down from Wynn Resorts following allegations of sexual misconduct, has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Associated Press for its reporting. The suit, filed in a Las Vegas court, names the Associated Press, an AP reporter and a woman who accused Wynn of rape and filed a $4 million lawsuit against him. The woman claimed he raped her in her Chicago apartment in the 1970s, an alleged sexual assault that she said resulted in her becoming pregnant. The Associated Press obtained a police report filed by the woman with police and reported the allegations in February. Her name was redacted in the police report due to the nature of the alleged crime. The same woman filed the lawsuit in 2017 against Wynn. In the lawsuit, there was no mention of the alleged rape and she claimed Wynn "orchestrated the July 26, 1993, kidnapping of his daughter, Kevyn, and that Mr. Wynn's ultimate objective was to have Defendant Kuta and Kevyn murdered." Kevyn is the daughter of Wynn and his ex-wife, Elaine Wynn. She was born in 1967, at least seven years prior to the year the woman alleged Wynn raped her, resulting in the birth of a child. The woman claimed Kevyn was her biological daughter. The lawsuit alleges the Associated Press article "created a media frenzy of accusations against Mr. Wynn." It was published more than a month following an explosive Wall Street Journal report detailing decades of alleged sexual misconduct by the casino magnate. The Journal reported in January that Wynn paid a $7.5 million settlement to a former manicurist at one of his casinos in 2005 to settle allegations he pressured her into having sex with him. Dozens of other current and former employees were interviewed by the Journal about a pattern of aggressive sexual advances towards employees. Several days later, the Las Vegas Review-Journal Monday that in the late 90s, multiple cocktail waitresses at The Mirage Las Vegas filed lawsuits documenting sexual harassment. One woman said waitresses were sent to the rooms of high rollers staying at the resort to sexually "accommodate" them, reported the Review-Journal. Since the publication of the Wall Street Journal report, Wynn has denied inappropriate actions. In response to the Journal's reporting, Wynn called the allegations "preposterous" and said "We find ourselves in a world where people can make allegations, regardless of the truth, and a person is left with the choice of weathering insulting publicity or engaging in multi-year lawsuits. It is deplorable for anyone to find themselves in this situation." He resigned as CEO of Wynn Resorts on Feb. 6, weeks prior to the Associated Press report. In the lawsuit, Wynn's attorneys describe the woman's claims as "false accusations of rape." It alleges, "If reported fairly, completely, accurately, and impartially, the Police Report, like the Kuta Lawsuit, is outrageous, false and inherently improbable on its face, and the timing of its filing by Defendant Kuta is extremely suspect." It claims the Associated Press "intentionally chose to incompletely and unfairly describe the Police Report by omitting from the AP Article the additional outrageous, false and inherently improbable accusations found on the face of the Police Report." It claims the AP published "with actual malice" The Associated Press said in a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the first to report the lawsuit, that the media organization stands by its reporting. This is Wynn's second defamation lawsuit filed in recent weeks. He filed suit against Lisa Bloom, attorney for a dancer who accused Wynn of sexual harassment. Bloom's firm shared a press release last month in which she claimed Wynn "leered" at dancers. Wynn's attorneys said in the lawsuit the founder of Wynn Resorts cannot "leer" as he is legally blind. Wynn Resorts is building a $2.4 billion casino, Wynn Boston Harbor, just outside of Boston in Everett. The facility is scheduled to open in June 2019. Investigators with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission are looking into the allegations against Wynn. Gambling officials in Nevada are also investigating the matter. Is the $2.4 billion Wynn Boston Harbor casino being shopped around for a sale? Citing an unnamed source, Bloomberg reported last week that Wynn Resorts CEO Matthew Maddox had "informal talks" about the sale of the casino, which remains under construction and on track for a June 2019 opening. That was news to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which oversees the state's gambling industry. "I read the same news reports you do but I have no inside information on that at all," Steve Crosby, the commission's chairman, told reporters on Thursday. "Nobody's talked about it to me, no," he added. After Crosby spoke Thursday afternoon, the Wall Street Journal posted a report saying Wynn Resorts is in "early talks" with MGM about the sale of Wynn Boston Harbor. Massachusetts gambling rules say one company cannot hold two casino licenses. MGM is building a casino in Springfield that's slated to open later this year. Wynn Resorts is grappling with the departure of Steve Wynn after a Wall Street Journal report outlining an alleged pattern of sexual misconduct. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, whose investigators say a multi-million dollar Wynn settlement was actively concealed from them, are looking into whether the company is still a "suitable" holder of the lone eastern Massachusetts casino license. Steve Wynn stepped away from his company and sold his stock after the Wall Street Journal report, and he has denied the allegations. The Gaming Commission plans to hold a hearing in May on whether Wynn still maintains "residual influence" within his former companies and consider a request from attorneys representing him and his former companies that he be removed from the list of key people holding the casino license. This post was updated at 3:56 p.m. with information from the latest Wall Street Journal report. As MGM declined to deny reports of their potential interest in buying the $2.4 billion Wynn Boston Harbor casino, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said people shouldn't be jumping to conclusions about what that could mean for MGM's Springfield casino. "There are so many rumors out there right now about what's going on with Wynn and MGM and Mohegan Sun and the Gaming Commission and all the rest, that I think we should all be careful about drawing too many conclusions about where this is or where it's going," Baker said during an appearance at the State House in Boston. State law says no company can own more than one Massachusetts casino license, meaning that if MGM, which is building a $960 million casino in downtown Springfield, acquires the Wynn Boston Harbor casino in Everett, the company would have to make moves to give up one of the two licenses. The reports come as MGM Springfield readies for a September 2018 opening. Asked about the reports, the governor pointed to the independent Gaming Commission, the five-member panel tasked with overseeing the nascent expanded gambling industry in Massachusetts. The Gaming Commission is investigating Wynn Resorts after Steve Wynn was accused of a pattern of sexual misconduct through an extensive Wall Street Journal report. Steve Wynn denied the allegations and stepped away from the company, while the commission continues to probe what company executives knew about the allegations. Gaming Commission chairman Steve Crosby recently warned Wynn Resorts executives that they are proceeding on an "at-risk" basis with the Wynn Boston Harbor project. "You know, this is all the purview of the Gaming Commission," Baker said Friday. "So they have far more information about what's currently going on in those discussions than any of us do." Baker added: "I think most of us are confident that the Gaming Commission will complete the appropriate investigation that they began when the first allegations about Steve Wynn came up and that they will do what they believe is ultimately consistent with the law and the best interests of the Commonwealth." The investigation could wrap up by this summer, and company executives have said Wynn Boston Harbor remains on track to open in June 2019. Earlier on Friday, a Gaming Commission spokeswoman declined comment when asked about the MGM-Wynn Boston Harbor reports. Massachusetts state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, a Democrat who represents Springfield in the state Legislature, said he is seeking clarity from MGM. "It was troubling to hear the rumor, but again, at this moment it is a rumor, and we hope that some further discussions can really take place that can benefit all of Massachusetts," Gonzalez told MassLive. "My main concern is Springfield and I hope that MGM stays strong to their word in Springfield." This post was updated with a comment from Rep. Gonzalez. Iraqi Shiite Muslims gather at the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque in northern Baghdad on April 12, 2018. Millions of Shiite pilgrims on Thursday ended their week-long pilgrimage to a holy shrine in the Iraqi capital Baghdad to mark a major ritual amid tightened security measures. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) BAGHDAD, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Shiite pilgrims on Thursday ended their week-long pilgrimage to a holy shrine in the Iraqi capital Baghdad to mark a major ritual amid tightened security measures. During the past few days, more than 5.6 million Shiite pilgrims visited the shrine of the seventh of the most revered 12 Shiite Imams, Jamal Abdul-Rasoul, an official from the mausoleum, told a press conference after the end of the ritual. The pilgrims marched on foot or by bus from places across Iraq and abroad to commemorate the death of Imam Musa al-Kadhim at his golden-tomb mausoleum in the center of the old part of the holy Shiite Kadhimiya district in northern Baghdad. Dozens of tents were set up on the streets leading to the shrine to serve water, food and medication to the pilgrims. People clad in black and accompanied by drummers were marching in lines in honor of Imam Musa al-Kadhim who was believed to be poisoned to death while in prison in A.D. 799 during the Abbasid era. The Shiite ritual was held under tightened security measures as thousands of Iraqi soldiers, federal police and other security forces totally blocked Kadhimiya district for several days and deployed on the main routes that were assigned for the pilgrims outside and inside Baghdad. The troops, backed by helicopter gunships, manned dozens of checkpoints and patrolled the pilgrims routes across Baghdad. "Baghdad was secured before and during the ritual against any plan by the terrorists, and we have thwarted malicious rumors that sought to disturb the visit (of the mausoleum)," General Jalil al-Rubaie, Commander of Baghdad Operations Command (BOC) told the press conference. Rubaie said that the security forces on Wednesday thwarted an attack against the pilgrims by two suicide bombers. On Wednesday, a statement by BOC said that the security forces acted on intelligence reports and ambushed two militants wearing explosive belts in Tarmiyah area, some 40 km north of Baghdad, leaving one of the suicide bombers killed and forcing the other to detonate his explosive belt after wounding him. The two suicide bombers were attempting to attack Shiite pilgrims who were walking in large numbers on the main road in north of Baghdad to the holy Kadhimiya shrine, according to the statement. Extremist insurgent groups, including Islamic State (IS), frequently attacked Shiite pilgrims who perform communal rituals in Iraqi cities, killing and wounding hundreds of them in the past years in attempts to provoke sectarian strife in the violence-shattered country. The killing of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon is a "heinous crime," Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday, adding that Gannon's dedication to his job won't be forgotten and offering a moment of silence inside the Massachusetts State House. Gannon was shot and killed while serving a warrant in Barnstable on Thursday. Gannon was responding to a warrant for a probation violation. Thomas Latawhich, 29, is accused of killing Gannon. He was held without bail in Barnstable District Court on Friday. Gannon's K-9 Nero was also shot and is now in recovery. Gannon, a Mass. native and Westfield State College graduate, went to high school in Dartmouth and "worked his entire career in our communities," including the Stonehill College Police Department and the Nantucket Police Department, according to Baker. "There are not words to describe the anguish and the heartbreak that strikes a family, a community and our Commonwealth during these unimaginable moments," Baker said. Baker ordered for US flags to fly half-staff at state buildings in honor of Gannon. "It's clear he made a memorable, positive impact in each community he touched, from his days as a student, to his distinguished career as member of the Yarmouth police force," the governor said. "This is an incredible tragedy and a huge loss, and we all expect justice to be served for this heinous crime, and trust that our judicial system will hold his murderer accountable to the highest degree," Baker added. WESTFIELD -- Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon, fatally shot Thursday afternoon while serving an arrest warrant in Barnstable, graduated from Westfield State in 2007. Westfield State University President Ramon S. Torrecilha said Friday morning that faculty and staff were "privileged to have had a role in preparing (Gannon) for his service-focused career." Here's Torrecilha's full statement: "We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Westfield State alumnus Officer Sean Gannon. Our sincere condolences to his wife, extended family, Yarmouth Police Department, and the many Westfield State University alumni and citizens of Massachusetts whom Sean positively impacted during his time here at Westfield State and his career in law enforcement. Our faculty and staff are privileged to have had a role in preparing Officer Gannon for his service-focused career that tragically came to an end yesterday." Gannon graduated from Westfield State College. The institution became Westfield State University in 2010. US should not blame others for its own trade deficit issues: Justin Yifu Lin The US should not put the blame on other countries for its own issue of trade deficits, said Justin Yifu Lin at the session of "The Japanese Economy" during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018 in Boao, in south China's Hainan Province on April 10. The former Vice President of the World Bank suggested that the US should increase its saving ratio to cope with the problem. The same story had happened to Japan in the late 1980s when it was blamed by the US for the trade imbalance occurring between the two countries. According to Miyauchi Yoshihiko, senior chairman of Japans ORIX Corporation, Japan grew into the worlds second largest economy between 1955 and 1960 thanks to its rapid development. However, the countrys bubble economy crashed in the 1990s leading to long-term deflation. The Japan-US trade friction was one of the reasons for the crash, the senior chairman said. Lin pointed out that the US had put great efforts into dragging down the Japanese economy, yet at the same time in fact its own problem of trade deficits still remains unsolved. He added that the current trade deficits between the US and China stemmed from a low saving ratio, and furthermore that the US should not put the blame on China. JINAN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A new freight train left Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, for Uzbekistan Friday morning. The train carried 53 containers of goods valued at 23 million yuan (3.6 million U.S. dollars), including textile machinery produced in Shandong. It will travel about 7,300 kilometers for 13 days to arrive at its destination in Uzbekistan. This is the first China-Asia freight train service launched in the city, which will bring new opportunities for Jinan's development, said the local railway bureau. The province has eight international freight train routes. A total of 70 China-Europe and China-Asia freight trains departed from the province in the first three months of this year. MBA Colleges in Indore IIM Indore, IMS-Devi Ahilya University are only some of the many top MBA colleges in Indore. MBA in Indore is a good choice since you have more MBA options in Indore with quality education at low fee, high Return on Investment. Apart from the above top MBA colleges in Indore, prominent MBA colleges in Indore include Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences (SUAS), Jaipuria Institute of Management among others. Known as the commercial Capital of Madhya Pradesh and with its unique status of an education hub of the state, greater corporate interface is available in MBA colleges in Indore. If you are exploring MBA admission in a city which is rich with commercial activity, booming corporate culture, well recognized export houses, and known as the financial capital, Indore could be your preferred option to do MBA. Among many MBA options available in India, location of your MBA college is an important criterion, apart from Ranking, Fee, Placements and others to choose the right MBA college. Indore is one of the preferred MBA destinations due to many reasons. This article by MBAUniverse.com tells you why MBA in Indore can be a good choice. If you are looking for more options, Check & compare top MBA colleges in Indore Rankwise More Placement opportunities Placements at MBA colleges in Indore have been on the rise in recent years. IIM Indore and Jaipuria Institute of Management in Indore have a good placement record over the years: Name of the MBA college in Indore Average Placement package (Rs.in lakhs) Highest Placement salary (Rs.in lakhs) IIM Indore 20.79 40.50 Jaipuria Institute of Management Indore 6+ 17.65 IMS-Devi Ahilya University, Indore 3.5 6.5 Amity Global Business School, Indore 2.46 5.0 MBA colleges in Indore offer a better Placement opportunity as Indore is the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh which has diversified and high employment options. The economy of Indore is notable for its importance in the areas of trading, finance and distribution. Indore has the largest economy in central India and is the business and trading capital of the state. Indore has relatively good connectivity and has been the hub of trade and commerce, not only for the state but also for western India. The city holds a dominant position and is a vibrant centre for trade and commerce. Cotton textiles are the city's major product, but iron and steel, chemicals, and machinery are also manufactured there. Indore has one of the largest trans-shipment centers for truck transport. Indore Urban Agglomeration had estimated more than 10 lakh workers in 2011. The workforce increased from a size of 1.13 lakh in 1961 recording an average annual growth rate of 3.64% per annum during 1961-1991. The workforce participation rate (WFPR was 28.9% in 1991 and 30% in 2001.The maximum growth (68.6%) took place during the decade 1971-1981 followed (51.2%) during 1981-2001. Greater Industry Connect Indore occupies a prominent place on the national map of MBA education with more facilities for industry connect. Accordingly, Indore gives you the opportunity to get connected with the corporate and industry stalwarts who come to share their experiences in your MBA college in Indore and enrich you with better management skills Indore is home to many FDI companies like Bridgestone, Eicher Volvo, Force Man Trucks, Liu Gong, Caparo, Avtec Ford and is one of the richest cities in central India. Known as "Mini Mumbai" due to its lifestyle similarities with Mumbai, Indore has been selected as one of the 100 Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission. It was selected as one of the first twenty cities to be developed as Smart Cities. It has been elected as the cleanest city of India as per the Swachh Survekshan. Indore served as the capital of the Madhya Bharat from 1950 until 1956. As such, it occupies a position which is rich by number of renowned corporate offices and industries. Indore's financial district, based in central Indore, functions as the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh and is home to the Madhya Pradesh Stock Exchange, India's third oldest stock exchange. Prominent exporting companies in Indore include Crompton Greaves, Eicher Motors, Gujrat Ambuja, Hindustan Motors, Indorama Textile, Kinetic Motors, Lyyod Insulation, Medicaps Ltd., Nicholas Piramal, Sony Bio Chem, Bridge Stone among others. Entrepreneurship opportunities Indore offers high potential for entrepreneurship ventures for young MBA graduates to cater to the needs of rapidly growing industries. The city has witnessed a phenomenal rise in its engineering and service sectors. Indore has skilled work force, availability of adequate infrastructure, number of Internet and telecom service providers and satellite communication facilities. Hub of quality MBA education Indore is the first city to have campuses of both the IIT and IIM. Top MBA colleges in Indore are represented by IIM Indore, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya MBA at low fee, Symbiosis University MBA among others. These MBA colleges in Indore are preferred MBA destination for MBA aspirants as they offer you the most fulfilling learning experience. MBA colleges in Indore offer diversified specializations in Marketing, Consulting, International Business, Retail Management, Finance, HR, Public Policy, and other related areas. MBA choice option in choosing the befitting MBA college in Indore in accordance with your preference is available in a wide range: If you are interested in checking out MBA colleges in Indore rankwise, fee and placements for Best MBA colleges in Indore, your search is now over. Based on in-depth research, MBAUniverse.com will help you know all about MBA colleges in Indore. So read on This article by MBAUniverse.com covers following information: Top MBA colleges in Indore Rankwise MBA colleges in Indore under CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, CET, SAET MBA colleges in Indore with fees MBA colleges in Indore with Placements Top MBA colleges in Indore Indore is Indias one of top MBA destinations. Based on reputed Rankings, Top 5 MBA colleges in Indore are: IIM Indore IMS-Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore School of Commerce-Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore SUAS Indore Jaipuria Institute of Management, Indore MBA Colleges in Indore Rank-wise IIM Indore is the highly ranked MBA college in Indore. In the recently published MHRD-NIRF Ranking 2019 for management institutes, IIM Indore has been ranked at # 5 and MBAUniverse.com ranking 2018-19 has placed IIM Indore at 5th position among the top MBA colleges in India. MBA Colleges in Indore Accepting CAT IIM Indore accepts only CAT exam scores for MBA admission MBA Colleges in Indore with CAT & XAT There are other MBA colleges in Indore like Jaipuria Institute of Management who accept both CAT and XAT exam scores. MBA Colleges in Indore accepting CMAT MBA colleges in Indore like IMS-Devi Ahilya Vishwavidayala for some of MBA programmes, Prestige Institute of Management and Research, Jaipuria Institute of Management among others also offer admissions based on CMAT exam scores. If you have 80-85 percentile score in CMAT, you stand a good chance of admission in these MBA colleges in Indore. MBA in Indore with MAT MBA colleges in Indore like Jaipuria institute of Management also accepts MAT exam score to facilitate the admission process for the students. MBA colleges in Indore with CET, SAET, Own entrance exam Other MBA colleges in Indore like School of Commerce, IMS Devi Ahilya University, Amity Global Business School conduct their own entrance exams (CET) for MBA admissions. Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences (SUAS), Indore also conducts its own MBA entrance test Symbiosis Applied Entrance Test (SAET) MBA colleges in Indore with low fee While IIM Indore offers MBA at high fee of Rs.16 lakhs, IMS-Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya and Prestige Institute of Management are the MBA colleges in Indore with low fee in the range of Rs.1 lakh to 2 lakhs. To check MBA fee structure in Indore click here Daniel Montandon, founder of the eponymous brand, has two passions: watches and sailing. The former clearly runs in the family. His great-grandfather, Georges Eberhard, was none other than the founder of Eberhard & Co in 1887, and his grandfather and father also ran the company. Daniel Montandon has been involved with his other passion, sailing, since he was a child, and later earned an international reputation as a naval architect. At the beginning of the 80s, he was behind the design of the first boat made entirely out of carbon composite. But were getting ahead of ourselves... An exclusive club In the heart of the Vallee de Joux, Montandon & Co. designs and makes exclusive and rare timepieces, driven by their own innovative movements, developed in the spirit of 21st century marine chronometers, nestled in sophisticated cases with detailing inspired by nautical themes. Montandon & Co. has now opened an exclusive club that gives its clients and friends direct and exclusive access to the world of haute horlogerie, as well as the opportunity to play an active advisory role. Its only logical that the name of the club should have a nautical connection. The name Blue Riband is familiar to sailors as the title of an illustrious distinction created in the 19th century to honour the fastest passenger liner plying the transatlantic routes between western Europe and North America. Like all club members, members of Montandon & Co.s Blue Riband club enjoy a number of benefits. The primary advantage is the right to buy a Blue Riband special edition watch. The company will create one for every new model, with distinctive aesthetic details and the choice of a personalised engraving. Other privileges include the right to give an opinion about future Blue Riband special editions, a preview of new Montandon & Co watches, and involvement in discussions on the development of new models. Windward TMA01 V2 Blue Riband Montandon & Co. Windward TMA01 V2 Blue Riband The first Blue Riband special edition to be launched by Montandon & Co. is the Windward TMA01 V2. This limited series of eleven special editions of the standard model TMA01, launched in 2016 in bronze and white gold, is distinguished by its case made out of DMHP carbon composite, with a bezel and pusher guards made out of grade 5 titanium. On the strength of his experience as a naval architect, Daniel Montandon defined the technical specifications of the carbon himself, as well as designing the special baseplates to hold the 38 different case components. The slate-coloured dial is made up of four mechanically assembled pieces of 18k gold and seven white gold inserts. The centre features a guilloche wave motif, and the single Arabic figure 12. The flying tourbillon of the manufacture calibre TMA01 V2 holds court at 6 oclock, protected by its unique anti-magnetic iris mechanism, which provides the possibility of covering the tourbillon and showing only the small seconds register. The legend Ruban Bleu appears in blue lettering around the edge of the caseback, and there is a space for a customised engraving between the tourbillon and the Montandon & Co. logo. Montandon & Co. The Windward TMA01 V2 Blue Riband comes with two straps, one in hand-stitched rolled-edge crocodile, and the second made of rubber and high-tech sail fabric. A spring bar mechanism makes it easy to switch straps. This special series is available from CHF 146,000 including Swiss VAT, exclusively to members of the Blue Riband club. To join the Blue Riband Club, prospective members merely have to put their name down for one of the 11 Blue Riband special editions. There is no obligation to buy any other watches. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi praised on Thursday growing cooperation between Cairo and Lisbon as he received his Portuguese counterpart in the Egyptian capital, in the first such visit by a Portuguese president in more than two decades. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and El-Sisi held "constructive talks" in which they discussed cooperation between the two countries over the past two years, El-Sisi told a press conference broadcast live on state television. They also addressed the outcome of meetings of a bilateral commission of foreign ministers of the two countries held in Cairo in October last year, El-Sisi said. The two leaders on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding between the Camoes Institute of Cooperation and Language at the University of Porto and Cairo's Ain Shams University. The deal is "a sign of how deep we want our cultural relationship to be," the Portuguese president told the conference. Another memorandum of understanding was signed between the economic zone of Egypt's Suez Canal and Portugal's industrial plant management company AICEP Global Parks, Rebelo de Sousa said. "We have agreed today to continue working closely to advance our bilateral relations to greater horizons, maximise the use from available potential and opportunism and speed up the implementation of signed agreements and memorandums of understanding," El-Sisi told the press conference. The last visit by a Portuguese head of state to Cairo took place in 1995. Rebelo de Sousa said his visit is starting "a new cycle" of "not only very good political relationship but also economic, cultural and social relationships between the two peoples and the two countries." "We can work together concerning the region, concerning Africa and concerning the world. You can count on us, we shall count on you," he said. During Tuesday's talks, the two leaders discussed the fight against terrorism and eliminating its source of funding, Egyptian-European partnerships, and boosting European Union (EU) cooperation in Africa. El-Sisi urged greater cooperation between the two countries to fight terrorism and extremism, organised crime, illegal migration and regional agendas to sow instability in the region. His Portuguese counterpart called for cooperation in social development and health care. "We could and shall cooperate in that field." He said the two countries "have many common fields of action bilaterally and multilaterally." He referred to economy, trade and investment ties as well as cooperation opportunities in infrastructure, tourism, environment energy, water supply and good governance. At an international level, he said the two countries have been working together at the UN. Bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to 218 million euros in 2017, while Portugal has an estimated $404.7 million-worth of investment in Egypt, Egypt's trade minister said last month. El-Sisi visited Portugal in November 2016, the first such visit by an Egyptian leader in over a decade since former President Hosni Mubarak visited the country in December 2007 for an African-European summit. The landmark trip was described by Egypt at the time as "a turning point" in economic and political ties between the two countries as well as a fundamental boost to Egypt-EU ties. Rebelo de Sousa arrived in Cairo on Wednesday for a three-day visit. Following the talks with El-Sisi, the Portuguese president met with Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, and visited Al-Azhar University, where he delivered a speech to Muslim clerics and students. He is due to meet Egyptian parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal and Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and attend the closing session of an Portugal-Egypt economic forum on Thursday afternoon. On Friday, he is scheduled to meet Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II and visit the Pyramids of Giza, the website of the Portuguese presidency said. Search Keywords: Short link: In exclusive statements to Ahram Arabic website on Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry announced that his government had invited the ministers of foreign affairs and irrigation, as well as the heads of the intelligence agencies of Ethiopia and Sudan, for another round talks about Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Those talks will be held in Cairo starting April 20, Shoukry said from Riyadh, where he is currently attending preparatory meetings for the 29th Arab summit. The foreign minister explained that this invitation for another round demonstrates just how keen Egypt is to reach a common understanding between the three parties. "We will continue to comply with the instructions of political leaders in our countries to break this deadlock, during the upcoming one-month period lasting from 5 April to 5 May," he told Ahram Arabic website. In early April, FM Shoukry stated that the roundtable talks in Khartoum about the impact of GERD on downstream countries were fruitless. "The talks were transparent and discussed a lot of issues but they did not yield anything," he said. The foreign minister added that Egypt was suggesting innovative solutions in accordance with international law. "We think about what the others may think and want in the most objective way, not only about what we think or want, and we believe that the other parties should do the same. This is what Egypt is looking for," he said. The Ethiopian government began constructing the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile near the border with Sudan in 2011 as part of a development plan aimed at eradicating poverty and generating electricity. In the past seven years, Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have held several rounds of talks on the dams anticipated impact on Nile water resources. Egypt has expressed concern the dam could adversely affect its share of Nile water. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's Grand Mufti Shawky Allam condemned on Friday the torching of a mosque in the occupied West Bank by Jewish settlers, and demanded that the international community support the rights of Palestinians. In a statement issued on Friday, Allam declared his support of the Palestinian people in their march for return and in defending Jerusalem. Earlier on Friday, a group of Israeli Jewish settlers torched the Mosque of Sheikh Saada in the West Bank village of Aqraba near Nablus, writing anti-Islam and anti-Arab graffiti on its walls. The Mufti's statement comes as a new round deadly clashes between Palestinian protesters in Israeli-besieged Gaza and Israeli occupation forces continue for a third day. On Friday, tens of Palestinians, including medics, were wounded by Israeli military. Since 30 March, Israeli occupation forces have killed 33 Palestinian protesters and wounded hundreds of others, who are demanding the Right of Return and opposing Israeli and US policies on Jerusalem. Allam said that this was not the first nor the last instance of such an attack on Palestinians, which he described as part of continuous attacks by the Israeli occupation and Jewish settlers in occupied Palestinian territories. The Grand Mufti who heads Dar Al-Itfa, which is the main authority in charge of issuing religious edicts in Egypt stressed the necessity of activating UN resolutions against any moves to change the demographics of Jerusalem. Allam also demanded that all Islamic and Arab countries, as well as international organisations, intensify efforts to support the Palestinians and UN and EU resolutions supporting their rights. In early April, Egypt condemned Israeli "use of excessive violence against peaceful Palestinian protesters." Egypt has repeatedly stated its support for a two-state-solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital as the way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Search Keywords: Short link: Ethiopia's new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, has held talks with officials from opposition groups and civil society, state-affiliated media said, in the latest sign he is willing to push through political reforms announced in the wake of protests. The 42-year-old former army officer was sworn in as premier on April 2 after his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn resigned in February amid violent unrest that threatened the ruling EPRDF coalition's hold on Africa's second most populous nation. Since 2015, hundreds have died in the Horn of Africa country in violence triggered by demonstrations over land rights in its Oromiya region. The protests have since broadened into rallies over political rights. On Thursday, Abiy told dissident politicians and civil society leaders that he would "broaden the political space", the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation said. He "called on political parties to prepare for peaceful dialogue and negotiations", it added. Among those who attended the event included opposition leaders Merera Gudina and Bekele Gerba, who were released in January and February respectively having been jailed on charges of incitement during the protests. Abiy's meeting came a day after he visited Ambo, a town in Oromiya that was at the heart of protests and clashes with security forces since 2015, where he pledged to address grievances. Faced with mounting unrest, Addis Ababa pledged a raft of reforms last year in a bid to reduce tensions. Since January, authorities say nearly 6,000 prisoners have been freed, most of which were detained for alleged involvement in the mass protests. Ethiopia, sandwiched between volatile Somalia and Sudan, is often accused by rights groups of using security concerns as an excuse to stifle dissent and media freedoms. It denies the charge. Search Keywords: Short link: Foreign ministers from the Arab quartet have reiterated that Qatar should abide by the group's list of 13 demands and six principles as a condition to resume normal ties with the Gulf emirate. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain held a preparatory meeting on Thursday on the sidelines of the 29th Arab summit in Saudi Arabia's Dammam, which is scheduled to start on Sunday. The preparatory meeting discussed the latest regional developments concerning Iran and its intervention in Arab countries' affairs, as well as latest escalations in Syria and the situation in Yemen. The four countries severed diplomatic and transport links with Qatar in June last year, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism and meddling in their internal affairs, and sparking the region's worst diplomatic dispute in years. Doha has denied the accusations. In recent months, several diplomatic efforts have taken place to resolve the lingering diplomatic row and support mediation efforts, mainly by Kuwait and the US. The four states have repeatedly said they are ready for dialogue to ease the dispute if Doha shows a willingness to deal with their demands and stop its "hostile" policies in the region. Egypt accuses the Gulf Arab state of supporting terrorist organisations, including the Muslim Brotherhood. Search Keywords: Short link: Clashes erupted as thousands protested for a third consecutive Friday along Gaza's border with Israel after violence in which Israeli forces have killed 33 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others. Clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers took place in multiple spots along the border while tear gas and plumes of black smoke from burning tyres filled the air in some areas. At least 30 Palestinians were wounded, the health ministry in Gaza said, with one shot in the head. Ten medics were treated for tear gas inhalation after a canister landed in their site, the ministry said. Israel's army alleged there were attempts to damage and breach the border fence, while it said firebombs and "an explosive device" were thrown. Palestinians also sought to pull away barbed wire set up by Israeli forces to keep them away from the fence, an AFP journalist said. Near two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been enduring a devastating 10-year-old Israeli air-sea-land siege. Israel has launched three devastating wars on the strip since 2007, leaving hundreds killed and thousands injured. The Israeli military said soldiers were responding "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." In northern Gaza, a large Israeli flag was burned that had earlier been set on the ground for protesters to walk over. Dozens of Israeli flags were being burned in Jabalia in northern Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian ones were held aloft. Palestinians protesters burned pictures of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. The protests since March 30 have posed a challenge to Israel, which has dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement are necessary and will not change. In the northern Gaza Strip, Sumaya Abu Awad, 36, attended the protest with her three daughters and son. "I am from the village of Hiribya and it is my right to return to it," she said, referring to a village north of Gaza destroyed in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. "I am not afraid of death because there is no life in Gaza already." The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes that are now inside Israel -- which Israelis say essentially amounts to calling for the country's destruction. The first two Fridays -- with far less on intervening days -- saw tens of thousands gather near the border with Israel at five locations. Smaller numbers approached the fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres toward soldiers taking up positions on the other side. There were so far fewer protesters on Friday than in the previous two. Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza of using the protests as cover to carry out violence. It has pledged to stop attacks, damage to the fence and infiltration bids, and says there have been attempts at all three. But Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation. The dead from last Friday included a journalist, Yasser Murtaja, who witnesses said was wearing a press vest at the time he was shot. Israel claimed he was a paid member of Hamas, but produced no evidence. The company Murtaja co-founded had been vetted for US government funding, while an international journalists federation said he was harassed and beaten by Hamas police in 2015. Rights groups have strongly criticised Israeli forces while pointing to unverified videos that have spread online of Gazans appearing to be shot, including one seeming to show a Palestinian targeted as he ran away from the fence while holding a tyre. "The Israeli authorities must put an immediate end to the excessive and lethal force being used to suppress Palestinian demonstrations in Gaza," Amnesty International said Friday. Hamas officials have said in recent days they want this week's protest to see less bloodshed and hope to keep momentum building for May 14, when the United States is expected to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see the Israel-annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Organisers also again said they want the protest to be peaceful this week, but it is unclear to what extent they or even Hamas remain in control. The official end date of the protests is May 15, when Palestinians mark the Nakba, or "catastrophe," commemorating the more than 700,000 who fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: President Donald Trump has put off a final decision on possible military strikes against Syria after tweeting earlier that they could happen "very soon or not so soon at all." President Donald Trump has put off a final decision on possible military strikes against Syria after tweeting earlier that they could happen "very soon or not so soon at all." The White House said Thursday he would consult further with allies. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned such an attack carried the risk of spinning out of control, suggesting caution ahead of a decision on how to respond to an attack against civilians last weekend that U.S. officials are increasingly certain involved the use of banned chemical weapons. British officials said up to 75 people were killed. Although Mattis noted that military action carried risks, he also emphasized that Syrian use of chemical weapons should not be tolerated. Search Keywords: Short link: A new group of Islamist rebels and other civilians left Syria's Douma on Friday, state media said, paving the way for the government to declare full control over the onetime opposition enclave. The evacuations are part of a negotiated withdrawal reached last weekend for Douma, the final holdout in the rebels' former stronghold of Eastern Ghouta outside Damascus. State news agency SANA reported the departures from Douma were ongoing on Friday, "in preparation for announcing it cleared of terrorists". In the morning, 95 empty buses entered Douma to carry out civilians and rebels from Jaish al-Islam, the opposition faction present in the town. More than 60 have reemerged full of fighters and their relatives and were waiting at a gathering point on the edge of Ghouta for the rest of the buses, state media reported. Once the convoy was complete, they would move together to opposition-controlled territory in northern Syria. The evacuations are part of a deal brokered by Damascus's Russian ally to re-establish regime control over Ghouta, an area just on the edge of the capital that had escaped government control since 2012. Moscow has said it expected 40,000 civilians and 8,000 rebels to leave Douma. Jaish al-Islam said it only agreed to pull out of Douma after a suspected chemical attack on April 7 that they claim broke their will. Some 4,000 people had already left overnight aboard 85 buses, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Over the past few days, most of the Jaish al-Islam fighters have left Douma in four successive waves," said the Britain-based monitor's head, Rami Abdel Rahman. The government has consistently denied using chemical weapons, including in Douma, and invited the world's top chemical watchdog to investigate. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is expected to start their work in Douma on Saturday. "The evacuation operation should wrap up before the OPCW experts enter Douma," Abdel Rahman said. According to local medics and a statement by the World Health Organization, more than 40 people died in the April 7 strike on Douma, suffering symptoms consistent with the use of chemical weapons. Jaish al-Islam has already handed over or destroyed their heavy weapons. Russia announced on Thursday that the entire territory that was once the Eastern Ghouta rebel enclave was now under pro-regime control. Search Keywords: Short link: The death of a protester, who was in his twenties, raises the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers since Land Day to 34 A 28-year-old Palestinian man died Friday evening of injuries he sustained earlier in the day after he was shot by Israeli soldiers during anti-occupation protests east of Gaza City, various news agencies reported. Dozens of Palestinian protesters were wounded by Israeli gunfire at the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, as demonstrators continued to gather for a third week of "Great March of Return" despite threats of force by Israeli authorities, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Friday. On Thursday, Avichay Adraee, the head of Arabic communications for the Spokesperson's Unit in the Israeli army, tweeted: ''We renew our warning and call on residents of the Gaza Strip not to approach the security fence. " Eyewitnesses have said on social media that Israeli soldiers used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the crowds in Gaza, according to WAFA. Gaza officials said at least 220 Palestinians were injured today by Israeli military with two in critical condition. Media reports estimated 17 medics and journalists were also injured today. The Great March of Return protests started on the anniversary of Land Day on 30 March, escalating into bloody clashes with Israeli forces that had killed at least 33 Palestinians and injured hundreds before today's casualties. No Israelis have been killed. Over the past two days, the Aqfet printing station in Gaza has reportedly been printing both Palestinian and Israeli flags in preparation for the third week of protests. Before today's protest, the Israeli army, which has been blockading Gaza since 2007, warned residents of the Strip not to approach the security fence on the Israeli border, the Ramallah-based Al-Ayam newspaper reported. The Israeli army had announced on 1 April that it would not change its approach towards protestors. Search Keywords: Short link: While Tesla's relationship has worsened with the National Transportation Safety Board since the two first traded barbs on April 2, the electric car maker is fine in the eyes of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This all stems from the aftermath of a March 23 fatal crash involving a Tesla Model X SUV that happened on U.S. Highway 101 in Mountain View, California. In the crash, a 38-year-old man was killed when his Model X struck a freeway barrier that was either missing or had a damaged safety shield. In a post to its website, Tesla said that this missing barrier contributed to worsening the impact of the crash in a blog post. The National Transportation Board took issue with the release of this information, to which Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that he respects the organization but "NHTSA regulates cars, not NTSB." "Tesla releases critical crash data affecting public safety immediately & always will. To do otherwise would be unsafe," Musk said in an April 2 tweet. In the car maker's March 30 statement, it reported that the Model X involved had its autopilot and adaptive cruise control was engaged moments before the fatal collision. "The driver had about five seconds and 150 meters of unobstructed view of the concrete divider with the crushed crash attenuator, but the vehicle logs show that no action was taken," Tesla said in the March 30 statement. "The reason this crash was so severe is because the crash attenuator, a highway safety barrier which is designed to reduce the impact into a concrete lane divider, had been crushed in a prior accident without being replaced. We have never seen this level of damage to a Model X in any other crash." The electric car maker reports the driver did not have his hands on the steering wheel for at least six seconds before the crash, and that he was visually and audibly warned several times. This is the heart of the spat between the car maker and NTSB, as the federal agency told the Washington Post it was "unhappy" that Tesla released this information. The Associated Press reports the safety board said it kicked Tesla out of the group that was investigating the crash, but the car maker disputed this claim and said it withdrew two days prior. Tesla said it left the group after the NTSB said it would remove the company if it made any more statements concerning the crash in the next 12 to 24 months. Lot of respect for NTSB, but NHTSA regulates cars, not NTSB, which is an advisory body. Tesla releases critical crash data affecting public safety immediately & always will. To do otherwise would be unsafe. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 2, 2018 "Tesla violated the party agreement by releasing investigative information before it was vetted and confirmed by the NTSB," the safety board said in a statement "Such releases of incomplete information often lead to speculation and incorrect assumptions about the probable cause of a crash." While this clearly irked the NTSB, A.P. reports the NHTSA said it has no qualms with Tesla. For those wondering the difference between the two federal agencies, the National Transportation Safety Board deteremines the cause of crashes and then makes safety recommendations while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can impose fines and regulations. Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar has been treated in a hospital in Paris, a French source close to the matter said on Friday, confirming earlier reports from Libyan officials and media. Haftar, 75, is the dominant figure in eastern Libya and has long been seen as a likely contender for power nationally. He heads the Libyan National Army (LNA), a force aligned with a government based in the east which has opposed a rival, internationally backed government in the capital, Tripoli. The French source declined to comment on Haftar's condition. Conflicting reports about his health sparked a flurry of rumours and speculation in Libya, where the United Nations is leading efforts to reunify the country and prepare for elections by the end of the year. A Libyan source close to Haftar who asked not to be named said Haftar was expected to return to Libya over the weekend. Other Libyan sources had said that Haftar was flown to Jordan and then France earlier this week. Search Keywords: Short link: WYOMING - With Earth Day coming up, the city is set to host its third annual Community Cleanup Day, designed to encourage residents to maintain their properties and dispose of unwanted items in a responsible manner. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, residents will be able to drop off trash, household hazardous waste and donations for the Salvation Army at Grand Rapids First Church, located at 2100 44th St. SW. Residents are asked to enter the parking lot through the church's northeast entrance off of 44th Street and to be in line by 1:30 p.m. in order to dispose of their items. City officials said Plummers Disposal will provide refuse hauling while Kent County will accept household hazardous waste and recyclables. In addition to those services, the Wyoming Public Service Center Yard Waste Drop-Off site at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW will also be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no limits to the size of branches or shrubs accepted at the site, though residents must unload yard waste themselves and no containers may be left at the facility. "Last year's clean-up day was a huge success and we were able to assist over 400 families," Terra Wesseldyk, event organizer, said. "Our annual clean-up day helps to beautify our neighborhoods and reduce the risk of blight throughout the community." The city says proof of residency identification is required at both collection sites and that some items, such as mattresses and tires, will have a modest disposal fee. For more information and a complete list of acceptable items, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/cleanup or contact the city at 616-530-7226. The Copper Harbor Lighthouse. (Photo: Dale Fisher, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons) Very funny, Copper Harbor. The teensy town on the Keewenaw Peninsula, which feels as if it's teetering on the very edge of the Earth, boasts a cheeky sign stating that Miami is 1,990 miles away. Ha ha - as if anyone would rather be sweltering on some crummy Florida beach next to an ocean full of sharks and gross jellyfish, and not surrounded on three sides by the brutal majesty of that great devourer of ships, Lake Superior. Don't Edit An aerial view of Copper Harbor. (Photo: Roman Kahler [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons) Not true Michiganders, at least. We hearty natives welcome the grueling hardship of winter, craving the natural world's cold, unfeeling punishment, devouring it masochistically like a nourishing pasty with extra gravy. Or is that just me? Anyway, that sign is, I believe, representative of Yooper humor, which can be as dry as a burnt pasty, hold the gravy. I imagine it's quite funny, and not cruel or cynical at all, to be reminded of the distance to Miami in the dead of winter, when your cockles grow icicles, and there's snow up to there. No, there. Way up there. Here, I've compiled some factoids and trivia about Copper Harbor, and I promise I'll keep my sense of humor soaking wet. Don't Edit This sign in Copper Harbor: funny or just the facts? (Photo: Darrell Harden [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons) So. Why the sign? Copper Harbor marks the northernmost end of US-41, which stretches south through eight different states and finally dies of heatstroke in Miami. "It is uncommon to see mileages posted for cities nearly 2,000 miles away," reads one website, which interprets the sign as an illustration of the highway's scope, and utterly ignores its subtext. Anyway, US-41 cuts through Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, skirting the western edge of Lake Michigan. It is surely the ugliest route south as possible, because it skips the Lower Peninsula entirely. Perhaps the road is one of those total maniacs who believes Wisconsin is the true Mitten State. Or maybe it just has gephyrophobia. Don't Edit Population: 108 As of the 2010 census, Copper Harbor's total population is roughly that of the average per-theater attendance of "Black Panther" in its fourth weekend of release. The town is so small, you could fit its entire population in a pie tin, and have plenty of room for dessert. Some of them are even crazy/hardy/inexplicable enough to live there year-round. Don't Edit Don't Edit Don't Edit The origin of the name Copper Harbor is named after the stuff that was once mined there. No, it wasn't bauxite. Good guess, though. Michigan has a rich history of copper mining, with the vast majority of the soft metal found in the Upper Peninsula. The industry flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, but fizzled post-World War II, littering the state's Copper Country with ghost towns, abandoned mines and a few superfund sites, which are not even remotely as fun as the name sounds. Copper Harbor's nomenclatorial resources were first excavated by the Pittsburgh and Boston Mining Company in the 1840s, but they were tapped out by 1870. And yet, even after the dust settled on the copper boom, some residents stuck around despite it being a place of unholy, godforsaken beauty (more on that in a minute). Don't Edit An Isle Royale sunset. (MLive file photo | Cory Morse) Isle Royale Of course, the "harbor" portion is one of Copper Harbor's significant points of distinction. Geographically, the town is at the tip of the Keewenaw Peninsula, and is home to one of two Michigan ferries schlepping tourists to Isle Royale. The 45-mile-long island, third largest in the contiguous U.S., is closer to Minnesota than Michigan, but for some reasons involving wars and historical whatnot, it's ours. Thankfully, there are no Minnesota Vikings fans on the island, because it has no permanent human population - and yes, I'm implying that anyone who isn't a Detroit Lions fan is, indeed, not human. Don't Edit The Isle Royale Queen IV, docked here in Copper Harbor, ferries people to Isle Royale. (MLive file photo | Cory Morse) Isle Royale was once home to copper mining and logging industries. But in 1940, it and the 450 surrounding islands were declared Isle Royale National Park, so its natural beauty could no longer be exploited by harrumphing , cigar-puffing barons with big mustaches. Now, it's a popular spot for numerous summertime recreational activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, moose dodging, wolf not-seeing, and, perhaps most enticing of all, being really really far from civilization. The island and park feature one lodge at Rock Harbor - which you might almost be able to afford - a lighthouse, and a bevy of Great Lakes shipwrecks, which draw many morbid people interested in scuba diving down to places where people died horrible deaths. Speaking of dead people, a short jaunt by canoe or kayak from the main island leads adventurers to Cemetery Island, which is exactly as advertised, and sounds like the setting of a Scooby-Doo cartoon. Its graves date to the 1850s, so if you visit, treat them with respect, especially if you're a bunch of meddling kids trying to upend some unscrupulous shyster's idiotic scheme. Don't Edit Copper Harbor Light Any coastal Michigan burg worth three-eighths of its weight in seagull guano has a lighthouse, especially if the town sits on a long, skinny (and pleasant, of course) peninsula. Two structures still stand at Copper Harbor: A stone tower and attached residence constructed in 1866 to replace the previous lighthouse built in 1848, and an adjacent metal "skeleton tower" erected in 1933. The site, which now features a museum and is undergoing restoration, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which doesn't sound so impressive when you realize there are 80,000 such places, but becomes more impressive upon realizing that most structures built these days are strip malls populated with vape shops, tax accountants and mediocre pizza chains. The Copper Harbor Light has been officially decommissioned, but still stands at the tip of the Keewenaw, where it can be Instagrammed within an inch of its life. Don't Edit Brockway Mountain Drive Copper Harbor marks the western end of this stretch of highway M-26, which traces the ridge of Brockway Mountain for roughly nine miles, with the town of Eagle Harbor at its easternmost point. The road is famous for its panoramic views of Lake Superior, Copper Harbor and acres of untouched woodland, all coming together to form one of Michigan's cruelest displays of unfettered gorgeousness. Don't Edit Don't Edit In fact, the scenery is rife with so much natural beauty, Brockway Drive is lined with rivers of gore from the ruptured hearts and exploded heads of tourists, whose eyeballs, upon seeing such murderously wonderful pulchritude, frequently launch themselves from their sockets and burst, spraying horrible goo all over the roadside. The autumn colors have been known to extemporaneously destroy human kidneys, migrating hawks in spring and orchid and trillium blooms in summer have incited ruptured livers, and stargazing excursions have caused numerous impromptu disembowelments. Aurora borealis sightings have been known to rip out entire spinal columns with their unfathomably splendid displays of color. And on a clear day, one can even see Isle Royale from the roadway, much to the detriment of many peoples' poor, unsuspecting pancreases. Don't Edit The road, constructed in 1933, reaches a high point of 720 feet above the lake (1,320 feet above sea level) and is not plowed in the winter, when it becomes a snowmobile trail. It has no posted speed limit, because its rugged quality naturally forces drivers to slow down and further appreciate the vistas, therefore increasing the likelihood of instantaneous mortality when their bodies go kablooey due to the deadly, deadly allure of the Brockway Mountain Drive, forever insatiable in its thirst for human blood. Don't Edit Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary Adjacent to Copper Harbor is this 510-acre swath of woods, which boasts what's likely the last batch of virgin white pines in the U.P. The trees grow to upwards of 125 feet, and one was determined to be more than 300 years old. How the majesty of this forest wasn't completely disregarded by greedy logging-industry investors is quite shocking, considering how much gorgeous natural Michigan wonderment was devoured by bulldozers and other implements of progressive constructive destruction during the last couple of centuries. In the presence of these great, grand trees, one can't help but marvel at the multitude of disposable products we could have carelessly consumed and disregarded if only they'd been toppled by some gallant industrialist. All that beauty, wasted on birds and wildlife, breathtaking photography and calming, meditative hikes. What a shame. Don't Edit 1 of my oddest afternoons in my life, I spent it with my grandfather Sully, Iggy Pop and Pop's Japanese girlfriend that... Posted by Dan J. Kauppi on Friday, April 8, 2011 Iggy Pop One of Copper Harbor's more compelling bits of trivia is its claim on Iggy Pop, the Michigan-native rock star who spent summers in the town as a youngster, and returned for visits after he became, oh, you know, just ONE OF THE GODFATHERS OF PUNK ROCK. Born James Osterberg in Muskegon, Iggy was raised in Ypsilanti, and went to school in Ann Arbor before forming, like, THE STOOGES, ONE OF THE FIVE GREATEST AMERICAN ROCK BANDS EVER. Of course, up in the sparsely populated rural regions of the U.P., everyone probably saw him as just one of the folks, and likely didn't really care that HE'S POSSIBLY THE MOST CHARISMATIC FRONTMEN EVER TO TAKE CENTER STAGE AT A ROCK 'N' ROLL SHOW. Don't Edit Problem is, neighboring Eagle Harbor also likes to claim Iggy, and a Copper Harbor local, Dan Kauppi, took it upon himself to make a short film about it - although I'm not sure if he ever finished it. Regardless, it's pretty cool that Iggy, WHO WROTE (WITH DAVID BOWIE, EVEN) "LUST FOR LIFE," A SONG THAT CAN INVIGORATE THE MOST CYNICAL SPIRIT AT ITS LOWEST POINT AND GET IT TO STAND UP AND DANCE WITH FECKLESS GLEE, liked to vacation in a very remote locale and hang out and drink beer with the type of everyday people who don't worship him like the rock god he is. Don't Edit Don't Edit Melting ice recedes from edges of a circular pond, deep within a wild Michigan forest. (MLive file photo/Alexander Cohn) More Michigan fun Visit Existential Michigan on this tour of our state's emptiest places A succinct (and silly) guide to Michigan's beautiful Manitou Islands A guide to Michigan's M-185, the only U.S. highway where cars are banned ANN ARBOR, MI - Ted Beals can recite a lifetime's worth of fond memories all contained within a single building: the Michigan Union. Beals, who holds three degrees from the University of Michigan, recalls walking through the iconic UM hub of student activity every day from his nearby West Quad residence hall. He would walk his future wife, Peggy, through the side door because women weren't allowed through the front of the building until after Ted earned his master's degree in 1956. The couple has taken ballroom dance classes inside Rogel Ballroom for decades, while Ted recalls being on the steps of the building for perhaps its most historic moment. "I was here when President Kennedy announced the inauguration of the Peace Corps on the front steps," Beals said, sitting inside the Union Thursday, April 12. "Unbelievable. An enormous number of students were there. Students were very, very excited about public service and this was the grand opportunity for future public service for students who were just graduating." While everyone attending a celebration of the nearly 100-year-old building Thursday didn't have the breadth of memories held by Beals, they were no less passionate about the impact the building has had on their lives. At the end of the month, the building will close down for 20 months as it undergoes an $85 million renovation. On Thursday, leaders of the Union and UM administrators talked about the bright future ahead when the building reopens in the winter of 2020. University Unions Senior Director Susan Pile said the temporary closing of the Union isn't a goodbye, but a chance to reflect on the memories of the building while looking ahead to what new possibilities exist when it reopens. "What I've learned in my life is that sometimes it's easier to say see you later than goodbye," she said. "I think see you later kind of holds a promise of what's to come the next time you're going to meet somebody - those friends, or a family reunion. ... I think today, see you later feels a lot better than goodbye, because I think it really does hold a promise for what's ahead." Before looking ahead, though, the Union laid out its history with art installations and an artifact exhibit of the building's history. Students painted messages of their favorite memories in the building's outdoor patio. For Jack Wyman and his son, Andrew, the afternoon was one last opportunity to get in a game of pool inside the building's billiards room, which will be shut down on Sunday. The billiards room won't be a part of the newly-renovated union. The two have been coming to the billiards room for years, Jack said. The building and room hold countless memories for him as its closing date approaches. "Back in the '50s a friend of mine was in the Civil Air Patrol and once a week he had the job of going on top of the Union and spotting airplanes," he said. "I went up with him a couple of times. Looking back on how primitive that was - you would write down every airplane that you saw because of the communist threat, supposedly." UM Vice President for Student Life E. Royster Harper said the vacation from the Union will be a bittersweet one because of all the different things it has meant to so many people. "This Union has been the launch of numerous romances and businesses," she said. "Its floors and stairs are worn with the footsteps of the leaders and best, and if its walls could speak, I'm sure they would have much to tell about how each of us have grown and changed during the time that we lived and learned here. The Union has been a space sometimes brave and other times not - for proms and protests, late night dances and early morning vigils. A space filled with history - history that is both personal and public." BAY CITY, MI -- A Bay City dad accused of breaking his newborn son's ankle on Christmas Eve is a step closer to facing a jury. The case of 22-year-old David A. McCulloch Jr. was scheduled to proceed to a preliminary examination the afternoon of Tuesday, April 10. However, McCulloch waived his right to the hearing, prompting Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly to bind the matter over to Circuit Court. McCulloch's options now are to go to trial or enter a guilty or no contest plea. Defense attorney Matthew L. Reyes said negotiations are ongoing regarding a possible resolution that would also include a dependent-neglect case McCulloch is facing in Probate Court. McCulloch, who is free on bond, is charged with one count of second-degree child abuse. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Just past noon on Dec. 24, police responded to the McLaren Bay Region hospital emergency room for a potential child abuse situation. Upon arrival, officers met with 19-year-old Shelbi Skiff, holding her 25-day-old son Preston. With them was the baby's father -- McCulloch -- and Skiff's parents. Skiff told police she had been changing her son's pajamas around 9 a.m. and noticed significant bruising on his right leg, prompting her to bring the baby to the ER. She denied having hurt the baby and said she did not think McCulloch had done so either, describing him as a great father who is typically very calm. Preston and his twin brother were born Nov. 29. Skiff said there were no injuries on her other son, Paxton, who was at home with her grandfather. Police spoke separately with McCulloch, who said he hadn't noticed any bruising on Preston the previous day. Due to the severity of the baby's injuries, he was transferred to Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw. Police notified Child Protective Services, who sent a worker to meet with them and the family at Covenant. McCulloch did not accompany the rest of the family to Saginaw, instead driving to Traverse City to pick up Skiff's 3-year-old daughter, court records show. Police spoke with McCulloch over the phone and asked him to visit headquarters the following morning. Hospital staff eventually determined Preston suffered a broken right ankle and pulmonary bruising on his lungs, court records show. Early on Dec. 25 morning, McCulloch arrived at the Bay County Law Enforcement Center for an interview with a police detective. He told the investigator he had fallen asleep on a reclining section of a sofa while holding Preston. "When I woke up, Preston was crying and he was in between my hip and the center console of the recliner," McCulloch said, according to police reports contained in court files. "His legs were down in the crack between the recliner and the center part. His chest was up against the center console. I grabbed him and pulled him up from there." Later in the interview, McCulloch changed his account. "It didn't happen exactly like I told you," he said. The early morning of Dec. 24, McCulloch was awakened by Preston's crying. He said he checked on the baby and discovered he had a wet diaper in need of changing. "When I was changing him, he had his leg curled up and wouldn't straighten it out," McCulloch said. "I pulled his leg straight twice. I pulled it too hard. I was frustrated." After he finished changing the baby's diaper, McCulloch took Preston to the recliner and they both fell asleep, he said. "When I woke up, Preston was on the side of me in the recliner and he was crying. I picked him up and was holding him in front of me, facing me. My hands started to squeeze him. I was frustrated." McCulloch said he had squeezed his son for about 15 seconds. "I was squeezing him too hard," he continued. "I made a mistake. I didn't mean to hurt my child. I've been sick to my stomach about this." McCulloch's next court date is pending. As part of his bond, McCulloch is not to have contact with his twin children. BAY COUNTY, MI -- An underwater formation largely buried about a century ago will soon resurface in the Saginaw Bay. Michigan was granted nearly $1 million in federal funds to build two rock reef formations in the Saginaw Bay, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday, April 12. The project is estimated to be completed by summer 2019, and it'll be a boon to fisherman, said Dave Fielder, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries research biologist. Rock reefs provide protective spawning grounds and nursery habitats key to walleye and whitefish, and are expected to bolster those populations, Fielder said. The reefs might also aid in restoring native species like cisco and lake trout. "In many respects this is an experiment," he said. "We want to see what we can achieve with this habitat restoration." What's left of the formations in Saginaw Bay are merely traces. The majority were buried under sediment from farming and logging operations nearly a century ago. "We think a lot of it was lost at the turn of the 20th century," he said. "We really haven't had rock reefs in more than 75 or 100 years." The two artificial reefs will each be an acre in size and comprised of roughly 5,230 cubic yards of rocks measuring 4 to 8 inches in circumference, Fielder said. They'll rise about 3 to 4 feet off the waters' bottom. The "Coreyon Reef" will be built about 11 miles directly west of Sebewaing. The "Saginaw River Mouth Reef" will be built near the river mouth of its namesake and stretch to nearby Kawkawlin River. The inner-bay reefs will provide alternative spawning grounds for walleye and other fish. It's quite literally a case of not putting all your eggs in one basket. "That's our goal: to see reproduction diversify beyond one source," he said. "If you have your eggs in one basket and everything goes wrong, then you lose all your reproduction in one year." According to the EPA, the Saginaw Bay as a recreational fishery is valued at more than $33 million a year. "The EPA is proud to invest in a project that will restore important habitat and stimulate the economy of local communities by enhancing the Lake Huron fishery," said Cathy Stepp, EPA's Region 5 administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager. The $980,000 granted to the project was available through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will spearhead the project, with DNR, Bay County and other partners assisting. After multiple failed attempts to get the project funded, Laura Ogar, Bay County director of environmental affairs and community development, said she was ecstatic when she got the news. "It can't be overstated how significant and how symbolic this project is," Ogar said. "It's going to send a loud message that Saginaw Bay is back, that the restoration work and the ecological recovery has happened. The bay is back." Fielder, as well, was glad to see the project finally off the ground. "We've been trying to get this funded for a number of years now," he said. "It traces back to our walleye recovery plans we assembled back in the early 2000s. We're very grateful to the EPA for this." Plan engineering will begin this winter. Actual construction of the reefs should begin in spring 2019, Fielder said. If all goes according to plan, the fish will move in summer 2019. Israel said on Friday an Iranian drone it shot down over Israeli territory in February was armed with explosives and was meant to carry out an attack. The Israeli military said that after analyzing the drone, it "concluded that the Iranian (unmanned aerial vehicle) was armed with explosives and was tasked to attack Israel". Search Keywords: Short link: BAY CITY, MI -- A 63-year-old man, who is a registered sex offender in Canada, is now facing charges in U.S. federal court for allegedly raping a preteen girl several times and potentially inducing a rare pregnancy complication. A grand jury on Wednesday, April 11, indicted Byron Dale Bird on the following 14 charges: Four counts of commission of a federal sex offense by someone required to register as a sex offender Four counts of crime of violence by someone who failed to register as a sex offender Two counts of sexual abuse of a minor Two counts of sexually abusive contact One count of failure to register as a sex offender One count of witness tampering According to an affidavit authored by FBI Special Agent Steven Larson, Bird previously lived with a girlfriend and her daughter in Rosebush, on the Isabella Indian Reservation. The child said her mother was often away from home to care for an ailing relative. On those occasions, the 5-foot-10, 300-pound Bird would order the then-12-year-old girl into his bedroom, have her take her clothes off, and tell her to lie on a bed, the affidavit states. Bird raped her about 20 times, Larson wrote. After the assaults, Bird instructed the girl not to tell anyone what had happened, threatening to take away her cellphone and her horses if she did so. Long added the girl's "horses mean a lot to her as she considers them her best friends." The girl's mother learned of the assaults when her daughter was hospitalized for an apparent pregnancy. This turned out to be a molar pregnancy, something the Mayo Clinic describes as "rare complication of pregnancy characterized by the abnormal growth of trophoblasts, the cells that normally develop into the placenta." No fetus actually grows in a womb in a molar pregnancy. A Crime Lab analysis indicated the pregnancy tissue contained male DNA, though lab technicians are still comparing it to Bird's DNA, Larson wrote. The girl told investigators she has never had intercourse with anyone other than Bird. The alleged abuse occurred between Oct. 27, 2017, through Jan. 13, 2018. Bird in July 2007 was convicted of sexual interference with a person younger than 16 in Sarnia, Ontario. In that case, his 12-year-old daughter awoke in her bedroom to Bird having pulled down her pajama pants and underwear and touching her vaginal area, Larson's affidavit states. He stopped when the girl objected, Kranz said. As a result, Bird was required to register as a sex offender while living in Michigan, but never did so. At an April 9 detention hearing held before Judge Morris, defense attorney Jeffrey M. Day described Bird as a lifelong resident of the area and Sarnia, Ontario. "He is able to move back and forth between the countries because of his Native American citizenship," Day said, adding Bird has lived in the Mount Pleasant area for about a decade. Day also said his client is required to be on an oxygen machine. At the same hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Roy Kranz said Bird has convictions dating back all the way to 1977. Kranz said that his recent employment involves giving rides to Amish people, which he's heard often includes him traveling alone with Amish children. In addition to his 2007 Canadian conviction, Bird in 2010 was charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct using force or coercion involving a 22-year-old female he had hired to clean his house, Kranz said. The case did not proceed after the alleged victim failed to appear in court. "The defendant has a disturbing and continuing history of sexually assaulting vulnerable women or children, often while they're sleeping and completely defenseless, and his predatory behavior is escalating," Kranz said. Kranz asked Bird be held in custody until trial, saying the U.S. Marshals can accommodate his medical issues. U.S. District Judge Patricia T. Morris ordered Bird detained pending trial. Bird is to be arraigned by Morris at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 16. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A 24-year-old shooting victim is in stable condition after undergoing surgery. Another man, 27, is also in stable condition after suffering a gunshot wound. The shootings happened early Friday, April 13, in the 1100 block of Madison Avenue SE, near a party at a four-unit apartment. After the shootings, police were at the residence for four hours, clearing the home and looking for the gunman and potential victims. Police maintained a heavy presence throughout the morning hours. Police responded just before 2 a.m. to a report of gunshots near Delaware Street and Union Avenue. While police canvassed the area, they heard another volley of gunshots near Madison Avenue and Delaware. Police were searching for victims when they heard a third round of gunshots and found the 24-year-old shooting victim. Meanwhile, many appeared to be taking cover at a house party at the apartment, police Sgt. Cathy Williams said. Police did not know if the seriously injured shooting victim was at the party but the apartment became the focus of the investigation, Williams said. After the victim was taken to a safe area and given medical treatment, he was taken to a local hospital. While police were setting up a perimeter, a 27-year-old who had also been shot approached police. He was taken to a hospital. Police told all of those inside the four apartments to evacuate. Around 6 a.m., the Special Response Team had cleared the building and did not find any other victims, police said. Police did not find the gunman. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 456-3400 or Silent Observer at 774-2345, or go to silentobserver.org OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Police have released surveillance photos of a man who allegedly stole a cash-register drawer at a Walgreens store in Holland Township. The strong-armed robbery happened around 2 a.m. April 6 at the pharmacy at 494 Butternut Drive. After the man entered the store, he demanded that the clerk open the cash register. When the clerk refused, the robber pulled the drawer out and fled, Ottawa County sheriff's deputies said. A Holland police tracking dog was unable to find the robber. No injuries occurred. Police ask anyone with information to call Sheriff's Department at 738-4000 or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT. SAULT STE. MARIE, MI -- As an investigation continues into damage done to high-voltage power cables and a controversial oil and gas pipeline crossing the Straits of Mackinac, some are calling on state officials to take further action. Among those is Aaron Payment, chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. In a statement released Thursday, April 11, Payment called for the immediate and permanent shutdown of Enbridge Energy's Line 5 where it crosses the straits. "This damage shows the 65-year-old lines are too vulnerable to continue operating while the state drags its feet," Payment said in the statement. Enbridge initially claimed their twin pipelines were not impacted by whatever damaged American Transmission Company's power lines on April 1, triggering the release of a toxic coolant and insulating fluid into Lake Michigan. The cause of the leak, in which an estimated 600 gallons of dielectric fluid seeped into the water, is still under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard. A statement from the governor's office named an "anchor strike" as the assumed cause, though the Coast Guard has yet to confirm that detail. If it was a boat, Enbridge says it was not theirs. Company spokesperson Ryan Duffy said Enbridge's contractors planned to start work installing new anchors along Line 5 in May, but had not yet put any boats in the water when the incident occurred. Enbridge notified state and federal officials Tuesday, April 10, that a closer investigation of their pipelines showed three dents -- presumably made by whatever ruptured the two American Transmission Company lines. Pointing out his tribe's longtime concerns about the risk the aging Line 5 pipeline poses, Payment called on state officials to take immediate action in response to the revelations of new damage. "Obviously, aging infrastructure carrying oil under the sacred waters of the Straits is not a good idea, as we saw last week," Payment said. "Now, Enbridge wants us to believe there is no concern with their dented pipes. Enbridge has a track record of repeated lies about safety issues. The governor must immediately require Enbridge to cease the flow of oil through those suspect lines." Payment is not the only voice questioning the decision to allow Line 5 to continue operating. Sean McBrearty issued a statement on behalf of Oil & Water Don't Mix, a coalition of organizations united against the continued operation of the oil and gas pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. "There is no question -- the time has come to shut down Line 5," McBreaty said. "Pipelines do not belong in the Straits of Mackinac, period. Our state's economy, tourism, and way of life revolves around keeping our Great Lakes in a pristine condition. There's simply too much at stake to keep Line 5 in operation." Similar concerns were raised by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, during a Senate committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 13. In answer to Peters' questions, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Linda Fagan explained the decision to allow Line 5 operations to continue would fall to state officials and the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The Coast Guard, Fagan said, is coordinating the response to the dielectric fluid spill under its "unified command" group, which also consists of other state and federal officials, tribal representatives and the companies involved. A spokesperson for the governor's office, which on Wednesday called on Enbridge to accelerate its examination of pipeline alternatives after learning of the new damage, explained why the state allowed Line 5 to continue operating. "We have information from Enbridge that the pipes are slightly dented but there is no indication of any damage that would result in a problem, such as a leak," spokesperson Ari Adler wrote in an email. "The state is working to confirm everything as Enbridge provides it. We have no reason at this time to believe they have not been forthcoming with all the information they have." Liz Kirkwood, director of the Traverse City nonprofit group FLOW (For Love of Water) questioned why the governor's office is not taking decisive action after such a clear demonstration of the risks to the Great Lakes. "Why aren't you decommissioning this pipeline?" Kirkwood asked. "This could have been a catastrophic disaster. Instead, all we're doing is investigating the ship that caused the accident." The studies the governor's office urged Enbridge to accelerate look at ways to mitigate anchor strikes, classified as the No. 1. threat in the 2017 contractor's analysis by Dynamic Risk Assessments. One possibility is tunneling, which according to the governor's office would require Enbridge to construct a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac and decommission the existing Line 5 pipelines. Voices calling for a Line 5 shutdown say the state is going down the wrong path by opening the door for construction of a tunnel to protect the Mackinac of Straits crossing. "This is the wrong lesson to be taking from this experience," Payment said. Even if a tunnel adequately protected the Straits of Mackinac, he argued, Line 5 also stretches about 90 miles along U.S. 2 in close proximity to the shoreline, "where a breach could never be stopped before it reached Lake Michigan." "These old pipes need to be shut off, at least until proper investigations and the full analyses are finished," Payment said. "Governor Snyder should not be using this accident as an excuse to fast-track a tunnel." The Oil & Water Don't Mix group also argues against the tunnel option, saying it would extend the risk the Line 5 pipeline poses in the straits and elsewhere. "This lame duck Governor's immediate response to allow a new tunneled oil pipeline under the Straits proves what Michiganders have suspected for a long time -- this Governor puts a Canadian oil company's interests before the people of Michigan or the Great Lakes," McBrearty said. "Rebuilding the pipeline would lock our state into decades more of transporting dirty, dangerous Canadian oil, putting our state and the Great Lakes and other Michigan waterways at grave risk while providing very little benefit to Michigan." Kirkwood agreed, saying the state government should not be pushing for a specific way forward without a proper, comprehensive analysis of all the options that looks at the issue from the perspective of what's best for Michigan and the Great Lakes. "He is dictating the outcome without analyzing the alternatives and evaluating the risks," she said. "This is a pipeline that is benefiting Canada. It's Canadian oil, primarily, and it's owned by Canadian company and is being pumped thorugh heart of Great Lakes and going back to Canada." FLOW sent an email to state officials on April 12, in which the organization calls for a "comprehensive analysis of the feasible and prudent alternatives to Line 5 in its entirety. The letter points to the other 245 places where Line 5 crosses Michigan waterways on its journey from the northwest corner of the Upper Peninsula to the point it crosses back into Canada near Port Huron. With the pipeline posing risks in so many different places, Kirkwood said it's improper for state officials to consider crossings like the Straits of Mackinac seperately and, instead, should analyze alternative routes that would enable a full decomissining of the Line 5 pipeline. Previous inspections have revealed bends and deformations of the pipe, and numerous gaps in its protective coating. A 2012 video from the National Wildlife Federation gives a closer look at the pipeline's run along the lake bed. The 645-mile Line 5 pipeline, built in 1953, runs from Superior, Wisc., to Sarnia, Canada, and transports up to 540,000 barrels of light crude oil and natural gas liquids per day. Taking a longer view of the issue, Payment called any further investment in carbon-centered infrastructure "foolhardy." "We cannot put all our carbon reserves into the atmosphere if we are to survive, so we must start now to slow and then stop the flow of oil," he said. "Investing in more infrastructure is foolhardy, both economically and environmentally." US President Donald Trump pardoned a former White House aide convicted of lying to the FBI in connection with the leak of a CIA operative's identity -- a move seen as a message to witnesses in the current Russia probe. "I don't know Mr. Libby," Trump said of vice president Dick Cheney's former chief of staff Lewis "Scooter" Libby. "But for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly," Trump added. "Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life." Libby was handed a 30-month prison sentence for perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators in 2007. His sentence was commuted by former president George W Bush, who declined however to issue a pardon -- sparking a rift between him and Cheney. The affair dates back to July 2003 when the name of CIA agent Valerie Plame, the wife of a diplomat who had accused the Bush administration of exaggerating the threat posed by Iraq, was leaked to the press. Libby was not accused of blowing Plame's cover, but of lying during the subsequent inquiry. Democrats were quick to criticize the decision -- and its possible repercussions on the probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election and allegations of collusion with the Trump campaign, as well as possible obstruction of justice. "President Trump's pardon of Scooter Libby makes clear his contempt for the rule of law," said leading congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. "This pardon sends a troubling signal to the president's allies that obstructing justice will be rewarded," she added. "The suggestion that those who lie under oath may be rewarded with pardons poses a threat to the integrity of the Special Counsel investigation, and to our democracy. Neither the president nor his allies are above the law." Former vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine said it "seems like he's sending a message to current WH staff worried about investigation of Trump obstruction: "Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours." Trump has used his power to pardon sparingly -- last year, he pardoned Arizona ex-sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of violating a court order to halt traffic patrols targeting suspected unauthorized immigrants. The White House said that Libby had "rendered more than a decade of honorable service to the Nation as a public servant at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the White House." "His record since his conviction is similarly unblemished, and he continues to be held in high regard by his colleagues and peers," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Bush critics claim Libby was part of a White House effort to punish Plame's husband, former US ambassador Joseph Wilson, whom the CIA sent to Niger in February 2002 to investigate claims that then Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein tried to buy uranium for nuclear bombs. The White House pointed out that a "key witnesses against Mr. Libby recanted her testimony" and "the District of Columbia Court of Appeals unanimously reinstated Mr. Libby to the bar." Search Keywords: Short link: CHICAGO -- A 32-year-old Battle Creek man was sentenced to up to 45 years in prison Thursday after he was convicted in federal court on sex trafficking charges. MLive.com file photo. The Associated Press reports Fabrieal Delaney used, violence, drug addiction and threats to control several women he trafficked, including minors, according to prosecutors. One of the women said Delaney threatened her by holding a hot iron to her face. Delaney was busted in 2011 after he was caught during a sting operation where he arranged to have three woman -- two of which were minors -- each paid $300 to have sex with a group of men at a Chicago bachelor party. Delaney was previously convicted on eight different sex-trafficking counts in U.S. District Court. LANSING, MI - A brewing convention battle over the Democratic endorsement for Attorney General is pitting the more progressive side of the party against its tried and true union base. Democratic Attorney General candidate Pat Miles has high-profile labor endorsements, a stellar resume and a direct connection to former president Barack Obama. But supporters of rival Dana Nessel are hoping she can win on something more complicated: the party's progressive edge. Miles and Nessel are locked in a heated race for the Democratic nod for the state's top cop, along with candidate Bill Noakes. It's a race that's kicked off earlier than usual this year. The Michigan Democratic Party is holding an endorsement convention on April 15, where they will informally endorse candidates for positions that are selected later in a nominating convention. The party's Progressive Caucus, which includes many supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential run, is supporting Nessel. "We believe that Dana Nessel is the only candidate for Attorney General that will actually be the people's candidate," said Progressive Caucus Chair Kelly Collison. She is a Sanders supporter who got more involved in the party after the 2016 election. Sanders supporters have been working their way into party positions and membership, she said, but still think some of their ideas go officially unrepresented. Nessel is a Southeast Michigan attorney who rose to national prominence in fighting Michigan's ban on gay marriage. The case she led was part of a group that made it to the United States Supreme Court and won, lifting bans on gay marriage across the nation. She spent a lot of time fighting the right, and is basing her candidacy partly on the fact that she thinks current Attorney General Bill Schuette has turned the office in a bad direction. But she's also had to fight the left. In 2015 she pushed a ballot proposal to protect LGBT civil rights, but it folded because of a lack of institutional and monetary support from groups on the left. She hasn't gotten the big-name labor endorsements that indicate support of the party faithful. But that's attractive to some inspired by Sanders' candidacy, who don't see the party as always having supported them, either. "Dana's not the typical chosen one. Dana is outspoken and Dana will fight for what's right regardless of if it's easy, and that doesn't always sit well with some of the unions that typically sway or rule the state party," Collison said. It's Miles who has scooped up important labor endorsements, most recently from the UAW and AFL-CIO. Miles, a former U.S. Attorney who was appointed by Obama, is a Harvard-trained lawyer with a lot of tough-on-crime cases under his belt. Before leaving office and joining a private practice, he prosecuted the high-profile child pornography case against ex-MSU Dr. Larry Nassar. AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber is chair of the MDP's labor caucus, said AFL-CIO spokesperson Zack Pohl, one of the largest caucus groups. "I think it's a big constituency within the party because you know, historically the Democratic Party has been the party that has advocated for working people in Michigan," Pohl said. While the AFL-CIO isn't directly involved in the convention, they do encourage members to participate. The labor caucus Bieber chairs will likely entertain a motion to endorse the candidates AFL-CIO has endorsed, said Pohl, throwing the weight of the caucus behind Miles. Cathy LaPointe, of Cassopolis, plans to attend the convention and support Miles. She said the breadth of his prosecutorial experience drew her to him as a candidate. "He's so qualified and experienced I was surprised that he had a primary," she said. The labor endorsements are important to her, she said, and she does expect Miles to get labor support at the convention. She wants him to win at the party level because she sees him as a very electable candidate in a general election, when he will be running against the Republicans' pick. "Personally, he's beyond reproach. We know that Republicans want to stay in power and they will do anything. Personally, I don't think there's a low they won't sink to to retain this seat and to retain their grip on Michigan. And Pat has all the qualifications," LaPointe said. The seat is currently held by Attorney General Bill Schuette, who is term-limited and seeking the office of governor. Tonya Schuitmaker and Tom Leonard are two Republicans vying for that party's nomination. Parties have official conventions where they select the candidates later in the year. But Democrats have chosen to do this early endorsement convention process. It's not the actual convention pick, but an endorsement of the candidate they plan to pick. The winner of the MDP's endorsement is determined by a vote of already-registered party members who come to the convention. All Attorney General candidates have signed a pledge to abide by the endorsement and drop out of the race if they are not endorsed, said MDP spokesman Paul Kanan. The actual nominating convention takes place Aug. 25 & 26 in East Lansing, he said. While the endorsement is meant to unify the party before the nomination, it's possible this race ends up highlighting the party's divisions, instead. In recent weeks the candidates have turned up the attacks. Miles accused Nessel of violating campaign finance laws. Nessel expressed concerns about legislation meant to address predators like ex-MSU Dr. Larry Nassar and Miles came out swinging, holding a press conference where two of Nassar's victims rebuked her. LaPointe said she doesn't have a lot of empathy for Sanders supporters. "All those Bernie people, in my mind, elected Donald Trump. A lot of them voted for (Jill) Stein, a lot of them voted for (Gary) Johnson. These are supposed to be Democrats and they did not vote for the Democratic candidate," LaPointe said. Collison said since the 2016 election the party hasn't moved to meaningfully include its more progressive members, something highlighted by this race, which supporters of both candidates expect to be tight. "I feel like we haven't really opened that wound to really clean it out and heal it. It's just sort of sitting there, scabbing over, and people pick at it every once in a while," Collison said. Michigan will get millions of dollars from the federal government for building two new veterans homes in Grand Rapids and Southeast Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder announced Friday. Ronny Jackson, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has authorized the state of Michigan to spend up to $38 million in federal dollars for the Grand Rapids facility and up to $42 million in federal dollars for the planned Southeast Michigan facility, in addition to the $42 million in state funds approved by the state Legislature in 2016. "This is great news for our state's veterans," Snyder said in a statement. "It will pave the way for new, modern facilities that are long overdue and will better meet the needs of our veterans." The projects have already gotten the go-ahead from state officials as part of a new plan to transition away from one large veterans facility into two smaller facilities. The new Grand Rapids veterans home, set to be built on the current 90 acre campus in Grand Rapids, will be significantly smaller than the existing facility, which currently houses about 355 residents. Though the old home won't immediately close, the expectation is the new facility will ultimately replace it. The Southeast Michigan site hasn't yet been determined. Starting construction on the new home in Grand Rapids was contingent on the state receiving the federal grant for the project. "We appreciate VA's support of Michigan's veterans in announcing this much needed funding to build new, modern veterans homes in our state," James Robert Redford, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency director and Michigan Veterans Facility Chair, said in a statement. "This is an important first step that allows Michigan to continue providing veteran-centered care in a modern, home-like setting, eventually expanding the number of veteran homes across the state in order to serve veterans close to where they live," he continued. The Michigan Veterans Facility Authority Board of Directors is currently working on finalizing a site selection for the southeast Michigan home, and is hoping to start construction on the new Grand Rapids facility in September 2018. This story was clarified to reflect updated funding numbers from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. JUNCTION CITY, KAN. - Two people arrested in Kansas with 350 pounds of marijuana were allegedly in route to Sterling Heights in suburban Detroit. The Associated Press reports that a total of three people are being investigated in the ordeal which began when Geary County Sheriff's deputies made a routine traffic stop on Interstate 70 near Junction City on Thursday, April 5. Law enforcement in Geary County notified the Drug Enforcement Administration's Michigan office and a third suspect was arrested the next day in Sterling Heights. The DEA and Michigan authorities also seized $326,000 in cash, the AP reported. The names of the suspects were not released. The investigation is ongoing. LANSING, MI -- Michigan health officials have issued a warning after a salmonella outbreak linked to the consumption of kratom sickened 130 people including three Michigan residents. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local health departments to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella linked to the consumption of products containing the plant substance kratom, MDHHS said on April 13. More than 130 people from 38 states, including three people in the Michigan counties of Kent, Livingston and Monroe, have been infected with Salmonella linked to kratom, MDHHS said. No deaths have been reported, though 38 people have been hospitalized nationwide, MDHHS said. Kratom is a plant consumed for its stimulant effects and is also used as an opioid substitute. Kratom is known as Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketom and Biak. Ill individuals have reported consuming kratom as pills, powder and in tea, according to a MDHHS news release. "We are advising Michigan residents not to consume any products containing kratom," said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. "If you have used kratom and subsequently develop symptoms, please consult your medical provider. In addition, we urge people to consult their health care provider before taking any supplement, especially if they have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, younger than 5 years old or are an older adult." In early April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a mandatory recall for all food products containing powdered kratom manufactured, processed, packed or held by Triangle Pharmanaturals, LLC. Other kratom products have been recalled voluntarily by suppliers or manufacturers as several other brands and products containing kratom have tested positive for Salmonella, MDHHS aid. As part of the Michigan investigation, the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories has detected Salmonella in the following four kratom-containing product samples purchased online from Herbal-Salvation/Viable Solutions, LLC, in Nampa, ID: Red Vein Bali (Indonesia), Green Horn (Indonesia), Red Vein Sumatra (Indonesia) and Thai Maeng Da, (Thailand). For a list of recalled kratom products, visit the FDA website. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases severe diarrhea or infection may occur and require hospitalization. For more information about the outbreak investigation involving kratom, visit the CDC website. JACKSON, MI - A house cat was killed in a fire Friday morning in a now-condemned home east of downtown Jackson. Fire and rescue crews were called at about 7:20 a.m., April 13, to the house in the 300 block of Summit Avenue and arrived to find heavy smoke coming out of the building, Jackson Fire Cpt. Bob Walkowicz said. Flames were seen on the south side of the building as residents evacuated the home, Walkowicz said. It is unclear at this time how many people lived inside the home, he said. The cat was found after crews extinguished the blaze, Walkowicz said. There were no other injuries reported, he said. The home was boarded up and condemned by city inspectors, Walkowicz said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. Summit Township Fire Department and Jackson Community Ambulance assisted at the scene. LANSING, MI - A Lansing man will owe Xerox $1 million after he is released from federal prison for illegally acquiring and reselling toner. U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa of the Western District of New York sentenced David Miedel to one year in federal prison and $1,031,680.24 in restitution payments to the Xerox corporation for conspiracy to transfer stolen property in interstate commerce, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Miedel, 42, pleaded guilty Jan. 30 to the conspiracy charge. Prosecutors dropped two additional federal charges of interstate theft and transporting stolen goods, court records show. The charges stem from a Department of Homeland Security investigation regarding Miedel's business activities from July 2015 to March 2016, records show. Xerox, which leases copier equipment to businesses, provides supplies for rental equipment, and customers pay the company based on the number of prints made. A Xerox lease contract states the supplies must be used by the customer, and any excess materials not used by the end of the lease must be returned to the company, records show. In July 2015, Miedel, who worked for an office supply company in Lansing, contacted two men via LinkedIn who worked at a warehouse in North Carolina that stored excess toner, according to court records. Miedel offered to pay the men $6,000 for 10 large storage containers filled with Xerox toner, according to investigators. Miedel drove to the warehouse in September 2015 and loaded a trailer with as much as it could hold, paying each man $900 for the supplies, court records show. Prior to this, in August 2015, Miedel contacted another person he thought was warehouse employee at a storage site in New York, offering cash for the supplies, according to investigators. The man Miedel contacted was a Xerox employee who said he would call back about the offer, but instead contacted police, records show. The Xerox employee and an undercover Homeland Security agent later met with Miedel in November 2015 to broker a deal, according to court documents. The Xerox employee asked Miedel about the risks of going through with the deal and he said they did not need to worry about being caught, according to court documents. "We are not an agent who's being closely monitored," Miedel said while being watched by the federal agent. After making a deal, Miedel made several trips to the warehouse to pick up the toner, paying the men $3,000, records show. Investigators determined Miedel was delivering the toners to an address in the Lansing area after each trip out of state, court records show. Miedel was charged and arrested March 3, 2016. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo officials are still working on a deal to sell a downtown parking lot to Catalyst Development Co., LLC, but the company expects to break ground on a $70 million, seven-story mixed-use building in July. According to a release from Catalyst Development, the building is slated for a June 2020 completion date. Assuming a purchase agreement with the city of Kalamazoo is approved, the company will build a 290,000-square-foot building with offices, housing and parking on a portion of Lot 9 across from the Arcadia Creek Festival Site. Bill Johnston is chairman of Greenleaf Companies, which includes Catalyst Development Company, LLC. Johnston is one of two donors who pledged $70.3 million to the city of Kalamazoo to create the Foundation for Excellence. The deal is contingent on the support of the Kalamazoo City Commission and the city's building authority, but city officials are optimistic about more parking, office space and housing options in a growing area of downtown. Construction would encompass a 1.362-acre portion of a surface lot located at the corner of Water Street and Edwards Street. The development would include two floors of apartment units, four floors of Class A office space and a multi-level parking deck. Mayor Bobby Hopewell said "there is a lot to like" about the project. "This is the type of thoughtful development that we want to continue to see, not just downtown, but throughout the city," he said in the release. The Kalamazoo Promise, Communities In Schools, Southwest Michigan First and Warner Norcross and Judd, LLP plan to relocate their local headquarters to the building. Bob Jorth, Kalamazoo Promise executive director, said the new location is needed to expand outreach and engagement efforts in the community. The move would also put his staff in a more visible location -- today they're tucked away in the shadow of the Exchange Building -- and closer to school bus routes. Jorth hopes parents and students will have more reason to stop by and learn about financial aid, tutoring and mentoring opportunities. Jorth said they will be hiring more staff to track recipients of the scholarship and bring them back to Kalamazoo after they graduate college. "We've spent 12 years getting students in the college pipeline and we haven't put much emphasis in bringing students back to the community," he said. "(We want to) try to understand how many (former) students are here and retain more in the community." Ten percent of the apartment units would be set aside for people who are earning less than 60 percent of the city's median income. Assistant City Manager Jerome Kisscorni said the inclusion of affordable housing is "key" for the downtown. Studies commissioned by the Downtown Development Authority and city have shown a need for workforce housing downtown, but affordable housing is especially scare in Kalamazoo as a whole. The site is flanked on all sides by the Arcadia Creek Festival Place, Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Kalamazoo Valley Community College' Arcadia Commons Campus, antique stores, banks, and is close proximity to bars and eateries. Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated President Andrew Haan said each person living in the building is expected to spend $15,000 year within a half-mile of their residence. Approximately 85 of the 256 available parking spaces would remain owned by the city. However, Catalyst plans to add 140 parking spaces. Snowmelt sidewalks are also planned outside for pedestrians. Kalamazoo officials know that parcels used for downtown parking are too valuable to remain as surface lots. According to the master plan, parking lots shouldn't be allowed on corner lots or major streets due to their retail potential. Those lots are attracting a lot of interest from developers. Kisscorni said Catalyst approached the city after previous deals with other developers fell through. If Catalyst hadn't came to the table, he said, the city likely would have put out a request for proposals. "That's a desirable piece of property smack dab in the middle of town," Kisscorni said. Sometimes it takes three to five tries for a development to work out, he said. Another plan to sell Lot 2, at the corner of Lovell and Rose Streets, to AVB Inc. and Hinman Co. is also in the works. No plans exist yet, but Kisscorni said Lot 1 across the street from Wild Bull Saloon is being considered for future development. The Lot 9 site would be put on the tax roll Jan. 1 of the year following the closing date of its sale. Under city ownership, the property is tax-exempt. SPRINGFIELD, MI -- Police are looking for a man who fired several shots at a vehicle in the Springfield area, wounding the driver. The shooting caused two nearby schools to close. Calhoun County sheriff's deputies said a female was driving west along Avenue A near Sundown Street about 4:35 a.m. Thursday, April 12 when a person stepped into the road. She swerved and went around the man, but he fired several shots at her vehicle. She was struck once in the hip. The driver stopped at a BP gas station on Dickman Road to get help. She was taken to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital for what police described as an injury that did not appear life-threatening. Police are asking for the public's help to identify the shooter and ask anyone with information to call the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department at 269-781-0880 or Silent Observer at 269-781-9700. The shooting caused the closure of Springfield Middle School and Valley View Elementary as a precaution. KALAMAZOO, MI -- More people are paying their property taxes on time a year after Kalamazoo cut its millage by 38 percent. The number of tax delinquent properties dropped by 10 percent since the city of Kalamazoo reduced property taxes from 19.2705 mills to 12 mills in 2017. Home foreclosures dropped more than a third from 2016-17, from 91 to 62, few of which were owner-occupied. A portion of a $70.3 million donation from local philanthropists William Parfet and William Johnston provided the city enough revenue to reduce its property tax, resulting in a cut of about $363 for a home with a taxable value of $50,000. According to release from the city, the number of tax delinquent parcels in Kalamazoo decreased from 3,296 to 2,938. The total value of delinquent taxes decreased from $4.79 million to $3.66 million. City leaders attributed the positive trend to investment from the Foundation for Excellence, which was specifically created to help Kalamazoo cut its property tax, and overall recovery since the Great Recession in 2008. Kalamazoo County Treasurer Mary Balkema said the city was hit especially hard during the recession. Keeping properties on the tax roll and having property owners pay their taxes on time is essential to recovery, she said. "While the county is in a 10-year recession, the city is probably in a 20-year recession," she said. The taxable value of property in the city decreased 13 percent since 2008; a steady drop from $1.72 million to $1.49 million in 2017. However, taxable value increased 2.2 percent from 2016-17. Mayor Bobby Hopewell said those figures are moving in the right direction, but it's only the start of economic improvements the property tax reduction and other investment in affordable housing will bring. "People and businesses are excited to move into the city and we are seeing that reflected in our local real estate market as well as the number of economic development projects currently underway," he said in the release. The Foundation for Excellence, Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo, the city's master plan and strategic vision will commit resources to affordable housing initiatives supported by community partners like the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Open Doors Kalamazoo, Mothers of Hope, County Land Bank and the County Treasurer's Office. In February, LISC selected Kalamazoo as one of a handful of American cities for a 2:1 funding pilot program. The partnership will leverage $43.5 million toward housing and economic development programs by 2022. Chuck Vliek, LISC program vice president, said keeping homeowners up to date on their taxes is part of a larger approach to stabilize the housing market in Kalamazoo. It's good news that the city didn't receive around this time last year. During a March 2017 presentation, City Commissioners were told that families were still struggling to stay above the poverty line after the recession. Tim Ready, director of the Western Michigan University Lewis Walker Institute, said during the recession's hardest years Kalamazoo was "bumping shoulders" with Detroit and Flint in terms of its poverty statistics. Balkema said the millage reduction has a direct impact on residents paying their taxes on time. As investments in housing stock and infrastructure continue, she said the city should expect to see positive results. Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany gifted the Portuguese president with a replica of King Khufu's funerary boat Accompanied by Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and his diplomatic delegation toured the monuments of the Giza plateau and both Egyptian museums on Friday. At the plateau they visited the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the panorama area where El-Enany spoke to President de Sousa and his delegation on the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization. De Sousa and the delegation expressed their fondness for Egypt's distinguished heritage and insisted on documenting their visit by taking photos in front of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. The group also toured the Grand Egyptian Museum's conservation centre and lab for wooden artifacts which currently houses the recently transferred King Tutankhamun collection. They also visited the lab for heavy artefacts, which houses the colossi of Kings Amenhotep III and Menkaure, which will soon be displayed in the museum's grand staircase and atrium, respectively. The Portuguese president and antiquities minister also viewed the royal mummies' hall and the Golden King collection at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. El-Enany gifted de Sousa with a replica of King Khufus boat crafted by the replicas unit at the ministry. Search Keywords: Short link: Ja'Mall Kitchens MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Two men have admitted planning to commit an armed robbery the night their companion gunned down a teenager walking along a Muskegon street. Nicholas Vasquez and Nicholas Kissling both pleaded guilty as charged -- to conspiring to commit robbery the night 19-year-old Ja'Mall Kitchens was fatally shot on Laketon Avenue two years ago. Johnny Lee Brown III, 19, was convicted of second-degree murder in Kitchens' death and sentenced to at least 30 years in prison. Vasquez, Kissling and Brown were together the night of April 13, 2016. Vasquez and Kissling testified the three had been talking about robbing someone as they hung out in front of Brown's mother's home near McIlwraith Street and Laketon. That's when they saw Kitchens walking across the street - about 40 feet away according to a police officer. One of them, either Brown or Vasquez, yelled at Kitchens "Who is you?" to which Kitchens responded -- Vasquez said with "It's Mall, who the f--are you?" -- before the single shot rang out, Kitchens fell, and the trio scattered, according to the witnesses. Brown admitted firing that shot, saying he thought Kitchens was about to pull out a gun and shoot him. Kitchens, who was shot once in the head, was not armed. Kissling, 19, testified that when they saw Kitchens that night, Kitchens was pacing on Laketon, his hands in his pants, like he had a gun. Kissling said it didn't particularly concern him. Kissling pleaded guilty on April 9 to conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and Muskegon County Circuit Judge Timothy Hicks agreed to a minimum sentence of 49 months -four years and a month - in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Hicks at 8:30 a.m. May 16. Vasquez, 19, pleaded guilty on March 29 to conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and Hicks agreed to a 57-month minimum sentence, or nearly five years. Vasquez's sentencing will be 8:30 a.m. on May 2. Conspiracy to commit armed robbery is a felony punishable by any number of years in prison up to life. The actual sentence is determined by a judge based on state guidelines that take into consideration a defendant's criminal history. Vasquez has a prior conviction for retail fraud. After Brown fired the fatal shot, the trio fled and split up, with Kissling saying he hid for two hours under a tarp in a stranger's backyard. Starting the next day and several other times when they met up, Brown warned the two to keep "their mouths closed," and they agreed, Vasquez and Kissling testified. "He told me if anyone told, he was coming at our heads...He was going to kill us," Kissling testified. "I told him I wouldn't tell." Police were stumped by the seemingly unprovoked murder of Kitchens when, eight months later, a rumor led Muskegon Police Detective Keith Stratton to Vasquez, Stratton testified. Vasquez at first denied involvement, then implicated a man he called "Johnny Moore" who they later determined, through Facebook, was Johnny Brown, Stratton testified. Vasquez told Stratton Kissling was there too, and Kissling also at first gave Stratton varying stories, according to testimony. Kissling was arrested in December 2016, Vasquez in January 2017, and Brown in March 2017. Vasquez and Kissling testified for the prosecution's case against Brown, and admitted they hoped it would result in some leniency in their own court cases. SAGINAW TWP., MI -- Amid a sex abuse probe, the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw has released the names of five former priests they claim were removed from ministry because of credible claims of alleged sex abuse of minors. On Friday, April 13, The Most Rev. Bishop Joseph R. Cistone announced that Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michael J. Talbot will serve as the diocese's independent delegate to review sexual misconduct. The announcement of Talbot as an independent delegate comes nearly a month after Cistone's home, along with two diocese properties, were raided by police. Cistone also announced that along with two priests who are currently on administrative leave and under investigation, five more former priest names would be released. According to the diocese, since the the adoption of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and Essential Norms by the Bishops of the United States in 2002, the following clerics were permanently removed from ministry due to credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors: Stanislaus A. Bur John E. Hammer Richard L Howard Jack J. Leipert Leonard F. Wilkuski Each priest mentioned has been defrocked. The church did not release additional information on the former religious leaders. Talbot, the Diocese's independent delegate, is a Catholic who wrote the first Victim's Rights Law for the State of Michigan and was responsible for implementing the law in courts and law enforcement agencies in Wayne County, according to biographical information on the Archdiocese of Detroit's webpage. He's also a member of the Catholic Lawyers Society Board of Directors, former member of the board of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Detroit and former chairman of the Advisory Board of St. John's Center for Family and Youth. Currently, the Rev. Robert "Father Bob" DeLand, was suspended after he was arrested and charged Feb. 26 with three felonies on accusations he sexually assaulted a 21-year-old man and 17-year-old boy in his Saginaw Township condominium within the past year. DeLand is charged with attempted second-degree criminal sexual conduct, gross indecency between males and a single count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct causing injury. DeLand most recently was assigned to St. Agnes Church in Freeland. He also has led Catholic churches and schools in Bay County. DeLand was re-arrested on Thursday, April 5, and charged with multiple additional charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct causing personal injury, assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct, manufacturing or distributing an imitation controlled substance, and selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor. In addition to DeLand's suspension, in March the Rev. Ronald J. Dombrowski, 72, was suspended as a "precautionary measure" after a person told the diocese on March 15 that Dombrowski allegedly sexually abused them when they were a minor. The diocese forwarded the complaint to law enforcement. Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Gaertner said that no charges have been filed against Dombrowski. Cistone ordered Dombrowski not to wear his clerical attire, present himself as a priest in public or perform ministry while the allegation is investigated. Cistone also said he cannot have contact with people under 21, barring him from going on school properties and participating in school and parish activities and functions. Before his suspension, Dombrowski preached at Holy Family Parish in Saginaw. Since 1972, Dombrowski has held numerous positions and posts within the Diocese of Saginaw. The diocese said in a statement that it places no deadlines or time limits on reporting the sexual abuse of minors by clergy. To bring forward a complaint and/or to speak to the victim assistance coordinator contact 989-797-6682 or jfulgenzi@dioceseofsaginaw.org. Earlier Friday, however, officals said victims of sexual abuse by priests should go to the police and not report it to the Diocese of Saginaw or its newly-named independent delegate. SAGINAW TWP, MI -- Investigators say victims of sexual abuse by priests should go to the police and not report it to the Diocese of Saginaw or its newly-named independent delegate. "We respectfully disagree with the procedure of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, announced by Bishop Cistone during today's press conference, regarding the handling of allegations of abuse by Diocese officials and employees," according to a statement released by law enforcement investigating the diocese. The statement, issued Friday afternoon, April 13, came on the heels of Bishop Joseph R. Cistone announcing that Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michael J. Talbot will serve as the diocese's independent delegate for the investigation. Talbot, who spoke and answered questions at the announcement press conference, implored victims to speak with him. "I need to hear from those who have hesitated to come forward," Talbot said. But officials with the investigation team said the Diocese "cannot and should not be used as a clearing house for the reporting of crimes by victims." "That is the function of law enforcement. Any victims of abuse or other crimes should report their allegations directly to law enforcement as opposed to the Diocese or Judge Talbot, its independent delegate." Messages were left with the diocese, but MLive was unable to reach a spokesperson for comment. Talbot, who is retiring from the bench on April 25, will act as a liaison between the diocese and media, prosecutors, police and others. Talbot will work voluntarily and will be independent from the diocese, reporting wrongdoing to police if needed, he said. Talbot is a Catholic who wrote the first Victim's Rights Law for the State of Michigan and was responsible for implementing the law in courts and law enforcement agencies in Wayne County, according to biographical information on the Archdiocese of Detroit's webpage. He's also a member of the Catholic Lawyers Society Board of Directors, former member of the board of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Detroit and former chairman of the Advisory Board of St. John's Center for Family and Youth. Bishop Cistone Holds Press Conference RECAP: The Saginaw Diocese has confirmed five additional priests from the past 20 years are involved in an ongoing sex abuse probe. Bishop Joseph R. Cistone announced that the Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michael J. Talbot will serve as the independent delegate for the diocese as the investigation continues: Posted by The Saginaw News on Friday, April 13, 2018 The statement from the special investigative team formed to coordinate and investigate allegations of abuse involving "officials" within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw said hiring Talbot appears to be a positive thing. "While it would appear to be a positive thing that the Diocese is involving Judge Talbot to assist them in dealing with the situation they find themselves in, we fully expect Judge Talbot and the Diocese to turn over to law enforcement any information they receive," the statement read. The special investigative team was formed in March and is comprised of the Saginaw County Prosecutor's Office, Saginaw Township Police Department, Tittabawassee Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, and various other state and federal agencies. Nearly a month ago, police raided Cistone's home and two diocese properties. The search warrants, which saw the seizing of documents, records and computers, were executed after prosecutors allege diocese officials failed to fully cooperate in the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. To date, only one diocese priest, the Rev. Robert DeLand, has been criminally charged in the sexual abuse probe. He was arrested Feb. 25 on accusations he sexually assaulted two males -- a 21-year-old and a 17-year-old -- in his Saginaw Township condominium. Prosecutors issued further charges against DeLand last week, alleging he additionally sexually assaulted an 18-year-old man, furnished alcohol to a minor and was in possession of a controlled substance. He remains out on bond, but barred by the diocese from practicing as a minister. Another diocese priest, the Rev. Ronald J. Dombrowski, was suspended in early March by the diocese after they received a report he allegedly sexually assaulted a person when they were a minor. He has not been criminally charged. Cistone said Friday he would release the names of five former priests from the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw who had sexual abuse complaints. Talbot said the move is expected to help other victims come forward. SAGINAW TWP, MI -- The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw will name five additional priests with sexual abuse complaints later Friday, bringing the total to seven amid an ongoing criminal investigation. Bishop Joseph R. Cistone confirmed at a press conference Friday, April 13, that the diocese will publish the names of those priests on its website. Cistone also announced that Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michael J. Talbot will serve as the independent delegate for the investigation. "It's my sincere hope that this will bring renewed courage to victims and their families to come forward with a fuller expectation of fairness, justice and healing," Cistone said. "I believe we need what I will call a 'fresh start' ... 'a reboot.'" Bishop Cistone Holds Press Conference RECAP: The Saginaw Diocese has confirmed five additional priests from the past 20 years are involved in an ongoing sex abuse probe. Bishop Joseph R. Cistone announced that the Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michael J. Talbot will serve as the independent delegate for the diocese as the investigation continues: Posted by The Saginaw News on Friday, April 13, 2018 The announcement of Talbot as an independent delegate comes nearly a month after Cistone's home, along with two diocese properties, were raided by police. Talbot is a Catholic who wrote the first Victim's Rights Law for the State of Michigan and was responsible for implementing the law in courts and law enforcement agencies in Wayne County, according to biographical information on the Archdiocese of Detroit's webpage. He's also a member of the Catholic Lawyers Society Board of Directors, former member of the board of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Detroit and former chairman of the Advisory Board of St. John's Center for Family and Youth. The search warrants, which saw the seizing of documents, records and computers, were executed after prosecutors allege diocese officials failed to fully cooperate in the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. Cistone reiterated the claim that the diocese had been cooperating with law enforcement. "It's not being perceived that we're doing enough," he said. "We will do our best to be as open and as fair and as clear as we can be in terms of procedures and practices." Talbot, who is retiring from the bench in April 25, will act as a liaison between the diocese and media, prosecutors, police and others. Talbot will work voluntarily and will be independent from the diocese, reporting wrongdoing to police if needed, he said. The diocese will publish a list of five former diocese priests accused of sexual abuse to their website sometime Friday. One of those priests is deceased, and all are defrocked. At this time, it's not clear if any were criminally charged. Cistone said the priests involvement with the diocese dates back 20-30 years. Talbot said the move is expected to help other victims come forward. "I need to hear from those who have hesitated to come forward," he said. "If you have been the victim of an assault of any sort, please come forward." To date, only one diocese priest, the Rev. Robert DeLand, has been criminally charged in the sexual abuse probe. He was arrested Feb. 25 on accusations he sexually assaulted two males -- a 21-year-old and a 17-year-old -- in his Saginaw Township condominium. Prosecutors issued further charges against DeLand last week, alleging he additionally sexually assaulted an 18-year-old man, furnished alcohol to a minor and was in possession of a controlled substance. He remains out on bond, but barred by the diocese from practicing as a minister. Another diocese priest, the Rev. Ronald J. Dombrowski, was suspended in early March by the diocese after they received a report he allegedly sexually assaulted a person when they were a minor. He has not been criminally charged. Cistone has come under scrutiny before with regard to sexual abuse investigations. Some parishioners have called for him to resign. Cistone said that wasn't happening. "I haven't given thought to resigning," he said. "I have no intention of resigning." A 2005 grand jury report into sexual abuse and cover-up within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia mentions Cistone's time as a high-ranking member in the 90s. Among other findings, the grand jury report alleges Cistone was given several updates in 1996 on efforts to silence a nun who tried informing parishioners about a priest's past, particularly his "predilection for naked children." The year before, Cistone wrote a memo to the cardinal stating accusations of sexual abuse against a priest "has the potential of becoming a PR concern," according to the report. That priest soon resigned but later went on to other posts within the church. In 2012, a lawyer accused Cistone of misleading that grand jury by not acknowledging he witnessed the shredding of documents in 1994 that contained the names of priests suspected of child molestation. While other priests were later criminally charged, Cistone wasn't. NASA's Juno Spacecraft continues to send new information concerning Jupiter back home in unprecedented detail. The U.S. space agency shared an infrared flyover tour of Jupiter's North Pole and some of the planet's massive polar storms. This data and footage were shared at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly on Wednesday in Vienna, NASA reports in a news release. "Before Juno, we could only guess what Jupiter's poles would look like," Alberto Adriani, Juno co-investigator, said in the release. "Now, with Juno flying over the poles at a close distance it permits the collection of infrared imagery on Jupiter's polar weather patterns and its massive cyclones in unprecedented spatial resolution." -- The space agency says that scientists on the Juno team collected the data and 3-D imagery using the spacecraft's Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper. The instrument is able to capture light from Jupiter's insides, and can even probe weather beneath the planet's cloud tops from 30 to 45 miles. NASA's launched with the main goal of unlocking Jupiter's secrets to improve our understanding of not only the solar system's origins, but the giant planet's as well. The space agency says this mission will attempt to determine how much water is in the planet's atmosphere and to measure its composition, temperature, cloud patterns, and map its magnetic and gravity fields. "The imagery will help the team understand the forces at work in the animation - a north pole dominated by a central cyclone surrounded by eight circumpolar cyclones with diameters ranging from 2,500 to 2,900 miles," NASA said in the Wednesday release. -- "Prior to Juno, we could not distinguish between extreme models of Jupiter's interior rotation, which all fitted the data collected by Earth-based observations and other deep space missions," Tristan Guillot, a Juno co-investigator based in France, said in the release. "But Juno is different -- it orbits the planet from pole-to-pole and gets closer to Jupiter than any spacecraft ever before. "Thanks to the amazing increase in accuracy brought by Juno's gravity data, we have essentially solved the issue of how Jupiter's interior rotates: The zones and belts that we see in the atmosphere rotating at different speeds extend to about 1,900 miles." Some of Juno's key accomplishments include offering humanity's first up-close view of Jupiter's Great Red Spot, discovered that the planet's atmosphere has features unlike anything else encountered in the solar system, and that the Great Red Spot storm has been shrinking for years but that as it shrinks it grows taller. Other findings highlight the fact that Jupiter's atmosphere has qualities that NASA has described as being "unlike anything" else in our solar system. The space agency reported back in March that the Juno found that atmospheric winds on Jupiter "run deep into its atmosphere" and could be considered unearthly. In February, a NASA scientist and leader of the Jupiter-focused Juno mission said the Great Red Spot will really start to disappear in the next "decade or two." The Juno spacecraft was launched in August 2011, arrived to Jupiter in July 2016, and will continue to operate with its current budget through July to bring its science orbits up to 12. NASA says the team can propose to extend the mission past July 2018, so the Juno spacecraft might not be done just yet. Over the next two days I will fine-tune the forecast of this coming four-day storm. Right now I want to give you some quick points about the storm. Point 1: Most important - The zone of heaviest freezing rain right now looks like it will stretch from the northern Thumb through the Saginaw Valley area to Mount Pleasant and Clare west to Big Rapids, Manistee and Ludington. So I'd call it a central Michigan ice storm. Ice accumulations could range between 0.25" to 1.0", which is a significant ice accumulation. Point 2: Even the ice storm area will have periods of snow, sleet and even rain. Point 3: The biggest mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain will fall just north of the "ice storm" area. Cadillac and Traverse City east through Houghton Lake to Tawas City will have a mix of all three precipitation types. The mix will keep amounts of any individual precipitation type lower. Point 4: Weather will be mostly snow from north of Traverse City to the Mackinac Bridge. Many cities in far northern Lower will have over 6 inches of snow. Point 5: The trend in the weather data is colder. Any of these weather zones I just described could shift another 25 miles south. Point 6: South of a Flint to Grand Rapids line will be mostly rain, with some snow showers late Sunday into Monday. That includes Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Kalamazoo. Point 7: The sleet area is increasing, which will keep freezing rain and ice accumulations down in the sleet area. Point 8: The heaviest precipitation times will be Friday night and Sunday. Point 9: Deep moisture decreases Saturday, which means precipitation will lighten up considerably during the day Saturday. Point 10: Temperatures may pop up above freezing Sunday from Mount Pleasant to Saginaw and southward. This would help take away the first layer of ice accumulation and could help the ice situation considerably. Point 11: Winds will be strong out of the northeast. Wind gusts of 30 mph to 35 mph will happen occasionally through the weekend at all locations in Michigan. Point 12: Strong northeast winds may send a storm surge up the mouth of the Saginaw Bay. This could lead to flooding at shoreline areas around Bay City and Kawkawlin. Point 13: Strong Canada high pressure is actually the real culprit. It's holding tight just to our north, and funneling cold air into Michigan on a northeast wind. Point 14: Regardless of whether you get snow, sleet, freezing rain or rain, in the end you will have 1.5" to 2.5" of liquid when the storm is over. This will be a weather system that sends Great Lakes water levels higher. Point 15: This storm can still change track a touch. Make sure you check in with MLive often. [April 12, 2018] Venezuela Telecoms Market Report 2018 - Revenues, Investment and Infrastructure Details DUBLIN, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "2018 Venezuela Telecom Market Analysis and Outlook Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The research work strategically analyzes Venezuela telecommunications market, examining the recent trends, drivers and challenges across diverse dimensions such as growth, demand, pricing, competition, consumer behaviour, infrastructure, policies and others. The study also provides in-depth analysis of segment wise telecommunications including mobile, fixed line and fixed broadband services. The number of subscribers and penetration rates are forecast for each of the sub-segment including mobile, fixed landline and broadband segments from 2005 to 2025. Venezuela telecommunication revenues, investment and infrastructure details are also covered in the report. Further, emerging business environment in Venezuela together with comparison to five competitive benchmark countries are included, to assess the country's prominence on regional front. On the competitive analysis front, leading companies along with their market shares are identified. Further, key business strategies of market leaders, their tariffs and SWOT profiles are included. In addition, the research work forecasts the demographic and economic drivers of Venezuela that enable strategy planners t formulate their pricing and branding strategies. The report also includes latest telecommunication market developments, mergers, acquisitions and launches, spectrum availability, tenders and other aspects are analyzed. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Key Findings Venezuela Telecom Market Overview Venezuela Telecom Market - Strategic Analysis Trends Shaping the Future of Venezuela Telecom Industry Key strategies being Implemented by Market Leaders Telecom Revenues in Venezuela Telecom Investments in Venezuela Market Drivers Market Restraints Venezuela Telecom Market Outlook Fixed Line Subscriber and Penetration Outlook Mobile Subscriber and Penetration Outlook Fixed Broadband Subscriber and Penetration Outlook Venezuela Telecom Competitive Environment Market Shares by Company Major Operators-Domestic vs International Regulatory Body and Its Role in Industry Venezuela Telecom Industry Benchmarking Overall Ranking as Compared to Peer Markets Demand Index Infrastructure Index Growth Index Venezuela Economic Outlook to 2025 GDP Forecast, 2005-2025 GDP per Capita Forecast, 2005-2025 Inflation Trends Venezuela Demographic Outlook to 2025 Population Forecast, 2005-2025 Population Forecast by Gender, 2005-2025 Population Forecast by Age Group, 2005-2025 Population Forecast by Location-Rural Population: Urban Population, 2005-2025 Unemployment Trends in Venezuela Competitor Analysis Company A: Profile and operations in Venezuela Company B: Profile and operations in Venezuela Company C: Profile and operations in Venezuela Recent Industry Developments For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8qsn8b/venezuela?w=5 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/venezuela-telecoms-market-report-2018---revenues-investment-and-infrastructure-details-300628974.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ] [April 12, 2018] PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. Nationally Syndicated "Mick Bazsuly Show" Feature Presentation Moved to Tuesday, April 17, at 10:00 AM FT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via OTC PR WIRE -- PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink:POTN), PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. Senior Advisor Bruce Barren, due to scheduling changes, will return to the Beasley Broadcasting production, The Mick Bazsuly Show on Tuesday April 17, at 10 AM. PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. leaders are expected to discuss a future uplisting to OTCQB, the growth of Company brands over Q1 2018 and results of recently audited financial reports for 2017. The Mick Bazsuly Show airs at 10:00 AM EST on 95.3 FM and 1470 AM in South Florida and is available live worldwide on AMP2.TV and WWNNRadio.com. To participate, call-in to 888-721-0074. To Watch the streaming recent interview recorded of CEO Richard Goulding and Senior Advisor Barren of PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. click the following link: The Mick Bazsuly Show. PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. recently announced record breaking sales performance for March 2018. With over $2.2 million in sales revenue recorded across the month, the company has posted a 152% year over year increase when compared with March of 2017. With over $6.3 million in revenues recorded for Q1 of 2018, PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. is well on track to exceed its performance from 2017. The Company recently announced the release of audited consolidated financial statements reporting 2017 sales of $14.5 million, with gross profits of $5,180,865, and, despite making large reinvestments in its future growth, positive net income of $178,918. The Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Diamond CBD, Inc., has been aggressively exploring new business development opportunities. In March, the Company presented its products at the high profile industry leading trade shows ASD Market Week and Global Pet Expo. Diamond CBD, Inc. announced the brands participation at the 2018 Telecom Review Summit held in Beirut, Lebanon. Taking place on April 13, 2018, this years Telecom Review Summit will feature a keynote panel hosted by Exponential, Inc. (XPO2) founder and CEO, Dom Einhorn. During his keynote address at the Telecom Review Summit, the XPO2 Founder and CEO will be discussing the importance of corporate social responsibility and impact investing and how these corporate values can strengthen brand recognition and develop new sales channels. Between April 17 and 27, 2018, Diamond CBD Inc. is contributing material support and resources towards community action projects across Kenya. Among the activities planned is a reforestation project in the Ngongs Hills, direct service projects at nonprofit organizations around Nairobi, and a range of other charitable endeavors near Mt. Kenya and other locations. Diamond CBD, Inc.s efforts in Kenya support the companys business development strategy and organizational culture. By providing corporate partners with access to corporate social responsibility activities that lead to real world results, XPO2 is on a mission to give voice to the voiceless, disrupt fundraising, transform ecommerce and make the world a better place. About Diamond CBD, Inc.: Diamond CBD focuses on the research, development, and multinational marketing of premium hemp extracts that contain a broad range of cannabinoids and natural hemp derivatives. Diamond CBDs team consists of hemp industry pioneers and natural product experts, chemists, doctors and scientists, dedicated to producing the finest and purest cannabidiol (CBD) oils. The result is a robust selection considered among the most powerful natural CBD oils, tinctures, edibles, and vape liquids found anywhere. For more information, please visit its website at www.DiamondCBD.com. About PotNetwork Holdings, Inc.: PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: POTN) is a publicly traded company that acts as a holding company for its subsidiaries, First Capital Venture Co., the owner of Diamond CBD, Inc., the maker of Diamond CBD oils. About XPO: Exponential, Inc. (XPO) is a cause related technology marketing company that develops and promotes a white label e-commerce platform to drive fundraising revenue on behalf of charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. Via the platform, donors and supporters gain access to exclusive discounts and savings typically not available on the merchant site while helping raise incremental funds for their favorite cause with every purchase, at no extra cost to them. Safe Harbor Act: Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. Investor Relations: Marisol Elwell, 1-800-915-3060 investor@PotNetworkHolding.com [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com/wimax's Homepage ] LOS ANGELES (AP) Britney Spears has successfully ousted her father from the conservatorship that controls her life and money, and she is likely to be freed to make her own decisions in November. Lost property The rear license plate of a black Mercedes on Warren Avenue was missing from the vehicle. The loss was reported 6:11pm April 5. Disturbance Loud music and car racing sounds coming from the downtown garage, 50 E. Third Street, were heard echoing through the neighborhood. The disturbance was reported 10:31pm April 5. Petty theft Two men stole a shopping cart full of groceries from Walmart, 170 Cochrane Plaza. The theft was reported 11:23pm April 5. A customer stole two packages of string cheese and a container of apple juice from Starbucks, 251 Vineyard Town Center Way. The theft was reported 11:32am April 6. A thief or thieves stole two batteries worth about $600 from a trailer, while it was parked at Executive Inn Suites, 16505 Condit Road. The crime was reported 2:01pm April 7. A suspect stole two cartons of boxed wine from Nob Hill Foods, 451 Vineyard Town Center Way. The crime was reported 4:28pm March 29. A suspect stole three bags of potato chips and sodas from the Chevron gas station, 825 E. Dunne Ave. The theft was reported 1:33am April 1. A customer of Safeway, 235 Tennant Station Way, walked out of the store with several cuts of steak without paying for them. The theft was reported 2:20pm April 3. Someone stole tools from a toolbox on a Dodge Ram that was parked on Tassajara Circle. The crime was reported 8:28am April 4. Grand theft An employee of Prova restaurant, 17340 Monterey Road, is accused of stealing about $1,000 cash from the business over a one-month period. The theft was reported 5:32pm April 9. Stolen vehicle A thief or thieves stole a green Honda Civic from a spot on the 16500 block of Monterey Road. The crime was reported 4:39am April 10. A white 2002 Chevrolet pickup, previously reported stolen, was recovered at Maple Leaf RV Park, 15200 Monterey Road. The vehicle had been stripped, and was not operable. The truck was recovered 6:56pm April 7. Someone stole a bronze Ford F150 pickup from a spot on the 100 block of Manor Court. The crime was reported 11:05am April 9. A thief or thieves stole a blue Honda Civic from a spot on the 200 block of East Dunne Avenue. The crime was reported 6:29am April 4. Someone stole a white 2000 Ford van from the 15500 block of Monterey Road. The van says Bills Hardwood Floors on the back on the sides. The crime was reported 6:34am April 4. Vandalism Someone scratched the paint on a 2016 Toyota Camry parked on the 16500 block of Monterey Road. The vandalism was reported 1:53pm April 7. A resident of the 1600 block of Acacia Way reported that someone smashed the window of his vehicle overnight. The damage was reported 12:52pm March 31. Theft A guest at Budget Inn, 19240 Monterey Road, stole a 43-inch Samsung television set from a room. The crime was reported 11:09am April 8. Fraud A suspect or suspects hacked into a victims Wells Fargo account and wired $1,000 to another account. The fraud was reported 3:13pm March 29. A guest of Executive Inn Suites, 16505 Condit Road, paid for a four-night stay at the hotel with a stolen credit card. The value of the fraud was about $484. The fraud was reported 1:18pm March 30. Accident A vehicle was spinning donuts in the parking lot near McDonalds, 201 Vineyard Town Center Way, when the vehicle suffered damages. A witness followed the damaged vehicle out of the parking lot onto Monterey Road, as the car had its emergency lights on and was swerving. The damaged vehicle crashed at a construction site off Monterey Road, and the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The accident was reported 12:15am March 30. Drunk in public Three men were drinking alcohol in the back of Ross Dress For Less, 16955 Monterey Road. The crime was reported 10:33am March 30. Burglary A burglar or burglars broke into a storage unit at Global Mini Storage, 16345 Church Street, by drilling or cutting through the lock. The crime was reported 12:58pm March 30. A resident of the 200 block of Burnett Avenue caught a burglar attempting to steal his tools. The suspect was chased away before stealing anything. The crime was reported 12:58am April 11. Two juveniles broke a window of the Saint Louise Medical Center Radiology building at 18550 De Paul Drive. The building has been closed and empty for some time, and it did not appear the juveniles stole anything from inside. The burglary was reported 6:56pm April 3. Auto burglary Someone broke into a gray Dodge Ram on the 700 block of San Sebastian Place, and stole a wallet and cash from the vehicle. The crime was reported 8:49am April 1. A thief or thieves broke into a work truck, a Ford F150, parked on the 700 block of Roble Drive. The crime was reported 12:49pm April 1. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. Information is compiled from public records. Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. Narrow-moat-rated Citigroups (C) first-quarter results were in line with our expectations, and we are leaving our $78 fair value estimate unchanged. Operating expenses grew just 2% year over year despite mid-single-digit growth in employee compensation and technology spending. Return on average equity came in at an acceptable 9.7%, with return on average assets finally closing in on the 1% mark. Solid capital markets performance produced a 6% increase in principal transactions revenue and a 9% increase in administrative and other fees year over year, and we believe Citigroups institutional client business is positioned well for continued success, thanks to the firms global footprint and diverse lines of business. Capital return continues to be a hallmark of the new Citigroup--shares outstanding have declined 7% over the past 12 months. With a common equity Tier 1 ratio of just over 12% and potential regulatory relief on the horizon, Citigroup is well positioned to boost leverage and returns over the next five years. Consumer loan growth (in constant dollars) kept pace with broad economic growth over the past 12 months, totaling 2.9% in North American and 3.3% in the rest of the world, including 5.3% growth in Latin America. Though seasoning of the companys U.S. consumer lending portfolio contributed to a 3% increase in credit costs over the past 12 months, consumer banking income grew 37% over the same period. On balance, we expect Citigroups international exposure to deliver better growth than peers located primarily in developed markets. That said, differences in economic performance and varying regulatory regimes also produce more volatility at the local level. For example, low-double-digit growth in Hong Kong was offset by a shrinking Korean portfolio over the past year. Furthermore, the fortification of the global financial system post-2009 could increase the relative importance of geopolitical risk in the years to come. Morningstar Premium Members gain exclusive access to our full analyst reports, including fair value estimates, bull and bear breakdowns, and risk analyses. Not a Premium Member? Get this and other reports immediately when you try Morningstar Premium free for 14 days. Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! Next Game: at Bemidji State 4/13/2018 | 10:00 a.m. -30- Photo credit: photos.paap.netThe Minnesota State softball team dropped both ends of a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference doubleheader to No. 10 Winona State, 6-5, and, 8-0, at Maynard R. Johnson Field Thursday afternoon.In game one, Winona State (30-4, 9-1 NSIC) slid by Minnesota State (24-12, 5-7 NSIC), 6-5, in nine innings. Freshman pitcher(10-6) takes the loss for the Mavericks and totaled a game-high five strikeouts in a complete game. Senior McKenna Larson (10-3) earns the win for the Warriors with four strikeouts in 4.0 innings of work.Freshmanstarted the scoring for the Mavericks, 1-0, after getting across following a single off the bat of sophomore. One inning later, Winona State pushed two runs across to claim its first lead of the day, 2-1. Minnesota State responded with a three run fourth frame to regain the edge, 4-2. The inning was highlighted by a two RBI single from sophomorescoring juniorand freshmanJunior Lani Van Zyl answered for the Warriors with a three RBI home run to left field to make the score 5-4 in the fifth inning. Minnesota State rallied in the seventh frame to lock the contest, 5-5, after Rieck drilled a single up the middle to score Bastian. However, sophomore Katelyn Kolb scored the walk-off run to seal the win for Warriors in the bottom of the ninth inning, 6-5.Esselman and Rieck each totaled three RBI and two hits, while senioralso added two hits and one RBI. The Mavericks notched 17 hits as a team in comparison to the Warriors' eight.In game two, Winona State used a five run fifth inning to down Minnesota State, 8-0, in five innings. Sophomore(8-2) got the start for the Mavericks and posted one strikeout in three innings of action. Freshmanalso appeared for 1.2 innings. Sophomore Jordyn Kleman (12-1) picked up the win for the Warriors with a game-high seven strikeouts in a complete game.After a scoreless opening two innings of action, Winona State jumped out a 2-0 advantage after freshman Carly Kordich and Kolb came across for runs. The Warriors then increased their lead to 3-0 in the fourth frame after freshman Kristina Ahlers notched a score.The Warriors put the contest out of reach with a five run fifth inning on six hits. Kordich sealed the win for Winona State with a two RBI single to right field to make the score 8-0.Esselman set the pace for Minnesota State with a team-best two hits. Freshmanand Paap also contributed one hit each.The Mavericks return to action tomorrow against Bemidji State at the West St. Paul Dome in St. Paul, Minn. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. President-elect Richard J. Koubek will lead the University as its 10th president, the Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees announced today. Koubek, who is executive vice president and provost of Louisiana State University, begins his tenure at Michigan Tech on July 1, 2018. He succeeds Glenn D. Mroz, who has served as president since 2004 and is stepping down to rejoin the Universitys faculty. Rick Koubek is a man of unquestioned integrity, character and leadership, said Terry Woychowski, chair of the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees. He has a profound and passionate vision of the role Michigan Tech will play in our nation's prosperity, and the betterment of the world, as he leads this historic University in developing and delivering on a global scale the solutions to some of society's most vexing challenges. I believe that Dr. Koubek was born for this time, this place and this position. The Board of Trustees selected Koubek from a pool of four semi-finalist candidates brought forward for consideration by a 14-member Presidential Search Committee (PSC) that included student, faculty, staff, alumni and community representatives. Board members Bill Johnson, Brenda Ryan, Julie Fream and Bob Jacquart served on the PSC as well, with Johnson and Ryan as chair and vice chair, respectively. Richard and Valerie Koubek "On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I want to express our gratitude to the entire University community for their support throughout this process, said Johnson. We are thrilled with the appointment of Dr. Rick Koubek as our 10th president at Michigan Technological University. During his time with the PSC, Dr. Koubek clearly demonstrated wonderful leadership and people skills that will serve all of us well as we move forward to build a great future at Michigan Tech." "The PSC members took their charge very seriously in recommending four semi-finalists to the Board of Trustees for consideration as the next president of Michigan Tech, said Ryan. The Board had the utmost trust and confidence in the PSC, and because of the process, the Board has selected and unanimously approves of Rick Koubek as the next president to lead our fine University." During his remarks at todays special meeting, Koubek said he is honored to serve as Michigan Techs next president and is looking forward to working alongside students, faculty and staff in fulfilling Michigan Techs vision to lead as a global technological university. "Michigan Tech is a technological university in its finest sense, where it is a leader in technology for sure, but also in the implications of technology on our environment, on our society, on our humanity. I am excited to be part of the Michigan Tech team that is going to define a new frontier where technology, humanities and the social sciences converge around creating a sustainable, just and prosperous world, and educating the next generation of students who will carry that forward." President-Elect Richard J. Koubek Koubek brings to the University an impressive record of leadership, with 30 years of experience in academia as a faculty member and administrator. Prior to joining Louisiana State University in 2009 as dean of the College of Engineering and the Bert S. Turner Chair in Engineering, he served as head of Pennsylvania State Universitys Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. Previously, he was chair for the Department of Biomedical, Industrial and Human Factors Engineering at Wright State University, as well as associate dean for research and graduate studies in Wright States College of Engineering and Computer Science. Koubeks awards include the NASA Group Achievement Award; the 2013 Governor's Technology Award for Outstanding Leadership in Technology for Louisiana; BASFs 2014 Professor of Excellence Award; the 2016 Outstanding Industrial Engineer of the Year, School of Industrial Engineering at Purdue University; the Click-It Award for Innovative Use of Instructional Technology; the 1995 Pritsker Outstanding Teaching Award, School of Industrial Engineering at Purdue University; and the 1991 Teacher of the Year, College of Engineering at Wright State University. He was also recognized as Department Chair of the Year, College of Engineering at Wright State University in 2001. Born outside Chicago in Berwyn, Illinois, Koubek spent time in California and Michigan before returning to the Chicago area as a teenager. He began his academic career as a faculty member in Wright State University's College of Engineering and Computer Science. He later served six years as an assistant and associate professor in the School of Industrial Engineering at Purdue University. Koubek holds bachelors degrees in biblical literature, with a minor in chemistry, from Oral Roberts University, and in psychology from Northeastern Illinois University. He received his masters degree and Ph.D. in industrial engineering from Purdue University. Koubek and his wife Valerie have three grown children and two German Shepherds. He noted at todays special board meeting that hes looking forward to hitting the Tech Trails on cross-country skis that have been sitting in his attic for almost a decade. Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigans Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior. Please enable JavaScript to experience the functionality of this website. - MWEB BEIRUT (AP) The suspected chemical weapons attack on Douma was a brutal finale for a town that had haunted Syrian President Bashar Assad for seven years from right on his doorstep. The leafy suburb on Damascus' outskirts was the bastion of one of the toughest, most disciplined Islamist factions in Syria's rebellion, raining mortars on Assad's seat of power and holding out for years under devastating siege. Now destroyed and defeated, it will be the scene of an international fact-finding mission that arrives Saturday to try to determine what happened there. Russia and the United States have traded threats of military strikes and counterstrikes since the April 7 attack, which first responders and activists say killed more than 40 people and blamed on Assad's forces. Syria has denied any such attack even took place. On Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed the attack was fake and accused Britain of staging it, a bold charge vehemently denied by Britain as "a blatant lie." The suspected chemical strike came after weeks of an intense air campaign that killed an estimated 1,600 people and tore the rebel-held Damascus suburbs of eastern Ghouta apart, leveling towns in an enclave that once housed 400,000 people, according to U.N. estimates. A resident of Douma, an economist who fled the town amid threats to his life in 2015 and now lives in exile, said eight of his neighbors two women and their six children were found dead three days after the suspected April 7 chemical attack and were believed to have suffocated in their underground shelter from the poisonous gas. He said two of his aunts were still missing. "There were plenty of bloody attacks before the use of chemical weapons and no one moved," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he feared for the safety of his family now living under government control. "Only now and after seven years of destruction, the U.S. and the world remembered it was time to punish Assad?" Hours after the suspected chemical attack, the Army of Islam rebel group, which had controlled Douma since 2012, agreed to surrender and evacuate its fighters to rebel-held northern Syria. The militants also agreed to give up their prisoners, a key demand of the Syrian government, and surrender their heavy weapons and maps of tunnels built over the years to navigate the sprawling neighborhood. The last batch of rebel fighters left Douma on Friday, heading to Jarablus, a town in northern Syria controlled by Turkey-backed rebels and with a Turkish military presence. A member of the Army of Islam, who goes by the nom de guerre Abu Samer, said the alleged chemical gas attack was the final blow that settled the group's fate. Fearing an internal uprising and divisions within the group, Army of Islam leaders opted to leave Douma, he said. "To be honest, it was not the death of 40 or 50 that would have made (the rebels) give up on Douma. Many more died earlier, "Abu Samer said. "The chemical attack wasn't the cruelest. But it was the terror and panic that hit the people that exerted the pressure on the group to leave." Known for its luscious grapes and apricots, Douma was a hub for anti-Assad protests in the early, peaceful days of the uprising. Residents of Damascus came there to rally and march, away from the heavy security in the capital. The town was split among Islamists including ultraconservative Salafis and more socialist and Nasserite movements. When the government moved to quash the revolt, the town was among the first to take up arms. It was in rebel hands by 2012. The Army of Islam, whose founder Zahran Alloush was a native of Douma, quickly gained the upper hand, squeezing out the secular activists. But it also staunchly resisted the expansion of foreign jihadists, seeing them as rivals. After Alloush was assassinated in a suspected government airstrike in late 2015, the group maintained its organization and its grip, although its popular support eroded under its increasingly exclusionary policies. At the height of their power, Army of Islam militants had paraded prisoners captured from government areas in cages on pick-up trucks through the streets of Douma, including women, girls and members of Assad's Alawite minority. The Army of Islam justified the tactic by saying it was designed to stop Assad's relentless bombing campaign against civilians. But the scenes, which resembled the brutality of the extremist Islamic State group, showed how the powerful group was adopting the same abuses it had once revolted against. Residents of Douma who recently evacuated the town spoke of a police state run by the militants. They said the fighters controlled took control of the area's agriculture and ran several prisons where people were held and tortured. "They were a state within a state," said Mohammed al-Khaled, a 28-year-old Douma resident who left the town with his family late last month. "Douma was the republic of the Army of Islam." Speaking in the presence of local government officials in the Horjeli shelter, south of Damascus, Ammar Issam Sleik, an 18-year-old high school student said he was detained by Army of Islam members who suspected he was a government informer and took him to Tawba prison. "I was taken blindfolded and held in solitary confinement in a cell where I hardly fit in it," he said, adding that there was a hole in the tiny room to be used as a toilet. He said that before alleged chemical weapons attacks in the past, Army of Islam members used to tell residents to expect them, distributing medical masks for people to put on. Ibrahim al-Fawwal, a resident, said he left Douma in 2015 because he couldn't bear living under the Army of Islam. He fled, he said, "so I wouldn't end up hating the revolution." From exile, he followed his hometown's suffering. "I died with its people every day and choked on the chlorine," he wrote in the al-Jumhuriya online newspaper. "And now I am displaced today with its people, closing a page on this town that was so inspirational, with its once peaceful activism and its diversity, with its bad and its good." ___ Associated Press writers Zeina Karam in Beirut and Bassem Mroue in Damascus contributed to this report. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. CHULUOTA, Fla. One year after a huge wildfire burned through Central Floridas Girl Scouts camp, much of it remains closed. The wildfire on April 8, 2017 burned more than half of Camp Mah-Kah-Wee near Chuluota. Long after the fire was put out, Maryann Barry is still assessing damage and waiting for it to be cleaned up. Girl scouts are able to use part of the camp that was spared, but much of it is still too dangerous to even walk around in. To look at this a year later is devastating. We had hoped to do more, said Barry, CEO of Girl Scouts Citrus Council, which serves six Central Florida counties. Some plants, like palmettos, have grown back in areas charred by the fire. But many trees that remain standing are in danger of falling because they were burned so severely. Until those trees are chopped down, they make much of the camp too dangerous to use. This is a resource, not just for girl scouts but for our community, that right now is just in this holding pattern while we try to assemble the funds and resources that we need, Barry said. Barry said shes still waiting to see how much money she will get from insurance claims. She expects the girl scouts will be stuck paying about $5 million to get the entire camp re-opened thats nearly the entire amount they make off selling cookies, which is most of their yearly budget. Despite the bleak outlook financially, Barry remains hopeful. This will turn into an opportunity, from a tragedy, to be able to do more of that to benefit all of the children and families, Barry said. The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners expressed their concerns about the plight of the camp at a recent meeting. Commissioner John Horan says while the county doesnt have a lot of money available to give to Girl Scouts, he says its possible the county could have county crews help chop down some of the burnt trees. Horan says the county could also offer up some of the countys natural lands to the Girls Scouts to use until this camp is fully restored. KISSIMMEE, Fla. Six months after Hurricane Maria, the Department of Education in Puerto Rico announced it will be closing more than 280 schools on the island. Dept. of Education in Puerto Rico closes 280 schools Influx of Puerto Rican students are enrolled in Osceola schools Osceola school district now hiring more bilingual staff The announcement came after seeing a reduction in enrollment of more than 38,000 students since May 2017. Spectrum News 13 has been talking to many of those students who now call Central Florida home. A lot of them already enrolled in schools. They moved, many with their families, after the devastation left by Hurricane Maria, leaving everything behind. They believe, however, it was for the best. I can meet new people, I can meet teachers that are incredible, because for me it has been hard, but right now its a little easy thanks to one of my teachers, because he helped me a lot, said Dayivet Nahir Velez Zayas, a junior at Osceola High School who just moved from the island. It's at Osceola High where she's met others in the same boat, like her friend Paola. "We used rain water to cook, to drink, everything," said junior Paola Quinones Ocasio. Both juniors, they are now making the best of the situation, as there's probably no turning back to an island that's not yet back on its feet. The Department of Education in Puerto Rico announced it will close more than 280 schools island-wide. That's because they've lost more than 38,000 students in enrollment since last year. Many of those students like Paola and Dayivet, are now enrolled in schools here in Central Florida. A big chunk of them is in Osceola County the district moving fast to transition these students successfully. Most recently, quadrupling the amount of summer programs for these kids. "This year we have opened 18 programs across the district for the needs of English language learners," said Belinda Reyes, Executive Director of Multicultural Department at Osceola County School District. It's one of the reasons these girls are looking forward to staying in Central Florida. "There's a lot of opportunities here, a lot of chances," said Quinones Ocasio. The Osceola County School District is also recruiting bilingual staff, including teachers. SOUTHINGTON A leader of a National Rifle Association group, whose fundraisers are no longer welcome at the Aqua Turf Club, said the venues decision wasnt a mutual one. After facing criticism from gun opponents, the Aqua Turf on Wednesday announced it wouldnt host the NRA fundraiser dinner next year based on a mutual agreement. Michele McBrien, co-chairwoman of the Friends of the NRA Charter Oak chapter, said a former chairman met with venue owners and an NRA field representative particpated via telephone. McBrien questioned why no current officers of the Charter Oak chapter were at the meeting. I had been dealing with the Aqua Turf. They knew how to reach me, McBrien said. I think its misleading to tell everyone it was mutual when not all parties were at the table. The chairman of the chapter was not involved due to a medical issue, she said. The past chairman had worked with Aqua Turf on the dinner for many years. Aqua Turf Club manager Karen Alix said she had no further statements beyond the one released Wednesday. In it, she wrote that a former chairperson of the chapter and an NRA field representative agreed with club owners to move the function elsewhere after unprecedented controversy over the event. The dinner fundraiser has taken place at the Aqua Turf for more than 20 years. The event, which included gun raffles, took place the night before a gun control rally in Hartford last month that coincided with the national March for Our Lives. Aqua Turf Club officials said the fundraiser is a yearly event that was planned well in advance. McBrien said the Friends of the NRA chapter was misunderstood by the public. The group cant lobby and stays away from anything political. We raise money for firearms safety training and education, she said. Thats what you want when it comes to firearms you want safety, you want education. The NRA's political action committee is the NRA Political Victory Fund. The clubs decision has been praised and criticized on social media by those on both sides of the gun debate. Scott Wilson, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, said the decision threw his own groups plans for a 10th anniversary celebration at the Aqua Turf next year in doubt. McBrien said she had thought that the Aqua Turf Club would continue hosting the dinner, which was sold out this year and includes around 1,000 people. Im disappointed, she said. I understand their situation. I think its sad that businesses are being put in this situation. The dinner will take place next year although McBrien isnt sure where. This isnt the end, she said. This is just a bump in the road. jbuchanan@record-journal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ SOUTHINGTON Residents say the Spring Lake Village senior living community has voted to euthanize Canada geese residing around the complexs lake after weeks of contentious debate. There are still a lot of people who are very upset about it, but theres not much we can do, said resident Susan Sullivan. Sullivan said the decision to euthanize the birds was announced at a Tuesday Roads and Recreation Committee meeting, the village board which drafted the proposal. State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection spokesman Chris Collibee said Thursday the agency received an application this week from Spring Lake Village to euthanize the geese. The application has yet to be reviewed. Lee Sawyer, of DEEP, previously told the Record-Journal euthanization would need to be approved by the state. He said the department has cooperated before with other condominium associations in exterminating Canada geese. According to a notice from the committee sent to residents last month, the number of geese and their feces have generated many complaints within the complex. The notice stated that 80 Canada geese had been counted residing around the lake and ended with a ballot where residents could vote yes or no on a plan to euthanize the birds. Its gross, its disgusting, but that doesnt mean we have to kill the geese, Sullivan said of the feces. It doesnt smell, its just messy. You dont kill something just because its messy. She said non-lethal efforts to manage the geese outlined in the notice were conducted too sporadically to be effective. I applaud their efforts at trying to block their round-up, said Connecticut Humane Society Director Annie Hornish, who advised residents opposing the proposal. Killing is a very temporary fix, all that does is create a cycle. She said non-lethal methods of goose population control recommended by the society are more effective. She pointed to coating eggs with an oil, which can prevent the eggs from hatching. Hornish also said using trained professionals to scare geese with dogs, or making the environment less friendly to waterfowl by planting species of grass disliked by the birds can control the population. Rounding up and killing entire flocks is inhumane and doesnt work, Hornish said. If thats the only thing thats done, what you have, essentially, is good real estate for geese. Speaking before the vote was tallied, resident Bill Melican said the Roads and Recreation committee had attempted to reduce the geese with dogs, flashing lights and noise, with little success. It doesnt seem theres any results at all, he said. The geese are nice, but theres too many of them. The DEEP website describes the euthanization process: Geese are herded into portable nets and euthanized, and the meat is donated to soup kitchens and the needy. DEEP says hazing or scaring the geese is among the most effective method of discouraging geese from nesting, although it must be employed consistently. It also urges residents and businesses to refrain from feeding waterfowl, as it often is the reason geese congregate in an area. Feeding often leads to persistent goose problems, particularly in urban areas. It attracts geese to an area, keeps them there, and conditions them to lose their fear of humans, the website says. dleithyessian@record-journal.com 203-317-2317 Twitter: @leith_yessian The Connecticut Hospital Association has unveiled new guidelines on opioid prescriptions in hopes of reducing availability of addictive painkillers. The guidelines encourage the use of pain treatments other than opioids. Although opioids may be necessary for the treatment of pain a major symptom of many patients who come to the (emergency department) the improper use of these drugs poses a serious threat to patients and society, said CHA CEO Jennifer Jackson. Connecticut hospitals recognize that providers have a responsibility to diagnose and treat pain, and they also have a responsibility to minimize the potential for the abuse of opioids. In 2017, the state saw 1,038 deaths due to accidental drug overdose, a 13 percent increase from the year before. This is the smallest percent increase year to year in the last five years. CHAs members includes the states 27 acute care hospitals, other types of hospitals, convalescent nursing homes, infirmaries, insurance companies, and other organizations. The guidelines replace similar suggestions from 2015. CHA recommends physicians promote alternative treatments, which Car Schiessl, CHAs director of regulatory advocacy, said can include basic physical therapy or other non-addictive medications, such as aspirin. The suggested guidelines also aim to reduce the size of prescriptions. State law in 2015 limited prescriptions, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to seven day supplies for adults and five for children. CHA recommends emergency rooms, though, prescribe only a three-day supply. Schiessel said that emergency rooms serve as a bridge between the time a patient suffers an injury or notices symptoms and their visit to a doctor. More often than not, theres a specialist or a primary care physician thats treating this chronic pain condition, whatever it may be, he said. In many respects, its not the job of the emergency medicine physician to create a long-term solution to that problem. The CHA guidelines also include recommendations for providers to give information to patients about supply limits and risks of prescription opioids. The CHA worked with the Connecticut State Medical Society and Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians in crafting the new guidelines, with oversight from the Department of Public Health. Stemming the tide of the opioid epidemic here in Connecticut requires collaboration and a concerted commitment at every level, DPH Commissioner Raul Pino said in a statement, thanking the organizations for their work. These updated guidelines demonstrate the willingness of hospitals and other providers to collaborate with state agencies to address the opioid epidemic. msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino As deadlines loom in this short session of the General Assembly, the process of hammering out a plan in the Appropriations Committee to deal with the shortfall in next years budget which looks to be about as big as the nearly $200 million gap for this year is barely underway. And yet, House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, has asked the Republicans and Democrats in leadership posts to forget putting together their own budget proposals, so as not to be wasting time and resources. Not wasting time? Looking back to last year, its not as if the bipartisan process that was in operation then was a great success. While its true that a bipartisan budget did finally emerge, it was not without a special session and not without missing the deadline by almost five months after which the budget that was reached still came up miles short. For their part, the Republicans say the way a bipartisan budget is reached is that the parties first put together their own, separate, line-by-line budget proposals. That is the starting point in any serious budget negotiation, said Senate Republican President Len Fasano, R-North Haven. To those of us who are mere residents (and taxpayers) of Connecticut, the signs of comity and bipartisan cooperation in this session are not yet evident, despite a statement from the leaders of both parties, in both the House and Senate, that they are committed to continuing last years bipartisan approach. Meanwhile, legislative committees other than Appropriations have been working on issues such as gambling, drug pricing, the Medicare Savings Program, and other items that are likely to affect the deficit. But first, dont we need a budget? To put it another way, the idea of repeating the process that came up five months late and 200 million dollars short last year doesnt fill us with encouragement about this year. When will Connecticut finally run out of red ink? Sign up to receive the First Reading newsletter, your guide to the world of Canadian politics. First Reading is your guide to the world of Canadian politics. Sign up now> By Max Behlke Since 1992, Quill v. North Dakota, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that prohibits a state from requiring out-of-state sellers to collect and remit the states sales tax, has been the law of the land. In a few months, that may no longer be the case. Next Tuesday, the court will hear oral arguments in South Dakota v. Wayfair, which should shed some light on how the justices may ultimately decide the case when the court issues an opinion in June. Regardless of how the court rules, the outcome will have a profound impact on state taxing authority and interstate commerce. Will the Court Overturn Quill? When North Dakota sued the Quill Corporation in 1989, the state was looking to reverse Bellas Hess, a 1967 Supreme Court ruling that found state laws that require out-of-state catalogue sellers to collect and remit applicable sales tax violated both the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. In Quill, the North Dakota Supreme Court agreed with the state and found that changes in direct marketing and the legal landscape had made Bellas Hess an obsolescent precedent. The U.S. Supreme Court, on the other hand, disagreed. In the 1992 opinion, the court found that requiring retailers to comply with every states sales tax code was an undue burden on interstate commerce. Important, however, the court abrogated the Due Process violations established by Bellas Hess and noted that the Due Process Clause does not bar enforcement of that State's use tax against Quill. Therefore, in Wayfair, the court will not consider Due Process concerns, but whether or not South Dakotas law unduly burdens interstate commerce. The question now before the court is rather simple: Should it abrogate Quills sales-tax-only, physical-presence requirement? Predicting how the court will rule, however, is much more difficult. On one hand, South Dakota is the ideal state to challenge Quill. The state is a member of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, it has a simple sales tax code, and it overwhelmingly relies on sales tax as a revenue source because the state does not impose a corporate or personal income tax. In other words, the state needs the revenue and it has made tax collection as simple as possible. Moreover, the court will have to take into account the sheer volume and continued growth of internet sales. When deciding Quill in 1992, the court could not have predicted the advent and growth of electronic commerce, considering that the first secured internet transaction did not take place until August 1994. Now, e-commerce is flourishing. In 2017, e-commerce represented 13 percent of total retail sales and constituted roughly 49.4 percent of all retail sales growth. Moreover, the technological advancements that led to the e-commerce boom have also greatly simplified tax administration. Therefore, the court may not be sympathetic to arguments that it is too difficult to collect and remit taxes across the country given the technology of 2018. Not to mention, do many people still shop through catalogs? On the other hand, the court may be concerned that states will apply their tax laws unfairly or retroactively should Quill be overturned. A number of experts, including Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), who was tax commissioner of North Dakota at the time of Quill, believe the state would have won its case if it had convinced the justices that enforcement of their tax law would be prospective and that the state wouldnt apply it retroactively. For this reason, South Dakotas law, S.B. 106, included a provision that No obligation to remit the sales tax required by this Act may be applied retroactively. Decision Expected in June The Supreme Court is expected to issue its opinion in South Dakota v. Wayfair in June. Should South Dakota win, states will continue to work together to ensure that interstate sales tax collection is not burdensome or costly for remote sellers. Should South Dakota lose, states will have to rethink the long-term viability of the sales tax. Additional Resources Max Behlke is director, budget and tax in NCSL's State-Federal Division in Washington, D.C. Email Max By PTI SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of the state. "Hon PM sir, there isn't a day when we don't hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others," he tweeted. Abdullah requested the prime minister not to let the girl be "someone you choose to remain silent about". The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. The gory details of the heinous crime surfaced following filing of charges. Hon PM sir, there isnt a day when we dont hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others. Please dont let #Asifa be someone you choose to remain silent about. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 13, 2018 The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. By PTI LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: As public anger escalated, the CBI today arrested BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping a minor girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, hours after the Allahabad High Court ordered his immediate arrest saying he was influencing the "law and order machinery". As the Opposition upped the ante accusing the ruling BJP of shielding perpetrators of heinous crimes against women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that no criminal will be spared and justice will be done to daughters of the nation. READ | PM Modi breaks silence over Unnao and Kathua rape cases Facing flak over the delay in taking action against his MLA in the nearly year-old rape case, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government will not deviate from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and that it would firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who led a midnight march yesterday in the national capital to protest the rape cases, hit out at the prime minister over his silence on violence against women and children, saying India was waiting for him to "speak up" and asked why accused rapists and murderers were "protected" by the state. ALSO READ | Congress chief Rahul Gandhi leads midnight candlelight march at India Gate over Unnao, Kathua rape cases At an event to inaugurate the B R Ambedkar memorial in the national capital, Modi said, "I want to assure the nation that no criminal will be spared. Justice will be done. Our daughters will get justice" -- an apparent reference to rape cases in Unnao and Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir), where an eight-year-old was allegedly raped and killed. Several BJP leaders hit at the Opposition for "shedding crocodile tears" on the issue of safety of women and raised the issue of other cases of violence against women involving non-BJP leaders including a few over a decade old, in what was seen by some as whataboutery. Hearing a petition in the case of the alleged rape of the 17-year-old Unnao girl, the Allahabad High Court directed the CBI to arrest Sengar, MLA from the Bangarmau assembly in Unnao district, saying the law and order machinery and officials were directly under his influence. Hours later, the CBI which had brought Sengar to its Lucknow office at around 5 am for questioning, arrested him. A bench of Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar gave the direction to the agency after the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government informed it that Sengar has been detained for interrogation and not arrested yet. It had directed the CBI to arrest forthwith Sengar and the other accused named in the FIR and carry out further investigation. It also directed the agency to file status report by May 2. READ HERE | Unnao case paints chilling picture, says Amnesty; demands independent probe Taking a strong objection to the UP government's submission that Sengar would not be arrested on mere registration of the FIR, the court said this approach is "not only appalling but shocks the conscience of the court in the backdrop of the instant case." The bench passed the order on a letter written by senior advocate Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi demanding a court-monitored investigation of the incident and treated it as a PIL. The court also said the father of the girl was "beaten up by the brother and the goons of" of the MLA, was arrested and beaten mercilessly in the custody, while false cases were lodged against family members. Soon after taking over the case, the CBI brought Sengar to its office in Lucknow at around 5 am for questioning. A team also visited the crime scenes in Makhi village and examined family members, witnesses and hospital officials where the rape victim and her father were taken for treatment. The victim has alleged that she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. In February, the girl's family moved court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. READ | Unnao rape victim fears for her uncle's life After this move, the victim's father was booked by the police under the arms act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. Alleging inaction and coercion from powerful people, the victim attempted self immolation in front of the CM's house on April 8 and the next day, her father died in jail with post-mortem report suggesting serious injuries on his body. ALSO READ | Dad of girl allegedly raped by Unnao BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar died of septicemia, beating: Autopsy report Faced with the embarrassment of its own MLA being involved in the case, the state government had referred the matter to the Centre yesterday for CBI probe -- a day before Allahabad High Court was to pronounce its order. Sengar, a four-term MLA, enjoys immense clout cutting across party lines in the rural areas around Unnao district, a semi-urban area about 70 km from Lucknow. The case has already led to a political slugfest between the BJP and other parties and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said the people of state are living in fear. BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi accused the opposition parties of doing "dangerous politics" over the Kathua and Unnao cases, claiming these two incidents were being "selectively" highlighted to target the BJP and a similar rape-and-murder case of a minor girl in Assam did not get similar prominence. Another party leader Siddharth Nath Singh raised the famous Tandoor murder case of 1995, involving a Congress leader at that time. Union minister Smriti Irani said stern action will be taken against those found guilty in the Unnao rape case and condemned any efforts to "politicise" such cases. Her cabinet colleague Maneka Gandhi proposed death penalty for rape of children below 12 years and changes to the POCSO Act. On Saturday, April 28, at 1 pm, Archbishop Alexander Sample will celebrate a Solemn Mass in the traditional rite at the high altar of the upper church of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The Mass is sponsored and organized by The Paulus Institute for the Propagation of Sacred Liturgy ; it will be broadcast live and worldwide on EWTN. No tickets are required to attend in person.The sacred ministers will include two diocesan priests, four from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter and two from the Institute of Christ the King. Dozens of other clergy will attend in choir, and women religious will sit in the front pews. The choir of the basilica will sing Victoriasas the Ordinary, and several Renaissance polyphonical motets by Palestrina, Ugolini, Monteverdi, Clemens, Manchicourt and Marenzio. The propers of the Mass will be sung by the St Mary Mother of God schola from Washington, D.C. Several preludes will be sung by guest choirs, including one from the Lyceum School in South Euclid, Ohio, and another choir from Saint John the Baptist Church in Allentown, New Jersey.This will be the second solemn pontifical Mass celebrated in the upper church since 1969, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVIs motu proprio; the Mass will be a votive of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Additional details can be found on the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1909485235736414/ Historic Miramar estate on Bellevue Avenue in Newport is sold The home was built for streetcar magnate George Dunton Widener of Philadelphia and the property last sold in 2006 for $17.5 million. Skatepark Location Finally Approved After two-plus decades of study, the dreams of skateboarding enthusiasts in Newport, RI to build their own skatepark became a real possibility after the City Council voted 4-2 to develop... Temple Shalom Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary This year marks the 60th anniversary of Middletown, RIs Temple Shalom. In 1961, the Jewish community united around forming a conservative congregation on Aquidneck Island, and by the High Holidays,... Purgatory Road Project Taking Shape The Middletown Planning Department has released preliminary blueprints for the proposed Purgatory Road sidewalk installation that will connect Aquidneck Avenue to the existing walking path leading to Second Beach. The... First Beach: What Goes or Stays? In the Executive Summary of the Eastons Beach 45-page report, it states DBVW Architects and Yoder + Tidwell, structural engineers, conducted inspecitons of the rotunda, carousel building and the snack... Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Secretary for Transport & Housing Frank Chan has urged the Legislative Council to expedite its scrutiny of the bill for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link co-location arrangement. Speaking to the media after attending a Legislative Council Bills Committee meeting today, Mr Chan said: "We are not exerting any pressure on the legislature but we do have a duty of care on public interest and we need to ensure by all possible and reasonable measures to enable the Express Rail Link to start operating by end-September." He said he understands legislators need time to discuss the bill, but timely approval is the target and the expectation of the community. If legislators need extra meetings on the bill the Government will co-operate with them, he added. Yakima, Washingtons fantastic Bale Breaker Brewing Company is launching northwest Oregon distribution this May through Maletis Beverage. Famed for its hoppy beers--and being located on a hop farm does not hurt--Bale Breaker is a very welcome addition to Oregon's beer selection.More info from a release below:Since its founding in 2013, Bale Breaker has become one of the most popular breweries in Washington state. The Smiths, a multi-generational hop farming family, started Bale Breaker to showcase the Yakima Valley hops that have grown outside their front door since 1932.Oregon craft beer drinkers have been asking for our fresh-off-the-farm beers, like Topcutter IPA and Field 41 Pale Ale, and we are excited to be able to make them available. said Meghann Quinn, co-owner and president. Bale Breaker has seen tremendous growth over its first five years, exceeding 23,000 barrels in 2017. Thanks to recent fermenter additions, capacity is over 32,000 barrels. The past twelve months have brought a talented team together, including three full time QA staff, giving Bale Breaker the resources to expand its production of high-quality, hop-forward beers.Maletis Beverage is thrilled to bring fresh off the farm Bale Breaker beer from the Yakima Valley to the great State of Oregon, noted Rob Maletis, owner of Maletis Beverage. A fourth-generation hop-growing family partnering with a fourth-generation beer distributor makes this partnership extremely unique. Our entire team at Maletis Beverage is eager to bring the world-class portfolio of Bale Breaker beers to our retailer partners in Oregon.Kevin Quinn, Bale Breaker co-owner and sales manager, adds, Our strategy has always been to stay close to home, and Oregon allows us to do that. We know Maletis is a partner who shares our entrepreneurial spirit and values. ABOUT BALE BREAKERCrafting fresh-off-the-farm brews from the middle of a hop field, Bale Breaker is a family-owned brewery located in the Yakima Valley. Backed by four generations of hop farming experience, Bale Breaker started in 2013, and has grown to become the fifth largest independent craft brewery in Washington. With a 30-barrel brewhouse at a 27,000 square foot facility, Bale Breaker crafts four year-round canned beers, including the widely celebrated Topcutter IPA, and a diverse offering of seasonal beers in kegs. The onsite taproom hosts frequent food trucks and events, with a beautiful outdoor patio and lawn area, perfect for enjoying the Yakima sunshine. For more information, visit www.balebreaker.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.ABOUT MALETIS BEVERAGEFounded in 1935 by Chris Maletis Senior, Maletis Beverage is a locally owned and operated distributor of domestic, craft and import beers. The company also distributes a world-renowned portfolio of cider, wine, champagne, mead and sake, as well as an extensive portfolio of non-alcoholic products.Under the leadership of Chris Maletis Junior, the company saw tremendous growth as it built a portfolio of brands that have established Maletis Beverage as the preeminent beverage distributor in the Portland metropolitan area.Since 2000, Rob Maletis has continued to grow Maletis Beverage while also keeping the company true to the principles established by his grandfather and father. Under his guidance, Maletis Beverage has grown into one of the largest beverage distributors in the Pacific Northwest, leading the industry in service, quality products and customer satisfaction. President Mnangagwa has achieved notable successes in the few months that he has been in power and the nation should resoundingly vote for him in the forthcoming elections to guarantee continued progress, as the country is now on the right path to sustainable development, Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga (Retired) said yesterday. Addressing thousands of people, including farmers, gathered for a Field Day at President Mnangagwas Pricabe Farm, on the outskirts of Kwekwe yesterday, VP Chiwenga, who was the guest of honour, described President Mnangagwa as the Biblical Joshua who is destined to lead the country into a new age of economic development. President has been in office for only four months, but as a country, we have registered some notable successes. We have attracted billions of foreign direct investment (FDI). We have many achievements in the shortest period and what does that mean? He is our Biblical Joshua who will lead us to Canaan. We must vote for our President and the Zanu-PF party in the forthcoming elections because he has shown that his leadership is unquestionable, said VP Chiwenga. He said President Mnangagwa was a successful farmer who, despite his busy schedule, has managed to produce one of the best crops nationally. The Presidents farming prowess, he said, was a clear indication that he was a consummate leader. He is a leading farmer, he is leading us in turning around the economy and this is clear that he is an ordained leader and should be accorded chance to fulfil his vision to turn around the economy, he said. VP Chiwenga added that Zimbabweans have to vote wisely and peacefully in the forthcoming national polls. President Mnangagwa will soon move around the provinces to drum up support for the revolutionary party, he said. He (President Mnangagwa) is here today. He has invited us and will not be saying anything, but soon we will be going around the provinces to drum up support for the party. We should vote resoundingly for our Joshua, but peace should also prevail. We dont want violence, he said. He said people should remain focused and support the Head of States efforts to transform the economy. He also said the President has been on a regional and international diplomatic offensive, which has yielded positive results that have seen the country moving in the positive direction under the new administration. President has been on a diplomatic re-engagement effort and recently, he has been in China where mega deals were clinched. But while doing all this, the President, through his farming activities, is also saying we should make sure that there is enough food security in the country and this is what we are witnessing today, he said. VP Chiwenga implored people to remain united and let bygones be bygones for the good of the country. Another major score by the President is his call for unity and peace. He has reiterated that people should let bygones be bygones and work as one in rebuilding our economy. As a nation, we should ignore those who spend time on social media trying to discredit the efforts that are being made to turn around the economy. We must remain focused and united as we did during Operation Restore Legacy as we move step by step in rebuilding our country, he said. Herald When local component of the investors comprising of Itayi Munyeza and Blessmore Chanakira invited the Ghanaians to form Bill Minerals it was with the understanding that they would secure funding externally. However, this did not go according to plan resulting in the local shareholders securing funds in Zimbabwe so that the operations would not be hindered. Parliament yesterday expelled MDC-T vice president Dr Thokozani Khupe after the party wrote to the National Assembly Speaker saying she no longer represented its interests. Announcing the expulsion in the National Assembly yesterday, acting Speaker Cde Reuben Marumahoko said by operation of the law, there now existed a vacant seat as Parliament had received a letter of notice from MDC-T to the effect that Dr Khupe was no longer a member of the party. Pursuant to this, a vacancy has arisen in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. I would like to notify this House that on the 10th of April, 2018, Parliament was notified by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) that Honourable Dr Thokozani Khupe, Proportional Representation Member of Parliament, had ceased to be a member of the Movement for Democratic Change and therefore no longer represents the interests of the party in Parliament, said the acting Speaker. Section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that: A seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the Member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a Member when elected to Parliament. Cde Marumahoko said administrative processes regarding the notification of the vacancy to President Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) would be executed soon in line with Section 39(1) of the Electoral Act, [Chapter 2:13]. But Dr Khupe last night described her recall as malicious. In a statement issued through her personal assistant Mr Witness Dube, Dr Khupe said: MDC-T acting president Hon Dr Thokozani Khupe finds her recall from Parliament as a malicious act of interfering into the internal matters of political party, considering that she had long written to parliament notifying them of a leadership crisis in the party. This leadership crisis is currently awaiting settlement before the High Court of Zimbabwe, and it is therefore difficult to understand what legal criteria the Parliament of Zimbabwe used in taking sides with another faction of the party. The acting president has instructed her legal counsel to seek legal relief on this matter. Legal analysts were divided yesterday on the legality of Dr Khupes expulsion as they now exist two MDCs with the other led by Mr Nelson Chamisa. Human rights lawyer and lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe Mr Sharon Hofisi said parliament had acted in terms of the law as Dr Khupe had not contested the presidency in a judicial way. Dr Khupe has officially left the party. The challenge to Mr Chamisas presidency has not been done. The legal challenge to the two vice presidents who were appointed was dismissed on a technicality and as it stands no one has gone back to the courts to put to rest the fact that is Mr Chamisa the legitimate leader of the MDC- T, he said. There is still a chance that Madam Khupe might challenge the MDC-T over the use of the party name. However she has agreed that she has left MDC-T by launching her own party and only indicating that she will use the MDC-T name during the elections. This leaves the institution MDC-T under Chamisa to deal with her in the manner they have done since Chamisa has been endorsed by the partys national council. Mr Obert Gutu challenged Parliaments decision saying it was not in tandem with the laws of the land. He said Dr Khupe had since instructed Professor Lovemore Madhuku to legally challenge her recall and said the necessary court papers would be filed at the courts. Professor Lovemore Madhuku said Parliament was abusing the law. The Constitution does not contemplate that a seat of an MP can be so cheap that it can be lost easily. Parliament ought to be more sensitive to the ideals of a democratic society based on the rule of law, he said. It must not take sides. It must leave it to the courts to resolve disputes of this nature. The correct position is that the contestation must first be resolved by the courts before an MP loses his or her seat. Herald Tobacco farmers are complaining over delays in the processing of their payments at the auction floors in Harare, resulting in most of them spending days camped at the floors. They said their cheques were taking long to be issued, while the money was taking long to reflect in their accounts. Most of the farmers said they had to wait for the money to reflect in their accounts at the floors in case there was need for clarifications. Cash delays are giving us headaches as we now have to spend more time waiting for the money to reflect in our bank accounts, said Mvurwi farmer, Mr Mike Nyikayaramba. Things had improved during the past seasons when the payments were being processed fast. Now there are delays. The money takes long to reflect in the account. I am afraid if I go back to the farm before the money reflects in my account I will have to come back again in case it does not reflect. It is better to wait for the money to reflect, then I can safely go home and pay my employees. Mr Nyikayaramba said they were also facing challenges in accessing the $300 cash that they were supposed to get per sale. We are failing to get the $300 in one transaction, he said. At times we have to do two transactions over two days and in some instances the cash is not available altogether, which causes further delays. Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union President Mr Wonder Chabikwa confirmed the challenges being faced by farmers. The selling season has been going on well and farmers have not had problems with the prices being offered by buyers. The problem is the payment system, which is proving to be slow. In this day and age of improved technology we should not be experiencing such problems. Now farmers are having to stay at the floors waiting for their money. It is sad that farmers who produce the crop are being treated unfairly. Banks should put their houses in order and ensure there is enough cash so that farmers get the stipulated $300 cash per sale. We should not kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Herald TRANSPORT minister Jorum Gumbo this week got further entangled in the aircraft purchase scandal which involves state-owned Air Zimbabwe (AirZim) and new airline Zimbabwe Airways (ZimAirways) whose ownership is dodgy, the Zimbabwe Independent can report. The saga has also sucked in Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa who on Wednesday tried to clear the air over the issue, together with Gumbo, although their intervention only managed to provoke more questions than answers. Gumbo and Chinamasas explanation was that the four Boeing 777-200 were bought from Malaysia Airlines through their sole agent PricewaterhouseCoopers Kuala Lumpur, but are now being leased to ZimAirways via the Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company (ZALC). They claimed ZimAirways and ZALC are owned by government. But Gumbo had always maintained they are private companies owned by Zimbabwean Diasporans. Chinamasa said government formed the new entities linked to Gumbo and former president Robert Mugabes son-in-law Simba Chikore as a sanctions-busting measure. However, documents show there was nothing done under cover as the purchase agreement openly indicates government bought the airliners on behalf of AirZim, suggesting the sanctions-busting narrative was a convenient smokescreen to cover their tracks. Gumbo for his party did not explain why he had been telling government ZimAirways was a government project, yet publicly insisting it was a private entity. Initially Gumbo told the Independent ZimAirways was privately-owned by lawyers living outside the country and he was only facilitating the purchase of four Boeing 777 planes from Malaysia on behalf of the airlines shareholders ZALC. However, Chinamasa, who officiated at the delivery of one of the aircraft on Wednesday, said Zim Airways was wholly-owned by government contrary to Gumbos remarks. He also said ZALC was a government special purpose vehicle. Aviation expert associated with ZimAirways Jerry Haas, who has been consistently posting accurate information on the project, also said the airline was a private entity. Documents gleaned by the Independent and investigations show in October 2016 government entered into an agreement with the Malaysian Airline System Berha for the sale and purchase of four Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with manufacturers serial numbers 29066, 29066, 28421 and 28422. The agreement was signed by Gumbo and former Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa on October 10, 2016. In the terms and conditions of this agreement also signed by Lim San Peen of Malaysia, the parties agreed the aircraft are made available for sale on the basis they are solely to be used for commercial aviation purposes. The intended operator of the aircraft is Air Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd. The initial arrangement was that two of the Rolls Royce-powered planes would cost US$16,5 million each, while the other two would be bought for US$18,5 million apiece, bringing the total to US$70 million. But Gumbo and his associates later decided to buy two Boeing 777s for US$18,5 million and US$16,5 million, a total of US$35 million. It was also later resolved to buy two Embraers for US$6 million using Treasury Bills. This brought the total of the revised deal to US$41 million. However, documents show that even if the planes were brought under AirZims name, the flag carriers board and management were later kept in the dark after their initial involvement. Chinamasa did not produce documents to back his account. Aviation sources told the Independent that ZimAirways is yet to be registered as a carrier even though government claims it is already leasing planes from AirZim via ZALC. Haas on Wednesday said on microblogging site Twitter ZimAirways flying code is 0000000, symbolising triple 7 with 7 zeroes. The airline is not yet registered, further raising questions over why government was dealing with an unregistered entity. Experts say it could two months for the airline to have its flying code, although it now doubtful it will be ever be registered given governments claims it owned by AirZim. Although Gumbo said it was a private company, official documents show ZimAirways directors are Transport ministry officials who include Legal Affairs head Angeline Karonga and principal director Eric Gumbi. Last week Karonga denied she was not linked to the airline. Documents also show Harare lawyer Phillipa Phillips is one of the two ZALC directors, together with another lawyer Gift Watinaye. It is not clear why the lawyers are representing government interests there, if Chinamasas explanation is anything to go by. To add to the mystery and confusion, sources also said ZimAirways was operating from former Psmas manager Mavis Gumbos Gletwin house. But Mavis Gumbo denied this yesterday. An enquiry with the Deeds Office in Harare indicated ZALC was registered under file number 3015/12. The file was, however, missing from the office, although information is now filtering out through other channels. The documents further show that while AirZim was initially involved in the purchase of the Boeing aircrafts, government later side-lined it along the way as shown by a series of correspondences between the airline and government officials. AirZim officials were kept in the dark after the planes order was made. In November 2016, AirZim wrote to the State Procurement Board (SPB) principal officer requesting approval for the purchase of four planes from Price WaterhouseCoppers of Kuala Lumpur. Initially this appeared to be line with government decision to buy planes on behalf of AirZim. We advise that identified aircraft are owned by Malaysian Airline, however Malaysian Airline has ceded its right to sell the aircraft to PricewaterhouseCoopers who are the sole agent dealing with the transaction on behalf of the Malaysian Airline, wrote acting AirZim CEO Justice Makonese on November 7. The identification process has come within a framework of government to government co-operation and arrangements. Pursuant to the above, we advise that a government delegation, which included the Minister of Transport Hon. Mc. D Jorum Gumbo, Minister of Finance Honourable Patrick Chinamasa, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr John Mangudya, Air Zimbabwe Senior Management was sent to Malaysia. During this period Chikore, who was then AirZim chief operating, went to Malaysia together with other senior government officials to facilitate the deal for an airline which was supposed to lead to AirZims closure without clarity on what would happen to the state airlines employees and assets. At the time AirZim was not aware that earlier on government had signed a sale/purchase agreement with the Malaysians. By January 2018, other government bodies like the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) were also not in the picture about Treasurys decision to directly pay for the planes. While AirZim was also looking for funds and clarity to purchase Embraer jets, Chinamasa had ordered the central bank to release US$6 million in Treasury bills to procure the planes. In February, Transport secretary George Mlilo warned AirZim over approaching the SPB bypassing the line ministry My advice in our meeting of 2 February 2018 is pertinent. For the avoidance of doubt, please be advised that you need to seek approval in principle, from the ministry for the purchase of aircraft. Once approval is granted your attention is drawn to the direction provided by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe in their minute of 30 January 2018, Mlilo wrote. You are further advised to ensure that in the process, procedures as laid out in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets [No. 5 OF 2017] Act [Chapter 22:23] are strictly adhered to. Before that Praz had written to AirZim bosses outlining what was required to purchase the planes. The Authority recalls that the State Procurement Board, through PBR 1067B of July 2017, gave a No Objection to Air Zimbabwes request for Direct Purchase of 4x Second Hand Boeing 777 Aircrafts from Malaysian Airline through their sole agent, PricewaterhouseCoopers of Kuala Lumpur, in the some of US$75 million, wrote Praz acting CEO Nyasha Chizu in a letter dated January 30, 2018. The Malaysian Airline, through its sole agent was required to pay US$12 000 administration fees in line with S.I 123 of 2016, In terms of Section 103 (5) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (No. 5 OF 2017) Act [22:14] on 31st December 2017 through S.I 152 of 2017. The authority, in terms of Section 7(6) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, requires the Accounting Officer to submit before 31st January 2018 the following: progress report on the purchase of the four aircrafts and an update on the payment of administration fees. This shows Chinamasa and Gumbo were working together to collapse AirZim as supported by a government directive to wind down the debt-ridden airline. Several scenarios were considered on what should happen to AirZim. In March of 2016, government instructed the AirZim board to consider winding down the operations to pave way for ZimAirways, suggesting government wanted to close the state-owned airline without cabinet approval and parliaments involvement. The board and management of Air Zimbabwe were tasked by its parent ministry to come up with proposals for the migration of Air Zimbabwe to Zimbabwe Airways. We have explored five legal options in which to do this within the framework of the Companies Act, and the Air Zimbabwe Corporation Repeal Act. The five options looked at were winding up, judicial management, reconstruction, name change and becoming a successor company, wrote the AirZim board in March 2016, the AirZim board wrote to management. However, Chinamasa said government through ZALC bought the planes to lease to third parties, while AirZim puts its house in order. He said government would constitute the ZimAirways board and expect to operate at break-even at the very minimal level. The finance minister said government, through his ministry, took a decision to secure funding for the procurement of the four big planes together with eight Embraer aircrafts. Government also took a decision to lease the planes to third parties up to such a time as Air Zimbabwe develops a credible business plan to run the planes on a sustainable profitable basis. Accordingly, government decided to lease the planes to a new aircraft firm called Zimbabwe Airways which has already put in place credible plans for the said planes, said Chinamasa. While they were trying to close AirZim, they also let its management to produce the 2018-2020 Turnaround Plan, suggesting bad faith on ministers part. Gumbo even wrote the foreword for this plan. In September 2017, Gumbo wrote to Chinamasa requesting funding to purchase three Embraer aircraft for AirZim after describing the situation at the airline as pathetic. This was in line with AirZims recovery plan now dead in the water. The situation at the airline is pathetic with limited fleet and most of the equipment is now beyond useful life. This increases the cost of operations as fuel consumption increases, Gumbo wrote in a letter dated September 5, 2017. The airline is now seeking funding to purchaser three Embraer ERJ 145 LR aircraft. These are fifty-seater jets which are convenient for both domestic and regional routes. This recapitalisation process will ensure continued operations by the airline. I have attached the business plan for Air Zimbabwe for your consideration. Chinamasa also appealed for public support on ZimAirways. But documents show government is reluctant to release US$4,5 million required by the International Aviation Transport Association to allow AirZim to clear its arrears and fly internationally. We pondered over options and it became clear to me that we could not put more resources into a bottomless pit because that would not save a purpose that we wanted, a strong airline to service the interests of the country, Chinamasa said. For that we needed a strong airline under a strong leadership, under a strong management so given these discussions, we decided, when the opportunity arose that we should avail ourselves the opportunity to buy four Boeing 777s from Malaysia. The person who assisted us in the negotiations and with technical advice was Mr Simba Chikore. Documents show Gumbo is frustrating AirZims plans to recruit a substantive CEO after Ripton Muzenda left last year. The ministry acknowledges receipt of your minute and wishes to inform you that contents therein are duly noted. However, the ministry wishes to advise that the advertisement for the post of chief executive officer for the national airline, Air Zimbabwe, be put in abeyance. The advice is given on account of the impeding restructuring of the airline and as a cost containment measure in the interim period, Gumbo wrote to AirZim board chair Chipo Dyanda in a letter dated March 28. Gumbo also publicly blamed AirZim and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe officials for leaking information to the media and is likely now to fire senior management and the board as he pushes the ZimAirways project. Aviation experts have also asked why government decided to buy aircraft that had been decommissioned by Malaysia Airlines. In 2016 the airline retired its entire fleet of Being 777 as part of its restructuring plan. This came after Malaysia Airlines lost aircraft in the MH370 and MH17 air disasters. However, the Finance minister said the planes were still viable for ZimAir Airways. We sought advice from Boeing, from Seatle, they have been with us from the beginning. They did a due diligence exercise test on the four aeroplanes and they recommended that they were good assets for us to acquire. In fact, they advised us that they have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years given our good record in terms of maintenance of aircraft. An aviation expert said Chinamasa seems not know the difference between the commercial viability lifecycle and lifespan of an aircraft, showing the dangers of ministers abandoning their policy-making and oversight roles to interfere in the operations of state-owned enterprises under their purview. Zimbabwe Independent Get the news faster. Tap to install our app. Access Newser even faster. Click here to install our app on your desktop. X (Newser) James Comey has a book coming out and an accompanying "media blitz" starting Sundayand the Republican National Committee, in turn, has its own plan to discredit the fired former FBI director, according to CNN and ABC News, which have obtained copies of talking points the RNC prepared to distribute to "surrogates and allies" of President Trump. The talking points call Comey's credibility into question by focusing on what the RNC calls his "long history of misstatements and misconduct." ABC calls the RNC's plan "aggressive" and CNN calls it "extensive," noting that the RNC is also setting up a war room to track Comey's media appearances and respond in real time. There's even an accompanying website, lyincomey.com, which will be updated as Comey's media tour continues and his book is released. Digital ads will also be rolled out. story continues below "James Comeys publicity tour is a self-serving attempt to make money and rehabilitate his own image. Comey is a liar and a leaker, and his misconduct led both Republicans and Democrats to call for his firing," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel says in a statement. "If Comey wants the spotlight back on him, well make sure the American people understand why he has no one but himself to blame for his complete lack of credibility." A source says the White House has signed off on the plan, though it is not plotting its own specific response to Comey, and sources add that aides are concerned about how Comey's media tour might influence Robert Mueller's investigation. But sources tell CNN the White House is preparing its own talking points aimed at discrediting Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, painting him as too conflicted to objectively oversee the Russia investigation. (Read more James Comey stories.) (Newser) Aiming to quell concerns before what is likely to be a narrow confirmation vote, Secretary of State-designate Mike Pompeo vowed on Thursday to ramp up efforts against Russia in "each place we confront them." But he ducked and dodged when asked whether he supports President Donald Trump's pounding criticism of the federal investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, the AP reports. Pompeo, now Trump's CIA chief, tread carefully when confronted with several of the president's controversial and undiplomatic statements, focusing instead on his plans to rebuild a depleted agency and restore its influence. Pompeo suggested he did not share all the president's viewsincluding his skepticism about Russia's interference. "I take a back seat to no one" when it comes to standing up to Russia, Pompeo said. story continues below However, when asked if he would resign if Trump moved to scuttle the probe by firing special counsel Robert Mueller or the deputy attorney general to whom he reports, he said no. Pompeo's nomination faces stiff opposition from a handful of Republicans and many Democrats as well as supporters of the Iran nuclear deal, environmentalists and minority rights groups, and his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee appeared designed to blunt their criticism. The CIA chief told senators that he has been miscast as a "hawk" despite previous comments savaging the Iran accord and hinting at regime change in North Korea. He maintained he wants to improve the Iran deal and would continue efforts to do so even if Trump withdraws from it as he has threatened. In his testimony, Pompeo also confirmed for the first time publicly that he's been interviewed by the team of special counsel Mueller. The AP has much more on the hearing. (Read more Mike Pompeo stories.) (Newser) Investigators say a woman's obituary helped federal agents capture her fugitive son nearly four decades after he escaped from an Oklahoma prison. The US Marshals Service says 58-year-old Stephen Michael Paris was arrested without incident Thursday at an office in Houston where he worked under a pseudonym, the AP reports. The agency says investigators tracked him down after an obituary for his mother in Houston listed a son named Stephen Chavez, the same alias Paris used while living and working in the Houston area. Fingerprints confirmed his identity. Paris escaped from the Jess Dunn Correctional Center in Muskogee in October 1981 after serving about 19 months of a nine-year sentence for drug possession and distribution. (Read more prison escape stories.) (Newser) A Canadian rescue dog's journey to her new home ended tragically after she escaped her kennel and ran loose on an airport runway in Winnipeg. Gretaa 2-year-old Labrador mix who was on her way from northern Manitoba to a home in the citychewed through a plastic portion of her kennel and escaped when the plane door was opened. Airport officials say they had no choice but to shoot the dog after she evaded wildlife control officers' attempts to corral her and ran near an active runway, causing an incoming flight from Las Vegas to abort its landing, the Guardian reports. "It was a tough day for everyone," says airport spokesman Tyler MacAfee, explaining that Greta was loose at a busy time of day when a flight took off or landed every couple of minutes. story continues below "It's certainly not the outcome anyone wants to see, and it's a really tough decision for someone to make to use force in that way on an animal," MacAfee tells the CBC. "But at the same time it's that balance of aviation safety." He says the airport is reviewing its policy on dealing with animals. Manitoba Mutts rescue director Rebecca Norman says Greta was friendly, but had a history of chewing through kennels. "Quite clearly, we didn't want her to be hit by a plane. That would have been more painful than the way she passed away," says Norman. She says this is the first such incident in the seven years that Perimeter Aviation has been transporting dogs for the group, and she doesn't want the public to "point fingers" over the "heartbreaking situation." (This airport escape story has a happier ending.) (Newser) The already grim story of a North Carolina father who impregnated his biological daughter and planned to marry her has come to a horrific end. Authorities say father Steven Pladl was found dead Thursday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his vehicle in Dover, NY, several miles away from where daughter Katie Pladl, 20, and her adoptive father, 56-year-old Anthony Fusco, were found shot to death in a pickup truck in New Milford, Conn., the New York Daily News reports. Police say the vehicle's window had been shot out. Police believe Pladl, 43, killed the pair hours after he killed 7-month-old Bennet, the son he had with his daughter, 600 miles away at his home in Knightsdale, NC. story continues below Police in Knightsdale say they were contacted by Pladl's mother after she had a disturbing conversation with her son. "My son just called me and he told me he ... oh my God ... He killed his baby," she said in a 911 call, per CBS 17. "His wife broke up with him yesterday over the phone," she said, adding that her son said he was on the way to New York. Pladl and his then-wife Alyssa gave Katie up for adoption in 1998. She contacted her birth parents through social media in 2016. Alyssa left Steven last year after learning he had impregnated Katie. Both Katie and Steven Pladl were arrested in January, apparently after they got married, and were charged with crimes including incest, Fox reports. Steven Pladl was released on $1 million bond in January, while Katie Pladl was released in late February. She was ordered to live with her adoptive parents and not to contact her father. (Read more incest stories.) (Newser) President Trump appears about to set a second potentially controversial pardon in motion, sources tell ABC News and the New York Times. Scooter Libby, former chief of staff to ex-VP Dick Cheney, will be the next to see a presidential reprieve, with a pardon greenlit by Trump after he mulled it over for a few months. Then-President George W. Bush had granted a commutation for Libby in 2007 after he was convicted for perjury, obstruction of justice, and other charges related to the leak on CIA operative Valerie Plame. What may have struck a chord with Trump in Libby's case: the fact that Libby was painted by conservatives as being the victim of a rogue special prosecutor, which is similar to how some in conservative circles are framing the Robert Mueller investigation swirling around Trump (the Washington Post dives deeper into other similarities). story continues below If a pardon for Libby is indeed in the works, it would be just over seven months since Trump pardoned former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The Times notes some are wondering if a Libby pardon would be meant as a signal from Trump that he'd look out for those who stayed loyal to him, as Libby was believed to have done for Cheneyespecially as Libby hasn't been a name Trump has previously stumped for. In fact, while campaigning in 2015, Trump called it an "irrelevant" issue. If the Libby pardon comes to fruition, it would be Trump's third since taking office: Besides Arpaio, he also pardoned Navy sailor Kristian Saucier last month, and he commuted in December the sentence of Sholom Rubashkin, the ex-owner of the country's largest kosher meat-processing factory. No word yet on when this Libby pardon could come. (Read more Lewis Scooter Libby stories.) (Newser) From the time his father purchased it for $50 in 1913, Ernest Heller was free to take in the dark brushstrokes of one of Marc Chagall's earliest works, "Othello and Desdemona." That changed when the 1911 painting and additional works by Renoir and Picasso were stolen from the New York apartment Heller shared with his wife, Rose, in 1988, reports the BBC. "I liked them all, but the Chagall was a very interesting one," Heller told UPI at the time. The couple, who received $100,000 from an insurance company, would die without setting sight on Chagall's painting again, per ArtNet News. Their heirs, however, will now get that opportunity. The FBI has just announced the painting will be returned to the family following its recovery in January 2017. In a twist, it was a man in possession of it who contacted the FBI. story continues below The Maryland man, believed to have purchased the painting from the suspected thief, had tried unsuccessfully to sell the painting in 2017 to a gallery, and he called the FBI afterward wondering if there might be a reward, per the Washington Post. (There wasn't.) The painting, estimated to be worth $300,000 to $900,000, will now go back to the Heller estate. The family plans to put it up for auction, with proceeds going to Columbia University, NYU Medical Center, and an arts organization, after the insurance company takes a cut. Authorities say the suspected thief was previously convicted of "interstate transportation of stolen property and mail fraud related to the theft and sale of other works of art." It isn't clear if new charges will be laid, but the investigation is continuing. The thief allegedly had access to the apartment while the Hellers were on vacation. (Read more art stories.) (Newser) Amid the overwhelmingly positive reactions to Micheal Brown's college featthe Houston teen has gotten full rides to 20 top schoolscame an unwelcome one: An anchor and contributor on Fox 5 in Washington, DC, branded his decision to apply to so many schools as "a little ridiculous" and "a little obnoxious," and Brown wants a public apology. He tweeted last week, "This morning, I had a respectful Skype interview with @HollyLiveFox5DC, though I did not get an apology during the interview. I won't allow the interview to air until @fox5dc provides me with a public apology. Where's the #humandecency?" story continues below He's apparently still waiting. USA Today spoke with Brown's mother, Berthinia Rutledge-Brown, who says the station didn't offer an apology. Ditto co-anchor Holly Morris, who commented that "you can only take one full ride and you are taking a spot from someone else who worked really hard." Rutledge-Brown says that instead of saying sorry, Morris told her son, "I didn't mean to offend you." Contributor Sarah Fraser, who called Brown's move "a little ridiculous," tweeted over the weekend that she had apologized and Brown "accepted my apology. Michaels [sic] accomplishments arent up for debate. I have learned a valuable lesson." Rutledge-Brown says her son has narrowed his options down to four: Georgetown, Stanford, Harvard, and Yale. He'll reveal which one he chose on April 30. (Read more apology stories.) (Newser) A male accused of sexual assault and leaks of secret information; a woman who takes the fall. What sounds like the plot of novel is instead the true story of a scandal that's riling the literary world. Sara Danius, who has since 2015 served as the first female permanent secretary of the Swedish Academyessentially making her the public face of the body that doles out the Nobel Prize in Literatureis out, and Jean-Claude Arnault is the reason why. The New York Times reports he's a cultural bigwig in Sweden and married to one of the academy's members. But his academy connection runs deeper than that and involves funding, and so a newspaper's November expose on Arnault and the 18 women who had accused him of sexual harassment and assault hit hard. story continues below The newspaper alleged incidents took place at academy-owned and -funded properties over two decades and accused Arnault of leaking info on the prize winner on seven occasions. The academy cut him off and investigated via an outside law firm, but that didn't calm the internal consternation of what the Local describes as a historically "discreet" organization: Three members quit last week as an act of protest after the board voted not to boot Arnault's wife, Katarina Frostenson, reports the BBC; she resigned Thursday, the same day Danius was ousted. The scandal "has already affected the Nobel Prize quite severely and that is quite a big problem," said Danius. "It was the wish of the Academy that I should leave my role as Permanent Secretary." Arnault has denied the allegations. (Read more Nobel Prize for Literature stories.) (Newser) Meghan Markle apparently blew into her old Windy City stomping grounds on Thursday, but the future Her Royal Highness Princess Henry of Wales was a woman on a mission, not a nostalgia tour, reports TMZ. With little more than a month until her wedding to Prince Harry, Markle was back Stateside to complete her application for a UK visawhich she apparently did at Chicago's VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre, to the tune of $1,500 for expedited processing. story continues below Sources tell TMZ she should have a visa in her hands within a few days. She's due to fly out Sunday evening, reports the Chicago Tribune, which has a photo of what appears to be Markle at O'Hare Airport. After six months, Markle can apply for permanent citizenship, though that can take up to three years. (Read more Meghan Markle stories.) (Newser) Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno has confirmed the deaths of three press workers kidnapped along the country's conflictive border with Colombia. Moreno spoke Friday after a 12-hour deadline ended with the captors failing to meet his demands that they demonstrate the hostages were still alive or face a military strike, per the AP. He said the government has obtained new information that confirmed the journalists were killed. On Thursday, a Colombian TV network said it obtained gruesome photos purporting to show the bodies of the three men. story continues below The three employees of Ecuador's El Comercio newspaper were taken hostage three weeks ago by a holdout faction of the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia while investigating a rise in drug-fueled violence along Ecuador's northern border. Moreno said that the time for restraint was over and that he won't allow Ecuador to become a haven for transnational drug gangs. (Read more Ecuador stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region Michael Warlick and his Elizabeth Warlick pose in crampons while sitting in the snow outside an ice cave at the toe of the Castner Glacier. (photo courtesy Todd Baham) Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Partly cloudy. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 24F. Winds light and variable. The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. New Delhi: The book on which Meghna Gulzar's espionage drama Raazi is based will hit stores around the same time when the film releases on May 11. Harinder Sikka's Calling Sehmat is the story of an ordinary girl who becomes a spy driven by the desire to fulfil her father's wishes and national duty. Though the book was published some years ago, Penguin Random House India will bring it out in a repackaged and new format. Sikka says he felt very strongly that Sehmat's story needed to be told. "Her amazing courage and fortitude are what need to be celebrated. I'm glad that the film and the book are coming out within a short span of each other and each will in its own way tell this exceptional story," he says. When young college-going Kashmiri girl Sehmat gets to know her dying father's last wish, she can do little but surrender to his passion and patriotism and follow the path he has so painstakingly laid out. It is the beginning of her transformation from an ordinary girl into a deadly spy. She's then married off to the son of a well-connected Pakistani general, and her mission is to regularly pass information to the Indian intelligence. Something she does with extreme courage and bravado, till she stumbles on information that could destroy the naval might of her country. The book is inspired from real events. "This book is an extraordinary spy story that talks about the grit and determination of a young woman to save her country (India) during the 1971 war with Pakistan," says Vaishali Mathur, Executive Editor and Head Rights and Language Publishing at Penguin Random House India. "It's also poignant in its portrayal of the characters involved in the war showing the more human side of people and the choices they make - proving that heroes are not different people but they choose to do things differently," Mathur adds. Alia Bhatt is playing the role of Sehmat in the film and Vicky Kaushal her husband. Sikka is currently the group director (strategic business) of Piramal Group. He was in the Indian Navy but took premature retirement in 1993. He has also produced the film "Nanak Shah Fakir". For all the Latest Education News, Books News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday declared the results of JNUEE 2018-19 for its Master's programmes - Master of Arts (MA), Masters of Science (MSc) and Master of Computer Application (MCA). The varsity has made the results available on its official website which is www.jnu.ac.in. "The result of JNU Entrance Examination 2018-19 for Masters programmes (where viva voce is not prescribed) has been declared," a statement, surfaced on JNU's official website reads. Earlier, JNU has declared the BA (Hons) entrance examination results on March 29, 2018. Candidates, who have appeared for JNU's MA, MSc, MCA entrance exam and waiting eagerly to check their results may go through the following steps. Check out the steps: 1. Visit the official website: www.jnu.ac.in 2. Click on the Admissions tab 3. Click on the link "JNUEE M.A./M.Sc./M.C.A. RESULT 2018-19" 4. Select your option to check the result (registration number or application number). 5. Log in with your application number and password. 6. Click on Submit 7. The results will appear on the screen 8. Download your result 9. Take a printout of the same for future convenience. Candidates, who will clear the JNUEE 2018, should keep a close tab on the JNU admissions website to know the next steps for admissions in the first year of MA, MSc and MCA. Read | NEET 2018: Admit Cards to be released soon; exam scheduled on May 6 About the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was established in 1969 by an act of parliament. The public central university is located in New Delhi, India. It was named after India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. G. Parthsarthi was the first vice-chancellor of the varsity. New Delhi: Bigg Boss Marathi is all set to hit the television screens on April 15 and will see Bollywood actor Mahesh Manjrekar as its host. Indeed, the audience is quite ecstatic about the Marathi version of the show, given the tremendous popularity of the other versions especially Hindi which is hosted by superstar Salman Khan. Khan has been hosting Bigg Boss for a couple of years now and has come up with a special advice for Mahesh who will be hosting the reality show for the first time. Salman, who was happy to know about Bigg Boss Marathi, has asked Mahesh to develop an understanding with the contestants. "When I signed the contract, I told Salman I am doing 'Bigg Boss' in Marathi. He was more than happy and is hopeful I will enjoy doing it. The only thing he told me is to be understanding with the contestants," Mahesh was quoted as saying. Interestingly, Mahesh has even asked the Sultan actor to make an appearance on Bigg Boss Marathi to promote his upcoming movie Race 3. "I told the team since 'Race 3' (which features Salman) is releasing in June, we should call him to promote the film. It will be a great thing for the show, it will get a boost," he said. The show will have 15 celebrity contestants who will live under surveillance for 100 days. "I feel honoured to be in the same shoes as Salman Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, Sudeep and Kamal Hasan (who have hosted different versions of the show). "But I will do the show in my own way. We all have different styles so do I. There is no script and I just have to react to what they (contestants) are saying or to the given situation, it is the greatest workshop for any actor. I know it is going to be a big task," Mahesh said. Los Angeles: Streaming giant Netflix has decided to pull out of the Cannes Film Festival following a rule change. The move came after Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux had announced a ban on films from the main competition which do not have a proper theatrical release in France. The ban came in response to huge controversy that erupted last year, when two Netflix films -- "Okja" and "The Meyerowitz Stories" -- entered the competition for the Palme d'Or without being released in cinemas. In an interview with Variety, Netflix's content officer Ted Sarandos said the streaming giant will not be a part of the festival this year. "We want our films to be on fair ground with every other filmmaker. There's a risk in us going in this way and having our films and filmmakers treated disrespectfully at the festival. They've set the tone. I don't think it would be good for us to be there," Sarandos said. He also called the decision "completely contrary to the spirit of any film festival in the world". Netflix, however, could still take part in the festival by taking its films out of the competition but Sarandos denied the possibility of it. "No. I don't think there would be any reason to go out of competition. The rule was implicitly about Netflix, and Thierry made it explicitly about Netflix when he announced the rule," he said. Netflix was supposed to present five features at the fest that included Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma"; Paul Greengrass' "Norway"; Jeremy Saulnier's "Hold the Dark"; Orson Welles' "The Other Side of the Wind", a newly completed version of the film that Welles shot in the 1970s; and Morgan Neville's "They'll Love Me When I'm Dead", a doc about the Welles film. "We hope that they do change the rules. We hope that they modernize. But we will continue to support all films and all film-makers. We encourage Cannes to rejoin the world cinema community and welcome them back," Sarandos said. The 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival will kick off from May 8. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: April 13, 1919, was not just another Baisakhi day in Amritsar. Ninety-nine years ago, one of the bloodiest actions of British rule was the calculated massacre of close to 2,000 innocent Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims at the Jallianwala Bagh.The brutal bloodbaths shook the people of the sub-continent and built tremendous resentment against the British government, ultimately leading to the fall of British rule in 1947. Lesser Known facts about the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: # The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is also known as the Amritsar Massacre. # The incident took place on April 13, 1919. It was a Sunday. # The precursor to the Massacre was the Rowlatt Act. This act was passed in February 1919. The Rowlatt Act gave the British Government the authority to arrest anyone on grounds of mere suspicion. # On April 10, 1919, two popular leaders, Dr Satyapal and Dr Kichlu were arrested under the act, which made the public furious and fearing a violent repercussion, General Dyer, on behalf of the government issued an order banning any public meetings or gatherings in Amritsar. # A public meeting was scheduled for April 13th in Jallianwala Bagh when the festival of Baisakhi was being celebrated and was met with no remorse from the British government. Around 6,000 to 10,000 people gathered at the venue to attend that meeting, which included ladies and even children. # On that day, British authorities opened fire on a peaceful procession at Amritsar. This resulted in an assault on British people from the Indian side. # Around 6,000 to 10,000 people gathered at the venue to attend that meeting, which included ladies and even children. # Since Jallianwala Bagh was an enclosed place surrounded by walls on every side with just one main gate and two-three tiny lanes for exit, General Dyer took the most voyeuristic advantage of the situation, closed the exit gates and ordered his riflemen to blatantly shoot at the gathering. The shooting continued for a while until the ammunition supply was exhausted, killing many innocent people. The colourful festival turned into a bloodbath. # This massacre met with a lot of strong remorse from the entire nation and shaped the upcoming events of the history of Indias freedom struggle. # Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest, and Gandhiji returned his Kaisar-i-Hind medal. # A Hunter community was formed to enquire about the incident under the leadership of Lord Hunter. However, due to no fruitful follow up, the Indian National Congress appointed its own trusted officials to enquire about the incident, which included Motilal Nehru and C.R Das. # The Indian National Congress built a memorial for the innocent souls who departed on an unfortunate day and the memorial was inaugurated by Rajendra Prasad in 1961. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march to the India Gate in the heart of the national capital to demand justice for the Kathua and Unnao rape victims. During the march, Rahul taunted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said its time for him to walk the talk on Beti Bachao (save the girl child). Amid loud slogans against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi during the march, Rahul said the women of the country are afraid to go out today and the government must ensure their safety. Apart from Rahul, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with her husband Robert Vadra and scores other Congress leader also joined the protest march. The Congress leaders, party workers and others, who were seen shouting slogans, carrying candles and some even placards against the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir while demanding urgent action against the perpetrators of two heinous gangrapesone in Unnao (UP) and the other in Kathua (J&K). Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi gets shoved at midnight march to protest Kathua, Unnao rape cases We are here against crimes being committed against women, against rapes, violence and murder and the government must act on this. This is a national issue and not a political one, Rahul said at the march. This is about our women. Thousands are present here including the common people and people from all parties. This situation is such today that one after another incident of murder, rape and violence is taking place in various parts of the country. We are standing here against that and we want the government to act, he said. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Aazad also taunted Modi and said the Congress was trying to wake up the watchman. Azad said the Modi government was sleeping and those facing the biggest threat were the daughters of the country during the current regime. The Congress leaders present at the protest march to the India Gate, which in the past has seen a huge protest in the Nirbhaya rape case, included Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Salman Khurshid, Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken, Sushmita Dev, Haroon Yusuf, Randeep Surjewala and Ambika Soni. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: One of the petitioners in the Ishrat Jahan Case, succumbed to his injuries on Friday. The 77-year-old petitioner had met with an accident on Wednesday morning in Kerala. The deceased has been identified as Gopinath Pillai. Pillai, a retired teacher, was the father of Pranesh Kumar Pillai, who along with Ishrat Jahan and two others was shot dead by Gujarat Police in 2004. According to police, Pillai was on his way to Kochi for a medical check-up when his car was rear-ended by a truck. The retired teacher was rushed to hospital with multiple wounds, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. aA case of accident has been registered. We are proving the case in all angles,a a senior IPS officer not willing to be quoted said. Pranesh, along with 19-year-old Ishrat Jahan and two others were shot dead near Ahmedabad in June, 2004. Gujarat Police officers claimed that the four were Lashkar-e-Taiba militants. The police also stated that the four were planning to assassinate Narendra Modi, who was then the chief minister of Gujarat. According to police, Pranseh had converted to Islam to marry a Muslim woman. New Delhi: In a landmark verdict, the Pakistan Supreme Court on Friday ruled lifetime disqualification of the ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Pronouncing the historic verdict that may have a large bearing on the Islamic country's politics, the apex court said that Nawaz's disqualification under Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution was for lifetime. The verdict was issued unanimously by all five judges of the bench while hearing a case related to the determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution, the Dawn reported. On July 28, 2017, Pakistan Supreme Court had disqualified Nawaz Sharif after he was found guilty in the Panama Papers case. The court had grappled with Article 62(1)(f) which only stated that a lawmaker is disqualified under specified conditions but did not set out the duration of the disqualification. Article 62, which sets the precondition for a member of parliament to be "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which Sharif, 68, was disqualified. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Unnao rape case accused BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar on Friday evening. The BJP legislator was arrested the the probing agency after over 15 hours of questioning. He was picked up from his residence by the CBI around 4 AM on Friday morning. Earlier in the day, the Allahabad High Court had directed the CBI to arrest Sengar. The directions were given by bench comprising of Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar. The court also directed the probing agency to investigate the case strictly accordance with law and consider filing an application for cancellation of bail granted to other accused in the case. The High Court on Thursday had slammed the Yogi Adityanath government over its failure to arrest the accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Advocate General Raghvendra Singh, Uttar Pradesh government representative, had told the court that the Unnao lawmaker Kuldeep Senger was not arrested because there was no enough evidence against him. After Prime Minister Narendra Modis intervention on Thursday, the CBI has taken up the case. It will probe three cases filed against Sengar in Unnao, around 55 kilometers from the Lucknow. The BJP legislator has been charged under stringent POSCO Act and relevant sections under the Indian Penal Code. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A day after taking over the probe in Unnao gang rape, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday detained accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar for questioning. The CBI has registered three cases related to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl by the BJP lawmaker from Uttar Pradesh. The CBI took immediate action by re-registering the UP police FIRs and brought the BJP lawmaker to its Lucknow office for questioning. Sengar, however, has not been arrested yet. A team of officials would visit the scene of the crime and question jail officials, police officials and family members of the MLA. The victim has alleged that she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. After filing of the case, the victims father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 this year and kept under police custody on April 5. Frustrated with the alleged inaction and coercion from powerful people, the victim attempted self-immolation in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths residence on April 8 which made headlines. The next day, her father died in jail with post-mortem suggesting serious injuries on his body. LIVE Updates: # 07: 41PM: PM Modi: The society has too think on it. # 07:40 PM: PM Modi: Daughters will get Justice # 02:35 PM: Allahabad High Court orders CBI to arrest Kuldeep Singh Sengar: The court asked CBI to probe all three crime numbers, and cancel the bail of those accused. The court said that detention will not serve the purpose and the MLA should be arrested. CBI was also asked to submit the status report on the case on 2 May. #01:00 PM: Yogi Adityanath government to follow the policy of Zero tolerance in the case. Breaking his silence in Unnao rape case, the Uttar Pradesh CM said, "All culprits will be brought to books. As the case came to our knowledge on April 9, we took prompt action by setting up a SIT for the probe, registered FIR against the MLA and referred the case to the CBI". Unnao rape case: Yogi Adityanath government to follow policy of zero tolerance: https://t.co/s4MVtRwfcH via @YouTube News Nation (@NewsNationTV) April 13, 2018 # 12: 40 PM: CBI has registered three FIRs in the case: The first FIR pertains to the alleged rape of the girl in which Sengar and a woman Shashi Singh have been named as accused. The second one pertains to rioting, in which four locals have been booked for the alleged killing of the victims father in judicial custody. Since the murder charge was added later by the police, it does not reflect in the CBI FIR. The third case pertains to the allegations against the victims father who was arrested under arms act. # 12:01 PM: Meanwhile, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has said that she will ask for death penalty for child rape. Read Full Story Here # 11:30 AM: "Investigation has been handed over to the CBI. I believe the CBI would have arrested the MLA also. Our government will not compromise on this. No matter how influential the accused is, he will not be spared," says Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. # 11:06 AM: The seven-member CBI team, which has begun its probe into the Unnao rape case, will quiz medical officers and policemen in Uttar Pradesh. The team will also talk to the victim's family, reports India Today. # 10:22 AM: After questioning the accused BJP MLA, CBI team arrives at the hotel in Unnao where the victim's family members are staying. # 10:20 AM: Law agencies and government are taking necessary action. As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming: Union I&B Minister Smriti Irani to ANI # 09:30 AM: The accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar will be produced in court by the CBI at 11 AM. # 08:02 AM: I want strict action should be taken against him and he should be given severe punishment: #Unnao rape victim on BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar detained by CBI ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 13, 2018 # 07:09 AM: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's questioning by CBI underway: CBI Source # 06:48 AM: CBI has registered 3 cases against Kuldeep Singh Sengar: CBI Source # 06:28 AM: We ourselves had demanded a CBI inquiry. This morning CBI came & asked us to come to the CBI headquarters as they wanted to talk: Prakhar Singh, a relative of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar pic.twitter.com/oxMBmXGXFu ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 13, 2018 # 06:00 AM: Unnao rape case: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger has been detained by CBI For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: People often assume that being inexpressive makes them appear cooler, but a study suggests that smiling is considered more appealing than an inexpressive attitude. "We found over and over again that people are perceived to be cooler when they smile compared to when they are inexpressive in print advertisements," said Caleb Warren from the University of Arizona in the US. "Being inexpressive makes people seem unfriendly or cold rather than cool," Warren said. For the study, published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the researchers asked participants to view print advertisements for a clothing brand, and the model in the ad was either smiling or not. The models included well-known celebrities such as James Dean, Emily Didonato and Michael Jordan as well as unknown models, and they were endorsing unfamiliar brands and well-known brands. Also Read | Are you an ethnic lover? Drape yourself comfortably in handwoven Banarasi sarees this summer Then the participants rated the extent to which the model seemed cool on a seven-point scale. The participants consistently rated the smiling models as cooler than the inexpressive models. Warren was surprised that participants preferred the smiling pictures of James Dean, who is typically inexpressive in photographs and considered a cool icon. When a news article showed mixed martial arts fighters, who were going to face one another at a press conference, participants rated the inexpressive athlete as more cool and dominant than a smiling athlete. When the context changed to a friendly meeting with fans at a press conference, then the participants rated the smiling fighter as cooler. "This shows that being uncool or cool can depend on the context," said Warren. Also Read | Planning a summer vacation? Explore these top five alluring destinations in India The study showed that participants had a less favourable impression of the brand when the models were inexpressive. The findings not only have implications for advertisers who are striving to make favourable impressions with consumers, but also for people as they relate to one another. Lahore: Around 1,700 Sikh pilgrims from India on Thursday arrived in Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi festival at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Rawalpindi district. The Sikhs, who arrived at Wagah railway station by special trains, were greeted by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Secretary Tariq Khan, Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee president Sardar Tara Singh and other officials. "Some 1,700 India Sikhs arrived here by special trains to attend festivities and Baisakhi Mela at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal in Rawalpindi (250 km from Lahore), said Amir Hashmi, a spokesman of ETPB that looks after the holy places of minorities in the country. He said the main event will be held on April 14 in which a large number of local Sikh and Hindus will also participate. During their 10-day stay, the Indian pilgrims will also visit their other holy places including Gurudwara Janamesthan Nankana Sahib and Dera Sahib in Lahore. They will leave for India on April 21. A visiting Sikh leader Sardar Gurmeet Singh said the pilgrims always receive love from the people of Pakistan. He said there should be peace and more people-to-people contact between the two countries. He also urged both governments for provision of hassle-free visa. ETPB Secretary Tariq Khan said fool-proof security arrangements have been made for the Sikh pilgrims. "Rangers and elite force police personnel are deployed for the Sikh pilgrims' security, he said, adding that all other arrangements including accommodation, medical services, trained doctors, currency exchange and free food have been made. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Rising tensions between world powers could lead to a "full-blown military escalation" in Syria, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday. Guterres urged the Security Council to "act responsibly in these dangerous circumstances," according to AFP. However, early on Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Russia-US tensions over Syria appeared to be easing. Moscow and Washington had traded bitter accusations over potential American military action. "It seems that with the latest developments, the atmosphere has eased somewhat," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul. "Our talks continue and will continue," he said. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A Japanese government panel started talks Thursday on action to be taken if the Japan Meteorological Agency announces a significant rise in the possibility of a major earthquake occurring at the Nankai Trough off the country's Pacific coast. The central disaster management council held the first meeting of a related working group on the day. The working group is slated to draw up a report within the year, and based on the report, the government will consider the feasibility of introducing guidelines for the action. The working group was set up after the meteorological agency launched a new scheme last November to release information on the possible Nankai Trough earthquake. The panel will study action to follow information releases under the new scheme in the Pacific coastal prefectures of Shizuoka and Kochi, to serve as a model for other areas. According to the government, there is a 70 to 80 pct chance of an 8- to 9-magnitude earthquake occurring at the Nankai Trough within 30 years. 307080 Japan's finance minister admonished his top bureaucrat on Thursday after a magazine reported the official had sexually harassed several female journalists, but he stopped short of imposing any punishment. The issue could become another headache for Finance Minister Taro Aso and for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose ratings have been eroded because of several scandals over suspected cronyism and cover-ups. A steady trickle of new allegations about the scandals has raised doubts about how long Abe can stay in power. The weekly Shincho reported in its latest edition published on Thursday that Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda went drinking with a female reporter recently at a bar near his house and asked to touch her breasts and kiss her. The magazine quoted Fukuda as denying the allegation. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the report and attempts by Reuters to reach Fukuda at his office were not successful. The magazine related a similar incident with a female reporter at a restaurant in the past and said Fukuda had been known for making sexually suggestive comments to women journalists. The reporter in the most recent incident said she had gone to meet him because he was an important news source, the magazine said. The magazine did not identify the reporter nor several other women mentioned in its report. The Japan Sumo Association recently barred girls from taking part in a sumo event for children. The event took place in Shizuoka City on Sunday. It is part of the sumo association's annual promotional tour. At the event, children enter the ring and receive training from professional wrestlers. According to the organizing committee, girls began taking part in the event with boys about 3 years ago. Several girls were due to join in this year. But the committee only allowed boys to enter the ring on Sunday, in accordance with the request made by the sumo association 4 days before the event. A public relations official for the sumo association says the request was made because some girls were injured in previous events. The official says the association will also discourage girls from taking part in similar events during future promotional tours. The association has traditionally prohibited women from entering the ring. The ban is now at the center of a debate in Japan, following an incident during a recent promotional tour. The mayor of Maizuru City, located in Kyoto Prefecture, collapsed during a speech in the ring last week. A female nurse entered the ring to try to treat him. When 2 other women followed, and tried to assist, a referee told all the women through a microphone to leave the ring. The mayor survived. The chairman of the sumo association apologized later that day and said the announcement was inappropriate, even if the referee was upset about the emergency. Kumamoto Prefectural Police are questioning a boy after a 28-year-old woman was found stabbed at a hotel in Kumamoto City early Thursday, reports the Sankei Shimbun. At around 4:40 a.m., the woman alerted a male acquaintance that she had been stabbed inside a fifth-floor room of the hotel, located in Chuo Ward. The victim was later rushed to a hospital with a wound to the abdomen that is not considered life-threatening. According to the Kumamoto Chuo Police Station, officers later began a hunt for the boy, who is believed to have accompanied the woman to the room. At around 9:30 a.m., police apprehended him in the vicinity of the hotel. Police expect to arrest the boy on suspicion of attempted murder. A Japanese government survey shows the country's population continues to shrink and age. The internal affairs ministry said on Friday that the total population, including foreign residents, was 126.7 million on October 1st last year. That's a fall of 227,000 from the previous year, for a 7th straight year of decline. By gender, there were about 61.65 million men and 65.05 million women. People aged 65 or older accounted for a record-high 27.7 percent of the population. The percentage of children under 15 fell to a record-low 12.3 percent. The population in all but 7 of the country's 47 prefectures fell, with Akita marking the steepest decline of 1.4 percent. It was followed by Aomori and Iwate prefectures at 1.16 and 1.04 percent respectively. Tokyo posted the highest population growth at 0.73 percent, followed by neighboring Saitama Prefecture at 0.28 percent, and the southern prefecture of Okinawa at 0.26 percent. A New York State Police trooper shot and killed a dog Thursday in a Plattsburgh resident's yard. Some residents are upset that an officer would resort to such a cruel method. According to State Police, the stray dog was a threat to public safety because it was aggressive. Police contacted the local dog control and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, however, neither were available. After spending more than two hours trying to find the dog's owner and to contact proper authorities, a trooper fatally shot the dog. The dog had a broken leash but no tags. Jennifer Armstrong lives at Sandy Acres Mobile Home Park where the incident occurred. Armstrong tells WCAX that she let the dog into her house but it came after her so she pushed the dog outside with a broom. It stayed on her porch, but growled and tried to bite her. Armstrong said she tried feeding the dog and giving it water to calm down. When that didn't work, she called police. Her neighbors dispute her story. If anyone is missing their dog, the state troopers shot him in my yard this morning because nobody wanted him. This is... Posted by Katie Serdula on Thursday, April 12, 2018 Katie Serdula shares a yard with Armstrong. According to the Press Republican and her Facebook page, the dog was sitting on Armstrong's porch. Although the dog was growling, Serdula said it did not show signs of attacking anyone. She also said her neighbor was petting and hugging the dog. Serdula posted her version of what happened on Facebook. As of Friday afternoon, her post had 1,647 shares with many folks expressing their discontent with the shooting. Serdula also started a petition to replace the Town of Plattsburgh Animal Control Officer. According to a report, Serdula said she was angry that the animal control officer couldn't be reached to deal with the situation more humanely. Troopers told her that they couldn't reach him because he has another job working from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Federal Government is worried that the International Criminal Court is unrelenting in pursuing eight cases against Nigeria, says the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubabakar Malami (SAN).He said this on Thursday while playing host to the newly elected President of the ICC, Prof. Chile Osuji, at his office in Abuja.Malami said the ICC had escalated eight potential cases against Nigeria from the initial preliminary examination to preliminary investigation.Six of the cases were said to be against Boko Haram and two against the military.He said the stepping up of the investigation against Nigeria was worrisome because the government had demonstrated its willingness and ability to arrest, investigate and prosecute anyone that committed any offence that fell within the Rome statute of the ICC.Malami said, Presently, the ICC has escalated the eight potential cases against Nigeria six against the Boko Haram and two against the military from the initial preliminary examination to preliminary investigation.This is worrisome, as Nigeria has demonstrated beyond doubt, and in absolute cooperation with the ICC, that it is willing and able and, as a matter of fact, it is indeed arresting, investigating and prosecuting anyone that commits any offence that falls within the Rome Statute of the ICC.The above being the case, Nigeria views the escalation of the eight potential cases as uncalled for in the circumstance.He assured the ICC president that Nigeria being a country that believes in the operation of the rule of law, fundamental freedom and the need to fight impunity in all ramifications the escalation of the eight potential cases would not deter us from further expressing and demonstrating support to the ICC.Responding, Osuji commended Nigeria for its support to the ICC and assured that the court would continue to work against injustice and abuse of powers in its area of jurisdiction.The ICC President described as inaccurate and erroneous the impression that Article 27 of the Rome Statute that prohibits immunity being extended to any head of state or senior government officials was targeted at African leaders.He said the provision and the reason for that portion of the Rome Statute predated independence of African states. DSP Ike Ekweremadu held a meeting with the new President of International Criminal Court, ICC, The Hague, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji yestrday.Disclosing the news,he said...'I had the honour of receiving the President of the International Criminal Court, ICC, The Hague, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, who paid me a visit today.We shared perspectives on global issues, especially as it concerns the mandate of the ICC.I conveyed to him the goodwill of the National Assembly of Nigeria and assured him of our support to the ICC's efforts to check crimes against humanity and ensure justice for the victims.As a Nigerian and African I am proud of the jurist. I believe his emergence is a collective honour for Africa.Importantly, as somebody coming from Africa, I believe that he is in a better position to understand the issues around the mandate of the ICC because a lot of these atrocities have been recorded in Africa.For us as a civilised people, we believe that human life is very precious. That is why the right to life is the first right in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and I think that is the same with modern constitutions the world over. Genocides, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression should have no place in civilised world.On his part, Judge Eboe-Osuji said the purpose of his visit was to express his gratitude to Nigeria for supporting the ICC and its mandate.He also said that the idea of the rule of law must continue; that there must be accountability for violations of international criminal laws. And I totally agree with him'. Several thousand Gazans gathered for a third consecutive Friday of mass protests along the border with Israel after violence in which Israeli forces have killed 33 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others.The protests since March 30 have posed a challenge to Israel, which has dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement are necessary and will not change.Organisers were calling on Fridays demonstrators to burn Israeli flags and raise Palestinian ones.Several thousand had already gathered at various locations, but the largest crowds were expected in the afternoon after the main weekly Muslim prayers.Two Gazans appeared to have been wounded by Israeli fire as protesters burned tyres near the fence east of Gaza City.At a protest camp there, a large Israeli flag was placed on the ground for demonstrators to walk on.In the northern Gaza Strip, Sumaya Abu Awad, 36, attended the protest with her three daughters and son.I am from the village of Hiribya and it is my right to return to it, she said, referring to a village north of Gaza destroyed in the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation.I am not afraid of death because there is no life in Gaza already.Last week, protesters burned mounds of tyres, sending plumes of smoke into the air in the border area. Israeli soldiers used large fans in a bid to push the smoke away.The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes that are now inside Israel which Israelis say essentially amounts to calling for the countrys destruction.The first two Fridays with far less on intervening days saw tens of thousands gather near the border with Israel at five locations.Smaller numbers approached the fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres toward soldiers taking up positions on the other side.Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protests as cover to carry out violence.It has pledged to stop attacks, damage to the fence and infiltration bids, and says there have been attempts at all three.But Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation.The dead from last Friday included a journalist, Yasser Murtaja, who witnesses said was wearing a press vest at the time he was shot.Israel claimed he was a paid member of Hamas, but produced no evidence.The company Murtaja co-founded had been vetted for US government funding, while an international journalists federation said he was harassed and beaten by Hamas police in 2015.Rights groups have strongly criticised Israeli forces while pointing to unverified videos that have spread online of Gazans appearing to be shot, including one seeming to show a Palestinian targeted as he ran away from the fence while holding a tyre.Hamas officials have said in recent days they want this weeks protest to see less bloodshed and hope to keep momentum building for May 14, when the United States is expected to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see the Israel-annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.Organisers also again said they want the protest to be peaceful this week, but it is unclear to what extent they or even Hamas remain in control.The official end date of the protests is May 15, when Palestinians mark the Nakba, or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 who fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation.Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years, while its border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years.In a rare move, Egypt opened its crossing with Gaza on Thursday and it will remain open until Saturday.Israeli media reports have said Egypt, one of only two Arab countries to have signed a peace treaty with the Jewish state, had been negotiating with Hamas to seek to calm the crisis, but there has been no confirmation. There was uproar in the Senate yesterday over President Muhammadu Buharis claim that the herdsmen, who have killed hundreds of Nigerians, particularly since the inception of his administration, were trained and armed by the late Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi. In his response to comments by the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Welby, on the killings in Nigeria, when the cleric visited him in London, the United Kingdom on Wednesday, Buhari said: The problem is even older than us.It has always been there, but now made worse by the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region into different parts of the West African sub-region.These gunmen were trained and armed by Muammar Gadaffi of Libya. When he was killed, the gunmen escaped with their arms. We encountered some of them fighting with Boko Haram.Herdsmen that we used to know carried only sticks and maybe a cutlass to clear the way, but these ones now carry sophisticated weapons.The problem is not religious, but sociological and economic. But we are working on solutions.Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) had, upon the commencement of the Senate session yesterday, drawn the attention of his colleagues to the presidents comments and submitted that such comments amounted to incompetence on his part.Yesterday (Wednesday) in London, the commander-in-chief and president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari said that these killings were a result of the people who were trained by Muammar Gaddafi, implying that these people who are perpetrating the killings in Nigeria are invaders from outside of Nigeria.If so, it validates my last point that when a commander-in-chief says he cannot take care of invaders, why is he still a commander-in-chief?Why do we still continue to indulge this president that goes along to tell everybody outside this country that he is totally incompetent? Abaribe queried.His comments elicited serious opposition from the Senate Majority Leader, Ahmed Lawan, along with a few other All Progressives Congress (APC) senators.The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the leader of this country and deserves the respect and courtesy of this chamber and those of us in it.I was once a member of the opposition and I do not recall ever calling the then president names or insult him. This is our institution.If we do not conduct ourselves with respect, nobody will. I want to ask my colleague to immediately withdraw his statement and apologise to this chamber, Lawan said.Amid the uproar that ensued, Senate President Bukola Saraki attempted to restore order by asking Abaribe to make his point without using offensive words.But Abaribe declared that there was no other word with which to convey his message regarding the meaning of what President Buhari had done.There are words that have no alternatives. What I did was to interpret the words by Mr. President in London. If any word I used is misunderstood by anyone, I apologise. What I am saying is simple. The heads of security agencies in Nigeria made several explanations for the killings of our people. It shows that there is a disconnect, the Abia senator said.The debate was brought to an abrupt end because of the growing tension in the chamber.Also, Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose said President Buhari was becoming an embarrassment to Nigerians, urging his handlers to desist from allowing him to speak extempore.Fayose, who reacted to the presidents claim that Gaddafi should be blamed for the ongoing herdsmen killings across the North Central zone, said: It is embarrassingly shameful that the president has taken his blame game to the international level by blaming the dead for his cluelessness.In a statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said it was becoming obvious that very soon, President Buhari will blame those who elected him for his failure.Fayose, who described the Buharis statement as embarrassing, asked the president to tell the world how many Libyans were killed by herdsmen in the last three years.Nigerians are accusing President Buhari and his government of complicity in the herdsmen killings and all that the president could do in response is to blame Gaddafi, who became history seven years ago?This is no doubt another international embarrassment from a president who knows nothing other than to blame people for his own failure.The Ekiti governor advised those handling the president to ensure that he is prevented from speaking outside Nigeria without a prepared speech.The other time, he went to Germany to embarrass Nigeria by referring to the chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, as President Michelle of West Germany.Fayose said Buhari should rather face the reality of the alleged failure of his government to secure the lives and property of Nigerians as well as poor handling of the herdsmen killings instead of going to foreign lands to advertise his cluelessness by blaming the dead.In the same vein, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charged President Buhari to admit that he has failed woefully in his promise to end insurgency in the country, and stop his resort to excuses, particularly overseas.The party, in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that by telling Welby that the insurgents and marauders pillaging the people are fighters from the late Gadaffis Libya, President Buhari confirmed the position of Nigerians that he is incapable of handling the security challenges of the nation.The statement declared:We invite Nigerians to recall that in November 2017, President Buhari had informed the Nigerian community in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire that Gadaffis fighters were responsible for the escalation of Boko Haram insurgency.This time, Mr. President has revealed that the killer-herdsmen ravaging our nation and killing our people are from Libya.If the APC-led Federal Government knew that the marauders and insurgents are invaders, then why is it engaging them in dialogue, reportedly paying ransoms and even considering the amnesty option for them? the PDP asked.It asked Nigerians to demand explanations from President Buhari on why his administration has been asking the victims of marauders attacks in various states, particularly, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Plateau, among others, to learn to accommodate them, if it knew that the attackers had links with Libya.The opposition party said Buhari and his APC should simply admit that they have failed to safeguard the lives of our people as well as the territorial integrity of our nation. A member of the 7th House of Representatives, Bamidele Faparusi, has said the early declaration of interest in the 2019 election by Pres... Faparusi, an aspirant for the governorship election in Ekiti State, said the President was aware that no one, no matter how powerful, could use his position to rig election.He said this prompted his declaration to give him an opportunity to reach out to Nigerians.The chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), said President Buhari had redefined politics by influencing the unanimous decision taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to conduct congresses and hold national convention in consonance with the partys constitution.He endorsed Buharis second term bid, promising to work with other progressives to mobilise no fewer than 80 per cent of Ekiti voters to back the President. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Thursday, told President Muhammadu Buhari to admit that he has failed in his promise to end insurgency... The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Thursday, told President Muhammadu Buhari to admit that he has failed in his promise to end insurgency in the country, instead of blaming late Muammar Gaddafi of Libya. Kola Ologbodinya, spokesman of the party in a statement said For Buhari to have ran to Archbishop Justin Welby to declare that the insurgents and marauders pillaging the people are fighters from late Muammah Gadaffis Libya, confirmed the position of Nigerians that President Buhari was incapable of handling the security challenges of our nation. PDP also recalled that in November 2017, President Buhari had informed the Nigerian community in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire that Gadaffis fighters were responsible for the escalation of Boko Haram insurgency. This time, Mr President has revealed that the killer-herdsmen ravaging our nation and killing our people are from Libya. The opposition party wondered, If the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government knew all these that the marauders and insurgents are invaders, why is he engaging them in dialogue, reportedly paying ransoms and even considering the amnesty option for them. The PDP further asked Nigerians to demand explanations from President Buhari on why his administration has been asking the victims of marauders attacks in various states, particularly, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Plateau, among others, to learn to accommodate, if it knows that the attackers had links with Libya. Our take remains that President Buhari and his dysfunctional APC should simply admit that they have failed to safeguard the lives of our people as well as the territorial integrity of our nation. Diocese on the Niger, (Anglican Communion) yesterday said that the continued detention of Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram insurgents is confirming the belief by many Nigerians that the violent activities of the herdsmen and Boko Haram insurgents are aimed at Islamizing Nigeria.Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo who spoke to journalists in Onitsha yesterday, wondered why weeks after the release of her colleagues, Miss Sharibu is still being held by Boko Haram insurgents. He therefore urged Present Muhammadu Buhari to prove Nigerians who have that belief wrong, by ensuring the immediate and unconditional release of the school girl.Nwokolo said that the continued detention of the schoolgirl by the Boko Haram insurgents and whatever idea they are portraying and herdsmen still bearing guns and continuing attacks of communities show that there is a plan to islamize Nigeria.One question the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government of Muhammadu Buhari has failed to address is why Leah was not released with her school mates?Diocese on the Niger, (Anglican Communion) has said that the continued detention of Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram insurgents is confirming the believe by many Nigerians that the violent activities of the Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram insurgents are aimed at Islamizing Nigerian.Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo who spoke the Diocese voice, wondered why weeks after the release of her colleagues, Miss Sharibu is still being held by Boko Haram insurgent, he therefore urge Present Muhammadu Buhari to prove Nigerians who have that believe wrong, by ensuring immediate and unconditional release of the school girl.Addressing newsmen in Onitsha, in Onitsha Bishop Nwokolo said that the continued detention of the schoolgirl by the Boko Haram insurgents and whatever Idea they are portraying and the Fulani herdsmen still bearing guns and continuing attacks of communities shows that there is a well planned intimidating measure to Islamizing Nigeria.One question the All Progressives Congress, APC led Federal Government of Muhammadu Buhari has failed to address to give Nigerians answer is why was Leah not released with her school mates, and why is she still being detained.gNigerians should be vigilant, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen agenda is to Islamize Nigeria, and Christians should protect themselves and defend their faith and the churches, what is being done in this present Federal Government of Nigeria, points to the irrefutable fact that there is a grand plan to Islamize Nigeria.hgNigerians should be vigilant, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen agenda is to Islamize Nigeria, and Christians should protect themselves and defend their faith and the churches, what is being done in this present Federal Government of Nigeria, points to the irrefutable fact that there is a grand plan to Islamize Nigeria. The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, fixed April 30 to rule on an application, seeking the forfeiture of two properties belonging... The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, fixed April 30 to rule on an application, seeking the forfeiture of two properties belonging to Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Federal Government.The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on October. 20,2017 filed an ex parte application praying the court for an order of interim forfeiture of some properties belonging to the former First Lady.This was with particular reference to the property at Plot No. 1758, Cadastral Zone, Mabushi and Plot No.1350, Cadastral Zone, Central Business District, Abuja.The EFCC through its counsel, Mr. Benjamin Mangi, told the court that the application was predicated on the fact that the property was a subject matter of investigation, enquiry and examination.Mangi denied that the commission took part in the demolition of part of the building as was being alleged by Jonathan, adding that the suit before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, was different from the one before Justice John Tsoho.He prayed the court to refuse Jonathans application asking it not to entertain the ex parte motion and to grant EFCCs prayer for forfeiture of the two properties pending investigations.Jonathans lawyer, Mr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), filed an application seeking to stop the ex parte motion on the grounds that the properties were already a subject matter of litigation.He said that the EFCC had filed another suit in respect to the same properties in the same Federal High Court, Abuja.Ozekhome urged the court to condemn the action of the Federal Government whose agent demolished part of the property while the matter was pending in court.He prayed the court not to grant the EFCCs prayer for forfeiture of the said properties, saying they belonged to a separate entity, the Aruera Foundation.According to him, the foundation has not breached any law.Justice Dimgba adjourned the matter until April 30 for a ruling.(NAN) The ECWA Church has declared a three-day fasting and prayer for the release of Leah Sheribu, one of the girls abducted by insurgents at the Girls Technical School, Dapchi, Yobe State.Leah Sharibu and her mother, Rebecca SharibuThe News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15-year-old Leah, who was abducted along with 115 other girls last month, is the only student still in the captors custody.Reports had claimed that she was not released along with others because she refused to denounce her Christian faith.The Federal Government has promised to ensure her release, with government officials stating that negotiations were ongoing toward securing her freedom.Dr. Jeremiah Gado, ECWA President, who announced the Churchs resolve at the end of a four-day General Church Council meeting on Friday in Jos, urged members to fast and pry for Gods intervention toward freeing Leah.Gado, who read the communique to newsmen, directed members to also use the period to pray for Gods intervention in the security and economic situations of the country.According to him, the fasting and prayer will start on April 27 and end on April 29, 2018.The fasting and prayer will be rounded off with special Church services in all ECWA Church branches the world over, on April 29, he said, and urged other Christians to join in the intercessory prayer.The Church tasked the Federal Government to extend the negotiation mechanism being applied to free the remaining Chibok girls, to free Leah, and called for stringent measures to end such abductions.It decried the worsening spate of killings and kidnappings across the country, and urged government to strive to end attacks on rural communities allegedly by herdsmen.It kicked against suggestions that the violence was a clash between herdsmen and farmers, and claimed that it was an expansionist mission meant to takeover peoples ancestral land.The Church endorsed the call by eminent Nigerians asking citizens to defend themselves, and challenged government to make that unnecessary by protecting Nigerians from such invaders. An eight-month-old baby simply identified as Abdulaziz, was on Thursday found dead inside a four-feet drum of water in Benin. An eight-month-old baby simply identified as Abdulaziz, was on Thursday found dead inside a four-feet drum of water in Benin.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident occurred early Thursday morning at number 53 Obakhavbaye Street, Benin City.It was gathered that mother of the baby had gone to urinate outside at about 6 am, but did not find the baby where she kept him.After three hours of searching around the house, the baby was eventually found inside the drum of water dead.The landlord of the house, Mr. Ali Abubakar, said he was observing his prayers when he heard shouting and wailing.Ali said he went downstairs and was told that Abdulaziz died inside a drum of water.It is difficult for that baby to open that drum and enter inside. We dont know what happened yet but it is a mystery Abubakar said.A neighbour, who gave her name as Blessing Akpo, told NAN that it was only God that could unravel the babys killers.I have never seen where a baby of eight months old will open a drum of water, enter inside and close it, she said.Mother of the baby could not talk as she was still in shock.NAN also noticed the presence of some policemen from Aideyan Police station at the residence to investigate the incident.When contacted, DSP Chidi Nwanbuzour, the Commands PPRO told NAN that he had just been briefed about the case.He added that the command was already investigating the circumstances leading to the death of the boy.(NAN) A disturbing video of a young man who allegedly did money rituals (Yahoo Plus) in Ijebu Ode and now barks like a dog once in a month has... A disturbing video of a young man who allegedly did money rituals (Yahoo Plus) in Ijebu Ode and now barks like a dog once in a month has emergedWatch video below...As a condition for getting illegitimate riches, a young man based in Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State has been subjected to barking like a dog, once every month, uncontrollably for several hoursIt appears it is not too much of a sacrifice for this yet to be identified young man as against the idea of working for a means of livelihood.The young man who has been exposed and mocked by his friends is captured in a video having a regular moment.One of his friends who shared the video explained further saying this is not the first time a similar occurence took control of his friend.He added that the same young man was having fun in a popular night club; Club royal when the episode over took the victm and his friends had to lock him up in a car pending when he would come around.It was also gathered that this embarrassing conditions for money ritual is a trend in that part of Western Nigeria.What are your thoughts about this? Kindly share in the comment section below... The federal capital territory (FCT) command of Nigeria police force has banned protests and rallies at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. The federal capital territory (FCT) command of Nigeria police force has banned protests and rallies at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. arrested for allegedly inciting civil unrest. Sadiq Bello, commissioner of police in the FCT, disclosed this on Friday after Deji Adeyanju, an activist, wasarrested for allegedly inciting civil unrest. He was released at 3: 20pm following the intervention of Charles Oputa, better known as Charly Boy, who is the leader of OurMumuDonDo Movement. Civil rights groups like the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement and Our Mumu Don Do, usually hold protests at the Unity Fountain. BBOG members had converged on the fountain on Friday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls but the police disrupted the programme. In a series of tweets on Friday, Oby Ezekwesili, leader of the movement, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police to order. Ezekwesili accused the police of infringing on the rights of the protesters. The DUTY It is UNFORGIVABLE that OUR Movement keeps being HARASSED for advocating for abducted girls who are our fellow citizens even just a few hours to heartbreaking FOUR YEARS of their CAPTIVITY.The DUTY @MBuhari as C-in-C owes OUR #Chibokgirls is JUSTICE OF RESCUE. #StopThisNow !!! April 13, 2018 NO, . NO, NO, YOU have NO RIGHT under our Democracy to infringe on Citizens Constitutional Freedoms of Expression, Association & Peaceful Assembly. Return our SEATS. Send your officers to find the Killer Herdsmen. NO, . @NGRPresident NO, . @MBuhari NO, @AsoRock NO, @PoliceNG YOU have NO RIGHT under our Democracy to infringe on Citizens Constitutional Freedoms of Expression, Association & Peaceful Assembly.Return our SEATS.Send your officers to find the Killer Herdsmen. #StopItNOW April 13, 2018 I hope the . WE, Citizens SHALL DEFEND our Rights. https://t.co/SdjllfiHJz But your Sit-Outs and marches at the Unity Fountain have been peaceful. So what does it mean that government is uncomfortable peaceful protest by citizens in a Democratic Nigeria?I hope the . @AsoRock knows that this wont work.WE, Citizens SHALL DEFEND our Rights. #BBOG April 13, 2018 More to follow... A Kogi High Court on Friday issued a bench warrant against one Ade Obege, charged with four others for alleged assassination attempt on Senator Dino Melaye on April, 2017.Justice Fola Ajayi, issued the bench warrant following Obeges absence at the trial. He also ordered that summons be served on Obeges sureties.There was no cogent reason for Obeges absence on Friday.The prosecuting counsel, Lough Simon, was also not in court.Samuel Ikutanwa, who held the brief of Simon, told the court that the prosecutor could not attend the sitting because of the death of his father.Ikutanwa said the development had already been communicated to the parties, adding that he was not availed with the details of proceedings on the matter.Obeges counsel, Mr. Ayo Jonathan, told the court that his client was last seen on March 22 when he came to court for his trial.Jonathan told the court that the wife of the accused said she had not seen her husband since March 22 when he left Okene for Lokoja, saying that he wanted to conclude that Obege was missing.Reacting to the submission of the counsel, Ikutanwa prayed the court to issue a bench warrant against the second accused since there was no cogent reason for not being in court.Ajayi, in his ruling, issued a bench warrant against Obege, and ordered that his sureties be summoned to court.The court said that the suit could not go on due to the absence of the second accused and the prosecutor.The judge, therefore, adjourned the case till May 14 and May 15 for definite hearing.NAN recalls that the Administrator of Ijumu Local Government Council, Taofiq Isa; and four others including Obege, were arraigned before late Justice Aromeh Akogu for alleged attempt to assassinate Melaye in April 2017.Unidentified gunmen allegedly attacked the lawmakers residence in Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government, fired several shots into the compound and destroyed property.No life was lost in the alleged attack. Nigerians on social media have blasted President Muhammadu Buhari for blaming activities of herdsmen in Nigeria on the late Libyan dictato... Nigerians on social media have blasted President Muhammadu Buhari for blaming activities of herdsmen in Nigeria on the late Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. Recall that while speaking with the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Welby in London, on Wednesday, Buhari had said the killer herdsmen were trained and armed by Gaddafi. He had said, The problem is even older than us. It has always been there, but now made worse by the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region into different parts of the West African sub-region. These gunmen were trained and armed by Muammar Gadaffi of Libya. When he was killed, the gunmen escaped with their arms. We encountered some of them fighting with Boko Haram. Herdsmen that we used to know carried only sticks and maybe a cutlass to clear the way, but these ones now carry sophisticated weapons. The problem is not religious, but sociological and economic. But we are working on solutions. Some Nigerians on Twitter, have, however, taken on the President, saying his reason was not weighty. They wondered why the government would blame a dead man for herdsmen killings. Here are some comments gathered from Twitter: @Kingihemefuna, Buhari is so incompetent that if hes not electing some dead people in the grave into position today, the next hes blaming a dead Gadaffi for his uselessness in governance. Miyetti Allah owned up to the killings but since they are Fulanis, Buhari wont do nothing. @Tommyking, The same Buhari that appointed The Dead is now blaming the Late Gadaffi for herdsmen killing in Nigeria.What does he really have with The Dead? @Enojohn, We have now taken our blame game beyond Nigerian shores. Nobody left to be blamed in Nigeria after 3 years of Bubu incompetence. #Gadaffi. @Ademolawuyi, Now that President Buhari is blaming Gadaffi for herdsmen killing in Nigeria, I hope one day he will not blame God for ever creating Nigeria. @SirkAAa So the dead man, Gadaffi who is in his grave jejeje is now to be blamed for the herdsmen killings. Which way Nigeria? If only dead men could wake up to defend themselves.. Well no surprises as we once have dead men board appointments so why should this be new to us? @Dem_Zie, President Buhari just described them as Gadaffi mercenaries in London though he earlier asserted we must learn to accommodate them and be tolerant to our killers. @Judeferanmi, NO ONE, I mean NO ONE does the BLAME GAME better than Buhari. This man has blamed PDP, blamed his own senators, blamed the judiciary, blamed the corrupt people he said hes fighting for fighting back and now a dead person, Gadaffi. @Mpukka, He appointed Dead people & now blaming Gadaffi for herdsmen onslaught.What business does Buhari have with the dead? Members of the House of Representatives on Thursday condemned the recent robbery attacks on commercial banks in Offa, Kwara State, saying the incidents were signs that the countrys security system was sick.The lawmakers said the situation called for the overhauling of the security system.The House, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, asked the police to investigate the attacks and ensure the prosecution of the suspects.A member from Kwara State, Mr. Oluyonu Tokpe, had raised the robbery attacks as a matter of urgent public importance, urging the Federal Government to beef up security in the entire Southern Senatorial District in Kwara State.Tokpe recalled how about 30 armed robbers invaded Offa in broad daylight, shooting at any targets on sight and raiding at least four commercial banks.Tokpe said, Mr. Speaker, they attacked police stations, killed the policemen; they shot at our people and proceeded to attack banks freely without response from any quarters.As we speak, all the banks in Kwara-South are shut down. You can imagine the implication on the economy and business of the state.If armed robbers can enter a town, drive in a convoy of about 10 vehicles, sack a police station and raid banks, it calls for an urgent enquiry.The Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Yussuff Lasun, observed that the pattern of the attacks suggested that there might be something more to it.This was exactly the same way Boko Haram started and became a problem the country is battling till today, he added.A member from Kwara State, Mr. Ahman Pategi, told the House that from the eyewitnesses accounts, the robbers operated for more than one and a half hours.We need to check the entire security apparatus of our country. These people killed eight policemen and anyone they saw, they shot and killed the person. This is quite disturbing, to say the least.Yes, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. One of the three things the party and Mr. President promised Nigerians in 2015 was security.Today, we are not achieving it and we must confront this reality and tackle the security issues all over the country.While supporting the motion, the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Mr. Toby Okechukwu, noted that the evidence of a sick security system was behind the growing calls for Nigerians to defend themselves.He said, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma has made this call; just days ago, the Governor of Benue State (Samuel Ortom) called for self-help; in Birnin Gwari, the emir has asked people to defend themselves; it is happening everywhere.In a country where people are calling for self-help, what it means is that the conventional or official security system is dysfunctional.When a state is unable to provide security, something must give way.The role of government is to find solutions to crises and insecurity. The role of government is not to find faults or resort to blame-game. If a government wants to continue to pass blame, then it must give way.The motion was passed in a unanimous voice vote.Meanwhile, students and youths from Offa in the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State on Thursday marched round some streets in Offa in a show of sympathy members of the bereaved families following the robbery attacks.They marched to the Palace of the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, the Offa Local Government secretariat, Olofa Road and Owode market.The mourners included members of the Offa Awakening Movement, Offa Students Union, Offa Artisans and Ibolo Youths and Elders Forum.They carried placards with inscriptions as Peace for Offa, Rest in peace, and May we not experience such again.The leaders of the groups included the Chief Convener, Offa Youths Awakening Movement, Tayo Tijani; President, Offa Students Union, Mr. Abdulazeez Muyideen; a representative of the artisans, Abdulmajid Afolabi, and President, Ibolo Youths and Elders Movement, Abdulhamid Ibrahim.Tijani said, This idea came up due to the callous armed robbery attack that happened on April 5. We felt that we should engage in the commemoration and condolence walk. We visited some places like Olofa palace, the LG secretariat, and DPO station. We have erected a commemorative plague where we are going to put the names of the victims of the attack.One of our demands is for the FG to give us an army barracks in Offa because the population is so much and the economy is big enough to have such in the community. Another is that we have had several attacks similar to this in the same town and at the same location. We call for intelligence gathering. The government and the police should give us emergency phone numbers that people can use to help them in gathering intelligence.The Olofa while receiving the mourners said the federal and state governments had promised to enhance security in the community. The social media is currently abuzz with the circulation of images wherein the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, an... The social media is currently abuzz with the circulation of images wherein the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, and a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, were seen discussing and embracing each other at a public function where they recently met. There have been reports that both men, who are former governors of Lagos state, have not been in good terms with claims in some quarters that they belong to different camps in the APC. Tinubu was the immediate predecessor of Fashola who had served as Chief of Staff in the formers government. At the recently held 10th Bola Tinubu Colloquium, though Fashola was among the guests, he did not play a major role in the event commemorating Tinubus 66th birthday. Neither was he selected as one of the individuals to testify about the impact Tinubu has made on their lives. See pictures of them which have left many wondering whether the supposed feud between both leaders were a media creation afterall. Thursdays plenary at the Senate was almost disrupted following a deafening uproar following a claim by Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe... Thursdays plenary at the Senate was almost disrupted following a deafening uproar following a claim by Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe that President Muhammadu Buhari is incompetent. Abaribes allegation followed an adopted order 43 which he raised in reference to the excuse which the President gave while in London that the killer herdsmen were allegedly trained by Muammar Gaddafi, the late Libyan revolutionary leader. In his explanation, Abaribe said, before now, two excuses have been made public in several fora by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahaman Dambazzau and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim kpotun Idris, saying the wanton killings by armed herdsmen was because their pastoral routes were blocked while the latter was credited to have said that it was due to the new state laws against open grazing. He said, Yesterday in London, President Muhammadu Buhari said the killings in the country was as a result of the people who were trained by the late Muammar Gaddafi. This, therefore, validates my earlier position that the president has failed to take charge of the protection of lives and property across the country as enshrined in our constitution to be his primary responsibility. I, so make bold to say that the president is incompetent, Abaribe asserted. But this generated an uproar as All Progressives Congress, APC, senators took the remark of Abaribe as a direct disrespect to Buhari, who is a member and leader of the ruling party. Senators Ahmed Lawan, the Senate Leader and Ibn NaAllah, the deputy leader separately raised point of orders urging the red chamber to call Abaribe to order, tender apology and for him to be guided in his remarks. However, Abaribe, in his apology said, If any words I used was misunderstood, I apologise . The police in Kaduna have fingered Senator Shehu Sani in an ongoing homicide investigation. The police in Kaduna have fingered Senator Shehu Sani in an ongoing homicide investigation. Consequently, Austin Iwar, the police commissioner in the state has written to the senator asking him to appear on April 30 at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna for questioning. This is in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide transferred to this office by 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, alongside with exhibit audio CD in which your name was mentioned by the principal suspect, Iwar said in a letter to Sani, who represent Kaduna Central at the red chamber. This is to enable us fairly and timely conclude investigation into the matter, Mr Iwar said, Iwar said in the letter addressed to Sani through the Clerk of the National Assembly. A copy of the letter was also forwarded to Senate President, Bukola Saraki. Reacting, however, Sani claimed there was a plan to frame him up for murder by his political opponents in the state. The lawmaker pointed accusing fingers at the Kaduna government, with which he has been having a running battle. In a rare display of legislative oversight functions, the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, yesterday, summoned Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo over an alleged illegal suspension of six directors at National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.Others summoned for the same purpose were Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, and Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita.The committee reached the resolution at its resumed sitting of investigation into alleged violation of public trust at NEMA.It will be recalled that the committee at its first sitting on Wednesday, accused the agencys Director-General, Mr Mustapha Maihaja, of breaching Public Procurement Act, PPA, by awarding contracts to ghost companies that did not meet legal requirements.In their testimony at the session, the directors, who are currently being investigated by the EFCC, following a petition written against them for alleged abuse of office, claimed they were suspended for kicking against some of the policies of Mustapha Maihaja at NEMA.The directors include Akinbola Gbolahan (Finance and Accounts); Umesi Emenike (Special Duties) and Alhassan Nuhu (Risk Reduction).Others are pilot in charge of air ambulance and aviation unit, Mamman Ali Ibrahim; Chief Maintenance Officer, Ganiyu Deji, and Director of Welfare, Kanar Mohammed.Their suspension was effected by the agencys Governing Council chaired by Vice President Osinbajo without due process.Led by Isa Ali, the committee also summoned Magu and Oyo-Ita for further explanations.Also at the session was Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Col. Hameed Ali.His summon originated over alleged irregularities in the importation of 6,776 metric tonnes of rice donated as relief materials by the Chinese government. The Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has alleged of a plan to frame him for murder, by his political opponents in the stat... The Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has alleged of a plan to frame him for murder, by his political opponents in the state. Sani has been sent a letter by the Kaduna Commissioner of Police, inviting him for questioning over criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The case was transferred to the police by one division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna. The Army also sent an audio CD, in which Shehus name was mentioned by the principal suspect, Austin Iwar. Sani has been asked to report to the office of the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna on April 30, 2018 at 10am. The lawmaker has pointed accusing fingers at the Kaduna government, with which he has been having a running battle. Itse Sagay, chairman of the presidential advisory committee against corruption (PACAC), says a whistleblower can get as low as one percent... Itse Sagay, chairman of the presidential advisory committee against corruption (PACAC), says a whistleblower can get as low as one percent commission if it is an extremely large amount. This is lower than the 2.5 percent stipulated by the whistleblower policy. Under the policy introduced in 2016 to fight corruption, an individual who gives information on financial crimes is entitled to between 2.5 and 5 percent of the recovered loot. But speaking at an evaluation workshop organised by PACAC regarding the policy, Sagay said the reward could be lower than what the policy specifies. He said: Nigerians should be aware that not every whistleblower is entitled to five percent. One controversial issue in the whistleblowing policy is the question is remuneration. The public seems to be fixated on the five percent which is the maximum. It can be as little as one percent. If it is an extremely large amount, the whistleblower cannot receive up to five percent, for instance the $43m recovered in Ikoyi. It can be as low as one percent. When asked if the government has any incentive for whistleblowers in cases not involving funds, he said: I think a fund will be created for that; a separate fund. So that those who give information on such practices will get a reward. He added: As we know, a lot of whistleblowers exposed quite a number of looters. There have been others which have not received the same publicity as that of Ikoyi. But since then, definitely there has been a slight reduction in the frequency of whistleblowing. We want to use this dialogue to assure potential whistleblowers that not only will they get their remuneration but they are also going to be protected. Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, also reiterated that the federal government has so far recovered a total of N143 billion from whistleblowing. Represented by MK Dikwa, head of the whistleblower unit at the ministry, she said 8,373 enquiries, including 1231 financial tips, have been received. The unexpected announcement this week that Camden school district Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard was stepping down has sparked an active debate on what happens next. Rouhanifard, 36, whose family fled Iran when he was a child, was the chief strategy and innovation officer at Newark Public Schools when he was chosen by then-Gov. Chris Christie in 2013 for the Camden post when the state took over the failing district. As Rouhanifard plans to step away at the end of the school year, he'll leave a district that appears to be greatly improved but may still be a long way from regaining control from the state. "I will step down as superintendent this summer with immense gratitude to the entire Camden community, and optimism about the continued progress our schools will make," said Rouhanifard, who said he is stepping down to spend more time with his wife, new-born daughter and 4-year-old son. During his tenure, the district cut the dropout rate from 21 percent to 11; reduced its poorest preforming schools from 23 of 26 to eight of 18; nearly tripled K-8 math proficiency in three years; and more than doubled proficiency in reading in the same time, according to information provided by the district. It also cites a 17-point rise in the district's graduation rate -- up from 49 percent in 2012 to 66 in 2017. But Camden Education Association teacher's union President Keith Benson, who has been critical of Rouhanifard and the state takeover, said the improvements may not be as rosy as they seems. "Sometimes numbers can tell a story but not tell the complete story at all," said Benson, a teacher at Camden High School. "The superintendent adjusted what constituted a failing grade. Before the superintendent got here, any grade lower than a 65 constituted an F. A few years into his tenure he lowered it to be anything under a 60. "A lot of students who might have been on the border, rather than getting an F on their report card and repeating a course, now are passing. And, the biggest thing that contributed to dropping out was grade retention." Benson said he is glad more students are succeeding with the changes and relaxed standards statewide that had required passing a proficiency exam to graduate from high school. District spokeswoman Maita Soukup said Rouhanifard adjusted grading standards to make them uniform across the city's five high schools. She said grading system and proficiency exams are part of a core of academic achievement options students can use to graduate high school. Benson said he still feels like Rouhanifard has presided over the dismantling of public schools in Camden. "It feels like the last five years have been like The Hunger Games for school resources," he said. "Public schools have been starved to grow renaissance schools." The number of city schools declined from 26 to 18 during Rouhanifard's tenure. The city now has five new renaissance schools, eight in all. Renaissance schools can receive a higher percentage of funding per student, especially for facility costs, but are largely privately administered. They also are open to students within the geographic area. There are also 11 charter schools, which are privately administered and receive no assistance for facility costs and are not required to enroll students in the neighborhoods in which they are located. The majority of the city's 15,000 students receiving a public education now go to either renaissance or charter schools. Mayor Frank Moran said he is pleased with the direction Camden schools are moving and is confident he will have Gov. Phil Murphy's ear in deciding who will now lead the district. "We started a trend in improving the public education system in the city and I, as a mayor, need to make sure we continue in the right direction," Moran said. Rouhanifard has endorsed assistant superintendent Katrina McCombs to succeed him. He said he thinks it is important for someone from Camden to now lead the district. "I am proud to be part of the team that's worked so hard to raise expectations in our schools over the past five years," McCombs said in a statement. "As a Camden High graduate and former classroom teacher and principal in the district, I will continue serving our students in whatever capacity I can have the greatest impact." Camden was one of four low-performing districts that were under control by the state, however, Newark and Jersey City have recently regained control of their schools after more than two decades and Patterson is in the process of transitioning. Murphy, a Democrat, has not announced a time table for naming Rouhanifard's replacement. The commissioner of education would make a recommendation to the state Board of Education. The nominee would be formally appointed by the governor after a vote by the board. Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips The 22-year-old Cape May County woman allegedly shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend overcame a serious illness as a teenager and lived for her soon-to-be 3-year-old twin girls, her mother said. "If you ask anyone that knew her, they'll tell you the same thing -- she was so kind and good-hearted," Destiny Rollar's mother Dorothy Burton said in a brief phone interview Friday afternoon. (Courtesy Holly Cassidy) Destiny Rollar, right, gives a haircut to the son of a friend, Holly Cassidy. Rollar's boyfriend and the father of her children, Charles A. Bland, has been charged with killing her Wednesday morning in the house they shared in the Villas section of Lower Township, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office. The two had been in a relationship for about eight years, Burton said. Bland, 25, was found in a Philadelphia hospital, where he was being treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He apparently took the twins with him after allegedly shooting Rollar, but the children were later found unharmed at a relative's house in Philadelphia. Diagnosed at 16 with Milroy's disease, a genetic condition that affects the normal function of the lymphatic system, Rollar went on to get her hairdressing license before she even graduated high school, her mother said. She worked at Great Clips in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township and had recently been promoted, her mother said. A friend, Holly Cassidy, of Villas, described Rollar as "the hardest-working person I've ever met." "Once my son got to the age when he needed a haircut she was the first one I called," Cassidy wrote to NJ Advance Media. "She gave my son his very first haircut and let me tell you -- she was the most patient person ever. She chased my son around the entire hair salon just to trim his hair. What other hairdresser would sit on the floor to cut hair? She was so, so great." Cassidy, who said her son is around the same age as Rollar's twins, added the two planned to get their kids together frequently this summer "I'm tremendously saddened by this incident. I will never, ever forget the memories and her beautiful smile." Burton, of Millville, declined to say much about Bland, her daughter's boyfriend. "Any relationship has problems," she said. Burton said the girls are safe with a relative but declined to name them or say where they will eventually live except to say, "Destiny gave those beautiful kids all of her heart." Funeral arrangements for Rollar, whose organs will be donated, are pending. Burton said she hasn't yet planned a GoFundMe.com or other fundraiser to raise money for the girls. "She was amazing -- outstanding," Burton said. "She fought every day to overcome her disability -- no one knew she was sick because she was always so happy, outgoing, loving and caring." Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. UPDATE: Hairstylist allegedly murdered by boyfriend was devoted mom of twin girls When cops arrived at Destiny Rollar's house in Cape May County on Wednesday morning to check on her, they found the 22-year-old mother of two with a gunshot wound to the head. Her young daughters were missing. The attacker who left her there bleeding to death was nowhere to be found. Rollar was rushed to a hospital by helicopter, but did not survive, authorities said. Authorities said Thursday they found her killer later that day, 80 miles away in Philadelphia hospital. Rollar's two girls were also in Philadelphia, safe at a relative's house, authorities said. Charles A. Bland, who lived with Rollar in the Villas section of Lower Township and is the father of her children, had an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, and is expected to survive. He has been charged with murder and weapons charges in her killing. No motive in the slaying has been provided by the Cape May County prosecutor's office. Bland's extradition to New Jersey to face trial is pending. Investigators recovered three hand guns and two semi-automatic weapons during search of the Lower Township home they shared and two vehicles, authorities said. One of the vehicles was found parked in Philadelphia. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The home of "Good Times" star and New Jersey native John Amos went into pre-foreclosure recently, according to its Zillow listing. The rundown 3,230-square-foot home located on four acres of wooded land in Tewksbury had been on the market for $429,000 for almost a year before the listing was removed in October 2017. Now, the listing indicates the home is in pre-foreclosure, meaning the property, which Amos purchased in 1990 for $337,500, is in the early stages of being repossessed and Amos will have an opportunity to pay off the outstanding debt or sell the property before it goes into foreclosure. When contacted, a spokesperson for Parker McCay, a New Jersey business and local government law firm and the foreclosing attorney for the property, would not provide details of the foreclosure other than to say the property has not been repossessed. Multiple attempts to reach Amos for comment were not returned. When the home was on the market, the listing made it clear that the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home (built in 1968) would need to be updated and that it was being sold "as is." The next owner is also responsible "for any and all inspections, even if normally supplied by the seller," according to the listing. According to public records, the property was most recently assessed at $414,500. Property taxes for the home were $10,093 in 2017. Amos, 78, who is a native of Newark and East Orange, is most known for his roles as James Evans, Sr., the patriarch of "Good Times" and the adult Kunta Kinte in the miniseries "Roots," for which he received an Emmy nomination. Other movies and shows Amos appeared in include: "Coming to America," "The West Wing," "Die Hard 2," "The Cosby Show," "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," and "My Name is Earl." Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @jatmonavageNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook SEPTA Officer Richard Galanti's out-of-date jacket didn't seem like such a big deal. At first. But his union thinks that a back-and-forth over who should pay to replace the jacket could be the reason he was moved out of the K9 unit, forcing the Galanti family to hand over its beloved dog, Abal. The question of Galanti's sudden transfer has outraged tens of thousands, after his wife, Nicole Galanti, launched a change.org petition and began reaching out to elected officials, hoping they would intervene and let the 6-year-old German Shepherd retire and come back to her family's Wenonah, Gloucester County, home. She says her family has no idea why the officer was transferred. SEPTA, however, says they've made it perfectly clear, but they are not publicly saying. Omari J. Bervine, the president of Lodge 109 of the Fraternal Order of Transit Police, has an idea of his own: He thinks the move has nothing to do with Galanti's performance, and instead is retaliation for the jacket. "It's laughable, when they try to use performance" as an explanation, Bervine said. "When we work with the guys, you know who the workers are. It doesn't pass the smell test for anybody who's ever encountered [Galanti] in his capacity as a police officer, or anybody who has ever worked with him." The whole thing started when SEPTA told Galanti he'd need an updated jacket to match the rest of his K9 unit -- one that he'd have to purchase himself, Bervine said. But directly violated the union's collective bargaining rules, he said. The union filed a grievance on Galanti's behalf in December. While waiting for a response from SEPTA, Bervine said, the authority gave notice on March 23 that they would transfer Galanti out of the unit -- and then moved that same day to dismiss the grievance. But at that point, the grievance didn't really matter. "What does he need this jacket for if he's no longer in the unit?" Bervine asked. The total price for the new jacket is between $150 and $250. "That would have definitely dipped into our Christmas budget," Nicole Galanti said, remembering when the jacket came up again in December. She recalls the debate, but never thought something so trivial could lead to her husband's transfer. But a week into a battle that has garnered national attention and started a social media firestorm against the SEPTA's police chief, she said she can't think of a better explanation. And she still hasn't gotten one from SEPTA. "I'm just kind of floored that that would be the reason that he would be transferred out of the unit and have his dog taken away," she said. "But, yeah, I guess so. I guess that's what it is." That $150 jacket in comparison to $40,000, an amount Congressman Bob Brady (D), who represents Pennsylvania's first congressional district, has offered to raise and give to SEPTA in exchange for Abal's return to the Galantis, according to 6abc. Brady's office did not respond to requests for comment Thursday about how he would raise the money. Andrew Busch, a spokesman with SEPTA, said the big stack of cash isn't swaying the police department, as "the decision regarding Abal was not financial in nature." "A new K9 typically requires nine-to-12 months of training before it can be deployed," he said in a statement. "Abal, who is in his prime and has dual expertise in explosives detection and patrol, could resume working out on the transit system with his new handler in several weeks." Busch said Abal began training with his new handler Monday and is living with that officer now. The name of the new handler was not immediately available. Busch said he could not comment on personnel matters, including anything to do with possible disputes over a uniform change or negotiations between the union and SEPTA. "The decision to reassign Abal and his former handler was difficult, but carefully considered," he said. "Reassignments such as these are permitted under the terms of SEPTA's contract with FOTP Lodge 109, which represents SEPTA Transit Police Department officers." Nicole Galanti said her family still hasn't heard anything additional from SEPTA as they've continued to fight for Abal. Galanti has declined to speak to the media about the issue. Galanti's union said the fight isn't over and that it may file charges of unfair labor practices with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. "We are confident that, after the Board reviews Officer Galanti's excellent record in the K9 Unit and the timing of the transfer, following hotly on the heels of his grievance, it will agree that these actions are retaliatory, and in violation of Pennsylvania labor law," a statement from the FOTP said. The union submitted an information request regarding Galanti's transfer on April 4, seeking his performance statistics and the metrics used to evaluate him, as well as those of other members of the K9 unit over the same time period. Bervine said that request was verbally denied by SEPTA's labor relations manager, Chad Cuneo. Cuneo did not respond to a request for comment. More than 150,000 people had signed the petition as of Thursday afternoon, and others had taken to social media to criticize or question the decision of SEPTA Transit Chief Thomas J. Nestel III. The National Police Association has given the family its support, tweeting out the petition addressed to Nestel. Chief Thomas J. Nestel III: Keep K-9 Abal with his handler Officer Galanti - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/9zc6YMcAnA National Police Association (@NatPoliceAssoc) April 10, 2018 And State Senate President Steve Sweeney has even take up her cause, penning a letter to Nestel urging him to reverse the decision. "Let's apply some common sense. Abal has bonded with the Galanti family," he wrote. "What is best for Abal is not the issue here: a rigid adherence to policy is." One of the most compelling supporters, Nicole Galanti noted, is K9 Chip, a former police dog who gained a strong social media following after he was deemed in need of rehabilitation, and taken from his owner. Eventually, the department in Maryland agreed to retire the dog to his family. Part of what changed the department's mind? A viral change.org petition. Abal is particularly special to the Galanti family, Nicole Galanti says, because he's been with the family since before her teenage son was killed while riding his bike four years ago. Chip and Charlie need your help. A K-9 in Pennsylvania has been ripped from his handler and his family. When you read... Posted by K9 Chip on Sunday, April 8, 2018 Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Jersey City is wrapping up a $38,000 review of its police and fire dispatch services, a longtime goal of Public Safety Director James Shea that is being conducted by a firm with ties to the man who got Shea his current job. Princeton-based IXP Corp. is performing the study, which Shea has said will give him an idea of how efficient the city's 911 system is. The company's senior vice president is Adam Safir, son of Howard Safir, a former New York Police Department commissioner who led the search to hire Shea in 2013. Lawrence D. Consalvos, president and chief operating officer of IXP, told The Jersey Journal the matter is a "coincidence." Adam Safir did not know the company was looking to work with Jersey City until after IXP hired him last year, Consalvos said. "The public safety community world is relatively small," he said. "We've known Howard Safir since the early '90s when he was the fire commissioner of New York, because we did a number of technical projects for the fire department of New York." City spokeswoman Hannah Peterson called IPX "the best firm" to help save money on the 911 system. "This firm is neither a political supporter or donor of anyone in the administration, so we don't see an issue here," Peterson said. "The taxpayers deserve the best and that is what we are providing." In 2013, a freshly elected Mayor Steve Fulop hired Vigilant Resources to conduct the search to find a public safety director and Safir wound up with Shea, a then-NYPD deputy chief. The company's website says Howard Safir is Vigilant's chair and CEO and Adam Safir is its president. Shea has said he's never been happy with the city's 911 system, telling council members at a February caucus that a "catastrophic" shutdown about four years ago cost the city about $1 million for new equipment. "I think we're spending too much money and I think we're not getting the product taxpayers deserve," Shea said during that caucus. The council hired IXP at its Feb. 28 meeting by a 7-1 vote. The resolution says the city received three quotes. It does not say if IXP was the lowest. Councilman Rich Boggiano, who voted against, has said he wants the dispatch room manned by police officers again, not civilians. Shea has said that would be too costly a move. Reached by email, Council President Rolando Lavarro said he did not know Adam Safir works for IXP. "Knowing the relationship between IXP and Director Shea certainly raises questions for me," Lavarro said. "I will address the matter with the administration." Consalvos said IXP has worked in New Jersey in places like Hightstown, Lawrence and Princeton, and outside of the state as well. The company came under fire in Danbury, Connecticut, where it runs the 911 dispatch center, by the local police union, which alleges that city's privatization of dispatching has impacted public safety. Consalvos said Danbury's mayor hired IXP with an eye on finding a more "cost effective" way of running its 911 system. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. A 26-year-old man walked into a local hospital Wednesday evening with a gunshot wound shortly after a gunfire was reported in the Greenville section of Jersey City, authorities said. At approximately 6:30 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of Neptune Avenue and Old Bergen Road on reports of shots fired, Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. At the scene, officers recovered a handgun, but no arrests were made and no additional victims were located, she said. Meanwhile, officers responded to Jersey City Medical Center shortly after the gunshots were reported. There, a man had was receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh, Wallace-Scalcione said. Authorities did not say whether the man was injured in the reported gunfire at 6:30 p.m. or if the gun that was recovered was the weapon that fired upon the victim. A physics teacher in Hudson County is facing possible deportation to Egypt, where a military court sentenced him to death in a 2016 case maligned by a prominent human rights watchdog. Ahmed Abdelbasit, 33, was detained outside his home in Jersey City last week by ICE officials and is being held at the Elizabeth Detention Center on administrative immigration charges, according to a report by HuffPost. A teacher at Rising Star Academy, an Islamic private school in Union City, Abdelbasit came to the United States in 2016, seeking asylum. A former doctoral candidate and physics professor at the University of Cairo, Abdelbasit was expelled from the institution after organizing peaceful protests of a military coup to remove former President Mohamed Morsy, as well as and human rights violations by security forces. He left the country and got a job at Qatar University, but in May 2016 an Egyptian military court sentenced him to death in absentia after he and 27 others were convicted of terrorism charges. Human Rights Watch wrote that the military trial denied the men "basic due process rights and relied on confessions that the defendants said were obtained under torture." According to a June 2017 report by Human Rights Watch: Abd al-Basit, one of the cell's two alleged founders, is mentioned only once in the indictment, in a section that summarizes the confession of Ghazali, the cell's purported leader, and states that (Ahmed Amin) Ghazali admitted to receiving an unidentified amount of money from Abd al-Basit. The prosecution's file contains no evidence of this money transfer. Defense lawyers stated in court that all the defendants renounced their confessions and said they had been obtained under torture. Abd al-Basit, who was expelled from Cairo University in 2015 for organizing peaceful protests against the military's removal of former President Mohamed Morsy and human rights abuses by the security forces, and who lives abroad, told Human Rights Watch that he believed Ghazali had mentioned his name under torture because they knew each other from the university. A husband and father of two children, Abdelbasit came to the United States in June 2016 on a visitor visa and applied for asylum two months later. He was given permission to work legally while his case was being processed and when the visa expired, he was permitted to continue working with a pending asylum application, HuffPost reported. In April 2017, he was notified that the final decision on his asylum application would arrive by mail, according to HuffPost. But on April 5, he was taken into custody by ICE agents outside his home. HuffPost reported that documentation came three days later notifying him that his case was transferred to immigration court. His lawyer told the website Abdelbasit has fulfilled all requirements and interviews and has repeatedly checked in with immigration officials since his arrival in the United States. The teacher is scheduled to appear at a hearing next month in immigration court. His students, meanwhile, have launched a website -- savebasit.com -- publicizing their teacher's plight and started an online petition calling for his release. "I look at him as my role model," one of his students, Yusef Haddabah, told HuffPost. "There are traits and different things about his personality that he holds, I only dream to hold in my future." Bobby Williams, a convicted drug dealer well known to Trenton-area gang and narcotics investigators, drew a 92-month federal prison sentence Thursday for conspiring to deal cocaine. Bobby Williams It's the now 38-year-old's second prison term for drug dealing in a decade. Williams pleaded guilty late last year in federal court in Trenton to the conspiracy charge from an investigation that wrapped in early 2016 accusing him and three colleagues of running a cocaine importing business in Trenton dating to 2013. In late 2008, Williams was sentenced to 12 years in prison in state court for racketeering, a charge that encompassed his drug dealing and gang affiliation. In that case, Williams and several others - including his drug lieutenants in this case - were arrested and charged in a joint, federal and state probe that targeted gang-led dealing. When he was paroled from the state prison system in September 2012, authorities said in 2016, he went right back to drug dealing, setting up a similar network and operation, and three of his managers were also arrested. Authorities said the current Williams-led effort that had strong gang ties and supplied drugs - it was a pipeline - to other central New Jersey markets, as well as towns in the Pocono region of Pa. It operated from two Trenton residences, and controlled a drug turf on Southard Street in the city. Williams has always been a leader, authorities have said several times. Investigators have described him as a "hybrid" cocaine dealer who had connections with other gangs and was skilled at moving large shipments of cocaine. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A Middlesex County doctor has been suspended for allegedly overprescribing hundreds of opioid medications, including fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine, in "excessive amounts and dosages," Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the, Division of Consumer Affairs announced in a statement. Eddie Gamao, a 77-year-old general practitioner in Piscataway, agreed to temporarily surrender his license to the state Board of Medical Examiners for allegedly writing more than 1,000 prescriptions (more than 150,000 pills and units in all) between February 2017 and February 2018, officials said. Nearly 80 percent of the prescriptions had daily morphine doses triple the federal government limit, the statement said. Gamoa could not be reached for comment. The allegations surfaced after a pharmacist filed a complaint alleging Gamao may have been indiscriminately prescribing these medications to three generations of a one family, including an 88-year-old grandmother, officials said. The pharmacist's complaint was filed through the New Jersey Prescription Monitoring Program's Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) online portal, a database aimed at identifying problem-prescribers. The temporary suspension of Gamao's license marks the first time a physician's practicing authority has been restricted after activity reported through the SAR portal, the state's latest expansions to its Prescription Monitoring Program, as New Jersey continues to battle the ongoing opioid crisis in the state. In just 12 months, officials allege that Gamao prescribed more than 9,000 oxycodone pills to the grandmother, her son and daughter-in-law, and more than 1,000 units of opioid painkillers to the grandmother's two adult grandchildren in dosages that met or exceeded federal government limits, according to officials. "This doctor was prescribing highly addictive opioids at a rate that simply had no medical justification," Grewal said in the statement. "This case not only illustrates the vital role pharmacists play in New Jersey's fight to end opioid addiction, it also shows that we are starting to see success with the tools we've put in place to stem the flow of improperly prescribed opioids." Gamao has also agreed to temporarily surrender his registration that allows him to prescribe controlled substances in the state, officials said. Gamao's medical license will remain suspended until further action by the state Board of Medical Examiners and his registration to prescribe controlled substances will remain suspended until further order of the director of Consumer Affairs. Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have information about this story or something else we should be covering? Tell us. nj.com/tips An argument over money occurred before a man stabbed his friend in the neck and then watched him die in an Asbury Park apartment Tuesday evening, according to police documents. The documents, obtained by NJ Advance Media, give an inside look in the apartment moments before and after the slaying of Salah Ali, 57, at the Dr. Robinson Towers on Third Avenue in Asbury Park. Knowledge Allah -- who already has manslaughter and attempted murder convictions under his belt from 1987 and 1998, respectively -- was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ali. The 54-year-old made his first appearance in court Thursday. Ali was found by police Wednesday morning in a pool of blood on a landing in the stairway in the apartment building, the documents state. A trail of blood on the stairway led police to the fourth floor of the building, which is home to low-income senior citizens in Asbury Park. It was in that fourth-floor apartment, police say, where Allah and Ali had an argument the previous night. Police said the two were grabbing each other and then Allah jabbed the victim in the neck with a knife, causing him to bleed profusely from his throat. "The victim, still standing, asked why the defendant did that to him and stated he was dying," the police report says. Ali then tumbled over onto the couch, the report states. He was no longer talking. That's when Allah dragged him out of the apartment and into the stairwell, and then cleaned up the trail of blood left on the floor, according to the report. But the tension between Ali and Allah appeared to have started before the two entered the apartment. The two men started arguing in the elevator of the complex. Ali can be seen on surveillance video footage slapping a fedora off Allah's head. The argument, however, didn't escalate beyond that -- and Ali can be seen kissing Allah on the forehead. But, the report states, the two men still appeared to be agitated with one another before entering the fourth-floor apartment. The apartment belongs to someone who is known to both the victim and Allah, but the reports obtained by NJ Advance Media do not specify the relationship between the occupant of the apartment and the two men. In the courtroom Thursday, the victim's wife, Donna Ali, had to be escorted out by multiple sheriff's officers after she became irate, the Asbury Park Press reported. "Oh my God, you killed my husband," she shouted at Allah, who was seated in the jury box in a tan jail-issued jumpsuit. It's a seat he's sat in before. Allah has a lengthy criminal history, court records show, starting with a manslaughter conviction and weapons violation in 1987 when he was 23 years old. Allah was convicted of manslaughter after he went to trial for the death of his 70-year-old grandmother in 1986. He was accused of shoving her in an apartment in Boston Way village in Asbury Park, according to reports in the Asbury Park Press. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and a weapons violation, according to records. He also had weapons violations in 2009 and 2017. The latter was a fourth-degree offense, for which he spent 97 days in jail. Allah will be back in court on Monday when a judge will determine whether he can be released from jail pending the outcome of his current case. He also faces charges of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a third-degree offense, and fourth-degree disturbing of human remains. NJ Advance Media researcher Vinessa Erminio contributed to this report. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips After two days of arguments and over the objections of prosecutors, a federal judge in Newark re-sentenced a former U.S. Army major and his wife to three years' probation and 40 months in prison, respectively, for abusing their three adopted children while living on a military installation in New Jersey. To the frustration of the U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. District Judge Katharine Hayden on Thursday evening gave John Jackson the same sentence he left her courtroom with in December 2015. He will receive credit for the time he served on probation prior to an appeals court vacating the 2015 sentence. His wife Carolyn, whom prosecutors have identified as more directly responsible for the abuse, also will receive credit for almost two years already served on her own prior 24-month sentence. "Obviously, we are disappointed that the court did not agree with the sentences we sought," U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said in a statement shortly after the sentencings. "This is a case where the victims were children, horribly abused by the foster parents to whom they were entrusted. A punishment that was severe - but fair - was warranted." The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year threw out Hayden's previous sentences for the Jacksons, ruling she had not properly calculated the sentences under federal guidelines. Hayden, in again rejecting the sentences of more than 15 years sought by federal prosecutors in both instances, said Thursday that the guidelines the appeals court directed her to use did not really fit the charges in question, which had been absorbed into a federal prosecution from the state level. Hayden also expressed concern about having to determine whether the facts at hand met a description of conduct "the jury never considered," and indicated she gave more weight to defense experts' reports than some of the victim testimony at trial. "That ill fit of the guidelines is a real problem when it comes to my comfort level," she said. Prosecutors said the couple, who were arrested by the FBI in 2013 on a 17-count indictment, had abused the three children over more than four years while the family lived at the Picatinny Arsenal installation in Morris County. The abuse, jurors heard, ranged from breaking bones to force-feeding the children hot sauce and red pepper flakes. All of the children were less than 4 years old at the time of the abuse, prosecutors said. One of the children, none of whom remain in the defendants' custody, spoke Wednesday about the impact of her time with the Jacksons, describing how she still feels the need to hide food in her backpack, a reminder of the abuse. Both John and Carolyn Jackson addressed the court themselves Thursday, after their attorneys argued for leniency. John Jackson, his military uniform replaced by a dark suit, told Hayden his "own actions -- inactions -- are the reason we're here." "I'm truly sorry," he said. "I'm sorry for everything." Carolyn Jackson told Hayden she would carry her actions as a burden for the rest of her life, but that her time in prison had humbled and transformed her. "I ask for the opportunity to show my reform," she said. In addition to her concerns about the guidelines, Hayden said she also was taking into account the toll on the families of all involved. She had her staff play for the court a video of one of the Jacksons' biological children -- submitted to the court with the defense's sentencing memorandum -- in which the girl spoke of the disruption of her family since her parents' convictions. "It's not just about them, it's about us," she girl said in the video. The couple's first trial in 2014 ended in a mistrial after an assistant U.S. attorney inadvertently revealed during witness questioning that one of the couple's adopted children had died -- information Hayden had ruled could not be introduced at trial. The Jacksons were not charged in that child's death, which a medical examiner had determined resulted from natural causes. A second jury later found them guilty of nearly all the charges in the indictment. In sentencing the couple in 2015, the judge told attorneys the couple did not fit the profile of "sadistic monsters." On Thursday, she told attorneys the Jacksons case was one of the few of its kind in which "there was no drugs, no sex, no satanic cult." "There is a family of deeply held religious beliefs, there is a woman home-schooling her children and there is a man in the military," she said. Carolyn Jackson will have to spend three years on supervised release after she completes her prison term, Hayden said. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Decades before former FBI Director James Comey says he faced the mob boss-like tactics of President Trump, the fired lawman got an early lesson in bullies growing up in Allendale, he writes. In Comey's book, "A Higher Loyalty," the 1978 Northern Highlands Regional High School graduate describes suffering through body-shaming, wedgies and getting shoved into lockers, according to the Washington Post, which obtained an advance copy of the already best-seller. Comey, who says Trump demanded a loyalty pledge, links lessons from his upbringing in Bergen County to his public clash with the president. Trump ultimately canned Comey amid the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. "Surviving a bully requires constant learning and adaptation. Which is why bullies are so powerful, because it's so much easier to be a follower, to go with the crowd, to just blend in," Comey writes. The future FBI chief faced other traumatic experiences growing up in a leafy section of Bergen County. At 15, Comey was held captive by a gun-toting assailant dubbed the "Ramsey Rapist." Comey told 60 Minutes he believed the attacker would kill him, and described a "pretty horrific experience." Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A corrections officer has been accused of smuggling drugs to prisoners at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix and later using the cash he made to gamble in Atlantic City. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced today that Paul Anton Wright, 32, of Berlin, has been charged with accepting bribes. In 2015, the guard smuggled synthetic marijuana and suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid addiction, to prisoners, according to a complaint. He allegedly received the drugs and cash bribes from two people outside of the army base, including $2,500 from a relative of one of the prisoners in early 2015. Bank records showed that Wright not only deposited the cash payments, but also used them as buy-ins at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, prosecutors said. In late 2015, he exchanged thousands of dollars for drugs from a relative of an inmate's girlfriend after meeting with them in New York City, the feds said. He later allegedly delivered the drugs to the inmate. Wright is facing a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He had his court appearance Thursday and was released on a $100,000 bond. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. The alleged harassment by her fellow officers in the Belleville Police Department was so severe that a former cop says she suffered an anxiety attack, passed out and ultimately spent 10 days in the hospital. Heydi Portalatin's life and career were never the same after that. This week, Portalatin sought justice in court for the years of alleged abuse by fellow officers sworn. The civil trial was halted after just one witness on her behalf. Belleville officials had seen enough and agreed to a $1.1 million settlement. The years of harassment and humiliation, Portalatin claimed, were simply because she was a woman. She was one of three women in the 100-person department. "It was courageous for her to stand up and to give a voice for herself in these proceedings," her attorney, Adam J. Kleinfeldt said Friday. "With the MeToo movement in full swing, this case is a primary example that the fight for gender equality is still going on." In agreeing to the settlement, Belleville officials were not require to admit any wrongdoing. Township Manager Mauro Tucci was not in his office Friday morning and did not return a call seeking comment. Portalatin's lawsuit alleged a pattern of harassment over several years starting after she joined the department on Nov. 3, 2011. In one instance, an officer spread a rumor that she had negligently caused the death of a driver, the suit said. In another, a cop stood by as she struggled alone to arrest a violent, 200-pound man on the side of Route 21. And when she received a commendation for superior work, male officers spread a rumor that she was sleeping with a sergeant to obtain the good graces of management, according to the lawsuit filed in 2015. The $1.1 settlement came Tuesday after only one witness testified at the trial. A PBA leader told the jury that Portalatin, now 34, had complained to him often about being mistreated by male Belleville cops who didn't want to work with women. Portalatin was the only female officer working with the "A" Squad on the overnight shift from 6 p.m. to 4 p.m., according to Kleinfeldt, who field the suit in Essex County Superior Court. The harassment against Portalatin, who is married to a police officer in another town, began soon after she joined the force. "I like Spanish women," one male cop said to Portalatin, adding that he had cheated on his wife, the suit states. "On multiple occasions this officer would describe what he was sexually attracted to when discussing the physical characteristics of (Portalatin's) body," the suit states. Other officers were sexually inappropriate, too, according to the suit. One lieutenant who touched her back and elsewhere to make sure she was wearing her bulletproof vest, even though it was obvious she was, the suit states. In time, the sexual comments subsided and were replaced with criticism of Portalatin's job performance, her attorney says. "I think they found out she was married and she was not going to fool around," Kleinfeldt said. "From a legal standpoint, though, it all falls under gender-based discrimination under New Jersey law." The suit states one officer commented that Portalatin was "lazy, did not like to drive and was not mentally ready to work the night shift." Another questioned the ability of women to serve as police officers, the suit states. "This is a man's job, I don't feel safe working with a woman, a woman cannot do this job and all women are out to get men," the officer allegedly said, according to the suit. In October 2013, Portalatin began seeing a therapist due to her treatment by fellow officers, the suit states. Around this time, she complained to superiors that her partner "hated her, bullied her" and "does not want to work with a woman." Portalatin said the partner would walk off without telling her where he was going and that he once drove away while she was using the bathroom at the police station, the suit states. When supervisors questioned the partner, he became angry and confronted her in a patrol car. As the partner yelled at her, Portalatin suffered an anxiety attack for which she had a physical reaction. She got out of the car, vomited and fainted, her lawyer said. "(Portalatin) awoke in an ambulance with chipped front teeth, her pants unbuttoned, her patrol uniform shirt removed (and) she had debris in her hair and dirt in her mouth," the suit states. "(She) could not talk and felt paralyzed." Portalatin was taken to Clara Maas Medical Center, where she spent one night in pain with the right side of her face "twitching uncontrollably," the suit states. She was released from the hospital but could not balance herself or open her mouth, the suit states. Kleinfeldt said she also had a "facial droop." Portalatin was then admitted to Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, where she spent the next 10 days, her attorney said. Kleinfeldt said a team of doctors agreed Portalatin was suffering from conversion disorder, a psychological illness that causes nervous system problems. The doctors were scheduled to testify in court, he said. Portalatin has been unable to work, Kleinfeldt said in the suit. Portalatin, who has a teenage son and is married to a police officer in another town, has not driven a car since the day she fainted, Kleinfeldt said. She still has bouts of paralysis and gets around using a walker, he added. "Employers should be cautious that if this type of conduct occurs and they fail to stop it, then there are legal ramifications," Kleinfeldt said. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. In an administration engorged by hubris, Scott Pruitt has managed to stand out for a sense of entitlement that can only be described as hedonistic, as Donald Trump doesn't even flinch when the EPA director locks lips with lobbyists and uses his budget as a slush fund. But the congressional drumbeats for his scalp are growing louder, because corruption and expense account abuses tend to linger in news cycles like a bad odor. For example, there was the $50 rent deal on Capitol Hill, where Pruitt's landlord was the wife of a lobbyist who represents clients that fall under EPA jurisdiction. "I'm dumbfounded that that's controversial," Pruitt said, which dumbfounded the rest of us. There were the raises he gave to two staffers (one for $28,000, one for $57,000), which the White House refused to grant, so Pruitt used an obscure rule under the Safe Drinking Water Act to grant them anyway, and then lied about his knowledge of it. Then there is the loopy, paranoid stuff: He has a massive security detail (20 full-time guards) shadowing his every step, a $43,000 secure phone booth in his office, and a headquarters refitted with biometric locks because you never know when Dr. Evil might try to break in and water the plants. And, as Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., noted Tuesday, "There is also a no-bid contract to a political consulting firm digging up dirt on EPA staff, setting up his polluter friends with key EPA positions, allowing EPA political appointees to be paid consultants for secret clients, using a taxpayer-funded 24/7 security detail for personal vacations to Disneyland and the Rose Bowl, and demoting or reassigning staff who dare to question his egregious spending habits." Pallone and scores of other House Democrats have called for Pruitt's firing - reportedly, so has White House chief of staff John Kelly - yet none of these transgressions, not even the quid-pro-condo, really match Pruitt's greatest sins of all: his sadistic treatment of the planet and contravention of the EPA's core mission. He is a vandal owned by the fossil fuel industry, so his joyful burning of taxpayer dollars doesn't come close to his destruction of air, water, and climate protections that took decades to put in place. Count the ways: Pruitt helped convince Trump to pull out of the Paris climate accord. He began the repeal of the Clean Power Plan, which reduces emissions from power plants. He suspended the Clean Water Rule, which sets requirements on how ranchers and real estate developers must safeguard streams that flow through their property. He delayed limits on chemical dumps in waterways by power plants. He rolled back federal fuel efficiency standards for vehicles. He has refused to enforce ozone pollution limits. He withdrew the Clean Air Act regulation of 189 toxins from industrial sources that cause cancer and birth defects - including arsenic, lead and mercury. He ended a ban on chloropyrifos, a pesticide that causes neurodevelopmental deficits in children. There is so much more, all bad. In all, Pruitt has rolled back nearly 50 environmental regulations which scientists say would help prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths and save billions in health benefits. Upshot: "It will take decades to recover from the Pruitt reign of pollution at the EPA," predicts Judith Enck, the agency's former Regional Director. "Time we simply don't have." And Pruitt still found the time to leave his ethical cesspool and travel the world on your dime, a world which he has defiled with an indelible stain. So much winning. Are your interests being served in Congress? Use this tool to keep track. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. You may finally protected soon from getting a surprise bill from a hospital or doctor outside your insurance network. Legislation eight years in the making that would do just that in New Jersey is on its way to Gov. Phil Murphy's desk. The state Assembly approved the bill (A2039) on Thursday by a 48-21 vote with three abstentions. The state Senate passed it by a 21-13 vote. Murphy is expected to sign it into law, saying during his budget address last month the measure could save the State Health Benefits Program millions of dollars. The legislation would protect thousands of New Jerseyans covered by state-regulated health plans from "balance-billing," or paying what an insurance company won't. "Far too many New Jersey families -- even those with quality health benefits plans -- find themselves fighting over thousands of dollars in out-of-network charges they never even had the opportunity to review -- let alone agree to -- before receiving medical attention," said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, a main sponsor. "This is about putting patients first and defending the consumer's right to be able to make an informed decision about how to proceed with his or her health care," Coughlin added. Hospital executives and physicians had long fought the measure, calling it a giveaway to insurance companies, which pushed for the bill. Both providers and insurers squabbled how a new arbitration system would decide how much insurance companies ultimately would have to pay. The legislation lets both sides in a billing dispute submit whatever evidence they want to support their case and accept the decision of an arbiter, who must choose between the two offers. The bill also requires hospitals and medical professionals to disclose on their websites and to their patients which health insurance coverage, if any, they accept and the cost of out-of-network services. The Access to Care Coalition, made up of physician groups include the Medical Society of New Jersey, said in a statement the bill would have little impact. Most residents are covered through their employers' federally regulated self-insurance plans, which do not have to comply with state law. Employers may voluntarily comply with the law, however. "Vital consumer transparency and disclosure provisions on the part of insurance carriers would not apply to 70 percent of healthcare consumers in New Jersey," the coalition's statement said. "Instead of providing any real cost savings to the state or reducing insurance premiums to health care consumers, this measure allows insurance carriers to continue to achieve skyrocketing profits." Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Union, said he wants to stop the problem with surprise billing, but he could not support the bill because it would make New Jersey less appealing for physicians to practice here. "This bill would limit their opportunities," Bramnick said. Passing this legislation, Bramnick added, is the "beginning of a process that I believe favors insurance companies, not doctor or patients." In the Senate, Republicans made similar arguments about how the measure would discourage sorely needed specialists from practicing in New Jersey. State Sen. Gerald Cardinale, R-Bergen, warned the shortage of heart transplant surgeons and neurologists would cause some people "to suffer unnecessarily, and perhaps die." The bill's other prime sponsor, state Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex rejected the "ridiculous" arguments that "doctors would leave and hospitals would close." "No one should make too much and no one should pay too little," Vitale said. "This is a fair system for everyone." Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. It's now up to Gov. Phil Murphy whether New Jersey taxpayers will fund millions of dollars in raises for hundreds of judges and other officials in New Jersey. Both the state Senate and state Assembly on Thursday passed a bipartisan but much-debated bill that would give the state's judges and county prosecutors a $24,000 pay increase over three years. The measure would also allow members of the governor's cabinet make the same amount as the governor: $175,000. And it would give the same salary to top aides of the state Senate president, the state Assembly speaker, and the minority leaders of both houses. It all would cost state and county taxpayers about $15.6 million a year, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan state Office of Legislative Services. A similar bill died in 2016, having faced backlash for being tied to a separate measure that would have paved the way then-Gov. Chris Christie to get a book deal. The new bill (S1229/A3685) is not tied to such an agreement, and Republican Christie has been replaced by Democrat Murphy. The new governor -- who took office in January -- will now decide whether to sign or veto it. He has not publicly taken a stand on the legislation. Sponsors say the increases are needed to attract top judicial, law-enforcement, and policy talent to the state -- especially judges. "There is an exodus from the bench," sate Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union said before the vote Thursday. "Although the numbers seem high, to those in the legal industry, they are far from that." But state Sen. Sen. Nia Gill, D-Essex, said she could not support a $30,000 raise for "people in the state who make the most." "This increase is on the backs of the taxpayers," Gill said. A Republican chimed in with similar remarks. "I don't often agree with my college from Essex County, but she is right on the money," state Sen. Gerald Cardinale, R-Morris, said. "Who are we serving?" State Sen. Shirley Turner, D-Mercer, said the rank-and-file state workers deserve a raise, not the highest paid appointees. "Why are we doing this? It makes no sense at all," Turner said. "We are sending the wrong message to the taxpayers in this state." State Sen. Ronald Rice, D-Essex, agreed, saying his district office staff deserve a raise for "working their butts off, seven days a week." "I am not against judges, but someone should say we have got to do something for the staff people first," Rice said. The 2016 measure included raises for lower-level legislative aides. This one does not. Under the new bill, judges would get an $8,000 raise this year and another $8,000 at the beginning of 2019 and 2020. After that, the measure would allow automatic annual adjustments based on the change in the Consumer Price Index. Currently, the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, Stuart Rabner, makes nearly $193,000. Associate justices make $185,000 and Superior Court judges make between $165,000 and $175,000. County prosecutors currently make $165,000 a year and gubernatorial cabinet members earn $141,000. This bill would give cabinet members a $34,000 jump in pay. They have not received a raise since 2002. The legislation would also give raises to county-level officials, such as clerks, and sheriffs because their pay is linked to Superior Court judges. The Senate passed the bill Thursday, 23-14, at the Statehouse in Trenton. The Assembly passed it, 45-23, with one abstention. NJ Advance Media staff writer Matt Arco contributed to this report. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. The New Jersey workers who have come to work sick or taken days unpaid to nurse a cold could soon receive paid sick time from their employers under a bill passed Thursday by the state Legislature. The legislation, variations of which have been making its way through the Statehouse for years, would allow private-sector workers to accrue one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours worked. They can use that time to care for themselves or a family member who is ill, to attend school conferences or meetings, or to recover from domestic violence. The bill (A1827) passed the state Senate, 24-11, Thursday after passing the state Assembly last month. More than a dozen New Jersey towns have put in place their own requirements, but there is no state-level law guaranteeing private-sector workers earned sick leave, and about 1.2 million workers here don't get paid sick days. Lower-income workers are much less likely to have paid sick leave. One study found only three in 10 workers with income below $20,000 had this benefit, while eight of every 10 workers earning $65,000 or more did. Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, has said he would back such a law, and this bill now heads to his desk for his signature. "No one should be forced to choose between going into work sick or staying home. Nor should they lose pay because they needed to stay home to care for someone in their family," state Sen. Linda Greenstein, D-Middlesex, said in a statement. The measure is opposed by business industry groups, who say small businesses will struggle to afford and conform to this one-size-fits-all approach. "When one worker takes leave, a temp may have to be hired, or other workers might need additional training. Those may be additional labor costs that small companies simply can't afford," said Laurie Ehlbeck, director of the New Jersey arm of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Undocumented students in New Jersey could be eligible for college financial aid as soon as this fall. Gov. Phil Murphy will decide the fate of legislation that won final approval Wednesday from the state Assembly. The measure would extend financial aid to the undocumented students who are currently barred from applying for certain in-state aid. The state Senate already passed the bill, which means it's up to the governor to decide if the proposal becomes law. "This is the other piece of the puzzle if we really want to help these students succeed and contribute to society," Assemblyman Gary Schaer, D-Passaic, the bill's sponsor, said. "Given the ever-escalating costs, many students, even with in-state tuition rates, are finding college more and more financially unattainable," he said. "Making this assistance available will make higher education a reality for these aspiring students." Murphy said during his campaign for governor that he would support a plan to extend in-state financial aid to undocumented students. But the proposal, which cleared the Assembly by a 49-24, largely along party lines, spurred sharp opposition from its opponents. "Treating non-citizens better than citizens, I think, is fundamentally wrong," Assemblyman Jay Webber, R-Morris, said. "This is just another pot to subsidize non-citizens and take away from the citizens in the state," he said. The bill passed the Senate last month by a 27-10 vote, with three legislators not voting. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Sweeping changes to New Jersey's troubled system for investigating suspicious deaths are now one step away from becoming law, with the final move in the hands of Gov. Phil Murphy, who has been outspoken about the need for reform. State lawmakers on Thursday gave final approval to a plan to implement the biggest reform of the state medical examiner system in decades, nearly four months after an NJ Advance Media investigation found it to be among the worst in the nation. The investigation, published in December, revealed that more than 40 years of neglect had turned a critical function of state government into a national disgrace, detailing cases of mishandled bodies, bungled criminal cases and families left grieving without answers. In response, Murphy pledged to support "wholesale reform" of the system and lawmakers introduced a bill to make good on the promise. That bill, rapidly moved through the state Legislature early this year, would remove the position of the state's top medical examiner from the oversight of the state attorney general -- a setup widely derided for creating potential conflicts of interest -- and place it under the purview of the state Health Department. The legislation would also give New Jersey's chief medical examiner more power over the policies, procedures and training at the state's patchwork of county medical examiner offices, which currently operate independently and without much oversight. The measure was passed by the state Senate in March. It did not receive a single "no" vote in either chamber, and now goes to Murphy's desk for a signature or veto. "It's long overdue, and our forensic investigatory apparatus would have the much needed independence from the judicial system it deserves," state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Bergen, said Thursday after the vote. While Murphy has called for changes, and his attorney general has endorsed removing his oversight of the medical examiner system, the governor has not weighed in on the specifics of the bill. "The Governor's Office is reviewing all legislation that has been sent to his desk for signature," Murphy spokesman Dan Bryan said Thursday. County government leaders have expressed concerns about the bill, particularly how new requirements imposed on county-run medical examiner offices would be funded. An assessment by the nonpartisan state Office of Legislative Services could not determine how much the overhaul would cost. Experts told NJ Advance Media an effective system could be run for about $31.5 million a year, as opposed to the estimated $26 million it currently costs. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. New Jersey seems an unlikely place to be home to the oldest weekly rodeo in the United States, but it is. But there was a time when Cowtown Rodeo in Salem County -- where real cowboys and cowgirls live, and hundreds of head of livestock grazing in sweeping pastures -- almost ceased to be. It was 20 years ago that Betsy and Grant Harris, owners of the rodeo, adjacent flea market and surrounding land, were offered what they described as "a ridiculous amount of money" for their property. They seriously considered it, but turned it down, deciding to keep the property along U.S. Route 40 in Pilesgrove Township in the family. They said they wanted to pass Cowtown down to the next generation. Thanks to preservation programs, that rodeo -- well-recognized from the road where a giant cowboy statue and red and white cow serve as landmarks on Route 40 -- is here to stay. Marking the milestone In the dirt-floored open-air rodeo arena Wednesday morning, members of the Harris Family -- some on horseback -- gathered with federal, state and local officials to formally announce the preservation of an additional 375 acres land mostly adjacent to Cowtown. Officials Wednesday announced the preservation of 374 acres of land surrounding Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove Township, a move which will help to keep the rodeo thriving. Pilesgrove Township Mayor Kevin Eachus, left, presents Cowtown owner Betsy and Grant Harris with a plaque commemorating the event. Along with the Harrises were many of the officials involved in making the deal come to fruition which permanently shields the mostly pasture/grasslands parcels from future development. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation, which lead the effort, received assistance in the preservation project from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, the Open Space Institute, William Penn Foundation, Natural Lands and Pilesgrove Township. This deal was the first time the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program has been used to preserve grasslands in New Jersey. Because the Harris property is used primarily for breeding, raising and grazing rodeo horses and cattle, it has become some of the best grassland habitat in New Jersey, officials say. The pasture lands support about 100 horses and 300 to 500 head of cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and the State's Farmland Preservation Program will be utilized to preserve another 80 non-grassland acres of Harris property, used to grow corn for feeding livestock. Officials Wednesday announced the preservation of 374 acres of land surrounding Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove Township, a move which will help to keep the rodeo thriving. This map outlines the newly preserved land. The deal became official in late March. In addition to permanently preserving more of the land surrounding the iconic rodeo, the funds from the preservation will allow Grant Harris to purchase land adjacent to Cowtown that had been rented for several years. "I get to make my living at my hobby every day - it doesn't get any better than that," said Grant Harris prior the ceremony. "The opportunity to make a living doing this means more to me than money." Long local ties to area The Harris Family has ties in Salem County dating back to the late 1600s. Cowtown Rodeo itself will begin its 64th season in late May as the oldest weekly rodeo in the United States. But the rodeo actually dates back to 1929 when it was first held in conjunction with the Salem County Fair in Woodstown. Grant Harris' great-grandfather, Howard Harris Sr. and grandfather, Howard "Stoney" Harris Jr. began the rodeo. The rodeo became a weekly event in 1955 and has continued ever since as a professionally-sanctioned competition. Cowtown once included a livestock auction and still has a twice-weekly flea/farmers market. The rodeo itself has a national reputation. Contestants come from across the U.S. to compete each Saturday night and thousands of spectators come to watch them. A bull rider during Cowtown rodeo. Grant and Betsy Harris plan to pass Cowtown -- which encompasses a total of 1,700 acres -- on to their younger daughter, Katy, her husband RJ Griscom, and their young son Nate. This new rodeo season they will take on the bulk of the management responsibilities. "My two daughters were helping me out daily since they were little," Grant Harris said. "I'm very blessed in that regard." Preservation history This isn't the first parcel of the Harris's Cowtown property that has been preserved. New Jersey Conservation Foundation assisted with the preservation of 465 acres of the Harris farm in 1990, including 191 acres that became a state wildlife management area. In addition, the Harris family owns a 292-acre preserved farm in nearby Quinton Township. The original 1990 conservation easement on the Harris property in Pilesgrove was the first permanently preserved farm in Salem County, officials say. That project also resulted in the state establishing the 191-acre Featherbed Lane Wildlife Management Area, which is managed entirely as a grasslands preserve. In all, the area surrounding Cowtown encompasses some 1,700 acres. "The preservation of the Harris farm helps protect the agricultural viability of this region, which is also an important agri-tourism destination," said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Like hundreds of other property owners in River Ridge and west Metairie, Eugene "Baron" Schwing anticipated a discount on his homeowner insurance. Fire protection had just improved, after all, as certified in March when the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana raised the area's grade on its 10-step scale from Class 3 to Class 2. In 2017, Schwing paid State Farm $3,438 for coverage. His 2018 discount wouldn't be much, he figured, perhaps $100, but every little bit helps. Imagine his surprise when he received his renewal notice from State Farm - with a $3,503 premium. "They actually went up $65," he said Thursday (April 12). Turns out that State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., the largest home insurer in Louisiana, is exempt from using the industry association's fire protection grades when it sets its premiums. It's one of only two insurers, the other being Metropolitan Property and Casualty Co., allowed by the state Insurance Department to deviate from the association's ratings, Deputy Insurance Commissioner Denise Dunckel said. Schwing, a district chief of the Third District Volunteer Fire Department that serves River Ridge and Metairie Delta neighborhoods, was miffed. So was state Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, who said he's inquiring into State Farm's exemption and might seek some relief. "We've got to take care of that. That's ridiculous," Talbot said. "What makes them so special?" In Louisiana law, the default position is that insurers must use the industry association's fire protection ratings when calculating their premiums, according to Insurance Department and State Farm correspondence. If a company wants to deviate, it must secure approval from the Insurance Department. That's what State Farm did in 2013, and the Insurance Department approved the exemption, Dunckel said. It applies to State Farm homeowner policies throughout Louisiana, where the company says its 27.7 percent market share makes it the No. 1 insurer of homes. A State Farm spokesman, Jim Camoriano, would not disclose the difference between its premiums and what they would be if the company used the industry association's fire protection ratings. He said the primary factor in State Farm's pricing is the history of losses and payouts, for liability and for damage from weather, fire, accidents, theft and other causes. "We match price to risk and base our rates on actual claims experience in an area," he said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "We support fire department services in all regions, including efforts to improve access to fire protection service," he added. "Improvements in fire protection may help reduce losses and insurance premiums. To the extent that such improvements affect fire losses, rates could be affected." An April 2 letter from the Insurance Department to Schwing suggests State Farm's exemption was necessary to keep the company in business in Louisiana, and for competitive purposes. "While excessively high rates may be unfair to consumers, inadequate rates endanger consumers and the marketplace. The commissioner of insurance must balance these interests in regulating rates," the letter says. It continues: "One of the best ways to keep rates low is to have many companies competing for your business. This is accomplished by attracting more companies to the state and by encouraging consumers to shop their rates." Schwing said he plans to do just that for 2019. Talbot, meanwhile, said he's skeptical that State Farm needs to be charging so much. After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, some property insurers quit writing policies in Louisiana and others raised their premiums substantially. But the market has recovered, said Talbot, who is a board member of the non-profit Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state's "insurer of last resort." From a high of 175,000 policies, Citizens now has only about 65,000, Talbot said. He added: "It's not like State Farm is the only game in town now." . . . . . . . Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and Louisiana interests in Congress, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. Google+: Drew Broach. A New Orleans man suspected of robbing a bank while wearing a florescent safety vest was formally charged Thursday (April 12) with the robbery, along with driving a stolen car across state lines, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans' office said. Ronald Vantress Jr., 53, is accused of robbing the Gulf Coast Bank and Trust at 201 N. Carrollton Ave. the afternoon of March 21. According to a federal criminal complaint against Vantress, he was wearing a yellow reflective vest over his clothes when he approached the teller counter about 2:22 p.m. He then demanded money, saying "in sum and substance that if (the teller) did not provide the robber with money, he would 'shoot' her," the complaint states. The teller noticed a bulge beneath the robber's clothing and noted that the robber kept his left hand beneath his clothing, leading the teller to believe the robber was armed. According to Thursday's indictment, Vantress stole $6,600 from the bank before leaving in a gray Toyota Camry, which was seen on surveillance camera circling the bank before the robbery. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Vantress was identified as a suspect the following day, when a tipster recognized him from security images of the robber shown in the media. Within two days of the robbery, Vantress was arrested in the Houston area, the FBI's New Orleans Field Office said last month. Along with bank robbery, Thursday's indictment also charges Vantress with interstate transportation of stolen property and interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle. Both counts stem from allegations that, following the March 21 robbery, Vantress took a stolen car, the Toyota Camry, along with a stolen license plate and other stolen property, from Louisiana to Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution. If convicted, Vantress faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, Evans' office said. After a federal agent asked Charles Hall to silence his cellphone at a Central Business District building on Thursday (April 12), the agent spotted a photograph on Hall's cell of a naked young girl, authorities said. After consenting to a search of his phone, an arrest warrant states, Hall, 60, was eventually booked on 200 counts of pornography involving juveniles. The warrant, sworn by Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Agent Lisa Maher with the state's cyber crimes unit, states that the officer who asked Hall to silence his phone before he entered a lobby at 400 Poydras Tower was with Federal Protective Service. It was not immediately clear in the warrant why Hall was in the building. Christina Krummell Donahoe, the manager of the building, said federal agents do not work in the lobby of 400 Poydras Tower, and the building does not require people to silence or turn off their cellphones to enter the premises. The encounter between hall and a federal agent likely occurred in the lobby of a tenant suite, she said, if it occurred at the building. A search of the phone eventually led to the discovery of "at least 200 images of children between the approximate ages of infant to 12 years old," the warrant states. The warrant states the images showed the children being raped, including at least one image involving a dog and the rape of a child. The warrant states that after the officer spotted the photo of the naked girl when Hall "opened his phone" to silence it, Hall tried to leave when he "came into contact with additional officers," and told them he thought the other officer had seen the photo, the warrant states. According to Maher, Hall gave consent for agents to search his phone and Maher "confirmed it to be child pornography under the age of 13 years old." Under questioning, the warrant states, Hall "admitted to searching for, downloading, and saving images of children the age of 12 years old." Hall, whose address is listed in the 400 block of Camp Street in the CBD, stood up slowly in court Friday (April 13) when a judge called his case for his first appearance hearing. Wearing an orange jumpsuit with shackles on his wrists, feet and waist, he clasped his hands in front of him and hunched his shoulders forward. He appeared to remain focused on the floor in front of him, other than shifting his gaze to the left a couple of times throughout the brief proceeding. He did not speak. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Orleans Parish Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell appointed the Orleans Public Defender's Office to represent Hall. He set his bond at a total of $100,000 -- $500 for each count. Assistant District Attorney Michael Henn told the judge Hall had no criminal record but asked him to consider the safety of the people depicted in the "frightening" images. Meghan Garvey with the Orleans Public Defender's Office asked the judge to consider Hall's lack of a criminal record and the fact that he lived on social security and would not be able to make bond on such a high number of individual counts. Henn asked Cantrell to consider that while Hall was charged only with possession of child porn, the case was still being investigated to probe if he was involved "in manufacture or production" of the images. Garvey objected to the bond amount Cantrell assigned, noting that Hall would likely "remain incarcerated based on his poverty and ability to remain bond," while awaiting trial. Cantrell responded that a higher court has upheld assignment of financial bond in situations similar to Halls'. Hall's next court hearing is scheduled for May 11. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the U.S. Attorney's Office was located at 400 Poydras Tower. The story was updated with information from the 400 Poydras Tower manager. A former Alabama lawyer and municipal judge was sentenced to 17-1/2 years in prison for possessing "thousands of images of child porn," AL.com reported. Steven Vincent Smith, 54, pleaded guilty in November to one count of receiving child pornography on a computer between January 2015 and March 2016 and was sentenced Wednesday (April 11) by U.S. District Court Judge Virginia E. Hopkins. The sentencing memo accused Smith of distributing child porn on the internet and possessing "thousands" of images, including images of graphic sexual assaults on toddlers, the website reported. He is also accused of molesting a child and teaching other sexual predators on how to groom and molest children. Smith had a law practice in Albertville, Ala., and also filled in as a judge in the city's municipal court, AL.com reported. "This defendant swore to honor the law and uphold justice, but instead he committed loathsome crimes on the most vulnerable of victims," U.S. Attorney Jay Town said in the AL.com story. "His innocent victims will grow into being survivors while Smith will spend most of his remaining breaths inside of a cell." Ahmad Rainey, on trial for killing two men at a New Orleans East apartment complex in 2015, took the witness stand Thursday (April 12), telling jurors he shot the men in self-defense, and that he "would never want to hurt anyone." Rainey, 35, is charged with fatally shooting 24-year-olds Daniel Millon and Vernon Lewis on Dec. 28, 2015. The men were visiting a woman who lived above Rainey in the Hidden Lake Apartments the night they were killed. Prosecutors have denied his self defense claim. They said the victims were unarmed, and testimony from the coroner's office Wednesday showed they were shot multiple times, including in the back. Under cross examination by Assistant District Attorney Sarah Dawkins, Rainey disputed that Millon was shot in the back. Dawkins did not question him about Lewis' autopsy. "So the coroner was lying?" Dawkins asked "Yes," he said. "People make mistakes. We're all human." Rainey said his fiancee, Gilda Woodridge, went upstairs and asked if Millon and Lewis could move their motorcycles right before the shooting. They were parked downstairs in front of Rainey's apartment, he said, and one bike was blocking his door. He didn't want to go upstairs himself because he was carrying an AR-15, a gun he had for protection, he said. Dawkins asked what he was doing earlier that day that required him to carry a gun. Rainey said he and Woodridge were shopping, bought a house, and then went to celebrate with his family. He said the gun was at his mom's house, hidden in a spot in the attic. He got it from there when they were celebrating, he said. At his apartment before the shooting, Rainey said he had the gun on his sofa, which was positioned next to his front door. His fiancee came downstairs after he had put his kids inside, he said, along with Millon, Lewis and two women. Rainey said Millon "cocked back" like he was about to hit Woodridge. "I said, 'What's going on big brother? The only thing she asked you was to nicely move the bike from the front door,'" he said. Rainey said he'd never met Millon, but he'd had interactions with Lewis before. Lewis was dating the woman who lived upstairs, Darneka Williams, according to testimony. He previously had asked Lewis not to park his bike in front of the mailboxes near his front door, Rainey said, because he feared the bike might fall on one of his children. While standing in the breezeway of the apartment complex, Rainey said Millon made a phone call. Millon told whoever was on the other end to bring their guns, he said. He said he could see Millon's hand on the handle of a gun. At the same time, Rainey said he had his hand on his own gun. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "As he's clutching, I'm putting (my gun) up and down, fearing for my life," he said. "I see my life in danger." Rainey said he asked Millon nicely to "please just leave." He lifted his gun "three or four times" before he fired, Rainey said. When he finally fired, he said it was because Millon moved toward him. Rainey said Lewis tried to take the gun out of his hands, and that's when Rainey said he shot Lewis. He said he thought Lewis had a gun because of the way he was standing with his hands in the pockets in his hoodie -- and he'd seen Lewis with a gun before -- but did not physically see a gun on him that night. "I did not want to kill these young men at all," he said, as he began weeping on the stand. "I was just protecting me and my family from getting hurt in these apartments." Through tears, Rainey apologized to the families of Millon and Lewis. He also apologized to Williams. Williams testified Wednesday that neither Millon or Lewis were armed when they were shot. She said the shooting was unprovoked, and testified that she grabbed her child and ran upstairs once she heard the shots. Rainey disputed her testimony and said children were not present when he fired the shots. After he shot both men, Rainey said he grabbed his kids and his fiancee and they left before police arrived. He was afraid more people with guns were on the way, he said, attributing his fear to the reason he didn't call police right away. On the way to his mom's house, Rainey said he threw the AR-15 out of the window somewhere along Florida Avenue. He and Woodridge stayed in a hotel that night, he said, and they called the police the next day. Both he and Woodridge turned themselves in to authorities, he said. Dawkins questioned why Rainey threw the gun out of the window, and asked if he thought he should have brought the weapon to police when he turned himself in. Rainey said he didn't need the gun and didn't want his kids to see it. "I wasn't trying to obstruct justice," he said. Under questioning from his attorney, Frank DeSalvo, Rainey said he's never denied shooting the men, and that since it happened he's said the shooting was self-defense. A 28-year-old woman is accused of stabbing a 17-year-old at the end of March in the Milan neighborhood, according to New Orleans police. Patrice Stevenson was booked into Orleans Justice Center jail Tuesday (April 10) with battery and contributing to juvenile delinquency, online court records show. According to NOPD, Stevenson and the 17-year-old victim got into an argument just before 7 p.m. on March 28 in the 2900 block of General Taylor Street. Police said Friday the fight was about the behavior of three other juveniles, but did not provide any details. The fight became physical, police said, and Stevenson took a kitchen knife from her pants and attacked the victim, leaving the teen with "multiple lacerations." Stevenson was arrested Monday after investigators searched her home and she was booked the next day on one count of aggravated battery and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, court records show. Court records show Stevenson appeared in court Tuesday, where Orleans Parish Magistrate commissioner Albert Thibodeaux set her bond for $18,500 and assigned a public defender to her case. A 23-year-old who pleaded guilty last year to several armed robbery charges, including a few hold-ups on Tulane's campus, was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison. Tre Spadoni was arrested in October 2015 after police said he forced one student on Tulane's campus to withdraw money from an ATM, and stole money from the wallets of two others. He threatened them with a weapon, which police said turned out to be a BB gun. Police also linked Spadoni to an earlier armed robbery in Mid-City. He pleaded guilty as charged in November to four counts of armed robbery and three counts of attempted armed robbery, along with one count each of aggravated battery, first-degree robbery and second-degree kidnapping. Spadoni's dad told NOLA.com at the time that his son told him he committed one of the robberies because his life had been threatened after he was unable to pay back $500 he borrowed for rent. Judge Darryl Derbigny sentenced Spadoni Wednesday (April 11) to 12 years on the armed robbery charge, and 10 years on all other charges. Derbigny ordered the sentences to run concurrent. Derbigny also recommended Spadoni participate in the work release program and any work or technical training he's eligible for, court records show. A woman charged with embezzling nearly $84,000 from four French Quarter businesses pleaded guilty this week to theft charges and was sentenced to three years of probation. Misty Romain, 46, was charged with four counts of theft of $1,500 or more. According to a police report from the time of her 2015 arrest, Romain was accused of embezzling: $22,601 from Magnolia Distributors, which listed a business address for Jazz Gumbo, a tourist souvenir and T-shirt shop. All of the businesses were linked to local developer Kishore "Mike" Motwani's family empire. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Romain began working for his son, Aaron Motwani, in January of 2015, according to police records. He was described in her arrest report as an "accounting manager," supervising Romain's work for four family-owned businesses. Police records said Romain started overpaying herself three months after she started working for Motwani. He discovered the overpayments when auditing payroll records, according to police. Romain was accused of embezzling the funds by "falsely adjusting her own paychecks without authorization," according to her arrest report. Court records show Criminal District Judge Keva Landrum-Johnson sentenced Romain Wednesday (April 11) to five years in prison on each of the charges, but suspended that sentence and instead ordered her to serve three years of active probation. She ordered the sentences to be served concurrently. Romain is scheduled to return to court May 4 for a probation status hearing. At that time, Landrum-Johnson also will assess fines and fees, court records show. The Einstein Charter Schools network beginning April 16 will provide yellow school bus transportation for students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, according to Einstein officials Thursday (April 12). Einstein interim CEO Daniel Davis told the Einstein community Thursday that bus transportation will be provided for students at Einstein's Middle School, Sherwood Forest and Village De L'Est campuses, according a released statement from an Einstein spokeswoman. Einstein has spent more than six months in a dispute with the Orleans Parish School Board over its transportation practices. Rather than providing yellow buses to students, Einstein has given RTA bus vouchers to students who request them. Younger students -- those in 2nd grade and under -- can get tokens for their parents, too. Einstein's lack of yellow school bus service has forced many parents to find creative ways to get their children to school. It's also led to a court battle where the charter operator and OPSB are hashing out what services charter organizations like Einstein are required to provide a key question as New Orleans continues its transition to an all-charter school system. Although Einstein stated "detailed instructions" on the transportation are being distributed in three languages to Einstein families, one parent said by phone Thursday that the proposed settlement has flaws. Cristiane Rosales-Fajardo, an Einstein parent who has provided private van service for students since 2015, said the school has not shared any information with parents about the settlement or the Einstein board's decisions. The Einstein website as of Thursday displays a "transportation questions" option that takes people to a webpage displaying the numbers for the three schools selected for bus service. Fajardo said some of her van clients tried to call the number, but they were left with unsatisfactory results. "Some of the people who filled out the (transportation) form on the website were told where the bus stops would be (located). The parents were like, 'That's not helping me Ms. Cristi. It's made it worse because now my kid has to go onto Michoud Boulevard and Chef Menteur Highway to go wait for a bus,'" Fajardo said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Fajardo and other parents April 9 submitted an administrative complaint to OPSB and Einstein that urged them to include parents in any settlement agreement reached between the district and the network. The complaint also urged OPSB and Einstein to set up "a meaningful compensation scheme" for the parents who struggled from the lack of transportation. Einstein's latest financial audit, from June 2017, stated it maintains more than $4 million in bank deposits after $18.2 million in revenue last year. OPSB began a revocation process to end Einstein's authority over the Village De L'Est and Sherwood Forest schools for 2018-19 school year. After the district announced a search for new operators to run those schools, Einstein's board not only agreed to seek a settlement with OPSB, but to also contract with the Scholar's 1st company for bus transportation. Former Einstein CEO Shawn Toranto announced her retirement and resignation to the board on April 2. OPSB Superintendent Henderson Lewis acknowledged and expressed his support for Einstein's settlement proposal in a letter sent to Einstein Board Chair Chris Bowman Thursday. Henderson said he will stop the revocation proceedings if OPSB approves the proposed settlement at the district's April 19 meeting. "With that issue nearing resolution, the district will continue to work in good faith with Einstein's leadership, ensuring positive outcomes for families and fairness to the charter management organization," Lewis stated. The local Einstein Group Inc. serves 1,400 students in New Orleans East at four schools, where minorities make up 99 percent of students and 91 percent of all students are economically disadvantaged. Einstein's Village De L'Est campus at 5100 Cannes Street opened in 2006, followed by Einstein Charter School at Sherwood Forest at 4801 Maid Marion Drive in 2013. Einstein Charter Middle and Einstein Charter High assumed operations in 2015 and 2016 in the former Sarah Towles Reed High School building on Michoud Boulevard. . . . . . . . Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles. In less than a month, Louisiana has significantly climbed the national rankings for the number of high school seniors completing the free application for federal student aid. The Louisiana Department of Education this week announced the state went from eighth to third nationwide for FAFSA completion. About 62 percent of the more than 49,000 Louisiana seniors enrolled in both public and private high schools for the 2017-18 school year have completed the application, according to data released April 6 by the National College Access Network. The network also found that Louisiana comes first nationwide in the year-over-year change in FAFSA completions by more than 35 percent. The FAFSA is used to determine student eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell grants, work study programs, and federal student loans. The state urges students to submit the completed application before the July 1 federal priority deadline, but the application window remains open until June 30 of the following year. Louisiana's increase in FAFSA submissions come as the state requires seniors to complete a FAFSA or TOPS scholarship form to graduate for the first time in state history. Louisiana's requirement falls under the state's Financial Aid Access Policy, which was approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2015. Louisiana graduates who complete FAFSA also receive "priority consideration" for TOPS, according to a state Education Department news release. Students can also indicate that they do not plan to apply for financial aid. Students can also sign a waiver approved by the state or local school district to receive their diploma. Students will not be considered a graduate if they fail to meet any of the requirements under the Financial Aid Access Policy, the Education Department stated. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In a released statement, Louisiana Superintendent John White said his department is going to put Louisiana "at the top of the college and training access leader board." He said doing so will provide "a life opportunity to tens of thousands of" the state's young people. Sujuan Boutte, executive director of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, echoed White's comments in a released statement. "We applaud the Louisiana students and parents who have completed the FAFSA, as well as the school counselors and other financial aid and college access professionals and organizations who have made increased completion of the FAFSA in Louisiana a rousing success toward the goal of helping our students maximize gift aid and minimize loan debt," Boutte stated. The FAFSA completion data released by the National College Access Network can be viewed in the embedded graph below. . . . . . . . Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles. Jefferson Parish public school system is holding two free seminars to help their students and parents fill out the free application for federal student aid form, known as FAFSA. This year marks the first time that the FAFSA is required in order to graduate high school. All public high school seniors must fill out the form or request a waiver under the policy approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2015. The policy is designed to ensure that students are aware of financial aid that's available to help pay for college or a vocational technical education, a state education department spokeswoman has said. Each district sets its own deadline for submitting the form or getting a waiver. In Jefferson, "Parent FAFSA Days" are scheduled for Monday (April 17) from 1 to 7 p.m. at the district's administration building, 501 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey and on April 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bonnabel Magnet Academy High, 2801 Bruin Drive, Kenner. The district will have computers available and staff members present to assist in filling out the form. Interpreters also will be on hand to help parents and students for whom English is a second language. More than 100 people, 29 boats and six skimmers worked Friday (April 13) to clean up a fuel spill, a day after the spill closed a portion of the Mississippi River to ship traffic, the U.S. Coast Guard said. An estimated 4,200 gallons of fuel leaked into the river Thursday afternoon after a cargo vessel crashed into a pier in Uptown. The agency Friday it was conducting testing to determine whether the river could reopen to vessels. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report of the spill at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, after Singapore-flagged vessel Pac Antares reportedly hit a pier near the Nashville Avenue Wharf, in Uptown. No injuries or impacted wildlife have been reported. The spill disrupted ferry traffic between Algiers Point and Canal Street on Thursday. The ferry resumed operations Friday morning. The river remained closed to vessel movement from mile marker 91 to mile marker 101 on Friday afternoon. The Coast Guard said it was working with industry to test if vessel traffic impacted the cleanup efforts, according to the news release. Results of the test will determine when the waterway can be reopened. The Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality continues to monitor air quality in the vicinity of the Riverwalk mall. The air quality remains safe, according to the news release. A bill approving the use of medical marijuana to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic Pain, sever muscle pain, and glaucoma will now head to state senate. HB 579 authored by Rep. Edward James was approved by the House on Thursday (April 12) by a vote of 60 to 39. The bill was approved with an additional amendment that adds Parkinson's Disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, to the list of conditions a licensed physician can recommend the use of medical marijuana. The final version of the bill also included an amendment added by Rep. Alan Seabaugh that excludes employers and worker's compensation insurers from having to pay for medical marijuana under the state's Worker's Compensation Law. Louisiana's medical marijuana bill approved in 2016 allowed the use of medical marijuana to treat certain conditions, including HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, muscular dystrophy and epilepsy. During Thursday's session proponents of the bill discussed how medical marijuana could offer a possible alternative to prescription pain killers. The bill makes reference to opiate use in defining what would be considered "intractable pain," or a state in which the cause of the pain "cannot be removed or otherwise treated with the consent of the patient. ... it is a pain so chronic and severe as to otherwise warrant an opiate prescription." An earlier version of James' proposal also included expanding legally-sanctioned marijuana forms to include cannabidiols, or CBD oil, the compound from cannabis identified for its medical use. The bill would have approved CBD oil to be consumed in any form including through an inhaler or liquid form. That section was removed from the final version of the bill approved last week by the House Health and Welfare Committee. Existing law allows for medical marijuana to be sold as a medicinal oil or in pill, spray or topical lotion form. It cannot currently be sold in a form that can be smoked. Maria Clark writes about health, doctors, patients and healthcare in Louisiana for NOLA.com | The Times Picayune and NOLA Mundo. Reach her at mclark@nola.com or 504.258.5306. Or follow her on Twitter at @MariaPClark1 . No joke: Comic actor Will Ferrell was hospitalized. According to Variety, Ferrell was taken to a hospital via ambulance Thursday night (April 12) after the vehicle in which he was riding was hit by another vehicle and rolled over on a Southern California freeway. The actor was not seriously hurt, TMZ added, citing a spokesperson for the actor. Ferrell, who reigned as the celebrity monarch of the Krewe of Bacchus' 2012 parade, was reportedly a passenger in a black Lincoln SUV that was sideswiped by a Toyota car. The Lincoln carrying Ferrell then slammed into a highway divider and flipped over onto Interstate 5 in the city of Aliso Viejo. The accident occurred at 10:55 p.m., shortly after Ferrell appeared as his "Anchorman" character Ron Burgundy at an event in San Diego. Three other people were in the vehicle with Ferrell at the time. All were injured, including a 27-year-old woman who was not wearing a seatbelt and whose injuries were described as serious, according to the Orange County Register. A police spokesman told the newspaper that the driver of the Toyota had fallen asleep behind the wheel. Drugs or alcohol use was not believed to have been a factor, and no arrests have been made. Ferrell has subsequently been released from the hospital, according to TMZ. Note: Valerie Sassyfras's concert scheduled for Saturday (April 14) at the Music Box Village, 4557 N. Rampart St. has been postponed due to weather. The show will now take place Sunday (April 15). $10. Sassyfras's scheduled appearance at French Quarter Fest Saturday (April 14) was cancelled when the French Quarter Fest cancelled all activities in the face of the impending storm. Valerie Sassyfras' position as an underground star on the New Orleans music scene was assured Wednesday (April 11), when a notorious video of the performer popped up on the Ellen show. The viral video which was originally recorded by New Orleans journalist David Lee Simmons, captured Sassyfras's spirited recital of a song titled "Girls' Night Out." The rather adult performance took place at an outdoor Mardi Gras children's party in Algiers Point in January. Needless to say, Ellen played the context of the performance for laughs. Sassyfras, who doesn't share her birth name, said she understands why the video is both popular and controversial. "It's the fact that I'm doing butt dancing in front of children," she said. Based on past experience, Sassyfras said she wasn't worried about the content of her songs. "I knew it was a children's event; that's what they hired me for," she said. But at other kids' events, she said, she asked parents in advance if they wanted her to tone down the act. Since they've always said no, she said, she performed the adult version of "Girls' Night" at the Algiers event. Sassafras said she is a New Orleans native, who took piano lessons as a kid and later played accordion in her sister's klezmer band. She said that the turning point in her career came in the early 1980s, when her second husband suggested that she and he break out on their own, playing Cajun covers. It was her husband who suggested she adopt the name Sassyfras, a variation on sassafras, the tree that provides gumbo file and the flavoring of Barq's root beer. She said she's had an intermittent music career ever since. Sassyfras' star was already rising in some circles before her viral video faux pas. She said she opened for New Orleans acts such as the feminist rapper Boyfriend and Flow Tribe. Asked to describe her style, she said: "Well, I try to write catchy music; all sorts of genres of pop music; gumbo music. It has to have a good beat, because when you're playing in the clubs, everyone wants to dance in there." Sassyfras performs at the French Quarter Fest at 4 p.m. on Saturday (April 14) at the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Songwriter Stage in the House of Blues, 225 Decatur Street. Later that night she will appear at 8:00 p.m. at the avant-garde Music Box performance space in the Bywater, 4557 N. Rampart St. Sassyfras said she has agreed to delete the word "horny" from the lyrics of the song "Girl's Night Out" when she performs at the French Quarter Fest on Saturday. Note: This story was updated on April 14, to credit David Lee Simmons for having originally posted the video that was used in the Ellen show broadcast. Doug MacCash has the best job in the world, covering art, music, and culture in New Orleans. Contact him via email at dmaccash@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter at Doug MacCash and on Facebook at Douglas James MacCash. As always, please add your point of view to the comment stream. Two days after he told Facebook Chairman Mark Zuckerberg "your user agreement sucks," U.S. Sen. John Kennedy said Thursday (April 12) he's introducing a bill to protect the privacy of consumers' online data. The Louisiana Republican said he's teaming with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota on a measure that would: Let consumers "opt out" and keep their information private by disabling data tracking and collection The announcement comes in the wake of Facebook's disclosure that personal information on as many as 87 million of its users improperly ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica, a consulting firm that worked on President Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Beyond its partisan nature, the breach has ignited online privacy concerns across the United States. "I fear there are many, many Cambridge Analytica problems out there," Kennedy told reporters in a conference call Wednesday. "My biggest worry is that Facebook doesn't know how to fix the problems." "Social media and other online companies are profiting off the data of Americans -- their online behavior, personal messages, contact and personal information and more -- all while leaving consumers in the dark," Klobuchar said. "The digital space can't keep operating like the Wild Wild West at the expense of our privacy." Facebook's stock fell from $185.09 per share on March 16, the day before it suspended Cambridge Analytica, to $152.22 on March 27. It closed Thursday at $163.87, after two days of congressional hearings where Zuckerberg apologized to Senate and House committees. Among the committee members were Kennedy and Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, the House majority whip. For different reasons, both had sharp words for Zuckerberg. Kennedy has said he doesn't want "to regulate Facebook half to death" but will vote to impose restrictions on its business if the company doesn't clean up its act. He told reporters Wednesday he had hoped the company will come back to Congress in six months with its own remedy. In confronting Zuckerberg on Tuesday, Kennedy was especially disdainful of Facebook's lobbyists and "$1,200-an-hour lawyers." Since 2013, lobbyists for Facebook have donated almost $600,000 to the senators and representatives who questioned Zuckerberg this week, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. That includes $13,850 to Scalise, the fourth biggest recipient of the 55 House Commerce Committee members. Kennedy, one of 44 senators at the joint meeting of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees, received nothing from the lobbyists, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. . . . . . . . Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and Louisiana interests in Congress, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. Google+: Drew Broach. A Covington man was sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing two young girls while he was awaiting trial for a 2009 child pornography case, a delay that had drawn criticism from a local watchdog group. Jackson Richard Miller, 50, was sentenced Thursday by Judge August J. Hand of the 22nd Judicial District Court, the North Shore district attorney's office reported Friday (April 13). Miller pleaded guilty to forcible rape, indecent behavior with a juvenile under 13, obstruction of justice and 164 counts of possession of child pornography. He will serve his sentence without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. After years of delay, Miller was scheduled to go to trial on April 23 on all of the charges, which included aggravated rape. However, the parents of the victims requested the District Attorney's Office accept the guilty pleas, including the lesser charge of forcible rape, because the sentence would likely result in the defendant dying in prison. Both victims' parents and one of the victims attended the sentencing. Between January and October 2009, Miller uploaded dozens of pornographic images of juveniles. He then raped an 8-year-old girl, took pornographic images of her, and behaved inappropriately with a 9-year-old girl, all between Jan. 1, 2015, and May 31, 2017, according to a news release from the District Attorney's Office. At the time of the most recent offenses, Miller was out on bail in the 2009 case, which had been continued dozens of times over the past seven years, mostly at the request of the defense, records show. St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The handling of the case, in particular the repeated continuances, drew the ire of Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche. He blamed the court system for allowing the case against Miller to drag on. District Attorney Warren Montgomery, who took office in January of 2015, said last year he played no role in the delay and would like to see the case adjudicated soon. He said records reflected that the case had been continued about 47 times. Given an opportunity to provide an impact statement during the sentencing, the rape victim's mother directed her comments at Miller. "My sweet little girl was 6 and a sweet innocent child when you made the decision to rape her. You made the decision to take her innocence, and in doing so, changed the course of our lives forever." The mother said she was determined to get justice for her daughter. "As I like to say, 'Mess with me, and I let karma do its job. Mess with my kids or my family, I become karma.' We are survivors. We were stronger than you. We were smarter than you. And now you are finally forced to take responsibility for your actions...Today, I am karma." Following two weeks of record-shattering COVID hospitalizations, Louisiana saw a glimmer of hope in its battle against its fourth and worst surge of the deadly virus on Friday when the number of patients hospitalized dropped for the second day in a row. State workers and students in Louisiana likely will soon have to show proof of immunization, or an exception to being vaccinated, now that the federal Food & Drug Administration fully approved Monday one of the COVID vaccines. Tyrann Mathieu became the subject of social media overtures when the Arizona Cardinals released him just before the free-agent signing period began in March. Now with the Houston Texans, the former LSU defensive back delivered a message of his own to recently released wideout Dez Bryant. "Come to Houston bro..." Mathieu wrote Friday (April 13) in a Twitter message directed toward Bryant, who the Dallas Cowboys released after eight seasons when the sides failed to agree on a contract renegotiation. The notion of Bryant going from one team in Texas to the other would offer a rather juicy subplot. Mathieu is not the only player to make such a pitch to the three-time Pro Bowl player. Jamal Adams, another former LSU defensive back, also made his pitch when he wrote, "You know where to come!" Saints news in your inbox If you're a Saints fan you won't want to miss this newsletter. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey, San Diego Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung and former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley also said they wanted Bryant on their teams. Mathieu received similar interest from players when the Cardinals released him after five seasons. The Jets' Adams, New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas and Texans defensive end J.J. Watt were among the players who messaged him directly. He ultimately joined the Texans on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million. "I remember in high school when I wasn't recruited and nobody wanted me," Mathieu said April 24 at a charity kickball game he hosted at the Shrine on Airline in Metairie. "It's always good to feel wanted." A student was taken to a local hospital after he was injured by jumping out of a moving school bus Thursday afternoon (April 12) in the Bywater, KIPP New Orleans Schools and New Orleans police said. The incident occurred in the 3500 block of Burgundy Street, according to the NOPD. KIPP spokesman Jonathan Bertsch said a male student was exiting the bus when he was injured. Neither the KIPP spokesman nor the NOPD provided further details on the extent of the student's injuries or how they occurred. "We're investigating the situation at this point," Bertsch said. Thursday evening, Bertsch said the student, a 10th-grader at KIPP Renaissance High School, was injured when he jumped from the back of a moving school bus. "KIPP staff are working closely with the student's family to provide support as he is evaluated at the hospital," Bertsch said in the statement. Thursday afternoon, NOPD vehicles surrounded the 3500 block of Burgundy Street, where two women in blue Hammonds Transportation T-shirts and two men in KIPP T-shirts remained as investigators documented the scene. As police cordoned off Burgundy between Congress and Gallier streets, a woman on a bicycle approached a man in a KIPP St. Claude T-shirt and asked, "Did they stabilize him?" before an officer asked that she leave the taped-off area. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up At Burgundy and Congress streets, the other man wearing a KIPP T-shirt stood watching the investigation. A passerby also approached him, asking if the school would receive updates on the boy's condition. In the 3500 block of Burgundy Street, a couple of neighbors said they had not seen the incident occur, but did see the student lying in the street afterward. Rodd Babin said he was inside his Burgundy Street home when he heard a commotion outside, including hysterical screaming "because there was someone on the ground." Babin said he walked out of his home to see the student in the roadway. He said the student appeared badly injured and others said he had suffered a head injury. Around the corner from the taped-off scene, at Desire and Burgundy streets, investigators were taking photographs inside of a school bus marked Hammonds Transportation. Several officers congregated around the bus, as more NOPD units pulled up to the intersection. NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune's Wilborn Nobles contributed to this report. Get Up, Stand UpAn Awakening for the United Nations This past week, we have seen the United Nations in its Annual General Assembly meetings being addressed by all the World Leaders, including President Biden, and the Caribbean leaders who... Bidens Promise for Diverse Judges and Federal Court Diversity One of the most important reasons to vote Donald Trump out of the White House was to stop him from packing our federal courts with even more anti-voting-rights, anti-equality, pro-corporate... Kovacevic will take the reins of an institution that has shown remarkable successes since it first affiliated with NYU in 2008, including: Advancing nearly 40 places in the US News and World Report rankings, More than quadrupling research funding, Experiencing an increase in freshman SAT scores of more than 150 points, and Nearly doubling the percentage of female undergraduates to 35%. NYU has committed $500 million to improving Tandons facilities and programs, which are central to the Universitys growing academic presence in Brooklyn. Tandon has had deep connections to Brooklyn throughout its history. NYU is committed to keeping the school an active community partner through its program of providing STEM educational resources to local students and teachers and strengthening its ties with Brooklyns innovation economy, among other efforts. President Hamilton said, Over time, the restoration of engineering and the generous support of the engineering school by the Tandons will be seen as pivotal in NYUs history. In the years since that happened, Tandon has advanced enormously; nevertheless, we have even greater ambitions for its future. One of NYUs historic strengths is setting high ambitions for itself, and finding the right leaders to achieve them. In Jelena Kovacevic, we have found just such a person. She impressed us not just with her scholarship, but also with her thoughtful approach to strategy, leadership, and execution; the future of the engineering profession and education; and the promise of Tandons Brooklyn location and NYUs global outlook. We were also struck by her down-to-earth manner, her resolve, and a crucial requirement for life in New York her warm sense of humor. Jelena intuitively understands that this is a moment for Tandon. And we have complete confidence that she knows how to build on Tandons momentum and the burgeoning local tech sector. Professor Kurt Becker, the Chair of the Search Committee, said, Professor Jelena Kovacevic stood out among the large number of candidates as the best one to leverage the significant progress that Tandon has made in the last few years and take the school to an even higher level. The committee felt that her achievements as head of a top-10 department in a top-10 engineering school make her uniquely qualified to be the next leader of our school and a great asset to the university and the borough of Brooklyn. Chandrika Tandon, chair of the Tandon Board of Overseers and vice chair of the NYU Board of Trustees, The investment in engineering and applied sciences is a flagship initiative for NYU. The School of Engineering has been on a rapid trajectory of transformation. Accelerating that momentum is vital to the future of the school. We are all truly excited that Jelena will bring her extraordinary leadership, vision, energy, and execution abilities and vault us forward. Professor Kovacevic said, It is an honor to be named dean of the Tandon School of Engineering. I am thrilled to be joining a community widely known for its venerable history in the field of engineering, its deep connection to Brooklyn, its vibrancy and diversity, and its upward trajectory. I look forward to working together with everyone at Tandon to achieve everything we dream of for the school. NYU eliminated its engineering school in the early 1970s when it sold its Bronx campus to CUNY. After four decades without an engineering program, NYU affiliated with the Polytechnic University in 2008 and formally merged with it on Jan 1, 2014; the engineering institute became what is now NYUs Tandon School of Engineering. Engineering is also taught at NYUs campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Jelena Kovacevic has been a professor of electrical and computer engineering and biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University since 2003; she was named the Schramm Professor and head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2014, and named the Hamerschlag University Professor in 2016. From 1991 through 2002, she worked at Bell Laboratories as a Member of Technical Staff in Signal Processing Research Department, and later as a member of the Mathematics of Communications Research Department. Her research interests include applying data science to a number of domains, such as biology, medicine, and smart infrastructure, and she is an authority on multi-resolution techniques, such as wavelets and frames. She is the author or co-author of several books including Foundations of Signal Processing (Cambridge University Press, 2014) and Wavelets and Subband Coding (Prentice Hall, 1995) and many scholarly articles in reviewed engineering journals. She also has 21 patents to her name. Among her many honors and awards, she is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the European Signal Processing Conference (EUSIPCO), and a recipient of the Belgrade October Prize (1986), the EI Jury Prize at Columbia University (1991), the CIT Philip L. Dowd Fellowship (2010), and the IEEE SPS Technical Achievement Award (2016). She received her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Belgrade. She received her MS and Ph.D. also in electrical engineering from Columbia University. About NYUs Tandon School of Engineering The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, the founding date for both the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute (widely known as Brooklyn Poly). A January 2014 merger created a comprehensive school of education and research in engineering and applied sciences, rooted in a tradition of invention and entrepreneurship and dedicated to furthering technology in service to society. In addition to its main location in Brooklyn, NYU Tandon collaborates with other schools within NYU, the countrys largest private research university, and is closely connected to engineering programs at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai. It operates Future Labs focused on start-up businesses in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn and an award-winning online graduate program. Airtel has contributed over Shs 50 million towards Kabaka Ronald Muwendas 63rd birthday celebrations. The celebrations are taking place today, Friday at Villa Maria Catholic Parish in Buddu county in Kalungu district. This years birthday celebration will also mark the Kabakas 25th coronation anniversary. Addressing the media about the contribution, Airtel Ugandas head of branding and communications, Remmie Kisakye Kakuru said the contribution is a recognition for the kingdoms efforts in uplifting the livelihoods of the people of Uganda. Airtel Uganda head of brand and communications, Remmie Kisakye handing over a dummy cheque to Buganda Kingdom officials Our relationship with Buganda kingdom has strengthened over the years. And the reason for this is because we believe in what the kingdom is trying to achieve, both for the people of Buganda and the rest of the country, Kisakye said. Airtels partnership with Buganda includes support for four of the kingdoms main annual activities including the Kabakas Birthday celebrations, Kabaka Birthday Run, Kabaka coronation and Eid-El-Fitri. Kisakye pointed to the cause behind the concluded Kabaka Birthday Run as an example of what she called strategic alliances Proceeds from this years run will go towards creating awareness on the prevention of sickle cell disease which affects several people in Uganda. We are therefore honoured to be part of Buganda kingdoms initiatives because ultimately, the benefits from them extend to the community. The kingdoms 2nd deputy Katikkiro and minister for Education Owek. Hajji Dr Twaha Kigongo Kaawaase commended Airtel for maintaining its consistent backing of both Buganda kingdom and more communities across the country. He pointed to the recently concluded Kabaka Birthday Run which attracted a mammoth crowd of over 40,000 participants. One of the key factors for the success of the kingdoms activities is the reinforcement which we receive from our partners. Airtel Uganda has been at the forefront of our support system, and they recently displayed this commitment by extending the length of this partnership. On behalf of Buganda kingdom, I applaud and thank you for standing alongside us in our endeavours. The director of public prosecutions (DPP) Mike Chibita has blamed police for the collapsed investigations into the assassination of state prosecutor Joan Kagezi, who was gunned down three years ago. Chibita while addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre today said police had followed a wrong track in the investigations thus giving the criminals space to cover their tracks. DPP Mike Chibita Kagezi was shot dead at about 7:15 pm on March 30, 2015 near her residence in Kiwatule, a city suburb as she drove home with her children. Kagezi had stopped at a fruit stall by the roadside where she normally stopped to purchase fruits, when assailants riding on a motorcycle, red in colour, stopped next to the parked vehicle and shot her twice in the neck and shoulder, through the widow on the driver's side. The director of Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Grace Akullo, who, by coincidence was driving some distance behind Kagezi, was the first police officer on the scene. She coordinated the evacuation of the deceased to Mulago hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Three children who were with her were unhurt. Immediately after her death, a team of police officers led by the then inspector general of police Kale Kayihura arrested more than 50 suspects who were later released after the DPP advised that there was no evidence linking them to the crime scene. Chibita says it is this following of the wrong track in the investigations that messed up the case - since the right tracks have since gone cold and covered. "Remember when the late Joan was killed, there were a number of arrests actually. About 50 people were arrested, and about two files generated. but when we looked through the evidence, we realised that these could not have been the people. This, I think was part of what made it hardthe investigators followed a track which was not the right one. And every time you follow a wrong track, that means youre missing the right one and then the tracks sometimes get covered", said Chibita. Chibita revealed that there are still leads that can help trace the people behind the assassination like telephone call records, bullets and fingerprints all recovered from the scene of crime. With all the available leads, the DPP says the current lack of forensic investigators in the police force has made all the leads useless. "It is lack of resources I would say, forensic especially because in this day and age where there is mobile phone evidence and laptop evidence. If we had the sophisticated forensic resources and well trained investigators, I think wed have been able to crack it by now", he added. On Friday, the DPP's office will hold a memorial lecture for Kagezi at Hotel Africana under the theme, "Combating International and Transnational Organised Crime; lessons learnt and best practices." The main speaker will be the United Kingdom chief crown prosecutor Grace Onoruna. At the time of her death, Kagezi was in charge of the International Crimes Division handling international crimes such as terrorism, war crimes, and human trafficking. She was the lead prosecutor in the case of the July 2010 terror attacks in Kampala. Kagezi was also working with the police in the prosecution of the suspects in the spate of murders, robberies and terrorism in Busoga region and Kampala. Two senior officials of the ruling party have joined the growing chorus of internal voices who agree that regime excesses have intensified public disgust at the National Resistance Movement (NRM). A week ago, deputy secretary general Richard Todwong put his party on notice at a meeting convened by the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) in Entebbe. NRM deputy secretary general Richard Todwong Corruption, nepotism and greed are things that are making Ugandans more disgusted at the leadership of our party in government, Todwong said. The Entebbe meeting was the latest effort by IRCU to get a long-promised national dialogue back on track. Previous attempts to get the process going had fallen flat amidst feelings of distrust between parties. I am speaking to you because I know you are my shield, and I have to be honest, my church told me to be very honest; I have told this to the president I am not scared of calling a spade a spade, Todwong told the religious leaders. If we dont restrain [ourselves], if we dont control our greed on how we use public resources; how we steal with impunity, then Ugandans will push us out of power and that will be another transition, he said. He observed that the hills of Kampala are expanding with buildings yet the schools [and] health centres are shrinking. Where do people get this money from? And who are the owners of these structures we see? Commissioners, directors, ministers, permanent secretaries so people get disgusted, he added. Interviewed for this story, Frank Tumwebaze, the minister for Information, Communications and Technology and National Guidance, said cabinet has not formally heard from Todwong. He said cabinet will respond after hearing from the former minister. Todwong is a ranking NRM official, sitting below Justine Kasule Lumumba, the secretary general, and national treasurer Rose Namayanja Nsereke. His position gives him access to NRMs second highest decision-making organ, the Central Executive Committee (CEC). It is not clear whether his comments reflect frustration in CEC. Interviewed two days after the Entebbe meeting, Todwong told The Observer he is not courting any controversy but we need to be accountable to the community, and talk about the things that affect our people. In a separate interview, the executive director of the governments information clearing house, the Uganda Media Centre, lauded Todwong. Ofwono Opondo, who also wears the hat of NRM deputy spokesman, said: There is nothing strange in what he is saying. The truth of the matter is supervision in government is weak, if not absent - even in NRM, supervision is not there. He said many in government are operating a fraud policy to steal public resources. NRM has failed to supervise the government, and if we in the NRM and government dont raise these issues, then we shall cede ground to opposition propaganda, Opondo said. The spokesmans proposal for closer supervision, however, presents a problem because as Todwong said: There is no structure; no institutionalised arrangement for the party to check government. The relationship between the party and government has to be streamlined. If we are to check government, we want to know which point of entry we should use. Is it through the Office of the Prime Minister or Office of the President because that is where the manifesto implementation unit is? he said. Things are so bad that the party secretariat itself is caught up in squabbling over money. The NRMs electoral commission chairman, Tanga Odoi, and Lumumba have a running quarrel in the media over these resources. REBEL MPs Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo has welcomed the growing realisation inside the party that what he and his fellow so-called NRM rebel MPs have been saying rings true. We raised the issues he is talking about and we were ignored. We did everything internally but they fought us. We came out after realising that sense had failed to meet sense, Ssekikubo said. Dokolo South MP Felix Okot Ogong who was once chair of the NRM parliamentary caucus and state minister for youth and children affairs, is one of the most recent critical NRM voices. In lauding Todwong, Ogong said he is watching to see whether the party will also brand him a rebel. When we spoke out, they called us rebels; so, is he now another rebel? But what I know, he stated facts just to correct the party and what we are stating today is to correct the party, Ogong said. The party should stop fighting people who say the truth, you saw how they fought, have been fighting us that I even lost my sugar; over 100 containers of sugar because of my stand, he added. Manjiya MP John Baptist Nambeshe, said the best alternative for Todwong is to abandon the ship. He should not think that he can advise them from withinThey chased us from the caucus because they dont like ideas that seem to be competing with what they want, Nambeshe said. sadabkk@observer.ug London Bridge isnt falling down. Mississippis spans are. The Wall Street Journal reported today that Gov. Phil Bryant ordered 102 bridges in The Magnolia State closed because they create extreme peril to the safety of persons and property. Ferry boat operators, rejoice. Mississippi though isnt the only state with crumbling bridges, tunnels, roads and airports. The American Society of Civil Engineers latest Infrastructure Report Card grades the US network a D+. It estimates $125B is needed to fix the nations bridges. President Trump is juggling a lot of balls these days (e.g., Stormy Daniels, FBI raids on his personal lawyers office/hotel room, Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller, Syrian missile strikes, China trade war). Infrastructure isnt high on his must-do list, though Trump promised on the campaign trail that he would strap on his builders hat and create a network of roads, tunnels, bridges and airports that was second to none. The president did propose a $200B infrastructure program that was loaded with federal incentives (rather than cash) to encourage states to raise their own funds for programs. That proposal was DOA. National infrastructure czar DJ Gribbin exited the White House April 3 to pursue other opportunities. That departure gives the president the chance to start from scratch. Democrats have long supported public works projects. They would join with Republicans to support a program proposed by Trump that put federal dollars to work. Leadership from the White House is all that is needed. The president needs to put down his cellphone, stay away from Twitter and get to work on fixing the countrys infrastructure. It would help to rebuild the his approval rating. Marian Salzman Marian Salzman, who headed Havas PR North America since 2009, is moving to Switzerland for the senior VP-communications post at Philip Morris International. A non-smoker, Salzman was attracted to PMI because of its commitment to shift factories from producing cigarettes to smoke-free alternatives. The Lausanne-based company in March announced that an affiliated facility in Greece made the transition. PMI CEO Andre Calantzopoulos said opening of the revamped Greek plant marked a historic day for PMI in his quest "to answer global adult smoker demand for better alternatives to cigarettes." There are 1.1B smokers. Salzman, who is noted for her annual trend reports, was chief marketing officer at Porter Novelli, CMO JWT Worldwide and chief strategy officer at Euro RSCG Worldwide. She also launched American Dialogue online focus groups during the early 1990s and then sold it to Yankelovich. Michael Brunt The Economist Group has combined its sales and circulation teams to form a new publisher team. This structure brings together the circulation division, now the largest contributor of profits to The Economist Group, and the sales, marketing solutions, events and analytics divisions into one cross-functional team. Michael Brunt has been appointed chief operating officer and publisher of The Economist and will lead the new team. Brunt, who has been with The Economist Group since 2006, most recently served as managing director and chief marketing officer for circulation. The publisher team combines the strongest parts of our business to ensure that we are creating the best products and services for our readers as well as our clients and that The Economist will be here for the next 175 years, said The Economist Group CEO Chris Stibbs. Talent agency ICM Partners is now representing global media platform HuffPost (formerly known as the Huffington Post). ICM Partners will work with HuffPost to create multi-platform opportunities for its intellectual property. In addition to its client list in the film, television and music worlds, ICM represents many authors and journalists, including Thomas Friedman and Ken Auletta. ICMs partnership with HuffPost will allow us access to their impressive roster of great writers, thinkers, and thought leaders, said Rich Green, head of media rights for ICM Partners. HuffPost says it serves an average of 155 million viewers on a monthly basis, spanning 17 editions around the world. It is part of Oath, the Verizon Communications digital content subsidiary that includes Yahoo! and AOL. The National Press Club on April 11 featured three trauma surgeons who made their case for a ban on assault-style weapons such as the popular AR-15, which was the gun used by the Parkland, FL, shooter. Dr. Ernest Gene Moore, Dr. Tom Scalea and Dr. Dennis Vane, all former presidents of the Western Trauma Association, discussed why the physician's group unanimously passed a resolution calling for a ban last year. Theyre not designed to hunt, said Vane, former chair of pediatric surgery at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. Theyre designed to hurt people." Moore, editor of the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and a former NRA member, emphasized that such weapons are meant for military use. Scalea, physician-in-chief at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, said the wider injury caused by assault-style weapons means more blood loss, and that a person shot only in an arm or leg can bleed to death in as little as four or five minutes. The doctors said they are not seeking to restrict other weapons or change the Second Amendment to the Constitution, which the Supreme Court has said guarantees Americans the right to own firearms. The National Rifle Association opposes restrictions on assault-style weapons and is challenging state bans in court. Seventy years ago, there rose an unequivocal promise forged not in prosperity but in horror, said UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore. Drafted not by self-congratulations but in shame the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was the first international text prohibiting torture in absolute terms. Gilmore made her remarks as part of a discussion on access to justice for victims of torture, which took place in Geneva. The event was part of an expert workshop convened by the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT), bringing together rehabilitation practitioners, victims, international experts and civil society groups to exchange experiences and good practices in the quest for access to justice for victims of torture. Since 1981, the UNVFVT has supported civil society organizations worldwide to provide legal, medical, psychological and social assistance to nearly 50,000 victims of torture each year. The Fund also hosts knowledge-sharing workshops on different aspects of assistance to be provided to torture victims. This year, the workshop focused on access to justice for victims. Access to justice is a way to help restore the dignity of victims of torture, said the Chairperson of the Fund, Mikolaj Pietrzak. When people obtain justice for what has happened to them it reaffirms that torture is a criminal act and its prohibition is absolute and that victims are entitled to redress. Redress and rehabilitation are not charity; they are rights under international law, he said. In 2002, Hassan Bility, a journalist, was imprisoned for six months in Liberia where he was tortured. He was released only to be exiled to the United States. After Charles Taylor was deposed, Bility realized that nobody had been held accountable for any war crime committed during the conflict. Something had to be done, he said. So he returned to Liberia and created the Global Justice and Research Project to document the crimes committed, and to use the legal tools available to go after suspected war criminals no matter where in the world they were. And the UNVFVT funding helped the group to do this. The Fundtrusted us when no one else wouldand the money they gave us six years ago helped us hold accountable and put in jail Liberian war criminals in Belgium, Switzerland, the USA and the UK, Bility said. The campaigning group Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo of Argentina were one of the first groups funded by the UNVFVT as early as 1984. Its iconic President, Estela Barnes de Carlotto, said when they began demanding for justice and information about the more than 300,000 people, including children who forcibly disappeared during the military regime, they were labelled as crazy old ladies by authorities and press. But not any longer. Today we know that the fight against impunity for crimes against humanity is not a solitary struggle of a people: it is a common struggle and a universal obligation, she said. These crazy old women, whom the Argentine military underestimated and let walk, managed to weave networks around the world. Today, these networks lead us to be here, with you, trying to make the painful experience of the Argentine Mothers and Grandmothers serve a purpose. That, there is no other mother in the world who mourns the unknown absence of a son or daughter and that no grandmother has to look for a kidnapped grandson granddaughter, who was robbed and deprived of truth and, therefore, freedom. It is important to remember that rehabilitation of torture victims is not only an a-political health service but may produce very potent statistics about torture, perpetrators and torture methods which can be used in advocacy, said Jens Modvig, Chairperson of the UN Committee against Torture as one of the panelists in the event. Today, almost four decades since its establishment, the UNVFVT is one of the four pillars in the fight against torture available at the United Nations, namely the Committee against Torture, the Special Rapporteur and the Sub-Committee on the Prevention of Torture, said Ambassador Carsten Staur, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN. These pillars all work together to further the fight against torture, he said. Ambassador Staur also announced that the Danish government will increase its donation to the Fund to 5 million Danish Kroner (about $800,000 USD) to help the Fund continue its successful work. In nearly 40 years, the Fund has assisted more than 630 organizations across 80 countries for a total budget of $180 million USD. 13 April 2018 Michigan Homeowner Who Shot At Black Teen Charged With Assault With Intent To Murder Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When Jeffery Craig Zeigler, 53, was charged with assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm in the commision of a felony on Friday, April 13. UPDATE: We reported last week on Brennan Walker, a 14-year-old teenager who was shot at by a Michigan homeowner after asking for direction to his school Thursday, April 12. Jeffery Craig Zeigler, 53, the assailant, was arrested and charged Friday with assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Zeigler is currently out on $50,000 bail. During his arraignment, Judge Julie Nicholson entered a plea of not guilty for him on his behalf. Walkers mother told WDIV that she thought there was a racial component to the case. It definitely was a hate crime, she said. Walker told reporters that after he missed the bus, he trekked the four miles to Rochester High School in Rochester Hills, he got lost and began knocking on the doors of several houses. Upon knocking on the Zeiglers residence, a woman came to the door, yelling at him. I was trying to explain to [her] that I wanted to get directions to go to my school, Walker said. The man eventually came out with a shotgun and fired one shot at the teen who spotted the gun early on and had already began running away. Brennan was not wounded in the assault. See the original story below. A missed bus almost resulted in the death of a Michigan teen. Fourteen-year-old Brennan Walker was confronted by a man with a gun after trying to get directions to walk to school after missing the bus, according to a report from Fox 2. After waking up late and missing his bus, Walker walked the bus route to Rochester High School in Rochester Hill, Michigan, and ended up knocking on a strangers door for help, because he didnt have his phone with him (his mother had taken his phone away). I got to the house, and I knocked on the ladys door, the teen said. Then she started yelling at me and she was like, Why are you trying to break into my house? I was trying to explain to her that I was trying to get directions to Rochester High. And she kept yelling at me. Then the guy came downstairs, and he grabbed the gun, I saw it and started to run. And thats when I heard the gunshot. Fortunately, the man missed the shot (he forgot to take the safety off), with Walker running away and hiding. Following the incident, Oakland County Sheriff Deputies went to the home and placed the man into custody. Lisa Wright, Walkers mother, was at work when she received a call notifying her of the incident. She thought that the call was in regards to her husband who is stationed in Syria. But after learning it was about Walker she met up with him at the police station. There, they reviewed security footage taken from the familys doorbell alongside investigators. One of the things that stands out, that probably angers me the most is, while I was watching the tape, you can hear the wife say, Why did these people choose my house?' Wright said. Who are, these people? And that set me off. I didnt want to believe it was what it appeared to look like. When I heard her say that, it was like, but it is [what it looks like]. It is just absurd that this happened, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. I feel terrible for the young man; I feel terrible for the mom and the anxiety that they had to go through. We are going to ask for every charge permissible for this guy, who stepped up and fired a shotgun because someone knocked on his door. Currently, the man who fired his weapon at Walker is being held at the Oakland County Jail. Hes expected to be arraigned sometime on Friday. Source: Fox 2 BEIJING - China on Thursday expressed concern of rising tensions in Syria, and called on all relevant parties of the Syria issue to remain calm and show restraint. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks at a routine news briefing. According to media reports, a Russian official said that Russia is ready to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria by the United States, while the U.S. side threatened military options at any time. "China is worried about the possibility of escalation of tension," Geng said. He said Foreign Minister Wang Yi had exchanged ideas on the current situation in Syria with visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. China maintains contact on this issue with other members of the UN Security Council including the United States and Russia, as well as other regional countries, Geng added. "China always insists on a peaceful settlement of disputes, opposes usage or threats to use military force in international relations, and always advocates handling issues in accordance with the UN Charter," said the spokesman. China called on all parties to the issue to ease the tension as soon as possible, Geng said. MOSCOW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Russian military police has been sent to Douma, the town northeast of Syrian capital Damascus, where an alleged chemical attack on the weekend killed several civilians, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday. The military police of the Russian armed forces have begun working in Douma to ensure law and order there after its liberation from the Islamic State (IS) terror group, the RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing a Defense Ministry statement. Syrian government troops have captured Douma, previously held by IS, and gained control of the entire Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus, Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Center for Peace and Reconciliation in Syria, said on Thursday, according to TASS news agency. More than 1,500 IS militants left Douma via a humanitarian corridor over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of evacuated rebels to about 13,500 in April, the Defense Ministry said, adding that the situation in Douma is now normalizing. President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered his top economic and trade advisers to look into rejoining the Pacific-rim trade pact that he abandoned last year three days after taking power. Farm-state lawmakers said after a White House meeting on agricultural trade that Trump told his economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to weigh the benefits of re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership -- a deal hammered out by the Obama administration. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican critic of Trump's trade policies, said that at one point in the meeting, the president turned to Kudlow and said, "Larry, go get it done." Sasse represents a Midwestern farm state. He called Trump's change of mind on the Pacific trade deal "good news." He said the president has consistently "reaffirmed the idea that TPP would be easier for us to join now." Trump has often said he prefers bilateral trade deals instead of multinational pacts, believing the U.S. does not fare well in bigger trade deals. It was not immediately clear why he now is open to rejoining the TPP. The North Korean military is keeping a low profile ahead of summits with South Korea and the U.S. Kim Jong-gak, the top military officer and the chief of the Army politburo, was not elected as a vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission in a session of the Supreme People's Assembly on Wednesday. The names of military officers were called much later at the rubber-stamp parliament, after all the other officials had been called, a sign that the military's status has nosedived. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been engaged in a struggle to bring the unruly military under control after it acquired massive powers under his father Kim Jong-ils military-first doctrine. Late last year, the regime dismissed Hwang Pyong-so, the former chief of the Army politburo, from the vice chairmanship of the State Affairs Commission and appointed Kim Jong-gak a member of the commission. Chaired by Kim Jong-un, the commission is the successor to the National Defense Commission, the top power apparatus under Kim Jong-il. It consists of three vice chairmen, each representing the party, the government, and the military. But Kim Jong-gak failed to get a seat even though he is the top military officer. A researcher with a government-funded think tank here speculated, "Last year, the Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department inspected the Army politburo, and now the status of its chief has plummeted. The regime is clearly trying to deflate the military ahead of upcoming summits." Airing pre-recorded footage of the SPA session Thursday, state TV called the names of senior party and government officials first, and then those of military officers. Previously it used to list them all mixed up but in the order of seniority. Kim Jong-un has not visited any military units this year but watched a massive parade marking the Armys foundation day on Feb. 8. According to the Unification Ministry, Kim was engaged in military-related activities 11 times on average during the same period every year from 2012 to 2017. On his surprise visit to China on March 25-28, he was also not accompanied by any brass. Opalesque Industry Update - Alternative Investment Group, an independent investment firm, announced today a transaction with Berens Capital Management, which will involve the Berens Capital Management team and funds becoming part of Alternative Investment Group on June 1st. Berens Capital Management is a global asset manager known for its high-quality research and focus on emerging and frontier markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction will position the combined team as a leader in emerging markets multi- manager investing, with Berens Capital Management's emerging and frontier markets expertise complementing Alternative Investment Group's longstanding strengths in U.S. and international long/short equity, credit, mortgages, event-driven and sustainability/ESG strategies. The transaction will increase Alternative Investment Group's assets under management to approximately $1.25 billion. David Storrs, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Alternative Investment Group, said, "This is a great development for our firm and enables us to deliver a broader array of investment solutions to our clients. In Berens Capital, we have found a partner that is as passionate and dedicated as we are in delivering compelling investments and top-notch client service. I have known Rod Berens for many years and he and his colleagues will allow us to expand our investment capability in emerging and frontier markets." "Emerging markets were up 37% last year and we expect that with higher growth rates and more attractive valuations, emerging and frontier markets will significantly outperform developed markets. Berens Capital's strong experience and long track record will help our investors access best-in-class emerging markets managers." Rodney Berens, Founder and Co-CIO of Berens Capital Management, said, "We share David's enthusiasm for the return potential from investing in the developing world, and joining Alternative Investment Group will substantially enhance our ability to jointly exploit these opportunities for our clients. Our firms share similar cultures and a dedication to sourcing and partnering with exceptional investment managers. We are looking forward to joining with Alternative Investment Group to benefit our investors, employees and the managers we invest in." The majority of the Berens Capital Management team are expected to join Alternative Investment Group. Berens Capital Management Co-CIOs Rodney Berens and Timothy Schilt will continue as Co-CIOs of the Berens Capital Management portfolios and will become partners of Alternative Investment Group. Mr. Berens and Mr. Schilt will join the Alternative Investment Group Investment Committees, contributing their expertise to the firm's overall investment decisions. Berens Capital Management President Kathleen Kimiko Phillips- Lohrmann will join Alternative Investment Group's Management Committee. A 50-year-old man was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday after a Washington County jury found him guilty of driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving -- his 10th conviction for drunken driving since 1990. Andrew Mascarenas, who lived in Beaverton for four months before his January arrest, had previously been living in Wyoming and most recently had been convicted of drunken driving in Oregon in November 2012. He was sentenced then to about two years in prison, according to the Washington County District Attorney's Office. Mascarenas received a six-month jail term after a May 2008 conviction in Wyoming, his 8th for drunken driving, the district attorney's office said. The other seven convictions resulted in shorter, suspended or no jail sentences in Wyoming, the district attorney's office said. Mascarenas was stopped by a Washington County deputy around 2:30 a.m. Jan. 14 after he was spotted driving the wrong way along Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, then drove over a median divider and nearly hit another car, the district attorney's office said. He had just left The Dolphin strip club in Beaverton, admitted to the deputy that he had "drank too much" and declined to undergo field sobriety tests or a breath test. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Jack Cuniff Les Schwab Tire Centers says chief executive Dick Borgman will retire at the end of June, to be replaced by the Bend company's chief financial officer. Borgman, 62, has worked at Schwab Tire for 28 years and has run the company since 2007. Incoming CEO Jack Cuniff joined the business in 2008 after two decades at Adidas America. Schwab Tire moved to Bend a decade ago from nearby Prineville, the small Oregon town where Les Schwab founded the company in 1952. Since then, Schwab Tire has hired several executives from well-known brands in an effort to bring more leadership experience as the company grows. The privately held business is one of Oregon's largest companies, with sales of roughly $1.8 billion and more than 480 locations from Alaska to California. It employs more than 7,000. Founder Les Schwab died in 2007, and his widow Dorothy Schwab died in 2016. -- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699 Lisa Hardie, Oregon's chief utility regulator, is resigning after serving less than half of her four-year term on the Oregon Public Utility Commission. In her resignation letter, Hardie said she was leaving for personal reasons that could not have been anticipated. She is staying on for a transition period. Gov. Kate Brown's office said it will elevate Megan Decker to replace Hardie as chair of the three-person panel, effective May 23. In the meantime, it will be seeking input on potential candidates for the vacancy. Hardie's departure extends a period of upheaval on the commission after years of relative stability. Her predecessor, Susan Ackerman, resigned after commissioners at the time knocked heads with Brown's office over what they considered to be an ineffective deal with utilities to limit coal-fired power in the state. Decker was appointed last April, making her the least experienced of the three commissioners. She has an environmental advocacy background, having come to the panel after five years as a lawyer for Renewable Northwest in Portland. She also previously served as board chair of the NW Energy Coalition, which comprises environmental and civic groups that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. She's also worked as a lawyer for the Port of Portland and in private practice. She earned degrees from Stanford University and the University of Washington School of Law. In a news release, Brown said she was confident in Decker's "ability as chair to build on the leadership of Lisa Hardie as new, more sustainable and resilient energy projects are brought to the commission for consideration. I sincerely appreciate Lisa's service to the State and contributions to the PUC, and I wish her the best." The commission regulates and sets rates for the state's investor-owned electric, natural gas and telephone utilities, as well as a certain water companies. Stephen Bloom It's not clear if Brown's office will be able to find a third commissioner by the time the Senate meets for its next confirmation hearings in May. Though it has happened before, having only two members can be problematic, as it can result in split decisions on important rate cases and policy decisions. PacifiCorp, for instance, is currently looking for the commission's approval to undertake a massive investment in new wind farms and a transmission line. Decker has already signaled support for the plan, while the commission's lone Republican member, Stephen Bloom, has reservations. Tie votes go to the utilities, which don't necessarily result in the best policy outcomes, said Bob Jenks, executive director of the ratepayer advocacy group, Oregon Citizens' Utility Board. - Ted Sickinger 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger When Design Week Portland is hosting hundreds of free or low-cost events spotlighting design across all disciplines April 14-21, the world's most prestigious furniture fair, Salone del Mobile, will be going on in Milan, Italy. Portland design writer Damon Johnstun recaps some of the people he interviewed at the 2017 Milan fair. Watch for his coverage of furniture, lighting and kitchen design unveiled at this year's fair. Humorous Milanese minimalist master Piero Lissoni Milan Design Week is the largest design event in the world. Salone del Mobile's fairgrounds alone offer more than 4 million square feet of exhibition space. Scoring time with master Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni during the prestigious fair is like getting an audience with the Pope on Easter morning. With dogged persistence and a gigantic smile, somehow, I pulled it off. I had wanted to speak with Lissoni for years, and this was my chance. I admire his seamlessly elegant designs. His work is always ahead of the trend and represents the epitome of contemporary Italian style. Lissoni's work veers toward minimalism; I wanted to understand the person who created these masterpieces of simplicity. We met upstairs in the Porro booth at the Rho Fairgrounds outside of Milan. Lissoni has worked with this upscale modern furniture manufacturer for many years. As we started the interview, he asked me where I was from. When I told him that I was from Portland, I was surprised that he had not only visited Portland but he loved it. Further, he described the appeal of the deserted beaches and the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. Lissoni spoke of it as "an incredible location." Lissoni founded Lissoni Associati, a multidisciplinary architecture, interiors and design firm based in Milan, in 1986. This was followed by him opening the visual communications company Graph.x in 1996. Today, with offices in Milan, New York and Miami, his companies focus on architecture, interiors and product design, as well as graphics, art direction and corporate identity with projects across the globe. During the past 30 years, Lissoni has worked with some of the biggest and most high-profile manufacturers in Italy. He likes the consistency of working as a member of a team and seeing it grow stronger with time. For Lissoni, interaction and coming together of different minds is essential to creating objects. The idea of team is central to his work. Lissoni said, "without Kartell or Flos, Cassina, Knoll, Boffi, I would be nobody in the middle of nowhere. I am the public face because of the team, not because of me." In 2016 Lissoni introduced the elegant Makura bed and the wood veneer/multicolor Modern wall unit he designed for Porro. He also introduced a massive table named Materic with a tapered round base and made from dark green marble. In addition, he released one of the most important projects of Milan Design Week for B&B Italia. The new sofa system, SAKe, is extremely understated. In a sea of beautiful furniture, it does not scream for attention. It whispers. The seat appears to float above small, tubular legs. The arms and back cushions look magically suspended but don't lose the comfortable luxury for which Italian design is known. In addition, one configuration converts to a sleeper sofa, the only one in B&B Italia's line. Lissoni doesn't like to be too serious. He believes that architects and designers as a group, are "unbelievably boring." "They have no sense of humor and only concentrate on themselves. Come on, we are not God; we are workers, workers, workers," he said. He was also frustrated that the media describes creativity as a moment of inspiration rather than the honing of skills through years of study and work. He constantly challenges himself to learn and improve each day. Lissoni described himself as an "evolved monkey." He works on his own evolution as a designer and human. He is not satisfied to only look through classical tomes. He works every day to discover something new in art, poetry, literature and photography. His taste in music ranges from the Bach to the Rolling Stones. On a previous trip to Milan, I was fortunate to attend a lecture by Lissoni. I was surprised by his injection of humor. The stereotype for a minimalist is a serious, humorless and stiff individual, not a joke-cracking extrovert. Lissoni credited the challenging nature of his family to fostering an atmosphere that allowed him to become a designer. He described growing up in his family as "being raised in a cage of snakes. I needed to be quick. My father was unbelievably funny, as was my mother. They both had a sharp sense of humor. If you wanted to survive, you needed to be very, very good." This early training in comedy forced his mind to be nimble and translated into other areas of his life, especially design. Although Lissoni has studied all around the world, he explained that his heart, soul and culture are Milanese. For him, to be Milanese means "being silent, a little bit simple and a little elegant. Milan is different from other cities in its energy. It is such an energetic town. It is a cosmopolitan city with an open mind while being small. Milan is blessed to be surrounded by amazing industrial design. It is not in Germany, Switzerland, Holland or anywhere else. It is Milan." The growth of industrial design and manufacturing in post-World War II Italy set Milan up to become the design capital of the world in the same way Silicon Valley became the center of technology. "Everyone said that Chandigarh, India would be the next Silicon Valley, or that it was moving to Germany or outside Paris. Why is it [in Silicon Valley] and not somewhere else? The culture surrounds it," Lissoni said. Transitioning to the topic of the United States, Lissoni conveyed both excitement and disappointment. "Things seem possible [in America]. People are so dynamic, being able to do what they want, but to be an architect or designer there" is difficult today, he said. From the 1950s through the 1970s, America was on the forefront of furniture design with companies like Herman Miller. "Even though there are some small exceptions, in the United States, the first priorities are business, efficiency and money," he said. "Passion is generally undervalued. If you want to do something [special] today, you have to come to Europe." For Lissoni, silence and simplicity are antidotes to the chaos of contemporary life with its constant messaging, multitasking and barrage of noise. According to Lissoni, "simplicity is the public face of complexity." "To be elegant is a game. It is a challenge," he said. "To be elegant requires taking a lot of risks. Otherwise, you are flat. For example, it is not enough to dress the correct way in a blue jacket. You need to add something a little bit wrong. But if taken too far, it becomes ridiculous." Lissoni believes in a mixture of intelligence and schizophrenia. He values this insecurity. His own work does not escape his critical eye. Even though he is considered a modern master, every time he sees a product or a building he designed, he second guesses the details, the color or the combination. He never feels satisfied and has been known to completely change a design 24 hours before the client presentation. For Lissoni, the desire to constantly tweak things is an Italian quality. "I always feel not good enough, [and that I am] making an unbelievable sequence of mistakes," Lissoni said. "Sometimes my team has to intervene and tell me 'basta' ("that's enough"). 'Go away. Don't touch. Don't disturb again.' For you, it is completely and totally over. If you never doubt yourself, you can never ask yourself questions...it is not an easy, life but it is good." If he had not been a designer, Lissoni said, with a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face, he would have been "a ski teacher, with a very bad attitude." -- Damon Johnstun @DamonJohnstun There are many reasons for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's latest kill approval, this time targeting the Pine Creek wolf family, is all wrong ("Oregon rancher approved to kill 2 wolves from pack that's been attacking calves," April 10). First of all, on what policy is this order based? To my knowledge, the newest version of Oregon's wolf management plan is still under development. It hasn't yet been approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission, nor is it even yet available for public scrutiny or comment. Second, the order covers any two wolves in the Pine Creek family, and one of the wolves is a pregnant female who is due to give birth in the very near future. If you add the potential dead pups, the number of wolves killed would likely outstrip the number of calves that were killed or injured. Third, this weekend is the second March for Science. Isn't the state aware the best available science does not support the killing of wolves in order to address depredation? I call on Gov. Kate Brown to intervene with her commission to prevent this misguided killing of Oregon's native wildlife. Mary Anne Ericson, Southeast Portland It bears repeating that a bystander's cell phone video of last Sunday's police shooting of an apparently suicidal man tells only part of the story. Other video, taken from inside the Southeast Portland homeless shelter where John Elifritz was killed in a barrage of bullets, may provide additional context about any danger he posed. Statements from Portland Police officers at the scene may explain what ultimately prompted them to open fire on Elifritz, who held a knife and previously threatened himself and others. But it is also important not to discount what that minute-long video shows: a massive police presence; the confusing clamor of shouting officers and a barking police dog; and the quick progression from police entering the shelter to firing on Elifritz, who appeared to have nowhere to run. At the very least, it raises questions about how police actions in this case square with the promises Portland made as part of a 2014 settlement with the federal justice department that police would seek to de-escalate and curb the use of force against those believed to be mentally ill. But it also should prompt Mayor Ted Wheeler, the City Council and Police Chief Danielle Outlaw to recognize an increasingly unavoidable truth: While there have been improvements, the federal settlement has not been enough, and this city continues to fail those in crisis. Oregonian editorials Editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom. Members of the editorial board are Laura Gunderson, Helen Jung, Mark Katches and John Maher. To respond to this editorial, post your comment below, submit an OpEd or a letter to the editor. If you have questions about the opinion section, email Laura Gunderson, editorial pages editor, or call 503-221-8378. Certainly, Wheeler and Outlaw should release the results of the shooting investigation, along with any video, as soon as possible with an emphasis on explaining what happened, whether mistakes were made and what Portland Police can learn from this tragic event. The accounting should include assessments of police interactions with Elifritz earlier in the day as they responded to various 911 calls that documented his unraveling, as The Oregonian/OregonLive's Maxine Bernstein reported. But city officials need to do more. As they prepare to update a federal judge on Portland's compliance with the police reforms settlement this week, they should ditch a proposed change that scales back community oversight of the settlement. Instead, city officials should look to go beyond the promises they have made and commit additional resources for mental health - not just police - personnel. Wheeler and federal justice officials are expected to ask U.S. District Judge Michael Simon to authorize revising the 2014 settlement to swap out the Community Oversight Advisory Board with another community panel. The advisory board, which was tasked with independently assessing the city's implementation of police reforms, suffered from numerous conflicts and significant turnover in its short history. But the decision to vest it with such responsibility was a necessary show of faith to the community, acknowledging the value of its oversight. Unfortunately, Wheeler's proposed replacement, the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing, is a poor substitute. Citizens who serve on the panel would solicit community feedback on police performance, offer recommendations to the police bureau for improvements and help develop a plan for engaging with the community - a far cry from the robust role originally envisioned in the settlement. The city should honor the commitment it made to the community and find a new way to revive the community oversight board. Additionally, the city should look to lay the groundwork with the police union for allowing the city's Independent Police Review division to conduct administrative investigations - with the ability to compel statements - into officer-involved shootings, a proposal long advocated by the Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform. Currently, the Independent Police Review division, housed in the City Auditor's office, is limited in its oversight of cases in which officers use deadly force. A move to ensure greater independence in such an inquiry would build more credibility with a distrustful community that questions whether officers are ever held accountable. And finally, Wheeler should back off his budget request to hire dozens more police officers and instead think more strategically of what public safety should mean. Police officers, many of whom don't have specialized mental health training, aren't the best first responders to those in the midst of such crises. Unfortunately, they are usually the ones who are dispatched. If the city is looking to invest significantly more funds in public safety matters, it should make targeted investments, preferably in cooperation with Multnomah County, to expand the number of mental health professionals who can accompany police officers on such calls and help de-escalate situations that can - and have - turned deadly. As Disability Rights Oregon executive director Bob Joondeph noted to The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board, the city and county have already shown through its Joint Office of Homeless Services the benefit of cooperation on issues that cross the boundaries of traditional governmental responsibilities. While the full circumstances of Saturday's shooting are not yet known, Portland's leaders can act on what is known: A persistent failing, an intense need - and a community's unyielding demand for true progress. Giant Asian business park in London gets first buildings From:ChinaDaily | 2018-04-13 00:59 Chinese developer ABP held a topping out ceremony in East London on Thursday to mark the completion of the first buildings in the companys 1.7-billion-pound ($2.2billion) Asian Business Park, which aims to act as a gateway to the United Kingdom for Chinese businesses. Beijing-based ABP broke ground on the major development at the Royal Albert Dock on the River Thames last April. It is expected to boast 58,993 square meters of commercial office space by the spring of 2019. Robin Wales, mayor of the Newham area of London that houses the development, welcomed the areas transformation. These docks used to be the beating heart of the British Empire, Wales said. Now, the jobs are coming back to the docks. Its a historic day for Newham. We look forward to working with ABP in getting local people here into work. Jin Xu, minister counselor of minister counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Britain, said: Its a great product. One year ago, it was a wasteland. Within just 10 months, they have built this. Its a huge achievement. Its UK quality combined with Chinese speed. In around eight years, Asian Business Park is slated to grow to comprise 436,000 square meters of office, retail, and residential space along a 2-kilometer stretch of waterfront that has been derelict since the dock closed in 1980. The project is the largest ever commercial real estate development in the UK to be led by a Chinese company. ABP Chairman Xu Weiping said the complex will become Londons third major business hub after its two major financial districts. We believe it will be competitive with and complimentary to Canary Wharf and the City of London, Wu said. We have very different positioning. The other two locations are very strong in supporting financial industries. We hope our project will attract a new type of company to London, including firms in technology and the creative industries. More than 50 businesses, including dozens from China, have already decided to have a presence in the park. UK-based Strawberry Star became the first property group to purchase two buildings in the complex when it completed a 23-million-pound ($32.7 million) deal in December. Strawberry Star exchanged contracts to buy a third building on Monday and has provisionally agreed to buy two more. The Royal Albert Dock opened in the late 19th century and quickly became one of the capitals busiest trading ports, receiving such shipments as tobacco from the United States and meat and fresh produce from mainland Europe. The dock fell into decline in the 1950s and the last ship left the port in 1980. Now, ABP hopes the business park will revitalize the area and provide offices space to 500 companies. Former mayor Boris Johnson,when announcing the birth of the project in May 2013, estimated it will create more than 30,000 jobs and contribute 6 billion pounds to the UK economy. The business park is ABPs first international development. The company was formed in 2003 and completed its first Chinese business park, a 4,500-square-meter complex in Beijing, in 2010. ABP is constructing two further business parks, in Qingdao and Shenyang, and has plans to build a 55-million-square-meter development in Haining, on Chinas East Coast. So, yes, there is a provocative choice to be made next month in a Portland City Council primary race. There's a defining conversation worth having. But it isn't the one being force-fed to voters by the city's earnest progressives. Dan Saltzman's retirement has finally cleared a seat, we're told, for the first woman of color on the council. White women, apparently, need not apply. Jillian Schoene - one of two executive directors at Emerge Oregon, which recruits and trains Democratic women candidates - spelled it out for Felicia Williams in an email last fall: "This isn't about your qualifications. You are qualified. But this isn't the right race." Not when three women of color - Jo Ann Hardesty, Andrea Valderrama and Loretta Smith - are on the ballot. Many activists see the May primary as a way to "shift Portland's historically lily-white politics," as Beth Slovic wrote in Portland Monthly, and ensure that one council seat "reflect(s) the city's long-disenfranchised communities of color." Nonsense. The first problem with this argument? One woman who clears the racial bar here is Loretta Smith. As I wrote in February, the Multnomah County commissioner has a nasty habit of bullying and abusing young women of color on her staff. Any equity-engineering campaign that ignores her legacy and elevates her candidacy is a grotesque non-starter. Secondly, city residents are already fiercely engaged in a debate over public safety, mental health, tent camping, homeless services, and housing emergencies. In the months leading to the general election, that discussion will be best served with Williams in the mix. Williams is the business manager at Aronora, a biotech company; an Air Force veteran and adjunct history professor; and president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. When I ignored her candidacy in the February column, she sent along a thoughtful email, tagged "The Fourth Estate and Foregone Conclusions." That led to several hours of conversation about a campaign others are neglecting as well. "The narrative was formed very clearly last summer: three women of color running for office," Williams says. "I didn't fit the narrative. It's optics vs. outcome. It's one person's turn. Everyone else has to sit down and shut up." As Williams notes, too many Democrats used a similar argument in the 2016 presidential primary, arguing it was Hillary Clinton's turn to ascend to the White House. Local voters were not impressed: Sen. Bernie Sanders beat Clinton in Multnomah County by 34,000 votes. In the long hours Williams has spent on doorsteps and at forums and house parties, she hasn't seen much evidence that the "woman of color" imperative is captivating her audience. "If Portland's problems weren't so acute, maybe that message would resonate," she says. Williams has heard, instead, about unpaved streets and non-existent sidewalks, about homelessness and police response times. She's gotten an earful from women like Angela Todd, an interior designer in Montavilla. "I feel like Portland is in crisis right now," Todd says. "What was that Tina Turner movie? This neighborhood sometimes feels like Thunderdome. We have regular burglaries in the area. On 80th, we had a stolen car every other day for two weeks." Todd's view of Felicia Williams? "She's smart. She understands how to connect the dots on funding. She's the only candidate who does not support tent camping. And she's the only one who believes we need more police." Williams is frustrated by how poorly Home Forward serves low-income residents and seniors on fixed incomes. She believes the city can fund dramatic improvements in transportation and housing by following Copenhagen's model with long-term leases of public lands. And she's been strategic in crafting the message that will carry her through the primary. She needs 40,000 votes. She's well aware that conservatives in town don't know where to turn. When I asked the gate-keepers at Emerge Oregon about their issues with Williams, Schoene reminded me in an email, "Emerge Oregon does not endorse. Our focus is recruitment and training. But many of our alum, including Felicia ... reach out to me to discuss choosing the right race at the right time - for all the right reasons - and I always, always give my honest assessment." I'm all for that. Here's mine: You may think Portland is long overdue for a talented woman of color on the council. As luck would have, two - Valderrama and Hardesty - are running. But Williams is smart, involved and eminently qualified. You might want to spend a couple hours listening to her, too. If she is one of the top two voter-getters in May's primary, we'll likely spend several months listening to two candidates with dramatically different perspectives on the future of the city. Sure feels like the right conversation to me. -- Steve Duin stephen.b.duin@gmail.com BY ROXANNA ASGARIAN AND SHANE DIXON KAVANAUGH HOUSTON Priscilla Celestine prayed through tears the day her nephew Devonte and his siblings were taken from her in 2006. She later found solace in the belief that a higher power, acting through the state of Texas, had ordained the decision. "I thought it must be in God's plan," Celestine, 68, told The Oregonian/OregonLive inside her home Thursday. "After some years I told myself they must be in a better place." Her belief's been shattered. Celestine received a late-night call this week from a lawyer who once helped her fight to maintain custody of the children then known as Dontay Davis, 9; Devonte Davis, 4; Jeremiah Davis, 3; and Ciera Davis, 2. The lawyer delivered news Celestine still can hardly fathom. One of the women who ultimately adopted three of the siblings apparently drove their family's SUV off a California cliff late last month, with all six of her adopted children, plus her spouse, inside. Jeremiah's body was found among the wreckage at the bottom of the 100-foot embankment in Mendocino County. Devonte and Sierra remain missing but are presumed dead. Investigators believe one of the mothers, Jennifer Hart, intentionally sped off a pullout overlooking the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1. "I had to block it all out of my mind," Celestine said. "I don't want to hear any details." The horrific crash came days after a visit to the family's Woodland, Washington, home by child protective services. And the moms had been accused of abusing their six adopted children in all three states where they lived, records show. One abuse investigation, which led to the conviction of Sarah Hart, in November 2010 came just four months after a Texas appeals court turned down Celestine's attempt to adopt Devonte and his three siblings. The reason for the court's ruling? Celestine had violated an order barring the children's biological mother from seeing them. "We see no reason why Celestine should be allowed to have yet another bite at the proverbial apple," the July 2010 opinion read. The decision still stuns the aunt. "They got it all backwards," she said. "You have people here, loved ones, to take them in. Instead you take them away." Celestine, a paternal aunt, had no criminal record and had raised a daughter of her own. She had a steady job as a hospital clerk in Houston. The children came to stay with her after their mother, a habitual drug user, lost custody of them in 2006 and the state Department of Family and Protective Services terminated her parental rights. Though the children had three different biological fathers among them, Celestine said she stepped up because she had wanted to keep them all together. The kids loved to play hide and seek, she recalled. Fish sticks and chicken nuggets were among their favorite foods. A few months after they came to live with her, Celestine moved into a five-bedroom apartment in Houston to better accommodate the growing household, she said. The trouble started less than a week later. Celestine had to stop by work one evening in December. Her daughter had to run an errand. So the aunt asked the children's mother, who was not permitted in the house, to come over and fix them dinner. Their mother had been at the new apartment only 45 minutes when a social worker showed up unannounced, Celestine said. All four children were removed from her home immediately. "Snatching people's children for nothing for their rules," Celestine said. Celestine filed a petition in May 2007 to adopt all four children while they were being cared for by the state. The petition was denied in Harris County District Court the next year. In 2008, Jennifer and Sarah Hart, who had previously adopted three different biological siblings in Texas, moved to adopt Devonte, Jeremiah and Sierra. Celestine said the women had no interest in Dontay, the eldest, because he'd been acting out. Now 21, he's in prison for robbery, his mother's boyfriend says. He doesn't know about the crash. After her final appeal failed, Celestine said she was able to see all four children one last time. "They cried," she said. "They knew they were leaving people that they cared about, too." Celestine struggled with the outcome and tried to remain optimistic. "I realized back then that I probably wasn't going to see them again, but they were alive," she said. Celestine said she remembered seeing a viral photo captured in 2014 that showed a young black child hugging a white Portland police officer. She had no idea that the boy in the picture was her nephew Devonte. After learning of the crash that killed Jeremiah and likely Devonte and Sierra Celestine had to do the unimaginable. She called the children's biological mother, who broke down over the phone. "It's all too hard," Celestine said. "It's just devastating." Roxanna Asgarian reported from Houston. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh skavanaugh@oregonian.com 503-294-7632 || @shanedkavanaugh One of the Hart family mothers was drunk and her wife and two of her kids were drugged when she drove off a Northern California cliff late last month, authorities say. Jennifer Hart intentionally drove off the coastal cliff, authorities believe. Jennifer Hart, her spouse Sarah and three of their adopted children died in the crash, and three of their other adopted children are missing. An unidentified body was found Saturday near the crash site. Jennifer Hart had an alcohol level of .102, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. The agency also said Sarah Hart and two of the children who died in the crash had diphenhydramine, an active ingredient in Benadryl, in their blood. Benadryl can make people sleepy. Toxicology results for the third child who died in the crash aren't yet complete, the sheriff's office said. Sarah Hart sent a middle-of-the-night text message to a friend March 24, saying she was so sick she might have to go to the hospital, according to 911 records obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive. The text message came only hours after Washington child protective services first visited the family's home and days before their SUV was found March 26. The nature of Sarah Hart's apparent illness is unknown. Lt. Shannon Barney, a Mendocino County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said Friday that authorities can't rely on dental records to identify the body that was recovered last weekend because authorities haven't been able to find a dentist who treated the children. He said it will take a couple weeks to get DNA results back from a lab and positively identify the body. A final report detailing autopsy findings hasn't been released. Jim Ryan Everton Bailey Jr., Lizzy Acker and Shane Dixon Kavanaugh of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report Comments on this story have been closed. Readers can comment on The Oregonian's Facebook page. ASTORIA The USS Portland, a new Navy ship that will be commissioned later this month in its namesake city, has entered the Columbia River. The Daily Astorian reports that the vessel with nearly 400 crewmembers aboard docked at the Port of Astoria on Thursday. It will leave for Portland on Saturday, where it will be commissioned on April 21. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport weighs 25,000 tons and is 684 feet long. It is the first ship to be named exclusively for Oregon's largest city. It was built in Mississippi for $1.6 billion and sailed through the Panama Canal before docking in San Diego in January. Gary Piercy, commissioning committee chairman, says the ship would likely respond to an emergency like a large Pacific Northwest earthquake. --The Associated Press A Portland man sentenced in 2014 to 19 1/2 years in prison for stabbing and strangling his wife died Thursday in a northeastern Oregon prison. Le Huang, 51, died at the Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla. Jennifer Black, a spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Corrections, declined to give further details on how Huang died. Huang is the third prison inmate the agency has reported to die in custody this year. John McCartney died of apparent natural causes at the Oregon State Penitentiary on Jan. 9 and Gary Brink also died of apparent natural causes at the Shutter Creek Correctional Institution on Jan. 27. Huang pleaded guilty in Multnomah County Circuit Court to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon in July 2014. The year before, he stabbed his wife, Dixiang Huang, 33, in the face, neck and chest with a pair of scissors and strangled her after she called a divorce lawyer earlier in the day, authorities said. The attack occurred while the couple were arguing over who would get custody of their two young children. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey WASHINGTON -- If embattled Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt were to leave office, the reins of the agency could fall to a former Senate aide and coal mining lobbyist who was confirmed 53-45 Thursday afternoon to become second-in-command at EPA. Andrew Wheeler worked at the EPA more than two decades ago and later served as an adviser to Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, a high-profile critic of climate science who famously brought a snowball to the Senate floor as a prop. For the past nine years, Wheeler has been a lobbyist for a variety of companies, including Appalachian coal mining firm Murray Energy. President Donald Trump nominated Wheeler for the deputy administrator job last fall, but only this week did his nomination finally arrive on the Senate floor for a vote. Confirmation appears likely by the end of the week. Wheeler, who works for the lobbying firm FaegreBD Consulting, received $370,000 in fees last year from Murray Energy. Murray has paid Wheeler's firms $225,000 to $559,000 over the past nine years. In March 2017, shortly after working for the Trump transition team, Wheeler attended a meeting between Murray's chief executive Robert Murray and then-newly confirmed Energy Secretary Rick Perry. Murray asked Perry to increase payments to coal and nuclear plants supplying electricity to the Midwest and Appalachia. Perry tried to implement such a plan, but independent electricity regulators rejected it. Environmental groups have sharply criticized the notion of installing Wheeler at the EPA in any capacity. But in recent days, as Pruitt has faced scrutiny over allegations of wasteful spending and unusual management of the agency, attention has turned to the prospect that Wheeler could end up in charge of EPA. "It is critically important that the public understand Wheeler's career as a lobbyist for some of the worst actors in the energy industry," Keith Gaby, a spokesman for the Environmental Defense Fund, said in an email this week. "Andrew Wheeler running EPA would go far beyond having an administrator overly influenced by lobbyists -- the head of EPA would be an energy industry lobbyist." "The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment, but Andrew Wheeler has dedicated his career to weakening environmental protections, serving as a lobbyist for numerous fossil fuel clients, including one of our country's biggest polluters, Murray Energy," Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters, said in an open letter to members of the Senate. "Andrew Wheeler's inherent conflicts of interest from his long history of ties to the fossil fuel industry make him an entirely inappropriate choice for EPA's number two leadership role." Members of the EPA and others have said that Wheeler worked closely with industry even when he was working for Inhofe, who was then chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Karpinski pointed to a measure known as the Clean Skies Act which would have undermined the landmark Clean Air Act. Inhofe was a vocal critic of climate change, which he said was "the greatest hoax" ever foisted on U.S. citizens. On Thursday, Wheeler's former boss praised him on the Senate floor. Inhofe called Wheeler "a wonderful guy, and I would like to find anyone who knows him well to say there is any flaw in his character. He's going to do a great job." Myron Ebell, a senior fellow at the conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute who headed Trump's EPA transition team and is a climate skeptic, described Wheeler in a statement as levelheaded and effective. "He has the experience and the expertise necessary to manage the agency and to make sure that the reforms undertaken by Administrator Pruitt will be fully implemented," Ebell said. "[His]experience in how the EPA operates and his commitment to President Trump's agenda to undo the regulatory onslaught of the previous administration will be valuable to his work managing and reforming the agency." Wheeler spent four years as a career employee at the EPA under President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton before moving to the Hill. After leaving the Senate staff, Wheeler received lobbying fees from a variety of clients. Last year he received $40,000 from Energy Fuels Resources Inc., $20,000 from Underwriters Laboratories and $60,000 from Sargento Foods in addition to Murray. During the 2016 campaign, Wheeler volunteered to consult on energy and environmental policy for the campaign of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Wheeler wrote a post on his personal Facebook account the day before Super Tuesday pleading with those considering voting for Trump to reconsider. In his six-point critique, Wheeler questioned Trump's character, business acumen and viability as a general-election candidate. Trump was a "bully," Wheeler wrote in the since-deleted Facebook post obtained by The Post. He said that Trump "hasn't been that successful" in business and "has more baggage then all of the other Republican candidates combined." Wheeler added that Trump "has demonstrated through the debates and interviews that he doesn't understand how the government works." But Wheeler has changed his tune. "I was just looking at the debates and what I saw on the news, and I hadn't focused on what he was saying," Wheeler told The Post in October, "and when I started looking into what he was saying and what his campaign and what his candidacy was about, I was fully on board." Given Trump's agenda for rolling back a broad array of EPA rules, that won't assuage environmental and Democratic critics. "Mr. Wheeler -- not atypical of this administration, not atypical of the dense swamp that they've made a whole lot worse -- is a former industry lobbyist who has worked on behalf of big polluters and climate change deniers," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York said on the Senate floor April 9. "He has spent years working to undermine or lobby against the environmental protections he may soon oversee. As a lobbyist, he helped raise money for a few Republican Senators who sit on the committee that recently approved his nomination." Three Democrats voted for Wheeler, all from coal states. They included Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Joe Manchin III of West Virginia and Joe Donnelly of Indiana. Lukas Ross, climate and energy campaigner at the advocacy group Friends of the Earth, said in a statement that Wheeler would almost certainly carry out the regulatory rollbacks started under Pruitt. "Andrew Wheeler is Big Oil's backup plan in case Scott Pruitt's corruption finally finishes him," Ross said. "As Scott Pruitt stumbles from scandal to scandal, there is nothing more dangerous than a dirty energy lobbyist waiting in the wings to become acting Administrator." -- The Washington Post Two Portland-based marijuana business owners Thursday were charged with tax-related crimes. Nathan Wheeler, 42, of Portland, was charged with one count each of wire fraud and tax evasion. Matthew Price, 32, was charged with four counts of willfully failing to file income tax returns. Wheeler, a certified public accountant who with others operated Milwaukie-based tax firm Bridge City Advisors LLC, is accused of defrauding clients and investors of more than $4.4 million while evading paying income taxes. Wheeler also is accused of using investor money to help build and expand his marijuana-grow enterprise. He held an Oregon medical marijuana license to grow and distribute pot, according to prosecutors. Investigators say he sometimes prepared false account statements to keep clients from discovering the unauthorized use of their money. Three years ago, federal prosecutors filed a civil forfeiture complaint that preserves the government's right to claim property on behalf of those allegedly cheated out of it. Federal investigators raided Wheeler's Happy Valley home in 2014 and 2015, seizing several hundreds of marijuana plants, but no criminal allegations were filed until Thursday. Wheeler's Bridge City Advisors in Milwaukie is not affiliated with a financial advisory firm with the same name that has offices in Lake Oswego and Portland. Price, a part-owner and operator of Portland and Eugene medical marijuana dispensaries called Cannabliss, is accused of receiving substantial income from the businesses. He previously operated a legal marijuana farmers' market under the same name. From 2011 to 2014, he failed to file income tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of nearly $263,000, according to a criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in Portland. Both men are scheduled to make their first appearances in court April 25. They couldn't be reached immediately for comment. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Caleb Hailey Sensu, a Portland company whose technology helps large businesses monitor their computer systems, reported $10 million in funding Friday. It's the latest in a string of notable investments for Silicon Forest startups. Sensu currently employs 25, including seven in the Portland area. It's moving to an office in the former Washington High School building in Southeast Portland and says it expects to double the company's workforce by the end of the year. "The infusion of new capital into Sensu will allow us to continue making investments in Engineering the future of Sensu," chief executive Caleb Hailey wrote in a blog post announcing Friday's funding. He said Luke Kanies - who started Puppet, one of Portland's biggest tech companies - will join Sensu's board. Massachusetts investment firm Battery Ventures led Friday's investment, joined by prior investor Foundry Group. Sensu has now raised $12.5 million altogether, including a $2.5 million seed round early last year. Sensu says its technology will help companies monitor how their software is performing across multiple data centers and different types of computing systems to help guard against disruptions. The company said its customers include finance and technology businesses. -- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699 Broadsheet dailies published in Kathmandu on Friday have given priority to a host of political, social and economic issues. Almost all newspapers have run pieces on the Auditor Generals report for the last fiscal and the various corrupt government practices it highlights. Heres a summary of important, ignored and interesting reports that made it to the front pages on Friday. Important Auditor Generals report highlights corruption at all levels of government File image: Office of the Auditor GeneralThe Himalayan Times reports that government offices, local level administration and constitutional bodies recklessly spent Rs 120 billion in the previous fiscal, out of the total audited amount (expenses) worth Rs 2,145 billion. The paper says that cumulative arrears of the state had gone up to Rs 500.08 billion till fiscal 2016-17. Similarly, Republica reports that Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (Rs 21 billion) tops the list of government bodies in terms of expenses made violating set procedure. Ministry of Finance (Rs 16 billion) and Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (Rs 11 billion) round up the top three. India-Nepal EPG meet begins in New Delhi The Kathmandu Post reports that the recent visit of Prime Minister KP Oli to India has helped resolve long-standing issues being discussed during the meetings of the Eminent Persons Group formed to review the entire gamut of ties between the two countries. The paper reports that Nepali EPG members told the paper that disputes related to the boundary, border management. the 1950 treaty and water issues are being discussed at the forum. The next EPG meet in Kathmandu will give finishing touches to the report. Ignored Private school charge Rs 15 billion in annual fees Republica says that private schools in the country are estimated to have collected Rs 15 billion from parents under as annual fees for the new academic session which is to begin on April 14. The report says that an estimated Rs 5 billion is believed to have been collected in Kathmandu Valley alone. Interesting US company to invest $1 billion in Nepal Naya Patrika reports that a US company has expressed its willingness to invest over $1 billion in Nepal in the next three-four years. The paper says that US-based CIM Groups Sky Power Global wants to invest the amount in solar power to produce more than 600 MW electricity. The report says that representatives of the company met Energy Minister Barsha Man Pun on Thursday to express its willingness to invest in Nepal and that it wants to set up a solar panel manufacturing plant in the country. Home Just In No, were not banning Facebook, says Nepal govt Kathmandu, April 13 Nepals Ministry of Communication says it is not planning to ban the use of the social networking site Facebook in the country. In a statement on Friday, the ministry said that a notice making the rounds on social media that Facebook would soon be banned in the country was fake. The ministry said its serious attention had been drawn towards the fake notice circulating on the internet. We have requested Nepal Polices Central Investigation Bureau to find out who is spreading these rumours, the ministry added. Home Just In Prime Minister Oli heads to Mugu, to address nation on New Years day Kathmandu, April 13 Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday heads to Mugu, from where he is to address the nation on the occasion of the Nepali New Year on Saturday. According to the Prime Ministers Office, Oli will address the nation from the picturesque Rara Lake in Mugu and inaugurate the Rara Tourism Year. He will also visit the Dhorpatan area in Baglung and stay the night in Dunai, Dolpa. In Mugu, he will also inaugurate the school enrollment programme. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The year is 2010. The Deepwater oil spill is caused an environmental disaster, Wikileaks published thousands of documents pertaining to military wrongdoing by whistleblower Chelsea Manning, and Antoine Dodson became a meme when he spoke to a local TV reporter after his sister was attacked in their home. His interview went viral, in part because of his righteous fury, but mostly because of the flamboyance with he delivered lines like "run and tell that, homeboy!" and "hide your kids, hide your wife." The interview was then remixed into the "Bed Intruder Song" by the Gregory Brothers as part of their Auto-Tune the News series. Once the remix was uploaded, Dodson's popularity exploded. The song hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart; it eventually went Platinum. Dodson became a pop culture fixture that year, appearing with Carson Daly at NBC's New Years 2011 live show and performing the hit song at the BET Awards that year. Money from sales and licensing of the song allowed his family to move out of subsidized housing. For a while, it seemed like Dodson's newfound fame would keep him in the public eye. Unfortunately, fame would prove to be fickle for the meme star. He largely faded from the public view after condemning his sexual orientation and declaring himself to be straight a move for which he later apologized to the LGBTQ+ community. So what has Dodson been up to in the intervening years? He's a father now, living a quieter life as a substitute teacher. BET recently caught up with Dodson to hear about his life these days, post-fame and post-controversy. In the video below, he talks about how the infamous interview took place as the family was arriving home from the police station. Already tired and weary, Dodson launched into the tirade that would change his life. He talks about moving to Los Angeles, only to become entangled with a scam public relations rep. Nowadays, he's settled in Alabama, working in the Huntsville School District in an effort to give back to his community. Dodson's meme status is an uncomfortable topic because it touches on intersections of race, socioeconomic class, and sexual orientation. It makes us feel strange to consider the tale of his stardom, but at the end of the day, Dodson is a person with a complex story. His story deserves to be told. As for the burglar and attempted rapist? He was never caught. You can check out the full video below. After four seasons of sex positivity (the likes of which is unfortunately rare on TV), weed-fueled hedonism, and inseparable female friendship, it looks like we're going to have to bid Broad City goodbye. Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer have announced that the show will end with its fifth season, which will air at the beginning of 2019. The show originated as a web series after the friends met in 2006 while taking classes at Upright Citizens Brigade, Fast Company writes. In many ways, it is a representation of their own friendship. The end of the show doesn't mark the end of their creative partnership, though. Our fave BFFs have three more projects in the works with Comedy Central called Mall Town USA, Platinum Status and Young Professionals. Though they aren't going to star in any of these shows, they will executive produce all of them. Glazer and Jacobson released a joint statement saying, "Broad City has been our baby and first love for almost ten years, since we started as a webseries. It's been a phenomenal experience, and we've put ourselves into it completely. Broad City's always had a spontaneous pace and feeling, and ending after season five honors that spirit. We are very excited to bring new voices and points of view to Comedy Central and continue our collaboration together in new ways." Image via Getty The latest subject of NYC filmmaker Andy Boyce's "supermuse" series is Pauli Cakes, whose performance art often explores sexuality in surrealistic overstatements of femme hyperbole and unabashed gaudiness. Premiering today on PAPER, Boyce's film, dubbed Angel Cakes, showcases more than a few of Pauli Cakes' personas, but centers primarily on Petty Boots, who's inspired by the cartoon sex symbol Betty Boop and challenges both the male gaze and gender norms with intensely garish girliness. Presenting in public as such during filming, Pauli Cakes was met with nasty misogyny nothing they haven't heard before, the 20-year-old artist stresses. But that backlash also speaks to the intentions of the work, and the potential for profound meaning in what, at first thought, could be lauded as an incredible look and little else. Angel Cakes isn't about a shocking visual for the sake of it, and if you're not understanding otherwise, reading our interview with Pauli Cakes below will help. Can you tell us more about Petty Boots and the other personas we see in Angel Cakes? Petty Boots is a fire that lives inside of a small glass cage inside of my head. She is the little girl who's breaking out of the chains society has attached to her existence. A knife-wielding and free-bleeding anomaly and aspect of my identity that acts as an alchemist towards all the pain I've experienced for existing in my body. She converts trauma into strength and healing energy. She is my own rendition of the glorified sex-symbol cartoon character known as Betty Boop. Petty Boots is also a resistant lust spirit, she breaks down moral barriers; her femininity is a sword. She sheds light on the pain we experience for existing sexually and autonomously. Some other personas in Angel Cakes are the invocation of saints and deities that I pray to and worship at my alter. I use a lot of work with elements fire, water, air that serves as a broader significance to each character. How was the experience of shooting the public scenes? The deli/convenience store egg mess, the train station your performances in those scenarios are as empowering as they are entertaining, but I wonder about the passersby. Were people surprised? Supportive? It was an outer body experience for the most part. There were so many different reactions from children, adults, couples. Some people covered their kids eyes, other people loved it and felt really inspired. People were overall very surprised, aroused, confused, angry and mesmerized; they all certainly felt something. I'm so truly grateful that Possessed was on board with Andy [Boyce] and I. Their support more or less saved me and protected me against the men going haywire in the station. At one point, old men were trying to grab me and telling me that they'd "fuck my brains out" and calling me a "$2 hooker" and a "crazy nasty bitch" and all of these crazy names. Nothing that I haven't heard before, growing up [in New York]. However, I couldn't break out of my character to acknowledge them, even if I tried. I knew in that moment that I was more powerful than them, I had invoked a light within myself that was communicating a higher message. The guy working at the deli was real freaked out over the eggs. At first, he was enraged, yelling, saying that he'd call the cops and that I was not aloud in his store again. He began to calm down after realizing we meant no harm. The other employees were in complete shock, as if I was floating in mid air. Portals were being opened while we were filming, and people were certainly receptive of that. Related | This Puerto Rican Designer's Fetishwear Line Is Universally Kinky You were in Cuba recently, right? Can you tell us more about that experience? Incredible. Cuba is a strong and stunning place, dear to my heart. By far, the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life. I've been having dreams about the ocean in Cuba for about a year and a half so I had to go and chase them. I went alone. I'm in a transitory point in my life, turning 21, I needed spiritual solitude, and to be with my mother, the ocean. I felt deep connections with the elements and rekindled my relationship with the earth and her angels. Cuba was my calling for that. I fell deeper and deeper in love everyday with the people, the energy, the spirits and the heat. Cuba is a very eccentric place, there is a strong collective consciousness, the energy is high and the people are very interpersonal. I have to admit, I got myself into some love triangles that I'll never forget. To say the least, I felt like I touched I was kissed by a thousands goddesses. It was an experience that left my soul content and my heart yearning to go back, and I will. You were born in the Bronx. What was your early life life? [I'm] New York City born and bred; I've lived here for my whole life, but have traveled a fair amount. I was always in and out of the house, and always quite rebellious and bold. I moved out of my parents house uptown when I was around 17, I could never stay in one place and I've always loved traveling and dreamt of faraway lands. I make time and prioritize leaving the city and immersing myself in different paces of life. There weren't too many resources at the schools I attended. I never had a theater class or drama class, however I've always loved playing with my identity. I came into performance art through nightlife, through the streets, getting into trouble with authority, through being misunderstood and having to defend myself, through shape shifting. Essentially, the city was my opportunity to perform wherever I went. NYC is a theater school all the drama, the looks, you have it all here. Nightlife began sweeping me off of my feet when I was 13 years old. I started going to raves and house parties, raging and dancing all night. I wasn't always so bold; that is where I'd build courage to perform and lose myself, disassociate and find myself again. Related | Joey LaBeija Will Wake Up New York Nightlife with 'Techno Cumbia' When did you start performance art? At 17 I started go-go dancing, and that was a hands-on introduction to the performing arts world for me. I had to play this sex avatar who was every "male's fantasy" to make a buck and then come home and find peace within my queerness and non-binary soul. When I began performing in front of crowds of people who knew me, I felt really uneasy and uncomfortable. As I began growing and evolving and getting in touch with my spirituality and higher self, performing became more ritualistic. Sometimes when I perform I feel like I'm channeling my ancestors [from Brazil and Portugal], ripping through the intergenerational trauma passed down from mother to mother and breaking open my head to dig deep. As I grow, I feel more comfortable being vulnerable and performing in a way that creates intentional spaces of energy. What are you working on currently? In activism, nightlife, music anything! I'm in the process of working on several projects. I'm partnering with a friend of mine Marley Parker and producing parties under the name "Club Cakes." These spaces of energy will encompass an unapologetic old school NYC house party vibe, safe and free for all to dance and love. Similar to what we grew up with nightlife as a collective consciousness. In my opinion, nightlife is undervalued; it's getting more monetized and less radical. The intention want to shift that focus. I'm also working on another project called "RE. SISTER," which is a network and space for survivors of gender-based violence to share their voices and creative work safely. This is a long-term project I've been sitting on while undergoing my own healing, but I'm excited to share with the world. During the month of April I'm showing some paintings and physical work at a couple of galleries in Bushwick. Working with different mediums unlocks new portals for me so I'm super psyched. I have a couple of other projects up my sleeve as well; I plan on releasing some zines, the Angel Cakes soundtrack, a video project I made last summer, and developing my work ethic and how I could use that to heal. Follow Pauli Cakes on Instagram. While yet another chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria has spurred both demand for and worry about international military strikes on the Assad regime, many in the Buddhist community are torn between the desire to actively protect innocents there and a conviction that military interventions more often than not fail in both their immediate and long-term missions. On the one hand, people are dying: often women and children caught in the fighting. Compassionate ideals might lead us to want to lean out and help: but how? Support refugees? Support those in the country helping people like the White Helmets? Support greater international diplomacy? Support direct military intervention (which itself could come in many degrees)? One might ask these questions with the genocide in Rwanda of 1994 in mind, in which there was a relatively clear rise in tensions and signs ahead of time, as well as opportunity for international intervention. And yet the international community was silent. Likewise, these folks might point to the Bosnian War of 1992-1995, where U.S. and NATO interventions helped end a genocide. On the other hand, one can list countless military expeditions that have failed to meet at least some goals including U.S. interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Libya; perhaps also Viet Nam and Korea. One of the most repeated phrases in the Bible is have no fear or do not be afraid. We were not created to live in fear, and this phrase serves as a reminder from God of that fact. From when God called Abram, to the Archangel Gabriel announcing the good news to Mary, God has made it clear we should not be afraid. Pope John Paul IIs iconic inaugural Mass in 1978 challenged the faithful not to be afraid: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. When I was a child in Peru, citizens in general lived in constant fear. As a kid I was certainly sheltered from many of the dangers that afflicted the country in the 1980s, but I could not be sheltered from the frequent blackouts, the bombings, and the nightly news showing gruesome scenes of fire, screams, and murders. When on April 1991 the fear struck close, my parents had to make a decision. Having survived an assassination attempt, my father had to carefully choose his response. He dismissed arming himself since he was a firm believer that guns breed more violence. He also dismissed hiring armed security for two reasons. First, he considered how much he would have to pay someone to take a bullet for him when the moment came. He could not find within himself the appropriate payment for a hired bodyguard. Second, if he hired a bodyguard, he considered the bodyguards family. How could he face the bodyguards family and loved ones after his or her death? He also considered moving into the city from the countryside, but it would only be a matter of time until the terrorists found us again. In order to live without fear, my father made the difficult decision to leave everything behind: he brought his family to Augusta, Georgia. Certainly he could have chosen something different, but this was his choice and I respect it tremendously. There are many in the United States today living in fear when they should not have to live in fear. I find it scandalous and unimaginable that high school students have active shooter drills at school. A high school student should not be in fear for his or her life when entering past the schools doors. School should be a safe place. I understand and respect the students who have said enough and are seeking change. There are numerous and oftentimes contrary ways to proceed. At a time when there should be an open, frank, and peaceful dialogue, I find it outrageous that so many have resorted to name calling, assumptions, and the failure to recognize the fear with which thousands of students live. Whether the solution is armed guards at every school, increased gun control, arming teachers, limiting entry points at schools, etc., all the options must be considered without bullying and name calling. We have to listen carefully to those crying out due to fear, otherwise we trample over their dignity and ignore their justifiable lament. My father chose not to arm himself or those around him. I wish more people saw the virtue and strength in that choice. Perhaps that is not the appropriate response for every situation, but it must considered. After all, if he had chosen differently, I would not be writing this article as a priest for this publication. Picture shared under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. U.S. Treasury Secretary Warns Of 'Very Strong' Sanctions On Iran 04/12/18 Source: RFE/RL U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has signaled that the United States may impose "very strong" sanctions on Iran as President Donald Trump seeks to address what he called the "disastrous flaws" in the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers. Renewed sanctions need not mean U.S. exit from Iran deal: Mnuchin https://t.co/Q8Is61FmF6 pic.twitter.com/FPKDB7PYkO Reuters Top News (@Reuters) April 12, 2018 Mnuchin, testifying before a House appropriations subcommittee, said on April 11 that the measures would include sanctions against both Iran and entities that do business with the country. He said he believed such sanctions would have "a very strong impact" on the Iranian economy. Trump has set a May 12 deadline to either improve or scrap the accord, which was negotiated under his predecessor, Barack Obama. The deal granted Iran relief from economic sanctions that have crippled its economy in exchange for limits on its nuclear activity. Following the hearing, Mnuchin told reporters that the U.S. administration was considering both a fresh round of sanctions and the return of previous sanctions that have been periodically waived as part of the nuclear accord. Trump "is very concerned about Iran's behavior" and "wants to have a better deal," Mnuchin told U.S. lawmakers. He also said that the Trump administration was in talks with U.S. allies and would "not do anything abruptly." The U.S. president accuses Tehran of violating the spirit of the nuclear deal and called on European powers to "fix" what he says are the "terrible flaws" of the agreement. He wants new restrictions to be imposed on Tehran's nuclear and missile programs. France, Britain, and Germany - which are also signatories to the nuclear agreement, along with Russia and China -- are seeking to persuade their EU partners to back new sanctions on Iran, mainly on its missile program, in hopes of persuading Trump not to pull the United States out. On April 9, Iranian President Hassan Rohani warned that Washington "will regret it" if the United States violates the accord. "We are much more prepared than they think, and they will see that if they violate this accord, within a week, less than a week, they will see the result," Rohani said. With reporting by Bloomberg and Reuters Teachers' Rights Advocate Writes Scathing Letter From Prison on Revolutionary Iran's Failed Promises 04/13/18 Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran Esmail Abdi Warns Judiciary of the Consequences of Its "Illegal Rulings" Ahead of Hunger Strike Esmail Abdi Prominent teachers' rights advocate Esmail Abdi has written a letter from Evin Prison strongly criticizing Iranian officials' for their failure to uphold the promises of the country's 1979 revolution. Noting that he will begin a hunger strike on April 18, 2018, Abdi also blasted the Iranian Judiciary's "arbitrary and illegal rulings" and "widespread violation of the rights of teachers and workers in Iran." The 44-year-old high school teacher and former secretary general of the Iranian Teachers' Trade Association has been serving a six-year prison sentence since being arrested by the Intelligence Ministry in 2016 for the charges of "propaganda against the state" and "collusion against national security." He is demanding to be tried in a public court with a jury and to be granted furlough. Furlough, temporary leave typically granted to prisoners in Iran for a variety of familial, holiday, and medical reasons, is routinely denied to political prisoners as a form of additional punishment. Abdi's March 2018 letter addressed international human, education and labor rights organizations. Following is the full text of the letter obtained by the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI): This is the 40th Nowruz [Iranian New Year's day, March 21, 2018] since the revolution; a revolution that took place in 1979 with the promise of ending dictatorship, establishing democracy, implementing transparency and preventing the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a particular class; a revolution that the clerics and some political groups said would be a harbinger of peace and freedom and put an end to poverty and discrimination, where people would have access to free water and electricity and enjoy such rights as freedom of thought and expression, free and equal education, with the right to form organizations and unions, hold protests and strikes, assemble and rally and be equal against the law. But these aspirations did not amount to anything besides slogans. The blessings of the revolution benefitted not the poor but rather the rich, the powerful and tricksters. The groups that came to power used the state media to promise a better and more dignified life. They took advantage of the people's beliefs and values to attract votes while amassing wealth from the nation's treasury and now we see competing factions trying to expose each other. During these four decades, most countries in the world have made education a priority. But in Iran the largest ministry in the country [Education Ministry], with more than a million teachers and millions of students, has seen continuous budget deficits. The distribution of welfare and education facilities have always fallen short for the poor and benefitted the wealthy. At the same time, most schools are worn out and teachers and students face many dangers. Retired and employed teachers, including freelance, part-time and pre-school teachers as well as toiling workers, are grappling with how to survive under the poverty line while every few days they hear news about the plunder of funds they worked hard for, such as the recent embezzlement of 13 billion rials (approximately $3.4 million USD) from the teachers' pension fund. Since the nuclear deal [July 2015], the officials of the Islamic Republic have boasted to the world about adhering to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international conventions and yet sections of the ruling establishment have no respect for the Constitution they themselves authored. They are trying to control the conflicts at various levels of society and suppress critics by creating a security climate for the few existing independent teachers' and workers' organizations and crush peaceful assemblies and frame trade union activists with such threadbare charges as "acting against national security" in show trials without the presence of a jury. Unfortunately, despite the monitoring of the situation of workers and teachers in Iran by human rights organizations and international bodies such as Amnesty International, the International Labor Organization and Education International, the suppression of trade unionists has even spread to schools and factories. Some of the people in charge are putting pressure on the judicial system and interfering with indictments and sentences, rejecting Supreme Court reviews, and preventing conditional leave for prisoners. Acting above the law, unfortunately, they are ruling over judges, prosecutors and other judicial authorities. As a teacher and board member of the legitimate Iranian Teachers' Trade Association in Tehran, while declaring my solidarity will all teachers and workers of the world, I warn the judiciary about the ominous consequences of its arbitrary and illegal rulings, and I will go on a hunger strike on Tuesday April 17, 2018, to protest against the widespread violation of the rights of teachers and workers in Iran and demand a public trial and the right to go on furlough and medical leave in accordance with Article 520 [of the Criminal Procedures Regulations], which is currently being illegally blocked. Obviously, the judicial branch will be responsible for the consequences of this hunger strike. Esmail Abdi Ward 4, Evin Prison March 2018 Copies: Education International International Labor Organization Amnesty International A Former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings has described the death of Winnie Madikizela Mandela as a great loss to Africa. A statement signed by Mrs Rawlings, who is also the President of Developing Women for Mobilisation (DWM) said by Winnie Mandelas death, Africa had lost a great and courageous beacon and queen. We learnt with deep sadness the death of our heroine, icon and beacon of hope for African women - Winnie Madikizela Mandela. Africa has lost a great and courageous beacon. Africa has lost a queen, she underscored. Mama Africa Furthermore, Mrs Rawlings pointed out that Winnie Madikizela Mandela is known to me and many as Mama Africa who contributed immensely to the fight against apartheid, which led to the freedom that South Africans enjoy today. According to the former First Lady, Winnie Mandela's extraordinary courage and defiance in the face of adversity won her admiration by many over the years. She observed that her fight for justice and equality for the voiceless in society had been a source of inspiration for human rights activists around the world. Additionally, Mrs Rawlings said that Winnie Mandela inspired and energised the black youth of South Africa to stand up against a system created to oppress them on their own land. Unflinching dedication Mrs Rawlings noted that Winnie Mandela's undeniable, sacrificial and unflinching dedication to and love for her husband, the late Nelson Mandela, throughout his incarceration, and children over the years would be remembered by generations to come. She singularly united people of diverse nationalities towards one cause - freedom for Madiba, freedom for South Africa, Mrs Rawlings noted saying, Her fearless activism can never be forgotten. Mama Winnie will remain a true warrior of our time and her legacy will surely live on. She also described Winnie Mandela as a woman of virtue, courage and passion who had accomplished her assignment on this earth. She has fought a good fight, won the race and deserves her place as one of the greatest of Africa; I feel extremely honoured to have known her personally and her passing has left me in deep sadness, she stated. In the view of Mrs Rawlings, the DWM believes her work will continue until fairness, equality and justice is realised worldwide. Mama Winnie remains an inspiration to all. Her life is a bright light on the African continent, she concluded. Source: Graphic.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has again issued warning on tithes. He spoke at the April edition of the monthly Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption Camp, along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. The cleric said those who still have doubts about tithes should heed his statement. He advised pastors of the church in attendance to warn their parishioners about the danger of ignoring tithing. I want to give every one of you pastors an opportunity to repent tonight. And then to go back, immediately after this convention, to restitute your ways with your congregation. Make it clear to themAnyone who is not paying his tithe is not going to heaven, full stop, he said. Meanwhile, Adeboye had revealed that the fate of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, was settled before he won the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Adeboye, said God told him that, the winner will be the loser. His words: Eection was going to take many years back and while I was minding my business just praying and praising God, God suddenly told me that son, the winner will be the loser, the loser will be the winner and Aminu Kano is the most fortunate of them all. Source: Dailypost.ng Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Its one of the few age-old sexual stereotypes based on scientifically-proven fact: heterosexual men prefer younger women, regardless of their own age. However, a new study into age limits of considered and actual sexual partners has found that contrary to popular belief, mens preferred age-range actually expands as they get older, in other words, its not just younger women theyre attracted to. Thats not to say men dont still have a penchant for women in their twenties, in fact, the research revealed that the youngest age men claim to be attracted to remains the same no matter how old they are i.e. a 40-year-old man would still consider a relationship with a 22-year-old woman when he turns 50 and 60 and so on. Published in the journal PsyArXiv, psychologists at Abo Akademi University in Turku, Finland, confirmed that women have a much narrower age range, preferring male partners who are either older than them or close to their own age. When it comes to explaining these key distinctions between the genders, lead author Jan Antfolk said that mens preference for younger women can be understood in terms of basic evolutionary theory. Natural selection has probably shaped mens sexual strategies to include a particular interest in highly fertile, young women, he said. But because women, in many cases, are more picky with respect to sexual partners, most men could not find a partner unless their sexual motivation would be more inclusive. Humans tend to have long-lasting sexual relationships and this would not be possible if all men were [only] interested in young women. Antfolk and his team gathered their findings based on a sample of 2,655 adults and also found that despite men's interest in younger women, their sexual activity reflects their own age range i.e. even though male participants preferred women in their twenties, they may not necessarily be sexually compatible with them. However, Antfolk added that the findings illustrate that men are less obsessed with youth than stereotypes would suggest, writing: The findings might help relax the belief that men are mainly interested in young women. Source: independent.co.uk Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Minister of Information in the erstwhile Mills administration, Fritz Baffour has revealed that none of the presidential hopefuls of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), including former President John Dramani Mahama, is his choice of candidate for the party in the 2020 election. Mr Baffoe, who was also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, although said names like former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ekwow Spio Garbrah, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, former Chief Executive Officer of National health Insurance, Sylvester Mensah, former Vice Chancellor of University of Professional Studies, Prof Joshua Alabi, and yet to declare his intention, former President Dramani Mahama are all good presidential materials, none of them can bring victory to the NDC in 2020. Although some names including former President Dramani Mahama have popped up, my choice is not among the names. As at now, none of them is my choice, not even President Mahama, he stressed. Mr Baffoe made the revelation on Metropolitan Televisions flagship programme: Good Evening Ghana, hosted by Paul Adom Otchere, last Tuesday night. According to him, all those who are seeking to lead the party in 2020 were part and parcel of the Mahama-led government that suffered humiliating defeat in the 2016 general election. Why didnt they, including Mr Mahama himself, save the NDCs ship from sinking? he asked. He said he knew the NDC was going to lose, but he least expected such a massive defeat. I went to some places in the country prior to the elections which Ill not mention, and I can tell you (referring to the host of the programme) that the signs were clear on the walls that, NDC was going to lose but not in that magnitude, he said. Mr Baffoe, who did not mince words was equally not happy with the way and manner the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, was treated by some former appointees of the NDC, particularly the youth, who were public office holders during both Prof Mills and Mr Dramani Mahamas regimes. However, he said he could not blame them much because they were not privy to the kind of work Nana Rawlings as he called Mrs. Rawlings did during the formation of the NDC in 1992. He pointed out that Mrs Rawlings exit was not good for the NDC, because of her contribution to the party. Mr Baffoe, who said, he was introduced to former President Jerry John Rawlings through his wife, could not hide his admiration for the former first family. He bemoaned the way politics in the country had degenerated into where insults and personality attacks have become the order of the day. To this end, he called on the leaders of the various political parties, particularly the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to ensure that their followers anytime respect the dissenting views of others on any national issues. That, he said, was the only way to help move this country forward in terms of development and the respect for the rule of law. Source: Today Newspaper Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku has debunked claims that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police rendered an apology to some members of the Minority in Parliament after inviting them for interrogation. A publication by Daily Guide newspaper on Wednesday, April 11th, 2018 disclosed that some Minority members were paid double salaries when the NDC was in power. The CID reportedly issued an invite to the alleged culprits to unearth the truth. But the Minority has indicated it will sue the CID and Daily Guide for undermining their integrity and misinforming the general public. We must state for the records, contrary to the claims by DAILY GUIDE, no former appointee has offered to make refunds of double salaries. We challenge them to adduce evidence of their claims, the minority members noted. Sammy Awuku, speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, stated emphatically that the CID has not apologized to any invitee over the double salary issue. It is not true that the Police CID called the MPs to apologize. They should give us one person", he said. He explained what transpired at the CID which has been reported as an apology to the Minority members saying "due to the time limit, they couldnt have gotten all of them. So, they had to reschedule some of these people". Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A high-powered National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegation, led by its General Secretary, Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketia has visited the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asunafo South, Mr Eric Opoku, and other sympathisers of the party who were attacked by armed men on Sunday, April 1 at Sankore in the Brong Ahafo Region. The delegation included the MP for Kintampo North, Mr Etu-Bonde Kwasi; the MP for Kintampo South, Ms Felicia Adjei, MP for Banda, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim; MP for Biakoye, Mr Aboagye Kwadwo Nyanpon; the former MP of Tano South, Madam Hannah Bissiw; a former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the NDC Director of Research, Dr William Ahadzie, National Communications Director, Mr Solomon Nkansah, and some regional and constituency executive members of the party. The delegation also visited some of the victims who sustained injuries, including Prince Nyarko, Thomas Amponsah, Jona Boakye, Charles Antwi, Malik Zakariah, Serwa Lydia, Adams Seidu, Opoku Kwasi, Apostle Timothy, and others, to express their solidarity and sympathise with them. Security was tight, especially, at the residence of Mr Opoku during the visit of the delegation. Mr Opoku led the delegation to visit the various victims at their residencies where they were attacked. Some victims, who sustained several machete wounds during the attack, had bandages and plasters on their bodies and heads. Each victim and eyewitnesses was given an opportunity to narrate how the incident occurred and show evidence of machete wounds and destruction of properties to the delegation to enable them to form an opinion of what happened. Some of them told the delegation that they had their clothes, television sets, decoders, satellite dishes, mattresses and other belongings destroyed. The armed men also caused damage to Mr Opokus three private vehicles: a Toyota Landcruiser with registration number AE 9449-14, a KIA Spectra with registration number AE 2667-13 and a VW Passat also with registration number AE 3328-14 and damaged the metal gate and windows of his house. Some of the victims said the recent attack was not the first time they had been attacked in their homes since the change of government in 2016. Vigilante groups Addressing some of the party faithful at Sankore, Mr Nketiah condemned the incident and fingered the vigilante groups for being behind the attacks in the area. He said it was clear the attack was politically motivated and called on the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prevent vigilantism in the area to forestall such incidence. Mr Nketia advised the security agencies, especially the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces not to work under the influence of any political party in their quest to stop activities of vigilante groups since they should be politically neutral in their activities. Danger at Sankore Mr Nketia observed that Sankore and its surrounding communities were not safe and called on the government and the police to work hard to end the political impasse in the area. Source: Graphic.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Leader and Founder of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Mr Kofi Akpaloo, has stated that even though the party is not against the Ghana-US military pact, it is concerned about some of the aspects which give so much to the Americans. Mr Akpaloo said since the agreement gave so much to the Americans, Ghana could not boast much benefit. This, according to him, makes the pact one-sided and meant that Ghana had given away so much than it will benefit. Speaking to the Daily Graphic on phone yesterday, Mr Akpaloo said the LPG would want a win-win situation where both Ghana and the US would have equal benefits from the pact. Agreements Mr Akpaloo said the LPG believed that neither the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nor the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was against the pact because both parties had been involved in the agreements He said the NDC began the pact in 1998, renewed it in 2015 while the NPP had also renewed it currently to maintain the existing pact. He said the only disagreement between the two parties over the pact rested with disparity in the content. From the onset, both parties have supported the agreement except that we should be sure we dont give out everything but should ensure that we get something reasonable in return, Mr Akpaloo said. Background The Ghana-US military cooperation agreement approved by Parliament has attracted both negative and positive comments from both the Majority and Minority in Parliament, civil society organisations and security experts. The disagreement over the agreement between the NPP and the NDC reached a crescendo during the debate in Parliament and the subsequent approval by the majority with the minority boycotting the debate and abstaining from voting. Not satisfied with the turn of events, the Minority, other political parties and pressure groups embarked on a demonstration against the agreement recently in the capital, Accra, and declared its intention to embark on more demonstrations across the country. The disagreement compelled President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to make the governments intention on the agreement clear in a nationwide broadcast. Source: Graphic.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has asked political parties to lead the charge of educating their members on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on partisan lines. Political Parties should engage the people and send the message across. The issue of the election of MMDCEs is not a contentious one since all the political parties and the general population crave for it. Lets engage more, build consensus and do the job, she said. Hajia Alima Mahama was interacting with participants at the second Regional sensitization workshop on the first time election of MMDCES in Ghana held in Ho, the Volta Regional capital. It sought to among others, to build consensus on how to deepen local democracy and good governance with the election of MMDCEs on partisan basis. Similar workshops which would be organised country wide under the Ministers watch, also sensitized key stakeholders on their required roles in the upcoming referendum to amend the 1992 constitution for the MMDCES to be elected on partisan basis. Participants including current and former Assembly and Unit Committee members, Chiefs and traditional authority leaders, Opinion leaders, Faith based organisations, Civil Society groups and Vulnerable groups such Persons With Disability(PWDs), women and economic and youth groups were exposed to the required functions of MMDCEs within Ghanas decentralization system. Hajia Mahama disclosed that her Ministry was in touch with stakeholders like the National Commission on Civic Education, the Electoral Commission, the Media, and political parties to smoothen the journey towards the election of MMDCEs on partisan basis. She stressed that the practice was internationally accepted and that Ghana would have to devise a suitable way to make the practice more pragmatic acceptable, meaningful to the nations democratic dispensation, aspirations and development agenda. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Good Friday Morning, Fellow Seekers. In the wake of a long-anticipated vote on unionizing, graduate students at Penn State University say officials issued a 'thinly veiled threat' that the visa status of international students could be affected if there's a ever a walkout by potentially collectivized students. According to a report by the Chronicle of Higher Education, university officials said a new graduate students union "cannot protect the immigration status" of international students. More from the Chron: "In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the graduate school asserted that pro-union organizations had argued that the university's information on the stakes for international students in the event of unionization was flawed. "The post then cited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy as determining that "if the student has stopped taking courses or stopped performing research and that is what is required for their program, the student's record should be terminated immediately and they will have to leave the U.S. as soon as possible." "Also in the post, the graduate school linked to a statement from Washington University in St. Louis, which faced a vote on unionizing graduate-student workers last September. "Its provost, Holden Thorp, sent an email to graduate students with a list of answers to frequently asked questions about unionizing. Among them was whether unionizing could affect international students' visas. The same quotation from the federal immigration agency appears verbatim in that message. Although Washington University stated it would 'not report a student's change in status to the government unless it determined that' it was legally required to do so, it stipulated that 'universities are legally required to report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Department of Homeland Security) if a student fails to maintain status.'" Voting on unionization began Monday and wraps up today. The final result will be known next week. Speaking to The Chron, Garrett L. DuCharme, the chief organizer for the Coalition of Graduate Employees at Penn State, called the Facebook post " a last-minute kind of scare tactic to scare people away to not voting or to get them to vote no," said They're doing everything they can to make these vague and thinly veiled threats to try and scare people away." In a statement, Penn State said the university "has consistently and vigorously defended the interests of international students, and will continue to do so. The university encourages all graduate assistants and trainees to get the facts, be informed, and vote in the election. There are still four election days left for graduate students to make their voices heard by voting." Read the full Facebook post: Before voting, international graduate students have the right to know whether a strike could affect their visa status... Posted by The Graduate School at Penn State on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 The rest of the day's news starts now. Pa. counties are being told by the state that they have to have new voting machines - with paper trails - in time for the 2020 presidential election, PennLive's Charlie Thompson reports. The Inquirer explains how it's open season in Pennsylvania on undocumented immigrants. The Post-Gazette follows up on how Pennsylvania is getting tough with Turnpike toll scofflaws. That's U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., to you. The southwestern Pa. pol was formally sworn into office on Thursday night, The Tribune-Review reports. That's just in time for him to start running for re-election in his new district. PhillyMag wants to introduce you to the 'hate' preacher who also wants to save your soul. BillyPenn helps you plan out the next two weeks of your life - if you live in Philly. The Incline recommends seven black women who could replace the Stephen Foster statute in the city. Yeah, we were confused by the shiny yellow disc in the sky that brought warmth, too. Here's your #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day: In a talk at Princeton, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia urged 'strategic patience,' with the Putin government, WHYY-FM reports. This midstate city acted in bad faith on public records, WITF-FM reports, citing a ruling by the state Office of Open Records. So Pennsylvania used to jail physicians who performed abortions. The Morning Call flashes back to a front-page headline from 1900. Some Pa. politicians would dearly like to turn back the clock. Democratic 1st Congressional District candidate (that's the old 8th District in Bucks County) Rachel Reddick is on the air with her first campaign ad: Stateline.org looks at states where car crashses and hazardous waste spills are actually a good thing. Politico explains how Republicans are 'breaking the glass' as their 2018 outlook darkens further. Shockah: A balanced-budget amendment has fallen short in the U.S. House, Roll Call reports. Heavy Rotation. As befits the very sunny Friday that beckons, here's something appropriately tropical and languid to soundtrack your day. And now you're up to date. A man running naked in western Pennsylvania climbed to the top of a church near the steeple and then plunged 50 feet as police attempted to talk him down. As WTAE in Pittsburgh reports, it happened around 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Bower Hill Community Church in Mt. Lebanon, Pa. Police were responding to calls about a naked man running through the area. When they arrived on scene, the man proceeded to climb up the church. "The male had scaled the rear of the building and climbed to the top of the church roof near the steeple. The male did not respond to officers as he walked about the highest level of the roof," WTAE wrote, quoting a police statement. Then he plunged from the high perch. At last report, the man was listed in critical condition at UPMC Mercy, where he was to undergo surgery. Police were still trying to identify him and asked for the public's help. Here is the police description of the man, as reported by WTAE: He is white, 25-30 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and 170 pounds. He has short brown hair, a buzzed haircut, facial hair that makes him appear unshaven or having a scruffy beard, and "readily observable" body hair on his chest. Anyone with information is asked to call Mt. Lebanon police. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees restaurant inspections in the state. Inspection reports are snapshots of the day and time the inspections took place. In many cases, violations are corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving. The following West Shore establishments with violations that handle food were inspected during the week of March 18-24 and were recorded as of April 4. Don't Edit The municipalities that had inspections done in this week's roundup that had violations are Boiling Springs, Camp Hill, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Shippensburg and Perry County. No establishment was out of compliance the week of March 18-24. Don't Edit IN COMPLIANCE, WITH SOME VIOLATIONS IN CAMP HILL: APLUS MINI MARKET 4501 TRINDLE RD CAMP HILL Regular Roof leaking water into mop bucket away from food and equipment in the rear storage area, and is in need of repair. Sponges observed in the warewashing area being used to clean food contact surfaces. An accumulation of static dust on the wall, condensing unit, and fan guards in the walk-in cooler. An accumulation of trash found on the floor under the soda syrup boxes in the rear storage area. An accumulation of old food debris found on and around the nozzles of the cappuccino machine. Hot water not able to be turned off on the three bay sink in the warewashing area and is in need of repair. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Hot dog buns in customer self-serve area being dispensed directly from the bag. No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the hot dog area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Don't Edit (Joe Hermitt, PennLive) IN COMPLIANCE, WITH SOME VIOLATIONS IN CARLISLE: MORRISON MGMT SPECIALIST/CARLISLE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 361 ALEXANDER SPRING RD Regular Several prepackaged to-go items are not labeled with ingredients and sub-ingredients. Don't Edit CARLISLE FOOD MART 603 FRANKLIN ST CARLISLE Follow-up Pizza and sandwiches were held at 110 F, in the front unit, rather than 135F or above as required. Don't Edit Don't Edit (Shutterstock) IRON SKILLET 1179 HARRISBURG PIKE CARLISLE Complaint Covers are missing on the bulk ingredient bins directly below the raw chicken prep table. Don't Edit (Dan Gleiter, PennLive) IN COMPLIANCE, WITH SOME VIOLATIONS, IN MECHANICSBURG: MOE'S BAR AND GRILL 4709 GETTYSBURG RD MECHANICSBURG Follow-up The food facility does not have a handwash sink located at the bar. WHICH WICH 4957 CARLISLE PIKE MECHANICSBURG Opening The cutting board on the sandwich bain-marie is deeply scored and discolored. Don't Edit (Shutterstock) ARBYS 240 CUMBERLAND PKWY MECHANICSBURG Regular Several small holes in the wall over the three bay sink in the warewashing area that need to be repaired.An accumulation of old food debris and water deposits on the non-food contact surfaces of both the drive through, and customer self-serve soda machines. Don't Edit (Shutterstock) RITE AID 4957 CARLISLE PIKE MECHANICSBURG Regular An accumulation of static dust found on all of the fan guards in the walk-in cooler. Observed a small gap in the backroom receiving door that does not protect against the entry of insects. Don't Edit (Pixabay) IN COMPLIANCE, WITH SOME VIOLATIONS, IN BOILING SPRINGS: ANILE'S RISTORANTE & PIZZA 6 FRONT ST BOILING SPRINGS Regular Quat sanitizer test strips got wet and are no longer usable. Don't Edit Don't Edit IN COMPLIANCE, WITH SOME VIOLATIONS IN SHIPPENSBURG: SUNOCO 8256 OLD SCOTLAND RD SHIPPENSBURG Regular Dishes and utensils containing food residue in the hand wash sink. The facility does not have a stem thermometer to monitor the internal temperatures of TCS foods. Observed a buildup of dried potato residue on the potato slicer. The fluorescent lights above the three bowl sink are not shatterproof or shielded from breakage. Don't Edit IN COMPLIANCE, WITH SOME VIOLATIONS, IN PERRY COUNTY: CHRIS'S ORIGINAL PIZZA 1512 SUSQUEHANNA TRAIL LIVERPOOL Regular A food employee was observed touching a sub roll -- a ready to eat food -- with bare hands. Two wet wiping cloths were observed on pizza prep table and were not being stored in sanitizer bucket in between uses. Cardboard being used as a shelving surface in prep room dry food area and on one shelf in walk in cooler. Don't Edit VFW POST #0882 795 VALLEY ST MARYSVILLE Regular Yellow, green, red, and white plastic cutting boards have discoloration and excessive scoring from knife cuts. Board on bain-marie was acceptable for use on one side until others can be replaced or resurfaced. Dust accumulation found in three ceiling vents along back wall of banquet room. Water dripping continuously from faucet at warewash sink. Fluorescent light bulb not shielded or shatterproof in dry storage room. No thermometer could be found in bain-marie for checking ambient air temperature. Fryer baskets had old food debris and grease accumulation not cleaned from previous use. Don't Edit Check out the following for more foodie news: Don't Edit Adams County Winery completes its latest in a series of upgrades Aging gracefully: A list of Pa's longest-produced wines From concept wines to eye-catching labels, a look at early 2018 trends Old Westminster Winery continues to push its pedal to the metal 'Restaurant Impossible's' Robert Irvine signs bottles of Pa.-made spirits, reconnects with Dodge City Steakhouse owners Longanore, one of East Coat's oldest wineries, make generational shift Breakdown of top-selling Pa. counties of wine Views from a Napa winery owner: Gamble Family Vineyards Don't Edit Should "mayochup" be sold in the United States? Heinz is asking Americans for their input on what the company thinks is a novel condiment. On April 12, Heinz started the conversation when it took to Twitter with a poll about a potential product launch for a premade ketchup-mayonnaise mashup called "mayochup." While the condiment is already sold in some Middle Eastern countries, Heinz wanted to gauge interest in the United States. It said the product would become available if the poll receives 500,000 "yes" votes. Heinz wants to sell "Mayochup" in the United States. "Want #mayochup in stores? 500,000 votes for "yes" and we'll release it to you saucy Americans," Heinz tweeted. As of Friday morning, more than 696,400 "yes" votes had been cast in favor of the special sauce. However, not everyone viewed Heinz's product as anything new, creating a debate on Twitter. Many say the marriage of mayonnaise-ketchup is a rebranding of "fry sauce," a condiment believed to have been invented by a chef in Utah. Its not Mayochup or Mayoketchup... its Fry Sauce, and Im 160% sure it was invented in Utah... because it was. Get it right. pic.twitter.com/178hitAgGt Will Boston (@wboston96) April 12, 2018 Others say mixing ketchup with mayonnaise is a popular practice in many Latin countries, specifically in Puerto Rico where it's used on fried foods such as mofongo and tostones. Wtf is this Heinz "mayochup" nonsense? It's mayoketchup. It's on every grocery store shelf in Puerto Rico. pic.twitter.com/SisgnpBsXG Yesenia Perez-Cruz (@yeseniaa) April 13, 2018 A contractor who scammed a township on a traffic light project doesn't have to repay $832,460 because the municipality can't be deemed a "victim" under Pennsylvania law, a state appeals court panel ruled Friday. The Superior Court decision, contained in an opinion by Senior Judge John L. Musmanno, does more than free Robert J. Kearns from the restitution a Northampton County judge ordered him to pay to Bethlehem Township. It also marks what is likely to be a controversial expansion of a state Supreme Court ruling that has freed several former legislators from having to pay millions of dollars in restitution after their convictions for stealing or misusing public funds. That Supreme Court decision, issued in 2016, is known as the Veon Case because it relieved Mike Veon, a former Democratic state representative from Beaver County, from having to pay restitution after being convicted of using state funds for his own political gain. Musmanno concluded the Veon precedent applied in the Kearns case based on the Supreme Court's finding that state law bars the order of restitution payments to governmental agencies. Only human victims can receive restitution, Musmanno concluded. The Kearns dispute dates to 2007 when township officials handed his firm an $832,460 check as payment for the street light work. Kearns and his partner diverted the money to their own use and did little if any of the work the township had hired them to perform, investigators said. Kearns was indicted by a county grand jury in 2012. A year later a jury convicted him of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received. He was hit with the restitution order and a 16-month to 5-year state prison term. Kearns appealed his restitution order to the state court after county Judge Leonard N. Zito denied his initial challenge to the monetary penalty. In explaining his denial, Zito found the Veon decision wasn't applicable to the Kearns case because Veon's restitution involved a speculative financial penalty based on the political gain Veon supposedly received from the crime. By contrast, township officials knew exactly how much Kearns stole, Zito noted. "To absolve (Kearns) of his criminal responsibility for the theft he perpetrated on Bethlehem Township simply because the victim, a recognized 'person' under the law, is not in human form, would be a gross misconstruction of the legislative intent of the statutory provisions implicated in this matter," Zito wrote. He stressed that accepting Kearns' argument that the Veon ruling applies to his case "would yield an absurd result." Yet Musmanno concluded the Supreme Court ruling in the Veon case binds his court to clear Kearns' restitution order because the township doesn't have flesh, a brain or a heartbeat. The key issue is that Bethlehem Township is not a human being, so it can't be a victim, Musmanno found. The Superior Court judges sent Kearns' case back to county court for resentencing. Northampton County prosecutors could appeal that decision to the Supreme Court. WILLIAMSPORT - A judge says he would be deeply concerned if facts show voters are being deprived of the services of constables they elected due to political retaliation. Clinton County Senior Judge J. Michael Williamson expressed that view this week in an order refusing to dismiss Lycoming County Sheriff R. Mark Lusk from a suit filed by two constables he has banned from serving warrants. Williamson, who is specially assigned to the case, dropped the county's district judges from the suit brought by Chad Riley and Mark Phillips, finding they had immunity. In keeping Lusk in the suit, Williamson pointed out no discovery has been conducted so there are unanswered questions. He gave the sheriff 20 days to respond to the complaint. The judge said he would like to know if the sheriff's policy related to constables is consistent or inconsistent with the procedures put forth by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Riley and Phillips contend in an amended complaint filed in February that Lusk does not have the authority to keep them from doing their duties. The sheriff acts as a clearing house for warrants issued by district judges so constables are treated equally. Constables also are used for prisoner transfer for preliminary hearings. Riley, a constable in Cogan House Twp. who was appointed by a judge, in May 2017 sought the Republican nomination for sheriff against incumbent Lusk and lost. Phillips, an elected constable in Old Lycoming Twp., supported him. Riley claims after he announced his candidacy that Lusk told him he no longer would get any work from the sheriff's office. Phillips was told he "was no longer needed" and the district judges were advised not to use their services, the complaint states. READ MORE: Two constables file court challenge to sheriff's decision not to use them Riley and Phillips say they are independent contractors and not subject to the will of the sheriff. The two are seeking a court order declaring Lusk does not have the authority under the law to control the work of constables. Riley also made his criticism of Lusk known in a letter to the county commissioners last fall. He pointed out since Lusk took office in 2010 his budget has increased from $647,771 in 2010 to more than $1.1 million this year. The number of deputy sheriffs has increased significantly in those years mainly to enhance courthouse security. MOUNT CARMEL - A Shamokin area man has been charged with the murder of a man whose body was found by an ATV rider last September along a dirt road in Northumberland County. Brian George Heffner, 37, of Coal Twp., is accused of shooting Sean Michael Maschal, 33, in the head in a SUV and then leaving the body in wooded former coal lands near Locust Gap. Heffner was arraigned Thursday on criminal homicide and related counts and jailed without bail. He has been staying in a drug rehab facility in Harrisburg and was arrested at work in the Steelton. District Attorney Tony M. Matulewicz called Maschal's murder drug-related, noting alleged bath salts activity. The arrest affidavit states the murder weapon was traded for bath salts in Lebanon. Matulewicz would not say if the gun has been recovered. Two other men in the SUV when Maschal was killed have given statements incriminating Heffner, the affidavit states. Matulewicz praised the work of Mount Carmel Twp. Patrolman Michael Pitcavage, the lead investigator. "It was an exhaustive investigation," he said. "There were more than 50 people of interest initially. He had to start from ground zero." The prosecutor would not discuss a possible motive or what evidence police have but said: "In my opinion we have a very strong case for trial." The arrest affidavit gives the following account of the murder as told to them by David Michael Brown and Robert Louis Villari Jr., who were in the vehicle with Heffner and Maschal: On Sept. 11, the day before the shooting, Villari stole a .40-caliber handgun with the intent to exchange it for drugs. Heffner took the gun saying he could get drugs. The following day the four were in the SUV, with Brown driving heading east on Route 901 near Locust Gap heading toward Ashland, when Heffner shot Maschal, the front-seat passenger. They stopped in a wooded area. Brown and Villari pleaded with Heffner to seek help but he was "waving he gun around," police were told. They stopped farther along the dirt road and when Heffner opened the front passenger side door, Maschal fell out. Heffner took the victim's wallet and cell phone. They drove to Ashland where items associated with the crime were concealed, although they later were found during the execution of a search warrant. After cleaning themselves, they drove to Lebanon where the murder weapon was exchanged for bath salts. They began cleaning the interior of the vehicle at a service station near the Lebanon interchange of Interstate 81 and discarded blood-stained items in a parking lot trash can. The magazine from the handgun was recovered from a storm drain where it was discarded along with a pair of sweatpants, police said. The SUV was found in a garage in Mount Carmel with a cracked windshield, a bullet lodged in the dashboard and dried blood stains throughout but especially in the front passenger seat, they said. Besides criminal homicide, Hefner is charged with robbery, aggravated assault, convicted felon not to possess a firearm, conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property, firearm not to be carried without a license, recklessly endangering another person, abuse of corps, tampering with evidence and aiding in the consummation of a crime. Heffner, whose criminal record includes assault, burglary and drug charges, was sentenced in February 2016 to 9 to 23 months stemming from an arrest in which his charges included possession with intent to deliver bath salts, resisting arrest and fleeing to avoid apprehension. He was paroled to a halfway house but he was returned to jail in December for leaving the facility and using heroin. Subsequently he was paroled to the drug rehabilitation facility in Harrisburg. Villari is awaiting trial in county court on charges that include illegal possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence and conspiracy from the Sept. 12 incident. He is jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail. Brown has not been charged in connection with the homicide but court records show he is in jail on drunk driving charges. Matulewicz would not say if he or others would be charged. WILLIAMSPORT - A third man has been indicted on federal charges related to the rash of heroin overdoses in late June in Lycoming County. Raymond Howard, 43, was named Thursday in a superseding U.S. Middle District Court indictment that previously had charged only Wayne Saquon Davidson, 24. They are accused of conspiring to provide a mixture that contained more than 100 grams of heroin along with carfentanil to four individuals who overdosed on June 28 and 29. Only Davidson is charged with the actual distribution of the heroin and carfentanil that caused the overdoses. Nathan Crowder Jr., 29, is charged in a separate indictment with providing drugs that resulted in three overdoses. UPMC Susquehanna reported treating 51 overdose cases within a 48-hour period in late June. There were three confirmed deaths, but none of the accused is charged with causing them. The indictments allege the three traveled to Philadelphia to obtain heroin and then directed others to specific locations to arrange its distribution. They are charged with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute heroin and are detained on federal or state charges. The conspiracy, according to the new indictment, included sharing information on the quality and price of the drugs being distributed in the Williamsport area. The length of the alleged conspiracy in the Davidson-Howard indictment is October 2016 to last July. The conspiracy charge in the Crowder indictment covers the first seven months of 2017. Davidson and Crowder, because of their records of drug offenses, could face up to life in in prison if convicted of the conspiracy charge. Howard is awaiting trial in Lycoming County on drug charges, but it is likely they will be stayed or dropped due to the federal indictment. By Josh Rogin After a year of ideological warfare and bureaucratic battles, the surviving members of President Donald Trump's national security team are about to band together with newly arriving members to pursue a traditionally Republican and hawkish foreign policy agenda. Behind the scenes, they are joining forces. Josh Rogin (Washington Post photo) After months of searching, Vice President Mike Pence has chosen a new national security adviser. Jon Lerner, deputy to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, will lead Pence's foreign policy team and advise him on all national security issues, Pence spokeswoman Alyssa Farah told me. Significantly, Lerner will also keep his job working for Haley, dividing his time between the two principals and coordinating between the two teams. That's no accident. Over the past year, Pence and Haley have been coordinating closely on foreign policy, advocating long-held GOP foreign policy positions such as increased pushback against Russia, stronger pressure on North Korea, more resources for Afghanistan, a tougher position on the Assad regime in Syria and more. Now the two officials will have the same key adviser on national security. Lerner, a well-known Republican political operative and foreign policy hand, has worked with Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, for many years. They started collaborating when Ayers - then at the Republican Governors Association - supported Haley's first run for governor of South Carolina in 2010. The objective is to eliminate the infighting that plagued the National Security Council for its first year. John Bolton's ascension as national security adviser and CIA Director Mike Pompeo's nomination as secretary of state both affirm the convergence of ideology and agenda. "This just formalizes really what's already been going on," one senior White House official said. "And with the changes of Bolton and Pompeo, it formalizes an existing group of people who were already working well together." Although it's often overlooked, Pence's foreign policy role has been growing. He has been traveling overseas on a regular basis. He played a role in the diplomacy that led to the North Korea summit. Just this week, he chaired multiple National Security Council meetings on the Syria crisis. On Friday, he leaves for Peru to stand in for Trump at the Summit of the Americas. Pence's former national security adviser, Andrea Thompson, is awaiting confirmation to be Pompeo's undersecretary of state for arms control. Lerner has close relationships with Pompeo and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., another card-carrying member of the traditional GOP foreign policy establishment. For many Republicans, the value of the new team is not only that it is ideologically aligned, but also that it is full of seasoned politicians and political operatives who can get things done both inside and outside government. That's a change from year one, when figures such as Stephen K. Bannon freelanced on foreign policy, and general dysfunction prevented the administration from clearly explaining, much less implementing, many of its priorities. "The home team is up," said one GOP foreign policy operative. "These are people who have been part of the system for a long time, who have real experience. Trump said he wanted killers, and this group are all killers." Not all of these officials are the same. Pence and Haley lean more toward neoconservative views regarding spreading democracy and American values. Bolton and Pompeo share their zest for hawkish unilateralism but are far more skeptical of the United States' ability to pursue nation-building. But they all share deep connections and roots with the foreign policy establishment that former secretary of state Rex Tillerson and even former national security adviser H.R. McMaster could never claim. Bolton is also busily cleaning house inside the National Security Council. In his first week he worked to remove three top officials: spokesman Michael Anton, homeland security adviser Tom Bossert and Nadia Schadlow, deputy national security adviser for strategy. Expect Bolton to continue replacing senior staff with traditional GOP hawks who also have political bona fides. Bolton, like the rest of this team, knows that getting the politics of foreign policy right is half the battle. Democratic senators at Pompeo's confirmation hearing Thursday said they saw Trump building a "war cabinet." Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., noted that Trump's instincts run against GOP foreign policy orthodoxy on a range of issues. Throughout the campaign, Trump blamed the Republican foreign policy establishment for a litany of sins, including the war in Iraq. Many fear Trump's new foreign policy team will push him to a more hawkish stance that could lead to conflict. But White House officials said that Trump will always be Trump, and that in the end he just wants people skilled enough to deliver on his agenda. In his first year, Trump's national security officials often pursued different agendas and worked at cross-purposes. The new team is starting off on largely the same page. That's going to be crucial if it is to guide U.S. foreign policy through the troubled waters that lie ahead. Josh Rogin is a columnist for the Global Opinions section of The Washington Post. He writes about foreign policy and national security. Police interview Alexandre Bissonnette on January 30, 2017, the day after the mosque attacks, in this still from an interrogation video shown by the Crown to the sentencing hearings in Quebec City in this handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Surete du Quebec FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2003, file photo, CanadaDrugs.com Director of Pharmacy Robert Fraser, left, takes Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, second left, on a tour of the Internet pharmacy CanadaDrugs.com in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. The Canadian online pharmacy is expected to be fined $34 million for importing counterfeit cancer drugs and other unapproved pharmaceuticals into the United States. Canada Drugs, which calls itself that nation's largest internet drugstore, and its founder, Kris Thorkelson, not seen, are being sentenced Friday, April 13, 2018, after pleading guilty to felony charges in the U.S. state of Montana. (AP Photo/Ruth Bonneville, File) Dave Hebert of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada poses with a survey instrument in this undated handout photo. A federal scientist says deep water off the southern coast of Nova Scotia was abnormally warm earlier this week. Scientists found water temperatures reaching 14 C during a regular survey Sunday and Monday of the northeast channel in the Gulf of Maine between Georges Bank and the Scotian Shelf. Dave Hebert, a research scientist at the federal Fisheries Department's Halifax office, says that's six degrees warmer than the average water temperature. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO FILE--In this Sept. 25, 1972, file photo, Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern, right, holds a snowball he made, in Billings, Mont., while standing next to Montana Sen. John Melcher. Melcher, a Montana Democrat who narrowly lost a bid for a third term in 1988 just days after a wilderness bill he championed was vetoed, has died. He was 93. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty, file) FILE - This booking file photo provided Tuesday, March 6, 2018, by the San Francisco Police Department, shows Aldon Smith. Authorities say former Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers player Smith is back in a California jail after violating a condition of his bail. Online records show the 28-year-old Smith is being held Sunday, April 8, 2018, in San Francisco County Jail on $500,000 bond. (San Francisco Police Department via AP, File) FILE -- In this photo taken on Feb. 17, 2018, Juan Carlos Cruz poses for a picture before a meeting with Archbishop Charles Scicluna near a Roman Catholic church in Manhattan, New York. Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of Chile's most famous predator priest, and two other of the main protagonists in denouncing Chile's sex abuse scandal will meet with Pope Francis on April 28-29 and will stay as his guests at the Vatican hotel where he lives, one of the men told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) Perryville soccer coach Jerry Fulton has been approached about how good his team is, because according to the results, they have to be pretty good.Perryville claimed first place in the Hillsboro The St. Vincent cross country teams made a statement. The boys finished first, while the girls took second place at the Perryville High School Invitational on Tuesday in the Perryville City Park.It St. Vincent football has asserted itself the past few years when it comes to matchups with their crosstown rival Perryville. The Indians had won three straight contests against the Pirates. St. Roth to help raise money for cancer society During last years Perryville homecoming game, the football coaches donned pink hats and pink pants in honor of a noble cause. They hope to do so again this year.Perryville football head coach Pirates play to win against Blackcats Perryville football has had a flair for the dramatic this season. This past week was no different as they held on late for a 21-14 victory over Fredericktown on Friday at Pirate Stadium. Perryville St. Vincent keeps foot on the gas in victory St. Vincent made quick work of Herculaneum in week four. The Indians got off to a quick start and kept it rolling as they dispatched of the Blackcats 49-0 on Friday at Herculaneum High School. That Click Here For Our Local Sports Page Canadian CGX to begin drilling by year end By Kaieter News GEORGETOWN Petroleumworld 04 13 2018 Canadian oil and gas exploration company, CGX, is set to commence drilling on the Corentyne block as early as the end of this year; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has confirmed. The oil company has already appointed a drilling engineer who will be in charge of designing its offshore exploration well on the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana. Minister Trotman told the Department of Public Information (DPI) recently that the government is excited about the project. CGX has remained committed to Guyana, they have gone through different periods and we are hoping that we could work with them. They are expected to do some drilling this year and we are excited about that, the Minister said. The expectation is that they begin drilling by the end of the year. We also have Repsol that will also do some drilling later in the year or early next year, Minister Trotman added. In late 2017, CGX had said as part of the renegotiation of its contract with the Government of Guyana, it would relinquish 25 percent of the acreage of both the Corentyne and Demerara blocks to the government. The new work commitments include drilling an exploration well on the Corentyne Block by November 27, 2019; acquire additional seismic or conduct seismic reprocessing by November 27, 2020; drill an exploration well by November 27, 2022 in the Demerara Block; complete any additional data processing and planning, and secure all regulatory approvals for the drilling of an exploration well by February 12, 2020; drill an exploration well by February 12, 2021 and another by February 12, 2023 in the Berbice Block; complete a geochemical survey of a minimum area of 120 square kilometers and commence a seismic program defined by the aforementioned geochemical survey by February 12, 2020; complete the seismic programme and complete all processing and interpretation of data by August 12, 2021 and drill an exploration well by February 12, 2023. Chairman and Executive Director CGX, Guyana Professor Suresh Narine said the company was eager to pursue the new work commitments in this exciting Guyana basin, and in so doing continue our unbroken commitment to the basin, the Guyanese people and its Government for more than 18 years. CGX Energy is focused on the exploration of oil in the Guyana-Suriname Basin. Hit your target - Advertise with us Story from Kaieter News Kaieteurnewsonline.com 04 13 2018 Copyright 1999-2018 Petroleumworld or respective author or news agency. All rights reserved. We welcome the use of Petroleumworld (PW) stories by anyone provided it mentions Petroleumworld.com as the source. Other stories you have to get authorization by its authors. Internet web links to http://www.petroleumworld.com are appreciated. Petroleumworld welcomes your feedback and comments, share your thoughts on this article, your feedback is important to us! We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article. Write to editor@petroleumworld.com By using this link, you agree to allow PW to publish your comments on our letters page. Any question or suggestions, please write to: editor@petroleumworld.com Best Viewed with IE 5.01+ Windows NT 4.0, '95, '98,ME,XP, Vista, Windows 7,8,10 +/ 800x600 pixels Petrobras reaffirms commitment to BP strategic alliance By Reuters SAO PAULO Petroleumworld 04 13 2018 Brazilian state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA said on Thursday it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BP Plc to complement and reaffirm a letter of intent the companies signed in October regarding a strategic alliance in Brazil. Petrobras, as the company is commonly known, said the MOU affirmed the intention of the parties to join forces in areas such as oil exploration and production, oil trading, and other operations. Currently, the companies are partners in 16 exploration blocs in Brazil, Petrobras said. Hit your target - Advertise with us U.S. will not cede leadership in the region to authoritarian countries. - U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross By Reuters LIMA Petroleumworld 04 13 2018 U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Thursday that Latin American economies benefited more from trade with the United States than with China and vowed Washington would not cede leadership in the region to authoritarian countries. Speaking at a business event in Lima before Friday's start of the Summit of the Americas, Ross also put pressure on Latin American nations to do more to facilitate trade. Tariff and non-tariff barriers are unnecessarily severe, Ross told the CEO Summit of the Americas, a gathering of business and political leaders. Ross said barriers to U.S. trade with the region included delays in clearing goods through borders and high compliance costs. He urged countries that had not ratified the World Trade Organization's trade facilitation agreement - which requires timely publication of customs procedures - to do so. A welcome side benefit will be reduced corruption at the customs level, Ross said. Ross said most U.S. imports from Latin America were manufactured goods as opposed to the raw materials and agricultural commodities that make up the bulk of Chinese imports from the region. These higher, value-added products provide high-paying jobs and therefore are more beneficial to the local economies, Ross said. We will not cede leadership in our hemisphere to authoritarian countries that ... exploit the region's rich natural resources. Asked about Beijing's promise to fight back if U.S. President Donald Trump further escalated trade tensions with China, Ross said: It's not a question of fighting back. These are long-standing issues. We have taken action. They will take action. We'll see how it ends, Ross said. After his speech, Ross told journalists it would be sensible for there to be a deal on updating the North American Free Trade Agreement among the United States, Mexico and Canada, but declined to estimate when one might be reached. Hit your target - Advertise with us OPEC output lowest in a year, tighter market ahead Declines in Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Libya curb group's output . Global oil stockpiles set to shrink more than 1m barrels a day By Grant Smith LONDON Petroleumworld 04 13 2018 OPEC said its oil output fell to the lowest in a year last month amid reduced supplies from Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, suggesting global markets may tighten sharply later this year. Most of a global crude glut has been eliminated following 15 months of output curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners, according to a monthly OPEC report. With production sinking in Venezuela amid an economic crisis, worldwide inventories are on course to decline significantly in the second half of 2018, the report showed. Oil prices jumped to the highest in more than three years on Wednesday as escalating political tensions in the Middle East spurred concerns that supplies could be disrupted. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned he may take military action in Syria and reimpose sanctions against Iran, while a civil war in Yemen threatens to become a regional conflict. Production from OPEC's 14 members dropped by 201,400 barrels a day last month, the most since November, to 31.958 million barrels a day, according to the report. That's the lowest since March 2017. The declines were led by Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Libya. After months of falling output, Venezuela is pumping about 480,000 barrels less than its agreed level under the OPEC accord. If its industry continues to deteriorate, and President Trump delivers on threats to sanction Iran, OPEC's unintended losses could effectively double the cut it set out to implement. The oil-inventory surplus in developed nations has declined by almost 90 percent since the cuts by OPEC and its partners began last January, to just 43 million barrels, the report showed. If OPEC output remains at current levels, world stockpiles would contract at a rate of about 1.3 million barrels a day in the second half of the year, the report indicated. Global oil demand remains strong, with a positive and optimistic outlook for driving fuels seen for the coming months, it said. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia and other countries have signaled the group should abide by its commitment to restrain output to the end of the year, and possibly longer, to ensure global markets are fully rebalanced. The kingdom reduced production by 46,900 barrels a day to 9.93 million a day in March. Hit your target - Advertise with us Harvey Hanna, who has turned a string of Delaware River industrial sites into warehouse and light-manufacturing centers, is proposing a $250 million leveling and redevelopment of the former General Motors Corp. plant at 801 Boxwood Rd. outside Wilmington, Del., where federal and state officials urged by then-Vice President Joe Biden spent millions trying to lure an electric car plant, to instead create 3 million square feet of new warehouse space. Read more The former General Motors car factory on Boxwood Road near Wilmington, which has sat idle since the government spent millions in a failed attempt to turn it into an electric-car factory, will be leveled and turned into 3 million square feet of warehouses and shipping centers, where up to 2,500 logistics workers, packers, and truckers will labor daily, under a proposal developer Harvey Hanna & Associates sent local officials Friday. New Castle County officials said they would "fast-track" the proposal: They intend to approve a final plan in months, not years. The 142-acre GM complex, which was down to a single shift making Saturns when it closed in 2009, employed thousands in the 1950s and 1960s, when vehicle, oil, and chemical plants were major regional employers. Blue-collar immigrants from Europe, the South, and the Caribbean, including future reggae star Bob Marley, worked the assembly lines at the GM complex; their union paychecks sustained neighborhoods in Wilmington and its western suburbs. Now, the industrial wrecks lining I-95 are in line "to become one of the most sought-after corridors, from a fulfillment and distribution standpoint," says Thomas J. Hanna, whose family firm has been redeveloping former steel and chemical properties in the area since the 1990s. "As more consumer purchasing goes online or is made via e-commerce outlets, the need for distribution space continues to rise," and shippers who want faster delivery are finally siting logistics plants closer to cities. He says plans for hazardous-materials remediation, demolition, and construction of five proposed buildings could cost up to $250 million. Gulftainer Corp.'s plan to build a $582 million container port at the former DuPont Edge Moor site down Del. 141, under a new contract with the Port of Wilmington, makes Boxwood Road extra attractive to shippers, Hanna added. Since the first dot.com shopping sites in the 1990s, big warehouse operators including Amazon, Walmart's Jet.com, Urban Outfitters, QVC, and other online retailers have built most of their million-square-foot warehouses, many employing 1,000 or more, in small towns and rural areas. But recently, the expansion of food and pharma delivery services has sparked interest in smaller centers closer to metro areas, Hanna says. GM isn't the only area heavy-industry site that's being marketed for warehouses and delivery logistics centers, as the digital economy upends old distribution patterns. The Claymont Steel mill, sheds, and chimneys that towered over the Delaware River, I-95/495, and rail lines before they were closed by Russia-based owner Evraz Steel in 2014, have been leveled and trucked away by crews from Commercial Development Co. of St. Louis and its affiliate, Environmental Liability Transfer Inc. The company has donated 12 acres for an expanded Claymont SEPTA-DART station and parking, making the site more attractive to employers, says executive vice president Stephen Collins. Besides warehouses, proposals for the 413-acre Claymont site also call for retail stores, a hotel, and up to 1,000 residential units along Naamans Road, said Collins, who is trying to sell those ideas to developers. We recently toured the site's fields of flattened rubble and second-growth woods, home to deer, foxes, and hawks, studded with stone bridges and tunnels, rocky creeks, and tree-grown river piers. The two-story former steel company office has been sold to Gaudenzia House, the drug recovery centers. Collins' company is also scouting warehouse and logistics users for the former Budd Co. (Teva) site in far Northeast Philadelphia, the Glidden paint factory in Reading, and the ex-Congoleum works near Trenton, among others. State and county governments are applauding Boxwood's "reemergence as an anchor of growth and job creation," Matt Meyer, elected county executive for New Castle County, where most Delaware residents live, told me. He said officials are also pleased with the interest in Claymont as a "very low-cost" distribution center. Hanna plans five warehouses totaling 3 million square feet at Boxwood Road. A million square feet is about the size of each of Philadelphia's Liberty Place or Comcast towers. The Harvey Hanna company already operates three nearby industrial developments. The largest, Twin Spans Business Park, lies north of Delaware's sleepy colonial capital of New Castle and close to the Delaware Memorial Bridge connecting I-95 with the end of the New Jersey Turnpike. Tenants include Philadelphia Gear Co., formerly of King of Prussia, now part of Timken Co.; online tire giant Tire Rack; and the Speakman and Zenith plumbing distribution centers. Amazon Inc.'s first East Coast warehouse is nearby; one of that company's largest warehouses is in Middletown, Del., south of I-95. Besides its location in the center of the densely populated Northeast, Delaware's "property taxes and occupancy costs, when you add them up, are only around 60 percent of what you would pay in Southeastern Pennsylvania or New Jersey," since most of the state has no municipal government below the county level, and there is no retail sales tax, Hanna said. Labor and insurance costs are also competitive, and the government has a pro-business record, he added. While regional unemployment is low, Hanna says he's heard from ex-autoworkers and their kids looking for better-paid industrial jobs. Nobody's guaranteeing these jobs will pay better; but he figures more jobs is better than fewer. As if to prep for more workers, Buccini/Pollin Group is converting part of the former DuPont Co. headquarters, the Bancroft Mills site on the Brandywine, and half the Silverside office complex into apartments at what the builder calls competitive rents, by Philadelphia standards. I asked how Hanna can make Boxwood Road stand out, when so many other ex-industrial sites are available. "There are 15 other states trying to woo these corporate clients," he affirmed. "Delaware can distinguish itself if we can get these permitted and faster to market." Hanna is also trying to interest officials in reopening the former Newport station on the SEPTA-DART train line from Newark, Del., to Wilmington, Claymont, and Philadelphia. S.W. Burkhead, Delaware River and Bay Authority Police, patrols the Delaware Memorial Bridge in New Castle, Del. Hundreds of motorists in our area suffer from an unusual yet debilitating fear of driving over bridges. Luckily, help is just a dispatch call away. People crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge can take advantage of a 70-year-old Acrophobia Escorts program, which calls for patrolman to drive a scared driver's car over the bridge for them. Read more Most people look at a bridge and see the obvious way to get to the other side. Some people look at the same bridge and see a death-dealing monster blocking the way. Every year, motorists by the hundreds, paralyzed by an unusual fear, are rendered incapable of driving their own vehicles over area spans. Their terror knows no season, but for many of the stricken, summer is the cruelest, as the beach beckons from the other side of a bridge too far. They can panic and head for the Poconos. Or they can make a call. Drivers in mortal dread of crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge, connecting New Castle, Del., and Pennsville, N.J., can turn to the Acrophobia Escorts program, named after the fear of heights. Patrolmen meet them at the head of the bridge, then drive their cars across for them. "Once they're in the passenger seat," said Patrolman Steve Burkhead, "that tends to be the only medication they need." The Delaware River Port Authority whose four bridges linking Pennsylvania and New Jersey include those major Shore arteries, the Ben Franklin and the Walt Whitman also will help drivers in trouble, though it's not standard operating procedure. At the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the phobic are not as rare as one might expect, with 323 transports in 2017 and 468 the year before. About 60 percent are repeat customers, according to Col. Richard Arroyo of the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the twin suspension bridges; some regulars call ahead to schedule appointments when they know they will be traveling to the area. Men are just as scared as women, millennials as bridge-shy as boomers. The service has been offered since the structure opened in 1951. "This is one of the things that we can really do for the traveling public," Arroyo said. Otherwise, Burkhead added, "It would take an extra two hours to go around." Any driver needing help is directed to stop on the shoulder near the approach to the bridge and call the dispatch line at 302-571-6342. Two officers in a cruiser will then pull up behind. They introduce themselves and look inside. The driver signs a liability form and slides to the passenger side, ceding the wheel. Off they go over the two-mile span, with the second officer following. Patrolman Dominic Liberto usually asks if they're more comfortable in the middle lanes, and engages them in chitchat. Sometimes, though, the conversation wanders into a dark place: "If you don't mind me asking, why do you have an issue driving over the bridge?" "Everybody has a story," he said. "And most people feel better when they tell it." Often, it's the height. At its peak, the Delaware Memorial Bridge is 174 feet above the water. "As they are approaching the center of the bridge, they can't see the roadway going down," Liberto said. "They can't see the road over the crest." He can't recall coming across anyone who didn't want to talk about it. "By the time they're done giving me their explanations, the worst of it is over," he said. "Some people cover their eyes, but a lot of people are calm. They just can't do it." Acrophobia, however, is not a label that fits all of the bridge-averse, says Reid Wilson, an associate professor in the psychology department at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and author of several books on anxiety-related illnesses. "It's not just about heights," he said. "It's heights, or it's claustrophobia, or most likely it's people who have panic disorder. They feel trapped and out of control, and the problem with a bridge is you can't pull over." People who use escorts are "just trying to survive," he said. "It's like people who take medication to fly on a plane because they're so anxious. They don't know any other way to manage it, so I totally get them doing that." He added, "All of us have our limits in some ways. Some people have the nervous system of a racehorse. Some people have the nervous system of a turtle." Burkhead, the Delaware Memorial Bridge patrolman, said he typically encounters just ordinary folks in passenger vehicles. But there are exceptions, such as the soldier who routinely jumped out of planes, but couldn't drive over a bridge. "I'm surprised that they trust someone else to drive them, as opposed to being behind the wheel themselves," he said. "For me, being a Type A personality, that would be the complete opposite of how I would feel. I would want to be in control." The DRPA does not have available data on the number of drivers its officers help, according to communications director Kyle Anderson, but he indicated the number is not substantial. "It's not something that we tout or advertise," he said, "but the willingness to accommodate any issues like that is what our cops are known for." In some areas, though, the demand is so high that it has drawn private-sector entrepreneurs. At the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, connecting Kent Island and the Annapolis, Md., area, Steven Eskew operates his Kent Island Express seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. During normal business hours, drivers can get a lift for about $30. Call overnight, and the price can surge as high as $90. This time of year, he handle 10 or 12 escorts daily. On a typical summer day, though, he gets about 40. He shares Liberto's conclusion: The fear arises from the inability to see beyond the crest of the bridge, especially when it's foggy. "I call it the Christopher Columbus fear," Eskew said. "They feel like they're going off the edge." Henry Khounh, proprietor of 1540 Hardware, relocated his store after his landlord sought to pass on some of the citys recent hike in real estate taxes to him. His store is located at 1822 S. 11th Street. Read more For about a decade, Cambodian immigrant Henry Khounh ran his 1540 Hardware on East Passyunk Avenue, grinding keys and selling snow shovels. Then last year, his landlord, the nonprofit Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corp., informed him that the city had hiked the taxes on the storefront property and about $3,000 worth would be passed to him as part of his lease. Khounh did the math $3,000 was a lot of keys. His lease was up and he relocated about three blocks away. "Honestly, I couldn't afford it," Khounh said Wednesday. "That's the bottom line." Nancy Alperin describes similar sticker shock over her 2017 tax bill that more than tripled the assessed value on her two-story commercial property on South Juniper Street, bringing her tax bill to "$22,000 and change." The Duffield House's Patrick J. Callahan shared the sentiment. He says the new $32.3 million value the city placed on the Conshohocken Avenue apartment complex boosted real estate taxes by 76 percent, or $194,000, to $448,000. He warns that the hike could lead to layoffs or higher rents. Philadelphia's higher property values on thousands of billboards, parking lots, apartment complexes, office buildings, and other businesses are unsettling the business community even as they produce an estimated $200 million in new taxes, leading to lawsuits and a flood of appeals at the Board of Revision of Taxes. Philadelphia says the higher commercial values are overdue and will help fund the city and the money-starved schools through real estate and use and occupancy taxes, which are based on assessments. But landlords and businesses have griped at the year-over-year hikes, saying they didn't have time to budget for them and that some of the higher values from the Office of Property Assessment seem out of whack. Commercial properties typically account for 25 percent to 30 percent of the assessment appeals. This year, it's 70 percent, or 4,500 of 6,420 appeals, Carla Pagan, the executive director at the Board of Revision of Taxes, said this week. She said that 1,600 of the 1,800 commercial appeals heard so far have resulted in assessment reductions. A Tax Increase for Commercial Properties Hundreds of property owners also joined in litigation before Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Daniel J. Anders, claiming that the city targeted 65,000 commercial properties with "spot assessments," violating the Pennsylvania Constitution's uniformity clause. The much-litigated Pennsylvania uniformity clause says that all types of properties should be treated the same when it comes to real estate taxes. If Philadelphia hiked assessments on business properties for the current tax year, it should have hiked residential property taxes at the same time, the suits say. Philadelphia released new assessments on residential properties last week, and those real estate tax hikes won't take effect until the next fiscal tax year, in 2019. Philadelphia commercial property owners are emboldened by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's "Valley Forge" decision last July, which confirmed the uniformity clause in a case in Upper Merion Township. In it, property owners said that the Upper Merion School District targeted apartment complexes for higher taxes. Philadelphia has said that the higher commercial assessments would raise $118 million in additional real estate taxes. But higher assessments also produce higher use and occupancy taxes, which building tenants began paying last summer. Court documents estimate that total new taxes real estate and U&O amount to about $200 million a year. The mayor's spokesman, Mike Dunn, said in a statement that "we are confident that the 2018 reassessment (announced in 2017) fully complied with all applicable law and standard assessment methodology." Dunn added that "properties are to be assessed at their actual market value, and that is what this assessment does." Landlords and businesses agree that some of their properties may have been undervalued before the 2017 reassessment. Also, some of the higher values capture new construction or property in booming parts of the city. The city bumped the value of the Rittenhouse Claridge apartment complex on South 18th Street and adjacent to the Rouge restaurant to $101.2 million from $55.9 million, according to city records. But some of the new assessments more than doubled values. At a minimum, they say, Philadelphia should have gradually hiked real estate taxes. "Everybody knows that taxes go up. Real estate taxes are a fact of life and necessary to fund schools and cities. But you can't do a 'gotcha,' " Peter F. Kelsen, a lawyer at Blank Rome who has litigated real estate assessment cases in Philadelphia for decades, said about the Philadelphia assessment hikes. Kelsen represents landlords who own 290 properties. But, Kelsen said, real estate tax hikes "need to be managed so that from one year to the next, a property owner does not experience an unexpected huge increase in taxes that must then be passed through to tenants and has not been budgeted for by the landlord owner." The Philadelphia School District also has been challenging city tax assessments on commercial properties. The district retained a consulting and legal firm to find under-assessed properties and file appeals as a taxing authority. In 2016, the district sought to boost the assessments on 140 properties, targeting those parcels with the potential to yield at least $7,500 in new taxes. Based on court records, those properties included the Meridian at Chestnut Hill, the downtown Marriott, the Lofts at 1835 Arch, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, the Andorra Shopping Center, and a CVS pharmacy on South Street. On Nov. 16, Board of Revision of Taxes rejected all of the challenges. The district appealed the decision to Common Pleas Court. On Feb. 2, Judge Idee C. Fox rejected the school district's cases, citing Valley Forge. School district officials appealed Fox's decision on the cases to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, where it is now. Uri Monson, the district's chief financial officer, said the goal of the school district was for property owners to pay their fair share of taxes. Oliver Theibault-Dean, 7, pushes the canon back into place on the sloop that is part of the museum's exhibit about the Continental Navy, after showing a visitor how the canon were loaded and primed for fire. The ship is his favorite part of the museum. Read more The Museum of the American Revolution turns one this week amid glowing praise as a vibrant and vital cultural institution with growing crowds and rising coffers and new programming. But even with all the laurels, the museum's yardstick of success seems to be the approval of a 7-year-old from Delaware named Oliver. With every program they add, the curators check to see if Oliver is in the crowd. He almost always is, usually bedecked in his regimental frock, the one he made sure had authentic pewter buttons and his tricorn hat with a cloth flower fastened to the brim and a haversack stuffed with his notebooks, which he fills with facts and sketches. Oliver Theibault-Dean has been to the Revolution museum more than 30 times since it opened last April. (He couldn't make it to the opening. He was at Lexington and Concord. But he got there the next day.) His parents lost count of their visits months ago, somewhere in the teens. This is not their doing: Neither his mother, Jenna Dean, a drug counselor, nor his father, Chris Theibault, a tech-industry worker, is a history buff. "Not even a little bit," said Jenna. No, this is all Oliver. His obsession with the Revolution began at age 5, with a school assignment on national monuments, which inspired a family trip to D.C., which likewise engendered in young Oliver a newfound love of George Washington. And that led to a so-far insatiable interest in literally everything that has to do with the Revolution. Everything. His bedroom is practically wallpapered in copies of the Declaration of Independence and scenes of crucial moments in the war. He is working on a short story about a colonial boy foraging rum for the Minutemen. ("I don't know if we can take that to school," Jenna said.) For Christmas, all he wanted was colonial woodworking tools. It's a passion that plays out, trip by trip, at the museum, nearly every week. His family bucked up for a membership when they realized it was this, or have Oliver move into the Old City attraction. "Hello, Oliver," said Damien Niescior, a museum educator who mans the replica privateer ship, one of Oliver's favorite spots, on a recent visit. "We all know Oliver." In its first year, the museum has become part of the firmament of Philly's historical attractions. It has a huge endowment and cool stuff on the horizon, like an interactive experience on Alexander Hamilton's life in Philadelphia, in advance of the Broadway musical smash that's finally making its way to the town where much of it happened. But all this stuff means nothing if it's not connecting to kids like Oliver. In fairness, he may be an outlier. He's on a first-name basis with everyone from the floor staff to the big wigs. And that's because so many of them were Oliver when they were young: consumed by an all-encompassing passion that few understood. (I was one of those kids, too. At 9, I spent most of my free time writing in a marble notebook about notable Civil War battles.) How lovely, then, that there's now a focal point for those kids to indulge that passion. And Oliver does sometimes twice a week. He has his routine and his favorites. He blows disdainfully past the exhibit on King George III: "It's the king's room," he scoffs. He can recite the entire video on the French and Indian War, he can point out the historical inaccuracies in the engravings of the Boston Massacre, and he can offer a succinct and chilling description of the punishment colonists bestowed upon tax collectors. "You're putting hot tar on someone and feathering them, so there's that," he said. It's always a family event: Oliver is indoctrinating his 1-year-old sister, Winnie. He makes sure she is properly dressed for reenactment at any given time. And, the way the first fiery days of rebellion tried Philadelphians' souls, Oliver tries his mother's on occasion. "Mom! Where's my haversack?" he yelled at the museum, possibly the first 7-year-old to utter the phrase in 200 years. Once, his parents told him they were taking him to the museum but took him to the airport instead: They were surprising him with a trip to Disney World. He cried. There was an exhibition on commemorative pins at the museum that he wanted to see one last time. It's an enthusiasm the museum directors wish they could bottle and sell in the gift shop. "Oh, my god, Oliver," said Dr. Scott Stephenson, the museum's vice president of exhibitions and programming, when I called. "A lot of people who work in museums, including myself, instantly saw ourselves in this kid. He has become a fixture." Researchers study this, the kind of magical, evocative moments that stick in a kid's head at a museum. They call it a sticky memory. They can shape a life. For Oliver, every day at the museum is a sticky memory. Every trip he comes with a goal: Learn five new things. When I visited with him on Thursday, he rattled off some facts, took a few notes, sketched the Battle of Trenton, and was off to the big guns on the privateer ship. "I need some help here," he confessed, his feet sliding along the deck. He is, after all, 7. A group representing 87 charter schools has sued the Philadelphia School District over a policy it says will hamper charter operations. In this file photo, protesters railed against the policy. Read more A nonprofit that supports charter schools filed suit Thursday against the Philadelphia School District, saying the school system's new policy unfairly and illegally restricts charter-school operations. Excellent Schools PA says the policy, passed by the School Reform Commission on March 22, will require charters to seek approval from the district for virtually all changes to their curriculum and imposes illegal enrollment caps. In Pennsylvania, charters are privately managed but authorized and funded by local school boards with public money. A coalition of 60 charter schools had opposed the policy. The group says its suit is on behalf of all 87 of the city's charters, which educate 70,000 students a third of all those in public schools in Philadelphia. The charter policy has been a sore subject in recent months, drawing protesters who say it represented an overreach on the district's part. The district is supposed to be a "neutral arbiter" toward charter schools, "not to micromanage their operations," said Stephen DeMaura, executive director of Excellent Schools PA. Of the new policy, "we believe the main purpose is to restrict the operations and growth of charter schools, not improve the outcomes of children," DeMaura said. Estelle Richman, chair of the School Reform Commission, said in a statement that the revised policy "provides a new and clear avenue for charter schools seeking midterm amendments," through "a transparent and predictable process that will benefit students, families, and charter schools. "This lawsuit is a distraction and would stop those charter schools who have already begun to submit amendments dead in their tracks," Richman said. The suit says that four provisions of the policy violate state law: one that applies to changes in charter facilities and others that spell out district oversight of charter curriculum; enrollment caps; and allow the district to consider the financial impact of charter amendments. It is "well settled" in Pennsylvania that a school district's financial considerations can't be the basis for deciding whether to allow charter schools, the suit says. In allowing the Philadelphia School District to consider the financial impact in granting charter amendments, the policy "could provide a blanket reason for the district to routinely deny any requests," especially those seeking to add grade levels or expand enrollment, the suit argues. District officials have defended the policy, saying that they do not intend to oversee day-to-day operations of charters, but that they are required to sign off on major changes in location, mission, or operation in charters, and that the policy targets only those significant changes. The district's previous policy for charter amendments was "fairly evenhanded," DeMaura said. The district moved to change that policy after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in August that the 1997 charter-school law did not include a process for charter schools to amend their operating agreements. The court said the state Charter Appeals Board did not have authority to settle disputes over amendment requests. The decision overturned a lower-court ruling that Discovery Charter School in Philadelphia's Parkside neighborhood could take its case for increasing its enrollment by 70 percent to the state board because the School Reform Commission had not acted on the request. Charter schools "had no clear and predictable way" to amend their charters until the district revised its policy, Richman said. "This limited charters in their ability to improve educational opportunities for Philadelphia's public school students." While the suit asks the court to block the policy from taking effect, the new school board, which takes over July 1, could also address the issue, DeMaura said. "Our hope is that the new school board takes a look at this policy, and maybe makes changes to reflect our concerns," he said. Pennsylvania State University graduate students rallied on the steps of Old Main last week to celebrate the opening of their union election, but it's been a difficult road leading up to this point. In the last year, they've had to fend off antiunion attacks often from their own school. There was the case in front of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, where, over seven days of hearings, Penn State officials fought to prove that graduate students research and teaching assistants should be considered students, not workers. There was the doctoral student who tried to stop the election with the backing of an organization that has taken up numerous antiunion lawsuits in Pennsylvania. Then, in what graduate student union supporters said was among the most egregious moves by the administration, came the messages regarding international students and their legal standing in the United States. "If a union called a strike of graduate student assistants, it is possible that international student visas could be affected," the school wrote on an FAQ site about the union campaign, adding a quote from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): "If the student has stopped taking courses or stopped performing research and that is what is required for their program, the student's record should be terminated immediately and they will have to leave the U.S. as soon as possible." In other words: International students, beware. Voting for the union could mean signing away your right to stay in the U.S. It's a particularly sensitive subject at a time when immigrants have felt increasingly threatened by the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric. Colleges have been feeling what they describe as the Trump effect the U.S. is no longer as appealing to international students as it once was. To quote ICE is to invoke the fear that the agency instills in immigrants, especially in Pennsylvania, where its regional field office arrests more undocumented immigrants without criminal convictions than any other office in the country. Jerome Clarke, a philosophy doctoral student and copresident of the union-organizing Coalition of Graduate Employees, accused his school of "channeling some really dark energy" with its comments and said he's already heard that students are voting against the union because they're scared. International students make up one-third of all graduate students at Penn State. "That they were especially threatening international students is unsurprising," said rural-sociology doctoral student Johann Strube, who is from Germany, "because we are a particularly vulnerable group." University officials have a lot of power in this fight, said Strube, who supports the union. They can send official emails to students, and many of those students, especially those who are foreign-born and struggle with English, will take them at their word. Could international students lose their visas if they were part of a union that went on strike? It's possible, said Jenkintown-based immigration lawyer Karen Pollins. In order to maintain an F-1 student visa, the student has to be enrolled in a full course of study, the definition of which varies from student to student (it may involve teaching or other kinds of work) and something the university would determine. If the university decided that a student wasn't fulfilling a full courseload, the school would be legally obligated to report that to the government. However, it could be possible for a union to negotiate a clause that protects international student status should they go on strike. At the University of Illinois, where graduate students went on strike in February, no students lost their visas or were deported for participating, said Ashli Anda, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois. She added that, as per a 2011 memorandum, ICE agreed not to make arrests at a workplace where there is an ongoing labor dispute. ICE officials said they did not have statistics on foreign students being arrested and deported because of their participation in a strike but said that "nonimmigrant students must maintain their nonimmigrant status while in the United States and if they fail to do so they are required to leave the country or face being placed in removal proceedings." In a statement, Penn State officials said: "International graduate students are a vital and important part of Penn State's graduate student community. Penn State has consistently and vigorously defended the interests of international students, and will continue to do so." Penn State isn't the only university that used this tactic amid a union drive: School administrations at Northwestern, Princeton, and Washington University in St. Louis have all suggested that international students would be at risk if they joined a union. In the last few years, more graduate students have been fighting to unionize, with the hope of better wages, health care, and a seat at the bargaining table, though in the last few months, organizers at private universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, have put efforts on hold, because they anticipate that a Republican majority at the National Labor Relations Board will overturn the decision that allowed them to organize in the first place. Because Penn State is not a private university, that decision would not apply to its students. The voting period closes next week and votes will be counted April 24. Strube called Penn State's behavior "deeply disappointing" and a very good reason why students need a union. It makes you feel devalued, he said. A Philadelphia substitute teacher has been banned from teaching in the city's public school system after allegedly hitting multiple first graders at Sullivan Elementary in Wissinoming. The incident happened April 6, according to Kailyn Wildonger, 6, one of the pupils, and her father, Alan. School District officials say they have investigated the matter and the substitute is no longer permitted to teach in their schools. Kailyn Wildonger, 6, with her father, Alan. Kailyn was allegedly one of several students struck by a substitute teacher at Sullivan Elementary in Wissinoming. In Philadelphia, substitute teachers are employees of Kelly Services, a staffing company, and must undergo screenings, background checks, and training, officials said. Jane Stehney, a spokeswoman for Kelly, said the organization is investigating the incident but cannot discuss details because it is a personnel matter. "Kelly Educational Staffing is concerned when a report of inappropriate behavior is received, and we take these matters very seriously," Stehney said in a statement. A spokeswoman for the district said "the substitute teacher in question will never work in our schools again." "Our students' safety is our top priority," said Megan Lello, the spokeswoman. "This type of behavior will not be tolerated in any of our schools or by anyone who works in our schools, whether they are a regular employee or substitute teacher." The trouble happened before lunch, Kailyn said, on a day when her regular teacher was sick. The substitute, whose name was not provided by the district, grew angry and hit a boy who was talking when it wasn't his turn, Kailyn told the Inquirer and Daily News. That's when she spoke up, because "teachers aren't supposed to hit kids," said Kailyn. "She was slapping a boy, so I said, 'You're not his mom or dad, so stop hitting him,'" she said. "Then she walked over to me, and she started hitting me." The substitute twisted her wrist, Kailyn said, and slapped her. The teacher allegedly struck other kids, too Kailyn says six children were hit altogether. Kailyn thought quickly. There was a tissue box by the door, she said, so she pretended she needed a tissue. Then, she took off, sprinting to the school's main office. "I ran in there crying," Kailyn said. "I said, 'We have a substitute teacher, and she keeps on hitting us.'" Alan Wildonger, Kailyn's father, said he got a call from his cousin, who works at the school: Come now, she said, the principal is trying to reach you. He said he raced to the school, where the principal told him "the substitute teacher assaulted your daughter and there are a few others who were involved." The principal told him that initially, the assistant principal tried to remove the substitute. Then, the principal had to intervene. Kailyn was shaken, but at first seemed OK. She told her dad she wanted to go home. But by Saturday, Kailyn was still complaining of wrist pain, so Wildonger took her to the hospital, where the staff photographed her injuries a few marks and X-rays showed no broken bones. Then, Wildonger went to the police station and filed a report. Police confirmed that a report was filed. Asked if police were investigating, a department spokesman said Wildonger was advised on the process of filing a private criminal complaint. Wildonger said he also contacted an attorney and is contemplating legal action. Staff writer Chris Palmer contributed to this article. Amy C. Hughes with son Rion, whose life-threatening seizure went unexplained for days and seemed impervious to anticonvulsants. Read more Amy C. Hughes was looking forward to a rare luxury: a leisurely weekday lunch with a friend at a restaurant near her suburban Philadelphia home. Hughes, an engineer at Merck, had taken off the week after Christmas 2015 to spend time with her husband, Kevin, and their two children. The couple's son, Rion, then 13, had come down with a cold on Christmas Day and complained of a headache. A few days later, his pediatrician suspected a sinus infection and prescribed a three-day course of antibiotics. But an hour after she headed off for lunch, she received an urgent call from her husband summoning her home. Three police cars and an ambulance were lined up in front of her house. A team of paramedics was attempting to resuscitate her son as they hurried out the front door to the closest hospital, 25 minutes away. His eyes were closed and his body was racked by a violent seizure. At the hospital, the ER staff peppered them with questions about whether Rion used drugs. The seizures suggested a possible overdose, and a CT scan showed no signs of a head injury, another cause of seizures. Rion, Hughes told the staff, has a mild form of autism and attention-deficit disorder; she wasn't sure he even knew what illegal drugs were. In addition to the severity of the seizure they were struggling to control, doctors were worried about its extremely long duration. They believed Rion might have been having a seizure for more than an hour before his father discovered him and called 911. For the next six days, doctors tried to determine why Rion, who had been healthy, suddenly developed a life-threatening seizure that seemed impervious to even high doses of anticonvulsants. The answer would turn out to be as disarmingly simple as it was uncommon. Solution: Because 13-year-old Rion Hughes was on a ventilator and needed specialized care, doctors at the community hospital decided to transport him to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Heavily sedated, Rion was admitted to the pediatric intensive-care unit with a fever, and was given a spinal tap to look for an infection capable of triggering seizures, such as meningitis. He received three IV antibiotics and an antifungal drug, but no infection was identified in his spinal fluid. After tests failed to find another cause, doctors told Rion's parents they suspected he had contracted a human metapneumovirus, a respiratory infection that typically affects the very young and the very old, and is most common in winter. The virus is typically mild and usually goes away without treatment in a few days; in some people, it can cause more serious illness. Over the next few days, Rion began showing improvement and was taken off sedation and the ventilator and moved to a general pediatric unit. Hughes was overjoyed that he showed no sign of brain damage. To ensure that he was never alone, Rion's parents and his grandmother, a nurse, took turns staying in the hospital with him. At 6 a.m. on his sixth day in the hospital, his grandmother and mother awoke to find Rion in the midst of a seizure. Surely, his mother thought, the virus had cleared his system. So why was he having a seizure? A few hours later, when the medical team made rounds, Hughes questioned the doctors. They told her they thought some of the virus might still remain in his system, but they were upbeat about his progress. The plan was to send him home the following day, with instructions for an MRI scan of his brain in four to six weeks. But Hughes asked whether the MRI could be performed while Rion was still in the hospital. The pediatrician on duty, Stacey R. Rose, ordered the scan. That night, Rion was still in the MRI machine when a neurosurgeon approached Rion's father in the waiting room. The scan showed that Rion had a massive infection in the subdural area of his brain that had breached the bony flap separating the brain from the sinuses. The infection had formed an abscess called an empyema, which triggered the seizures. Other symptoms of a subdural empyema include headaches and lethargy. Before the advent of antibiotics, the condition, which is rare, was uniformly fatal. The problem disproportionately affects males between ages 10 and 40, and typically occurs during the winter. Rion, his father was told, would need a procedure to relieve pressure that had built up inside his skull, and the area would need to be rinsed to rid it of infection. Surgery was scheduled for first thing the following morning. Rion made a full recovery, and was home nearly a week later. Hughes said she asked doctors why they hadn't suspected an abscess, and was told the disorder is rare; she said she later learned that CHOP sees about one case a week in winter. Rose suspects the CT did not show the abscess because the test was not performed with contrast dye; an MRI scan is the definitive test used to diagnose it. It's unclear why Rion developed an empyema. "I think it's just bad luck for some kids," Rose said. The diagnosis, she said, surprised the medical team. "I think it's always important to be questioning the diagnosis," she said. "It's good to reevaluate." Hughes, she added, was a "great advocate" for Rion. Hughes said she will be forever grateful for the care her son received and especially to Rose "for listening to my concerns. I truly believe she saved his life." Azir Harris, 17, was shot and likely paralyzed in Philadelphia on Feb. 15, 2018. Read more It wasn't like Troy Harris to ignore messages, thought Michelle Lyu. Especially now. Harris, a longtime beloved cook at Penn's kosher dining hall, had joined with another cook, as well as Lyu and a couple of other students, to put a food truck on the streets. They were just months from firing up the grill. His sudden silence made no sense. And then, as Lyu biked by Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, they spotted each other. "Man, my son got shot," Harris told Lyu. It was the cruelest of ironies, Lyu said. The vegetarian food truck that Harris, 43, had worked so hard to launch was meant to get at-risk teens off the streets by giving them jobs. Much like the job at Penn Hillel's Falk Dining Commons, where Harris has worked for 17 years, did for him as he watched friends die or end up in jail. He was 15 when he watched his friend, gunned down, take his last breath. "Now the Grim Reaper is knocking on my door," he said. Around dinnertime one night in February, his youngest son, Azir, was walking to a store near their home at the Wilson Park housing development in South Philadelphia with two friends to grab something to eat. Gunfire rang out. They were all struck. Azir, 17, got it the worst, hit five times and left indefinitely in a wheelchair. I'm guessing most people reading this column didn't hear much, if anything, about it. A headline tersely read: "Police: 3 Teens Hospitalized Following Triple Shooting." That would be because the Philly teen had the unfortunate timing of being shot the day after the Parkland school shooting, and despite all the talk of mass shootings, gun violence in cities like Philly is still mostly overlooked. Mass shootings move people. They inspire movements. Everyday shootings mostly get a "meh." Since the beginning of the year, there have been about 300 shootings in Philly. Many victims, like Harris, survive. But they face a long, painful, and expensive road they're left to navigate, out of sight and out of mind. Unlike after Parkland, there are no collective calls for change, no celebrities lining up to help the victims. For Harris and his wife, Debra, 41, who works full time at a rehabilitative nursing home, that means juggling full-time jobs, caring for their five other children ages 17 to 24, while watching their medical bills pile up, even with health insurance. Lyu, a Wharton junior, struggled to find a way to help. She and another student visited Harris and his family at the hospital, where they sat vigil while Azir lay unconscious for three weeks. Debra, trying to shake the tightness in her chest that took hold the moment someone called to tell her that Azir had been shot. Troy, reliving the moment when he fell to his knees at the hospital. "My soul left me." Lyu called it "heart-wrenching" as we visited Azir and his parents the other day at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, where he's expecting at least another month of treatments after bullets ripped through his legs, back, and a lung during the drive-by shooting. She looked at Azir, sitting in his wheelchair. "Azir, the way he looked at you " Her eyes filled with tears as she turned to Troy. "I could see the pain in your eyes, Troy. I could see the suffering, definitely. It was a very, very sobering sight to see." Until she created a fund-raiser to help with the medical expenses, Lyu concedes she had weaved an uncomplicated story in her mind of how the situation would get resolved. "I'd very, very conveniently imagined that everything would work out for the Harris family," she said. "I'm a Penn student, I'm obviously a privileged person. I have racial privilege. I have socio-economic privilege. I have academic privilege. It's so easy for someone like me to imagine that everything will work out." Now here she was, face to face with the deep disparities that coexist in our city every day. A loved and devoted cook, who fought to improve working conditions and increase wages in the dining hall where he always warmly welcomed the students, was in crisis. The incident shook loose truths she was no longer willing to deny, that she readily acknowledges might make some of her peers defensive, even ashamed. She's grateful that people have contributed so readily to the fund-raiser (https://www.youcaring.com/azirharris-1150323) the fund is slowly but steadily nearing its goal. But that's not enough for Lyu, who fears that once they reach the $20,000 goal, people will retreat to their bubbles, and will think, "That's it. The problem goes away. They just need a little bit of money." "We need to bridge this disconnect," she says before putting out a call to action as much to herself as to her Penn community. "Privilege is a gift. Use it." One thing I never expected from Netflix's Lost in Space was that the childhood relic it would remind me of wasn't the CBS original campy as it was, I once loved it but that weirdly addictive feature from my mother's Ladies' Home Journal: "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" The marriage of Maureen (Molly Parker, Deadwood, House of Cards) and John Robinson (Toby Stephens, Black Sails) is running on fumes as they set off Friday on a 10-episode first season. Accompanied by daughters Judy (Taylor Russell, Falling Skies) and Penny (Mina Sundwall), and son Will (Max Jenkins), their plan is to join other colonists emigrating from Earth to a promised paradise in the Alpha Centauri system, where Maureen seems to anticipate quickly filing for divorce. TV science fiction, family dramas, and production values have all come a long way since 1965, when producer Irwin Allen's update of The Swiss Family Robinson first blasted into America's living rooms. Set in 1997, it featured a less fractured family, chosen to pioneer America's flight from a dangerously overcrowded planet. Its vision of the '90s looked a lot like the '60s, but with silver jumpsuits. And it makes me cringe a little now. The unaired pilot for the original, available along with all three seasons on Hulu, introduces Maureen, played by June Lockhart, as a biochemistry Ph.D. who represented "the first time in history that anyone but an adult male has passed the National Space Administration's grueling mental and emotional screening for intergalactic flight." In the series, Lockhart's Maureen was depicted as smart and brave, but still more wife and mother than scientist. Young Will (Bill Mumy) complains at one point, "You women are always getting lost," and early episodes had Judy (Marta Kristen) mooning over the expedition's pilot, Maj. Don West (Mark Goddard), and saying things like, "I never did like school." You won't hear talk like that from this version's Judy, a biracial teen who's Maureen's daughter from a previous marriage and who's also, not incidentally, the expedition's medical doctor. Maureen, a brilliant engineer, is the driving force behind the family's move. She comes off as a bit of a cold fish, especially with her soldier husband, who's apparently missed huge chunks of his kids' childhoods while away at war and who seems desperate to reconnect with a family that's learned to get along without him. The evilish stowaway Dr. Smith, reimagined as a woman (and played by Parker Posey), has a new backstory, as does the Robot don't worry, "Danger, Will Robinson" is still a thing and Don West (Ignacio Serricchio) is more roguish than his '60s predecessor. We'll never know what Allen could have done with Netflix money, but the new Lost in Space is unquestionably lovelier to look at. Its casting is more diverse, its women more nuanced. Its Robot is amazing. But the story, which I liked better 10 episodes in than I did at the beginning, takes a long time to get off the launchpad. And in envisioning the way humans might interact 30 years from now, Lost in Space imagines male-female relationships as a zero-sum game, where men can expect to pay a price for women's increased opportunities, if only in subtracted IQ points. Who needs a brave new world like that? Lost in Space. Friday, Netflix. Once a month, on a given Saturday, volunteers from the South Jersey Sikh community meet for several hours in downtown Camden to put their faith into action by distributing home-cooked meals to the homeless. The service project will take on extra meaning this month as the faithful celebrate Vaisakhi, the most significant of the annual Sikh gatherings that mark the spring harvest in India's Punjab region. This year, the festival coincides with the first Sikh Awareness Month in New Jersey. About 300 people are expected to partake in the service of langar, or free community meals, said Tony Rahil, the project director. About a dozen volunteers will help serve traditional Indian vegetarian dishes, mostly beans and rice and rice pudding, near the Walter Rand Transportation Center. Launched in 2012, the community service project follows one of the basic tenets of Sikhism, the fifth-largest world religion, by performing selfless acts of service to others. Sikhs in Jersey City, Newark, Glen Rock, and Trenton also regularly provide meals to the needy. Tony Rahil, a Sikh, started a project to feed the homeless in Camden in 2012. "We really feel strongly about it," said Rahil, of Voorhees, a real estate agent. "You're blessed to do the work." Rahil and Sikh leaders are trying to break down barriers and dispel stereotypes about Sikhs, who have been the target of hate crimes. They want to develop relationships with people of different faiths and backgrounds, especially in service projects such as feeding the homeless. "Most of the people in the U.S., all they see are the turbans," said Jagvinder S. Chattha, 45, of Westampton, an auto wholesaler. "We have not clarified our identity to our neighbors." This month, Gov. Murphy signed a bill designating every April in New Jersey as Sikh Awareness Month. New Jersey is home to about 100,000 Sikh Americans, one of the largest populations in the country. It is estimated that about 500,000 Sikhs live in the United States (The Census Bureau doesn't ask questions about religion so there is no official count.) Worldwide, there are more than 25 million Sikhs. Lawmakers said they hope the measure would help counter bigotry and educate the public about Sikhism, often wrongly viewed as a combination of Islam and Hinduism. Their distinct physical identity unshorn hair and turbans for men and head coverings for women make them easily identified and targeted for hate crimes. "As we see a surge in hate crimes this year, so also is a surge in our resolve to heal with love," Manwinder Singh, director of United Sikhs,said in a statement. In New Jersey and elsewhere, there have been a spate of hate crimes and attacks against Sikhs, especially after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In Hightstown, the turban of a Sikh student was set on fire by a classmate in 2008. In Wisconsin, six Sikhs were killed during a hate-crime attack at a gurdwara, a place of worship, in 2012. Ravi Singh Bhalla, who took office in January as Hoboken's first Sikh mayor, has reported receiving death threats. Rahil said Sikhs have been warmly embraced by the community in Pine Hill, where his family belongs to one of the oldest gurdwaras in New Jersey, Sikh Gurdwara Pine Hill. Located on a busy stretch of Blackwood-Clementon Road, the gurdwara is a center for learning, worship, and gathering for the faithful. A steady stream of congregants came to the temple Friday, where a 48-hour worship service for Vaisakhi will conclude Saturday to celebrate their history and rededication to their religious traditions. Before entering, they removed their shoes and covered their heads. They reverently approached the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, which sits on a throne in the center of the ornate room, and bowed as a sign of submission. In a nearby room, a priest and members took shifts reciting scriptures without interruption. In the kitchen, three women prepared spices for langar after Friday night's worship service. A first-generation Sikh American, Rahil founded a nonprofit, Sachkhand Express Corp., that began the Camden project distributing fresh fruit in Farnham Park in the city's Parkside section several years ago. He moved the project downtown to reach more people and began providing hot meals and giving out toiletry packages. Rahil said the volunteers, who are greeted warmly when they pull up in a white bus, dole out generous portions, including seconds if requested. They give hugs, too, but do no preaching, although religious materials are available, he said. "It's not just about the meal. You want to share words with them and encourage them to keep fighting," he said. "We're all God's children." About 100 people, mostly from the congregation, support the project with donations and fundraisers, Rahil said. It costs about $800 a month to feed the crowd. A core group of about 15 to 25 volunteers distributes food on a Saturday, he said. "You feel very comfortable when you help somebody," said Parminder Singh, 61, of Voorhees, a gas station retailer. "It gives you peace of mind." FILE In this Jan. 14, 2015, file photo, spectators gaze at El Capitan for a glimpse of climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, as seen from the valley floor in Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Interior Department is backing down from a plan to impose steep fee increases at popular national parks after widespread opposition from elected officials and the public. Read more Interior Department officials on Thursday completely backed off a proposal to dramatically increase entrance fees at some national parks, opting instead for an across the board $5 increase at all parks that charge visitors to enter. The proposal marks a significant turn from a plan in December to increase peak-season entrance fees at 17 popular parks from $25 to $70 the largest hike since World War II to help pay for the National Park Service's nearly $12 billion infrastructure backlog. But a wave of angry public comments to the proposal convinced interior that the fee hike might backfire and lead to a decline in visitation, causing revenue to crater. Two annual passes, including the popular "America the Beautiful" pass, would remain at $80. Under the updated increase, the Park Service stands to add about $60 million by year's end. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the new proposal in a statement that included a nod to Americans who rebuked the earlier plan. "I want to thank the American people who made their voices heard through the public comment process on the original fee proposal," the secretary said. "Your input has helped us develop a balanced plan that focuses on modest increases at the 117 fee-charging parks as opposed to larger increases proposed for 17 highly-visited national parks." The fees would take effect starting June. Using Yosemite National Park as an example, the Park Service said its seven-day vehicle pass would increase from $30 to $35. At least one park, Crater Lake National Park, would see a $10 increase to its specific $40 annual pass on June 1 and a $5 increase to its $20 per vehicle entry fee. It would increase by another $5 in June 2020. Interior signaled in the first week in April that its earlier proposal was in trouble when a department official said: "We're working to respond to those . . . thoughtful and well-put comments" that railed against the plan. "Our ultimate goal when it comes to entrance fees is to make sure the parks get 80 percent of that revenue . . . but we also don't want to put a burden on our visitors." The official's statement followed Zinke's backpedaling on the plan during congressional hearings in March. In response to questions from concerned committee members, he said the agency was undecided about the rates and looking at various alternatives. At a House hearing that same week, he said the aim was to not hurt families. An analysis by the National Parks Conservation Association showed that 98 percent of 110,000 public comments opposed the dramatic increase. "Fees do have a role to play in our parks, and the administration's move to abandon its original proposal in favor of more measured fee increases will put additional funds into enhancing park experiences without threatening visitation or local economies," said Theresa Pierno, the association's president and chief executive. NPCA was among the first groups to denounce it in October. "This is a prime example that activism works," said Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., the ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee and a frequent critic of Zinke. "The American people raised their concerns, participated in the public comment period and made sure that the Trump White House knew that the proposal was unpopular. If it wasn't for the power of the people, Secretary Zinke would have gone ahead with his ridiculous proposal." A study concludes that more than one-third of passengers (34 percent) said they would not book another ticket on an airline with a technology-related service disruption. Read more For Gojko Adzic, it's not a question of if, but when, the next airline IT outage will happen. As the author of Humans vs. Computers, a book about ordinary people caught between wrong assumptions and computer bugs, Adzic has had a front-row seat to several recent technological meltdowns. And as a London-based software expert, he also understands how fragile and error-prone the airline industry's current technology infrastructure has become. "I can't predict when the next IT outage will happen," he says. "Only that it will happen." New research puts the industry's IT problem into troubling perspective. The number of technology-related outages among domestic airlines has risen unevenly during the past decade, from three in 2007 to six in 2017, with the highest number being 11 in 2015. A study conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Sungard AS, a global IT services company, says just one outage can drive away a significant number of customers: More than one-third of passengers (34 percent) said they would not book another ticket on an airline with a technology-related service disruption. Experts say that on at least one level, there's nothing you can do about the airline industry's IT problems. No one knows when the next outages will strike, so it's impossible to plan a flight or vacation around one. Yet in another sense, passengers can take reasonable steps now to ensure that when an airline's systems go dark, they can still get to their destination. For instance, travel insurance can protect against an outage. The major carriers offer coverage for flight disruptions, which include any information-systems problems that cause delays or force an airline to cancel flights. Cast a broad net when you're researching coverage. Etherisc, for instance, lets you buy insurance up to 24 hours before your flight, track it in real time and receive an instant payout if your flight is delayed or canceled. There's no formal claims process. "We use data triggers which pay customers the compensation they are owed immediately," says Etherisc chief executive Stephan Karpischek. Air travelers should also consider being more selective about the airlines with which they book their flights, says Jack Vonder Heide, president of Technology Briefing Centers, an Oak Brook, Illinois, research and education center that frequently deals with IT issues. "Carriers that have been through multiple mergers are most likely to suffer an IT outage," he adds. "This is due to the patchwork of systems, components and staffing that is prone to error." Also on the "avoid" list: airlines that are in an aggressive cost-cutting mode. That can mean anything from a carrier that is financially troubled to a company that outsources key parts of its business. Information systems may also be underfunded, he warns. "IT staffs are spread too thin and infrastructure improvements are delayed," Vonder Heide says. (All of the major legacy airlines, plus Southwest Airlines, have recently completed mergers. Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines consider themselves "ultra" low-cost carriers.) Also, schedule your flight early and book it as a nonstop, if possible. Many recent IT outages happened in the afternoon or evening, as server loads spiked. Passengers on early-morning flights weren't affected. And flying nonstop lessens the chance that you'll be stuck somewhere on a stopover. You can also find information about an airline's legal obligation to you before a delay happens. If you're flying in the United States, your rights are outlined in the contract of carriage, the legal agreement between you and the airline. This dense and often difficult-to-understand contract contains several provisions that promise an airline will offer meal vouchers, phone cards, and overnight hotel accommodations during a service disruption. But there's no requirement that an airline must re-book you also known as "endorsing" the ticket on a different carrier; airlines are known to consider doing that on a case-by-case basis. In Europe, your rights are outlined in a regulation called EU 261 The good news? The airline must not only take care of your food and living expenses while you're waiting for flights to leave, but also is required to offer cash compensation. The bad news? Airlines will try to use the "circumstances beyond our control" excuse, a loophole that says if the service disruption is caused by an event the airline couldn't control, it owes you nothing. But IT problems are within an airline's control, an opinion supported by numerous European court rulings. On the day of your flight, check a site such as DownDetector.com, which monitors complaints and outages for many companies, including airlines. That's what Eric Martin, who created the travel industry website Black & Abroad, does before he heads to an airport. During an IT outage, the airline's own apps will be unreliable, because they might be affected. "It's better to rely on a third party for this information in case your airline's system is down and is unable to send you a delay notification," Martin says. When an airline starts canceling flights, as Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines did in 2016 during widespread IT systems outages, you need to know where to go first. Experts say trying to call the airline isn't the way to go typically, stranded passengers jam the phone lines. "The first place to go is social media Facebook and Twitter in particular," advises Lars Sudmann, a Belgium-based business consultant and frequent traveler. You're likely to get a faster, more accurate response online rather than by tying up the phone lines, where you might wait for hours only to get disconnected. If you're unfortunate enough to have your flight canceled because of an IT outage, just remember that you can ask for and receive a full refund on your ticket. Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist, and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. He writes the weekly "Travel Troubleshooter" column. Email him at chris@elliott.org. The Philly Pride Parade in 2017. Some people fear crimes against the LGBT community could become less known if fewer people are asked about their sexual orientation in one of the nations largest annual crime surveys. Read more The little data that exist on how often LGBT Americans are victims of crime could be further reduced if the U.S. Department of Justice gets its way with a request made this week. The department says 16- and 17-year-olds should no longer be asked about their sexual orientation or gender identity in the National Crime Victimization Survey, which measures trends in whether people of a certain race, age, sexual orientation or other identifying feature are experiencing more or less crime. The survey "provides crucial data on criminal victimization of LGBT people, who are subject to high rates of hate crimes and other violence," Adam P. Romero, a scholar of law at the UCLA School of Law, said in a statement slamming the proposal. Romero said the Justice Department "seems to want to bury its head in the sand." Other critics say it's another sign the Trump administration is moving away from protecting the LGBT community. Here is what you should know about the survey and the debate: What is the National Crime Victimization Survey? The federal government calls it "the nation's primary source of information on criminal victimization." The survey is conducted annually and asks people from 135,000 households across the country whether they have been victims of both reported and unreported crime, ranging from sexual assault to home burglary to theft, among others. The survey also compiles victim characteristics, such as their age, sex, race and income. Any person age 12 or older can be surveyed. Since July 2016, anyone age 16 or older has been asked about their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Justice Department wants to raise the minimum age for that question to 18. Why does the Justice Department think 16- and 17-year-olds shouldnt be asked about their sexual orientation? The department cites "concerns about the potential sensitivity of these questions for adolescents." It has not elaborated on what exactly that means. And the responses to the questions are voluntary, not required. The request is the latest action by the Trump administration to upset the LGBT community. In July, the president vowed to bar transgender people from serving in the military. In September, his administration defended a Colorado baker who had refused to make a cake for a same-sex couple. In October, the Justice Department reversing the Obama administration's policy said federal civil rights law does not protect transgender people from workplace discrimination. How much violence does the LGBT community experience? Historically there aren't a lot of data, hence the need to collect it, LGBT advocates say. But here's what we know. Both bisexual men and women experience higher rates of rape, violence, and stalking than straight people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, many bisexual victims reported being raped for the first time between the ages of 11 and 24, the CDC said. Transgender people also face a high risk of assault. Nearly half or more than 13,000 of 27,715 of those surveyed by the National Center for Transgender Equality in 2015 said they had been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. The New York Times, analyzing FBI data, also found in 2016 that LGBT people are more likely to be targets of hate crimes than any other minority group. What data are available about crimes against LGBT people locally? Philadelphia police track hate crimes but don't break down which group was targeted. The city's Commission on Human Relations has confirmed nine cases of hate or bias against LGBT people since November 2016. In New Jersey, law enforcement reported 48 bias incidents against LGBT people in 2016, accounting for about 12 percent of the total 417 bias incidents. That data covers bias incidents that specifically target LGBT people; it doesn't include all crimes in which an LGBT person is a victim. In Pennsylvania, on a statewide level, the data doesn't exist. Like many other states, Pennsylvania does not have a law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. That makes it difficult to track hate crimes against LGBT people. The National Crime Victimization Survey does not break down data by location. Do other federal surveys ask teenagers about their sexual orientation? Yes. The CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey asks high school students, "Which of the following best describes you?" Students can select: Heterosexual, gay or lesbian, bisexual, or not sure. What happens now with the Justice Departments proposal? The public has until May 11 to make comments about the proposal. The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing it. If the office approves the changes, they would go into effect six months later. Johnny Bobbitt, the homeless man who helped a stranded motorist, is living in a new camper in rural Burlington County. Read more Editors Note: On Nov. 15, 2018, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office announced that the three central figures in this story had been arrested and charged with second-degree theft by deception and other offenses. Prosecutors concluded that their dramatic tale of rescue and redemption had been completely made up. Story detailing the findings can be found here. Johnny Bobbitt has traded life on the streets for the refuge of a camper in rural Burlington County. But he continues to battle the demons that left him homeless under an I-95 bridge in Philadelphia. He still struggles with an addiction to heroin and opioids and is in his second stint in rehab. He is jobless, and the truck he bought with money from a life-changing windfall sits idle and in need of repair. Six months ago, a small act of kindness brought Bobbitt, 35, an unexpected fortune and international attention after he spent his last $20 to help a stranded motorist whose car had run out of gas near his perch in the shadow of the highway. In gratitude, Kate McClure set up a GoFundMe campaign and her appeal went viral. More than 14,000 people contributed $402,706 to the cause. Bobbitt and McClure appeared on Good Morning America and were interviewed by the BBC. >>READ MORE: When a feel-good GoFundMe campaign doesn't feel good anymore | Ronnie Polaneczky McClure and her boyfriend, Mark D'Amico, pledged to buy Bobbitt a new house, his "dream truck," a 1999 Ford Ranger, a computer, new clothes, and a cellphone. They said they had set up two trusts in his benefit and hired him a lawyer and a financial adviser. Bobbitt joined them in interviews in which he spoke enthusiastically and gratefully of his good fortune. Months later, the spotlight has faded and reality has set in. The promise of a house gave way to a camper his choice, Bobbitt says parked on land McClure's family owns in Florence, Burlington County, where she and D'Amico share a small house. The truck Bobbitt had coveted remains out of reach and the one he settled on instead wasn't running and needs a new fuel filter and in any case, he doesn't have a driver's license. He admits using some of the money from his many benefactors to buy drugs a "small amount," he said, without elaborating. McClure and D'Amico now ration the money they give him for daily living and will not say how much money remains, how it is invested, or whether Bobbitt will ultimately be allowed to control it. The camper and the truck are both registered in McClure's name, D'Amico said. McClure and D'Amico agreed to speak only briefly. They declined to discuss many aspects of their relationship with Bobbitt, financial and otherwise, citing an exclusivity agreement that came with a recent book deal. There has been tension between them and Bobbitt, even as they work toward a common goal of helping him rebuild his life. "I'm appreciative of the help," Bobbitt said in a recent interview. As for the future, he is hopeful, but realistic. The spell of addiction has gripped him for years, he said. "I didn't get involved in drugs overnight," Bobbitt said as he stood outside the white SolAire camper. "It's going to be a struggle for the rest of my life." He said he is clean now, sober for three weeks and enrolled in an outpatient drug program that involves daily counseling, group meetings, and drug testing. On a recent day, D'Amico was driving him to rehab. D'Amico and McClure encourage and support Bobbitt, even as they ration his money. "I don't want him to do anything stupid," D'Amico said last week. "He's a drug addict. That's like me handing him a loaded gun. He has to do what he has to do to get his life together." McClure is more sanguine. She said she is encouraged by Bobbitt's progress. "He's a great neighbor," said McClure, 29, who works as a secretary for the New Jersey Department of Transportation. She and D'Amico invited Bobbitt into their home during the holidays and posted pictures on social media of the three of them by the Christmas tree and in the kitchen baking cookies. She says he is welcome any time. D'Amico, 38, a carpenter, said the couple are committed to helping Bobbitt. It's not clear to any of them how long that will take. Bobbitt, for his part, wants his freedom and more control of his destiny. He dreams of driving cross country and starting a new life in Montana. Yet he recognizes that sobriety is elusive and that he has not been clean for long. He said he feels "unsettled" because he wants to leave New Jersey and stay away from Philadelphia, where he was homeless for so long. Friends, knowing of his good fortune, have asked him for money, he said. It makes him uncomfortable. A Marine veteran, he said he has shared some of his money with others in need, and on social media, he encouraged his GoFundMe donors to contribute to a fund-raiser for a fellow veteran. As for his newfound wealth, it is largely beyond his reach. Bobbitt feels ready to take more control. "I'm 35 years old. I haven't always been a drug addict," he said. "At some point, people have to put trust in me." Bobbitt said his drug habit began while he was living in North Carolina and working as a paramedic and on his family's farm. "I was a functioning addict," he said. Then things fell apart. He lost his fiancee and the trust of his parents. Bobbitt said he needed drugs just to feel normal. "Nobody wants to be a drug addict," he said. Bobbitt said he came to Philadelphia for a warehouse job that fell through. He ended up on the streets and slid back into drugs. It was in Philly that he learned humility, he said. "I got up here and I used one time. It's the worst thing I did. I thought I could just use once or twice, but now I know I can't," said Bobbitt, his bright blue eyes framed by black framed glasses. Now, he said, he cares more about happiness than anything else. He wants to go to Montana or Alaska. He's anxious to start over. He realizes he has to stay in rehab. I want to experience life. Thats why I bought a camper so I could go hunting and fishing, Bobbitt said. My dream is to be on a little piece of land somewhere. Linda Brown Smith is shown in front of the Sumner School in Topeka, Kansas, in 1964. The refusal of the school to admit Brown in 1951, when she was nine years old, because she was black, led to the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. But this isnt the photo that spread around the world after her death. Read more It was confounding. How could the life of Linda Brown, the black woman at the heart of the historic Brown v. Board of Education case that declared segregated schools as unlawful, be declared, with one fell swoop, both historically significant and invisible? The girl who was 8 years old when her father, Oliver, joined other black families in the landmark 1954 case, died last month, and the stories that flooded online news sites around the world were accompanied by a photograph of a teenager in a plaid jacket and an Afro supposedly Linda Brown. But it wasn't. Brown came to symbolize "one of the most transformative court proceedings in American history," according to one obituary, but that recognizes only part of the story. That decision shaped thousands of black children's lives; it certainly shaped mine. For six years, I attended an all-black elementary school in a small Southern town that would not honor the Brown decision for more than a decade when I would enter seventh grade. That last year in a segregated school, Mrs. Jordan, my warm, loving, and devoted black teacher whose fair, cream-colored skin made us whisper that she must have been part white would tell us we would have new books and better school facilities than at the all-black high school. What she couldn't tell us, perhaps because she didn't know, was that we would not have teachers like her, who knew their black students' families, who went to church with them, who pushed us to do our best. My desegregated school was fine enough civil enough, nice enough but I always felt like a guest in someone else's house. The teachers were polite, but I didn't feel cared for. Still, we had to finish what was started by this brave young girl, a girl who was the face of a movement that overturned "separate but equal" until her death, when she seemed to become just another interchangeable black or brown face. The mistake originated with the Associated Press, which first posted the photo for member outlets to use. An obituary of this magnitude was grabbed by hundreds of papers immediately, and within hours, that photo was being tweeted everywhere, from the New York Times to Le Monde in France. Even our own newsroom used the incorrect photo. Do I know that mistakes happen? Of course. We are human and, especially in a world of fast-paced, we-had-it-first journalism, errors may happen more frequently. Just the same, we also can correct them more quickly. AP eventually issued a "photo kill advisory," alerting its members to delete the image. But the collateral damage was already done. The wrong Linda Brown still remains on many websites even AP's, as late as April 13, and the Washington Post meaning she will probably live on in the internet world wrongly identified. What are the ramifications? Another black person a historic figure, at that is not seen. In her award-winning book, Citizen: An American Lyric, the poet Claudia Rankine writes that in American society, people of color are rendered both invisible and hyper-visible always under surveillance, watched in the stores, stopped by police because they fit "a description." At the same time, they are often overseen: A black person is in line at a pharmacy, and a white person walks directly to the counter. When a clerk points out the interruption, the white customer turns to say: "I didn't see you." Or, a server at a restaurant returns a credit card not to the black person who had presented it, but to the white friend accompanying the black patron. "Rankine's goal was not to enumerate pain, but to expose and address 'white blindness,' " the writer Lynell George wrote when he interviewed Rankine. I even began to question my own ability to distinguish between the young teen in plaid from the photographs of Brown I'd seen over the years: a chubby-cheeked little girl with pigtails, wide-set eyes, and bangs that curled gently on her forehead; later an elementary school student and her younger sister, walking across railroad tracks to a bus stop blocks away to take her to an all-black school. Had the "authority" of the New York Times made me doubt my own eyes? I carefully scrutinized images of the young Brown. The girl being shown to the world had slightly darker skin. And then it hit me the Afro. Wrong era. But I had had to wrestle with it. I had doubted myself. This is how bell hooks, the feminist author and professor, described this inner turmoil: "And it struck me that for black people, the pain of learning that we cannot control our images, how we see ourselves (if our vision is not decolonized), or how we are seen is so intense that it rends us," she wrote in her book Black Looks: Race and Representation. "It rips and tears at the seams of our efforts to construct self and identify. Often it leaves us ravaged by repressed rage, feeling weary, dispirited, and sometimes just plain old brokenhearted." Efforts to get a comment from the Times were unsuccessful. And AP spokeswoman Lauren Easton acknowledged the mistake, explaining the advisory, but didn't respond to a question asking how the error occurred. Two days after her death, the Times put a correction at the end of the obituary. Alexios Mantzarlis, director of the International Fact-Checking Network at the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit journalism school and resource center in St. Petersburg, Fla., thought the correction should probably have been more prominent "given that this was a case of misidentifying the subject of the entire article." Now, "the photo lives on in websites around the world," he said. "This is a timely reminder that we all have a responsibility to fact-check, at all times." And then two weeks after Brown died As the congressional hearings on Facebook and the Cambridge Analytical data breach loomed, some news organizations had published a caption that misidentified Zuckerberg's executive assistant, Andrea Besmehn, as his wife, Priscilla Chan. Both women are Asian. Melody Wong, the event and technical coordinator at the Asian Arts Initiative, noted the "cross race effect," where people tend to "recognize people of the race they are most familiar with. And a woman of color is going to be the furthest from" the gate keepers at news organizations. At last month's Oscars, several news organizations also "mixed up" the names of Star Wars actress Kelly Marie Tran and Olympic figure skater Mirai Nagasu. Both of the women had been in the national spotlight for months, Wong said. "And they still got it wrong." Batel Shlain poses in the womens mikvah at the recently opened Mayim Chaim CBS Community Mikvah in Somerton. Shlain designed the interior of the mikvah. The painting on the wall is by well-known Philadelphia artist Michoel Muchnik. Read more Each tile, light fixture, sink, and doorknob had been selected to give those who stepped down into the water a sense of spiritual renewal and a peacefulness evoking God. The only thing missing was rain. The new Mayim Chaim Congregation Beth Solomon Community Mikvah, a Jewish ritual bath facility in Somerton, needed the heavens to let loose and supply at least some of the water in which members would immerse themselves to achieve religious purity. For two months this past winter, "we were praying for rain," said one of the project leaders, Sofya Rabovetsky Tamarkin, of Huntingdon Valley. Finally, in February, with the requisite 400 gallons collected, Mayim Chaim ("living waters" in Hebrew) opened amid pizza shops and day-care centers in a Northeast Philadelphia strip mall the latest in a mikvah building boomlet in the region. Two other mikva'ot were completed in the last seven months, and at least two more are slated to break ground this year. The surge in construction reflects the local growth of Orthodox communities, as well as Jewish service organizations, and their mission to provide nearby baths so members won't have to travel long distances a hardship on the Sabbath, when observant Jews refrain from driving, said Rabbi Dov Brisman, of Young Israel of Elkins Park synagogue. Rivkah Slonim, author of Total Immersion: A Mikvah Anthology, describes the proliferation of mikva'ot as an awakening inspired by one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Immersion in the mikvah is commanded in the Torah. The bath is used mostly by Orthodox women, who go in deep enough to cover their heads seven days after their menstrual cycle ends, as a prerequisite for resuming sexual intimacy with their husbands. Orthodox men take the plunge, in a separate bath, in preparation for the Sabbath and holidays. Immersion is also a final step in conversion to Judaism. At Mayim Chaim, smaller pools are provided to immerse newly purchased plates, pots, and utensils that will be used for kosher food. "A mikvah is the most important edifice in the Jewish community. Technically, the first thing a community should build is a mikvah, even before a synagogue," said Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein, rabbi of the Shul at Newtown, an Orthodox synagogue in Bucks County affiliated with the Chabad movement, which specializes in Jewish outreach. "In fact, if there is no mikvah in the community, we are encouraged to sell a Torah, the holiest item in the Jewish community, to build a mikvah." Weinstein is part of a team planning a mikvah on State Street in Newtown; groundbreaking is expected within four months. In Society Hill, preparations are underway for new baths inside the Vilna Congregation synagogue. The Lower Merion Community Mikvah opened in Bala Cynwyd in December. Mikvah Ohel Leah at Sons of Israel in Cherry Hill and the Community Mikvah of Elkins Park were added within the last five years. There are currently about 20 in Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Delaware, according to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the mikvah.org website. Although the practice is observed mostly among the Orthodox, Jews in other movements and those who are unaffiliated also immerse themselves in the mikvah. "It's your time when you are close to God," said Batel Shlain, of Somerton, who designed the interiors of Mayim Chaim. "Each month, I can start a new chapter in my life. I feel renewed." Jews once used natural bodies of water for their ritual baths. One of the earliest man-made structures dates back 2,000 years and was discovered atop Masada, an ancient stone fortress in Israel, above the Dead Sea. Built by King Herod, Masada was taken over by Jews in 66 A.D. In America, newspaper articles from the late 19th century referred to a mikvah at a New York synagogue in the 1750s. Early facilities were spartan, an aesthetic "turnoff" to anyone not staunchly committed, Slonim said. Jews who immigrated to the United States weren't necessarily schooled in the significance of the ritual, so they didn't pass it on to their descendants. And with the ease of taking a shower or bath, the need for a spiritual plunge in an uninviting setting was often disregarded. The mikvah was further maligned in the 1960s, when it became a symbol of patriarchy. The issue was "why should women cleanse themselves after menstruation? It's a natural event," Slonim said. But an increasing awareness that a mikvah bath isn't just about a woman's physical cleanliness for a man, but a deeper quest for spiritual purity, has helped cast the practice in a different light, Slonim said. Modern mikvahs often could pass for spas, with a warm palette, soft lighting, and pre-immersion jacuzzis. In the end, though, they must conform to Jewish law, beginning with a specially engineered roof system to collect and channel rainwater typically into two reservoirs. The pool for immersion is filled with tap water. When the rainwater is commingled with it, it is rendered kosher and ready. Costs can reach into the millions for large, elaborate mikva'ot. The Newtown project is expected to come in at nearly $1 million; organizers have raised about $450,000 and are offering naming rights to any potential large donor. The projected price of the Society Hill mikvah is about $700,000, most of which has been pledged. At Mayim Chaim, a team of clergy and community members began planning the mikvah about five years ago with guidance from Mikvah USA, a New York-based nonprofit that has had a hand in building more than 60 other mikva'ot in this country since 2005. They envisioned a place where women could feel "holy and beautiful," project leader Tamarkin said. The narrow space, a former art studio, is soothing beige, gray, pink, and white. The exterior walls and some inside are fortified with stone from Jerusalem. Clients pay $120 to $360 for an annual membership and $15 to $25 for an individual visit, though no one is turned away, Tamarkin said. Attendants help them prepare for the ritual. "There should be no barrier between you and the creator," said general manager Yuliya Feldman. "No jewelry, no makeup, your hair is washed and brushed, no knots in the hair." The neighborhood surrounding Mayim Chaim is populated largely by Jews who emigrated from the former Soviet Union. Tamarkin is one, having come here in 1989. She worked on the mikvah, she said, as a testament to her past and a gift to Jews in the future. "Our families were oppressed. The mikvah is a sign of renewal," she said. "If only the whole world could be immersed in the mikvah." The Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm New Jerseys only onshore wind turbines are located in Atlantic City. Lawmakers revived a long-stalled plan to build a wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City and passed a series of measures promoting emission-free power. Read more New Jersey lawmakers passed a series of sweeping measures promoting emission-free power, including one that could have utility customers spending more than $300 million a year to rescue struggling nuclear power plants. The bills approved Thursday by the Democratic-controlled legislature revive a long-stalled plan to build a wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City and would require half the state's energy to come from renewable energy by 2030. The nuclear measure would reward reactors run by Exelon Corp. and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. for generating electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The legislation marks a shift from the administration of former Republican Governor Chris Christie, who shunned offshore wind and pulled New Jersey out of a multistate carbon market designed to lower greenhouse gases. But it drew mixed responses from environmental groups, with the Sierra Club calling the clean energy bills "green cover" for the measure to subsidize nuclear power. Jeff Tittel, director of the Sierra Club's New Jersey chapter, called the nuclear bill the "biggest corporate subsidy in state history." He said the proposed 24-megawatt offshore wind farm is too expensive and too close to shore. And he criticized the clean-energy bill for including a cost cap, saying it would make it impossible for the state to meet its own goals. "It really sets back New Jersey's efforts on clean energy and the environment," Tittel said in an interview. The Natural Resources Defense Council was more positive. "New Jersey is showing that economic prosperity and a healthy environment go hand in hand," Dale Bryk, a senior strategic adviser for the organization, said in a statement. If Christie's successor, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, signs the nuclear measure, New Jersey will join a growing group of states including New York and Illinois throwing lifelines to reactors. Cheap natural gas and surging renewables have squeezed reactors' profits, forcing some plants into retirement and pushing others toward the chopping block. Some operators have fought for aid to preserve jobs at the plants. Others have argued they're necessary to achieve clean-energy goals. Shares of Chicago-based Exelon, owner of the largest U.S. nuclear fleet, rose as much as 2.5 percent to $38.72, the biggest intraday gain since March 22. Public Service Enterprise Group rose as much as 2 percent, the biggest intraday gain since March 29. Public Service Enterprise Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Izzo warned investors in February that shuttering its New Jersey reactors would have a "crushing economic impact." The company has two nuclear plants in the state. Reactors outside New Jersey may also be eligible for aid though the measure if they can prove economic hardship and demonstrate that the state's air quality could decline if they shut. The Electric Power Supply Association, a trade group representing generators, called the legislation "deeply flawed," saying it would undermine competition. Murphy has declined to comment publicly on the legislation but told reporters in December that he was "all in" on efforts to keep reactors so long as they are run responsibly. "They are the biggest bridge we've got to the 100 percent clean-energy future," he said. Murphy's press secretary, Daniel Bryan, said the governor was reviewing the legislation. A Feb. 6 report prepared for New Jersey's utility consumer advocate estimated that direct and indirect costs of nuclear aid could total $544 million a year. Separately, the Brattle Group estimated in November that New Jersey consumers would pay $400 million more for electricity annually if Public Service Enterprise's reactors in New Jersey close. ABC/Fred WatkinsThe saga of the stolen Foo Fighters mirror has come to an end. Last weekend, the Cherry Bar in Melbourne, Australia revealed that a mirror donated by Dave Grohl and company to the bar during their Australian tour earlier this year had been stolen. After imploring the alleged thieves to return the mirror, lest the the police get involved, the bar now reports it's on its way back to its proper home. "Today I got a grovelingly apologetic phone call from the 'thief,'" Cherry Bar posted on Facebook Wednesday. "He is mailing the mirror back to Cherry Bar from Adelaide, where he lives." After news of the thievery broke, Foo Fighters offered to send the bar a new mirror. "Thanks to the Foo Fighters for offering to replace the mirror, but as anticipated we got it back under our own steam," the Cherry Bar post reads. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Lawyers have settled a class-action lawsuit on behalf of thousands of inmates who were illegally strip-searched at Burlington County correctional facilities between 2004 and 2012, a period during which everyone brought in was ordered to undress and be searched regardless of how minor were the charges they faced. People arrested for disorderly person offenses, traffic citations, or failure to pay child support were among those who were strip-searched, even in cases where they were detained only for a few hours while waiting to post bail. A $2.4 million federal settlement last month calls for a $1.5 million fund to be created to cover claims for as many as 14,000 former inmates and allows $925,000 in fees for the attorneys who filed the lawsuit. An inmate who was arrested for a minor offense and strip-searched during that nine-year period could receive from $100 to $400 for a claim, depending on the total number of inmates who ultimately submit claims to a court-approved administrator. The county has admitted no wrongdoing or liability, and its lawyers said the county agreed to settle the decade-old case to avoid the cost of continuing the litigation. Nevertheless, Judge Noel L. Hillman of U.S. District Court in Camden who has overseen the case since its filing 10 years ago had determined that the county's blanket strip-search policy violated New Jersey law, which he said was tougher than established federal cases governing strip searches. In 2015, Hillman ruled that state law allows county jails to strip-search a person arrested for a minor offense only when there is a reason to suspect that a weapon, drugs, or contraband is being concealed, or when there is consent. Hillman must formally approve the settlement. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two former inmates, Tammy Marie Haas and Conrad Szcpaniak, and any other inmates subjected to the blanket strip-search policy after they were arrested for offenses punishable by less than six months in jail. In most of these cases, the corrections officers filled out paperwork required to conduct the searches but left blank the area that asked why they had a reasonable suspicion to justify such action. "Burlington County clarified its procedures in 2013 to ensure strip searches would be conducted only for indictable offenses," Jason Tosches, a spokesman for the county, said in an email. Haas, formerly of Pemberton, was nine months pregnant when she was strip-searched in 2006 at the now-closed county Minimum Security Facility in Pemberton. She was ordered to "bend over, cough, and spread her buttocks," and then sprayed with a delousing agent, according to the lawsuit. A warrant for her arrest said she owed $900 in child support, but it was later determined to be in error, her lawyers said. When she questioned whether the search was necessary, corrections officers told her "it was policy," the suit said. Haas was detained for only a few hours as she waited for a relative to arrive and pay the child support. Szcpaniak contended he was subjected to "a humiliating strip-search" after he was arrested in Mount Holly. Under the terms of the settlement, Haas would receive $50,000, and Szcpaniak would get $30,000, because they represented the class of inmates in the litigation. Neither could be reached for comment Thursday. Carl Poplar and David Novack, the lead attorneys who represented the inmates, did not respond to several calls for comment. Evan H.C. Crook and Michelle L. Corea, who defended the county, also did not return calls. In 2007, Camden County settled a similar class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of inmates for $7.5 million. Two years later, Philadelphia settled a $5.9 million suit, while Gloucester County reached a $4 million settlement. Burlington's case took longer to resolve, partly because it was put on hold while another case involving a Burlington County inmate went before the U.S. Supreme Court. Federal courts across the country had issued conflicting decisions on how best to balance the rights of inmates and detainees with the prison system's need to keep contraband from being smuggled into the jails. In the 5-4 decision, issued in 2012, the court found that anyone who is arrested even for minor offenses and without any reasonable suspicion of contraband may be legally strip-searched before being admitted into a jail. After the decision, Burlington County's lawyers declared a victory, saying the need for safety and security in the jails outweighed Florence's claims that his rights were violated. The lawyers then attempted to have the Haas case dismissed. But Haas' attorneys argued their clients were an exception and noted some inmates had not even been admitted into the general population of a jail. Hillman agreed, and the case continued until the settlement was reached several weeks ago. Lawyers are now preparing to post ads on Facebook and in newspapers to invite former Burlington County inmates to file claims under the settlement. Greensgrow Farms beloved pig Milkshake was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday. While now recovering back in his pen, the farm is asking for community support in a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the stack of veterinary bills. Read more When Deirdre Sheehy pulled into Greensgrow, the urban farm in Kensington, on Tuesday, she knew something was immediately wrong when her companion, Milkshake, didn't come to greet her. "He's one of the first people I talk to every morning," says Sheehy, head farmer at the spot at Cumberland and Gaul Streets. "He usually grunts and howls and is out there before all the rest, waiting to be fed, but on Tuesday, he was nowhere to be found." Sheehy went straight to Milkshake's pen and found him lying in his little hut, vomit by his head, and showing signs that he was having trouble getting up. It was clear that the farm's pet pig loved and known by many in the surrounding community needed to be taken to the hospital. "At first, it was like, 'How do we transfer a 250-pound pig that doesn't want to move and get him to where he needs to be?'" says Sheehy. "All of our mother instincts quickly kicked in, and we got to work pushing him up onto his feet." After being nudged into a dog crate, Milkshake was transferred by way of a forklift into Sheehy's pickup truck and driven to Mount Laurel Animal Hospital. The vets ran a bunch of blood tests, all of which came back normal. Yet, head held low, Milkshake was clearly not doing so well. "What I learned from the vets is that pigs have very sensitive gastrointestinal systems," recalls Sheehy, who notes that Milkshake's tummy troubles are suspected to be a result of something he ingested. "They eat a lot of different things, but if they come into contact with something they're not supposed to have, it can do a lot of damage." The vets flushed his system, and advised that they'd need to keep him overnight. Sheehy went home, but then things took a turn for the worse. "I ended up getting a phone call around 10 o'clock at night. They said he was still vomiting and would need to be transferred somewhere else," says Sheehy. "Mount Laurel Animal Hospital is a small animal hospital and Milkshake is obviously not a small animal. We knew we had to pull the funds together and make this happen, because he's a part of the family." Sheehy hopped back in her pickup truck with Milkshake in tow, and set out on an hour-long track to PennVet's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, refraining from pressing pedal to the medal in fear that Milkshake might get cold. Milkshake finally stabilized at the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where he was released on Wednesday afternoon. Now back at home, he's slowly regaining his appetite, munching on Swiss chard, lettuce, beets, and other harvests from the farm. As he sleeps off the remainder of his illness, Greensgrow is asking for the community's help. The final receipts for Milkshake's hospital care are not yet in, but the bill for the overnight stay alone was quoted at $2,000. Sheehy created a GoFundMe account asking for help in paying for the veterinary care of the beloved neighborhood pig. It didn't take long for Milkshake's loyal following to show their support. "Milkshake's become a symbol of the farm in ways I don't think we could've ever predicted," says Greensgrow Farms' executive director Ryan Kuck. "We see kids that have changed the way they walk to school in the morning to come say hi to Milkshake, or adults who stop by every day on their way home from work to give him a visit. Milkshake just brings joy to people's lives." Within just one day, the GoFundMe page has raised more than $3,700 toward a goal of $5,000. Nearly 130 people have contributed. "I think Greensgrow is incredibly important to the neighborhood, and Milkshake acts as a sort of mascot for what they represent," says Kate McCann, who donated to the fundraiser on Thursday and who frequently takes family and friends to introduce them to the pig. "When I saw the post about Milkshake, it was a no-brainer to contribute towards his medical bills. He contributes largely to the morale of the farm and is a huge part of their community." Cindy Treyger spends time in the Elite flight simulation at the Infinity Flight Group flight school. She will have to spend around 20 hours on the simulator as part of her training. The Veterans Administration is covering tuition for her to attend Infinity Group flight school. MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer Read more Since she was a young girl growing up in small-town Maine, planes took Cindy Treyger's breath away. But becoming a pilot just didn't seem like a realistic option. So she did the next best thing. Treyger, a mother of three who now lives in Medford, Burlington County, joined the Air Force, where she worked for nine years as a Russian linguist. In the service, she met her husband, a flight engineer. But the itch to fly never went away, which is why thanks to the Department of Veterans Affairs covering her tuition Treyger is now halfway through a two-year program that will yield the pilot's license she's wanted since childhood. "Every pilot's dream is to work at an airline," said Treyger, 42, who is enrolled in a joint program at Infinity Flight Group in Trenton and Mercer County Community College. If all goes according to plan, Treyger could be employed as an airline pilot within just a couple of years. When she gets there, she'll likely fly from a seat that was long occupied by a man. Across America, airlines are facing an unprecedented shortage of pilots, with some estimates indicating U.S. airlines could be short 14,000 pilots in 10 years. So some flight schools and airlines are actively recruiting people who traditionally haven't been pilots: women. Nearly half the country's workforce is female, but for the last century, flying has been a man's profession. Though there are more than four times as many female pilots today as there were in 1960, women still are only 7 percent of all licensed pilots, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Of pilots with licenses to work for airlines, women make up just 4 percent. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, fewer than 300 women have that license, compared with 6,500 men. Historians and industry leaders say it's not necessarily a failure on the part of airlines. The applicant pool is similarly male-dominated, and experts largely blame long-standing stereotypes for keeping women from getting licenses. "There's still a lot of discrimination out there," said Lisa Cotham, secretary of the Ninety-Nines, a 90-year-old organization of licensed women pilots. "There are still passengers who get freaked out at women in the cockpit." Female Pilots in the United States Of the five airlines that serve the most passengers out of Philadelphia International Airport American, Southwest, Delta, Frontier, and United none would disclose the number of female pilots it employs. United did indicate that "almost 8 percent" of its 12,000 pilots nationwide are women, but a spokeswoman declined to provide the exact figure. The International Society of Women Airline Pilots keeps a running tally of how many female pilots they believe are employed at the major airlines all over the world based on reports from the group's own members. When it comes to pilots, most airlines, according to the group, employ between 3 percent and 8 percent women. Society chairwoman Glenys Robison, a retired Air Canada captain who lives north of Vancouver, cited two major reasons for the current dearth of American female pilots: Airlines often hire from the military, which is facing a pilot shortage of its own and where less than 6 percent of Air Force pilots are women. She also blamed "unsupportive labor laws" related to maternity leave that she said can stymie women from being able to balance a family and a career in the cockpit. (The health requirements are stricter for pilots than for flight attendants.) Robison said recent moves by some major airlines to implement new parental time-off policies "will go a long way toward correcting some of the imbalance." Maggie Linn, a 35-year-old mother of two who lives in Doylestown, is an American Airlines pilot who helped develop a new airline maternity policy unveiled last year that offers 10 weeks of paid leave. Linn said that in the last 15 years she's spent as a pilot everything from a flight instructor to a first officer at American she couldn't think of a time she faced outright discrimination because she was a woman. "I was aware that people thought maybe it was unusual," she said, "but never something that was shocking." Yet, when Cassie Mastriana told her high school guidance counselor that she wanted to be an airline pilot, Mastriana was told "that's a man's job." But she'd told her father since she was 5 that she was going to be a pilot, and she never wavered. "I was going to do it," said Mastriana, now 37, "whether someone told me yes or no." Today, Mastriana, of Doylestown, is a flight manager with United, an administrative position she's held for the last two years while raising two kids. She still flies two or three times a month to keep up with her certifications, and she anticipates that one day she'll go back to flying full time. "I'm meant to be a pilot," she said. "It's in my blood." Some good news on the horizon for airlines looking to hire more women: Of licensed female pilots many of whom don't yet fly commercial the largest cohort is younger than 30, according to the FAA. That means hundreds following the typical career path school, teaching, and work at a regional airline will soon be ready for a major airline. That could be key to helping airlines that have had trouble replacing retiring pilots, said Rob DeLucia, vice president of labor and employment for Airlines for America, a trade group that advocates on behalf of airlines. Historically, besides the military, the biggest pilot pool has been the children of pilots, DeLucia said. But the latter category has become less interested after pay cuts, furloughs, and benefits reductions took place after 9/11. As the demand for flights decreased and the recession took hold, airlines also hired fewer pilots. For example, DeLucia said, in all of 2010, JetBlue was the only airline nationwide of the trade group's members to hire pilots. It hired 30. Yet in the last five years as the industry has financially rebounded, larger airlines have embarked on a hiring spree, plucking pilots from the regional airlines, DeLucia said. But that tactic has had something of a trickle-down effect, said Katie Pribyl, vice president of strategy and programs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association: Some of the smaller, regional airlines have become so understaffed that they've had to ground planes. Meanwhile, she said, flight schools across the country are desperate for instructors to train newcomers so those students can get the required experience at a faster pace. Pribyl, a former airline pilot herself, said the association sees women as an important part of meeting industry workforce needs. A Decline in the Number of Commercial Pilots And it's not just female pilots who would benefit. Some studies indicate women pay greater attention to detail and are calmer during problems, skills that make them adept at flying planes. "Women are just really good pilots," Pribyl said. "They're thoughtful. They're methodical. They've got a great touch. They're cool, calm, and collected in crisis situations. They generally don't overreact." Steven Richards, owner of Brandywine Flight School in West Chester, said women are "naturally suited to do extremely well," and yet "they're not here." He said about 5 percent of the students who attend Brandywine are women. Richards said there's long been an image of a stereotypical pilot, but aviation safety has changed, along with what it means to be a good pilot. "Instead of being a swashbuckling risk-taker, the epitome of a great pilot is a person who's calm, can multitask, and mitigate risk," he said. "The change has taken place, and aviation safety is greater than it's ever been. Could it be that our image of what a pilot needs to be hasn't kept up with that?" Before World War II, when the Air Force first allowed female pilots, the number of women in aviation was "crazy small," said Deborah Douglas, author of American Women and Flight Since 1940. Then, in the early 1990s, the federal government removed provisions to allow women to fly combat missions. There are still barriers today keeping women out of the Air Force, including a requirement that pilots be at least 5-foot-4. In 2015, the Air Force announced it would grant more height waivers as part of an effort to increase diversity in its ranks. DeLucia said there's evidence to suggest minority representation in the cockpit will improve, too, namely that the Air Force Junior ROTC recently reported that, of its 120,000 cadets, 58 percent are people of color. Still, Douglas said the number of women of color working as pilots is almost "statistically improbable." "Lightning has to strike in the same place many times in order to make a black woman a commercial airline pilot," Douglas said. "Those odds are hard to come by." And, despite "valiant" efforts to get more women interested in aviation, she's not convinced the overall demographics will change so long as societal stereotypes exist among all science and technology fields. "As long as, fundamentally, we perceive airplanes as male technologies ," she said, "you will continue to see a small or proportionately smaller number than is normal to the population." Trade groups, airlines, and nonprofits have developed programs to recruit young girls, and other groups offer scholarships for women who want to be pilots. Beth Hollar benefited from programs like these. In her mid-20s she became a flight attendant but ended up frequently hanging out in the cockpit with the men. One of the pilots once said to her, "Why don't you just go to flight school?" A lightbulb went off. She attended flight school in Florida, and in 2007 after attending a women in aviation conference won a scholarship, which turned into a job interview, which turned into a job offer to work for Continental. The airline later merged with United, where Hollar still works today. Now, 46 and living with her husband (who is also a pilot) in Pipersville, Bucks County, Hollar flies 737s all over North and Central America, and she frequently sees young girls in the airport who say they want to be pilots. "If I can do it," she tells them, "you can do it." Members of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa. practice in 2014. Read more Fifteen years before nine women stepped forward to accuse drum corps leader George Hopkins of sexual abuse, a longtime critic says he warned the director of the activity's governing body about questionable behavior by Hopkins, but was dismissed. The critic, Stuart Evan Rice, said this week that he told Dan Acheson, executive director of Drum Corps International (DCI), in 2003 that there were rumors Hopkins had sexual relations with a member of his Allentown-based corps, the Cadets. Acheson on Thursday said he had no recollection of the conversation. In response, Rice, 53, drew attention to an online forum where there remain posts by Rice from 2003 describing a call between the two, including Acheson's seemingly dismissive response. "He maintained that DCI has no jurisdiction over sexual improprieties within the organizations it governs and that those incidents should be resolved through the member corps," Rice wrote in July 2003. As executive director and CEO of DCI, based in Indianapolis, Acheson has been at the forefront of responding to the crisis surrounding Hopkins and the renowned Cadets drum and bugle corps. Last week, the Inquirer and Daily News published an investigation in which the nine women accused Hopkins of sexual harassment or assault, in stories that span four decades. Two more women have since come forward. Hopkins quickly resigned, followed by the 10-member board of Youth Education in the Arts, the nonprofit that oversees the Cadets. Hopkins' replacement as CEO of the nonprofit, Sean King, was suspended Thursday after one of Hopkins' accusers said she told King years ago that Hopkins was harassing her and King did nothing. Responding to the initial article detailing the women's stories, DCI said the organization had been unaware of the "specific allegations highlighted" and would conduct an internal review to determine if any staff were aware of the accusations and failed to report them. This week, before the old forum posts surfaced, Acheson said that review was nearly complete and had not uncovered anything that would call for a deeper investigation. Acheson, whose salary is $114,000, has led Drum Corps International for 23 years. The organization sanctions dozens of drum corps most in the United States but some international and hosts more than 100 competitions with thousands of participants annually. Corps members, ranging in age from 16 to 22, spend their summers traveling with their corps, performing 12-minute numbers that combine marching, music, and dance. Hopkins was a fixture in drum corps for four decades. At the time that Rice lodged his allegations against Hopkins, Hopkins was a member of the Drum Corps International board of directors. Rice, a former member of a drum corps who went on to conduct research on the activity, posted about Hopkins in 2003 on a forum called "Rec Arts Marching Drumcorps," or RAMD to its hundreds of members. At its peak the forum was among the largest in the drum corps world. Active from the early 1990s to the mid-2000s, its traffic slowed in recent years. It is now largely defunct. On July 7, 2003, Rice wrote in the forum that Hopkins had had sex with a corps member. About a dozen other members of the forum chimed in, many attacking Rice and demanding proof. "Dude, if you've got the goods on Hopkins, why not take it to the proper authorities?" one member asked. "I'll call Dan Acheson personally," Rice responded on July 8. The next day, he posted about the call, writing that Acheson told him he would be happy to speak directly with any victims. "However, he also suggest that having my sources contact him (or any sources, other than victims) would not be productive," Rice wrote. Rice did not specifically mention Hopkins in that day's post. A few days later Rice again referenced the call on the forum. "Dan Acheson, as I mentioned, said he would do nothing unless approached by victims," he wrote. Rice, who lives in Provo, Utah, and has not been actively involved in the drum corps community for several years, this week said that at the time, he had heard secondhand that Hopkins had sex with a member of the Cadets. He said Acheson asked for evidence, but he had none to offer. "I called him and said 'Dan, you know, there's this going on with George Hopkins. Are you guys going to do anything about it?' And he said, 'Do you have any proof?' And I said, 'No, just what I've heard.' " Asked about the conversation, Acheson said: "I have no recollection of that call." He said, however, that the response Rice attributed to him seemed reasonable, given that Rice had not provided specifics. He also questioned whether Rice actually mentioned Hopkins, which Rice said he did. "I don't think there was any kind of a detailed conversation about specific incidents, and with whom," Acheson said. "I can't imagine that would have been the case, because I would have reacted. I would have followed up that up with someone." Asked whether he had any obligation to proactively investigate, Acheson said he couldn't speculate on what "I felt at the time, what I felt compelled to do or not with that information." He said he had no recollection of confronting Hopkins about Rice's allegations. "In 2018," he said, "I would in a heartbeat." Federal prosecutors granted immunity to former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies on the condition that she testify before a grand jury that was investigating a consultant to her 2014 campaign, court records show. In a superseding indictment filed last month, consultant Ken Smukler was charged with facilitating illegal contributions to Margolies' campaign, causing false statements, and obstruction. Smukler had already been indicted on conspiracy and other charges involving his work for U.S. Rep. Bob Brady's 2012 campaign. Neither Brady nor Margolies was charged, though search-warrant affidavits filed by FBI agents describe them as active participants in the criminal schemes. Smukler has pleaded not guilty. Margolies, who like Brady is a Democrat, was willing to testify in the investigation, "but only if granted use immunity," court records show. On March 15, Louis D. Lappen, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, wrote Margolies' lawyer that his office would grant immunity to Margolies on the condition that she "testify truthfully before the federal grand jury conducting this investigation." Under the agreement, no statements Margolies gave during her testimony or information "directly or indirectly derived" from those statements could be used to prosecute her, except for perjury or similar offenses, the letter says. Margolies and her lawyer, Marc Elias of Perkins Coie LLP in Washington, signed the agreement on March 20 the same day prosecutors filed the superseding indictment against Smukler. The letter was made public in a motion filed this week by Smukler to dismiss the indictment. His trial is scheduled for November. Reached by phone Friday, Margolies declined to comment. Elias didn't respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors typically offer this type of immunity when they want a witness' testimony but the witness asserts Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination, said Daniel R. Alonso, former chief of the criminal division in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. "This is the government's remedy to that," he said. "As a practical matter, somebody who testifies pursuant to" an agreement like the one Margolies made "is highly, highly unlikely ever to get charged for anything remotely related to the acts about which she testified," Alonso said. According to an FBI agent's affidavit for a warrant to search Smukler's home last year, Margolies in 2014 falsely reported a nearly $25,000 donation funneled through her personal bank account as a loan to her congressional campaign. In fact, the agent said, it was an illegal campaign contribution from Smukler. Margolies isn't named in the indictment and prosecutors have not accused her of wrongdoing. She was elected to the House in 1992 and served one term. The nation's intelligence chiefs had just finished briefing Donald Trump on Russia's interference in the 2016 election when FBI Director James Comey stayed behind to discuss some especially sensitive material: a "widely circulated" intelligence dossier containing unconfirmed allegations that Russians had filmed Trump interacting with prostitutes in Moscow in 2013. The president-elect quickly interrupted the FBI director. According to Comey's account in a new memoir, Trump "strongly denied the allegations, asking rhetorically, I assumed whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised. He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations." The January 2017 conversation at Trump Tower in Manhattan "teetered toward disaster" until "I pulled the tool from my bag: 'We are not investigating you, sir.' That seemed to quiet him," Comey writes. Trump did not stay quiet for long. Comey describes Trump as having been obsessed with the prostitutes portion of the infamous dossier compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, raising it at least four times with the FBI head. The document claimed that Trump had watched the prostitutes urinate on themselves in the same Moscow suite that President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama stayed in previously "as a way of soiling the bed," Comey writes. Trump offered varying explanations to convince Comey it was not true. "I'm a germaphobe," Trump told him in a follow-up call on Jan. 11, 2017, according to Comey's account. "There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way." Later, the president asked what could be done to "lift the cloud" because it was so painful for first lady Melania Trump. Then, on May 9, 2017, Trump fired Comey, leading to the Justice Department special counsel's Russia investigation. The discussions about the Steele dossier which Comey recounts for the first time in his book are among a number of explosive revelations in A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, a 304-page tell-all in which the former FBI director details his private interactions with Trump as well as his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. The Washington Post obtained a copy of the book before its scheduled release on Tuesday. In his memoir, Comey paints a devastating portrait of a president who built "a cocoon of alternative reality that he was busily wrapping around all of us." Comey describes Trump as a congenital liar and unethical leader, devoid of human emotion and driven by personal ego. Comey narrates in vivid detail, based on his contemporaneous notes, instances in which Trump violated the norms protecting the FBI's independence in attempts to coerce Comey into being loyal to him such as during a one-on-one dinner in the White House residence. Interacting with Trump, Comey writes, gave him "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." The result, in Comey's telling, is "the forest fire that is the Trump presidency." "What is happening now is not normal," he writes. "It is not fake news. It is not okay." Comey describes a Feb. 14, 2017, meeting in the Oval Office where Trump asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to clear the room so he could bring up the FBI investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn directly with Comey a key event in special counsel Robert Mueller III's investigation of whether Trump sought to obstruct justice. "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go," Trump said, according to Comey's account of the meeting, some of which he first shared in Senate testimony last year. "He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go." Comey writes that he regrets not interrupting Trump to explain that his plea was wrong. He recalls later confronting Sessions, whom he describes as "both overwhelmed and overmatched by the job." "You can't be kicked out of the room so he can talk to me alone," Comey told Sessions, according to the book. "You have to be between me and the president." Comey also recounts new observations: "Sessions just cast his eyes down at the table, and they darted quickly back and forth, side to side. He said nothing. I read in his posture and face a message that he would not be able to help me." A lifelong Republican until recently, Comey delivers an indirect but unmistakable rebuke of the GOP's congressional leaders as well: "It is also wrong to stand idly by, or worse, to stay silent when you know better, while a president brazenly seeks to undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions that were established to keep our leaders in check." Comey stops short of outlining a legal case against the president, explaining that because he does not know all the evidence he cannot determine whether Trump intended to obstruct justice by firing him and by asking him to back off the FBI's investigation of Michael Flynn. "I have one perspective on the behavior I saw, which while disturbing and violating basic norms of ethical leadership, may fall short of being illegal," he writes. Still, the book is an indictment of Trump's presidency as well as of his character. Each chapter can be interpreted as an elaborate trolling of Trump, starting with the title, A Higher Loyalty, a subtle reference to the loyalty pledge that Trump sought and did not receive from Comey. Comey describes being bullied as a child growing up in Allendale, N.J. taunted, body-slammed into lockers, and given "wedgies." Bullies, he writes, "threaten the weak to feed some insecurity that rages inside them . Surviving a bully requires constant learning and adaptation. Which is why bullies are so powerful, because it's so much easier to be a follower, to go with the crowd, to just blend in." Comey also ruminates on the psychology of liars in an apparent nod to the current occupant of the Oval Office. "They lose the ability to distinguish between what's true and what's not," Comey writes. "They surround themselves with other liars. Perks and access are given to those willing to lie and tolerate lies. This creates a culture, which becomes an entire way of life." Comey defends his handling of the Clinton email investigation and for the first time details a private assurance he received from President Obama following Clinton's defeat. Many Democrats blame Comey for announcing less than two weeks before the election that the FBI was examining a new trove of Clinton emails for possible classified material. Comey writes that Obama sat alone with him in the Oval Office in late November and told him, "I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability. I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view." On the verge of tears, Comey told Obama, "Boy, were those words I needed to hear . . . I'm just trying to do the right thing." "I know," Obama said. "I know." Comey also writes that in a postelection briefing for senators, then-Sen. Al Franken (D., Minn.) confronted him about "what you did to Hillary Clinton." Comey responded, "I did my best with the facts before me." A teary-eyed Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) grabbed him by the hand afterward and said, "I know you. You were in an impossible position," Comey writes. Clinton wrote in her campaign memoir, What Happened, that she felt "shivved" by Comey. Two days before the election, Comey announced that the FBI had reviewed the new emails and found nothing to change its view that Clinton should not be prosecuted. But in Clinton's assessment, the damage already had been done. Comey, who says his wife and daughters voted for Clinton, includes a message in his book to the would-be first female president: "I have read she has felt anger toward me personally, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry that I couldn't do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made." Comey is critical of then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, saying she had a "tortured half-out, half-in approach" to the Clinton investigation and that he considered calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor. One day shortly before the election, Lynch and Comey met privately. Comey writes that the attorney general wrapped her arms around him and implied that she thought he had done the right thing. But as their meeting ended, Comey writes, "She said, with just the slightest hint of a smile, 'Try to look beat up.' She had told somebody she was going to chew me out for what I had done. What a world." The first time Comey met Trump was at the pre-inauguration intelligence briefing. Comey, who is 6'8 tall, writes that the 6'3 president-elect looked shorter than he did on television. "His face appeared slightly orange," Comey writes, "with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assumed he placed small tanning goggles, and impressively coifed, bright blond hair, which upon close inspection looked to be all his." "As he extended his hand," Comey adds, "I made a mental note to check its size. It was smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so." Trump was accompanied at the Trump Tower session by his national security team, as well as by political aides Reince Priebus and Sean Spicer, who were slated to become White House chief of staff and press secretary respectively. Trump asked only one question, Comey writes: "You found there was no impact on the result, right?" James Clapper Jr., then the director of national intelligence, replied that the intelligence community did no such analysis. Comey recalls being struck that neither Trump nor his advisers asked about the future Russian threat, nor how the United States might prepare to meet it. Rather, he writes, they focused on "how they could spin what we'd just told them." With Clapper and then-CIA Director John Brennan both Obama appointees still in the room, Priebus and other Trump aides strategized for political advantage, Comey writes. The Trump team decided to emphasize that Russian interference had no impact on the vote which, Clapper reminded them, the intelligence community had not determined. When the meeting ended, Comey stayed behind with Trump to discuss the salacious dossier. The day before, as Clapper and Comey briefed Obama about Russian interference, the president asked who planned to tell Trump about the Moscow prostitute allegations. Clapper replied that Comey would. Obama "turned his head to his left and looked directly at me," Comey recalls. "He raised and lowered both of his eyebrows with emphasis, and then looked away . . . To my mind his Groucho Marx eyebrow raise was both subtle humor and an expression of concern. It was almost as if he were saying, 'Good luck with that.'" A week after the Trump Tower meeting, on Jan. 11, Comey writes that Trump called him and said he was concerned about the dossier being made public and was fixated on the prostitutes allegation. The president-elect argued that it could not be true because he had not stayed overnight in Moscow but had only used the hotel room to change his clothes. And after Trump explained that he would never allow people to urinate near him, Comey recalls laughing. "I decided not to tell him that the activity alleged did not seem to require either an overnight stay or even being in proximity to the participants," Comey writes. "In fact, though I didn't know for sure, I imagined the presidential suite of the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow was large enough for a germaphobe to be at a safe distance from the activity." After one week as president, Trump invited Comey to dinner. Comey describes the scene on Jan. 27: The table in the Green Room was set for two. The president marveled at the fancy handwriting on the four-course menu placards and seemed unaware of the term calligrapher. White House stewards served salad, shrimp scampi, chicken Parmesan with pasta, and vanilla ice cream. Comey writes that he believed Trump was trying "to establish a patronage relationship," and that he said: "I need loyalty. I expect loyalty." "I was determined not to give the president any hint of assent to this demand, so I gave silence instead," Comey writes. "I stared at the soft white pouches under his expressionless blue eyes. I remember thinking in that moment that the president doesn't understand the FBI's role in American life." Trump broke the standoff by turning to other topics, Comey writes, speaking in torrents, "like an oral jigsaw puzzle," about the size of his inauguration crowd, his free media coverage, and the viciousness of the campaign. He talked about the Clinton email investigation as in three phases, as if it were a television series: "Comey One," "Comey Two," and "Comey Three." Trump also tried to convince Comey that he had not mocked disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski at a campaign rally, and then turned to the detailed allegations of sexual assault against him. "There was no way he groped that lady sitting next to him on the airplane, he insisted," Comey writes. "And the idea that he grabbed a porn star and offered her money to come to his room was preposterous." And then Trump brought up "the golden showers thing," Comey writes. The president told him that "it bothered him if there was 'even a one percent chance' his wife, Melania, thought it was true." Comey writes that Trump told him to consider having the FBI investigate the prostitutes allegation to "prove it was a lie." As the dinner concluded, Trump returned to the issue of loyalty. "I need loyalty," Trump tells Comey, according to the book. "You will always get honesty from me," Comey replies. "That's what I want, honest loyalty," Trump said, reaching what Comey writes was "some sort of 'deal' in which we were both winners." The two men were back together at the White House a couple weeks later. Comey had dropped by the chief of staff's office to explain to Priebus whom he describes as "both confused and irritated" the appropriate way for the White House to interact with the FBI. When they finished, Priebus asked if Comey wanted to say hello to Trump an ironic gesture, Comey recalls, considering he was just explaining the importance of the bureau's independence. Comey demurred, but Priebus insisted and brought him to the Oval Office, where Trump was stationed behind the Resolute Desk. The president, Comey recalls, "launched into one of his rapid-fire, stream-of-consciousness monologues" this time about a recent Super Bowl interview with then-Fox News Channel personality Bill O'Reilly in which Trump complimented Russian President Vladimir Putin. "But he's a killer," O'Reilly told Trump. The president's reply: "There are a ton of killers. We've got a lot of killers. What do you think? Our country's so innocent?" Trump fumed to Comey about the media criticism he received. "I gave a good answer," Trump said, according to Comey. "Really, it was a great answer. I gave a really great answer." Trump sought validation: "You think it was a great answer, right?" Comey replied, "We aren't the kind of killers that Putin is." Trump apparently did not take the correction well. Comey writes that the president's eyes changed and his jaw tightened, and Priebus escorted him out. The next month, Trump called Comey to complain about the Russia investigation as a "cloud" that was impairing his presidency and, again, brought up the Moscow prostitutes allegation. "For about the fourth time, he argued that the golden showers thing wasn't true, asking yet again, 'Can you imagine me, hookers?'" Comey writes of their March 30, 2017, call. "In an apparent play for my sympathy, he added that he has a beautiful wife and the whole thing has been very painful for her. He asked what we could do to 'lift the cloud.'" Comey recalls telling the president the FBI was investigating it as quickly as possible, and that he had told Congress Trump was not personally under investigation, to which the president repeatedly told him, "We need to get that fact out." Two weeks later, on April 11, Trump called Comey again to check on his request to "get out" that he is not under investigation, Comey writes. "He seemed irritated with me," Comey recalls. "I have been very loyal to you, very loyal. We had that thing, you know," Trump told him, according to the book, apparently referring to the loyalty dinner. That was the last time the two men spoke. On May 9, as Comey was talking with FBI employees in the Los Angeles field office, he peered at a television screen and saw a news alert: "COMEY FIRED." Comey describes soon receiving an "emotional call" from Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. "He said he was sick about my firing and that he intended to quit in protest," Comey writes. "He said he didn't want to work for dishonorable people who would treat someone like me in such a manner. I urged Kelly not to do that, arguing that the country needed principled people around this president. Especially this president." Kelly did not resign. Two and a half months later, he was named White House chief of staff. A top GOP fund-raiser and prominent backer of President Trump stepped down from his Republican National Committee post Friday after revelations that Trump lawyer Michael Cohen arranged a $1.6 million settlement with a former Playboy model the donor had impregnated. Los Angeles-based investor Elliott Broidy, who has been a top fund-raiser for Trump and the party, issued a statement Friday acknowledging that he "had a consensual relationship" with the woman, who got pregnant. He said he retained Cohen after the Trump lawyer told Broidy he had been contacted by the woman's attorney. "It is unfortunate that this personal matter between two consenting adults is the subject of national discussion just because of Michael Cohen's involvement," Broidy said in the statement. In the wake of the revelation of the deal Friday afternoon, Broidy stepped down from his post as RNC deputy national finance chairman, according to two people familiar with the situation who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity. RNC officials did not immediately return calls for comment. Federal prosecutors are investigating Cohen for possible bank fraud and campaign finance violations in connection to his efforts to tamp down damaging stories about Trump during the 2016 campaign, according to people familiar with the case. Neither Cohen nor his lawyer immediately responded to requests for comment on the settlement, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Under terms of the deal negotiated by Cohen for Broidy, who is married, the woman with whom he had an affair is prohibited from talking about the relationship in exchange for payments to be made over a two-year period, according to a person familiar with the details. The deal also allowed the woman to keep the baby, determine paternity, and seek child support if she chose to do so. Cohen's work on the Broidy settlement, struck in late 2017, came after he negotiated a deal in October 2016, agreeing to pay $130,000 to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, who alleged that she had a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier. Keith Davidson, the lawyer who represented Daniels at the time, also represented the Playboy model with whom Broidy had an affair. Davidson declined to comment on the settlement. "I can't confirm or deny the existence of such matters," he said. "But I've always acted in my clients' best interests and appropriately in all situations." "Mr. Cohen reached out to me after being contacted by this woman's attorney, Keith Davidson," Broidy said in his statement. "Although I had not previously hired Mr. Cohen, I retained Mr. Cohen after he informed me about his prior relationship with Mr. Davidson." Friday's revelation focuses more attention on Cohen, a longtime Trump confidant whose residences and office were raided by the FBI this week. Cohen and Broidy met during the 2016 campaign, when Broidy, a California native and major GOP donor, emerged as a key financial backer of the RNC. Until Friday, they both served as deputy national finance chairmen there. Last month, Broidy co-hosted a fund-raiser for Trump's reelection campaign in Los Angeles. So far this cycle, Broidy and his wife have contributed $614,000 to Republican campaign committees and the RNC, records show. In the first year of the Trump administration, Broidy was an outspoken advocate at the White House and on Capitol Hill on Middle East issues, particularly the need for action against Qatar, a rival power of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Broidy worked with George Nader, a Lebanese American businessman and power broker in the region who has been working directly in recent years for the UAE, according to people familiar with their relationship. Nader has been cooperating with special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 campaign. In his statement, Broidy said he would "like to sincerely apologize to my wife and family for the hurt that I have caused." "I acknowledge I had a consensual relationship with a Playboy Playmate," he said. "At the end of our relationship, this woman shared with me that she was pregnant. She alone decided that she did not want to continue with the pregnancy and I offered to help her financially during this difficult period. We have not spoken since that time." The Broidy deal reveals new details about the relationship between Davidson, a celebrity lawyer in Los Angeles, and Cohen, Trump's hard-charging fixer in New York. In October 2016, Davidson negotiated with Cohen the confidentiality agreement for Daniels. Cohen, Daniels and Davidson signed the agreement. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has sued to break the agreement, arguing that it is invalid because Trump failed to sign it. Cohen and Trump are seeking to force the matter out of court and into private arbitration, where proceedings are confidential. Davidson and Cohen were also in communication about a third agreement, involving former Playboy centerfold Karen McDougal. McDougal, who says she had a 10-month affair with Trump in 2006 and 2007, sold the rights to her story to the parent company of the National Enquirer for $150,000 in August 2016. She has said she understood that American Media was buying her story not to publish it, but to bury it, in what has been called a "catch and kill" arrangement. The day before she signed the contract, Davidson emailed Cohen and told him by phone that the deal was finalized, according to a person familiar with the conversation. McDougal has sued to break free of her contract so she can speak freely, arguing that her story about Trump is "core political speech entitled to the highest protection under the law." AMI has asked the judge to dismiss the case, arguing that the deal is protected under the First Amendment. Anu Narayanswamy contributed to this article. Republican Scott Wagner, who is running for governor, has spent more than $1 million on a private jet company he co-owns. Read more Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner loves comparing himself to President Trump. They speak bluntly. They're rich businessmen. And both were endorsed by Steve Bannon. Turns out they share something else: traveling to campaign events on private jets owned by companies in which they have financial stakes. Wagner, a state senator from York County who owns waste-hauling and trucking firms, has spent $1.2 million of his own money on air travel since 2017, campaign finance records show. Campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo said Wagner has traveled via jet or helicopter owned by Maryland-based GrandView Aviation. According to financial disclosure forms, Wagner has a 25 percent stake in the company, previously known as IBW Air Services LLC. Wagner lists IBW as a source of income on the forms. Wagner, who grew up on a farm and proudly calls himself a garbageman, has reported the expenses as in-kind contributions to his campaign. Does Wagner worry that his use of a private jet could hurt his image among working-class voters? "Donald Trump flew around Pennsylvania on a 747 with his name on it in 2016 and carried the state thanks in large part to blue-collar voters, so we don't assume Scott's air travel will be an issue," Romeo said. Ah, Trump Force One. Trump spent $9.3 million on air travel during his campaign, according to Bloomberg. That money went to Trump-owned TAG Air, which operates his fleet. Political strategists say his access to private aircraft was a huge advantage, allowing Trump to set his own schedule. He just had to pay market rate to comply with federal election law. Wagner is not bound by the typically stricter federal campaign regulations, but is also paying market rate for his air travel, Romeo said. "Scott's unique ability to travel by air is utilized so he can make as many stops as possible," Romeo said. "Scott wants to take his message to people all over the commonwealth and Pennsylvania's size makes that challenging." Wagner's campaign has also thrown a few Benjamins toward Penn Waste, his trash collection company: His committee paid more than $1,200 to the business for waste removal. State Rep. candidate gets kicked off the ballot, keeps campaigning anyway A judge booted Democrat Kenneth Walker from the May 15 primary ballot, said he flat-out lied on an affidavit, and dressed him down in a 27-page court opinion that was about as entertaining as a White House press briefing. But that isn't stopping Walker from pursuing his dream of becoming a state lawmaker. Last week, Commonwealth Court Judge Anne Covey ruled that Walker "intentionally falsified" his candidate paperwork by listing his home address as a property he owns in North Philly's 181st District. Contenders for the state House must live in the districts they seek to represent. But Walker's wife and son live at Girard College, which is outside the 181st. Walker said in court that he no longer lives at the boarding school with his wife, who is a residential counselor there, and that the two have been separated "since about 2015." But when pressed in court by a lawyer for the voters challenging his candidacy, Walker admitted that he spends holidays with his wife. And that he went on a getaway to the Poconos with her last year. And that he says he is married in campaign materials. And that he's probably going to file his tax returns with her. In fact, Walker acknowledged that he had previously registered to vote in the 181st District while living at Girard College. Here's how that memorable exchange went down: "In 2013, you were living on campus?" the attorney asked. "Yes," Walker replied. "And during 2013 you were registered to vote someplace else?" he asked. "Yes," Walker said. Walker also acknowledged that he lived at Girard in 2014. For the record, Walker ran for the House in the 181st District that year, too. Walker, who has not appealed the ruling, did not provide comment. Malcolm Kenyatta, one of Walker's primary opponents, funded the legal challenge to his candidacy. When politicians get kicked off the ballot, that's usually the end of their bids. But Walker is still campaigning. A day after the court order was released, Walker told his Facebook followers in a video: "There's a lot of rumors out there that I'm not running. But I'm still running." Then he implored them: "I need your help. I need your time. I need your talents. I need your finances." Walker has a fundraiser scheduled for Wednesday. Towing mogul Lew Blum gets trolled online, Darrell Clarke steps in to help Darrell Clarke: City Council president. One-time rumored mayoral candidate. And heroic fighter of online trolls? This week, towing mogul Lew Blum thought Twitter user @DALarryKrasner whose bio clearly lists itself a "parody account" for Philly District Attorney Larry Krasner was the real deal. The faux Krasner jumped into Blum's mentions after he announced he was running for City Council at-large. @DALarryKrasner told Blum to "shut up." Blum's response: "you need to shut up." @DALarryKrasner kept trolling, calling him "trash" and saying "you're drunk go tow a car." "I think your [sic] drunk," Blum replied, launching in a rant in which he mused that "when a white person calls another white person trash what he really means is white trash." Things got so bad that Clarke had to talk Blum off the ledge: "Lew," the Council president tweeted. "That is not actually DA Krasner." Reached over the phone, we asked Blum if the incident gave him any insight on how to avoid being owned online. "You have to check out every one. Every time," he said of suspicious Twitter accounts. "Somebody could get a picture of you, get your name, and start a site!" John Powell, left, the Judge of Elections for Ward 26, 4th Division, lets a voter enter the voting machine during the May 2017 primary. Read more Not registered to vote in Pennsylvania? The clock is ticking if you want your voice to be heard in next month's primary election. Monday, April 16, is the deadline for Pennsylvanians to register to vote in the May 15 primary. If you haven't taken the first step in completing your civic duty quite yet, there's no shame. Here's a quick procrastinator's guide to get your ducks in a row by Monday. How do I know if Im registered to vote? The Pennsylvania Department of State has a handy website available to see if you're registered. All you need is your name or driver's license or PennDot ID number. If choosing the former, in addition to your first and last name, you'll also need to enter your county, zip code, and birth date. If you are already a registered voter, the Department of State website will provide your affiliated party status and the address of your polling place. How do I register to vote or update my voter information? If you haven't already registered, have had a change of address, or wish to switch parties, you'll need to register or update your registration. Pennsylvania holds closed primary elections, meaning you'll only be able to vote for candidates under your designated party. Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of State Robert Torres notes that registering online is the "best method" the form to register or make changes is available at pavoterservices.pa.gov. Online not your thing? Pennsylvanians can also deliver a paper copy of the form to their county voter registration office or send it by postal mail just make sure it's postmarked by Monday. Whom will I be voting for? You'll be casting a ballot for the primary nominees for U.S. senator, governor, lieutenant governor, representatives in Congress, state senators and other offices. Special elections are also being held in the 48th, 68th, and 178th Districts. (That means you, Bucks County.) Winning candidates in each party's primary will then face off in the midterm elections, held Nov. 6. There's a lot riding on the general election, which could determine whether Congress will stay GOP-led or flip in Democrats' favor. Ballotpedia, a "nonpartisan online political encyclopedia," has a sample ballot lookup so you can find more about candidates in your district. Pennsylvania has a new congressional map. Do I need to re-register to vote now? Nope. However, the new congressional map could change whom you'll be voting for. (Want to learn more about the new map? Here's a guide to the gerrymandering case.) Eight-year-old Dakota Johnson, holds the trauma story she wrote and illustrated, prior to the start of therapy at the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia, Thursday, April 12, 2018. Read more When fear starts to rise up in Dakota Johnson's chest and tears well up in her brown eyes, she tries to remember to take a breath and whisper to herself: "It's not that deep. It's not that deep. It's not that deep." Dakota is 8 years old. Math and art are her favorite subjects. She likes painting and drawing and playing with slime. In the middle of one night in November she woke up in her dad's North Philadelphia apartment to screams, smoke, and fire. A man living on the floor below had left a cigarette burning on a mattress. Flames spread throughout the building. She and her father tried their front door, but the smoke was too thick. So he led her to the kitchen window, three stories up, and lowered her onto a second-floor roof, several feet below. A police officer happened to be driving by and was able to reach up and grab her, pulling her to safety. Firefighters helped her dad down. The fire that burned up her Pocahontas doll, her school uniform, and her Legos also took away Dakota's sense of safety and security. After that, she needed to know where her dad was at all times, for fear his new home had also caught fire. Sirens made her shudder. Late at night she cried. "I didn't know what to do," said Dakota's mom, Sheena Holbrook. "She wouldn't go to her grandma's house because her grandma lives on the seventh floor, and she didn't see an easy way out." A school counselor recommended they try a new, community-based, cognitive behavioral therapy program in North Philadelphia. The Joseph J. Peters Institute (JJPI), which opened its doors in January with a $200,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, brings trauma-informed counseling to kids in one of the city's neighborhoods that needs it the most. The 22nd Police District in North Philadelphia has one of the city's highest rates of violent crime. It's also one of the poorest areas in the city. In 2016 the median household income there was $21,805, far below the city's median of $39,770, and beneath the national poverty line, which is $26,104. Kids grow up with day-to-day stresses related to poverty. "Within the neighborhood, unfortunately a lot of people have become desensitized," said Natalie Dallard, JJPI's director of community outreach. "Experiencing community violence, seeing people getting robbed or people fighting in the neighborhood, this is just life where I live. They don't realize that this is something that's actually having long-term effects on them." Every Thursday, Dakota's mom takes her to see therapist Levi Lee in a classroom in the basement of the Church of the Advocate. It is one of the only programs of its kind in the community, Dallard said. JJPI opened with hopes of serving 120 kids, ages 3 to 17, in the 22nd Police District. Most sessions last between 16 and 20 weeks. "Sometimes I think children's lives are way worse than adults'," Lee said. "They just have so many rules and so many expectations, but they can't control how people talk to them. They're carrying around so much in these tiny bodies." The kids who come into the Church of the Advocate for the program have stress related to having incarcerated parents and exposure to violence or abuse. Three of the 10 clients have been involved in house fires. The Philadelphia Fire Department responded to 2,700 fires in buildings last year, an average of seven a day. Asked for a breakdown by neighborhood, the department said it didn't have the "analytical capacity to compile and share that data." With aging housing stock and more than a quarter of the population living below the poverty line, some in unregulated rooming homes, fires are a consistent problem in Philadelphia. "House fires were the last thing I was thinking about when we started this work," Dallard said. "But if you live in a blighted neighborhood, or an area where housing is old and not up to code, they happen, and that can be traumatic for a young child." Dakota wrote about her rescue to help her cope with stress. She has a "toolbox" of strategies to use when she's overwhelmed, which include breathing exercises, repeating the phrase "It's not that deep" three times, and then explaining why she realizes that danger is really at bay. "Because I'm safe," she told Levi during a recent session. "Because the oven is off. Because no one is smoking." "Excellent. How's your stress level right now?" "Like a 1?" When JJPI staffers first came to the neighborhood, they did a "world tour" of schools, barbershops, and community centers. "Not one person told us our services weren't needed," Lee said. He thinks it's a sign the stigma surrounding mental health is fading. Philadelphia has long acknowledged the trauma that poverty breeds. It's been nearly eight years since the city set up an institute dedicated to trauma care, both to train providers and partner on programs. The city has close to 20 partners, including Pew, Drexel, and CHOP. According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey, 80 percent of children in Philadelphia have been exposed to at least one potentially traumatic experience. Forty percent of Philadelphians reported experiencing or witnessing violence growing up. "It's a conservative estimate that approximately 30,000 youth will need evidence-based trauma treatment," said project director Arturo Zinny, of the Philadelphia Alliance for Child Trauma Services. Fires are one of the more physically obvious disasters children face, Zinny said. "What we see the most and with much more prevalence is the impact of interpersonal trauma, community violence, domestic violence, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, and the impact of the deep poverty," he said. "A lot of our kids are living in this constant adversity and having to bounce back from multiple traumatic events." Lee sees about 10 kids a week. There is already a wait list. While his work focuses on children, he often asks parents to sit in on sessions and sometimes that opens up something in them. But it can be tricky getting the right care. Holbrook, who works in behavioral health with adolescent girls, knew Dakota needed counseling, but she tried several places that didn't offer the kind of general therapy her daughter needed. Having insurance made qualifying for programs harder. Pennsylvania offers a broad menu of behavioral health services for patients on Medicaid, but the options on the private insurance side are much slimmer, said Dr. Kamilah Jackson, the city's deputy chief medical officer for Child and Adolescent Services at Community Behavioral Health. "The narrative is very clear that most people who have a need, don't actually get services," Jackson said. Holbrook says her daughter has made improvements since starting the program. She goes to her grandma's house now, and she doesn't break down as much. On Dakota's eighth visit last month, Lee gave her a book of fire safety tips to read: "Keep the bedroom door closed." "Don't cook in loose fitting clothing." She read it aloud before handing it back to him. He told her it was hers to keep. The girl smiled: "I'm going to read this every night." In a special editorial section decrying newsroom cuts, the Denver Post offered an illustration showing how few of the staff from a 2013 photo remain at the paper today. Read more A stunning editorial appeared in the Denver Post last week. The editorial board of Colorado's largest newspaper called upon its owners to sell the newspaper before they completely destroy it. Headlined "As Vultures Circle, the Denver Post Must Be Saved," this bold appeal was leveled at Alden Capital, a New York-based investment firm that at one time was a major shareholder of the Inquirer. The editorial begins: "At the Denver Post on Monday, more than two dozen reporters, editors, photographers, videographers, page designers, digital producers, and opinion staff will walk out the door. Our marching orders are to cut a full 30 by the start of July. These heartbreaking instructions raise the question: Does this cut, which follows so many in recent years that our [newsroom] ranks have shriveled from more than 250 to fewer than 100 today, represent the beginning of the end for the 'Voice of the Rocky Mountain Empire'?" The editorial closes with both a dire warning and an appeal to the Denver community to step up to save the Post: "The smart money is that in a few years the Denver Post will be rotting bones. And a major city in an important political region will find itself without a newspaper. It's time for those Coloradans who care most about their civic future to get involved and see to it that Denver gets the newsroom it deserves." I am one of many in the world of public service journalism who read this cry for help with both empathy and respect. Empathy for the challenges that a fellow news organization faces in providing the journalism its city deserves, and respect for those determined to stand up and fight for it. My colleagues and I also reached out to our brethren in Denver to draw their attention to a model for saving important local journalism that might resonate in their city, just as it has in ours. Four years ago, after multiple changes of ownership, including that of Alden, the Inquirer was purchased by H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, a local cable television entrepreneur turned philanthropist, and rededicated to the service of its community. This was not in itself unique. Newspapers in Washington, Boston, Minneapolis, and most recently Los Angeles have each been purchased by wealthy new owners committed to fresh investment. But Philadelphia's owner went a step or two further. He reorganized the news enterprise itself as a public benefit corporation charged not with maximizing near-term profits but with sustaining a profitable journalistic enterprise in the public interest. He then donated substantially all of the equity to an endowed non-profit organization now called the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, dedicated to investing in the future of local news in Philadelphia and nationwide. Many others in the Philadelphia community joined the cause: Leading venture capitalists and digital media entrepreneurs, prominent money managers, local attorneys, real estate investors, the local community foundation, the deans of schools of journalism, and former editors and reporters. These stakeholders have collaborated to help fund and oversee investment in new investigative news coverage, new technology for the news operation, improved digital products for readers, and greater diversity in both the newsroom and its audience, each a key building block for sustainable local journalism. The fruits of these investments are evident nearly every day. In just the last few months, the Inquirer has published unparalleled investigative news coverage of the local opioid crisis, lead poisoning, a devastating nursing home fire, and state and city government. One need look no further than this week's coverage of the plight of Philadelphia-area immigrants. These stories, expressed powerfully in both print and digital form, have had tremendous impact on our community and its democracy. This tale of two cities underscores the fact it remains both the best of times and the worst of times in the local news business. Never have legacy newspapers been more challenged economically, but never have donors and subscribers shown more willingness to invest. In addition to its philanthropic supporters, the Inquirer and its online home, Philly.com, now enjoy the support tens of thousands of new digital subscribers paying to access great journalism anywhere at any time. There is still much more work to do. No change in ownership or legal structure has solved the near-term business challenges facing great journalism, even here in the birthplace of the First Amendment, but they give us a fighting chance. These changes have aligned our news organization with the needs of the city of Philadelphia and given the city a direct stake in its success. At the end of the day, both Alden Capital and the city of Denver will be best served if local Colorado investors and/or philanthropists offer to take over the newspaper at a fair price, just as their counterparts did in Philadelphia. There already appears to be progress. On Thursday, the Post reported that a group called the Resurrect the Denver Post Exploratory Committee has soft-circled $10 million in investor commitments to acquire the newspaper. Among other rationale, Denver leadership should appeal to the Post's Wall Street owners to sell now before even more value is destroyed. And with one final apology to Charles Dickens, we suggest they add as a reference to local journalism, rather than to porridge: "Please sir, I want some more." Jim Friedlich is CEO and executive director of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism The plan being proposed by developer Bart Blatstein for the former Foxwoods site on Columbus Boulevard is arranged like a suburban shopping center. Blatstein says that the layout of housing near the river has changed, Read more In this year of Philadelphia's overcoming naysayers after years of disappointment, those of us working along the Delaware River are reminded that we must never lose faith in our vision for reclaiming one of our city's greatest underutilized assets: our waterfront. Anyone who's visited recently knows that the Delaware River waterfront has made great strides in the last decade with the addition of parks, trails, and attractions like Race Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Washington Avenue Pier, and is now on the cusp of achieving a long-planned centerpiece park at Penn's Landing. Unfortunately, that progress is facing a new challenge by a development that is inconsistent and incompatible with the success we've had in reconnecting our waterfront with our neighborhoods. The current momentum on the waterfront is no accident: In 2012, the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. (DRWC) created a master plan for the central Delaware with input from thousands of residents and civic leaders. The city formally adopted the plan in 2013, making it the official road map for development on the waterfront. The theory behind the master plan is simple: Strategic investment in parks, trails, and connector streets will create access to the river for all, and in turn leverage high-quality private development that will capture and extend the sense of community and street life found in the neighborhoods west of I-95 to the waterfront. This formula is beginning to pay dividends with infill development and a steady drumbeat of mid-rise projects in waterfront neighborhoods from Fishtown to Pennsport. In an area as large and storied as Philadelphia's post-industrial waterfront, we know it requires time and patience to make strategic investments to convert blighted vacancy to the green, accessible, and vibrant waterfront neighborhoods we envisioned in the master plan. We also know that to reach that vision, we must not sacrifice long-term community growth for short-term private gain, and we must guard against projects that threaten to irreparably harm the future of a walkable and pedestrian-scaled waterfront. This vision faces a major test at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). Tower Investments is proposing to locate a Super Wawa gas station in Pennsport at Tasker Street and Columbus Boulevard. This proposal shows flagrant disregard for the years of community-driven planning DRWC has led, and is vehemently opposed by the community. While the master plan calls for a mix of uses (residential, commercial, retail, and recreational), auto-dominated uses like gas stations are prohibited on the blocks adjacent to the river's edge to encourage higher quality development. This isn't a burdensome regulation. There are many better uses of waterfront land than a gas station. Lamentably, over DRWC's and Pennsport's vociferous objections, the proposal is advancing to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a variance. DRWC, the city, and many other funding partners have made major investments in a trail and park system along the waterfront, especially in Pennsport, from Washington Avenue to Pier 70 Boulevard. Due to this investment, there are now new mixed-use residential developments proposed for the vacant land around the proposed gas station that will suffer if gas pumps are approved. Let's not halt the waterfront's progress by allowing a proposal that undermines the ongoing investment in the area and violates the zoning established through years of consensus-building with community leaders and developers. DRWC has a strong commitment to working with developers along the waterfront to demonstrate the value of the master plan and to help identify appropriate uses that balance the community's goals with the developers' objectives, with a track record to match. Indeed, our opposition to gas pumps isn't anti-development; the master plan doesn't work without high-quality development that fits a prime waterfront location. The master plan only requires that buildings be constructed with features that meet the high level of connectivity and access we're seeking as a city. Uses like the urban-format Wawas seen in Center City are perfectly suited for a mixed-use community along the Delaware. If we are to succeed in our mission of transitioning the waterfront from a post-industrial to a green and accessible neighborhood, and in converting Delaware Avenue from engine of industry to urban boulevard, we must work together with like-minded developers to fulfill that mission. But we must never settle for development that violates our standards. As Philadelphia sees historic growth, attention, and victories, it's time to stand up for our waterfront, for the years of planning that has engaged thousands of residents, and for the substantial investments we've made to create public access, parks, and trails. We must signal that we expect better, because we as Philadelphians deserve better. If we get this right, we can have a properly connected, world-class waterfront for all to enjoy. Let's keep a high bar along the waterfront and be glad 10 years from now that we did. Joseph Forkin is president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was greeted by protesters when he came to the sanctuary city of Philadelphia in July. Read more Philadelphia may be a "sanctuary city," but the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office here has become the spear point for President Trump's overly zealous policies that are fracturing families and sending refugees back to threatening situations they tried to escape. A joint ProPublica-Inquirer investigation shows Philadelphia ICE, which has jurisdiction in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia, has arrested more undocumented immigrants with no criminal convictions than any of the other 23 ICE offices in the country. You can draw a line between that level of aggressiveness and Mayor Kenney's refusal to let ICE use Philadelphia police like one of its patrol units. The city successfully sued Attorney General Jeff Sessions last year after he tried to withhold a Justice Department grant as punishment. But losing that skirmish didn't stop the Trump administration from finding other ways to force its will. The ICE office found cooperative public officials in rural areas outside Philadelphia where the anti-immigrant sentiment is stronger. ICE also sweetened the pot for local law enforcement to work with it by stooping to bribery, such as paying $19.6 million to York County in fiscal 2017 to house immigrant detainees in its prison. ICE ratcheted up its police-state tactics after Trump issued an executive order in January making criminal prosecution of immigration offenses a "high priority." That led to more "collateral" arrests of people that ICE wasn't even looking for, the ProPublica-Inquirer report said. ICE also expanded the definition of "criminal" for deportation purposes to include people who got a traffic ticket or were arrested for loitering. The Department of Homeland Security, in explaining Trump's April 4 order for National Guard units to assist ICE on the southern border, said that before 2013 only 1 percent of "arriving aliens" claimed a "credible fear" in seeking asylum; today it's 10 percent. It said that before 2011 more than 90 percent of "arriving aliens" were single adult males; today 40 percent are families and children. Rather than supporting Trump's claim that there is an immigration "crisis," however, those numbers say something completely different that more families and children are trying to find safety in the United States because they are living in fear in their homelands. They are fleeing destitute nations like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela, where there is no work and gangs terrorize communities. And, they aren't just coming to the United States; asylum applications in Mexico jumped 678 percent between 2013 and 2016. Trump's ICE has flooded the immigration courts. More than 11,643 cases were pending in Pennsylvania in March, a 62 percent increase over the end of fiscal 2016. A similarly embarrassing backlog nationally led Sessions to set a quota of 700 adjudicated cases a year for immigration judges. That's not justice; that's an assembly line. Many detainees have lived and worked in America for years. Other than lacking documentation, they have committed no crimes here and are unlikely to. Still, Trump seeks to demonize them. That won't change until Congress, urged by the public, tells the president to stop arresting people who deserve to stay and give them a path to legal residency or citizenship. There are opinions, and there are facts. First, some facts. It used to be that pregnancies were divided into trimesters and the state could not regulate abortion in that first trimester, could regulate it in the second only to protect the health of the mother, and could regulate or limit it in the third to protect the welfare of the fetus. That was the holding in Roe v. Wade. Then, Pennsylvania became the battleground in the abortion debate with Planned Parenthood v. Casey, in which the Supreme Court eliminated the trimester framework, finding it flawed. It reiterated a woman's right to choose, but made this important distinction, which was missing from the sterile posture of Roe: "The very notion that the state has a substantial interest in potential life leads to the conclusion that not all regulations must be deemed unwarranted." And so was born the concept of viability. For the first time, even though it continued to agree that a pregnant woman had a "liberty" interest in not being pregnant, the law gave dignity to the fetus and started to establish parameters by which this dignity this "life" should be recognized and protected by the government. So these are facts: Women can have abortions, with some legal restrictions. While my opinion is that they should be legally prevented from aborting a child; my opinion is not a fact. But if we acknowledge that women can have abortions in some circumstances, we also have to accept that they can be prevented from having them in others. And that is what brings us back to Pennsylvania, and our beautiful state Capitol. This week, the state House of Representatives fast-tracked a bill that would ban abortions based on a diagnosis or suspicion that the fetus has Down syndrome. The bill was moved out of the chamber's Health Committee on Monday, and the full House will likely vote on it next week. Abortion rights groups are apoplectic. This paper has published op-eds opposing the bill as a grotesque infringement on the "woman's right to choose," as if no one had ever read Planned Parenthood v. Casey or understands the "fact" that women do not have unlimited choices when it comes to being "un-pregnant." Planned Parenthood has, predictably, come out full force in opposition to the bill. But I think the saddest part is that some parents of Down children have actually come out publicly against the bill, too, which strikes me as supremely inhumane. Just my opinion, of course. Here are some more of them: To hear that a woman who has given birth to a child with Down is still willing to allow other children to be denied a future because she doesn't want to infringe on another mother's "choice" is a perfect example of the way society has dehumanized unborn life. It is the same principle at play when someone says, "I am personally against abortion but I don't want to deny another woman that right." Sorry to shatter your carefully crafted illusion, my open-minded friend, but you are not then personally against abortion. You just won't have one yourself. Those who try to turn the mother into a victim by lamenting society's lack of resources for the disabled are so breathtakingly hypocritical, or naive, that I have to wonder if they even believe their own words, or are simply spouting a script prepared for them generations ago by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, who wrote the majority decision in Buck v. Bell, the case that authorized the sterilization of the "mentally impaired." He stated in one chilling passage, "Three generations of imbeciles are enough." For the woman or man who thinks it's OK to abort a fetus that would grow into what we once called "Mongoloid," Holmes' reasoning makes sense. I believe the real reason people oppose this bill is because they are afraid to open Pandora's Box. Once the lid comes off, it will reveal the stark barbarity of abortion taken to the extreme: a desire to eliminate the random imperfections and inconveniences of life. Just like Justice Holmes and his fear of imbeciles. My friend Kurt Kondrich shares that opinion. He is the father to beautiful Chloe, who was diagnosed with Down in utero. He observes, "It is time to stop the ultimate form of bigotry: terminating individuals who do not meet the cultural mandate for perfection." I am thrilled that Pennsylvania is poised to turn our opinions into incontrovertible fact. This spring marks 105 years since President Woodrow Wilson appointed William Bauchop Wilson as the nation's first secretary of labor. A Scotsman-turned-Pennsylvanian, William Wilson bridged a gap few labor activists could during the early 20th century, garnering trust from labor activists and employers alike while enacting policies that improved workers' lives. Pennsylvania's role in the labor history of the United States dates back to the nation's earliest years. In 1786, print-makers in Philadelphia staged the first-ever U.S. strike and triumphantly secured $6 weekly minimum pay. Though this early experiment in labor activism succeeded, workers struggled against immeasurable odds in their efforts to organize throughout much of the nation's history, often facing state-sanctioned violence. William Wilson grew up in an environment equally hostile to anti-labor organizing across the Atlantic. He was born in Blantyre, Scotland, in 1862 to a coal mining family. His father, Adam Black Wilson, participated in a 1868 miners' strike in Haughhead, Scotland, that landed him on a blacklist. Unable to find work in his native country, the older Wilson immigrated to the United States in April 1870, settling in the village of Arnot in northern Pennsylvania. He saved enough money to bring his family over four months later. In a personal account reflecting on his arrival in Pennsylvania, Wilson wrote, "The first things that caught the eye were stumps and stones and rough board houses, not a very pleasant picture to one who had been accustomed to the well groomed surface of the valley of the Clyde." While life was difficult in his new home, Wilson found refuge in reading and inspiration from the passionate immigrant worker community of Arnot. He borrowed books from Hugh Kerwin, a highly literate cobbler who regularly hosted nearby workers to discuss intellectual matters. "As I look back on the group of men that formed our little circle in the early days at Arnot, many of them classed as illiterate," Wilson wrote, "I am still amazed at the knowledge they possessed of many religious, social, economic, political, historical and scientific questions, their wisdom and tolerance in discussing them." Wilson began mining when he was 9, helping his father load cars in the mine. By age 14, Wilson began serving as the secretary for the region's Benevolent Association local, thus beginning his long career as a labor rights advocate. Upon entering adulthood, Wilson leveraged his extensive union experience to help found the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) in 1890. He became a member of the union's National Executive Board one year later. Wilson played a key role in the pitched labor battles of the 1890s, during which activists fought for eight-hour work days and better pay. This tense period had its share of bloodshed, such as the Lattimer Massacre in Luzerne County that left 19 unarmed miners dead. Wilson was arrested on multiple occasions, and he spearheaded strikes alongside the famous organizer Mary "Mother" Jones near his childhood home in Arnot. Having risen through the ranks of the UMWA, Wilson decided that he could make a bigger impact in government. In 1906, Wilson began the first of three terms in Congress as a Democrat. Despite witnessing the horrific treatment many workers received at the hands of employers and their armed strike-busters, Wilson maintained a moderate political worldview, arguing that political extremes inhibit the "fullest and best development of the human race if carried to their ultimate conclusion." This made him palatable to business owners, including William S. Nearing of the Morris Run Coal Co., who deemed Wilson "a constructive man, a friend of capital as well as of labor, and one whom no just man need fear." Wilson's general popularity and ability to reconcile opposing sides made him a great fit for the newly minted role of secretary of labor in the Wilson administration. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania houses Wilson's private files and mementos from this period, which document the establishment of the Department of Labor during Wilson's tenure. He oversaw a number of programs that facilitated compromise between workers and employers and that improved the working conditions of women. Wilson served as secretary of labor until 1921. After a failed congressional run in 1926, he returned to Tioga County to farm. He died on May 25, 1934. Patrick Glennon is a communications officer at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. pglennon@hsp.org Lawyers for three Chicago police officers charged with impeding an investigation into the fatal police shooting of teenager Laquan McDonald said Thursday they plan for a Cook County judge to decide the outcome of the officers' trials, not a jury. Judge Domenica Stephenson set the trial tentatively for July 10, reports the Chicago Tribune. The charges against former Detective David March, ex-Officer Joseph Walsh, and Officer Thomas Gaffney allege that the three officers lied to exaggerate the threat posed by 17-year-old McDonald, who had PCP in his system and had damaged a police car while armed with a knife. The special prosecutors appointed to handle the case told Stephenson on Thursday that they anticipate the trial for all three will take less than a week. They face charges of obstruction of justice, official misconduct and conspiracy. The U.S. Department of Justice cannot force local police departments to cooperate with immigration agents as a condition for receiving federal funding for a law enforcement program, a judge in Los Angeles ruled this week. The permanent, nationwide ban against the funding rules delivered an unambiguous victory to Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer in the legal battle he opened last year with U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, reports the Los Angeles Times. Feuer filed a lawsuit in federal court in September, claiming Sessions had overreached his authority and crossed constitutional lines when the Justice Department changed the terms for the Community Oriented Policing Services program. "This is a complete victory," Feuer said at a news event Thursday, flanked by Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck. "This is yet another dagger in the heart of the administration's efforts to use federal funds as a weapon to make local jurisdictions complicit in its civil immigration enforcement policies." A Yarmouth, MA, police officer was shot and killed Thursday while serving a warrant, reports NBC News 10. He was initially seriously injured, but later died in the hospital. Officer Sean Gannon was shot and killed serving a warrant. (Photo: Yarmouth Police Dept./Facebook) "With deep sorrow and heavy hearts the Yarmouth Police Department reports the loss of Officer Sean Gannon," the Yarmouth Police Department noted on Facebook Thursday night. "Officer Sean Gannon was killed in the line of duty today." Gannon, a K-9 handler, was shot on Blueberry Lane in the Marstons Mills village of Barnstable and was taken away in an ambulance, reported WBZ-TV. The suspect was reported to be in custody. Gannon's K-9 Nero was also shot. He is reportedly in stable condition at a local vet hospital. Related: Video: Massachusetts Officer Shot in Head Serving Search Warrant The man accused of shooting and killing a Yarmouth, MA, police officer on Cape Cod Thursday afternoon had 114 prior offenses as an adult, a law enforcement source tells Boston 25 News. Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon was serving a warrant to Thomas Latanowich at a home in the Marstons Mills village in Barnstable when he was shot in the head and was killed, according to police. After the shooting, police said Latanowich barricaded himself inside the Blueberry Lane home for more than an hour before he was arrested. Officials say the warrant was being served to Latanowich for a probation violation related to several firearms violations and was out on bail from Middlesex County at the time of the shooting. Two brothers from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe are being detained at the La Plata County (CO) Jail without bond after fighting with a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer Sunday at a Towaoc residence. Wendell Mills and Wambli Mills were arrested Sunday on probable cause for alleged assault with intent to commit murder in Indian Country, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Durango. On Thursday, Bond was denied for both men. The BIA officer and Wendell Mills were shot during the scuffle, according to a federal affidavit. Both were both transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital and treated and released for leg wounds, Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin told the Durango Herald, who had deputies at the scene. Who is the most ridiculous Democratic Senator? There are so many deserving of recognition. The competition to settle on one is surely an impossible to task. We would have to consider all the relevant considerations and then accord them the correct weight. It probably cant be done. Yet surely New Jersey Senator Cory Booker would be in the running on just about any account. He is a pompous bully, a transparent phony, a tool and a fool of political correctness and identity politics squared. He is constitutionally incapable of faking sincerity on any matter he touches. He is a prosecutor in search of thoughtcrime. To round out the picture, consider the tragic saga of T-Bone. You know, Cory Bookers imaginary friend. As Janet Cooke is to journalism, Cory Booker is to politics. Cookes career could not survive the discovery that shed made Jimmy up, yet Booker has risen from mayor of a failed city to United States Senator peddling tales of his imaginary friend to credulous constituents. Today Booker strutted his stuff at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State. Booker saw fit to use the confirmation hearing to grill Pompeo on his view of homosexual sex (video below). Which raises the question: what does his friend T-Bone think of gay sex? Only Booker knows for sure. Sen. Cory Booker: Do you believe that gay sex is a perversion, yes or no? Mike Pompeo: My respect for every individual, regardless of the sexual orientation, the respect is the same. https://t.co/LefW8v6ng3 pic.twitter.com/WEmX1W45Bd CBS News (@CBSNews) April 12, 2018 Today, President Trump tweeted: Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all. . . . I think Trump is reacting to criticism that by threatening an attack on Syria he tipped of the Syrians and the Russians, in contradiction to his oft-repeated argument that we should leave our adversaries guessing. In his tweet, Trump seems to be saying that the Syrians and the Russians must guess about the timing of an attack. He may also be buying himself time. And the longer Trump waits, the less likely an attack becomes. Trump might change his mind. He might become distracted. The Russians and/or their intermediaries might talk him out of it. In a case like this, the best practice, when feasible, is to strike quickly and without warning. Thats what Trump did in response to Syrias use of chemical weapons last April. This April, there are reasons to wait, though. For one thing, Trump needs to obtain a high level of confidence that the Assad regime is responsible for the chemical attacks. France now has that high level of confidence, but Im not sure the U.S. does. In addition, last years attack on Syria was a small-scale deal. This time, Trump contemplates a much larger military operation, as he should. That takes planning. Planning takes time. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that Russia, which initially warned of retaliation if the U.S. were to strike in Syria, is now signaling that it might not do so: Analysts in Russia said the focus now is on ways to ensure that any strikes are limited so that they dont kill Russians, thereby allowing Moscow to refrain from carrying out its threats to retaliate. Thousands of Russian troops and military advisers are stationed at military facilities across Syria, where they have been supporting President Bashar al-Assads seven-year-old efforts to crush the rebellion against his rule. . . . The Kommersant newspaper quoted anonymous Defense Ministry sources as saying that the general staff of Russias military was in touch with the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and expected to receive coordinates on airstrike targets from the Pentagon to avoid Russian casualties. It makes sense, of course, to try to avoid Russian casualties in any attack on Syria. However, its imperative not to let Russia set the terms of our military response. This, I suspect, is the Kremlins game here. In the guise of avoiding Russian casualties, it wants to set the parameters of a U.S. attack. Naturally, this attack would be one that did not materially hurt the Assad regime, which Russia is determined to prop up. But there would be enough fireworks for Trump to look tough in the eyes of many Americans. I detect a pattern in how our more clever adversaries intend to deal with Trump. Push back hard against Trumps initial wave of rhetoric, but then offer an olive branch. After that, try to negotiate a deal that makes Trump look good back home but does not thwart the objectives of our adversary. Thus, North Korea met Trumps tough words with tough words of its own, but eventually showed a willingness to negotiate. Would the regime ever agree to denuclearization? I very much doubt it. But it might agree, say, to stop testing missiles, along with some additional token concessions. Trump could then claim to have frozen the program, something his predecessors were unable to accomplish, while North Korea would be well-positioned quietly to edge forward with its nuclear program and to proceed full blast at a later date. Similarly, China met Trumps first set of tariffs by announcing stiffer tariffs on our products. But recently, it seemed prepared to back down and enter into negotiations. Would China agree, say, to end its war on U.S. technological firms and thereby abandon its Made in China 2025 program, a blueprint for (among other things) gaining ascendancy in the technological sector that depends on unfair practices including theft? I very much doubt it. However, it might agree to minor concessions that marginally help particular American constituencies and that Trump can sell back home as demonstrating how easy it is to win a trade war. Why shouldnt Russia pursue this kind of approach as a means of coping with Trump in Syria? It pulled off something similar with Barack Obama when Syria crossed the red line on chemical weapons. The Russians, the Chinese, and the North Koreans know something about the art of the deal. Each has played previous U.S. presidents, and Trump will have to prove to them that hes in a different league. Trump cant get away with simply asserting it. This isnt the New Hampshire primary. As I see it, the Russians, the Chinese, and the North Koreans are already trying to play Trump. Syria will be a fascinating test for our president. Ive gotten to know Harley Feldman through our local chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Harley is a brilliant, soft-spoken guy and successful businessman. Three years ago his daughter Allison was brutally murdered at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona. This week her murderer was apprehended. The broad outlines of the story are set forth in stories here and here as well as the video below. I want to add some background that fills out the story based on my conversation with Harley this afternoon. Allisons murder sent Harley on two missions. The first was to help the police find Allisons murderer. To assist law enforcements search for Allisons killer, Harley advocated for the authorization of Arizona law enforcement to use familial DNA searches. Arizona state Rep. Maria Syms took up the cause. As I understand it, Rep. Syms enlisted the support of Governor Doug Ducey and Attorney General Mark Brnovich. They authorized the use of a familial DNA search in the hope it would lead to Allisons killer. Harley credits them all, but I think he feels a special debt to Rep. Syms. The familial DNA search based on DNA collected at the scene led the authorities to the perpetrators brother, who has long been in state prison on multiple counts of child molestation. The identification of the perpetrators brother led authorities to the perpetrator; his blood had previously been tested and retained in connection with a dismissed DUI charge. Having conducted the familial DNA search, the authorities solved the case in two days this week. Without it, Allisons murderer would still be at large. Arizona is now one of 12 states that authorizes the use of familial DNA searches by law enforcement. Minnesota is one of the 38 that does not. Before Harley is done, Minnesota will join the 12. Harleys second mission is to keep Allisons legacy alive. In Allisons honor two of Allisons friends from the study abroad program at the University of Arizona established a scholarship for financial aid to support students who want to study abroad. The program is described here. The scholarships GoFundMe page is here. As of last week, Harley tells me, we had helped them raise over $25,000, which was the required level for the endowment. We will continue to raise money to increase the financial aid opportunities. I am grateful to Harley for his help in letting me share this story with readers. Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day, and The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany commissioned a polling firm to conduct a comprehensive national study of Holocaust knowledge and awareness in the United States. The results are getting quite a bit of media attention. The survey finds a relatively widespread lack of knowledge about the Holocaust, especially among young people. 22% of millennials say they have never heard of the Holocaust, or arent sure whether they have heard of it. That is rather shocking, but the ignorance isnt confined to millennials: 11% of all respondents gave the same answer. 49% of millennials couldnt identify any concentration camps or ghettos. That seems appalling, but 45% of all respondents couldnt name any, either. Two-thirds of millennials cant say what Auschwitz was. I think at least part of what is happening here is that American high schools are so obsessed with social justice, race, etc., that they dont teach much about actual facts. Like history. Most survey respondents say that there is anti-Semitism in the U.S., which of course is true. But many Americans vastly over-rate, in my judgment, the number of neo-Nazis. 34% of respondents say there are many neo-Nazis in the U.S., while 17% say there are a great deal of Neo-Nazis in the US. These are people, I suspect, who have been systematically misled by the education system and the news media. Some of our high schools seem to devote much of their efforts to combatting neo-Nazis, notwithstanding that in all likelihood, no one associated with the school has ever seen one. As usual when such questions are asked in polls, the lack of support for free speech rights is discouraging. Only 15% of respondents agree that People should be allowed to use Nazi slogans or symbols. I wonder what the response would be if people were asked whether people should be allowed to use Communist (or socialist) slogans or symbols. It is rare to read poll results that make one feel better about the American public. This survey is no exception. CHANDIGARH, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The recently launched Cashier Prepaid Card has joined hands with Kings XI Punjab as exclusive digital payment partner. Cashier unveiled their first prepaid card during the Kings XI Punjab press conference in presence of Mr. Satish Menon, CEO of Kings XI Punjab. The association includes access to their entire social media coverage and digital brand exposure at all the matches. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676794/Cashier_Cards_Kings_XI_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676793/Cashier_Cards_Kings_XI.jpg ) "It has been an honor for us to be the official payment partner for Kings XI Punjab. Launching our Cashier cards with the team has been a dream for us. I am delighted to announce that the first batch of our Cashier cards are being used by entire Kings XI squad," said Ms. Archika Sodera, Head of Corporate Communication & Branding. "The Cashier prepaid card is going to be accepted online and at all Mastercard POS terminals across India. The offers and discounts associated with this card make it even more attractive and useful. Not to forget, the Cashier card is also designed to cater the entire unbanked segment across India. We are working on more tie ups such as airport lounge access and elite membership of big corporate groups," she added. Satish Menon, CEO, Kings XI Punjab, said, "We have always had an inclination towards startups and young entrepreneurs. The concept behind Cashier card is really very interesting and it will surely help the unbanked and migrated population as well as big corporate groups." About Cashier Cashier is digital payment startup based out in Bangalore. The company started its operation last year with the vision of changing the payment structure of the coming era. Media Contact: Archika Sodera [email protected] +91-8025535857 Head- Corporate Communication & Branding Cashier Cards SOURCE Cashier NEW DELHI, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rana Kapoor, MD & CEO, YES BANK and Chairman, YES Global Institute, was felicitated with CNBC Asia's 'India Talent Management Award' by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad (Hon'ble Minister of Electronics & IT and Law & Justice) at the 13th edition of CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards, New Delhi. CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards recognizes leaders who create and sustain entrepreneurial initiatives, develop best practices and carve out powerful businesses in the global economy. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676787/Yes_Bank_Logo.jpg ) Speaking on the occasion, Rana Kapoor, MD & CEO, YES BANK said, "A new paradigm for tech-based companies and in particular, companies of the future is to build scalable and sustainable talent acquisition, development and retention programs. As one of the fastest growing banks in India, it is our constant endeavor to engage skill and mentor talent and channelize their entrepreneurial spirit for solutions that are 'Future Ready'." 'CNBC Asia's India Talent Management' Award is a reinforcement of our laser sharp focus on Professional Entrepreneurship, Human Capital and Innovation. Recognitions such as these reiterate the bank's commitment to invest in the future of YES BANKers by enhancing each individual's capability, capacity and confidence, thereby equipping them with skills to succeed in tomorrow's workplace and economy." YES BANK has been a pioneer in institutionalizing innovative talent acquisition and retention programs across experience levels, with flagship initiatives such as Y-PEP (YES-PROFESSIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM) - aimed at hiring management professionals directly from premier B-schools in India and select foreign universities. YES BANK continues to harness the power of today's youth with initiatives such as YES Transformation Series, India's largest case study challenge offering students an opportunity to work on real-life challenges faced by the financial sector; recently ranked as the 2nd best B-school challenge by Dare2Compete. YES SCHOOL OF BANKING (YSB), the Learning & Development function of YES BANK, ensures conceptualization and deployment of learning solutions that meet business, employee and customer requirements through continued improvement in employee skillset, tech and service quality. Key human capital, organizational development and learning initiatives at YES BANK are domiciled under the aegis of YES SCHOOL OF BANKING (YSB), institutionalized in 2007 with a vision to build the capacity, capability and confidence of the Human Capital for making YES BANK the 'Finest Quality Large Bank in India by 2020'. About YES BANK YES BANK, India's fourth largest private sector bank with a pan India presence across all 29 states and 7 union territories of India, headquartered in the Lower Parel Innovation District (LPID) of Mumbai, is the outcome of the professional and entrepreneurial commitment of its Founder Rana Kapoor and its top management team, to establish a high quality, customer centric, service driven, private Indian Bank catering to the future businesses of India. YES BANK has adopted international best practices, the highest standards of service quality and operational excellence and offers comprehensive banking and financial solutions to all its valued customers. YES BANK has a knowledge driven approach to banking and offers a superior customer experience for its retail, corporate and emerging corporate banking clients. YES BANK is steadily evolving as the Professionals' Bank of India with the long-term mission of 'BUILDING INDIA's FINEST QUALITY LARGE BANK by 2020'. For further information, please contact: YES BANK Alisha Prakash Mob: +91-7042662323 Email: [email protected] Adfactors Jyothi Goswami Ph: +91-9702488388 Email: [email protected] SOURCE YES BANK PUNE, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Current Transducer Market by Technology (Open Loop, Close Loop), Application (Motor Drive, Battery Management, UPS & SMPS, Converter & Inverter), End-User (Industrial, Renewables, Automotive, Residential & Commercial), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 581.1 Million in 2018 to USD 683.7 Million by 2023, registering a CAGR of 3.31% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily due to the increasing emphasis on renewable resources, control & monitoring system, industrial automation, electric vehicle, and increasing use of energy storage machines. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 70 Tables and 32 Figures spread through 127 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Current Transducer Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/current-transducer-market-78722753.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The motor drive segment is expected to hold the largest share of the Current Transducer Market, by application, during the forecast period The motor drive segment led the Current Transducer Market in 2017 and is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The motor drive segment has wide application in different industries. The motor drive is used for providing the alternating frequency and voltage to the electric motor. The current transducer in the drive is used to measure the current to be applied to the motor. Due to such an extensive application, the motor drive segment is estimated to lead the application segment of the Current Transducer Market. Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=78722753 Renewable industry is expected to be the fastest growing segment of the Current Transducer Market With regards to the end user segment, renewable is expected to constitute the fastest growing market from 2018 to 2023. The market is primarily driven by increasing investments in large-scale renewable power projects. The government in different countries worldwide are targeting to diversify the energy generation mix and reduce the emission of carbon and greenhouse gases. European countries climate & energy strategy of 20-20-20 is one of such example. China is leading the adoption of renewable installation across the globe to diversify its energy mix and reduce the carbon emission. The installation of renewable energy sources is expected to grow during the forecasted period attributing toward the growth of renewable energy. Asia Pacific: The leading market for current transducers In this report, the Current Transducer Market has been analyzed with respect to five regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest market share in the global Current Transducer Market in 2017. In the Asia Clean Energy Summit in Singapore, in 2017 it was noted that Southeast Asia is a suitable market for renewable energy development, as it holds a favorable climate for solar and wind energy generation. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, China is observed to be the highest investor in renewable energy and associated low-emissions-energy sectors by investing USD 103 billion in 2015, recording 17% growth year-on-year (Y-o-Y). The growth of renewable energy is also driving the market for energy storage The NITI AYOG has projected a battery market of USD 300 billion by 2017-2030 in India. In addition to this China is also leading the market toward the adoption of the electric vehicle in the country. To promote electric vehicles, the government of China is providing a subsidy of USD 15,000 on each electric vehicle. The investment and development in renewable, electric vehicle, energy storage, and industrial automation is driving the market for current transducers. To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the Current Transducer Market. These players include LEM (Switzerland), CR Magnetic (US), NK Technologies (US), Veris Industries (US), and Phoenix Contact (US). The leading players are trying to make inroads in the markets in the developed economies and are adopting various strategies to increase their market shares. Know more about the Current Transducer Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/current-transducer-market-78722753.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/energy-and-power Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets PUNE, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Dust Control Systems Market by Type (Wet and Dry), Mobility (Mobile Controllers and Fixed Controllers), End-use Industry (Construction, Mining, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Textile, Pharmaceutical, and Food & Beverage), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is estimated at USD 15.67 Billion in 2018, and is projected to reach USD 20.08 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.08% during the forecast period. The market is driven by factors such as rise in health awareness, stringent regulations for dust control, and rapid urbanization and industrialization. Technological advancements and growth in requirement of dust control systems in food, beverage, and agricultural industries are the upcoming opportunities for Dust Control Systems Market. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 72 market data Tables and 36 Figures spread through 137 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Dust Control Systems Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/dust-control-systems-market-8793324.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The wet segment, by type, accounted for the largest market share in 2017. The wet segment accounted for a relatively larger market share in 2017. Wet dust control systems include the wet scrubbers and wet electrostatic precipitators. Wet dust control systems use water media or chemical sprays with equipment such as spraying systems or fog cannons to control the fugitive dust. The mobile controllers segment, by mobility, accounted for the largest market share in 2017. The mobile controllers segment, by mobility, accounted for the largest share in 2017. Mobile controllers include sub-types such as handheld, self-propelled, tractor-mounted, and trailed dust control systems. Mobile controllers are the solutions to manage dust at active locations and points of transfer, which increases its demand in the global market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=8793324 The construction segment, by end-use industry, accounted for the largest market share in 2017. The construction market studied covers road construction and building construction markets. Growth of the construction and mining businesses in developing countries such as India, China, Africa, and Brazil are driving the market for dust control systems. With stringent mandates, industries such as food, beverage, and agriculture are demanding dust control systems in order to control the dust generated during the processing. The textile industry is also one of the major developing markets currently; it generates dust particles during weaving, spinning, dyeing, printing, and finishing. This fuels the demand for dust control systems in the textile market. The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The countries studied under the region include Australia & New Zealand, China, India, Japan, and the Rest of Asia Pacific, which includes countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Korea. Rise in health awareness and soil management practices in emerging economies such as Australia & New Zealand and India are the key factors that drive the dust control systems market growth in the region. Rapid urbanization and industrialization in the Asia Pacific region are driving the market for dust control systems. The report Dust Control Systems Market includes a study of various dust control system types, dust control systems on the basis of mobility, and their application in end-use industries, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It includes the profiles of leading companies such as Nederman Holding (Sweden), Donaldson Company (US), Illinois Tool Works (US), Sly Filters (UK), and Spraying Systems (US). Know more about the Dust Control Systems Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/dust-control-systems-market-8793324.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/food-and-beverage Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets CCZ is a next-generation high-efficiency monocrystalline technology that uses a special Czochralski crystal growing furnace to realize crystal pulling while feeding and melting. 8-10 rods can be pulled within the life cycle of a furnace. At present, RCZ recharged Czochralski technology is used most commonly throughout the industry. Compared with RCZ, the crystal rods produced by CCZ are of better quality, and the resistivity is more uniform and narrower in distribution, making them more suitable for P-type PERC and N-type batteries. Over the past year, GCL-Poly has improved CCZ's cost efficiency and product quality through domestic equipment and supply chain development and process optimization. By the time of new fab commissioning, GCL-Poly will become the only company in the world realizing the industrialization of CCZ technology and will take the monocrystalline silicon wafer industry to the next technology level. In April 2017, GCL-Poly announced that it had completed the acquisition of SunEdison's fifth-generation CCZ technology, FBR silane fluidized bed technology, and related assets. "FBR's high-quality granular silicon is the best material for CCZ; the two technologies are complementary and a synergy effect of 1+1>2 can be achieved," said Mr. Wan Yuepeng, CTO of GCL-Poly. This high-tech barrier and high-value-added technology will greatly enhance the company's core competitiveness. About GCL-Poly GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited (HK: 3800) is part of the GOLDEN CONCORD Group (GCL). GCL-Poly is the world's largest polysilicon and wafer supplier as well as one of the top green energy and solar power investors and operators. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676792/Wafer_Product_by_GCL_Poly.jpg SOURCE GCL-Poly PORTLAND, Oregon and PUNE, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, Compact Construction Equipment Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023, the compact construction equipment market was valued at $6,250 million in 2016, and is expected to reach at $9,438 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific accounted for approximately 32.0% of the market share in 2016, and is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Compact construction equipment are small in size, highly efficient, and easy to use. They find their application majorly in the construction industry as they are easy to handle. The demand for compact construction equipment has increased, owing to increase in construction activities as well as growth in application areas in the mining and agriculture industry. In addition, technological advancements are expected to propel the market growth. However, high production cost and volatile fuel prices pose a threat to the growth of the market. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4024 The backhoe loader in the compact construction equipment dominated the equipment segment of in 2016, with around 27.0% share, and is expected to grow at the CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. High demand from construction, agriculture, and mining industries drive the backhoe loader market. In terms of application, loading is expected to dominate the market throughout the analysis period. The surge in adoption of compact construction equipment in agriculture and mining industries also makes way for the growth of the others segment, which is expected to register a fastest growth with a CAGR of 7.1%. The construction industry accounted for around 38% share of the global compact construction equipment market revenue in 2016, while the agriculture industry is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. In 2016, Asia-Pacific dominated the global market, owing to robust growth of construction and agriculture industry. Furthermore, presence of major players is anticipated to boost the market growth in the near future. Europe is the second leading revenue contributor to the global market and is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/4024 Key Findings of the Compact Construction Equipment Market: Backhoe loader dominated the market in equipment segment in terms of revenue and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. Based on end-user industry, the construction industry accounted for around 38.0% share of the global compact construction equipment market revenue in 2016 In 2016, Asia-Pacific was the dominant region and is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.8%, while China was the major contributor to the market. The key market players profiled are Caterpillar, Inc., JCB, Inc., John Deere, King Machinery, Komatsu, Mustang, Sany, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Volvo, and XCMG. Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: Shriram Dighe 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1855550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com SOURCE Allied Market Research Sensors Data was founded in April 2015 by a group of ex-BAT founders with 11+ years of experience in the big data analytics field. The company focuses on providing user behavior data analytics platform and insights to enterprise clients. Its core product, Sensor Analytics, helps enterprise customers to conduct data collection, modelling, deep dive analysis, and provides a flexible PaaS platform to meet with industries clients' customized development demands. Mr. Wenfeng Sang, Founder and CEO of Sensors Data, commented, "Big data applied to business relies on continued services rather than product itself. 'Service first' is at the core of our philosophy. At Sensors Data, we believe deploying the product only unlocks 20 percent of the core value to our clients. Our unique strength lies in our ability to continuously serve and provide insights to our customers, to achieve data-driven targets, across their entire life cycle." Mr. Yaozhou Liu, Co-founder and COO of Sensors Data, believes that a growing number of business executives are now aware of the importance of data assets. "Data and artificial intelligence are now closely tied together. The value of data is no longer limited to operational analysis for a single business. We are building a closed-loop solution consisting of data collection, analysis, decision making and validation. Our services cover the entire operation process of our clients, from the first interaction all the way through demand matching and customer success." Today, Sensors Data serves over half of the top 50 corporates in each major vertical such as finance and retail, amongst others. Among the company's 500+ corporate customers are China Unionpay, China Telecom, Baidu Video, China Youth Travel Service, China Pacific Insurance, Bailian Group, Wanda Group, Haier, Yonghui Supermarket, PSBC Consumer Finance, Guangfa Securities, Jumei.com, Huimin.cn, Qudian, Lianjia, Sichuan Airlines, Fxiaoke.com, Keep, Oriental Pearl and 36kr.com. Gordon Ding, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus, commented, "Worldwide data generated will reach 44 trillion GB by 2020, which will drive an immense demand for data-related storage, processing, analysis and applications. As a global leading private equity firm, Warburg Pincus has been systematically mapping China's enterprise 'software-as a service' (SaaS) market, in particular the rapid-growing big data analytics sector. The Sensors Data team has the deepest understanding of data intelligence demand of Chinese companies. Our study shows Sensors Data's customers exhibit a high level of stickiness, as over 40 percent of customers use Sensors Analytics in multiple departments every day." Hesong Tang, founding partner of Xianghe Capital, said, "Sensors Data is an exceptional big data company in terms of technology capabilities, team capabilities, business model and industry vision. The team's enormous potential is the primary thesis in our decision to invest. We hope Sensors Data can leverage its technology strength and unique team culture to provide strong services to its customers and become a unicorn in the big data sector." Ye Yuan, partner at Morningside Venture Capital, said: "Chinese companies are at the juncture of transitioning from the Internet era to the data era, and more and more of them have started to explore the value of their data assets. Sensors Data has established its market position by solidifying the data foundation and precisely targeting the demand of its corporate clients. It has become essential for companies to leverage data to drive their decision-making and product intelligence. Sensors Data has in-depth insights into the market trend and customer demands. We highly agree with the team in its mission and value proposition and believe that the team will be able to bring long-term value to its clients amidst the secular trend of data intelligence." Sensors Data has been leading the user behavior analytics sector with its proven business model, systematic management, strong business development capabilities and solid technological foundation, and received recognition and continued support from the capital market. The company raised its angel-round financing in March 2015, and announced its Series A financing of US$ 4 million and Series B financing of US$ 11 million in April 2016 and March 2017, respectively. Series A financing was led by Sequoia Capital China, and all of the company's angel investors co-invested, including Linear Venture, Future Capital and individual investor Manzi Xue. Series B financing was led by DCM Ventures, with Sequoia Capital China co-investing. Media Enquiries: Sensors Data Rebecca Yang [email protected] Warburg Pincus Mingxia Li [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676500/Warburg_Pincus_Sensors_Data_Series_C.jpg SOURCE Warburg Pincus PUNE, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market by Type (Drapes (Cardiovascular, General Surgery, C- Section, Lithotomy, Laparoscopy, Ophthalmic), Gown (Standard, Reinforced, High-Performance)), Utility (Reusable, Disposable), End User (Hospital) - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to reach USD 3.14 Billion by 2023 from USD 2.47 Billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 4.9%. Factors such as the increasing number of surgeries and the growing incidence of hospital-acquired infections is driving the growth of this market. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 70 market data Tables and 34 Figures spread through 117 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/surgical-drapes-and-gowns-market-210282118.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report Surgical drapes are estimated to account for the largest share of the market in 2018 By type, the Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market is classified into surgical drapes and surgical gowns. The surgical drapes segment is expected to lead the global market in 2017. Factors driving the growth of this segment include increasing adoption of surgical drapes in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, rising number of surgeries owing to the increasing incidences of chronic diseases, and increasing demand for prevention from surgical site infection. Disposable surgical drapes and gowns are estimated grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period On the basis of usage pattern, the Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market is categorized into disposable surgical drapes & gowns and reusable surgical drapes & gowns. The disposable surgical drapes and gowns segment is estimated to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. The advantages of disposable drapes over reusable drapes such as optimum barrier protection, consistent quality, and dependability are the key factors driving the growth of this segment. Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=210282118 In 2017, the hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the market. On the basis of end user, the Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market are categorized into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other end users. The hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the global Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market in 2017. With a large number of surgeries performed in hospitals, there is a constant and high demand for surgical drapes and gowns in this end-user segment. North America commanded the largest share of the market in 2017 Based on region, the Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW). North America dominated the Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market in 2017. The large share of this segment can primarily be attributed to the increasing healthcare expenditure, increasing use of single-use surgical drapes and gowns, and the strong presence of industry players in this region. Some of the major players in the Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market are Cardinal Health (US), 3M (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Steris plc (US), Molnlycke Health Care (Sweden), and Paul Hartmann AG (Germany). Know more about the Surgical Drapes and Gowns Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/surgical-drapes-and-gowns-market-210282118.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets PUNE, India, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Technical Textile Market by Material (Natural Fiber, Synthetic Polymer, Metal, Mineral, Regenerated Fiber), by Process (Woven, Knitted, Non-woven), by Application (Mobiltech, Indutech, Protech, Buildtech, Packtech), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Technical Textile Market is estimated at USD 165.51 Billion in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 220.37 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 5.89%. The market has grown exponentially in the last few years, and this trend is expected to continue. The growing awareness about the superior functionality and application of technical textile encourages the higher consumption of technical textile and related products. Furthermore, growth in the automobile, construction, healthcare, packaging, and various other sectors has generated new opportunities for this textile. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 204 market data Tables and 38 Figures spread through 194 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Technical Textile Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/technical-textile-market-1074.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The woven segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period Based on process, the woven segment is expected to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed towards factors such as easy production and low cost. Woven technical textiles find wide application in various sectors such as construction, clothing, automobiles, and others. Thus, with the growing demand for technical textile in these industries, the demand for the woven segment will also increase. Additionally, advancements in weaving technology such as 3D weaving are also expected to drive the technical textile segment during the forecast period. Get PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=1074 The mobiltech segment is estimated to account for the largest share in the Technical Textile Market in 2017 Based on application, the mobiltech segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2017 and 2022. Mobiltech covers technical textile used in automobiles, aircraft, railways, and shipbuilding such as nylon tire cord fabrics, seat covers, seat belts, cabin filters, tufted carpet, upholstery, and others. The automobile sector has been improving its existing market share and creating innovative products through new developments, consequently increasing the demand for technical textile. Therefore, the growth in the automobile sector will drive the market for technical textile during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific Technical Textile Market is estimated to account for the largest share in the Technical Textile Market in 2017 The Asia Pacific region is estimated to account for the largest share of the Technical Textile Market in 2017; due to rapid urbanization and increase in disposable incomes in the emerging economies of China, India, and Indonesia. The Asia Pacific Technical Textile Market is driven by technological advancements in the medical, automobile, and construction industries with respect to new equipment, machinery, and materials. Among all countries in this region, the market in China is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The North American market is expected to grow at the second-highest CAGR between 2017 and 2022, with the US registering the highest growth rate in the region. Key players operating in the Technical Textile Market include Asahi Kasei (Japan), Kimberly Clarke (US), Berry Global Group (US), DuPont (US), Mitsui Chemicals (Japan), Freudenberg & Co. (Germany), Low & Bonar (UK), Huntsman (US), Toyobo Co. (Japan), Milliken & Company (US), SRF Limited (India), Lanxess (Germany), Koninklijke Ten Cate (Netherlands), and International Textile Group (US). These players have adopted various growth strategies to expand their global presence and increase their market share. Mergers & acquisitions, expansions & investments, agreements & partnerships, and new product launches are some of the major strategies adopted by key players operating in the Technical Textile Market. Know more about Technical Textile Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/technical-textile-market-1074.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets HYDERABAD, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- India's premium expo, catering to its green economy, by the organisers of Renewable Energy India Expo (REI India) UBM India, organisers of the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo inaugurated the third edition of RenewX, a two-day exhibition (April 13-14) at Hitex, Hyderabad today. The expo witnessed a congregation of South India's green economy community to discuss industry trends, challenges and market insights. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675607/UBM_Logo.jpg ) (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676833/RenewX_2018_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676834/RenewX_2018_Inauguration.jpg ) The inaugural ceremony took place in the presence of Shri G. Raghuma Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd.; Shri Ismail Ali Khan, Chairman, Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission; Mr. Uday Kiran, Director, Infrastructure, Government & Healthcare, KPMG in India; Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India and Mr. Rajneesh Khattar, Group Director, UBM India amidst an industry gathering. This year, the show grew in size and depth bringing together over 150 exhibitors that include manufacturers, EPCs, distributors and service providers. In its third edition, RenewX attracted an array of industry leaders and key exhibitors including Renewable Energy Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd., Tata Power Solar, Vikram Solar Limited, Havells India Limited, Anchor Electricals Pvt. Ltd. (A Panasonic Group Company), Havells India Ltd., Premier Solar, Phocos India, ORB Energy, Canadian Solar Energy Private Limited, Jinko Solar, Jiangsu Goodwe Power Supply Technology Co.,Ltd, Ginlong (Solis) Technologies Co Ltd., Oriano Clean Energy Private Limited, SolarEdge , Power One Micro Systems Pvt Ltd., Enectric Projects and Solutions India Pvt Ltd. to name a few. In its 3rd edition, the expo had dedicated pavilions for Start-ups as well as the Telangana State and China. The Chinese pavilion included firms such as Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd; Goodwe Power Supply Technology Co., Ltd; Ginlong (Solis) Technologies Co Ltd.; Anhui Daheng Energy Technology Co., Ltd.; Tbea Xi'an Electric Technology Co. Ltd; and Zhuhai Gmee Solar Equipment Co., among others. Companies from Telangana included organisations such as Sri Savitr Solar Pvt. Ltd., Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd., (TSREDCO); Premier Solar Powertech Pvt. Ltd.; Premier Solar Systems Pvt. Ltd.; Archimedes Green Energys Pvt. Ltd. and Cygni Energy Private Limited. The Start-up pavilion included companies such as RPK Green Trading; Ganco Energy India Pvt. Ltd.; and Grace solar Systems, amongst others. All of them provided immense value addition and knowledge sharing for visitors. RenewX is supported by central nodal agencies such as Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd., Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd., (TSREDCO), Electronic Industries Association of Andhra Pradesh, Skill Council for Green Jobs, Indo-German Energy Support Forum, Indo-German Energy Support Forum, TELMA, The Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI) and Indian Biogas Association (IBA). Key Highlights: Adjacent to the expo, a two-day dedicated conference on 'Sourcing the Sun' was held that talked about successful practices on integrating Renewables into business, and to find the best working models and practices that can lead to increased efficiency while optimising cost in the rooftop segment covering various aspects of the entire value chain. This year, a new feature - the 'Green Job Fair' was added to the expo primarily for graduating students, working professionals, and new entrepreneurs who want to explore opportunities in the clean energy sector. This addition, it is hoped, will help address the shortfall of skilled manpower in the industry. According to the SCGJ (Skill Council for Green Jobs), Government of India 'Skill gap report for Solar, Wind, Small Hydro sector', it is estimated that over 6,70,000 number skilled manpower will be required in the Solar PV sector alone. Taking note of the situation, UBM India in association with SCGJ organised the Green Job Fair to provide opportunities to candidates to work with the leading names in the Renewable energy sector across a plethora of job roles. The expo also saw a full day training workshop on 'Best Practices in Design and Implementation of Solar Power Plants with an Overview of Techniques in Energy Yield Estimation / Forecasting'. This workshop was conducted by Iacharya Silicon Limited in Partnership with Solar Radiation Resource Assessment & Advance Measurement Station (SRRA), a unit under NIWE which is an autonomous unit under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Speaking at the inaugural session of RenewX 2018, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director said, "The rise of solar, alongside other renewable energy sources, such as wind, not only benefits a country that still uses coal for nearly 60% of its energy mix, but more broadly, for the world's climate change agenda as a whole. Our country is the second most attractive renewable energy market in the world, endowed with optimal conditions for peak solar radiation along with numerous non-conventional energy resources. Consequently, the World Bank has described India as having 'among the best conditions in the world to capture and use solar energy'. The government's ambitious target of achieving 175 GW before 2022 has also created awareness about renewable energy in the country and is offering massive investment opportunities across the value chain. Along with other states in South India, Telangana has been playing an active role in aggressively supporting solar energy and holds promise for the sector. Significant financing from commercial and multinational investment banks has thus helped drive growth and launch major projects. Against this landscape, our third edition of RenewX intends to accelerate this growth in the Southern region and contribute to the country's sustainable economic development." "The world is becoming more conscious about saving our planet and fixing the impacts we've made on the environment, it is headed towards a green energy revolution that will need more workers. As South India is the hot house for initiatives in the Indian power sector, the Green Job Fair which is our new initiative this year will be our contribution towards creating and nurturing a sustainable stream of competent professionals in the energy domain," he further added. India is taking a number of green initiatives and switching to renewable energy for its upcoming major projects. Trade ports, railway stations, and zoos are smartly and creatively being developed to minimise carbon emissions, making the country a fast growing green energy consumer. The country is also receiving aid from its international associates such as France and World Bank to achieve its ambitions. The country's solar installed capacity reached 20 GW in February 2018, 8 times from 2,650 MW on 26 May 2014. The 20 GW capacity was initially targeted for 2022 but the government achieved the target four years ahead of schedule . On a pan Indian scale, while Telangana has the highest installed solar energy capacity, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan follow closely along with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat. About UBM India: UBM India is India's leading exhibition organizer that provides the industry with platforms that bring together buyers and sellers from around the world, through a portfolio of exhibitions, content led conferences & seminars. UBM India hosts over 25 large scale exhibitions and 40 conferences across the country every year; thereby enabling trade across multiple industry verticals. A UBM Asia Company, UBM India has offices across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. UBM Asia is owned by UBM plc which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. UBM Asia is the leading exhibition organizer in Asia and the biggest commercial organizer in mainland China, India and Malaysia. For further details, please visit http://www.ubmindia.in. About UBM plc: UBM plc is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. In an increasingly digital world, the value of connecting on a meaningful, human level has never been more important. At UBM, our deep knowledge and passion for the industry sectors we serve allow us to create valuable experiences where people can succeed. At our events people build relationships, close deals and grow their businesses. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors - from fashion to pharmaceutical ingredients. These global networks, skilled, passionate people and market-leading events provide exciting opportunities for business people to achieve their ambitions. For more information, go to http://www.ubm.com; for UBM corporate news, follow us on Twitter at @UBM, UBM Plc LinkedIn. Media Contact: Roshni Mitra [email protected] +91-22-61727000 Mili Lalwani [email protected] +91-9833279461 UBM India SOURCE UBM India Pvt. Ltd. BERGEN, Norway, 13 April, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BerGenBio ASA (OSE: BGBIO) announces that promising pre-clinical data demonstrating that selective AXL inhibition counteracts the progression of aggressive fibrosis in the lung and liver has been published in the international peer-reviewed journal American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM, (1)) and accepted for presentation at the 53rd annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), respectively. Additionally, pre-clinical data of BerGenBio's out-licensed AXL ADC candidate BGB601 has been accepted for presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2018. The details of the publications are as follows: Potential of selective AXL inhibition as a mechanism for treating the progressive, rare, and frequently fatal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): Milena Espindola and colleagues from Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, CA, published evidence in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM) that AXL receptor expression is significantly elevated in patient cells, tissues and models of IPF. Consistent with the pathological role of AXL in fibrosis, selective inhibition of AXL using bemcentinib (BGB324) impacted IPF fibroblast functions and the development of fibrosis in pre-clinical models of IPF. The data also show a clear distinction in AXL levels between fast and slow progressing IPF patients, highlighting the potential of using AXL levels as a biomarker to (i) identify patients with a poor prognosis and who may respond to treatment with an AXL inhibitor, and (ii) enrich patient populations in future clinical trials. The article in press is entitled: "Targeting of TAM Receptors Ameliorates Fibrotic Mechanisms in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis" and can be accessed at the AJRCCM's website - click here. Potential of selective AXL inhibition for treating advanced form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Anna Tutusaus et al. will be presenting a poster on AXL targeting in NASH entitled "AXL increase in NASH patients and anti-fibrotic efficacy of AXL inhibition in experimental NASH" (abstract: FRI-074) at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Annual Meeting in Paris, France, on Friday 13 April between 9 and 17:00 CET. The abstract is available online - click here. Pre-clinical data in models of aggressive, AXL expressing, tumours supporting clinical development of AXL ADC BGB601 (ADCT-601) Lorenzo Zammarchi et al. will be presenting a poster on the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumour activity of BGB601 (ADCT-601) in human cancer cell lines and animal models as well as data on its safety and tolerability entitled "Preclinical activity of ADCT-601, a novel pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer-based antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting AXL-expressing tumors" (abstract: 2792A) at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, on Monday 16 April between 13:00 and 17:00 CDT. The abstract is available online at the AACR Annual Meeting website click here. Richard Godfrey, CEO of BerGenBio commented: "This patient data and pre-clinical findings in IPF and cirrhotic NASH are very compelling and suggest that selective AXL inhibition may have potential as a new approach to treating life-threatening fibrotic diseases. While our focus remains clearly on completing our phase II clinical programme with bemcentinib and to establish proof of concept for its role as a cornerstone of cancer therapy, we are intrigued by the possibility of therapeutic benefit from our AXL inhibitors in fibrotic diseases. We will continue to support this research and look forward to integrating it into our pipeline development strategies. Furthermore, we are encouraged by pre-clinical data supporting the advancement of BGB601, our out-licensed AXL ADC drug candidate, towards the clinic." About fibrosis, IPF and NASH Fibrosis is an exaggerated healing response that fails to terminate appropriately causing almost half of fatalities across all non-communicable diseases combined. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a severe, progressive disease characterised by fibrosis in the lung. Approximately 12 in 100,000 people will develop IPF each year, the current approved treatments may slow down progression of the disease but are not curative. Prognosis for those diagnosed with IPF is poor, with median survival of only 2-3 years (2). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of fatty liver disease characterised by fibrosis, inflammation and liver cell damage for which there is no approved treatment. Across the US and EU5, approximately 25 million people are believed to have NASH a proportion of whom will experience significant worsening of their condition eventually leading to fatal liver failure. About BGB601 (ADCT-601) BGBC601 (ADCT-601) is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) drug, composed of a humanised IgG1 antibody against human AXL, discovered at BerGenBio and out-licensed for further development by ADC Therapeutics SA. About the EASL and AACR Annual Meetings The EASL Annual Meeting is the largest congress dedicated to hepatology. 10,000 international delegates from a wide range of scientific disciplines gather to present the latest research at this highly regarded event. The 2018 EASL Annual meeting will take place in Paris, France, 11 - 15 April. For more information please visit: https://ilc-congress.eu. The AACR is the largest professional organisation in the world dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure all cancers. During the 2018 annual meeting, thousands of oncology researchers and clinicians will gather in Chicago, IL, April 14 18. For more information, please visit: http://www.aacr.org About BerGenBio ASA BerGenBio ASA is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a pipeline of first-in-class AXL kinase inhibitors as a potential cornerstone of combination cancer therapy. The Company is a world leader in understanding the essential role of AXL kinase in mediating cancer spread, immune evasion and drug resistance in multiple aggressive solid and haematological cancers. BerGenBio's lead product, bemcentinib (BGB324), is a selective, potent and orally bio-available small molecule AXL inhibitor in four Company sponsored Phase II clinical trials in major cancer indications, with read-outs anticipated during 2018. It is the only selective AXL inhibitor in clinical development. The Company sponsored clinical trials are: Bemcentinib with TARCEVA (erlotinib) in advanced EGFR mutation driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Bemcentinib with KEYTRUDA in advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung, and Bemcentinib with KEYTRUDA in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Bemcentinib as a single agent and combination therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) / myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS) The clinical trials combining bemcentinib with KEYTRUDA in adenocarcinoma of the lung and TNBC are conducted in collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc. (Kenilworth, NJ, USA), through a subsidiary. In addition, a number of investigator-sponsored trials are underway, including a trial to investigate bemcentinib with either MEKINIST (trametinib) plus TAFINLAR (dabrafenib) or KEYTRUDA in advanced melanoma, as well as a trial combining bemcentinib with docetaxel in advanced NSCLC. BerGenBio is simultaneously developing a companion diagnostic test to identify patient subpopulations most likely to benefit from treatment with bemcentinib. This will facilitate more efficient registration trials and support a precision medicine based commercialization strategy. The Company is also developing a diversified pre-clinical pipeline of drug candidates, including BGB149, an anti-AXL monoclonal antibody. For further information, please visit: www.bergenbio.com KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, TARCEVA is a registered trademark of OSI Pharmaceuticals, LLC., marketed by Roche-Genentech. TAFLINAR is a registered trademark of Novartis International AG and MEKINIST is a registered trademark of GSK plc. References (1) Espindola MS et al AJRCC 2018 (2) Raghu G et al AJRCCM 2011 Forward looking statements This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which as such are not historical facts, but are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. These assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this announcement by such forward-looking statements This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Contacts: Richard Godfrey CEO, BerGenBio ASA +47-917-86-304 Rune Skeie CFO, BerGenBio ASA rune.skeie@bergenbio.com +47-917-86-513 Media Relations in Norway Jan Petter Stiff, Crux Advisors stiff@crux.no +47-995-13-891 International Media Relations David Dible, Mark Swallow, Marine Perrier, Citigate Dewe Rogerson bergenbio@citigatedewerogerson.com +44-207-638-9571 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/bergenbio-asa/r/promising-pre-clinical-data-supporting-bergenbio-s-pipeline-to-be-published-and-presented-at-upcomin,c2495006 The following files are available for download: Related Links http://www.bergenbio.com SOURCE BerGenBio ASA STOCKHOLM, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TF Bank has decided to rename its two business segments within lending. As of 13 April, Sales Finance will be renamed Ecommerce Solutions and Direct to Consumer will be renamed Consumer Lending. The Ecommerce Solutions segment (formerly Sales Finance) offers payment solutions to merchants, both ecommerce and retail, for handling consumer payments. As of 1 January 2017, the segment also includes credit cards. Ecommerce Solutions is a better reflection of the segment than Sales Finance. We do not offer traditional sales finance in the stores via card infrastructure. Instead, we offer digital ecommerce solutions for retailers and in-store. We focus heavily on technical solutions that are flexible and easy for both merchants and customers, says Mikael Johansson, Head of the Ecommerce Solutions segment. In the Consumer Lending segment (formerly Direct to Consumer), TF Bank offers unsecured consumer loans to creditworthy individuals. Consumer Lending provides a more accurate description of the segment than Direct to Consumer. The name gives a better indication of what we actually offer, both to new and existing customers as well as investors, says Espen Johannesen, Head of the Consumer Lending segment. For further information, please contact: Mikael Meomuttel, CFO and Head of Investor Relations +46 (0)70 626 95 33 The information was submitted for publication 13 April 2018 at 08:10 CET About TF Bank TF Bank is an internet-based niche bank offering consumer banking services through its proprietary IT-platform with a high degree of automation. The company's IT platform is designed for scalability and adaptation to different products, countries, currencies and digital banking solutions. TF Bank carries out deposit and lending activities with consumers in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Estonia and Latvia through subsidiary, branch or cross-border banking. The business is divided into two segments: Consumer Lending and Ecommerce Solutions. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/tf-bank-ab--publ-/r/tf-bank-renames-business-segments,c2493604 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/13973/2493604/820440.pdf Read press release SOURCE TF Bank AB (publ) If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here "The British had left Charleston, South Carolina in 1782, at the close of the Revolutionary War, leaving behind a wake of destruction." Henry Edwards, former captain of the American warship "Old Faithful," had paid the town a visit in 1783. Here was what he saw: "Fire had destroyed a large number of buildings. Hardly a house north of Broad Street had escaped the damage by shells from the British warships, and the houses south of it had been almost equally damaged by the batteries on the islands and the guns of the fleet. No squirrels were found, no birds to dispel the dead quietness with song. The neglected rice fields were overgrown with course grass. The indigo vats had gone to ruin; the little provision crops, which the women had striven to grow, were the only produce of the plantations. On many of these country estates, there was not a horse, cow, pig, or chicken to be seen. Of money, there was literally none." "Here is the story of a patriot who captures the heart of a Charleston widow of French Aristocracy. Their life is one struggle The passionate struggle of their stormy marriage, a struggle from island jungle cabin to plantation mansion. The abiding passion that held them togetherTheir dream for an island empire." Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, the author, Beverly Ferebee Heyde, weaves her love and interest of local history into her well-researched and well-documented work, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the era she writes about. "Rosewood: An Island Plantation" is endowed with historical weight and timeless themes, peopled with compelling characters who lived in extraordinary times in American history. Readers who wish to experience this resonant work can purchase Rosewood: An Island Plantation at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. The study results suggest that yoga, which is typically delivered in a group format, is a relatively low-cost intervention and has a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio. Yoga is a low-cost strategy for treating veterans with chronic lower back pain, according to a new Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System study being presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicines Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions today. In a study including 150 military veterans with chronic lower back pain, researcher Erik J. Groessl, Ph.D., and his VA San Diego team found that when compared to care as usual, yoga improved function and reduced pain, and was inexpensive to provide. Groessl is also a researcher with the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. To be able to reduce the reliance upon opioids and other medications with side effects, it is crucial to establish evidence showing mind-body practices like yoga provide cost-effective benefits in both Veterans and non-veterans with chronic pain, Groessl said. The study results suggest that yoga, which is typically delivered in a group format, is a relatively low-cost intervention and has a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio. Using intent-to-treat data, yoga was delivered for about $23 per session/participant, considerably less than the average cost of physical therapy, Groessl said. In the U.S., chronic low back pain is the leading cause of lost productivity and the second most common cause for physician visits. Billions of dollars are spent each year in the U.S. on health care related to back pain. Military Veterans and active duty military personnel have higher rates of chronic pain than the general U.S. population, and the back is the area of the body that is most commonly affected. In addition to pain, those with the condition also report increased disability, psychological symptoms and reduced quality of life. In the study, Veterans were randomly assigned to either yoga or to receive care as usual. Veterans in the yoga group attended yoga 2x weekly for 12 weeks, whereas comparison participants were invited to attend the same yoga program only after six months (Delayed Treatment). The 12-week yoga intervention consisted of two 60-minute instructor-led yoga sessions per week, with home practice sessions encouraged. The main results of this study were published in July 2017, and showed that yoga participants had larger improvements on measures of pain, disability, fatigue, physical function, and quality of life. Prior research produced similar finding in non-Veterans samples, but the current study is one of the first to document the costs and cost-effectiveness of yoga. The research team will present their findings today at 10:45 a.m. CT during a paper session at the SBM Annual Meeting, being held in New Orleans at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans. Groessl is an SBM member. The research was funded by VA Rehabilitation Research and Development. The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) is a 2,400-member organization of scientific researchers, clinicians and educators. They study interactions among behavior, biology and the environment, and translate findings into interventions that improve the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities (http://www.sbm.org). ### Charles Carlson, a longtime resident of Alaska, writer and former copyeditor for the Anchorage Times newspaper, has completed his book Yankee Doodle Dandy: an engrossing fictionalized account of the Revolutionary War that brings history to life in vivid detail. Prior to the Revolutionary War, George Washington met a fifteen-year-old local farm boy, Robert Robbi Marlowe, riding his huge horse Big Dan. Washington was so impressed with the way Robbi trained Dan he hired him to train a new group of horses he had just purchased. While training the horses, Robbi often ran errands for Washington to nearby towns. Riding Dandy, one of the best horses he had trained, Robbi entered a steeplechase race and won a huge purse of one hundred silver dollars, which he invested in land. During the Revolutionary War, Robbi would become chief dispatch rider for Washington. Robbis girlfriend and future wife Abigail was the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, and they were married in a most lavish affair. George Washington was elected by Congress to be a general of the army, but there was no army. The Americans were a group of untrained, poorly equipped citizen militia who had banded together to attack the British that had raided Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, and started the Revolutionary War. Washington had to train this ragtag citizenry and turn it into an army that would defeat the greatest army and navy in the world, the British. Washington won the first confrontation over the besieged British in Boston. The war raged on from Quebec, Canada, in the north to the southern states. After winning the siege of Boston, Washington lost Long Island and New York City. After these major losses, he took a big gamble and attacked the Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey, winning a major victory and saving the revolution. But the war raged on until the final victory over the British at Yorktown, Virginia, which resulted in American independence. Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Charles Carlsons book is a compelling fictionalized account depicting many of the exceptional men whose exploits changed the course of American history in the Revolutionary War. Readers who wish to experience this engrossing work can purchase Yankee Doodle Dandy at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. ACT Holdings St. Jude Check Presentation ...St. Jude is a place of hope, and I would love for ACT to support it again. Account Control Technology Holdings, Inc.s (ACT Holdings), a national leader in debt recovery and business process outsourcing solutions, recently visited St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to present a donation of $36,000. The generous contribution was a result of employee fundraising efforts from its 18 offices and a company match. In October 2017, ACT Holdings alongside its nonprofit arm, Account Control Technology Foundation, Inc. (ACT Foundation), held a companywide fundraising campaign, ACT for a Cure, to benefit St. Jude. Each year employees vote on a charity to support. Since 2011, ACT Holdings fundraisers have generated a total of more than $600,000 in donations to charities. To raise funds, offices participate in luncheons, casual days, bake sales, contests, raffles, tournaments, and more. I am so proud of our employees and what they do each year to raise money for very important organizations doing excellent work, said Tracey Carpentier, CEO of ACT Holdings. In 2017, many of our employees were affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma yet, we were able to come together and raise a significant amount of money for St. Jude. I really appreciate our employees and how hard everyone works each and every day. ACT Holdings was represented by two employees who visited St. Jude on March 22, 2018 to deliver the donation check in person. Elena (Ellie) Gentry, Office Manager for ACT Bakersfield, California and Tanya Roberson, Marketing Manager for ACT Holdings and the ACT Foundation, were led on a tour of the hospital. It was such an honor to visit St. Jude and see what our fundraising dollars will do, states Ellie Gentry. I thought I might cry while there, but I found myself smiling and blowing kisses to the amazing and strong children. St. Jude is a place of hope, and I would love for ACT to support it again. About Account Control Technology Holdings, Inc. (ACT Holdings) Account Control Technology Holdings, Inc. provides comprehensive business process outsourcing and financial services to diverse industries. Our companies partner with clients to help them run the business behind their operations so they can focus on what they do best whether its serving customers, educating students, caring for patients, or keeping communities moving forward. ACT Holdings companies include Account Control Technology, Inc. and Convergent, Inc. and has 18 offices with more than 4,800 employees. For more information, visit http://www.accountcontrolholdings.com. About Account Control Technology Foundation (ACT Foundation) The Account Control Technology Foundation is a charitable organization established by ACT Holdings founders, Dale and Debbie Van Dellen. The ACT Foundations mission is to improve the future of students and the greater community by offering financial literacy and debt management education, mentorship and support to those in need. For more information visit http://www.accountcontrolfoundation.org. About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following us on Twitter (@stjude). Remarkable Health is proud to announce that Amber Bollinger has joined the company as Vice President of People Operations. Amber will work to grow Remarkable Healths amazing culture, create high performing teams, and further establish the company as one of the top places to work in Arizona. With over 20 years of experience leading HR, Recruiting, and Talent Management Amber is an exciting addition the Remarkable Health family. In her new role, Amber will work across the organization to own the entire people experience, including talent acquisition, onboarding, HR, training, performance development, team culture and the office experience. In regards to joining the team, Amber said, Im truly excited to be a part of an organization whose values and purpose are connected to the people; those that work at Remarkable Health and our customers. The people experience is the most influential and memorable in any work environment, and with the leadership here at Remarkable, I look forward to being able to create some truly remarkable people experiences. Peter Flick, President & Chief Executive Officer of Remarkable Health, said, People and culture are the most important ingredients of what makes Remarkable Health a special place. Adding Amber to the team and leveraging her amazing skillset as a People Leader will enable us to continually attract excellent talent and drive continual performing development for how we execute. Her impact will position us well to augment the culture and high-performing teams that weve built to date in order to deliver the best products, services, and support in our category. Prior to Remarkable Health, Amber was Director of Talent & Development at Ace Asphalt of the Southwest, a full service asphalt paving company recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest growing companies in America. At Ace Asphalt, Amber Lead the HR team and dedicated her time to developing and recruiting top talent. Amber also served as the Head of Organizational Development & Talent Acquisition for Centuri Construction Group where she worked with the executive team to strategize and execute talent acquisition and management programs across the organization. Earlier in her career Amber was a Training and Development Manager at Saputo Cheese, USA and National Manager of Training and Development at IPC International. For additional information, visit https://www.remarkablehealth.com/. About Remarkable Health Remarkable Health is a 25-year pioneer offering practice management software to the Behavioral Health and Human Service community. Our provider success platform enables health care providers to improve more lives by spending less time in front of a screen and more time helping their clients. Our flagship product, CT|One is a complete hosted Electronic Health Record (EHR) Clinical, Billing, Scheduling, Medication Management / e-Prescribing, Reporting, etc. for inpatient, outpatient and residential settings. Donna D Castellone, MS, MASCP, MT(ASCP) SH QA Manager for Specialty Testing and Supervisor, Special Coagulation and Special Hematology, New York Presbyterian Hospital Implementing a sound quality management system and conducting root cause analyses when problems occur will not only solve problems, but will also help shape protocols that prevent future issues. The webinar, presented as part of a series within the Stago EdVantage Virtual University in honor of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ASCLS) Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW), will examine common issues impacting quality in the coagulation laboratory and impact on patient outcomes. Real-world case studies focused on troubleshooting and enhancement of general hemostasis laboratory practices will be provided. Donna D. Castellone, QA Manager for Specialty Testing and Supervisor in the department of Special Coagulation and Special Hematology at New York Presbyterian Hospital, will be the speaker. Donna has written several chapters in laboratory medicine books, many publications, and presented dozens of coagulation lectures to diverse audiences at all levels of expertise. She is adjunct professor at York College and Rutgers University. Donna presently serves on the Executive Committee of the North American Specialized Coagulation Laboratory Association (NASCOLA) as a Secretary, Publication Committee and Pre-Curriculum Committee for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), and the Expert Committee for Hematology for the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Donnas wealth of experience in both clinical and industry settings will provide a great depth of information enabling a productive learning experience. LabRoots will host the webinar starting on April 25, 2018 at 8 a.m. PDT. Attendees can view the webinar live at that time or join anytime afterwards, earning PACE credit. Click here to learn more about the event and register for free. About Diagnostica Stago Diagnostica Stago, Inc. is the exclusive provider of the Diagnostica Stago Hemostasis product lines in the United States and offers a complete system of coagulation instruments and optimized reagent kits for research as well as for routine analysis. Diagnostica Stago, Inc. is the US subsidiary of Diagnostica Stago, S.A.S. France, a leader in the development and manufacture of Hemostasis products. For more information about any Stago product or service, please call 800-222-COAG or visit our website at http://www.stago-us.com. About LabRoots LabRoots is the leading scientific social networking website, which provides daily scientific trending news and science-themed apparel, as well as produces educational virtual events and webinars, on the latest discoveries and advancements in science. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, LabRoots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities. Founded in 2008, LabRoots emphasizes digital innovation in scientific collaboration and learning, and is a primary source for current scientific news, webinars, virtual conferences, and more. LabRoots has grown into the worlds largest series of virtual events within the Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics community. We are thrilled to unlock debt financing at a significant scale, which takes us to the next level of our evolutionary journey, - Ned Tozun, d.light co-founder and CEO. d.light has successfully raised $50 million in funding from the European Investment Bank, responsAbility Investments, Social Investment Managers & Advisors (SIMA), SunFunder and another mission aligned investor. The new investment will enable the global for-profit social enterprise, which has already sold 19 million solar products, to continue its rapid scale-up globally, launch new appliances and solar home system offerings, and to provide financed Pay As You Go solar home system products to millions of additional customers in existing and new markets. We are thrilled to unlock debt financing at a significant scale, which takes us to the next level of our evolutionary journey, said Ned Tozun, d.light co-founder and CEO. Weve been able to get to this stage thanks to an unyielding focus on financial discipline and operational excellence to ensure consistent profitability, which has enabled us to access large scale commercial debt financing. Previously, d.lights growth was primarily funded by equity. Moving forward, debt funding will provide the bulk of the financing that enables the company to finance its Pay-Go receivables and scale the business sustainably furthering its mission of making solar products universally available and affordable. Since launching its own fully integrated Pay-Go solar home system in 2016, d.light has quickly established itself as a leader in the space with the highest monthly unit sales of financed solar home systems in the industry. The companys high-scale supply chain capabilities; its vast distribution network of over 15,000 retail outlets; and d.light Atlas, a proprietary back-end payment management system, all contributed to its swift and ongoing success. We are deeply grateful for the support of lenders in this latest round of funding. This will help us empower more people and creates a model to scale the business to new heights, said Kamal Lath, Managing Director of India and Global Financing. We hope to draw from the expertise of our investors and continue innovating to solve the challenge of energy access in the developing world. I am delighted that the EIB has signed this new financing with d.light in Africa for an off-grid solar project that will have a major economic and social impact on people and micro-entrepreneurs, said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. The EU bank is determined to implement the Paris climate agreement and to cooperate to achieve the sustainable development goals, particularly when it comes to ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all. With its unique technical and financial expertise in the support of solar projects, the EIB will mobilize new investments to develop renewable energies in Africa. About d.light Founded in 2007 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light manufactures and distributes award-winning solar lighting and power products designed to serve the more than 2 billion people globally without access to reliable electricity. Through five distribution hubs in East Africa, West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, d.light has impacted over 80 million lives with its products. d.light is dedicated to provide the most reliable, affordable, and accessible solar lighting and power systems for the developing world, with the goal of reaching 100 million people by 2020. For more information, visit http://www.dlight.com. BlackVue DR900S Series Features 4K UHD recording, HEVC compression, Dual-Band Wi-Fi and Cloud compatibility The BlackVue DR900S Series is clearly the most anticipated dash cam we have had in years. BlackVue is delighted to announce the availability for pre-order on http://www.blackvue.com of its highly anticipated 4K UHD dash cam, the DR900S Series, in single-channel and dual-channel front 4K UHD, rear Full HDversions. Along with 4K recording, the new models feature HEVC compression, dual-band 2.4-5GHz Wi-Fi and BlackVue Over the Cloud connectivity, making it the ultimate car camera for protection when driving or parked. Dashboard cameras are only as useful as the videos they can deliver. If the ability to capture fine details is any indication of a dash cam's appeal, the DR900S Series is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The 4K Ultra High Definition resolution contains exactly four times as many pixels as Full HD. For a dashboard camera, this can mean the difference between an unusable pixelated blur and a readable license plate. To take even greater advantage of the extra resolution, the DR900S Series packs an ultra-wide 162-degree lens. Although 4K resolution usually comes at the cost of low-light clarity, the large pixel size of the 8-megapixel sensor of the DR900S Series allows it to perform exceptionally well at night and in dark environments, while maintaining a low level of noise. In daylight, the ability to freeze the action is nothing short of spectacular, thanks to a high shutter speed, so users can clearly see the details of vehicles even in adjacent lanes at the edges of the screen. While the 4K UHD resolution is an impressive feature in a dash cam, 4K content generally requires a lot more storage space than Full HD videos. For a dash cam, this could be a deal-breaker. Fortunately, the DR900S Series incorporates the best in video compression technology: HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also referred to as H.265, is the leading standard in broadcasting and streaming of 4K video content. This major advance allows the DR900S Series to store as much 4K footage as a Full HD dash cam would with the more common H.264 standard. Although H.265 is the default setting, users can still opt for H.264. As one of the first brands to incorporate Wi-Fi into dash cams years ago, BlackVue innovates once more with the inclusion of an 802.11n 2.4GHz / 802.11ac 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi module. For smartphones and tablets supporting the 802.11ac 5GHz Wi-Fi standard, transfer speed can be up to three times faster than with 2.4GHz. But there is more: BlackVue also developed a new feature called Sub-Stream, which saves small-sized versions of the videos in parallel to the full-sized ones. The sub-streams can be downloaded in record time or used for quick preview when browsing the dash cam's videos with the BlackVue App. These enhancements benefit the user experience both when connecting to the dash cam via direct Wi-Fi or over the Cloud. "The BlackVue DR900S Series is clearly the most anticipated dash cam we have had in years" said Jeremie Sinic, head of Marketing for BlackVue. "4K changes everything, and people know this, judging by the growing excitement generated since our initial announcement last year at the SEMA Show. However, making 4K work well in a dash cam is another story. Thankfully, improvements in key areas like video compression and connectivity make the DR900S a joy to use." The BlackVue DR900S-2CH and DR900S-1CH models are now available for pre-order on http://www.blackvue.com. ABOUT BLACKVUE: Established in 2007, BlackVue has become the standard for simple, reliable, connected and elegant dash cam design. It introduced Full HD dash cams globally, followed by Wi-Fi connectivity for easy setup and management of videos through a mobile phone. It also became popular for its advanced Parking Mode monitoring function. Since 2015, BlackVue has set itself further apart with the launch of Over the Cloud, a service enabling remote Live View of in-car footage from anywhere, anytime with the BlackVue app. This unique feature provides both business fleet managers and individual users with new ways to easily monitor their vehicles in real time, from the palm of their hand. We are proud to receive this recognition and look forward to celebrating this achievement with our Impact Advisors family. Impact Advisors, LLC, a leading provider of healthcare information technology services, announced today that it has been named to the Beckers Healthcare 2018 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare list. This is the third time the firm has received this prestigious recognition. Being recognized by Beckers Healthcare as one of their 150 Top Places to Work for the third time is an honor, said Andy Smith, President and Co-Founder of Impact Advisors. We place an extremely high importance on the satisfaction, growth and happiness of our Associates. As a result of our culture, our Associates deliver an unmatched dedication to our clients and passion for the healthcare industry. The list highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that promote diversity within the workforce, employee engagement and professional growth. The organizations featured on the list offer benefits and opportunities for employees to build successful careers above and beyond what is offered by the average healthcare provider or company. They also encourage professional development, promote leadership from within and support volunteerism and community outreach events. We are proud to receive this recognition and look forward to celebrating this achievement with our Impact Advisors family, said Michael Nutter, Vice President and Happyologist at Impact Advisors. Our firms ongoing success is predicated on our culture of caring and collaboration, and this recognition is a testament to our dedication to our Associates. Impact Advisors takes pride in being a rewarding place to work. Leadership encourages and supports mentorship and professional development opportunities as well as community involvement. Additionally, Impact Advisors offers a number of culture-enhancing events and meetings, including an annual associate retreat, 90-Day Happy Checks and VIP Calls. The 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare list is developed from nominations and editorial research. To view the complete list, which includes individual organization profiles, click here. About Impact Advisors Impact Advisors is a nationally recognized healthcare information technology consulting firm that is solving some of the toughest challenges in the industry by delivering strategic advisory, implementation and optimization services. Our comprehensive suite of patient access, clinical and revenue cycle services span the lifecycle of our clients needs. Our experienced team has a powerful combination of clinical, revenue, operations, consulting and IT experience. The firm has earned a number of prestigious industry and workplace awards including Best in KLAS for nine consecutive years, Healthcare Informatics HCI 100, Crains Chicago Business Fast Fifty, as well as best place to work awards from: Modern Healthcare, Consulting Magazine, Beckers Hospital Review and Achievers. For more information about Impact Advisors, visit http://www.impact-advisors.com. To provide more and better options for our clients, we have continued our investment in the Dallas market said Mark Price, President of NetActuate. With its central location and robust connectivity, Dallas is a key part of our growth strategy in the United States. NetActuate has just completed an expansion into its fourth datacenter facility in Dallas, Texas, in partnership with Carrier-1 Data Centers. To provide more and better options for our clients, we have continued our investment in the Dallas market, said Mark Price, President of NetActuate. With its central location, access to amazing tech talent and companies, and robust connectivity, Dallas is a key part of our growth strategy in the United States. The new Dallas expansion enables clients to quickly and easily deploy demanding workloads across NetActuates growing portfolio of hybrid cloud services. At this new facility, clients can maximize their IT investment with flexible, reliable solutions that include a wide range of managed colocation options, public and private cloud, and bare metal servers. NetActuates new expansion also includes high-density power options for high-power workloads or processing-intensive applications. Our new Dallas datacenter expansion now provides cost-effective options for clients with high-density power needs, said Price. Were excited about NetActuates new deployment in our facility and their suite of services available to our customers, said Trey Berndt, Vice President, Carrier-1. Managing and also owning the building enables us to work directly with NetActuate to customize their solution with the end-user as our primary focus. Founded in 2014, Carrier-1 has intentionally focused on empowering our partners to be successful by offering the best in uptime, support, network options and cost, Berdnt continued. NetActuate is able to offer these same attributes to their clients. With nearly 70,000 sq. ft. of raised floor space available and services custom tailored to the wholesale market, NetActuate is the ideal hyper-scale partner. To provide robust, reliable connectivity services, NetActuate interconnected their new facility to their global network of 29 datacenters and 112 expansion PoPs. Clients can now extend workloads from Dallas to locations across the United States and the world with NetActuates cloud connect and global BGP anycast services. Utilizing BGP anycast, NetActuates Dallas clients can deliver edge computing services to customers worldwide in under 20ms, said Price. To learn more about NetActuates services and schedule a tour of the facility, call 1-877-467-COLO or visit netactuate.com. About NetActuate NetActuate is a client-focused provider of colocation, cloud, IaaS, connectivity, and managed services. Over 2,100 clients trust NetActuate to ensure their critical applications are available, high-performing, and secure 24/7. NetActuate maximizes their clients IT investment by providing flexible, reliable solutions that balance cost, scalability and security. Founded and led by engineers, we constantly innovate on behalf of our clients to make sure they deliver in tomorrows marketplace today. Learn more today at 1-877-467-COLO or at netactuate.com. About Carrier-1 Data Centers Carrier-1 Data Centers is one of the largest owned and operated data centers in North America with a 106,866 square foot facility in Dallas, Texas. The company offers premium colocation space at wholesale rates with 24/7/365 on-site security and support assistance. Customers may lease colocation space within the building to utilize the redundant infrastructure and environment controls to maintain 100% uptime while receiving access to over 95 network carriers. Multiple racks, Virtual-PODs, cages, private suites and powered shell space is available now with plenty of space for expansion. Carrier-1s facility is PCI, HIPAA and SOX compliant. Learn more: http://www.carrier-1.com March 28 2018, LibertyID attended the California Governors Cybersecurity Task Force meeting in partnership with California Office of Emergency Services as a key contributing member. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center works closely with the California State Threat Assessment System and the U.S Department of Homeland Security - National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center sharing cyber threat information that is received from utilities, academic institutions, private companies and other appropriate sources every day. Nobody is going unscathed here If folks arent prepared, it can be very disastrous, said Colonel Keith Tresh, who serves as commander of the California Cybersecurity Integration Center (Cal-CSIC) at CalOES. "As always the State of California is paving the way for the rest of the country. Through the good works of The California Cybersecurity Integration Center, the State of California, are taking a stand against cybercrime, data breach, and identity theft. This unprecedented collaboration of State, Federal, Law Enforcement, and private sector resources is moving the needle against devastation and the consequences from cybercrime, says Travis Mills of LibertyID. The Denver-based company, LibertyID, previously awarded the Colonel Keith Tresh and the State of California for California Cyber Security Integration Centers effort to combat cyber security issues and data breach. LibertyID will continue to light the way for veterans and civilians alike, equipping everyone with the tools and resources for identity restoration. LibertyID will present again in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. SARA seamlessly integrates onto a dealers website and walks the consumer through the user-friendly steps of the digital retailing process. SARAs Digital Retailing incorporates soft-pulls via the eCredit App, giving dealers the ability to prescreen their customers without a SSN/DOB. This provides the dealer with the customers real-time credit score, along with a detailed account of their current auto loan. In turn, this feature instantly pre-approves qualifying customers based on captive credit tiers set by the dealer. The Trade-In tool works by pulling the customers vehicle valuations from Black Book or NADA guides. The tool then uses data from CreditMiner to perform an equity calculation which gets added to the deal. Dealers can customize questions about the vehicles condition and the customers driving habits, and also gives users the ability to upload photos and videos of their vehicle to get the most accurate value possible. In addition, the customer will be able to view OEM incentive stackable data that applies to their situation. SARA ups the ante when it comes to getting a customer excited about purchasing a vehicle. Based on the users data collected from the eCredit App or the Trade-In tool, they can see their trade-in equity calculation, finance or lease offers, captive lender rates, tax data, dealer fees, and even select vehicle add-ons and accessories. With adjustable down payment fields and term lengths, the customer can go through the entire buying process in a few simple clicks, print out their offer, and walk into the showroom to seal the deal. This frictionless tool is accessible throughout the site and has the ability to store and move user information from one vehicle to another without the consumer having to start the process from the beginning each time. Digital retailing isnt going away anytime soon. I thought it was important to bring to the automotive industry a digital retailing solution that is far more advanced than the fancy payment calculators that we have seen pushed into the market thus far. With our new release of SARA (Smart Automotive Retailing Assistant), we have eased the customers perception of a painful in-store dealership experience and turned it into a time to celebrate the vehicle delivery. We have connected all the critical pieces of the process such as soft-pull (real-time pre-approval), trade-in evaluation with equity calculation, OEM incentives, captive lenders, taxes, accessories, extended warranties, and more to make this possible. Our team is proud of the results. - Dave Page, Dealer eProcess, Owner. Dealer eProcess is taking a leading edge in the digital retailing business, and SARA is only the beginning. For more information on SARA, visit http://www.dealereprocess.com/best-automotive-digital-retailing-tool/ About Dealer eProcess Dealer eProcess is the industry leader in automotive websites and digital marketing. Dealer eProcess has won dozens of awards throughout the industry and is recognized by the experts as the most technologically-superior website and digital marketing solution for automotive dealers. Dealer eProcess is headquartered just outside of Chicago, IL, and has offices in Washington and Arizona. You can learn more about Dealer eProcess on their website: http://www.dealereprocess.com. About CreditMiner CreditMiner is the automotive industrys leading real-time prescreen provider, providing dealers instant access to credit bureau data within their Virtual Credit Consultant and DeskMiner tool. CreditMiner provides a solution for franchise and independent dealers by giving them a true snapshot of what their customers can afford, allowing them to match the right car, to the right customer, with the right financing options every time. CreditMiner is headquartered just outside of Chicago, IL. You can learn more about CreditMiner on their website: http://www.ecreditminer.com. Kim Haven, Area Director for Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough Our programs are extremely effective in raising grades and test scores, because we follow the same curriculum as our schools, but we also have excellent enrichment programs. When parents call Club Z!, they can feel confident that they are getting a totally individualized educational experience. Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough, MA, proudly serving families in Marlborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, and Southborough, is celebrating its official grand opening with special offers, including FREE online homework help, and a FREE SAT or ACT diagnostic test. Local families are encouraged to like and follow Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough's Facebook page to participate in all of its grand opening special offers and promotions or call (508) 250-0940 to register. Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough offers in-home and online tutoring for all subjects, including SAT and ACT test preparation and study skills development. In addition, Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough has services and programs to support students of all ages, from Kindergarten readiness through college admissions counseling. Club Z! tutors are all highly qualified, professional educators who are thoroughly screened and background checked prior to hire. Students are carefully matched to a Club Z! tutor using its proven Z! Tutor Match process, which is based on academic qualifications, personality traits, and other factors that help foster student success. Club Z! even offers a 100% satisfaction Z! Guarantee backing their tutor match. Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough is owned and operated by Kimberly Haven, an experienced educator who spent nearly 20 years as a high school math teacher. Mrs. Haven was attracted to Club Z! because of the companys 20+ year track record of success, having served hundreds of thousands of students across its 450 North American franchise offices. But it was the companys focus on each student as an individual learner that really appealed to Mrs. Haven, as she adds: Im very excited to be able to bring Club Z!s tutoring and test prep programs to families in and around Northborough. At Club Z!, we treat each student as an individual, and create customized learning plans based on your childs specific needs and academic goals. Our tutoring programs are extremely effective in raising grades and test scores, because we follow the same curriculum as our local schools. But we also have several enrichment programs, from SAT and ACT test prep to study skills development, or even learning a foreign language. When parents call Club Z!, they can feel completely confident that they are getting a totally individualized educational experience for their child. Mrs. Haven is particularly excited to bring Club Z!s proven SAT and ACT test prep programs to the area, having experienced firsthand the high demand for college test prep in the northeast. She is especially confident in the companys Z! Prep Score Booster, its SAT and ACT diagnostic test and study tool. Club Z! of Northborough is offering a free Z Prep! Score Booster SAT or ACT diagnostic test on April 7th. Local families can visit Club Z! of Northborough on Facebook to sign up for the free SAT or ACT diagnostic test, and try out the Score Booster for themselves. Adds Haven: Students will receive instant feedback on their test performance, including videos with top notch tutors demonstrating the correct way to answer each and every question on each and every test. In addition, students will get 30 days of access to our Z Prep! Online study tools, which include video modules for topics ranging from linear equations to solving word problems. The Score Booster is a real game-changer for test prep and were excited for our local families to try it out. Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough is also extending free online homework help to students in and around Northborough, now through May 30, 2018, in recognition of the companys grand opening. The online homework help program is one of Club Z!s most popular services, providing one-on-one access to a highly qualified tutor, to help with homework assignments in all subjects, ranging from reading to science and math. Club Z! online homework help is available Monday-Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm Eastern, and students will have unlimited access during the promotional period. Families are encouraged to like and follow Club Z! of Northborough, or call (508) 250-0940 to participate in all of the exciting grand opening promotions. video production stats 2017 We do great work and our clients know it, but this (Clutchs rating) is something quantifiable that potential clients can see. Its an objective, third-party testament to the amazing work we do for every clientand will do for those we havent worked with yet. Throw a stone anywhere in Los Angeles and odds are youll hit a video production company. A Google search for video production company los angeles returns 31,900,000 results. Trying to find that stellar production house can be overwhelming. Thats why JMaverick Studios (video production website) is proud to have been chosen as one of Los Angeles top video production companies by Clutch. Clutch is a ratings and reviews platform that ranks B2B service providers according to their ability to deliver unique, strategic services that help clients achieve their goals. Using a complex research methodology and in-depth client reviews, Clutch has already examined more than 7,000 creative agencies and production houses. In March, Clutch announced the leaders of their research across 5 major US cities and more than two dozen service categories including video production. Because consumers are inundated with up to 4,000 ads per day, online, on television or radio, print or elsewhere, its vitally important to brands to stand out from the pack. Hiring a professional video production company with a solid track record is the first step toward standing out from the crowd. https://youtu.be/W_-GINBSHy0 Statistics show that companies spent upwards of 154 billion dollars on digital ads and television advertising in 2017 so its not surprising that video production has become resource that simply cant be overlooked or underused. For companies that dont have the in-house resources to produce and implement a video marketing strategy, the situation is far from hopeless. At JMaverick Studios (video production website), their team has years of in-the-trenches work experience with a host of agencies and brands, producing engaging, professional videos, and now theyve been recognized as a leading video production company in L.A. by Clutch. To help them earn this award, several of their clients have spoken with Clutch about their work together, and JMaverick Studios has maintained an overall 4.9 (out of 5) star score. Principal Jeremy Williams says hes proud to have helped his clients stand out among the 4,000 advertisements their markets see every day, and hes looking forward to telling more stories through video in 2018. Judy Baar Topinka I wanted to tell a story about a woman who took on the establishment and succeeded as no other woman has done in Illinois. She did not always win, but she never gave up in life. Written by her son, Joseph Baar Topinka, Just Judy is the first and only biography of Judy Baar Topinka, a committed public servant, devoted mother and pioneering Illinois leader. Helping students today learn how government works while inspiring them to get involved, each chapter features themes, activities, projects, and questions for educators teaching students about government and social studies. This biography promises to show readers how one person dedicated to public service and family can succeed while creating a lasting difference in peoples lives. I wanted to tell a story about a woman who took on the establishment and succeeded as no other woman has done in Illinois. She did not always win, but she never gave up in life, whether as a child, mother, student, newspaper reporter, legislator or state level leader says Joseph Baar Topinka, who explains that Judy Baar Topinka was more than just his mother. Along with being a riveting story about a woman breaking through glass ceilings, this biography will allow educators to utilize Judys story as a tool to help teach students leadership, civics, goals and education. Intentionally designed to meet multimodal learning techniques, Just Judy features sidebars that offer additional information and opportunities for students to pursue outside research and writing activities. With more than 100 thought-provoking discussion questions and activities, teachers can easily weave this story any existing social studies curriculum. Just Judy provides activities, real-life role models, and key life lessons. This book may cause young people to wonder, question and learn about how government works and in some cases, does not work. I would like to think of this book as a starting point from which young people can begin to be well-informed citizens, said Topinka. As with the best childrens books, this biography is for both children and adults. In addition to students and educators, Just Judy will inspire the minds of: Parents Families can use Judys story as a springboard to discuss leadership, kindness, integrity, hard work, and the importance of family and heritage. Her life has solid lessons for children and adults now as well as for those incoming generations who will be running our government and businesses. Journalists Reporters can be inspired by her early efforts at breaking through glass ceilings to participate in the world of journalism and later in politics. Illinois Citizens & Aspiring Politicians This is a positive story about a successful female politician and civil servant that reveals all that she has accomplished in Illinois. Immigrants who celebrate their heritage while pursuing American citizenship Judy was proud of her Czech and Slovak heritage, which is evident throughout her biography. Just Judy offers a relatable story of someone who balanced her heritage and her life as an American. She supported the Czech community and held on to tradition while succeeding as a new American citizen. For more information about Just Judy, visit https://www.judybaartopinka.org. To attend a reading, event or participate in an upcoming promotion visit the calendar below: A Celebration of Judy Baar Topinka on Thursday, April 12, 2018, 6-8 p.m., Mayne Stage Sponsored by the Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation, to honor and remember one of Illinois own. The first annual Judy Award will be presented acknowledging a person who embodies good government, ethics civility and love of heritage. To learn more or purchase tickets visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-judy-baar-topinka-tickets-40715509184. Readings and author book signing at the Riverside Library in the Great Room, 1-2 p.m., May 12, 2018. The chance to win free copies of Just Judy on Goodreads.com through April 2018. Author appearance at Illinois History Day, May 3, 2018 to provide teachers complimentary copies of Just Judy to support their curriculum goals in studying local and state history. Hilton Publishing Publication Date: March 28, 2018 Binding: Paperback and E-book Genre: Biography / Juvenile Literature / Legislatures - Illinois / Women / Czech-Americans ISBN: 978-0- 9983282-2- 5 (softcover/pbk.) 978-0- 9983282-3- 2 (E-Book) Original List Price: $16.95 Availability: Online via Amazon and Hiltonpub.com as well as selected libraries. The E-Book will be available approximately six weeks after the PB edition. Rights: World/ All Greenberg Traurig, LLPs Candice E. Kim, David Long-Daniels, and Kristin Aquino-Pham will speak at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Southeast Regional Conference, April 13, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. Consisting of over 50,000 attorneys, NAPABA addresses civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities, advocates for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, promotes equal opportunity in the workplace, and advocates for the professional development of people of color in the legal profession. At 10:15 a.m., Aquino-Pham will moderate and Long-Daniels will participate as a panelist in a session titled Labor & Employment/Immigration Best Practices for Maintaining a Compliant Workforce. At 3:20 p.m., Kim will speak in the session, Intellectual Property IP News You Can Use and Other Current IP Topics. Kim and Aquino-Pham, along with Greenberg Traurigs David I. Schulman, Joel Ross Feldman, Ted Blum, Kimberley Dempster Neilio, Allison Ng, and Sandy Chiu, will also attend the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Associations (GAPABA) Annual Gala, sponsored by Greenberg Traurig and held at The Georgia Aquarium, April 12. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, GAPABA provides a support network for Asian Pacific American attorneys and those interested in Asian American legal issues. Ng and Aquino-Pham, associates in Greenberg Traurigs Atlanta office, serve on GAPABAs board of directors. Kim, a shareholder in Greenberg Traurigs Los Angeles office, represents clients on all aspects of the branding process, including the procurement, enforcement, maintenance, and valuation of global intellectual property portfolios. Long-Danielsco-chair of the firm's Global Labor & Employment Practice, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practices Complex Employment Litigation & Trials group, and co-chair of the Atlanta Labor & Employment Practicerepresents clients across the United States in complex labor and employment matters. Aquino-Pham, an associate in the Atlanta office, has over a decade of experience advising businesses on various aspects of Federal immigration law, including I-9 and E-Verify regulations, nonimmigrant visa petitions/applications, immigrant visa petitions, green card processes, and naturalization. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2017 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. Onata, the Universe of Services, has rolled out a unique marketing challenge open to students in all universities across the state of New Jersey. Students participating in the challenge will be presented with an opportunity to build from scratch a marketing plan for Onata. Pitched to be an ecosystem for the universe of services, Onata invites innovative marketing ideas from young and vibrant NJ students. The Onata Marketing Challenge culminates in inviting cash prizes for the first three winners. The first, second, and third place in the challenge guarantee prizes of $5000, $4000, and $3000 respectively. The company has intimated that winners can be both individual students or group of students. Registrations are now open for the challenge. The selection of the podium finishers will be based on the number of votes, budget, quality of innovation, customer acquisition cost, and number the of transactions the student/group generates. Moreover, a fixed bonus of 10% of the transaction value will be transferred to the winners as a token of appreciation for their efforts. The company has also decided to reward standout plans and efforts with a permanent job at Onata, inclusive of salaries, allowances, and other benefits. Krishna Vemuri, Founder, CEO/CMO of Onata said: The Onata Marketing Challenge gives a hands-on experience to both regular students and aspiring marketers to try their ideas. Our team thought of trying out something unique. As we near to the rollout of Onata Campus Services, we unanimously decided to outsource the marketing planning to the students themselves. That gives them the opportunity to shoot themselves into marketing fame and innovate with a live company. Jyoti Vazirani, Founder and Chief Customer Success Officer of Onata, further added: We are also calling upon all universities in New Jersey to help their students participate in the Onata Marketing Challenge. It will not just bring out the best marketing ideas out of young minds, but also offer them a tangible reward in return for a breakthrough idea. Onata is accepting marketing plans on their website until May 1. The plans will be placed on the website for voting till May 15. The top 3 marketing plans will be announced on the website on May 15. Between May 15 and September 30, the top 3 plan leaders will receive funding for execution of the plan. The best performing plan will be announced on September 30. Narayan Ravisetti, COO/CFO of Onata made it clear that there are no upfront financial obligations for participating students: Entry is free. Any individual, group of students or organization on an NJ campus can participate as a single unit. This is a great opportunity for any organization that raises money for a cause. Registration is due by May 1st. Ravisetti further clarified: The challenge is open to students from marketing as well other diverse streams of education. About the Company Onata is a services ecosystem available on web and app stores for service providers and seekers. Onata is available on Google and Android app stores and through a web app. Enquiries about Onata Marketing Challenge can be directed to omc@onata.com. For more information about Onata, please contact: Krishna Vemuri, Onata Phone: +1 (732)-236-8877 Email:OMC(at)onata(dot)com Website: http://www.onata.com James Gray and Ala' Alsallal Using our advanced, Dubai-based, Print On Demand facility, Jamalon will be able to immediately manufacture and dispatch the custom built photo albums to our customers across the Middle East. This is only the start of our partnership with Taopix. Jamalon, the Middle East regions largest online book store with a catalogue of over 10 million titles, has just announced a strategic partnership with Taopix, the leading UK based global photobook software provider, to offer express personalized photo albums service from the UAE to the Middle East. The creative solution will allow Jamalons customers to build and produce personalized photo albums using Taopixs easy and intuitive bookmaking software Taopix Photobook Designer. Customers will be able to create handmade photo books using the ready-made book templates which consist of creative designs for various themes and occasions. From wedding books, engagement albums, books of trips and one full of family pictures, to personal portfolios and corporate books, the customized photo albums come in variety of sizes and are produced in superior bookstore-quality print and professional binding. The easy to use solution will allow customers to leverage their existing social media accounts, such as Facebook and Instagram, to create and build their own timeless photo albums, allowing them to capture and freeze their special memories in a high-quality format. Ala Alsallal, Jamalons Founder and CEO, says: Using our advanced, Dubai-based, Print On Demand facility, Jamalon will be able to immediately manufacture and dispatch the custom built photo albums to our customers across the Middle East. This is only the start of our partnership with Taopix, as we plan to enable our users to also customize other gift items in the near future. Having assessed a number of solutions, we chose Taopix because it is the most powerful and flexible solution in terms of product variety and control and certainly provides the easiest experience for our customers, essential for maximizing conversions. James Gray, Taopixs Founder and CEO, added: The Middle East customized photobooks industry is still in its infancy, and we see our exciting partnership with Jamalon as a key way of enabling the regions customers to have local and direct access to this creative solution. About Taopix: Taopix Limited is a UK-based privately funded software development company established in 2007. The company is solely involved in the development, sale and support of its innovative photobook and photo gift software platform, typically deployed by photo gift retailers, print service providers and photo finishing companies. Taopix is distributed via a dedicated network consisting of its own global team and a worldwide reseller channel. Taopix HQ is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with offices in the USA, Mexico, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan. Strategic partnerships have also been established with leading digital print manufacturers, photo-centric solution providers and finishing equipment manufacturers to drive sales and promote awareness of Taopix worldwide. Discover more at taopix.com About Jamalon: Jamalon, a Dubai-based company established in 2010, is the largest online bookstore in the Middle East offering a catalogue of over 10 million Arabic and English language titles, with worldwide delivery. With over 3,000 publisher relationships in the MENA region, Jamalon has helped to consolidate a fragmented industry across 22 countries into a unique channel, providing customers with access to a myriad of titles globally. Jamalon also has global relationships with key industry players across the world, to provide customers with a one stop shop for all book needs. With offices in Amman, Jordan and Dubai, UAE combined with distribution hubs in Amman, Dubai, Beirut, Riyadh and London, Jamalon has an expansive footprint, developed to help best serve its customer base. In addition to the above, Jamalon also operates a Print on Demand facility in Dubai, providing an innovative solution for authors, publishers and customers across the region. Discover more at http://www.jamalon.com We anticipate record growth from the company while maintaining close and long-lasting relationships with our clients. With that in mind, we have been able to maintain a remarkable and steady trajectory that capitalizes on the opportunities in our state and region. Luna Capital, a leading brokerage and real estate firm in New Mexico, announces today that it is poised to triple its revenue in 2018 after doubling it in 2017. Luna has also hired Davies Crasta as Senior Vice President, Development Officer, who moved to Santa Fe from Dallas, TX. This role includes a focus on improving existing processes and establishing new ones for efficiency and quality of work. The company, founded by Kristopher Axtell in 2013, doubled its revenue in 2017 and is poised to triple it this year due to a focus on markets that traditional lenders have difficulty with, such as hospitality and brewing companies; a medical and dental practice expertise; bringing out-of-market lenders to New Mexico; brokering more real estate transactions for clients and expanding the Luna footprint to West Texas, Colorado and Arizona. We anticipate record growth from the company while maintaining close and long-lasting relationships with our clients, said Axtell. Its incredibly important to me to guide the company based on building our relationships and expertise in specific industries rather than growth for the sake of growth. With that in mind, we have been able to maintain a remarkable and steady trajectory that capitalizes on the opportunities in our state and region. Crasta moved in March from Dallas, TX, where he built a career in Financial Services meeting the needs of businesses of various sizes, ranging from emerging middle market companies to Fortune 100 clients. His experience spans Leveraged Finance, Investment Grade Debt, Distressed Debt Investment, M&A, Asset Based Lending, and Cash Flow Lending. His transaction volume topped $150 billion. Luna is a unique enterprise focused on people, relationships and solutions. I am looking forward to exercising my specific capabilities alongside Kris and Brandon on strategic matters for Luna, said Crasta. About Davies Crasta: Davies has over a decade of experience in Financial Services meeting the needs of businesses of various sizes, ranging from emerging middle market companies to Fortune 100 clients. His experience spans Leveraged Finance, Investment Grade Debt, Distressed Debt Investment, M&A, Asset Based Lending, and Cash Flow Lending. Industries in which Davies has transacted at least $500MM in transaction volumes include Food & Agribusiness, Gaming/Hospitality, Consumer goods/Retail, Technology, Media, & Telecommunications. During his time in the Corporate/Investment banking sector, total transaction volumes (financings and M&A) exceeded $150Bn. About Luna Capital: Founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2013, Luna Capital is a proactive and transparent commercial lending advisor providing capital resources and real estate expertise to businesses in the Southwest and nationally. Through careful analysis and planning, Luna becomes an invested long-term partner for their clients, engaging the business on every financial detail by building out customized plans that are then carefully overseen and guided. Luna is an exceptional creative force in an industry not known as such. Their thorough process and relationships with banks, SBA programs, private lenders, private equity and individual sponsors elevates their loan approval rate to nearly 100%. CEO Kris Axtell founded the company after a decade in the banking industry. He was joined by COO and Managing Member Brandon Fitzpatrick, an MAI trained appraiser and qualifying broker, in 2016. For more information about the Luna Capital team and services, visit: http://www.luna.capital. Han Solo once told Princess Leia there arent enough scoundrels in your life, a sentiment that Design By Humans agrees with wholeheartedly. DBH is excited to announce the release of officially licensed Solo: A Star Wars Story designs on April 13th 2018, the first day Solo merchandise is available to the DBH community for purchase. Join Star Wars fans for the first glimpse of select Solo styles being offered by Design By Humans; be sure there is enough scoundrel in the day by getting a DBH Han Solo design. Design By Humans welcomes thought-provoking and innovative art and is eager to unveil the newest officially licensed designs from Star Wars. The Star Wars story, a classic tale of good vs evil, is an inspiration for creative artwork. The newest designs, with fresh characters and fun retro styles, are a perfect invitation to revisit a galaxy far away. Browse new Solo: A Star Wars Story designs available on Design By Humans today. DBHs Customer Service Manager, Lindsey Rasmussen, says, My friend had a hard time pronouncing/remembering my last name for a while. So he just started calling me Lindzo Calrissian. Silly as it may seem, I'm excited to (hopefully) learn a little bit more about Lando from this new movie just because of that! Star Wars fans across DBH and the globe are excited to learn more about the beloved scruffy-looking nerf-herder, Han Solo, and his partners-in-crime with the newest installment of the Star Wars franchise. Set several years before the infamous rebellion of the earlier films, Lucasfilm delves into Han Solos origin story. Old favorites like Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, and the Millennium Falcon team up with new characters like Qira, Tobias Beckett, and Val to help explore Han Solos sordid secretive past. Add a little more scoundrel to your day with an awesome Solo: A Star Wars Story design from Design By Humans. About Star Wars The Star Wars franchise came to a movie theater far, far away in 1977 and the world has never been the same. The beloved space odyssey that started with films like A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983) has opened the door for continued sagas like The Force Awakens and, now, Solo: A Star Wars Story. The age-old struggle between good and evil has taken on galactic proportions in Star Wars and it continues to awe and inspire fans every day. About Solo: A Star Wars Story The latest chapter in the Star Wars story transports audiences back years before the events of the first Star Wars film to meet the young smuggler, Han Solo, or the Kid from Corellia. Audiences will finally get the chance to see how Lando and Solo meet, how the Millennium Falcon was won in a game of sabacc, and maybe even learn more about Han Solos mysterious childhood. Buckle up and get ready to head into hyperdrive with the new Solo: A Star Wars Story premiering on May 25th, 2018. About Design By Humans Design By Humans offers a platform for artists, gamers, and YouTubers to create and showcase their unique artwork as phone cases, wall prints, and fashionable tees, tanks, and more. With 10 years of experience, Design By Humans has woven a shared spirit that thrives on designing vibrant and meaningful art. To learn more about the vision, please visit: https://www.designbyhumans.com/. DBH works to build an environment that respects collaboration, quality, integrity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. The DBH Collective is inspired by the comical as well as the abstract, the imagined and the concrete; and works to create innovative art that is an expression and a reflection of todays society. We are gaming fiends, cat-enthusiasts, and pop culture fanatics. Most importantly, however, we are a passionate team of independent creators who buzz for the next buzz word, whistle as we work, and create designs that inspire the next generation of trendsetters from around the world. To become a part of the Design By Humans community and submit designs today, we encourage you to visit: https://www.designbyhumans.com/become-an-artist/ and learn more! Follow Design By Humans on Facebook at /DesignByHumans, on Instagram at DesignByHumans with #designbyhumans, and on Twitter @DesignByHumans. Dr. Ryan Dwight, Doctoral Studies Director, Ph.D. in Health Sciences, Trident University International Dr. Dwight brings both a practitioner and research mindset to his new role as Doctoral Director. He has consistently displayed a positive attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile in ensuring the success of Tridents students. - Dr. Mickey Shachar, Dean, College of Health and Human Services Trident University International (Trident) has announced the appointment of faculty member Dr. Ryan Dwight as the new Doctoral Studies Director, Ph.D. in Health Sciences, of Tridents College of Health and Human Services. Dr. Dwight, a recipient of the Tridents Teaching Excellence Award for Spring 2017, joined the University in 2010. During his tenure he has taught bachelors, masters, and doctoral courses across a variety of subject matter, including public health, research, and public policy. Most recently, he has been an instructor for Research Epidemiology, Research Methods, and Dissertation Seminar. Outside of academia, Dr. Dwight served as Director of the Coastal Water Research Group based in Huntington Beach, CA. Over a 30-year career, he worked as a marine microbiologist and research diver at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., in preparation for the first Earth Summit. Dr. Dwight brings both a practitioner and research mindset to his new role as Doctoral Director, said Dr. Mickey Shachar, Dean, College of Health and Human Services. He has consistently displayed a positive attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile in ensuring the success of Tridents students. Dr. Dwight earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Science and Policy from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Organic Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego. An experienced researcher and conference presenter, Dr. Dwight has been published in a number of peer-reviewed journals, including American Journal of Public Health and Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health. His areas of expertise include epidemiology, public health, marine microbiology, global health, and quantitative research methods. About Trident University Founded in 1998, Trident University International (Trident) is a leading online postsecondary university serving adult learners. Trident uses the EdActive learning approach, which employs case-based learning in an online setting to teach real-world relevant critical thinking skills to enhance the lives and careers of students. Trident offers high-quality bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs and certificates, led by a qualified faculty team, over 80% of whom have doctoral degrees. Trident is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and has over 30,000 alumni, including more than 22,000 with a military affiliation. The University has received multiple acknowledgements from Military Times, Victory Medias Military Friendly Schools, and Military Advanced Education & Transition for their dedication to military-affiliated students. Visit http://www.trident.edu, Tridents Facebook page, or call at (855) 290-0290 to learn more about Trident's wide range of educational options. David Gibson Mr. Gibsons address will extend that conversation by explaining the dynamics of the industry especially in this age of new media and discussing how that can help as well as hurt efforts to develop quality religion coverage. The Institute for Communication and Religion, within the College of Communication and the Arts, will welcome award-winning religion journalist David Gibson for Speaking Truth to Power: How Faith Can Get a Fair Hearing in Todays Media on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Bethany Hall Auditorium. Our inaugural event, Speaking Truth: Religion in the News Media, featured The Wall Street Journal Columnist William McGurn discussing how religion is covered in the news, said Monsignor Dennis Mahon, coordinator for the Institute for Communication and Religion and associate professor of communication. Mr. Gibsons address will extend that conversation by explaining the dynamics of the industry especially in this age of new media and discussing how that can help as well as hurt efforts to develop quality religion coverage. The event will feature Gibson delivering the keynote address and an interactive panel discussion with interreligious media and communication thought-leaders. The evening will conclude with the opportunity to interact with Gibson and the panelists through a Q&A and meet and greet session. Judging by the opinion polls, the American public does not have a lot of faith in the media, said Gibson. The medias coverage of faith probably doesnt help, especially in the eyes of many believers. But if religious groups understand how the news media has changed, and how it works today, they can get their message out perhaps more effectively than ever. Gibson, who has covered topics like religion in contemporary America and the Vatican, was appointed the director of Fordhams Center on Religion and Culture in July 2017, coming to New Yorks Jesuit university after a long career as an award-winning religion journalist, author and filmmaker. Hes also a convert to Catholicism, and he came by all those vocations by accident, or Providence, while working at the English Program at Vatican Radio in Rome in the late 1980s. A native of Plainfield, New Jersey, he returned to the United States in 1990 and worked for the Bergen Record and then the Star-Ledger, as well as writing for various magazines. He also co-wrote and co-produced several documentaries for CNN and the History Channel. He is the author of several books on the Catholic Church; most recently, he was a contributor, along with Cardinal Joseph Tobin, to A Pope Francis Lexicon, a book-length collection of essays on the Pontiffs use of language to communicate his mission. Gibson is also the co-author of a book on biblical archeology, Finding Jesus: Faith. Fact. Forgery, that was the basis of a popular CNN series of the same name. Before coming to Fordham, Gibson was a national reporter at Religion News Service specializing in coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. He lives with his wife and daughter in Brooklyn. University students have been invited to enter the Institutes Tell Your Communication and Religion Story challenge. Students can submit creative pieces that illustrate the relationship between communication and religion in a communication and the arts medium including, but not limited to, a painting, photograph, video, speech, public relations campaign, or song. All submissions will be displayed at the event. The winner, who will be selected via audience live poll, will receive an exclusive Seton Hall gift basket and be recognized during the program. Launched in Fall 2017, the Institute for Communication and Religion provides a nexus for ongoing scholarly exploration of communication topics critically important to religion and society. Under the leadership of Monsignor Mahon and inspired by Nostra Aetate, the Institute enhances the Universitys and the Colleges sustained leadership in fostering open, clear dialogue and study between religious believers and the broader public in the communication disciplines at the theoretical, professional, and practical levels. The large-scale, interreligious event is the Institutes latest initiative. The Institute recently hosted curriculum development workshops, cosponsored Ethically Speaking, and its inaugural event, Speaking Truth: Religion in the News Media, featuring The Wall Street Journal Columnist William McGurn, took place in Fall 2017. The Seton Hall community and public are invited to attend the free event. Refreshments will be served. Registration prior to the event is appreciated, and can be done here. Seton Hall University is located at 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079. Donald Glover is a smooth operator and was born to play Lando Han Solo once told Princess Leia there arent enough scoundrels in your life, a sentiment that Fifth Sun agrees with wholeheartedly. 5SUN is excited to announce the release of officially licensed Solo: A Star Wars Story designs on April 13th 2018, the first day Solo merchandise is available to the 5SUN community for purchase. Join Star Wars fans for the first glimpse of select Solo styles being offered by Fifth Sun; be sure there is enough scoundrel in the day by getting a 5SUN Han Solo design. Fifth Sun welcomes thought-provoking and innovative art and is eager to unveil the newest officially licensed designs from Star Wars. The Star Wars story, a classic tale of good vs evil, is an inspiration for creative artwork. The newest designs, with fresh characters and fun retro styles, are a perfect invitation to revisit a galaxy far away. Browse new Solo: A Star Wars Story designs available on Fifthsun.com today. Fifth Suns Web Developer, Tom Androy, says, Donald Glover is a smooth operator and was born to play Lando. Star Wars fans across 5SUN and the globe are excited to learn more about the beloved scruffy-looking nerf-herder, Han Solo, and his partners-in-crime with the newest installment of the Star Wars franchise. Set several years before the infamous rebellion of the earlier films, Lucasfilm delves into Han Solos origin story. Old favorites like Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, and the Millennium Falcon team up with new characters like Qira, Tobias Beckett, and Val to help explore Han Solos sordid secretive past. Add a little more scoundrel to your day with an awesome Solo: A Star Wars Story design from Fifth Sun. About Star Wars: The Star Wars franchise came to a movie theater far, far away in 1977 and the world has never been the same. The beloved space odyssey that started with films like A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983) has opened the door for continued sagas like The Force Awakens and, now, Solo: A Star Wars Story. The age-old struggle between good and evil has taken on galactic proportions in Star Wars and it continues to awe and inspire fans every day. About Solo: A Star Wars Story: The latest chapter in the Star Wars story transports audiences back years before the events of the first Star Wars film to meet the young smuggler, Han Solo, or the Kid from Corellia. Audiences will finally get the chance to see how Lando and Solo meet, how the Millennium Falcon was won in a game of sabacc, and maybe even learn more about Han Solos mysterious childhood. Buckle up and get ready to head into hyperdrive with the new Solo: A Star Wars Story premiering on May 25th, 2018. About Fifth Sun: Fifth Suns journey from a small independent t-shirt company was shaped by its continued focus on balance, community, and the personal touch that remains at the core of its identity. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Fifth Sun has woven together a shared spirit that thrives on designing vibrant and meaningful art for key brands like Star Wars, Disney, Nintendo, Marvel, and more. Fifth Sun is a company of artists, designers, creators and, above all, dreamers. We are inspired by the world around us and enjoy making the imaginary into a reality. We track trends in art, music, pop culture, internet memes, and fashion to design art that is accessible and relatable to diverse audiences. We create progressive, ethical, and original artwork. Weve never lost our sense of curiosity and it drives us to create unforgettable fashions for your favorite brands. Please let us know what you think of the shirts by tweeting us (@5Sun) or sharing photos of you on our Facebook (@FifthSunGraphics) & Instagram @FifthSunOfficial)! Were your biggest fans and would love to see you strut your stuff. Van Eperens creative, talented and dedicated team of pros make Van Eperen a special workplace. Van Eperen, an integrated communications agency specializing in public relations, digital content marketing, advertising, social media, and crisis communications, is one of The Washington Business Journals finalists in the 2018 Best Places to Work competition. Van Eperens creative, talented and dedicated team of pros make Van Eperen a special workplace, said Laura Van Eperen, CEO of Van Eperen. Thanks to the Business Journal for the opportunity for our employees to let others know our organization fosters a work environment which allows high achievers the opportunity to excel and thrive professionally. The Washington Business Journal created the Best Places to Work program to recognize leading employers throughout the Greater Washington Area for fostering company cultures that promote the well-being and development of their employees. The honorees were selected from a record high 423 nominations. Founded in 2004 by Laura Van Eperen, the company provides communication services to clients in a variety of industries. Van Eperen fosters a work environment that emphasizes exceptional client service, professional development, community service and participation of all employees. Team members give back to nonprofit organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, and The Arc Montgomery County, while team-building with fellow employees during agency culture outings and life moment celebrations. Van Eperen and fellow 2018 Best Places to Work honorees will be honored on May 17 by The Washington Business Journal, and featured in the May 18 issue. About Van Eperen Founded in 2004, Van Eperen is a trusted and established professional marketing services firm that has earned the trust of its clients by offering strategic and proven programs geared toward customer and member engagement for government agencies, national associations and corporations. Led and staffed by former journalists, Van Eperen is a Maryland certified minority business enterprise (MBE) / disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) with expertise in health and science, higher education and transportation management. The agency blends PR, digital, social and creative strategies to drive meaningful results, not just sizzle. For more information follow @VanEperenAgency on Twitter and visit vaneperen.com. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Congressional Democrats on Friday released new information on the loan controversy involving White House senior adviser Jared Kushner. Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Tom Carper of Delaware, Gary Peters of Michigan, and Rep. Elijah Cummings of Michigan, the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, released the information after hearing back from Citigroup and Apollo Global Management, the two creditors that provided Kushner Companies with more than $500 million in loans after meeting with Kushner in the White House. The Democrats said in their release that the companies' responses to an earlier request yielded the following information: Meanwhile, Apollo told the Democratic lawmakers that founder Josh Harris and Kushner never discussed loans while the two held a conversation in the White House. The loans, the company said, were "consistent" with market terms. Citigroup asserted that the loan to Kushner was appropriate and did not have CEO Michael Corbat's knowledge of approval. Corbat did not discuss any personal business between Citigroup and Kushner Companies while in the White House, Citigroup said. The members pressed both creditors for additional information and documents on the loans and communications with Kushner and Kushner Companies by April 25. News of the loans broke in Februarywhen The New York Times reportedthat Citigroup lent Kushner Companies and a partner $325 million early last year, shortly after Corbat met Kushner in the White House. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Four years after founding Amazon in his garage, Jeff Bezos insisted on personally investing in a small, unknown search engine site. That search engine startup would later blossom into a multi-billion-dollar company that competes with Bezos' Amazon. The 2013-published The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon recounts the way in which Bezos convinced Google's founders to let the Amazon CEO become an early investor, even though its funding round had already closed. According to the book, written by Bloomberg journalist Brad Stone, the investment story starts with Amazon's 1998 acquisition of Indian delivery service Junglee, which eventually tanked. But the acquisition brought Ram Shriram to the Amazon team, which proved to be a fortuitous meeting for Bezos. Shriram had been discretely advising two Stanford PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who were trying to invent a new way of searching the internet. In February of 1998, Shriram became one of the first early investors of Google, with a $250,000 investment. Six months later, Bezos and his wife were vacationing in the Bay Area when he reached out to Shriram with a request to meet the guys behind Google. Shriram invited the Bezos,' along with Page and Brin, to his house for breakfast with a demonstration of how the search engine would operate. Bezos immediately told Shriram he wanted to invest. It took some convincing on Shriram's part, since the early funding cycle had closed, but Bezos' status as a CEO with a then $1.6 billion net worth swayed Google's founders to let him in. "Jeff was very helpful in some of those early meetings," Page said in the book. Google is now counted among the top four most valuable companies in the world, along with Apple, Microsoft and Amazon. The Google Home smart speaker rivals that of Amazon's and Google isn't slowing down with its strides in smart home technology. Bezos ended up investing $1 million in Google, according to several reports. It's unclear if Bezos still owns the stake the book explains Bezos's constant unwillingness to discuss what he did with his Google holdings after the company went public in 2004. Moesha contends that she funds her 'ostentatious' lifestyle through such activities since the acting jobs are not really paying. Her statement caused outrage on social media, with many bashing her. Speaking on the issue, A Plus says Moesha went overboard with her 'shallow' submission describing her statement as 'senseless'. READ MORE: Actress Lydia defends Moesha Bodoung "The thing you talk di3 e be nonsense mohm. If nkwasiakeka be chieftaincy title like by now your name be; Obaahemaa )ka Nkwasias3m the 1st. Ei Nana Hemaa nie!!! Nana kasa!!!", he teased Moesha. He consoled Moesha to keep calm and also jabbed Ghanaians for being hypocritical because some women sleep with men for financial benefits. "Dear @moeshaboduong don't worry ok? All shall pass. It's annoying how even those who are asking for 70 Ghana mobile money from men to buy dross and pad right now are busy insulting you". He further advised Moesha to learn how to use words such as 'most', 'some', majority; as well as make use of phrases like I think, in my opinion, I suspect etc. A Plus also educated Moesha on the difference between support and depend. "Secondly, support is totally different from depend. A man can support a hardworking lady he is chopping. There is nothing wrong with that especially when they are in a relationship. Moesha contends that she funds her 'ostentatious' lifestyle through such activities since the acting jobs are not really paying. She further blamed some of her lifestyle choices on the Ghanaian economy. She claims the economy isn't doing well to support hard work therefore the need to do other 'businesses' aside. Her statement caused outrage on social media, with many bashing her. But, Lydia Forson thinks her statement is the reality in Ghana. The "Sidechic Gang" actress cited 'sex for grades, employment and favours' as a clear example of what Moesha was trying to portray on CNN. She tweeted: "School- Sex for Grades. Work - Sex for Employment. Relationship- Sex for favours. Lets not pretend; at nearly every phase in a womans life, sex is often used as a condition of advancement, usually set by men in control of the means to this. The curvaceous celebrity popularly featured on many media platform for trying to break the internet with her nude photos told CNN in a 1 minute 27 seconds video that she is basically sleeping married men to live a lavish lifestyle on social media because Ghanas economy is so bad that women can survive on their own. READ ALSO:8 female celebrities who nearly broke the Internet with their boobs According to Moesha, landlords take two years rent in advance and with Ghanas current economy, its tough for anyone, especially a young woman to get by, or even afford to pay her rent. According to Moesha, she needs a car and other things that will make life comfortable but since she cant afford them she needs to date someone who can, even if the person is married. READ ALSO: Moesha Boduong wishes you all happy new month the only way she knows how The incident happened at Breman Assikuma in the Central Region when the mother of the girl took her to the said prophetess for prayers ahead of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to a report by Accra-based Citi FM, the prophetess, identified as one Efua Eguawaa of the African Faith Church, saw her prayer session go completely wrong when the anointing oil smeared on the girls body caught fire. The fire was borne after the anointing oil came into contact with flames from a candle that the prophetess had lighted. The deceased subsequently received severe burns on the face, which led to her being rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. However, she passed away on Wednesday after doctors failed in their quest to keep her alive. Meanwhile, the prophetess involved in the issue is currently at large, according to the Police. Explaining the incident, the Breman Asikuma District Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Supt. Emmanuel Donkoh Baah, said the case occurred on April 1, but only came to their attention on April 5. She attended the prayer session with the parents and during the prayers, the prophetess administered some direction; smeared oil on the body, lit a candle and the candle burned the schoolgirl, Supt. Baah narrated. The good news is that Ghana is filled with myriad sites and attractions for the kids to see and explore, including many scenic destinations that make great stopovers. Here, we take a closer look at 5 of the best cities for travel with your family that Ghana has to offer, from famous zoos to must-see museums and signature foodie spots. 1. Elmina This was the first castle to be erected on the Gold Coast. It was the headquarters of the Portuguese colonial administration. According to history, Elmina Castle is the last place where thousands of African slaves would ever remember as their homeland. The picturesque appearance of the castle, with its sandy beach and tropical palms, and the blue skies make it one of the best tourist sites in Ghana. READ ALSO:10 best cities in Ghana by population 2. Kintampo waterfalls The Kintampo waterfalls located on the Kumasi-Kintampo highway provides a panoramic scene and superbly display the beauty of nature. Its great scenery makes it a favourite attraction for tourists who visit the Brong Ahafo region. It is about 4km away from the Kintampo Township, on the Kumasi-Tamale road. 3. Manhyia Palace The palace was built in 1925 by the British sometime after the Third Anglo-Ashanti War in 1874 when the British had destroyed the original palace built by Ghanaians. The British were said to have been impressed by the size of the original palace and the scope of its contents, which included "rows of books in many languages.", but due to events in the War of the Golden Stool. The British demolished the royal palace with explosives. The palace consequently erected is a kilometer from the Centre for National Culture, Kumasi. READ ALSO: 5 most visited cities in Africa and why you should visit 4. Mole National Park Mole is Ghanas largest wildlife park and is located in northwestern Ghana. Buffalos, antelopes, elephants, warthogs, hyenas and if youre very lucky, leopards are the animals one is are expected to see. Lions have recently been re-introduced to the park as well. There are also more than 250 species of birds to enjoy. 5. Paga Crocodile Pond Located on the north-eastern border of Ghana, Paga is a sacred crocodile sanctuary. This comes after the indigenous banks petitioned the Presidency and the Council of State over the amount and timelines to achieve the new capital requirement. The Council of State met with the Central Bank and the indigenous banks after which a statement was released. It called on the Bank of Ghana to increase its monitoring activities in order to bolster confidence in the banking sector. The council advised indigenous banks which could not meet the bank of Ghanas capital requirement to enter into mergers to compete favourably and ensure sanity in the banking sector. While supporting measures so far taken by the bank of Ghana to ensure prudence in the banking sector, the council urged the bank to broaden its avenues for public engagement. Ultimately depositors interest must be protected at all times, and the public needs to be assured to boost confidence in the banking sector, the statement added. In 2017, the Bank of Ghana increased the minimum capital requirement to GH400 million, equivalent to about US$100 million. This is a 333.3 percent increase from the minimum capital of GH120 million. READ ALSO: Work resumes at Ahafo mines following the death of 6 Commercial banks in the country have up to December 2018 to raise the amount. Banks were last recapitalized in 2012 when the BoG asked them to raise their stated capital from GH60 million at the time to the current GH120 million. Some residents of Sunyani had claimed that killings were becoming rampant after another bizarre death was recorded. The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Augustine Kingsley said the Police had heard of the speculations by the public but have not received any official report to that effect. Some residents said the situation was becoming alarming, especially, for those who are not natives of the town but work there.He said some of the victims who are women are found stripped from the waist down, with their legs apart and their body parts missing. The Minister is reported to have said that Muslim leaders should consider using WhatsApp text messages as a call to prayer to their members rather than the traditional megaphones. In the house of worship, why is it that the noise will (not) be limited to the house of worshipand again maybe from the mosque, why is it that time for prayer would not be transmitted with a text message or WhatsApp so the Imam will send WhatsApp message to everybody that the time for prayer is up, so appear, he said. READ ALSO: Chief Imam rubbishes calls for text messages to be used in calling for prayers The National Coordinator of the group and a veteran Hausa Broadcaster, Alhaji Haiidu Abubakar Galaxy in an interview with this reporter stated that the call by the Minister on Imams and Muslim leaders to consider using text messages in inviting Muslims to prayers instead of the traditional megaphones is very wrong and a loose talk. Alhaji Galaxy stated that Islam isn't like other religious bodies where one registers with his or her contact details before attending a church but rather an open religion which permits everyone to pray in any mosque hence the use of text messages will never work for Muslims. This move by the group is aptly supported by the Ghana Muslim Broadcast Journalists Association. "I will underline that the OPCW confirmed only the contents of the chemical substance," he said. On Thursday, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said it confirmed "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical". It did not name the substance involved which Britain says was a Novichok nerve agent of the sort first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The OPCW also made no assessment of who was to blame for the March 4 attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, which also affected his daughter Yulia and a local policeman. But British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: "There can be no doubt what was used and there remains no alternative explanation about who was responsible. "Only Russia has the means, motive and record." Sweden formally charged a Tibetan man for spying on fellow exiles in the Scandinavian country this week. The man, identified as 49-year-old Dorjee Gyantsan in charge sheets cited by the Associated Press, was arrested in February 2017 on suspicion of spying on the Tibetan diaspora in Sweden and handing intelligence over to a "foreign nation." The country has not been officially identified but is widely believed to be China, after the state prosecutor told local media that the suspect met with a Chinese official, reported to be an embassy secretary, in Poland and another official in Finland. Gyanstan reportedly received at least $6,000 on one occasion, shortly before his arrest. "Unlawful intelligence activities targeting refugees is a very serious crime. It undermines the democratic process, as it prevents people who are already vulnerable and have fled their countries from exercising the rights and freedoms they should be enjoying under Swedens constitution," Daniel Stenling, the head of Sweden's Security Service's Counter-Intelligence Unit, said in a statement. Gyantsan, who used several identity cards, collected information on some of the roughly 140 exiled Tibetans living in Sweden from June 2015 to February 2017. That information included where people lived, their family relationships, trips, meetings, and their political activities. Jamyang Choedon, the president of Tibetan Community in Sweden, told the Associated Press it was "shocking" that China was spying on the them, particularly as the community is so small. "We all know each other. I know him," Choedon said of the suspect. According to prosecutors, Gyantsan "pretended to sympathize with Tibetans" to gain information and even worked at the the pro-Tibetan radio station "Voice of Tibet." Tibet is an autonomous region that Beijing considers part of China. Tibetans arent the only people abroad that China spies on The Swedish Security Service said intelligence activities targeting refugees are not uncommon and are used to prevent them from criticizing the country they fled. The information gathered is then "used by certain regimes in an attempt to gain control over people" the service said. This has been particularly true for ethnic Uighurs, most of whom are Muslim and live in China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. To suppress any potential separatism, they subjected to DNA collection, iris scans, mass surveillance, predictive software, and re-education camps. And for many of those who move overseas the monitoring is not left behind. In 2009, Sweden arrested an Uighur exile for "refugee espionage" in a situation that closely mirrors the current case in Stockholm. And earlier this year, Foreign Policy reported Chinese police have been demanding Uyghurs living in France hand over the addresses of their home and work, photos, and identity documents including scans of French passports for both themselves and, at times, their French spouses. Nigeria imposed the highest number of death sentences and had the highest number of people under death sentence in the region at the end of the year. China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan are top 5 most executioners in 2017. ___________________________________________________________ Amnesty International, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on human rights, has revealed that Nigeria imposed the highest number of death sentences and the highest number of people under death sentence in Sub Saharan Africa in 2017. Amnesty International said this in its 2017 global review of the death penalty published on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Amnesty noted that with a total of 2,285 people currently on death row in Nigeria, the country is also the highest in the region, although no executions were carried out in 2017. The report further stated that 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have abolished the death penalty for all crimes but with the isolation of the worlds remaining executing countries such as Nigeria could not be complete. Salil Shetty, Amnesty Internationals Secretary General, said:The progress in sub-Saharan Africa reinforced its position as a beacon of hope for abolition. The leadership of countries in this region gives fresh hope that the abolition of the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment is within reach. With governments in the region continuing to take steps to reduce and repeal the death penalty well into 2018, the isolation of the worlds remaining executing countries could not be starker. Now that 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, it is high time that the rest of the world follows their lead and consigns this abhorrent punishment to the history books. It is high time that the rest of the world follows their lead and consigns this abhorrent punishment to the history books, Shetty said Highlights of Sub-Saharan Africa trends on executions Somalia and South Sudan recorded executions in 2017, compared to five countries recorded in 2016. - 24 executions in Somalia. - 4 in South Sudan, a slight increase compared to at least 22 recorded in 2016. - Death sentences decreased, from at least 1,086 in 2016 to at least 878 in 2017. - Nigeria imposed the highest number of death sentences and had the highest number of people under death sentence in the region at the end of the year. - Guinea abolished the death penalty for all crimes. - Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia and Kenya made important strides towards the abolition of the death penalty. Top 5 executioners list 2017: - China - 1000s - Iran - 507+ - Saudi Arabia - 146+ - Iraq - 125+ According to the Eastern Catholic Major Archiepiscopal Church, yoga goes against Christian beliefs, according to The Christian Post. The Syro Malabar Church, located in Kerala at the Malabar Coast, Southern India shared its reasons in a newly released document. The theology of yoga does not go along with the beliefs of Christianity. Yoga believes in oneness and cannot differentiate between creator and creation like in Christianity, the doctrine claimed. There is nothing wrong in taking yoga as an exercise but it is not a way to get salvation or spiritual experience. The report also stated: There is danger in interpreting the results obtained through yoga practice as spiritual benefits. Hindu leaders also do not agree in presenting yoga as separate from Hindu religion. The contention that yoga practice will help in building religious amity in a multi-religious culture is baseless. The experience of yoga is that the practitioner, nature, and God become one but according to Christianity, nature, and God cannot become one. Many Hindus view the love of Christians towards yoga as part of a covert attempt to convert people and as an unnecessary infringement on Hindu customs. The report was titled Yogayum Katholika Vishvasavum (Yoga and Catholic beliefs). It was prepared by Doctrinal commission chairman Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt. Pope Francis on yoga The church backed the document with the Roman Catholic leaders statements on yoga. In 2015, the pope used a homily to remind people that practices like yoga are unable to make our hearts accessible to God. You can take a million catechetical courses, a million courses in spirituality, a million courses in yoga, Zen and all these things. But all of this will never be able to give you freedom, he explained. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, also criticised the practice in 2010. Christians practice yoga they must either deny the reality of what yoga represents or fail to see the contradictions between their Christian commitments and their embrace of yoga, he said. Despite these statements, there are many people, Christians included who see and practice yoga as a form of exercise. One category that has caught the eye of many is the ones that cater for the rap genre. Leading the rap pack across three categories in the 'Best Rap Single', 'Lyricist on the roll' and 'Best Rap Album', are M.I Abaga with 3 nominations and the quartet of A-Q, Erigga, Falz and Phyno bagging 2 respectively. ALSO READ: Davido, Wizkid and Simi leads Headies 2018 Nominees list This year's Headies makes progress in mirroring the reality of the rap scene, Here is a breakdown of each category; 1. BEST RAP SINGLE 1. YOU RAPPERS SHOULD FIX UP YOUR LIVES MI 2. SOMETHING LITE FALZ FT YCEE 3. LINK UP - PHYNO FT. BURNA BOY, M.I. 4. UP TO YOU - SDC FT FUNBI 5. ME VERSUS ME - ICE PRINCE In October 2017, Rapper M.I heated the rap scene when he released his 'You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives' single throwing shots at rappers and stating that South African rap has taken over. The single generated a lot of responses as emcees caught feelings and recorded their own versions. This all played into the hands of the Choc City boss and he went on to shoot a video for the hit song. 'YRSFUYL' was easily one of the most played and debated ra songs in the year under review. Off his '27' album, Falz teams up with Ycee to deliver one of the best rap collaborations of the year. 'Something lite' is a familiar slang across social media, which the rappers jumps on in a comical way weaving his amusing lyrics in addressing trendy societal issues. Something Lite was one of the standout tracks off his commercially successful album. Track 7 off the sophomore project, Playmaker, sees the beast from the East, Phyno team up with two of the most talented acts on the scene in Burna Boy and M.I and they duly delivered a worldie. The flow is insane as the two rappers brought their A-game and Burna provided the perfect hook to deliver a major hit tune. Show Dem Camp had a great year with the Palm Wine Music which they have turned into a movement and 'Up To You' with Funbi was one of the songs that propelled it's success. Just when everyone thought Ice Prince had lost it as a rapper, from his 'Jos to the world' album is this gem of a track. While the song didn't exactly become a hit, this is one of Ice's feisty bars in a while and it deserves its place on the list. LYRICIST ON THE ROLL 1. YOU RAPPERS SHOULD FIX UP YOUR LIVES - MI 2. POLITICAL SCIENCE - AQ 3. LIQUOR NIGHT - BOOGEY 4. INDUSTRY NITE - ERIGGA 'Lyricist on the roll' is a category that caters for the songs with the best lyrical depth. The category has been won in the past by the likes of Mode 9 and Vector. With his fluid pidgin rap style, Erigga details happenings in the music industry and delivers a relatable and delightful story. His verses had lines like, 'My teacher tell me say na army go kill me die/ but instead na Clarence dey shoot me now'. Not the biggest song of his Rose album but Political Science is Gilbert A-Q Bani's crossing the political lines. The song which samples former legislator Patrick Obahiagbon addresses certain issues as he states, 'Banky W keep slaying yall rappers, he should not bring it my way though, he knows/ I'll smack his RnB ass back to the keynotes'. On Liquor Nite, Boogey brings Tay along for a drunk ride as they create magic after an hangover. He details the effects of alcohol while rapping in a mix of English and French language. BEST RAP ALBUM 1. 27 - FALZ released in October 2017 (Standout songs: Jeje, Wehdone Sir, Bahd Baddo Baddest) 2. TRIP TO THE SOUTH ERIGGA released in July 2017 (Standout songs: Lagos, Industry Nite) 3. EL HADJ REMINISCE in August 2016 (Standout songs: Asalamalekun, Nobody Knows, I Remember) 4. THE PLAYMAKER PHYNO released in November 2016 (Link Up, Pino Pino, Fada Fada) 5. THE GLORY OLAMIDE released in December 2016 (Pepper Dem Gang, Owo Blow, Who You Epp) 6. ROSE - A-Q released in August 2016 (80s Baby, Political Science, Agu Ji Ndi Men) One of the major controversies that lies with rap albums is how it should be judged. Should a rap album be judged on numbers and commercial impact? or on its influence on the culture and the critical part of the art? We have seen the Headies adjust to not just appealing to rap albums which get mainstream appeal, but spread their search to those with critical acclaim and this reflects in the nominations in this category. 2017 wasn't a spectacular year for Nigerian rap, so it understandable seeing 4 albums from 2016 feature on the list. According to Punch News, the deceased, Olufemitan, 9; and Oluwafifunmi, 7, died in their mother's absence. The mum, Mrs. Olubunmi Olaitan, had left them playing at home in a lively state, but unfortunately returned to her residence in Road 1, Eyin Ala, Akure, to find them killed. Many theories have been submitted in respect to their deaths, but police spokesperson, Mr. Femi Joseph, suspects no foul play. We do not suspect any foul play because it appeared as if the kids were playing inside the deep freezer and it locked up when there was nobody at home to open it for them, Joseph told Punch. Greedy man stores mum's corpse in freezer just to collect her pension In Kolkata, India, the police have apprehended a 43-year-old man, Subhabrato Mazumdar, who reported stored the corpse of his mum, Bina Mazumdar, in a freeze in order to receive her pension. Officers are looking to uncover the mysteries behind the act according to the Indian Express News. Subhabrato Mazumdar, a Deputy Commissioner of Police confirmed this in a report. Mazumdar revealed that the suspect held on to his mother's corpse for close to three years after dying from a cardiac arrest. Bina Mazumdars body was stored in a refrigerator since 2015. Why her body was stored for three years is being investigated," says the police chief in a chat with the Indian Express. This happened during an oral sex he reportedly had with the deceased and several women. According to the Daily Mail, the 42-year-old doctor applied the drug substance on his penis shortly before sexual intercourse. The deceased who is 38 years old initially collapsed prompting an ambulance to rush her to a hospital from Niederbichler's Halberstadt apartment. Unfortunately, she died after getting admitted at the health center. This has resulted in a charge of bodily harm leading to death against the surgeon. "The victims who have been heard so far have all indicated that they have been ill at the meetings. "All of them showed reactions due to the use of narcotics," says Chief prosecutor Hal Roggenbuck. Indian hemp addict murders grandmum who complains too much An Indian hemp addict, Musendiku Christian, has reportedly murdered his grandmother, Maria Ogabi, who made complaints about his smoking habit. The suspect who had just returned from prison lived with the deceased at her residence in Ishagira village, Ijanikin. A report published by Punch News on Monday, April 9, 2018, disclosed that the victim, 80-years-old, was murdered in her sleep. SP Chike Oti, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident in a statement. The police received a report that the 80-year-old woman was hacked to death by the grandson, Musendiku Christian, at their residence. A police team visited and photographed the scene of the incident. "The corpse was removed and taken to the general hospital mortuary, Badagry, for autopsy. The exhibit was recovered and the suspected arrested," says Oti whose comments trailed one given by an anonymous source. According to Punch, late Maria Ogabi died from machete wounds believed to have been inflicted by her grandson who left her in a pool of blood. Her corpse has been transferred to a mortuary at the Badagry General Hospital mortuary. He is on drugs and well known for taking hemp. He has been living with the grandmother for a long time. I dont know where his parents live. "The grandma always warned him against smoking hemp, but he would not listen. In the early hours of Saturday, April 2, there was a distress call from their apartment. "When people got to the place, the woman was found in a pool of blood with machete injuries on her body. She died on the spot. According to reports, the suspect who was nabbed on Thursday, April 12, 2018, confirmed that he drives a truck in the day but robs on evenings. The cry of his victim, Mrs. Akanbi, however led to a botched operation. I woke up around 1a.m. to find an unknown person in my kitchen with a knife. "Unknown to me, he had been to my bedroom where he collected my phone and the only N100 I had at home. "Immediately I asked who he was, he grabbed my hand and dragged me outside, threatening to kill me if I raised alarm. "On the way out, I discovered that the gate was opened, including my door. I begged him not to hurt me, that the only thing I had was the N100 note and my phone. "To my shock, he said I should allow him have sex with me quietly, since I had no money. At that point, I ran out and called for help. "It was then I realised that my neighbour, whose house the suspect had earlier gone to, were looking for the intruder. "He was eventually caught and handed over to the policemen at Badagry Division," the victim stated in a report compiled by Vanguard News. Husband made to watch as thieves gang rape wife in Cross River A protest organized by some women in Cross River state has ensured the arrest of a gang of thieves who raped a woman while her husband watched. According to reports, the group visited an Okuni Ikom farm on Monday, November 6, 2017, where they stole bags of cocoa. They capped the heist by taking turns to sleep with the female victim. Over 1000 women from the Okuni community reportedly took to the street to speak against the act labeled as "barbaric". Members of the gang have been apprehended following an earlier release. Dr. Inyang Asibong, the state Commissioner of Health and colleague, Dr. Betta Edu, the Director General of the state's Primary Healthcare Development Agency confirmed this. Another Nigerian story is among the winners. Jesco Denzels photo of a tourist-laden boat navigating its way through Makoko won first prize in the Contemporary (Singles) Category. The two photos tell stories of an ailing country and the human cost of the tragedies that have dominated our news in the past few years. The former photo, taken by Ronaldo Schmeidt of Agente France Presse, features a calm yet pressing photo of Falmata, 15, had been kidnapped by Boko Haram. The militant group assigned her a suicide bombing mission in Maiduguri, Borno. While strapped with explosives, she found help and escaped from the groups grip. Makoko's oft told story The Makoko story is another that has taken greater proportions in the last few years as Lagos States rapid expansion collects more human casualties. The fishing village is romanticised as evidence of the tenacity and adaptability of Nigerians who have made a home in one of the least ideal conditions you will find. However, while the boats carry white tourists in to aggrandise suffering with social media posts, the village remains threatened by the citys desire to become what successive governors have called a mega-city when pertinent problems like waste disposal and overcrowding persist. ALSO READ: NGO feeds thousands in Makoko Community Displacement from the village will cost them their livelihood and displace a people who have lived there for centuries, but as a wise man once said, Lagos gets rid of poverty by getting rid of the poor. World Press Photo Awards The winners at the World Press Photo Awards were announced on Thursday, April 12, 2019, at the World Press Photo Festival in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Among the most notable photos was, a photo of Jose Victor Salazar Balza, a protester who caught fire amid violent clashes with riot police during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Venezuelan photographer Ronaldo Schemidt of Agence France-Presse won the overall World Press Photo of the Year award for that image that has been referred to as Burning Man. Astonishingly, another photo of the same protester taken at the same time by Juan Barreto, also working for Agence France-Presse, took third in the Spot News photos/story category. In their caption on Instagram, Jeffrey Campbell wrote: We are so incredibly happy to announce that in a few weeks, we will be launching our campaign and capsule collection with one of our favorite people, . 5 shoes made to fit your every curve. When we say our shoes are made for everybody we truly mean everyBODY. Stay tuned. Pictured here: wearing JC for photographed by . In an accompanying interview with Girlboss, they wrote: La'Shaunae Steward is on a mission to disrupt the status quo in the modeling industry. Here's the bedtime routine that gives her the energy and mental clarity to do it. If you haven't heard of La'Shaunae Steward, it's only a matter of time. The 21-year-old model hails from Charleston, South Carolina and ade headlines on the internet last year when some desperate trolls turned a photo that Steward posted of herself on Instagram into a cruel meme. It ended up going viral, but for all the right reasons: Decent people of the internet, including model Reece King, shut the trolls down swiftly, flipping the criticism back on them and showering Steward with support for her impeccable style. Now, Steward has her sights set on becoming the next star of the plus-size modeling industry and there's nothing desperate man-babies can do about it. In the short time since the incident went viral, she's become an Instagram presence to be reckoned with, garnering a devoted following of nearly 70K. Her account is populated by photos of Steward in her superbly curated vintage wardrobe, accompanied by pithy, poignant captions addressing issues of sizeism, bullying, confidence, and mental health. Growing up as a fat black girl, there wasn't anyone I really thought was a representation of how I look, she says, and even with the plus-size models [in the industry today], they're all usually taller than 57 and probably a size 16 or smaller. Stewart has made it her mission to be an inspiring, boundary-pushing presence disrupting the status quo. I just want to show girls that they can do it. A lot of [girls my size] want to be models, and they're constantly told they're too fat or they're too short. But I'm not going to give up, because it's something I have to do. I have to do it, she says. With her growing social media influence, Steward is well positioned to make herself seen, and her first big break has already arrived: In the late spring of this year, Steward will be featured in a campaign with Jefferey Campbell, promoting a collection of plus-size thigh-high boots. Boko Haram regularly seizes youngsters to spread fear and show power, UNICEF says on the eve of the 4th anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok. Chibok abduction 276 Chibok girls were kidnapped from their school dormitoryon April 14, 2014. Calls for their rescue sparked global outrage behind the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) advocacy Over 164 of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls have so far returned home following negotiations between the federal government and the terrorists; with 112 still in Boko Haram custody. "Children in northeastern Nigeria continue to come under attack at a shocking scale," said Mohamed Malick Fall, head of UNICEF in Nigeria. Verified cases UNICEF says it has documented more than 1,000 verified cases. It is the first time UNICEF has published an estimated tally of kidnapped children from a war ravaged northeast region of Nigeria. The actual number could be much larger, UNICEF adds. UNICEF says it has interviewed one young woman named Khadija who is now 17 years of age. Khadija was abducted after a Boko Haram attack on her town, then locked in a room, forced to marry one of the fighters and repeatedly raped, UNICEF details. She became pregnant and "now lives with her young son in an IDP (displaced persons) camp, where she has struggled to integrate with the other women due to language barriers and the stigma of being a Boko Haram wife," UNICEF says. According to UNICEF, at least 2,295 teachers have been killed and more than 1,400 schools destroyed in the Boko Haram conflict. War Boko Haram began waging a war against the Nigerian State in 2009. It has killed thousands of Nigerians and displaced millions more in that time. The President Muhammadu Buhari administration often claims to have technically defeated and sufficiently degraded Boko Haram as a fighting force, but the terrorist sect is still capable of mounting soft target attacks and abducting school kids. On February 19, 2018, Boko Haram abducted 110 schoolgirls from Yobe State. 104 of the girls were returned by the sect on March 21, following negotiations with the federal government. Boko Haram terrorists had abducted 276 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok, Borno state on April 14, 2014, during the tenure of former president, Goodluck Jonathan, who was heavily criticised for his handling of the crisis. President Buhari, then a candidate, made security a focal point of his electoral campaign, making several promises to secure the release of all abducted Chibok schoolgirls. Since his inauguration, the president's administration has secured the release of 103 of the girls in a prisoner swap with Boko Haram, and a further four have been found, leaving 112 still in captivity after 57 had escaped in the earlier days of the abduction. Despite the return of some of the girls, the president has been criticised for his handling of the parents of the girls especially those whose daughters are yet to return. Dr Ezekwesili, a co-convener of Bring Back Our Girls advocacy group that has campaigned for their return for years, slammed the president for becoming less vocal on the issue after he was elected. She took to her Twitter account on Friday, April 13, 2018, to remind the president that he hasn't fully delivered on his promise. She posted, "Does President Muhammadu Buhari, who used every opportunity he had before February 2015 to talk about injustice of non-rescue of our Chibok Girls, know that in just one day it would be four years of their captivity? Does he remember his pledge to rescue our girls?" The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Nigeria hosts the World Health Organizations (WHO) Global Policy Group (GPG) meeting recently. The GPG membership is made up of the Director-General, Deputy Director-General, six Regional Directors and the Executive Director of the WHO Emergencies Programme. Adewole urged WHO to establish the laboratory in the country so that Nigeria would not have to take samples to Senegal for confirmation. He noted that Nigeria was half of West Africa and about a quarter of Africa, adding that having a reference laboratory in the country was something worth doing. The minister said the laboratory would help Nigeria to reduce the time interval between detection and response, when established. When we have to wait for Senegal to give us feedback, we might have suffered a delay of sometimes two weeks and that is not helpful. We look forward to having a regional yellow fever laboratory in Nigeria, we will set up zonal laboratories in the country that will feed into the regional laboratory, he said. The minister, therefore, commended the director-general for honouring Nigeria and bringing the global policy group meeting into the country. He said the meeting would add impetus into whatever the ministry was doing. There is synergy between the WHOs programmes on attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and what Nigeria is doing to attain UHC, that gladdens us, he said. The WHO director-general congratulated Nigeria on its commitment to UHC and the countrys focus on strengthening primary healthcare centres. I am glad to see that Nigeria is giving serious attention to reaching universal healthcare. Theres no single path to UHC. All countries must find their own way, but the foundation everywhere must be a strong health system based on primary care, with an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion, he said. NAN also reports that during his four-day visit to Nigeria, Ghebreyesus met with Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and visited the Kuchigoro Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Abuja. The Kuchigoro PHC was the first to be revitalised in January 2017 under the governments plan to refurbish 10,000 PHCs throughout the country. The Kuchigoro facility provides a range of basic services including antenatal care, family planning, HIV prevention, nutrition, treatment of endemic diseases and has laboratory services which can detect tuberculosis. The director-general was accompanied by the senior leadership of WHO, including the Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who reiterated the organisations support for Nigerias efforts. Okowa gave this assurance on Friday at a public lecture/book presentation held in honour of his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro in Warri. The book with the theme: Governance, Security and Peace Building in Niger Delta, was written by the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Nigeria, South South Zone to mark the 50th birthday of Otuaro. Okowa said that people must realise that whatsoever damage done to the facilities in the state was destruction done to the people of the state. I think there is still a lot to be done in Delta, even when we are enjoying so much peace at the moment. People must continue to realise that whatever we do to destroy any of the facilities we have in Delta is actually a destruction done to ourselves, he said. Okowa said that governors alone could not build peace, noting that peace building effort had to involve everybody. Governors alone cannot build peace, it is a participatory thing; all the people of Delta have to be involved so that the partnership will be strong. We have peace building structures, those of us in government must provide that partnership because without that we cannot achieve peace, he said. The governor lauded the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Nigeria, South South Zone for the great work. He directed that copies of the book be given to the 60 traditional rulers in the state as well as the President-Generals of the communities in Delta. Okowa thanked God for giving Otuaro the grace to celebrate 50 years and wished him more successful years. Earlier, Prof. Isaac Albert, the Director, Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan in his lecture, stressed the need for Delta to build a consensus. There is the need for us to know the kind of Delta we want; if we destroy our state, who will come from other state to build it for us. Among the Niger Delta governors, there is also the need to build a consensus to tackle the main problems in the region, he said. The 383 page book was reviewed by Prof. Chris Ogbogbo, the President, Historical Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan. In his remark, Utuaro thanked God and the organisers for the honor accorded him. I thank God for the gift of life and mercy; I am overwhelmed and glad to see this great day; being 50 is heartwarming and exciting, he said. In Zamfara, herdsmen killed 26 when they attacked Kuru-Kuru and Jarkuka villages in Anka LGA. Two weeks before, suspected herdsmen attacked Bawar Daji village in Zamfara and killed over 60 persons, reports. An eyewitness named Sadi Musa told ThisDay that some four people were initially killed at a mining site in Kuru-Kuru on the evening of Wednesday, April 11, 2018. When residents from neighbouring Jarkuka visited Karu-Karu to see things for themselves and help with burying the dead, they were ambushed and killed; taking the death toll in Zamfara to 26. The community of Jarkuka was not the initial target, but has been affected and lost over 10 innocent lives for their effort in mobilizing their residents and giving support to the Kuru-Kuru neighbouring village, Musa told Benue, Taraba At least 30 people were feared killed following deadly attacks in Ukun local government area of Benue state and Jandeikyula village of Wukari local government area of Taraba state. On April 12, 2018, 10 people were feared dead after herdsmen attacked Akaanya and Nenchi villages, according to Ukun LGA chairman, Tyokaa Iberlogo. Even though Iberlogo couldn't provide details of the attacks, it was reported that the violence had spread from a similar attack in nearby Taraba. TheCable reports that gunmen had attacked Jandeikyula village of Wukari LGA around 7pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. A resident claimed that over 200 attackers carried out the attack as they killed people and set many houses on fire. The chairman of Wukari LGA, Adi Grace, confirmed the attack while the former chairman of the Wukari Youths of Vision, Luka Agbo, reported that over 30 people were killed. "It is true that Jandeikyula village was attacked last night and from the reports we are getting, over thirty people were killed. "The series of attacks in the state now make us to be living in fear because we can no longer go to bed with our two eyes closed," he said. The spokesperson of the Taraba State Police Command, David Misal, also confirmed the attack but noted that the number of casualties was still sketchy. Sophisticated weapons An eyewitness identified as Victor Iortim told ThisDay that the attackers were close to 200. I went to a neighbouring village and was on my way back to Jandeikyula when I sighted them. I quickly hid in the bush and counted scores of them. They were well armed with sophisticated weapons. There was no way I could call home because there was no network on my phone where I hid". Confirmed The police has confirmed the attacks in the communities. DSP Mohammed Shehu who is the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Zamfara told ThisDay that we are already aware of the attack but I cannot give you details now until my commissioner is fully briefed. In Benue State, Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, led his men to the affected community to restore order. I can confirm that two persons were killed in Agboughul community by suspected herdsmen, spokesperson of the Benue State police command, Moses Yamu, told newsmen. There have been incessant herdsmen attacks in Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau and Taraba since the turn of the year. Gaddafi President Buhari has promised to crack down on the killer pastoralists and bring the farmers/herdsmen crisis to an end. The president recently blamed the killings on invaders from Libya. "The problem (herders/farmers conflict) is even older than us. It has always been there, but now made worse by the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region into different parts of the West African sub-region. "These gunmen were trained and armed by Muammar Gaddafi of Libya. When he was killed, the gunmen escaped with their arms. We encountered some of them fighting with Boko Haram. While hosting the Archbishop of Canterbury,Justin Welby at the Abuja House in London on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, Buhari blamed the herdsmen crisis currently rocking large swathes of northern Nigeria on late Libyan leader, Muammar Gadaffi. According to Buhari, "The problem (herders/farmers conflict) is even older than us. It has always been there, but now made worse by the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region into different parts of the West African sub-region. "These gunmen were trained and armed by Muammar Gadaffi of Libya. When he was killed, the gunmen escaped with their arms. We encountered some of them fighting with Boko Haram. "Herdsmen that we used to know carried only sticks and maybe a cutlass to clear the way, but these ones now carry sophisticated weapons. The problem is not religious, but sociological and economic. But we are working on solutions." Killings As lawmakers sat to deliberate matters of national importance a day after Buharis comments flooded the media, Abaribe raised a hand for a point of order and was duly permitted to speak. A few days ago in this chamber, we talked about the security of Nigeria. This chamber discussed the question of killings in several States of Nigeria. I recall that on the matter of herdsmen versus farmers, two explanations were given by highly ranked security personnel in Nigeria. The Inspector General of Police said these killings were as a result of anti-open grazing laws being passed by States. Also, the Defence Minister said these killings were also as a result of the blockage of routes through which the herders moved their cattle. Incompetent Abaribe then went for the presidents jugular in characteristic fashion. He wondered why President Buhari implied in London that these killers are from outside Nigeria. He added; When a Commander-in-Chief says he cannot handle invaders invading Nigeria, why is he still a Commander-in-Chief? He thereafter called Buhari incompetent. Why do we still continue to indulge this president that goes along to tell everybody outside this country that he is totally incompetent? Respect At this point, murmuring from the APC aisle of the senate intensified and the lot fell on Senator Lawan to articulate just how angry APC senators had become over Abaribes comments. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the leader of this country and deserves the respect and courtesy of those of us in it, Majority Leader Ahmed snarled, fire burning in his eyes. I was once a member of the opposition and I do not recall ever calling the then president names or insulting him. This is our institution. If we do not conduct ourselves with respect, nobody will. I want to ask my colleague to immediately withdraw his statement and apologise to this chamber. Everyone was screaming at this point and a few senators were aiming verbal darts at the other. The senate chamber had become a rowdy session. Apology As the presiding officer, Senate President Bukola Saraki was supposed to restore order to a rowdy chamber and he did so by asking Abaribe to make his point without deploying foul or offensive language. Abaribe insisted he had not used offensive words and refused to withdraw his comments or apologise for them as Lawan had requested. I used words that have no alternatives, Abaribe protested. What I did was to interpret the words by Mr. President in London. If any word I used is misunderstood by anyone, I apologise. What I am saying is simple. The heads of security agencies in Nigeria made several explanations for the killings of our people. It shows that there is a disconnect, Abaribe concluded. At this point, you could almost touch the tension in the chamber with a felt pen as the debate was brought to an abrupt end with the bang from Sarakis gavel. History Senator Abaribe has a knack for aiming potshots at the president. On Thursday, March 15, 2018, Abaribe said Buhari is never aware of happenings around him. He made the commentafter the president visited Benue and told his hosts that he wasnt aware that IGP Ibrahim Idris didnt relocate to the troubled State like he had ordered. We have a president that says very little thing he doesn't know, Abaribe said snidely. Let us beg this president to take responsibility for one thing. It is not everything that you don't know... so that we can be safe in Nigeria. On Tuesday, July 4, 2017; with Buhari away in London on a medical trip and then acting President Yemi Osinbajo away from Nigeria on an official assignment, Abaribe moved a motion to declare the presidents seat vacant. I simply want to bring to the attention of this chamber and all Nigerians and to ask the question. The acting president is the person who is at the head of government now, but we have a serious problem in Nigeria today. We have nobody in Nigeria who is at the head of the government, Abaribe said. He added that; The law and the procedure and all the laws in Nigeria states that you cannot have a vacuum. Today, the acting president is outside the country and so there is a vacuum. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident. Enwerem said the brothers: Saviour, Salvation and Precious Nweke, who had earlier been declared missing, were found dead in a vehicle in the village. We received a report of three siblings who had gone missing; unfortunately the boys were found dead in a stationary vehicle in the village by a search party, he said. The police spokesman said that it was likely that the children unwittingly locked themselves in the vehicle and died of suffocation when they couldnt unlock the car. However, he said, an investigation into matter had been ordered by the commissioner of police. He added that the corpses of the children had been deposited at a mortuary in the area by the police. A resident of the community, Onyekachi Chikwem, told the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) that the children who had been playing when their parents went out were nowhere to be found when the parents returned. Adeyanju was arrested at the Unity Fountain, Abuja on Friday, April 13, 2018, during the daily sit out in , Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. The group have, amongst other things, been demanding the release from federal government custody of Zakzaky following court rulings for his freedom. Adeyanjus arrest comes few days after the Buhari Media Support Group called for his immediate detention over comments made by him on Channels Tv breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily against President Muhammadu Buhari. The group, in a statement signed by its chairman and secretary, Austin Braimoh and Cassidy Madueke respectively, noted that during the programme, Adeyanju claimed that President Buhari upon landing in the United Kingdom, was immediately whisked to a hospital. BMSG noted that such "mischievous and obviously false statements" were capable of inciting unrest and instability in the country. Deji Adeyanju is notorious for his mischief and falsehood. He does this deliberately to incite the public. He is also known for his media consultancy with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria on whose platform he has called for civil unrest across the country against the government. He has also taken to the social media several times to make completely false statements against the government, most times implicitly calling for anarchy, the statement said. If they dont arrest me, then they are lily-livered, Adeyanju reacted. At a protest to the Villa on Thursday, April 12, 2018, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, condemned what he called "a flagrant disregard for court judgements" by the Buhari-led Federal Government. Falana who further called for El-Zakzakys unconditional release urged the group to continue with the demands and protests. "When we were fighting for the restoration of democratic rule under brutal military dictators, I never thought that court orders were going to be treated with disdain by elected governments," Falana said. "It is particularly painful for me that court orders are disobeyed under the current political dispensation, whereas under the Buhari/Idiagbon military junta, court orders for the release of victims of the obnoxious Decree No 2 of 1984 were complied with. "I urge you and other lovers of democracy not to allow the Buhari administration disobey the judgments of competent courts. Please continue protesting until impunity stops," the senior lawyer admonished. Adeyaju is currently being detained at the FCT Police Command as at press time. The politician, cum activist was arrested during the protest against the proposed secret trial for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on April 21, 2017. The Police Commissioner in the FCT, Sadiq Bello, revealed this on Friday, April 13, 2018. The ban followed the reported arrest of an activist, Deji Adeyanju, who was accused of inciting civil unrest. The police was said to have released Adeyanju at 3:20pm after Charles Oputa better known as Charly Boyintervened. Adeyanju is the Convener of Concerned Nigerians Pro-Democracy Group, and he had organized a daily sit-out at the Unity Fountain in demand for the release of Shiite leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Ezekwesili slams IGP Other groups who usually stage protests at the same venue are OurMumuDonDo Movement headed by Charly Boy and Civil rights group, Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG), which was co-founded by the former minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili. The BBOG had also converged at the fountain on Friday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls but the police reported interrupted the programme by dispersing the crowd. ALSO READ: Police teargas Shiite protesters in Abuja Ezekwesili, in a series of tweets, asked PresidentMuhammadu Buharito call the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to order. After getting a tip from members of the community, police officers raided the illegal brewery where malt drinks, stout and Ethanol are pumped into trucks to bottle at another location. According to a report by Vanguard, the illegal brewery is situated behind a residential apartment which is used to shield its activities from the public. When officers raided the factory on Wednesday, drums of finished malt and stout drinks waiting to be transferred to different parts of the country were recovered. According to the police, the factory had two reservoirs where the finished products were kept pending when they were moved to different parts of the country. The brewery is so poorly managed that dead rats and reptiles were seen floating on the finished products. Five suspects were arrested during the raid and are currently being interrogated to reveal where the drinks are bottled and sold. Police beg Lagosians for help CP Edgal used the occasion to urge Lagosians to keep their eyes open and help the police in bringing perpetrators of criminal acts to justice. He said, "I am calling on Lagosians to be vigilant and to pass information, promptly, to their local Police, to ensure we identify places like this and destroy them because Lagosians can only be productive if they are healthy and most people who drink these things that are produced in unhygienic environment cannot be healthy. "The place is not National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC-certified and the operators are not qualified to do so. This means that they are giving Lagosians poison. "What is most worrisome is that they are bottling and canning it as if they are produced by reputable companies that deal on the product." Ogbonnia said this while reacting to President Buharis decision to seek re-election in 2019. He noted that Buharis decision to seek a second term and the accompanying internal challenge in the APC could help deepen the countrys democracy. According to the presidential hopeful, the debate would enable them tell Nigerians their plans and vision for the country if elected into office in 2019. The decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to seek re-election is a welcome development, Ogbonnia said. The move has the potential to deepen internal democracy within the All Progressives Congress (APC) towards effective leadership in Nigeria. To that end, I am looking forward to a robust debate with the president on our respective visions to lead the country. Any meaningful debate will crave for an answer on whether Nigeria wants to move backward or forward. The world will like to know whether Nigeria has the wisdom to emulate progressive nations and commit her future to a new generation of leaders including the youth, who have the zeal and the competencies to cope with the demands of the 21stcentury or whether the country must rely on recycled politicians who have been part and parcel of national problems, he added. Ezekwesili reacts As reactions continue to trail President Buharis re-election bid, former education minister, Oby Ezekwesili has likened his decision to a trespassing masquerade. National Organising Secretary of the party, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd), made the pledge while receiving Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms from two aspirants to the governorship seat at the partys National Secretariat, Abuja, on Friday. Akubundu assured that the partys primary poll scheduled for May 8, would be free, fair and credible. He said that the mandate given to the NWC was sacred and that it would be demonstrated in the conduct of the primary. I want to assure you that there will not be imposition of candidate or impunity. We will respect the wish, expectations and aspirations of the people as one of the mandates given to us is to do what is right. The guideline of the party has stipulated the process to follow; we will follow it. I assure you that the primary will be free, fair and credible in Ekiti, which is the first state we are going to conduct it, he said. The organising secretary called on the aspirants and their supporters to play by the rule so that whoever emerged would be supported. Akubundu told Olujimi, a female lawmaker representing Ekiti Central at the Senate, that PDP would give equal opportunity to all aspirants, including women, saying that PDP was a gender-friendly family. This is why we feel exited whenever we see any woman contesting in any election, he said. Speaking to newsmen after submitting his form, Olusola appealed that Gov. Ayo Fayose should not be crucified for supporting him, saying he is my mentor and leader. It is not just human backing; I also have Gods backing. Olusola denied knowledge of any governorship aspirant in the state being harassed or intimidated, saying that he would not be part of any process of the primary that would not be free and fair. The deputy governor, who expressed optimism that he would win the primary, however, pledged to support any other aspirant who emerged at the primary. He promised to diversify the states economy, adding that he would encourage investors to come to the state. On her part, Olujimi said that as the only woman among the four aspirants who had indicated interest in the race, she would win the primary if it is free and fair. Olujimi said that she had been involved in Ekiti politics and programmes over the years. She said that she had used her positions as Commissioner for Works, House of Representatives members and now senator, to influence the execution of many projects in the state. These projects, according to her, include construction of drainages, roads, provision of over 124 solar power boreholes and electrification of communities as well as empowerment programme. If I win the party primary and eventually, the election, I will work for Ekiti. Olujimi made her intention known when she submitted her nomination form at the headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Friday, April 13, 2018. Accompanied by Senators Attai Aidoko, Stella Oduah, Mohammed Hassan, and Matthew Uroghide, the Ekiti South lawmaker pledged to serve the people if given the mandate. Let me be clear, todays submission of this form is not just an intent to run, it is an intent to serve. It is a message to the people, my people of Ekiti State, that the time has come, Olujimi said. The time has come for a government that will always put your concerns first. This form that has been submitted today represents the interests, the best-wishes and the prayers of millions of people in Ekiti State who want a government that will always put their needs first," she announced. While appreciating the people for the support given her, Olujimi who is the deputy chief whip of the Senate, spoke on the next line of action. My track-record speaks for itself, she said. Ekiti people know this and the members of my party know this. Now that I have submitted this form, it is time to hit the ground running. It is time to sell my vision for the future of the great state of Ekiti both to the people of Ekiti and my party members, she declared. Meeanwhile, the minister of solid minerals, Kayode Fayemi has also indicted interest to run for the position of Ekiti state governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. Reuven Rivlin's remarks were aimed at a controversial new Polish law that was meant to protect Poland from false accusations of complicity in the Holocaust, but has drawn strong criticism from Israel, Ukraine and the United States. Rivlin and Duda on Thursday led the March of the Living, an annual educational event held at Auschwitz-Birkenau marking Yom HaShoah, Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, dedicated to the six million Jews killed by German Nazis during World War II. "Despite the exceptional relationship between our two peoples, we demand Poland take responsibility for the comprehensive study of the Holocaust," Rivlin told reporters. The legislation penalises statements attributing Nazi German crimes to the Polish state with fines or a jail term of up to three years. But Israel has expressed deep concern that the law could open the door to prosecuting Holocaust survivors for their testimony, should it concern the involvement of individual Poles for allegedly killing or giving up Jews to the Germans. The legislation came into effect last month, but Duda also asked Poland's constitutional tribunal to rule on its constitutionality. Rivlin on Thursday also insisted that politicians should not meddle in history. "Politicians have the responsibility to create the future, their states and nations, but historians have the responsibility and the duty to write about the past and to study it," Rivlin said, adding that "you can't mix these two professions up". Duda assured Rivlin that Polish lawmakers had no intention of silencing Holocaust survivors over WWII-era crimes against Jews that were "worthy only of condemnation". Auschwitz-Birkenau has become a symbol of Nazi Germany's genocide of European Jews, one million of whom were killed at the camp between 1940 to 1945. More than 100,000 others including non-Jewish Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and anti-Nazi resistance fighters also died there, according to the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum. An estimated 232,000 of Auschwitz's victims were children. Poland was once home to Europe's largest Jewish population, numbering around three million people, or 10 percent of the population in 1939. Lord Mayor Micheal Mac Donncha entered Israel on his way to the Israeli-occupied West Bank for a conference Wednesday night on the disputed status of Jerusalem. Although he was officially barred from entry for alleged anti-Israel activity, he passed unchallenged through immigration at Tel Aviv airport late Tuesday, reportedly due to a clerical error misspelling his name. Both Israel and the Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. Its Palestinian eastern sector was captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequently annexed to the Jewish state. Palestinians want it as the capital of their future state. The Israeli statement quoted Radian-Gordon as saying Mac Donncha's Ramallah visit was "particularly jarring" as it took place on Holocaust remembrance day, which Israel marked from sunset Wednesday. It added that the Jewish state "expects a public and official Irish response to the conduct of the council of its capital city and particularly its head, who are conducting a campaign of discrimination and hatred against the state of Israel". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also foreign minister, wrote on Facebook that he had instructed the ministry to hold a "clarification discussion" with Mac Donncha. Netanyahu said the Ramallah conference "featured prominent images" of Haj Amin al-Husseini, leader of a 1936 revolt against the British mandate over Palestine and grand mufti of Jerusalem. To Palestinians he is a national hero, but Israelis remember him as an ally of the Nazis. In 2015 Netanyahu suggested that he gave Hitler the idea to exterminate Jews -- a claim dismissed by historians. "I have one message for the mayor," Netanyahu wrote. "You should be ashamed of yourself." Interviewed by Israeli state-run Kan 11 television outside the conference hall in Ramallah, Mac Donncha appeared never to have heard of al-Husseini. "I'm not even aware of the individual that you mention. People who have stood up to fascism in all kinds of forms all over the world were here today," he told the interviewer. "I think that's a distraction, it really is a distraction." Israel ordered a probe Wednesday into how Mac Donncha was allowed into the country. Israeli daily Haaretz said the ban order sent to airport immigration officials misspelled Mac Donncha's name, meaning he did not show up on the watch list. The paper said he has ties with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which promotes a boycott of Israeli businesses and foreign firms which trade in the country. Israel's interior ministry and strategic affairs ministry blamed each other for the mixup, it said. Beijing regards the island as its territory -- to be reunited by force if necessary -- even though the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war. China's growing military is increasingly flexing its muscles and will hold live-fire drills next week in the Taiwan Strait -- the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland from Taiwan -- following weeks of naval manoeuvres in the area. Tsai boarded the Kee Lung destroyer to supervise as troops practised defending against an attack on the northeastern port of Suao. It was the first time she has supervised a drill from onboard a warship. "I believe our countrymen will have great faith in the military's combat capabilities and its determination to defend our country after today's drill," Tsai said on the destroyer's deck after it returned to port as the exercise ended. Tsai said "we are very confident of our military" when asked to comment on Beijing's planned live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait next week. "It's a routine drill that our military will fully monitor and has made relevant preparations," she said. 'Military expansion' Taiwan's defence ministry said the exercise was staged in light of a "changing international and regional security situation" to test the military's combat readiness and its ability to defend Taiwanese territory. Some 20 warships and four F16 fighter jets took part in the drill, one of the largest naval manoeuvres since Tsai took office in May 2016. Tsai has warned against what she called Beijing's "military expansion" -- the increase in Chinese air and naval drills around the island since she took office in May 2016. Chinese warplanes conducted 25 drills around Taiwan between August 2016 and mid-December last year, according to Taipei. On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a surprise visit to naval forces in the disputed South China Sea, where he stressed the "urgent" need to build a powerful navy. China's sole aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on March 20, the same day that Xi issued a public warning against attempts to "separate" from China. Xi's naval visit came after a US aircraft carrier sailing though the South China Sea gave a demonstration Tuesday for members of the Philippine government. Trump branded Comey weak, a "LEAKER & LIAR" and an untruthful "slime ball" in a two-part Twitter tirade, as the first reports of the ex-FBI boss' highly critical 300-plus-page book emerged. News organizations including AFP obtained copies of the manuscript, in which Comey portrays Trump as an egomaniac -- "unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values." The book is due to be released on Tuesday, but Comey has already appeared on television to promote it and the White House has been strategizing for weeks about how to discredit it. Trump led the charge himself on Friday, tweeting so far unsubstantiated claims that Comey "leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted," and that he "lied to Congress under OATH." It is rare for a sitting US president to comment on ongoing litigation, much less ask for critics to be prosecuted. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, citing the FBI's behavior in investigating Democrat Hillary Clinton and its probe into possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia to tilt the 2016 presidential election. "When I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made up story, it's an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should have won," Trump said in an interview at the time. Mob 'flashbacks' Comey's no holds barred account of his meetings with Trump before he was fired at times appears mean spirited, but also conveys a sense of disbelief about the 45th president's behavior. Comey said Trump reminded him of a mafia boss who demanded absolute loyalty, saw the entire world against him and lied about everything. "His leadership is transactional, ego-driven and about personal loyalty." The US president lives in "a cocoon of alternative reality" that he tried to pull others around him into, Comey adds. Meetings with Trump gave Comey "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob," he says. Comey also claims that the US president is obsessed with the alleged existence of a video showing Russian prostitutes said to be hired by Trump urinating on each other in a Moscow hotel room. The former FBI boss also mocks the size of Trump's hands -- an issue that featured in the 2016 campaign -- and the "bright white half-moons" under his eyes, which he speculates may come from tanning goggles. "He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI," Trump responded. Francis has endured intense criticism over accusations that he had a blind spot on the issue of sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Church. A spokesman for the Chilean bishops conference said that some of the victims would go in the coming weeks, and that the pope would individually ask for their forgiveness. Francis in the letter also summoned the countrys 32 bishops to meet at the Vatican in May an exceptionally large gathering of bishops to discuss clerical sex abuse. In the popes letter, which he signed Sunday, he said that a delegation led by Maltese Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, who has been called the Vaticans Eliot Ness in fighting clerical sex abuse, had taken the testimony of 64 people in Santiago, Chile, and New York and produced more than 2,300 pages. The result, Francis wrote, was his being moved to write this letter. As far as my role, I acknowledge, and ask you to convey faithfully, that I have made grave errors in assessment and perception of the situation, especially as a result of lack of information that was truthful and balanced, wrote Francis, 81. From this time I ask forgiveness to all those that I offended and I hope to do so personally, in the following weeks, in meetings that I will hold with representatives of the people who were interviewed. In a visit to Chile and Peru in January, the pope made a spirited defense of Bishop Juan Barros Madrid that seemed to disregard the testimony of abuse survivors, who had long claimed the prelate had witnessed and covered up abuse by his mentor, the charismatic priest the Rev. Fernando Karadima. The pope said he had seen no proof of a cover-up. Then, in an attempted apology on the flight back to Rome, Francis made a strange distinction between proof and evidence, and reiterated accusations of calumny against the bishops accusers. He revealed that he had twice rejected the resignation in recent years of Barros, whom he appointed to the small diocese of Osorno in 2015. I am also convinced he is innocent, Francis added on the flight. But one of the popes top advisers, the leader of his commission investigating abuse, Cardinal Sean OMalley of Boston, distanced himself from the pontiff. And it then emerged that OMalley had hand-delivered a victims letter to Francis with a graphic account of how Barros had observed abuse by a priest. The letter seemed to contradict the popes claim that he had received no evidence. The popes belief in the bishops innocence over the victims accusations outraged advocates for abuse survivors, and gave ammunition to those who said the usually politically deft pope had a tin ear when it came to sex abuse. All that pressure prompted Francis to send Scicluna to Chile in January as a result of some information received regarding the case, the Vatican said at the time. The popes letter released Wednesday had an entirely different tone. He wrote that the investigators sometimes felt overwhelmed by so many victims of grave abuses of conscience and of power and in particular of the sexual abuses committed by various clergymen of your country against minors, who were robbed of their innocence. In Chile, the church hierarchy followed his lead. Monsignor Santiago Silva said church leaders share the pain of Pope Francis, and added, we havent done enough. Our commitment is that this will never happen again. One of the victims, Juan Carlos Cruz, said of the popes letter, It seems like he is ready to make some much-needed changes that will not only affect the church in Chile, which is in dire need of new bishops, and stop the cover-up of sexual abuse, but it would also send a sign to all the world that zero tolerance is zero tolerance. The Vatican has repeatedly argued that it is serious about cleaning up what Pope Benedict XVI once called filth in the church. On Saturday, the Vatican police arrested Monsignor Carlo Alberto Capella, a former diplomat at its embassy in Washington, where he was suspected of possessing child pornography. The Vatican had recalled him in September amid an investigation by U.S. law enforcement officials, who had sought to strip him of his immunity. On Wednesday, the pope seemed to seek a silver lining in what has become a black cloud over his pontificate and the Chilean church. I assure you of my prayers and I want to share with you the conviction that the present difficulties are also an occasion to re-establish the trust in the church, broken by our mistakes and sins, and to heal wounds that havent stopped bleeding in Chilean society, he wrote. Austen Ivereigh, the author of a papal biography, The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope, also seemed intent on finding some good in the painful chapter. Hes shown hes determined to defend the innocence of a bishop if there isnt convincing evidence, he said of Francis. But when there is, hes willing to say sorry and act. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The two are set to attend the funeral ceremony of anti-apartheid icon Winnie Mandela. H.E Raila Odinga and Mama departing for Johannesburg South Africa where they shall be attending the funeral of anti-apartheid icon Winnie Mandela reads a tweet from Raila Odinga. On Thursday, Odinga met with Moi at his Kabarak home, in company of Baringo Senator Hon Gideon Moi, Nick Salat, Geoge Khaniri and Abduslwamad Sharrif Nassir The meeting was part of the many dialogues Mr Odinga has been holding with various leaders in the past few weeks. Though the details of the meeting are still scanty, his party divulged that the two leaders consulted on the current state of political affairs in the Nation. Winnie Mandela Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, wife to former President Nelson Mandela died on April 2, aged 81. The news of her death came less than three months after she was rushed to hospital in Johannesburg, with a kidney infection. Long illness In a statement issued to the media her family described the symptoms she had suffered, and stressed she was expected to make a full recovery. The statement said: "Prior to going to the clinic she was uncomfortable and complaining of loss of apetite and that one of her legs was painful. 1. Amos Wako - 25 years Kenyas longest-serving Attoney General also happens to the longest serving Members of Kenyas Parliament. Wako served an ex-officio MP for twenty years (1991-2011). He briefly left Parliament after the promulgation of the 2010 constitution, before returning in 2013 this time as the elected Busia Senator. Wako is serving his second term in the Senate. 2. James Orengo - 23 years The veteran politician and Senior Counsel currently holds the record of the longest-serving elected Member of Parliament in Kenya. Orengo was first elected to represent Ugenya in a special by-election held in 1980. At the time, both speakers of the two houses of parliament were in university while nearly a dozen of the his colleagues were not yet born. The sharp lawyer went in the political cold in 2002 following his unsuccessful presidential bid. In 2007, he represented Ugenya for one more term before moving to the Senate (representing Siaya) in 2013 and where he is serving a second term. 3. Moses Wetangula 21 years Wetangula is also a member of the veteran legislators. He got into Parliament in 1992 as a KANU nominated MP. He did not make it back in 1997 but was elected as Sirisia MP in 2002 where he served for two terms. In 2013, the NASA co-principal went to the Senate as Bungoma Senator where he is serving his second term. 4. Beth Mugo - 21 years The 81-year old Nominated Senator is the second-longest serving Members of Parliament in Kenya. Ms Mugo was first elected in 1992 as Dagoretti MP, she was re-elected in five. 5. Jimmy Angwenyi 19 years He is the fifth longest legistator in the Kenyan parliament. South Korea's daily coronavirus cases remained in the 2,000s for the fifth day in a row Thursday in the aftermath of last week's extended holiday that has fueled a nationwide resur... WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Paige Rudin, a junior at Purdue University, has been named a 2018 Truman Scholar, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation announced Thursday (April 12). Rudin, who is studying in the Honors College and College of Engineering, is a native of Carmel, and is majoring in multidisciplinary engineering with a concentration in veterinary health engineering and a minor in global engineering studies. She plans to blend veterinary medicine with public health to combat zoonotic diseases, which are transferred between animals and humans. The Truman Scholarship represents an open door to continue pursuing an education that crosses traditional disciplinary lines. By combining degrees in public health and veterinary medicine with my engineering background, I will expand my knowledge of issues threatening animal, human and environmental health in both breadth and depth, Rudin said. We need more technically steeped voices guiding our country's policies, and I am excited for the opportunity to add mine to the mix." Rudin worked with students at the University of Antenor Firmin in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, on best practices for water sanitization through a service learning project at Purdue. She has helped start a relationship between the Gift of Water foundation, which develops portable water sanitation systems, and the local university. She has also served as the president of Purdue Biomakers and is a student ambassador for the College of Engineering. Rudins additional development experiences include working as a National Defense University analyst, an intern for Purdues Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine team and a design lead for Engineering Projects in Community Service. Paige is an excellent student who represents the pillars of the Honors College, said Rhonda Phillips, dean of the Honors College. Her public service in Haiti shows that she is committed to improving lives on a global stage while her ability to merge engineering concepts with solutions to complex health problems shows that she has embraced the Honors College mission of interdisciplinary academic achievement. "We are very proud of Paiges taking her education at Purdue engineering to multiple worthy causes in public service, said Mung Chiang, dean of the College of Engineering. She has demonstrated creativity and leadership in our EPICS and global engineering programs. As a Boilermaker engineer and a Truman Scholar, Paige will no doubt continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many in our country and beyond. Rudin was one of 59 scholars selected from a pool of 756 applicants. The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation focuses on students in their junior year of college who are committed to pursuing a career in public service. The scholarship was established in 1975 in honor of then-president Harry Truman and provides up to $30,000 per scholar for graduate-level studies. Purdue students interested in pursuing competitive, external scholarships and grants are encouraged to visit the National and International Scholarships Office. Writer: Bob Mills, mills144@purdue.edu Sources: Paige Rudin, rudin@purdue.edu Rhonda Phillips, rphillips@purdue.edu Mung Chiang, chiang@purdue.edu Media contact: Joseph Paul, 765-494-9541, paul102@purdue.edu WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A Purdue University-patented technology shows promise in using microscopic bubbles filled with oxygen to help with various medical treatments, including improving cancer therapeutics and helping wounds heal faster. Samara Biotech LLC, a Purdue startup, has developed an easy-to-use method to inject oxygen nanobubbles intravenously so they can be targeted precisely at wounds or cancerous tumors. The bubbles do not actually do the therapies, but enhance other therapies, such as improving chemotherapeutics or radiation efficacy, said Pushpak Bhandari, Samara Biotech founder. Its an oxygen delivery system at its core that can be applied toward many diseased states, Bhandari said Oxygen is critical in almost every biological process, so this helps in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that a lack of oxygen in tumor cells changes how cells function, contributing to cancer growth. Low oxygen, or hypoxia, is a major challenge in treating some cancers because it is common in a majority of malignant tumors. Tumor cells are starved of oxygen, causing them to become resistant to conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. This can lead to a need to increase radiation doses or chemotherapy concentration, which often adversely affects patients. The nanobubble shells disintegrate inside the tumor cells, increasing the cellular oxygen levels. The release of oxygen inside the hypoxic cells destabilizes the hypoxia-driven pathways and inhibit tumor growth, Bhandari said. Normal cells are two to three times more receptive to cancer therapies compared with hypoxic cells, he said. Early testing published in the journals Nature Scientific Reports and ACS Nano shows that the oxygen nanobubbles are effective in significantly delaying tumor progression and improving survival rates in clinical trials. The nanobubbles can be guided precisely to a tumor using an ultrasound beam, which can lead to better efficacy while using a 50 percent lower concentration of a chemotherapeutic drug. The ability to precisely steer oxygen nanobubbles offers considerable promise for a wide range of biomedical applications, Bhandari said. Bhandari believes the oxygen nanobubbles could be particularly effective against brain cancer, bladder cancer and certain sarcomas that are most common in bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat and blood vessels. Bhandari, who earned a doctorate in biological engineering from Purdue in 2017, also believes the oxygen nanobubbles can be more effective at treating wounds than a hyperbaric chamber or topical oxygen therapy because the nanobubbles can be more precisely targeted. Bhandari is continuing to look at other wound-healing applications, saying the method could be used to treat complications from diabetes and other illnesses. He plans to begin his cancer studies in dogs initially because nearly half of all dogs die of cancer. He said he will be dealing only with naturally occurring cancer in dogs and hopes those studies will help advance and speed the research into human cancers. He said he has been working with Purdues College of Veterinary Medicine. The oxygen nanobubbles also act as contrast agents for ultrasound imaging, allowing researchers to create highly sensitive, highly reliable detection agents to monitor therapy. Bhandari started Samara Biotech in 2015, taking the name from a winged seed that allows the wind to carry it further from the parent. He said in Eastern philosophy it also connotes the circle of life. The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization filed a patent on the technology. The Purdue Foundry and the Purdue Research Foundation have been working with Bhandari to commercialize his research. We're looking for potential strategic partners, Bhandari said. We want to get the word out that there is a new technology that been evaluated quite well for a lot of different applications and were looking for more. Samara Biotech also plans to seek federal and private funding as it continues its research. About Purdue Research Foundation The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Established in 1930, the foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds scholarships and grants; acquires property; protects Purdue's intellectual property; and promotes entrepreneurial activities on behalf of Purdue. The foundation manages the Purdue Foundry, Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization, Purdue Research Park and Purdue Technology Centers. The foundation received the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Innovation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. The Purdue Foundry is an entrepreneurship and commercialization accelerator in Discovery Park's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship whose professionals help Purdue innovators create startups Purdue Research Foundation contact: Tom Coyne, 765-588-1044, tjcoyne@prf.org Source: Pushpak Bhandari, pushpak@purdue.edu QUIZ: Guess the Road Songs We can't wait to get back on the road again! Play this quiz and see if how many you can get right! TURKEY: National operator TCDD Tasmaclk has formally signed a contract for preferred bidder Siemens to supply a further 10 Velaro high-speed trainsets. The contract announced on April 13 is worth around 340m, including three years of maintenance, repair and cleaning. TURKEY: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yldrm attended a ceremony on April 12 to mark the reopening of the Baskentray suburban line in Ankara following its upgrade. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! By Reality Tv World staff, 04/12/2018 ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. Bravo has announced it has renewed 13 of its reality series for new seasons.The network revealed the renewals as part of an announcement that it will expand its original primetime programming to seven nights a week beginning this fall.Among the reality shows renewed are five editions of , Vanderpump Rules, and Shahs of Sunset."Our brand offers a unique environment for our viewers to escape with drama that is fun and funny, yet far from their normal reality," Bravo executive Jerry Leo said in a statement."By doubling down on noisy formats and big characters, expanding our lifestyle programming in the design and home space, and offering seven nights a week of originals, we'll be able to serve our fans more of what they crave while also attracting new viewers with our wide scope of programming."Bravo has confirmed new-season orders for Vanderpump Rules, Married to Medicine, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, Don't Be Tardy, Flipping Out, Shahs of Sunset, Southern Charm Savannah, and Million Dollar Listing New York.New seasons have also been picked up for of Atlanta, of Beverly Hills, of Orange County, of New Jersey, and of Dallas.Bravo did not announce renewals for of New York City, of Potomac, and Southern Charm, but that's probably because the three series just premiered new seasons earlier this month.In addition, the network already previously renewed Below Deck Mediterranean and Top Chef.Together with the renewals of Imposters, a scripted series which recently debuted on the network, and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen , its late-night talk-show, the announcements give Bravo 20 returning series on its programming slate.In addition to the 20 returning series, Bravo also announced it has ordered 11 new shows, ten of which are also reality series. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Govt reconstitutes body, says will not interfere in senior PSB appointments Former senior bureaucrat Bhanu Pratap Sharma is the new Banks Board Bureau (BBB) chairman. The government took 12 days to appoint a successor to Vinod Rai, whose term ended on March 31. The body was also reconstituted, at a time when there is a debate about governance standards at public sector banks (PSBs), after the massive fraud alleged at Punjab National Bank. A proposal to replace BBB with a holding company is also on the table, officials said. The government also appointed three members of BBB. The board under Sharma will have a two-year tenure, same as its predecessor. Sharma is a retired IAS officer, Bihar cadre, 1981 batch. He is presently chairman of the recruitment and assessment centre at the Defence Research and Development Organisation. He had been health secretary and secretary for personnel and training at the Centre, before retiring last June from the civil service. Vedika Bhandarkar, former vice-chairman and managing director (MD) of the India operations of Credit Suisse has also been made a BBB member. So have Pradeep Kumar, former MD with State Bank of India, and Pradip P Shah, founder-MD of ratings agency CRISIL. The government statement on these appointments also reiterated a commitment to not interfere in senior appointments at PSBs. Appoints new BBB with professionals with diverse expertise to select top management in PSBs, financial services secretary Rajiv Kumar tweeted. The BBB was set up on the recommendations of a committee headed by banker P J Nayak. The Union government announced the setting up of the bureau in February 2016. Its mandate is to improve PSB governance, recommend on selection of chiefs of government-owned banks and financial institutions and to help banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans. It is based in Mumbai, at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Pradip Shah told Business Standard two crucial elements - an insolvency resolution mechanism for stressed loans and a recapitalisation plan for PSBs - were already in place. Now, the banking system also needs good talent for making it robust, he added. Batting for longer tenures for chief executives at banks, Shah said this would help shape a culture that gave prominence to performance, service standards and outcomes. At present, PSBs have very eminent chairpersons. The boards of banks need to be further strengthened by inducting talent, he said. Kumar later told reporters the government keeps itself at arms length with regard to appointments and other personnel issues in PSBs. This is a very fundamental change because everything starts by putting the right person on the top. "Management issues are very critical to any organisation. It is our renewed commitment that there will be no interference from the government side, he said. The BBB's mandate continues as before, he added. And, said Sharma had wide experience in human resource (HR) issues. He has made very fundamental changes in many places. He was also Establishment Officer (EO) in the government, who deals with HR issues in the government, Kumar noted. All senior appointments and transfers of central government officers are routed through the EO. Kumar said the other three members were also having diverse expertise. All the appointments made after constitution of the BBB were on its recommendations. However, a banking analyst said, The decision to appoint Sunil Mehta as Punjab National Bank chief and shift Usha Ananthasubramanian to take charge of Allahabad Bank last year were taken by a committee of bureaucrats formed by the finance ministry. It is not clear what role BBB played in their appointments. BBB divides itself for the sake of impartiality into three boards. One is headed by a deputy governor of the RBI. All the recommendations made by the earlier BBB will be put before the new BBB and taken forward, Kumar said. While those on appointments were made effective, the other recommendations were about empowering of managements in terms of capacity building, such as in HR, training and appraisals. "How do you create an environment in the middle level, where there is a whole lot of attrition in the banking space? How do you attract the best from outside? "The government also experimented with hiring the best of talents from outside. All that experiment will continue," Kumar said. Officials said the government has not shelved a proposal to set up a holding company in place of BBB. "It will require amendment in the Banking Regulation Act, 1970 to dilute stakes of the government in public sector banks below 51 per cent. "The Parliament is not in session right now and we will take it forward when the right time comes," an official said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in February 2015 had said BBB would be "an interim step towards establishing a holding and investment company for banks." Veteran banker PJ Nayak had recommended BBB would advise on all public sector board appointments for three years in the first phase which will be replaced by a holding company in the second phase and ultimately PSB boards will select their top managements. Photograph: Kind courtesy, PIB The sharp drop in prices couldnt have come at a more difficult time, particularly for the two big producing states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and also neighbouring Chhattisgarh as the states go to polls in the next few months. Indias bumper 2017-18 chana (gram) harvest, exceeding 11 million tonnes, has rattled both farmers and the government in big producing states, as prices have crashed almost 18-30 per cent below the state-mandated Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 4,400 per quintal. The sharp drop in prices couldnt have come at a more difficult time, particularly for the two big producing states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as both the states go to polls in the next few months. Also in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, which goes to polls along with Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan later this year, falling chana prices have become a political hot-potato, with the Opposition Congress holding massive Chana Stayagraha in Chief Minister Raman Singhs home district of Rajnandgaon, forcing the state Cabinet to declare a support price of Rs 1,500 per acre for all the 0.4 million chana farmers of the state. Between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, over 60 per cent of Indias chana crop is produced; the rest comes from Maharashtra, another BJP-ruled state. In Madhya Pradesh, the countrys biggest chana producing state, production this year is estimated to be almost 5.4 million tonnes, which is nearly half of the countrys total estimated production in 2017-18. Chana is not only a major rabi crop in the state but also supports a host of subsidiary industries located in and around states highly prosperous Malwa-Nimar belt. This year, official estimates show that almost 300,000-500,000 hectares of land in and around Indore got shifted towards chana from wheat in the hope of better prices. However, the bumper harvest has pulled prices sharply down with little chances of it recovering soon. The Malwa-Nimar belt had seen massive farmers protests last year leading to the killing of six farmers in Mandsaur district and has since then been a boiling point for all sort of farmers fury in Madhya Pradesh. With Opposition Congress breathing down its neck over farmers issues and making Malwa its focal point of all agitations, a hapless state government first included chana into its much talked about Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (BBY), but had to withdraw it after Central government delayed its financial support awaiting a formal nationwide approval for the same. With time passing by and chana prices refusing to show any big improvement, the state government approached the Centre to directly procure the commodity along with masoor and mustard from farmers under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). For masoor and mustard, the Centre approved procurement of 20 per cent and 40 per cent of the states harvest immediately, but when for chana, formal approval is still awaited. Sources said the state has requested the Centre to direct its agencies, namely Nafed, to purchase around 2.3 million tonnes of the total production of almost 5.4 million tonnes at the mandated MSP of Rs 4,400 per quintal. This according to some officials means that roughly Rs 110 billion needs to be coughed up for purchasing chana from Madhya Pradesh. Now, Nafed which will have to do the procurement on behalf of the Centre was recently extended a government guarantee of Rs 190 billion from the earlier Rs 95 billion. Officials said Nafed could spend almost 58% of its government guarantee of Rs 190 billion given for five in purchasing chana from one single state in one single season. Sources said as an interim measure, a decision has been taken to purchase around 0.5 million tonnes of chana by NAFED. Before that, the state had already announced plans to purchase chana from its own resources from April 10 as waiting any further would have been difficult. In Chhattisgarh too, the state has allocated a sum of Rs 1.2 billion to pay a fixed sum of money as support price to farmers to douse the raging anger. But, the reports also said the dole is inadequate as prices have crashed much more than the support. Rajasthan government has already started procuring 0.8 million tonnes of chana at MSP along with 0.4 million tonnes of mustard. The state which is the third biggest chana producer in India is estimated to produce around 1.59 million tonnes of the commodity this year. It too witnessed big farmer protests over falling prices. The central government apart from giving a free-hand to states to procure chana from farmers also announced an export incentive, but without much success as global markets prices of chana is already down. As elections draw near, handling the bumper chana harvest is a challenge which all three BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan will face in the next few months. Any slip-up could have big political ramifications. Photograph: Krishnendu Halder/Reuters Nokia has managed to enter the top-five list in the feature phone market within six months of its comeback HMD Global, which sells handsets under the brand Nokia, is looking to regain the lost glory in India. After setting up its business in 2017, the firm is planning to turn the tables in 2018. Since HMD Global entered the handset business in 2016, it has sold 70 million devices. India is among its top three global markets. It has better potential than other European markets. After making a mark in the feature phone market within a year, HMD is now eyeing the top spot. The Finnish firm wants to clinch a significant share of the smartphone market that is currently dominated by Asian manufacturers. Pekka Rentala, chief marketing officer of HMD, has set the standards of the local market as a global benchmark. Unlike earlier, when Nokia used to dominate the market, its market share is less than 10 per cent. The market has over 200 handset brands. Rentala wants to rely on the nimbleness of a start-up, rather than taking the conventional approach. He wants to focus on strengthening distribution. While, Nokia has an established e-commerce channel in Europe, penetrating offline and online distribution channels in India is crucial. However, the emergence of brands such as Vivo and Oppo had made the job difficult, he added. Instead of penetrating the market with high margins and discounts, Nokia will offer products that are value for money. The dynamics of the market are changing constantly and consumers, operators and manufacturers play crucial roles. "We are focused on sustainable growth. Constant fluctuations are neither good for us nor our partners, he said. Despite competition, the firm has managed to rope in over 100,000 retailers and 510 exclusive distributors. HMD partnered Foxconn in 2016 for manufacturing handsets locally. It is staying away from entering in-house manufacturing as that will increase pressure on its newly founded base. As the government hikes the import duty on components making assembly costlier, HMD is now exploring ways to increase local value addition by assembling key components in Foxconns plant in Tamil Nadu. Although consumer trust is declining across sectors due to data theft, data leak from handsets and the rise of fake news, Rentala sees an opportunity for Nokia. There could be a few positives for us. In times of uncertainty people go for trusted brands. Thus consumers might go for Nokia even unconsciously, he said. Nokia has managed to enter the top-five list in the feature phone market within six months of its comeback. In the December quarter, its share remained at 6 per cent, behind Reliance Jio, Samsung, Micromax and iTel. Ajey Mehta, vice-president and country head of HMD, is now eyeing the top spot. He said the job would not be easy. Nokia has been brought back as the principal sponsor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the current edition of the Indian Premier League to reach out to the masses. According to Mehta, the aim is to send across the message that Nokia is back with Android smartphones. KKR has a fan base of 20 million on social media and we will be leveraging that. "Our focus is not only to create awareness. We want to increase the conversion rate of potential customers, he said. Photograph: Reuters 'Will this communal pendulum, which is swinging towards the extreme of division and violence, ever swing back to its position of the '60s and '70s within my lifetime?' 'Or will my children, and their children, have to continue to suffer the consequences of the country, that we all love, torn apart along communal lines,' asks Najid Hussain in anguish. Reading recent articles by Harsh Mander (Sonia Sadly, external link) and Ramachandra Guha (Liberal Sadly, external link), and the generous reaction of pundits -- from the right and the left -- which followed, one is reminded of the saying, 'If you contact enough experts you can confirm any opinion'. The apparent description of the Indian Muslim mindset -- particularly by secular non-Muslim writers -- is often either defensive of that mindset, or offensive. Neither do complete justice to the cause, or the truth, as it does not lie on either side of that coin. Historically, no one has killed more Muslims than Muslims themselves. Muslim on Muslim violence started some 1400 years ago, and shows no signs of slowing down. Whether in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, even Pakistan -- Muslims continue to kill Muslims in the name of purity of faith, apostasy, blasphemy, hereticism, or merely for liberal views. In this age of fast spreading puritanical Islam (otherwise known as Wahhabism), progressive Indian Muslims face opposing pressures -- one from the rigid faithful of their own community for being liberal and 'weak in faith', and the other from Hindutva ideologues, for not being liberal enough (or as some would say -- Hindu enough). Iqbal expressed that pain well in: Zahid-e-tang-nazar ne mujhe kaafir jaana; aur kaafir yeh samajhta hae musalmaan hun mein (A narrow minded Muslim thought I am a heretic, whereas the heretic thinks I am a fanatic Muslim). So what does this progressive Muslim feel in today's India? I am one of those Muslims who grew up in the independent India during the '60s. I consider myself neither rigid, nor liberal; neither misogynist, nor feminist; neither archaic nor radical. Today, I am overwhelmed with frustration, anger, fear, and insecurity. Frustrated: because I am increasingly being asked by my clergy class and other community leaders to show that I am a Muslim -- by wearing Islam on my sleeve. My dress, demeanour, discourse, prayers, food, friends, and habits -- all are under their Islamic scanner of conformity to the 'Muslim code' which would distinguish me. Many Muslims, including some of my closest friends, are heeding that call. An increasing number of women are wearing the hijab and burqa -- some of their free will, but many out of force, or fear. Men are growing beards, and wearing skullcaps. The line between secular and sacred is being actively blurred. A religion of peace, tolerance, and inclusion -- as when Islam was brought to India -- is being reduced to the flaws it attempted to eradicate at its best. Angry: because I see the communal temperature in the country constantly rising. Not that Hindu-Muslim tensions did not exist 50 years ago in India. They did. But it was limited to a mostly benign fringe of the Indian population. There was no azaan blaring five times a day, from every mosque in every neighborhood. Eid and Muharram processions were mostly secular affairs, with active participation from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Muslims joined drills at RSS shakhas, singing patriotic songs, and learning para-military techniques. Calls of 'go to Pakistan' were never heard. Nor was any pressure on Muslims to live in exclusively Muslim ghettoes. There was amicable acceptance from all sides. That spirit is sorely missing today. Afraid: because I witnessed firsthand the Muslim massacre of 2002 in Gujarat. Our house in Gulberg society was burned down. My father-in-law -- together with 79 other Muslim men, women, and children who had gathered in his house -- was hacked and burnt alive. My family's nightmare of that massacre continues to date as the communal divide expands by the day. Muslim homes are still targeted and destroyed in many parts of Gujarat, UP, MP, Maharashtra, and other states. Innocent Muslim men are routinely captured by the police, tortured, and put in prison for years without trial. Many of them are killed through fake encounters. Young and old Muslim men are beaten mercilessly by the gau-rakshaks or disgruntled individuals and lynched in front of large crowds who instead of stopping the lynching, make videos of the acts to share on social media. Insecure: because the Indianness of Indian Muslims is questioned by an increasing number of folks from the majority, and members of the current administration and their political ideologues -- including the police. One sees a breakdown of long cherished Indian values. The law enforcement authorities fail to enforce without communal bias. Many law-makers and ministers openly express a desire to change the Constitution to eliminate provisions of equality of religion and race. Individuals who deliberately denigrate Islam, or inflict injuries on Muslims, quickly climb the ladder of power. Given this environment of sharp polarisation, it is understandable, if not appreciable, why so many politicians find it politically prudent to distance themselves from Muslim issues. The word Muslim has become highly toxic in India. As the politics of staying in power differs from the politics of social activism, supporting the 15% Muslims over the 80% non-Muslims would be a fool's errand. Social reform is the job of the conscientious among us, requiring active participation from ordinary folks who unfortunately have adopted total silence in the face of the communal challenge. The thought which often gives me sleepless nights is: Will this communal pendulum, which is swinging towards the extreme of division and violence, ever swing back to its position of the '60s and '70s within my lifetime? Or will my children, and their children, have to continue to suffer the consequences of the country, that we all love, torn apart along communal lines? Efforts to return to a position of amiability is important, not only for the welfare of the two communities involved, but for the progress of our country. Being supportive of puritanical Muslim mindsets, or on the flipside, being blindly critical of the community at large, will not help. Blind eyes and hateful rebukes, both fail to produce desired results. Blunt advice, and earnest concern, is likely to go farther in altering attitudes. One such advice is: Indian Muslims must shed the Wahhabi influence in Islam -- which has mostly come from the influence of Saudi petro-dollars -- and return Islam to its pre-polarisation state of peace, tolerance, and inclusiveness. The majority must also show magnanimity and reflect the spirit of brotherhood and acceptance. After all, the only difference between Indian Hindus and Indian Muslims is the faith they follow. As for the creed and origin, they are all fruits of the same tree -- Akhand Bharat. We will have to try harder, and together, to bring the communal pendulum in our country to its state of rest. '"Get lost from here, you scoundrel. Nobody in this administration will help you," the CM shouted at me.' IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ajay Singh Bisht -- aka Yogi Adityanath -- interacts with citizens at a janata darbar. Photograph: Kind Courtesy @CMOfficeUP/Twitter Ayush Singhal, a Lucknow resident, on April 3, 2018, alleged that he was pushed away by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ajay Singh Bisht -- aka Yogi Adityanath -- when he approached him with a complaint against an MLA at a janata darbar (public hearing) in Gorakhpur. Singhal, who claims to be the owner of 5.5 acres of prime property in Lucknow, has been locked in a land dispute with Amanmani Tripathi -- an MLA who represents the Nautanwa assembly constituency -- since 2012 when the Samajwadi Party was in power in the state. Singhal claimed that Amanmani illegally occupied his land and nobody paid heed to his (Singhal's) pleas as Amanmani's father Amarmani Tripathi, a four-time MLA from the Nautanwa constituency was a SP strongman. Six years later, Singhal, a real estate developer in Lucknow, thought his problem may get solved with the change in the state government. However, his hopes were dashed when Chief Minister Bisht allegedly heckled him. Singhal, below, left, recalls his ordeal to Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore. The chief minister, Singhal says, was quite cordial when he first met him on February 28, 2018 about his land dispute with the Tripathi family, but changed his tone and attitude when he met him on April 3, regarding the same issue. "All of you who watch TV must have seen that during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections, Amanmani was openly saying that he will do whatever Maharajji (Bisht) asks him to do." "Perhaps, he (Bisht) is returning his favour," Singhal said. Could you tell us what happened when you went to meet the UP chief minister? I had purchased and registered a 22.5 bigha (5.5 acres or 217,800 square feet; 1 acre is equal to 43,560 sq ft which comes to around four bighas) land in 2012. I have all the documents related to prove that I am the owner of this land. But after registration I was not able to fence my land because it was illegally occupied by Amanmani Tripathi and his family. I did not have any expectations from the then Samajwadi Party government because Amanmani belonged to that party. Amarmani Tripathi is in Gorakhpur jail (Amarmani was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Madhumita Shukla murder case) and his son Amanmani Tripathi is an independent MLA. Whenever we try to fence our property, Amanmani's goons threaten our workers and my father with guns. On October 13, 2017, our land was being measured by officials of the revenue department. The officials present that day measured the 22 bighas, out of the total 60 bighas (the remaining parcel of land is owned by Amanmani Tripathi's family), that belonged to us using electronic station machines. All this is duly recorded with the revenue department. Since this land was illegally occupied by Amanmani Tripathi as you said, didn't he object to this land measurement? After the entire exercise was over, Amanmani personally came with his goons the same evening and beat up my people. I was standing at some distance, so they could not rough me up, but one of my staffers was hurt seriously. Didn't you lodge an FIR (first information report) against Amanmani for this assault? My father had gone to the local police station to lodge an FIR, but the SHO (station head officer) got him to sign an application and got him to compromise on it. What kind of compromise? What else could people like us do when the police does not lodge an FIR and pressurise you to strike a compromise? The deal was that we will give a written application without pushing the police to file an FIR and the matter would be resolved amicably. But the police tore up the application soon and that was our biggest mistake. We should have insisted on filing an FIR and got one lodged against Amanmani. What happened after that? I went to the Lucknow district magistrate (Kaushal Raj Sharma) under whose orders the land measurement was done, but he too refused to look into this matter. When I went to the SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar) he too refused to cooperate, saying he cannot look into the letters of 200-300 people who get it from the chief minister every day. The SSP might have said (during one of his press conferences after Singhal named him in the controversy) that I was like his son and I had gone four times to meet him, but he is lying. I never went to meet him four times. Are the district magistrate and the SSP lying to the media that they did cooperate with you and helped you in whichever way they could over the issue of illegal occupation of your land Both of them are lying. Saaf, saaf jhoot bol rahe hai. Both of them refused to take any action in this matter. I met the SSP last on March 21 (this year) and the DM on March 28. When I first went to meet Maharajji (the UP chief minister) at Pancham Tal (the chief minister's office) his OSD (officer on special duty) called the DM and spoke to him about taking stern action. I heard that too as the OSD had kept the phone on speaker. The DM told the OSD to send me to his office the next day, but when I went to meet him he said he will first look into the land measurement report of October 13, which he said he did not have then and asked me to meet him after three days. When I met him after three days on March 28, he humiliated me no end and asked me to leave his office as he was under pressure because of the financial year (March 31, 2018) was nearing. What did you do next? Hugely disappointed, I went to meet the honourable chief minister at Gorakhpur on April 3 at his Janata Darbar. When I met him at around 8.30 am, the place was crowded. I had neatly arranged all my documentary evidence in an application format and presented it to the CM. When I first met him on February 28 at his Janata Darbar he was very cooperative and had marked my case for the SSP, Lucknow. 'Beta, main SSP Lucknow se bolke sakht karwai karwata hoon (I will ask the SSP, Lucknow, to take strict action, my son),' he had promised. With the help of this letter, I met the SSP and DM, Lucknow. But when nothing happened after meeting these two gentlemen a couple of times, I again approached Maharajji on April 3. Before I said anything, I bowed before him because he is my elder and a mahant. Then I told him that Amanmani Tripathi has illegally occupied my property. As soon as he heard this name, he threw my 15-page application on my face and asked me to leave his janata darbar. I had neatly arranged all the documents from the IGRS (Integrated Grievance Redress System) portal (that records such complaints online), the order given by the DM, the CM's letter that he had given me on February 28. 'Get lost from here, you scoundrel. Nobody in this administration will help you,' he shouted at me. What changed between February 28, when he gave you a letter addressing the SSP Lucknow in his own handwriting and promised that stern action will be taken against responsible people, and April 3, when you met him again and why did he throw your application on your face? I don't know so I can't answer why he was favouring him (Amanmani Tripathi) or if he was in a foul mood because he meets so many people during the janata darbar. Perhaps he had already run afoul of somebody else and I had to face the brunt of his anger. Perhaps Amanmani Tripathi's name was responsible for his anger or perhaps he is favouring Amanmani. I can't say anything. All of you who watch TV must have seen that during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections, Aman was openly saying that he will do whatever Maharajji will ask him to do. Perhaps, he voted for him (the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections). So, he (the UP CM) must be returning his favour. I know that he (Bisht) is a busy man and hundreds of people meet him every day with their problems. I don't consider myself an important person who he would have remembered. I don't think he must have remembered me on April 3 as the same person who had given me a letter addressed to the SSP Lucknow in the same case. But I expected him to at least hear my plea patiently. The DM Lucknow at his press conference claimed that your case was resolved by the special division magistrate on March 19 when she passed an order on the same. Why then did you go to meet the chief minister on April 3? I am not aware of this. What is the matter then when an order has already been passed by the SDM court? Let me explain the entire issue to you. There are eight khatadharak (shareholders of the 22.5 bighas purchased by Singhal) of this land and all of them belong to the same family. The land was owned by one R K Mishra. A year ago to avoid land acquisition by the government according to the Ceiling Act he transferred the ownership in the name of his sister and daughter. Vinita Malviya, Sunil Chaudhari, Ayesha Mishra, and others belong to the same family and we had purchased this land from them. Amanmani's family too purchased the land from the same owners and their land abuts my land. Two of the eight shareholders are Ayush Singhal and Singhal Developers Pvt Ltd. The other people are Ajitmani Tripathi (Amanmani's brother), Madhumani Tripathi (Amanmani's mother, who is also in prison serving a life term in the Madhumita Shukla murder case), Mayashankar Singh (Amanmani's driver). I have four notices from the SDM that asked all the eight shareholders to bifurcate the land. But nobody came before the SDM and Amanmani didn't want this to happen in front of the SDM because he has illegally occupied my 22.5 bigha too. When I met the SDM two days ago (on April 10, much after the order of March 19) she told me that if Amanmani Tripathi and you were to come to my office together we can decide in an hour which piece of land belongs to whom. But he will never come to the SDM. This piece of land has become a prime location as the honourable (Union home minister) Rajnath Singhji's dream project of the Outer Ring Road through Lucknow is passing in front of our land and the road is now almost complete. How much did you pay for this land in 2012? I paid Rs 3.5 crore (Rs 35 million), but now the value of the same piece of land is almost Rs 30 crore (Rs 300 million). It is a rectangular piece of land in which one-third is owned by me and two-thirds is owned by the Tripathis. So you don't know that a final order has been passed in this land dispute between you and the Tripathis by the SDM on March 19? I have still not received a copy of the order, which I am hearing has gone in favour of the Tripathis. The SDM madam (Neha Jain) told me that I will get it only after two weeks. Why would it take two weeks for you to get a copy of the ruling? She told me her file was at the DM and it will take two weeks for it to get back to her. If she wants, she could get it in 15 minutes. Now that you believe that the SDM's judgment has gone in favour of the Tripathis, will you again try to meet the chief minister? It is just a one minute job for him. He just has to call the DM and ask him to separate my piece of land from his (Amanmani's). If you have all the documentary evidence to prove that the piece of land you claim belongs to you, then what is the issue in this case? Whenever we go to fence our land, 40, 50 people with guns come and threaten us. Just not his goons, but Amanmani personally threatens to eliminate me if I try to go ahead with this. Whenever I set my foot along with my staff on my land with our labour and JCB machines, his man calls him up and Amanmani lands up within minutes with 50 goons in tow. Didn't you file and FIR with the cops? I have tried many times, but the police is of no help. He (Amanmani) is an independent MLA from the area and when the CM supports him, there is nobody who can act against this man. Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday became ineligible to hold public office for life after the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the disqualification of two lawmakers, including him was permanent, in a landmark verdict ending the political future of the three-time premier ahead of general elections this year. The verdict was issued by the apex court while hearing a case related to the determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution. The five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had grappled with Article 62(1)(f) which only stated that a lawmaker is disqualified under specified conditions but did not set out the duration of the disqualification. Article 62, which sets the precondition for a member of parliament to be 'sadiq and ameen' (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which Sharif was disqualified on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court for not being 'honest and righteous' as he failed to declare in 2013 a salary he got from the company of his son in the United Arab Emirates. In February, the apex court also disqualified Sharif as the head of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. In Friday's verdict, the apex court said that under the country's Constitution, no person once disqualified from office by the top court can hold public office again. The historic ruling ended Sharif's hopes to stage a political comeback in general elections slated after June. Likewise, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified on December 15 last year by a separate bench of the apex court under the same provision. Following the verdict, both Sharif and Tareen have become ineligible to ever hold public office. The verdict read out by Justice Umar Ata Bandial said the disqualification of any member of parliament or a public servant under Article 62 (1)(f) in the future will be permanent. Such a person cannot contest elections or become a member of parliament. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, who was heading the five-judge bench, remarked before the verdict was announced that the public deserves 'leaders of good character'. The bench on February 14 had reserved the judgement on 17 appeals and petitions challenging the length of disqualification under the Article 62. Sharif in January had stated through a written statement before the bench that disqualification under Article 62 is confined only to the election in question, and it is not perpetual. The court had clubbed 17 petitions together to determine the duration of disqualification of lawmakers. Reacting sharply to the ruling, PML-N leader and State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb dismissed it as a 'joke' that many former premiers also faced. "This joke has already been played on previous premiers and all 17 prime ministers of Pakistan have faced a similar fate," she said. "This decision is similar to the Supreme Court rulings which took former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to the gallows and led to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto," the information minister told reporters. She said the 'decision is the result of a conspiracy by 'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves'.' Marriyum said that time and again, democratically elected leaders of Pakistan are unceremoniously removed from their post. She said, "Decisions against Sharif are made first and trials are conducted later." "The verdict has started a phase of Sharif's politics which our enemies should be afraid of," she added. She said Sharif is life-long leader of PML-N and 'as long as he lives in the hearts of the people, this disqualification will hold no meaning'. Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari chairman in a tweet said that PML-N and PTI 'forced the judicialisation of politics'. "I am of the belief that the people of Pakistan should make such decisions about the fate of politicians. Unfortunately, it is PTI & PMLN themselves who have forced the judicialisation of our politics. Na-ehal Nawaz & Tareen must now face the consequences of their actions." Sharif, known as the Lion of Punjab, became the prime minister in the politically unstable Pakistan for a record three times, but every-time he was forced to quit in the middle of his term. A steel tycoon-cum-politician, Sharif had served as the Prime Minister for the first time from 1990 to 1993. Sharif's second term as prime minister from 1997 ended in 1999 when then powerful Army chief General Pervez Musharraf staged a bloodless coup. Both of Sharif's first two stints had ended in the third year of his tenure. In the 2013 general elections, Sharif's party had emerged as the single largest party falling just short of a majority. But, he was able to muster the required strength within days as many independents came forward to support him. Analysts said the apex court's latest verdict has shut the last window of opportunity for Sharif and his lifelong disqualification may impact the performance of PML-N party in upcoming elections to be held after June. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Facing severe flak over delay in action against his party MLA accused in the Unnao rape case, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said his government has not deviated from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and will firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. Adityanath's remarks came amidst criticism by political parties and public outcry for the legislator's arrest. The Allahabad high court also directed the Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday to arrest MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused in the case of an alleged gang rape of a minor girl over a year ago. "As soon as the matter came to the notice of the government on April 9, we immediately constituted an SIT (Special Investigation Team) and initiated action in the matter... The policemen and doctors found guilty in the SIT report were suspended," the CM told reporters in Chitrakoot. "We have referred the matter to the CBI... Our government will not compromise on the zero-tolerance policy it has followed against crime and corruption since the beginning. We will firmly deal with criminals, however influential they might be," Adityanath said. Senior state minister and spokesperson of the UP government Siddharth Nath Singh said the law will take its own course and lashed out at the Opposition for 'shedding crocodile tears' on the issue of safety of women. The process of recommending a CBI inquiry was promptly completed, the central probe agency has already taken over the case and has detained the accused MLA for questioning, he pointed out. On the opposition parties accusing the UP government for "delaying the MLA's arrest", Singh referred to the former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav having 'shielded rape accused minister' Gayatri Prajapati. He also referred to Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks that 'should a rape accused be punished with hanging? Boys are boys, they make mistakes'. Singh also said, "Those who are raising a hue and cry, are shedding crocodile tears for women... Those who held a candlelight march last night should remember that the 'tandoor case' had taken place during their government and what all were done by their men." He was referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhi taking part in a candlelight vigil in New Delhi last night to protest the growing incidents of violence against women. The famous 'tandoor case' involved former Youth Congress leader Sushil Sharma, who was given a life term in the sensational murder case of his wife, Naina Sahni, in which the body of the victim was disposed of by putting it in the tandoor of a restaurant in the national capital in 1995. Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: Members of the Jammu high court bar association participate in the Jammu bandh, demanding a CBI probe in the Kathua rape-murder case. Photograph: PTI Photo The Supreme Court on Friday directed members of the bar not to obstruct judicial proceedings in the Kathua gang rape and murder case in Jammu and Kashmir as it took note of lawyers obstructing the victims counsel from appearing in court. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud sought responses from the Bar Council of India, state bar council, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua district bar association by April 19. The apex court agreed to take suo motu cognisance of the case after several lawyers who had mentioned the matter before it came out with materials about the incident. Earlier in the day, the top court had asked a lawyer to bring materials on record to take judicial note of a strike call given by Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir bar associations in relation to the gang rape and killing of the eight-year-old girl in Jammu region. Advocate Shoeb Alam, appearing for Jammu and Kashmir, said that the police has filed the chargesheet before the magistrate on Thursday. Alam, who was called to the CJI court, opposed the CBI probe as demanded by some apex court lawyers and said that thorough investigations were being carried out by the state crime branch. He said that it is already a settled law that investigation cannot be transferred to CBI after the chargesheet has been filed in the court. Police team was heckled by the lawyers and prevented from submitting the charge sheet before the CJM court in Kathua, Alam said. He said that subsequently the police had to produce the accused in the case and submit the charge sheet at the residence of the magistrate. The minor victim had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The Crime Branch of police which probed the case filed a main chargesheet against seven persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The chargesheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, raped inside a place of worship before being killed. Delhi high court restrained the media from revealing the identity of the victim by any means. IMAGE: Traders and local residents hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the rape and murder of 8-year-old girl of Kathua, in Srinagar on Friday. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo As the outrage over the Kathua rape case continued, the Supreme Court on Friday stepped in to warn the lawyers in Jammu that they cannot obstruct the process of law while the Delhi high court restrained the media from revealing the identity of the victim by any means. The top court took umbrage against the lawyers body of Kathua and Jammu for obstructing the way of the counsel of the victim's family in the trial court, saying that advocates' bodies have a solemn duty to not obstruct members of legal fraternity representing the parties. The Delhi high court had also taken up on its own taken up the reports in the media disclosing the identity of the victim and asked them why action should not be taken against them, both print and electronic media, for violating the privacy of the minor. "A whole media trial is going on," it said. In the top court, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud sought responses on the conduct of lawyers from the Bar Council of India, Jammu and Kashmir Bar Council, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua district bar association by April 19. The apex court was also critical of Jammu High Court Bar Association, which had passed a resolution to not attend the courts, saying 'it is the duty of the Bar Association as a collective body and they cannot obstruct the process of law'. "If a lawyer who is engaged, is obstructed from appearing in the court or if his client is deprived of being represented in the court when he is entitled to do so in a lawful manner, that affects the dispensation of justice and would amount to obstruction of access to justice and interference with the administration of justice," the bench said in its order. In the high court, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar frowned upon media houses for disclosing the identity of the girl and asked why action be not taken against them for 'injustice to the privacy and dignity of the victim'. The high court also prohibited the media from revealing any further identity of the victim by any means, including name and photographs for which 12 media houses, comprising print and electronic, were issued notices for the 'unfortunate' and 'extremely distressing' manner of reporting. The high court, which like the apex court, on its own took cognisance of the media reports, said that there was a need for the media to 'circumspect on reporting to the extent it is in contravention of the law'. "Freedom of press has to be balanced with integrity of judicial process and must comport with the requirement of the law," the high court said and issued notices to 12 media houses and prohibited them 'from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim'. It said that it was restricting issuance of notice to only the 12 entities as it did not have information of the other media houses which have effected similar publications and when the details would be known, notices would be issued to them as well. In its news reports in connection with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out the photograph of the victim. Section 23 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act lays down the procedure for the media to report cases of sexual offences against child victims and Section 228A of Indian Penal Code deals with disclosure of identity of victims of such offences. The penal law provides for jail term of two years with a fine. The court said that the violation of section 228A is treated as an offence against public justice. The case related to an eight-year-old girl who had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police's Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed a main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The charge sheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed. Showbiz celebrities and others are speaking up for the eight-year-old girl who was gang-raped and killed in Kathua three months ago. An enraged nation demanded exemplary punishment for the culprits of the crime, even as the politics over the arrest of eight people in connection with the case continued to dominate the discourse in this city of temples. While Thursday saw Farhan Akhtar, Riteish Deshmukh, Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan fire off tweets condemning the incident, female artistes took the torch on Friday. Actresses Swara Bhasker, Kalki Koechlin, Huma Qureshi and Gul Panag were among many who posted pictures of themselves as Hindustan, ashamed at the incidents. >> Gul Panag >> Kalki Koechlin >> Tillotama Shome >> Shruti Seth >> Swara Bhasker >> Mini Mathur >> Huma Qureshi >> Aahana Kumra >> Konkona Sen Sharma >> Badshah Image: People hold placards during a protest against the rape of the eight-year-old in Jammu's Kathua. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters Outrage has broken over the rape and killing of the minor girl in Kathua, with Congress leaders, including its president Rahul Gandhi, staging protests over the incident and mourning her death. Earlier on Thursday, massive protests erupted across the nation demanding exemplary punishment for the culprits of the crime. On Friday, other prominent names joined in the protest, ranging from Kamal Hassan to Supriya Sule. Actor-politician Kamal Hassan expressed anguish over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl, saying he felt angry for failing her. Does it have to be your own daughter for you to understand? She couldve been mine, he tweeted. Hassan, founder-president of Makkal Needhi Mayyam, said he felt angry as a man, father and as a citizen for failing the minor girl. I am sorry my child, we didnt make this country safe enough for you. Ill fight for justice at least for future kids like you. We mourn you and wont forget you, he added. Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. The government on one hand says Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and on the other hand stays mute on the rape, indirectly shielding the culprits of the heinous act. Mere hypocrisy. How can Hon @NarendraModi Ji stay silent on this? Sule tweeted. She said that she was extremely disturbed that right wing ideologues were justifying the rape. The worst part is right wing ideologues close to the government justifying the rape. Extremely Disturbed, Sule, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramati, said. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the rape-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua was inhuman and questioned the PMs silence. In a tweet, he wrote, Hon PM sir, there isnt a day when we dont hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others. Please dont let #Asifa be someone you choose to remain silent about. The CBI began questioning the UP lawmaker around 5 am on Friday. The Central Bureau of Investigation registered three separate cases in connection with the alleged rape of a minor girl by Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao district and detained him for questioning in the early hours of Friday, officials said. The agency has taken over investigation into the three cases referred by the Centre on the request of the Uttar Pradesh government. The cases pertain to the alleged rape of the girl, her fathers killing and a case of arms act which was slapped on her father in which he was arrested by local police. He had subsequently died in judicial custody and the autopsy report showed serious injuries on his body. Faced with the embarrassment of its own MLA from Bangarmau in Unnao allegedly being involved in the rape case, the state government had referred the matter to the Centre yesterday -- a day before Allahabad high court was to pronounce its order on probe into the case by the central agency. The Centre too acted with alacrity referring the matter to the CBI on Thursday night. The agency sleuths swooped down at the residence of Sengar in Lucknow in the early hours today and took him for questioning at its office in Lucknow, the officials said. Sengar, a four term MLA, enjoys immense clout cutting across party lines in the rural areas around Unnao district, a semi-urban area about 70 km from Lucknow. The case came into limelight after the victim tried to immolate herself on Sunday outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths residence, alleging police inaction against Sengar. The victims father died in judicial custody almost a week after he was reportedly thrashed by the MLAs brother and others. A purported video of the girls father before his death has gone viral and was also aired by several TV news channels. In the video, he alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLAs brother and others in the presence of police. With the state police pursuing only notorious criminals, petty thugs continue to prey on victims. Virendra Singh Rawat reports. IMAGE: The 'Anti-Romeo Squad' questions a youth in Lucknow. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters Days before Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ajay Singh Bisht -- aka Yogi Adityanath -- completed a year in office on March 19, armed miscreants broke into the house of a Bharatiya Janata Party legislator's kin in the state capital Lucknow and, after brutally assaulting the victims, decamped with valuables worth hundreds of thousands of rupees. On the same day, the son of a former UP legislator shot a trader in the posh Trans-Gomti area over a money dispute. The victim succumbed to wounds the following day. These are not isolated incidents of crime. Lucknow continues to be rocked by such cases of burglary, theft and murder nearly every day. The situation is understandably worse in other parts of Uttar Pradesh even a year after the chief minister made the ambitious poll promise of making UP a 'crime-free zone'. Not only heinous crimes, but crimes against women and incidents of eve-teasing have not witnessed a perceptible drop, despite the formation of the much-hyped anti-Romeo squad by the state government to check eve-teasing, stalking and harassment of women soon after coming into power. "The routine eve-teasing and catcalls had actually ebbed after the Adityanath government had come to power owing to proactive and intense policing. However, eve-teasing soon reverted to 'normal' as weeks passed by, and now it's the same old situation," says Priya, 41, who takes public transport for commuting to work every day. When it comes to other forms of crime against women, there has been no abatement either. Shivani (name changed), a teacher and mother of two, says the situation is as bad as during the previous regimes so far as safety of women is concerned in Lucknow. "The incidents of chain snatching in the city are far too many. I have stopped venturing out in my colony late in the evening since there is always a sub-conscious fear of becoming the next victim." Yet industry captains were quite generous in heaping praise on Chief Minister Bisht for his 'good governance' and the 'improved' law and order situation in the state during the inaugural ceremony of the UP Investors Summit 2018 in Lucknow in February. The government claimed the summit drew an overwhelming response from investors, fetching the state investment proposals worth Rs 4.68 trillion. Indeed, this is a major achievement considering that during similar conclaves held under the previous Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav regimes, the total investment proposals never exceeded the Rs 500 billion mark, and only a fraction of this money eventually came into the state as most projects failed to see the light of day. So what has changed? Even though people in the state may still feel unsafe, it is the chief minister's tough posturing that is giving everyone hope. The chief minister has given a free hand to the state police to deal with trigger-happy criminals. Over the past year, the police has gunned down 45 criminals in 1,350 encounters and arrested 3,150 criminals. The crackdown has also seen four policemen lose their lives. Bisht, during his stint as the Gorakhpur MP, had cultivated the image of a leader with an unsparing outlook towards law and order. After coming to power, he delivered a clear message to the police: Return bullets with bullets. The crackdown has struck fear in the hearts of criminals, and the government claims it has achieved the desired results. Indeed, there have been reports of criminals cancelling bail and surrendering before the police, fearing they could be killed in encounters. There have also been reports of criminals carrying placards seeking mercy and offenders approaching the police with affidavits proclaiming they have given up criminal activities. For a state with one of the highest crime rate, however, this may be the early days in the long-drawn fight against criminals. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, the number of criminal cases filed in the three years from 2014 through 2016 stood at 240,475; 241,920 and 282,171 respectively. In 2016, UP reported the highest number of heinous crimes, including murder and crimes against women. There were 4,889 murders in 2016, accounting for 16 per cent of the reported cases in India. Besides, the state registered 14.5 per cent (49,262 cases) of the total crime against women. UP also reported the highest number of rape cases at 4,882 (12.5 per cent of the total). The chief minister has put the blame for the state's criminal notoriety squarely on his predecessor Akhilesh Yadav's regime, and accused the previous government of harbouring criminals. However, with the state police pursuing only wanted and notorious criminals, while leaving alone petty criminals, people on the streets are still wary. Commenting on the state's war on criminals, former UP director general of police Vikram Singh says, "If one has undergone surgery yet the expected relief is missing means that either the surgery was erroneous or the wrong part had been surgically operated." "The police should go after criminals who have been active over the past 12 months for sending out the right message to such desperadoes. If the crimes keep happening despite tough action and encounters mean that the cops need to realign their priorities and focus on their targets," he adds. Meanwhile, the Opposition parties and human rights activists have criticised the chief minister for the rise in the number of police encounters. Last year, the National Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the state government over police encounters and sought a report on allegations that the dispensation 'endorsed' killings in encounters. The NHRC observed if the law and order situation was not satisfactory, the incumbent government could not resort to actions, which could be construed as 'extra judicial killings' of alleged criminals. Besides, the Opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party, have accused the police of 'staging encounters' for securing departmental promotions. This allegation was made against the backdrop of a fake encounter in Noida on the night of February 3, in which a police sub inspector was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and murder. He was subsequently suspended and sent to jail. Yet, even in the face of opposition, the state government and the police department have deftly stood their ground. Given strong public support for police actions, it is likely the state will turn up the heat on criminals in the run up to the 2019 general election. Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. KAZAKHSTAN: State demands young worshippers' personal data Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 11 April 2018 Cite as Forum 18, KAZAKHSTAN: State demands young worshippers' personal data, 11 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ad080d94.html [accessed 1 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 11 April 2018 KAZAKHSTAN: State demands young worshippers' personal data A Kazakh regional Religious Affairs Department has demanded the personal data of everyone under 18 who attends Christian meetings for worship. "It was not sent to Muslims, for example, just to Christians, and selectively", an official stated. She refused to explain what "selectively" means. 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UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa 1. Situation According to sources, violence against women is a serious problem in Peru (Human Rights Watch 18 Jan. 2018; US 3 Mar. 2017, 17; UN Mar. 2017, 26). Based on a fact-finding mission conducted in September 2014, the Working Group of the UN Human Rights Council states that in Peru, "women and girls are subjected to violence in all spheres of life - at home, at school, in the workplace and in public spaces" (UN 26 June 2015, 18). According to the same source, "Peru has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the region" (UN 26 June 2015, 18). The Human Rights Council fact-finding mission noted the "continued existence of widespread traditional patriarchal attitudes and values (machismo), which perpetuate a culture of violence against women" (UN 26 June 2015, 19). The US Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016 states that "[v]iolence against women and girls - including rape, spousal abuse, and sexual, physical, and psychological abuse - remained serious national problems" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 17). Freedom House states that "[d]omestic violence is epidemic in Peru, with more than half of Peruvian women reporting instances of physical or emotional abuse" (Freedom House 2016). According to an article published by The Conversation [1] and written by Jelke Boesten, Reader (Professor) in Gender and Development at King's College London, whose research focuses on violence against women in Latin America, including a recent book publication on Peru (The Conversation n.d.a), "sexual, physical, emotional, and economic abuse of women in their own homes are all prevalent, but have been largely ignored by authorities and society alike" (Boesten 10 Aug. 2016). According to a 2017 report by the National Observatory of Criminal Policy (Observatoria Nacional de Politica Criminal - INDAGA) of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos - MINJUS), reports of domestic violence against women have "increased considerably" in recent years: according to the National Police of Peru, there were 100,611 reports of domestic violence in 2011; 112,736 in 2012; 114,026 in 2013; 121,578 in 2014; 122,197 in 2015; and 146,261 in 2016 (Peru Aug. 2017, 16). According to US Country Reports 2016, as of September 2016, the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables - MIMP) "documented 38,567 cases of violence against women, an 18 percent increase from 2015" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 17). According to Boesten, protests in 2016 followed two high profile cases in July 2016 in which men who attacked women received light sentences; in both cases, the aggressor was the victim's boyfriend (Boesten 10 Aug. 2016). As cited in a 2016 article in The Guardian, then Minister for Women Ana Maria Romero referred to the march as "'a cry against impunity'" (The Guardian 13 Aug. 2016). Following this round of protest, Peru Reports [2] indicated in August 2016 that "[a]ssaults and murders of women in Peru has spiked since 50,000 people marched in the 'Not One Less' protest against domestic abuse in Lima" (Peru Reports 21 Aug. 2016). According to sources, violence against women in Peru occurs in all social strata and in both rural and urban areas (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018; Boesten 10 Aug. 2016). According to an article published by Inter Press Service (IPS) [3], domestic violence is more prevalent in rural areas and among women with lower levels of education (IPS 4 Aug. 2017). In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of the Flora Tristan Centre for the Peruvian Woman (Centro de la Mujer Peruana Flora Tristan), a feminist non-profit organization created in 1979 that aims to improve the situation of women in Peru (Flora Tristan 11 Aug. 2010), indicated that poverty, lack of information, and lack of access to education are factors of increased vulnerability to violence (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). 1.1 Femicide Human Rights Watch reports that, according to official statistics, there were more than 700 femicides between 2009 and August 2015 (Human Rights Watch 12 Jan. 2017). According to the 2016 article in The Guardian, citing Ana Maria Romero, then Peru's Minister for Women, "[o]n average, 10 women are murdered every month in Peru, while ministry figures indicate a further 20 are victims of attempted femicide" (The Guardian 13 Aug. 2016). According to statistics from the MIMP, based on cases registered by Women's Emergency Centres (Centros Emergencia Mujer - CEM), in 2014, there were 96 femicides and 186 attempted femicides; in 2015, there were 95 femicides and 198 attempted femicides (Peru 2016). According to the same source, in 2016, there were 124 femicides and 258 attempted femicides; in 2017, there were 121 femicides and 247 attempted femicides (Peru 2018). According to US Country Reports 2016, as of September 2016, the MIMP documented 85 femicides - a 33 percent increase compared to 64 in 2015 - and 171 attempted femicides - a 38 percent increase compared to 124 in 2015 (US 3 Mar. 2017, 17). According to the 2017 report by INDAGA, citing information from the Public Ministry (Ministerio Publico), 92 percent of femicides in 100 cases recorded by the Femicide Registry of the Public Ministry in 2016 were "intimate" cases in which the victim had (or previously had) a romantic relationship with their killer; this category also includes cases of killings by family members, such as a father, stepfather, brother, or cousin (Peru Aug. 2017, 20). Within this 92 percent, 46 percent of femicides were committed by a spouse or partner, 16 percent by an ex-partner, 13 percent by a boyfriend, and 8 percent by an ex-boyfriend (Peru Aug. 2017, 21). According to an article published by IPS, in 2017, 79 percent of femicides took place in urban areas, and in "almost 80 percent of the cases, the aggressors were men with an intimate relationship with the victims" (IPS 15 Jan. 2018). 2. Legislation According to a 2016 report by INDAGA, femicide became an "autonomous offence" in the Penal Code (Codigo Penal) in December 2011 (Peru Aug. 2017, 9). According to Human Rights Watch, in September 2015, Peru adopted a new law "that provides for comprehensive measures to prevent and punish violence against women. The law builds on existing judicial measures to protect women at risk, and mandates the creation of shelters to provide temporary refuge from abuse" (Human Rights Watch 12 Jan. 2017). According to sources, Law 30364, the Law to Prevent, Sanction, and Eradicate Violence Against Women and Members of the Family Unit (Ley para prevenir, sancionar y eradicar la violencia contra las mujeres y los integrantes del grupo familiar) was approved in November 2015 and focuses on the protection of victims (RPP 25 Nov. 2017; Peru 26 July 2016). In July 2016, the government also released a Supreme Decree approving the 2016-2021 National Plan Against Gender-Based Violence that aims to provide further protections, in addition to the law (Peru 26 July 2016). According to sources, femicides have increased since the passing of Law 30364 (RPP 25 Nov. 2017; US 3 Mar. 2017, 17). 3. State Protection According to Flora Tristan, Peru has laws against femicide, sexual violence, sexual harassment in the streets, and workplace harassment, as well as Law 30364; however, [translation] while these laws could be improved, the problem is regarding their correct implementation and the funding assigned to them, as well as weaknesses in the awareness and training of judicial officials and service providers, who do not always adequately address cases of gender-based violence in the country. (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018) According to US Country Reports 2016, the law criminalizes rape, including spousal rape, femicide, and domestic violence; however, "[e]nforcement of these laws" is "often ineffective" or "lax" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 17). As cited in the 2016 article in The Guardian, Romero, then Minister for Women, stated that "'[o]ur problem is not a lack of legislation, it is how we apply the law'" (The Guardian 13 Aug. 2016). According to Flora Tristan, there has been a failure in terms of means of protection, a lack of spaces to provide support to women, as well as impunity and insufficient funding to fight violence against women in both public and private spaces (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). According to the same source, there is a lack of knowledge regarding current regulations to address instances of violence, as well as where to access such services (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). According to US Country Reports 2016, [c]ivil society experts claimed that persons significantly underreported rape and domestic violence complaints, due to stigma, mistreatment, weak confidence in the authorities, and a fear of retribution, including further violence. Studies showed that only 27 percent of women age[d] 18 or more who suffered an attack reported it, and most reports did not result in proper sanctions. (US 3 Mar. 2017, 17) According to the Peruvian MIMP, as cited by the Human Rights Council, "only 4 out of 10 cases [of gender-based violence] are actually reported" (UN 26 June 2015, 18). According to Peru's 2016 Demographic and Family Health Survey (Encuesta Demografica y de Salud Familiar - ENDES) report, 27.2 percent of women in violent situations sought institutional help (Peru May 2017, 427). The information in the following paragraph was provided by a representative from Flora Tristan in correspondence with the Research Directorate: Under Law 30364, the process for reporting domestic violence and other forms of violence against women has been accelerated and complaints can be made either by the victim herself or by someone else acting on her behalf, and can be brought to police stations or the Prosecutor General, among others, although obstacles exist in the implementation of these regulations. There are also problems regarding the training and awareness of the staff who receive the complaints. Authorities frequently do not want to accept the claim because it is not considered serious, due to lack of interest, or due to a lack of proof provided by the victim, even though under Law 30364 such proof would not be required. The victim has the right to receive a copy of the report, and the authorities are required to provide it. In order to receive a copy from abroad, the complainant would need to give power of attorney to someone residing in Peru (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). According to the 2016 article in The Guardian, Peru's human rights ombudsman, Eduardo Vega, indicated that the state treated female survivors of physical or sexual violence with "'absolute neglect'" (The Guardian 13 Aug. 2016). US Country Reports 2016 states that "the ombudsman found that 40 percent of police stations did not have adequate facilities to interview victims and the majority of police officers and prosecution office personnel did not have specialized training in the treatment of abused women" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 17). A 2017 article by Radio Programas del Peru (RPP), a Peruvian news source, states that, [translation] "[a]ccording to the Ministry of Women, 70 percent of reported abuses against women are brought to police stations. However, in many cases the police fail to send the report to the Family Court or show a lack of interest in processing the complaint" (RPP 25 Nov. 2017). According to the same source citing Beatriz Ramirez, a constitutional lawyer specializing in gender issues, [translation] "the majority of police staff did not even know that Law 30364 exists, despite their work regarding crime and investigating femicides" (RPP 25 Nov. 2017). According to US Country Reports 2016, in August 2016, "the judiciary created a Gender Justice Commission composed of women judges responsible for promoting a gender justice perspective within the judiciary," as well as "24 jurisdictional bodies to address exclusively domestic violence cases" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 18). In 2017, the UNHCR noted that victims of violence, including domestic violence, face "obstacles" accessing justice (UN Mar. 2017, 26). The June 2017 MIMP guide to Law 30364 indicates that MINJUS provides legal services to victims and to aggressors via the Free Legal Assistance Centres (Centros de Asistencia Legal Gratuita - ALEGRA) (Peru June 2017, 16). According to the same source, the Public Ministry offers the Assistance Program for Victims and Witnesses (Programa de Asistencia a Victimas y Testigos) via the Units for the Assistance of Victims and Witnesses, which are operated by professionals in the areas of law, psychology, and social work to provide assistance facing the emotional consequences of violence against women (Peru June 2017, 17). According to Flora Tristan, it is possible to get forms of protection, including restraining orders, which can be granted by a judge and fall under the authority of the National Police to implement; however, there can be delays in police responses which limit the effectiveness of such measures and do not fully remove the risk posed to the victim (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. 3.1 Femicide According to the 2017 edition of Amnesty International's annual report, in 2016, most cases of murder and attempted murder of women and girls "were not investigated or resulted in suspended prison sentences" (Amnesty International 22 Feb. 2017). In its March 2017 submission to the Universal Periodic Review, the UNHCR noted "low numbers of investigations and prosecutions" in cases of domestic and sexual violence, as well as femicide (UN Mar. 2017, 26). According to Human Rights Watch, while more than 382 women were victims of femicide or attempted femicide in 2016, Peruvian courts "convicted 54 people for 'femicide' between January 2015 and March 2016" (Human Rights Watch 18 Jan. 2018). The 2016 article in The Guardian provides the following information: According to a 2015 study by Peru's ombudsman's office, La Defensoria del Pueblo, in 81% of the studied cases no measures were taken to protect survivors of attempted femicide. As a result, 24% of those women who had sought help were murdered by the assailant they had reported to the authorities, the study concluded. (The Guardian 13 Aug. 2016) The 2018 IPS article, also discussing a 2015 report by the ombudsman's office, reports that in February 2017, a case "occurred in the central highlands region of Ayacucho, where lawyer Evelyn Corahua was murdered after reporting an attempted femicide, and [having] requested protection measures" (IPS 15 Jan. 2018). According to the same source, "in 30 percent of femicides, the victims had brought complaints against their aggressors for domestic violence"; the article quotes a commissioner at the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Women's Rights of the Peruvian Ombudsman's Office as stating that "'[o]ne of the cases was of a woman who had filed complaints four times and did not receive protection'" (IPS 15 Jan. 2018). 4. Support Services According to US Country Reports 2016, the MIMP operated the Women's Emergency Program. The program consisted of 238 service centers with police, prosecutors, counselors, and public welfare agents to help victims of domestic abuse. The program also addressed the legal, psychological, social, and medical problems of victims. (US 3 Mar. 2017, 18) However, the same source notes that "NGOs expressed concerns about the program's quality and quantity, particularly in rural areas" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 18). According to a guide to Law 30364 released by the MIMP in June 2017, referring to a 2016 Directory, there are 245 Women's Emergency Centres (CEMs) (Peru June 2017, 14). According to the same source, these centres provide specialized and free public services that are available throughout the country to victims of different types of violence against women and family group members, including legal, social, and psychological services (Peru June 2017, 14). According to Flora Tristan, [translation] "although the number of these centres has increased over the years, they do not cover the entire country and still do not reach the most remote and rural areas in the country" (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). The same source also notes that monitoring of these services has indicated that there is a need for improving the quality of support provided by these centres, as well as [translation] "increasing their coverage, operating hours, and ensuring their intercultural approach, particularly in the Andean and Amazonian regions of the country" (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. According to the June 2017 guide to Law 30364, the MIMP also had, as of May 2017, ten CEMs, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in police stations in Villa Maria del Triunfo (Lima), Chorrillos (Lima), Imperial (Canete-Lima), Surco (Lima), Carmen Alto y Huanta (Ayacucho), Cerro Colorado (Arequipa), El Milagro (Trujillo-La Libertad), Leonardo Ortiz (Chiclayo-Lambayeque), and Ciudad Nueva (Tacna) (Peru June 2017, 14). According to the same source, the MIMP provides a service called "Linea 100," a free telephone service that provides information, guidance, counselling, and emotional support to victims of domestic or sexual violence (Peru June 2017, 15). Similarly, US Country Reports 2016 notes that the MIMP "operated a toll-free hotline and implemented projects to sensitize government employees and the citizenry to domestic violence" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 18). According to the guide to Law 30364, the MIMP also provides an Urgent Attention Service (Servicio de Atencion Urgente - SAU), a free service that provides immediate attention to victims of domestic and sexual violence who require urgent attention, through Linea 100 and/or that are communicated through other means; operating hours for this service for Lima and Callao are from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Peru June 2017, 15). According to the same source, the MIMP also provides the "CHAT 100" Internet service through which professionals from the National Program Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (Programa Nacional Contra la Violencia Familiar y Sexual) provides information and support online and in real time from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (Peru June 2017, 15). According to US Country Reports 2016, the government also provided "technical assistance to regional governments to support temporary shelters in nine of 25 regions," although "NGOs and members of Congress stated there were not enough shelters for victims of domestic violence and trafficking in persons" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 18). The UNHCR also noted the "insufficient number of shelters available" to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and harassment (UN Mar. 2017, 26). Flora Tristan indicated that shelters are few (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). According to Flora Tristan, there are few civil society organizations that provide advice to women facing violent situations (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). According to the same source, Flora Tristan has provided free advice since 1988 to women experiencing violence; assistance is provided in person at the organization's office, as well as by phone or email (Flora Tristan 19 Feb. 2018). This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. Notes [1] The Conversation is "is an independent source of news and views from the academic and research community, delivered direct to the public" that aims to "promote better understanding of current affairs and complex issues" (The Conversation n.d.b). It started in Australia in 2011 and operates now in several countries, including Canada (The Conversation n.d.b). [2] Peru Reports is "not affiliated with any political or social organization, nor any commercial enterprise" and is an "extension of Colombia Reports, Colombia's top English-language news source" whose "team is made up of professional journalists, photographers and expatriates from the Americas, Europe and Australia" (Peru Reports n.d.). [3] IPS is a global news agency that aims to act as a "communication channel that privileges the voices and the concerns of the poorest" (IPS n.d.). References Amnesty International. 22 February 2017. "Peru." Amnesty International Report 2016/2017: The State of the World's Human Rights. [Accessed 14 Feb. 2018] Boesten, Jelke. 10 August 2016. "Anger at Violence Against Women in Peru Spills Over into Protest." The Conversation. [Accessed 16 Feb. 2018] The Conversation. N.d.a. "Jelke Boesten." [Accessed 16 Feb. 2018] The Conversation. N.d.b. "Who We Are." [Accessed 16 Feb. 2018] Flora Tristan, Centro de la Mujer Peruana. 19 February 2018. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate. Flora Tristan, Centro de la Mujer Peruana. 11 August 2010. "Quienes Somos." [Accessed 23 Feb. 2018] Freedom House. 2016. "Peru." Freedom in the World 2016. [Accessed 16 Feb. 2018] The Guardian. 13 August 2016. Dan Collyns. "Women in Peru Protest Against Rising Tide of Murder and Sexual Crime." [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Human Rights Watch. 18 January 2018. "Peru." World Report 2018: Events of 2017. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2018] Human Rights Watch. 12 January 2017. "Peru." World Report 2017: Events of 2016. [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Inter Press Service (IPS). 15 January 2018. Mariela Jara. "Pardon of Former Peruvian President Fujimori Deals Blow to Fight Against Gender Violence." [Accessed 14 Feb. 2018] Inter Press Service (IPS). 4 August 2017. Andrea Vale. "'I'll Tell You a Story' - Violence Against Women in Peru." [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Inter Press Service (IPS). N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 8 Mar. 2018] Peru. 2018. Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables (MIMP). Programa Nacional Contra la Violencia Familiar y Sexual. Resumen estadistico de casos de feminicidio y tentativa de feminicidio atendidos por los centros emergencia mujer. Periodo: Enero-Diciembre 2017. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2018] Peru. August 2017. Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos, Consejo Nacional de Politica Criminal (CONAPOC), Observatorio Nacional de Politica Criminal - INDAGA. Femenicidos en el Peru. Boletin V. [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Peru. June 2017. Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables (MIMP). Conoce la ley No 30364: Ley para prevenir, sancionar y erradicar la violencia contra las mujeres y los integrantes del grupo familiar y su Reglamento D.S. No 009-2016-MIMP. [Accessed 19 Feb. 2018] Peru. May 2017. Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica (INEI). Encuesta Demografica y de Salud Familiar 2016: Nacional y Regional. [Accessed 5 Mar. 2018] Peru. 26 July 2016. Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables (MIMP). Decreto Supremo que apruaba el "Plan Nacional Contra la Violencia de Genero 2016-2021" : Decreto Supremo No 008-2016-MIMP. [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Peru. 2016. Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables (MIMP). Programa Nacional Contra la Violencia Familiar y Sexual. Resumen estadistico de violencia feminicida. Periodo: Enero-Diciembre 2015. [Accessed 13 Feb. 2018] Peru Reports. 21 August 2016. Jack Dylan Cole. "Domestic Violence Spikes After Historic Women's Protest in Peru." [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Peru Reports. N.d. "About Peru Reports." [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Radio Programas del Peru (RPP). 25 November 2017. Melissa Barrenechea. "La ley no es suficiente para detener la violencia contra las mujeres en el Peru." [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] United Nations (UN). March 2017. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Submission by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' Compilation Report. Universal Periodic Review: 3rd Cycle, 28th Session. [Accessed 16 Feb. 2018] United Nations (UN). 26 June 2015. Human Rights Council. Report of the Working Group on the Issue of Discrimination Against Women in Law and in Practice. Addendum: Mission to Peru. (A/HRC/29/40/Add.2) [Accessed 16 Feb. 2018] United States (US). 3 March 2017. Department of State. "Peru." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016. [Accessed 7 Feb. 2018] Additional Sources Consulted Oral sources: Equal Futures Partnership; The Latin American Caribbean Committee for the Defense of Women's Rights; Peru Ministerio de la Mujer y Desarollo Social; UN UN Women. Internet sites, including: Al Jazeera; BBC; ecoi.net; El Comercio; Factiva; France 24; The Huffington Post; The Independent; International Crisis Group; National Public Radio; Peru Ministerio de Desarollo y Inclusion Social; Raidio Teilifis Eireann; Thomson Reuters Foundation; UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Refworld, UN Women. Somalia: Information on the Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN, also known as INXA), including foundation, objectives, structure, and leadership; treatment of staff and supporters of human rights groups, including PHRN, by Al Shabaab (2005-2013) Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 15 August 2017 Citation / Document Symbol SOM105956.E Related Document(s) A.A.M. v. Minister for Justice & Equality | A.A.M. v. Minister for Justice & Equality Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Somalia: Information on the Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN, also known as INXA), including foundation, objectives, structure, and leadership; treatment of staff and supporters of human rights groups, including PHRN, by Al Shabaab (2005-2013), 15 August 2017, SOM105956.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ad0a20f4.html [accessed 1 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa 1. Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN) 1.1 Foundation of the NGO According to sources, the Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN) is also known by the acronym INXA (Hay'adda Isku Xirka Nabadda iyo Xuqquqda Aadamiga) (PHRN May 2011; Saggiomo 2014; Conciliation Resources 2013, 47). Sources indicate that PHRN was created in 1997 (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013; Saggiomo 2014; Oxfam Novib Aug. 2007, 115). According to PHRN's website, it is a "non-governmental human rights network" that was initially formed "by twenty six (26) indigenous member [o]rganizations based in south central and [P]untland zones" (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013). According to Oxfam Novib, the Dutch affiliate of the international Oxfam organization (Oxfam Novib N.d.), one of PHRN's funders, PHRN's member organizations "represent a broad spectrum of civil society, such as reporters, teachers, former militia members, human rights organisations, and women" (Oxfam Novib Aug. 2007, 115-116). According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), PHRN is listed as a civil society organization that has contributed to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for Somalia (UN n.d.a). 1.2 Objectives According to its website, PHRN's mission statement is: Facilitating the participation of the Somali community in the endeavors of achieving sustainable peace and promoting the respect of human rights and good governance through awareness raising and reconciliation. (PHRN n.d.) According to sources, PHRN's objectives include: promoting peace (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013; Saggiomo 2014; Conciliation Resources 2013, 47); promoting democracy and good governance (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013); promoting and protecting human rights (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013; Saggiomo 2014; IPSTC 2015, 9); promoting participatory development (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013); and empowering women (PHRN n.d.; LAW Jan. 2014, 7). According to PHRN's website, its activities and accomplishments include: Organized reconciliation forums for the warring clans/factions. Organized political forums to bring reforms and reconstruct Somalia. Advocated for the validation of Somalia membership in international agreements, include the Lome/[Cotonou] convention. Promotion of peace activities through social events and activities. H[adrawi] Peace March throughout Somalia. Organized awareness raising program through radio and TV programs[.] Advocated and organized the first civil society congress. Advocated for existence of Transitional Federal Government. Advocated Somalia to end the transition period to full statehood central federal government of Somalia. (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013) Similarly, Oxfam Novib notes that PHRN has, among other activities: "participated in many peace meetings" (Oxfam Novib Aug. 2007, 9); spoken to parliamentarians regarding human rights and "lobbied and advocated for the introduction of a quota system which provided for women's affirmative action" (Oxfam Novib Aug. 2007, 81); and led the Hadrawi Peace March (Oxfam Novib Aug. 2007, 82). The same source also reports that PHRN works on issues such as "the demobilization of the militia, public law, voters['] education, [and] election monitoring" (Oxfam Novib Aug. 2007, 115-116). 1.3 Structure and Leadership The information in the following paragraph comes from two separate pages of PHRN's website: PHRN's strategy includes a "participatory bottom-up approach" (PHRN n.d.). Its structure includes a general assembly, an executive committee, an internal audit and control committee, coordination offices, and task forces (PHRN n.d.). The general assembly is "the highest governing body of PHRN which articulates the Network's vision, mission and approves its activities" (PHRN n.d.). It discusses and approves programs and the annual budget on a yearly basis with all member NGOs of PHRN (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013). The regular general assembly meetings take place every two years (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013). The internal audit and control committee "is elected from the general assembly and responsible to carry [out] overall organizational audit quarterly - the findings of the audit report submits to the general assembly" (PHRN n.d.). The executive committee is responsible for the PHRN's strategies to achieve the vision of the [g]eneral [a]ssembly, for maintaining the [o]rganization's focus on its short and long-term goals, managing its day to day activities, monitoring and controlling its plans, resources and programs, and measuring and correcting its activities to ensure that they conform to plan. (PHRN n.d.) The executive committee approves projects for fundraising in the context of the annual budget and other PHRN programs (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013). It meets twice a month (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013). The coordination offices include a main office in Mogadishu, as well as "sub offices" in Puntland and southwest Somalia; these offices implement "the day-to-day activities of the [o]rganization and coordinate task forces under the guidance of the [e]xecutive [c]ommittee and Chairperson" (PHRN n.d.). PHRN "works through three main taskforces": the Human Rights Task Force, the Awareness Raising Task Force, and the Reconciliation Task Force (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013). These task forces "conduct assessments and make recommendations on the design of the projects and implement the project activities based on their sector of operations" (PHRN n.d.). They "meet every thirty days" (PHRN 16 Mar. 2016). "[A] number of [PHRN's] projects were fully funded by CARE/USAID, EU and Oxfam Novib as a partner" (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013). Oxfam Novib describes PHRN as one of its partners (Oxfam Novib 7 Apr. 2010, 35). According to a 2008 article published by IRIN, then the UN's Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN n.d.), the head of PHRN was Abdinasir Ahmed (UN 24 June 2008). A 2013 article on the website of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) [1] indicates that Abdi Farah Dhere was "deputy chair of the [PHRN] and head of its sub office in Bosaso region, Puntland" until he was killed on 13 July 2013 by "two unidentified men as he left a mosque in the northern part of Galkayo town" (EHAHRDP 17 July 2013). In a 2016 report, EHAHRDP notes that "no one has yet been held to account for his murder" (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, 15). Further and corroborating information on the leadership of PHRN could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. 2. Treatment of Human Rights Defenders by Al Shabaab 2.1 Al Shabaab Sources indicate that Al Shabaab [also spelled al-Shabab; also known as Harakat al-Shabab al-Mujahideen, or the Youth] is a militant Islamist group based in Somalia (Human Rights Watch 16 Apr. 2013; CFR 13 Mar. 2015; US 18 Mar. 2008). According to sources, it came to prominence in Somalia in 2006 (BBC 9 Dec. 2016; The Guardian 16 Aug. 2011; ACLED Apr. 2013). Sources indicate that it formally allied itself with al-Qaeda in February 2012 (BBC 9 Dec. 2016; CFR 13 Mar. 2015). Sources report the following regarding the territory controlled by Al Shabaab: southern Somalia (The Guardian 16 Aug. 2011; Canada n.d.); south-central Somalia (ACLED Apr. 2013, 1); rural areas (BBC 9 Dec. 2016; ACLED 2013, 2; EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, 1) and the capital Mogadishu and surrounding environs (ACLED 2013). For further information on Al Shabaab, see Response to Information Request SOM105662 of November 2013. 2.2 Treatment According to a 2008 article on the EHAHRDP website, in 2008, there was an increase in the "harassment, kidnapping and targeted assassination of aid workers as well as peace and human rights workers" (EHAHRDP 18 July 2008). The same source states that PHRN is "at risk as a result of an increasingly insecure situation in Mogadishu and the targeted threats against human rights activists" (EHAHRDP 18 July 2008). The US Department of State's Country Reports for Human Rights Practices for 2009 and 2010 state that there had been an increase in "al-Shabaab's targeting of civil society groups, peace activists, media, and human rights" organizations and that human rights groups, including the PHRN, "were active during the year, although less than previously because of the increased targeting by al-Shabaab" (US 11 Mar. 2010; US 8 Apr. 2011, 35). Further information on the treatment of PHRN by Al Shabaab could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. In a 2010 report by Oxfam Novib, a program officer with PHRN notes that fear of reprisals is an obstacle in "defending human rights" and that [t]he perpetrators are hard to find and survivors are, for fear of reprisal, often not prepared to report violations. Organisations hesitate to speak out on human rights violations, and those that do are threatened with death if they do not stop their work. (Oxfam Novib 7 April 2010) In its submission to the 2011 UPR, PHRN reports that "human rights defenders often receive threats, anonymous calls, intimidations, SMS messages and other forms of terrorizations" and are subjected to "assassinations, murders or suffer from abductions, arrests, locking of offices, confiscation of properties, and suspension of operations" on account of their advocacy work, and that many activists have fled the country, "often blaming the groups opposing the government" (PHRN May 2011, 3). In a 2016 report, EHAHRDP states that a journalist received "text messages from Al Shabaab - threatening his life - due to his coverage of the ongoing armed conflict in south central Somalia" (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, 4). According to the 2011 US Country Reports, there were "attacks on NGOs" and as "a result of killings, kidnappings, threats, and harassment, some organizations evacuated their staff or halted relief food distribution and other aid-related activities" (US 11 Mar. 2010). The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted in 2011 that Al Shabaab had seized "property and equipment belonging to several [NGOs] and UN agencies" (UN 28 Nov. 2011). The 2012 US Country Reports states that "attacks and incidents of harassment of humanitarian, religious, civil society, and NGO workers resulted in deaths" and that "[s]everal human rights defenders fled the country" (US 19 Apr. 2013, 36). In its 2012 Freedom in the World report, Freedom House states that the conflict in Somalia "forced many NGOs and UN agencies operating in Somalia to either reduce or suspend their activities" (Freedom House 2012). In a February 2016 report detailing attacks on human rights defenders in Somalia and Somaliland, EHAHRDP states that "Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the majority of appalling human rights violations against human rights defenders" (Feb. 2016, 10). The same source further notes that in "south central Somalia, the main perpetrator of violence against human rights defenders is Al Shabaab" (Feb. 2016, 14). 2.3 Incidents of Violence According to the 2016 EHAHRDP report, "non-state actors such as Al Shabaab have threatened [human rights defenders] and carried out a number of killings to target those exposing human rights violations taking place across the country" (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, vi). Sources have reported the following incidents of violence against human rights activists in Somalia: The abduction of "an employee of Care International" near El-Dheer (Galgadud region) in June 2008; this followed the previous abduction of another CARE employee six weeks prior (UN 24 June 2008). IRIN reports that this "incident prompted CARE, one of the largest aid agencies in the war-torn country, to suspend its operations in Galgadud" (UN 24 June 2008). PHRN's website states that CARE/USAID is one of its funders (PHRN 16 Mar. 2013); The killing of peace activist and regional director of the Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD) Mohamed Hassan Kulmiye in Beledweyne, central Somalia, on 22 June 2008 by unidentified gunmen (US 25 Feb. 2009; Reuters 22 June 2008); The killing of "Abdullahi Abdi Egal, a National Reconciliation Commission member in Baidoa" by Al Shabaab on 1 January 2009 (US 11 Mar. 2010); "In January 2010, the body of an employee of a Mogadishu-based NGO was found a day after he was kidnapped by Shabaab gunmen" (Freedom House 2011); In late 2011, the "director of a human rights organisation" was detained by Al Shabaab and reported that "the messages, anonymous phone calls and text messages [he] received before being taken were from Al Shabaab. In one text they swore to kill [him]" (EHAHRPD Feb. 2016, 14); "On 23 July 2013, Adan Salah Abdallah, a human rights monitor in the southwest region of Somalia, was arrested by Al Shabaab fighters" and on 18 November 2013, his family "received the news he had been killed" (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, 16). 3. State Protection The US State department reports the following: Prominent peace activists, clan elders, and their family members became targets and were either killed or injured for their roles in attempted peace-building[,] the government neither identified nor was able to punish the perpetrators. Reports indicated that al-Shabaab and its affiliated militias were behind many of these killings. (US 11 Mar. 2010) In its 2011 submission to the UPR, PHRN states that Somalia lacks an "effective government" to deal with the human rights situation in Somalia, including "endangered [h]uman [r]ights [d]efenders" (PHRN May 2011, 1). A 2011 article by ReliefWeb, OCHA's online service which provides information on "global crises and disasters" (UN n.d.b), quotes [g]overnment of Somalia spokesperson Abdirahman Omar Osman as stating that "Al-Shabaab is responsible for most of [the] human rights violations that happen in Somalia" and that the government takes "very seriously all allegations of human rights and humanitarian law violations" (UN 15 Aug. 2011). According to a document produced by Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, they accepted the recommendations 98.109 to 98.110 and 98.119 to 98.128, among others, of the 2011 UPR (Somalia 21 Sep. 2011). The 2011 UPR, paragraph 98.110 recommends "[e]radicat[ing] the continued impunity for perpetrators of crimes against freedom of expression" (UN 11 July 2011, 19, para. 98.110). Paragraph 98.121 provides the following: "[r]espect, in close cooperation with 'Somaliland' and 'Puntland,' freedom of expression and protect journalists and human rights defenders from abuses aimed at preventing them from exercising their legitimate activity" (UN 11 July 2011, para. 98.121). In their response to the 2011 UPR, Somalia states that [t]he [g]overnment will do everything it can to conduct timely and impartial investigations into the killings and threats of violence against journalists and civil society actors and take all the necessary measures to ensure their personal security. (Somalia 21 Sep. 2011, para. 98.70) The same source further states that [t]he [g]overnment is committed to strengthening the judiciary in order to end the persisting culture of impunity and ensuring that those responsible for violations of human rights and IHL [International Humanitarian Law] are held to account for their actions. (Somalia 21 Sep. 2011, para. 98.102) In contrast, according to the 2016 EHAHRDP report, there is a "pattern of inadequate criminal investigations into violations committed against [human rights defenders]" as well as an "unwillingness and/or inability" of the government to carry out investigations (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, 1). EHAHRDP further states that [r]epeated failures by the Somali government to investigate and prosecute has created a climate of impunity in which those who commit such violations can continue to do so without fear of being held accountable. (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, 17) Without providing further detail, the same source states that EHAHRDP "has been working extensively with Somali [human rights defenders]" since 2005 and in 2012, "deemed it necessary to establish a 'Special Program'" to assist human rights defenders and approximately 200 have benefitted from these programs, including "capacity building on protection, risk assessment and security management tools" (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, vi). Further and corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. Note [1] According to a report by Oxfam Novib, the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) [previously called the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, or EHAHRDN, or EHAHRD-Net] is an organization that advocates for and supports human rights defenders; it was established with support from Oxfam Novib and has 65 affiliated human rights organizations (7 Apr. 2010, 35). It is also known by the name DefendDefenders (EHAHRDP Feb. 2016, vi). References Armed Conflict Location and Event Dataset (ACLED). April 2013. Country Report: Somalia. [Accessed 18 July 2017] Amnesty International. 27 June 2011. Annual Report: Somalia 2011. [Accessed 13 July 2017] British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 9 December 2016. "Who Are Somalia's al-Shabab?" [Accessed 18 July 2017] Canada. N.d. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). "Awareness Guide - Listed Terrorist Entities." [Accessed 18 July 2017] Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). 13 March 2015. Jonathan Masters and Mohammed Aly Sergie. "Al-Shabab." [Accessed 18 July 2017] Conciliation Resources. 2013. "Somali Women and Peacebuilding." By Faiza Jama in Accord Insight: An International Review of Peace Initiatives. Women Building Peace. [Accessed 13 July 2017] East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP). February 2016. "Between a Rock and a Hard Place": Human Rights Defenders under Attack in Somalia and Somaliland. [Accessed 19 July 2017] East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP). 17 July 2013. "Somalia: Investigate Killing of Puntland Human Rights Defender." [Accessed 12 July 2017] East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP). 18 July 2008. "Increasing Targeting of Members of the Somali Human Rights Community." [Accessed 13 July 2017] Freedom House. 2012. "Somalia." Freedom in the World 2012. [Accessed 18 July 2017] Freedom House. 2011. "Somalia." Freedom in the World 2011. [Accessed 18 July 2017] The Guardian. 16 August 2011. Xan Rice. "Q&A: Somalia's Al-Shabaab Rebel Group." [Accessed 18 July 2017] Human Rights Watch. 16 April 2013. "Somalia: New Al-Shabaab Attacks Are War Crimes." [Accessed 18 July 2017] International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC). 2015. Women's Capacity in Peace-building: A Case of Marsabit County in Northern Kenya. Occasional Paper Series 6, No. 2. [Accessed 13 July 2017] IRIN. N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 3 August 2017] Legal Action Worldwide (LAW). January 2014. Women's Rights in the New Somalia: Best Practice Guidelines for MPs and CSOs. [Accessed 13 July 2017] Oxfam Novib. 7 April 2010. Annual Report 2009. [Accessed 19 July 2017] Oxfam Novib. August 2007. External Evaluation of Oxfam Novib's strategy in Somalia: Sythesis Report. [Accessed 19 July 2017] Oxfam Novib. N.d. "Our Story." [Accessed 09 Aug. 2017] Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN). 16 March 2013. "Background Information." [Accessed 12 July 2017] Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN). May 2011. Submission to Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Somalia. [Accessed 13 July 2017] Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN). N.d. "PHRN Strucuture." [Accessed 12 July 2017] Reuters. 22 June 2008. Abdi Sheikh. "Somali Activist Assassinated, U.N. Boss Kidnapped." [Accessed 18 July 2017] Saggiomo, Valeria. 2014. "Building the State from Below: Networks of NGOs and the Politics of Civil Society in Somalia." Informal Power in the Greater Middle East: Hidden Geographies. Edited by Luca Anceschi, Gennaro Gervasio and Andrea Teti. Somalia. 21 September 2011. Somali Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other Specialized Institutions in Switzerland. (SPR/UNOG/000431/11) [Accessed 20 July 2017] United Nations (UN). 16 August 2013. Human Rights Council (HRC). Report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Shamsul Bari. (A/HRC/24/40) [Accessed 17 July 2017] United Nations (UN). 28 November 2011. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Somalia: ERC Valerie Amos Calls on Al-Shabaab to Withdraw from Seized Humanitarian Compounds." [Accessed 17 July 2017] United Nations (UN). 15 August 2011. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). ReliefWeb. "Somali Government Refute Human Rights Watch Allegations." [Accessed 17 July 2017] United Nations (UN). 11 July 2011. Human Rights Council (HRC). Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review: Somalia. (A/HRC/18/6) [Accessed 20 July 2017] United Nations (UN). 24 June 2008. Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). "End Attacks Against Aid Workers, Agencies Urge." [Accessed 18 July 2017] United Nations (UN). N.d.a. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Universal Periodic Review - Somalia - Reference Documents. [Accessed 21 July 2017] United Nations (UN). N.d.b. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). ReliefWeb. "What is ReliefWeb?" [Accessed 4 Aug. 2017] United States (US). 19 April 2013. Department of State. "Somalia." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012. [Accessed 13 July 2017] United States (US). 8 April 2011. Department of State. "Somalia." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2010. [Accessed 17 July 2017] United States (US). 11 March 2010. Department of State. "Somalia." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2009. [Accessed 12 July 2017] United States (US). 25 February 2009. Department of State. "Somalia." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2008. [Accessed 18 July 2017] United States (US). 18 March 2008. Department of State. "Designation of al-Shabaab." [Accessed 18 July 2017] Additional Sources Consulted Oral sources: Academics researching NGOs in Somalia; CARE/USAID; EHAHRDP; Oxfam Novib; PHRN/INXA; Researcher specializing in military and security issues in Sub-Sharan Africa. Internet sites, including: Africa Confidential; Africa Research Bulletin; Al Jazeera; The East African; Factiva; Hiiraan Online; Horseed Media; Mogadishu Post; Le Monde; Puntland Post; Radio France internationale; Review of African Political Economy; Shabelle News; SomaliaPress.com; UN Refworld; Wardheer News. Somalia: Information on the Ogaden clan in Somaliland, including distinguishing features, locations, occupations and position in the clan hierarchy; treatment by the Somaliland authorities and by al-Shabaab (2015-October 2017) Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 23 November 2017 Citation / Document Symbol SOM106011.E Related Document(s) Somalie : information sur le clan Ogaden au Somaliland, y compris ses caracteristiques particulieres, sa repartition geographique, les metiers de ses membres et sa position dans la hierarchie des clans; le traitement qui lui est reserve par les autorites du Somaliland et Al Chabaab (2015-octobre 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Somalia: Information on the Ogaden clan in Somaliland, including distinguishing features, locations, occupations and position in the clan hierarchy; treatment by the Somaliland authorities and by al-Shabaab (2015-October 2017), 23 November 2017, SOM106011.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ad0a3374.html [accessed 1 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa 1. Position of the Ogaden Clan in the Clan Hierarchy Sources indicate that the Ogaden [Ogaadeen] is a sub-clan belonging to the Darood [Darod/Daarood] clan-family (ACCORD 15 Dec. 2009, 12; Ambroso 2002, 9-10; Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017). According to a report on clans in Somalia by the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation (ACCORD), the Darood clan-family is one of the "noble clans," or "nomadic-pastoralist Somalis" (ACCORD 15 Dec. 2009, 11). The same source indicates that the Ogaden speak Af-Maxaa-tiri, which became the official language of Somalia after independence (ACCORD 15 Dec. 2009, 11). A report on the language situation in Somalia by the Norwegian Country of Origin Information Centre (Landinfo) similarly states, based on research by Marcello Lamberti [1], that the Darood dialects from western Somali areas, such as Ogaden in Ethiopia, "became the benchmark for the form of language in school textbooks and broadcasting" (Norway 22 July 2011, 9). In correspondence with the Research Directorate a Lecturer at the Institute of Social Anthropology at Leipzig University, who has published numerous articles on conflict and identity in Somalia, stated that the genealogy of the clan is as follows: Darood had several sons, among them Kablalah and Sede. Kablalah had two main sons called Kombe and Kumade. Sede had one important son called Marrehan. Kombe had several sons, among them Geri and Harti. Kumade had Abdi and Absame. Harti, the son of Kombe, had many sons, the most important were Majeerteen, Warsangeli and Dhulbahante. Absame, son of Kumade, had several sons, the most important were Jidwaq and Ogaden. So, here you have Ogaden. Genealogically speaking, the Ogaden clan is at the same level [as] Majeerteen, Warsangeli and Dhulbahante who dominate in Puntland (Majeerteen) and parts of eastern Somaliland (Dhulbahante and Warsangeli). They would be "cousins" (at a very abstract level). Marrehan [a famous clan that General Mohamed Siyad Barre belonged to] is genealogically speaking the "grandfather" or "grand uncle" of Ogaden (and Dhulbahante, Majeerteen and Warsangeli). It must be kept in mind that genealogies are abstract "maps" of kinship that systematize and summarize relations that are, by now, "historical." They relate back partly dozens of generations (hundreds of years) and cannot be taken as exact representation of "blood kinship". Still, they can be made meaningful in everyday life by concrete (living) actors. (Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017) Sources indicate that the lineage more directly is as follows: Ogaden are part of the Absame, who are part of the Kumade [Kumede], who are part of the Kablalah [Keblaleh], who are part of the Darood (Abbinki 2009, 18-19; Ambroso 2002, chart 3.1; UN 2004, 5-6). According to sources, the Ogaden sub-clan further divides into lineages and sub-lineages (Abbink 2009, 18-20; UN 2004, 6). The Lecturer specified that the "Ogaden divides into Miyir Walal and Makabul. Miyir Walal divides into Bahale and Talomoge. Makabul divides into Reer Sa'ad and Makahil. Bahale, the son of Miyir Walal, has the sons Awl Yahan, Bah Geri and Zuber" (Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017). The same source added the following: An Ogaden person living today would probably count some 15-20 forefathers up to the level of Mohamed Zuber. So in total, he/she would count between 25 and 30 generations back to Darod. But this kind of knowledge is spread variably among living Somalis. Some know the line of forefathers exactly and by heart, others only learned the main "nodal points" in their genealogy, and would not use it much, except when absolutely necessary to establish security or assistance to people in need. Ogadeen is a huge group with probably hundred-thousands members who reside over the whole Somali inhabited Horn of Africa. (27 Oct. 2017) Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. In a 2002 paper on clans and conflict in Somalia, Guido Ambroso, then a field officer at the UNHCR in Hargeisa, states that the Ogaden are "perhaps the largest Somali sub-clan," and have given their name to the ethnically Somali region of Ethiopia (Ambroso 2002, 9). 2. Distinguishing Features According to the Lecturer, [n]o physical features distinguish people who belong to different majority clans, including Ogaden. The main groups in Somalia (Darood, Hawiye, Isaaq, Dir, Rahanweyn) do not exhibit any specific physical differences. They intermix freely in different regions of the Somali territories and constitute what some might call "standard Somali" persons. (Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017). In a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, a Somalia Analyst at the International Crisis Group similarly stated that there are no distinguishing features of any Somali clan, except for minority groups (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017). Sources indicate that there are differences associated with dialects between clans in Somalia (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017; Norway 22 July 2011, 7). According to the Somalia Analyst, the dialect differences mostly affect pronunciation of some words (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017). According to the Landinfo report, Ogaden dialects belong to the Northern Somali dialect group, which includes Ogaden dialects in the Darood sub-group, as well as Af-Ogaden in the Lower Juba sub-group, and Ogaden dialects Af-Abudwaq and Afabdallah in a possible northern Kenya sub-group (Norway 22 July 2011, 11-12). 3. Locations Sources indicate that the Ogaden live in the following areas: Ethiopia (ACCORD 15 Dec. 2009, 12), in the Somali Region (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017; Ambroso 2002, 10) Southern Somalia, in Juba (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017; ACCORD 15 Dec. 2009, 12; Ambroso 2002, 10); and Regions of Kenya (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017; ACCORD 15 Dec. 2009, 12; Ambroso 2002, 10). A map of the Somali clan families published by the Swedish State Secretariat for Migration that shows general geographic location according to the lineages, including of the Ogaden clan, is attached to this Response. In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the Lecturer at Leipzig University stated the following: [Descendants of the Ogaden clan] dominate in Region 5 of Ethiopia [Somali Region] and in Southern Somalia and North-western Kenya. [The Ogaden] do NOT [emphasis in original] predominantly [reside] in Northern Somalia [Somaliland and Puntland]. Individuals have a presence in northern Somali towns like Hargeisa, Lasanod, Bosaso and possibly Garowe. But they do not traditionally reside there in larger numbers. In the past, in the first half of the 20th century, Ogaden had a sizable presence around Hargeisa [Somaliland's capital]. But this changed in the 1940s. Since then, Hargeisa is dominated by Isaaq. (Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017) Without providing further detail, the Somalia Analyst stated that in Somaliland, the Ogaden are not numerous (31 Oct. 2017). According to Ambroso, in Somaliland itself, the main clan is the Isaaq [Isaq/Issak], which dominates most regions of Somaliland, with the Gadabursi clan located in Awdal, the Darood sub-clan Warsangeli [Warsengeli] dominant in Sool [Sol] and the Darood sub-clan Dulbahante [Dhulbahante] dominant in Sool and Sanaag [Sanag] regions (Ambroso 2002, 32-33). Sources indicate that the Ogaden war [2] resulted in an influx of Ogaden refugees into northern Somalia (Wiafe-Amoako 28 July 2016, 231; Hoehne 2015, 41). According to Ambroso, after 1991, the Teferi Ber and Darwanji refugee camps in Ethiopia accommodated refugees from Somaliland, which included Ogaden returnees fleeing the advancing Isaaq-led Somali National Movement (SNM) (Ambroso 2002, 44). In the same paper, Ambroso also states that the collapse of the Barre regime in 1991 resulted in a repatriation to Ethiopia of many Ogaden that had fled to Somalia, and many Ogaden returnees filled senior positions in the new regional administration [in Ethiopia] (Ambroso 2002, 47-48). According to a report on persecutions of minorities in Hargeisa, Somaliland by the Oromia Support Group (OSG) [3], large numbers of Ogaden Somalis also fled to Somaliland following the Ethiopian government's counter-insurgency campaign in the Ogaden region in 2007 (OSG Feb. 2012, 25). Further information on the current number of Ogaden and their geographic locations in Somaliland could not be found within the time constraints of this Response. 4. Traditional Occupations In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the Lecturer at Leipzig University stated the following: Traditionally, Ogaden are often pastoral-nomads. They inhabit semi-arid lands from eastern Ethiopia to southern Somalia to northeast Kenya. Besides animal husbandry, Ogaden are known as traders. They operate in Region 5 of Ethiopia [Somali Region], but also have big businesses e.g. in Kismayo, the second-most important harbor of southern Somalia. Of course, at an individual level, and in "modern times" (since possibly the 1950s), one can find all kinds of occupations of Ogaden men and women. They can be teachers, university professors, clerks, soldiers etc.: in the urban milieu, traditional occupations hardly play a role any more. (Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017) Further and corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. 5. Treatment by the Somaliland Authorities According to a book on the political evolution of Somaliland and Puntland by Markus Hoehne, a lecturer in social anthropology at the University of Leipzig (Hoehne 2015, 2), some of the Ogaden refugees in the Isaaq territories of north-western Somalia were armed by the Barre regime, and between 1981 and 1991, were engaged in the conflict between the Barre regime and the SNM (an Isaaq-based guerrilla movement) that killed many thousands of civilians in Somaliland (Hoehne 2015, 40-41). A 2008 Human Rights Watch report on war crimes in Ethiopia's Somali Regional State states the following: Tensions between certain Ogaadeeni sub-clans and Isaaq clan members are longstanding. Human Rights Watch received reports that ONLF [Ogaden National Liberation Front] [4] forces have regularly targeted traders belonging to the rival Isaaq clan. The ONLF views some Isaaq, including the authorities in Somaliland, as collaborating with the Ethiopian army and transporting food aid as contractors of the Ethiopian government and international relief agencies. (Human Rights Watch 2008, 103) Without providing further detail, the report by the Oromia Support Group states that "refoulement of refugees and asylum-seekers from Somaliland [to Ethiopia], known or suspected to be supporters of the ONLF or OLF, has been continuing since 1996" (OSG Feb. 2012, 40). According to the Lecturer, [s]ome Ogaden sub-clans (like Mohamed Zuber) intermarry with some Isaaq clans (like Idagale). Both meet south of Hargeisa, in the borderlands between Somaliland and Region 5/Eastern Ethiopia. I am not aware of any official relation between Ogaden and the government of Somaliland - besides inter-governmental talks between the regional government of Region 5 (Ethiopia), which is headed by Ogaden, and the government of Somaliland. Such talks happen rarely; maybe occasionally to discuss measures to alleviate effects of periodic droughts or security issues; but the preferred discussion partner for the government of Somaliland is, in my eyes, the central government of Ethiopia. In Somaliland, Ogaden do NOT [emphasis in original] have any official function in government. They are not considered a 'resident clan' [and] they do NOT [emphasis in original] have Somaliland citizenship. Socially, as I mentioned, and at an individual level, Ogaden persons can reside in Somaliland, intermarry with Isaaq and open a business in places like Hargeisa. But this is rather low profile and has nothing to do with an official stake in the government of Somaliland. (Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017) The Somalia Analyst stated that in Somaliland, the Ogaden do not have any access to power, as many Ogaden in Somaliland are refugees (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017). The same source noted that there is a challenge for Ogaden in Somaliland as they have no legal representation, nor any representation in government (Somalia Analyst 31 Oct. 2017). 6. Treatment by al-Shabaab Information on treatment of the Ogaden by al-Shabaab was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. According to the Lecturer, [o]ne has to be careful not to unduly collectivise Somali people. ... The situation of an Ogaden born in Kenya is very different from the one of an Ogaden born in Kismayo from one born in Region 5. Those who reside in southern Somalia (e.g. around Kismayo) are much more exposed to Al Shabaab than the others. This means: at an individual level, an Ogaden from there might feel the urge or need or might be compelled to join Al Shabaab. An Ogaden from Kenya or Ethiopia might not have this exposure. Of course, someone who is ideologically drawn to Al Shabaab might join wherever he/she is, including the diaspora. But, in everyday life, those residing near or in Al Shabaab controlled areas are exposed much more intensively. There have been some Ogaden units in Al Shabaab in the past, one of them has been headed in the past by Madobe, the current president of Jubbaland, who changed 'hats' and is now in the government camp, cooperating with the USA special forces based near Kismayo. Ogaden in Al Shabaab will not be treated differently by Al Shabaab than other members. If they are loyal and dedicated, they will be treated well, in Al Shabaab terms: [this means being] paid for fighting, able to make a career within the movement, expected to die when necessary for the higher cause, [etc.]. (Lecturer 27 Oct. 2017) An International Crisis Group policy briefing on al-Shabaab in Somalia published in 2014 also states that an Ogaden clan member, Ahmed Mohamed Islam "Madobe," from the Ras Kamboni militia, was named Deputy Emir of al-Shabaab in 2005 before becoming President of the Juba Interim Administration (International Crisis Group 26 June 2014, 6). According to a report on South and Central Somalia by the EU's European Asylum Support Office (EASO), citing a report by Lifos, Swedish Migration Agency's expert institution for legal and country of origin information (Sweden 26 Oct. 2017), the Ogaden are divided fifty-fifty on support for al-Shabaab (EU Aug. 2014, 103-104). The International Crisis Group policy briefing states that "[i]n its own terminology, Al-Shabaab divides clans into ansar (supporters of the mujahidin) and gaala lajir (collaborators with unbelievers) (International Crisis Group 26 June 2014, 13). Without providing further detail, the same source indicates that "[t]he Ogaden and Ayr-Habar Gedir clans were originally ansar but became gaala lajir" (International Crisis Group 26 June 2014, 13). According to an article on al-Shabaab's capabilities published in a volume issued by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and written by Ken Menkhaus, a professor of Political Science at Davidson College who has published more than 50 articles and chapters on Somalia and the Horn of Africa, the Ogaden broke from al-Shabaab when the Ras Kamboni militia began fighting al-Shabaab following a dispute over control of Kismayo and turned to Kenya and Ethiopia as external allies (Menkhaus Feb. 2014, 4). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. Notes [1] The Landinfo report cites the following reference: Lamberti, Marcello. 1986. Die Somali-Dialekte. Hamburg: Helmut Buske Publishing (Norway 22 July 2011, 9, 23). [2] The Ogaden War occurred in 1977-1978 between Somalia and Ethiopia for control of the Ogaden region (Hoehne 2015, 41). [3] The Oromia Support Group, citing the Australian branch, is an organization that "raises awareness of the human rights issues affecting the Oromo and other oppressed peoples in Oromia, Ethiopia" (Oromia Support Group Australia n.d.). [4] The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) is a separatist rebel group founded in 1984 and fighting to make Ogaden an independent state (CFR 1 Nov. 2007). References Abbink, Jan. 2009. The Total Somali Clan Genealogy (Second Edition). Working Paper, African Studies Centre, Leiden University. No. 84 [Accessed 19 Oct. 2017] Ambroso, Guido. March 2002. Clanship, Conflict and Refugees: An Introduction to Somalis in the Horn of Africa. [Accessed 27 Oct. 2017] Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation (ACCORD). 15 December 2009. Clans in Somalia: Report on a Lecture by Joakim Gundel, COI Workshop Vienna, 15 May 2009 (Revised Edition). Edited by Daisuke Yoshimura. [Accessed 16 Oct. 2017] Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). 1 November 2007. Rebecca Bloom and Eben Kaplan. "Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF)." [Accessed 16 Nov. 2017] European Union (EU). August 2014. European Asylum Support Office (EASO). EASO Country of Origin Information Report. South and Central Somalia Country Overview. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2017] Hoehne, Markus Virgil. 2015. Between Somaliland and Puntland: Marginalization, Militarization and Conflicting Political Visions. Rift Valley Institute. [Accessed 26 Oct. 2017] Human Rights Watch. June 2008. Collective Punishment: War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in the Ogaden Area of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. [Accessed 19 Oct. 2017] International Crisis Group. 26 June 2014. Somalia: Al-Shabaab It Will Be a Long War. Africa Briefing No. 99. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2017] Lecturer, Institute of Social Anthropology, Leipzig University. 27 October 2017. Correspondence with the Research Directorate. Menkhaus, Ken. February 2014. "Al-Shabab's Capabilities Post-Westgate." CTC Sentinel. Vol. 7, No 2. [Accessed 27 Oct. 2017] Norway. 22 July 2011. Landinfo: Country of Origin Information Centre. Report - Somalia: Language Situation and Dialects. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2017] Oromia Support Group (OSG). February 2012. Trevor Trueman. Persecuted in Ethiopia: Hunted in Hargeisa. Report No. 47. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2017] >Oromia Support Group Australia (OSGA). N.d. . [Accessed 31 Oct. 2017] Somalia Analyst, International Crisis Group. 31 October 2017. Telephone interview with the Research Directorate. Sweden. 26 October 2017. Swedish Migration Agency. "Country of Origin Information, Lifos." [Accessed 15 Nov. 2017] United Nations (UN). 2004. High Commissioner for Refugees, Somalia. "Genealogical Table of Somali Clans." [Accessed 20 Oct. 2017] Wiafe-Amoako, Francis. 28 July 2016. Africa 2016-2017. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Additional Sources Consulted Oral sources: Doctoral candidate in Somali Studies at University of Oxford; Ogaden Somali Community Association of Ontario; Somali-Canadian Association of Etobicoke; Somaliland Representative Office in Canada. Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; Denmark Danish Immigration Service; ecoi.net; Factiva; Freedom House; Google Scholar; Governance and Social Development Resource Centre Research Helpdesk; Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (Somalia); Human Rights Centre Somaliland; Institute for Security Studies Africa; McGill Library; Norway Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers, Norwegian Refugee Council; Sweden Swedish Migration Agency; Taylor & Francis Online; UK Home Office; UN Refworld. Attachment Sweden. 2015. Staatssekretariat fur Migration. Somali Clan Families. [Accessed 27 Oct. 2017] Somalia: Information on the Gadsan clan, including history, cultural practices, locations, occupations and position in the clan hierarchy; relationship with other clans, authorities and Al Shabaab (2015-December 2017) Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 14 December 2017 Citation / Document Symbol SOM106029.E Related Document(s) Somalie : information sur le clan Gadsan, y compris son histoire, ses pratiques culturelles, les regions ou il est present, les metiers de ses membres et sa position dans la hierarchie des clans; sa relation avec les autres clans, les autorites et Al Chabaab (2015-decembre 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Somalia: Information on the Gadsan clan, including history, cultural practices, locations, occupations and position in the clan hierarchy; relationship with other clans, authorities and Al Shabaab (2015-December 2017), 14 December 2017, SOM106029.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ad0c47f4.html [accessed 1 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa 1. Position of the Gadsan Clan in the Clan Hierarchy Sources indicate that the Gadsan [Gaadsen, Gadsen, Gaadsan] clan is a sub-clan of the Dir clan (ITPCM Dec. 2013, 14; Somalia CEWERU Dec. 2013, 15). Sources indicate that the Dir are nomadic pastoralists (ITPCM Dec. 2013, 14; Solomon 2015, 41), and are regarded as being "noble" (Solomon 2015, 41). According to sources, there are four main clans in Somalia: the Dir, Darood [Darod], Hawiye, and Isaaq [1] (Gundel 15 Dec. 2009, 12; EU Aug. 2014, 43-44). A December 2013 article published by the International Training Programme for Conflict Management (ITPCM) [2] states that, according to various persons of Somali origin interviewed in November 2013 in Nairobi, the Hawiye and Darood are major clans in Somalia (ITPCM Dec. 2013, 14). The same source explains that the Hawiye and Darood control Somalia's "political development" and that all the other clans, including the Dir, "rally around these two for state power and control" (ITPCM Dec. 2013, 14). According to sources, the Gadsan clan is a direct sub-clan of the Dir clan (Somalia CEWERU Dec. 2013, 15; Farah Oct. 2016, 8). Other sources indicate that the Gadsan clan is a sub-clan of the Biyomal [Biyamal, Biamal, Biimal] clan, itself a sub-clan of the Dir clan (Waagacusub Media 29 Jan. 2015; Center for Political Studies 28 May 2017, 131). In a 2009 working paper written for the African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) [3] in the Netherlands, Jan Abbink, an "anthropologist-historian" with research focusing on the history and cultures of the Horn of Africa (ASCL n.d.a), states that the Gadsan clan is a sub-clan of the Hiniftire clan, itself a sub-clan of the Maahe, which is a sub-clan of the Dir clan (Abbink 2009, 17-19). A 2002 paper written by Guido Ambroso, while he was a field repatriation officer for UNHCR, states that the Gadsan clan is "considered by some informants as a sub-clan of the Bimal and by most others a clan on its own merit" (Ambroso Mar. 2002, 9, emphasis in original). For further information on the Biyomal clan, see Response to Information Request SOM105305 of October 2015. 2. Locations of the Gadsan Clan In his paper, Ambroso indicates that the Gadsan clan is found in southern Somalia and in eastern Ethiopia (Ambroso 2002, 6, 69). Sources indicate that the Gadsan clan in Somalia is found in the Gedo region (Gutale 2008, 78; CRD May 2004, 15; Sharamo 2012, 198), a southwestern Somali region that borders Kenya and Ethiopia (Sharamo 2012, 198). Sources indicate that the Gedo region is also inhabited by the Marehan and Ogaden sub-clans of the Darood, the Dagodi [Degodia], the Ajuran and the Bantu sub-clan of the Jarer [Jareer] (CRD May 2004, 15; Sharamo 2012, 198). In his doctoral dissertation on politics and struggles of peacemaking in Somalia, submitted in 2012 to the Graduate Faculty of George Mason University, Roba D. Sharamo [4] explains that the Gedo region is [q]uite a volatile region [and that] the major challenges to the peace and stability [of the region] were due to insecurity, rivalry and power struggles between SNF [Somalia National Front]/SRRC [Somali Reconstruction and Restoration Council] (that controlled the Luuq, Dolow and Beledhawa [d]istricts) and SNF (that controlled the El-Wak, Bardera, Burdubo and Gerbeharu [d]istricts); and external conflicts with RRA [Rahanweyn Resistance Army]/SRRC from the Bardeere [d]istricts. The region also experienced frequent communal clashes because of competition over the use of pasturelands. (Sharamo 2012, 198) Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. A 2016 document on famine in Somalia published by the Feinstein International Center, a research and teaching centre at Tufts University that promotes the use of evidence and learning in operational and policy responses to protect people affected by humanitarian crises (Tufts University n.d.), quotes a farmer from the Jamame district, in the south of the Jubba [Juba] valley, as stating that there are about 700 families in his village who belong to various clans, "[t]he largest [being] the Biyomaal followed by the Darood (Majerteen and Ogaden) and the Gaadsan" (Feinstein International Center Jan. 2016, 8, 30). Similarly, according to a 2012 draft document on community reconciliation in the Somali Gedo and Jubba regions, written by the Somalia NGO Consortium, an association of NGOs that acts as a "coordinated voice" for local and international NGOs invested in development and humanitarian work in Somalia (Somalia NGO Consortium n.d.), the Gadsan clan is present in the Lower Jubba region in Somalia (Somalia NGO Consortium 29 Mar. 2012, 6). According to a 2017 report on clans in Somalia, prepared by the International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI), "an international development consulting company" (IBTCI n.d.), and submitted to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Gadsan clan also inhabits the Bakool region in Somalia, specifically the Rabdhure district (IBTCI 20 Sept. 2017, 56). The same source states that the Bakool region is also inhabited by, among others, the Rahanweyne [Rahanweyn] clan, the "Ogden's Aulihan," Reer Afgab sub-clans, Buurashadley, the Aulihan and the Jejele clan (IBTCI 20 Sept. 2017, 56). According to a 2001 report by the UN, the Gadsan clan also live in the Raaso [Rasso, Raso] region in Ethiopia (UN 29 May 2001, 13). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. 3. Employment and Occupations of the Gadsan Clan In a 1999 book on pastoralism and politics in Somalia, Ioan Myrddin Lewis, a former professor at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences who specialised in Somali Studies (WardheerNews.com 3 June 2014), indicates that the Gadsan clan is of a religious or priestly lineage of Somali descent (Lewis 1999, 224). The same source explains that priestly lineages in Somalia are "nominally 'men of God,' possessed of blessing by definition, rather than necessarily learned in the Shariah" (Lewis 1999, 224). According to the same source, clans that are of priestly lineages, such as the Gadsan clan, have a higher proportion of sheikhs [Arab chiefs] than "other 'warrior' lineages and clans" (Lewis 1999, 224). In a 2000 paper on castes and minorities in Somalia, Mohamed Mohamed-Abdi, while he was an anthropologist at the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), explains that the Gadsan clan, along with the Dir clan, belongs to the waranle cast, the members of which [translation] "are holder[s] of land and of water supplies," are "in general" nomadic pastors, and breed dromedaries, cattle, goats and sheep (Mohamed-Abdi 2000, 135). The same source further explains that, among the clans belonging to waranle, some, including the Gadsan, assume religious functions (Mohamed-Abdi 2000, 135). Information on the history and cultural practices of the Gadsan clan could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. 4. Treatment of the Gadsan Clan and Relations to Other Somali Actors According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a project that collects data on "the dates and locations of all reported political violence and protest event in over 60 developing countries in Africa and Asia" (ACLED n.d.), the Gadsan clan has been involved in the following incidents of "non-state armed conflicts": on 5 March 2008, according to local informants, militias of the Gadsan clan and of the Macalin-Weyne sub-clan engaged in a battle, which did not lead to a change of territory, in Luuq in the Gedo region (ACLED 2016, event 84 549); on 28 April 2008, according to local informants, a battle occurred between militias of the Gadsan clan and of the Macalin-Weyne sub-clan in Luuq in the Gedo region (ACLED 2016, event 84 740). According to the same source, the battle did not lead to a change of territory (ACLED 2016, event 84 740). on 4 May 2008, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP) and the Associated Press (AP), militias of the Gadsan clan and of the Rahanweyn-Moalim Weyne sub-clan engaged in a battle over land dispute in Luuq in the Gedo region (ACLED 2016, event 84 771). The same source states that the battle did not lead to a change in territory, and that 12 people died in the 12-hour conflict between the two militias (ACLED 2016, event 84 771); on 13 August 2013, a gunman from a Madhiban clan militia wounded two civilians, one of whom belonged to the Gadsan clan, with gunshots in Qardho in a private dispute (ACLED 2016, event 93 329). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. 4.1 Relationship with Al-Shabaab Information on the Gadsan clan's relationship with Al Shabaab was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. According to ACLED, on 17 November 2015, gunmen, revealed to be from al Shabaab, "shot and killed" a civilian member of the Gadsan clan in Galkacyo in the Mudug region [north-central Somalia] while the victim was at a wedding event (ACLED 2016, event 99 594). The same source states that the motivation for the killing was "unknown" (ACLED 2016, event 99 594). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. 4.2 Relationship with Somali Authorities Information on the Gadsan clan's relationship with Somali authorities was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. Sources report that, in 2015, Ahmed Hassan Gabobe, was named Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs (Waagacusub Media 29 Jan. 2015) or Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs (WardheerNews.com 28 Jan. 2015). The webpage of Somalia's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock indicates that Gabobe is currently the Somali minister of agriculture (Somalia n.d.). According to a 2015 article by Waagacusub Media, a source of "independent news and information in East Africa" (Waagacusub Media n.d.b), based in the Netherlands (Waagacusub Media n.d.a), Gabobe belongs to the Gadsan clan (Waagacusub Media 29 Jan. 2015). The same source states that Gabobe is a former "[i]slamist [e]xtremist and a member of the Cancelled Islamic Union Court" (Waagacusub Media 29 Jan. 2015). According to the same source, Gabobe is "linked [to] participating in fights in Defow, Kabhanley and Lower Shabelle" (Waagacusub Media 29 Jan. 2015). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. Notes [1] A 2011 article written by Abdi Ismail Samatar, a professor at the University of Minnesota who specializes in Somalia and in the relationship between democracy and development (University of Minnesota n.d.), indicates that the Digil and the Rahanweyne are also among the largest clans in Somalia (Samatar Mar. 2011, 50). [2] The ITPCM, a part of the Institute of Law, Politics and Development, an interdisciplinary research centre on law, economics and political science of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (Sant'Anna n.d.a), is an organization that helps "enhance international expertise for the peaceful management of conflicts" and "contributes to the development of political, socio-economic and cultural strategies for lasting peace" (Sant'Anna n.d.b). [3] The ASCL is a "knowledge institute that undertakes research and is involved in teaching about Africa and aims to promote better understanding of and insight into historical, current and future developments in Africa" (ASCL n.d.b). [4] Roba D. Sharamo is a Commissioner at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of the Republic of Kenya who "has over 16 years of experience in international development, diplomacy and conflict analysis and resolution (George Mason University n.d.). References Abbink, Jan. African Studies Centre, Universiteit Leiden. 2009. The Total Somali Clan Genealogy (second edition). Armed Conflict Location and Event Dataset (ACLED). [2016]. Clionadh Raleigh, Andrew Linke, Havard Hegre and Joakim Karisen. "All Africa Files." ACLED Version 7 (1997 - 2016). (Standard File) [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017] Armed Conflict Location and Event Dataset (ACLED). N.d. "About ACLED." [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017] Ambroso, Guido. March 2002. Clanship, Conflict and Refugees: An Introduction to Somalis in the Horn of Africa. [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017] African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL), Universiteit Leiden. N.d.a. "Jan Abbink." [Accessed 7 Dec. 2017] African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL). N.d.b. "About the ASCL." [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017] Gundel, Joakim. 15 December 2009. Clans in Somalia: Report on a Lecture by Joakim Gundel, COI Workshop Vienna, 15 May 2009 (Revised Edition). Edited by Daisuke Yoshimura. [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017] Center for Political Studies, University of Michigan. 28 May 2017. Zhukov, Yuri, Christian Davenport, and Nadiya Kostyuk. xSub: Actor Dictionaries Codebook. [Accessed 28 Nov. 2017] Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD). May 2004. Conflict Analysis: South-Central Somalia. [Accessed 4 Dec. 2017] European Union (EU). August 2014. European Asylum Support Office (EASO). South and Central Somalia - Country Overview. [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017] Farah, Qasim Hersi. October 2016. The Stability/Sustainability Dynamics: The Case of Marine Environmental Management in Somalia. PhD thesis. York University, Canada. [Accessed 28 Nov. 2017] Feinstein International Center. Tufts University. January 2016. Nisar Majid, Guhad Adan, Khalif Abdirahman, Jeeyon Janet Kim and Daniel Maxwell. Narratives of Famine: Somalia 2011. [Accessed 4 Dec. 2017] George Mason University. N.d. School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. "Roba D. Sharamo." [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017] Gutale, Abdirahman Mohamed. 2008. The Alliance Framework: A Micro-Level Approach to Diagnose Protracted Conflict in South Central Somalia. Master's Thesis. University of Kansas, United States. [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017] International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI). 20 September 2017. Sarah Wood, Anna Patterson, Jama Egal, Michael Oloo and Lucas Malla. Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Plus Baseline Assessment Final Report. [Accessed 28 Nov. 2017] International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI). N.d. "About IBTCI." [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017] International Training Programme for Conflict Management (ITPCM). December 2013. "Somalia: Clan and State Politics." ITPCM International Commentary. Vol. IX No. 34. [Accessed 28 Nov. 2017] Lewis, Ioan Myrddin. 1999. A Pastoral Democracy: A Study of Pastoralism and Politics Among the Northern Somali of the Horn of Africa. Oxford: LIT Verlag Munster-Hamburg and James Currey Publishers. Mohamed-Abdi, Mohamed. 2000. "Les bouleversements induits par la guerre civile en Somalie : castes marginales et minorites." Autrepart. Vol. 15. Samatar, Abdi Ismail. 2011. "Debating Somali Identity in a British Tribunal: The Case of the BBC Somali Service." Bildhaan: An International Journal of Somali Studies. Vol. 10. [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017] Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies. N.d.a. "Institute of Law, Politics and Development." [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017] Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies.. N.d.b. "Institute of Law, Politics and Development: ITPCM." [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017] Sharamo, Roba D. 2012. Predatory Politics and Struggles of Peacemaking in Somalia. PhD thesis. George Mason University, United States. [Accessed 4 Dec. 2017] Solomon, Hussein. 2015. Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in Africa. Edited by Stuart Croft. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Somalia. N.d. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. "The Minister." [Accessed 6 Dec. 2017] Somalia Conflict Early Warning Early Response Unit (Somalia CEWERU). December 2013. From the Bottom Up: Southern Regions - Perspectives Through Conflict Analysis and Key Political Actors' Mapping of Gedo, Middle Juba, Lower Juba, and Lower Shabelle. [Accessed 24 Nov. 2017] Somalia NGO Consortium. 29 March 2012. Analytical Framework for Supporting Community Reconciliation in Gedo-Jubba. [Accessed 28 Nov. 2017] Somalia NGO Consortium. N.d. "How We Work in Somalia." [Accessed 7 Dec. 2017] Tufts University. N.d. Feinstein International Center, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. "About Us." [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017] University of Minnesota. N.d. "Abdi I Samatar." [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017] Waagacusub Media. 29 January 2015. "Somalia: Newly-Appointed Cabinet, Their Background and Group Affiliates." [Accessed 6 Dec. 2017] Waagacusub Media. N.d.a. "Contact Us." [Accessed 7 Dec. 2017] Waagacusub Media. N.d.b "About." [Accessed 6 Dec. 2017] WardheerNews.com. 28 January 2015. "Somalia's Prime Minister Names New Cabinet." [Accessed 6 Dec. 2017] WardheerNews.com. 3 June 2014. "I. M. Lewis 1930-2014: A Great Tree Has Fallen." [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017] Additional Sources Consulted Oral sources: Assistant Professor specialized in African and Middle Eastern politics and development at Qatar University; Canadian Friends of Somalia; Life & Peace Institute in Somalia; Midaynta Community Services; Ogaden Somali Community Association of Ontario; Professor of anthropology specialised in African studies at Colby College; Professor with specialization in the African diaspora, social transformation and social change in Africa at the Iowa State University; Professor of African and Middle Eastern History at State University of Savannah; Professor specialized on Somalia at University of Leipzig; Professor specialized in Somalia and in the relationship between democracy and development at the University of Minnesota; Researcher on nation-state and nationalism in Somalia at the University of Oxford. Internet sites, including: ecoi.net; Factiva; Force Migration Review; Freedom House; Human Right Watch; Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre; International Crisis Group; Jane's Intelligence Review; Minority Rights Group International; Somalia Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development; UN Refworld; US Department of State. Lindenhurst, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/13/2018 --First Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. is a renowned company that has been operating Queens, Brooklyn, Jamaica, Babylon, Amityville, Deer Park, Lindenhurst, Farmingdale, Massapequa New York since 1987. With more than three decades of experience in this field, the company has unique expertise in assisting the customers in finding the best insurance policy without breaking their budget. 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The device, bought 18 months ago with help from the British Heart Foundation and used at least once, has been missing since last Wednesday. The defibrillator was kept in an unlocked box at the school gate, as required by the heart charity. Three other devices stationed around the village are in sealed cabinets, unlocked with a code held by 999 call handlers. Parish councillor Simon Johnson said: For someone to steal something like that is a bit low, in my opinion. If its just kids who have taken it for a joke, then all we ask is that they bring it back. Laughton-en-le-Morthen Parish Council bought the subsidised kit along with three other units. The village is around 30 minutes away from Rotherham Hospital and all of the defibs have been used on a number of occasions, council clerk Caroline Havenhand said. These units are quite robust, she added. If someone has dumped it, we may be able to recover it and put it back. Otherwise, we will have to pay an insurance excess and replace it. If we do that, we would have to consider putting it in a locked box. Emergency services said that the defib has not been reported used recently, leading parish councillors to suspect foul play. The theft was reported to police last Saturday councillors decided this Monday to replace the unit it if was not returned by the end of the week. Anyone with information about the missing defibrillator is urged to call Mr Johnson on 01909 561886, or the school on 01909 550531. PARENTS are divided over the introduction of a ban on mobile phones at a secondary school. Children returning to Wath Comprehensive after the Easter Holidays this week were subject to new rules barring them from using their mobile phones during the school day. Students phones, devices and headphones have to be kept switched off and in their bags. The majority of parents commenting on the Facebook group I Grew Up in Wath-Upon-Dearne supported the ban and said it would help pupils to concentrate while they were in school. Some parents, however, expressed concerns about how their children would get in touch with them if they felt unsafe. One man, who described the ban as an absolute joke, said: It wont work - youll just have more kids in detention wasting time because the schools that petty. A father said his daughters had phones on them for safety reasons so they could get in touch with him or their mother. Another said children at the school needed phones because many of them were being bullied. The school said in a letter to parents that it was widely recognised that unregulated use of devices and heightened access to screen time could result in online bullying, anti-social behaviour, limited social skills and limited development of spoken and written language. It said any pupils needing to contact home or a parent or carer should contact the schools main reception. Ellis Steadman, who lives in Wath and is a teacher in Leeds, said he supported the ban. He said: Its standard policy in most schools for mobile devices to be away when on school grounds. The school should be putting other systems in place to help pupils at break times and lunch times if they are finding it difficult and need someone to talk to. Its up to school to enforce it, the parents to support it and the children to accept it. Something like this takes a while to implement and the school cant give up when they get complaints. Gary Johnson, whose son Nathan attends the school, said he could not understand why people were against the new rule. He said: It makes them concentrate in school lessons better, which has to be the biggest plus from this rule. The blanket ban will be phased in - if pupils use their mobile phone before April 23 they will be reminded to switch it off and put it in their bags. If they are caught after this date, but before May 7, the phone will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day. If pupils are caught after May 7, and they have been caught once before, their phone will either be confiscated and given to a parent or placed in a sealed bag for five days. The Advertiser contacted Wath Comprehensive School for comment and was referred to Rotherham Borough Council, which did not respond by the time of going to press. A MAGISTRATE has barred the Advertiser from naming parents whose children have appalling school attendance records. Mr Stephen Walker, chairman of the bench at Sheffield Magistrates Court, issued an anonymity order covering all of the children and adults involved in one court session - against advice published by the Lord Chief Justice. Two defendants had caused their daughter to be absent from school 144 times - an attendance Mr Walker described as appalling. Most of the parents - the majority of whom did not attend court - had been denied permission to take their children on overseas holidays in term time, but taken them anyway, the court heard. In some cases, the childs school attendance dipped below nine days in ten - an average of one unauthorised half-day off every week. But Mr Walker said that the Press should be barred from naming and shaming the adults to protect their children from bullying by classmates. The Advertiser challenged the anonymity order in court, but Mr Walker refused to reverse it. Eight people were prosecuted last Tuesday for failing to ensure regular school attendance and in most cases, the offence was found proved in their absence. Each was fined 220 and ordered to pay 155 costs plus a 30 victim surcharge. Guidance from the Lord Chief Justice, the Rt Hon Lord Thomas, says anonymity should be granted on a case-by-case basis and that concerns over the childs welfare should not automatically win out. But Mr Walker said, when challenged, that he would always favour the childs welfare in such cases. The Advertiser is awaiting a further response from the court on the matter. Whitehead will be sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Monday A 35-YEAR-OLD man caught with a meat cleaver in public is due to be sentenced on Monday. Craig Whitehead, of Studmoor Road, Rotherham, was found guilty of possession of a bladed article at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Whitehead, who denied the offence, was caught with a silver-coloured meat cleaver on Effingham Street, Rotherham, on March 21. Whitehead was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on Monday at Sheffield Magistrates Court. Image credit: De Beers Group De Beers said its Forevermark diamond brand has opened in Indonesia in partnership with the countrys premier jewellery company, Central Mega Kencana (CMK).The Indonesia launch meant Forevermark would now be available in 26 markets globally.We are delighted to be launching Forevermark in the fast-growing Indonesian jewellery market, with our market-leading partner CMK, said Forevermark chief executive Stephen Lussier.Forevermarks brand promise continues to resonate very strongly across the world, and we look forward to exploring the potential for further new market launches as the brand goes from strength to strength.It would initially be sold in 12 stores in the CMK network in the Jakarta region, with plans to expand further in the near future. Fraport AG (FRA.DE, 0O1R.L,FPRUF.PK), the owner and operator of Germany's Frankfurt Airport or FRA, reported Friday that FRA served more than 5.5 million passengers in March 2018, representing strong growth of 13.2 percent year-on-year. Spurred by the Easter holidays, European traffic - including to tourist destinations such as Italy, Spain or Portugal - served as the main growth driver. Cargo volumes slightly contracted by 1.7 percent to 201,965 metric tons in the reporting month, due to the early timing of Easter and the impact of the Chinese New Year falling late this year. Aircraft movements were up 8.6 percent to 41,204 takeoffs and landings, while MTOWs advanced by 6.4 percent to just under 2.6 million metric tons. In the first-quarter of 2018, Frankfurt Airport welcomed more than 14.4 million passengers - an increase of 10.0 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. This strong growth was mainly attributable to the early timing of the Easter holidays and a significant expansion of flight offerings from airlines. Cargo throughput (airfreight + airmail) rose by 0.7 percent to 539,610 metric tons in the first quarter of 2018. Aircraft movements climbed by 8.3 percent to a total of 113,213 takeoffs and landings. Accumulated maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) expanded by 6.1 percent to nearly 7.1 million metric tons. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The government of Vietnam has announced a crackdown on the country's cryptocurrency market in the wake of a multi-million-dollar fraud. Ho Chi Minh City-based startup Modern Tech JSC has gone underground after duping 32,000 people of an estimated VND 15 trillion ($660 million) in relation to two fake cryptocurrency projects and their initial coin offerings (ICOs). Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed an order to draft new rules to "strengthen the management of activities related to cryptocurrencies". He warned financial institutions against accepting digital currencies, and said strict action would be taken against those dealing in them. Currently, there are no laws in Vietnam banning the possession of assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The government had plans last year to develop a legal framework to manage cryptocurrencies and digital assets as they increase in popularity in the east Asian country. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies operate independent of governments and banks, and sparked concerns that they can be used to launder money for criminal networks. Authorities have launched an investigation into the Modern Tech scam. The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) has reportedly agreed to co-operate with police to investigate the case. On Sunday, dozens of people who lost their money after buying iFan and Pincoin cryptocurrencies gathered at the so-called headquarters of the Modern Tech Co. at 68 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, carrying banners saying "biggest digital money fraud in history." They later realized that the company had cleared out its office about a month ago. Modern Tech had claimed to be the authorized Vietnamese representative of two cryptocurrencies, Ifan and Pincoin, and was responsible for conducting two ICOs on their behalf. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Microchip Technology Inc. (MCHP) announced Friday the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended for its pending acquisition of Microsemi Corp. (MSCC). The completion of the merger is also subject to obtaining antitrust clearances from China's Ministry of Commerce, the Japan Fair Trade Commission, Taiwan Fair Trade Commission, Philippine Competition Commission, German Federal Cartel Office and Federal Competition Authority in Austria, each of which continues to review the transaction. The completion of the merger also remains subject to certain other closing conditions, including approval by Microsemi stockholders. Microchip said it now anticipates the merger to be completed in June 2018, assuming the timely receipt of all the regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of the other closing conditions. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Rio Tinto Plc. (RTPPF.PK,RIO.L, RIO, RTNTF.PK) said that it has reviewed arrangements it has with impacted entities, following the announcement by the United States Treasury Department on 6 April, 2018, that it was implementing sanctions on various Russian individuals and companies. The arrangements include Rusal's 20 per cent interest in Queensland Alumina Limited in Australia, including Rusal's associated supply and offtake arrangements, bauxite sales to Rusal's refinery in Ireland and offtake contracts for alumina that are used at Rio Tinto's smelters, mainly in France and Iceland. As a result of the imposition of these sanctions, Rio Tinto is in the process of declaring force majeure on certain contracts and is working with its customers to minimise any disruption in supplies. Rio Tinto said it is committed to fully complying with the US sanctions. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News President Donald Trump lashed out at James Comey in a pair of posts on Twitter on Friday as the former FBI Director is set to kick off a media blitz in support of his new book titled "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership." The tweets from Trump come as excerpts of the memoir emerged in the media, with Comey describing the president as being "unethical, and untethered to truth." "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired," Trump tweeted. "He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH." "He is a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI," the president added. "His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst "botch jobs" of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!" Comey discussed his book, which is due to be released next Tuesday, in an interview with ABC News' chief anchor George Stephanopoulos. The former FBI Director told Stephanopoulos about a meeting he had with Trump last January regarding allegations the then-reality television star engaged in a sexual encounter with prostitutes during a trip to Moscow in 2013. Comey said Trump told him he may want the FBI to investigate the allegations contained in a dossier complied by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele amid concerns his wife might believe the claims. "He says something that distracted me because he said, you know, 'If there's even a 1 percent chance my wife thinks that's true, that's terrible,'" Comey said. "And I remember thinking, 'How could your wife think there's a 1 percent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow?'" he added. "I'm a flawed human being, but there is literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true." Comey said that he also held an earlier meeting with Trump to discuss allegations Russians had interfered with the 2016 election. The former FBI chief said Trump seemed more concerned about spinning the news than addressing the alleged Russian meddling. "The reason that was so striking to me [is] that's just not done," Comey said. "That the intelligence community does intelligence, the White House does PR and spin." Trump dismissed Comey last May, contributing to the decision to appoint special counsel Robert Mueller. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Kuldeep Singh Sengar (file photo) The CBI on Friday began its probe in the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh by questioning BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, one of the accused, and recording the statement of the victim. A Central Bureau of Investigation team visited the hotel in Unnao where the victim is housed under police protection to take her statement. CBI officials also spoke to her anguished family, an official told. Sengar, the MLA from Bangarmau in Unnao district, was brought here at the CBI office early on Friday when he was about to leave for Varanasi. The agency filed three First Investigation Reports late on Thursday over the 2017 rape and the victim's father's death in police custody. Phone call details of the legislator have also been sought, informed sources said. In the first FIR, the CBI named Sengar and Shashi Singh, a woman who allegedly took the rape victim to the Bharatiya Janata Party leader's house. The second FIR is against four of Sengar's accomplices -- Vineet, Baua, Shailu and Sonu -- on charges of rioting, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt. The third one relates to Sengar's brother Atul Singh, who claimed that he was attacked by the victim's father. Atul Singh is currently in judicial custody. The CBI took over the case from a Special Investigative Team following a request to the Centre from the Uttar Pradesh government. Six police personnel, including the Station House Officer of Makhi, Ashok Bhadauria, have been suspended. They are accused of taking the victim's father illegally to the police station where he was beaten up by them along with Atul Singh and Sengar's aides. The policemen are currently being interrogated. Safipur Circle Officer Kunwar Bahadur Singh, who had allegedly not allowed the victim's complaint against Sengar to be entertained initially, is likely to be questioned. Informed sources said that then Unnao Superintendent of Police Neha Pandey and the incumbent district police chief Pushpanjali might also be questioned. The victim tried to set herself ablaze outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence on April 8, claiming inaction in the rape case. Later that day, her father was picked up by the police, beaten up by Atul Singh and his men, following which he died. The incident has triggered outrage. In his second statement since the incident came to light, Adityanath vowed to bring the guilty to book, "however, mighty they may be". Samoa will be the sport fishing mecca for international anglers this month. After the adrenalin filled activities of the Samoa International Game Fishing Association (S.I.G.F.A.) tournament next week, serious fishing aficionados will continue on to the Asau Fishing Tournament in Savaii. After the tournament, people will be heading to the Asau Fishing tournament. People look forward to that one because its much more relaxed, President of the Samoa International Game Fishing Association, Poao Frances Hansell said. Vice president of Samoa Hotel Association and President of the Savaii Tourism Association, Tupai Saleimoa Vaai, agrees with Poao and points out that their goal is to increase these types of events for the big island. Thats the atmosphere that Savaii brings, you dont need to worry about where you need to be at a certain time, your there. Youre away from the hustle and bustle of Apia and you can escape. As a member of the Savaii Association, we are also looking at more events to bring to Savaii, any events that highlights Savaii is always good and we need more events to really bring that exposure to the big island. The Asau Fishing tournament opened for the first time last year. The idea for the Asau tournament was born actually out of Tuilaepas words during one of the openings for S.I.G.F.As tournament, he said if you can do one in Upolu, then do one in Savaii, Tupai, said. And I was very thankful for the support, some of the S.I.G.F.A. members who actually came to me and said can we organise a tournament in Savaii. The Savaii Tourism Association is looking forward to building on top of last years successful fishing tournament in Asau. Last year was the inaugural fishing tour and it was a success. In terms of what it brings to Savaii, our view as a tourism association is we want more exposure to overseas markets and we want to bring punters, now its getting harder trying to bring in boats because its expensive and a lot of sponsorship for bringing boats over are getting cancelled. While the conditions are favourable in Asau, Tupai says they are looking to grow the tournament in Savaii to ensure that it stays fresh and ensures that all potential fishing grounds on the big island are explored. The best fishing grounds are on that side of the island because Asau harbour is safe for the boat. The harbour itself is deep and the anchoring especially in front of Vaimoana is the ideal stay and location where you can sleep in your accommodation and still see your boats. The accessibility of the harbour is also ideal so any kind of boat can go through there. We have a big long line boat that comes through that joins the Yellow Fin II and that can come right through the channel. Us Savaiians are very keen and we got some very passionate operators out there who are willing to make it work. We could hold this tournament in Salelologa, in Faga where Amoa is and you can have it at Fagamalo but some of those places still need work with the infrastructure, but as we like to say in Samoa o le motu e fai mea mafai. We are very fortunate that our executive in Savaii Tourism Association are very passionate and very capable. As a hotelier and tourism association member, these types of events are in line with their vision to boost the tourism of Savaii. Ah Mu School celebrated their culture day at Marist St. Josephs Stadium at Lotopa on Wednesday. The colourful celebration brought together parents, students and staff members to witness cultural dances and many other Samoan activities. Parents were fully entertained as children put on well-rehearsed performances. One of the parents, Tausia Leleai of Maagao, said there is unity in celebrating Samoas culture. I think this is a good time for our young ones to learn more about our culture, she said. As a parent, its so sad to see that our culture has started to fade away and there are so many changes in the way we perform different Samoan cultural activities. But as we can see today (Wednesday) as these young ones performed, they felt the love and understood our own way of living. Another parent, Leota Maria Lavea, from Safotu and Alafua, spoke on the importance of this event on the growth of the children. Im urging the parents to keep on pushing our children to learn basic Samoan traditions. For example, they have to understand that they have to say tulou when walking while other people are sitting. They need to understand that talking and walking while eating is not our way of living; they have to sit down while talking. I mean there are so many other things that our children need to know before they become adults. Leota said shes thankful that culture day is celebrated annually in local schools. We should, its something that we all need to work together on to keep our culture alive for our future generation. Canadas High Commissioner, Mario Bot and their Director of Northeast Asia and Oceania Division, Christopher Burton, are on a mission in the Pacific region. This is part of the Canadian Governments efforts to strengthen their presence in the region through the Asia Pacific Trade and Investment Technical Assistance Facility. This is a seven-year project that was launched at the 2016 Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia by the then Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. They were in Samoa for two days to meet various organisations and dialogue on trade and investment technical assistance facility. Mr. Burton, while speaking to the Samoa Observer said this is a $12 million project and it aims to support reforms to trade and investment policy and regulations. He said they will work with Governments, regional institutions, non-governmental groups and respond accordingly to their requests for technical assistance or for funding. Some of the types of activities we could support would be things like training or travel expenses for a trip to another jurisdiction to meet somebody who is able to solve the problem you cannot solve. So we will be entertaining request for up to $500,000 at a time, but we expect most of the requests to be smaller than that, he said. Mr. Burton adds another purpose of their trip is to raise awareness on the project and also to receive input and feedbacks from their partners. We want to re-engage in a way that is honest and sustainable. We appreciate that we are not next door neighbours, we live in another town, another island, but we want to be helpful from a distance and we want to walk with you in the process of meeting challenges here. Although this Project will apply to all of the Asia pacific developing countries that can receive official development assistance, we have identified the pacific as a region of focus for this project. We certainly expect to ensure that we receive a healthy number of applications from this region and we are able to work with partners here, he said. He explained: Canada is seeking to increase our presence in this region. We are looking for different ways to do that and our motivation for this is that when we look at Canadian priorities, which as you know are climate change, women empowerment and oceans. These are great interest for our current Government. Those match so well with the priorities and challenges facing this region that it is very natural for us to be here. We finalise some important points of the project like the particular types of the activities that could be supported, the application process, we want to make it as simple as possible and really respond to the needs in Samoa and we want to be a useful and convenient partner to you. They will also visit other Forum member countries. WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Signaling its commitment to a clean energy future, New Zealand's government announced Thursday it won't issue any more permits for offshore oil and gas exploration. The move won't affect existing permits for exploration or extraction, meaning the industry is likely to continue in the South Pacific nation for several more decades. Still, the move is a change in direction after voters last year elected the liberal government led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. That followed nine years of conservative leadership under a government that favored expanding the industry. Ardern has pledged to go green by reducing the country's net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. Her government also plans to plant 100 million trees each year and ensure the electricity grid runs entirely from renewable energy. The oil and gas industry is relatively small in New Zealand, employing about 11,000 people and accounting for about 1 percent of the overall economy. It is dwarfed in importance by farming and tourism. But the industry is important to the Taranaki region, where most of the activity is centered. New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom told Radio New Zealand the move was a "kick in the guts for the future of the Taranaki economy." But Ardern said nobody would be losing their jobs as a result of the move. "We're striking the right balance for New Zealand," Ardern said. "We're protecting existing industry, and protecting future generations from climate change." Opposition lawmaker Jonathan Young described the move as "economic vandalism." "This decision is devoid of any rationale. It certainly has nothing to do with climate change," Young said. "These changes will simply shift production elsewhere in the world, not reduce emissions." The idea of an expansion in offshore drilling has proved contentious in New Zealand, particularly after problems elsewhere like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Environmental group Greenpeace hailed Ardern's move. Russel Norman, the group's executive director in New Zealand, said the country "has stood up to one of the most powerful industries in the world." The announcement does not apply to onshore exploration permits. The government said those would continue for the next three years and be reviewed after that. Irwin M. Jacobs, the legendary Qualcomm co-founder, has joined the board of Biological Dynamics, a San Diego life sciences company in which he is an investor. Jacobs, 84, has retired from Qualcomm and stepped down as chairman of the Salk Institute, a post he held between 2006 and 2016. But while scaling back many of his activities, Jacobs has maintained his interest in biomedicine. Biological Dynamics marries biomedical science with high-tech in the form of lab on a chip tests for cancer. The privately held company says its technology can quickly isolate nanoparticles that carry information on disease. Cancer is the first disease the company is tackling. It eventually wants to make automated testing inexpensive and available, including access outside traditional medical settings. Advertisement As one of our earliest investors, Irwin has a deep understanding of our ability to transform the way cancer is detected and diagnosed, CEO Raj Krishnan, said in a statement Friday. His experience and insight, which helped make the smartphone the worlds most ubiquitous platform, will be incredibly valuable as we plan to introduce portable molecular testing into the home. Also joining the board is Martin J. Wygod, founder of Medco Containment Services Inc. Science Playlist On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1020 IEnova, Sempra Energys subsidiary in Mexico, announced its investing about $130 million in a marine terminal that will receive, store and deliver gasoline and diesel fuel at its facility a few miles north of Ensenada. The project, called Baja Refinados, will service consumers in the northern border state of Baja, California, and the company has already signed a long-term contract with the local unit of Chevron to utilize about half of the terminals storage capacity, estimated at about 1 million barrels. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2020 and will become the fourth refined product terminal in Mexico for IEnova. Another subsidiary of Chevron will have the right to acquire 20 percent of the equity in the terminal after commercial operations begin. Advertisement The terminal will be built at IEnovas La Jovita Energy Center, which includes the companys Energia Costa Azul liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. The move is the latest in an aggressive corporate strategy by San Diego-based Sempra to expand IEnovas presence in Mexico, which adopted reform policies in 2013 and 2014 that ended the monopolies of Mexicos state-owned petroleum company PEMEX and electric company CFE. International companies have been encouraged to strike deals to help modernize, streamline and upgrade the countrys energy landscape. Only 7 percent of households in Mexico have access to natural gas. IEnova has also moved into the renewable energy sector, spending about $900 million on a wind energy farm with 84 turbines in the state of Nuevo Leon and taking an active role in wrapping up power agreements for solar projects. The global LNG market is booming and IEnova is looking to add an export component to its Costa Azul facility, with eye on potential customers in Pacific markets. Earlier this year, the company announced it had secured three permits from the Mexican government, should it go ahead with its LNG expansion plans. Advertisement Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski ALSO Advertisement Problems in the pipeline for Sempras subsidiary in Mexico Sempra subsidiary wraps up massive wind energy project in Mexico Sempra anticipates bigger returns for LNG project Former Qualcomm Chairman Paul Jacobs is continuing his efforts to raise money to buy the San Diego cellular giant and take it private, two news outlets reported Thursday. Bloomberg and CNBC said Jacobs is in discussions with potential investors to see if he can raise enough capital to acquire the company. Both news organizations cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter. A representative for Jacobs declined to comment other than to say its early and his efforts to explore an acquisition of Qualcomm were already disclosed. Jacobs, former chief executive and chairman of Qualcomm, revealed earlier this year that he wanted to buy the company and take it private. He was removed from Qualcomms board of directors in March after informing fellow directors of his intentions. Advertisement Jacobs move is considered a long shot by industry observers because of the massive amount of investment required to pull it off. Qualcomms board rejected a $117 billion offer from Broadcom earlier this year on the grounds that it undervalued the company given its long-term growth prospects. Broadcoms hostile takeover attempt was eventually blocked by President Trump over national security concerns. Broadcom was based in Singapore at the time but earlier this month moved its headquarters to San Jose. According to Bloomberg, Jacobs, who owns less than 1 percent of Qualcomm, is in discussions with strategic investors, sovereign wealth funds and wealthy individuals in hopes of raising the money necessary to buy the chipmaker. CNBC reported that Jacobs has hired bankers and lawyers to pursue a deal. The report mentions British semiconductor design firm ARM which is owned by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank and its Vision Fund as a possible investor. ARM denied that it has talked to Jacobs about a possible acquisition involving Qualcomm. " There have been no discussions between Arm and Paul Jacobs on any potential acquisition of Qualcomm, a spokesperson said told CNBC. Jacobs does not believe Qualcomm should split its troubled patent licensing division from its mobile chip division, according to the CNBC report. His plan for turning around the chip maker reportedly would require a large investment and other steps that shareholders would likely view as unpalatable. Son of Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs, Paul Jacobs served as Qualcomms CEO from 2005 to 2014 before handing the reins to current CEO Steve Mollenkopf. Advertisement Jacobs was chairman of the companys board until earlier this year, when he stepped down amid Broadcoms hostile takeover battle. A few days later, Qualcomms board announced that Jacobs would not be nominated for re-election to the board at the companys March shareholder meeting, a move Jacobs called disappointing. Qualcomms stock price has lagged semiconductor peers for at least three years, weighed down by its bruising legal dispute with Apple over patent fees, hefty fines from antitrust regulators and a stagnant smartphone market. The company has been trying to buy Dutch automotive chip maker NXP Semiconductors for more than a year to diversity its business beyond smartphones. But the deal has yet to receive regulatory clearance in China amid rising trade tensions with the U.S. Advertisement Qualcomm is scheduled to report earnings on April 25. Its shares ended trading Thursday at $55.20 but jumped to $57.35 in after-hours trading following the CNBC and Bloomberg reports. Advertisement Business mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com; Twitter:@TechDiego 760-529-4973 The Bonsall Unified School District Board voted Thursday to continue with plans to build a new high school in a rural neighborhood that has vigorously resisted the project. The board unanimously agreed to proceed with plans to build the high school on Gird Road near State Route 76, the place it has long sought to place the campus. Residents of Gird Valley have fought the project, saying it would worsen traffic and pose safety problems, and defeated previous bond measures that would have funded high school construction in the area. School officials said there are no other sites within the districts borders that would work for the planned high school, noting that a site selection committee considered a number of other properties including some that were not for sale but concluded in January that the Gird Valley site was preferable. And time is running out before the student population outgrows the existing temporary high school. Advertisement The student population is estimated to be an additional 800 students in four years, Superintendent David Jones said. There isnt a second alternative option. For now, the districts high school students share a campus with Sullivan Middle School on West Lilac Road. The high school is based on an educational system called New Tech, that combines interdisciplinary lessons and project-based learning to help students develop skills theyll need for future jobs. Officials said the high school will eventually need to move to its own campus to accommodate increased enrollment as Bonsall grows following the recent widening of State Route 76. Opponents say that site has limited access, is in a community of older residents, and has sensitive ecological conditions. They argue that only about half the site is usable for construction, and that wont be enough to accommodate the 1,500 high school students expected in the future. Instead, they favor building the new high school on land adjacent to the middle school, or closer to Interstate 15. Theres decades of resistance to this project, said Teresa Platt, organizer of the community group Save Gird Valley. We want a school, we want great education I would really like to help you pass a bond measure and not waste my time killing one. Parents expressed frustration that the promised high school appears no closer to construction than it was years ago when many of them moved to the area. And they voiced indignation toward Gird Valley residents who have blocked the project. We arent trying to ruin Gird Valley, said Amanda Maldonado, a mother of three, including two school-age children at Bonsall Elementary. Were only trying to put a school there, where it is rightfully ours to build on. This high school is not a want. Its a need. In order to proceed with the campus, the district must try once again to pass a bond measure. It is considering a $37 million bond that covers the estimated $31 million for the high school, as well as some other infrastructure needs, Jones said. It would cost about $35 per $100,000 of appraised home value, and would run in the November election if the board decides at a subsequent meeting to approve the ballot measure. A survey conducted by the bond finance firm Urban Futures, and released Thursday, found that more than 55 percent of voters favored it. Advertisement The district would also have to finish environmental review of the Gird Valley site, before voting definitively to approve it. Opponents have attacked the draft environmental impact report, so the district will have to respond to their objections and identify mitigation measures. The organization Save Gird Valley submitted a letter critiquing the draft environmental impact report, saying it failed to address traffic and parking problems with the site, didnt account for evacuation routes in case of fire or earthquake, and would disrupt sensitive ecosystems in the area. A letter from the Endangered Habitats League stated that the district improperly grazed the land with goats before analyzing its habitat, which could have removed sensitive plants before the survey. It also said the document didnt account for the projects impact on the endangered southwestern arroyo toad and threatened coastal California gnatcatcher. And it lacks strategies to avoid or mitigate impacts to critical habitat, the letter stated, blasting the document as informationally deficient. Advertisement deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan Oceansides City Council gave a final okay Wednesday to medical marijuana cultivation, manufacture and distribution and set a date in July to review the exclusion of dispensaries and some other points of the freshly adopted ordinance. A last-minute compromise deleted dispensaries from the ordinance to get its initial approval March 28, on a 4-1 vote with Councilman Jack Feller opposed. Council members Jerry Kern and Chuck Lowery, who served on the ad hoc committee that prepared the ordinance, both supported the compromise to get the ordinance passed. But both have said dispensaries are an essential link in the supply chain for medical marijuana patients, and want to refine the new ordinance. Farmers in Oceansides northeastern Morro Hills area, who look at cannabis as a vital new cash crop, also are unhappy about limits on greenhouses and a provision in the ordinance that requires a 1,000-foot setback between marijuana cultivation facilities. Advertisement We could only get in one, possibly two, 22,000-square-foot (greenhouse) facilities on 40 acres, Morro Hills farmer Alan Fritz to the council Wednesday. The 1,000-foot setback rule could create problems for greenhouses placed near property boundaries, or for other crops such as flowers grown near the facilities, farmers said. Council members voted 3-2, with Lowery and Feller opposed, on Wednesday for the final approval of the ordinance, and then 3-2, with Councilwoman Esther Sanchez and Feller opposed, to schedule the workshop for 1 p.m. July 20 to review it. The addition of dispensaries, reduced setbacks and other changes could be made as amendments to the ordinance, City Attorney John Mullen said. The ordinance, as is, becomes effective in 30 days. No licenses or permits will be issued until the city has established a fee structure to cover the costs, which is expected to take four to six months. Several of the same public speakers who have addressed the council at previous meetings, some in support and some opposed, spoke again Wednesday night. Few were happy with the ordinance as written, though many saw it as progress in the right direction. We oppose the ordinance in its current form, said Dallin Young, executive director of the San Diego-based Association of Cannabis Professionals. The association is one of several groups that has begun steps to place cannabis legalization measures on the ballot in some cities. You have forced patients to turn to the black market by eliminating dispensaries, Young said. The association maintains that legal access to medical and recreational marijuana helps to shut down the black market. Advertisement Last month, the Oceanside council agreed to remove dispensaries from the ordinance and to reconsider after the Police Department has had time to investigate possible links between dispensaries and crime in the neighborhoods around them. Police Chief Frank McCoy said that could take up to a year. I cant see waiting a year, Kern said Wednesday, asking to have the Police Departments report in June. Much of the work has already been done, he said, and the information should be readily available. The ad hoc committee included the 1,000-foot setback based on the citys requirements for other activities, such as liquor stores, Kern said. However, such activities are not necessarily similar to marijuana cultivation. Thats our fault, he said, referring to the ad hoc committee. We are kind of flying by the seat of our pants here. Advertisement Still, he bristled at some speakers criticism of the committees work. We looked at both sides, all the facts, Kern said. We worked really hard to get where we are today. Most other North County cities have passed local ordinances that supersede the states new marijuana laws, and prohibit the commercial cultivation and sale of medical and recreational marijuana. The San Diego City Council voted 6-3 in September to legalize cultivation, testing, the manufacture of products such as edibles, and retail sales in storefront dispensaries for recreational and medical marijuana. Advertisement The only other cities in San Diego County that allow dispensaries are La Mesa and Lemon Grove. The county has licensed several dispensaries in unincorporated areas, including at least one that is also a commercial grower near Gillespie Field outside El Cajon. Advertisement philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl In June, Disney will release its 20th Pixar animated film, the latest in a lucrative collaboration that began more than 20 years ago. To celebrate that partnership, the Disneyland Resort on Friday, April 13, launched a five-month Pixar Fest celebration at both of its Anaheim theme parks. Through Sept. 3, Pixar films will be integrated at an unprecedented level into Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks parades, nighttime shows, rides, attractions, gift shop merchandise and even food concessions. Disneylands Paint the Night parade returns this spring at the adjacent Disney California Adventure park as part of the summerlong Pixar Fest. (Joshua Sudock / Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort ) Its not as if Pixar an Emeryville computer-generated animation studio that Disney acquired in 1996 wasnt already a huge presence in the parks. Disney California has entire lands devoted to the Pixar films Cars and A Bugs Life, and rides and shows in both parks themed to Finding Nemo, Toy Story and Monsters, Inc., not to mention all the Pixar walk-around costumed characters. Advertisement But this years events will put Pixar characters front and center, rather than side by side Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. The festivals grand centerpiece will be the June 23 unveiling of Pixar Pier, a themed revamp of the former Paradise Pier area in Disney California Adventure park, which opened in February 2001. Pixar Pier will have several new restaurants and gift shops selling Pixar-themed merchandise and all of its rides will have new Pixar themes. On June 15, Disney opens its 20th Pixar film, The Incredibles 2, followed a week later by the opening of the Incredicoaster, a revamp of the 17-year-old California Screamin roller-coaster in Disney California. The coasters cars and mechanical elements are being refurbished and a new roofed ride queue is being added, along with three scream tunnels at various places along the track, where riders will see the Incredibles superhero family attempting a rescue. Heres a look at some of the highlights of Pixar Fest, which runs through Sept. 3. For more information, visit disneyland.disney.go.com. Together Forever A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular : Disneylands nighttime fireworks show is now exclusively devoted to Pixar music and characters with the theme of friendship. The spectacular 15-minute show includes animated projections on Sleeping Beautys Castle and Main Street, fireworks, fire effects, a flying Buzz Lightyear, giant inflatable calaveras (skeletons) from Coco and Carls house from Up floating skyward under a giant bouquet of balloons. : Disneylands nighttime fireworks show is now exclusively devoted to Pixar music and characters with the theme of friendship. The spectacular 15-minute show includes animated projections on Sleeping Beautys Castle and Main Street, fireworks, fire effects, a flying Buzz Lightyear, giant inflatable calaveras (skeletons) from Coco and Carls house from Up floating skyward under a giant bouquet of balloons. Paint the Night , Disneylands 4-year-old nighttime procession illuminated by 1.5 million lights, has reopened at Disney California Adventure. It features several new Pixar characters. In June, an Incredibles float will be added. , Disneylands 4-year-old nighttime procession illuminated by 1.5 million lights, has reopened at Disney California Adventure. It features several new Pixar characters. In June, an Incredibles float will be added. Pixar Play Parade , a daytime procession formerly at Disney California, moves to Disneyland. It has new elements from Up and Inside Out and its now led by a giant re-creation of Pixars logo, an animated desk lamp. , a daytime procession formerly at Disney California, moves to Disneyland. It has new elements from Up and Inside Out and its now led by a giant re-creation of Pixars logo, an animated desk lamp. A selection of Pixar short films are now screening in Disney Californias Sunset Showcase Theater. The new seven-piece Pixarmonic Orchestra , inspired by the film Inside Out, is playing Pixar film tunes at the Paradise Gardens area of Disney California. , inspired by the film Inside Out, is playing Pixar film tunes at the Paradise Gardens area of Disney California. Several hundred Pixar-related items will be rolled out throughout the summer at park gift shops, including friendship bracelets, keychains, mouse ear hats, trading pins, clothing, illuminated drink cups, popcorn containers, bubble-blower toys and tree ornaments. Through Sept. 3, Redd Rocketts Pizza Port restaurant in Disneyland has been re-themed Alien Pizza Planet , serving Toy Story-inspired pepperoni and cheeseburger pizzas, among other items. , serving Toy Story-inspired pepperoni and cheeseburger pizzas, among other items. New Pixar-themed food items include Toy Story alien macaron cookies, Coco-themed Mexican food including vaporcitos, mole verde con pollo and tacos de estilo callejero, Ratatouille-themed gourmet seafood items and a grape slushy drink and fried bologna sandwich from Up. Other new items include colorful cake, root beer float, berry funnel cakes and candy-colored churros. New Toy Story"-themed food items, including a colorful layer cake featuring Pixars ball logo on top, and an alien macaron cookie, are featured during Pixar Fest. (Pam Kragen/San Diego Union-Tribune ) Advertisement pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @pamkragen They say its still happening and demand that it stop. In an extraordinary treatise, dozens of female Democratic activists in San Diego accused their local party of turning a blind eye to claims of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment by men within its ranks. This comes at a time when Democrats here are hoping they will ride a surging blue wave in this election that has been fueled by opposition to President Donald Trump and, ironically, the #MeToo movement. Activism, employment and candidacy within the San Diego County Democratic Party, however, remains unsafe, rife with potential for unchecked sexual harassment and worse, despite several attempts to create fair internal systems of accountability since the resignation of disgraced former Mayor Bob Filner in 2013, reads an opinion column signed by 30 women that was published by the Voice of San Diego last week. Advertisement Their frustration with the leadership of the San Diego party came out not only through the tone of the column but in revealing how they went about composing it. We have had enough. Now is the time to reject silence and demand action from the party whose very success and future rests on the backs of women, they wrote. Most telling about the current state of affairs: We have been meeting in private for months, keeping our activities secret, because we suspected our efforts to make change might be subverted by the very party whose ideals inspire us, and for whose successes we continue to work tirelessly. As examples, the piece refers to two specific instances of alleged inappropriate behavior without naming the individuals though it seems obvious they were the subjects of widely circulated news reports along with criticizing how the party responded. Among those signing the column were congressional candidate Sara Jacobs, Southwestern Community College District board member Nora E. Vargas, labor strategist Gretchen Newsom, Martin Luther King Democratic Club President Temika M. Cook and political consultant Eva Posner. San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Jessica Hayes acknowledged their concerns. She said leadership was limited in how it could act by internal rules and the law, but added that steps were being taken to improve the process. Were as responsive as we can be, Hayes said. Nevertheless, she disputed some of the broad claims. Advertisement Im sorry they feel that way, said Hayes, who became chair early in 2017. But I dont think thats true that its unsafe and that its rife for sexual harassment. She further said that some of the womens complaints have not been raised with the partys central committee. But the critics say some party leaders have blocked their efforts to bring their complaints before the committee with procedural moves. Hayes said even if the women dont trust the leaders, others within the party could help advance their concerns. I dont know why they dont bring it forward. If they dont like me, theres always someone they can talk to, she said. Advertisement She questioned whether there was political motivation for some of the women to criticize the party. She pointed out there were a few candidates on the list, some who didnt receive the partys endorsement. But theres one candidate who did and other women who are affiliated with party-backed candidates. Cook, one of the signers, said she has witnessed others being harassed and groped, and has been subjected to it herself. She declined to name names, but said theres been inappropriate behavior by men who are campaign donors, candidates and elected officials. Cook said this has occurred at campaign offices, during press conferences and on precinct walks. She also said she has raised her voice about it. Ive reported to numerous people in the central committee and nothing has happened, she said in an interview. Advertisement Hayes said some have alleged inappropriate behavior occurred outside the party structure, which she said leaders have little recourse to address. She said the women have been advised to report the behavior to police, or even employers, depending on the setting. She admitted when the party has taken up such matters, it hasnt necessarily moved quickly. Were an institution and institutions move slowly, she said, adding the party must follow due process. The party was criticized for not acting to remove labor leader Mickey Kasparian from the central committee after he was sued for harassment by employees of organizations he led. During the dispute, he made a $10,000 contribution to the party. Hayes said in addition to fairness concerns, there was internal political maneuvering that prevented his removal. He resigned in December following a new lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. The lawsuits have been settled. Advertisement Hayes said the party is working to improve the process to handle complaints about harassment and gender-based issues and hopes to have an announcement in July, after the June primary. In their opinion piece, the authors noted the recent establishment of a Womens Advisory Committee within the party but added that this committee must be further empowered to make long-awaited changes. Some of the partys critics had different thoughts about the panel. Cook didnt think it would lead to much. Its slapping a Band-Aid on a six-inch cut that goes deep to the bone, she said. Advertisement Rebecca Fielding-Miller, a UC San Diego professor in public health who focuses on gender-based violence, was somewhat more hopeful. It depends on what that committee is allowed to do, said Fielding-Miller, who also signed the column. She noted that the issues they raised arent only affecting the Democratic Party, but are found in all walks of life. We want to hold our party to a higher standard because they rely on (women) so much, she said. Advertisement Beyond claims about harassment, the critics said they have broad concerns about gender and racial inequities within the party. The women leading this fight span a wide racial and age spectrum, though most are younger than much of the party leadership. They said the party needs to undergo a cultural shift; some said it also needs a change in leaders. The potential for an intraparty fight on top of a split in organized labor over issues surrounding Kasparian does not bode well for a harmonious front during an election year, when Democrats hope to make big gains. Cook said shes tired of seeing these matters swept under the rug. Fielding-Miller said, These are really important conversations to have. Advertisement Fielding-Miller added that her hope is we come out of those so much stronger. In any event, its clear the Democratic blue wave is experiencing turbulent undercurrents in San Diego. Liliana Schlierf woke to the sound of banging on her door and her neighbors voice crying, Help me! Help me! When she opened the door of her Pacific Beach condominium, Merlino Bautista fell face down across the threshold, bleeding profusely. Schlierf and her husband, Gary Schlierf, saw Bautistas nephew a few feet away before he walked back into his condo two doors down. He seemed disassociated from the severity of the situation, Gary Schlierf testified Friday. Advertisement The couple were called as witnesses in a preliminary hearing for Randy Baisa, 37, who is charged with murder in the stabbing death of his 66-year-old uncle on Jan. 17. Several police officers and a deputy medical examiner also testified before San Diego Superior Court Judge Lorna Alksne found there was sufficient evidence against Baisa to hold him for trial. Alksne ordered Baisa to remain in jail with bail set at $2 million. His next court date was set for April 27. Defense attorney Stephen Cline has said previously that Baisa suffers from mental health issues and takes several psychiatric medications. The officers testified that they were sent to The Plaza Condominiums on Diamond Street about 1:20 a.m. on Jan. 17. The first officer there saw Bautista lying in one doorway and a trail of blood leading to another. Bautista apparently walked down the hall to seek help after being attacked. Officers found a bloody knife and a blood-soaked blanket in Bautistas condo, which he shared with his nephew. Bautista named Baisa as his killer, then died at a hospital, Officer Evan Hughes testified. Baisa was arrested at the condo, questioned, then jailed that night. Advertisement Deputy Medical Examiner AbuBakr Marzouk testified that Bautista suffered 18 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his lungs and were mortal, plus 10 cuts and six blunt-force injuries. One wound severed an artery in Bautistas arm. The Schlierfs testified that three or four years ago, Bautista came to their door early one morning and asked them to call 911 because his nephew was hallucinating. Detective Luke Johnson testified that Baisa had a rocky relationship with his uncle, who kicked him out of the condo several times. The detective said Baisas father related in an interview that his son had been in a mental facility, then returned to the condo, but was kicked out again two days before Bautistas death. Advertisement Advertisement pauline.repard@sduniontribune Twitter: @pdrepard A 29-year-old man with a history of drunken driving was ordered to prison Friday for 15 years to life for a DUI hit-and-run crash that killed a man who was sitting at a Chula Vista bus bench. Nicholas Ramirez apologized to the victims family and expressed remorse before Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring handed down the maximum sentence. A jury found Ramirez guilty in December 2017 of second-degree murder in the death of 65-year-old William Gerling. Ramirez also was found guilty of vehicular manslaughter while impaired, hit and run and driving under the influence causing injury. Advertisement His blood-alcohol content measured .21 percent, Deputy District Attorney Cally Bright said. In California, .08 percent is the legal limit at which a driver is presumed intoxicated. Authorities said Ramirez left a Third Avenue bar in Chula Vista about 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2016, hit one or two parked cars and kept going. He returned to the bar, where crash witnesses confronted him. He sped away and his car went out of control near Orange Avenue, where it jumped a curb and hit Gerling. Gerlings leg was severed in the impact. Ramirez came back to the crash site later with his father and was arrested. Bright said Ramirez was arrested twice in 2009 for DUI, in Chula Vista where he had a blood-alcohol content of .18 percent after hitting four parked cars, and in El Cajon, where he had a .20 percent blood-alcohol content. Advertisement pauline.repard@sduniontribune Twitter: @pdrepard Rumors are flying that Google is on the edge of releasing a major update to the web version of Gmail - one of Googles most widely used products, boasting at least a billion users. In a statement, Google did not confirm specific changes but did acknowledge that its working on an update to its email service. Were working on some major updates to Gmail (theyre still in draft phase). We need a bit more time to compose ourselves, so cant share anything yet - archive this for now, and well let you know when its time to hit send, the company said in a statement. Additions may include a snooze feature and automatically generated smart reply suggestions already available in Googles mobile email apps, according to a report from Android Authority. The new Gmail will also reportedly look more like the Gmail mobile app. The report says some people who pay for Googles suite of services, called GSuite, received messages asking if they wanted to participate in a program to preview upcoming changes - including a Gmail redesign. Advertisement Google last overhauled Gmails web look in 2011, opting for a more spaced-out, cleaner look as part of an effort to unify the way its products appear on desktop and mobile. That redesign drew mixed reactions from those who missed Gmails original look. Given what has been reported about the changes, it sounds like Google is again hoping to update its web look with elements from its mobile operating system, such as a search bar with rounded corners. Google did not say when its update to Gmail may go live. The company is set to host its annual developers conference May 8; Google often unveils new software and services at that conference. The first memorial service for Water Man Dave Ross will be in the heart of the neighborhood where he was best known. At 10 a.m. Friday, Father Joes Villages will hold a memorial for Ross at the Neil Good Day Center, 299 17th St., which provides the homeless with mail services, a laundry facility, access to various homeless services and a safe environment to spend the day. Ross, who died Monday at 83, was a frequent and welcome sight for homeless people in downtown San Diego for the past two decades. He earned his nickname by providing bottled water to people on the street and also was known as an advocate who fought for better conditions for homeless people. Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joes, said the memorial will conclude with people being given bottled water to hand out in the neighborhood. Advertisement Ross reportedly had been diagnosed with brain cancer, and friends who knew he was nearing the end held a wake for him in Fault Line Park in San Diegos East Village last February. Attorney Scott Dreher, who had represented Ross in lawsuits against the city, organized the wake and has said he plans to help organize a memorial for him. His daughter, Cassandra, is a filmmaker working on a documentary about Ross. In another tribute, the San Diego City Council adjourned in his memory Wednesday. Father Joes Villages, which operates the Neil Good Day Center, also is planning to offer a Mass to Ross on Wednesday at the chapel in the Joan Kroc Center. Vargas said Ross name will be added to the chapals memorial wall during the Mass. Ross did not have family in San Diego, but does have two sons. Butler Ross, 55, lives in Colorado with his mother, Paula Jo Wells, Ross first wife. He said his brother, Randy Ross, about 57, lives in El Segundo. Butler Ross said his mother and father were married in about 1959 and divorced about four years later. He said his father married his second wife, Sandy, in 1972 when the family was living in Costa Mesa and Ross had his own Pontiac dealership. Dave Ross is shown with his two sons, Randy and Butler (left to right), when he had his own car dealership in Costa Mesa during the 1970s. (Courtesy Butler Ross ) The family, including a daughter from Sandys previous marriage, moved to Dallas in the mid 1970s, Butler Ross said. Sandy died suddenly of a brain aneurysm in 1977. Advertisement Dreher said Ross had told him that her death was shattering to him, and the loss of love in his life was part of his motivation to help others. Butler Ross, however, said his father did find love at least one other time, and remarried in 1980. That married ended after a few years, however, he said. Advertisement Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT Advertisement 760-529-4939 Licensed cannabis retailers in San Diego expressed praise Friday for a decision by President Trump to back away from plans by the Justice Department to crack down on the sale of recreational marijuana. Trump over-ruled Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who said in January that federal prosecutors would be free to raid and prosecute retailers in states where cannabis is legal. The Los Angeles Times reported that Trump reversed Sessions position at the request of Republican Sen. Corey Gardner of Colorado, who represents a state that approved recreational marijuana sales in 2014. So-called adult use marijuana went on sale in California early this year, and retailers have reported brisk business. But Sessions remarks caused lots of anxiety and may have impacted investment in legal cannabis. Advertisement Im a big fan of wait-and-see what happens, but this is amazing news, said Will Senn, co-founder of Urbn Leaf, which operates two licensed marijuana stores in San Diego and will soon open a third. I dont think this will have much impact on retail sales. But it could help lead to more financial investment in the cannabis industry. Senn is vice president of Floris Fund, a private equity fund that is trying to raise $40 million to invest in the cannabis industry. He said the fund has raised close to half that figure. Todays news will help our industry across the board, with everything from banking to investments to greater public acceptance, said Lincoln Fish, chief executive of Outco, a cultivator and wholesaler near El Cajon that provides stores with recreational and medical marijuana. This has always been a states rights issue and we are pleased that this administration has finally recognized that right. Zach Lazarus, co-founder of A Green Alternative, a licensed retailer in Otay Mesa, said, It would be unwise for Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions to try to shut down lawful dispensaries. Its legal. People want it. Our growth is going through the roof, were employing more people, and were paying our taxes. Mayor Faulconers new budget proposal is getting bipartisan praise for avoiding deep cuts. The consensus makes a repeat of last years contentious negotiations with the City Council less likely. Council members, however, say they will examine the plan carefully in coming weeks. The proposed budget that Republican Mayor Kevin Faulconer unveiled on Thursday is receiving bipartisan praise for sharply boosting infrastructure spending and avoiding deep cuts to neighborhood services despite funding challenges. The mayor is proposing zero cuts to core services this means protecting public health and safety, parks, libraries, rec centers and the arts program, said Democratic Councilwoman Barbara Bry of La Jolla, who chairs the councils Budget Committee. Bry said at a Mission Hills press conference announcing the budget that the council will thoroughly examine the proposed $1.45 billion spending plan before a final version is adopted on June 11. My council colleagues and I are eager to review this budget with a fine-toothed comb, she said. Advertisement Republican Councilwoman Lorie Zapf of Bay Ho praised Faulconer for avoiding cuts that affect San Diegos neighborhoods, despite funding shortfalls caused by slowing revenue growth and recent pay raises given to city employees. She said the plan, which would cover the budget year that begins July 1, is in stark contrast to budgets she helped negotiate in 2009, 2010 and 2011 that contained deep cuts to cherished programs. It was more like angry mobs because we were having, unfortunately, budget cuts, said Zapf, recalling that people were shocked to find libraries and municipal pools closed during hours when they had previously been open. The bipartisan praise makes a repeat unlikely of last years contentious budget negotiations, when the councils 5-4 Democratic majority made significant changes only to have Faulconer reverse many of them with his line-item veto. Advocates for the citys landmark climate action plan on Thursday had a more tempered reaction to the new budget, saying its hard to evaluate the adequacy of the $151 million Faulconers staff says he has earmarked for the plan. The city has not created a long-term analysis of what we need to reach climate action plan goals, said Nicole Capretz, executive director of the Climate Action Campaign, by text message. The only measure we have now is the progress weve made toward the goals, and we have a long way to go before we offer true mobility options and reach 100 percent renewables. Council President Myrtle Cole of southeastern San Diego, a Democrat, praised Faulconer for prioritizing low-income neighborhoods with services they rely on, such as libraries and recreation centers, and the infrastructure they lack, such as sidewalks and quality roads. Faulconer is proposing a record $553 million capital improvement budget, a spike from $445 million last year and triple the $179 million the city spent five years ago. Advertisement It would provide many millions for street repair, sidewalks, parks projects and building upgrades, including some in Balboa Park. Police Chief David Nisleit said at Faulconers news conference that the budget will help him fill 200 police officer vacancies because it includes $28.3 million to cover the first phase of pay hikes that will eventually reach 30 percent for officers. That will be a real game changer, Nisleit said. Nisleit also praised $500,000 in the budget to fund the Police Departments most aggressive marketing campaign in many years. Advertisement That will really allow us to reach out and attract the very best and very brightest San Diegans, he said. The local arts community, which staged aggressive protests last spring when facing a 31 percent program cut, is slated for a reduction of only 2 percent in Faulconers proposed budget from $14.6 million to $14.5 million. Joyce Gattas, an arts dean at San Diego State University and former head of the citys Commission on Arts and Culture, said the cut seems reasonable. Given the difficult decisions that Mayor Faulconer had to make, I want to thank him for his support, she said. It is definitely in line with the mayors directive for all departments to tighten their belts. Advertisement That effort to rein in spending yielded $14.1 million in total savings that helped Faulconer, along with $28 million in reserves and excess cash from the ongoing budget year, balance the budget without deeper cuts. The $14.1 million in cuts includes the elimination of 30 positions, but there would only be five employees laid off because many of the jobs remain unfilled. Spending increases in the new budget include homelessness, for which Faulconer proposes $7.9 million to cover continuing operation of recently opened bridge shelters, a new transitional storage center, a new intake center and other programs. The budget also proposes increasing annual spending to $4.4 million on an illegal dumping crackdown that Faulconer calls CleanSD. Advertisement The citys independent budget analyst, who works for the council, is scheduled to release a comprehensive analysis of the mayors proposed spending plan on April 27. That will be followed by all-day public hearings on proposals for each city department. The council has scheduled those from May 2 to 4 and May 7 to 9, and then a May 14 evening council meeting on the entire budget. Faulconer is expected to release revisions to his proposal in May based on new revenue estimates, Advertisement david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick Coronado officials announced Thursday that police Chief Jon Froomin will retire in July after five years as the citys top cop. During his time here, Jon has demonstrated himself as a strong leader and a dedicated professional, said City Manager Blair King in a statement. We are sad to see Jon go but wish him the best in retirement. He will be missed. During his tenure, city officials said, Froomin worked to improve relationships between the communitys youth and officers, guided the transfer of the citys Animal Control Facility to a local animal welfare nonprofit group and increased the percentage of women on the police force to 21 percent. Its unclear how many more women officers account for that increase. Advertisement I appreciate the opportunity to serve and be part of the Coronado community, Froomin said in a statement. I have a great deal of respect for Police Department personnel, who work hard daily to provide superior service. Froomin came to Coronado from Foster City, south of San Francisco, where he was a police captain. He had previously worked as a community service officer, in patrol, as a motorcycle officer and as a detective. King said the city plans on casting a large net when searching for Froomins replacement a process that will begin soon. No specific reason for Froomins retirement was given. The Coronado Police Department has 67 employees and 40 civilian volunteers. The city has a population of about 26,000. Advertisement Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com Two firefighters suffered minor burns Friday morning while battling a condominium fire in the Bay Ho neighborhood, a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokeswoman said. The fire was reported about 10:45 a.m. in a garage inside a condo complex on Balboa Terrace just north of Balboa Avenue, spokeswoman Monica Munoz said. When firefighters arrived, the residents were out of the home. The fire spread into the attic, so crews had to pull the ceiling out to gain access to the blaze. They had the fire out by 11:30 a.m. Advertisement Two of the firefighters suffered what Munoz said were very minor burns to their ears. She said the were taken to a hospital for treatment, and expected to be back on the job later in the day. Munoz said the fire appears to have been accidental, but did not elaborate. Damage to the building and contents is estimated at about $155,000. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT Authorities on Friday announced that they have arrested a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of another man found at a Mission Valley homeless encampment last week. Police arrested 37-year-old Sekou Bullock also known as Sekou Harris on Thursday, on suspicion of murder, according to police Lt. Anthony Dupree. Dupree identified the victim as 67-year-old Monty Proulx, of San Diego. About 8:45 a.m. April 3, someone called 911 after finding Proulxs body near Friars Road and Qualcomm Way. Police arrived and found that the victim had trauma to his torso. Advertisement Bullock is jailed without bail. He is expected to be arraigned in San Diego Superior Court next week, jail records indicate. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT The early-morning conversation with Nasim Aghdam was calm, cordial. No sign she was hours away from opening fire at YouTube headquarters near San Francisco. The Bay Area police officers whod woken Aghdam up in a Walmart parking lot on April 3 were polite, but curious. Was she OK? Yes, she said. Why was she there? To get away from family. The questions continued. Did she want to hurt herself? She shook her head, no. Did she want to hurt others? Another headshake, but smaller. Did she want to commit suicide? A third small headshake. Advertisement The Mountain View Police Department on Friday released police body camera images of interactions between two of its officers and Aghdam, who would open fire inside the YouTube campus in nearby San Bruno less than 12 hours later. Authorities say she slipped onto the tech companys grounds the next afternoon and opened fire, injuring three people before turning the gun on herself taking her own life. The department released more than 30 minutes of recordings, including Aghdams interactions with the officers who spoke with her, and the call from a dispatcher to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department to discuss Aghdams status as a missing person. During the interaction with police, there is no mention of YouTube or guns, and Aghdam gives no overt indication that she will soon become an active shooter. In this instance if an individual is cooperative and does not present any sort of threat, continuing to unnecessarily question or delay them can lead to an unwarranted detention, Mountain View police said in a lengthy statement regarding release of the footage and an explanation of actions by the officers. Watch the video Mountain View Police Department released body camera footage and a statement regarding officer interactions with Nasim Aghdam. Watch and read it here The body-camera footage shows police officers approaching Aghdam asleep in her white 2006 two-door Pontiac in a shopping center parking lot after 1:35 a.m. on April 3, and letting her know that she has been classified as a missing person out of San Diego County. The 38-year-old woman, seen in the video dressed in a hoodie and yoga pants, had never disappeared before and was considered by authorities to be at risk. After an officer knocked on her car window, Aghdam crawled up to the front seat and opened the drivers door. Advertisement Aghdam, who sometimes lived with her grandmother in San Diegos 4S Ranch neighborhood, had last been seen about noon on March 31. She took her car, but left her phone. In the video, she tells police that family tensions led her to take off. We dont get along together, so I left them. She said shed not been getting along with her father. Aghdam told police she had been in the area for two days. Eventually, one of the officers asks her why she chose Mountain View. Advertisement Aghdam replies first that she needed to sleep, then expands her answer. I wanted to get out of those areas, out of San Diego, she says. I have memories I dont want to have. She says she wants to have no memories about the past. During the roughly seven-minute interaction, police chat with Aghdam, ask for her cellphone number and ask whether she takes medications. Near the end of the conversation, police tell her that they have to notify her father that she has been found but she does not want contact with family. Advertisement Her family members, who live in Menifee in Riverside County, have said they got that early-morning call from police, but called them back to say they thought it was possible Aghdam was in the Bay Area because she had been angry with YouTube over its policies. Those two phone conversations between an officer and her family were not recorded. Police acknowledge that the family mentioned YouTube, but said they raised no alarms. At no point in either of our conversations did the family bring up any concerns about their daughters behavior, any potential violence she may carry out, or any likelihood that she could be a danger to herself or others, Mountain View police said Friday. Aghdam had several YouTube channels, and posted videos on workouts and veganism. She eventually began railing against YouTube on her personal website. One post read: Videos of targeted users are filters & merely relegated, so that people can hardly see their videos! There is no equal growth opportunity on YOUTUBE or any other video sharing site, your channel will grow if they want to!!!!! Advertisement YouTube did not come up in her conversation with Mountain View police, according to the department. Hours later, Aghdam went to a gun range and fired her Smith & Wesson 9-millimeter handgun the same gun she would use in the shooting that followed. In releasing the body camera footage, police said the department had confirmed that San Bruno authorities no longer needed the video as part of their investigation into the attack. We understand the public interest in MVPDs footage, the department said, and we believe that sharing our officers footage is tantamount to our constant pursuit of transparency. Advertisement teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Advertisement Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT In advance of a publicity tour by James Comey to promote his new book, the Republican National Committee is preparing a widespread campaign to undercut his credibility, including a new website that dubs the former FBI Director as Lyin Comey. The website prominently features quotes from Democrats highly critical of Comey before his firing by Trump nearly a year ago as the president grew agitated by the Russia probe. RNC officials say their effort will also include digital ads, a war room to monitor Comeys television appearances, a rapid response team to rebut his claims in real time and coordination of Trump surrogates to fan out across other TV programs. The broadside against Comey, a registered Republican for most of his adult life, comes as he is set to begin a media tour to tout his memoir, A Higher Loyalty - which, according to copies leaked Thursday, paints a devastating portrait of a president who built a cocoon of alternative reality that he was busily wrapping around all of us. Advertisement In advance of the books release Tuesday, Comey is scheduled to appear in an interview airing Sunday night with ABC News George Stephanopoulos. A teaser for the interview says Comey compares Trump to a mob boss. Among other things, the 304-page tell-all says Trump was obsessed with lewd allegations about him contained in an infamous dossier compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. Comeys memoir could damage the reputations of Trump and some of his top aides, and the presidents allies are scrambling to undercut Comeys account. In a statement, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said: James Comeys publicity tour is a self-serving attempt to make money and rehabilitate his own image. If Comey wants the spotlight back on him, well make sure the American people understand why he has no one but himself to blame for his complete lack of credibility. The RNC effort underscores the incredibly high stakes for Trump and his party as Comey details his interactions with the president, including his claim that Trump asked for a loyalty test. Many Democrats, meanwhile, are hopeful that new revelations will further bolster a case for the presidents impeachment. Comeys firing set off a chain of events that have endangered Trumps presidency. The Justice Department appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to probe Russian interference in the 2016 election - and possible collusion with the Trump campaign - in the aftermath of Comeys ouster. With the Mueller probe escalating - including the FBI raid this week of Trumps personal lawyers home and office in Manhattan - Comeys media appearances could pose a major public relations challenge for the White House. Ive been around politics a long time, and I know fear when I see it, said Jim Manley, a lobbyist and former senior aide to former Senate minority leader Harry Reid. This White House reeks of fear. ... This shows me that they are prepared to use a scorched-earth strategy to undermine the FBIs credibility. The party of law and order has become the party of trying to protect Trump at all costs. Advertisement Doug Heye, a former RNC communications director, said the Republican effort shows Comeys publicity tour is going to dominate news coverage. Hes going to seemingly everywhere. But Heye said the RNC is doing its job. It would be political malpractice not to do this, he said. Heye said the biggest challenge for Republicans could be combating claims from Comey that have not previously made headlines. In recent weeks, Trump has continued to attack Comey on Twitter, and Comey has suggested that he will have his say through his book. Advertisement Mr. President, the American people will hear my story very soon. And they can judge for themselves who is honorable and who is not, Comey said in a tweet last month. Earlier this week, Comey tweeted a picture of the room in his home where he was interviewed by Stephanopoulos, which had been transformed into a small television studio. Not how my house normally looks, Comey wrote. One chair for George, one for me. As part of its effort, the RNC is also distributing talking points to Trump surrogates to further its case against Comey. Among them: Comey is a consummate Washington insider who knows how to work the media to protect his flanks, and Americans will remember that his attempts to smear the Trump administration are nothing more than retaliation by a disgraced former official. Advertisement Though Comey was a registered Republican for most of his adult life, he has said he no longer is. He was appointed U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and deputy attorney general by President George W. Bush; he was appointed FBI director by President Barack Obama. After Sundays interview, Comey has numerous other bookings, including news programs as well as appearances with CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert and the hosts of The View. A large reception is also planned Tuesday, the day of the book release, at the Newseum in Washington. Among those quoted on the RNC website is the 2016 Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who argued that her campaign was seriously undercut by the FBIs investigation, overseen by Comey, into her use of a private email server while secretary of state. Badly overstepped his bounds, Clinton is quoted as saying of Comey. Advertisement Other Democrats whose past quotes are included on the website include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. (I do not have confidence in [Comey] any longer), Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. (The FBI director has no credibility.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. (It would not be a bad thing for the American people if [Comey] did step down.). The Washington Posts Philip Rucker contributed to this report. Embattled Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens says his upcoming criminal trial will prove his innocence of an invasion of privacy charge stemming from an extramarital affair and allow him to move past the scandal. Experts say thats far from certain, especially after new and even more troubling allegations emerged this week. The Republican governor is set for trial May 14 in St. Louis on a felony indictment accusing him of taking a lewd photo of the woman without her permission in 2015, before he was elected. But other details by the woman in testimony to a special legislative committee include accusations of unwanted sexual aggression allegations that have raised questions about whether additional charges are possible and whether lawmakers should seek to impeach the governor. Greitens said the report was full of lies and falsehoods. He has called the investigations into his alleged wrongdoing a political witch hunt, even though his own party controls the Legislature and Republicans hold five of the seven seats on the panel that investigated him. In 32 days, a court of law and a jury of my peers will let every person in Missouri know the truth and prove my innocence, Greitens posted on Facebook. Advertisement But that trial next month is only on an invasion-of-privacy charge. Not only does it not address other allegations in the legislative report, acquittal of the charge might not be enough for Greitens to keep his job, said Jack Sharman, a lawyer who headed an Alabama House committees impeachment investigation of Gov. Robert Bentley before Bentley resigned and pleaded guilty in April 2017 over allegations linked to his alleged affair with a longtime aide. The Missouri Constitution provides for impeachment for any offense involving moral turpitude, though its unclear whether that must occur while a person is in office. The standard of proof is far less stringent than what is required in a court of law, Sharman said. Impeachment is a remedy for an offense against the office. The constitution provides the Legislature greater latitude in determining what, in fact, is an impeachable offense, Sharman said. As for the possibility of additional criminal charges, the St. Louis prosecutors office says the investigation remains active but declined to discuss details. In her testimony to lawmakers, the woman said Greitens slapped, grabbed, shoved and threatened her during unwanted sexual encounters. The woman involved with Greitens never sought charges. Its unclear whether she may feel differently now that Greitens and his legal team have attacked that report. Her attorney, Scott Simpson, declined comment. Washington University School of Law professor Peter Joy said the womans willingness or unwillingness to pursue new charges would be a major factor considered by prosecutors. The victim in any offense doesnt make the final decision, but every prosecutor takes that into consideration, especially in a situation where it involves some kind of sexual assault, Joy said. Either way, experts say prosecutors would face significant hurdles if they decided to file a new charge. Advertisement There was no report to police at the time. There was no physical examination of any sort, said Mike Wolff, dean emeritus of the St. Louis University School of Law and former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. So what the prosecutor has is really a classic he-said-she-said case, and I think that would be a really hard case to make. Joy said the womans willingness to continue the relationship for several months also would be problematic in terms of the issue of consent. Regardless of whether Greitens might ever face additional criminal charges stemming from the affair, he does face political fallout, including mounting pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to resign. I think its going to be awfully difficult for him to survive politically, said University of Missouri-Columbia political scientist Peverill Squire. He thinks if he just stretches it out he can survive, but its hard to imagine that with the number of Republicans who have come out against him, there will be enough support to see him staying in the job. Advertisement Associated Press writers David A. Lieb and Summer Ballentine contributed to this report from Jefferson City, Mo. The Trump administration is abandoning a Justice Department threat to crack down on recreational marijuana in states where it is legal, a move that could enable cannabis businesses in California and other states that have legalized pot to operate without fear of federal raids and prosecution. President Trump personally directed the abrupt retreat, which came at the behest of Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado. White House officials confirmed the policy shift Friday. Trump did not inform Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions in advance of the change in policy, an almost unheard of undermining of a Cabinet official. Gardner was incensed in January when the Justice Department announced that it was rescinding an Obama-era policy that directed federal prosecutors not to target marijuana businesses that operate legally under state law. The senator had blocked Justice Department nominees in retaliation. In conversation with Trump this week, Gardner said he was assured that the federal government would not interfere with his states marijuana industry and that Trump would champion a new law that gives states the authority to set their own pot policies. In response, he lifted his remaining holds on nominees. Advertisement The latest from Washington Late Wednesday, I received a commitment from the president that the Department of Justices rescission of the Cole memo will not impact Colorados legal marijuana industry, Gardner said, referring to the Obama-era policy, named after former Deputy Atty. Gen. James M. Cole, who issued it. Furthermore, President Trump has assured me that he will support a federalism-based legislative solution to fix this states rights issue once and for all. White House officials confirmed that Gardners comments accurately reflect the administrations position. The president did speak with Sen. Gardner yesterday and again today, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters Friday at the White House. She said the president is a firm believer in states rights and confirmed Gardners account of the assurances he received from the president was accurate. A Justice Department official who requested anonymity to speak frankly about internal discussions confirmed that Trump did not consult Sessions before talking with Gardner. Sessions, a longtime anti-drug crusader, personally announced the administrations pot crackdown policy in January. The attorney general and Trump have had a frosty relationship for months, largely over Trumps continued resentment that Sessions recused himself from any involvement into the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trumps decision to undercut a major Sessions initiative without informing the attorney general in advance was a striking example of how low their relationship has sunk. Advertisement California is one of eight states in which recreational marijuana is legal. The administrations announcement in January that it was allowing prosecutors to target businesses selling pot legally under state laws put a cloud of uncertainty over the rapidly growing cannabis industry. The talk of a crackdown threatened to slow investment in marijuana companies, which risked shutdown and seizure of their products at the decision of a single U.S. attorney. Under federal law, marijuana remains categorized as among the most dangerous drugs available, and one that has no valid medical purpose. Marijuana stocks, which started the day down, surged after word spread of the Trump administrations new posture toward the industry. The mixed signals coming out of the administration, however, left some marijuana advocates proceeding with caution. Advertisement Aaron Lachant, an attorney in Los Angeles who represents marijuana businesses, expressed concern that Gardners deal might apply only to Colorado. The agreement itself appears narrow and only applicable to that state, he said. Nevertheless, it is an encouraging sign when in the last year all the messages coming from Washington have been about enforcement. This suggests they are finally moving toward policy solutions. A leader of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), called the commitment Gardner secured from Trump another head-spinning moment. We should hope for the best, but not take anything for granted, Blumenauer said. Trump changes his mind constantly, and Republican leadership is still in our way. Advertisement Blumenauer is championing a measure that would prohibit federal law enforcement from using any money to crack down on recreational marijuana businesses operating legally under state law. That would expand an existing law that prevents federal law enforcement agencies from using their funds to go after companies legally selling medical marijuana, which is permitted in 29 states. The ban is the result of a budget rider Congress approved in 2014, and has renewed multiple times since. Persuading Congress to lift the prohibition on enforcement actions against recreational marijuana is proving more challenging. Lawmakers have been reluctant. They have even prohibited sales of recreational marijuana in Washington, D.C., where voters approved it. Yet if Trump follows through on his commitment to Gardner, the political equation could change. Trumps support for looser federal marijuana laws could draw other Republicans to join him. A Gallup poll in October found 67% of Americans support marijuana legalization. That support is bipartisan. For the first time, the poll found, most Republican voters favored legalization. It has been a long and difficult process, but we may now be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, said an email from Mason Tvert, who co-directed the campaign to legalize recreational marijuana in Colorado. This is one more step toward ending the irrational policy of marijuana prohibition, not only in Colorado, but throughout the country. Advertisement Times Staff Writer Joseph Tanfani contributed to this report. More stories from Evan Halper evan.halper@latimes.com Follow me: @evanhalper Advertisement UPDATES: 2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional detail and reaction. The article was originally published at 12:55 p.m. President Trump issued a pardon Friday to I. Lewis Scooter Libby, suggesting the former top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney had been treated unfairly by a special counsel. The pardon comes at a moment when the president faces an escalating special counsel investigation of his own. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders insisted the pardon was not intended to send a message to the special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election, saying, One thing has nothing to do with the other. But critics noted the timing, coming as Trump fumes over Robert S. Mueller IIIs inquiry, which he has dubbed a witch hunt. Trump said in a statement that he didnt know Libby, but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Libby, Cheneys former chief of staff, was convicted in 2007 of lying to investigators and obstruction of justice following the 2003 leak of the covert identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame, though no one was ever charged with the leak. President George W. Bush later commuted Libbys 30-month prison sentence but didnt issue a pardon despite intense pressure from Cheney. Advertisement In a statement, Libby thanked Trump, saying his family has suffered under the weight of a terrible injustice. He said Trump recognized this wrong and would not let it persist. For this honorable act, we shall forever be grateful. Pardons are not a finding of innocence, but they do restore the civil rights that are normally lost because of a criminal conviction. The White House said that a witness against Libby later changed her version of events and that Libby had a decade of public service and an unblemished record since. He had been disbarred but was reinstated by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 2016. Conservatives have rallied around Libbys case, arguing he was the victim of an overly zealous and politically motivated prosecution by a special counsel. In a twist, the special counsel in Libbys case, Patrick Fitzgerald, was appointed by James Comey, deputy attorney general at the time. Comey later became head of the FBI but was fired by Trump in 2017 and has since written a book highly critical of the president. Libbys attorneys, Joseph diGenova and Victoria Toensing, issued a statement thanking Trump for addressing a gross injustice they said was inflicted by Fitzgerald and Comey. Toensing told the Associated Press that she submitted the pardon papers for Libby to the White House counsels office last summer. She said the president called her midday Friday to deliver the news. He said, He got screwed, Toensing recalled. Trump knows the attorneys and had sought to add them to his legal team in the Russian investigation, but it was determined DiGenova and Toensing had conflicts of interest that would prevent them from joining. A spokesman for Bush said the former president was very pleased for Libby and his family. Rep. Liz Cheney, a Montana Republican and daughter of the former vice president, said Libby was the victim of a miscarriage of justice, and she thanked Trump for righting a terrible wrong. Critics questioned the timing of the pardon. Advertisement It hasnt been done through the normal channels. He hasnt gone through the pardon office. And theres no particular reason to pardon Scooter Libby, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said earlier Friday, amid reports that a pardon was planned. So one certainly suspects theres a message. UPDATES: 2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 10:30 a.m. Pregnant women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They should not be deceived about their health nor should their health care be intentionally and deceptively delayed. To ensure this, in 2015 California enacted the Reproductive Freedom, Accountability, Comprehensive Care and Transparency Act (FACT Act). Simply put, the law requires state-licensed facilities to inform women of the full range of available services such as state-sponsored no-cost and low-cost comprehensive family planning, prenatal care, and abortion services. It also requires unlicensed facilities to post a notice stating that they are not a medical facility. Related: Why court should strike down abortion speech law Masquerading as full service womens health clinics, private facilities known as Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) use deceptive tactics to lure women into their facility and counsel them with inaccurate and incomplete information, jeopardizing the health and lives of women. Vehemently opposed to abortions, their singular goal is to attract women under false pretenses and convince them to carry their pregnancies to term. Often they lie about how far along a woman is in her pregnancy, delaying and putting her health at risk while stripping her of her own decision-making. Advertisement The California Legislature found these fake health centers used counseling practices that routinely confused, misinformed and even intimidated women from making informed decisions about their pregnancy and health. These tactics are particularly harmful for communities that already face systemic barriers to health care, including people of color, people with low incomes and young people. CPCs challenged the FACT Act but the 9th Circuit upheld both disclosure requirements. CPCs then took it to the U.S. Supreme Court. CPCs are framing the FACT Act as an infringement on free speech claiming it would force their anti-choice CPCs to become abortion referral agencies. But there is nothing in the California law that mandates a referral. Instead, as Judge Nelson wrote in the 9th Circuit opinion, The notice informs the reader only of the existence of publically-funded family planning services. It does not contain any more speech than necessary, nor does it encourage, suggest or imply that women should use those state-funded services. The law prevents women from being misled by unlicensed, untrained, unregulated fake clinics that perform ultrasounds, diagnose pregnancy and inadequately counsel women. Heres the truth: A pregnant woman sought services at a CPC and her ectopic pregnancy was not diagnosed resulting in a rupture that put her life at risk. Another woman was not treated for her alarming blood sugar levels, resulting in the fetus exposure to risks such as cardiac malformations, brain anomalies and spine deformations. CPCs often subject women to lies about abortion being linked to cancer, causing emotional trauma or even death. The Supreme Court case is not about abortion, its about fraud. CPCs are falsely advertising and failing to provide the truth about a womans health and options available to her including prenatal care, contraception, and safe and legal abortion. The fraud needs to stop because it threatens the health of pregnant women. In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Pennsylvania law that targeted and mandated doctors who performed abortions disclose information to their patients, often inaccurate information like abortions being detrimental to her health, requiring doctors to engage in anti-abortion advocacy. Justice Stephen Breyer said during oral argument, what is good for the goose is good for the gander meaning that our California law is now requiring anti-abortionists to provide factual and accurate information to women. If a state that opposes abortion can require a doctor to tell a pregnant woman about adoption, a state that supports abortion rights should be able to require a doctor to notify women about the availability of no-cost or low-cost abortions. The attorney for CPCs argued that the Pennsylvania law concerned medical professionals so it would not apply to our California case. Theyre arguing that non-medical professionals can pose as medical professionals and get away with deceptive tactics. Thats frightening. When it comes to womens health, particularly pregnant women, California says No. This isnt an academic argument: Womens lives are on the line. The law is clear: Mandatory disclosure laws trump First Amendment rights when it is obvious the state must protect the public from misleading and deceptive speech. Nothing is more important than protecting pregnant women from the lies and deceptive scare tactics CPCs regularly inflict. If harmful speech that takes aim at womens health is not regulated because it is free speech, we are all in a lot of trouble. Congratulations to the California Legislature and government for taking a stand to protect women. Advertisement Skaddan is general counsel for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. In several recent speeches, President Trump has stated that people are confused by community colleges. He prefers the name vocational school, a label he believes would be better understood. The term vocational school, however, does not accurately describe the nations 1,100-plus community colleges that today serve more than 12 million students. Community colleges are an American invention. Reflecting the values of our democracy, they offer an open door to opportunity. Hundreds of millions of Americans have attended a community college. The institutions are innovative and agile in meeting economic and workplace needs and provide value and service both to individuals and communities. They are the largest and fastest-growing segment of U.S. higher education. Originally developed as open admissions junior colleges, offering the first two years of a baccalaureate education, community colleges have evolved into comprehensive institutions. They serve the postsecondary educational needs of communities in many ways, in particular preparing students to transfer to upper-division universities or to enter the workforce directly. Community colleges in the United States are regionally accredited, nonprofit higher educational institutions and include public, independent, and tribal colleges. While most community colleges restrict their programs to two years or less and confer associate degrees and certificates in a wide variety of subject areas, a growing number of them now offer baccalaureates in applied fields, teacher education, and nursing. Seven percent of community college students already have a baccalaureate and enroll in community colleges to acquire employable skills. The Truman Commission report, issued at the conclusion of World War II, changed the course of higher education in the United States from merely being an instrument for producing an intellectual elite to becoming the means by which every citizen, youth, and adult, is enabled and encouraged to pursue higher learning. The Commissions report marked the first general use of the term community college and recommended that they expand in communities nationally to provide universal access to postsecondary education. Advertisement Responding to the educational and training needs of returning veterans, the baby boom generation, and the growing need for skilled workers in a shifting economy, community colleges have changed the concept of higher education in the United States from one where students had to go away to college to one that provides access to high-quality and affordable education and training in local communities. There is a community college within a short commute of 90 percent of the U.S. population, and they provide a learning lifeline in hundreds of small, rural communities. Community colleges play an essential role in preparing the nations workforce. They prepare more than half of the nations registered nurses and the majority of other health-care workers, over 80 percent of first responders with postsecondary credentials (paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers), and a growing percentage of the nations technological workforce. Community colleges have also become the institutions of choice for workers upgrading their skills and for displaced workers preparing to reenter the workforce. Community colleges respond to the needs of local economies, working closely with industry, government and other education sectors. For example, Alabama Southern Community College has a paper technology program because of the importance of the pulp industry in that part of the country. Napa Valley College has a viticulture program, and colleges along the Gulf Coast have petrochemical technician programs. As the importance of green technologies has become more evident, the colleges have geared up programs in fields such as wind and solar technology and energy efficiency. During the last economic downturn, stories of community colleges sending staff into factories to counsel displaced workers and guide them on a path to retraining made national news. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has identified community colleges as the main source of postsecondary education for technicians. Community college programs prepare technicians in strategic areas including agriculture, environmental technology, biotechnology, engineering technology, manufacturing, information technology, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and process technology. Community colleges provide access to higher education to the most diverse student body in history. It is diverse in every respect: age, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, and degree of disability. Seventeen percent of community college students are single parents and 12 percent are students with disabilities. More than 60 percent of community college students are employed at least part time. American community colleges have been an important contributor to the vitality of communities across the country. If there is any confusion about what they do, visit one of the local campuses and talk with one of the 12 million students. Boggs, Ph.D, is president and CEO emeritus of the American Association of Community College and superintendent/president emeritus of Palomar College in San Marcos, California. The San Diego County sheriffs race features two longtime law enforcement officers. Sheriff Bill Gore spent 32 years with the FBI and has been with the Sheriffs Department since 2004; he was appointed sheriff in 2009 and has won elections in 2010 and 2014. His opponent, Dave Myers, has been with the Sheriffs Department for 33 years, six of those as commander. The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board interviewed both candidates for more than an hour. Here are those interviews, lightly edited. The candidate who gets more than half of the vote in the June 5 primary will be elected sheriff for four years. Q: Tell us why why run, why now? MYERS: Why now, why run? Well Im with the Sheriffs Department now, I have been for 33 years, just with the Sheriffs Department. I had two years with Carlsbad Police Department before I started and probably the last eight years Ive been whats considered I guess the management level. Two years as a captain and then six years now as a commander at the upper level and Ive been at the table, no longer on the menu as they say. Ive seen how policies are developed, how priorities are made, where resources are allocated and while sitting at the table trying to make very progressive internal suggestions for change within the largest local law enforcement agency in the County of San Diego and I think what kind of really continued to push me towards change was the responses I was getting back from my peers which was reluctance, which was weve always done it this way, which is why change what weve done since 1856 in the Sheriffs Department? I mean this is a profession I got in many, many years ago. Nobody in my family was in law enforcement. When I wanted to get into law enforcement what I saw was an incident where a woman was had her purse taken, it was the neighbor in my neighborhood where I grew up, born and raised here in San Diego. The police came, found the purse, got it back to her, interaction was 20 or 30 minutes and she still lives in the neighborhood, she still talks about the positive interaction to this day. So I saw the benefit of that and Ive always wanted to do this. Always wanted to be in law enforcement. And so I, after so many years, I could just retire and not have to do this anymore, but I saw an opportunity. I saw an opportunity where through my record, through my accomplishments over the years in the department that I can put forward some changes and some positive some positive messages to change the direction of this law enforcement agency in San Diego County, whether its how we treat people in jails, how we treat people in the field, how we talk to people in the courts, how we deal with some emerging important environment that were in right now, especially when it comes to stuff at the national level and how it affects here locally. Advertisement RELATED: Interview with San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore Q: You mentioned your record and accomplishments, what would you point to as your single greatest accomplishment? MYERS: Surviving 35 years in law enforcement. No, literally, its its a challenge. Ive had somebody hold a gun to my head and pull the trigger. The bullet was bad, didnt go off, but the other two did. Four months later to the day, this individual shoots at me six times, a drunk security guard. All six bullets hit within my right side, over my head and on the left side. From delivering a baby on duty, to helping these two kids that wanted to commit suicide, talking them off of the ledge essentially. Today theyre healthy, happy, productive members of society with kids, to being recognized on the department through several different awards, Blue Knight Award, Lifesaving Medal because I just happened to come across a guy that wanted to jump off a bridge and kill himself. The timing was just right and I tackled him off the bridge and it was to starting out as a deputy sheriff literally working in every position within the department, pretty much all the way up to homicide investigator before getting promoted to sergeant and then working across the field in community policing, to lieutenant in the back country when it needs to police along an international border, to captain and then currently to commander. And all in the backdrop of probably being one of the only openly gay males in the Sheriffs Department and coming out on the department and those dynamics within the Sheriffs Department within a law enforcement agency and what that means. So surviving 35 years in law enforcement and waning to stick around because I see an opportunity to actually change the for the positive change in the direction of the department through policy changes. Q: What is the culture of the department right now? MYERS: Reluctant to change. The morale is very bad. It it really does bother me when we have a deputy sheriff thats been on duty and has sexually assaulted upwards of 15 women now and when I hear one of the women on television say, I could never ever trust law enforcement again, I mean that really bothers me. Thats not why I got into law enforcement. Q: Do you get a sense its the personnel that dont want to change or the personnel dont want to change under the circumstances? MYERS: I think the reluctance to change stems from the top and if the direction and if the example from the top is not to change direction, then thats what in a paramilitary organization, thats what they see (unintelligible). Since I started this journey almost a year ago, its interesting to me, especially what has happened to me since Ive announced that Im going to run, at my level where Im now located, as far as where my office is located, and the number of individuals both administrative staff, sworn staff, which are the deputy sheriffs that have come by the office and said, hey, look, we need you to stick with it. We need you to stay in it. They said, what is happening to you and internally the demonstration of whats happening to you from moving your office, something as simple as that. That tells and sends a message to the rest of the organization, hey, look, dont speak up. Dont speak up because this is whats going to happen to you and what I tell them is, hey, look, in the off chance I dont win, be very careful how, you know, you be very careful in your approach and your support of me because I dont know whats going to happen to you. Advertisement Q: Lets talk about the retaliation and the broom closet, and we had Sheriff [Bill] Gore in, he said he promoted you three times, then he thought about firing you and then Josh did a story, thought that would be bad optics, is he retaliating against you? Or he the way he tells it is that he cant debate you because there are laws in place that prevent the divulging of personnel information. MYERS: So in 2010 when he after he was appointed and then he had to run in 2010, there were two Sheriffs employees that also ran against him, Sergeant Bruce Ruff and Lieutenant Jimmy Duffy and he debated them several times, several articles were written about it, so I dont know what the difference is. Why why wouldnt he show up? Retaliation? Clearly its retaliation. So I went back and looked within well Ive been around 33 years and Ive never Ive never heard of this type of treatment of a Sheriffs commander or even a Sheriffs captain when it comes to somebody that wanted to run against the boss, the person who is currently Sheriff. He could have just left me in my current position. There was no reason he couldnt do that. Lets see lets go back and lets even assume that what he said was my expertise was needed for other projects, rearranging an office. Okay, lets assume thats true, that he needed me to do that. Then why even move my office to a lower floor, behind an evidence room into what used to be a broom closet? I mean, why? So its to me its clearly retaliation. Ordering me not to, as a commander, all eight commanders go to all policy meetings regardless of bureau, all strategic planning meetings regardless of bureau, all meetings involving anything that goes wrong in the department and so hes ordered me not to go any of those. I cannot go to any of those meetings anymore. I cannot go to any Sheriffs facility within the County of San Diego without explicit written permission from him. You be the judges. Q: Do you bring that up on the is there a campaign trail? I mean theres no debates, so you cant its not like you can people can see you two in a room and hear you both out. MYERS: I show up, I show up and I talk about it. I talk about the issues. I talk about why Im running. I talk about why Im the best person going forward to be the Sheriff in San Diego County. He Im not even going to speculate on, you know, why he doesnt and wont show up and Advertisement Q: Because we asked him when he came in and he, you know, you said, if you he said, if you sign these papers I will, you sign the papers and now he says that theres still some details that you havent squared away that involve the release of personnel files and MYERS: Well I would love to understand what those are because I signed a a release. Q: To everything? MYERS: Yes. Advertisement Q: He suggested that there is some sort of that theres been internal affairs investigations. Has that ever been the case or? MYERS: Theres been internal affairs investigations into me? Q: Heres what he what he said was, The waiver says I waive most of my rights or whatever. We went back with a letter, does this mean that youre willing to waive all your Police Officer Bill of Rights and personnel record information, including internal affairs investigations. That went back to him right after his waiver and hes never responded to it, so its clear hes trying to play, and there was overtalk. MYERS: But he I received an email from the department attorney asking me what my intention was and I never responded to him because thats not his campaign attorney. Advertisement Q: Was there internal investi was there ever an internal affairs investigation or anything like that? MYERS: There was. Q: Would you like to talk about that? MYERS: So early on in my campaign when I was talking about running, I went to an event in South Bay, Latino (unintelligible) event and it was a luncheon. I showed up at the luncheon and I had my assigned county vehicle, my assigned vehicle that I at my level that I drive 24 hours a day, seven days a week and I parked it next to his vehicle at the event and he was there also and then he alleged I was campaigning on duty. Advertisement Q: In uniform or, you know, a suit like today? MYERS: A suit like today. Q: So there was an investigation, what was the upshot of the investigation or the outcome of the investigation? MYERS: It still hasnt concluded yet and its been going on oh my gosh, probably almost 10 months now, 11 months. Advertisement Q: And would you consider either one of you were campaigning at the? MYERS: When I was there at the luncheon, I announced that I was running for Sheriff and that was it. Q: So how should that investigation be resolved in your opinion? Did you do anything wrong or? MYERS: Did I do anything wrong? I probably should have been smarter about not driving this vehicle. At the time I was in charge of the Courts Division. I was at the South Bay Courthouse, this event was in the South Bay. I drove my county car down there at lunch. I was there maybe an hour and then was back on duty. But I did officially take vacation time to be off during the event. Advertisement Q: And it was Gore himself that made the complaint? MYERS: Yes. Q: How much of your time is spent currently in police business as opposed to doing other things related to your job? MYERS: What do you mean by that? Advertisement Q: Union work. MYERS: Union work. I am a DSA Board member, I mean a DSA member if thats what you mean. Im not a member of the Deputy Sheriffs Association Board of Directors or anything like that. Are you referring to Retirement Board? Q: Thats one of the things the Sheriff brought up MYERS: Okay. Advertisement Q: was that you, on the job when you should be spending time as a sheriff, are spending a lot of time in that capacity. MYERS: Absolutely. So I am I represent all the safety members on the Retirement Board, all County employees that are safety members, probation officers, district attorney investigators and deputy sheriffs. Its an elected position by those members. Its based on the California law which is its a nine member board, one member is elected by the safety members, and thats me and it happens every three years, Ive been on the board 15 years, elected each and every time. The government code specifically says that as elected members of that board, and it includes also two other County employees, that that takes precedence over our normal employment when it comes to the work needed to be done on the Retirement Board and does take a lot of time. Its 44,000 employees, about $ 12 million in retirement funds and theres a lot of stuff that goes on to understand the policies and practices and finances and investments and we also do all of the medical retirements that come in throughout the county and so to understand all of that. Q: So how many hours a month would you say that you spend on that? And has it changed from this year to even last year? You said youve been on it for several years. MYERS: Fifteen years, yeah. Has it changed? No. I would say depending on what the issues are and its mostly finance related. I could spend three to four hours a day on Retirement Board stuff. Advertisement Q: So half of your time could be MYERS: It could be, yeah, yeah and prior to campaigning I would normally do most of it off duty, but with campaigning now all my off duty time is campaigning, so Im doing almost all of it on duty. Q: Thats actually the Sheriff used the three or four hours. Ill just read you what he said too. He said... He brought this issue up. Dave has spent a lot of time on Retirement Board matters and Im just saying hes making $180,000 a year. I think I should be able to try to get something productive out of that instead of three or four hours a day of work because the other three or four hours a day hes working on Retirement Board matters. Give me a break, he said. MYERS: I guess I would just ask for a thank you for watching over his retirement benefits. Advertisement Q: How about some of the issues, [Propositions] 47 and 57, obviously are in the news quite a bit. MYERS: Mm-hmm. Q: What do you think of those measures? Do they need some adjustments? What has been the kind of ramifications of those two measures particularly? MYERS: Sure. I think one of the biggest pitfalls of both of them is the money that was supposed to flow from the state back down to the counties for rehabilitation, drug rehabilitation specifically. Also I think some one of the flaws that came out of that was the misdemeanor charge for stealing and possessing a handgun under $950, which everybody soon after recognized the flaw of that. Both sides of the State Legislature came together and drafted new legislation to change it back to a felony, and the governor didnt sign it. There are some fixes that need to take place, but like I said, most of it is stems from the funding where and the funding that was promised was either very, very slow to come back to the counties or hasnt come back to the counties, and Im in complete agreement that we need to stop incarcerating over some of the misdemeanors, what I consider small amounts of drug possession and not the goal should not be to keep our jails at a certain cap, which is really high. Our goal should be concentrated on rehabilitation because you can fix a drug problem if you have the right resources to do it and there has to be wraparound services to catch it at the other end, once theyre clean and sober, to be able to move on, otherwise its a revolving door. Advertisement Q: Our centers are called rehabilitation centers, is there a lot of rehabilitation going on or? MYERS: No. I dont think so, and the reason I say I dont think so is because were continuing to incarcerate even the misdemeanors and so the beds that are available in the community are set aside for those that can pay, right? The ones that have insurance. I mean our we cant even agree on what insurance is or who should pay insurance and insurance is so expensive for some individuals that cant afford it, so theres no catch. I would rather have deputy sheriffs, if they come in contact with somebody that may have small possessions of drugs, that, hey look, we can hold those cases and lets if were going to drive them somewhere, instead of driving them to jail, lets drive them to some rehabilitation beds that are in the communities instead of creating that and perpetuating that cycle. If they fall off the wagon somewhere, we still have the opportunity later on with these cases if youre looking for a hammer to hold a hammer over their heads, but this revolving door where were seeing the same people over and over again where essentially were the dry out place. The county jail is the dry out place is not working. Q: Speaking of county jail, suicides and deaths in jail have been a huge issue, both because of the issue and because of how the county counsel went after MYERS: Kelly Advertisement Q: CityBeat reporter Kelly Davis. MYERS: Mm-hmm. Q: So starting with that, what do you think of the Countys subpoenaing of her? MYERS: Just so were clear, its not just county counsel, okay? The Sheriff has three appointed attorneys, now four and Ive been around long enough that they are intimately involved in everything. So it was his attorneys that were also there pushing the issue and its first, why did it take, you know, at some point one, two, five, 10, 20, 25, 30 and we had to get up to 46 suicides in the County jail system and $24 million in claims before he realized, hey, well maybe I should do something? Maybe I should look at it and it wasnt like there wasnt a story after story after story after story. Hes still not doing anything and to use department resources then to go after the messenger, I mean Im Im a perfect example of, you know, instead of trying to fix the problem, youre going after the messenger. He did that with Kelly. Hes doing that with me. Dont speak up against him. Dont speak out against the system. Dont speak out about changes, otherwise were going to use whatever resources we have to go after you. And its unconscionable that they would do, that they would go after Kelly, that they would go after anybody within our department that whether its sexual harassment within the department, whether its a deputy sheriff thats assaulting women on duty, whether its Dave Myers running against his boss. I mean thats the pattern that Ive seen over the years. Advertisement Q: What if you were in authority, what would you do about those suicides?And you are with the Sheriffs Department in management, what did you do? MYERS: I have not been in management over the detention facilities. At the time I was in management and wed sit around the table and wed talk about the increased cases of suicides and suggestions, everything from I dont know if anybody here has been in the jails, but two tiers and a top tier, putting up some sort of a screen where people cant jump off onto their heads. Breakaway blankets, a lot of them involve hanging, so if you have sheets or something within the facility that you cant do that and what Ive heard in these meetings is, well theyre too expensive. What I would do is bring in actual mental health services within the facilities. I mean if the data shows that theres a pattern of individuals, based on demographics, whether its within five days in custody, whether traditionally majority white males, first time in custody, you know, to me thats a clue. Those are the individuals that we would then want to pay attention to, I mean and it also, we went back to there, all the deputy sheriffs in the jails need to have some sort of training to identify individuals that come in that may be suicidal. I think the idea that we still have a bail system, which may penalize low grade offenders who cant afford to get out when the Sheriff has the discretion based on whats called own recognizance releases to release individuals. So if individuals have mental health issues, jail is not the answer. I mean that could continue to exacerbate the problem. Theres just so many more other things that we could do within a custody setting to limit, minimize those type of incidents. Q: Cash bail obviously is an issue now. Have you ever advocated for legislation in Sacramento? MYERS: Ive not been allowed to while on duty in my official capacity to go up and advocate for in Sacramento on cash bail, no. Advertisement Q: Any other issues? MYERS: Not going to Sacramento and advocating, but through policy changes, body worn cameras, working with changing legislation to allow local law enforcement in an international along an international border to work with other agencies, other state and local agencies, the sharing of information and things like that. Q: On that issue, obviously thats a huge issue right now, do you support Gores methods on that and if not, how would you do it differently if you were Sheriff? MYERS: What methods? Advertisement Q: In terms of dealing with the federal government, immigration holds and that kind of thing. MYERS: So number one I wouldnt theres absolutely no purpose to have ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] in the jails. Theres absolutely no purpose to have ICE patrolling our court hallways looking for immigration violations. In 2008, I drafted a memorandum of understanding, if you will, to work with other state, local and federal agencies along an international border because we have responsibility in certain areas on the land border and in the ocean, and for the first time ever what I put in there was we will not, as local law enforcement, enforce immigration laws period. We will not enforce Title A. We received a lot of money from the federal government because of that. We were the first in the nation, especially along the southern states along the international border to do anything like that. Several times he asked me for to go to Congress with him to actually explain how it works and explain that local law enforcement should not be used for immigration enforcement, yet we still can maintain our mandate, which is a safe and secure border, safe and secure communities along the border and actually decrease crime while working with the federal officials. Q: Along that line, the Supervisors I think on Tuesday are taking up, you know, whether to join in some fashion or support in some fashion the federal lawsuit against SB 54, the law that has changed the relationship between ICE and local law enforcement. What would you recommend they do? MYERS: Stay out of it. You have no business in it. The members of the Board, at least four of them have been there 20, 25 years. Ive worked with each and every single one of them over those years, explaining and briefing about our border crime suppression strategy and it never once included immigration enforcement, each and every one of them. Now all of the sudden, theyre changing their minds and they think they need to jump into some immigration debate when it has not done one thing to protect any of our communities along the border. They have no business doing it, its a waste of time and it does not create an environment in the community where we want individuals to come to us and report crimes. We want immigrants to come to us and report crimes. All theyre doing, in my opinion, is creating an environment in which theyre going to be individuals that are going to be afraid to report crimes, there are going to be individuals that are going to understand this and then prey on those victims over and over again. Advertisement Q: That seems like what Gore told us in this room, but then he told Michael [Smolens] something different. What did he tell you? Q: Well he just said that he wouldnt make a recommendation. Q: Wouldnt advise them... so to another audience outside this room, would your opinion change on that particular issue or would you always say, Stay out of it? MYERS: That has always been my opinion, for the last 12 months on the campaign trail and that has been my opinion going back to 2008 when I created this program that has brought nearly $120 million to this county and to this region to work in a region along an international border. Advertisement Q: This issue has just been, you know, kind of bifurcated, you know, either do nothing or, you know, side with the Trump administration. I mean do you think that, you know, this third option that isnt discussed as much, oppose the Trump administration and side with the state, I mean would you advise them to do that? MYERS: No, I wouldnt advise anybody to side with the Trump administration. I think its extremely divisive, it doesnt bring anybody to the table. Its very, very partisan and it doesnt create safe and secure communities, especially in San Diego County and thats not my job as Sheriff. I dont see it as a third option. Since 2008, weve Ive pushed a strategy in working as law enforcement in a community along an international border that has proven to result in lower crime rates, period, and we have nothing to do with immigration enforcement. Q: To be clear, you would not side with the Trump administration on anything, or anything immigration related? MYERS: Well so far nothing that Ive seen on any of his policies that I would side with. Im not saying in the future that there might be something that he might tweet out that I would agree with, but as of now, there hasnt been anything. Advertisement Q: You mentioned body cams. MYERS: Yes. Q: And I believe the Sheriff said that the department is all body camed up right now. I wonder how that went down, first of all, with the rank and file and how do you think its going now? MYERS: So I actually was the one put in charge of rolling out the body worn camera program for the Sheriffs Department many years ago. It was a little turbulent along the way because he came to me and he says, hey, one of my former FBI agents that I used to work with now has a body worn camera business and take a look at his product for me and okay. I took a look at it and it wasnt worth anything, so we just cast it aside and we made recommendations. He went around me to my IT folks and started wanting to get my IT folks to look at it. My IT folks came to me and said, hey, were kind of worried because the Sheriff wants us to look at this product and weve already cast it aside. What do you want me to do? I said, Ill take care of it and we just made a recommendation for some products. The program was put on the shelf. I was then removed from the program and then once I start campaigning and said we havent rolled out body worn cameras, all of a sudden he went to the Board of Supervisors and said, we need to roll out body worn cameras. Okay. Yes, he has rolled out body worn cameras to one-third of the department and thats the field, the patrol units that show up. We still dont have any body worn cameras, which was a recommendation for deputies in the jail. We still dont have body worn cameras for deputies that work in the courts, whether its in the court buildings or whether its in the field associated with the courts. Why is that important? Advertisement Q: Is that something thats done in other jurisdictions? MYERS: Im not sure about other jurisdictions, but that was our recommendation. Especially the courts field units where we had two deputy sheriffs at an eviction, I think it was last year, and it ended up getting involved in a shooting. So theres still a two-thirds of the department are not outfitted for body worn cameras. Q: And are they being effectively used now by the third that is using them? MYERS: I wouldnt know, for the past year I have not been exposed to any type of metrics associated with how theyre used or not used, turned on or not turned on, how the video is shared or not shared. I mean there was a lot of evaluation that went into the effectiveness of the cameras in the field, how long do they stay on with our 10 to 12 hour shifts and how do you download, who views them. Are we effectively providing training to turn them on and turn them off at the right times? Are body placement when you get involved in situations and how does that play into a video? Do you want video with 360 or 180? So I have not been Im essentially for the past 12 to 14 months Ive been cut off from everything, so I dont know. Advertisement Q: Do you know what the policy is on turning on being able to turn it off? Obviously with Sacramento following the Stephon Clark shooting, there was just an edict in the last 24 to 48 hours saying officers can no longer turn off their cameras, they need to keep them rolling because that was obviously an issue there in that shooting. MYERS: Yeah, so I dont know what that means by you can never turn them off, does because at some point its simply going to die because once you keep it running for a long time Q: Well I mean in an incident. MYERS: Okay. Advertisement Q: Like in the middle of a shooting or the immediate aftermath of a shooting. MYERS: Yeah, so our policy, when I wrote the policy, was as soon as you think, if its a radio call, youre driving up and when you get close you turn it on. If its a you just happen to want to stop somebody, as soon as you think youre going to stop somebody, turn it on. When you turn it off is when you think the incident is over and for the way the policy was drafted, the intent was essentially when youre done with the call or something and youre getting back in your car and then youre going to get on the radio and say, Im back in service. So thats essentially when you would turn it off. Thats what the policy was when I drafted it. I dont know what the practice has been lately. Q: As Sheriff what would be your policy on release of body cam footage? MYERS: I would advocate that it goes up online. Advertisement Q: When? MYERS: End of shift, you plug it in, there would have to be some review because I wouldnt want domestic violence victims, child abuse victims, scenes where youre inside of a hospital interviewing somebody, child abuse, sexual assault, stuff like that. So there would have to be some redaction, but I Id have absolutely no problem putting up video within 24 hours. Q: Do you have the staffing to do that kind of redaction? MYERS: So the way I understand the technology, when we tag an incident, I can self select that incident number not to be shared somewhere right? So for me it would be fairly easy. In the field, every single I think they still do, has a smart phone and there is ways you can review, not edit, but you can review in the field incidents. You tag them in the field with an incident number or a case number and for me it would be as simple as providing a separate box to say this one goes up online and this one doesnt, and we do that with reports now. Advertisement Q: I was going to say on the shooting issue, right, so following that shooting in Sacramento theres been a lot of kind of reevaluations, self-reflection, in some departments. How would you suggest the Sheriffs Department, in the wake of that particular shooting which has kind of, you know, created such an uproar in that community, how should the Sheriffs Department act going forward? Do policies any policies need to be reevaluated? Do you think the Sheriffs Department has a good policy on, you know, approaching unarmed black men, for example? MYERS: Well its Ive been saying for a while now, since Ive been on the campaign trail and internally for a while, Ive been talking about de-escalation and how we need to at the academy level, it has to be just as engrained as what we do to protect ourselves, where de-escalation is just as important as essentially running after somebody, where we and in that backdrop, we have to internally as a Sheriffs Department, we have to look at what what Ive seen as implicit bias. Is it there? Does it exist? How do we internally as a department view ourselves? We have tons and tons and tons of data about who we stop, who we arrest, who we give a ticket to, yet we never look at it to see what it means and I think we along with that de-escalation training, we also have to understand new communities that come into San Diego County, cultural competency training. We have 83 percent of our Sheriffs Department is white, yet our communities in San Diego County are extremely diverse. What does it mean to be in a mosque, what does it mean to be in a synagogue or an LGBT center? What does it mean to stop an individual whos transgender who may not have changed their drivers license, but they identify as a different gender and how do we internally through implicit bias or lack thereof or cultural competency training meet, work with, help individuals that somebody may not understand? Ill give an example, so for years and years and years, Ive tried to or encouraged members of our Sheriffs Department to participate in the LGBT Pride walking in the Sheriffs Department uniform and its not that your gay or lesbian or transgender, youre just showing support for the community and a deputy sheriff within the department within a paramilitary organization sends an email to a commander saying, I dont like this. I dont like the lifestyle, get me off your email list. I mean I can handle people that dont understand, but what bothered me was this individual was out intermixing with the community and what do they do when they stop somebody? What do they do when they go to a lesbian couples house because theyve been burglarized? So I think back to your question about why is it that law enforcement continues when they see a black man to see a gun in their hand? But when they see a white man they dont and part of de-escalation is and Ive think weve all seen the video in Sacramento and its good video, of a person running through yards, but stops in a yard, yet we continue to chase. Why do we continue to chase? We know where they are. Why dont we just surround and then call them to us? Why do we have to why do we have to create that confrontation where then because we dont know our own biases, where we dont train or talk about it, that when I confront a black man I instantly see a gun and then the law prevents me from being charged? I think we, in law enforcement, could do better. Q: What do you think of Shirley Webers new bill on the use of force? MYERS: I think its I think its too bad that we need legislators to, you know, I dont know, Graham v. Connor, I dont know if everybody knows about Graham v. Connor, U.S. Supreme Court case that gives benefit of the doubt in officer use of force cases to the officers in the cases and thats what all these cases across the United States put forward when officers are being charged. To me thats not a green light to not explore other options when it comes to how we use force, who we use force against, how we evaluate internally where weve been using force. I mean Ive been involved in two shootings on duty, very dynamic, very fast moving cases. The FBI did a study across the United States where in a majority of the shootings they studied, one-third of them involved a suspect who was armed, so the confrontation of gun versus gun, but the other two-thirds were not. The individual was not armed. I think we need to, in law enforcement, do a lot of self-reflection and actually look at how we train, how we dont train, why dont we train that way? When you have a majority of your department that doesnt even look like the community, lets start there. Advertisement Q: Can I just ask a follow up on that, like you say, unfortunately its just sort of come to this that that reflection hasnt been adequate or whatever, I dont mean to put words in your mouth, but there was legislation there. Would you support that bill moving forward and being signed into law that Shirley Weber has introduced? MYERS: I would not support the legislation as its going forward. What I would support is legislation if she wanted to put forward that has to do with those areas that I talked about, which is the cultural competency training where all peace officers in the state of California, theyre training is mandated by POST. Lets put people on the POST Commission that would push mandated cultural competency training, that would push mandated implicit bias training, mandate that departments internally look at those things, study and then publish reports so that as a greater community that we can then come up with real solution, real evidence based solutions as to what it means when we do encounter members of our black or brown communities. Q: Having been in the race and being exposed to the process, do you get a sense that the way we elect sheriffs in this county is the best way to do it? MYERS: Yes. Yes. Advertisement Q: Even given all the challenges that youve faced? MYERS: Well, personal challenges and never having run for office before and what it means to run in a county this big. What it means to raise money. What it means to talk to individuals about, in every part of this county and every part of the in all our communities, extremely challenging physically, right? Lets just talk about that, but were talking about the process of how we elect officials and who theyre responsible for, the county wide election of a sheriff, absolutely. Q: How about given your situation though I mean you say that the sheriff is retaliating against you, how does someone from the department challenge the incumbent if what youre saying is happening. MYERS: Well it is happening. Its pretty evident that its happening. Im evidence that its happening, which continue What youre seeing now is externally what Ive seen internally for years. And the more and more he tries to retaliate against me, the more and more someone says you cant do something continues to motivate me to do it. Advertisement Q: But broadly in terms of what dynamics of an election, maybe not take your personalities out of it, Sheriff X, Manager Y, is that the right I mean thats an interesting question. MYERS: Well we saw it in the D.A.s race a couple of years ago, a couple terms ago I think where an internal person was running. Yeah, its not easy. I mean its not easy. Its not easy running against your boss. When I went and, out of respect for the position, and I told him that I was going to run, that wasnt an easy conversation. But it was a conversation I felt I had to have, I wanted him to hear it from me and for the reasons I was running. Not personal, it is not personal at all. I grew up in this department. I was born and raised in this town. There are significant policy issues within the San Diego Sheriffs Department, significant morale issues within the San Diego Sheriffs Department. Law enforcement I love what I do, law enforcement nationally and locally is being drug through the mud and I dont like it, and internally currently the process has been if anybody ever questions how we do things or what we do internally, you try and marginalize them, you try and attack them personally and then hopefully theyll go away and Im not going to let that happen to me. Q: So you said so you think there needs to be change, what what would be at the top of your list of what you would want to tackle? MYERS: First thing I would do is create a process where we can evaluate everything within the department, that process of transparency and whether its putting everything online so people can see it, shining light on a lot of the things that are going on, whether its we dont even have a transgender policy departmentwide and how we deal with members of the transgender community. I would test all the rape kits. I dont see the downside. He just recently decided that he wanted to do that. Hes the director of the crime lab. Create a management team that reflects the community. I dont think right now in the current whether its professional staff or whether its sworn staff that we need more sworn staff, more badge, more badges on the street. I think we need to really evaluate what is going on within this nearly $1 billion a year operation, largest local law enforcement agency and what all this data means when it comes to how we treat individuals in the jails, how we dont treat individuals in the jails. How we treat individuals in the field or dont treat individuals in the field. Why do we allow ICE agents to walk through the county courthouse and they take away a domestic violence victim, which results in the suspect getting away, because the victim is not there. So we need to change the for me to change that narrative in law enforcement to better reflect what I see as why I started in law enforcement 35 years ago and what that meant, which was... For me it boils down to if my mom was calling for help, how would I respond? And we need to do that everybody across the board. Advertisement Q: Do you think the rank and file would rally behind these changes? MYERS: Yes, absolutely, I absolutely do. Its been very encouraging as Ive been on this campaign trail and the things that have happened to me internally, the number of messages and the number of visits I get, when they find me in the building, from individuals within the department that say, thank you. Keep doing what youre doing. Apologize for the way Ive been treated and say that, you know, were going to stay behind the scenes, but we want you to win and we want you to continue doing what youre doing because we see the changes to come. Q: The issue of medical marijuana in general, recreational marijuana comes up quite a bit. Sheriffs Department, you know, theres a ban in the county. Sheriffs Department cracks down on these things, they pop back up. How would you handle the issue of marijuana use in the county? MYERS: In 1996 the voters by 60 percent said medicinal marijuana, yes. 2016, registered voters in the County of San Diego, by nearly 60 percent, said yes. I think law enforcement has been wasting millions and millions of dollars every year chasing outdated cannabis laws when we have an opioid crisis. Internally we have more resources to chase outdated cannabis laws than we do going towards prescription drugs, prescription... overprescribing with the opioid crisis. I think the fact that the Sheriff went to the Board of Supervisors and convinced them to do a countywide ban after they created a regulation for medicinal use is reprehensible. I think law enforcement has to be at the table with the industry to create safe access, to give the expertise on safe access, safe delivery, safe use, safe regulation, but then let the industry regulate itself. The reason youre seeing illegal dispensaries pop up all over the place is because there is a demand and that demand is going to be met whether its behind 7-11 or dispensaries in the neighborhoods, and I think once you see regulation in place, safe access, then youre going to see the illegal dispensaries go away. So essentially what the Board of Supervisors is doing now is creating the pop-ups of illegal dispensaries. Were serving with our SWAT team, were serving civil search warrants on illegal dispensaries and not arresting anybody. That is causing the I mean were blowing doors off of buildings. Were going in with our big guns drawn and everything, for what? When you can create safe access through what the law allows. Advertisement Q: So that sounds like a policy issue, but is the law right now banning them and closing the medical marijuana shops. So its an outright ban. How would you approach that and would you crack down on illegal, assuming the policy doesnt change at the County? By doing that do you create new problems because they just pop up down the street? I mean how how do you kind of get your arms around that issue? MYERS: Well number one, I would stop using our I would stop banging down doors at illegal dispensaries unless its tied to organized crime or something like that, you know, thats completely different, but when these pop-up shops come up theres all kinds of there are code violations and so code violations across the board, essentially you send a letter to the code violator saying, hey look, if you dont shut it down at this time then were going to come out and we send out investigators to say, hey look, knock on the door, we come in, you know, you cant do this anymore, but to create that violent confrontation, I just dont see that as being effective. Q: On the election side of things, I want to ask you about one of your one of the endorsements that didnt go your way. I mean this is a pretty conventional race right? Republicans lining up behind your opponent, Democrats lining up for you with one big exception, [state Sen. President pro tempore] Toni Atkins. Have you talked to Toni about that, I mean MYERS: I have. Advertisement Q: And what MYERS: She described it to me as a friendship that goes way, way back. She described it as early on before she even knew I was in the race that he had approached her for the endorsement and she said yes. So I okay, I understand friendships. Q: Mental health and homelessness are a big part of the Countys job. MYERS: Yes. Yes. Advertisement Q: But what is the current administration doing that you would change? MYERS: Well number one, back in 2013, when the grand jury comes in and tells the Sheriff, hey look, you house the most at-risk population for a hepatitis A outbreak which is unsheltered and IV drug users and the grand jury says, hey look, Sheriff, all you have to do is provide voluntary hepatitis A vaccinations and his response was, well, no, Im not going to do it. So lets just start there, 26 percent of the jail population right now who are in jail simply because theyre homeless, they have no place to go. Theyre encroachment tickets, theyre encroachment tickets that turned into warrants. I think law enforcement needs to stop being used... Law enforcement needs to stop being used to be aiding and abetting in the displacement of the homeless problem. I dont think incarceration is the answer to the long term homeless problem. Its a temporary strategy that that aids displacement of the issue, but it does nothing to create long-term solutions for the homeless issue and what I would do is continue working with the outside providers. I would continue working with the other cities within the County of San Diego to say, hey look, the jails are no longer going to be open to house your homeless problem. The jails are not going to be used to house temporarily individuals that are simply there because they have no place to live and if theres underlying mental health issues, if theres underlying drug dependency issues then lets take some of those resources and instead of incarcerating them, lets put them towards... maybe the Sheriffs Department could buy some beds in the community. So if you do come across an individual who doesnt have a home that may have underlying mental health issues, instead of taking them to jail, guess what, we can take you to this treatment facility, but to incarcerate does it may look good to do that prior to a downtown convention or something like that, but it does nothing to solve the problem. Q: And 26 percent, thats a big number. MYERS: Thats a huge number. Advertisement Q: So 26 percent of the inmates are MYERS: On any given month Q: Right. MYERS: When the population is on average 6,000 inmates a month, theyre simply there because theyre homeless. Advertisement Q: Wow. Q: So its just a function of housing them somewhere else, does that still answer the concern of the community that, you know, Ive got a homeless camp across the street from me in the canyon, will we still be able to get that out of there? MYERS: So thats exactly what Im talking about is instead of having law enforcement go down there and arrest everybody, put them in jail and then throw all their stuff in the trashcans, I mean that does nothing to solve other individuals coming back into the canyon and doing it. What we actually need is law enforcement not to be used in that capacity anymore, but our elected officials, our mayors, our council members, our board of supervisors to actually step up and fund programs where these individuals can be housed, where theyll actually provide underlying medical care. Where we dont have a hepatitis A outbreak and the only reason we have the three bridge shelters currently is because of the hepatitis A outbreak. I mean if that had not happened, we would still be talking about the time count where it continues to go up year after year after year and I just dont think that is the solution where law enforcement is used to pick up individuals and incarcerate them. What Ive seen over the years is well do homeless sweeps in this jurisdiction, all of the sudden the population of homeless in these jurisdictions doubles. So these jurisdictions then go and do enforcement, take them to jail, they get out, theyre back in this jurisdiction, the city of San Diego, because the jail is here, that population balloons. They go in and do enforcement and it its just a revolving door, its just and it doesnt make sense to me that we continue to do that. The individuals who are elected mayors, County Board of Supervisors and stuff need to step up and provide the funding for the services for true wraparound services. So even if we do then go to that encampment, that we do have some place other than jail to take individuals. Q: One of the most formidable things youre running against is a crime thats at what a 50 year low, I mean how most voters think of the sheriff as having to do with public safety. Advertisement MYERS: Mm-hmm. Q: And that tells me that Im safe. How do you how do you challenge that? Arent we as safe as weve been in 50 years and why I guess the question a voter would have is why change the captain at that point? MYERS: Sure. Well the narrative that my opponent is putting out, the crime rate is at an all time low, I guess you cant have it both ways right? On his website, on his campaign website, he talks about the city of San Diego crime rate at an all time low, but youre not running to be sheriff in the city of San Diego. You dont provide direct law enforcement services in the city of San Diego. If you wanted to be police chief, there was an opening. You should have applied. But lets talk about the crime rates in the County of San Diego, lets talk about the crime rates, you know, how many times has anybody ever looked at the crime rates that occur in custody settings. Theres been a 23 percent increase in sexual assaults in custody settings, an 18 percent [increase] in inmate on inmate assaults in custody settings, a 14 percent increase in inmate on deputy or staff assaults in custody settings. Lets just talk about that. I think its fascinating that nobody wants to talk about it, especially in the last year when they brag about all time crime rates in an environment where I think victims and Ive seen victims reluctant to come forward because of the narrative on immigration. Where were seeing individuals snatched off our streets and then our law enforcement leaders dont want to come forward and talk about how that suppresses reporting. Lets just get back to property crimes. So I was a recent victim of property of identity theft where my probably a thousand dollars worth of stuff, my identity was stolen and reported to the bank. Law enforcement doesnt record that. The majority of your property crimes now are all done online and we dont record that. Were still using 1950s, 1960s methods to measure crime. So when he talks about all time lows in property crimes, well guess what, were not even talking about the crimes that occur online that were not mandated to report and I think thats a false narrative that we give to the public when it comes to lets just take elder abuse. Summer Stephan and Bill Gore just did a press release saying elder abuse is up 13 percent. Well, you know, you cant have it both ways. What is it? Q: The officer shootings in our county and in our city, I cant remember the last time the D.A. actually pressed charges against any of them. Advertisement MYERS: There was an officer, Officer [David DeLange] in Escondido, but it was many, many, many years ago, it was a bank robbery and he ended up unfortunately shooting the kidnapped victim and he was charged, but he was never convicted. I think the process, having been through it twice myself, having been a homicide investigator that has looked into officer involved shootings and been there, the process I think needs to be a lot more transparent, yeah, because the public does not trust the outcome and its very unfortunate. And so there needs to be some way to make that process more transparent so the public can see the many, many eyes that do look at what goes into deadly use of force incident. Q: Having been on the inside, do you feel fairly comfortable that these last 100 or so shootings that weve had ... MYERS: Well Ive had I havent looked at all of them, but theres nothing that would give me pause to think otherwise which is why I think we need to be more transparent with all of this, we really have nothing to hide. Q: Any other questions or? Want to give us your elevator pitch to close it? Advertisement MYERS: Why havent you asked me about the Zahau case? Q: Lets talk about that. Thats a good one. See there is another question. MYERS: You know very unfortunate and I still believe that we look at things and I think sometimes from a different perspective within law enforcement and if somebody wants to take a different look from a different set of eyes on something, we should not be reluctant to do that. It took the family seven years in a civil trial to have 12 people look at it again and nine said, yes, there is something here and then for the Sheriff to currently say, no, absolutely, unless you, family, can find more evidence and bring it to me. No, thats were in law enforcement, were supposed to do that. If nine people said, yes, there is something here and we looked at it from a different perspective, we should never ever, ever be reluctant to relook at stuff, to relook at evidence, to get a new set of eyes in there, whoever it might be and I thats something we should do. Q: Is there evidence that might convince a criminal jury to be unanimous in its decision? Advertisement MYERS: Im going to be able to look at all the evidence presented at the trial and so after I do, I can probably answer that better. Q: Ooh, tell me about that, whats going to happen? So youll sit and do a review? MYERS: Yes. Q: As a candidate? Advertisement MYERS: Yes. Q: Oh, thats super interesting, when whats the time table? MYERS: So the [attorney] Keith Greer is going to provide all of what he has to me because it I would not be able to access it internally. Q: Uh-huh. Advertisement MYERS: Yes. Q: Have you seen that evidence before? MYERS: No. Q: So when is that all going to happen? I mean you... Advertisement MYERS: Real soon. Real soon. Q: Before June 5th? MYERS: Oh yeah. Q: Guys we do have another group trying to get in, so you have closing words? Advertisement MYERS: Thank you, you know, theres criminal justice reform has to take place. Im an insider thats running for Sheriff, for the chief law enforcement job. Theres a tremendous opportunity that I see in the County of San Diego. Im a lifelong resident and Im not going anywhere. Im a lifelong member of the San Diego Sheriffs Department. I love the San Diego Sheriffs Department. I love what it means. I do not love the way its being used against the people. I dont like the way the community is not trusted. I dont like the way the just the lack of diversity within our department in a fast changing diverse community and how because we dont look like the community, were not policing the way we should be. We should not be seen as an occupying force. We should be seen as the peacekeepers in the neighborhoods. I see that I can change that. I see that there is an opportunity now with my election to Sheriff where we could actually change that. For people to stop dying in jail because theres ways we could do that. We could build trust within very, very diverse communities, which are San Diego County from an immigrant community, even as the narrative on the national level is one of marginalizing folks, travel bans, build bigger walls, that doesnt make us safer. Since 2008, Ive been working along an international border, sitting in those hills, watching American citizens prey on the immigrants. Its not the immigrants. Where because we were doing that and not enforcing immigration laws weve actually reduced crime by 68 percent along the international border, which is what people want, without a wall. So it can be done. It has to be done. Im not going to give into the national discussion. I dont need our Board of Supervisors getting into the national discussion. Let me do my job. Thank you. Q: Thank you. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Voting is the great equalizer, but only when your vote is cast. Yet the people with the least privilege in American society dont vote. The San Diego County Public Defender Youth Council is a nonpartisan group of 22 students from six downtown area high schools currently advocating for the registration of all eligible voters and the pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds. Voting is the basis of American democracy. What makes our post-revolutionary society stand out from other societies is the voice allowed to its citizens. Even with the passage of the 26th Amendment, which changed the voting age to 18, young voters still have one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country. If the voices of young people are not heard or considered in civic decisions ranging from local policy to the presidency, youth will continue to feel disenfranchised and never learn how to make voting a priority. If youth dont take advantage of their voting privilege, then the civic decisions made will not reflect their decisions and preferences, but will reflect the choices of an older demographic of voters. In the last general election, only 50 percent of eligible young people voted. In fact, it is estimated that by 2021, 60-year-olds will exercise 95 percent more voting power than 18-year-olds. More than 4 million Americans will turn 18 before the midterm elections in 2018. The future belongs to young people, but they have to claim their place in imagining it, and then help to shape it. We believe a great place to start is at the local level since local elections have the most effect on daily life. Get involved. Connect with causes you believe in online and in person. Go to town halls, city council meetings, engage with elected officials and make your voices and concerns important to those with the power to make decisions. Advertisement Considering these facts and motivated by a strong belief in youth civic engagement, the youth council decided to take on a series of projects to register and educate voters in San Diego. The San Diego County Public Defender Youth Council Voter Registration and Education Initiative will include both community registration and pledge drives and high school pre-registration. In an effort to share the message about the importance of voting, we also created Just Vote! a YouTube video that will be shown in government classes at local high schools. Its not about who you vote for, its about voting. The youth council is encouraging people to learn about the issues, candidates and ballot measures and make informed choices for those they believe in. Recent studies show that while more young people are consuming and sharing news than ever before, they are disappointed by what they read. These articulate, informed youth need to know that they have the power to change the headlines with their vote. Active citizenship is critical to democracy. Adults often mischaracterize youth, saying young people prefer social media to social activism, but current events prove this portrayal wrong as high school and middle school students are showing levels of civic engagement that have not been seen in years. Students are shaping the way news is accessed and distributed, proving again and again that the future belongs to them. Young people have learned how to harness technology and use the power of the internet to get their point across without being disagreeable. Theyve learned how to start movements, and how to change the narrative. Using social media and other platforms, youth have been speaking out. Now we need them to be heard! The San Diego County Public Defender Youth Council is asking for all eligible citizens to vote. We are making a broader reach into the community, urging those who are already registered to come through on their vote. Our goal is to increase voter registration percentages in San Diego, including pre-registration among 16- and 17-year-olds. Yet, regardless of age, our message remains the same: Just vote! A strong democracy depends on your participation. Salameh, 16, is a sophomore at San Diego High School. Antunez, 16, is a junior at King Chavez High School. In 2015, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher took aim at the downtown planning agency Civic San Diego and was a swipe of Gov. Jerry Browns veto pen away from handing its powers of development to the Democratic-majority San Diego City Council. In 2017, Gonzalez Fletcher successfully restructured the San Diego Association of Governments, a regional planning agency, for the better establishing an independent auditor for the scandal-plagued organization and the worse shifting its balance of power from all cities in the region to the biggest, which favor Democrats. Now, one of Sacramentos most powerful politicians is at it again. She wants to eliminate the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and give control of the nations 27th busiest airport back to the Port of San Diego, which managed the facility along Harbor Drive until 2003 when the airport authority was created to operate it and pursue a potential relocation ultimately rejected by voters to Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. It was a far different airport in 2003. Its airlines flew only 38 domestic nonstop flights and three nonstop international flights. Today there are 60 domestic destinations and nine international destinations. Southwest Airlines alone has nearly doubled its nonstop flights from 17 to 33. The port district, which is entrusted with a variety of long-term leases, including 22 parks, two maritime cargo terminals and two cruise ship terminals, would simply be overwhelmed by the international airports current demands. Advertisement As part of its management, the airport authority delivered an expansion of Terminal 2 on time and under budget which is all the more impressive when compared to the port districts original expansion of the terminal in 1998, which came in behind schedule and 62 percent over budget. Now, the airport authority is focused on replacing the 50-year-old Terminal 1 and fearful that Gonzalez Fletchers power play could jeopardize a project thats been planned for years. Shifting control of the airport would move power from a board that appropriately represents all 18 cities, the county, state agencies and the military to a board that represents just the five port cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego. Airport authority officials are right to sound alarms that this would disenfranchise nearly half of the countys population. Gonzalez Fletcher argues the port district as the airports landlord is better positioned to relieve traffic around it, to improve public transit to and from a site with no direct trolley access, and to combat sea-level rise that may portend problems for the facilitys long-term viability. But airport officials can list several ways they have removed traffic from Harbor Drive, only starting with a new centralized rental car center they opened north of the airport in 2016. They also correctly note that SANDAG and the Metropolitan Transit System take the regional lead on trolley matters. While airport officials could always do more to improve traffic congestion and prepare for sea-level rise, they certainly arent ignoring climate change. Theyve studied its effects at least since 2012 and factored its risks into projects from the rental car center to the new Terminal 2 Parking Plaza that opens in May. In short, the airport is better served by the authoritys singular focus than the ports divided attention. Its clear that Gonzalez Fletcher likes to swing for the fences, but The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board hopes she strikes out in this effort. As civic leader Malin Burnham wrote in a letter to the editor last week, If it aint broke ... He didnt even need to finish the thought. We hope state lawmakers move on to their other pressing needs just as quickly. See also: Why airport control belongs with Port of San Diego Advertisement San Diego Airport leadership change unnecessary, disruptive Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Advertisement Twitter: @sdutIdeas Advertisement Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Like the San Diego City Council, the Los Angeles City Council has wrestled for years with how to regulate short-term vacation rentals. But unlike San Diegos city leaders, those in Los Angeles actually appear up to the task of addressing this controversial, vexing issue. This week, a Los Angeles City Council committee gave initial approval to relatively strict rules that would prevent city residents from renting homes or apartments on a night-to-night basis unless the properties are their primary residences and that would limit the rentals to 120 days a year. However, those renting out their properties could exceed the limit with city permission so long as they have not been cited more than once for violations, among other conditions. The short-term rentals would have to be registered with the city. Airbnb and other online rental sites could face fines of $1,000 a day for listing unregistered properties. In December, The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board endorsed less strict rules developed by council members David Alvarez, Mark Kersey, Scott Sherman and Chris Ward that would have allowed owners with permits to rent out up to three units on a short-term basis, subject to a number of reasonable provisos. Soon after, the City Council had one of its more embarrassing meetings in years. After Alvarez abandoned the plan he helped to craft, members were unable to agree on it or a stricter proposal from Councilwoman Barbara Bry with similarities to the plan advancing in Los Angeles. As a result, a booming industry that City Attorney Mara Elliott considers illegal remains unregulated in San Diego. Local council members need to be inspired by their Los Angeles counterparts and get back to work. This issue isnt going away. Advertisement Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Important policy needs to be protected Re FBI agents seize documents from Trumps lawyer, Michael Cohen (April 10): The attorneyclient privilege exists to encourage honest communication with ones legal representative. Allowing the FBI to seize whatever they want from Trumps personal lawyer which items certainly contain privileged materials is a serious assault on this important policy. If the justification was to prove Trump collaborated with Russia to get elected, there might be an exception. But even the FBI says that was not the focus. Instead, attorney client privilege be damned, it is to get to the bottom of a porn stars story? Like many others, this sideshow highjacks us from addressing real problems. Homelessness, nuclear proliferation, climate change? Sorry, Stormy Daniels is more important. This is exactly what Moscow intended. They didnt want Trump because his policies would be more favorable. They wanted him because the four years of controversy would paralyze us from accomplishing anything significant. Unfortunately, it looks like they succeeded. Advertisement Don Vaughn Point Loma Something smells wrong in Trumps world If my lawyer made an agreement with a third party that I honestly didnt know about, Id wonder what else my lawyer did without my knowledge. If my lawyer paid that third party $130,000 and I honestly didnt know where the money came from, Id be looking at past billing to find padding or Id be worried my lawyer was using me as a front for money laundering or something. If I knew enough about campaign law to realize my lawyers actions were potentially illegal, if his offices were raided by the FBI with a valid warrant; and, if I were an honest person, Id be calling my lawyer disgraceful. Since when is confidentiality supposed to protect potentially illegal activities? Cindy Schuricht La Mesa Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Seaport Village is worth keeping as it is Re Port selects new Seaport Village operator (April 11): The conversion of the inviting, clever, fun, aesthetically appropriate Seaport Village of today into a monstrous extension of downtown concrete continues to be heartbreaking. I had hopes the Port of San Diego would come to its senses money isnt everything. Character means a lot in our society today. Nona Switala Advertisement Oceanside I agree with the letter writer who wrote, Seaport Village is a real draw for the area. Someone else said that Waterfronts are public spaces that are linked to the soul of the city. Seaport Village fits that description, whereas, the Ports proposed cold, commercial, private plan does not. We already have a magnificent aquarium and a school is totally inappropriate for that space. The Port District needs to get out of the real estate business and stick with maritime matters before we lose our tidelands entirely. Cathy OLeary Carey Advertisement Rancho Bernardo Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Lightly edited comments from our online coverage. Re Trumps witch hunt is a Republican-led effort (April 10): There isnt one Democrat involved in this. All Republicans DOJ, FBI and U.S. attorney all Trump picks. Seems they have discovered apparent criminal activity so egregious they cant cover for the party on this. Now Devin Nunes on the other hand is a different story. Lock him up too. If Trump tells his attorney about crimes, that is confidential. If he plans crimes with the help of his attorney, it isnt. Sounds like theyre going by the book and theres no way DOJ and a judge would do this without solid justification. Sit back and enjoy with the rest of us. Its not too late. By the way, how is that special counsel for the Democrats dirty tricks coming along? john.poe95 Joined April 19, 2016 Advertisement The witch hunt is by both sides of the aisle. It puzzles me that you really cant see that. Too many career politicians and political appointees hate the fact that a non-professional person could possibly be elected to the nations highest office. Thus, theyre doing everything they can to keep any investigation in front of the media. owl9939 Joined April 24, 2016 Re Police get countys first Drone killer (April 7): Good. Flying drones over wildfires and near airports is criminal behavior. IHB222 Joined June 22, 2017 It would be far better if this device was more like a surface-to-air missile strike and would blow the intruder out of the sky. Sending it to the ground or back to its launch point only permits re-use. bondf01 Advertisement Joined April 11, 2018 Re San Diego should embrace short-term vacation rentals (April 9): I make a huge distinction between a resident owner renting out a room and an absentee investor renting out an entire house or complex. As a potentially impacted neighbor, I need some assurance that my rights are respected and that I can get satisfactory and rapid resolution to noise, trash or other disruptive problems. j.eldon Joined April 12, 2018 Advertisement If there are regulations they should be against any neighbors who make noise long after bedtime. The worst noise violators I have experienced in San Diego came from neighbors who were long-term renters or owners. It is false to say that noisy neighbors are a short-term rental problem only. Punish the behavior, not the status of the renter. pcspcs Joined April 24, 2016 Advertisement Related: CalExit? Is California too big? Voters may get chance to split Golden State Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Three Californias? Yet another attempt to split up California into smaller states is in the works and the man behind the effort says hes collected enough signatures to put a ballot measure calling for three Californias on the November ballot. Three Californias?! You heard that right. The effort, branded as the CAL 3 initiative, is driven by Tim Draper, a venture capitalist who previously wanted to split the state into six states, but failed to do so, obviously. This is an unprecedented show of support on behalf of every corner of California to create three state governments that will deliver better education, better infrastructure and lower taxes, Draper said. Draper announced on Thursday that he plans to deliver the 600,000 signatures hes collected from Californians in 58 counties to the secretary of state in hopes of getting a ballot measure approved. The highly unlikely effort would cut the state up like this, according to the CAL 3 website. Timothy Draper's vision for Southern California. threestateca.com How? After CAL 3 delivers the support of more than 600,000 citizens to the secretary of state and the signatures are properly vetted and approved, the initiative will be slotted for inclusion on the ballot in November, giving everyone in California a chance to be heard. After the measure is approved by voters, the governor will transfer notice of state approval to Congress, which will vote to ratify the creation of the new three-state structure. Why? CAL 3 is committed to solving Californias most pressing issues, including the states failing school systems that impact more than 6 million kids, highest-in-the-nation taxes, deteriorating infrastructure and strained government. Partitioning California into three states would empower regional communities to make better, fairer and more sensible decisions for their citizens. Despite the vast number of signatures Draper says hes collected, a ballot initiative to split up California into three has its set of challenges. To start, Draper needs a total of 366,000 for his initiative to be qualify to go on the ballot. And, as The San Francisco Chronicle points out, its likely that many of the signatures will be discovered to be invalid. Complicating things, as experts have pointed out, this concept would be extremely difficult to make a reality, especially considering it would have to be approved by Congress. Yeah, good luck with that. But Drapers dream is still getting some spotlight on social media. This isnt the first time someone has attempted to slice up California in one way or another. Most recently, there was talk of splitting the state into two pieces. Any thought to share on CAL 3? Send em our way at @sdutideas. Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin A one-size-fits-all solution to the ongoing homelessness crisis has not come to California just yet but cities all over the state continue to experiment with ways to address the issue. California is not the only state in the U.S. to struggle with a homeless population states like Oregon and Washington face challenges of their own. But the Golden State has attracted criticism for having the largest homeless population in the nation, so bad that even the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board called it a national disgrace. Over the years, cities and counties have come up with inventive ways to address homelessness to no avail. And 2018 is no more different. Here are some of those experiments happening all over California: Storage bins in San Diego Danny McCray runs Think Dignity's Traditional Storage Center in the East Village of San Diego, shown on Jan. 15, 2018. The facility allows homeless people to store their belongings. (Photo by K.C. Alfred/ San Diego Union-Tribune) K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune City leaders in San Diego last month approved a 500-bin storage center for homeless people to store their belongings to avoid getting them stolen while they go to job interviews, schools or doctor appointments, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. One existing storage facility thats been around since 2011 is said to be at capacity, so the citys new facility could provide some relief. The city has also spent $7 million to turn a former indoor skydiving facility into a center for homeless people to get a variety of services, from housing assistance, to veterans assistance, to Social Security benefits or even to obtain a drivers license, the Union-Tribune reported. Proposals for the storage bins and the service facility come months after the city housed hundreds of homeless people in shelters and tents over the winter as city leaders faced pressure to get a hepatitis A outbreak under control. Using National Guard armories in Orange County Officers from the Sheriff's department, social workers and county workers help clear the homeless encampment beside the Santa Ana River near the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on February 20, 2018. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images Orange County has scrambled in recent weeks to find enough space to shelter homeless people that have been cleared off the Santa Ana River and a makeshift camp at the Santa Ana Civic Center. On Tuesday, Gov. Jerry Brown granted a 90-day extension to use National Guard armories as temporary shelters as county and city leaders face a federal lawsuit for evicting homeless people from the river and the civic center without a place to go, the Voice of OC reported. Residents in several cities in Orange County have objected to placing homeless shelters in their city, leaving leaders with few options. Backyard tiny homes for homeless in Los Angeles County Homeowner Trent Walbe stands in the backyard of his home where a prototype of a tiny home is under construction that the city of Los Angeles is helping build to promote homeowners who construct tiny houses on their property as affordable housing to rent to homeless people. Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times In Los Angeles, city leaders are mulling an idea to pay homeowners to build backyard houses to host a homeless person or a family, the Los Angeles Times reported. That concept has been in the works since last August when Los Angeles County leaders approved a $550,000 pilot tiny house program. Under the countys pilot program, homeowners could get $75,000 in loans to build a backyard house or $50,000 for a bootleg renovation. Housing homeless people in each tiny house could cost local government as little as $15,000 a year, the Times reported. A homeless shelter at a public school in San Francisco A man stand outside his tent on Division Street Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in San Francisco. San Francisco health officials declared a tent city that has been growing along a city street a health hazard and gave homeless people living on the sidewalk 72 hours to clear the area. The Associated Press In San Francisco, city and school leaders are now considering using a K-8 school to shelter homeless students and their families, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. City leaders propose to turn two school gyms into shelters between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. every day, including weekends and off-school days. The city would end up paying up to $900,000 a year to house 20 families at a time, the Chronicle reported. Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @RunGomez Read The Conversation on Flipboard. A Del Norte High sophomore will be among students receiving gold medals at a June ceremony in Carnegie Hall due to their submissions in a national art and writing contest. Skyler Wu, 15, is a Scholastic Art & Writing Awards national gold medalist in the critical essay category for I Dont Want to Be High Anymore. It has nothing to do with drugs, Wu said. Del Norte is a very competitive school. I am an Asian-American and I compared how the pressure to do well in school, the entire system, is like a drug addiction. Wu said he wrote about EAP Extreme Academic Pressure placed on him and fellow students by society, especially those who are Asian-American. We have been force-fed EAP by society. This is my own experience and that by some of my peers. It is a reality that is created. For example, Wu said he wrote in his essay about the stigma to be well-rounded, overachieve and embellish ones resume by taking part in extracurricular activities students are not particularly interested in doing, but look good on college applications. Myself included, from middle school to beginning of freshman year, there was the idea that certain extracurriculars were great, even if you do not want them, youre forced to like and accept it, he said. I critiqued this mind-set, because we are losing our authenticity. ... I reconsidered my priorities ... my struggles are to find authenticity again. Because of this, Wu said he has chosen to now pursue activities he enjoys. They include creating Del Norte Highs first humanities magazine, joining the speech and debate team, and continuing taekwondo, something he has done since age 5. This was Wus second time to enter the competition that is the nations longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition initiative for creative teens, according to contest officials. Since 1923, millions of youths in seventh through 12th grades have submitted entries. This year there were 29 categories, including architecture, painting, flash fiction, poetry, printmaking and video game design. Entries are judged based on their originality, technical skill and emergence of personal vision or voice. The competition is organized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Past winners have included Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Ken Burns, Robert Redford, Zac Posen and Lena Dunham. Weve learned over the years that for many teenagers having their creative work recognized while still in school is the impetus they need to be lifelong creators, makers and leaders, said Virginia McEnerney, executive director of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Encouraging teens to utilize art and writing to express their hopes, dreams and questions about the world has multiple and meaningful benefits, McEnerney said in a press release. The collective output of these young innovators creates a portrait in time of our American identity and, for the teens, in reinforces the positive habits that come from creative self-expression. Wu said his parents, 4S Ranch residents Zheng Yan and Sumin Wu, will accompany him to New York City when he receives his gold medal during a ceremony at Carnegie Hall. Im looking forward to visiting New York, Wu said. Im a very big foodie and heard the East Village has good food. So it is a win-win. Wu said he learned about the contest from his English teacher, Jennifer Philyaw, who displayed a contest poster in her classroom. He is taking her honors humanities class this year. He chose to enter the critical essay category because I cant write fiction. ... With critical essay it is nonfiction, argumentative debate on paper. Wu said he likes the competition because entrants are allowed to create whatever they want. He is among 13 San Diego County students to win a gold or silver medal at the national level this year, and only Poway Unified School District student among them. Wu said when he entered the writing contest last year, he won a regional Gold Key, which meant he advanced to the national level, but did not win additional honors. They include gold medal, silver medal and honorable mention. Since he had no expectations, learning he won a gold medal at nationals this year was exciting, Wu said. He found out while doing homework in the school library. He looked online to see if the contest results were posted and ran to my English teacher to share the news, he said. Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Since the days of our founding fathers, American presidents have been enriching our language with novel words, phrases, and concepts that we all now take for granted. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join In 1608, one year after the establishment of Jamestown, Captain John Smith attempted to transcribe the Algonquian word meaning he scratches with his hands by writing down rahougcum. This led to the word raccoon, and one of the earliest seeds for American English was sown. More than three centuries later, in 1951, Mitford M. Mathews of the University of Chicago Press published A Dictionary of Americanisms on Historical Principles, which contained 50,000 American words and phrases along with their definitions and extensive notations on their origins. These included words adopted from native tongues, such as skunk, squash, and pawpaw, as well as words from other languagescafeteria from Spanish, sleigh and coleslaw from the Dutch. Other words were concocted from what Mathews called the old lumber of British English: bullfrog, rocking chair, and catfish, as well as thousands of words and phrases straight out of the American experience, from which we learned to play ball, eat crow, bark up the wrong tree, and paddle ones own canoe. When one browses through this work and the earlier Dictionary of American English, which Mathews worked on with the British lexicographer Sir William Craigie, one is taken with the number of words and phrases that were coined, first recorded, or made popular by the nations presidents, beginning with George Washington. Indeed, the largest number of White House words have been handed down from the founding fathersa term created by Warren G. Harding for his front porch campaign of 1920. Thomas Jefferson alone gets credit for more than 100 new wordsamong those that survive are lengthily, belittle, electioneering, indecipherable, monotonously, ottoman (the footstool, not the empire), pedicure, the noun bid, and, appropriately, the verb neologize. Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today The early presidents felt that creating new words and new uses for old ones was part of their role in creating an American culture. I am a friend to neology, Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Adams in 1820. It is the only way to give to a language copiousness and euphony. And the early presidents had Noah Webster and his followers at hand to legitimize their brave new words. Jefferson and others of his time felt that Americans were more tolerant of innovation in speech and writing than those in England and thought that American innovations would eventually justify calling the language of America by a name other than English. Many on both sides of the Atlantic were alarmed that Americans were adding words to their language. As Mathews pointed out in a later work called American Words, They thought the English language belonged to those who lived in Great Britain and that Americans should show their appreciation of being allowed to use it by not making any changes to it. Webster considered this notion foolish and plunged into the task of creating a dictionary of the American language. He announced on the Fourth of July 1800, New circumstances, new modes of life, new ideas of various kinds, give rise to new words and have already made many material differences between the language of England and America. When the first edition of Noah Websters dictionary appeared in 1806, one critic was outraged when he came upon two words that had never appeared before in a dictionary: presidential and congressional. These words were denounced as barbarous, and he said that they were unnecessary, and offensive to the ear. Someif not mostof these early presidential terms were not pure coinages but words that a president was the first to leave in a written record. Others were created by aides and associates and passed along to the president. Yet even this is fascinatinghow, for example, did it come to be that the first written record of the onomatopoetic word bobolink was by John Adams, or that nobody before James Madison had used the word squatter to mean someone occupying property or territory that was not his or her own? Many of the words attributed to George Washington appear in his diaries as simple terms that Allan Metcalf in his book Presidential Voices: Speaking Styles from George Washington to George W. Bush describes as connected with home and farm and were probably in general use around Mount Vernon and other Potomac plantations. The 37 terms Washington is given credit for in the Oxford English Dictionary include hatchet man, cradlers (farmhands who reap with a cradle scythe, 1766), logged (describing a house made from logs, 1784), and New Town Pippin (a special variety of dessert apple with a yellowish-green skin and aromatic flesh, 1760). The early years of the Republic were a crucible for American leaders as neologists. John Adams, to cite another example, brought us a number of new words, including caucus. John Quincy Adams brought us gag rule. American politics took on the cant and slang of the frontier and the poker table, and the people of the rest of the world were at once stunned and amused as they noted that only in America are there bandwagons to jump on, coattails to attach to, and war chests to dip into. There were also pure coinages. It was Abraham Lincoln, for example, who came up with relocate, relocation, and the great metaphor for the Civil War: a house divided. The tradition blossomed again at the turn of the 20th century with a steady parade of new coinages, beginning with Theodore Roosevelts lunatic fringe, mollycoddle, muckraker, and, appropriately, bully pulpit, as well as some wonderful TR phrases and aphorisms such as Speak softly and carry a big stick. Roosevelt, who boasted that no president ever enjoyed himself in the presidency as much as I did, seemed to have a recreational fascination with new ways of expressing himself. The trend continued throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, but no coinages were more dominant than the link between governing and the card table. There were new deals, square deals, and fair deals, and, of course, President Truman had a sign on his desk that said the buck stops here. By the nature of the microscope under which they are observed, presidents are more likely than the rest of us to have words or phrases attributed to them that they did not coin. Presidents are also more likely to come under fire for impurity of speech or for their disregard of the rules of Englishor, even worse, for using words that are undignified. During the July following his inauguration, Lincoln sent a message to Congress opposing secession threatened by Southerners. The message said in part, With rebellion thus sugar-coated they have been drugging the public mind of their section for more than 30 years, until at length they have brought many good men to a willingness to take up arms against the government. The Hon. John D. Defrees, the government printer, was disturbed by the use of sugar-coated. He finally went to Lincoln, with whom he was on good terms, and told him that a message to Congress was a different affair from a speech at a mass meeting in Illinoisthat the message became a part of history and should be written with that in mind. Whats the matter now? Lincoln inquired of the printer. Why, said Defrees, you have used an undignified expression in the message. He read the sentence aloud and suggested Lincoln replace the word. Defrees, replied Lincoln, that word expresses precisely my idea, and I am not going to change it. The time will never come in this country when the people wont know exactly what sugar-coated means. As if to raise the hackles of the purists, in 1904 Theodore Roosevelt wrote to Thomas R. Lounsbury, a professor of English at Yale University, to say that he approved of splitting infinitives. Harding came under constant attack in many quarters for his use of normalcy and bloviate and was singled out by H. L. Mencken for his use of the one-he combination (as in one does as he wishes), but Harding was vindicated when a group of 29 philologians took a vote on one-he and 22 found it acceptable English. Woodrow Wilson may have been the first president taken to task for his use of slang. He was cited for using such phrases as we must get a move on and that is going some. Wilson also was criticized for pronouncing ordinary as ornery and for omitting the definitiveand honorificarticle before the word Congress. The Congress had been the norm for several generations until Wilson came along. The next three presidents restored the article, but it eventually drifted away save for formal papers and documents. Wilson also raised eyebrows with neologistic aphorisms such as A mans rootage is more important than his leafage. Franklin D. Roosevelts lexical critics looked down their noses on his willingness to use street slang (chiseler for swindler) and for creations such as iffy. President Eisenhower was castigated for his reliance on words that were common in the military. When he used finalize in his second State of the Union message, it set off a clamor among the grammatical purists, aka the language police. As the lexicographer Bergen Evans observed a few weeks later, Columnists, editorial writers, and teachers pounced on the unlucky word, labeling it nonexistent, hideous, atrocious, and meaningless. But the best course is to let the purists howl, Evans wisely concluded. They have been grousing throughout our history while about them the language has prosperedoften with an assist from the president. Excerpted from Words from the White House: Words and Phrases Coined or Popularized by Americas Presidents by Paul Dickson, published by Walker & Company/Bloomsbury Publishing. 2013 Paul Dickson. Reprinted with permission. Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2018 -- Addison's disease is a hormonal disorder characterized by inadequate secretion of certain hormones such as cortisol (glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (mineralocorticoid) by adrenal gland. Cortisol manages glucose level and is also helpful in suppressing immune response. Aldosterone regulates the sodium and potassium level in the body. This disease condition is also called as adrenal insufficiency and occurs in people of all age groups. Addison's disease affects both sexes equally. In some cases it can be life threatening as well. This disease is mainly caused by damage to the adrenal cortex that may be due to autoimmune disorders including chronic thyroiditis, Graves' disease, myasthenia gravis and pernicious anemia; infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and fungal infections; tumor and hemorrhage into the adrenal gland. In major developed countries, tuberculosis has been identified as one of the major factors for Addison's disease and accounts for nearly 20% of all adrenal insufficiency cases. Most common symptoms associated with this hormonal disorder include weight loss, tiredness, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, paleness, chronic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and darkening of the skin in some places. Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/19741 Addison's disease is usually diagnosed by a blood test (for potassium level, cortisol level and serum sodium) or CT scan. In some cases abdominal X-ray is also performed in order to confirm the illness. Its treatment involves the replacing of insufficient hormones with the laboratory developed hormones that mimic the functions of natural ones. Hydrocortisone tablet is given orally in order to replace cortisol while fludrocortisone acetate is recommended for aldosterone insufficiency. The market for Addison's disease therapeutics is primarily dominated by generic drugs such as cortisone, fludrocortisones and prednisone whose patent exclusivity had expired since long. The market for Addison's disease therapeutics is expected to grow worldwide owing to globally rising incidence of Addison's disease and rigorous research and development leading to introduction of new products. According to sources from Elsevier, Inc., the annual incidence rate of Addison's disease has been found 5-6 per million of population while the prevalence rate is 40-110 per million of population. A recent epidemiological study indicates that the incidence of Addison's disease is increasing year on year. In September 2012, ViroPharma, Inc. launched a novel drug called Plenadren in Denmark for treating adrenal insufficiency. This novel drug was granted a European marketing Authorization by the European Commission in November 2011. Denmark became the first country in the whole European Union to offer a new treatment option to people suffering from Addison's disease in over the last 50 years. Increasing awareness among patients and physicians regarding the disease is also expected to play a key role in driving the market growth during the forthcoming years. Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/19741 In terms of geography, the market for Addison's disease therapeutics has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). Reimbursement of expenses related with the Addison's disease treatment by Medicare and Medicaid in the United States is one of the major factors driving the market growth in the North American region. Also the fact that patients and physicians of this region being more aware than the patients and physicians of other regions is driving the market growth in the region. Some of the major research institutes and companies engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of drugs and injectables for the Addison's disease treatment are University of Wurzburg, Aarhus University, Oregon Health and Science University, University Hospital Tubingen, Shire plc, DuoCort AB and HaEmek Medical Center. Birmingham, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2018 -- A British business is getting a boost from overseas markets in spite of Brexit fears as sales of her British made products soar with new export opportunities. Shaherazad Umbreen is seeing sales of her high-end 18 hour heels, worn by a host of celebrities, go global as she taps in to emerging markets with the weakening pound making the product more appealing. With sales of her heels, which are guaranteed to provide up to 18 hours of pain free wear, going global Shaherazad is finding around 70% of her sales of the innovative product overseas with the entrepreneur seeing sales from as far as Indonesia, Singapore and the USA. "There has been a real surge in sales overseas," said the owner of Shoes by Shaherazad who is working with the Department of International Trade to target further export opportunities. "The weakening pound coupled with the fact that we offer free worldwide shipping is making the heels more desirable to overseas markets." Something the Birmingham business woman is now looking to expand on as she has seen interest from businesses as far afield as Kuwait and is looking to launch to the market later in the year. Putting the interest down to the quality British designs and craftwomanship, the shoes not only empower women through their use but also through a percentage of the sales going to good causes across the globe. "18 hour heels are more than just a nice pair of heels," said Shaherazad. "I think that is part of their appeal. When I set out to do this I wanted to do something that would help to empower women. So far, sales of the shoes have helped over 1000 women and girls from some of the world's poorest countries to build for the future whether that's finding work or better access to education." The shoes, are designed using the science of how a flamingo stands on one leg to provide optimum weight distribution. Designed by the British business woman they also feature special jewellery designs hand crafted in the Jewellery Quarter in the heart of Birmingham. "I am actually finding that the fact the heels are 100% made in England with English craftsmen and designs a selling point for the overseas markets as well. The quality British craftmanship and the fact that the jewellery designs are all handmade by a specialist metal worker here in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter all speak for the quality of the product." With interest mounting from further afield it isn't just overseas markets seeing the appeal though. British celebrities including supermodel Alexa Chung, Coronation Street actress Jane Danson and West End Star Verity Rushworth have all snapped up a pair. Working with the Department of International Trade to launch the shoes in even more places this year the appeal of 18 hour heels is set to grow. More information on the Birmingham shoes going global is available at www.shaherazad.com. Contact: Shaherazad Umbreen Company: Shaherazad Address: Innovation Park, 1-2 Devon Way, Birmingham, B31 2TS, UK Phone: 07944571367 Email: getnoticed@shoesbyshaherazad.com Website: https://www.shaherazad.com/pages/about-us Lewes, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2018 -- As per International Monetary Fund (IMF) Burkina Faso's nominal gross domestic product is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.32% from it's 2015 level of CFA 6564.63 billion and reach CFA 11485.40 billion by 2022. Burkina Faso is a low-income, landlocked Sub-Saharan country with limited natural resources. Its population, which is growing at an average annual rate of 3.1 percent, was estimated at almost 18.6 million inhabitants in 2016. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with close to 80 percent of the active population employed in the sector. Cotton is the country's most important cash crop, while gold exports have gained importance in recent years. Burkina Faso had estimated population of 18.42 million in the year 2016 and expected to reach 21.666 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 2.75%. Burkina Faso's real gross domestic product (GDP) was around CFA 4607.22 billions in 2016 whereas the nominal GDP was CFA 7050.59 billions. This resulted in GDP deflator 153.034. Per capita GDP was estimated at USD 645.789 whereas purchasing power parity (PPP) based per capita GDP was estimated to be at USD 1782.15. In 2016, Burkina Faso government's revenue was CFA 1551.69 billions whereas the expenditure was CFA 1730.56 billions. This resulted Burkina Faso government's net lending / borrowing negative at CFA 178.87 billion in 2016 indicating that enough financial resources were not made available by the government to boost economic growth. The current account balance for Burkina Faso was estimated to be negative at USD 0.918 billions for the year 2016 and is expected to decline at a CAGR of 4.30% and reach USD 1.198 by 2022. This negative current account balance indicates the Burkina Faso is a net borrower from the whole world. Scope of the Burkina Faso PESTEL Analysis, SWOT Analysis and Risk Analysis Market Research Reports - These reports provide information about key macroeconomic indicators for Burkina Faso. - These reports provide PESTELE (political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal) analysis for Burkina Faso. - These reports provide SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for Burkina Faso. - These reports provide risk analysis for Burkina Faso. For more information and to purchase Burkina Faso PESTEL Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/burkina-faso-pestel-analysis-market-research-report For more information and to purchase Burkina Faso SWOT Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/burkina-faso-swot-analysis-market-research-report For more information and to purchase Burkina Faso Risk Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/burkina-faso-risk-analysis-market-research-report About Market Research Reports, Inc. Market Research Reports Inc. is world's largest store offering quality market research, SWOT analysis, competitive intelligence and industry reports. We help Fortune 500 to Start-Ups with the latest market research reports on global ional markets which comprise key industries, leading market players, new products and latest industry analysis & trends. Contact us for your market research requirements: http://www.marketresearchreports.com/contact Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2018 -- A new research study titled "China-US Trade War and Its Impact on Taiwanese Companies Produced Communications Equipment in China" has been submitted to the database of Market Research Hub (MRH). The report offers in-depth analysis on the prevailing US-China trade war, and highlights its impact on Taiwanese companies based in China. Request For Sample Report: https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1692391 The study is a holistic piece of information and analysis that sheds light on the impact of the US policy of imposing higher tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the US. The protectionist policy in the US is likely to hurt the interests of not only Chinese companies, but also of Taiwanese companies based in China. Many prominent companies from Taiwan, especially in the field of smartphone, fixed broadband CPE, and broadband CPE have a strong presence in China. These companies have been leading exporters to the US, and a protectionist policy adopted under the leadership of Donald Trump, can hurt the interests of these companies. The report commences with a backdrop on the US China trade war, highlighting the key landmark developments that led to the signing of the executive order in March 2018. The report delves deep into the scope of impact of the China-US trade war, offering insights on the key industries that will witness the maximum impact. An analysis on the IT and telecom industries has been offered, with a detailed list of brands exporting goods to the US included for the perusal of readers. The succeeding sections of the report offer analysis on the key Taiwanese communications products manufactured in China. This includes the smartphone industry, wireless broadband equipment industry, and fixed broadband equipment industry. The production value of these products has been analyzed in detail in the report, and a detailed analysis has been offered for all the major clients. Browse Full Report with TOC- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/the-chinaus-trade-war-and-its-impact-on-taiwanese-companies-produced-communications-equipment-in-china-report.html The report also offers in-depth analysis of the impact the ongoing trade war is likely to have on the prospects of Taiwanese companies. The export value of the total Taiwanese products shipped to the US has been offered, and an estimate on the total reduction in demand has been offered to the readers. Overall, the report is a holistic source of information and analysis that offers stakeholders in the Taiwanese industry a transparent and accurate analysis on the possible impact of the prevailing China-US trade war. Stakeholders can expect a deeper understanding on the key factors that have led to the current situation, and how future developments can impact the market. Enquire about this Report- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1692391 About Market Research Hub Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRH's expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps. MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients. Contact Us 90 State Street, Albany, NY 12207, United States Toll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada) Email : press@marketresearchhub.com Website : https://www.marketresearchhub.com/ Read Industry News at - https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Lewes, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2018 -- As per International Monetary Fund (IMF) Lithuania's nominal gross domestic product is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.05% from it's 2015 level of Euro 37.331 billion and reach Euro 52.714 billion by 2022. Lithuania, located in Eastern Europe along the Baltic Sea, is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the south and east, Poland to the south, and Russia (Kaliningrad district) to the southwest. The capital of Lithuania is Vilnius. The official language is Lithuanian, and the currency is the euro (EUR). Lithuania had estimated population of 2.871 million in the year 2016 and expected to reach 2.679 million by 2022, declining at a CAGR of 1.15.Lithuania's around 1.361 million population was employed in 2016 and the unemployment rate was 7.861% of total labor force. Lithuania's real gross domestic product (GDP) was around Euro 34.415billions in 2016 whereas the nominal GDP was Euro 38.631billions. This resulted in GDP deflator 112.25. Per capita GDP was estimated at USD 14890.07 whereas purchasing power parity (PPP) based per capita GDP was estimated to be at USD 29972.33. In 2016, Lithuania government's revenue was Euro 13.263billions whereas the expenditure was Euro 13.267billions. This resulted Lithuania government's net lending / borrowing negative at Euro 0.005 billion in 2016 indicating that enough financial resources were not made available by the government to boost economic growth. The current account balance for Lithuania was estimated to be negative at USD 0.379billions for the year 2016 and is expected to decline at a CAGR of 5.59% and reach USD 1.415 by 2022. This negative current account balance indicates the Lithuania is a net borrower from the whole world. Scope of the Lithuania PESTEL Analysis, SWOT Analysis and Risk Analysis Market Research Reports - These reports provide information about key macroeconomic indicators for Lithuania. - These reports provide PESTELE (political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal) analysis for Lithuania. - These reports provide SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for Lithuania. - These reports provide risk analysis for Lithuania. For more information and to purchase Lithuania PESTEL Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/lithuania-pestel-analysis-market-research-report For more information and to purchase Lithuania SWOT Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/lithuania-swot-analysis-market-research-report For more information and to purchase Lithuania Risk Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/lithuania-risk-analysis-market-research-report About Market Research Reports, Inc. Market Research Reports Inc. is world's largest store offering quality market research, SWOT analysis, competitive intelligence and industry reports. We help Fortune 500 to Start-Ups with the latest market research reports on global ional markets which comprise key industries, leading market players, new products and latest industry analysis & trends. Contact us for your market research requirements: http://www.marketresearchreports.com/contact Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2018 -- Mask Alignment System Market - Overview: Many of the manufacturers depend upon nanotechnology solutions to produce various semiconductor components, such as quantum dots and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In order to produce essential devices, the patterns for different lithography steps that belong to a single structure must be properly aligned to each another. The first pattern transferred to a wafer usually includes a set of alignment marks, which are high precision features that are used as the reference when positioning subsequent patterns. These subsequent patterns are important in identifying the size of wafer and also alignment. The complete design with all mask layers combined is called the layout of the device. Enterprises typically use software such as CAD/CAM specifically for designing the masks. One of the major factors responsible for the growth of the mask alignment market is the growing demand for nano sensors. Additionally, these factor also tend to fuel the demand for semiconductor integrated chips for various different applications, such as consumer electronic devices, communication systems, sensor and detectors, and storage devices, increases. Request a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5095 Key players Some of the prominent key players in the mask alignment system market include E V Group (Austria), Neutronix Inc (U.S.), SUSS MicroTec AG (Germany), Aixtron SE (Germany), Applied Materials, Inc (U.S.), ASML Holding (Netherlands), Vistec Electron Beam GmbH (Germany), Veeco Instruments, Inc (U.S.), Bruker Corporation (U.S.), among others. Global Mask Alignment System Market Is Estimated To Grow At A CAGR Of 10% during The Forecast Period 2017-2023 Regional analysis The geographical split of global mask alignment market is done into regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world. Among these regions, Asia Pacific is the leading region in this market with highest growth rate. The Asia Pacific turns to be a leader in the semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing. Countries like China, Taiwan, and Japan are most of the prominent players in the semiconductor market space. Companies like Foxconn is the global leader in contract electronic component manufacturing and serves to a huge number of global players in smartphone and electronic device manufacturing. North America is the second largest region with highest market share. The major advantage of North America is due to countries like the U.S. and Canada which are early adopters of emerging technologies where the application of mask alignment is highly used. The latest trend of replacing major lighting systems in homes and commercial spaces with LED devices, turning to be one of the major applications of mask alignment market. Additionally, many of the semiconductor companies like Texas Instruments are expanding their product line and investing in latest technological developments. Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/mask-alignment-system-market-5095 Segmentation On the basis of the type, the market is segmented into semi-automated and fully automated. On the basis of the application, the market is segmented into MEMS devices, compound semiconductor, and LED devices. On the basis of the end-user, the market is segmented into foundry/factory, memory chip manufacturer, and integrated device manufacturer. Intended Audience - Mask Alignment System services providers - Software Solution providers - Content services providers - Semiconductor wafers vendors - Electronic component manufacturers - Project accounting solution providers - Value-added resellers - Research Firms About Market Research Future At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions. Lewes, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2018 -- As per International Monetary Fund (IMF) Netherlands's nominal gross domestic product is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.02% from it's 2015 level of Euro 676.531 billion and reach Euro 833.449 billion by 2022. he Netherlands, a country located in Northwest Europe, is bordered by the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Netherlands to the east. The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces, with Amsterdam as the capital. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, and the currency is the euro (EUR). Netherlands had estimated population of 17.03 million in the year 2016 and expected to reach 17.33 million by 2022. Netherlands around 8.294 million was employed in 2016 and the unemployment rate was 5.552% of total labor force. Netherlands real gross domestic product (GDP) was around Euro 669.322 billions in 2016 whereas the nominal GDP was Euro 696.871 billions. This resulted in GDP deflator 104.116. Per capita GDP was estimated at USD 45282.63 whereas purchasing power parity (PPP) based per capita GDP was estimated to be at USD 51049.02. The output gap for Netherlands in 2016 was negative at 1.879% of the potential GDP. In 2016, Netherlands government's revenue was Euro 304.968 billions whereas the expenditure was Euro 308.459 billions. This resulted Netherlands government's net lending / borrowing negative at Euro 3.49 billion in 2016 indicating that enough financial resources were not made available by the government to boost economic growth. The current account balance for Netherlands was estimated to be at USD 74.304 billions for the year 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.96% and reach USD 74.629 by 2022. This positive current account balance indicates the Netherlands is net lender to the whole world. Scope of the Netherlands PESTEL Analysis, SWOT Analysis and Risk Analysis Market Research Reports - These reports provide information about key macroeconomic indicators for Netherlands. - These reports provide PESTELE (political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal) analysis for Netherlands. - These reports provide SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for Netherlands. - These reports provide risk analysis for Netherlands. For more information and to purchase Netherlands PESTEL Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/netherlands-pestel-analysis-market-research-report For more information and to purchase Netherlands SWOT Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/netherlands-swot-analysis-market-research-report For more information and to purchase Netherlands Risk Analysis Market Research Report please visit: https://www.marketresearchreports.com/market-research-reports-inc/netherlands-risk-analysis-market-research-report About Market Research Reports, Inc. Market Research Reports Inc. is world's largest store offering quality market research, SWOT analysis, competitive intelligence and industry reports. We help Fortune 500 to Start-Ups with the latest market research reports on global ional markets which comprise key industries, leading market players, new products and latest industry analysis & trends. Contact us for your market research requirements: http://www.marketresearchreports.com/contact Colne, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2018 -- UK webmasters currently owning .EU domains are now being strongly advised to consider migrating to new, more relevant domains, following the recent warning that they are no longer going to be eligible to own their .EU domains following Brexit next year: https://bit.ly/2Ha3E5B. This means that there could be serious implications for UK based people holding.EU domains These people are now being advised to start the migration as soon as possible so that they can be prepared. They will of course have to set up all 301 redirects and hreflang, but will also have to consider branding and marketing their new domain. A spokesperson from one of the UK leading digital marketing agencies, RS Digital, was incredibly keen to comment saying, "We understand this this may be a nightmare for a number of companies, especially ones who have worked hard for their rankings. However here at RS Digital we can help make the transition as smooth and successful as possible for all. This is something that cannot be avoided, but with help from experienced professionals such as the RS Digital development team, it can be easy. Anyone in this position should definitely give us call." About RS Digital RS Digital is a Lancashire based digital marketing company able to assist companies in succeeding online throughout the UK. Offering a range of internet marketing services to enable companies to gain better rankings and presence online, they are able to help companies of all sizes and types grow online in all of the most beneficial ways. If you are looking for advice or assistance in regards to SEO, PPC, Social Media or any other internet marketing strategies, do not hesitate to give them a call today. We are sure that they will be able to help you. PR Contact Company name: RS Digital Tel: 01282 452096 Website: https://www.rsdigital.co.uk/ Contact person: Gareth Owen Email: Gareth@rsdigital.co.uk Address: 15a-15b Bridgewater House Surrey Road Nelson Lancs BB8 7TZ San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2018 -- Xanthan gum, refers to a polysaccharide made by fermenting corn sugar with a bacteria, xanthomonas campestris - the same bacteria that leads to the creation of black spots on vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli. The strain of xanthomonas campestris used for obtaining xanthan gum is non-toxic and non-pathogenic for humans and animals. It is therefore preferred over several other emulsifiers in food products. Xanthan gum is actually one of the world's 30 most used popular products used in the food industry. Global Xanthan Gum Market: Drivers and Restraints Demand across the food and beverages industry is expected to continue to remain one of the key forces driving the global market for xanthan gum in the next few years. Of late, the increased global demand for packaged, ready-to-eat, and convenience foods has significantly increased the uptake of xanthan gum in the food and beverages industry. The food and beverages industry presently accounts for over half the global consumption of xanthan gum and the industry is expected to drive the market owing to high demand across food products such as salad dressings and sauces and dairy products such as ice creams. Request a sample copy of the Report @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=2222 The inherent superiority of the product over other common hydrocolloids is also a key driver of the global xanthan gum market. However, the market is presently struggling to cope up with the reinforced policies regarding anti-dumping across a number of developed economies and restrictions on the import of xanthan gum from China and Austria. The rising mistrust regarding the quality of xanthan gum by suppliers in China, which is presently the leading producer of the product on the global front, is also expected to hamper the overall growth prospects of the market to a certain extent. Global Xanthan Gum Market: Market Potential Looking at the significant rise in demand for xanthan gum from across the globe, key producers of the product are focusing on the expansion of their existing production sites, strengthening their distribution channels, and exploring new regional territories to add to their customer bases. In February 2013, CP Kelco, one of the world's dominant producers of xanthan gum, announced the expansion of its production facility in San Diego by around 40% so as to meet the heightened demand owing to a clampdown by the U.S. government on imports by Chinese and Austrian companies owing to quality issues. The company announced its plans to build a new manufacturing plant in North America for the production of and specialty xanthan gum and gellan gum. Request TOC of the report @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=2222 Global Xanthan Gum Market: Regional Overview The global market for xanthan gum has been predominantly led by Asia Pacific. The region accounts for a significant share of the global market for xanthan gum and is expected to show growth at a promising pace over the next few years as well. The massive demand for xanthan gum from China is expected to help the Asia Pacific market for xanthan gum remain dominant from a geographical perspective. The thriving market for food and beverages in China and other emerging economies in the region such as India is leading to the high demand for xanthan gum in the region. North America is another promising market for xanthan gum and is expected to become a matured market in the next few years owing to the increased use of the product for a number of industrial applications. The demand for xanthan gum is expected to witness rise at a slower pace in regions such as Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Global Xanthan Gum Market: Competitive Dynamics The global market for xanthan gum features a largely consolidated competitive landscape, with the leading few companies accounting for a massive share in the global market. Some of the leading vendors operating in the global xanthan gum market are Archer Daniels Midland Company, MeiHua Holdings Group Co., Ltd, Fufeng Group Company Limited, Hebei Xinhe Biochemical Co., The Aurora Chemical, CP Kelco, The Zoranoc Oilfield Chemical, DuPont-Danisco, Deosen, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Ltd., Cargill, Inc., FMC BioPolymer, and Solvay S.A. Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/xanthan-gum-market About TMR Research TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in today's supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients' conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends. A team of marine biologists from the University of Kansas and the Field Museum, Chicago has discovered a remarkable defensive system lachrymal saber in a group of fish called stonefish. Their work is published in the journal Copeia. I dont why this hasnt been discovered before. Its probably because there are just one or two people that ever worked on this group, said Professor William Leo Smith, from the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas. We took five or six families and were able to resolve the problems in their classifications. To have this really strong anatomical feature visible from the outside is really helpful. All specimens Professor Smith and co-authors examined feature a mechanism they dub a lachrymal saber located on each cheek below the eye. Moreover, genetic analysis of 113 morphological and 5,280 molecular characters for 63 species reveals stonefish possessing the lachrymal saber are closely related, producing a revised taxonomy of flatheads, scorpionfish, sea robins and stonefish. The researchers found the switchblade-like devices in the cheeks of stonefish involve specialized modifications to several bones and muscles: the circumorbitals, maxilla and adductor mandibulae. To help the stonefish deploy the switchblade, an unusually large number of muscles and ligaments attach to bones comprising the lachrymal saber system compared with species outside the stonefish family, they said. The switchblade only added to an already impressive array of defensive features that rank stonefish among the deadliest fishes in the ocean, including spikes, camouflages and some of the worlds most powerful venoms, which even could be fatal to an adult human being, Professor Smith said. Of all the fishes Ive studied, I havent yet been stung by any of these stonefish. Im just super paranoid. In some places they catch them for food the big ones, theyre delicious there is an aquaculture for larger ones in Indonesia. Thats mind-boggling to me. The venom breaks down in our digestive system. But people eat lots of venomous species all over the world, even in the U.S. According to the team, the lachrymal saber is most likely an additional defensive system in stonefish, to avoid predation. If you find pictures of these stonefish in the mouths of other things, the lachrymal saber is always locked out, Professor Smith said. The main thing people know about these fishes is theyre venomous. Some people know them because they have these fingerlike appendages and drag themselves around like theyre playing the piano; the appendages actually taste food as they go. These stonefish can mimic leaves floating in the water theyre super camouflaged. A lot of them have really bright pectoral fins on sides of their body, and when theyre scared they flash them this drab fish will suddenly flash bright yellows and oranges, the scientist said. I always assume all of these features are defensive, but recent studies by other fish scientists suggest these could all be displays like a peacock. _____ W. Leo Smith et al. 2018. Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Flatheads, Scorpionfishes, Sea Robins, and Stonefishes (Percomorpha: Scorpaeniformes) and the Evolution of the Lachrymal Saber. Copeia 106 (1): 94-119; doi: 10.1643/CG-17-669 'We have presence in all four global regions and every region has its own dynamics. When we look at Asia and China we see huge opportunity,' he said. That's especially so with Royal Caribbean being the world's largest brand, with a fleet of 24 ships and six on order. Years of investment Bayley explained it takes years of investment to grow the market, get people to experience cruises and then talk about them. This was true in the US, where the company began. Asia is a work in progress, Bayley said. For example, in Singapore, Royal Caribbean set up office some 11 years back. Faithfully attributing the company's success in Asia to the pioneering efforts of the late Rama Rebbapragada, Bayley noted the brand recently chalked up its millionth cruiser from Singapore. The Royal Caribbean chief was in Singapore on Monday to announce Quantum of the Seas is expected to add some 150,000 passengers to the cruising scene and increase Royal Caribbean's capacity there by 30% during a six-month deployment from November 2019 to April 2020. 'You have to have a long-term perspective,' Bayley said. 'We put a lot of energy into planning and developing distribution channels. Each channel can exist only when it offers true value to the customer.' Bayley does not exclude the controversial charter model in China in this equation. 'Without charterers we wouldn't have experienced that enormous growth we have seen in China,' he said, However, he emphasized it's time to evolve when it comes to distribution. 'We are on the journey of distribution development and "channel of choice" optimization. We are a believer in a "channel of choice" in all markets. It is the only way you can grow a business to a significant scale, by allowing customers to access whichever channel they prefer. All channels, including charter, need to be fully optimized,' he said. Excalibur will serve agents as well as cruisers Travel agents remain the key channel and the company provides a wide range of support including technology, marketing and sales support. The Excalibur app, for instance, is a multimillion-dollar investment in a communication platform for Royals universal community, which includes agents, passengers and staff. The intention is to migrate from traditional to digital communication platforms with many customer, agent and staff needs served by Excalibur. Bayley foresees that by year end, the Excalibur app will be used on half the fleet. 'It is an ambitious project and will be quite transformational,' he said. Turning to China's Korea travel ban'a bit of shock' that 'took some time to absorb'the silver lining was that it forced the cruise industry collectively to look at other options. 'While we would be delighted if Korea is open again from a China market perspective, we have realized that there is a Chinese market for longer itineraries,' Bayley said. Instead of the usual four- or five-day cruises, Royal Caribbean has been successfully offering six- to eight-day sailings. How close is Asia to getting an Oasis-class ship? Bayley thinks Asia is ready for an Oasis-class ship but would need to produce sufficient volumes to maintain year-round deployment, since Royal Caribbean would not send such a large ship for just a season. 'It's close,' he told Seatrade Cruise News. 'When we are confident, we will announce.' Local reports cited Pelindo II corporate secretary Shanti Puruhita as saying that the port operator spends IDR70bn ($5.1m) a year to dredge sediment from the Kapuas River, where the current port is located over 10nm upriver from the coast at the inland city of Pontianak. The high sedimentation rate of the Kapuas River has made us think about developing a new seaport, Shanti said. Pelindo II Pontianak general manager Adi Sugiri explained that the river had to be dredged every year because the sedimentation hindered the movement of river transportation, the lifeblood of the transportation system in Kalimantan. He added that as the seaport was squeezed between the Kapuas River and a crowded residential area, there was limited potential for the port to be expanded. Pontianak Port has good performance and is among the busiest ports in the country. We have a fully integrated loading and unloading system, said Adi. Shanti said that Pelindo II planned to develop a new seaport called the Pantai Kijing International Seaport in an area facing Singapore and close to Malaysia along an old shipping lane. It will become the largest seaport in Kalimantan to support the governments Sea Toll Road policy, she said, adding that the adjacent area would be developed into a special economic zone where smelters and factories would be developed to manage local commodities. The port is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2019. No investment amount was revealed. Ceo Halvor Sveen, with long experience in shipping and ship finance including a spell as head of shipping and offshore at Pareto Bank, reveals that the bank has established a loan book of about $170m and is aiming to grow this to more than $1bn by 2022. Established by a number of high net worth shipping entrepreneurs including Arne Blystad and Henning Oldendorff, M&M is targeting small and medium-sized customers, Sveen explains, many of whom have fallen out of favour with increasingly cautious traditional shipping banks. He points out that many shipping lenders are either retracting or reducing their presence in shipping, leaving established customers unable to obtain sensible financing. The bank is geographically agnostic. Approximately half of its customers are Norwegian, but more enquiries are now being received from potential customers in markets including Germany, Greece, the UK and Singapore. Sveen says that serious enquiries are now being received on an almost daily basis. In its due diligence process, the bank is looking for shipping experience and transparency amongst its clients, but the age of ships is not necessarily a constraint, with a flexible strategy but a sweet spot in assets of 10-12 years. Sveen describes the offshore sector as a business for the future owing to the far-reaching restructuring process which is still under way, leaving no appropriate role for M&M at the moment. Transaction lending could typically cover 50% of fair market value, Steen reveals, and the bank is not aiming to compete on low margins. However, he stresses that M&M prides itself on a flexible approach and the speed of its response time. We can receive an application on Monday and have approval in principle by Friday. The fewer dos and donts, the better, he says, stressing the importance of the human factor and sound client relationships. Leadership Oakland, the Troy-based business and community leadership development non-profit, is spreading the word. The organization is hosting a free informational breakfast at the MSU Management Education Center in order for those interested to learn more about its principal program, the Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Program.While the breakfast is free, pre-registration is required. Each year, 50 people are accepted into the Cornerstone Program, which seeks to advance the leadership skills of those enrolled in three arenas: Personally, professionally, and publicly.Ranging in issues from education to government, the justice department to race and ethnic diversity, Cornerstone holds monthly sessions led by experts in each field and examines their impact on the region. On Oct. 10, 2018, for example, the curriculum calls for an Economy & Government Session, of which the website states: "This session looks at the economic forces and government structures that shape Oakland County and their impact on the region. Participants hear directly from business and government leaders on the opportunities and challenges they face on a daily basis."Beginning in September 2018 with a three-day retreat, Cornerstone enrollees graduate from the nine-month course in June 2019. According to the organization, Leadership Oakland alumni consist of business and community leaders throughout the region, and can be found on the boards of directors of a number of institutions around southeastern Michigan.The Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Program informational breakfast will be held Wednesday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the MSU Management Education Center, which is located at 811 W. Square Lake Rd. in Troy. Registration is available online. Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith Accident Compensation Corp has topped up its holding of Metro Performance Glass, taking advantage of a stock that has shed almost two-thirds of its value in the past 17 months and touched a record low last month. The state-owned accident insurer paid $2.1 million for 2.5 million MetroGlass shares between Dec. 15 last year and April 12, paying an average 83 cents apiece. The stock sank to a record low 71 cents on March 27 and was recently at 82 cents, down from as high as $2.23 in November 2016. ACC's stake rose to about 6.6 percent from 5.3 percent. It also sold 20,479 shares for $15,881, or about 77.5 cents each during the period. The corporation is a major participant in the New Zealand stock market because it oversees funds of $37 billion, of which $2.8 billion was in New Zealand equities last year. Its investment team got a return of 5.7 percent in 2016/17, beating its benchmark. MetroGlass shares have dropped as the commercial glass company has grappled with squeezed margins and the departure of former chief executive Nigel Rigby at the end of 2017. Last week the Auckland-based company said normalised profit was $18 million to $18.5 million in the year ended March 31, below its guidance range of $18.5 million to $20 million and down from the previous year's profit of $21.3 million. It said profit was dented by the performance of its Australian business, which faced a "longer than anticipated disruption from the capital programme". The uptick in ACC's holding reverses a move it made between Oct. 30 and Dec. 14 last year, when it sold about 2.1 million shares for $1.96 million, or an average of about 96 cents each According to ACC's annual report, MetroGlass didn't make the list of its 50 largest equity investments last year. Its biggest was a $285 million investment in Kiwi Group Holdings, the parent of Kiwibank, followed by holdings in Auckland International Airport, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Contact Energy. Its biggest offshore stock was about $101 million in shares of Alphabet Inc, the parent of Google. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Debt Refinance and Facility Limit Increase Restructure of Cannasouth Cultivation Limited (NZX:CBD) 1st October 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZX: GTK) Market Announcement New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited (NZX: NZK) 1H22 Half Year Results Announcement 30th September 2021 Morning Report Pictor and SCIENION partner to commercialise high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing system to support ongoing fight against pandemic Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) Upgrades Earnings Guidance and Appoints New Director The Warehouse Group Limited (NZX: WHS) Annual Result 2021 29th September 2021 Morning Report NZX wants to capture New Zealand's "natural advantage" in the primary sector with a new index tracking listed industry players and build on the early success of its dairy derivatives market, says chief executive Mark Peterson. The Wellington-based company is in the process of refocusing on its core market business to revive investor interest in the capital markets. Among those initiatives is a drive to capture New Zealand's comparative advantage in agriculture and horticulture, and Peterson told shareholders at today's annual meeting in Christchurch a new index will be launched in the second quarter including stocks such as a2 Milk Co, Fonterra Shareholders' Fund, Comvita, New Zealand King Salmon, Scales Corp, Sanford, and Seeka. "This sector generates a significant portion of our country's wealth and our exchange is home to several high profile names," Peterson said in speech notes published on the NZX. "To give these companies the exposure they deserve we will launch a primary sector index in Q2 so that local and global investors can better track the performance of this growing part of the market." NZX's new strategy consists of four parts: refocusing on the core market; pursuing growth in debt, dairy, environment and energy markets; expanding funds management and administration divisions; and operational efficiency. Peterson said NZX's dairy derivatives market has already registering gains with active users up 60 percent last year and longer trading hours are on track to begin in July. "This will provide more opportunities for European and Asian firms to participate in the market, which was previously closed for the majority of their trading day," he said. The derivatives website is being redesigned to include Mandarin translation, and NZX is preparing to open a new Singapore office. "The rapid growth of our dairy derivatives market represents a global opportunity for NZX as this market supports New Zealand's position as a global leader in the dairy industry," he said. "We are exploring the possibility of a global partnership that will help drive the market to scale and deliver a global benchmark product over a shorter timeframe." Shareholders will vote on the election of former New York Federal Reserve FX committee member Nigel Babbage and BNY Mellon Investment Management executive Lindsay Wright to the board, and the re-election of Trade Me chief Jon Macdonald. NZX chair James Miller said Babbage and Wright will help the board "accelerate the dairy derivatives market to global benchmark status and maximise the value of our Smartshares business." Miller said the board is examining the use of a capital bond to shore up its balance sheet in "the unlikely cause of a major market event" with more details to come soon, and is in the second round of consultation on a mutualised default fund to improve its clearing house's risk model. He acknowledged a "small group of shareholders" had challenged the board's strategy and wanted "more efficient ways to expand the scale and scope of our exchange". The accompanying presentation slide weighed up alliances and partnerships with other exchanges against a one-off merger. "The board sympathise with their frustration and agree we must maximise the exchange's wealth," he said. "But we must remain disciplined and achieve our longer-term objectives within the legal and social framework under which the exchange operates." NZX affirmed operating earnings guidance of between $28 million and $31 million in calendar 2018, compared to $29 million last year. The shares were unchanged at $1.08 and have slipped 3.6 percent so far this year. The stock is rated a 'hold' by two analyst recommendations compiled by Reuters, with a median target price of $1.19. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Debt Refinance and Facility Limit Increase Restructure of Cannasouth Cultivation Limited (NZX:CBD) 1st October 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZX: GTK) Market Announcement New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited (NZX: NZK) 1H22 Half Year Results Announcement 30th September 2021 Morning Report Pictor and SCIENION partner to commercialise high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing system to support ongoing fight against pandemic Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) Upgrades Earnings Guidance and Appoints New Director The Warehouse Group Limited (NZX: WHS) Annual Result 2021 29th September 2021 Morning Report Vodafone New Zealand will defend 27 charges laid by Commerce Commission for false and misleading conduct, alleging the telecommunications company misled consumers into thinking its FibreX product was a full fibre-optic broadband service like those delivered over the government-subsidised ultra-fast broadband network. The charges were filed in the Auckland District Court and relate to conduct in the Wellington, Christchurch and Kapiti regions where FibreX is offered, between Oct. 26, 2016, and March 28, 2018, the regulator said in a statement. The matter will be called in the Auckland District Court for the first time on May 22. "The commission alleges that by naming its broadband service 'FibreX', along with its advertising of FibreX on billboards, radio, in-store, online and in direct-marketing, Vodafone misled consumers into thinking that FibreX was a full fibre-optic broadband service (like those services delivered over the government-subsidised ultrafast broadband network), when it is not," the Commerce Commission said. "The commission also alleges that Vodafones website misled consumers about the options of broadband services (including full fibre-optic broadband) available at their addresses." FibreX is a broadband service delivered over Vodafones hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) network which uses fibre to the street cabinet, and then coaxial cable to the home. By comparison, full fibre-optic broadband services are delivered over the government-subsidised ultra-fast broadband network which only uses fibre-optic cabling to deliver broadband to consumers homes. Vodafone said it is disappointed by the approach taken by the Commerce Commission. "We disagree with the charges laid by the commission and welcome the opportunity to defend the naming and marketing of FibreX and reinforce the benefits of this service," the company said in a statement. "We had a vision to provide consumers with an alternative way to receive super-fast reliable broadband that would also be more affordable and offer a better installation experience. We delivered that through a significant investment in our own hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) network," the company said. "We think this type of investment in infrastructure is good for New Zealand. It promotes competition and gives consumers choice, and we are surprised the commission does not appear to welcome that." Vodafone said it has "been clear in our communications to consumers throughout", noting that in 2017 the Advertising Standards Authority looked into its advertising of FibreX and ruled it was not misleading. "They noted that consumers are more interested in the speed than the technology behind their internet service, and that FibreX performs to a comparable standard to other fibre access technologies," Vodafone said. Last year, the Commerce Commission warned MyRepublic, Two Degrees Mobile, Spark New Zealand and Vodafone about conduct it considered breached the Fair Trading Act, saying the telecommunications sector generated a high number of customer complaints despite efforts to improve compliance by the commission. Vodafone's warning related to a 12-month promotion. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Debt Refinance and Facility Limit Increase Restructure of Cannasouth Cultivation Limited (NZX:CBD) 1st October 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZX: GTK) Market Announcement New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited (NZX: NZK) 1H22 Half Year Results Announcement 30th September 2021 Morning Report Pictor and SCIENION partner to commercialise high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing system to support ongoing fight against pandemic Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) Upgrades Earnings Guidance and Appoints New Director The Warehouse Group Limited (NZX: WHS) Annual Result 2021 29th September 2021 Morning Report Fletcher Building shares jumped 13 percent after the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Wesfarmers has acquired a small stake in the company in a possible precursor to a full takeover. Fletcher rose 75 cents to $6.59 on the NZX having sunk to its lowest levels in almost six years last week. The SMH cited sources close to Wesfarmers as saying it had bought between 3 percent and 4 percent of Fletcher. That would amount to up to about 27.9 million shares. There have been no trades of that size this year although a stake could be built up gradually. Investors said there's no sign of a large buyer in the market and it isn't clear whether the report is correct although it could make strategic sense for Wesfarmers which acquired the struggling Coles Myer business in 2007 as a turnaround target. Wesfarmers acquired Coles along with Kmart, Target and Officeworks for A$22 billion in 2007 and the supermarket chain now makes up about a third of its earnings. At the time of the acquisition, Coles had been losing market share and facing declining sales and earnings. Wesfarmers had picked up a small stake in the business ahead of launching a takeover. Last month, Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott announced plans to spin off Coles, which had been transformed into "a mature and cash-generative business". "Conceptually for Wesfarmers could it make sense? Absolutely," said Matthew Goodson, managing director at Salt Funds Management, which oversees more than $1.6 billion of shares in Australia and New Zealand. "Coles Myers was a large business with temporary issues. Fletcher is in the same position in a broad conceptual sense." Fletcher stock has dropped about 18 percent in the past 12 months, shrinking its market capitalisation to about $4 billion, although Goodson said an actual takeover valuation "would have to be based on the fundamentals of the business" rather than the recent selloff, which has been partly driven by speculation it could fall out of the MSCI Global Index at the next review, when a2 Milk is expected to join the benchmark. Fletcher slumped to a $273 million loss in its first half, driven by losses at its Building + Interiors unit, and chief executive Ross Taylor has embarked on a strategic review of the entire company, with details to be announced in June. It had to get waivers from lenders after breaching covenants and is still in talks with its US noteholders and bank syndicate to negotiate new lending terms. That's led to speculation the company could shed non-core businesses although Taylor has said the problems are largely confined to B+I and the remainder of Fletcher's building products, distribution and construction units are performing to budget. "Fletcher's balance sheet issues are only really confined to this year. Their gearing returns to supportable levels in coming years," Goodson said. Fletcher arguably has "a somewhat messy collection of businesses" but it could remain as a strong, stand-alone company, he said. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Debt Refinance and Facility Limit Increase Restructure of Cannasouth Cultivation Limited (NZX:CBD) 1st October 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZX: GTK) Market Announcement New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited (NZX: NZK) 1H22 Half Year Results Announcement 30th September 2021 Morning Report Pictor and SCIENION partner to commercialise high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing system to support ongoing fight against pandemic Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) Upgrades Earnings Guidance and Appoints New Director The Warehouse Group Limited (NZX: WHS) Annual Result 2021 29th September 2021 Morning Report Nearly every seat was filled Tuesday evening when the Jefferson County Community Organizations Active in Disasters presented an event titled, Worried About an Active Shooter in Your House of Worship? The presentation featured instructor Matt Watson, director of the Emergency Preparedness Instructional Center at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va., who shared details on how to develop and implement a safety plan in the event of an active shooter, particularly within a house of worship. Watson, program director for EPIC, also leads counterterrorism awareness training for a federal law enforcement agency, organizing a team of instructors who travel around the world training embassy staff in tactical medicine and active shooter response. During the two-hour session Tuesday evening, held at the Hospice of the Panhandle meeting room, Watson shared statistics regarding active shooter episodes in the United States. According to Watson, in 2017 alone, there were 378 mass shootings with 531 killed and 1,615 wounded. In 2018, there have been seven school shootings as of March 1, five of which involved injuries or deaths. Unfortunately, the numbers are going up, Watson said. As far as church shootings, Watson said that from 1980 to 2015, there were 139 shootings where 185 people were killed, including 36 children. From 2006 to 2016, there were 147 church shootings. The active shooter, Watson said, is affiliated with the church in some manner nearly half of the time. He said statistics show 23 percent of those shootings involved intimate or abusive partners and 17 percent of the shooters felt they were unwelcome by the church. General mass shooting statistics show that 97 percent of the time the shooter is male and that 98 percent of the time the shooter acts alone. Forty percent of the incidents end in suicide or attempted suicide by the shooter while 46 percent end with force applied by police or other individuals. Watson said common scenarios for church shootings include the shooter feeling he or she was wronged and blaming someone in the church. Emotional despondency also plays a significant role; often, the shooter seeks out a target who may have played a role in a domestic dispute, such as the recent Texas incident where the shooter targeted his mother-in-law. Shooters often have an agenda and hate aspects of organized religion, the race of attendees or similar groups of people to the ones at the church. Incidents, on average, last approximately eight minutes or less, Watson said. It is not a problem that will be solved by a tactical team of any kind responding, he said. Once a tactical team and police force arrive, according to Watson, their primary duty is to neutralize the threat. Initial police on the scene will not render aid, Watson said. If they dont eliminate the threat, more people die. Watson said victims in an incident of this kind shouldnt attempt to grab onto police officers or deter them from their target mission of eliminating the threat. Thats the plan, but its chaos, Watson said. At that point, the best laid plans are ideas. To prepare a plan, Watson said that the key component is to make sure the pastors and leaders of the churches recognize the possibility that an incident can occur. Creating a site security assessment plan is a next step in preparing for what everyone hopes will never happen in their church building, but could in fact take place. Communication is key, as is creating a security team. He suggested radios with low visibility, such as earpieces, so people dont have to rely on cellphones that could have failing signals. Team members should be trained in first aid, and first aid kits should be readily available. Training individuals in de-escalation techniques is also a key component, so that a potential threat can be averted before it begins. In addition to the security team, other potential safeguards include having a check-in system for nursery or daycare within the church; controlled access to the building (i.e., not all doors open at all times without attendants); securing background checks for nursery and daycare workers; and developing emergency action plans for various types of incidents including fire, weather, bomb threats and threats of violence. Having a security team can help lower insurance rates, Watson told attendees. While planning for how to handle a potential threat, Watson stressed that, while the key components of action during an event would be run, hide and fight, an active situation is not a good place to learn how to react. An untrained marksman has a 22 percent chance of hitting a moving target, Watson said, specifically referencing churchgoers who possess weapons. He explained that attempting to shoot during a chaotic situation could mean catastrophic results. He suggested that churches hold tabletop exercises after creating a security team and developing an action plan. Throughout the evening, Watson repeated the same mantra several times. Success is not the plan, but in the planning, he said. Those who were unable to attend the session can contact Michelle Goldman, executive director at the Community Free Clinic, at mgoldman@ mycommunityfreeclinic.org for additonal information. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Fair food warning: You are gonna need a bib at Hook & Reel. The new Cajun seafood restaurant and bar in New Dorp prides itself on offering a "no forks, no plate" fish boil concept born in Massachusetts. (Don't worry, plates and cutlery are available for the delicate.) Jack Ouyang is the co-owner of Hook & Reel. His S.I. spot marks the brand's third location. Hook & Reel first landed in Revere, Mass; a second location came ashore in Lanham, Maryland. This fish shack (it's probably too nice, with nautical decor galore, to be called that) has it all: Crawfish, blue crab, snow crab, oysters, lobster, snowcrab, mussels, clams, and shrimp -- head on or off, your choice. Hearty combo deals go for $22.99, $36.99 and $48.99; you can mix and match your seafoods and pick your own spices and heat levels. All combos come with two corn on the cobs, two potatoes and four pieces of sausage. App options (wings, paella, hush puppies, etc.) run $5.99-$9.99. Caftish and crab sliders (in trios), crab rolls and shrimp, crawfish, oyster or fried fish "po boys" are $10.99-$13. Raw bar: Six oysters for $11.99 or a dozen for $19.99. Soups (chowder and gumbo included) and salads are $3.99-$5.99. The booze flows aplenty: Beer, wine, martinis, you name it. Specialty cocktails average $12 a pop and include the "Reel Mule" (Bombay Sapphire or Ketel One, ginger beer, fresh lime juice) and the "Fanta Cee" with Sauza Silver, Peach Shnapps, passion fruit juice and Blue Curacao. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce was on site Thursday afternoon to celebrate the official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Check out the good times in the gallery above -- and in the Facebook Live video below. Hook & Reel is located at 2590 Hylan Blvd., New Dorp; 718-351-3164, HookReel.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- Snooki's marriage was "threatened," and Vinny spent the latter part of Thursday night's "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" episode with a spray painted Italian flag on his bare chest. Yep, just a typical weeknight on the MTV airwaves. In our last live blog, the cast -- Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio, Jenni "JWoww" Farley, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and S.I. natives Vinny Guadagnino and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino -- moved into a Miami mansion and reconnected after years of life after the "Shore." There were laughs, tears and a recurring Sammi sex doll (Yep, this season off to an interesting start, I'd say.) At the end of the episode, Snooki's missing wedding ring left the house scoping the lawn. This live blog will keep you updated on all things "JS." Keep scrolling for the full live blog of tonight's episode. Have a respectful opinion to share? Sound off in the comments! VINCENZO SAVES THE DAY In the midst of Snooki's meltdown, Vinny shouts that he found her wedding ring amongst the grass in the backyard of their Miami vacation house. The day is saved, right? Well, it is for now. Snooki says throughout the show she feels major mommy guilt for leaving her children at home. Ron gives his housemate some grounding advice : "You're stronger than what you're acting like right now." After having a night to think it over, Snooki comes to her senses and decides to stay: "My kids are my life but I need a break," Snooki says. "This is my opportunity and I'm just complaining." UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Jenni and Mike "The Situation" strayed away from the group to have a chat about the not-so-glamorous life events after the "Shore." Mike opened up more about what got him to quit the drugs, get clean and shape up: "I just realized my way wasn't working," adding that his obsessive personality and current habits were a dangerous mix. For the first time, Jenni spoke about a miscarriage she and her husband, Roger, had after filming the original series. Tapping into raw emotion like that -- especially on national television -- is a brave and respectable move. It takes a lot to speak your truth. Props, J. Guido hobbies include drinking, GTL and rock climbing? Oh, and poking fun at Sammi's look-alike sex doll because it still gets a concerning amount of air time. (Thankfully, this joke turned sour was in the background most of the episode.) BTW: The housemates had a rock climbing contest - - to which the loser has to clean Ron's much-discussed/destroyed toilet. Snooki was the unfortunate winner but took it like a champ -- with Deena by her side and a glass of wine in hand. This is what Snooki hoped Ron's toilet looked like when she lost the bet to clean it. A HOUSE DIVIDED Things were peaceful in the "JS" house for too long. Of course, the drama arose shortly after the housemates say they've "matured." A lot of drama was packed into this hour-long ep., so let's break it down: Snooki vs. Vinny: It started with not wanting to sit with him on the car ride to a day out. At the bar, she accused him of "trying to ruin her marriage" while he drunkenly danced on her. Fellow roomies referred to it as "dry humping" -- which they all saw as a "no no" being that Snooki is a married woman. Sure, these two have their past (FYI: When the "JS" cast vacationed in Italy, Vinny and Snooki hooked up while she was with her now husband, Jionni. Yep, DRAMA.) but sometimes, it take more than time to heal from hurt. Honestly i miss being friends wit Snook, but understand there are boundaries #JSFamilyVacation Vinny Guadagnino (@VINNYGUADAGNINO) April 13, 2018 Yes i was being weird... aka ... drunk #JSFamilyVacation Vinny Guadagnino (@VINNYGUADAGNINO) April 13, 2018 Vinny says "it was just a joke" and his romantic interest in Snooki is pretty much nonexistent because they've both moved on. "I feel mislabeled," Vinny says during the episode. But Snooki stands strong in her discomfort: When Vinny tried to talk to her about "ground rules," she told him multiple times to "Respect my husband, respect my marriage." "My husband would not like that," said Snooki. Sneak Peek: I Can't Sit By You Could Nicole and Vinny's past ruin the chance of them becoming best friends again? Tune in to MTV for an all new episode of Jersey Shore Family Vacation TOMORROW at 8/7c to find out! Posted by Jersey Shore on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 According to her, everyone was coming for Snooki's marriage this episode. Snooki vs. JWoww: Even writing that doesn't seem right, but hey, even BFFs fight, right? Jenni went upstairs to console Snooki after the Vinny situation and it didn't go as she planned. When Jenni walked out of the bathroom to give Snooki some space, she heard Snooki call her an idiot. And that was what sparked an all-out feud. The duo who are usually side by side were at odds because Jenni didn't defend Snooki when Vinny was making "advances." Jenni's response? "Own your sh**, Nicole." The episode ended with Jenni and Snooki at odds -- with Snooki accusing her of "ruining her marriage." (See the theme?) We definitely fight like sisters, but I love her! #JSFamilyVacation JWOWW (@JENNIWOWW) April 13, 2018 "Jersey Shore: Family Reunion" airs on MTV Thursday's at 8 p.m. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Democratic congressional candidate Max Rose has proposed a transportation plan to shorten commute times for Staten Islanders. Rose said that if elected he would propose implement an HOV lane on the West Shore Expressway and extend the Staten Island Expressway's HOV lane to the Goethals Bridge. "To everyone in the real world, this is what is important," said Rose at a press event on Victory Boulevard in Travis on Thursday. "Staten Island and South Brooklyn have not seen any serious federal infrastructure investments since Mike McMahon was in Congress and we're seeing the results of that today." "Staten Islanders still sit in that same daily traffic," he later added. "People in this district are getting screwed over." FEDERAL FUNDING The Purple Heart veteran also said that he would seek to address the way the federal government allocates funds to cities. The federal Department of Transportation prevents cities with more than 200,000 residents from receiving federal funds to cover operating expenditures, but, Rose noted, New York sends $48 billion a year to the federal government for transportation initiatives. "This allows other cities to build infrastructure at our expense," Rose said, adding, "So the cities with the greatest transportation problems get none of the federal funding to help them." Rose also pledged to fight to fund a study for the Staten Island Light Rail and said he would seek a seat on the House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Rose also proposed two-way tolling on the Verrazano Bridge, saying that it would reduce truck traffic and would be feasible due to electronic toll collecting. PLEDGES TO ADVOCATE FOR FAST FERRY Rose also promised to advocate for Staten Island to be included in Mayor Bill de Blasio's citywide fast ferry system. He said he would work with state and city elected officials to speed up the implementation of the North Shore Rapid Transit route, a proposed project for a dedicated bus path along the old North Shore rail line. "With all of this development occurring, it absolutely defies common logic to allow this red tape to prevent North Shore residents from getting the real infrastructure they need," Rose said. Rose has quickly coalesced support from national Democrats. He entered into a joint fundraising agreement called the "Better Days Fund" with Rep. Joe Crowley, a Queens Democrat who chairs the Democratic Caucus. Steny Hoyer, the House Minority Whip, endorsed Rose in January. In January, he was named one of 18 candidates to be named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Red-to-Blue Program, which provides strategic support and other resources for candidates. He's also earned a slew of endorsements from Democratic groups, such as Blue Dogs PAC, NewDems PAC, and End Citizens United. Rose raised more than $570,000 from January to March, according to the New York Daily News. Rose is running against five other candidates in the Democratic primary, including Michael DeVito, Mohan Radhakrishna, Omar Vaid, Zach Emig and Paul Sperling. FOLLOW CLIFFORD MICHEL ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N. Y. -- The New York state AFL-CIO endorsed Rep. Daniel Donovan on Thursday. The New York AFL-CIO represents 2.5 million members and retirees in building trade, public sector and private sector unions. Donovan thanked the union for its backing and tied the endorsement to his support for President Donald Trump's attempt to undo trade deals. "It means so much to me to once again have the support of the hardworking men and women of the NYS AFL-CIO in my campaign," said Donovan. "As the son of a longshoreman and factory worker, I understand the struggles New York families face and I fight for them everyday in Congress." Mario Cliento, NYS AFL-CIO's president, said that the union decided to endorse Donovan because of his support for "working people." "Throughout his time in Congress, Dan Donovan has demonstrated his commitment to his constituents, not Washington insiders, even if it wasn't the politically easy thing to do," Cliento said. "From fighting for 9/11 responders and survivors, to voting with working people against job killing trade deals, and fighting against a tax bill that hurts working families. Donovan also criticized his primary opponent, former representative Michael Grimm, for voting "yes" on several bilateral trade agreements during his time in Congress, including one with South Korea and one with Colombia. "Working with President Trump, we are undoing the damage of the unfair trade deals my opponent voted for that have hurt our economy," Donovan said. "I will always put American jobs and American workers first." Grimm told the Advance that Donovan shouldn't criticize his voting record and called him out for not supporting President Trump on some of his legislative priorities. "My desperate opponent should 'statte zitta' (be quiet) about my record until he passes his first substantive bill and actually supports our president by repealing Obamacare or banning sanctuary cities," Grimm said. "But no, as the Republican New York congressman with the most anti-Trump voting record, he accepts the endorsement of the most anti-Trump union and slings mud at me. "Maybe Desperate Dan thinks this is a general election and not a Republican primary? Or maybe he thinks he is a Democrat, like his voting record suggests?" Grimm also slammed the New York AFL-CIO, saying, "Birds of a feather: it's no surprise that arguably the most anti-Trump union in America would reward Donovan for his anti-Trump voting record. Like Desperate Dan, the AFL-CIO supports blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants and open borders -- a direct assault on the hardworking American citizens who make this country great." Donovan has been endorsed by the Staten Island GOP, and the Staten Island Independence Party, New York state Conservative Party and New York state Reform Party. The primary election is on June 26. FOLLOW CLIFFORD MICHEL ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Daniel Donovan announced on Friday that his office is collecting submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition. The contest is open to all high school students who live on Staten Island and the South Brooklyn neighborhoods within New York's 11th congressional district. One winner is chosen from each congressional district and their work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. "Each year, I am blown away by the numerous works of art submitted by talented Staten Island and South Brooklyn high school students," Donovan said. "Whether it's through a photo, painting, or pencil sketch, it's amazing to see students showcase their perspectives and stories using art. I look forward to seeing this year's submissions." The deadline to register for the competition online is April 30 and submissions are due by the evening of May 1. Donovan will host an art show including all of the submissions at the College of Staten Island on May 1 and judges will determine a winner by the end of the night. Last year, Meghan Callahan-Scarcella, a student at Susan Wagner High School, won the competition with her photograph "Petition #1." The art piece highlighted issues relating to sexual assault and feminism. Students can call Donovan's office at (718) 351-1062 if they have any questions and register at donovan.house.gov/art-competition. FOLLOW CLIFFORD MICHEL ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Actor Rosie O'Donnell gave Democratic Congressional candidate Omar Vaid a maxed-out campaign contribution of $2,700. "For me, it meant the world," Vaid told the Advance. "I've been a fan of Rosie O'Donnell since I was a kid and I watched 'A League of Their Own' and for me it was one of my favorite movies." Vaid told the Advance that O'Donnell reached out to the campaign in March after she saw its "Symbols Matter" campaign ad video. The ad focuses on Vaid's history as a union worker and how he couldn't find an American flag made in the United States when he opened his campaign office. "She reached out and just said that she was touched and inspired by it," said Vaid. O'Donnell, who has been feuding with President Donald Trump on and off Twitter for years, has been supporting and donating to liberal causes recently. On Thursday, she announced her support for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's primary challenger, actress and activist Cynthia Nixon. (Photo/ Courtesy Omar Vaid for Congress) Vaid, who recently moved to Bay Ridge, worked in production on television shows like "Luke Cage" and was a part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 52. He has gained attention through his tweets, some of which have been retweeted thousand of times. His tweets have led to donations from online supporters across the country. Vaid told the Advance in February that when President Trump issued his travel ban to Muslim-majority countries in Jan. 2017 and Rep. Donovan came out in support of the executive order, he felt the need to enter the race. Vaid is running against five other candidates in this year's Democratic primary: Michael DeVito, Zach Emig, Mohan Radhakrishna, Max Rose and Paul Sperling. Vaid raised $30,344.77 in the most recent available FEC filings, which measured Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, and was only outraised by Rose, an army combat veteran who brought in $333,000 in the same period. Rose brought in $570,000 during this year's first FEC filing period, according to the New York Daily News. Vaid, who's campaign raised an average of $31 from over 2,200 individual donors, said he's focused on grassroots efforts. "I'm vey passionate about woking and serving people who get paid on W-2s, regular people, union workers," Vaid said. "Even when someone like Rosie O'Donnell gives me a max out, notice it doesn't really change our average much." The primary election is on June 26th. FOLLOW CLIFFORD MICHEL ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Raising money for a home down payment is taxing enough, so bilking potential homeowners of their hard-earned cash is no joke. But that's exactly what a nurse from Mariners Harbor did, posing as a real-estate agent and an attorney to rip off $35,000 from an upstate couple, authorities allege. Now, Mosunmola Okeowo, 50, has been indicted on felony grand larceny and stolen-property possession charges stemming from the alleged swindle. Authorities said the victims, a Dutchess County couple, were trying to buy a home upstate. They hired a real-estate agency and a real-estate attorney to assist them. The victims corresponded via e-mail with the agency and lawyer, and in the process, received "spoofed" e-mails which appeared to be from both of those parties, said authorities. However, the e-mails were actually from a phony account whose address was similar to the real parties', authorities said. One e-mail instructed the victims to wire $35,000 for the down payment to a Bank of America business account on Forest Avenue, said authorities. Okeowo, who had no connection to the victims or the real-estate proceeding, owned the business account, officials said. The defendant, whose last name also appears as "Alli-Balogun," "Presume" and "Balogun" in court papers, withdrew the entire $35,000 in a one-week period, between April 13 and 20 of last year, said authorities. On realizing they had been duped, the victims tried to reverse the wire, but the money was already gone, officials said. What Okeowo did with the cash was not immediately clear. The defendant, who lives on the 300 block of Union Avenue, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Thursday in state Supreme Court, St. George, and is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. Her next court appearance is April 23. Her lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment. The case was investigated by the Staten Island district attorney's office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Fraud Group, and Det. Christopher Bastos of the Police Department's Criminal Enterprise Investigation Section. Assistant District Attorney Andrew Botelho is prosecuting the case. Okeowo has been registered as a licensed practical nurse in New York since December 2008, according to online records of the state Department of Education Office of the Professions. Authorities did not immediately say where she works. The defendant's disciplinary record is clear. Taiwan president watches naval drill as China tensions grow Suao, Taiwan, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2018 Taiwan's president watched naval drills simulating an attack on the island Friday, days before Beijing is set to hold live-fire exercises nearby in a show of force. Relations between self-ruling Taiwan and China have deteriorated since Tsai Ing-wen came to power, largely because she refuses to accept the "One China" formula governing relations. Beijing regards the island as its territory -- to be reunited by force if necessary -- even though the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war. China's growing military is increasingly flexing its muscles and will hold live-fire drills next week in the Taiwan Strait -- the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland from Taiwan -- following weeks of naval manoeuvres in the area. Tsai on Friday boarded the Kee Lung destroyer to supervise as Taiwanese sailors practised defending against an attack on the island's northeastern port of Suao. The exercise was staged in light of a "changing international and regional security situation" to test the military's combat readiness and its ability to defend Taiwanese territory, the island's defence ministry said. Some 20 warships took part in the exercise, alongside four F16 fighter jets. Tsai has warned against what she called Beijing's "military expansion" -- the increase in Chinese air and naval drills around the island since she took office in May 2016. Chinese warplanes conducted 25 drills around Taiwan between August 2016 and mid-December last year, according to Taipei. On Thursday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a surprise visit to naval forces in the disputed South China Sea, where he stressed the "urgent" need to build a powerful navy. The Liaoning carrier group sailed through the Taiwan Strait on March 20, the same day that Xi issued a public warning against attempts to "separate" from China. Xi's visit came after a US aircraft carrier gave a demonstration Tuesday for members of the Philippine government. Page Content Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Emil Lee extends congratulations to the nine former airport security officers; employees of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) who were recently successful in contesting their dismissal in summary proceedings in the Court of First Instance. The process undergone by the former employees is a good example of the use of advisory support and legal aid assistance opportunities offered by the Ministry in addressing disputes between employers and employees. The role of the Ministry is to provide advisory support to employers and employees on their rights and the labor laws, mediation services for conflict resolution outside of court, and legal assistance to help those that do not have the financial means to obtain a lawyer if they feel their rights have been abused. From October 2016 to March 2017 a total of 28 legal aid requests for labor disputes were granted. When comparing that number with the number of granted legal aid requests for the time period following hurricane Irma, Jose, and Maria ( Oct 2017 to March 2018) this number has quadrupled with a total of 123 legal aid requests granted for labor disputes from . These are very challenging times, and it is hard. I have people coming to me daily, on a regular basis that say that they feel that their rights have been trampled on, that their employers are not treating them well. There is clearly a dispute, and I am asked if I can come in.. and intervene. As much as I would love to, it is unfortunately not the role of the minister to get involved in individual disputes. It is the role of the Ministry of course, to create a harmonious working environment and to support both employers and employees. This case is a good example of what the correct process is. And its a good example of the role of the Ministry as we look forward to trying to bring our workforce back online and get our economy re-started. Emil Lee The Ministry wants to promote a healthy working relationship between employers and employees. The recommendation is always mediation, dialogue and compromise. These are difficult times for everybody and the recommendation has always been for people to cooperate, talk to each other and find a solution together. That has always been the most amicable way, and is in many cases the most economically beneficial way. Although its taken a bit of time, thats exactly what has happened in this case. Weve tried to mediate the relationship, if that didnt work, there was always the freedom to go to court. Government facilitated that by giving the weaker side of the dispute the legal and financial resources to defend their rights and in this case their rights were upheld in the court of law. Emil Lee In the event that there is a dispute that cannot be resolved through dialogue and communications, there is always the legal avenue. Government can provide the legal and financial resources for employees who cannot afford it, to contract a lawyer and have them defend their legal rights. I would like to thank in particular the Department of Labor Affairs, department head Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson and staff. Staff has been dealing with their own personal recovery issues in the midst of these very stressful times but regardless I think the Ministry has been doing an excellent job and I congratulate them. Emil Lee Persons seeking information pertaining to labor disputes can contact the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services via email: labor-affairs@sintmaartengov.org, tel: +1 721 520 5279, or visit the offices at the Bew Government Administration Building located on Pond Island, Philipsburg. POND ISLAND:--- Stakeholders recently attended a monthly stakeholders session convened by the Managing Board of SXM Airport Ravi Daryanani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operations Officer Michel Hyman. The objective of the meeting was to gather, compile and share information with respect to the recovery status of both sides of the island. Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, was also present and provided information related to discussions he had at Seatrade Cruise Global, and with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines. When it comes to sharing information to our stakeholders like the airlines and cruise ships, and when it comes to marketing Sint Maarten in general, we must be all on one page. Our reporting must be the same. Developments from the port to the airport must be shared and synchronized. Attending conferences separately or jointly, we still have to sing the same song. The Memorandum of Understanding with our counterparts is to ensure we are cooperating, being efficient and effective, Minister Cornelius de Weever told the representatives at the stakeholder session. As a destination both North and South, we are on the right track in rebuilding our island. However, the sharing of information and the synchronization of efforts will be key in the rebuilding process of public infrastructure and the tourism industry. These stakeholder sessions between North and South are essential in keeping everybody informed and is an important step at this juncture of our destination recovery and rebuilding, Acting Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Cornelius de Weever concluded. The participants included representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT), Vice President Valerie Damaseau of the French St. Martin Tourist Office along with representatives, private sector representative from North and South as well as the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association, the Grand Case Airport, Port St. Maarten and SXM Airport. The meeting was moderated and chaired by Ravi Daryanani, CFO/CEO and was held at Simpson Bay Resort. The next monthly meeting will take place in Marigot. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Emil Lee extends congratulations to the nine former airport security officers; employees of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) who were recently successful in contesting their dismissal in summary proceedings in the Court of First Instance. The process undergone by the former employees is a good example of the use of advisory support and legal aid assistance opportunities offered by the Ministry in addressing disputes between employers and employees. The role of the Ministry is to provide advisory support to employers and employees on their rights and the labor laws, mediation services for conflict resolution outside of court, and legal assistance to help those that do not have the financial means to obtain a lawyer if they feel their rights have been abused. From October 2016 to March 2017 a total of 28 legal aid requests for labor disputes were granted. When comparing that number with the number of granted legal aid requests for the time period following hurricane Irma, Jose, and Maria ( Oct 2017 to March 2018) this number has quadrupled with a total of 123 legal aid requests granted for labor disputes from . These are very challenging times, and it is hard. I have people coming to me daily, on a regular basis that say that they feel that their rights have been trampled on, that their employers are not treating them well. There is clearly a dispute, and I am asked if I can come in.. and intervene. As much as I would love to, it is unfortunately not the role of the minister to get involved in individual disputes. It is the role of the Ministry of course, to create a harmonious working environment and to support both employers and employees. This case is a good example of what the correct process is. And its a good example of the role of the Ministry as we look forward to trying to bring our workforce back online and get our economy re-started. Emil Lee The Ministry wants to promote a healthy working relationship between employers and employees. The recommendation is always mediation, dialogue and compromise. These are difficult times for everybody and the recommendation has always been for people to cooperate, talk to each other and find a solution together. That has always been the most amicable way, and is in many cases the most economically beneficial way. Although its taken a bit of time, thats exactly what has happened in this case. Weve tried to mediate the relationship, if that didnt work, there was always the freedom to go to court. Government facilitated that by giving the weaker side of the dispute the legal and financial resources to defend their rights and in this case their rights were upheld in the court of law. Emil Lee In the event that there is a dispute that cannot be resolved through dialogue and communications, there is always the legal avenue. Government can provide the legal and financial resources for employees who cannot afford it, to contract a lawyer and have them defend their legal rights. I would like to thank in particular the Department of Labor Affairs, department head Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson and staff. Staff has been dealing with their own personal recovery issues in the midst of these very stressful times but regardless I think the Ministry has been doing an excellent job and I congratulate them. Emil Lee Persons seeking information pertaining to labor disputes can contact the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , tel: +1 721 520 5279, or visit the offices at the Bew Government Administration Building located on Pond Island, Philipsburg. World shipping industry agrees to halve carbon emissions by 2050 London, United Kingdom, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2018 Members of the UN International Maritime Organisation on Friday struck a deal to halve carbon dioxide emissions from shipping by 2050 in a deal that will force the industry to redesign fleets. "The initial strategy envisages for the first time a reduction in total GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions by at least 50 percent by 2050 compared to 2008," the IMO said in a statement. Major shipping nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United States had objected to earlier drafts in two weeks of discussion at the 173-member organisation based in London. Some countries such as the Marshall Islands, which are at risk of rising seas but are also a major flag state, had wanted a stronger commitment and the EU wanted a 70 to 100 percent cut. But the agreement was widely hailed by stakeholders. "This is a ground-breaking agreement -- a Paris agreement for shipping -- that sets a very high level of ambition for the future reduction of carbon dioxide emissions," the International Chamber for Shipping's secretary general Peter Hinchliffe said. "We are confident this will give the shipping industry the clear signal it needs to get on with the job of developing zero carbon dioxide fuels so that the entire sector will be in a position to decarbonise completely," he said. - 'Watershed moment' - Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine also praised the deal. "Today the IMO has made history. While it may not be enough to give my country the certainty it wanted, it makes it clear that international shipping will now urgently reduce emissions and play its part in giving my country a pathway to survival," she said in a statement. Maersk, the world's largest container shipping company, tweeted: "We were pushing for stronger targets but still a great step that IMO seeks to halve the shipping sector's greenhouse gases by 2050". Shipping and aviation are two sectors that were not covered by the United Nations climate agreement, a deal struck in Paris in 2015 to cap global warming at "well under" 2.0 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The aviation sector reached an emissions plan two years ago but shipping has taken longer because its reliance on long-distance ships that run on bunker fuel makes it harder to cut carbon. Shipping accounts for around 2.0 percent of global carbon emissions and that share could rise to around 15 percent if left unchecked, according to the World Bank. The Climate Action Network said Friday's deal was "a welcome first step". Some environmental groups have warned that a 50 percent cut may not be enough to keep global warming below 2.0 degrees Celsius. Britain's Shipping Minister Nusrat Ghani said the deal was a "watershed moment". "We will work with fellow member states to ensure the shipping industry makes the transition to zero emissions ships as quickly as possible," she said. No decision yet from Trump on Syria response Washington, United States, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2018 President Donald Trump put off a final decision on strikes against Syria following a crunch meeting with national security advisors Thursday, as Moscow warned against any US move that could trigger a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. Minutes after Pentagon brass and cabinet members jumped in black armored SUVs and sped away from the White House, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump would continue to assess intelligence and engage with allies. "No final decision has been made," she said, adding that Trump was scheduled to confer with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Later, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Trump and May had agreed during a phone call to "keep working closely together on the international response" over Syria. "They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime," the spokesperson added. The military drumbeat appeared to reach crescendo ahead of the meeting, with US action seeming imminent as Russia stonewalled diplomatic efforts at the United Nations and France cited "proof" that Moscow's Syrian ally carried out a deadly chemical weapons attack. Western officials believe chlorine was used in a Saturday attack on Douma, the main city in the longtime rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, where the British government now estimates 75 people were killed, and that Bashar Al-Assad's regime was responsible. What is less clear is whether sarin or a sarin-like agent was also used. - Window narrowing? - During the West Wing sitdown, Defense Secretary James Mattis and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford were expected to lay out options for retaliatory strikes against the Syrian regime. But after a week in which Trump has burst through an almost daily series of self-imposed decision deadlines, he again appeared unwilling to rush headlong to war. Just hours earlier Trump had vowed to make his choice "fairly soon." His window for military action could be narrowing, with inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons expected to arrive in Syria to begin work on Saturday, following an invitation from Damascus. Diplomats have expressed concern that those experts could be used as hostages or human shields. Since Saturday, when images of ashen toddlers struggling for breath emerged there has been a sustained military buildup in the eastern Mediterranean. A French frigate, UK Royal Navy submarines laden with cruise missiles and the USS Donald Cook, an American destroyer equipped with Tomahawk land attack missiles, have all moved into range of Syria's sun-bleached coast. In New York, Russia's UN ambassador warned the priority in Syria was to avert US-led strikes that could lead to a confrontation between the world's two preeminent nuclear powers. "The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," said Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia following closed-door Security Council talks, refusing to exclude the possibility of US-Russian clashes. Trump has slammed Russia for its partnership with "Gas Killing Animal" Assad, spurring concerns that a US strike could lead to a conflagration with Russia, which has major military facilities at Tartus and Khmeimim and works cheek-by-jowl with Syria forces that could be targeted. US officials have refused to rule out direct military engagement with Russia, with the White House saying "all options are on the table." - Rebels give up Ghouta - On the ground in Syria, rebels in Eastern Ghouta surrendered their heavy weapons and their leader left the enclave, signaling the end of one of the bloodiest assaults of the seven-year war and a major win for the Assad regime. A top leader of Jaish al-Islam, a group which controlled Douma for years, told AFP it was Saturday's attack that forced them to accept a Russian-brokered deal and evacuate. At the United Nations meanwhile, diplomats were mulling a draft resolution put forward by Sweden and obtained by AFP, that would dispatch a "high-level disarmament mission" to rid the country of chemical weapons "once and for all." The UN Security Council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, has been riven, with Moscow virulently denying the Douma attack took place, or postulating that it was carried out by rebels. In Paris, Macron upped the pressure on Moscow by stating he had "proof" that Assad's regime had used chemical weapons, and vowing a response "at a time of our choosing." In London, May's cabinet agreed in an emergency meeting "on the need to take action" against the Syrian regime. But across Western capitals opposition to military action also grew. US lawmakers questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to order strikes without Congressional approval and opposition parties voiced concern. National security experts worried whether strikes would actually serve to deter Assad. In April last year Trump ordered Tomahawk strikes on the Shayrat Airbase in response to a chemical weapons attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhun. But the pinpoint strike did not deter Assad and US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have since investigated as many as 10 suspected chemical attacks. Greek pilot's body found by Aegean fishermen: state TV Athens, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2018 The body of a Greek fighter pilot who crashed in the Aegean after a mission to intercept Turkish jets has been found by fishermen, state media reported Friday. The mayor of Aegean island Skyros, Miltos Hatziyiannakis, told state-run Greek television station ERT that men in a fishing boat found "some of the remains of the plane" and the pilot's body on Thursday evening. The death of 34-year-old father of two Georgios Baltadoros comes at a period of heightened tension between Greece and Turkey. It prompted Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim to call his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras on Thursday, during which the two leaders pledged to "strengthen dialogue" between the regional rivals and NATO allies. Baltadoros' Mirage 2000-5 plane fell into the sea a short distance from Skyros airport as it returned from a mission to intercept Turkish jets that had entered what Greece considers its airspace. The Turkish planes had already left by the time Baltadoros and a wingman arrived in the area near the island of Lesbos, in the eastern Aegean. The cause of the crash is being investigated. Greek media have speculated that the pilot suffered a blackout or spatial disorientation. The condition of his body indicates that "he was unable to react" to the crash, Hatziyiannakis said. Greece's armed forces are observing a three-day mourning period for the pilot. Greek fighter planes are regularly scrambled to intercept Turkish jets entering airspace over the Aegean, occasionally engaging in mock dogfights. Earlier this week, Greek soldiers fired warning shots at a Turkish helicopter after it approached the small island of Ro, which is on Greece's border in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and members of his government have escalated verbal attacks on Greece after its failure to extradite eight Turkish soldiers that Ankara said were part of an attempted 2016 coup. In March, Turkey captured and is still holding two Greek soldiers who crossed the border, allegedly while getting lost in the fog on patrol. burs-jph/dl Boeing joins with Mahindra to bid for India jet mega deal New Delhi, India, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2018 US giant Boeing will partner with India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics and Mahindra Defence Systems to build F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in India, the companies said Friday. The deal comes after India said it would need 110 combat jets, worth about $15 billion, to bolster its defences. Boeing has offered to build the jets locally to comply with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make-in-India" campaign, which aims to cut imports and build a domestic defence industry. India, the world's biggest arms importer, is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar upgrade of its largely elderly military equipment. "Our partnership with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) and Mahindra will enable us to optimise the full potential of India's public and private sector to deliver next-generation F/A-18 fighter capabilities," Pratyush Kumar, president of Boeing India, said in a statement. Under the deal, Boeing will build a production facility in India where other fighter jets could also be built. Boeing is competing with Lockheed Martin of the United States, Sweden's Saab and Dassault of France to supply fighter jets to the Indian Air Force. Lockheed is partnering with Tata Advanced Systems to build single-engine F16 fighter planes in India. Saab has said it will build its planes with India's Adani Group. India has said the jets must be produced by a foreign aircraft maker with an Indian company under a strategic partnership deal that brings high-tech defence technology to India. Turkey orders life jail for 21 suspects over 1997 government ousting Ankara, Turkey, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2018 A Turkish court on Friday handed life sentences to 21 suspects, including a former head of the armed forces, after an almost half decade trial over the military's ousting in 1997 of the former Islamist-rooted government. A memorandum issued after the February 28, 1997 meeting of Turkey's top military leadership precipitated the fall of the government led by prime minister Necmettin Erbakan, the mentor of current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The move by the army's leadership to undermine Erbakan's government did not extend to fully-fledged military action and it is often called the "post-modern coup". An Ankara court sentenced the 21 accused, including former general staff chief Ismail Hakki Karadayi, former top general Cevik Bir and ex army commander Cetin Dogan, to life in prison over their roles, the state-run Anadolu news agency said. Another 68 suspects were acquitted. The CNN-Turk channel said those convicted would be spared going to jail on age grounds but this was not immediately confirmed. A total of 103 suspects had initially been put on trial in September 2013 but several died in the course of the long legal process. Erbakan led the Welfare Party and was the first Islamic-rooted leader in the modern history of officially secular Turkey. It was out of Welfare that Erdogan and several comrades founded the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) which has ruled Turkey since 2002. The army, which sees itself as the guarantor of Turkey's secular principles, had overthrown three earlier administrations in 1960, 1971 and 1980. Rogue elements within the army sought to topple Erdogan on July 15, 2016 in a coup bid the government blames on the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies the charges. Priced Out Rising Rents Are Putting the Squeeze on Germans Housing shortages have become a serious issue in many German cities, where there is a shortfall around 2 million affordable apartments. A new study shows that the problem is hitting low-earners hard. und Hannah Knuth Von Markus Dettmer Donald Trump's War Games Why Intervening in Syria Is the Wrong Move U.S. President Donald Trump this week issued a Twitter threat to Russia and hinted that America would soon attack Syria. But even if Assad does deserve punishment for again using chemical weapons, the urge to intervene should be resisted. Donald Trump: "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Foto: Mark Wilson/Getty Images With increasing numbers of landowners contracting their farm-operations, and more farmers taking on contract work to maximise investment in technology, it is essential to understand the point where the insurance liability passes from landowner to contract farmer. In simple terms, there is no real defined boundary between the responsibility of the landowner and contract farmer, explains Nigel Wellings, director of agriculture insurance broker, Farmers & Mercantile (F&M). Potentially a landowner may be able to lose or at least reduce machinery cover, but having a contract farm is not a recipe for reducing your insurance bill. Key to any successful relationship is a clear and transparent Contract Farming Agreement (CFA). It is essential that both parties agree everything in writing, from who is responsible for HSE requirements, to ensuring adequate public and employers liability cover, through to agreeing responsibility for crop and input insurance. Even when a good, transparent CFA is agreed, this does not absolve landowners from their responsibilities, advises Mr Wellings. The contract farmer is effectively a tenant on the landowners property, and accordingly the landowner must ensure all health and safety policies are agreed and adhered to, and that both the contractor and landowner have adequate cover for all on-farm activities. With the Brexit process marching on, The British Farming Awards 2018 is a celebration of those living and working in the agricultural industry. There has never been such a prevalent time to salute the UKs farmers as they continue to demonstrate their everyday resilience and innovation across the core sectors. Organised by AgriBriefing, parent company of Farmers Guardian, Arable Farming and Dairy Farmer, there are 15 categories in total. Alongside arable, beef, sheep, dairy and machinery, the awards acknowledge the vast array of farm diversifications emerging as farmers add value to their businesses. They showcase diversity and a willingness to adapt, regardless of whether you are a farmer, new entrant, agricultural student or a member of an established family business. New award As staff management continues to be a core element of many successful businesses, the Farm Worker of the Year category has been introduced this year to highlight the vital role and input of employees across the UK, whose efforts can now be recognised. Farmers Guardian editor Ben Briggs says: The British Farming Awards celebrates the pride, passion and innovation at the heart of the agricultural industry and which has always been at the core of our coverage here at Farmers Guardian. By shining a light on the innovation which makes UK farms tick, we celebrate those grafting behind the scenes and provide inspiration and ideas for the wider farming community. Andrew Thornber, Morrisons manufacturing managing director, says: We are pleased to be sponsoring the British Farming Awards in 2018 following the success of last years event. We are proud to work with and buy from British farmers. In fact, we work directly with more than 3,000 livestock farmers, over 200 growers and - with the acquisition of Chippendale Foods - we now work directly with 40 egg producers as well. We prefer to deal directly with farmers because we believe this works best for both parties. We remain committed to developing strong and enduring relationships with British farmers, helping us to understand better and work together to build long-term sustainability. As well as being one of Co. Monaghan's largest sheet metal fabrication businesses, McAree Engineering also design and manufacture the V-Mac range of bulk storage silos for animal feeds. This major investment will provide for a purpose built 3,700m2 (40,000 square feet) factory unit with 8,000 m2 yard space, adjacent to their current facility which will double their capacity to manufacture their V-Mac range of bulk storage silos. This facility will be operational by October 2018. McAree Engineering are one of the largest manufacturers of bulk storage silos in Ireland and Britain and service the Agri, Bio-mass and Waste Water Treatment sectors. Eamon McMeel, V-Mac Technical Sales Manager says; demand for our V-Mac silos is at an all-time high and this purpose built factory will allow us to increase our productivity and reduce lead times to the growing number of customers we have in Britain and Ireland. Additional investment on a 12m x 2.5m Trumpf Laser, which will be commissioned by mid July this year, will also significantly increase McAree Engineering metal processing capacity to approx. 230 tons per week. It is expected that this investment will lead to the creation of at least 30 jobs over the next two years with opportunities for Mechanical Design Engineers, Sheet Metal Fabricators and Operations staff. The recruitment programme for these staff has already started. The article entitled Influence of seating styles on head and pelvic vertical movement symmetry in horses ridden at trot presents results of research concerning horse-rider interactions, in particular the movement of the horse. The research considers how different seating styles influence the movement symmetry of the horses head and pelvis. The lead author, Emma Persson-Sjodin, is a doctoral (PhD) student at the University of Uppsala, supervised by Associate Professor Dr Marie Rhodin in Uppsala and co-supervised by Thilo Pfau of the RVC. Dr Pfau is Senior Lecturer in Bio-Engineering and based at the RVCs Structure and Motion Laboratory. Explaining progress in the field and the value in collaboration between the two institutions, Dr Pfau said: Equine gait analysis has undergone a recent transformation from a purely lab-based science to a practical tool that can be applied to analysing the movement of horses doing everyday tasks, such as exercise under the rider. This transformation has been driven by progress in sensor and wireless technology, and PhD students in this field often benefit from a multi-disciplinary team of supervisors. The complementary skillsets of the team from Uppsala and the RVC Structure and Motion Lab is one successful example of this multi-disciplinary approach. Detailed knowledge of how a riders seating style and riding on a circle influences the movement symmetry of the horses head and pelvis may aid riders and trainers in an early recognition of subtle levels of lameness (low-grade lameness). Such knowledge is also important during veterinary lameness or poor performance evaluations. In the study, inertial sensors were used to assess how different rider seating styles influence head and pelvic movement symmetry in horses, two essential movements used by veterinary experts when assessing lame horses. In addition to the horses trotting in straight lines, they were also lunged and ridden in a circle in both directions. In the research, 15 different conditions at trot were assessed in 26 horses. These included three unridden conditions and 12 ridden conditions, where the rider performed three different seating styles (rising trot, sitting trot and two-point seat). Rising trot induced systematic changes in movement symmetry of the horses. The most prominent effect was decreased pelvic rise that occurred as the rider was actively rising up in the stirrups, thus creating a downward momentum counteracting the horses push off. This mimics a push off type lameness in the hindlimb that is in stance when the rider sits down in the saddle during the rising trot. ABSTRACT For several years, the need to change and amend the Commercial Code is discussed. There is no doubt that the rules must meet the economic and social requirements of their time. The major changes brought about by the advancement of industry and the economy in the commercial relations of individuals make the implementation of these changes and reforms inevitable, and the goals and purposes that are difficult or unenforceable to achieve with the current regulations should be determined. The issue of amendment to the Commercial Code (approved in 1311 with subsequent amendments) has been raised for many years in our country and during this period, trade has been changing rapidly and has never been waiting for an amendment of the law. As a result, we have witnessed negative phenomena in the countrys economy, due to the strict separation of Commercial Code and other commercial laws from market realities. Finally, the issue of the need to amend the Commercial Code in August 2002 was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Commerce was appointed as the chief responsible for the review of Commercial Code. In this regard, the paper intends to propose a basic approach to amending to the Commercial Code and its legal gaps. Keywords: International Commercial Code, Amendments to the International Commercial Code, Ministry of Commerce 1. Introduction More than 70 years have passed since the adoption of Irans Commercial Code, a mother law that is very old, and on the contrary, economics and business have become very progressive. The current Commercial Code, given the conditions for its formulation, namely, industrialization in the conventional sense, in the space of the past economy, was a great step that the thinkers of that time took. However, the new economic realities, in particular from the last decade (from 1990 onwards), have made its amendment inevitable. Because the Commercial Code, as a diverse and related set of legal regulations that orders various aspects of business and regulates the legal relationships of economic activists, should, in addition to the principles and theoretical rules, take into account commercial practices, and cover them ( Shariatmadari, 2005: pp. 35-29 ). The first question that should be raised at the start of any action to amend any law is about the need to amend it. Perhaps this question seems to be simple and even inferior to most people. However, due to the lack of attention to the same simple question of amending most of the rules, there are many problems in the adjustment process, and even after approval. In my opinion, in many cases, the current text of the economic laws is of a proper structure and in actions that, for example, have taken place in the draft law of the new guild system and the draft new Customs Code for the most recent changes in the past few years; not only the violations of the current law have not been overcome, but the strengths of these laws have been dimmed. As for the Commercial Code, the author believes that instead of revising the new Commercial Code, a more far-reaching approach to the issue should be adopted. The structure of the Commercial Code adopted in 1311 is based on the needs of the business community of Iran 70 years ago, which is very valuable for its time and even many years after that. But at the moment, the status of the Iranian business community has changed significantly, and therefore, the legal structure needs to be in line with this situation. Therefore, any action to amend the Commercial Code, based on the same structure as before, will be an unwarranted measure ( Khazaee, 2008 ). 2. The Structure of the Commercial Code The current Commercial Code structure is based on 16 sections (Chapter) ( Mehr, 2008: p. 2 ) which seems that the designers of the Commercial Code, in 70 years ago, have tried to provide a mother law for business activities in Iran to cover the major business activities of the community. The 16 Sections of This Law Are 1) Businessmen and business transactions 2) Trade offices and business registration office 3) Commercial companies 4) Bill, promissory note, cheque 5) Carrier documents 6) Brokerage 7) Commissioning 8) Commission contract 9) Commercial vice president and other business representatives 10) Guarantee 11) In bankruptcy 12) In simple bankruptcy and fraudulent bankruptcy 13) In credit restoration 14) Trade name 15) Legal personality 16) Final provisions As it is seen from the titles of the Sixteen Sections of the Commercial Code, this code deals with diverse commercial issues and unlike most of the current laws of the country, it has not merely considered a particular issue. The main problem in amending this code with the current structure starts from this point, because each of the independent issues addressed by this law, over the past years, has its own specific laws and any changes to the material relating to these matters should be in accordance with the rules in question and since these laws are very scattered and diverse, the application of all these rules in the Commercial Code is a very difficult task, perhaps impractical ( Pakdaman, 2006: pp. 71-69 ). Accordingly, the authors proposal is that, rather than modifying the provisions of Commercial Code and completing them in accordance with current laws, the best way is to integrate the provisions of this law into their own laws. Considering that the examination of individual articles of the Commercial Code is a very heavy task that will take a lot of time, herein, according to the sixteenth sections of the Commercial Code, we pursue the subject of compliance of the provisions of Commercial Code with other commercial laws. The main problem in the current Commercial Code is that there is no specific basis for the preparation of financial statements that is the basis for the decision makers of shareholders, directors and a set of stakeholders and users of information and similarly, there are also no precise criteria in the Inspectors discussion which in the Code has been raised to validate in the form of financial statements and accounting information and to ensure the same respect for shareholders rights; In order to determine the inspector, the qualification conditions have not been specified, and for the task of the inspector, specific criteria and standards have not been considered ( Naderian, 2005: p. 36 ). With these two great gaps in the current law, we examine briefly the bill to amendment to the Commercial Code and its innovations in a number of ways, following the presentation of the law of the guild system, the Securities Act, the law of corporate affairs, etc. 3. The Law of the Guild System In my opinion, the issues of the following chapters of the Commercial Code are directly related to the activities of the law of the guild system and it is essential that the provisions of these chapters be matched with the guild system And if some parts of these materials had not already seen in law of the guild system, they would have applied to the law of the guild system and otherwise the provisions of these chapters would been exempted from the law of the guild system. a1) Sixth chapter a2) Seventh chapter. Commissioning a3) Eighth chapter. Transportation contract a4) Fourteenth chapter. Trade name a5) First chapter. Businessmen and business transactions (the topics of this chapter are sometimes related to the law of the guild system, although the main focus of this chapter is to distinguish commercial activities from non-commercial activities. It seems that this distinction is currently mainly related to income tax, and it can be raised in the form of Direct Tax Code). 4. Securities Act Some chapters of the Commercial Code deal with financial aspects of business activities, but it is better to integrate the provisions of these chapters into the new Securities Act. In particular, provisions 210 to 219 of the Commercial Code are about cheque, most of which, according Issuing Cheque Act, have been extinct. Therefore, basically the insertion of these obsolete provisions into the Commercial Code is also legally inaccurate. The provisions of these chapters, along with other provisions on other securities, including corporate bonds, which are currently widely traded, can form the core structure of a Securities Act. The Intended Chapters of the Commercial Code Include b1) Fourth chapterBill, promissory note, cheque b2) Fifth chapterCarrier documents ( Pakdaman, 2006: pp. 69-72 ) 5. Corporate Affairs Act Today, many joint stock companies are a means of tax evasion in order to use special privileges to remove the assets of managers and founders from possible offensive of future creditors. Most of todays companies are family firms that, in addition to having a limited liability by office, can easily divide their wealth of interest, without reflecting in the sealed offices, between stockholders who are family members and they may still leave the imaginary figures in the name of the companys assets and reserves in the offices, which, on the day of the liquidation or bankruptcy of the company, will not pay for the companys creditors. If there are no solid joint stock companies in Iran, small savings will not be made for large industrial and development investments, the transaction will continue on land and immovable property, and it will remain from the stock exchange only, an empty and meaningless word and the separation of management from ownership, as it was intended to convey the legal foundation of a joint stock company, will not materialize. Now, lets see what the purpose of the provisions related to joint stock companies must provide: 1) Supporting investors in the company, i.e. shareholders; this means that there are conditions that the owners of savings who want to invest in and contribute to a company make sure that the founders of the company have accurately provided the forecasts and that the fraud opportunities are not given to the founders or managers of the company. 2) Supporting a few classes of shareholders who have the privilege of rights and with the confidence and faith in using those rights have invested in the company. 3) Reasonable support from minority shareholders, against the majority of shareholders. 4) Supporting the companys creditors and bondholders and those who deal with the company. 5) Avoiding resorting to ways to escape enforcement of the law by the companys mask ( Mehr, 2008: pp. 53-50 ). By exposing this material, people invest and buy shares with open eyes and with more confidence. The guarantee of the implementation of these regulations, in addition to the legal and penal liability of managers, founders and experts who have confirmed the content of this announcement, is that the stockholders can cancel their contract or founders and managers who have not disclosed their interests, would be prosecuted to turn the difference into the company (ibid. 54). Given the above, it should be noted that a significant part of the Commercial Code has been devoted to issues related to the activities of commercial companies. The insertion of these items is currently misleading. Because, although according to the bill to amend part of the Commercial Code (approved in 1347), the provisions related to the joint-stock companies, consisted of 200 items, have completely changed, yet provisions related to joint stock companies (approved in 1311), have been preserved in the collection of the Commercial Code and this often leads to a different understanding of the rules relating to joint stock companies and even other commercial companies. In my opinion, the business community in our country is in dire need of setting up an independent law on corporate affairs. In most developed countries, there is also such a law. Among others, it is possible to refer to the Companies Act, adopted in 1985, in England. The following described chapters of the Commercial Code are transferable to the new corporate law. c1) Second chapterCommercial offices and commercial register c2) Fifteenth chapterLegal personality c) Ninth chapterCommercial vice president and other business representatives In relation to the shares of the companies, it should be added that the introduction of shares without a formal value, in an era in which people believe that the purpose of joint stock companies should not only be to protect the interests of shareholders, but also to preserve the public interest and the interests of the companys employees, it is a pity that we do not urgently resolve the major obstacles to the growth of joint stock companies in Iran and do not provide regulations that are in line with todays needs ( Mehr, 2008: p. 67 ). 6. Bankruptcy Law Bankruptcy is one of the special issues raised in the Commercial Code, which is specifically addressed in the following two articles, from Provisions 412 to 575: d1) Eleventh chapterIn bankruptcy d2) Twelfth chapterIn simple bankruptcy and fraudulent bankruptcy d3) Thirteen chapterIn Credit restoration In terms of these provisions, there are a few points: First, some of the provisions of this section of the Commercial Code, seems implicitly or explicitly have been repealed, first, some of the provisions in this section of the Commercial Code seem to be implicitly or explicitly repealed, or at least, on the basis of which the judgment is not issued by the court. Including, Provision 562 provides: Credits cannot claim damages for more than five years because of a delay in paying their credit and anyway, claiming accessories each year, should not exceed 7% of their credit. Secondly, the main executor of this section of the Commercial Code is the Judiciary. In addition, provisions related to bankruptcy due to fault or fraud also have a criminal aspect. Thirdly, in relation to bankruptcy, other laws are currently effective and enforceable, including: 1) Law on Bankruptcy Insolvency Administration (approved in 1318). 2) The Law on the Use of Income of A & B Funds of the General Directorate for Bankruptcy Insolvency (approved in 1344). 3) The provisions of Non-Litigious Matters Act (approved in 1319). 4) The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure (approved in 2001) ( Pakdaman,2006: pp. 75-67). So my suggestion is that these three detailed sections of the Commercial Code, as well as supplementary provisions of these rules should be merged as an independent law of bankruptcy. Other Cases Except for the provisions of the Commercial Code that their relationship with other rules were described above, the other two chapters of the Commercial Code remain that are as follows: e1) Tenth chapterGuarantee d2) Sixteenth chapterFinal provisions In the case of provisions for guarantees, Civil Code has more accurate and more complete provisions that in order to avoid conflict of laws and controversy in the interpretation of the relevant provisions, it is better to integrate the guarantee provisions of the Commercial Code into Civil Code. Also, the final provisions of the Commercial Code have had dispersed provisions in different chapters of this Code, which according to the case, may be merged into these chapter or repealed. In spite of the points outlined above, we should consider other modifications that in the Bill on Amendments to the Commercial Code, under the provisions of Articles 4 to 11 the second chapter, entitled Rights and Obligations of the Businessman and The Register of Commerce, a new definition has replaced Articles 7 to 13 of the current Code that we will describe it below. A. in Article 4, the registers where the businessman is required to maintain them is defined as follows: Article 4: Any trader, except for small businessmen, is required to have the following (paper or electronic) registers or any other register that the government may replace under the regulations. 1) Daily register 2) Ledger 3) Inventory 4) Correspondence Register B. in Article 9, the legality conditions of commercial registers are as follows: Article 9If the registers mentioned in Article 4 of this law (with the exception of the Correspondence Register) are arranged and stored on paper, they must be signed by the representative of the registration department and the number of pages and details of the owner of the register should be written on its first and last pages. These offices should have an orderly score and all transactions and financial operations should be written in special pages in the order of history. Any shaving, carving, leaving space, writing down the lines, and so on, is prohibited in these registers. The main difference between the aforementioned articles in the Amendment to Commercial Code with the current Code is the identification of a new type of legal office called electronic registers, which is applicable to individuals, with the exception of small businessmen, and does not need to be sealed, stamped and signed by the officer of company registration and industrial property department. The form and method of using the electronic above-mentioned register, which is a new term and a definite definition of it should be presented, is subject to the formulation of the relevant regulations, as described in Note 4, Article 9, as follows. It seems that, if accounting standards are met, part of the controls under the Commercial Code and the Direct Tax Code will be applied appropriately. A note that, in line with the above, should be added is that: The bylaws related to the registers and how to arrange and maintain them are done by the Ministries of Commerce and Economic Affairs and Finance, within 6 months from the date of the adoption of this law and in accordance with the law of e-commerce and the development of the countrys economic situation and the volume of business activities and the prevalence of modern computer accounting systems. This bylaw, after approval by the Council of Ministers, will enter into force ( Keshani, 2005: p. 56 ). The above note has several positive and negative fundamental points: 1) The reference to e-commerce, which has caused commercial operations to be done in the virtual environment and recorded in electronic offices, and their financial implications appear in the financial statements of the merchant. Due to the fact that in electronic systems, information is entered as zero and one code, and when required, is presented in accordance with the format desired by the user, in the form of the daily register, ledger and certain cards, the parts of the balance of the operation of accounts and special reports, Therefore, the evolution of accounting records and account maintenance is expected, which has been felt for years. 2) The reference to the impact of the development and evolution of the countrys future economic state and possible changes that the above agents can create in accounts registration and maintenance systems in harmony with the advancement of electronic systems in the future. This clause makes it possible, in the event of the realization of a program for the creation of an e-government, without changing the Commercial Code, to meet the needs of the time in line with the new possibilities. 3) Given the volume of business activity and the change of systems in line with the extent of business activities, as one of the factors determining the methods of registering operations at legal offices, at present, by forming large joint stock companies, in fact, the possibility of implementing part of the Articles 7 and 8 of the Commercial Code and the provisions of Bylaw 2 Article 95 of the Direct Tax Code is subject to fundamental constraints. Past experience suggests that laws that are not enforceable under normal circumstances and procedures are likely to reduce the incentives for the legalism and increase the law aversion and law enforcers also ignore the non-implementation of it; Such as Article 9 of the Commercial Code concerning the Property Office. 4) In spite of the attention of the Bill on Amendments to the Commercial Code to the laws and regulations that are associated with it and their names have been inserted in the introduction of the bill, as the laws and regulations that have been considered in its drafting, accounting standards, which are required by Audit Organization Establishment Act as of 1/1/1381, are not mentioned. While accounting standards play a key role in how to register accounts and prepare financial statements, and legal offices of any form, whether paper or electronic, without a standard, will have not proper and uniform meaning. It seems that, if accounting standards are met, part of the controls required by the Commercial Code and the Direct Tax Code will be applied In the text of Note 2 of the bylaw of the Article 95 of the Direct Tax Code, reference is made to observing the accepted principles and standards of accounting, as suggested previously in the proposed amendment. However, as mentioned above, the direct tax law has shown attention to the legal offices and the accounting system, from only an instrumental point of view, for calculating taxable income. Therefore, it approves those standards, which do not increase the cost and thus do not reduce the taxable profit. It seems that, given the possibilities offered by the information systems, and are changing in terms of quality and speed, on the one hand, and the increase in the volume of operations of public joint stock corporations and the prediction of future developments arising from global trade and e-commerce, on the other hand, the amendment to the bylaw of Note 2, Article 95 of the Direct Tax Code in relation to the provisions of the legal offices, which have been examined here, not only are not accountable to the current needs of enterprises, but also it does not have necessary coordination with the Bill on Amendment to the Commercial Code, foundations and principles ( Keshani, 2005: pp. 59-55 ). It is hoped that during the drafting of Article 9 of the Bill on Amendment to the Commercial Code, the Ministry of Economic Affairs will show more attention the accounting standards as the necessary legal requirements, in matters relating to the legal offices and the procedure for the registration and maintenance of accounts, and apply the controls necessary for the actual recording of the operations of each economic unit through the exchange of information and the emphasis on comparing information within the firm with the information obtained from the other party, and pay attention to the principle that the cost of any firm is the income of the other firm or firms. In the amending bylaw of Note 2 of Article 95, other provisions also have predicted that it seems that are not consistent with current economic conditions and electronic developments; however, due to the provisions of the Bill on Amendment to the Commercial Code, which, if approved, would exclude these cases, it has been denied details. The Bill on Amendments to the Commercial Code and its innovations After mentioning the above mentioned cases, it is necessary to pay attention to the innovations of the bill to amend the Commercial Code; In the Bill on Amendment to the Commercial Code, the commercial space has been defined more transparently, while defining the used definitions and concepts, the cases in the current law that have gaps or the law has passed them with silence, have expressed in the Bill explicitly and Clearly. 1) One of the new economic phenomena is the issue of parent companies and affiliated companies and subsidiaries and, in general, affiliations that different companies can have in terms of ownership or management. The bill tries to provide clear and comprehensive definitions in this area. 2) One of the problems with the current law is the multiplicity of inspectors. If there are plenty of comments from inspectors, there are problems for users of financial statements that have not been raised in the new bill of the multiplicity of inspector. 3) In the Bill on Amendment to the Commercial Code, special attention has been paid to financial discipline in order to prevent rent-seeking and create a healthy environment for business competition in many cases. 4) The focus of accounting and auditing standards; It may be said that the punch line of the amendment to Commercial Code in the department of financial and accounting regulations is the definition of financial statements in accordance with the accounting standards and making the board responsible to prepare the companys financial statements in accordance with accounting standards. 5) Improving the role of the auditor and legal inspector; the scope of the inspectors powers was limited to the general rule, and in many cases, the managers actions did not require the comment of the inspector. In the amending bill, the scope of the inspectors powers has been expanded to a considerable degree. 6) Increased enforcement guarantee of the law; the current law does not, in many cases, provide for a serious enforcement guarantee to enforce the provisions of the law and, therefore, it is possible not complying with the law or to take unlawful measures. The amending bill provides for sufficient and comprehensive enforcement guarantee for the compliance with the law ( Naderian, 2005: pp. 40-35 ). 7. Conclusion The Commercial Code, in the present form and content, does not correspond not only to the current conditions of the international business community, but also with the current conditions of the Iranian business community, because it does not cover many topics that are directly related to trade, for example, foreign trade, which is currently covered by the law of export and import regulations. In addition, e-commerce is also one of the key issues in todays world trade, which has not been clarified in the Commercial Code. Although the draft of e-commerce law has been prepared by one of organizations, there are several disadvantages in this draft, which the author has already referred to in a series of articles. Also, the various sections of the Commercial Code now have their own rules and, therefore, in many of these cases, these sectors have essentially been repealed and their presence in the context of Commercial Code only causes ambiguity and doubt about the governing law. Therefore, the Commercial Code with this current structure cannot basically be a basis for amendment and completion and in my opinion, instead of having a flawed Commercial Code, it is better that the specific rules of each subject be supplemented by the provisions of this law and all other waste and repealed provisions be removed from the scope of the countrys laws. In this regard, it is suggested that, while transferring the relevant material in the Commercial Code into the law of the guild system and civil code, the following independent laws shall also be developed using the provisions of this Code and other relevant Codes. a) Corporate Law b) Securities Act c) Bankruptcy Law In the end, it should be added that the amending bill of Commercial Code was the result of three years of continuous research-advisory effort, which was developed using the ideas of professors, experts, industry owners and experts of executive agencies and specialists in a dynamic and interactive process, and it includes major innovations that its approval, can flourish the commercial space of the country and is very effective in developing business activities. Cite this paper Azadikalkoshki, A., & Hosseinabadi, M. (2018). Amendments to the International Commercial Code and Its Legal Gaps. Open Journal of Political Science, 8, 128-138. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojps.2018.82010 References . , (0:1) . , , . " . - ... A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Index of turnover in industry 2021, August Published: 13 April 2018 Turnover in manufacturing increased by 6.5 per cent in November to January According to Statistics Finland, turnover in manufacturing in the November to January period was 6.5 per cent higher than in the corresponding period of the year before. Domestic sales grew by 4.3 per cent and export turnover by 8.1 per cent from one year ago. Three months' year-on-year change in turnover in manufacturing (C) sub-industries (TOL 2008) Turnover went up from the corresponding period of the previous year in all manufacturing (C) sub-industries . Growth was strongest in the chemical industry, 12.6 per cent, in the forest industry, 6.5 per cent, and the metal industry, 5.0 per cent. Turnover growth was slowest in the textile, clothing and leather industry, 2.9 per cent. Three months' year-on-year change in turnover in main industrial categories (TOL 2008) The turnover of nearly all main categories of manufacturing industries also grew year-on-year. Turnover grew strongest in the industry of mining and quarrying, by 9.4 per cent. Turnover in water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities increased by 5.9 per cent, and, by contrast, in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply turnover contracted by 2.9 per cent from one year before. The index of turnover in industry describes enterprises whose main industry is manufacturing. The calculation of the indices is based on the Tax Administrations self-assessed tax data which are supplemented with data obtained with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The monthly turnovers of manufacturing enterprises can vary considerably, especially in the metal industries. The variation is mainly due to invoicing practices. The final invoice for major machinery deliveries and projects may be recorded in the sales of one month, even if the delivery had required the work of several months or years. From this release onwards the index of turnover in industry will adopt base year 2015=100. Source: Index of turnover in industry 2018, January, Statistics Finland Inquiries: Maija Sappinen 029 551 3348, Kirsi-Maaria Manninen 029 551 2681, myynti.teollisuus@stat.fi Director in charge: Sami Saarikivi Publication in pdf-format (348.4 kB) Updated 13.4.2018 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Index of turnover in industry [e-publication]. ISSN=1798-596X. January 2018. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 1.10.2021]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tlv/2018/01/tlv_2018_01_2018-04-13_tie_001_en.html Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. As we have since July 2006, each Friday well post our sampling of cigar news and other items of interest from the week. Below is our latest, which is the 574th in the series. 1) This week CAO announced a new, limited edition release called Zocalo. The cigar, CAOs first blend to use a Mexican San Andres wrapper, is being made in one size only, a vitola called San Andres (6 x 60) that includes a Cameroon binder and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. Individual cigars will sell for $8.49 and come in brightly colored, 20-count boxes for $169.80. Only 3,500 boxes of Zocalo have been produced, and the limited release will hit cigar shops in time for Cinco de Mayo on May 5. 2) SAG Imports, the distribution arm of Quesada Cigars, will no longer serve as the U.S. distributor for Matilde Cigars and MLB Cigar Ventures (MLB). Instead, effective immediately, SeiBel Distributiona new company formed by Enrique Seijas of Matilde and Mike Bellody of MLBwill serve as distributor of the brands. This new distribution arrangement in no way impacts the production of the cigars themselves. Quesada will continue to produce the Imperia, Islero, and Aventador brands for MLB; Tabacalera La Alianza will continue to produce the Matilde brands. Both Seijas and Bellody spoke highly of Quesada but acknowledged the need for more control over the distribution process. 3) Inside the Industry: New York City cigar smokers are invited to attend the fourth annual New York City Boats and Smokes cigar cruise series. On Thursday, May 17th, cigar connoisseurs will get the opportunity to sail on the East River with skyline and Statue of Liberty views. The cruise will feature cigars by La Gloria Cubana, CAO, and Macanudo, with a portion of the proceeds going to Cigars for Warriors. More details and tickets to the event, which sold out last year, can be found here. 4) From the Archives: In one of our most controversial interviews, we spoke with Michael J. Mcfadden, author of TobakkoNacht: The Antismoking Endgame. Read the entire thing, including the spirited comments, here. 5) Deal of the Week: Here are over 80 deals, including cigars from Ashton, Oliva, Tatuaje, Rocky Patel, Padron, Drew Estate, Davidoff, Cohiba, Crowned Heads, RoMa Craft, and more. Free shipping is included on any purchase. If you really want to stock up, add promo code GBP20D at checkout to knock $20 off an order of $150 or more. There is some concern in Gibraltar over remarks made this week by Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator, when he is reported to have said during an interview with a Spanish online newspaper that Gibraltar could be left out of transition arrangements for Britain's withdrawal from the European Union if the UK and Spain are unable to reach agreement over matters such as joint control of Gibraltar airport, taxation, contraband and the environment. As far as the UK and Gibraltar governments are concerned, Gibraltar was included in the provisional withdrawal deal, but Barnier's remarks highlighted the possibility of Spain using the lever it insisted upon and having the power to make Gibraltar leave the EU in March next year without the cushioning of an interim transition period. The British government has insisted that it would never enter into any agreement with the EU which was against the interests and wishes of Gibraltar, but the infamous Clause 24 in the EU's negotiating guidelines came as a shock. The clause says that after Brexit no agreement between Britain and the EU which includes Gibraltar could take place without the express approval of Spain. In the interview this week, Barnier said this clause, insisted upon by Spain, had received unanimous support within the EU27. The Gibraltar government believes Clause 24 could well be illegal and has indicated that it would be prepared to take legal action if the EU tries to implement it in a way which is detrimental to Gibraltar. Gibraltar voted strongly in support of Remain in the EU referendum, but is even more determined to remain British and therefore has to leave the EU alongside the UK. Local Police, shopowners and town hall representatives in Benalmadena have been meeting this week to agree a plan of action for the summer to combat and police the annual influx of illegal street sellers, in many cases undocumented immigrants from west Africa, that locals say has become intolerable. President of the Benalmadena shoptraders' association, Rosa Maria Gonzalez, said this week that, tourist resorts shouldn't tolerate this [bad] image, with the seafront clogged up [with sellers] and frequent arrests and police chases. We've been asking for months for budget to be made available so the town hall can pay overtime to police, as they are not allowed to increase the total number of officers. In a report on the situation, compiled by the Local Police chief, officers are asking to be allowed by central government to recruit more officers. Benalmadena council, which is responsible for the Local Police, has its hands tied by rules that prevent it temporarily increasing the force for the peak summer months, when the municipality's population trebles with the number of tourists. The local force says that the sellers of goods on the seafront are becoming increasingly self-confident and causing more disruption. Last summer 5,665 items were seized by police before they could be sold. At the start, [the sellers] followed police instructions without resisting, then they started to flee and dump the merchandise, but now many cases of them resisting are coming to light and also acting aggressively, which is causing officers to go off sick and injured, explains the document. Last year, local authorities met with representatives of the Senegalese immigrant community, which is where the biggest group of sellers comes from, to offer other options, such as setting up a cooperative or a street market in another area. However many sellers are illegal immigrants and the groups have been reluctant to give up the sale of profitable fake-branded goods. IAG has come to the rescue of Norwegian. The holding company that covers Iberia, Vueling and British Airways announced on Thursday that it had acquired 4.61% of the Scandinavian airline and hasn't ruled out launching a full takeover bid. In the last few weeks investors had begun to have their doubts about the business model at Norwegian, which is reporting an estimated 273-millon-euro loss for the first three months of this year. On top of this the company has high debt as a result of its ambitious expansion plan. Only a few weeks ago it increased its capital by 137 million euros to keep that plan alive. IAG said that Norwegian is an attractive investment and the acquisition of a small holding was designed to open up a possible increase in its stake. The Supreme Court has said that Catalan separatist and civic leader, Jordi Sanchez, is unable to leave jail to attend an investiture debate, planned for Friday (today), as candidate to be new president of Catalonia. The Catalan parliament had agreed to debate Sanchez's candidacy in an effort to end the current political stalemate. Meanwhile Carles Puigdemont, the original candidate, continues in Germany, waiting to see if he will be extradited to face an embezzlement charge after a German court refused Spain's request to extradite him for rebellion last week. Is there no end to the woes of Spain's ruling Popular Party (PP)? It has emerged that Cristina Cifuentes, leader of the conservative PP in Madrid, obtained a master's degree from Rey Juan Carlos University (URCJ) under questionable circumstances. Allegedly, she used her political connections to obtain the qualification without doing any work - a charge which, if true, makes a mockery out of the university and destroys her credibility. As if this weren't enough, the 2018 budget fiasco continues and the PP has been dealt a fresh blow over Catalonia, which in turn will prolong the budget fiasco. Economic and political factors have combined to create a perfect storm around the Spanish Conservatives. Political problems are delaying the proposed 2018 budget. Prime minister Mariano Rajoy only commands a minority government and is dependent upon support from hostile parties. The group blocking his path is the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), which stands to gain an extra 190 million in subsidies if it approves the PP's delayed spending plan. Yet the PNV is unmoved by Madrid's offer of extra cash: it will only approve the budget if Rajoy removes centralised control of Catalonia, which he imposed at the height of the Catalan crisis last October. Rajoy cannot relinquish control of Catalonia, though, until the Catalan parliament forms a workable new administration. The region's former, pro-independence president Carles Puigdemont was released on bail in Germany last week, after German courts ruled he couldn't be extradited back to Spain on rebellion charges. He might still be extradited for misusing public funds - but even so, Catalan separatists have voted (symbolically) for his right to serve as the region's president again. In doing so, they remain stubbornly unpragmatic. No wonder that the chairman of Catalan bank La Caixa - which moved its headquarters from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca last October - said recently that the relocation had been a good move. No wonder, either, that Rajoy retains control of the troubled region, albeit at the expense of securing approval for the 2018 budget. On top of all this, there's now the issue of Cifuentes' dodgy degree. We're accustomed, of course, to financial corruption dogging the PP, but this is a relatively new kind of scandal. Cifuentes' possible replacement - in the unlikely scenario that she's fired - is the PP's fresh-faced Communications deputy Pablo Casado, supposedly a member of the Conservatives' young, untainted generation. Casado, however, was also awarded a degree by Cifuentes' alma mater, and his right to hold it is under investigation too. URCJ apparently told him that it wasn't necessary to attend classes or take exams to obtain the master's - a disclosure which might well boost this relaxed institution's application numbers. Meanwhile, the perfect storm engulfing the PP rages on. REMSEN, N.Y. -- A Fort Drum soldier was arrested and charged Wednesday with rape, according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Paul W. Spalding, 21, a United States Army specialist, is accused of visiting a girl younger than 16 years old several times in the last three months, deputies said. On one of the visits, Spalding had sex with the girl in a vehicle, deputies said. Spalding was arraigned in the Oneida County Correctional Facility on Wednesday, where he is being held, deputies said. Bail was set at $5,000, deputies said. The victim has been offered counseling through the Child Advocacy Center and an order of protection against Spalding for the victim was requested, deputies said. Additional charges are possible and the investigation is ongoing, deputies said. SHORTSVILLE, N.Y. -- The former treasurer of an Ontario County fire company has been accused of stealing more than $20,000 to gamble at casinos, according to the state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Wendy Wharton, the former Citizens Hose Fire Company auxiliary treasurer, was charged Friday with third-degree grand larceny, DiNapoli said in a news release. Wharton, 53, of Manchester, allegedly took thousands of dollars in cash withdrawals and advances from the fire company's credit and debit cards to gamble at casinos in the Finger Lakes, Central New York and Las Vegas, the comptroller said. Wharton was charged following an audit and investigation by DiNapoli and Ontario County Sheriff Philip C. Povero. "This fire official bet she wouldn't be caught as she gambled away public money and violated the trust of her community," DiNapoli said. "Thanks to my investigators and auditors working with the sheriff's office, her crimes have been exposed. This case is a classic example of the fundamental need for checks and balances at the local level over taxpayer money." Wharton is due back in court on Wednesday before Canandaigua City Court Judge Stephen Aronson. A Snapchat threat being shared at local schools that showed a male holding a rifle and the caption "(Expletive) CHS I'm going out with a bang" and "dont go to school tmrw" was aimed at a school in Clovis, N.M., police and school officials said. The threat was first reported in Central New York by students at Cortland High School who thought it was aimed at their school. On Thursday the Snapchat message alarmed students at Chittenango High School, who alerted district officials. Chittenango Superintendent Michael Eiffe said students sent the Snapchat message to him, and he alerted the Madison County Sheriff's Office, who discovered it was the same threat Cortland students were concerned about. On April 7, Clovis police in New Mexico arrested a 17-year-old student after they said he posted the threatening message on Snapchat about a week ago. Eiffe said he told parents about the Snapchat and the New Mexico arrest in a School Messenger phone call last night, and also sent a letter home to parents Friday telling them what happened. Eiffe said students did what they should have done - "they saw something, and they said something,'' he said. Your right to know Assistant professor of management and media at Utica College, Brett Orzechowski, recently published a new book that will be of interest to both academics, and to New York State residents who would like to understand more about FOIL. Signed into law in New York State in 1974, the Freedom of Information Law "allows any person to request and obtain, without explanation or justification, existing, identifiable, and unpublished governmental records, including documents, data, and video." Through FOIL requests the public is able to obtain information that allows for a greater transparency in what is happening in our state government. These public requests are often made with the intent of exposing abuses of power. One of the anecdotes that Orzechowski shares in the book centers around a citizen who wanted to understand why a beloved non-profit arts center was no longer flourishing, so she poured over government documents that she had the right to request in order to find answers. Orzechowski explores what forty years of this law has yielded, starting with when the law was first created and taking readers through and explanation of how the legislation works. Orzechowski also includes the perspectives of people from various backgrounds, from state senators to watchdog organizations, to provide a well-rounded sense of the full impact of New York State's law. Orzechowski will be speaking about his book at a special event through The Tully Center for Free Speech at Syracuse University's Newhouse School on Wednesday, April 18 at 5 pm. Readers who are interested in the conversation but who cannot attend are encouraged to follow the conversation on Twitter with the #FOIL and #freeinformation. "FOIL:The Law and the Future of Public Information in New York" is available through Syracuse University Press and on Amazon. A continued journey through time and space East Syracuse native Nicholas T. Davis was first featured in this column in 2015 for his 2014 novel "Dimension Lapse." Since then, the author has published three more books in the series, two fantasy books, and three children's books, with plenty of more stories yet to come. "At the end of the first book, I felt that the story needed more...Four books later, it's turned into what will be a six- part series, with plans for at least two prequels as well. I also have a fantasy series which will eventually become six books as well. My latest book is the second of the series, released in February, Bargo Lynden: Wizards and Warlocks. It's a story of good and evil, as seen through the eyes of a magical animal called a Woblo, whose ancestors were once human, but were changed through an Elvin spell," Davis says. Fans of "Dimension Lapse" can jump back into the world of former martian Jeff Walker as he and his team try to right the wrongs of the universe. In the third book, "Dimension Lapse III: Dimensional Breakdown," Walker and his crew travel through time and space as they seek to correct mistakes in the past. How they proceed will determine the fate of humankind, as they rush to prevent an universe in which human beings cease to exist all together. When asked if given how many books from different genres he's already written, if he'd consider expanding into even more styles of storytelling, Davis replied in the affirmative, saying, " have an idea for a historical/supernatural thriller, as well as some memoir type books about our family camp in the 1000 islands. I also would like to write other science fiction stand alone books, as well as a dragon series. So you can see, I'll be busy for a while." You can learn more about Davis by visiting his website. All of his books are available through Amazon. Book events The Colgate Bookstore in Hamilton, NY is hosting a book signing and speaking event on Saturday, April 14 at 1:30 pm for local veterinarian Frank Martorana, for his debut novel "Taking On Lucinda: A Kent Stephenson Thriller." Martorana includes a variety of animal related topics in exploring the world of Kent Stephenson, who like Martorana, is a veterinarian, and who aims to help protect his town and the animals who reside there from real threats. Dr. Martorana says, "My primary goal was to write a page-turner, with all the requisite arson, murder, and mayhem, but I also wanted it to shed a good light on our profession. By the time I looked up, I had a three-book series, The Kent Stephenson Thrillers." The second and third books are currently in production. The event is free and open to the public. Jaime L. Washington, Founder of 100 Women 100 Stories is hosting a book release celebration for the Syracuse co-authors of "She Wouldn't Let Me Fall:100 Stories of Faith, Forgiveness & Friendship." The book is an anthology of 100 stories celebrating the power of women, and acknowledging the individual women in the contributor's lives who has truly supported and encouraged them. As explained in the book description, it's an opportunity to let go of the jealousy sometimes associated with female relationships: "Each story will serve to be an inspiration for other women, to motivate them to value sisterhood. We know how we are as women, it is often hard for us to trust other women. It is hard for us to celebrate other women, when we ourselves, have nothing to celebrate. Well, now is the time, for us to stop being jealous, stop being envious, stop being selfish, and make a BOLD statement, that YES, she had my back! She wouldn't let me fall!" The event will be held at ALOFT Syracuse Inner Harbor on Sunday, April 29 from 3-7 pm. The event is free but registration is required in advance- visit the eventbrite website to register. Have a book to share? Are you a local author or have you come across a book set in Central New York? Tell us about it. Send a brief description of the book and the author and we'll add it as a candidate for coverage. Write us at features@syracuse.com. Every extra glass of wine or pint of beer over the United Kingdom's daily recommended limit will shorten your life by a half hour, according to a new British study. Five standard glasses of about six ounces of wine or five pints of beer a week are the safe upper limits, according to the study, which was published in the Lancet medical journal. More than that raises the risk of stroke, fatal aneurysm, heart failure and death, the study found, according to The Guardian. The study included data from 600,000 drinkers in 19 countries. About half of the drinkers reported consuming more than the U.K.'s recommended limits. The report estimated that having 10 to 15 alcoholic drinks a week could shorten a person's life by one to two years, according to the BBC. More than 18 drinks a week could shorten someone's lifespan by four to five years, the BBC said. The study did not find an increased risk of death for light drinkers. Each unit of alcohol consumed above the U.K.'s recommended daily guidelines takes about the same amount of life as a cigarette, according to The Guardian. Countries with higher recommended limits, including the United States, should lower them, the report suggests. Researchers also found there is still a small benefit to drinking, The Guardian said. It does reduce the chance of a non-fatal heart attack. But the study's lead author, Angela Wood of the University of Cambridge, noted that the benefit must be balanced against the higher risk associated with other serious, and possibly fatal, heart ailments, The Guardian said. Tim Chico, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Sheffield, told The Guardian he wouldn't be surprised if the heaviest drinkers lost as many years of life as smokers. "This study makes clear that on balance, there are no health benefits from drinking alcohol, which is usually the case when things sound too good to be true," Chico said, according to The Guardian. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112 Of all the potential grossness one could encounter in a public bathroom, you might assume the hand dryer is a relative safe zone. You would be wrong. A new study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that the dryers spread fecal matter onto the hands of those who use them, according to CNET. And your wet hands? They just happen to be a perfect breeding ground for the growth of germs from said fecal matter. Still interested in this topic? Buckle up folks, it only gets worse from here. As you all know, the toilets in public bathrooms generally don't have lids. Flushing them apparently sends fecal particles hurtling through the air, according to Yahoo. The dryers then suck up the little bits of poo, warm them and spray them right on your hands, Yahoo said. Ick. Scientists from the University of Connecticut conducted the study by placing a special plate just beneath hot air hand dryers in public bathrooms for 30 seconds. After testing, the plates showed between 18 and 30 different colonies of bacteria, according to Yahoo. "These results indicate that many kinds of bacteria, including potential pathogens and spores, can be deposited on hands exposed to bathroom hand dryers and that spores could be dispersed throughout buildings and deposited on hands by hand dryers," the report said, according to CNET. Researchers suggested fitting hand dryers with HEPA filters to address the problem, according to Yahoo. CNET noted that some dryers already use filters. That said, paper towels, while less environmentally friendly and probably more expensive, could help cut down on the spread of germs, CNET said. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112 Gregory Vincent GENEVA, N.Y. -- The president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges resigned Friday, according to a news release from the colleges. Gregory Vincent told the board of trustees about his resignation just eight months after being named the schools' president, the release said. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, an anonymous email was sent to several media outlets that claimed Vincent plagiarized his dissertation that earned him his doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. In a statement to The Chronicle, Thomas S. Bozzuto, the chair of the Board of Trustees, said "Hobart and William Smith Colleges are aware of the allegations in the anonymous email and are committed to thoroughly and seriously investigating them. This process to examine the issue fully and fairly has already begun." The email said Vincent used other works without citing them, according to The Chronicle. Jennifer Rubin writes the Right Turn blog for The Washington Post, offering reported opinion from a conservative perspective. She covers a range of domestic and foreign policy issues and provides insight into the conservative movement and the Republican Party. By Jennifer Rubin | The Washington Post House Speaker Paul Ryan's announced retirement predictably left Republicans down in the dumps. Their leader is fleeing an impending political hurricane that threatens to blow them out of their majority in the House (and possibly in the Senate). Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., the minority leader, went to the Senate floor to suggest that "with his newfound political freedom, I hope the speaker uses his remaining time in Congress to break free from the hard-right factions of his caucus that have kept Congress from getting real things done. If he's willing to reach across the aisle, he'll find Democrats willing and eager to work with him." Maybe Ryan should take Schumer's suggestion seriously. Here are just a few things he might do: 1. Prevent a constitutional crisis. Ryan could agree to bring to the floor one of the bipartisan compromise bills seeking to insulate special counsel Robert Mueller from President Donald Trump's temper. On Wednesday, a bipartisan group -- Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Christopher Coons, D-Del., Thom Tillis, R-N.C.,, and Cory Booker, D-N.J. -- introduced the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act. In a news release, the group explained that the bill: - Codifies existing Department of Justice regulations to ensure that the special counsel can only be fired for good cause by a senior Justice Department official, and the reason must be provided in writing. - Provides the special counsel a 10-day window in which he can seek expedited judicial review of his removal to determine whether the firing was for good cause. If the firing is ultimately determined to have violated the good-cause requirement, the removal will not take effect. - Preserves the staffing, documents, and materials of the investigation while the matter is pending. For the first time, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, agreed to take it up with his committee, but one can expect Republicans to delay consideration, if not in committee, then on the way to the floor. Schumer pleaded with Republicans to take it up. "The evidence is staring us all in the face. We cannot ignore the elephant in the room any longer. Because the consequences of the president taking action against Mueller, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, or issuing political pardons is just too dire." He reiterated that "such action would precipitate a constitutional crisis in this country." Imbued with his "newfound political freedom," Ryan could take up the measure in the House (by a discharge petition if need be). Passing protections for Mueller, frankly, would be a gift to Trump -- in essence protecting him from his own impulsiveness -- and to Republicans, who could tell voters they actually took their constitutional responsibilities seriously. 2. Trade. Ryan has always been a free-trader. He has also made it a goal for Congress to claw back its constitutional powers, which too frequently have been handed to the executive branch. Now, he has a chance to protect the economy, halt a trade war and reassert Congress's authority. All he would need to do is reverse the legislation that granted the president the unilateral power to enact tariffs in the name of "national security." Under the Constitution, Congress has sole power to levy tariffs. In Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress is granted the "Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States," and "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States." Congress however chose to delegate some of that power to the president in Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which Trump relied on to levy aluminum and steel tariffs under the national-security exception. Reuters explained: "The WTO allows a national security exemption from its rules, but it has never been used as a defense in a trade dispute. . . . A U.S. dispute involving national security would threaten WTO discipline, since other countries would probably follow suit and use it to justify their own claims to be exempt from the rules." It is entirely within Congress's constitutional power to reclaim its power, repeal Section 232 and help permanently stave off trade wars based on bogus national-security claims. 3. Put a clean DACA fix on the floor of the House. A bill to reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in exchange for enhanced border security would have support from most Democrats, and a smattering of moderate Republicans -- likely enough to pass the House. A resolution for "dreamers" would be Ryan's greatest contribution to defanging xenophobic populism. A DACA fix might also give endangered Republicans in Florida, Texas and California a lifeline. Ryan repeatedly said he wanted a DACA fix; now he can make it a reality. There is no reason Ryan, who claims to be a pro-immigration, pro-free trade Republican and a "constitutional conservative," could not address all three of these issues. (If a Democrat were in the White House, he almost certainly would protect a special prosecutor and free trade.) If he undertakes these initiatives, he could regain the respect of principled conservatives, rescue his legacy (in part) and be remembered for something other than running up the debt and enabling a protectionist, anti-immigration president who set news lows for fidelity to the Constitution. So what's stopping him? To the Editor: In the arduous annual process that creates the New York state budget, CenterState CEO and its members are particularly gratified that the New York state Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HPTC) was renewed and enhanced this year. Businesses, building owners, homeowners and developers in Central New York, and the entire state, now have the assurance that this well-used and effective incentive is available and able to work in tandem with the similar federal credit to restore buildings and homes in local communities. The federal and state Historic Preservation Tax Credits provide up to a combined 40 percent of redevelopment costs as an incentive, and help offset the high costs of renovating historic and often vacant or underutilized buildings. The credit is a gap-filler for projects that would otherwise not move forward. The growing list of local projects, both commercial and residential, is proof of the credit's effectiveness. From 1993 to 2018, 37 projects were completed in the region and another 36 are currently pending. This includes projects such as the rehabilitation of the Camillus Cutlery Building in Camillus, Cahill's Landing and Bronson House-Culkin House in Oswego, the Schine Theater in Auburn, the Masonic Temple in Baldwinsville, the Herald Commons and other projects in the city of Syracuse. We extend our special thanks to state Sen. David Valesky for his sponsorship of HPTC enabling legislation and to Assemblyman William Magnarelli for co-sponsoring the Assembly bill and leading a regional delegation letter of support to advocate for the HPTC in this year's budget. CenterState CEO also expresses its gratitude to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Legislature for extending the tax credit and advancing changes to the program that increase its viability. As a result, Central New York and all of New York state will continue to see a powerful return on investment from this program. We look forward to realizing the benefits as many more historic buildings and homes are renovated and returned to use, including the creation of new business opportunities, increased property values, and enhanced quality of life for our region. Robert Simpson President CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity Syracuse WASHINGTON -- The chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Friday defended the national party's last-minute support of Juanita Perez Williams for Congress, and did not rule out helping her in a primary campaign. U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who chairs the campaign arm of House Democrats, said the DCCC has recruited Perez Williams for months, trying to convince her to challenge Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus. Perez Williams decided to enter the race only 10 days ago, long after county Democratic chairs and party activists designated Syracuse University professor Dana Balter as their candidate. Local party leaders and grassroots activists in Central New York view Perez Williams' entry into the race as a betrayal of Balter, ignoring the will of local Democrats and grassroots activists. But Lujan said Friday that Perez Williams, who lost November's election for Syracuse mayor, had earned the right to run for the 24th Congressional District seat. "A veteran, a former JAG officer, a Latina -- she has the right to run for Congress," Lujan told syracuse.com. "We want to make sure we are working with everyone that's out there. We also very much respect local leaders. But this is a district where we had been recruiting all along, and we had reached out to Juanita early." Local Democrats have pushed back against the DCCC, saying the party should not meddle in the race. "No one has ever questioned anybody's right to run," said Ian Phillips, chairman of the Cayuga County Democratic Committee. "The question is whether the DCCC should be picking favorites in primaries. Using Democratic donors' dollars to fight other Democrats is a poor use of resources." Phillips said the money could be put to better use in the fall campaign against Katko, a two-term congressman who has more than $1 million in his campaign bank account. Perez Williams acknowledged Thursday that the DCCC paid for a "small number" of canvassers who collected signatures for her petitions seeking a spot on the ballot. The petitions were due at the state Board of Elections at 5 p.m. Thursday. Candidates need at least 1,250 valid signatures to make into onto the primary ballot. Perez Williams submitted more than 3,200 signatures, but state officials won't determine until next week how many are valid. Lujan, D-N.M., said it could be good for the party if Perez Williams forces a primary against Balter. "We're looking forward to what ultimately happens out there," Lujan said. "But now we know that John Katko is going to have a tough opponent going into the general election. And primaries are OK. Primaries force you to go to work and to earn the trust of voters. There's nothing wrong with that. I think it only encourages more energy across the country." Asked if national Democrats would endorse and actively support Perez Williams in a primary campaign, Lujan did not rule out the possibility. "We're going to keep an eye on this primary," Lujan said. "We'll make some decisions as we continue to look at this over the weekend and into next week. Day-by-day, minute-by-minute is how we evaluate these races." Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 A Binghamton man has plans to go on a cruise, save for retirement and help his family after winning a $1 million Lottery scratch-off. In March, Tim Emmons bought four "88 Fortune" scratch-off tickets and won $5 at the Mirabito Convenience Store at the intersection of Park Avenue and Hawleyton Road. Emmons, 61, used that money he won to purchase more of the "88 Fortune" tickets. He got four for himself and four for his family. One of his four tickets ended up being the jackpot. After verifying his winning with the store, Emmons notified his accountant, his financial advisor, and then his wife, according to WIVT/WBGH. He also called his boss to ask for a few days off. When Emmons told his boss at Lockheed Martin that he was having a great day, his boss asked if he won the lottery. When he answered yes, his boss asked if he was retiring. Emmons says he currently has no plans to retire. He and his wife Lorraine will take a cruise to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary. In his free time, he performs as a keyboardist and vocalist in the band Old Friends. Emmons opted for the single payout so he will receive $537,440 after taxes, according to WICZ. He plans to use his winning to help his seven children better. "You start thinking about how can I do more for people, and how can I help," Emmons said. BALLSTON SPA -- Former Stillwater mayor Rick W. Nelson pleaded guilty to felony counts of child pornography possession, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said Thursday. He admitted to knowingly having and accessing images of children less than 16 years of age engaged in sexual conduct in August 2017, Heggen said. He faces a sentence of 5 to 15 years in state prison and must to register as a sex offender. Nelson, 62, was arrested last year after an investigation by a State Police Computer Crime Unit found a Stillwater IP address was being used to download child pornography, police said. The investigation led to a search of Nelson's home and his arrest, troopers said. Nelson's arrest marked at least the fifth time in the last 42 years that the former school bus driver has been accused of victimizing children or teenagers. Nelson faced three separate sex crime cases between 1975 and 1986 -- with one of the latter cases including allegations of rape and sodomy. And in 1982, the future mayor was accused of inappropriate behavior toward a 5-year-old on the school bus. Nelson, a Republican, was elected mayor of the village in early 2015, defeating a 23-year incumbent for the right to lead the village of about 1,700 inhabitants on the Hudson River. His son, Patrick, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, to represent the 21st Congressional District. Speaking through his spokesman Paul Paterakis, Nelson said he condemns his father's actions. "I welcome all who would join me in condemning his crimes," he said. "Making this a political issue belittles and devalues the victims of these crimes. The focus should be on the work that remains to be done to ensure that all children, and indeed all people, are protected from exploitation of all kinds." Stillwater Mayor Frank Tatum called the situation "tragic." "The village want to move past this," Tatum said. "There are no good outcomes to any of this." Nelson will be sentenced June 19. Today is Friday the 13th, a day that some, possibly suffering from triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, believe is unlucky. There is some evidence that bad things do happen on that date. The death of rapper Tupac Shakur was on a Friday the 13th, as was the crash of the Costa Concordia cruise ship off the coast of Italy in 2012. The Germans bombed Buckingham Palace in 1940 on Friday, Sept. 13, 1940 and a cyclone killed more than 300,000 people in Bangladesh in Nov. 1970. Other evidence says the opposite is true. A 2008 Dutch study reported that Friday the 13th is safer than the average Friday, the research showing that people tend to be more careful on Friday the 13th or were more likely to stay home to avoid any unlucky things happening to them. This study echoes a Friday, Sept. 13, 1935 Syracuse Herald story, which showed that accidents and bad luck were just as likely to occur on Thursday the 12th then they were the day after. "A group of New Yorkers nursed cuts, bruises, wounds and assorted grievances today and defied the 'Friday the 13th jinx' to do any more damage," the story said. Thursday the 12th brought all sorts of hardships to folks around New York State: Harold Wilcox, 16, shot himself in the chest at the Sackets Harbor naval station while examining his rifle. He looked down the muzzle and the weapon discharged. He was being treated in Watertown. An Albany bus driver, exhausted after a long day, lost control of his bus during his last trip and crashed into the front of a grill, suffering a concussion. Two Conklin girls were playing some railroad tracks when four cows wandered over. A Lackawanna freight train hit them, sending one cow's body hurdling towards the girls, knocking them under a standing freight car. Hugh O'Neil, a 17-year-old Syracuse messenger boy, was furiously pedaling his bicycle, trying to get away from a snapping and barking dog. His focus was on the dog and not the parked car in front of him. He catapulted over his handlebars and struck the back window of the car. He was treated for cuts and shock at the hospital. Canastota mail carrier Carl Phillips borrowed an umbrella from one of his patrons during a rain storm. During a lull in the rain, he hooked it to a mailbox for a minute, when it was stolen. Phillips "now has to get it back or do some fancy explaining" to the person who loaned him the "bumbershoot." In Syracuse, a young woman took on the Friday the 13th jinx head-on. In 13 different ways, Eleanor Murphy, an eighth-grader at Eastwood Junior High School, who happened to turn 13 on that Friday the 13th, "flaunted the Jonah day bugaboo" at school and at home. Before leaving for school, she got under a ladder which had 13 rungs, opened a school book to the thirteenth page and read it 13 times. She had 13 sips of coffee at breakfast, stroked her cat 13 times and combed her hair 13 times. She left for school 13 minutes after 8 a.m. and arrived 13 minutes later. She counted the 13 letters in her name. After school, she had 13 guests at her birthday party and blew out the 13 candles on her cake. "And Miss Eleanor said she never felt better in her life," the Herald reported, certainly better than the folks who had such bad luck on Thursday the 12th. This feature is a part of CNY Nostalgia, a section on syracuse.com. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle: Email | 315-427-3958. Redistricting proposal places Tama County outside Rep. Hinsons district New maps could lead to a remaking of the political landscape in Iowa Tama County included. What is now a quadrant of four U.S. ... Increased trade between US and Mexico helps MR2s The Caribbean refining sector remains under pressure with recent market reports indicating that usage declines have exceeded the typical seasonal drop for this period. JBC Energy estimated that Mexican refinery utilisation dipped to a low of 33% in February, from a high of 65% in July 2017, amid lower crude throughputs at six Pemex refineries, McQuilling Services said in a blog. Levels at these refineries averaged less than 550,000 barrels per day in February, down about 385,000 barrels per day versus the same period in 2017, when utilisation was around 51% of capacity. Even though the Madero and Minatitlan refineries returned on stream late February, the Santa Cruz and Tula refineries have struggled to ramp up intake. JBC Energy has since lowered its expectations for growth in this sector, previously forecasting Mexicos refinery intake to average 750,000 barrels per day through the first half of this year and now revising this figure down to 630,000 barrels per day, leading to a projected 11% decline year-on-year for all of 2018. Gasoline production plummeted 140,000 barrels per day year-on-year, to average 165,000 barrels per day in February stimulating more import activity to meet regional demand. The US has stepped in to meet these requirements with activity along the USG/ECM route surging since the end of 2017. Using McQuillings proprietary fixture database, an average of 56 MR2 voyages per month along this route were counted, through the first quarter of 2018, which compares to 32 over the same period of 2016. McQuilling also witnessed more trading from the US West Coast to the West Coast of Mexico in comparison to last year. Taking a look at the weekly estimates for MR2 positions in the US Gulf, a 2.7% decline was noted in average number of positions over the first quarter of this year versus last, which may be a symptom of increased trading activity between the US and Mexico. The USG/Caribbean (Pozos) MR2 trade route has averaged around $460,000 lumpsum through the first three months of the year, a 4.5% rise from the same period of 2017 and it is expected that this trade to find further support through the second half of the year in concert with the overall rebalancing of the clean tanker market, McQuilling concluded. James Fisher wins major offshore oil terminal deal James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS) has been awarded a 10-year integrated marine services contract by a UK-based, international, integrated energy company, in a deal worth in excess of 50 mill. JFMS will be responsible for the provision of a wide range of James Fisher group services to ensure safe and efficient offloading operations at an offshore terminal on the East coast of England. JFMS will deliver offshore and subsea operations, supporting the safe arrival, connection, and departure of an estimated 110 tankers per year at the offshore terminal, including specialist diving services and buoy maintenance. Fergus Graham, JFMS managing director, said: Were very proud to have been awarded this significant contract by a global energy firm. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved. Our model of delivering in-house integrated services to drive cost and operational efficiencies is proven and this contract will help form the foundation for us to further develop our position in this exciting, global market place. As part of the contract, which starts this month, the company will also manage three vessels. James Fishers project delivery team will be located at its customers offices, where they will help ensure safe and successful delivery of 15 mill cu m of crude oil per year to the oil refinery, which supplies almost 20% of the UKs fuel demand. In addition, JFMS will supply additional products and services to help support safe and effective terminal operations, as required. Although not being able to reveal the name of the customer or the terminal, the only significant offshore discharging facility off the UKs East Coast is the Tetney Monobuoy in the Humber estuary, which feeds into Phillips66s Immingham refinery. NAVTOR embraces Weathernews e-navigation service provider NAVTOR and Weathernews (WNI) have signed a collaboration agreement. This contract will see NAVTOR significantly upgrade its weather information offering within its route planning software NavStation, while also working with the Japanese based firm to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) routing service. This, NAVTOR claimed, could revolutionise route planning, efficiency and safety within the maritime industry. Initially, the agreement will see WNI provide an enhanced resolution of weather data for NAVTOR, with the addition of new types of weather information covering areas such as tropical cyclones and weather fronts delivering a more comprehensive service for NavStation users. This will be followed by the integration of WNIs shipping weather service fleet management platform into NavStation. This offers a host of benefits including optimum ship routing, to save fuel and reduce costs, and optimise for route safety and speed, and fleet monitoring, with daily analysis of ship efficiency, alongside detailed auditing capabilities, the Norwegian company said. This is another significant step on our journey to offer a fully integrated navigation solution that delivers everything navigators, ship officers and shore-based staff need on a single, intuitive and powerful platform, said NAVTOR CEO, Tor Svanes. Weather can make all the difference between profit and loss for shipowners and operators. With WNIs expertise we can ensure we deliver the best, most comprehensive data available, allowing navigators to minimise risks and plan the safest, most cost effective and optimal routes for their individual vessels. This, along with other recent improvements to NavStation such as the addition of our passage planning module makes the platform an essential tool for enhanced decision making, with the minimum of fuss, administration and risk of human error, he said. WNI executive officer, Hidenori Iwasa, added: Weathernews Inc is dedicated to delivering high quality, innovative solutions that address risk and provide lasting business value. NAVTOR is the ideal partner in this respect, with its mission to simplify tasks for navigators and increase both process and overall commercial efficiency. Together I believe we can leverage one anothers expertise to change maritime for the better. This is the beginning of an exciting journey. NAVTOR and WNI will work together, using their combined operational and weather data as a platform, to create the worlds first AI routing service. Details of the project remain confidential, but essentially a new software tool will be created that transforms data into detailed, reliable and optimised decision-making tools with real-time capabilities. Data is the most valuable ingredient for AI, Svanes explained, and NAVTOR and WNI have access to enormous amounts of it from thousands of vessels operating today. It is our intention to develop a solution that learns to perceive its environment and recommend optimal actions. By doing so we will be able to support our customers with a service capable of maximising performance, efficiency and safety at all times, even when conditions are rapidly changing en route. This will be a breakthrough development for the entire industry, paving the way for a more sustainable, predictable and cost-efficient future. NAVTOR will unveil the prototype of the WNI integrated NavStation at Sea Japan in April, with the official release scheduled for June this year. Details of the on-going AI development will be released at a later stage, the company said. Product tankers - positive signs on the horizon Undoubtedly, 2017 proved to be a very difficult year for the product tanker market, with earnings sinking to multi-year low. This occurred on the back of rapid fleet growth in the larger product tanker segment, limited arbitrages, due to high product stocks and no large-scale growth in demand in key loading areas, Gibson Shipbrokers said in a report. Will this year be any different and when do we expect to see a rebound in industry earnings? The first quarter of this year showed mixed results. MRs continued to outperform LR1s and LR2s, with average TCE earnings for the first three months of 2018 both in the East and in the West being slightly above the returns for larger product carriers on benchmark trades out of the Middle East. MRs have started to find support from the slower fleet growth, a consequence of restricted ordering since 2014; robust intra-Asian trade and incremental demand into West Africa and Latin America are also helpful. In contrast, LRs began January at their lowest level for many years; yet, over the following two months earnings gradually firmed close to their highest level seen over 12 months, as Middle East refineries gradually came back on stream from scheduled maintenance. MR fleet growth is expected to remain restricted in the short term. So far this year, 15 units have been delivered and another 55 are scheduled for delivery over the remainder of 2018. If a degree of slippage is seen, this years MR fleet growth is likely to mark one of its lowest levels this decade, particularly if demolition activity remains as robust as it was in 1Q18, with 14 MRs reported sold for demolition. This, coupled with the positive Asian demand signals, as well as Latin America and West Africa, is likely to offer further support to the MR market in 2018. However, deliveries in the larger product tanker fleet will remain at elevated levels, although not as high as those seen in the previous two years. Since January, seven LR1s and eight LR2s have been delivered and another 11 and 12, respectively, are scheduled for delivery for the rest of the year. The LR2 market could also be challenged by migration from the dirty segment, as earnings in the Aframax market in recent months dipped. However, demand for all product carriers could benefit if the recent declines in product inventories in some regional markets stimulate arbitrage movements, Gibson said On balance, although some positive signals are being seen for MRs, any gains in the short term are likely to be limited, capped by continued robust growth in the LR fleet and the likely migration from the dirty segment if clean tanker earnings continue to offer relatively better returns. In the longer term, prospects are for a more substantial and sustainable recovery in the market. On one hand, approaching legislation in terms of the ballast water treatment and the 2020 Global sulfur cap on marine bunkers could lead to a notable increase in demolition. Large scale refining capacity expansion in the Middle East between 2019 and 2022 is also likely to offer a big boost to product trade, driven by product imbalances. Product tanker demand could find additional support if the implementation of sulphur cap on bunkers translates into an emergence of new trades for compliant marine fuel, Gibson concluded, SCF finances Aframax newbuilding series PAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group) has signed a new $252 mill seven-year credit facility with a consortium of six leading international banks. These include - ABN AMRO Bank, BNP Paribas; Citibank, ING Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank and Societe Generale. This credit facility will be used towards financing the series of six LNG-powered Aframaxes, currently under construction and due for delivery from 3Q18 to 2Q19. Each 114,000 dwt tanker will be built to Ice Class 1A, to enable safe year-round export operations from regions with challenging ice conditions, such as the Baltic. Two vessels will work exclusively for Shell under timecharters for up to 10 years, while Shell will also provide LNG fuel for all six vessels in the series across North West Europe and the Baltic, SCF said. The credit facility benefits from a favourable long-term tenor and competitive pricing, reflecting the robustness of the deal structure, as well as the ability of SCF Group to raise capital internationally under all market conditions. Nikolay Kolesnikov, SCF senior executive vice president, CFO, said: "We are delighted to have concluded a new long-term financing agreement for SCF Group, and are grateful to our long-standing financial partners for their continued support of SCF's business and growth plans. We are also pleased to welcome establishing relations with new international lenders to the Group. This new loan agreement clearly demonstrates the confidence of international partners in SCF Group despite the current challenges faced by the global economy and the shipping market. This is the second successful debt financing accomplished by SCF Group in 2018, which now allows the company to address in full its financing requirements for the newbuilding programme of 2018-2019," he concluded. Woodward to acquire LOrange Rolls-Royce ((RR) and Woodward have signed an agreement for the latter to acquire LOrange and its related operations located in Germany, the US and China, for 700 mill. LOrange is part of RRs Power Systems business and is one of the world's leading suppliers of fuel injection systems for industrial diesel, heavy fuel oil and dual-fuel engines. The companys 2017 pro forma sales were 244 mill, with pro forma underlying EBITDA of 74 mill and pro forma underlying operating profit of 64 mill. Pro forma post-tax free cash flow for the period was 51 mill. LOrange supplies fuel injection technology for engines, including marine power and propulsion systems. The company serves some of the most well known specialist diesel engine manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce Power Systems subsidiaries, MTU Friedrichshafen and Bergen Engines, and other low to high speed engine builders. Woodward is an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control system solutions. LOrange, which will be renamed Woodward LOrange, will be integrated into Woodwards Industrial segment. Warren East, RR CEO, said: This transaction builds on the actions we have taken over the last two years to simplify our business. The divestiture of LOrange enables Rolls-Royce Power Systems to focus on other long term, high growth opportunities and our company to allocate our capital to core technologies and businesses that drive greater returns for the group. Andreas Schell, President and CEO of RR Power Systems, added: Rolls-Royce Power Systems will remain a key customer of Woodward LOrange. We have enjoyed working with LOrange who have a leading position in their markets, excellent technology, a skilled workforce and strong leadership. We wish them well for the future as they join the Woodward organisation. Thomas Gendron, Woodward Chairman and CEO, said: LOrange is an excellent strategic and financial fit for Woodward, and this transaction exemplifies our acquisition strategy to invest in markets with solid long-term fundamentals. The acquisition of LOrange brings innovative technology, bolsters relationships with key customers and enhances the profitability of our Industrial segment. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of this year, subject to clearance from the German antitrust authorities. In these hilarious clips from Wednesday nights special Conan in Italy episode of Conan, host Conan OBrien and his famously quirky Italy-obsessed associate producer, Jordan Schlansky, experience the beautiful sights and fantastic cuisine of Florence, Italy (above), take an art class in Florence (below), hunt for truffles in Tuscany (further below), and go wine tasting at the Felsina winery in the Chianti region of Tuscany (furthest below). Previously: Conan and Jordan Take a Road Trip Through Tuscany The human race needs to persist. The sun won't last it's bound to implode and ravage everything orbiting it. The idea of a space colony seems largely farfetched, yet we've actually found a great candidate just 4.2 light-years away an exoplanet called Proxima B suppose we somehow become capable of setting up space colonies. Not anymore, though. Proxima B's star, Proxima Centauri, has been detected unleashing a massive solar flare of around 316,227,766,000 petajoules, powerful enough for it to be visible from Earth. Powerful enough, too, that it may have killed all chances of life on Proxima B. Imagine, for instance, that Earth had been in Proxima B's place during the flare. It would cause chemical reactions in the planet that would ultimately weaken its ozone layer. Here's How A Massive Solar Flare Affected Proxima B That's not to say that there was life on the surface of Proxima B to begin with, but suppose it had, it doesn't now, thanks to the solar event. Allison Youngblood, a postdoctoral fellow at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, along with her colleagues, recently released a paper on the said solar flare, which was detected back in March 2016. When the flare took place two years ago, it was seen via the Evryscope, a nightly sky survey telescope that employs 24 cameras to observe transient events and transiting planets. The flare, according to the paper, was 10 times more powerful than any other flare produced by Proxima Centauri ever witnessed, which is notable for a stat already known for its highly volatile nature. What's more, it occurs fairly frequently. "We estimate that flares of this size occur approximately five times a year on Proxima Centauri," says Youngblood. "As Proxima's ozone column fraction does not appear to reach a steady state at the end of that period but instead continues a clear downward trend, we conclude that Proxima B has likely suffered extreme ozone loss over long timescales," the team writes in the paper. Solar Flares Beyond recurring solar flares of large magnitudes, Proxima Centauri also has several smaller ones that are also dangerous. By contrast, our sun has flares from time to time, but not so drastic as to wipe out life, just disrupt GPS systems. It really puts things into perspective. So, there goes our chance of turning Proxima B into a space colony. The hunt for the next habitable planet, however, doesn't stop. But for now, we're still stuck with our own solar system. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Massive gas plant resumes operations after severe PNG quake Sydney, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2018 ExxonMobil's massive gas project has resumed operations in Papua New Guinea after a major earthquake damaged the plant, the US energy giant said Friday, in a boost for the Pacific nation as it rebuilds after the devastation. More than 125 people were killed and many more injured after the 7.5-magnitude tremor hit the country's mountainous interior on February 26, cutting off villages and knocking out power. The quake also damaged facilities at the US$19 billion PNG LNG project operated by ExxonMobil, the impoverished country's biggest-ever development, in the remote Southern Highlands region. "Resuming LNG production ahead of our projected eight-week timeframe is a significant achievement for ExxonMobil, our joint-venture partners and our customers," ExxonMobil Development Company president Neil Duffin said in a statement. "We will continue to support those communities impacted by the earthquake as we work toward fully restoring our operations." The firm said that LNG exports were expected to resume soon. PNG's economic growth is heavily dependent on its natural resources, and the resumption of operations would be a relief to authorities. The country was also boosted by news from ExxonMobil on Thursday that the amount of gas believed to be held at the P'nyang field in the Western Province was 4.36 trillion cubic feet, a 84 percent jump from a 2012 assessment. This meant there was a potential "significant expansion of operations" in PNG, the company said. There are regular earthquakes in PNG, which sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire -- a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. The February quake was described by Australian officials as the biggest to hit the highland region in a century, with countless aftershocks also rattling residents. Some traumatised villagers had told local media they were suspicious of the plant's operators and fearful they might have been using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and destabilised the rock structure underneath. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has said there was no evidence the energy developments were linked to the quake, but asked the Australian government to conduct an independent review into its causes. grk/mp/jta The Legislature may form a task force to study officer-involved shootings and whether the state needs any laws to guide how they are handled a direct response to the recent outcome of the investigation into the death of Alton Sterling. "We need to get in the same room and figure out what we can do so the citizens of this state will never be faced with that again," Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, said during a hearing at the State Capitol on Thursday. Marcelle had initially filed House Bill 843 to require that all cases of an on-duty law enforcement officer causing serious bodily injury or death of another person go to a grand jury that would decide whether or not the officer or officers involved should be indicted, rather than leaving it to the discretion of prosecutors. +2 Following Alton Sterling decision, Louisiana lawmaker proposes law to bring such cases before grand jury Joining calls for justice after no criminal charges were brought against the officers involved in the death of Alton Sterling, a Baton Rouge s After significant pushback in a House Criminal Justice Committee hearing on HB843, Marcelle agreed to instead seek a task force to look into the issue and make recommendations for next year. Marcelle's bill was prompted by Attorney General Jeff Landry's announcement last month that he would not pursue criminal charges against two white officers involved in the fatal shooting of Sterling, a 37-year-old black man. Landry, a Republican, did not take the case to a grand jury a decision that has sparked a wide-spread backlash after the release of three videos showing the officers' encounter with Sterling in graphic detail. "It's disheartening that we are even having this conversation in my opinion it should have gone to the grand jury," Marcelle said. "For one individual to take it into his hands is why we are here today." Marcelle plans to sponsor a resolution to outline who it should include. It will be a mix of members from the law enforcement community and the public, she said. Alton Sterling coverage: New videos and insight, Salamoni's defense, reactions, more Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul fired one officer and suspended another in connection to the Alton Sterling shooting on Friday after near Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up House Criminal Justice Chairman Sherman Mack, R-Albany, said he was concerned by the initial proposal to take prosecutors out of the equation. "Discretion is given for a reason and we don't want to inhibit that," he said. Pete Adams, director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, said he believes HB843 was unconstitutional. "The discretion to charge or not charge is fundamental to the criminal justice system," he said. But several activists and members of the public implored the committee to do something to address concerns about violent officer-involved incidents and the justice system. Michael McClanahan, president of the Louisiana state conference of the NAACP, said that the Sterling videos were "appalling" and he doesn't understand how they didn't prompt more from Landry. +2 Video: Surveillance of Alton Sterling shooting gives graphic look at altercation, aftermath Surveillance at Triple S Food Mart where Alton Sterling was shot and killed by Baton Rouge police in July 2016 shows, for the first time publi "He wants to substitute his own judgment for those of 12 (grand jurors)," he said. Bradley Brown, who also testified, said that he thinks measures are needed to address systemic prejudice. "It's to ensure that situations like we've seen in the last couple of years do get to go in front of a group of people that may be a jury of my peers," he said. Blane Salamoni on Friday appealed being fired for his actions in the 2016 shooting death of Alton Sterling, disputing the Baton Rouge police chiefs claims that he unnecessarily escalated the confrontation by immediately pointing a gun at the suspects head and yelling obscenities during the attempted arrest. Salamoni's lawyer, John McLindon, said Friday afternoon that he filed the appeal with the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board, the local oversight body that reviews disciplinary decisions when police officers and firefighters claim those decisions were unfair. Salamoni, who fired the shots that killed Sterling, was terminated after Police Chief Murphy Paul said he found the officer violated department policies on use of force and command of temper when Salamoni and Officer Howie Lake II confronted Sterling outside a Baton Rouge convenience store in July 2016. Lake did not fire his service weapon during the encounter and was suspended for three days for violating the department's command of temper policy. His attorney, Kyle Kershaw, said Friday that Lake has not decided whether he will appeal the suspension. Officers have 15 calendar days from the date they receive written notice of discipline to file an appeal. The Baton Rouge civil service board made up of three civilians and one representative from both the police and fire departments will hold a public hearing in the coming months to review Salamoni's termination. Those hearings look much like jury trials, as both sides have the opportunity to present their case to the board, interviewing experts and witnesses and introducing pertinent documents. Once the hearing is complete, the board will vote on whether to uphold, reverse or reduce the firing. Municipal civil service rules dictate that board members cast their votes based on whether they believe the chief made his decision "in good faith and for cause." In the petition of appeal Salamoni filed with the board on Friday, the officer asserts that Paul's decision does not meet that criteria. Salamoni also denies the allegations against him as described by the chief in a termination letter dated April 2. McLindon said the law places the burden of proof on the chief to prove he acted "in good faith and for cause" in firing Salamoni. He said he plans to call "a fair amount of witnesses" to show that was not the case. Salamoni's petition for appeal also alleges the investigation did not comply with time limitations as required under state law, but McLindon said that's a generic phrase typically included in all such petitions that likely won't play any significant role in this case. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sgt. L'Jean McKneely Jr. said the department and chief had no comment on the appeal Friday. Paul previously acknowledged that Salamoni would likely appeal his decision and said he had to be "very careful with my words" because of it. In the chief's termination letter, which was attached to Salamoni's petition for appeal, Paul told the officer he failed to follow department policies for command of temper and use of force. The chief specifically pointed to Salamoni's actions when he arrived on the scene, just seconds after Lake had approached Sterling and found the man noncompliant. Salamoni and Lake responded to a 911 call on July 5, 2016, about a man selling CDs outside a convenience store on North Foster Drive who had threatened someone with a gun. After a brief struggle lasting less than 90 seconds, Salamoni fired six shots into Sterling's body almost immediately after yelling that Sterling had a gun in his pocket. Two cellphone videos that captured portions of the encounter between the black man and two white officers were widely shared on social media, prompting nationwide protests in 2016. "You immediately unholstered your weapon, pointed it at Sterling and stated 'I'll shoot your f****** ass bitch, '" Paul wrote in the disciplinary letter. "You then placed the weapon against Mr. Sterling's head, and shouted 'Don't you f****** move. I'm going to shoot you in your f****** head. You hear me? Don't you f****** move!' "Rather than calm the situation, this escalated the encounter," Paul told Salamoni. The chief also referenced Salamoni's language throughout the encounter, including that he "repeatedly directed profanity after the shooting, saying 'F*** it, just let him be,' and 'Stupid motherf*****' and 'Stupid ass motherf*****.'" Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Paul's letter lays out the progression of events leading up to Sterling's death, including Lake's unsuccessful use of a stun gun and Salamoni's subsequent decision to tackle Sterling as well as his statements warning Lake that Sterling had a gun. Paul notes that Sterling was "non-compliant and resistant" and "continued to disobey (Salamoni's) commands" during the encounter. Paul also pointed out that after the tackle, both Salamoni and Sterling were partly "underneath a vehicle, making the situation more difficult to control." McLindon said that when he first read the termination letter, he "felt like a lot of it was very supportive of our case" and actually portrayed Salamoni's actions in a favorable light. When Paul announced his decision to fire Salamoni two weeks ago, he mentioned the officer's silence during his pre-disciplinary hearing on March 29 a point Paul reiterated in his letter. "I had many questions regarding possible inconsistent statements that I hoped you could have brought some clarification, but at the advice of your counsel, you refused to answer questions," Paul wrote. "As a result, I relied on and was left to consider the information in the Internal Affairs file as well as the in-car camera, body camera, and store camera video." Those videos which the department released the same day Paul announced his disciplinary decision show the violent encounter from beginning to end. Police also released the internal affairs file, which includes an interview with Salamoni conducted in September 2016, about two months after the incident. McLindon said he advised Salamoni not to answer questions at the pre-disciplinary hearing because he had already given statements during the internal investigation "plus the decision to fire him had been made before the hearing" and "giving a statement would have accomplished nothing." McLindon predicted his client's firing days before the chief's announcement, and the attorney has continued to argue Paul's mind was already made up beforehand. During the September interview with internal affairs investigators, Salamoni credited God with saving his life and claimed Sterling had "100 percent" pointed a .38-caliber revolver at him while the two were wrestling on the ground, according to Baton Rouge Police Department internal affairs documents. Salamoni also said he used profanity during and even after the encounter in part because he was "so mad at Sterling for making him kill him." "Officer Salamoni stated that if Sterling killed Officer Lake, 'me and Sterling would get in a gun battle and Sterling may kill all of the civilians behind him,'" the report says. "Officer Salamoni stated that he and Officer Lake knew that it was a high probability that Sterling had a weapon in his pants, so they were scared." "I was doing everything I could just to live," Salamoni told investigators. "My goal was to make this suspect, who I like to think he was a devil, comply so I could go home (at) the end of the day." While use of force experts called the shooting justified, they also noted they found that some of Salamoni's actions problematic and potentially escalating. Those experts were cited by both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Louisiana Attorney General in their review of the case. In May, federal prosecutors announced they would not file federal civil rights charges against the two officers. And Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced last month that he too would not pursue criminal charges after a 10-month investigation by the state. Police Department leadership delayed their internal disciplinary decision until the end of the criminal investigations into the officers' actions, which they said was their protocol to ensure due process. The civil service board has not yet determined when it will hear the appeal from Salamoni, though officials have said that probably won't happen for at least a couple months. For the first time in 60 years, Baton Rouge voters have the chance to decide the fate of a small property tax for the Baton Rouge Police Department. Those who live within the city limits will see a .87 mill property tax on their spring ballots, while voters parishwide will see taxes for schools as well. Though property owners have spent decades paying the police tax, the city-parish has been collecting it without voter approval. City Hall has defended the practice because an old amendment in the state constitution allows governments in larger cities to collect property taxes under 1 mill to help pay for police protection. But the Louisiana Legislative Auditors office challenged the tax collection last year, saying that more recent constitutional amendments barred the practice. The Parish Attorneys office filed a lawsuit last September against the Legislative Auditors Office, asking for the courts to determine whether the tax was legal. State Judge Tim Kelley ruled in favor of the legislative auditor last October, and City Hall appealed the ruling to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. +3 Debate over Baton Rouge tax to boost officer pay exposes rift between Mayor Broome, Metro Council A tax for police pay raises won't be appearing on the spring ballots after all, though debate on the issue Wednesday exposed rifts between the While they wait for an answer, city-parish leaders placed the tax on spring ballots in case the city-parish does not receive a favorable ruling through the court system. The property tax, which would be in place for 10 years, would cost $10.88 a year for homeowners whose homes are valued at $200,000 and who receive a homestead exemption. Originally enacted in 1958 and sometimes called the "three platoon police tax," it was described at the time as something that would help provide city residents with round-the-clock police protection. The money makes up $1.7 million of BRPD funding, and goes toward general operations. BRPDs budget for 2018 is $92.6 million. Everyone understands that the police department needs more revenue, said Darryl Gissel, the city-parish chief administrative officer. This isnt tied to new stuff, this is tied to old stuff. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up BRPD Chief Murphy Paul said any tax money that goes toward public safety is important, and urged voters to say yes at the polls. It has been an important part of our budget since 1958, added BRPD spokesman Don Coppola. It would be difficult for the city-parish to make up that revenue if lost. Our Views: Renew taxes for schools, teachers Since 1998, the people of East Baton Rouge Parish have strongly supported a set of three tax levies, totaling a one-cent sales tax, for constr Unlike many other tax propositions, there has not been extensive public outreach or discussions about the police tax. When Gissel brought it to the Metro Council for a discussion April 11, Councilman Scott Wilson responded that "you ought to be in the community discussing it. The schools taxes on the spring ballot, on the other hand, have generated both discussion and debate as Superintendent Warren Drake tries to pitch them to voters. Three taxes for schools that comprise a 1 percent sales tax are on the spring ballots. The money they would generate is expected to go toward school repairs and renovations, paying teachers and a plan to consolidate and improve alternative schools. Those in the southeastern part of the parish will also be asked to renew two property taxes for the St. George Fire Department. One of the taxes is 2 mills, and the other is 1.25 mills. Across the Mississippi River, West Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee voters will determine their next judge for the 18th Judicial District Court. Republican Tom McCormick is facing off against nonparty candidate Tonya Smith Lurry. Early voting for the spring elections starts April 14 and runs through April 21. Election Day is April 28. This fall, dozens of ninth-graders at three Capitol region high schools are slated to start a six-year job training program that will put them in line for potential jobs at IBM and Dow Chemical. IBM pioneered the concept in 2011 at a high school in Brooklyn. Known as P-TECH Pathways in Technology Early College High School the technology giant has since launched programs at 90 high schools across seven states, as well as Australia and Morocco, and the company is predicting that number to top 120 by next school year. Tara High in Baton Rouge has been selected to team up with IBM to launch the companys first P-TECH program in Louisiana. Coursework will focus on engineering and computer science. Meanwhile, Dow is adapting and expanding its existing process technology pathways at Brusly and Port Allen high schools to mirror the format of IBMs program. Students enrolled will not only pursue their high school diplomas but associates degrees in applied science with local community colleges via a mix of dual enrollment and in-person courses, and all free of charge. IBM selects BR IBM announced Wednesday it will establish a first-of-its-kind software development center at the former site of The Advocate, a move that will IBM and DOW will not only offer mentoring and internships to participating students, but they are committing to giving job interviews to all students who complete the program. Donald Songy, a senior policy advisor to Gov. John Bel Edwards and a former Ascension Parish school superintendent, said IBM approached the governor almost a year ago with the idea of setting up a P-TECH program in Louisiana. Songy said he expects the program will expand to more schools over time. When it shows itself to be successful, were going to bring it to other parts of the state and possibly into other fields, Songy said. The West Baton Rouge Parish school system and Dow are working with River Parishes Community College to expand their process technology programs at Brusly and Port Allen high schools. The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a cooperative agreement with IBM, as well as Baton Rouge Community College, to get the program rolling this fall; the board is planning a final vote on April 19. I think this is really exciting and Im excited for Tara High, board member Dawn Collins said Thursday. Associate Superintendent Ben Necaise said Tara High is a good fit because it has many students who would be first-time college students, but also the school has a strong cyber-engineering program. He said the initial P-TECH cohort will include around 20 to 30 ninth-graders. Were going to keep it small at first, Necaise said. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In a statement, Jennifer Ryan Crozier, president of the IBM Foundation, said she is happy to see P-TECH expand in Louisiana. She said it connects career and classroom in a unique way, and prepares student for good 21st century jobs. There has been a lot of interest in adopting the P-TECH model here in the immediate future, and we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, Crozier said. Unlike many other specialized educational programs, P-TECH has no entrance requirements. Ive been impressed that a major corporation is committed to the idea that everyone can learn, said Monty Sullivan, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College system. It gives people who are not in the best of circumstances an opportunity to get a job with earning potential and it can fundamentally change their life, Sullivan added. The students college coursework, while they are still in high school, will be paid for by state money currently earmarked for dual enrollment, and Sullivan said his office is looking at other higher education funding streams to pay for the courses that students complete after they earn their high school diploma. A small number of students at other P-TECH schools manage to complete both their high school and their college coursework by the end of senior year, he said. +3 IBM building topped off in downtown Baton Rouge The IBM building downtown at the corner of Lafayette and North streets was the site of a topping off ceremony Monday signaling the completion IBM is not putting up cash to fund the program, but is contributing a lot of sweat equity, said company spokesman Ari Fishkind. The time we do spend with each partner school, and the time we invest to help advance the model overall, is considerable if we had to break out the costs of our employees' time and skill, Fishkind said. For instance, as part of its agreement with the school system, IBM is pledging to have a liaison who will work directly with Tara High staff and students. In late February, a contingent of school leaders from Louisiana flew to New York to see two P-TECH schools in action. Songy said he was very, very impressed with how focused and motivated the students there were and that they showed unusual independence for high school students. Sullivan had a similar reaction. This is a concept that people really need to see in action to see how it functions, he said. LIVINGSTON The mother of a Walker teen who has been disciplined for wearing his hair too long, showed up at the Livingston Parish School Board meeting on Thursday with a four-page, handwritten speech she wanted to deliver. But Livingston Parish Schools Superintendent Rick Wentzel told her before the meeting that she wasn't allowed to speak about the grooming policy at the meeting because it did not pertain to an agenda item. He referred her to a school official who serves on a dress code committee. This type of meeting policy is within the law, although many public boards allow citizens who show up for their meetings to make open comments. Sabrina Sisk intended to tell the board she felt the school's grooming policy discriminated based on gender, citing federal Title 9 regulations she believes are relevant. The policy requires boys hair to be of "even distribution" and hang above the eyebrows, earlobes and shoulders. The policy for girls is less restrictive. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "I was frustrated," Sisk said Friday. "I was under the impression the public could speak for the first few minutes of the school board meeting. I understood that dress code was not on the agenda, but I showed up early, and (Wentzel) could have at least acknowledged who I was and why I was there." Sisk's son, Walker High School Senior Jeremy McLain, has received detentions and, he has said, been threatened with expulsion over his shoulder-length hair. He started an online petition last month protesting the district's grooming policies that has gathered nearly 22,000 signatures. +2 Walker High senior threatened with expulsion over hair length fights back on social media A Walker High School senior who says hes been threatened with expulsion over the length of his hair has gathered more than 14,000 signatures McLain trimmed his hair by a couple inches over Easter Break and has been told by school officials that it is now an acceptable length, Sisk said. Wentzel declined to speak on the record about the grooming policy. According to the policy document, the guidelines are intended to "promote the best atmosphere for teaching and learning." Rick Koubek, LSU executive vice president and provost, is leaving the university to be president at Michigan Technological University, the school announced Friday. His first day will be July 1. Koubek served as interim provost after Stuart Bell left in 2015 for Alabama before being hired for the position full-time. Koubek was named dean of LSUs College of Engineering in 2009. He previously was a professor and department head at Pennsylvania State University. He previously taught at Wright State University and Purdue University. He holds a doctorate and masters degree from Purdue and bachelors degrees from Oral Roberts University and Northeastern Illinois University. Its been a pleasure working closely with Rick Koubek firstly during his time as dean of our College of Engineering and then as provost over the last few of years, said LSU President F. King Alexander. He has done an outstanding job in helping to lead our campus, with specific highlights being the 'Breaking New Ground' campaign for the expansion and renovation of Patrick F. Taylor Hall and the development and launch of the LSU Strategic Plan 2025. We will miss him greatly and wish him the best of luck. Rick Koubek is a man of unquestioned integrity, character and leadership, said Terry Woychowski, chair of the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees. He has a profound and passionate vision of the role Michigan Tech will play in our nation's prosperity, and the betterment of the world, as he leads this historic University in developing and delivering on a global scale the solutions to some of society's most vexing challenges. I believe that Dr. Koubek was born for this time, this place and this position. Click here to read more. From left, Rep. Bernard LeBas, D-Ville Platte, and Rep. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville, look over a committee agenda as Rep. Helena Moreno, D-New Orleans, presents HB281 which would authorize nursing home residents to have monitoring devices installed in those resident's rooms House Health and Welfare Committee Wednesday March 28, 2018, in Baton Rouge, La. After 10-year-old Sam Peter, of Harahan, wasn't allowed to speak during a Louisiana House committee meeting, Gov. John Bel Edwards invited the student to his 4th floor office. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... Coming to U.S. pharmacies this month is Cimduo, from drugmaker Mylan. It's very similar to Truvada (TDF/FTC), Gilead's blockbuster drug that's been used as a "backbone" of HIV regimens for more than a decade -- and that, since 2012, has found a massive new profit boost as the drug used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which actually prevents those who take it from acquiring HIV in the first place. For reasons too boring to get into, Cimduo isn't technically a generic, and at 40% lower than Truvada's roughly $1,800 monthly sticker price, it's not exactly in the rock-bottom price category we may associate -- perhaps wrongly -- with generics. But Anil Soni, head of global infectious diseases at Mylan, thinks the drug's sub-Truvada price still has the potential to drive down costs for everyone. "Hopefully," he wrote in an email, "[insurers] will pass on savings to patients through reduced copays and premiums, helping them in turn to better afford their medicines." Related: Surprise FDA Approval of Generic Truvada Is a "Wakeup Call" for Activists But there's good reason to believe that, despite its lower price, Cimduo just won't catch on. And the reasons point to the bigger issue of why it's so hard in general to bring down to earth the price of HIV drugs, which have historically been among the more expensive drugs on the market. First, Cimduo was not tested as PrEP and, hence, is not U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved as an equivalent to Truvada for PrEP. And there is some suggestion that it would not work as well, since there are slight differences between Emtriva [emtricitabine, FTC], which is in Truvada, and Epivir [lamivudine, 3TC], which is in Cimduo. (Both pills also contain the exact same drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or TDF, which is sold under the brand name Viread.) Barring the unlikely event that a U.S. entity puts time and money into comparative trials, Cimduo can't cut into the PrEP portion of the Truvada market. Second, in 2016, the FDA approved Descovy (TAF/FTC), Gilead's new alternative to Truvada that had been tweaked to reduce the potential kidney and bone issues associated with TDF. Since then, many providers have switched their HIV-positive patients from Truvada to Descovy, and it appears that most public (Medicaid, Medicare, AIDS Drug Assistance Program [ADAP]) and private (Obamacare, employer-based) insurance plans have been paying for it. "Since there is a good reason to use Descovy versus Truvada, I don't see insurers forcing us to use this cheaper version of Truvada," says Doug Ward, M.D., a Washington, D.C.-area HIV doctor. "So, I don't think Cimduo will make much of a difference." In a statement, Mylan challenged that claim, saying that "hundreds of thousands" of people with HIV were still on regimens containing TDF, which is in Truvada; in Descovy, the TDF was swapped out for a compound called tenofovir alafenamide, or TAF. But Ward is echoed by Jonathan D. Zellan, M.D., a Brooklyn, New York-based practitioner. "I don't imagine anyone using [Cimduo] when there is Descovy unless there were a financial or insurance issue," he says. "None of our patients have trouble getting their HIV meds covered, and co-pays are not an issue. If the insurance companies changed [what drugs they covered], then it would be a different story, but I imagine there would be a lot of pushback if [Cimduo] were preferred over [Descovy]." Indeed, when it comes to driving down drug prices with copycats, alternatives, and generics, HIV is a uniquely tough nut to crack, explains longtime HIV-positive activist Tim Horn of the think tank Treatment Action Group and the Fair Pricing Coalition. Generics for other ailments gain traction because very often people's employer-based plans or Obamacare insurance won't cover the highest-price brand-name drug, Horn says. However, on top of regular health care options -- including employer plans, Obamacare, Medicaid, and Medicare -- people with HIV can often turn to drugmaker charity programs and, importantly, the federal/state-funded AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) as payers of last resort. As a result, people living with HIV often have multiple ways to get the newest, shiniest, and most expensive HIV drugs. "Very few HIV patients feel the high cost of HIV treatment acutely because of this patchwork of coverage we have in place," says Horn. "But the actual price of these drugs is unsustainable over the course of people's lives, especially with the political risks currently faced by Medicaid and Obamacare plans. This may very well mean that the ADAP program will have to pick up more slack." (Horn points to Georgia, where, a few years ago, because of cost considerations, the state Medicaid program said it would cover only one single-tablet HIV medication, Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/FTC), even though that pill had already become outdated because of side effects associated with Sustiva (efavirenz, Stocrin), one of its components. The decision was reversed after protest.) A few doctors and advocates, at least, see a way forward for Cimduo. Antonio Urbina, M.D., medical director of NYC's Institute for Advanced Medicine, points out that before Descovy came along, Truvada was used by people living with HIV for years, and its actual reported incidence of renal- and bone-related side effects was incredibly low. "If a copycat or generic version comes with substantial savings, perhaps we could start with it, then only move to [Descovy]" if it's called for because of a patient's advancing age (which makes one more vulnerable to bone problems) or the appearance of side effects. "Perhaps this could motivate drugmakers to further reduce their costs," he says. One purpose of Cimduo is certain: Technically, it opens the door for actual generic versions of Truvada within the U.S., of which there must be many to create enough competition to truly drive down prices. "Then Mylan will have to price Cimduo itself way down to compete," notes Horn. Horn adds that he could very well see a place for such drugs in, for example, prison systems, which provide their own health care and are constantly looking for ways to cut costs. And it's not as if HIV doctors don't know that FDA-approved generics are perfectly good alternatives to wildly priced brand names. Finally, many note, we are at a place where people with HIV can take an all-generic HIV cocktail. "How about generic nevirapine [Viramune] and Epzicom [abacavir/3TC, Kivexa]?" says Ward. "If you don't get an allergic reaction" -- which forces less than 10% of people who take Epzicom to discontinue it -- "that's a very good, safe regimen which you can get for $140 a month." Given that when HIV meds first came on the market in the late '80s and early '90s, they were among the most exorbitantly priced drugs ever seen -- and have only become more expensive in the past 20 years -- it's remarkable that lifesaving HIV drugs are now available in the U.S. for such a low price. And the advent of Cimduo suggests that more will come. It's all about how willing providers and patients will be to play a role in balancing safety and efficacy against the long-term accessibility of HIV drugs in a fragile health care system whose root problem is unchecked prices on drugs and services. With that concern in mind, the Fair Pricing Coalition just publicly welcomed the advent of Cimduo, calling it "a notable advancement in fair HIV drug pricing." And that's an important point, stresses Horn. "As community activists," he says, "our allegiance needs to be with the patients. But we should at least be having this dialogue about cost." [CORRECTION 4/12: An earlier version of this article included language that may have led the reader to erroneously conclude that the two HIV medications within Cimduo (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and lamivudine) were identical to those within Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine). We have corrected the headline and article copy to more clearly differentiate between the two.] Thomas Davis has been living with HIV since 2013 and he has turned dance into a platform for self expression, motivation, and to end HIV stigma. Through the Catharsis Project, a grantee of AIDS United's Positive Organizing Project, Thomas and his fellow dancers use dance and multimedia as a way to share stories and experiences about the HIV epidemic -- especially with younger generations. We were excited to connect with Thomas to learn more about his work, motivations, and future goals. Tell me a bit about yourself and how you got involved in this work? I started to get involved with public health in 2013. After I was diagnosed HIV+ I wanted to use my story to raise awareness about HIV to people that didn't know a whole lot about it. What are you doing through your Positive Organizing Project (POP) grant? What are your overall goals and why is your program unique? Related: Daring to Be Truthful: Madonna's Dancers and HIV My POP Project is called The C.R.E.W (Creative remedy & education workshops). It is a support group for young black millennials living with HIV. We use the arts (dance, creative writing, movement expression, etc.) to explore topics and issues that people living with HIV deal with every day. Through out the course of our weekly meetings each member is creating a piece (dance poem, writing) that shares their personal story or experience. What do you want people to know about young people, on National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day? I want young people to know that HIV does not discriminate and that we are privileged to live in a time where there are so many ways to prevent AND treat HIV. Younger generations are getting to be known more and more for their advocacy and their creativity. Why are both of these things important to include in HIV work? Advocacy and creativity go HAND IN HAND. Young people will NOT care about HIV or any other social justice issue if we continue to talk about it the same way we have for year. Creativity is needed to re-energize individuals. Why is it important for younger generations to talk about HIV? What are some ways to start the conversation? It's important for young people to talk about HIV because we can be the ones to stop it. Conversations can start in many different ways but the most important way to to meet that young person where they are in THAT moment and talk to them like they are a person. Tell us any highlights you might have from your first AIDSWatch. AIDSWatch has been a great experience. I think one of the highlights for me was seeing representation from EVERY STATE! How do you stay motivated in this work? I stay motivated to do this work by using my creative talents. The arts really are the future in advocacy work. The freedom to use dance, theater, and visual art is so liberating and healing. [Note from TheBody: This article was originally published by AIDS United on Apr. 10, 2018. We have cross-posted it with their permission.] Nicki Minaj was reduced to tears in an interview discussing what went wrong in her relationship with fellow rapper Cardi B. The 'Anaconda' hitmaker was clearly emotional while discussing the situation with New Zealander Zane Lowe on his Apple Beats 1 show. Minaj denied the rumour that she didn't know the 'Bodak Yellow' rapper would also appear on Migos track 'Motorsport' and was unhappy when she found out, but says responses to that rumour hurt her. "I kind of felt ambushed," said Minaj. "It just really hurt me because the only thing [Cardi B] kept saying was, 'I didn't hear that verse. She changed her verse'." When the ABA released its bar pass spreadsheet recently, there were a few surprises. One of the surprises was that Detroit Mercy, a respectable school, had the lowest ultimate bar pass rate in the country for the class of 2015, according to the spreadsheet. Well, it turns out that this was not accurate. Like several other schools (Northern Kentucky, St. Marys, Toledo and South Texas College of Law so far), Detroit Mercy initially reported the wrong data to the ABA, which resulted in some unfair negative publicity for the school, which by all rights belonged to Arizona Summit (aka Arizona Plummet). The ABA has now issued its third revised bar passage spreadsheet, and it makes a lot more sense. Arizona Summit now has taken its rightful place as the undisputed cellar dweller with the lowest Ultimate Bar Pass Rate (they are the only school below 60%) and Detroit Mercy has moved past 35 schools with a revised UBP of 80.53%. (Detroit Mercy also revised their 2016 and 2017 first-time bar passage rate to 61.5% and 73.5%, respectively.) In this third, and hopefully final, revision of the spreadsheet, there are now only 19 schools that failed to make the 75% UBP benchmark. (Although I still think the numbers may be wrong for Wyoming and Syracuse.) And the national UBP mark for all takers from all ABA schools has been adjusted to 88.32%. This sounds pretty good, until you realize that there are still nearly 4400 J.D.s from the nationwide class of 2015 who took the bar and still hadnt passed it after two years. That is a lot of wasted time, money and effort for a whole bunch of people. As I was investigating these matters, I had the opportunity to speak to Detroit Mercys dynamic and thoughtful Dean, Phyllis Crocker, and learned more about her school. A unique aspect of Detroit Mercys program is its one-of-a-kind cross-border partnership with the University of Windsor, through which the school offers dual U.S. and Canadian J.D. degrees in three years. This program also helped to explain an anomaly I identified in this post, where I questioned why so many Detroit Mercy graduates were not taking the bar. As it turns out, the vast majority of those not taking the bar are Canadians in the Dual JD program. These students tend to take the bar in Canada, but the ABA only requires law schools to track and report bar takers in U.S. jurisdictions. So, for example, of the 37 Detroit Mercy grads from the class of 2015 who did not take a U.S. bar in 2015, 32 were Canadians in the dual J.D. program. Of the 39 2016 Detroit Mercy grads who did not take a U.S. bar, 39 were Canadian dual J.D.s. Although the dual J.D. program seems to primarily appeal to Canadians, it is open to Americans, and a couple of U.S. citizens have completed the program. Of course, getting your bar license in Canada takes longer than it does in the U.S. and requires more than just passing a bar exam. Here is a description of what it takes in Ontario: Ontario (Law Society of Upper Canada) Ontarios Bar Admissions Course consists of online self-study in the following subjects: Real Estate, Wills and Estates, Business Law, Professional Responsibility, Family Law, Criminal Law, Civil law, and Constitutional Law. You must then pass two major licensing exams covering these subjects both self-study and open book. One is the Barrister Examination and the other is the Solicitors Examination. Each exam takes about seven hours to complete. After finishing this step, you must complete a 10-month Articleship. During this time, you will work for a principal (licensed lawyer) who must approve of your work. You will be assessed midterm, at which time your principal must report your progress to the Law Society of Upper Canada. You must also complete an online Professional Responsibility and Practice Course during your articling period. Once you have completed all of these steps, you will be called to the Bar, conferred with the degree of Barrister-at-Law, and sworn in and enrolled as a Solicitor of the Court of Appeal and the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. Source. According to Dean Crocker, Detroit Mercy is still accepting applications for this program for fall 18. So, if you have been thinking about either going to law school to fight Trump, or moving to Canada to get away from him, here is a program that can keep both options open! On a more serious note, having a thorough understanding of the Canadian legal system would be a real advantage for graduates seeking employment in firms that represent a lot of multi-national corporations that do business in Canada or in government agencies that deal with cross-border issues. And Detroit Mercy has lower than average tuition for a private school, while the cost of living in Detroit is well below average for a major city. If you are looking for something to do while procrastinating doing your taxes, check out what Detroit Mercy has to offer. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 08:21 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce56c52 4 Editorial #Editorial,Jokowi,Jokowi-administration,Indo-Pacific,Indonesia-Africa-Forum,international-relations Free The two-day Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali was meaningful in terms of business for the host country, because it resulted in trade deals totaling US$1.08 billion. But the Bali gathering is equally important for President Joko Jokowi Widodos Indo-Pacific grand strategy. The timing of the April 10 and 11 meeting itself was chosen to commemorate the historic Asia-Africa Conference of April 1955 in Bandung. However, the fact that Jokowi delegated Vice President Jusuf Kalla to open the forum on Tuesday indicates that the President is giving priority to foreign policy platforms that can help him boost his credentials in the run-up to next years election. His initiative to mediate in the Rohingya crisis and the prolonged war in Afghanistan, for example, is telling. Jokowis absence from such an important forum is regrettable, because although he might expect the arrival of more heads of government from Africa, the forum could have given his foreign policy platform a boost. The President fully entrusted Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to lead the forum, with the hope that Indonesia can tap the opportunities African nations are offering. The Presidents no-show could be a blessing in disguise for the Foreign Ministry. For Retno, the forum gave her a chance to prove her foreign policy mettle not only to her boss, but to the whole nation as well with regards to the Indo-Pacific strategy. Indonesia, which connects the Indian and Pacific oceans, should not miss the momentum while other powers like Japan, India, Australia and the United States have been intensifying their campaign to realize this geopolitical vision. Jokowi raised the concept of enhancing cooperation among littoral countries during the ASEAN-India summit in New Delhi last January. At various world forums, Jokowi unveiled his vision to grow Indonesia as a global maritime fulcrum and his speech in India was the culmination of his maritime power platform. The new regional grouping concept received a huge boost when US President Donald Trump repeatedly raised the urgency of cooperation among countries located in the two oceans. No one knows Trumps real motive, but China sees it as a hidden attempt to isolate the worlds second-largest economy. The India-Pacific concept does not originally belong to Jokowi. It has been circulating for quite some time. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raised the issue in a speech to Indias parliament in 2007. Six years later, then-Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh referenced Indo-Pacific during his visit to Tokyo. The key point of Jokowis Indo-Pacific strategy is his emphasis on ASEAN as the driver of a car that will bring those on board to a common destination. He also underlines the need to avoid overlaps with existing regional and multilateral forums and to involve China from the very beginning. The Foreign Ministry should continue to follow up on the Presidents grand design because whoever leads the nation in the future, Indonesias key role in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture matters. The head of the Swedish Academy stepped down on Thursday after criticism of how the institution, which picks the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, handled a probe into allegations of sexual misconduct by a man married to one of its members. Shortly afterwards, the Academy announced that the man's wife had decided to quit her post on the board. Three members of the Academy withdrew last week over the issue, but arcane rules that make appointments for life mean that members cannot technically resign, though they stop participating in activities. "It was the wish of the Academy that I should leave my role as Permanent Secretary," Sara Danius, who has held the post since 2015, told reporters. "I have made this decision with immediate effect." The public row and defections from the Academy have raised concerns that the image of theNobel Prizes and Sweden's reputation abroad could suffer. "It has already affected the Nobel Prize quite severely and that is quite a big problem," Danius said. Read also: Three quit in protest as #MeToo scandal rocks Nobel literature academy The allegations of sexual assault and harassment were made against Jean-Claude Arnault, the husband of Academy member Katarina Frostenson who also stepped down on Thursday. In an emailed comment to Reuters, Arnault's lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig, said his client rejected all allegations against him. "Jean-Claude Arnault rejects all claims of criminal activity and he rejects other allegations that have been made against him," Hurtig said. State prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into the incidents, but said last month some parts of the probe had been shelved due to a lack of evidence and the statute of limitations having passed for some of the incidents. However, prosecutors said the investigation related to some incidents was continuing. The Swedish Academy said in a statement that Frostenson had decided to leave her post "in the hope that the Swedish Academy will survive as an institution". The Academy severed ties with Arnault, whom it had helped financially in running a cultural club in Stockholm, in November following the allegations made against him. Every time he visits the Jogja National Museum, Leo Mulyono, 73, says he always remembers the moment he was admitted to the Indonesian Fine Arts Academy (ASRI), where he majored in graphic illustration back in 1963. The three-story building located in Gampingan, Wirobrajan district, Yogyakarta, was once the ASRI campus. I remember the day when I was told to run around the square behind the building during Ospek [an initiation program for new students]. It was Amri Yahya who told me to do so, Leo told The Jakarta Post, referring to the late fine artist who was also a former ASRI student and lecturer. The square is no longer there as other buildings have been built on the site. The 1.4 hectare compound is shaded thanks to a number of big trees. Leo said when he was an ASRI student, there had only been one building in the compound, which currently serves as the museums main exhibition venue. The first and third floors were classrooms, while the second floor contained rooms for the academys leaders, an administration office and a library. The building physically remains the same. Only the interior is different because it has been turned into exhibition rooms, Leo added. It is in this building that the biggest fine art market in Indonesia, the 11thARTJOG, will be held from May 4 to June 4, taking Enlightenment Toward Various Futures as its theme. Read also: ARTJOG: Window to Indonesian arts Heri Pemad, the founder of Heri Pemad Art Management (HPAM) and the organizer of ARTJOG, said 65 artists would exhibit their artwork at the annual event. Organized for the first time in 2008, ARTJOG was initially held at the Yogyakarta Cultural Park. It was moved to the museum in 2016. We have no representative building and infrastructure for ARTJOG here in Yogyakarta. I consider the museum as the most suitable so far, Pemad added. The first time ARTJOG was moved to the museum, the first thing that Pemad did was to erect the words ASRI on the building. A year later, he installed the statue of the first director of ASRI, RJ Katamsi (1950-1958), in the northeast corner of the building. The statue was the work of sculpture Wahyu Santosa and was presented by ARTJOG to show respect to RJ Katamsi and the history of ASRI. I was once a student of that place, so I have a personal drive to restore the site that is historical to the development of fine art in Indonesia, Pemad said. The museums building was built in 1950 and was used as an ASRI campus in 1957. The prefabricated building, built through sponsorship from the United States, became a witness to the development of fine art in Indonesia when ASRI was changed into the Indonesian Fine Art College (STSRI) in 1968, which later became the Indonesian Fine Arts Institute (ISI) in 1984. The center of attention: A giant frame in the shape of a diamond, which will be a terrarium for the work of commissioned artist Mulyana, is seen outside the Jogja National Museum in Yogyakarta. (JP/Bambang Muryanto) Many big names in the world of art in Indonesia have walked the campus hallowed halls. Among them were Edhi Sunarso, Saptoto, Widayat, Amri Yahya as well as contemporary artists FX Harsono, Eddie Hara, Heri Dono and Dadang Christanto. When the ISI campus was moved from Gampingan to Sewon, Bantul regency, Yogyakarta, in 1995, the building became empty and it was used as a base camp for the Taring Padi art community. In the book entitled Taring Padi Praktik Budaya Radikal di Indonesia (Taring Padi the Practice of Radical Culture in Indonesia), Heidi Arbuckle writes that Taring Padi used the place to live collectively, creating works, planting vegetables and organizing art events by involving people from the surroundings. In 2006, Yayasan Yogyakarta Seni Nusantara started renovating the building and managing it as an enclave for art and cultural activities. Since then, the museum has turned into a place for all kinds of art activities including art exhibitions, music performances, and others. I cooperated with the government to open a museum for contemporary arts that Yogyakarta needs, which is the Jogja National Museum, said its executive director, Kanjeng Pangeran Haryo (KPH) Wironegoro. Over the weekend, dozens of workers from HPAM were seen busy preparing the venue at the museum for the fine art market. A diamond-shaped iron structure of about 7 meters in height has already been installed in front of the main exhibition room. It is a terrarium for the knitting work of commissioned artist Mulyana Mogus entitled Sea Remembers. In the main building, workers were also seen renovating and preparing for the exhibition rooms located on the first and second floors. Meanwhile, workers in the southern part of the building were preparing the stage and exhibition rooms at the Pendopo Ajiyasa hall. Pemad said the challenge in preparing the ARTJOG venue was modifying the rooms inside the building, which are small and rigid, to make them comfortable to display world class contemporary artworks. Many important world class artists failed to join ARTJOG due to limited representative rooms to display their best works, Pemad said, adding that among them was Damien Hirst, a noted British contemporary artist. Pemad also complained about the lack of access for disabled people to the main exhibition rooms on the second and third floors of the building. KPH Wironegoro said the museum had become an ideal place for exhibitions. He added that among the things still needed at the facility were lighting, good air conditioners and a lift for disabled people. We are working together with the government to address the issue, said KPH Wironegoro who is the son in-law of Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. In a country that has banned communism, like Indonesia, having a communist figure who is also a national hero can be very complicated. Tan Malaka, a communist and an Indonesian national hero, is still seen as a controversial figure, and his name is barely mentioned in Indonesian history due to his connection with the banned ideology. Now, the life journey of Indonesias most famous rogue rebel and leftist thinker is trying to reach the younger generation through a feature film. The film, directed by Daniel Rudi Haryanto, will be the first full-length movie about the life of Tan Malaka. The films short version, titled Maha Guru Tan Malaka (Great Teacher Tan Malaka), premiered in Malang, East Java, in the evening of March 29. I want to complement the history of Tan Malaka through a motion picture, Daniel said when opening a discussion after the screening of his film at cafe Gazebo Literasi, Dau district, Malang regency. According to Rudi, the film will later be shown on the big screen with various improvements, such as animation and extra footage and with a running time of 73 minutes, as a 73rd National Independence anniversary gift in August. The title will be Musim Pertama [First Season], because it tells the story of a visitor from a tropical country going through four seasons in other countries, said Rudi. Shot on location in Haarlem and Leiden in the Netherlands and Paris, Maha Guru Tan Malaka depicts the adventure of a character named Marco (Rolando Oktavio) in search of Tan Malaka. Marco is an Indonesian youth studying in France. He visits several places once frequented by Tan Malaka, while studying at a teachers training school in Haarlem. Tan Malakas residence, classroom and favorite bookstores are surveyed, accompanied by Prof. Harry A. Poeze, a Dutch historian who has researched the thoughts and life of Tan Malaka for more than 40 years. Ive picked the period of 1913 to 1919 because based on Poezes study, it was the most important time of Tan Malakas engagement in the global network of the international movement, indicated Rudi. In one scene, Poeze takes Marco to an old bookshop in Haarlem to see Wilhelm Blos book titled De Fransche Revolutie (The French Revolution), which radicalized the young Tan Malaka. Rudi, who graduated from the Jakarta Arts Institutes Film and Television Department, is indeed known for his works in serious themes, such as the phenomenal Prison and Paradise, a Bali bombing documentary described by many circles as having opened a new discourse about terrorism. But this time he applies a different way of understanding Tan Malaka. Rudi has created the 32-minute flick with a contemporary touch. Its visual appearance is lightly presented in two layers, via a vlog and a reconstruction of events with hatching animation, which is handled by Sumarsono, an Indonesian animator who has also worked for Pixar and Dreamworks. Hatching animation is used so that this film will leave some impression, although modestly worked out, Rudi said. The films narration through Marco also follows the style of present-day youths so that its messages about the mysterious and mythical Tan Malaka can better relate to the young people of Indonesia, especially students in schools and universities. Rudi maintained that Tan Malaka should be featured in an objective manner, although in reality he had played a major part in the international communist movement of the 1920s. Speaking of history, we shouldnt be trapped in issues of stigma resulting from the previous status quo, as this will pose an impediment in facing competition on a global scale, said Rudi. Therefore, he appreciates Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendys support for this film through the ministrys directorate of history and directorate general of culture. Government aid took the form of funds worth Rp 175 million (US$12,709) for the two-week film shootings in the Netherlands and France. For Rudi, the limited funds available didnt dampen his spirit to produce a quality picture. This film can hopefully serve as an alternative historical record and an important note for the present generation, he said. The Fleur de Passion, a ship navigating the globe under the flag of landlocked Switzerland, used to sweep mines to save the Germans during World War II. After its transformation into a vessel with a scientific and educational mission in the 1970s, the ship now scans the ocean to save the planet from the worst ravages of climate change. On a four-year journey that began in 2015 and will conclude in 2019, the Swiss expedition seeks to mark the 500th anniversary of Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellans worldwide cruise by tracking the impact of human activities on the oceans, particularly with regard to methane and carbon dioxide emissions produced by these activities. According to Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia Yvonne Baumann, the expedition is possible thanks to the initiative of Geneva-based NGO Fondation Pacifique. The expedition also seeks to raise awareness about human impacts [with regard] to ocean pollution through a wide range of awareness activities, Fondation Pacifique Vice President Samuel Gardaz said. The ships ocean-mapping activities are conducted by a team of volunteers from Spain, France and other countries. They navigate the seas with the help of satellite mapping technology. The ship embarked on its journey from Seville in Spain on April 13, 2015. The route was determined in honor of Magellan, who attempted to map the oceans of the Earth by traversing the same track. While making their way on Magellans path, the crew took a sojourn in Jakarta from April 3 to 12, before heading for a six-week crossing of the Indian Ocean to Nosy Be in Madagascar. Sanctuary: A ship volunteer tidies up its working room. (JP/Arief Suhardiman) According to Baumann, Swiss sailors and researchers have long been interested in Indonesia, making the sojourn in Jakarta a continuation of a long-held connection. Around the 17th century, the first Swiss merchants and researchers came to the archipelago, and they explored different islands, Baumann asserted during her remarks aboard the Fleur de Passion at the port of Sunda Kelapa in North Jakarta. She added that, back then, researchers discovered a number of interesting phenomenons in Indonesia, such as the volcanoes on Sumbawa Island in West Nusa Tenggara and the indigenous population that settled in Sulawesi. This time around, the Fleur de Passion seeks to track climate change and environmental problems in the ocean, covering a number of elements: micro-plastic pollution, noise pollution, coral bleaching as well as greenhouse gas monitoring on the ocean surface. Coral bleaching is caused by increasing water temperature, mainly due to pollution and overfishing. The abovementioned research is conducted by Fondation Pacifique in collaborations with the University of Queensland, Australia, for coral bleaching, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain, for noise pollution and the University of Geneva for greenhouse gas monitoring. University of Geneva Aquatic Physics Group Head Daniel McGinnis said climate change was one of the greatest challenges of our time, and understanding it was a major challenge for the scientific community. To effectively reverse the trend, scientists need to have a comprehensive and accurate view of the concentrations of greenhouse gases on the oceans surface and understand their role not only as reservoirs of such gases but also as emitters, McGinnis explained. Pere Valera Taltavull (JP/Arief Suhardiman) Noise pollution is another pressing environmental issue explored by the sailing scientists. According to Polytechnic University of Catalonia laboratory of bio-acoustic applications director Michel Andre, people might be oblivious to marine noise pollution, because it is invisible and inaudible, at least to human ears. While the capacity of the human ear is too limited to discern noise pollution, its consequences for the ecosystem are devastating. Marine noise pollution is recognized today as one of the greatest disrupters of marine ecosystems that threaten the natural balance of the oceans []. Noise pollution is, in fact, increasing with the development of industrial activities at sea and spreads at high speeds in all the corners of the planet, Andre explained. The ship is equipped with an ultraportable greenhouse gas analyzer with a sampling port positioned 16 meters above the water surface on the aft mast, which automatically logs methane and carbon dioxide readings every minute. To track how marine noise pollution has impacted the ecosystem, the ship utilizes devices that acoustically monitor the biodiversity of the ocean. Recordings and water samples from the expedition are subsequently sent to the universities laboratories to be analyzed. According to McGinnis, the researchers have so far revealed several emission hot spots, identifying areas that warrant further investigation due to high emissions. For example, methane was more than six times higher than background levels at Mactan, the Philippines, where the boat was anchored during a stopover there, he explained. As for micro-plastic pollution, the ship has collected 150 surface water samples from Seville to Singapore as of March 14. Currently, biologists from the Oceaneye organization are analyzing the samples. Their initial analysis reveals the presence of micro-plastic particles in various proportions polluting the ocean. The expedition also provides a large database of coral bleaching across 77 countries for CoralWatch, an organization focusing on coral protection. The noise pollution research, meanwhile, has not only provided data on the problem itself but also tracked marine biodiversity through its acoustic device. Gardaz said such programs afforded stakeholders an opportunity to access essential information at a very large geographical scale to complement that available by satellites and could address the lack of adequate scientific data that had so far frustrated scientists, considering the ominous nature of climate change. A pure civil society initiative, it illustrates once again the potential and interest of a sailing boat like the Fleur de Passion in terms of scientific research, in addition to more conventional oceanographic vessels, Gardaz added. Impressions on the sea: Sketches drawn by ship volunteers. (JP/Arief Suhardiman) The 33-meter long ships history is no less fascinating than the incredible service it is currently conducting for environmental studies. Built in World War II, it was initially constructed as a motorboat that had a steel and wooden structure with no masts, which could be converted into a sailboat, according to Gardaz. In the mid-1970s, a French individual converted her into a sailing boat used for scientific and educational activities, but after a while, she had been put out of use, he explained. The ships next turn of fate occurred in the 1990s, when several adventurers from Geneva had discovered it in an extremely bad shape, almost a wreck, in Northern France, Gardaz said. They decided to revamp [the vessel]. The reconstruction actually took a long time, because they had to cut out some parts that were too rusty. They also had to build the ships deck and cabin areas as well as its roof anew, instead of renovating it, due to the extent of damage to those areas, Gardaz explained. After the renovation, the Swiss adventurers christened the ship Fleur de Passion, a name they had read in a novel. The ships new name seems to invoke its crews passionate dedication to their environmental cause, despite the hardships of life at sea. Life on board is very different from life on land; we have to be very organized and considerate of other people, we cant just use all the logistics as we wish, for example. The limited resources that we have to share while sailing, meanwhile, reminds us of the limited resources of the Earth, strengthening our commitment to taking care of it, Fleur de Passion captain Pere Valera Taltavull said. A South Korean farmer killed and cooked a neighbor's barking dog before inviting its unsuspecting owner to join him for a dog-meat dinner, police said Wednesday, in a case that has sparked online outrage. The 62-year-old unnamed man confessed to the crime after another neighbor tipped off the pet owner's family. He claimed he was so irritated by the dog's constant barking that he threw a stone at the two-year-old Welsh Corgi, resulting in the animal losing consciousness. "Only after the dog passed out, he claims, he strangled the animal and cooked it," a detective in the southern city of Pyeongtaek told AFP. "The man then invited his neighbours to share the meal, including the father of the dog-owning family", he said. Dog meat has long been a part of South Korean cuisine. But consumption has declined as South Koreans increasingly embrace the idea of dogs as pets instead of livestock, with eating them now something of a taboo among younger generations. The case came to light when a daughter of the family this week published an online plea calling for public support to ensure that the offender be punished sternly. A petition has so far gained almost 15,000 signatures. Read also: S. Korea dog meat restaurants refuse to stop serving for Olympics "We had been all around the town, handing out leaflets containing the dog's picture, phone number and rewards of one million won ($940), in order to find the missing dog", the daughter told AFP by phone, asking for her family's name to be kept anonymous. "When I reached the man's house, which is just three doors down from ours, he expressed sympathy, promising to let us know if he found the dog". At that time, however, the farmer was hiding the dog, either alive or dead, in his barn, she said. The following day, the suspect visited her father, drank with him and consoled him over the missing dog. "He even invited neighbours to come share the dog meat, including my father who did not accept the invitation as he is a non-dog meat eater", she said. As many as one million dogs are still consumed in South Korea each year, with the greasy red meat -- which is invariably boiled for tenderness -- believed to increase energy. Activists have stepped up campaigns to ban dog consumption. Under a newly strengthened law, animal abusers face up to two years in prison or 20 million won ($18,700) in fines. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 06:05 1267 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce535ae 1 National drugs,drug-rehabilitation,police Free The Community Legal Aid Institute demanded the police treat drug users fairly following the Jakarta Polices decision not to charge the son of a senior lawmaker after confirming he had used illegal drugs. The institute's policy analyst Yohan Misero said his institute agreed with the police's decision in this case, as he believes that every drug user deserves the chance to undergo rehabilitation to treat their addiction. However, we hope the police will extend this leniency to other drug users as well, not just for public figures and those who are related to them, Yohan said in a press release on Wednesday. While Article 54 of the 2009 Narcotics Law requires drug users to undergo social and medical rehabilitation, Article 127 of the same law also stipulates for a drug users imprisonment, which some point out is a contradiction. Yohan also pointed out that lawmaker Henry Yosodiningrat, who is actively campaigning to criminalize drug use, should realize how important it is to decriminalize drug use and advocate for users' rights to access drug rehabilitation services. Previously, spokesperson of the Jakarta Police Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said the police had received a request from Henry to search his son, identified only as R, after the latter did not show up at his home after his curfew on Monday. The police then conducted a search to locate the missing son, eventually finding R at a gas station in South Jakarta. R reportedly underwent a urine test, but it was not disclosed if he was found to have consumed any drugs at the time. We decided to return him to his home so that his parents could take him to a doctor, Argo said as quoted by Kompas.com on Tuesday. (dpk/ahw) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andrew Mayeda (Bloomberg) Washington, United States Fri, April 13, 2018 07:15 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce53e19 2 Business #facebook,#Amazon,#tax,#IMF Free The International Monetary Fund is wading into a thorny debate over whether online giants such as Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. pay enough taxes. Some digital industries are prone to become monopolies, because the first company that establishes a technology often becomes dominant, the IMF said in an analysis released Thursday. The question of how to tax the incomes of companies such as Facebook, Amazon, Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google unit has become a contentious and urgent issue, the fund said. The resulting market distortions are best addressed through regulatory rather than tax measures. However, in their absence, the high profit generated provides an attractive tax base, especially given that some technology giants are among the largest companies in the world, the fund said in the analysis its semi-annual Fiscal Monitor. The full report will be released April 18 at the IMFs spring meetings in Washington. The U.S. president has suggested tech companies should pay more tax. I have stated my concerns with Amazon long before the Election. Unlike others, they pay little or no taxes to state & local governments, President Donald Trump wrote in a Twitter message last month. The first wave of research on the subject recommended against taxing digital companies in a special way, the IMF noted. But calls have been growing to make tech firms pay a bigger share, with the European Union planning a new levy on companies such as Google and Facebook that route their EU profits through low-tax countries. The tax push adds to the headaches for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who was questioned in Congress this week on the social networks data practices, after information from as many as 87 million users was siphoned to a firm with ties to Trumps 2016 campaign. Digital companies rely on intangible assets such as software algorithms, the IMF said. Taxing such assets can be challenging, given the ease with which companies can locate them in low-tax jurisdictions, the fund said. Under international tax rules, firms only pay corporate income taxes when they have a physical presence in a country -- a rule some tech companies can skirt because they may have little or no physical presence in a country even though they sell services to its citizens, the IMF said. Any effort to tax digital transactions should be internationally coordinated, the IMF said. Among other things, policy makers will need to decide which principles to use in taxing online companies, such as having companies pay taxes in the nations where their users reside, it said. In the same report, the IMF warned that countries ramping up the use of digital tools to make their governments more efficient need to guard against the risk of fraud and privacy breaches. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands Fri, April 13, 2018 08:46 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce580d3 1 Business bank-indonesia,central-government,regional-government,coordination-meeting Free Officials from Bank Indonesia and the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister have invited representatives of local governments to encourage the regions to produce export-oriented products. The 15th central-regional coordination meeting is held in Batam, Riau Islands, from Thursday to Friday. During the meeting, we offer solutions, Dody Budi Waluyo, BIs executive director for monetary and economic policies, said in Batam on Thursday. The participants are invited to discuss ways for Indonesia to avoid the so-called middle-income trap, where the economic development of a country is too slow to allow for rising per-capita income while still maintaining a competitive edge in international trade. We want to move forward to [average per-capita income] between US$4,000 and $12,000. Many countries fail to do so, said Dody, who had been approved by the House of Representatives to become BI deputy governor, adding that higher income could be achieved if Indonesia could improve its trade balance. The objective of the meeting is to find ways to access export markets through the development of industrial estates, he added. Dody said Batam had been chosen to host the meeting because the city currently contributed 17 percent to the countrys total export value. Batam can be categorized as a region that has applied high technology, he added. Meanwhile, the Office of the Coordinating Economic Ministers undersecretary for macroeconomy and finance, Iskandar Simorangkir, said the government had decided to develop 12 special economic zones (KEK) eight industrial estates and four tourist destinations to boost exports. Indonesian products manufactured in KEKs will be more competitive in the global market, Iskandar added. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 16:45 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce7957d 1 City bootleg-liquor,victims,South-Tangerang Free Police have raided bootleg liquor production sites in Cipondoh and Pondok Aren and destroyed more than 5,500 bottles, after two more people in South Tangerang died after consuming tainted beverages. A. Rohman and Ade Firmansyah died after drinking liquor last Saturday and Sunday. They were security guards in Ciputat, Ciputat Police chief Comr. Donni Bagus Wibisono said in a written statement on Friday. Police arrested a man identified as Rony Mulia Rajagukguk, who allegedly sold the bootleg liquor to the two victims. Their deaths bring the total number of fatalities in the bootleg liquor crisis to 33 in Greater Jakarta. The South Tangerang Police also said that they arrested on Wednesday the alleged owner of bootleg liquor brewery Limanto, his employees Kuswoyo and Hermanto as well as his distributor, Iwan. They are charged under Article 197 of Law No. 36/2009 on health, Article 136 of Law No. 18/2012 on food and Article 204 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. A total of 5,569 bottles of bootleg liquor readied for distribution were destroyed on Friday. Earlier, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammad Iqbal revealed the possibility of charging suspects related to bootleg liquor distribution with premeditated murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung, West Java Fri, April 13, 2018 15:55 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce767cb 1 National bootleg-liquor,oplosan,West-Java,Cicalengka,alcohol,alcohol-consumption,alcohol-poisoning Free The number of people killed by bootleg liquor in West Java over the past week has risen to 60, according to West Java Police data. The last victims reported to have died after consuming tainted beverages are two teenagers, who died at Cicalengka Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Bandung regency. N, 15, an eighth-grader at a junior high school in Cicalengka, passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital on Thursday evening. On Sunday, he drank a ginseng drink with my son, said Ns relative, Marlina, at RSUD Cicalengka. After consuming the purple-colored liquor, N and his three friends did not return home. Instead, they made themselves bootleg liquor called oplosan in Indonesia by mixing pure alcohol with energy drinks and cough syrup. Their condition worsened, so they were brought to hospital, said Marlina. Sampling: Crime scene investigators from the Bandung Police check bottles found on Thursday in a house suspected to be a production site of bootleg liquor in Bandung regency of West Java. (JP /Arya Dipa) Thirty-three of the 60 people killed died while undergoing treatment at RSUD Cicalengka. Another six died at Majalaya Hospital and four others at AMC Cileunyi Hospital. Authorities in Bandung city and Sukabumi regency each reported seven fatalities, while two people died from oplosan in Cianjur regency and another in Ciamis regency. West Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Budi Maryoto said on Friday that all the bootleg liquor consumed in Bandung city and regency stemmed from one factory, located on Jl. Raya Bypass Cicalengka. Every day, it can produce 10 boxes [of bootleg liquor], each containing 24 bottles with a volume capacity of 600 milliliters, said Agung, adding that the beverages contained methanol. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Paul Handley (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Fri, April 13, 2018 09:35 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce5a34a 2 World #USA,#WhiteHouse,#JamesComey,#DonaldTrump,#Donald-Trump,#trump Free Former FBI director James Comey says in a new book that President Donald Trump reminded him of a mafia boss who demanded absolute loyalty, saw the entire world against him, and lied about everything. According to excerpts of the book leaked by US media on Thursday, Trump was also obsessed with the alleged existence of a video in which Russian prostitutes said to be hired by Trump urinated on the bed in a Moscow hotel room. In the book to be released officially next Tuesday, Comey, whom Trump fired in May 2017, says the US president lives in "a cocoon of alternative reality" that he tried to pull others around him into, according to The Washington Post. Meetings with Trump gave Comey "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob," he writes. "The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." But Comey goes farther to say that Trump, congenitally, has no sense of what is right and wrong. "This president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values," he writes, according to The New York Times. "His leadership is transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty." The book, entitled "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership," has triggered worries now rippling through the White House and Republican establishment over the damage it might do to the already deeply troubled Trump presidency. The White House has sought to cast doubts about Comey's reputation: the Republican Party this week put up a website called "Lyin' Comey" to undermine the book. But among both Republicans and Democrats in Washington's establishment, the reputation of Comey -- who has served in the FBI under three presidents -- is much stronger than his book's target. Last year Comey revealed that Trump had pressured him to drop an investigation into Mike Flynn, the US leader's former national security advisor, and also demanded a loyalty pledge. Getting neither, the president fired Comey on May 9, complaining of the ongoing investigation into possible Trump campaign-Russia ties. A week later the Justice Department appointed a special prosecutor Robert Mueller, who has doggedly pursued the probe as well as possible obstruction of justice by Trump. He has issued 19 indictments so far, including of top Trump lieutenants. But "A Higher Loyalty" shares little new about the Russia investigation, with Comey bound to respect the classified nature of the Mueller investigation that Trump just this week labeled "fake & corrupt." According to the New York Post, Comey says Trump was obsessed with the "pee tape," the existence of which was first reported by a former British intelligence agent who researched alleged links between Trump's campaign and Russia. Trump asked Comey to investigate "what he called the 'golden showers thing'" Comey writes, saying Trump was determined to prove to his wife Melania that it did not exist. "He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldn't possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie." At one point Trump discussed the political implications of the dossier and possible strategies while intelligence community leaders remained in the room, wrote Comey, according to ABC News which also obtained a copy of the book. "Holy crap," Comey wrote. "They are trying to make each of us an 'amica nostra' a friend of ours. To draw us in. As crazy as it sounds, I suddenly had the feeling that, in the blink of an eye, the president-elect was trying to make us all part of the same family." Trump returned to the matter in a call to attempt to prove why it could not be true. "I'm a germaphobe. There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me," he insisted. But Trump's concern over the alleged video extended to the numerous sex scandals that have dogged him over decades as a New York real estate tycoon -- and have returned to haunt him in the White House. In the past year two women, one a pornographic film star and the second a Playboy model, have said they were paid off to be silent about affairs they had with Trump over a decade ago while he was married to his current wife Melania. Speaking on the Moscow video, Comey said, Trump "strongly denied the allegations, asking -- rhetorically, I assumed -- whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes." "He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised," Comey wrote. "He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 12:44 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce6976a 1 Business Indika-Energy,ExxonMobil,agreement Free Publicly listed coal miner PT Indika Energy, through subsidiary PT Kariangau Gapura Terminal Energi (KGTE), has signed a service agreement worth US$108 million with PT ExxonMobil Lubricants Indonesia (EMLI) to help the latter develop a new fuel terminal in Kalimantan. EMLI, one of the local arms of United States-based oil and gas giant ExxonMobil, markets lubricants under the Mobil brand with an annual sales volume of 150,000 barrels in 2016. Through the agreement, KGTE will develop, own and operate a terminal to store and distribute fuel as well as conduct other services in Kariangau, East Kalimantan, exclusively for EMLI, Indika Energy director Azis Armand said in a statement on Thursday, adding that the agreement would last 20 years and had an extension option of 10 years. Azis expected the agreement would enable Indika Energy to generate higher revenue. Indika Energy saw its revenue soar 41.73 percent year-on-year to $1.09 billion in 2017. At the same time, its cost of contracts and goods sold jumped 42.14 percent annually to $975.84 million. However, the company also gained $384.2 million on revaluation last year. Subsequently, it recorded a net profit of $335.4 million, reversing a net loss of $67.59 million it booked in 2016. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 14:59 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce74128 1 Business Global-Muslim-Travel-Index,2018,United-Arab-Emirates,Malaysia,Indonesia,Turkey Free Indonesia climbed to second place in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2018, from third place in the previous year. Tourism Ministry halal tourism acceleration and development team head Riyanto Sofyan said Indonesia was serious in developing halal tourist destinations, among others, though the organizations of halal tourism competitors involved a number of regions. With such competition, Indonesia has won several international awards, said Riyanto in a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Friday. Among the awards are the Worlds Best Halal Tourism Destination and the Worlds Best Halal Honeymoon Destination for Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara; the Worlds Best Halal Destination for West Sumatra; the Worlds Best Halal Culinary Destination for Padang in West Sumatra; and the Worlds Best Halal Cultural Destination for Aceh. The GMTI, which was introduced by CrescentRating in cooperation with MasterCard, evaluates and ranks countries based on how well they cater to Muslim travelers. This year, Indonesia has the same rank as the United Arab Emirates in second place, while Malaysia is on the top list and Turkey achieved third place. Riyanto said Indonesia aimed at attracting 3.8 million Muslim visitors in 2018 and 5 million in 2019. Our team will hold a series of sales missions to top targeted cities such as Jeddah, London, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney, Riyanto added. Muslims are estimated to spend US$169 billion on traveling in 2016, representing 11.8 percent of global travel expenditure, according to the 2017-2018 State of the Islamic Economy Report. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung/Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 08:27 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce577ca 4 National inmates,sexual-abuse,female,gender-based-violence,social-media,Facebook,WhatsApp,Instagram Free Sending nudes to strangers on the internet might sound like a bold thing to do even in the age of the internet. But dozens of women did just that, not realizing that they had fallen victim to three inmates in Bandung, West Java, who wooed them behind bars into fake romances that led to sextortion. The suspects, identified only as ID, 25, JN, 30, and FA, 29, are inmates at Jelekong prison in Bandung who had allegedly been luring clueless women into an online romance scam since 2016. Pretending to be students from a sailing academy, they allegedly randomly scouted these women on several popular social media and networking apps, such as Facebook, MeetMe, WhatsApp and Instagram. They first chatted with these women and after they got closer, they acted romantically toward the victims, said Bandung Police chief Sr. Comr. Hendro Pandowo. They even promised them they would become their boyfriends or marry them, Hendro told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. The women started to fall into the alleged trap when they agreed to send the inmates their nude pictures or undress themselves during video calls. To avoid suspicion, the three convicts allegedly sent these women videos of masturbating men they stole from the internet, including from Grindr, a networking app exclusive to gay and bisexual men, according to a police investigation. As they gained the victims trust, the inmates allegedly started to ask the women to borrow money so they could visit the victims while on vacation. If they refused their requests, the perpetrators threatened to leak their nude images on social media, Hendro said. The case surfaced when a 40-year-old woman filed an extortion report with the police. Bandung Police criminal unit head Adj. Sr. Comr. Yoris Maulana said the police had found 89 nude videos and pictures of the victims and that all of the files were stored in six different cell phones that had been confiscated by the police as evidence. The police also confiscated Rp 40 million (US$2,905) in cash and four debit cards. In their investigation, another inmate, who remains anonymous, testified that the perpetrators had access to mobile phones and bribed the prison guards with cash. The police were also told that the three inmates managed to gain between Rp 40 million and Rp 80 million a week carrying out activities related to the alleged scam. The police, along with a team from the Law and Human Rights Ministrys West Java office, are still investigating whether prison guards were involved in the case. We will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the [prison] officers as well since some of them might have been involved as accomplices in this case, the ministrys West Java office head, Indro Purwoko, said when asked why prisoners were able to use cell phones. Blandina Lintang, a researcher on freedom of expression and privacy rights from the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM), said the case was a matter of gender-based violence, in which the culprits set up a honey trap to gain the victims trust before extorting them. Unfortunately, there are no specific regulations in Indonesia that protect women from such gender-based violence on the internet, she said. (dpk) This article is part of our Premium content. Gain full access to articles that ran in The Jakarta Post here Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 14:30 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce718c9 1 Business Mixed-mutual-fund,Bareksa,Schroders Free Digital investment portal Bareksa and fund managing company Schroder Investment Management Indonesia have suggested that investors diversify the types of investment, such as considering mixed-asset mutual funds, to minimize losses. The suggestion is in response to last month's situation when the Indonesian Composite Index (IHSG) fell to around 6 percent due to an unstable global situation, especially the "trade war between the United States and China. Bonny Irawan, the executive vice president of intermediary business for Schroders Indonesia, said mixed-asset mutual funds had flexibility in facing market uncertainty, making investors able to avoid or minimize losses in the unfortunate situation. Investing in stock mutual funds, you cant easily withdraw your funds when the market is slowing down, he said recently at a press briefing on the strategy to face market volatility in 2018. Mutual fund investment in Indonesia has four categories: mixed-asset mutual fund, obligation mutual fund, money market mutual fund and stock mutual fund. The last category is the riskiest one. Last month, it fell around 5 percent, the most compared to the others. Stocks mutual funds took much of the hit because they are the blue-chip category, involving a large amount of capital, Putu added. Bareksa predicted that the market would be on its feet again in the second half of 2018, as this month the stock mutual fund is gradually recovering. As of Friday, the mutual fund index had gone up by 2.8 percent from its lowest point in the last two months. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin David Tweed and Bruce Einhorn (Bloomberg) Hong Kong Fri, April 13, 2018 11:30 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce665e7 2 World #HongKong,#LGBT,#LGBTRights,#lawsuit,#banking Free More than a dozen large banks and law firms from the US, Europe and Asia are joining forces on behalf of a British lesbian in a landmark case for LGBT rights in Hong Kong. Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Credit Suisse Group AG and Nomura Holdings Inc. are among 15 financial institutions that have filed an application to intervene in the case of a woman -- named in court documents as QT -- who sued after the government rejected her application to reside in Hong Kong as a dependent of her same-sex partner. Hong Kongs highest court is now considering an appeal filed by the government after a court ruled in favor of QT in September. The banks and law firms believe the appeal has no merit, or is based on an unequal treatment that discriminates against same-sex partners, said B. Chen Zhu, a Hong Kong-based counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, acting pro bono on their behalf. They all want to express their support for equal treatment for LGBT immigrants. The intervention comes as foreign chambers of commerce have lobbied Hong Kongs government to accommodate the spouses of expatriate gay staff in order to maintain its position as Asias top financial bub. Hong Kong, which doesnt recognize same-sex marriages, in 2016 started allowing same-sex spouses or civil partners of consular officials to stay in the city. Its a challenge for some of our members who want to bring senior staff to Hong Kong but cant because they are in same-sex relationships, Jacinta Reddan, chief executive officer of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macau, said Thursday. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Wednesday that the business community lobbied her on the issue, and drew comparisons to the diplomatic community. They were finding it increasingly difficult to post diplomats to Hong Kong if we do not have some sort of arrangement, Lam said at a Bloomberg Invest conference. I can only say that we will have to monitor this closely. Hong Kongs Department of Justice declined to comment because the proceedings are ongoing. Vidler & Co. Solicitors, which represents QT, on Wednesday announced the applications by the financial institutions and law firms on its Facebook page without naming them. The case is set to be heard June 5 at the Court of Final Appeal, according to Vidler. That disclosure caught firms by surprise. They had filed their applications last month and didnt want to discuss the matter outside the court room, according to Zhu. We did not intend for the interventions to be made public at this stage, he said. We had intended to honor the confidentiality of the courts proceedings until the court made a decision to allow us to intervene or not. If the court were to accept their applications, the financial institutions and law firms would become parties in the case and would be able to present their views to the judges, Zhu said. A dozen institutions filed a similar application with a lower court last year, including ABN Amro Group NV, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. The same 12 have filed again, joined by three more: Barclays Plc, Deutsche Bank AG Hong Kong Branch and Macquarie Group. In a separate application, 16 law firms also applied to intervene, including Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Clifford Chance LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 19:30 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce81f32 1 City crime,killing,robbery Free Police in South Jakarta have arrested a man who allegedly killed 83-year-old navy veteran Hunaedi at his house in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, two days after stealing the victims Rp 3.2 million (US$233) pension money. South Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Indra Jafar said the perpetrator had broken into Hunaedis house and stolen the money on April 3 and had tried the same thing two days later. He used the money to pay his rent, buy jeans and other necessities, Indra said on Friday, adding that the suspect worked as a parking attendant. On April 5, the suspect knocked on Hunaedis house and immediately got into a fight after the latter opened the door. He banged Hunaedis head against the wall before stabbing the veteran in the left arm, the chest and the ribcage. Police arrested the suspect in Pondok Labu during a brawl nearby on Wednesday, when officers spotted someone with identical features to the man recorded on CCTV near Hunaedis house. We brought him to the Cilandak Police, Indra said. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 12:54 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce6a130 1 World China,coordinating-maritime-affairs-minister,Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan,Belt-and-Road-Forum,Beijing,US,trade-war Free Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan discussed Indonesia-China strategic partnerships during his attendance in the Belt and Road Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing on Thursday, asserting Indonesias neutrality amidst increasingly tense trade war issues between China and the United States. Indonesia is too big to be forced to take sides with one of the two camps, even among the worlds superpowers, said Luhut, who attended the forum as a special representative of President Joko Jokowi Widodo. Speaking in front of 700 people representing Chinese government branches and international investors, Luhut said Indonesia would take a role as a credible intermediary between Washington and Beijing. Amid a shifting balance of power in Asia, Indonesia will get advantages of being able to play a role as an honest broker in China-US relations. We can become a mediator should they face conflict. Our country is too big to be ignored, both in terms of economy, area and population. Indonesia is now a trillion-dollar country and will keep developing. Trade tensions between the worlds two biggest economies has recently intensified after US President Donald Trump signed orders for stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum and indicated more actions were potentially on the way. The US administration asked China for a plan to cut the annual US trade deficit with the nation by $100 billion, as reported by Bloomberg. China Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated and respected Indonesias stance over the issue. Indonesia is a very influential country in the region and the world. The country also represents the group of new economy. (ebf) Closer ties: Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan (second left) talks with China Prime Minister Li Keqiang (second right) on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing, China, on April 12. (Courtesy of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Ministry/File) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 19:55 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce82358 1 City assault-case,Bekasi Free A 13-year-old child was stripped naked and paraded by residents after he and his friends allegedly stole a jacket from a clothesline in Rawa Bambu Besar, North Bekasi, West Java. We have arrested a 40-year-old suspect [who incited the mob assault], Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr. Indarto said on Friday, as reported by kompas.com, adding that police were searching for two more suspects. Indarto said the incident happened last Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in Rawa Bambu Besar, when the victim was playing with two friends near the perpetrators house. One of his friends reportedly took a jacket belonging to the perpetrator and hanging on a clothesline. That prompted residents to chase the three children. Two of them were caught, while the third one managed to escape. The angry residents stripped naked one of the children in search of possible hidden weapons. The residents said there had been missing cars rearview mirrors and brawls in the neighborhood, and they thought the children were the culprits, Indarto said. The residents beat up the naked child. Later, the residents brought and reported the two children to the local community unit (RW) head, after which the children were returned to their parents. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 10:57 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce5f7a0 1 City #Bekasi,#smuggling,#vehicles,#car,#motorcycle Free A team comprising Indonesian Navy and Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) personnel from the Tanjung Priok naval base intercepted the Fajar Bahari V vessel in Tanjung Karawang waters on Wednesday on suspicion of carrying undocumented goods. When the team's personnel checked aboard the vessel after it docked at Marunda Center Terminal in Bekasi on Thursday, they discovered nine undocumented luxury cars, including a Porsche Turbo S and a BMW, and 18 undocumented motorbikes, including the brands Harley-Davidson, BMW and Honda. We suspected that the vessel carried illegal items and there was suspicion that the crew had smuggled the items from Malaysia, the commander of the Navy's Western Fleet (Armabar), Rear Adm. Yudho Margono, said as quoted by kompas.com. The Porsche was found on a truck and was covered with cardboard boxes containing medical masks. A Porsche Turbo S is hidden on a truck on board of the Fajar Bahari V vessel and is covered with cardboards. (Kompas/Ardito Ramadhan) We assume it was an effort to deceive officials doing the checking, Yudho said. He said potential loss from the alleged smuggling attempt had not been calculated. Jakarta Customs and Excise Office head Oentarto Wibowo said he would tighten monitoring to minimize potential losses to the state because of smuggling attempts. Of course I will instruct my personnel to tighten patrols in the area, he said. Yudho said the skipper had been detained and during preliminary questioning had confessed to smuggling illegal items eight times. The skipper and the vessel owner will be charged for violating laws on sailing and customs. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 17:30 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce7b73c 1 City police,service,illegal-levies Free Police officers have been abusing their power to supplement their income when serving citizens at the Police Integrated Service Centers (SPKT), according to the Ombudsman. Ombudsman commissioner Adrianus Meliala said on Friday that some officers did not make it clear that services at the SPKT were free of charge, while the way they handled the services tended to make citizens feel pressured to give the officers some money. There can be maladministration there. For example, when applicants at the center asked the officers whether there were any charges when reporting stolen goods, some officers responded, 'as much as you are willing [to pay], Adrianus said during a press conference on the Ombudsmans investigation into SPKT services in Jakarta. The Ombudsman investigated SPKT services at 11 police district and subdistrict offices in Jakarta between April 2017 and April 2018. Adrianus said the Ombudsman also found that the services at the centers were not uniform across police offices, as they should be according to Law No. 25/2009 on public services. He said the police had also failed to properly inform the public about the integrated service centers. Jakarta Police regional monitoring inspector Sr. Comr. Komarul Zaman said the police would look into the Ombudsman's findings and reprimand any officers caught charging people illegally. We will also keep informing the public not to give any money to our officers, Komarul said. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Paul Handley and Dave Clark (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Fri, April 13, 2018 07:28 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce55720 2 World #USA,#SecretaryofState,#MikePompeo,#Iran,#NorthKorea,#security Free President Donald Trump's pick to become Washington's top diplomat pledged Thursday to work with US allies to strengthen the Iran deal and played down fears he is bent on regime change in North Korea. Mike Pompeo, the outgoing director of the Central Intelligence Agency, disavowed his reputation as a "war hawk" and an anti-Muslim hardliner as he sought to woo support from senators to become the next US secretary of state. He told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he would restore "swagger" to a State Department left in tatters by Rex Tillerson, and strengthen relations with US partners left ragged after the tumultuous first year of President Donald Trump's administration. Pompeo, a former congressman, emphasized his close relationship with Trump -- something Tillerson never had -- and his time at the CIA, which he said had given him a strong appreciation for the necessity to work closely with foreign partners. He promised to fill scores of unoccupied diplomatic posts, to spend time with the staff and delegate authority, saying current state department staff are "demoralized" and "do not feel relevant." "All of this -- listening, leveraging differences, unleashing talent, teamwork -- will become the fabric of a State Department culture that finds its swagger once again," he said. With a series of tough foreign policy challenges looming, Trump has made the 54- year-old West Point and Harvard Law graduate a key aide for his second year in office, along with fellow arch-conservative John Bolton, who joined the White House this week as the president's national security advisor. Bolton later lavished praise on Pompeo, describing him as a "talented and experienced public servant" as well as a "good friend." "We need him as secretary of state as we support the president and take on some of the toughest foreign policy issues of our time," he said in a statement. In his CIA post, Pompeo has already taken the lead in arranging a potentially breakthrough summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un on denuclearization. The Trump administration also faces crucial decisions on how to react to the use of chemical weapons in Syria, more sanctions on Russia, and a deadline to confirm the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. With a history of provocative statements against Iran, Pompeo's nomination was seen as a sign that Trump's administration intends to rip up the accord. But on Thursday, he strove to emphasize that he would work to "fix" the deal with skeptical European allies by a May 12 deadline. Both France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel are due to visit Washington on separate official visits before May 12, in part to lobby Trump to preserve a deal they see as the best way to stop Tehran getting a nuclear bomb. Pompeo confirmed that as CIA director, he had seen no evidence that Iran had broken its side of the bargain, and believes that Tehran would not be able to quickly develop nuclear weapons should the agreement fail. "I've seen no evidence that they are not in compliance today," he told the committee. "I want to fix this deal. That's the objective." "If there is no chance to fix it, I'll recommend to the president we do our level best to work with our allies to achieve a better outcome and better deal. Even after May 12th, even after May 12th, there's still much diplomatic work to be done." Pompeo -- who once hinted he would not be bothered if North Korea's Kim were assassinated -- was also asked whether he favors US military action to overthrow the nuclear weapon-armed regime in Pyongyang. "I'm not advocating for regime change," he stressed. "I lean more closely to the president's view, which is to continue to pressure the country, to build a diplomatic coalition around the world to put pressure on Kim Jong-un so that we can achieve the United States' goals without ever having to put one of our men or women in harm's way." He was also quizzed on former statements, when he was a congressman from Kansas, that have led him to be cast as anti-Muslim and anti-gay. But he cited his record in the CIA as supporting a diverse workforce, "focusing on mission and demanding that every team member be treated equally and with dignity and respect." After five hours of testimony, though, Pompeo's confirmation by the committee, and then the entire Senate, was not assured, even though his nomination in early 2017 as CIA director passed easily. One Republican senator on the committee, Rand Paul, has declared himself opposed, meaning at least one Democrat will have to cross party lines and support him to see the nomination through to a full vote. But Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican hawk on foreign policy, has said Pompeo would be taking over during a "dangerous" period globally, and that "I think he's the right guy at the right time." A committee vote is expected sometime later this month. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java Fri, April 13, 2018 23:42 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce85290 1 Politics PPP,PPPChairman,PPPChairmanRomahurmuziy,Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,2019-elections,2019-presidential-election,Prabowo-Subianto,hate-speech,SARA Free Underscoring its support for President Joko Jokowi Widodos re-election bid in the 2019 election, the United Development Party (PPP) has said it is ready to counter any hate speech based on ethnic, religious, racial or social group affiliation (collectively referred to in Indonesia by the acronym SARA) that may be directed at the President by political opponents. PPP chairman Romahurmuziy expressed as much at the second Ulema National Working Meeting (Munas) in Semarang on Friday. Pak Jokowi is still often portrayed as a leader who is pro-China and communist and anti-Islam. Ulemas [attending the Munas] have their own perspectives about labels attached to Pak Jokowi. They all agree most of those labels are libellous. What matters now is how we can counter such hate speech and give support [to Jokowi], said Romarhurmuziy. Respect your elders: United Development Party (PPP) chairman Romahurmuziy (left) talks with a notable, charismatic ulema, KH Maemoen Zubair (right), during the Second Ulema National Working Meeting (Munas) in Semarang on Friday. (JP/Suherdjoko) Romahurmuziy said the 2019 presidential election would be a re-match between Jokowi and his strongest contender, Prabowo Subianto. Therefore, we, from PPP, call on all political parties and societal elements to hold a presidential election that is civilized, dignified and free from SARA-related hate speech, said Romahurmuziy. When asked whether he would nominate himself as Jokowis running mate, Romahurmuziy refused to answer. It is up to the partys ulemas to make a decision on that matter, he said. The Munas in Semarang discussed the requirements of figures deemed suitable to run alongside Jokowi as vice-presidential candidates. This will also depend on Pak Jokowi as to whom he deems appropriate to join him, said Romahurmuziy. On Saturday, President Jokowi is scheduled to attend the PPPs 25th anniversary. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 13, 2018 13:55 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce6c13e 1 City police-academy,student,arrest Free The Jakarta Police have arrested a 20-year-old college student suspected of forging a high school diploma he used to apply to Police Academy (Akpol). Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said the student forged his high school diploma so he could be accepted to Akpol. The polices criminal department caught the suspect when he submitted his application documents to the Jakarta Police headquarters in South Jakarta. "[He] wanted to be a police officer, but his grades were below our passing grade, Argo said on Thursday as reported by tempo.co. Argo said the suspect had forged some of his grades so his overall grade would change as well. The suspect consulted with someone on the polices most-wanted list during the forging process. The police confiscated several documents, namely a high school diploma, an academic transcript and an Akpol entrance exam test card. The suspect is charged under Article 263 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) with a maximum penalty of six years in prison. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Reuters) Washington/United Nations Fri, April 13, 2018 15:15 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce754fe 2 World #USA,#USAttackAgainstSyria,#trump,#Syria Free President Donald Trump and his national security aides on Thursday discussed US options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a suspected poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow. Worries about a confrontation between Russia, Syrias big ally, and the West have been running high since Trump said on Wednesday that missiles will be coming in response to the attack in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, and lambasted Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Trump tempered those remarks on Thursday and even as he consulted allies such and Britain and France, who could join in any US-led strikes on Syria, there were signs of efforts to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! Trump wrote on Twitter, raising the prospect that an attack might not be as imminent as he seemed to suggest the day before. Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and no final decision has been made, the White House said in a statement. We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies, it said. Russia deputy PM says international relations should not depend on one person's mood UK should press for UN-led investigation in Syria: opposition leader Corbyn That did not necessarily signal, however, that Trump was cooling to the idea of military action, especially given the high stakes in Syria. US officials noted that Washington was still assessing intelligence and coordinating allies. Trump spoke to British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday and the two leaders talked about the need for a joint response to Syrias use of chemical weapons, the White House said. Mays office said they agreed on the need to deter Assads government from further such attacks. Trump was also due to speak with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France had proof the Syrian government carried out the attack near Damascus, which aid groups have said killed dozens of people, and will decide whether to strike back when all the necessary information has been gathered. We have proof that last week ... chemical weapons were used, at least with chlorine, and that they were used by the regime of Bashar al-Assad, Macron said, without offering details of any evidence. Two US officials familiar with an investigation of samples from Douma and the symptoms of victims said initial indications that a mix of weaponized chlorine gas and sarin were used in the attack appeared to be correct. But US intelligence agencies have not completed their assessment or reached a final conclusion, the officials said. Russia, Syria and its other main backer, Iran, have said reports of the Douma attack were fabricated by rebels and rescue workers and have accused the United States of seeking to use it as a pretext to attack the Syrian government. Russia said it deployed military police in Douma on Thursday after the town was taken over by government forces. They are the guarantors of law and order in the town, RIA news agency quoted Russias defense ministry as saying. There were signs of a global effort to head off a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin said a crisis communications link with the United States, created to avoid an accidental clash over Syria, was in use. Vassily Nebenzia, Moscows ambassador to the United Nations, said he cannot exclude war between the United States and Russia and urged Washington and its allies to refrain from military action against Syria. The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war, he told reporters. We hope there will be no point of no return, the envoy said. A team of experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, was traveling to Syria and will start its investigations on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said. It was not clear whether Trump and US allies would wait for the results of the investigation before deciding on a strike. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress he believed there was a chemical attack in Syria, but added a short while later that the United States had not made any decision to launch military action. He also suggested he was examining ways to prevent any strikes from triggering a broader conflict. I dont want to talk about a specific attack that is not yet in the offing ... This would be pre-decisional, Mattis told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. Moscow is estimated to have dozens of aircraft at its Hmeymim air base in Syria including fighters and bombers, as well as 10 to 15 warships and support vessels in the Mediterranean. The Syrian government and Russian forces in Syria possess truck-mounted surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapons systems. Nervous world stock markets showed signs of recovery after Trumps signal that military strikes might not be imminent. Britains May won backing from her senior ministers to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. May had recalled the ministers from their Easter holiday for the meeting to discuss Britains response to what she has cast as a barbaric attack that cannot go unchallenged. Russian ships had left the Tartus naval base in Syria, Interfax news agency quoted a Russian lawmaker as saying. Vladimir Shamanov, who chairs the defense committee of the lower house, said the vessels had departed the base for their own safety, which was normal practice when there were threats of attack. Any US strike would probably involve the Navy, given the risk to aircraft from Russian and Syrian air defenses. A US guided-missile destroyer, the USS Donald Cook, is in the Mediterranean. Last year, the United States carried out strikes from two Navy destroyers against a Syrian air base after another deadly toxic gas attack on a rebel-controlled area. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung, West Java Fri, April 13, 2018 18:57 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce80ee6 1 Politics West-Java,West-Java-governor-candidate,Deddy-Mizwar,KPI,Indonesian-Broadcasting-Commission,ramadhan,broadcast,broadcasting-commission Free West Java gubernatorial candidate Deddy Mizwar said he hoped a soap opera entitled Cuma di Sini (Only Here), which he plays in, could be broadcast during Ramadhan, which coincides with the gubernatorial election campaign period. Deddy and other contenders are subject to campaign regulations, including Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) Circular No. 68/2018, which prohibit TV stations from airing soap operas, movies and the like starring electoral candidates. Deddy said he hoped all stakeholders, especially the KPI, the General Elections Commission and the Elections Supervisory Body, could discuss the regulation. No party should suffer losses because of the regulation, said the West Java deputy governor on Friday. Deddy questioned the restrictions imposed by the circular. If a regional head candidate who is widely known not to be an actor suddenly stars in a soap opera, clearly he or she wants to take advantage of the soap opera to boost his or her popularity, said Deddy. But you all know that Im an actor and Im already popular. I star in soap operas and movies to earn money for my family. How can they prohibit me from doing my job? said the actor. Deddy said Cuma di Sini was a soap opera full of religious and moral messages that were beneficial for the people. Banning this soap opera will cause losses not only to West Java residents but to all Indonesian people. KIP West Java chairperson Dedeh Fardiah said the implementation of the circular would always be conducted carefully and upon thorough analysis. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Manila Fri, April 13, 2018 14:45 1266 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9ce72922 2 SE Asia #Philippine,#Philippines,#Myanmar,#Duterte,#AungSanSuuKyi,#apology,#genocide Free Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte issued a public apology to Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi Friday, a week after describing the military crackdown on the country's Rohingya minority as a "genocide". Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate, has come in for intense global criticism over her public silence regarding a brutal military crackdown that has forced nearly 700,000 Muslim Rohingya to flee the mainly Buddhist nation for Bangladesh. Duterte's original comments, made in a Manila speech a week ago, were a rare example of public criticism by the head of one Southeast Asian country of another. "I will apologize to you, but if you have noticed, my statement was almost a satire," Duterte told a pre-dawn news conference Friday in the southern city of Davao. He said his original comments were intended as a dig at European countries that have criticised his deadly war on drugs, which has left more than 4,000 suspects dead at the hands of the police in less than two years. Duterte had told government officials in a speech on April 5 that European governments "can't even solve" the problem in Myanmar's Rakhine state. "That's the real genocide, if I may [say] so," he said, while qualifying that he was friends with Myanmar's leader. Duterte also said then that he was "willing to accept refugees" from Myanmar if Europe would take in others displaced there as well. "They keep on criticizing us, Aung [San Suu] Kyi and the others. Now, why did I say that? Madam Chancellor, let me confess to you publicly, I was doing a -- very sarcastic...." Duterte said Friday, his words trailing off. The Philippine foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the apology when sought by AFP. Japan central government and the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectural governments have drawn up a series of measures to limit the number of climbers who scale Mt. Fuji, in a bid to ease congestion on the trails snaking up the World Heritage site. Access to the mountain will not be restricted, and the planned measures center on urging climbers to stagger the dates of their hikes. This has created doubt over whether the planned steps will actually improve climber safety at times when the mountain is especially busy, such as when crowds flock to the summit to watch the sunrise. Spiritual integrity at risk Under the plan, the daily maximum number of climbers on the Yoshida climbing trail from Yamanashi Prefecture will be 4,000, while on the Fujinomiya trail on the Shizuoka side, it will be held to 2,000. Compared with the busiest day recorded during the 2017 summer climbing season, these figures represent a 12 percent drop and a 25 percent drop, respectively. No maximum limits were set for the Gotenba and Subashiri trails, which both start in Shizuoka Prefecture, because high traffic is not expected there. When UNESCO officially designated Mt. Fuji as a World Heritage site in 2013, it also requested conservation measures be taken to protect the mountain. The huge number of pilgrims during the two summer months ... works against the spiritual atmosphere of the mountain, UNESCO explained, indicating the mountains spiritual integrity, an incredibly precious value, could be undermined. The UN body said a visitor management strategy will be drawn up. From 2015 to 2017, both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures analyzed the number of climbers by using GPS and other methods. The prefectures on March 27 determined the steps to be implemented that they would submit to UNESCO by the end of November. The survey took three years, but we gained a clear picture of the targets we need to achieve to eliminate dangerous congestion on the mountain, a confident Shizuoka Gov. Heita Kawakatsu said. The maximums were determined based on the benchmark of having up to 1.25 climbers per square meter on the trails, a criterion both prefectures established was sufficient to prevent climbers from bumping into each other. After considering data that included climber movement patterns based on analyses conducted during the survey, the maximums were set as targets designed to prevent congestion on the Yoshida and Fujinomiya trails. The plan aims to ensure the number of daily climbers exceeds 4,000 for no more than three days on the Yoshida trail, and 2,000 for no more than two days on the Fujinomiya trail during the upcoming summer season, which runs from July to September. Both prefectures explained the first objective is to reduce the number of days with heavy trafffic by about half. No numerical restrictions will be placed on climbers heading up the mountain. A traffic forecast calendar will be released, and climbers will be urged to avoid typically crowded times such as weekends and holidays. It is hoped some climbers will adjust their schedules and scale the mountain when fewer people are expected to be there. However, during the summer of 2017, the Yoshida trail exceeded this maximum figure only for five days, and the Fujinomiya trail only for four days. It is a stretch to say the prefectural governments have laid out lofty goals in terms of climber numbers. This is a really soft tactic. I doubt it will be very effective, said Shigeru Horiuchi, mayor of Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. Traffic peaks around sunrise The biggest problem on the mountain has been potentially dangerous situations when large numbers of climbers assemble near the summit to watch the sunrise. A survey both prefectures conducted in August last year near the eighth and ninth stations around the time dawn broke revealed about 1,600 climbers congregated near the summit over an about three-hour period. The backpacks of climbers who had come to a standstill because of congestion would often come close to making contact with the people behind them, and there were fears climbers could fall over like dominoes. Said Yasuhiko Ota, a 36-year-old climbing guide who plies the Yoshida trail: The mountain trail gets very narrow near the ninth station, so even 1,000 climbers per day creates congestion. The 4,000-person cap is too high. Rock and a hard place So why did the prefectural governments shy away from taking stricter measures? A Yamanashi prefectural government senior official said: It was difficult to strike a balance that would satisfy both the tourism industry and environmental conservationists. We couldnt afford to open that Pandoras box. Mt. Fuji is a precious tourism resource. The amount tourists spent in the neighboring 12 cities, towns and villages near the mountains base totaled about 171.45 billion (US$1.6 billion) on the Yamanashi side in 2016, and about 507.09 billion on the Shizuoka side in fiscal 2016. Kikumi Sasuga, who heads an association of shops and other facilities on Mt. Fujis fifth station, opposes setting any restriction on climber numbers. A daily cap would make climbers hesitate to come, and that would deal our businesses a body blow, said Sasuga, 88. By contrast, Hisao Sugawara, the 74-year-old leader of an association that studies nature on Mt. Fuji, insists such a limit is necessary. The seeds of nonnative plants that had been clinging to climbers shoes have since started growing all over the place, Sugawara said. Restricting access to the mountain is precisely what is needed. Heritage status could be nixed There have been cases overseas in which World Heritage status has been stripped because of failure to comply with requests made by UNESCO. In 2004, the Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany was registered as a World Heritage site as a landscape that fit harmoniously with its baroque buildings. However, when the local government decided to construct a bridge across the river to ease traffic congestion, UNESCO called for the plan to be changed to an underground tunnel. The local authorities did not accept this demand, so five years later the sites registration was withdrawn. If the situation [on Mt. Fuji] doesnt change, I think further action will be required, said Yasuyoshi Okada, a professor at Kokushikan University and deputy chairman of the Japan ICOMOS National Committee, which preserves World Heritage sites. While Mt. Fuji was being considered for World Heritage registration, significant improvements were made in the aspect of environmental protection, such as preventing the dumping of garbage on the mountain. However, how to deal with climber traffic was omitted from the to-do list. Simply responding to the UNESCO requests alone will not be enough to continue the protection of the mountains value into the future. Mt. Fuji, World Heritage site At 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is Japans tallest mountain. It straddles the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. It was registered as a World Heritage site in 2013 in recognition of its spiritual powers, which have been the object of faith for pilgrims, and its impact on the development of Western art through ukiyo-e prints by Katsushika Hokusai and others. Since climber surveys started in 2005, the mountains busiest year was 2010, when about 320,000 visitors hiked up the mountain. In 2017, about 280,000 climbers scaled Mt. Fuji. Designation heading for danger zone? It is not unusual for UNESCO to attach conditions or make requests when registering a new World Heritage site. Take the listing Sites of Japans Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining, which includes the Imperial Steel Works, Japan, in Kitakyushu and the Hashima Coal Mine, commonly known as Gunkanjima (Battleship island), in Nagasaki. When registering these World Heritage sites in 2015, UNESCO called for visitor threshold levels to be established similar to what the U.N. body did when it registered Mt. Fuji. This was mainly to mitigate any potential adverse impact. The central government and local authorities are currently considering their options after examining these issues. If a World Heritage sites value is jeopardized, UNESCO can designate it World Heritage in Danger, which is like a referee issuing a yellow card. The historic center of Vienna was registered as a World Heritage site in 2001, but it was later listed as World Heritage in Danger in 2017 because nearby redevelopment projects were having a negative impact on the environment and streetscape. As of 2017, 38 cultural sites and 16 natural sites were deemed to be in danger. UNESCOs World Heritage Committee will examine the steps taken to control the number of climbers on Mt. Fuji. An official of the Cultural Affairs Agencys Monuments and Sites Division said: At the moment, we dont know how these steps will be assessed. Its possible UNESCO might make additional requests. The idyllic island of Gili Trawangan in North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, is considered a paradise by many visitors. As one of the three famous Gili islands alongside Air and Meno, it offers beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and stunning underwater scenery. However, Gili Trawangans growing fame has also created environmental issues with tourists reporting sightings of piles of garbage, tarnishing the splendor of the island. On average, 2,600 visitors, both domestic and international, visit Gili Trawangan every day according to North Lombok administration data last year. Visitors and inhabitants of the island, included in the Gili Indah village administration of Pemenang district, produced up to 10 tons of waste every day, with most ending up in a temporary 22,000-square-meter dump site on the island, Gili Indah village chief M. Taufik said. While the waste from Gili Meno and Gili Air is transported to a dump site on the Lombok mainland, the same does not apply for Gili Trawangan, which produces more waste than its neighbors. We have limited transportation facilities and the costs are higher to transport waste from Gili Trawangan to Lombok, he said. The dump site area, called bangketan locally, used to be located on the opposite side of the island to the many hotels. However, as the hospitality industry grew, the dump site was moved closer to hotels and residential areas. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili islands, also has a larger population and more tourist facilities, including hotels, cafes and bars spread across the 338 hectare Island. Of the 3,900 local residents of Gili Indah Village, 75 percent reside on Gili Trawangan. More than 200 hotels and 150 restaurants operate on the island. During peak holiday seasons like Christmas and New Year, up to 20 tons of waste can be produced on the island per day. Andy Hanuri, the manager of the four-star Villa Bella Trawangan, noted that the garbage issues had started to concern visitors in 2015 when some of his guests begun asking him and complaining about the garbage left unattended at the dump site. Andy said the islands business players did not mind paying for better waste management. However, he insisted that the fees needed to be based on a clear regulation first, as he recalled that a local official had been arrested by police in 2016 for allegedly embezzling money collected for waste management. The environment, housing and residential area head of the North Lombok regency, Rusdi, said the administration had acknowledged the waste management issue and had begun preparing a solution. The provincial administration, through his office, had acquired a 6,000-sqm-area on Gili Trawangan that would be turned into an integrated waste management center. The province has allocated Rp 4 billion (US$290,465) for the project. We have also received assistance from the Public Works and Housing Ministry to procure the facilities needed for the waste center, he said adding that the center was expected to be completed this year. Once completed, the center will be used to recycle local garbage into various useful products, while organic waste will be processed into fertilizer. The remaining unused garbage will be transported from the island to a final dump site. The administration has also issued a new regulation on waste management this year to provide the legal basis for the collection of fees from businesses and residents to manage waste. Coordinator of global movement Trash Hero Rima Agustina said it was too simplistic to blame tourism alone. From a tourists perspective, waste management is a local issue. Tourism has contributed to the mounting trash problem, but in the end, it is [poor] local waste management that has caused the trash to end up on the beach, she said. West Nusa Tenggara has become one of the countrys rising stars for tourism, having received support from the central government to boost its numbers of foreign visitors. However, growing tourism has also contributed to environmental problems, with the influx of visitors leading to greater amounts of waste. The tourism industry in Bali, Indonesias most famous resort island, has faced scrutiny following the circulation of a viral video made by a foreign tourist that highlighted the islands chronic garbage problems. The video shows a diver was swimming in a sea of plastic rubbish. Sita W. Dewi contributed to this story from Jakarta Sipping a glass of wine can be enjoyed on many different types of social occasions, from casual gatherings and romantic dates to special celebrations. The capital city is home to numerous spots boasting respectable wine collections that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their well-designed premises. VIN+ Kemang The collection at VIN+. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Situated in Jakarta's nightlife hub of Kemang, VIN+ offers a unique layout. After starting out as a wine retail store 14 years ago, now it also hosts a cafe, as well as a bar and restaurant, offering live musical performances in the evenings. With its wide range of dining options, VIN+ is open from breakfast at 8 a.m. until late supper at 2 a.m. Where: Jl. Kemang Raya No. 45B, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730 Crowd: Professionals, often those in their 30s. Wear: Smart casual Music: The bar hosts a live band and DJ after 9 p.m., with different genres playing each day, such as Top 40 music, classic rock, alternative and local. A DJ performs VIN+. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Taste: Head chef Deni Sugiarto created the menu, which emphasizes Asian-fusion cuisine designed to be paired well with its wine collection. Highlight dishes include roast chicken breast with kecombrang (torch ginger) chili, buttermilk fried chicken, galbi Korean-style BBQ beef ribs, tuna tartare and tapas. For drinks, a light option is the white-wine sangria, which is infused with a tropical touch as it is served with a stick of lemongrass and pieces of apple and orange. An assortment of Asian fusion cuisine VIN+. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Quirks: The restaurant occasionally holds wine-dinner pairing events, which aims to educate diners on all matters related to wine. Spend: Rp 300,000 to 400,000 for dinner and wine per person Read also: Jakpost Nightlife: Must-try beerhouses Cork & Screw Andry, the runner-up in the 2017 Best Indonesian Sommelier, is the resident expert at Cork & Screw. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Located inside the Pacific Place shopping mall in SCBD, Cork & Screw offers a rich wine experience, complete with an in-house sommelier to help you choose from their extensive collection. The restaurant also boasts delectable dishes to complete a satisfying wining and dining experience. Where: Pacific Place, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 52-53, RT.5/RW.3, Senayan, Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190 Crowd: On weekdays, visitors mostly consist of an after-work crowd. On weekends, the crowd is more varied, with those in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Wear: Smart casual Music: The restaurant mostly plays ambient music. There is a DJ that plays three times a week - Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays - in the evenings at 9 p.m. Taste: The restaurant's flavorful food selection was created by chef Fernando Sindu. To accompany your wine, the recommended items on the menu can be found in the tapas section. Must try dishes include the sizzling prawns, tuna tataki and Balinese chicken skewers. A selection of tapas at Cork & Screw. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Quirks: Andry, an award-winning sommelier and 2017 Best Indonesian Sommelier runner-up, is available to help you select your wine. Andry is ready to guide, loaded with history and information to support your choice. Visit the Vintage Room upstairs, where a wide range of bottles are available, including an extensive French Grand Cru collection with five famous First Growth wines from Bordeaux, namely from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Haut Brion and Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Cork & Screw offers First Growth wines from Bordeaux. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Spend: Approximately Rp 500,000 per person for a dining experience, including an alcoholic beverage. Read also: Jakpost Nightlife: Asian-inspired bars Bacco Bacco restaurant and bar. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Bacco is a bar and restaurant located inside Lotte Shopping Avenue in South Jakarta. Presenting a more relaxed setting, visitors can enjoy wholesome foods such as pastas and ribs while taste testing various wines. Its unique enomatic machine allows diners to try wines in smaller portions at a more affordable price. At any time, there are 32 bottles ready to dispense sip portions of 25 ml, with certain selections starting at Rp 16,000, and full glasses of 150 ml starting at Rp 99,000. Where: Lotte Shopping Avenue Main Lobby LG-38, Jl. Professor Doktor Satrio Kav. 3-5, Karet Kuningan, RT.18/RW.4, Karet Kuningan, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12940 Crowd: 20s to 40s Sangria by Bacco. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Wear: Smart casual Music: Varies from Top 40 music to alternative rock Taste: Chef Chandra Yudaswara has been curating the menu at Bacco for almost five years. Special dishes include the salmon carpaccio and, for a more filling meal, the angel hair barramundi. Meat lovers can enjoy a succulent dish of smoked, tender and superbly marinated beef ribs. Those with a sweet tooth have the option of finishing off their meal with a passion fruit and cheese mousse dessert. Highlight dishes at Bacco (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Quirks: In addition to its approach to serve affordable wine, Bacco is also a retail store that offers a wide range of drinks, from spirits to wines. Those who want to open a bottle of spirit on the premises but not finish it in one sitting have the option to store the bottle for up to three months to be served during their visits. Unique cocktails on offer at Bacco. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) Spend: Approximately Rp 450,000 to Rp 500,000 per person for lunch or dinner. (wng) This is a video of two first names Grand Rapids, Michigan meteorologist Garry Frank ranting to his co-anchors because they always complain about the cold forecast. And they deserve it too because 1) Garry doesn't make the weather, he just reports it and 2) YOU LIVE IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN. What the hell do you expect? I'm sorry, but I don't think I can trust a news anchor who lives in Grand Rapids and complains about the cold like they expect it to be sunny and 75 every day. You just don't have a good head on your shoulders. Me? I have a DECENT head on my shoulders. "It's big." It is big. Keep going for the video. Thanks to Miranda, who agrees somebody needs to tell these news anchors about Florida and southern California. This is a video from Dallas, Texas of a cement company who repairs a patch in a parking lot, but fails to put up barricades until after a car drives right through it. That was your bad. The video is way better than the gif though because the guy filming and his buddy's commentary and laughter is very value-add. Plus after the incident one of the workers throws his construction hat before angrily putting the barricades up. I don't even work for a cement company but PROTIP: You should have done that earlier. Keep going for the video while I admit it does take a special kind of person to drive through what clearly appears to be wet cement with a bunch of cement equipment sitting nearby. Thanks to Andy, who agrees he should have jumped it Dukes Of Hazzard style. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. Please check our main navigation pages for other content: Home Page iStock/Thinkstock(JERSEY CITY, N.J.) -- A New Jersey prosecutor is pleading for help to find the identify of a baby girl who was found dead in a suitcase near train tracks earlier this week. A Port Authority employee found the infant's remains in a suitcase near train tracks in Jersey City mid-day Wednesday, just a few miles away from lower Manhattan, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. The baby's cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, Suarez said. A preliminary medical examiner's report did find that the infant was either Hispanic or African-American and about 10 months old, Suarez said. Investigators urge anyone with information to call the Prosecutor's Homicide Unit at 201-915-1345. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Which moment from a comic this week caught your interest? Moment and Indie Moment of the Month for March have begun! Vote now or forever hold your peace!!! Your WINNER for MOMENT OF THE WEEK 4/4/18: "#$%& me." - Amazing Spider-Man #798 This thread will contain SPOILERS!!! And lots of them. If you haven't read this week's comics yet, go read them before continuing into this thread, or risk being spoiled! PLEASE NOTE!!!!!! ]Remember to include the title and issue number of the comic you are nominating. Otherwise I will be forced to disqualify your nomination, and nobody wants that! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Rules: 1. Each nomination must be a moment in a comic released the week of the thread. This does not include weekly previews, trade paperbacks, or back issue digests. For new comics check out Midtown Comics release dates. 2. Everyone can make ONE nomination. You can either nominate a moment yourself or second/third/fourth/fifth an already existing nomination. However, second/third/fourth/fifth will not count per nominating and thus earn entry above in Top Nominations. You want in that list you must nominate something. 3. It must be an actual moment involving the actions or statements of a comic character in an issue. No "This writer returns to the series", "this artist draws this character", "the book is better", etc. 4. If you want to change your nomination, there are a few factors involved: ---> A) No one can have seconded your nom. ---> B) If it is clear for you to change your nom, you must edit your original post or the new post will be disqualified as being a double nomination. ---> C) You can change your second, third, etc. by editing your original post before the nomination period ends. Moments on the poll do not have to be seconded. If there is room in the poll, moments that were nominated but not seconded will be added based on the order they were nominated. 6. Again, please be specific on the comic title, issue number and moment. Also be clear that you are actually nominating or seconding something ... statements such as "Yeah, that was a cool moment" aren't clear. You must nominate a single moment in the comic and can't nominate the whole issue. Once more, if you dont include the issue and number the moment will not be included. 7. The thread for nominations will go up on Wednesday (new comic day) at 11:00 PM (Central) or when Zechs arrives later that night and posts in the previous week thread announcing voting is closed. The nominations will go until 2:00 PM (Central Time) Sunday Afternoon, or whenever Zechs arrives and will post in the thread stating, Its over. and will start the poll. If a new comic day falls on a holiday week in American, then the thread will be made for that day (be it Tuesday or Thursday). Regardless, nominations will STILL conclude on Saturday deadline. 8. Please be civil when commenting on other people's nominations. But feel free to discuss them in this thread. 9. In case there is debate on WHEN exactly a title came out, http://www.midtowncomics.com or the official websites of said publishers (be it Marvel, DC, Darkhorse, etc.) will be the final word on the quarrel. 10. Any nominations not following the above rules will be disqualified. Unless of course if Zechs, who is feeling sad for the person who missed the rule and might give them time to provide the correction. Then he will pester bk into putting the nomination in the poll. Of course this wouldnt be a problem if Zechs wasnt granted the glorious powers of a moderator, which one day such power will be Zechs, oh yes they will his. 11. If at five nominations are not made, Zechs will choose some, but they will all count as one nomination, not multiple thus making sure balance is preserved. 12. AKA the Rulk rule. If several moments are tied past the deadline of 11:00 PM (Central Time) Wednesday (or holiday date when new comics arrive in the US) or when Zechs arrives that night, then voting will continue on in sudden death for eight more hours, until one is decided. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE. If one isnt still decided, then Zechs will provide the deciding vote, regardless if he has voted already. So if that isn't enough reason to get a ton of votes on that additional day than you're just dooming yourself to give Zechs another vote. 13. AKA the Hobgoblin rule. Roderick Kingsley Hobgoblin moments when winning for three days straight automatically win the poll. No last day or second voting changes it to troll the ruler of this thread. Only ONE can rule as the Moment of the Week! Top Ten Nominators of All Time... 1.) GLX- (453 Nominations) 2.) Zechs- (445 Nominations) 3.) e_galston- (202 Nominations) 4.) IvCNuB4 - (176 Nominations) 5.) Johnny Smith (174 Nominations) 6.) Kravis (145 Nominations) 7.) Stephen Day- (126 Nominations) 8.) blcdude (109 Nominations) 9.) rdrsfn82- (102 Nominations) 10.) fieldy RICHARDS- (93 Nominations) Honorable Mentions Porcelain38- (92 Nominations) Starlord- (81 Nominations) HNutz (81 Nominations) Nicola Marshall (64 Nominations) God-Man (63 Nominations) BubbaKanoosh- (57 Nominations) DudeistMonk (56 Nominations) Greg- (52 Nominations) Knuckles McSmasher- (44 Nominations) doombug - (43 Nominations) 48THRiLLS- (40 Nominations) Demarcoa (39 Nominations) SilverPhoenix (34 Nominations) guitarsmashley (34 Nominations) TimDrake'sDumbWings- (30 Nominations) Amoebas (30 Nominations) Chap22- (28 Nominations) Mr. Batman- (27 Nominations) Dragavon- (27 Nominations) locuas (26 Nominations) karmakaze (26 Nominations) VinnyPic- (25 Nominations) jephd (25 Nominations) Flynn the Pirate (21 Nominations) habitual- (19 Nominations) Grayson (19 Nominations) Agent Panic (18 Nominations) nietoperz (18 Nominations) PaulSebert (18 Nominations) Glacier16 (18 Nominations) Punchy- (16 Nominations) MrBlack (16 Nominations) OneWhoIsAll (15 Nominations) capjr (12 Nominations) ThatRomanGuy (12 Nominations) MistaT- (12 Nominations) ChurchHatesTucker (12 Nominations) Belle-Tain Summer (13 Nominations) senwolf (12 Nominations) PatricioUPMA (11 Nominations) GOFM - (10 Nominations) Duck Punch (10 Nominations) Peter Parker (10 Nominations) SuperSoldier Washout (9 Nominations) The Great Ghostman (9 Nominations) Octacon (8 Nominations) alaska1125 (8 Nominations) HED (8 Nominations) gavincantdraw (8 Nominations) MarcianTobay (8 Nominations) eypcrew2- (7 Nominations) CammyKnoxville (7 Nominations) Skyrider (7 Nominations) Eli Katz (7 Nominations) Flamebird (7 Nominations) pat (6 Nominations) TheSecondLex (6 Nominations) Juan Cena (6 Nominations) Kid Impulse- (5 Nominations) XtremeX- (5 Nominations) Mammon, Fool Breaker (5 Nominations) Stalzer2002 (5 Nominations) Sully85 (5 Nominations) C-Matty- (4 Nominations) Dum Dum Dugan- (4 Nominations) AMS (4 Nominations) Dalarsco- (4 Nominations) GHERU (4 Nominations) jethawk (4 Nominations) Chessack (4 Nominations) MarvelFan88 (4 Nominations) Earth-2 NoctourneM (4 Nominations) Ben- (3 Nominations) McKeagan- (3 Nominations) carl999- (3 Nominations) Alex Delarge- (3 Nominations) MrWadeWilsonHimself (3 Nominations) pat (3 Nominations) blastmaster (3 Nominations) thefourthman (3 Nominations) BlueKitKat (3 Nominations) americanslime (3 Nominations) SolRey34 (3 Nominations) GOSD- (3 Nominations) MysticKnightJoe (3 Nominations) GratefulFred- (2 Nominations) statnut- (2 Nominations) Dooz - (2 Nominations) Jack Burton- (2 Nominations) Zenguru- (2 Nominations) God Impulse2k1 (2 Nominations) skywatcher (2 Nominations) avengingtitan (2 Nominations) Rebis (2 Nominations) Justin M. Campbell (2 Nominations) PhoenixEquinox (2 Nominations) Timbales (2 Nominations) dairydead (2 Nominations) Lord Solaris (2 Nominations) Aeon Flux (2 Nominations) PinkDaddy (2 Nomination) Ntikrst (2 Nominations) Jude Terror (2 Nominations) Major Tool (2 Nominations) LoatheMe (2 Nominations) Richie Heap (2 Nominations) Chicanery (2 Nominations) syxxpakk (2 Nominations) batarang614 (2 Nominations) Arkanian (2 Nominations) Fifthletter (2 Nominations) ObsceneBinary (2 Nominations) Josh Hartung (2 Nominations) TurboSmurf (2 Nominations) Randy Robertson (2 Nominations) Peter-J-DeadPoole (2 Nominations) GiveWaraChance (2 Nominations) Guderian- (1 Nomination) Black Kryptonite- (1 Nomination) Colonel Angus- (1 Nomination) barrylincoln - (1 Nomination) Dooz Ex Machina- (1 Nomination) Thrillhouse- (1 Nomination) Chesscub- (1 Nomination) TheyShouldBeTheBats- (1 Nomination) The Bass (1 Nomination) GOD Impulse- (1 Nomination) Deadfett (1 Nomination) amalah6 (1 Nomination) Miracloman (1 Nomination) Alex Delarge (1 Nomination) blastmaster (1 Nomination) Jonathan (1 Nomination) NeverReady ( 1 Nomination) DOOP SPEAK (1 Nomination) BlueStreak (1 Nomination) mrorangesoda - (1 Nomination) BAMJoe (1 Nomination) False Prophet (1 Nomination) xaraan (1 Nomination) Holland Oats (1 Nomination) bkthomson (1 Nomination) hatmasta (1 Nomination) TheSecondLex (1 Nomination) Pink Daddy (1 Nomination) Sunless (1 Nomination) Jim Gramm (1 Nomination) tomc (1 Nomination) John Condor (1 Nomination) B1CaNobody (1 Nomination) Socky (1 Nomination) bluemanhattangroup (1 Nomination) TimH (1 Nomination) Bilal Khawaja (1 Nomination) Scintillant-H (1 Nomination) Arkanian (1 Nomination) the_isolator (1 Nomination) Arkanian (1 Nomination) Manuel Prez (1 Nomination) Ameht Dominguez (1 Nomination) James Burke (1 Nomination) Sporkbot (1 Nomination) agf029 (1 Nomination) jay042 (1 Nomination) Draco X (1 Nomination) Hall of Shame sdsichero (-1 Nomination) John Lewis Hawk (-25 Nominations) For Subscribers 50 Years: Watertown High School's boys golf team chasing first state title since 1971 Neither Watertown High School boys golf coach Corey Neale nor the teams veteran leaders Jake Olson and Kaden Rylance claim to know much about the history of schools program. By Zoe Fruchter fruchter@grinnell.edu In the basement of the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, within a maze of whitewashed hallways, lies the Grinnell College Costume Studio. This hidden on-campus gem gets students fitted for various theater and dance productions. It features shelves of multi-colored fabrics, notions and threads and is organized by the steady hand of Costume Studio Supervisor and Resident Costume Designer Erin Howell-Gritsch. As studio supervisor, Howell-Gritsch manages the volumes of fabric and clothing needed to produce each season of shows at the College. Her tasks include ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, organizing the costume spaces two storage rooms, the studio, makeup room and three dressing rooms and supervising student staff. In her role as resident costume designer, Howell-Gritsch designs costumes for all of the mainstage productions and assists with student MAPs and class projects. I read the play several times, do any necessary research and render (draw) any costumes that I will build, wrote Howell-Gritsch in an email to The S&B. I usually dont render contemporary shows as I might want a mens blue suit, for instance, and it really isnt necessary [to render] in order to communicate with the rest of the team. I choose all fabrics, trims, notions, etc. and decide what each character/performer will wear. I do all of the shopping and sourcing of rentals. The process of putting on a mainstage production is intensely collaborative. I work with the other designers and the director to make sure the show has a cohesive look and all of us are working toward the same goal, Howell-Gritsch wrote. We have weekly production meetings to discuss any changes, progress, problems. I work closely with the stage manager to schedule fittings for each performer. Jamie Friedman 20 began working at the costume shop after performing in theater and dance shows. She noted that she saw an entirely different side of productions working from behind the scenes. Its interesting to see how all the different parts of the theater department work together to make a show, and how many people are involved. The costumes department has to be very aware of how the stage will be set up, what the lighting will be, how long each actor has to change between scenes, and a bunch of other details, Friedman wrote in an email to The S&B. Yet even with such a collaborative process, Howell-Gritsch, who is employed only part time by the College, is often overloaded come performance season. It is very difficult to fit everything in. I need to be really organized and have my days planned out for the most part. I do most of the shopping on my own time, Howell-Gritsch wrote. The busiest time in the shop is usually when we are just a few weeks out from performance, because of the fittings. If I am building many of the costumes, every week is busy just trying to get them done. I like to think of myself as a master multitasker. Howell-Gritschs mastery of multi-tasking comes from years of experience. She holds an MFA in theater design from the University of Iowa, a degree she decided to pursue after falling in love with costume designing while working for Ballet Iowa right out of college. It was at Ballet Iowa that she worked with Erik Sanning, Grinnell Colleges technical director, who recommended she come to Grinnell in April of 1999 as a guest designer. Friedman spoke to Howell-Gritschs width of experience and knowledge. Erin also really gets to know everyone who works for her and cares about our lives and opinions. Shes been working at Grinnell for almost 20 years so she has a lot of knowledge on not just costumes, but the whole department, Friedman wrote. By Samantha Stagg staggsam@grinnell.edu On Tuesday, April 10, Allie Kieffer 08, assistant professor of musicology at Rice University and a Grinnell College alumna, visited the College to hold a lecture titled Inharmonious Bells: Materialities of Listening in Ravels La Vallee des cloches. Kieffer did not always want to pursue a career in the realm of music. In fact, when she first arrived at Grinnell she was planning to go to law school. One of her favorite classes was on political theory. It was amazing. It just, like, opened up my mind to all sorts of new ways of thinking about texts and how ideas change over time. That was a really important class, she said. However, as she began playing piano more seriously and started taking advantage of Grinnells open curriculum, with classes in philosophy and English, Kieffer realized she had other interests. But her classes in political science continued to serve her well. The skills she learned in the political theory course translated into thinking about the historical side of music and how ideas about music have changed over time. A lot of the skills that I learned in that class I think set me up really well for everything Ive done since then, she said. When she first decided to be a music major, Kieffer still thought she would apply to law school. But her numerous humanities classes and love of piano drew her further and further away from law. It was a gradual transformation, Kieffer reflected. By the beginning of her senior year, she knew music history was her calling, and began applying to music grad schools instead of law schools. Professor Eugene Gaub, music, remembers what Kieffer was like as a student. I remember Allie as an excellent pianist but her true gift was for writing. Her paper for my Mozart opera seminar was just phenomenal: Mozarts Exalted Style: Forgiveness, Entreaty and the Construction of Human Power Relationships. I couldnt get to sleep after reading it. Her work spoke for itself, he said. Kieffer went on to obtain a doctorate from Yale University and a post-doctoral fellowship at Stanford. She also has a book contract with Oxford University Press. Gaub attributes Kieffers mountain of success to all her hard work. He understands that talent and luck have their place in her story, but sustained effort over a long period of time was the key. Gaub believes current students at Grinnell can look to Kieffers successes as inspiration. She is a terrific role model for Grinnell students, Gaub said. Hard work does pay off. Kieffers lecture explored the use of bell sounds in French composer Maurice Ravels piano music. She hopes students who attended learned how music is deeply connected with the context in which it was born. There are a lot of cool ways to think about music history. There are tons and tons of ways that music is intersecting with the historical world that its in, she said. To current Grinnell students thinking of majoring in music, Kieffer offers this insight: You can do a lot of things with a music major. You dont have to do what I did. I think there are a lot of ways that a music major can cultivate skills that are really useful and life enriching. It can be a really exciting major. It can set people up really well for all sorts of things in life. By Emma Friedlander friedlan@grinnell.edu Roxane Gay is undoubtedly one of the most prominent and influential writers working today. Her novels, short stories, essays, blogs and tweets provide critical examination of Blackness, queerness, feminism, human bodies and more, earning her spots on the New York Times bestsellers list and a devoted fan base. Last Friday, April 6, Grinnellians got the opportunity to hear Gay speak about these topics firsthand, as she was interviewed in Harris Cinema by Professor Alissa Nutting, English, one of Gays close friends. The event was part of the Writers@Grinnell series and featured questions submitted by students, faculty and other visiting writers. The Q&A at Grinnell College occurred in the midst of the release of Unruly Bodies, a popup magazine on Medium that Gay curated. Unruly Bodies features essays by 25 writers including Gay and will release new content every Tuesday throughout the month of April on Medium.com. Late last year, Medium approached me and said, We would love for you to curate a popup magazine. They gave me a budget that was going to allow me to pay writers real money, so I was really thrilled, Gay said about the origin of Unruly Bodies. I thought it would be great to continue the conversation I contributed to in Hunger about living in a human body in a world that has very rigid rules about what a human body should look like, and how it should move through the world. I approached 24 writers and gave them the same prompt, which is, what does it mean to live in an unruly body? It was just really wonderful to see what the writers did with that prompt. Theres no overlap. Human bodies that defy societys standards have been a prominent topic in many of Gays works. Besides Unruly Bodies, her nonfiction book Hunger and short story collection Difficult Women explore both the reality of female bodies and the expectations projected upon them. Naturally, then, bodies were a major topic of conversation at last Fridays Q&A especially bodies as a site of resistance. We use our bodies as sites of resistance in a lot of different ways. How we present our bodies, where we place our bodies. Its actually some of the most important work that we do, and it often goes the most unacknowledged, Gay said. Im the only Black faculty member many of my students are going to have [at Purdue University]. I know that by placing my body in an inhospitable climate, I am committing an act of resistance. I think its important, but I think we also have to consider the toll that it takes. Gay and Nuttings shared love for tattoos led to eager discussion on how getting inked can serve as an act of resistance, especially for women. When we tattoo ourselves, we ruin something, because were supposed to be an unblemished canvas that you can project your bullshit onto. Its very frustrating, Gay said. I got most of my tattoos when I was 19. I thought the best thing I could do for my future career prospects is get tattoos that are large and dark on my forearms. I was so right! I was very alienated from my body, I was having a mental breakdown and had run away from college and was not speaking to anyone in my family. I just wanted to do something with my body that was my choice. Gays alienation from her body was largely related to being gang raped at the age of 12, a trauma she reflects on in Hunger. Gays own relationship to writing about sex, sexual violence and consent is complicated. She related that she goes with her gut feeling when determining how to write about these topics, and errs on the side of not sharing too much. In the stories in Difficult Women, there is a lot of sexual violence, she said. I think the reality is that in life, the lines are blurred between consent and a lack of consent. Thats what makes so many conversations around sexual violence difficult, because we just dont have a clear understanding of what consent looks like and what consent feels like. I try to explore that in my writing. For myself, my guideline is always dont sensationalize it. I never describe any of the assault scenes. Because I just dont feel like you need to put that into the world. Our imaginations are horrifying enough to fill in those blanks. A contributor to so many contemporary literary conversations, Gay is far from working in a vacuum. As demonstrated by her curating of Unruly Bodies, Gay is committed to collaborating with and supporting other writers, especially Black and queer writers, as well as drawing inspiration from them. I love Zadie Smith, who is just incredibly intelligent, Gay said on the British writer who delivered Grinnells commencement address in 2016. She takes risks. She says unpopular things sometimes and awkward things and things I find to be completely wrong-headed, but she says them really well. You can tell that shes someone that puts in the work and really cares about a life of the mind. Gay also shared the books and authors she is currently reading in celebration of Blackness and queerness. These include the works of Samantha Irby, who will visit Grinnell next year, along with An American Marriage by Tayari Jones and The Recovering by Leslie Jamison. By Chloe Wray wraychlo@grinnell.edu On April 7, Iowa State Senator Tim Kapucian and Representative Dave Maxwell met with their constituents in Grinnell for the third and final Legislative Coffee, hosted by Grinnells League of Women Voters. The state legislature is scheduled to end its session on April 17, its 100th day in session, when the per-diem payment of legislators will expire. However, the legislature may go into over-time if bills still on the floor are not resolved by the deadline. With the session ending, constituents expected an opportunity to let their legislators know what concerns they had over bills still on the senate and house floors. However, a presentation by Jerry Foxhoven, Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), delayed audience questions. Senator Kapucian invited Foxhoven to speak in Grinnell after receiving several questions about Medicaid and the DHS budget at both the Feb. 3 and March 3 Legislative Coffees. When we get a question from a constituent, we go to our staff people, and then they go to the Department of Human Services. So, Id like to get everybody connected directly to the people that can help them. I dont want to have anything lost in translation, Kapucian said as he introduced Foxhoven. Foxhoven assumed the role of director in June, after Iowas Medicaid system had already been privatized and put in the hands of managed care operations. Foxhoven spoke for half an hour, focusing on the positives of the switch to MCOs, citing the low numbers of complaints received by DHS as evidence of success. They used to talk about saving you money, thats kind of the wrong discussion. Its about sustainability [so that] 20 years from now were still able to provide that care, Foxhoven said. Some attendees did not share Foxhovens positive outlook. If you asked anybody who takes care of patients if it was a good idea to privatize Medicaid all at once, everybody said no, this is a bad idea, said Laura Ferguson, lifelong Grinnell resident and family physician. Now we are left with this debacle that doesnt seem to be getting better on the ground. When the governor says theres been a few bumps in the road, and you say its been a little rough, that undervalues the lived experiences of my patients that cant get care. Foxhovens response to Fergusons comment acknowledged mistakes made, but he stated that he prefers not to dwell on the past. Currently, rather than try to change the states Medicaid system, which depends on managed care organizations, Foxhoven is awaiting the next federal budget from President Trump. A new federal budget would likely necessitate changes to Iowas Department of Human Services own budget, bringing about changes to the system. Im going to push back a little bit on this not looking back to the mistakes that were made, because those mistakes had costs, said Kirsten Klepfer, a member of Capstone Behavioral Healthcares Board of Directors. Those [mistakes] have costs to a community mental health center that is serving the community people well and in a financially sustainable way. The cost of those mistakes is threatening that. Foxhoven reiterated the need for more money to fix problems. Well be asking for more money just to provide the benefits we need to provide, a lot more money, he said. After Foxhovens presentation and the questions directed at him filled the hour that was allotted for the event, Emily Guenther 07 requested that the legislators stay an extra half hour to answer questions that did not relate to DHS. Senator Kapucian and Representative Maxwell agreed, answering several questions, two of which referenced proposed budgets and questioned tax cuts. The legislators asserted several times that, nearing the end of session, it is hard to know how current bills will play out. When we come into session, I dont know what is going to happen and now Im almost in the dark towards the end of session, Kapucian said. The Iowa State Legislatures session is scheduled to end April 17. State primaries will be held on June 5, although Maxwell is running unopposed and Kapucian is not up for re-election. General elections will be held on Nov. 6. By Wini Austin austinwi@grinnell.edu On April 11 at 7 p.m. in JRC 204, the Grinnell Campus Democrats gathered for a night of political organizing as part of their preparation for upcoming primaries. The group held a phone bank to reach out to registered Democrats in Black Hawk County, notifying them of an event being put on by the Iowa Democratic Party (IDP) called Win in 2018: Building the Blue Wave in Black Hawk Community. The event takes place on April 18 in Waterloo, Iowa. It is part of the partys initial preparation for the upcoming primaries and federal election. At the event, they will focus on how to organize teams, register voters and improve voter turnout for the midterm election this year, said Allie Pearce 20, an intern for the IDP. The event, intended for active or interested members of the Democratic party in the Black Hawk area, is not specifically centered on the upcoming June primary. For that reason, it wasnt an ultra-important event, but of course it is always important to recruit and work with potential volunteers in the long-term, Pearce said. Pearce is involved in recruitment for a similar event in Linn county, happening on April 19. The outcome of the 2018 midterm elections could be a turning point in national politics, with the Democrats hoping to take back control of Congress. With no state-wide federal election in Iowa, the attention of state Republicans and Democrats are on the congressional and gubernatorial races. The state party is working on building our volunteer base as early as possible, because we wont have the same focus that we normally do as a state, said Austin Wadle 18 of Campus Democrats, Without a Senate race, the IDP is faced with less out-of-state funding. The state party is taking this as an opportunity to focus in on how we build locally and sustainably, Wadle said. At the events in Black Hawk and Linn, IDP members will be helping registered Democrats who hold community leadership positions and have wide social reach to access those networks. Leading up to the June primary, this will translate into get-out-the-vote efforts, voter registration and vote-by-mail processes. Tuesdays phone bank was part of this effort. The events in Black Hawk and Linn are organized by the IDP, but Campus Democrats are lending a hand to the party by expanding support networks and getting involved in areas outside of Grinnell. The group is currently engaged in several efforts to promote student political participation in this pivotal election year. Throughout the week, members of the Campus Democrats tabled in the JRC to encourage student voter registration. Additionally, the group will be having an early voting location on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in JRC 101. Thats one of the best opportunities for students to participate in the primary, because we have some really contested primaries, especially on the Democratic side, Wadle said. Grinnell is located in Iowas first congressional district, a Democratic-leaning district where Tea Party Republican Rod Blum currently holds office. Four Democrats are running against Blum for a congressional seat. Six Democratic candidates are in the race for governor. Unsurprisingly, the IDP is energized. We see the potential for a large democratic swing and the opportunity to pick up a bunch of seats, but it requires hard work. That will not be enough, especially in districts where we live in, it matters that we are focusing on our students, Wadle continued. The Campus Democrats promote beginning civic engagement early. Getting registered and taking the time to vote in local and statewide elections give students a stronger voice in politics. While some candidates may have more financial power, according to Wadle, Money can only go so far, at the end of the day its about vote totals, and students are big part of that vote total. Emma Friedlander friedlan@grinnell.edu Last Saturday, April 7, students Nomalanga Shields 18 and Juliet Torres 19 and Professors Deborah Michaels and Stephanie Jones, both education, hosted the first Racing Iowa Conference at Grinnell. The conference aimed to provide students of color with skills for leadership and professional development, and was funded with a grant from the Grinnell Innovation Fund. The organizers believe that while Grinnell College is abound with professional development opportunities, these programs and resources do not always account for the needs of students of color. In the past Ive been to a lot of conferences where I felt like it wasnt specifically geared to the needs of students of color, Shields said. They were geared towards a broader audience, and students of color were expected to just fit in with that broader audience. When Michaels and Jones won the grant, Michaels spoke with Torres about what resources she felt were lacking for people of color on campus. Torres suggested that a leadership conference would be especially helpful, and the idea snowballed from there. While Michaels and Jones s ecured and distributed the grant, they gave Shields and Torres near complete power in deciding the speakers, topics and workshops they wished to feature. Stephanie was very open to everything we had to say, she was very receptive, Torres said. That was pretty powerful, to have two women of color deciding whats best for everybody. Me being Latina and [Shields] being African-American, I think we have two very different and good perspectives. The conference was divided into three workshop blocks: one on POC adulting 101, a second on personal liberation and justice and a third on social engagement and activism. Each of these workshop blocks included presentations and demonstrations from various guest speakers, covering topics as varied as microaggressions in the workplace, entrepreneurship, trauma-based yoga, nutritious soul food and emotion-based journaling. [These were] new ways of thinking about wellness and new ways of thinking about leadership and professional development, Shields said. Twelve guest speakers were brought into the conference in the Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC) at the conference on Saturday. Some of the highlights for Shields and Torres included a presentation by alumna Marlu Abarca 14 on handling microaggressions in the workplace; a discussion between Director of Urban Dreams Izaah Knox and the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS)s Jovan Johnson on the career paths of leading a multicultural world; and a talk by alumnus Alvin Irby 07, recipient of the Wall Alumni Service Award for his organization Barbershop Books, which gives books to barbershops to improve literary rates among Black boys. Professor Sharon Quinsaat, [sociology,] was also there to talk about interracial coalition building, which I felt was a huge theme of the conference given that it was between Black and Latinx students, Shields said. Bringing Grinnells Black and Latinx communities to the conference was a major aim of the organizers. Going forward, Torres expressed her hope that the conference and its related conference committee will continue to emphasize this collaboration. I hope that the committee is evenly split with Latinx and Black students so that we have a good perspective, Torres said. It was good that [Shields] and I were able to represent both the groups, but I definitely think that next year it will be better if we have more perspective on whats needed. [This includes] continuing this conversation, and maybe some more building between the groups, between CBS, SOL and ACSU. Before the second Racing Iowa Conference occurs next year, Shields hopes that the committee and campus resources like the CLS will continue to make sure that the needs of students of color are recognized. Were hoping to collaborate more with the CLS, given that the CLS is the primary institution on campus that provides career, life and services opportunities for students, Shields said. Having the committee give advice to the CLS, or even host workshops on its own or in collaboration with ICA [Intercultural Affairs]. Collaborating more with on campus institutions so that it can be more sustainable for the future. TheRegistration Assistant is a member of the Registration team and is supervisedby a more senior member of the team who normally reports directly to theRegistration Officer. The Registration Assistant main task is interviewing dataentry and biometric enrolment in UNHCR registration system. They are alsoresponsible for supporting additional activities related to registration, whichmay include functions such as reception, filing and data management. TheRegistration Assistant responds to queries from, asylum seekers and refugeesregarding UNHCR registration procedures and their rights and entitlements. TheRegistration Assistant liaises with protection staff and partners to ensuretimely identification and referral of persons of concern for protection followup. The Registration Assistant may provide interpretation and translationservices in cases for which s/he has the required language competencies. Organisation: Ernst & Young (EY) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About EY: Ernst & Young (known as EY) is a multinational professional services firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It was the third largest professional services firm in the world by aggregated revenue in 2012 and is one of the Big Four accounting firms. The organization operates as a network of member firms which are separate legal entities in individual countries. It has 175,000 employees and more than 700 offices in over 150 countries. It provides assurance (including financial audit), tax, consulting and advisory services to companies. The firm dates back to 1849 with the founding of Harding & Pullein in England. The current firm was formed by a merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. in 1989. It was known as Ernst & Young until 2013, when it underwent a rebranding. Job Summary: Advisor Transaction Advisory will assist in handling multiple client engagements while serving as a business advisor to clients. Using our global learning tool, we will help you develop the skills you need to be successful. And as part of market-leading global Transaction advisory professionals, you will gain valuable experience across industries and geographies and have the opportunity to deepen your subject matter knowledge. You will interact with clients in order to collect all the necessary data/information, set-up and maintain Transaction advisory files, keep up to date detailed information on client engagements in the business line and maintain a daily log of business activities and opportunities. As an Assistant Advisor, you will engage in the writing of proposals and the management of client engagements., Participate in financial analyses and report documentation relating to projects, Support in writing proposal documents/ business development, Perform market researches both by desk review and primary data gathering, Stay abreast of general business and economic developments and applies their understanding of the clients business and industry to participate related in Team debrief. The BusinessAdvisor Transaction Advisory will assist in handling multiple clientengagements while serving as a business advisor to clients. Using our globallearning tool, we will help you develop the skills you need to be successful.And as part of market-leading global Transaction advisory professionals, youwill gain valuable experience across industries and geographies and have theopportunity to deepen your subject matter knowledge. You will interact withclients in order to collect all the necessary data/information, set-up andmaintain Transaction advisory files, keep up to date detailed information onclient engagements in the business line and maintain a daily log of businessactivities and opportunities. As an Assistant Advisor, you will engage in thewriting of proposals and the management of client engagements., Participate infinancial analyses and report documentation relating to projects, Support inwriting proposal documents/ business development, Perform market researchesboth by desk review and primary data gathering, Stay abreast of generalbusiness and economic developments and applies their understanding of theclients business and industry to participate related in Team debrief. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Young (EY) Business Advisor Transaction Advisory jobs must hold Degrees in Economics, Finance, Accounting or any other business Degree minimum upper second UniversityDegrees in Economics, Finance, Accounting or any other business Degree minimum upper second The ideal candidates for the Ernst &Young (EY)jobs must hold qualification in ACCA, CPA, MBA and or related Masters degree as an advantage. qualification in ACCA, CPA, MBA and or related Masters degree as anadvantage. technical, business knowledge and ability to learn. Demonstratedtechnical, business knowledge and ability to learn. planning, research, and communication skills Excellentplanning, research, and communication skills to write for reporting, policy and publication Abilityto write for reporting, policy and publication and analytical thinking Creativeand analytical thinking level of motivation and drive to start a career in professional services. Highlevel of motivation and drive to start a career in professional services. level IT (Ms Office) knowledge Userlevel IT (Ms Office) knowledge How to Apply: All those interested in working with Ernst and Young should apply via their website by visiting the web link below France has proof that the Syrian government launched chlorine gas attacks and has crossed a line that could prompt French airstrikes, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday. Macron did not specify whether France is planning military action against Syrian President Bashar Assads government. He said he has been talking regularly this week with U.S. President Donald Trump about the most effective response. The U.S., France and Britain have been consulting about launching a military strike. Trump tweeted Wednesday that missiles will be coming and on Thursday tweeted that an attack could be very soon or not so soon at all! Speaking on TF1 television, Macron said that France would not tolerate regimes that think everything is permitted. He previously said any French action would target Syrias chemical weapons abilities. Syrian opposition activists and medics say a suspected gas attack last week in Douma killed more than 40 people. The Syrian government has denied the allegations. Macrons office and the French military arent commenting on pending plans. A military operation would be a big deal for Macron, his first military action as president, at a time of heightened domestic tensions over labor law changes. Macron doesnt need parliamentary permission to launch an operation. French forces have not directly targeted Syrian government sites before, but France has supported rebel forces since early in the fighting that began in 2011. Geopolitics specialist Dominique Moisi, a senior adviser at the Montaigne Institute?think tank in Paris, said we have said that we were not allowing the use of chemical weapons, that this was a red line Not to react is to prove to the rest of the world that what we say does not matter. Moisi stressed the risk of escalation of the conflict amid increasing concerns about a U.S.-Russia proxy war. So striking at Syria is not a good solution, but doing nothing after the use of chemical weapons is even worse, he said. In London, British Prime Minister Theresa May summoned her Cabinet back from vacation Thursday to discuss military action against Syria. After meeting for more than two hours, the Cabinet gave May the green light to join the U.S. and France in planning possible strikes, but also left open the possibility of other responses. The British leaders office said Cabinet ministers agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. Opposition lawmakers have called on May to give Parliament a vote before committing British troops. May isnt legally required to do that, though it has become conventional since the 2003 invasion of Iraq for lawmakers to be given the chance to vote before British forces are deployed. Chancellor Angela Merkel said after speaking with Macron on Thursday that Germany wont participate in possible military action in Syria, but supports sending a message that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. Post-World War II Germany typically has been reluctant to engage in military action, and parliamentary approval is required for any military missions abroad. The country often has restricted itself to supporting roles, such as the participation of reconnaissance jets in the international campaign against the Islamic State group. I think it is important to have a common line, without Germany participating militarily, Merkel said. France already has some 1,100 troops involved in its Operation Chammal, created in 2014 to fight Islamic State extremists in Iraq and extended in 2015 to Syria, as part of the U.S.-led coalition. Multiple Islamic State retaliatory attacks have targeted French soil, including just last month. French warplanes operate out of French bases in Jordan and Al Dhafra in United Arab Emirates. France also has a naval base in Abu Dhabi, and an aviation center in Qatar at the U.S. air base at Al Udeid. France has 650 troops based in the United Arab Emirates overall. In addition, a French frigate is stationed off of Lebanon in international waters. In Syria, French warplanes carried out 23 sorties in late March and early April but fired no strikes, as part of support for Syrian opposition forces fighting in the last pockets of IS control. (AP) Israels Foreign Ministry has summoned Irelands ambassador to express dismay over Dublins mayor attending an anti-Israel event in Ramallah. The ministry said in a statement Thursday that Israel expresses its deep disappointment and shock over the incident. It said the event in the Palestinian city of Ramallah was explicitly against Israel and occurred as Israel commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day. Israel expects a public and formal response from Ireland to his conduct, it said. Micheal Mac Donncha participated in an Islamic conference about Jerusalem in Ramallah organized by the religious affairs adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Mac Donncha is a supporter of the movement to boycott the Jewish state. Israel had tried to block his entry though its airport, but due to an error in the spelling of his name, he made his way into Israel. (AP) An unmanned Iranian aircraft shot down in February after infiltrating Israeli airspace was armed with explosives and on a mission to attack the Jewish state, Israels military said Saturday. Tensions had heighted between the bitter enemies following an airstrike Monday on a Syrian air base that its allies blamed on Israel. The army statement was released soon after the leader of Lebanons Hezbollah terrorist group said the airstrike that killed seven Iranians was a historic mistake. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied carrying out the strike on Syrias T4 air base. The Israeli military said Friday evening that following an operational and intelligence-based investigation, its military has concluded that the Iranian aircraft was armed with explosives and was tasked to attack Israeli territory. By intercepting the craft Israeli combat helicopters prevented the attack Iran had hoped to carry out, it said. Israel has issued several stern warnings of late about the increased Iranian involvement along its border in Syria and Lebanon. It fears Iran could use Syrian territory to stage attacks or form a land corridor from Iran to Lebanon that could allow it to transfer weapons more easily to Hezbollah. Hezbollahs chief terrorist, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, said the attack on the air base in Syria ushers in a new phase that puts Israel in a state of direct confrontation with the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is the Iranian UAV that infiltrated Israeli territory early this morning pic.twitter.com/R1cfL4v5dF IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) February 10, 2018 Israels Channel 10 TV said the Iranian drone was launched from the T4 base and marked the first time Iran directly attacked Israel, rather than through Hezbollah. Iran, Russia and Syria have blamed Israel for the airstrike, which followed a suspected chemical attack on a rebel-held town near Damascus that killed dozens of civilians. Speaking via satellite link to his supporters in Beirut Friday, Nasrallah called the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma theater. (AP) Many tend to think of Willie Walsh as the feisty British Airways chief executive who took on some bolshie unions and triumphed. But Walsh left day-to-day management of BA a time ago to focus on global expansion, with the Iberia merger and the 2015 purchase of Aer Lingus from under the nose of Ryanair. Walsh has read the runes and recognises that, while premium flying is International Airlines Groups (IAG) major earner, the public has a hunger for no-frills. The launch of Level, jetting out of Barcelona to Latin America and US destinations, is regarded as a success and it will soon add flights from Paris. IAG also uses Aer Lingus as a cheaper option for transatlantic travellers. Global expansion: IAG chief executive Willie Walsh It has now snapped up a 4.6 per cent stake in Norwegian, the creation of entrepreneur Bjorn Kjos, who follows in the tradition of cheap and cheerful transatlantic pioneer Sir Freddie Laker. Norwegian offers a one-way ticket from Gatwick to New York on the Dreamliner for 100 but with minimal leg room and no glass of water. The prospect of IAG bidding for Norwegian sent the share price soaring. Running long-haul carriers across the Atlantic can eat up cash and, as Norwegian has expanded its routes, finances have come under stress. Walshs intervention could come as a tonic. Airline deals are never easily concluded, because it is a highly regulated sector. The European Union would take a look and we can expect Sir Richard Branson to raise habitual objections. There are likely to be concerns about IAG domination of slots at Gatwick. EasyJet, which has been seeking to link up with Norwegian on long-haul flights from Continental airports, may not be overjoyed. Consumers will worry that bargain basement fares may rise. Better to book your flight on a financially robust carrier than suffer the fate of passengers on Monarch, Air Berlin and other airline casualties. Trophy hunter What do First Group, GKN and De La Rue have in common? All three are unfashionable firms with battered shares. But that does not mean they are down and out. Aberdeen-based First Group is an underperformer. It hasnt paid a dividend since a 2013 rights issue, and its shares fell 40 per cent before private equity entrepreneur Leon Black of Apollo Management began building a stake, and this week made an offer. 'Unfashionable': Banknote printer De La Rue has seen its share price collapse in recent times Black probably doesnt know too much about how Britains train franchises work, but as a great art collector he might like the look of Firsts US bus network Greyhound. The owner of Edvard Munchs The Scream, he has an interest in heritage. Whether he has heard of Jeremy Corbyns plans to take franchises such as the Great Western into public ownership is less clear. If big investors Schroders and Jupiter had to decide between Black and Labours loony fringe, it is not hard to guess which way they would jump. The pity is that long investors in solid British enterprises dont seek change from the inside rather than run for the door. Rehearsing all the GKN arguments again now may be pointless. But if investors were so distrustful of the companys board, why didnt they lobby for new management? Instead, they put themselves in the hands of the get-rich-quick Melrose executives who have just realised 170million of bonuses. The greed of Melrose chiefs should not be viewed differently from the fattest of fat cats Jeff Fairburn at housebuilder Persimmon, Sir Martin Sorrell of advertising agency WPP and other executives of quoted firms who pick the pockets of investors. A national interest defence of First Group, when many UK rail franchises are in the hands of overseas investors, is pointless. But one does have a message for Mr Black if you can afford to buy the best in fine art, perhaps you could upgrade the breakfast on the London Paddington-to-Cardiff line. That is not asking much. Sky wars Disney is learning the hard way that the City referee, the Takeover Panel, makes no Mickey Mouse exceptions. If Rupert Murdochs 21st Century Fox is unable to complete its bid for the 61pc of Sky it doesnt own by the time Disney acquires most Fox assets, then Disney must pick up the baton and buy the minority at the pledged price of 10.75p a share. That is if Comcast hasnt spoiled the party with a better offer. Confused? Dont be. The panel wants equal treatment for all investors. Customers have rushed to snap up berths on a new cruise ship being launched by over-50s specialists Saga. Spirit Of Discovery will carry up to 999 passengers when it takes to the seas in July 2019. Its first voyage around the UK is fully booked, and there is strong demand for trips to destinations such as the Norwegian fjords and the Mediterranean. The first 19 cruises are now 50 per cent booked, with 9,000 tickets sold. Calm waters: There is strong demand for trips to destinations such as the Norwegian fjords It came as Saga unveiled a 7.6 per cent drop in profits to 178.7million for 2017 after the collapse of business partner Monarch Airlines and tough market conditions at its insurance division. But bosses raised the total annual dividend by 5.9 per cent to 9p per share, and cut debt to 432million. Investors cheered the figures and shares rose 5.7 per cent, or 6.7p, to 123.7p. Saga is replacing its two old ships to boost income from cruises. Spirit Of Discovery will get a sister ship, Spirit Of Adventure, in 2020. Stock market tracker funds can now ditch firms owned by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska after a rule change by the London Stock Exchange. The LSEs FTSE Russell division removed Deripaskas energy firm EN+ and his aluminium company Rusal from its indices of global stocks and bonds, which means they no longer have to be bought by investment funds which seek to mirror the performance of markets by buying every company in an index. The FTSE Russell division took action after the US government hit the two businesses with sanctions as part of reprisals for the alleged poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury last month. Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska owns aluminium company Rusal It also means that both EN+ and Rusal will no longer have easy access to billions of pounds of savers cash. There is now speculation that the Financial Conduct Authority could force the firms to delist in London. A spokesman declined to comment. The London Metal Exchange has seen a rush to offload aluminium before the sanctions bite. The owner of British Airways has snapped up a stake in low-cost rival Norwegian and may launch a bid to buy the increasingly powerful airline. International Airlines Group (IAG) has built up a 4.6 per cent holding in Norwegian, worth around 44million. IAG boss Willie Walsh yesterday said this could lead to a full-blown takeover offer for the airline, which was founded by former fighter pilot and crime writer Bjorn Kjos. International Airlines Group (IAG) has built up a 4.6 per cent holding in Norwegian Such a deal would give IAG a major boost in the battle for skies over the Atlantic. But it is feared a takeover could cut competition and push up prices for customers. Experts said that the acquisition could cost IAG more than 2.5billion, as Norwegian is worth around 952million but a deal would also include its 2billion debt. Traditional carriers such as BA are facing an onslaught from booming budget airlines. Until recently these have focused on short-haul flights, but airlines such as Norwegian have applied the model to longer trips, triggering a price war. Norwegian's take-off Norwegian was founded in 1993 out of bankrupt regional airline Busy Bee It was set up by ex-Air Force pilot Bjorn Kjos, 71, who is now chief executive The firm is the worlds sixth largest low-cost airline, with 500 routes to 150 destinations It carried 33m people last year, including 5.8m British passengers It launched the UKs first low-cost, long-haul flights to the US in 2014, and now offers round trips from London to New York for 270 return The battle is particularly aggressive on transatlantic routes, with Norwegian offering return flights from London to New York for as little as 270. Norwegian shares soared 48 per cent in Oslo yesterday as IAG unveiled its move. John Strickland, of airline consultancy JLS Consulting, said airlines feared being caught out as they had been by the rapid growth of short-haul, which saw upstarts such as Ryanair and EasyJet boom. He said: Low-cost long-haul has really been growing rapidly. I think IAG is testing the water. It is putting itself in position so it can influence the future rather than having to react. Kjos, 71, turned Norwegian from a small bankrupt operator in the early 1990s into Europes third-largest low-cost airline. Many doubted cheap fares could work over long-haul flights. But Norwegian is now carrying 33m passengers each year to 150 destinations. The airlines success in getting more customers has come at a cost, however. It was forced to raise extra cash in March by selling shares, and warned of a larger than expected loss this quarter. But it has made competitors sit up and take note. Earlier this year BA said it would slash prices. Norwegian was set up by ex-Air Force pilot Bjorn Kjos, 71, who is now chief executive IAG has also launched low-cost airline Level, and operates budget flights through its Irish carrier Aer Lingus and Spanish airline Vueling. It also owns Iberia. But analysts said buying Norwegian was an upfront cost to IAG that could otherwise be spent making life better for customers. Some suggested a partnership might be the best way forward. Co-operative boss Steve Murrells Bosss pay The chief executive of Co-operative Group, Steve Murrells, 52, landed just over 2million in pay after only ten months in the job. He started on March 1 last year, and 1.2million of his earnings came in bonuses. Predecessor Richard Pennycook left the business at the end of March 2017 and was paid 870,000 for his final months. New role Former Tesco boss Matt Davies, 46, has been appointed chairman of arts and crafts chain Hobbycraft, replacing Archie Norman. He had quit Tesco earlier this year following its 3.7billion merger with wholesaler Booker. Cash help Engineering giants Rolls-Royce and BAE are among backers ploughing a further 26.5million into UK company Reaction Engines, which is developing an engine to revolutionise air and space travel. Oil partners Oil titan BP is teaming up with Brazilian state-owned firm Petrobras for joint ventures, which could include drilling, exploration, trading and research. Profit blow UK power group National Grid issued a warning over profits after a 140million hit from ferocious US storms. Annual headline group earnings will be lower than expected, but will be largely offset by 60million from changes to finance costs and a lower US tax charge of 24 per cent. Bank sued Wall Street bank JP Morgan is being sued for allegedly charging surprise fees to customers who bought bitcoin by credit card. Angry traders are taking it to court in New York. Regulation bill Large investment banks are spending 26billion a year to comply with global regulation introduced since the financial crisis, says lobby group Association for Financial Markets in Europe. Care buyout Private healthcare provider Advinia has bought 22 Bupa care homes, increasing its beds more than 500 per cent to 3,250. Gas find AIM-listed SDX Energy has found gas at a well in Egypt, after drilling to 9,068ft. Plane sale Scandinavian airline SAS has bought an A330-300 from Airbus for its long-haul fleet. The plane, which has a Rolls-Royce Trent engine, will join the network in the second quarter of 2019. Savings launch Internet bank Tandem is launching its first savings product this summer an instant-access account paying 2.3 per cent. Glaxosmithkline has offloaded its rare diseases unit as chief executive Emma Walmsley continues to trim the business. Britains biggest drug maker sold the portfolio to Orchard Therapeutics, a private biotech firm with bases in London, Boston and California. It comes after Walmsley said the unit was under review last July, as part of a wider effort to refocus the companys research on the areas of respiratory, HIV and infectious diseases, cancer drugs and immuno-inflammation. Trimming down the business: Glaxo chief executive Emma Walmsley The deal is small financially for Glaxo but will see it take a stake of nearly 20 per cent in Orchard. MANZINI As the national elections draw closer, political parties have joined the fray in calling for the voting into office of the prime minister. The political parties had met during the Political Assemblys commemoration of the 1973 Decree, which banned political parties in the country. The commemoration was held at The George Hotel yesterday afternoon and it was organised by the political assembly which consists of the proscribed political entity, Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), NNLC and Swaziland Democratic Party (SWADEPA). The Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) President, Alvit Dlamini, who was first to speak during the commemoration, as he delivered the background on what led to the banning of political parties in the country, said they were happy that Member of Parliament (MP), Phila Buthelezi reminded the country about what the people of Swaziland wanted. He said this was because the statement made by the MP in parliament mid last year, that Swazis should have a say in the appointment of the PM, was exactly what was said during Sibaya (peoples parliament), a body which was supreme than parliament, according to the constitution. We thank him for openly reminding the country what the people want regarding the appointment of the PM, the NNLC president said. It is worth noting that the MP later withdrew the statement and later apologised to Their Majesties, parliament and the nation at large. Dlamini said during Sibaya, the consensus was that the PM should be elected by the people as opposed to what was currently happening, where the candidate was appointed by the King. He said it was, however, painful that after his submissions, the MP was accused of treason, yet he was only repeating the decision taken by Sibaya. On that note, the president said ignoring the decision of Sibaya had led to the country to having a group of proxies instead of Cabinet. There is no Cabinet in the country but a group of proxies. MBABANE Judges and JSC members have been requested to contribute a minimum of E2 000 towards the 50/50 celebrations. JSC is an acronym of Judicial Service Commission. Through a memorandum issued by Chief Justice (CJ) Bheki Maphalala, contributions should be made to Justice Robert Cloete. According to the memo dated April 4, 2018, the closing date for the contributions was yesterday. The memo has been signed by the head of the Judiciary and has been copied to JSC members, Judges of the Supreme Court, Judges of the High Court and Judges of the Industrial Court. In total, the country has 23 judges (include High Court, Industrial Court and Supreme Court), while the JSC consists of four members. Recently, the Royal Swaziland Police (RSP) Service administration asked its staff members, ranging from support staff to recruits, junior to senior officials, to make contributions towards the celebrations. The contributions differed according to ranks and at the bottom were support staff members who forked out E10 each while a recruit parted with E30. Meanwhile, someone holding the rank of constable was supposed to part with E50, E100 for sergeants and E150 for assistant inspectors. Inspectors and assistant superintendents contributed E200 and E300 respectively while superintendents forked out E400. MBABANE Some may call it punishment, but to her teachers it is a heartless act; tying an 11-year-old girl to a house pillar and trashing her with a pipe until she is unconscious. A Grade IV pupil in one of the primary schools in Mbabane is walking strangely since her return from the Easter holidays. Her class teacher and head teacher noticed this and she was called to the office to find out what had happened. The school cannot be named to protect the young girl who resides in Ezulwini with her father. The father is employed by a company which provides services to Swazi MTN. When the little girl lifted her tunic on her return to school on Monday, tears filled the eyes of both the male and female teachers in the office. When the soft-spoken girl was questioned on what had happened to her, she stated that her father had assaulted her. When pressed further on why he would beat her in such a manner, she admitted that she came back from school late than usual. Monitor According to the school, they last saw the little girl who is also the class monitor on Thursday when they were going for the Easter holidays. All the children returned last week Tuesday but the class monitor did not come back until her class teacher called her father last Wednesday. When calling the father, there was no response until the class teacher received an anonymous call last Thursday, reporting that the little girl was sick. After this call, a female police officer called the school to find out if the child was at school and she was informed that the child was reported sick. This police officer then promised the school that she would visit them to talk about the child further. The child returned to school on Monday (April 9) and she had bandages all over her thighs which went down to her knees. This shocked both her head teacher and class teacher and they asked her what had happened. This was when the child explained what had happened at home while her helper was in the house, as she stays with the helper and her father only. After realising the seriousness of the injuries, the little girl sustained, the father then allegedly called his brother who is alleged to be a nurse in Piggs Peak. LOBAMBA Cabinet has been accused by MPs of not only defying commands by His Majesty King Mswati III, but also wanting to take over the country. As a result, MPs have resolved to report the Prime Minister, Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini-led Cabinet to His Majesty. This took place during a sitting at the House of Assembly yesterday. For over two hours, the MPs argued that there had been many incidents where Cabinet had defied not only Parliament but His Majesty, and that they had to take action so that they did not appear as a team that had failed to hold it accountable. Sekute live. Asambeni siyobika kutsi live sebalitsetse, Nkwene MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said in vernacular, which means, We no longer have a country, it has been taken. Poked As if to prove that they had had enough of the current crop of ministers, the MPs poked fun at them using tags like Egyptian Mummies. This was said by Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, while MP Jan Sithole said they were nothing but teddy bears. Even an effort by the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Paul Dlamini, to defend Cabinet could not work, as the MPs were in an uncompromising mood, saying they were not to be intimidated. The resolution to go and report Cabinet to His Majesty came after the MPs were angered by the Minister of Education and Training, Phineas Magagula, who informed them that Cabinet had found it difficult to reallocate the ministrys budget to cater for the E27 million subvention for the Swaziland Christian University (SCU). The minister presented a ministerial statement, where he told the MPs that instead of making a reallocation, Cabinet had signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the founders of the institution and that the annual subvention to be given was not stipulated. Instead, SCU will furnish government with a budget proposal for approval. Clark and Carole Hall, Center, pose with the various citations given to them during the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, Thursday. Pennsylvania State Senator Michele Brooks, far left joins them, alongside their family, left to right, nephew Brent Morris, daughter Amanda, son-in-law Mark Yanc, Caroles sister Anita Khayat, daughter Marcia, Anitas escort Charlie Fowler, and granddaughter Alicia. [April 12, 2018] Kingston IronKey D300 Encrypted USB Drive Named Winner of Two 2018 "Govies" Awards Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, announced that its IronKey D300 encrypted USB Flash drive has been named a 2018 'Govies' Government Security Awards Platinum and Gold winner in the Encryption and Cyber Defense Solutions categories respectively. The awards, sponsored by the publications Security Today and GovSec, honor outstanding government security products. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180412005418/en/ Winner of Platinum and Gold Govies awards, Kingston's encrypted USB drive, IronKey D300 (Photo: Business Wire) "IronKey D300 is widely recognized as one of the best solutions for protecting sensitive data," said Richard Kanadjian, encrypted USB business manager, Kingston. "It is very momentous to have experts in the security industry honor and recognize Kingston with a 'Govies' award. With a growing remote/mobile workforce at all levels of government transporting confidential data and information, it is imperative that risks and threats from loss, theft, or stolen digital devices are mitigated. The data protection provided by IronKey D300 drive is top notch in doing that." Kingston IronKey D300 is customizable, easy to use, and available in both standard and managed models. It is FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified and uses 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption in XTS mode. For added peace of mind, the drive uses digitally signed firmware making it immune to BadUSB. It enforces complex password protection to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, encryption and decryption is 100-percent self-contained - done on the drive with no trace left on the host system. IronKey D300 reformats after 10 invalid password attempts to protect against brute force attacks. The drive stands up to even the most demanding situations as it is manufactured with a zinc casing and a tamper-evident epoxy seal to provide a physical layer of security, and is also waterproof up to 4 feet (conforming to IEC60529 IXP8). IronKey D300 allows for fast data transfers with its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology so users don't have to compromise speed for security. With Kingston's 30 years of expertise in quality technology solutions along with the latest in NAND Flash memory and controller technology, users can be confident in a solution that will be around for years to come. IronKey D300 was also previously recognized with a Platinum 'ASTORS' Award for "Best Data Storage Security Solution" at the 2017 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards program, sponsored by digital publisher American Security Today. The award-winning IronKey D300 USB drive is available in 4GB to 128GB capacities and is backed by a five-year warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information visit www.kingston.com. IronKey from Kingston Kingston has been the proud owner of the entire USB technology and assets of IronKey, a long-time leader in encrypted USB Flash drive solutions, since early 2016. Kingston continues the IronKey brand and tradition of delivering FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified solutions to customers who need the highest level of encryption and security. With the IronKey brand, Kingston continues its commitment as the global leader in trusted encrypted USB solutions for mobile data. Kingston Can Be Found On: YouTube (News - Alert) : http://www.youtube.com/kingstontechmemory Facebook (News - Alert) : http://www.facebook.com/kingstontechnology Twitter (News - Alert) : https://twitter.com/KingstonTech Instagram: https://instagram.com/kingstontechnology/ LinkedIn (News - Alert) : http://www.linkedin.com/company/kingston About Kingston Digital, Inc. Kingston Digital, Inc. ("KDI") is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please call 877-546-4786 or visit www.kingston.com. Editor's Note: For additional information, evaluation units or executive interviews, please contact David Leong, Kingston Technology Company, Inc., 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA (News - Alert) USA 92708, 714-438-1817 (Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston's press room at kingston.com/company/press/ Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. IronKey is a registered trademark of Kingston Digital, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2018 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180412005418/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 12, 2018] The Law Offices of Daniel Feder Files Lawsuit: Wells Fargo Sued by Former Head of Foreign-Exchange Currency Trading Who Blew Whistle on Sales Practices at Wells The Law Offices of Daniel Feder: The former head of Wells Fargo's (News - Alert) Foreign- Exchange ("FX") Trading Group filed suit today in San Francisco, California (San Francisco Sup. Court Case No. Court Case #CGC-18-565709, Fowles v. Wells Fargo) alleging that he was subject to retaliation and wrongfully terminated for making complaints over several years to his managers and high-level executives about Wells Fargo's compensation practices in the FX sales department. According to Simon Fowles' civil complaint, Wells Fargo's sales compensation plan for the FX sales department created strong incentives for foreign currency sales team members to make false and misleading representations to customers, to engage in abusive sales practices, and to enrich themselves at the expense of clients. Fowles worked in various management positions within Wells Fargo's Foreign Exchange Group from April 1996 unti his termination on October 16, 2017. Plaintiff's complaint alleges that for several years prior to his termination, he made multiple complaints to many members of Wells Fargo's upper-level management teams about what he perceived were significant risks of illegal activity, mail and wire fraud, unlawful profiteering, and regulatory violations he believed would result from the compensation plan used by Wells Fargo to compensate members of the FX sales team. Plaintiff alleges that in September of 2017, he informed the Bank's management team that he intended to inform regulators from the Office of Controller of the Currency ("OCC") of his complaints about the FX sales compensation plan during the OCC's audit of the FX Sales and Trading Group starting October 30, 2017 through November 27, 2017. The Bank terminated Plaintiff just weeks before Plaintiff was scheduled to speak with the OCC auditors about his concerns. Federal prosecutors are investigating Wells Fargo over its FX practices, and have subpoenaed information from the firm. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California is conducting the investigation. About The Law Offices of Daniel Feder The Law Offices of Daniel Feder specializes in representing employees in whistleblower, discrimination, harassment, and class-action litigation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180412006451/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 12, 2018] Ensure Seamless Customer Communication With Newgen OmniOMS 8.3 SINGAPORE, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Newgen Software, a provider of Business Process Management (BPM), Enterprise Content Management (ECM), and Customer Communication Management (CCM) platforms, today announced the global release of OmniOMS 8.3. The enhanced product offering gives organizations a one-stop-shop for all their customer communication needs. It facilitates the delivery of personalized, targeted and consistent communications across channels in a seamless and effective manner. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676258/Newgen_Logo.jpg ) "In today's world, customers want to receive timely and relevant information on the medium of their choice. Enterprises need to reinvent customer experience by making their communication more engaging and delivering the right message in the right context at the right time. The enhanced product will reduce the operational cost of enterprises, maximise return on investment, and help them achieve compliance," said Diwakar Nigam, MD & Chairman, Newgen Software. Key features of the new version include: Interactive Editor with Enhanced User Interface: The interactive editor helps organizations to create outbound communication using pre-defined standardized templates. The interactive editor helps organizations to create outbound communication using pre-defined standardized templates. Word Document Management: Allows businesses to easily import and manage their existing Word documents/templates in the system. Allows businesses to easily import and manage their existing Word documents/templates in the system. Advanced Table Control: The new version comes with a beefed-up Table Control that provides the template designer with fine grained control over the text and rules in each cell individually. OmniOMS 8.3 is supported on Windows 2008/2012 (64 bit) Enterprise Server and RedHat Enterprise Linux 6. Newgen Software Technologies Pte Ltd. Newgen Software Technologies Pte Ltd. (wholly owned subsidiary of Newgen Software Technologies Limited, listed In India on National Stock Exchanges [NSE: NEWGEN] and Bombay Stock Exchange [BSE: 540900]), is a provider of Business Process Management, Enterprise Content Management and Customer Communication Management platforms with large, mission-critical solutions deployed at world's leading banks, insurance firms, healthcare organizations, governments, BPO's &telecom companies. For more information, please visit http://www.newgensoft.com Connect with us: Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter Watch our videos on YouTube Media Contact: Asif Khan asif.khan@newgensoft.com SOURCE Newgen Software Technologies Pte Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] MEDIA ALERT: Dome9 to Present and Exhibit at RSA Conference 2018 MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dome9 Security, the public cloud security company, today announced that Shira Shamban, the head of security intelligence research, will be speaking on The Untold Story of 8200: A Launching Point for Women in Cybersecurity panel at RSAC 2018. The company will also be at the conference in San Francisco from April 16-20. Attendees to the Dome9 booth (#3132 North Hall) will have the chance to meet with the executive team and watch live demos and walkthroughs of the latest Dome9 Arc platform updates. Dome9 added preeminent security expert Shira Shamban to its team in 2017 to leverage her focus on threat intelligence and lead data initiatives for the company. She joined Dome9 from Unit 8200, the prestigious intelligence unit of the Israeli Defense Forces back in 2017. She will join Avivah Litan, vice president and distinguished analyst, Gartner (moderator), Lital Asher-Dotan, senior director and content, Cybereason, and Maya Pizov, vice president business development, enSilo, to discuss their untold stories of how advanced military training proved to be a launching in their professional careers in cybersecurity. For more etails about the session and to reserve a spot, please visit here. While on the show floor, find out more about Dome9s recent addition of Magellan cloud-native security intelligence technology to the Dome9 Arc platform, and how the brand new GDPR Readiness Bundle prepares your organization for the much-awaited GDPR mandate. Topics Covered at the Dome9 Booth: Active protection in public cloud environments Visual diagnostics of network security configuration and traffic Cloud intrusion detection User behavior analytics and attribution Regulatory compliance - NIST, FedRAMP, GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA Stop by and say hello to the Dome9 team at Booth #N3132, North Hall. Want to set up a meeting with us in advance of the show? Just send us a note. About Dome9 Dome9, the public cloud security company, delivers peace of mind to enterprises through security and compliance automation as they scale in any cloud. With Dome9, organizations gain full visibility and control of their security posture, allowing them to minimize their attack surface and protect against vulnerabilities, identity theft, and data loss in the cloud. Dome9s agentless SaaS solution provides operational efficiency for faster time-to-protection. Enterprises choose Dome9 as their key partner to provide the active protection necessary throughout their cloud journey. Learn more at https://dome9.com/. Media Contact: Travis Anderson 10Fold for Dome9 (925) 271-8227 tanderson@10fold.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] Extreme Tech Challenge Kicks Off 5th Year in Norway OSLO, Norway, April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A convergence of brilliant entrepreneurs and extreme athletes deep in the breathtaking, snow-capped mountains of Norway mark the opening of the milestone 5th season of ACTAI Global's Extreme Tech Challenge, the ultimate startup contest. Festivities for the opening party featured an evening of talks spearheaded by ACTAI Global/XTC Founder Bill Tai, who officially deemed the application window open for XTC 2019. Join the incomparable race to Necker Island - XTC 2019 applications open now! In addition to networking with pioneers in the future of technology, attendees of the third annual Norway Opening Party enjoyed the opportunity to experience some of the sport's most coveted snowkiting in the historical mountain town of Finse. Not just a destination for sports, Finse is famously recognized as the location where "Battle of Planet Hoth" in the original Star Wars Trilogy was filmed. Previous iterations of XTC have welcomed thousands of applicants from all corners of the globe, and have incubated rising startups such as Canva, Sphero, Doctor on Demand, Wanderu, Cresilon and Bloom Life. Who will the esteemed panel of judges crown as next year's champion? Each year XTC takes place across four key stages, with each round bringing contestants critical exposure to a broad community of tech and business stakeholders. Making stops at CES and culminating on Necker Island, challengers have ample opportunities to showcase their budding ventures on an international scale. Looking ahead, Extreme Tech Challenge plans for an exciting Fall season, having moved the 2018 Finals to October 19th, 2018. Set to take place on Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, the finals will crown the winner nd mark the close of another successful run. XTC's 2018 Top 3 Finalists fall into the global expanding market categories of Data & Analytics, Blockchain, and Healthcare. These finalists are Owlet Baby Care, a healthcare platform and baby monitoring system from Lehi, Utah, Power Ledger a blockchain-based peer-to-peer energy trading platform from Perth, Australia, and Revl, a smart action, AI-powered camera system from San Francisco, CA all innovative concepts, worth a sharp review and perhaps an investment. STAY CONNECTED: XTC Website | Applications | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram ACTAI Global and XTC would like to extend a special thanks 2018 Sponsors: Sompo Holdings, BitFury, Ally Ventures & Plug and Play, OWC, Zoom, Jungle Creations, Cisco, Qualcomm, Meltwater, Samsung, IBM, Semi Finals Event Partner CES and Finals Event Partner, Necker Island. About Extreme Tech Challenge Extreme Tech Challenge is competition that empowers entrepreneurs and their companies by providing visibility, resources, and gives competitors the ability to grow exponentially in scale and knowledge at a low to no incremental cost. XTC strives to inspire and provide growth to up and coming entrepreneurs and business by surrounding them with mentors that to help guide them as they build on product success with business success. XTC pulls this all together into an experience that money cannot buy with showcase events at the world's largest technology trade show, CES, and also at Sir Richard Branson's own Necker Island. Contact: media@theconfluencegroup.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/extreme-tech-challenge-kicks-off-5th-year-in-norway-300629401.html SOURCE Extreme Tech Challenge [April 13, 2018] 3D Systems Prevails in Accounting Trial for Former Employee's Violation of Non-Competition Covenant; Court Orders Disgorgement ROCK HILL, S.C., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE: DDD) announced today that it prevailed in the accounting trial for former employee Ron Barranco's violation of his non-competition covenant. The Court ordered disgorgement of amounts previously paid to the employee. On May 7, 2016, a jury in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii rendered a verdict in favor of 3D Systems on the company's counterclaim and determined that Mr. Barranco violated his non-competition covenant with the company. The Court subsequently ordered an accounting with respect to that counterclaim. Following the trial on the accounting, the Court Ordered that Mr. Barranco disgorge, and 3D Systems recover from Mr. Barranco, an amount of $522,860, representing all but four months of the full amount paid to Mr. Barranco as salary during his employment with 3D Systems, as well as a portion of the up front and buyout payments made to Mr. Barranco in connection with the purchase of certain web domains. In addition, the Court Ordered Mr. Barranco to pay interest to 3D Systems to be calculated beginning as of Mr. Barranco's first breach of the non-competition covenant in August 2011. As the prevailing party, 3D Systems will now move for recovery of its fees and costs. "We are pleased with the result of the accounting and the Court's Order holding Mr. Barranco liable to 3D Systems for amounts previously paid to him as salary, initial and buyout payments related to the web domains that we purchased from him," said Andrew Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Oficer. "We believe this result sends a clear message that 3D Systems will vigorously pursue the successful enforcement of its intellectual property rights." Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "may," "will," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates" or "plans" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions and current expectations and may include comments as to the company's beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise. About 3D Systems 3D Systems provides comprehensive 3D products and services, including 3D printers, print materials, on-demand manufacturing services and digital design tools. Its ecosystem supports advanced applications from the product design shop to the factory floor to the operating room. 3D Systems' precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments. As the originator of 3D printing and a shaper of future 3D solutions, 3D Systems has spent its 30 year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring innovative products to market and drive new business models. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3d-systems-prevails-in-accounting-trial-for-former-employees-violation-of-non-competition-covenant-court-orders-disgorgement-300628023.html SOURCE 3D Systems Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] Dr. Nicole R. Fram of Advanced Vision Care to Present on modmed Ophthalmology at the 2018 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) Annual Meeting Specialty-specific health information technology leader Modernizing Medicine today announced that Nicole R. Fram, M.D. of Advanced Vision Care will present on Sunday, April 15, during the EMR Industry Spotlight Theater at the 2018 ASCRSASOA Annual Meeting. Dr. Fram will educate attendees about her successes utilizing the modmed Ophthalmology suite and its intelligent electronic health record (EHR) system, EMA, including best practices providers can employ using technology to make better clinical decisions, improve patient compliance and deliver higher quality of care. Dr. Nicole Fram is an ophthalmologist with a sub-specialty in corneal and external disease. Her research led Advanced Vision Care in Los Angeles, Calif., to select modmed Ophthalmology and EMA (News - Alert) as their ophthalmology software: "I am a better physician because of EMA due to the detailed and automatic documentation the solution generates," said Dr. Fram. "My notes are legible, intelligent, customizable and easy to read. EMA's built-in MIPS automation enables us to track our estimated scores along the way so I feel zero anxiety about MIPS. I am relieved that Modernizing Medicine designed a system that can keep up with these changes so we don't have to worry." In her presentation during the session entitled "Tomorrow's EHR Whither Thou Goest," Dr. Fram will discuss how Modernizing Medicine's ophthalmology software helps providers make better clinical decisions and improve patient compliance, how it increases patient face to face time and how the company works to improve quality of care physicians provide to patients. In addition, Modernizing Medicine will demonstrate its ophthalmology software, including: EMA - a cloud-based ophthalmology EHR system developed by practicing ophthalmologists and ranked as the #1 ophthalmology EMR by Black Book in 2018. The native iPad application includes built-in wisdom for ophthalmic subspecialties, including retina, ocular plastic surgery, cataracts and refractive surgery, cornea, glaucoma and more. EMA knows the ophthalmologist's workflow, helps them move through exams, automates outputs and can save time with predictive algorithms. Built in MIPS composite score reporting and data submission*. Image Management - centralized access to patient records and diagnostic images. modmed Kiosk - a native iPad application designed to enable patients to perform self-service tasks at the doctor's office. Practice Management - an ophthalmology practice management system that functions in conjunction with EMA. Analytics - a platform that allows practices to turn data into insights, from enterprise to a patient level, to improve clinical, financial and operational performance. "Research indicates that today's ophthalmologists need a system that is easy to use, understands their unique needs and helps physicians adapt to value-based care," said Dr. Michael Rivers, Director, EMA Ophthalmology. "That's why we consistently listen to the needs of our users and leverage that feedback to enhance our ophthalmology software. There's nothing else like it on the market. It is truly built by ophthalmologists for ophthalmologists." Dr. Fram will present on Sunday, April 15 between 12:15-1:15 pm on the exhibit level, exhibit hall in the Industry Spotlight Theater at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. For more information about this year's conference, please visit annualmeeting.ascrs.org. ASCRSASOA Annual Meeting attendees can visit Modernizing Medicine at booth #1208 during exhibit hours to learn more about the ophthalmology software. Information can also be found at www.modmed.com. About Modernizing Medicine Modernizing Medicine and its affiliated companies empower physicians with suites of mobile, specialty-specific solutions that transform how healthcare information is created, consumed and utilized to increase practice efficiency and improve patient outcomes. Built for value-based healthcare, Modernizing Medicine's data-driven, touch- and cloud-based products and services are programmed by a team that includes practicing physicians to meet the unique needs of dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pain management, plastic surgery and urology practices, as well as ambulatory surgery centers. For more information, please visit www.modmed.com. Connect with Modernizing Medicine on our Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. *Information relating to our EHR certification, including certain costs and limitations, can be found at www.modmed.com/costs-and-limitations. Disclaimer: All educational content of the ASCRSASOA Annual Meeting is planned by its program committee, and ASCRSASOA does not endorse, promote, approve, or recommend the use of any products, devices, or services. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005101/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] Onapsis Raises $31 Million Series C Funding Led by LLR Partners for ERP Cybersecurity Onapsis, the global experts in business-critical application cybersecurity and compliance, today announced a $31 million Series C minority funding round led by new investor LLR Partners, with participation from existing institutional investors .406 Ventures, Evolution Equity Partners and Arsenal Venture Partners. This marks the largest single round of funding in the company's history, bringing the total investment in Onapsis to $62 million. David Stienes, Partner at LLR Partners, will join the company's board of directors. The expanded investment in Onapsis will help further accelerate the company's growth and position as the leader in protecting ERP systems and business-critical applications, such as SAP and Oracle (News - Alert) . These applications run the Global 2000 and manage their crown jewels ranging from sensitive customer and employee information to finances, manufacturing processes and intellectual property, yet they have historically been left exposed and are a perfect economic target for attackers. The potential downtime, data breaches and fraud can result in significant negative financial and reputational impact. "We are excited to welcome LLR Partners to the Onapsis team, augmenting the group of industry-leading investors who support our vision of securing the world's business-critical applications," said Mariano Nunez, CEO and Co-founder of Onapsis. "The capital investment will be dedicated to fueling growth and delivering even more value to our customers and partners." Onapsis will leverage the investment to further penetrate the business-critical application security market by accelerating sales, customer success and marketing efforts. Additionally, the company will further invest in product development and innovation, threat research and scaling its channel and partner programs. Already, Onapsis has amassed a portfolio of over 200 marquee Fortune 2000 companies, achieved record year-over-year growth for five consecutive years and expanded the company to over 180 employees globally. "Onapsis is helping to solve a multi-billion-dollar security and compliance problem, which is now becoming even more widespread with complex digital transformation and ERP cloud migration projects on almost all board room agendas. We are excited to partner with the Onapsis team and leverage our experience and expertise in cybersecurity to help them execute their vision," said David Stienes, Partner at LLR Partners. "I invested in Onapsis five years ago because they were the first company solving a critical gap in cybersecurity by xclusively focusing on and securing mission-critical ERP systems. The bet was that companies that had made an enormous investment in their ERP systems would want higher levels of visibility and protection that were simply not available before Onapsis. It's gratifying to see the company experience great success by delivering on their promise of securing the ERP systems of many of the largest and most demanding companies in the world. I look forward to continuing to support the Onapsis team as they take the company to new heights by delivering on their mission," said Maria Cirino, Co-founder and Managing Partner, .406 Ventures. About LLR Partners: LLR Partners is a lower middle market private equity firm committed to creating long-term value by growing our portfolio companies. We invest in a targeted set of industries, with a focus on technology and services businesses. Founded in 1999 and with more than $3 billion raised across five funds, LLR is a flexible provider of capital for growth, recapitalizations and buyouts. For more information about LLR and advice for scaling growth companies, visit our new website at www.llrpartners.com. About Onapsis: Onapsis cybersecurity solutions automate the monitoring and protection of your SAP (News - Alert) and Oracle ERP and business-critical applications, keeping them compliant and safe from insider and outsider threats. As the proven market leader, global enterprises trust Onapsis to protect the essential information and processes that run their businesses. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Onapsis serves over 200 customers including many of the Global 2000. Onapsis's solutions are also the de-facto standard for leading consulting and audit firms such as Deloitte, IBM, Infosys (News - Alert) and PwC. Onapsis solutions include the Onapsis Security Platform, which is the most widely-used SAP-certified cybersecurity solution on the market. Unlike generic security products, Onapsis's context-aware solutions deliver both preventative vulnerability and compliance controls, as well as real-time detection and incident response capabilities to reduce risks affecting critical business processes and data. Through open interfaces, the platform can be integrated with leading SIEM, GRC and network security products, seamlessly incorporating enterprise applications into existing vulnerability, risk and incident response management programs. These solutions are powered by the Onapsis Research Labs, who continuously provide leading intelligence on security threats affecting SAP and Oracle enterprise applications. Experts at the Onapsis Research Labs were the first to lecture on SAP cyberattacks and have uncovered and helped fix hundreds of security vulnerabilities to-date affecting SAP Business Suite, SAP HANA, SAP Cloud and SAP Mobile applications, as well as Oracle JD Edwards and Oracle E-Business Suite platforms. This patented technology is well known, industry wide, and has gained Onapsis recognition on the Deloitte (News - Alert) Technology Fast-500, as a Red Herring North America Top 100 company and a SINET 16 Innovator. For more information, please visit www.onapsis.com, or connect with us on Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Onapsis and Onapsis Research Labs are registered trademarks of Onapsis, Inc. All other company or product names may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005127/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] Molex and TTTech Announce Collaboration to Develop Industrial IoT Solutions Molex and TTTech today announced a collaboration based on their shared vision of open, flexible and interoperable systems in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The first results of this collaboration will be demonstrated at Hannover Messe (News - Alert) , April 23-27, 2018 in Hannover, Germany. Today, the industrial automation market is experiencing a tectonic shift towards more openness and tighter integration. Existing inflexible infrastructures are struggling to keep up with the changing demands of this increasingly digitized business environment. Molex (News - Alert) and TTTech have agreed to address these demands for greater interoperability, information transparency and connectivity by leveraging their combined OT (Operational Technology) and IT expertise. A demonstration that integrates innovative technologies such as OPC UA (Unified Architecture), TSN (Time Sensitive Networking) and edge/fog computing will be shown at the fair and serves as an indication of the two companies' plans. "TTTech's IIoT platform complements Molex OT solutions and together we can deliver an open, end-to-end solution operating from the sensor to the cloud and anything in between," says Riky Comini, director, industrial automation, Molex. "By matching the extensive expertise Molex has in industrial automation and industrial communication protocols, along with TTTech's undisputed leadership in deterministic networking and open IT platforms, we can bridge the gap between OT and IT to build solutions that bring the full benefits of technology to our customers." "TTTech is very pleased to collaborate with Molex. We recognize that the combined OT and IT expertise of Molex and TTTech will result in better solutions that create more value for customers," says Markus Plankensteiner, vice president sales industrial North America and strategic accounts, TTTech. "Molex has both deep industry knowledge and long-standing customer relationships that will accelerate the adoption ofinnovative technologies such as OPC UA TSN and edge/fog computing in the broader industrial automation market." Please visit Molex booth F76 in hall 9 to see the demonstration or www.molex.com to explore next generation industrial solutions. To learn more about TTTech's solutions, please visit stand A32 in hall 9 or www.tttech.com. About TTTech: TTTech is a global leader in the field of robust networking and safety controls. TTTech solutions improve the safety and reliability of electronic systems in the industrial and transportation sectors, with a portfolio of products that are helping to make the Industrial Internet of Things and autonomous driving a reality. Thanks to the proven platform-based architecture, TTTech products enable simple system integration with shorter time-to-market and significant cost reductions for customers. Beyond this, TTTech solutions support highly scalable and modular open real-time architectures based on Deterministic Ethernet, including IEEE (News - Alert) TSN standards and the established SAE Time-Triggered Ethernet standard. More information about TTTech is available at www.tttech.com. About Molex: Molex brings together innovation and technology to deliver electronic solutions to customers worldwide. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex offers a full suite of solutions and services for many markets, including data communications, consumer electronics, medical, industrial, automotive, and commercial vehicle. For more information, please visit www.molex.com. Molex Resources: Learn more about Molex at www.molex.com Follow us at www.twitter.com/molexconnectors Watch our videos at www.youtube.com/molexconnectors Connect with us at www.facebook.com/molexconnectors Read our blog at www.connector.com Molex is a registered trademark of Molex, LLC in the United States of America and may be registered in other countries; all other trademarks listed herein belong to their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005146/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] Uniserve announces launch of "Share the Love" fundraising project VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Uniserve Communications Corp. (Uniserve) is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a year-long Share the Love charity fundraising project, which will engage with Uniserves 13,000 residential and business customers across the country to support the Variety Childrens Charity as well as the SOS Childrens Village BC. Varietys mission is to step in when health care ends, providing direct help to children with special needs in BC. SOS Childrens Village BC provides homes, a supportive community, and programs to help foster children and youth in need grow into caring, self-reliant adults. As Nicholas Jeffery, Uniserves CEO said, Uniserves business is all about connecting people, places and things ... a business that has proudly been providing services to BC and Alberta customers for 30 years with telecommunications, media and technology. We are thrilled to sponsor Variety at its major Gala event in BC and will continue the support them throughout the year. Variety Childrens Charity complements beautifully the support we have already been providing to our other major charity, the SOS Childrens Village BC. As part of the initiative, starting in May, 2018, Uniserve is asking all its BC clients to consider donating one dollar ($1) from their monthly invoices for a year, all of which will go towards Uniserves two charities of choice: Varietys BC Chapter and SOS Childrens VillageBC. Uniserve will then enter every client participants name into a year-end Grand Prize draw providing a VIP one-week trip for two to Havana, Cuba. Uniserve will also be the premier sponsor for the upcoming April 14th Vancouver A Night in Havana fundraiser for Variety. We are so pleased Uniserve will be joining us for what is sure to be an exciting and memorable Gala, said Cally Wesson, Variety BCs CEO. And of course, were extremely honoured to be one of Uniserves two charity of choices for the year. For over 50 years, Variety has ensured children have the support to reach their potential and thrive. Since 2010, Variety has distributed more than $30 million in funding to families and organizations in communities across the provinces. With Uniserves help, and the new Share the Love initiative, even more can be raised, making it possible for Variety to continue being there when children and families need help the most. Uniserve is also a proud sponsor of the SOS Childrens Village BC, providing free Internet, Telecommunications and Media Services for their entire Village. Uniserve supports foster children and vulnerable youth because they believe every child should belong to a family and grow with love, respect and security. Our Charity Mission To inspire our clients and donors to help children and youth who need special medical assistance, foster care, and the opportunity to thrive in life. Variety the Childrens Charity and SOS Childrens Village BC are two top-of-mind childrens charities, known for stepping in where health care or family support sometimes ends. About Uniserve Uniserve is a unified communications company which has been in existence for 30 years. We combine voice, data, and media into one seamless solution, one bill, and one point of contact in Canada. Uniserve has 13,000 customers spread across Residential / Small Office / Home office and Enterprise, so where ever you are trying to make smart, secure and resilient we can help you. Uniserve prides itself on world class customer service you can trust and will like working with. This news release was prepared on behalf of the Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its contents. Learn more at www.uniserve.com or at www.sedar.com . Nicholas Jeffery Chief Executive Officer For more information please contact Mr. Mark Stanton at 604-395-3908 or email us at mark.stanton@uniserveteam.com . Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Management has prepared this release and no regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. The statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on managements estimates, assumptions and projections using available information. Uniserve cautions that actual financial results could differ materially from the current expectations due to several factors. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] Domtar Dryden Mill Donates $30K to Help Fund New CT Scan Unit for the Dryden Regional Health Centre (DRHC) Representatives from the Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS) Dryden Mill presented a cheque for the company's donation of $30,000 to the Dryden Regional Health Services Foundation today. The Dryden Regional Health Services Foundation is the fundraising partner of the Dryden Regional Health Centre. Domtar's donation will help fund a new CT scan unit for the Dryden Regional Health Centre (DRHC). Domtar's Dryden Mill, which produces pulp, employs over 350 people in the region. "It's particularly important to us to continue to provide safe, effective and compassionate care when our patients are experiencing an illness-and access to diagnosis and treatment options in our home communities not only means timeliness for results; it means that our patients don't have to leave Dryden or their families to travel to larger or neighbouring centres for specialized services like CT scans," said Wade Petranik, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dryden Regional Health Centre. "Domtar's overwhelming support of our campaign aligns with our compassion for our community and our efforts to provide the best care right here, at home. We're sincerely appreciative of their support." Fundraising for a new CT scan unit was underway when it recently became inoperale increasing the urgency of fundraising efforts. The hospital averages just over 18,000 emergency room visits annually and last year the CT scan unit was used to take 5,000 images for 2,000 patients. Domtar's donation will be a boost in making a new CT scan unit become a reality quicker. "Domtar is committed to investing in the greater Dryden community where our mill operates, and to promoting health and wellness-as it is one of our core community investment pillars," said Jim Blight, General Manager at Domtar's Dryden Mill. "The Dryden Regional Health Centre is a pivotal institution that we are so grateful for, and we hope that Domtar's donation will help the hospital continue to serve the people in our community and the surrounding region." About Domtar Domtar is a leading provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp and absorbent hygiene products. With approximately 10,000 employees serving more than 50 countries around the world, Domtar is driven by a commitment to turn sustainable wood fiber into useful products that people rely on every day. Domtar's annual sales are approximately $5.1 billion, and its common stock is traded on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges. Domtar's principal executive office is in Fort Mill, South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.domtar.com. About the Dryden Regional Health Centre and Foundation The Dryden Regional Health Centre is an integrated small, rural and northern health service organization located in Northwestern Ontario and part of the North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN 14). Our service area includes all residents within Dryden and the surrounding area, including the Townships of Machin and Ignace as well as the First Nation communities of Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation (Eagle Lake), Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation and Wabauskang First Nation. As an acute care Health Centre, the DRHC provides a full range of inpatient services including medical, surgical, obstetrical, chronic, rehabilitative and palliative care. Ambulatory services include emergency, surgical day care, specialty clinics, and oncology services. The DRHC provides governance and management for the Dryden Area Family Health Team supporting primary care for some 14,000 people. Services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of family Physicians, Nurse practitioners, Nurses and allied health personnel. The DRHC supports a busy visiting specialist program for orthopedic, rheumatology, plastic surgery, endoscopy, pediatrics, otolaryngology and obstetrical gynecology services. Many of these specialties also provide elective surgical procedures, minimizing the need for patient travel and bringing specialty care closer to home. These services are complemented and supplemented by a comprehensive telemedicine network. Diagnostic services include a CT scanner, x-ray, ultrasound, and fully accredited, ISO certified laboratory services. The DRHC also delivers a wide range of mental health and addictions services including: counselling, case management, crisis response and residential non-medical withdrawal and addictions treatment. To learn more, please visit www.drhc.on.ca. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180413005370/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] New Manufacturing Paradigm Solves MM-Wave Circuit Design Challenges IRVINE, Calif., April 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange County startup Integra Devices introduces an innovative manufacturing paradigm (AMALGA) that enables the ability to fabricate hollow, metal waveguide and coaxial structures inside and on top of electronic substrates. In addition, filters, diplexers, switches, attenuators, and other components can be integrated within these structures. Now, millimeter-wave modules and assemblies can be miniaturized through the use of these low loss, high density interconnects and components; leading to high packaging density, excellent isolation, and low weight solutions. Batch fabricated on panels, Integra's manufacturing technology allows for scalable, cost-effective production, from hundreds to millions of units. MMIC's and active components can be directly integrated since these traces lay embedded or on top of printed circuit boards. "Millimeter-wave frequencies (28 GHz and above) are becoming increasingly popular for applications such as Fifth Generation (5G) wireless communications networks, to support moving massive amounts of data quickly. Unfortunately, crrent transmission line technologies provide challenges for mm-wave engineers looking to design practical systems," states Sourabh Dhillon, Director of Business Development at Integra. "Microstrip and co-planar waveguide circuits can be troublesome and require careful design since such circuits behave like antennas at high frequencies, radiating signal from the desired path and resulting in cross-talk and losses. Waveguide routing, although optimally contain millimeter wave signal, unfortunately leads to 'the plumber's nightmare' large, bulky systems. We're thrilled to offer the microwave/mm-wave world with a new solution to alleviate this dilemma." Beam forming networks, directional antennas, nxm switching matrices and many more micro-assemblies can now be realized to push forth innovation for the communications, mil-aero, and test & measurement industries. Contact Sourabh Dhillon today at sdhillon@integradevices.com or +1 (949) 930-0147 to begin designing your integrated millimeter wave micro-assembly. About Integra Devices Integra Devices is a next-generation industrial component company that provides a new breed of micro-devices for high-value markets such as telecom, aerospace, manufacturing, and medicine. Through a powerful new manufacturing paradigm (Amalga), Integra has surpassed the limitations of current micro-manufacturing, allowing the production of products that could not have been built before. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-manufacturing-paradigm-solves-mm-wave-circuit-design-challenges-300629522.html SOURCE Integra Devices [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] MJ Biotech Inc. Announces Joint Venture with THALGO USA.COM CHEYENNE, Wyo., April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MJ Biotech, Inc. (FKA Michael James Enterprises, Inc.) (OTC:MJTV) announced that it executed a Preferred Partner agreement with THALGO USA https://www.thalgousa.com located in South Florida under the dynamic leadership of THALGO USA CEO Christophe Justens of South Florida and France to expand the THALGO USA distribution footprint and enhance consumer awareness in the USA, as we share the share the same goals and mission for the promotion of a Holistic lifestyle, natural health and wellness. THALGO was founded in France in 1964, and has become the premier name in the global world of Marine Beauty." Creating, manufacturing and marketing treatments, cosmetic products and marine-based nutritional supplements in more than 90 countries and in 20,000 + outlets across the world. Through its commitment to create Beauty through Innovation, Thalgo USA and its spa partners deliver immediate and measurable results for anyone looking to enhance their skin, from the outside and inside. We feel that the MJTV/Zens Tea House focus on holistic wellness is a perfect complement. Subscribe to the Zens Tea House YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/5Q14Fmr_u3k to see COO of MJ Biotech, Fernando Lopez, discuss company sales with Donald Baillargeon of MoneyTV. Additional information is available on the companys websites, www.mjbiotech.us and www.zenstea.com Safe Harbor Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are commonly identified by words such as "would," "may," "will," "expects," and other terms with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, assumptions and expectations and speak only as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or any other reason. The above news release has been provided by the above company via the OTC Disclosure and News Service. Issuers of news releases and not OTC Markets Group Inc. are solely responsible for the accuracy of such news releases. Contact: Fernando Lopez Fernando@zenstea.com Source: MJ Biotech, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 13, 2018] UPDATE - MEDIA ALERT: Dome9 to Present and Exhibit at RSA Conference 2018 MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dome9 Security, the public cloud security company, today announced that Shira Shamban, the head of security intelligence research, will be speaking on The Untold Story of 8200: A Launching Point for Women in Cybersecurity panel at RSAC 2018. The company will also be at the conference in San Francisco from April 16-20. Attendees to the Dome9 booth (#3132 North Hall) will have the chance to meet with the executive team and watch live demos and walkthroughs of the latest Dome9 Arc platform updates. Dome9 added preeminent security expert Shira Shamban to its team in 2017 to leverage her focus on threat intelligence and lead data initiatives for the company. She joined Dome9 from Unit 8200, the prestigious intelligence unit of the Israeli Defense Forces back in 2017. She will join Avivah Litan, vice president and distinguished analyst, Gartner (moderator), Lital Asher-Dotan, senior director of research and content, Cybereason, and Maya Pizov, vice president business development, enSilo, to discuss their untold stories of how advanced military training proved to be a launching point in their professional careers in cybersecurit. For more details about the session and to reserve a spot, please visit here. While on the show floor, find out more about Dome9s recent addition of Magellan cloud-native security intelligence technology to the Dome9 Arc platform, and how the brand new GDPR Readiness Bundle prepares your organization for the much-awaited GDPR mandate. Topics Covered at the Dome9 Booth: Active protection in public cloud environments Visual diagnostics of network security configuration and traffic Cloud intrusion detection User behavior analytics and attribution Regulatory compliance - NIST, FedRAMP, GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA Stop by and say hello to the Dome9 team at Booth #N3132, North Hall. Want to set up a meeting with us in advance of the show? Just send us a note. About Dome9 Dome9, the public cloud security company, delivers peace of mind to enterprises through security and compliance automation as they scale in any cloud. With Dome9, organizations gain full visibility and control of their security posture, allowing them to minimize their attack surface and protect against vulnerabilities, identity theft, and data loss in the cloud. Dome9s agentless SaaS solution provides operational efficiency for faster time-to-protection. Enterprises choose Dome9 as their key partner to provide the active protection necessary throughout their cloud journey. Learn more at https://dome9.com/. Media Contact: Travis Anderson 10Fold for Dome9 (925) 271-8227 tanderson@10fold.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia, April 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RTDNA Canada is pleased to recognize two outstanding individuals in the East region who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and continued excellence during the course of their careers in journalism and news management. RTDNA President Ian Koenigsfest said, Lynn and Terry epitomize the very high standard of journalism in Canada. Their lifetime achievement awards recognize and celebrate the incredible contribution they have made to the journalistic fabric of their communities. He added, The RTDNA thanks them for their dedication and commitment to local journalism. Their legacy stands strong. Lynn Burry and Terry Seguin will be presented with their RTDNA Canada Lifetime Achievement Awards during the East Regional Meeting on April 21, 2018. For more information on the event visit http://www.rtdnacanada.com/2018-east-regional-meeting/. Lynn Burry Lynn Burry is not only a dedicated and respected journalist, but a broadcasting icon in her home of Newfoundland and Labrador. She began her career at CJYQ Radio in the early 1980's. She moved to NTV in 1983 and quickly became the networks legislative reporter. Lynn was promoted to the anchor desk of NTVs flagship newscast, NTV Evening Newshour, in 1993 where she continues to serve as the Senior Producer and Co-host. She has covered politics for most of her career, participating as a panelist for the leaders debates in eight provincial elections. Lynn is also the host and producer of NTVs public affairs show, Issues & Answers. Lynns dignified career- including 25 years as host of Newfoundlands prime supper-hour newscast- places her in rare North American broadcasting company. Terry Seguin Terry Seguin has been a broadcast fixture in the Maritimes for more than 30 years. As a reporter, television anchor and radio host, Terry has personified professionalism and credibility in a distinguished career. After getting his start at CKOT in Tillsonburg, ON, Terry went on to work for ATV in Sydney, NS and Saint John, NB, before joining CBC New Brunswick in Fredericton in 1985. Since then, hes anchored CBCs supper-hour newscast and hosted the networks popular radio program, Information Morning. Viewers and listeners have come to appreciate Terrys insightful interviews with influential people, including Ralph Nader, Rene Levesque, Brian Mulroney and Jean Chretien. Terry is a respected, national award-winning journalist, but those who know him will agree, his passion is his family. RTDNA CANADA RTDNA Canada is the voice of electronic and digital journalists and news managers in Canada. The members of RTDNA Canada recognize the responsibility of broadcast and digital journalists to promote and to protect the freedom to report independently about matters of public interest and to present a wide range of expressions, opinions and ideas. The RTDNA Canada Journalistic Code of Ethics, adopted by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, is used to measure fairness and accuracy in our profession. Become a Member: https://rtdna.wildapricot.org/join-us CONTACT INFORMATION Ian Koenigsfest President, RTDNA Canada president@rtdnacanada.com Jennifer Nguyen RTDNA Canada Awards info@rtdnacanada.com http://www.rtdnacanada.com Mequon, Wisconsin, April 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The nations health care crisis is bigger than what any one segment can tackle alone. Its time that everyone gets involved in health care. The assertion made by Dr. Barbara McAneny, the American Medical Associations incoming president, was delivered to an audience of about 150 business executives/health care providers on Wednesday, April 11, on Concordia University Wisconsins campus. McAneny, who is poised to take the helm of the nations largest physician organization, was the keynote speaker of the second annual Healthcare Economics Summit, an effort of Concordias Batterman School of Business and Remedium eXchange (Rx), a CUW-led think tank comprised of Wisconsin business leaders who share a goal to consumerize health care by incentivizing, educating, and empowering consumers in transparent markets. McAneny kicked off the event by laying out the concern: America ranks 19th in overall health outcomes and 43rd in life expectancy despite the fact the U.S. spends almost double the amount of any other industrialized nation, according to 2014 data. If we continue as we have been, we will not have any money left, McAneny stated. We cannot spend all of our discretionary income on health care. This system cannot continue as it is. Were going to have to look at all people; not just employers, not just doctors, but also patients. The summit tackled the health care concern from a variety of angles by bringing together an impressive roster of health care, business, and thought leaders from across the nation. The morning event also included an address from Dr. John Raymond, president of the Medical College of Wisconsin, as well as panel discussions on the topics of The Current Model of InsuranceWhats Wrong, and How to Fix It, Healthcare Challenges and Solutions, by Wisconsin Employers, Industry Trends: Amazon/JP Morgan/Berkshire; CVS/Aetna; Aurora, and Health Rosetta & the CEOs Guide to Restoring the American Dream. Its about getting people to realize that the problem with our health care system is that the normal metrics that we apply when we buy a shirt, a vacuum cleaner, a car, a house, we ignore, said Lake Normal Benefits CEO David Contorno following his panel discussion on how to deliver world-class healthcare to employees at half the cost. Everyonethe providers of services, the payers of services, and the consumers of health carewe ignore those basic tenants and its time we all wake up. We have a major crisis and I think if the people in this room dont fix it, the government is going to try and thats not going to be good for any of us. The summit concluded with a Skype call from Al Lewis, founder of Population Health Alliance and Quizzify, who issued a challenge to those in attendance: a $3 million award to anyone who can show that wellness programs work. Its the second year Concordia has hosted the Healthcare Economics Summit. Last years inaugural event focused on the importance of market transparency and welcomed Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as a speaker. The annual summits are just one of the ways Concordia has demonstrated its commitment to bringing about a shift in the way Wisconsin, and the nation, begins to address health care. In two weeks, Concordia will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest academic building, The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center. In addition to providing a home for Concordias Batterman School of Business, the building will house: an incubator space for students, faculty, and the local business community to come together and form startup companies; a meeting space for the Rx think tank; and a medical clinic that will model the consumerization of health care using free-market principles. The space will allow Concordia to build upon efforts made in the business of health care arena. It also will provide a home for Concordias thriving MBA program, which has repeatedly topped the Milwaukee Business Journal's list of largest MBA programs within a 100-mile radius of Milwaukee. Of the 819 students enrolled in CUWs MBA program, 90 are pursuing the health care administration tracka number that has doubled in the past three years. A focus on the business of health care is a real mission fit for Concordia, CUWs Batterman School of Business Dean Dr. Dan Sem told those gathered on April 11. Its a matter of social justice. How do we stop out of control costs? I think we can all agree that the business of health care is broken and we need to fix it. Attachments In a new ruling, the Irish High Court referred a complaint of Max Schrems and the Irish Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) against Facebooks use of the Privacy Shield agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The CJEU will decide if Privacy Shield protects EU citizens against U.S. mass surveillance. The Inadequacy Of Privacy Shield Max Schrems first sued Facebook after whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed that the NSA was spying on everyones communications and was also making deals with certain tech companies or wireless carriers to have more direct access to that data. His lawsuit eventually reached the CJEU, which ruled that the Safe Harbor agreement between the EU and the U.S. was invalid, because it wasnt written in accordance to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. In response to this ruling, the European Commission (EC) quickly drafted and made another agreement with the U.S. called the Privacy Shield, which was supposed to be a legal improvement to Safe Harbor. However, this agreement also seemed inadequate because the U.S. didnt pass laws that ensured EU citizens would no longer be affected by its mass surveillance programs. U.S. Mass Surveillance Of EU Data The mass surveillance has only gotten worse since a few years ago, because after the reauthorization and six-year extension of the FISA bill, not just the NSA, but also the FBI and other civil law enforcement agencies in the U.S. can now gain access to raw mass surveillance data. The Irish High Court has established as a fact that the U.S. government doesnt just collect data in bulk, but it also searches data in bulk, which is a violation of EU human rights laws but should also be a violation of the U.S. Fourth Amendment (searches and seizures being illegal without probable cause). The Court considers mass searching of citizens data to be indiscriminate surveillance, and thus illegal under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of EU and other European human rights laws. The U.S. government mass surveillance is enabled by FISA section 702 and Executive Order 12,333 and is done through programs such as PRISM and Upstream. Facebook Defends U.S. Mass Surveillance Facebook signs up all non-American users through the Facebook Ireland subsidiary. It then transfers all data to the U.S. for processing, according to the lawsuit. Because the company is bound by U.S. laws, it also allows the NSA and other agencies to process much of this data through various national security programs. In the lawsuit, Facebook defended U.S. mass surveillance, claiming that its a national security issue that falls outside of the scope of EU laws, and that it's member state treaties that govern over national security issues. Facebook also argued that EU law doesnt apply to processing of EU citizens data for national security issues, whether it happens within the EU or within other countries such as the United States. Facebooks argument is highly unlikely to stand, considering the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and European Convention of Human Rights are quite clear about governments not being allowed to do indiscriminate searches against their citizens. However, this matter will remain to be decided by the CJEU. No Real Remedy For Affected EU Citizens When the EC drafted the Privacy Shield agreement, it added an ombudsman mechanism that was supposed to give EU citizens who were impacted by U.S. mass surveillance some kind of recourse. The Irish High Court found that this mechanism was completely inadequate because the ombudsman is not an independent party, as it falls under the EC, and its also not a permanent position. This is a problem because Article 47 of the Charter requires judicial review or at the very least an independent tribunal. The Court also brought-up the fact that U.S. law doesnt require its agencies to notify the subjects of the surveillance at any point during the surveillance. This means its almost impossible for any surveillance subject to even know they were a target of U.S. surveillance. The Irish High Court noted that the test to see whether or not national security surveillance is legal or not is to determine whether or not the surveillance is strictly necessary and proportionate. Considering that U.S. mass surveillance programs allow a single investigation to target hundreds of thousands or even millions of people at once, those programs likely fail the strictly necessary and proportionate legality requirement. The Privacy Shield is now most likely to fall at the next review by the CJEU, which means the EC should start preparing a new one so it doesnt get caught off-guard as it was before. Additionally, discussions with the U.S. government need to start to prepare for this likely outcome with significant changes in U.S. surveillance laws. If the CJEU invalidates the Privacy Shield, then those changes are going to be required if the U.S. and EU want the next agreement to be a long-lived one. A Russian court issued an order to block Telegram, an open source chat application with over 200 million monthly users, after the company behind the app failed to provide a backdoor or tools to decrypt users messages. Telegram Encryption Telegram was born as an open source alternative to WhatsApp that focused more on user privacy and security. However, unlike WhatsApp, Telegram never adopted end-to-end encryption by default, choosing to leave it optional. Nonetheless, the channel encryption it provides (as so most chat applications) means that governments cant spy on everyones messages at once. Theyd either need to go to Telegram and ask for the users messages, which are stored on the companys servers, or hack the users accounts themselves. Those options dont seem enough for the Russian government anymore, especially as Telegram has no offices or developers in Russia despite its founders, Nikolai and Pavel Durov, being originally from Russia. The companys headquarters is in Dubai. Court Blocks Telegram The Russian media regulator asked a court to block Telegram because it refused to hand over the encryption keys. The media regulator said it needs access to the encryption keys to monitor terrorists. Telegrams lawyer, Pavel Chikov, said in a statement to BBC: The FSB's requirements to provide access to private conversations of users are unconstitutional, baseless, which cannot be fulfilled technically and legally. In a statement made yesterday about this issue, Amnesty International also called out the Russian government over its attack on freedom of expression: In recent years the Russian authorities have steadily targeted the countrys few remaining spaces for freedom of expression. They have blocked news sites that criticize them, imposed draconian data storage rules and declared media outlets registered outside Russia as foreign agents.Now they are targeting one of the most popular messaging apps in Russia simply for having the courage and integrity to respect the privacy of its users. The court deciding on this case tomorrow must similarly show respect for freedom of expression and not pander to the repressive demands of the government. Best Alternative To Telegram In Russia Telegram hasnt yet said what its next steps will be to serve its many users in Russia. One way to continue to deliver the service is through domain fronting, a tactic that the Signal messenger has been using to escape censorship in certain countries. We dont know yet if Telegram plans to do this to avoid the blockade against its service, but in the meantime, Russian users could use Signal for private individual and group conversations. Many experts also consider Signal to be a more secure messenger because it uses state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption protocols by default and stores very little metadata about its users. After some reported illnesses, health officials began contacting all 400 people on the guest lists. They've interviewed 70 people so far, and about 50 reported getting sick. Westport restaurant temporarily closed amid health dept. investigation KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Health department inspectors are investigating reports of illnesses possibly connected to two events either catered by or held at Californos. According to the Kansas City, Mo. Health Department, both events took place on March 31. One was catered by Californos off-site, while the other was held at the venue. A midtown American contemporary cuisine slap in the face for those who actually eat the food and don't get sloshed on establishment's lengthy list mid-tier wine.The sitch:Read more: The wife of a Shawnee, KS gun store owner hoped to finally get closure Thursday after her husband was murdered inside the store in 2015. Becky Bieker decided to close She's A Pistol in 2016 after operating costs became too high. On Thursday, the final defendant, De'Anthony Wiley, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. "Mike Shanin talks to Kansas State Representative Stephanie Clayton about education funding in Kansas. Annie Presley, Patrick Tuohey, Jon Stephens and Gwen Grant discuss the proposed school funding plan in Kansas, the reasons and impact of business turnover in the Country Club Plaza, the impact of the report on Eric Greitens and the debate on how to honor Martin Luther King Jr. in Kansas City." Tonight we celebrate theof Kansas City political discourse offering just a bit of well-informed and genteel perspective on local hot button topics.Description:You decide . . . Mr. Mankiewicz goes all in as he recounts the impressive resume of Guv Greitens and then concludes: "He should be in prison." Later he finished the segment with: "He's a criminal Eric Greitens is a criminal and it's not hard, no matter your party affiliation, to say that." Show-Me The Politico Checklist Gov. Greitens facing mounting pressure to resign in wake of sex scandal Missouri Governor Eric Greitens is facing mounting pressure to resign after the release of a scathing, and graphic report regarding his 2015 affair. Since the report's release, multiple state lawmakers have stepped forward calling for the governor to step down. One of the latest - Missouri Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf. Let's Hear From Hoopz!!! Don't dismiss her testimony: Gov. Greitens didn't have a mistress, he had a victim She had a crush on the perfect guy. He was tall and strong, with cool blue eyes. He didn't just serve his country; he was a former Navy Seal. He made the cut for Time's 100 Most Influential People. But she was married. He was married. And she was his hairstylist. Missouri GOP Vs. The Guv If Greitens doesn't go, his fellow Republicans may show him the door anyway State Rep. Kathie Conway was one of the first Republican lawmakers to suggest that Gov. Eric Greitens resign. It was a move that set her apart from most of her Republican and Democratic colleagues, many of whom wanted to wait for more information to come out about a 2015 extramarital affair. Kansas City Super-Lawyer Hot Take Former federal prosecutor says Gov. Greitens's comments violated gag order Hide Transcript Show Transcript WEBVTT PUT OUT INFORMATION THAT THE WOMAN INVOLVED IN THE AFFAIR HAD SAID SHE MIGHT HAVE DREAMED IT. HER ATTORNEY DENIED THAT CLAIM AND IT LED THE JUDGE IN THE CASE TO SAY NO ONE INVOLVED CAN TALK ABOUT TESTIMONY OR INNOCENCE. Think Piece Countdown How Long Can Eric Greitens Hold On? The man at the top is in trouble. The attorney general, a member of his own party, won't defend him. There's talk of impeachment. Republican legislators are restive and fear that he's putting their electoral chances at risk. The exec himself remains defiant, insisting he's the subject of political witch hunts and fake news. An outsiders perspective is important now that the Guv is playing a dangerous game of chicken with with Missouri General Assembly.Accordingly, some of the most popular progressive pundits are fearless in taking on this flyover country controversy . . ."Missouri Governor Eric Greitens is facing more and more pressure to resign.."Better still . . .Check the best of the latest links:Developing . . . That the foundational feminist text will cease to publish at this particular time seems strange. Trumps inauguration was dwarfed by millions of women wearing pussy hats; abusive men across every industry are being outed by #MeToo; women in film, television and music are embracing the feminist label with gusto. This week, Janelle Monae released a music video that is rife with imagery celebrating the vulva. Things are getting too serious around here and so one of theshares a much appreciated cultural interlude.A note on literature . . .And the local point of reference . . .You decide . . . Jail records indicate John Schooley, the designer of the waterslide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark that a 10-year-old Kansas City area boy was killed on, has been released from the Wyandotte County Jail. Schooley was being held on $500,000 bond, after being charged with second-degree murder in the death of Caleb Schwab. Tacoma, WA, April 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atmosphera continues the reign supreme at the top of Tacomas highest rated management companies. Atmosphera President and CEO, Khalil Verdell, in a recent interview addressed their fast expansion and company culture as well as shedding some light on the competition. I asked Mr. Verdell how they have managed to maintain such a great reputation as a company boasting an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and being one of the highest rated companies in Washington on Glassdoor. Anyone who has worked for us, provided that they themselves operate with integrity, fairness, and good character, will tell you how dedicated, focused, and encouraging we are to the growth of our employees. Our business is not intended for everyone. We are here to focus on individuals looking to manage. Anything short of that just simply wont do. We have high standards and expectations, but we invest a lot of time and money into putting people in positions of management within a year. With all of the success, great culture, and growth, I asked Khalil what are some of the challenges you face? Were a private company that does big business. But since we are private, people dont always know exactly what we do day-to-day. So sometimes people wont apply because we arent as well-known as lets say a Microsoft or Merrill Lynch, so that creates a challenge for our recruiting team. In my interview with Mr. Verdell, he walked me through a day in the life of an Atmosphera employee. We discussed everything from their highly educational and motivating meetings, to their dealings with their private clients, to their development process and management opportunities. It was obvious the employee culture was extremely diverse and inclusive. There seemed to be a 40|60 split of men to women respectively, and of many different ethnicities, experiences, education levels and backgrounds. Additionally, everyone seemed to be genuinely concerned for each others progress and well-being. And one of the most tell-tale observations was how much actual development was taking place. Its like a business school that pays you to attend, but with real career opportunities and growth potential says Elizabeth Mason, Whitewolf Managing Director. When asked to about what they see for their future, the answer was simple; More growth and more top talented people coming on board. For more information about Atmosphera, the career opportunities offered, and their newly acquired territories contact: International Shipping Exhibition Posidonia 2018 to take place in Athens, is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, with nearly 2000 exhibitors and over 20000 visitors from around the globe The biennial International Shipping Exhibition Posidonia 2018 to take place in Athens, is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, with nearly 2000 exhibitors and over 20000 visitors from around the globe. Posidonia 2018 will take place between 4-8 June 2018. During this week, the heart of the international shipping industry will beat in Athens. Once again, Cyprus takes part in the "Posidonia 2018" exhibition with a national pavilion, together with distinguished guests and professionals covering the whole spectrum of the Cyprus Shipping industry. The Deputy Ministry of Shipping is the coordinator of the Cyprus national pavilion, while the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency are co-exhibitors. A team of Deputy Ministry officials will be present throughout the week to provide information and guidance. In its pavilion visitors can find out more about the Cyprus maritime cluster, including the holistic support and services offered by the DMS, registration of ships under the Cyprus flag, the Cyprus Tonnage Tax System and the complete range of compelling advantages Cyprus has to offer. On the occasion of the "Posidonia 2018" exhibition, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms Natasa Pilides, will host a reception on Tuesday 5th June 2018, in Athens. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: http://posidonia-events.com Admission to archaeological sites and historical monuments across Greece will be free of charge on Monday, International Day for Monuments and Sites, the Culture Ministry has announced Following a proposal by ICOMOS, the 18th April as of 1983, was designated by UNESCO as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. The day is celebrated each year with events that aim to make the public aware of their cultural heritage. Citizens are encouraged through various events and other activities, to learn about and appreciate their heritage. In this framework, a different topic is promoted on an annual basis under which all events are centered around. This years theme is Heritage for Generations, which focuses on the transfer of knowledge between generations as a crucial step in cultural development. Inter-generational transfer of knowledge, combining the knowledge of experienced practitioners with the energy and dynamism of newer members provides for a more holistic approach. Admission to archaeological sites and historical monuments across Greece will be free of charge on Monday, International Day for Monuments and Sites, the Culture Ministry has announced. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Tilemahos Efthimiadis License: CC-BY-SA In this area there are numerous resorts much-preferred by international glamorous visitors as the place combines great natural beauty and a cosmopolitan ambiance A beautiful peninsula, located in the NE part of the Peloponnese, is where you will find two popular towns within a short distance from Athens (a two-hour car trip) and from the port of Piraeus (by flying dolphin). In this area there are numerous resorts much-preferred by international glamorous visitors as the place combines great natural beauty and a cosmopolitan ambiance. On its low green hills fine mansions lie scattered, almost out of sight. Five star hotels offer their high quality services by the lacy shores. In the successive lee inlets, marinas provide luxury yachts with berthing and related services. So, lets discover all there is to know about this beautiful land! Wonderful seaside town of Ermioni Its a seaside town built on a cape, surrounded by pine trees, that strongly resembles an island. You will enjoy the lovely beaches, along with the picturesque little harbour lined with popular fish tavernas and clubs for a crazy night out. Other interesting sights for you to see in Ermioni are the following: Bisti, a luxuriant pine wood at the edge of the promontory, a location offering a fine view and the ideal place for a refreshing long walk to the hilltop where you can see the foundations of an ancient temple. Lively Mandrakia neighbourhood where you can enjoy your coffee or meal by the seashore. Agioi Anargyroi monastery (11th c.). Make a point of visiting the remarkable library in the premises as well as the wonderful wood-carved iconostasis in the church. Katafyki ravine (4.5 km N) where vegetation is rich and there are impressive caves hewn in the rocks. Kappari islet, at the coves entrance, youll find a diving school there. The areas beaches are certainly worth visiting; they are numerous and they can cater to all tastes. There are little coves you can visit around Bisti, Kouverta beach with a dark-coloured sand and calm waters, Petrothalassa, a sandy beach stretching as far as the eye can see, Dardiza pebble beach, Sentoni as well as the beaches in Thermisia and Plepi. Other nearby interesting destinations are Iliokastro, a place famous for its fine vineyards, ancient Eileoi (pronounced Ilei) with important archaeological finds, and Thermisia village where you can visit a Venetian castle on an imposing 350m. rock. The natural little harbour of Porto Heli If you wonder how a natural little harbour could have evolved into a destination that is famous the world over, heres the answer to that! The almost enclosed bay includes a large marina facility that is a must-visit spot for celebrity visitors and their yachts. A breathtaking nature surrounds the bay and the lacy shoreline of turquoise waters creates a surreal location that resembles a film setting. Water sports, diving, and hiking combined with relaxing sessions in luxury hotels are offered to those who seek out pleasures in life. Ververonta lagoon is the ideal location for a springtime stroll in the country or for a summertime dive in its waters. Other great swimming locations are the small beach in Porto Heli; the golden sands in Chinitsa; and Kounoupi, a beach with transparent waters. You will get the best sunset view as well as a lucid view of Spetses Island if you visit popular Agios Aimilianos [St. Aimilianos] area, named after the local chapel. (4km SE of Porto Heli). Porto Heli is the location of the ancient town and the acropolis of Alieis (pronounced Alees) (6th 5th c. BC). The archaeological discoveries are on display at the Museum of Nafplion and at the Folk Art Museum of Kranidi. During the year, there is a sea taxi service or a ferry connection from Kosta (5km. off Porto Heli) to Spetses Island. Cave Fragchthi (pronounced Frachthi) is the place where the oldest human skeleton in the area of the Aegean Sea was located, near Koilada, a picturesque fishing village. The exquisite finds from this cave are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio. Didymoi cave is yet another impressive formation (20km off Porto Heli). Agios Georgios chapel overlooks this big concave depression on the mountainside. Source: visitgreece Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Agnee License: CC-BY-SA Federation of Arab Engineers and IFP (International Fairs and Promotions) will jointly host a major summit in Baghdad this October to discuss the reconstruction of the destroyed cities in Iraq and Syria. The event will attract industry specialists including engineers, architects, contractors, vendors, investors as well as government officials, according to the organisers. The first edition of the Reconstruction of the destroyed cities and restoration of archeological sites affected by military actions in Iraq and Syria - Conference will be held on October 9 and 10 at the Baghdad International Fair Ground, in concurrence with the second edition of Project Iraq and Energy Iraq Exhibition 2018 with extensive international participation. The exhibition covers the requirements of Iraqs construction market including: construction material and technology, electricity and power among others, said the organisers. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the headquarters of the Order of Engineers in Beirut, which was attended by senior regional experts including Jad Tabet, the head of the Beirut Order of Engineers and Dr Ghayath Al Koutayni, the head of the Syrian Order of Engineers. Dr Adel Ibrahim Al-Hadithi, the secretary-general of the Federation of Arab Engineers, emphasised the importance of the Iraq conference and the federations full support of the event, while Tabet stressed his organizations willingness to play an effective role in this conference. Albert Aoun, the chairman of IFP Group, highlighted the importance of the partnership with the Federation for the event, given that the federation is a professional organization with a deep-rooted history in boosting the engineering profession in the Arab world, preserving Arab engineering heritage and its impact on the advancement of civilization. Mohammed Saeed Fatha, the secretary of the Federation of Arab Engineers, praised the cooperation between the two parties that is based on mutual trust; especially that IFP belongs to IFP Group which has 36 years of experience, and has organized more than 500 local and international exhibitions and conferences.-TradeArabia News Service English Swedish Press release 13 April 2018, 07:35 Notice of Annual general meeting 2018 of sdiptech ab (publ) The shareholders in Sdiptech AB (publ), 556672-4893 ("Sdiptech" or the "Company"), are hereby summoned to the Annual General Meeting on Monday, 14 May 2018 at 16.00 at Ingenjorsvetenskapsakademien (IVA), Grev Turegatan 16, Stockholm. Notice of attendance, etc. Shareholders who wish to attend the general meeting must be registered in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on Monday, 7 May 2018, and give notice of attendance to the Company by mail to Sdiptech AB, Stureplan 15, 111 45 Stockholm, at the Company's website, www.sdiptech.com, or by email to anmalan@sdiptech.com. Notice of attendance must be received by the Company no later than on Monday, 7 May 2018. Notification shall include the shareholder's name, personal identification number/corporate registration number and daytime telephone number. The notice of attendance shall also include the number of accompanying advisors (not more than two) who are attending the meeting. Shareholders who are represented by a proxy must submit a dated and signed power of attorney for the attorney. The original of the power of attorney and, for legal entities, a certified copy of a certificate of registration, should be sent to the Company at the postal address above in ample time prior to the meeting. The power of attorney may not be older than one year if it is not explicitly stated that it is valid for a longer period of time, up to five years from its issuance. A form of power of attorney is available on the Company's website, www.sdiptech.com. Shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of a nominee (e.g. at a custody account with a bank) must temporarily re-register their shares in their own name to be entitled to participate at the general meeting. Such registration must be completed at Euroclear Sweden AB no later than on Monday, 7 May 2018. The nominee should therefore be instructed well in advance of this date. Proposed agenda Opening of the meeting Election of chairman of the meeting Preparation and approval of the voting list Election of one or two persons to approve the minutes of the meeting Determination as to whether the meeting has been duly convened Approval of the agenda Presentation of the annual accounts and the auditors' report and the consolidated accounts and the auditors' report on the consolidated accounts Presentation by the CEO, and shareholders' questions to the Board of Directors and management of the Company Resolution on: adoption of the income statement and the balance sheet and the groups' income statement and balance sheet; allocation of the result of the Company in accordance with the adopted balance sheet; discharge of liability for the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors Determination of fees for the members of the Board of Directors and the auditor Election of members of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board of Directors and auditor Resolution on the Nomination Committee for the annual general meeting of 2019 Resolution regarding guidelines for remuneration to the senior management Resolution regarding the approval of transfer of the Company's shareholding in S. Professionals AB Closing of the meeting Proposals for resolutions Proposals from the Nomination Committee under item 2 and 10-13 The Nomination Committee of the Company makes the following proposals under items 2, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Jan Samuelson is proposed to be appointed as chairman of the meeting. The Board of Directors is proposed to consist of six members with no deputy members. Proposed re-election of Ashkan Pouya, Saeid Esmaeilzadeh, Johnny Alvarsson, Katarina Lundblad Pinnekamp and Jan Samuelson and election of Markus Sjoholm as members of the Board of Directors until the end of the next annual general meeting. Proposed election of Jan Samuelson as Chairman of the Board of Directors until the end of the next annual general meeting. Total fees of SEK 1,200,000 are proposed to be paid to the Board of Directors, of which SEK 200,000 is to be paid to each member of the Board of Directors. No fees are proposed to be paid for any committee work. Proposed re-election of KPMG AB as auditor of the Company until the end of the next annual general meeting. Should the proposal be adopted, KPMG intends to appoint Duane Swanson as auditor in charge. Auditors' fees are proposed to be payable in accordance with approved invoice. The Nomination Committee proposes that the meeting resolves on the following principles for appointing the Nomination Committee for the next annual general meeting. The Nomination Committee shall consist of four members. The three, in terms of votes, largest shareholders/owner groups (the "Largest Shareholders") as per 31 August the year prior to the next annual general meeting, according to the list of shareholders in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB or that in another way are proved to be one of the Largest Shareholders, are entitled to appoint one member each of the Nomination Committee. In addition, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be appointed as member of the Nomination Committee. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall summon the Largest Shareholders by 15 October the year preceding the annual general meeting, at the latest. If any of these shareholders waive their right to appoint a member of the Nomination Committee, the next shareholder/owner groups in order of size shall be given the opportunity to appoint a member of the Nomination Committee. The CEO or any other person from the senior management shall not be a member of the Nomination Committee. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall summon the Nomination Committee's first meeting. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall not be appointed Chairman of the Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee's term of office extends until a new Nomination Committee is appointed. The composition of the Nomination Committee shall be made public no later than six months before the annual general meeting. If it becomes known that a shareholder that has appointed a member of the Nomination Committee, as a result of changes in said owner's shareholdings or due to changes in other owners' shareholdings, is no longer one of the Largest Shareholders, the committee member who was appointed by said shareholder shall, if the Nomination Committee so decides, resign and be replaced by a new member appointed by the shareholder who at the time is the largest registered shareholder that has not already appointed a member of the Nomination Committee. If the registered ownership structure is otherwise significantly changed prior to the completion of the Nomination Committee's work, the composition of the Nomination Committee shall, if the Nomination Committee so decides, be changed in accordance with the above stated principles. The tasks of the Nomination Committee shall be to prepare, for the next annual general meeting, proposals in respect of number of directors of the Board of Directors, remuneration to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the other directors of the Board of Directors and the auditors, respectively, remuneration, if any, for committee work, the composition of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, resolution regarding the Nomination Committee, chairman at the annual general meeting and election of auditors. The Company shall pay for reasonable costs that the Nomination Committee has considered to be necessary in order for the Nomination Committee to be able to complete its assignment. Item 9 b) - Resolution on allocation of the result of the Company in accordance with the adopted balance sheet The Board of Directors proposes that the meeting resolves upon a dividend to shareholders of preference shares in accordance with the articles of association. Of the funds disposable by the general meeting, SEK 811,914,765, SEK 8 per preference share, i.e. in total SEK 14,000,000, shall be paid quarterly to shareholders of preference shares with a quarter of the total amount (i.e. SEK 2 per preference share) per payment. The proposal is based on all the outstanding preference shares as of the day of this notice (i.e. a total of 1,750,000 preference shares). Suggested record dates for the dividend are: 15 June 2018, with an estimated payment date on 20 June 2018; 14 September 2018 with an estimated payment date on 19 September 2018; 14 December 2018 with an estimated payment date on 19 December 2018; and 15 March 2019 with an estimated payment date of 20 March 2019. The Board of Directors proposes that no dividends are paid for ordinary shares of series A or series B, and that the Company's remaining accumulated results of SEK 797,914,765 are instead carried forward on new account, of which SEK 712,617,839 are transferred to share premium. Item 14 - Resolution regarding guidelines for remuneration to the senior management Senior executives refer to the CEO and to members of the group management, which currently consists of six persons ("Senior Executives"). The purpose of the guidelines is to enable the Company's and its subsidiaries (the "Group") to recruit, motivate and retain senior executives within the Group. The goal of the remuneration is for it to be competitive while at the same time being in line with the interests of the shareholders. Remuneration paid to Senior Executives shall consist of fixed and variable salary, the possibility to participate in a long-term incentive program, and pension compensation. These components will, jointly, create a well-balanced remuneration that reflects individual expertise, responsibility and performance, both over the short term and long term, as well as the Group's total performance. Fixed salary Fixed salary paid to Senior Executives shall be competitive and based on the expertise, responsibility and performance of the individual executive. Variable salary In addition to a fixed salary, the Senior Executives may receive variable remuneration. Such variable remuneration may not exceed 50 per cent of the fixed annual salary. The variable remuneration shall be based on the results of predetermined and documented financial and individual targets. Long-term variable remuneration in the form of shares and/or share related instruments in the Company shall be distributed by participation in long-term incentive programs resolved by a general meeting. Such programs shall be based on performance, require a continuing employment in the Group and require an investment by the participants themselves. Other benefits The Group offers other benefits to Senior Executives in accordance with local practice. Such other benefits may include, for example, a company car and corporate healthcare. For a limited period of time and where applicable, housing may be provided. Pension The Senior Executives shall be entitled to pension compensation based on what is customary in the country of employment. The compensation shall preferably be premium based. Termination period and severance pay A termination period of maximum 12 months, with right to severance during the termination period, applies to termination with respect to Senior Executives, according to their contract. The Company does not grant any further severance. Deviations from the guidelines Where special cause exists, the board of directors may deviate from the guidelines above, such as for example with respect to additional variable compensation in the event of exceptional performance. In such cases, the Board of Directors shall explain the reasons for the deviation at the immediately following annual general meeting of the shareholders. Item 15 - Resolution regarding the approval of transfer of the Company's shareholding in S. Professionals AB On 14 February 2018, the Board of Directors of Sdiptech resolved to separate and divest Sdiptech's shareholding of 60 per cent in S. Professionals AB ("Sprof") and its subsidiaries (the "Support Operations"). This decision was communicated in the Company's year-end report of 2017, which was published on 15 February 2018. Against this background, Sdiptech entered into an agreement on 13 April 2018 with the CEO of Sprof, who already holds the 40 per cent of the shares in Sprof that are not held by Sdiptech, regarding a transfer of Sdiptech's shares in Sprof subject to approval at a general meeting of Sdiptech. The purchase price for the Support Operations is calculated on a cash and debt free basis and consists of a fixed cash purchase price of SEK 0.5 million, and additional purchase price corresponding to 30 per cent of the aggregate amount as Sprof and Sprof's subsidiaries have invoiced customers for advice regarding M&A during 2018 and 2019. At the execution of the agreement, the total purchase price (including the additional purchase price) is estimated to amount to approximately SEK 8.0 million. The Board of Directors has obtained a fairness opinion from BDO regarding the financial fairness of the transaction to the shareholders of Sdiptech. This fairness opinion is available on the Company's website. Sdiptech keeps its financial interest in three of the Support Operation's product companies which are in different stages of commercialization. In the event the Support Operation divests these product companies or receives value transfers or earn-outs, Sdiptech is entitled to additional purchase prices corresponding to Sdiptech's ownership interest in the companies prior to the divestment of the Support Operation. Against the above background, the Board of Directors proposes that the annual general meeting resolves to approve the transfer of 1,200 shares of series A in Sprof to the CEO on the main terms set out above The resolution regarding item 15 must be supported by shareholders holding no less than nine-tenths (9/10) of the votes cast as well as the shares represented at the annual general meeting. Miscellaneous The annual report and the auditors' report and complete proposals together with a proxy form will be available at the Company's website www.sdiptech.com, and at the Company's head of office at Stureplan 15, 111 45 Stockholm, Sweden not later than on 23 April 2018. All documents will also be sent free of charge to those shareholders who so request and provide the Company with their address. Shareholders attending the general meeting may request information in accordance with Chapter 7, section 32 of the Swedish Companies Act (Sw. aktiebolagslagen (2005:551)). At the time of this notice, there are 32,027,645 shares in the Company, divided among 1,750,000 preference shares with 1 vote each, 2,000,000 Class A shares with 10 votes each and 28,277,645 Class B shares with 1 vote each. The total number of votes in the Company is 50,027,645. The Company holds no treasury shares as at the day of this notice _____________ Stockholm April 2018 Sdiptech AB (publ) Board of directors Sdiptech's ordinary share in series B is traded under ticker SDIP B with ISIN code SE0003756758. Sdiptech's preference shares are traded under ticker SDIP PREF with ISIN code SE0006758348. Sdiptech's Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North Stockholm is Erik Penser Bank. More information is available at the Company's webpage: www.sdiptech.com For additional information, please contact: Carl Johan Akesson, CFO, +46 708 30 70 57, cj.akesson@sdiptech.com Jakob Holm, CEO, +46 761 61 21 91, jakob.holm@sdiptech.com Sdiptech AB is an engineering group with focus on urban infrastructures. The group provides deeply niched services and products for both expanding and renovating fast growing cities. The Company's office is located in Stockholm. The information was provided by the above contact persons for publication 13 April 2018 at 07:35 CET. English Norwegian The Annual General Meeting of Odfjell SE will be held on Tuesday 8 May 2018 at 16:00 hours at the Company's headquarters in Conrad Mohrs veg 29, Bergen, Norway. Attached please find notice of the General Meeting. The notice will also be available at odfjell.com Contact: Bjrn Kristian Red Manager Investor Relations & Research Tel: +47 55 27 47 33 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. editorial@tribune.com Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, April 13 Ninety nine years on, the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial is still struggling to find its due amidst political promises and lost priorities. A living heritage, the memorial is crying out loud for conservation and upkeep due to paucity of funds. The Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, which runs the place, is doing bare minimum through the meagre earning it receives through government securities. We have a lot of maintenance and development issues. The bullet markings on the wall need to be conserved, where they are missing and the markings are to be made. The walls need repair at several points. The martyrs well also needs a lot of repair and conservation. The light and sound show facility installed in 2010 has been lying defunct for two years. We also had an 18-minute documentary that was projected for the visitors in the open hall at park, but that too has been discontinued as all the machinery is lying obsolete and needs technical upgrading, informed SK Mukherjee, the secretary of the trust. MP Shwait Malik had taken up the issue of Jallianwala Baghs maintainence in Parliament, following which announcements were made by the Central Government for improving facilities like washrooms, installation of sheds for tourists and conservation of the buildings. A map for entire project for revamping the infrastructure and developing the memorial was also drafted and supposedly sent to the officials concerned but the status of the report remains unknown, says Mukherjee. Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu had recently said that Jallianwala Bagh remained his priority as he wanted to get it ready for the centenary celebrations next year. With the Centre allotting a grant of Rs 10-11 crore, the future plans for memorials facelift remain uncertain. Demanding the live heritage status, Mukherjee is hopeful that the 100th anniversary of the massacre will bring some hope for the site of supreme sacrifice as well. We had sent a report to the ASI as well, which is still under consideration. We are hopeful that development will take place by next year. While emotional quotient is quite high among the families of the martyrs, their demands for recognition have fallen on deaf ears till date. The families of martyrs have long been demanding the due status for memorial and benefits for the kin of those who laid down their lives on that fateful day. Over the years, we have just been reduced to photo ops, but the government needs to understand our emotional connection with the place, said Mahesh Behl, whose grandfather Lal Hari Ram was one of the martyrs. They also want the government to clear the number of martyrs of Jallianwal Bagh. The board inside the premises lists 379 victims, including a seven-month old infant, and around 1,500 injured. This was published by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust. On the other hand, the only list available with the district administration has a total of 501 entries, with some numbers having no antecedents. The memorial built to honour the victims at the T-point outside the Bagh gate speaks of 473 martyrs whose names have been engraved on the memorial, known as Amar Jyoti. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 12 Rakesh Bharti Mittal, president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and vice-chairman of Bharti Enterprises, on Thursday unveiled the annual agenda of the apex chamber which includes a key initiative on the industry doing business ethically and transparently. As part of the India RISE theme announced for 2018-19, the CII will launch voluntary corporate governance codes for large enterprises, small and medium enterprises and the financial sector. Our industry must remain competitive, socially responsible and ethical to grow holistically, Mittal said at his first press conference after assuming charge as CII president. In his presentation, Mittal called for enhancing the scope of Goods and Services Tax (GST) by including fuel, real estate and alcohol and reducing the number of slabs. He said the industry should strategise for investments now. India's economic environment has begun to improve due to introduction of major reforms such as GST, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, fixed-term employment and so on. The industry must respond positively and undertake investments to sustain the recovery, he added. The new CII president said the CII has evolved a strong agenda for the industry under the 'India RISE: Responsible. Inclusive. Sustainable. Entrepreneurial theme. The theme dovetails with the governments priorities as per the reforms already completed. Comprehensive new initiatives under each of these sub-themes were outlined. Uday Kotak, CII president-designate and vice-chairman and MD of Kotak Bank, said, We are now seeing a dramatic pick-up of micro-India across all sectors. The transition from a good macro to a good micro economy has happened over the past few years. GST and IBC are game-changing reforms. Macro situation is getting tougher based on high oil prices and protectionism. Pegs GDP growth at 7.3-7.7% for FY19 CII chief Rakesh Bharti Mittal said the chamber expects gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at 7.3-7.7% during the 2018-19 financial year. This is based on strengthening demand in the rural economy, including agriculture and non-farm activities, as well as better global growth climate. Sector-wise, the CII projected 2.5-3.5% growth for the agriculture, 7.2-7.5% for the industrial and 8.4-8.7% for the services, with construction and trade and repairs to lead. vermaajay1968@gmail.com New Delhi: Exports dipped by 0.66% to $29.11 billion in March, but increased by 9.78% for the full 2017-18 fiscal. Exports aggregated at $302.84 billion in 2017-18 as compared to $275.85 billion in the previous fiscal. Imports in March grew by 7.15% to $42.8 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $13.69 billion, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Friday. Oil imports during the month under review were valued at $11.11 billion, 13.92% higher than the same month previous year. During 2017-18, imports increased by 19.59% to $459.67 billion. Trade deficit during the fiscal stood at $156.83 billion. tns DUBLIN, Ireland, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corvil today announced its CEO Donal Byrne, has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year by Institutional Investor in its 2018 Trading Tech 40, which honors the worlds most powerful trading executives. Under Byrnes leadership, Corvil has become the gold standard in machine-time analytics for financial institutions across the globe, and proudly counts nearly every major stock exchange and global bank as a customer. Corvils vision, to provide trading businesses with the optimum intelligence to achieve superior execution outcome, operate with full transparency, and have the trusted data for regulatory compliance and cyber risk management, remains razor-focused. It is a great honor to again be recognized by Institutional Investor and I sincerely thank our customers and employees for their role in Corvils successful journey, said Donal Byrne of this years placement. In todays competitive trading landscape, where those who have the best information and react fastest have the advantage, Corvil empowers firms with insight into client and trader intelligence, market data quality, order and transaction performance, and technology infrastructure and application performance to optimize execution. While financial regulations such as MiFID II and Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) have enabled Corvil to showcase industry-leading precision in cross-asset class order record keeping and nanosecond time-stamping to help clients meet compliance, the firm has also expanded capabilities in cyber risk protection. In May last year Corvil developed Cara, the worlds first virtual security expert to address cybersecurity in financial markets, which leverages machine learning to solve sectors "execution performance versus cybersecurity" challenge. Central to Corvils success has been an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation. Corvil is committed to supporting customers in successfully navigating and excelling in a highly fluid and unpredictable trading environment impacted by new technologies, regulations, and cyber risks. To meet this need, Corvil has more than tripled the size of its data science and machine learning teams over the last two years to bring new capabilities to satisfy market demand for tools that enable insight-powered performance. Since regulators levelled the playing field, the arms race for speed has shifted to the arms race for trading intelligence. This is where Corvil can help. Our machine-time intelligence for execution performance, client experience, regulatory compliance as well as cyber risk surveillance, can help our customers achieve advantage in a highly competitive market, concludes Byrne. About Corvil Corvil is the industry leader for deriving Security, Operational, and Business intelligence from network data. As companies adopt faster and smarter machine technology, it becomes critical to tap into richer and more granular machine data sources to safeguard the transparency, performance and security of critical infrastructure and business applications. The Corvil streaming analytics platform captures, decodes, and learns from network data on the fly, transforming it into machine-time intelligence for network, IT, security and business teams to operate efficiently and securely in this new machine world. Corvil uses an open architecture to integrate the power of its network data analytics with the overall IT ecosystem providing increased automation and greater operational and business value outcomes for its users. The Corvil solution is trusted by leading financial institutions to safeguard their businesses across the globe involving 354 trillion messages with a daily transaction value in excess of $1 trillion. Learn more about Corvil: Corvil.com | Twitter | LinkedIn Contact information: Press Office at Corvil +353 1 859 1040 pressoffice@corvil.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/2c93bd27-6946-4a4c-9dc3-882a8d256a79 editorial@tribune.com New Delhi, April 12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre has suggested to the Finance Commission to consider incentivising states working on population control, while refuting charges that the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission were biased against certain states. The issue was being raised by vested interests, he said without naming anyone. Modi's remarks come within days after CPM-ruled Kerala hosted a conference of finance ministers of southern states, which was also attended by Puducherry, a union territory, on Tuesday. At the conclave, Kerala, Karnataka, AP and Puducherry had opined that ToR were in contradiction to the principles of federalism enshrined in the Constitution and would also result in revenue loss to performing states. TNS editorial@tribune.com Hong Kong/Mumbai: Walmart Inc is likely to reach a deal to buy a majority stake in Indian e-commerce player Flipkart by the end of June in what could be the US retail giant's biggest acquisition of an online business, sources said. Reports said Walmart completed its due diligence on Flipkart and had made a proposal to buy 51 per cent or more of the Indian company for between $10 billion to $12 billion. A deal with Flipkart would step up Walmart's battle with Amazon for a bigger share of India's fledgling e-commerce market, which Morgan Stanley estimates will be worth $200 billion in a decade. Agencies JSW Steel-AION Capital bags Monnet Ispat New Delhi: JSW Steel-AION Capital has emerged as the successful bidder to acquire bankrupt Monnet Ispat and Energy (MIEL), according to a regulatory filing. The committee of creditors (CoC) of Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd, which is undergoing insolvency proceedings, on Tuesday approved the resolution plan submitted by the only bidder Sajjan Jindals JSW Steel along with AION Capital. The consortium has been declared as the successful resolution applicant by the CoC of MIEL on April 10 and has received a Letter of Intent dated April 12, JSW Steel said. Monnet Ispat & Energy was was among the 12 NPAs referred by the RBI for insolvency proceedings. It owes more than Rs 10,000 crore to its lenders. TNS Bhanu P appointed banks board chairman New Delhi: The government on Thursday appointed former DoPT Secretary Bhanu Pratap Sharma Chairman of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB). He replaces Vinod Rai, who was appointed the first BBB chairman for a two-year term. While announcing the appointment, Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said Bhanu Pratap Sharma would have the same mandate as was given to Rai. He has been appointed for two years. The other members of the BBB are: Vedika Bhandarkar (former MD Credit Suisse India), P Pradeep Kumar (former MD SBI) and Pradip P Shah (founder MD Crisil). TNS DoT told to approve Airtel-Telenor merger New Delhi: Telecom tribunal TDSAT has asked the Department of Telecom (DoT) to approve the Airtel-Telenor merger without any bank guarantee, according to a Bharti spokesperson. The DoT on April 3 had asked Bharti Airtel to submit the bank guarantee of around Rs 1,700 crore before approving the merger. The guarantee included Rs 1,499 crore for the one-time spectrum charge for the radiowaves allocated to Airtel without auction and over Rs 200 crore for spectrum payment which Telenor has to make. TNS editorial@tribune.com Chandigarh, April 12 In the time of emergency, some unsung heroes always leave an imprint of courage. Such heroism was shown by one of the private security guards who broke a windowpane in order to emit the thick blanket of smoke. And while doing so, he ended up injuring his hand. The PGI Director, Prof Jagat Ram, lauded the efforts of the security staff, nurses, firefighters and Class IV employees in dousing the fire. I mush congratulate the courage of the security guard, who injured his hand while smashing the windowpane, said Prof Jagat Ram. Despite his courage, he chooses to remain anonymous. He refused to get his photograph clicked stating that his projection may demean the contribution of others. Everyone, right from the nursing staff to the Fire Department, have done their best to save the life of patients. Whatever I felt was correct, I did, he said. PC Sharma, chief security officer, said, It was a collective effort that averted a tragedy. The security staff reached the spot on time and evacuated the patients. Doctors and nursing staff also kept providing medical assistance to the patients.TNS ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 13 Two days after a 28-year-old car mechanic was kidnapped from near the grain market in Sector 39, the Chandigarh Police recovered his half-burnt body from Siswan near Mullanpur and arrested one of the accused for kidnapping and murdering the victim. The victim was strangled and then set on fire. The victim, identified as Mohammad Ali, had gone missing on April 11 and the victims wife, Neeta Dogra, who is a dancer, approached the police and complained that her husband had been kidnapped. A case of kidnapping was registered by the police at the Maloya police station. During the investigation, one of the suspects, Khem Singh, alias Shanty (31), a resident of Ludhiana, was questioned about his involvement in the case following which Shanty disclosed that he, along with his brother Sukha, accomplice Jagdev and another person, kidnapped the victim in an Innova and took him towards Siswan. The victim was strangled in an MUV using a stole. The accused then bought petrol at a petrol pump near Mullanpur. The accused took the body to a forest area in Siswan and removed the victims clothes. The accused poured petrol on the victims face and set it on fire. The accused escaped to Ludhiana. The body was recovered by the police from Siswan during the wee hours of Friday. Sources said the victims slippers were found near the body while his blue shirt was recovered from Khuda Lahora. The accused had thrown the victims mobile phone near Balongi in Mohali, which was yet to be recovered. Shanty was arrested and produced before the duty magistrate and sent to five-day police remand. The sources said the police conducted a raid in Ludhiana and rounded up three youths. Motive behind the crime The police said Neeta was in love with Mohammad Ali and got married to him in 2013. However, later she came in contact with Shanty, who runs an orchestra group, and fell in love with him. The duo stayed together for around three years. However, Neeta recently left Shanty and came back to stay with her husband in Jujhar Nagar, Mohali. Shanty, who was a jilted lover, hatched a conspiracy to eliminate the victim. Another accused rounded up Sources said another accused, Gaggi, was rounded up by the police on Friday night. His name was revealed by the prime accused. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service Mohali, April 13 After remaining in the top bracket of Punjabs district-wise lists of the number of dengue cases in the past couple of years, now the Mohali Administration seemed to be in no mood to relax in this direction. A high-level meeting in this regard was held recently in which Mohali Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Kaur Sapra issued instructions to the health authorities to start work to check dengue, swine flu and malaria in the district with immediate effect. The meeting was attended by representatives of the health department, private hospitals and officers of various departments to discuss preventative measures being taken regarding dengue and malaria. Awareness about dengue and swine flu at all levels is necessary. It is a necessity to create awareness among people about dengue so that this year they could be protected from these diseases. I have asked the authorities concerned to plan organising seminars, workshops, rallies and awareness camps as part of the awareness campaign in connection with the spread of these diseases, said the Deputy Commissioner. Besides displaying hoardings, distribution of pamphlets and a proper plan of systematic fogging, covering all parts of the district to prevent mosquito breeding in summer and rain would be done here. She said June and July would be observed as anti-malaria and anti dengue months, respectively. The Deputy Commissioner said tests for dengue were being conducted free of cost at the Civil Hospital, Phase 6, here. Last year, 2,449 dengue cases were reported from the district and Balongi village had witnessed the maximum number of cases (172) here. Dengue stung 2,449 last year Last year, 2,449 dengue cases were reported from the district and Balongi village had witnessed the maximum number of cases (172). High-level meeting A high-level meeting in this regard was held recently in which Mohali Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Kaur Sapra issued instructions to the health authorities to start work to check dengue, swine flu and malaria in the district with immediate effect. editorial@tribune.com Chandigarh, April 12 A web of old and dilapidated wires is leading to a rise in short-circuits at the PGI here. It is not a first incident of fire that took place at the hospital. Earlier in February, a fire had erupted in the gastroenterology ward of Nehru Hospital here due to a short-circuit. Nearly 46 patients, including six ICU patients, were shifted to other wards following the incident. In this case too, the PGI authorities had constituted a team to probe the matter but the investigation reached nowhere. An official said the hospital was over 50 years old and at many places the old wires had not been replaced yet. The hospital is now called a heritage building and to top it all, the patient load is increasing. The old network of wires has outlived its life and it is leading to frequent short-circuits. To avoid such incidents in the future, the PGI authorities need to immediately replace the old wires with the new ones, said a PGI employee. PGI Director Prof Jagat Ram said the short-circuit had damaged the wiring of all six operation theatres (OTs). He said new cables were installed in the OT where the fire incident took place on Wednesday night. TNS ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Ishrat S Banwait Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 13 Yet another case of the Chandigarh Police pinning multiple snatching cases on one person but failing to prove them has come to light. Facing 12 such cases, Nizamuddin has been acquitted in two in the past 10 days, while in the remaining, he is under trial. The current case pertains to a gold chain snatching in August last year. Nizamuddin, alias Sonu, a resident of Milk Colony, Dhanas, has already been convicted in a murder case and booked for theft and possession of drugs as well. It was reported in these columns on April 4 that Nizamuddin was acquitted in a case of purse snatching that took place in September last year. The case in which he was acquitted on Friday pertains to August 16, 2017. According to the complaint, a Sector 37 resident, Priya Keer, had approached the Sector 39 police station. She informed the police that around 10.50 pm, she had gone to the Sector 37 temple. While she was returning, a man on an Activa scooter came from the rear side, snatched her gold chain and fled. However, she could not note down the registration number of the scooter. An FIR was registered against an unknown person. A month later, the police arrested Nizamuddin from Sector 37 and claimed that he had confessed to being involved in 12 snatching cases, including this one. The police had then claimed to have recovered four mobile phones, a gold chain, a pair of gold earrings, three bags with documents, a Honda City car and three stolen motorcycles from him. However, during the trial, the victim failed to recognise him. Not only this, multiple contradictions emerged in the statement of the victim, her husband as well as the policemen who were made witnesses in this case. The court thus acquitted Nizamuddin, who will continue to be in custody due to the other cases that he is facing. The case in which he was let off around 10 days ago involved a purse snatching incident in Sector 23 on September 9, 2017. The complainant, Shashi Bajaj, had informed police that she had gone to buy grocery with her daughter. However, a man on a motorcycle, wearing a helmet, came from behind, snatched her purse and fled away. However, the prosecution failed to prove the evidence and Nizamuddin was acquitted. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Chandigarh, April 13 A local court awarded one-year imprisonment to a person who was booked for videographing a doctor while she was changing her clothes at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, in 2015. Convict Nirmal Lal was stated to be working as a sweeper in the hospital and had hidden his mobile phone. However, a doctor had spotted it and reported the matter after she saw that it had a recording of over two hours. Nirmal was booked under Sections 354 B, 354 C and 511 of the IPC and Section 67 of the IT Act. On May 30, 2015, a complaint was lodged by the hospital administration. According to the complaint, the mobile phone was kept in a used linen basket, which was noticed by a doctor when she went to the changing room. The camera was found to be in the recording mode and had a recording of over two hours. Later, it was found that the mobile phone belonged to sweeper Nirmal Lal. It was stated that Nirmal had admitted to the crime. However, Nirmal fled and was later arrested by the police. TNS ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 13 The training zone of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force bagged the top position in the first ever Inter-Frontier One Minute Drill Competition, which concluded at the Basic Training Centre (BTC) in Bhanu, near here on Friday. The North-West Frontier and North-East Frontier secured the second and third spots, respectively, while the trophy of the overall best participant went to Constable Ajay Kumar of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School. A total of 219 personnel from six ITBP frontiers took part in the three-day competition that was meant to evaluate professional proficiency. The competition included five events that include stripping and reassembling different firearms in a sequence, emergency evacuation, replacing spare tires of vehicle and changing from PT dress into combat dress, camouflage and concealment and picking up firearms and equipment and moving into a position. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Gagan K Teja Tribune News Service Patiala, April 13 The Chandigarh police have filed an application in the Patiala court on Friday urging it to shift Beant Singhs assassin Jagtar Singh Tara to a jail in Punjab. The UT police have written in their application that the verdict in the case against Tara in Chandigarh has been announced and it is difficult for them to take Tara to Patiala time and again for hearings in the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat president Rulda Singhs murder case for security reasons. On the other hand, the Patiala police have submitted another application in the court saying that in view of the law and order situation, Tara should be produced in the court through video-conferencing instead of producing him physically. It was opposed by Taras advocate Barjinder Singh Sodhi and the court has directed him to submit his reply on the next date of hearing May 3. Advocate Sodhi said law and order was a state subject and therefore he would oppose the application of not producing Tara in the court physically. Meanwhile, the court has directed the Chandigarh police to produce him in the court on May 3. Tara, who has been awarded life imprisonment in the assassination case of the former Punjab Chief Minister, was produced in a local court here on Friday. He was brought to Patiala after three years in this case. In January, 2015, he was brought to Patiala from Thailand immediately after his arrest. Thereafter, he was lodged in the Burail jail in the Beant Singh assassination case. The UT administration had restricted his movement outside the Burail jail through a notification issued under Section 268 of the code of the Criminal Procedure (CrPC) imposed on him. Now, the court has given its verdict in the case, he was brought to here for his hearing in the Rulda Singh murder case. Cops want him to produce through video-conferencing For immediate release 13 April 2018 Serabi Gold plc ("Serabi" or the "Company") Notice of General Meeting and Special Meeting(1) The Company announces that a General Meeting will be held on Friday 11 May 2018, at the offices of Travers Smith LLP, 10 Snow Hill, London EC1A 2AL England at 10.00 am (BST). The Company has published the formal notice of the meeting (the "Notice") on its website which can be accessed using the following link https://bit.ly/2JyNOSS. Proxy voting forms are being posted to all shareholders providing details of how to access the Notice and instructions for voting. A copy of the Notice together with proxy voting forms is being posted to all shareholders who are required to receive or have formally requested to receive these documents. The Notice contains a letter from the Chairman of the Company, Mr Melvyn Williams, which is set out below in the Appendix. (1) Certain resolutions to be proposed at the meeting will be special resolutions requiring approval of more than 75% of the votes cast. Under Canadian National Instrument 54-101, the meeting therefore also constitutes a Special Meeting. Enquiries: Serabi Gold plc Michael Hodgson Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Chief Executive Mobile: +44 (0)7799 473621 Clive Line Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Finance Director Mobile: +44 (0)7710 151692 Email: contact@serabigold.com Website: www.serabigold.com Beaumont Cornish Limited Nominated Adviser Roland Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 Michael Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 Peel Hunt LLP UK Broker Ross Allister Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 8900 James Bavister Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 8900 Blytheweigh Public Relations Tim Blythe Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3204 Camilla Horsfall Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3224 Copies of this announcement are available from the Company's website at www.serabigold.com. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, nor any other securities regulatory authority, has approved or disapproved of the contents of this announcement. Appendix The letter from the Chairman of the Company included in the Notice is reproduced below (without material adjustment): Dear Shareholder Introduction On 29 March 2018, the Company announced it had raised 6.36 million (approximately US$9.0 million) (before expenses) by way of a Placing to institutional and other investors at a price of 3.6 pence per Ordinary Share (the "Placing"). The Placing will raise a total of c5.94 million (after expenses) for the Group and result in the issue of 176,678,445 Ordinary Shares. The Placing is conditional upon, among other things, approval of the Resolutions to authorise the Directors to issue the Placing Shares at the General Meeting. The purpose of this document is to explain the background to and reasons for the Placing and to provide the formal notice (the "Notice") of the General Meeting to be held at the offices of Travers Smith LLP, 10 Snow Hill, London EC1A 2AL, England on 11 May 2018 at 10 a.m. (London time) at which the Resolutions to approve the Placing will be proposed. This document also includes additional information that the Company as a reporting issuer in Canada is required to make available pursuant to the requirements of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102") of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Background to and reasons for the Placing On 23 March 2018, the Company announced that Greenstone, a leading mining focussed private equity group, had agreed to invest US$15.0 million in the Company by way of a subscription for 297,759,419 shares at a price of 3.6 pence per share (the "Greenstone Subscription"). As announced on 23 March 2018, the Greenstone Subscription was in response to the Company's view that whilst it can be cash generative and profitable at current levels of production, it needs to grow in order to attract a wider investor base and generate long term value for shareholders. Under the terms of the Subscription Agreement, 297,759,419 Ordinary Shares were issued to Greenstone at the 3.6 pence per Ordinary Share pursuant to the Subscription on 12 April 2018. The Greenstone Subscription is considered to be an endorsement of Serabi, its management, its projects and its strategy for achieving growth and building value as Greenstone is a respected and experienced private equity fund focussed solely on mining. Following positive feedback from the Greenstone Subscription, the Company decided to pursue a placing to give access to further capital and to widen its shareholder base through the introduction of new institutional investors who are also supportive of the Company's plans and ambitions. The further funds raised pursuant to the Placing will allow the Company to accelerate further exploration and evaluation work at Palito, Sao Chico and Coringa and develop additional growth opportunities as the Company moves towards its targeted production of 100,000 ounces of gold per annum. As announced on 23 March 2018, as well as providing working capital for the Company's recently acquired Coringa Gold Project, the Greenstone Subscription will allow the Company to expand its current 8,000 metre drill programme. This current programme is focusing on step-out drilling on the current Palito mineral resources, and the Greenstone Subscription allows the Company to continue this programme at Palito beyond the current 8,000 metres, as well as commence drilling at Sao Chico, where drilling will focus on step-out drilling within the mining tenement as well as drilling the geophysical anomalies identified in 2016. The Company intends to use part of the Placing proceeds to complete a Phase 2 drilling programme, which comprises drilling the 2011 discoveries at Palito which do not currently form part of the Group's mineral resources, whilst at Sao Chico step out drilling will be undertaken along strike and beyond the limits of the current mining tenement. The Placing proceeds will also enable Serabi to accelerate its regional exploration programme and enable the early repayment of US$3 million of the Company's total US$8 million loan with Sprott Resource Lending Partnership. With a clear pathway to achieving growth, a strong balance sheet and a supportive shareholder base, the Company considers the Subscription and the Placing collectively represent a transformative event, that will allow it to accelerate its growth plans, place it in a strong position when considering further acquisitions and create the critical mass that is important when looking to maximise the financing options available to the Company to advance, develop and grow its gold projects. The Placing As announced on 29 March 2018, the Placing has been conducted through an accelerated bookbuilding process undertaken by Peel Hunt acting as sole bookrunner. The Placing is not underwritten and is subject to the conditions and termination rights set out in the Placing Agreement. The Placing is conditional upon, among other things, the approval of the Resolutions at the General Meeting, Placing Admission becoming effective and the Placing Agreement becoming unconditional and not being terminated in accordance with its terms. The Ordinary Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing will rank pari passu with the Existing Ordinary Shares. Subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions, application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the Placing Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ("Placing Admission"). It is expected that Placing Admission will take place at 8 a.m. on or around 14 May 2018 and in any event no later than 14 June 2018. Concurrently the Placing Shares will be listed for trading on the TSX. At the General Meeting, the Company will be seeking to pass both an ordinary and special resolution (which will require votes in favour from at least 75% of the Ordinary Shares present and voting at the General Meeting) in order to give the Directors authority to allot the Placing Shares on a non-pre-emptive basis. Use of proceeds The Directors intend to use the proceeds from the Placing as follows: Use of Placing proceeds Coringa Drilling US$2m Regional Exploration (airborne geophysics) US$1m Drilling programme Palito and Sao Chico - Phase 2 US$2m Retirement of Sprott Loan US$3m Corporate Working Capital US$1m Total US$9m As announced on 23 March 2018, the proceeds of the Greenstone Subscription will be used as follows: Use of proceeds Second Installment of acquisition payment for Coringa project which following agreement with the vendors is now due on 16 April 2018 US$5m 2018 Working Capital for Coringa US$4m Expansion of Drilling programme Palito and Sao Chico - Phase 1 US$4m Corporate Working Capital US$2m Total US$15m Relationship Agreements Following completion of the Placing, Fratelli will hold a 32.88% interest and Greenstone will hold a 25.34% interest in the Enlarged Issued Share Capital. Accordingly, both will remain bound by their relationship agreements, the terms of which were announced on 23 March 2018 ("Relationship Agreements"). These agreements include protections to ensure Serabi is able to continue to operate independently of these two major shareholders and ensure that the Company always has two independent non-executive directors but also provides Greenstone and Fratelli with certain rights with respect to the Company. Under the terms of the Relationship Agreements: Each of Fratelli and Greenstone shall have, for as long as it holds an interest of 23% or more in the share capital of the Company, the right to appoint two directors to the Board and, for so long as it holds an interest of 15% or more but less than 23% of the share capital of the Company, the right to appoint one director to the Board. Each of Fratelli and Greenstone shall have, for as long as it holds an interest of 15% or more in the share capital of the Company: certain information rights regarding the Company's business; and anti-dilution rights such that they will have the right, but not the obligation, to participate in new placings of Ordinary Shares (including placings in connection with an acquisition or for non-cash consideration) in order to retain their ownership percentage. Where Greenstone and/or Fratelli elect to exercise this anti-dilution right: if the new placing is for cash, each of Fratelli and Greenstone will participate on substantially the same terms as any other participant in the new placing; or if the new placing is for non-cash consideration, Fratelli and Greenstone will each have the right to subscribe for such number of shares as are required to maintain their current percentage holdings at a price per Ordinary Share equal to the VWAP of the Company's Ordinary Shares for the 5-day period ending on the date ending two business days prior to the announcement of that new placing. Unless otherwise approved by Greenstone and Fratelli, the Company has agreed not to undertake, for a period of six months commencing on the completion of the Subscription, any further issue of Ordinary Shares (other than exercise of share options to employees) unless such further issue is undertaken at a price greater than the Placing Price. As a further undertaking and subject to certain customary exemptions, Greenstone has undertaken that it will not, for a period of six months from admission of the Greenstone Subscription Shares, offer, lend, mortgage, assign, charge, pledge, sell or contract to sell or issue any interest in any Ordinary Shares held by it. The General Meeting The Placing is conditional upon the approval of the Resolutions by Shareholders at the General Meeting to be held at the offices of Travers Smith LLP, 10 Snow Hill, London EC1A 2AL, England, on 11 May 2018 at 10 a.m. The notice convening the General Meeting is incorporated in this document. At the 2017 Annual General Meeting, the Directors were authorised to allot 350 million Ordinary Shares on a non-pre-emptive basis. Since the 2017 Annual General Meeting, the Company has allotted 299,901,217 Ordinary Shares (including the Greenstone Subscription Shares) and, as a consequence, the Directors do not have sufficient authority to allot all of the Placing Shares for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis. The Company is therefore proposing to seek specific authorities to allot the Placing Shares at the General Meeting. The Directors intend to propose resolutions to renew the general authorities at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. Resolution 1 provides the Company with authority to allot the Placing Shares and Resolution 2 disapplies the statutory pre-emption rights applicable to those Placing Shares. Resolution 1 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution requiring a majority of votes cast at the General Meeting to be in favour of it in order for it to be passed. Resolution 2 will be proposed as a special resolution requiring 75% of the votes cast at the General Meeting to be in favour of it for it to be passed. Shareholders should note that the Resolutions in relation to the Placing to be proposed at the General Meeting are inter-conditional and if any one of them is not passed the Placing will not proceed. Fratelli Investments Limited, which holds shares representing approximately 38.69% of the Existing Ordinary Shares has irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of the Resolutions. Greenstone Resources II LP, which holds shares representing approximately 29.82% of Existing Ordinary Shares has irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of the Resolutions. Action to be taken by Shareholders A Form of Proxy for use by Shareholders at the General Meeting accompanies this document. To be valid, Forms of Proxy must be completed and returned so as to be received at either the offices of the Company's UK Registrar, Computershare Investor Services Plc, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZZ or the offices of the Company's Canadian Registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc., 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 by not later than 10 a.m. (BST) (5 am Eastern time) on 9 May 2018. Alternatively, holders of Shares can submit their Proxy to Computershare UK through CREST by not later than not later than 10 a.m. (BST) on 9 May 2018 in accordance with the procedures set out in the Form of Proxy. Completion and return of a Form of Proxy will not prevent Shareholders from attending and voting in person at the General Meeting should they so wish. Beneficial Shareholders should note that only registered Shareholders or their duly authorised proxy holders are entitled to vote at the General Meeting. Each Beneficial Shareholder should ensure that their voting instructions are communicated to the appropriate person well in advance of the General Meeting. Further details of the restrictions and steps to be taken with respect to voting are set out in the Notice and Management Information Circular accompanying this document. Admission, settlement and CREST Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for each of the Placing Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM on or around 14 May 2018. The Placing Shares have been conditionally approved for listing on the TSX, subject to satisfaction of certain customary conditions. It is expected that Placing Admission will become effective on or around 14 May 2018 and that dealings in the Placing Shares will commence at 8 a.m. (BST) on that date. Recommendation and importance of vote Shareholders should be aware that, if the Resolutions are not approved at the General Meeting, the net proceeds of the Placing will not be received by the Company. The Directors consider that the Resolutions set out in the Notice and being put to the General Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders and are most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of the Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Directors unanimously recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of the proposed Resolutions as they intend to do in respect of their own holdings, where relevant, amounting to an aggregate of 25,246,920 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 2.53% of the Company's Existing Ordinary Shares. Yours faithfully (Signed) "Melvyn Williams" Melvyn Williams Non-executive Chairman ENDS K V Prasad K V Prasad Parliament and disruptions occupied the centre stage this week. Days after both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die bringing the curtains down on the Budget session, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party decided to refocus on the practice with its leaders observing a days fast. The tactic of disrupting proceedings of Parliament has been in vogue in India for over two decades. When in Opposition, parties have routinely resorted to creating uproar stalling proceedings of the Houses. The avowed aim is to highlight the perceived insensitivity or unwillingness of the government of the day to act on issues ranging from corruption, maladministration or scandals surfacing against the ruling arrangement. Starting from the infamous Bofors corruption scandal that took the sheen off Rajiv Gandhis Mr Clean image in the 1980s, to the scandals of Commonwealth Games and allocation of natural resources during the UPA-II period, successive parties in the Opposition have not shied away from forcing frequent adjournments several times a day and over prolonged periods with noisy interventions. Yet in most of these instances, the government and the Opposition eventually came to the negotiating table to thrash out an acceptable solution that upheld the adage: opposition can have its say and government will have its way. The second part of this Budget session, which ended on April 6, was judged as the least productive since the turn of the century. While statistics by itself does not depict anything, a comparison with another set brings out a picture and altering the benchmark will lead to yet another conclusion. A peep into parliamentary history shows that during P V Narasimha Raos government, the Opposition led by the BJP held up Parliament proceedings for a record number of days, demanding removal of a Union Minister. The Congress-led Opposition adopted a similar route in the NDA-II regime of Atal Bihari Vajpayee insisting on a joint parliamentary probe. Several years later, the BJP-led Opposition extracted another JPC from the UPA-II. The common tool employed was disruptions. In 1997, on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Independence a resolution adopted after a special session, among other things, noted That the prestige of the Parliament be preserved and enhanced, also by conscious and dignified conformity to the entire regime of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the House and Directions of the Presiding Officers relating to orderly conduct of business, more especially by maintaining the inviolability of the Question Hour; refraining from transgressing into the official areas of the House, or from any shouting of slogans; and invariably desisting from any efforts at interruptions or interference with the address of the President of the Republic. What has been happening since does not always conform to the text. After a similar logjam, a Leader of the Opposition a few years ago observed in an article: Parliamentary obstructionism should be avoided. It is a weapon to be used in the rarest of the rare cases. Parliamentary accountability is as important as parliamentary debate. Both must coexist. If parliamentary accountability is subverted and a debate is intended to be used merely to put a lid on parliamentary accountability, it is then a legitimate tactic for the Opposition to expose the government through parliamentary instruments available at its command. Presently, a national debate on allocation of natural resources is on. Left to this government, it would have distributed these resources for collateral purposes to its own favourites. The position now stands reversed and the writer of the article is now the Leader of the House. Notwithstanding the sharp political differences, on all occasions the channels of communication between the ruling dispensation and the parties in the opposition remained open. Negotiations, informal and formal between designated members on either side of the aisle carefully plucked out the irritants and arrived at an understanding. At times, the final pact came up in the presence of the Leader of the Lok Sabha and the Leader of the Opposition, which led to the assurance of return to normality. In the entire process, leading the role of a facilitator is the task of the Parliamentary Affairs Minister and his team who need to have the ability to reach out to all sections and shades of view in Parliament and pare it down to an agreement. Veteran Parliament officials recall that there were times when Parliamentary Affairs Minister during Indira Gandhis tenure used to spend more time with members of the Opposition, both in and outside the House. At times anticipating an angry interlude during a debate or even question hour, the parliamentary manager would walk up to a member to pacify, a practice observed even later. During the second half of the Budget session, while the government and the BJP leaders continued to iterate intention to debate, there was little to suggest that attempt was initiated to reach out across the aisle. Certainly a plethora of issues were raised by different parties and for a long time members from two of the three parties in the forefront of vociferous protests were part of the ruling coalition. These issues, be it the special category status to Andhra Pradesh or setting up of a Cauvery river water management board, needed to be looked into, for a way out of the impasse. Tumult on a daily basis also led to a situation in which Speaker Sumitra Mahajan found it difficult to take the mandatory head count of 50 MPs in support of no-confidence motions (NCMs) moved by several parties. The NCM is a legitimate parliamentary tool in the hands of the Opposition that can only be tested on the floor. A government with majority should be confident of the outcome. While ruling party parliamentary managers can be faulted for not doing enough, the Opposition too showed lack of imagination in dealing with the situation at hand. At a time when moves are afoot to find a meeting ground ahead of the 2019 elections, the Opposition could have sought to rally around those who made common cause in submitting no-trust notices. The stakes were higher for the Opposition to get the debate going and field searching questions on many outstanding social, economic and political issues. Instead, it came under attack from the ruling coalition for running away from an informed and healthy debate. Sage counsel by former President Pranab Mukherjee that debate and discussion should be the dictum in Parliament and not disruption or Vice-President Venkaiah Naidus suggestions on dealing with disruptions, is for all its members to take it forward for the well-being of this institution. rchopra@tribunemail.com New York, April 13 An American man has been indicted for killing an 18-year-old Indian-origin student in November last year when he dragged her with his truck and ran her over while fleeing the scene of a minor crash. Daniel Coppolo of Deer Park, New York, has been arraigned on grand jury indictment charges for the death of Taranjit Parmar in a parking lot in Levittown in Nassau Countys Hempstead town, the Countys District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement. Coppolo was arraigned on Thursday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Terence Murphy on charges, including of manslaughter, assault, tampering with physical evidence and reckless driving. His bail was continued at USD 1 million bond or USD 600,000 cash and he is due back in court on May 17. If convicted, he faces up to a maximum of 26 years in prison. Singas said that on the evening of November 9 last year, Parmars car was involved in a minor collision with Coppolos pick-up truck in Levittown. After the incident, the two pulled both vehicles into the parking lot near a gas station. Parmar exited her vehicle and called her mother. While on the phone with her mother, Parmar yelled for Coppolo to stop and grabbed his pick-up truck as he started to move. Coppolo allegedly drove through the parking lot, dragging the victim and ultimately ran her over before fleeing the scene by driving the wrong way on the highway. Parmar was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead that night. Parmar was a beautiful, successful student when her life was taken from her after a minor fender bender, Singas said. It is unthinkable that in addition to allegedly driving away with the young woman in the open window and then running her over, the driver fled the scene and left Taranjit to die in the parking lot. After an investigation, members of the Nassau County Police Department located Coppolos truck in a parking lot in Westbury, where Coppolo had been arrested for another matter several days after the November 9 incident. Coppolo, a former FDNY employee, was arrested on December 23 for Parmars death. PTI harinder@tribunemail.com Spurred by education and awareness, people of backward castes are slowly but firmly asserting their identity and rights. There are increasing instances of them sending clear messages across whether by protesting for a collective cause under the SC/ST banner, or by bringing about a social change within their sub-community, or by taking up cudgels against a wrong even on an individual basis. These efforts are heartwarming and sure steps towards a more just and equitable society. Sanjay Jatav, a Dalit, is all set become the first proud Dalit to take his baraat (grand marriage procession) like the Thakurs through the Thakur-dominated village of Kasganj (UP) of his fiancee, also a Dalit. But to earn this pomp and privilege, the young groom has had to reckon with elders set in their age-old prejudices. He appealed to the high court and the CM in a systematic manner. He locked horns with the local administration. All agencies, though loath to courting controversy, had to give in as our Constitution upholds equality. The way was cleared for Sanjay only as no eruption of communal flare-up was promised. This paves the path for a dignified living for the many more oppressed and harassed Sanjay Jatavs in many more communal Kasganjs. Stories of thrashing of lower caste youths daring to follow that other elitist marriage practice of ghurchari (mare-riding) are also common. Its high time they got off the high horse and let everybody be equally entitled to every ritual. Just last week, a Dalit groom of a Charkhi Dadri village in Haryana suffered this ignominy; a month earlier, there was tension in a Karnal village as a Dalit was beaten up for daring to lead his baraat on the mare. Then, honour killings in the name of inter-caste weddings continue to be a blot. While such deeply entrenched social atrocities will not be eradicated in this simplistic manner, every resistance against such harassment will help bridge the caste divide. For a meaningful shift towards a balanced social setup, Sanjays case is exemplary. For, it underlines the importance of finding a workable solution with the involvement of both the communitys wise men and progressive administration officials. harinder@tribunemail.com The politicians have gone through their set piece routines, or not risen to the gravity of the crime that was committed on vulnerable females in two hinterlands of the country, Kathua and Unnao. Congress president Rahul Gandhi genuflected to the cause of political correctness with a candlelight vigil at India Gate. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, conscious of a counter-sentiment in Kashmir Valley, opted for boilerplate statements about law taking its course. The progenitors of the catchy Beti Bachao slogan held their peace since both Kathua and Unnao cases are tricky territory in terms of vote-bank politics. The various reflexes of the political classes were expected ever since the lid came off the two incidents. Although separated by 1,000 km, the dominant in both cases wrought retribution by making defenceless, underprivileged women the objects of their wrath and defilement. What restores trust and confidence in the countrys ability of restitution is the failure of the powerful to bury the crimes. The negligence and complicity of some was made up by other associations and networks. The road to justice in the Unnao case was rough till the High Court weighed in. But Kathua is a bigger challenge to the Indian civilisations heteromorphic character that permits the accretion of new identities without forcefully assimilating them. Kathuas dangerous show of unrelenting majoritarianism and its absolute contempt for law is an indicator that internal arrangements of classes and communities mediating social arrangements in a civil society have come apart. The BJP broke its silence after it was overwhelmed by the burden of blindsiding a horrendous crime on the basis of the murdered girls ethnic and religious identity. But Kathua is not about communal politics alone and Unnao not just about the stranglehold of the politically well-placed clans in Indias hinterlands. Little is to be gained by indicting a particular party the accused MLA from Unnao was earlier in other parties too while Jammus revanchist crowd has well dispersed political loyalties. The country needs another Nirbhaya moment. A somnambulant and partisan civic conscience can stoke chaos over adherence to constitutional arrangements. editorial@tribune.com Sumedha Sharma Tribune News Service Gurugram, April 11 Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Thursday that no further expansion of Gurugram would take place till its current area was developed to the satisfaction of residents. Chairing a meeting of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and a meeting of industrialists and real estate developers here, he said Gurugram was different and special compared to any other district of the state. If it is common welfare at stake, I will not shy away from breaking stereotypes, amending existing laws and reforming governance systems even if it subjects me to criticism, he said. This place is the mirror of our states development and our collective aspiration. Its needs are different and we will go ahead with the zonal pattern of development, he said. Khattar announced that the Millennium City would now be divided into four zones for infrastructure development. He said zoning would ensure that development was not lopsided and old and new Gurugram were brought on a par with each other. Reacting to complaints of the citys development being stalled midway in case of many projects, Khattar said they were reviving governance. When we took over, governance and infrastructure development had collapsed even in Gurugram. It took three long years of transparent reforms to change things, he stated. No matter what the opposition says, the common man here is happy that basic infrastructural needs of water, electricity and roads are being met, in addition to getting an accountable and cooperative government system, he asserted. Khattar heard 61 complaints pertaining to realty and solved a majority of these on the spot. He congratulated the government on making the state the most sought after in ease of doing business. He said he was not only interested in getting investments, but also felt responsible for ensuring that industrialists were given all conveniences here. He chaired the second meeting of the GMDA, in which a budget of Rs 1,025.60 crore was passed for 2018-19. He inaugurated a cardiac care centre at the civil hospital in Sector 10. Wooing Faridabad For Faridabad, the CM said, the government could think of an agency on the lines of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, but was waiting for residents to demand it. It is often said we are biased towards Gurugram, but it is not so. Gurugram got its development authority due to consistent efforts. If Faridabad residents feel the need, it can be looked into, he said. Land sale to be probed The government ordered a probe into the alleged illegal sale of 46 acres of panchayat land in two villages of Gurugram district to private builders. The scam caught the attention of two senior officials of the CMs Office, who ordered an inquiry into the sale in Gairatpur and Raisina villages on the foothills of the Aravallis. editorial@tribune.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 12 The BJP government in Haryana has decided to make inroads into rural areas of the state with an eye on parliamentary and Assembly elections due next year. Under the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, MLAs, MPs and ministers of the BJP will reach out to people living in all 6,841villages of the state from April 14 to May 5. Besides, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is set to visit 260 villages with a population of 10,000 or above after the rabi harvesting season. Sources say that though the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is a national programme to be launched with Prime Minister Narendra Modis broadcast on Ambedkar Jayanti (April 14), the Khattar government is taking this event as an opportunity to make inroads into the rural vote bank that has not been its forte. Of the 47 seats won by the BJP in the 2014 Assembly elections, 26 were in urban areas either district headquarters or sub-divisional towns and 16 in semi-urban areas, comprising municipal bodies. Only five seats were in rural areas. In contrast, Opposition parties the INLD and Congress had won more seats in rural areas. Before 2014, the ruling party had a weak foothold in the state. Ever since the BJP was founded in 1980, it managed to reach two-digit figures only twice in 1987 and 1996, when it won 16 and 11 seats, respectively. On both occasions, the party had contested in alliance with Devi Lals Janata Dal and Bansi Lals Haryana Vikas Party. Immediately after forming his government, Khattar focused on rural development. The government wants to provide big villages with facilities available in urban areas so that villagers dont have to migrate to towns, said Rajiv Jain, media adviser to the Chief Minister. Gram Swaraj Abhiyan itinerary editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Hisar, April 12 After mustard, farmers now alleged that gram (chana) was being procured at below the minimum support price (MSP) by traders in the absence of state agencies. The farmers led by Kisan Sabha held a meeting in the grain market on Thursday and decided to stage a demonstration on April 14 and burn an effigy of Agriculture Minister Om Prakash Dhankar. Kisan Sabha district secretary Sube Singh said the farmers who brought their crop in the last two days were getting Rs 3,600-3,700 per quintal, while the government has fixed the MSP at Rs 4,400 per quintal. It seems that the state government has given a licence to the traders to loot the farmers. The farmers have no option but to sell their produce at prices of the choice of the traders, he alleged. He said that HAFED, which is procuring the mustard to ensure protection of the MSP for the farmers, had tightened the norms by putting a condition that only the actual landowner must be present in the mandi at the time of procurement. Shamsher Numbardar of Ladwa said that a farmer who brought the mustard crop said that HAFED officials turned him away. In many cases, the land is mutated in favour of father or mother who is unable to come to mandi, he added. Meanwhile, Deputy Commission Ashok Kumar Meena held a meeting to review the arrangements for procurement of rabi crops. The DC directed the officials concerned to ensure smooth procurement and payment to the farmer within 72 hours of the purchase. The Deputy Commission also issued directions for arrangement to put the produce under shed in order to protect it from rain. editorial@tribune.com Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, April 13 The Army has sought complete check on use of banned thuraya satellite phones by tourists in areas close to the Chinese border in Kinnaur district and starting of helli taxi services for the convenience of both civilians and Army men in the tribal district which shares a 140-km border with China. The military authorities have asked the police authorities to check use of thuraya satellite phones at the Chaura and Apka check posts. The use of these phones is banned, especially in the border areas in Kinnaur district which shares a 140-km boundary with China. The other tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti also shares 80-km boundary with China. The stepped up activity by China along the border on its territory has put India on the alert and efforts are on to strengthen the infrastructure and communication on our side of the border. The military authorities are keen that the state government starts helli-taxi services between Kinnaur and Chandigarh as it prove to be beneficial to both civilians and Army personnel. The Army has raised several military issues with the Kinnaur district administration and the police authorities at a civil-military conference held recently. The Army has also requested for setting up an Army check post at Dubling in Kinnuar. Besides the local police and the Army, the ITBP mans porous border between the two countries in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. Though no tourist has been found to be in possession of the thuraya phones during checking by the police at the two posts of Cahura and Apka in the inner line areas close to Chinese border, the Army authorities have detected their presence through interception and use of the phone in the border areas, said Gopal Chand, Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur. He added that directions had been issued to the police to undertake proper checking so that there was no use of satellite phones in the border areas. As a precautionary safety measure against helicopter accidents, the Army has also requested the Kinnaur administration to properly get the high tension wires and apple trolleys used locally marked properly so that no problem is faced by them during flights. The issue of setting up of the Army ammunition depot at Powari in Kinnaur remains undecided owing to resistance by the Lippa Gram Panchayat. The issue has been hanging fire for several years now. Though the issue is pending before the court the district administration too has been trying at its own level to convince the villagers to agree to let the depot come up in national interest. However, several other hitches like the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and Forest Conservation Act are also proving to be major impediments. The case sent to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest for diversion of forest land for defence use has still not been accorded approval. Key demands editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Shimla, April 13 The Chatr Abhibhavak Manch on Friday held a protest in front of Loreto Convent, Tara Hall, accusing the school management of charging exorbitant fee. The manch also protested in front of DAV School, Lakkar Bazaar. Members raised slogans against the school managements and the state government, accusing the latter of giving a free run to private and public schools for hiking fee. Convener and con-convener of the manch Vijender Mehra and Bindu Joshi and others alleged the schools had increased fee just to burden parents. "The government is doing nothing to check the fee hike and overcharging by private taxi operators," they charged. Mehra said the government had failed to implement the Right To Education Act in private schools by allocating 25 seats to poor students. The manch demanded that the government should constitute a private schools regulatory commission to regulate the fee structure and admission criteria. "Students are being overcharged for uniform and books," the protesters charged. editorial@tribune.com Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 12 As Kashmir is on the edge following the civilian killings, Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid on Thursday said gun is no solution and every party concerned, including our neighbour, should sit together, talk it out and sort out the issues. The DGP said the solution to the Kashmir issue was not so simplistic. So many brains have been working for decades to find a solution for Kashmir. It is not so simplistic. Let every party concerned, including even our neighbour (Pakistan), sit together and talk it out and sort it out. Gun is not the solution, violence is not the solution. That is all I can say, Vaid said in a live question-answer session on Twitter on Thursday. The DGP said the civilians had no business to be near the encounter sites. He said the civilians thronging the encounter sites were responsible for their death as bullets did not distinguish between a stone thrower and a militant. When bullets fly, whether from militants or the Army or paramilitary or police, they have a trajectory. They will not look for a chest of a particular person. They can hit anybody. So, it is advisable not to come near the encounter site. It pains me the most and pains all (security) forces if a civilian dies. Our effort is that not even a single civilian should get hurt. But they have no business to be there. It is not that the marriage of a militant is going on (at encounter sites). Why are these boys coming near encounter sites? Director General Police Vaid said, urging people not to come near the encounter site. Four civilians, two of whom were teenagers, were killed during an anti-militancy operation in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Wednesday. The killings triggered fresh tension in the Valley. The DGP said the J&K Police had no objection to a CBI inquiry into the rape and murder of an eight-year-old Kathua girl. We have no objection to a CBI inquiry. The J&K Police is as competent as the CBI. If we can fight terrorism, if we can fight stone throwers, why cant the J&K Police do its job in professional investigations, Vaid said. When asked whether the J&K Police had lost its credibility as the BJP was asking for a CBI probe into the Kathua case, he said: It is a political question, I cannot answer (it). Only the BJP can answer (it). Vaid also said the national media was not playing a constructive role. On ISIS, he said: ISIS is basically a thought, an idea. You cannot stop the radical idea. The whole world is affected. Kashmir is also a part of this world. So, people in Kashmir also get affected by the idea. But as an infrastructure, as a big number, it is not here. But yes, it is a radical idea which is very dangerous for state of Jammu and Kashmir and I only wish it doesnt come here, he said. FORM 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITHOUT RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY ("RI") STATUS (OR WHERE RI STATUS IS NOT APPLICABLE) Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Name of exempt principal trader: HSBC Securities (South Africa) (Pty) Limited (b) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Hammerson PLC (c) Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Hammerson PLC (d) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 12-Apr-2018 (e) In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" YES - Intu Properties PLC 2. POSITIONS OF THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 185 0.000 1 0.000 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 185 0.000 1 0.000 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received (ZAR) Lowest price per unit paid/received (ZAR) (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit (ZAR) Ordinary Shares Swap Opening a long Position 185 88.312 c (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No Date of disclosure: 13-Apr-2018 Contact name: Abdul Qader Telephone number: 0207 088 2000 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi, April 13 The Supreme Court on Friday asked a lawyer to bring material on record to take judicial note of a strike call given by Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir bar associations in relation to the gang-rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu region. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked lawyer PV Dinesh to furnish some material with regard to the actions of the bar bodies for enabling it to take suo motu judicial note of the strike call. Dinesh referred to the decisions of the local bar that had allegedly come in support of the people who had allegedly gang-raped and killed the minor in Kathua. Something must come on record. We have nothing on record, the bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said and asked the lawyer to file some material in support of his contention. Dinesh submitted that the apex court should take note of the bars actions and issue directions to them and the Bar Council of India to ensure that the rule of law prevailed. The bench assured the lawyer that it would consider the matter if adequate material is brought before it. PTI uttara@tribuneindia.com Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 13 The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Bar Council of India, the Jammu and Kashmir State Bar Council, the states High Court Bar Association at Jammu and the Kathua District Bar Association after a group of lawyers told it that some lawyers were allegedly obstructing court proceedings in the Kathua rape case. Taking cognizance of alleged unruly behaviour of some lawyers, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra asked bar members in Jammu and Kathua not to obstruct judicial proceedings in the case. It asked all the respondents to file their replies by April 19, the next date of hearing. We hope and trust that when we are issuing notice, the members of the Bar Associations shall conduct themselves and would not obstruct the smooth functioning of the justice delivery system which includes the presence of the persons aggrieved or accused in court or for that matter the presence of investigating agency and the witnesses, the Bench said in its order. In a related development, the Delhi High Court issued notices to 12 newspapers, TV channels and online news portals asking them to explain why they named the minor rape victim in their reports and exposed her identity. A Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal also issued notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and asked all the respondents to file their replies by April 18. In its order, the top court said, It is settled in law that a lawyer who appears for a victim or accused cannot be prevented by any Bar association or group of lawyers, for it is the duty of a lawyer to appear in support of his client, once he accepts the brief. If a lawyer who is engaged, is obstructed from appearing in the court or if his client is deprived of being represented in the court when he is entitled to do so in a lawful manner, that affects the dispensation of justice and would amount to obstruction of access to justice and interference with the administration of justice, the SC said. The top court made it clear that a Bar association cannot pass a resolution that they would not defend an accused in any particular case. It is the duty of the Bar association as a collective body and they cannot obstruct the process of law, it added. Earlier, when the matter was mentioned before the CJI in the morning, Justice Misra had asked the lawyers to file a proper petition with supporting documents. A group of lawyers, including advocate PV Dinesh, requested the Bench to take note of alleged unprofessional behaviour of lawyers at Kathua. Lawyers in Kathua and Jammu were on strike against filing of a chargesheet in the case. Some lawyers had allegedly obstructed a lady lawyer and prevented her from representing victim's family. The minor victim had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua on January 10 and her body was found a week later in the same locality. She was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, raped inside a place of worship and then killed. On behalf of Jammu and Kashmir Government, advocate M Shoeb Alam said the state police had already completed the probe and filed a chargesheet against the accused. He said since there was lawyers strike, the accused were produced at the residence of the Magistrate concerned. The state police had also lodged an FIR against some lawyers for attempting to prevent the police from performing their official duty by obstructing filing of chargesheet in the case, he said. uttara@tribuneindia.com Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, April 13 Two BJP ministers Choudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, who had supported demand of Hindu Ekta Manch to hand over Kathua rape case to CBI, on Friday submitted their resignations to BJP state president Sat Sharma. Lal Singh, MLA from Basholi in Kathua district, is Forest Minister and Ganga, MLA from Vijaypur in Samba district, is Industries and Commerce Minister in the PDP-BJP government headed by Mehbooba Mufti. Highly placed sources in the BJP said that both the ministers have submitted their resignations following pressure from the coalition partner PDP and opposition National Conference. Earlier today PDP had asked the BJP to sack both the ministers to save the coalition. Similarly opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to sack her two Cabinet colleagues who allegedly tried to defend the accused in the Kathua rape-and-murder case. He said the BJP ministers who took part in a rally in support of the accused have no right to be in the Cabinet. The NC had warned of launching a civil disobedience movement if the two ministers were not sacked from the Cabinet. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Jammu, April 13 In a clear attempt to lend his voice to the sensitivities of Kashmiris, Tassaduq Mufti, brother of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and a minister in her government, on Friday stated it clearly that the PDP had no moral right to continue in the coalition government with the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir. Tassaduq, a fresh face in the Kashmir politics, has virtually set the agenda for his party PDPs meeting on Saturday. The party has been in alliance with the BJP for a little over three years. Tassaduq was inducted into the government and made Tourism Minister on December 28, 2017. The PDP is facing a lot of political flak for sharing the alliance with the BJP whose two ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga had sided with the Hindu agitators in Kathua in demanding a CBI inquiry into the rape and murder of an eight-year-old nomad girl. Tassaduq told The Tribune: I strongly believe that there needs to be a comprehensive shift in our approach and we must begin to make amends for all our mistakes. That was perhaps his clearest reference to the PDPs alliance with the BJP under which the situation in Kashmir has deteriorated and the rate of civilian deaths has been quite high. Emphasising his point, Tassaduq said: We have no moral right to continue (in the government). Mehbooba to chair party meeting today Srinagar: In the backdrop of the Kathua rape-murder case and civilian killings in Kashmir, the PDP will hold a meeting of party leaders and legislators under the chairmanship of its president and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti here on Saturday. Besides the two issues, the overall situation in Kashmir valley would be taken up at the meeting, which is being held ahead of the bi-annual Durbar move. Several other issues, including those raised by legislators in connection with their constituencies and law and order situation, would be taken up, Rafi Ahmad Mir, PDP spokesman, said. Legislators and senior party leaders would share their views on various issues, the spokesman added. TNS editorial@tribune.com Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service Rasana (Hiranagar), April 13 An eerie silence, which gripped Rasana village after its residents deserted homes out of fear of excessive harassment by the Crime Branch, has been broken as groups of journalists and mediapersons have started flooding the village to cover the infamous Kathua rape and murder case. Villagers, including women, have virtually locked their houses and taken shelter under the shade of a banyan tree at Kootah Morh on the Jammu-Pathankot highway even as mediapersons and journalists from different parts of the country are heading for the village. The victims family has already shifted to the upper reaches as part of seasonal migration. The villagers, who visit their houses in the morning hours, return to Kootah Morh where women have been sitting on the fast-unto-death for the past 14 days, seeking a fair and impartial CBI investigation into the case. So far, eight women have been hospitalised after their health deteriorated. There are 14 Hindu families in the village. While three families have members in government jobs, the members of the remaining families are mostly labourers who work as coolies in Mumbai. Keeping in view the safety of their families, they returned to the village and have now taken shelter at Kootah Morh. Ahead of the harvesting season, their crops have been damaged by stray cattle. The villagers believed they had fallen victim to a big conspiracy hatched by Kashmir-based groups, with unflinching support of the government, to divide the people on communal lines and terrorise a particular community in the name of investigation. A few policemen have also been deployed in the village to keep a check on the movement of people and outsiders. Former village sarpanch Kant Kumar said, The chargesheet filed by the Crime Branch has firmed our belief that the incident was a part of bigger conspiracy which needs to be exposed. The role of the national media remained negative and they did not listen to our pleas. We, too, want justice for the victim and her family and nobody has second thought on it. The village is now flooded with mediapersons, who earlier did not bother to visit the village and hear us. Darshana Devi, who is on the fast-unto-death, said, There is not even a single person in the village who is not in favour of justice to the victim and her family. We, too, have daughters and we understand the pain of the family but this does not mean that they (Crime Branch) can harass our children and men. A sin has already been committed (referring to the murder of the minor girl) in the village and the government is bent on committing another sin by torturing our children. Sham Lal, a local youth, alleged, The Crime Branch has crossed all limits of harassment in the case. Everyone is in favour of justice to the victim and her family but this investigation has more than what meets the eye. It seems Kashmiri politicians and their mentors have managed to succeed in their designs by creating a divide among Dogra Gujjars, Bakerwals and Hindus. We have never seen such situation in the past. The villagers have also rejected the charges that the victim was held in captivity at a devsthan (religious place) before she was raped and murdered, saying The lock at the devsthan had three keys with the people of three villages who used to open it regularly. This is a concocted story to create a communal divide in the region. A senior police officer, who wished not to be named, said, the Crime Branch officials treated them (local policemen) like criminals, while the people from a particular community are being patronised. It is being done to create pressure on the local police not to touch this community even if they resort to any criminal activity. Villagers desert homes editorial@tribune.com Rifat Mohidin Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 12 To increase opportunities in higher education for students in Kashmirs far-off areas, the state government has sanctioned establishment of seven degree colleges across the Valley from this academic session to be functional from makeshift accommodations initially. Sanction is hereby accorded to permanent establishment of new government degree colleges in the uncovered areas of Kashmir to make them functional in makeshift accommodations from the ensuing academic session of 2018-19, an order issued by Asgar Samoon, Principal Secretary to the government, read. Most of the new colleges are being set up in north Kashmir. The areas where the seven colleges will be established include Government Degree College, Kralpora, Kupwara, Government Degree College, Langate, Government Degree College, Thindim Kreeri, Government Degree College, Zanipora Wachi, Government Degree College, Frisal Home, Shalibugh, Government Degree College, Chadoora, and Government Degree College, Vilgam, Handwara. In January this year, Minister for Higher Education Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari had informed the Legislative Assembly that the state Cabinet has recently approved the opening of 17 degree colleges in the state. The officials said the colleges had been established in the areas which were uncovered keeping in view the availability of land. However, some civil society members said the location of the colleges was selected more on political influences rather than keeping in view the feasibility and convenience of students. It would have been better if a college was established in Wagoora instead of Kreeri so that it could cater to the entire belt, said Arif Beigh, a retired bureaucrat. To come up in north Kashmir harinder@tribunemail.com Jammu, April 12 Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said her government would not allow law to be obstructed and that justice would be delivered in the Kathua rape and murder case even as Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JHCBA) president BS Slathia termed the charge-sheet filed by the Crime Branch as lopsided and full of discrepancies. The law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions & statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track & justice will be delivered, the CM tweeted. The rape and murder of the nomadic Bakerwal community girl has created sharp divisions on communal lines with lawyers in Jammu demanding the case be handed over to the CBI. Kathua lawyers on Monday had tried to prevent the Crime Branch from filing a charge-sheet in the case that claims the eight-year-old girl from Rasana in Kathua was given sedatives inside a prayer hall, raped thrice and killed in her native village. Meanwhile, former CM Omar Abdullah criticised Mehbooba for not initiating action against two BJP ministers who had attended a rally organised by the Hindu Ekta Manch (HEM) a local group spearheading the agitation for a CBI probe in the case. What rubbish! They are HER ministers, not the Hon(ourable) PM s. The way for her to express her displeasure is to sack them in Jammu, not come & leak her alleged displeasure in Delhi, Omar wrote on his twitter handle. He was referring to tweets by a journalist with a TV channel, saying the CM had expressed displeasure over the BJP ministers action. The tweet was later deleted. Omar also targeted the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JHCBA) president BS Slathia for threatening Kashmir-based leaders. The latter, talking to the media here, had accused Kashmir-centric groups of demonising their stir. TNS editorial@tribune.com The National Film Award winners reacted with surprise and elation as their name was announced, but it came as a bitter-sweet moment for the family members of Sridevi, who was named the best actress, posthumously, for her role in Mom. Sridevis producer-husband Boney Kapoor became emotional to know about her win at the 65th National Film Awards. Thank you. I just wish she was here today to see this, Boney said. Her daughters Janhvi and Khushi, thanked the government of India, jury members and fans for celebrating her achievements. We are overjoyed to know that the jury has conferred the best actor award to Sridevi for her performance in Mom. Its a very special moment for all of us. She was always a perfectionist and it showed in all the 300 plus films she did. She was not just a super actor but a super wife and a super mom. Its time to celebrate her life and her achievements. She is not with us today but her legacy will always live on, he added. Sridevi died in February this year at the age of 54. Mom was her 300th film. It was not because of the relationship we shared, but that she was the most deserving candidate, said Shekhar Kapur, this years feature film jury head. He had worked with Sridevi in 1987 film Mr India. Pure delight Pankaj Tripathi, who received a special mention at the National Awards for his role in the Newton, said it was a moment of celebration for him. I am absolutely delighted. I had no idea I was even in the running. It feels amazing to know that the whole country thought my role in Newton was one of my best and to win the Special Mention Award at the highest film awards in India is just exhilarating. My director and co-actors made it so easy for me to act in this film, he said. Actress Taapsee Pannu, who had a special appearance in Ghazi, said she was ecstatic that the film had won the best Telugu film award. PTI Sandeep Sinha Sandeep Sinha The only time I had heard of Punjabs China connection was when I came across the term Sino-Ludhianvi dishes. The term described the Punjabified Chinese food in India like the triple Schezwan rice and was a take on how all food that goes as Chinese in India is not authentic. My first brush with a Sino-Ludhianvi dish was not in Macau, but in Moga, where famished after a days work, I gorged on a noodle-burger. It came as a surprise therefore when I read about the recent announcement by CM Amarinder Singh that Mandarin will be offered as an optional subject in senior secondary classes in Punjab schools. The language will initially be offered in one school in each district and students will have to appear in an annual exam. The Make in India and Smart City initiatives of the Modi government have Chinese companies, strong in infrastructure development, eyeing business prospects. With a number of cities in Punjab vying for the smart tag, the prospect appears to be sound. Already, the Banawali thermal power plant near Talwandi Sabo has been built with Chinese assistance in terms of engineering, procurement and construction. The timing of the move is also significant for a paramilitary force like the ITBP, which is teaching its recruits Chinese. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing ITBP personnel on their 56th Raising Day, asked them to learn Mandarin to communicate better with the Chinese. With border skirmishes like in Doklam, the advice is sound. The Punjabi movie Subedar Joginder Singh, released recently, is about a hero who attained martyrdom in the 1962 China war. Punjab has been hosting Chinese students, who come here to study subjects ranging from yoga to English and information technology to biotechnology. Less distance between the two countries and cost-effective education prompts them to opt for India. In fact, a place like Bathinda has students from Thailand studying in schools there. The Chinese, curious about the country of Buddha, have been visiting this part of the country since the days of King Kanishka and his Kushan successors who controlled parts of Punjab. Only now, they visit the state for educational and business purposes. The love for foreign shores among the Punjabis is well-known. If they can buy land in distant Georgia, why not explore Guangzhou? The silver lining is that a state that takes pride in its language and culture sadda Punjab, saddi shaan is willing to promote learning of a foreign language. Harkishan Singh Surjit might have served as an ideological link to communist China, but it has been mostly Westward Ho for Punjabis and not a Look East policy. Amarinder himself is known more to head for Dubai than Beijing. The development, hence, is interesting. Did I hear someone say, Ni Hao, Captain saheb! editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chennai, April 12 US aerospace giant Boeing on Thursday announced a tie-up with public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in India. The US aerospace major Boeing has bid for the 57 jets required by the Navy and is also expected to be in race for the recent tender of 110 jets for the Air Force. The HAL, which had a turnover of more than Rs 10,000 crore last year, is already making Tejas light combat jet that uses an American engine. The partnership was announced at the DefExpo here on Thursday. Pratyush Kumar, Boeing India president, said: Our partnership with HAL and Mahindra will enable us to optimise the full potential of Indias public and private sector to deliver next-generation F/A-18 fighter capabilities. Together we can deliver an affordable, combat-proven fighter platform for India, while adding growth momentum to the Indian aerospace ecosystem with manufacturing, skill development, innovation and engineering and job creation, he added. T Suvarna Raju, HAL chairman and managing director, said, The partnership with Boeing and Mahindra Defence Systems will create an opportunity to develop capabilities of the aerospace industry and strengthen indigenous platforms in India. The F/A-18 Super Hornet Make in India proposal is to build an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility that can be utilised for other programmes, including Indias Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Boeing says the plane is the least expensive aircraft per flight hour of its kind. It will be in race as a carrier (naval) and land-based multi-role fighter. MEXICO CITY, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V. (Grupo Bimbo or the Company) (BMV:BIMBO) today announced that it has priced its offering of US$500,000,000 Perpetual Subordinated Notes offering at par to yield 5.95%. The Company will use the proceeds from this offering for the refinancing of existing indebtedness, the financing of acquisitions and capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes. This is a new instrument for Grupo Bimbo making it the first hybrid bond issued by a Mexican consumer Company, aligned with our financial policies. As it supports to preserve a healthy financial position, enhances the strength, stability and flexibility of our capital structure, reinforces our commitment to deleverage and maintain our investment grade rating, and bolsters liquidity. Moreover, our market leadership, coupled with our diversified revenue base, geographic presence, category and distribution channels, largely contributed to attract the attention of more than 200 international investors, evidencing our growing international profile and commitment to expand our stakeholder base, said Diego Gaxiola, CFO of Grupo Bimbo. The transaction was rated Ba1/BB+/BB+ by Moodys, S&P and Fitch. Grupo Bimbo once again thanks investors and the financial institutions for the trust placed in the Company. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Citi, HSBC and Santander acted as joint bookrunners for this transaction and ING as co-manager. About Grupo Bimbo Grupo Bimbo is the largest baking company in the world and a relevant participant in snacks. Grupo Bimbo has 196 plants and more than 1,800 sales centers strategically located in 32 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Its main product lines include fresh and frozen sliced bread, buns, cookies, snack cakes, English muffins, bagels, pre-packaged foods, tortillas, salted snacks and confectionery products, among others. Grupo Bimbo produces over 13,000 products and has one of the largest direct distribution networks in the world, with more than three million points of sale, around 58,000 routes and more than 138,000 associates. Its shares trade on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) under the ticker symbol BIMBO, and in the over-the-counter market in the United States with a Level 1 ADR, under the ticker symbol BMBOY. Investor Relations www.grupobimbo.com Estefania Poucel estefania.poucel@grupobimbo.com (5255) 5268 6830 Maria del Mar Velasco maria.velasco@grupobimbo.com (5255) 5268 6789 editorial@tribune.com New Delhi, April 12 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said it was still unaware of the whereabouts of diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, wanted in the PNB loan fraud case. Choksi along with main accused and nephew Nirav Modi are wanted for defrauding PNB of over Rs 13,500 crore in loans. Some reports suggested that Choksi had been seen in the United States. Asked if India had approached the US authorities on the matter, Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson, said, MEA comes into picture when the location of a fugitive is ascertained. Based on that information, we approach local authorities of country concerned. We do not have any information about Choksis whereabouts. Sources said authenticity of photographs cited as latest ones on social media also needed to be verified. harinder@tribunemail.com Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service Chennai, April 12 Even as India ramps up its defence manufacturing capability and spends close to 12 per cent of its Annual Budget on the military, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said our commitment to peace is as strong as the commitment to protect our people and territory. Inaugurating Defence Expo 2018 here, the PM listed his governments efforts in making the country a hub of defence-manufacturing and bolstering the armed forces. Invoking Kautilya, who wrote Arthashastra more than 2000 years ago, he said the king or the ruler must protect his people, however, peace is preferable to war. Indias defence preparedness is guided by these thoughts. Our commitment to peace is as strong as to protect our people and territory. For this we are ready to take all steps to equip our armed forces. India had never coveted the territory of another nation, he stressed. The comments are significant as they come amid increasing Chinese activities along the nearly 4,000-km-long border with India, as well as Beijings efforts to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. We have never desired anyones territory... rather than winning countries through wars, India has believed in winning hearts, he said. With global military aviation companies lining up for the USD 15-billion project to make fighter jets in India, the PM said India would not take a decade to decide on the project, an obvious dig at the earlier UPA government. The assurance comes within a week of a new tender to get 110 fighter jets for the IAF. Foreign industry has been skeptical that the fresh tender could be a re-run of the scrapped tender to buy 126 fighter jets. The process started in 2004 was scrapped in 2015 after years of trials, discussion and cost negotiation. Issues (military ones) which should have been long addressed are being resolved now. We have not only taken bold action to meet immediate requirement (purchase of 36 Rafale jets), we have started a new process for 110 jets. We will not spend 10 years without any tangible outcomes. As per the tender floated by the IAF, deliveries are expected to commence within three years of signing the contract. Signing the contract, if all goes well, could take about two years from now. In another dig at the UPA, the PM said the policy paralysis that had set in the defence sector was a thing of the past and it shall not happen again. Addressing concerns of the industry, Modi emphasised: Our goal is not merely to tinker but to transform. We want to move fast, but with no shortcuts... I am aware we need to do a lot more, we are committed to do so even as he promised extensive consultation with all stakeholders Indian and foreign companies. harinder@tribunemail.com Beijing, April 13 National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday held talks with top official of Chinas ruling Communist Party Yang Jiechi in Shanghai during which both sides agreed to maintain the pace of high-level exchanges after last years Doklam standoff. Dovals visit was part of regular high-level engagements between India and China, an Indian Embassy press release here said. The discussions covered a wide agenda spanning bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides agreed to maintain the pace of high-level exchanges, with a view to fully realise the potential of closer development partnership between India and China, it said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are due to be in Beijing on April 24 to attend different meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and interact with their counterparts on the sidelines. The eight-member SCO in which India is the latest entrant along with Pakistan is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to take part and hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two officials met in Shanghai instead of Beijing as Yang, who is the Director of Foreign Affairs Commission besides a Politburo member of the ruling Communist Party of China, preferred to hold it there as he is on his way back from Chinas Hainan province after attending the Boao Forum for Asia, official sources said. Both Doval and Yang are Special Representatives for India-China boundary talks representing their respective countries. Till last month Yang was the state councillor of the CPC, a top diplomatic post in the Chinese hierarchy. He was replaced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang will hold the dual posts of state councillor and foreign minister in a major reshuffle of top officials. This is the second meeting between Doval and Yang after the 73-day Dokalam standoff. Yang attended the 20th round of boundary talks between the two countries in Delhi last December during which both sides decided to reset ties with more interactions. India-China Special Representatives meetings carry considerable significance as they are mandated to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations besides the border dispute, providing a general policy direction to ties. PTI harinder@tribunemail.com Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lucknow, April 12 Amid mounting outrage over the alleged gangrape of a minor girl in Unnao, the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday rebuked the UP Government for the delay in the arrest of accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar despite an FIR against him, warning it may be forced to observe that law and order has collapsed in the state. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Bhonsle and Justice Sunil Kumar, after hearing the arguments, reserved the judgment till 2 pm on Friday. In a severe indictment of the Yogi government, Chief Justice Bhonsle observed that the rape survivor ran from pillar to post in search of justice for six months and that the Unnao police woke up from its slumber only after the death of her father. Advocate General Raghvendra Singh argued the state government would take legal action against the MLA only when it had sufficient evidence against him on record. The court asked if the government collected sufficient evidence before taking action in other cases as well. Addressing a press conference earlier in the day, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar and DGP OP Singh announced that the Unnao gangrape and the custodial death of her father was being handed over to the CBI. They made it clear the arrest of MLA Sengar was now CBIs prerogative. The Principal Secretary said that it was on the basis of three reports submitted to the state government on Wednesday that the FIR against the MLA had been lodged and the decision to hand over the case to the CBI was taken to ensure a transparent investigation. An FIR was filed against the MLA and his associate Shashi Singh at the Makhi police station in Unnao on late Wednesday night under Sections 363 (kidnapping), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012. uttara@tribuneindia.com New Delhi, April 13 Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal sat on an indefinite hunger strike on Friday demanding concrete actions to curb sexual crimes against women. The hunger strike by Maliwal comes in wake of the recent incidents of rape in Kathua and Unnao. She wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday demanding action for womens safety. "Prime minister did fast for one day yesterday. We were hoping that he will speak something on the issue and will give assurance to the countrymen to ensure safety of our daughters. But silence of the PM and entire govt is very heart breaking," Maliwal said, who offered prayers at Rajghat before beginning the strike. Thousands of people reached the strike venue to participate in the hunger strike and support the movement. Cutting across party lines, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha also reached Rajghat. It is very sad that so many incidents of rape are happening in Delhi and the country. It is sending a wrong message across the world; our country is being called rape capital of the world. Our prime minister is not speaking a word on these incidents. Whatever happened in Kathua and Unnao is very shameful. All parties should come together to demand action against crimes against women," Sinha said. Former diplomat KC Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Ravinder Manchanda also visited the strike venue to extend their support to Maliwal. An eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community disappeared near her house on January 10 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Her body was found a week later. In the Unnao case, a 17-year-old girl has alleged she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017. In February, the girl's family moved the court seeking to include the MLA's name in the case. After the case was filed, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 this year and put in jail, where he died on April 8. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Beijing, April 13 National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday held talks with top official of Chinas ruling CPC Yang Jiechi in Shanghai, the Indian Embassy here said, the second meeting between the two officials after the last years Doklam stand-off. Dovals meeting with Yang, the Politburo member of the CPC, comes ahead of several key dialogues between the two countries, which are trying to reset the ties after the last years 73-day-long stand-off at Doklam. The Indian Embassy in a brief statement said Doval and Yang, both special representatives of the India-China boundary talks, held talks, but gave no details about the meeting. Yang is also Director of Foreign Affairs Commission. Till last month, Yang was the State Councillor of the CPC, a top diplomatic post. He was replaced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang will hold the dual posts of State Councillor and Foreign Minister in a major reshuffle of top officials. This is the second meeting between Doval and Yang after the Doklam stand-off. Yang attended the 20th round of boundary talks between the two countries in Delhi in December last year during which both sides decided to reset the ties with more interactions. Since December, the two sides are trying to iron out differences on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Indias entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China blocking the efforts to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. The two countries are preparing for a series of high-level interactions leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposed visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in June. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on April 24 to attend different meetings of the SCO and interact with their counterparts from the member states. The eight-member SCO, in which India was a latest entrant along with Pakistan, is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao. The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which is focused on anti-terrorism cooperation, is holding a host of ministerial and officials meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the grouping. SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers meetings are also scheduled on April 24 and almost around the same time, according to officials here. Both sides attach a lot of significance to these meetings to reset the ties as they were taking place after President Xi Jingping has commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect continuing in power for life following the removal of two-term limit for the president. PTI editorial@tribune.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 12 India and the UK hope to ink a revised pact on return of illegal immigrants when Prime Minister Modi visits London this month for the Commonwealth Summit. The existing agreement ended in 2014. The MoU seeks to ensure the return of persons who have no lawful basis to be in the territory of the other party after verification of nationality to its satisfaction. The agreement will also help provide information to police about known criminals, including sex offenders on both sides. As and when we are informed that someone is illegal and the status has been confirmed by Indian High commission in London, we have a mechanism to bring them back. We ended the process in 2014, but we still have the procedure in place, said K Nagaraj Naidu, Joint Secretary, Europe West. However, India disagrees with UK Homeland authorities that number of Indians overstaying their visas run into several thousands. Indian officials argue that once the individual claims to have lost their passport, ascertaining identity could be time taking and all South Asian migrants must not be profiled as Indians. Officials also point out that post 2008 Indian Passport Issuing Authority has captured biometric data of individuals which is easier to compare with British database. But passports issued prior to 2008 are complicated ones. In the last 10 years, only some 5,000 Indians have been deported back, said Naidu. Most of these returning Indians belonged to states like Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu among others. Prime Minister Modi who will hold formal talks with counterpart Theresa May during his Commonwealth visit, will also call on the Queen and hold a diaspora interaction possibly answering a few questions asked through social media. What cabinets MoU says gspannu7@gmail.com Alappuzha (Kerala), April 13 A petitioner in the June 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake shootout case was killed in a road accident here on Friday. Kerala Police have started a probe. Gopinathan Pillai died when the car he was travelling in collided with a lorry. We are leaving nothing to chance and all aspects of the accident are being thoroughly probed, said an officer, who did not wish to be identified. Pillai was the father of Javed Ghulam Shaikh, alias Pranesh Kumar Pillai, who was one of the three others killed by the Gujarat Police along with Ishrat Jahan on the outskirts of Ahmadabad in June 2004. Its too early at this moment to come to any sort of conclusion on the accident. An FIR has been registered and the probe has begun, the officer said. Speaking to IANS, a police officer attached to the Pattanakad police station said: Pillai was on his way to a hospital for a check-up when his car met with the accident. The 78-year-old, Pillai, a retired teacher had heaved a sigh of relief after the Special Investigation Team submitted to the Gujarat High Court in 2011 that his son was killed in a fake shootout. Pillai then reacted that he was a much relieved man because no one would call him the father of a terroristas the Gujarat Police had dubbed his son. Shaikh had converted to Islam to marry a Muslim woman. The Gujarat Police had then alleged that Ishrat and the three others were Lashkar-e-Toiba activists on a mission to kill the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. IANS editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch NDA governments nationwide mass outreach exercise Gram Swaraj Abhiyan to mark the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Dr BR Ambdedkar from Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) on Saturday. The exercise will conclude on May 5. Sources said the Prime Minister Office is contemplating Modis interface with public on the concluding day. The PM will also unveil a Health and Wellness Centre at Bijapur, which will mark the launch of Union Governments ambitious health assurance programme Ayushman Bharat. He will interact with ASHA, anganwadi workers and beneficiary children of Poshan Abhiyan, and visit a Haat Bazaar health kiosk. Modi will inaugurate a bank branch at Jangla, distribute loan sanction letters under the Mudra Scheme to select beneficiaries, and interact with Rural BPO employees. The PM will also address a public meeting and launch the Van Dhan Yojana, which aims at empowering tribal communities. It envisages a mechanism for marketing of minor forest produce through minimum support price and development of value chain for MFP. Via video conference, Modi will dedicate Bhanupratappur-Gudum railway line to the nation by flagging off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur. harinder@tribunemail.com New Delhi, April 13 The Congress on Friday said PM Narendra Modi needs to convert his words into deeds by taking tangible action on the ground to provide justice to victims of Kathua and Unnao rape cases and said he has so far done too little, too late. The party said the BJP cannot belittle the fight of the women for equality and dignity. Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi also accused the BJP of viewing the rapes through the "prism of religion" and demanded the sacking of UP CM Yogi Adityanath. He said these incidents could not be termed as "normal cases" and said these have shamed the nation. "We are very thankful to the PM for having spoken, even if after three months of Kathua and after weeks of Unnao incidents. I wish he will now convert his words into deeds... We want that the PM should initiate some steps. What matters is deeds count, words do not," he told reporters after the PM broke silence on the rape cases. Singhvi said Rahul Gandhi's crusade and the party's demands seem to have been having some "minimal effect". He alleged the mentality and approach of the government, BJP, RSS and the PM was anti-Dalit. Their thoughts, deeds, thinking, actions, policies and approach are all anti-Dalit. Mere slogans and 'jumlas' will neither prevent nor reduce Unnaos and Kathuas. TNS Financing, led by Shavit Capital, includes U.S. and Israeli investors CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioCanCell Ltd. (TASE:BICL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies to treat cancer, today announced that it has successfully executed binding funding agreements to raise $22.8 million through a private equity investment (PIPE) in the Company. The financing was led by Shavit Capital, one of Israels leading private equity funds specializing in pre-IPO funding, and was joined by new and existing U.S. and Israeli investors, including Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd. Net proceeds of the PIPE will be used primarily to advance the Companys drug development programs, including the initiation of a pivotal trial of its first-in-class and first-of-its-kind gene therapy in development for treatment of bladder cancer. We are excited to have obtained funding that will enable us to embark on the first of our two registrational clinical studies of BC-819 in early-stage bladder cancer, stated Frank Haluska, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer of BioCanCell. We look forward to enrolling the first patients into the trial in the second half of this year. The closing of the transaction is subject to the approval of a general meeting of Company shareholders, and TASE approval for the registration for trade of the shares allotted and the shares underlying the warrants. About BioCanCell BioCanCell is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapies to treat cancer, with offices in Cambridge, MA, and Jerusalem, Israel. The Companys most advanced product candidate, BC-819, is in development as a treatment for early stage, NMIBC. For additional information please go to www.biocancell.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of clinical trials, the anticipated effects of receiving Fast Track designation, the anticipated timeframe for conducting additional clinical trials and making regulatory submissions, and other strategic and business plans and objectives. These forward-looking statements are based on information BioCanCell has when those statements are made or its managements good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the success of the approach to discover and develop prospective therapeutic products, which is new and may never lead to marketable products; a lack of history of commercial sales; a dependence on the success of BC-819, the development of which will require significant additional clinical testing before regulatory approval can be sought and commercial sales launched; a need to raise substantial additional funds to complete R&D activities; an ability to overcome scientific or technological difficulties that may be encountered and that may impede R&D activities; and an ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for product candidates, including pursuant to licensed patents. Company Contact: Frank Haluska, M.D., Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer 857-259-4622 info@biocancell.com Investor Contact: Ashley R. Robinson Managing Director LifeSci Advisors, LLC 617-775-5956 arr@lifesciadvisors.com uttara@tribuneindia.com New Delhi, April 13 Former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan said on Friday that the Supreme Courts verdict on Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was "basically wrong" as the decision will enable perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. Balakrishnan, the first Dalit to become Chief Justice of India (2007-2010) also said that this decision of the apex court has incited violence. This is probably the first time a decision of the Supreme Court has incited violence among the people. Usually, when violence is there, the Supreme Court intervenes. The people would accept the verdict. Now people are not in a position to accept the verdict of the highest court of the land. It is something strange. This we should understand. The Supreme Court should produce decisions that are acceptable to greater number of people. It should not create violence among the society, he said. He was delivering the presidential address at a seminar on Supreme Court Judgement on SC/ST Causes, Effects and Solution organised by South Asian Minorities Lawyers' Association and Ambedkar Educational Cultural Society. In its March 20 order, the apex court had diluted stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act mandating immediate arrest under the law in a bid to protect honest public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases. Following the Supreme Court's decision, Dalit groups called a nationwide bandh on April 2 to protest against the dilution of the Act. At least 11 people persons were killed and hundreds injured in ensuing violence across several states as protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to private and public properties, including police posts. Pointing out the finding of the apex court with regard to abuse of law of arrest in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said that sufficient safeguards were already provided in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in case of arrest of any person. "If a person is to be arrested, he should have committed a cognisable offence and the police officer should be satisfied that the person has committed a cognisable offence and the officer should record as per the amendment in the CrPC. So there are sufficient safeguards," he said. Referring to the apex court verdict making it mandatory to get approval of the appointing authority before arresting a public official in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said its implementation was not feasible and the accused will easily get away. How is the appointing authority concerned with the case? Who is bothered about it? The approval will never come. He can very well escape from the clutches of law. This decision will enable such perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. So in that way, the decision is basically wrong, Justice Balakrishnan said. The former CJI, who had also headed the National Human Rights Commission, said there is a perception that the Act is widely misused as most of the cases are either discharged or the accused are acquitted. He said that since the perpetrators of the offence under the Act are socially influential members of the society and the complainants are poor people, a proper prosecution of the accused never happens. "Those who commit the offence are socially powerful members of the community. They are influential. The police and the powerful people are not in favour of SC/ST and ultimately the case end in acquittal or discharged. That is why the general impression that the Act is being misused. It's not that the complaint is farce. The complainant is not really able to prosecute the perpetrators who had committed the offence. They are not able to successfully prosecute the persons," the former CJI said. Advocate Mehmood Pracha, who also addressed the event, said that the judgment of the apex court shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of the judicial system. "This judgment of the Supreme Court actually shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of our system, most unfortunate is of our judicial system. Because the SC/ST community is unrepresented in higher judiciary at least and it is almost non-existent in lower judiciary as well. This is the root cause of all our problems because the judicial minds cannot appreciate the pain and sufferings of the oppressed classes because they have come from the upper classes and caste of the society, Pracha said. He said that the Muslim community of the country should stand with another oppressed community of their times, the Dalits. "Rather Muslims should stand ahead of SC/ST community in this fight and I hope if we stand in front of them, they will stand in front of us in our fights. That is the real solution for the problems of this country," he said. PTI editorial@tribune.com Vijay Mohan Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 13 As military tribunals world over remain in news over trials conducted by them, a committee under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) has prepared a 20-point draft to help carry out reforms in the global military justice system. The 30-page draft that attempts to resolve a few contentious issues will be considered by the UN Human Rights Council and then placed before the UN General Assembly. The workshop on the UN Draft Principles Governing the Administration of Justice Through Military Tribunals was held at the Yale University in the US last month and conducted by 15 international jurists and judges associated with military justice, including a lawyer from Chandigarh. Three senior UN functionaries, including Diego Garcia-Sayan, Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers and Estelle Askew-Renaut from the Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also attended the proceedings. The other members were from the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark and Uganda. The system of military justice has been in focus in recent years over issues related to command influence and independence in trial of civilians by secret military courts in several countries without affording full rights to the accused. The case of Kulbhushan Jadhav who was branded an Indian spy and awarded death penalty by a military court in Pakistan is an example. The Voice of America reported in March that since 2015, controversial military courts in Pakistan have sentenced 186 convicts to death and issued verdicts in more than 300 terrorism-related cases. Military courts have also come under critical review in the US following exposure of the trials of terrorism suspects such as those held at a prison camp at a military base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. More recently, US President Donald Trumps comment that US citizens accused of terrorism be prosecuted before military tribunals has kicked up a debate. While in India military courts do not have the mandate to try civilians, the system of military justice has faced repeated strictures by the Supreme Court as well as high courts over archaic provisions and adhocism. A slew of measures recommended to overhaul the system remain unimplemented. What it suggests Military tribunals or courts should be a part of regular judicial system and should not function under the executive branch These should guarantee fair trial under Article 14 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political RightsMilitary courts have no jurisdiction to try civilians except in very exceptional circumstances Humanitarian law, public hearings, transparency and recourse to civil courts, as guaranteed to civilians, must be adhered to rchopra@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service Lucknow, April 13 The CBI tonight arrested BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the alleged rape of a minor girl in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, officials said. Sengar was taken into custody after intense questioning for 16 hours by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team at its office on the Naval Kishore Road in Lucknow. He was brought to the office around 5 am today, the officials said The arrest came hours after the Allahabad High Court directed the CBI to immediately arrest Sengar. It also told the CBI to cancel the bail of all accused in the Unnao rape case. The high court told the CBI to furnish the progress report before the court in the case at 10 am on May 2. Earlier, the CBI had taken over investigation in three cases related to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl by Sengar and detained him on Friday for questioning, officials said. The agency which was referred the matter only on Thursday took immediate action by re-registering the UP Police FIRs and brought the four-time MLA to its Lucknow office at around 5 am for questioning, they said. The first FIR pertains to the alleged rape of the girl in which Sengar and a woman Shashi Singh have been named as accused. The second one pertains to rioting, in which four locals have been booked, and also the alleged killing of the victims father in judicial custody. Since the murder charge was added later by the police, it does not reflect in the CBI FIR. The third case pertains to the allegations against the victims father who was arrested under the Arms Act and put in jail by the local police where he mysteriously died. He also suffered serious wounds as per the post-mortem report. According to the rules, the CBI re-registers FIRs of the state police while taking over the probe but remains at freedom to come to its own conclusions which are filed before a special court in its final report. The final report can either be a closure report or a chargesheet. The victim has alleged that she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. In February, the girls family moved court seeking to include the MLAs name in the rape case. After filing of the case, the victims father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. Frustrated with the alleged inaction and coercion from powerful people, the victim attempted self-immolation in front of Chief Minister Yogi Aditynaths residence on April 8 which made headlines. The next day, her father died in jail with post-mortem suggesting serious injuries on his body. Faced with the embarrassment of its own MLA from Bangarmau in Unnao allegedly being involved in the rape case, the state government had referred the matter to the Centre on Thursdaya day before the Allahabad High Court was to pronounce its order on probe into the case by the central agency. The Centre too acted with alacrity referring the matter to the CBI on Thursday. The agency sleuths swooped down at the residence of Sengar in Lucknow in the early hours on Friday and took him for questioning at its office in Lucknow, the officials said. Sengar, a four-term MLA, enjoys immense clout cutting across party lines in the rural areas around Unnao district, a semi-urban area about 70 km from Lucknow. A purported video of the girls father before his death has gone viral and was also aired by several TV news channels. In the video, he alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLAs brother and others in the presence of police. With agencies shalender@tribune.com Ashok Kaura Phagwara, April 13 Tension gripped Phagwara late on Friday night after a group of Dalit youths installed a flex board bearing a photo of Dr BR Ambedkar and renaming "Goal Chowk" as "Sambhidhan Chowk", a move objected to by several Hindu organisations. Four persons were injured and dozens of vehicles, including cars and scooters, were damaged in the violent clash that followed initial brawl and stone pelting. Fire shots were also heard during clashes. People of both the communities faced off and the situation became tense when police intervened. Phagwara SP Parminder Singh Bhandhal, ADC Babita Kaler, SDM Jyoti Bala and SHO Gurmit Singh rushed to the spot to control the situation. Meanwhile, Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Tayab and SSP Sandeep Sharma also reached the spot. The situation was tense till filing of this report. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 13 The Justice Mehtab Singh Gill (retd) Commission has found that the cases registered during the Akali-BJP rule against SAD (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann, AAP MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Sukhwinder Singh Mithu were false and has recommended action against erring officials. In its sixth interim report submitted to CM Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday, Justice Gill has recommended action in 47 of the 240 cases, while 193 were dismissed for various reasons. A spokesperson said the commission had recommended the cancellation of the sedition case against Mann and 17 FIRs against Khaira and his supporters. Mithu, a panchayat member of Kaunke village in Jagraon, was implicated in eight cases after he complained against the relatives of his Canada-born wife Jaswinder Kaur (Jassi), who was murdered in 2000. The commission found 182 policemen guilty of framing Mithu. A sedition case was registered against Mann at the behest of the Akalis, the commission found. It endorsed the findings of the police that all 17 cases registered against Khaira (then a Congress leader) and his supporters in 2007-08 by the then Akali government were false. Commission for action in 47 out of 240 cases editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Moga, April 13 The police have booked Jagdeep Singh Seera, personal assistant (PA) to local Congress MLA Dr Harjot Kamal, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and assaulting a 64-year-old turbaned Sikh property dealer in the office of the executive magistrate-cum-tehsildar at the district administrative complex here on Friday. A police officer said an FIR under Sections 294 (obscene act in public place), 295-A (hurting religios feelings), 506 (criminal intimidation) and other sections of the IPC had been registered against Seera at the City-I police station. However, Seera is yet to be arrested. The victim, identified as Manjit Singh, went to the office of the executive magistrate-cum-tehsildar Lakhwinder Singh on Friday to help his clients as a witness for the registration of a property. The MLAs PA was already present in the office of the tehsildar and he objected to the registration of a 10-marla plot located in the New Town area, a prime locality of the city. The tehsildar refused to register the property even though a sale deed had been mutually settled between the two parties. When Manjit Singh asked the reason for not registering the property, Seera allegedly assaulted Manjit and also removed his turban. He was allegedly beaten up by Seera and his supporters. As a result, Manjit fell unconscious. Seera and his supporters fled. After regaining consciousness, he demanded the registration of a criminal case against Seera and his supporters. Executive magistrate-cum-tehsildar Lakhwinder Singh reportedly did not record his statement with the police. The Tribune tried to contact the MLA, but he did not answer phone calls. editorial@tribune.com Ajay Joshi Tribune News Service Jalandhar, April 12 A nine-year-old boy from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Colony, who had been missing since Wednesday afternoon, was found dead on Thursday. The body of Ashu Sharma, a Class IV student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Suranussi, was found in a sewage disposal tank near his house. Grandson of former councillor Kasturi Lal Sharma, Ashu had just returned from school on Wednesday when he left home to play. CCTV footage from a nearby house captured him on a bicycle at 2.20 pm. When the boy did not return home by 3 pm, his mother, a schoolteacher, went out to look for him, but to no avail. Neighbours and friends, too, joined the family in the search. They found his bicycle near the septic tank but got no clue of the boy till late evening. The worried family members finally got a missing person report registered on Wednesday night. The ACP (North), Jalandhar, NS Mahal, who was incharge of the search operation, said, all the entry and exit points were immediately sealed. As senior police officials, including Commissioner of Police Praveen Sinha and Deputy Commissioner of Police Gurmeet Singh, swung into action on Thursday morning, they ordered a proper checking of the tank through Municipal Corporation employees. Ashus body was recovered from it. Police said the body of the boy had no injury marks, clothes showed no stretch signs and the post-mortem report pointed to death by drowning. The boys father, Narendra Sharma, and grandfather Kasturi Lal have been maintaining that the boy was pushed into the tank. Local residents said the MC had neither covered the tank nor repaired its fencing despite repeated requests. They alleged that MC negligence led to the death. Had gone missing on Wednesday editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 13 The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Union Government to supply state and Central-level organ transplant data. Already, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh and PGIMER have been asked to furnish details on organ transplants, facilities available, number of patients and operations conducted. As a bunch of two petitions for framing a policy on human organs transplantation and other related issues came up for resumed hearing, amicus curiae or friend of court Alka Sarin prayed that Union of India be directed to supply details and data of organ transplantation at the state and Central level. Accordingly, the counsel for Union of India is directed to get the information on the next date of hearing, the Bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal ordered. The Bench, on a previous date of hearing, had asked counsel for the parties to give suggestions required to be incorporated in directions that may be required to be issued keeping in view the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. Nodal office sought editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 13 UK High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith on Friday condemned the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on its 99th anniversary. Ahead of Prime Minister Modis Visit to the UK for the Commonwealth summit, Asquith was asked if the UK would tender an apology for the 13th April 1919 massacre. The High Commissioner in response reminded of former PM David Camerons message. When David Cameron visited Jallianwala Bagh in 2013, he said the massacre was a deep shame for British history, one that we should never forget. It is right that we must pay respect to all the people who lost their lives. British people condemn the events of the time, said Asquith. Cameron was the first British PM to visit the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial when he visited India in February 2013. We must never forget what happened here, and we must ensure that the UK stands up for the right to peaceful protests, wrote Cameron in the visitors book. However, he was criticised for stopping short of a full apology. Asked about the UKs action against Khalistani organisations, Asquith said, If there is any evidence of incitement of violence, we take that very seriously and respond to it. It applies to Khalistan and any other. There should be no doubt about it. gspannu7@gmail.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 13 UK High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith on Friday condemned the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre on its 99th anniversary. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the UK for the Commonwealth Summit, Asquith was asked if UK would tender an apology for the April 13, 1919 massacre. The high commissioner in response reminded of former PM David Camerons message. When David Cameron visited Jallianwalla Bagh in 2013, he said that the massacre was a deep shame for acting British history, one that we should never forget. It is right that we must pay respect to all the people who lost their lives. British people condemn the events of the time, said Asquith. Cameron was the first British PM to visit Jallianwala Bagh Memorial when he visited India in February 2013. We must never forget what happened here, and we must ensure that the UK stands up for the right to peaceful protests, wrote Cameron in the visitors book. However, he was criticised for stopping short of a full apology. UK hopes for mutual recognition of higher degrees Meanwhile, as London prepares for formal talks between Modi and Theresa May during the Commonwealth Summit visit, UK hopes that higher education will get a push on the bilateral front. Talks are on for mutual recognition of higher education degrees with a focus on masters programme. Unlike a two years post graduate masters degree programme offered in Indian universities, UK institutions have a one year course which is not legally recognised in India. Currently there are around 14,000 Indian students pursuing a masters degree in the UK. Discussions are underway. We would want that to be concluded soon. It would make coming to UK for masters degree attractive, said the British envoy. The high commissioner also emphasised that work visas to Indian students was discontinued eight years ago to prevent bogus use of the academic route and welcome bonafide students into the countrys top educational institutes. India and UK would discuss cyber security, data protection and counter-terrorism closely in bilateral talks as well as at the Commonwealth Summit. Asked about UKs action against Khalistani organisations, Asquith said, If there is any evidence of incitement of violence, we take that very seriously and respond to it. It applies to Khalistan and any others. There should be no doubt about it. EDMONTON, Alberta, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceapro Inc. (TSX-V:CZO) (Ceapro or the Company), a growth-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of active ingredients for healthcare and cosmetic industries, announced today that it will present at the 12th International Symposium on Supercritical Fluids (ISSF 2018) being held April 22-25, 2018 in Antibes, France. Bernhard Seifried, Ph.D., Ceapros Director of Engineering Research and Technology, and Feral Temelli, Ph.D., from the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science of the University of Alberta will present the case study titled, PGX Technology: A Case of University Industry Partnership for Innovation, in an oral presentation on Wednesday April 25, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. CEST. As part of the presentation, Drs. Seifried and Temelli will discuss Ceapros patented Pressurized Gas eXpanded (PGX) platform technology that is used to convert biopolymers into high-value materials overcoming the challenges associated with the drying of high molecular weight biopolymers using conventional technologies, and the supercritical fluid technology research program of Dr. Temelli at the University of Alberta. Following the presentation, a comprehensive article will be included in the conference proceedings and will be available on Ceapros website (www.ceapro.com). About Pressurized Gas eXpanded Liquid Technology (PGX) The Companys patented Pressurized Gas eXpanded (PGX) is a unique and disruptive technology with several key advantages over conventional drying and purification technologies that can be used to process biopolymers into high-value, nano-sized polymer structures and novel bio-nanocomposites. PGX is ideally suited for processing challenging high-molecular-weight, water-soluble biopolymers. It has the ability to make ultra-light, highly porous polymer structures on a continuous basis, which is not possible using todays conventional technologies. PGX was invented by Dr. Feral Temelli from the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science of the University of Alberta (U of A) along with Dr. Bernhard Seifried, now Ceapros Director of Engineering Research and Technology. The license from U of A provides Ceapro with exclusive worldwide rights in all industrial applications. About Ceapro Inc. Ceapro Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company involved in the development of proprietary extraction technology and the application of this technology to the production of extracts and active ingredients from oats and other renewable plant resources. Ceapro adds further value to its extracts by supporting their use in cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and therapeutics products for humans and animals. The Company has a broad range of expertise in natural product chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology and process engineering. These skills merge in the fields of active ingredients, biopharmaceuticals and drug-delivery solutions. For more information on Ceapro, please visit the Companys website at www.ceapro.com. For more information contact: Jenene Thomas Jenene Thomas Communications, LLC Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Advisor T (US): +1 (833) 475-8247 E: czo@jtcir.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release uttara@tribuneindia.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 13 Days after India and Pakistan agreed to mutually de-escalate tensions over the diplomats row, the Pakistani High Commission said both countries must faithfully implement the bilateral protocol of 1974 on pilgrimage. As Sikh pilgrims from India poured into Pakistan on Baisakhiwhich marks the 320th birth anniversary of the KhalsaPakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood said: The Government of Pakistan makes assiduous efforts to preserve the religious sites and facilitate the visits of pilgrims of all faiths. This latest visit of Sikh yatrees to Pakistan is also consistent with the Governments commitment and is in accordance with the provisions of the 1974 Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines. The desire of the pilgrims to pay obeisance is sacred, as they wait and prepare for their spiritual journey throughout the year. Both sides must, therefore, ensure faithful implementation of the bilateral Protocol of 1974. Pakistan High Commission has issued visas to nearly 2,100 Sikh pilgrims this year from India this year, as opposed to 1,600 pilgrims went last year. Over 20,000 Sikh pilgrims from across the globe are expected to attend the Baisakhi festival with main celebrations lined up for Saturday in Pakistans Punjab province amid high security. Sikh Jathas will visit various gurdwaras and holy places in Pakistan from April 12-21, including Hasan Abdals Panja Sahib Gurudwara and Nankana Sahib. Relations between India and Pakistan had soured further amid bloodshed at LoC and International Border. Recently, Pakistani Zaireens (pilgrims) were not allowed visas to participate in the Urs at Ajmer Sharif and Nizamuddin Aulia. Islamabad called it a violation of the 1974 protocol arrangement under which Indian pilgrims visit holy sites like Katas Raj temple and sacred gurdwaras in Pakistan during Guru Nanak Jayanti and Baisakhi. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Abohar, April 12 The managements of cinemas in Sriganganagar on Thursday agreed to cancel screening of the controversial movie Nanak Shah Fakir, following protests organised by members of local Sikh organisations who had a meeting in Gurdwara Singh Sabha. The organisations protesting against the scheduled release of film on Friday alleged that the film based on the life of Guru Nanak Dev was against Sikh principles. Portraying Sikh Gurus in any form is against the Sikh principles. If the film is released, it will hurt religious sentiments of the Sikh community. The government should ban the release of the film throughout the country, said a protester, Gurcharan Singh Khosa. They said if the film was released it could disturb peace in border districts that have a substantial Sikh population. Deputy Superintendent of Police Tulsi Dass Purohit confirmed that cinema staff was removing posters and flexes from all parts of the district town. editorial@tribune.com Kulwinder Sandhu Tribune News Service Daulatpura Niwan (Moga), Apr 13 The commission headed by Justice Ranjit Singh (Retd) appointed to investigate incidents of sacrilege will complete the inquiry and finalise its report by May-end. This was revealed by Justice Ranjit Singh (Retd) while interacting with mediapersons at Daulatpura Niwan village in Moga district on Thursday. He visited Chugha Khurd, Rode, Daulatpura Niwan, Ghal Kalan and other villages in the district, where such incidents had taken place. He interacted with hundreds of people and inquired about the incidents. The commission also recorded the statements of the complainants and locals. He said the commission was inquiring into at least 122 incidents of sacrilege, which took place in 2015 and 2016. The commission has already visited more than 90 places, including Behbal Kalan and Bargarhi villages, where two Sikh youths were killed in police firing. Justice Ranjit Singh and his team got details about the incidents of sacrilege in the said villages. The commission also got information from the local police and residents of the area about the suspects. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the commission has established crucial links, covering political, religious and administrative aspects in such incidents. It is likely to give certain recommendations to the state government for further prevention of such incidents in future. editorial@tribune.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 13 Days after India and Pakistan agreed to de-escalate tensions over the diplomats row, Sikh pilgrims from India are visiting the neighbouring country on the occasion of Baisakhi. The Pakistan High Commission has issued visas to about 2,100 Sikh pilgrims this year, while around 1,600 travelled from India last year. The Pakistan Government makes assiduous efforts to preserve religious sites and facilitate visits of pilgrims of all faiths. This visit of the Sikh jatha is consistent with the governments commitment and in accordance with provisions of the 1974 Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, Pakistans High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood told The Tribune. Upon arrival in Lahore, the pilgrims were welcomed by Muhammad Tariq, secretary of the Evacuee Trustee Property Board (ETPB), the statutory body which administers evacuee properties attached to educational, charitable or religious trusts left behind by Hindus and Sikhs who migrated to India during Partition. The jatha will visit shrines in Pakistan from April 12 to 21, including Hasan Abdals Gurdwara Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Nankana Sahib. The desire of the pilgrims to pay obeisance is sacred, as they wait and prepare for their spiritual journey throughout the year. Both sides must, therefore, ensure faithful implementation of the bilateral protocol, Mahmood added. Over 20,000 Sikh pilgrims from across the globe are expected to attend the Baisakhi festival, with the main celebrations scheduled for Saturday in Pakistans Punjab province amid high security. Relations between India and Pakistan had soured further amid the bloodshed at the Line of Control and the International Border when Pakistani Zaireens (pilgrims) were not allowed visas to participate in the Urs at Ajmer Sharif and Nizamuddin Auliya in recent months. Islamabad called it a violation of the 1974 protocol arrangement under which Indian pilgrims visit holy sites such as the Katas Raj temple and the gurdwaras in Pakistan during Guru Nanaks Parkash Utsav and Baisakhi. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 12 Amid allegations that some Punjab politicians are backing the complainant in the road rage case against Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, the state governments stand in the Supreme Court seeking his conviction is in line with its previous position. The state prosecution had taken this stand in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had convicted Sidhu in 2006. The Congress was in power and Capt Amarinder was the CM then too, but Sidhu was with the BJP. Sources said the state government could not do a U-turn now as it would go against the CMs oft-repeated stance of no political interference in investigations. This is the legally correct stand, said a senior functionary in the state government, adding that the government followed the rule of law in the Supreme Court and had left it to the latter to judge the matter on merit. There is a national uproar in case political pressure is mounted to scuttle criminal cases against leaders of the ruling party. It is also a question of Capt Amarinders image of being upright. Sidhu, too, understands this, the functionary said. The governments stand has caused ripples in the states political circles, especially in the ruling Congress. However, no one within the partys state unit wanted to go on record on the matter. It could widen the rift between the Chief Minister and Sidhu, a senior party leader said. Sidhu refused to comment on the issue. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Ferozepur, April 12 The Counter Intelligence Wing of the Punjab Police has arrested seven members of a gang of robbers operating in the area and seized country-made firearms and ammunition from them. Narinder Pal Singh Sidhu, AIG (CI), Ferozepur, said the CI Wing had received a tip-off that the gang was planning a robbery near Madhre village, following which CI sleuths raided the place and nabbed seven members of the gang. The accused were identified as Kulwinder Singh, alias Kinda, of Gokhiwala village, Sanjeev of Bareke village, Neeraj Kumar of Ferozepur Cantonment, Amarjit Singh, alias Bittu, of Nihala Kilcha village, Balwinder Singh, alias Binder, of Basti Khan ke village and Sona Singh of Mastuwala village. The AIG said the CI Wing officials also recovered a .315-bore country made revolver, .32-bore country made pistol and various sharp-edged weapons from them. One gang member, Ramesh Kumar, alias Meshu, of Gokhiwala village, managed to flee from the spot. However, a team has been sent to nab him, said Sidhu. A case has been registered under Sections 399 and 402 of the IPC, Arms Act at the State Special Operation Cell in Fazilka. The AIG said during the investigation the gang members accepted that they were planning to rob a Ludhiana-based businessman. editorial@tribune.com GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, April 12 In the wake of anger against the SGPC and Akal Takht for previously endorsing the film, Nanak Shah Fakir, SGPC chief secretary Roop Singh on Thursday apologised to the Sikh community for being party to the controversy. Roop Singh posted this confession on a social networking site in the morning, prior to the clergy meeting and Akal Takhts decision to excommunicate film producer Harinder Singh Sikka. Roop Singh referred to the letter issued under his signature on March 19, directing gurdwaras to prominently display posters of the film and so that the devotees should be made aware of the film based on Guru Nanak. He submitted that the letter was withdrawn on March 29. It was a blunder on my part to issue such a letter. I seek pardon from the Sikh community, he wrote. Simultaneously, he clarified that he had issued the letter only on the basis of an earlier letter issued by his predecessor Harcharan Singh after a sub-committee constituted by the SGPC cleared the film. To substantiate his claim, he posted the letter dated May 13, 2016, which reads: It is in continuation to the letter number 31,424 and now that the film is seen by members of the committee, formed by the SGPC, we have no objection in granting you the permission for the release of the film. It was a joint decision Clarifying his stance, Harcharan Singh said it was the committees joint decision and after seeking Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee presidents concurrence, an NOC was issued. He said: I am bound to abide by the directions of Akal Takht and the Sikh sangat. Sikka had approached the SGPC for a clearance. The said letter was drafted on the recommendation of the sub-committee that it was satisfied with the amendments made to the film. The draft was also read out to the then SGPC president and was issued to Sikka only after getting his nod, he claimed. Committees offices, institutions shut today Amritsar: To protest the release of Nanak Shah Fakir on Friday, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has decided to keep its offices and institutions shut for the day. The SGPC has also appealed to the Sikhs to wear black turbans or black dupattas to lodge a protest in a peaceful manner. SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said they had filed a review petition in the Supreme Court prior to the release of the film, but it was deferred to Monday. TNS Haryana Sikh bodies seek ban Karnal: Sikh organisations on Thursday sought a ban on the release of Nanak Shah Fakir in Haryana. Members of the youth wing of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) handed over a memorandum, addressed to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, to city magistrate Isha Kamboj. Members of the SGPC met the management of a local multiplex and asked it not to screen the movie. Angrej Singh and Gurdeep Singh Ramba, office-bearers of the HSGMC youth wing, said the movie had hurt religious sentiments by presenting Guru Nanak in a human form. Ramba urged Sikhs of all political parties to join hands against the movie. TNS SAD (Delhi) sees plot New Delhi: Condemning the controversial film, SAD (Delhi) chief Harvinder Singh Sarna alleged that the SGPC, DSGMC and the SAD were purportedly involved in release of the movie. He said that the SGPC and the DSGMC were quiet on the matter even as the movie was slated for release on Friday. Sarna said nobody was allowed to replicate Gurus action. Tarsem Singh, another leader, alleged that it was a conspiracy of the RSS and the BJP. He said the community would return the money invested by the producer, if he scrapped the film. The partys youth wing has written to the Delhi CM and Lieutenant Governor requesting them to ban the film in Delhi. TNS pardeepdhull@gmail.com Chandigarh, April 13 Sikh groups in Punjab and Haryana on Friday staged protests against the release of controversial movie Nanak Shah Fakir, which is based on the life and teachings of Sikhisms founder Guru Nanak. The film was released on Friday. In Punjabs Fatehgarh Sahib, protesters stopped a goods train for around 20 minutes, Railway officials said. The blockade was lifted following the intervention of the Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police. The protesters said the Jathedar of the Akal Takhtthe supreme temporal seat of Sikhshad already appealed to the community to boycott the film and stage peaceful protests. The protest is not for harassing anybody, they said. The Takht had imposed a ban on the release of Nanak Shah Fakir, after it contended that showing Sikh gurus in living form cannot be permitted. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)-run local education institutes remained closed on Friday to protest against the movie. There were also reports of protests by Sikhs in Jalandhar, where a group burnt an effigy of the films producer, Harinder Sikka. Protest against the movie was also staged at Ferozepur. In Haryana, Sikhs protested at several places, including Sirsa, Karnal, Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra. Gyani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of the Takht had on Thursday announced the decision to ex-communicate Sikka from the Sikh Panth. The SGPC, the apex religious body of Sikhs, had appealed members of the community to wear black turbans today as a mark of protest. On April 10, the Supreme Court had criticised the SGPC for imposing restrictions on the film Nanak Shah Fakir and cleared the decks for its nationwide release on April 13. Petitioner Sikka, a retired Naval officer and the films producer, had approached the apex court claiming that the SGPC had recently banned the release of the movie, which is based on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, even after the CBFC cleared it on March 28. In 2015, the producers of the film had decided to withdraw the movie from cinema halls across the country and other parts of the world after protests from religious Sikh groups. A month ago, the producers again announced the movies release for April 13, after which various Sikh outfits started raising objections seeking a ban on the grounds that depiction of Sikh gurus and other historic Sikh figures in films is considered blasphemous. PTI harinder@tribunemail.com Amritsar, April 12 The Akal Takht on Thursday issued an edict to excommunicate Harinder Singh Sikka, the maker of Nanak Shah Fakir, from the Sikh panth. After deliberations with Sikh organisations, the Five High Priests directed Sikhs around the world to snap ties with the filmmaker. Any Sikh found guilty of sympathising with him would be dealt with sternly, the edict said. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh pronounced the decision in Sikkas absence. He appealed to the Sikh community to boycott the film and stage peaceful protests. The jathedar said members of the SGPC sub-committee that had endorsed the film in 2016 would be summoned to the Akal Takht. When Sikka had approached the SGPC for clearance, it had formed a sub-committee headed by SGPC executive member Rajinder Singh Mehta. The other members included Bavinder Singh Jaura, Diljit Singh Bedi, Simarjit Singh and the then Chief Secretary Harcharan Singh. Calling Sikka stubborn, the jathedar said despite protests, the filmmaker was adamant on releasing the film by taking the legal route. Meanwhile, the jathedar sought to clear the air surrounding a 2015 congratulatory letter by the Takht addressed to Sikka. It was misinterpreted in English, whereas the one issued in Punjabi never approved of the film, he claimed. TNS rajivbhatia82@gmail.com Sarika Sharma Why must stubble be a problem, when it can be the solution? Each year end, smog engulfs North India and while stubble burning is considered to be the root cause, Diwali crackers are often used as an excuse to dismiss this issue. So much so that, last year, the Supreme Court enforced a cracker ban in Delhi and the National Capital Region, though it is only a minor and transient cause of the suffocating smog blanket. But Gerald Harrison, a retired academic from Canada, doesnt understand why we cant put paddy stubble to use. He wonders why India cant do what Canada has been doing for long. It is a sunny morning in Chandigarh as Harrison sits to reminisce the good-old days when he first visited here. It was 1977. He could then take photos of the Shivalik Hills from his in-laws house (he had married a Punjabi woman in 1971); the colour of the sky was a brighter hue of blue. He remembers that the evenings even then had a pall of smoke from cooking fires and burning leaf residue, but the stars still came out, the sky still looked beautiful. But now it is so bad, it is hard to breathe, says Harrison who hails from Saskatoon, a western Canadian city with deep agricultural roots. Raised partly on a farm himself, Harrison, a retired Asian Studies lecturer with the University of Saskatchewan, has seen the problem, both here and in Canada, understands it, and knows there are ways to deal with paddy straw. Generally dealt with by burning, the straw harms the environment and the health of people around. One of the better options could be ammoniating the crop residue. Treating the straw with anhydrous ammonia or urea makes it more digestible for livestock, he says. Harrison says that paddy straw thus treated can make it more digestible for the cattle that are fed only wheat straw here. It is also a cheap solution. However, while ammoniated straw was researched and used in Canada, it failed to catch on widely. That is solely because they currently do not have a feed shortage in Canada. Back home in his country, where temperatures are below the freezing point at this time of the year, crop straw from last year can also warm up homes. Some farms are not on the natural gas grid and use straw burners to burn straw bales. The furnaces in question are outdoor units that heat up water as the straw burns. The heated water is then pumped through pipes to radiators in various farm buildings, he says and suggests Indian villages could use some version of these units for cheap central heating, provided the units are stoked and monitored closely. A stark difference that he points at is the colour of the soil and in its tendency to powder and blow or wash away. Our soil is black and here it is brown to red. That is because there is little organic matter in the carbon-poor soil. And why is there no organic matter in the soil? Because you are burning it! Harrison says all plant residue should go back into the soil to add fibre and nutrients. Harrison says some rice-paddy straw in India is already used to make paper, but feels that someone has to keep thinking things through to deal with the remaining straw that is wasted. He puts the onus on the agricultural research universities in India some of whom have already done the groundwork. Lack of new research has meant that the problem of stubble burning remains unattended. He feels no one is showing leadership. For his wife, Tej Harrison, who retired as a librarian from a polytechnic institute in Saskatoon, it is also about a lack of will in people. She says things begin to change when one takes responsibility for change. With regard to composting organic material on a small scale, it could be a small thing like composting at home. We all do it in Canada. Why cant we do it here? questions Tej. We are yet to find out the answer. Time for action Vaughan, ON, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Upstream Works Software Ltd., a provider of Omnichannel Contact Center solutions, announced today that Mediacorp Canada Inc. has named Upstream Works as one of Canadas Top Small & Medium Employers for 2018. Now in its 5th year, Canadas Top Small & Medium Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the nations best workplaces and forward-thinking human resources policies. Employers are compared to other organizations in their industry to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. It really is like finding the Holy Grail, says Richard Yerema, Managing Editor of the Canadas Top 100 Employers project at Mediacorp Canada Inc. These employers offer fun, interesting, engaged workplaces where you can still get benefits. Its an attractive combination for employees looking to get the best of both worlds. Upstream Works provides a flexible workplace and encourages innovation in an agile work environment. Training programs, comprehensive benefits, employee stock ownership plan, hackathons, generous referral bonuses, and family-friendly social events all provide opportunities for growth, skill development, and work-life balance. Specific reasons for the selection of Upstream Works are outlined here . Companies are made up of people and weve been fortunate to develop a great team. Were proud to offer an environment that is dynamic, collaborative, and supportive of every individuals efforts and achievements, said Rob McDougall, President and CEO, Upstream Works. Were pleased to be recognized not only as a great place to work, but as an even better place to build a rewarding career. About Upstream Works Upstream Works provides best-in-class Omnichannel Contact Center software with a Single Agent Desktop and management simplicity that seamlessly integrates all channels, interactions and applications for increased customer engagement and agent success. For over 15 years, organizations around the world and across industries have benefited from Upstream Works experience and expertise, gaining operational efficiencies and transforming the customer experience. See UWF in action: https://www.upstreamworks.com About Mediacorp Founded in 1992, Mediacorp Canada Inc. is the nations largest publisher of employment periodicals. Since 1999, the Toronto-based publisher has managed the Canadas Top 100 Employers project, which includes 18 other regional and special-interest editorial competitions that reach over 13 million Canadians annually through a variety of magazine and newspaper partners. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, the largest Canadian job search engine, which includes editorial reviews from the Canadas Top 100 Employers project and is now used by 7 million users in Canada each year. Together with Willis Towers Watson, Mediacorp also hosts the Top Employer Summit, Canadas largest conference for senior-level HR professionals. For more information, contact: Janice Keay, VP, Marketing, Upstream Works 905.660.0969 x397, jkeay@upstreamworks.com ### sanjiv@tribunemail.com Jotirmay Thapliyal Tribune News Service Dehradun, April 12 Rajmohan Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhis grandson, has asserted that his grandfather did everything possible to stop the execution of Bhagat Singh. Rajmohan, who is in Dehradun these days on the invitation of Sarvodaya Mandal, Dehradun, stated this while addressing a gathering of students and denizens of Doon. Octogenarian Rajmohan is the son of late Devdas Gandhi, son of Mahatma Gandhi. He said there were several wrong notions that have been spread about Mahatma. Citing an example, Rajmohan said often it was said that Mahatma did not make full efforts to save Bhagat Singh from the gallows. It is totally wrong. Mahatma did everything to his fullest ability to stop the execution of Bhagat Singh, but in 1931 it was the British imperialism that was ruling India and his efforts did not bore fruits. Thus it is wrong to blame Mahatma for it, he added. He also denied that Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose were poles apart. While Gandhi had differences over Netajis style of working, he was also his closest friend and had nothing in opposition to him, Rajmohan said. He said it was wrongly said that Mahatma Gandhi was opposed to Netaji getting elected as the President of the Indian National Congress. Gandhi had only reservation on Netaji getting elected for the second time as the Congress President and thus suggested the name of Pattabhi Sitaramayya, who finally lost to Netaji in the Tripuri session of the Congress, Rajmohan added. Responding to a query as why none of the close members of the Gandhi family ever entered active politics, he said the Gandhi family was never dynastic like an empire. He said Mahatma considered the entire nation as his family. Even as we lived in Delhi, Mahatma was travelling all over the country. He used to stay for long at places hit by communal strife and thus we as grandchildren at times had limited access to him. But whenever we were with him, he loved us a lot, Rajmohan recalled. He asserted that every citizen had a responsibility towards the nation and it would not be proper to expect all from the Gandhis family. I may have blood links with Mahatma, but you all are his soul, he said. Rajmohan also held that the Gandhis assassination was not a sudden incident, but was a pre-planned move. Rajmohan expressed concern over rising violence in the name of caste and religion in the country. He urged people to standing up and fight against religious intolerance prevailing in society. monicakchauhan@gmail.com United Nations, April 13 Armed conflict in Afghanistan has killed 763 civilians and injured 1,495 in the first three months of this year, according to the United Nations Mission in the war-torn country. All parties to the conflict in Afghanistan must do everything in their power to protect civilians from harm, said Ingrid Hayden, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan. Afghan civilians continue to suffer, caught in the conflict, in ways that are preventable; this must stop now. The 2,258 civilian casualties, documented from January 1 to March 31 by the UN Assistance Mission in the country, known as UNAMA, are at the similar levels recorded in the first three months of 2017 and 2016. Anti-government elements caused 1,500 civilian casualties, up six per cent from the same period last year. It said suicide improvised explosive devices (IED) and complex attacks were the leading cause of civilian casualties a new trend. The Mission found that combats on the ground were the second leading cause, followed by targeted and deliberate killings, explosive remnants of war, and aerial operations. Further, in 2017, about 58,000 Afghan refugees voluntarily returned to their country after decades aboard only to be met with protection risks and significant barriers to long-term reintegration into society, two United Nations agencies working in the Asian country reported. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said that despite efforts to support those coming back, the greatest challenge lies in a comprehensive, community-wide response that leaves no one behind. In spite of the inherent challenges of returning home after many decades abroad, IOM and UNHCR are working hand in hand to ensure sustainable solutions are provided to returning Afghans, said Laurence Hart, the head of IOM operations in the country. (We) work together to complement each other's efforts in areas of high return, with partners and the Government, for greater efficiency and to ensure support to those communities to mitigate protection risks, added Fathiaa Abdalla, the head of the UNHCR office in Afghanistan. Each year, registered Afghan refugees and undocumented Afghans make the decision to return home from Iran and Pakistan, in spite of the difficult situation in Afghanistan. Since 2002, more than 5.24 million registered Afghan refugees have returned more than 58,000 in 2017, according to a new, first of its kind, joint IOM-UNHCR report. Given the scope of the ongoing conflict, high levels of internal displacement, already overstretched services and difficulty finding jobs, returning Afghans face protection risks and significant barriers to sustainable reintegration, said the two UN agencies. UNHCR and IOM have been collaborating closely in the country to assist the returning refugees and undocumented migrants. Together with the government, they have also been actively coordinating the provision of humanitarian post-arrival and reintegration assistance. With estimates that 280,000 registered refugees and 420,000 undocumented Afghans expected to return in 2018, the two agencies are harmonising their operations, in particular related to monitoring, reporting and analysis and developing key indicators for displacement and mobility tracking. These estimates depend on a number of factors, including the situation in places of return as well as countries where the refugees and undocumented persons are staying in, the UN said. PTI shalender@tribune.com Gaza City, April 13 Israeli troops shot and wounded 30 Palestinians during a large protest on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday in which demonstrators hurled stones and burning tyres near the frontier fence, Palestinian medics said. Some in the Gaza crowd threw firebombs and an explosive device, according to the Israeli military. Thousands of Palestinians arrived at tented camps near the frontier as a protest dubbed The Great March of Return - evoking a longtime call for refugees to regain ancestral homes in what is now Israel - moved into its third week. Israeli troops have shot dead 30 Gaza Palestinians and wounded hundreds since the protests began, drawing international criticism of the lethal tactics used against them. An Israeli military spokesman said troops were being confronted by rioters and responding with riot dispersal means while also firing in accordance with the rules of engagement. On Friday, groups of youths waved Palestinian flags and burnt hundreds of tyres and Israeli flags near the fenced-off border after Friday prayers. At one camp east of Gaza City, youths carried on their shoulders a coffin wrapped in an Israeli flag bearing the words The End of Israel. Israel has declared a no-go zone close to the Gaza border fence, and deployed army sharpshooters along it. No Israelis have been killed during the demonstrations, and human rights groups say the Israeli military has used live fire against demonstrators who pose no immediate threat to life. Israel says it is doing what it must to defend its border, and to stop any of the protesters getting across the fence. The planned six-week protest has revived a longstanding demand for the right of return of Palestinian refugees to towns and villages from which their families fled, or were driven out, when the state of Israel was created 70 years ago. The protest began on March 30, and is expected to culminate on May 15. Reuters uttara@tribuneindia.com Moscow, April 13 Russia's foreign minister has asserted that a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov says Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He says Moscow has "irrefutable information that it was another fabrication." Lavrov spoke to reporters in Moscow today. He said that "intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication." He didn't elaborate or name the state. The attack has drawn international outrage and prompted the United States and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. AP shalender@tribune.com WASHINGTON, April 12 US President Donald Trump cast doubt on Thursday over the timing of his threatened strike on Syria in response to a reported poison gas attack, while France said it had proof of Syrias guilt but needed to gather more information. Fears of confrontation between Russia and the West have been running high since Trump said on Wednesday that missiles will be coming after the suspected chemical weapons attack in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, and lambasted Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! the US President said in his latest early morning tweet on Thursday. Prime Minister Theresa May recalled ministers from their Easter holiday to debate military action over what she has cast as a barbaric poison gas attack in Douma, then rebel-held, just east of the capital Damascus. May has ordered British submarines to move within missile range of Syria in readiness for strikes against the Syrian military that could begin as early as Thursday night, Londons Daily Telegraph newspaper said on Wednesday. The BBC reported that May was ready to give the go-ahead for Britain to take part in military action. She would not seek approval from parliament, the BBC said. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said parliament must be consulted. Parliament voted down British military action against Assads government in 2013 in an embarrassment for Mays predecessor, David Cameron. That then deterred the US. There were signs, though, of a global effort to head off a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin said a crisis communications link with the United States, created to avoid an accidental clash over Syria, was in use. The situation in Syria is horrific, the use of chemical weapons is something the world has to prevent, Britains Brexit minister David Davis said, adding, But also its a very, very delicate circumstance and weve got to make this judgment on a very careful, very deliberate, very well thought-through basis. Agencies Chemical weapons: Have proof against Assad, says Macron French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday we have proof that chemical weapons were used last week, at least chlorine, and that they were used by the Assad regime. He said they would decide whether to strike back when all necessary details has been gathered Macron said during an interview on Frances TF1 television said he was in daily contact with Trump and that they would decide on their response at a time of our choosing Keep US at peace: Carter to Prez Expressing pride in his own record of peace, former President Jimmy Carter has warned that President Donald Trump should steer clear of any military action involving Syria or other world hot spots and avoid a nuclear attack at all costs I pray that he would keep our country at peace and not exaggerate or exacerbate the challenges that come up with North Korea, in Russia or in Syria, Carter said in an interview on his new book Faith: A Journey for All A lifelong Democrat, Carter has been critical of Trump, a Republican, on a number of fronts, and he said a lot of people have realised they made a mistake supporting Trump. Yet Carter made clear that his critique is not about the current occupant of the Oval Office Moscow to West: Consider consequences of Syria threats seriously shalender@tribune.com London, April 13 British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria after a suspected poison gas attack on civilians. After warning Russia on Wednesday of imminent military action, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was holding meetings on Syria and expected to make decisions fairly soon. The White House said later Trump and his national security team were continuing to assess intelligence and speak with allies, and that no final decisions had been made. Russia has warned the West against attacking its Syrian ally President Bashar al-Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma near Damascus. May recalled the ministers from their Easter holiday for the meeting in Downing Street to discuss Britains response to what she has cast as a barbaric attack that cannot go unchallenged. Cabinet agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, a spokeswoman for the prime minister said in a statement after the meeting. Reuters shalender@tribune.com Washington, April 12 Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg fielded 10 hours of questions over two days from nearly 100 US lawmakers and emerged largely unscathed and considerably richer. He parried questions of how much control people have over their data on the worlds largest social media network without a major gaffe, while avoiding being cornered into supporting new government regulation. The hearings that ended on Wednesday revealed no consensus among US lawmakers about what kind of privacy legislation they might want to pursue, if any, and no timeline for action. As he did on Tuesday before a Senate hearing, Zuckerberg refused during a House of Representatives committee hearing to make any promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business. It is inevitable that there will need to be some regulation of Internet firms, Zuckerberg said, but he avoided any specifics. Although Zuckerberg, 33, had never testified at a congressional hearing before, he succeeded in deflecting questions like a Washington veteran. Forty times the Internet mogul told lawmakers he had no answers at hand and would get back to them later. About one in three lawmakers got that response over the two days. Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell expressed frustration with Zuckerbergs frequent promises to get back to lawmakers later in writing. Some things are striking during this conversation, she said. As CEO, you didnt know some key facts. On one point, Zuckerberg undercut his consistent message that Facebook users have control of their data. He said he was among the nearly 87 million people whose personal information was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. He gave no further details. Reuters EU to look into harvesting of data from social media Generation Next Franchise Brands Hosts an Invitation-Only Event to Unveil the Companys New Generation of Vending Robots. SAN DIEGO, CA , April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reis & Irvys , Inc., a subsidiary franchise concept of Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc. (OTCB: VEND), hosted a Discovery Day for its franchisees, national retail and restaurant chains, prospective investors and shareholders to view the unveiling of the worlds only frozen yogurt vending robot. Discovery Day 2018 took place at the Flex manufacturing facility in Columbia, South Carolina. Kicking off the day was presentations by key executives from Reis & Irvys, Flex, Stoelting Food Service, Hartfield, Re Think Motion and Dannon YoCream. Reis & Irvys Chairman, Nicholas Yates, along with Sr. Director of Business Development for Flex, Lejon Aldenbrown, and Nico De Valencia from Dannon YoCream, provided a welcome keynote speech along with an overview of the frozen yogurt vending robot concept, an update on manufacturing progress and a layout of the days events. Over 125 attendees from across the country were treated to a tour of the Flex manufacturing plant and a live demonstration of the newly updated Reis & Irvys Froyo Robot. This event marks the first time that the newly-engineered and redesigned technology was to be unveiled, giving the guests an opportunity to interact, enjoy and operate the machine. Flex Ltd., known for building and distributing the popular Redbox movie rental kiosks across the country, has an impressive and dedicated development and operations team that is focused solely on perfecting the Reis & Irvys vending robots. While some of the audience toured the massive Flex facility, other guests had the opportunity to taste the delicious Dannon frozen treats that makes Reis & Irvys a hit, topped off with a personal introduction to the special guest of the day, the all-new Reis & Irvys Froyo Robot. Discovery Day attendees included new franchisees Ken and Nancy Karasick from Flint, Michigan who plan on installing the Reis & Irvys frozen yogurt robots in movie theaters secured on their behalf as part of the franchise contract, with future plans to branch out into Florida and beyond. This entrepreneurial couple are thrilled to be a part of the action. We are really excited to experience such an original, innovative product, said Ken Karasick. The improvements to the unit are just phenomenal and definitely worth the wait we are excited to become ambassadors of the Reis and Irvys brand, he added. Seeing the reaction from our guests was truly remarkable, said Yates. Watching full-grown adults get excited like kids in a candy store with smiles from ear-to-ear over frozen yogurt served by a robot validates why we decided to engineer and develop this product from scratch. It was worth the wait thats for sure. For more information on the revolutionary froyo robots or to learn more about how you can own your own Reis & Irvys froyo robots, please visit us at www.reisandirvys.com or call 888-902-7558. Follow us on Twitter @Reisnirvys, Facebook @reisandirvys and Instagram @reisnirvys. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. No Reis & Irvy's franchises will be sold to any resident of any state until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and declared effective by, such state and the required FDD (if any) has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. Currently, the following states in the United States regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you reside in one of these states, or even if you reside elsewhere, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws or regulations. About Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc. Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc., based in San Diego, California, is a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets trading under the symbol: VEND. Generation NEXT Franchise Brands is parent company to Fresh Healthy Vending LLC, the markets leading healthy-choice vending machine franchise, Reis and Irvy's, Inc., the worlds first robotic frozen yogurt vending kiosk, 19 Degrees, a corporate-focused frozen yogurt robot brand and Generation NEXT Vending Robots, our newly established owner/operator model. The Company has sold over 600 franchises throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, and continually looks to partner with like-minded entrepreneurs who share its vision. About Reis & Irvys, Inc. Reis & Irvys, Inc. is a subsidiary franchise concept of Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc. (OTCB: VEND). Launched in early 2016, the revolutionary Reis & Irvys FroYo Robot vending machine serves seven different flavors of frozen yogurt, ice cream, sorbets and gelatos, a choice of up to six custom toppings and to customers within 60 seconds or less at the point of sale. The unique franchise opportunity has since established itself as a high-demand product and currently showcases a franchise network both domestically as well as internationally. Cautionary note on forward-looking statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning our future financial performance, including statements regarding: our ability to generate revenue and recognize deferred revenue; our ability to timely launch delivery and installation of our frozen yogurt robots; and our ability to grow our franchising and licensing divisions and launch our corporate-owned and direct sales platforms. The Company bases these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, estimates and projections about future events and the industry in which it operates using information currently available to it. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "propose," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may," "estimates," variations of such words and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are set forth in our fillings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, our Quarterly Reports, and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Be advised that developments subsequent to this press release are likely to cause these statements to become outdated and the Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. As the possibility of a trade war with China heats up, commercial vehicle tire retailers note theyve been long concerned about low-cost Chinese truck tires flooding into North America. Donald B. Rice Tire Co. Inc., which goes to market as Rice Retreading Inc., considers cheap Tier 4 tires its biggest competitive challenge today. We are constantly looking for ways to cut cost out of the retread process so that we can be competitive, says Chris Chase, president. Retread sales were flat year-over-year at the Frederick, Md.-based company. Larry Lafreniere, Houston sales manager for Beasley Tire Service, explains the retreading process to one of its customers at the grand opening celebration for the companys 36,000-square-foot retread plant. Photo: Beasley Tire Service Bill Ziegler, president of Ziegler Tire & Supply Co., says bluntly: Tier 4 tires are slowly killing the retread business. Retread sales were flat in 2017 versus 2016 for the Massillon, Ohio, based company. Ziegler says to be more competitive requires an increase in volume to spread costs over more units. We are trying to sell more retreads and casings versus selling Tier 4 new tires. At Wonderland Tire Co. Inc., retreading made up 40% of company-wide sales in 2017. Our units were up about 4% over 2016 but this was mainly due to two acquisitions that we made in June of 2017, says Jon Langerak, president. Pricing is very competitive in the retreading sector, and we see this trend continuing because of the cheap disposable Chinese truck tires being dumped into the United States. Retreading volumes have declined year over year at Eastern Iowa Tire Inc. as well. In our area of the country the first quarter is always slow, says Gary Van Blaricom, president and CEO. However, 2017s first quarter was very good for Eastern Iowa Tire, making comparisons to 2018s first quarter challenging for the Davenport, Iowa-based company, which has five plants. Van Blaricom attributes some of the loss to original equipment purchases made by his retreading customers. Tier 4 tires are responsible, too. Cheap Chinese import tires have greatly affected retreading. When you consider that the price of a cap and casing is about the same price as what you can sell a Tier 4 Chinese tire for, most customers are probably going to go with the new tire and just throw the casing away. To help boost retread sales, the company has incentivized its salespeople on retreading this year in addition to their normal commission programs. Van Blaricom also notes that Bandag has come out with some programs which have helped us a considerable amount. Casing crunch causes concern The volume of low-cost Chinese imports declined briefly last year, according to Brad Raben, vice president of commercial sales at Raben Tire Co. LLC of Evansville, Indiana. But when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to not levy duties on Chinese truck and bus tires in March 2017, the flow of imports resumed. I dont think theres any relief in the near future, he says. Its a concern that retreading is falling to the Chinese tires, but the real surprise this year is casings. In contrast to a few years ago when medium truck tire casings were in short supply, this year they are plentiful. Is there less demand for retreading or are we just kind of caught up on a cycle? wonders Raben. We were hoping lower prices with casings would make us more competitive with Chinese tires, but it seems like retreading is flat. In contrast, casings are in short supply for retreaders of off-the-road tires. Jim John Jr. is president of Craft Tire Inc., which does business as Shrader Retreading in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He says theres a possibility of a slight shortage on some OTR tire sizes. It does appear that some sizes, specifically larger sizes then moving down to the smaller sizes, may be short in the middle of 2018, he says. Retreaders could step in to make up for a shortage of replacement OTR tires, but the availability of quality retreadable casings is a concern, according to John. Conversely, short supply of quality major brand casings along with increased retread rubber and material costs will continue to make competition against Tier 3 new tires difficult on smaller OTR sizes. Retreading accounts for about 16% of Ziegler Tires business. Photo: Ziegler Tire and Supply When the tire shortage ended and pricing fell in 2015 and 2016, folks just started running tires to destruction, says John. Equipment operators purchased low-cost Tier 3 tires that were not as retreadable as Tier 1 and Tier 2 tires. Running the major brands to destruction as opposed to retreading them and incorporating off-brand third tier tires is really going to put a strain on quality casing supply. Today, Hickman says, his employees are pushing the value of products and services to their customers, and he agrees with Johns assessment of the casing situation today. Finding good quality casings is becoming more difficult, Hickman says. Were expanding our buying market to compensate. Retreading represents approximately 50% of annual sales at BestDrive LLC. The Continental Tire Americas LLC subsidiary says that is the same mix as prior years, and overall sales have increased. In terms of making our products more competitive, we are seeing increased demand for retread tires that look like new, run like new, and thats the promise of the ContiTread brand, says Steve Postel, Continentals head of retail for commercial vehicle tires in the Americas region and head of BestDrive. Many of the tread patterns and rubber compounds match what is used in a new Continental tire, which helps our customers feel confident that they can rely on their ContiTread retreads. Continental has also been offering a cap and casing promotion this year that is making the prices even more competitive, says Postel. He adds the company is focused on increasing its distribution network to make ContiTread premium retreads available to more fleets across the U.S. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC, which does business as GCR Tires & Service, operates 26 plants, three less than last year and has introduced two Bandag-exclusive equipment innovations designed to improve non-destructive inspection to assure curing system integrity. Additionally, Bridgestone launched a Bandag Built for Better campaign aimed at educating fleet customers on the merits of retreading. Commercial tire market realigns As more Chinese tires enter the U.S. commercial tire market, both Tier 1 tire suppliers and dealer networks across the country have begun to make adjustments to deal with this, and other, new, low-cost competition. Michelin North America Inc. sold seven of its nine Tire Centers LLC (TCi) retread plants to commercial dealers in the last year. The buyers included Toledo, Ohio-based Shrader Tire & Oil Co., which bought one plant. Two plants were sold to T&W Tire LLC., based in Oklahoma City, Okla. Greensboro, N.C.-based Snider Tire Inc. purchased four TCi retread plants. Petes Tire Barn renovated a storage area at its retread plant into a facility for steel rim powder coating services. Photo: Petes Tire Barn Loves Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc., which does business as Loves Truck Solutions LLC, sells retreads as well as new tire brands at Loves Truck Tire Care and Speedco locations, which totaled more than 330 as of March 2018. The Oklahoma-based truck stop chain bought Bridgestone Americas Inc.s Speedco network, which provides quick lube and inspection services to the trucking industry, in September 2017. In 2016, Van Blaricom organized a group of dealers into Tire Service Solutions, or TSS for short, to better compete against truck stop chains like Loves Travel Stops as well as the TA Truck Service Commercial Tire Network operated by Travel Centers of America LLC. TSS also enables its member dealers to compete more effectively against large dealers that cover a large geographic area. TSS is a group of independent dealers that have banded together to provide service and product to all of our customers who travel the geographic area that we encompass, which is an eight-state area, says Van Blaricom. Customers of TSS member dealers receive the same pricing regardless of their location. It gives us the ability to capture customers that might not be in our area. For instance, if Royal Tire has a large customer coming through here, that customer is going to get the same pricing as they would get at Royal Tire. Theyre not going to be taken advantage of with $200 used wheels and $400 cap and casings, says Van Blaricom. Additionally, if Royal Tire, for example, has the business of a large trucking company with a location in Iowa, then we will probably get that business as well. TSS also is a buying group whose purchases represent about $600 million in sales. To further lower costs, the group is considering performing billing, payables and receivables functions for all the member companies. Its a concept that is working well for us. It isnt new, but were actually going about it in a different way than some of the other groups that are out there, says Van Blaricom. Newly named Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess (center) speaks at a technology conference in Germany last year. Photo: Volkswagen The repercussions of Volkswagens admission in 2015 that it had installed cheat software on millions of diesel engines in an end-run around global emissions standards reverberate to this day. The global car, truck and bus manufacturer announced Thursday, April 13, that CEO Matthias Mueller would be replaced by Volkswagen brand chief Herbert Diess. Mueller took over the CEO slot at VW in the wake of the fallout from the emissions scandal and was tasked with restoring public and shareholder confidence in the company. Fallout from the scandal has cost VW an estimated $30 billion over the past two years. Diess currently heads the firm's namesake Volkswagen division, but now takes over a larger parent company that owns brands including Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini. Volkswagen, which employs over 640,000 people, turned aggressively to electric cars under Mueller's leadership, as well as inking agreements with Navistar to explore electric truck development in North America. In September, VW announced it would spend over $62 billion on emerging battery technologies as it pushes to electrify all 300 models in its range by 2030. It has promised more than 80 new electric and plug-in hybrid models by 2025. Earlier in the week, Volkswagens Truck and Bus division announced a long-term strategic partnership with Hino to develop electric trucks, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicle control systems. Meanwhile, the company apparently is preparing for a potential spin-off of its truck and bus operations. These strategic moves and partnerships bolster the views of industry analysts who have been predicting VWs entry into the North American commercial vehicle market in the future; it's already got a wide-ranging partnership with Navistar. In other company news, there are indications VW is considering listing its Truck & Bus division as a separate stock listing in order to gain access to capital markets, including options for a partial listing and bond sales. The potential move comes as VW announced a new organizational structure at an April 13 press conference, with the company being divided into six business units with a distinct Chinese operation. PORTLAND, Ore., April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sensu, which makes open-source software to help organizations monitor critical applications and other enterprise infrastructure, has raised $10 million in Series A financing in a round led by Battery Ventures. Existing investor Foundry Group, of Boulder, Colo., also participated. As part of the financing, Battery General Partner Dharmesh Thakker is joining Sensus board. Sensu intends to use the proceeds to beef up its sales and marketing operations; fund product development; and continue expanding the vibrant community of open-source developers contributing to Sensus technology. As more companies start using software to deliver value to customers, the availability of that software becomes even more importanteven brief periods of downtime can result in big losses in revenue, said Caleb Hailey, Sensus CEO. But monitoring all that software and related infrastructure today is challenging because of the increasingly complex workloads companies are managing across cloud and hybrid systems, often using software developed in new ways thanks to the adoption of containers and container orchestration systems. As a modern, full-stack monitoring company born in the cloud, Sensu is uniquely suited to help solve this problem. Sensus productsnow in use by large organizations in sectors such as finance and technology are deployed on customers own infrastructure and allow IT, development and operations teams to easily monitor and collect metrics from throughout the infrastructure stack. Then, customers can analyze that data through special dashboards to remediate IT-performance issues. The companys technology is like a central nervous system for modern IT environments, said Batterys Thakker, who has funded several open-source companies. As cloud deployments across Amazon Web Services, Azure, Google and the private cloud have recently exploded, ushering in new container and serverless technologies, modern monitoring solutions like Sensuswhich are displacing legacy infrastructure technologies like Nagioshave become mission-critical for companies supporting rapid innovation cycles. He added that much of Sensus early commercial traction, and success building a following in the open-source community, has been tied to the proliferation of hybrid cloud, a trend that Red Hat has successfully leveraged lately via its OpenShift container-application platform to drive more business. Thakker was one of the authors of his firms Battery Open Source Software Index, which was published last year and tracks 40 popular open-source projects based on several factors. Battery has also backed other technology companies in the Pacific Northwest, including Chef*, a Web-scale, IT automation company. Historically, server- and network-level monitoring activities have operated separately in on-premise environments. Nagios, the open-source monitoring framework built in 2002, was used to stitch the two monitoring workflows together. However, as companies moved more operations into the cloud and started using new technologies such as software containers and serverless architectures, many found they needed a new technical framework. Co-founders Hailey and Sean Porter (the original author of the open-source Sensu project), who previously worked together at a consulting firm called Heavy Water Operations, founded Sensu (the company) last year to address that need. *For a full list of all Battery investments and exits, please click here. About Sensu Sensu mission is to obviate the need to build custom monitoring solutions. Founded in 2017, the firm aims to empower companies to deliver value to their customers faster, at a larger scale, and with full confidence that comes from deep visibility into the health of their infrastructure, applications, and business. The company maintains the free and open source Sensu Core framework as well as the commercially-supported Sensu Enterprise, which enhances the open source framework with features to simplify operations, governance, multi-datacenter support for fast-paced companies to run monitoring at scale. Sensu currently operates as a fully distributed team, with 20 employees in the United States and Canada, and will soon open their first office in Portland, Oregon. For more information, follow Sensu on Twitter @sensu, or visit our website at https://sensu.io. And Sensu is hiring! Explore https://sensuapp.org/careers today and discover opportunities to join Team Sensu! About Battery Ventures Battery strives to invest in cutting-edge, category-defining businesses in markets including software and services, Web infrastructure, consumer Internet, mobile and industrial technologies. Founded in 1983, the firm backs companies at stages ranging from seed to private equity and invests globally from offices in Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, London and Israel. Follow the firm on Twitter @BatteryVentures, visit our website at www.battery.com and find a full list of Battery's portfolio companies here. CONTACT: Megan Maxwell GMK Communications 650.810.6658 megan@gmkcommunications.com LISLE, Ill., April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After nearly 25 years in the multiple listing service (MLS) industry and the last 10 years with Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), Vice President of Product Management Lynn Strantz has announced her retirement. Strantz has been with Chicagolands multiple listing service since its inception in 2008, working with the Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois (MLSNI) before the merger with MAP MLS that created MRED. Strantz served in several positions during the last 25 years, including Manager of System Design and Help Desk Supervisor. She played instrumental roles in projects such as modernizing connectMLS and adding Cloud CMA services, helping keep MRED at the forefront of emerging technology. One of Strantzs final efforts helped bring in Remine, a big data service that will allow MRED customers access to unprecedented predictive analytics. MLSs have gone through an amazing transition from being non-technical entities to extremely high-tech platforms and Lynn has been a crucial part of making that happen. said MRED Chief Operating Officer Jeff Lasky. It wouldnt be a stretch to call her one of the founders of the modern MLS. MREDs new Chief Technology Officer Chris Haran is taking over duties previously held by Strantz. Its truly been an honor to be at MRED with some of the finest professionals Ive ever worked with, Strantz said. I feel blessed to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of an organization that always strives to be better. Lynn has been a vital part of MRED during her time here, championing groundbreaking projects and helping set this company up for a long run of success, said MRED President/CEO Rebecca Jensen. Im beyond thankful for her pioneering leadership and countless contributions to this team. We wish her all the best. About MRED Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) is the real estate data aggregator and distributor providing the Chicagoland multiple listing service (MLS) to more than 40,000 brokers and appraisers and over 7,300 offices. MRED serves Chicago and the surrounding "collar" counties and provides property information encompassing northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. MRED delivers more than 20 products and services to its customers. MRED is the 2013 Inman News Most Innovative MLS/Real Estate Trade Association, and for nine consecutive years the MRED Help Desk has been identified as one of the best small business centers in North America by BenchmarkPortal. For more information please visit MREDLLC.com. Attachment Human development is about expanding the richness of human life, rather than simply the richness of the economy in which human beings live. It is an approach that is focused on people and their opportunities and choices. NEW YORK, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against BRF S.A. ("BRF " or the "Company") (NYSE:BRFS) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired BRF American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) between April 4, 2013 and March 2, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/brfs. This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The complaint alleges that throughout the class period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose to investors that: (1) BRF employees paid bribes to regulators and politicians to subvert inspections in order to conceal unsanitary practices at the Companys meatpacking plants; (2) the above mentioned conduct, when it came to light, would foreseeably subject the Company and its officers to heightened regulatory enforcement and/or prosecution; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, BRFs public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On March 17, 2017, news outlets reported that Brazilian federal police had raided the offices of BRF and dozens of other meatpackers following a two-year investigation into alleged bribery of regulators to subvert inspections of their plants. The probe, known as Operation Weak Flesh, had uncovered some 40 cases of meatpackers who had bribed inspectors and politicians to overlook unsanitary practices, such as processing rotten meat and running plants with traces of salmonella. According to media reports, police found evidence that the companies were tampering with packages to sell products that had already expired and that higher-than permitted levels of parts such as pig heads were mixed with sausages and cold cuts. Police arrested three BRF employees, as well as 20 public officials. On this news, BRFs ADR price fell $0.99, or 7.73%, to close at $11.81 on March 17, 2017. On February 23, 2018, the Company held an earnings conference call with investors and analysts to discuss the Q4 2017 earnings results. In the call, Chairman of the Board Abilio Diniz and CFO Lorival Luz discussed the impact of Operation Weak Flesh. On this news, BRFs ADR price fell $0.76, or 8.00%, to close at $8.73 on February 23, 2018. On March 5, 2018, Reuters reported that Brazilian federal police arrested BRFs former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pedro de Andrade Faria (Faria) on charges that he and other executives, including the Companys Vice President of Global Operations Helio dos Santos Junior, were aware that BRF committed fraud by trying to avoid food safety checks. According to the report, the police cited evidence that five laboratories accredited by the Agriculture Ministry colluded with the analysis department of BRF to falsify test results related to the safety of its industrial process. In a court ruling authorizing the arrests, Brazilian federal judge Andre Duszczak said Faria and other BRF officers sought to cover up claims of possible food contamination, as shown in certain laboratory tests, made by a former employee in a labor lawsuit. On this news, BRFs ADR price fell $1.83 or 19.42% to close at $7.59 on March 5, 2018. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/brfs or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in BRF you have until May 11, 2018 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firms expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz 212-697-6484 | info@bgandg.com UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi meets families at Gihembe refugee camp in Rwanda during a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin MUSASA, Burundi UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has called on the international community to give increased support to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi and as they step up efforts to find lasting solutions to the protracted refugee situations of the Great Lakes region. Grandi said that the Central African neighbours, all of whom shelter large numbers of refugees from each other, must work closely together and renew efforts to put an end to the result of more than two decades of inter-linked and overlapping conflicts. Praising these countries generosity, Grandi assured all sides that the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR was on hand to support dialogue and pledged to raise the issue of increased funding a conference on the humanitarian situation in DRC, including Congolese refugees and internally displaced, in Geneva on Friday. UN Refugee Chief Urges Support for DR Congo Refugees (Dana Hughes, producer / Arnold Temple, cameraman-editor) There are several countries in this region that continue to host a large number of refugees. The total number is about 700,000 and I think there has to be more recognition of this effort that has now gone on for many years, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees declared as he wound up a week-long visit to the region. Humanitarian conference on DRC in Geneva today is an important opportunity to mobilize resources in support of Congolese people including the 750,000 who are refugees abroad. pic.twitter.com/lK8wYVXJwP Filippo Grandi (@RefugeesChief) April 13, 2018 The generosity of these host countries and host communities who are sharing meagre resources needs to be recognized. This generosity should not be taken for granted, these countries need support. What I have seen here is that still some very basic needs here are only partially met, Grandi added. During his visit Grandi met Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Burundi, Burundian refugees in DRC and Rwanda, and Rwandan refugees, preparing to go home after more than 20 years, in Congo. All told him similar things. They wanted peace and security so they could work and provide an education for their children. Grandi addresses Congolese refugees at Gihembe refugee site in Rwanda. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin Congolese refugee children in Gihembe in Rwanda during the recent visit by UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin Filippo Grandi talks with Congolese refugee children at a school in Musasa refugee camp in northern Burundi. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin Burundi refugees at Mulongwe refugee camp in South Kivu, DRC. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin UN Refugees Chief Filippo Grandi is greeted by a young Burundi refugee girl at Mulongwe refugee camp in South Kivu, DRC. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin Many spoke of the hardships caused by large population movements and insecurity inadequate housing, insufficient food, overstretched educational and health facilities. Most said they wanted to work and be self-reliant. In Burundi, he met a group of young refugees who referred to him as Papa and asked him to try and provide them with more opportunities. Grandi said their concerns pointed up the need for a more inclusive approach. Future support must include the refugee dimension until durable solutions are found. The future is theirs to build. And we need to help them to do that, not just hand out relief items and food. But also help them learn a trade, help them to have a better education, help them to have better mobility in the country so that they can go out and look for employment, he said. He added it was crucial to have an holistic approach and also provide development to the host communities. Congolese refugee women in Musasa, Burundi, refuse to depend on aid alone, and start small businesses thanks to a microfinance project run by @theIRC. pic.twitter.com/n9umQeoPKO Filippo Grandi (@RefugeesChief) April 12, 2018 Humanitarian assistance continues to be important, but we really need to make a step change in the type of support that we provide. We need to encourage more self-reliance, more inclusion in the local communities, he said. We have to also help the local community so that their own economy can absorb an additional number of people of people, and they too can benefit. These are poor areas and they are sharing meagre resources. We thank them for their hospitality, he added. Ruzigama Gentil, 22, who borrowed smart white pants and matching shirt, to meet the High Commissioner, said he had arrived in Burundi from Congos troubled South Kivu area more than a decade ago aged 11. He said he had not lost hope, but was frustrated with the lack of opportunities facing him. Even if I succeed and get my High School diploma, I cant find work and dont have the means for more study. There is no work for us here, when you work it helps you in life, he said. All returns must be 'voluntary', says Grandi In Goma, Grandi met Rwandan refugees waiting to return to a country they left more than 20 years ago, members of a total Rwandan refugee population in DRC of some 220,000. They told how it was difficult to go to assembly points for onward transfer to the border crossing points without risking attack from negative forces opposed to peace. Grandi welcomed news that some Burundian refugees were returning from Tanzania to Burundi, but underlined that all returns everywhere in the region must be voluntary. I met the president of Burundi and many of his officials and they said that everybody is welcome back. I told the president this is good, but what are needed are two things. One is security; people need to be confident that there is security. And two, a good programme of reintegration so that people can rebuild their lives in their own country, he stressed. High Commissioner Filippo Grandi and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohammad Shahidul Haque sign an MOU on voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees, Friday, 13 April, Geneva, Switzerland. UNHCR/Susan Hopper UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Government of Bangladesh in Geneva this morning finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to voluntary returns of Rohingya refugees once conditions in Myanmar are conducive. The Memorandum, signed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary, Md. Shahidul Haque, established a framework of cooperation between UNHCR and Bangladesh on the safe, voluntary, and dignified returns of refugees in line with international standards. More than 670,000 Rohingya fled violence in Myanmar since last August, joining an estimated 200,000 Rohingya who have sought shelter in Bangladesh, arriving in waves over the past decades. For the hospitality, protection, and assistance provided to those refugees, UNHCR would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Government and people of Bangladesh. In the absence of a tripartite agreement between UNHCR, Myanmar and Bangladesh, UNHCR has continued to engage with both governments in negotiations on two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), meant to ensure that any future returns are conducted in line with the international standards of voluntariness, safety and dignity. UNHCR considers that conditions in Myanmar are not yet conducive for returns to be safe, dignified, and sustainable. The responsibility for creating such conditions remains with the Myanmar authorities, and these must go beyond the preparation of physical infrastructure to facilitate logistical arrangements. Refugees in Bangladesh have said that before considering return to Myanmar, they would need to see concrete progress in relation to their legal status and citizenship, security, and their ability to enjoy basic rights at home in Rakhine State. UNHCR has continued to call on the Government of Myanmar to take concrete measures to address the root causes of displacement, in line with the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. One step the Government of Myanmar could immediately take is to provide UNHCR and other relevant actors with full and unhindered access to refugees places of origin in Rakhine State, which would enable UNHCR to assess the situation and provide information to refugees about conditions in the places of origin, as well as to monitor any possible future return and reintegration of refugees. Another practical measure would be to ease restrictions on movement for the internally displaced persons encamped in the central townships of Rakhine State, which would also help to build confidence among refugees in Bangladesh. Such concrete measures would help demonstrate to refugees that the Government of Myanmar is committed to a sustainable solution. In Myanmar, together with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UNHCR is in ongoing discussions with the Myanmar government, on a tripartite agreement to outline the scope of cooperation between these agencies and the Myanmar Government in Rakhine State. The agreement would aim to set forth a framework for refugees voluntary repatriation in line with international standards, aim to create conditions that are conducive to eventual voluntary repatriation, and provide humanitarian and development assistance for all people of Rakhine State. For more information on this topic, please contact: Somali refugee Fadumo Nour Zein, 81, sits on a metal bed in a UNHCR centre in western Romania, patting the knee of her 46-year-old daughter Fatima on her left and grandson Ali on her right. After years of uncertainty, she is finally happy. For 20 years Fadouma did not know whether her daughter, one of two adult children, was even alive. Fadumos husband, Ali Mohamed Zein, is listed on UNHCR documents as 85, though in fact no one knows how old either husband or wife is. They got married so long ago that Fadumo jokes she does not even remember their wedding. The pair stayed in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, through 17 years of war. It was not until life in their neighbourhood became unbearable that they booked a flight to Syria in 2008. They never suspected war would also break out there, just three years later. It was scary, she says of the Syrian war that started in March 2011. We started remembering the war back home as they were displaced within Syria. As they grew older and frailer Fadumos husband is now blind, deaf and shows the after-effects of a stroke they were cared for by fellow Somali refugees. But soon, the kind souls who looked after them gradually left to start new lives elsewhere. Somali grandmother Fadumo Nour Zein, 81, awaits resettlement from Syria at UNHCR's emergency transit centre in Timisoara, Romania. UNHCR/Ioana Epure Fadumo Nour Zein, 81, sits between her daughter Fatima and grandson Ali. Fadumo had lost touch with Fatima when she fled Somalia in 1991. UNHCR/Ioana Epure Fadumo Nour Zein, 81, and her husband Ali, 85, fled Mogadishu in 2008 and became refugees in Syria. Three years later, war displaced them again. UNHCR/Ioana Epure Ali Mohamed Zein is listed on UNHCR documents as 85, although no one knows how old he really is. UNHCR/Ioana Epure Ruqia, 42, from Somalia, spent 12 years as a refugee in Syria. She now lives in Bradford, United Kingdom with her three teenage daughters. UNHCR/Ioana Epure To add to their distress, Fadouma and Ali Mohamed lost touch with their older daughter Fatima when she left Mogadishu in 1991. Even by the standards of nomadic Somali refugees and emigres dispersed across the globe by the collapse of the central government in 1991 and decades of subsequent war and lawlessness, the story of Fadumo and her daughter is remarkable for the many separations and reunions that might beggar belief in a Hollywood film. In Somali exile society in Syria, rich in storytelling, Fadumo stumbled upon an obscure connection that turned laments over a lost daughter into a reunion in 2010. She learnt that Fatima had gone to Germany, then become a refugee in the UK, and lost her husband to what Fatima says was a medical error during an operation. I cried from joy... there is no way to describe how I felt. Recalling the phone call that reunited the two women, the mother says I cried from joy. Fadumo was so astonished to learn her daughter was alive, there is no way to describe how I felt. Fatima flew to Syria to meet her parents and was shocked to find her father a formerly vigorous man who had been a security guard for several embassies in Mogadishu greatly diminished by his stroke. Now, at the Emergency Transit Centre (ETC) in Timisoara, Fatima and her son Ali take turns lovingly feeding him. Soon after that 2010 reunion, Fatima, a UK citizen, began working to get her parents admitted to the UK under a family reunification scheme. In three days, her efforts will finally pay off. Ali and Fatima spent a lot of their own money coming to Timisoara and staying here to guide Fadumo and Ali Mohamed to the place where they will spend their final years. I am happy I am going with my daughter, says Fadumo, an affectionate, wizened woman with an easy smile and a twinkle in her eyes. I did not see her for all those years. Ill be happy to be with my daughter, my grandson and all his children, she adds, putting light-hearted pressure on 24-year-old Ali, who is not yet married and certainly does not have any children. "I just want to have peace." Ali, who owns his own small IT business, has moved out of his mothers modest London apartment to make room for his grandparents. Fatima, who makes her living as a caregiver, has modified the apartment to accommodate her disabled father and is prepared to turn her skills to taking care of them as well as her clients. As Ali and Fatima tell it, these are small sacrifices to make for the sake of family unity after a lifetime of displacement and hopes of reunion. At the ETC, a safe place for refugees to stay while their resettlement case is completed, Fadumo and Ali Mohamed are also tended by a fellow Somali refugee named Ruqia* who once kept a friendly eye on them in Syria. I call her my daughter, Fadumo says of Ruqia. It reassures her to see me here, chimes in Ruqia, who is to depart for Bradford, England a few days later. As she shuttles from a dormitory-style room for women to the all-male room where her husband spends most of his time in bed, Fadumo muses on the changes ahead in the UK, hopefully the last country she will call home. I just want to have peace, she says. I went to Syria and I thought there would be peace. But then the war started. I hope war will not start in London. April 13, 2018 - Aker Solutions will publish its first-quarter results for 2018 on Friday, April 27, at 07:00 CEST. We invite investors, analysts and media to a presentation of the results at Aker Solutions' headquarters, Oksenyveien 8, Fornebu. Date: April 27, 2018 Time: 09:00 CEST Location: Oksenyveien 8, Fornebu, Norway Language: English To attend the presentation, please pre-register using this link: http://akersolutions.com/registration We kindly ask that you pre-register even if you are not yet certain whether you will attend the presentation in person. The presentation will be broadcast live on http://akersolutions.com/webcast at 09:00 CEST. Dial-in details are available here: http://akersolutions.com/dial-in The first-quarter 2018 presentation will be available on http://akersolutions.com and http://newsweb.no ENDS Media Contact: Bunny Nooryani, tel: +47 67 59 42 71, mob: +47 480 27 575, e-mail: bunny.nooryani@akersolutions.com Investor Contact: Fredrik Berge, tel: +47 22 94 62 19, mob: +47 450 32 090, e-mail: fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com Aker Solutions is a global provider of products, systems and services to the oil and gas industry. Its engineering, design and technology bring discoveries into production and maximize recovery. The company employs approximately 14,000 people in about 20 countries. Go to http://akersolutions.com for more information on our business, people and values. This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see http://akersolutions.com This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. English Danish 13 April 2018 Company announcement no 04-18 The Annual General Meeting was held in accordance with the agenda issued. The management commentary was presented, and the Annual Report for 2017 was adopted. Group revenue reached DKK 899.4 million in 2017, and profit for the year was DKK 28.0 million. In his report, Kare Staus Wigh stated that 2017 was a landmark year for North Media, which had succeeded in restoring the improvement of earnings at group level and in improving profit for the year by more than DKK 90 million. He also pointed out that, just like the preceding years, 2017 was marked by heavy investments in the four business segments, by the execution of the strategic focus areas and by new product launches. This is to illustrate that investments in long-term value creation remain the key objective of all of North Medias activities. In 2018, the Groups revenue is expected to total between DKK 1,090 million and DKK 1,155 million, equivalent to a growth rate of 21-28% compared to 2017. Similarly, group EBIT before special items is expected to range between DKK 60 million and DKK 95 million in 2018. In 2017, EBIT before special items stood at a negative DKK 0.1 million. At 31 December 2017, the Groups net interest-bearing cash position was DKK 128.3 million. This is DKK 21.4 million over the balance at year-end 2016 when the net interest-bearing cash position stood at DKK 106.9 million. The Board of Directors and the Executive Board believe that the Group has a solid balance sheet and strong financial resources ensuring and supporting the long-term development of the business. Strong financial resources are considered a key competitive parameter. Kare Staus Wigh pointed out that the earnings performance in 2017 and the positive earnings expectations for 2018 are the reasons why the Board of Directors recommended that the Annual General Meeting adopt payment of dividend for the financial year 2017. The Annual General Meeting granted discharge to the Board of Directors and the Executive Board and approved the proposed distribution of profit for the year as disclosed in the Annual Report, including the Board of Directors recommendation to distribute dividend of DKK 1.50 per share of DKK 5. The Annual General Meeting adopted the following proposals by the Board of Directors: Amendment of sections 7.4 and 14.1 of the Companys Articles of Association Amendment of the remuneration policy for the Board of Directors and other levels of management of the Group. The present Board was re-elected: Richard Bunck, Peter Rasztar, Steen Gede and Ulrik Holsted-Sandgreen. Furthermore, Mads Dahl Mberg Andersen was elected as new member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is now made up of Richard Bunck, Peter Rasztar, Steen Gede, Ulrik Holsted-Sandgreen and Mads Dahl Mberg Andersen. As proposed by the Board of Directors, Deloitte Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab was re-appointed as company auditor. Immediately after the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors elected Mads Dahl Mberg Andersen as Chairman and Richard Bunck as Vice-Chairman. For further details, please contact Kare Staus Wigh, Group Executive Director & CFO, at +45 25 65 21 45. Yours faithfully North Media A/S Mads Dahl Mberg Andersen Chairman of the Board This Company announcement has been prepared in Danish and English. The Danish text shall be the governing text for all purposes, and in case of any discrepancy the Danish wording shall be applicable. Attachments April 13 2018 The arrival of spring sees Urban Realm venture to Perth and Arran, two locations which are gearing up for a summer tourism bonanza in their own unique way.We join the audience at Perth Theatre where Richard Murphy Architects have put the city on the cultural map for starters, with a building that truly befits the creative force within. The arrival of Norrs Brodick Ferry Terminal meanwhile promises to broaden access to the island by significantly ramping up capacity, placing Arran one step ahead of the mainland and serving as a new landmark in its own right.Our main focus this issue is served up in our interiors report, as we return to a profession which is producing extraordinary things. We profile those who have done most to shape the spaces around us.Relations with Russia might be in the deep freeze but we look at how temperatures are rising in Moscow with a heated debate around the demolition of thousands of post war Khrushchev flats. Dr Jonathan Charley and Chris Leslie investigate.We are not short of our own housing challenges to seek of course and in that regard we speak to pioneers rolling out innovative pre-fabricated solutions to see what role they might play in resolving Britains housing crisis. Another industry set to play a decisive role is the rapidly expanding build to rent sector, which promises to revolutionise housing provision at scale. Paul Stallan takes the time to iron out some misconceptions surrounding this new breed of landlord.Read up on all this and more with your Urban Realm subscription YORK, Pa., April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glatfelter (NYSE:GLT) announced today that it expects to issue its 2018 first-quarter results on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Management will hold a conference call at 11:00 AM (EDT) that morning to discuss the Companys results. Glatfelter's earnings release and an accompanying financial supplement, which includes significant financial information to be discussed on the conference call, will be available on its Investor Relations website at http://www.glatfelter.com/about_us/investor_relations/default.aspx. What: Glatfelters 1st Quarter 2018 Earnings Release Conference Call When: Tuesday, May 1, 2018, 11:00 a.m. (EDT) Number: US dial (888) 335-5539 International dial (973) 582-2857 Conference ID: 8795215 Webcast: http://www.glatfelter.com/about_us/investor_relations/default.aspx Rebroadcast Dates: May 1, 2018, 2:00 p.m. through May 15, 2018, 11:59 p.m. Rebroadcast Number: Within US dial (855) 859-2056 International dial (404) 537-3406 Conference ID: 8795215 About Glatfelter Glatfelter is a global supplier of specialty papers and engineered materials, offering innovation, world-class service and over a century and a half of technical expertise. Headquartered in York, PA, the Company employs approximately 4,200 people and serves customers in over 100 countries. U.S. operations include facilities in Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Ohio. International operations include facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, and sales and distribution offices in China and Russia. Glatfelters sales approximate $1.6 billion annually and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GLT. Additional information may be found at www.glatfelter.com. Cultural Anthropologist is UW Mulloy Lecture Speaker April 20 Bonnie Urciuoli A professor whose areas of interest include linguistic and cultural anthropology, and who specializes in public discourses of race, class and language, is the University of Wyoming Department of Anthropologys 22nd annual Mulloy Lecture speaker Friday, April 20. Bonnie Urciuoli, a Leonard C. Ferguson Professor of Anthropology Emerita at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., will discuss What Diversity Talk Really Entails in the College of Business auditorium at 4:10 p.m. A reception will follow in the Anthropology Building from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. Urciuoli is particularly interested in diversity in U.S. higher education. Urciuoli is concerned with how individuals can bring diversity to an institution. She wonders why diversity should be measured as numbers of individuals assigned to a label -- and how accurate these labels can really be. For most people and most institutions, discourses on diversity -- race or gender -- are evaluated for accuracy and good intentions. Are the terms descriptively sufficient, and do their users mean well? Urciuoli asks. Less attention is paid to the general frame of assumptions into which such discourses fit, yet that frame plays a powerful role in reinforcing the effect of long-standing ideologies. Urciuolis book, Exposing Prejudice: Puerto Rican Experiences of Language, Race and Class, received the 1977 Gustavus Myers Center Award for the study of human rights in North America. Additionally, she has published in multiple journals, including American Ethnologist, Language and Communication, and the Journal of Linguistic Anthropology, according to Hamilton Colleges website. The annual Mulloy Lecture is sponsored by the UW Department of Anthropology in memory of the university's first professional anthropologist, William Mulloy. Starting in 1948, he fostered, at UW, what is usually called the "four-field approach," integrating archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology into a unified program. For more information about the Mulloy Lecture, call the UW Department of Anthropology office at (307) 766-5136. Popular UW Lecture Series Scheduled in Rock Springs Saturday The spring term of Saturday U -- the half day of college lectures and discussion offered by the University of Wyoming -- concludes Saturday, April 14, in Rock Springs. Two UW professors and a Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) visiting professor will discuss topics including UFOs, Abraham Lincoln and genomic testing in Room 3650 at WWCC. The program begins with coffee and donuts at 8 a.m., followed by welcoming remarks at 8:20 a.m. The guest lectures begin at 8:30 a.m. Participants may attend one, two or all three lectures. A question-and-answer session will follow the program. Lunch will be provided. During the fall and spring terms, Saturday University visits locations throughout Wyoming discussing todays most captivating topics, says Saturday U Coordinator Paul Flesher, a UW religious studies professor. In its 10th year, Saturday U is a collaborative program that connects popular UW and Wyoming community college professors with lifelong learners. Offered nine times a year -- twice each in Jackson, Gillette and Sheridan, and once in Rock Springs, Pinedale and Cody -- Saturday U is sponsored by the university, the UW Foundation and Wyoming Humanities. The program is presented locally by UW, the Wyoming Humanities Council and WWCC. Enjoy three intriguing lectures delivered by professors from the University of Wyoming and Western Wyoming Community College, Flesher says. Complimentary lunch is provided, giving participants an opportunity to engage with the speakers during a roundtable discussion following the three lectures. Listed below are program topic descriptions and professors lecturing: -- 8:30 a.m.: UFOs, Psychics and other Weird Stuff: What to Make of It, Rationally, Franz-Peter Griesmaier, UW Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies associate professor. We have all encountered claims about extraordinary phenomena -- about UFOs allegedly visiting Earth, about psychics being in touch with the spirits of the dead, and dont forget about Bigfoot, homeopathic remedies and iridology, Griesmaier says. How should we react to such claims? He will explore rational ways of evaluating the evidence supporting extraordinary claims, and, for that matter, ordinary claims. -- 9:45 a.m.: The Martyr for Freedom: Abraham Lincoln as National Hero, Mark Neels, WWCC visiting assistant professor of history. In a recent poll, Americans deemed Lincoln the greatest president in United States history. A person living during the Civil War, however, might have been surprised by this, Neels says. He will discuss how much of Lincolns greatness was posthumously realized, adding that the presidents contemporaries did not perceive him far-sighted in his vision for America, but that vision helped shape the country. The nation we inhabit is very much Lincolns creation, Neels says. Is it any surprise, then, that he has supplanted founding fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to become Americas great national hero? -- 11 a.m.: Genomic Testing: Good for Humans, Good for Wildlife, Holly Ernest, Wyoming Excellence Chair and UW professor of veterinary sciences. As more people benefit from having their genes tested, it should not surprise us that wildlife have genomic testing services, too, Ernest says. Genetic diversity is key to the long-term survival of a healthy population of any animal species. She says this is true for those at risk of decline, such as bighorn sheep, great gray owls, hummingbirds and sea otters. Ernest, through her UW lab, studies these populations to work out their genomes and family trees, which, in turn, helps wildlife and land managers evaluate ways to assist in the species long-term survival. For more information, call Flesher at (307) 766-2616 or email pflesher@uwyo.edu. For more information about Saturday U, visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/saturdayu/index.html. Almere, The Netherlands April 13, 2018 ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) today announces the nomination of Mr. Marc de Jong for appointment to its Supervisory Board. Taking due account of the profile of the Supervisory Board, the Supervisory Board proposes to appoint Mr. Marc de Jong during the Annual General Meeting of May 28, 2018, as a member of the Supervisory Board for a term of four years expiring on the date of the Annual General Meeting of 2022. Mr. De Jong is currently the CEO of LM Wind Power A/S, which produces and sells worldwide wind turbine blades. In 2015 he joined this company, which was acquired by GE in April 2017 and has been integrated as part of GE's Renewable Energy division. Following the integration Mr. De Jong has decided to leave LM Wind Power as per April 30, 2018. Mr. De Jong had an extensive career with Philips until 2013; he then was a member of the Royal Philips Group Management Committee and the executive responsible for the business group Professional Lighting Solutions of Philips Lighting. Before that he was a member of the executive management team of NXP Semiconductors, responsible for the Automotive and Identification businesses. During his career at Philips he also worked with Philips Electron Optics / FEI Electromicroscope. In his roles with NXP Semiconductors and Philips Lighting Mr. De Jong has gathered extensive knowledge about and experience with the semiconductor industry. He holds a masters in Physics and Mathematics from the Free University of Amsterdam and an executive MBA from the University of Rotterdam (Erasmus) and Rochester (USA). Mr. De Jong was in the past a member of several supervisory boards (among which Philips EUV (joint venture between ASML, Fraunhofer and Philips) and the Technical University of Eindhoven) and is currently a supervisory board member of the German based company First Sensor AG, the Danish based company Nissens A/S, and Dutch based Sioux B.V. About ASM International ASM International NV, headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, its subsidiaries and participations design and manufacture equipment and materials used to produce semiconductor devices. ASM International, its subsidiaries and participations provide production solutions for wafer processing (Front-end segment) as well as for assembly & packaging and surface mount technology (Back-end segment) through facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia. ASM International's common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol ASM). For more information, visit ASMI's website at www.asm.com . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: All matters discussed in this press release, except for any historical data, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, economic conditions and trends in the semiconductor industry generally and the timing of the industry cycles specifically, currency fluctuations, corporate transactions, financing and liquidity matters, the success of restructurings, the timing of significant orders, market acceptance of new products, competitive factors, litigation involving intellectual property, shareholders or other issues, commercial and economic disruption due to natural disasters, terrorist activity, armed conflict or political instability, epidemics and other risks indicated in the Company's reports and financial statements. The Company assumes no obligation nor intends to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or circumstances. This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. CONTACT Investor contact: Victor Bareno T: +31 88 100 8500 E: victor.bareno@asm.com Media contact: Ian Bickerton T: +31 625 018 512 For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser English French Press release 13.04.18 Altran successfully completes its c.750 million capital increase with preferential subscription rights and finalises the refinancing of the acquisition of Aricent Altran (the "Company") announces today the success of its share capital increase with preferential subscription rights to existing shareholders (the "Rights Issue") launched on March 22nd, 2018, for a gross amount of approximately 750 million. The net proceeds of the Rights Issue will enable Altran to refinance a portion of the Company's debt resulting from the acquisition of Aricent. This acquisition, that closed on March 20th, 2018, enables Altran to become the undisputed global leader in the Engineering and R&D services. The final gross proceeds of the Rights Issue (including the issue premium) amount to 749,668,353.20 and will result in the issuance of 81,220,840 new shares (the "New Shares"). Following the subscription period, which ended on April 9th, 2018, total subscription orders amounted to approximately 1,177 million, corresponding to a subscription rate of approximately 157%: 79,416,552 New Shares were subscribed on a non-reducible basis ( a titre irreductible ), representing 97.78% of the New Shares to be issued; Subscription orders subject to reduction (a titre reductible) represented 48,097,678 New Shares and will therefore be partly fulfilled, for 1,804,288 New Shares (representing 2.22% of the New Shares to be issued) In accordance with their subscription intentions, Altrafin Participations SAS, Mr. Alexis Kniazeff (and his family) and Mr. Hubert Martigny, respectively holding 8.42%, 1.42% and 1.42% of the share capital of the Company, exercised all of their subscription rights on a non-reducible basis (a titre irreductible). Commenting on the Rights Issue, Dominique Cerutti, Chairman & CEO of the Altran Group, said: "We would like to thank all our shareholders for their support and participation in the capital increase, and are delighted by its success. The high level of subscription as well as the success of the debt syndication earlier this year demonstrate the attractiveness of Altran to investors, their trust in our profitable growth strategy, and our ability to create long-term value. The success of this last step in the acquisition of Aricent Technologies allows us to complete the transaction's refinancing less than five months after its announcement, leading to the creation of the undisputed global leader in Engineering and R&D services." Settlement and delivery of the New Shares and start of trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Segment A) will take place on April 17th, 2018. The New Shares will carry dividend rights and will entitle their holders to any dividends declared by Altran from the date of issue, and will be, as from their issue date, fully fungible with Altran's existing shares and will be traded under the same ISIN code as the Company's existing shares (ISIN code FR0000034639). Following the Rights Issue, Altran's share capital will consist of 257,021,105 shares with a nominal value of 0.50 each, representing a total share capital of 128,510,552.50. Altran has agreed to a lock-up period expiring 180 calendar days after the settlement and delivery of the Rights Issue, subject to certain exceptions. Altrafin Participations and the founders have each agreed to a lock-up period expiring 60 calendar days after the settlement and delivery of the Rights Issue, subject to certain exceptions. The Rights Issue was underwritten by Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Goldman Sachs International and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, acting as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners. This underwriting agreement does not constitute a firm underwriting ("garantie de bonne fin") within the meaning of Article L. 225-145 of the French Commercial Code. Information available to the public A French language prospectus including (i) the registration document (document de reference) of Altran filed with the French Market Authority (Autorite des marches financiers (AMF)) on March 21st, 2018 under number D.18-0154, and (ii) a securities note (note d'operation) (including the summary of the prospectus) which was filed with the AMF and received visa number 18-087 dated March 21st, 2018 is available free of charge from the Company (96, avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine - France) as well as from the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and the Company (www.altran.com). All the press releases and other regulated information about the Company are available on the Company's website (www.altran.com), including the press release dated February 28th, 2018, announcing Altran's 2017 annual results. The public's attention is drawn to the risk factors included in chapter 2 of the registration document and in chapter 2 of the securities note, which should be carefully considered before making any investment decision. The materialization of all or any of these risks may have an adverse effect on the Altran group's operations, financial conditions, results or objectives, or the market price of Altran shares. Contacts Altran Group Investor Relations Stephanie Bia Group Vice-President Investor Relations Tel: + 33 (0)1 46 41 72 01 stephanie.bia@Altran.com Media Relations Marine Boulot Group Vice-President Communications Tel: + 33 (0)1 46 41 72 10 marine.boulot@Altran.com About Altran Altran ranks as the undisputed global leader in Engineering and R&D services (ER&D), following its acquisition of Aricent. The company offers clients an unmatched value proposition to address their transformation and innovation needs. Altran works alongside its clients, from initial concept through industrialization, to invent the products and services of tomorrow. For over 30 years, the company has provided expertise in aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, finance, life sciences, railway and telecommunications. The Aricent acquisition extends this leadership to semiconductors, digital experience and design innovation. Combined, Altran and Aricent generated revenues of 2.9 billion in 2017, with some 45,000 employees in more than 30 countries. www.altran.com Follow us on Twitter: @Altran DISCLAIMER The English version of this press release may differ from the French version for regulatory reasons. Neither this press release, nor any information it contains or other information related to the offering or to the Company, may be distributed to the public in any juridisction where a registration or approval is required. No steps have been taken or will be taken in any such jurisdiction (other than France) where such steps would be required. The offer and sale of the shares or the preferential subscription rights of the Company (together, the "Securities") may be subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain juridisdictions. Persons in such jurisdictions who come into possession of this document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.The Company assumes no responsibility for any violation of such restrictions by any person. The information contained in this press release is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete and no reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this press release or its accuracy, fairness or completeness. Any purchase of Securities should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus issued by the Company. Neither this press release nor the information it contains constitutes an offer of Securities or a solicitation for purchase, subscription or sale of Securities in any such country. European Economic Area The offer is open to the public only in France and only pursuant to a prospectus having received the visa of the AMF. This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 4 November 2003, as amended, in particular by Directive 2010/73/EU, and includes any relevant implementing measure(the "Prospectus Directive"). With respect to the member states of the European Economic Area ("EEA") other than France (each, a "Member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of the Securities (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Member State. As a result, the Securities may only be offered in Member States to qualified investors, as defined in the Prospectus Directive, to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive,or in any other circumstances not requiring the Company to publish a prospectus as provided under Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive. United States of America This press release and the information it contains are not released and may not be published, released or distributed in or into the United States.This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer of Securities or a solicitation to purchase or subscribe for Securities in the United States. The Securities may not be offered, subscribed or sold in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements thereof. The Securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and the Company does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States. United Kingdom This press release is directed only at and is for distribution only to qualified investors within the meaning of section 86(7) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 persons who (i) are outside the United Kingdom, (ii) are "investment professionals" falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the "Order") or (iii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.") of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). This press release is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this press release relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. This press release is not a prospectus which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority or any other United Kingdom regulatory authority for the purposes of Section 85 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Australia, Japan and Canada The Securities may not be offered or sold in Australia and Japan, and subject to certain exceptions may not be offered or sold in Canada. General In connection with any offering of the Securities, the Joing Global Coordinators and any of their respective affiliates may take up as a principal position any Securities and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell or offer to sell for their own accounts such Securities and other related securities. In addition, they may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which they may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Securities. They do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so. The Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners are acting for the Company and no one else in connection with the offering of Securities and will not regard any other person as their respective clients nor be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to any of its clients or for providing advice in relation to any offering of the Securities nor for providing advice in relation to the offering of Securities, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein. None of the Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners or any of their respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Information to distributors Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer"(for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the shares offered in the Right Issue (the "Offered Shares") have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Offered Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Offered Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Offered Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Offered Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Right Issue. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment for any particular client of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Offered Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the shares and determining appropriate distribution channels. Understanding the rules regarding the ownership and use of land in Vietnam can be confusing as neither citizens nor foreigners, can actually own land. However, there are still many opportunities that foreign buyers and investors can tap into as land prices in Vietnam remain relatively low. Leasing land in Vietnam In Vietnam, private ownership of land is technically not permitted, but land can be leased for 50 years by foreign nationals, which can be extended under certain conditions. The investor can then choose between an annual payment agreement or pay a lump sum for the lease period of 50 years which gives the investor rights similar to buying the piece of land. Up until recently, foreigners did not have equal rights to land, but since July 2015 as per the Housing Law No. 65/2014/QH13, foreigners could also have right to use land just like Vietnamese citizens. Reselling leasing rights When reselling rights to leased land, the price cannot be more than 20 percent of the state-sanctioned value, which is set each year. Investment trends Second homes In Vietnam, many wealthy families have started to invest in a second vacation home, including foreigners from Hong Kong, Singapore, and few from Europe, as prices are significantly lower in the country. Japanese investments in real estate Japanese investors have emerged as one of the biggest investors in the Vietnamese real estate industry. For example, Mitsubishi Corporation recently entered into a joint venture with Bitexco, a Vietnamese property developer, to build 240 housing units and two high-rise condominiums. In addition to private investors, the Japanese government is also involved in projects in Vietnam including building a smart city in Nhat Tan-Noi Bai, north of the Red River. With a total investment of nearly 4.2 billion USD, the project is regarded as Japans biggest foreign investment project. Condotels popular for tourism Since 2014, the Vietnamese tourism industry has seen an impressive growth, leading to the rise of Condotels. In 2017, there were around 29,000-33,000 condotel units for sale in Vietnam. Although this may seem like a large number of units, the demand exists as the tourism sector is going through a rapid growth, and such spaces are highly desired by travelers. Green spaces In the last three years, green buildings projects have slowly emerged as a growing trend in Vietnam, and investors focusing on such projects will have a competitive edge in the Vietnamese market as it brings value to its buyers. For a project to be considered a green project, there are five main areas to focus on: Sustainable construction location Efficient use of water and energy resources Use of environmentally friendly materials High-quality indoor environment Designs should be innovative Opportunities in 2018 Joint ventures Foreigners in Vietnam cannot own more than 30 percent of a buildings units, which presents a challenge for companies looking to invest in a consolidated area. However, foreign firms can enter the market through a joint-venture with local firms, similar to one between Mitsubishi Corporation and Bitexco, in which case, the restrictions do not apply. Demand for apartments Driven by low prices and a high supply, the demand for apartments will continue to rise in Vietnam. According to JLL Research, in Q1 2018, total sales of apartments in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi grew by 91.5 percent and 29.7 percent year-on-year respectively, largely driven by rising demand in the affordable and mid-end section. Going forward, the premium and luxury real estate market sectors are also predicted to attract investments from wealthy individuals looking to buy a second home. In addition, investors should also focus on the development of green projects. Although the sector is currently at a nascent stage, being environmentally friendly adds significant value to projects. By: Dezan Shira & Associates Vietnamese Prime Minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, has announced plans to reduce Vietnams corporate income tax (CIT) in a recent speech. Phucs announcement, made at the GMS Business Summit in late March, remains limited in detail but is widely expected to follow draft legislation issued by Vietnams Ministry of Finance (MoF) in August of 2017. RELATED: Pre-Investment Advisory Services from Dezan Shira & Associates Proposed CIT reductions The MoFs current draft on SME tax reductions from 2017 details two reduced rates of CIT that are to be applied in lieu of Vietnams prevailing CIT rate of 20 percent. 15 percent: applied to micro enterprises 17 percent: applied to small enterprises Eligibility for investors Investors will be required to meet one of the following requirements in order to be considered as a micro or small enterprise: Micro enterprises: Investors seeking to qualify as a micro enterprise are required to show evidence that their turnover is less than VND 3 billion per annum (US$131,000) Investors seeking to qualify as a micro enterprise are required to show evidence that their turnover is less than VND 3 billion per annum (US$131,000) Small enterprise: Investors seeking to qualify as a small enterprise should employ no more than 200 workers and show proof of annual revenue between VND 3 and 50 billion (US$131,000 and US$2,190,000) The ministry of finance has also specified in its requirements that investors organized under a parent-subsidiary model may not be eligible for preferential rates. The MoF has indicated that proposed reductions would disqualify companies where a parent owns 25 percent or more of the local subsidiarys equity. Timeframe for implementation Vietnam has yet to confirm that the details outlined above will be implemented as part of Phucs announced tax reduction. As such, Investors should monitor releases from the MoF closely in order to clarify the exact nature and timing of future reductions. Dezan Shira & Associates projects that Vietnam will release more details on the subject of CIT in the coming quarter in order to clarify Phucs comments. Once legislation is formally passed, a clear deadline for implementation will be specified within the legislation itself. It is important to note, however, that relevant governmental bodies may not immediately offer reduced CIT rates and instead wait for additional clarification from the MoF. To ensure a proper understanding, interested investors should consult with relevant government agencies or professional service firms in order to better understand the implementation timeframe. RELATED: Market Entry Modes for Vietnam Outlook for investment The majority of foreign investors in Vietnam are likely to see a more muted and indirect benefit from this round of CIT reductions. Vietnams previous CIT reductions focused on all business and allowed larger companies and those under a parent-subsidiary structure to gain access to cost savings. Small businesses are expected to be the direct beneficiaries of this round of CIT reductions should they come to pass. Foreign investors catering to Vietnams growing consumer goods sector are expected to benefit indirectly as support of small businesses, that currently account for roughly 95 percent of registered businesses in Vietnam, will increase spending power and stimulate demand. Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide. An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017 An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam. Compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice, this guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, payroll, and social insurance in this dynamic country. Managing Contracts and Severance in Vietnam In this issue of Vietnam Briefing, we discuss the prevailing state of labor pools in Vietnam and outline key considerations for those seeking to staff and retain workers in the country. We highlight the increasing demand for skilled labor, provide in depth coverage of existing contract options, and showcase severance liabilities that may arise if workers or employers choose to terminate their contracts. DENVER, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elixinol, a proud member of the US Hemp Roundtable, applauds the Hemp Farming Act Bill of 2018. Introduced on April 12, 2018, the bill is a bipartisan effort sponsored by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and co-sponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.). Jamie Comer (R-Ky.) is expected to introduce a House companion bill. Elixinol has been sourcing hemp for its CBD hemp oil products from state-approved Colorado hemp farms for the last year. The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 allows states and Native American tribes to regulate hemp growth within their jurisdictions. Further, it makes hemp research eligible for competitive grant funding at the USDA and further protects hemp farmers by making crop insurance available. To remove any federal ambiguity about hemps legality, support the US agricultural community and reinforce hemps place in research is a complete home-run for American consumers, said Chris Husong, Elixinol Director. Because this bill has the potential to create tens of thousands of US jobs, provide Americans with more natural food, supplement and fiber choices and revolutionize wellness in the United States, its not going too far to say this is one of the most positive and economically impactful Senate bills weve seen in years, continued Husong. The Senates Hemp Farming Act Bill of 2018 will federally define hemp as having no more than .3% THC and as such, permanently remove it from the Controlled Substances Act, enabling hemp-based products, including food, to once again be household products. We are overjoyed by the decision to expedite the Hemp Farming Act through Congress. We, along with many partners have worked tirelessly to reinvigorate this industry in the US, said Gabriel Ettenson Elixinol co-founder and General Manager. The exciting compounds within hemp have the power to transform the health of our society and move toward environmental sustainability, he continued. About Elixinol: Colorado-based Elixinol, co-founded by Paul Benhaim, hemp entrepreneur since 1991, is widely regarded as one of the most influential CBD brands in the world. With a proven track record of growing and manufacturing high-quality hemp, Elixinol also conducts rigorous laboratory testing and quality control. A global leader in hemp distribution, Elixinol distributes CBD products in 40 countries globally including North and South America, throughout Europe, Asia and the Pacific Region. Elixinols parent company Elixinol Global (elixinolglobal.com) is publicly traded under EXL. More information available at Elixinol.com. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f92626e9-0cbc-43e5-9f4f-1a80f5eb6194 http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/e5741502-72fa-4811-9e53-e6b284c7e0d1 Media Contact: Chris Husong Elixinol +1 844-804-3504 ext 420 chris@elixinol.com A policeman stands at the scene of a hot air balloon crash in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju on Apr 12, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Yonhap) The accident occurred at around 8am when the hot air balloon crashed into a hill in the city of Seogwipo on Jeju Island, reported Yonhap News Agency. Firefighters were alerted to the incident by a witness who was collecting edible wild plants at the time of the crash, said the report. The pilot, who suffered a cardiac arrest, was rushed to a hospital but was later pronounced dead, said firefighters. The 12 passengers were also taken to hospitals. The hot air balloon, which was operated by Oreum Hot Air Tour, were heading to a ranch in the city, reported Yonhap. While investigations are underway to find the cause of the accident, authorities believe that the aircraft collided with a tree and lost altitude while it was landing. Vinaca's anticancer drugs are offered in the market Early this month, Kien An districts authorities (the north central city of Haiphong) discovered 10 workers pouring bamboo charcoal powder into capsule shells then package and label it as anticancer medicine at Vinacas medicine production facility under the supervision of Dao Thi Chuc in Kien An districts Ngoc Son ward. At the time of investigation, Dao Thi Chuc could not show documents and certificates proving the products origin. In fact, all Vinaca products are licensed to Hong An Phong Co., Ltd., not to Vinaca. Dao Thi Chuc said she only manages workers filling capsules, labelling, and packaging products, and all input materials and manufactured equipment are managed by her husband Nguyen Xuan Thu, director of Vinaca Co., Ltd. According to the Haiphong Department of Health, Hong An Phong Co., Ltd. submitted dossiers of Vinacas six products, including Vinaca Vi5, Vinaca Cancer CO3.2, Baby Vinaca Vi6, Vinaca Activated Carbon, Vinaca Micronutrients, and Vinaca Multipurpose. All six of these products are registered as cosmetics, not functional food products. The country currently has more than 170 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, over 3,000 drug enterprises, more than 9,000 drug stores, and over 12,000 private clinics. However, Vietnams has less than 2,100 officers to sample and teste the quality of drugs in circulation. On April 9, the Haiphong Department of Health staged an unexpected inspection at Hong An Phong Co., Ltd. (An Duong district) run by company director Nguyen Van Tuan. At the time, Hong An Phongs workers were crushing bamboo charcoal into activated carbon powder to transfer to the facility in Kien An district. Tuan said that Thu asked him to burn bamboo pieces into ash and grind it into powder. From every tonne of bamboo, he burns and grinds 30 kilogramme of ash. Tuan also said that he provides Thu an average of about 10 bags of ash (each 30kg) each month. The Ministry of Healths Drug Administration withdraws and suspends low-quality medicine products almost every month. Lately, Do Van Dong, deputy director of the Drug Administration has just signed Document No.6026/TTtr-QLD to announce to notify the countrys departments of Health about discovering a fake medicine called Zinnat 500mg in the market. Zinnat 500mg is a kind of antibiotic specialised in treating bacteriosis and is used commonly. This is also an expensive antibiotic medicine with the price of VND24,000-27,000 ($1.05-1.18) per tablet. Currently, the testing of counterfeit medicine in Vietnam is still slow, mainly due to the lack of drug control staff. The tale of the tropical fruit Some ten years ago, a New Zealander living in a provincial town would hardly have known what dragon fruit tasted like, let alone other exotic fruits like rambutan. Yet now, dragon fruit imported from Vietnam has become exceedingly popular at provincial supermarkets in New Zealand, according to Emmet McElhatton, commercial manager of the New Zealand Government-to-Government Partnerships Office (G2G Know-How). McElhatton said that the tropical fruit market in New Zealand is rapidly growing, thanks to the exposure to new flavours that Kiwi travellers have gained after their visits to tropical destinations. [Our] supermarkets are more willing now to stock different products and consumers are really demanding variety, McElhatton said. For Vietnamese fruit exporters, the commercial manager stressed that it is important to get the flavour profile right for all consumers when looking to export their fresh produce to New Zealand. It is important to have a product that they can easily consume without too much fuss. Think about a banana. A banana is the ultimate consumer product that comes in its own packaging, with beautiful flavour, in different sizes, and is very easy to consume, McElhatton told VIR on the sidelines of a New Zealand-Vietnam Rambutan Trade and Opportunities event for bilateral horticulture co-operation, held in Hanoi on April 10. I think the diverse Asian population in New Zealandup to 15 per cent of the population, with some parts of Auckland being 20-30 per cent Asian, for exampleis driving demand for these products, he added. Fruit baskets from Vietnam To date, three local tropical fruit have been granted market access to New Zealand: mango in 2011, dragon fruit in 2014, and rambutan that was recently permitted to cross New Zealands borders. In fact, Vietnam is the very first nation to export fresh rambutan to New Zealand, according to New Zealands Ministry of Primary Industries. Being able to export fruit to New Zealand, meanwhile, means much to Vietnam. If it can make it into one of the pickiest markets in the world, it can make it to anywhere else, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh. Doanh noted that in 2017, Vietnam exported a record $3.5 billion worth of fresh fruits. In the first quarter of this year, the country reported $934 million in fresh fruit exports, an up of 33 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2017. The shipments of local rambutan are expected to reach New Zealands shores in the next few months, upon completion of price negotiations and shipment arrangements between local exporters and their New Zealand partners, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The fruit will then join its compatriots of dragon fruit and mango on the shelves of Kiwi supermarkets, where demand for tropical produce is on the rise. While Vietnamese producers are more than happy to invest in technology and machinery, they need to be more open to invest in human resources Apart from the trio, more Vietnamese fruits have high hopes to make their move to satisfy the taste buds of not only New Zealand, but many other nations. This hinges on whether local fruit producers and farmers pay due attention to the flavour profile and, above all, the investment that is needed to help them move on from traditional farming to more advanced varieties, in a bid to meet international standards and demand for fresh produce. Expertise matters Whilst more investment is definitely needed in the agricultural sector to help switch from traditional farming to more modern approaches, it is essential to note that local agricultural businesses or organisations should be prepared to pay premium for global expertise or consultancy services, which can bring benefits for themselves and the sector as a whole. For years, Vietnamese fresh produce has struggled to meet international standards for exports in terms of quality and quarantine treatment. Given the aid of international know-how, high-technology, and innovation, this could change. What we have noticed is that a lot of Vietnamese investors are quite comfortable buying equipment and technology, but [when it comes to] the human input (knowledge, intellectual property, and expertise), they are less willing to pay premium. I think this really is the key thing that needs to change, said McElhatton of New Zealand G2G Know-How. Because once you have partnered up with them and access high-quality international expertise at a proper rate, you benefit from that, everybody benefits from that, he added. New Zealand is one of the most efficient agricultural economies in the world, with a reputation for producing cutting-edge research and technology, robust and safe agricultural practices, and delicious and high-quality products. New Zealands world-class agriculture expertise is already making a practical difference in Vietnam by improving farmer income and food safety. Agriculture is one of four priorities for the New Zealand Aid Programme in Vietnam, along with education, disaster risk management, and renewable energy. New Zealand gives go-ahead to fresh Vietnamese rambutan Vietnam has officially become one of the first nations to export fresh rambutan to New Zealand, with the first shipments of the fruit to be ... Fruit exports to US get Trump boost US President Donald Trumps state visit to Vietnam last month helped to open the door wider for Vietnams fruit exports, further strengthening the two nations ... Long An aims to up dragon fruit exports LONG AN Long An Province, which produces about 215,000 tonnes of dragon fruit every year, is aiming to increase its exports of the fruit ... International experts predict that gold prices could hit $1,400 per ounce.-Photo tinnhanh24h.com This is in line with the robust growth of global gold prices over worries about the trade war between China and the United States. At 2pm on Wednesday, Sai Gon Jewellery Joint Stock Company (SJC) quoted the buying and selling prices of its gold in HCM City at VND36.75 million (US$1,608) and VND36.93 million per tael, respectively, an increase of some VND130,000-150,000 per tael compared to last Friday. One tael is equivalent to 1.2 ounces. This is the third consecutive increase in gold prices this week. At the same time, Ha Noi-based Bao Tin Minh Chau Jewellery JSC increased its buying and selling prices to VND36.82 million and VND36.88 million per tael, respectively, up by VND180,000 per tael against last week. DOJI Group bought SJC gold at VND36.82 million per tael and sold it at VND36.90 million per tael, a rise of VND190,000 per tael over last Friday. Global gold prices have risen quickly as the US dollar continues to fall. Gold spot is being traded at over $1,344 per ounce on Wednesday in the global market, up by some $10 per ounce against last Friday. International experts predict that gold prices could hit $1,400 per ounce. Investors, meanwhile, are paying close attention to the trade spat between the two largest economies, which has boosted the precious metals appeal. On the other hand, problems in Russia, Syria and Iran have also made investors anxious, driving up gold prices. The workshop on investment in Vietnam was held by the Diplomatia association and the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy on April 12 (Photo: VNA) He made the remark at a workshop on sustainable investment in Vietnam held by the Diplomatia association and the Vietnamese Embassy in Rome on April 12. Balsamo said he had visited Vietnam and was impressed with the hospitality and friendliness of local people. It is also noteworthy that Vietnamese peoples consumption is growing. Sharing his firms experience in Vietnam, Vice Chairman at Piaggio & C. SpA Matteo Colaninno said in 2008, thanks to the Vietnamese administrations provision of favourable conditions, all necessary procedures for Piaggios production activities were handled quickly. The companys production scale expanded and its products made in Vietnam were exported to other countries in 2009. Vietnam is open to foreign direct investment and able to solve administrative procedures swiftly, he noted, adding that it is a young and dynamic country with an abundant workforce and high growth rate. He said for Piaggio, Vietnam is an ideal investment market and also a bridge for the companys products to access other Southeast Asian and Asian markets. For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Cao Chinh Thien briefed participants on Vietnams economy and policies for foreign investors, noting that the country is an emerging Asian market which has a population of more than 93 million with increasing middle class and an average economic growth rate exceeding 6 percent annually over the last 10 years. The local business environment has improved and is highly valued by the international community. The World Economic Forum ranked Vietnams competitiveness 55th among 137 economies, up five places. The country also climbed 14 places to 68th position among 190 countries and territories in the World Banks competitiveness rankings. Thien said his country is also a gateway to access the vast ASEAN market with more than 600 million people. Vietnam-Italy relations have been flourishing, especially since they signed a joint statement on a strategic partnership in January 2013. Italy is one of the biggest European trade partners of Vietnam while Vietnam is the top ASEAN trade partner of Italy. Bilateral trade approximated 5 billion USD in the last three years. However, cooperation potential remains huge considering the scale of the two economies and purchasing power. An important thing is that the two economies do not compete but are complementary to each other, he said, noting that once the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement takes effect, it will help both economies. These factors are optimum conditions for the two countries businesses to enhance investment and business partnerships. The Vietnamese Government is implementing policies to improve national competitiveness, restructure the economy and change the growth model with a focus on restructuring public investment, State-owned enterprises and the finance-banking system. It encourages sustainable and responsible investment, especially in high technology, environmentally friendly industries and smart agriculture. Ambassador Thien affirmed that the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy is ready to assist Italian investors to do business in Vietnam. A view of Van Don Island in Quang Ninh Province. - Photo vietnamnet.vn These areas are slated to become special administrative economic units if approved by the National Assembly in October. The special designation would allow them to receive preferential incentives. As such, land speculators have been flocking to the three provinces, driving property prices up. Nguyen Van Sinh, deputy construction minister, in a letter sent to Peoples Committees of the three provinces on April 12, said that land speculation was seriously affecting the sustainable development of the property market. He told authorities to conduct inspections and uncover violations of land and real estate laws, among other regulations. Violations in the provinces include illegal transfer of land-use rights, including transfer of forestland and farmland. The localities were told to report their inspection results to the ministrys Housing Management and Real Estate Market Department before May 7. Land prices in Van Don, Van Phong and Phu Quoc have reached VND60 million (US$2,632) per square metre, according to a report from the Viet Nam Association of Real Estate Brokers. Experts warn that special economic administrative units have not been officially approved, and that investors should only pay attention to official reports. US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with governors and members of Congress on agriculture at the White House in Washington, DC. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP) President Donald Trump put off a final decision on strikes against Syria following a crunch meeting with national security advisors on Thursday (Apr 12), as Moscow warned against any US move that could trigger a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. Minutes after Pentagon brass and cabinet members jumped in black armoured SUVs and sped away from the White House, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump would continue to assess intelligence and engage with allies. "No final decision has been made," she said, adding that Trump would confer later in the day with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Later, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Trump and May had agreed during a phone call to "keep working closely together on the international response" over Syria. "They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime," the spokesperson added. The military drumbeat appeared to reach crescendo ahead of the meeting, with US action seeming imminent as Russia stonewalled diplomatic efforts at the United Nations and France cited "proof" that Moscow's Syrian ally carried out a deadly chemical weapons attack. Western officials believe chlorine was used in a Saturday attack on Douma, the main city in the longtime rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, where the British government now estimates 75 people were killed, and that Bashar Al-Assad's regime was responsible. What is less clear is whether sarin or a sarin-like agent was also used. WINDOW NARROWING? During the West Wing sitdown, Defence Secretary James Mattis and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford were expected to lay out options for retaliatory strikes against the Syrian regime. But after a week in which Trump has burst through an almost daily series of self-imposed decision deadlines, he again appeared unwilling to rush headlong to war. Just hours earlier Trump had vowed to make his choice "fairly soon." His window for military action could be narrowing, with inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons expected to arrive in Syria to begin work on Saturday, following an invitation from Damascus. Diplomats have expressed concern that those experts could be used as hostages or human shields. Since Saturday, when images of ashen toddlers struggling for breath emerged there has been a sustained military buildup in the eastern Mediterranean. A French frigate, UK Royal Navy submarines laden with cruise missiles and the USS Donald Cook, an American destroyer equipped with Tomahawk land attack missiles, have all moved into range of Syria's sun-bleached coast. In New York, Russia's UN ambassador warned the priority in Syria was to avert US-led strikes that could lead to a confrontation between the world's two preeminent nuclear powers. "The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," said Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia following closed-door Security Council talks, refusing to exclude the possibility of US-Russian clashes. Trump has slammed Russia for its partnership with "Gas Killing Animal" Assad, spurring concerns that a US strike could lead to a conflagration with Russia, which has major military facilities at Tartus and Khmeimim and works cheek-by-jowl with Syria forces that could be targeted. US officials have refused to rule out direct military engagement with Russia, with the White House saying "all options are on the table." REBELS GIVE UP GHOUTA On the ground in Syria, rebels in Eastern Ghouta surrendered their heavy weapons and their leader left the enclave, signalling the end of one of the bloodiest assaults of the seven-year war and a major win for the Assad regime. A top leader of Jaish al-Islam, a group which controlled Douma for years, told AFP it was Saturday's attack that forced them to accept a Russian-brokered deal and evacuate. At the United Nations meanwhile, diplomats were mulling a draft resolution put forward by Sweden and obtained by AFP, that would dispatch a "high-level disarmament mission" to rid the country of chemical weapons "once and for all." That may prove too little, too late. The UN Security Council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, has been riven, with Moscow virulently denying the Douma attack took place, or postulating that it was carried out by rebels. The council, which has been deadlocked throughout the Syrian civil war, has already failed to agree on a response in three votes. In Paris, Macron upped the pressure on Moscow by stating he had "proof" that Assad's regime had used chemical weapons, and vowing a response "at a time of our choosing." In London, May's cabinet agreed in an emergency meeting "on the need to take action" against the Syrian regime. But across Western capitals opposition to military action also grew. US lawmakers questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to order strikes without Congressional approval and opposition parties voiced concern. National security experts worried whether strikes would actually serve to deter Assad. In April last year Trump ordered Tomahawk strikes on the Shayrat Airbase in response to a chemical weapons attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhun. But the pinpoint strike did not deter Assad and US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have since investigated as many as 10 suspected chemical attacks. The same officials say Syria has continued to produce or procure chlorine, which also has industrial and agricultural uses. Dozens of hectares of agricultural land have been divided illegally for sale in Cua Duong Town on Phu Quoc Island. - Photo dantri.com.vn These are the dominant images among visitors and tourists, but today you cannot enter a cafe or shop on the island without hearing heated conversations about the price of land. Early next year, the island is slated to become a special administrative economic unit, which has sparked a firestorm of interest among real estate brokers, mostly from Ha Noi and HCM City. Investors are flocking to the island looking for land, pushing prices up in anticipation of the new administrative designation, which would offer preferential incentives for development. Phu Quoc, known as the Pearl Island of Kien Giang Province, was once a sleepy area of around 100,000 people. In recent years, however, the 567sq.m island has become a tourist mecca for thousands of visitors from around the world. The inevitable problems that come with such rapid growth have not escaped the area. Land disputes, fraud, pollution and social disorder are only a few of the issues that local authorities now face. Because of the massive profits from land speculation, nearly every resident on the island, including motorbike drivers and vendors, wants to take part in the risky but lucrative game. One broker, who declined to be named, said land prices at prime locations on Tran Hung Dao Street had reached crazy heights of more than VND100 billion (US$4.38 million) per cong (1,000sq.m), while land costs in Cua Duong Commune had soared to VND1.5 billion-VND5 billion per cong. Beachfront property can cost over VND25 billion ($1.1 million) per cong, but land owners are waiting to sell because the price is expected to rise, according to the broker. Land that has been divided into lots has also seen price rising, from VND250 million ($10,967) per lot last year to VND1 billion now. Ho Thanh Tu of Cua Duong Commune, who once worked as a driver transporting buyers looking for land, now earns hefty commissions as a land broker. I intended to buy a car for my driving service, but instead I invested in property because I can earn a lot from land speculation, he said. Many people on the island have become wealthy from selling their land. Even so, some of them have regretted selling at low prices to buyers, mostly land brokers or speculators. Some land lots have seen ownership transferred dozens of times in a short period, pushing up prices far beyond the real value, according to experts. For example, a land lot sold in the morning can be sold to another buyer at almost double the price later the same day. Nguyen Van Thieu, 50, a land broker from HCM Citys Go Vap District, said that land prices on the island had risen to astonishing heights. When I visited the island a few years ago, I advised my friends to buy lots of 100-200sq.m for VND500-700 million each. But they didnt, so now they regret because the price has gone up to several billion per lot, he told Viet Nam News. In recent years, many Viet kieu (overseas Vietnamese) have also been buying a great deal of property in Viet Nam, including on Phu Quoc Island. A disputed land sign on Phu Quoc Island. - VNA/VNS Photo Le Huy Hai Land disputes Land fever on the island has led to many cases of fraud and disputes related to transactions, according to local authorities. Kien Giang Provinces police, for example, recently detained Pham Thi Thao Trang, 39, of Ham Ninh Commune for appropriation of property charges. She was charged with selling the same land lots to two different people. She first sold two land lots covering a total of 5,500sq.m on Tran Hung Dao Street in Duong Dong Town to a resident on Phu Quoc for VND50 billion. She said the sale had been notarised. A month later, she sold the land lots to another person for VND63 billion. She received a deposit of VND10 billion and pledged she would complete transfer procedures at the notary office within 30 days, but she never did, according to police. At a recent meeting of the Phu Quoc Districts Peoples Committee in Cua Duong Commune on April 4, committee chairman Dinh Khoa Toan said the district had recently received around 253 complaints related to land disputes. Land disputes are occurring wherever there is a real estate project, he said. The number of cases is increasing as land fever continues unabated. Due to the number of land sales, the notary offices on Phu Quoc are always overloaded with work. Every day, hundreds of transactions are recorded at Notary Public No 1 Office on April 30th Street and at Notary Public No 2 Office on Nguyen Trung Truc Street. Another serious issue involves fraud committed by members of organised crime groups, according to Phu Quoc District Police, who have resolved 13 land disputes involving such groups. At least 138 members involved in organised crime have been questioned by police investigators. Of the number, 23 people had criminal records, and 66 were residents of other towns or provinces in Viet Nam. Besides these violations, dozens of illegal land and mineral exploitation cases have been discovered in recent months. Pham Vu Hong, chairman of Kien Giang Provinces Peoples Committee, said that more and more people, especially workers from other cities and provinces, were coming to Phu Quoc every day. The Peoples Committee is now paying a great deal of attention to organised crime on Phu Quoc, he said. Forested land on Phu Quoc Island is cut down illegally for sale as land plots. - VNA/VNS Photo Le Huy Hai Environmental protection Besides rampant land speculation, the authorities are dealing with massive amounts of waste because of rapid development. On average, Phu Quoc Island discharges more than 150 tonnes of waste per day. The island has only two landfill sites, one of which has been closed for months, while the other is now overloaded and cannot receive more waste, according to Huynh Van Minh, head of the Public Works Management Board of Phu Quoc District. The waste treatment plant in Ham Ninh Communes Bai Bon Village has also been closed for maintenance and upgrading, he said. Pham Van Nghiep, vice chairman of Phu Quoc Districts Peoples Committee, said the waste treatment factory in Bai Bon would be closed until June. Hong, the chairman of Kien Giang Provinces Peoples Committee, said the committee over the past 10 years had not been able to attract investment in wastewater treatment projects. In the face of such development, Phu Quoc authorities have urged people to carefully consider their decision to buy land. Buyers should think carefully before making land purchases and should not chase after prices. Many of these areas are included in overall planning, and these might not be granted permits to build hotels or restaurants, they said. In an effort to stabilise prices, the district plans to introduce strict measures to manage land transactions, prevent speculation, and handle illegal land appropriation. Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has asked the Government Inspectorate to improve inspection of management and use of agricultural land on Phu Quoc. Many land-use violations have occurred, including the transfer, leveling, and division of farmland, as well as the building of houses and infrastructure on agricultural land. The Deputy PM has asked the Kien Giang Provinces Peoples Committee to resolve the violations on Phu Quoc and report the results to the Prime Minister before July. Since 2010, there have been three periods of land fever on Phu Quoc. This year, land prices rose by three to four times compared to mid-2016. Located 46km from the mainland, the island can be reached by air from HCM City within 50 minutes and from Ha Noi within two hours. Bui Thi Thanh Huong, TPBank deputy general director, said at the banks pre-listing seminar held in Hanoi on April 12 that following its private placement of 15 per cent holding to investors, there is only 0.77 per cent left for foreign investors. Singapore-based SBI Ven Holdings Pte., Ltd. who has been holding 19.9 per cent of TPBanks holdings for some 10 years, according to Huong, has acquired more shares through a private placement to maintain their current shareholding. Also, with IFC and PYN Fund Management who each secured 4.99 per cent, the room left for foreign investors is very small. As a temporary measure, TPBank could issue convertible bonds to foreign investors We expect the government will lift the foreign ownership limit (FOL) in the banking sector in the future and should this come true, it will be a great opportunity for TPBank," Huong said. Given that quite a few foreign investors are currently interested in TPB, including a private fund from Saudi Arabia that manages billions of dollars in investment, Huong said that the bank could consider issuing convertible bonds for these investors. Some have even asked us to issue convertible bonds as an option while waiting for the FOL to be lifted. We may well consider this option as it can provide us with more capital to support our development of technology, know-how, products, policies, and customers, noted Huong. Hanoi-based TPBank (ticker: TPB), meanwhile, has scheduled April 19 as the date to list 555 million shares on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HSX) at the initial price of VND32,000 ($1.41). TPBs market capitalisation, as a result, is expected to go up to VND17.76 trillion ($789.33 million), which can put the lender in the 8th spot among listed banks in terms of market capitalisation. The liquidity of the stock market is rather good at present, and with Vietnam en route to be upgraded to Emerging Markets Status by MSCI as well as the incoming capital inflows, it is an opportunity for us right here. Also, as you can observe, banking stocks are taking the lead in the market and with our good performance in 2017, it is just the right time for us to get listed now, said Do Anh Tu, vice chairman of TPBank, on the sidelines of the pre-listing seminar. TPBank heads to HSX at VND32,000 initial price Hanoi-based TPBank is joining its peers to list on the Ho Chi Minh City (HSX) in the upcoming weeks of April, expecting some $1 billion ... Moodys assigns first-time ratings to Vietnams TPBank For the first time, Moodys Investors Service has assigned long-term local and foreign currency deposit and issuer ratings of B2 to Hanoi-based Tien Phong Commercial ... IFC commits to Vietnam by buying into TPBank World Bank Group member IFC now owns some 5 per cent of Tien Phong Banks stakes, to further assist the lender in expanding its loan ... Ministers wave as they pose for the official picture before signing the rebranded 11-nation Pacific trade pact Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in Santiago, on Mar 8, 2018. (CLAUDIO REYES/AFP) President Donald Trump has directed senior aides to explore rejoining the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership if a "better deal" can be reached, the White House said on Thursday (Apr 12). The decision, which was welcomed by lawmakers from agricultural states, could mark an abrupt about-face for a president who had campaigned against the deal and swiftly withdrew from it after taking office last year. But the White House was quick to point out that Trump's decision, rather than a flip-flop, was consistent with earlier statements. "Last year, the President kept his promise to end the TPP deal ... because it was unfair to American workers and farmers," Deputy White House Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said in a statement. However, he "has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year." To that end, he has asked US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and top economic adviser Larry Kudlow "to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated," she said. Trump has frequently disparaged multilateral trade deals, calling the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement a "disaster." His most hawkish trade advisers, who now dominate his cabinet after high-level departures, have expressed a strong preference for negotiating bilateral agreements, which they say play to US advantages. But at the World Economic Forum in January, a gathering of the foremost proponents of global trade liberalization, Trump had said he was prepared to enter talks with the TPP countries "either individually or perhaps as a group." Thursday's decision on the trade pact, which was negotiated under former president Barack Obama, was a further sign Trump's positions may not be as tough as his rhetoric. After taking office, Trump decided not to withdraw from NAFTA and from a free trade pact with South Korea, despite his threats to do so, preferring to renegotiate those deals. He also has so far exempted the largest US trading partners from his harshest new tariffs on steel and aluminium. It remained unclear, however, how enthusiastically the other 11 TPP economies would welcome an American return to the bargaining table. A DAMAGING FLIP-FLOP? The TPP members, including Canada, Mexico and Japan, proceeded without the United States after Trump pulled out, and signed the sweeping new agreement last month, signalling that Washington risked missing the boat. The Washington Post reported that Trump had made the sudden decision to reconsider TPP during a meeting with legislators and state governors on trade. Some said joining the trade pact could strengthen the US position in the current trade spat with China, which is not a party to the agreement. Critics said exiting the agreement had been a strategic gift to China, which stood to strengthen its trade dominance in the region as the United States retreated. Farm groups and political leaders from US agricultural states have been most outspoken in denouncing Trump's trade confrontations with Europe and China, which until recently appeared ready to boil over into an all-out trade war. Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican from the corn-growing state of Nebraska, said in a statement Thursday she was "encouraged" by Trump's move "to re-engage with TPP nations." TPP opponents, however, were quick to warn Trump risked of backsliding on a central tenet of the economic nationalism which helped sweep him to power. Lori Wallach of the left-leaning advocacy group Public Citizen said in a statement that Trump's move "could bring short-term joy to Democratic campaign operatives." But for the rest of the country "it would signal that Trump does not give a crap about working people and cannot be trusted on anything." Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of US trade unions, said on Twitter that the TPP would have failed America's workers and "should remain dead." "There is no conceivable way to revive it without totally betraying working people," he said. English French BEACONSFIELD, Quebec, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The City of Beaconsfield is pleased to announce that it will join the municipalities of Brossard, Chateauguay, Delson, Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Sainte-Catherine, St-Constant, Saint-Lambert, and with the collaboration of B-CITI, to submit a joint application in the Smart Cities Challenge, a program launched by the federal government in November 2017. This project requires the participation of citizens, businesses and organizations and asks that they submit issues and ideas on how to meet the challenges or problems facing our communities using a smart city approach. Beaconsfield residents are invited to participate in a short survey online available at collectiveideas.ca/form. "Beaconsfield is the first city on the Island of Montreal to join this group of cities in a project in conjunction with B-CITI. We are proud to unite with this innovative project which aims to improve the quality of life of citizens and to foster community interaction," said Mayor Georges Bourelle. Participating cities and organizations have until April 24, 2018 to submit their application. The finalists will be announced by the federal government in the summer of 2018. To learn more about the Challenge, visit collectiveideas.ca. Information : Mayors Office 514 428.4410 Facebook's annoucement to users whose data has been leaked Specifically, users whose data has been leaked will see Facebooks announcement titled protecting your information when accessing its website or the mobile application. This announcement is located on the top of the News Feed. When they click on this announcement, users receive a list of the applications that stole their information through the Facebook platform. According to Vietnamese victims, the majority of their information, including names, dates of birth, the number of likes, email addresses, and where they live, was stolen by an application named This Is Your Digital Life. I am quite surprised and nervous after receiving Facebooks announcement. Although the information leaked is not too important, but I really do not appreciate my data being out there without my consent to be taken advantages by firms for whatever purposes, shared Ngoc Nam, a Facebook user. Previously, Facebook announced that 87 million users data was stolen by the application This Is Your Digital Life then sold to Cambridge Analytica. Vietnam ranked as the ninth country in terms of the number of users data stolen, with nearly 430,000 users. Modern Tech has been forced to leave its office after the scandal There are eight founders and shareholders of Modern Tech Co., Ltd., which has been protested against for a VND15-trillion ($0.66 million) case of swindling through mobilising capital in cryptocurrencies iFan and Pincoin. The companys charter capital is VND100 billion ($4.4 million), with each shareholder owning 12-15 per cent. Vu Huu Loi (1979) holds the largest proportion with 15 per cent, equivalent to VND15 billion ($6.6 million). He has been introduced as chairman at investment mobilisation events. He is known as king of multi-level business, a dollar millionaire, and senior leader of Vision Vietnam Company Limited, a subsidiary of Vision International People Group. This group has two pharmaceutical production facilities based in France and Ireland, and its pharmaceutical products are delivered to over 100 countries worldwide. In the introduction on its website: www.visionvietnam.vn, this group promises the highest bonus ever for distributors. Ho Xuan Van, general director of Modern Tech Ho Xuan Van owns the second largest slice with 13 per cent. He serves as the legal representative and general director of Modern Tech. He was born in 1988 and is now living at a premium urban area in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. Before establishing Modern Tech, Van was the leader of cryptocurrency Bitkingdom, which attracted 200,000 members at the end of 2016. He said this model aimed to connect people to help each other out from poverty and was not a multi-level business. The remaining six shareholders of Modern Tech each hold 12 per cent of the shares. They are Ho Phu Ty, Luu Trong Tuan, Luong Huynh Quoc Huy, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Nguyen Duc Trong, and Bui Thi Ngoc My. Of these, Ngoc My (1988) used to be the leader of Trident Crypto Academy Co., Ltd., located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, which was established last year. Last year, this company forged the licence of the Ministry of Planning and Investment to conduct business with its Onecoin e-currency. Tuan "Scam," the leader of iFan Although not being a founder and shareholder, Le Ngoc Tuan (also known as Tuan Scam) worked for Modern Tech as a leader of iFan. He is adept at multi-level business and professional investment. He confirmed building a 30,000-member community in a single week. I gain around $20,000 each day from this model. The only one weakness is that leaders earn so much without doing anything, Tuan shared with the community and promised huge profits for investors in this cryptocurrency. Earlier on April 8, dozens of investors visited the headquarters of Modern Tech Co., Ltd. at Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City to protest against the companys appropriation of over VND15 trillion ($0.66 billion) in cryptocurrency. The company called for investment into its cryptocurrency by committing to payout 48 per cent of its profit every month and paying back the original investment within four months. After the protest, the office leasing contract of Modern Tech has been cancelled by the property owner, forcing the firm to vacate its office at the ninth floor of the Vietcomreal building on Nguyen Hue Street. Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has just directed six ministries and agencies to investigate and handle the $0.66-billion cryptocurrency swindle. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has just issued Directive No.10/CT-TTg, asking the State Bank of Vietnam to direct all banks and credit organisations not to do transactions related to cryptocurrency, and the Ministry of Justice to formulate a legal framework on the management and handling of cryptocurrencies. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Spike Lees BlacKkKlansman will be his first film to compete for the Palme dOr since Jungle Fever 27 years ago. Miami, FL, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VITAS Healthcare, the nations leading provider of end-of-life care, will serve as an executive sponsor of The Business of Health Care: Whats Next? a University of Miami (UM) conference featuring the healthcare industrys most influential business leaders and policymakers. The conference will be held April 13, 2018 at the University of Miami Watsco Center. VITAS conference support, in addition to serving as a UM School of Business Corporate Associates Program (CAP) partner, includes the sponsorship of 150 UM business students to attend the conference at no cost. The students are part of the Health Sector Management and Policy (HSMP) Executive MBA program and HSMP Undergraduate Studies, among other health management degrees. The sponsorship provides students with the distinct opportunity to participate in high-level policy discussions and network with experts in the healthcare industry. The Business of Health Care conference is a unique opportunity to hear from some of the nations top industry and policy leaders on the implications of widespread changes to the U.S. healthcare system on business and government. The featured speakers for 2018 include American Hospital Association President and CEO Richard Pollack, Americas Health Insurance Plans President and CEO Marilyn Tavenner and American Nurses Association President Pamela Cipriano. VITAS representatives will also be available at Exhibit Booth 5 during the conference. Attendees are encouraged to visit and learn about career and partnership opportunities in addition to the healthcare insights the company has accrued in the past four decades of operation. About VITAS Healthcare VITAS Healthcare, a pioneer and leader in the hospice movement since 1978, is the nations leading provider of end-of-life care. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) operates 44 hospice programs in 14 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. VITAS employs 11,627 professionals who care for more than 17,000 terminally ill patients on an average day, primarily in the patients homes, but also in the companys 27 inpatient hospice units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities/residential care facilities for the elderly. Visit www.vitas.com. Attachments English French Trappes, Bollene, Cambridge & San Diego, April 13, 2018 - 07:00pm (CET) 2018 first-quarter revenue 2018 Q1 revenue: 8.03 million +24.5% on reported basis; +8.5% on a comparative basis 2018: Strong trend for Egide USA concerning HTCC products Egide Group reported unaudited consolidated revenue for the 2018 first quarter amounted to 8.03 million, up 24.5 % year-over-year, despite negative currency impact. Revenue rose by 8.5% in Q1 2018 on a comparative basis 1. Excluding the variation in exchange rate (1.22934 vs. 1.06473) the revenue for the first quarter 2018 would have been higher (8.7 million). The integration of Santier continues to have a positive impact on the revenues of the group, as does the growth in the HTCC products at Egide USA. In the first quarter 2018, the US subsidiaries contributed 52% of total consolidated revenue, as compared to 42% in 2017. Highlights by business unit (m) Q1 2017 Q1 2018* Change % Change on a comparative basis 1 Egide SA 3.85 3.82 -0.8% -0.8% Egide USA 1.85 1.89 +2.2% +17.8% Santier Inc. 0.75 2.32 +209.3% +31.3% Group 6.45 8.03 +24.5% +8.5% * Unaudited For the record, Santier Inc. has joined the Egide Group on February 28th, 2017. In Q1-2018, only March was used to calculate the change in sales of Santier on a comparative basis. In Q1-2018, the growth of Egide USA, driven in particular by HTCC ceramic products, has significantly increased (+17.8% on a comparative basis) versus the same period in 2017, offsetting the slower growth at Egide SA for the beginning of the year. REVENUE BY APPLICATION (m) Q1 2017 Q1 2018* Change % Change on a comparative basis 1 Power 1.43 1.44 +0.7% +7.4% Microwave/RF 1.07 1.29 +20.6% -11.5% Optronics 0.78 1.21 +55.1% +7.1% Thermal Imag. 2.66 2.80 +5.3% +6.0% Misc. 0.51 1.27 +149.0% +68.5% Group 6.45 8.03 +24.5% +8.5% * Unaudited OUTLOOK Solid order backlog at Group level are in place for 2018, confirming the positive outlook for continued organic growth for the rest of the year at group's level despite a slower growth in Europe since the beginning of the year and negative currency impacts. In particular, the HTCC products at Egide USA have a $800K backlog. The business climate in North America concerning the market segments Egide serves, appears to be improved as compared to last year, most likely due to the new Federal spending budget and new tax law. FINANCIAL CALENDAR July 13, 2018: 2018 second-quarter revenue To find out more about Egide: www.egide-group.com Egide is a group with an international dimension, specialized in the manufacture of hermetic packages for sensitive electronic components. It operates in cutting edge markets with strong technology barriers to entry in all critical industry segments (Thermal imaging, Optronics, Microwave, Power, .). Egide is the only pure player in this market niche with manufacturing facilities in France and the United States. Egide renewed OSEO certification as an innovative company (entreprise innovante) on July 30, 2015 ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2004 certified quality and environmental management systems Egide is listed on Euronext Paris(TM)- Segment C - ISIN: FR0000072373 - Reuters: EGID.PA - Bloomberg: GID *** Contacts EGIDE - Finance Department - Philippe Lussiez - +33 1 30 68 81 00 - plussiez@fr.egide-group.com INBOUND CAPITAL - Investor Relations - Frederic Portier / David Chermont - +44 7802 533333 - fportier@inbound.capital Fin'extenso - Press Relations - Isabelle Aprile - +33 1 39 97 61 22 - i.aprile@finextenso.fr BIIGTIGONG NISHNAABEG, Ontario, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, formerly known as the Ojibways of the Pic River, have recently secured funding to build a unique and innovative school in their Community. The First Nation used a unique model to fund the 24 million dollar Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Education Complex via partnerships with both public and private sectors. The Education Complex was designed by Bret Cardinal whose father is the acclaimed architect who designed the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa across from Parliament, Douglas Cardinal. Bret has forged his own path and designs buildings from an Indigenous point of view; the Education Complex is no exception. The distinctively designed building will be shaped like an eagle: the east wing will be the daycare and elementary school; the west wing will be the adult education and business centre; while the middle of the complex will be used as a gymnasium, cafeteria, and ceremony space. Construction of the Complex began yesterday with the official sod turning ceremony held at the new school site. The first shovel in the ground marked the ceremonious start of construction, while the official build will begin in August 2018. At the sod turning ceremony the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour said, We know that education can change the outcomes for many generations to come and the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Education Complex will be an integral part of that change. I look forward to being able to walk the halls of this innovative school one day soon. I am honoured to be a part of this sod turning ceremony to celebrate the hard work and vision of Biigtigong leaders and members to forge a strong foundation for the strength of their community. The Communitys vision of the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Education Complex would not have come to fruition without the crucial partnerships forged with extensive community fundraising efforts. Organizations like the Department of Indigenous Services Canada, Barrick Gold and other public and private donors have been asked to contribute to the facility and future of education in the First Nation. To complete construction, the Education Complex will require an additional $4 million. The already secured funding will open the door to new funding opportunities from other government agencies, private sector partnerships, and other unique fundraising initiatives being considered by the community. Biigtigong Nishnaabeg is located 350 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay, next to Pukaskwa National Park. The vibrant and growing First Nation Community has become an economic and community development hub which has fostered education, grown skilled workers and nurtured future leaders. Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Chief Duncan Michano said, Over the years, we have continually worked hard to be innovative in order to become increasingly independent. The Education Complex is simply the next step in our education footprint for the children, who are the future of our community. For more information, contact: Gabrielle Tuomisto, The Ad/venture Group gabrielle@adventuregroup.ca 807-662-1979 or 807-620-6005 Or visit http://www.picrivereducationcomplex.com. Electronic Press Kit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8ai450c0fwonmws/AAAXSt-Et5vcm6dyPZGvErada?dl=0 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f07d5898-8608-474b-a9eb-9dde4c4a8029 Attn: Assignment Editor TORONTO, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On this weeks swing through Northwestern Ontario PC Party Leader Doug Ford cited wildly incorrect numbers for hospital bed costs and raised the spectre of another round of hospital bed cuts. Mr. Ford was quoted in Thunder Bays media yesterday falsely stating that comparable hospital beds cost $3,500 while long-term care beds cost a fraction of that, and suggesting that he will find efficiencies by cutting hospital beds and moving patients out to cheaper sites. We are deeply concerned because Doug Fords numbers are completely wrong and this could lead to devastating cuts in our hospitals where patients are already suffering from dangerous levels of overcrowding and bed cuts that have gone too far, warned Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition. Not only are the numbers wrong but Mr. Ford is comparing apples and oranges. You cannot cut higher care hospital beds and offload patients to places where they wont get enough care. We hear from families devastated by this all the time. Their loved ones end up suffering and ultimately are back in hospital in worse condition. Hospital beds are funded at rates that reflect the intensity of care provided in them. Not only do hospital long-term care beds receive the same funding as long-term care beds in other facilities, but even the most intense hospital beds Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds do not cost as much as $3,500 per day. Acute care bed funding ranges from several hundred to a thousand dollars or more per day depending on the level of care that patients need. Already, Ontario patients have among the shortest length-of-stay in hospital of anywhere in Canada, meaning that patients are discharged faster than ever. Moreover, one of the most common complaints of residents and their families and advocates in Ontarios long-term care homes is that there is not enough care provided to keep residents safe and meet their needs for daily care. Families who can afford to hire in extra care are forced to do so at their own cost, meaning that costs are not less, the burden is simply shifted onto families when their loved ones are in need. A private PSW can cost $25-$30 per hour and a nurse can cost double that. To buy private care costs families up to hundreds of dollars per day. In any case, there is no place to move patients since, as of December 2017 there are 34,000 people on the wait list for long-term care. But even more concerning are the statements this week and in the last few weeks about finding efficiencies and suggesting bed cuts in Ontarios hospitals. Ontario already has suffered decades of cuts to hospital services. This province now has the fewest hospital beds left per person of any province in Canada, the least amount of RN and RPN nursing care per patient in hospital, the lowest hospital funding in the country and the highest rate of hospital readmissions. In fact, among all OECD nations, Ontario ranks right at the bottom in the number of hospital beds left per person. Only Mexico and Chile of all developed nations have fewer. See charts and sources here: http://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca/index.php/health-system-facts-trends/funding/ Doug Fords comments in Thunder Bay sound disturbingly like the language used in the Harris-era style hospital cuts and restructuring. We are deeply concerned, said Jules Tupker, Thunder Bay Health Coalition co chair. Thunder Bays hospital is packed to the rafters. Patients are on stretchers in hallways and every conceivable space. We simply cannot take any more hospital cuts. In recent weeks, Ford has called for the implementation of a Toyota manufacturing process called LEAN to find cuts in hospitals. This was already done a decade or more ago and is widely despised and ridiculed by health care professionals, nurses, support staff and patient groups. Patients are not widgets or car parts in a manufacturing plant and they ought not to be treated as such, said Sara Labelle, a laboratory technologist and Health Coalition Board Member. In any case, we already did LEAN years ago. The result? Cuts to front-line staff and services, less care for patients, privatized services and more user fees. We already did LEAN. In one example, it got to the level that the people who were spending their time managing LEAN rather than providing patient care were moving around the drug carts to make flow more efficient, leaving them out in the open in patient areas and the drugs got stolen. It was not cheaper. It was ridiculous, said Shirley Roebuck, RN, emergency room nurse and Board Member of the Health Coalition. While in the north Ford pledged to cap all taxes, even though Ontario already funds our public services at the lowest rate of any province in Canada. (See 2018 Ontario Budget Chart 3.3). There are tax loopholes, such as in the Employer Health Tax, that allow law firms and accounting firms for example in downtown Toronto to avoid paying the tax even though their employees are among the highest income earners in the country, taking home hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. If the EHT loopholes were closed, more than $2 billion per year could be found to improve health care services for all Ontarians. Ontario needs revenue measures that can improve funding and services that Ontarians need, not cuts and unfair tax breaks and loopholes for the wealthy and corporations at the expense of the public interest. Health policy cannot be made up on the fly, based on incorrect anecdotes and simplistic vows to find efficiencies that risk even more serious cuts than we have already experienced, warned Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition. The result is real suffering for people when ill and in need. In this province the most critically urgent need in our hospitals is to reopen closed wards, beds and operating rooms, to restore care levels and to deal with the dangerous overcrowding and waits. We need more hospital beds, not more cuts. The Coalition is urgently seeking a meeting with Doug Ford to brief him on the under-capacity crisis in Ontarios hospitals and to ask him to rethink his statements of the last few weeks. For more information: Dana Boettger, Communications Manager (416) 441-2502 (office) or Natalie Mehra (416) 230-6402 (cell). Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. KEMP, Texas, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hal Richards, a candidate in the upcoming run-off elections for Kaufman County Judge, takes a proactive approach in evaluating the needs and voices of the local community. Mr. Richards, previously Mayor of Terrell in 2007, met with Mr. Rob Bresnahan, President and CEO of Larson Electronics, at the Larson Electronics headquarters; 9419 E US Hwy 175, Kemp, TX 75143. Mr. Richards, with vast experience surrounding infrastructure projects and implementing new standards, supports the establishment and growth of local businesses as a portal for new jobs and opportunities. "I believe that Kaufman County, Texas is an exceptional place and I have committed myself to the betterment of this community for the past thirty-five years. The challenges ahead, however, are great, said Mr. Richards. As the fourth-fastest growing county in the state, the choices we make in the coming years will determine whether, or not our children inherit a safe, pro-business, pro-family, Kaufman County. During the visit to Larson Electronics Mr. Bresnahan issued a guided tour around the manufacturing facility. The company, with over 40 years of experience in the competitive industrial lighting sector, specializes in energy-efficient lighting solutions, power distribution systems and customized services. Mr. Richards was given a first-hand look at how Larson Electronics presence and services support local businesses in the area. In line with Mr. Richards objectives for the community, Larson Electronics could expand to offer new jobs in the area. "We could potentially double our existing workforce of approximately fifty local residents, if we could get County support in bringing in adequate sewer and water systems. Our staff of skilled and well-paid employees all contribute to the local economy as would any, and all new positions we could add, said Mr. Bresnahan. Mr. Richards experience in bringing business to local communities is essential to Kaufman County. For the Highway 34 bypass project, Mr. Richards worked closely with the TxDOT, the Regional Transportation Council and state legislators to ensure completion. Mr. Richards also established the Building Standards Commission for Terrell, which resulted in the removal of 234 hazardous structures during his tenure. These accomplishments show Mr. Richards experience, knowledge and capabilities in addressing various aspects of bringing business into communities. About Larson Electronics LLC: Larson Electronics LLC is a manufacturer of industrial lighting equipment and accessories. The company offers an extensive catalog of industry-grade lighting and power distribution products for the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, food processing, oil and gas, military, marine and automobile. Customers can benefit from the companys hands-on, customized approach to lighting solutions. Larson Electronics provides expedited service for quotes, customer support and shipments. For further information, please contact: Rob Bresnahan, President and CEO Toll-free: 1-800-369-6671 Phone: 214-616-6180 Fax: 903-498-3364 E-mail: sales@larsonelectronics.com NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVA LEAP HEALTH CORP. (TSXV:NLH) ("Nova Leap" or the Company), a company focused on the home health care industry, closed the first tranche of its previously announced brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1,006,050 by the sale of 3,353,499 common shares of the Company (Common Shares) at a price of $0.30 per Common Share (the Private Placement). The Private Placement was brokered on a best efforts basis by a syndicate of agents co-led by Haywood Securities Inc. and Gravitas Securities Inc. (Agents). The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a 4 month hold period. Certain insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 150,000 Common Shares. The Companys material change report in relation to the insiders participation in the Private Placement will not have been filed at least 21 days before the closing of the first tranche of the Private Placement as their participation was not known at that time. The Company paid the Agents: 1) a cash commission of $67,944 which was equal to 8.0% of the gross proceeds of the first tranche of the Private Placement, except in respect of subscriptions by purchasers on the Presidents List, which had a cash commission equal to 2.0% of such gross proceeds; and 2) 226,479 agents warrants equal to 8.0% of the Common Shares sold to purchasers not listed on the Presidents List and 2.0% of the number of Common Shares sold to purchasers listed on the Presidents List. Each agents warrant is exercisable for one Common Share at a price of $0.30 for a period of 24 months from the closing of the first tranche of the Private Placement. The Company expects to complete a second and final tranche of the brokered private placement of Common Shares on or before April 30, 2018. The proceeds from the first and second tranches of the brokered private placement will be used for the acquisition of a New England home care services business as announced on March 19, 2018, an Eastern Canada home care services business as announced on April 3, 2018 and for working capital and general corporate purposes. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Nova Leap The Home Care Providers industry is becoming one of the fastest growing healthcare industries in Canada and the United States. Home care saves patients billions of dollars every year by treating them in their own homes instead of in hospitals. An aging population, the prevalence of chronic disease, growing physician acceptance of home care, medical advancements and a movement toward cost-efficient treatment options from public and private payers have all fostered industry growth. Nova Leap is focused on a highly fragmented market of small privately-held companies providing patients one on one care in their homes. Nova Leap's post-acquisition organic growth strategy is to increase annual revenue per location through a combination of increased employee investment, including training, focused sales and marketing efforts, billing rate increases, expansion of geographical coverage, and improved referral sources. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION: Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding the completion of the second tranche of the brokered private placement and the anticipated use of the proceeds from the first and second tranches of the brokered private placement. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions, including assumptions concerning economic and market conditions, that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause results to differ from those stated in the forward-looking statements in this release include regulatory changes affecting the home care industry, unexpected increases in operating costs and competition from other service providers. All forward-looking statements, including any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information, contained in this press release are made as of the date of this release and included for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com. For further information: Christopher Dobbin, CPA, CA, Director, President and CEO Nova Leap Health Corp., T: 902 401 9480 F: 902 482 5177 cdobbin@novaleaphealth.com John Boidman, Vice President Renmark Financial Communications Inc. T: 416 644-2020 or 514 939-3989 jboidman@renmarkfinancial.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. English French Availability of the 2017 Registration Document 2017 registration document Wendel announces its 2017 registration document was registered with the French Market Authorities on, April 12, 2018, number D. 18-0322. It is available to the public under current regulatory conditions and may be consulted in English on the Wendel website, wendelgroup.com, "Finance" portal, sections "regulated information" and "Annual General Meetings". It is also available at the Wendel headquarters, 89 rue Taitbout, 75009 Paris - France. This registration document comprises the 2017 annual financial report, the report by the Supervisory Board on the governance and on the internal control, the reports from the Auditors and their fees, and the information required about the share buy-back program. Annual general meeting set for May 17, 2018 Wendel informs its shareholders that the Combined Ordinary and Extraordinary Annual General Meeting will be held on May 17, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. at Salle Wagram (39-41 avenue de Wagram, 75017 Paris). Shareholders will be asked to approve a dividend of 2.65 per share, with ex-dividend date on May 22, 2018 and dividend payment date on May 24, 2017. Agenda 5/17/2018 Shareholders' Meeting / Publication of NAV and trading update (before Shareholders' Meeting) 9/6/2018 H1 2018 earnings / Publication of NAV (pre-market release). By conference call 11/29/2018 2018 Investor Day / Publication of NAV and trading update (pre-market release). About Wendel Wendel is one of Europe's leading listed investment firms. The Group invests in Europe, North America and Africa in companies that are leaders in their field, such as Bureau Veritas, Saint-Gobain, Cromology, Stahl, IHS, Constantia Flexibles and Allied Universal. Wendel plays an active role as industry shareholder in these companies. It implements long-term development strategies, which involve boosting growth and margins of companies so as to enhance their leading market positions. Through Oranje-Nassau Developpement, which brings together opportunities for investment in growth, diversification and innovation, Wendel is also a shareholder of Mecatherm in France, Nippon Oil Pump in Japan, Saham Group, PlaYce and Tsebo in Africa, and CSP Technologies in the United States. Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris. Standard & Poor's ratings: Long-term: BBB-, stable outlook - Short-term: A-3 since July 7, 2014. Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of "Grand Mecene de la Culture" in 2012. For more information: Follow us on Twitter @WendelGroup Round up of events of 11 April 2018 The World Health Organization (the WHO) requested immediate access to the victims of the alleged chemical attack in Ghouta. According to the White Helmets, this attack had claimed more than 500 victims. The European Agency for Air Safety (EASA) informed airline companies operating in Europe about possible missile fires from cruise missiles against Syria in the next 72 hours. Most companies are changing their plans for flying in the direction of Israel, Lebanon and Cyprus. US President Donald Trump tweeted: Russia swears that it will bring down any missile fired against Syria. Get ready Russia, because the missiles that are are coming are beautiful, new and smart! You should not associate yourselves with an Animal that Kills with Gas, who kills his own people and delights in it. One of four US planes of the final judgement takes off. These planes are specifically conceived to transport the US President on the one hand and the alternative military administration on the other hand, in the event of a risk of nuclear war. While the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced that it would shortly be sending inspectors to Eastern Ghouta, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Trade, ironized that a missile fire on Syria would offer the opportunity to destroy any evidence of this Western manipulation of the alleged chemical attack. The Turkish Prime Minister, Binali Yldrm, has challenged the attitude of the US and Russia by declaring that both countries are threatening one and other regarding a possible intervention in Syria. The Syrian Arab Army is evacuating the countrys main airports and military air bases. The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation announces that the situation is stabilizing in the Duma. The last of the jihadists are in the process of relocating to Idlib, following through with the agreements reached. Tomorrow, a Russian military police unit will be deployed in the area to guarantee the safety of the civilians. Following the Russian Armys press conference, General Viktor Poznikhir accused the While Helmets of staging a false chemical attack in Ghouta. In a televised broadcast, President Vladimir Putin declared: The situation in the world is becoming more and more chaotic. Nevertheless, we hope that good sense manages to prevails and that international relations switch to a constructive direction, that the global system becomes more stable and easier to predict. British Prime Minister Theresa May, assured that everything leads us to believe that responsibility lies with the Syrian regime for the alleged chemical attack in Ghouta. The US Defense Secretary, General James Mattis, guarantees that the Pentagon is ready. However, he is still in the process of analyzing the alleged chemical attack in Ghouta. On visit to Damascus, Advisor of the Guide of the Iranian Revolution and former Minister of Foreign Relations, Ali Akbar Velayati, announced that Iran is on Syrias side when it comes to any foreign aggression whatsoever. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will meet on Monday to deliberate on the alleged chemical attack in Ghouta. President Vladimir Putin telephoned the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, requesting him not to engage in any initiative that could prejudice stability in the region. Events of 12 April 2018: A round up According to the Daily Telegraph, British Prime Minister Theresa May ordered the deployment of submarines neat to the Syrian coastline. According to The Times, the British air base at Akrotiri in Cyprus is ready to launch an attack. UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has telephoned the representatives of the Big Five the 5 Permanent Members of the UN Security Council so as to encourage them to avoid a situation spinning out of control and to remind them that at the end of the day, our efforts strive at putting an end to the terrible suffering of the Syrian people. The Syrian Arab Army has completed the liberation of Eastern Ghouta. The Russian Military Police has been deployed in the area. The Kremlin confirms that the channel of communication between Russian and US soldiers on operations in Syria, established to avoid incidents, remains active. On receiving Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to the Guide of the Iranian Revolution, in Damascus the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched a warning against any Western initiative that could destabilize the region even further. In a televised discussion, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declared: We are extremely concerned about the countries that use their military might to transform Syria into a terrain to prove their strength. Gennady Gatilov, the Russian ambassador to the UN institutions at Geneva, denounced as unacceptable the fact that the World Health Association had echoed the allegations made by the White Helmets regarding an alleged chemical attack in Ghouta. The US President, Donald Trump, expressed himself once again on Twitter: I never said when an attack on Syria would take place. It could be very soon or not so soon! In any event, the United States under my administration has done an excellent job to liberate the region of the Islamic State. Where is our Thank you United States? [Note of Voltaire Red: it will be a month before the US naval group will be able to go on the offensive in the Mediterranean waters.] French President, Emmanuel Macron, declares on the TV channel TF1 that he has evidence of an alleged chemical attack on Ghouta. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announces that while she supports her allies, Germany will not participate in the military actions against Syria. She went on to add: Now we have to acknowledge that it is evident that the destruction [of the Syrian chemical weapons] was not carried out in full. The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zajarova, declared: Noone has conferred upon the Western leaders the right to appoint themselves as the worlds policemen, investigators, public prosecutors, judges and executioners, all at the same time. The President of the Commission of Defense of the Russian Parliament, Vladimir Chamanov, announced that the Russian ships had left the Syrian harbour of Tartus, as had been agreed they would in the event of a threat. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a telephone discussion and deplored the current impasse in the UN Security Council, the resolutions of which are not being respected. In a hearing before the US Congress, the Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, declared that there is no evidence that demonstrates the existence of the alleged chemical attack on Ghouta. The representative of the Syrian Arab Republic before the UN, Bachar Jaafari, announced that the inspectors of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) arrived in Syria, in various groups, on 12 and 13 April. According to OPCW, its experts would begin to work in Syria this Saturday. Sweden presented to the UN Security Council, right at the beginning of a meeting behind closed doors, a plan for resolution that requires the UN Secretary General to send to Syria a mission for disarmament to resolve all issued tied up with the use of chemical weapons once and for all. A little after Israels Chief Sephardic Rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, had appealed for the assassination of Basshar al Assad on humanitarian grounds, an air attack took place in the centre of Syria. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef is well known for his provocative comments. He represents just 5% of Israelis. He is the son of Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, one of the founders of Party Shas, which today is allied to Benjamin Netanyahu. Between 00.25 and 00.53 GMT on Monday 9 April 2018, two F-15 airplanes belonging to the Israeli army made a strike on T4, the military airdrome at Tiyas. The attack was facilitated with the help of 8 tele-guided missiles from the Lebanese territory. Thus Syrian airspace was not penetrated. According to our sources, these missiles have not struck at the base but several defensive positions in the surrounding areas. Cost in terms of human lives? 14 persons dead among which are several Guardians of the Iranian Revolution. This attack was coordinated with an Isis operation in the province. It was immediately launched following the one on T4. Spring Zarzuela 2018 The Teatro Lirico Andaluz will be returning to Gibraltar to perform as part of the Spring Festival programme. The Teatro Lirico Andaluz will stage the much loved Zarzuela, Gigantes y Cabezudos. The annual zarzuela will boast a stellar cast and a 24 piece orchestra. Performances will be held at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th May at 8.00pm. Tickets, priced at 5 will be on sale as from Monday 23rd April at the John Mackintosh Hall between 9am and 4pm. For further information please contact the Events Department at the John Mackintosh Hall on 20075669 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Calvin Buari, the subject of Empire on Blood. Photo: AP/REX/Shutterstock/AP/REX/Shutterstock Empire on Blood is a complicated creature. There is a heartbreaking story at the center of this Panoply true-crime podcast, one that revolves around a once-powerful drug dealer who spent two decades in jail for a crime he did not commit. It hits a range of urgent, difficult issues: the systemic travesties of the American legal system, how one should square the life of a person who has done unambiguously bad things against a miscarriage of justice levied against him, and the pathways for black men to reclaim a genuine sense of freedom in a system that never offered them a clear shot at one in the first place. But the tricky thing about Empire on Blood lies in its commitment to stylization and the subjective reality of its narrator, the journalist Steve Fishman (a contributing editor to New York Magazine and the host of last years Audible Original Ponzi Supernova). In the end, what were left with is a documentary project thats either absolutely thrilling or completely frustrating, depending on where you stand on Fishmans approach. Lets set the scene. Empire on Blood, which dropped all seven of its episodes in late March, follows the case of Calvin Buari, a black man who headed up a formidable crack trade on the corner of 213th and Bronxwood during the early 90s, an era when the crime rate was rampant in the Bronx and the Giuliani mayorship was just over the horizon. In 1995, just over a year into the Giuliani administration, Buari was sent to prison for the shooting of two brothers, though the circumstances of the conviction was suspect. He didnt deny his involvement in the drug trade, but he consistently denied any involvement in the double homicide. Nonetheless, Buari was jailed on the strength of court testimonies from his crew members, who were turned against him by the District Attorneys office. Buaris fall and conviction sets up the journey of Empire on Blood, which follows the campaign to overturn his conviction. The podcast bears a somewhat unconventional structure that unfurls across time, threads, characters, directions. It contrasts with the more linear configurations favored by most true-crime podcasts that rely on the thrill of investigative momentum. Such momentum doesnt factor much in Empire, which isnt particularly propelled by the usual did he or didnt he? engine, nor by questions over Buaris ultimate fate. Instead, led by Fishmans authorial curiosities (and personal investment, given that hes spent seven years reporting this story), Empire possesses a more theatrical air of grand tragedy. Im not going to say that Empire is novelistic, because it really isnt not in the traditional sense of the word, anyway. But it does feel like a pulpy crime novel, and from that angle, it totally works. This is expressed through numerous choices of insistent style: Fishmans verbose and dramatic narration, copious deployment of first-person asides, and an intense fascination with world-building details mostly irrelevant to the core case, among others. Some of these choices are genuinely refreshing, tantamount to an unexpected injection of life and peppy fizziness into a genre often filled with portent. They contribute a juicy quality to the storytelling, a tangible sense of an unearthed world replete with turtle-loving prosecutors, ailing geriatric crusaders, and foreboding discussions in diners. Whats challenging is the trade-off that comes with these stylizations. Seeing Buaris campaign for exoneration through Fishmans eyes is plenty compelling, but does it serve the case well? As a narrator whose point of view builds the world of Empire on Blood, Fishman is totalizing. Simply everything about Buaris case theories, arguments, characters, facts, truths is processed and presented through Fishmans prism of quirks, tendencies, and curiosities. It gets weird and unnerving because, simply, there are things about Buaris world that he isnt really able to reflect or reconcile despite how hard he works to bear witness, by virtue of his race and life circumstances. (Fishman is a successful Caucasian writer.) This tension brings to mind Jay Caspian Kangs 2014 essay on white privilege in journalism and Serial, which digs deep into the seemingly infinite distance separating a white reporters good intentions and their actual capacity to understand, translate, and reckon with a community not of their own. Indeed, this dynamic is made even more obvious in Empire should you read other contemporary reported pieces on Buaris case, particularly this 2015 BuzzFeed investigation, which hits the same narrative and factual beats but delivers them in a more sober, contemplative manner to vastly different effect. Further complicating Empire is how Fishman is an active character in Buaris story, both literally and emotionally. Over years of reporting, Fishman develops intimate bonds with a number of his subjects. He brokers conversations and occasionally helps move things along. He sends gifts, passes messages. He is present and active at pivotal moment of their lives. Which is all to say, he is constantly in the position to make choices that can change the outcome of Buaris life, and the discrepancies between when he takes action and when he doesnt are made glaringly apparent. Nowhere is this more clear than in Empires spectacular concluding episode: In the end, Buaris conviction is successfully overturned and he returns home, but not long after, as Fishman tells us, Buari is homeless, struggling against an unforgiving system as he tries to start a new life and a new business. Its a heartbreaking coda, but one thats doubly infuriating given Fishmans active presence throughout Buaris story. Why did the reporter choose to help his subject in some ways, and not others? Why doesnt he intervene here? Its worth noting that you could flip this around. The question of the reporter-documentarians presence as an active character in a story is an ever-present one, detectable in myriad documentary projects across media like The Jinx, Missing Richard Simmons, and so on. You could even go so far as to argue that, instead of being an ethical liability, Fishmans presence as a full-fledged character in Empire on Blood is actually a feat of radical reportorial transparency. Reportorial objectivity is a kind of performative fiction, the argument might go, and there are always elements of the narrator kept hidden from the audience. From this perspective, Fishman is laying all his cards out on the table for you to judge, and that is perhaps an illuminating and commendable move all on its own. Maybe. Its also possible that you can split the issue of radical transparency from the issue of whether Fishman did a worthwhile job with Buaris story. I find the former incredibly valuable, but am still struggling with the latter. For what its worth, I liked Empire on Blood quite a bit, but I cant seem to tamp down my uneasiness with Fishmans narrative prominence in a story thats ultimately about someone else with infinitely higher stakes. Its a difference in power that I just cant reconcile, grounded in the politics of one mans story being at the mercy of another mans personal system. The Board of Directors of RomReal Ltd has approved on Thursday 12 April 2018 after the close of business, the 2017 annual report including the 2017 audited financial statements, and the 2017 audit report. Please see attached the 2017 annual report and audit report. Please note that the 2018 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Burnaby Building, 16 Burnaby street, Hamilton, HM11, Bermuda on 20 April 2018 at 13.00 Bermuda Time. Please find attached the complete notice and proxy form. For further information, please contact: Harris Palaondas, Investor Relations +40731123037 investors@romreal.com Greys Anatomy Beautiful Dreamer Season 14 Episode 19 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Photo: Richard Cartwright/ABC After 14 seasons, a true Greys Anatomy fan should know to never say never. People get electrocuted, McDreamies die, there are full-on musical episodes anything can, and often does, happen. Even, for instance, suddenly caring a great deal for a couple that you were previously ambivalent toward. Im talking about Bello and DeLuca, you guys. Bello and DeLuca made me feel things. Sure, halfway through their tearful good-bye, I stopped crying and thought, Am I actually upset over Bello and DeLuca?! But cry I did, nonetheless. Their relationship arc may have been rushed and at times ridiculous this season, but man did it pay off in Beautiful Dreamer. Heres the situation: One Mr. Agent Fields from Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrives at Grey Sloan looking for Sam Bello. Bello is a Dreamer. She and her family came to the United States from El Salvador when Sam was 1 and she currently has a valid DACA status. The only way she could get deported is if she breaks the law, which she never, ever, ever does. Still, her first instinct is to run. Something similar happened to a friend of hers: ICE showed up just wanting to look at her papers and two days later she was in Mexico. Its all very sad, made more so by the fact that just minutes ago we saw Bello stroll into the hospital hand in hand with DeLuca, the two in such a good place, figuring out where they were going to live. Bello is new around here, but she should know that at Grey Sloan, the moment things are great and you are hopeful for the future, something will come along and rock you to your core. Bailey takes Agent Fields to her office, and tells him that Bello is in the middle of a surgery. Agent Fields will wait. But if anyone can handle a stubborn ICE agent, it is our dear Bailey. She does more than stall she ends up saving the guys life. Bailey notices that Agent Fields is popping Tums for an upset stomach and she can see his pulse is racing. Since her recent heart attack, she is on high alert for symptoms of heart problems. Although Agent Fields suspects Bailey is just toying with him, he eventually gives in and lets her run some tests. Its a good thing, too, because she finds blockages. Lots and lots of blockages. They need to operate. Meanwhile, Meredith is handling Bello. Merediths first thought: Bello and DeLuca could get married. She immediately regrets that plan as she watches in hilarious horror as DeLuca and Bello have the most awkward semi-proposal moment of all time. It doesnt matter anyway, getting married doesnt necessarily change a Dreamers status. Mers second idea is to ask Alex about the underground drug ring his dad must have been privy to as a drug user. Tonights agenda is very, very serious, but Ellen Pompeos comedy skills on this show should not be overlooked. Alex cant help Meredith with that, but he does offer up someone who has experience with disappearing Jo Wilson. Jo comes on a little strong, what with the suggestion for Bello to fake her own death and talk to Jos corpse guy. Bello draws the line at taking a dead persons identity. She worked her butt off to be an excellent doctor and an upstanding member of society she isnt going to become someone else. On second thought, Sam may want that corpse guys number. Since Bailey is saving his life and all, Agent Fields softens up a bit. Not enough that he will drop Sams case, but enough that he finally tells Bailey what brought them to Grey Sloan. They have video of Bello running a red light. They dont care that she had just worked a 36-hour shift and hit the gas during a yellow light, not knowing it had changed. Dr. Sam Bello will be immediately deported to El Salvador where she will lose her medical accreditation and knows no one. DeLuca suggests driving up to Canada, but Meredith stops him. Mer tells Bello that she cannot become what ICE wants her to be a criminal hiding in the trunk of a car. Moreover, if Sam runs like that, she wont be able to practice medicine. Even though Merediths plans up to this point have been, frankly, terrible, this final one is a decent option as Bello perhaps figures things out. She hands Bello a plane ticket to Zurich. You know what that means, you guys: the Twisted Sisters have saved the day. Apparently, Sam Bello had applied to work at Cristina Yangs cardiothoracic institute last year they have an essay to prove it and everything. Sam Bello is voluntarily leaving the country to continue her study elsewhere. Cristina is expecting her. Though it is short, her good-bye with DeLuca is emotional. Theres lots of crying and kissing and I love yous, oh and did I mention, IT IS RAINING. Even the sky is bummed about these star-crossed lovers. We did not know Sam Bello very long, but she is still granted a crying-in-the-back-of-a-cab sendoff. A true prime-time soap opera honor. Although, she is going to work with Cristina Yang, so its not all bad. More sad news to discuss: Kimmie isnt sticking around for some miracle surgery that will never come. She wants to see Broadway before she dies. Alex asks her to wait just a little longer while Amelia talks to Rebecca Froy, another neurosurgeon doing a similar study on the acoustic spectrum. Dr. Froy seems eager to help until she learns that Grey Sloan is affiliated with the Harper Avery Foundation. Then she hangs up. Jackson tries to smooth things over, but she informs him that she signed a binding legal agreement stating that she cannot talk about whats in that binding legal agreement. Another hang-up. When Jackson asks his mother if she knows anything about Froy, she tells him it was just some dust-up about research with Harper. Jackson, wanting to help Kimmie, tells the foundation lawyers to just release Froy from whatever agreement, its no big deal now. From the dramatic music and Catherine telling Webber that Jackson just ruined us all, I think it is going to be a very big deal. But that is a story for later! While all of this is going down, Kimmie and her grandmother get discharged from the hospital and leave without seeing Alex. When Jo tells her fiance that Kimmie is gone (shell be back, right?), he does not take it well. There is one sweet moment to come out of all of this: Jo tells Alex that after seeing how much he cared for Kimmie, she cannot wait to have kids with him. (Dont get me started on seeing Alex Karev become a father there are not enough tissues in the world.) Even sweeter, Jo tells Alex that shed like to take his last name when they get married. Shes never had the last name of someone who loves her. And now Im crying over Alex and Jo. What is this world? Laughter Is the Best Medicine, Except for Real Medicine EMT and flash mob enthusiast Matthew Taylor arrives at the hospital with his sick baby. Baby Ruby ends up being fine thanks to April, who makes some suggestions as to methods of care from afar. Matthew and April end up sharing a quiet moment of prayer in the chapel. I do hope this moment was more of a closure thing and not a lets get together thing, because, no thanks. Owen is inspired by single father Matthew Taylor, and by the end of the episode, he is filling out paperwork to become a foster parent. With Matthew in the hospital, the ghost of his wife haunts Arizona. She goes overboard with one of her patients, preparing for possible postpartum death by building a cart with any and all tools she would need to save a dying mothers life. It ends up coming in handy and being the answer to AZ and Carinas mother mortality research project. AZ and Carina celebrate with a hot makeout sesh and a confirmation that they are both all-in with this relationship. More DeLuca sibling moments, please! Those two have a great dynamic. Oh, Maggie is still mad at Jackson for not telling her about April kissing him, but then when she hears abou Bello and DeLuca, Maggie and Jackson finally sleep together. So that relationship is progressing. You know everyones calling it the Tail-blazer, right? Sob Scale: 6/10 Watching Richard Webber weep over the body of his dead sponsor will be a tough one to get over. RIP, Ollie. Heres hoping Richard will be okay without her. Meek Mill. Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage Judging by social media this week, it looked like rapper Meek Mill might actually be handed a get-out-of-jail-free card. Mill, who has been incarcerated after breaking his parole on a drugs and weapons charge from almost a decade ago, has been fighting to have his incarceration reversed. Hes currently serving two to four years after being slapped with a controversial sentence in the Philly court last year, one that inspired the popular Free Meek Mill campaign. But when Twitter erupted with rumors that Mill would be walking out of jail next week, the news spread faster than it could be confirmed. MEEK MILL TO COME HOME MONDAY !!! pic.twitter.com/iYgQ0G3vjF THE RAPFEST (@TheRapfest) April 12, 2018 Meek Mill will be released Monday after his court hearing pic.twitter.com/SwKvqqu8P5 HIP HOP PARALLEL (@HipHopParallel_) April 12, 2018 According to Mills attorney Joe Tacopina, theres no truth to rumors that the rap star will be walking out of the correctional facility in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, on Monday. Even so, theres been an outpouring of support for his release among fans, music industry honchos, and even political figures. Philly Mayor Jim Kinney recently visited Mill, whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, in prison, saying that the talented young star would better serve the community outside of a jail cell. I think we need to look at how we handle criminal-justice issues and how we treat people when theyre young, he said, and shouldnt follow them when theyre older. They have responsibilities to take care of children, child in this case, and be better off doing it if he went to work. The mayor also called for swift criminal-justice reform. Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner would also like to see the sentence overturned. Krasner, who was elected this year by taking a tough stance on mass incarceration, particularly as it impacts the African-American community, anticipates that there could be a reversal. There is a strong showing of likelihood of [Mills] conviction being reversed, Krasner has said, citing false testimony of a police officer in the case. Even the Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf endorsed Mills release, tweeting, I support D.A. Larry Krasners position in the case of Robert Williams (Meek Mill). Our criminal justice system is in need of repair. Mill is scheduled to appear in court on Monday about a post-conviction relief motion in hopes of getting this most recent conviction overturned. He had already done jail time for a 2007 arrest for not having a license to carry a concealed weapon. Judge Genece E. Brinkley stunned everyone in the courtroom when she sentenced the rapper to years in prison for the minor parole violation of riding a motorized bike down a New York City street. Not even the DAs Office asked for Mill to be incarcerated at the time the judge handed him what many experts have said is a very heavy-handed and surprising sentence. The case has been controversial from the start, with allegations by Mills attorney that Brinkley is too personally invested in the case to be fair, having once asked his client to write about her in a new song. Meanwhile. Brinkley has blocked any and all attempts so far to parole Mill. Last night The Opposition with Jordan Klepper confronted one of their shows own inspirations, notorious conspiracy theorist and Info Wars host Alex Jones. Or did they? Citizen journalist Kobi Libii traveled to Washington D.C., trying to determine if Alex Jones was in fact himself, or had been replaced by a crisis actor who was simply pretending to be a victim of media bias and legal trouble. What ensues could be called a yelling match, but frankly, thats just how Alex Jones talks. And it doesnt help Joness case when Libii manages to actually mimic him in real time, which Libii says is proof Jones is following a script. Of course, it all devolves into Jones having Libii removed from his event (so much for free speech) and telling him he looks like Chuck E. Cheese, which is a good insult if youre an angry nine-year-old in a ball pit. Hulk Hogan testifying in court. Photo: Pool/Getty Images This week, while watching Mark Zuckerberg answer congressional questions about the Cambridge Analytica scandal, I noticed that most of the tweets about it on my timeline referenced The Social Network in some way. Even though Zuckerberg and Facebook are in the news on a near-daily basis and this scandal has raised all sorts of important questions about the abnegation of moral responsibility by the people who control the way we communicate, the go-to reference point was still a two-hour movie about Facebook released back in 2010. The Social Networks stickiness is a testament to what the right kind of cinematic depiction can do: It can take a subject we think we know all too well and redefine it permanently. Thats a power that the juicy new project Gawker v. Thiel surely hopes to tap into. Written by John Gary and set to be directed by Modern Familys Jason Winer, the film may head into production as soon as this fall, and like The Social Network, it explores a recent, high-profile collision of technology, wealth, and devious agendas. Vulture has read a late-2017 draft of Garys script, and heres what weve learned about Gawker v. Thiel. Whats the plot? In 2012, the muckraking website Gawker posted excerpts of a sex tape where Hulk Hogan fooled around with his best friends wife. It was an unusual but not unprecedented post, as far as Gawker articles go: The site, founded by Nick Denton, often trained its eye on the famous, wealthy, and self-important in society, then sought to puncture those peoples carefully crafted public images by any means available. This salacious post, though, would be the sites eventual undoing. Hogan sued Gawker and was awarded such a vast sum by the jury $115 million in compensatory damages, plus $25 million in punitive damages that Gawker had to file for bankruptcy, and the site was eventually shut down. Its around then that an even crazier story emerged from the shadows: Hogans lawsuit had been secretly financed by eccentric tech billionaire Peter Thiel, a longtime Gawker foe who sought to bring the company down for its occasional reports on his sexuality and business dealings. Thiel pumped $10 million of his own money into Hogans crusade, successfully muzzling a media outlet that challenged him. Whether or not you liked Gawker, that outcome still had chilling implications about the future of media and the futility of going up against a member of the one percent. Garys Gawker v. Thiel tracks that sprawling story from its inception, starting with a chance 1999 meeting between Thiel and eventual Gawker CEO Nick Denton, in which each man articulates diametrically opposed ideas on how the internet should work: Thiel thinks it ought to be secure, private, and encrypted, while Denton argues that information wants to be free. From there, Gary flashes forward eight years to depict Hogan as he walks unknowingly into a taped sexual encounter, then zips ahead once more to land on Gawker editor A.J. Daulerio as he tries to drum up page views at the companys Nolita office. For anyone who followed the Hogan lawsuit in the press, these separate strands will soon intertwine in familiar ways the Gawker crew spends much of their screen time speculating about who could be guiding Hogans vendetta, though its a question answered by the movies title. Still, Gary fills out the script with sometimes surprising color. How does the film depict Gawker? Gary talked to many of the key figures from Gawker when writing this project, and its clear he became enamored with them: Most of the action follows the editors as they volley rapid-fire ideas in offices, bars, and late-night visits to each others homes, and theyre a blast to spend time with. The key to Garys take on this material is the similar way that he describes two Gawker editors: Gary writes that Ashley Feinberg is almost innocently wry, with a flat affect in her voice that masks a deep sincerity, while Emma Carmichael is introduced as witheringly dry with every word, deeply sardonic, but [with] an undercurrent of compassion. Theres a tender underbelly to these tough-talking writers and their website, and its what the film is most intrigued by. Gawker v. Thiel is packed with characters, but if theres a central figure, its A.J. Daulerio, depicted here as a charismatic wreck who cant seem to curb his killer instinct for news, even when those impulses lead him and his company into trouble. Daulerio may make morally questionable decisions, but like a Larry Flynt for the internet age, hes a persuasive defender of the companys right to do so. Garys script is sympathetic to Daulerio and essentially adopts his point of view: Though Gawker could be obnoxious at times, it stood up to the rich and powerful in a way that few media outlets dared to, and that alone made it necessary. If youre unfamiliar with Gawker, this project wont tell you much about what else the site was known for, including its TV recaps, personal essays, and snarky aggregations. (The writer Caity Weaver, who was one of Gawkers most consistently brilliant comic voices, is reduced to one line: I could do some dumb stunt again, she offers in a pitch meeting.) Aside from the post about Hogans sex tape, the only other Gawker article that receives much screen time in this story is Jordan Sargents widely criticized 2015 post outing a married Conde Nast CFO, an inflection point that had many in the media ready to say Good riddance when Hogan torpedoed Gawker months later. Garys script goes into further detail on that article: Sargent and the other editors rushed it to press mainly because Denton was throwing a big party that night, and they hoped to supply a juicy conversation starter. Instead, the ashen-faced editors spend the soiree checking the blowback on Twitter, and when Denton eventually deletes the article, several of them quit. Will the film make Peter Thiel mad? Despite being a titular character, Thiel isnt in Gawker v. Thiel all that much, and if you expect to see the film tackle his life in the way that Dentons website used to, youll be disappointed. There are no Fire Island parties or blood transfusions from the young and willing, though we do get a brief glimpse of Thiels ongoing quest to build an island free from governmental oversight. Instead, aside from two early scenes that place Thiel in the company of other characters, he disappears from the action until the end, when the Gawker editors finally connect all the dots and then watch Thiels speech supporting Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention. Im not sure whether Gary simply wanted to foreground other characters or avoid litigation from the man who brought down the films subject, but at least he gives Thiel a flattering character description, describing him as a friendly, handsome, round-faced guy in need of a hair cut. Those character introductions are among the scripts most amusing attributes, doubly delicious because most of the people being described are the Gawker writers who spent their time at work describing others. Denton is introduced as 33, British, with a roman nose and a hairline running away from it, while Daulerio is 38, lanky, [with] piercing blue eyes, ratty hair, and a beard he doesnt take care of. Defying one common screenplay trend, Gary spends much more time scrutinizing the physical appearance of the male characters instead of the storys female figures: Editor John Cook is described as having thinning hair and wearing Dad-rock J Crew corduroys, Tom Scocca is what happens when an LL Bean model majors in biological anthropology at Harvard but wastes it by going into journalism, and Tommy Craggs has a soft exterior a cutting brain, and an office hoverboard that Gary was clearly thrilled to include. How is it? Though you cant help but draw comparisons between Gawker v. Thiel and The Social Network, as I read Garys script, I also kept thinking about Steven Spielbergs The Post. Theres an early scene in that movie where Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee meets with his publisher Kay Graham, who implores Bradlee to lighten the style sections coverage of President Nixons daughter and her White House wedding. Bradlee refuses: Though the wedding could be the perfect occasion for the Post to go frothy, he felt the papers duty was to cover it just as seriously and as skeptically as they would any other political subject. Journalism, in his eyes, was required to needle those in power, and to keep needling. Gawker v. Thiel often feels like a feature-length version of that argument, though at least in this draft, its a discussion where all the characters are on the same side. Underneath all their bluster, Daulerio, Denton, and the other Gawker editors believe they have a duty and a right to publish what they do, no matter how trivial or questionable the subject may seem. Their fight is ultimately an existential one, since Thiel is an offscreen presence and the editors spend nearly every moment with each other in agreement. Even the actual courtroom case takes up only a few pages in the late going, and most of is watched from afar or relayed in passing. Still, Gary tells it all with verve, hopscotching through time and introducing pivotal characters well into the movie: Sam Biddle and Owen Thomas, whose coverage of Thiel on Gawkers tech vertical Valleywag would earn the billionaires ire, dont show up until the last 20 pages, though at least Thomas gets the movies defining monologue about rich, lawless tech moguls. They will put the full force of their money and power and money to use making sure that you are never able to disagree with them again, says Thomas, because you will be dead, drowned in lawsuits and summons and depositions and briefs and paper and emails and texts and tweets, only able to pay your cellphone bill through crowdfunding. The film isnt shy about drawing a line from Thiels crusade against Gawker to Trumps current vendetta against the fake news that accurately reports on his administration. (In the script, after the verdict against Gawker is handed down, one dumbfounded employee blurts, Donald Trump is going to win the election.) Then again, its a line that Thiel would happily draw himself, and perhaps its a necessary one to keep drawing when one-percenters like Thiel, Zuckerberg, and the president have so much power over the way the rest of us live our lives. As Denton says near the end in Gawker v. Thiel, recalling The Social Networks most famous aphorism: I cant win this fight. Im a millionaire. Im not a billionaire. Brady Jandreau in The Rider. Photo: Protagonist Pictures This review first ran at the Cannes Film Festival. As visceral and violent as many films have been this year at Cannes, few have been as tied to the body itself as Chloe Zhaos The Rider. The film, which won the top prize this year at the Directors Fortnight sidebar, is primarily concerned with the body and brain of Brady (Brady Jandreau) a rising rodeo champ whose career is cut short by a major head injury. We see his freshly stapled skull, a grisly sight treated tenderly by the camera: The body is a conveyance for the mind, and deep existential heartbreak occurs when one wants something that the other just isnt up to anymore. The film follows Bradys reluctant struggle to walk away from the rodeo, the horses he loves so much, and the way of life he had pinned his identity on. The mixed messages of his community and peers be a man, suck it up, but dont kill yourself find him in a quietly tortured back and forth. Hes resolved to do the prudent thing one minute, then finds himself involuntarily drawn toward the saddle the next. He sells his beloved horse, Gus, but cant bring himself to let go of his riding gear. His close friend Lane, another former rodeo star, is in the hospital suffering acute brain damage, and Brady still tries to convince him and himself that he will ride again. The connection between men and horses is one of the most enduring themes in cinema, if an increasingly abstract and nostalgic one. But Zhaos framing of Bradys story is unmistakably contemporary; she gets so close up that the screen practically exudes the smell of hay and sweat. It helps that her star has the best method training possible: Jandreau is a real former cowboy Zhao met while filming her last feature, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, who underwent a similar injury. When Brady tries his hand at breaking horses for a living (a considerably safer job than riding bucking ones) were watching Jandreaus own intuition and physical awareness onscreen, a careful, wordless dance with a jittery colt. The film also stars Jandreaus own family and friends as themselves, and theres an easygoing naturalism to the scenes among the cowboys, talking shop, drinking beer, and praying for each other. But there could be no mistaking The Rider for a veiled documentary: Zhaos sense of lyricism and emotional rhythm is all her own. There are moments that soar Bradys last ride on Gus is a visual aria and others, especially those with Lane, that are quietly wrenching. And thats whats so subtly special about The Rider the way it takes what easily could have been reportage and turns it into modern American myth. Brady and his friends live in a milieu both quintessentially American and completely obscure to most 21st-century Americans. And yet, their story feels universal to any person or country, for that matter that has ever had to accept a fundamental change or loss or blow to their sense of self. Its never a clean break, and the push and pull to go back to the way things were can be agonizing and occasionally blissful. In telling the story of a disappearing slice of America, Zhao has created a portrait of resilience, and the bonds that last even after the rodeos over. Authorities say a Florida man who was the subject of a manhunt in Alabama was shot and killed by Pennsylvania state police overnight. Pennsylvania state police say officers tried to stop 45-year-old Steven Brooks on Interstate 79 in South Strabane late Thursday. They say Brooks drove away and went the wrong way down a ramp from Interstate 79 to Interstate 70 before crashing his vehicle into a bridge support column around 11:30 p.m. Steven Brooks, 45, is wanted on a murder charge out of Florida. Steven Brooks, 45, is wanted on a murder charge out of Florida. Police said Brooks ran from the crash, scaled a fence and turned toward troopers with a gun in his hand, according to Pittsburgh ABC affiliate WTAE. He was shot and pronounced dead around 1:40 a.m. Friday. No other injuries were reported in the incident, which remains under investigation. Authorities havent said why officers tried to stop Brooks vehicle. U.S. Marshals and Madison County deputies tried to arrest Brooks Wednesday evening in the Harvest area. Brooks held officers at bay in a home on Loganberry Lane, and then took off in a car from the home's garage. Brooks abandoned the car after it lost a tire and caught on fire, authorities said. They said he stole a white pickup truck and left the area. Brooks was driving the truck stolen from Limestone County at the time he encountered Pennsylvania state police, Limestone County authorities said. Brooks, who also went by the name Sideeq Ma'Shooq, was wanted for the murder of his landlord, Caroline Morton-Hicks, 59, in Pinellas Park, Fla. Police there said Brooks shot her as she was leaving an orchestra practice in February. Brooks was behind on his rent, police said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Montgomery principal is headed to north Alabama for a new job at Meridianville Middle School. The Madison County Board of Education approved hiring Cameron Whitlow as the new principal of Meridianville Middle at its Thursday night meeting. Whitlow is currently principal at Brewbaker Middle School in Montgomery. He also serves as a captain in the Alabama National Guard. Cameron brings passion, drive and determination to Meridianville," Madison County Schools Superintendent Matt Massey said in a news release. "He will be a great fit because he is known for his open door policy of leadership and he and believes success relies on motivation and collaboration." John Lancaster lives just down the road from the house Steven Brooks, 45, was in on Loganberry Lane in Harvest. US Marshalls had tracked Brooks from Pinellas County, Florida, where there was a warrant out for his arrest for murder, to the house in Harvest. When brooks decided to get in the car and speed away, out of the neighborhood, Lancaster saw the whole thing. "Heard the engine coming and heard a lot of people yelling 'get out of the way, get out of the way. It did sound similar to gunshots and as he came past my house I noticed the front tire was already flat and the rim was throwing some sparks on the driver side, so that made up for the sound we thought was gunshots," said Lancaster. Surveillance video from a neighbor showed Brooks cutting through a yard and quickly followed by law enforcement. Despite the intensity of the situation, Lancaster felt safe, because of the amount of law enforcement and first responders in the area. "There was enough presence we were never worried about what was happening. My family was never worried about anything for our safety," said Lancaster. This standoff was completely out of the norm for the neighborhood. "It's quiet and it's friendly and everybody kinda looks out for each other," said Lancaster. With brooks still on the loose, Lancaster will be making sure his family is taking extra precautions. "Keeping your cars locked, keeping your garage shut, keeping your back gate shut up. That kind of stuff. Making sure your doors are locked. Just being aware and just continuing to look out for one another in the neighborhood," said Lancaster. Law enforcement is still patrolling the area where Brooks was last seen. Brooks is 5'8" and was last seen wearing black pants and a black over brown shirt. If spotted, law enforcement asks you to not approach him, but instead alert the Madison County Sheriff's Office at 256-722-7181. English French MONTREAL, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beaufield Resources Inc. (Beaufield or the Corporation) (TSX-V:BFD) is pleased to announce that the Corporations Board of Directors has appointed Mr. George N. Mannard as the new Chairman of the Board and Mr. Donald R. Siemens as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Messrs. Mannard and Siemens have been independent members of the Board since their election at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of February 27th, 2018. Mr. Mannard succeeds Mr. Robert Wares who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from March 2, 2017. Mr. Wares will continue in his role as Director of the Corporation. We are delighted to have Mr. Mannard step in as an Independent Chairman and Mr. Siemens chair our Audit Committee. Along with the addition of Mr. Herve Thiboutot, we believe weve assembled a Board with a proven industry track record and commitment to value creation and good governance. The Board wishes to thank Mr. Wares for serving as Chairman and looks forward to his continued support and input as we move Beaufield forward, commented CEO, Ron Stewart. Mr. Mannard is a Professional Geologist with over 30 years experience. Mr. Mannard was the Vice President Exploration of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. from 1994 to 2017 and CEO and Director of Moss Lake Gold Mines Ltd. from 1995 to 2015. He has developed 8 gold mines and is co-credited with discovery of the Louvicourt base metal mine, Val dOr Quebec. His experience ranges from grassroots prospect targeting through development of underground and surface mining operations and production to mine closure and rehabilitation. Working with junior companies has provided him experience in all aspects of public company administration, strategic acquisitions and restructuring, mergers and financing. Mr. Mannard holds a Bachelor Science honours in Geology, diploma Geological Science in Mineral Exploration and a Masters degree in Applied Science in Mineral Exploration. Mr. Siemens brings over 30 years of experience to the board as a Chartered Professional Accountant, including 8 years in public practice as a partner with major accounting firms, 8 years in senior executive positions in industry and 25 years as a self-employed Financial Services executive. Mr. Siemens has been an independent financial advisor, specializing in Corporate Finance, cross-border transactions and Mergers & Acquisitions since 1989. He currently serves as a Director and Audit Committee Chair for Arizona Mining Inc., Atlantic Gold Corporation, Skeena Resources Limited, Eros Resources Corp and Hansa Resources Ltd. Previously, Mr. Siemens was Partner-in-Charge of Thorne Ernst & Whinney's (now KPMG) Vancouver office Financial Advisory Services group. Mr. Siemens obtained a B.A. from the University of British Columbia followed by a Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) designation. The Corporation also announces the resignation of Mr. Hao Liu from the Board of the Corporation following his resignation from Huaxin Group (Hong Kong) Limited in early March 2018. CEFC China Energy Company Ltd (CEFC China) owns and controls the Huaxin Group which holds 10,000,000 common shares of the Corporation. In addition, the Board of Directors has approved the granting of options for 400,000 common shares of the Corporation to each of Messrs. Mannard and Siemens, under its stock option plan. The options vest immediately, are exercisable at $0.10 per option and have a term of 5 years. After the grant, the total number of outstanding options under the Corporation's plan is 6,400,000 or approximately 3% of the outstanding shares. About Beaufield: Beaufield is a mineral exploration company with its exploration activity focused in Quebec and Ontario. Please refer to Beaufield's website to view the Corporation's properties in Urban, Eleonore-Opinaca, Tortigny, Hemlo and Launay. The Corporation is actively exploring, is well financed with approximately $5 million in working capital, has no debt and has excess work credits on its properties. The information set forth in this press release includes certain forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on assumptions exposed to major risks and uncertainties. Although Beaufield deems the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements to be reasonable, the Corporation cannot provide any guarantee as to the materialization of the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements. The Corporation expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. ACHESON, Alberta, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North American Construction Group Ltd. (NACG or the Company) (TSX:NOA.TO) (NYSE:NOA) announced today that it will release its financial results for the First Quarter ended March 31, 2018 on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 after markets close. Following the release of its financial results, NACG will hold a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time). The call can be accessed by dialing: Toll free: 1-866-521-4909 International: 1-647-427-2311 A replay will be available through June 2, 2018, by dialing: Toll Free: 1-800-585-8367 International: 1-416-621-4642 Conference ID: 8158018 The live and archived webcast can be accessed at: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1655512&s=1&k=6B4740BDBA1E52D0BDE33ABABC044764 About the Company North American Construction Group Ltd. (www.nacg.ca) is the premier provider of heavy construction and mining services in Canada. For more than 60 years, NACG has provided services to large oil, natural gas and resource companies. The Company maintains one of the largest independently owned equipment fleets in the region. For further information, please contact: David Brunetta, CPA, CMA Director; Finance, Investor Relations, Information Technology and Treasury North American Construction Group Ltd. Phone: (780) 969-5574 Email: dbrunetta@nacg.ca WASHINGTON, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday, April 21, the Y is celebrating Healthy Kids Day, the Ys national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. YMCAs Healthy Kids Day will include fun active play and educational activities to keep kids moving and learning, in order to maintain healthy habits and academic skills to achieve goals and reach their full potential. Nearly 1.2 million children and their families are expected to participate in YMCAs Healthy Kids Day at more than 1,600 locations across the country. For over 25 years Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids health and continues to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encourage active play and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity. Healthy Kids Day encourages youth and families to Awaken Summer Imagination, which cannot be done without proper nutrition. When children are hungry, their development suffers. They can have trouble concentrating and sleeping. To help raise awareness about this year-round epidemic and highlight the importance of good nutrition paired with enrichment, the Y and Walmart Foundation are kicking off a national call for youth artwork, coinciding with Healthy Kids Day. Children are invited to use their imaginations to depict hunger scenes from classic fairytales. Selected artwork will be used as part of a national anti-hunger campaign this summer. A childs development is never on vacation and YMCAs Healthy Kids Day serves as summer kick-off event that helps kids stay healthy and achieving all summer long. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y is addressing critical gaps in kids health and education. Kids are less physically active and engaged in learning during the summer months. In fact, research shows that children gain weight two to three times faster during the summer vacation than during the school year. In addition, kidsparticularly from low-income familiesfall behind academically because they dont have access to out-of-school learning opportunities. In fact, by fifth grade, low-income kids are two to three school years behind middle-income children. The Y supports families in their efforts to teach healthy habits and keep kids active and learning, preparing them for a brighter future. Its part of the Ys promise to strengthen communities. For over 25 years, YMCAs Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids health and continues to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encourage active play and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity. Lameen Witter +1 202-797-4461 Lameen.Witter@ymcadc.org The revelations made during the first couple of weeks of the Royal Commission suggest clearly that the risks taken to push profits could now have negative consequences for the banks earnings - any tighter regulatory controls on credit and therefore profit, is a possibility that he acknowledges. Analysts have identified the potential for the imposition tighter credit controls as a major factor in a weaker bank share prices over recent weeks. Chaney, while recognising the dilemma, doesnt have a practical answer. "I am not suggesting a solution...the solution would be if none of the banks were listed I am not suggesting you delist the banks," he says But he notes that the management of a private bank might be happy to make less profit this year than next year. "The idealist would say you can have both.. You can be successful in the long run if you do what the community wants and you never make any move for example to sell someone a product that they dont want and so on...thats what you would hope would be the case," he says. But Chaney is more pragmatic than idealist. Loading "My point is that in the shorter-run over a couple of years you (bank executives) would be absolutely crucified in the market and people would be calling for your head," he says. While Chaney is now observing the fallout in financial services companies from the relative comfort of distance, he sits right in the thick of Wesfarmers own corporate home improvement catastrophe Bunnings UK and Ireland. Investors and analysts remained stunned that a company with a reputation for meticulous and thorough research into acquisitions could have broken so many cardinal rules when it so disastrously launched its successful Australian Bunnings model into the UK and Ireland and in doing so created a capital black hole by so seriously alienating the Brits. Former chief executive of Wesfarmers, Richard Goyder, was the executive in charge when the fateful move was made, alongside Bunnings then-chief John Gillam - both of which have now gone but in neither case was their departure the result of the UK disaster. Chaney was the chairman that signed off and despite everything contends he had never seen a more thorough investment analysis than had been undertaken on Bunnings UK. They had a base case set of projections and a downside case and it all looked very positive at the time according to Chaney. But a couple of fundamental mistakes were made subsequently after acquisition of Homebase home improvement network of stores including the removal of 150 senior managers. "One was moving out the senior management and replacing it with our Australian experts and the second was getting rid of a lot of the products and the franchises because they didnt suit the Bunnings model," says Chaney. By way of example the Australian interlopers jettisoned Laura Ashley from the home decorator product line up - and British women voted with their purses. It was the success of the Australian model and its management that blinded the higher ups inside Wesfarmers to the fact that these guys didnt know better what the UK customers wanted. Wesfarmers got caught in the hubris trap. "Its been really disappointing to see the results because they are a lot worse than the downside case that was projected (in the initial investment case provided to the board) and looking back now you could say the assumptions were too positive. Thats the wisdom of hindsight really." The decision on how to extricate Wesfarmers from this mess and minimise the damage to shareholders is now in the hands of its new chief executive, Rob Scott. Billionaire Andrew Forrest is studying a proposed 2,400-kilometre transcontinental natural gas pipeline across Australia as part of his iron ore company's strategy to diversify. Fortescue Metals confirmed it has undertaken work for a duct that would link gas-rich Western Australia with the energy-strapped East Coast power markets. The project, being considered by the federal government, may cost as much as $5 billion, according to one industry estimate. "To me, that makes absolute sense": Iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest. Credit:Bloomberg "We think we can connect up the biggest gas resources in the world with one of the biggest markets with a pipeline -- and to me that makes absolute sense," said Forrest, chairman and founder of the world's fourth-largest iron ore exporter. If Fortescue can "establish breakthrough pipeline materials, that becomes a really good commercial option," he said. The government has come under pressure to ensure sufficient supplies for the East Coast electricity grid amid concerns for the country's energy security following plant closures and surging LNG exports. Actually sorry? Credit:Bloomberg A corporate apology echoes the words we are so familiar with from our everyday lives but it is a distinct beast. It happens under the glare of media and is issued by an office holder in a complex management structure, to a mass and impersonalised audience. And its contents may be subject to legal proceedings. It may also be couched in words which create the veneer of an apology without a detailed admission of guilt. This week, two high-profile chief executives have issued public apologies on behalf of their corporations. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologised at a US Congress hearing for failing to protect the personal data of millions of users in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The Commonwealth Bank of Australias newly ascended CEO, Matt Comyn, started his first day in the job with an internal email apologising to the banks employees, and taking responsibility for the banks mistakes. A plan is being drawn up by federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to tackle endometriosis, a chronic, painful condition suffered by 700,000 women nationally. Mr Hunt will place a draft national action plan on endometriosis front and centre at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting of health ministers on Friday in Sydney. Around one in 10 women suffer endometriosis. Credit:Stocksy It is understood he will be seeking the support of all state and territory ministers for his plan to teach schoolchildren about pelvic pain and endometriosis and better equip general practitioners. He will also be seeking their input during a public consultation process, which will begin next month. The final plan is likely to be released in June. The Tax Office could reform its handling of disputed debts and will draw on ideas from staff as it makes changes responding to a Fairfax-Four Corners investigation raising allegations of heavy-handed tactics at the agency. Australian Taxation Office boss Chris Jordan, in an email co-signed by other executives, has told its 20,000 public servants that it welcomes an investigation announced by the federal government this week and that the agency wants to restore public confidence. Mr Jordan repeated the agency's denial on Tuesday that unfair treatment of small business and individuals occurred agency-wide, but warned it could not be complacent. "We know we are not perfect and are always looking to improve. We need to remain open and receptive to feedback and scrutiny and use those sources of intelligence to help us improve," he said. "It is vitally important that right now we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improve the client experience - and that we respond to perceptions and the concerns we are hearing about unfair treatment of small businesses. A prominent Perth academic who marked his 104th birthday this month will travel to Switzerland to end his life through voluntary euthanasia, a parliamentary inquiry has heard. Controversial euthanasia campaigner Phillip Nitschke told a hearing on Friday his group Exit International would assist scientist David Goodall to make his final journey "as soon as possible." Dr Goodall. Credit:Charlotte Hamlyn, ABC News Dr Goodall was, until recently, an honorary research associate in the Centre of Ecosystem Management at Perth's Edith Cowan University whose career in ecology spans 70 years. RSPCA Australia has written to the Department of Agriculture and all major live exporter companies, proposing to place an RSPCA observer independent of government and industry on at least the next eight long-haul live sheep shipments. The RSPCA had earlier voiced concerns live export ships were continuing to operate with a "business as usual" attitude, despite footage showing horrific conditions aboard the Awassi Express shocking the nation and drawing emotive pledges from politicians to address the industry's failures. At this point in time, we are very concerned the Department is making decisions that do not reflect the gravity of the situation or the seriousness of the risks to animal health and welfare, said RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist and Strategy Officer Dr Bidda Jones. While the Awassi Express was detained in Fremantle, the department has granted an export permit for the MV Maysora, which left under cover of darkness early Thursday, crammed with 77,000 sheep and 9500 cattle and is now headed to Turkey via Egypt without new conditions applied to its trip following the release of the Awassi Express footage. Konashenkov's claim followed an earlier statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who said that "intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication". He didn't elaborate or name the state. Last month, Britain blamed Russia for a nerve agent attack ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, accusations Russia has vehemently denied. Loading As fears of a Russia confrontation with Western powers mount, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "deep concerns" over the situation in Syria in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to a statement by the French presidency, Macron called for dialogue between France and Russia to "continue and intensify" to bring peace and stability to Syria. The Kremlin readout said that Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government before conducting a "thorough and objective probe". The Russian leader warned against "ill-considered and dangerous actions... that would have consequences beyond conjecture". Putin and Macron instructed their foreign and defense ministers to maintain close contact to "de-escalate the situation," the Kremlin said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Friday that "there is no military solution to the conflict". He said "the Cold War is back - with a vengeance but with a difference," because safeguards that managed the risk of escalation in the past, "no longer seem to be present". Loading The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said President Donald Trump "has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria". She said of the alleged chemical attack that "Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups." Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia insisted that there was "no credible confirmation of toxic substance use in Douma," adding that "we have information to believe that what took place is a provocation with the participation of certain countries' intelligence services." "We warned about this long ago," he said. Russian officials had said before the suspected gas attack in Douma that rebels in the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus were plotting chemical attacks to blame the Syrian government and set the stage for a US strike. Moscow alleged soon after the suspected April 7 attack that the images of the victims in Douma were fakes. Friction between Britain and Russia has escalated following the poisoning of Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33. Credit:AP The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that following Syrian rebels' withdrawal from eastern Ghouta, stockpiles of chemical agents were found there. The ministry additionally pointed to previous alleged use of chemicals by the rebels in fighting with Syrian government troops. Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Lavrov reiterated a strong warning to the West against military action in Syria. "I hope no one would dare to launch such an adventure now," Lavrov said. He noted that the Russian and US militaries have a hotline to prevent incidents, adding that it's not clear if it would be sufficient amid mounting tensions. Russia has been a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and has helped turn the tide of war in his favour since entering the conflict in September 2015. Syria's civil war, which began as a popular uprising against Assad, is now in its eighth year. Loading A fact-finding mission from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is expected to arrive in Douma on Saturday. Both the Russian military and the Syrian government said they would facilitate the mission and ensure the inspectors' security. The Russian military said its chemical experts visited Douma shortly after the alleged attack and found no trace of chemical agents in ground samples. It also said Russian officers found no patients with chemical attack symptoms at a local hospital, and no indication of any burials of victims. At the invitation of Mr.Ruslan Davydov, First Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya attended the WCO Europe Region Heads of Customs Conference, held in Sochi, Russia from 12 to 13 April 2018. Mr. Davydov and Mr. S. Yurchenko, Vice-Mayor of Sochi extended warm words of welcome to the delegates representing the Regions 34 Members present. A welcome address from the office of the Minister of Finance, Mr. A Siluanov, was also read out to delegates. Mr. Kadyrkulov, a Member of the Board for the Customs Cooperation of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) provided delegates with an update on recent EEC developments, including the setting up of a transit system, and the adoption of a new Customs Code, and expressed the hope for further close cooperation with, and eventual membership of the WCO. Secretary General Mikuriya set the context for the meeting by outlining the current position of the six priorities of the WCO. As regards Trade Facilitation, Secretary General Mikuriya emphasized the excellent relationship that the WCO has with the WTO, adding that the WCO had been invited to attend the next meeting of the Trade Facilitation Committee set up under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Work on the second priority area, E-commerce, was progressing, towards the presentation of an outline of a framework of standards to the WCO Council in June. Secretary General Mikuriya went on to highlight progress made in the other priority areas: Security, Illicit Financial Flows, Customs-Tax cooperation and Performance Measurement. Secretary General Mikuriya then drew delegates attention to the suggestion that the Revised Kyoto Convention would be reviewed. This would become an additional area of priority should the Council so decide. A longer-term proposal to revise the Harmonized System Convention was also mentioned. The Secretary General looked forward to the delegates response on the work carried out in the six priority areas and any possible suggestions for additions to the current list. The meeting discussed the compatibility of transit systems in the WCO Europe Region, the use of additional languages at the WCO, E-commerce, combatting Illicit Financial Flows, cooperation with the IMF, accessions to the WCO, Governance and the Regions representation within WCO Bodies. Delegates also listened to reports on the work of the Finance Committee, Audit Committee and WCO Regional bodies (ROCBs, RILOs). Secretary General Mikuriya joined the delegates in thanking the Russian Federation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to them. A photo is the pause button of life. - Ty Holland Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. FURNDRAISING CAMPAIGN BEGINS FOR PLAYGROUND IN HONOR OF MALACHI SILTZER Immaculata Catholic School is proud to announce the construction of a new playground on the school grounds that will be named in honor of former student, Malachi Siltzer. Eight-year-old Malachi Siltzer passed away in 2016 from a brain tumor, but his teachers and fellow students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville smile at the memory of the rambunctious little guy bursting through the classroom door every morning with a huge grin, breathlessly proclaiming, Im here! None of the challenges Malachi experienced in his short life ever threatened his joy or his faith. Barely a year after he was born in Ethiopia, his mother died, and he was adopted by Jay and Kelly Siltzer in Asheville. Just a few short years later Kelly lost her three-year battle with leukemia, and Malachi himself was diagnosed with brain cancer. Through it all, Malachis love for life and God, and his plan to become a priest, never wavered. His gap-toothed smile and lilting laughter brightened everyones heart. At his memorial service, a fourteen-year-old boy who befriended Malachi shared a lunchtime conversation that affected him profoundly. Malachi suddenly looked up from his sandwich with a big smile and announced, I am excited that I will see my mommy soon! Malachis family and friends want his memory to continue to inspire people forever. Theyre working to create a playground in his name at Immaculata School where children from both the school and the community can play, laugh and make happy memories of their own. Please visit https://www.tmcfunding.com/search/campaign/2237?layout=single and click the photo Gallery button to see the renderings for this project. The equipment selected for Malachis playground makes ideal use of the space available and promises to deliver a safe, healthy and fun place to delight youngsters for years. Your gift honors the memory of an extraordinary child, and invests in the future of so many others. You may make your donation on the above site using your credit or debit card, or you can send your check made out to Immaculata School to Shuler Funeral Home, 125 Orr's Camp Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792 Immaculata Catholic School is SACS accredited and serves children from Pre-K 3 and 4 to 8th grade and welcomes families from all denominations. For more information, please contact the Immaculata office at (828) 693-3277 or visit www.immac.org. Embed from Getty Images The Europa League semi-final has been performed at UEFA HQ over in Nyon and its official: Arsenals reward for stumbling past CSKA in the quarters is a big last-four double-header against fellow favourites Atletico Madrid. The Gunners had to tussle back from two goals down to salvage a draw out in Moscow (thus maintaining their flawless record of having never won a competitive match on Russian soil) but a late goal from Aaron Ramsey was enough to spirit them into the semi-final pot. Its not like Atletico were overly convincing either, with Antoine Griezmann spurning an abundance of chances as the Spaniards laboured to a 0-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in their quarter-final second leg. Thankfully, a 2-0 lead from the first was enough to preserve their participation. Over in the other semi, Marseille will play Red Bull Salzburg and given how the two sides respectively fared in their ludicrous quarter-finals, it should be a sizzler. So, can Arsenal overturn Atleti? Depends which Arsenal turn up (or dont, as the case may be). Embed from Getty Images One of Torinos matchday stewards has had to have his spleen removed after being hit by the ball during last Sundays 1-0 win over Inter Milan. Marco Rapisarda was duly admitted to the Martini hospital in Turin, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove the ruptured organ. As can be seen in the Sport Mediaset coverage, Inter winger Antonio Candreva walloped a 25-yard freekick clear over the crossbar which smacked into the back of the unsuspecting Rapisarda, who was facing away from the pitch. According to Calcio Mercato, the steward managed to finish his shift at the ground before going to hospital the following day. After being checked over and closely monitored, doctors found out that his spleen had been damaged by the ball and decided to remove it through surgery. Apparently, a delegation from Torino have been to visit Rapisarda in hospital, where he continues to rest and recuperate. Members of the Reject Serzh movement got in a tent today in the middle of Yerevans Mashtots Avenue and cops immediately pulled them out, escorting them to the sidewalk. The five activists returned to the middle of the intersection, only to be hauled away again by police. This time, they were escorted to a local police station. The activists were held for thirty minutes and then released. Returning to Mashtots Avenue, some activists sat in the middle of Mashtots, blocking the major downtown Yerevan artery for several minutes before police hauled them away. Meanwhile, other Reject Serzh movement members passed out flyers to passersby about the April 13 rally in Liberty Square to oppose the election of Serzh Sargsyan as Armenias next prime minister. Rally to Oppose Serzh Sargsyan's Election as Prime Minister Scheduled for This Evening The Im Kayl (My Step) marchers arrived in Yerevan today after touring the countryside for the past two weeks to mobilize popular support opposing the election of Serzh Sargsyan as Armenias next prime minister. At Yerevans Northern Bus Station, the marchers were joined by Reject Serzh movement members, striking university students and unaffiliated activists. Yelk Alliance head Nikol Pashinyan, who participated in the march, called on citizens to attend a rally scheduled for this evening at Yerevans Liberty Square. Armenias National Assembly will elect the next prime minister on April 17. The only candidate is former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. Cindy Axne Over the past few months, my colleagues and I in Congress have engaged in discussions about investments we can make at the federal level to support our local economies, create... Julian B. Garrett Iowa Economy Steady Iowas economy remained basically steady in August with the unemployment rate remaining at 4.1% according to Iowa Workforce Development. However, the labor participation rate declined slightly from... Charles Grassley U.S. Senator The debt limit is the amount of money the U.S. Treasury is authorized to borrow to meet spending obligations. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse... As protests continue to erupt in the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and across the world in outrage against the horrific shooting of Jacob Bla Read more The first shop of possibly four retail recreational marijuana shops opened in Dinosaur, Colorado - about 3 miles from the Utah-Colorado state line. Rocky Mountain Cannabis, a retail shop for anyone 21 years or older, is the first of what could be four shops in the town of about 350 people, said Dinosaur Mayor Richard Blakley. The number one reason people visit Dinosaur, according to Blakley, is the Dinosaur National Monument. "The office of tourism records it, we get about 300,000 at the National Monument each year," Blakley said. If you ask some locals, like Sam Stevens, he said people visit Dinosaur for other reasons. "We see an influx of Utah people for the liquor store, the lottery and of course the pot shop," Stevens said. It's been about two weeks since Rocky Mountain Cannabis moved into the log cabin located at 420 Brontosaurus Blvd. When KSL TV reporter Nicole Vowell was there covering the story, she saw two people with Utah license plates leaving the RMC parking lot. "It's free will, they can come here if they choose," Blakley said. However, law enforcement agencies like Utah Highway Patrol and the Uintah Basin Narcotics Strike Force have "concerns" about the store being so close to the Utah border. "Once it crosses that border, it's illegal. Not only is this a concern with possession of marijuana, but if they're consuming marijuana and then crossing over into our Utah roadways that's DUI, that's another issue we are dealing with," said Mike Gledhill, with the UBNSF. Over the last four years, Gledhill said he's seen double the numbers of marijuana traffic busts coming from Colorado. He said with a dispensary so close to the border now - patrols and interdiction will increase. "It's a law enforcement problem they will figure it out," Stevens said. Rocky Mountain Cannabis declined to comment for this story. A little boy from thousands of miles away is getting a life-changing surgery on Long Island. The hospital staff calls him their wonder patient, due to his similarities to the character, Auggie, in the book and movie "Wonder." Rokas Zalaga is just five years old and has Goldenhar syndrome, a very rare disease. His family is from Lithuania, and he was brought to Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park for a pro-bono surgery by Dr. James Bradley. "He's missing his right ear. He's missing his right jaw," Bradley told CBS2's Cindy Hsu. "Rokas had trouble breathing. He had trouble eating and speaking. He had trouble hearing. From the surgery, now he can breathe." Zalaga has undergone six surgeries, starting when he was just three months old. "The surgery came out successful, so that's what makes us really happy. And because Rokas began to sleep good now," his mother, Ruta Zalage, said. Zalaga told Hsu he was feeling well and he liked his doctors and nurses. Just like Auggie in the movie, his parents said he just wants to be a normal kid. "He likes to play, he likes a lot of cartoon characters, he likes LEGOs, games," his father, Vytenis Zalaga, said. "He's very sweet, he's very kind to his sister, he likes to share." He also really loves Spider-Man. So the hospital arraigned for a big surprise, making the little boy's dream come true. Zalaga returns home to Lithuania on Friday, but he will be coming back to Cohen in about six months for more surgery. Doctors say he will likely be finished with his reconstructive facial surgeries by the time he's a teenager. The local community and first responders are mourning the death of Whitesboro Police Officer Kevin Crossley, on the 11-year anniversary of another local officers death. Officer Crossley, 34, was killed in an accident while on duty in the village of Whitesboro on Wednesday night. Crossley was a seven-year member of the Whitesboro Police Department, and he also worked part-time with the Whitestown Police Department. As Crossleys body was taken to the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office in Syracuse Wednesday night, a police escort was met by dozens of police officers and other first responders from all over the region. Patrol cars lined the route with their lights on as officers stood at attention on the sidewalk outside Upstate Medical University. And on Thursday afternoon, Officer Crossleys escort home was welcomed by dozens of officers, patrol cars and several ambulances outside of Dimbleby Funeral Homes in Whitesboro, which will be handling Crossleys funeral arrangements. Officers were also seen along the Thruway overpasses en route to Whitesboro as Officer Crossley was brought home. No stranger to dealing with the death of a local law enforcement officer, Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol joined NEWSChannel 2 in studio Thursday evening to shed some light on the aftermath of a local law enforcement officers death. Thursday marks 11 years since Utica Police Officer Thomas Lindsey was shot and killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop in Utica. Other law enforcement deaths in recent years include Oneida County Sheriffs Deputy Kurt Wyman, who was shot and killed in the line of duty following a standoff in 2011, and New Hartford Police Officer Joseph Corr, who was shot and killed during a suspect pursuit in 2006. No matter how large a department is small, big you still have to figure out how you can continue to police the community that youre charged with policing, Sheriff Maciol said. Obviously youre dealing with the investigation, youre dealing with the family and friends who are in mourning, youre dealing with the police officers in that agency that obviously have lost someone very, very close to them. Thats very difficult, and then on top of that the calls for service continue to come in, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so I think its all about that thin blue line. Maciol says that on Thursday he spent some time with officers he hadnt seen in years. Its unfortunate that these circumstances bring us together, but when these tragic things happen, we do come together, stronger than anything else thats out there, Maciol said. Maciol says law enforcement officers will come from across the nation for Officer Crossleys funeral, which has not yet been set. I never thought in my wildest dreams that Id be dealing with so many officers deaths, Maciol said. In the line of duty deaths; just very, very tragic. A Camden man is facing drug charges following an investigation into the sale and distribution of narcotics, according to the Oneida County Sheriffs Office. Around 9 a.m. Friday, members of the Sheriffs Offices Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at 29 Second St. in Camden. Deputies say a quantity of marijuana and methamphetamine were found during the search. Ronald Forbes, 28, is charged with misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and the violation of unlawful possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket and hes due back in Camden court at a later date. Deputies say more charges are pending as the investigation continues. The Rome Police Departments Special Investigations Unit, the Madison County Sheriffs Office and the Oneida County Sheriffs Offices Road Patrol also assisted in the investigation. UTICA The Greater Utica division of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has appointed a new executive director. Rome native Tony Ceresoli will be returning to the Mohawk Valley to take over the position of executive director next month. Ceresoli has served with the YMCA for 28 years, and most recently he serves as the executive director of the Northwest YMCA, YMCA of Southern Arizona. Being involved with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has been a lifelong dream of mine, Ceresoli said in a news release. Im excited to be part of the Utica team and come back to the Mohawk Valley. I understand not only the incredible impact the Association has on this community, but also the outstanding support this community provides to its lifesaving work. I look forward to many great things to come. Ceresoli will officially begin the new position on May 7. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Senate candidate Todd Rokita likely violated ethics laws as Indiana's secretary of state by repeatedly accessing a Republican donor database from his government office, prompting party officials to lock him out of the system until he angrily complained, three former GOP officials told The Associated Press. Rokita, currently a congressman, is in a bitter primary fight for the right to challenge Joe Donnelly, who is considered one of the Senate's most vulnerable Democrats. The alleged ethics flap over Rokita's use of the Indiana Republican Party's Salesforce database during work hours occurred in 2009, as he was wrapping up a second term as the state's chief elections official and angling for higher office. Indiana law prohibits state employees from engaging in political activity while on duty or acting in an official capacity. It also prohibits work on anything outside official duties while on the clock, or ordering others to do so, and from using state resources for political purposes. The former officials, who have direct knowledge of the situation, spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk about it publicly. They did not report Rokita's activity to authorities at the time. Rokita's campaign spokesman Nathan Brand said Thursday that Rokita used the database to keep his personal rolodex, which Brand said was allowed under state ethics guidance the office received. However, Rokita's campaign could not produce documents outlining the guidance, and the office of current Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson said it could not locate any such records. "This is a baseless and unsubstantiated hit job. There has been no evidence of wrongdoing provided beside the word of anonymous sources with ties to political opponents," Brand said. State party officials were alarmed when they discovered that a computer in Rokita's Statehouse office frequently logged in to the database containing detailed campaign information on activists and donors. They froze his access to the system but restored it after Rokita complained. His government use of the database violated the party's user agreement, which is intended to prevent officeholders from violating state ethics law, one of the officials said. The secretary of state's office later asked for a list of GOP county chairmen and their contact info, according to the officials and emails obtained by the AP. But after Rokita's office was denied a copy, an IP address tied to his government office again accessed the database, according to an email exchange between a state party official and a county party chairman. Soon thereafter, county party chairmen began receiving mailers from the secretary of state's office promoting Rokita's "Rethinking Redistricting" initiative, the emails state. Rokita's redistricting plan, which he championed while running for Congress in 2010, would have made it a felony for lawmakers to take into account political considerations during the once-in-a-decade redrawing of legislative and congressional districts. As secretary of state, his office had no authority to enact the plan, which would have required approval from the Legislature and governor. He did, however, receive considerable recognition for the initiative, which boosted his public profile. Indiana law allows for minor "de minimis" crossover between public and political business. But David Orentlicher, a University of Nevada Las Vegas law school professor who specializes in government ethics issues, said Rokita's actions were "clearly a 'no-no.'" "Using your government staff (for political business) during their work day, while they are using government resources? This is well across the line and not a hard call," said Orentlicher, who was formerly a Democratic state representative in Indiana and also taught at Indiana University law school. It's not the first time Rokita has drawn scrutiny for mixing official business with politics. The AP previously reported that congressional staffers often felt obligated to do political work to help their boss' campaigns. And a February analysis of state and congressional spending records revealed Rokita has spent more than $3 million in public money on ad campaigns that often coincide with his bids for office. Democratic elections attorney Bill Groth said he believes that Rokita or his employees were "engaging in unlawful political activity, the unlawful use of state property, and ghost employment." "Indiana law strictly requires elected state officials to wall off their public duties from political activities," Groth said. Though prosecutions are rare, penalties for breaking state ethics laws range from a monetary fine, firing or impeachment, on up to a felony offense. In any event, charges can no longer be brought because Indiana's statute of limitations requires they be filed within two years for a misdemeanor, and five years for a felony. Former Indiana schools Superintendent Tony Bennett's use of the Republican database also attracted scrutiny. He was forced to resign as Florida's schools chief in 2013 after a series of AP investigative stories revealed, among other things, that his staffers had similarly accessed the GOP database during working hours and downloaded lists of prominent Republican donors. The AP's investigation revealed Bennett and his staff had been doing political work on state time during his losing campaign against former Democratic Indiana schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz. W&M grad students aid Virginia's battle against flooding The team From left: Taylor Goelz, Lauren Pudvah and Peter Quinn-Jacobs. Bobbie Moore, Virginia Sea Grant Norfolk Naval Station This is what it looked like during Hurricane Isabel. The military presence here is just one reason combating flooding in Hampton Roads is important. Escaping the raging water A jet takes off from Langley Air Force Base as flood waters rise. Photo - of - Hide Caption With the exception of New Orleans, no region in the United States faces as much impending doom from sea-level rise as Hampton Roads, Virginia. Three William & Mary graduate students in public policy have completed a research project they hope will offer the region a blueprint for protecting their citizens as well as saving them money. Commissioned by Virginia Sea Grant and Wetlands Watch, a Norfolk-based non-profit focused on coastal resiliency, Taylor Goelz, Lauren Pudvah and Peter Quinn-Jacobs prepared reports on 16 communities, from Barnstable, Massachusetts, to Miles City, Montana. They wanted to know how those communities worked at producing their Community Rating System, which also applies to areas affected by flooding from rivers and other sources. {{youtube:medium|8FMpSzTWk4U}} Instituted by the National Flood Insurance Program, CRS incentivizes localities to undertake resilience measures by offering their residents escalating discounts on government-purchased flood insurance based on the amount of local action. Heres how it works: A CRS task force developed a list of community-based floodplain management activities that could be observed and measured. Points were assigned to each activity component. Based on the total score, a community receives a CRS classification. There are 10 classes: Class one requires the most points and gives the largest premium reduction, up to 45 percent. Residents who buy flood insurance through the government in St. Petersburg, Florida, for example, save about $10 million annually, said Quinn-Jacobs, who also attends William & Mary Law School. In Virginia, residents who buy government flood insurance policies in Fairfax County, the city of Falls Church, Alexandria and Gloucester County receive a 20-percent policy discount. Norfolk is one of 14 Virginia localities whose residents receive 10-percent discounts. The Hampton Roads region is in a unique position where they have to address sea-level rise, and they have to do it now, Pudvah said. The three divided the 16 communities, which Goelz said were chosen because they were doing something interesting for Virginia to look at when contemplating the future and how they want to see their community ratings system program. They presented their findings to Virginia Sea Grant and Wetlands Watch. One problem we found is that there isnt a lot of connection between programs sometimes, said Goelz, a dual-degree masters student at W&Ms Virginia Institute of Marine Science. You dont know the cool things your neighbors are doing that might be really applicable to you. For example, Ocean City, Maryland, instituted a transfer rights program that saved beach dune areas by creating a new zoning ordinance that allowed citizens to buy property technically in the dunes, but those rights transferred to an area in downtown. The city didnt put any money in, but they were able to protect those very valuable beach dunes and open up a lot of open space, Goelz said. Barnstable County in Massachusetts hired a fulltime CRS coordinator who runs all of the towns CRS paperwork and program implementation. Its really helpful because its taken that burden off the localities, Pudvah said. They dont have a lot of time or resources to put into the program. Quinn-Jacobs pointed to the abundance of public information offered by Miles City, Montana. It was the best one I encountered, he said. Its a great place to look to find out how to get [CRS] points. All three were impressed by how many people were very interested in telling us their stories, Quinn-Jacobs said. There was a really cool environment within the program of people wanting to help other people, Pudvah added. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter Increased interest in self-storage facilities, data centers, student accommodation, education and aged care as investors chase yield Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. Real Estate Listings Showcase According to global property consultant JLL, commercial property investors are increasingly turning to alternative real estate sectors to take advantage of their attractive yields and long-term growth prospects in Asia Pacific."Globally, Asia Pacific's alternative real estate market is still relatively immature compared to Europe and the U.S. but interest is growing as investors continue to seek out new sectors to diversify assets and enhance returns," says Rohit Hemnani, COO and Head of Alternatives, Capital Markets, JLL Asia Pacific. "The way alternatives are structured presents a long-term operating lease, which provides a stable income stream and decreases market volatility."According to JLL, estimated yields on alternatives such as data centres can range from 6 to 7 per cent in Tokyo and Singapore, and 4 to 6 per cent for Sydney. By contrast, those for core assets such as office buildings can generate around 4.5 to 5 per cent in Tokyo and 2.5 to 3.5 per cent in Sydney, while shopping malls can command approximately 4.5 to 5.5 per cent in Tokyo and around 2.5 to 4 per cent in Sydney.Hemnani further commented, "The top global buyers of alternatives are REITs, equity funds, investment managers, real estate operating companies and developers. In 2016 alone, these five groups of investors put over US$43 billion into the sector. In Asia Pacific, we're seeing a similar trend of developers and private equity allocating more capital to alternatives. REITs are especially active in countries like Japan for aged care."The JLL report explains that the outlook for alternatives in Asia Pacific is positive and will continue to gain momentum due to broad demographic shifts such as urbanization, an aging population, as well as the region's rising household wealth and increasing use of technology.Asset classes like education and self-storage facilities will stand to benefit from the growth of the urban population in Asia Pacific, which will account for over 400 million people by 2027. Rapid adoption of smart phones, cloud computing and the Internet of Things will drive a surge in demand for data centers, bolstered by an additional 560 million Internet users over the next decade in the region.Meanwhile, the region's aging population will rise by an additional 146 million people within the next 10 years, contributing to the expansion of senior housing and nursing homes.Despite these strong demand drivers, there remain a number of barriers to entry. Typically, aged care and data centers are highly regulated by governments so managing them in accordance with local laws can be demanding. In Asia Pacific, the various alternative sectors sit across different levels of maturity, so understanding market fundamentals and operational capabilities can also pose as a challenge. However, it is evident that significant opportunities exist.Hemnani explains, "With urbanization rapidly growing across the region, international schools in Asia Pacific are forecast to multiply by three to four times to meet a target of 10 million students over the next 15 years. This will boost the education and student accommodation sectors that are well-positioned to grow in Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India and Southeast Asia.""Similarly, the rise in the aging population means that the senior housing market will fare well, particularly in Japan and Mainland China, as these markets provide enormous potential for growth."Denis Ma, Head of Research at JLL said, "In Hong Kong, record high prices and ultra-low property yields are driving an increasing number of investors to take a closer look at alternatives in the local real estate market. These include student housing, senior housing, co-living, education, self-storage, car parks and data centres. For investors, alternatives can often generate rental yields 100-2,000 basis points higher than more traditional real estate assets." A mother was arrested after her son was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl. 23-year-old Tyler Robbins of New Hampshire was accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. His mother was arrested after police learned from a conversation between the mother and son that she had knowledge of the crime but she did not report it, according to Chief of Police Mark T. Chase. Robbins was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual assault on the girl. His mother, Angela Heino, 40, of Claremont, was arrested two days later. She was charged with failing to report the sexual assault. Heino was also charged with endangering the welfare of a minor for allegedly providing or allowing the child to consume alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Heino was freed after posting $3,000 bail. Robbins was released on $10,000 bail. He was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim, her family, or unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 16. Plans lodged to convert top floors of large King Street building into 50+ flats This article is old - Published: Friday, Apr 13th, 2018 The first and second floors above a row of shops at the entrance to Wrexham town centre could soon be converted into more than 50 flats. In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it has been proposed that the two floors of 16-30 King Street / Centenary Buildings are converted into accommodation. Currently the first and second floors of the building are largely unused, with the ground floor featuring a mixture of occupied and vacant units. However if planning approval is granted, the first and second floors will be converted into 52 flats. Of the flats 33 would be one bedroom and the remaining 19 would consist of two bedrooms. The documents give a general overview of he historic development and context, starting by telling the story of the town oddly from the Roman period, although it is not clear if chariots were parked on King St. Details provided within the applications supporting describe the building as a negative feature in the area, with the proposals aiming to create a more positive contribution to the streetscape. As part of the application a dedicated entrance foyer to the flats would be created, along external modifications to the cladding. The current 20 parking spaces at the rear of the property would also remain. It is also noted that refurbishment of the shops on the ground level will take place, with a concerted effort to establish 100 per cent occupancy. The supporting documents add: The prospect of providing residential use is welcoming to the town centre periphery where retail and commercial activities are struggling in terms of economic uncertainty in the sectors concerned. The continuing increase in online transactions and communications is likely to shape retail and commercial areas throughout the country. There are proposals (picture above) to implement some tree line softening to the east side street and the west perimeters, with trees later referenced as breaking up the space between the bus station and the building. The space in question was subject to a 1.5m regeneration back in 2013 (pictures and info from back then are here). They continue onto say: The Centenary Building is considered a negative feature in the area, with its stark uncompromising slab block flat roofed form and totally uniform and uninspiring curtain walling providing an extremely large bland and lifeless street facade impacting on its surroundings. Its rearward west elevation is even less appealing, very much a back yard with the emphasis on it doesnt matter approach. Ultimately it is seen from Grosvenor Road and presents a very poor backdrop to any street view and the environmental setting. There is stark contrast in terms of expected life of materials, detail and interest. However in a very significant way the present situation does represent a major opportunity to remodel and improve and extensive street frontage. This will act as a catalyst for local enhancements and engender local pride. It will provide a complementary and contemporary design to the bus station. An interlude in the length of King Street and for which a departure from usage will present longevity in security of maintenance and visual improvement. The application is one of several proposing accommodation above town centre shops to have been submitted to Wrexham Council in recent months a concept which features heavily in the Wrexham Town Centre Masterplan. A decision on whether the plans can go ahead or not will be made at a later date. On Friday, March 30, influential alternative rapper-producer Brendon Alias Whitney died from a heart attack at age 41. Whitney, born in the Portland, Maine suburb of Hollis, was a founding member of the experimental hip hop/electronic music label known as Anticon. The Anticon (i.e., Anti-Icon) label and the artistic collective with which it is affiliated is best known for the string of underground indie hip hop releases that gained a degree of popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Founded in 1998 in East Oakland, California, the label came to be linked with the subgenre loosely referred to as avant-garde hip hop, which at the height of its influence challenged many of the popular conventions of rap music; preferring abstruse, introspective and free-associative lyrics over the more self-centered and formulaic braggadocio prominent at the time. Alias, Brendon Whitney Whitney was a talented and somewhat distinct producer in the genre. At his best, he could be exciting, musically thoughtful, and captured something of the anger of the period. His earliest performances were punctuated by an introspective approach to lyrics. His beatmaking was haunting and intense, employing down-pitched samples from obscure sources. Later, fusions of keyboards and ambient synthesizers, scattershot drum patterns, low fidelity sampled and live instruments would come to dominate his compositions. Indeed, the genre-bending electronica-rap hybrid hip hop and pop music today owes a debt to the work of artists such as Alias. However, like many others in the experimental hip hop genre, Whitney also struggled with the moods of the period and could lean much too heavily on inward reflection and demoralized themes. The downbeat, melancholy topics he chose to explore as Alias often gave the music a depressing quality. Ive sought the answer and Ive found hate is stronger than love / I love to hate you, I hate to love you, hate always ends up above, raps Whitney on the 1999 song The Scarecrow Speaks. Nonetheless, the driving urge for something more and a disgust with the mundane and empty boasting that had come to characterize much of popular culture and art in the US certainly struck a chord. Artists in Whitneys milieu tried to connect with audiences on a level that acknowledged things were not well. Many of the artists with whom Whitney collaborated were also affected by this general social and musical malaise. Referring in 2014 to rapper Sage Francis (Paul Francis), a frequent collaborator of Whitneys, the WSWS remarked that the music is interesting, sometimes highly evocative and poetic, but uneven ... [Francis] often berates people for their perceived willingness to knuckle under to the authorities that oppress them. This sentiment leads the artist to retreat inward at certain points, focusing on his personal affairs and difficulties with those closest to him. Lillian (2005) Decades of suppressed class struggle, owing in particular to the role of the Democratic Party and the trade unions in the US, left a mark on the social and political consciousness of millions who came of age in the period following the dissolution of the USSR (the end of history, as it was said to be). Though not inclined to overt political messages in his music, Whitneys music criticized the intellectually stunting and divisive role of organized religion (on 1999s Divine Disappointment), as well as the US governments militarism on 2003s Eyes Closed, which includes news clips mentioning the imperialist war drive in Afghanistan and Iraq. Aliass album art for his 2004 EP Unseen Things calls for the impeachment of George W. Bush, among other things. The general stagnation and reaction, in which official society and culture (including hip hop) praised nothing so much as money-making, hedonism and celebrity, affected more sensitive artists such as Whitney, who were essentially cut off from any larger picture or explanation of the difficult and often dispiriting conditions. The rottenness of the cultural left, infected with racial and gender politics and postmodern charlatanry, did not help matters either. The disappearance of the antiwar movement, or its transformation into a pro-war, pro-Obama camp, further added to the confusion. Alias and others often turned inward, focusing on themselves to a disconcerting degree while adopting an ambivalent attitude toward the population more generally. The Other Side of the Looking Glass (2002) Song titles such as the aforementioned Divine Disappointment, Inspirations Passing and Caged In, Wasting Away give one a sense of Whitneys general attitude during this period. With this in mind, one cant help but see Whitneys drift away from vocal-based musicoccurring as opposition to the Bush administrations multiple wars and domestic policies ebbed and enthusiasm for Obama grew in the upper middle class especiallyas something of a retreat, perhaps into the realm of sound and audio engineering and away from explicit lyricism. Similarly, the often purposefully obscure character of many Anticon rappers lyrics, the arbitrary experimentation with formrhyming off-beat, or the avoidance of rhyme structures altogetheralso limited the quality of many works. Be that as it may, Aliass later instrumental work did possess undeniable strengths as he began exploring the fusion of multiple musical genres. On 2005s Lillian (recorded with brother Ehren Whitney, a jazz saxophonist), Whitneys ambient production effortlessly moves between different types of electronic music, fusing traditional hip hop drum work, keyboards and live instruments. The musical structure of this album tends to become increasingly chaotic as each song develops, as Aliass beats take on varied shapes and forms, surrounding Ehrens calming saxophone. Leaving aside some of the more self-consciously affected features of the subgenre, Whitneys contributions are valuable and deserve a hearing. A sampling of recommended songs from Brendon Alias Whitney: Alias Watching Water Alias - Eyes Closed Alias & Ehren Eman Ruosis Iht A secret operation to develop a political formation as an electoral counterweight to Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party has been underway for at least a year. Involving entrepreneurs, philanthropists and benefactors keen to break the Westminster mould, it has already secured 50 million from financial backers, gloated the Observer at the weekend. The project, as it is described, is led by multimillionaire Simon Franks, co-founder of Redbus Film Distribution. A former Labour donor, he acted as business adviser to Ed Miliband (who stood down as Labour leader in 2015). Even then, Franks was reportedly complaining that Labour was not sufficiently oriented to the needs of entrepreneurs. Project One Movement for the UK was incorporated in August 2017 with Companies House, with Franks as its sole director and shareholder. It has consulted political experts around the world in an attempt to create a credible plan for the proposed new movement. The Observer and its sister Guardian newspaper have been proselytising for some time in favour of a new partyone that is avowedly opposed to Britains exit from the European Union and is able to bring together the Labour right, pro-Remain Tories and the rump Europhile Liberal Democrats. The majority of the British establishment, along with the military/security agencies, backed a Remain vote in the 2016 EU referendum. Alarmed at the further diminishing of British capitalism economically, militarily and politically, overturning or mitigating the Leave vote is considered vital amongst these sections. Under conditions in which the Conservative Party is in hock to pro-Brexiters and the Liberal Democrats have been wiped out as an electoral force, Labours right wing has been entrusted with achieving this goal. Having failed to dislodge Corbyn in the 2016 leadership challenge, the focus had been on pressuring him to change Labours official policy to support a second referendum. But while Corbyn has gone a long way to assuage his right wingbacking some form of a customs union with the EUhe has not endorsed a second referendum and he sacked his Northern Ireland spokesman, Owen Smith, for calling for one. In addition to overturning Brexit, the Observer makes clear that this is bound up with trying to silence any criticism of austerity and neo-liberalism. The Observer reports that senior figures from business and charity are understood to be involved, as well as former supporters of the main parties, including a number of former Tory donors. The project intends to borrow ideas from both left and right, combining social liberalism with fiscal conservatism. That is, it will promote divisive identity politicsbased on race, gender and sexual orientationwhile championing wealth creation and tighter immigration controls. Small wonder that former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair and Liberal Democrat ex-deputy prime minister Nick Clegg responded sympathetically to the project. On Tuesday, it was reported that Blairs son, Euan, is on its board. Blair senior had been helpful in recommending potential donors, a source reported. The Observer makes clear that the model is French President Emmanuel Macron and his En Marche. The deserved collapse of the Socialist Party saw Macrona former investment bankerwin power in May 2017 on little more than 30 percent of the vote, amid a 57 percent abstention. Macron is now attempting to push through a major attack on workers jobs and social rights and is leading the European push for war in Syria. The promotion of an organisation whose supporters and financiers are largely anonymous; which does not have a name, constitution, political manifestonot to speak of any followingand modelled on a president with amongst the lowest approval ratings in Europe, is a damning indictment of the anti-democratic and anti-working class character of Britains liberals. The efforts of the Guardian/Observer are focussed on encouraging Labours right to split and join the project. Guardian columnist Andrew Rawnsley claimed that opportunity was knocking for the new party, But will anybody dare open the door? What is so far lacking is a critical mass of MPs prepared to take the large risks involved in making it happen, he complained. Rawnsley acknowledged that Britains first-past-the post, winner-takes-all electoral system presented an obstacle to power. For this reason, the preferred and simpler method of gaining power has been to take over one of the old parties and change it from within, he continued, noting the example of Blair and New Labour. This was increasingly unlikely, as Corbyns supporters now controlled all Labours key positions, he opined. But Labours right-wing could count on significant financial backing for a breakaway, Rawnsley suggested. Money was no object, as There is an affluent constituency, who are both appalled by the May government and horrified by the thought of a Corbyn premiership, who are waiting to get out their cheque books. The difficulty, he mused, was that this might backfire if the party was seen to have support only from business people with deep pockets. Equally, however, if the new party continued to make an association with Labour, this would cramp the scope to attract defectors from the Tory party and support from voters who do not naturally identify with Labour. Another major problem is finding anyone with credibility to lead this rotten project. Among Labours Blairites, former Foreign Secretary David Miliband is regarded as the king over the water. News of the project was preceded by an op-ed from Miliband in the New Statesman in which, following his mentor, he called for a second referendum on the grounds of national security. But this is a man whose support for the Iraq war saw him humiliatingly defeated by his outsider younger brother, Ed, in the 2010 Labour leadership contest, since when he took up residency in New York, at the International Rescue Committeea charitable front for US/UK neo-colonial ventures. Such difficulties have led some in New Labours number to urge caution. Lord Adonis, who was among those who broke from Labour to form the Social Democratic Party in 1981, warned that Labour is the only means to defeat Brexit. The SDP had failed he said, and we cant fail this time, the stakes for the country are too high. As part of a liberal alliance, the SDP gained just 23 seats in the 1983 election and had dissolved by 1988. But it succeeded in its essential political objectives: first, in helping the Labour and trade union bureaucracy to suppress a militant movement of the working class in the early 1980s and, on this basis, preparing the way for Blair and the reactionary monstrosity of New Labour. The right wing has made no secret of their hostility to a Corbyn-led Labour government. Only last month, Blair made an open pitch to Remain-supporting Tories that the only way to prevent such a possibility was to join with the Labour right in vetoing Brexit. That Corbyn has not taken a single measure against Blair and his right-wing saboteurs is an indictment of his claim to have returned Labour to working people. Rather, emboldened by Corbyns pathetic reliance on a fake party unity, there is no end to the rights scheming. Guardian commentator Peter Kellner suggested another way for the right wing to improve the odds. If those Labour MPs opposed to Corbyna sizeable majorityswitched to a new party, it could overtake the pro-Corbyn rump at Westminster, he opined. It would then become the official opposition, able to command time on television and radio, while Corbyns Labour would be reduced to a third party in Parliament, meaning that broadcasters would not have to include them on news and current affairs programmes. The same advice is proffered by James Forsyth in the Tory rights Spectator magazine. Labour moderates should declare that their party has been taken over by a hard-left fringe antithetical to its real traditions, he wrote. This would be akin to a declaration of independence by the Parliamentary Labour Party, which would step into the shoes of the old one as the official opposition. The problem remained that few of those taking such a step have a sufficiently large personal following to win in any subsequent election, he stated, while talk of defending Labours real traditions would make it harder to attract converts from other parties. An audience composed largely of Flint residents gave a warm reception to a showing March 29 of Nor Any Drop to Drink, a new documentary on the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan.The film covers a broader timeline than other productions on the water crisis, spanning the period from the lead-up to the decision by the state to sever the city from its longstanding water source to the present. It has been more than four years since the disastrous decision to begin drawing water from the polluted Flint River. Central Michigan University sociology professor Cedrick Taylor was moved to create the film by his concern and anger over the crime perpetrated on the 100,000 residents of Flint. His documentary gives voice to residents who continue to suffer health issues, have been deprived of the basic necessity of safe water, and are fearful that the agencies that have repeatedly lied to them are now washing their hands of any responsibility for the catastrophe. The film includes an interview with Nakiya Wakes, who miscarried twin babies in 2015 because of the lead-laced water she was drinking. She expresses the feelings of most residents when she says she will likely never again trust or drink tap water, even outside of Flint. Taylors documentary is being released in the wake of other recent productions about Flint, including Lifetime Televisions tepid Flint and Jeff Daniels play, also called Flint. Taylors film attempts to present the views and the plight of the working class citizens of the city. Nor Any Drop to Drink shows the unthinkable lengths to which people must go to cope with the situation where they cant trust the waterperforming basic daily hygiene, like bathing and brushing teeth, with bottled water. These scenes are painful to watch because the process is so tedious. Streaming giant Netflix recently released a filthy eight-part series, Flint Town, which warrants special mention as a pro-police, pro-establishment propaganda piece. The water crisis is merely a backdrop for the reality TV series, in which embedded camera crews follow police on their patrols and in their briefing sessions and home lives. The production turns the narrative upside down, making the victims the criminals. In contrast, in Nor Any Drop to Drink, Flint educators speak eloquently about the damage done to children by the water crisis. When the water was finally tested at school facilities, extremely high levels of lead were revealed, forcing drastic changes in lunch services in addition to the shutoff of all water fountains. Of course, the children were emotionally scarred, as it is impossible to shield them from the news that they have been poisoned with a neurological toxin. The film falls down in its approach to politics. While Taylor presents a generally left-leaning view that is sympathetic to the residents, he is uncritical of the Democratic Party. A segment shows Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump campaigning at a local church in 2016, where he is interrupted by the pastor and told to stop discussing politics. Yet nothing is said about the Democrats attempt to politically exploit the water crisis by choosing Flint as the site of the first candidate debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Obamas infamous visit to Flint in May of 2016, where he told residents to stop their complaining and drink the water, is not mentioned in Nor Any Drop to Drink. Filmmaker Michael Moores 2016 photo-op visit is given uncritical prominence. Hearing Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee speak about Flint in the film, an uninformed viewer could be forgiven for thinking that he was a fighter for the working class and quasi-socialist. Democratic Mayor Karen Weaver, who, due to her handling of the water crisis, has become so unpopular that she was the subject of a recall ballot last November, is given a pass. Along with many other Flint residents, Nor Any Drop to Drink includes interviews with LeeAnne Walters, the Flint mother who fought to expose the lies by state officials that the water was safe and who contacted and subsequently worked with Virginia Techs Dr. Marc Edwards to carry out an extensive sampling of the water. Edwards is also interviewed. The film touches on the dispute over showering and other toxins that may be in the water. Edwards denounces as unscientific the sampling methods employed by a group called Water Defense, which began working in Flint after the water crisis made the national news. Taylors film was well received by the audience and the discussion after the film was revealing. While most agreed that the film deserved a wider viewing, several residents expressed concern that the unity that was manifested among the people of Flint in the early period of the fight to expose the lies of the state was threatened. The tension became palpable in the room when the question of local politics was raised. There was also a justifiable sense that now that the city was not in headlines, the establishment was preparing to walk away from any responsibility to address the disaster it had inflicted on the population. The water crisis in Flint is only one result of the disastrous policies that have been carried out by both capitalist parties over decades. The most basic elements of social infrastructure, including water systems, have been neglected and targeted for profit-making, as the corporate oligarchy deepens its plunder of society to add to its already staggering levels of wealth. The dissatisfaction was palpable at the protest strike on Wednesday in Darmstadt. Along with thousands of day care workers, nurses, garbage workers and social workers, thousands of Deutsche Telekom workers also demonstrated. The public service union Verdi is using this weeks actions to let off steam. If possible, a deal will be signed at the weekend, at the third round of negotiations. As far as workers are concerned, the previous wage offer by the public sector employers is a provocationit only provides a 3.3 percent increase for two years and no basic allowance for low paid workersand many are calling for a real change. In many areas of the public sector, workers face unbearable conditions and slave wages. Strikers took WSWS flyers with interest to read about the railway workers strikes in France and the teachers strike in the United States. You dont hear anything about this at all. Its right that theyre fighting back! said young nurses from Odenwald. We hope that something will finally change here. It cannot go on as things are right now. Apprentices and young workers were well represented. A group of them had brought along their own banner saying, Provide money for refugee assistance, hospitals, education and social work! Again and again, participants expressed concern and anger over the rightward turn in politics and the years of sell-outs by the unions. For example, many educators and day-care workers had already participated in the strike three years ago. I really hope it wont be like it was three years ago, said Katharina, a teacher from Darmstadt. We were all on strike then, but our strike was strangled. What came out of it? A few euros moreand they were quickly gone. We did not like it at all. Joshua, who works in the care sector in southern Hesse, said, The government currently spends a lot of money on armaments. And they tell us, we have no money for social spending, for kindergartens, etc. Thats a lie: the money is there, you just have to redistribute it. Also, how they deal with refugees, that they dont even let them into Europe, thats a scandal, that shouldnt exist. He had come as part of a group from the Odenwaldkreis health centre in Erbach. With us, for example, the medical and laboratory staff and the occupational therapists in training get no money at all, said Joshua. They have to pay for everything out of their own pockets. For some who dont have rich parents, its pretty tough. His colleagues added that, especially in the care sector, many workers are completely underpaid. The additional 8,000 care workers promised by the grand coalition would be absolutely inadequate. Were fighting for something completely different, says a young colleague. Niklas reported: At the moment its very bad for the patients. There is such a rush, that mistakes could happen; that is completely nonsensical. Niklas says he came to Darmstadt because he hopes that things will finally change, not just for us, but generally for the care sector. Entire contingents of workers were also present from the municipal utilities, garbage collection and administrative offices. Anyone who spoke to the strikers could feel the enormous dissatisfaction with their conditions, which goes far beyond Verdis immediate pay claim. Marcel and Claudia belong to the Kita (day care) staff of the city of Darmstadt. They do not assume that the pay claims will be achieved on a one-to-one basis. It would really be time to evaluate our profession! said Claudia. Parents entrust their loved ones to us, their children. We work with living beings, we lay the foundation for the whole life of children. Marcel said, Before a state upgrades its military and puts 70 billion in its armed Forces, they should put 70 billion into childrens education. Its the children who determine our future. Anton, 50, a garbage worker from Russelsheim, declared categorically, We will not accept the current offer. He had come to Darmstadt from Russelsheim on one of ten buses, all from the public sector. Our conditions are getting worse. Things keep going down, Anton reported. If youre new to it, you have to start with worse conditions. They play us off against each other. Thats not okaybut where can you find another job at the age of 55? Manuela, who works in youth and vocational support in Darmstadt, addressed the issue of old-age poverty: Often its women who work in the care sector and in education. And when they retire, they fall completely into old-age poverty. Many have worked for a lifetime, and as retirees they depend on the food banks. She did not want to talk about politics at all: My anger is too great. Where should I start? Above all, she came to the protest out of solidarity: The gulf between rich and poor is now becoming enormous. Even the middle class is fighting. If you compare it to what the public sector used to be, you can see how much it was gone down. Several older employees of Deutsche Telekom from Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland, who went on strike for two days, saw the collective bargaining round rather sceptically. Whether the protest warning strike is a success is yet to be decided, said Frank, a 40-year-old telecoms worker. Udo , who works at Deutsche Telekom, said he expects a reasonable 4 percent rise for 12 months. Anything below that would be unbearable for us. It cannot be, he continued, that the profits that this group make on the backs of its employees only benefit the executive board. Udo listened with great interest about the strikes in France, Britain and the US. It was right to organize against global corporations worldwide, he commented. Telekom is now a global carrier, so we need to unite not only nationally, but internationally as well, and work together with colleagues in the United States and around the world, wherever workers are oppressed. Udo fully expected that Verdi would not come up with what the colleagues have demanded. It would not be the first time, he said. Then, many could resign. He saw a connection with the dividing up of Telekom into many individual areas, saying, The structure of Telekom has changed completely, the old structures have been smashed up. Staff had been systematically shed: When there are bottlenecks, its just like in the auto industry, as at Opel-Peugeot, outside labour is also hired at Telekom, who work on worse terms. Another Telekom employee explained that they should get out the pitchforks and march to Berlin. Thats where the corrupt and anti-social politicians are in power, who are lining their own pockets. Oklahoma teachers voiced their anger and determination to continue their more than a week-and-a-half long strike following a back-to-work order announced by Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) President Alicia Priest Thursday afternoon. Teachers have been on strike since the beginning of April, demanding a $10,000 pay increase and the restoration of a decade of funding cuts. Educators have been using social media to organize protests and walkouts in defiance of the unions, which have sought to head off the insurgent movement at every opportunity by cutting backroom deals with Republican Governor Mary Fallin and the Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature. In signs of opposition to the unions efforts to wind down the strike, students and teachers at Moore Public Schools walked out Thursday after being called back to work. Schools in Oklahoma City are scheduled to reopen on Monday, and Tulsa schools are set be back in session on Tuesday. Smaller school districts across the state have already returned to regularly scheduled classes. In response to the fraudulent claim by Priest that 70 percent of teachers want to end the walkout, teachers posted on social media insisting that this was not true. As an OEA member, I didnt get a poll, said Gabrielle. I got a survey from the NEA how the OEA is representing us. I was never asked in the last 24 hours whether or not the walkout should continue. And that really upsets me So I wont be at school Monday or on Tuesday. Ill be at the Capitol because the fight is not up. Jenna, a school counsellor, wrote, A group of teachers caught OEA President Alicia Priest outside of the OEA offices Wednesday, April 11. Many people in this group had heard news sources that stated OEA was pulling out of the walkout. We wanted clarification on the handout provided that day by OEA. She added, Priest said OEA planned to be at the Capitol tomorrow, and the next day, and we have permits into next week. I am sad because at least in the Capitol they may not have been honest, but they werent blatantly lying. Alicia Priest is not my president. The OEA didnt ask the teachers before they announced the strike was over, an Oklahoma City teacher protesting at the Capitol Thursday afternoon told the World Socialist Web Site. These union officials havent spent time in our kindergarten classrooms. We dont feel anything has been resolved. Its more than a pay raise, its about resources for the schools. We spend money out of our pockets for supplies. The OEA came out with an announcement that they won 95 percent of our demands. Where did they get that number from? Even some of the state legislators said the OEA was ready to walk out of the state capitol before the teachers walked in. I do feel the unions are trying to shut down a growing nationwide movement of teachers who are rising up to fight. They dont want that. They want labor peace, but meanwhile the rich keep getting more, and we dont get anything. Its not satisfactory and it isnt over, a school aide from the Oklahoma City Public Schools told the WSWS. This has just begun. The teacher solidarity and the support from the parents is not going to go away even if the OEA tries to call this off. This movement was not started by the unions; it was started by the starving. If my husband wasnt working, there would be no way I could live on what I get paid. The $1,250 raise isnt going to change that. I know aides making $1,000 a month. There are 30-40 kids in a classroom. I work in a Title I school, and the kids come to class after sleeping one day at an aunts house, the next day at a cousins. Many are homeless and hungry. You cant listen in class and do well if your stomach is growling. Then there are these people making billions off the backs of workers. You have billionaires like [Education Secretary] Betsy DeVos saying the teachers are hurting the children by striking. But the teachers are doing this for the children. Numerous teachers turned to Facebook to declare their intention to cancel their union membership in response to the sellout. Cancel your OEA memberships so they hear you loudly, said Chris. Another teacher, Deanna, agreed, saying, YES! I say everyone walks over to their office and pulls their membership. No one cares what the OEA says, noted Britni in response to the OEA declaration that the walkouts are over. Show them what a wildcat strike is, wrote Wendy. Writing to the admin of the Oklahoma Teacher Walkout The Time is Now Facebook page, one teacher said, Im sure your heart was in the right place, but I warned about the union and getting close to them and posted messages you wouldn't approve. I begged people not to trust the OEA... for those reasons I can't support your efforts any more. I mean the freaking OEA is taking credit for the funding the legislature passed. Are you kidding? I can only get on board if you denounce the OEA and [Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction] Joy Hofmeister. Sherri, and other teachers, agreed with his assessment, I voiced my concerns about letting OEA hitch to our wagon from the beginning but was harassed by OEA diehards. One teacher, Andrew, noted the close connections between the OEA and Governor Marry Fallin. Priest was appointed to the National Education Board of Directors by Fallin and served on the Oklahoma Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Commission. Priest makes about $93,000 per year while most Oklahoma teachers survive on a poverty wage. Educators from other states also weighed in on social media to express solidarity with the teachers in Oklahoma. Callista, a teacher in Arizona, spoke out in support of the Oklahoma teachers and denounced the OEA, Arizona stands in solidarity with you Oklahoma! Don't fold! We are up next! Shame on you OEA! Dustin, a West Virginia teacher relayed the role of the unions in shutting down their strike in February. This happened to us in West Virginia as well! All three of our unions said that the strike was over. The entire state said that it wasnt! Just know that we did it and you will too! You have our support! The German federal government would politically support a possible attack on Syria, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) made clear in recent days. At a press conference Thursday with visiting Danish Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen in Berlin, Merkel said: It is right to show a common line here without Germany participating militarily. Should the permanent members of the UN Security Council however take steps that go beyond diplomatic measures, the federal government would act supportively. It is about the very concrete question of making clear that the Assad regime and its allies understand that chemical weapons cannot be used, Merkel continued. This must be done with all due care but just doing nothing would also be difficult. The German government supports, everything that is done to signal that this use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. The Social Democratic Foreign Minister Heiko Maas commented similarly. During a trip abroad to Ireland and the UK, he said that the US and France have not called on the German government to participate in a possible military strike in Syria. So far, there is no request, he said in Dublin. He emphasized that the Western powers should stand together on this issue, saying, If you want to maintain the pressure on Russia, then the Western partners cannot diverge now. The statements of Maas and Merkel underscore that Germany supports the launching of an illegal war of aggression that could trigger a confrontation between the nuclear powers. On Thursday, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzia warned in New York that the issue was now about averting the threat of a wider war. When asked if he meant a war between the US and Russia, he replied, Unfortunately, we cannot rule anything out. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Sakharova warned that all members of the international community should seriously consider the possible consequences of allegations, threats and, above all, action against Syria. No one has authorized Western politicians to take on the role of world police while being investigators, prosecutors, judges and executioners at the same time. Sakharova reacted to the recent threats of an attack by Washington and Paris. On Thursday afternoon, French President Emmanuel Macron said on TV TF1: Yes, we have evidence proving that chemical weapons were used last week, at least chlorine gas, and that they were used by the regime of Bashar al-Assad. France will make a decision in due course, when we will consider it to be the most useful and effective. Macron is in close contact with Washington. US President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that the decision about a possible US military strike against Syria will be taken soon. We now have to make some more advanced decisions. Theyll fall pretty soon, Trump said in Washington. The day before, he threatened on Russia on Twitter. Get ready Russia, because they [missiles] will be coming, nice and new and smart! The German governments claim that it will not militarily participate in the impending attack on Syria is pure window-dressing. In fact, since the end of 2015, Germany has been officially a war party in Syria and tightly integrated into the US-led war coalition. On Wednesday, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) published an article titled Trumps missile threat: Which role can the Bundeswehr play? The article lists the capabilities of the German military that could play a role in an air offensive and would be available in the region. The article identifies the four Tornado fighters stationed at Al-Azrak Air Base in Jordan, that are currently flying reconnaissance missions as part of the US-led Inherent Resolve mission against the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). In addition, an Airbus A310, which could be used for air refueling, is stationed there. As an alternative to the reconnaissance role, German fighter jets could also be used as fighter-bombers, for example, to attack enemy radar positions, notes the FAZ. In addition, the German Navy frigate Saxony, whose main capability is air defense, is deployed in the Mediterranean. That was a contribution that the Americans appreciate, the newspaper wrote. A second German frigate, Hesse, has operated since January together with the US carrier strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman. According to the FAZ, the group began its deployment to the Middle East and Europe on Wednesday and is scheduled to support the attacks, although the aircraft carrier has just left its home port in Norfolk, Virginia, and will not arrive in the war zone for some weeks. Even if the federal government does not deploy German warplanes and warships directly, it is unlikely that the Bundeswehr will play no role in the broader intervention against Syria. Even in the war against Libya seven years ago, which had not officially been supported by the German government, the Bundeswehr was indirectly involved, with over 100 soldiers operating in NATO command centers. Merkel declared that she will not support an attack on Syria militarily for two main reasons. First, the ruling class fears the opposition to war and militarism in the working class. One year ago, when the US government, with the support of Berlin, attacked the al-Shayrat air base in Syria, the vast majority of the German population opposed it. At that time, only 29 percent supported US military action against the Assad regime, according to a poll by Infratest dimap. And only 18 percent were of the opinion that the Bundeswehr should participate in military strikes if asked by the US. Some 75 percent said that the Bundeswehr should not participate if asked. During the past year opposition against militarism and war has been growing and now a powerful strike movement is developing in Germany and France. Second, there are fierce discussions in the ruling class about Germanys foreign policy orientation. Influential circles in the government and the opposition argue that Germany and Europe must develop their own, more independent strategy to enforce their economic and geostrategic interests in the Middle East. In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Norbert Rottgen (CDU), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag (German parliament), complained that there is no European, no German Syria policy and no policy for the Middle East at all. It is obvious that the Europeans are starting to take care of their own interests by engaging more strongly and systematically in the Middle East, and yet it does not happen. Germany should take responsibility now and push for a Western and international Syria policy and make sure that it will not be abandoned again. Rottgen left no doubt that a German influenced Syria policy would not be less militaristic. The US military strike a year ago was right, he said. However, he had pointed out at that time that a one-time campaign will remain without consequences. Trumps recent call to withdraw US troops from Syria, would be another US decision to leave power politics in the region to Iran, Russia and Turkey. And that would not bode well. In addition, the warmongers in the German media mainly criticize Trump mainly for having no real military strategy. If an attack really deterred Assad from continuing to gas people like vermin, it should not confine itself to the symbolic destruction of abandoned barracks or empty aircraft hangars, commented the Rheinische Post. It would have to target the regimes military nerve centers. It would be a real intervention in the Syrian war. But one doubts whether Trump is capable of such decision. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) released the executive summary of its much-anticipated findings into the poisoning of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia and an attending police officer in Salisbury, England on March 4. The report by the UN agency is crucial in the efforts at damage limitation after last weeks implosion of the claims that an ultra-deadly nerve agent had been used on British soil, 10 times more toxic than sarin gas, and so sophisticated that it had to have been produced by a state actor. The claims were blown to bits after the policeman and Yulia Skripal made full recoveries, and Sergei Skripal was also said to be out of danger. True to form, the OPCW summary and the response to it by the media in Britain and internationally continue the lies and disinformation in pursuit of US and NATO war plans against Russia. Only the executive summary has been released publicly. The full text is classified and has been made available only to state parties. The summary is extremely vague. The OPCW does not mention Russia. Nor does it use the term novichok the Russian name for a family of nerve agents whose incessant repetition is meant to provide irrefutable proof of the Russian governments involvement. The only time the OPCW uses the term nerve agent it is prefaced with the caveat allegedly. The description throughout is of a toxic chemical being deployed on March 4 against the Skripals. The OPCW does not name the chemical, nor does it identify its origins. On both counts, this fails to substantiate the claims that were at the centre of the British governments misinformation. All the OPCW summary does is confirm the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity [not the origins] of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury and severely injured three people. Oddly, the OPCW states that the toxic chemical involved was of high purity with an almost complete absence of any impurities. This has been cited as proof that only a state power could be involved. Yet, attempting to explain why all three individuals had recovered, unnamed British officials claimed this was because a diluted [gel] form of the toxin had been developed, to delay the death of the Skripals long enough for the Russian agent involved to flee the country! In other words, the toxic substance is both of high purity and highly diluted, manifesting whatever properties are required to meet the needs of the anti-Russian propaganda campaign, even if those properties directly contradict each other. The alleged attack on the Skripals served as a critical element in justifying US and British war plans against Russia. Without any evidence, the government of Prime Minister Theresa May mounted a hysterical campaign asserting that Russia was responsible for an attempted murder on British soil. On this basis, the UK sought and won the support of more than 20 western alliesmost prominently Washingtonto expel dozens of Russian diplomats. Very quickly, however, the governments claims began to unravel. Not only have all three recovered from what was described as an assassination attempt involving a military grade nerve agent, among the most deadly in the world, but the policeman and Yulia have been released from hospital, and Sergei is expected to be released shortly. Most damaging, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was exposed publicly as a liar for his claim that the UKs chemical weapons facility, the Porton Down Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, had verified Russia as the source of the attack. Johnson told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle on March 20 that the people from Porton Down were absolutely categorical that the source of the nerve agent used against the Skripals was Russia. I asked the guy myself, he said, and he said theres no doubt. But on April 3, Gary Aitkenhead, chief executive of Porton Down, told Sky News that scientists had not verified the precise source of the material used in the attack. The admission indicated widespread unease among scientists. The Financial Times reported that chemistry experts are uneasy about government claims over novichok. The whole family of novichoks are quite easy to make, it cited Phil Parsons, an organic chemistry professor at Imperial College London. You could synthesise them in any good chemistry lab, though you would have to take stringent safety precautions to prevent the staff being poisoned. The obvious discrepancies between the multiple versions of the British government account and the OPCW findings have not prevented a barrage of headlines proclaiming that the UN agency has found in favour of British charges against Russia. Johnson, whose office only days before had been destroying evidence of his previous lies, immediately dissembled, claiming that the OPCW had confirmed findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical used against the Skripals. That was a military grade nerve agenta Novichok. There can be no doubt what was used and there remains no alternative explanation about who was responsibleonly Russia has the means, motive and record. The Skripals remain under close guard. Since being released from hospital last Thursday, Yulia has been held at an undisclosed secure location. A statement issued, supposedly on her behalf by the Metropolitan Police, claimed that she did not want assistance from the Russian Embassy. Nor did she want contact at this point with her cousin and closest living relative in Russia, Viktoria, who was denied a visa by the British authorities to visit her. Sergei is said to be recovering quickly. According to the Sunday Times, plans are afoot to relocate father and daughter to the US where they will be offered new identities and a new life. The Russian Embassy disputed the authenticity of Yulias statement and said that the British authorities must urgently provide tangible evidence that Yulia is alright and not deprived of her freedom. It has described efforts to relocate the Skripals to the US or with any of the UKs intelligence allies as a gross violation of international law that would be seen as an abduction. Craig Murray, former British ambassador to Ukraine, also pointed to the peculiarities in the formulations used in the statement put out in Yulias name. Noting sentences such as, At the moment I do not wish to avail myself of their [Russian Embassy] services, Murray said, To put it plainly, as someone who has much experience of it, the English of the statement is precisely the English of an official in the UK security services and precisely not the English of somebody like Yulia Skripal or of a natural translation from Russian. Even at the most benevolent reading of the British authorities actions, he concluded, Yulia Skripal is being kept incommunicado, and under duress. The United States, Britain and France are in the final stages of preparing a new bloodbath in the Middle East. A US naval strike force, headed by aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, is steaming toward the Persian Gulf, bombs are being loaded onto aircraft, and troops are on the move, as the imperialist powers prepare to launch military aggression against Syria that could quickly develop into a direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia. But imperialist war is propelled by more than soldiers and missiles: it is powered by lies. For the past month, all the major US, British and French news outlets have been working overtime to peddle a series of lies, one after the other, to sell the public a re-hash of the weapons of mass destruction narrative used to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The democratic conception of the free press centers on it's being a so-called fourth estate, independent from and skeptical toward the claims of the political establishment. But in the frenzied war fever, the distinction between journalism and state propaganda has been obliterated. While journalism seeks to question and probe, propaganda seeks to sensationalize, simplify and incite. Journalism sees all claims as suspect; propaganda treats the statements of the government as sacrosanct and everything else as lies. Last month, the press howled with indignation at what they called an attempt by Russia to poison former double agent Sergei Skripal on British soil. On one day, the press proclaimed with certainty that the poison circulated through the vents of Skripals BMW. On another day, and with equal certainty, these same outlets declared that the lethal nerve agent Novichok was placed on the door handle of Sergei Skripal's house in Salisbury. No attempt was made to probe the changing narrative. When UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson declared that the Porton Down chemical weapons laboratory in Britain was absolutely categorical that Russia was behind the poisoning, the US media cheered his proclamation and the subsequent expulsion of Russian diplomats from the US and other countries. But when he was flatly contradicted by that same laboratory, and when the Skripals inconveniently recovered from what was purportedly one of the worlds most lethal poisons, the press simply buried the story and went on to the next lie. Just two days after Porton Down exploded the Skripal narrative by publicly contradicting Johnson, the CIA-backed propaganda outfit known as the White Helmets released images of children lying motionless, crying and being doused with water to substantiate claims by US-backed militia that the Syrian government had killed dozens of people in a chemical weapons attack. For days, those images were plastered on the front pages of newspapers and endlessly looped on the broadcast news. Conveniently enough, the attack came a week after a statement from Trump indicating that US troops would soon be withdrawn from Syria. The US media howled in outrage at that suggestion, with the Washington Post declaring that a US withdrawal would create an Obama-style vacuum that would be filled by Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. This was the day before the supposed chemical weapons attack in Syria. By the next day, the narrative had changed completely. Gone was all talk of countering Russian and Iranian influence and securing American Interests. From that point on, the sole aim of the United States in Syria was the protection of children from, as Trump himself put it, the Animal Assad. News broadcasts all proclaimed their absolute certainty that the Assad government had carried out a chemical weapons attack. That no evidence has been presented for this claim is of no import, nor the fact that previous claims of a similar character were later refuted. The lie has had its effect, and the US, Britain and France are on the war path. Now, the aim of the media war-mongers is to ensure maximum carnage. On Wednesday, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens called for a decapitation strike to murder Syrian President Assad, declaring, If we are serious about restoring an international norm against the use of chemical weapons, then the penalty for violating the norm must be severe. If Stephens had his way, Assads scalp would be nailed to the mantle of the White House next to that of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Every predatory war launched by the United States against a weaker country has been waged under false pretenses. The Mexican War of 1846 was begun with the lying declaration by President Polk that Mexico invaded our territory and shed American blood upon the American soil. The SpanishAmerican War, which led to the bloody conquest of the Philippines, was egged on by the Hearst press in the textbook definition of yellow journalism. The escalation of the Vietnam War was justified by lie that an American ship was attacked by the North Vietnamese in the Gulf of Tonkin. The invasion of Afghanistan was justified by the September 11, 2001 terror attackscarried out by individuals close to the Saudi monarchy, Americas key Arab ally in the Middle East, who were actively monitored by the US intelligence agencies as they took flight lessons and prepared their plot. The 2003 invasion of Iraq, which cost the lives of more than one million people, was justified by Colin Powells lies to the United Nations and the dodgy dossiers cooked up by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. But the basic problem with conducting foreign policy through the Big Lie is the old adage attributed to Abraham Lincoln: You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. There is no popular support for NATOs drive to war in Syria. In Britain, where Prime Minister Theresa May declared she would seek to sidestep a vote in parliament, only 22 percent of the population supports a missile strike against Syria, while more than three quarters either oppose it or did not express their opinion. There can be no doubt that the figures for the United States would be similarif the press even cared to conduct such polls. After years of shameless lying to justify predatory wars, the mainstream media has lost the publics support. According to a recent poll by Monmouth University, More than 3 in 4 Americans believe that traditional major TV and newspaper media outlets report fake news. The discrediting of mainstream news outlets in the wake of the invasion of Iraq, however, has corresponded with an explosion in the diversity of political viewpoints and news outlets available to the population through the rise of the Internet and social media. As an antidote to the propaganda pumped out by the New York Times, real journalists, such as Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter Seymour Hersh, have debunked the claims by the US media of previous poison gas attacks in articles accessible to millions of people online. This is what accounts for the US medias hysteria, over the past year-and-a-half, on the need to block what they call fake news. The New York Times and Washington Post, through the implementation of state censorship, are seeking to regain their monopoly over political discourse. As former Obama administration official Samantha Power noted last year, During the Cold War, most Americans received their news and information via mediated platforms. Reporters and editors serving in the role of professional gatekeepers had almost full control over what appeared in the media. It is to this halcyon pastwhen the Western governments and their flunkies in the mainstream press were able to lie with impunityto which the media propagandists are seeking to return. This is precisely the aim of the campaign for Internet censorship waged by the Democrats, the major media outlets and their partners in Silicon Valley. Since last July, when the WSWS exposed the efforts by Google to censor the Internet through the manipulation of its search results, the campaign for Internet censorship has sharply escalated, in conjunction with the growth of working class struggle and opposition to the policies of the corporate and financial aristocracy. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivered testimony before Congress in which he outlined the companys plans, through the power of artificial intelligence, to evaluate and police all the content posted on the worlds largest social network in order to block the dissemination of fake news. Measures are being taken to limit the reach of oppositional publications or shut them down altogether. The real target of the censorship campaign is not fake news, but true newsthat is, genuine journalism and independent reporting, which by its very nature contradicts the lies of the war-mongers in Washington, London and Paris. The Trump administration Tuesday initiated an assault on the social programs that serve the countrys poorest citizens, ordering departments throughout his cabinet to seek out new ways to gut existing programs and impose onerous work requirements for continuing assistance. The executive order, titled Reducing Poverty in America by Promoting Opportunity and Economic Mobility, orders the departments of Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Education to review all public assistance programs with the aim of determining which programs currently have work requirements attached to them. For those programs that lack such requirements the executive order demands that they either be eliminated or consolidated with programs that do, except where forbidden by law. The order requires the cabinet secretaries of these departments to issue a report within 90 days outlining which programs will be eliminated and what new restrictions will be imposed. Medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance and welfare programs all face being substantially diminished by the presidents order. The order also requires the various departments to identify which programs undocumented immigrants may benefit from, so that administrative or legislative action can be taken to prevent them from doing so. Within the order, Trump lays out nine principles of economic mobility for how the order should be implemented. These principles consist of various right-wing talking points thinly cloaked in bureaucratic jargon. These include principle (ii) which reads, Promote strong social networks as a way of sustainably escaping poverty (including through work and marriage), which implies that unemployment and broken families are the cause, rather than the result, of poverty and economic dislocation. Principle (iv) states in part, Balance flexibility and accountability both to ensure that State, local, and tribal governments, and other institutions, may tailor their public assistance programs to the unique needs of their communities, or, in plain language, empowering state and municipal governments to impose restrictions on benefits beyond what the federal government is legally capable of implementing. The final principle, (ix), reads, Empower the private sector, as well as local communities, to develop and apply locally based solutions to poverty. Or, in other words, allow private interests to administer and profit from whatever social spending remains after the administration has finished cutting. The opening section of Trumps order is also taken from a familiar script, suggesting that the social programs that millions rely upon have perpetuated poverty (actually, of course, the real grievance of the ultra-right is that these social programs allow the working poor to survive rather than die in the streets). Section one of the order declares that many of the programs designed to help families have instead delayed economic independence, perpetuated poverty, and weakened family bonds. It goes on to salute the Clinton administration welfare reform of 1996, as a step toward eliminating the economic stagnation and social harm that can result from long-term Government dependence, while demanding that similar measures now be applied to other programs for the poor, like food stamps, home heating aid and Medicaid. The social assistance programs enacted by the US government during the Great Depression of the 1930s, and later during the Johnson administration in the 1960s, were not created to ensure that all Americans would thrive economically, but rather to preserve capitalism and forestall the possibility of social revolution. Those programs, which provided minimal benefits to the most vulnerable members of society, have been continuously eroded by both Democratic and Republican administrations over the course of decades. At the same time, the economy in the US underwent a transformation as the ruling class shifted away from industrial production and toward financial speculation, wiping out millions of jobs and impoverishing broad layers of the US population. The assertion by Trump that these social programs have prevented millions from escaping poverty is absurd. On the contrary, at the same time that these programs have been steadily diminished the concentration of wealth at the top layers of society has continued to grow dramatically. In 2017, 75 percent of all wealth created went to the top 10 percent of Americans, with the top 1 percent receiving 35.5 percent of this figure. The bottom 50 percent of the population received virtually none of this wealth, a mere 1.1 percent. For those ranked in the bottom 20 percent of the population, the share of new wealth created fell below zero, to negative 0.5 percent. Yet all this wealth was created by human labor. This process mirrors global trends, wherein the social reforms of the mid-20th century that had resulted in a somewhat more equitable distribution of wealth have been rolled back by capitalist governments around the world, resulting in levels of inequality similar to the early 20th century. Trumps executive order is not aimed at making these programs more efficient, but rather at eliminating them altogether, as a prelude to the long-planned destruction of Social Security and Medicare. Any further restrictions on existing programs will eliminate whatever effectiveness they have left, as they have already been greatly reduced by previous reforms. Work requirements are already in place for recipients of aid from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program, what little remains of the program commonly known as welfare. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or food stamps, provides only a minimal level of assistance to the 44 million Americans enrolled in the program and is subject to constant attacks by both Congress and the various state legislatures that administer it. Medicaid, which some 70 million Americans rely on for basic medical care, has already been targeted by the Trump administration, with the president issuing an order in January that allowed states to impose work requirements upon participants in the program. All of these programs have a threshold for eligibility so low that only the very poorest citizens qualify for them. This has created conditions that have allowed the political elite, both Democrat and Republican, to drive a wedge between workers who are eligible for these programs and those who are not, with the ultimate aim of dismantling the social safety net in its entirety so as to ensure the further profitability of US capitalism. In section II of the order, Trump cites the fact that in 2017 the US spent approximately $700 billion on social programs. This figure is very close to the official annual amount spent by the US each year arming its military and prosecuting its various wars overseas. Needless to say, the defense budget will not be subject to a similar pruning, as any money saved from cutting social programs will be invested in new military adventures. The Democratic Party has predictably said nothing about Trumps latest order attacking social programs. Instead, their efforts in the past week have been entirely devoted to pressuring the Trump administration to invade Syria, promoting further censorship of the Internet, and furthering the false narrative that Trumps election was due to Russian hacking rather than the collapse of support by workers for the Democratic party. The momentum toward a US-led attack on the Assad government in Syria continued to build over the past 24 hours, with American, French and British warships deploying in the eastern Mediterranean and aircraft being primed for operations at various bases in Europe and the Middle East. The military preparations are being accompanied by diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to cajole the Russian government of President Vladimir Putin to do nothing while the imperialist powers inflict death and destruction on its Syrian ally. Russia has deployed thousands of troops and significant air and naval assets to support Assads forces in the now seven-year civil war against US and European-backed "rebels," which include Al Qaeda affiliates and other Islamist militias. The build-up for an attack is proceeding even as its ostensible justificationthat Assads forces used banned chemical weapons last weekend in the city of Doumahas been exposed as having just as little credibility as the imperialist claims in 20022003 that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Russian inspection teams found no evidence of chemical weapons use in Douma and Russian military police are protecting the alleged site of the incident to prevent any attempt by Syrian "rebels" to contaminate it. On Russias initiative, a team from the Netherlands-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is due to arrive in Syria on Sunday to conduct its own inspection. Such is the absence of any evidence of a chemical attack that US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis refused Wednesday to accuse the Assad government. We are still assessing the intelligence, ourselves and our allies. Were still working on this, he told journalists. Remarkably, Mattis made this statement just hours after Trump tweeted that Russian forces in Syria should get ready, because missiles would be coming nice, new and smart. Mattiss cautious comments did not prevent French President Emmanuel Macron declaring on national television yesterday that his government had proof that last week, 10 days ago even, chemical weapons were usedat least chlorineand that they were used by the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The French government provided nothing to substantiate these assertions. Nor has the lack of evidence prevented British Prime Minister Theresa Mays cabinet endorsing British involvement in action against Syria, on the fraudulent grounds that it is highly likely that the Assad government used chemical weapons. The danger that US, French and British strikes on Syria could lead to direct clashes with Russian forces cannot be underestimated. News reports indicate that the Syrian military has re-deployed its air force and other critical assets to Russian-manned and defended facilities, including the Tartus naval base and the Latakia air base. Between 10 and 15 Russian warships and submarines have left port and are reportedly carrying out live-fire drills ahead of a potential clash with the US, French and British ships converging on Syrias coast. Russian fighters and fighter bombers, some armed with anti-ship missiles, are patrolling Syrian airspace. The Putin administration and Russian military, which publicly stated that it would retaliate if its forces come under attack, are apparently engaged in frantic efforts to convince the Trump administration to back down. Alexander Golts, a Russian journalist and military analyst, told the New York Times: Right now, the talk is about the necessity of de-escalation. Weve practically come to the brink of war. In his latest tweet on the tense stand-off, Trump flagged that action by US forces may not be as imminent as he indicated just 24 hours earlier. He wrote yesterday morning: Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! Mattis followed Trumps tweet by telling the congressional House Armed Services Committee that any decision on military action had to consider how do we keep this from escalating out of control. The Trump administration, however, is under intense pressure from powerful sections of the American political and media establishment to carry through on its threats against Syria, regardless of the consequences. The real motive is not punishing the Assad government. It is to assert American influence in the Middle East, which has been weakened by the Russian and Iranian actions that stymied its regime-change intrigues in Syria. More fundamentally, it is part of the broader US conflict with Russia, which is now formally classified as a strategic competitor of US imperialism. The American ruling class is not prepared to accept that Russia can use its possession of a vast nuclear arsenal to defy the US attempt to maintain its waning global economic and strategic dominance. By inflicting a major humiliation on Putin in Syria, the US military-intelligence apparatus calculates it will encourage opposition to his government within the Russian ruling elite. Exerting immense political, economic and military pressure on Russia, the US aims to establish a compliant regime in Moscow. Washington's full focus would then be concentrated on confrontation with China, which is deemed the main great power rival of American imperialism. The underlying anti-Russian agenda, which the Trump administration has been pressured to pursue through the hysteria over alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election, emerged clearly during yesterdays confirmation hearings for the new secretary of state nominee, CIA head Mike Pompeo. Pompeo left no doubt that the Putin regime is the main target behind the war crisis in the Middle East. Discussing Syria, the Trump administrations imposition of sanctions on Russia and the expulsion of Russian diplomats over the Skripal affair in Britain, he declared: Vladimir Putin has not yet received the message sufficiently and we need to continue to work at that This administration announced a nuclear posture review that has put Russia on notice that were going to recapitalise our deterrent force. Pompeo continued: In Syria, a handful of weeks ago, the Russians met their match. A couple hundred Russians were killed. This is a chilling boast about a US air strike last month that targeted and slaughtered Russian military contractors. The US, he blustered, needs to make sure that Vladimir Putin doesnt succeed in what he believes his ultimate goal is. If Trump were to back down over Syria, it would be assessed in US ruling circles as an abject capitulation to Putin and would only intensify the already advanced efforts to remove him as president. Another major factor behind the stoking up of a crisis in Syria is the fear in the American ruling class, and in its French and British allies, of the rising tide of working class unrest and growing political radicalisation of youth. War provides a means to divert social discontent and a pretext to step up efforts to persecute dissent and opposition. A direct relationship exists between the drive to war and the rapid moves to impose sweeping censorship of oppositional views on the Internet, especially by publications such as the World Socialist Web Site, and on social media sites such as Facebook. The author recommends: US, Britain and France prepare onslaught against Syria [12 April 2018] Facebook CEO presents plans for mass censorship at Senate hearing [11 April 2018] As the US prepares to try and convince North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to give up his nuclear weapons, it may be about to make his counter argument for him. US President Donald Trump has vowed a strong response to an alleged chemicals weapons attack on a rebel-held city in Syria, which he blames on Russia and Syria. The White House says "no final decision has been made" on a missile strike on Syria, which has the backing of France and UK. North Korea has repeatedly said it fears US invasion if it gives up its nuclear deterrent This was a key lesson Pyongyang learned from the fate of Libya's Moammar Gadhafi But any attack against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- a longtime ally of North Korea -- could complicate Trump's planned summit with Kim, expected to take place in May or June. "This is sort of the whole reason why North Korea has pursued nuclear weapons," Rodger Baker, VP of strategic analysis for the global intelligence firm Stratfor, told CNN. "The perception is (having nuclear weapons) reduces the likelihood of these types of punitive strikes." In the past, Pyongyang has repeatedly pointed to US military interventions around the world as a justification for its nuclear program, viewing it as a vital deterrent to any attempts at regime change instigated or led by Washington. According to Dan Coats, Trump's director of national intelligence, Kim views nukes as key to the "survival (of) his regime." "He has watched ... what has happened around the world relative to nations that possess nuclear capabilities and the leverage they have, and seen that having the nuclear card in your pocket results in a lot of deterrence capability," he said at an event last year. Why North Korea still hates the United States: The legacy of the Korean War Learning from history In December 2003, after months of negotiations with the US, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi agreed to dismantle his nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs. US President George W. Bush welcomed Libya back into the "community of nations," and British Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Tripoli the following year as Gadhafi was embraced as a partner in the growing War on Terror. By March 2011, however, London and Washington had soured on Gadhafi, and NATO intervened to support his overthrow. Within months, Gadhafi was dead, cornered by rebels who beat and abused him before summarily shooting him in the head. Some Ukrainian politicians have also claimed that had the country not given up its post-Soviet nuclear arsenal, Russia would not have annexed Crimea in 2014, though Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has rejected calls for Kiev to become a nuclear power again. "The lessons that we learned out of Libya ... and Ukraine giving up its nukes is, unfortunately, if you had nukes, never give them up," Coats said. "(And) if you don't have them, get them." A North Korean foreign ministry official said in 2011 that NATO's bombing campaign against Libya taught "a grave lesson," that "one should have power to defend peace." Since Kim took power that same year, North Korea has dramatically ramped up its nuclear and missile testing, and in November 2017 Pyongyang debuted a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) allegedly capable of striking the whole US mainland. "It's hard to say out loud, because people say you're justifying North Korea's bad behavior," said Stratfor's Baker. "(But) Libya is a case in point of how US promises are temporary at best." Another example often cited is the Trump administration's criticism and backtracking of the Iran nuclear deal reached under President Barack Obama. Tehran agreed in 2015 to limit its peaceful nuclear energy program in exchange for a reduction in sanctions, but Trump has since said the deal contained "disastrous flaws" and threatened to scrap it if Iran continued ballistic missile testing not covered by the original deal. "The lesson for any future negotiation with North Korea is you can't count on the Americans to live up to anything," Mike Chinoy, a senior fellow at the US-China Institute at the University of Southern California, told CNN in February. "So screw it, get as many nukes as you can, and say: 'We dare you to attack us because we can nuke Los Angeles'." Denuclearization deadlock While analysts said North Korea's massive conventional military and vast amounts of artillery aimed at Seoul gave it a deterrent Libya and Syria both lacked, even without nuclear weapons, all indications are Pyongyang has no intentions of reducing its capabilities. "(Syria) is one of those case studies the North Koreans will use in their discourse with the US," Baker said. "What exactly is a security guarantee?" North Korea's concerns about suffering the same fate as Syria or Libya speak to a major potential sticking point in any negotiations with the US: what both parties mean by "denuclearization." Washington has called for the "denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula, and while Pyongyang agrees with this aim in principle, it regards Washington's commitment to it as hollow when the US continues to maintain a massive military presence in South Korea, which is also under the wider US nuclear umbrella. Since 1953, the US has been committed to defending South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary. This almost occurred in the late 1960s when, amid a crisis over the North Korean seizure of the USS Pueblo spy ship, US officials approved plans in secret to use nuclear weapons against any North Korean troops which crossed into South Korea. In a commentary last month, the state-run North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the US "has posed nuclear threat and blackmail to (North Korea) for several decades." "Peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia and the rest of the world have been reliably guaranteed by (North Korea's) bolstering of nuclear deterrent," KCNA said. Any strike in Syria may make arguing the opposite more difficult than it ever was. LAPORTE, Ind. (AP) A former Indiana mail carrier has been accused of paying someone to dispose 11,000 pieces of mail and hiding another 6,000 in his home. Kristopher Block, 39, was charged Tuesday in LaPorte Circuit Court with felony official misconduct and misdemeanor theft. A judge issued a warrant for Blocks arrest, but online jail records indicate hes yet to be taken into custody. His bond will be set at $7,500, according to court records. The U.S. Postal Service began an investigation when a Berrien County sheriffs deputy discovered multiple tubs of undelivered mail in a Michigan ravine last year. The letters originated from the LaPorte Post Office, where Block was the assigned mail carrier, court documents said. Some letters dated back to August 2016. LaPorte resident Wally Bass said his mail used to regularly go missing. At least two to three times a week, we wouldnt get no mail and I knew that we had mail that was supposed to come, bills and different stuff, Bass said. He eventually purchased a P.O. box to ensure he would receive his mail. Block told authorities he took mail home in 2016-17 when he couldnt deliver it by the end of his shift. He would also routinely pay a friend to burn the letters, according to court records. Its unclear whether any of the mail was actually destroyed. Block started working at the post office in 2015 and resigned in February 2017. Authorities have yet to locate Blocks accomplice, who hasnt been formally charged with a crime, records said. The U.S. Postal Service released a statement that said the alleged behavior isnt tolerated and betrays the trust of the American people. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - State health officials are urging Indiana residents to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases as the nation marks STD Awareness Month during April. The Indiana State Department of Health said Thursday that chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are of particular concern in the state. Indiana has nearly 31,000 cases of chlamydia, 9,500 cases of gonorrhea and 800 cases of primary and secondary syphilis reported in 2016. State Health Commissioner Kris Box warns that STDs could cause serious health problems, including brain and nervous system damage, infertility and babies born prematurely. People with such diseases also are more likely to transmit HIV. Most STDs can be treated but are hard to find out as they often have no symptoms. Box urges anyone who is sexually active to get tested annually. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Sitting on sofa in her apartment, reading to her 1-year-old daughter, Celine Schmall says it wasn't long ago that she didn't know how she could afford to feed her little girl. The young mother was working, but still needed food stamps. "People always say [to people on food stamps], 'oh you're lazy or you could be working more hours.'" Schmall told CB46. "Well, the truth is, I'm paying the majority out of pocket just to be able to afford for her to go to daycare, so that I can go to work and make money. It's not always the case that people think behind it," she said about being on government assistance. With the help of social workers and work programs at Wellspring Living, Celine recently worked her way off the food stamps, earned her GED, and a good job. She is currently in school, and says she still worries about the future of the program for others like her. This week President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for more work requirements for people on food stamps. Currently, there are 1.6 million Georgians on food stamps. There are 170,000 in Fulton County on the program. It all cost the state $2.5 billion last year. The Division of Family and Children's Services, which issues food stamps, doesn't know how the executive order will impact the Georgia program. They are awaiting guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "The step that we need is to figure out what is being asked of us and then to develop a plan to respond to them," said Walter Jones, the spokesperson for the Division of Family and Children Services. The program requires able bodied adults without dependents to work 80 hours a month or to be in a workfare program in order to qualify. Candidates must not take home more than $1,005 per month in net income. "The majority of the people who are getting food stamps are not in that category of able -bodied adults without dependents," Jones said. "The majority of those people receiving benefits are single parents with young children, medical condition, or advanced age." Jones indicated that Georgia could be ahead of other states in implementing more work requirements because it has the SNAP Works program, which, in partnership with Goodwill, helps recipients with job training and positions. The state says this was a proactive approach made years ago to promote employment for those in need of assistance. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WTVA) - An escapee from Noxubee County is accused of holding two people at knifepoint just before his capture in Alabama. Kevin G. Rush, 36, did not return to his work detail on Wednesday, April 11 in Noxubee County. He was captured on Friday, April 13 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. RELATED: Macon escapee captured in Alabama Rush was spotted in Tuscaloosa Friday driving a vehicle believed to be stolen from Mississippi. A chase followed, ending with Rush crashing the vehicle on 29th Avenue in Tuscaloosa. Police say he fled the scene on foot and kicked in the back door of a nearby residence. Police say he held two people at knifepoint. After making contact with Rush, police say he led them on a short foot pursuit. He was then taken into custody. In Tuscaloosa, he's charged with: One count of receiving stolen property Attempting to elude officers Leaving the scene of an accident Obstructing justice using a false ID One count of burglary Kidnapping charges are pending. He will be extradicted back to Mississippi. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Angus Broward Taff Jr., who formally served as the president Springtime Tallahassee, has passed away at the age of 74. According to an obituary, the Tallahassee native died in his sleep on Tuesday morning, ten days before his 75th birthday. Taff served as president of Marine State Bank for ten years and worked in real estate before getting his law degree from Florida State. He and his wife, Barbara, were longtime members of Springtime Tallahassee's War and Reconstruction Krewe where he served as float chairman and as krewe chief. Taff also served as president of Springtime in 2001 to 2002. He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Angus Broward Bo III, daughter Barbara Kristin Taff, four granddaughters, and his youngest brother, Steven Gregory. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Bevis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 15th at Celebration Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children Tampa, 12502 USF Pine Dr. Tampa, FL 33612. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193). GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office has arrested man wanted in North Carolina for felony stalking and making threats that he was "gonna kill a bunch of people." Ned Burgess Jr. was arrested by GCSO. On Friday April 13, GCSO was contacted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in response to a fugitive currently living in Gadsden County. According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Criminal Apprehension Team, Burgess Jr. had several outstanding warrants for felony stalking. NCSBI also had information that Burgess stated he was going to kill a bunch of people. The originating agency, the Burlington Police Department, issued the warrants with full extradition. Due to the fact Burgess Jr. lives in Gadsden County, FDLE contacted GCSO and requested help in arresting him. A team of GCSO Criminal Investigations Division went to his home on Jenkins Place in Quincy and arrested Burgess Jr. without incident. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-12 23:08:48|Editor: pengying Video Player Close Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (4th, R) speaks with Ali Akbar Velayati (5th, R), a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Damascus, capital of Syria, on April 12, 2018. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday that the U.S. threat to strike Syria will further destabilize the region, state news agency SANA reported. (Xinhua/Syrian Presidency) DAMASCUS, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday that the U.S. threat to strike Syria will further destabilize the region, state news agency SANA reported. With every victory of the Syrian army, the Western countries raise the rhetoric and try to change the course of actions, Assad said during his meeting with visiting Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Both sides agreed that the threats of military action on Syria by Western countries are "mere lies made up by such countries and their tools of the terrorist groups inside Syria following the liberation of Eastern Ghouta" east of the capital Damascus. Last Saturday, the rebels in the Douma district of Damascus accused the Syrian forces of using chlorine gas, which led to the death of 40 people. The Syrian government categorically denied the claims, saying the rebels were fabricating facts to attract foreign strikes on Syria. U.S. President Donald Trump has overtly uttered his country's willingness to strike Syria, garnering support and the participation of other Western countries in the planned strike. But Assad said any possible attack would only cause further instability of the region, which could threaten the international peace and security. Velayati reiterated Iran's firm stance in continuing its support for the Syrian government. ZAGREB, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Croatian tourist officials expect to see a record number of Chinese tourists this year, local media reported Thursday. Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristijan Stanicic said on Thursday that in the first months of this year, more Chinese tourists want to visit Croatia, with large numbers expected between May and October. "There have been 193,000 Chinese tourists since last year. Most often, along with the main city of Zagreb, they visit Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik, and go to Plitvice Lakes. Chinese tourists usually stay in hotels, but lately also show interest in private accommodation," according to the Croatian National Tourist Board. After 16 Croatian-speaking Chinese citizens graduated on Wednesday from the first tourist guide training course designed for non-EU citizens, there is an increasing interest for Croatian citizens to learn Chinese and work as official guides, the Zagreb Tourist Guide Association said. Chinese tourist guides were restricted by Croatian law from doing the job. Things changed early this year when authority eased restrictions and allowed non-EU citizens who have long-term residence in Croatia to obtain qualifications through training and exams. "The knowledge of Chinese language opens all doors. There are so many inquiries that we cannot accept all of them for the jobs we offer in tourism," Andrija Mavric, a travel guide from Zagreb, told Xinhua on Thursday. Chinese form the fourth largest group of tourists in the capital of Croatia. "Zagreb has become a hit destination for Chinese tourists, and there are numerous actions to attract new guests from China. This summer Zagreb will host a number of new projects that will enable Chinese tourists to get to know the old city and history of Zagreb," said Martina Bienenfeld, director of the Zagreb Tourist Board. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 02:24:53|Editor: yan Video Player Close TIKRIT, Iraq, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Ten mourners were killed and 14 wounded Thursday in bomb explosions while mourners were burying four people killed earlier in the day by Islamic State militants in Iraq's central province of Salahudin, a local official told Xinhua. The incident took place in the afternoon when roadside bombs detonated near mourners who gathered at the cemetery of Sdeira al-Suflah, a village in east of the town of Shirqat, some 280 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, killing 10 of them and wounding 14 others, said Ali Dodah, the mayor of Shirqat. Earlier in the day, Colonel Mohammed al-Jubouri, head of the media office of Salahudin's provincial police, told Xinhua that IS militants attacked in the morning security outpost at the edge of the village of Sdeira al-Suflah. The attack sparked heavy clashes with local security forces and villagers who took up their arms to support the security forces in their pursuit of the IS attackers. However, four villagers were killed and four others wounded in the explosions of several roadside bombs planted by the extremist militants, Jubouri said. The IS militants apparently used a different tactic in their morning attack, as they withdrew quickly after the attack to attract the villagers and the security forces into the trap of the roadside bombs, Jubouri added. The attacks came despite repeated operations by Iraqi security forces to clear the areas around Shirqat of the remnants of IS militants. During the past few months, dozens of IS militants fled their former urban strongholds in Mosul, Salahudin province and Hawijah area in the west of Kirkuk after the Iraqi forces cleared these areas through major anti-IS offensives. However, many IS remnants have resorted to hideouts in the rugged areas near the rivers of Tigris and Zab, as well as Himreen mountainous areas to continue their almost daily attacks against civilians and Iraqi forces. On Dec. 9, 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially declared full liberation of Iraq from IS militants. But small groups of IS militants regrouped in the rugged areas and have been carrying out attacks against the security forces and civilians despite the repeated Iraqi military operations to hunt them down. RIGA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Although road traffic in Latvia drives on the right side, Latvian lawmakers decided on Thursday to permit registration of right-hand automobiles as of Nov. 1, 2018. Under the amendments to the Road Traffic Law, which Latvian parliament passed in the final reading on Thursday, motor vehicles will still be required to meet a number of technical and safety standards, but autos with the steering wheel on the right side will be registered without requiring relocation of the wheel to the left. "Lawmakers supported the proposal, responding to a ruling of the European Court of Justice. This is also good news to expatriates in foreign countries who want to return to Latvia and have already bought cars in countries like the UK or Ireland. The legislative amendments will save their expenses, as they will not have to relocate the steering wheel," said MP Romans Naudins, chairman of the parliament economics committee, which is in charge of the above legislation. The Cabinet of Ministers still has to adjust the respective government regulations on road traffic safety. At present, registration of right-hand drive motor vehicles, which are built for driving on the left side of the road, is forbidden in Latvia, except for certain specialized vehicles, vintage cars and temporarily imported autos. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 03:35:15|Editor: pengying Video Player Close U.S. President Donald Trump (C) delivers a speech at the White House, the United States, on April 12, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he was going to hold meeting on Syria and the decisions on the U.S. response to the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria will be made "fairly soon." (Xinhua/Yang Chenglin) WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he was going to hold meeting on Syria and the decisions on the U.S. response to the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria will be made "fairly soon." "We are having a meeting today on Syria," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We have to make some further decisions, so that'll be made fairly soon," Trump added. The new remarks by Trump on the deadly incident in Syria's Douma came hours after his tweet in which he refused to specify any timetable for potential U.S. military action on the war-torn country. "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Trump wrote in the tweet on Thursday morning. Activists, local rescuers, and rebels in Syria claimed that Syrian government forces used chlorine gas on Saturday in an attack in Douma, a rebel-held area near capital Damascus. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has denied the accusations, calling rebels' claims "premeditated pretexts." U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress on Thursday morning that he was convinced that there was a chemical attack in Syria. "I believe there was a chemical attack and we are looking for the actual evidence," the Pentagon chief told the lawmakers. He also noted that the United States had not made any decision to launch military action in Syria. Mattis added that Washington would like to have inspectors in Syria "probably within the week," as the evidence could become more difficult to collect when time passed by. NBC News reported that the U.S. officials said they were "confident" that chemical weapons have been used in Syria though not one-hundred percent sure. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has reiterated on Thursday the Syrian government's willingness to cooperate with an investigation team into the chemical attack allegations, according to the state news agency. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 03:50:19|Editor: pengying Video Player Close Interim Democratic Party Secretary Maurizio Martina (3rd R, front) speaks to the media at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, capital of Italy, on April 12, 2018. The first day of the second round of Italy's formal government talks ended in an apparent stall Thursday, as leading political parties dug in to their conflicting positions. (Xinhua/Jin Yu) ROME, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The first day of the second round of Italy's formal government talks ended in an apparent stall Thursday, as leading political parties dug in to their conflicting positions. The two relative winners of last month's general election -- the populist Five Star Movement led by Luigi Di Maio and the right-wing League led by Matteo Salvini -- each reiterated their claim to lead the next government in formal talks with the president of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, whose job it is to name a new prime minister. After meeting with Mattarella, Salvini told reporters that the center-right coalition, which won 37 percent of the vote in the March 4 election, is ready to "form a strong and lasting government with a premier indicated by the League". Di Maio, whose party won 32.5 percent of the national vote, last week offered to enter into a government deal either with the center-left Democratic Party of outgoing Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, or with the League -- as long as it gets rid of its ally, Silvio Berlusconi, who was expelled from parliament in 2013 following a tax fraud conviction. He reiterated this position on Thursday, saying that while there is "an institutional synergy with the League", the center-right bloc "is an obstacle to change" as long as it includes Berlusconi and his Forza Italia party. "We see only one solution," Di Maio said. "Berlusconi must step aside. A Five Star government with Forza Italia is absolutely impossible." Interim Democratic Party Secretary Maurizio Martina rejected the Five Star offer, reiterating that his party will remain in the opposition after a crushing electoral defeat last month and accusing the League and the Five Stars of engaging in "ballets of public conflicts that hide agreements". Both Di Maio and Salvini have pledged to crack down on immigration, roll back unpopular pension reforms, cut taxes, introduce generous welfare measures, and break European Union (EU) rules on public spending if necessary. Whoever gets the job of prime minister must in turn win a confidence vote in both houses of parliament before he or she is confirmed in office. The first round of formal talks held a week ago failed to produce a deal. Talks continue on Friday, when Mattarella is expected to make a statement as to what the next step will be. File photo taken on Nov. 14, 2016 shows men holding signs as they demonstrate against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement in Washington, D.C. (Xinhua/AFP) WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The White House is considering re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade pact that President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of last year. "It is good news that today the President directed Larry Kudlow and Ambassador Lighthizer to negotiate U.S. entry into TPP," said Republican Senator Ben Sasse in a statement after a meeting with Trump on Thursday. The White House had no official announcement on this issue yet. According to local media reports, Trump on Thursday told a group of lawmakers at the meeting which Sasse also attended that he has directed the U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer and National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow to study the possibility of re-entering the TPP if the terms are favorable. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump called TPP a "disaster". He pulled the United States out of the Pacific trade deal in January last year, one of his first moves as president. Earlier this year, the remaining 11 TPP nations, including Japan and Canada, announced they struck an alternative agreement without the United States. Although the United States has withdrawn from the TPP, Trump has signaled his interest in reconsidering the trade deal. In January this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump told CNBC during an interview that "I would do TPP if we were able to make a substantially better deal." Trump in February also suggested he was open to the trade pact during a news conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. OSLO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA said Thursday that it had not been in any discussions with the International Airline Group (IAG) over a possible takeover of the Oslo-based company by the owner of British Airways. "Norwegian has just been made aware that the IAG has acquired of 4.6 percent of the shares in Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. Norwegian had no prior knowledge of this acquisition before it was reported by the media mid-morning Thursday," it said in a statement. "Norwegian has not been in any discussions or dialogue with IAG about the matter," the company said, adding that it "believes that interest from one of the largest international aviation groups demonstrates the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth." Norway's public broadcaster NRK reported that IAG was considering submitting a bid to buy the whole Norwegian after it had bought 4.6 percent of the company. On the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Norwegian's stock price got an increase of 40 percent, NRK reported. IAG said that it considered Norwegian to be an attractive investment opportunity, and that it, being a significant minority shareholder, would initiate discussions with the management in Norwegian on the topic. Norwegian spokeswoman Charlotte Holmberg called this speculation and did not want to comment to NRK the possible bid from IAG. WARSAW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Polish President Andrzej Duda and his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin took part in the March of the Living at the site of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in southern Poland on Thursday, Polish Press Agency reported. Duda, speaking during the main ceremony held at the International Monument to the Victims of Fascism in Birkenau, said: "We have met in Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the German death camp, which is a symbol and synonym of the Holocaust for the entire world and the whole of mankind". "Nazi Germans committed the greatest crime of genocide in history here," the Polish head of state stressed, adding that the suffering experienced there by the Jewish people surpasses human comprehension and imagination. Rivlin said in his statement that Israel was closely following what was going on in Poland with regard to the commemoration and responsibility concerning historical events. He stressed that Israel demanded that Poland should be responsible for fully researching the Holocaust. He also considered it very important for Israelis to learn the Jewish history of Poland, and for young and old Poles to learn what happened here during WWII. The two presidents also lit candles, bowed their heads and pressed their hands on the Death Wall at Auschwitz, the site where inmates, chiefly Polish resistance fighters, were executed by Nazi German forces during World War II. The March of the Living, takes place annually along a three-kilometre route from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex built during World War II. This year's march is attended by around 12,000 people. The first march was held in 1988. The Germans established the Auschwitz camp in 1940, initially for the imprisonment of Poles. Auschwitz II-Birkenau was established two years later. At least 1.1 million people were killed at Auschwitz, most of whom were Jews. The camp was liberated on Jan. 27, 1945. In 1947, the camp site was declared a national memorial site. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 05:25:45|Editor: pengying Video Player Close UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C) attends the Special Event on "Investing in Youth to Counter Terrorism", at the UN headquarters in New York April 12, 2018. Antonio Guterres on Thursday underscored the importance of investing in youth for the fight against terrorism. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, April 12 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday underscored the importance of investing in youth for the fight against terrorism. "Today's discussion is centered on young people who are at risk of disempowerment and alienation, and susceptible to extremist narratives and recruitment. If we are serious about prevention, and particularly about preventing conflict, we need to be serious about engaging with and investing in young women and men," Guterres told an event organized by the Norwegian and Pakistani delegations and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. Violent extremist groups target and invest in young people because they are aware of young people's potential and their strong desire for change, he said. "Recruiters and peer networks engage personally and individually with young people, tapping into their discontents, listening and offering alternative views and analyses. They exploit grievances and use manipulative messages, conspiracy theories and lies, offering a twisted sense of purpose to disaffected young men and women." "If we are to counter terrorists' manipulative messages, we must engage with young people on their terms. Which is why it is so important to bring young people into the conversation, to enable them to express themselves, to listen to them, invest time and resources in them, and empower them to realize their goals." Children and young people yearn for better lives, for better futures for themselves and their societies. "We need to support them in fulfilling their dreams," he said. Dialogue and understanding, political inclusion and participation, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law, the empowerment of women and girls: these are the tools to enable children and young people to grow into responsible citizens. "Let us build on the idealism, energy and innovative power of youth. Let us honor the positive resilience and resourcefulness of young people. And let us offer young women and men options, and inspire them with the hope and opportunity they deserve," he said. Nearly half the world's population (46 percent) is 24 years-old or younger. Africa and the Middle East have the highest proportions of young people, he noted. WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 industry associations representing U.S. manufacturers, farmers, retailers, technology companies and other supply chain stakeholders have urged the U.S. Congress to play a strong role in mitigating the escalating trade frictions with China. "The escalation of trade tensions with China could result in harm to all our member companies, member farms, their workers, and their consumers," these industry associations said in a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and Ranking Member Richard Neal, released by the National Retail Federation on Thursday. "As required by the Constitution, Congress must play a strong role in quickly mitigating this situation," the letter said, warning the Donald Trump administration's planned tariffs on Chinese imports would harm U.S. businesses and consumers. "While the tariffs are not yet in effect, the possibility of imposition of tariffs on billions of dollars of goods, the as-yet-undefined potential investment restrictions and threats of a potential trade war create unpredictability across the business and farm community here in the United States, depress commodity prices, and have already harmed U.S. companies, farmers, consumers and markets," the letter said. These industry associations also argued that the Trump administration's tariff approach does not adequately account for the role of the global supply chain in product production and assembly. "U.S. businesses typically work with contracts anywhere from six to nine months in advance. Applying tariffs on imports from China will certainly disrupt those supply chains," the letter said. The letter comes after the Trump administration last week released a proposed list of Chinese products worth 50 billion U.S. dollars that would be imposed on an additional tariff of 25 percent, based on a so-called Section 301 investigation into alleged Chinese intellectual property and technology transfer practices. The Chinese government has strongly condemned and firmly opposed the unfounded Section 301 investigation and the proposed list of products and tariff increases based on the investigation. China has also unveiled a list of products worth 50 billion dollars imported from the United States that would be imposed on an additional tariff of 25 percent, in response to the U.S. tariff plan. As of now, government officials of the two countries have never engaged in any negotiations concerning the trade friction, according to Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng. "There are principles to follow for negotiations. The U.S. side has not shown any sincerity to negotiate," Gao said Thursday, adding China will fight till the very end if the United States insists on unilateralism and trade protectionism. People walk past a Best Buy store, where a number of Chinese electronic products are being sold, in New York, the United States, on April 4, 2018. (Xinhua Photo) WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 industry associations representing U.S. manufacturers, farmers, retailers, technology companies and other supply chain stakeholders have urged the U.S. Congress to play a strong role in mitigating the escalating trade frictions with China. "The escalation of trade tensions with China could result in harm to all our member companies, member farms, their workers, and their consumers," these industry associations said in a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and Ranking Member Richard Neal, released by the National Retail Federation on Thursday. "As required by the Constitution, Congress must play a strong role in quickly mitigating this situation," the letter said, warning the Donald Trump administration's planned tariffs on Chinese imports would harm U.S. businesses and consumers. "While the tariffs are not yet in effect, the possibility of imposition of tariffs on billions of dollars of goods, the as-yet-undefined potential investment restrictions and threats of a potential trade war create unpredictability across the business and farm community here in the United States, depress commodity prices, and have already harmed U.S. companies, farmers, consumers and markets," the letter said. These industry associations also argued that the Trump administration's tariff approach does not adequately account for the role of the global supply chain in product production and assembly. "U.S. businesses typically work with contracts anywhere from six to nine months in advance. Applying tariffs on imports from China will certainly disrupt those supply chains," the letter said. The letter comes after the Trump administration last week released a proposed list of Chinese products worth 50 billion U.S. dollars that would be imposed on an additional tariff of 25 percent, based on a so-called Section 301 investigation into alleged Chinese intellectual property and technology transfer practices. China-made products are on display at a big fashion store in New York, the United States, on April 4, 2018. (Xinhua Photo) The Chinese government has strongly condemned and firmly opposed the unfounded Section 301 investigation and the proposed list of products and tariff increases based on the investigation. China has also unveiled a list of products worth 50 billion dollars imported from the United States that would be imposed on an additional tariff of 25 percent, in response to the U.S. tariff plan. As of now, government officials of the two countries have never engaged in any negotiations concerning the trade friction, according to Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng. "There are principles to follow for negotiations. The U.S. side has not shown any sincerity to negotiate," Gao said Thursday, adding China will fight till the very end if the United States insists on unilateralism and trade protectionism. Source:Xinhua| 2018-04-13 07:38:45|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close An artist draws a piece of graffiti artwork during a graffiti campaign named "All We Wish Is Peace, Silent Victims" in Sanaa, Yemen, on April 12, 2018. Yemeni activists held a graffiti campaign to chart the suffering of women and children in the war. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 10:26:37|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China's goods trade surplus shrank 21.8 percent in the first quarter of this year as imports grew faster than exports, customs data showed Friday. The country's goods exports rose 7.4 percent year on year in the first three months while imports grew 11.7 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of 326.18 billion yuan (about 51.85 billion U.S. dollars), according to the General Administration of Customs. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 11:01:42|Editor: pengying Video Player Close by Raimundo Urrechaga HAVANA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States will make its constant struggle to rescue its domination over Latin America in the eighth Summit of the Americas (SOA) in Peru, said a renowned Cuban expert. U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled his first trip to Latin America and also would not participate in the eighth SOA. However, in an interview with Xinhua, Luis Suarez, an international relations professor at the University of Havana, said what matters most is not Trump's presence at the meeting but the political and economic proposal the United States will make at this meeting. According to reports, Trump's envoy Mike Pence, U.S. vice president, will present and gather opinions at the meeting on a new regional strategy. "They are preparing for the SOA as an opportunity to place their economic and political agenda in the hemisphere," said Suarez. The Cuban scholar said Washington will also present this kind of strategy at other international meetings this year, such as the G20 in Argentina and the G7 in Canada. Suarez stressed that, for Washington, the vision of growth is centered on "unequal economic development" and Trump's policy of "America First." This plan, said the expert, means the White House will seek to impose its economic view of the world, defend the U.S. dollar as an international reserve currency, and promote the creation of an integrated financial banking system that allows for the monitoring of all operations carried out in the continent. He said that this proposal would not be a free trade zone for the Americas but rather the "freedom of extracting capital from the region to the United States," as well as a sanctioning mechanism for those who fail to comply with the provisions of such policy. "The United States designs its own policies and then uses these summits to gather support and consensus from the region's governments in order to colonize it," said Suarez. CANBERRA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The first-ever direct flight route from Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory (NT) to China was announced on Friday. The NT Government announced that Donghai Airlines would fly the route from Darwin to Shenzhen beginning in May. Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of the NT, said that once the service reached three flights per week at 80 percent capacity it would pump approximately 32 million Australian dollars (24.8 million U.S. dollars) into the local economy every year. "We know that travellers from China spend more on average than other visitors, so it is an important and lucrative market," he told reporters on Friday. "We are already attracting 18,000 Chinese visitors annually and this new direct flight will allow us to meet, and well and truly exceed, our target of 30,000 visitors from China by 2020." The flights will operate twice per week from the outset with the capacity to add one additional service during peak periods. Donghai Airlines said new Boeing 737-800's would initially fly the route before being upgraded to Boeing 737 MAX8's. Tickets for the service were scheduled to go on sale in China on Friday but Australians will have to wait until the end of April. Ian Kew, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NT Airports, said that the service would create an additional 35,000 airline seats flying into the NT every year. "Uniquely, Donghai Airlines will be the only airline from China to serve Australia with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, providing a more cost effective and economically efficient aircraft that will enable very competitive fares to be offered." VIENNA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Austrian top leaders' visit to China on April 7-13 is a great success, President Alexander Van der Bellen said before his departure back home, national Austria Press Agency (APA) reported. In an interview in southwest China's city Chengdu, Van der Bellen told the APA "everything was done right" during the visit, which paved the way for business, academic, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. He said the trip with a high-ranking delegation, involving Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and four cabinet ministers was a "right one," adding that he believes it made a good impression on the Chinese side. The delegation signed numerous contracts with Chinese business partners, which valued a total of 1.5 billion euros (1.85 billion U.S. dollars). The president said China is aware of Austria's know-how in the industrial and high-tech sectors, adding "China takes us seriously, and not just in music." As China has a significant influence on the globe, building connections between the two countries is important, he added. He also expressed interest in participating in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative as part of a growth strategy to boost Austria's exports. The delegation witnessed Thursday the launch of the China-Europe freight train service linking Chengdu with Austria's capital Vienna and attended Wednesday the opening ceremony of an Austrian consulate general set in Chengdu, which is the last stop of the Austrian delegation in China. On Sunday, leaders of the two countries agreed to establish a China-Austrian friendly strategic partnership and advance bilateral pragmatic cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 11:46:49|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close MOSCOW, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Seven U.S. military aircraft have conducted reconnaissance missions near the coast of Syria, where Russia's Hmeymim airbase and Tartus naval base are located, Russian military flight monitoring center said Friday on its Twitter account. Six U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft departed from an airbase on the Italian island of Sicilia, and an EP-3E Aries II reconnaissance aircraft flew from the base on the Greek island of Crete, said the center. The escalation of tension around Syria comes against the backdrop of reports on the latest chemical weapons use in Syria's Douma. U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier threatened military action against the Syrian government which he blamed for the alleged chemical attack. The Syrian government has denied such an accusation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 12:21:56|Editor: ZX Video Player Close United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his nomination to become the secretary of state on the Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. April 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Mike Pompeo, the pick of U.S. President Donald Trump to replace outgoing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, attempted to strike a cooperative tone to other nations in his confirmation hearing in the Senate on Thursday. SOFTENING HAWKISH PROFILE ON IRAN, DPRK Pompeo, widely termed as a "hawk" in the Trump administration, tried to soften his rhetoric on a group of regional hotspot issues in the hearing that lasted some four hours. Speaking of the possibility of U.S. leaving the Iran deal that Trump has to decide around May 12, Pompeo said his objective was to "fix this deal." "If there's no chance that we can fix it, I will recommend the president to do our level best to work with our allies to achieve a better outcome and a better deal," he said. He further explained that should the framework agreement not come in place by May 12, he would work for a better agreement despite Tehran's threat to leave the deal if Washington drops out of it. "There is continued interest on the part of Iran to stay in this deal. It's in their own economic self-interest to do so," he said. As for Pyongyang, Pompeo also tried to make a more peaceful tone by mentioning the proposed meeting between Trump and Kim Jong un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). "There is work being done today in preparation for the president's proposed meeting with Kim Jong un," he said. "No one is under any illusions that we will reach a comprehensive agreement through the president's meeting, but to enable, to set out the conditions which would be acceptable to each side for the two leaders that will ultimately make the decision about whether such an agreement can be achieved and then set in place," he added. REMAINING HARSH ON RUSSIA U.S. relations with Russia have further deteriorated recently due to the "poisoning attack" of an ex-Russian spy, the following expulsion of Russian diplomats and various sanctions imposed under different charges. "I take a back seat to no one with my views of the threat that is presented to America from Russia," Pompeo said. "If I am confirmed as the secretary of state, I can assure this administration will continue, as it has for the past 15 months, to take real actions to push back, to reset the deterrence relationship with respect to Russia," he said. The confrontational tone has stirred alarm for the relations between the two world powers. "Pompeo will need to decide whether to resist - rather than encourage - one of the most alarming trends in U.S. global engagement: the ongoing militarization of U.S. foreign policy. The tea leaves here are not encouraging," said Stewart M. Patrick from the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S.-based think tank. FOCUSING ON EMPOWERING STATE DEPARTMENT The State Department went through pervasive doubts and disheartenment due to the bad blood and unimpressive communication between Tillerson and Trump. Pompeo said the State Department employees, in the past few weeks, expressed to him their hope to be empowered in their roles and have a clear understanding of the president's mission. "That'll be my first priority," he said. "They've shared how demoralizing it is to have so many vacancies. And frankly, many of them said, not to feel relevant. I'll do my part to end those vacancies." "We don't yet have an ambassador to South Korea. We need one," he said. "With respect each of those positions, I am a talent hawk. I will find what I believe to be the best fit to execute America's diplomatic mission around the world." According to Samantha Power, former U.S. permanent representative to the UN, attracting the right personnel will require Pompeo to work with the Congress and take other steps to change obsolete rules. "For instance, discourage former State Department employees from returning, and require even experienced people to start at the bottom if they have not previously worked in government," she wrote in an article for the New York Times. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 12:26:57|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close NEW DELHI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Four members of a family were killed and three others injured in a fire at a four-storey building here on Friday, officials said. "The fire broke out in the stilt parking of the building in Delhi's Kohat Enclave early this morning. A couple and their two minor children who were sleeping in their first floor flat died of suffocation while three other residents in other flats were injured," a fire official said. Some 10 fire tenders were pressed into service and they took nearly two hours to douse the flames, he said. "The injured have been admitted to a local hospital," the official added. Preliminary probe has indicated an electrical short-circuit to be the cause behind the fire, he said. "However, we will wait for a final investigation report and also see if all basic safety norms were followed in the building." Fires are common in residential buildings and factories in India because of lack of regards for basic fire safety norms and absence of fire-fighting equipment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 13:07:02|Editor: pengying Video Player Close NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) on Thursday called on developing countries to incorporate climate change in their urban planning. "There is need to develop a sustainable urbanization that promotes connectivity and efficient low-carbon infrastructure that is aligned to mitigation and adaptation efforts," UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif told the 10th Africa Carbon Forum in Nairobi. With the increasing rural-urban migration, chances are that greenhouse gas emissions are likely to increase, she said. Sharif called for the enactment of adaptation measures to help in building resilience within the urban environment to help minimize the impact of global climate changes. Through the UN Habitat's new urban agenda and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the UN housing agency is ready to support member states to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sharif said. Over two-thirds -- 113 out of 164 -- of the submitted NDCs show clear urban references and content, she said. "This desire establishes the relationship between sustainable urbanization and climate action that has to be met in realizing the Paris Agreement,' she added. Sharif observed that it is unfortunate that Africa missed out during the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) yet the continent suffer most from adverse climate change. Josefa Sacko, commissioner for Rural Development and Agriculture at the AU Commission, told the meeting that Africa requires between 250 million to 500 million U.S. dollars for adaptation projects to become a success. The AU has started negotiations with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) on how to help countries meet their NDC plans, Sacko said. Due to adverse climate change, agriculture, the bedrock of most populations in the continent, is fast collapsing because of adverse climate change, she said. "This has led to increased food insecurity as a result of frequent crop failures due to weather variability, inadequate rains, rainfall coming too late or earlier than expected," Sacko noted. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 13:52:07|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China's goods trade surplus shrank 21.8 percent in the first quarter of this year as the country saw a better balance of trade, customs data showed Friday. China's goods exports rose 7.4 percent year on year in the first three months while imports grew 11.7 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of 326.18 billion yuan (about 51.85 billion U.S. dollars), according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). Total foreign trade volume expanded 9.4 percent to 6.75 trillion yuan in the first quarter from the same period last year. Huang Songping, a spokesperson with the GAC, told a press briefing that the relatively fast trade growth was a result of a mild global economic recovery that has given rise to robust trading activities, as well as the sound development of the domestic economy, which has strengthened demand for imports. Steady progress in the Belt and Road Initiative and stronger trading with emerging markets also supported the first-quarter growth, Huang said, as trade volume with Belt and Road countries jumped 12.9 percent in the three-month period, 3.5 percentage points faster than the overall increase. Trade with countries along the Belt and Road reached 1.86 trillion yuan, accounting for 27.5 percent of China's total foreign trade in the first quarter, according to Huang. The European Union, the United States and ASEAN were the top three trading partners of China, which together accounted for 41.2 percent of foreign trade. From January to March, trade between China and the United States rose 13 percent in dollar-denominated terms, with Chinese exports to the United States increased 14.8 percent and the China-U.S. trade surplus standing at 58.25 billion dollars. Chinese private enterprises played a bigger role in trade by contributing 38.3 percent to total trade, up 1.7 percentage points compared with the first quarter of 2017. The country's less developed regions, including central and western China, all outpaced the national average trade growth in the January-March period. Huang said he sees rising pressure and challenges for the global economy and international trade in the second quarter stemming from global uncertainties and intensifying protectionism. Fiercer competition in the global manufacturing sector will also pose challenges for China's foreign trade, he said. But Huang said he expects China's foreign trade will maintain an upward trend as the country has pledged to take measures to further open up its market and expand imports. SYDNEY, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A quick-spreading mystery grass disease is killing massive amounts of prime cattle pastures across Queensland State, threatening Australia's lucrative beef industry. With the state accounting for half of Australia's beef and veal production, experts have been competing against time to find a solution but so far have been stumped. Known as "dieback," the disease makes grass turn yellow and eventually die even with sufficient rainfall in the area. First detected by an agronomist in Central Queensland four years ago, it has now been found in the far north and south of the state, with some farmers reporting that around 80 percent of their cattle-grazing land has been affected. To combat the problem, a research team from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has partnered with the Queensland government to investigate the cause of dieback in the hope to find a solution. "There's been 35,000 hectares of reported dieback and I'd imagine that to be a fraction of the true total," project manager from MLA Doug McNicholl told local media on Friday. "Until scientists have a solution, graziers are trying all manner of methods to control the problem including spraying, blade ploughing, ripping, applying fertilisers and replanting different pastures." Although the total cost of the disease remains unknown, McNicholl said "I'm no economist; it's hard to put a number on it, but it would have a lot of zeros on the end." Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 15:27:23|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close JINAN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A new freight train left Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, for Uzbekistan Friday morning. The train carried 53 containers of goods valued at 23 million yuan (3.6 million U.S. dollars), including textile machinery produced in Shandong. It will travel about 7,300 kilometers for 13 days to arrive at its destination in Uzbekistan. This is the first China-Asia freight train service launched in the city, which will bring new opportunities for Jinan's development, said the local railway bureau. The province has eight international freight train routes. A total of 70 China-Europe and China-Asia freight trains departed from the province in the first three months of this year. BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. unilateralist and protectionist moves to propose steep tariffs on Chinese imports expose the super power's lack of confidence in the more globalized world, especially when facing China's growing international role, said analysts. The world's two largest countries are developing in different directions, experts said, with China becoming more open and pursuing fairness, while the United States has become more self-preserving and anti-globalization. U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a speech during the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in the file photo taken on Jan. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) UNILATERALIST APPROACH AGAINST MULTILATERAL REGIME Amid domestic and overseas opposition, the Trump administration has threatened to slap additional duties on Chinese goods worth 100 billion dollars, after proposing steep tariffs on Chinese imports worth 50 billion U.S. dollars. The U.S. unilaterally proposed steep tariffs on China's goods undermine a rule-based multilateral trade regime, which has been crucial for global growth, said Nobel Prize-winning American economist Joseph Stiglitz. The U.S. unilateral approach will be a step backward for globalization and cause unbearable outcomes, said former Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming at the just concluded Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference. Joaquin Infante, the winner of Cuba's national economic prize, told Xinhua recently in an interview that the U.S. contempt for multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, aims to return to the decades when the United States showed off its economic supremacy. Jon R. Taylor, a political science professor at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, agreed with him, saying: "These tariffs that have targeted China confirm that the Trump administration intends to bypass the WTO's dispute settlement body and unilaterally rely on U.S. law alone regarding the ongoing trade dispute with China." Klaus Wohlrabe, economist at Ifo economic institute based in Munich, Germany, said the U.S. unilateral moves would severely harm the multilateral mechanism under the framework of the WTO. Nobel Prize-winning American economist Joseph Stiglitz (C, Rear) and John Lipsky (R, Rear), distinguished scholar, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, attend a panel discussion, part of the China Institute 2018 Executive Summit, "U.S.-China Business in the New World Order," in New York, the United States, on April 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) NO WINNER FOR ALL The U.S. willful moves to propose steep tariffs on Chinese imports would have a negative impact not just on China and the United States, but also on the global economy, analysts believe. Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director of Canon Institute for Global Strategy Studies said in a written interview that in the short term, the protectionism has some positive effects on its domestic industries and brings some benefits, such as increasing employment. In the medium and long term, protectionism will weaken the U.S. competitiveness and have negative effects on domestic consumers and enterprises, he wrote. Martin Wansleben, chief executive of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said Trump administration's disregard of international rules and regulations against the backdrop of closely interconnected global economy will lead to no winners, adding Germany and the European Union will be affected finally. Francis Gurry, director-general of World Intellectual Property Organization, said "technology and production are all globalized" and "the global value chain will be affected by even a dispute between two parties as many other parties are also involved in the chain." Gao Feng, spokesperson with China's Ministry of Commerce, speaks at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, on April 6, 2018. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) WHERE TO GO? China has hit back against the U.S. unilateral moves proportionally by rolling out its retaliatory tariff plan. "China was forced to take the action to fight back. There's no way for China to back off," said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president and senior research fellow of the China Institute of International Studies. "China has to defend its legitimate interests as well as the global multilateral trade regime," Ruan said. Oxford Economics, a leader in global forecasting and quantitative analysis based in Oxford, Britain, believes that China's reaction is a kind of tactic aiming only to encourage Washington to start talks to reduce the risk of a potential full-scale trade war. Andras Inotai, research professor at the Hungarian Academy of Science's Institute of World Economics, described the U.S. tariffs move as a "own-goal," saying a sound solution to any trade dispute should be filed at the WTO. Lawrence Loh, director of Centre for Governance, Institutions and Organizations at the Business School at the National University of Singapore, said: "The United States may actually shoot itself in the foot and risk losing global economic leadership." "Constructive dialogues should take place to iron out whatever issues that might be bothering either the U.S. or China," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 16:22:41|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close WUHAN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Rainfall along the Yangtze River drainage areas this summer will be less than in previous years, the Yangtze River Flood and Drought Control Headquarters said. Climate conditions during the Yangtze flood season, which lasts from June to August, will be challenging, and there may be drought and flood at the same time along the river, the headquarters warned. Precipitation in the upper reaches of the river is expected to be strong, while rainfall downstream will be less than previous years, said Ye Jianchun, vice minister of Water Resources. Rainfall in certain areas is expected to be strong and flood control authorities should watch out for regional waterlogging, mudslides and landslides, the headquarters said. Local governments have been ordered to raise their emergency response efficiency during the flood season. PHNOM PENH, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Friday opened the Angkor Sankranta 2018, an annual festival celebrating the traditional lunar New Year in Siem Reap province in the northwest of the country. Held at the complex of the famed Angkor Archeological Park, the opening ceremony was live broadcast on state-run National Television of Cambodia and the Bayon TV. Hun Sen said it was the sixth consecutive year that the Southeast Asian nation organized the festival, which was also aimed at attracting more tourists to the world heritage site of Angkor. "The Angkor Sankranta is also an opportunity to show foreign tourists and friends about the glory and richness of our culture, civilization, custom, tradition, and religion since the Angkorian era until now," he said, adding that the festival also contributed to preserving arts, culture and national identity. Meanwhile, the prime minister said the festival also reflected peace and stability in Cambodia as 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the complete end of chronic war in the country. "At any cost, we must protect this hard-won peace," he said. Events at the four-day festival included religious ceremonies, traditional dances, traditional games, sports, trade exhibitions, and concerts, among others. According to Siem Reap Provincial Governor Khim Bunsong, the Angkor Sankranta 2018 was expected to draw 2 million visitors, up from about 1.6 million in last year's festival. Sankranta festival is also celebrated in neighboring Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Unlike those countries, Cambodia bans people from splashing water on one another, throwing bags of water on travelers, or painting charcoal or powder on others' faces during the celebrations in order to prevent any incidents that could arise from these activities. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 17:07:51|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his nomination to become the secretary of state on the Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. April 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Russian embassy in the United States on Thursday rejected the accusations made by U.S. official Mike Pompeo that Russia sought to intervene in Western elections to undermine their democracy. Pompeo, current head of the Central Intelligence Agency, has been nominated secretary of state. Earlier in his nomination confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Pompeo said he took "a back seat to no one" with his views of the threat to Washington's democracy from Moscow. He also vowed to continue "to take real actions to push back, to reset the deterrence relationship with respect to Russia." In response, the Russian embassy said in a statement that Pompeo's rhetoric was once again "unfounded accusations of Russia's meddling in U.S. electoral processes", earlier made by U.S. legislators. "Russia does not engage in regime changes, meddling in domestic affairs of other states or masterminding staged 'revolutions.' The United States, however, has mastered these techniques, as they have quite an experience in this area," the embassy said. There are continuing allegations that Russia intervened in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, which led to Donald Trump's victory. Both the Kremlin and the U.S. president deny the accusations, which Trump calls a political "witch hunt" engineered by the Democratic Party. TOKYO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday following a solid lead from U.S. shares advancing overnight and receding concerns about immediate U.S. military intervention in Syria. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 118.46 points, or 0.55 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,778.74. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 10.84 points, or 0.63 percent, to finish at 1,729.36. Local market analysts said a risk averse mood changed positive on receding concerns about the situation in Syria. They added that buying remained solid throughout the day, but noted the market's upside was not chased in later trade ahead of key corporate earnings data due out from both Japan and the United States next week. Local brokers also said some investors took a wait-and-see approach later in the day and opted to lock in recent gains. Marine transportation, iron and steel, and bank-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play, and rising issues beat falling ones by 1,368 to 638, with 76 ending the day unchanged. On the main section on Friday, 1,527.66 million shares changed hands, rising from Thursday's volume of 1,310.62 million shares. The turnover on the final trading day of the week came to 2,439.0 billion yen (22.67 billion U.S. dollars). LIMA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from across the Western Hemisphere will gather here on Friday and Saturday to attend the eighth Summit of the Americas focusing on corruption. Themed as "Democratic Governance against Corruption", the summit comes against the backdrop of the largest corruption scandal in Latin America which involved Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht and led to former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's fall from grace and subsequent arrest this month. High attention will be paid to the gathering as U.S. President Donald Trump's government has taken a series of hardline policies against the region. Trump himself will not attend it. He canceled his scheduled trip Tuesday, apparently to "oversee the American response to Syria" after allegations that the Syrian government resorted to chemical attacks in a town near Damascus this month. It will be the first time a U.S. president has skipped the meeting. The event is held every three or four years under the aegis of the Organization of American States (OAS) since 1994 for high-level talks on regional issues and to collectively address the major challenges facing the bloc. LOS ANGELES, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Thursday announced the removal of leading U.S. electric car maker Tesla as a party to its investigation into a deadly crash in California last month. The unusual move came two days after Tesla released its strongest statement yet, blaming the driver of the crashed car, Apple engineer Walter Huang, for what happened. The 38-year-old Huang died on March 23 in a crash and vehicle fire in Mountain View, California, while on his way to work. Tesla confirmed that Huang's Tesla sedan that hit a concrete divider and two other cars was on autopilot mode. Huang's family has said they are exploring legal options against Tesla. The NTSB said it took this action because Tesla violated the party agreement by releasing investigative information before it was vetted and confirmed by the NTSB. "Such releases of incomplete information often lead to speculation and incorrect assumptions about the probable cause of a crash, which does a disservice to the investigative process and the traveling public," the NTSB said. "It is unfortunate that Tesla, by its actions, did not abide by the party agreement," NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt said in the announcement. "We decided to revoke Tesla's party status and informed Mr. Musk (Elon Musk, CEO of both SpaceX and Tesla) in a phone call last evening and via letter today," he added. Sumwalt said while the NTSB understands the demand for information that parties face during an NTSB investigation, "uncoordinated releases of incomplete information do not further transportation safety or serve the public interest." Removals from NTSB party agreements are rare. In 2014 the agency revoked party status for United Parcel Service (UPS) and a pilots' union in the probe of a crash featuring a UPS cargo plane after each side made public comments about the circumstances of the accident. "Tesla withdrew from the party agreement with the NTSB because it requires that we not release information about Autopilot to the public, a requirement which we believe fundamentally affects public safety negatively," Tesla said in a counter-statement to media. TOKYO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A document related to an influence-peddling scandal connected to the opening of a veterinary school and implicating Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been found at a government ministry, it was revealed Friday. According to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Ken Saito, the document had been kept at the farm ministry. It allegedly shows that a secretary of Abe's at the time informed local officials that a project to open a veterinary school in Ehime Prefecture is a "matter concerning the prime minister." Tadao Yanase, Abe's aide at the time, has denied making the comments and has said he does not remember such a meeting with the local officials. This was in contrast to the document's contents which contain details of the exchange three years ago. The meeting was held to discuss the opening of the school, the doors of which opened last week in western Japan by its operator Kake Educational Institution. Abe has close ties with the school's operator, Kotaro Kake, and suspicions have long been circling that Abe used his influence in the government's approval of the newly-opened department at the Okayama University of Science. Political observes on Friday said the latest revelation would provide further impetus for the opposition camp to insist the scandal is rectified by Abe and said it could take a further toll on the public support rate for Abe's Cabinet and widen distrust in the current administration. Yanase, who now serves as vice minister for international affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, on Friday refused to backtrack from his initial remarks. He told a press briefing on the matter that "I stand by my previous comment." Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 17:58:03|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close GAZA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Palestinians began to arrive to the eastern area of the Gaza Strip on Friday to carry on protests and rallies for the third consecutive Friday of popular rallies and protests. The Coordination Committee for Marches based in Gaza called on the participants for "burning of the Israeli flag and the raising the Palestinian one." Sallah Abdulati, a rights activist and member of the committee told Xinhua "We agreed to call the third Friday as Friday of raising the flag." "During our ongoing activities, the participants are asked to raise and wave Palestinian flags along with the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel in five different areas," he said. Abdulati added "during these activities, Israeli flags will be also burned to absorb the anger of the Palestinian participants until Israel meets the demands of the populations in the Gaza Strip, especially lifting the blockade." Around twenty-five-meter long masts were set up in five main areas along the Gaza-Israeli border for raising the flags. Friday prayers will be held outside the tents, which were erected 700 hundreds of meters away from the fence of the border. "I expect that more people will join the rallies and I expect more use of Israeli violence against the participants. Israel over the past two Fridays was using excessive force against the demonstrations," said Abdulati. He went on saying "no one on the world has so far succeeded to oblige Israel to stop violent repression against us, therefore, I expect that tomorrow the Israeli army will continue with its policy of targeting the participants." Hamas and other Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip began in March 30 six-week rallies and called it the Great Marches of return. The marches are scheduled to continue until May 15, the 70 anniversary for the establishment of the state of Israel. The Gaza Health Ministry said in an official figure that 34 Palestinians were killed, including the corps of two Hamas militants, and more than 2,800 wounded since the start of the popular rallies in Gaza in March 30. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 18:08:05|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close RAMALLAH, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday condemned Israeli settlers for torching a mosque in the northern West Bank village of Aqraba. "Burning the mosque is a crime. The serious crimes committed by the terrorist settlers are carried out under the eyes and protection of the Israeli occupying forces," Abbas said in a statement published by official Wafa News Agency. The Palestinian government will resort to international institutions "to ensure that these terrorists are punished and the religious sites of the Palestinian people are protected," he noted. Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in Aqraba and sprayed racist slogans on its walls early Friday morning, Palestinian sources said. Security camera footage showed two masked men pouring what seems to be flammable liquid at the entrance to the mosque and setting it on fire before fleeing the scene. Local residents saw slogans reading "Death" and "Price Tag" sprayed on the external walls of the mosque. No Israeli sources were immediately available for comment on the incident. It is not the first time that Palestinians accuse Israeli settlers of vandalizing their religious properties. In 2015, a mosque in Jerusalem and another in Bethlehem were set ablaze with racist slogans against Islam sprayed on the walls. The Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are largely seen as illegal under international law. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 18:28:08|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the central bank, said Friday that it has extended a currency swap agreement with Albania. The agreement allowed the two sides to swap two billion yuan (318 million U.S. dollars) for 34.2 billion lek, the PBOC said on its website. The move was aimed at facilitating bilateral trade and investment while promoting economic development of both sides, the PBOC said. The agreement will be valid for three years and can be extended by mutual consent. A currency swap deal allows two institutions to exchange payments in one currency for equivalent amounts in the other to facilitate bilateral trade settlements and provide liquidity support to financial markets. LOS ANGELES, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is gearing up for the May 5 launch of its new Mars lander from the West Coast. The robotic InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, will explore the deep interior of Mars to study how rocky planets and their moons were formed. For the first time in history, the spacecraft will be launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California instead of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, from where most of NASA's space missions have taken off. InSight is housed in a "clean room" at the Astrotech Space Operations facility at North Vandenberg to prevent bacteria contamination. NASA and prime contractor Lockheed Martin will attach the full spacecraft to its payload adapter and payload fairing and transport the assembled lander to Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex-3 (SLC-3), according to NASASpaceFlight.com. To get launch approval, NASA must meet "planetary protection" requirements. With the exception of the heat shield that forms half of the aeroshell, the spacecraft is now fully assembled. The Mars rover's launch period is May 5 through June 8, with multiple launch opportunities over windows of approximately two hours each date. Launch opportunities are set five minutes apart during each date's window. The May 5 launch window opens at 4:05 a.m. PDT (1105 GMT) and remains open for two hours. "If you live in Southern California and the weather is right, you'll probably have a better view of the launch than I will," Tom Hoffman, project manager for NASA's InSight mission, said from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "I'll be stuck inside a control room looking at monitors -- which is not the best way to enjoy an Atlas 5 on its way to Mars," he added. If successfully launched, InSight will land on Mars on Nov. 26, around noon Pacific Standard Time, on the Elysium Planitia, a volcanic region located in Mars' northern hemisphere, according to NASA. The lander's instruments include a seismometer to detect marsquakes and a probe that will monitor the flow of heat on the planet's subsurface. The lander will be a stationary mission, not like NASA's previous Mars rovers such as Opportunity, Spirit and Curiosity. Staying in one place is necessary for its goals. The mission will also see CubeSats, miniature satellites for space research, fly beyond Earth for the first time. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 18:43:10|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with visiting Papua New Guinean Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato in Beijing, capital of China, April 13, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday met with visiting Papua New Guinean Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato in Beijing. China supports Papua New Guinea in holding the annual summit of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this year, and is ready to enhance bilateral coordination and cooperation under the APEC framework, Wang said. According to Wang, President Xi Jinping will visit Papua New Guinea and attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. Both sides should take this opportunity to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields and deepen cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as making joint efforts to maintain the multilateral trading system and push the bilateral strategic partnership into a new era. The people of Papua New Guinea are looking forward to President Xi's visit, said Pato, adding that Papua New Guinea is ready to work with China to boost cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative so as to make it a model in the Pacific region. By Mark Rhoads - There is something about due process and the rule of law that the Left never understands. The Illinois State Senate pretended to ratify the ERA again this week almost four decades after it was first sent by Congress to the states for ratification. Most news outlets gave out information that was not correct. They claimed the deadline was 35 years ago in 1982 but even that date was an illegal extension by Congress. The real deadline was in 1979, according to the text of the ERA itself. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 18:53:12|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative brings tangible benefits to all participating countries, Georgian First Vice Prime Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday. "The initiative stimulates regional cooperation, development of infrastructure and transportation links between countries and regions. That means creation of new jobs, new opportunities for business sector and increased social welfare for all countries engaged in the initiative," said Kumsishvili. "As an important post along the ancient Silk Road, Georgia considers it very important to revive the Silk Road," Kumsishvili noted, stressing that Georgia is now upgrading its infrastructure to become a transportation hub for Asia and Europe. He described China as one of the most important trade and investment partner for his country. "We see the Free Trade Agreement signed in May 2017 as a demonstration that Georgia is coming closer to China," Kumsishvili said. "We are particularly benefiting from China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and reform and opening-up policy," he said. Kumsishvili said his country is looking forward to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai in November. "This is a new way of China's opening-up," Kumsishvili said. TOKYO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A document related to an influence-peddling scandal connected to the opening of a veterinary school and implicating Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been found at a government ministry, it was revealed Friday. According to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Ken Saito, the document had been kept at the farm ministry. It allegedly shows that a secretary of Abe's at the time informed local officials that a project to open a veterinary school in Ehime Prefecture is a "matter concerning the prime minister." Tadao Yanase, Abe's aide at the time, has denied making the comments and has said he does not remember such a meeting with the local officials. This was in contrast to the document's contents which contain details of the exchange three years ago. The meeting at the time was held to discuss the opening of the school, the doors of which opened last week in western Japan by its operator Kake Educational Institution. Abe has close ties with the school's operator, Kotaro Kake, and suspicions have long been circling that Abe used his influence in the government's approval of the newly-opened department at the Okayama University of Science. The veterinary medicine department is Japan's first to be opened in half a century and is located in a specially deregulated zone in Ehime Prefecture. Along with Yanase's denial, which has been backed by Abe, Japan's top government spokesperson Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has stated that the government was not aware of the existence of the document. Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura, however, stated earlier in the week that prefectural officials had created the document to cover the meeting's key points. The latest revelation in the protracted cronyism scandal has riled the opposition camp, with secretary general of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan on Friday blasting the government, saying "the situation no longer warrants the continuation of the Abe government." Underscoring the trouble Abe's administration is currently in, earlier in the week, a number of media outlets here also reported that the document in question allegedly makes reference to the prime minister in connection to the opening of the school. Kyodo News reported that senior officials from the prefecture said they found the document on a visit to Abe's office in 2015. The prefecture, however, officially denies the existence of the document, in contrast to recent sources' version of events. The Asahi Shimbun daily previously reported that the document makes reference to Abe's then secretary Yanase describing the opening of the school as being a "matter related to the prime minister." The Asahi Shimbun daily also reported that it had confirmation of a record of talks between Abe's secretary at the time and the officials from Ehime. Japan's public broadcaster NHK also said that sources had said that such a document had surfaced implicating Abe in the cronyism scandal. Yanase, who now serves as vice minister for international affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, on Friday refused to backtrack from his initial remarks. He told a press briefing on the matter that "I stand by my previous comment." Along with the reemergence of the unresolved Kake Educational Institution influence-peddling scandal, Abe has also been implicated in a protracted cronyism scandal connected to a nationalist school operator. Political observes on Friday said the latest revelation would provide further impetus for the opposition camp to insist the scandals are rectified by Abe and said they could take a further toll on the public support rate for Abe's Cabinet and widen distrust in the current administration. HANOI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development along with the Vietnam Farmers' Union and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance have signed a coordination program to implement the top legislature's target of having 15,000 agricultural cooperatives and cooperative alliances operating effectively by 2020. The ministry and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance have issued a joint resolution continuing reforming and developing cooperation in agriculture in the 2016-2020 period and signed collaboration programs with 39 provinces nationwide, Vietnam News Agency reported on Friday. The two sides have worked together to train managerial officials of cooperatives, support them to make business plans, connect businesses and cooperatives and build chains of safe food stores. The ministry and the Vietnam Farmers' Union also inked a pact in 2013 helping farmers develop agricultural economy and build new rural areas in the 2012-2020 period. The Vietnam Farmers' Union has opened 14,700 training courses for 734,600 members of the union, cooperatives and cooperative alliances, and provided vocational training for 362,000 workers in rural areas over the past six years. In 2017, Vietnam had about 4,400 effective agricultural cooperatives. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 19:08:18|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIRUT, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The EU delegation of observers will monitor the expatriates voting in the Lebanese legislative elections scheduled for April 29 across 10 European countries, the National News Agency (NNA) reported on Friday. The announcement was made Friday by Elena Valenciano, head of the EU delegation to Lebanon, during her meeting with Lebanese Minister of the Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Mashnouq, NNA said. Mashnouq briefed the delegation on the overall logistical and technical preparations for the parliamentary elections, while Valenciano explained the tasks of the EU observation team of more than 100 members. Besides the EU, the U.S. National Democratic Institute, led by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, will also monitor the Lebanese elections through 30 observers deployed in the 15 constituencies. Meanwhile, a team from the Arab League and another from the Arab Election Monitoring Network are expected to observe the elections as well. KABUL, April 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 Afghan police personnel have been killed and four police wounded in a gunfight and an ambush attack in western province of Herat, reported local media Tolo News TV on Friday. Taliban militants stormed security checkpoints with guns and rockets in Larzanak locality, Shindand district late Thursday, killing 10 policemen, the report quoted district Governor Shukrullah Shaker as saying. The militants also set off an improvised explosive device (IED) and fired a rocket on responding police unit that arrived at the scene, resulting a police commander killed and four police officers wounded, the official added. Several militants were also killed and wounded during the gun battle, but their number could not be exactly specified as the militants evacuated their casualties after the fighting, according to the report. The district, where an Afghan air force base locates, has been the scene of clashes recently. On Monday, five civilians were killed and seven others wounded in an IED attack in the district bazaar. In a separate development, three police constables were killed after Taliban attacked security checkpoints in outer neighborhood of Gardez city, capital of eastern Paktia province Thursday night, according to officials. The violence has been on rise as Afghan security forces struggle against a surge in attacks by anti-government fighters since the drawdown of foreign forces within the past three years. DENARAU ISLAND, Fiji, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Fiji and the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) inked here on Friday a resilience project agreement that will see the delivery of food security initiatives through a funding of 7 million Fijian dollars (about 3.4 million U.S. dollars) provided by the European Union (EU). The deal, the "Strengthening Climate Resilience of Communities for Food and Nutrition Security" project, was signed by Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture and FAO on the sidelines of the 34th Session of FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, which concluded on the Denarau Island near Fiji's third largest city of Nadi later Friday. The agreement entails initiatives aiming at addressing food and nutrition insecurity in countries and regions prone to El Nino induced vulnerability. Speaking after the signing ceremony, Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, National Disaster Management Office and Meteorological Services Inia Seruiratu said as a responsible country, Fiji is doing its best in its mitigation efforts by reducing greenhouse gas emission. However, he said, seeing the situation the country was faced with, the Fijian government was also advocating on the need for adaptation and resilience. For his part, FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva said such projects will help build resilience at community level in terms of food security. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 19:33:25|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee supports Hainan in comprehensively deepening reform and opening-up, hoping Hainan will strive for a vivid model of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, President Xi Jinping said Friday. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while delivering a speech at a gathering here to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 19:58:29|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close Aerial photo taken on April 10, 2018 shows buses of Anhui Ankai Automobile Company to be exported to Saudi Arabia in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province. The buses of Ankai have been exported to more than 80 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan) BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China Friday reported sound growth in foreign trade for the first quarter and an over one-fifth drop in the trade surplus, pointing to a more balanced trade picture. The country's goods exports rose 7.4 percent year on year in the first three months while imports grew 11.7 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of 326.18 billion yuan (about 51.85 billion U.S. dollars), according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). The surplus was 21.8 percent lower compared with the first quarter last year. In March alone, China posted a trade deficit of 29.78 billion yuan, the first monthly deficit since February 2017, GAC data showed. Total foreign trade volume expanded 9.4 percent to 6.75 trillion yuan in the first quarter from the same period last year. BETTER TRADE STRUCTURE Huang Songping, spokesperson for the GAC, told a press briefing that the relatively fast trade growth was a result of a mild global economic recovery that has given rise to robust trading activities, as well as the sound development of the domestic economy, which has strengthened demand for imports. Steady progress in the Belt and Road Initiative and stronger trade with emerging markets also supported the first-quarter growth, Huang said, as trade volume with Belt and Road countries jumped 12.9 percent in the three-month period, 3.5 percentage points faster than the overall increase. Trade with countries along the Belt and Road reached 1.86 trillion yuan, accounting for 27.5 percent of China's total foreign trade in the first quarter, according to Huang. The country's less developed regions, including central and western China, all outpaced the national average trade growth in the January-March period. Huang admitted that the yuan's appreciation against the U.S. dollar had an impact on China's foreign trade in the first quarter, but said the impact was "limited." The yuan has appreciated more than 3.7 percent against the greenback in the first quarter of 2017, the largest rise since 2008. NOT A SURPLUS SEEKER From January to March, trade between China and the United States rose 13 percent in dollar-denominated terms, with Chinese exports to the United States increasing 14.8 percent and the China-U.S. trade surplus standing at 58.25 billion dollars. "China has never sought a trade surplus," Huang said, noting that the current trade situation is determined by the market and ultimately by the economic structure and industrial competitiveness of the countries involved. "China's trade surplus with the United States is not as big as it looks if we take into account factors such as statistical approaches, entrepot trade and service trade," he said. "We expect the United States to listen with patience to rational, pragmatic views on the deficit, and to suggest remedies for the imbalances to ensure the long-term, steady development of economic and trade ties between the two countries," he added. WIDER OPENING-UP Huang said he sees rising pressure and challenges for the global economy and international trade in the second quarter stemming from global uncertainty and intensifying protectionism. Fiercer competition in the global manufacturing sector will also pose challenges for China's foreign trade, he said. However, Huang said he expects China's foreign trade will maintain an upward trend as the country has pledged to take measures to further open up its market and expand imports. China said earlier this week it will launch a number of landmark measures this year to significantly broaden market access. The country pledged measures including significantly lowering import tariffs for vehicles, while reducing import tariffs for some other products, and enhancing protection of intellectual property rights. Investment bank China International Capital Corporation (CICC) said it expects China's import growth to exceed that of exports in 2018 on back of these measures. The tax and fee reduction package announced by the Chinese government this year will also boost domestic demand and support the country's economic growth in the second quarter and the latter half of this year, the CICC said in a research note. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 20:35:15|Editor: ZX Video Player Close People visit EU Parlamentarium in Brussels, Belgium, April 13, 2018. The Parlamentarium, which is the visitors' centre of the European Parliament, uses many interactive multimedia tools to give citizens an insight into the European Parliament and other EU institutions. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) DHAKA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Abdullah Al Mahmud, the soon-to-be captain of a modern oceangoing vessel, noticed that Bangladesh was lagging behind other countries in building eye-catching boats. He noted that the riverine country has a long tradition of building beautiful boats since ancient times and that craftsmen for thousands of years have been building stunning boats using natural materials. "But the structural designs of boats in Bangladesh have remained virtually the same throughout the years, even though the boats are now powered," he told Xinhua. He went on to explain that it was due to this that he decided to take it upon himself to build a modern-day, eye-catching catamaran and that to bring his dream to fruition he had to travel thousands of miles. To design the twin-hulled craft, he visited France and for high-technology aspects and materials, he went to China. "Catamarans are not commonly made in Bangladesh, although some have been imported from overseas," Mahmud said from a riverbank on the outskirts of Dhaka, where craftsmen have been busy building his dream boat. He said an expert based in France named Michael O' Connor had designed the vessel to be eye-catching as well as environmentally-friendly and that the overall spec was to ensure safety and high quality at an affordable price. "We chose not to use European or American materials or technology because they simply wouldn't be cost-effective," the captain said, adding that he opted for Chinese materials and tech as they are high quality and not overpriced. "We're using 'Made-in-China' fiberglass and Chinese raw materials. So we are making a boat designed in France and built in Bangladesh with Chinese materials and technology," the skipper said of the project's multi-national components. Comparing catamaran engines made in Germany with those made in China, the skipper said, "German engines are very expensive for us, but the quality of Chinese engines are extremely comparable and cost less." His France-based designer also agreed with that, he said. "It makes perfect sense for us to use Chinese engines along with solar cells and batteries also made in China," the seafaring man said. "The type of motor we imported from China can last up to 15 years," Mahmud said, while looking proudly at the progress being made on his soon-to-be launched catamaran. During those battles, then-Illinois based Phyllis Schlafly led the battled to protect women from feminists' radical positions on abortion, traditional marriage and gender-fading culture switches. Schlafly went on to build a national pro-family movement and successfully hold off the ERA from being amended to the U.S. Constitution within the Constitution's own allotted time. SPRINGFIELD - Illinois state senators that depend on prolife supporters to get them re-elected aren't too eager to talk about why they switched votes on the Equal Rights Amendment this week in Springfield. Illinois has long been the site of bloody battles over the ERA - even during the years when radical feminists dumped pig's blood on the Capitol Rotunda's floor. Schlafly's decades-long effort was dishonored Wednesday when Senate Republicans made an about face on the vote and added unneeded support to the Democrat Senate's already acquired 3/5th vote. Schlafly remained active in the national Republican Party working to preserve the party's prolife platform and anti-ERA stand until weeks before her death last year. "Those senators that voted for the ERA this week spit on Phyllis Schlafly's memory," Illinois Family Action's executive director David E. Smith said he told Republican Senate Leader Bill Brady Thursday. "Senator Brady said that we shouldn't be upset with those that are 'with us' 99% of the time, but I told him their votes were unacceptable." Smith, along with five other Illinois prolife leaders, declared Friday their groups would not endorse in the fall any lawmakers that voted for the ERA. That shot across the bow was aimed at affecting any Republican in the Illinois House that was mulling over switching positions in their chambers upcoming vote on the ERA. Illinois Review was successful in getting only one GOP state senator to explain her vote - Morris State Senator Sue Rezin. Rezin voted "present" on the ERA in 2014, but spoke during the floor debate about how the ERA vote was being used as a distraction from the failed leadership of Gov. Quinn, the terrible budget situation Illinois was in, and the high unemployment rate for women in the state. That year, then-GOP senators Kirk Dillard and Christine Radogno were the only two voting "yes" on the ERA. State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) This week, Rezin voted "yes" on the ERA, along with seven other Republicans. Its shocking to know there is no federal constitutional provision that guarantees equality on the basis of sex. Equal rights under the law should never be denied simply because one is female," Rezin said in a statement to Illinois Review. "This was an important step forward in solidifying that women will be constitutionally protected from discrimination. As a mother, who has two daughters in the workforce, I want equal rights for women. And, as a female in Senate leadership who is trying to mentor the next generation, when I speak to females, I want to be seen as someone who supports equal rights for all. Senator Kyle McCarter told Illinois Review he was off the floor during the vote, and would have voted "No" as he did in 2014. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 20:48:45|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone in south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2018. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes investors worldwide to invest and start business in Hainan and participate in the building of a free trade port there, President Xi Jinping said Friday. Xi made the remarks at a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone. China welcomes worldwide investors to share its development opportunities and outcomes of its reform, Xi said. Xi announced a decision by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee to support building the whole island of Hainan into a pilot free trade zone and support Hainan to gradually and steadily push ahead with the building of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 20:48:46|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone in south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2018. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Friday a decision to build the whole island of Hainan into a pilot free trade zone. The Communist Party of China Central Committee has decided to support Hainan in building the whole island into a pilot free trade zone, gradually exploring and steadily promoting the establishment of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics, and promulgating policies and institutional systems for the free trade port step by step and in stages, Xi said at a gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone. Xi urged the province to give priority to opening up, implement a more proactive opening-up strategy, speed up the establishment of a new system for open economy, and promote the formation of a new pattern of opening up in an all-round way. Related: Xi underscores reform, opening-up, environmental protection in Hainan CPC theory proved right by success of Hainan special economic zone: Xi Xi urges special economic zones to serve as window on reform, opening-up Hainan to pilot reform of int'l talent management: Xi China welcomes investors worldwide to participate in building Hainan free trade port Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 20:48:47|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone in south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2018. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China plans to make the offshore duty-free shopping policy in Hainan to cover all outbound tourists, President Xi Jinping said Friday. This is part of new reform and opening-up measures announced by Xi for Hainan at a gathering here to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone. The State Council, China's cabinet, gave Hainan permission to run a pilot duty-free program in April 2011 in an effort to make the island a world-class tourist destination. Currently Hainan has two duty-free shops, with one in the provincial capital of Haikou and the other in the resort city of Sanya on the southern tip of Hainan Island. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 20:53:49|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone in south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2018. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China will support Hainan to launch a pilot program to reform its management of international workers, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday. Technical personnel and those with professional skills from foreign countries as well as those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, will be allowed to work and have permanent residence permits in Hainan, said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Overseas students with master's degrees or above from Chinese universities will be allowed to work or start businesses in Hainan, Xi said. Xi also called for support for the province to establish management systems for recruitment of high-tech personnel from overseas and develop a more open mechanism in this regard. Xi made the remarks at a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan Province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 20:53:50|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Visitors view an exhibit from Brazil at the National Art Museum of China, in Beijing, capital of China, April 13, 2018. A special exhibition of BRICS Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries unveiled here on Friday. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- BRICS countries are looking to improve cultural exchanges via art exhibitions at their national museums, according to Wu Weishan, president of the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC). Wu made the remarks on Friday at the Forum of BRICS Alliance of Art Museums attended by representatives from the national art museums of the five BRICS countries. A declaration was issued at the forum that the museums are expected to hold exhibitions to show contemporary art and classic collections from other BRICS members, in order to promote modern art and cultural treasures. "As the spiritual image of the countries and nations, classic artworks can enhance the spiritual communication between the peoples, countries and nations, which is vital in building a community with a shared future for humanity," Wu noted. BRICS members are culturally interconnected and proud of their own diverse cultures, said Adwaita Charan Garanayak, director general of the National Gallery of Modern Art of India, who also expressed willingness to continuously support plans for cultural exchanges. The NAMOC is currently holding an exhibition featuring 62 collections from BRICS countries, which will close on April 22. KAMPALA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Friday said it is considering a request by Israel to host over 500 Eritrean and Sudanese refuges that will be relocated from the Middle East country. Musa Ecweru, minister of state for disaster preparedness and refugees told reporters that the government is positively considering the request. Ecweru dismissed reports that the government was receiving money in exchange for allowing the refugees to come in. He also said no refugees had already been received from Israel. "We are slow but very sure on the issue of refugees that we host. To my knowledge, no refugees from Israel have come in yet," Ecweru said. He said Uganda is already a host to thousands of refugees and therefore there was no problem having more that are going to be relocated from Israel. Uganda had earlier denied talks with Israel to host some of the refugees they intend to send back to Africa. Uganda is host to over 1.3 million refugees mainly from South Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Somalia, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees figures. HARARE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe government on Friday announced plans to privatize some of its under-performing state firms as part of a comprehensive reform aimed at improving performance of the state-owned entities that have become a drain on the national fiscus. At their peak in the 1990s, the entities used to contribute 40 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa told a press conference that the reform program would result in some entities being merged, privatized, liquidated or absorbed as ministerial departments. The government, he said, was still carrying out discussions on the appropriate decision to take on state airline Air Zimbabwe. He said four companies will be privatized including insurance firm Allied Insurance and grain bag manufacturer Zimbabwe Grain Bag. Among the entities targeted for partial privatization are oil company Petrotrade, postal firm Zimpost, Post Office Savings Bank, Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, mobile phone companies Net One and Telecel and fixed phone operator Tel-One. Struggling mines run by the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation will also be partially privatized, as well as car manufacturer Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries, fertilizer manufacturer Chemplex Corporation and road transport firm ZUPCO. ZAGREB, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian Parliament ratified the Istanbul Convention on Friday, with a majority of 110 votes, while two were absent and 30 votes were against. The ratification came after several months of fierce political clashes between pro-European forces and conservative circles, claiming that ratification would introduce a "gender ideology". Against the ratification were 14 representatives of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). HDZ President and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced that there would be no sanctions against parliamentary representatives who did not respect the party's top decision to support the convention. All the Left Party members, who were in opposition, primarily the Social Democratic Party of Croatia, voted for ratification. Plenkovic said on Friday that the essence of the convention is to prevent violence against women and families, and that between 2013 and 2017 there were 195 murders in Croatia, and the number of killed women was 91. Croatia signed the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, an international treaty signed by the Council of Europe on May 11, 2011 in Istanbul, but had not yet ratified it. In the meantime, Croatian governments changed, which has prevented ratification, and one of the election promises of the HDZ, which in the coalition with the other parties formed a government in October 2016, was the acceptance of the Istanbul Convention and its ratification in parliament. Croatia has been a full member of the Council of Europe since November 1996. By January, the convention had been ratified by 24 countries. European countries that have not ratified the convention include Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Britain and Moldova. MOGADISHU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN top envoy in Somalia ended a two-day visit to Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp where he highlighted the gradual progress made in the Horn of Africa nation. Michael Keating, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, who met with camp residents and some about to return to Somalia, stressed that his visit was a two-way exchange, and that what he heard was useful for his work and engagement with authorities in Somalia. "Every refugee has to take decisions on whether to return on a voluntary basis. Each has his or her own sources of information, including family, friends and the media. But sometimes the news emphasizes the negative, including stories about violence and drought," Keating said on Thursday evening. "In my opinion -- as the mother of a family that is about to return just told me -- things are gradually getting better in Somalia," he said in a statement issued on Friday in Mogadishu after his visit. "A consistent theme is that while many believe that things are slowly improving ... they are still worried about security, they are worried about the opportunity to get jobs," Keating said. According to the UN, Dadaab refugee complex currently has 226,472 registered refugees and asylum seekers. Some 96 percent of the residents of the four camps that make up the complex are from Somalia. "There is now a stronger state, a federal structure, there are big efforts to try and improve security -- yes, al-Shabab remains a potent threat -- but economic activity is picking up and things are, in a non-linear way, getting better," said Keating. The first camp of Dadaab was established in 1991, when refugees fleeing the civil war in Somalia started to cross the border into neighboring Kenya. A second large influx occurred in 2011, when some 130,000 refugees arrived, fleeing drought and famine in southern Somalia, according to the UN. The number has since fallen to 226,472 from 463,427 people since 2011, primarily as a result of both spontaneous and facilitated returns, as well as voluntary repatriation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 21:24:01|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close Italian President Sergio Mattarella speaks to the media at the end of the second day of consultations at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, capital of Italy, on April 13, 2018. The second round of talks to form a national government has failed to produce a workable majority, Italian President Sergio Mattarella told the country in a live statement on Friday. (Xinhua/Jin Yu) ROME, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The second round of talks to form a national government has failed to produce a workable majority, Italian President Sergio Mattarella told the country in a live statement on Friday. The first round of talks held earlier this month ended in a stalemate, and Mattarella had given political leaders a week to find a compromise. "The dialogue between political parties... has not made any progress," Mattarella said. Italy "urgently" needs a government, Mattarella continued, because in the current international scenario, Italy does not have the luxury of time for protracted negotiations. Mattarella cited "international trade conflicts, important and imminent deadlines in the European Union (EU), and the heightening of tensions in areas not far from Italy", in reference to a European Council meeting at the end of June and a military escalation over Syria. The Italian president, who has the power to name a new prime minister, is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and chairs the Supreme Defense Council. "I will wait a few days, after which I will assess how to exit the current stall," Mattarella concluded. If political leaders fail to come to a compromise, the country's president has several options: to confer a so-called "exploratory mandate" on one of the speakers of the houses of parliament; to entrust a political party or coalition leader with a "pre-mandate" to sound out a possible majority; to pick an "institutional figure" to lead a new government, which does not have to be a politician; or to dissolve parliament and call new elections. The March 4 general election divided parliament into three main blocs, none of which has enough votes to form a government on its own. These are a center-right bloc led by the right-wing League party, the populist Five Star Movement, and the center-left Democratic Party of outgoing Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. Mattarella is expected to make a decision sometime next week. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner hosted the annual GOP Governors $500 a plate dinner Thursday night at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago. The Pro-Life Action League was there to speak out on behalf of the thousands of unborn babies who will be aborted in Illinois because Rauner signed into law HB40 the taxpayer abortion funding bill after he promised to veto it. Pro-Life Action League leader Eric Scheidler organized the protest with about 20 people at two entrances to the hotel. He was joined by a pro-life group that traveled here from Ohio. They held signs which many consider graphic, yet Scheidler calls them victim signs. These victims are a human life and thats hard to argue against. The theme of the protest was Governor Rauner, you havent heard us," responding to the Governor's comments on the night of the primary when he said to the half of the IL GOP that voted against him and for a pro-life state representative that "I've heard you." One person from the Students for Life at Columbia College held a separate protest outside (see top photo). The day before she was the only student at Columbia to participate in the nationwide Pro-Last Walkout. Students across the country left class at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday for 17 minutes in support of life. The irony of the evening GOP fundraiser in Chicago was Pro-life Governor Scott Walker was the keynote speaker for the dinner. The event was a high end fundraiser with the cheapest seat at $500. Last week Governor Walker removed abortion insurance coverage from most state workers in Wisconsin. Bruce Rauner has an uphill battle to be re-elected after an extremely close primary with State Rep. Jeanne Ives. Many Illinois conservatives are waiting to see what develops before showing support for Rauner. Unlike four years ago, no unity lunch has taken place with no plans yet made public of one coming up soon. The next big test for the Illinois GOP will be April 18, 2018 when elections are held for the Republican State Central Committee. Most feel the base of the Party is conservative and you cannot win a statewide race without them. Illinois continues to have huge increases in taxes while having big declines in jobs and population. Neither J.B. Pritzker or Bruce Rauner seem to have any plans to fix it. The general election is Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 21:29:02|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close A worker drives forklift to move a Karl Marx statue towards the pedestal in Trier, Germany, April 13, 2018. A 4.4-meter monumental bronze statue of Karl Marx presented by China as a gift to the great thinker's hometown, was erected here Friday ahead of celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary since Marx's birth. (Xinhua/Shen Zhonghao) TRIER, Germany, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A 4.4-meter monumental bronze statue of Karl Marx presented by China as a gift to the great thinker's hometown, was erected here Friday ahead of celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary since Marx's birth. Designed by famous Chinese sculptor Wu Weishan, the statue arrived in the Western German town of Trier last month and is scheduled to be officially unveiled to the public on May 5, 200 years to the day Karl Marx was born in 1818. "This is a gift of friendship which we receive from China rather than a political statement," Trier Mayor Wolfram Leibe told Xinhua, welcoming the statue as a new attraction of the city and expecting more Chinese visitors to come to Trier this year. A series of events surrounding Karl Marx, including the grand state exhibition as well as two partner exhibitions in his city of birth, will shed light on the life, works, time, and ideology of Trier's "great son" in Germany, particularly in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The "Communist Manifesto," originally known as the "Manifesto of the Communist Party," was written by German philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It has been serving as a guiding principle for the Communist movement and has profoundly changed the world. SKOPJE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Macedonian government has implemented over 90 percent of the European Union (EU) requirements, and expects a positive recommendation from the European Commission on April 17, Macedonian deputy prime minister for European affairs, Bujar Osmani, said Friday. Osmani made the statement when presenting the status of implementation of Plan 3-6-9 to local media just ahead of the publication of the European Commission's progress report on Macedonia's Euro-integration path, due on April 17. Osmani underlined that more than 90 percent of the measures provided for in the plan had been implemented and less than ten out of 103 measures had not yet been achieved. According to Osmani, a part of what has not been realized is because some measures are underway, some holdups are due to technical details, and some because the opposition requested additional consultations. "Macedonia has managed to offer an extremely productive reform agenda in these nine months and our country is back on the European path," added Osmani. On April 12, during his visit in Brussels, Osmani presented the plan in front of EU High Representatives. Photo taken on Dec. 27, 2016 shows a helicopter taking part in a rescue operation on the Black Sea coast at the crash site of Russian Defense Ministry's Tu-154 aircraft near Sochi, Russia. (Xinhua/Sputnik) MOSCOW, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A Russian Ka-29 military helicopter crashed in the Baltic Sea in the Kaliningrad region, killing two crew members on board, the Russian Baltic Fleet said Friday. The helicopter crashed during a nighttime test flight over the Baltic Sea at about 23:30 Moscow time (2030 GMT) on Thursday, according to a statement released by the Baltic Fleet's press service. Both pilots on board died, it said. A search operation is underway at the crash site. The Ka-29 is a combat transport helicopter developed by the Moscow-based Kamov Design Bureau, which designs helicopters for Russia's naval fleets. It made its debut flight in July 1976. BANGKOK, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Many Thais and even foreign tourists wear Thai traditional costumes during the Songkran celebration this year after a soap opera set in Ayutthaya Era won much popularity in the kingdom. In Lumphini Park of Bangkok, many Thai people took photos in Thai traditional costume while in Silom Road, Siam business district and other places, many Thais, dressed in Thai traditional costume and armed with water gun, participated in the water splashing carnival. Thai traditional costumes have become the characteristics of Songkran this year. Tao, a Thai woman in this kind of costume, said it is very beautiful to wear ancient costumes during the traditional festival of Songkran. "I hope Thai people can also realize the beauty of their traditional culture." Tom, another Thai woman in traditional costume, said she was influenced by the soap opera "Love Destiny" or "Bupphesaniwat." She felt that wearing Thai traditional costumes also helps conserve and inherit traditional culture. Bupphesaniwat, a TV opera about a modern Thai woman's soul going back to the Ayutthaya Era, dwelling in the body of her twin sister in the past life and falling in love with a handsome noble then, has been very popular in Thailand recently. The TV opera also won some popularity in China. A Chinese tourist from China's southern city of Guangzhou said at the Lumphini park that he is a big fan of Bupphesaniwat and he came to the park to rent Thai costumes. The Thai government has also encouraged civil servants and the public to wear costumes for the new year to carry on the tradition. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he hopes that Thai traditional costumes could become a new trend in Thai Songkran celebration. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 21:49:10|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close THE HAGUE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Because of its substantial economic growth and considerable effort to get New Energy Vehicles off the ground, China is regarded as a promising trade partner for giving impetus to smart zero emission mobility, said a Dutch government statement published Friday. Dutch State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management Stientje van Veldhoven made this remark in Shanghai on Thursday, according to the statement. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and government officials are accompanying a large trade mission to China this week. Some 165 companies and knowledge institutions are taking part in this trade mission. "I perceive great interest in the Dutch commitment to smart and green mobility, because in China this is of the essence as well," Van Veldhoven was quoted as saying in Shanghai. "There is a great deal to be learnt from them, because whatever the Chinese do, they go about it on a large scale. Chinese car manufacturers are opening factories that only produce electric cars, and before long, cars without a fossil fuel engine will account for some 5 percent of all new cars here," she said. "Shanghai alone accommodates 200,000 new energy vehicles. This is a development to be applauded, because the scale expansion offers opportunities for the business community. In addition, it cuts costs, as a result of which driving an electric vehicle becomes affordable. This benefits our health, the climate, and our economy" she added. Van Veldhoven is visiting China with representatives from 39 companies engaged in sustainable mobility and/or committed to a circular economy. The Dutch government has set out a plan that by 2030 all new passenger cars in the Netherlands must be new energy vehicles. NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Climate change experts on Friday called on African governments to put in place carbon pricing regulation to earn taxes from greenhouse gas emissions. El Hadji Diagne, Lead Negotiator for Climate Change Markets, said in Nairobi that carbon pricing is an opportunity that the continent could not afford to loss. "Put regulation framework in place to allow carbon pricing as a means of bringing down emissions and drive investment into cleaner options," Diagne said during the 10th African carbon Forum in Nairobi. Diagne told countries to apply pricing measures, including taxation methods that are used in taxing fossil fuel to shift the burden for the damage back to those who are responsible. He said that with the existing regional economic blocs, managing carbon pricing can be easier once the provisions are put in place. "Regional approach is a better approach as it will help reduce unnecessary competitions amongst member countries," he noted. The expert observed that instead of dictating who should reduce emissions where and how, a carbon price gives an economic signal that makes polluters decide whether to discontinue their polluting activity, reduce emissions, or continue polluting and pay for it. "You will easily achieve the environmental goal in a most flexible and least-cost way to society," he added. He told delegates that they have a better option putting legal framework in place as carbon price also stimulates clean technology and market innovation, fueling new, low-carbon drivers of economic growth. Dirk Forrister, the CEO of International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), told African governments to put policies in place and begin to look for the right carbon investors. "This will enable the countries to develop binding agreements that work for the benefit of populations," Forrister said. He told African countries to borrow from Colombia, which has enacted carbon pricing that provides a direct transfer of resources from a polluting sector of the economy, mainly transportation, to projects protecting the environment. Memory Machingambi, a senior economist for wnvironmental and fuel taxes at South African Treasury, announced that her country is set to launch the first carbon tax in the continent. Machingambi said her government developed a national policy reform paper that contains polluter based principles. She noted that the project that is being done in collaboration with the World Bank will offer 60 percent tax free threshold for every entity will be covered by the tax. "We are looking for an opportunity to start collaborating with our neighbors Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho," she said. Machingambi observed that carbon price will be tied to pro-poor programs to help fund damages they incur in their farms, health care costs from heat waves, droughts and flooding and sea level rise. According to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC), some 40 countries and more than 20 cities, already use carbon pricing mechanisms. United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his nomination to become the secretary of state on the Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. April 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Mike Pompeo, the pick of U.S. President Donald Trump to replace outgoing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, attempted to strike a cooperative tone to other nations in his confirmation hearing in the Senate on Thursday. SOFTENING HAWKISH PROFILE ON IRAN, DPRK Pompeo, widely termed as a "hawk" in the Trump administration, tried to soften his rhetoric on a group of regional hotspot issues in the hearing that lasted some four hours. Speaking of the possibility of U.S. leaving the Iran deal that Trump has to decide around May 12, Pompeo said his objective was to "fix this deal." "If there's no chance that we can fix it, I will recommend the president to do our level best to work with our allies to achieve a better outcome and a better deal," he said. He further explained that should the framework agreement not come in place by May 12, he would work for a better agreement despite Tehran's threat to leave the deal if Washington drops out of it. "There is continued interest on the part of Iran to stay in this deal. It's in their own economic self-interest to do so," he said. As for Pyongyang, Pompeo also tried to make a more peaceful tone by mentioning the proposed meeting between Trump and Kim Jong un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). "There is work being done today in preparation for the president's proposed meeting with Kim Jong un," he said. "No one is under any illusions that we will reach a comprehensive agreement through the president's meeting, but to enable, to set out the conditions which would be acceptable to each side for the two leaders that will ultimately make the decision about whether such an agreement can be achieved and then set in place," he added. REMAINING HARSH ON RUSSIA U.S. relations with Russia have further deteriorated recently due to the "poisoning attack" of an ex-Russian spy, the following expulsion of Russian diplomats and various sanctions imposed under different charges. "I take a back seat to no one with my views of the threat that is presented to America from Russia," Pompeo said. "If I am confirmed as the secretary of state, I can assure this administration will continue, as it has for the past 15 months, to take real actions to push back, to reset the deterrence relationship with respect to Russia," he said. The confrontational tone has stirred alarm for the relations between the two world powers. "Pompeo will need to decide whether to resist - rather than encourage - one of the most alarming trends in U.S. global engagement: the ongoing militarization of U.S. foreign policy. The tea leaves here are not encouraging," said Stewart M. Patrick from the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S.-based think tank. FOCUSING ON EMPOWERING STATE DEPARTMENT The State Department went through pervasive doubts and disheartenment due to the bad blood and unimpressive communication between Tillerson and Trump. Pompeo said the State Department employees, in the past few weeks, expressed to him their hope to be empowered in their roles and have a clear understanding of the president's mission. "That'll be my first priority," he said. "They've shared how demoralizing it is to have so many vacancies. And frankly, many of them said, not to feel relevant. I'll do my part to end those vacancies." "We don't yet have an ambassador to South Korea. We need one," he said. "With respect each of those positions, I am a talent hawk. I will find what I believe to be the best fit to execute America's diplomatic mission around the world." According to Samantha Power, former U.S. permanent representative to the UN, attracting the right personnel will require Pompeo to work with the Congress and take other steps to change obsolete rules. JAKARTA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Tourism Ministry has chosen Chinese cities of Nanning, Shenzhen and Guangzhou for its upcoming tour package sales programs slated for April 16-19, an official at the ministry said. Vincentius Jemadu, assistant deputy tourism minister for international marketing supervising Asia and the Pacific markets, said the ministry would send 10 sales program sellers to China. They would be particularly assigned to secure the market as it has became the world's highly potential tourism market, he said. "It means that they have to be able to convince Chinese potential tourists that Indonesian destinations were essential for them to visit. China is a very strategic market that needs to get maintained. Other countries were also aiming at this lucrative tourism market," Jemadu said. To lure Chinese visitors, the ministry would give preference to Chinese tourists who will visit Indonesia throughout the events. Jemadu said that China's outbound tourists have reached 130 million with total spending of 17.5 billion U.S. dollars last year. "Not only number of the tourists, their spending was also incredibly huge. This is the opportunity that we must seize," Jemadu added. He said that number of Chinese tourists visited Indonesia has apparently increased 35.75 percent to 1.972 million last year. Bali received most of them with 1.336 million ones. He added that his ministry has set target to receive 3 million Chinese tourists this year from the total 17 million foreign tourist arrivals targeted in the year. To ensure significant addition of Chinese tourist arrivals in Indonesia, the sales mission program held in Shenzhen would offer charter flights for Chinese tourists to Indonesia's western region of Batam and Bintan. "This would be an effort to bring Chinese tourists to Indonesian destinations other than Bali," Jemadu added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 22:29:22|Editor: ZX Video Player Close ANKARA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that he discussed possible steps for peace in Syria during phone talks with his U.S. and Russian counterparts. Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers, Erdogan said he told the U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that escalating regional tension is not right, and all sides should work together to build peace in Syria. "Current developments show the tension is likely to be easing, but our talks with our counterparts will continue," he added. Erdogan also reiterated that Turkey's "fight against terror in northern Syria will continue without stopping," referring to the on-going "Operation Olive Branch" in Syria's Afrin region against Kurdish militants. The Turkish president had phone conversations with Trump late Wednesday and with Putin on Thursday, exchanging views on a suspected chemical attack during the weekend in Douma, a Syrian town northeast of the capital Damascus. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 22:44:27|Editor: yan Video Player Close SHANGHAI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held talks with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval here on Friday, and the two agreed to expand bilateral cooperation. According to a press release, Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, and Doval agreed that promoting bilateral ties in a comprehensive way conforms with the aspiration of the two peoples and the fundamental interests of the two sides, and will be conducive to the stability and development of Asia and the world. They agreed to stick to the right direction of the development of bilateral ties, work to accumulate positive energy for the relationship, and create a bright future for bilateral ties. LUSAKA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Friday denied reports that it was not being honest with the true foreign debt figure the country owes. Last week, reports in the international media said the southern African nation's foreign debt obligation was higher than the government figure of 8.7 billion U.S. dollars as at end of December 2017, a 26-percent increase from the previous year. But Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya defended the figure released by the finance ministry last week, saying there was no way the government could be hiding its foreign debt. She told reporters during a weekly briefing that the government was being sincere. "It is not in the interest of the people of Zambia not to be able to put out correct information. So when we release information, it means that is the debt we have contracted," she said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 22:44:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on July 19, 2016 shows the construction site of the rehabilitating project of Gerritsen Inlet Bridge carried out by China Construction America in New York, the United States. (Xinhua/China Construction America) NEW YORK, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States must avoid overusing national security review plea and ensure a level playing field and a predictable environment for Chinese enterprises investment in the country, experts said here on Thursday. "It's not a choice between national security and economic development, we can have both," said Daniel Rosen, a founding partner of the New York-based research consultancy and advisory company Rhodium Group, adding that "is an entirely false notion that we have to make a choice between the two of them." Chinese direct investment in the United States plummeted from 46.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2016 to 29.7 billion dollars in 2017, said Rosen at a panel discussion at the Harvard Club in New York City, quoting a report recently released by Rhodium Group. The decline was partly because that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a multi-agency panel that reviews foreign purchases of American companies, has broadened its approach to reviewing Chinese investments. The panel chaired by U.S. Treasury Department vets deals that could give a foreign investor control of a U.S. business for national security risks. It has been increasingly aggressive under the administration of President Donald Trump. An unprecedented number of Chinese deals were delayed or abandoned last year as parties failed to obtain approval from the CFIUS, according to the Rhodium report. "We have a big pipeline to acquire more U.S. companies" but only watch a little bit right now, said Yuan Ning, president of China Construction America, who was also on the panel. Ni Pin, president of Wanxiang America Corporation, the Chicago-based arm of Wanxiang Group Company, called for "more professional, less political" CFIUS review of merger and acquisition deals between American and Chinese enterprises. "It's very confusing coming to the United States," Ni said of the different treatment he received at the federal and state governments. "When you go to Washington D.C., you feel a lot of pressure ... they always question your motivation. Back to your own state, your governor is your best friend, he knows your wife's birthday more than you do, your kids birthday, whatever." As a matter of fact, more and more U.S. state governors are looking towards China for an international solution to local economic problems and unemployment, said Scott Pattison, executive director and CEO of U.S. National Governors Association. "We can double, triple and quadruple the vigor of security screening, looking for legitimate problems, and still have room to go so far beyond the 46 billion dollar watermark between the two largest economies," Rosen said. "The real problem to getting there, it is not (that) we have to compromise national security, it is making sure that we are all confident that we are on a convergent path together, China and the United States, both of them head to the same direction as economies, in the future." "The fundamental issue is not the nature of our two countries, it's more of communication," said Ni. The panel discussion is part of the China Institute 2018 Executive Summit "U.S.-China Business in the New World Order," which brought together hundreds of top U.S. and Chinese CEOs, government leaders, and experts to examine challenges and opportunities in the changing business relations between the two largest economies in the world. Founded in 1926, China Institute is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China. SOFIA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Denis Zvizdic have discussed setting up a joint airline of the Balkan region, they said Friday. The new regional airline would operate flights between capital cities of those countries that do not have their own national airlines such as BiH, Macedonia and Albania, Zvizdic said at a joint press conference after the talks. The distance between Sarajevo and Sofia is about 600 km and would take 40 minutes by plane, but there are currently no direct flights, which poses a problem for businesspeople and other travelers, Zvizdic said. Transport infrastructure is the hold up in the economic development of the Western Balkans, and its regional and European Union (EU) integration in a wider sense, Zvizdic said. Borissov said in turn that he had asked the transport minister to work on the idea of the regional airline, which four or five countries may initially subsidize, he said. As for the infrastructure projects in the region, Borissov said that each country should make efforts to finish its part. Zvizdic, who paid a two-day official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Borissov, met on Thursday with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. CAPE TOWN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Friday commissioned a forensic investigation into VBS Mutual Bank in what is believed to be the biggest bank failure in South Africa since 2014. The primary objective of the investigation is to establish whether any of the business of VBS Mutual Bank was conducted with the intent to defraud depositors or creditors, the central bank said in a statement. It will also look for questionable, reckless business practices, material non-disclosure and other irregular conduct, it said. There have been reports of irregularities pertaining to 900 million rand (about 75 million U.S. dollars) in deposits at VBS that could not be traced. Based on the findings of the forensic investigation, the Prudential Authority (PA), which is responsible for prudential regulation and supervision of commercial banks, will take appropriate follow-up action, the SARB said. Earlier this week, VBS was put into administration after it was unable to repay money owed to municipalities following a "severe liquidity crisis." This means that the bank's management team has been relieved of its duties. In 2017, the bank was fined 500,000 rand (about 40,000 dollars) due to a weakness in its control measures to prevent money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism. As one of South Africa's smallest lenders, VBS has operated as a licensed mutual bank, funded by its members, for 25 years. The lender, which isn't listed, gained attention in 2016 when it gave the then president Jacob Zuma a mortgage to settle a Constitutional Court order to repay taxpayers some of the money spent upgrading his private residence. The bank operates six branches across the country and calls itself a black-owned specialist corporate-finance and retail bank. Its total assets were 2.4 billion rand at the end of December, according to the most recent central bank data. South Africa's previous bank failure was in 2014 when African Bank Investments' lending unit collapsed after bad debts soared, prompting the central bank to rescue its viable assets. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 22:54:31|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's fresh pledges to expand reform and opening-up during his trip to south China's Hainan Province have injected vitality into economic globalization as the world is troubled by grave uncertainties over growing protectionism. Xi addressed the annual Boao Forum for Asia annual conference, inspected the development of Hainan Province, and delivered a speech at a gathering to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Hainan Province and Hainan Special Economic Zone this week. The fresh moves Xi announced, ranging from broadening market access to developing Hainan as a free trade port, have reassured the world that China will step up its reform and opening-up, which was initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978 and has unleashed significant productivity in China. China's success in the past four decades, including an average of 9.5 percent annual growth, upgraded key infrastructure and technology as well as long-term stability, has not only changed its relations with the world, but also provided a paradigm for other nations to achieve openness and prosperity. Experience has shown that economic globalization, a natural sequence of productivity and technological progress, can boost world economic development, promote the flow of commodities and capital, and help protect the common interests of all the countries. Take Hainan's development as an example. The reform and opening-up drive has increased Hainan's GDP from 5.7 billion yuan (about 908 million U.S. dollars) in 1987 to 446.3 billion yuan last year, with its GDP per capita growing by 14 times to 7,179 U.S. dollars. The island, once a backwater of fishermen and poor farmers, is now a vivid example of China's commitment to the future and hard evidence that openness brings progress. Reform and opening-up is a key strategic choice deciding China's destiny and meets the global trend toward development, cooperation and peace. China will not close its door to the world. The country will only become more and more open. The specific and achievable measures unveiled during Xi's Hainan trip provide a tangible basis for the world to believe that China has every intention to translate all the major initiatives of opening-up into reality, sooner rather than later. For instance, China will ease foreign equity restrictions in the automobile, ship, and aircraft industries. The country will also significantly lower the import tariffs for vehicles this year, and seek faster progress toward joining the WTO Government Procurement Agreement. China also welcomes international investors to invest and develop in Hainan and participate in the development of a free trade port there. Foreign technical personnel and those with professional skills will be allowed to work and apply for permanent residence permits in Hainan. All these measures have shown China's sincerity that the outcomes of the opening-up efforts will deliver benefits to all enterprises and people in China and around the world as soon as possible. The progress may not be as smooth as people wish as policy changes in major economies and their spill-over effects are creating uncertainty and protectionism is mounting. But China will not hesitate in the face of difficulties and challenges. The country will reach out to any and all who wish to pursue a win-win economic relationship. Time will prove it is a right cause worth all-out effort, both for China and the world. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 23:14:37|Editor: yan Video Player Close by Xu Haijing, Zhao Bo ADELAIDE, Australia, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the just-concluded Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) was very positive news, said Mark Allison with the Australian agriculture company Elders. In a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua, Allison, chief executive officer of Elders, said Xi's speech was consistent with many of China's forward-thinking views concerning world affairs over the years. In a keynote speech delivered Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the BFA annual conference in south China's Hainan Province, Xi pledged to further open up China's economy, lower tariffs and promote global prosperity. Allison said he is looking forward to learning specific measures to carry out Xi's announcement. "But the general context of it -- saying that China welcomes more imports and will do that through a number of means including tariff reductions -- from Australian viewpoint, is very, very positive and we welcome that." Acknowledging that Australia exports a lot of agricultural products, the businessman said "China is our major trading partner. So we are very positive." Citing the protection of intellectual property right as one of the concerns of Australian exporters to China, Allison said the business community in Australia welcomes China's resolve to redouble its effort in that domain. The 179-year-old Elders is one of the largest agriculture companies in Australia, with 220 branches and over 2,000 staffers across the country. Its business with China dates back to 14 years ago and focuses on providing high-end beef and lamb to hotels and restaurants in big cities. "It's a relatively small business. Our ambition is to make a bigger business. The key point for us is to actually provide the products that the Chinese public want in those hotels and restaurants," Allison said, adding that his company wishes to expand its business in China, which he said was still small for the time being. According to Allison, Elders had "a broad portfolio of products" ranging from seafood and honey to wine. "The announcement by President Xi on Tuesday may encourage us to broaden the business," said Allison, who envisaged ample opportunities for the company in the Chinese market. With regards to the China International Import Expo to be held in China's Shanghai in November, which Xi said will be an annual event from this year on and a major policy initiative to open up China's market, Allison is well aware of the event, hailing it as a "very powerful symbolism." "It's a great forum, a great platform. It opens the eyes of many other industries and companies between Australia and China. I do like the two-way nature of it," he said. Commenting on the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Allison said its vision and commitment, as well as China's resilience to deliver the promises related to the initiative are outstanding. "From an industry perspective, we think it's a very positive initiative that we would like to be inside of it rather than outside of it," he said. According to Allison, not only will the Belt and Road Initiative open up a lot of trade opportunities, it will also motivate innovation in what he referred to as "input and assistant" works within the grand framework. "You don't fully understand the value if you stand on the outside," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 23:24:40|Editor: yan Video Player Close BELGRADE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Serbian businessmen gathered at a trade and investment forum here on Friday to discuss new business opportunities that would boost economic cooperation between both countries. During a visit by delegates of the Council for Promoting South-South Cooperation (CPSSC) of China to Belgrade, the forum at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia brought together representatives of around 20 Chinese and 80 Serbian companies. Among those present were Lyu Xinhua, chairman of the CPSSC, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang, and representatives of the Serbian chamber of commerce and the ministry of economy. Lyu estimated that the investment environment in Serbia is constantly improving, making the country more attractive to Chinese investors, because "products made in Serbia can be exported both to the East and West". "This is why we estimate that the opportunities for investment here are endless," he stressed. "Cooperation between our two countries is undergoing a major development, and it encompasses areas of infrastructure, production (with Chinese equipment and technology) and cooperation in agriculture," Lyu said, pointing out that Chinese market is also open for Serbian companies looking to invest. "The aim of CPSSC here is not only to bring our companies to realize projects here...but also to encourage local companies to come to China, to invest and to build another bridge of cooperation between our countries," he said. Li agreed that there are numerous opportunities for cooperation, citing the example of a company whose representative are here in Serbia today, looking to establish cooperation in the area of agriculture, specifically for the cultivation and processing of Chinese medicinal herbs here in Serbia. Jelena Jovanovic, representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia expressed satisfaction because Chinese companies at the forum managed to find "common language" between Serbia's investment potentials and their own needs, and because representatives of Serbian companies will get acquainted with their future partners from China. BERLIN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- German special forces have arrested three terror suspects in the state of Saarland, state security and judicial authorities confirmed on Friday. The chief public prosecution office of the city of Koblenz and Saarland police headquarters told the press that three Syrian nationals aged 21, 23 and 27 had been taken into custody as potential terrorist threats. Two of the individuals are accused of being members of the Islamic State in Syria while the third is suspected of trying to recruit new German-based members for Ahrar al-Sham, another Syrian Islamist group. Security and judicial authorities noted, however, that there was no concrete evidence to suggest that the men detained were actually planning any attacks in Germany or Europe. The Koblenz chief public prosecutor Juergen Brauer further clarified that the suspects were arrested independent of each other and had no prior connections. The group could consequently not be described as a "terrorist cell," Brauer emphasized. All three detainees came to Germany in 2015 following the outbreak of civil war in their native Syria. Having applied for asylum, they were randomly allocated to the same refugee shelter. Security authorities were alerted to the alleged extremist activity by a former employee of the refugee shelter in question. Formal investigations into the cases were launched from October 2017 onwards. LJUBLJANA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Slovenian and Russian gas companies Geoplin and Gazprom signed a new five-year gas supply contract on Friday. The value of the contract, which will import 600 million cubic meters of Russian gas a year, was not disclosed, according to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). Bostjan Napast, CEO of Geoplin, said Slovenian economic diplomacy had played a significant role in the completion of the deal, the negotiations for which were completed in late 2017, according to the STA report. Slovenian foreign minister Karl Erjavec, who was also present at the event, said the negotiations had been technically demanding, but expressed satisfaction with the deal. "Slovenia and Russia have a good cooperation despite the complexity of international relations," the foreign minister said. The deal is especially important for Slovenia's economy, whose energy demands are increasing, he added. The contract is to contribute about 5 percent of Slovenia's energy needs, said the STA report. Gazprom deputy chairman Alexander Medvedev noted that 2018 marked four decades since Russia first started supplying gas to Slovenia. Medvedev said he was confident the two companies would start discussing a new contract soon, saying that the next deal would most likely be more long-term oriented. LONDON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Scotland Yard on Friday pledged to use modern slavery laws to crack down on gangs using children to run drugs from London to towns and cities around Britain. British police are also working to shut down phone lines fuelling a trade estimated to be worth more than 500 million pounds (some 712.62 million U.S. dollars) a year. The warning to gangs came as two criminals faced jail on Friday after being convicted under modern slavery legislation in a landmark case. Mahad Yusuf, 20, and Fesal Mahamud, 19, both from London, were due to be sentenced after pleading guilty to trafficking a young person for the purposes of exploitation under the Modern Slavery Act and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. They lured a vulnerable 19-year-old from London to Swansea and forced her to sell drugs, threatening her with violence if she tried to escape. The pledge came just days after British Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced to earmark nine million pounds, or 12.82 million U.S. dollars, for crackdown on paedophiles, organized gangs and other criminals who exploit the "dark web". Rudd said that the nine-million-plus-pound funding was being provided to "enhance the UK's specialist law enforcement response." LUSAKA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Representative in Zambia Janet Rogan has refused to meet the country's leading opposition party, which had asked to have a discussion with her. Last week Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), accused the UN representative of having partnered with the governing party in manipulating the results of the 2016 elections in favor of the ruling party. The opposition leader later requested for a meeting with her to iron out issues affecting the country. But Patrick Mucheleka, the party's deputy secretary-general, said the UN representative has refused to have a meeting with the party. "Her refusal to meet us is uncharacteristic of a UN employee who must espouse integrity, honesty and above all neutrality," he said in a statement. He added that it was unfortunate that the UN representative has refused to meet the party when she has allegedly been holding clandestine meetings with officials from the governing party. The opposition party has since decided to report her to the UN headquarters. "It is very clear that Janet Rogan, the UN chief in Zambia is a danger to our country's peace and security, which goes against the secretary general's call for preventive diplomacy," he said. NICOSIA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus said on Friday that it took action to reserve sections of air space around a British air base on the south shores of the Cyprus island which will be possibly used in any potential military action against Syria for the alleged use of toxic gas against civilians. Head of Nicosia Air Control Center Haris Antoniades said his department issued two notices (notams) creating an air space buffer south of the British Akrotiri air base, which serves as the base of 14 fighter-bombers and a refueling aircraft. He said the notices were issued at the request of the administration of the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus and will be in force until May 12. Antoniades also said that additional aviation instructions were issued aimed at allaying concerns by users of the Cypriot Flight Information Region (FIR) caused by reports in the British press about the possible use of the Akrotiri air base for potential military action against Syria. Eurocontrol which serves as the European air safety agency, has advised airlines to be prepared for changes in the existing flight paths within the Cypriot FIR covering almost all of the eastern Mediterranean Antoniades refrained from giving details of the notices but went to great lengths to counter reaction to the reservation of air space to be used by planes flying in and out of the Akrotiri air base. "The areas reserved are not new. They have been reserved several times in the past and the only new element is that a fresh request has been made by the British Base authorities," Antoniades said. Cyprus is sensitive to reports of possibly being at the center of a conflict that would mar its image as an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise volatile and unstable region. Such a possibility could harm its blossoming tourist industry as the new tourist season has just begun. Most opposition parties led by left-wing AKEL party have criticized the government for satisfying the British request for air space reservation. Government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said air traffic within Cyprus's FIR has not been disturbed in any way up to now. He also said that precautionary measures are being taken for the safe continuation of flights within the Cypriot FIR. Britain retained two areas on the south shores of Cyprus to serve as home for a land army regiment and as an air base. Most important of the two is the air base at Akrotiri, on the fringes of the port city of Limassol, which is considered by military analysts as one of the most important military facilities serving NATO. Beyond hosting six Tornados and eight Typhoon fighter-bombers which are being used for strikes against the Islamic State, it also serves as an important center for the collection of military intelligence. Analysts say that electronic intelligence installations at Akrotiri are possibly the most important hub in a NATO radar system that extends worldwide. KIGALI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Rwandans on Friday remembered politicians killed during the 1994 genocide at the conclusion of the mourning week. The event took place at Rebero genocide memorial in Kicukiro district, Kigali, where wreaths were laid on graves where remains of most of the prominent fallen politicians were buried. The function was attended by Rwanda's senior officials led by Senate president Bernard Makuza, families of fallen politicians and members of the diplomatic corps. Remains of more than 14,000 genocide victims were buried at the Rebero memorial site. Most of the fallen politicians were reformists belonging to the Liberal Party (PL) or Social Democratic Party (PSD), who stood firm against the then regime of hate ideology, said Elizabeth Mukamana, spokesperson of Rwanda's National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations. Speaking at the event, Mukamana appealed to political parties and politicians against divisive politics, urging them to sensitize youth on development politics and patriotism. Makuza said the genocide happened not as an accident but was well planned. The fallen politicians paid price for their reformist ideologies, to honor their legacy Rwanda should promote unity and avoid ethnic divisions, he said. Makuza also called for the fight against genocide ideology and denial while promoting political dialogue and equal opportunities for all Rwandans. He meanwhile called on the international community to put efforts in apprehending genocide suspects still at large so as to bring them to justice. Rwanda's justice ministry said more than 800 indictments have been issued to different countries but less than 20 fugitives have been extradited or deported to Kigali. While the official mourning week closed on Friday, genocide commemoration activities will continue until July 3 to mark 100 days during which more than 1 million people, mainly Tutsi and moderate Hutus, were killed in 1994. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-13 23:59:54|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday warned of the danger of a full-blown military escalation in Syria. "Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise in the establishment of an accountability mechanism (for chemical weapons use in Syria) threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation," Guterres told the Security Council. "In my contacts with you -- especially with the permanent members of the Security Council -- I have been reiterating my deep concerns about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiralling out of control. This is exactly the risk we face today -- that things spiral out of control," said the UN chief. "It is our common duty to stop it." He said Syria represents the most serious threat to international peace and security today. "In Syria, we see confrontations and proxy wars involving several national armies, a number of armed opposition groups, many national and international militia, foreign fighters from everywhere in the world, and various terrorist organizations," he told the Security Council, which was convening at the request of Russia. "From the beginning, we have witnessed systematic violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international law tout court -- in utter disregard of the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter." He noted that Security Council Resolution 2401 that demands a cease-fire across Syria to allow humanitarian assistance was not implemented. The continued reports of chemical weapons use in Syria are outrageous, he said. He deplored the fact that the Security Council could not reach agreement on a dedicated mechanism for attributing accountability. But he said there is no military solution to the conflict. "The solution must be political through the Geneva intra-Syrian talks." JUBA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's Ministry of Defense will commence construction of roads in the country in a bid to cut costs of hiring private companies and also help ease access during the current rainy season. Michael Makuei, Minister of Information, told journalists that ministry of defense's engineering department was given funds to procure major equipment to start road construction to ease access during the rainy season before the capital is cut off from other parts of the country. "Ministry of Defense engineering department is planning to establish a fleet of equipment for the construction of roads and the value of these equipment was for the sum of 45,548,000 million U.S. dollars," Makuei said after the cabinet meeting in Juba. He disclosed that the money will be for the purchase of several equipment that will help the cash-strapped government to continue with construction of roads rather than hiring expensive private companies. "The construction of a tarmac road at present of one kilometer is at least 1 million U.S. dollars per km. So if we can acquire equipment and use our army as the technocrats to do the job it will be cheaper and will cover all the roads," he disclosed. Makuei said the defense ministry will work with the Ministry of Justice, Finance and Ministry of Roads to expedite the process. South Sudan has only one major tarmacked road - the Juba-Nimule road, constructed with the aid of the U.S. government after it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Makuei also revealed that they are ready for the third round of the peace revitalization talks on April 26 in Ethiopia and added that they will be receiving in Juba delegations from African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on April 15 and the Council of Ministers for the region body Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on April 17. "All these delegations are coming on the follow up of the chartered diplomacy before the parties go in for the third round of the peace revitalization talks," Makuei said. South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir sacked his former deputy Riek Machar leading to fighting between mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir and ethnic Nuer soldiers loyal to Machar. The violence has killed tens of thousands leaving 4 million people living as refugees in neighboring countries. The efforts by regional leaders to revive the 2015 peace agreement shattered in the wake of renewed violence in July 2016 are yet to bear fruit as they have been indefinitely suspended after the warring parties failed to make headway. ADDIS ABABA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who is currently addressing the various groups of the Ethiopian society, urged the public for patience to bring about the desired changes. Ahmed in his first trip outside the capital Addis Ababa earlier this week has addressed the conflict-hit Somali regional state, followed by a meeting with residents of Ambo town in Ethiopia's largest Oromia regional state, a town that has been a hotbed of protests for the past few years. He also hosted a dinner reception for the East African country's opposition leaders on Thursday night, in which he promised to widen the democratic space as well as to working with opposition figures so as to bring better socioeconomic conditions for Ethiopia - a country that was rocked by incessant unrests and mass anti-government demonstrations since the second half of 2016. Ahmed's first official trip outside Addis Ababa to the eastern Somali regional state was mainly aimed at resolving the deadly communal clashes that has recently claimed the lives of hundreds of Ethiopians and for the displacement of hundreds of thousands. Ahmed, who is from Ethiopia's largest Oromia regional state, came to power as the East African country faces deadly clashes among two of its largest regional states, Oromia and Ethiopia-Somali regional state. Addressing residents of Jijiga, capital of the Somali regional state, he said that the deadly clashes between the two ethnic groups "should never have taken place." He also expressed his commitment to bring lasting solution to the tragedy that affected hundreds of thousands of people from the two groups, in which the Ethiopia National Disaster Risk Management Commission estimated the displaced to reach close to 900,000 as a result of the conflict. Ahmed, soon after his return from Ethiopia's Somali region, has on Wednesday addressed a huge gathering in Ambo town, a town that had seen widespread mass anti-government demonstrations, which in some occasions went to deadly violent incidents. Addressing the local youth, who were the primary anti-government demonstrators, Ahmed urged support for his administration, saying that "we are now on the path of change and love... We want to work hand-in-hand with you." Hosting a dinner reception for the East African country's opposition leaders, religious leaders, prominent personalities, and representatives of civic organizations on Thursday, Ahmed also stressed his administration's aspirations to work together with opposition political parties towards realizing the country's ambitions in social, economic and governance administration. The premier, who noted the existing gaps in Ethiopia's democratic institutions and culture, urged opposition politicians that "we need to rally together to make sure that a constitutional and democratic culture is sufficiently developed to the extent we would like to have." He further noted that building a country, "where different political opinions are tolerated, equality is guaranteed, and accountability is insured," is his major target. As part of his third trip outside the capital, Ahmed also on Friday went to the northern city of Mekele, capital of Tigray regional state, where he is expected to address the public, in an attempt to bring, what he previously dubbed "the divided nation" to its previous unity. Ahmed was unanimously endorsed by the Ethiopian House People's Representatives as Ethiopia's Prime Minister on April 2. The public and critics had praised Ahmed during his first speech as premier before the Ethiopian parliament's lower house, in which he vowed to ensure unity and equality among Ethiopians in socioeconomic and political scenarios. Ahmed, Chairman of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), said that "now is the moment to look back and make amends with the past, assess our current stance, and look to the future." Describing Ethiopia's current situation as both an opportunity and a threat, Ahmed stressed that "we are in the midst of uncertain times. Although there have been achievements, there are also formidable challenges." "We need to address existing inequalities that led to recent unrests," Ahmed said. "We will continue to respect the rights of citizens, the right to question, criticize and hold its public servants to accountability." Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 01:25:21|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with model workers and representatives of different occupations at a plaza of the Hainan Museum in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2018. Xi made an inspection tour in Hainan from Wednesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping underscored advancing reform and opening-up in the southern province of Hainan "from a higher perspective, with a broader vision and greater strength." Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the statement during an inspection tour of Hainan from Wednesday to Friday. He urged the province to make full use of its environmental advantages and its status as a special economic zone (SEZ) and an international tourism island, in a bid to build a "beautiful and new" Hainan. When touring the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone on Wednesday, Xi learned about the latest development of the project and inspected state-of-the-art medical equipment including an endoscopic capsule robot. He talked to experts and stressed the importance of boosting the health sector to serve the people. Visiting the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Thursday, Xi learned about China's seabed exploration in the Mariana Trench and examined deep-sea research equipment. Xi said efforts should be stepped up to build China into a strong maritime country. He said China should take advantage of the South China Sea as its best natural venue for deep-sea research and experiments. Efforts should be made to develop deep-sea research bases and push for the development of deep-sea science and technologies, he said. Inspecting a national seed production research base, where thousands of researchers gather every winter and spring, Xi stressed that feeding more than a billion people is the biggest issue for China and good seeds are vital for increasing grain output. Xi said China should develop good crop species whose intellectual property rights it owns to safeguard the country's food security. On Friday, Xi visited the Hainan Museum and watched an exhibition on Hainan's progress over the past three decades. Xi said Hainan has transformed itself from a remote and underdeveloped island into China's largest SEZ and a well-known international tourism island. It proves that the decision of the CPC Central Committee to set up the SEZ was correct. He called for new breakthroughs in reform and opening-up. In the museum, Xi inspected samples from a gene database of tropical island animals and plants, checked measures to protect natural reserves, and heard analysis reports of the data collected through air quality monitoring. Xi said lucid waters, lush mountains, azure sky and blue sea are Hainan's strongest advantages. He called for more progress in building a socialist ecological civilization. Xi later visited the provincial administrative data center and watched how data was being used in tourism and disaster relief. He stressed the pressing need for the government to speed up setting up big data platforms to improve social governance. He urged officials to better use the advantage of the internet to improve policy making, social governance, and public services. Xi then visited the Shicha village in Xiuying District of Haikou and inspected the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy. He was pleased to learn that local farmers have rising incomes from rural businesses developed through the cooperation of companies, co-operatives, and rural households. Xi said both cities and the countryside should be developed well to reach the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. Farmers should be encouraged to tap into local resources to develop specialized agriculture, countryside tourism, and courtyard economies to raise their incomes. SKOPJE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia will keep unchanged the retirement age threshold, Macedonian Minister of Labor and Social Policy Milla Carovska announced on Friday. Carovska emphasized that the government is making analyzes to improve the situation in the Pension Fund in order to cover the budget holes caused the previous government. "At present pensions are stable and secure but the government has to consider current and future pensioners as well," underlined Carovska. However, the main opposition VMRO-DPMNE party has criticized Carovska's work so far, considering it unable to carry out important projects for citizens. According to Carovska, the government has achieved many important things such as the resolution of the problem of 4,535 insolvent persons, 138 employments in Centers for Social Work and 486 jobs in kindergartens. In September 2017, the Macedonian government refused to increase the retirement age, as well as the taxes on fuel and property as recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Currently, the retirement age in Macedonia is 64 for men and 62 for women, with a minimum 15 years of pension service. However, according to the IMF, the pension system here needs to be reformed. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 01:50:28|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday announced the appointment of Elias Rodrigues Martins Filho of Brazil as force commander of the Unite Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Lieutenant General Filho succeeds Lieutenant General Derrick Mbuyiselo Mgwebi of South Africa, who completed his assignment on Jan. 31, 2018, "to whom the secretary-general is grateful for his dedicated leadership as head of the MONUSCO military component," according to a press release. Filho "has had a distinguished military career" with the Brazilian Armed Forces spanning more than 35 years. He is currently serving as the Chief of Office of the International Organizations Office at the Ministry of Defense of Brazil since 2017, the press release said. Filho also "has extensive peacekeeping experience," having served as planning officer in the Force Generation Service in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations from 2005 to 2008, according to the press release. Filho holds a post-graduate degree in international relations from the University of Brasilia and graduated from the Defense War College of the Escola Superior de Guerra. Born in 1960, he is married and has three children. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 02:05:30|Editor: pengying Video Player Close Palestinian medics treat an injured protester during clashes with Israeli troops at the border in eastern Gaza with Israel, east of Gaza City, on April 13, 2018. As soon as they heard the whizz of Israeli gunshots, paramedics and medics ran quickly to rescue the lives of Palestinian protestors, who got injured by Israeli troops' gunfire during the clashes near the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel. (Xinhua/Wissam Nassar) GAZA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- As soon as they heard the whizz of Israeli gunshots, paramedics and medics ran quickly to rescue the lives of Palestinian protestors, who got injured by Israeli troops' gunfire during the clashes near the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel. These medical staff are always on the frontline whenever there are violent conflicts between Palestinians and Israeli army. Although they could be easily identified as medical team staff in their professional uniform, they still faced Israeli army's gunfire and tear gas during the protests on Gaza border which started in March 30 and will end on May 15. On Friday, several tear canisters, fired by Israeli soldiers, hit a tent that was turned into a medical clinic to treat the injured protesters. A total of 14 paramedics inhaled the tear gas. Some of them were hospitalized while others got back to work after receiving treatment. One of these injured paramedics was 29-year-old Ibrahim Islayyeh. "I fainted after I inhaled the tear gas, but now I feel better. I came back to work and I'm so happy for doing this job," he said. At Nasser Hospital in central Khan Yunis in southern Gaza Strip, paramedic Hamdan Madi told his visitors the moments before he was hit by two bullets in the right leg. He worked as a field medic during the Gaza rally and used orange stretcher to transport the wounded from the clash scene. "I pulled out more than nine wounded and offered their first medical aid. When I was going to carry another injured, two bullets hit my feet," said Madi. Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesman of Gaza's Health Ministry, accused Israeli army of using weapons he said were "internationally banned" in suppressing demonstrators and paramedics, as well as deliberately targeting Palestinian ambulances. Al-Qudra told Xinhua that 21 paramedics had been wounded by Israeli army's gunfire and dozens injured from tear gas near the Gaza border since the outbreak of the protests. As part of the six-week rallies called the Great March of Return, which started in March 30 and will end on May 15, the Palestinians held five rallies in eastern Gaza Strip along with the border with Israel to demonstrate. In these five gatherings medical staff were deployed to provide medical assistance and care to the wounded protestors. "Their work is risk-based but they still keep carrying out their humanitarian mission," said Hakim Nihad Othman, who founded a volunteer medical team to treat the injured Palestinian protestors east of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip. He told Xinhua that the most difficult moments of their work were when they faced big risks to run to rescue victims who fell on the floor after being shot only a few meters far from the border fence. Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have launched the protest, which demands Israel to acknowledge Palestinian refugees' right to return to their lands before the 1948 war, known also as Israel's Independence War. The protests are expected to culminate next month, when Israel will mark its 70th Independence Day and the Palestinians will commemorate the Nakba Day, or "Day of the Catastrophe." Dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli military gunfire and thousands were injured during the weekend marches towards the fence. Wissam Eid, a 23-year-old graduate from the Faculty of Nursing, just joined the third Friday demonstrations. For Eid, who is from Rafah refugee camp that is close to the border with Egypt, working in a medical team in such circumstances is a useful experience for her career. NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on Friday urged African governments to embark on massive development of solar and renewal energy to help combat climate change. UNEP Executive Director Erik Solheim told the governments to view climate change as an opportunity by resorting to the alternative clean options. "Climate change should be viewed as an opportunity in disguise that should be utilized well in bringing people out of poverty," Solheim said during the closing ceremony of the 10th Africa Carbon Forum in Nairobi. He said that climate change should not be looked at as an impediment to development yet it also provides opportunities for growth. "Solar power's usage and popularity rose in 2017 above coal and gas-fired power, the highest ever globally," he added. He challenged African governments to liaise with China and India through South-South cooperation to help them exploit solar potentials in the Sahel region and other regions. Solheim observed that China has set a good example of a country that started its development agenda from agriculture before moving to other development areas and finally settling in renewal energy. The UNEP chief noted that renewal energy offers the continent a good opportunity to leapfrog to creating energy revolution as happened in the telecommunication sub sector. Solheim said that green energy sector alone is capable of creating additional job opportunities for graduating students if harnessed well. He told political leaders and environmental experts to start engaging farmers and indigenous communities in playing a pivotal role in helping meet the Paris Agreement on climate change. David Ongare, the Director of Compliance and Enforcement at Kenya's National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) called for regional collaboration to help reduce the effects of climate change in the continent. Ongare stressed the need to embark on utilization of research so as to advice communities on effects, adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects. The 10th Africa Carbon Forum that was convened by the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) was attended by delegates from 47 African countries, members of the civil society and experts from around the globe. UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 1,000 children have been abducted by the Boko Haram insurgent group in northeastern Nigeria since 2013 amid repeated attacks on schools, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said Friday. Since the conflict started in northeastern Nigeria nearly nine years ago, at least 2,295 teachers have been killed and more than 1,400 schools have been destroyed, UNICEF said, adding that most of these schools have not reopened "because of extensive damage or ongoing insecurity." The issue of child abduction drew renewed attention when 276 girls were taken from a school in the town of Chibok in 2014. Four years on from this tragic incident, more than 100 girls have yet to be returned to their families, said UNICEF. The recent attack on a school in Dapchi, in which five girls lost their lives is just the latest indication that "there are few safe spaces left for children in the northeast." "These repeated attacks against children in schools are unconscionable," said UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Mohamed Malick Fall. "Children have the right to education and protection, and the classroom must be a place where they are safe from harm." Since the current insurgency started in 2009, Boko Haram has killed tens of thousands and displaced 2.3 million from their homes and was ranked as the world's deadliest terror group by the Global Terrorism Index in 2015. UNICEF pledged that it will stand with Nigerian authorities, who have made a commitment to make schools safer by protecting educational facilities from violence and military use during armed conflict. Smoke rises after the Syrian army's shelling targeted the Douma district in Eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus, Syria, on April 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday warned of the danger of a full-blown military escalation in Syria. "Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise in the establishment of an accountability mechanism (for chemical weapons use in Syria) threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation," Guterres told the Security Council. "In my contacts with you -- especially with the permanent members of the Security Council -- I have been reiterating my deep concerns about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiralling out of control. This is exactly the risk we face today -- that things spiral out of control," said the UN chief. "It is our common duty to stop it." He said Syria represents the most serious threat to international peace and security today. "In Syria, we see confrontations and proxy wars involving several national armies, a number of armed opposition groups, many national and international militia, foreign fighters from everywhere in the world, and various terrorist organizations," he told the Security Council, which was convening at the request of Russia. "From the beginning, we have witnessed systematic violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international law tout court -- in utter disregard of the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter." He noted that Security Council Resolution 2401 that demands a cease-fire across Syria to allow humanitarian assistance was not implemented. The continued reports of chemical weapons use in Syria are outrageous, he said. He deplored the fact that the Security Council could not reach agreement on a dedicated mechanism for attributing accountability. But he said there is no military solution to the conflict. "The solution must be political through the Geneva intra-Syrian talks." DAR ES SALAAM, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Principal Judge of the Judiciary, Judge Ferdinand Wambali, said on Friday the judiciary will continue to wage war on corruption within the body to ensure there was smooth dispensation of justice. Addressing lawyers at the official opening of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) annual general meeting in Arusha, Judge Wambali said his office was determined to weed out graft within the judicial walls urging the lawyers to also be part of the fight. "We are determined to take necessary steps to ensure that corruption is scrapped off from the judiciary, and as lawyers you need to report anyone involved in propagating the social vice," he said. He said as officers of the court, lawyers have a role of detecting corruption within the judicial confinements. Commenting on judicial independence in the east African country, Judge Wambali said the judiciary was working independently without being interfered by other pillars of the state. The Principal Judge also urged the lawyers to shun complacency and become a strong and vibrant society in the administration of justice. Judge Wambali expressed his delight at the increasing number of advocates in the country. According to Wambali, there were more than 6,000 advocates in the country now compared to 24 advocates at independence in 1961. LONDON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The level of collaboration between Chinese researchers and their international peers is "improving," while the quality of China's research in some areas is "absolutely front rank," Professor Dale Sanders, director of UK's John Innes Centre, said in an interview with Xinhua. Sanders is a frequent visitor to China as John Innes Centre has launched multiple joint research projects with institutes in Beijing and Shanghai. "When I was doing my PhD many years ago in the 1970s, I wouldn't even dream of reading a Chinese research paper, especially in English," Sanders told Xinhua. "Now the pace of which has moved is absolutely astonishing, and the quality is astonishing as well." "The quality of the research in my area is on a par with what goes on in Britain and the United States," he said, adding his research explores the transport of ions across plant cell membranes and the roles of ions in signaling and nutrient status. Until 2014, less than a fifth of China's papers in the web of science were co-authored with an international peer. While China still lags behind Germany, the United States and Britain in that measure, its percentage of international papers increased to 24 percent in 2016, according to an article published in the Nature Index, a supplement of the renowned academic journal Nature. As an independent, international centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology, the John Innes Centre was an early Western partner for Chinese scientists, providing a base for the studies of some influential figures in the current Chinese science system. The Centre now has more than 30 Chinese scientists working or studying in its laboratories in Norwich and it maintains contact with over 100 alumni in China. On Feb. 1, British Prime Minister Theresa May visited the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in Beijing, following the launch of a joint science and innovation strategy between Britain and China in December. The John Innes Centre has strong historical links with CAAS and maintains contact with many alumni in CAAS institutes. Since 2015, John Innes Centre has had a strategic alliance with CAAS which includes joint research programs in four key areas of mutual interest. With more and more exchange through joint projects, Sanders spends a lot of his time flying between China and Britain. "I already do about four trips a year (to China). I am on a board of a Chinese journal, which is becoming one of the top journals in the field just within ten years of starting. So it's really impressive," he said. The Chinese government recently issued a high-level foreign talents visa (R-visa) to Sanders. So experts like him can travel to and work in China more conveniently. Sanders expressed his hope that this kind of collaboration can continue its pace into the future. "It would be a shame not to see it expand and it's very much in our interest to collaborate with the Chinese," he said. "It's just that we have not only a great professional relationships, but also personal relationships with Chinese researchers," said Sanders. DAR ES SALAAM, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian traders on Friday welcomed improvements at the east African nation's major port of Dar es Salaam, calling for more investments to attract more importers from neighboring landlocked countries. The traders commended the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for the improvements at a one-day port stakeholders' round-table conference to mark the 13th TPA anniversary, which brought together port stakeholders to discuss challenges and achievements at the port, and come up with the way forward to increase efficiency. The Dar es Salaam port serves landlocked countries of Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Burundi. Speaking at the meeting themed: "The Future of TPA as a catalyst for industrial development and social prosperity in Tanzania and beyond," the Secretary General of the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), Tony Swai, commended government efforts towards improving the port's operations. Swai said most trade barriers that were reducing efficiency and discouraging clients had now been removed, noting that the round-the-clock operations at the Dar es Salaam port has contributed a lot to positive changes and reduce unnecessary delays. He cited an example saying the port was currently releasing 600 imported vehicles per day compared to 150 vehicles which were released per day previously. Swai said since the country was in transition to an industrial economy, the port could effectively enable the country to meet its set goals. The Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA) also commended TPA for improvements made at the Dar es Salaam port and called on the government to address remaining minor challenges to win the big market. Atashasta Nditiye, the Deputy Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, said the government's goal was to make further inroads into the imports market of all countries connected with the Dar es Salaam port. "In order to achieve its mission, the government has already begun opening offices representing the Dar es Salaam port in different countries to attract importers to use the port," said Nditiye. ZAGREB, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Croatian parliament rejected on Friday the opposition's no-confidence vote against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Martina Dalic. With 76 "no" votes and 71 "yes", the narrow majority in the parliament supported the minister whose resignation was sought because of an alleged conflict of interest in handling the Agrokor case. Agrokor, the biggest retailer in the region with more than 40,000 employees, has been led by an extraordinary management that was appointed by Croatian government since the company was hit by a debt crisis in January 2017. In February 2018, the state-appointed crisis manager Ante Ramljak stepped down after media revealed lucrative deals between Agrokor and the company he used to work for as a consultant on restructuring program. The opposition parties claim that the minister of economy should also resign because of her political responsibility. The initiator of this no-confidence vote, Nikola Grmoja, a member of the third strongest party in the country, the Bridge of Independent Lists, explained on Thursday during a parliament debate that the minister of economy was crisis manager's political sponsor. However, the majority in the parliament rejected on Friday opposition's claims. The motion of no-confidence vote came just three days after Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic told reporters that the settlement process between Agrokor's creditors had been completed. "A crisis that would affect the entire Croatian economy has been prevented," Plenkovic said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 02:40:41|Editor: yan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that infiltrated Israeli air space on February 10th was armed with explosives and was tasked to attack Israeli territory, according to a statement released by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday. IDF said the conclusion is baesd on the flight path analysis and an operational and intelligence-based investigation of remnants of the Iranian UAV. The UAV was identified and tracked by Israeli defense systems until its destruction, effectively eliminating any threat the Iranian aircraft posed while flying towards Israeli territory. An Iranian UAV from an Iranian base in Syria penetrated into Israeli air space on February 10th. An Israeli combat helicopter successfully intercepted the Iranian UAV. In further response, IDF attacked the control facility of that specific UAV which is an Iranian facility. During the attack, an Israeli F-16 fighter was hit and crashed in northern Israel. The Israeli army launched a large-scale attack against the Syrian aerial defense system and Iranian targets in Syria in response to the Israeli F-16 fighter shot down in Syria. NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- African environmentalists on Friday launched a plan of action towards achieving United Nations goals on tackling climate change. African climate change policy makers who ended their two-day meeting in Nairobi set out National Determined Contributions (NDCs) proposals that if implemented will see the continent achieve its target of reducing the continent's share of global emissions. "We intend to implement our NDCs by giving priority to financing the initiative, technology transfer and capacity building to communities," the delegates said during the first Africa Telanoa dialogue. They agreed to promote science and technology by introducing climate investments in the continent and collaborating on technology transfer to help save communities and infrastructure from adverse climatic conditions. The experts further agreed to prioritize on green finance, carbon market, clean energy and engagement with the private sector. Launched at the COP23, Talanoa dialogue aims at collective assessment of the progress made on climate action and increase action to reach the Paris Agreement goals. The dialogue sets activities to be undertaken by every country ahead of the COP24 climate conference set for Poland in November. Talanoa dialogues also help build trust and advance knowledge through empathy and understanding for the collective good in the regions. The COP set a facilitative dialogue among Parties to begin in 2018 to take stock of the collective efforts of Parties in relation to progress towards the long-term goal. According to Charles Mutai, Kenya's Director Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and also the Chairperson of the meeting said that the delegates agreed to link the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change actions. "Collaboration across the continent is crucial given that countries face similar climatic effects," Mutai added, noting that the delegates also agreed to foster the corporation between public and private sector. The UN Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif called for political will to help develop an integrated climate change policy in the continent. "For climate change policies and strategies to succeed, they must be people centered and translated to the local communities and school children," Sharif noted. She promised to help the countries in developing climate change gender responsive participatory planning in their cities. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 02:45:43|Editor: ZD Video Player Close China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu (C, Front) addresses a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 13, 2018. Ma Zhaoxu on Friday called on parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint over the situation in Syria. The current situation in Syria is perilous, Ma told a Security Council meeting requested by Russia, adding that it's at a crossroads of war and peace. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu on Friday called on parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint over the situation in Syria. The current situation in Syria is perilous, Ma told a Security Council meeting requested by Russia, adding that it's at a crossroads of war and peace. "We call on the parties concerned to remain calm, exercise restraint, refrain from any move that may lead to further escalation of the situation, solve the issue peacefully through consultation and dialogue," said Ma. At this critical juncture, the Security Council should take up its responsibilities to build unity and consensus and do its utmost to prevent war, he said. The pressing priority is to launch a comprehensive, objective and impartial investigation into reports of chemical weapons use in Syria so as to arrive at authoritative conclusions, he said. China has consistently been in favor of peaceful settlement of disputes, and has been opposed to the use of force or threat of use force in international relations, he said. "Unilaterally taking military action by circumventing the Security Council is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and runs counter to the norms of international law and those governing international relations." Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity should be respected, he said. China is convinced that there is no military solution to the Syrian issue and that the only way out is a political settlement, he said. China supports the United Nations in playing an active role and calls on the international community to stick to diplomacy and the course of political settlement, give full play to the role of the United Nations as the main mediator, he said. The situation in Syria has a bearing on regional and global peace and stability, has a bearing on the credibility and authority of the Security Council, said Ma, adding that China is ready to work tirelessly for peace and security in the Middle East and the world at large. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 02:50:45|Editor: yan Video Player Close MADRID, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The famous Paseo del Prado and the Retiro Park in Madrid are the Spanish candidates for 2018 to seek UNESCO World Heritage site status, the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport said on Friday. The Retiro is a green space of around 125 hectares in the center of the Spanish capital which contains over 15,000 trees, (among which are 167 different species) and is a traditional place for the capital's inhabitants to take weekend walk. Originally a royal park on the outskirts of Madrid, it became the property of the Madrid Town Hall in 1868. Meanwhile, the nearby Paseo del Prado is a boulevard around a kilometer long which links Madrid's main art galleries, including the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen -Bornemisza Museum. "We wanted to represent Spain with a cultural-urban site: an area designed for people to enjoy science, art and nature," Luis Lafuente, general director of Fine Arts and Cultural Patrimony. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport said in a communique that the main motive to support the candidacy was "the confluence between the fact it is the first public space in the center of a city designed to be green and recreational areas as well as promoting arts and sciences." The candidacy of the two sites will be officially presented by Spain to UNESCO in February 2019. ADDIS ABABA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A signing ceremony was held on Friday between the Ethiopian government and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) for the renovation of UNECA Headquarter in Addis Ababa that is expected to cost 57 million U.S. dollars to finish. The renovation project will focus on the oldest building in the UNECA, the Africa hall inaugurated by Ethiopia's last emperor Haileselassie I in February 26, 1961 was at the time dubbed a representation of Africa's history, culture and unity during the optimistic early years of post-colonial Africa. However, the building's deterioration in recent years prompted the UN General Assembly in 2016 to approve 57 million dollars from the regular budget for the purposes of UNECA HQ renovation. UNECA Executive Secretary Vera Songwe said the renovation of UNECA HQ is being done with a view to ensuring her organization can give efficient and modern services for the 21st century. "The whole construction is one of the biggest budget for construction that we have in the whole of the UN, this is how important this project is not only in the continent but also beyond," she said. "In the UN offices in the likes of Geneva and New York cities, we have state of the art facilities, this expansion of UNECA HQ in addition will add a few more state of the art rooms and facilities," she further said. UNECA was established by the UN Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions. Its mandate is to promote economic and social development of its member states, foster intra-regional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. LAGOS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's police on Friday said it had arrested 12 more suspects in connection with the recent bank robbery in Offa town of central north Kwara state. National police spokesperson Jimoh Moshood told reporters in Abuja, the country's capital, that the suspects had admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the robbery. Moshood said items recovered from the suspects are two bareta pistols, 20 rounds of ammunition and four cell phones and SIM cards belonging to victims, some of whom were killed during the attack. He said the suspects have previously been investigated and charged to court for armed robbery and cultism, noting that investigation was being intensified to arrest other suspects still at large. According to him, the police will leave no stone unturned in unraveling this dastardly act and bring all those responsible to justice. The police had earlier arrested nine suspects in connection with the robbery. Armed robbers had attacked five commercial banks in Offa on April 5, during which 17 persons, including policemen and a pregnant woman were killed. Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, recently ordered the deployment of three units of Police Mobile Force (PMF), high powered police investigation team and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to Kwara. ADDIS ABABA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) and the United Nations have reiterated their further strengthened partnership to restore peace and stability in the Central African Republic (CAR), while protecting the people of the country from criminal networks. The two organizations have emphasized the need to provide continued support to civil society organizations (CSOs), women associations, religious leaders and other segments of the society who are promoting peace in that country. In a joint press conference on Friday at the AU Headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ismail Chergui, and the UN Undersecretary General for Peace Keeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, expressed concern about persistent tensions in the areas, PK5 neighborhood of Bangui, capital of CAR. The two officials have undertaken a three-day joint visit from 10 to 12 April to Bangui, where they met and held discussions with government officials, representatives of CSOs, women associations, and religious leaders among others. They have also expressed condolences for loss of lives including personnel of the MINUSCA during the operations conducted on April 8 by the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR (MINUSCA) and CAR security forces to putting an end to the activities of criminal elements that endanger the lives of peaceful citizens, in a neighborhood that is also the economic hub of Bangui. "Above all, we wish to emphasize that this operation to restore order and State authority has the sole purpose to protect the people who seek our protection against the criminal elements who oppress them. We want to make it clear that we are determined to act to protect the entire population, across the country," said their joint statement. "We came back with reinforced determination not only to work together but also to act on specific issue that we have identified, indeed promote the African initiative for dialogue, reconciliation in Central African Republic," said the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security. Emphasizing on the difficult situation in CAR, the UN Undersecretary General for Peace Keeping Operations said the recent incidents in the neighborhood called PK-5, shows that there is a need of a coordinated and collaborated effort from AU, UN, and other international partners. Stating that there need to be a trust building effort in the country, he said they have agreed to also support all those from the civil society and from all groups who are promoting peace and also help and deliver messages of reconciliation and dialogue in that country. "They have the message of reconciliation and peace and dialogue, but we need to support them and we agreed that we need to step up efforts that strengthening and supporting the African peace initiative which has already produced some encouraging results," said Lacroix. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 03:00:49|Editor: yan Video Player Close RIYADH, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Saudi air forces destroyed on Friday a missile shot by Houthi militias in Yemen towards the border city Jazan, Al Arabiya local news reported. The spokesperson of the Saudi-led coalition Col. Turki Al Maliki announced that another missile was intercepted on Thursday before hitting Jazan, while on Wednesday three missiles were destroyed targeting three Saudi cities. Saudi Arabia on Friday submitted a request to the UN Security Council demanding to hold Iran responsible for the Houthi missile attacks on its territory. The statement said gaps in the inspection system in Yemen have enabled Iran to supply the Houthi militia with the missiles. The kingdom's statement noted that the Security Council's inability to act gave the green light to Iran and the Houthis. The systematic blocking of Houthi missiles by the Saudi air defense proves the continued involvement of the Iranian regime in arming the militias in qualitative capacities, it said. It is in clear and explicit defiance and violation of UN resolution 2216 and resolution 2231 in order to threaten the security of Saudi Arabia and the wider regional and international security. Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military intervention coalition in Yemen since 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthi rebels forced him into exile. LAGOS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian police on Friday said suspected bandits raided a police checkpoint in the central north state of Kaduna, killing two policemen while at least 18 others were kidnapped. Austin Iwar, police chief in charge of the state, who confirmed the attack and the death of the two policemen, said the bandits overwhelmed the security operatives at the checkpoint at Ciki Da Falo area of the state. The attack followed the killings of 11 soldiers of the special force of the Nigerian Army's exercise Ayem Akpatuma (rat race) at Kampanin Doka village at Birnin-Gwari. The soldiers were on March 29 laid to rest with full military honor at the Commonwealth Commentary, Kaduna. Hakeem Baba, a local resident told Xinhua that the incident occurred on Thursday when the bandits in huge numbers opened fire on the policemen at the checkpoint, killing two of them on the spot. Kaduna State is currently enmeshed in a humanitarian crisis. The southern part of the state has become the epicenter of deadly violence, most of it inflicted by herdsmen on farming communities. ADDIS ABABA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia on Friday asked Britain for permanent return of manuscripts and artifacts that were looted in the aftermath of a 19th century battle between an Ethiopian King and British royal army. In a press statement, the Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office (MOFA), quoted Ethiopian Ambassador to UK Hailemichael Abera as saying Ethiopia prefers permanent return of looted manuscripts instead of long term loans from British museums. Ethiopia filed a formal restitution claim in 2007 asking UK to return hundreds of ancient artifacts and manuscripts taken in 1868 during the capture of Maqdala, the capital of Emperor Tewodros II's empire. The capture of Maqdala, after the British royal army defeated Emperor Tewodros II's army saw the looting of 468 historical artifacts and manuscripts. LOS ANGELES, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Bozeman Daily Chronicle, an influential daily newspaper in state of Montana, published an editorials Friday, warning a "much-feared" trade war with China that ignited by President Donald Trump will damage the Treasure State. In the story "Trade war with China bad for Montana", the newspaper said steep tariffs on imported products threatened by Trump could inflict collateral damage on a wide range of industries in states that handed the president an Electoral College victory in 2016, including "cattle production here in Montana." A deal, marketing up to 200 million U.S. dollars worth of Montana beef to Chinese consumers through a Chinese online retailer, almost reached after China lifted a ban on U.S. beef imports last year, the newspaper founded in 1883 said, now it "may be threatened by the impending tariffs." Last November, JD.com, the second largest online retailer in China, struck a 200 million U.S. dollars deal to import beef from Montana ranchers over the next three years. Steve Daine, Senator from Montana, hailed the deal was a win-win business for both countries at that time, "If we're going to grow our economy in Montana, we need to grow our agricultural community. China is the second largest beef import market in the world. This is a tremendous opportunity for Montana." So local ranchers and residents showed their concerns to Washington's trade policy clearly. "Free trade - without the imposition of onerous tariffs - is not a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans alike have touted its benefits to national economies. And historically, trade wars ignited by tariffs have been blamed for economic downturns, including the Great Depression." the editorials read. The newspaper published in Bozeman of Montana called on two Senators of the state, Daines and Jon Tester, "use what influence they wield and consensus they can build to convince the administration that negotiations, not tariffs, are the best way to address the trade imbalance with China." THE HAGUE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands will not participate in potential military action in Syria, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Friday at his weekly press conference after the Council of Ministers. When asked whether the Netherlands is prepared to take part in a possible attack, Rutte replied: "No, that is not the case at the moment." The government understands it "provided that the action is proportional" but "there is currently no question that the Netherlands would participate militarily", said Rutte. Dutch Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld made similar remarks on Thursday in Washington where she has been having talks with her U.S. counterpart James Mattis. The Netherlands will understand if the United States takes proportional military action in Syria if "diplomatic, economic and political measures are insufficient," Bijleveld told Dutch television show Nieuwsuur. "Everything is still open. That means that diplomatic, economic and political measures will be discussed first," she said. She was also quoted by Dutch daily De Telegraaf as saying that Washington did not ask the Netherlands for military assistance. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to launch a missile attack on Syria in response to the alleged chemical attack by Syrian troops in the rebel-held Douma district on the outskirts of Syrian capital Damascus. Syria has strongly denied the accusations. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 03:36:00|Editor: yan Video Player Close HEFEI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A truckload of protected wildlife, including some under state-level protection in China, was intercepted in the east China province of Jiangxi on Friday, thanks to the joint actions of local volunteers and forestry authorities. A truck carrying 4,334 birds and mammals, some alive, others already dead, as well as reptiles weighing more than 600 kilograms in total, was stopped at around 6:10 a.m. Friday by forest police on a highway linking Anhui and Jiangxi provinces, sources with China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation confirmed. Forest police officials told Xinhua that the truck driver was taken into custody. "Volunteers are the forest police's eyes and ears," said Yang Yigao, deputy director of Jiangxi Forest Police first division. "We appreciate their persistence and dedication in helping us with this case." He said that the provincial forest police bureau is determined to end the illegal trade of wildlife. "To protect, respect, and live in harmony with the nature is the core of an ecological civilization, and wildlife is an indispensable part of the natural environment, whose protection has been drawing greater attention from Chinese society," said Sun Quanhui, a senior scientific advisor at World Animal Protection, an international non-profit animal welfare organization. "In the past few years, China has intensely promoted a series of important measures to strengthen wildlife protection, such as amending the Wildlife Protection Law, banning the ivory trade, building national parks... All of these are evidence of the huge efforts and great focus that the country has attached to wildlife protection," he said. Police nationwide have maintained focus on wildlife poaching and trafficking crimes, solved multiple major cases, and vigorously blocked illegal activities, said Sun. On the other hand, wildlife protection requires the participation of society as a whole, Sun said. China's Wildlife Protection Law was amended in 2017 to encourage the public to actively participate in protecting wildlife. A group of volunteers willing to help the cause was recently established in China by Wildlife Protection Association, in order to better coordinate participation and promote public awareness on how to detect and report illegal activities and how to assist forestry authorities to monitor and patrol protected areas. Poaching, transporting, or trading protected wildlife is punishable by up to ten years in prison, according to China's criminal law. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) attends a joint press conference following talks with his dutch counterpart Stef Blok in Moscow, Russia, on April 13, 2018. (Photo by Russian Foreign Ministry) MOSCOW, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Russia-U.S. military contacts on Syria are not enough to meet the needs of dialogue, and the two countries should use diplomatic methods rather than threats when communicating with each other, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday. "As far as channels are concerned, the remaining channels include sporadic conversations between presidents and regular contacts between the military, which are being used in this format and within those frameworks... Servicemen are in touch with each other, everything that remains, everything that has not been frozen is being used," Lavrov said at a press conference. However, other channels, even those that are agreed to be used, are sometimes not used, because the U.S. side tends to "refuse to meet at the last moment without explaining the reasons," he said. The foreign minister said Moscow and Washington need to broaden channels for communication and cooperation, especially given the extremely alarming atmosphere between the two sides. "I hope very much that after the U.S. State Department's service ability is restored we will continue contacts on the level of leaders, deputies, and experts. These should be contacts between the diplomats, which imply that we do not include ultimatums and threats," Lavrov said. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to launch a missile attack on Syria over an alleged chemical weapon attack by the Syrian government, although the accusation was strongly denied by the latter. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a news briefing Thursday that the threat to use force against a member state of the United Nations is a "blatant violation of the UN Charter." The chemical attack dispute is expected to further harm Russia-U.S. relations after tensions between the two sides have already soared to a new high following mutual expulsions of large numbers of diplomatic personnel. Photo taken on Nov. 2, 2017 shows a local resident marinating beef that imported from the United States, in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) OS ANGELES, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Bozeman Daily Chronicle, an influential daily newspaper in state of Montana, published an editorials Friday, warning a "much-feared" trade war with China that ignited by President Donald Trump will damage the Treasure State. In the story "Trade war with China bad for Montana", the newspaper said steep tariffs on imported products threatened by Trump could inflict collateral damage on a wide range of industries in states that handed the president an Electoral College victory in 2016, including "cattle production here in Montana." A deal, marketing up to 200 million U.S. dollars worth of Montana beef to Chinese consumers through a Chinese online retailer, almost reached after China lifted a ban on U.S. beef imports last year, the newspaper founded in 1883 said, now it "may be threatened by the impending tariffs." Last November, JD.com, the second largest online retailer in China, struck a 200 million U.S. dollars deal to import beef from Montana ranchers over the next three years. Steve Daine, Senator from Montana, hailed the deal was a win-win business for both countries at that time, "If we're going to grow our economy in Montana, we need to grow our agricultural community. China is the second largest beef import market in the world. This is a tremendous opportunity for Montana." File photo shows that Steve Daines (2nd L), a senator from U.S. state of Montana, and Cui Tiankai (1st L), Chinese Ambassador to the United State, speaks with Fred Wacker and other cattle ranchers at the Morgan Ranch House, near downtown Bozeman, Montana, the United States, on Sept. 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Yan Liang) So local ranchers and residents showed their concerns to Washington's trade policy clearly. "Free trade - without the imposition of onerous tariffs - is not a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans alike have touted its benefits to national economies. And historically, trade wars ignited by tariffs have been blamed for economic downturns, including the Great Depression." the editorials read. The newspaper published in Bozeman of Montana called on two Senators of the state, Daines and Jon Tester, "use what influence they wield and consensus they can build to convince the administration that negotiations, not tariffs, are the best way to address the trade imbalance with China." LJUBLJANA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Slovenian police reported on Friday that they have apprehended more than 30 migrants who illegally crossed the border coming into Slovenian territory since Thursday, most of them came from Syria, Afghanistan, Algeria and Turkey. Slovenian Press Agency STA reported a deteriorating situation of illegal migrants entering the nation since this year, citing the statistics by the Slovenian police that a total of 612 illegal border crossings had been recorded in the first three months of the year. The detailed report indicated that most of the migrants came from the Bosnian town of Velika Kladusa, which is the closest to Slovenia, said STA. According to a report by the public broadcaster TV Slovenija, most of the migrants in the Bosnian town want to reach Western and Central Europe, while some also say Slovenia is their final destination because they have relatives here. While Bosnian authorities told the broadcaster that everything was under control and that no major influx of migrants was expected, Croatia has intensified border patrols recently. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 04:26:13|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A Russian envoy said Friday that attack against a sovereign state would constitute a violation of international law and run counter to the United Nations Charter and "could not be allowed to happen." "There must be accountability for such a planned intervention," he said, noting that recent experiences in Iraq and Syria were still fresh in the minds of those across the region, Russian ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said at a Security Council meeting on Syria. Agreeing with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the Middle East is currently a wounded region, he said its largest injury is in Syria where the situation is "fraught with global implications." The United States, on April 11, threatened to strike Syria, where Russia's troops were also deployed "for counter-terrorism efforts," he said. "Any state daring to encroach on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity was unworthy of the status of a permanent member of the Council, however, one such member continued to insist on plunging the Middle East into one conflict after another," he said. Syrian armed forces had already received instructions on how to respond to such an attack, he said, adding that there was no evidence backing up the justification being invoked by Western states, namely, the allegation of chemical weapons use in the town of Douma. The Syrian government had strongly rejected those allegations, calling on the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to promptly investigate. Russia's proposed resolution through which the Security Council would support that fact-finding mission had been irresponsibly blocked by the United States, Britain and France, who only sought "to oust the Syrian Government and contain the Russian Federation," said the Russian envoy. He called on the United States and its allies to immediately reconsider their plan "to bring the world to such a dangerous threshold and instead to support peaceful political negotiations towards ending the Syrian conflict." Photo taken on Nov. 2, 2017 shows a local resident marinating beef that imported from the United States, in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) LOS ANGELES, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Bozeman Daily Chronicle, an influential daily newspaper in state of Montana, published an editorials Friday, warning a "much-feared" trade war with China that ignited by President Donald Trump will damage the Treasure State. In the story "Trade war with China bad for Montana", the newspaper said steep tariffs on imported products threatened by Trump could inflict collateral damage on a wide range of industries in states that handed the president an Electoral College victory in 2016, including "cattle production here in Montana." A deal, marketing up to 200 million U.S. dollars worth of Montana beef to Chinese consumers through a Chinese online retailer, almost reached after China lifted a ban on U.S. beef imports last year, the newspaper founded in 1883 said, now it "may be threatened by the impending tariffs." Last November, JD.com, the second largest online retailer in China, struck a 200 million U.S. dollars deal to import beef from Montana ranchers over the next three years. Steve Daine, Senator from Montana, hailed the deal was a win-win business for both countries at that time, "If we're going to grow our economy in Montana, we need to grow our agricultural community. China is the second largest beef import market in the world. This is a tremendous opportunity for Montana." File photo shows that Steve Daines (2nd L), a senator from U.S. state of Montana, and Cui Tiankai (1st L), Chinese Ambassador to the United State, speaks with Fred Wacker and other cattle ranchers at the Morgan Ranch House, near downtown Bozeman, Montana, the United States, on Sept. 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Yan Liang) So local ranchers and residents showed their concerns to Washington's trade policy clearly. "Free trade - without the imposition of onerous tariffs - is not a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans alike have touted its benefits to national economies. And historically, trade wars ignited by tariffs have been blamed for economic downturns, including the Great Depression." the editorials read. The newspaper published in Bozeman of Montana called on two Senators of the state, Daines and Jon Tester, "use what influence they wield and consensus they can build to convince the administration that negotiations, not tariffs, are the best way to address the trade imbalance with China." ZAGREB, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Croatia would meet the technical criteria to enter the Schengen Area by the end of the year, Croatian Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Friday, state news agency HINA reported. The minister met here on Friday with the European Commissioner for the Security Union, Julian King, who said that Croatia had done an excellent job in implementing the European directive on the use of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention and detection of terrorist offenses and serious crime. The Interior Minister told reporters that Schengen Information System had shown great results. In the last seven months, Croatia has recorded almost 170 million views and 8,000 suspicious vehicles and people have been identified. The European directive, he noted, should be passed by Croatian parliament in the next two weeks. Entering the Schengen Area is one of the goals of the Croatian government. In January, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said before the parliament that Croatia aimed to meet the technical criteria to join the area in 2019. The Schengen Area includes 26 European states that have no passport and border control at their mutual borders. Croatia is one of the four EU countries that are still not part of the area, others being Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania. JOHANNESBURG, April 13 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) in North West on Friday confirmed three cases of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, in the area. They said one case of bird flu was detected in the quails that are hatched, grown and slaughtered on the farm. The second one was identified in wild ducks that were kept domestically as pets for recreational reasons. The two were identified within 10 km of each other. The third outbreak was detected in a semi commercial farm. The government has already sent experts to the infected area to prevent the disease from spreading. "The farms and plots affected have been put under quarantine and the terms of the quarantine explained to the owners. The owners have been advised on biosecurity measures that were to be taken to prevent spreading of the virus to neighboring houses by humans and also by faeces of affected birds. They have also been advised to secure bird enclosures with bird nets to prevent wild birds from entering them," said READ in a statement. The government has also deployed some officials to collect some information within three kilometers from the infected area to assess the extent of the spread to neighboring farms. The government warned that since wild birds are often attracted to the domestic cages by available leftover food, farmers were also advised to remove feed when it is not finished. "The poultry farmers in all the areas have been informed about the risk. Private Veterinarians have also been requested to assist farmers with biosecurity measures. The community at large is requested to report any increased mortality of birds that is noticed to the nearest State Veterinary office," said the statement. The agricultural department said the primary source of infection in domesticated flock is contact with wild birds. READ said it could be transmitted within a farm through carriers like utensils, workers and their clothes and contaminated litter. Even though bird flu affects both domestic and wild birds, the latter are more resistant to the disease. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-14 04:36:19|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Friday decided to extend for 10 days a set of modifications to the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). This will enable the mission to support government efforts to normalize relations in the contested border region, a press release said. Unanimously adopting resolution 2411 (2018), the 15 - member body decided to extend, until April 23, 2018, the provisions laid out in resolution 2024 (2011) and paragraph 1 of resolution 2075 (2012), relating to UNISFA's support for a Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. By the terms of those resolutions, the Security Council had broadened the mission's mandate to include assistance to that mechanism as well as support for the development of effective bilateral management mechanisms, facilitating liaisons and building mutual trust. Also by the terms of those earlier resolutions, the Security Council had urged the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to implement fully their commitments concerning the creation of a safe demilitarized border zone, cooperate fully with each other and provide full support to UNISFA. UNISFA was approved on June 27, 2011 by the Security Council in resolution 1990 after a flareup in the South Kordofan conflict earlier in June 2011. On Jan. 15, 2016, Major General Hassen Ebrahim Mussa was appointed force commander of UNISFA. KIGALI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Remains of more than 50 victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi were Friday given befitting burial at Muyumbu memorial site in Rwamagana district in eastern Rwanda, on the last day of the official mourning week. The remains were retrieved with help of residents including survivors and genocide perpetrators in different areas of the district where they had been dumped, according to survivors. The Muyumbu memorial already had remains of more than 12,000 genocide victims. Survivors Friday remembered the tragic death suffered by the victims and called for never again. Member of Parliament Constance Rwaka speaking at the reburial ceremony urged Rwandans to avoid genocide ideology for a unified society and country in general. Youth born after the genocide should avoid genocide ideology and ethnic divisions as tomorrow's national leaders, and instead strive for unity, self and national development, she said. On April 13, 1994 Interahamwe militias and former government soldiers killed more than 6,000 Tutsi who had sought refuge at Musha parish in Rwamagana district, according to information from Rwanda's National Commission for the fight against Genocide (CNLG), while elsewhere in the country militias hurled grenades on a church in Kibeho, Nyamagabe district in southern Rwanda, where 30,000 people had taken refuge, killing about 2,200. The genocide claimed lives of more than 1 million people mainly Tutsi and moderate Hutus. It was stopped by the Rwanda Patriotic Army led by current president Kagame. The official mourning week closed on Friday countrywide but genocide commemoration activities will continue until July 3 to mark 100 days of the genocide. A billboard that displays picture of candidates for Lebanon's upcoming legislative elections is seen on the street. (Xinhua photo) by Salah Takieddine BEIRUT, April 13 (Xinhua) -- As Lebanon's legislative elections loom, workers are seen busy hanging posters and banners of candidates, which boost the advertising market amid economic recession. Huge electronic billboards that display pictures of candidates and their electoral slogans are set up on the main streets and at the entrance of villages and towns, overwhelming other commercials and touristic advertisements. Fares Abou Smaili, an advertising agency owner told Xinhua that "the demand on billboards has increased tremendously to the extent that we were unable to meet all the requests." Hamed Al-Ali, a billboard foreman, said "we found ourselves all of a sudden with flooding business." He explained to Xinhua "we are now working between 15 and 18 hours daily so we can meet all the demands which generated good profits and led us to hire more workers." Jaber Abou Sada, a worker in a printing house, said the competition between candidates doubled their working hours. A billboard that displays picture of candidates for Lebanon's upcoming legislative elections is seen on the street. (Xinhua photo) So did the business for Hassan Abou Daoud, an iron trader who explained that the demand increased since two months ago on the iron pods used for the billboards. Abou Daoud told Xinhua "these elections caused an increase in the business of almost every trade sector in the country." Georges Abou Kassam, an advertising agency manager said "the rich candidates normally advertise for a whole month while others book their billboards for two weeks." A billboard that displays picture of candidates for Lebanon's upcoming legislative elections is seen on the street. (Xinhua photo) Abou Kassam added "the cost of one advertisement ranges between 200 U.S. dollars and 500 dollars daily and this figure depends on the number of billboards and the duration of the campaign." The elections, due on May 6, is the first elections organized in Lebanon in nine years. The current parliament term, which should originally end in 2013, was extended three times. ROME, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Italian judicial authorities on Friday issued an order of European investigation against French police officers that crossed the border to conduct checks on migrants on Italian territory last month. The incident occurred in the border resort of Bardonecchia in the province of Turin -- some 20 kilometers from the first French town -- on March 30. Chief prosecutor in Turin Armando Spataro explained the order of investigation involved five officers of the French custom police, who physically carried out the search on migrants. "Beyond any (cross-border) agreement, the French custom authority had no right to carry out that sort of activities on Italian territory, especially as it did not ask help or intervention from Italian police," Spataro told a press conference later broadcast by local media. The five French officers were under investigation on suspicion of complicity in unlawful entry of property and illegal search, according to the prosecutor. The order of investigation was sent to the French liaison magistrate in Italy. "In this order, we ask the French authority in charge to unveil the identity of the five officers, and to question them at the presence of the Turin prosecutors," Spataro explained. "We also ask to be sent all of the papers related to the activity of the suspects," he added. A diplomatic row between Italy and France was sparked by the episode, which saw French custom police entered a center for migrants run by non-governmental group "Rainbow For Africa" in the train station of Bardonecchia. Set up in cooperation with local authorities, the clinic aims to provide first aid, counselling, and night refuge to migrants trying to cross the Alps mountain chain, which marks the French-Italian border. The French officers got into the NGO's center, and ordered a Nigerian citizen to undergo a urine test on suspicion of drug trafficking. The test was negative. As the Turin chief prosecutor later clarified on Friday, the Nigerian man was a legal migrant in possession of a regular residence permit. On March 31, the day after the incident, the Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the French ambassador to Rome, Christian Masset, for clarifications. France said the control in Bardonecchia station was legal under a 1990 bilateral agreement, but added they would be ready to clarify procedures with Italy to avoid further incidents. Council of Europe Secretary-General Thorbjrn Jagland has congratulated Prime Minister Viktor Orban on his election win, the PMs press chief said. In his congratulatory letter, Jagland praised Hungarys role in the work of the CoE, noting that Hungary hosts the European Youth Centre in Budapest. Jagland expressed hope that Hungary and the CoE would continue their cooperation in these challenging times for Europe. Presenting the draft report in a session of the European Parliament committee in Brussels, Green MEP Judith Sargentini said there was a clear risk of a serious breach by Hungary of the values of the European Union, which she said warranted launching the Article 7 procedure. Sargentini said the Hungarian government had curbed the powers of Hungarys Constitutional Court and judicial independence and launched attacks against civil society. She added that the state of press freedom and freedom of expression had also deteriorated. She said the report was not about the situation of asylum seekers in Hungary but rather about the fundamental rights of Hungarians and how the state treats its own citizens. Given the situation in Hungary, the EU has a duty to act, she added. The time for warnings has passed. Roberta Metsola of the European Peoples Party (EPP) said the report was not aimed as an attack against Hungary, saying that it would be wrong to try to draw political capital from it. She added, at the same time, that there were several points in the document that, in the EPPs opinion, would not ... seem to fit with the ultimate aim of this report. Social Democrat MEP Ana Gomes said the situation in Hungary was worrying, adding that it had deteriorated significantly over the past few years. There is a systemic threat to democracy and the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, Gomes said. She also highlighted minority rights, the right to the freedom of assembly, academic freedom, corruption and the rights of asylum seekers as problematic areas. Marek Jurek of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group said the Hungarian government had been subjected to baseless accusations. Every country has a right to protect its sovereignty, he said, adding that Hungary is only being attacked over its cultural differences. Liberal MEP Sophia int Veld said in reaction to Jurek that although cultural differences should be respected, so should the EUs fundamental values. She accused the Hungarian government of pursuing a disgusting hate campaign and said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban posed a threat to the EUs integrity. If Hungary were a candidate country today, it would not be admitted into the bloc, she insisted. Fidesz MEP Kinga Gal said: The reason why theyre smearing Hungary is because it wont fall in line, but instead stands up to the mandatory resettlement of migrants. She said the discussion about the situation in Hungary was completely devoid of objectivity. Gal said the potential Article 7 procedure against Hungary looks like a pre-arranged show trial that will end with a pre-determined political verdict. Socialist Party MEP Istvan Ujhelyi said he was deeply embarrassed and regretted that Hungarian politics has put the country into this situation here in front of our European community and European allies. Independent Hungarian MEP Krisztina Morvai, formerly a member of the radical nationalist Jobbik party, said the attacks against Hungary had united the country against impertinence. Hungarys recent election showed that whereas the country had been hugely outnumbered, it managed to defeat the will of the EU and [US financier George] Soross armies, she said. Balazs Hidveghi, ruling Fideszs communications director, branded the draft document as the Soros report, saying it was a frontal attack against Hungary and another obvious attempt to pressure Hungary into taking in migrants. Were barely done with the election and Soross people in Brussels have already launched a frontal attack against Hungary in the European Parliament, Hidveghi told public media. The Soros empires representatives in Brussels are ignoring the decision made by the people and ignoring the outcome of Hungarys democratic elections; they are angry and aggressively threatening to cut Hungarys funding and suspend its voting rights. Hidveghi said this was unacceptable, adding that the Fideszled government would continue to do everything in its power to protect Hungary from immigration. We wont give in on this issue and well continue to fight against pressure from Brussels, he said. Public opinion on migration in Europe, he added, was shifting and the number of Hungarys political allies was also growing. MEPs have until May 15 to submit amendment proposals to the draft report. LIBE is expected to submit the document to the EP in June, which the legislative body is expected to vote on in the autumn. No matter the size of Fideszs mandate, the ruling party is not authorised to intimidate citizens, Gergely Karacsony, former PM candidate of the Socialist-Parbeszed alliance, said in reaction to business weekly Figyelos list of people whom it called George Soross mercenaries. Figyelo has stupidly listed citizens who do their jobs as members of civil groups, arent the enemies of anyone, except maybe poverty, corruption and riding roughshod over democracy, Karacsony told a news conference. He said anyone who saw such people as enemies proved that their real enemy was the the desire of citizens to make the country better. Karacsony said that in the run-up to Hungarys general election, Prime Minister Viktor Orban had threatened the people and political parties who wanted change and had talked about the 2,000 enemies of the Orban regime. He said the Socialist-Parbeszed alliance would use any political means it could to put an end to the politics of intimidation. The former PM candidate called it a strange twist of history that the list had been published in a magazine owned by Maria Schmidt, director of the House of Terror Museum. That museum was established to present the horrors of the 20th century so nobody in Hungary should ever again have to be afraid of being on a government list, Karacsony said. MTI Photo: Koszticsak Szilard Hungarys new parliament will meet for the first time on May 7-8, daily Magyar Idok said. At its first session, the national assembly will discuss the governments Stop Soros! package on pro-migration civil groups and a draft on Hungarys 2019 budget, the daily said. The composition of Prime Minister Viktor Orbans fourth government is expected to be announced a few weeks after parliaments first session. Posted Thursday, April 12, 2018 3:42 pm Last Friday a King County judge ruled to reject OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharmas request to dismiss the lawsuit for provoking the opioid epidemic in Washington state. The lawsuit was filed by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Fergusons lawsuit seeks forfeiture of Washingtons portion of Purdues profits following a 2007 court ruling prohibiting deceptive marketing of prescription drugs. The lawsuit was filed in September adding to the list of more than 400 federal lawsuits by cities, counties and Indian tribes against opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies. Thurston County and the Nisqually Indian Tribe recently filed separate lawsuits for causing a public nuisance and acting in negligence. The opioid epidemic has really hurt our Nisqually people and our local communities, Farron McCloud, chairman of the Nisqually Tribe said in a statement. As a sovereign government, we intend to hold the opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the harm they have caused us. King County Superior Court Judge Catherine Moores ruling to deny Purdues request of dismissal makes Washington the third state along with South Carolina and Oklahoma to move forward. Washingtons lawsuit accuses Purdue of deceptive marketing campaigns and targeting high-prescribing doctors in Washington state despite a 2007 court order prohibiting the company from making misleading statements. A list of dozens of physicians were found to have overprescribed including an unnamed physicians practice in Yelm. Fergusons media contact Brionna Aho said the name of the practice remains confidential. Purdue sales staff allegedly used records of prescribers in Washington based on strength and quantity to aggressively market to the highest prescribers. It was found in the lawsuit that the practice out of Yelm and Olympia operated under multiple names between 2008 and 2016 and prescribed about 6,300 prescriptions of OxyContin, Brutans and Hysingla. The unnamed Yelm and Olympia clinics received 537 visits from Purdue sales representatives between that time and prescribed more than three times more Purdue opioids than the second highest prescriber in Olympia. Purdue falsely claimed opioids had low addiction risks, were safe in treating long-term chronic pain and increased doses did not pose significant risks to patients, according to the lawsuit. Ferguson called Purdues conduct an uncontrolled experiment on the American people without reliable evidence and he accused the company of downplaying the risks. Following the lawsuit by Ferguson and many other lawsuits across the nation, Purdue Pharma slashed their sales team by half in early February and will no longer market opioids to doctors. According to the lawsuit filed by Ferguson, opioids created a dependence for patients which caused them to find alternatives when prescriptions were cut off. The conclusion was supported by a survey that found 80 percent of people who use heroin reported using opioids before heroin. Prescription drug sales peaked around 2015 with more than 112 million daily doses being distributed, enough for every man, woman and child to have a 16-day supply according to Ferguson. Drug overdose is the leading cause of death in Americans under 50 years old and more than 300,000 people have died from opioid overdose in the U.S since the year 2000, surpassing the number of car related deaths according to the lawsuit by Thurston County. 106 residents of Thurston County died of opioid overdose between 2012 to 2016 equalling nearly eight deaths per 100,000 people. Its time for Purdue to answer for the devastation its opioids have caused Washington families, Ferguson said in a news release. Purdue ignored the consequences of its massive deception. I look forward to our day in court. Posted Thursday, April 12, 2018 3:06 pm Any trade war between the United States and China is worrisome, but if it escalated and tariffs are imposed, it will hit Washington particularly hard. Avoiding that possibility should be our primary goal. Our state is our nations third largest exporter with more than half of the containers leaving the Puget Sound heading to China. The Port of Seattle estimated that China trade alone accounted for $18 billion last year and 40 percent of our states jobs are now tied to trade. President Trump has proposed tariffs as a bargaining chip to get better deal for American exporters and to punish the Chinese theft of intellectual property. He also wants to cut into our $50 billion trade deficit with China. The President frets that the Made in China 2025, the aggressive initiative designed to dominate strategic sectors, such as industrial robots, components for electric vehicles and semiconductors, will put our country at a significant commercial and military disadvantage. China retaliated with its own tariff plan consisting of a series of 25 and 15 percent charges. If a 25 percent tariff was levied on Boeing commercial aircraft, it could hurt Washington and impact the companys orders, deliveries and production. After supplying over a thousand 737s to China, Boeing recently listed 273 unfilled orders of 737s destined for China airlines. So far, only the 737-800 and 737-900ER were among the $50 billion in Chinese tariffs announced in early April; however, if the trade disputes widens, more Boeing aircraft may be added, former Washington Governor and Ambassador to China Gary Locke worries. Chinas retaliation is best understood as an economic and political demonstration, the Wall Street Journal editorialized, hitting a small number of products to signal where future blows could fall if the Trump Administration imposes punitive tariffs on $60 billion in Chinese good to punish the theft of intellectual property. Tariffs on Americas biggest exports to China, such as soybeans and Boeing jets, are currently held in reserve. But for Washington the immediate threat is the 15 percent tariff which may be placed on cherries, apples and wine. With the cherry crop ripening in early summer, the impact would be the most noticeable. Keith Hu with the Northwest Cherry Growers Association told KOMO News: Everybody is getting pretty nervous about it. China is the top export market and last year, it bought 33,000 tons of premium cherries worth $140 million. Besides cherries, China purchased $50 million of apples and $1.2 million in Washington wines in 2017. In addition to airplanes and farm products, our state exported over $1 billion in vehicles and parts, wood products, medical and surgical equipment and other goods. China has a couple of other leverage points we cant ignore. The Beijing government can pare back on its purchase of U.S. debt. It is our largest foreign debt holder pegged at $1.7 trillion. China has many ways it can make life exceedingly uncomfortable for a large number of American businesses, both those that hoping for access to Chinas fast-expanding market and those that use China as an important part of their supply chains, said Eswar Prasad, a Cornell University professor of international trade, in the New York Times. Hopefully, President Trump is correct in his assurances that a trade war between the United States and China is not imminent and the stock markets here and abroad will settle down. Most importantly, a deal needs be worked out which will give us better protections for intellectual properties and a more even playing field for our products. The best approach would be to dial back the rhetoric and bring people to the bargaining table. Don Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He recently retired as president of the Association of Washington Business, the states oldest and largest business organization, and now lives in Vancouver. He can be contacted at TheBrunells@msn.com. Coun Perez reiterates warning to barangay leaders involved in drugs 07 Aug 2017 Hits:37 Comments(0) Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jerry Perez yesterday reiterated his warning to all barangay officials from using or selling drugs. Perez said he is closely monitoring the activities of all the barangay officials and vowed sanctions against erring leaders. Aqui gane na mio barangay ya quita ya iyo na puesto cunel dos barangay leaders quien mas temprano ya sale positivo na... Bhojpuri star Khesari Lal Yadav, who is looking forward to the release of his upcoming film 'Dulhin Ganga Paar Ke', has high expectations from his daughter Kriti who has also played a vital role in the film. As per Khesari, he feels his daughter is very talented and intelligent and will go on to become a star in future. "She is very friendly by nature and is very intelligent too. When she started coming to sets, she easily gelled with people here, especially with Kajal Raghvani. The actor was speaking at the first look launch of the film. He also went on to praise Amrapali Dubey, who will be seen in a guest appearance in the film. "Amrapali is one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of the industry. We have shot for a beautiful song in the film. She is the first from the industry who has a massive fan following on YouTube. I had a great time working with her. Hope, people will like our chemistry in the song," he said. He added that the film 'Dulhin Ganga Par Ke' has also been made in the year 1986 in which versatile actors like Kunal Singh, Gauri Khurana and Brij Kishore had featured. The film had become the biggest hit of that year of the Bhojpuri cinema. "While it would be wrong to draw a comparison between the two films, I hope that my film also sees the same success like the previous film," he said. 'Dulhin Ganga Paar Ke' will hit the screens on May 11. Film co-producer RS Pandey and publicist Sanjay Bhushan Patiala revealed that all the songs in the film are melodious. The lyrics have been penned down by Azad Singh, Pawan Pandey and Pyare Lal while cinematography has been done by Thamban Kishore of the southern film industry. New Delhi: Actor Salman Khan has been shooting extensively for the last leg of Remo D'Souza high-action drama 'Race 3'. Only a day ago, he was spotted on the sets along with co-stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Daisy Shah. And as per latest reports, after wrapping up Remo D'Souza's film, the 52-year-old actor will take up Ali Abbas Zafar's next project, titled 'Bharat'. While the film is set to go on floors soon, reports say that Ali Abbas Zafar has still not finalised the leading lady opposite Salman. Earlier, it was speculation that Priyanka Chopra has been approached by the makers with the script of 'Bharat' and that the lady has apparently given her nod to the project. However, according to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Priyanka is longer a part of the team and the makers are now considering to cast Katrina Kaif for the role. The report further added that Zafar apparently wants to recreate the magic of his last release 'Tiger Zinda Hai' that starred Salman and Katrina together. However, there has been no official confirmation on the same. It is to be noted that this isn't the first time when Katrina's name is being speculated for the role. In fact, in February this year, buzz was there that Zafar had reportedly roped in Katrina for his film. However, the filmmaker took to Twitter to clear the air on the report. 'Bharat' is set to hit the screens on Eid next year. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for blocking the release of the film "Nanak Shah Fakir". The film based on first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, is set for release on Friday. The court will take up the matter on Monday. The matter was once mentioned again when court assembled in the post-lunch sitting. Senior counsel P.S. Patwalia told the court that hearing the SGPC plea on Monday would be of no consequence as the film was going to be released on Friday. However, the court refused to advance the date of hearing to Friday (April 13). A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud told petitioner Satinder Singh Gulati that the Central Board of Film Certification had cleared the film for release and it can't be objected to without taking recourse to lawful means. It also said that outsiders cannot control freedom of expression of an artiste. Gulati told the court that by a 2003 resolution, the SGPC has said that no one can act as any of the 10 Sikh Gurus, their family members and the 'Panj Pyaras' (five beloved of the Guru). He mentioned the plea for an urgent hearing. The apex court was also told that till date -- in the last 550 years -- no one has portrayed the role of the 10 Sikh Gurus. Gulati urged the court to hear the matter on Friday, but Chief Justice Misra said: "We will take it up on Monday." The Supreme Court had directed the states on April 10 to ensure that there was no opposition to the release of "Nanak Shah Fakir", saying "wherever the film is released, the law and order is maintained and no one shall be allowed to create any kind of disturbance". Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) has reportedly raised $500 million from three Japanese banks Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mizuho Bank under a syndicated Samurai loan form. The floating rate loan is for a seven-year period, said the company in an official statement. Earlier, news agency PTI reported that RJIL is in talks for loans with the three banks. "Reliance Jio is in discussion with MUFG (formerly The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ) , Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to raise $500 million," sources in the know of the development told PTI. Seeking to diversify its borrowing base, RJIL entered the new market for borrowing to utilise funds for capital expenditure, such as paying for the wireless assets of Reliance Communications. Last month the Reliance Jio board had approved raising of around Rs 20,000 crore in debt. The company has invested over Rs 2 lakh crore in the mobile business which has garnered over 168 million customers. The Mukesh Ambani firm has also signed agreement to buy mobile business assets of Reliance Communications-- the company led by his younger brother Anil Ambani, for around Rs 25,000 crore. The source did not mention the timeline for raising the loan from Japanese banks and said, "The agreement is yet to be signed." With PTI inputs New Delhi: Poila Baisakh is the first day of the Bengali New Year also known as Nobo Borsho. This festival is celebrated with much fervour, zeal and happiness all across West Bengal and Bangladesh.This period usually falls in the mid-April according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, it will be celebrated on April 15, 2018.This day is a public holiday in Kolkata as well as Dhaka. On this auspicious occasion, we have compiled a list of messages which you can send to your loved ones and wish them a very happy Bengali New Year. *May this Nobo Borsho bring you joy, health, wealth and good luck throughout the year! * Let's welcome this New Year with great hope, eagerness & anticipation.Let us look forward to a plentiful of joy, satisfaction, peace & prosperity. *On this Poila Baisakh, let us look forward to New Life New Hope New Aspirations New Beginning Lets make each day a new day *With a smile and a spirit of giving a sense of humanity a pledge to spread peace and happiness. Happy Poila Baisakh! *Fortunate is the one who has learned to Admire, but not to envy. Good Wishes for a joyous Poila Baisakh and New Year with a plenty of Peace and Prosperity. *May all your wishes come true this Poila Baishakh, may you get the best of all worlds. *They say everything looks better in the morning. Well, the new year is your new morning. Everything will look better then. Shubho Nobo Borsho! New Delhi: Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Thursday said a letter seeking details of communication over "reserved subjects" was not replied to by Lt. Governor Anil Baijal and asserted the latter is "drunk on power". Goel said no reply was received in response to a March 27 letter from his office to the office of Lt. Governor. "It is highly condemnable that he did not found it fit to reply to a constitutional functionary. He is drunk on power," Goel said at a press conference. The letter from Delhi Assembly was sent to the office of Lt Governor seeking copies of communication over "reserved subjects" between the Central Government and Lt. Governor. Last month, the Ministry of Law had advised the Lt. Governor's office to communicate to the Speaker that he should not admit questions related to reserved subjects such as public order, police, services and land. The answers related to these subjects were denied to the Assembly by the concerned department in its budget session. "LG is protecting the officials. Why cannot Delhi MLAs ask questions over Delhi Police and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) that concern the interests of the people who have voted for them," Goel said. He said that legal opinion will be sought for a future course of action in this regard. "We will also pressurise the officers to provide information on the questions asked by the MLAs. We will also take legal opinion on it." The Speaker also said that the budget session of assembly was disturbed by the opposition members. "They were given much more time than allotted to them but still they disturbed the House and many important subjects could not be taken. Also, the sitting of House was delayed due to lack of quorum as the ruling party MLAs were not present in required numbers," he said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has 66 MLAs in the House. The budget session of Delhi Assembly that lasted 16 days was the longest in past 23 years. Earlier, it had lasted 21 days in 1994 and 18 days in 1995. PUNE: While Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a fast on Thursday against the washout of recent Parliament session, two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs from Pune were caught on camera snacking. The video comes just days after the BJP had trolled the Congress when photos of some of their leaders had surfaced where they were seen eating chole bhature when they had called for a fast against the Centre. The two MLAs from Pune were caught on camera eating snacks at Jungli Maharaj road where all party leaders from the district had gathered to observe the nationwide fast on Thursday. The two BJP MLAs who were caught on camera are Bhimrao Tapkir who represents Khadakwasla constituency and Sanjay Bhegade who represents Maval constituency from Pune district. #WATCH BJP Maharashtra MLAs Sanjay Bhegade and Bhimrao Tapkir seen eating during a meeting in Pune yesterday. BJP had called for a fast yesterday against the opposition stalling parliament pic.twitter.com/BnCjkT2jDq ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 In the video, Tapkir and Bhegade can be seen sitting next to each other and eating snacks from the plates kept in front of them. The video was shot at around 1 pm when the BJP leaders, including the PM, were on a nationwide fast. Tapkir admitted to the mistake and said that it was unintentional. "While we were attending the meeting, the snacks were served to us a part of the protocol. We were also so engrossed in the meeting that we unintentionally ate some chips," Tapkir was reported as saying in the DNA. He also said that was not a full meal that we were feasting on. "It was a matter of few chips and that is all. In fact, I had not eaten anything since morning and after that meeting also I did not eat anything," Tapkir said. The Congress seems to be in no mood to spare the BJP which had taken potshots at their fast calling it a farce. A BJP leader had on April 9 tweeted a picture of Congress leaders, including Ajay Maken, Haroon Yusuf and Arvinder Singh Lovely, eating chole bhature at a restaurant in New Delhi. The image had sparked strong reactions against the Congress. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has put out a poignant message on the Kathua rape and murder that seems to have struck a chord on Twitter. The message, partly framed as a personal apology to the 8-year-old victim, also takes a stinging shot at the apparent apathy the case has been met with. "Does it have 2 b ur own daughter fr u 2 understand? She could've been mine. I feel angry as a man, father & a citizen fr failing A$#%," read Kamal's tweet. "I m sorry my child v didn't make this country safe enough fr U. I'll fight fr justice at least fr future kids like u. V mourn u & won't forget u," he added. The tweet seems to have found resonance, receiving about 10000 'likes' and 3500 retweets in under two hours. There were some who agreed with Kamal, and welcomed his statement. Well said. Sincerely pray the criminals get the justice deserved. Soon! Fiza (@fizahaq) April 13, 2018 They are not humans . We cannot even call them beasts. Even beasts have some ethics. What a cruelty. It is beyond my imagination. My heart goes out for you child. Hope you find peace in heaven. manjula (@pmanjula) April 13, 2018 Predictably, the tweet also sparked a massive firestorm of debate over the topic, which is already fraught with communal overtones. The victim, all of 8 years old, had been kidnapped, drugged, raped and murdered. Some of this had apparently happened in a temple. The victim was from a nomadic community, and the perpetrators claim they had initially abducted her to scare her family, before things got out of hand. Because of these and many other factors, the case has assumed explosive communal overtones in Jammu and Kashmir. The case, combined with the ongoing investigation into the allegation of rape against a BJP MLA in Uttar Pradesh have sparked massive outrage. The anger has not just remained limited to social media. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi led a midnight protests demanding justice for the victims. New Delhi: The Indian Army on Friday signed a Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) with Axis Bank on the Defence Salary Package. The current MoU is tailor-made to suit the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. Under the current MoU, apart from benefits, the Army personnel will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent total disability cover of Rs 30 lakh and free educational cover of up to Rs 2 Lakh for children between the age of 12 and 20 years, said the Indian Army in a release. The first MoU between Axis Bank and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed on 24 Mar 2015. The signing-in ceremony was chaired by the Director-General (MP&PS), Lt Gen SK Saini and was attended by the top dignitaries of Axis Bank headed by Mr Sanjay Sailas, President and Head, Retail Banking, Axis Bank. Recently, Indian Army has also signed a MoU with HDFC bank. MoUs are considered for inception and renewal with banks on analyzing their utility and suitability to the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. Army is hoping that this MoU will benefit a large number of serving and retired Army personnel who are having their accounts with Axis bank; and also provide them an opportunity to access modern banking facilities. NEW DELHI: On the instruction of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, party members will hold candlelight march in all state capitals protest over the Kathua and Unnao rape cases. Earlier on Thursday, in an attempt to pressure the Centre to take action in the gang-rape cases of the minors in Kathua and Unnao, Rahul led a midnight march to the India Gate in Delhi. Over the past few days, the nation witnessed a mounting uproar over the two gang-rapes of minors one in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua where an eight-year-old girl child from nomadic Bakerwal community was brutally raped, tortured and murdered, and the other from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao where a BJP MLA, his brother and others have been allegedly accused of raping a minor and later trying to suppress the case details. Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting, Rahul wrote on Twitter. "Like millions of Indians, my heart hurts tonight," Gandhi wrote on Twitter after addressing an estimated 5,000 people at Thursday`s midnight vigil. "India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does." Thousands of men and women stood up to be counted in the battle for justice and to protest the rising acts of violence against girls and women. I thank each and every one of you for your support. It shall not be in vain, he later added. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of the state. "Hon PM sir, there isn't a day when we don't hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others," he tweeted. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday urged to take suo motu cognisance of the conduct of lawyers who created ruckus and tried to obstruct the filing of a charge-sheet in the Kathua rape and murder case of an eight-year-old minor. In the Unnao rape case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday registered three cases against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl. With agency inputs New Delhi: In a bid to launch a counter-attack on Congress, BJP general secretary blamed the party for instigating protests in the state of Jammu and Kashmir which are demanding concrete action against culprits in the Kathua rape case. An eight-year-old girl in Kathua, belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe in the district, was sedated time and again before being raped and killed. She was abducted on January 10 and was later strangled to death on January 14. The body of the girl was recovered from Rassana forest on January 17 - nearly a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. Ram Madhav defended investigations into the case and said opposition parties were trying to gain political mileage. "We actually acted very fast. State government and police acted swiftly. Congress is trying to politicize the issue. I am accusing Congress of being behind the agitations in Jammu," he told news agency ANI. Congress has been leading the charge against BJP - a party first came under heavy and incessant fire when two of its ministers in the J&K cabinet - Chaudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga - attended a subsequent protest organised by Hindu Ekta Manch, an outfit that protested against the initial arrests made in the case. On Friday, PDP - BJP's partner in the state - demanded the two ministers resign and threatened to break the alliance. The resignations came in by evening. "There was indiscretion on part of our two ministers (Lal Singh and PC Ganga). Coming under pressure from local public, they spoke at a gathering," said Madhav. " I immediately flew to Jammu as soon as I got to know & told party that we should fully support the investigation," he added. (Also read: PM Modi breaks silence on Unnao and Kathua rape cases) While the investigations are indeed underway, the future of PDP-BJP alliance stands on shaky grounds. CM Mehbooba Mufti will chair a high-level meeting on Saturday to decide on the political partnership. On Friday, she tweeted that nothing short of complete justice would suffice. She also demanded capital punishment for rapists who target minors. New Delhi: Under fire for reportedly participating in a protest against investigations into the Kathua rape case, two BJP ministers in Jammu and Kashmir cabinet sent their resignations to state BJP chief Sat Sharma on Friday evening. Forest minister Chaudhary Lal Singh and industries and commerce minister Chander Prakash Ganga sent their resignations after reports emerged that PDP could break alliance with BJP. PDP had demanded the resignation of the two ministers. The two had reportedly attended an event organised by Hindu Ekta Manch, an outfit that protested against the initial arrests made in the case. It is because of this that the PDP-BJP alliance - already on shaky grounds - may well crumble. CM Mehbooba Mufti is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting on Saturday to decide the future of the alliance - one that has strained further after the Kathua rape case. The rape and murder of the eight-year-old child has rocked the entire country. The girl, belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe in the district, was sedated time and again before being raped and killed. She was abducted on January 10 and was later strangled to death on January 14. The body of the girl was recovered from Rassana forest on January 17 - nearly a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. CM Mufti has assured a complete investigation into the matter. She took to Twitter earlier on Friday and assured that her government will ensure that no other child will ever face such brutality and atrocity. NEW DELHI: As protests grow over the rape of the gangrape and murder of eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that her ministry would appeal for the death penalty for culprits under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act. Maneka said in a video message that she was "deeply, deeply" disturbed by the Kathua rape case adding that her ministry will move a cabinet note on Monday to amend POCSO, the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act. "I have been deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for the death penalty for rape on children below 12 years," Maneka Gandhi said in a video statement. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had also said that the state government will bring a stringent new law to make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors. She had said that her government will ensure that no other child will ever face such brutality and atrocity. Mehbooba further assured the entire nation that she stands committed to ensuring justice in the Kathua rape and murder case. There have been strong reactions coming from across the country over the Kathua rape case. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan also put out a message on the Kathua rape and murder case tendering a personal apology to the 8-year-old victim. "Does it have 2 b ur own daughter fr u 2 understand? She could've been mine. I feel angry as a man, father & a citizen fr failing A$#%," read Kamal's tweet. "I m sorry my child v didn't make this country safe enough fr U. I'll fight fr justice at least fr future kids like u. V mourn u & won't forget u," he had written. As per the two charge sheets filed by the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police against the eight accused persons including a juvenile held in the case, the victim was held captive inside a 'Devisthan', gangraped, kept without food and administered sedatives. Her cause of death was asphyxia leading to cardio-pulmonary arrest, the investigations revealed. "In the course of investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) members along with Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts and naib Tehsildar (executive magistrate) again visited the scene of occurrence and tried to reconstruct the scene of crime," according to the charge sheet. NEW DELHI: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday took another swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence over the Unnao and Kathua gang-rape cases. Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1.What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting, Rahul wrote on Twitter. Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting.#SpeakUp Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 13, 2018 The statement comes a day after the Congress president led the midnight candlelight march in the national capital. As anger mounts across the country over the gruesome gang-rape of the two minors, several Opposition parties have questioned the PM's silence. Earlier in the day, he thanked "thousands of men and women" who stood with him in protesting the rising acts of violence against girls and women and said their battle for justice would not be in vain. Thousands of men and women stood up to be counted in the battle for justice and to protest the rising acts of violence against girls and women. I thank each and every one of you for your support. It shall not be in vain. pic.twitter.com/IWMtQSXV4m Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 13, 2018 Rahul's sister Priyanka, husband Robert Vadra, Congress leaders and cadres, and others, carried out a march against the BJP-led Centre demanding urgent action against the perpetrators of the two incidents. In Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community disappeared near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. In Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, a teen alleged that she was raped by ruling BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was later held by police. She alleged she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017, where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. Frustrated over the inaction of law enforcement agencies, the victim and her family tried to set themselves ablaze outside UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence on April 8. The very next day, her father died allegedly in the jail with post-mortem suggesting serious injuries on his body. With agency inputs NEW DELHI: Breaking his silence on the Unnao and Kathua minor gang-rape cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said, "I want to assure that no criminal will be spared. Our daughters will get justice." Such incidents shake our sensibilities, he added, in a series of tweets. , 2 , : PM PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 13, 2018 , , , , : PM PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 13, 2018 He further added, I had the courage to speak with the Red Fort, question boys, not girls. From family situations, social values to the justice system we need to strengthen everything. Only then will be able to create the dream of Baba Sahib, new India. , , social values , , , : PM PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 13, 2018 The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress for politicising the rape incidents and the dilution of SC/ST Act. The government won't allow dilution of law to prevent atrocities on SCs, STs," said PM Narendra Modi. Congress insulted Ambedkar when he was alive and is doing so even after his death. It spreads rumours to further its political interests, said the PM at the inauguration of Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi. Meanwhile, two BJP ministers in Jammu and Kashmir cabinet sent their resignations to state BJP chief Sat Sharma on Friday evening protesting against the Kathua rape incident. Forest minister Chaudhary Lal Singh and industries and commerce minister Chander Prakash Ganga sent their resignations after reports emerged that PDP could break alliance with BJP. PDP had demanded the resignation of the two ministers. The two had reportedly attended an event organised by Hindu Ekta Manch, an outfit that protested against the initial arrests made in the case. It is because of this that the PDP-BJP alliance - already on shaky grounds - may well crumble. CM Mehbooba Mufti is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting on Saturday to decide the future of the alliance - one that has strained further after the Kathua rape case. In the Unnao rape case, the Allahabad High Court directed the CBI to arrest BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar for allegedly raping a minor along with others. The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier detained Sengar for interrogation. The court directed the CBI to carry out investigation strictly in accordance with law and to consider filing an application for cancellation of bail granted to other accused in the case. Massive outrage gripped India over reports of the minors' rapes. An eight-year-old girl child in Kathua in the Jammu region, who belonged to a nomadic Bakerwal community, had disappeared from near her home in the forests on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area, and medical examination pointed towards sexual assault and torture. In Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, teen alleged that she was raped by Sengar and others at the MLA's residence on June 4, 2017, where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. Frustrated over the inaction of law enforcement agencies, the victim and her family tried to set themselves ablaze outside UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence on April 8. The very next day, her father died allegedly in the jail with post-mortem suggesting serious injuries on his body. With agency inputs New Delhi: The Indian Railways took a distinctive trip to yester years of steam era trains to commemorate the 63rd railway week celebrations of the Northern Railways on Thursday. A steam engine brought over from the United States in 1947 -- Azad -- was run to and fro from New Delhi Railway Station to Delhi Junction on the occasion. Azad has been showcased in various movies including Aamir Khan starrer Rang de Basanti. The engine has a capacity to hold around 25,000 litre of water and 15 tonne of coal and can run at a speed of 100 kmph. An opportunity was given to the children of special needs school Navchetna to ride the steam engine hailed train. "" "" 63 pic.twitter.com/ZxBCf7TU9Q Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 12, 2018 ''Indian Railways has a fairly good repository of steam engines, we are trying to resuscitate some of them. Special joy ride trains will be run on dedicated routes. The tickets of these runs will be priced such that everyone can take a ride on them," Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani said after flagging off the train. BENGALURU: Telangana Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrasekhar Rao met former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda in Bengaluru on Friday. The meeting was part of attempts to form a third front as an alternative to the Congress and the BJP. KCR, as Rao is widely referred to, left Hyderabad for Bengaluru by special aircraft on Friday morning. He is expected to discuss the coming Karnataka Assembly elections and the need to set up an alternative front in time for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with Deve Gowda. Actor Prakash Raaj was also present at the meeting. KCR has so far met or spoken with a number of leaders from across the country for what is being referred to in some sections as a 'federal front'. Announcing his intentions to push for such a front, KCR had said there would be no significant change even if the Congress replaces the BJP in power, and that only the names would differ. A few days later, KCR met West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. He then touched base over the phone with former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and with Asaduddin Owaisi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM). KCR also refused to rule out the possibility of tying up with the Telugu Desam Party of Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu. The TDP and TRS have for long been on opposite sides of the highly-polarising demand for a separate Telangana. Now, with a separate state created, and with the TDP out of the NDA, the old foes could turn allies "There is a serious need for qualitative change in the national politics. People are vexed now. No qualitative change is seen by the people even after 70 years of exercise of democracy. It is very unfortunate. People are looking for a change," KCR had said while outlining his vision for an alternative front. New Delhi: At a time when Yogi Adityanath's UP government, local administration and state police is facing enormous flak for a shoddy investigation into the Unnao gangrape case, Unnao MP Sakshi Maharaj has countered deflected the blame from the CM. In an interview to Zee News on Friday, he said that immediate action was taken once the matter was brought to the notice of Adityanath. Following are excerpts from the interview with Zee News' Ravindra Kumar. Q: Why was there a delay in the arrest of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar? A: There has been a delay. But you cannot blame the delay on the state government. The administration may be the reason. The moment the rape survivor met the CM, he constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This is the first instance when an SIT submitted its report in 12 hours and in the 13th hour, the matter was given to Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI). The CBI has made the arrest. Now CBI will do what it has to do. Q: You are an MP from Unnao. The accused is an MP from your constituency. He has been accused of rape, the survivor's father is dead. The image of the party has taken a hit. Were there attempts to save him? A: To accuse and to prove accusations are different. He has been accused. The CM and the government has, without delay, handed over the matter to CBI. CBI will reveal the truth, whoever is guilty won't be spared. Q: Rahul Gandhi has held a candle-light march. Congress has accused that the government came to power after highlighting the issue of respect for women but women are being abused? A: After suffering defeat in the 2014 (Lok Sabha) elections and then again in several other elections, Rahul Gandhi, Congress and the entire opposition has lost it. They speak without any context. They eat Chhole Bhature and then do drama of fasting. We held a fast yesterday in the hopes it would give them some sense. Q: Rape cases are being seen from a religious perspective. What has religion got to do with rape cases? A: Crimes have happened always. There are always good and bad people. But it becomes dangerous when the victim does not get justice. Our government has always tried to ensure that victims get justice and that he/she does not feel that a wrong has been done. Q: Why can't rapists be hanged? A: If the charges are proven, the punishment will be decided by CBI, not the government. Q: Will the accused MLA be removed from the party? A: I am but a small soldier of the party. In this matter, the party chief and Adityanath will take a decision. 2019 (Lok Sabha elections) are in front of us. What image is being created and what is needed to fix it will be decided by the (BJP's) national leadership. Sakshi Maharaj cannot take a decision on whether the MLA should be removed or not. NEW DELHI: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday thanked the "thousands of men and women" who gathered at the India Gate on Thursday midnight to protest against the recent cases of rapes in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao and Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. In a tweet on Friday, he said: "Thousands of men and women stood up to be counted in the battle for justice and to protest the rising acts of violence against girls and women. I thank each and every one of you for your support. It shall not be in vain." Thousands of men and women stood up to be counted in the battle for justice and to protest the rising acts of violence against girls and women. I thank each and every one of you for your support. It shall not be in vain. pic.twitter.com/IWMtQSXV4m Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 13, 2018 Rahul had led a midnight march to India Gate and said it was time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk on 'beti bachao' (save the girl child). Calling for a protest, he had on Thursday asked people to gather at India Gate to carry out a silent vigil against the cases of crime against women "Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice," he had tweeted calling for support. He was joined by his sister Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra and scores of Congress leaders, party workers and others. Protestors carried candles and placards against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir while demanding urgent action against the perpetrators of the two incidents. Claiming that the protest was not a political one, Rahul had said: "We are here against crimes being committed against women, against rapes, violence and murder and the government must act on this. This is a national issue and not a political one. This is about our women. Thousands are present here including the common people and people from all parties. This situation is such today that one after another incident of murder, rape and violence is taking place in various parts of the country. We are standing here against that and we want the government to act." The Congress leaders present at the protest march to the India Gate included Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Salman Khurshid, Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken, Sushmita Dev, Haroon Yusuf, Randeep Surjewala and Ambika Soni. Azad said the Modi government was sleeping and those facing the biggest threat were the daughters of the country during the current regime. Srinagar: Amid an outcry over alleged rape and murder of a minor in the Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said that the state government will bring a stringent new law to make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors. Expressing her concerns over the brutal rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in the Kathua district, the ruling PDP leader took to Twitter and announced that her government will ensure that no other child will ever face such brutality and atrocity. Mehbooba further assured the entire nation that she stands committed to ensuring justice in the Kathua rape and murder case. She also called for exemplary punishment for those responsible for the crime. An eight-year-old girl in Kathua, belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe in the district, was sedated time and again before being raped and killed. She was abducted on January 10 and was later strangled to death on January 14. The body of the girl was recovered from Rassana forest on January 17 - nearly a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. The alleged rape and murder of the 8-year-old girl has triggered severe protest across the state. Protests are being held across the state demanding justice for the victim of Kathua rape and murder case, especially in the Rasana village from where her body was found. People of this village are sitting on indefinite hunger strike. They are demanding a CBI probe in rape and murder of the 8-year-old girl. Meanwhile, the families of those accused in the Kathua rape and murder case have also demanded a probe by a competent agency to ascertain the truth. The Kathua BJP MLA - Rajiv Jasrotia has also been untraceable ever since he was interrogated about the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in his constituency in Jammu and Kashmir. Faced with a challenge to bring to book the culprits behind the Kathua rape and murder case, the J&K Police had reconstructed the scene of the crime to gather vital clues. The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police filed two separate chargesheets against the eight accused persons including a juvenile held in the case. According to investigators, the girl was held captive inside a 'Devisthan', gang-raped, kept without food and administered sedatives. Her cause of death was asphyxia leading to a cardio-pulmonary arrest, the investigations revealed. "In the course of an investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) members along with Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts and Naib Tehsildar (executive magistrate) again visited the scene of occurrence and tried to reconstruct the scene of the crime," according to the chargesheet. Separately, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday led a midnight march to protest against the Kathua rape and murder case and attacked the Narendra Modi government of inaction. SRINAGAR: A senior BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday claimed that there was a "Pakistani hand" behind the gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP state president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan said: "The act (Kathua rape-murder) must have been committed by Pakistan's agents to divide people by chanting Jai Sri Ram". The BJP leader made the remark during the nation-wide fast that was held against the washout of Parliament's budget session. Justifying his stand, Chouhan said that Hindus in Kashmir are in a minority and hence cannot be shouting those slogans. "If slogans of Jai Shri Ram were shouted on the rape of the girl, it must be the handiwork of Pakistan's agents who want to create differences between us. Hindus are less than one per cent in Kashmir. They cannot even open their mouths, then how can they shout these slogans?" he asked. The BJP leader, however, termed the incident as a "blot on humanity". Meanwhile, amid protests over the brutal incident of the gangrape, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti announced that the state government will bring a new law to make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors. Condemning the incident of rape and murder of eight-year-old in Kathua district, the Chief Minister tweeted that she will not let another child suffer in this way. Mehbooba also said that she stands committed to ensuring justice in the Kathua case. An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped by six men who had held her in captivity in a small temple village for a week in January. She was allegedly drugged so that she could be sexually assaulted again before being bludgeoned to death, according to police. The incident has led to countrywide protests seeking strict action against the culprits. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had also held a midnight protest on Thursday night at India Gate in Delhi asking the Centre and state governments to ensure the safety of women in the country. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Actor Arjun Kapoor is the kind of brother every sister would wish for. We have seen him as the ideal son and now he is setting examples of being an ideal brother. Recently, when a website posted unsavoury images of his half-sister Janhvi Kapoor, an infuriated Arjun slammed the website for its insensitivity. Arjun on Thursday retweeted a news portal's post about Janhvi wearing a "sexy dress" as she reached Arjun's home. She was seen sporting a white cotton dress with a low back.` The actor tweeted: "You know what, f**k you man, f**k you as a website for highlighting or bringing it to anyone's attention and it is shameful that your eye would go searching for something like this. Shame on you... This is how our country looks at young women. Yet another shining example. Ashamed by this." The website, however, took down the post minutes after it came to Arjun's notice. Earlier, Arjun's sister Anshula had also come out in defence of Janhvi Kapoor when an Instagram follower tried to badmouth her. Anshula wrote, "Hi, I'm requesting you to refrain from using abusive language especially towards my sisters, I do not appreciate it & have therefore deleted ur comments. While I am grateful for your passion & love for bhai & me, just a small correction - I was never working outside India. Let's please spread joy & good vibes. Thank you for the love." Arjun and Anshula have been the pillar of strength for their father Boney Kapoor and half-sisters Janhvi and Khushi after Sridevi's untimely death on February 24 this year. On the work front, Arjun is busy shooting 'Namaste England' with Parineeti Chopra. Post which he will start working on 'Sandeep and Pinky Farrar' with Parineeti his first co-star. (With inputs from the IANS) New Delhi: The horrific rape case of an eight-year-old in Kathua has shaken the entire nation. Prominent figures from various walks of life are joining the force to condemn crime against women. Holding up placards that read, "I am Hindustan. I am Ashamed, fearless actors Swara Bhaskar, Kalki Koechlin, Richa Chadha among others have taken to Twitter to protest against the Kathua rape case. Abhishek Bachchan shared the 8-year-old rape victim's picture and hashtagged her name. Director Hansal Mehta retweeted The New York Times piece which detailed how her rape and murder led to protests by Hindu nationalists who defended the accused in the case. "Inhuman!!! Appalling !!!!! Justice has to has to be served!!!!!," tweeted Karan Johar. Is this nationalism Mehta wrote alongside the link. Sonam Kapoor also shared the same article and called out fake nationals and fake Hindus in her tweet. Anushka Sharma wrote, "The cruelest form of evil is harming an innocent child. What is happening to the world we live in??? These people should be given the most severe punishment there is! Where are we heading as humanity? Shaken to my core." Anupam Kher tweeted, "Shocked, saddened & angry!!" Parineeti Chopra posted, "HOW do human beings go through evil acts on another human? During an act, how do they not stop? Is there no concience? No guilt? No regret? No humanity? HOWWW do you allow yourself to go through raping and killing a child?! Cannot understand it." Twinkle Khanna wrote, "I look at this first as a mother and its completely heartbreaking, as a woman I feel rage and as an Indian I am absolutely ashamed." (With inputs from IANS) Mumbai: India's latest internet sensation Priya Prakash Varrier has become one of the biggest newsmakers of this year. The young girl, who has as many of 5.4 million Instagram followers, is a sensation of sorts. Her Instagram posts are adorable and so is she. Priya, who is still in her teens loves kids and we have proof. Check out the posts embedded below: Couldn't have enough of you A post shared by priya prakash varrier (@priya.p.varrier) on Apr 10, 2018 at 1:08am PDT My baby!!! A post shared by priya prakash varrier (@priya.p.varrier) on Nov 18, 2016 at 1:55am PST According to the latest buzz, Priya may do a Tamil film with Nalan Kumarasamy aka Arul Murugan, best known for helming Soodhu Kavvum in 2013 starring Vijay Sethupathi and Sanchita Reddy. For the unversed, the pretty girl made the internet go gaga over her captivating expressions in a leaked video clip from a Malayalam song in an upcoming film directed by Omar Lulu. Priya had been signed for the film to play a small role. But ever since a clip featuring Priya from the song Manikya Malaraya Poovi from Omar Lulus Oru Adaar Love went viral on social media, the makers decided to extend her role. They have made her role in the film meatier to make the most of her popularity. The script and climax have reportedly been changed to give her more prominence. The song sung by Vineeth Sreenivasan and composed by Shaan Rahman became popular but it was Priya who stole the show. In the video, we can see Priya making adorable expressions and winking to grab her crushs attention. Oru Adaar Love is Omars third venture. Besides Priya, the movie also stars Siyadh Shajahan, Noorin Shereef and Roshan Abdul Rahoof. The film is slated to release on June 14 this year. The Malayalam film will now release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages too. New Delhi: The prestigious National Film Awards were announced on Friday and legendary actress Sridevi won 'Best Actress' for 'Mom' posthumously. The jury of the renowned 65th National Film Awards is headed by veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur while the panel has as many as ten members who screen the best of Indian cinema. According to IANS, renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur told the media that late actress Sridevi wasn't chosen for the honour because of his relationship with her but due to her contribution to 'Mom'. Meanwhile, Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor and daughtersJanhvi and Khushi have expressed their happiness over the news. In a joint statement, the family said, "We are overjoyed to know that the jury has conferred the Best Actor Award to Sridevi for her performance in 'Mom'. It's a very special moment for all of us. She was always a perfectionist and it showed in all the 300 plus films she did. She was not just a super actor, but a super wife and a super mother. "It's time to celebrate her life and her achievements. She is not with us today but her legacy will always live on," the statement read. 'Mom' also won the National Award for Best Background Music composed by musical maestro AR Rahman. The film is helmed by Ravi Udyawar and presents the story of a mother who sets out to avenge her step-daughter. Pakistani actress Sajal Ali played the daughter's role and made her big-screen debut in Bollywood while Adnan Siddiqui played the noted actress's on-screen husband. The film also marked Sridevi's 300th movie. The actress breathed her last on February 24, 2018 in Dubai where she had gone to attend a family wedding. Indian cinema's first female superstar's died due to accidental drowning, as per forensic report. (With IANS inputs) New Delhi: Veteran Hindi film actor Vinod Khanna was today named this year's Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner in a befitting homage to the legend whose first death anniversary is barely a fortnight away. Khanna is the 49th recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema's highest honour. He is probably the second personality after Prithviraj Kapoor to get the honour posthumously. The actor died on April 27 last year at the age of 70 after battling cancer. Khanna's son, Rahul posted a heartfelt message on Twitter after the awards were announced today. "So proud to hear that my dad has been posthumously awarded India's highest honour in cinema, the #DadasahebPhalkeAward at the #NationalFilmAwards! "As we approach his first death anniversary, it's such a lovely way to celebrate his life and work because, at his core, he wasn't just an actor but also a lifelong film fan!" Rahul wrote. One of the most handsome stars ever to grace the Indian cinema screens, Khanna started off as an antagonist and went on to grow as a performer into the main lead from a supporting actor, after a string of films such as "Purab Aur Paschim", "Aan Milo Sajna", "Sachaa Jhutha" and "Mera Gaon Mera Desh". The actor had a very successful pairing with Amitabh Bachchan. They worked together in blockbusters such as "Amar Akbar Anthony", "Parvarish", "Reshma Aur Shera", "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar", "Zameer", "Hera Pheri" and "Khoon Paseena". He made his Bollywood debut in 1968 film "Mann Ka Meet", which was produced by Sunil Dutt, who was reportedly struck by Khanna's good looks. Khanna first made a mark as Shyam in Gulzar's 1971 film "Mere Apne", where he stood out as a disillusioned young man. He got his first break as a hero in "Hum Tum Aur Woh" (1971). A great many films followed including hits such as "Elaan" and "Mera Gaon Mera Desh". The actor's real life as dramatic as his cinematic career. He shocked fans by abandoning his fame to don orange robes to follow Osho Rajneesh to Oregon (US) in 1982. Khanna, however, returned to cinema five years later and it did not take him long to reclaim his position in the industry. A string of hits followed including "Insaaf" and "Dayavan". The actor, who was born in a Punjabi family of textile merchants in Peshawar in 1946, chose Punjab to make his political debut in 1997 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He fought and won from Gurdaspur in Punjab, a seat that he lost only once in 2009 but won again in the 2014 general elections. In 2002, Atal Bihari Vajpayee made him his Culture and Tourism minister. He was later given the External Affairs portfolio. Khanna was active in Bollywood till the very end. His last few memorable screen outings were in Salman Khan's "Dabangg" series and Shah Rukh Khan's "Dilwale" in 2015. Chandigarh: Sikh groups held protests at various places in Punjab and Haryana as the controversial film `Nanak Shah Fakir` released across the country except Punjab on Friday. The Sikhs are protesting against the film, based on the life and teachings of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, saying that the Guru cannot be shown in human form. Two trains were stopped by the Sikh protesters near Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab and Ambala in Haryana. However, the trains were allowed to go within 30 minutes following intervention of the railway police. Security was tightened around cinema halls and multiplexes in Haryana but most owners opted not to screen the film on Friday. In Punjab, no theatre is showing the movie following the recent ban on its screening announced by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion. The film was not being shown in Chandigarh also. Punjab has a Sikh majority population while Haryana and Chandigarh also have significant Sikh population. Akal Takht jathedar (chief) Gurbachan Singh on Thursday excommunicated the film producer, Harinder Singh Sikka, from the Sikh community. The protests remained peaceful in both states, police said. The Punjab government has maintained that it will not intervene with the release of the film after the Supreme Court recently refused to stay the film`s release. A group of eight opposition party leaders of Tamil Nadu met Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday and presented him with a memorandum appealing him to press the Centre to set up the Cauvery Water Management Board immediately. Here is the full text of the memorandum the leaders presented to the Governor: MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED BY THE CAUVERY RIGHTS RETRIEVAL COMMITTEE TO THE HON'BLE GOVERNOR OF TAMIL NADU SEEKING IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION IN THE CONSTITUTION OF CAUVERY WATER MANAGEMENT BOARD Date : 13 April 2018 Hon'ble Governor, Sub: Cauvery River Water Dispute - Implementation of Supreme Court judgment - Seeking your Intervention - Regarding. Vanakkam, On behalf of political parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Dravidar Kazhagam. Indian National Congress, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and many others, a number of farmers associations, traders' groups, labour unions and, most importantly, the common citizen of the stale of Tamil Nadu, we submit this representation to urge you to take effective and immediate steps to ensure the lawful implementation of the common final judgment in Civil Appeal Nos. 2453, 2454 and 2456 of 2007 (Cauvery Water Dispute Case), delivered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India on 16.2.2018. As you are aware, the Hon'ble Supreme Court directed the Union of India to frame a scheme within six weeks so that the final award delivered by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal on 05.02.2007, which has the status of a decree, is effectively put into operation and the decades long dispute is resolved once and for all. For convenient reference, the relevant excerpt from the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court is reproduced below: 'We direct that a scheme shall be framed by the Central Government within a span of six weeks from today, so that the authorities under the scheme can see to it that the present decision which has modified the award passed by the Tribunal is smoothly made functional and the rights of the States as determined by us are appositely carried out. When we say so, we also categorically convey that the need-based monthly release has to be respected. It is hereby made clear that no extension shall be granted for framing of the scheme on any ground." (Para 403 in page 457) A literal and plain reading of the excerpt extracted herein above makes is clear that: a) The Scheme must be framed by the Central Government, b) The Scheme must be framed within six weeks, and c) No extension for framing the scheme would be granted on any ground. The word "Scheme" has been clearly defined in Section 6A (2) of the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 to mean an "Authority' that will implement the decision of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. The judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, read in conjunction with the Inter State River Water Disputes Act and the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, leaves no room for doubt as to how the Scheme must be drafted by the Government of India. Nevertheless, the Hon'ble Union Minister of Water Resources misrepresented the settled legal position in an interview to The Hindu on 27 February 2018, wherein he stated that 'there was no time-frame for constituting the Cauvery Management Board, This was a blatant attempt to twist the judgment delivered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and thereby infuse an element of confusion. Furthermore, the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Water Resources, has gone on record to say that there is no directive to set up a "Cauvery Management Board" at all in the judgment. The conduct of the Hon'ble Union Minister and Secretary to the Ministry of Water Resources cause grave concern for they have wilfully disobeyed the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, and hence stand guilty of dereliction of duty. In this context, it is pertinent to quote the relevant extract from the Supreme Court judgment: "Q. Mechanism (Cauvery Management Board) for implementation of Tribunal's decisions The Tribunal also did devise the machinery for implementation of its final decisions/orders and in doing so, took note of Section 6A introduced in the 1956 Ad by Act 45 of 1960 with effect from 27.08.1980 empowering the Central Government to frame schemes, d any, A respect of such implementation. It also noticed the amendment to Section 6 of the Ad whereby in terms of Section 6(2), the decision of the Tribunal after its publication in the Official Gazette was to have the same force as an order or decree of the Supreme Court. In this statutory background, the Tribunal was of the view that any direction to frame a scheme for the implementation of its decision would result in an anomalous situation. However, in its view, as the Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Act, 1980 did not provide for details with regard to the constitution of the machinery and its functions, it had the implied power to make recommendations in that regard for implementing its decision. It, thus, recommended that the Cauvery Management Board be constituted on the lines of Bhakra Beas Management Board by the Central Government. It underlined that unless an appropriate mechanism was set up, the prospect of implementation of its decision would not be seared. It further recommended that as its award involved regulation of supplies from various reservoirs and other important nodal points/diversion structures, it was imperative that the mechanism, Cauvery Management Board, be entrusted with the function of supervision of the operation of reservoirs and the regulation of water releases therefrom with the assistance of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (to be constituted by the Board). It then suggested the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board, its composition, its items of business. etc. It also recommended the composition of the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee and outlined its functions." (Para 290 in page 336) As you are also aware, the Hon'ble Supreme Court, vide its judgment delivered on 16.02.2018, has accepted all the findings of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal, which would also necessarily include the constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board. Moreover, as extracted herein above, the machinery for implementation as stipulated in the Final Award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal has been quoted and referred to by the Supreme Court. In this context, the only logical conclusion we can arrive at is that the Government of India is determined to intentionally misinterpret the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. In furtherance of this, the Union Secretary to Ministry of Water Resources convened a Meeting of the Chief Secretaries belonging to the four States (who were parties to the cases before the Hon'ble Supreme Court) and has sought the views of the various Governments regarding the word "scheme". We categorically state our position that the Union Secretary was not authorised to collate views of the parties to a matter which has been settled by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. Therefore, it is only natural to draw an adverse inference against the Government of India for trying to avoid implementing the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The Government of India choosing to wait until the lapse of the six-week deadline prior to approaching the Hon'ble Supreme Court for clarification is deeply disappointing and worrying. Should the Government of India be indulging in such manipulation merely to attain some electoral advantage in Karnataka, unmindful of the irreparable loss of livelihood of lakhs of farmers and reduction in the drinking water resources available to crores of people in the State of Tamil Nadu? Subsequently, an all-party meeting was called by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to protest the unhelpful and counter-productive stand of the Government of India. However, in the meantime, succumbing to the mounting pressure, the Government of Tamil Nadu was forced to call for an all-party meeting on 22 February 2018. All the parties present in the meeting convened by the Government of Tamil Nadu unanimously passed three resolutions, including one to meet the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to explain the prevailing situation and persuade him to act within the timeframe, fixed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, to constitute the Cauvery Management Board. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has neither evinced any interest to meet the all-party Delegation from the State, nor reprimanded the Union Minister and Secretary to the Ministry of Water Resources for their inappropriate and contumacious interviews. Furthermore, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on 15.3.2018 demanding immediate formation of the Cauvery Management Board and the same has been sent to the Hon'ble Prime Minister. We believe that the unanimous resolution reflects the aspirations and sentiments of seven and half crone people of Tamil Nadu. But, all our efforts have been disregarded and our requests seem to have fallen on deaf ears. As you are aware, the AIADMK Government, which does not command the support of the majority of the Members in the Legislative Assembly, is beholden to the Government of India for its own survival and hence, has displayed a subservient approach on this issue throughout the developments. The AIADMK leadership and Government of Tamil Nadu are both incapable and unwilling to press the Government of India to adhere to the Court's orders and constitute the Cauvery Management Board. By doing so, the AIADMK Government has betrayed the interests of the state and its people, in the pursuit of corrupt practices in an all-consuming manner. Therefore, it would not be remiss to say that the people of Tamil Nadu have lost confidence that this Government will be able to ensure that the verdict of the Hon'ble Supreme Court is implemented. The conduct of the Government of India in not drafting the scheme, as directed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court Within the six weeks timeframe and then filing a petition seeking clarifications regarding the wording "scheme" is highly condemnable. Such an inordinate, unjustifiable and wilful delay in implementing the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court has dashed the hopes of lakhs of farmers of the State, who have already been suffering from severe drought, an incompetent State Government and indifferent Central Government. Furthermore, the people of the State are agitated and aggrieved by the prevailing situation which is entirely caused by the collective failures of the State and Central Governments. For six successive years, the Mettur Dam has not been opened for irrigation on 12 June, as it must be, and if the present trend continues, the entire Cauvery Delta Region, which is the "rice bowl of the State", will be turned desert unlit for pursuing farming activities. Moreover, the farmers and agricultural workers would be forced to vacate their lands and migrate to other States or seek other forms of livelihood. The people of the State have launched a series of agitations, fasts, bandhs, road rokos, strikes and protests to express their anger and anguish. In what has caused further consternation to the entire State of Tamil Nadu, the Government of India sought another three months to implement the verdict of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. It can only be said that the Government of India is more interested in prolonging the water dispute between the four States than take any step to resolve it effectively. As all our legitimate appeals went unheeded, political parties, trade unions, traders associations, farmer groups, students and young professionals have all been compelled to launch protests and agitations. As a prelude to the bandh, there was a Road Roko across the State on 1.4.2018 by the various opposition political parties, led by the DMK. The Statewide Bandh, held on 5.4.2018 received wholehearted support and co-operation from all sections of society. The "Cauvery Rights Retrieval Walk" commenced on 7.4.2018 at Trichy by the Leader of Opposition Thiru MK Stalin along with the leaders of other major opposition political parties, has been a resounding success and the walk is culminating today with a meeting with yourself at Raj Bhavan, Chennai. But, we assure you that the peaceful democratic protests for our legitimate rights will not end here. The protests will continue with the same zeal till the Cauvery Management Board is constituted by the Government of India. Therefore, we request you to kindly use your Constitutional Office to convey the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu to the Government of India and impress upon them the urgency to constitute the Cauvery Management Board without waiting till the 3 May 2018, and to immediately withdraw the clarificatory petition filed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Any further loss of time would be detrimental to the interests of the people of the State and will only serve to escalate the intensity of democratic protests. We, further, seek your immediate and effective intervention In this matter to implement the Final Award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and thereby, protect the interests of the people of this State of which you are the esteemed first citizen. Yours Sincerely, Sd. XX XX XX (M.K.STALIN) Working President. D.M.K. Sd. XX XX XX (K. VEERAMANI) President, Diravidar Kazhagam Sd. XX XX XX (S. THIRUNAVUKKARASAR) President . Tamil Nadu Congress Committee Sd. XX XX XX (K. BALAKRISHANAN) Tamilnadu State Secretary, C.P.I (M)., Sd. XX XX XX (R. MUTHARASAN) Tamilnadu State Secretary, C.P.I., Sd. XX XX XX (K.M. KADER MOHIDEEN) President, Indian Union Muslim League Sd. XX XX XX (THOL THIRUMAVALAVAN) President. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi Sd. XX XX XX (M. H. JAWAHIRULLAH) President, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi CHENNAI: A group of opposition political leaders in Tamil Nadu led by the DMK on Thursday met Governor Banwarilal Purohit and urged him to use his Constitutional office to press the Centre to follow the order of the Supreme Court and immediately set up the Cauvery Water Management Board. The meeting with the Governor was the culmination of the week-long march taken out by the Cauvery Rights Retrieval Committee, a collective of eight opposition parties. The leader presented a memorandum to the Governor which sought his intervention in the matter. The memorandum took a stinging shot at the Centre, accusing it of delaying the constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board (CWMB) to be able to score some political points in the coming Karnataka Assembly elections. "Should the Government of India be indulging in such manipulation merely to attain some electoral advantage in Karnataka, unmindful of the irreparable loss of livelihood of lakhs of farmers and reduction in the drinking water resources available to crores of people in the State of Tamil Nadu?" read the memorandum. Read FULL TEXT of the memorandum The Supreme Court in its final judgement in the Cauvery dispute on February 16 had ordered the Centre to set up the CWMB within six weeks. That deadline expired on March 30. Karnataka votes for its new Assembly on May 12. The leaders also expressed displeasure that the Centre had waited for the six-week deadline to lapse before filing a petition to clarify the meaning of the word 'scheme', which they claimed had no room for doubt in the way the Supreme Court had worded the judgement, and for asking for three more months to implement the top court's order. "Such an inordinate, unjustifiable and wilful delay in implementing the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court has dashed the hopes of lakhs of farmers of the State, who have already been suffering," the memorandum said. "Therefore, we request you to kindly use your Constitutional Office to convey the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu to the Government of India and impress upon them the urgency to constitute the Cauvery Management Board," the memorandum to the Governor read. It also appealed to the Governor for his "immediate and effective intervention In this matter to implement the Final Award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and thereby, protect the interests of the people of this State of which you are the esteemed first citizen." The memorandum was signed by DMK working president MK Stalin, Dravidar Kazhagam president K Veeramani, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president S Thirunavukkarasar, CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan, CPI state secretary R Mutharasan, Indian Union Muslim League president KM Khader Mohideen, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Tol Thirumavalavan and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi president MH Jawahirullah. New Delhi: BJP MLA Surendra Singh, who is already under the scanner for making a derogatory remark about the Unnao rape case victim, has triggered another controversy by saying that the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will be fought on religious line. Singh, who is a BJP MLA from Bairia in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, said that the 2019 general election will be an election between two major communities of the country. Singh reportedly made these remarks while addressing a gathering in Ballia where Member of Parliament Bharat Singh was holding a fast. Surendra Singh, while attacking Congress chief Rahul Gandhi over his Italy connection, also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a God and not an ordinary mortal. The National Commission for Women (NCW) had on Thursday issued a notice to Surendra Singh over his bizarre statement on Unnao rape case. Singh, while defending BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is facing rape charges, said no one can rape a mother of three children. "I am speaking from a psychological point of view; no one can rape a mother of three children. It is not possible, this is a conspiracy against him (Sengar)," Singh had told ANI. Besides Unnao case, NCW also took strong note of the Jammu and Kashmir`s Kathua rape case and called for action against the perpetrators in both the cases. "The National Commission for Women strongly condemns the brutal gang-rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir and the rape case in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. With regards to the comments made by Surendra Singh, BJP MLA from Bairia in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh on April 11, the Commission has sent a notice to Singh," NCW said in a statement. "While we strongly condemn the heinous crimes, the Commission in its mandate cannot act or take action in both cases as they involve victims who are minors," the release added. ( (With ANI Inputs) UNNAO: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) detained Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar early on Friday morning for questioning in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Unnao. An FIR was lodged against the rape accused BJP MLA on Thursday under sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction of woman), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the case was handed over to the CBI. Sengar has maintained his innocence and claimed that he has been framed in the gangrape case. Uttar Pradesh police's failure to arrest Sengar was noticed by the Allahabad High Court too, which on Thursday asked why the accused BJP MLA had not been arrested. The court also observed that based on the prevailing situation, it would be compelled to say in its order that the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh has collapsed. While the HC will pronounce its order on Friday, it has taken a grim view of how police acted on the complaint made by the rape survivor. "Police was not ready to register FIR of the minor rape victim. In spite of the SIT report, you are repeating that you can only take any action after further investigation," the court said. "If this is the conduct of the police in the state, whom will a victim approach to register a complaint? If this is the stand you are repeatedly taking, then we will be forced to observe in our order that 'law and order has collapsed in the state'." The teen, from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district, had accused the MLA and his associates of raping her in June 2017. The family of the victim had also alleged that the accused MLA's brother, Atul Singh Sengar, had thrashed the victim's father on April 3 for refusing to withdraw the FIR over the rape. On April 9, the victim's father died in police custody. Up to six police personnel have also suspended for allegedly beating up the victim's father. The victim's father died just a day after the rape victim, along with her family members, tried to commit suicide in front of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow on April 8. The victim's father was thereafter taken into police custody from the location. However, on April 9, he was admitted to a hospital after complaining about abdominal pain and vomiting and subsequently died there. We have a new deadline for the existence of life as we know it. Yes, we have a new last day to live. And it's April 23. This date has been brought to us by the reliable David Meade, who has reliably and regularly provided many 'last days of existence'. And there is an added bonus this time - the zombie apocalypse. In a bid to keep raising his game, Meade has brought together many of his previous favourites to build up the promise of a truly spectacular ending. Planet X, Nibiru and Hollywood's favourite zombie apocalypse are set to come together. Maybe Michael Bay would like a lesson or two. Meade's reasoning has also been spectacular going back to a truly astronomical phenomenon. He has based this month's doomsday on 12:1-2 of the Book of Revelations of the Bible, which reads: "And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth." This is actually, even the guys at NASA and ISRO would agree, going to happen. The sun, moon and Jupiter are all going to line themselves up inside Virgo. Meade says this celestial event marks the point when our favourite rogue planet Nibiru will crash into Earth. At this point, the rapture would begin. "By early April of 2018, the disappearance of the Church (all true Christians worldwide also known as the Rapture) will occur. This will be followed quickly by the rise of the Antichrist, the appearance of Planet X and World War III. Seven years of Tribulation will ensure. This is beyond any shadow of doubt," said David Meade, reports noted. Rapture is the Christian belief that all Christians - dead and alive - will rise into the sky and joint the Second Coming of Christ. Then, all the souls - living and dead - would be judged by their actions on Earth, and on the basis of that ascend the Kingdom of God in heaven or descend to Hell below. (Does that explain the Hollywood obsession with zombie movies, where zombies are the dead risen from their graves during the Rapture?) So, what's your guess? Will the world end on April 23? Come back to this website on April 24 to find out. China on Friday conducted a massive naval drill in the disputed South China Sea. President Xi Jinping, who has repeatedly emphasised the need to expand and modernise his country's military - presided over the drill. Chinese state media reported that the drill was the largest-ever conducted by People's Liberation Army Navy. That it was in the disputed South China Sea is being widely seen as a show of both strength and intent. The waters are claimed by several countries including Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam. The drill - which reportedly involved 10,000 naval officers, 76 fighter jets and as many as 48 warships and submarines, could be a signal that China is ready to defend what it claims is its. (Also read: China builds 'Great Underwater Wall' in South China Sea for warfare advantage) On the occasion, Xi reportedly told his troops that China needs to be the world's foremost naval power and nothing short of it would suffice. He then went on board Liaoning, which is the country's only aircraft carrier - China is building a second which is expected to enter service by 2020 - to watch naval manoeuvrings and tactical training processes. The drill is once again expected to raise alarms - not just for China's smaller neighbours but for Japan and the United States as well. And it is only one in a series of drill planned. The next will take place next Wednesday and South China Morning Post reported it could be a direct message to Taiwan - a country China sees as its part. The live-fire drill in Taiwan Strait will also include Liaoning and could potentially rub already flared nerves elsewhere. India too may well be concerned as the presence of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean Region has increased in recent times. China says it needs to ensure its trade routes remain safe but Indian Navy has assured that it is capable and is keeping a very close watch on every movement here. To do this, say security analysts, is crucial because apart from modernising its military, China is also quickly looking to create overseas naval bases like the one it has in Djibouti. There are rumours that the country may dock nuclear submarines in Pakistan's Gwadar port which was built with Chinese assistance. ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been disqualified from holding public office for life and is ineligible to contest elections. According to the Pakistani Supreme Court, disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution of Pakistan is for lifetime. Reading out the historic verdict on Friday, the five-member Pakistani Supreme Court bench observed that such the disqualification restriction is fair in a democratic set up, reported Pakistani news website tribune.com.pk. Both Sharif and former Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secretary general Jahangir Tareen have been barred from holding public office for life. The ruling by the bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah will have a massive impact on Pakistan's political system. Article 62(1)(f), which sets the precondition for a Member of Parliament to be "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which Sharif was disqualified by a five-judge SC bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. Likewise, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified on December 15, 2017 by a separate bench of the apex court under the same provision," reported Dawn.com. The bench had on February 14, 2018 reserved the judgement on 17 appeals and petitions challenging the length of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) for possessing fake degrees. Pakistan Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf had argued during the last hearing that courts cannot decide if disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Pakistani Constitution was for life or give any timeline. According to Ausaf, Parliament was the competent authority to decide on the issue. He had also claimed that Article 62(1)(f) was not about the length of disqualification and argued that such matters should be taken up on a case-to-case basis. Military action in Eastern Ukraine Nord Stream 2 Syria Gazprom-Naftogaz disputes Poland and Ukraine Military action in Eastern Ukraine The military action in Eastern Ukraine remains tense; this weeks developments have once again proved that Russian militants have no intentions to abide by Minsk agreements. It may not seem symbolic at all, but the density of shooting and explosions grew during this week, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the conflict in April 2014. Yes, its been four years since the hostilities in Donbas kicked off, with pro-Russian separatists capturing the governmental buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. This week, the Ukrainian military reported frequent use of 82 and 120 mm mortars. The largest number of attacks was observed on Thursday when the enemy opened fire 66 times. On Tuesday, the police found an arms cache hidden inside a non-residential building in Svyatohirsk, Donetsk region. "Sloviansk police department received information that the local resident found the cache of ammunition at the territory of household in Sviatohirsk. The woman said she was looking after the house and last time she was in it on April 4. When she visited this time, she found foreign traces, and arms in the shed," the message says. Introduction of UN peacekeepers in Donbas was among the essential topics of discussion between Ukrainian and German leaders, as President Petro Poroshenko came to Berlin for negotiations with Angela Merkel. We do not have any common coordination centre and control of Russian representatives on the occupied territory, which could easily provide the ceasefire. We do not have any progress concerning the talks on the Minsk process. We hope that the proposals which are presented by France, Germany, Ukraine, the USA under the draft conclusion of the UN Security Council concerning the introduction of the peacekeeping mission, which will not be an escort for the UN observers, but a full and large-scale operation to disarm illegally armed formations, to protect people, who live on the occupied territories and start the political process of local elections, Poroshenko said. Merkel, in turn, stated the absence of the progress in the fulfillment of Minsk Agreements. She also believes that the dialogue should be prolonged, despite its complexity. On Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, Russian mercenaries shelled the living neighborhoods in Avdiivka, Donetsk region. The press service of the National Police in Donetsk region reported that on April 11. 'The attacks, which came from the direction of the occupied Donetsk began at 8 p.m. and would not cease until 5 a.m. next day. The living houses were damaged; windows, doors, fences, rooftops were shattered. Luckily, no human casualties were observed', the police report said. Nord Stream 2 Andriy Kobolyev, the CEO of Ukraine's state-owned Naftogaz, is against Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany as it would threaten Ukraine. He believes that by any means, the Russian Federation wants to circumvent Ukraine. Despite the growing danger of a military conflict, Ukraine would also bear significant economic costs by losing the annual fees that Russia pays to pump gas through Ukraine. Kobolyev put the figure at more than $3 billion (2.4 billion), which he said would naturally be a substantial amount for Ukraine's economy. Germany took into consideration Ukraines position regarding construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and thinks that it is necessary to keep gas transit through Ukraine. Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany claimed this at the joint briefing with Petro Poroshenko that took place during his visit to Germany. Meanwhile, Finland gave a full approval package for construction of the Nord Stream 2. Project developer Nord Stream 2 AG on April 12 received the second of two permits required to construct and operate the planned natural gas pipeline in the Finnish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), completing the permitting procedure in Finland. Ukrainian deputies on April 5, addressed the international community asking to stop construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, intended to carry Russian gas to Germany, bypassing Ukraine. The MPs said that the European Commission (EC) should consult with Ukraine on the matter, in line with the European UnionUkraine Association, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the European Energy Community Treaty. Ukrainian deputies also urged Western countries to expand anti-Russian sanctions for its armed aggression in Ukraine. Nord Stream 2 would lead to establishing a Russian monopoly on the European gas market and eventually destabilize Europe, the lawmakers warned. Syria On April 9, the UN Security Council called an urgent meeting due to the chemical attack at Syrian Douma that took place on April 7 and caused the death of about 70 civilians. The OPCW began the investigation due to the strike, while the US accused Russia of using chemical weapons in Syria. In its turn, Russia imposed a veto at the U.N. Security Council resolution that would have created a new inquiry to ascertain blame for chemical weapons attacks in On April 11, U.S. President Donald Trump announced about a coming missile attack in Syria and urged Russia to be prepared. Russia quickly responded, claiming that the so-called smart missiles should aim the terrorists. Also, on April 12, President Trump specified when the US will attack Syria. Later the UK supported America and expressed the readiness to prepare for the military strike on Syria. However, Germany has already refused from the participation in the possible operation. Talking about Russia, it has alerted its air defense forces, military intelligence and strike troops of the Armed Forces. Also, it withdrew its Naval forces from Tartus Port in Syria but deployed military police in Douma. Bellingcat published a report that supposedly the balloons were thrown from two Mi-8 helicopters from the airbase of the Air Force of Syria near Dumayr. On April 13, The American special services got the evidence of the use of the chemical weapon in Douma. Gazprom-Naftogaz disputes Poland and Ukraine Neighboring relations with Poland seem to move in different directions. On April 9, for example, Polish law enforcers reported 39 cases of descent-based attacks on Ukrainians over the course of 2017. Though, since January through March 2018, there were no claims about any attacks from Ukrainian citizens in Poland. At the same time, service in Ukrainian language was introduced in the ticket offices and ticket punches in Wrocaw (Silesian Lowlands, Poland). 154 stationary ticket offices are being set in Wrocaw. Besides, there are almost 3,000 ticket punches where one can purchase a ticket in public transport like buses or trolley cars. Previously, they had three language options: Polish, English and German. And now they also have Ukrainian As it was reported, in 2017, Ukraine was the leader among foreign nationals in terms of land purchases in Poland, obtaining every other permission from the Polish authorities. The Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland noted that in 2017, aliens received a total of 224 permits for the purchase of 270 plots on a total area of 23 hectares. In order to be eligible for land purchase, including forest and agricultural land, non-EU nationals have to obtain a permit from the Interior Ministry. Also, 14,902 Ukrainians received Polish citizenship within 2008-2017, as it was stated by the Interior Ministry of Poland. Earlier it was reported that there were 579 such people in 2008, and the number was increasing year after year. More than 2,000 Ukrainians received a Polish citizenship each year over the past three years: 2012 people in 2015, 296 in 2016, 2415 people in 2017. Jaroslaw Szarek, the head of the Institute of National Memory of Poland said that getting back to cooperation between the Ukrainian and Polish institutes of national memory is only possible if Ukraine lives up to certain conditions. Another essential question is the work of Polish-Ukrainian Forum of historians, which is now postponed. Szarek noted that the Polish side was ready to resume the activity of the Forum, meeting with Ukrainian scientists, but not before the works, presented earlier during the Forum, are released. The document is aimed at harmonizing the procedures for environmental assessment with similar procedures in the EU countries Read the original text at 112.ua. A law No. 2354-VIII "On Strategic Environmental Assessment" came into force in Ukraine, but the document to be put into effect six months later after the Cabinet agree on all the necessary regulatory and legal acts with this law. The explanatory note to the bill indicates that the Ukrainian legislation has no mechanisms for assessing the environmental considerations during the development of the government planning documents. In addition, the document is aimed at harmonizing the procedures for conducting the environmental assessment with similar procedures in the EU countries. According to the law, the executive authority/local government or another customer of the state planning documents should ensure the strategic environmental assessment of such documents. The customer also takes into account the report on the strategic environmental assessment, the results of public discussion and consultations with other countries, if necessary. It is also responsible for financing the strategic environmental assessment. The law sets out the stages of conducting an eco-assessment: Determination of the scope of the strategic environmental assessment Consequences of implementing the state planning document should be indicated, and also measures to reduce the negative consequences should be mentioned. Public discussion of the application will last from 15 days from the date of publication. The document must be published by the customer. Preparation of a report on strategic environmental assessment This report should describe the state of the environment and the health of people in the relevant territory; as well as the forecasts for this and the possible impact of the implementation of the state planning document. The consequences should be predicted for one year, 3-5, 10-15, and if necessary - and 50-100 years. It is necessary to describe measures to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts. The document should contain a brief description for the general public. The report is signed by all its authors and performers, indicating their qualifications. Public discussion The announcement of the publication of the draft state planning document and the report on strategic eco-assessment should contain information on the terms of the public discussions (at least 30 days) and how to participate in them. The result of a public discussion is a letter of observations, each of which is subject to review. International consultations If the consequences of the implementation of state planning might affect not only the residents of Ukraine but also of another state, the Ministry of Ecology provides consultations. The country should get a draft of the state planning document, and it has 30 days to complete the comments. The parties agree on the conditions for the transfer of all necessary documents and so on. Accounting for the eco-assessment report, discussions, and consultations The customer takes into account the received remarks or rejects them. These are the comments in the eco-assessment report, the results of the public discussion, and international consultations. Informing about the approval of the document of the state planning Within five working days from the date of approval of the state planning document, the customer, places the final version of the document on the official website and reports on the measures for monitoring the consequences of the implementation of the plans. Consultations and public discussion are also attached. Monitoring the consequences The customer monitors the consequences of implementing the state planning document; once a year he publishes the results on his official website. If a negative result is revealed by the report, the customer takes measures to eliminate them. The procedure for such monitoring would be approved by the Cabinet. As was reported before, Verkhovna Rada passed a law on strategic environmental assessment in March 2018, 233 people's deputies voted for it. In January 2017 the people's deputies rejected a similar bill, the number of votes was not enough for sending a bill for the revision. The OSCE observers (SMM OSCE) have documented 10% less incidents of violations of Donbas ceasefire, as Alexander Hug, the first deputy head of OSCE SMM in Ukraine, reported this at a briefing, as Interfax-Ukraine reported. Last week the number of ceasefire violations decreased at least by 10% compared with the week before last, he said. According to him, 95% of attacks was documented in four sectors, the situation in the rest of Donbas was mostly peaceful. Last week showed how close we are to fully respect the ceasefire almost on the arms length. This week showed that it is possible to stop the attacks and stop the murders, he stressed. Besides, Hug stated that the illegally armed formations set a large amount of military equipment in Luhansk and on the southeast town end, which is contrary to the Minsk Agreements. Six self-propelled howitzers were set in Anadol (Donetsk region), which is a violation as well. According to Hug, the parties have not reached the compromise in terms of the demining of the territory. As it was reported earlier, the Ukrainian side of the Joint Center on Control and Coordination in Donbas stated that the militants set 38 armor and heavy weapons units in Luhansk airport. As Dmytro Hutsulyak, the Spokesperson of the Defence Ministry, said, one Ukrainian soldier died and one was injured over the past 24 hours. The militants have shot at the Ukrainian positions 66 times over the last day in Donbas. The Armed Forces of Ukraine opened a return fire around 20 times, using Minsk-banned weapons. The format change of the Anti-terrorist operation to the Joint Forces Operation is provided by the law on Donbas reintegration Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko stated that the Anti-terrorist operation in the East of Ukraine is to be renamed in Joint Forces Operation since April 30, 2018. He said it in the interview for Ukrainian TV channels on Friday, broadcasted by Pryamiy TV channel. When Poroshenko was asked when exactly this would be implemented he said: I think, not within a month, but it should be changed, I will break a secret, on April 30, the President said. I think, this changes the control operation over the military structure completely. The Anti-terrorist operation is under Ukraines Security Service control, the Head of the State added. The format change of the Anti-terrorist operation to the Joint Forces Operation is provided by the law on Donbas reintegration. According to the law, the Joint Operation Headquarters is the main HQ in the Donbas conflict zone. It will be responsible for forces and means of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations, Internal Ministry, the National Police, which are involved in the deterrence and rebuff of Russian aggression in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The law enforcers, military servicemen and everyone involved in the counterwork against the aggressor, report to the Head of the Joint Operation Headquarters. The Joint Force Commander participated in the deployment of the forces and the development of the action plans in cases of unexpected circumstances to use the Armed Forces and Security Forces. The Commander has a right to report to the President about the readiness and the progress the Joint Forces tasks. The President is to approve the idea to implement the Joint Forces Operation. As it was reported earlier, Poroshenko appointed Serhiy Nayev the Joint Force Commander. Frequent mortar attacks observed in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions Open source Since morning, Russian mercenaries shelled Ukrainian emplacements 28 times. The HQ of the counter-terrorism operation reported this on Facebook. In Luhansk region, the enemy attacked Troitske, using mortars of various calibers. Hostile IFVs opened fire in Luhanske. RPG fire was observed in Novozvanivka. In Donetsk region, the occupant troops fired 82 mm mortars, RPGs and small arms. Militants attacked the Ukrainian positions in Pavlopol, Pisky, Opytne, Mariinka, Lebedynske, Avdiivka and Talakivka. Not a single Ukrainian fighter suffered any injuries over the reported period. Mike Pompeo, whose candidacy for the position of the U.S. Secretary of State is currently being considered by the Congress said on Thursday that the United States is going to continue the application of the Magnitsky act, Interfax-Ukraine reports. I promise that we are going to keep using this tool to its full extent, - Pompeo said at the Congressional hearing of the Foreign Affairs Committee. In 2016, the U.S. Congress unanimously supported a bill that provides the expansion of the Magnitsky law application to every country in the world, not just to Russia. The law enables the US President to renew the list of foreign nationals that, in his view, are involved in corruption and human rights violations. Canada, Estonia and Lithuania have also adopted similar legislative acts. In October 2017, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin claimed that the so-called Magnitsky act, which provides a package of sanctions against Russia, is based on political games. These are all unconstructive political games that are in fact not like that in their nature, and they dont need to be dealt with in that way, - V. Putin said during a meeting of the Valdai discussion club. Open source The Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has informed about the signing of an agreement with the government of Moldova on air connection. We have signed an agreement with the Moldovan government on air connection a protocol that will enhance the transportation and automobile cooperation and a memorandum on the syncronization of our energy systems with the European energy system, - V. Groysman wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday, Interfax-Ukraine reports. He pointed out that the economic cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova offers a great potential for development. The goods turnover between Ukraine and Moldova increased to $884 million in 2017. Moreover, it is possible to reach $1 billion in mutual trade in the nearest future. My counterpart, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Pavel Filip, agrees with these estimates. He says that $1 billion is not the limit. He is confident that our neighbor relationship, the goods turnover between our nations can grow a lot more, the Ukrainian Prime Minister noted. As reported earlier, on 6 April, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine endorsed a draft ageement with Moldova on air connection. The Head of the State Aviation Service Olexandr Bilchuk was instructed to sign the agreement. The decision is made to ensure the fulfillment of internal procedures, necessary for the conclusion of a new agreement that would improve the legal basis in both countries for regular air connection between the two parties and would replace the present agreement between the governments of Ukraine and Moldova on air connection, signed in Chisinau on 20 March 1993, - the explanatory note to the relevant government decree #215-r from 4 April 2018 reads. There are a large number of such victims whose lasting injuries and need for rehabilitative care the State is effectively not taking into account 112 Agency Legislation naming Russia as an aggressor and stipulating its full liability for the death and suffering inflicted on Donbas may seem an important affirmation of truth amid all the lies and propaganda. It will not help the thousands of Ukrainians whose lives have been devastated and who need assistance now. Human rights groups have long warned that civilians whose health was gravely affected by periods in militant captivity or as a direct result of the war in Donbas are receiving no social assistance from the Ukrainian government. The same is effectively true of the thousands whose homes have been destroyed. Related: Militants deploy 38 vehicles, heavy weaponry at Luhansk airport While records are scrupulously kept about military servicemen and their families, there is no systematic record kept of civilians killed, injured or who have disappeared without trace. According to Valery Novikov, whose Alternative NGO is taking part in a project on monitoring violations of the rights of civilians in Eastern Ukraine, none of the relevant ministries the Ministry on Occupied Territory; the Finance Ministry and Ministry of Social Policy have any kind of database. Some local authorities are keeping records of civilian victims of the war, but not in a systematic way, while others are doing nothing. Related: Volker calls on Russia and militants to stop intimidating OSCE monitors The few measures that have been taken are piecemeal. Law No. 2230 from 14 November 2017, for example, gave special status to civilians who became disabled as the result of explosions, ammunition or military weapons during the conflict. If they became disabled, or received serious damage to physical or psychological health as the result, for example, of being held hostage and tortured, there are no state mechanisms for receiving assistance. Oleksandr H. from Luhansk was seized by the Kremlin-backed militants from the so-called Luhansk peoples republic (LPR) on 14 July 2014. He was on his way to work, and had an ordinary camera with him, which proved enough for the militants to accuse him of spying and fling him into the basement where men linked with the militant known as Batman were holding hostages. Related: Armed Donbas militants threaten OSCE SMM with rifles near Kremenets His account of his treatment by a person who went by the name Maniac and others is harrowing. It included savage beatings, burns from a taser gun and torture methods to his fingers and hands. There are a large number of such victims whose lasting injuries and need for rehabilitative care the State is effectively not taking into account. The same applies to people unable to work themselves whose relative died in captivity or as the result of military action or disappeared without a trace, As well as the lack of regular financial, medical and socio-psychological assistance, civilian victims of the war also suffer from officials who make the procedure for resolving problems unnecessarily difficult. People whove gone through hell while held hostage are then put through a different type of torture, being sent here and there and interrogated about when and where it happened, etc. Related: Donbas: Militants attack OSCE drones, one down The numbers involved are large, with the UN Monitoring Mission estimating that from 14 April 2014 to 15 November 2017 over 35 thousand people died or were injured as a result of the war. In a recent article, Yevhen Zakharov and Mykola Kozyrev pointed out that several hundred Ukrainians had been held hostage and need treatment following their release. Around 70 thousand residents of areas of the Donbas and Luhansk oblasts under Ukrainian government control have been left without homes and without access to communal services. The most they can hope of, and then not always, would be a once-off payment of up to a thousand UAH (less than 100 EUR) from the local authorities. Related: OSCE mission reports 110 explosions in Donbas over the day It is largely international aid organizations or NGOs, as well as volunteers, who are trying to help people rebuild their homes. While nobody disputed the need to name Russia as being behind the suffering and carnage in Donbas, human rights groups warned from the outset that the so-called law on reintegration could leave Ukrainians without any compensation. Yes, Russia is to blame, but that is no comfort for the Ukrainians who will not receive anything from Russia for a long time to come. Ukraine can simply not wash its hands of its responsibility for Ukrainian citizens, and Kharkiv Human Rights Group lawyers have already lodged over 200 applications against both Russia and Ukraine regarding violation the rights of individual victims of war. Related: Russia concentrates a military force ready for full-scale continental war on Ukrainian border Turchynov The problem is not only that the law on reintegration, by imposing unenforceable liability on Russia, is effectively stripping the Ukrainian authorities of responsibility. The law also failed to indicate that such vital normative acts must remain in force. These include a moratorium on any attempts to collect debts on loans for apartments on occupied territory. People whose homes have been destroyed, or who cannot live in them while they remain under occupation have been a phone by debt collectors demanding payment. The Law on the Special Features of State Policy on Ensuring Ukraines Sovereignty over occupied territory in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, otherwise referred to as the Law on Reintegration was passed on January 18, 2018, and signed by President Petro Poroshenko on 20 February. Related: Russia to create preconditions for deployment of its troops in Ukraine this autumn, - SBU The law identifies Russia as aggressor and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces held by the separatists as temporarily occupied territories. All military and law enforcement activities is placed under the control of the Ukrainian Armys management, with this formally ending what was referred to as an anti-terrorist operation (or simply ATO). The original text read here. In fact, it is the withdrawal of Russia from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) The disposition of the missile forces of Russia at the border with Ukraine threatens whole Europe. Oleksandr Turchynov, the Secretary of the National Security Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) claimed this at the 11th Kyiv Security Council broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. I want to draw the attention to Russias missile forces located near our border. It is four missile units. They are armed with the modern missile system Iskander. There are two modifications of it ballistic missile hits the targets at 500 km distance but Iskander-K possesses cruise missiles that can hit the target within 2, 500 km, Turchynov noted. According to National Security Secretary, the disposition of the missile forces of Russia at the border with Ukraine witnesses the withdrawal of Russia from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty). It is a demonstrative withdrawal of Russia from the INF Treaty. It threatens not only Ukraine as the withdrawal is the real threat to all European countries, he emphasized. On March 1, President of Russia Vladimir Putin reported about the testing of new hypersonic missile system. As we reported in the course of the spring military conscription in 2018, the recruits of the annexed Crimea will be sent to Russian Strategic Missile Forces for the first time. Open source Mike Pompeo, the CIA leader and President Donald Trump's candidate for the U.S. Secretary of State stood for the sanctions against Russia and assured that he will never recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia as Interfax-Ukraine reported. He also claimed that he supports the plans to provide Ukraine with the lethal weapons. Pompeo also added that he will not recognize the annexation of Crimea and will fight that the US will also never recognize this event. As we reported Mike Pompeo claimed that a couple of hundreds of Russians' deceased in action in the February fight in Deir-ez-Zor, Syria. According to Time, Pompeo 'offered the confirmation in response to questions about the U.S. relationship with Russia'. 'In Syria, now, a handful of weeks ago the Russian met their match. A couple hundred Russians were killed', the outlet wrote, quoting the official's reply to the question whether the White House is going to toughen the anti-Russian sanctions. On April 7, the volunteer organizations reported that the chemical attack at Douma, the East Ghouta took place. As a result of this attack at least 70 people died. The Syrian government and Russia called this information untrue, while the US and allies have blamed Bashar al-Assad for the attack. The country demands the preservation of the current regime in North Korea and receiving the payments from the US Open source Kim Jong-un laid out the conditions on which the DRPK will agree to refuse from the nuclear program as Tokyo Shimbun reported. According to the title, he made a statement at the meeting with Xi Jinping during the trip to China. The main conditions are the preservation of the current regime in North Korea and receiving the payments from the US. However, the sum of the payments is not named. Also, the North Korean leader insists that the nuclear program is not more than the defense from the hostile policy of Washington and emphasized that it will become unnecessary when the US completely changes its course against North Korea. The information is partially confirmed by the American sources. Earlier it was reported that the DPRK representatives offered the US to begin unofficially closed consultation on the issue of the scaling down of the nuclear program and disarmament. However, the sides cannot reach a consensus on the procedure of the denuclearization. Kim Jong-un reported many times on his position and insists on the gradual refusal of the nuclear program. America, in its turn, intends to achieve the complete disarmament of DPRK in the short terms, possibly within a year. Pyongyang considers such initiatives with distrust. At the moment, the sides actively prepare for the meeting of the leaders. However, its place is still unknown. The DPRK insists on Pyongyang or Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. US President Donald Trump claimed that it can take place in May, beginning of June. U.S. Secretary of State nominee, current CIA Director Mike Pompeo also said he will never recognize annexation of Crimea by Russia U.S. Secretary of State nominee, current CIA Director Mike Pompeo announced that he supports the plans to provide Ukraine with defensive lethal weapons. Pompeo said that at the five-hour-long confirmation hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, The National reported. When Republican Senator Rob Portman asked Pompeo whether he supports providing lethal weaponry to Ukraine for defense, Pompeo said Senator, I do. He also stated that he is never going to recognize annexation of Crimea by Russia. He said sanctions against Russia and the decision to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine were evidence that Mr Trumps national security strategy, rightfully, has identified Russia as a danger to our country. "The historic conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, and now Russia, is caused by Russian bad behaviour," he said. He confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, and said the US has an obligation to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty. Open source Ukraine will extend the sanctions against Russia next week. Oleksandr Turchynov, the Secretary of the National Security Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) claimed this at the 11th Kyiv Security Council. I want to inform you that the NSDC session will take place next week by the order of the president and during which we will extend the current anti-Russian sanctions and duplicate the sanctions imposed by the US and other European countries, Turchynov noted. National Security Secretary thanked the European partners and the US for the imposing of the sanctions against Russia. We are grateful to our partners for the concern they express toward the Russian aggression in Ukraine. We thank for the sanctions imposed against Russia and the recent sanctions adopted by President Trump, the US that are really important and quite substantial and painful for Russia, Turchynov added. On April 10, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko noted that Ukraine will impose sanctions against the number of the Russian oligarchs soon. As we reported the US imposed new sanctions against several Russian oligarchs and companies on April 6. It is noted that the new sanctions concern a possible Moscows intervention in the U.S. elections in 2016. Russian businessmen and entrepreneurs, whose wealth is more than $1 billion are on the sanctions list. Alexey Miller, CEO of Gazprom, Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, and Aleksandr Zharov, the Head of Roskomnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications, - ed.) appeared in the sanctions list as well. According to mass media, the special services got the blood and urine samples of the victims The American special services got the evidence of the use of the chemical weapons in Douma, Syria as NBC News reported. According to the title, the special services got the blood and urine samples of the victims. Their analysis tested positive for chemical warfare agents chlorine gas and not named nerve agent. The samples were gathered by the American intelligence and allies special services through the hospitals at the site. The source reported they are sure in the intelligence finds but not for 100%. The US did not identify the nerve agent sarin but emphasized that the regime of Bashar al-Assad used the mix of the chlorine and sarin for a few times during the Syrian crisis. According to NBC News, the US is sure that the Syrian government is behind the chemical attack in Douma. On April 7, the volunteer organizations reported that the chemical attack at Douma, the East Ghouta took place. As a result of this attack at least 70 people died. The Syrian government and Russia called this information untrue, while the US and allies have blamed Bashar al-Assad for the attack. Later U.S. President Donald Trump announced about a coming missile attack in Syria and urged Russia to be prepared. Also, the British troops prepare for the operation. In its turn, Russias Foreign Ministry claimed that the missiles should aim the terrorists. The General Staff of Russia recommended the US and its allies to restore Syrian Raqqa instead of threats. Also, on April 12, President Trump specified when the US will attack Syria. Poroshenko stated that more than 40 states are ready to take part in the peacekeeping mission in Donbas Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko stated that he requested Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, to set the special mission on the assessment of the cost, number and necessary terms to bring the peacekeepers. He stated this in the interview for TV channels, broadcasted by Pryamiy TV channel. We are ready, as soon as Russia takes the international community position, we will put this question to vote in the UN Security Council. Many Security Council members are ready to support the agreed project, the President said. Poroshenko also stated that more than 40 states are ready to take part in the peacekeeping mission in Donbas. He said that the peacekeeping mission is of high priority for Ukraine. A year and a half ago the world did not want even to listen about the peacekeepers it was too expensive, around a couple of billions of dollarsnobody would go to Ukraine to help it to set the peace as the key component of the Minsk Agreements and return Ukraine the territories occupied by Russia, Poroshenko said. As we reported earlier, Poroshenko in his speech at the Munich Security Conference stated that Russia had a chance to show its readiness to the compromise and agree to the peacekeepers on the entire territory of the occupied Donbas. Earlier, Kurt Volker, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, said that Russias draft resolution, which provides bringing the peacekeepers to Donbas only along the confrontation line is unacceptable for the USA and the UN, as it will not ensure security, but only exacerbate the conflict. Earlier, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Turkey and Finland stated that they were ready to bring the peacekeepers to Donbas. Russia is permanently using the veto right to block the UN Security Council Resolution Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko said that Russia has to be deprived of the veto right in the UN. He stated this in the interview for TV channels, broadcasted by Pryamiy TV channel. The UN requires an immediate reformation. The aggressor country has to be deprived of the veto right. The security effectiveness of other allies including NATO. The doors to this union should be opened wider for Ukraine, Poroshenko said. It should be noted that Russia is permanently using the veto right to block the UN Security Council Resolution. At the UN Security Council session, Russia vetoed the U.S. draft resolution, which proposed to conduct a new investigation concerning the chemical weapon use in Syria. Earlier, Savchenko was taken to the hospital for examination Nadiya Savchenko, Ukraine's PM, had to be inspected by the polygraph test, but it was interrupted due to her health condition, as Vira Savchenko, her sister, told the journalists. 112 Ukraine broadcasted it. Savhcenko is diagnosed with tachycardia and she also has high temperature, as her sister said. Everyone took a pause for now, the polygraph testers have done their job. All the questions are confidential. We do not know, which questions (were asked within the testing, - ed.), Vira Savchenko noted. As she said, the further inspection became impossible due to the unsteady body function. We can conclude that one cannot be questioned on the polygraph in such condition, it is impossible, it does not have any sense, she said. The experts of such field have never worked with a person on a hunger strike. They cannot work, as it appeared. The testing was not finished, it actually cant be as the person is on a hunger strike, Tetyana Protorchenko, Savchenkos spokesperson, stated. It should be mentioned, that earlier, Savchenko was taken to the hospital for examination. As we reported Shevchenkivsky Court of Kyiv decided on the preventive measures for Savchenko, which is custody for two months until May 20, 2018, without a right for a bail. Besides, the Court decided that the detention on March 22 was illegal. On March 29, the Appeal Court of Kyiv kept Savchenkos arrest effective. On March 15, Lutsenko claimed during his speech at the parliament that Savchenko personally planned, recruited and ordered how to hold the terrorist attack in the Verkhovna Rada, destroying two lodges, governmental and post, by the combat grenades, bringing down the dome of the Verkhovna Rada by the mortar launchers and killing the survived with the assault rifles. Also, it was reported that non-affiliated MP Nadia Savchenko and Volodymyr Ruban, the Head of 'Officer Corps' planned to attack the cortege of the President of Ukraine with the large caliber sniper rifle. Ukraines MP Nadia Savchenko is under arrest now, she is suspected in terrorist attack preparation, agreed to have some food to be questioned by polygraph, as Vira Savchenko, her sister, wrote on Facebook. One cannot undergo polygraph procedure being on a hunger strike. As the body is overstressed, the heart beats unevenly and the temperature is higher than the norm, the results will be inaccurate. Nadia decided to interrupt, but not stop the hunger strike to undergo the polygraph procedure, Vira said. Oleg Solovey, Savchenkos lawyer, said that Nadia interrupts the hunger strike for three days April 13, 14, 15, as Ukrayinska Pravda reported. Savchenko is to be questioned by the polygraph on April 16. According to Solovey, Savchenko will be eating the food permitted by the doctor. Within three days, she will consume minor products permitted by the doctor to show the public that she has not committed the crimes she was accused of and to finish the polygraph procedure on Monday, the lawyer said. The lawyer added that he went to the shop to buy some food for Savchenko. Savchenko has confirmed her intentions with a relevant statement. It should be mentioned, that earlier, Savchenko was taken to the hospital for examination. As it was reported earlier, Savchenko announced a hunger strike in the courtroom on March 23. Her sister Vira said that after that Savchenkos health condition got worse. As we reported Shevchenkivsky Court of Kyiv decided on the preventive measures for Savchenko, which is custody for two months until May 20, 2018, without a right for a bail. Besides, the Court decided that the detention on March 22 was illegal. On March 29, the Appeal Court of Kyiv kept Savchenkos arrest effective. On March 15, Lutsenko claimed during his speech at the parliament that Savchenko personally planned, recruited and ordered how to hold the terrorist attack in the Verkhovna Rada, destroying two lodges, governmental and post, by the combat grenades, bringing down the dome of the Verkhovna Rada by the mortar launchers and killing the survived with the assault rifles. Also, it was reported that non-affiliated MP Nadia Savchenko and Volodymyr Ruban, the Head of 'Officer Corps' planned to attack the cortege of the President of Ukraine with the large caliber sniper rifle. Open source The burning of the bus in Lviv on April 1 took place under control of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) within the investigation of the explosion at the Polish memorial site at Lychakivske cemetery. Viktor Kononenko, the Deputy Head of the SBU claimed this at the briefing as 112 Ukraine broadcasted. The service reported that the investigation established the operational contact when the perpetrator was identified, the citizen of Kyiv region of 1979-year of birth, and involved him in the cooperation. He reported that by the order of the mentioned persons on March 23, 2018, he set one bus with the Polish registration on fire in Lviv but this event was not noted so it was not counted by the Russian curators. They ordered another action with the obligatory video-recording of the bus burning, Kononenko said. The aim of the clients was the destabilization of the situation in the country and discrediting of Ukraine in the world. The burning of the bus was simulated on April 1 under control of the SBU with the use of the pyrotechnics to record the full cycle of the commitment of the crime from the client to the perpetrator. Also, the red-black stickers issued by a client were plastered all around. The cycle of the reporting ended when the report was passed to the client and two criminals involve in the case were detained in Kyiv. Unregistered traumatic weapon, stickers similar to plastered in Lviv, mobile terminals and substances of drug origin were found and confiscate during the search at the place of the residence, Kononenko specified. The Cemetery of the Defenders of Lviv is the Polish military memorial in Lviv. The defenders are the partakers of the fight against the West Ukrainian People's Republic (1918-1919) and Bolsheviks (1920). They were buried at the Cemetery of the Defenders of Lviv, which is a part of the Lychakiv Cemetery. On March 13, a blast occurred not far from the Polish memorial. The criminals threw an explosive at the territory of it and it landed on the lawn. Nobody suffered and the memorial was not damaged. The perpetrators were detained in the beginning of April and arrested without a right for a bail by Lviv court on April 3. The Ukrainian legislature, on April 5, appealed to the international community to stop the construction of the Nord Stream Two natural gas pipeline, which is to carry Russian gas to Germany, bypassing Ukraine. The lawmakers said that the European Commission (EC) should consult with Ukraine on the matter, in line with the European UnionUkraine association and free trade deal and the European Energy Community treaty. Ukrainian deputies also urged the West to expand the sanctions imposed on Moscow for its armed aggression against Ukraine to additionally cover Gazprom and affiliated persons, and to take regulatory and infrastructural measures to cut the influence of Russian firms on international markets. Nord Stream Two would lead to establishing a Russian monopoly on the European gas market and eventually destabilize Europe, the lawmakers warned (UNIAN, April 5). Kyivs concern was partially addressed last week (April 6) by the United States, which added Gazprom chief Alexei Miller to its list of sanctioned Russian officials, in line with the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Also, in mid-March, 39 US senators called on the Department of Treasury and the Department of State to apply sanctions on Nord Stream Two (Naftogaz.com, March 20). But Ukraine clearly wants the West to toughen its response to Gazprom in particular. Officials in Kyiv fear that with the launch of Nord Stream Two in the north and another pipeline, Turk Stream, which will circumvent Ukraine in the south, Ukraines own gas pipelines could dry up. This would make it more difficult to secure gas imports: much of the gas Ukraine has been buying from the EU since 2015, when gas purchases from Gazprom were stopped, comes from intermediaries re-selling to Ukraine Gazproms gas flowing to Europe via Ukraines own pipelines. Also, a significant cut to Russian gas flows would deprive the national oil and gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy of the bulk of its profit. Gas transportation and distribution accounted for more than 90 percent of Naftogazs profit in JanuarySeptember 2017, which the Ukrainian energy company attributed to both growing transit to the EU and the national currency devaluation (Naftogaz.com, December 19, 2017). Naftogaz CEO Andry Kobolev estimates his companys revenue from gas transit at $23 billion per annum. That is roughly 2.5 percent of Ukraines overall GDP. Losing that after the expiry of the current ten-year gas transit contract with Gazprom after 2019 would be a critically negative factor, he told a conference last October (UNIAN, October 24). Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Turkey, on April 3, that the Turk Stream project was being implemented successfully and that it would eventually bring Russian gas to Southeastern European countries, if they expressed interest (RIA Novosti, April 3). Meanwhile, Miller stated that Gazproms gas transit via Ukraine would fall to 1015 billion cubic meters (bcm) per annum after the contract expiry and with the launch of both Turk Stream and Nord Stream Twodown from 93 bcm of gas pumped through Ukraine last year. He also said Gazprom intended to negotiate the future of gas transit with Ukraine, but not on the conditions spelled out in the recent Stockholm arbitration court ruling (Riafan.ru, April 4). Last February, Stockholm arbitration judges ruled that Gazprom must pay $4.7 billion in damages to Naftogaz for systematically violating the gas transit contract, and that Naftogaz should buy 45 bcm of gas from Gazprom this year. However, Gazprom refused to sell gas to Ukraine and appealed against the ruling (see EDM, March 5; Interfax, March 6). The European Commission, which in 20142015 successfully mediated gas talks between Ukraine and Russia, is ready to help Kyiv with implementing the Stockholm ruling, the head of the EC energy department, Dominique Ristori, told a briefing in the Ukrainian capital on April 6. He also said the EC would help Ukraine organize talks on gas transit after 2019. Gas transit through Ukraine is important for the EU in the context of supply diversification, Ristori noted (Interfax, April 6). Ristori also said the EC would not back Nord Stream Two, as it violates the principles of transparency, non-discrimination and equal access, and would not facilitate the diversification of gas resources for the EU (UNIAN, April 6). The ECs position is shared by Poland and the three Baltic States. Last month, the parliamentary speakers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia warned other EU countries against supporting Nord Stream Two (Delfi.ee, March 12). However, some member states, including Germany and Finland, apparently do not see much harm in the new Gazprom pipeline. On April 5, Finland gave its preliminary consent for Nord Stream construction in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), following Germanys consent in March. Gazprom is yet to secure consent from Denmark and Sweden, which may be harder, as these two countries have been more suspicious of Gazproms plans and more critical of Moscow in general (Kommersant, April 5). Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was outspoken on the German position in his most recent interview with the German newspaper Handelsblatt. He urged German politicians and businessmen to revise their attitude toward Nord Stream Two, saying that the pipeline would be a bribe to the Russian Federation in exchange for loyalty (President.gov.ua, April 9). But until Berlin stops seeing Nord Stream Two as in its national interest, such appeals are likely to fall on deaf ears. Meanwhile, Miller stated that Gazproms gas transit via Ukraine would fall to 1015 billion cubic meters (bcm) per annum after the contract expiry and with the launch of both Turk Stream and Nord Stream Twodown from 93 bcm of gas pumped through Ukraine last year. He also said Gazprom intended to negotiate the future of gas transit with Ukraine, but not on the conditions spelled out in the recent Stockholm arbitration court ruling. Read the original text at Jamestown Foundation. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Look at a series of Leonardo Da Vincis plans, and their respective exhibit models and catch a glimpse of his mechanical mind. Leonardo Da Vincis machines give us fascinating insight into his mechanical imagination. Many of his designs show that he was interested in clarifying mechanical limits; they also show that he challenged established views about mechanical limits. He called the notion of perpetual motion machines into question, but he also envisioned flying machines that stretched the mind beyond anything his contemporaries thought possible. In this workshop, well ask, how did Leonardo conceive of machines? Well look at a series of his plans, and their respective exhibit models, to see if we can catch a glimpse of his mechanical mind. Dr. Natalie Elliot is an assistant professor at St. Johns College, where she teaches cross-disciplinary courses in classics, history of science, mathematics, English literature, philosophy, and music. Her research focuses on the interplay between Renaissance literature and early modern science. At present, she is at work on a book called Shakespeare and the Theater of the Universe, which explains Shakespeares poetic response to the scientific Renaissance. In addition to her appointment at St. Johns College, Elliot has held research and teaching positions at The Poynter Center for the Study of Ethics and American Institutions, Indiana Universitys Hutton Honors College, and Southern Methodist University. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. For Ages 10 and above. Preregistration Required Go to www.NMnaturalhistory.org Cost includes visit to Da Vinci: The Genius exhibit This workshop is made possible by the support of the New Mexico Humanities Council and National Endowment for the Humanities. The Department of Agriculture and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative finalized an agreement with Argentinas Ministry of Agro-Industry to restart pork exports to the South American market. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Office of the Trade Representative finalized an agreement with Argentinas Ministry of Agro-Industry to restart pork exports to the South American market. U.S. pork has not been exported to Argentina since 1992. USDA said the new agreement includes new terms for pork market access that are practical, science-based and consistent with relevant international animal health standards. The United States is the worlds biggest pork exporter, with global sales totaling $6.5 billion last year. According to USDA, the reopened Argentine market could generate as much as $10 million per year for American pork producers. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) noted that Argentina is the third-largest port importing country in South America, just behind Chile and Colombia. As a result of the reopened pork market, USMEF South America representative Jessica Julca will meet with pork importers in Argentina next week. Significant interest in the Boston butt has already emerged and we anticipate demand for U.S. hams, picnics and trimmings to be used as raw material for further processing. Argentina also holds potential for U.S.-produced processed pork products, said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom in a statement. USMEF said U.S. pork exports have experienced significant growth in South America in recent years, with most of the volume destined for Colombia, Chile and Peru. U.S. pork also is exported to Ecuador and Uruguay and recently gained access to Paraguay. YEREVAN, APRIL 12, ARMENPRESS. The man who verbally abused TV star Nazeni Hovhannisyan, an incident which made it to national headlines because an online video and the models FB post went viral, personally apologized to the actress. Hovhannisyan herself said on Facebook that she received an apology from the abuser. The TV host said that the young man came to the TV headquarters, apologized and mentioned that he was heavily intoxicated and out of control. I am happy that he had the courage to publicly accept and apologize his mistake and vulgar act, she said. Images posted by Armenian TV host, model and actress Nazeni Hovhannisyan showing a group of people who allegedly verbally abused her have gone viral on social media. Hovhannisyan posted a photo April 12 of the vehicle belonging to the group of people, showing the license plates. The images were taken outside the Erebuni medical center. The men, who are seen gathered at the rear of the car, are apparently drinking something and making toasts. The model said she was visiting her friend at the hospital when the group of men verbally abused her as she got out of her car in the parking lot. I parked, got out, began walking toward the entry when I heard very disturbing offensive language You shouldve come to take a photo with us you [expletive]. Hovhannisyan said she responded to the men, and one of them replied: Whatever, get out of here. The actress also mentioned that there were numerous passersby who didnt do anything when the incident happened. She also thanked the security of the hospital, who, according to the actress, intervened immediately upon being notified. Police were quick to react, weighing in on the incident. The verbal abuse incident involving Armenian TV star Nazeni Hovhannisyan is viewed as an insult, and since insult is not an offense with criminal liability, police cant take any measures in this case, Edgar Janoyan, director of the Press, Media and Analysis Department of the Police Force told ARMENPRESS. The citizen can file a lawsuit to a court and solve the issue in the civil-legal arena, Janoyan said. Asked whether or not this incident contains disorderly conduct, Janoyan said if a person thinks he or she has been a victim of disorderly conduct than the person should file a report in the police department. The police will launch proceedings on the report and find out if it was disorderly conduct or an insult. I believe, according to Nazeni Hovhannisyans post, it was an insult, he said. Ara Ghazaryan, international law expert and attorney, says the incident can be viewed as public insult. We are dealing with civil law relations here. A person can file a civil lawsuit and a court can deliver a verdict on public insult, demanding compensation for moral damages or a public apology from the person who made the insult, he said. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani military opened gunfire at a civilian cargo vehicle in the town of Baghanis (close to the Azerbaijani border) in Armenias Tavush province late in the evening of April 12. The Armenian Armed Forces suppressed the gunfire with countermeasures, Armenian defense ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan said on Facebook. The vehicle was damaged, but fortunately the [civilian] driver was not wounded. The adversary was silenced after the countermeasure gunfire of the Armenian military, Hovhannisyan said. Earlier on April 9, the Azerbaijani armed forces had once again targeted the small Armenian town near the border, killing livestock of farmers. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. IT solutions of Armenian specialists are entering the Ethiopian market. Tamar Gevorgyan, a representative of the Armenian community of Ethiopia and the union of IT enterprises, told ARMENPRESS that active work is underway for the past 4 years in this direction and the results will be noticeable very soon. The practice of Armath engineering labs, which for many years is educating thousands of schoolchildren, will be introduced in Ethiopia. There are agreements in this regard with the Ethiopian ministry of education, and two regions are already interested in introducing the practice in their schools, she said. Gevorgyan mentioned that Ethiopia has a rather huge 100,000,000 market. 16,000 schools operate in one region alone. This proves that there are great opportunities for applying Armenian IT solutions in the country. Armenian IT experts indeed offer very interesting solutions which we need in Ethiopia. The Armath engineering laboratories is one of them. We already have an agreement that this practice will be introduced in 10 schools until the end of the year, Gevorgyan said. Armenian IT professionals will collaborate with Ethiopian partners, a large number of teachers will be trained and the joint partnership program will later come into force. Gevorgyan says they aim at expanding the engineering labs throughout the entire country and creating a network. Gevorgyan says Armath isnt the first Armenian IT solution to enter Ethiopia. One private organization is already operating in the country. The Armenian community of Ethiopia was formed in the 7th century, when many Armenians migrated from Syria, Palestine, Egypt and settled in the country. Armenians always stood out with their work and dedication in the country, with many serving as advisors to the King, and working in various sectors. Nowadays, most Armenians in Ethiopia are engaged in business. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. American billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper says his petition to break up California into three states has garnered enough signatures for the initiative to be added to the ballot this November, Fox News reports. Draper lobbied unsuccessfully for similar ballot initiatives a few years ago, but this year he said he amassed approximately 600,000 signatures, well more than the 365,880 required. CBS Los Angeles reported that the initiative proposes a central state that would consist of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and San Benito counties; a southern state made up of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Fresno, Tulare, Inyo, Madera and Mono counties; and the 40 remaining counties grouped into a northern state. Draper said the "CAL 3" proposal would give citizens better representation through three smaller state governments. This is an unprecedented show of support on behalf of every corner of California to create three state governments that emphasize representation, responsiveness, reliability and regional identity, Draper said as quoted by CBS. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Yerevan Bestseller - an ARMENPRESS exclusive bringing the top ten weekly bestselling books of the Armenian capital continues to present top choices of local readers. Armenian writer Edgar Harutyunyans Unfound Chamomiles is the bestseller of this week. This is the second book of the author. Unfound Chamomiles is about human relationship, love, friendship and betrayal. Armenian writer Mark Arens Where Wild Roses Bloom comes next in the ranking. The story is about an Armenophobic Turkish former serviceman who finds out that his parents were Armenians. He spends his remaining life searching the graves of his parents, without knowing that it was a misunderstanding. Armenian writer Edgar Kostandyans Ordinary Country is third, followed by Hold My Hand, I Am Scared a novel by another Armenian author Armen Niazyan. Three Comrades by Erich Maria Remarque is 5th. It is written in first person by the main character Robert Lohkamp, whose somewhat disillusioned outlook on life is due to his horrifying experiences in the trenches of the First World War's French-German front. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by American writer Richard Bach is ranked 6th this week. It is a fable in novella form about a seagull who is trying to learn about life and flight, and a homily about self-perfection. It was first published in 1970. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, published in January 2012, is 7th. The title is inspired by Act 1, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, in which the nobleman Cassius says to Brutus: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, / But in ourselves, that we are underlings." One Hundred Years of Solitude, the landmark 1967 novel by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez that tells the multi-generational story of the Buendia family, whose patriarch, Jose Arcadio Buendia, founds the town of Macondo, a fictitious town in the country of Colombia, is ranked 8th in the bestseller list . One Hundred Years of Solitude has been translated into 37 languages and has sold more than 30 million copies. Armenian writer Davit Samvelyans Winter of Roden took the 9th notch. Fahrenheit 451, a dystopian novel by American writer Ray Bradbury, published in 1953, concludes the top 10 list. It is regarded as one of his best works .The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found. The book's tagline explains the title: "Fahrenheit 451 the temperature at which book paper catches fire, and burns..." Yerevan Bestseller presented by Angela Hambardzumyan English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. The April 12 Azerbaijani ceasefire breach along the state border with Armenia damaged a civilian vehicle a cargo truck owned by SPAYKA, a shipping company. The incident took place around 22:30 in the Baghanis-Voskepar section of the Ijevan-Noyemberyan road. The vehicle was traveling in that section, where the proximity is close, and they [Azerbaijan] are able to open effective gunfire, the outpost of the adversary is nearly 500-600 meters away from the interstate road. They opened gunfire at a cargo truck of SPAYKA, the driver is unharmed. The driver stopped in the village and later continued traveling, Narek Sahakyan, the town official of Baghanis, a border town in Tavush province of Armenia, told ARMENPRESS. Armenian defense ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan in turn told ARMENPRESS the situation was calm overnight in other communities also. The night proceeded normally, he said. The Azerbaijani military opened gunfire at a civilian cargo vehicle in the town of Baghanis (close to the Azerbaijani border) in Armenias Tavush province late in the evening of April 12. The Armenian Armed Forces suppressed the gunfire with countermeasures, Armenian defense ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan said on Facebook. The vehicle was damaged, but fortunately the [civilian] driver was not wounded. The adversary was silenced after the countermeasure gunfire of the Armenian military, Hovhannisyan said. Earlier on April 9, the Azerbaijani armed forces had once again targeted the small Armenian town near the border, killing livestock of farmers. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Former FBI director James Comey's upcoming book burst into public view Thursday evening, offering a remarkable look into the Comeys relationship with US President Donald Trump, CNN reports. Comey's recollections detail what he calls Trump's "mob"-like approach to leadership and take aim at the President's disposition, which he says created "the forest fire that is the Trump presidency." "This President is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values," Comey wrote. "His leadership is transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty." During his first sit-down interview since being fired last year, former FBI Director James Comey reportedly compared President Donald Trump to a "mob boss." A source present at the ABC News taping told Axios that an upcoming "20/20" interview with George Stephanopoulos will "certainly add more meat to the charges swirling around Trump." The source also told the publication that Comey "told George things that he's never said before" and that the special will "shock the President and his team." President Trump formally dismissed Comey on May 9, 2017, less than 4 years into his 10-year term as Director of the FBI. Comey first learned of his termination from television news reports that flashed on screen while he was delivering a speech to agents at the Los Angeles Field Office. Sources said he was surprised and caught off guard by the termination. Comey immediately departed for Washington, D.C., and was forced to cancel his scheduled speech that night at an FBI recruitment event. Trump reportedly called Deputy Director Andrew McCabe the next day, demanding to know why Comey had been allowed to fly back to Washington on an FBI jet after he had been fired. On May 10, Comey sent a letter to FBI staff in which he said, "I have long believed that a President can fire an FBI director for any reason, or for no reason at all. I'm not going to spend time on the decision or the way it was executed. I hope you won't either. It is done, and I will be fine, although I will miss you and the mission deeply." In the absence of a Senate-confirmed FBI director, McCabe automatically became Acting Director. The White House initially stated the firing was on the recommendation of United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, both men whom Comey reported to.Rosenstein had sent a memorandum to Sessions, forwarded to Trump, in which Rosenstein listed objections to Comey's conduct in the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. On May 10, Trump told reporters he had fired Comey because Comey "wasn't doing a good job". Following his departure, Comey told the Senate Intelligence committee that the President had demanded his loyalty, pressed him to drop a probe into ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn and repeatedly pressured him to publicly declare that he was not under investigation. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has provided an update on Henrikh Mkhitaryans knee injury saying that the Armenian international is expected to return in two weeks, the Statesman reported. He has a medial ligament strain, he should be out for two more weeks, Wenger said at a press conference Thursday. Do not be too worried. We have a very good medical staff and he is very serious in his rehab. Mkhitaryan injured his knee in the first leg of the Gunners quarter-final tie with CSKA Moscow. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Russian expert on the Middle East and Caucasian countries Mr. Stanislav Tarasov believes that the situation in Karabakh and the border of Armenia has always been concerning. Speaking about the recent recurring Azerbaijani gunfire attacks in the direction of border villages and towns of Armenia and the possibility of a response from the CSTO, the political scientist noted that the Collective Security Treaty Organization, with Armenia among its members, is following the developments of the situation at the border. According to Tarasov, it is difficult to comment on the developments which take place along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, because these developments have seemingly become regular. It should be noted here that two important political events happened: Presidents were elected in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Now, the questions is how the dialogue will proceed between the parties, under what conditions, will it re-start at all, whether the parties will attempt to exit the deadlock etc. We must wait for developments, Stanislav Tarasov told ARMENPRESS. Asked if there is a need of CSTOs intervention because the gunfire is along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and civilians have been targeted, Tarasov mentioned that there is no need for the intervention yet. I dont see the need for making any statements yet, Armenia is a member of the CSTO, and the CSTO is following the process, he said. Azerbaijani military opened gunfire at a civilian vehicle in the border town of Baghanis in Tavush province April 12. Earlier on April 7 and overnight April 8, the Azerbaijani armed forces had opened gunfire on Armenian military positions in the Nakhijevan section of the border. The Armenian military had suppressed the Azerbaijani gunfire attack with countermeasures. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Three people suffered various-degree injuries in a landmine explosion which happened in Aygedzor, a town in Tavush province, Armenia. The victims have been hospitalized in the Aygedzor Healthcare Center. I can only say that medical personnel assess their condition as satisfactory, Mr. Harutyun Manucharyan, a local town official told ARMENPRESS. Manucharyan also said that MP from the ruling Republican Party Mr. Gagik Melikyan has arrived in the town to visit the wounded citizens. Mr. Murad Grigoryan, director of the medical facility, said the landmine explosion victims were hospitalized on April 12. The surgeries were completed yesterday, all three are in serious but stable condition, he said. Media reports suggest that the victims were farmers who were working in a pasture. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenias culture ministry denies the reports on constructing a hotel near the temple of Garni. At present there is no such program, Ruzan Khachatryan spokesperson of the culture minister, told ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the staff of the Garni community Vardan Martirosyan added that these are just reports being circulated in the media. We didnt receive an application on construction by any company. We also didnt receive complaints by the residents concerning these reports, Martirosyan said. Tourism specialist Vahe Lorents told reporters that there are some reports according to which a hotel complex is going to be constructed near the Garni temple. This is just a result of greed and is not justified. Do not think that someone in Australia or Argentina will not arrive in Armenia just because there is no such hotel near the Garni temple. The one who will come will curse us for violating the value, he said. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. The military investigative committee launched a criminal case on the landmine explosion in Tavush province which wounded three people, the investigative committee told ARMENPRESS. According to preliminary data, three farmers of the Aygedzor village trespassed into the intermediate area of a military base, where an explosive device went off, injuring them. The three farmers suffered multiple injuries in the blast. The criminal case was filed on negligent service causing severe consequences. An investigation is underway to determine circumstances of the incident. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. A memorial dedicated to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims will open in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. The Memory Lanterns memorial authored by Melik Ohanyan will be erected in the Trembley park in the evening of April 13. Sargis Shahinyan secretary general of the Armenia-Switzerland parliamentary friendship group, told ARMENPRESS that the event will be attended by Mayor of Geneva Remy Pagani, canton minister Antonio Hodgers, Armenian community representatives, as well as remarks will be delivered by Melik Ohanyan. Initially, it was planned to erect the monument in the park near the UN office in Geneva, but this decision changed by receiving a great Turkish countermeasure. I regret that a creative reality became a subject of fight the political importance of which is subordinated to the artistic value. The monument is quite beautiful which is going to only enrich Genevas park. Of course, it would be better for the monument to be erected in the Ariana park as it would be more symbolic, he said. Sargis Shahinyan informed that the opening ceremony of the memorial will launch with an exhibition titled Debris. The first opening of the exhibition was already held during the visit of Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia which represents the different Swiss dailys extracts starting from the 1894 massacre to 1915 genocide, the ratification of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, Shahinyan said, expressing hope that these exhibits will also be displayed at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute. Switzerlands National Council (lower house of the parliament) adopted a resolution on December 16, 2003 by which it recognized the Armenian Genocide. The law on criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide operates in Switzerland since 1994. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. An American armada consisting of 12 warships is heading for Syria, the biggest concentration of US Naval forces since the 2003 Iraq invasion, Daily Mail reported. USS Harry Truman, carrying 90 aircraft, escorted by five destroyers and cruisers, are sailing towards Europe and the Middle East. Another 4 destroyers and two submarines are believed to be already near the Mediterranean Sea. US President Donald Trump continues to consider launching airstrikes on Syria in retaliation for a chemical gas attack which the West insists was carried out by Syrian governmental forces. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Acting minister of Diaspora of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan on April 13 hosted Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Syria to Armenia Mohammed Haj Ibrahim, the ministry told Armenpress. Acting minister Hakobyan expressed confidence that the Armenian-Syrian relations will further develop during the Ambassadors tenure. The acting minister attached importance to intensification of economic, cultural ties between the two countries. The officials also touched upon the issues of Syrian-Armenians, the ministrys state policy and upcoming programs. The Syrian Ambassador thanked the Armenian government for the assistance and support provided to Syrian-Armenians. He said the Syrian government also wants to boost the cooperation with Armenia, steps have been taken on this path, in particular, an agreement was reached with Armenias ministry of economic development and investments to open permanent trade-fairs of Syrian goods. The Ambassador expressed readiness to more closely cooperate with the Diaspora ministry. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, 13 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 13 April, USD exchange rate down by 0.80 drams to 482.92 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.99 drams to 595.73 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 7.85 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 4.47 drams to 689.80 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 180.69 drams to 20826.12 drams. Silver price up by 0.97 drams to 258.59 drams. Platinum price down by 101.63 drams to 14408.35 drams. YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Acting foreign minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on April 13 received about six dozen students of the College of Europe (Natolin) representing 19 countries, the foreign ministry told Armenpress. The acting FM introduced the students on Armenias foreign policy priorities and approaches on solutions of regional and international issues. Touching upon Armenias participation in the integration processes, the acting minister attached importance to the countrys membership to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Armenia-EU partnership, in the context of which he presented the opportunities provided by the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Nalbandian also introduced the constitutional reforms held in Armenia and the transition to a parliamentary system. He thoroughly presented the negotiation process over the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, as well as the efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries on this path. During the meeting the acting FM answered to questions of the teaching staff and students of the College of Europe which mainly related to the regional and international urgent issues and their settlement ways. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Service of Armenia recently prevented a major drug smuggling attempt on Armenia-Iran border. An Iranian national approached the Armenian-Iranian border and threw 3kg of opium over the barbed wires to two Armenians waiting for him in the opposite side of the border. Taking the packages of the opium the Armenians tried to leave the scene, but were caught by the NSS officers. The NSS told Armenpress that 148 pieces of 100 USD counterfeit banknotes, a total of 14.800 USD, were found among the two Armenian citizens charged by a criminal case on drug smuggling and illicit trafficking. As a result of the investigative operations it was revealed that these counterfeit banknotes were sold by a resident of Agarak to one of the two citizens. 1700 more USD counterfeit banknotes were found also during the search in the car of Agarak resident. Criminal case was launched into the incident. Investigation continues to find out the source of counterfeit money and people involved in the incident. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Nune Sarkissian, spouse of the Armenian President, visited the History Museum of Armenia on April 13, reports Armenpress. I think the existence and preservation of this Museum is very important for our entire people. History is the basis of our nation, our present. I wanted to once again feel this pride by visiting this museum. What has been left from millennium is really wonderful, she said, adding that she likes museums very much. Her last visit to the Museum was held in 2001. She said a little has changed after her last visit. I am happy that the Museum has a good look, and we can proudly bring our countrys guests here. Visit to new country starts from knowledge on history. I think every tourist must start his visit in Armenia from this Museum, she said. Nune Sarkissian loves art and craft very much. As she says she tries to find the beauty in everything. What our artists have done in ancient times is really wonderful. If Picasso was alive, he would be very jealous of them, she noted. Speaking about assisting the President and her personal programs, Nune Sarkissian said they have just started the work. We still need to discuss everything, and I, as the wife of the President, must assist him with smile, love and help, like every woman does. My personal programs, activity are still in process, Nune Sarkissian said and promised to talk about this when everything is ready. Photos by Mkhitar Khachatryan English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. Our relations with Russia are historical and further strengthen every year, and we are only happy for this, Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia Ara Babloyan told during a press conference of heads of parliamentary delegations of the CIS member states at the end of the 47th plenary session of the CIS IPA in St. Petersburg, the Parliament told Armenpress. Speaker Babloyan, in response to the question of the Russian Channel One TV regarding to Armenias transition to a parliamentary system and development of future relations with Russia, stated: In 2015 Armenia held a referendum and accepting the Constitutional changes transitioned to a parliamentary system. The Parliament elected President of Armenia, President of the Constitutional Court and members of the Supreme Judicial Council. On April 9 the inauguration ceremony of the new President was held. I want to state that on April 17 the election of the Prime Minister will be held: the PM will chair the new government. Thus, we will complete the process of transition to a parliamentary system. I also want to state that on the one hand the Parliaments powers, and on the other hand its responsibility are increasing. In fact the Parliament elects the President, the Prime Minister, conducts control on the Government which enables to more thoroughly discuss all issues. In this context we plan to make a structural change in the Parliament, create an information-analytical center which will allow to conduct monitoring on implementation of the adopted laws. The information-analytical center will also follow the countrys economic development. As Armenia is a legal and social state, we need to pay specific attention to judicial, economic and social development programs, education and healthcare. In addition, we will also expand the international ties, the development of parliamentary diplomacy and will make an exchange of parliamentary experience. As for our relations with Russia, I want to state that they are historical and further strengthen every year for which we are only happy. We also cooperate with the member states of CIS, CSTO trying to expand and strengthen the economic and political ties. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger sent a congratulatory letter to Armen Sarkissian on being elected President of Armenia, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. The letter says: I convey my warmest congratulations to you on being elected President of the Republic of Armenia and wish you success in all your initiatives. Let me use this chance and express my gratitude for a large-scale and long-term cooperation with your country. Although we regret over the closure of the OSCE Office in Yerevan in 2017, we are happy to note that there is a great interest both by Armenia and the OSCE to continue the cooperation to which we actively react by closely cooperating with the Armenian delegation in the OSCE and your ministry of foreign affairs. Your country can fully rely on our constant support in the current reforms aimed at democratic governance, strengthening of security and economic prosperity. The OSCE remains committed to the efforts on peacefully settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, including through the activity of Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk and his team within the frames of the Minsk conference. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. By the assistance of the Armenian Embassy in Germany and the Union of German Entrepreneurs in Armenia, representatives of Armenian IT companies visited Germany on April 10-13 to participate in the Outsourcing of IT and Business Processes Berlin Forum. Armenia is one of the partners of the Forum, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress. Before this, the Armenian delegation participated in the IT forums held in Karlsruhe (April 10), Leipzig (April 11) and Erfurt (April 12), as well as met with German partners. During the forums the Armenian side presented Armenias achievements in the IT field, the legislative field and development trends, discussed the cooperation prospects with the German side. During the Berlin Forum Armenian Ambassador to Germany Ashot Smbatyan delivered welcoming remarks stating that Armenia has always been distinguished by its human capital and today as well continues building its economy based on knowledge-based potential one of the key components of which is the IT field. At the same time the Ambassador attached great importance to such events in terms of strengthening the Armenian-German business ties. Today, thanks to the achievements in this field, human capital and major international organizations operating in our country, Armenia contributes to IT global development as much as possible, the Ambassador noted. He also touched upon the outsourcing idea presenting Armenias advantages. He said Armenia can act as a major platform for large companies taking into account the existence of educated youth, relatively cheap labor force, good relations with the East and the West, as well as the fact of having privileged trade regimes with different integration structures and countries. On April 13 the Armenian delegation was hosted at the Embassy. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV is making quite a buzz ahead of its scheduled global premier at the upcoming Indonesia International Motor Show which will start from 19th April, 2018. The MPV will share its dashboard with the third generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire compact sedan which is currently available in India. However, it is still not clear, if the dashboard will be same as Dzire, or there will be some slight changes. Also read: 2018 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Spied yet again No matter what, the Dzires well acclaimed dual-tone dashboard will certainly give the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Ertigas interior a premium feel thanks to the style blended with features and ergonomic design language. We can expect the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga to come with identical flat-bottom sporty looking three-spoke multifunction steering wheels with faux-wooden trim. Also, there will be faux wooden trim on dashboard as well as the large touchscreen infotainment system at the centre console will be slightly tilted towards the driver for a better view. Also read: 2018 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga to launch in August The instrument cluster will have a dual-pod display with both analog and digital display. The steering wheel is expected to get some silver lining adding more style. The new Ertiga MPV will also come with significant update at exterior. It will appear with a restyled front grille, sharper headlamps with projector lamp and integrated LED daytime running lights, LED taillight and revised bumpers. There would be plenty of chrome garnishing across the exterior. The car is likely to receive advanced safety features offering great protection for the occupants. There would be a new in-house built 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood replacing the current models Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre DDiS diesel unit, while on petrol front the MPV could get a new 1.5-litre motor as well. For transmission duty, it is likely to get a 6-speed manual gearbox and an automatic unit as well. Source: AutonetMagz PHOENIXNewly unsealed court federal court documents show Backpage.com Chief Executive Officer Carl Ferrer has been cooperating with the FBI investigation into the site at least since April 5, the day before the feds shuttered the online classified ad marketplace widely used by sex workersbut now is charged by the government with facilitating prostitution and money laundering. According to documents dated April 5 and filed in the United States District Court for Arizona (viewable as a PDF at this link), Ferrer reached a deal and pleaded guilty to one felony conspiracy charge. Ferrer has also entered guilty pleas in California to conspiracy and money laundering charges. Ferrer admitted to prosecutors that he knew Backpage ads for escort and adult services were, in reality, outlawed advertisements for prostitutionand he also copped to editing ads to conceal the fact illegal sex services were being offered for sale, according to the plea deal. Backpage had a company-wide culture and policy of concealing and refusing to officially acknowledge the true nature of the services, Ferrer told prosecutors, according to the documents. Backpage as a corporate entity also entered a guilty plea in Texas, to a charge of human trafficking, according to a BuzzFeed report. The 57-year-old Ferrers deal also means that he agreed to cooperate with the federal investigation into the site, the documents said. Ferrer, who faces up to five years in prison, was required to take all steps within his power to immediately shut down the Backpage website, including providing technical assistance to the United States to effectuate the shutdown, according to a U.S. Justice Department statement. Federal authorities seized the Backpage.com domain the next day, taking the sites content offline and posting a noticeseen above on this pageacross the sites home page. A few days later, the feds unsealed a 93-count indictment against seven individuals at the top levels of the company behind the site, including founders and chief shareholders Michael Lacey, 69, and James Larkin, 68. Larkin had a hearing on Thursday to seek his release from custody, but he must remain behind bars until at least Monday when the hearing resumes. Laceywho at one time was the countrys top weekly newspaper mogul, owning dozens of "alternative" weekly papers throughout the United States including in Los Angeles and New York Cityremains jailed. Ferrer has agreed to provide evidence against Lacey and Larkin, as well as five other employees of the site who have entered not guilty pleas. Only Lacey and Larkin remain in jail as of Friday. LOS ANGELESGinger Banks is the cover girl for the latest issue of MV Mag from ManyVids.com. Ginger Banks is known for being the first library girl and a super active Redditor. Banks tells MV Mag shed like to move into pornography in the coming years and, interestingly, urges the industry to adopt cryptocurrency payment options. Dressed in mesh thigh-highs and panties, the blonde invites readers into a dayglo urban worldat night. A bonus Candy Crush photo set features Banks playing with a big swirly lollipop. Also in the issue, in a mix of bright Los Angeles sunshine and jewel-tone velvets, photographer Nikki Hearts captures buzzcut beauties Leigh Raven and Riley Nixon. Their chemistry is obvious. As Raven says, enthusiastically, Every time we see each other I realize how alike we actually are. Its scary Next up, Japanese expat Marica Hase, who describes herself as a small Japanese girl who loves sex but is very, very weird, bares all poolside in Las Vegas in a Keeping Koi photo set. Finally, MV Girls KoraRoseXXX, Holothewisewulf and Cattie offer a tempting interlude with their MV Selfies before this issue takes a final deep dive featuring Macy Kennedy. With nothing but a minty green backdrop and a mermaid getup, this MV Stars photo set definitely has us looking forward to the beaches of summer. For more, or to download MV Mag for free, visit ManyVids.com. Now that it is fully apparent, to all who have the ability to pay some modicum of attention, that Imposter President Biden has extreme cognitive issues, in addition to being an inveterate liar: Can OUR Republic continue with this Executive Office that has completely failed, so many times, on far too many issues here at this early date in this abysmal presidency? No, Joseph R. Biden is completely unqualified, morally and cognitively, to represent real Americans, and lead this Republic of disparate peoples. Yes, Joseph R. Biden has started whispering again, even softer now than before; so, I know he still cares, plus, OUR media will soon stop reporting on Afghanistan in favor of OUR Socialist ideals. Zimbabwes Leather Institute to set up design studio Zimbabwe The design studio is aimed at supporting skills development in the leather industry. The US$450,000 design studio seeks to improve human resources and to foster the development of skills in the leather sector, Cornelio Sunduza, Chairman, Leather Institute of Zimbabwe (LIZ) told local media. The Institute is in the process of raising funds to upgrade an existing infrastructure, as well as to set up computer-aided machinery and a pilot tannery. "We want to train tanneries, boost up production processes so that they can be able to take up the leather from the tanneries and improve product development and designing, said Sunduza. LIZ, which is said to have been rather inactive due to lack of funding and support from stakeholders in the leather industry, plans to re-launch itself in the next three months with a newly revamped website. Source: AllAfrica/The Herald Remarks by President Trump at Signing of H.R. 1865, the "Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017" Press Release: THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much for being with us today as we sign this crucial legislation to combat online sex trafficking and bring criminals to justice. And the people behind me have been working on this long and hard. That's political, as well as some of our great citizens. And we appreciate it. I want to thank House Majority Leader McCarthy. Kevin, thank you very much. Senator Portman. Senator Portman? Thank you very much, Senator. I know you two have really been working along with Congresswoman Wagner, Congresswoman Walters - thank you very much; great job - and all of the members from both parties who worked tirelessly to pass the Fight of the Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017. So we have an official name: Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act. REPRESENTATIVE WAGNER: FOSTA. THE PRESIDENT: Sounds good, right? REPRESENTATIVE WAGNER: FOSTA. (Laughter.) THE PRESIDENT: You, did you work hard. (Laughter.) I also want to thank Governor Kenneth Mapp of Michigan [the U.S. Virgin Islands]. And we have - where's Kenneth? Kenneth. GOVERNOR MAPP: Right here. THE PRESIDENT: Hi, Kenneth. GOVERNOR MAPP: How are you doing, sir? THE PRESIDENT: We got you all straightened out on that beautiful island, right? (Laughter.) GOVERNOR MAPP: Yes, thank you so much. THE PRESIDENT: Governor Kenneth Mapp and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who has been so great in so many ways. And good luck with your race. SCHUETTE: Thank you. THE PRESIDENT: And I think Dick Blumenthal is here. I saw Dick. So thank you very much for coming. I appreciate it very much. SENATOR BLUMENTHAL: Thank you, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: And the rest of the people are much more important because they're not politicians. Right? (Laughter.) And, Bill - Bill Schuette, thank you very much. We appreciate it. Most importantly, I want to thank the survivors and families who join us today. I'm signing this bill in your honor. And we are all together - politicians, both Republican and Democrat - signing this and representing this to you in your honor. So thank you all very much. We very much appreciate it. You're very brave. (Applause.) You've endured what no person on Earth should ever have to endure, and we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that traffickers are brought to a swift and firm justice. And I've heard statistics where trafficking in the world is more now than it ever has been ever in the history of the world. And you wouldn't believe that with, you know, modern-day everything. But they use modern-day better than law enforcement can use modern-day, whether it's the Internet or anything else. And you wouldn't believe that. But trafficking, it's probably worse today than at any time in history. So I want to thank you for your courage, and thank you for helping survivors across our country. And you are not alone. You are not alone. And this is a very important day. If we work together, we can get the criminal traffickers off our streets and off of the Internet. We can bring safety and hope to every community across the country, and we can create a culture that respects the dignity of every child of God. So I just want to thank everybody for being here. And I think what we'll do is I'd love to have a few of you make statements. Kevin, maybe we start with you. MAJORITY LEADER MCCARTHY: Well, first I want to thank you. And I want to thank all the survivors. We would not be here today if it wasn't for your courage. And the difference that this is already making - we've tried for 10 years to get this bill through. You just achieved something we haven't been able to do because, of the hundreds of thousands of children who are trafficked, 70 percent of them are online. And because of what you're doing today, that's already shut down. Eighty-seven percent of that is already shut down. THE PRESIDENT: That's fantastic. MAJORITY LEADER MCCARTHY: You are saving lives. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Kevin. That's so nice. And I have to give credit to Ivanka Trump. She's here someplace. (Applause.) She's been a great representative, I will say. MAJORITY LEADER MCCARTHY: At the very beginning of your administration, she put a meeting together of all of us over there - the start of making this happen. THE PRESIDENT: That's true. Thank you, Ivanka, very much. Rob, would you like to say something? SENATOR PORTMAN: Mr. President, you're correct about Ivanka. (Laughter.) Early on, she sent some personal tweets out which were very helpful to us, at a time when, to be frank, many people thought we couldn't get here. There were people who believed that this was not the appropriate way to go, and we instead persevered, with the help of all these survivors with us today. They kept saying, "You know, it's unbelievable" - as you just said - "that trafficking could be increasing in this country, in this century." And yet, it has been. And all the experts say it's because of the Internet. So we had to deal with this issue. And there was a federal law, unbelievably, that actually gave these websites immunity, that shielded them from prosecution or from these victims and survivors you see here being able to have their day in court. And so, they persevered. And by signing this today, Mr. President, you will make a huge difference in the lives of so many women, girls, boys going forward. And I want to thank you for that and, again, thank the survivors who are here because they're the ones who led this fight. THE PRESIDENT: That's true. That's so true. Dick? SENATOR BLUMENTHAL: I want to thank my partner, Rob Portman. It was really a partnership in the Senate, and the bipartisanship on this issue really can provide a model for the country of how we can work together and do anything if we are together. And I just want to add my thanks to the survivors. I've been working on this issue for more than a decade. And they said it literally couldn't be done because we couldn't overcome the power and the wealth of the folks who had a vested interest in that statute that was protecting the online traffickers. But with your help, your courage, your strength, we did it. Thank you. MAJORITY LEADER MCCARTHY: Mr. President, it was Ann and Mimi who put this bill together to make it get to your desk, too. THE PRESIDENT: Good. Well, say something. (Laughter.) REPRESENTATIVE WALTERS: First of all, thank you to all the survivors. You have a lot of courage. It's difficult to come forward, and we couldn't have done this without you. I come from Orange County, California, and last year there was a sex trafficking ring that was uncovered. As you said, didn't know it could happen in my backyard, and it is everywhere. And I became much more involved once I found out what had happened. So I am so honored to be here today. I'm so glad that we're now going to hold those accountable who are hurting people. THE PRESIDENT: Really great work. We appreciate it. REPRESENTATIVE WAGNER: H.R. 1865, Mr. President, FOSTA. THE PRESIDENT: That's right. REPRESENTATIVE WAGNER: We are so excited. And this is landmark legislation that is truly, as the Leader said, going to save lives, and it already is. I received a text message from the Manhattan DA last night that said we have already shut down 87 percent - 87 percent - of the online sex trafficking ads out there. And we're after the remaining 13 percent. It's amazing what this is going to do to give prosecutors, the Department of Justice, state and local district attorneys the ability to go after and shut down these websites and put people behind bars, give victims the justice they deserve, and to actually go to the heart of the Communications Decency Act and make sure that the courts know, that the public knows, that survivors know that it was never Congress's intention, through CDA, to make a red-light district out of the Internet. If it's a crime offline, it's a crime online. And we are grateful to your leadership, Mr. President, and to Ivanka who has really led the charge in helping us bring this together. THE PRESIDENT: Great job. Thank you very much. And I didn't know you were going to be here. You have to say - you have been so good to us. (Laughter.) I didn't know she was going to be here. Now I'm happy. REPRESENTATIVE FOX: Well, I just want to say, Mr. President, that we have the Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the jurisdiction of the Education Workforce Committee, and we want to highlight that too. Just as Congresswoman Wagner has talked about what's been happening, there is a resource there of the federal government, and we want people to go to that and to pay attention to it and use the center when necessary. But hopefully, of course, we'd like to see that be able to go away because we wouldn't have exploited children. THE PRESIDENT: Right. That would be nice. REPRESENTATIVE FOX: Thank you, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. MAZZIO: So, Mr. President, we have a survivor. This is M.A. She was the first person to sue Backpage in 2010 and she elbowed me and would like to say something. REPRESENTATIVE WAGNER: From Ferguson, Missouri. THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. M.A.: I am not a survivor. I am M.A. It's about damn time. (Laughter and applause.) THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Bill, say something? SCHUETTE: The credit goes to the survivors, Mr. President. Because of the leadership in Congress, and your signature, as Attorney General of Michigan, it will give me and others attorneys general and county prosecutors the ability to shut down these bad actors, the Craigslist, the Backpage. And so this is a monumental day. Thank you, sir. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Bill. Thank you. SCHUETTE: My pleasure. You bet. THE PRESIDENT: I'd love to have you say something. REPRESENTATIVE WAGNER: Yvonne, please. She lost her daughter, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT: I know that, and I heard, and it's very special. And we'd love to have to you say a few words. AMBROSE: I don't want to cry in front of you, Mr. President. (Laughter.) THE PRESIDENT: Don't cry. Don't cry. AMBROSE: This is so important to all of us, and I thank you, Mr. President, so much for signing this bill into law. It means so much to our family. To lose your child who has been trafficked, which is modern-day slavery in our country, and to get that call on Christmas Eve that your one daughter, your oldest child has been brutally murdered because she said, "no", because she did not want to be a part of this, is the worst thing. Unfortunately, my daughter was not the first person whom this has happened to. And thanks to you and everyone here, hopefully there won't be many more after her that have to endure this pain. The pain that has brought on my family is unimaginable. So I thank you, Mr. President. I thank you all to the survivors and my husband for everything that you guys have done. THE PRESIDENT: How old was your daughter? AMBROSE: She was 16. THE PRESIDENT: Oh, boy. We're with you 1000 percent, okay? AMBROSE: Thank you so much. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Very brave to be here. AMBROSE: Thank you. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Would anybody want to say anything? Anybody else? Anybody? Please. SVENGARDE: Mr. President, I'd just like to thank you on behalf of my family as well. My daughter was trafficked at the age of 15. And by signing this, like Yvonne said, hopefully there won't be too many more. ACLU Sues ICE for Illegally Separating Immigrant Families The Trump administration is facing another legal challenge regarding its immigration policies. We've heard about plans to deport only violent criminals, or those convicted of serious felonies. But this latest lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Massachusetts, alleges that through ICE, the administration is illegally separating immigrant families by targeting the immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens for deportation. Targets U.S. Citizen Spouses At the center of the controversy is a conflict between the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says USCIS implemented a policy in 2016 for people who have U.S.-citizen spouses but who are subject to deportation orders because they are here illegally. The regulation allows them to stay in the country throughout most of the process of obtaining lawful immigration status. They say it was designed to keep families together and encourage people to improve their immigration status. However, when people like Lilian Calderon went to her routine meeting with USCIS, she was instead separated from her family, detained, and held for a month by ICE. She was granted a stay of removal, but that expires in May. So, it's unclear whether she will be deported at that time to Guatemala, a country she left when she was three years old. She would leave behind her husband and two small children, all U.S. citizens. ACLU Alleges Policy Fueled by "Racial Animus" In response, the ACLU has filed a class-action lawsuit. Steve Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island, argues that "people should not have to fear they may end in prison merely for trying to play by the government's own policies to address their immigration status." They also contend that the Trump administration's policies are fueled by "racial animus" against people of color, citing President Trump's comments preferring immigrants from countries like Norway. These are unpredictable times with regard to immigration. If you have concerns about your immigration status, or that of a family member, contact an experienced immigration attorney who can advise you on the latest changes to the law. Related Resources: Michigan Stole Blood of 5M Newborns, Parents' Lawsuit Claims Few feelings rival the intensity with which parents seek to protect their children. From the helpless stages of infancy well into adulthood, parents try to guard against germs, sharp corners, bad influences, inadequate love interests, and poor life choices. In Michigan, one group of parents is trying to protect their children from the overreach of the state. Their lawsuit claims that Michigan took and stored the blood of over 5 million newborns without consent. Blood Draws for Health Research As attorney Philip Ellison found out after his son was born in September, the state requires that each newborn have their blood drawn and stored. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says this practice is for health research. The lawsuits filed by Ellison and others don't seek to stop this research, but to restore parental consent to a practice affecting their children. Drawing and Storing Blood Without Consent Is Unconstitutional The class action lawsuit filed by Ellison claims Michigan began collecting this newborn blood in the 1960s, and started storing excess blood in 1984. The lawsuit says this practice is unconstitutional because parents weren't asked for consent to draw the blood in the first place, much less store it indefinitely. He also alleges that there are no safeguards in place to prevent others, such as law enforcement, from accessing the information. Parental and individual rights are important. If you think someone has infringed your rights as a parent or those of your children, it may be time to talk to an attorney. Related Resources: ACLU Sues to Block Kentucky's New Abortion Law A recurring battle over a controversial abortion procedure is headed back to court, this time in Kentucky. The American Civil Liberties Union has sued to stop a law there that bans a procedure known as "dilation and evacuation." Anti-abortion activists call the second-trimester surgery "dismemberment abortion." Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas have passed similar bans on the practice, but the courts have struck them down. The ACLU says the Kentucky law is "shameless, insulting and dangerous." Lone Provider Since Republicans took control of the Kentucky House last year, they have passed several measures to restrict access to abortion. Among others, they banned all abortions after the twentieth week of pregnancy. But the ACLU has had some success against the state, convincing a judge last year to strike down a law that required women to have an ultrasound before any abortion procedure. Doctors were required to show the ultrasound to the women and explain the image. In the "dilation and evacuation" case, the ACLU sued one day after the legislation was signed into law. Michael Aldridge, executive director of the Kentucky organization, said lawmakers already shut down all but one abortion clinic in the state. "Now they want to invade the exam room and stop doctors from providing safe, quality care," he said. Mississippi Leading Marilyn Musgrave, an officer for the Susan B. Anthony List, said the procedure is barbaric and cruel. It involves dilating the cervix and removing the fetus using suction and surgical tools. "No society that aspires toward justice and compassion should turn a blind eye to a practice as barbaric as dismemberment abortion, in which defenseless unborn babies are torn limb from limb," she said. Meanwhile, the legal battle over abortion is heating up in the south. Last month, Mississippi's governor signed the most restrictive abortion measure in the United States, banning all abortions after the fifteenth week of pregnancy. Related Resources: President Donald Trump plans to pardon Scooter Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, reports ABC News citing 'sources familiar with the president's thinking.' Trump has already signed off on the pardon, and had been considering it for several months, sources told ABC News. Excerpt: Early in his term, Trump pardoned controversial former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio after he was found guilty in July on criminal contempt charges stemming from his refusal to stop imprisoning suspected undocumented immigrants. Libby was convicted in 2007 of lying to the FBI and obstruction of justice in the investigation into the leak of the identity of Valerie Plame, a former covert CIA operative. Then-President George Bush commuted Libby's 30-month sentence, sparing him prison time, but didn't pardon him. After Libby claimed that he couldn't have been the source of the leak, multiple people came forward to testify that they learned of Plame's identity from Libby prior to when Libby said he had first received the information. At trial, Libby claimed to have simply forgotten he actually learned about the identity from Cheney a month before he said he had. Since the conviction, Libby has since had his law license restored and former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell restored his voting rights in 2013. "[T]he virtuous & forthright Comey resembles the degenerate & deceitful Trump. Both are the main characters in their own cinematic dramas a mindset that blinds each of them to the consequences of their actions on other people." Adam Serwer brings the truth in this Atlantic piece on the James Comey book everyone's losing their goddamn minds about this week. "The former FBI director has a low opinion of the president who fired him, but his disregard for Justice Department rules helped put Trump in the White House to begin with." Excerpt: Perhaps, Comey defenders might argue, the sensitivity of the Russia inquiry as a counter-intelligence investigation prevented him from disclosing anything about it. But the point isn't that the Russia investigation should have been disclosed, but that the Clinton inquiry should not have been. The fact that the Trump inquiry was kept under wraps while the Clinton inquiry was not simply accentuates the importance of the Justice Department rules against making such announcements close to an electionrules that Comey broke for one candidate but not for the other. 'James Comey Is No Hero' The Atlantic [via] [Amazon] A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership (April 17, 2018) Wells Fargo, America's dirtiest bank, has proudly announced that it will continue to lend money to gun manufacturers, unlike its competitors at Citi and Bank of America. "As our CEO has publicly stated, we do not believe that the American public wants banks to decide which legal products consumers can and cannot buy," spokesman Alan Elias said. "We believe this issue requires a legislative solution that allows the public to voice their concerns." Wells Fargo says it will keep lending to gun industry [Aaron Smith and Danielle Wiener-Bronner/CNN] Earlier this week, residents in the middle of Stockholm, Sweden were greeted with a giant blue penis painted on the side of a 5-story-high building. The mural, titled "Fuck the World," was meant to stay up for six months, painted by artist Carolina Falkholt on a wall meant for graffiti artists who have permission to paint whatever they want. But because of a local public reaction that's been both angry and repulsed, her painting's days are numbered to less than a week. Falkholt, "one of Sweden's most renowned graffiti artists," told The Local that phallophobes "should consider what it is they are so upset about and then talk about itSex is so important, but it's always been too dirty to discuss." According to The Guardian: The company that owns the block, Atrium Ljungberg, told Aftonbladet it had seen the work by the artist Carolina Falkholt for the first time on Wednesday morning along with other residents of the Swedish capital's central Kungsholmen island. "Culture and art are important in developing interesting urban environments," Camilla Klimt, the company's marketing manager, told the paper. "Of course, we care about artistic freedom. But at the same time, we must respect neighbours' opinions." Klimt said the work would stay up for a short while so everyone interested could experience it. Although some people had welcomed the penis as an "important part of the debate about sexuality, body and gender", others especially neighbours had "received it less well and perceived it as offensive", she said. This isn't Falkholt's first controversial penis painting. According to The Local: In Economic Consequences of the U.S. Convict Labor System, UCLA economist Michael Poyker uses data on prisons and their surrounding areas from 1850 to 1950 to examine the role that free/extremely low-waged forced convict labor had on wages. Poyker concluded that forced labor slowed manufacturing wage growth by 16% and lowered labor-force participation by 20%; it also drove automation because the firms that couldn't use slave labor had to replace their workers with machines. Globalisation means that convicts stitching Victoria's Secret bras compete as much with Chinese workers as with locals. But many make items, such as military uniforms, which by law still have to be made in America. As a result, Mr Poyker says, the crowding out of free labour by prisoners still occurs today. In 2012 Tennier Industries, an American military-clothing firm, fired 100 workers because it could not compete with rivals employing convicts. How convict labour increased inequality [The Economist] (via Naked Capitalism) Time for a bit of folklore. Benandonner was a giant from Scotland. He was something of a tool and constantly threatened to lay a beating on Ireland. Fionn mac Cumhaill was a giant too. He resided in Ireland. Fionn wasn't down with Benandonner's wanting to put a hurt on his homeplace. In fact, Fionn was so bent out of shape about it that he decided to rip up chunks of County Atrim and throw them into the sea in order to build a causeway to Scotland. The causeway would make it possible for Fionn to travel and beat Benandonner's ass. With the Giant's Causeway built, Fionn stomped off to Scotland to get down with his island's adversary. He didn't stay long though: Upon reaching Scottish soil, Fionn discovered that Benandonner was frigging huge like, giant, even for a giant. Afraid of having his ass handed to him, Fionn hightailed it back to Ireland. When the larger giant heard that Fionn had come to Scotland to fight him, but turned coward at the last moment, he set out for Ireland across the causeway to lay a curb stomping on poor Fionn. Seeing that her husband was in trouble, again, Fionn's wife, Oonagh, bundled her husband up in swaddling clothes, disguising him as a baby. Benandonner came upon Oonagh and saw the enormous baby. He freaked out: if Fionn's child is that big, even as a toddler, Fionn himself must be HUGE. Benandonner crossed the causeway once more, back to Scotland and safety. That's the story of how the Giant's Causeway was created, as it was taught to me. According to The Guardian, a team of volcanologists have declared that they've got another theory on how the Causeway's 40,000 (give or take) hexagonal columns were created: Yan Lavallee, professor of volcanology at the University of Liverpool and lead author, said: "[This] is a question that has fascinated the world of geology for a very long time. We have been wanting to know whether the temperature of the lava that causes the fractures was hot, warm or cold." To answer the question, Lavallee and colleagues recreated the process in the laboratory using basalt cores drilled from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland. The 20cm-long cylinders, gripped by a clamp at each end, were heated to more than 1,000C until they began to soften into lava. The samples were fixed at each end in a mechanical grip and cooled to test at what point they snapped. The basalt magma fractured at between 840-890C, the study found, suggesting that this is the temperature at which the Giant's Causeway would have formed. It's not as much fun as the version that involves Fionn mac Cumhaill, but is still pretty fascinating. For a longer read of the science that Lavallee and his team got up to, check out their findings in the journal, Nature Communications. Image via pixabay, courtesy of Ben_Kerckx This is a compilation of time-lapse storm video shot by Ryan McGinnis in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas. The music is by Hanu Dixit. I am a storm photographer based out of central Nebraska. Each Spring, I trek across the Great Plains of the United States to document nature's most powerful and awe-inspiring phenomena. My camera can only give you a small sense of the wonder that comes from standing beneath a 60,000 foot tall mountain of swirling wind and water, but to that end I do the best that I can to capture a glimpse of that majesty. President Donald Trump endorses letting states decide how to regulate marijuana, White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders said today. He is a firm believer in states' rights, she said, adding that Trump recently spoke with Colorado Senator Cory Gardner about marijuana legalization. Longtime Trump consigliere Roger Stone is a cannabis advocate, and spoke in 2017 to your faithful Boing Boing correspondent about his plan to push Trump to legalize it. It's widely reported. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is an anti-cannabis hardliner. Unlike John Boehner, he's not likely to change his position, even as the siren call of cash grows louder. Trump should legalize marijuana at the federal level. Do it. It'd be a more effective way of getting back at Sessions than merely firing him. Marijuana stocks surged on the news. The administration is effectively abandoning its crackdown on legal marijuana, as well. The Trump administration is abandoning a Justice Department threat to crack down on recreational marijuana in states where it is legal, a move that could enable cannabis businesses in California and other states that have legalized pot to operate without fear of federal raids and prosecution. Sen Cory Gardner says President Trump has promised to support legislation protecting state marijuana industries from prosecution. Gardner will lift his hold on DoJ nominees that he placed in January when Jeff Sessions rescinded protections for those states. pic.twitter.com/YSziODSaPm Nick Riccardi (@NickRiccardi) April 13, 2018 Asking Congress to send him a marijuana federalism bill would be a good way for Trump to do something broadly popular in an election year AND get back at Jeff Sessions https://t.co/YfFtUemNuq Josh Barro (@jbarro) April 13, 2018 Scoop > @realDonaldTrump tells @SenCoryGardner he'll back legislation on states' rights and mairjuana; Gardner stops his DOJ noms blockade https://t.co/209sZDeRdn Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) April 13, 2018 NEW: Sen. Cory Gardner lifts hold on DOJ nominees after saying he "received a commitment" from Pres. Trump that rescission of Obama-era guidance on state marijuana laws "will not impact Colorado's legal marijuana industry." https://t.co/hW5O641Ylg pic.twitter.com/y0vIlBeSmg ABC News (@ABC) April 13, 2018 Japanese researchers have discovered enough reserves of rare-earth metals (REMs) to satisfy global demand for up to 700 years. Oceanographers surveyed the deep-sea mud on the Pacific Ocean floor near Japan's Ogasawara Islands, which are about 2,000 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. Scientists say the minerals find, "has the potential to supply these metals on a semi-infinite basis to the world". Researchers from Waseda University and the University of Tokyo estimate the area they mapped contains more than 16 million tons of rare-earth metals. They added that the area offers "great potential as ore deposits for some of the most critically important elements in modern society". A rare-earth metal is one of a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table. They have what many of us would consider to be relatively unknown names, like europium, promethium scandium and terbium. The uses, applications, and demand of rare-earth elements have greatly increased with our reliance on high-tech products. They are widely used in the production of electric motors for hybrid vehicles, wind turbines, hard disc drives, portable electronics, microphones, speakers and a whole array of other products. Around 90 per cent of the world's supply of REMs used to manufacture advanced electronics currently comes from China. The discovery near Japan could bring down prices. News / National by Staff reporter The cancellation of the Geiger International road dualisation deal has exposed that incompetence and corruption abounded in Government corridors amid revelations that the Austrian company is just a "briefcase" firm with no financial muscle to mobilise the required funding for the dualisation of the Beitbridge-Harare highway.According to the Special Advisor to the President, Christopher Mutsvangwa, who was part of the delegation that accompanied President Mnangagwa to China, Geiger is just a briefcase company with no capacity to fund a $1 billion project.He said Geiger officials had spent the past two years, since getting the deal, knocking on Chinese construction firms' doors begging for funding. News / National by Staff reporter The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has dismissed claims that it is bussing people to attend its jam-packed rallies.Chamisa, who is riding on a wave of the so-called #Generational Consensus, has been pointing to the crowds he attracts as proof that he is not running behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa.While Chamisa has been addressing huge crowds across the country, his main rival Mnangagwa is not holding rallies at all, instead attending to national issues - re-engagement and his investment drive under the Zimbabwe is Open for Business mantra.Pointing to impressive rally crowds is a long-time tactic of candidates on both sides of the aisle.The State media has claimed several road accidents involving MDC supporters from various parts of the country have confirmed that the main opposition party was bussing supporters to rallies to create an impression that Chamisa enjoys "overwhelming" support.But acting MDC spokesperson Thabitha Khumalo dismissed the allegations."The country is burning, civil servants are getting peanuts but you see some people are concentrating on petty issues. We do not bus people. We cannot deny our members to come to attend our rallies," Khumalo said.She said anybody who has been to the rallies and has seen the crowds, seen their response, seen their enthusiasm, seen the intensity of their response and how they respond to issues raised by Chamisa, cannot help but believe that there is something happening in this country.Chamisa's spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka said: "That is nonsense." He claimed those attending the rallies were doing so of their own volition, motivated by Chamisa's message of renewal and hope.Obert Gutu, spokesperson of the rival Thokozani Khupe-led MDC claimed Chamisa had invested $50 000 to bus supporters to the MDC rally in Bulawayo last weekend, attended by a bumper crowd."$50 000 spent on bussing people to Bulawayo. We pursue real politics not self-delusion and self-deception. Results of the election 2018 will confirm who the fake are and who the real politicians are," he said.The 40-year-old came to power in acrimonious circumstances following the death of the party's founding president Morgan Tsvangirai, who succumbed to cancer in February.He was locked in a succession battle with Khupe, who disputed his ascendancy resulting in her being fired from her position as deputy party president, along with her allies Abednico Bhebhe, who was the organising secretary, and Gutu, the party's spokesperson.Khupe and her allies responded by digging in insisting that they were the legitimate MDC effectively declaring a split the third since the MDC's formation in 1999.This came amid debate over Khupe's influence of the party's Matabeleland structures, with some saying her expulsion would see her moving away with "her people," dealing Chamisa a huge blow.Analysts have warned that crowd size is a less-than-useful tool for candidates trying to assess their chances of winning an election.They warn that campaigns that rely too much on anecdotal evidence like crowd sizes when looking to measure progress are easily lulled into a false sense of security. They assume, often wrongly, that the echo effect of being surrounded by big crowds of already converted voters is automatically translating into momentum.Most average Zimbabweans do not think crowd size is a good metric, either. News / National by Stephen Jakes Former ZBC presenter Eric 'The General' Knight has challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ensure that the law is not applied selectively on corrupt top government officials."The commitment by ED's government to bring in to book perpetrators in corruption in Zimbabwe is indeed a very necessary undertaking Mr President, if we are to really turn around this country."People must be tried and of course account for some of the ridiculous wealth they have accumulated over the years BUT, the move will not look genuine to the eye if 'obvious' looters and thieves are left scot-free," he said."Please sir, let there be no selective justice. Thieves are and looters are there, right by your nose, not far. No names as I am not a Court of Law, but its not about names, its about people."Such people must never be seen anywhere near government, they are cancerous. It has been spoken, let there be action!"Corruption is definitely accountable for perhaps half of Zimbabwe's economic problems." News / National by Staff reporter The National Patriotic Front (NPF) linked to ousted former president Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, has promised Zanu-PF fireworks in the forthcoming general elections, saying it will defeat the ruling party if polls are free and fair.The NPF, which has been holding consultation meetings countrywide, says so-called political commissars identified as members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces deployed by the ruling party mostly in rural areas, should be immediately withdrawn as they are set to cause havoc in most communities ahead of the polls.The Zanu-PF commissars have already started collecting voting slips in villages across the country, a move that has been deemed as illegal by the government and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.NPF acting chairperson Eunice Sandi Moyo said President Emmerson Mnangagwa should immediately order his party members to stop intimidating voters."There are many things we seem to be getting from the grassroots and so we are saying let the (foreign) observers be given the opportunity to visit everywhere so that they can see what is happening. There is an issue of Zanu-PF activists collecting BVR (Biometric Voter Registration) slips and the deployment of soldiers in rural areas." We have people who come from the army who are all over the country. We are saying they must not be given a new name that they are commissars. They must be withdrawn so that people feel free to do what they want in the country."Suspected Zanu-PF activists and members of the army terrorized Zimbabweans in the 2008 presidential election run off after the late opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai defeated Robert Mugabe in the first round though he did not get enough votes to form a new government.More than 180 people, mostly opposition members, were killed while others were maimed in the clampdown that was spearheaded by the national army.Mrs. Moyo further said she is prepared to die in order to restore the legacy of the late Zimbabwean vice president Joshua Nkomo and Mugabe, who fought hard to liberate the country from white colonial rule.She said the Mnangagwa government has sidelined Zapu supporters, who were supposed to grace his Cabinet in proportional numbers with Zanu activists following the signing of a unity accord between the two parties in 1987."Nkomo and Mugabe wanted unity but Mnangagwa has decided to sideline Zapu cadres," she said.A few Cabinet members are drawn from Zapu, once led by vice president Nkomo.The NPF is believed to be the brainchild of former Higher Education Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo, former Zanu-PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, former Youth Minister Patrick Zhuwao and others, who were allegedly targeted for arrest by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces which carried what it codenamed Operation Restore Legacy last November, claiming that some "criminals" were surrounding Mugabe.Moyo, Kasukuwere, Zhuwao and members of the Zanu-PF faction known as Generation 40 or G40 were ousted in the operation, which Mugabe described as a military coup. News / National by Staff reporter TRANSPORT minister Jorum Gumbo this week got further entangled in the aircraft purchase scandal which involves state-owned Air Zimbabwe (AirZim) and new airline Zimbabwe Airways (ZimAirways) whose ownership is dodgy, the Zimbabwe Independent can report.The saga has also sucked in Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa who on Wednesday tried to clear the air over the issue, together with Gumbo, although their intervention only managed to provoke more questions than answers.Gumbo and Chinamasa's explanation was that the four Boeing 777-200 were bought from Malaysia Airlines through their sole agent PricewaterhouseCoopers Kuala Lumpur, but are now being leased to ZimAirways via the Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company (ZALC). They claimed ZimAirways and ZALC are owned by government. But Gumbo had always maintained they are private companies owned by Zimbabwean Diasporans.Chinamasa said government formed the new entities linked to Gumbo and former president Robert Mugabe's son-in-law Simba Chikore as a sanctions-busting measure.However, documents show there was nothing done under cover as the purchase agreement openly indicates government bought the airliners on behalf of AirZim, suggesting the sanctions-busting narrative was a convenient smokescreen to cover their tracks.Gumbo for his party did not explain why he had been telling government ZimAirways was a government project, yet publicly insisting it was a private entity.Initially Gumbo told the Independent ZimAirways was privately-owned by lawyers living outside the country and he was only facilitating the purchase of four Boeing 777 planes from Malaysia on behalf of the airline's shareholders ZALC.However, Chinamasa, who officiated at the delivery of one of the aircraft on Wednesday, said Zim Airways was wholly-owned by government contrary to Gumbo's remarks. He also said ZALC was a government special purpose vehicle.Aviation expert associated with ZimAirways Jerry Haas, who has been consistently posting accurate information on the project, also said the airline was a private entity.Documents gleaned by the Independent and investigations show in October 2016 government entered into an agreement with the Malaysian Airline System Berha for the sale and purchase of four Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with manufacturer's serial numbers 29066, 29066, 28421 and 28422.The agreement was signed by Gumbo and former Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa on October 10, 2016. In the terms and conditions of this agreement also signed by Lim San Peen of Malaysia, the parties agreed "the aircraft are made available for sale on the basis they are solely to be used for commercial aviation purposes. The intended operator of the aircraft is Air Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd."The initial arrangement was that two of the Rolls Royce-powered planes would cost US$16,5 million each, while the other two would be bought for US$18,5 million apiece, bringing the total to US$70 million.But Gumbo and his associates later decided to buy two Boeing 777s for US$18,5 million and US$16,5 million, a total of US$35 million. It was also later resolved to buy two Embraers for US$6 million using Treasury Bills. This brought the total of the revised deal to US$41 million.However, documents show that even if the planes were brought under AirZim's name, the flag carrier's board and management were later kept in the dark after their initial involvement.Chinamasa did not produce documents to back his account. Aviation sources told the Independent that ZimAirways is yet to be registered as a carrier even though government claims it is already leasing planes from AirZim via ZALC.Haas on Wednesday said on microblogging site Twitter ZimAirways flying code is 0000000, "symbolising triple 7 with 7 zeroes". The airline is not yet registered, further raising questions over why government was dealing with an unregistered entity. Experts say it could two months for the airline to have its flying code, although it now doubtful it will be ever be registered given government's claims it owned by AirZim.Although Gumbo said it was a private company, official documents show ZimAirways directors are Transport ministry officials who include Legal Affairs head Angeline Karonga and principal director Eric Gumbi. Last week Karonga denied she was not linked to the airline.Documents also show Harare lawyer Phillipa Phillips is one of the two ZALC directors, together with another lawyer Gift Watinaye. It is not clear why the lawyers are representing government interests there, if Chinamasa's explanation is anything to go by.To add to the mystery and confusion, sources also said ZimAirways was operating from former Psmas manager Mavis Gumbo's Gletwin house. But Mavis Gumbo denied this yesterday. An enquiry with the Deeds Office in Harare indicated ZALC was registered under file number 3015/12. The file was, however, missing from the office, although information is now filtering out through other channels.The documents further show that while AirZim was initially involved in the purchase of the Boeing aircrafts, government later side-lined it along the way as shown by a series of correspondences between the airline and government officials. AirZim officials were kept in the dark after the planes order was made.In November 2016, AirZim wrote to the State Procurement Board (SPB) principal officer requesting approval for the purchase of four planes from Price WaterhouseCoppers of Kuala Lumpur.Initially this appeared to be line with government decision to buy planes on behalf of AirZim."We advise that identified aircraft are owned by Malaysian Airline, however Malaysian Airline has ceded its right to sell the aircraft to PricewaterhouseCoopers who are the sole agent dealing with the transaction on behalf of the Malaysian Airline," wrote acting AirZim CEO Justice Makonese on November 7."The identification process has come within a framework of government to government co-operation and arrangements. Pursuant to the above, we advise that a government delegation, which included the Minister of Transport Hon. Mc. D Jorum Gumbo, Minister of Finance Honourable Patrick Chinamasa, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr John Mangudya, Air Zimbabwe Senior Management was sent to Malaysia."During this period Chikore, who was then AirZim chief operating, went to Malaysia together with other senior government officials to facilitate the deal for an airline which was supposed to lead to AirZim's closure without clarity on what would happen to the state airline's employees and assets.At the time AirZim was not aware that earlier on government had signed a sale/purchase agreement with the Malaysians.By January 2018, other government bodies like the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) were also not in the picture about Treasury's decision to directly pay for the planes. While AirZim was also looking for funds and clarity to purchase Embraer jets, Chinamasa had ordered the central bank to release US$6 million in Treasury bills to procure the planes.In February, Transport secretary George Mlilo warned AirZim over approaching the SPB bypassing the line ministry"My advice in our meeting of 2 February 2018 is pertinent. For the avoidance of doubt, please be advised that you need to seek approval in principle, from the ministry for the purchase of aircraft. Once approval is granted your attention is drawn to the direction provided by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe in their minute of 30 January 2018," Mlilo wrote."You are further advised to ensure that in the process, procedures as laid out in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets [No. 5 OF 2017] Act [Chapter 22:23] are strictly adhered to."Before that Praz had written to AirZim bosses outlining what was required to purchase the planes."The Authority recalls that the State Procurement Board, through PBR 1067B of July 2017, gave a No Objection' to Air Zimbabwe's request for Direct Purchase of 4x Second Hand Boeing 777 Aircrafts from Malaysian Airline through their sole agent, PricewaterhouseCoopers of Kuala Lumpur, in the some of US$75 million," wrote Praz acting CEO Nyasha Chizu in a letter dated January 30, 2018."The Malaysian Airline, through its sole agent was required to pay US$12 000 administration fees in line with S.I 123 of 2016," "In terms of Section 103 (5) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (No. 5 OF 2017) Act [22:14] on 31st December 2017 through S.I 152 of 2017. The authority, in terms of Section 7(6) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, requires the Accounting Officer to submit before 31st January 2018 the following: progress report on the purchase of the four aircrafts and an update on the payment of administration fees."This shows Chinamasa and Gumbo were working together to collapse AirZim as supported by a government directive to wind down the debt-ridden airline. Several scenarios were considered on what should happen to AirZim.In March of 2016, government instructed the AirZim board to consider winding down the operations to pave way for ZimAirways, suggesting government wanted to close the state-owned airline without cabinet approval and parliament's involvement."The board and management of Air Zimbabwe were tasked by its parent ministry to come up with proposals for the migration of Air Zimbabwe to Zimbabwe Airways. We have explored five legal options in which to do this within the framework of the Companies Act, and the Air Zimbabwe Corporation Repeal Act. The five options looked at were winding up, judicial management, reconstruction, name change and becoming a successor company, wrote the AirZim board in March 2016," the AirZim board wrote to management.However, Chinamasa said government through ZALC bought the planes to lease to third parties, while AirZim "puts its house in order". He said government would constitute the ZimAirways board and expect to operate at break-even at the very minimal level. The finance minister said government, through his ministry, took a decision to secure funding for the procurement of the four big planes together with eight Embraer aircrafts."Government also took a decision to lease the planes to third parties up to such a time as Air Zimbabwe develops a credible business plan to run the planes on a sustainable profitable basis. Accordingly, government decided to lease the planes to a new aircraft firm called Zimbabwe Airways which has already put in place credible plans for the said planes," said Chinamasa.While they were trying to close AirZim, they also let its management to produce the 2018-2020 Turnaround Plan, suggesting bad faith on ministers' part. Gumbo even wrote the foreword for this plan. In September 2017, Gumbo wrote to Chinamasa requesting funding to purchase three Embraer aircraft for AirZim after describing the situation at the airline as "pathetic". This was in line with AirZim's recovery plan now dead in the water."The situation at the airline is pathetic with limited fleet and most of the equipment is now beyond useful life. This increases the cost of operations as fuel consumption increases," Gumbo wrote in a letter dated September 5, 2017."The airline is now seeking funding to purchaser three Embraer ERJ 145 LR aircraft. These are fifty-seater jets which are convenient for both domestic and regional routes. This recapitalisation process will ensure continued operations by the airline. I have attached the business plan for Air Zimbabwe for your consideration."Chinamasa also appealed for public support on ZimAirways. But documents show government is reluctant to release US$4,5 million required by the International Aviation Transport Association to allow AirZim to clear its arrears and fly internationally."We pondered over options and it became clear to me that we could not put more resources into a bottomless pit because that would not save a purpose that we wanted, a strong airline to service the interests of the country," Chinamasa said. "For that we needed a strong airline under a strong leadership, under a strong management so given these discussions, we decided, when the opportunity arose that we should avail ourselves the opportunity to buy four Boeing 777s from Malaysia. The person who assisted us in the negotiations and with technical advice was Mr Simba Chikore."Documents show Gumbo is frustrating AirZim's plans to recruit a substantive CEO after Ripton Muzenda left last year."The ministry acknowledges receipt of your minute and wishes to inform you that contents therein are duly noted.However, the ministry wishes to advise that the advertisement for the post of chief executive officer for the national airline, Air Zimbabwe, be put in abeyance. The advice is given on account of the impeding restructuring of the airline and as a cost containment measure in the interim period," Gumbo wrote to AirZim board chair Chipo Dyanda in a letter dated March 28. Gumbo also publicly blamed AirZim and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe officials for leaking information to the media and is likely now to fire senior management and the board as he pushes the ZimAirways project.Aviation experts have also asked why government decided to buy aircraft that had been decommissioned by Malaysia Airlines.In 2016 the airline retired its entire fleet of Being 777 as part of its restructuring plan. This came after Malaysia Airlines lost aircraft in the MH370 and MH17 air disasters.However, the Finance minister said the planes were still viable for ZimAir Airways. "We sought advice from Boeing, from Seatle, they have been with us from the beginning. They did a due diligence exercise test on the four aeroplanes and they recommended that they were good assets for us to acquire. In fact, they advised us that they have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years given our good record in terms of maintenance of aircraft."An aviation expert said Chinamasa seems not know the difference between the commercial viability lifecycle and lifespan of an aircraft, showing the dangers of ministers abandoning their policy-making and oversight roles to interfere in the operations of state-owned enterprises under their purview. Opinion / Columnist Over the last few months, a Zimbabwean leader has allowed his people to violently harassed rival supporters, used undemocratic means to expel party members who dared to disagree with him, walks around with an aggressive militia and rejects any dissent.If these words were written before November, every Zimbabwean would recognise the leader as Robert Mugabe.Fast forward a few months and Mugabe appears to have an heir to his violent, aggressive and undemocratic throne and astonishingly it is the new MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.Even his own Vice President, Elias Mudzuri, couldn't find anything nice to say about Chamisa, castigated the ejection of Thokozani Khupe from the party, and has expressed doubt over his ability to rule.However, Chamisa's transformation into a "Mini Mugabe" is his reaching out to Zanu-PF rejects in the form of the expelled G40 cabal to bolster his chances at the ballot in July.Chamisa was recently captured posing for a picture with the Zanu-PF expelled trio of Shadreck Mashayamombe, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti and Jeppy Jaboon in a thread that went viral on social media.Jaboon admitted "Chamisa is my colleague," while claiming their mutual objective as opposition political parties was to remove Zanu-PF from power.So, finally, the cat is out of the bag.Chamisa has no scruples and no ideology. He will side with his greatest enemies and people who stand in direct opposition to what the MDC has historically stood for if it means entering State House.That Chamisa would side with people like Jaboon, who is out on bail after violently assaulting a businessman who uploaded a video with displeased him, and was a prominent member of the Zanu PF and G40 until recently, tells you everything about the man's moral compass.After more than three decades of suffocation, the MDC must offer something different. We need a leader who sees their country and the people first, and personal aspirations a distant second.Chamisa must be stopped, first for the sake of the real MDC, the party that fought for freedom, and secondly, for the country.The transformation of Chamisa into Mugabe is almost complete, so we don't have much more time to make the necessary changes before the soul of our party is ripped out and sold to the most aggressive bidder. Two B.C. police officers one from the Vancouver Police Department and one from Port Moody were arrested while in Cuba during a vacation in March. The officers were arrested in connection with an incident involving the alleged assault of a 17-year-old female. No charges have been laid. The Port Moody officer was released but remains in Cuba, said Sgt. Travis Carroll in a news release from the Port Moody Police Department. "[We] take all allegations of misconduct concerning our officers very seriously," said Carroll in the release. The status of the Vancouver officer remains unclear. Police complaints commissioner monitoring The matter was referred to the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner. Deputy Commissioner Rollie Woods said police alerted his office, which is awaiting more detailed information before deciding on whether or not to order an investigation. "Members are accountable for their conduct at all times and anywhere they happen to be and are subject to investigation and discipline, if it is appropriate, pursuant to the Police Act," he told CBC in an email. Woods also said he believes the Port Moody officer was detained as a witness. "My understanding is the person or the officer that may be in some jeopardy for his actions there was the Vancouver member," he said, noting that his office has been given very little information and is still confirming details. Passports confiscated Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay said in an interview Thursday that his police department has been in touch with the officer's family and was told both officers had their passports confiscated "a few weeks ago." The Port Moody officer is being held as a material witness, Clay said. "Unfortunately, what we're told is that investigations move quite slowly and, in fact, we've been told that it could be up to 60 days before he might be allowed to leave the country," he said. Consular officials also confirmed they are assisting the two officers and are in touch with local authorities, but could not say more due to privacy considerations. With files from the Canadian Press By Nick Mulvenney GOLD COAST, Australia (Reuters) - Organisers have urged athletes in Australia for the Commonwealth Games to respect the terms of their entry visas after the Cameroon team reported five of their competitors had gone missing. The accreditation to major multi-sports Games acts as a short-term visa to the host country and more than 100 athletes overstayed after the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Organising committee chairman Peter Beattie said they had worked hard with the Australian government on the entry system and he "encouraged" the 6,000 visiting athletes and officials not to breach the terms of their visas. "I would simply say enjoy Australia while you are here, this includes Cameroon and any other athletes, stay within the law and be mindful of the fact that there is a system in place in this country," he told a news conference on Wednesday. "We would appreciate them sticking within the law, enjoying themselves, but sticking within the law. If they are thinking of doing anything other, I would encourage them not to do it." Fairfax media reported earlier on Wednesday that the Cameroon team had told Queensland Police five male athletes, two boxers and three weightlifters, had gone missing from the Athletes' Village. No one was available to comment at the Cameroon team on Wednesday. Queensland Police told Reuters it was a "matter for the Cameroon Commonwealth Games Association to address" until such point that the athletes overstayed their visas. That one of the Cameroon boxers, Christian Ndzie Tsoye, had failed to turn up for his men's 91kg quarter-final bout on Tuesday particularly saddened Commonwealth Games Federation chief David Grevemberg. "I think it's disappointing that athletes that have come didn't compete as they were scheduled to compete," he said. "(But) I think it's important to remember that these athletes are guests and within their visas they have the right to travel freely, but this is obviously an issue that Team Cameroon is monitoring very closely." Illegal immigration is a highly contentious political issue in Australia and Peter Dutton, the country's home affairs minister, issued a warning to athletes in January that they would be deported if they overstayed. "It happens at every Games and it's not a surprise," Beattie added. "There are mechanisms in place and they haven't breached their visas. If there is a breach then Peter Dutton and his department will deal with it. "I don't to be too blase about it but there are mechanisms to deal with it and it will be dealt with in the right way by that department. "We're organising a sporting event, if there are breaches of visas, they will deal with it." (Additional reporting by Tom Westbrook in Sydney, editing by Peter Rutherford) Some of Canada's most influential business leaders are urging the federal government to get the Trans Mountain pipeline built, warning that the impasse is casting a shadow over Canada's reputation as safe place to invest. "We have to get that pipeline done," said Dominic Barton, global managing partner of consulting giant McKinsey & Co. "We can talk all we want about growth, but if we can't actually get our products and services to the markets we need to, we are kneecapping ourselves." Barton, who also chairs the Trudeau government's economic advisory council, made the remarks in Toronto while attending the Public Policy Forum's third annual Growth Summit. In a keynote discussion, Barton said the federal government has to come up with a better way to move forward on major infrastructure projects, including the Trans Mountain expansion. "It's taking way too long," he said. "There is too much of a focus on process and not output." Project faces stiff opposition Tensions over the proposed expansion reached a high pitch on Sunday, when Kinder Morgan announced it was suspending all non-essential activities and related spending on the $7.4 billion project, citing persistent opposition from the British Columbia government. This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office confirmed he is cutting short a planned trip to Peru for the Summit of the Americas to meet with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and B.C. Premier John Horgan in Ottawa to talk about a way forward for the pipeline expansion project. Horgan's government opposes the project and is asking the courts to rule on whether it has the right to restrict the flow of bitumen through the pipeline. Notley's government has accused B.C. of risking a constitutional crisis and recently announced it plans to introduce legislation that would give the province the power to reduce oil flows, which would lead to a spike in gas prices in B.C. Story continues 'Failure is not an option': Morneau Speaking at the Public Policy Forum's summit, Finance Minister Bill Morneau reiterated his government's vow to see the project go forward a message he said will be repeated in the prime minister's upcoming meetings with the premiers of Alberta and B.C. "When the federal government makes a decision to move forward on a project, we need to be able to do that," he said. Texas-based Kinder Morgan has given Ottawa until May 31 to provide concrete assurances that the project will go ahead, despite the opposition that now threatens to block it. Several Indigenous and environmental groups are staunchly opposed to the pipeline's expansion, and more than a dozen groups are challenging the project's approval at the Federal Court of Appeal. Morneau said the government has responded to concerns expressed by pipeline opponents, citing his government's $1.5-billion oceans protection program, announced in March to mitigate the risk of a potential oil spill. Conceding that the Trans Mountain expansion might not win the support of all of its critics, Morneau said the federal government has the jurisdiction and the means to see that it gets built. "We will need to listen along the way, but that is the outcome that we will achieve," he said. Investor confidence shaken Still, continued opposition to the Trans Mountain expansion is a sign that Ottawa must find a better way to address bottlenecks in its approval process for major infrastructure projects, said Barton. "We've got to involve people in it, but there's got to be a set timeframe for that," he said. "It can't be endless and it can't be so unclear, because people are just not going to invest." The Business Council of Canada also expressed its fear that mounting delays and uncertainty could kill the pipeline project, hampering Canada's efforts to get its oil resources to tidewater. "Markets and investors around the world are watching closely," said council president and chief executive officer John Manley in a news release. "In the absence of a swift resolution to this issue, foreign and domestic investors will be left to question whether Canada is a suitable place to invest, create jobs and grow their businesses." At a news conference held Thursday afternoon, an alliance of B.C. business leaders called on the province's premier to reverse course on his opposition to the pipeline expansion, accusing him of igniting a trade war with Alberta and undermining investor confidence. "If we can't build this project, it will show the world that government approvals and the rule of law count for nothing in Canada," said B.C. Chamber of Commerce President Val Litwin. "Make no mistake if this pipeline can't move forward, it will have broad implications for resource development in B.C. and in Canada and investment in general." By Sue-Lin Wong and Damir Sagolj (Reuters) - Not far from Linjiang, people in thin, head-to-toe rubber suits were diving in the river. Locals said they were part of North Korea's smuggling operations. We couldn't figure out what the divers were doing - mending pipes in the river bed, fishing? One local walking along the Chinese side of the river bank was happy to fill us in. "They're mining for gold," he said. "Are they Chinese or North Korean?" I asked. "Ha! They're North Koreans. Chinese aren't desperate enough to resort to earning money like that." We saw men in military uniform watching over the divers. Defectors have said "Office 39," a North Korean entity that procures luxury goods for the Kim family, has a hand in the gold mining business, exporting gold as a way to raise hard currency. Each corps in the military and security ministry does this kind of gold mining, panning for gold in rivers and streams, wrote Kim Kwang-jin, a North Korean defector, in a report by the U.S.-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. North Korea has many things desired by the Chinese, locals told me. Not just gold but also copper ore, iron ore, aluminum, charcoal, timber, pine nuts, hazelnuts, seafood and pine mushrooms. In the 1990s, traders just needed to give the border patrols on both sides of the river a small bribe. Now, things have tightened up. But United Nations monitors have said North Korea violated sanctions to earn nearly $200 million in 2017 from banned commodity exports. We asked the North Korean mission to the United Nations for a comment but they didn't respond. AN UNDERGROUND MARKET North Korea has an estimated 2,000 tons of gold reserves, the sixth-largest in the world, according to South Korea's state-run Korea Resources Corporation. This region accounts for more than 60 percent of them, according to the South Korean government. United Nations Security Council sanctions were imposed on gold from North Korea in 2016 and there are no official gold exports from North Korea to China, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency says. Locals said North Koreans dive for gold here every day, in summer and in winter. The equipment is pretty basic. In the past, there was a large underground market for gold in Sinuiju, the largest city on North Korea's border with China, according to North Korea expert Andrei Lankov. AMERICAN ENTERPRISE Back in the day, gold mining in North Korea was an American industry. From 1895 to 1939, the Oriental Consolidated Mining Company (OCMC) operated a mine in Unsan, near Pyongyang, which became "the most lucrative enterprise of its kind in Asia," according to an article by historian Spencer J. Palmer in 1962. South Korea's Ministry of Unification said in its archives the Unsan mine was "first-rate." A Japanese firm bought it in August 1939, according to Robert Neff, an expert in the history of Western mining in Korea - historians say they got it for a discount off their final instalment, ahead of America's war with Japan. We couldn't tell if it is still in operation today. NOBEL PRIZE WINNER In the early 1900s, an American company town sprang up near the Unsan mine. Thousands of American engineers and managers lived with their families there. Charles Pedersen was one of them, born in 1904 to a Norwegian engineer and a Japanese mother. Pedersen discovered a way to bind atoms and make new compounds which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He remains the only person born in Korea to have won a Nobel Prize in Science. HOOVER'S BAR BILL Pedersen wrote in his biographical notes for the prize that because the mines were administered by Americans, there was an effort to make life there as American as possible. Herbert Hoover, who would later go on to be president of the United States, visited in 1910 when he was working for a Chinese-based gold mining company, said Neff. "While he was in Korea, he ran up a large bill at OCMC's bar and then skipped out without paying," Neff told me, citing interviews with gold miners. 'MADE IN CHINA' Many people we met on the border said various goods are produced in North Korea and re-labelled as 'Made in China' here before being sold to the rest of the world. China has declined to comment, but this is something I've often been told on the border. Since Kim Jong Un stepped up weapons tests in 2017, the United Nations has ratcheted up sanctions and China has been enforcing them vigilantly. Patrols roam the cities along the border, so most illegal trading takes place under the cover of night in quiet villages. "Come autumn, there's a lot of illegal trading that goes on at night time," said Li Peng, an electrician in Linjiang. Another trader told me the thing the North Koreans most want is renminbi, the Chinese currency. "It's their currency of choice, all along the border with China. Their money isn't really worth anything anymore." ANYONE FOR PINE NUTS? "All kinds of things get traded," said the man we met at Hekou, as he pointed to a North Korean soldier across the frozen river. "I know him," he said, "and I know all of his colleagues. I sometimes go over to visit them." But a Chinese businessman we met in Changbai County complained that now, he can only deal in pine mushrooms and pine nuts, which he sells to the United States, Japan and South Korea. "The U.S. just want mid-range pine nuts," he grumbled. "We'd make more money if we could sell them high-range nuts." The United States and some other countries ban products made inside North Korea, as well as those using North Korean ingredients. "North Korea has lots of things to sell us," the businessman said. "The problem right now is they aren't allowed to sell us many things." (Edited by Sara Ledwith) A Yellowknife-based defence lawyer says the new federal omnibus crime bill misses the mark when it comes to efficiency and fairness in the criminal justice system and that it fails to consider the unique Northern context. Federal Justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould has touted Bill C-75 as including changes that will reduce court delays, ensure juries are more representative and strengthen the court's response to intimate partner violence. But some defence lawyers have been critical of the proposed changes, including Caroline Wawzonek, who said if the bill is passed as is, it could have serious negative impacts on justice in the North. Wawzonek noted the bill proposes eliminating preliminary inquiries pretrial hearings that determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial in all but the most serious cases. These can alert lawyers if more work needs to be done, she said, and are especially important in the North where there are limited police resources and a high rate of sexual offences. "You need the best possible information to have the right and the best outcome," she said. Wawzonek also took issue with the bill's plan to do away with peremptory challenges, which give lawyers the ability to reject potential jurors without giving reasons. She called it a "knee jerk reaction" to public concerns with the lack of Indigenous jurors in the trial of Gerald Stanley, who was acquitted of second-degree murder in the death of Colton Boushie. - OPINION | Canadian justice system needs overhaul in light of Gerald Stanley verdict These challenges help ensure fairness, Wawzonek said, and removing them could actually reduce Indigenous representation on juries. She suggested there are better ways to increase representation, including drawing from Indigenous governments' election lists for jury rolls. "There needs to be more Indigenous names on the list in the beginning, and then you don't need to worry so much about the back end and saying, 'Well, we've got to hang on to the one or two people in the room who look like they might be Indigenous,'" she said. Story continues Mandatory minimum sentences remain Wawzonek was also critical of sections of the bill that could increase maximum sentences for repeat intimate partner violence offences and make it more difficult to be released on bail. She said this doesn't address the root causes of violence, like addictions and trauma, unlike treatment options and alternative forms of justice like the domestic violence treatment option in the Northwest Territories. "That's actually a meaningful way to break the cycle of violence and not just show the public you're being tough on crime," she said. Finally, Wawzonek noted what's missing in the bill: it makes no mention of eliminating mandatory minimum sentences in the Criminal Code, which the Liberal government has highlighted as a goal. Some defence lawyers have challenged these minimums as unconstitutional and in several cases, they have been struck down by the Supreme Court of Canada. "This is a lost opportunity, there's nothing in this that I can see right now that really speaks meaningfully to restorative justice, to a change in philosophy, to an approach that looks at healing as opposed to punishment," Wawzonek said. The federal Department of Justice stands behind the proposed changes and said the Minister consulted with victims, lawyers, law enforcement, social workers and academics prior to the introduction of Bill C-75. There were also 16 roundtables held across the country including in Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Iqaluit. As of Friday morning, the territorial Department of Justice had not returned a request for comment on concerns with Bill C-75. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada, which is responsible for criminal prosecutions in the territories, also declined to comment. Two provinces who have battled over hydroelectric power vowed Thursday to continue working together to enhance a transportation corridor between Quebec and Labrador and to develop mining projects in the border area. The agreement to "partner" came at a meeting between Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard at a meeting in Quebec City. With a view to developing mining potential in the Labrador Trough, the two provinces said they will collaborate on gathering geotechnical information and land use planning, and on developing infrastructure and creating jobs. Quebec agreed to continue work on Route 138 along the Quebec North Shore and the improvement of Route 389 between Baie Comeau and Labrador West. Newfoundland and Labrador promised to continue work on Route 510, between Pinware and Blanc Sablon. Thursday's meeting was a follow-up to one in July 2017, when the premiers first decided to work together on common issues and formalized their intent with the signing of an agreement. "It has never been more important for us to work together with our neighbours who share a common interest in growing industries and creating jobs," said Ball. Couillard said co-operating should stimulate the economies of both provinces. "With the signature of this agreement, our relationship with Newfoundland and Labrador is entering a new phase. We share a common vision," he said. Chatter about the perils of technology has loomed large at the TED conference in Vancouver this week, as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg faces Congressional hearings in the U.S. The conference, the source of many TED Talks online, attracts thousands of global leaders in the tech sector on and off the stage. The risks of technology were addressed on stage by Jaron Lanier, one of the speakers on Tuesday, the opening night of the conference. Lanier is a long-time Silicon Valley innovator who is said to have coined the term virtual reality. His pals were some of the first to create advertising-based models for programs like Google and Facebook. "As the technology improved, it evolved into a full-blown continuous surveillance and behaviour modification model, and that is something that really is not survivable," Lanier told CBC News the morning after his talk. "When you have a society based on the idea that the only way for people to connect, to work together, is if third parties are paying to manipulate those people, there's no way for that society to not go insane." Dressed in baggy, black clothes, Lanier is a large, soft-spoken man with long dreadlocks. He's also a cult-like figure at TED, with fans approaching him like moths drawn to light as he walks through the conference's hallways. "In principle some of these technologies could be beneficial," he said, referring to smart appliances and home devices. "The problem is that there's this other shadow side in which the data that they gather about you is being used to manipulate you." That's not to say that Lanier is a tech pessimist. Technological advances have brought huge benefits over the years, he said. He cites the virtual reality medical training models used to treat patients like his wife, who recently underwent cancer surgery. "Somehow the idea that you can't have the benefits [of technology] without the creepiness has become ingrained because a small minority of people make so much money off of it, but in truth they can be separated," Lanier said. Story continues 'It's not scare-mongering' The potential hazards of artificial intelligence was the subject of Max Tegmark's Wednesday morning talk. Tegmark is a researcher at MIT and also the co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, an organization that aims to foresee possible pitfalls that artificial intelligence, or AI, may prompt. The institute also wants to develop a positive goal for where AI can take society. For Tegmark, discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of AI are both necessary. "The more clearly we can envision a positive future, the more likely it is we're going to get it," he said. "The one way to make failure inevitable is to tell yourself that you're doomed and to stop looking for solutions." Tegmark, a tall, lanky man, acknowledges that questions remain about who gets to determine what a positive future looks like, and for whom. He also acknowledges that AI has potential for some dire long-term consequences. And he warns that simply learning from mistakes is an outdated strategy for AI. "It's much better to plan ahead and get things right the first time, because that might be the only time we've got," he said. "It's not scare-mongering at all. It's what we call safety engineering at MIT." Tegmark, like others at TED, also says it's not enough to criticize the status quo. People must put forward solutions for progress to occur, he said. 'A new way of thinking' That's the same refrain advocated by Cesar Hidalgo, also a researcher at MIT. "I could have come here and given a talk about how everything is wrong and how we should all be scared and I would have gotten a standing ovation," he said. Instead, Hidalgo put forward a bold idea to bolster democracy during his Wednesday morning talk. His proposal is a model of direct decision-making, helped by the same type of technology that provides you with book recommendations on Amazon. The technology called recommender software could give citizens the ability to vote on proposed policies. The idea is based on his decade of work with countries like the U.S. and his native Chile to aggregate large-scale data sets in order to make policy decisions. Hidalgo doesn't deny that his idea might seem far-fetched, and he emphasizes that it's not likely to be implemented anytime soon. "Maybe 20 or 30 years from now, thinking of augmenting democracy with artificial intelligence might be worth a shot," he said. "We have now new alternatives that have been enabled by new technologies that were not available before." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will interrupt his nine-day foreign trip to return to Ottawa to meet with B.C. Premier John Horgan and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley on Sunday to try to end the deadlock over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Trudeau will travel to Ottawa from Lima, Peru, then travel on to Paris. The PMO said the precise time of the Sunday morning meeting with the premiers had not yet been settled, but it is not expected to alter the European leg of the trip. The itinerary change was announced just minutes before the prime minister's plane departed for Peru, where he is joining more than 30 world leaders for the Summit of Americas. Horgan tweeted about the meeting shortly after. Tensions over the Trans Mountain expansion have been building since Kinder Morgan suspended all non-essential spending on the project on Sunday. The company has given the federal government until May 31 to deliver concrete assurances that the expanded line will get built. That prompted Trudeau to call an emergency cabinet meeting in Ottawa Monday. Ministers emerged from that meeting disclosing no concrete solutions to the standoff. Finance Minister Bill Morneau met with Notley in Toronto early Wednesday evening. Notley said she left the meeting feeling "more convinced" that Ottawa will soon take action, but did not say what options were on the table. 'Swift action' promised "I will say that he did assure me the Canadian government plans to take swift action on this file," she said on a conference call after the meeting. By Thursday, however, Notley was casting cold water on any suggestion that Alberta would be willing to give an inch on Trans Mountain. "There is one and only one solution, and that solution is that the pipeline gets built without delay," Notley said in Edmonton. The premier also stood by her threat to introduce legislation that would allow her to curtail oil shipments to B.C., among other retaliatory measures a move that surely would cause a spike in gas prices west of the Rockies. Story continues Horgan, for his part, expressed relief Ottawa hadn't clawed back any federal funding from his province, but stood by his vow to seek guidance from the courts on whether B.C. has the power to restrict bitumen flow through the pipeline. "I'm doing what I said I would do and that's defend B.C.'s coast," he said. "We're doing it in a lawful manner and there's nothing to stand down from. We are in court, we're going to stay in court. We're putting forward a reference. I welcome Alberta and Canada to join us." Today, Morneau said the government will have a consistent message for the premiers going forward. "We are resolved to move forward on this project. We have the federal tools to do that. We will be, of course, discussing how do do that with the project proponent," he said during a Public Policy Forum event in Toronto. "Those discussions are already underway. I don't have the opportunity to give you more details because we do need to get through those discussions to find the right approach to ensuring that this is delivered on behalf of Canadians." Trudeau's meeting comes amid mounting pressure from Canada's business community to break the deadlock and get the pipeline built. Influential businessman Dominic Barton, who also chairs the federal government's economic advisory council, said job-generating infrastructure projects take too long to get built in Canada and the government must find a way to expedite the process. 'Crisis of confidence' The Business Council of Canada issued a statement that said chronic delays are now threatening to kill the project, "denying Canadians the opportunity to get full value for their energy resources in international markets." That would deprive governments of funding for a wide range of public services and cast "serious doubt" on Canada's reputation as a safe place to invest and a jurisdiction where the rule of law prevails, the statement read. Business leaders in B.C. also held a joint news conference urging a quick resolution to a standoff they say amounts to a "crisis of confidence" in Canada. After meeting with the premiers, Trudeau is now scheduled to travel to Paris for his first official visit to France and a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. He will also address the French National Assembly and attend several speaking engagements. He is scheduled to then travel to London, where he is to meet the Queen and British Prime Minister Theresa May before attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. Last-minute change of plans Trudeau's meeting with Notley and Horgan had all the earmarks of a last-minute arrangement. Trudeau's Airbus 310 had already pulled away from the ramp and was taxiing to the runway on its way to Peru today when two members of his staff announced that he would be altering his itinerary. As the plane went up and the bars on their cellphones went down, journalists barely had time to send a few lines to their editors by email before eight hours of enforced electronic silence en route to Lima. The prime minister's original plan had been to take off immediately after the conclusion of the summit in Lima late Saturday night to fly to Paris, sleeping on the way. Because the Airbus 310 doesn't have the range to fly direct from Lima to Paris, it would have made a refuelling stop in the Azores early Sunday afternoon. Trudeau would then arrive Sunday night in Paris, and be fresh for his meeting with Macron the following day. Instead, Trudeau will depart Lima direct for Ottawa on Saturday night, arriving about eight hours later at Hangar 11. He could be at his office on the Hill by around 8 o'clock Sunday morning. Trudeau will then have to head back to the airport, re-board his plane and fly direct to Paris, a journey of about seven hours. For the Canadian delegation, the changed itinerary probably will mean a second consecutive night of sleeping on the plane. The Airbus 310 is not fitted with a stateroom, but does have a small closet-like space where crew members sometimes place an inflatable mattress. Staff sleep in their seats or on the floor space between rows. The plane is fitted with a small shower stall. Trudeau is not accompanied by any family members on this trip. ABC News(NEW YORK) -- Donald Trump engaged in a months-long effort to secure the loyalty of then-FBI Director James Comey in a series of meetings and phone calls that began in the presidential transition period -- behavior Comey likens to that of a mafia boss, Comey writes in a book set for release next week. Those efforts included a now-famous, private White House dinner with Trump just a week after the president was inaugurated, in which Trump, Comey writes, told him: I need loyalty. I expect loyalty. Comey writes that to him, The demand was like Sammy the Bulls Cosa Nostra induction ceremony. Comey responded with silence, he writes in the book, and Trump moved the conversation along. Later in the dinner, Trump returned to the subject: I need loyalty. You will always get honesty from me, Comey writes that he responded. Thats what I want, honest loyalty, Trump said. You will get that from me, Comey responded. The book, A Higher Loyalty, is Comeys first extensive public accounting of his handling of investigations affecting Trump and Hillary Clinton and the circumstances around his firing by Trump since his congressional testimony last year. ABC News Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos is conducting the first interview with Comey about the book, airing in a special edition of 20/20 on Sunday, April 15, at 10 p.m. ET. A few weeks before his private dinner with the president, shortly before his inauguration, Comey had a similar feeling about mob loyalty pledges during his first meeting with Trump, he writes. Comey and other top intelligence officials were at Trump Tower to brief the president-elect, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, and a small circle of their top aides on Russian efforts to influence the election. Rather than ask about how to meet the threat from Russia, Comey writes, Trump, Pence and incoming White House aides Reince Priebus and Sean Spicer quickly focused on how they could spin what wed just told them, debating how to position these findings for maximum political advantage. I sat there thinking, Holy crap, they are trying to make each of us amica nostra friend of ours. To draw us in, Comey writes. As crazy as it sounds, I suddenly had the feeling that, in the blink of an eye, the president-elect was trying to make us all part of the same family and that Team Trump h ad made it a thing of ours. Weeks later, after the private dinner with Trump in which Comey says he agreed to give the president honest loyalty, Comey had another private Oval Office meeting with Trump. This time, he writes, Trump appeared to ask him to drop an FBI inquiry of fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. He is a good guy, Trump told Comey, according to the book. I hope you can let this go. I did not interrupt the president to protest that what he was asking was inappropriate, as I probably should have, Comey writes. But if he didnt know what he was doing was inappropriate, why had he just ejected everyone, including my boss [Attorney General Jeff Sessions] and the vice president, from the room so he could speak with me alone? The book also includes a detailed description of Comeys handling of the investigation regarding Clintons use of a private email server during her time as secretary of state. That investigation led Comey to make a series of unusual and controversial public statements over the course of the summer and fall of 2016 statements Clinton and others believe influenced the election. Comey writes that he felt obligated to take more of a personal role as the public face of the investigation rather than deferring to then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch in part because of something involving Lynch that he cryptically refers to as a development still unknown to the American public to this day. In early 2016, the U.S. government became aware of information from a classified source, and the source and content of that material remains classified as I write this, according to the book. Had it become public, the unverified material would undoubtedly have been used by political opponents to cast serious doubt on the attorney generals independence in connection with the Clinton investigation, Comey writes, without further elaboration. Comey asserts that he didnt sense Lynch interfered with the investigation, even after the highly publicized Phoenix tarmac meeting between Lynch and former President Bill Clinton. That episode convinced Comey that he needed to step forward with his own public accounting of the email server investigation. In an interview with NBC this week, in advance of the books publication, Lynch said she and Comey had a full and open discussion about the handling of the Clinton email case in the fall of 2015, and that concerns were not raised. Comey maintains he handled the initial public statements around the Clinton investigation correctly, save for two small changes he would make in hindsight regarding how he described his decision not to pursue criminal charges in July 2016. Comey writes that he should have said at the outset of his public statement that there would be no charges; his family, he writes, believed he was Seacresting or building up a dramatic tease like television host Ryan Seacrest. He also writes that he should not have used the term extremely careless to describe Clintons behavior, since it sounded roughly similar to grossly negligent the legal standard for prosecution. Comey reveals that he was first told in early October 2016 that a laptop belonging to former Rep. Anthony Weiner might have some connection to the Clinton email case. He said he believes Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe who himself would be fired by Trump earlier this year told him about it. But Comey writes that he didnt think much of it until Oct. 27, 2016, when McCabe said the Clinton email team needed to update him on what they were learning. That led to a highly unusual series of public statements by Comey in the final two weeks before the election. He first announced the laptop might have relevant information and was being examined, and then said on the weekend before Election Day that nothing relevant was found in it. I have read she has felt anger toward me personally, and Im sorry for that, Comey writes, referring to Clinton. Im sorry that I couldnt do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made. He adds that, shortly after the election, then-President Barack Obama personally offered his support for how he handled the job in an Oval Office meeting. I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability, Obama said, according to Comey. I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view. Still, Comey writes that his public handling of the Clinton case specifically, of providing more information to the public rather than less may have been influenced by the widespread assumption that Trump would lose the election. Certainly not consciously, but I would be a fool to say it couldnt have had an impact on me, he writes. It is entirely possible, he continues, that my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls. But I dont know. The mindset that Clinton would win despite Russian involvement may have impacted Obamas own handling of developments late in the campaign, according to Comey. When deliberating how to respond to Russian President Vladimir Putins apparent election meddling in September, Comey recalls Obama opting for fewer public warnings, and saying of Putin, He backed the wrong horse. Comey surmises of Obamas mindset: And why give Donald Trump the excuse to blame Obama for frightening the American people? He was going to lose anyway. Comey, however, makes clear his affection for Obama and his disdain for Trump and his leadership style. Though he did not vote in 2016, and secured his first high-profile government jobs under the Republican presidency of George W. Bush, he writes that his wife and daughters voted for Clinton and even participated in the Womens March, held the day after the inauguration in Washington. The book is peppered with unflattering personal observations about Trump. Comey, who is 68, writes that Trump appeared shorter than he seemed on a debate stage, and says of the hand he offered for a handshake, It was smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so. Writing of their first meeting, in Trump Tower, Comey says the president-elects face appeared slightly orange, with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assumed he placed small tanning goggles, and impressively coiffed, bright blond hair, which upon close inspection looked to be all his. I remember wondering how long it must take him in the morning to get that done. Weeks later, as he recounts Trumps apparent effort to pull him in for a hug while cameras rolled at a White House reception for law enforcement, Comey writes, He was not going to get a hug without being a whole lot stronger than he looked. He wasnt. At one point, Comey describes Trumps manner of speaking as an oral jigsaw puzzle contest, with a shot clock. Comeys firing shook Washington. He recounts receiving an emotional call from John Kelly, then Trumps secretary of Homeland Security and his current chief of staff, in the chaotic hours after Comey learned first via TV news reports that he had been fired. In Comeys telling, Kelly told him that he intended to quit in protest because he didnt want to work for dishonorable people who would treat someone like me in such a manner, in an account that confirms reporting that first emerged last summer. I urged Kelly not to do that, arguing that the country needed principled people around this president. Especially this president, Comey writes. Comey concedes, as he did before Congress last year, that he sought to get information out to the public about his interactions with the president by asking a friend to describe memos he had dictated about his conversations with Trump. He writes that he did so only because Trump seemed to threaten him with a tweet suggesting there might be tapes of those conversations. Comey writes that he revealed the February 2017 conversation during which he claims the president urged him drop an investigation of Flynn because I didnt trust the Department of Justice leadership under the current attorney general and deputy attorney general to do the right thing, in pursuing possible tapes. Comeys claim that Trump urged him to let it go regarding the Flynn might force the Department of Justice to appoint a special prosecutor, Comey writes. That happened shortly thereafter, with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosensteins appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller, whose investigation remains active. While Mueller intersects with Comeys story throughout the book, especially during their years serving the Bush administration, Comey writes that he has no knowledge of what hes pursuing. But he does have some theories. One of the pivotal questions I presume that Bob Muellers team is investigating is whether or not in urging me to back the FBI off our investigation of his national security adviser and in firing me, President Trump was attempting to obstruct justice, which is a federal crime, Comey writes. Its certainly possible. There is at least circumstantial evidence in that regard, and there may be more that the Mueller team will assemble. Comey repeatedly expresses concern that the president is harming democratic institutions. In his epilogue, he refers to the forest fire that is the Trump presidency. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work. . ..A Citadel Defending Zion..13 April '18..Just who exactly has the right to tell Israel how to defend its borders?Might it be the French government, which this week condemned the IDF for employing what it called indiscriminate fire against Hamas terrorists who are seeking to breach the Gaza border?This is the same French that have never known how to defend their own borders, against Nazi invasion nor against Islamist infiltration; the same French, two of whose local embassy personnel were last month arrested for smuggling dozens of weapons from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip to the West Bank.Might it be the European Union, which this week snorted that the deaths of Palestinian protesters along the Gaza border raise serious questions about proportionate use of force by Israel?Proportionate?! This is the same EU that continues to intervene massively and disproportionately on behalf of the Palestinians in their struggle with Israel through gargantuan sums of aid money that partially goes to pay terrorists and fund hostile NGOs, by building illegal settlements in Area C for Palestinian squatters, and by supporting anti-Israel resolution after resolution in international forums including coda that denies Jewish history in Jerusalem.The EU is lecturing Israel about proportionality? Do EU governments demand proportionate response from their police SWAT forces when they hunt down homegrown terrorists and airport bombers in Paris, Brussels and Marseille?And besides, the demand for proportionality in military conflict seems to be a nonsensical special law cynically applied only to Israel as if Israel was in a sportsmanlike joust with Hamas or Hezbollah.This is also the same EU that supported the maliciously-biased UN investigations of the IDF (Goldstone and more) after Israel was forced to war against Hamas three times over the past decade because of Hamas rocket and terrorist attacks.Or perhaps it is the dictatorial and anti-Semitic Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan who has a right to criticize Israel? Erdogan this week once again accused Israel of war crimes.This is the same Erdogan who has jailed tens of thousands of Turkish academics, judges, journalists, human rights activists and officers who have dared to criticize his regime; the same Erdogan who openly harbors a hard-core Hamas operational terrorist headquarters in his capital city.Or perhaps Israel should accept criticism from Russia, which said three days ago that Israels use of force against Hamas gangs was unacceptable?This is the same Russian government that has bombed away indiscriminately in Syria, killing thousands, and which is providing military and diplomatic cover to Syrias butcher-in-chief Hafez Assad as he barrel-bombs his own people with poison gasses.What about the United Nations Security Council, which if not for two Trump administration vetoes, would have excoriated Israel for blocking Hamas infiltration and attack antics? Should Israel pay any attention to UNSC disapproval?This is the same UNSC that cant find a way to do anything about the seven-year-long slaughter in Syria, or about Irans subversive muckraking all across the Middle East.Or how about global media giants and pundits, who blathered on this week about poor and peaceful Gazan protestors comprised of women and children who were being brutally targeted by IDF sharpshooters which is an absolute and despicable lie that any responsible journalist should have eschewed?Of course, these are the same journalists who havent been much moved to outrage about Syrian or Iranian atrocities at any time over the past decade, and who celebrated Obamas disastrous deal with Iran as a great achievement. They get truly self-righteous and especially angry only when Israel is involved in a military altercation.THE TEMERITY AND HYPOCRISY of such critics is simply astounding. I say that none of them have the right to criticize Israels defensive actions on the Gaza border, even if Israel had used significant force against the Hamas mobs which it didnt.Israel need not apologize for defending itself vigorously against Hamas tunnels, rockets, missiles and marches; nor for killing of Hamas terrorists planning and leading the border riots; or for the unavoidable deaths of Palestinians civilians behind whom Hamas fighters are purposefully hiding.Israel also must never apologize for reminding the world again and again that Jews are not foreigners in their ancestral homeland. Israel is not an occupying force in the plains of the Sharon, or the sand dunes of the Negev adjoining Gaza, or the hilltops of Judea and Samaria, or in Jerusalem. And it has a right to defend its borders without being subjected to wicked censure.GIVEN THE PROXIMITY of these events to Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), historical precedents inevitably come to mind something that only reinforces Israels right to defy international deprecation.The global diplomatic community stood by as Hitler grew in power and began persecuting the Jews of Germany. They did mostly nothing during the war even as the contours of the Nazi extermination regime against Jews became apparent. They failed to bomb the railways to Auschwitz, and more. Diplomatically, the world failed the Jewish People.Today, the United Nations itself has become one of the greatest purveyors of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel delegitimization. The so-called Security Council is more seized with Israeli housing starts than genocidal threats against Israel.Global powers also have failed to halt Iranian hegemonic advancement across the region, including Irans recent entrenchment in Syria as a base of operations against Israel. All this, in full view of a well-wired world.In this dismal situation, the Jewish People and the State of Israel diplomatically owe the world nothing. Broadly speaking, the nations of the world have no moral right to tell Israel what to do, how to conduct its politics, where to erect its security fences, how to conduct its military campaigns, where draw its borders or how to defend them, or what ancestral lands to trade away, if at all, to the Palestinians.Quartet diplomats, Russian diplomats, Norwegian diplomats, French and German diplomats and more ought to approach us with a great deal of humility when they come to discuss our diplomatic well-being and before they attempt to dictate terms of our future or critique our military operations.Having been so wrong in their Pollyannaish hopes for the Oslo Accords, for the Arab Spring, and for the JCPOA, they ought to give Israel the benefit of the doubt when Jerusalem feels the need to act cautiously in the diplomatic arena or determinedly in the defense arena.As former Prime Minister Menachem Begin once challenged and chastised the German Chancellor, Are we a vassal state? And would you prefer a weak Israel? Supreme Court of Florida. ENOCH D. HALL, Appellant, v. STATE OF FLORIDA, Appellee. No. SC17-1355 Decided: April 12, 2018 James Vincent Viggiano, Jr., Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, Ann Marie Mirialakis and Ali A. Shakoor, Assistant Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, Middle Region, Temple Terrace, Florida, for Appellant Pamela Jo Bondi, Attorney General, Tallahassee, Florida, and Doris Meacham, Assistant Attorney General, Daytona Beach, Florida, for Appellee This case is before the Court on appeal from an order denying a Successive Motion to Vacate Death Sentence pursuant to Hurst v. State, 202 So. 3d 40 (Fla. 2016), cert. denied, 137 S. Ct. 2161 (2017), under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.851. Because the order concerns postconviction relief from a sentence of death, we have jurisdiction. See art. V, 3(b)(1), Fla. Const. FACTS AND BACKGROUND This Court has previously detailed the underlying facts of this case. Hall v. State (Hall I), 107 So. 3d 262, 267-71 (Fla. 2012). Relevant to the instant proceeding, Hall, an inmate at Tomoka Correctional Institution (TCI), was convicted and sentenced to death for the first-degree murder of Correctional Officer (CO) Donna Fitzgerald. Hall v. State (Hall II), 212 So. 3d 1001, 1009 (Fla. 2017). After a penalty phase, the jury returned a unanimous death sentence. Id. at 1012. Hall appealed, and this Court ultimately affirmed his conviction and sentence. See generally Hall I, 107 So. 3d 262. On October 7, 2013, the United States Supreme Court denied certiorari, Hall v. Florida, 134 S. Ct. 203 (2013); thus Hall's case became final on that date. This Court affirmed the denial of Hall's initial motion for postconviction relief and denied his petition for writ of habeas corpus. Hall II, 212 So. 3d at 1036. During the pendency of his initial postconviction motion, Hall filed a Successive Motion to Vacate Death Sentence pursuant to Hurst, which was denied by the postconviction court. This appeal from the first successive motion for postconviction relief follows. ANALYSIS Hall's Claims for Relief under Hurst v. State We affirm the postconviction court's denial of relief on this claim for the reasons discussed below. Most importantly, our opinion in Hall II, and our corresponding Hurst harmless error analysis denying relief within that opinion, already addressed the issues that Hall now attempts to present. CCP Aggravator Stricken We conclude that this subclaim of Hall's successive postconviction motion fails on the merits. Notably, aside from Wood v. State, 209 So. 3d 1217, 1234 (Fla. 2017), which is distinguished below, Hall presents no binding precedent that supports his assertion that the stricken CCP aggravator in his case is sufficient to receive Hurst relief. Moreover, as discussed below, our recent decisions in Middleton v. State, 220 So. 3d 1152 (Fla. 2017), cert. denied, 138 S. Ct. 829 (2018), and Cozzie v. State, 225 So. 3d 717, 729 (Fla. 2017), cert. denied, No. 17-7545 (U.S. Apr. 2, 2018), support the contrary conclusion. In Wood, we struck both the CCP and avoid arrest aggravating factors, which were two of the three aggravators found by the trial court and to which it assigned great weight. Id. at 1233. In ultimately determining that the error in Wood was not harmless, we emphasized: In this case the jury was instructed on both aggravating factors that we have determined were not supported by competent, substantial evidence. This alone would require a finding that the error was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. We note that our conclusion in this regard is also consistent with our pre-Hurst precedent in Kaczmar v. State, 104 So. 3d 990, 1008 (Fla. 2012), where we held that, upon striking the CCP and felony-murder aggravating factors so that only one valid aggravating factor remained, such error was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Post-Hurst, this conclusion is even more compelling. [T]he jury would have had to make these factual determinations that the sole valid aggravating factorthat the capital felony was committed while Wood was engaged, or was an accomplice in the commission of a burglary and or robberyoutweighed the mitigating circumstances established. [W]e are not so sanguine as to conclude that [Wood's] jury would have found [this sole aggravating factor] sufficient to impose death and that [this sole aggravating factor] outweighed the mitigation. Id. at 1234 (alterations in original) (emphasis added) (quoting Hurst, 202 So. 3d at 68). In determining that the error was harmful, we repeatedly emphasized that our conclusion was influenced by the fact that two of the three aggravators presented were stricken, leaving only one valid aggravating factor for the jury to properly consider. Thus the harmless error analysis in Wood was based on the Court's determination that the remaining sole valid aggravating factor was not sufficient to support the sentence of death. Wood is distinguishable from Hall's case for numerous reasons. Firstly, even after striking the CCP aggravator, Hall had four valid remaining aggravators, all of which were afforded either great weight or very great weight, as opposed to the one remaining aggravator found in Wood. Secondly, three of the remaining aggravators found in Hall's case (i.e., under sentence of imprisonment, previously convicted of another violent felony, and the victim was a law enforcement officer) were without dispute. Thus as we stated in our harmless error analysis in Hall II, Presuming that the jury did its job as instructed by the trial court, we are convinced that it would have still found the aggravators greatly outweighed the mitigators in this case. Indeed, it is inconceivable that a jury would not have found the aggravation in Hall's case unanimously, especially given the fact that three of the aggravators found were automatic 212 So. 3d at 1035. It is also worth noting that this Court, in conducting its harmless error analysis in Hall II, did not include the invalidated CCP aggravator in its analysis. Id. Instead, we found that the Hurst error, as it related to Hall's case, was harmless, even without the stricken CCP aggravator. Id. Thus we conclude that Wood is distinguishable from Hall's case. Two other cases recently decided by our Court, Middleton and Cozzie, also lend support to the postconviction court's denial of this subclaim of Hall's successive postconviction motion. Middleton involved a unanimous jury recommendation of death, where this Court ultimately struck the avoid arrest and CCP aggravators. 220 So. 3d at 1172. There, we explained: When this Court strikes an aggravating factor on appeal, the harmless error test is applied to determine whether there is no reasonable possibility that the error affected the sentence. Williams v. State, 967 So. 2d 735, 765 (Fla. 2007) (quoting Jennings v. State, 782 So. 2d 853, 863 n.9 (Fla. 2001)); see also Diaz v. State, 860 So. 2d 960, 968 (Fla. 2003) (We find this error harmless, however, after consideration of the two remaining aggravating circumstances and the five mitigating circumstances in this case.). Despite striking the avoid arrest and CCP aggravators, two valid aggravators remain in this unanimous death-recommendation case. The two aggravators which remain are that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel (HAC) and that is was committed during the commission of a burglary and for pecuniary gain, which were each given great weight by the trial court. Id. In finding that the error in Middleton was harmless, we noted that there was no statutory mitigation and that the trial court expressly stated that any of the considered aggravating circumstances found in this case, standing alone, would be sufficient to outweigh the mitigation in total presented. Id. Thus because there was no reasonable possibility that the erroneous aggravators contributed to Middleton's sentence, we ultimately concluded that any errors there were harmless. Id. Hall's case is similar to Middleton because significant aggravation remained, even without the stricken CCP aggravator, that far outweighed the mitigation. Hall I, 107 So. 3d at 271. Furthermore, three of the remaining aggravators present in Hall are without and beyond dispute. The fourth aggravator that remains, HAC, is one of the weightiest in Florida, see Jackson v. State, 18 So. 3d 1016, 1035 (Fla. 2009), and was afforded very great weight by the trial court. Thus we conclude, as we have previously in Hall's initial postconviction case, that any error in Hall's case, like the errors in Middleton, was harmless. See Hall II, 212 So. 3d at 1035-36 (finding any Hurst error harmless). Similarly, in Cozzie, we determined that [e]ven if the avoid arrest aggravator were stricken the unanimous death recommendation would still remain, along with the aggravators of CCP, HAC, and in the course of a felony, which are among the weightiest aggravators in our capital sentencing scheme. 225 So. 3d at 729. Furthermore, the remaining aggravators in Cozzie were afforded great weight by the trial court. Id. Thus we ultimately determined that any possible error was harmless because there was not a reasonable possibility that [Cozzie] would have received a life sentence without the trial court finding of the [avoid arrest] aggravator. Id. (alterations in original) (quoting Aguirre-Jarquin v. State, 9 So. 3d 593, 608 (Fla. 2009)). Hall has significant and weighty aggravation beyond the invalidated CCP aggravator. Further, the trial court in both Cozzie and here concluded that the aggravating circumstances far outweigh[ed] the mitigating circumstances. Id. at 725; see Hall I, 107 So. 3d at 271. Thus we conclude that Cozzie is factually similar to Hall's case. Both Hall and the dissent attempt to conflate nonbinding, dissenting opinions with our binding post-Hurst death penalty precedent. However, as discussed above, our binding precedent dictates our conclusion that Hall's stricken CCP aggravator is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. We deny this subclaim of Hall's successive postconviction motion. Mental Health Mitigation Presentation We deny this subclaim in the successive postconviction motion because this Court has already heard and addressed the mental health mitigation in Hall's initial postconviction motion. Thus this claim is procedurally barred. In addition, even when considered on the merits, we conclude that this subclaim fails. In his initial postconviction motion, Hall extensively asserted the claim that trial counsel was ineffective for not presenting mental health mitigation to the jury. Similarly, in our opinion on Hall's initial postconviction motion, we addressed the issue and determined that the trial court's ruling on counsel's strategy was supported by competent, substantial evidence. Hall II, 212 So. 3d at 1027-29. Thus we conclude that this subclaim is procedurally barred, as it was raised and denied on Hall's previous postconviction motion. See Hunter v. State, 29 So. 3d 256, 267 (Fla. 2008). Nevertheless, we also conclude that the subclaim should be denied on the merits. Primarily, under Hurst harmless error, this Court must look to the potential effect on the trier-of-fact, not on the potential effect on trial counsel's trial strategy. Hurst, 202 So. 3d at 68-69. Additionally, we have previously held that trial counsel is not required to anticipate changes in the law to provide effective legal representation. See Lebron v. State, 135 So. 3d 1040, 1054 (Fla. 2014) (This Court has consistently held that trial counsel cannot be held ineffective for failing to anticipate changes in the law. (quoting Cherry v. State, 781 So. 2d 1040, 1053 (Fla. 2000))). Furthermore, under Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984), claims of ineffective assistance of counsel are assessed under the law in effect at the time of the trial. Id. at 689. Thus we conclude that Hall's subclaim also fails on the merits. Caldwell v. Mississippi, 472 U.S. 320 (1985). We deny this subclaim of Hall's successive postconviction motion because it fails on the merits. We have repeatedly rejected Caldwell challenges to the advisory standard jury instructions in the past. See, e.g., Rigterink v. State, 66 So. 3d 866, 897 (Fla. 2011); Globe v. State, 877 So. 2d 663, 673-74 (Fla. 2004); Card v. State, 803 So. 2d 613, 628 (Fla. 2001); Sireci v. State, 773 So. 2d 34, 40 nn.9 & 11 (Fla. 2000); Teffeteller v. Dugger, 734 So. 2d 1009, 1026 (Fla. 1999); Brown v. State, 721 So. 2d 274, 283 (Fla. 1998); Burns v. State, 699 So. 2d 646, 655 (Fla. 1997); Johnson v. State, 660 So. 2d 637, 647 (Fla. 1995). Additionally, as discussed in detail in our recent opinion in Reynolds v. State, No. SC17-793 (Fla. Apr. 5, 2018) (plurality opinion), we have now expressly rejected these post-Hurst Caldwell claims. See also Franklin v. State, 43 Fla. L. Weekly S86 (Feb. 15, 2018). Thus we deny relief on this subclaim of Hall's successive postconviction motion. Hall's Sentence Violates Due Process We deny this subclaim of Hall's successive postconviction motion because we have already addressed a Hurst harmless error analysis as it pertains to Hall's case in Hall II. 212 So. 3d at 1033-36. Thus this subclaim is duplicative. Furthermore, the authority upon which Hall relies in support of his argument, In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358 (1970), is not determinative. The United States Supreme Court, in In re Winship, held that the State must prove all elements of a crime in a juvenile delinquency proceeding beyond a reasonable doubt, just as it would in an adult criminal proceeding, and that the failure to do so would result in a due process violation. 397 U.S. at 367-68. We conclude that In re Winship is distinguishable from Hall's case, however, because Hall's case does not concern a juvenile delinquency proceeding. Moreover, although Hurst did result in the requirement that all aggravators and mitigators be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, as we previously stated in Hall II, the error in Hall's case was harmless. See 212 So. 3d at 1033-36 (discussing how the error was harmless due to Hall's unanimous death sentence). Thus we conclude that Hall's death sentence does not violate due process and thus hold that this subclaim is meritless. Hall's Death Sentence Violates the Eighth Amendment We deny this claim of Hall's successive postconviction motion because there was no harmful error in this case. Hall II, 212 So. 3d at 1036. In Hurst, we held that unanimity is required under the Eighth Amendment. Similarly, we have determined that defendants whose sentences became final post-Ring and who received unanimous jury recommendations are not entitled to Hurst relief if the error is deemed to be harmless pursuant to Davis v. State, 207 So. 3d 142, 173-75 (Fla. 2016). Hall's jury returned a unanimous recommendation, Hall I, 107 So. 3d at 270, his sentence became final after Ring, see Hall v. Florida, 134 S. Ct. 203, and the Hurst error was harmless. Therefore, we deny this claim of Hall's successive postconviction motion. Hall's Indictment Finally, Hall's argument with regard to his indictment also fails. Hall argues that he was denied his right to a proper indictment because the grand jury indictment in his case did not list the aggravators. However, this Court has repeatedly rejected the argument that aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the indictment. Pham v. State, 70 So. 3d 485, 496 (Fla. 2011) (citing Rogers v. State, 957 So. 2d 538, 554 (Fla. 2007); Coday v. State, 946 So. 2d 988, 1006 (Fla. 2006); Ibar v. State, 938 So. 2d 451, 473 (Fla. 2006); Blackwelder v. State, 851 So. 2d 650, 654 (Fla. 2003); Kormondy v. State, 845 So. 2d 41, 54 (Fla. 2003)). Nothing in Hurst indicates that our holding impacted this settled point of law; and we have also held prior to Hurst that neither Apprendi nor Ring requires that aggravating circumstances be charged in the indictment. Rogers, 957 So. 2d at 554. Therefore, Hall's indictment claim fails. CONCLUSION For the reasons set forth above, we affirm the postconviction court's order denying Hall relief on his successive motion for postconviction relief. It is so ordered. In Hall v. State (Hall II), 212 So. 3d 1001 (Fla. 2017), this Court denied Hall relief under Hurst based on the jury's unanimous recommendation for death. 212 So. 3d at 1035. That opinion, which focused solely on the jury's unanimous recommendation for death, did not discuss the effect of the stricken cold, calculated, and premeditated (CCP) aggravator on the Hurst harmless error analysis. In Hall II, I concurred in result without an opinion, and Justice Quince dissented as to the majority's denial of Hurst relief, explaining that some of the aggravating factors required a factual determination that this Court could not assume the jury made unanimously despite the jury's unanimous recommendation for death. 212 So. 3d at 1036-37 (Quince, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part). Concurring in result in Hall II, I did not consider the effect of the stricken CCP aggravator on this Court's Hurst harmless error analysis. In this case, the per curiam opinion addresses the stricken CCP aggravating factor and finds our opinion in Wood v. State, 209 So. 3d 1217 (Fla. 2017), distinguishable. Per curiam op. at 5-6. Although Wood's death sentence was reversed on proportionality grounds, Wood, 209 So. 3d at 1221, as I explained on rehearing in Middleton v. State, 42 Fla. L. Weekly S637, 2017 WL 2374697 (Fla. June 1, 2017), this Court's opinion in Wood supports the conclusion that a stricken aggravating factor affects the Hurst harmless error analysis. Id. at S637-38, *1 (Pariente, J., dissenting). In Wood, this Court stated: Our inquiry post-Hurst must necessarily be the effect of any error on the jury's findings, rather than whether beyond a reasonable doubt the trial judge would have still imposed death. 209 So. 3d at 1233. Applying this statement on rehearing in Middleton, I explained the serious[ ] flaw[ ] in the majority's harmless error analysis: Instead of focusing on the effect of the error on the jury, the majority opinion conducted an erroneous and contradictory harmless error analysis that did not consider the effect of striking two of the four aggravating factorsavoid arrest and CCPon the jury and instead focused on the effect the improper aggravators had on the trial court. When the correct harmless error analysis, pursuant to our precedent, is conducted, I conclude that Middleton is entitled to a new penalty phase. Without even referencing, much less considering, the two stricken aggravators, the majority relied only on the jury's unanimous verdict to determine that the Hurst error in Middleton's case was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Regardless of whether the failure to consider the effect of the two stricken aggravators on the jury was an oversight, it is clear that the analysis is incomplete. Middleton, 42 Fla. L. Weekly at S638, 2017 WL 2374697, at *1 (Pariente, J., dissenting) (citations omitted) (emphasis added). Like in Middleton, in denying Hall Hurst relief in Hall II, this Court did not consider the effect of the stricken CCP aggravating factor. Per curiam op. at 6. As I also explained in Middleton, a stricken aggravating factor significantly affects the Hurst harmless error analysis: Indeed, the essence of the United States Supreme Court's decision in Hurst v. Florida, 136 S. Ct. 616 (2016), was refocusing Florida's capital sentencing scheme on the jury Id. at 624. As this Court stated in DiGuilio v. State, 491 So. 2d 1129 (Fla. 1986), Harmless error is not a device for the appellate court to substitute itself for the trier-of-fact by simply weighing the evidence. The focus is on the effect of the error on the trier-of-fact. Id. at 1139. Therefore, in determining whether the Hurst error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt, we must focus on how the stricken aggravating factors could have affected the jury's recommendation for death. Because the jury was instructed on the aggravating factors that this Court determined were not supported by competent, substantial evidence, this Court must consider the impact that the inappropriate aggravating factors had on the jury's ultimate verdict in determining whether the Hurst error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite the jury's unanimous recommendation for death, this Court has no way of knowing that the jury would have reached the same verdict if it had been instructed on only the valid aggravators. Nor can we assume that the jury would have unanimously found the remaining aggravators sufficient to impose death or unanimously found that the aggravation (without the two stricken aggravating factors) outweighed the mitigation. In short, it is sheer speculation to assume that even without [the stricken] aggravators, the jury would have still unanimously recommended death. Thus, the Court is in no position to conclude that the unanimous jury recommendation renders the Hurst error harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Middleton, 42 Fla. L. Weekly at S638, 2107 WL 2374697, at *2 (Pariente, J., dissenting) (emphasis added) (citations omitted). Likewise, in Hall's case, this Court has no way of knowing whether the unsupported CCP aggravating factor contributed to the jury's unanimous recommendation for death, or whether it affected the jury's conclusion that the aggravating factors were sufficient to impose death and that the aggravation outweighed the mitigation. See Hurst, 202 So. 3d at 44. In fact, the stricken aggravating factor in Hall's case is among the most serious aggravators set out in the statutory sentencing scheme. Wood, 209 So. 3d at 1228 (quoting Deparvine v. State, 995 So. 2d 351, 381 (Fla. 2008)). Thus, I would conclude that because of the stricken CCP aggravating factor in Hall's case, the State cannot establish that the Hurst error is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt and would grant Hall a new penalty phase. Accordingly, I dissent. QUINCE, J., concurs. FOOTNOTES . As we stated in Hall I,In the trial court's Sentencing Order, the court found five aggravators: (1) previously convicted of a felony and under sentence of imprisonmentgreat weight; (2) previously convicted of another capital felony or of a felony involving the use or threat of violence to the persongreat weight; (3) committed to disrupt or hinder the lawful exercise of any governmental function or the enforcement of lawsgreat weight; (4) especially heinous, atrocious or cruel [ (HAC) ]very great weight; (5) cold, calculated, and premeditated [ (CCP) ]very great weight; (6) the victim of the capital felony was a law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of his or her official dutiesno weightmerged with aggravator number 3 as listed above. In mitigation, the sentencing court found no statutory mitigators and eight non-statutory mitigating circumstances: (1) Hall was a good son and brothersome weight; (2) Hall's family loves himlittle weight; (3) Hall was a good athlete who won awards and medalslittle weight; (4) Hall was a victim of sexual abusesome weight; (5) Hall was productively employed while in prisonsome weight; (6) Hall cooperated with law enforcementsome weight; (7) Hall showed remorselittle weight; and (8) Hall displayed appropriate courtroom behaviorlittle weight. The trial court concluded that the aggravating circumstances far outweighed the mitigation and gave great weight to the jury's unanimous recommendation of death. Thus, the trial court imposed the sentence of death.Hall I, 107 So. 3d at 270-71. . We did, however, find that the trial court's finding of the CCP aggravator was not supported by competent, substantial evidence, and thus it was stricken. Hall I, 107 So. 3d at 278-79. . Ultimately, in Wood, we did not order a new penalty phase because we determined that Wood's death sentence was a disproportionate punishment when the aggravators were stricken. 209 So. 3d at 1234. . (1) [P]reviously convicted of a felony and under sentence of imprisonmentgreat weight; (2) previously convicted of another capital felony or of a felony involving the use or threat of violence to the persongreat weight; (3) committed to disrupt or hinder the lawful exercise of any governmental function or the enforcement of lawsgreat weight; (4) especially heinous, atrocious or cruelvery great weight; [and] (5) the victim of the capital felony was a law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of his or her official dutiesno weightmerged with aggravator number 3 as listed above. Hall I, 107 So. 3d at 270-71. . The trial court in Middleton found eleven nonstatutory mitigators, all of which were afforded some weight or little weight. 220 So. 3d at 1173. . The trial court found one statutory mitigator and twenty-five nonstatutory mitigators in Cozzie. Ultimately, the trial court, in weighing the aggravation and mitigation in Cozzie, concluded that the aggravators far outweighed the mitigators in sentencing Cozzie to death. 225 So. 3d at 726. . Hurst v. State (Hurst), 202 So. 3d 40 (Fla. 2016), cert. denied, 137 S. Ct. 2161 (2017); see Hurst v. Florida, 136 S. Ct. 616 (2016). . Despite having already denied Hall Hurst relief, this Court has addressed more than one request for Hurst relief from multiple defendants based on alternative arguments under the Sixth and Eighth Amendments. See Hitchcock v. State, 226 So. 3d 216, 217 n.2 (Fla.), cert. denied, 138 S. Ct. 513 (2017). PER CURIAM. LABARGA, C.J., and LEWIS and LAWSON, JJ., concur. CANADY and POLSTON, JJ., concur in result. PARIENTE, J., dissents with an opinion, in which QUINCE, J., concurs. Supreme Court of Florida. STATE OF FLORIDA, Petitioner, v. EARVIN SMITH, Respondent. No. SC17-576 Decided: April 12, 2018 Pamela Jo Bondi, Attorney General, Tallahassee, Florida, Jeffrey R. Geldens, Assistant Attorney General, Miami, Florida, for Petitioner Carlos J. Martinez, Public Defender, and Susan S. Lerner, Assistant Public Defender, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami, Florida, for Respondent This case is before the Court for review of the decision of the Third District Court of Appeal in Smith v. State, 211 So. 3d 176 (Fla. 3d DCA 2016), which passed upon the following question and certified it to this Court as a question of great public importance: Must a defendant[ ] who claims that the offense as charged in the information is barred by the statute of limitations[ ] raise the issue in the trial court in order to preserve the issue for direct appeal? Id. at 187. We have jurisdiction, art. V, 3(b)(4), Fla. Const., and answer the certified question in the affirmative. BACKGROUND In 2011, Earvin Smith was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to a home invasion and sexual battery that occurred over twenty years prior. Following a jury trial, Smith's jury found him guilty of (1) burglary of a dwelling with the intent to commit sexual battery or robbery and (2) sexual battery, and further found that Smith possessed a firearm during the commission of these offenses. Smith was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to concurrent terms of twenty years' imprisonment with a three-year mandatory minimum. Smith appealed to the Third District and argued for the first time that the prosecution for armed burglary, a first-degree felony punishable by life, was subject to the four-year limitations period provided in section 775.15(2)(a), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1990). Smith, 211 So. 3d at 179. Smith claimed that this conviction and sentence had to be reversed as a matter of fundamental error. Id. The Third District held that it was compelled to agree, but certified to us as a question of great public importance whether a claim that a conviction for a charged offense is barred by the statute of limitations must be raised in the trial court to preserve the issue for direct appeal. Id. ANALYSIS Florida follows the general rule that an [e]rror[ ] that ha[s] not been preserved by contemporaneous objection can be considered on direct appeal only if the error is fundamental. Jackson v. State, 983 So. 2d 562, 568 (Fla. 2008). Whether an error is fundamentalmeaning that the error goes to the foundation of the case or goes to the merits of the cause of action, Hopkins v. State, 632 So. 2d 1372, 1374 (Fla. 1994) (quoting Sanford v. Rubin, 237 So. 2d 134, 137 (Fla. 1970))is a question of law we review de novo. See Woods v. State, 95 So. 3d 925, 927 (Fla. 5th DCA 2012) (Review of a claim of fundamental error is de novo.); cf. also Wong v. State, 212 So. 3d 351, 355-56 (Fla. 2017) (Where the facts are undisputed, whether an issue is properly preserved for appellate review is a question of law that this Court reviews de novo.). We have never expressly considered preservation of a statute-of-limitations defense in the context presented by the certified question. However, the United States Supreme Court has cogently explained that a statute-of-limitations defense becomes part of a case only if the defendant puts the defense in issue. When a defendant presses a limitations defense, the Government then bears the burden of establishing compliance with the statute of limitations by presenting evidence that the crime was committed within the limitations period or by establishing an exception to the limitations period. When a defendant fails to press a limitations defense, the defense does not become part of the case and the Government does not otherwise have the burden of proving that it filed a timely [charging document]. When a defendant does not press the defense, then, there is no error for an appellate court to correctand certainly no plain error. Musacchio v. United States, 136 S. Ct. 709, 718 (2016). Although the Supreme Court reached this holding based on the language and history of the federal statute of limitations, the language of our statute does not command a different approach. Timely commencement of prosecution is mandatory under our statute (as it is under the federal statute), but the statute does not make timeliness a nonwaivable issue of jurisdiction. See generally 775.15, Fla. Stat. (2017); 775.15, Fla. Stat. (Supp. 1990). While we have called the timeliness of the prosecution a jurisdictional fact, the Third District correctly observed that we do not consider it jurisdictional in the sense of depriving the trial court of subject-matter jurisdiction. Smith, 211 So. 3d at 182. Moreover, the Supreme Court's approach is consistent with the defensive manner in which we have viewed our statute in the past and with our recent precedent on fundamental error in the comparable context of the State's failure to prove a substantive element of an offense. We have explained that compliance with the statute of limitations is a factual matter which the State must prove just as it must prove all other elements of the offense. Crews v. State, 183 So. 3d 329, 331 (Fla. 2015). Even failure to prove an element of an offense, however, is not fundamental error in most cases. F.B. v. State, 852 So. 2d 226, 229-30 (Fla. 2003). Indeed, we recognize only two circumstances in which a defendant is not required to preserve an objection to the sufficiency of the State's case: The first exception is based on the longstanding appellate rule under which, in death penalty cases, this Court is required to review the sufficiency of the evidence to support the conviction, and the second exception applies where the State fails to prove that a crime was committed at all. Id. at 230; see also Monroe v. State, 191 So. 3d 395, 401-02 (Fla. 2016). If failure to prove a substantive element of an offense is not fundamental error, we see no reason why failure to prove compliance with the statute of limitations should be. Accordingly, we adopt the Supreme Court's well-reasoned approach and hold that the argument that conviction for a charged offense is barred by the statute of limitations must be raised in the trial court to preserve the issue for direct appeal. Of course, our holding does not preclude a defendant prejudiced by trial counsel's nonstrategic failure to raise a statute-of-limitations defense from asserting a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984). CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, we answer the certified question in the affirmative and hold that a defendant must raise a claim that conviction of a charged offense violates the statute of limitations in the trial court to preserve the issue for direct appeal. Accordingly, we quash the portion of the Third District's opinion reversing Smith's conviction and sentence for armed burglary and remand the case to the Third District for reinstatement of that conviction and sentence. It is so ordered. NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION AND, IF FILED, DETERMINED. I agree with the majority's answering the certified question in the affirmative, holding that claims that the statute of limitations has run should be raised first in the trial court and not on direct appeal as fundamental error. I write separately to expand on the majority's statement that our holding does not preclude a defendant prejudiced by trial counsel's nonstrategic failure to raise a statute-of-limitations defense from asserting a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. Majority op. at 6; see majority op. at 5-6 n.3. If ineffective assistance of counsel appears on the face of the record, then an appellate court can consider and remedy the error. See Sims v. State, 998 So. 2d 494, 502 (Fla. 2008); Mansfield v. State, 758 So. 2d 636, 642 (Fla. 2000). Having this alternative is critical, especially in cases where all crimes for which the defendant could be convicted are barred by the statute of limitations. In this case, the defendant was convicted of both armed sexual battery, for which the statute of limitations had not expired, and armed burglary, for which the statute of limitations had expired. Smith v. State, 211 So. 3d 176, 177-79 (Fla. 3d DCA 2016). It does not appear that Smith's counsel had a strategic reason for not raising a statute-of-limitations defense for the armed burglary charge. Id. at 178. In fact, Smith's counsel successfully sought dismissal on three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm by raising the statute of limitations, and when asked by the trial court about the remaining charges, counsel affirmatively advised the court that the remaining charges were life felonies. Id. Therefore, unless counsel was affirmatively misleading the trial court, both counsel and the state were unaware that the crime charged was not a life felony. Id. at 178-79 & n.6. While there does not appear to be a strategic reason in this case, the question is prejudice; that is, whether the deficiency undermines confidence in the outcome of Smith's trial. See Wheeler v. State, 124 So. 3d 865, 873 (Fla. 2013); see also Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 694 (1984). As Judge Emas observes, had defense counsel raised a statute-of-limitations defense on Smith's remaining charges, the State could validly have amended the information to charge the very same burglary, but as a life felony (a crime for which there is no statute of limitations). Smith, 211 So. 3d at 202 (Emas, J., concurring). In that instance, Smith would have stood convicted and presumably received the same sentencei.e., 20 years' imprisonment to run concurrent with a sentence of 20 years' imprisonment for the sexual battery charge. Thus, even if Smith's counsel had raised this defense, the question of prejudice remains. CONCLUSION For the reasons explained above, I agree with the majority's answering the certified question in the affirmative and concluding that the preferable avenue for addressing an unpreserved statute-of-limitations defense is through a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, unless deficiency and prejudice are apparent on the face of the record. FOOTNOTES . Although section 775.15 now contains a tolling provision for burglary cases where the defendant's identity is discovered through a DNA match, that provision is inapplicable to this case because the prosecution was already time-barred before the effective date of the amendment. Smith, 211 So. 3d at 192 n.21 (Emas, J., concurring) (citing ch. 2006-266, 1, Laws of Fla., codified at 775.15(16)(a), Fla. Stat. (2006); Lawson v. State, 51 So. 3d 1287 (Fla. 2d DCA 2011); Bryson v. State, 42 So. 3d 852 (Fla. 1st DCA 2010)). . Sochor v. State, 619 So. 2d 285, 290 (Fla. 1993) (noting that the statute of limitations is a defensive matter that must be raised at trial); State v. Sturdivan, 419 So. 2d 300, 302 (Fla. 1982) (recognizing that a defendant may by his actions waive the statute-of-limitations defense); State v. King, 282 So. 2d 162, 164 (Fla. 1973) ([A] most significant burden of proof is placed upon the State in order to proceed once the jurisdiction of the Court is questioned through the raising of the Statute of Limitations.). . We also note that even where, as here, the record establishes not only failure to prove compliance, but a clear violation of the statute, the possibilities that failure to raise the statute was a tactical decision and that the State could have remedied the violation upon notice of the error further underscore that the error should not be deemed fundamental. Cf. Gonzalez v. State, 136 So. 3d 1125, 1148 (Fla. 2014) (observing that the possibility of strategic gamesmanship is a basis for declining to find fundamental error). As Judge Emas explained below, Smith's case illustrates that failure to raise a statute-of-limitations issue can sometimes be to the defendant's strategic advantage because if Smith had filed a motion to dismiss this charge as barred by the statute of limitations, the State could validly have amended the information to charge the very same burglary, but as a life felony (a crime for which there is no statute of limitations, see section 775.15(1)), Florida Statutes (1990)) given that Smith had committed a sexual battery during the burglary (the other offense charged in the information, which the jury found Smith guilty of). Smith, 211 So. 3d at 202-03 (Emas, J., concurring). LAWSON, J. LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, QUINCE, CANADY, and POLSTON, JJ., concur. PARIENTE, J., concurs with an opinion, in which QUINCE, J., concurs. LEWIS, J., concurs in result. QUINCE, J., concurs. FRIDAY, April 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- There was hope that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements might ease the discomfort of chronic dry eye. But new research suggests that isn't so. "Contrary to a long-held belief in the ophthalmic community, omega-3 supplements are not significantly better than a placebo at reducing dry eye symptoms," study lead researcher Maureen Maguire, said in a University of Pennsylvania news release. "Many patients receiving omega-3 supplements did have substantial improvement in their symptoms, but just as many patients taking placebo had improvements," said Maguire. She is a professor of ophthalmology at the university's Perelman School of Medicine. Her team presented their results Friday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, in Washington, D.C. The findings were also published Friday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study was funded by the U.S. National Eye Institute (NEI). According to the study team, about 14 percent of American adults are affected by dry eye disease, which occurs when the film that coats the eye no longer functions properly. "Dry eye is a common problem that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives," explained Dr. Jules Winokur, an ophthalmologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "For many, it resolves on its own or is quickly made better by the use of over-the-counter artificial tears," he said. "However, there are many people whose treatment course isn't simple, and whose lives are negatively impacted by the disease. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to chronic, debilitating pain that interferes with normal daily activity." Many dry eye sufferers take fish oil supplements even though research demonstrating the pills' effectiveness for the condition have been lacking, Maguire's group said. Investigating further, the researchers recruited 535 volunteers at 27 treatment centers who had moderate-to-severe dry eye disease for at least six months. Of these people, 349 were randomly assigned to receive a 3-gram daily dose of fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids in five capsules. Each dose contained 2,000 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1,000 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- the highest dose of omega-3 ever tested for the treatment of dry eye disease. Meanwhile, 186 people randomly assigned to the placebo group received roughly one teaspoon of olive oil in an identical capsule each day. All of the participants were allowed to continue their other treatments for dry eye, since supplements are typically an "add-on" therapy. The study was "double-blinded," meaning neither the researchers nor the participants knew if they were given the supplement or the placebo. After 12 months, blood tests revealed that mean EPA levels quadrupled in 85 percent of those in the fish oil group who were still taking their supplement as directed, and there was no change among those in the placebo group. The researchers noted that mean levels of oleic acid, the main component of olive oil, remained unchanged in both groups. Unfortunately, the study showed that the fish oil pills were no more effective than the olive oil placebo in reducing symptoms of dry eye disease. Both groups did report a substantial improvement in their symptoms but those taking the omega-3s were no better off one year later than those taking the placebo, Maguire's group said. Because patients said they improved while taking the placebo, as well, "the findings also emphasize the difficulty in judging whether a treatment really helps a particular dry eye patient," Maguire said in an NEI news release. "More than half the people taking placebo reported substantial symptom improvement during the year-long study." Overall, 61 percent of people in the omega-3 group and 54 percent of those taking the olive oil capsule had some relief of their symptoms, but there was no statistically significant difference between these two groups. The patients were also examined by a doctor to assess their clinical signs of dry eye, including the amount and quality of their tears, and the tissue on the surface of their eyes. The researchers noted there was no significant difference between the two groups. Dr. Matthew Gorski is an ophthalmologist at Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y. He said that "there was great hope for fish oil, like any new medicine for dry eye syndrome that could help improve a patient's quality of life, since so many people are affected by it." Gorski said that while this study seemed to show no benefit, "additional studies may be performed to confirm this result." For his part, Winokur said that while fish oil might be a bust for dry eye, it might still have some role to play in preventing the illness. "There are other conditions that contribute to ocular surface disorders -- such as blepharitis [eyelid inflammation] or rosacea -- that previous studies showed improved with omega supplements," Winokur noted. More information The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has more about omega-3 supplements. Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay: Baby Born 4 Years After Parents Die The baby boy of a Chinese couple who died five years ago was born to a surrogate mother last December, Chinese media reports. The boy's name is Tiantian, or "sweet," and his family recently held a small party to celebrate his first 100 days, according to The Guardian newspaper in the U.K. Tiantian's biological parents Shen Jie and Liu Xi were unable to conceive naturally and had opted for in vitro fertilization. In March 2013, the couple died in a car crash five days before one of their fertilized embryos was due to be transplanted into Liu. Since then, the couple's parents fought a legal battle for custody of four frozen embryos left by their children. They won custody in January 2017 and went to Laos to find a surrogate mother. Surrogacy is illegal in China, The Guardian reported. ----- E. Coli Outbreak Hits 7 States, Source Is Unknown A multistate E. coli outbreak from an unknown source has led to a number of hospitalizations is being investigated by federal and state officials. As of April 9, 17 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection have been reported in 7 states. The illnesses began between March 22 and March 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. States affected are New Jersey (6 cases), Idaho (4 cases), Connecticut (2 cases), Pennsylvania (2 cases), Missouri (1 case), Washington (1 case) and Ohio (1 case). The patients range in age from 12 to 84. Six patients have been hospitalized, including one who developed kidney failure. No deaths have been reported. The ongoing investigation has not identified a specific food item, grocery store or restaurant chain as the source of the infections. More information will be provided as it becomes available, the CDC said. ----- Former U.S. House Speaker Boehner Now Backs Marijuana Legalization, Joins Cannabis Company Board Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner used to oppose marijuana legalization but has changed his stance and is now involved with a marijuana company. The 68-year-old Ohio Republican has joined the advisory board of cannabis company Acreage Holdings, the Associated Press reported. "I decided to get involved because of the struggles of our country's veterans and the opioid epidemic, after learning how descheduling the drug can potentially help with both crises," Boehner said in a statement released Wednesday. He's now in favor of federally-funded marijuana research and allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer the drug as a treatment for conditions such as chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, the AP reported. Former Massachusetts Republican Gov. William Weld has also joined the advisory board of Acreage Holdings, which has cannabis operations in 11 states. In the 2016 presidential election, Weld ran on the Libertarian Party ticket that was headed by legal-marijuana advocate Gary Johnson. Boehner and Weld will serve on its board of directors when that is formed, the company said. FRIDAY, April 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Breathe easy, Mom and Dad. Sending your young children to preschool or day care probably won't increase their risk of developing asthma. In fact, researchers report, it may help protect your kids against the respiratory disease. Investigators at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) based that conclusion on an analysis of 32 studies published between 1964 and 2017. They found no link between preschool/day care attendance and increased asthma risk. For 3- to 5-year-olds, going to child care was actually associated with a 34 percent reduction in asthma risk. "The early benefit of child care exposure can potentially be explained by the hygiene hypothesis," said senior study author Dr. Michael Cabana, chief of the UCSF Division of General Pediatrics. That theory suggests that childhood exposure to germs helps the immune system develop properly so it doesn't overreact to harmless substances and then trigger allergic conditions such as asthma, according to the Mayo Clinic. At first glance, the news for the youngest kids was not as encouraging. Among those aged 2 and younger, child care was associated with nearly double the risk of wheezing. But Cabana suggested that may not be as worrisome as it might sound. "There's a saying that, 'All that wheezes is not asthma,' " he said. "Wheeze is a common presentation of viral airway infections that is seen frequently in young children in child care. Bronchiolitis, for example, is found in up to one third of children 2 and under. But it doesn't necessarily lead to asthma." Use of outside-the-home child care is on the rise. In 2011, according to U.S. Census data, 61 percent of preschool-aged kids were in child care, up from 52 percent in 1993. About 8 percent of U.S. children and teens have asthma, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study was published April 9 in the Journal of Asthma. More information The American Lung Association has more on children and asthma. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, April 13, 2018Kazakh authorities should stop harassing journalists with the independent news outlets Forbes Kazakhstan and Ratel and dismiss criminal defamation suits against the two outlets and their journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Law enforcement officials this month raided the two newsrooms, confiscated equipment and journalists personal belongings, detained journalists, and blocked Ratels website and Facebook page in relation to a criminal defamation suit by a former government minister, according to media reports. These actions come after Forbes Kazakhstan and Ratel reported on the alleged corrupt business practices of the former minister, the reports stated. We call on Kazakh authorities to drop the criminal prosecution of journalists at Forbes Kazakhstan and Ratel without delay, unblock Ratels website and Facebook page, and stop this campaign of harassment against both outlets, CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. The space for independent information and critical commentary in Kazakhstan has severely contracted over the past few years. Astana should start reversing this trend by abolishing criminal defamation as a first step. Kazakh law enforcement officials on April 2 raided the Almaty-based offices of the magazine Forbes Kazakhstan, a Forbes licensee, and the news website Ratel, and confiscated the newsrooms computers and journalists passports, according to the outlets and media reports. Askar Aukenov, Forbes Kazakhstans chief editor, told CPJ that police showed him a copy of their warrant during the office search, but they did not allow him to keep a copy. Police detained Forbes Kazakhstans deputy chief editor Aleksandr Vorotilov, Ratels chief editor Marat Asipov, his deputy Sapa Mekebaev, and the outlets correspondent Anna Kalashnikova, and interrogated them at an Almaty police station. They were released late that evening after Vorotilov and Asipov signed non-disclosure agreements at the polices request, according to Aukenov and Ratel contributor Vadim Boreiko. Kazakh police also searched the homes of Vorotilov, Asipov, Mekebaev, and Kalashnikova as well as the former residence of Gennady Benditsky, the late Ratel founder who died in December, and confiscated their personal documents, credit cards, and electronic equipment, including cell phones, Aukenov said. None of the confiscated items have been returned, according to the editor. The next day, Interior Minister Kalmukhanbet Kasymov told local media that the raid was conducted after Zeinulla Kakimzhanov, Kazakhstans former finance minister, on March 30 filed a criminal defamation suit against Forbes Kazakhstan and Ratel. Asipov is listed as a defendant, and Vorotilov that of a witness with right to hire legal defense, according to Aukenov and Boreiko. The two journalists said that if Vorotilov and Asipov are found guilty they may face up to seven years in prison. CPJ was unable to determine what penalties the news outlets could incur if convicted. On April 4, an Almaty court ordered Ratel to be blocked and its Facebook account deleted while the case is pending, Boreiko told CPJ. The website and Facebook account have been unavailable since then, but Ratel journalists have been publishing from their personal Facebook accounts. Both Forbes Kazakhstan and Ratel independently reported on the alleged corrupt business practices of Kakimzhanov and his son, Ilkhalid Kakimzhanov, between May and December 2016. Kakimzhanov wrote in an April 2 Facebook post from his personal account that certain media outlets had published over 70 libelous articles that directly targeted him, though he did not name outlets or journalists. In December 2016 and January 2017, Zeinulla and Ilkhalid Kakimzhanov filed four civil defamation suits against Forbes Kazakhstan and Ratel, as well as Vorotilov, Asipov, Mekebaev, and Benditsky, according to reports. In April 2017, an Almaty court ruled in favor of the Kakimzhanovs in one of the four civil cases and ordered the two outlets and the journalists to pay 50 million Kazakh tenge (US$160,000) in damages, delete the articles of concern, and issue retractions, according to local media reports. The fine was later reduced and Forbes Kazakhstan and its deputy editor, Vorotilov, each paid 5 million tenge (US$15,279) in fines. The outlet also deleted the disputed articles and issued a retraction in December 2017, Aukenov told CPJ. Ratel and journalists Asipov, Benditsky, and Mekebaev paid the damages in full, but did not delete any content, saying that the court verdict did not specify which articles were to be deleted, according to Boreiko. The other three cases are pending, according to Aukenov. Freedom of speech and press freedom should be respected. If anybody disagrees with our reports, they should take us to a civil court. The current legislation on criminal defamation allows authorities to treat journalists like criminals. We are not criminals, Forbes Kazakhstans Aukenov said. The Union Government has constituted 13-member task force to prepare road map and fast-track implementation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology or drones in the country. It will be headed by Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha and will have representatives from government, PSUs, industry and sectoral experts. Terms of Reference of Task Force The task force will prepare roadmap, including outcomes, timelines, implementation and review mechanism and measurable metrics for implementation of UAV technology. Its road map will focus on Research & Development (R&D), acquisition and commercialisation, application and adoption in specific sectors, regulatory framework as well as preference for Make in India. It will lay down implementable recommendations for central and state governments, industry and research institutions. It will clearly delineate the role of industry. It will submit its report in six months. It will study global practices and interact with relevant stakeholders, as required, for preparation of its report. It will also have necessary consultations and interactions with Government organizations, industry and research institutions. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed agreement for upgradation of Yagyi Kalewa section of highway in Myanmar to two lane with earthen shoulder. This project is part of India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway and will be NHAIs first international project. Key Facts The project aims to provide seamless vehicular movement for enhancing trade, business, health, education and tourism between Indian, Myanmar and Thailand. It is being funded by Ministry of External Affairs, India and will be executed on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode at a cost of Rs.1177 crores. The project will have 3 new major bridges and 2 new minor bridges. Its existing 4 major bridges and 9 minor bridges will be repaired and strengthened and 6 existing minor bridges will be reconstructed. The Yagyi Kalewa stretch will have 6 truck lay byes, 20 bus bays and passenger shelters and 1 rest area. The project will be executed and completed in three years. India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) highway The IMT Trilateral Highway is regional highway being constructed under Indias Act East policy to boost connectivity in the region. It will connect Moreh in India with Mae Sot, Thailand via Myanmar. The highway is expected to boost trade and commerce in ASEANIndia Free Trade Area, as well as with rest of Southeast Asia. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) NHAI is an autonomous statutory agency of Central Government, responsible for management of network of over 70,000 km of national highways in India. It was established through NHAI Act, 1988. In February 1995, it was formally made an autonomous body. It is nodal agency of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is responsible for the development, management, operation and maintenance of National Highways. Telangana: Govt ready to give motor boats to fishermen April 13,2018 | Source: Telangana Today Minister for Power and SC Development G Jagadish Reddy on Thursday said State government was ready to provide training and also motor boats for fishermen. The Minister was speaking after launching the training programme for members of fishermen cooperative societies as part of Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme in Udhayaditya Bhavan, Nalgonda, on Thursday. Minister Jagadish Reddy said that Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme was aimed at keeping a check on contractors and their marketing and to ensure that profits reach fishermen in the State. He said that it had come to his notice that fishermen from Andhra areas were engaging in fishing in water bodies in Nalgonda district. Stating that the fishermen in Telangana were capable of doing the work, he said that the State government would provide training and machine boats to TS fishermen. Stating that village tanks in Nalgonda would have water throughout from next year due to measures taken up by the government, he asked the fishermen to strive to enhance the production of fish 10 times to the present quantity. He felt that there was good demand for fish in the State. He pointed out that a large quantity of fish had been transported to the markets in Hyderabad from Andhra area. Reminding that Telangana was witnessing development in all sectors, the Minister for Power said Mission Kakatiya, aimed at reviving village tanks, and Mission Bhagiratha, through which safe drinking water would be supplied to each house, had become study projects for foreigners and research students. Pointing out that some persons holding the position of chief minister in united Andhra Pradesh had termed agriculture as waste, Jagadish Reddy said that after formation of Telangana, the Chief Minister had succeeded in making the farmers feel proud of cultivation. Farmers Investment Support Scheme, 24-hour free power supply and irrigation facilities were some of the initiatives of the State government, he said. Farmers Investment Support Scheme, which would be launched on April 25, was aimed at stopping farmers from borrowing money from others to meet expenditure of cultivation by extending Rs 4,000 per acre to tillers. Rajya Sabha member Badugula Lingaiah Yadav reminded that Rs 40,000 crore had been earmarked in State budget for the welfare of people who were eking out livelihood from caste-based professions. District Collector Gaurav Uppal said that the State government had decided to extend special budget to Nalgonda for fisheries development in view of large number of fishermen in the district. Under Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme, Rs 37 crore would be sanctioned to the district, he added. Assistant Director of Fisheries Charitha Reddy explained the aims and objectives of Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme to the members of fishermen cooperative societies at the awareness programme. MLC Pula Ravinder, Miryalaguda MLA N Bhasker Rao, District Revenue Officer Kheemya Naik also attended the programme. Bangladesh: Dumping duty imposed on fishing net imports from China, Bangladesh April 13,2018 | Source: The Hindu The Finance Ministry has imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on fishing net imports from China, Bangladesh. This anti-dumping duty, unless revoked earlier, will last for five years. Based on the recommendations of the Designated Authority in the Commerce Ministry, the Revenue Department has imposed an antidumping duty of $2.69 per kgon fishing net imports from Bangladesh. In the case of China, the duty ranged from $1.51 per kg to $2.19 per kg depending on the producer. On behalf of the fishnet manufacturers in India, the Indian Fishnet Manufacturers Association (IFMA) had filed the petition seeking anti-dumping duty on fishing net imports from China and Bangladesh. Fishing nets, which are used to catch fish, are devices made from fibres woven in a grid-like structure. Fishing nets are usually meshes formed by knotting a relatively thin thread. Due to the technical characteristics of Nylon, nylon fishnets constitute more than 65-70 per cent of the total fishnet consumption worldover. IFMA petition includes nylon fishing nets only whether 100 per cent or blended. Kerala: Believers Eastern Church launches rehabilitation program for Cyclone Ockhi victims Believers Eastern Church announced the launch of a state-wide rehabilitation program for the victims of Cyclone Ockhi. The church will distribute 100 boats, 1500 educational kits and scholarship to the victims families and children over the next two years in the affected areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kollam. The program will benefit more than 1000 families of this region. The launch was announced in presence of Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala, P. J. Kurien, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Thiruvananthapuram along with Rev Dr. K. P. Yohannan, Metropolitan, Believers Eastern Church. Other eminent dignitaries like Mathew T Thomas, the Minister for Water Resources, Govt. of Kerala; Mayor of Trivandrum, MLA of Thiruvananthapuram East were present. Whereas the government is always doing its bit to help victims of such natural catastrophes, it is important that the civil society participants also contribute towards relief and rehabilitation measures. Our government appreciates and welcomes such initiatives and will extend all possible support for the successful roll-out and implementation of this project, said Chief Minister Vijayan. Cyclone Ochki had ravaged a large part of coastal Kerala late last year killing a large number of people besides leading to loss of property and means of livelihood for locals. Most of the affected families were of fishermen who not only lost their property and belongings to the cyclone, but also lost their only means of livelihood their fishing boats. Through this programme Believers Eastern Church aims to reach out to and rehabilitate fishermen community and their families. When I visited the site sometime back I realised that merely by giving clothes or food we would not be able to address the problem. Livelihood and education are the two most critical pillars of any social order. Over the next two years we will address these aspects and reach out to more such victims who need a little helping hand, said Yohannan. Churchs numerous other programmes have benefitted thousands of children, women, leprosy patients and victims of natural catastrophes by providing them education, counselling, health camps, medicines, hospitals, shelter, rehabilitation and clean drinking water. Tamil Nadu: Sri Lanka Navy assists repatriation of 27 Indian fishermen released from custody April 13,2018 | Source: Colombo Page The Sri Lanka Navy on Wednesday assisted in the repatriation of 27 Indian fishermen after they were released from the Sri Lankan custody. The fishermen from Tamil Nadu had been arrested in January and February of this year in the seas off Karainagar and Mannar for trespassing into the Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities. Sri Lanka Coast Guard's Fast Attack Craft CG 401 and CG 402 transported the Indian fishermen and handed them over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship Rani Gaidinliu at the International Maritime Boundary Line north of Kankasanthurai this afternoon, the Navy said. Sri Lanka Navy in February this year assisted the repatriation of 109 Indian fishermen released from Sri Lankan custody and brought back six Sri Lankan fishermen released from Indian custody. Amnesty International on Thursday praised Kenya for limits it has placed on use of the death penalty but urged it to join the 20 African countries that have abolished capital punishment altogether. "Kenya has taken some progressive steps toward abolition," said Oluwatosin Popoola, Amnesty's lead advocate for eliminating the death penalty. RULING "But Kenya still has a way to go in reaching true abolition," Mr Popoola added in an interview. His comments coincided with release of an Amnesty report on the status of the death penalty worldwide. It hails sub-Saharan Africa as a "beacon of hope" in the global effort to end state-sponsored executions. The report highlights the Kenyan Supreme Court ruling last December that found mandatory imposition of the death penalty to be unconstitutional. But the court did not strike down the death penalty itself. As a result, capital punishment remains lawful even though judges are no longer required to order it in cases of murder and armed robbery. Kenya also has not executed any death-row inmates since 1987. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde nation.co.ke, April 12, 2018 Souleymane Sow, 43, is a man with a mission. He has been volunteering with Amnesty International since he was a student. Inspired to make a difference, he returned to Guinea, set up a local group of Amnesty International volunteers and got to work. Their aim? To promote the importance of human rights, educate people on these issues and abolish the death penalty. Along with 34 NGOs, they finally achieved their goal last year. I've always been against the death penalty. So many people were killed during the 1st regime - just because of their politics. Seeing people who'd lost their parents made me want to take the fight for abolition further. When I returned to Guinea, I formed a group of volunteers and we started educating people about human rights. Elections took place in 2015 and a new programme was launched, focusing on renewing all our laws in parliament. I knew this was a key opportunity to speak out. I contacted Amnesty International's regional office in Dakar, to see how we could lobby against the death penalty. Once they were on board, we issued a statement about the changes we wanted to see. Momentum was building and 34 other NGOs decided to join our mission to abolish the death penalty in Guinea. One by one, we arranged meetings with ministers and other deputies, explaining why this awful practice had to be abolished. I provided all the information they needed and we had open, honest discussions. As the campaign ramped up, we made our voices heard. We distributed campaign materials, such as stickers and T-Shirts, calling for an end to the death penalty. I was invited to the Ministry of Justice to discuss the issue further, putting across my argument, with the aim of changing their mindset - it was so important to talk to people and explain why the death penalty needed to be abolished. We listened to their ideas and questioned their reasoning, providing examples and arguments about why the death penalty didn't have a place in today's society. My colleagues and I lobbied against the death penalty every day for 5 months. In 2016, Guinea's National Assembly voted in favour of a new criminal code which removed the death sentence from the list of applicable penalties. Last year, they did the same in the military court, too. It was such an incredible achievement - and it showed the importance of people power. It was the 1st time so many NGOs had come together to campaign on an issue. People said they were happy with our work and they could see that change is possible. Most of all, it inspired us to continue campaigning. There's still a lot of work to do in Guinea, but having seen the impact we can have, I know much more good can be achieved. Source: Amnesty International , April 12, 2018. Souleymane Sow, Amnesty International volunteer, Guinea. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde Barring intervention by courts or its governor, Alabama will kill an 83-year-old man on April 19; long-incarcerated for the 1989 mail-bomb killings of United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Judge Robert S. Vance and civil rights attorney Robert E. Robinson, Walter Moody, Jr.s wizened, withered body, will, three decades after his crimes, be strapped to a gurney, pricked with a sharp needle (possibly many, many times), and pumped full of chemicals until he is dead. Why? Other than the reactionary, regressive idea of retribution whose flawed moral underpinning is interchangeable with bloodthirsty, wild, wild West revenge how will justice be served? And, for whom? The premeditated, state-sponsored senicide of the most senior of senior citizens on Alabamas death row wont make anyone not anyone in Alabama, and not anyone anywhere in the United States or the world safer. As I have written elsewhere, the myth that capital punishment in this instance for an old man at the tail-end of a tortured existence in hell-on-earth Holman prison provides deterrence, is an outmoded shibboleth. No mentally disturbed person intent on a bombing rampage will be dissuaded by Alabama prosecutors tri-decade pursuit of Moodys execution. (As the Tuscaloosa News editorialized in a piece titled Attempts to carry out the death penalty have gone from bad to worse: Thirty years is a long time to wait to die, but the State is persistent. Alabama has spent a lot of money and a lot of energy to usher out these old and infirm inmates before nature takes its course.) Additionally, and arguably most important, Alabamas unrelenting desire to exact violent vengeance for the deaths of Judge Vance and Attorney Robinson is improper because of: (1) who these champions of justice were, their respective legacies of honor, and the principles of equality their lifework embodied; and (2), because it is undesired by the people whose opinion should matter the most the family members of the victims who have spoken publicly about this. A crusader for civil rights in the segregated South, Robert Robinson served on the executive board and as general counsel of the NAACP, and so it seems certain he would not favor the death penalty for Moody, or for anybody the practice having been hewn from the hell of slavery, subjugation and the suffering of black people. Interviewed for a 2016 essay called Celebrating Black History: Remembering Robbie Robinson, Robinsons widow, Ann, says she may never know the reason why her husband lost his life to such a heinous crime but she harbors no ill feelings towards Moody. Instead, shes focused on keeping [her husbands] memory alive. By the same token, Judge Vances wife Helen, who was seriously injured as a result of the bombing that killed her husband, told reporters after Moodys 1991 conviction in federal court that, she wouldnt press for a state death-penalty case (Helen Vance died in 2010). And recently, in March, Robert Vance, Jr., Judge Vances son and a circuit judge in Alabama, told a news reporter: We achieved peace when [Moody] was convicted, later saying hes not sure what can be gained from the execution of his fathers killer. This ambivalence and distaste for executing an impotent, likely soon-to-die-anyway old man, would undoubtedly have been shared by his father. For as now-deceased former acclaimed death penalty attorney and law professor Michael Mello wrote about Judge Vance, for whom he clerked, in his book Dead Wrong: A Death Row Lawyer Speaks Out Against Capital Punishment: Judge Vance personally did not believe in capital punishment; if he were a legislator he would vote against it; if he were an executive he would commute death sentences; and if he were a Supreme Court Justice, he might well hold it unconstitutional. Robert Vances personal opposition to capital punishment was genuine and heartfelt . . . . He did not believe that the death penalty was a proper form of punishment[.] Which brings us full-circle to the questions I posed earlier: Why is Alabama intent on killing an octogenarian who can no longer hurt anyone? And, who on Gods good earth will benefit from such ghastliness? For as renowned Christian author, ethicist, and theologian Lewis Smedes once powerfully observed: The problem with revenge is that it never evens the score. It ties both the injured and the injurer to an escalator of pain. Both are stuck on the escalator as long as parity is demanded, and the escalator never stops. This is why Sir Francis Bacon once counseled that [i]n taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior. If Alabama does not spare Mr. Moody, this time-tested wisdom, together with whatever honor and capacity for human dignity that exists within the office of Alabamas governor, its Department of Corrections, and its Office of the Attorney General, will be lost. Source: CounterPunch , Stephen Cooper, April, 2018. Mr. Cooper is a former D.C. public defender who worked as an assistant federal public defender in Alabama between 2012 and 2015. He has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers in the United States and overseas. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde Ukraine exports $400 mln in military products to India in three years Ukroboronprom Mykolaiv-based Zorya-Mashproekt has sold gas turbines worth $200 million to the Indian Navy. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Naftogaz intensifies talks with Russia's Gazprom on gas transit after 2019 Naftogaz plans to create conditions when it is unprofitable for Gazprom to stop or reduce gas transit from 2020. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Finland grants all required permits for Nord Stream 2 construction The Finnish government issued the first permit for the use of the Finish EEZ last week. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The two counties are still disputing their current transit contract, after a Stockholm arbitration court ruling in February failed to resolve it. Russia and Ukraine's ongoing gas dispute shows how urgently the EU must improve its energy resilience by cutting fossil fuel imports, EU energy commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said Thursday. The EU's main challenge is in natural gas, as 76% of the EU's gas imports came from just Norway and Russia in 2016, Canete told an energy conference in Brussels, according to Platts. He said Russia would remain a key energy supplier for the EU in the short term. "What is important is to ensure that Russian energy supplies into Europe are subject to competitive pressures from the existence of other suppliers able to compete anywhere across our market," Canete said. "This will ensure that the continued role of Russia as one of our main energy providers does not come at the expense of our energy security and resilience, nor does it lead to excessive prices," he said. Read alsoFinland grants all required permits for Nord Stream 2 constructionThe European Commission has been more relaxed about the EU's oil and coal imports as these are global markets with multiple suppliers and supply route options, but sees the "increasing geopolitical uncertainties" as a driver to move away from all fossil fuels in the long-term, he said. Canete also restated the EC's support for Ukraine as a transit country for Russian gas to the EU. "We...firmly believe in the role of Ukraine as a strategic European transit country which we believe to be in the mutual interest of Europe, of Ukraine and also of Russia," he said. Russia and Ukraine are still disputing their current transit contract, after a Stockholm arbitration court ruling in February failed to resolve it. The contract expires at the end of 2019, which is when Russia's 55 Bcm/year Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany is planned to come online. Russia and Ukraine have yet to start talks on post-2019 transit terms. Read alsoNord Stream 2 might provoke full-scale Russian offensive on Ukraine Parl't SpeakerCanete also restated the EC's interest in the East Mediterranean as a new gas supply source for the EU. He said he planned to visit Egypt in the coming weeks to discuss energy cooperation, including for gas, and expected this to be strengthened in an updated memorandum of understanding with Egypt which the EU is close to finalizing. Longer term, the EU is focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, demand side response and storage to help reduce its dependency on imported oil and gas, Canete said. The EU is in the final stages of agreeing 2030 targets for renewables and energy efficiency, to follow the targets already agreed for 2020, and adapting its electricity market design to cope with more renewables. It is also looking at moving more heating and transport demand to electricity, particularly given the falling the cost of renewable electricity. "I am deeply convinced that this energy transition, understood as a long-term project which has to be achieved through small but consistent steps, remains our strategic answer to the geopolitical uncertainties we are facing," Canete said. National Bank expects US$9 bln in remittances from Ukraine's labor migrants in 2018 The central bank believes labor migration will continue due to the liberalization of employment conditions in neighboring countries. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukroboronprom CEO said that Ukraine would be able to substitute some of the Russian equipment that the Indian forces use at a cheaper price. Ukraine is keen to be a part of the two Defense Corridors proposed by the Indian Defense Ministry, and the country has also had discussions with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) for manufacturing defense equipment in India, a top official of Ukrainian defense industrial group Ukroboronprom said. Speaking to The Hindu at the Defense Expo 2018, Ukroboronprom CEO Pavlo Bukin said they had held discussions with Indian officials for a joint cooperation program and modernization of Indias military equipment. We also discussed about bringing new battle tanks, upgrading the Antonov aircraft, and joint production of the new Antonov 178 in India. Also, cooperation in the Navy was discussed, including cooperation for development and modernisations of dockyards in India, Bukin said. Bukin added that Ukraine would be able to substitute some of the Russian equipment that the Indian forces use at a cheaper price. Read alsoUkraine exports $400 mln in military products to India in three years UkroboronpromOn the Offset clause specified by the Indian government, Mr. Bukin said they had discussed with HAL and BEL for manufacture of products in India. He said that in the last decade, Ukraine defense exports to India was around $2 billion. Pavlo Bukin further said that they were interested in the Defense Corridor proposal. It is very attractive for us. Some tax vacations will be proposed. For the moment, we did not see all the details. It is attractive for any foreign company, we will use this opportunity for sure, he said. Earlier, Oleh Hladkovskyi, chairman of the Interagency Commission for Military Technology Cooperation, said the delegation had met Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the chiefs of the three forces. We discussed what we would like to do, with our Indian colleagues, he said. Thirty years ago today, then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein started Operation Anfal, his murderous campaign against the populations in northern Iraq. The al-Anfal campaign began in 1986 and ended in 1989. In 1987, toward the end of the war between Iran and Iraq, Saddam Hussein put his cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid, who was infamous for his brutality, in charge of Iraqs Northern Region, which included Iraqi Kurdistan. What followed was a horrifying display of killing and destruction. The al-Anfal campaign was meant to punish and exterminate the Kurdish population, and to terrorize other minority ethnic groups, including Christians, Shabaks, Iraqi Turkmen, Yazidis, and Mandeans. Civilian communities were bombarded by aircraft and artillery and attacked by heavily armed infantry. Civilians were rounded up, boys and men of fighting age were summarily executed or later executed en masse. The rest were confined to concentration camps where some died of starvation or exposure. Some 4,000 Kurdish villages and at least 31 Assyrian communities were razed to the ground during the al-Anfal Campaign. Yet the most heinous atrocity committed by the Iraqi government against its own people was the murder by poison gas of thousands of civilians in as many as 24 villages. For this deed, al-Majid earned the nick-name Chemical Ali. In all, the al-Anfal campaign killed anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 non-combatant civilians and displaced at least one million of Iraqs 3.5 million Kurds. In recognition of the loss of so many innocent civilians during the al-Anfal campaign of 30 years ago, all Iraqis should unite to honor the memory of those lost by working together to find a joint path forward in rebuilding Iraq. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen recently met with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to discuss security issues affecting both the United States and Mexico. During their meeting, Secretary Nielsen and President Pena Nieto discussed their efforts to improve border security through close collaboration. They focused on ways to facilitate more secure trade and travel between the two countries. Secretary Nielsen emphasized the Department of Homeland Securitys commitment to working with Mexican counterparts to combat transnational crime affecting both the United States and Mexico. She also stressed the importance of the partnership between the United States and Mexico particularly via intelligence sharing and thanked the Mexican President for helping to foster a close partnership with the Department during his administration. Additionally, Secretary Nielsen expressed her commitment to working with President Pena Nieto to ensure the rapid, secure flow of goods between countries and expressed her gratitude for the past five years of strong collaboration between Department of Homeland Security and the Pena Nieto Administration. The strong relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, and the safe and efficient crossing of goods, is critical to the economic success of both countries. To enhance these, the United States and Mexico entered three agreements to continue cooperation on customs compliance, cargo-pre inspection and UCP programs, and agriculture safeguarding. The United States is proud to work with its partner Mexico to promote safe, secure, and legitimate travel and trade between our two nations. During a panel discussion in Washington, Brett McGurk, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, spoke of the tremendous progress that has been made in Iraq since ISIS seized control of key cities and significant territory four years ago. 3.5 million Iraqis have returned to their homes in areas that used to be controlled by ISIS. This is totally off the charts, historically. It takes about 10 years or so to return that amount of people in a post-conflict environment, if ever. And weve managed to do it in Iraq in a very short amount of time, he said. Special Envoy McGurk called the situation in Iraq in the summer of 2014 desperate, with Mosul having fallen to ISIS, and Baghdad in the terror groups sights. A new path to counter ISIS -- with a sustainable outcome -- was required. The United States, after conversations and in conjunction with Iraqi leaders, decided on the by, with and through approach, in which Iraqis, with the help of the Coalition that was first formed in September of 2014, would take back their country. The Iraqis fought and died to take back their country, he declared. The mood in Iraq is totally different than what we used to have. It is Iraqi ownership, and theyve done an incredible job. Special Envoy McGurk highlighted the role of the Peshmerga in the progress made, noting that [t]he Peshmerga have fought and died in huge numbers against ISIS. He also praised the cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad: The battle of Mosul would not have worked without that, he said. When asked about pernicious Iranian influence in Iraq, Special Envoy McGurk said it is important not to ignore the extent of Iraqi nationalism and Iraqi pride. Iraq and Iran have natural cultural and economic ties which will continue, he said. But theres a real check on this [Iranian influence], he noted, and that is the role played by a sovereign nation, whose duty, as President Donald Trump declared during his speech to the UN General Assembly, is to serve the needs of its people to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and to defend their values. This is a long-term effort, said Special Envoy McGurk, but it really boils down to Iraqi sovereignty, increasing the capacity of their institutionsincreasing the capacity of the Iraqis to control their sovereign space. This blog generally follows traditional journalistic standards. It's not about opinions, though you may read one here occasionally. It's about facts that we think will be useful to rural journalists, non-rural journalists who do rural stories, and others interested in rural issues. We don't try to be provocative, so we don't generate as many comments as most blogs with the level of traffic we have, but we certainly invite comments -- and contributions, to . REPUBLICATION Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar has discussed with State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania Danut Sebastian Neculaescu the protection of national minorities, the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has reported. "The parties discussed a complex of issues of Ukrainian-Romanian relations, the development of a political dialogue with an emphasis on the issues of pan-European and regional security, as well as cultural and humanitarian issues," the message reads. Bodnar informed his Romanian counterpart about the implementation of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On Education" and current issues of protecting the rights of representatives of national minorities in Ukraine. The parties agreed on the need to find compromise approaches in the matter of ensuring the educational rights of the Romanian minority in Ukraine and the Ukrainian minority in Romania. The head of the Romanian delegation confirmed Romania's support for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. NSDC to consider next week imposing of sanctions against Russia, similar to the U.S. ones The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) will consider introducing sanctions against the Russian Federation, similar to the U.S. ones, in the coming week, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov has said. "By order of the president, the National Security and Defense Council will be held next week, where the sanctions that exist today against the Russian Federation will be extended, and the sanctions that the United States and other European countries have adopted will be duplicated," Turchynov said at the 11th Kyiv Security Forum on Friday. As reported, on April 6, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in consultation with the Department of State, designated seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they own or control, 17 senior Russian government officials, and a state-owned Russian weapons trading company and its subsidiary, a Russian bank. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko welcomed the expansion of U.S. sanctions against the persons involved in the 'Kremlin list,' expressed the hope that the European Union will do the same, and also said that he expected the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council to propose synchronization of sanctions regimes with the United States. NATO notes signs of stabilizing the situation in Ukraine and underscores the need for continuing reforms in the country. Over the past year, we have seen stability in Ukraine, and we very much hope that there will be an opportunity to continue moving along the path of reform, Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance Rose Gottemoeller said, speaking at the 11th Kyiv Security Forum on Friday. At the same time she stressed that Russia does not stop its aggressive actions. We see a hot conflict in Donbas, cyber attacks, disinformation, interference in electoral processes, use of chemical weapons. We daily see these attempts to destroy our unity, said Gottemoeller. At the same time, she stressed the readiness of the Alliance to study the experience of Ukraine in confronting Russian hybrid attacks. Ukraine has learned how to deal with these attacks ... NATO is looking forward to learning your experience. There is a platform for combating hybrid manifestations between the Alliance and Ukraine. This is a very important opportunity for us to study your experience, the deputy secretary general said. According to Gottemoeller, in the current conditions we must be considerate, steadfast and ready to respond to these hybrid threats, perhaps, in a symmetrical mode. Russia's hybrid military forces have mounted 66 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another one as wounded in action (WIA), the press center for the headquarters of Ukraine's military operations in Donbas has reported. "Over the past day, Russian-occupation troops continued ignoring the regime of a complete ceasefire. The aggressor committed 66 shelling attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders," the press center of the headquarters of Ukraine's military operations reported on Facebook on Friday morning. In the Donetsk sector, the invaders fired 120mm mortars at the Ukrainian positions in the villages of Pisky and Vodiane. They also used 82mm mortars near Butovka coal mine, and the villages of Talakivka and Vodiane, cannons of infantry fighting vehicles near Talakivka and Vodiane, as well as anti-aircraft guns near the village of Opytne and Butovka mine. In addition, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms were used against the Ukrainian military near the towns of Avdiyivka, Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, Butovka mine, and the villages of Opytne, Vodiane, Pisky, Pavlopil, Kamianka, Lebedynske, Shyrokyne and Hnutove. Moreover, a sniper was active near Pisky, Pavlopil and Avdiyivka. In the Luhansk sector, the Russian occupation forces opened fire from 120mm and 82mm mortars, cannons of infantry fighting vehicles and an anti-aircraft gun at the Ukrainian fortified positions near the village of Troyitske. The aggressor used 82mm mortars against the defenders of the village of Krymske, cannons of infantry fighting vehicles and an anti-aircraft gun near the village of Luhanske, as well as grenade launchers and heavy machine guns against the Ukrainian troops in the villages of Zalizne and Zaitseve. Furthermore, the Ukrainian positions in the village of Novozvanivka and the town of Svitlodarsk came under fire from grenade launchers. We cannot allow Russia continue destabilizing situation in Ukraine U.S. deputy defense minister Russia should not be allowed to continue destabilizing the situation in Ukraine, so sanctions against Russia will be preserved, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Robert Karem has said. "Russia has occupied Crimea and continues deepening the crisis in Donbas. We cannot tolerate the annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia and cannot allow Russia to continue destabilizing the situation in Ukraine," he said at the 11th Kyiv Security Forum on Friday. Karem paid tribute to the Ukrainian military and said: "We support the idea of a peacekeeping mission in Donbas and call for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements." "The U.S. and its partners will continue to pressure Russia to comply with the Minsk accords. Sanctions will continue until this condition is implemented. Sanctions in connection with Crimea will also remain in effect until the annexation of the peninsula ends," the U.S. deputy defense minister said. According to Karem, Ukraine "has done a lot" in the issue of reforming the defense sector. "We welcome Kyiv's desire to join NATO," he added. He also said that "collective action is the key to success in confronting [Russian] threats." The arrested MP, Nadiia Savchenko, has decided to interrupt her hunger strike for three days to undergo forensic psychological examination with the use of a lie detector, the Internet publication Ukrayinska Pravda has reported with reference to Savchenko's lawyer Oleh Soloviy. "Because of the lack of physiological reactions due to exhaustion of my body, which makes it impossible for a forensic psychological examination using a computer lie detector to be carried out, I agree to eat for three days on April 13, 14, and 15, 2018," Savchenko said in a statement handed to Ukrayinska Pravda by her lawyer. In her statement, Savchenko stressed that she made this decision voluntarily, without "physical and psychological pressure," and the statement was written in the presence of her lawyers. On April 13, Nadiia Savchenko's sister Vera Savchenko said the arrested lawmaker's lie-detector test was cancelled because of her ill health. On March 22, the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada granted the prosecutor general's recommendation and gave its consent to prosecute, detain, and arrest Savchenko. The same day, law enforcement officials notified Savchenko that she was being treated as a suspect at parliament, after which they escorted her to the offices of the SBU branch for Kyiv and Kyiv region. The recommendation that Savchenko be deprived of immunity from prosecution was made as part of criminal proceedings opened on counts of preparations to violently change or dismantle the constitutional system or for the seizure of power by a group of individuals acting in concert, preparations for assassinating a statesperson or a public figure by a group of individuals acting in concert, preparations for a terrorist attack by a group of people acting in concert, the establishment of a terrorist group, and the illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives by a group of people acting in concert. Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky District Court ruled on March 23 to place Savchenko under arrest pending trial for 59 days, until May 20. Kyiv's Appeals Court upheld the ruling. Savchenko went on a hunger strike on the same day. On April 12, the MP's sister, Vira Savchenko, said that Nadiia Savchenko had been been transferred to the detention center's hospital for a medical checkup. "She has been moved to the detention facility's clinic for a checkup," Vira said, adding that Nadiia has agreed to a medical examination. Russia should be deprived of its right of veto in UN Poroshenko Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called for reforming the United Nations (UN) and depriving the Russian Federation of its right to veto. "The UN requires immediate reform, we need to deprive the aggressor state of its right to veto, and we need to increase the efficiency of other security alliances, including NATO, and open the door to this security alliance to Ukraine," Poroshenko said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels on Friday. On Wednesday, April 18, at 11.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference titled "Shadow Schemes of the State Fiscal Service. Who Controls the Customs. How much Remains in the Shadows" with the participation of head of the public council at the Main Department of the State Fiscal Service in Odesa region, deputy director general of the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine (AIFFU) Viktor Berestenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). Press registration required at: o.burlaka85@gmail.com. Details by phone: (050) 464 7800. EXCLUSIVE - More than two weeks after widespread protests began in Irans oil-rich southwestern Khuzestan province, the exact number of people detained during the unrest is still unknown. While no official figures on the number of people detained have been released, at least dozens have been arrested and their whereabouts is unknown. One unverified estimate puts the number as high as 400. In exclusive interviews with Radio Farda, several relatives of the detainees said judiciary officials have not responded to their inquiries about where their loved ones are being held and what charges they face. Khuzestan resident Ramazan Nasseri told Radio Farda that six members of his family were detained during the protest rallies. My cousins, Aziz, Assad, Saeid, Mohammad, Nasser, and Farez Nasseri, along with twenty people living in our neighborhood, are among those who were detained, but nobody knows what they are being charged with or where they are being kept. Members of Irans Arab minority, who reside in high numbers in Khuzestan, were outraged after a show aired on state-run TV depicting a child fixing dolls dressed in different traditional garments onto a map of Iran without a doll representing traditional Iranian Arab dress. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the protestors initially demanded state-run TV apologize for disregarding Arabs as an ethnic minority. The demand fell on deaf ears, however, and soon protesters took to the streets calling for minority rights, including the right for their children to be taught in the Arabic language. The momentum grew into wider protests against unemployment and poor water management. According to Nasseri, most of the detainees were arrested by police forces, but were later delivered to the intelligence unit of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). A day after the demonstrations broke out, two of my family members and friends, Khalid Mahawi and Mahmoud Bait Sayyah, were detained and taken to an unknown place, Walid Mahawi told Radio Farda, adding, Their families have visited the prisons and detention centers in Shayban and Sepidar to track them down, but with no success. Khadija and Aysha Neissi are two more of the detainees whose whereabouts are unknown. All of these protesters were arrested in the Central Market by the agents of President Rouhanis Ministry of Intelligence, claimed Mahawi. The images published on social media show protesters, many dressed in traditional Arab garments, carrying banners in Arabic, English, and Persian, chanting in Arabic and dancing. London-based Iranian Arab rights activists Karim Dahimi told Radio Farda that 400 hundred Arab residents of Khuzestan have been arrested during and after the protests. However, Radio Farda cannot independently verify that figure. Sadly, from the time the protests flared up, the number of detainees has significantly increased, Dahimi said. Most of the detainees are kept in an unpleasant condition in the city of Ahvaz in the Central Prison, while their families are unaware of their charges. According to Dahimi, only the detainees in Sepidar and Shayban prisons have been able to contact their families. Meanwhile, Radio Farda has also received reports of recent detentions of writers and human rights activists across the Khuzestan province. Khuzestans representative to the influential Assembly of Experts, mid-ranking cleric Abbas Kabi Nasab, had called upon state-run TV to formally apologize for ignoring Iranian-Arabs sensitivities. State-run TV, which performs directly under the supervision of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, has not responded to the request so far. However, the shows producer, Mohammad Zarean, said in an online interview March 28 that the absence of an Arab doll was unintentional. During the first three months of 2018, Heydar Aliyev International Airport served over 897,000 passengers. This indicator exceeds the same indicator of the previous year by 15 percent. National air carrier Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) carried 362,000 passengers, while national low-cost airline Buta Airways 104,000 passengers. 768,000 passengers (85.6 percent of passenger traffic) accounted for international flights. Currently, Heydar Aliyev International Airport serves 30 airlines on 52 destinations. Top ten most popular international destinations include Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, Kiev, Doha, Sharjah, Tbilisi, Baghdad, Tehran and St. Petersburg. 597,000 passengers traveled to these destinations in January-March. Starting from March 2018, one of the leading airlines of the UAE - Etihad Airways launched regular direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Baku. The new airport terminal of Heydar Aliyev Airport (Terminal 1) was put into operation in April 2014. Its total area is 65,000 square meters. Heydar Aliyev International Airport was awarded the category of "4 stars" by the Skytrax, which is influential British consulting company specializing in the study of the quality of services provided by various airlines and airports worldwide. In March 2018 Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport was named the best airport among airports of Russia and CIS countries for the level of the provided services, being awarded the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards for the second year in a row. On Monday 9 April 2018, EY Azerbaijan and Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) signed a Cooperation Agreement. Opening the ceremony, Rector Elmar Gasimov highly praised EYs activities in Azerbaijan in delivering assurance, tax and advisory services, and also discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between BHOS and EY. Thanks to the partnership, BHOS students will have an opportunity to attend training courses on sustainable development arranged by EY, he said. Ilgar Veliyev, EY Managing Partner in Azerbaijan, emphasized the importance of enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation. He also expressed his satisfaction regarding the strong interest shown by BHOS students in the training courses organized by EY. After that, certificates of participation in the Climate Change and Sustainability workshop were presented to BHOS students. At the end of the event, EY Azerbaijan and BHOS signed the Cooperation Agreement. After the signing ceremony, Samira Shabanova, EY Azerbaijan HR Director, and Vusala Hasanova, EY Azerbaijan HR Senior, made a presentation about the companys business, employment policy and procedures, and career and professional development opportunities. The presentation was followed by a Q&A session with the students. About EY EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and economies around the world. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In doing so, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients, and for our communities. EY works together with companies across the CIS and assists them in realizing their business goals. 4,500 professionals work at 20 CIS offices (in Baku, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, Togliatti, Vladivostok, Almaty, Astana, Bishkek, Kyiv, Tashkent, Tbilisi, Minsk, and other locations). EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. EY in Azerbaijan EY made a major commitment to the development of Azerbaijan and the region by opening the office in Baku 24 years ago. Today, in addition to being the leading audit and consulting firm in Azerbaijan, we are the leading professional services firm in the region. As a result of our experience and competence, we have been able to assist both domestic and international companies as well as state-owned entities to develop and manage the challenges of the international economy. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Samir Ali, Azad Hasanli - Trend: The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has refuted the information about the shelling of a civilian truck in Armenias border village. "The information that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire at a civilian truck in Armenias Baghanis border village is false," Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Vagif Dargahli told Trend April 13. Earlier, Spokesman for the Armenian Defense Ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan wrote on his Facebook page that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on a civilian truck near Baghanis border village in Armenias Tavush province. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 12 Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation of members of the parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia led by Steven Georganas, a member of the House of Representatives of the Australian Parliament, a member of the Australia-Azerbaijan interparliamentary friendship group. Members of the delegation expressed satisfaction with the visit to Azerbaijan, and noted that during the briefing held immediately after the closure of the polling stations, they said that the entire electoral process was conducted transparently and that they witnessed the activity of voters at polling stations and holding of voting in democratic conditions. Ilham Aliyev said that all conditions were created in Azerbaijan for open and transparent holding of the election in accordance with the legislation and thus for the free expression of the will of the people. President Ilham Aliyev noted with satisfaction the very active participation of voters in the election and also stressed that the election was held in full compliance with Azerbaijans commitments to the Council of Europe as its member country. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The European Union External Action has issued a statement on the presidential election held in Azerbaijan April 11. As noted by the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission (EOM), the Azerbaijani authorities displayed a positive attitude towards international observers, who were able to operate freely, which constitutes a constructive step, said the statement. The EU looks forward to continuing dialogue and working closely with Azerbaijan, including with a view to addressing fundamental issues of democracy and human rights during the renewed term in office of the President, for the benefit of the people of Azerbaijan and EU-Azerbaijan relations, said the statement. During the press conference held Apr.12, OSCE/ODIHR observation mission made preliminary conclusions on the presidential election in Azerbaijan, which voiced opinions not reflecting the reality observed at the election. Representatives of the observation mission were received at the Foreign Ministry on April 12 and the protest of Azerbaijani side was presented. Commenting on the OSCE/ODIHR conclusions, political analyst Bahruz Guliyev told Trend on April 12 that the views of members of the observation mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the presidential election in Azerbaijan are a pre-prepared provocation. The expert noted that provocation and bias was initially felt in the work of the observation mission. They were aimed at criticizing Azerbaijan. All international observers, who watched the presidential election in Azerbaijan, had positive attitude and highly appreciated the process, but the OSCE/ODIHR wanted to demonstrate a completely prejudiced stance, Guliyev said. He said that, in fact, the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR were prepared not after the elections and on the basis of observations, but in advance and upon order. This statement by the OSCE/ODIHR was prepared upon the orders of outside forces that do not like Azerbaijan. What was the remark about Azerbaijan? It was alleged that differences were put between candidates and not everyone was allowed to nominate candidacy. In reality, the people, who they claim were subjected to pressure, themselves did not want to participate in the election and no pressure was imposed on them. Therefore, it becomes clear that their statement is absolutely biased. We proved to them that the statement they made does not reflect reality and was prepared in advance, the expert said. He added that the ODIHR observation mission came to Azerbaijan not to observe the election, but on a political order and to blacken the country. Their goal was disclosed by Azerbaijani reporters. It became known that they arrived in the country at the request of some anti-Azerbaijan forces to realize their nefarious intentions. They did not succeed, Guliyev said. Azerbaijan held a presidential election on April 11. Eight candidates were registered for the election. Six of the candidates were nominated by political parties, one candidate was a self-nominee and another candidate was nominated by an initiative group. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev has garnered 86.03 percent of votes in the election, according to the votes counted in 5,641 polling stations. On the voting day, 5,426 permanent polling stations and 215 temporary polling stations in 125 constituencies operated in the country. The election was observed by 894 international observers (61 organizations, 59 countries) and 58,175 local observers. The voter turnout was 74.51 percent. That is 3,962,123 of 5,332,817 voters cast ballot in the election. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov has congratulated Ilham Aliyev on the landslide victory in the presidential election held in Azerbaijan on April 11. "The Azerbaijanis once again supported your policy aimed at the countrys development, Minnikhanov told Ilham Aliyev. May this victory be an impetus for the implementation of new ideas, projects, strategic initiatives aimed at Azerbaijans further effective social and economic development. I wish you robust health and new achievements, he said. I pin hopes on joint activity to strengthen mutual understanding for the sake of interests of our fraternal peoples. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: Azerbaijan has repeatedly witnessed the negative attitude of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in regard to elections held in the country, Azerbaijani MP Elman Nasirov told Trend on April 13. He made the remarks commenting on the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR presented at a press conference on April 12. The mission, which voiced opinions not reflecting the reality observed at the election, announced that the final report will be made public within two months. He noted that in most cases the OSCE/ODIHR representatives had a ready report when visiting Azerbaijan to monitor the elections. Nasirov said that the OSCE/ODIHR did not change its previous position. "I would very much like to see at least this time the OSCE/ODIHR to demonstrate a fair, objective attitude reflecting reality in connection with the election held in Azerbaijan. However, unfortunately, they once again came to Azerbaijan with a pre-prepared report, and didnt want to mention anything positive in connection with the election," he said. Nasirov reminded that 894 international observers watched the voting process in Azerbaijan. "Observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and other numerous structures, parliaments of individual countries unambiguously assessed the presidential election in Azerbaijan as the next step on the path of democratic development. They underscored the objective and transparent holding of the election," he said. "However, we again witnessed a different approach by the OSCE/ODIHR. It turns out that OSCE/ODIHR again fulfills the order, comes with a ready biased report," he said. Azerbaijan held a presidential election on April 11. Eight candidates were registered for the election. Six of the candidates were nominated by political parties, one candidate was a self-nominee and another candidate was nominated by an initiative group. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev garnered 86.03 percent of votes in the election. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: Albanian President Ilir Meta has congratulated Ilham Aliyev on the landslide victory in the presidential election held in Azerbaijan on April 11. "I congratulate you on the re-election as president of Azerbaijan, President Meta said. I wish you success in your state activity and further development of friendly Azerbaijan. I am sure that close friendly relations between our countries and peoples, in particular in the economic and trade spheres, will further intensify. I am confident that cooperation between our countries with your personal support and support of the Azerbaijani government, the implementation of such major projects as Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TAP) and Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) and the opportunities of providing Albania with gas in the future will also expand in other areas of mutual interest, he said. "I would like to invite you to pay a state visit to Albania, he said. I believe that this visit will make an even more significant contribution to the development of cooperation and friendly relations between Albania and Azerbaijan. I wish you robust health and happiness, while friendly Azerbaijan and its people - even more rapid development and prosperity. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: The Azerbaijani public and media representatives expressed fair protest over the biased report prepared by the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission regarding the presidential election in Azerbaijan, Vugar Ahmadov, political assistant of the observation mission, said at a press conference in Baku April 13. There was hope that after this protest, the observation mission would change its decision, but it didnt abandon its biased opinion, he noted. Together with ODIHR representatives, we conducted observations before the election and on the election day and made sure that equal conditions were created for all candidates, Ahmadov said. However, unfortunately, the observation mission issued a statement on allegedly serious violations. This statement was prepared in advance and handed over to the observation mission. He noted that Deputy Head of the ODIHR mission Stefan Krause actively participated in the preparation of this biased report. I talked with him and said that there was nothing about our meetings in the report, but I saw his negative attitude towards Azerbaijan, Ahmadov added. I also spoke with another member of the mission, Egol Tilpunov, who said that it was known that there would be violations. I asked how he knew that there would be violations, and he said that he had information in advance and Stefan Krause had already prepared a report that would be made public the day after the election. Tilpunov added that Krause had been to Azerbaijan before and knows everything himself. Ahmadov stressed that these people never had a positive opinion about Azerbaijan. During their stay in Azerbaijan, these persons only pretended to be doing their work, Ahmadov said. They said that there is nothing good in Azerbaijan, that is, such a biased, one-sided approach is based on their own view. The Azerbaijani government created all conditions for them, but they didnt want to see that. I personally acquainted them with the positive work, told them about the innovations introduced in the Azerbaijani legislation, but they werent happy about what they heard. These are the anti-Azerbaijani forces that want to hear only negative things about Azerbaijan, Ahmadov added. They were in close contact with their minions Khadija Ismayil, Emin Milli and others, and they played an important role in the preparation of this report. I wrote a letter of protest to the head of the ODIHR mission and left it. I hope that in two months, the final report of the OSCE/ODIHR will also focus on positive factors. I intend to write a letter of protest to both the leadership of the ODIHR and other OSCE structures. During the press conference held April 12, OSCE/ODIHR observation mission made preliminary conclusions on the presidential election in Azerbaijan, which voiced opinions not reflecting the reality observed at the election. Azerbaijan held a presidential election on April 11. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev has garnered over 86 percent of votes in the election. On the voting day, 5,426 permanent polling stations and 215 temporary polling stations in 125 constituencies operated in the country. The election was observed by 894 international observers (61 organizations, 59 countries) and 58,175 local observers. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: Azerbaijan's First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva has met with young Azerbaijani inventors Reyhan Jamalova and Zahra Gasimzade, who founded the world-famous startup Rainergy. At the meeting, the 15-year-old inventors gave detailed information about their project and future plans. Rainergy collects rainwater and generates energy from it. The device of the young inventors can open up wide opportunities for further development of the alternative energy sources in the future. Rainergy, invented by Reyhan and Zahra, the 9th grade students of the experimental pilot classes of the Istek Lyceum, attracted a great interest at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2017 and was especially noted by US President's Adviser Ivanka Trump. Mrs. Aliyeva said that such talented youth of Azerbaijan encourage and delight her. Noting her proud that such a young generation is growing up in the country, Mrs. Aliyeva said the state will provide necessary support for their project, and, in general, always pay attention to young talents and small startups. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: Azerbaijans Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Tajikistan Hasan Mammadzade has presented credentials to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Emomali Rahmon congratulated Hasan Mammadzade on the beginning of his activity and wished him success. During the conversation, the ambassador conveyed to Emomali Rahmon the greetings and the best wishes of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The sides exchanged views on the further development of relations between the two friendly and fraternal countries and the development of bilateral ties in the economic, trade, humanitarian and cultural spheres. Official visit of President Emomali Rahmon to Azerbaijan was also discussed. Emomali Rahmon expressed gratitude to Ilham Aliyev for his greetings and best wishes, and also asked to convey his greetings and congratulations on the occasion of Ilham Aliyevs victory in the presidential election on April 11. During the meeting, the Azerbaijani ambassador said that he will spare no effort for the development of bilateral relations during his diplomatic career and noted that he will make efforts for the further development of relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan in all spheres. During the further conversation, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon spoke about the great leader Heydar Aliyev and noted that he was a great world-class politician and that such persons rarely appear in history. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Russias Mir 24 TV channel has prepared a report dedicated to the landslide victory of Ilham Aliyev in the presidential election in Azerbaijan. The incumbent president of Azerbaijan, chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev won a convincing victory in the presidential election on April 11, gaining 86.03 percent of votes, the TV channel said. The report notes that over 800 international observers, including 200 observes from the CIS member countries, observed the election in Azerbaijan. Head of the CIS Executive Committee Sergey Lebedev in an interview with Mir 24 stressed that the observers didnt find any violations during the election. We closely watched the preparations and the election itself, both in Baku and in all Azerbaijani districts, he said. I personally visited 10 polling stations. The election was well prepared and organized. The report said the Western observers didnt find any violations during the election, either. In particular, PACE noted the good level of preparation of Azerbaijans Central Election Commission for the presidential election, according to the report. The local CEC is pleased with such an assessment, the report said. All night members of the commissions were counting the ballots. Ilham Aliyev left no chances to his rivals, as he garnered 86 percent of the votes. The TV report then shows the streets of Baku, where the Azerbaijani citizens gather to celebrate Ilham Aliyevs victory in the presidential election. The voting day turned into a celebration of stability a name invented on the Baku Boulevard, the report said. Two million tourists walk there every year, which is three times more than it was 15 years ago. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Ilham Aliyev to congratulate with convincing victory in the presidential election, according to the report. The landslide victory, as Putin said, means only one thing: the population supports the policy of their leader, Mir 24 noted. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: The Economist, the world-famous publication, has devoted an article to the convincing victory of Ilham Aliyev in the presidential election in Azerbaijan. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev has garnered 86.03 percent of votes in the April 11 election. The Economist highlights that many Azerbaijanis are grateful to President Ilham Aliyev for rising living standards and political stability in a turbulent part of the world. They also like his tough talk on Armenia, which occupies the Nagorno-Karabakh territory of Azerbaijan, according to the article. The Economist also touched upon a number of economic achievements of President Ilham Aliyev. "Thanks to abundant oil and gas, its economy grew by an average annual rate of 13 percent in the decade to 2014, making it the fastest-growing in the world for three consecutive years in the late 2000s. The country of 10m has seen its poverty rate fall from 50 percent in 2000 to 5 percent today," the article reads. But relying on fast-dwindling hydrocarbons is unlikely to be a sustainable model. President Aliyev instead wants to turn Azerbaijan into a transit hub on Chinas new Silk Road, according to The Economist. The publication notes that the opening of a new railway last October connecting the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to Kars in Turkey and onwards to the Balkans, means that the shortest route between China and Europe now runs through Azerbaijan. In 2016 two-way trade in goods between China and the EU reached 515 billion ($560 billion). More than 90 percent of that trade currently goes by sea, which takes twice as long, according to the article. The Economist also informs about another international transport project, to which Azerbaijan is a party. "Another north-south transport corridor is shortly to link Mumbai and Moscow by rail, passing through Azerbaijan," it reads. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: President of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has made a phone call to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the press service of the Azerbaijani president said in a statement. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani congratulated Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the presidential election and wished him success in his presidential activity for the development of Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev thanked Mohammad Ashraf Ghani for the attention and congratulations. During the phone conversation, the heads of state expressed confidence in further development of relations between the two countries. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: The people of Azerbaijan have no other option except for Ilham Aliyev a strong and visionary leader who can play well on all international diplomatic fronts, Malik Ayub Sumbal, columnist, political analyst and broadcaster, wrote in his article for Chinese CGTN website. Azerbaijans opposition has a problem in that it is much divided, weak and does not have the confidence of the people, the article said. There is a lack of vision in the opposition and it has no leader who can face the countrys challenges, like the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the resulting refugee crisis, Sumbal said. Nagorno-Karabakh was occupied by Armenia and both countries have been involved in cross border firing and skirmishes, the author wrote. With such challenges on its doorstep, a weak leadership in Azerbaijan could endanger the countrys territorial integrity, he said. A huge influx of refugees who fled from Nagorno-Karabakh and settled in the capital Baku and surrounding areas has been a big challenge, but the incumbent government managed to resettle one million migrants, the article said. Meanwhile, Baku, with its fascinating mix of modern and old infrastructure, leaves no doubt that the current leadership has delivered on its promises for the development of the country, according to the article. Ilham Aliyev launched a massive anti-corruption campaign and cracked down on corrupt officials and ministries in his recent term, the author added. He carried out reforms to the social services by launching ASAN, a state agency aimed at making government services more accessible to citizens using modern technology, the article said. He also pulled the country out of a severe economic crisis by devaluing the currency after the massive slump in the global oil market, then opened the country to tourism, making it a popular destination for visitors from the Middle East and Asia. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Discussions on the presidential elections in Azerbaijan were held at the Expert Council of Baku Network. The discussions were attended by Elkhan Alasgarov, PhD, head of the Expert Council of the Baku Network, Deputy Director General of Trend News Agency Lina Vaitkeviciene and Editor-in-chief of Azernews newspaper Sevil Mikayilova. Elkhan Alasgarov said that the main factors of Azerbaijans development are the correct foreign policy line, internal stability and the unity of the people. I think that the next period of Ilham Aliyevs presidency will be successful as in previous years. Once again we congratulate the president on his victory, he added. Sevil Mikayilova, for her part, said that people voted for Ilham Aliyev to see further development of Azerbaijan. The election situation in the country was very positive, very fair. As the international observers, who came to Azerbaijan to observe the elections noted, there was no shortcoming during these polls. Azerbaijan has sent an invitation to all international organizations and 894 international observers were here present. They were very delighted with the conditions created here for voters. The conditions were very fair, everyone was free and there was no pressure. At the same time, people went to the polling stations just to vote for their future and this is very obvious, she said. Further, talking about Azerbaijans achievements on the international arena, Mikayilova noted that the international rating of the country is very high. Azerbaijan has hosted numerous large-scale international events over these years and at the high level. I want to mention the Eurovision song contest held in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan hosted a very large-scale international event the European Games, which for the first time took place in a Muslim country which was very remarkable. After two years, Azerbaijan hosted Islamic Solidarity Games, she said. Mikayilova pointed out that Azerbaijan is well represented both in the Islamic Cooperation Organization and in the Council of Europe, which is not so easy task to have very good representation at these two very different organizations. She noted that Azerbaijan is implementing large-scale regional projects, which are important not only for the country, the region, but Europe as well. "Why people voted for Ilham Aliyev? Because they want these good changes, these positive tendencies to continue. They voted for the future, they want these developments to go far. They want the future generations to live in safety and security. They want this progress to continue, Mikayilova concluded. Lina Vaitkeviciene noted that by voting for Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani people voted for stability and safety. I think the results were predictable. All the generation, who are now 40-50 and older, remember the hardships in the first years of Azerbaijans independence and they value what they have today: safety and stability. Despite the fact that the country is in the conflict, it is safe and stable and people value it. Especially, in our days, when we see so many conflicts around the world, safety and stability is very important. I think it is one of the main factors why Ilham Aliyev was elected. I could say that people voted here for their safety and stability, she said. Vaitkeviciene noted that another factor which play a role in the victory of President Ilham Aliyev, is the development, positive changes and achievements of the country. There is a developed infrastructure with quality roads. Everybody can see nice buildings, renovated hospitals, renovated schools, created new jobs, growing of tourist flow. It is also obvious for everybody that there were done a lot of things for the countrys promotion. A lot of international events were organized in Azerbaijan, she said. Vaitkeviciene pointed out that Azerbaijan pursues a policy of diversification of economy and there are already results. All these factors created basis for the new cadency of the president, she added. Azerbaijan held a presidential election on April 11. Eight candidates were registered for the election. Six of the candidates were nominated by political parties, one candidate was a self-nominee and another candidate was nominated by an initiative group. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev has garnered 86.03 percent of votes in the election, according to the votes counted in 5,641 polling stations. On the voting day, 5,426 permanent polling stations and 215 temporary polling stations in 125 constituencies operated in the country. The election was observed by 894 international observers (61 organizations, 59 countries) and 58,175 local observers. The voter turnout was 74.51 percent. That is 3,962,123 of 5,332,817 voters cast ballot in the election. http://bakunetwork.com Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: On April 13, President of the European Council Donald Tusk congratulated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the election. Dear President, dear Ilham. I would like to express my best wishes to you on the occasion of your re-election as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Tusk said in his letter. I hope that during your new term in office, the relationship between Azerbaijan and the European Union will be further deepened, including through the negotiations of a new ambitious bilateral agreement, based on shared fundamental values and principles and our global, political and economic interests, said President of the European Council. I also look forward to continuing to work with you to develop our cooperation within the Eastern Partnership, with a view to further strengthening the European Union`s engagement and support, and to advancing our shared objectives of stability and prosperity in the region, said Donald Tusk. Please accept the assurance of my highest consideration, added President of the European Council Donald Tusk. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: A solo exhibition of well-known photographer Reza Deghati has been launched at the Heydar Aliyev Center. Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening of the exhibition arranged in the center`s park. Addressing the event, Reza Deghati hailed tolerance in Azerbaijan. He thanked Azerbaijan`s Fist Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for support. The photographer said he will launch his exhibition of works on Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliyev Center in a month. Participants of the event viewed the exhibition, which features 60 photographs taken by Reza Deghati in Azerbaijan, France, Egypt, Turkey, China, Afghanistan and other countries in different years. Reza Deghati for the first time visited Azerbaijan in 1987. In 1997, he lived in Azerbaijan for several months and traveled across the country taking pictures of ordinary people in their everyday life, customs and traditions of various people. Reza has covered much of the globe for National Geographic Magazine. Several films about Reza's work have been produced by National Geographic Television, most notably Frontline Diaries, which won an Emmy Award in 2002. Reza's photographs have been exhibited in major cities throughout the world. War+Peace (2009), an exhibit featuring thirty years-worth of Reza's photojournalistic adventures, was held at the Caen Memorial (Peace Museum) in Normandy, France. One World, One Tribe (2006), was the National Geographic Museum's first outdoor exhibition in Washington D.C, and Reza's landmark exhibition in Paris, drew a million visitors. Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted a conference entitled Activities and Success in Global Capital Markets. The event jointly organized by the Higher School and SOCAR gathered BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov, high-rank representatives from SOCAR and SOCAR Capital companies, and BHOS professors, lecturers and students. Opening the conference, BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov welcomed the participants of the event. Underlining the significant role of financial markets in the development of global economy, BHOS rector said that these processes also affected Azerbaijani economy and economic development of the country, which receive special attention from the state. In his words, establishment of SOCAR Capital within SOCAR group of companies in 2016 became one more the step undertaken by the government in this field. Elmar Gasimov highly praised the role of the company in the world capital markets and its activity in raising society awareness of the significance of investment and financial projects and initiatives. At the beginning of the conference, a video highlighting SOCAR Capital activity was shown. The chief adviser of SOCAR on the securities issue, member of the Advisory Board of SOCAR Capital Ali Agaoglu made a presentation entitled Economy 2.0. It covered issues related to recent trends and innovations in the development of global capital markets seriously influenced by new technologies. These changes, among others, led to appearance of new products and services including crypto currency, he said. The second presentation made by Ali Agaoglu was dedicated to securities issued by SOCAR. The speaker also told about their significance for business, population, the society and the state. In his words, SOCAR securities, which are sold at a discount and secured by the guaranty from the company, have captured the interest of the population. Then economist Vugar Bayramov made a presentation entitled Innovative Economy: Challenges and Perspectives. He provided detailed information about innovative economy, latest developments and changes in the labor, financial and capital markets of Azerbaijan and innovations introduced in the national economy. During discussions of the conference topics, the participants pointed out the importance of such events aimed at raising young peoples awareness and understanding of innovative processes in economy. The conference concluded with questions and answers session. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Ilkin Shafiyev Trend: Interest of cargo shippers in the International North-South Transport Corridor project is growing, Eduard Alyrzaev, first deputy CEO of Russian Railways Logistics (RRL), told Trend April 6. "There is interest on the part of forwarding companies, cargo owners, major Russian exporters," he noted. "For example, authorities of the Stavropol province, as well as the major Russian steel companies are interested in the project. As for foreign countries, we are in contact with Finland, which exports a fairly large amount of paper to India." Alyrzaev went on to add that the operators and countries participating in the transport corridor project have become more active. At the same time, it is necessary to further develop the marketing part of the project, he said. "Together with ADY Express and ADY Container, our Azerbaijani partners, we are actively promoting and advertising the project in Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, India and even European countries," he noted. "The biggest cooperation in this direction is between Russia and Azerbaijan. There are some results; however, a lot of work is needed to be done." The North-South transport corridor is designed to connect Northern Europe with India and Southeast Asia. The route will also connect the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia. At an initial stage, six million tons of cargo are planned to be transported through the corridor per year and 15-20 million tons of cargo in future. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: Ukraine's state enterprise Kharkiv Electrotyazhmash will supply the necessary raw materials for production of industrial goods at the Sumgait Technologies Park (STP), the STP told Trend on April 13. A deal on cooperation was signed by Director General of STP Emin Mammadov and the acting director of SE Plant Electrotyazhmash Dmitry Kostyuk. Under the agreement, the parties will be engaged in development of the country's industrial sectors in the future and will unite efforts to create new technologies. The deal also stipulates cooperation in the personnel capacity building and exchange of experience. The Sumgait Technologies Park is the largest enterprise realizing new infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan's electric power industry. The STP manufactures products for electric power engineering and machine building. These are particularly different types of cables, transformers, high voltage equipment, hydraulic turbines, water pumps, electric motors, pipes, etc. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: Projects aimed at developing Uzbekistan's economy has been presented in country's Mirzaabad region with the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek president's office announced. Mirziyoyev drew attention to the Social web solution program, which is designed to expand the scale of electronic commerce, as well as to create convenience for the population when receiving social services via internet. The president also stressed the need to support the initiators of the program, providing them with all necessary conditions. Mirziyoyev also got acquainted with projects on the development of fish breeding, livestock, sericulture, efficient use of rainfed and homestead land, as well as, construction and reconstruction of irrigation and melioration networks. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: The software platform for monitoring and managing a car park, Avtomax, of Azerbaijans Sumaks company, will be used to manage the bus fleet of the countrys Baku Transportation Agency (BTA), the company told Trend. The company said that the use of this platform allowed BTA to eliminate the problem related to the transport management system. Currently, BTA should determine the number of GPS navigators used in buses, after which the commercial component of cooperation will be viewed, added the company. The Avtomax platform is own development of Sumaks, which allows monitoring the fleet, tracking the speed of vehicles and their stopping points, controlling fuel costs, improving the discipline of drivers and others. The product is the most competitive in price as compared to its foreign analogues and fully meets the requirements of the customer. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: IBM computer manufacturing companys representative office - IBM Caspian LLC passed the state registration in Azerbaijan, according to the message published in the Azerbaijani Taxes Ministrys Vergiler newspaper. IBM Caspian LLC passed the state registration via the "single window" system of the Azerbaijani Taxes Ministry on February 13, 2018 with the authorized capital of $500,000. Igor Bryukhov is the official representative of the company. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: Schedule of traffic and the number of departures of the Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan)-Mashhad (Iran)-Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) international high-speed train No.15/16 will be changed, the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC told Trend April 13. Starting from April 15, the train will be sent every Sunday from Nakhchivan and every Wednesday from Mashhad starting from April 18. The functioning of the route is aimed at the sustainable development of friendly relations, strengthening of railway and tourist ties between the two countries, the company said. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, April 13 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has appointed Gadyrgeldi Mushshikov as chairman of the Supreme Control Chamber, the Turkmen government said in a message. Mushshikov previously served as chairman of the Board at the Senagat joint stock commercial bank. Earlier it was reported that Chary Gylyjov, who headed the Supreme Control Chamber, was appointed deputy chairman of the Turkmen Cabinet of Ministers, responsible for the trade sector. The Supreme Control Chamber of Turkmenistan was created in 2007. It was established to strengthen the control over implementation of legal acts on financial and economic activities, preservation, legitimacy and effectiveness of the use and disposal of state property and financial resources. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, April 13 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has signed the law appointing Kasymguly Babaev as deputy chairman of the Parliament, the Turkmen government said in a message April 13. The law was signed in accordance with Article 80 of the Turkmen Constitution and following the voting held March 30 during the Turkmen Parliaments session. According to the Turkmen constitution, the parliament passes laws, makes changes and amendments to the constitution, approves the state budget, solves the issues concerning nationwide referendums, appoints MPs and members of representative bodies. Moreover, the parliament ratifies and denounces international treaties, solves the issues of state border and administrative-territorial division of the country. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, April 13 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov by his decree has appointed Maksat Khudaykulyev as director of the State Service for Combating Economic Crimes, the Turkmen government said in a message. It was earlier reported that Mammetkhan Chakyev, who was director of the service since its creation, was appointed deputy prime minister, responsible for the transport and communications spheres. The Turkmen State Service for Combating Economic Crimes was established in June 2017. The presidential decree to create the state service was signed in order to improve the activity to reveal and prevent offenses related to corruption, their disclosure and investigation. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, April 13 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met in Ashgabat with Michael Harms, executive director of German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations (GCEEER), the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message. The sides discussed the potential and prospects of trade and economic relations between the two countries and a number of issues concerning the prospects for cooperation in the banking sphere, high technologies, investments and tourism. The sides stressed that holding of meetings of the Turkmen-German working group, as well as development of new economic projects are positive factors in strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership. Speaking about relations in the business sphere, the parties noted that German companies have been effectively operating for many years in various areas of the Turkmen market, the message said. German companies make a significant contribution to the implementation of long-term projects in Turkmenistan. Such companies as Siemens, Daimler, Claas, Rohde & Schwarz, Dresser-Rand are among them. As of 2016, 167 investment projects and contracts involving German capital were registered in Turkmenistan, totaling $540 million and about 555 million euros. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi has expressed interest Iran cooperating with Pakistan in the expansion of cooperation in roads, maritime, aviation and rail transportation. Speaking at a joint press conference with Minister for Maritime Affairs Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, the Iranian minister said that the two countries enjoy long borders, thus protecting the security of this region and its development is a vital policy for both countries. Akhoundi also added that Iran sees no restriction for expansion of cooperation with Pakistan in the transportation field. He said that Iran is ready to cooperate in the construction of a railroad to link the two port cities of Chabahr and Gwadar. He also proposed to launch direct flights between Iranian and Pakistani cities. The minister added that the statistics show that about 200,000 Pakistani travelers visited Iran over the last year. Akhoundi heading a high-ranking delegation has arrived in Pakistan on a three-day visit. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: Supporters of the leader of Armenia's Civil Treaty party Nikol Pashinyan are holding a rally at the Liberty Square in the center of Yerevan, Sputnik Armenia reported on April 13. Reportedly, many people have joined the rally. The demonstrators protest against the extension of Serzh Sargsyan's power now in position of the prime minister. A protest action "My step", a marching initiated by Pashinyan on the territory of Armenia, was held before the rally. During several days, Pashinyan and a group of his supporters walked more than 200 kilometers, holding rallies in different cities. The marching ended in Yerevan. During his speech, Pashinyan urged residents of Yerevan to join the rally and contribute to the struggle. The Council of the European Union is providing up to 45 million in macro-financial assistance to Georgia to help cover the countrys financing needs, support economic stabilisation and its agenda for structural reforms, Agenda reports. This is the third operation for Georgia since the country's military conflict with Russia in August 2008. The EU's first two macro-financial assistance operations, amounting to 46 million each, were pledged at an international donors' conference in October 2008. The decision on macro-financial assistance was adopted without discussion at a meeting of the General Affairs Council. It was approved by the European Parliament on 14 March 2018. Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked the Chairman of the Council of Europe Donald Tusk and the EU Member States for supporting Georgia's development, the country's political course and democratic reforms. "Georgia will irrevocably continue its reforms on the path of European integration and such clear support from our Western partners is definitely invaluable in this process" Kvirikashvili said. The UN Security Council will hold an open-door meeting on Friday morning to discuss the situation in Syria, the Russian mission in New York said, Sputnik International reports. "An open-door UNSC session on the topic Threats to international peace and security: the situation in the Middle East will be held on Russias initiative at 10 a.m. [14:00GMT] on April 13," it said. Russias UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia told reporters Russia had called on UNSC member states to convene Friday in the presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Board of Governors of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development concluded its 11th meeting on Thursday 6 April 2018 in Tunis. During the meeting, the Board approved ISFDs annual report which highlighted the most important activities of the Fund in combating poverty in member countries. Since its establishment, the ISFD has approved US$734 million to finance 117 soft loans and grants to 33 member countries. US$175 million of this amount was approved in 2017. Sectors included microfinance, renewable energy, agriculture and health. Among the important programs in which the ISFD participated this year was its contribution of US$ 100 million to the Science, Technology and Innovation Fund, designed to provide scientists, innovators and small and medium-sized enterprises with funding to turn their ideas into projects. In 2017, the ISFD also supported other initiatives such as the Community Development Projects Initiative in Sierra Leone and Indonesia, the Pediatric fistula treatment initiative and the Yemen Humanitarian Support Project. One of ISFDs landmark initiatives include the "Avoidable Blindness Prevention Program", which succeeded remarkably in mobilizing resources, more ten times the initial target, under Phase 2 of this five-year alliance from 2018 to 2022. The ISFD allocated US$5 million to this program, with a target of US$25 million. It managed to mobilize an additional US$245 million in financial and in-kind contributions, which could conduct up to 1.5 million operations to remove white water, 10 million cases of eye screening and medical glasses provision for school children. Yesterday we celebrated the launch of this alliance and signed agreements with 32 partners from different parts of the world. In this context, the ISFD signed a memorandum of understanding with ETHIS CROWDFUNDING to launch a new crowd sourcing effort targeting US$1 million for the Blindness Program. This will test ISFDs ability to mobilize resources for poverty alleviation programs from the public and the philanthropic community that would constitute a paradigm shift in the ISFDs operations. Among the most ambitious and important programs in which the Board of Directors approved the ISFD to contribute to this week was the enroll and retain out-of-school children program, which aims to help re-enroll 2.4 million children in schools in selected member countries, including Mali, Pakistan and Nigeria. This program will be implemented in cooperation with the Qatari Foundation, Education Above All, the governments of beneficiary countries, international donors, international institutions and civil society organizations. The total cost of the program is US$375 million, of which the ISFD will contribute US$100 million. The ISFD has also developed innovative products for mobilizing resources, such as "Cash Waqf Sukuk" and "Ihsan Fund" for Waqf investments, being used to establish a special $100 million waqf fund for Al-Quds in cooperation with Cooperation Foundation, Jordan Commercial Bank and other partners. Today the ISFD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with partners in Al-Quds Waqf to launch a Waqf, the proceeds of which will be dedicated to the people of Al-Quds to improve their standards of living. The ISFD has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Islamic Corporation for Investment Insurance and Export Credit to establish a Takaful Fund to provide trade and sovereign guarantees to LDCs in order to attract investments and financing for economic empowerment projects for youth and disadvantaged groups and to support anti-poverty programs in these countries. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said on Thursday it would not disclose details of its experts work in Syria for security reasons, TASS reports. "We are unable to share operational details. This policy exists to preserve the integrity of the investigatory process and its results as well as to ensure the safety and security of OPCW experts and personnel involved," the OPCW Public Affairs said. This policy applies to dates of the experts arrival and departure, their numbers, routes and actions. "All parties are asked to respect the confidentiality parameters required for a rigorous and unimpeded investigation," the organization said. The decision to send an OPCW mission to Syria to investigate reports of a chemical attack in the city of Douma was made on April 10. According to sources, the experts have already arrived in Lebanon and are due to depart to Syria soon, accompanied by officials of the UN Syria envoys office and the UN security department. Some non-governmental organizations, including White Helmets, claim that chemical weapons were used in Douma, Eastern Ghouta, on April 7. According to the statement uploaded to the organizations website on April 8, chlorine bombs were dropped on the city to kill dozens and poison other local civilians who had to be brought to hospital. The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed that as fake news. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that White Helmets were an unreliable source, notorious for disseminating falsehoods. The Russian center for the reconciliation of conflicting parties on April 9 examined Douma to find no traces of chemical weapons. Earlier, various official Russian agencies repeatedly warned that preparations had been underway in different parts of Syria for provocations and simulations of chemical attacks that would be blamed on government forces. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the Security Council on Syria, urged all states to act responsibly in these dangerous circumstances.,Reuters reported Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise in the establishment of an accountability mechanism threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation, Guterres told the 15-member council. Concern about an aerial missile attack in Syria and the warning issued by the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) caused China's Hainan Airlines to cancel a flight from Shanghai scheduled to land today in Tel Aviv. The company stated that it canceled the flight because of Eurocontrol's warning. Since the flight did not reach Israel, today's flight from Tel Aviv to Shanghai was also canceled, Globes reports. At this stage, the Hainan flight to Tel Aviv tonight from Beijing, due to take off at 9:00 PM, is still on schedule, but passengers are advised to watch for new announcements in case the company decides to withdraw the flight. As a result of the cancelation, 265 passengers who did not take off to their destinations were sent to hotels and alternate flights with other airlines, including Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, El Al, and tonight's Hainan flight to Beijing (provided that it does take off). Many Chinese passengers who were to have traveled to Israel chose to call off their trip, and their money will be refunded. Sources inform "Globes" that the company will also compensate all of the Israeli passengers who did not take off yesterday and today at noon because of the cancelation in accordance with the Aviation Law. This law stipulates compensation of NIS 3,070 per passenger. Hainan could claim that it canceled its flight due to circumstances beyond its control, but the airline, which prides itself on its service, decided that the case justified compensation. The flight safety center under the aegis of the International Civil Aviation Organization has apologized for the search on a plane of the Russian flagship air carrier Aeroflot at a London airport in late March, Russian transport minister Maxim Sokolov said on Friday, TASS reports. When asked by reporters whether the center has explained reasons for the move, the minister replied: "yes, it did. It even apologized. It was the flight safety center under the ICAO aegis, operating in the UK." Aeroflot executives said on March 30 that the UK authorities had searched a plane, bound to perform a return flight SU2583 from London to Moscow, without providing any explanations for their actions. In violation of the effective international rules, the captain of the jet was locked in the cockpit. The airline said the search fully ran counter to the international practice for such operations. The Russian embassy in the UK has sent a note to the UK Foreign Office, demanding explanations for what it described as an outright provocation by the British authorities. Russias transportation ministry earlier said that the Russian coordination center on air safety will request UK authorities about reasons for the move. Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park (Z-Park), also known as "China's Silicon Valley", will open a liaison office in Tel Aviv. Zhongguancun is the home of many Chinese tech giants, like Lenovo, Baidu, Xiaomi, emerging technology companies and China's leading Universities, Globes reports. The announcement of the planned liaison office was made at a meeting held earlier this week between Beijing vice mayor Yin Hejun, and Tel Aviv deputy mayor Doron Sapir. A senior delegation from Beijing Municipality, and high-level executives of Z-Park also attended the event. Beijing and Tel Aviv have been twin cities for the past 20 years, while in recent years cooperation between the cities has increased dramatically in areas such as technology, municipal knowledge exchange, education, culture, art and more. The opening of an official Beijing office for economy, high-tech and science issues in Tel Aviv further strengthens relations between the cities. Zhongguancun Israeli liaison office will serve as a base for Chinese companies seeking to do business in Israel, and for Israeli companies seeking business opportunities in China. Sapir said, "Beijing and Tel Aviv, like China and Israel, are completely different in size, but share many common values: Adopting technology and modernization, cherishing education, and striving to always improve our municipal systems. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai has defined the relationship with Beijing as a prime strategic goal for our foreign relations. In recent years we've seen dramatic increase in the number of delegations and visits from Beijing to Tel Aviv and vice versa. The opening of a Beijing economic office here in Tel Aviv is an important development that we welcome with pleasure." Hejun said, "We are thrilled to announce this liaison office in Tel Aviv, which is the center of the Israeli ecosystem, as another step in the cooperation between our cities. The Chinese government attributes great importance to Zhongguancun science park, as home to innovation and breakthrough technologies. Last year, the combined turnover of high-tech industries in Z-Park exceeded 5 trillion RMB (almost $800 billion). In recent years we established 10 liaison offices of the park worldwide, including the US. Today we announce the 11th office in Tel Aviv. We know how famous Tel Aviv is for its innovation, and openness to new ideas. We have a lot to learn from you." Operated by Shengjing Group, the biggest Chinese-related global VC & PE fund of funds, Zhongguancun Israel Liaison Office will be the link of communication and cooperation between the Zhongguancun and Israeli innovation eco-system. Zhongguancun?Z-Park) is the most intensive scientific, education and talent resource base in China. As the most dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in China Zhongguancun caters for nearly 20,000 high-tech enterprises operating, including tech giants like Lenovo, Baidu, Xiaomi and JD, world famous Chinese Universities and more. Zhongguancun boasts almost 40 colleges and universities like Peking University and Tsinghua University, more than 200 national (municipal) scientific institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 67 state-level laboratories, 27 national engineering research centers, 28 national engineering and technological research centers, 24 university science and technology parks and 29 overseas student pioneer parks. So far, Zhongguancun has 10 overseas liaison offices in different areas, including Silicon Valley, Washington DC, Munich, Toronto, London, Finland, Sydney, and Tokyo. The Israel liaison office will be a very important bridge between the Beijing and Tel Aviv innovation ecosystems. Uganda is considering a request from Israel to take in 500 migrants from Eritrea and Sudan, a minister said on Friday, the first time the East African nation has acknowledged it is in talks over such a deal, Reuters reports. The State of Israel working with other refugees managing organizations has requested Uganda to allow about 500 Eritreans and Sudanese to relocate to Uganda. The government and ministry are positively considering the request, Musa Ecweru, Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, said in a statement. About 4,000 migrants have left Israel for Rwanda and Uganda since 2013 under a voluntary program but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under pressure from his right-wing voter base to expel thousands more. In January, Israel started handing out notices to male migrants from Eritrea and Sudan giving them three months to take the voluntary deal with a plane ticket and $3,500 or risk being thrown in jail. The government said from April it would start forced deportations but rights groups challenged the move and Israels Supreme Court has issued a temporary injunction to give more time for the petitioners to argue against the plan. Government representatives told the court earlier this week that an envoy was in an African country finalizing a deportation deal after an arrangement with Rwanda to take migrants expelled under the new measures fell through. Until Fridays statement, Ugandan officials had denied to Reuters that their government was in talks with Israel to resettle migrants. Ecweru said all refugees world over should be voluntarily repatriated with strict observance and adherence to international law, but did not give further details on the possible deal. India's Mahindra Defense and Israeli drone developer Aeronautics Ltd. (TASE: ARCS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner for naval shipborne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Aeronautics and Mahindra announced that they will offer a UAV system that can be launched and recovered from Indian warships, Globes reports. Based in Yavne, south of Tel Aviv, Aeronautics provides integrated turnkey solutions based on unmanned systems platforms, payloads and communications for defense and civil applications. Aeronautics is the OEM of the Orbiter series of UAVs which has been sold in many countries globally. The Aeronautics Orbiter 4 is an advanced multi-mission platform with an ability to carry and operate two different payloads simultaneously. With an open architecture, the Orbiter 4 can be specially adjusted to the needs of each mission. Among the different payloads the Orbiter 4 can carry are maritime patrol radar (MPR), cellular interception sensor, satellite communication, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), automatic identification system (AIS) and advanced electro-optic payload. Orbiter 4 capabilities include maximum endurance of up to 24 hours, maximum take-off weight of 50 kilograms, and maximum flight altitude of 18,000 feet while operating different payloads. Mahindra Defense and Aeronautics have entered into this partnership to offer the maritime version of Orbiter 4 to the Indian Navy. The UAV will carry state of the art sensor payloads as required by Indian Navy and will be capable of being launched and recovered from small warships that do not have a helicopter deck including small warships that are around 50 meters in length. This UAV will be a force multiplier for the Indian Navy. Aeronautics CEO Amos Mathan said, Aeronautics has entered into this partnership to offer the maritime version of Orbiter 4 to Indian Navy. We will work together with Mahindra Defense to manufacture Orbiter UAVs in India. We are ready for transfer of technology and transfer of production line in India. This is a sign of Aeronautics commitment to India by offering our newest and most advanced aerial solutions for operations by Indian Navy - one of the best navies in the world. Mahindra Group Aerospace & Defense Sector group president and Mahindra Defense chairman SP Shukla said, Mahindra group has been supporting Make in India initiative whole heartedly. We always identify high quality products and enter into partnerships that we believe will bring maximum value to our defense forces. We believe that Indian armed forces should get the state of the art products while we develop skill and competency for defense manufacturing indigenously. Specifically, we have entered into this partnership to address a range of possibilities from offsets to manufacturing in India which includes transfer of technology and life time support of the product. Prosecutors in central Mexico say assailants have shot to death a mayor near the colonial city of Puebla. The Puebla state prosecutors office said Thursday that Jose Efrain Garcia was killed when gunmen blocked his vehicle on a road and opened fire, Associated Press (AP) reports. Garcia was mayor of the town of Tlanepantla, just east of Puebla. The area has been a hotbed of thieves drilling illegal taps into state-owned pipelines to steal fuel. At least 55 mayors or mayors-elect have been killed in Mexico since 2006, often by criminal gangs or corrupt police. On Wednesday, Mexicos Green party said a female state assembly candidate was killed in the neighbouring state of Michoacan. In February, two female state assembly candidates were slain in Guerrero. Violence threatens Mexicos July 1 presidential and local elections. A Mexican drug cartel leader whose arrest led to the torture and killings of 12 Mexican police officers has been sentenced in the United States to 43 years in prison on drug charges, according to investigators, Valley morning Star reports. Arnoldo Rueda-Medina, known as "La Minsa" in the La Familia Michoacana cartel, was sentenced by a federal judge in Dallas on Wednesday. Rueda-Medina was also ordered to pay a $5 million fine. The cartel is responsible for smuggling thousands of kilograms of meth into the U.S. and stashing it in Texas and other locations, according to federal officials. Rueda-Medina, 48, was arrested in Mexico in 2009 and extradited to the U.S. in 2017. Following his arrest, cartel operatives attacked the police station where he was being held with grenades and high-powered rifles. They also ambushed other government facilities and kidnapped the 12 officers in retaliation. The officers' bodies were bound and dumped on a mountain road, and showed signs that the men had been tortured. A piece of cardboard was left at the scene with a scribbled message: "Come for another. We are waiting for you." "They were cowardly assassinated," a Mexican police officer, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, testified Wednesday. "It's something you don't ever recuperate from fully." Cartel operatives are believed to have killed at least four other police officers and two Mexican Marines after Rueda-Medina's arrest. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade said he has sentenced more than 150 member of La Familia over the past decade, but he said Rueda-Medina was the highest-ranking member to come before him. "You were at the top and you knew lots and lots of what was going on," Kinkeade said. Rueda-Medina, through an interpreter at the hearing, said he had found God while in custody and was committed to ministering others in prison. He said he was a drug addict trapped and unable to leave the cartel because of the consequences he and his family could face. "I had to either die or be incarcerated," he said. "I am now released from that heavy load." Rueda-Medina pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The judge ordered that Rueda-Medina be deported after he finishes his sentence. The popular Telegram messenger will be blocked soon in the wake of a Moscow courts decision on Friday, Head of the Russian telecom watchdog Alexander Zharov told TASS. "Can you imagine, the fighting is underway and you say: "When will you attack? Well, soon. I wont say when I will attack," said Zharov answering a question on when the watchdog would start restricting access to Telegram. "I wont tell you about the exact time when Telegrams blocking will start. This is a bomb for journalists," Zharov said. "My work is to fulfill this irreproachably in technical terms. This may take days, hours or minutes," he noted. Earlier on Friday, Moscows Tagansky court blocked access to the Telegram messenger in Russia over its failure to furnish keys to the Federal Security Service to decrypt user messages. The court satisfied the lawsuit of Russias telecom watchdog Roskomnadzor filed on April 6. The judge said the courts decision would be implemented immediately and the ban on access would be in force until the FSBs demands were met. Telegram said this demands would be impossible to implement since the keys were stored in the users devices. Russias state nuclear corporation Rosatom is discussing with Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan the possibility of building nuclear power plants in these countries, head of Rosatom Alexei Likhachev said at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, TASS reports. "We are working on it with Saudi Arabia, with Uzbekistan," he said. The head of Rosatom expressed hope that the assistance of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Foreign Ministry will contribute to growing number of countries wishing to build power plant with the help of Russian specialists. "We are currently in talks with the government of Uzbekistan on embarking on an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of the plant," Likhachev said. Russia is ready to cooperate with the European Union in addressing regional and international problems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint news conference with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok on Friday, TASS reports. "Russia is interested in continuing dialogue with the European Union," Lavrov noted. "Weve got common interests in the war on terror, illegal migration and drug trafficking. As we confirmed to our European colleagues, we will be ready for such work to the degree the Europeans themselves will be ready for it." "We would like to have regular dialogue and all crises both in our common region and far from us to be studied in a businesslike manner from the perspective of a peaceful settlement and the priority of interests of peoples living in countries that are experiencing a difficult situation, so that external players did not try to impose any methods that would run counter to these interests," the Russian foreign minister stressed. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have held a telephone call on Friday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, TASS reports. When asked if the two leaders had discussed the situation in Syria, he said: "yes, the conversation touched upon that." The Russian presidential spokesman said that the conversations details would be provided later. Putin and Macron ordered the countries defense and foreign ministers to maintain a close contact to de-escalate tensions in Syria, the Kremlin press service said. "The sides continued exchanging views on the current situation in Syria which escalated after claims on the alleged use of chemical weapons in the city of Douma," the statement said. "The leaders ordered the defense and foreign ministers to maintain a close contact with the goal of de-escalating the current situation," it said. The Russian leader called to carry out a thorough and unbiased investigation into the incident in Syrias Douma and avoid unfounded accusations against anyone until the investigation was over. "It is most important to refrain from ill-considered and dangerous steps which would be a gross violation of the United Nations Charter and would have unpredictable consequences," the Kremlin said. The Russian and French leaders welcomed the decision on sending to Syria a mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at the governments invitation. They discussed possible bilateral cooperation on providing assistance to the OPCW missions work. Putin emphasized the need to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged chemical weapons attack in Syrias Douma and also called for refraining from groundless accusations, the Kremlin press service said. "Before the investigation is complete, it would be reasonable to refrain from groundless accusations against anyone. The most important thing is to refrain from ill-considered and dangerous actions that would violate the United Nations Charter and would also have unpredictable consequences," the statement reads. The international chemical watchdogs experts will begin work in Syria on Saturday, a spokesman for the OPCW said. The Syrian government confirmed that it was "keen on cooperating with the OPCW to uncover the truth behind the allegations that some western sides have been advertising to justify their aggressive intentions." Russias Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya has called on the United States and other Western countries looking at a possible strike on Syria to think twice and stop driving the world to a red line, TASS reports. "The situation is developing under a dangerous scenario, which is fraught with serious consequences to global security. In such an event, the entire responsibility will rest on the United States and its allies," he said. "We call on the leaders of these states to wise us, get back to the frames of international law and stop driving the world to a red line." The Russian diplomat warned that negative developments around Syria are "fraught with global consequences." The United States, in his words, has embarked on a path of unfolding a military scenario in Syria. "It is inadmissible," he underscored. Russia has information that leaders of armed groups in Syria have been ordered to launch an offensive at the government troops positions as soon as the United States and its allies deliver airstrike on that country, he went on. "Who is going to benefit from a possible airstrike on the Syrian military who carry the bulk of the burden of fighting terrorism and who have achieved serious victories on this track? We know it for sure that leaders of Syrian armed groups have been ordered to launch an offensive after a possible strike," he said. The United Nations Security Council met on Friday for an extraordinary session to discuss the situation in the Middle East amid the US threats of an airstrike on Syria following reports about alleged chemical attack in the city of Douma on April 7. The Russian diplomat stressed that there were no "reliable evidence" of any chemical attack. "Our specialists found no traces of the use of toxic agents. Doumas residents know nothing about the attack. All information about the alleged attack comes from anti-government forces that are interested in such development of the situation," Nebenzya said, adding that Russia has evidence indicating that "it was a provocation involving secret services of a number of countries." Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Illegal immigrants from Afghanistan were deported from Turkeys western Izmir province, the Turkish media reported April 13. Reportedly, there are also women and children among 324 deported. Earlier, those Afghan citizens illegally arrived in Turkey and planned to infiltrate to the EU countries. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given instructions to speed up the construction of a shipping canal in Istanbul, the Turkish media reported April 13. This is an important project and it is impossible to delay its construction, the Turkish president added. President Erdogan expressed intention to implement the Istanbul Canal project in 2011. The aim of construction of the Istanbul Canal is to reduce the load on the Bosphorus Strait, as well as to prevent the threat of ecological and man-made disasters on one of the world's most intense sea routes. The depth and width of the Istanbul Canal will be 25 meters and 400 meters, respectively. Presently, an average of 150 vessels pass through the Bosphorus daily, of which about 30 are oil tankers. The Istanbul Canal will run parallel to the Bosphorus and in fact will turn the European part of Istanbul into an island and separate it from Europe. A new port is also expected to be constructed within this project. The construction of the Istanbul Canal will continue for five years, and the minimum lifetime will be 100 years. (1 USD = 4.1358 TRY on April 13) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: As part of the operation against drug traffickers in Turkeys southern Adana province, 115 kilograms of heroin were confiscated, the Adana police said in a message April 13. Various psychotropic substances worth 55 million Turkish lira were confiscated. Some individuals, whose names were not disclosed, were detained during the operation. In January-February 2018, 3,722 kilograms of heroin have been confiscated, the Turkish Interior Ministry said previously. During the reporting period, 16,802 kilograms of psychotropic substances and 202 kilograms of Bonzai drugs were confiscated in Turkey. During the reporting period, 3,823 people, including foreigners, were detained within the fight against drug traffickers. In total, 20,000 tons of heroin was confiscated in Turkey in 2017. (1 USD = 4.1358 TRY on April 13) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The police in Turkey's capital city Ankara dispersed protestors, who demanded the lifting of the emergency state imposed in the country, Turkish media reported on April 13. Reportedly, about 100 people have today gathered in front of the building of the Culture and Tourism Ministry of Turkey and demanded the lifting of the emergency state. The Ankara Police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Earlier the Republican People's Party (CHP) demanded the government to abolish the state of emergency. Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag has said that the state of emergency will be extended in Turkey. But it was also reported that the emergency state in Turkey, which was introduced after the military coup attempt, will be canceled in February 2018. The state of emergency was introduced in Turkey after the military coup attempt in 2016. On July 15, 2016, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. The death toll as a result of the coup attempt stood at 250 people, and more than 2,000 people were wounded. In January 2018, the emergency state in Turkey was extended for the sixth time. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has urged the US and Russia to refrain from the steps that will throw up the Middle East into even greater chaos, Turkish media reported on April 13. "Our region is in a difficult situation. We urge our partners to refrain from steps that will lead to more chaos," Yildirim said. Earlier, US President Donald Trump has promised a "forceful" response to the alleged chemical attack in Syria. Damask denies the accusations. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey will resolutely fight terrorists in Iraq and Syria, the Turkish media cited the countrys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying April 13. Erdogan added that presently, the Turkish Armed Forces continue to carry out the Operation Olive Branch in Syria. "The world community must know that the Turkish Armed Forces have released Syrias territory, rather than occupied it," the president said. On Jan. 20, the Turkish Armed Forces, together with the Free Syrian Army, launched the Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, Syria. On Aug. 24, 2016, Turkish Armed Forces, with the support of the Syrian opposition, launched the Euphrates Shield Operation against the IS militants and liberated the city of Jarabulus as well as the city of Al-Bab in northern Syria. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The Turkish parliament will discuss extension of the emergency state for the seventh time, Turkish media reported on April 13. The issue of extending the emergency state in Turkey will be discussed at the parliament on April 18. Earlier Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag has said that the state of emergency will be extended in Turkey. But it was also reported that the emergency state in Turkey, which was introduced after the military coup attempt, will be canceled in February 2018. The state of emergency was introduced in Turkey after the military coup attempt in 2016. On July 15, 2016, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. The death toll as a result of the coup attempt stood at 250 people, and more than 2,000 people were wounded. In January 2018, the emergency state in Turkey was extended for the sixth time. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 13 Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that steps that could lead to peace in Syria were discussed during the phone talks with his Russian and US counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Turkish media reported on April 13. "Most of all [in the talks with Putin and Trump] we touched upon Syria, what we can do to achieve peace there as quickly as possible. As for use of chemical weapons, both our position and position of international community is clear," the president said, noting that everyone harshly condemn the use of chemical weapons. Erdogan further noted that he expects the US and Russia to show sensitivity to use of not only chemical, but also ordinary weapons. Earlier, US President Donald Trump has promised a "forceful" response to the alleged chemical attack in Syria. Damask denies the accusations. In a landmark ruling, a Turkish court ruled for aggravated life imprisonment for 21 suspects, including former Chief of Staff Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi and his deputy Gen. Cevik Bir, in the Feb. 28, 1997 post-modern coup case Daily Sabah Reported In addition to Karadayi and Bir, former First Army Commander Gen. Cetin Dogan, former Gendarmerie Commander Gen. Fevzi Turkeri, former National Security Council (MGK) Secretary General Gen. Ilhan Kilic and former Council of Higher Education (YOK) President Kemal Guruz were also sentenced for for the charges of attempting to overthrow the legitimate government through use of force. The sentence was reduced to life imprisonment, whereas the defendants were not arrested due to old age and health problems. The defendants were banned from leaving the country and will remain under judicial control. The court acquitted 68 suspects. An ultimatum to the government by powerful military on Feb. 28, 1997 led to subsequent resignation of the government and further boosted a crackdown on mainly conservative people in the country. The coup did not involve killings - hence it was called a postmodern - but it disrupted the lives of people forced to drop out of school, dismissed from their jobs and jailed on trumped-up charges. Karadayi served as the chief of the military staff from 1994 to 1998, at a time when the army put pressure on then-Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan and his conservative Welfare Party over "secular concerns." On Feb. 28, 1997, the military-dominated MGK threatened action if Erbakan did not back down. He resigned four months later, whereas the Welfare Party and its successor Virtue Party were banned by the Constitutional Court in Jan. 1998 and June 2001. Within the scope of the Feb. 28 decisions, the "Bati Calisma Grubu" (West Study Group) was founded and chaired by Bir, who was considered the "mastermind" of the coup plot, to control the proceeding of the decrees under the name of "Action Plan against Reactionary Forces." Briefings on secularism were given, particularly to judges, civil servants and media executives, by members of the military. Repression of religious segments of society was hardened, including a ban on headscarves at universities. A great number of civil servants were fired. Heavy censorship was imposed on the media, and opposition journalists were fired. Some companies saw embargoes imposed, on the pretext that they support reactionary politics. "Reactionary" or "irticaci" in Turkish refers to a broad derogatory term used by hardline secular groups to brand any person with religious affiliation. Ozkasnak, a general who served as secretary-general at the office of the Chief of General Staff during the coup, had said in an interview that "postmodern" was "a very good adjective to describe this activity of the Armed Forces," in reference to the coup. He has said he has done his duty in the process "that did not resemble the past coups." "There was no bloodshed and nobody was upset. It was through democratic means and with the assistance of nongovernmental organizations," he said since then. Guruz, the former head of the YOK that oversees universities, coordinated with the BCG and blacklisted academics, university staff and students. U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would only join the Trans Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade deal his administration walked away from last year, if it offered substantially better terms than those provided under previous negotiations, Reuters reports. His comments, made on Twitter late Thursday, came only hours after he had unexpectedly indicated the United States might rejoin the landmark pact, and amid heightened volatility in financial markets as Washington locked horns with China in a bitter trade dispute. Trump had told Republican senators earlier in the day that he had asked United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow to re-open negotiations. In his Twitter post, which came during Asian trading hours, Trump said the United States would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama. We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years! Policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region on Friday responded to the possibility of the U.S. rejoining the trade deal with scepticism. If its true, I would welcome it, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Friday and before Trumps tweet. Aso added that the facts needed to be verified. Trump is a person who could change temperamentally, so he may say something different the next day, Aso said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, commenting after Trumps tweet, said it would be great to have the U.S. back in the pact though doubted it would happen. Were certainly not counting on it, Turnbull told reporters in Adelaide in South Australia. The TPP, which now comprises 11 nations, was designed to cut trade barriers in some of the fastest-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region and to counter Chinas rising economic and diplomatic clout. Trump, who opposed multilateral trade pacts in his election campaign in 2016 and criticized the TPP as a horrible deal, pulled the U.S. out of the pact in early 2017. He argued bilateral deals offered better terms for U.S. businesses and workers, and signaled an intention to raise trade barriers. But Trump is struggling to get support from other countries for his recent threat to impose import tariffs on China and the U.S. farm lobby is arguing that retaliation by China would hit American agricultural exports. Trade experts believe Trump is probably trying to placate his political base in the wake of criticism over the U.S.-China China tariff standoff. Well I think you have to take it seriously but I think there is an enormous chance that this is simply posturing or a tactical decision taken to placate concerned governors and senators from agricultural states that could be affected by China imposing tariffs, said Charles Finny, a Wellington-based trade consultant and a former New Zealand government trade negotiator. I think its very important for people to realize, particularly given this most recent tweet, if there is a negotiation it will not be an easy one. It will take a long time and also there is huge risk around ratification. The US Department of State announced on Friday that the UK was not involved in the alleged Syrian chemical attack that took place on April 7, Sputnik reported. In addition, the department added that it "has very high level of confidence" that the Syrian government was behind the chemical weapons attack. "The UK, I am confident in saying, had absolutely nothing to do with [the alleged chemical attack]," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters in a press briefing. "The exact kind or the mix of that [chemical weapon] we are still looking into." "It is the assessment of the US government, the British government, the French government We've all been having conversations and sharing information, intelligence included, and we can say that the Syrian government was behind this attack," she added. Mexicos President Enrique Pena Nieto will meet U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at the Summit of the Americas in Peru on Saturday morning, the Mexican government said in a statement, Reuters reported. The meeting comes as the two countries and Canada appear to be moving towards a deal on renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Dupa inscrierea pe site-ul HotNews.ro, poti deschide sectiunea MyHotNews ca sa completezi sau sa schimbi profilul de utilizator. Atentie! Logarea pe site se face cu adresa de email, nu cu nickname-ul. Adresa ta de email va ramane confidentiala si nu va fi niciodata data unor terte persoane sau institutii. Inainte de a te inscrie pe site te rugam sa parcurgi termenii si conditiile atasate unui cont HotNews.ro. KYODO NEWS - Apr 13, 2018 - 16:22 | Sports, Feature, All The organizer of a spring sumo tour in Gunma Prefecture said Friday the sport's governing body has requested the exclusion of girls from an event for school-aged children, following a similar request made earlier this month. The event in which children join wrestlers on the ring is scheduled for Sunday in the city of Takasaki, north of Tokyo. In sumo, the ring, or dohyo as it is known, is regarded as sacred and women are forbidden from entering. (Japan's first women's high school sumo club was established in Kyoto in 2015) On Thursday, the Japan Sumo Association's public relations chief stablemaster Shibatayama, former yokozuna Onokuni, said the boy-only request was made "in consideration of safety." The JSA earlier asked the organizer of a sumo tour in Shizuoka, central Japan, to bar girls from taking part in a children's event. The requests followed a recent incident in Kyoto in which a referee demanded female medics leave a sumo ring while they were providing emergency treatment to a local mayor who had collapsed and suffered a stroke. It drew widespread criticism over sexism and worldwide attention. (Baruto from Estonia lifts boys during a sumo clinic in Osaka in 2011) Although the children's event has been held annually in Gunma alongside the "Joshu Takasaki" tour since 2015, girls never participated, according to the organizer. JSA officials said stablemasters in charge have similarly requested that organizers in other regions bar girls from participating in the events. KYODO NEWS - Apr 13, 2018 - 12:50 | All, Feature Japan's Imperial Household Agency is arranging to transport by land the huge Takamikura throne to Tokyo from Kyoto around August ahead of next year's ceremony to mark Crown Prince Naruhito's accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne, senior agency officials said Friday. The 8-ton, 6.5-meter-high canopied throne is expected to be transported by a private company and undergo repairs at the Imperial Palace for the Oct. 22 state ritual next year, when the new emperor will ascend to the structure's elevated dais to proclaim his enthronement and receive the felicitations of representatives from home and abroad. (Emperor Akihito speaks from the throne in November 1990) The ceremony will be the key event among a number of enthronement rites to be held in 2019 for the crown prince, 58, who will succeed to the throne the day after Emperor Akihito abdicates on April 30. The abdication was arranged after the 84-year-old emperor expressed his wish to step down due to his advanced age and weakening health. He will be the first Japanese monarch to relinquish the throne in more than 200 years. The throne's design is said to represent the mythological descent to Earth of Ninigi, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, to rule over the Japanese archipelago. Crown Prince Naruhito will be the 126th emperor in the world's oldest hereditary monarchy, believed to stretch back more than 2,600 years, including legendary figures whose existence is disputed. Past emperors have ascended to the Takamikura throne during their enthronement rites, with use of the throne believed to have begun in the eighth century. The current structure has been used since the 1915 enthronement ceremony of Emperor Yoshihito (1879-1926), posthumously known as Emperor Taisho. It is now kept at the Shishinden hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. For the previous enthronement ceremony of Emperor Akihito in November 1990, the throne was airlifted from Kyoto, some 500 kilometers west of Tokyo, by a Ground-Self Defense Force helicopter in a secret operation following a bomb threat from a radical group. The use of the Takamikura throne stirred religious controversy at that time as it was viewed as a symbol of the emperor who had been considered divine under Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion in which the emperor is venerated as a descendant of the sun goddess. Critics said the use of the throne for a state occasion would violate the postwar Constitution, which prohibits the state from engaging in religious activities. But a senior agency official said "social conditions have changed," making it possible to transport the throne by land this time. The government is set to spend about 500 million yen ($4.6 million) earmarked in the state's budget through March 2019 for transportation and repair of the throne. The agency may start disassembling the throne possibly in June to load the parts on several trucks for transport. Some damage to the throne's lacquer finish and degradation of its gold work have been found, and repairs will be carried out over a six-month period at the Imperial Palace. Once the repair work is finished, the throne will be moved to the Matsu-no-Ma state room, where the ceremony will be held. The agency plans to begin reassembling the structure around September next year. The Michodai throne currently kept in the Kyoto palace and to be used by Crown Prince Masako, who will become the new empress, in the ceremony is also expected to be moved to Tokyo and repaired in a similar manner, the officials said. KYODO NEWS - Apr 13, 2018 - 10:45 | All, World The Japanese government on Friday greeted with cautious optimism the news that U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to explore re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, while stressing that Washington should accept the original terms. "If this means that President Trump is correctly evaluating the significance and effects of the TPP, it's something we want to welcome," Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's minister in charge of the TPP, said after a Cabinet meeting. But he added: "The 11 participating countries share the thinking that it would be extremely difficult to take out part of the TPP and renegotiate or change it." He said Japan wants to ascertain Trump's thoughts on trade policy through a summit between the U.S. leader and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida next week. Trump directed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, to look into rejoining the pact in a meeting on Thursday with lawmakers and state governors, according to Republican senators who were at the meeting. The U.S. withdrawal from the TPP shortly after Trump's inauguration last year made Japan the largest of the 11 Pacific Rim economies left in the deal. Those countries signed a new version last month that had been revised to account for the U.S. absence. (Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's minister in charge of the TPP) Likening the pact to a glass sculpture, Motegi said its "high-standard and balanced" terms had been hard-won through long negotiations. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the government's top spokesman, said Japan will continue to focus its efforts on bringing the "TPP 11" into force quickly. "We will keep making clear to the United States the economic and strategic importance of the TPP, including the fact that it would serve as a plus for the U.S. economy and employment," Suga told a press conference. Finance Minister Taro Aso suggested that Trump's shift on the pact should be approached with caution. "We need to confirm the facts...(Trump) can be temperamental and might say something different the next day," Aso said. Trump has hinted at an interest in rejoining the TPP since January this year, having previously said his administration would pursue bilateral trade deals rather than multilateral ones. The shift comes amid a developing trade dispute between the United States and China, which did not take part in the TPP. The 10 other TPP members are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. KYODO NEWS - Apr 13, 2018 - 12:40 | All, Japan Police on Friday arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly killing a high school girl in Hiroshima Prefecture in 2004 after matching his DNA and fingerprints to evidence found at the crime scene. Manabu Kashima, a company employee of Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is suspected of stabbing to death 17-year-old Satomi Kitaguchi in her home in the city of Hatsukaichi around 3 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2004. (The two-story house where victim Satomi Kitaguchi was killed.) Hearing Kitaguchi's screams, her grandmother rushed to the entrance of the home with Kitaguchi's sister, where they found the suspect standing near the collapsed girl. The sister was able to escape to a neighboring house, but the grandmother was stabbed nearly 10 times and was briefly in a critical condition. Kashima has been referred to prosecutors over a different incident, according to investigative sources, at which point allowed the fingerprints and DNA were flagged. Up until then, police had been working with a facial composite based on a description given to them by the murdered teen's sister, the shoe type based on footprints left at the scene, and reports of a motorcycle seen passing near the house at that time. As no progress had been made in resolving the case, the National Police Agency had put up a cash award of 3 million yen ($27,960) and appealed to the public for information. Tadashi Kitaguchi, 60, the victim's father, had said that his dream had been to go to a movie and have a drink with his daughter some day. In the years since her murder, he had worked hard to keep the case in the public consciousness, handing out flyers at shopping centers and starting a blog about his daughter's murder. 25% of 15,914 COVID-19 cases in Kerala on Thursday unvaccinated The state government has said that there are no reports of anti-COVID vaccination taken by at least 4,031 of the fresh cases. URBANA, Ill. - When a natural disaster strikes, major disaster databases tend to compile information about losses such as damages to property or cost of repairs, but other economic impacts after the disaster are often overlooked--such as how a company's lost ability to produce products may affect the entire supply-chain within the affected region and in other regions. Without using the right model to study these losses, the data may give an incomplete picture of the full financial impact of the disaster as it doesn't fully portray business interruptions incurred locally, or by trade partners, after the event. As a result, a locality may receive less than it should in state or federal government recovery support. In a recent study, published in Earth System Dynamics, an interdisciplinary journal devoted to the study of Earth and global change, economists at the University of Illinois partnered with atmospheric scientists and hydrologists from U of I and UCLA, and with the Army Corps of Engineers to capture the characteristics of an atmospheric river--a transporter of water vapor in the sky--that hit the western part of Washington State in 2007. This event resulted in record flooding (a 500-year stream peak event in some parts of the river) and record damages. The team hopes to show that carefully selecting the characteristics of the extreme weather event under study and the correct model to estimate losses--based on characteristics of the disaster and the affected region, and on the interdependence between one area and another--can help in determining vulnerability and preparing for future disasters, from an economic standpoint. "This is quite different from what insurance companies do," explains Sandy Dall'Erba, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at U of I, and a co-author of the study. "After a disaster, when an insurance company comes, they basically say that your building has been destroyed by this particular amount. And because you were out of the building for, say, a week, you couldn't produce anything for a week. What insurance companies forget, and what our paper is trying to demonstrate is that the total amount of economic losses is much greater." The ripple effects from a disaster can be significant if major industrial chains are disrupted when infrastructure is comprised. For instance, while the study finds that intersectoral and interregional linkages add up to around 10 percent in standard economic damage estimates in the small rural area chosen in this study, that share could go up to 50-70 percent for a major metropolitan area like Houston, Texas, because of its enormous transportation system and interregional trade. "Let's say for instance that a company producing tires is flooded. Obviously, no tires are coming from that company," Dall'Erba explains. "The car company, which could be located in a place that wasn't flooded, suddenly is expecting a delay in the tires that are not coming on time anymore. There are all of these connections from one city to the next that are traditionally not accounted for after a disaster." In his U of I lab, the Regional Economic Applications Laboratory (REAL), Dall'Erba studies very specific disaster events using a technique called input-output--a technique that shows the interdependencies between the sectors within a region and across different regions. He also teaches this technique in his home department (ACE) on a regular basis. "We look at each industry. What kind of products and services do they buy? To whom do they sell their goods and services? In the case of Chehalis, Washington, that was flooded in 2007, it was mainly companies selling to other companies, not to individual households. Those are the kinds of links that we try to include in the work we do in REAL, how to understand that level of dependence between one location and other places. We also provide measurements that are very specific to each locality," Dall'Erba says. Using the input-output technique helped the researchers calculate the actual losses after the event in Chehalis. "We rely on a huge amount of data to do it. We have information from each locality about how each industry is connected to every industry within that locality and outside of that locality so we can understand how dollars flow," he adds. In addition, they must account for the timing of the event. "While the affected area is very agricultural, the luck it had is that the flood took place in December, way ahead of the growing season of the crop the locality depends the most on, corn. If it had taken place a few months later, the local economy would have experienced much larger losses," Dall'Erba says. Finally, Dall'Erba's team is particularly careful to account for the location of the companies in charge of reconstruction. "Most of the literature assumes without evidence that reconstruction will dampen the local losses and boost employment. It turns out that for small rural communities--like the one in our study--no local construction company is present or is large enough to be in charge of reconstruction. As such, reconstruction efforts are delivered by companies outside of the affected economy and it is these other localities that see an increase in output and construction jobs," Dall'Erba adds. The latter part of their study focuses on the future. Assuming that climate change will result in 15 percent more streamflow (water from rivers or streams) for all return periods, the authors find that the total losses would increase from $6.2 million, the figure seen during the actual event, to $8.6 million (a 39 percent increase). "Adaptation strategies could include, among others, larger floodplains in upstream locations, levees close to critical buildings, and/or developing a more resilient supply-chain," Dall'Erba says. "However it is particularly hard for small rural communities as they do not always have the budget necessary to implement large adaptation projects; yet they have already been more frequently affected by floods than urban areas over the last few decades." ### The study, "Tracking an Atmospheric River in a Warmer Climate: from Water Vapor to Economic Impacts," is published in Earth System Dynamics (impact factor = 4.15). Co-authors include Francina Dominguez, Sandy Dall'Erba, Shuyi Huang, Andre Avelino, Ali Mehran, Huancui Hu, Arthur Schmidt, Lawrence Schick, and Dennis Lettenmaier. Dall'Erba is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Since 2016, he has served as the Director of the Regional Economic Applications Laboratory at the U of I. Funding for the study was provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Budget DHS seeks growth in cyber budget Cybersecurity threats "keep me up at night," said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen at an April 11 appropriations hearing. "It changes quickly. Its prolific. Its non-stop and its from many, many, many sectors." DHS is seeking more than $644 million just for a mix of programs to support federal agency cybersecurity, including the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program and the network shield system known as EINSTEIN. Nielsen told the House Appropriations Homeland Security subcommittee Chairman Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) that she was looking "at maturing the department." That includes continuing efforts to communicate across agencies and collaborate on issues such as cybersecurity. The biggest challenge at DHS is entrenched, established ideas at the sprawling department, Carter warned Nielsen, and conquering those siloed attitudes "is not an easy task," he said. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, (D-Md.), asked Nielsen about the overall status of the agencys cybersecurity mission. He also vowed to provide Nielsen with a report he said he assembled over the last six months through speaking with former top DHS officials and cybersecurity experts about the issue. The report, he said, recommends holding a subcommittee hearing on cybersecurity. He also said the report looked at how DHS could help protect against "leaked cyber tools" -- referencing exploits developed by the National Security Agency but stolen by the Shadow Brokers hacker group in 2017 -- as well as how DHS could get a clearer view of threats to industrial control systems. The threat to state election systems was also on Ruppersbergers mind. He asked how DHS is helping the Election Assistance Commission manage the $380 million funded by the omnibus spending bill for state and local governments to improve their election system cybersecurity. "All Americans need to know that their vote was counted and counted correctly," Nielsen responded. We need to ensure that trust is there." She said DHS is offering state and local election organizations penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, exercises, training as well as threat information bolstered by help from the NSA and the intelligence community. "The states themselves have taken, in my opinion, a lot of good steps over the last few months to organize themselves from a governance perspective. This is not a traditional homeland security interaction. We have not in the past worked with state election officials. We normally work with owners and operators or critical infrastructure," she said. DHS, she said, has worked to bring states "into the fold," helping them engage with their own homeland security advisers, governors and other states. She urged states to consider the offer of DHS services. "Theyre free. We can help you build capacity and capability. We can check your systems. We can help you with real-time response. We can help monitor and flag nefarious activity and give you the coordination mechanisms to work with other states to find the patterns of attacks," Nielsen said. A staff member looks at a foldable screen developed by Visionox, at the fourth World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, China December 5, 2017. China Daily via REUTERS/Files By Marius Zaharia HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's rising investment in research and expansion of its higher education system mean that it is fast closing the gap with the United States in intellectual property and the struggle to be the No.1 global technology power, according to patent experts. While U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of punitive tariffs on high-tech U.S. exports could slow Beijing's momentum, it won't turn back the tide, they say. Washington's allegation that the Chinese have engaged in intellectual property theft over many years - which is denied by Beijing - is a central reason for the worsening trade conflict between the U.S. and China. Forecasts for how long it will take for Beijing to close the technological gap vary - though several patent specialists say it could happen in the next decade. And China is already leapfrogging ahead in a couple of areas. "With the number of scientists China is training every year it will eventually catch up, regardless of what the U.S. does," said David Shen, head of IP for China at global law firm Allen & Overy. Indeed, IP lawyers now see President Xi Jinping's pledge earlier this week to protect foreign IP rights as projecting confidence in China's position as a leading innovator in sectors such as telecommunications and online payments, as well as its ability to catch up in other areas. Last year, China overtook Japan as the No. 2 patent filer in the world, with 13.4 percent annual growth, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation. If maintained, the pace will take it above the United States in just over a year, a strong indication of its ambitions. That progress has been built on foundations which are likely to strengthen further. China now spends 2.1 percent of its gross domestic product on research and development, not yet matching U.S. levels of 2.75 percent, but a remarkable increase from just 0.7 percent in the 1990s and nearing the 2.35 percent average among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Story continues World Bank data shows China now produces 1,177 R&D researchers per million of its population, three times the level in the 1990s and in line with the world average. The U.S. produces many more researchers per million - at 4,321 - but that is more than offset by China's population being about four times the size. And the number of Chinese researchers is only going to increase. According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, China now enrols more than 40 percent of its students in tertiary education, half the U.S. percentage, but a staggering rise from 0.1 percent in the 1970s. "If you're looking out 5-10 years you'll see a much more level playing field in terms of innovation, especially around online platforms, digital innovation, machine learning and artificial intelligence," said Richard Titherington, chief investment officer for Asian emerging markets at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, who overseas $80 billion in assets. Titherington says online payments is the clearest example where China has leapfrogged the United States, with mobile phones replacing credit cards almost entirely as a form of payment in major Chinese cities, while "many Americans still use cheques." He said that stock markets provide one sign of Chinese progress - at least in the eyes of investors. The total returns on Facebook Inc stock since its listing in 2012 were 373 percent, versus 883 percent for its Chinese social media rival Tencent Holdings. In microblogging, Twitter Inc returned a 28 percent loss since its 2014 listing, while Weibo Corp a whopping 656 percent gain. IP experts, however, say China is still behind in areas such as semiconductors, robotics, and biotech. QUALITY GAP Patent numbers also do not tell the whole story. There is a perceived gap in quality, which suggests China will take a while longer to catch up. Smartphone maker Huawei Technologies is the only Chinese company that made it into Clarivate Analytics' top 100 innovators last year, a ranking based not only on patent volumes, but also on their influence on other organisations. In 2016, China produced almost 500,000 scientific papers according to data from global information analytics firm Elsevier, taking the No.2 spot globally and closing in on America's 600,000. The gap has halved in five years. But on average, a Chinese paper gets 0.93 citations, versus 1.23 for U.S. documents. Citations are an indication of how valuable a researchers work is seen by his or her peers. On that metric, China is 11 places behind the United States in 33rd, with only countries that published more than 10,000 papers included. Gabriela Kennedy, head of Asia IP at global law firm Mayer Brown JSM, says that could be a proxy for the quality of each country's research work. "(The Chinese) are very successful in what they're doing in some large companies, but if you look beyond that they're not particularly innovative," Kennedy said. "But I don't think it's going to take them long." If Washington wants to slow China's technological advance, it might consider measures that further restrict what products U.S. companies license to Chinese firms and broaden definitions of trade secrets, lawyers say. But they also warn tougher rules could be counterproductive as firms can find ways around them, including by setting up entities in non-U.S. jurisdictions to maintain access to the vast Chinese market. "If the U.S. government were to go to the extreme of not allowing U.S. companies to disclose their IP in China, that could hurt the U.S. companies as well," said Ling Ho, a partner with law firm Clifford Chance, and a specialist in IP disputes. POLITICAL WILL Xi pledged on Tuesday China will protect the intellectual property of foreign firms, saying he hoped foreign countries did the same. Lawyers say Chinese IP protection laws are comparable to U.S. and European legal standards. The fault is in implementation, with high levels of bureaucracy, court decisions applying on a provincial level rather than nationally and judges often having different interpretations of the laws. The recent creation of a State Intellectual Property Office, however, shows political intent and should lead to more uniform enforcement, said Loke-Khoon Tan, head of the IP Practice Group in Hong Kong and China at Baker McKenzie and author of the book "Pirates in the Middle Kingdom: The Art of Trademark War". "The political will is articulated in a very powerful way and once it's communicated to each of the bureaucracies lower down I expect very positive things," he said. "Our clients would be more encouraged and incentivised to test their cases." (Additional reporting by Adam Jourdan in Shanghai, Jan Wolfe in New York and Jim Finkle in Toronto; Editing by Martin Howell) The Australian dollar has gone back and forth during the trading session on Thursday, reaching around the 0.7750 level. The market looks likely to continue to be noisy, but it looks as if the buyers are probably going to be a bit more aggressive. The Australian dollar has gone back and forth during the trading session on Thursday, as we continue to see a lot of noise, and I believe that the market should see buyers on dips. This will be especially true if the risk appetite of traders continues to be relatively strong. The 0.77 level underneath continues to be a bit of a support level as well, so even if we break down I think that the buyers will return in this area. Looking at the longer-term charts, there is a massive uptrend line that has recently served as support, which is the bottom of the of trending channel. Ultimately, the market should continue to go much higher, perhaps reaching towards the 0.81 level. The market continues to be very skittish, but I think that if the talks of a trade war between the United States and China can cool off, that should send the Australian dollar higher as Australias a major exporter of commodities to the Chinese. I believe that the volatility should continue to be a major issue, so I would be slow about building a position, and only add gradually as it works out in your favor. I dont have any interest in shorting the Australian dollar, because there has been so much support underneath. Looking at the overall attitude of the market, I believe that the Aussie will continue to offer value on these dips, and therefore I am looking to build a longer-term position, but I also recognize that this pair has been choppy over the last several months, so be cautious about jumping into quickly. AUD/USD Video 13.04.18 This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: The Congressional Budget Office projects the return of $1 trillion annual deficits following the December tax cuts and recent spending increases. House Republicans now say they will vote on a constitutional amendment requiring lawmakers to balance the federal budget. The White House is also preparing to ask Congress to rescind some of the spending increases that Trump signed weeks ago. The business model of the modern Republican Party does not produce real-world budget discipline. So today, GOP lawmakers turn to make-believe. Within the last four months, the Republican president and party leaders in Congress took two actions that dramatically expand federal deficits. On a party-line vote, they cut taxes by $150 billion a year, then increased spending by $150 billion a year in cooperation with Democrats. Now, as the Congressional Budget Office projects the return of $1 trillion annual deficits, congressional Republicans plan a gesture for constituents alarmed by rising debt. The House will vote on Thursday on a constitutional amendment requiring lawmakers to balance the federal budget . The amendment lacks enough support to pass. Nor would GOP lawmakers want it to, since they have demonstrated unwillingness to make the policy choices the amendment would require. In a second gesture, the White House is preparing to ask Congress to rescind some of the spending increases that Trump signed weeks ago. Bipartisan opposition from lawmakers who just affirmed them with their votes makes it unlikely such a proposal can pass. Evidence suggests that gestures are the best the 21st century GOP can do. Decades of evolution have produced overlapping but disparate Republican segments whose priorities consistently drive deficits up. Backers of supply-side economics dominate Republican tax policy. Urged on by GOP donors on Wall Street and in executive suites, they press continually to cut taxes. Advocates of limited government welcome the resulting reduction of federal revenue. They want Washington to do less. Story continues But proponents of strengthening America's military posture want more, so they pursue larger and larger Pentagon budgets. And older, working-class whites who disdain Wall Street and depend on government programs increasingly define the GOP voting base. Specifically, those voters want to protect their benefits under Social Security and Medicare, both now ballooning as the massive baby boom generation retires. Conservative ideologues opposed those programs from their inception but have failed to roll them back. No Republican faction openly disavows deficit reduction. But when President George W. Bush sought to fundamentally restructure Social Security in 2005, a Congress controlled by fellow Republicans declined. In winning the presidency two years ago, Trump promised not to touch Social Security or Medicare benefits. House Speaker Paul Ryan keeps exhorting his colleagues to curb them but hasn't succeeded, and on Wednesday, he announced his retirement. The GOP has forced cuts to the narrow slice of the budget that finances other domestic spending, recently through the 2011 budget sequestration law. In practice, however, Ryan and other Republicans found those constraints too severe to sustain and acquiesced in Democratic attempts to relax them. The central difference between the parties on budget discipline is that Democrats, while backing higher spending, have also backed higher taxes to finance it. Republicans keep supporting tax cuts even while failing to shrink spending. The result: since Ronald Reagan entered the White House in 1981, all three Republican presidents before Trump left office with higher federal deficits than they inherited. One Democratic president ( Bill Clinton ) departed with a budget surplus; the other ( Barack Obama ) saw the deficit decline by two-thirds as a share of the economy. That record has not deterred Republican claims that their policies will eventually reduce red ink. Last fall, the Trump administration insisted its tax cut would stimulate enough economic activity to boost annual growth to 2.9 percent over the next 10 years. "Not only will this plan pay for itself," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin predicted, "but it will pay down debt." The CBO concluded this week that Mnuchin's forecast is a fantasy. Its report projects annual economic growth of 1.9 percent over 10 years mirroring the long-run outlook from before the tax cut passed. It projects the deficit growing from $665 billion in Trump's first year in office to $1 trillion in his fourth. It envisions the national debt rising by $1.5 trillion above previous projections to reach $27 trillion by 2027. When he backed the tax cut, retiring GOP Sen. Bob Corker cited his belief that it would not increase the budget deficit. After this week's CBO report, Corker fretted, "If it ends up costing what has been laid out here, it could well be one of the worst votes I've made." Corker's House colleagues need not fear the same from their balanced-budget amendment vote Thursday. It won't change the deficit by even a single dollar. More From CNBC OTTAWA, April 13 (Reuters) - The Canadian government is looking into complaints that Restaurant Brands International is not meeting the terms set out by Ottawa when it allowed the takeover of coffee and doughnut chain Tim Hortons, a government spokesman said on Friday. Lawyers representing a group of Tim Hortons franchisees sent a letter to Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains earlier this month alleging Restaurant Brands has not lived up to commitments including maintaining the rent and royalty structure of Canadian franchises. The terms were part of the previous Conservative government's agreement to clear the takeover of Tim Hortons, which is considered a Canadian icon. The letter dated April 3 said franchisees are concerned Restaurant Brands is trying to increase its margins at their expense. "The Minister is aware of the concerns raised by the franchisees and looking into them," said Bains's spokesman Karl Sasseville. "We are monitoring compliance with the undertakings, as we do with all investments." Restaurant Brands was formed in 2014 when 3G Capital-backed Burger King acquired Tim Hortons. The company also owns Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Patrick McGrade, Tim Hortons spokesman, said the company has been told there is no investigation underway. "Every year we have reported to the government on meeting our undertakings, without complaint. We have always been and remain committed to doing good business in Canada," McGrade said. The relationship between Tim Hortons and its franchisees has become increasingly contentious. Tim Hortons has also been dealing with the fallout of bad publicity from its reaction to minimum wage increases in the country. Many Tim Hortons franchises cut back on employee perks and benefits when the province of Ontario raised minimum wages by 21 percent to C$14 ($11.11). By Friday afternoon, the stock was down 1.3 percent, while the benchmark Canada share index was up 0.3 percent. ($1 = 1.2601 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Bernadette Baum) By Se Young Lee and Yawen Chen BEIJING (Reuters) - China's commerce ministry said on Thursday trade negotiations with the United States would be impossible as Washington's attempts at dialogue were not sincere, and vowed to retaliate if U.S. President Donald Trump escalates current tensions. China President Xi Jinping on Tuesday vowed to open China's economy further and lower import duties on goods such as cars, boosting hopes for an easing of tensions between both nations. Trump responded via Twitter he was "thankful" for Xi's remarks on tariffs and access for U.S. automakers, and said both countries would "make great progress together." Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters during a regular briefing, however, that Xi's remarks had nothing to do with the trade row and should not be mischaracterized as a concession to Washington. "I hope some people in the U.S do not misjudge the situation," he said. "If the United States takes any action to escalate the situation, China will not hesitate to fight back." The world's two largest economies have threatened each other with tens of billions of dollars' worth of tariffs in recent weeks, spurring worries of a full-scale trade war that could damage global growth and roil markets. Some U.S. officials and analysts have said they believe the dispute could eventually be resolved via dialogue, but Beijing reiterated on Thursday that no formal talks have taken place. "It is not a matter of whether China is willing to participate in the negotiations. It is about the U.S. not showing sincerity at all," Gao said. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that talks between Beijing and Washington had been positive: "We're doing really well with China. I think we're having some great discussions, we'll see what happens." Later, Trump said at a White House event on taxes that China was negotiating "very hard, very long" but he was optimistic about the outcome. "I think it will end up the tariffs off and the barriers down." Story continues China's Global Times tabloid wrote in a commentary that Washington could either respond sincerely to China's determination to conduct interactions showing good will with the U.S. or keep pressuring China with unreasonable demands and escalate trade frictions. Washington accuses Chinese firms of stealing the trade secrets of U.S. companies and forcing them into joint ventures to acquire their technology - the crux of Trump's current tariff threats against China. Beijing denies this charge. Trump on Monday criticized China for maintaining 25 percent import tariffs on autos compared to the 2.5 percent duties of the U.S., calling the relationship "stupid trade." But Gao said WTO rules do not require equal tariffs and demand for such parity is unreasonable. He said China would continue to open its markets and implement lower tariffs pledged by Xi as soon as possible. (Reporting by Se Young Lee and Yawen Chen; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Sam Holmes and Bernadette Baum) By Bill Berkrot NEW YORK, April 13 (Reuters) - Mylan N.V.'s emergency allergy antidote EpiPen is in short supply in Canada and Britain, but remains available in the United States, the treatment's manufacturer said on Friday. EpiPens deliver potentially lifesaving doses of the generic drug epinephrine, via an automatic injector that a patient or caregiver can administer in the event of severe allergic reaction. "We are shipping product. Currently there is no shortage in the U.S.," said Steve Danehy, a spokesman for Pfizer Inc , which produces the global supply of EpiPens for Mylan out of a single facility near St. Louis, Missouri. Mylan is in charge of managing allocation of the EpiPen supply, Danehy said in an email to Reuters. It was not immediately clear why Canada and the UK would be subject to a shortage at this time. A Mylan spokeswoman was not available for comment. Mylan's EpiPen sales practices in the United States sparked public outrage in 2016 as consumers saw the price for a pack of two auto-injectors rise sixfold to $600 in less than a decade, making the devices unaffordable for a growing number of families. Since then, the company has launched a generic version of EpiPen for half the price, though the U.S. market is still the most lucrative. Meridian Medical Technologies Inc, the unit of Pfizer that manufactures EpiPens, has been hit by a series of manufacturing problems. In March 2017, Mylan recalled tens of thousands of devices after complaints that some had failed to activate. In September, Meridian received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said Meridian had failed to thoroughly investigate product failures, including EpiPen products that were associated with patient deaths and severe illnesses. It said the company failed to take corrective actions until FDA's inspection. At the time, Mylan said it did not anticipate any impact on EpiPen supply based on the warning letter. But on Thursday, Pfizer Canada said it was "experiencing supply constraints" for EpiPens used by both adults and children "due to delays at the manufacturing facility," as well as problems in sourcing a component for the device from an outside supplier. Story continues There are no alternatives on the market in Canada, federal health officials there said. They advised patients and caregivers to use expired EpiPens in an emergency if they have nothing else on hand, and then call 911. "Pfizer understands and regrets the challenges that these ongoing supply constraints pose to patients and the healthcare community," the company said in a statement on its website. On Friday, the UK website for EpiPen notified consumers of "intermittent supply constraints" for the adult injector. It said the next shipment to EpiPen's distributor in the country was expected toward the end of April. Mylan's revenue from EpiPen dropped sharply over the last year due to increased competition, the launch of its own cheaper generic and higher rebates that it has had to pay to as a result of a settlement for overcharging the U.S. government. (Reporting by Bill Berkrot and Michael Erman in New York, Yasmeen Abutaleb in Washington and Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; Writing by Michele Gershberg) A child is treated in hospital after a suspected chemical weapons attack on Douma (Reuters) The European Union has said there can be no military solution to the conflict in Syria as the Prime Minister mulls her response to a suspected chemical weapons attack. A senior EU official called for a political solution as a coalition of countries, including the UK, considers whether to launch air strikes in response to last weekends attack on the rebel-held City of Douma, which killed dozens of civilians. Theresa May last night won support from the Cabinet to take action alongside the US and France to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. A Downing Street statement issued after the meeting made no mention of military action. But the BBC reported that Mrs May could give the go-ahead for military action without first seeking permission of Parliament a move opposed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. US President Donald Trump said he will take a decision on action fairly soon and French President Emmanuel Macron said any response will happen when we judge it most useful and effective. Mr Macron told French TV yesterday that he has proof the Russian-backed forced of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were behind the attack. And he said: We cannot allow regimes that believe they can act with impunity to violate international law in the worst possible way. There will not though be unanimous support for military action when EU foreign ministers, including Boris Johnson, discuss a response to the crisis at a summit in Luxembourg on Monday. A convoy taking civilians from the Syrian city of Douma, which was subject to a suspected chemical weapons attack (Getty) Speaking at a pre-summit briefing, a senior EU official would not pre-empt the outcome of any discussions about immediate military action. But, addressing the conflict generally, they said: A military solution is not possible. You need a political solution. Only a political solution can bring a lasting peace and stability in Syria and we keep on calling for that. Germanys Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, took the same position when he spoke at a separate press conference in Brussels today. Story continues Mr Maas, who discussed the situation in Syria with Boris Johnson yesterday, said: The repeated use of chemical weapons cannot be left unanswered. But he added: The conflict in Syria will have to be resolved by a political solution. Italy also today ruled itself out of joining military action. Paulo Gentiloni, the countrys caretaker Prime Minister, said in a statement: Italy will not participate in Syrian military actions. Based on current international and bilateral accords, Italy will continue to offer logistical support to allied forces. Representatives of 85 countries and organisations will meet at a UN-chaired conference in Brussels next week in a bid to take forward the political solution the EU is seeking. BERLIN, April 12 (Reuters) - The German government on Thursday called on Russia to answer open questions about a nerve agent attack that struck down a former Russian spy and his daughter last month in England, after the global chemical weapons watchdog backed Britain's findings. A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry welcomed Britain's decision to involve the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) from the start, as well as its call for a special session of the watchdog on April 18. "Britain gave us a detailed explanation that, based on the chemical analysis of the substance used, why Russia is very likely responsible, and there is no other plausible explanation," the spokesman said. "It is now up to Russia to finally play a constructive role and answer the open questions." (Reporting by Andrea Shalal Editing by Michael Nienaber) Hank Paulson, former US Treasury Secretary during the 2008 financial crisis, finds some bright spots in how the Trump administration is dealing with the rising trade tensions with Beijing. I do see it as positive that the Trump administration has been looking to increase U.S. exports to China. I think there are some areas that are really very suitable for that, Paulson said during an event hosted by the China Institute in New York City on Thursday. He believes China could be a major market for U.S. industries such as natural gas. The former CEO of Goldman Sachs has dealt with three generations of Chinese leaders. He negotiated with China on economic reforms and now works with China to tackle sustainable development and climate change at the Paulson Institute. Hank Paulson weighs in on President Trumps trade policy. (CNBC) Paulson also applauded the administrations fight against Chinas intellectual property theft. Last August, President Trump signed an executive order to probe the issue. Seven months later, the U.S. Trade Representative concluded Chinese theft of intellectual property costs America between $225 billion and $600 billion annually. I really like the fact that the Trump administration is putting a big emphasis on technology and intellectual property, said Paulson, who believes the technology industry is a core advantage of the U.S. and an area worth negotiating with China. Im not expecting China to abandon its industrial policy, but I do believe there is plenty of room to change the competitive landscape. Opening up will benefit China Chinas President Xi Jinping speaks at Boao Forum for Asia, committing to open China for foreign investors. (Fortune) Paulson doesnt agree with all Trumps comments on trade, however. He doesnt see the trade deficit as a necessarily bad thing for the U.S., nor does he support Trumps tweet that trade wars are good and easy to win. Contrary to what the President of United States said, no one wins a trade war, said Paulson. Paulson, who served under President George W. Bush, was among a list of prominent GOP heavyweights who endorsed Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign. In a blistering Washington Post op-ed, he criticized Trumps business history and populist rhetoric, calling a Trump presidency unthinkable. Story continues Paulson sees regulations and standards and not tariffs as the biggest challenge to fair competition. He believes Chinas opening up to foreign competition will not only benefit American companies, but also China itself. The thing the U.S. should be looking for is breaking down barriers in industries where we have a competitive advantage, that can add a lot in China. Chinas officials have also pledged to engage in sectors like finance. On Wednesday, Peoples Bank of China Governor Yi Gang unveiled measures at Boao Forum for Asia to open the financial industry to more foreign investment. Paulson also sees some hope from Chinas President Xi Jinping and his first-rate economic advisers. He says Xis recent consolidation of power could help him be a more determined reformer in building Chinas economy. I do believe the team around him understands the importance of competition, understands the benefit of opening up, said Paulson. Krystal Hu covers technology and economy for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter. Read more: How Trump is making your beer more expensive Why the soybean could be Chinas trump card in the trade war What Elon Musk missed in his China tariff tweets In this article, I will take a quick look at New York REIT Incs (NYSE:NYRT) recent ownership structure an unconventional investing subject, but an important one. The impact of a companys ownership structure affects both its short- and long-term performance. Since the same amount of capital coming from an activist institution and a passive mutual fund has different implications on corporate governance, it is a useful exercise to deconstruct NYRTs shareholder registry. View our latest analysis for New York REIT NYSE:NYRT Ownership_summary Apr 13th 18 Institutional Ownership NYRTs 46.38% institutional ownership seems enough to cause large share price movements in the case of significant share sell-off or acquisitions by institutions, particularly when there is a low level of public shares available on the market to trade. Although NYRT has a high institutional ownership, such stock moves, in the short-term, are more commonly linked to a particular type of active institutional investors hedge funds. Considering hedge funds hold a stake of 24.36% in the company, NYRT shares may experience high short-term volatility as this class of institutions are frequently found to sell significantly during market-wide shocks. I am going to further examine NYRTs ownership structure to check how other major shareholders can affect its investment case. Insider Ownership I find insiders are another important group of stakeholders, who are directly involved in making key decisions related to the use of capital. In essence, insider ownership is more about the alignment of shareholders interests with the management. Although individuals in NYRT hold only a minor stake, its a good sign for shareholders as the companys executives and directors have their incentives directly linked to the companys performance. I will also like to check what insiders have been doing recently with their holdings. Insider buying may be a sign of upbeat future expectations, however, selling doesnt necessarily mean the opposite as insiders may be motivated by their personal financial needs. Story continues NYSE:NYRT Insider_trading Apr 13th 18 General Public Ownership The general public holds a substantial 24.38% stake in NYRT, making it a highly popular stock among retail investors. This size of ownership gives retail investors collective power in deciding on major policy decisions such as executive compensation, appointment of directors and acquisitions of businesses. This level of ownership gives retail investors the power to sway key policy decisions such as board composition, executive compensation, and potential acquisitions. This is a positive sign for an investor who wants to be involved in key decision-making of the company. Next Steps: I suggest investors seek some degree of margin of safety due to high institutional ownership in NYRT, in particular due to the strong presence of active hedge fund investors. This is to avoid getting trapped in a sustained sell-off that is often observed in stocks with this level of institutional participation. However, if you are building an investment case for NYRT, ownership structure alone should not dictate your decision to buy or sell the stock. Rather, you should be examining fundamental factors such as the intrinsic valuation, which is a key driver of New York REITs share price. I highly recommend you to complete your research by taking a look at the following: 1. Financial Health : Is NYRTs operations financially sustainable? Balance sheets can be hard to analyze, which is why weve done it for you. Check out our financial health checks here. 2. Past Track Record : Has NYRT been consistently performing well irrespective of the ups and downs in the market? Go into more detail in the past performance analysis and take a look at the free visual representations of NYRTs historicals for more clarity. 3. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. To help readers see pass the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. April 13 (Reuters) - Marsh, the insurance broker arm of Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc, named Chris Lay as chief executive officer for UK and Ireland. Lay, who will be based in London, was previously president and CEO of Marsh Canada, and has been with the company for about 30 years. Lay will be replaced by Sarah Robson. Robson is currently a managing director in Marsh's U.S. business and serves as a global relationship manager in its insurer consulting group. (Reporting by Mrinalini Krothapalli) National Oilwell Varco, Inc.s NOV shares have scaled a 52-week high of $40.92 in yesterdays trading session, before eventually closing at $40.64, generating a healthy year-to-date rate of more than 12.8%. Notably, the stock has had a good run on the bourses over a year with its shares moving up 7.7%, handily outperforming its industrys decline of more than 11.6% in the same time frame. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has the potential for further price appreciation with long-term earnings growth expectation of 6% and looks poised to touch new highs in the coming period. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The company fared much better in 2017 compared with 2016, reporting a net loss of $237 million last year, significantly narrower than net loss of $2,412 million in 2016. National Oilwell Varco has also managed to post an average positive earnings surprise of 6.88% in the trailing four quarters. The Houston-based energy equipment supplier expects to deliver year-over-year growth of 12% and 162% in its revenues and earnings, respectively, in 2018. Lets delve deeper to analyze whats driving the stock. Crude Recovery to Aid Oil prices have finally recovered from their historic lows, settling at $60.46 per barrel at the end of 2017, up about 12.5% year over year. The improving energy landscape is attributed to tightening supplies, brighter demand outlook and OPEC-deal extension talks. The energy equipment supplier is likely to realize the benefit of recovering commodity price environment. Since the start of this year, with crude prices comfortably trading more than $60 and drilling activities on the mend, we expect to witness National Oilwell Varco's revenues, earnings and cash flow to grow gradually. In particular, strong demand for the company's land-related businesses in North America bode well for the energy equipment maker. With majority of its revenues generated from onshore markets, the company expects to return to profitability in 2018. Efficiency Strides Fuel Earnings Solid execution and cost-cut initiatives helped the company to deliver $289 million increase in its Adjusted EBITDA, which stood at $611 million in 2017 compared with $322 million in 2016. We believe that National Oilwell's aggressive cost reduction and improved efficiencies, which have helped it wade through tough industry environment over the past few years, will continue to boost the companys results in the coming period. Wellbore Technologies Segment Set for Growth Wellbore Technologies generated strong revenues of $2,577 million in 2017, driven by robust demand for the units services, products and technologies. The units adjusted EBITDA surged to $305 million in 2017 compared with $90 million in 2016. Robust performance from onshore-levered Wellbore Technologies segment is likely to buoy the companys top line and earnings in the future as well. Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the EBITDA of the Wellbore Technology segment for the to-be-reported quarter stands at $117 million compared with $107 million and $38 million in the prior quarter and year-ago quarter, respectively. Cutting-Edge Technology to Drive Performance National Oilwell is one of the biggest manufacturers of drilling equipment in the world, with an impressive business model. It is a global leader in solids control technology and waste management. Of late, the company embarked on a series of acquisitions including Remacut and Fjords Processing among others, expanding its directional drilling and diversifying the range of completion tools offering. National Oilwell is well positioned to deliver fluids processing technologies, as the production shifts to unconventional basins. The company is also uniquely positioned to bring automation and big data solutions to the oilfield. The company's joint venture with Saudi Aramco is also expected to support NOV's drilling technology franchise and contribute to earnings. Strong Cash-Flow Generation Bodes Well National Oilwells debt-to-capital ratio stands at around 16%, which is much lower than most of its peers including Weatherford International plc WFT, NOW Inc. DNOW and Exterran Corporation EXTN among others. The companys current ratio also stands at 3.07, higher than most of its peers. Low leverage and high liquidity metrics increase National Oilwells financial flexibility, helping the company to tap on various growth opportunities. Free cash flow for the company was around $641 million in 2017. The newly enacted tax reforms will also help it to lower its cash taxes, boosting cash flow further. Offshore Segment: A Spoiler? Notably, late last year, National Oilwell combined two of its offshore-levered segments, Rig Systems and Rig Aftermarkets, into a single unit named Rig Technologies. The strategy has enabled the company to reduce administration burden and better align the company with evolving market conditions. However, we remain concerned about the offshore market that will likely lag the U.S. land-related market. Declining backlog associated with the Rig Technologies segment, due to lower activities and order cancellations, is a cause of concern. Final Thoughts While National Oilwell is facing a few challenges in its Rig Technologies segment, we expect the company to tide over this limitation on the back of its strong onshore-focused Wellbore segment, superior technologies, robust financial metrics and operational efficiency. Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars? Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research. It's not the one you think. See This Ticker Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Weatherford International PLC (WFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NOV) : Free Stock Analysis Report NOW Inc. (DNOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Exterran Corporation (EXTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Reports are circulating that Planet X, or Nibiru, will collide with Earth on April 23, 2018, bringing forth Doomsday, but dont plan for the end of the world just yet. The April 23rd prophecy is a hoax, and NASA has repeatedly said that Planet X isnt real. The theory that Planet X would collide with Earth was also floated around in 2012, when some previously believed the end of the world would occur, and NASA debunked the idea at the time. NASA has noted that CalTech researchers have found evidence suggesting there could be another planet beyond Neptune (since Pluto is no longer classified as a planet). However, the existence of the maybe planet, nicknamed Planet X, is entirely theoretical at this point. The same end-of-the-world-theory involving Nibiru came up in September of 2017 as well. At that time, NASA senior space scientist David Morrison told the Washington Post, No, theres no such thing as a planet called Nibiru. No, its not a brown dwarf surrounded by planets, as iterations of the claim suggest. No, its not on a collision course toward Earth. And yes, people should get over it.' The latest Doomsday prediction for comes after Christian conspiracy theorist David Meade spoke with the Daily Express, of the United Kingdom, telling them Planet X or Nibiru will appear in the sky on April 23, triggering the start of the Rapture. U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures are drifting sideways-to-lower for a second day as prices continue to consolidate just slightly below a more than three-year high reached earlier in the week. At 0656 GMT, June WTI crude oil futures are trading $66.77, down $0.18 or -0.27% and June Brent crude oil is at $71.84, down $0.18 or -0.25%. Daily June West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil The short-term fundamentals continue to be supportive as bullish traders remain concerned over the escalating military activity in the Middle East and shrinking global oil inventories. Earlier in the week, crude oil surged to the upside after Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missiles over Riyadh and U.S. President Trump warned of military action in Syria. In another bullish development on Thursday, OPEC said that a global oil stocks surplus is close to evaporating. The cartel supported its claim by saying it was based on healthy energy demand combined with its own supply cuts. Furthermore, it revised up its forecast for production from rivals who have benefited from higher oil prices. Additionally, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo told Reuters in an interview that OPEC and its oil producer allies are poised to extend their supply-cutting pact into 2019 even as a global glut of crude is set to evaporate by September. Daily June Brent Crude Forecast Concerns over military strikes against Syria are expected to continue to underpin crude oil prices on Friday. This is because comments from President Trump and the White House seemed to indicate the U.S military could remain active in the area. This leaves open the possibility of another bombing raid over the week-end. President Trump met with his national security team on Thursday to discuss the situation in Syria, but did not make a final decision on whether or not to use military force, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said. We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies, Sanders said in a release. Story continues Although Trump was expected to talk with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May, CNBC is reporting that the U.S. was considering striking eight potential targets. Those targets include two Syrian airfields, a research center and chemical weapons facility. Earlier in the week, Trump broke protocol about a potential U.S. air strike against Syria by Tweeting, Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it. This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: Oil Stays Higher Despite Surprise Increase In U.S. Crude Stocks Investing.com - Crude prices held on to gains on Wednesday, even after data showed that U.S. oil stockpiles rose unexpectedly last week. New York-traded West Texas Intermediate crude futures tacked on 46 cents, or about 0.7%, to $66.00 a barrel by 10:35AM ET (1535GMT). Prices were at around $66.03 prior to the release of the inventory data. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said in its weekly report that crude oil inventories rose by 3.3 million barrels in the week ended April 6. That compared with analysts' expectations for a decline of around 0.6 million barrels, while the American Petroleum Institute late Tuesday reported a supply-gain of 1.8 million barrels. Supplies at Cushing, Oklahoma, the key delivery point for Nymex crude, rose by 1.1 million barrels last week, the EIA said. Total U.S. crude oil inventories stood at 428.6 million barrels as of last week, which the EIA considered to be in the lower half of the average range for this time of year. Domestic oil production- driven by shale extraction - rose to a fresh all-time high of 10.52 million barrels per day last week, keeping it above Saudi Arabia's output levels and within reach of Russia, the world's biggest crude producer. Analysts and traders have recently warned that booming U.S. shale oil production could potentially derail OPEC's effort to end a supply glut. The report also showed that gasoline inventories increased by 0.5 million barrels, compared to expectations for a decline of 1.4 million barrels. For distillate inventories including diesel, the EIA reported a drop of 1.0 million barrels. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures, the benchmark for oil prices outside the U.S., jumped 43 cents, or roughly 0.6%, to $71.48 a barrel. Brent surged to its highest level since late 2014 earlier in the session, boosted by the possibility of an American military strike on Syria. While Syria is not a significant oil producer itself, the wider Middle East is the world's most important crude exporter and tension in the region tends to put oil markets on edge. Story continues There are also concerns that the United States could renew sanctions against Iran, a major Middle East oil producer. Related Articles Oil markets tense on Middle East crisis, but rising U.S. supplies weigh Canada's Trudeau to press British Columbia to accept pipeline: source Crude Oil Prices Settle Higher as Geopolitical Tensions Offset Massive Crude Build London housing Reuters/Toby Melville Big cities on both sides of the Atlantic are witnessing worrying signs in their property markets as prices for both renting and buying fall. In London, the balance of prices is now -47%, meaning that almost half of property surveyors expect a fall in value. While in New York, rents fell their most in almost seven years in March, signalling weakening prices in the American financial hub. LONDON The previously runaway property markets of some of the world's largest financial centres are slowing down rapidly. On Thursday new data from the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed that the London property market continues to stutter, with one figure in property industry saying that the data shows that recent developments have "killed the fluidity of the London market." RICS reported that the balance of prices a measure obtained by comparing how many chartered surveyors see prices falling to how many see prices rising in the near future was broadly flat across the whole of the UK, but showed a significant negative balance in London. "London exhibits the weakest feedback, with a net balance of -47% of respondents citing further price declines," RICS said in a release. "The latest Rics results provide little encouragement that the drop in housing market activity is likely to be reversed any time soon. It has the potential to impact the wider economy contributing to a softer trend in household spending," Simon Rubinsohn, RICS' chief economist added in a statement. London property is being impacted by two main factors last year's changes to stamp duty rules and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. "Stamp duty and Brexit have killed the fluidity of the London market. Only when the extent of the resulting economic damage is properly understood will things be able to change for the better," Toby Whittome, an estate agent with Jackson Stops said, according to the Guardian newspaper. Story continues Falling activity in London is nothing new. Late in March a widely respected survey from Nationwide building society showed that prices in the capital fell by 1% year-on-year in the previous quarter, and that the London market is being blighted by "an ever more widespread frost." That added to evidence of falling prices from estate agent Savills, which reported earlier in the year that it is seeing price declines of as much as 4% in residential areas of South West London such as Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth, Fulham, and Richmond. RICS' data for London follows on from news that rents in the New York borough of Manhattan fell by their most in almost seven years in March, signalling weakening prices in the American city. In March, Manhattan's median rent including such discounts fell year-on-year by the most in six and a half years, according to a monthly report released Thursday by Douglas Elliman Real Estate. "It's a great renter's market if you're looking for an apartment,"Hal Gavzie, the executive manager of leasing at Douglas Elliman told Business Insider's Akin Oyedele. "It's a fantastic time to be looking because you do have so many choices and there are still quite a bit of concessions available." NOW WATCH: Investors need to lower their expectations See Also: SEE ALSO: The world's biggest sovereign wealth fund partnered with the Queen to buy nearly 200 million of London property last year LONDON, April 13 (Reuters) - Russia's ambassador to Britain said a claim by a British security advisor on Friday that Russia spied on former agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter for at least five years before they were attacked with a nerve agent was a "big surprise." "If someone was spying, why were the British services not complaining about that?" Alexander Yakovenko told reporters. "They always complain if something goes wrong. We didn't see any signs, any applications from the British side that they are not happy with the way Skripals were living in Salisbury." Sergei Skripal has been living in Britain since 2010 but his daughter only arrived last month, to visit her father. Earlier on Friday, the national security adviser to Britain's prime minister told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a letter that email accounts of Yulia had been targeted in 2013 by cyber specialists from Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Yakovenko said he had not seen the letter. (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Elisabeth O'Leary Writing by William Schomberg; editing by Stephen Addison) FILE PHOTO: Rescue workers attend the scene where a Tesla electric SUV crashed into a barrier on U.S. Highway 101 in Mountain View, California, March 25, 2018. Picture taken March 25, 2018. KTVU FOX 2/via REUTERS By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tesla Inc lashed out at the National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday after the agency took the unusual step of removing the automaker as a party to its investigation of a fatal crash in March in which a Tesla vehicle's "Autopilot" system was in use. The NTSB's action means Tesla may not gain access to some information obtained by the agency's investigators before it is made public, but frees the company to vigorously defend the Autopilot technology. The war of words on Thursday between the Silicon Valley automaker run by billionaire Elon Musk and the NTSB stood in stark contrast to efforts this week by Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi and Facebook Inc chief Mark Zuckerberg to defuse conflicts with regulators. Tesla "violated the party agreement by releasing investigative information before it was vetted and confirmed by the NTSB," the safety board said in a statement. Releasing incomplete information often leads "to speculation and incorrect assumptions about the probable cause of a crash, which does a disservice to the investigative process and the traveling public," the agency said. Tesla in return blasted the NTSB, saying the company chose on Tuesday to withdraw from the agreement as a formal party before the agency revoked its status. Tesla said it had "been clear in our conversations with the NTSB that theyre more concerned with press headlines than actually promoting safety" and accused the agency of violating its own rules while trying to prevent Tesla from disclosing all the facts. "We dont believe this is right and we will be making an official complaint to Congress," Tesla added, saying it would make an open records request to "understand the reasoning behind their focus on the safest cars in America while they ignore the cars that are the least safe." NTSB spokesman Christopher O'Neil said the agency declined to comment on Tesla's allegations. Story continues The NTSB has three pending probes into Tesla crashes. Tesla's initial statement announcing its withdrawal did not disclose that the NTSB was revoking its status. Driver Walter Huang died after a March 23 crash and vehicle fire in a Tesla Model X near Mountain View, California, prompting investigations by the NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tesla's announcement late on Wednesday in California came after the company publicly blamed the driver for the crash and made statements about the incident that drew criticism from the NTSB. Autopilot is a semi-autonomous system that handles some driving tasks. Tesla has said it warns drivers that they are always responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, said in a statement he was "troubled by Tesla's reckless disregard of its legal obligations to NTSB - potentially compromising NTSB's ability to conduct a thorough and robust investigation into the companys flawed Autopilot system." AUTOPILOT NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt told Reuters on Tuesday the agency had a good working relationship with Tesla but that companies must follow the rules. He and Musk spoke on Friday and again on Wednesday when he told the company it was revoking its status. "It is unfortunate that Tesla, by its actions, did not abide by the party agreement," Sumwalt said in the NTSB statement on Thursday. Tesla said that "even though we won't be a formal party, we will continue to provide technical assistance to the NTSB." Huang's family said on Wednesday it had hired law firm Minami Tamaki LLP to explore legal options, adding the firm believed the Autopilot feature probably caused his death. The firm said its preliminary review of the crash suggested Autopilot was defective. The NTSB has not disclosed any findings. Tesla has said Huang had activated Autopilot and it was in operation at the time of the crash. Vehicle logs from the accident showed no action was taken by Huang before the crash and that he had received warnings from the system to put his hands on the wheel, the company said. Tesla said the Autopilot system always reminded drivers to be alert and keep their hands on the wheel. The NTSB confirmed earlier this week it had two other pending investigations of Tesla crashes, including an August 2017 Tesla battery fire in Lake Forest, California, after an owner lost control and ran the vehicle into his garage. The investigation into that fire was first reported by Reuters on Wednesday. The agency previously faulted Tesla in a 2016 fatal crash in Florida in which Autopilot was engaged. Sumwalt said in 2017 that "system safeguards were lacking" and "Tesla allowed the driver to use the system outside of the environment for which it was designed and the system gave far too much leeway to the driver to divert his attention." Tesla said it had made improvements in the system since the crash. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Peter Cooney and Matthew Lewis) By Mitra Taj LIMA (Reuters) - Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's critics call it his last act. Hours before the former Wall Street banker resigned Peru's presidency in scandal last month, Kuczynski signed five oil contracts granting London-based Tullow Oil (TLW.L) exploration and drilling rights off Peru's northern coast. Lawmakers have vowed to investigate and try to repeal the contracts. They say there should have been a public auction, an environmental study and consultations with fishermen, biologists and coastal residents about sites that lie in an important fisheries area rich in biodiversity. Critics are unconvinced by Peru's oil promoting agency, Perupetro, which said the contracts followed months of negotiations and should be celebrated for the $200 million investment they will bring to a country where bidding rounds are often cancelled due to lack of interest. "It's not normal for a president, just before resigning, to sign five decrees giving away our resources," said Congresswoman Karla Schaefer with the conservative party Popular Force. "Given Mr. Kuczynski's background, it raises a lot of questions." Kuczynski's less than two years in office featured clashes with Popular Force lawmakers who depicted him as an unscrupulous lobbyist. He resigned after being implicated in an alleged vote-buying scheme to prevent possible impeachment over payments his consulting firm received from Odebrecht, a company at the centre of a massive graft scandal. Kuczynski denies wrongdoing and has promised to cooperate with public prosecutors investigating him. Kuczynski's lawyer did not respond to requests for comment about Tullow Oil. The company has been cautiously reviving its search for new oil and gas resources after emerging from one of the longest downturns in the sector's history with a $3.5 billion debt pile. For foreign investors in one of Latin America's most stable economies, the latest controversy brought reminders of a how a more than yearlong graft scandal involving Odebrecht has heightened scrutiny of government contracts and fuelled political feuds in Peru. Story continues Tullow said it started direct negotiations with Perupetro as allowed by Peruvian law in November. "Both the terms and conditions of our contracts and the process for approving them are similar to those signed with other oil companies in 2017," it said in a statement. But leftist lawmaker Hernando Cevallos said Peru's new president, Martin Vizcarra, should rescind the contracts. "This area is the source of 40 percent of our fishing," Cevallos said. Vizcarra's office declined to comment. Yuri Hooker, a marine biologist who researches undersea life in Peru, said three of Tullow's oil concessions contain high levels of biodiversity. "This whole area is one of the most important breeding places in the Pacific for whales and dolphins, as well as fish and invertebrate species on the verge of extinction," said Hooker. The former head of Perupetro, Francisco Garcia, said Tullow will have to secure environmental approvals before drilling, and denied anything irregular about the contracts. A minor oil producer, Peru has struggled to lure investments to its prospects as bigger players in the region such as Mexico have grown more competitive by cutting red tape. "Now all we're doing is driving companies away," Garcia said, adding that he resigned last month because most of his time was spent responding to lawmakers. (Reporting by Mitra Taj; Editing by David Gregorio) Following renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and reports of strong OPEC compliance with the supply pact, the front month West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures edged up 0.4% (or 25 cents) to end at $67.07 per barrel yesterday the highest settlement since December 2014. Why Are Prices Soaring? The surge in benchmark crude is being driven by mounting tensions in the Middle East and the resultant fears of supplies being disrupted. The commodity literally took off this week after President Trump hinted at the possibility of a military strike against Syria and Saudi Arabia claimed to have intercepted missiles fired by Yemeni rebels. As it is, crude is being well supported by a variety of catalysts, including strong demand and continued production curbs from OPEC and its allies. Red-Hot Demand: The major factor fueling higher oil prices is the fast-growing demand for the commodity, which continues to tighten the market. Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reaffirmed its crude demand estimates. The energy consultative body, in its closely watched monthly oil-market report, said that global demand is likely to grow by 1.5 million barrels a day this year to average 99.3 million barrels a day. OPEC Supply Cuts: One of the significant reasons why the U.S. oil benchmark soared nearly 17% in the previous quarter revolved around expectations that OPEC and other major producers agreement to expand their output-cut deal beyond March. The coalition prolonged the current dynamic for another nine months to the end of 2018. The agreement, now renewed twice, keeps 1.8 million barrels a day (or 2% of global supply) off the market in an attempt to clear a supply glut. Sharp Inventory Drawdowns: The U.S. Energy Department's inventory releases have shown multiple weeks of strong inventory draws in the domestic crude stockpiles, another pointer to a tightening oil market. Oil stockpiles have actually shrunk in 37 of the last 53 weeks and are down nearly 105 million barrels in the past year. Story continues The gradual fall has helped the U.S. crude market shift from year-over-year storage surplus to a deficit. At 428.6 million barrels, current crude supplies are 20% below the year-ago period and are in the bottom half of the average range during this time of the year. The Venezuela Factor: Fast falling production in Venezuela have added to the jitters. With the country tethering on the verge of an economic collapse, oil output has dwindled by almost 50% since 2005. Venezuela currently churns out less than 2 million barrels per day, much lower that its pledge per the OPEC-led supply cuts. Are the Gains Built to Last? The oil market, notwithstanding its recent rise, could be undermined by soaring U.S. production. Volume from U.S. oil fields (inclusive of shale) has risen 25% since mid-2016 to more than 10.5 million barrels per day the most since the EIA started maintaining weekly data in 1983. In early February, oil production broke through the 10 million barrels a day threshold for the first time in nearly 50 years and has maintained the record levels thereafter. While there is renewed optimism among U.S. oil companies amid the $65-plus WTI prices, crudes recent gains could become self-defeating as elevated realizations have already induced producers especially U.S. shale drillers to ramp up activity. Together with the scheduled conclusion of OPEC/non-OPEC production cuts in December this year and we are looking at another selloff in oil prices. A rise in the oil drilling rig count points to a further increase in domestic output. An early gauge of future activity, rigs drilling for oil in America totaled 1,003 in the week to Apr 6, as per the latest weekly report by Baker Hughes, a GE Company. That's much higher than the year-ago tally of 839, indicating a drilling resurgence in tandem with the oil revival a big concern for investors. To sum up, even as crude prices make their way up, the relentless supply growth out of U.S. continues to undermine output curbs by OPEC and non-OPEC members, posing a risk to the fragile oil market. Moreover, announcements of duties and counter duties by Washington and Beijing on a wide range of imports have led to apprehensions of a full-blown trade battle between the worlds two biggest economies. Market participants fear that the dispute could potentially hamper global growth and harm oil demand. Whats Ahead? While we do not rule out chances for short-term pullbacks on oversupply concerns, we remain extremely confident of an extended period of gains in the near future. An anticipated surge in demand this year is set to push global consumption above 100 million barrels per day threshold for the first time. However, supply from OPEC which still accounts for roughly 40% of the world's crude is expected to remain weak throughout 2018. The cartels strong adherence with the production cut pact (now at 163% of target levels) has meant that worldwide supplies, currently at around 98 million barrels a day, are lower than demand. Also, years of low price environment have forced operators to trim their capital expenditures considerably that means a relatively narrow pipeline of new projects. To sum it up, though the triple-digit territory of 2014 looks improbable, we expect oil prices to continue to head higher. Also, we are confident that improving fundamentals have probably put a floor under crude prices for the time being. Meanwhile, Go for Select Energy Names The integrated players have reaped benefits of cost-containment strategies adopted during the historic downturn period. They focused on realigning their business models to a more lean and efficient structure so as to stay competitive in the long run. They engaged in reducing headcount, streamlining operations, divesting non-core projects, slashing capex and operating costs to bolster their financials. Riding on the positive oil price momentum, the major oil firms like Chevron CVX, BP plc BP, Royal Dutch Shell plc RDS.A and Total S.A. TOT all part of the Big Oil group recorded massive year-over-year growth in their fourth-quarter top and bottom line, with expectations that the trend will continue during the upcoming earnings season as well. While all crude-focused stocks stand to gain from the oil rally, companies in the exploration and production (E&P) sector are the best placed, as they will be able to extract more value for their products. We advocate the likes of Continental Resources Inc. CLR a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and Murphy Oil Corp. MUR. Finally, a rise in the Baker Hughes rotary rig count positively weighs on the demand for energy services drilling, completion, production, etc. At this juncture, adding a few of these stocks to your portfolio might as well make for a prudent option. Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. TUSK and Flotek Industries, Inc. FTK, both carrying Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), may be excellent selections. Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars? Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research. It's not the one you think. See This Ticker Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Flotek Industries, Inc. (FTK) : Free Stock Analysis Report BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Chevron Corporation (CVX) : Free Stock Analysis Report TOTAL S.A. (TOT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) : Free Stock Analysis Report Continental Resources, Inc. (CLR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) : Free Stock Analysis Report MAMMOOTH ENERGY (TUSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Key bank earnings that are scheduled for release this week and next will likely to provide a better understanding of the sectors near-term prospects. At present, the central short-term concern for banks will be one-time U.S. tax charges, which may affect their full-year profits. However, a lower U.S. corporate tax rate is expected to favor profitability in the long run. Encouraging economic environment, a low tax rate and high Fed rate hike prospects have clearly shifted attention to the bank stocks, which will kick-start the first-quarter earnings season. In this context, Bank of America Corporation BAC and U.S. Bancorp USB which are scheduled to report on Apr 16 and Apr 18, respectively, assume greater significance. Both banks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Other major stocks reporting earnings from Apr 16 to Apr 20 include The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. GS and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH. Price Performance Bank of America has gained 37.2% in the last one year and outperformed the broader industry that has moved up 22.3% over the same period. In comparison, U.S. Bancorp has not only underperformed the broader industry but also Bank of America, gaining only 2.5% over the same time frame. Valuation Compared with the S&P 500, the industry is clearly undervalued. This implies that the industry has upside potential for the near future. The industry has an average trailing 12-month P/B ratio which is the best multiple for valuing banks because of large variations in their earnings results from one quarter to the next of 1.77, which is below the S&P 500s average of 3.75. Hence, it might be a good idea to focus on stocks belonging to this particular industry. Coming to the two stocks under consideration, with a P/B ratio of 1.91 U.S. Bancorp is undervalued than the S&P 500 but overvalued than the industry. However, Bank of America with a P/B ratio of 1.28 is less pricey compared to both the S&P 500 and the industry. Story continues Dividend Yield U.S. Bancorps dividend yield over the last year is 2.34%, higher than the broader industrys figure of 2.04%. With a dividend yield of only 1.57%, Bank of America shareholders earn a comparatively lower dividend yield than both its smaller competitor and the broader industry. Return on Assets (ROA) Return on assets (ROA) is one of the key financial ratios for banks as they rely heavily on their assets to create revenues. A positive ROA indicates that the company has reported gains from its assets for the period in question. Coming to U.S. Bancorp and Bank of America, ROA for the trailing 12-months (TTM) is 1.32% and 0.83%, respectively. U.S. Bancorp has a higher ROA than not only Bank of America, but also the industry, which has ROA of 0.99%. Earnings History, ESP and Estimate Revisions Considering a more comprehensive earnings history, Bank of America has delivered positive surprises in three of the prior four quarters with an average earnings surprise of 8.8%. On the other hand, U.S. Bancorp has delivered positive surprises in all the prior four quarters with an average earnings surprise of 1.2%. When considering Earnings ESP, U.S. Bancorp has an ESP of +0.56%, while Bank of America has an ESP of -0.37%. Then again, U.S. Bancorps earnings estimates for the current year have increased by 0.5% over the last 60 days, while the same metric for Bank of America has advanced by 0.8%. Conclusion Our comparative analysis shows that Bank of America holds an edge over U.S. Bancorp, when considering valuations and price performance. Additionally, when we take a more comprehensive look at the companies previous earnings performance and estimate revisions, Bank of America is the better stock. However, when considering return on assets and dividend yield, U.S. Bancorp holds an edge over Bank of America. What clinches the case in favor of U.S. Bancorp at this point of time is that it has a better ESP than Bank of America. This is why it may be a good idea to bet on U.S. Bancorp over Bank of America as both prepare to report earnings over the next few days. Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars? Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research. It's not the one you think. See This Ticker Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report U.S. Bancorp (USB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Bank of America Corporation (BAC) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) : Free Stock Analysis Report UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. While Walmart Inc.s WMT progress in the e-commerce realm has been talked about for some time, the company has not neglected its brick-and-mortar business. This is evident from its latest announcement to open and remodel 43 stores in Florida. These new and upgraded stores will be equipped with advanced in-store and digital innovations. Many retailers consider the modern tech-savvy era as bad omen for brick-and-mortar stores. On the flip side, few players like Walmart, perceive this as an opportunity to drive omnichannel sales. Physical stores have become a key link to drive online shopping, courtesy of strategies like in-store pickups. Such hi-tech augmentation efforts will empower traditional stores and strengthen their position in the retail space. Well, Walmarts latest move to expand its store base in Florida, indicates the companys dedication toward evolving traditional stores as a vital part of omnichannel sales, helping consumers to shop with ease. That said, lets delve into the latest plans the company has spun for its Florida stores. Plans to Fortify Stores Walmart plans to spend around $200 million in Florida to augment its stores, as part of the companys budgeted investments of $11.0 billion for business development in fiscal 2019. It plans to open six stores in Central Florida, Jacksonville and Miami-Fort Lauderdale. Also, it plans to remodel 37 stores in several regions of Florida. Apart from these, the company intends to open a new distribution center in the City of Cocoa. Further, Walmarts store development plans in the state include rolling out its Grocery Pickup services to another 80 stores. Such services currently exist in close to 100 stores in the region. Further, the companys Mobile Express Scan & Go facility was recently launched across 10 Walmart stores in Florida. Additionally, this service is available at 49 Sams Club stores in the region. Moving further on these lines, Walmarts Pickup Towers have been gaining traction lately, as it makes online delivery system smarter by saving time and costs for the company as well as consumers. The facility is available in 15 stores across Florida. Walmart plans to continue to explore opportunities in the region to expand the same. Story continues Seamless Deliveries is the Latest Mantra Clearly, Walmart has been quite receptive to consumers preference for online shopping. In fact, the companys Florida store augmentation efforts bear testimony to the fact that it is actively undertaking efforts to incorporate stores with digitalization trends and create diverse shopping experiences. By integrating physical stores with online shopping, Walmart has been able to improve its delivery services. Earlier this week itself, the supermarket giant inked a deal with Postmates to extend its online grocery delivery service to cover more than 40% of the families in the United States. In earlier developments, Walmarts Sams Club stores partnered with Instacart for providing same-day delivery services and improve sales of food products and everyday essentials. Also, the company acquired a delivery startup Parcel, Inc. which is a last-mile delivery service and specializes in same-day delivery for perishable and non-perishable products. Other than this, the company tested same day deliveries with Deliv, while it also partnered with ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft for speedy online grocery deliveries. . Notably, such well-chalked endeavors to enhance store and e-commerce traffic have been aiding comparable store sales (comps) growth. Incidentally, the companys U.S. comps (excluding fuel) rose 2.6% during fourth-quarter fiscal 2018, which marked its 14th consecutive quarter of growth. We believe that such store augmentation efforts in Florida will contribute to the companys robust comps trend. Wrapping it up, we believe Walmarts efforts will fortify its presence in the rapidly evolving retail space and compete better with industry behemoth Amazon AMZN. Like Walmart, companies such as Target TGT and Kroger KR, have been undertaking several initiatives to improve delivery services. This indicates that companies are rapidly transforming their operating models to suit the needs of consumers tech-driven lifestyle. Coming back to Walmart, this Zacks Rank #3 (Buy) companys strategies to continue augmenting its business and operations have been raising investors optimism. Shares of the company have soared almost 16.8% over the past year, compared with the industrys rally of 12.8%. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars? Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research. It's not the one you think. See This Ticker Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Target Corporation (TGT) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Kroger Co. (KR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Mason County joins Chelan County in the U.S. state of Washington to place a moratorium on new applications for cryptocurrency mining operations. In a move to take time and evaluate the effect of energy-intensive crypto mining operations on local power resources, Mason Countys Public Utility District (PUD) has announced a moratorium on new cryptocurrency mining operations. The moratorium, which does not apply to existing approved applications, will extend to all computer or data processing loads related to virtual or cryptocurrency mining, bitcoin, Blockchain or similar purposes, the group said Wednesday. Pointing to the influx of numerous mining operations moving in to take advantage of the areas cheap power tariffs, power supply manager Michele Patterson revealed a rush of cryptocurrency operations taking base in the Pacific Northwest in recent times. She explained: We need breathing room to study the local impact on power demands, the ability of the system to handle these energy-intensive operations, rate structure considerations, and protecting the power supply of existing customers. Drawing comparisons, the official said a hospital or a large grocery store could use between 30 and 40 kWh/ square foot while computer data processing can exceed 2,100 kWh per square foot. Safety and fire hazard concerns were also taken under consideration while placing the moratorium, the group added. Other electric utilities have discovered rogue cryptocurrency operations set up in homes or commercial buildings, with no consideration for safety, the PUDs statement added. 200 miles away to Seattles east, Chelan County enforced an entirely similar moratorium on new crypto mining operations last month after admitting to being inundated with new applications. Officials claimed that the number of new applications in Q1 2018 was already nearing the entire total received last year. Chelan Countys PUD had notably enforced higher tariff high-density load rates in mid-2017, a move to specifically address the vociferous appetite of cryptocurrency miners. Story continues Elsewhere, officials from the city of Plattsburgh in New York addressed the possibility of banning crypto mining altogether due to fears of stretching its power resources. A month ago, the New York States public utility provider allowed municipal power authorities to charge higher power tariffs for crypto mining businesses. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post Washingtons Mason County Rejects New Bitcoin Miners, Temporarily appeared first on CCN. [caption id="attachment_5229" align="alignnone" width="620"] U.S. Supreme Court. Credit: Diego M. Radzinschi / ALM [/caption] Judicial nominee Wendy Vitter fell into a well-trodden trap on Wednesday when a U.S. senator asked if she believed that the landmark desegregation rulingBrown v. Board of Education was correctly decided. "I don't mean to be coy," said Vitter, nominated by President Donald Trump for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. But I think I can get into a difficult, difficult area when I start commenting on Supreme Court decisionswhich are correctly decided and which I may disagree with." She added that the ruling is Supreme Court precedent. It is binding. If I were honored to be confirmed, I would be bound by it and of course I would uphold it. But the damage was done, and civil rights groups were unforgiving: [falcon-embed src="embed_1"] Vitter, general counsel to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, is not the only judicial nominee to draw criticism when asked about Brown and other landmark decisions. For some nominees, the concern is that by answering explicitly, they would be viewed as biased if a case challenging the precedent came before themeven when that is highly unlikely. In 1986, the late Justice Antonin Scalia went so far as to say during his confirmation hearing, "I do not think I should answer questions regarding any specific Supreme Court opinion, even one as fundamental as Marbury v. Madison." For others, the decisions they are being asked to embrace are too controversial to touch. Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling declaring the right to abortions, is one such decision, especially because abortion-related litigation and legislation persists. Brown is also criticized by some who argue that it does not square with the original meaning of the Constitution. At a Senate hearing last month, Sixth Circuit nominee John Nalbandian agreed Brown was correctly decided, according to the Vetting Room blog. But when asked moments later about Roe, Nalbandian changed his tune: Im reluctant, and I think it would be inappropriate for me to go down a list of Supreme Court cases and say I think this case was rightly decided and that case was not, because I think it would call into question my partiality going forward. Story continues Justice Neil Gorsuch. Credit: Diego M. Radzinschi Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, who pressed Vitter about Brown, repeatedly asked Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch about Brown during his confirmation hearing last year. Twice, Gorsuch repeated his reply that Brown was a correct application of the law of precedent. A frustrated Blumenthal reminded Gorsuch that Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. in 2005 had told Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, I do when asked if he agreed with Brown. Theres no daylight here, Gorsuch answered, intimatingbut not quite saying outrightthat he was OK with the Brown decision. The late conservative Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork also said he agreed with Brown during his unsuccessful 1987 confirmation hearing, according to Michael Gerhardt, professor at University of North Carolina School of Law, who has advised senators including Blumenthal on confirmation hearings. Gerhardt said that asking nominees about Brown is a legitimate question for discerning whether there is any space between the nominee as a person and as a judge when it comes to the issue of race. Read more: Trump Picks Judges 'He Can Relate To,' McGahn Tells CPAC Covington, McGuireWoods Partners Among New Slate of Judicial Nominees Report: Trump's Judicial Nominees Have Most 'No' Votes So Far Meet Matthew Petersen, DC Court Nom Who Flunked Senator's Pop Quiz Federal Judicial Nominee Flunks 'Motion in Limine' Definition at Senate Hearing Deputy Kazakh Defense Minister Talgat Mukhtarov has announced that Kazakhstan will be sending peacekeepers to Lebanon to serve among UN forces there. It was a surprise announcement despite the fact that units of Kazakhstan's armed forces have trained for peacekeeping duties for most of the country's independent history, most recently with U.S. and British troops as part of the Steppe Eagle-2017 exercises in Kazakhstan last summer. In fact, Kazakhstan's peacekeepers have already served abroad, in Tajikistan in the 1990s, but what happened there one day almost exactly 23 years ago is at least part of the reason large numbers of Kazakh peacekeepers have not served abroad since then. However, Mukhtarov said on April 9 that 120 peacekeepers would be sent to Lebanon, probably in September. He made clear they would be wearing the "blue berets" of UN forces in Lebanon but did not mention where in Lebanon they would be stationed, though he did mention he had recently been in Lebanon and seen the areas where the Kazakh unit might be based. "We have not deployed them before because we had no law on peacekeeping activity," Mukhtarov said in allusion to a law that was passed in 2015. Prior to the passage of that law, Kazakhstan had sent service members to Iraq and Afghanistan. The Iraqi role, from 2003 to 2008, was the more significant. Those troops were sometimes labeled peacekeepers, but primarily they were engaged in the dangerous work of demining and detonating unexploded ordnance and are credited with neutralizing millions of potential explosions during their time in Iraq. Kazakh authorities talked briefly at the end of 2010 and early 2011 of sending a small number of troops to Afghanistan, but that idea was unpopular with the Kazakh public and was quickly scrapped, though some handfuls of officers and medics from Kazakhstan have rotated through. And it is true that Kazakhstan has four soldiers serving with UN peacekeepers in Western Sahara and one soldier with UN peacekeepers in Ivory Coast. Bad Memory Earlier this week, at a military base near the northeastern city of Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Kazakh soldiers took time to commemorate the anniversary of a national tragedy. Far away, in the mountains along the Tajik-Afghan border, a unit of Kazakhstan's peacekeepers were ambushed by Tajik opposition forces on April 7, 1995. The Kazakh troops were peacekeepers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) deployed -- essentially at Russia's urging -- during Tajikistan's civil war (1992-97). Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan also contributed to the force. They were in Tajikistan to help secure the Afghan frontier while government forces fought the opposition inside the country. Seventeen Kazakh peacekeepers were killed in the ambush and dozens more wounded. It was the worst single incident involving CIS peacekeepers during the Tajik civil war was a shock to Kazakhstan, at that time not even four years an independent country. Kazakhstan had sent peacekeepers and was receiving coffins and wounded soldiers. Officially, Kazakhstan continued to rotate troops through until 1999; but in reality, after April 1995, the numbers were only a few officers serving on the CIS peacekeepers' command staff. A generation has passed since then. Bad Timing? The ceremony at the base in Oskemen received some publicity in Kazakhstan's media, but not much. The timing of Mukhtarov's announcement of an impending deployment of peacekeepers would seem poor, considering the somber anniversary two days earlier. But timing might be the most important detail. In June 2017, Russian officials started mentioning the possibility of sending peacekeepers from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to Syria to guard so-called safe zones that the Russian and the Syrian governments were talking about creating. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, both CSTO members, were named as potential contributors. If officials from either of those Central Asian countries discussed with Russian officials the deployment of peacekeepers to Syria, it was not widely known in Astana and Bishkek. The Kazakh and Kyrgyz governments said they knew of no such plans, but the matter did not go away. Russian officials have since continued to mention the possibility from time to time. Kazakh officials have equivocated, not rejecting the idea outright but suggesting a formal request would be needed before any consideration could be given to such as proposal. Astana might feel that by deploying peacekeepers to Lebanon under the UN flag, it has done its share for peacekeeping efforts in the Middle East and should not be asked to contribute an additional force to Syria. Of course, the Kremlin probably won't be disappointed to have Kazakh troops among the UN forces in a state neighboring Syria. But there is still some risk to deploying the Kazakh peacekeepers. A new generation has grown up in Kazakhstan since the ambush in Tajikistan, and memories have faded of Kazakh soldiers trapped in a gorge fighting for their lives. After the first stage of Steppe Eagle-2017 in March 2017, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov said Astana would be deploying peacekeepers to a UN mission but added, "We will select a less dangerous place." Of course, the situation in Lebanon is difficult to predict. If the Kazakh unit were to get caught up in violence that caused casualties, the Astana government could face serious criticism. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS, April 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corporacion Dinant the agribusiness and consumer products manufacturer founded in Honduras in 1960 has expanded its training on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights to operations in Guatemala and El Salvador. Dinant was the first company in Honduras, and probably the first agribusiness throughout the world, to fully implement the Voluntary Principles an internationally accepted benchmark that strictly governs how an organization vets, recruits and trains its security staff. The company already trains 100% of security guards in Honduras on the Voluntary Principles. The expansion of the program to other Central American countries follows the companys decision last year to provide training to all divisions in Honduras, including Sales & Distribution. In addition, Dinant has removed all firearms from the security guards at its plantations, extraction mills and manufacturing plants. Company spokesman, Roger Pineda, commented, These are exciting times for Dinant. We have proven that it is possible to do business successfully, honestly and transparently in challenging parts of the world. The key to our success has been modernizing our security, engaging peacefully and respectfully with local neighboring communities, rewarding our talented staff with good pay and benefits, and protecting the natural environment. Dinant directly employs 7,200 people worldwide who in turn support over 22,000 family members as well as many thousands of contractors, vendors and suppliers who depend on the company. Dinant pays considerable local and national taxes, generates many millions of U.S. Dollars in exports for the Honduran economy, and contributes significantly to all regions and countries in which it operates. Mr. Pineda continued, Dinants model is being closely watched and now replicated by other companies in Honduras and Central America. I am proud of what Dinant has accomplished, and I challenge those who wish for peace, prosperity and progress for the Honduran people to work with us to accomplish these noble objectives. Dinant benchmarks its African Palm Oil business against stringent international standards on economic, environmental and social impact; the sustainability of supplies; and engagement with all local stakeholders. All Dinant operations have been granted ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 status for their environmental management systems and occupational health & safety. Dinants African Palm oil extraction mills and plantations in the Lean and Aguan regions of Honduras have been awarded two prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certifications ISCC EU and ISCC Plus in recognition of the sustainability of raw materials and products, the traceability of the supply chain, and control of greenhouse gas emissions. Dinants community engagement program has been expanded through stakeholder surveys, local Community Grievance Mechanisms and the recruitment of professional liaison workers based at the heart of local communities. For 9 years running, Dinant has received the prestigious Empresa Socialmente Responsable or Socially Responsible Business award for its outstanding commitment to local communities. Furthermore, Dinant has consistently engaged energetically, peacefully, and transparently with those who hold different views in the belief that common points of mutual interest can be found. The company invites all interested parties including its critics to visit its African Palm plantations in the Bajo Aguan region, as well as the rest of its operations sites, to see the results of the extensive resources that Dinant is investing in modernized security, community engagement, and environmental management. For more information, visit www.dinant.com. This material is distributed by Tricuro LLC on behalf of Corporacion Dinant. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC. Attachment HSINCHU, Taiwan, April 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwans largest applied research institution, won Silver in the Applied Technology/Commercial Safety category at 2018 Edison Awards with its Fluid-Driven Emergency Rescuer (FDER) technology. ITRI representatives accepted the award in New York, NY on April 11, 2018. The Edison Awards have been honoring and fostering innovation and innovators to create a positive impact in the world in the spirit of Thomas Edison since 1987. Being recognized with an Edison Award is one of the highest accolades a company can receive in the name of innovation and business success. Other winners this year include Adobe Systems, GE Healthcare, NVIDIA, and 3M. FDER technology is an innovation of micro-hydropower harvesting which can provide thermal images, LED lighting, and laser indication of evacuation routes in the dark. It was developed to address the safety issue of fire sites, with an attempt to enhance visibility to protect firefighters and save lives. FDER is applied to form two unique devices, Fluid-Driven Tactical Nozzle (FDTN) and Fluid-Driven Sprinkler Light (FDSL). The lightweight FDTN mounted on a fire nozzle ensures sufficient illumination without external electricity supply, while the FDSL installed in buildings is designed to shine laser beams to guide people to escape routes in thick smoke. FDER, with 30 granted patents, also won the 2015 R&D 100 Award and 2016 NASA Tech Briefs Award. The application that youve created in Taiwan for ITRI can be applied throughout the world. It really makes firefighters lives much safer and I hope that you make the connections here in the United States to actually grow this technology, making peoples lives much safer, commented Frank Bonafilia, Executive Director of Edison Awards. FDER is a technological breakthrough to the evolution of firefighting equipment and can be used to improve the safety of fire sites and elevate the efficiency of fire rescue, said Dr. Robert Yie-Zu Hu, ITRIs Vice President and General Director of Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories. He stressed that the FDTN device, with its thermal image camera and LED lamp, is superior to conventional firefighting equipment in reliability, illumination and duration. The design eliminates the need of battery supply, reduces the weight of firefighters gear, and can identify fire spots and victim location. For its part, FDSL is expected to improve fire safety in buildings by projecting laser indication for evacuation. Were thrilled that FDER has been recognized by the Edison Awards, said Dr. Jung-Huang Liao, Manager of ITRIs Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories. We will continue to refine its design based on user demands and expand its commercialization efforts, making it applicable in practical apparatuses that can save more lives in the world. FDTN has been licensed in 2016 and adopted by several firefighting squads in Taiwan to help them see better and move faster during rescue missions. In addition to firefighting, the FDER technology may also extend its applications to environmental sensing or indicators. A video of FDER demo is available here: https://youtu.be/SbJJztGeMlo. About ITRI Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the worlds leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan's industries from labor-intensive into innovation-driven. It focuses on the fields of Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment. Over the years, ITRI has incubated over 270 innovative companies, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan in an effort to extend its R&D scope and promote opportunities for international cooperation around the world. For more information, please visit https://www.itri.org/eng. Media Contact Irene Shih Office of Marketing Communications, ITRI chenyishih@itri.org.tw, +886-(0)3-5912542 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f0865692-b0ac-4e50-8d49-17db9c8d3f69 http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/db8f5f3a-0376-4e1a-ac9f-77f3f5b03357 English French Dutch Regulated information - Brussels, Paris, 13 April 2018 - 8 am Invitation to attend the ordinary shareholders' meeting and an extraordinary shareholders' meeting of Dexia SA The ordinary shareholders' meeting and an extraordinary shareholders' meeting of Dexia SA will be held on Wednesday 16 May 2018 at 2:30 pm at the registered office of Dexia at Place du Champ de Mars 5, 1050 Brussels. Shareholders may register from 2:00 pm in order to sign the attendance lists. The invitation to attend the shareholders' meetings containing the agenda and the proposed resolutions has been published today in the official journals and in the Belgian and Luxembourg press. All appropriate documents are available on the company's internet site at: http://www.dexia.com/EN/shareholder_investor/general_meeting/AG2018/Pages/default.aspx, and include: the invitation brochure, the annual report 2017, the attendance, correspondence voting and proxy forms. Any question relating to the meetings may be sent to the company at the following email address shareholder@dexia.com TORONTO, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food For The Poor Canada (FFPC) is proud to celebrate the 10th year of working with and for communities in the Caribbean, with the important support of Canadian donors and volunteers. To mark this milestone, a group of volunteers spent the past three days building Hampden Infant School in Trelawny, Jamaica. Through the generosity and dedication of its volunteers and donors, FFPC has grown steadily over the past decade, building 28 schools in Jamaica, 80 homes in Haiti and Jamaica, shipping tens of millions of dollars worth of medicines, medical equipment, food and educational supplies, supporting numerous livestock projects, and providing emergency relief after natural disasters. Canadians are so generous and passionate, they have taken to heart Food For The Poors holistic system of sharing: It takes a village to build a village. By building a school this week, we are building both the structure and the opportunity for this village in Trelawny, and next month we will celebrate the opening of the village of Bezin in Haiti with 30 new homes, a chicken farm, and community water and light, shared Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director of Food For The Poor Canada Hampden Infant School will provide free, quality education to the youngest in the community. Demonstrating their commitment to changing lives through learning, volunteers raised the funds to cover the construction of a school that includes three classrooms, a playground, a water catchment system and a kitchen. Along with the team and contractors of sister charity Food For The Poor Jamaica, Canadian volunteers took leave from their busy schedules to hammer and paint under the hot sun. Energy was high as the building went up, students and teachers watching while expressing excitement about this new space. Hampden Primary School is finally getting a building for our Infant department, something we have wanted for many years now. I am so excited and I know it will make a big difference in the lives of the children and the community ... Many thanks to the Canadian donors and Food For The Poor. Remarks from the Principal, Mr. Richard McLaughlin and Senior Teacher, Mrs. Dawn Gordon Pinnock. The opening ceremony had strong Canadian representation, as the previous High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and FFPCs current Board Chair, Robert Ready, spoke of work done by Canadians over the last 10 years. The current High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, Laurie Peters, followed, aptly touching on the centuries-old relationship between the two countries. The celebrations ended with a ribbon cutting to officially open Hampden Infant School. About Food For The Poor Canada Food For The Poor Canada (FFPC) empowers communities in Haiti and Jamaica through five areas of programming: food, housing, education, health and livelihood. Through basic aid and sustainable development, FFPC responds to urgent needs while building community and social infrastructure. FFPC utilizes the pre-existing infrastructure of local affiliated organizations, so as to better sustain and grow the communities they serve. FFPC is part of the Food For The Poor family of charities; the founding organization in the USA is Food For The Poor, an interdenominational Christian organization that works in 17 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. For More Information Contact: Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director Food For The Poor Canada 647.350.7269 SamanthaM@FoodForThePoor.com www.foodforthepoor.ca Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/e7041bc3-c5d8-4936-92ce-c6e0937a6f8e http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/7c131224-b0dc-4e91-b1fa-f4ba069cf3b0 http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/ccb383d2-7a3b-4d74-9754-494b9a59e5a2 GMATblock wrote: Hello , I am currently in quite a tricky situation, and would require some piece of help to decide which college to go to. I am an international applicant from India and money is a concern. At the same time my major concern is the job opportunities. Below are the options I am contemplating. Kelley: $20k with $35K GA (basically 55% scholarship) RICE: $70K Scholarship Notre Dame: $60K Brief about my background: I have back ground in consulting industry, working in the infrastructure sector. Currently working with KPMG and was previously employed at PwC. Total experience of 4 years. GMAT:720 Undergrad: Engineer Post MBA plans: I am looking to continue in consulting space. Majorly looking at management or strategy roles. I am confused about the 2 options -Kelley and Rice. All information I have gathered points towards Kelley, and also the placement scenario at RICE for internationals seems pretty bad. Money obviously is a big concern for me. It will definitely be helpful if anybody can provide insights on the pros and cons of the two schools. Look forward to your response and thank you in advance. I too was in similar situation and decided to choose kelley.The splitting points which made me inclined towards kelley were :a) Big Alumni base (not just MBA but others as well) which I have already started tapping into and found a great response (as compared to Rice)b) Talking to current student realized that the placement numbers for internationals are not really that great at Rice either and the Career Service Center at Kelley is putting in more efforts to get the folks placed...c) incoming class (my batch) seems to be more dynamic and active at Kelley as compared to RiceHope this helps you as well..._________________ Vantage Point MBA Admissions Consulting https://vantagepointmba.com/ Your Personal MBA Application Experts Contact us for a Free Consultation! Your Personal MBA Application ExpertsContact us for a Free Consultation! Signature Read More Hi Charan,Great to hear from you! Since we're no longer providing straight profile reviews on this forum (because we don't believe that you competitiveness at different schools boils down to just a few stats or data points), I'll dive right into your specific questions. Re: the appeal of your profile for a career in consulting, the good news is that there is no ideal pre-MBA career for consulting. Those firms look for really smart, analytically-inclined people with a diversity of backgrounds. However, the first step is getting into business school! And for the purposes of your applications, I would encourage you to dig deep and thoroughly explain why consulting is your desired career path and what you hope to achieve in that career in the long-run. Every job in business involves problem-solving so that in and of itself won't be a compelling argument for you, I'm afraid, unless there's more substance behind itIn terms of the schools on your list, again, it's tough for me to assess your competitiveness based on a few data points but my sense, based on the info you provided, is that the last 4-5 programs could be realistic for you, with Tepper and McCombs being a bit tougher. It seems like Haas and Kellogg will likely be very challenging for you, though, as will Ross and Stern. You come from a very competitive demographic, unfortunately, who tend to score really high on the GMAT and have very strong academic track records so it's important to consider that context when you're deciding where you want to apply.I hope that helps! Best of luck to you!Kindly,Melody_________________ After an arduous journey, the Golden States dairy farmers will have their chance to cast a ballot on establishing a Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) in California. The vote will be held from April 2, 2018, through May 5, 2018. If a favorable vote takes place, California would become the nations eleventh FMMO. In order for that to happen, two-thirds of the voting producers holding permits to sell milk would have to vote in favor of USDAs final decision. Alternatively, dairy farmers who produce two-thirds of the states milk could also enact the ballot measure. Its an up or down vote as no changes can be made to USDAs final decision on a California federal order. If approved, one unique provision would be that California could retain its in-state producer quota. That quota, worth an estimated $1 billion, would still be administered by the California Department of Agriculture. Thats a substantial provision in potentially securing a favorable vote in a state that produces 18 percent of the nations milk supply. There will be a public meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday April 10, 2018, in Clovis, Calif., for those who want to learn more about USDAs final decision on a California federal order. To read the final decision published in the April 2, 2018, Federal Register, download Milk in California: Establishment of Federal Milk Marketing Order. A three-plus-year journey We said arduous at the start of this article because the road to a potential California federal order was first outlined in early 2015. That initial timeline that included a 10-step process for the potential federal order predicted a vote on the order by the spring or summer of 2017. There were delays at a number of checkpoints. Perhaps the longest involved navigating an administrative law judges role in the federal order hearing process. After having a judicial officer reread the testimony and all related exhibits, USDA proceeded with a ratification option that allowed the federal order process to move ahead. In the end, the road to a California order was allowed to proceed after that USDA judicial officer ratified the record with one small change. For more on the matter, read Supreme court holds up California order. For an in-depth dive into all things related to the California Federal Milk Marketing Order process, check out USDAs web portal, Proposed Federal Milk Marketing Order for California. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2018 April 2, 2018 Earlier this week, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Animal Institute. This three-day conference in Kansas City, Mo., brought together undergraduate students from across the nation to learn more about the animal health industry. The Animal Institute is based in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor where many animal health companies are located. About 90 students visited 23 different companies ranging from nutrition to pharmaceutical. The days were jam packed with opportunities to network with both industry leaders and our peers. Participating in a panel discussion with members from the industry on the first night of the Animal Institute got me thinking about the variety within the animal science industry. As I am looking to find my path within agriculture, the conference showcased different jobs as well as concentrations to consider. My favorite part of the AFA Animal Institute was the Industry Tour Day. We were divided into six tour groups and spent the whole day exploring the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. My tour group visited the Kansas City Zoo, Dairy Farmers of America, Smithfield, and Ceva Animal Health. The tour day featured a variety of companies, which I enjoyed because I am always trying to learn more about areas I dont have a lot of experience in. Visiting Dairy Farmers of Americas (DFA) new headquarters was a highlight of the trip for me. We learned about the cooperative including how DFA is structured and the global aspect of the dairy industry. The AFA Animal Institute broadened my perspective of animal science. I learned networking tools, more about animal health companies, and the different careers within animal science. I am excited to start my career advocating for farmers and ranchers after attending the AFA Animal Institute! Elise Regusci grew up on her family's farm in Modesto, Calif. Regusci attends Cal Poly University, majoring in dairy science with an agricultural communication minor. On campus, she is the Los Lecheros Dairy Club Ag Council representative and a member of the Cal Poly dairy judging team. Regusci was the 2016 Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador and was the 2017 Hoard's Dairyman summer editorial intern. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ New Delhi, Apr 12 (IBNS): President Ram Nath Kovind, and the President of Zambia, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, ceremonially commenced work on the 93-km Lusaka Traffic Decongestion Project on Thursday, the final day of Kovinds state visit to three African nations, Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia. The Lusaka Traffic Decongestion Project has received substantial financial support from the government of India and is being executed by an Indian company, AFCONS Infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that development partnership and economic cooperation are key pillars of India-Zambia relations. He was happy to note that the two countries are collaborating on projects that will benefit the citizens of Zambia. He said that India appreciates the people-centric approach of the Zambian government in its programmes and policies. The President said that traffic congestion is a modern day challenge in urban centres across the world. He expressed hope that the Lusaka project would lead to further cooperation between Zambia and India on socially relevant initiatives. Later in the day, the President travelled to Livingstone and addressed the Indian community there. Kovind said that the government of India seeks sustained and proactive engagement with the overseas Indian community. "Dialogue with the diaspora is aimed at providing possibilities and platforms through which it can learn about as well as participate in Indias transformation. And link this transformation with the developmental priorities of Zambia," said he. Islamabad, Apr 13 (IBNS): Putting the political future of ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in question, country's Supreme Court on Friday disqualified him for life from holding office, media reports said. The move was made by the apex court at a time when the nation is gearing up for the general elections to be held this year. According to DawnNewsTV, the verdict was issued unanimously by all five judges of the bench. "Article 62(1)(f), which sets the precondition for a member of parliament to be "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by a five-judge SC bench on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. Likewise, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified on Dec 15 last year by a separate bench of the apex court under the same provision," reported Dawn News. Following the verdict given by the top court of the Asian nation, Sharif and Insaf were left ineligible to ever hold public office. The decision, read out by Justice Umar Ata Bandial, stated that the disqualification of any member of parliament or a public servant under Article 62 (1)(f) in the future will be permanent, reported Dawn News. Such a person will not be able to fight elections or be a part of the Parliament. Before giving the verdict, Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, who was heading the bench, was quoted as saying by Dawn News that he said people deserves 'leaders of good character'. "The restriction imposed by Article 62 (1)(f) of the Constitution for the eligibility of a candidate for election to Parliament serves the public need and public interest for honest, upright, truthful, trustworthy and prudent elected representatives," reads the judgement. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Nawaz Sharif will not need any formal office to guide people of the nation and the party. "Nawaz Sharif is not the name of a person. Rather he represents a philosophy and an ideology of public service, supremacy of constitution and respect of vote. A leader like him does not need any formal office to continue guiding his party & serving his people," he tweeted. "Today is a day of test for the nation when a judicial decision has barred a popular national leader from serving the county who made it a nuclear power and who has the distinct honor of being elected Prime Minister thrice.," he said. "We have always believed in the supremacy of law and the neutrality of its arbiters. Despite the judicial verdict, PML-N will continue to be the largest political party of the country under the guidance of Nawaz Sharif," he said. State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said decision against Nawaz Sharif was made first and the trials started later. "From today an era of Nawaz Sharif's politics has begun which should be feared by our political opponents," she told Geo News. He said: This is a last chance. [E]ither fix the deals disastrous flaws, or the United States will withdraw. Fixes Since then, Europe has not made significant progress in fixing the deal. Indeed, they seem content to preserve it as is. Meanwhile, Trump has stacked his cabinet with Iran hawks like Mike Pompeo (Secretary of State) and John Bolton (National Security Advisor) who will not discourage him from pulling out of the deal, which Trump has called the worst deal ever. Strangely, the fixes were fairly basic: Allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) full access to suspected Iranian nuclear sites Remove the sunset clauses that allow Iran to legally develop nuclear weapons in the near future Stop Iran from developing/testing ballistic missiles Who could possibly oppose that? There are many more flaws in the nuclear deal that werent even addressed by Trump. Scott Johnson wrote on Powerline: Even if Trumps proposed fixes fall short of what would be necessary to make the deal meaningful, Trump has the big picture right. A mistake The nuclear deal was a mistake in the first place, given that the crippling sanctions on Iran had nearly toppled the Regime. The equivalent of giving CPR to the worlds leading state-sponsor of terrorism and allowed money to flow back into the hands of the mullahs who used it to fund war, terrorism, and oppression. To not even attempt to put more restrictions on Iran is helping the terrorists. Many experts believe that the Iranian Regime is already violating the nuclear deal, so why would the world accept that? Why would anyone not advocate imposing further restrictions that really should have been part of the original deal on a Regime that is hell-bent on creating nuclear weapons to destroy Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the US? Those who defend the deal are taking war criminals and human rights abusers at their word, but why? Johnson wrote that those still defending the nuclear deal are like Neville Chamberlain telling the British public not to worry about Adolf Hitler and we all know how that turned out. Related Testifying before a House appropriations subcommittee, Mnuchin said that sanctions against Iran would be both on Iran and on those that seek to carry out business deals with Iran. He said there would be both primary and secondary sanctions. He also indicated that as well as the renewal of previous sanctions that have been waived as part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, there could potentially be a new round of sanctions. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would be exiting the 2015 Iran nuclear deal if the European signatories do not make the necessary amendments to make is a strong agreement. Trump has been a strong opponent of the nuclear deal and said that it needs to be renegotiated because, as it stands now, it does not curb Irans nuclear program. Trump gave his European allies a deadline of 12th May to make the necessary changes, including making sure that Irans ballistic missile program is addressed. If it is not, he has threatened to stop signing the sanctions waivers. If Trump refused to sign the sanction waiver certification, the sanctions that were lifted as a result of the signing of the nuclear deal will snap back into force. Mnuchin said that he has many things to consider, including the current state of Irans economy. He said: If the president doesnt sign the certification, the sanctions snap back into place. I do think the primary and secondary sanctions would have an important impact on the Iranian economy, and thats something hes thinking about and balancing as he makes his decision. The Secretary of the Treasury also indicated that the administration is working on moving forward with non-nuclear related sanctions. Before even taking office, Trump criticised the deal. He said that it was the worst deal that could have been negotiated. It is true that the nuclear agreement is weak. Iran was given too many concessions, and Obamas hopes and assurances that Irans behaviour would become more moderate were never realised. In fact, its behaviour became worse. Irans belligerence spread even further because it knew that it would not be challenged. However, Trump has taken a firm position on Iran and he has been able to prove that being tough on Iran would help. When Trump threatened to retaliate against Iranian vessels that were threatening and approaching US Navy vessels, the provocations stopped. Appeasement policies need to be put to an end and replaced with more comprehensive policies that actually deal with the major threats that are posed by Iran. The people of Iran took to the streets in large numbers at the end of last year. These people have been victims of human rights violations for decades and it is time that the international community finally listened and stood behind them. After all, they know the regime inside out. And they know it is going to come toppling down soon. This is not the first chemical attack that the Syrian Regime and its allies in Iran and Russia have launched on the unarmed people living in rebel-held areas of Syria and, if not dealt with, it wont be the last. Human rights activist and former Iranian political prisoner Hamid Bahrami wrote on Al Arabiya: How [far] is the international community prepared to go in its appeasement of Assad, the Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei and Putin? What can the world do? The international community can stand up for human rights in Syria and by extension in Iran by imposing strict sanctions on the Iranian Regime. The Iranian Regime has been funding the Syrian Regime to the tune of billions of dollars per year in order to help Bashar Assad crush his political opposition. By placing sanctions on Iran, the international community can stop the ever-present flow of money into Syria and help to prevent another tragedy like this from happening. There should be no doubt that this chemical attack was funded by the Iranian Regime; Assads forces would have folded years ago if not for Irans help. If not for Iran, we may never have seen these egregious crimes against humanity unfolding. If the world does not act now, then the situation will only get worse. General Jack Kean, the former vice chief of staff of the US Army, warned: War is on the horizon here because of Russian and Iranian action in Syria. This chemical attack happened just as Donald Trumps new National Security Adviser John Bolton was due to start. This is no coincidence and Bahrami believes that this is a test by Iran and their allies to see what the US will do. Bahrami wrote: The West should form a military coalition with its Arab allies to target both Assad regime and the [Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)] military bases in Syria. This crucial action will change the balance on the ground in favour of ending this crisis in the Middle East. Trump and Bolton have called out former President Barack Obama for a failed Syria policy, but their job is to change the US policy on Syria in order to save lives and hold the war criminals to account. 10,000 Small Businesses Has Potential to Close the Racial Wealth Gap Investing to support the launch and growth of Black-owned businesses could build wealth for individuals and their families, assist with closing the wealth gap, revitalize communities, and contribute to an overall healthier economy, which benefits us all. To do so, thoughtful and innovative approaches are required to overcome the exponential effects of the interplay among the wealth gap, the credit gap, and the trust gap. While challenging, this is worth striving for so that we can move one step closer to an inclusive economy. Association of Enterprise Opportunity, The Tapestry of Black Business Ownership In America Applications Are Being Accepted for Goldman Sachs Entrepreneurship Program through Babson College ADVERTISEMENT If every Black-owned business with employees added two Black workers and 15% of those with no employees hired just one Black worker, the racial unemployment gap in the United States would be virtually eliminated. A recent study on Black entrepreneurship concluded that Black-owned businesses could be a key to closing the racial wealth gap. While white adults have 13 times the wealth of Black adults, the gap between white and Black business owners is only three to one. The median net worth for Black business owners is 12 times higher than Black nonbusiness owners. Thats why supporting and nurturing small business growth is one of the National Urban Leagues top priorities, and Goldman-Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is one of our most important partnerships. Through greater access to education, capital and business support services, 10,000 Small Businesses graduates are able to grow their revenues and create jobs at rates that outperform the economy in general. In 2016, 47 percent of businesses grew their revenues. But 30 months after graduation, nearly 78 percent of 10,000 Small Businesses alumni increased revenues. About 25 percent of businesses added jobs. But, at 30 months, more than 56 percent of 10,000 Small Businesses alumni created jobs. In this 50th anniversary year of examining racial progress since the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the enormous role of Black-owned businesses in the Civil Rights Movement cannot be overstated. As Boston University historian Louis Ferleger notes, the success of the Montgomery bus boycott depended upon Montgomerys 18 black-owned taxi companies, operating more than 200 cabs. ADVERTISEMENT Histories of the civil rights movement that emphasize the glory and successes of charismatic leaders only tell part of the story, Ferleger writes. Small Black-owned businesses were critical because they were empowered to engage in civic participation. These businesses were uniquely situated to support the civil rights movement and also parted the waters. Todays Black entrepreneurs, supported and empowered by partnerships like 10,000 Small Businesses, are a continuation of that civil rights legacy. About 700 of the more than 7,200 graduates of the program have received their training through the Babson College cohort a blended online and face-to-face program that delivers intensive entrepreneurship training and practical training from Babsons business experts and peers, alongside educational teams who teach the 10,000 Small Businesses program at community colleges across the country. For 11 weeks, these small business owners connect with peers and work together through practical business education delivered through a blend of online and in-person sessions. To apply for the 10,000 Small Businesses business and management education program, please visit www.10KSBapply.com. Los Angeles County Sues Its Former Chief Lawyer Los Angeles County is suing its former lead attorney, whose wrongful termination lawsuit against the entity was dismissed earlier this year, for allegedly putting his interests ahead of those of his former employer. The countys suit against Mark Saladino alleges he publicly disclosed advice he gave the Board of Supervisors and violated his ethical obligations of loyalty and confidentiality to his former client. ADVERTISEMENT The complaint filed Thursday April 5 in Los Angeles Superior Court seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as reimbursement of costs to the county for defending his wrongful termination suit. Robert Baker, Saladinos attorney in his wrongful termination case, could not be immediately reached for comment. For almost eight months, Saladino was at the apex of the Office of County Counsel, the countys suit states. The county and board routinely confided in Saladino and sought his input and advice regarding legal matters. However, within weeks of his appointment, Saladino approved a memo prepared by a former Los Angeles County CEO that ordered the auditor-controller to pay one of the supervisors a benefit of about $140,000 to which the individual was not entitled under the Los Angeles County Code, the countys suit alleges. The supervisors identity is not disclosed in the countys complaint. An outside law firm hired by the board to research the propriety of the action concluded that the memo was illegal, and Saladino was transferred out of his position as County Counsel two days later on June 10, 2015, according to the countys court papers. In July 2016, Saladino filed his wrongful termination suit and publicly disclosed attorney-client information, including advice he gave the board, the countys suit alleges. ADVERTISEMENT Saladino could have filed the wrongful termination complaint under seal, but for his own self-serving purposes he chose not to. His strategy was to publicly leverage his former client, the complaint alleges. In January, Judge Joanne ODonnell found that Saladino could not support his claims, which also included emotional distress and breach of an employment contract. Saladino was not fired, but instead transferred to another job, the judge found. When he signed an agreement with the county to take a job in the Department of Treasurer-Tax Collector, Saladino forfeited the right to make claims related to the transfer, ODonnell found, adding that Saladino was not forced by economic duress to take the new post. Further, he accepted the benefits of the transfer agreement, ODonnell said. Saladino was hired as county counsel in September 2014, by a 4-1 vote of the board, at a salary of $288,915. He previously served as the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector for 16 years. As his County Counsel tenure progressed, Saladino became increasingly concerned about what he believed were actions taken by the board in violation of the states open meeting law, according to his court papers. Mr. Saladino also learned of the boards frustration with the (open meeting laws) requirement that the public be allowed to comment at board meetings, his suit alleged. The board members frequently tried to silence speakers whom they found to be offensive Saladino claimed the board often ignored his advice regarding the law. His suit described clashes with various members of the board over legal and ethical issues, but particularly singled out Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who cast the sole dissenting vote against appointing Saladino as lead counsel. Saladino claimed he was fired for political reasons. NNPA NEWSWIRE SPECIAL REPORT Inside the courtroom for the Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Trial Will Bill Cosby Get a Fair Trial? Some Courtroom Observers Dont Think So Judge in Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Case Allows Juror that Said He Thinks Cosby Is Guilty ADVERTISEMENT Any appearance of fair and impartiality that Judge Steven ONeill may have exhibited is out the window, according to those siding with comedian Bill Cosby in his retrial. After a weekend to ponder the actions of a juror selected to serve on the case, ONeill decided Monday afternoon to allow the individual to remain on the panel. The judge did so without public explanation. How can that be? The juror said he had already made up his mind that Cosby was guilty, said Rhonda Traylor, an African American woman who said she came to court on Monday to counter planned protests against the comedian. After being selected to serve as juror No. 11 last week, the man who is White and believed to be in his 40s, reportedly told others on the prospective panel that I just think [Cosbys] guilty, so we can all be done and get out of here. Sporting a dark hair of twists, a pearl necklace and wearing diamond studded earrings, Traylor said she was horrified over a protester who jumped a barrier, stripped off her shirt and bra and ran in front of Cosby. ADVERTISEMENT The protestor was identified as Nicolle Rochelle, 39, of Little Falls, N.J. who was charged with disorderly conduct after sheriffs deputies wrestled her to the ground and into a nearby bush. She later contacted other protestors who placed her on a speaker phone, so reporters could hear. They said theyd drop the charges, if I dont come back to the courthouse, Rochelle could be overheard saying. She said also that she had appeared on some episodes of the iconic Cosby Show in the early 1990s and noted that Cosby had always been respectful of her, but her outburst was to show support to the women. This is what its come to, said Traylor, who works in a nearby mail sorting facility. This isnt about justice, its about demonstrations and putting on a show. And, I believe things are only going to get worse, because more people are beginning to realize that this judge and the prosecutors seem to be working together with the goal of taking Cosby down. ONeill has repeatedly noted the need to be fair and impartial, however the judges rulings have often been called into question. He ruled that five other alleged victims, including former supermodel Janice Dickinson, could testify in the retrial. Last year, he denied prosecutors request to call Dickinson and others. Other controversial rulings include allowing Cosbys deposition testimony; the hearsay testimony of Gianna Constand, the mother of alleged victim Andrea Constand; and denying several defense requests like letting the jury know that former District Attorney Bruce Castor declined charges against Cosby, because he said there was insufficient evidence and he questioned Constands credibility. The judge has also denied a defense request to show the jury a 2005 press release from Castor in which the former DA explains his decision not to prosecute Cosby. Further, ONeill also declined to allow the defense to tell the jury about dueling lawsuits between Constand and Castor. Ironically, Castors lawsuit was dismissed by a judge on Friday, April 6 while Constands remain pending. At the end of Monday, Cosbys spokesman Andrew Wyatt, told reporters that the defense hopes that the jury can be fair and impartial. Resurrection and Righteous Renewal: Insights from Kemet, Garvey and Muhammad In the organization Us, we often greet each other saying Black man rising or Black woman rising or Black people rising or all three at once. It is an affirmation of our self-raising in the context of community and the collective rising of our people regardless of the obstacles put in our path by an oppressive system. It reaches back to an ancient African Kemetic conception of rising up even from our own coffin, survivors of our own burialin both the physical and spiritual sense. And it is a reflection of the ethical teachings of Garvey, Muhammad and Malcolm about resurrection as a social triumph over the social death the established order imposed on us and continues to attempt. During the general welcoming of spring and the Christian celebration of Easter, concepts of new life, resurrection and righteous renewal find a special space among the myriad of new and old thoughts that occupy and pass thru our ever-busy minds. And it is useful to explore the development of these ideas and their associate social practices and to ask ourselves, as always, how they might aid us in living good and meaningful lives. As might be expected, the earliest narratives and discourse on resurrection and righteous renewal are found in ancient Africa, i.e., Kemet. In the Maatian conception of immortality thru righteousness, resurrection forms an indispensable concept along with ascension, judgment, welcome into the afterlife, and transformation into a glorious and eternal spirit. In their quest for eternal life, the ancient Egyptians embraced the sacred narrative and model of Osiris, the Risen Savior, who was unjustly killed, rose up after death thru righteousness and presented the promise of eternal life for those who do Maat, i.e., speak truth, do justice and walk in the way of rightness. For these ancient Africans, resurrection was coming forth by day, i.e., from the darkness of death and the grave into the light and goodness of eternal life. ADVERTISEMENT Certainly, one of the most beautiful and definitive statements on resurrection and eternal life thru righteous conduct in the world is given by Satepihu in the Sacred Husia who says: a glorious spirit in heaven, a continuing power on earth; resurrection after death, favorable judgment in Gods domain. These are the gifts of the righteous ones and righteous are those who receive them. They shall be counted among the ancestors; their name shall endure as a monument. And what they have done earth shall never perish or pass away. There is also in Maatian theology and ethics the central concept and obligation of serudj ta, which means to repair, recreate and renew the world, making it more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. These original ideas of resurrection and righteous renewal not only informed and influenced the Abrahamic traditions in their concepts of resurrection, judgment and eternal life, but also informed the teachings of two of the greatest Black leaders and teachers of the 20th century, the Honorable Marcus Garvey and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad who taught an expansive meaning of resurrection and righteous renewal. Marcus Garvey, father of modern Black nationalism and founder of the largest mass movement of Black people in the world, the UNIA, engaged the concept of resurrection as both a spiritual reality and a social and political obligation and promise. As a Christian and Black nationalist, he posed a model of life that would honor his faith, raise up his people and serve the higher interests of humankind. Taking as a point of departure the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus, he calls for a spiritual and material resurrection among (Blacks) everywhere, rising phoenix-like out of the ashes, ruin and aftermath of the Holocaust of enslavement. In an Easter sermon, he says As Christ triumphedover death and the grave, as He was risen from the dead, so do I hope that (Black people) of today will triumph over the slavishness of the past, intellectually, physically, morally and even religiously and that we ourselves (rise up) in thought and higher ideals to a loftier purpose, to a true conception of life. Resurrection, he says, is about creating and living a new life, a risen lifea life of knowing ourselves, and acting audaciously on that knowledge. It is about realizing that God has created no superior being to us in this world, but Himself and that we are creators of our own fate and of our own destiny. Indeed, he says, if Black people would only get to know themselves in true and expansive ways, we could reconstruct ourselves as a new and renewed people, resurrected, not from the will of others to see us risebut from our own determination to rise irrespective of what the world thinks. Messenger Elijah Muhammad, founding father of the Nation of Islam and leader of the strongest Black Power organization in the 60s, talks of resurrection essentially in a social sense which is directed toward the raising and rising up of a renewed people and building a new world. For Messenger Muhammad, resurrection is not about rising from physical death, but from a mental and spiritual death imposed by the Holocaust of enslavement and continued oppression. In this process, the oppressor deprived us of our knowledge of self, of God and the world, giving us false names and self- indicting knowledge of ourselves, in a word, burying us in a grave of ignorance. Thus, Muhammad says, Resurrection of the Dead means resurrection of people who are mentally dead to knowledge of self and truth. Or again, it is to rise up from the dead knowledge of (our) Black self and others, and to cultivate and embrace a divinely-instructed new way of thinking. Thus, he tells Black people the time is ripe that you rise up and accept your own and act according to the divine nature with which we are endowed. ADVERTISEMENT As a master teacher of Islam, he stressed the divine nature of the human being, building on orthodox Islams concept of humans as both vice-regent (khalifah) of Allah and His servant (abd). This status, Muhammad taught, obligates us to emulate the Creator in His creativeness and to be likewise active in the interest of truth, justice and righteousness in the world. And he says, if you do not have His spirit in you we call you dead. Speaking to the tendency of the oppressed to seek only a comfortable place in oppression, he challenges them to think in more self-respecting, liberating and expansive ways. Having, himself, risen from the grave of ignorance and illusion, self- doubt and self-denial, he defiantly declares, I no longer want the world I was born into. I want my own world. I dont want to be so absorbed or immersed into the world that (I) cannot get out of it to build one of (my) own. Thus, Mr. Muhammad says, we want to build a new Earth (and) a new us. As I interpret his teachings and those of Mr. Garvey, this new earth and new us, for both of them, will be anchored in justice, enlightened and uplifted by truth and rooted in a righteousness clearly reflected in the good ways we treat each other and work constantly for the well-being and flourishing of the world. Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org. Winnie Mandela bore the scars of battle, helped heal a nation This week, Winnie Madikizela Mandela will be laid to rest and honored at a state funeral in South Africa. To many, she was loved as the mother of the nation even in her final days. When the roll is called of freedom fighters who changed the world and made it better, the name Winnie Mandela will rank near the top of the list. ADVERTISEMENT She was the fourth of eight children born to two teachers in what is now Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Her Xhosa name was Nomzamo (She who tries). Despite all the obstacles of apartheid, she graduated from college and moved to Johannesburg as the citys first black social worker. Her research on the high infant mortality rate in a black township was central to her politicization. At the age of 22, she met and married a young lawyer and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela. They had two daughters together before he was sentenced to Robben Island, where he was kept for the next 27 years. Even before Mandela was locked away, she was active in the anti-apartheid movement, jailed while pregnant for two weeks for participating in a womens protest against apartheid. With Mandela in jail and other leaders exiled or jailed, Winnie Mandela became the public face and voice of the anti-apartheid movement. She had children to raise and a nation to help emancipate. Few outside of South African knew much about the ANC or Nelson Mandela or Robben Island where he was locked away out of sight. This is before cell phones, social media or cable networks. For 27 years, she was his voice, his social media, his Facebook, spreading the word, keeping the faith. ADVERTISEMENT She faced death threats, house arrest, torture, internal exile, banishment, isolation and government slander. She took the hits within and without. But she never bowed. She never surrendered. Upon her death, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid public tribute to her sacrifice and leadership: For many years, she bore the brunt of the senseless brutality of the apartheid state with stoicism and fortitude. Despite the hardship, she faced she never doubted that the struggle for freedom and democracy would triumph and succeed. I will never forget the Sunday morning when she left Robben Island with Nelson Mandela, even as he forgave the prison guards that had kept them apart. The wife of a freedom fighter is often like a widow, even when her husband is not in prison, Mandela wrote. And he added: Winnie gave me cause for hope. I felt as though I had a new and second chance at life. My love for her gave me the added strength for the struggles that lay ahead. Winnie Mandela was always admired and loved by the people she helped to free. She served in parliament from 1994 to 2003, on the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress and was the head of its Womens League. Winnie and I talked for many hours about liberation and life, hopes and dreams in South Africa, Europe and the United States. One of the last times I saw her was in Selma, Ala. She had traveled to that small, historic city to join in honoring the struggle against apartheid in America. The punishment she suffered took a brutal toll physically and psychologically. She and Mandela divorced a few years after his release, and as she later regretted, in the midst of the struggle, things went terribly wrong. In 2003, after being convicted for her misdeeds, she resigned from the parliament and the ANC Executive Committee. Her political career seemed finished. But she internalized her pain, paid for her mistakes and kept moving forward. She was knocked down, but she always got up. She knew the ground is no place for a champion. The love and respect of her people never left her. In 2009, the ANC, which had condemned her earlier misdeeds, listed her near the top of their election list, a true testament to her enduring popularity. South African apartheid was a remorseless system of repression, as a small white minority brutalized an African majority. Standing up to that system took immense courage and required great sacrifice. By her stripes, many are healed and apartheid is behind us. She lived the first 50 years of her life under a violent racial apartheid system and now she goes on to live in eternal peace. Now she stands with the righteous judge of all nations and all people. For years, Nelson Mandela and the ANC were labeled terrorists by a U.S. government that saw the apartheid government as its ally. Against those odds, Winnie Mandela stood tall. She fought for freedom and demanded respect. I am proud to join with millions across the world in paying her that respect. Zuckerberg, Facebook Taking Precautions for the Future In Wake of Cambridge Analytica Scandal Facebook officials released a Data Abused Bounty on April 10, rewarding now anyone who reports data abuse. The monetary awards will go to those with first-hand knowledge and proof of cases where a Facebook platform app collects and transfers peoples data to another party to be sold, stolen or used for scams or political influence, they said. The reward will be based on the impact of each report. While there is no maximum, high impact bug reports have garnered as much as $40,000 for people who bring them to our attention, FB officials said. The added precautions came amidst the Cambridge Analytica scandal, accusers saying that FB allowed data to be collected on over 80 million users for Trumps presidential campaign without their knowledge. FB founder Mark Zuckerberg went before Congress this week, formally apologizing for errors made from within the company that allowed the scandal to unfold. The CEO took full responsibility for the organizations part in the debacle. ADVERTISEMENT Its clear now that we didnt do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm as well. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy, Zuckerberg said in opening remarks before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees. We didnt take a broad enough view of our responsibility and that was a big mistake, he continued. It was a big mistake. And Im sorry. I started Facebook. I run it and Im responsible for what happens here FB released a list of actions taken by the company to ensure users that they will be safe in the future. They are: Made our privacy tools easier to find through Privacy Shortcuts at the top of News Feed. Restricted apps by limiting Facebook Login data and revoking access for unused apps after three months. Political and issue ads now clearly labeled and allowed by authorized users only (based on identity and location). Election Commission to conduct an independent, forward looking assessment of our role in elections. App Controls at the top of News Feed for people potentially impacted by Cambridge Analytica and for everyone reminding them which apps have access to their data and how to delete them. Launched Data Abuse Bounty program to reward people who report any misuse of data by app developers Well review all legitimate reports and respond as quickly as possible when we identify a credible threat to peoples information, officials said via a statement released to the public this week. If we confirm data abuse, we will shut down the offending app and take legal action against the company selling or buying the data, if necessary. Well pay the person who reported the issue, and well also alert those we believe to be affected. This program is the first of its kind so it will change as we learn and get your feedback. Zuckerberg faced about five hours of questioning from lawmakers on Capitol Hill this Tuesday. But he had already been fielding questions from reporters before then. The Sentinel was part of a conference call last week, during which Zuckerberg had been apologetic while at the same time touting the benefits of the social media company started during his college days, to the public. ADVERTISEMENT Its not enough to just connect people, we have to make sure those connections are positive, Zuckerberg told reporters. Its not enough to just give people a voice, we have to make sure people arent using it to harm other people or spread misinformation. Its not enough to give people control of their information, we have to make sure developers theyve given it to are protecting it too. Across the board, we have a responsibility to not just build tools, but to make sure those tools are used for good. It will take some time to work through all of the changes we need to make, but Im committed to getting it right. This includes the basic responsibility of protecting peoples information and safeguard elections around the world. My top priority has always been our social mission of connecting people, building community and bringing the world closer together. I believe deeply in what were doing. And I know that when we address these challenges, well look back and view helping people connect and giving more people a voice as a positive force in the world. I realize the issues were talking about today arent just issues for Facebook and our community theyre challenges for all of us as Americans Vietnam is reported to be quietly developing a state-supported fishing boat militia to hold off China at sea. The fishing militia is being created at a time when the two sides talk about easing territorial disputes. That is the opinion of experts who follow those disputes. Vietnam watchers say the country is asking its commercial fishers to use stronger boats and take military-trained people to sea in case of a clash with Chinese fishers. China has its own fishing militia operating in the same waters. I think its a good policy to avoid future conflicts where militia fishermen are out in the sea, said Trung Nguyen. He serves as dean of international relations at the Ho Chi Minh University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Vietnam has been working to develop the fishing militia since at least 2009. Over that time, the two countries have been holding talks. Just last week, Vietnams Communist Party general secretary met the visiting Chinese foreign minister. The party official suggested joint safeguarding (of) maritime peace, Chinas Xinhua News Agency reported. Vietnam may be trying to appear strong now in case talks fail to produce results, noted Eduardo Araral of the National University of Singapores school of public diplomacy. How the militia works The Vietnamese fishing militia has not gone to battle with China. If the militia did, it would risk facing the third largest military in the world. But Vietnamese military forces are arming fishing boats, said Southeast Asia expert Carl Thayer. That may be similar to the deployment of former soldiers to help keep order as needed on land in Vietnam, Thayer noted. The Vietnamese government requires conscription, he added, so fishermen would already have some military skills. Putting them at sea would just be getting people the right age and giving them that training, he said. All they did is move what they do on land, how to defend factories and extend that to sea. Thayer is emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Thirteen fishing militia platoons have been helping more than 3,000 fishermen work near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. That information comes from a 2017 study by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. China controls the Paracels, but Vietnam also claims the islands. The study found that more than 10,000 fishermen and about 2,000 fishing boats in southern Vietnam have received military equipment. In 2014, Vietnam prepared a list of rules to aid fishermen who build modern large capacity ships to expand their reach, the study found. It said Vietnamese banks had lent $176 million to fishermen for improvements to about 400 ships. Record of clashes China claims about 90 percent of the 3.5 million-square-kilometer South China Sea. Vietnam says it should control the seas waters off its long north-south coastline, extending into the Paracels and Spratly Islands. Sailors died in clashes between the two countries in 1974 and 1988. In 2014, the deployment of a Chinese oil rig in the South China Sea caused a boat-ramming incident at sea and deadly rioting in Vietnam against Chinese interests. China has long had its own fishing militia with military support and attention from the Chinese President, notes the United States-based Naval War College. Armed fishing boats help defend Chinas maritime claims by pushing away foreign boats, the political intelligence service Stratfor reported in 2016. Five other governments claim all or parts of the South China Sea. They oppose Chinese efforts to build up and expand islands in the waterway. Vietnam and China often hold talks about settling maritime problems, but talks often fall short of a decision because of historic distrust, Araral said. He added that Vietnam may be sending China the message that while we talk, we assert our rights. A Vietnamese fishing militia will not be as large as China's militia, he said, but Vietnam feels it must try. I'm Susan Shand Susan Shand adapted this story from VOA. George Grow was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story maritime adj. of or relating to sailing on the sea or doing business (such as trading) by sea conscription n. the act of calling citizens to serve in the military platoon n. part of a company-sized military force; a group of people who are doing something together emeritus adj. a person retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held capacity n. the ability to hold or contain people or things usually singular rig n. a large structure on the sea assert v. to state or declare, often forcefully ramming adj. striking something violently dean n. the head of a college or school at a university commercial adj. related to or used in the buying and selling of products 9 hours ago Jabil Inc. Q4 Results: More Than Meets The Eye Jabil Descends Into A Buying Opportunity Jabil Inc. (NYSE: JBL) reported a mixed bag of results and outlook for the Q4 and Q1 period sending shares down 10% from their recent high. As mixed as the news is, it is the guidance that really counts and the guidance is positive. Read Article The memory of a beloved pet inspires one couple's fight against injustice. Chinas government yesterday denied President Xi Jinpings promise of market-opening measures this week was aimed at settling a tariff dispute with Washington and said negotiations are impossible under unilateral coercion by the United States. A commerce ministry spokesman, Gao Feng, complained U.S. President Donald Trumps government has shown no sincerity, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. Gao said the two sides have yet to start negotiations. Gao repeated complaints that Trump acted improperly when he responded to Beijings protest over his plan to raise tariffs on USD50 billion of Chinese goods by saying he might add another $100 billion of imports to the list. Under unilateral coercion, it is impossible for the Chinese side to conduct any negotiations, Gao was paraphrased as saying. Trumps proposed tariff hike was a response to complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. China has responded with its own $50 billion list of U.S. goods for retaliation if Washington goes ahead with the increase. Gao denied Xi was making an overture to Washington when he announced plans in a speech Tuesday to cut import duties on autos, ease restrictions on foreign ownership in Chinas auto industry and make other market-opening changes. Share prices of global automakers rose on investor hopes their China operations, while some economists said the positive tone of Xis comments might provide a basis for talks with Washington. The measures to increase opening announced by China are a major decision to open to the outside and have nothing to do with Chinese-U.S. trade frictions, Gao was paraphrased as saying. AP Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said yesterday there is some tension in relations with Beijing, following accusations of Chinese meddling in the countrys politics and concerns over Chinas influence in the South Pacific. In an Australian radio interview, Turnbull said ties remained positive overall and declined to say whether Australian officials had been refused visas to China for political reasons. Yet, while he said he was confident that any misunderstandings would be resolved, he conceded that not all was well in the relationship. I would say that theres obviously been, theres clearly been some tension in the relationship following the introduction of our legislation about foreign interference, Turnbull said. Beijing has been angered by planned legal changes aimed at blocking foreign influence in Australian politics, issuing stern protests against accusations that it is seeking to manipulate the government and public opinion. Chinese diplomats and agents of the ruling Communist Party have also been accused of controlling Chinese- language media in Australia and the large population of Chinese students at its universities. Influential Australian opposition lawmaker Sam Dastyari recently quit the Senate after coming under fire over his close links to wealthy Chinese political donors. In Beijing, Geng Shuang, a foreign ministry spokesman, denied that China is refusing to grant visas to Australian officials. Geng told reporters at a regular briefing that China hopes Australia will work together with it in doing something conducive to enhancing bilateral cooperation and mutual trust. He also said suggestions that China is interfering in the domestic politics of other countries were totally groundless. Without citing China, Turnbull indicated he would continue to push the new legislation, saying it was incumbent on the government to ensure that only Australians determine their countrys political fate. We dont accept foreign interference in our political or governmental processes. That is not directed at any one at any one nation, he told 3AW Radio Melbourne. Chinas growing South Pacific presence has also raised concerns among Australian politicians and media, especially following reports that the island nation of Vanuatu, about 1,750 kilometers from Australia, was in talks with Beijing on potentially hosting a Chinese military base. While Vanuatu and China have denied the reports, Turnbull on Tuesday said any kind of a foreign base would be unwelcome. Australian politicians have also attacked Chinese development projects in South Pacific countries, saying they added little value while locking such governments into dependency on Beijing. AP Around 6,200 Sands China team members are commemorating their 10-year service anniversaries with the company at more than 60 departmental celebrations that began in March and will continue throughout April. Sands China, which has been based in Macau for over 13 years, has more than 8,500 Macau employees who have been with the company for 10 years or more. This latest group of 6,200 reached their 10-year milestone in 2016, 2017 or 2018. More than 75 percent of them are Macau locals, according to a press release issued by the gaming operator. Sands China is incredibly grateful for the loyalty, dedication and hard work of our team members celebrating their 10-year anniversaries with the company, said Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd. Their commitment to outstanding service both toward fellow team members and to our guests and visitors continues to reap benefits for the company and supports Macaus development as a world center of tourism and leisure. At the celebrations, decorated with a 10-year service theme, team members received The Perfect 10 commemorative service pins and award trophies, and MOP500 food and beverage vouchers (worth more than MOP3 million in total) to be used in Sands Chinas restaurants. According to figures provided by Sands China, the company has made nearly 18,000 promotions to date, involving over 10,000 local team members. More than 3,300 local team members have been promoted more than once. Sands Chinas management team currently employs more than 2,500 locals, over two-thirds of whom have been working with the company for more than 10 years. A new annual report on the death penalty calls sub-Saharan Africa a beacon of hope amid a decline in executions worldwide and China remained the worlds top executioner. Excluding China, 84 percent of the reported executions last year were carried out in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan. Countries resuming executions in 2017 were Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Twenty countries across sub-Saharan Africa have now abolished the death penalty for all crimes, Amnesty International says in the report released yesterday. Just two countries in the region, Somalia and South Sudan, carried out executions last year. Executions worldwide dropped again in 2017, with at least 993 recorded in 23 countries. Thats down 4 percent from the year before and down 39 percent from 2015. At least 2,591 death sentences were recorded in 53 countries last year, down from a record high of 3,117 the year before, the London-based human rights organization said. The United States remained the only country in the Americas to carry out executions, with 23 last year, up slightly from the year before. The numbers dont include the thousands of executions and death sentences that Amnesty International believes have occurred in China, where they are considered a state secret. With the progress in Africa, the isolation of the worlds remaining executing countries could not be starker, said the organizations secretary general, Salil Shetty. Even among those countries some significant steps were seen. In Iran, executions were down 11 percent and drug-related executions were reduced to 40 percent. In Malaysia, changes to anti-drug laws now allow discretion in sentencing for drug trafficking crimes. But Amnesty International called distressing the continued use of the death penalty for drug-related offences, with 15 countries last year imposing death sentences or carrying out executions. Drug-related executions were recorded in China, Iran, Singapore and Saudi Arabia, where drug- related beheadings rocketed from 16 percent of total executions in 2016 to 40 percent in 2017. The rights group also expressed concern that at least five people in Iran were executed last year for crimes committed when they were under the age of 18, with another 80 people with similar pasts still on death row. People with mental or intellectual disabilities were executed or faced a death sentence in the United States, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore and the Maldives. Worldwide at least 21,919 people are known to be under a death sentence, Amnesty International said: Now is not the time to let up the pressure. Other challenges remain, the report says, including in sub-Saharan Africa: Both Botswana and Sudan reportedly resumed executions this year. And early this year, Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni said he will sign the first death warrants in nearly two decades to create fear among criminals, vowing to hang a few. MDT/AP The 11th Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) kicked off yesterday, with Chief Executive Chui Sai On officiating the opening ceremony. The three-day event brings together more than 50 speakers from various countries and regions. The 2018 MIECF has an expo floor area of more than 16,900 square meters, and has attracted more than 490 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions to showcase products and solutions that curb air, water and soil pollution, as well as to build eco-cities. The exhibition will also organize business-matching sessions, including one for the Greater Bay Area of Macau, Hong Kong and Guangdong, as well as a session for government procurement. There will also be a one-on-one meeting between representatives of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and green technology suppliers from the European Union. In his opening speech, the CE reiterated that Macaus Five- Year Development Plan includes accelerating the construction of a livable city, strengthening environmental protection and encouraging green living. Chui said that Macau would push for the development of a green economy and seize opportunities arising from Chinas major national strategies. He reiterated Macaus status as a platform for commercial and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, which will be beneficial in reinforcing environmental cooperation between international entities. Macau will take these opportunities to actively strengthen collaboration on environmental protection and to develop a green economy, said Chui. We are dedicated to [] enhancing the environmental sector of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region to Go Global and Bring in Investments, he added. Christiana Figueres, the vice-chair of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, gave the events keynote speech on Shaping of Eco-Cities for Inclusive Green Economy. Figueres a former executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, who sits on the board of the ClimateWorks Foundation emphasized in her address that urbanization is not only Chinas greatest challenge but also one of the greatest trials of this century. China has built 650 new cities since 1950, with its population projected to swell to two billion people by 2023. Although the cities were vital drivers of economic growth, they faced difficulties in dealing with environmental issues such as water, air and noise pollution, in addition to traffic congestion and space limitations. Figueres said there will be six billion people living in cities by 2050, mostly in Asia and Africa. Were going to be having more high-density cities like Hong Kong. Were going to be having mega cities like Tokyo, Jakarta and New Delhi, and certainly were going to be having more and more mega city clusters in Chinas Pearl River Delta, she said. It is no exaggeration to say that as Asia goes, the world goes and certainly as cities in Asia go, so does the world. Although there is not yet a set definition of an eco-city, Figueres said that 60 percent of the infrastructure that the world needs has not yet been built. We have an opportunity in how we build that infrastructure, not just in the hardware of infrastructure cities, but also in software the quality of life that we prepare in those cities, she explained. She said there is a need for urban transformation, as cities have become crowded, polluted, congested and dehumanized, calling on participants to help build and create cities that are clean, compact, connected and well cared for. She also advocated the removal of coal as the dominant source of energy and encouraged the use of renewables. That is why China is closing more than 100 coal plants in the cities in pursuit of blue skies. Its also why Hong Kong is prioritizing renewable energy, she said. Figueres emphasized the importance of electric transport as part of an ongoing revolution, alongside investing in energy efficiency in public buildings and improving waste treatment. It [the industrial revolution] sacrificed both nature and, to an extent, our humanity. Today, we have already collectively started the fourth industrial revolution [] this new revolution cannot sacrifice either nature or our humanity, Figueres stressed. The decarbonization of the global economy is critical and is underway. However, as we decarbonize our urban space, we have to purposely rehumanize our development as well, she concluded. Figueres will hold an interactive session with the attendees today. It will cover potential ways in which to end cities reliance on carbon-intensive economy and consumption by promoting economic transformation. She will also attend the events Green Forum, which features six panel sessions and one keynote speaker session. The sessions will address strategies and policies for the development of sustainable and resilient eco-cities, as well as the challenges related to their implementation. There will also be a presentation on the opportunities resulting from the construction of green buildings as part of eco-city development, along with examples and approaches used by Portugal. For the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region Session, MIECF has invited an official from the environmental sector in Sichuan Province, who will present the findings from his visits to Portugal and Germany as part of a regional delegation. Experts from China and Europe will discuss the development of environmental protection and green technologies in different regions. Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, told the press that Macau would invest RMB20 billion in the Guangdong and Macau Co-operation Development Fund, which will have a guaranteed return of 3.5 percent per year. The fund has a duration of 12 years, with Leong explaining that after seven years, it will recalculate the average investment return rate per annum. If this rate exceeds 7.8 percent, there will be a sharing of this extra bonus between Canton and Macau. Macau will take about 55 percent of this extra [bonus], Leong told the press on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 2018 MIECF. When asked whether the agreement will be signed this month, Leong said Macau has been in talks with Guangdong and that the relevant administrative procedures for the fund have just been completed. He said the fund would mainly target infrastructure projects in Guangdong, which will be selected by the province. Because these projects are good for the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau Greater Bay area [] there can be certain returns to the fiscal reserves [and it is good for Macau] to integrate [with] the Greater Bay Area development, Leong added. Regarding what exactly those projects will be, Guangdong is relatively more understanding. What projects we [Macau] care about more, such as infrastructure, [Guangdong] will surely choose, he concluded. The returns of the investment will go toward the fiscal reserve. More than a dozen large banks and law firms from the U.S., Europe and Asia are joining forces on behalf of a British lesbian in a landmark case for LGBT rights in Hong Kong. Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Credit Suisse Group AG and Nomura Holdings Inc. are among 15 financial institutions that have filed an application to intervene in the case of a woman named in court documents as QT who sued after the government rejected her application to reside in Hong Kong as a dependent of her same-sex partner. Hong Kongs highest court is now considering an appeal filed by the government after a court ruled in favor of QT in September. The banks and law firms believe the appeal has no merit, or is based on an unequal treatment that discriminates against same-sex partners, said B. Chen Zhu, a Hong Kong-based counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, acting pro bono on their behalf. They all want to express their support for equal treatment for LGBT immigrants. The intervention comes as foreign chambers of commerce have lobbied Hong Kongs government to accommodate the spouses of expatriate gay staff in order to maintain its position as Asias top financial bub. Hong Kong, which doesnt recognize same-sex marriages, in 2016 started allowing same-sex spouses or civil partners of consular officials to stay in the city. Its a challenge for some of our members who want to bring senior staff to Hong Kong but cant because they are in same-sex relationships, Jacinta Redden, chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, said yesterday. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Wednesday that the business community lobbied her on the issue, and drew comparisons to the diplomatic community. They were finding it increasingly difficult to post diplomats to Hong Kong if we do not have some sort of arrangement, Lam said at a Bloomberg Invest conference. I can only say that we will have to monitor this closely. Hong Kongs Department of Justice declined to comment because the proceedings are ongoing. Vidler & Co. Solicitors, which represents QT, on Wednesday announced the applications by the financial institutions and law firms on its Facebook page without naming them. That disclosure caught firms by surprise. They had filed their applications last month and didnt want to discuss the matter outside the court room, according to Zhu. We did not intend for the interventions to be made public at this stage, he said. We had intended to honor the confidentiality of the courts proceedings until the court made a decision to allow us to intervene or not. If the court were to accept their applications, the financial institutions and law firms would become parties in the case and would be able to present their views to the judges, Zhu said. A dozen institutions filed a similar application with a lower court last year, including ABN Amro Group NV, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. The same 12 have filed again, joined by three more: Barclays Plc, Deutsche Bank AG Hong Kong Branch and Macquarie Group. In a separate application, 16 law firms also applied to intervene, including Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Clifford Chance LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.Bruce Einhorn, David Tweed, Bloomberg To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Macao Museum is organizing a series of activities to highlight its history and contributions to the region, starting next week. As part of an effort to attract more visitors, the museum will also carry out various renovation works to improve the space and provide visitors with a more interesting overall experience. These include the refurbishment of the sections for permanent exhibitions and archeology, as stated by museum director Loi Chi Pang at this weeks press conference to mark the museums 20th anniversary. The renovation is expected to cost MOP500,000, with the date of completion yet to be confirmed. Over the last 20 years, approximately 4.8 million visitors have visited the museum, due largely to its proximity to landmarks such as St. Pauls Ruins. Loi said he did not consider this to be a low figure but noted that the museum has been working to attract more visitors. I dont think the number [of visitors in 20 years] is low. We dont want too many people and we have been enforcing [] crowd control measures several times. We want to give some quality to the visitors [when exploring the museum], Loi said. Loi added that the museum is trying to do better and received approximately 400,000 visitors in 2017, a 12 percent increase from 2016 and almost 60 percent more than that of the 250,000 visitors in 2013. Some of the museums upcoming programs include themed exhibitions, as well as a series of cultural lectures and games related to the Macao Museum. The first of these will kick off on April 18 when the exhibition Treasure from the Deep Sea Archaeological Relics of the Nanhai No. 1 will open in the museum lobby. The special exhibition, which will run until July 31, includes a collection of 99 underwater archaeological relics from a Song Dynasty merchant ship that is said to be the first to be found on the South China Sea and [includes] porcelains and gold ornaments that can reflect the prosperity of China at those times. The museum will also host a lecture on the Preservation of the hull of the Nanhai No. 1 and the relics unearthed on site by Zhang Xuanwei, the deputy director of the Storage Department of the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong. The lecture, which will take place at 3 p.m. on April 21 in the Macao Museum Auditorium, will discuss the preservation works of the ships hull as well as the artifacts within. Loi said the exhibition cost MOP3.5 million, which accounts for half of the museums MOP7 million budget for its 20th anniversary activities. A special collection commemorating the museums 20-year history will also be featured on the third floor of the building, showcasing pieces from past exhibitions, as well as artifacts donated by individuals and other institutions. The head of Department of Exhibitions and Museums of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Lei Lai Kio, added that the gallery of the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre now affiliated with the Macao Museum, which was renewed after extensive damage caused by typhoon Hato last year will display a Lunar New Year-themed exhibition. Museum goes virtual THE MACAO Museum announced at yesterdays press conference that it will launch a mobile application using AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) to digitally explore the entire museum and its collections. The application, which is operated by scanning QR codes in several sections of the museum, is designed to offer museum visitors a more interactive experience. Beachfront, five-star hotels? Skyscrapers just blocks from Kim Il Sung Square? North Korea is racing forward with major development projects some experts believe are aimed at expanding a market for rented or privately owned real estate to help fortify the finances of Kim Jong Uns regime against the bite of sanctions over its nuclear program. A swelling market for private property doesnt sound very socialist, and its not. But the chronically cash-strapped government appears to be nurturing a fresh source of revenue sales of property to the newly affluent class of North Koreans who have made their fortunes on the countrys growing, but still largely unofficial, market economy that has come into its own since Kim assumed power. The pressure on Pyongyang is growing as the Chinese investors who traditionally have propped up its economy are retreating amid tougher than ever restrictions imposed by Beijing. The construction projects, which could cost well over a billion dollars to complete, have a lot of momentum behind them. They are part of a six-year building spree under Kim that has transformed the Pyongyang skyline. North Korean officials told The Associated Press they hope to have at least some of the developments ready to show off for celebrations in September marking the countrys 70th anniversary. Since 2012, we have been building a new project each year, so I think one year from now a lot of changes will have been made in the city, said Kim Kum Chol, an architect with the Paektusan Academy of Architecture, the center for architectural research and design in North Korea. We have a lot of construction plans. He said there are three main projects this year: First, to redevelop the center of Pyongyang by replacing low-rise housing built after the 1950-53 Korean War with more space-efficient new skyscrapers, offices, public buildings and residential high rises. For the center of the city there are many old residences, so we are trying to turn that into new ones, Kim explained. On the east coasts Wonsan- Kalma area, more than 10 hotels, thousands of units of residential housing and a number of recreational facilities are either planned or underway, Kim said. He said the hotels would range from relatively modest three-star facilities to luxury five-star resorts. Kim Jong Un has already built a new airport to serve the area known as his home away from home. The third focus is near the Chinese border in Samjiyon, a scenic town at the foot of Mount Paektu, the spiritual home of the ruling Kim dynasty. The area is to become an open-air museum for education in revolutionary traditions, according to state-media reports, and a center of mechanized potato farming envied by the people the world over. North Korea has often used ostentatious projects to inspire nationalistic pride, reward loyalty and enhance the prestige of the ruling regime. But Kim Jong Un seems to have a penchant for spearheading the completion of high-rise neighborhoods and modern, seemingly quite functional recreational facilities. In theory, housing, education and health care are provided free to all in socialist North Korea, where the state owns all capital, including the buildings, factories and land. Selling property outright, or collecting rents, would pull money out of the pockets of those who can afford it, putting it back into the coffers of the regime. Demanding prepayment could help finance projects underway or in the planning stages. North Korea has been doing this to some degree for years. Chinese investment has generally been seen as the key source of funds. So has slow but steady growth in the Norths domestic economy, helped along by a swelling sector of entrepreneurs who have savings in foreign currencies like the U.S. dollar and Chinese yuan. These people, known as donju, or money masters, have been more visible since Kim Jong Un assumed power, creating a natural market for better housing that didnt exist in the past. Most live in Pyongyang and the Wonsan area, where construction is most active. A big part of the building boom is focused on high-end properties in prime locations, like the Pyongyang city center or along riversides or ocean fronts that might be expected to appeal to them most and have a higher market value. Whether such projects would ever pay for themselves is unclear. That could help explain why Kim has made diplomatic overtures over the past few months to Seoul and Beijing two potentially huge pools of investment and aid if the political tensions on the peninsula ease. Before stepped up sanctions kicked in last year, North Korea made a massive sell-off of minerals to China that coincided nicely with the building boom. William Brown, an economist at Georgetown University, said the liquidation of some state property makes fiscal sense, despite the cost to socialist principles, especially given North Koreas chronic trade deficit with China. The downturn in Chinese trade and new investment since about September and Kims inability to get foreign loans or woo other investors has cast serious doubt on the future of the economic boom and is jeopardizing funding for the military, said Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, a scholar with the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute think tank and co-editor of the North Korea Economy Watch website. Dwindling trade with China is not only sucking foreign reserves away from the regime, but also hurting businesses the donju rely on as well, a one-two punch to the economy that could get significantly worse in the months to come, possibly undermining demand for luxury property. The state really doesnt have any sustainable revenue source as of now, Silberstein said. Eric Talmadge, Pyongyang, AP In light of the new legislation that came into effect in February 2018 introducing three-year tenancy contracts, weve seen landlords become increasingly reluctant to list their properties on the market. This is partially because many landlords feel that it is difficult to sell a house when the property is tenanted. They are expecting the market to buoy when the HKG-ZH-MAC bridge opens, and want to keep the property empty in the meantime. Another setback with three-year contracts; landlords are increasingly nervous about being stuck with a bad tenant. Since landlord-references are not common practice in Macau as in other parts of the world, it is sometimes difficult to tell if a tenant will be a good tenant or not. But what makes a good tenant good? Here are 3 main criteria that landlords generally look for: 1. Timely rent payments This is of course the most important criteria. Landlords look for tenants with a stable source of income who are reliable when it comes to paying rent on time. 2. Clear communication From our experience, most issues and conflicts between owners and landlords are avoidable, or can be quickly solved with proper communication. For example if the tenant is going away on an extended holiday, its much easier for all sides if this is communicated in advance. 3. Taking care of your home The best tenants take care of the property and treat it like their home. But this is a two-way street tenants are far more likely to take care of the property if they feel that the owner is taking care of them. If youd like to find out more, please feel free to get in touch at info@jmlproperty.com Sam Lee is a marketing manager and property consultant at JML Property. JML was established in 1994 and offers Investment Property & Homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants. www.JMLProperty.com info@JMLProperty.com A former Chinese political high-flyer who has been accused of plotting against the ruling Communist Party pleaded guilty to bribery yesterday, setting the stage for one of the highest-level convictions in President Xi Jinpings campaign against corruption and political disloyalty. Sun Zhengcai, former party leader of the western megacity of Chongqing, pleaded guilty to the charges in court and expressed repentance, according to the No. 1 Intermediate Peoples Court in the eastern city of Tianjin. Sun and his alleged associates were accused of accepting money and assets worth 170 million yuan (USD27 million) in return for providing help to unspecified organizations and individuals with engineering contracts, business operations and other matters, the court said. He had been a member of the partys elite 25-member Politburo and had been seen as a candidate for promotion to the Politburos Standing Committee, the select group of leaders who constitute the apex of political power in China. Chinese leaders and party-run media have made it clear that though Sun was accused of corruption his alleged offenses were largely political in nature. The chairman of Chinas securities regulator said at a major party meeting last year that Sun and other senior figures prosecuted in the crackdown were conspiring openly to usurp party leadership. Sun was expelled from the party and dismissed from public office in September because he was suspected of serious discipline violations, a phrase that usually refers to bribery but increasingly also includes political disloyalty. He was removed suddenly from his Chongqing post and replaced by Xi protege Chen Miner, who was subsequently promoted to the Politburo. Sun had been identified most closely with the China Youth League faction associated with Xis predecessor, Hu Jintao, which Xi had effectively sidelined in the succession process. The court said on its official page on the social media site Weibo.com that Sun said he had only himself to blame for his crimes. Sun could not be reached for comment. AP Swedish authorities said yesterday they have charged a man with spying for China, on suspicion that he gathered information on Tibetans who had fled to Sweden. The man, a Tibetan who worked for the pro-Tibetan radio station Voice of Tibet, was charged with gross illegal intelligence activity. If found guilty, he faces sentences of up to four years in jail. Daniel Stenling of Swedens security service SAPO said the man, who was not identified, was arrested Feb. 26. The security service said it had observed the man for some time, saying he gathered information among Tibetans in Sweden then handed them over to an intelligence officer from an unidentified foreign nation. Prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist said the information included personal matters, ranging from where people lived and family relations to political activities, trips and meetings. This is a very serious crime because spying affects very vulnerable people, said Ljungqvist, adding that refugees must be able to feel confident that they can freely use their constitutional freedoms, for example to protest against a regime without risking persecution or other abuse. Ljungqvist told Swedish broadcaster SVT the suspect had been in contact with Chinese officials in Poland and Finland. He reportedly said the man received 50,000 kronor (USD6,000) on at least one occasion and had his expenses paid. The prosecutor was not immediately available for comments. The suspects lawyer, Mikael Soderberg, told The Associated Press his client denies the charges. It is shocking news to us that China is spying on us, Jamyang Choedon, the president of Tibetan Community in Sweden, told the AP. This is not acceptable. We have heard it is happening but now we might have a case, Choedon said, adding that to her knowledge this is the first time its been officially investigated. She said the Tibetan community in Sweden included some 140 people, including children. We all know each other. I know him. The case comes at a time when relations between Stockholm and Beijing are tense. China is holding a Chinese-born Swedish national on suspicion of leaking state secrets and has rebuked Sweden for demanding his release. Hong Kong-based bookseller Gui Minhai, 53, was taken off a train by police on Jan. 20 while in the presence of two Swedish diplomats with whom he was traveling to Beijing. AP China yesterday announced live-firing military exercises in the Taiwan Strait amid heightened tensions over increased American support for Taiwans government. The announcement by the maritime safety authority in the coastal province of Fujian coincided with a statement from their counterparts in Hainan province that the navy was ending a three-day exercise in the South China Sea one day early. No explanations were given in either case and the Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to questions. The Fujian authorities said the one-day Taiwan Strait drill will be held next Wednesday. While Beijing responded mildly to U.S. President Donald Trumps early outreach to Taiwans independence-leaning government, recent developments have prompted a tougher response. China claims Taiwan, which separated from the mainland during the Chinese civil war in 1949, as its own territory and says the sides must eventually be united, by force if necessary. Despite the lack of formal ties, Washington is legally bound to respond to threats to Taiwan and is the islands main supplier of imported military hardware. Chinese officials have denounced the recent passage of a U.S. law encouraging more high-level contacts with Taiwan. China says the Taiwan Travel Act violates U.S. commitments not to restore formal exchanges severed when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. An agreement to pass Taiwan submarine manufacturing technology and the appointment of hawkish National Security Adviser John Bolton have also hardened views among anti-American nationalists in China. Beijings Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday warned against additional moves to strengthen relations with Taiwan. Any attempt to play the Taiwan card would only be futile, spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said. China, Ma said, would not hesitate to protect our core interests. That came after President Xi Jinping last month delivered a strongly nationalistic speech in which he vowed to protect every inch of Chinas territory. All acts and tricks to split the motherland are doomed to failure and will be condemned by the people and punished by history! Xi said. China has also stepped-up air force missions in airspace around Taiwan and has repeatedly sailed its sole operating aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the 160 kilometer wide Taiwan Strait. The just-completed naval drills off Hainan underscored Chinas growing capabilities in defending its maritime interests and territorial claims, particularly in the disputed South China Sea. Those exercises follow recent ones in the strategic waterway that featured the Liaoning, amid deployments and drills by the rival U.S. Navy. Chinas Maritime Safety Administration said the exercises began on Wednesday and were to have lasted through the end of Friday. China is building new vessels at a rapid pace to equip its navy, coast guard and maritime law enforcement agencies, including its first entirely domestically-built aircraft carrier. It claims virtually the entire resource-rich South China Sea, through which an estimated USD5 trillion in global trade passes annually, and has constructed airstrips and other installations on artificial islands to enlarge its military footprint. Hainan is home to a major military presence, including naval air stations and the countrys largest submarine base. This week it also hosted a global business forum that included a smattering of world leaders, among them Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose country is a U.S. treaty ally and has overlapping claims with Beijing in the South China Sea.Christopher Bodeen, Beijing, AP Courts in central Vietnam yesterday handed down lengthy prison terms against two activists as communist authorities stepped up their crackdown on dissent. The two were given nine and seven years respectively for attempting to overthrow the government and spreading anti- state propaganda in two separate trials. Nguyen Viet Dung, 32, was convicted of spreading anti-state propaganda by writing and posting on his Facebook page and blogs articles that the judges say distorted government policies and defamed the countrys leaders. His lawyer Ngo Anh Tuan said he was also found guilty of flying the flag of former U.S.-backed South Vietnam and shooting video and photographs and posting them on Facebook. The court also ordered Dung to serve five years of house arrest after completing his prison sentence. Dung confessed his crimes during the proceedings, the lawyer said, adding that the court rejected his argument for lesser sentences. Meanwhile, the Peoples Court in neighboring Ha Tinh province convicted Tran Thi Xuan of attempting to overthrow the government and sentenced her to nine years in prison and five years of house arrest, the official Vietnam News Agency reported. Xuan, 42, was accused of affiliating with an outlawed group named Brotherhood for Democracy and instigating protests following pollution by Taiwanese- owned Formosa Plastic Groups steel complex that devastated the fishing industry and tourism in four central provinces two years ago, VNA reported. Their sentences came just days after seven activists belonging to the same group, including prominent human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, were convicted and imprisoned to between seven to 15 years for subversion. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for Dungs release. Vietnamese authorities regularly claim to respect human rights but their actions suggest precisely the opposite, Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watchs deputy Asia director said in a statement. Vietnams government wrongly believe that freedom of expression and association only translate into only saying and doing things approved by the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam. Despite sweeping economic reforms launched in the mid-1980s that made the country one of fastest growing in the region, the communist government tolerates no challenge to its one-party rule. International human rights groups and some Western governments often criticize Vietnam for jailing those who peacefully express their views, but Hanoi says only law breakers are punished. AP Acacia Mining plc, together with its subsidiaries, mines, processes, and sells gold in Africa. The company has three gold mines in north-west Tanzania, including Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi, and North Mara; and a portfolio of exploration projects at various stages of development in Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Mali. It also produces co-products, such as copper and silver. The company was formerly known as African Barrick Gold plc and changed its name to Acacia Mining plc in November 2014. The company was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Acacia Mining plc is a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation. Read More Credit: CC0 Public Domain The recent decision of a Saskatchewan judge to reject the proposed settlement between the provinces and Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, should raise serious questions. Purdue introduced the prescription drug OxyContin in 1996 and marketed it as safer and less addictive than other opioids. This is now seen by many as the beginning of the opioid crisis in Canada. The settlement in question was meant to compensate patients who were victims of the opioid epidemic and the provinces for some of their additional health-care costs in dealing with the epidemic. The decision should raise questions not just about how Purdue marketed OxyContin, but also about how Health Canada regulates or more accurately does not regulate the promotion of prescription drugs in Canada. Since at least as far back as the mid-1970s, Health Canada has not fined a single drug company for the way that it promotes prescription drugs. A reporter for the Toronto Star asked Health Canada why it had never prosecuted drug companies for illegally marketing drugs in Canada despite the same companies being fined for doing so in the United States. The response from Health Canada was that it "has not been made aware of any specific similar issue in Canada and has not received complaints concerning these companies promoting off-label uses of their products in Canada." Regulation by industry In theory, the Food and Drugs Act and its regulations give Health Canada the ability to directly regulate promotion. In practice, the agency has turned over the day-to-day regulation of promotion to a combination of industry, as represented by its lobbying arm Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC), and an independent external group with strong industry representation, the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board (PAAB). The PAAB is governed by a 14-person board, with representatives from five organizations that directly benefit from drug advertising: IMC, BioteCanada, Association of Medical Advertising Agencies, Canadian Association of Medical Publishers and Consumer Health Products Canada. Its Code of Advertising Acceptance is deeply flawed. This code requires a "fair balance of risk to benefit" but there is no specific requirement that equal space in the ads be devoted to harms and benefits, and there is no provision for the font size used to describe benefits and harms to be equal in size. The generic name does not have to be used each time that the brand name is given, despite evidence that use of the generic name leads to better prescribing. The most serious penalty that the PAAB can impose where "information may cause inappropriate product use or constitutes an imminent and/or significant health hazard" is that the head of the organization may require letters of correction, published notices or the immediate withdrawal of the advertisement. 'Drug abuse is not a problem' One example of how Purdue misled Canadian doctors about OxyContin was an ad that appeared in Canadian Family Physician in 2000. The ad featured the World Health Organization "pain ladder" a guideline for administering the right drug in the right dose at the right time for cancer pain relief that Purdue had adapted. New drugs were added to the ladder as part of the adaptation, one of which was oxycodone, the generic name for OxyContin, and there was no mention that the original pain ladder was only for people with cancer. The same ad also had the statement that, "drug abuse is not a problem in patients with pain for whom the opioid is appropriately indicated." The provenance for that quote can be traced back to a five-sentence letter in the New England Journal of Medicine in January 1980. The patients referred to in the letter suffered from acute pain, not chronic pain, were in hospital, not outpatients, and there was no long-term follow-up. The ad had been approved by the PAAB. Health Canada an advisor The Oct. 18, 2016, issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal had an ad for another opioid, Targin, also made by Purdue. The ad prominently featured the statement: "Demonstrated reduced drug liking relative to oxycodone, when administered intranasally or intravenously." Drug liking refers to the risk that a drug will be abused because of its addictive potential. Below this statement, in barely visible print, was the acknowledgement that "the likely clinical significance of these results has not yet been established." The ability of companies to insert claims where the clinical significance is unknown is allowed by the PAAB code. How much reduction in liking was observed was not stated. Intranasal and intravenous administration was tested because those are routes likely to be used by recreational drug users. Targin is only available in an oral formulation, but there was nothing in the ad about potential for abuse by people who had been legitimately prescribed this dosage form. Buried deep in the fine print was the warning about "addiction, abuse and misuse." This ad was also approved by the PAAB. In 2012, OxyContin was replaced by OxyNeo, a new formulation that couldn't be crushed and injected. The following year Purdue spent more than $3 million promoting OxyNeo, took out 143 pages of advertising in Canadian medical journals and its sales representatives made 17,000 office visits to doctors. When the PAAB was subjected to public criticism in an academic forum, the organizers of the forum, of whom I was one, were asked to send an apology to all of the audience members, an apology that would be first reviewed by the organization's lawyer. Health Canada presumably approves of how the PAAB operates since it acts as an adviser to the organization. No information on drug harms Despite the visibility of journal ads, the amount spent on them is dwarfed by the amount spent on visits by sales representatives. In 2016, pharmaceutical companies in Canada spent $12.5 million on ads versus more than $400 million on sales reps. The actions of these men and women are regulated through the Code of Ethical Practices of IMC. The code states that: "Members must provide full and factual information on products, without misrepresentation or exaggeration. Statements must be accurate and complete. They should not be misleading, either directly or by implication." This claim was tested in 2009-2010 in a project lead by Dr. Barbara Mintzes, then a faculty member in population and public health at the University of British Columbia, that I was involved in. We asked general practitioners in Vancouver and Montreal who saw sales representatives to fill out questionnaires after each visit to record what they heard. Claims about benefits of drugs were made twice as often as the harms from those drugs were discussed. There was no oral or written information about harms between 36 to 40 per cent of the time. Contraindications to use of the drug were mentioned about 15 per cent of the time. And for serious adverse side effects it was even worse the sales reps talked about them only five to six per cent of the time. Penalties are lunch money The validity of complaints about code violations is decided by the Industry Practices Review Committee (IPRC). The permanent members of the IPRC are two company representatives, two external health-care professionals all appointed by the IMC Board of Directors, a representative appointed by the IMC president and IMC's general counsel. The maximum financial penalty after a fourth violation in a 12-month period is $100,000. After the third violation, the chief executive officer of the company is required to appear before the R&D Board of Directors to provide a detailed explanation of the violations and a comprehensive written action plan to ensure remediation. When companies are spending upwards of $14 million promoting a single product, $100,000 is lunch money. The way in which companies promote their products should be no surprise; they are in the business of making a profit for their shareholders. What is surprising is that Health Canada condones their marketing practices. It's time for that to change. Explore further OxyContin maker will stop promoting opioids to doctors This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. An analysis of outcomes and costs for German patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who develop compensated cirrhosis was presented today at The International Liver Congress 2018 in Paris, France. Healthcare costs for this population spiked in the first year after compensated cirrhosis diagnosis. Comorbidities were common and one in five patients died within a year of cirrhosis diagnosis, highlighting the need for new treatment options to improve outcomes in these patients. NAFLD is a major cause of liver disease worldwide with a global prevalence of 25% that is, alarmingly, thought to be rising, fueled by the global epidemic of obesity. The progression from NAFLD to NASH to advanced fibrosis is well established. For patients with NAFLD/NASH, increased morbidity and mortality is associated with increasing fibrosis. 'We know that compensated cirrhosis is often caused by NASH, but data on the associated morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization and costs within the population of Germany are lacking', explained Dr. Ali Canbay from the University of Magdeburg Medical School in Germany, and lead author of the study. 'We were able to extract these data from a large, anonymized billing database'. The study presented by Dr. Canbay obtained retrospective claims data for adult patients with a NAFLD/NASH diagnosis between 2011 and 2016 using the InGef FDB database (which contains anonymized billing data for about 6.3 million persons in about 60 health insurances in Germany). A total of 800 patients who had a subsequent diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis were included in the analysis. Of these, 245 (30.6%) individuals progressed to end-stage liver diseases (ESLDs) (progressors) and 555 (69.4%) remained cirrhotic (non-progressors) within 1 year of follow-up after their cirrhosis index diagnosis. Comorbidities, all-cause mortality within 1 year of the cirrhosis index diagnosis, annual healthcare utilization, annual mean costs (1 year pre-index to 1 year post-index period) and cumulative mean costs (1 year to maximum 5 years pre-index and post-index period) were presented. In the 1-year pre-index period, the most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (78.8 %), type-2 diabetes mellitus (52.6%), cardiovascular diseases (48.8%) and hyperlipidaemia (47.5%). In the first year of the post-index period, 19.4% of the patients died. This percentage was significantly higher for progressors (46.1%) than non-progressors (7.6%) (p<0.05). Following the cirrhosis diagnosis, the mean annual number of all-cause hospitalizations and emergency room visits increased significantly by 91% and 106.8%, respectively (p<0.05). During the 1-year pre-index period, the mean of annual all-cause healthcare cost was 6,146 per patient. In the first post-index year there was a substantial and significant increase (93%, p<0.05) in annual all-cause healthcare cost per patient to a mean of 11,877. The primary driver of healthcare costs was the inpatient setting, which accounted for 42.0% of pre-index costs and 68.4% of post-index costs. Cumulative mean costs for cirrhosis patients increased 143% over the 5-year period of the study (p<0.05). 'We demonstrated that German patients with NAFLD/NASH who develop compensated cirrhosis have a substantial burden of comorbidities and that their healthcare costs jump with the development of cirrhosis', said Dr. Canbay. 'Novel treatment options are needed to improve patient outcomes'.'This study highlights the burden of NASH cirrhosis on healthcare systems and reinforces the need for new therapies to tackle the epidemic currently affecting many European countries', said Prof. Phil Newsome from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University of Birmingham, UK, and EASL Governing Board Member. Explore further NASH associated with a 50 percent higher chance of death compared with NAFLD Provided by European Association for the Study of the Liver Electron micrographs of hepatitis C virus purified from cell culture. Scale bar is 50 nanometers. Credit: Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University. Hepatitis C is easily cured. Yet, about 400,000 people die of the liver disease every year as only a smattering get the medicine they need. On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments to attack the problem with more urgency, and more money. Only about three million people from an estimated 71 million Hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers, received the treatment they needed, the UN's health organ said at an International Liver Congress in Paris. "We very much encourage leaders in countries and politicians, policymakers, to... include Hepatitis C treatment into their broader health portfolio and really also find the domestic resources that are needed to take this forward," said Gottfried Hirnschall, head of the WHO's global hepatitis programme. The price of a cure ranges from about $200 (162 euros) to several thousand dollars per personexcluding diagnostic tests and healthcare salaries and infrastructure. But "by really frontloading and treating people, and treating them as quickly as possible... you save costs later," Hirnschall told AFP. "You save costs that you have if somebody progresses to liver disease or other diseases that require hospitalisation, in some instances very costly liver transplants, (or) tertiary care." There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, and curing it is the best way to prevent virus spread. HCV is most commonly passed on through infected bloodeither by soiled needles used to inject legal or illegal drugs, or blood transfusions. Only about one in five people even know they are infected. Many go on to develop cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. 'Incredible opportunity' A new category of drug called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), described by Hirnschall as "revolutionary", can cure all six major HCV strains, with a success rate of more than 90 percent. It comes as a once-daily pill taken for eight to 12 weeks. If all infected people could get it, the treatment would slash liver cancer deaths by 80 percent, says the WHO. Some countries, such as Egypt, Pakistan, China, and Brazil, have "really started to increase access" to HCV medicines, said Hirnschallsome relying on special licencing agreements that allows for the production of cheaper, generic versions . As a result, the majority of infected people live in low- to middle-income countries where prices today are but a fraction of the $84,000 initially charged in the United States for a three-month course. In many rich countries, prices remain high, said Hirnschall. The WHO is reviewing its guidelines on HCV treatment, he added, and will propose that every person older than 12 must have access to DAA. Governments right now have "an incredible opportunity," said Hirnschall, "with medicines becoming available that are simple, that are cheap, that can now be delivered not only through specialist hepatologists but also through the primary care system. "There's no reason to not scale this up, to not take this forward." The WHO will release an estimate of the global price tag in June. Two years ago, health ministers agreed to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030meaning to reduce new infections by 90 percent and deaths by 65 percent. On Thursday, the liver conference heard that only six European countriesthe Netherlands, Iceland, Georgia, France, Spain, Switzerland were on track to meet the goal. Research published last year showed the number of Hepatitis C infections in the United States had nearly tripled in five years, partly due to a rise in needle-sharing fuelled by the opioid epidemic. Explore further WHO urges stepped-up battle against hepatitis B 2018 AFP New Delhi, April 11(Muzamil Jaleel):Kathua chargesheet: In J-K child gangrape, rituals, a chilling invite and a police cover-up On Monday, lawyers tried to stop filing of chargesheet. THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD was gangraped thrice inside the Devasthan or prayer hall, after the mastermind had performed rituals. One of the rapists was called from Meerut to satisfy his lust. The girl was confined using sedatives, then strangled and hit on the head twice with a stone in order to make sure she was dead. But not before another accused, a police personnel, asked the others to wait because he wanted to rape her one last time. And all this, to dislodge a group of Bakherwal Muslim nomads from Rasana village in Kathua near Jammu. These are just some of the chilling details in the 18-page chargesheet filed Monday by J&K Polices Crime Branch against the eight accused in the rape and murder of the girl who went missing from near her house in Rasana on January 10 her body was found seven days later in the forests nearby. In the days that followed, the chargesheet states, the accused paid Rs 1.5 lakh as a bribe to local policemen who knew where the girl was kept and helped cover up the crime initially. Read | Kathua rape-murder case: Tests confirm victim held in prayer hall, was sedated The killing had sparked outrage across J&K with the government handing over the case to the Crime Branch following protests from the Bakherwal community. The case took a communal turn in Kathua, where an outfit called Hindu Ekta Manch was set up by politicians in support of the accused. Among those who backed the Manch were Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, two BJP ministers in Chief Minister Mehbooba Muftis Cabinet. Kathua chargesheet: In J-K child gangrape, rituals, a chilling invite and a police cover-up The storeroom where the victim was allegedly kept, in Kathua near Jammu. (Express Photo: Nirupama Subramanian) According to the chargesheet, the mastermind behind the rape and murder is retired revenue official Sanji Ram who is among the eight arrested, along with his son Vishal Jangotra and nephew, believed to be a juvenile. Read | Kathua rape-murder: Chargesheet filed against seven amid protests by lawyers The Crime Branch had also arrested Special Police Officers (SPOs) Deepak Khajuria and Surinder Kumar, a Rasana resident Parvesh Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector Anand Dutta and Head Constable Tilak Raj in the case. Dutta and Raj were arrested on charges of attempting to destroy evidence. According to the chargesheet, the girls father Mohd Yousuf lodged a complaint on January 12 at the Hiranagar station that his daughter who had gone for grazing horses in the nearby forest at about 1230 hrs on January 10 had not returned. A FIR was lodged and police arrested Rams nephew, leading to allegations of a cover-up by the Bakherwal community. On January 22, the case was transferred to the Crime Branch. The chargesheet states that Ram masterminded the conspiracy to kidnap and, later rape and kill the girl. It states that he made SPO Khajuria and the juvenile a part of the conspiracy and assigned them tasks separately and individually. Read | Kathua girl was raped, killed to force nomads out, finds probe Deepak along with his friend Vikram went to Bitu Medical shop at Kottah Morh on January 7 evening and purchased one strip of Epitril 0.5 mg containing 10 tablets by showing the prescription of his uncle, who has a psychiatric problem and is under treatment. Although the medicine as per the prescription was not available with Bitu, he gave him Epitril 0.05 mg instead of the medicine written on the prescription, the chargesheet states. On the same day, it says, Ram asked his nephew to kidnap the girl who often comes to the forests behind their house for grazing her horses. Subsequently, the juvenile shared the entire plan worked out by Ram and Khajuria with Parvesh Kumar@Mannu, his close friend, and asked for his help. On January 10, the juvenile saw the girl asking about her horses. He told her that he had seen her horses and led her to the jungle. He also called accused Mannu. Sensing some trouble, the victim tried to flee but the juvenile stopped her by catching hold of her neck and covered her mouth with one of his hands and pushed her and she fell on the ground, the chargesheet says. The victim fell unconscious and was raped by the juvenile (in the jungle). Thereafter, Mannu also attempted to rape her. They took her and kept her inside the Devasthan under the table over two plastic mats and then covered her, it says. On the next day, the chargesheet says, the parents of the girl reached the Devasthan and enquired from Ram about the whereabouts of her missing daughter who told them that she may have gone to some relatives house. The prayer hall where the girl had been confined was kept locked by Ram. On the same day, according to the chargesheet, Khajuria and the juvenile opened the Devasthan and again sedated the girl by pushing sedatives into her mouth and forced her to drink water subsequently. On January 11, the juvenile informed another accused Vishal Jangotra about the kidnapping of the girl telephonically and asked him to return from Meerut in case he wanted to satisfy his lust, the chargesheet says. On January 12, it says, Jangotra reached Rasana at 6 am. At around 8.30 am, the juvenile again went to the Devasthan and administered 3 sedative tablets to the girl while she was unconscious with empty stomach, the chargesheet says. By now, it says, a police party from the Hiranagar station, including Khajuria, had started searching for the girl. Khajuriacame to the house of accused Sanji Ram with another police official namely Iftikar Wani Khajuria advised the juvenile to ensure administering of sedatives to the victim in time, the chargesheet says. During investigation it transpired that the accused Ram had already taken the accused police officials into confidence and settled the deal with them, it says. The chargesheet says that Head Constable Raj, who was part of the search party, had asked Ram to bribe the police team. On January 12, Ram sent Rs 1.5 lakh to Raj through the juveniles mother, it says. On January 13, the chargesheet says, accused Vishal Jangotra, the juvenile and accused Ram went to the Devasthan where Ram performed rituals. Later, it says, Jangotra raped the nomad girl. Thereafter, the juvenile also raped the girl. After keeping the girl in the prayer hall for days, the chargesheet says, Ram told the other accused that it was time to kill her and dump her (body) in the forest. the accused Mannu, Vishal and juvenile took the victim from the Devasthan to a nearby culvert accused Khajuria told the juvenile to wait as he wanted to rape the girl before she is killed, the chargesheet says. Describing the murder, the chargesheet states: After committing the barbaric act of rape on the minor victim, the accused Khajuria kept her neck on his left thigh and started applying force with his hands on her neck in order to kill her Khajuria was unsuccessful in killing her, the juvenile killed her by pressing his knees against her back while strangulating the girl by applying force on both the ends of her chunni. Thereafter, the accused, in order to make sure that the victim is dead, hit her twice on head with a stone. The body was dumped inside the prayer hall as the accused couldnt find a vehicle to transport it. On January 15, the chargsheet says, Ram directed the other accused to throw the body in the jungle. HTLV-1 establishes infection mainly in CD4+ T cells and induces leukemia. HTLV-1-encoded Tax is a critical transactivator of viral replication, but its significance in pathogenesis remained unclear. The research team showed that Tax is expressed in a fraction of leukemic cells and its expression spontaneously switches between on and off states. Credit: Kyoto University / Jun-ichirou Yasunaga A study appearing in the in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences gives new clues into how cancers like leukemia form from the retrovirus HTLV-1, as well as insights into the possible creation of a vaccine. HTLV-1 is a human retrovirus that mainly infects the CD4+ T cell. Such Infections can lead to a host of immune-related diseases including leukemia. Somewhat counterintuitively, the virus thrives by remaining at very low levels in the body, which is unlike its more notorious cousin, HIV. "HTLV-1 RNA is rarely detected in the plasma of infected individuals, and it persists by evading host immune surveillance," says Jun-ichirou Yasunaga of Kyoto University's Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, who led the study. HTLV-1 encodes two oncogenic factors, Tax and HBZ. Besides its function as an oncoprotein, Tax also facilitates viral replication. "The precise role of Tax in pathogenesis is unknown, since it is so faintly expressed in infected cells," continues Yasunaga. The researchers found that within populations of infected leukemic cells, only a tiny fractionless than 3 percentexpressed Tax. Moreover, this expression in any given cell was transient, lasting less than 24 hours. However, while the cells that expressed Tax would change over time, more than 3 percent of the population would express this gene. In fact, in vitro experiments showed that if Tax expression was suppressed in this small population, then almost all infected cells would vanish in less than a month. Furthermore, computational simulations found that it takes about five months for 90 percent of the infected cells to express Tax. This transience is advantageous for the survival of the virus, since persistent Tax expression is associated with an immune response. Yasunaga explains that keeping the expression of Tax limited to a small population allows the infection to flourish and prevent the infected cells from undergoing controlled death, known as apoptosis. "There were clear differences in the gene expression between Tax-expressing and Tax-non-expressing cells. In the latter, there were two populations, those with medium, and those with low levels of anti-apoptotic factors. This shows that Tax caused different degrees of sensitivity to apoptosis," he explains. Further studies revealed that this effect on apoptosis sensitivity was found in cells with better overall survivability. Yasunaga hypothesizes that even if cells stop expressing Tax, those with medium levels of anti-apoptosis factors are more resistant to apoptosis, allowing these cells to survive. "Transient Tax expression enhances the survival and proliferation of infected cells, so it's a good vaccine target. Understanding its expression mechanism could be a key to new therapies," says Yasunaga. Explore further Mechanisms of persistent infection for the human T-cell leukemia virus More information: Mohamed Mahgoub et al, Sporadic on/off switching of HTLV-1 Tax expression is crucial to maintain the whole population of virus-induced leukemic cells, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Mohamed Mahgoub et al, Sporadic on/off switching of HTLV-1 Tax expression is crucial to maintain the whole population of virus-induced leukemic cells,(2018). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1715724115 Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory wound dressings stimulate tissue regeneration and can be especially efficient in treating deep wounds that are difficult to heal. Credit: KTU Group of researchers at Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania, are developing next-generation, sponge-like wound dressings with hyaluronic acid. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory wound dressings stimulate tissue regeneration and can be especially efficient in treating deep wounds that are difficult to heal. Of total healthcare expenditures in the European Union, wound management makes up 2-4 percent. A single chronic wound can cost up to 10 thousand EUR to treat, and it is estimated that up to 1.5 percent of the EU population has one or more such wounds. For a deep wound to heal successfully, tissue regeneration is extremely important. Development of next-generation wound dressings that assist this process is one of biggest challenges in tissue engineering. Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) researchers are developing sponge-like wound dressings based on hyaluronic acid, which is a well-researched polymer stimulating tissue regeneration and used in ophthalmology, bone regeneration and for other medical and cosmetic purposes. "Hyaluronic acid is a natural polymer found in living organisms, which has anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates tissue regeneration. We are used to commercial hyaluronic acid based products, which usually are thick liquids or gels. Although quickly absorbed by the organism, in this form the polymer doesn't have the structure needed for tissue building," says Odeta Baniukaitiene, researcher at KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology. Sponge-like wound dressings created at KTU have net structure, which is essential in developing wound dressings for tissue regeneration. Although biopolymers are often chosen for this purpose as they are compatible with biological systems, sponge-like wound dressings are mostly being made from alginate or collagen. "We use freeze-drying technique to render hyaluronic acid in a sponge-like structure. The dressing fills in the wound, and serves as a structure for cells to adhere; the active compounds, which have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or tissue regeneration-stimulating qualities are in such a way fixed and carried through," says Baniukaitiene. KTU researchers have built hyaluronic acid scaffolds that can be used for tissue regeneration. Collaborating with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, the scientists are testing the prototype in vitro with multiple cell types. According to researchers, the proof of concept stage research can take up a few more years. Explore further Drawing inspiration from plants and animals to restore tissue Isolated pancreas cells stained bright green are shown sitting in the wells of the transport egg carton. Credit: Aurelien Forget , Author provided We have developed "smart egg carton" packages for transporting live human pancreas cells for transplantation to diabetic patients. The egg cartons provide oxygen and allow physical separation to prevent damage and death to the cells known as islet cells during transport. Besides a whole pancreas transplant (which has a high mortality rate), currently the only cure for diabetes is islet cell transplantation. It's a procedure available to patients with complicated Type 1 diabetes. Although hundreds of patients have successfully received donor islet cells, the rates of cell survival and effective transplantation would be vastly improved if more cells survived the initial removal and transport phases. Our technology addresses this issue. Islet transplantation can cure diabetes In a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is not able to produce insulin, the hormone responsible for glucose metabolism. As a result, these patients need to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels, and adjust these with insulin injections throughout the day. Instability in blood glucose levels has significant implications for the patient's health in the long term, mainly due to changes in very small blood vessels that lead to diseases of the eye, kidney, nerves and cardiovascular system. Normally, insulin is produced by -cells (pronounced as "beta cells"). -cells exist in the pancreas in a packed group of cells called the "islets of Langerhans", or islets for short. Along with the -cells, other cells within the islet also produce unique and specific hormones. Together these cells act to regulate blood glucose levels. The idea of transplanting healthy islets to diabetic patients became a reality in the late 1980s, when Dr. Camilo Ricordi devised a workable method for isolating the required amounts of these cells. Now with improvements in anti-rejection drug therapy, islet transplantation is used to treat Type 1 diabetes: hundreds of patients worldwide have received a transplant. Blood sugar variation of diabetic patients. Typical blood glucose levels of Type 1 diabetic patients (blue line) well outside the normal maximal level (red line) and minimal level (green line). Credit: A. Forget Islet transplantation requires a single keyhole surgery to precisely position the islets within the patient's abdomen, and a quick recovery usually follows. High demand but low availability Like any transplantation, islet transplantation is hamstrung by the small number of organ donors and an increasing population suffering from diabetes (worldwide over 425 million people). But there's another limiting factoronce separated from the pancreas, islets are extremely fragile and up to 35% will perish before being transplanted. Improving the survival of islets pre-transplantation is expected to dramatically improve the availability and clinical outcomes for patients. Patrick (Toby) Coates, Director of Renal and Islet Transplantation at the Royal Adelaide Hospital said: "If we could preserve more islets pre-transplantation, patients would in most cases require only one transplant, when today we need multiple organ donors and transplants to treat one diabetic patient." The number of transplants varies year to year due to the number of donors (deceased people who have agreed to organ donation), and the immunological matching of the donors to the patients. A drawing of the five different cells that make up an islet in the pancreas, including -cells in blue, shown next to a microscopic image of isolated human islets (stained with the dye dithizione). Credit: A. Forget & D. Rojas-Canales Treating more patients: a logistic challenge When a pancreas is collected from a donor, a specific procedure is required to extract the islets located within the pancreas. This isolation can only be performed in a sterile facility (protected from contamination) equipped with precision equipment. In Australia, like in other countries, the isolation is centralised in Melbourne and Sydney and the islets are then shipped to the different transplantation centres. But because islets are composed of cells with a very high rate of metabolism, they need a lot of nutrients and oxygen. Without these, the cells won't generate insulin and the other hormones used in the regulation of blood glucose levels. Once disconnected from the blood vessels in the host person, islets quickly begin to starve and asphyxiate, both of which lower chances of cell survival. Improving islet transport Many laboratories around the world are trying to extend the shelf-life of islets. We have developed two brand new technologies to address the causes of islet death during transport provision of oxygen, and protection from physical damage. The first development is an inexpensive coating that releases oxygen once in contact with the islets. We have shown the coating can provide enough oxygen for animal -cells to survive in a low-oxygen environment (as is encountered during transport). We hope soon to translate this technology for human cell conservation and transport. But this is not the only challenge: the movement of islets during transport can also cause damage. Currently, islets are transported in bags where the islets are freely floating in a solution composed of the required cell nutrients. As the bags move, islets are shaken and bounce onto each other. These interactions can destroy the islets. Number of islet transplants in the last 15 years in Australia and New Zealand. Credit: Data from Australia New Zealand Islet and Pancreatic Transplant Registry After trying different biomaterials and testing several packaging shapes, we developed an egg carton-like packaging. This segregates the spherical islets from each other, and maintains their viability during transport. The lead image shows an overlay of two images obtained using fluorescent and scanning electron microscopy. Sitting within the wells of the "egg carton" are the bright green-stained islet cells. Hope for the future We have used this technology to successfully transport animal and human islet cells between Melbourne and Adelaide by plane, which took on average six hours from door to door. Our egg carton package improved islet survival. Translating this technology to the clinic will hopefully improve islet survival during shipping, and give access to islet transplantation to a larger population. This technology needs now to be scaled up to accommodate the 500,000 islets required to cure a patient. But a bigger challenge remains: improving the long-term survival of islets after transplantation. New biomaterials and advanced engineering solutions could also help us tackle this issue, including the development of scaffolds that enhance delivery of nutrients and oxygen access from the blood vessel to the islets after transplantation. In the words of our collaborator Bernie Tuch at the University of Sydney: "Advanced medical devices made of biocompatible materials which could protect the islets after implantation could further improve the transplantation procedure and allow more patients to benefit from this treatment." Explore further Membrane for islets of Langerhans transplantations This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. International Court of Justice to hold public hearings over Armenia v. Azerbaijan lawsuit on October 14-15 Israel opens embassy in Bahrain US couple die from COVID-19 in same hospital one minute apart GRECO releases interim report on Armenia, says situation incompatible with judicial independence Russian analyst predicts granting of special status to Karabakh and "eternal" presence of Russian peacekeepers Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Ground Force commander warns Azerbaijan Armenia ex-defense minister Davit Tonoyan arrested South Korean authorities prepare for regular contacts with Pyongyang More than half of Britons are disappointed with Brexit Erdogan on purchase of S-400s and Turkey's relations with the US: It was worth it Russia MFA: Moscow hopes OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs' visit helps organize Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders' meeting Erdogan: "Zangezur corridor will open opportunities for the region" Serbia, Kosovo agree to reduce tension on border Digest: Armenian ex-defense minister charged, Putin and Erdogan discuss Karabakh conflict Armenia FM and Iran Ambassador discuss situation on Goris-Kapan motorway Newly appointed Ambassador of France presents credentials to Armenia President Russian MFA: Moscow continues to work on the release of Armenian POWs Russia MFA: Moscow has submitted proposals to Yerevan, Baku on border delimitation talks Armenia justice minister meets with head of CoE Office in Yerevan, presents ministry's reforms agenda Armenia President, parliament speaker discuss collaboration between both institutions Bloomberg: Europe asks Russia for additional coal supplies Armenia justice minister has new deputy Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker Ishkhan Saghatelyan tests positive for COVID-19 Armenia Special Investigation Service deputy head sacked Armenia education, science, culture and sport minister meets with UNESCO Director-General Alizadeh: Route to Armenia for Iran trucks not changed Dollar gains value in Armenia Karabakh emergency service: Remains of another fallen soldier found Lukashenko: Belarus is open to proposals for further development of strong relations with Armenia in all areas PACE adopts resolution on Afghanistan Armenia Parliament Speaker, Peru Ambassador discuss their countries' participation in Ancient Civilizations Forum Putin and Erdogan planning meeting before end of this year Did Serzh Sargsyan and Sergey Kopirkin meet? Czech FM to arrive in Armenia on working visit Armenia Deputy PM Suren Papikyan: Government to grant nearly AMD 1,000,000,000 to Syunik Province Armenia ex-Deputy PM Tigran Avinyan visits Syunik Province Peru new ambassador presents letter of credence to Armenia President Putin, Erdogan discuss current situation in Karabakh Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker, Russia Ambassador touch upon peaceful settlement of Karabakh conflict Lithuania to donate to Armenia 50,000 doses of Spikevax vaccine manufactured by Moderna US Ambassador to Armenia visits 2 renovated local fire stations (PHOTOS) Azerbaijan PM invites Georgia to using Zangezur corridor Iran ground forces to hold military exercises on Azerbaijan border 7 people, 3 of them minors, taken to Yerevan hospitals Armenia government approves draft state budget for 2022 Armenia government provides another funding to Artsakh Azerbaijan, Belarus discuss collaboration between their missile, artillery troops What Armenia National Security Service looked for in home of ex-defense ministers elderly mother? Armenia PM: Our goals in 2022 budget are ambitious, realistic Hayko's compositions are played at Yerevan subway stations (VIDEO) 1,022 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Protest being staged outside Armenia government building Senator Menendez to US Ambassador to Turkey nominee: In past you voted against resolutions recognizing Armenian Genocide What are Armenia former defense minister, arms supplier charged with? World oil prices falling Hraparak.am: Armenia former minister of defense released on signature bond Newspaper: Opposition Armenia Faction in parliament plans to go to Constitutional Court to challenge bonuses legality Newspaper: Armenia PM Pashinyan had promised now-detained ex-defense minister new position Amazon introduces home robot of its own production French authorities close 650 Islamist propaganda centers since 2017 The Vatican to require all employees to provide proof of coronavirus vaccination Hraparak.am: Motions filed with court to arrest Armenia ex-defense minister and weapons supplier Slovenia terminates vaccination with Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after death of 20-year-old girl 30 prisoners killed in Ecuadorian prison Armenia court to examine appeal against decision on arrest of ex-Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan Armenia minister, Kazakhstan Ambassador consider prospects for cooperation in space technology Karabakh representative: Armenia citizens who hosted families from Artsakh received financial assistance Date of Requiem Service for Armenian singer, Honored Artist of Armenia Hayko announced EU calls on Kosovo and Serbia to resolve their disputes through dialogue Working consultation over to-be-established patrol service in Armenia's Gyumri, attended by Deputy PM Georgia, Azerbaijan sign several agreements Newspaper: Armenia army official: National Security Service summons Armed Forces General Staff's deputy chief Ukraine, Turkey sign memorandum on construction of UAVs maintenance center US and EU to begin consultations on technical regulation, trade and China Newly appointed Ambassador of France presents copies of credentials to Armenia FM Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 4 Armenian servicemen found in Jrakan Armenia ex-president Robert Kocharyan expresses condolences over death of singer Hayko US Ambassador on Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs' talks in New York, normalization of relations with Turkey Garibashvili says he had 'wonderful' meeting with Aliyev Putin-Erdogan meeting in Sochi lasts nearly 3 hours Over 40% of Americans are in favor of reducing US military presence in world To-be Ambassador of United States to Turkey announces intention to recognize Armenian Genocide Armenia Deputy PM, Iran Ambassador discuss situation created on Goris-Kapan motorway Digest: Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijan provocations, 3 Armenia soldiers bodies found Armenian analyst: Azerbaijan's offensive resources were almost used up on November 9, 2020 Armenia Embassy in Georgia: There are accumulations of trucks in detour section of Tbilisi Armenia Revenue Committee chief on question whether Azeris will stop Armenian truck drivers or not Artsakh representative to Armenia: Armenian statehood cannot have prosperous future without Karabakh Armenia Public Services Regulatory Commission chair: There will be some increase in water fee Hraparak: Armenia ex-defense minister detained Azerbaijanis launch construction in Vorotan section of Armenia's Goris-Kapan motorway Armenia President expresses condolences over untimely death of singer Hayko Dollar rising in Armenia 3,626 foreigners granted Armenia residence status in first half of 2021 Peskov says Putin and Erdogan won't discuss Crimea during talks in Sochi Man, 81, dies of coronavirus in Karabakh Erdogan is certain that peace in Middle East depends on Turkey-Russia relations Taliban rise to power in Afghanistan drives up opium prices on the black market Azerbaijan President and Georgia PM meet in Baku Armenia FM receives Bulgaria Ambassador YEREVAN. As reported earlier, an Omani citizen contacted Armenia Police on Thursday and told that a stranger had attempted to kill him and robbed him, stealing money, a mobile phone, a passport, and documents. He said a stranger had approached him at a pub in capital city Yerevan, made him get into a taxi, and said he would stab him, otherwise. In the cab, this stranger had stolen the Omani citizens wallet, and then taken him to a house where he had beaten him and stolen his mobile phone. Subsequently, the Omani man had managed to escape from that house. Several hours after this incident, Guinean citizen Bah Alfa Amir Anayu, 30, was detained on suspicion of robbery and inflicting bodily injuries. He, however, told a totally different story. The Guinean said that after having fun in a club, he had gone to the house of this Omani man, and with his consent, where an argument had arisen. Im saying [to him], Behave yourself, sit down, and then I hit him, the Guinean told, in Armenian. I said, Do you have a passport? He showed [it], I looked [at it], and then I saw that hes very drunk. We went out. He left [his] phone at my home, and [his] passport also is in my pocket. We went to the police, and then we came out. He fled. I went, slept tranquilly because he knows where my house is. I know that he will definitely come after his passport. The suspect is arrested, and the stolen items are confiscated. Srinagar, April 13: Complete shutdown continued in South and North Kashmir, today, against the killing of four civilians by Indian troops in Kulgam district. All shops and commercial establishments remained closed while traffic was off the road. Four civilians were killed after Indian troops opened fire on protesters in Khudwani area of Kulgam on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the puppet authorities continued to suspend internet services in Srinagar city and in South Kashmir areas besides suspending Banihal-Baramulla train service. The authorities had also imposed curfew-like restrictions in Srinagar to prevent people from staging demonstrations against the killings. Residents of Bhadarwah, Kishtwar and Ramban areas also observed complete shutdown against the killing of civilians in Kulgam. Reports said that shutdown affected normal life as the majority of the shops and business establishments and educational institutions remained shut. The shutdown call was given by Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhadarwah and Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar. YEREVAN. The My Step initiative members, and led by opposition Civil Contract Party member and National Assembly (NA) Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan, on Friday marched and arrived in Yerevan State University (YSU). But the doors of the YSU main building were closed. Pashinyan stated, Tell the [YSU] rector that MP Nikol Pashinyan has come to [see] you. The rectors spokesperson came down to meet the demonstrators, and he noted that he will convey Pashinyans wish to the rector. And Nikol Pashinyan said, We carried out this symbolic act in response to the pressure being applied to the students by the rectorate of the YSU and of the other institutions of higher education. Ultimately, the My Step initiative members succeeded in entering the YSU building. As reported earlier, a group of students on Friday assembled outside YSU and started a boycott of their classes. Subsequently, they went and met Nikol Pashinyan, and his supporters, who arrived in capital city Yerevan along the lines of the My Step walking campaign. On March 31, Civil Contract Party, and led by Pashinyan, kicked off the aforesaid walking campaignwhose objective is to prevent the third term in office by now ex-President Serzh Sargsyan; but this time as the next likely Prime Ministerthrough numerous towns of Armenia, and which will conclude on Friday at Liberty Square in downtown Yerevan, with round-the-clock rallies. Also, they had announced that they plan to block the NA building as well as the houses of the MPs on April 17, so as not to enable them to take part in the next PMs election at parliament on that day. Russias intelligence agencies spied on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia for at least five years before they were attacked with a nerve agent in March, The Guardian reported. UKs national security adviser, Mark Sedwill said in a letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday that email accounts of Yulia had been targeted in 2013 by cyber specialists from Russias GRU military intelligence service. According to some information from the UK authorities, Russia had tested whether door handles could be used to deliver nerve agents and had targeted the email accounts of Sergei and Yulia Skripal since at least 2013. It was noted that Russia had continued developing small amounts of novichok over the past decade. Russias chemical weapons programme continued after the collapse of the Soviet Union. By 1993, when Russia signed the chemical weapons convention (CWC), it is likely that some novichoks had passed acceptance testing, allowing their use by the Russian military, he said. Russias CWC declaration failed to report any work on novichoks. Russia further developed some novichoks after ratifying the convention. In the mid-2000s, President [Vladimir] Putin was closely involved in the Russian chemical weapons programme. It is highly unlikely that any former Soviet republic (other than Russia) pursued an offensive chemical weapons programme after independence. It is unlikely that novichoks could be made and deployed by non-state actors (eg a criminal or terrorist group). Three people were hospitalized after a landmine exploded Thursday in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Three persons, two of them a married couple, were collecting Solomons Seal in the area nearby a military defense outpost at the administrative area of Aygedzor village, during which a landmine exploded. According to doctors, they underwent surgeries. At least seven US military aircrafts made reconnaissance flights near the coast of Syria, where the Russian air base is located, Interfax reported referring to the monitoring data of Western aviation resources. Sentinel R.1 aircraft of the British Royal Air Force was also sent to Syria on Thursday. As reported, UK closed airspace over the Mediterranean near its Akrotiri base in Cyprus in connection with the upcoming increase in military activity. Two persons died and another person was injured in a road accident Friday in Armenia. A car went off road and hit the road-dividing reinforced concrete barriers in Ararat province. Two people died on the spot, and one person was hospitalized in very critical condition. Garo Paylan, an Istanbul Armenian MP from the opposition pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party is accused of insulting the Turkish nation and the president of Turkey and may be deprived of immunity. Ankara Prosecutors Office has filed a petition with the Turkish justice ministry with a request to remove the parliamentary immunities of eight MPs from the party. If the ministry validates these accusations, the requests for the removal of the parliamentary immunities will be submitted to the speaker of the Turkish parliament. Guinean citizen was arrested in Armenia on suspicion of robbery and inflicting bodily injuries. Omani citizen contacted Armenia Police on Thursday and told that a stranger had attempted to kill him and robbed him, stealing money, a mobile phone, a passport, and document. The Guinea man rejected all accusations saying the man was lying. U.S. needs to impose more sanctions on Russia, Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo said during the confirmation hearing on Thursday. Pompeo said Russian president Vladimir Putin has not yet received the message sufficiently about troubling behavior by Moscow. During the confirmation hearing Pompeo also promised to bolster the Iran nuclear deal if he is confirmed by the Senate and suggested that a meeting between President Donald Trump and North Koreas leader can set out conditions to decide whether an agreement on denuclearization can be achieved. Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich while Liverpool and AS Roma will play against each other in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. The first legs in the semifinals will take place on April 24 and 25. As to Europa League, Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid, while Marseille and FC Salzburg will lock horns in the semifinals. 4 NA men arrested for disturbing peace A police team deployed from the Area Police Office, Chandranigahapur arrested four Nepal Army personnel for allegedly disturbing peace under the influence of alcohol on Friday. They have also misbehaved police personnel in the custody. Home | News | General | Atikus son rejects N.25m monthly upkeep, in fresh childrens custody battle A former Vice-President, Abubakar Atikus son, Aminu, on Thursday told an Igbosere High Court in Lagos to upturn a magistrates courts decision, which awarded the custody of his two children to his ex-wife, Fatima Bolori, as well as a N250,000 monthly upkeep. Aminu told Justice Kazeem Alogba that the lower court failed to obey his constitutional right of fair hearing before granting verdict in Fatimas favour. Recall that a Magistrate Kikelomo Ayeye sitting at Tinubu on Lagos Island awarded full custody of the ex-couples daughter, Ameera, 11, and son, Aamir, 7, to Fatima. The lower court held that Aminu failed to file a response to Fatimas application for the childrens custody. But Aminu, through his counsel, Oyinkan Badejo, filed an application to the high court seeking leave to appeal the lower courts judgment and another application for a stay of further execution of its terms. The first application, a motion on notice, was brought pursuant to Section 70 of the Magistrates Court Law, 2009 and supported by a 16-paragraph application. Badejo said, In response to whether the applicant has shown sufficient grounds for the grant of the application, there is not more sufficient ground than the partys right to fair hearing. We arrived at the magistrates court at 12.30 p.m., believing the matter was for mention at 1.00 p.m. On the second application, Badejo urged the court to vary the conditions attached to the custody order. We are not seeking a stay of the execution of the judgment but some of the terms were onerous. We were asked to pay N250,000 for the upkeep of two young children and medical allowances. We find that rather onerous, he said. Fatimas counsel, Mr. O. N. Olabisi and Mr. Ethel Okoh, opposed Badejo. But in a bench ruling, Justice Alogba granted Aminu leave to appeal the lower courts judgment. Further hearing was adjourned until May 17 and June 14. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General ADB reaffirms partnership with Nepal for inclusive, sustainable development Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Wencai Zhang met with Prime Minister of K P Sharma Oli during a two-day visit to Neplal. Home | News | General | Police name Shehu Sani suspect in murder case kadunaTHE police in Kaduna have identified a serving senator, Shehu Sani, APC-Kaduna Central as a person of interest in an ongoing homicide investigation. Consequently, Austin Iwar, the police commissioner in the state has written to the senator asking him to appear on April 30 at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna for questioning. This is in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide transferred to this office by 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, alongside with exhibit audio CD in which your name was mentioned by the principal suspect, Mr. Iwar said in a letter to Mr Shehu Sani. Shehu Sanni A copy of the letter sighted yesterday said: This is to enable us fairly and timely conclude investigation into the matter, Mr Iwar said. The letter was addressed to Senator Sani through the Clerk of the National Assembly. A copy of the letter was forwarded to Senate President Bukola Saraki. The Police Commissioner however said the case was not politically-motivated, saying A case was transferred to me and I am handling the case. Mr Iwar said he would not give further details on the matter, nothing that The matter is currently under investigation and we dont think we have reached a stage yet where we could inform the public about it. Mr Iwar also said Mr. Sani would not be detained if he honoured the invitation, saying the police would have picked him up at the Senate if they had any intention of arresting him. On his part, Senator Sani blamed the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for the move by the police, alleging that the Kaduna government had concluded plans to frame him up with a murder case. The state government is using the instrumentality of the police to carry out this act, Mr Sani said yesterday. According to him, the plan was revealed to him through a letter already prepared by the police inviting him for interrogation on the said murder case. There is an attempt to frame me up with a murder case by the Kaduna State Government using the police. A letter has been written from the office of the Commissioner of Police office but it has not been delivered to us, he said. Senator Sani said the case for which he was invited by the police was already before the court, adding This is a case that is before the court of law. The governor wrote the judge expressing his interest in the case. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | OAU lecturer involved in sexual harassment saga allegedly goes into hiding as victim still refuses to identify herself - The lecturer accused of demanding sex for marks in OAU has allegedly gone into hiding; reportedly abandoning his office and home - The schools PRO however said he could not tell if the lecturer was indeed in hiding; and also disclosed that the institution is still working to identify the victim - He said the school does not rely on speculations or rumours, neither does it condone acts of immorality or other anti-social behaviours - The PRO said a thorough investigation would be carried out, and the findings would be made public The Obafemi Awolowo University lecturer accused of demanding sex from a female student in order to improve her marks has allegedly gone into hiding, Punch reports. During a visit to his office on Thursday, April 12, he was absent; and a lecturer in his department who spoke on the condition of anonymity reportedly disclosed that since the audio recording of the incident went viral on social media, the man had been in hiding. READ ALSO: Call to self defense: We are fully behind TY Danjuma - Gov Ishaku NAIJ.com gathers that the lecturer further disclosed that the accused professor was also not at his residence; and that his church members had been paying visits to his wife, to offer sympathy. He stated: The prof is not in the office. He has not been coming since his alleged conversation with a female student went viral. I dont know where he is, but he has finished his sabbatical and has come back to the campus before this scandal broke out. Other lecturers seen in the Faculty of Administration where the department is located refused to speak on the matter. When contacted for comments, the institutions public relations officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, disclosed that the committee set up to investigate the matter had started sitting; however, he could not tell if the lecturer had gone into hiding. He further added that the school is still trying to identify the female victim. He said: For now, the prof has finished his sabbatical, but he has some accumulated leave. It is only his head of department that can say categorically if he has been coming to the office or not. I dont know if he has gone into hiding because he is not a criminal. We are still investigating the allegations leveled against him. He has not been convicted and he is not before any court of competent jurisdiction. We have set machinery in motion to identify the characters in the audio tape. Obafemi Awolowo University is the best ICT university in Nigeria and we have the apparatus to determine the vanity or otherwise of the audio tape. If any student comes out to tell the university that certain things happened to them, the university will investigate it. As a university, we dont rely on speculations, neither do we dwell on rumours. But if we receive a formal complaint from anybody, either student or worker, that has to do with harassment whether sexual, political, social or religious we will take it up. But there must be a complaint before we know what to do. The girl that recorded the audio, we are still working on her identity and when she comes forward, we will know. But it wont be in the interest of members of the panel to pre-empt that. However, they have started sitting on the issue. The PRO stressed that OAU does not condone immorality or any other anti-social behavior, and would carry out a thorough investigation into the matter; after which, it would make its findings public. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the vice chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University finally reacted to a leaked audio that showed Professor Richard Akindele, a lecturer in the institution demanding sex from a female student to help her pass her examination. In a statement he personally signed, the vice-chancellor, Eyitope Ogunbodede, said the university had begun the process of identifying the person involved. The VC said the act was a breach of regulations of the universitys code of conduct and anti-sexual harassment policy. 18-year-old teenager studying for PhD makes startling revelation - on NAIJ.com TV: [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Army gives up land for fed parliament Nepal Army on Thursday agreed to relinquish its land at Putali Bagaicha and clear the way for the government to construct a new parliament building on it. Chands party men rob municipal office The activists of Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) looted a ward office of Hupsekot Rural Municipality in East Nawalparasi district in the wee hours of Thursday morning. China overtakes India as top source country for tourists China overtook longtime record holder India as the top source country for tourists to Nepal with a 38.04 percent jump in arrivals in the first three months of this year, the Department of Immigration said. Home | News | General | Court fixes date to hear Oyeguns tenure extension suit A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, April 13 fixed May 3 to hear a suit by a chieftain of the All progressives Congress (APC), Adewale Hameed, challenging the purported tenure elongation of APCs national officers including its Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. Listed as defendants are Odigie-Oyegun, Segun Oni, Deputy National Chairman (South ) and Sen. Lawal Shaibu, Deputy National Chairman (North). Others are Ibrahim Gubi, National Secretary, Pius Akinyelure, Vice-Chairman (South-west) as the fourth and fifth defendants. READ ALSO: Again, former vice president Atiku Abubakar calls for restructuring of Nigeria APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are joined as sixth and seventh defendants respectively. When the case was called on Friday, Dr Muniz Banire (SAN), counsel to the APC, told the court that the sixth defendant (APC) had filed an application to set aside the service of the originating processes on them. Banire said the order for substituted service on the sixth defendant was obtained fraudulently as the address stated on the order was wrong. He said the address of the APC secretariat is No. 40, Blantyre St., and not No. 16, Blantyre Avenue that was stated in the order. The website the applicant claimed to have got the address from is not ours, a Good Samaritan brought our attention to todays date, we are yet to receive any process. Banire said that they had also filed a further affidavit to prove same and attached correspondence from INEC showing their correct address. The applicants counsel, Babatunde Fashanu (SAN) sought the leave of court to withdraw the motion ex-parte for substituted service on the fifth defendant (Akinyelure) that he had been served personally. He also told the court that the applicant had filed a counter-affidavit to the sixth defendants (APC) motion to set aside the order. According to him, the sixth defendant should be stopped from denying the address as the website was clearly APC website and an exhibit had been attached to prove same. If they were claiming the website is fake, they should have taken appropriate steps to bring down the website. Fashanu said moreover, the bailiff of the court had sworn to an affidavit of proof of service on oath that it was at the APC secretariat he served the processes. In a short ruling, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, held that it was essential for proper service to be effected on the defendants. The website may be fake but I find no evidence of fraud, I see no reason to set aside the service, so we do not waste time; another set of processes should be served at No. 40, Blantyre Street, she held. Consequently, she adjourned the suit until May 3 for hearing of the originating motion. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at a joint meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in Abuja, the tenure of the officials was extended by one year with effect from June 30. The applicant had on March 9 filed an originating summons, seeking the determination of the court whether the extension of the NEC and NWC elected or appointed members was constitutional. He wants the court to determine if the defendants had the constitutional right under Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 13 and 17 of the APC Constitution to extend the tenure of its NEC and NWC members. At the last adjournment, the applicants counsel, Fashanu (SAN), had moved a motion ex-parte urging the court to grant four orders pending the hearing of the substantive suit. *an order granting leave to the plaintiff to sue the first to fifth defendants on behalf of all officers of the NEC and the NWC of the APC. * An order granting leave to serve the first to fourth and the sixth defendants the originating summons by leaving it with the front desk officer of the sixth defendant. * An order of interim injunction restraining the first to sixth defendants from implementing the purported tenure elongation of the presently elected organs of the APC. * An order of interim injunction restraining the seventh defendant from recognizing the decision of the first to sixth defendants to extend its tenure beyond four years. Justice Olatoregun had granted the first two prayers but requested the applicant to put the other defendants on notice for the last two orders. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Meanwhile, a report by This Day suggests that all is not well within the ruling APC despite the resolutions agreed to at the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party on Monday, April 10. According to the report, not all stakeholders appear to be satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, with some chieftains of the party warning that the congresses and convention of the ruling party may be deliberately set up or frustrated in order to extend the tenures of executives of the party by subterfuge. At the meeting, the NEC also granted a waiver that would enable the current party leadership to seek re-election while retaining their various positions. APC chieftains in Benue state say PDP has nothing to offer on NAIJ.com TV [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Crossing point Extra vigilance needed on both sides of Indo-Nepal border to curb human trafficking Home | News | General | Court fixes May 21 to rule on bail application filed by IPOB member The Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday fixed May 21 to rule on the bail application filed by Bright Chimezie, the first defendant, in the ongoing trial of four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB). IPOB cartoon The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, fixed the date after taking arguments from Chimezies counsel, Mr Chukwudi Igwe and counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Collins Aromosele. Igwe asked the court to grant his client bail on the grounds that he had overstayed in detention without trial, adding that his client had already been granted bail by an Uyo Federal High which the Federal Government disregarded. He maintained that his client was eager to see how the prosecution would prove their case against him and to this effect, granting him bail would not jeopardise the trial in anyway. He said that his client would not temper with the case and would attend court to defend the charge against him. Aromosele opposed the bail application, and urged the court to dismiss it. Counsel to the second to fourth defendants, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, also argued the bail applications on behalf of their clients. Mr Eric Ifere, counsel to Onwudiwe prayed the court to grant his client bail on the grounds that the constitution provided that accused should be granted bail if trial did not commence within two months. The defendant has been in detention for close to two years and except where Section 162 is applicable, which passes the onus to the prosecution to prove that if granted bail, the defendant will temper with justice. They are also to prove that the defendant will jump bail and not attend court and they can only prove this with evidence placed before the court. Mr P. Ejiofor, counsel to Madubugwu, on his part, prayed the court to grant his client bail on health grounds. He further prayed the court to grant his client bail on the grounds that he had stayed long in detention, adding that there was no objection to the application for bail. One of the reasons we want the court to consider is the health of the defendant whose medical records are before the court and medical experts have recommended that he needs further medical care beyond the walls of the prison. Also, the time he has spent in detention is almost equal to the amount of time stipulated as punishment for one convicted of the crime he is charged for. The prosecuting counsel, however, asked the court for time to enable him respond to the bail application of the second to fourth defendants. The defence team had also hinted the court that they had an application challenging the competence of the charges against the defendants. Justice Nyako adjourned the matter until May 21 to rule on the bail application of Chimezie and to allow the prosecution respond to applications of the second to fourth defendants. The Federal Government on March 20, re-arraigned Chimezie, Onwudiwe, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi, on an amended three-count charge. Their re-arraignment was sequel to the severance of their trial from that of Nnamdi Kanu, whose whereabouts had been unknown since September, 2017. They are standing trial for charges bordering on conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, improper importation of goods and illegal possession of firearms. (NAN) CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Breaking: Offa robbery - Police release names of 12 arrested suspects, reveal other details The police have revealed the identities of 12 suspects who were arrested for alleged connection to the last Thursdays robbery in Offa, Kwara state. Armed robbers stormed the community the afternoon of April 5, killing 17 people and raiding five banks. Eight police officers at Owode Division, Offa, were also killed in the attack, and the robbers made away with police arms and ammunition. The police arrested seven suspects within the first two days of the attack, and made more arrests on later dates. Read the full statement bellow: SUSPECTS 1. Adegoke Shogo 29yrs Arrested in Offa 2. Kayode Opadokun 35yrs Arrested in Offa 3. Kazeem Abdulrasheed 36yrs Arrested in Offa 4. Azeez Abdullahi 27yrs Arrested in Offa 5. Alexander Reuben 39yrs Arrested on the 11th April, 2018 in Lagos 6. Jimoh Isa 28yrs Arrested on the 11th April, 2018 in Lagos 7. Azeez Salawudeen 20yrs Arrested in Offa and victims phone and sim cards recovered from him 8. Adewale Popoola 22yrs Arrested in Offa and victims phone and sim cards recovered from him 9. Adetoyese Muftau 23yrs Arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State 10. Aminu Ibrahim 18yrs Arrested in Ilorin 11. Richard Buba Terry 23yrs Arrested in Ilorin 12. Peter Jaba Kuunfa 25yrs Arrested in Ilorin These three (3) last suspects in whose possession another Beretta pistol and Fourteen (14) rounds of live ammunitions were recovered. READ ALSO: Governor Ikpeazu survives sack from office EXHIBITS 1. Two (2) Beretta Pistols 2. Twenty (20) Rounds of Live Ammunition 3. Four (4) Phones and SIM cards belonging to victims, some of whom were killed during the attack Consequent on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni, deployment of high-powered Police Investigation Team, Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), Three (3) units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Anti-Robbery equipment to Kwara State to carryout discreet investigation into the banks robbery, prevent further attacks and bring perpetrators to justice; the high-powered Police Investigation Team deployed in synergy with the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department have arrested the Nine (9) above mentioned Armed Robbers directly involved in the Banks Robbery and attack on a Police Station in Offa, Kwara State. 2. The Police teams engaged in massive raids of identified criminal spots/flashpoints, stop and search operations, visibility and confidence building patrols, intelligence gathering which led to the arrest of the suspects. Some of the arrest also involved serious exchange of gun fire between the Police and the suspects in their various hideouts. 3. The following are the suspects arrested and have admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the banks robbery attacks and are also assisting Police investigation into the incident. i) Adegoke Shogo 29yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, he was arrested in Offa after the bank robbery and the attack on the Police Station. He is drug baron and also an Indian Hemp dealer in Offa Kwara State. According to intelligence gathered from cultivated and reliable informant, he is alleged to be one of the sponsors of the robbery attack and the Police Station in Offa. He has made useful statements to the roles he played in the armed robbery. ii) Kayode Opadokun 35yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, He was found out to have been released from Prison Three (3) months ago after Serving only 8months of his sentence years for Armed Robbery, Notorious Armed Robber and confirmed Gang member of the Offa Bank Robbers. A Barrette pistol and six (6) rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him. He has admitted to the criminal roles he played in the Offa Banks robbery. iii) Kazeem Abdulrasheed 36yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, A Gang member from whom a Victims phone was found. He was arrested in Offa iv) Azeez Abdullahi 27yrs Native of Offa Kwara State, Gang member from whom a Victims Phone and SIM Cards were recovered. v) Alexander Reuben 39yrs Native of Isoko LGA Delta state, He is a Notorious, Deadly and Hardened Bank robber from whom GMPGs, Rocket launchers and Several Rifles were recovered in 2015, He was released from Prison in December 2017. He was arrested on the 11th April, 2018 in Lagos. vi) Jimoh Isa 28yrs Native of Okene Kogi State indicted by Technical intelligence generated on the Bank Robbers. He was arrested on the 11thApril, 2018 in Lagos. 4. Three000 (3) suspects namely Azeez Salawudeen 20yrs, Adewale Popoola 22yrs and Adetoyese Muftau 23yrs from whom Two (2) phones and SIM cards belonging to victims were recovered have also made confessional statements admitting to the various roles they played in the commission of the crime. 5. (i) Aminu Ibrahim 18yrs Arrested in Ilorin, ii) Richard Buba Terry 23yrs and iii) Peter Jaba Kuunfa 25yrs These three (3) suspects in whose possession another Beretta pistol and Fourteen (14) rounds of live ammunitions were recovered were arrested in connection with the Offa bank robbery. They have previously been investigated and charged to court for armed robbery and cultism. They have made confessional statements admitting to the various criminal roles they played in the recent bank robbery in Offa. 6. All the suspects during investigation confessed to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crime, however, investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects still at large and bring them to justice. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app 7. The Nigeria Police Force once again deeply commiserates with the Government and People of Kwara State, most especially the people of Offa and the families of the victims. The Force will leave no stone unturned in unravelling this dastard act and bring all those responsible to justice. The Force appreciates the supports from members of the public so far and calls for calm and their cooperation to sustain the normalcy that has been restored in the State. Offa bank robbery: Why some residents were shot by armed robbers on NAIJ.com TV. [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | FG has no special interest in Ekiti guber Poll, Say Security Chiefs By Rotimi Ojomoyela The Security Chiefs in Ekiti State have said that President Muhammadu Buhari has no special interest in the July 14 governorship election as speculated in some quarters. The security chiefs during an interactive session with political stakeholders in Ekiti state held at the state police command Iyin road, described as untrue the rumour making the round that the FG was planning to deploy federal might to impose his candidate on the state. Buhari They also warned leaders of political parties against violence before and during the election, stating that any culprit found would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly. Those at the meeting were: Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdullahi Chafe, the Director of State Services(DSS), Mrs Promise Ihenacho, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Mr Donatus Ikemefuna, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Mr Ismail Kugu, among others. Stakeholders at the meeting included: the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Barrister Gboyega Oguntuase, State Assistant Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Mr Gbenga Akinwumi, Accord Party State Chairman, Chief Samuel Odeoba, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) , Ekiti Council, Rotimi Ojomoyela and representatives of other parties. Addressing the gathering, the Police Commissioner mr Ibrahim chafe gave an assurance that every political party would be given equal opportunity adding that the command had mapped out strategies to protect the lives and property of citizens. Chafe said intelligence information revealed that some politicians were secretly training youth to perpetrate electoral fraud, warning that such would not be tolerated in the state. We have realized that the FG cant interfere with Ekiti election and that was why we have been giving all political parties the free hands to operate. Our neutrality accounted for the relative peace being enjoyed in Ekiti today, we are not partisan and we will never be. Ekiti was best known and respected as the Fountain of Knowledge, we want you to demonstrate this in this coming election, Chafe advised. Chafe added that the security outfits in the state were working together to ensure that the election was held without any hitch. We are well prepared in terms of logistics and personnel. We will ensure orderliness during the primaries in all parties, campaigns, and on the day of election. We have warned politicians against attacking their opponents, let there be mutual respect. I am particularly happy that you are no longer ready to be used for thuggery, this will make our job easier. We are going to give all parties equal opportunities and if we do this, we expect that all politicians must be guided by the provisions of the Electoral and party guidelines. Speaking for the parties, the State PDP Chairman, Oguntuase and the APC Assistant Organising Secretary, Akinwumi, promised that all the parties would give maximum cooperation for the success of the election. However, the stakeholders called on INEC to remain an unbiased umpire and ensure that the votes of the people count. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Govt, donor confident of large undertakings after Melamchi Tunnel Successful completion of the tunnel for diverting Melamchi water to Kathmandu has given the government and the donor agency confidence in executing mega development projects in Nepal. Home | News | General | Simon Lalong announces to run for second term as governor - Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong, has declared his intention to contest the governorship election in 2019 - Lalong announced his decision, after the member representing Jos south/Jos east Federal constituency, Hon. Edward Pwajok, moved a motion to compel the governor to declare - The governor had yielded to pressure from people of the state and other stakeholders to re-contest Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong on Friday, April 13, announced his intention to run for a second term as governor in 2019 following pressure from citizens of the state, Daily Trust reports. NAIJ.com gathered that Lalong declared his intention to contest after Edward Pwajok, representing Jos south/Jos east Federal constituency moved a motion to compel the Governor to declare. The declaration was made at the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting held at Yelwa Club in Jos, Plateau State. Yakubu Dati, the commissioner for information and communication in a statement said the motion was seconded unanimously. The commissioner added that the governor had yielded to pressure from people of Plateau state and other stakeholders to re-contest the governorship seat. Dati said the meeting chaired by the APC Chairman, Latep Dabang had in attendance, the entire party leadership in the state, the deputy governor and members of the State Executive Council. Others include the Hon. Speaker and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly as well as members of the National Assembly. Sati Tanko, a special adviser to Governor Lalong, said that the governor had also briefed the stakeholders on the report of his committee adding that, "he told stakeholders that his committee settled for fresh congresses to avoid a legal lacoona that may later on affect the party negatively." In a previous report by NAIJ.com, the technical committee on All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) tenure elongation submitted its report on Friday, April 6. Giving the document to the partys National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in Abuja, the committees Chairman, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, urged the party leadership to painstakingly study the recommendations. Lalong said that if the recommendations were accepted and implemented, the leadership logjam in the party would become a thing of the past. APC official tells why his party could be voted out in 2019 on NAIJ.com TV. [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Betan Karnali Hydel Project: Nabil, Nepal SBI sign MoU Two commercial banks Nepal have come forward to finance 688 MW Betan Karnali hydropower project, which is one of the largest hydropower projects being built in the country. Brodska Varos (Croatia) (AFP) - A faithful male flying thousands of miles each year to join his handicapped female who cannot fly -- the story of two storks in Croatia, Klepetan and Malena, is one of love and devotion beating the odds. By late March, Klepetan was back in the tiny village of Brodski Varos in eastern Croatia for the 16th year in a row, after leaving his winter home in southern Africa. There he again met the love of his life, white stork Malena -- "Little One" in Croatian -- who was waiting to start having more babies, to add to the 62 the pair already have. The faithful couple's long-distance relationship has made them celebrities in Croatia. Local school caretaker Stjepan Vokic, a 71-year-old widower, adopted Malena in 1993 when he found her near a pond, injured by a shot from hunters. She spends winters in a storage building in what Vokic calls an "improvised Africa" with a nest, heating and aquarium. In spring Vokic makes a gigantic nest for Malena on the building's roof. Klepetan, the father stork, teaches his baby storks to fly before migrating with them in early August to southern Africa. Meanwhile, Malena stays with Vokic, who bathes her and puts cream on her feet to stop them drying out, as she is away from her wetland habitat. "I also take her fishing since I can't take her to Africa. We even watch TV together," Vokic told AFP. "If I had left her in the pond foxes would have eaten her. But I changed her fate, so now I'm responsible for her life." Klepetan, named after a knocking sound storks make with their beaks, wears a tracking ring. His final migratory destination has been traced to near Cape Town, some 14,500 kilometres (9,000 miles) from Malena. It takes him a little over a month. Croatia is home to some 1,500 pairs of white storks. Cigoc, in central Croatia, was proclaimed the first European stork village in 1994. More than 210 birds live there in nests on the roofs and lamp posts. Their number is more than double the village's human population. New political nexus The old Nepali focal point was Varanasi, the new one is spread across Washington, Brussels and London Way more C'est La Vie. Me So Bad is the only pop/generic thing you'll find. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Pretty hurts. Reply Thread Link nnn bye Reply Parent Thread Link People tried to get me to change the title a lot. My manager wanted me to change the title, but when someone tells me that I cant do something, I want to do it even more. Even when everything looks like its really falling apart, I just come back so much stronger." Well she is about to have the strength of the hulk and the North Korean army combined once she releases this album and it fails Reply Thread Link That's so hilarious. How did you came up with that? Ugh your mind... Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO Reply Parent Thread Link lmfao Reply Parent Thread Link the fact that the 3 rihanna fans above left their comments at the same time... yall aint shit Reply Parent Thread Link they're lames who stan for a racist. we know who the superior artist is. Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO Reply Parent Thread Link Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO Reply Parent Thread Link lol I'm ngl I liked flame, but it must be really hard to not have control over your own music. I know I never really think about artists hating the music they put out but it probably happens all the time Reply Thread Link ALL THE TIME Reply Parent Thread Link nnnnnnn i would cry too Reply Thread Link I wish her and OP success. She seems harmless and a hard-worker. :) Reply Thread Link I'm being good and waiting till tomorrow to listen. I hope it's a good album. Reply Thread Link She will never top Aquarias which is a shame but the truth. Reply Thread Link ia Reply Parent Thread Link Flame is a bop tho Reply Thread Link CMON TELL ME THAT YOU STILL GOT THE FLAME FOR ME The song isn't even that bad. I actually like it.CMON TELL ME THAT YOU STILL GOT THE FLAMEFOR ME Reply Thread Link ia and her vocals push it and make it great Reply Parent Thread Link WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO oooOOOooOOOooOO Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO I only attempt that part when im in the car with the windows up Reply Parent Thread Link Flame is a bop and so is the solo version of Player. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yeah. it's unfortunate that that song made her cry. :( i can't listen to it the same knowing it wasn't something she wanted. Reply Parent Thread Link It's okay but it clearly sounds like generic record company stuff. Reply Parent Thread Link It's a fucking bop. Reply Parent Thread Link I honestly expected it to be worse than it is. Reply Parent Thread Link ugh I feel so bad because I love "Flame" for what it is. she deserves a better career. Reply Thread Link What is that album cover? I can already tell this gonna be a flop. Reply Thread Link Okay, but this came out of it so I feel like it all worked out. Edited at 2018-04-13 12:23 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Ha impact Reply Parent Thread Link I completely forgot this happened. What a mess. Tinashe should be happy she got to release Flame (which is a perfectly fine song) and not Bon Appetit. Reply Parent Thread Link i mean she's very pretty in a bland sort of way. like her music. i wish her the best. Reply Thread Link ....I love "Flame" Reply Thread Link What is Oprah's problem? Reply Thread Link Money Reply Parent Thread Link this is the real question, like what is she doing rn Reply Parent Thread Link Stahp it, Oprah Reply Thread Link Oprah really shows us time and time again that she ain't shit. Reply Thread Link She should be pushing for POC with political background to run, not rich white men who have only done damage to this country. Reply Parent Thread Link I think at this point she's been fully assimilated into the rich white world. Reply Parent Thread Link every time criticism of billionaires is a conversation someone always wants to bring up Oprah and its like??? yes her story is incredible, but shes not some champion for the poor/oppressed as people want to argue. she does some good sure, but she's a part of the 1% and acts like it. Reply Parent Thread Link pls stop letting/encouraging ppl with no political experience to run for anything Reply Thread Link PLEASE. after this year we need the damn laws changed Reply Parent Thread Link I'll allow dog catcher Reply Parent Thread Link Yup. Politics should be like any other career path, where you have to work your way up. Reply Parent Thread Link As a former Cast Member, FUCK YOU, NO! Reply Thread Link Cast member of what? I know Disney is all about money but as a POC, I do appreciate that they try to be inclusive. Reply Parent Thread Link inclusive where Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I worked at Walt Disney World for five years. It was torture Reply Parent Thread Link I lasted two months I will never return to that demonic hell hole Reply Parent Thread Link https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/27/disneyland-resort-workers-struggle-to-pay-for-food-housing-and-medical-care-union-survey-finds/ disney is evil disney is evil Reply Parent Thread Link Sis, were you on the Mickey Mouse Club? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link LMAO MTE!!!!! Were you DL or WDW? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link S a m e what a trash fucking job Reply Parent Thread Link The ceiling of the screening room at his house is a planetarium that is typically set to show the view of the stars from New York City the day he was born. lmfao are you fucking kidding me rich people, man Reply Thread Link How much of a narcissist can a person be? Reply Parent Thread Link It might as well just be a constellation of him sucking his own dick Reply Parent Thread Link mtfe Reply Parent Thread Link wjajdjadijad ahahahahah Reply Parent Thread Link This is both disgusting and amazing. Reply Parent Thread Link lol, oh man. Reply Parent Thread Link I kind of want that. Reply Parent Thread Link Ive been getting ads on Facebook for prints of the same thing, but as gifts to people who just had a baby or the day they got married. Too Pinteresty for me. Reply Parent Thread Link It's programmed to play "Remember who you are. You are my son. You are the one true king" when he turns it on. Reply Parent Thread Link that is... so cool tbh Reply Parent Thread Link can rich people just go away Reply Thread Link whhhhhyyyyyy Reply Thread Link so Oprah is just a complete fucking moron? Reply Thread Link we been knew, honestly Reply Parent Thread Link Yea Reply Parent Thread Link not surprising Reply Parent Thread Link idk why anyone would ever want to be president Reply Thread Link if you're egotistical or obsessed with power enough I guess it's appealing Reply Parent Thread Link a genuine desire for change (obama) or little dick issues (drump) Reply Parent Thread Link lol let's not pretend obama wasnt led by ambition and craving power. you have to be to get to that level Reply Parent Thread Link Rich people get bored and they can't get any more powerful within their world so the only thing they can do is try to gain power of the country. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, if you're already rich you can continue being rich and not have people yelling at you for playing golf or your wife for buying expensive handbags. Political office in general, I'm sure Ben Carson's wife longs for the days when she could order $31,000 worth of furniture without anyone getting up in her hoohah about it, before her dumbass husband dragged them into public service life. It seems more trouble than it's worth, and if you're rich for corrupt reasons it's a great way for everyone to find out. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Oprah really chooses the shittiest men to throw her power behind. Reply Thread Link CEOs with no public policy experience don't make good politicians! When will people learn. Reply Thread Link Ugh. Enough! Even people with actual political experience aren't getting shit done. What makes people think people without experience can or will, aside from desperation? Reply Thread Link Why the hell would Oprah do that Reply Thread Link Because she ain't as smart as ppl made her out to be lmao Reply Parent Thread Link this is cracking me up lmao Reply Parent Thread Link because Oprah loves her billions more than anything Reply Parent Thread Link I read this as "Carrie Fisher is to blame" like six times. What are you even doing brain? Reply Thread Link Me too! I was like, OMG is she being that petty from the grave - iconic. Nevermind, now I'm 100% less interested in this story Reply Parent Thread Link same, i actually had to scroll back up after reading your comment to double check lmao Reply Parent Thread Link lmaoo, same Reply Parent Thread Link lmao saaame Reply Parent Thread Link nnnn same Reply Parent Thread Link is that dua in your avi? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link So did I. The story would've been way more interesting with her. Reply Parent Thread Link me lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Yall have seen what he looks like though right? That man isnt worth all this mess Reply Thread Link Fucking up your money over dick you got 10 years ago? Not even once. Dick is so damn plentiful in the world but some women lose they damn minds over it I don't understand. Reply Thread Link Hmmmm. That seems a little over the top. Reply Thread Link I was so excited for this drama yesterday, ngl Reply Thread Link no man is worth fucking up your job over Reply Thread Link Oh shit. This aint worth over a dick man. Is it the same man that she vows to go down on him for like life? Omg Reply Thread Link ugh that header is so creepy and unflattering. like a cabbage patch adult vs the flying dutch(wo)man from spongebob Reply Thread Link So she lost a job over a guy she drunkenly cries over every few months when she's really hammered. Sounds legit Reply Thread Link The best part of this story: To make matters worse, Byalick brought the whole situation on herself. Were told that Fischers younger sister, Molly, asked Byalick for help finding work, and Byalick introduced her to Schumer, who hired her as her assistant. Molly then introduced Schumer to Chris, and they got married just a few months later. Reply Thread Link welllllp the definition of congrats, you played yourself. Reply Parent Thread Link damn, i'd go frank grimes too Reply Parent Thread Link that fact that this marriage probably won't even hit the 2 year mark makes this even funnier more ridiculous Reply Thread Link Mte lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Damn. What happened sis Had to google him. There are unflattering pics of ha everywhere except maybe this:Damn. What happened sis Reply Thread Link "Damn. What happened sis" lmao Reply Parent Thread Link He looks like the Cash Cab guy's troubled younger brother. Reply Parent Thread Link "just let me on the show bro I need a few hundred dollars" Reply Parent Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Ben Bailey is HOT! ;) Reply Parent Thread Link Screaming! He does! Reply Parent Thread Link lol Reply Parent Thread Link lmao same. thats the only marginally nice photo of him oop. Reply Parent Thread Link based on that hairline he's be balding soon Reply Parent Thread Link damn girl is he really that amazing? just let that shit go and yes like others i read carrie fisher and was baffled Reply Thread Link Meanwhile, the tinhatters are still tinhatting and insisting this wedding won't happen. This We're getting so close to the wedding! Can't believe we're down to like 36 days now.Meanwhile, the tinhatters are still tinhatting and insisting this wedding won't happen. This post made me laugh so hard. Reply Thread Link I'm gonna load up on snacks for that day & skip work \_()_/ Reply Parent Thread Link i'm taking the weekend off from work... Reply Parent Thread Link Spice Girls reunion performance confirmedT Reply Thread Link They just now secured a photographer? Ive never planned a wedding but is that a normal timeline? No one cares about racist Phillip. Reply Thread Link Nah, they probably hired him a while ago but Kensington Palace is slowly releasing info in the lead-up to the wedding. Reply Parent Thread Link Since my UK friends arent getting a bank holiday, I keep forgetting theyre getting married next month. I rather know about the guest list than the photographer Reply Parent Thread Link Was the woman responsible for the demise of Victoria's solo pop career invited too? Reply Thread Link I admire your commitment of getting Sophie Ellis Bextor this gig. I would love to have her sing at my wedding too. Reply Parent Thread Link what a super random group of people! Reply Parent Thread Link Damn meghan's black roots are showing looks like Meghan's roots are due for a touch up. I'm surprised she allowed her hair to go puffy. Reply Parent Thread Link that's the first and last time you'll ever see them... Reply Parent Thread Link I always look forward to your royal update posts klutzy_girl ! I usually dgaf about the royals but I'm so embarrassingly excited for this royal wedding lmao. Reply Thread Link wow when they said phillip had hip surgery, i was thinking something lowkey not a whole ass hip replacement. Reply Thread Link Phillip is still alive? Damn this family is immortal Reply Thread Link vickyb! what's up with the coordinating shirts? has she ever designed a wedding dress? i wanted her in trainers, not heels Reply Thread Link Victoria designed Eva Longoria's wedding dress. Reply Parent Thread Link didn't mel b already confirm that the spice girls (or at least her) had been invited? hope they perform the national anthem 'spice up your life' Reply Thread Link She was asked and said yes, butlater Mel C denied it, and now I guess Victoria is going so it could be another case of 'worst kept secret' of a SG reunion Reply Parent Thread Link I can't help but being taken aback when these indie songs randomly use a good chunk of music from familiar hits. Some of these songs range from "contains elements of" to using multiple verses, but still including different lyrics. Do you think you can guess the songs by listening to them? 5. Right On Time by Jojo (2015) Part used from the original Notes: Yes I know this is still a 'major label' release but Jojo has been rebirthed into indie pop and r&b status tbh. wendy_williams_hat.gif 4. Back For More by Glassio (2018) [ Spoiler (click to open) ] "Heaven" by Bryan Adams Part used from the original : But that's over now You keep me comin' back for more Notes: This band used most of the melody and changed the words and it took me a minute as to why it was so familiar. Lettuce not forget the iconic trance DJ Sammy version. 3. Where U Are by Rina Sawayama (2017) [ Spoiler (click to open) ] "I Wanna Be Where You Are" by The Jackson 5 Part used from the original : Can it be I stayed away too long Did I leave your mind when I was gone It's not my thing trying to get back But this time let me tell you where I'm at Notes: A kind of obvious one. 2. Down For You by Kehlani & BJ The Chicago Kid (2015) [ Spoiler (click to open) ] "Just Friends" by Musiq Soulchild Part used from the original : Maybe we can oh Go and see a movie girl Or maybe we can hang out girl Whatever you want to do Just let me know It's up to you Notes: Kehlani was indie for this mixtape, and yes she might be too obvious of an example as she does this in her songs quite often. 1. All That We Had Is Lost by Postiljonen (2014) [ Spoiler (click to open) ] "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston Part used from the original : There's a boy I know, he's the one I dream of Looks into my eyes, takes me to the clouds above, mmm-hmm Oh, I lose control, can't seem to get enough When I wake from dreaming, tell me is it really love -- Oh, wake me, I'm shaking, wish I had you near me now, uh-huh Said there's no mistaking, what I feel is really love Notes: Wig when I recognized this in this hazy ambient song. Happy Friday! What indie songs give you the throwback feels? (L-R) Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno; President Rodrigo Duterte MANILA, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday asked PDP-LABAN congressmen to work double time to speed up the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. However, the President stressed that the entire process still depends on the Supreme Court if it will favor the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida. I am directing my party-mates. I am asking you to impeach the Chief Justice. But the ball is still in the hands of the Supreme Court. I dont know what is coming her way, Duterte said. Upon his arrival in Davao City, Mr. Duterte clarified that he cannot dictate the Senate especially when it comes to the impeachment proceedings though he insists Serenos immediate ouster. Duterte once again lambasted Sereno who he now considers his foe, calling the chief magistrate ignorant. Alam mo kung bakit (Do you know why) I castigated you in public? Ignorante ka eh (Because youre ignorant), he said. The president mentioned the time when Sereno advised judges whose names appeared on the drug watchlist not to submit themselves to an arrest unless there is a warrant for their arrest. Hindi ko susundin yan Madam Justice kasi bobo yang batas mo (I will not follow that Madam Justice because your law is stupid). Pag ganun yan, lalaban lahat yan (If thats the case, everyone will be defiant), he said. Even an ordinary flunker of law, alam yan (knows) that there are instances where the military and the police and persons in authority and civilians for that matter, walang koneksyon sa gobyerno (not connected with the government), can make a citizens arrest, he added. Duterte and Sereno exchanged tirades when the chief justice claimed that the former was behind the petition to oust her. Before he left for China, Duterte in return tagged Sereno as his number one enemy. Marje Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue The post Duterte asks partymates to speed up impeachment of CJ Sereno appeared first on UNTV News. Ecuador on Friday confirmed the deaths of two journalists and their driver who had been kidnapped by renegade Colombian rebels -- and quickly launched a retaliatory military operation in the area where they were snatched. Bogota also sent troops into the dense jungle border zone where the remnants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group operate -- a key point on the trade route for drugs destined for Central America or the United States. The killings -- after what is thought to be the first such abduction of journalists on Ecuadoran soil in three decades -- have shaken a country unaccustomed to the cruel violence linked to trafficking that has ravaged Colombia. The three men, who worked for the influential El Comercio newspaper -- were kidnapped on March 26 while covering a story on violence along the border, where Ecuadoran forces have been battling Colombian rebels engaged in drug trafficking. Reporter Javier Ortega, 32, photographer Paul Rivas, 45, and their driver Efrain Segarra, 60, were snatched in the coastal region of Mataje on Ecuador's northern border with Colombia. Ecuadoran President Lenin Moreno had given the kidnappers a 12-hour window to provide proof of life for the trio, but that expired on Friday and he announced their deaths shortly thereafter. "Sadly, we have information confirming the murder of our fellow countrymen," Moreno told reporters in Quito, some of whom broke down in tears, while others exchanged embraces. He then sent troops into the border zone. "We have resumed ... military and police operations in the strip of land by the border where they were previously suspended and I am immediately sending in a deployment of elite units from the army and the police," Moreno said. Ecuadoran officials believe the hostages were taken into Colombia and have made contact with both the Catholic Church and the International Committee of the Red Cross for help in "immediately starting" the process of locating their bodies and bringing them home. - $100,000 bounty - Speaking in Lima, where he was attending the Summit of the Americas, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos denounced the murders as "a deplorable act," confirming his troops had also been sent in. "We have already started operations on the Colombian side of the border as they have in Ecuador," he said, while insisting the abduction "happened in Ecuador" and was led by an Ecuadoran national. Ecuador's military has blamed the abduction on the Oliver Sinisterra Front, a group which counts between 70 and 80 rebels and is headed by Walter Artizala, an Ecuadoran in his 30s who goes by the name "Guacho". A former FARC rebel with expertise in explosives, drug smuggling and financing, Guacho is one of the most wanted men in both Colombia and Ecuador. "We have included the drug-smuggling terrorist Guacho on Ecuador's most wanted list and we are offering a reward of $100,000 for any information which leads to his capture," Moreno said. According to Colonel Polibio Vinueza, who heads the police's anti-hostage unit, Guacho had been in touch with the Ecuadoran authorities "since April 7, using WhatsApp" with the aim of reaching a deal to swap them for three rebels held in Mataje on trafficking charges. But as his own boss, and without anyone to answer to, the rebel chief could change his mind on a whim, "depending on circumstances," Vinueza explained. - 'Emotional coverage' - Late Thursday, a visibly emotional Moreno had issued an ultimatum to the kidnappers after his government received photos from a Colombian TV station suggesting the three were dead. Cutting short a trip to Lima for the Americas summit, he hunkered down with his cabinet to handle the crisis. But as his 12-hour deadline passed, news of their fate became clear. The murders were roundly denounced by governments in the region and beyond, with Costa Rica expressing its "absolute condemnation" of the bloodshed and Spain denouncing it as a "vile and criminal act." The announcement draws a line under a 19-day nightmare for the families, with information emerging on a piecemeal basis and often skewed by rumor and falsehoods. "This is very painful because we had faith and hope that the team would be found alive," said Alex Llanos, a journalist with Ecuador TV as a group of people held a vigil outside the government building in Quito. "Our coverage is very unusual because it is filled with emotion." Newly-appointed IGPs receive insignias The newly appointed chiefs of the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force received their rank insignias at the Home Ministry on Thursday. FILE PHOTO: Some members of the Philippine National Police in formation MANILA, Philippines The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Office (PNP-IAS) claims that a number of errant policemen already recommended for dismissal remains on active service. PNP IAS Inspector General Atty. Alfegar Triambulo noted that based on record from 2015 to 2017, only 30% or 721 from the total of 2,431 cops recommended for dismissal had been removed from the organization. Triambulo said it seems that the PNP is being slow in addressing their recommendation. Pagkatapos po mapirmahan ng inspector general o regional director ng IAS ay pino-forward po naman sa disciplinary authority. Kung sa Crame ay kay CPNP pero kapag sa region ay sa regional director ng police regional office, he noted. (After securing the signature or the inspector general or IAS regional director, it is forwarded to the disciplinary authority. In Crame it would be CPNP [Chief of the Philippine National Police], but in regions it is the regional director of the police regional office.) With this, the Inspector General said DILG Officer in Charge Eduardo Ano already ordered an investigation on the matter to find out the loopholes in the process. Meanwhle, PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management PCInsp. Gregorio Oscar Tambuli, in defense, said all recommendations needs to go through due processes so they cannot just dismiss anyone from active duty. Once na napirmahan ni CPNP ang decision, we have to inform the respondent kaya binibigyan pa natin sila ng 10 days for motion for reconsideration. Iyon po ang nagpapatagal, Inspector Tambuli explained. (Once the CPNP signs the decision, we have to inform the respondent so we give them 10 days to file motion for reconsideration. Its what causes the delay.) Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue The post IAS: over 1,000 errant police recommended for dismissal remain on active duty appeared first on UNTV News. Japan's finance ministry was embroiled in a growing sexual harassment scandal on Friday after a magazine released what it said was audio of a senior bureaucrat sexually harassing a female journalist. The Shukan Shincho magazine reported earlier this week that the ministry's top bureaucrat had sexually harassed several female journalists, but Finance Minister Taro Aso initially said he had no plans to investigate the report or punish the official, who he said was "sufficiently remorseful." On Friday, he said the bureaucrat, Junichi Fukuda, would be fired if the harassment was proved, but the ministry said it was not planning a probe. Hours later, the magazine released what it said was audio of Fukuda with a female journalist at a bar. "I'll tie up your hands. Can I touch your breasts?" a male voice on the recording says. "Shall we have an affair once the budget is approved?" The reporter, who has not been named, cannot be heard on the recording, and the identity of the male voice could not be independently verified. The magazine said several other female reporters reported being sexually harassed by Fukuda, who asked to kiss them and take them to a hotel. The row comes as the government faces twin cronyism scandals that have dragged down Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's normally high approval ratings and led to opposition calls for the premier and his finance minister to resign. Fukuda has denied the allegations and on Thursday Aso said he had warned the bureaucrat about his conduct, but did not plan to investigate further or punish him. "I told him to act with a sense of propriety, given the current climate," Aso told a parliament session, in an apparent reference to the scrutiny the cabinet is under. "As I felt he was sufficiently remorseful, I don't intend to investigate further," he added. On Friday, asked again about the case before the recording was released, Aso said "if the story is true, he is out." But he added: "I am not thinking about punishing him at this point." A finance ministry spokesman told AFP before the audio was released that no investigation was planned. Opinion polls last month showed Abe's support dropping to the lowest level since his re-election in October amid two cronyism scandals, one of which involves the alteration of documents by the finance ministry. Abe has denied wrongdoing in both scandals. Japan has one of the world's worst records for female political representation, and has deeply entrenched gender attitudes. Just 2.8 percent of rape victims go to the police, according to a 2017 government survey, and the #MeToo movement that has raised awareness of sexual harassment worldwide has had a relatively muted reception in Japan. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned startup transport network vehicle service Arcade City to stop its operations, despite the companys announcement on its website that it will launch its mobile app across the Southeast Asian region on Monday, April 16, 2018. Arcade City made the announcement shortly after Grab Holdingss acquisition of Ubers operations in the region was made public. Besides the Philippines, the other countries where the company will expand its services into are Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Uber is withdrawing from the world stage at an increasing pace, Arcade City founder & CEO Christopher David said in a statement. Arcade City is happy to continue filling the void Uber leaves behind. Drivers and riders all over the world are excited for a true alternative. Arcade City The LTFRB though has issued a warning to Arcade City though, telling it to cease and desist from launching its mobile app on 16 April 2018, and to stop all bookings made with this application/platform as those who are operating are considered colorum. If Arcade City continues with its plans on April 16, the agency stressed that it will take legal actions against the company and all responsible parties involved. This isnt the first time that LTFRB has warned Arcade City from operating within the country. On August 16, 2017, the agency shut down Arcade Citys operations on its first day, saying that it did not coordinate with the agency and, as such, cannot operate. The post Like Before, LTFRB Blocks TNVS Startups PH Operations appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. Reuters Videos As thousands of Haitian migrants were detained, deported, or expelled from an impromptu border camp built along the Texas-Mexico border last week, many others traveled west to the border city of Tijuana, hoping to avoid a crackdown aimed at stemming the rising tide of migrants - fleeing recent natural disasters and political upheaval that have ravaged Haiti in recent months. Many forced to pay thousands of dollars to evade detection and avoid popular routes. Fellow Haitians who reached the doorstep of the United States five years ago, however, have become a valuable resource for those fleeing the country this timesmoothing the pathway north. Since July, the network has also helped some Haitians to cross into the United States. 26-year-old Alexandre Guerby recently arrived in Tijuana with his wife and daughter after a month-long journey from Chile:"I can't tell how much money I spent to get here. I have a daughter for whom I need to buy things, and food for her mother and I - of course, that's a lot of money." His journey mirrors that of predecessors who first fled a major 2010 earthquake in Haiti and chronic poverty for South America. Many then moved north en masse for the United States in 2016 Settling in various parts of Tijuana, some Haitians work in restaurants and factories, while others have businesses ranging from cell phone shops to car washes, gardening, plumbing and interior decoration Felix Deam arrived to Mexico from Haiti nine years ago and has been living in Tijuana for a year. He is a worker at a local factory. "I'm working here. I don't want to leave to go to the U.S.. Recently a lot of my compatriots crossed (the border) and many of them were deported. I can live well here as well as long as I'm working." Reuters spoke to more than 20 Haitians and Mexicans in Tijuana who said they were advising new Haitian arrivals where to stay, or had offered them rooms to rent themselves. Baja California, the state where Tijuana lies, has traditionally been one of the fastest-growing in Mexico, and the local labor minister told Reuters the Haitians are welcome. An infographic compares machine learning and experimental data in a search for new metallic alloys. Credit: Yvonne Tang / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Blend two or three metals together and you get an alloy that usually looks and acts like a metal, with its atoms arranged in rigid geometric patterns. But once in a while, under just the right conditions, you get something entirely new: a futuristic alloy called metallic glass that's amorphous, with its atoms arranged every which way, much like the atoms of the glass in a window. Its glassy nature makes it stronger and lighter than today's best steel, plus it stands up better to corrosion and wear. Even though metallic glass shows a lot of promise as a protective coating and alternative to steel, only a few thousand of the millions of possible combinations of ingredients have been evaluated over the past 50 years, and only a handful developed to the point that they may become useful. Now a group led by scientists at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Northwestern University has reported a shortcut for discovering and improving metallic glassand, by extension, other elusive materialsat a fraction of the time and cost. The research group took advantage of a system at SLAC's Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) that combines machine learninga form of artificial intelligence where computer algorithms glean knowledge from enormous amounts of datawith experiments that quickly make and screen hundreds of sample materials at a time. This allowed the team to discover three new blends of ingredients that form metallic glass, and to do this 200 times faster than it could be done before, they reported today in Science Advances. "It typically takes a decade or two to get a material from discovery to commercial use," said Northwestern Professor Chris Wolverton, an early pioneer in using computation and AI to predict new materials and a co-author of the paper. "This is a big step in trying to squeeze that time down. You could start out with nothing more than a list of properties you want in a material and, using AI, quickly narrow the huge field of potential materials to a few good candidates." The ultimate goal, he said, is to get to the point where a scientist could scan hundreds of sample materials, get almost immediate feedback from machine learning models and have another set of samples ready to test the next dayor even within the hour. Over the past half century, scientists have investigated about 6,000 combinations of ingredients that form metallic glass, added paper co-author Apurva Mehta, a staff scientist at SSRL: "We were able to make and screen 20,000 in a single year." Just Getting Started While other groups have used machine learning to come up with predictions about where different kinds of metallic glass can be found, Mehta said, "The unique thing we have done is to rapidly verify our predictions with experimental measurements and then repeatedly cycle the results back into the next round of machine learning and experiments." There's plenty of room to make the process even speedier, he added, and eventually automate it to take people out of the loop altogether so scientists can concentrate on other aspects of their work that require human intuition and creativity. "This will have an impact not just on synchrotron users, but on the whole materials science and chemistry community," Mehta said. The team said the method will be useful in all kinds of experiments, especially in searches for materials like metallic glass and catalysts whose performance is strongly influenced by the way they're manufactured, and those where scientists don't have theories to guide their search. With machine learning, no previous understanding is needed. The algorithms make connections and draw conclusions on their own, and this can steer research in unexpected directions. "One of the more exciting aspects of this is that we can make predictions so quickly and turn experiments around so rapidly that we can afford to investigate materials that don't follow our normal rules of thumb about whether a material will form a glass or not," said paper co-author Jason Hattrick-Simpers, a materials research engineer at NIST. "AI is going to shift the landscape of how materials science is done, and this is the first step." Fang Ren, who developed algorithms to analyze data on the fly while a postdoctoral scholar at SLAC, at a Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource beamline where the system has been put to use. Credit: Dawn Harmer/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Strength in Numbers The paper is the first scientific result associated with a DOE-funded pilot project where SLAC is working with a Silicon Valley AI company, Citrine Informatics, to transform the way new materials are discovered and make the tools for doing that available to scientists everywhere. Founded by former graduate students from Stanford and Northwestern universities, Citrine has created a materials science data platform where data that had been locked away in published papers, spreadsheets and lab notebooks is stored in a consistent format so it can be analyzed with AI specifically designed for materials. "We want to take materials and chemical data and use them effectively to design new materials and optimize manufacturing," said Greg Mulholland, founder and CEO of the company. "This is the power of artificial intelligence: As scientists generate more data, it learns alongside them, bringing hidden trends to the surface and allowing scientists to identify high-performance materials much faster and more effectively than relying on traditional, purely human-driven materials development." Until recently, thinking up, making and assessing new materials was painfully slow. For instance, the authors of the metallic glass paper calculated that even if you could cook up and examine five potential types of metallic glass a day, every day of the year, it would take more than a thousand years to plow through every possible combination of metals. When they do discover a metallic glass, researchers struggle to overcome problems that hold these materials back. Some have toxic or expensive ingredients, and all of them share glass's brittle, shatter-prone nature. Over the past decade, scientists at SSRL and elsewhere have developed ways to automate experiments so they can create and study more novel materials in less time. Today, some SSRL users can get a preliminary analysis of their data almost as soon as it comes out with AI software developed by SSRL in conjunction with Citrine and the CAMERA project at DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "With these automated systems we can analyze more than 2,000 samples per day," said Fang Ren, the paper's lead author, who developed algorithms to analyze data on the fly and coordinated their integration into the system while a postdoctoral scholar at SLAC. Experimenting with Data In the metallic glass study, the research team investigated thousands of alloys that each contain three cheap, nontoxic metals. They started with a trove of materials data dating back more than 50 years, including the results of 6,000 experiments that searched for metallic glass. The team combed through the data with advanced machine learning algorithms developed by Wolverton and graduate student Logan Ward at Northwestern. Based on what the algorithms learned in this first round, the scientists crafted two sets of sample alloys using two different methods, allowing them to test how manufacturing methods affect whether an alloy morphs into a glass. Both sets of alloys were scanned by an SSRL X-ray beam, the data fed into the Citrine database, and new machine learning results generated, which were used to prepare new samples that underwent another round of scanning and machine learning. By the experiment's third and final round, Mehta said, the group's success rate for finding metallic glass had increased from one out of 300 or 400 samples tested to one out of two or three samples tested. The metallic glass samples they identified represented three different combinations of ingredients, two of which had never been used to make metallic glass before. Explore further Researchers use 3-D printing to create metallic glass alloys in bulk More information: Fang Ren et al, Accelerated discovery of metallic glasses through iteration of machine learning and high-throughput experiments, Science Advances (2018). Journal information: Science Advances Fang Ren et al, Accelerated discovery of metallic glasses through iteration of machine learning and high-throughput experiments,(2018). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaq1566 Provided by SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory In this March 28, 2018, image made from a video, a cow stands in a pasture on Seven Oaks Dairy in Waynesboro, Ga. On the cow's neck is a device called IDA, or "The Intelligent Dairy Farmer's Assistant," created by Connecterra. It uses a motion-sensing device attached to a cow's neck to transmit its movements to a program driven by artificial intelligence. (AP Photo/Marina Hutchinson) Is the world ready for cows armed with artificial intelligence? No time to ruminate on that because the moment has arrived, thanks to a Dutch company that has married two technologiesmotion sensors and AIwith the aim of bringing the barnyard into the 21st century. The company, Connecterra, has brought its IDA system , or "The Intelligent Dairy Farmer's Assistant," to the United States after having piloted it in Europe for several years. IDA uses a motion-sensing device attached to a cow's neck to transmit its movements to a program driven by AI. The sensor data, when aligned repeatedly with real-world behavior, eventually allows IDA to tell from data alone when a cow is chewing cud, lying down, walking, drinking or eating. Those indicators can predict whether a particular cow is ill, has become less productive, or is ready to breedalerting the farmer to changes in behavior that might otherwise be easily missed. "It would just be impossible for us to keep up with every animal on an individual basis," says Richard Watson, one of the first four U.S. farmers to use IDA since it launched commercially in December. Watson, who owns the Seven Oaks Dairy in Waynesboro, Georgia, says having a computer identify which cows in his 2,000-head herd need attention could help improve farm productivity as much as 10 percent, which would mean hundreds of thousands of dollars to his family. In this April 2, 2018 photo a Moocall device is seen on the tail of a pregnant dairy cow at the Mackinson Dairy Farm in Pontiac, Ill. The device monitors the cow's movements and will trigger a text message to announce that the cow is about to give birth. Today's cows are getting an upgrade and the marriage of two technologies, motion sensors and artificial intelligence, is making mass-scale farming more efficient. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford) "If we can prove out that these advantages exist from using this technology ... I think adoption of IDA across a broad range of farming systems, particularly large farming systems, would be a no-brainer," Watson says. Dairy farming is just one industry benefiting from AI, which is being applied in fields as diverse as journalism, manufacturing and self-driving cars. In agriculture, AI is being developed to estimate crop health using drone footage and parse out weed killer between rows of cotton. Yasir Khokhar, the former Microsoft employee who is the founder and CEO of Connecterra, said the inspiration for the idea came after living on a dairy farm south of Amsterdam. "It turns out the technology farmers use is really outdated in many respects," he says. "What does exist is very cumbersome to use, yet agriculture is one of those areas that desperately needs technology." Underlying IDA is Google's open-source TensorFlow programming framework, which has helped spread AI to many disciplines. It's a language built on top of the commonly used Python code that helps connect data from text, images, audio or sensors to neural networksthe algorithms that help computers learn. The language has been downloaded millions of times and has about 1,400 people contributing code, only 400 of whom work at Google, according to product manager Sandeep Gupta. He says TensorFlow can be used by people with only high-school level math and some programming skills. "We're continuing this journey making it easier and easier to use," Gupta says. In this April 2, 2018 photo fifth-generation dairy farmer Mary Mackinson Faber fits a Moocall device on the tail of a pregnant dairy cow at her farm in Pontiac, Ill. The device monitors the cow's movements and will trigger a text message to announce that the cow is about to give birth. Today's cows are getting an upgrade and the marriage of two technologies, motion sensors and artificial intelligence, is making mass-scale farming more efficient. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford) TensorFlow has been used to do everything from helping NASA scientists find planets using the Kepler telescope, to assisting a tribe in the Amazon detect the sounds of illegal deforestation, according to Google spokesman Justin Burr. Google hopes users adapt the open-source code to discover new applications that the company could someday use in its own business. Even without AI, sensors are helping farmers keep tabs on their herds. Mary Mackinson Faber, a fifth-generation farmer at the Mackinson Dairy Farm near Pontiac, Illinois, says a device attached to a cow's tail developed by Irish company Moocall sends her a text when a cow is ready to give birth, so she can be there to make sure nothing goes wrong. Moocall doesn't use AIit simply sends a text when a certain threshold of spinal contractions in the tail are exceeded. While she calls it a "great tool," she says it takes human intuition to do what's right for their animals. "There are certain tasks that it can help with, and it can assist us, but I don't think it will ever replace the human." 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ORNL-designed nuclear fuel cladding is now undergoing tests at Southern Nuclears Hatch Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia, with additional tests planned for later this year. Credit: Jason Richards/ Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy A team led by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a safer cladding for nuclear fuel rods. The new material, an alloy of iron, chromium and aluminum, avoids zirconium. As a result, it should give plant operators substantially more time to react to incidents such as a station blackout. The fuel rods at civilian nuclear power plants have been sheathed with an evolving zirconium alloy for the past six decades. Zirconium as the preferred base metal was chosen in the 1950s by Hyman Rickover, then a captain and later an admiral, as he worked to take nuclear technology and use it to power ships and submarines. His choice of cladding, as well as the light-water reactors that powered these vessels, was adapted by the nuclear power industry and dominates plants throughout the world. Zirconium absorbs very few of the neutrons that drive a nuclear reactor, so zirconium alloys made sense as a fuel claddingas long as the reactor operated as planned. If a reactor loses its cooling water, however, the zirconium can make a bad problem worse. "The issue is you have anywhere between 20 and 40 tons of zirconium metal in these reactor cores," explained ORNL nuclear engineer Kurt Terrani, who heads up the project. "Zirconium reacts with steam at high temperature, and when it reacts it produces a lot of heat and a lot of hydrogen." The job for Terrani's team, as the innovation engine of the consortium led by General Electric, was to create a zirconium-free alloy that would generate as little hydrogen as possible during incidents while at the same time matching the performance of the nuclear fuel rod cladding that is in use today. The project was out of the ordinary for at least three reasons, Terrani explained. In the first place, the team was not interested in testing existing alloys to see if one might be appropriate. Instead, it designed the new alloy from scratch with a diverse team that included experts in nuclear engineering, materials science, radiation effects, corrosion, thermomechanics and alloy fabrication. The approach made use of the wide range of tools and expertise available at ORNL, DOE's biggest science and energy laboratory. The new cladding also underwent testing at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor and Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Test Reactor, as well as the Halden research reactor in Norway. "This was by no means an Edisonian approach," Terrani said, alluding to the trial-and-error approach made famous by Thomas Edison. "We worked with knowledge and tools that were not available in Rickover's day. We designed an alloy that we knew was going to work. I'm not surprised that this alloy behaves so well under different conditions; we designed it to do so." Secondly, the team was able to identify and produce the alloy in six years, which is lightning fast in the nuclear industry. Conventional wisdom says the project should have taken twice the time, Terrani said. Thirdly, he added, the project is unusual because the research and development is complete. "The other thing I'm very proud of is we are ready to stop working on this," he said. "We feel like we delivered it, the industry is running with it. We want to put a big fat red bow on it." It has now been turned over to the industry for testing and evaluation. The new cladding was placed in a reactor at Southern Nuclear's Hatch Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia for testing in February, Terrani said, and subsequent installations are planned. Explore further Coatings for nuclear fuel to prevent explosions in reactors A new study finds that social media distraction in the classroom interferes with visual, but not auditory, learning in college students. The paper is published in Advances in Physiology Education. Almost half of all college students use social media for an estimated two to five hours a day. Previous research suggests that unless social media activity in the classroom is related to academic work, "distractive multitasking" on social media sites leads to a lower grade-point average and poorer overall academic performance. This is largely because students who focus on mobile devices during class are not likely to fully acquire lecture information delivered visually. However, whether or not they are able to retain information presented verbally is less clear. Researchers from the University of Illinois-Chicago prepared a PowerPoint lesson about the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease for student volunteers in an undergraduate anatomy and physiology course. Material for the lesson was presented as a slideshow using a variety of formats; some were visual and the remainder were voice-over narration. All of the slides presented content related to cardiovascular physiology. In addition, several slides contained "cartoon" material unrelated to physiologyincluding amusing drawings or voiced statementsmixed in with factual information. At the beginning of the lecture, students were instructed to take notes and to pay close attention to any information that the PowerPoint narrator stated was important. One group of students listened to the entire lecture and took notes without interruption. A second group of students was instructed to view their mobile devices and browse their personal Facebook pages during the presentation of the slides that contained cartoon information. These students never saw any of the cartoons. However, they were able to hear the amusing cartoon statements delivered by the narrator. After the lecture, all students took a multiple-choice quiz that addressed the "important" facts, including all cartoon-based material presented. In addition to answering the quiz questionsfor which the students were allowed to use their notesthey reported on how confident they felt in choosing the right answer for each question as well as how they remembered gathering the information (visually or verbally). Each quiz question also asked "Is your choice based on the information in your notes?" The control group scored higher on both the factual questions and confidence level across the board, regardless of mode of delivery. Control students reported that 91 percent of the quiz questions were answerable from their notes. Facebook students could only find 41 percent of the answers in their notes, suggesting that notetaking skills suffer from social media distractions in the classroom. The Facebook group answered more verbally presented questions correctly and reported more certainty in choosing answers when the information was delivered via voice-over than on a visual slide. These data suggest "that visual distraction still allows students to acquire information delivered [verbally]," the researchers wrote. "When delivering a lecture, instructors should consider the use of spoken organizational cues [and] reinforcement of lecture content delivery through the simultaneous use of visual and aural modalities." The full article, "Social media interruption affects the acquisition of visually, not aurally, acquired information during a pathophysiology lecture," is published in Advances in Physiology Education. Explore further Using Facebook to supplement neuroscience studies boosts students' grades More information: Jane R. Marone et al. Social media interruption affects the acquisition of visually, not aurally, acquired information during a pathophysiology lecture, Advances in Physiology Education (2018). Jane R. Marone et al. Social media interruption affects the acquisition of visually, not aurally, acquired information during a pathophysiology lecture,(2018). DOI: 10.1152/advan.00097.2017 In his congressional testimony, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg seemed to understand the importance of protecting both the security and privacy of Facebook's 2.2 billion users. People in the United States have come to realize the power of technology companies in their daily lives and in politics. As a result, what they expect of those companies is changing. That's why I believe, privacy protection must now become part of what has been called corporate social responsibility. To its credit, the massive social network has begun taking action. Zuckerberg has promised the company will apply the protections of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation to all users around the world. It will also require political advertisers to provide additional transparency, as a new weapon in the reported "arms race" Facebook finds itself in with Russian propagandists. And the company is partnering with researchers to better understand its role in elections. But there are those in Congress and in Europe who don't think Facebook has gone far enough yet. European Data Protection Supervisor Giovanni Buttarelli, for example, has suggested Facebook views its users as "experimental rats." In my view as a scholar of law and ethics in the technology industry, Facebook and other leading tech firms such as Google and Twitter should join nations around the world and declare that privacy and cybersecurity are human rights that must be respected. It's not enough to just connect more people Zuckerberg himself has already embraced the idea that internet access is a human right. And his company is planning to "connect the next 5 billion people" who have yet to go online. That will, of course, also create plenty more Facebook users just as the company's growth plateaus in the West. Several countries as varied as France, Finland, Costa Rica and Estonia have also taken the stance that all people should have access to the internet. The former head of the UN's global telecommunications regulator has said governments should "regard the internet as basic infrastructure just like roads, waste and water." Global public opinion seems to overwhelmingly agree. It's not enough, though, to rely on human rights law. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights already includes a right to privacy, as does the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But it's not uncommon for countries to shirk their treaty responsibilities. And efforts to clarify the right to privacy in the digital age have been contentious. Facebook could take action: Its market power alone could make it a major advocate for privacy and cybersecurity around the world. The company could, for example, back efforts to modernize international privacy law. Facebook could also require its vendors and partners to provide world-class cybersecurity protections for users and their information. It could, in short, lead a global race to the top and in the process promote cyber peace. In coordination with other technology companies, those efforts would only be more likely to succeed. Options for immediate action In the short term, I suggest Facebook formally, and publicly, demonstrate that the company understands the enormous role it plays in global affairs. A good start would be for the company to follow other industries' examples by publicly disclosing its cybersecurity and data privacy practices as part of its integrated corporate report. Another logical next step would be for Facebook to provide its users with a paid subscription option and thereby allow them to completely opt out of having their personal data packaged and sold for advertising. However, that creates a different ethical problem, because poorer people would not be able to afford to keep their data private and still use Facebook. The main way to address that problem is to flip the relationship and have Facebook pay people for their data. One economist estimates the value could be as much as US$1,000 a year for the average social media user. Proposed new laws could also help. The CONSENT Act, for example, would require data-gathering social networks to get clear consent from users before being able to "use, share, or sell any personal information." The Federal Trade Commission would enforce those rules. Lawmakers could go farther still and let the FTC impose larger fines for data breaches, make platforms liable for hosting illegal information, or even require companies to establish ethical review boards similar to universities. Richard Stolley, founding managing editor of People Magazine, famously (and somewhat ironically) described privacy as "fragile merchandise." This merchandise, which we have all entrusted to Facebook, once broken, is not easily fixed. Zuckerberg told Congress he understands this fact, and that his firm needs to rebuild users' trust. If Facebook declared its support for both privacy and security as inalienable human rights akin to internet access, that could help the company get started, before policymakers in the U.S. and around the world step up to have their say. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Inside a gas turbine engine's combustor, scientists use the world's strongest X-ray source at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory to peer inside formally unseen processes. Credit: U.S. Army photo by David McNally The U.S. Army Research Laboratory's Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Propulsion made an historic first with its experiment in a gas turbine combustor using X-rays. The data will help advance gas turbine engine designs for higher power density and efficiency, scientists said. "This is the strongest X-ray source in the world," said Dr. Tonghun Lee, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which recently joined forces with ARL. Lee and his graduate students, along with partners from the ARL Center for UAS Propulsion, set up shop in the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, resulting in a unique experiment, which continued through April 11. "We're here to do spray imaging inside a gas turbine combustor as relevant to the Army," Lee said. Lee said their experiment mimicked what happens inside a typical Army helicopter gas turbine engine. Inside a gas turbine engine, a combustor is fed high pressure air that is heated by constant pressure. After heating, the air passes from the combustor through the nozzle guide vanes to the turbine, producing thrust. Combustors play a crucial role in determining many of an engine's operating characteristics, such as power density, fuel efficiency and levels of emissions. "We had a combustion going on, which is done for the first time ever at APS and we are imaging the spray breakup at the very tip of the injector using an X-Ray source," he said. "Typically that region where the liquid breaks up is very dense and it's difficult to image anything inside there." Team members from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory's Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Propulsion conduct an using powerful X-rays to see inside a gas turbine combustor during ignition. Researcher hope to use the data to optimize engine efficiency. Credit: U.S. Army photo by David McNally By using the world's most powerful X-Ray source, the team was able to penetrate and understand how the ligaments, or strands of burning fuel, breaks up into small droplets. "We are trying to understand exactly what occurs inside the gas turbine combustor to understand how it responds to different operating conditions," Lee said. The data gathered during this experiment will become the initial conditions for numerical simulations that will further understanding of gas turbine combustors. "We're trying to get an understanding of the physics, which to this day we have been speculating, we can really visualize using this X-Ray source," he said. "We want to understand what we're doing right now, understanding the fuel impact. When Soldiers are off in a different location and they have different types of fuels, how will it impact the combustor they have?" The professor said in the slightly longer term, he hopes the data from the experiment will allow researchers to design more optimized combustor systems for the future. "The Advance Photon Source has spent a lot of effort over the last decade or so looking at spray-droplet breakup. And never has it been done in a live combusting environment," Lee said. "So we made the hardware to make it happen and this is actually this first time it's ever been done live with a combusting flow in a combustor." Lee, while remaining a faculty member at UIUC, recently accepted an additional position as a researcher on the laboratory's regional office in Illinois, ARL Central. The Army established ARL Central in November 2017, as an extension of its Maryland-based headquarters with the goal of leveraging regional science and technology talent. "It was great to see a team of ARL, UIUC and Argonne researchers working together with the unique capability at the Advanced Photon Source to gain unprecedented insight into the fuel injection and combustion process," said ARL Central Regional Lead Dr. Mark Tschopp. "It was so exciting to see this novel experiment firsthand because it symbolizes what ARL Central is all aboutpartnering to accelerate discovery and innovation for future Army applications." The experiment was the first accomplishment of the lab's new Center for UAS Propulsion, which kicked off a massive partnership between academia and industry. ARL held a ribbon cutting for the center April 2. "I am so pleased to perform this historic experiment right after the ribbon cutting ceremony for Center for UAS Propulsion," said center founder Dr. Chol-Bum "Mike" Kweon, who also serves as the lab's Propulsion Division chief. "I was thrilled watching the quality of the spray breakup processes in the gas turbine combustion in real time, which is extremely difficult to measure at this quality." Dr. Jaret Riddick, director of the lab's Vehicle Technology Directorate watched the experiment in person April 4. "Future Vertical Lift is one of the Army's six Modernization priorities," Riddick said. "Future tactical unmanned aerial vehicles will play a key role in manned-unmanned teaming for Future Vertical Lift." Breakthroughs in small engine technology for future unmanned aerial vehicles will enable longer duration, larger payloads and silent operation, he said. "Research partnerships through the newly established Center for UAS Propulsion, such as the one we witnessed at Argonne National Lab, will make these breakthroughs possible in support of the Army modernization priority for Future Vertical Lift ," he said. Explore further New method offers first look at super-cold carbon molecules Options required The Nijgadh airport, planned to relieve air traffic at Kathmandu, is years behind in development Despite claiming to support gay rights, many straight people who live in traditionally gay neighbourhoods still practice subtle forms of discrimination when interacting with their gay and lesbian neighbours. That's the key finding of new University of British Columbia sociology research published today in the journal City and Community. The study found that straight people living in "gaybourhoods" say they support gay rights in theory, but many interact with their gay and lesbian neighbours on the street in ways that contradict those sentiments. "There is a mistaken belief that marriage equality means the struggle for gay rights is over," said Amin Ghaziani, the study's senior author and associate professor of sociology at UBC. "But it is far from over. Prejudice and discrimination still exist it's just more subtle and difficult to detect." For the study, the researchers interviewed 53 straight people who live in two Chicago gaybourhoods, Boystown and Andersonville. They found the majority of residents said they supported gay people. However, the researchers found their progressive attitudes were misaligned with their actions. While many residents said they don't care if people are gay or straight, some indicated that they don't like gay people who are "in your face." When asked about resistance from LGBTQ communities to the widespread trend of straight people moving into gaybourhoods, some of the people interviewed responded with accusations of reverse discrimination and described gay people who challenged them as "segregationist" and "hetero-phobic." Some said they believed they should have open access to cultural gay spaces, and were surprised that they felt "unwelcome" there. "If a group of straight women hosted a bachelorette party in a gay bar, for example, they were surprised that they felt 'unwelcome,'" said Ghaziani. "That feeling of surprise, however, exemplifies a misguided belief that gay districts are trendy commodities when they are actually safe spaces for sexual minorities." When the researchers asked residents if they had done anything to show their support of gay rights, such as marching in the pride parade, donating to an LGBTQ organization, or writing a letter in support of marriage equality to a politician, the majority said they had not. Many also expected their gay and lesbian neighbours to be happy and welcoming of straight people moving into gaybourhoods, expressing sentiments like, "you wanted equality this is what equality looks like." Ghaziani said this argument exemplifies the fundamental misunderstanding of the inequality and discrimination that creates the need for gaybourhoods in the first place. "The people we interviewed say their desire is for everyone to 'just get along,' but that desire implies that gaybourhoods are utopias where everyone can live, rather than places where minorities can find relief from discrimination and social isolation," he said. With gay pride celebrations fast approaching around the world, Adriana Brodyn, the study's lead author and a PhD student in the UBC department of sociology, said it is important to pause and reflect on the state of LGBTQ equality. "I hope that our research motivates people against becoming politically complacent or apathetic," she said. "If we do not motivate ourselves to be aware of this subtle form of prejudice, then it will just continue to perpetuate." Explore further Muslims face high rates of discrimination in Canada More information: Adriana Brodyn et al, Performative Progressiveness: Accounting for New Forms of Inequality in the Gayborhood, City & Community (2018). Adriana Brodyn et al, Performative Progressiveness: Accounting for New Forms of Inequality in the Gayborhood,(2018). DOI: 10.1111/cico.12298 Using the atomic force microscope's carbon monoxide functionalized tip (red/silver), the forces between the tip and the various atoms in the graphene ribbon can be measured. Credit: University of Basel, Department of Physics A team including physicists from the University of Basel has succeeded in using atomic force microscopy to obtain clear images of individual impurity atoms in graphene ribbons. Thanks to the forces measured in the graphene's two-dimensional carbon lattice, they were able to identify boron and nitrogen for the first time, as the researchers report in the journal Science Advances. Graphene is made of a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The strong bonds between the carbon atoms make graphene extremely stable yet flexible. It is also an excellent electrical conductor through which electricity can flow with almost no loss. Graphene's distinctive properties can be further expanded by incorporating impurity atoms in a process known as "doping". The impurity atoms cause local changes of the conduction that, for example, allow graphene to be used as a tiny transistor and enable the construction of circuits. In a collaboration between scientists from the University of Basel and the National Institute for Material Science in Tsukuba in Japan, Kanazawa University and Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan, and Aalto University in Finland, the researchers specifically created and examined graphene ribbons containing impurity atoms. They replaced particular carbon atoms in the hexagonal lattice with boron and nitrogen atoms using surface chemistry, by placing suitable organic precursor compounds on a gold surface. Under heat exposure up to 400C, tiny graphene ribbons formed on the gold surface from the precursors, including impurity atoms at specific sites. Scientists from the team led by Professor Ernst Meyer from the Swiss Nanoscience Institute and the University of Basel's Department of Physics examined these graphene ribbons using atomic force microscopy (AFM). They used a carbon monoxide functionalized tip and measured the tiny forces that act between the tip and the individual atoms. This method allows even the smallest differences in forces to be detected. By looking at the different forces, the researchers were able to map and identify the different atoms. "The forces measured for nitrogen atoms are greater than for a carbon atom," explains Dr. Shigeki Kawai, lead author of the study and former postdoc in Meyer's team. "We measured the smallest forces for the boron atoms." The different forces can be explained by the different proportion of repulsive forces, which is due to the different atomic radii. Computer simulations confirmed the readings, proving that AFM technology is well-suited to conducting chemical analyses of impurity atoms in the promising two-dimensional carbon compounds. Explore further Hydrogen bonds directly detected for the first time Credit: University of Western Ontario As David Bowman the surviving crew member aboard the Discovery One spacecraft in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey disassembles HAL 9000, the sentient computer pleads in an affectless, monotone voice: "I'm afraid, Dave." "Dave, my mind is going. I can feel it." As HAL's consciousness or rather, his logic fades, he dies singing Daisy Bell, the first song 'sung' by a real-world computer. With the threat removed, all is seemingly right again. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, Kubrick's masterpiece has cast a shadow over the genre since its premiere. Its influence extends beyond depictions of space and space travel, touching more than Star Wars, Alien or Blade Runner. For example, its effect on our vision of artificial intelligence (AI) is palpable. Think of Amazon's Alexa, who, like HAL, listens to whatever you say. But now, five decades later, have we evolved past Kubrick's nightmare of a sentient, threatening machine? How has our understanding of, and relationship to, AI changed? Do we have a reason to fear the machines we program? For Catherine Stinson, who recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Western's Rotman Institute of Philosophy, Kubrick's vision, while much different from the present state of AI, is still a looming threat. The threat, however, is not the machine. "People thought about AI a lot differently back then, the danger being it was going to be an agent who would act differently than us, with different priorities than what we have," she said. "That is less the worry now. It's not going to be the one-on-one interactions (with a sentient machine) that we don't know how to deal with. It's going to be something we've put all our evil into, and now it's off doing things that are an extension of the problems of humans but on a grander scale we couldn't have imagined. It's not so much machines are different from us it's they are reproducing the problems of humans." Part of the issue, Stinson explained, is humans are the ones programming AI. How can humans program ethical machines? Can machines be ethical? We see ourselves as being competent in making ethical decisions because we decide between right and wrong on a regular basis, she said. We rely on an instinct we know right from wrong in day-to-day situations. "But in more complicated situations that come up like self-driving cars it's really difficult, even for someone who does have training in ethics, to design what the right thing to build into it is," Stinson noted. For instance, should the car avoid crashing into a pedestrian, even if it is going to lead to the death of the driver? How do you weigh the two different lives at risk? Do you program the car to save the occupants of the vehicle or those with whom it might collide? "I don't know how to make that kind of decision. I don't know that that decision is something the average person knows how to make. It needs a more careful approach and someone with more expertise needs to be involved. But it's hard to see that there is that need, because everyone thinks they are an expert," Stinson added. Individuals taking engineering and technology courses should be trained in ethics, she added. Barring that, companies working in AI could benefit from an in-house ethicist. Academic institutions are increasingly requiring engineers and computer scientists to take courses that touch on the subject. Although the question of 'ethical machines' is up for debate, the simple fact we can program them to perform acts that are right or wrong involves them in an "ethical game," Stinson said. "Maybe we could program a machine to do the right thing more often than we would. But is there reason to fear? Sure. There are machines being used in the justice system in the United States, making decisions that maybe aren't the right ones. We're not sure how they are making those decisions and there's no accountability to whose fault it is if they make the wrong decision," she noted. For sentencing in particular, there are AI programs that help judges decide on what the right sentence should be for someone convicted of a crime. The algorithm is designed to make sentencing less biased by taking into account factors from the person's past, what kind of neighbourhood they grew up in, what kind of people they knew, prior arrests, age of first involvement with police, etc. All of those things are not neutral pieces of information, Stinson said. Such AI programs have been criticized for reinforcing the stereotypes they were designed to avoid. "We don't know what the dangers are. Part of worrying about the dangers is trying to predict what those might be, and to decide on what we value, and what kind of things we want to have happen, for the sake of convenience," Stinson said. Tim Blackmore, a professor in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, has taught 2001: A Space Odyssey to students for more than a decade. He echoed Stinson, noting the dangers of AI lie in the human element at play. For him, whatever form it takes in films or books, AI has always been an extension of the human. "Thinking machines are often portrayed as cognisant of their own existence and aware of existential issues. They are one of the many mirrors humans use to reflect what it is to be human," Blackmore said. And that's the nightmare. "Until now, it's been a 'machine that rules the world' kind of nightmare. That comes out of the 1960s and is shaped very much by Vietnam, as well as the idea these mainframes, these big machines, were part of a worldview that was running us into an inhuman, determinist way of living that would lead to genocides," he explained. But the threat today lies not in our vision of AI as some machine from the future that can outperform or conquer us. "We much less imagine WALL-E the helper machine. But that's much more it. It's not the machines that are a problem; it's the humans. People do bad things," Blackmore noted, adding he is nervous about the "helper" machines we blindly embrace. "I'm worried about these disks and cylinders or whatever Amazon, Google or Facebook want to jam into our home next. People want this; it's a gadget and it's cool because it's so hard to pick up your mobile phone and type something into it or speak into it. We're going into the trough and we suck that stuff up, and then we're going to have terabytes of data flying into pools where they could be scrubbed for everything. That data can be manipulated by AI agents who will be better and better at looking for how to game human beings," he continued. "How this technology will develop so people can push people around that is what tends to be bad news for us. The robot uprising is lower on my list." The DC-8 at sunset on ATom's second deployment in February, 2017. Credit: NASA/Becky Hornbook Two thirds of Earth's surface are covered by waterand two thirds of Earth's atmosphere reside over the oceans, far from land and the traditional ways that people measure the gases and pollutants that cycle through the air and around the globe. While satellites in space measuring the major gases can close some of that gap, it takes an aircraft to find out what's really happening in the chemistry of the air above the oceans. That's where NASA's Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) mission comes in. Since 2016, a team of scientists with 25 advanced instruments aboard NASA's DC-8 research aircraft has sampled over 400 different gases and a broad range of airborne particles on month-long excursions from Alaska down the Pacific to New Zealand, then over to South America and up the Atlantic to Greenland, and across the Arctic Ocean. Far from land, the atmosphere above the ocean is where to find the cleanest air on the planetat least in theory. Over the course of three deployments, and with their fourth and final trek beginning in late April, the team has found surprising levels of pollutants above the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. "It is astounding to see such dense pollution in the middle of the ocean, so far from the source regions," said ATom's principal investigator Steve Wofsy of Harvard University, recalling their flight up the center of the Atlantic and their stop at Ascension Island halfway between Africa and South America, just south of the equator. "As we descended the first time, we were stunned to find ourselves in a thick haze of smoke and dust that originated in Africa, thousands of kilometers to the east. The haze had an unappealing yellow-brown hue and was so thick we couldn't see the ocean. All of the hundreds of pollutant chemicals we measure had very high amounts. On each revisit since that first one, we have found a similar pall extending for thousands of kilometers, spanning the entire tropical Atlantic Ocean," he said. Computer models that simulate the movement of the major gases such as carbon monoxide, created by incomplete combustion from fires, are one of the tools used by the ATom team to get an idea of what they might see on each leg of their flight. It's also one of the tools they are evaluating. "One of the great things about ATom is showing how well the model generally works," said Paul Newman, chief scientist of Earth science at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The model combines weather forecasts with known atmospheric chemistry to tell them where and when a pollution plume will intersect the flight path. "But it misses a lot of the detail. It's giving you an understanding of where the stuff is coming from, and that allows you to refine your science. So we're not out there discovering uncharted lands, but it's like, I have a map of Iowa, and I'll drive around there, and that map is probably, depending on how old it is, 95 percent right. It's the 5 percent wrong that's interesting." The DC-8 flies this pattern to collect atmospheric samples through the entire column of air. Credit: NASA/Mersmann One of those interesting deviations occurred over the Arctic, according to atmospheric scientist and ATom team researcher Roisin Commane at Columbia University in New York City. "One of the largest pollution plumes we've seen wasn't predicted by the models, which came from fires in Siberia. So ATom has given us a snapshot of what we might be missing," she said. Tracking plumes is only the first step. The next is getting a better understanding of how they change as they linger over the ocean. For example, the hydrocarbons from smoke plumes react in sunlight with other gases to form ozone, a greenhouse gas and air pollutant best known as the main ingredient in city smog. The instruments aboard the DC-8 can detect both ozone itself and all the gases that produce ozone by chemical reactions. This means that in addition to tracking ozone in plumes from land, the ATom team can also determine how much is produced from other gases over the ocean. The center of the Pacific Ocean is much farther from land than the Atlantic. There, ATom observed generally low ozone levels, but the production of new ozone over the ocean based on the measured suite of ingredient gases was higher than the models predicted. "This implies that the remote Pacific is a larger source of tropospheric ozone than we previously understood," said ATom's deputy project scientist Michael Prather at the University of California, Irvine. "It's a preliminary result, and we have yet to analyze whether this produced ozone is natural or related to pollution, but it does mean we'll need to rethink what we believe about how much ozone is produced over the remote oceans, and what that means for the climate and our efforts to reduce ozone pollution on land." TTom's final deployment will take place this spring. With the atmospheric data they've collected during flights from each season of the year, the science team will continue to analyze the data and improve the atmospheric models that help us understand our home planet. ATom is funded by NASA's Earth Venture program and managed by the Earth Science Project Office at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. The DC-8 research aircraft is managed by NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in building 703 in Palmdale, California. A team of over 100 peoplescientists, engineers, flight crew and staffacross government agencies and universities support the mission both in the air and from the ground. Explore further Global airborne mission to make ozone hole detour More information: To learn more about the ATom mission, visit: To learn more about the ATom mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/content/earth-expeditions-atom A plastic bag floats in the ocean in this 2016 photo. Credit: Creative Commons There are increasing concerns about the use of plastics in our day-to-day lives. Single-use plastics of any kind, including grocery bags, cutlery, straws, polystyrene and coffee cups, are significant yet preventable sources of plastic land-based and marine pollution. In Canada, bans on plastics have so far been left up to municipalities, and some are taking action. Both Montreal and Victoria recently decided to ban plastic bags in stores, with business owners subject to huge fines if caught providing these to customers. Other municipalities and provinces, such as Halifax and Nova Scotia, are contemplating similar bans in the wake of China's recent ban on the import of certain recyclable products. Although regulations are cropping up in some places, increasing public awareness appears to be gaining widespread momentum globally and across Canada. Polystyrene also a target National and regional plastic bag bans have been successfully implemented widely internationally in Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. But plastic bags are not the only single-use plastic items being targeted polystyrene is on the hit list as well. Food businesses in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco will no longer be able to use containers or other food service products made of polystyrene. In Maine, the Brunswick Town Council voted unanimously to ban polystyrene food containers. All retailers, restaurants and vendors are prohibited from using polystyrene foam packaging, including takeout containers, meat trays and egg cartons. But even though banning single-use plastic using legislative interventions is significant, not everyone is convinced of its effectiveness. In Canada, some players are taking their own steps using non-legislative strategies to reduce plastic use, regardless of government policy. In 2009, Loblaws, Canada's largest grocer, implemented a seemingly insignificant five-cent charge on plastic grocery bags. Loblaws has claimed this unassuming action has diverted billions of plastic bags from our landfills and oceans over the last nine years. In February 2016, Walmart Canada followed suit and began charging customers a five-cent fee for plastic bags across all Walmart stores in Canada. Reservations about banning plastic bags Public sentiment on climate change and environmental stewardship has changed significantly over just the last few years as more Canadians expect industry to act. But some still have reservations. Some have claimed that plastic bags serve an important food safety function and protect the public from harmful bacteria, outbreaks and food-borne illnesses, although those findings have been questioned by epidemiologists. A University of Arizona study in microbiology suggested that the combination of reusable grocery bags and food is risky. According to the study, coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were found in half of the reusable grocery bags sampled because people were neglecting to launder them often enough. The study was, however, funded by a trade group representing the interests of plastic bag manufacturers. The Mercatus Center in the United States, a conservative think tank with Charles Koch on its board, has said that discouraging the use of single-use plastic bags is almost pointless given the insignificant variance in carbon footprint between bagging alternatives, including paper bags. And data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggest that because plastic bags are ultra-lightweight by design, they likely make negligible contributions to municipal waste. Plastic pollution is seen washed up on a beach in the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Credit: Shutterstock These groups appear to be suggesting that banning the use of plastic bags is more about appearances and idealism than about protecting the environment. Toronto rescinded its ban Clearly banning plastic bags is a divisive issue. The resistance is real, and several cities have been hesitant to move forward on legislation; some plastic bag legislation has even been rescinded. Toronto once had a five-cent levy for plastic bags, and an outright ban on plastic bags was sought in 2012, but the ban was rescinded by city council in 2013. Plastic bags are a convenience, and habits are hard to break. What could potentially be an inconvenience to food shoppers can, and in some cases has, become a political hot potato to those in public office. But the problem will not go away given the planet is currently drowning in plastic pollution. A study led by the Five Gyres Institute in Los Angeles estimates that at least 5.25 trillion plastic particles weighing 268,940 tonnes are currently floating in our oceans. Even these staggering numbers pale when compared to the estimated eight million tonnes of plastic that enter the oceans each year. Most of us cannot see the problem, but it is out there. While some trash skimmers capable of removing floating debris in marinas and harbours achieve modest success, a global clean-up is next to impossible with current technology. The situation is being made worse by countries like Canada. Its food industry continues to generate more waste from single-use plastic food packaging every year. More Canadians living alone Given that more than 28 per cent of all households in Canada consist of only one person, and the number of Canadians living alone is going to continue to grow, the single-serve economy will likely expand as well, especially in food. This means that the use of single-use plastic packaging and containers could increase at alarming rates. Banning plastics is one swift way to deal with the issue, and offer a temporary path to more impactful, sustainable strategies. The use of bio-plastics may be the future and could be a convenient solution for all concerned. More and more different feedstocks can be used to manufacture bio-plastics. Algae and shrimp shells are some examples. To tackle the issue of single-use coffee pods, an increasing number of them sold in Canada are made of coffee shafts and are compostable, but muncipalities say they aren't yet able to recycle them. Recently, a Dutch supermarket chain opened the world's first plastic-free food store. This project was only made possible by using innovative solutions to plastic packaging. You will find only biodegradable flexible bioplastic packaging and bags in the store. The challenge with these alternatives, of course, is the cost. Bioplastics are more expensive than regular plastics. But given how rapidly the narrative around climate change is shifting, the "green" premium is increasingly worthy of consideration by industry. Once supply chains mature and become more developed to allow more access to affordable feedstocks, production costs and end prices for bioplastics will likely drop as well. The notion of reduce, reuse, recycle has been preached for years now. Outright bans fit well within such a paradigm. But the concept of replacing single-use plastics requires a revolution in consumer mentality. And so a much more interesting challenge is that of keeping grocery shopping from becoming either a burden on the environment or an inconvenience to customers. Explore further Taiwan to ban disposable plastic items by 2030 This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will discover thousands of exoplanets in orbit around the brightest stars in the sky. In a two-year survey of the solar neighborhood, TESS will monitor more than 200,000 stars for temporary drops in brightness caused by planetary transits. This first-ever space borne all-sky transit survey will identify planets ranging from Earth-sized to gas giants, around a wide range of stellar types and orbital distances. No ground-based survey can achieve this feat. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/CI Lab There are potentially thousands of planets that lie just outside our solar systemgalactic neighbors that could be rocky worlds or more tenuous collections of gas and dust. Where are these closest exoplanets located? And which of them might we be able to probe for clues to their composition and even habitability? The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will be the first to seek out these nearby worlds. The NASA-funded spacecraft, not much larger than a refrigerator, carries four cameras that were conceived, designed, and built at MIT, with one wide-eyed vision: to survey the nearest, brightest stars in the sky for signs of passing planets. Now, more than a decade since MIT scientists first proposed the mission, TESS is about to get off the ground. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, no earlier than April 16, at 6:32 p.m. EDT. TESS will spend two years scanning nearly the entire skya field of view that can encompass more than 20 million stars. Scientists expect that thousands of these stars will host transiting planets, which they hope to detect through images taken with TESS's cameras. A set of flight camera electronics on one of the TESS cameras, developed by the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI), will transmit exoplanet data from the camera to a computer aboard the spacecraft that will process it before transmitting it back to scientists on Earth. Credit: MIT Kavli Institute Amid this extrasolar bounty, the TESS science team at MIT aims to measure the masses of at least 50 small planets whose radii are less than four times that of Earth. Many of TESS's planets should be close enough to our own that, once they are identified by TESS, scientists can zoom in on them using other telescopes, to detect atmospheres, characterize atmospheric conditions, and even look for signs of habitability. "TESS is kind of like a scout," says Natalia Guerrero, deputy manager of TESS Objects of Interest, an MIT-led effort that will catalog objects captured in TESS data that may be potential exoplanets. "We're on this scenic tour of the whole sky, and in some ways we have no idea what we will see," Guerrero says. "It's like we're making a treasure map: Here are all these cool things. Now, go after them." A seed, planted in space TESS's origins arose from an even smaller satellite that was designed and built by MIT and launched into space by NASA on Oct. 9, 2000. The High Energy Transient Explorer 2, or HETE-2, orbited Earth for seven years, on a mission to detect and localize gamma-ray burstshigh-energy explosions that emit massive, fleeting bursts of gamma and X-rays. NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), shown here in a conceptual illustration, will identify exoplanets orbiting the brightest stars just outside our solar system. TESS will search for exoplanets orbiting stars within hundreds of light-years of our solar system. Looking at these close, bright stars will allow large ground-based telescopes and the James Webb Space Telescope to do follow-up observations on the exoplanets TESS finds to characterize their atmospheres. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center To detect such extreme, short-lived phenomena, scientists at MIT, led by principal investigator George Ricker, integrated into the satellite a suite of optical and X-ray cameras outfitted with CCDs, or charge-coupled devices, designed to record intensities and positions of light in an electronic format. "With the advent of CCDs in the 1970s, you had this fantastic device which made a lot of things easier for astronomers," says HETE-2 team member Joel Villasenor, who is now also instrument scientist for TESS. "You just sum up all the pixels on a CCD, which gives you the intensity, or magnitude, of light. So CCDs really broke things open for astronomy." In 2004, Ricker and the HETE-2 team wondered whether the satellite's optical cameras could pick out other objects in the sky that had begun to attract the astronomy community: exoplanets. Around this time, fewer than 200 planets outside our solar system had been discovered. A few of these were found with a technique known as the transit method, which involves looking for periodic dips in the light from certain stars, which may signal a planet passing in front of the star. "We were thinking, was the photometry of HETE-2's cameras sufficient so that we could point to a part of the sky and detect one of these dips? Needless to say, it didn't exactly work," Villasenor recalls. "But that was sort of the seed that started us thinking, maybe we should try to fly CCDs with a camera to try and detect these things." A path, cleared In 2006, Ricker and his team at MIT proposed a small, low cost satellite (HETE-S) to NASA as a Discovery class mission, and later on as a privately funded mission for $20 million. But as the cost of, and interest in, an all-sky exoplanet survey grew, they decided instead to seek NASA funding, at a higher level of $120 million. In 2008, they submitted a proposal for a NASA Small Explorer (SMEX) Class Mission with the new nameTESS. At this time, the satellite design included six CCD cameras, and the team proposed that the spacecraft fly in a low-Earth orbit, similar to that of HETE-2. Such an orbit, they reasoned, should keep observing efficiency relatively high, as they already had erected data-receiving ground stations for HETE-2 that could also be put to use for TESS. But they soon realized that a low-Earth orbit would have a negative impact on TESS's much more sensitive cameras. The spacecraft's reaction to the Earth's magnetic field, for example, could lead to significant "spacecraft jitter," producing noise that hides an exoplanet's telltale dip in starlight. NASA bypassed this first proposal, and the team went back to the drawing board, this time emerging with a new plan that hinged on a completely novel orbit. With the help of engineers from Orbital ATK, the Aerospace Corporation, and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the team identified a never-before-used "lunar-resonant" orbit that would keep the spacecraft extremely stable, while giving it a full-sky view. NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), shown here in a conceptual illustration, will identify exoplanets orbiting the brightest stars just outside our solar system. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Once TESS reaches this orbit, it will slingshot between the Earth and the moon on a highly elliptical path that could keep TESS orbiting for decades, shepherded by the moon's gravitational pull. "The moon and the satellite are in a sort of dance," Villasenor says. "The moon pulls the satellite on one side, and by the time TESS completes one orbit, the moon is on the other side tugging in the opposite direction. The overall effect is the moon's pull is evened out, and it's a very stable configuration over many years. Nobody's done this before, and I suspect other programs will try to use this orbit later on." In its current planned trajectory, TESS will swing out toward the moon for less than two weeks, gathering data, then swing back toward the Earth where, on its closest approach, it will transmit the data back to ground stations from 67,000 miles above the surface before swinging back out. Ultimately, this orbit will save TESS a huge amount of fuel, as it won't need to burn its thrusters on a regular basis to keep on its path. With this revamped orbit, the TESS team submitted a second proposal in 2010, this time as an Explorer class mission, which NASA approved in 2013. It was around this time that the Kepler Space Telescope ended its original survey for exoplanets. The observatory, which was launched in 2009, stared at one specific patch of the sky for four years, to monitor the light from distant stars for signs of transiting planets. By 2013, two of Kepler's four reaction wheels had worn out, preventing the spacecraft from continuing its original survey. At this point, the telescope's measurements had enabled the discovery of nearly 1,000 confirmed exoplanets. Kepler, designed to study far-off stars, paved the way for TESS, a mission with a much wider view, to scan the nearest stars to Earth. "Kepler went up, and was this huge success, and researchers said, 'We can do this kind of science, and there are planets everywhere," says TESS member Jennifer Burt, an MIT-Kavli postdoc. "And I think that was really the scientific check box that we needed for NASA to say, 'Okay, TESS makes a lot of sense now.' It'll enable not just detecting planets, but finding planets that we can thoroughly characterize after the fact." Stripes in the sky With the selection by NASA, the TESS team set up facilities on campus and in MIT's Lincoln Laboratory to build and test the spacecraft's cameras. The engineers designed "deep depletion" CCDs specifically for TESS, meaning that the cameras can detect light over a wide range of wavelengths up to the near infrared. This is important, as many of the nearby stars TESS will monitor are red-dwarfssmall, cool stars that emit less brightly than the sun and in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. If scientists can detect periodic dips in the light from such stars, this may signal the presence of planets with significantly tighter orbits than that of Earth. Nevertheless, there is a chance that some of these planets may be within the "habitable zone," as they would circle much cooler stars, compared with the sun. Since these stars are relatively close by, scientists can do follow-up observations with ground-based telescopes to help identify whether conditions might indeed be suitable for life. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology TESS's cameras are mounted on the top of the satellite and surrounded by a protective cone to shield them from other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Each camera has a 24 by 24 degree view of the sky, large enough to encompass the Orion constellation. The satellite will start its observations in the Southern Hemisphere and will divide the sky into 13 stripes, monitoring each segment for 27 days before pivoting to the next. TESS should be able to observe nearly the entire sky in the Southern Hemisphere in its first year, before moving on to the Northern Hemisphere in its second year. While TESS points at one stripe of the sky, its cameras will take pictures of the stars in that portion. Ricker and his colleagues have made a list of 200,000 nearby, bright stars that they would particularly want to observe. The satellite's cameras will create "postage stamp" images that include pixels around each of these stars. These images will be taken every two minutes, in order to maximize the chance of catching the moment that a planet crosses in front of its star. The cameras will also take full-frame images of all the stars in a particular stripe of the sky, every 30 minutes. "With the two-minute pictures, you can get a movie-like image of what the starlight is doing as the planet is crossing in front of its host star," Guerrero says. "For the 30-minute images, people are excited about maybe seeing supernovae, asteroids, or counterparts to gravitational waves. We have no idea what we're going to see at that timescale." Are we alone? After TESS launches, the team expects that the satellite will reestablish contact within the first week, during which it will turn on all its instruments and cameras. Then, there will be a 60-day commissioning phase, as engineers and scientists at Orbital ATK, NASA, and MIT calibrate the instruments and monitor the satellite's trajectory and performance. After that, TESS will begin to collect and downlink images of the sky. Scientists at MIT and NASA will take the raw data and convert it into light curves that indicate the changing brightness of a star over time. From there, the TESS Science Team, including Sara Seager, the Class of 1941 Professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, and deputy director of science for TESS, will look through thousands of light curves, for at least two similar dips in starlight, indicating that a planet may have passed twice in front of its star. Seager and her colleagues will then employ a battery of methods to determine the mass of a potential planet. "Mass is a defining planetary characteristic," Seager says. "If you just know that a planet is twice the size of Earth, it could be a lot of things: a rocky world with a thin atmosphere, or what we call a "mini-Neptune"a rocky world with a giant gas envelope, where it would be a huge greenhouse blanket, and there would be no life on the surface. So mass and size together give us an average planet density, which tells us a huge amount about what the planet is." During TESS's two-year mission, Seager and her colleagues aim to measure the masses of 50 planets with radii less than four times that of Earthdimensions that could signal further observations for signs of habitability. Meanwhile, the whole scientific community and public will get a chance to search through TESS data for their own exoplanets. Once the data are calibrated, the team will make them publicly available. Anyone will be able to download the data and draw their own interpretations, including high school students, armchair astronomers, and other research institutions. With so many eyes on TESS'S data, Seager says there's a chance that, some day, a nearby planet discovered by TESS might be found to have signs of life. "There's no science that will tell us life is out there right now, except that small rocky planets appear to be incredibly common," Seager says. "They appear to be everywhere we look. So it's got to be there somewhere." Explore further TESS readies for takeoff This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. Credit: University of Western Sydney A major national survey of over 1,200 Australians, led by Western Sydney University, found that social class has a strong influence on a person's cultural tastes with level of education and occupation being key factors in determining cultural preferences. Lead investigator on the Australian Cultural Fields project,(opens in new window) Professor Tony Bennett from the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), says class remains significant in the daily choices and lifestyles of Australians, and that it is critical to the patterns of inequality in contemporary Australia. "There are very clear connections between the cultural advantages that middle and upper middle class Australians derive from their home backgrounds, their educational successes, their later occupational careers and the cultural tastes they develop that distinguish them from other Australians," says Professor Bennett. "The role of culture in the inheritance of inequalities shows that Australia has a long way to go before it can truly be the fair-go country it claims to be." The ICS researchers have partnered with the ABC to develop a new online survey (opens in new window) which is giving the Australian public the chance to reflect on their personal cultural tastes. The survey asks for users' preferences about television, music and literary activities and tastes, and compares the results with the research project's findings. "Engaging with this online quiz will help Australians get a sense of how their age, gender, level of education and social class shape the distinctive pattern of their cultural tastes and interests," says Professor Bennett. "Just as important, it will tell them a lot about the cultural tastes of Australians who differ from them in these respects, and provide plenty of food for thought about how culture, class, age, education and gender interact in ways that account for the persistence of inequalities in contemporary Australia." Explore further Preserving Aboriginal language with technology Positive vibes in EPG after PMs India visit The recent state visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India has helped resolve longstanding bilateral issues with the southern neighbour, according to Nepali members of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal India relations. Preps to declare New Year as Karnali Rara Toursim Year in final stage (In photos) Preparations to declare upcoming Nepali year 2075 BS as Karnali Rara Tourism Year have reached the final stage. PUCC delay casts doubt over party unification date Formal announcement of the CPN-UMLCPN (Maoist Centre) merger could be delayed further, as leaders of the two left parties have yet to form a panel to carry out preparations for the purpose. News Windows Admin Center Now Available for Production Use Microsoft on Thursday renamed Project Honolulu, calling it the "Windows Admin Center," and released it for use in production environments. Windows Admin Center reached "general availability" status on Thursday, according to Microsoft's announcement, and it's available to Windows users at no extra cost. It was previously at the preview stage as Project Honolulu, which early on was described as Microsoft's replacement for Server Management Tools. Microsoft had originally intended Server Management Tools to be a graphical user interface-based solution, run in a browser, for remotely managing Nano Server, a Windows Server 2016 installation option. However, Microsoft stopped developing Server Management Tools, and Project Honolulu emerged to take its place. It's clear, though, that the new Windows Admin Center has been designed for larger purposes than just being a replacement for Server Management Tools. Microsoft this week described Windows Admin Center as "the modern evolution of 'in-box' management tools, like Server Manager and Microsoft Management Console," according to this "What Is" document. The management capabilities of Windows Admin Center have been expanded to Windows client and server operating systems, virtual machines and clusters. It'll also get integrated with Microsoft Azure services, bringing optional features, although there's no requirement to use Azure services. In addition, Microsoft is building a software development kit (SDK) so that partners can add extensions to it. The SDK will be arriving "in the coming weeks" at the Microsoft Build conference in May, according to an "Extensibility" document. Here are the capabilities of Windows Admin Center, according to a slide in a Microsoft video: [Click on image for larger view.] Windows Admin Center capabilities. (Source: Microsoft video) The browser-based Windows Admin Center was released Thursday as version 1804 with added security features and role-based access control. It's supported only on the latest releases of the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browsers and can be downloaded here. No other browser support is planned. Windows Admin Center will install in "desktop mode" for Windows 10 version 1709. It'll install in "gateway mode" for Windows Server version 1709 or Windows Server 2016. Management Support Organizations can use Windows Admin Center to manage machines using certain Windows client or server operating systems. It can be used to manage virtual machines "on any hypervisor" running "in any cloud." It also specifically works with Hyper-V Server 2016 and Hyper-V Server 2012 R2. There's support for managing failover clusters, including "hyperconverged infrastructure deployments" (HCI) according to the announcement. The new tool specifically supports the management of Windows 10 version 1709 or newer clients. Older Windows clients apparently aren't supported. On the server side, there's support for the coming Windows Server 2019 product, as well as current server products such as Windows Server version 1709, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012/R2. There's also support for emerging Windows Server builds released under the Windows Insider Program. However, the support is somewhat nuanced when it comes to HCI deployments. For instance, there's no support for managing HCI deployments of Windows Server version 1709. Moreover, HCI support is yet to come for Windows Server 2016 management, according to this Microsoft "Installation" document. HCI support is currently at the preview stage for Windows Server 2019. "The hyper-converged cluster manager solution in Windows Admin Center is a production-ready preview and we will continue to enhance and complete key scenarios (in compute, storage, networking, and clustering) to align with the launch of Windows Server 2019 later this year," Microsoft explained in a FAQ document. Microsoft didn't describe the use of the Windows Admin Center to manage Windows 7 clients, so that option appears to be out of the picture. Support for Windows 2008 R2 or earlier Windows Server OSes isn't planned, according to Microsoft's FAQ document. Similarly, there is "no locked plan" to support Linux OSes, according to the FAQ. Complementary Tool Microsoft offers a bunch of "in-box" management tools for IT pros, but it sees Windows Admin Center as being complementary to them, not a replacement. For instance, the Windows Admin Center is not a replacement for Microsoft's Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT). The announcement explained that "roles such as Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, and IIS do not yet have equivalent management capabilities surfaced in Windows Admin Center." However, Microsoft is committed to adding new remote server management capabilities to the Windows Admin Center. "Any new Windows Server role or feature that requires a GUI for management will be in Windows Admin Center," Microsoft explained in this "Management Solutions" document. Similarly, Windows Admin Center isn't a replacement for Microsoft's subscription-based tools, such as System Center, Microsoft Intune and the Operations Management Suite. For System Center users, the Windows Admin Center "lets you drill down into a specific server to manage or troubleshoot it with more granular tools," Microsoft explained in the "Management Solutions" document. For Intune users, the Windows Admin Center lacks policy controls. It's just for "ad-hoc management of Windows 10 and Windows Server systems, using remote PowerShell and WMI over WinRM," the "Management Solutions" document explained. For Operations Management Suite users, the Windows Admin Center just adds additional tooling. "Windows Admin Center is a customer-deployed solution that provides additional tools at the single-server/single-cluster level and complements the multi-system cloud-hosted capabilities of Operations Management Suite," according to the "Management Solutions" document. The following companies are subsidiares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.: 2235158 Alberta Limited, A.J. 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Inc., Gallagher (Bermuda) Insurance Solutions Ltd., Gallagher - Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Gallagher Bassett Aires Inc., Gallagher Bassett Canada Inc., Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services Ltd., Gallagher Bassett International Ltd., Gallagher Bassett NZ Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. , Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation Victoria Pty Ltd., Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services (Holdings) Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services Management Company Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Pty Ltd, Gallagher Benefits Consulting Limited, Gallagher Bomford Couch Wilson, Gallagher Burgess, Gallagher Canada Acquisition Corporation, Gallagher Caribbean Group Limited, Gallagher Clean Energy LLC, Gallagher Communications Limited, Gallagher Community Clinic RPG LLC, Gallagher Consulting Ltda, Gallagher Corporate Services LLC, Gallagher Coyle, Gallagher CyberRisk, Gallagher Energy Risk Services Inc., Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC, Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Bermuda Company Limited, Gallagher Holdings Four (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Three (UK) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Barbados) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Kitts & Nevis) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Lucia) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Vincent) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers Jamaica Limited, Gallagher International Cash Management s.r.l., Gallagher International Holdings (US) Inc., Gallagher Investment Advisors LLC, Gallagher Inwest Group, Gallagher Koster, Gallagher Lambert Group, Gallagher Madison Risk & Insurance Services, Gallagher Mauritius Holdings, Gallagher Mississippi Brokerage LLC, Gallagher RE Colombia Ltda Corredores de Reaseguros SA, Gallagher Risk & Reward Limited, Gallagher Risk Group LLC, Gallagher Risk Placements Pty Ltd, Gallagher SKS, Gallagher Service Center LLP, Gallagher-Tarantino, Galtney Group, Game Day Insurance Inc., Gardner & White Corp., Gardner Marine Agency, Garza Long Group, Gatehouse Consulting Limited, Gault Armstrong Kemble Pty Ltd, Gault Armstrong SARL, Giles Group, Giles Holdings Limited, Giles Insurance Brokers, Gillis Ellis & Baker Inc., Goodman Insurance Agency, Grandy Pratt Co., Greenseed Alternative Mangaers Platform Ltd, Grossman & Associates, Group Benefits of Arkansas, Group Insurance Associates, Gruppo Marcucci, HLG Holdings Limited, HMG-PCMS Limited, HPF Investments LLC, HR Owen Insurance Services Limited, Hagan Newkirk Financial Services, Hagedorn & Company, Hardman & Howell Benefits, Harlequin Insurance PCC Limited, Hartstein Associates Inc., Healthcare Professionals Purchasing Group LLC, Healthcare Risk Solutions, Heath Lambert Group Ltd., Heath Lambert Limited, Heath Lambert Overseas Limited, Heiser Insurance Agency, Henderson Phillips Fine Arts Insurance, Herbruck Alder & Co., Heritage Insurance Brokers (CI) Limited, Hesse & Partner AG, Hesse Consulting, Hexagon ICC Limited, Hexagon Insurance PCC Limited, Hill Chesson & Woody, Hogan Insurance Services, Home & Travel Limited, Honour Point Limited, Horseshoe Corporate Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services USA Inc., Horseshoe ILS Services UK Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Advisors US LLC, Horseshoe Insurance Advisory Ltd., Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings US Inc., Horseshoe Management (Gibraltar) Limited, Horseshoe Management (Ireland) Ltd, Horseshoe Management Ltd., Horseshoe PCC Limited, Horseshoe Re Limited, Horseshoe Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Services (Pty) Ltd, Horton Insurance Agency, Housing Authorities Services Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Human Resource Management Systems, I-Protect Underwriting Pty Ltd, IBIS Advisors, IBS Reinsurance Singapore Pte Ltd, ILS Fund Services Ltd., ISG International, ITI Solutions, Igloo Insurance PCC Limited, Independent Benefit Services, Independent Fiduciary Services, Ink Underwriting Agencies Limited, InsSync Group Pty Ltd, Inspire Underwriting Limited, Instrat Insurance Brokers, Instrat Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Instrat Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Insurance Acquisitions Holdings Limited, Insurance Associates Inc., Insurance Dialogue Limited, Insurance Dialogue Ltd., Insurance Plans Agency, Insurance Plus Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Insurance Point, Insurance Risk Managers of Missouri Inc., Insure My Villa Limited, Insure Pty Ltd, Integrated Healthcare Strategies, InterNational Insurance Group, InterPacific Underwriting Agencies, Intermountain Financial Benefits, Interstate Insurance Underwriters, JPGAC LLC, James F. Reda & Associates, James R. Weir Insurance Agency, Jenkins and Associates, Joe E. Martin Inc., John P. Woods Co. Inc., Jones Brown, Jones Brown Group Inc., Jones Brown Insurance Solutions Inc., Joseph Distel, Joseph James & Associates Insurance Agency, Just Landlords Insurance Services Ltd, KDC Associates, KRW Insurance Agency, Kahl Insurance Services, Kaler Carney Liffler & Co. Inc., Kane Group - Insurance Management Operations, Kelly Financial, Kent Kent & Tingle and RBS, Keyser Benefits Corp., Kingspark Enterprises Pty Ltd, L&R Benefits, LSG Insurance Partners, Learn About Money Limited, Lewis & Associates Insurance Brokers, Leystone Insurance & Financial, Life Plans Unlimited, Lincoln Financial Management, Longfellow Financial, Lucas Fettes Limited, Lucas Fettes and Partners Limited, Lutgert Insurance, MA Underwriting Pty Ltd, MDM Insurance Associates, MG Advanced Coal Technologies-1 LLC, MGA Insurance Services, MRS Holdings Ltd., Madison Scott & Associates, Managed Healthcare Solutions, Mannequin Insurance PCC Limited, Marchetti Robertson & Brickell Insurance, Marine Insurance Service, Martin Gordon & Jones Inc., McDowall Associates Human Resource Consultants, McIntyre Risk Management, McLean Insurance Agency, McNeary, McPherson Benefits Group, McRory & Co., Mecacem Insurance SPC Ltd, MedInsights Inc., Melton Insurance Associates, Memberworks Canada LLC, Merit Insurance, Metcom Excess, Metzler Bros. Insurance, Meyers-Reynolds & Associates, Mid America Group, Midwest Surety Services, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers Limited, Mike Henry Insurance Funding Limited, Miller Buettner & Parrott, Miller-Harrison Insurance Services, Milne Alexander Pty Ltd, Minvielle & Chastanet Insurance Brokers, Monument Insurance (NZ) Limited, Monument Llc, Monument Premium Funding Limited, Mortgage Insurance Agency, Murphy Consultants, Mutual Insurance Services, NationAir Aviation Insurance, National Administration Co., National Ethics Association, National Transportation Adjusters, Nelson/Monarch Insurance Services, Nicoud Insurance Services, NiiS/Apex Group Holdings, Nonprofit Insurance Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Noraxis Capital Corp, Nordic Forsakring & Riskhantering AB, North Alabama Insurance, Nourse Insurance Brokers, O'Gorman & Young, OAMPS (UK) Limited, OAMPS Gault Armstrong Pty Ltd, OAMPS Limited, OAMPS Special Risks Ltd, Offshore Market Placements Limited, Optimum Talent, Orb Financial Services, Orb Financial Services Limited, Osprey Insurance Brokers Limited, Oval Group, Oval Healthcare Limited, Oval Insurance Broking Limited, Oval Limited, Oval Management Services Limited, Oxygen Insurance Managers, P2 Group, PEN Insurance Management Advisors Ltd, PT IBS Insurance Broking Service, Pacific Insurance Agency, Palmer Atlantic Insurance, Palmer Atlantic Insurance Ltd, Palmer Atlantic Risk Services Ltd., Park Row Associates, Parkstar Enterprises Pty Ltd, Parmia Pty Ltd, PartnerSource, Pastel Holding (NZ) Company, Pastel Holdings Pty Limited, Pastel Purchaser (NZ) Limited, Pastel Purchaser Pty Limited, Pavey Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Pavey Group Holdings Limited, Pavey Group Limited, Pearson Dunn Insurance Inc., Pen Underwriting Canada Limited, Pen Underwriting Group Pty. Ltd., Pen Underwriting Limited, Pen Underwriting Pty Ltd, Persing Dyckman & Toynbee Inc., Personal Advice Services Pty Ltd, Petty Burton Associates, Pointer Insurance Agency, Portmore Insurance Brokers (Wilshire) Limited, Portmore Insurance Brokers Limited, Potter-Holden & Co., Powell Insurance Agency, Premier Insurance Services Inc., Premier Risk Services, Premium Finance Corporation, Preston-Patterson, ProSource Financial, Professional Agents Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Proinova AB, Proinova Agency AB, Pronto California Agency LLC, Pronto California General Agency LLC, Pronto Florida Claims LLC, Pronto Florida General Agency LLC, Pronto Franchise LLC, Pronto General Agency Ltd, Pronto General Agency Management LLC, Pronto Holdco Inc., Pronto Holding California LLC, Pronto Holding Florida LLC, Pronto Insurance Agency of Laredo Inc., Pronto Premium Finance LLC, Property & Commercial Ltd., Property Insurance Initatives Limited, Property and Commercial Limited, Protected Insurance Company, Protection Plan Association Inc., Protek Group Limited, Providium Consulting Group, Ptarmigan Underwriting Agency Limited, Ptarmigan Underwriting UK Limited, Purple Bridge Claims Management Limited, Purple Bridge Finance Limited, Purple Bridge Group Limited, Purple Bridge Investments Limited, Purple Bridge Online Services Limited, Purple Bridge Publishing Limited, Quantum Underwriting Solutions Limited, Quillco 226 Limited, Quillco 227 Limited, R. L. Youngdahl & Associates, R.G. Speno Inc., R.W. Scobie, RA Rossborough (Guernsey) Ltd., RA Rossborough (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, REGENCY Group inc., RGA Referencing Limited, RGA Underwriting Limited, RIL Administrators (Guernsey) Ltd., RJ Dutton Inc., RSM Insurance Services Limited, Reassurance Holdings Inc., Rebholz Insurance Agency, Reid Manson Ltd., Reimbursement Services, Rentguard Limited, Reward Management Limited, Reynolds & Rodar Insurance Group, Riley & Associates, Rio 587 Limited, Rio 588 Limited, Risk & Reward Group, Risk Management Partners Limited, Risk Placement Services Inc., Risk Planners, Risk Services (NW) Limited, Risk Services (NW) Ltd., Risk Solutions Group Limited, Robert A. Schneider Agency, Robert Keith & Associates, Roberts & Roberts Insurance Service, Robinson-Adams Insurance, Rossborough Healthcare International Ltd, Rossborough Insurance (IOM) Ltd., Rossborough Insurance Services Ltd. (Jersey), S. A. 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Braband Insurance, Vital Benefits, Voluntary Benefits Solutions, W. E. Kingsley Co. Inc., WM. W. George & Associates, Walker Taylor Agency, Welling Associates, Wesfarmers Insurance - Insurance Brokerage Operations, Western Benefit Solutions, White & Company Insurance, Whitehaven Insurance Group, William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, William H. Connolly & Co., Williams Insurance Agency Inc., Williams-Manny Insurance Group, Winn & Company Insurance Brokers, Wischmeyer Benefit Partners, Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies, Woods & Grooms, WorkCare Northwest, Worksite Communications, Y. S. Liedman & Associates, YOA Capsicum Reinsurance Broker Limited, Zenor Limited, Zuber Insurance Agency, and e3 Financial. Wall Street analysts have given Greencore Group a "Buy" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Greencore Group wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. " " Torrey Pines State Beach north of San Diego, fall 2017. Most of the sand placed on the beach in 2001 washed away in a single storm, was stored in a large offshore sandbar and partially returned to the beach the following summer. Katherine Leitzell/California Sea Grant In summer, there's nothing like feeling the sun on your face and the sand between your toes. But rising sea levels and stronger coastal storms associated with climate change pose a threat to the sands that make up our beaches. A common approach to combatting erosion at U.S. coastlines is beach nourishment, which is literally taking sand from one place, often offshore, and pumping it onto a sand-depleted beach. Advertisement A Sisyphean Exercise? The question is, can beach nourishment keep up with the ever-increasing forces of climate change or, like Sisyphus forever pushing his boulder up the hill, is adding sand to beaches an expensive, temporary fix to a long-term problem? "I think there is reason to be concerned," says Bonnie Ludka, a postdoc at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego, "but I also think there's still a lot we don't know about how long the sand stays, where it goes and how much sand you need to place on a beach to be effective. We're learning as we go." A study published by Ludka in the June 2018 issue of the journal Coastal Engineering, examines exactly what happened to sand deposited on four beaches in San Diego County in California. She and her colleagues used jet skis, ATVs and other tools to continuously monitor sand levels and sand movement at the beaches over a period of about 10 years. The research received funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Parks and Recreation, the National Science Foundation and California Sea Grant. Among their findings, the team learned that the entire amount of sand added to San Diego's Torrey Pines in 2001 was washed away during a single storm. At another beach, the addition of 138 Olympic swimming pools-worth of sand contributed to the clogging and eventual closure of a nearby estuary. Among the team's more positive findings was that larger-grained sand appeared to have better staying power than finer-grained sand and, in some cases, the amount of sand deposited and removed from a beach by natural forces was higher than any mechanically added sand. " " Mechanical sand placement underway, from south to north, at Imperial Beach in San Diego. Black dots roughly outline the original placement region. Eddie Kisfaluty "There is quite a bit of natural variability so it's hard to pick out trends," Ludka says, "but at our longest recorded site we did see an overall pattern of erosion." The pattern of erosion that Ludka's team observed at ground level is what's alarming to researchers assessing the long-term future of U.S. beaches. With climate change, sea level has risen by about 8 inches (20 centimeters) since 1900, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and could rise 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) higher by the end of this century. More frequent coastal storms, also associated with climate change, take a further toll on beaches by unleashing rough waves that eat away at the shore. "Any beach nourishment is forever it's like painting a house once you start it, you have to keep doing it forever to maintain," says Michael Orbach, professor emeritus of marine affairs and policy at Duke University. "The problem is, with climate change and rising sea levels, there's going to be even more demand by orders of magnitude because the beaches are going to erode more and faster." Western Carolina University's Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines hosts an interactive database of beach nourishment projects across the U.S. and their costs. As the data show, beach nourishment today is not cheap. Orbach estimates the average cost of supplementing sand at beaches comes out at $1 million to up to $2 million per mile of sand. As the demand for sand for beach nourishment increases, the cost will rise even higher, Orbach predicts. "In the end, there may not be enough sand that's economically recoverable to nourish every beach that people want to nourish," he says. Advertisement Disruption to Animal Life There's also an ecological cost. Studies have shown that dredging and depositing sand is disruptive to creatures living in the sand and the animals that eat them. While the research suggests those animals tend to recover after 18 months to two years, beaches that undergo repeated nourishment see significant declines in animal life. Despite the economic and ecological costs of beach nourishment, it may be among the few available options for preserving beaches in the future. Sean Vitousek, an engineer specializing in ocean modeling at the University of Illinois at Chicago, points out that natural sources of beach sand, including rivers and eroding cliffs, have been suppressed by human-built dams and protective coverings. Vitousek served as lead author of a March 2017 modeling analysis from the U.S. Geological Survey that concluded if no measures are taken, up to 67 percent of California's beaches could be completely eroded back to sea cliffs or coastal infrastructure by 2100. The USGS models showed that beach nourishment could protect some larger beaches that have undergone nourishment for decades, but that overall, beach nourishment will have to be stepped up to a much faster pace to continue to be at all effective. "If you just dump sand on a beach, that sand is not going to stay there forever," Vitousek says. "The current, methodical rate of beach nourishment is insufficient against the coming sea level rise." "There is quite some debate about how climate change will influence the frequency and intensity of storms," Ludka says, "and these storms will be more responsible for beach evolution than sea level rise in the next few decades." It may become, Ludka says, a matter of choosing between investing in ever-pricier efforts to preserve beaches or standing back and allowing nature's forces to redraw the lines where ocean meets land. Now That's Interesting The first beach nourishment project may have taken place more than 2,000 years ago when, according to legend, Roman leader Marc Antony had sand shipped from the Egyptian desert to a beach in Turkey so that his lover, Egyptian queen Cleopatra, would be able to step on soil from her homeland as she came ashore. The beach in Alanya, Turkey, is now known as Cleopatra's Beach. Algerians on Thursday mourned 257 people killed in a military plane crash the day before, the country's worst-ever aviation catastrophe, with no indication yet of the cause. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced three days of national mourning after the plane slammed into a field near the Boufarik airbase 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Algiers shortly after it took off on Wednesday. The aircraft was mostly carrying army personnel and their family members on their way back to their barracks in the country's far south. Flags flew at half mast on public buildings and foreign embassies in the capital on Thursday as government departments observed a minute's silence. Armed forces chief General Ahmed Gaid Salah attended a ceremony where the coffins of the first victims to be identified were draped in national colours. There was no announcement on the number of people identified so far as experts continued work on matching the DNA of the dead. Several large companies took out advertising space in newspapers to offer condolences to the families of the 10 crew members and 247 passengers who died. Mosques across the country are set to hold prayers of mourning on Friday. The Algerian authorities have announced an investigation into the crash, but so far there has been no details of any findings. The plane, which came down shortly after being refuelled, erupted into flames before it hit the ground, witnesses told AFP. Hundreds of ambulances and dozens of fire trucks with sirens wailing rushed to the scene of the crash, in an uninhabited area where one person was injured on the ground by debris. Firefighters took two hours to extinguish the blaze, Algerian media reported. The Ain Naadja military hospital in Algiers, where the bodies were transported, has set up a psychological support unit for victims' relatives and witnesses of the accident. Several cultural events planned for the coming days were cancelled. - 'Tragic!' - Images of the plane's burned-out frame dominated the front pages of Algeria's newspapers. Francophone daily Liberte led with the headline "Tragic!", while the official Arabic language paper El Moudjahid quoted Bouteflika calling the accident a "painful test" for the country. Several papers praised the pilot, Smail Doucene, citing witnesses who said he had managed to steer the plane away from nearby homes. "The pilot saved hundreds of people from certain death," wrote El Khabar. The Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane was bound for Tindouf in southwest Algeria near the borders with Morocco and Western Sahara. The North African country has suffered a string of military and civilian aviation disasters, but Wednesday's was Algeria's deadliest ever plane crash and the world's fourth costliest in human lives in 20 years. Despite no details emerging on the cause of the disaster, several newspapers underlined the poor state of the Algerian military's ageing aircraft. Several previous accidents were due to "poor maintenance of the military air fleet", said El Khabar. Liberte said that "to date... very little if nothing has filtered out regarding investigations" into previous accidents. Two Algerian military planes collided mid-flight in December 2012 during a training exercise in Tlemcen, in the far west of the country, killing the pilots of both planes. In February 2014, 77 people died when a military plane carrying army personnel and family members crashed between Tamanrasset in southern Algeria and the eastern city of Constantine. THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday said the Netherlands is not considering joining possible military action in Syria, even though it is probable that banned chemical weapons were used by the government. "We have understanding for a possible reaction, but at this time it is not on the table that the Netherlands would participate", Rutte said. (Writing by Anthony Deutsch; reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Sebon to roll out anti-money laundering notice Beginning Saturday, companies dealing with stocks must inform the Financial Information Unit (FIU) at Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) about stock transactions that exceed Rs1 million per day. Also, information about suspicious transactions at the secondary market must be provided to the FIU at the NRB. In his Hong Kong visit, President Duterte apologizes for 2010 Manila hostage crisis where eight Hong Kong tourists were killed. President Rodrigo Duterte took Hong Kong by surprise when he made a public apology Thursday for the 2010 bus hostage incident in Manila that killed eight Hong Kong nationals. The outspoken president addressed his apology to the Chinese government and its people saying, There has been no official apology coming from the Filipinos regarding what happened, impliedly referring to his predecessors refusal to accept the blame over the tragedy. May I address myself to the Chinese people all here, all with us, all joined us. From the bottom of my heart, as the President of the Republic of the Philippines and on behalf of the people of the Philippines, may I apologize formally to you now. I am sorry that the incident happened. And as humanly possible, I would like to make this guarantee also that it will never, never happen again, the firebrand leader expressed. His gesture drew an overwhelming applause from the 2,500-strong Filipino community at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. In August 2010, a relieved police officer hijacked a bus carrying 15 Hong Kong tourists and manipulated the driver with a gunpoint. Eight Hong Kong tourists died in the incident while the gunman was also killed in a botched police rescue operation. The incident strained Manilas relations with Hong Kong. The Aquino administrations steadfast refusal to concede to Hong Kongs demand for apology set off a diplomatic row that prompted Hong Kong to cancel the 14-day visa-free privilege for official and diplomatic Filipino passport holders. Marje Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue The post Duterte apologizes to HK for 2010 Manila hostage crisis appeared first on UNTV News. Communist rebels MANILA, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has demanded ceasefire first with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) before the government decides to proceed with the peace talks. There has to be a ceasefire. Not a single shot fired, he said. Upon his arrival at Davao City International Airport Friday, the president laid a timeline so that both parties can prepare for the possible resumption of peace negotiations. During the 2 months period, I will give my demands and they can have theirs and thats where we start negotiating, he said. Aside from ceasefire, the President also wants the rebels to stop their collection of revolutionary taxes from communities. No taxation, no atrocities, nothing! Just come here as a plain citizen. You [are] protected by our policy of rapprochement with open heart, Duterte added. The President added that in his desire for peace, he is willing to provide free airfare to the members of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panel should they decide to return to the Philippines in order for both parties to reach a concrete and substantial peace agreement to sign. The peace negotiation between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was terminated in November 2017 through Proclamation No. 360 prompted by a series of attacks by armed rebels against government troops. UNTV News & Rescue The post Duterte to rebels: Ceasefire first before talks appeared first on UNTV News. Singapore Democratic Party Chairman Paul Tambyah (left) and Facebooks Asia-Pacific vice-president of public policy Simon Milner. (PHOTOS: Yahoo News Singapore file photo, gov.sg) Facebook is unable to make the information about the use of advertising on the social media platform by political parties and the government in recent Singapore elections available, said a top executive in response to queries posed by the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) last month. We are not able to make this information available but as you are hopefully aware we are committed to new levels of transparency around political and issue advertising in the future, wrote Simon Milner, Facebooks Asia-Pacific vice-president of public policy, in a letter addressed to SDP chairman Paul Tambyah on Tuesday (April 10). Milner also said that Facebook is unable to answer specific questions about relationships between political parties in Singapore and Cambridge Analytica (CA) since we do not have sight of such relationships. He added that political parties are not empowered to request data from Facebook and is not privy to the process that Facebook has in place for law enforcement. The vast majority of requests received by Facebook from authorities relate to criminal cases such as kidnappings and they are for basic subscriber information, such as email address, phone number and IP address, explained Milner. (SOURCE: Facebook) Milner also addressed the issue of Facebook employees who have been involved in politics in Singapore and overseas. Noting that some Facebook employees have been candidates in local and national elections, he said, Like many other organisations, we have well-established processes in place to ensure that these activities are conducted outside working hours and do not involve Facebooks company resources. In an email reply to Milners letter on Friday, Dr Tambyah wrote that the SDP looks forward to Facebook continuing its non-partisan role in encouraging sharing of news and information and in the process, promoting greater transparency. We are also heartened to learn that Facebook has well-established processes to ensure that your employees who may be involved with party politics in Singapore do not have unfair insider access to the companys resources, he added. Story continues SDPs queries to Facebook Previously, Dr Tambyah wrote a letter on 29 March to Milner and Sandhya Devanathan, Facebooks Singapore Country Director on the issue. In it, he requested for a meeting with Facebook officials to address the partys concerns about the deliberate online falsehoods and the fallout from the matter surrounding Cambridge Analytica, and their potential to impact society and politics, particularly elections, in Singapore. Among the six questions fielded to Facebook officials were for the social media giant to make public the list of advertisements made by the government on Facebook and the list of political parties which have done so, and the amounts paid for them especially during the periods of the 2015 general election or the 2016 Bukit Batok by-election. Dr Tambyah also called for information on whether any group or individual affiliated to political parties in Singapore had received data from CA or used information taken from Facebook during these elections. He also asked Facebook to clarify whether any of the senior positions in Facebooks Singapore office are occupied by persons who are actively involved with, or identified as potential election candidates of, any political party in Singapore. Our concerns, of course, emanate from the revelation that Facebook user profiles have been utilised to influence the 2016 Presidential elections in the United States and, more importantly, whether such a practice was employed in Singapore, he added. On 22 March, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam grilled Milner in Parliament House on why Facebook had not been open with information when it first found out about a massive breach of its user data arising from the CA saga. Media reports in March had revealed that personal data of 50 million Facebook users were obtained by CA, a UK analytics firm, in part to help Donald Trump in his 2016 US presidential election campaign. Facebook revealed last Thursday that information from the accounts of more than 65,000 users in Singapore could have been improperly shared with CA, according to media reports. Related stories: K Shanmugam presses Facebook on lack of transparency over Cambridge Analytica saga Parliament asks Thum Ping Tjin to clarify academic credentials Bid to hold by-election in Marsiling-Yew Tee rejected by High Court Clashes erupted as thousands protested for a third consecutive Friday along Gaza's border with Israel amid violence in which Israeli forces have killed 34 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others. The numbers of protesters were smaller than in previous weeks, though still substantial and with Gaza's health ministry reporting dozens more Palestinians wounded and one killed by Israeli gunfire. Islam Herzallah, 28, died in hospital after being shot by Israeli troops east of Gaza City, the ministry said. Clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers took place in multiple spots along the border while tear gas and plumes of black smoke from burning tyres filled the air in some areas. More than 500 people were wounded, including 122 from gunfire, according to Gaza's health ministry, with the other injuries including those from tear gas. Two journalists were wounded by gunfire, the Palestinian journalists' syndicate said, a week after a Gazan journalist was killed. Israel's army estimated the number of people "rioting" at 10,000 and alleged there were attempts to damage and breach the border fence, while it said firebombs and explosive devices were used. Palestinians also sought to pull away barbed wire set up by Israeli forces to keep them away from the fence, an AFP journalist said. The military said soldiers responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." It distributed a photo of "a terrorist wielding an item suspected of being an explosive device," but an AFP journalist who witnessed the event said it was a firework that did not explode. Dozens of Israeli flags were burned, as were photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seen by protesters as cooperating with Israel. The protests since March 30 have posed a challenge to Israel, which has dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement are necessary and will not change. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Friday "there are fewer riots on our border," adding that "our resolve is well-understood on the other side." - Calls for independent probe - In the northern Gaza Strip, Sumaya Abu Awad, 36, attended the protest with her three daughters and son. "I am not afraid of death because there is no life in Gaza already," she said. The protests, planned to last six weeks, are calling for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes, now inside Israel. Israelis say that amounts to calling for the country's destruction. The first two Fridays saw tens of thousands gather at five locations along the border with Israel. Smaller numbers have approached the fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres towards soldiers who took up positions on the other side. Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protests as cover to carry out violence. It has pledged to stop attacks, damage to the fence and infiltration bids, and says there have been attempts at all three. But Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation. - 'Excessive and lethal force' - The dead from last Friday included a journalist, Yasser Murtaja, who witnesses said was wearing a press vest at the time he was shot. Israel claimed he was a paid member of Hamas, but produced no evidence. The company Murtaja co-founded had been vetted for US government funding, while an international journalists federation said he was harassed and beaten by Hamas police in 2015. Rights groups have strongly criticised Israeli forces while pointing to unverified videos that have spread online of Gazans appearing to be shot, including one seeming to show a Palestinian targeted as he ran away from the fence while holding a tyre. "The Israeli authorities must put an immediate end to the excessive and lethal force being used to suppress Palestinian demonstrations in Gaza," Amnesty International said Friday. Hamas officials had said in recent days they wanted this week's protest to see less bloodshed and hoped to keep momentum building for May 14, when the United States is expected to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see the Israel-annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Organisers have reiterated their call for peaceful protests. The official end date of the protests is May 15, when Palestinians mark the Nakba, or "catastrophe," commemorating the more than 700,000 who fled or were expelled during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years, while its border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years. ANKARA (Reuters) - Iran urged France on Thursday not to be influenced by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The statement came after the prince - who is also defence minister of Iran's main regional rival - appeared to chide French President Emmanuel Macron this week for supporting the 2015 deal to lift most economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs to Tehran's nuclear programme. "As one of the signatories of the deal, France should avoid being influenced by the adventurous Salman and avoid listening to Riyadh's repetitive and false claims against the deal," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said. Macron, speaking at a joint press conference with the prince in Paris on Tuesday, said he thought Iran's regional influence needed to be checked but did not think the nuclear deal should be ripped up. The prince responded: "I hope the president isn't upset with me with what I am about to say, but we do not want to repeat the deal made in 1938 which resulted in the start of World War 2," in an apparent reference to the Munich appeasement deal with Hitler. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Japan is on track for a record low catch of baby eels this year, renewing fears about declining stocks of the endangered fish, a favoured summer delicacy for Japanese. At the end of March, Japan had 8.8 tons of baby "Anguilla japonica" eels in culture ponds, including imports from China, Taiwan and South Korea, according to a preliminary tally by the fisheries agency. That is a plunge from more than 18 tons logged at the same time in the last two years. The tally refers to baby eels caught in Japan, as well as those caught elsewhere in Asia and imported by Japan. The fish are usually caught in the wild and sold to farmers who raise them until they are big enough for culinary use. The fishing season that began in December will end in late April, and Japan's volume is on track to fall below the record-low season-end figure of 12.6 tons it hit in 2013. Eels, known as unagi in Japan, are a prized summer delicacy and demand for the fish is high across Asia. In addition to overfishing, experts say river dams, pollution and the draining of wetlands, as well as oceanic changes and parasites may be playing a role in declining stocks. - 'Further depletion' - Japan's fisheries agency strongly rejected the suggestion that overfishing was endangering stocks. "Annual catches are largely swayed by how ocean currents move... 'The haul halved' does not mean the stock resource halved," agency official Tatsuya Nakaoku told AFP. Environmentalists have regularly sounded the alarm on the status of Anguilla japonica eels, with the fish on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "endangered" list. "We fear further depletion in the stock," said Hiromi Shiraishi at Traffic, a non-governmental group focused on the trade of wild animals. "In addition, a bigger problem is that we think the current resource control method cannot respond sufficiently to the decreasing stock," she told AFP. She noted that the cap on eels in Japanese farming ponds is fixed at 21.7 tons, unlike that for tuna, whose quota decreases with signs of stock depletion. Eels spawn near the Mariana Islands in the Pacific and the babies travel thousands of kilometres towards East Asia in ocean currents. Their spawning process remains a mystery, and efforts to breed them in captivity for commercial purposes have been unsuccessful. Baby eels are cultivated in ponds. The peak unagi season for Japan is summertime. Many Japanese believe the eels, served barbecued and basted in a thick sauce of sake, soy sauce and sugar, provide much-needed stamina during the energy-sapping heat and humidity of the summer. Prices for the dish have been on the rise in recent years, and this season's low catch will only push costs up further, said Takashi Moriyama, chief of the Japan Eel Importers Association. Even with imports of adult or cooked eels to boost supply, "prices will rise inevitably," he told AFP. Students, police clash in Jhapa A clash broke out between students and police personnel in Damak of Jhapa district on Friday afternoon. Malaysian ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad warned Friday elections next month will be the dirtiest in the country's history due to cheating by the "monster" prime minister, but insisted his opposition alliance has a fighting chance. Mahathir, who led Malaysia for over two decades, has been spurred out of retirement aged 92 to take on Najib Razak by allegations the premier was involved in an audacious scheme to plunder state fund 1MDB. Najib and the fund deny any wrongdoing. Mahathir is the prime ministerial candidate in an opposition packed with former foes but is not expected to be able to beat the party that he used to lead. The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has a firm grip on power, and critics charge the government is seeking to rig the poll. Nevertheless the May 9 election could be the toughest ever for BN, which has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957. In an interview with AFP, Mahathir warned the vote would be the "dirtiest" seen in Malaysia. The opposition has been angered by what they claim is gerrymandering and attacks on them by the government. "In the history of Malaysian elections, we don't have this kind of manipulation," said Mahathir, who would be the world's oldest premier if he won. "Of course the opposition invariably complains about the election but this time around it is so obvious that even members of the governing party... are very unhappy." But Abdul Aziz Kaprawi -- a deputy minister and senior member of Najib's United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the main coalition party -- rejected the allegations and accused Mahathir of "spewing lies". Mahathir was himself accused of being an authoritarian leader during his rule, and also faced claims of cheating at elections to hang on to power. - From 'nice man' to 'monster' - The opposition says one of the most blatant attempts to fix the poll was a redrawing of the electoral map last month, which created seats dominated by the multi-ethnic country's Muslim Malay majority that they claim will likely back BN. The government insists it was to reflect demographic changes. Mahathir also pointed to a move by authorities last week ordering his party, Bersatu, to temporarily disband due to problems with paperwork as an example of the government seeking to undermine the opposition. There have long been accusations of cheating in Malaysian elections. These range from claims of non-existent voters being added to the electoral roll to allegations that supposedly "indelible" ink used for voting at the last poll in 2013 could be washed off people's index fingers, theoretically allowing them to vote again. Despite the challenges, Mahathir said the opposition still "have a good chance". "If you go by the sentiments of the people, we will win hands down," he said, during the interview at his Kuala Lumpur office. "But we know (Najib) is going to cheat." Mahathir, who used to be Najib's mentor, said he once believed the premier was a "nice man" -- but now considers him a "monster". "I don't relish the idea of a thief becoming the prime minister of Malaysia," he said. The US Justice Department alleges in civil lawsuits that $4.5 billion was looted from 1MDB, which was set up and overseen by Najib. Abdul Aziz hit back at Mahathir, insisting Najib was no monster. "The Malays will now look at Mahathir as an arrogant man because he is attempting to topple Najib," he told AFP. Mahathir has long championed the Malay cause and the opposition hopes he can persuade rural Muslim voters to shift their support to them, adding to their traditional following of urban voters and minorities. More than 250 people including Western Sahara refugees were killed when a military plane crashed near Algerias capital on Wednesday, state media said, with witnesses saying they saw a wing catch fire shortly after the plane took off. Dozens of firefighters, rescue workers and military officials worked around the blackened fuselage of the aircraft, which had been ripped open near its wings. Bits of mangled and smouldering debris were scattered across the field near Boufarik airport southwest of Algiers where people were searching for bodies among the rubble. Earlier TV images showed flames and smoke billowing from the site of the crash, the countrys worst air disaster. (Reuters) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr. PHOTO: Screenshot from Gov.sg YouTube page The Parliament Secretariat has written to Dr Thum Ping Tjin, asking the Oxford-trained historian to clarify his academic credentials. A statement on Friday (13 April) by the office of the Clerk of Parliament noted that Thums written representation to the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods had stated that he was a Research Fellow in History at Oxford University. During the hearing, he had informed the Committee that, amongst other things, he held a visiting professorship in anthropology. He subsequently explained online that he was a visiting research fellow in history within the dept of anthropology, said the statement. The statement added, In view of these varying accounts, clarifications have been sought to ensure that the Committees report correctly reflects Dr Thums positions, and to ensure that the Committee is accurately apprised. On the final day of the Select Committees hearings in March, Thum was grilled for six hours by Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam about his research and writings on the history of Singapore in the 1960s. During the session, Shanmugam also asked Thum about his academic credentials. Yahoo News Singapore has reached out to Thum for comment. Related stories K Shanmugam: Serious allegations about Lee Kuan Yew by Thum Ping Tjin on Operation Coldstore COMMENT: Truths, half-truths and the Singapore story By Steve Holland and Michelle Nichols WASHINGTON/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States on Friday blamed the Syrian government for a deadly chemical weapons attack this month and slammed Russia for failing to stop its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, as U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to weigh a forceful military response. Trump is pressing for a more aggressive strike on Syria than U.S. military chiefs have recommended as he adopts a tougher stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. officials told Reuters. One senior official said Trump has asked his military to consider options that would include punishing Russia and Iran, Syria's main foreign backers, in part over the president's growing level of exasperation with Putin. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has been urging caution in meetings, trying to avoid a strike that would trigger a broader conflict, two U.S. officials said. While the prospect of U.S.-led military action that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East, the White House accused Syria of carrying out a toxic gas attack on April 7 that killed dozens of people in the town of Douma, near Damascus. "We have a very high confidence that Syria was responsible and, once again, Russia's failure to stop them and their continued (lack of action) on this front has been part of the problem," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. U.S. intelligence shows a Russian claim that the attack was faked was false, Sanders said. "Our intelligence tells us otherwise. I can't go beyond that," Sanders told reporters. The U.S. State Department said the United States has proof at "a very high level of confidence" that the Syrian government carried out the attack but is still working to identify the mix of chemicals used. Trump warned on Wednesday that missiles "will be coming" in response to the Douma incident. Russia has told the United States and its allies not to carry out any military strike. Story continues Chemical weapons experts for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) arrived in Syria to investigate the suspected poison gas attack. The investigators, who are mandated to determine only if chemical weapons were used and not who used them, were expected to start their investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based organization said. 'ANYTHING ADVENTUROUS' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier that Moscow was in contact with Washington to discuss an atmosphere he described as alarming. "God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria along the lines of the Libyan and Iraqi experience," Lavrov told a news conference, referring to past Western military interventions elsewhere in the region. Britain's U.N. Ambassador Karen Pierce, meanwhile, rejected a charge by a Russian defence ministry spokesman that Britain was involved in staging a fake chemical weapons attack in Douma. "This is grotesque, it is a blatant lie, it is the worst piece of fake news we've yet seen from the Russian propaganda machine," Pierce told reporters. Assad is supported by Iranian-back fighters as well as the Russian air force and has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country. The capture of Douma from rebels who evacuated this week has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a centre of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his seemingly unassailable position in the war. The Syria crisis has come as a test not only for Trump, but incoming White House national security adviser John Bolton, a hawk who joined Trump's team this week. While Trump himself was silent on Syria on Friday, giving no further clues on whether American military action is imminent, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Washington estimated that Assad's forces had used chemical weapons at least 50 times during the seven-year-old Syrian conflict. "Our president has not yet made a decision about possible action in Syria. But should the United States and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defence of a principle on which we all agree," Haley told the U.N. Security Council. "All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow Assad to normalize the use of chemical weapons." Any U.S. strike would probably involve the Navy. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS Donald Cook, is in the Mediterranean. Last year, the United States carried out strikes from two Navy destroyers against a Syrian air base after another deadly toxic gas attack on a rebel-controlled area. (Reporting by Steve Holland and Michelle Nichols; Additional reporting by John Walcott, Lesley Wroughton, Phil Stewart, Alistair Smout, Tom Perry, Ellen Francis, Maria Tsvetkova, Leigh Thomas and Ingrid Melander; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and Will Dunham) The United States claimed Friday to have proof that the Syrian regime carried out a chemical massacre that has set western powers on a collision course with Russia, as President Donald Trump readied his response. Western leaders have made clear the alleged toxic gas strike on the Damascus suburb of Douma must not go unanswered -- despite a warning from the UN secretary-general that the crisis could trigger a "full-blown military escalation." Trump vowed a "strong" response the day after the April 7 attack -- since then, he has been in consultation with his military advisors, and allies France and Britain, on what form that should take. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron late Friday and agreed to "keep working closely" on a response to the attack, which the British government now believes killed as many as 75 people. With experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) headed to Syria to probe the strike, Russia defiantly claimed Friday the attack was staged by rescue workers acting on Britain's behalf. Western powers have been increasingly categorical in laying responsibility with Syria's Bashar al-Assad -- and Moscow. Asked whether Washington has proof Assad launched the attack on Douma, the main city in the former rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said: "Yes." "We know for a fact that it was a chemical weapon," she said, but added that she would not be able to release US "intelligence information" as it was still classified. Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Washington also holds Assad's ally "Russia responsible for their failure to stop chemical weapons attacks from taking place." - Military escalation - Trump's National Security Council was meeting Friday evening at the level of agency deputy heads, she said. Any intervention would increase the risk of a clash with Russian forces in Syria to defend Assad, and UN chief Antonio Guterres warned the UN Security Council -- where the US and Russia faced off -- to beware a "full-blown military escalation." France's Macron earlier called for stepped-up talks with Moscow, and spoke to President Vladimir Putin by phone. But France's UN ambassador Francois Delattre told the Security Council that in choosing once again to use banned chemical weapons against civilians, Assad's regime had "reached a point of no-return." And US ambassador Nikki Haley, while allowing that Washington is still weighing its options and pursuing its own investigation, warned her colleagues, "At one point, you have to do something." "All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow Assad to normalize the use of chemical weapons," she said. Russia, in addition to its unproven allegations against Britain, alleged the West was feigning outrage over the attack as a cover for a plan to overthrow Assad's government. "We continue to observe dangerous military preparations for an illegal act of force against a sovereign state," Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council. - Rebels give up Ghouta - Since last weekend, when images of ashen toddlers struggling for breath emerged, there has been a sustained military buildup in the eastern Mediterranean. A French frigate, British Royal Navy submarines and the USS Donald Cook, an American destroyer equipped with Tomahawk land attack missiles, have all moved into range of Syria's coast. On the ground, rebels and civilians were evacuating from Douma on Friday after anti-regime fighters in Eastern Ghouta surrendered their heavy weapons and their leader left the enclave. This signaled the end of one of the bloodiest assaults of the seven-year war and a major win for the Assad regime. Western officials believe chlorine was used in the April 7 attack on Douma. What is less clear is whether sarin, the agent used in a chemical attack that prompted US missile strikes last year, was also used. Russia, which has stonewalled diplomatic efforts at the UN Security Council, has vehemently denied a chemical attack took place. OPCW inspectors are expected to arrive in Syria at the weekend to investigate, following an invitation from Damascus. Diplomats have expressed concern that the experts could be used as hostages or human shields. (PHOTO: SPF) Two men who fled to Malaysia after allegedly being involved in a $300,000 robbery were arrested and extradited to Singapore on Thursday (April 12). The duo, aged 30 and 33, was found to be part of a 12-member gang who robbed an establishment at Rowell Road on 11 December last year, said the police in a statement on Friday. They were subsequently established to have fled from Singapore to Malaysia after the robbery and were arrested in Malaysia with assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police. The police added that the remaining 10 suspects have been arrested and prosecuted in court, following a series of operations held between the date of the offence and 8 January this year. The duo will be charged in court on Saturday with gang robbery. The 30-year-old man will be facing an additional offence of unlawful departure from Singapore. If convicted of gang robbery, the duo may each face a jail term of between five and 20 years, and at least 12 strokes of the cane. Anyone found guilty of unlawful departure from Singapore can face a a maximum jail term of six months or fined up to $2,000 or both. Other Singapore stories: 64-year-old man found dead at foot of condominium in Sengkang Man who helped ex-City Harvest Church leader in escape bid jailed six months Singapore Zoos polar bear Inuka may be put to sleep end-April due to poor health Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators on Thursday told AFP they were looking into whether former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko took cash from Moamer Kadhafi's regime in Libya for a presidential campaign. NABU, Ukraine's anti-graft office, said it had started "studying" information potentially linking Tymoshenko to the acquisition of "four million euros and its subsequent use to finance her election campaign" in 2010. If it finds "any signs of crime", NABU said a judicial investigation would be opened. Tymoshenko, still a member of parliament, is among the top candidates for Ukraine's 2019 presidential election, ahead of current President Petro Poroshenko according to the latest polls. She served as prime minister twice between 2005 and 2010 but failed to win the presidential election won that year by pro-Russian candidate Victor Yanukovych. In a February issue of the Saudi daily Asharq al-Awsat, an "assistant" of Kadhafi's son Seif al-Islam, said he had personally traveled to Ukraine to hand over the funds to Tymoshenko. "I had them in a briefcase and I travelled to Ukraine on a private jet. I arrived at Kiev airport and delivered the case to the deputy prime minister," he said. A spokeswoman for Tymoshenko rejected the claims, telling AFP: "This information does not correspond to reality. It is nonsense." Following the 2010 presidential election, Tymoshenko was imprisoned for abuse of power in a case denounced as selective justice by the West. She was released after the overthrow of Yanukovych following the pro-Western uprising in February 2014, coming in second in the presidential election three months later. During a visit to Ukraine in 2008, Kadhafi met Tymoshenko in his Bedouin tent set up in the centre of Kiev. He was killed in Libya in October 2011 by rebels. In France, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged over suspected illegal financing and corruption involving the former Libyan. Trip to the jungle After a couple of days stay in Narayangadh, I decided to go to Chitwan National Park (CNP), the first national park in Nepal, with one of my friends who is a true lover of nature. A senior US official has accused China of engaging in commercial espionage and implementing non-market practices, causing the bilateral trade relationship to become imbalanced and unsustainable amid an approaching US-China trade war. Gilbert Kaplan, an undersecretary for international trade at the US Commerce Department, said at a China Institute event in New York on Thursday that China is stealing American intellectual property and engaging in commercial cyber espionage. Kaplan provided no details to support his statement. The undersecretary also criticised Chinas continuing embrace of industrial policies and trade practices that are directed by governmental intervention and central planning, rather than market demands. His harsh critique included Chinas non-market policies, including the government's subsidising of top priority industries, and non-market oriented state-owned enterprises acting in support of the governments interests. Kaplan said he opposed defending Chinas non-market trade and industrial policies. The US disagrees with Chinas defenders acquiescing to treat the worlds second largest country as both a market economy and a developing country at the same time. Under World Trade Organisation rules, a developing country is entitled, to a certain extent, to use non-market practices to spur economic development. Since it became an economic powerhouse trailing only the US, developed countries want China to follow the same rules and responsibilities as a market economy. We are not seeking a combative or adversarial long-term relationship with China. On the contrary, we seek to solve the problems in our trade relations Gilbert Kaplan US President Donald Trumps administration has labelled China a strategic competitor, if not an adversary, that takes advantage of Americas open markets. Washington has threatened to launch an all-out trade war by imposing US$50 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing refuses to meet its demands to fundamentally open its markets to US companies and to abandon its non-market behaviour. Story continues We are not seeking a combative or adversarial long-term relationship with China, Kaplan said, On the contrary, we seek to solve the problems in our trade relations. The Trump administration intends to bring reciprocity to the Sino-US trade relationship, Kaplan said. We really do not want to see a trade war happening Yuan Ning, China Construction America Chinese companies US representatives at the conference event said they worried about the collateral damage the looming trade war could potentially cause. Yuan Ning, chairman and president of China Construction America, a subsidiary of state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corp, said full-blown trade hostilities would broadly affect both countries. We really do not want to see a trade war happening, he said. In the US, we have 2,000 employees. If something happens, the impact would [not only be felt] by us, but by everyone. I hope the two governments can pick up some dialogue and find a solution, Yuan said. Ni Ping, president of Wanxiang America Corp, a Chicago-based arm of Chinas private automotive components maker, Wanxiang Group, said a trade war is all about killing each other and none of us can afford it. It has no fundamental basis as long as leaders from both sides are smart enough to manage the weather, he said. This article US official accuses China of industrial cyber spying amid looming trade war first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Transworld Skateboarding have come up with a proper treat this week, with an upload on April the 11th of the nothing other than 411VM Issue 1 the date being 4/11 in American format, of course. Released in summer 1993, it kicked off a series which would cover all manner of skateboarding for the next 15 years before the internet sounded its death knell. During that time it was for many their first glimpse of a massive swathe of the pro skate world, one which was welcomed enough that regularity didnt take long to increase from quarterly to bi-monthly. With that rolling drum intro now a distant memory and various classic episodes already online in exceedingly pixelated quality, it was a pleasant surprise to find this on the days usual internet lurking. For those who know, crack a can, pour some out for a series which completely changed the skate media landscape and wallow in beautiful nostalgic bliss. For those who dont, prepare for some heavy double flippage Kicking off with a Jeremy Wray Profiles section, which sees him rocking the BPSWPH (big pants, small wheels, purple hair) combo hard, definitely makes a statement as an opening gambit. A reminder for those who didnt delve into his back catalogue after reading his recent Chrome Ball interview of just how ahead of the curve he was, in skateboarding ability if not in fashion sense, plus its amusing seeing him questioned by a pint sized Jason Dill. A lengthy Chaos montage and an interview with Erick Sermon of EPMD is followed by Ray Barbee giving possibly the least detailed trick tip of all time on how to do a backside 360 doubleflip over a hip, Get to the hip, kick it hard like a double kickflip but at the same time spin your body like youre doing a 360. Right, there you go then High points of the Wheels of Fortune section include Aaron Bleasdale delivering an absolute merking to the OG Cantelowes layout and a slice of Jesse Paez dopeness which includes the fun fact Richard, 15, is just a little smaller than his big brother emblazoned across the screen at one point. A section dedicated to schoolyards should awaken the nostalgia of anyone who grew up watching skate videos in the 90s, at the same time as amusement at Christian Hosois blatant self cheer (note to self research possible link between meth smoking and self props). An interview about going to prison with Josh Swindell, pre-second degree murder charges, holds extra weight given the power of hindsight, while an Industry section with The Firm makes for much lighter watching. A tour section sees Alan Peterson and Salman Agah heading down under which anyone in their right mind is going to want to watch immediately and includes a few bonus cameos, including one from former Cliche brand manager Al Boglio. The London Metrospective is of course one weve shared before but definitely one which deserves repeated viewings, featuring a particularly clean looking Southbank alongside Harrow, more OG lowes, Kingston vert ramp and other notable spots to visit if you happen to have a time machine. The likes of Mike Manzoori, Curtis McCann, Aaron Bleasdale, Winstan Whitter and Paul Shier have no need of a souped up Delorean, because they were there and this edit proves it. Of course, one of the joys of these clips is seeing footage from people who have disappeared from the world of skateboarding and youve never heard of. Some of the best.most amusing names in my hungover state include Gorm Boberg, Bobby Kuhns, Lib Layraman, Mirko Mangum, Joe Gruber and of course Otis. Tonight I might play a drinking game involving taking a swig when any one of them skates across the screen, Ill let you know how it goes Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Email careandfeeding@slate.com. Dear Care and Feeding, How can I get my 4-year-old daughter to stop biting her nails? She gets them right down to the quick and it looks painful. A Real Nail-Biter Dear ARN, Well, Im 35, and the only thing thats ever worked for me is buying an expensive jade cocktail ring and wanting to be able to show it off in public without people recoiling at my horrible mangled hands, which isnt really great advice for a 4-year-old. The conventional options, of course, include: the gross-tasting stuff your daughter will get used to, bribery, constantly pushing her hands away from her mouth until you feel like youve lost your mind, and telling her thats how you get worms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it happens, I recently had to take a crack at this with one of my own kids and can recommend getting her a chewy necklace. These ones look like a piece of Lego, you can run them through the dishwasher, no one at school has ever batted an eye at it (a teacher told me she has started recommending them for hair-chewing and sleeve-slurping as well), and after a few months of redirecting them to the necklace, the habit was broken (and eventually the necklace became unnecessary). Keep an eye on your daughters general anxiety level: Many of us who are truly committed oral fixators do it to deal with stress, and it may be easier to fix the behavior if you can isolate some contributing factors at play. Or she might just love the taste of man-flesh! Best of luck. Advertisement Dear Care and Feeding, How do you manage dinner and bedtime in a reasonable amount of time and as little chaos as possible? I have a 13-month-old and a 3-year-old. I cant figure it out! I get off of work around 4 p.m. and then I drive to get my kids from my mother-in-law. By the time I have nursed the baby, had the toddler go pee, loaded up the diaper bag, and wrestled children into car seats its about 5. Were home around 5:20 or so, and then we unload and I get the kids set up with some toys or a movielets be honest. It is a screen for the toddler about 99 percent of the time. However, everyone is melting down at this point and trying to get dinner on the table is a nightmare. Id say it is usually about 6 p.m. by the time I can even really start cooking. Then with trying to get dinner served and kids to eat we are looking at being done with that around 7:15 or so. I try to get the kids bathed and ready for bed, but my husband gets home from work right around then and they go nuts when he walks in the door. By the time everyone is ready for bed were always approaching 9 and it is TOO DAMN LATE! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just Go to Bed!!!! Dear JGtB, You and your husband both work outside the home and have two kids under the age of 4. It sounds like things are going pretty much as these things go. In my experience, much parental frustrationon this issue, and every issuecomes from the idea that other people must somehow be pulling all this off more successfully than you are. I am happy to inform you that they arent. This is largely how this goes! People come home from work late, kids go to bed late, children torment each other, etc. Some days you will be impressed simply to have survived. My advice, therefore, is mainly to separate yourself as much as possible from the idea that you are failing to do something that others find very easy. This is just a legitimately hard thing, and it will not go on forever. Advertisement I do, however, have a small amount of more concrete guidance for you: Children do not need baths every day unless they have rolled in mud, screens are a great balm to the process of table-setting, and you are not required by law to have a home-cooked meal on the table every weeknight. Lower your standards whenever possible, I say. My husband and I are both grazers and have no interest in sitting down for family meals, and have simply incorporated our children into our existing system. They know they have to do it when at other peoples homes, and rise beautifully to the occasion, but you can easily have them packed off to bed at least 45 minutes earlier if theyre gnawing a stick of beef jerky or tossing back some almonds while you read to them. Advertisement Advertisement You have so many years to work on this stuff, but right now you are in basic survival mode. They are not yet forming long-term memories! Youre doing fine. Vigorously slash your effort in half at every turn. And if its helpful (its been great for me), remember that you and your husband are on the same side of the war against your small children. If your stated goal is lets get these kids to bed so we can practice being married again, it can offer a dash of romance and motivation and the sort of forced teaming that, for better or for worse, gets you meaningful results. Advertisement More Care and Feeding: Should I Let My Husband Drag My Kids to Church? Advertisement My Daughter Prefers Me to Her Dad. I Dont Blame Her! I Love My Affectionate, Messy Kids, but My In-Laws Are Paranoid About Germs Dear Care and Feeding, My daughter came home from school the other day and announced that the tooth fairy has apparently upped her rate to $10 a tooth. Is this for real? What are parents supposed to do in response to this level of price-fixing? Call Me Aaron Burr for the Way Im Dropping Hamiltons Advertisement Dear Aaron Burr, My first thought is that your daughter is running a con on you, which is always beautiful to see, and to be encouraged. Uh, yeah, $10 a tooth and five points on the back end. Merchandising rights, too. Sure, kid. Advertisement Yeah, some parents are really running prices up on the rest of us, but 10 bucks is fantasyland. (It is absolutely possible some damnable ninny at your daughters school is paying this exorbitant rate, of course.) This handy primer suggests that the average fairy payout for a tooth in 2018 is $4.13, which is down slightly from $4.66 the previous year (an all-time high!). Some try-hards are out there leaving toys and games in addition to cash! What a time to be alive. Please, hold the line in your home! No one should be paying five bucks a tooth. Being from Canada, Gods own country, I feel bad for Americans because leaving loonies and toonies under pillows is so much easier than carefully wadding up paper money. My personal recommendation is to band together with several like-minded friends, go in on a sack of Susan B. Anthony silver dollars, and dole out one per tooth. It seems like its worth more than it is, its vaguely educational, and you can offer to buy them back at your own price should the child balk at them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Care and Feeding, After 11 years of emotional and mental abuse I finally put a healthy distance between myself and my now13-year-old twins father. I am the sole managing conservator, I only communicate with him via email to control abusive rhetoric, and have exactly and only as much of a relationship with him as I am required to by law. He sees the twins every other weekend and some holidays. I only casually inquire about how visits are and what they did, but otherwise try not to interfere in the twins relationship with their father. My problem is this: He will outright lie to them about his own past in order to save face, putting me in the position of either going along with his lie or being the seemingly petty person who tells them the truth. Two glaring examples: He wasnt accepted into the Air Force because he failed a drug test, but told our daughter it was for health reasons. After getting two DWIs, he lost his commercial drivers license but told our son he gave it up because it was too expensive to renew. What should I do? Advertisement Sick of His BS Advertisement Dear SoHBS, Congratulations on having taken the steps necessary to distance yourself from your abusive ex-partner. He sounds like a real peach. I am afraid my advice is likely to be somewhat deflating, but since his lies seem more in the line of harmless fabulism, like Big Fish but not at all charming, its probably not worth challenging. You dont need to sign on to his fantastical claims, just say Oh? in a vaguely distracted tone when your kids bring it up and go on with your business. (You knew exceptions were coming, and you were right!) Advertisement 1. If the kids ask for clarification on statements he has made which concern you, it is not necessary to say Oh? I guess I forgot that I set his priceless aquarium on fire because I never appreciated it. Advertisement 2. If the lies pose danger going forward, a la Dad says you can drink Sterno if you pour it through a coffee filter first, go ahead and set the record straight. The kids are 13. You have them the vast majority of the time. I am confident that you are the parent with the most significant ability to shape their experience of the world, and that their father will be eventually remembered for what he is. Will it be aggravating to inwardly roll your eyes when they drag home tales of the Purple Heart he won in the Crimean War? Very much so. But I think its best to ride it out until theyre grown. Detach, detach, detach. The more detachment you can achieve, the more emotional separation youll get from this man. There is no doubt in my mind that he wants to goad you into engaging him in conversation on these points. Please disappoint him. Before sending you off to ignore him and focus, as the French say, on your own onions, let me just ask you if you currently believe your ex to be sober, or if not sober, safe to drive the kids around? The fact that two of his identified lies are in the realm of substance use gives me some pause. If there is any doubt on this point, probe further. Best of luck! Nicole Were forgetting about the Holocaust. Or so argues a survey by the Claims Conference, released Thursday and written up in the New York Times under the desolate headline Holocaust Is Fading From Memory, Survey Finds. Among the startling statistics: 11 percent of all U.S. adults, and 22 percent of millennials, are unaware or not sure of the Holocaust. And 31 percent of adults (and 41 percent of millennials) think that 2 million Jews, or fewer, had been killed. (The real number is 6 million.) Also, 41 percent of adults couldnt identify Auschwitz as a concentration camp, a death/extermination camp, or a forced-labor camp. Advertisement The Claims Conferences survey, and the Times write-up, presumes that our knowledge gaps are getting worse and will only become more dire as we move forward in time. The emphasis on millennials relative ignorance drives this point home. Because things today feel worse (see: creeping ambient fascism and anti-Semitism), this conclusion seems to make a kind of dark, intuitive sense. But how did peoples knowledge of the Holocaust in years past compare to our bad showing in 2018? And are we really, as the Times coverage implies, less committed to remembering the genocide than we were in years past, when we had more survivors on hand to testify to what they saw? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historian Peter Shulman, who runs the @HistOpinion Twitter feed and likes looking at historical opinion research, compiled a number of answers from old polls on Thursday morning, showing that the narrative of declining knowledge thats depressed so many Times readers may not be entirely correct. In the polls Shulman referenced, questions asking people of the 1980s and 1990s for factual knowledge about the Holocaust returned blank spots just as glaring as our own. Advertisement In 1985, Roper found that 32 percent of respondents said they werent sure, or volunteered the wrong answer, when asked, What is or was the Holocaust? In responding to surveyors questions about the numbers of dead, 25 percent of the respondents in a 1992 Roper poll guessed 2 million Jews or fewer had been killed; 10 percent guessed 20 million; 20 percent chose not to answer. That same year, 38 percent of respondents couldnt identify Auschwitz, Dachau, and Treblinka as concentration campsa blooper even more notable, as Shulman writes, because those respondents (unlike the 2018 group) were given three names to jog their memories. The report puts a heavy emphasis on millennials relative ignorance. When it came to attitudes about the importance of this history, it seems that Americans of a few decades ago werent necessarily more committed to Holocaust education and memory than those responding to the recent survey. In 1992, Shulman found, a majority of respondents surveyed by Roper shared the belief that its morally imperative to know about this history. 72 percent said it was essential or very important for Americans to know about and understand the Holocaust. But that left 28 percent of respondents who wouldnt commit to that position. In 1994, only 87 percent of Roper respondents were willing to say that learning about the Holocaust in school was very or somewhat important. In 2006, only 79 percent would respond strongly support or somewhat support to the proposition of mandatory genocide education in public schools. If you compare those numbers to todays results93 percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement All students should learn about the Holocaust while at schoolit starts to look like were doing pretty well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shulman didnt share older data on Holocaust denialism, but its also important to remember that the weaponization of ignorance about the Holocaust is decades in the making. A culture of Holocaust denialism in the United States, as this timeline put together by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum shows, dates back at least to the publication of Gerald L.K. Smiths Cross and the Flag in 1959. Given that long history, maybe its good news that 96 percent of the 2018 respondents believed that the Holocaust actually occurred. (That depends on how you see things, I suppose. The Times piece called denial rare, but 4 percent who will refuse such abundant evidence still feels like an uncomfortably large number to me.) Advertisement Whats the ultimate takeaway from this mixed bag of results? We could start with a maxim: Never get too upset about apparent evidence of historical ignorance. Ever since I read historian Sam Wineburgs 2004 article in the Journal of American History, Ive been wary of the way people use tests of knowledge to show that present-day Americans are uniquely bad at remembering the past. Wineburg illustrates that surveys asking for historical facts have long shown that Americans, especially young people, are deficient in their ability to rattle off dates and names. Advertisement Among the pieces of evidence Wineburg uses in that article is a 191516 study of historical factual knowledge. The test, administered to 1,500 students in Texas, found that the young people committed blunders like confusing Thomas Jefferson with Jefferson Davis, uproot[ing] the Articles of Confederation from the eighteenth century and plunk[ing] them down in the Confederacy, and having zero idea of the significance of the year 1846 in the history of their state. A sober look at a century of history testing provides no evidence for the gradual disintegration of cultural memory or a growing historical ignorance, Wineburg contends. The only thing growing seems to be our amnesia of past ignorance. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, hearing that people in 2018 have a lack of knowledge about the Holocaust feels different than hearing that people in 1915 had a lack of knowledge about Jefferson Davis. But I think the positive results of the survey questions that ask whether people think others should know, and care, about this history are far more importantand heartening. And, as Shulman points out, knowledge and care about a historical event dont necessarily have to fade as the event recedes further into the past. But the framing here is troubling -- that historical knowledge and care about the Holocaust is dependent on closeness in time, and that as survivors and memories slip away, we are doomed. That's just not true. Peter A. Shulman (@pashulman) April 12, 2018 Of course, we should mourn the loss of the survivors whove spent years telling us what happened. Their testimony was crucial; theyre leaving us just as we face a global crisis thats testing whether historical memory of fascisms effects will prevent disaster. But as long as weve got the will to remember, theres hope. Better Life Lab is a partnership of Slate and New America. Record-breaking waiting lists for child care nationwide are forcing families in some locations to plan a babys arrival around when a day care center in their area expects an opening. Working parents from Berkeley, California, to Illinois to New York report calling scores of providers in vain. The shortage is so acute that child care researchers coined a new term for it. Inspired by the description of the absence of grocery stores in impoverished areas as food deserts, they dubbed these regions child care deserts. Advertisement Little is understood about the supply of day care in the U.S. Research to date focused in large part on its budget-busting cost. What is clear is this: The market is failing to meet the needs of working parents with kids under 5, and this problem is especially severe in certain places. Whats more, these areas are difficult to pinpoint, with deficits plaguing urban inner cities, suburban regions, and rural towns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt expect our area to have a shortage of providers, given the demographicsthere were a lot of young families, said Heather Thompson, who started her search in Champaign County, Illinois, in 2016 when she was five months pregnant. I called 42 providers and none of them had openings. Advertisement As the nations labor market tightens, businesses, county governments, and state legislatures are taking notice of the plights of parents like Thompson. At least 26 states passed laws related to child care access, cost, safety, and quality in 2016, the latest year for which data is available, according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The changes were meant in part to improve access in child care deserts, which researchers at the Center for American Progress define as any census tract with more than 50 children under age 5 that contains either no providers or so few that there are more than three times as many kids as licensed spots. In this session, state legislatures are debating how to incentivize child care business development through grants and technical assistance to startups as well as trainings for existing programs, said Julie Poppe, the National Conference of State Legislatures manager for the children and families program. Politicians are also discussing bills that address waiting lists, expand child care eligibility to low-income families, increase reimbursement rates for providers, and boost quality, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota lawmakers are considering bills fashioned after findings in a report by a legislative task force that concluded the state lost 15,000 child care spaces from 200514. Like Thompsons experience nearly 500 miles to the south, the study determined infant care was nearly impossible to find in the North Star State, with new parents required to contact endless numbers of providers to secure a spot. Advertisement Theres a ubiquitous undersupply of child carewe see waiting lists everywhere, said Rasheed Malik, a senior policy analyst at the Center for American Progress who worked with Katie Hamm, the centers vice president for early childhood policy, on a project entitled Mapping Americas Child Care Deserts. And according to Malik, thats because of the way the U.S. relies on private businesses to provide child care: This is not an area where businesses can profit. Advertisement Theres a ubiquitous undersupply of child carewe see waiting lists everywhere, Rasheed Malik, senior policy analyst at the Center for American Progress Malik and Hamm took information from child care location databases in 22 states and complemented it with census data to create a road map for Americas child care deserts. The proportion of residents living in such areas ranges from 62 percent in California to 24 percent in Iowa, they found. The study, which represents two-thirds of the U.S. population, is the second iteration of work the duo began in 2016. Advertisement By analyzing the locations of licensed child care providers, the researchers found about half of Americans live in child care deserts. The absence of child care makes it difficult for employers to attract qualified workers in some of the regions hottest job markets, such as Denver. About 30 percent of Coloradans live in child care deserts, according to the centers study. Supply is especially low, it found, in urban areas, where more than 1 in 3 live in census blocks without enough licensed providers. Hispanic communities are also disproportionately represented, Malik and Hamm found. Advertisement Like elsewhere in the country, the mismatch between demand and supply in the Centennial State threatens the economic security of families, because womens labor force participation is lower in neighborhoods without adequate licensed care. Nearly 2 million parents of kids aged 5 and younger had quit a job, not taken one, or greatly changed their position because of child care issues in 2016 alone, according to data from the National Survey of Childrens Health. Advertisement The shortage is also expensive for businesses. Productivity losses resulting from absenteeism due to child care issues cost companies about $4 billion annually, according to Child Care Aware. Advertisement This issue is front and center for about 25 firms, including medical centers, SBank, and HunterDouglas, who belong to the WorkLife Partnership, a Denver-based nonprofit that funnels dues from its members into programs designed to retain employees. Using grant money, the 9-year-old effort instituted a pilot program six months ago to increase child care slots in deserts along the I-70 and I-225 corridors that crisscross the citys lower-income communities. Advertisement We are really trying to find a better solution for the changing world of work and the positions that are growing, said Liddy Romero, WorkLifes founder and executive director, who hopes to replicate the program nationwide through her firms WorkLab Innovations branch. We know that job growth in Colorado is not in 95 positions, but those outside normal work hours. Romeros organization sent a child care business manager with more than a quarter century of experience in the industry to consult with home-based child care operations. She taught them how to make their business viable, provided them with expensive curriculum and home-repair help, and advised them on how to obtain a license so they could add capacity. Advertisement She also provided technical expertise to centers, in part by listing them on Care.com. The partnership between the online marketplace and Romeros nonprofit not only helps families find the centers but helps WorkLife employees more efficiently assist clients in finding care for their children, she said. Advertisement Advertisement We were wasting so much time calling lists of people, only to be told that they didnt have space, she added. The 17 centers that Romeros nonprofit partnered with increased their capacity over the past six months by 53 percent, she said. Her firm is gearing up to reach out to 35 additional in-home providers. Advertisement In Alameda County, California, supervisors hope to see similar rates of return if residents vote on June 5 to enact a 30-year half-percent sales tax that would generate about $140 million annually. The measure has a high bara two-thirds majority of votes is required for passage. But if it passes, it would expand access to child care and preschool in part by funding thousands of new scholarships for kids from low- and middle-income families. Advertisement The diverse region, which includes Berkeley and Oakland, is a magnet for tech companies that are driving up the cost of living. More than 115,000 children in the county lack access to formal child care and early education, according to a program plan formulated to support the measure. In Illinois, Thompson recently moved to her familys farm in rural Bloomington, about one hour from her previous home in Mahomet. Although she and her husband were happy with the farm-home day care she finally found in that area for their son Abe before he was born, that center was too far away for them now. A new search for day care for the 1-year-old began in the same fashion as the first one: She made calls to in-home providersall of whom were fullbut finally located spots in a larger center in Bloomington. I did call 10 in-home providers in the area and none of them had openings, Thompson said. But all the centers in town did and now that hes older we are more comfortable with him in a larger environment. Former FBI Director James Comey has a book dropping on Tuesday, so prepare for the president of the United States to be tweetin. The Republican Party is already gearing up for a fight with a Trumpspeak-inspired Lyin Comey website. While it will surely be interesting and instructive to hear Comeys perspective on the past three years in American history, the 304-page tell-all is coming at a particularly inopportune time. Facing complicated geopolitical questions in Syria that may involve the use of force, I think we can all agree its for the best that Trump devote whatever mental resources he possesses to figuring that out. But A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership is coming. The Washington Post got hold a of an advance copy and served up a preview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some, err, highlights of Comeys opinion of what he describes as the forest fire that is the Trump presidency. Forest fire is a gentlemans dumpster fire, by the way. Lets get straight to the golden showers thing: Trump strongly denied the allegations, askingrhetorically, I assumed whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised. He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations. Interesting approach, using sexual assault accusations to prove that you dont need the service of prostitutes. Comey, of course, was charged with broaching the topic of the Steele Dossier with Trump during the presidential transition, which included unsubstantiated allegations that a tape exists of a 2013 trip to Moscow where Trump engaged in a sex romp with prostitutes at a hotel, which included watching the prostitutes urinating in bed as a sex act (aka the golden showers thing aka the pee tape). Advertisement Comey describes Trump as having been obsessed with the prostitutes portion of the infamous dossier compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, raising it at least four times with the FBI head, the Post writes. Trump offered varying explanations to convince Comey it was not true. Advertisement Im a germaphobe, Trump told him in a follow-up call on Jan. 11, 2017, according to Comeys account. Theres no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way. A week after the Trump Tower meeting, on Jan. 11, Comey writes that Trump called him and said he was concerned about the dossier being made public and was fixated on the prostitutes allegation, the Post writes. The president-elect argued that it could not be true because he had not stayed overnight in Moscow but had only used the hotel room to change his clothes. And after Trump explained that he would never allow people to urinate near him, Comey recalls laughing. Advertisement Advertisement I decided not to tell him that the activity alleged did not seem to require either an overnight stay or even being in proximity to the participants, Comey writes. In fact, though I didnt know for sure, I imagined the presidential suite of the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow was large enough for a germaphobe to be at a safe distance from the activity. In other news Comey on Trumps Tan, Hair, and Hands: The first time Comey met Trump was at the pre-inauguration intelligence briefing. Comey, who is 68 tall, writes that the 63 president-elect looked shorter than he did on television. His face appeared slightly orange, Comey writes, with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assumed he placed small tanning goggles, and impressively coifed, bright blond hair, which upon close inspection looked to be all his. As he extended his hand, Comey adds, I made a mental note to check its size. It was smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so. Comey on Trumps speech patterns: like an oral jigsaw puzzle Comey on Attorney General Jeff Sessions: both overwhelmed and overmatched by the job. Get ready Comey, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! In the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States Constitution was amended to guarantee civil rights to black Americans. The Constitutions fresh commitment to equality looked great on paper, but it was promptly stymied by white supremacists who terrorized freed slaves in an effort to strip them of their newfound libertieschief among them, the right to vote. Congress, frustrated by the violent suppression of blacks access to the ballot, finally passed the Ku Klux Klan Act in 1871. Among other things, the law allowed individuals to sue in federal court when others conspired to deprive them of their constitutional rights. Advertisement On Thursday, four Virginia voters filed a lawsuit against J. Christian Adams, who recently served on Donald Trumps disbanded voter-fraud commission. The voters argued that Adams and his law firm, the Public Interest Legal Foundation, or PILF, conspired to intimidate them out of voting or registering to vote. Theyre suing Adams for violating Virginia defamation law and the Voting Rights Actas well as the Ku Klux Klan Act, which, sadly, remains quite relevant as it approaches its sesquicentennial. The plaintiffs have a strong case. And if they succeed in court, they may be able to put one of Americas most shameless voter-suppression enthusiasts out of business forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams joined the Department of Justice in 2005 as the agency attempted to uncover voter fraud in an effort to justify voter ID laws. That crusade failed, and Adams quit in 2010 to protest the DOJs decision to narrow the scope of its prosecution against the New Black Panther Party. (An internal review found that certain charges were dropped based on a good-faith assessment of the law and facts of the case.) Since then, he has appeared frequently on conservative media to allege that noncitizen voting is rampant in the U.S. In addition to his stint on the voter-fraud commission, Adams routinely sues (or threatens to sue) election officials for allegedly failing to purge a sufficient number of voters from the rolls. In March, a federal judge dismissed Adams claims against Broward County, Florida, essentially accusing him of misleading the court. Advertisement Adams and his firm have also produced a number of dubious reports alleging that noncitizens have registered to vote en masse in multiple states. In 2016, PILF published Alien Invasion in Virginia. The report declared that 1,046 noncitizens had registered to vote illegally in the state, a felony. It then listed the names, home addresses, and phone numbers of many such voters. If the plaintiffs succeed in court, they may be able to put one of Americas most shameless voter-suppression enthusiasts out of business forever. Virginia election officials reached out to PILF to inform it that its methodology was badly flawed and its findings incorrect. But instead of backing down, PILF published Alien Invasion II, which named hundreds of residents of Prince William County and accused them of being noncitizens who had committed felony voter fraud. This time, PILF listed the names, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers of many suspected aliens. It then vigorously promoted its report in the media and urged the Justice Department to prosecute the voters it had identified. Advertisement One problem: PILF was wrong. Many of the Virginians it accused of felony voter fraud and asked the DOJ to prosecute were real votersbut they arent aliens; they are U.S. citizens. That includes Jeanne Rosen, Abby Jo Gearhart, Eliud Bonilla, and Luciana Freeman, four plaintiffs in the suit against Adams and PILF brought by Protect Democracy and Southern Coalition for Social Justice. (The League of United Latin American Citizens is also a plaintiff.) As the lawsuit explains, PILF unequivocally accuses these four voters of having committed a felony under federal and state law by improperly registering to vote. Moreover, the clear implication of the report is that the voters are also guilty of a second felony by actually voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In making such false accusations, the complaint alleges, PILF and Adams have acted to intimidate or threaten Plaintiffs for registering to vote and voting and deter them from voting in the future. This injury isnt hypothetical. All four plaintiffs attest that they feel embarrassed and endangered by PILFs spurious reports. Bonilla considered running for public office but now fears and expects that this public accusation of fraud will subject him to birther conspiracies like the ones that plagued President Barack Obama. Freeman fears that her current or future employer could take adverse action against her because she has been falsely accused of a crime. Rosen and Gearhart fear that their ability to cast a ballot will be challenged at the polls in the future. Each plaintiff is worried about their physical safety, given that their phone numbers and home addresses are published in a report that unambiguously labels them criminals. Advertisement It might seem anachronistic to apply the Ku Klux Klan Act to this thoroughly modern form of voter intimidation. But the laws plain text indicates its broad reach: Any two or more persons who conspire to prevent any citizen from voting by force, intimidation, or threat are liable. The Supreme Court has imposed another requirement on equal protection suits under the lawthat these actions be motivated by discriminatory animus toward some particular group. But that would be an easy threshold to clear here: Both Alien Invasions are full of nativist rhetoric disparaging immigrants and seem designed to raise suspicion about Latino voter fraud. PILFs work exhibits clear animus toward immigrants as well as the American Latino community as a whole. (The plaintiffs take the position that because the alleged conspiracy hinders voting rights specifically, they need not even prove animus under Supreme Court precedent.) Advertisement Advertisement For good measure, the plaintiffs also sued under the Voting Rights Act, which similarly bars individuals from attempting to intimidate any person for voting or attempting to vote, with no animus requirement. And they sued Adams and PILF for defamation, arguing that they recklessly and maliciously failed to exercise due care and diligence before publishing defamatory statements that impugned their reputations. Advertisement There is a good chance that this case will go to trialwhich means that Adams will have to defend the methodology of his reports in a court of law. When fellow voter-fraud czar Kris Kobach attempted to do exactly that last month, he failed miserably, exposing the fraudulence of his own claims and data. It would be salutary for American democracy to force Adams into the same spotlight to reveal the nonsense that undergirds his lifes work. But its equally important that these four plaintiffs have the opportunity to face their accuser in court and hold him accountable for his own malicious lies. Throw another potential challenger into the compelling Republican race to be speaker of the House, a job that might not even be available to the GOP when it frees up next year. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, a co-founder and former chairman of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, told reporters Friday that he might be interested in the job. There is no speakers race right now. Paul Ryan is the speaker, Jordan said, according to the Washington Post. If and when there is, Ive been urged by colleagues to consider that and I am definitely open to that. Advertisement There may not officially be a speakers race right now, but the race to replace Ryan atop the House Republican Conference is very much on. The secret jockeying, backroom whispering, and catty television appearances have neared a breaking point. Members wont be able to pretend much longer that the impending power vacuum can wait seven months before being addressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan, if he enters the leadership race, will not serve as either speaker or majority leader. Thats not what this move would be about. Its about manifesting the Freedom Caucus leverage to choose the ultimate winner. Jordan is loved and respected within the Freedom Caucus but loathed by much of the rest of the House Republican Conference. He is a conservative troublemaker, a thorn in the sides of both Ryan and former Speaker John Boehner. His bouts with the latter were legendary. During the debt ceiling fiasco of 2011, Jordan, then chairman of the Republican Study Committee, got in trouble when it was revealed that a staffer of his urged outside conservative groups to pressure members into killing a Boehner debt ceiling deal. The Columbus Dispatch later reported that Ohio legislators considered drawing Jordan into a more competitive district during its redistricting process. Boehner denied the claim, saying that while they may not always agree on strategy, they were friends and allies, and the word retribution is not in my vocabulary. Advertisement Years later, in a candid 2017 Politico Magazine profile, Boehner shared his true feelings on Jordan. Fuck Jordan, he said. Jordan was a terrorist as a legislator going back to his days in the Ohio House and Senate. A terrorist. A legislative terrorist. Advertisement That opinion is widely shared among the Republican rank and file. Jordan would have far, far too low a ceiling to win a speakers race on the floor. But he would have just high enough a floor to play kingmaker. If Republicans manage to hold on to the House, the next speaker would need 218 votes out of a much narrower GOP majority. If the Freedom Caucus rallies behind Jordan as their choice, that gives them veto power over both Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Majority Whip Steve Scalise, or anyone else who might emerge. It then becomes a process of extracting concessions. When Ryan became speaker, for example, he pledged to the Freedom Caucus that he wouldnt bring to the floor any immigration bills that the majority of the majority didnt support. In order to win over Jordan supporters, the next speaker might have to offer Freedom Caucus members similar policy pledges, prized committee assignments, or even a seat at the leadership table for a Freedom Caucus member, be it Jordan or someone else. The Freedom Caucus is not shy about using its leverage and has every intention of doing so in a would-be speakers race. Now that leverage just might have a name. In just over a week, the internal White House debate over Syria has been flipped on its head. Last week, the president was publicly vowing to pull U.S. troops out of Syria at the same moment administration officials were vowing they would stay in the country. During a National Security Council meeting, Defense Secretary James Mattis reportedly convinced a skeptical Trump that the military needed more time to finish the job of mopping up whats left of ISIS. Trump agreed, as long as it would take months, not years, but said preparations to pull troops out should begin. Advertisement Now, after last weekends chemical attack in Douma and Trumps series of tweets threatening action against Animal Assad, the president is reportedly pushing for what would be a major new level of U.S. military force in Syria, and Mattis is the one wary of escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump has privately pushed for a strong response that would try to cripple Syrias ability to carry out further chemical-weapons attacks and said that the U.S. must take much more forceful action than it did when it launched 59 tomahawk missiles in response to a chemical attack last year. Trump wants action that will punish Assads sponsorsIran and Russiain addition to the regime. Mattis, meanwhile, is advocating a more narrowly tailored response, noting the risk that new strikes could inadvertently kill Russians working alongside Syrian forces. Mattis has also said the U.S. is still gathering evidence on whether Assad was behind the chemical attack, contradicting both the presidents tweets and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has said the U.S. already has enough proof to act. One Department of Defense official told the New York Times that Mattis more cautious stance is an acknowledgment of a lesson from the Iraq war about what can go wrong after a military assault without a plan. According to Just Securitys Kate Brannen, new national security adviser John Bolton, who started on Monday and was a loud advocate for the Iraq war, is siding with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, the terms of last weeks Syria debate and this weeks are not the samean enduring troop presence is different from a massive airstrike, and a chemical attack is different from other forms of warfare. But its still jarring to see how fast the president will drop his usual skepticism about military intervention in the Middle East, prompted perhaps by visceral disgustthe images of the most recent Douma attack were certainly heart-wrenching, but also not out of character for Assads crimes during this long and brutal waror the chance to distinguish himself from Barack Obama. Advertisement Theres an arguable case to be made that limited strikes might be worth it if only to uphold the international norm against the use of chemical weapons, even if such strikes are unlikely to shift the course of the war and could even prolong it. The legal, moral, and strategic case for the type of wider, riskier intervention that Trump seems to be favoring, though, is much weaker. While this debate goes on, Trumps threats already appear to be having an impact on the ground in Syria, reports the Telegraphs Raf Sanchez. The good news is that there have been no regime airstrikes since last Tuesday. The bad news is that Syrian regime forces appear to be moving aircraft to Russian bases in Syria, meaning that it will be much harder for any U.S. military action to achieve the results Trump wants without the dangerous escalation that Mattis fears. Authorities in Michigan have arrested a 53-year-old man in the northern Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills for firing a shotgun at a 14-year-old black teenager who knocked on his door, a report from a local Fox station says (the shot missed): It is just absurd that this happened, says Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. I feel terrible for the young man; I feel terrible for the mom and the anxiety that they had to go through. We are going to ask for every charge permissible for this guy, who stepped up and fired a shotgun because someone knocked on his door. Advertisement The wife of the man who was arrested apparently believed that 14-year-old Brennan Walker was trying to rob her when he well lets see here knocked on her door in broad daylight to ask for directions to school: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker was trying to walk the bus route to Rochester High School after he woke up late and missed his bus. His mom had taken his phone away, so he didnt have that with him to get directions. So he knocked on a strangers door for helpand almost paid for it with his life. I got to the house, and I knocked on the ladys door. Then she started yelling at me and she was like, Why are you trying to break into my house? I was trying to explain to her that I was trying to get directions to Rochester High. And she kept yelling at me. Then the guy came downstairs, and he grabbed the gun, I saw it and started to run. And thats when I heard the gunshot, he says. The entire encounter was apparently recorded by the couples smart security doorbell. Hoisted on their own paranoia! There are even more brain-boggling details in Fox 2s thorough report on the incident, which is worth reading in full. Because the entire Trump organization operated as if they were characters in the Sopranos, it shouldnt be all that surprising to hear that Trump lawyer, confidante, and henchman Michael Cohen recorded conversations, reportedly as standard practice, in order to squeeze and blackmail people operating in the Trump universe, first in business but later within the campaign. According to the Washington Post, Cohen wanted his business calls on tape so he could use them later as leverage and was known to store the conversations using digital files and then replay them for colleagues. One of the people Cohen would play his tapes for just so happened to be Donald Trump. Advertisement While secretly recording your associates, and presumably colleagues, most certainly makes you a slime ball, the bigger problem here, for team Trump, is that federal authorities just raided Cohens work and various places of residence this week, seizing computers and phones, in their search for communications about hush payments to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal, among potential others. Whoops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possibility that Cohens digital tapes could soon be in the hands of Robert Mueller, along with other federal prosecutors, has understandably caused a wee bit of worry in Trumps universe of allies and associates. We heard he had some proclivity to make tapes, a Trump adviser told the Post. Now we are wondering, who did he tape? Did he store those someplace where they were actually seized? . . . Did they find his recordings? Advertisement Federal investigators would not automatically get access to any tapes that might have been seized in the raids, the Post notes. First, the recordings would be reviewed by a separate Justice Department team and possibly by a federal judge. The review is designed to protect lawyer-client privilege and to be sure that the conversations turned over are within the terms of the search warrant, legal experts said. It makes sense then that Cohen appears to be doing whatever necessary to try to put an end to the relevant (known) investigation involving his payment to Stormy Daniels, including pleading the 5th Amendment. President Trump today announced that he is granting a full pardon to I. Lewis Scooter Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, who was convicted in 2007 of lying to the FBI about his role in the leak of undercover CIA officer Valerie Plames identity to the media during the debate in the run-up to the war in Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Bush had already commuted Libbys 30-month jail sentence, and both his law license and voting rights have since been restored, but conservatives have been calling for a full pardon for some time now. Libby is represented by the husband-and-wife legal team of Victoria Toensing and Joe DiGenova, who were at one point considered as potential lawyers for Trump in the Russia probe, but were rejected either because of conflict of interest or personality conflicts. DiGenova is a frequent Fox News commentator who has also been making news lately by calling for the firing of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. DiGenova might be about to have a very good day. Trumps new national security adviser, John Bolton, has also long advocated for Libbys pardon. Advertisement As Trump acknowledges in the statement, he does not know Libby personally, and this is a bit of an ironic pardon for him. Libby was accused of leaking classified information to the press, something Trump has often raged against in his own administration. The man once known as Cheneys Cheney for his simpatico relationship with the former vice president was also a key figure in making the case for the invasion of Iraq, a decision Trump has often denounced as idiotic. Perhaps, having recently brought Iraq hawk Bolton aboard and preparing to embark on his own new military adventure in the Middle East, Trumps views on Bush 43 and his team are softening. After less than two years, Google is abandoning its flagship handsetthe first generation Pixel. Ars Technica discovered Wednesday that Google had pulled the Pixel and Pixel XL from its website. A quick read of headlines, and you might believe Google was abandoning the Pixel brand altogether, but thats not the case. While the original 2016-era Pixel has been removed from both the Google Store and Project Fi Store, the 2017 Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 remain available. Still, for those used to the lengthy availability of older smartphones from competitors such as Apple, the move seems unusual. Its a good reminder that despite parallels in their product offerings, Google is not Apple. Advertisement When Apple launches a new phone, its standard practice is to keep the past years model available at a discounted price (usually $100 cheaper), a strategy Google used when the Pixel 2 launched. Apple also lowers the price of the older phones predecessor, keeping three generations of phones on sale simultaneously. Part of the reason Apple can do this is its cost-effective supply chain. For several years, Apple has been ranked as having the best supply chain in the world, primarily because of the way it efficiently handles its massive inventory and tightly ties production volumes with demand, preventing unsold supply from sitting in storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a remarkable feat, and something most tech companies arent capable of accomplishing. Google, for example, had a hard time meeting demand when the Pixel went on sale in 2016and for five months after its launch. Now, at the end of its life, without such supply-chain logistics in place, Google may have found that its original Pixel handsets were costing the company more money than they were making from their salesand so it stopped production on the phones and removed them from its website. From a supply-and-profit perspective, the move makes sense. Advertisement However, there are aspects of the situation that are befuddling, such as Googles proposed support life for the Pixel. In its online support documentation, Google says that it will cease supporting the Pixel with updates in October 2019a mere three years after its debutand that it cant guarantee Android version updates after this October. Apple, by comparison, still offers support of the iPhone 5s and as Gizmodo notes, that phone is now five years old. The support issue makes it more evident why Android still suffers from significant fragmentation issues. Currently, only 1 percent of Android device owners are on the latest version of the operating system, Oreo. A majority of users are split three ways on older Android OS versions Nougat, Marshmallow, and Lollipop, while nearly 20 percent of Android users are on OS versions even older than that. By contrast, more than 83 percent of iOS device-owners are running iOS 11, the latest iteration of Apples mobile operating system. Advertisement Advertisement This decision raises important questions about security. While Google has stepped up efforts to combat bad actors in its app store, nasty malware continues to crop up in the Google Play Store on a regular basis. Other threats, like Januarys Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities, are discovered and need to be addressed via software patch in order to protect handset owners from seeing their personal data leaked or stolen. Many Android phones older than two or three generations were not eligible for updated protections against Spectre and Meltdown. On the other hand, limiting device updates beyond a few years protects against the issues Apple has recently experienced, including its controversy-causing need to slow down older handsets so they can run newer OS versions without crashing. Advertisement Advertisement In removing the original Pixel from its website, Google is keeping its focus on the future. Android fans and converts hoping to get on the Pixel train still canjust with the most recent versions, the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2. And its likely that well see a Pixel 3 added to Googles smartphone lineup in October. Google is not an experienced hardware magnate like Apple; it cant keep years of product models in stockit has problems keeping its current model adequately stocked. Unlike Apple, which aims to bring old handsets up to speed with new operating system features as best as possible, Google leaves its old handsets in a time capsule of the era in which it first launched. From a user experience perspective, Googles support decisions make some sensebut they do have the distinct tinge of planned obsolescence. Uber announced a series of new rider safety improvements on Thursday, including the addition of buttons that allow customers to more easily call 911 from the app and share their locations with others. Uber is also mandating annual criminal background checks for its drivers and hiring an unnamed company to track criminal arrest records on an ongoing basis. Drivers were previously only required to undergo one background check. The first thing that we want to do is really change Ubers substance, and the image may follow, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told the Associated Press. The announcements that were making are just a step along the way of making Uber fundamentally safer for drivers and riders. Advertisement Background checks in particular have been a sore spot for the company in previous years. In 2015, Uber and Lyft decided to stop service in Austin, Texas, after the City Council passed an ordinance requiring that they institute fingerprint-based background checks, a method employed by the FBI. The two ride-sharing companies argued that fingerprint databases are often out of date and that fingerprinting holds up the hiring process. Uber and Lyft returned to Austin a year later after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that put the state in charge of regulating ride-sharing and jettisoned fingerprint checks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission fined Uber $8.9 million in November for allowing 57 drivers with felony convictions and serious traffic violations, like driving under the influence, to operate in the state. Some of the drivers didnt even have a valid license. Regulators later cut the fine in half after Uber argued that the commission had already dismissed 1,788 of the violations. Advertisement That same month, two women brought a class-action suit against Uber on behalf of U.S. riders who were subject to rape, sexual assault, physical violence or gender-motivated violence or harassment by their Uber driver in the last four years. Nine other women have joined the case since then, and Uber has reportedly been trying to settle it in private arbitration. The plaintiffs argue, in part, that Ubers alleged reliance on credit-reporting systems for screening drivers is inadequate, as those records only go back seven years while fingerprint records go back further. Uber still does not plan to add fingerprint checks in this latest round of safety updates, claiming that the combination of databases it currently relies on stacks up well against the alternatives. Great bustard seen after 30 years The sighting took place in a location the birds used to frequent. A great bustard, a large bird, was spotted near Banov village near Nitrianska pahorkatina after 30 years. The great bustard had completely disappeared from Slovakia, as noted by Roman Slobodnik from Raptor Protection of Slovakia. It is estimated that several hundred pairs used to nest in Slovakia, said Slobodnik, as quoted by the SITA newswire. Disappearance due to changes Drastic changes in agricultural methods, such as using chemical substances, establishing large-area monocrops and growing unsuitable crops, brought the decrease of the nesting population to a complete disappearance, added Slobodnik. Besides that, in the second half of the last century, electric networks started to cross the countryside in the flight trajectory of bustards that resulted in no known nesting of bustards since 2000. This beautiful bird disappeared from Zitny ostrov as well as from Nitrianska pahorkatina and other areas, said Slobodnik for SITA. Flocks near borders The only exception is irregular nesting in two locations in the southwest of the country, according to him. It is possible to see flocks of bustards in certain areas of the Slovak border with Austria and Hungary, mainly in the winter. 503 bustards were counted there this year, Slobodnik related, as cited by SITA. Observing bustards in Nitrianska pahorkatina after 30 years is very precious, according to Lucia Deutschova from Raptor Protection Slovakia. The observation spot near Banov village is part of the Protected Bird Area Dolne Povazie where bustards used to live. It is the perfect piece of news that may bring other measures to create conditions for the species return, Deutschova said, as quoted by SITA, adding that this discovery showed that the genetic memory of birds may send them back to historical localities to check whether everything is ready for their return. Preventive measures Raptor Protection Slovakia, in cooperation with ZSE Energia (Western Slovak Energy), is appling measures to increase the visibility of power lines in order to protect birds from collision. The great bustard is the heaviest flying bird in the world; the highest confirmed weight of an adult male is 22 kilograms (48.5 lbs). Bustard females are smaller, with a maximum weight of five kilograms (11 lbs). The great bustard is a grasslands non-migrating species that needs enough insects, rodents, amphibians and reptiles to raise their young. 13. Apr 2018 at 8:25 | SITA, Compiled by Spectator staff Kalinak paid goodbye bonuses worth 400 to policemen and firefighters This generous goodbye action by the long-term minister has cost the state 15 million in total. Shortly before his departure from the post of interior minister, Robert Kalinak gave away 400 bonuses to tens of thousands of employees of the Interior Ministry. This generous goodbye action cost state coffers 15 million, the Dennik N reported. Police officers, firefighters and others will receive the bonus in addition to their salary for April. At the Interior Ministry, performance benefits are usually paid two times per year based on the decision of the minister, the ministrys press department informed the Korzar daily. Robert Kalinak decided to grant benefits of 400 for almost 40,000 employees meeting the requirements set by law. Kalinak did not inform about the bonuses and even the new Interior Minister, Tomas Drucker, was not aware of them. Kalinak, the long-term minister and close ally of Smer party leader Robert Fico, resigned from his post in March following the political turmoil the double murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his partner caused. Read also: Read also: Kalinak survived more than 10 scandals before Read more In 2017 the ministry spent a total of 25 million on all benefits. While in the past the amount of the benefit depended on several aspects and evaluation by superiors, this time each ministry employee received the same sum. 13. Apr 2018 at 6:01 | Compiled by Spectator staff Matovic accuses Drucker of cheap purchase of house in Florida Drucker has ended up in hospital with chronic neck problems. Font size: A - | A + In addition to performing a business miracle with land in Trnava, Interior Minister Tomas Drucker (Smer nominee) has also managed one in the American state of Florida. Here he bought half of a terraced house for around $120,000 (around 97,250) less than it should have cost, opposition OLaNO party leader Igor Matovic said on April 12, adding that Drucker bought the property at two thirds cheaper than the real market price. The deal took place last July with Druckers wife actually handling the transaction. The house is in Sarasota, on Floridas west coast. Drucker defended this [at that time] by saying that he had bought it cheap because hed have to invest in the house due to its bad condition, said Matovic, as cited by the TASR newswire, showing pictures of the villa in question and claiming that the house is not in bad condition at all. Read also: Read also: Minister Druckers wife ends her businesses Read more The original owners of the villa in Florida were Jozef Mihalik and Jozef Michalek, with the former selling his share to Drucker. Mihalik and Michalek co-own a company called Panorama Sport Hotel, which owns the Holiday Inn hotels in Bratislava, Trnava and Zilina. Matovic claims that they received 400,000 from the Economy Ministry headed by the Smer party, via EU funds, in order to boost the competitiveness of the hotels in Zilina and Trnava. Matovic pointed to the fact that the hotels in question are doing fine and that no EU funds were needed. He wonders whether the discount on Druckers villa is not somehow related to this help from EU funds. Drucker denies all the accusations and is filing charges against Matovic for libel. The Minister absolutely denies the scurrilous lies and fabulations about the connections between everybody with everybody produced by Matovic over the last three days, the press department of the Interior Ministry wrote in its response. The minister has been openly communicative about the purchase of one half of the condominium with the media since the very beginning. He has released all details related to this. Later on Thursday, Drucker was taken to hospital in Bratislava due to chronic problems with a damaged disc in his neck. To date, it is not known how long Druckers stay in hospital will be. Earlier this week he said that he would announce his decision about the Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar on Thursday or Friday. Gaspars withdrawal is one of the requirements of the people gathering at protest rallies across Slovakia. 13. Apr 2018 at 5:53 | Compiled by Spectator staff Murky ownership structure contributes to devastation of national monument The Machnac sanatorium, a significant example of European Functionalist architecture, is falling apart. It is maybe a question of one or two years until the owners of the Machnac sanatorium in Trencianske Teplice will find the expertise enabling them to demolish this national cultural monument due to safety reasons, said a theoretician of architecture, Peter Szalay, sharing his concerns for this building. Along with colleagues from the Institute of Construction and Architecture at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, architects and others they are trying to save this significant example of European Functionalist architecture from demolition. Their latest step is a petition calling for expropriation by the state which they started last week. The petition for expropriation of the sanatorium is our last resort to save this building, to take it away from the hands of its owners who do not care about the building at all but only about the land below it, said Szalay, as cited by the Dennik N daily. During last weekend, a banner offering the building for sale was replaced by another two. One of them calls for the expropriation of the building and the second one points to the murky ownership structure leading to people who are close to the government. What is Machnac The Machnac sanatorium, completed in 1932, ranks among the most precious works of architecture built in Czechoslovakia during the interwar period and it is a significant example of European functionalism. It was designed by the Prague architect Jaromir Krejcar (1895-1950). When compared to similar buildings abroad, the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland is mentioned, designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. It is one of the last buildings constructed in the Functionalist style preserved in its authentic form. It was declared a national cultural monument in 1995. However, it has been closed since 2002. Its owners at first wanted to rebuild and extend it into a luxurious hotel but this would mean destroying all the values for which it is so acclaimed. After preservation experts denied such a rebuild of Machnac, its owners left it unguarded, enabling looting. Read also: Read also: Is this the last of the iconic Machnac sanatorium? Read more From the owners side it is in controlled liquidation, that is they are trying to gradually destroy all the valuable elements the building had, said architect Peter Zaicek from the Abandoned (re)creation. He is one of the authors of a book called Off Season about this building, published in late 2017. The efforts to salvage this building are complicated by its ownership. The building has changed owners many times and they have often been unreachable. This complicates the situation for the Regional Monuments Office in Trencin because it is not able to contact them and require from them the proper maintenance of the sanatorium. So-far investigations indicate that the building has been in the hands of people close to Zoroslav Kollar, Norbert Bodor and Maria Krajmerova. The latter is the wife of the ex-head of the anti-corruption unit of the National criminal Agency (NAKA), Robert Krajmer. Murdered journalist Jan Kuciak pointed out in his articles that Krajmers wife does business in a company controlled by influential businessmen Zoroslav Kollar and Norbert Bodor. The police listed Kollar on the so-called mafia lists and Bodor is an influential businessman from Nitra close to the ruling Smer party who earned a fortune thanks to state orders, the Sme daily recalled. Possible expropriation Slovak legislation enables expropriation of a national cultural monument in the public interest even though this has not yet happened. Expropriation would mean that the state must offer its owners financial compensation for it. Trencianske Teplice Mayor, Stefan Skultety, perceives the current condition of Machnac very negatively. This architectural gem has been deteriorating for more than 15 years and we do not see any real chance for improvement. It is bad news for the town, said Skultety, as cited by the Sme daily, adding that the town is only an observer in this case. He sees the only chance for Machnac in an active intervention by the state, giving the Villa Tugendhat in Brno in the Czech Republic as an example. The state reconstructed it at a cost of more than 200 million Czech crowns and it now serves as a museum and attraction for tourists. So far more than 300 people have signed the petition including prominent experts in architecture from Slovakia and abroad. 13. Apr 2018 at 6:23 | Compiled by Spectator staff Gang boss Okolicany is at large. European warrant might take weeks The gang boss who got a life sentence on April 11 is at large, possibly abroad. Robert Okolicany, the boss of the eastern-Slovak gangland was handed a life sentence on April 11 despite being at large. The issue of a European warrant for his arrest will not be possible any time soon, the Specialised Criminal Court (STS) spokesperson Katarina Kudjakova told the TASR newswire. On April 12, The Dennik N daily broke the news that Okolicany failed to attend a court session in person the day before. Okolicany was under surveillance by the police but managed to evade officers and flee from justice abroad, according to the daily. Okolicanys right-hand man, Robert Nigut, who received a life sentence as well, is also on the run. International warrant may take too long The STS may issue a european arrest warrant only after it receives the extensive file on the case, almost 20,000 pages long, from the Supreme Court. Delivering the verdict and the file could take weeks. If the european warrant fails, an international arrest warrant can be issued next. Interior Minister Tomas Drucker expressed hope that the convicts will be captured and made to serve their sentences in this case as soon as possible, in a similar manner to other cases in recent years when the police have managed to successfully capture individuals who had evaded justice for more than ten years, Interior Ministry spokesperson, Andrea Dobiasova, said, as quoted by TASR. The Supreme Court handed down a life sentence to Okolicany on April 11, with no appeals possible. Police deny any blame The Police claim, as cited by the Sme daily, that they did not know about Wednesdays court session and that they only found out about the escape after being asked by court to bring Okolicany to prison. Read also: Read also: Supreme Court sentences mafia kingpin Okolicany to life Read more It seems that this is nothing unusual; last month, David Brtva, sentenced to nine years for embezzlement of non-licensed financial institutions BMG and Horizont, also managed to flee. Okolicany is already the third escape this year. The Police, led by much criticised president Tibor Gaspar, deny any wrongoing arguing that they did not know that the verdict in the case that had already lasted for 11 years was to be pronounced on that day. Neither the courts, nor the prosecutors office announce the dates of sessions, not to mention the way in which the case will be decided, the police presidium explained for Sme. The Prosecutors office also denies any failings. Police president to go? Minister Drucker did not clarify whether he considers the latest escape to be the failure of Police President Tibor Gaspar, and whether this may be a reason to recall him. He only commented that he hopes the convicts will promptly be delivered to prison. Read also: Read also: Drucker understands public's "emotions" but is taking his time to act Read more Drucker plans to announce on April 12 or 13, whether he will dismiss Gaspar or leave him in office until new rules for the election of the Head of Police become valid. 13. Apr 2018 at 6:44 | Compiled by Spectator staff Top 3 news from Last Week in Slovakia Situation at RTVS provokes media freedom concerns. Font size: A - | A + video //www.sme.sk/vp/36627/ Former Parliament's Speaker Pavol Paska died of heart attack at age 60. Journalists of the public-service Radio and Television of Slovakia published an open letter saying they "are fighting with the mistrust we feel towards our superiors, towards their intentions and skills. Smer plans to postpone the balanced budget plan by 2020 to find space for replacing the so-called Christmas bonuses for pensioners with a 13th pension. Listen to the whole Last Week in Slovakia published on April 11 https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/428154768&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true This programme is part of The Slovak Spectator subscription and our readers are receiving it every Thursday morning as part of their subscription. More information: Print+audio: shop.spectator.sme.sk/newspaper Online+audio: www.sme.sk/predplatne-spectator/ 13. Apr 2018 at 9:45 | Compiled by Spectator staff Paul Ryan is quitting like a coward On his way out the door, with his lifes work totally destroyed, Mr Ryan is still unwilling to speak out against Trump. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., tells reporters he will not run for re-election. (Source: AP/SITA) Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who is technically third in command in the United States behind only the president and vice president, announced he will not run for reelection in November. He did so as a broken man, and the perfect example of how a political party can be corrupted by a demagogue like Donald Trump. As the philosopher Edmund Burke wrote: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Mr Ryan is by all accounts a good man. He famously sleeps in his office, exercises every morning and then showers at the congressional gym. He flies home every weekend to his family in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he is married with three children and goes to church on Sundays. Ryan is a strong believer in the liberal economics espoused by Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman with a primary political interest of cutting government spending, lessening regulation and lowering taxes. I dont agree with his political views, but I do believe that he really believes in them. 13. Apr 2018 at 19:55 | Benjamin Cunningham UBM plc organizes business-to-business events worldwide. The company offers face-to-face interaction in the form of exhibitions, tradeshows, conferences, and other live events. It also provides Website sponsorships and banner advertising services, as well as online directory and data products; and publishes magazines and trade press to specialist markets. In addition, the company offers data and broadcasting services. It serves advanced manufacturing and technology, brand licensing, business services and infrastructure, fashion and jewelry, food and agriculture, leisure and hospitality, lifestyle, pharma and healthcare, transport and logistics, and other sectors. The company was formerly known as United Business Media Limited and changed its name to UBM plc in May 2011. UBM plc was founded in 1843 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Credit: eRoadArlanda A team making up the eRoadArlanda project has announced that they have electrified a section of road near Stockholm, which will be tested by a battery-powered test truck. The team is part of an initiative set up by the Swedish government's Transport Administration to meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The Swedish government has been funding projects aimed at developing a fossil-free road transport system for many years. In this new effort, the focus was on implementing a road technology that could be used by currently available vehicles. The result is what some have called a human-sized slot car system. Slot cars are toy-sized cars that run on a track that also provides power via a metal drop-down rod on the undercarriage that slips into an electrified slot in the track. In the Swedish road project, the test truck has a similar drop-down arm that slips into a slot in the road and touches an electrified element that carries power to an onboard battery. For the project, the researchers installed an electrified slot along two kilometers of road between the Rosersberg logistics site near Stockholm and the Arlanda Cargo Terminal. While other vehicles will be able to use the road, only a test truck will make use of the electrified rail. In announcing the deployment of the rail, team members also reported that the cost of laying it was approximately 1m per kilometer, which they claim is 50 times lower than installing a tram line. The rail is actually two rails, like a light socket, the team explains, installed in 50-meter sections. An arm from a vehicle settles inside the slot between the two rails, drawing power while the car is in motion. They note also that the rail only offers power when there is a vehicle present to draw power from it. They have also taken measures to ensure the rail is functional during inclement weather. The system also measures how much power is used by a vehicle so that the owner can be charged for it. The eRoadArlanda project members suggest that more such rails will be installed soon, and that commercially available battery-powered cars and trucks will soon be outfitted with arms for accessing the rails, allowing them to get power on the go, instead of having to stop and charge up. 2018 Tech Xplore The administration in a south-central Vietnamese province has began handling a number of hotels available to customers and listed late March as unfit for safe accommodation, as they fail to comply with rules on fire safety. They consist of 15 hotels and those in two resorts in Nha Trang, the provincial capital of Khanh Hoa Province; with the latter located in Diamond Bay Condotel and Wild Beach Resort & Spa. Local authorities noted that after the latest check on March 30, one of the facilities still breached regulations on fire prevention, many on security, and a roughly equal number on both. Two of the hotels have been converted into apartment buildings while four are preparing necessary documents for another inspection from the fire department. All the hotels were found with the wrongdoing during the first examination in mid-January, when almost all of them ignored fire and security conditions. In October last year, 31 hotels breaking the above laws in Nha Trang were punished. However, 13 of them, which have been asked to temporarily or indefinitely halt their operation, continue to receive guests at present. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) launched on Friday the nations biggest IPO that aims to raise as much as $922 million and has attracted global funds as cornerstone investors, a term sheet of the deal showed. Equity issues are booming in the Southeast Asian nation as it speeds up a privatization drive. Strong interest from foreign investors and local funds has pushed up the benchmark index .VNI by 19 percent so far this year, making it one of Asias best performers after rising nearly 50 percent last year. Techcombank, Vietnams largest private sector bank, is offering shares in a price range of 120,000-128,000 Vietnamese dong per share ($5.27-$5.62) that will raise between $864 million to $922 million, according to the term sheet seen by Reuters. Singapore wealth fund GIC, Fidelity Management and Research and Dragon Capital are among funds coming in as cornerstone investors, the term sheet showed. Techcombanks IPO will be bigger than Warburg Pincus-backed Vincom Retails IPO last year, which raised about $700 million. Other big IPOs are on the anvil. In February, Reuters cited sources as saying Vingroup JSC, Vietnams biggest property developer, had picked foreign banks for a planned $1 billion listing of its residential property business. Techcombanks IPO, which will be listed in Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, is expected to value the bank at about $6.1 billion to $6.5 billion, ranking it among the 10 biggest listed local companies. Techcombank declined to comment on the equity offering. The lender got a boost last month when Warburg Pincus agreed to invest more than $370 million in the bank, in the largest ever private equity investment in the Southeast Asian nation. A source with knowledge of the transaction said that demand from cornerstone investors was so strong that about 76 percent of the IPO was being allocated to such investors, much higher than in other IPOs. He said investors were keen to put money in one of the fastest growing banks in Southeast Asia while the countrys strong economic growth had also attracted a range of international investors. Techcombank is focused on retail and fee income - this is a story that long-only funds are keen to play, said the source on condition of anonymity. The 25-year-old bank provides a broad range of banking products and services to more than 5.4 million customers in Vietnam with an extensive network of 315 branches across the country. Books for the IPO will close on April 23 and Techcombank is expected to list on June 4. Morgan Stanley, Viet Capital Securities and Deutsche Bank are the joint global coordinators for the issue. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Microsoft Vietnam, Vietnet-ICT and The Dariu Foundation have partnered to create the Enabling Boat, an empowerment project targeting young programmers in Vietnams Mekong Delta. The Enabling Boat, a months-long project aimed at empowering southern Vietnams tech-savvy youth, launched at the Saigon-Vinh Long Hotel in Vinh Long Province on April 10 with support from the sponsors who implemented the venture. Vietnet-ICT and The Dariu Foundation, a Swiss NGO active in promoting education initiatives in Vietnam, implemented the project with funding provided by Microsoft Vietnam as part of the larger YouthSpark Digital Inclusion (YDI) program. Local teachers and students display innovative educational practices at the Enabling Boats launch ceremony on April 10, 2018. Photo: Tien Bui YDI aims to provide an environment conducive to teaching computer science in middle and high schools across Vietnam. Now in its third phase, the YDI set the primary objective for the enabling boat as reaching young students in the three Mekong Delta provinces of Vinh Long, Tien Giang, and Hau Giang. According to Khoa Pham, director of corporate external and legal affairs for Microsoft Vietnam, Microsofts contribution for the project totaled US$3 million. A panel discussion at the launch ceremony to exchange ideas between the sponsor, implementers, and beneficiaries of the project. Photo: Tien Bui Microsoft Vietnam is also willing to work with educational organizations in disadvantaged areas to provide bundles of licensed software at cost-effective prices. The Enabling Boat project aims to achieve its objectives by boosting students technological competence via computer science training and programming courses in Scratch/Kudo aboard an actual boat equipped with 30 laptops and Internet access. In 2018, the projects goals include training 35,000 students aged 6-17 in digital skills, with 10,000 of those exposed to coding. A 9th grader demonstrates her Scratch programming skills at the launch ceremony. Photo: Tien Bui Five hundred teachers in the affected provinces will also have the opportunity to receive professional development training in order to maximize the projects impact. The idea of using a boat stems from the geographical conditions of the Mekong Delta, where rivers and canals abound and mobile schools in tractor-trailers are not always feasible options. This robotic car programmed by an 8th grader in Vinh Long Province can be controlled via computer software. Photo: Tien Bui Though the ceremony took place this week, the project officially began earlier this year when the boat started its first three-month stopover. At the launching ceremony, the effectiveness of YDI and the Enabling Boat was exhibited by a student demonstration of programming skills featuring an 8th grader programming a robotic car controlled via computer software. The boat is equipped with 30 computers and travels between the three provinces of Tien Giang, Hau Giang, and Vinh Long. Photo: Tien Bui The Dairu Foundation currently operates several other initiatives in the Southeast Asian country, including microfinancing schemes for low-income women, scholarships for disadvantaged students, kindergartens in rural and remote areas, mobile schools for digital training operating out of containers and boats, mobile libraries, and a vocational training program for disadvantaged young Vietnamese. The Enabling Boat is implemented by The Dariu Foundation and Vietnet-ICT with financial support from Microsoft Vietnam. Photo: Tien Bui Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A park in the northern Vietnamese province of Cao Bang has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) gave the title to the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark during their 204th meeting in Paris on Thursday. Non Nuoc Cao Bang is Vietnams second park to be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, joining the ranks of the Dong Van Karst Plateau in the northern province of Ha Giang. Located about 300 kilometers from Hanoi, the 3,000-square-meter park is home to fossils, ocean sediment, volcanic rocks, minerals, and karst landscapes which offer researchers insight into more than 500 million years of Earths history. The park is also known for its rich biodiversity, including hundreds of species of fauna and flora. Tangible and intangible cultural heritage sites are scattered throughout the park, particularly Pac Bo, where late President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked for several years and the Tran Hung Dao Forest, where the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army (the predecessor of the Vietnam Peoples Army) was established. It is also home to Ban Gioc, the world's fourth-largest cross-border natural falls. Vietnams Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung attends the UNESCO meeting in Paris on April 12, 2018. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, the title is UNESCOs recognition of diverse landscapes and the spiritual cultural values of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang area. It will also help the province boost sustainable socio-economic development and improve local living standards, Trung added. Authorities in Cao Bang Province pledged to continue assuring the sustainable conservation and development of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark in conjunction with the provinces socio-economic development. UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. There are currently 127 UNESCO Global Geoparks across 35 countries. Non Nuoc Cao Bang was established in 2015. In November 2016, local authorities submitted a dossier to UNESCO for the recognition. A UNESCO survey team visited the province in July 2017 to assess the parks values and conservation work. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the news you should not miss today, April 13: Society -- Ho Chi Minh City is planning underground urban areas in three regions, including the citys downtown, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Tan Binh District, and Thu Thiem New Urban Area in District 2. -- Each Vietnamese aged from 80 suffers 6.9 illnesses such as osteoarthritis, dementia, cataracts and diabetes, according a 2016 survey by the National Geriatric Hospital on 600 participants in Hanois Soc Son District. -- Authorities in the south-central province of Binh Dinh have suspended the Bisuco sugar factory in Tay Son District after it kept running despite an order by local officials for it to pause and fix environmental violations. -- Officials in the coastal province of Khanh Hoa are handling 17 hotels and lodging services failing to meet requirements on fire safety. -- More than 5,500 foreigners are living in Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, which has been known as a hub for expats. Business -- Many Greek businesses have invested in different fields in Vietnam, and Hanoi welcomed about 3,000 Greek visitors in 2017 alone, Vice-Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen The Hung said at a Thursday reception for Vice-Mayor of Edessa Anastasios Diou. -- The Vietnam Expo 2018 international trade fair is being held in Hanoi through April 14, with the participation of 450 businesses from 24 countries and territories. Education -- The community has raised concern over the educational methods of boarding schools in Vietnam, after a high school student killed himself on Tuesday, leaving a suicide note expressing the pressure he had suffered from school and family. Lifestyle -- Vietnam's Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in the northern province of Cao Bang on Thursday was recognized by the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a UNESCO Global Geopark, marking it the second in Vietnam and the fifth in Southeast Asia. -- More than 300 Vietnamese archaeological artifacts are being displayed at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi, from April 12 to July this year. Authorities in Ho Chi Minh have announced their proposal to develop underground urban areas at three major locations across the metropolis. The underground spaces are expected to be constructed under the downtown area, which is about 930 hectares, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and Thu Thiem New Urban Area, Nguyen Thanh Nha, director of the municipal Department of Planning and Architecture, said during a meeting on Thursday. Detailed plans will first be set up for the 930-hectare downtown area and the Thu Thiem zone, Nha continued. According to the proposed scheme, the underground space is divided into five layers depending on depth. The citys technical infrastructure is situated on the first layer, which is from 0.5 to 3.5 meters beneath the surface. Public constructions and trade and service centers will also be built on the first as well as the second layer, which is from 3.5 to 10 meters deep. The third level, between 10 and 25 meters underneath, will be reserved for parking basements. The metro system will be on the fourth level, from 25 to 40 meters deep, and the fifth, which is over 40 meters deep. Competent agencies will evaluate the geological and hydrological features, conditions of the constructions above the ground, and define the boundaries to prepare for the establishment of these underground areas. Along with the development of the metro system as well as multiple constructions beneath the ground, the management, connection, and exploitation of underground areas across the city have become more important than ever, according to the Department of Planning and Architecture. One of the challenges the plan is facing is that data regarding the use of underground spaces, especially technical infrastructure, is being scattered across multiple agencies, said Vo Kim Cuong, a local architect. Accordingly, the municipal Department of Transport currently manages such facilities as urban railroads, road tunnels, drainage and sewer systems, and water supply networks. The Department of Industry and Trade is supervising the underground power network; the Department of Information and Communications is in charge of the underground telecom system. Information regarding these types of technical infrastructure should be kept in one place, experts advised. In addition, development plans of underground areas must be in sync with those of areas above the ground, said Le Hong Quang, deputy director of the citys Urban Planning Institute. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams rapid urbanization has led more and more of its citizens to opt for apartment living in lieu of single-family houses. As these families choose modern apartment complexes, many of them seem intent on bringing along habits more suited for rural life than big-city living. Public corridors filled with tenants property, constant littering, and allowing children to play with elevator buttons constitute an omnipresent annoyance in nearly all of Vietnams condo projects, including those in more modern municipalities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Ill pay if its broken In Block B of Ngo Gia Tu Apartments, a complex built in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City to house people relocated for a local construction project, a woman and her small child had barely made it through the elevator doors when the child, following his mothers instructions to press the button, hit nearly all the buttons within reach. Though others in the elevator were angry at having to stop at nearly every floor, Tran Quang, a member of Block Bs resident-elected management board, says situations like this are common in the building. People are reluctant to show their disapproval out of fear of losing neighborly relations or being scolded, Quang said. Quang said he once commented on a childs misbehavior, only to have the mother respond, So what? If the lift stops working, Ill take responsibility. After the back-and-forth, she promptly instructed her child to keep pressing the buttons, dear. Elevators are not the only bone of contention at Ngo Gia Tu Apartments. Using public corridors to store private property or as spaces for drinking parties causes constant disputes in the complex. Just stand by any stairwell and you will surely see someone throw down a garbage bag, one resident said. There are times when people drop coconuts from high floors without caring that it could kill someone. There is no shortage of trash cans here and I just cant wrap my mind around the reasons why they are so in love with littering. We can remind tenants to follow the rules but in reality we are helpless, Nguyen Tuan Kiet, another member of the Block B management board at Ngo Gia Tu, admitted. We dont have any enforceable punishments for violators. A party thrown in the corridor of an apartment in Hanoi is seen in this photo posted on Facebook. No penalties Many apartment owners hold a belief that living in a condo means relative seclusion from neighbors, as everyone has their own private living space. This is not the case in some condos. Nguyen Van Danh, a five-year resident of an apartment in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, said many tenants fear opening a dustbin, instead putting their garbage bags on top of the trash can to keep from dirtying their hands. Danh said he has taken photos of these violators and sent them to the management board, but no actions have ever been taken. D., an apartment resident in Go Vap District, said many parents who take their children to the playground allow their kids to urinate in the open air, even though a public restroom is only a few steps away. Those who oppose the act are faced with an onslaught of verbal abuse, D. said. In the end, people are too scared to speak up again, she added. Some families even let their pets urinate inside the elevators and do nothing to clean the mess. At the Tan My apartment building in District 7, residents keep the fire escape doors open at all times in order to use the stairs at will. The doors are meant to stay closed in order to prevent smoke from traveling to upper floors in case of fire. The ABC is pointing the finger at the Daily Telegraph for sensationalising an episode of Julia Zemiros Home Delivery, but failing to acknowledge its own part in the saga. On the weekend Rebecca Gibney expressed her outrage over an unauthorised press release led to a story in the newspaper, focussing on historic abuse in her family. She was distressed by the headline and tone of the story, noting she was yet to see the episode. This week an ABC spokesperson said, Last week the ABC released standard publicity material regarding the return of three popular ABC programmes: Julia Zemiros Home Delivery, Gruen and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering. The media release referred to guests on the new series of Julia Zemiros Home Delivery, including actor Rebecca Gibney. The ABC did not provide any information to media about the content of the episode or the matters discussed by Ms Gibney in the program. The ABC is disappointed The Daily Telegraph has sensationalised matters of a sensitive nature to Ms Gibney, causing undue distress to Ms Gibney and her family. But that only refers to one press release outlining ABCs comedy Wednesday line-up. ABC did provide the entire synopsis to media in early April via its media hub for journalists. It has remained available for media to read all week, yesterday having a May 2 embargo belatedly slapped on it. TV Tonight published an extract on April 4 (without the offending para). ABC is yet to adequately explain why the synopsis was released without producers CJZ and Gibneys approval, and why it is hopelessly blaming the newspaper for its own Publicity mess. Given the sensitivities involved, it now surely owes her a most public apology. The Australian columnist Chris Kenny is returning to SKY News for a new 2 hour programme, Kenny on Sunday from April 15. It replaces Mundine Means Business with Warren Mundine. Paul Murray Live will also switch to 9pm Sundays Thursdays as part of a Sunday revamp. PML Overtime airs at 10:00pm. Chris Kenny said: Im excited to be returning to SKY News. Im planning to welcome again some of my favourite guests and also new talent, providing viewers with the very best in news and views. While most of us relax with family and friends on Sundays, the Sabbath is crucial for newsmakers. The polls are published, the politicians head back to Canberra and its a day for major announcements, set piece interviews and setting the agenda for the week ahead. Paul Murray said: Sundays give us a first crack at the issues that will dominate the week and I cant wait to end the weekend with a good old-fashioned fire up. I love the idea of people starting the day with First Edition and ending it with Paul Murray LIVE. The new timeslot gives us a chance to talk about all the big news, rip into sport and take extra time to talk to some really interesting people. Angelos Frangopoulos, CEO Australian News Channel said: Were thrilled to welcome Chris Kenny back to the SKY News line-up and to see Paul Murray bring his unstoppable program to Sunday evenings. Sunday nights on SKY News will be dynamic, informative and must-watch viewing. Further announcements regarding Sundays will be made soon. Kenny on Sunday, Sundays at 7:00pm Paul Murray Live, now Sundays Thursdays at 9:00pm PML Overtime, now Sundays Thursday 10:00pm Australian Story profiles 22 year old aid worker Emma Betts who started the blog Dear Melanoma, when she was diagnosed with just months to live. I was not going to sit around feeling sorry for myself. I was going to dedicate the time I have left to raising awareness for melanoma and the need to be sun smart. Emma Betts If Emmas story doesnt make you go and have a skin check, then Im not sure what will. Leon Betts, father We think of melanoma as an old persons disease, diagnosed after a lifetime spent in the sun. But what if you were just 22 years of age when your doctor gave you months to live? Brisbane woman Emma Betts was living her dream life as an aid worker in East Timor when someone suggested she get a mole on her back checked. A year after she had it removed, melanoma showed up in most of her major organs. Reeling from the diagnosis, Emma was shocked to learn that melanoma is now the most common cancer killer in 20 to 39 year olds. Emma fell in love, got married and then devoted herself to a blog called Dear Melanoma. Her honest account of living with terminal cancer and her candid acceptance of her impending death endeared her to tens of thousands. Using her newfound fame she began campaigning for better awareness of the disease among her generation and in the process has helped save others lives. There was lots of people that would actually write to Emma and say, because of you, Ive gone off and got a skin check and they found a melanoma. Leon Betts, father Because of this awful health diagnosis, she blossomed into who she was meant to be. Rebecca Sparrow, writer 8pm Monday on ABC. Sometimes there are things in the zeitgeist that seem to emerge around the same time. Comedy and cancer is one such topic, with Netflix recently launching the teen series Alexa and Katie as high school best friends, one of whom is undergoing cancer treatment. SBS On Demand has launched its first-ever commissioned series Homecoming Queens in which 20-something friends Michelle and Chloe are dealing with chronic illness. But the two shows could not be any more different. While Alexa and Katie is a studio sitcom with laugh track (think Disney or Nickelodeon in style), the Aussie series is black comedy, avoiding punchlines and presenting more like a series of indie shorts. At just 11 minutes each there are 7 episodes available on the online platform. But it wont be everybodys cup of black tea. The premise is stark but simple. Childrens television presenter Michelle (Michelle Law) returns to Brisbane after an alopecia diagnosis shatters the facade of her perfect life. Former high school best friend, Chloe (Liv Hewson) can barely believe she has turned up unannounced. As it happens, Chloe is herself recovering from breast cancer. Ill just stay until things are back to normal, Michelle flatly tells Chloe. I just want to be beautiful. Sun-tanning under the hills hoist while the cicadas are singing may be a chance to renew a friendship and vent over lifes raw deal, but hiding her bare head from onlookers speaks to the self-esteem U-turn she undergoes for one so used to being in the spotlight. Chloe, meanwhile, is determined to make up for lost time with a reverse bucket list which includes securing some party drugs from an elderly neighbour (seriously) and making moves on her girl-crush Marnie (Taylor Ferguson). Ironically, as a mastectomy patient, Chloe works in a lingerie store, surrounded by bras & underwear all day. But it doesnt dampen her spirit nor determination to rise above it all, if only she can muster up the strength to ask Marnie out for drinks. And if all else fails, there is always the I had cancer! as a multi-purpose go-to excuse. Michelle also embarks on her own prospective conquest when she spies Eddie (Family Laws George Zhao) in a pharmacy, but cant bring herself to tell him her secret. Hewison and Law are well-matched in this low-budget anti-comedy, which maintains its girl-power roots via director / producer Corrie Chen (Sisters, Mustangs FC), script consultant Marieke Hardy, and executive producers Amanda Higgs and Sue Masters. This may not be laugh-out loud comedy, instead preferring to find humour in the awkward and inappropriate. But given the subject matter, it laughs in the face of life, which is affirmation in itself. Homecoming Queens is now available a SBS On Demand. UK period crime drama Grantchester has been renewed for a fourth season, but they will include the final episodes for star James Norton as clergyman Sidney Chambers. Casting of the new vicar to join Robson Greens Detective Geordie Keating will be announced shortly. Masterpiece Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton, at WGBH Boston, said: Its a bittersweet time for Grantchester fans, who will be cheering the return of the series but crushed to say goodbye to James. We want to assure them that the series they love will continue with brilliant new episodes and a captivating new vicar. Kudos Executive Producer Diederick Santer said: Im ecstatic that with Masterpiece and ITV we are returning to Grantchester with all our favourite characters. While Im sad that these will be James Nortons final episodes, we will make sure he goes out with a bang. Weve got exciting plans for where the show is heading and the vicarage wont be vacant for long. Production in June in London, Cambridge, and Grantchester. The series screens in Australia on ABC. SBS has appointed John Sintras as its Chief Audience and Content Officer, succeeding Hellen Kellie, who passed away in December. The role oversees SBS brands, marketing, audience engagement and analytics across TV, radio and online. A media executive with a career spanning three decades, Sintras was most recently based in New York, as Global President, Business Development and Product Innovation at IPG Mediabrands. Prior to this, he was CEO and Chairman at Starcom Mediavest Australia. SBS Managing Director, Michael Ebeid AM, said: John is a seasoned and respected Australian media leader with a strong track record of inspiring teams to make a purposeful difference Im delighted to welcome him to SBSs Executive Team. As SBS increases its commitment to connect Australians with distinctive content and services on a range of devices and platforms, Johns passion in leveraging transformation and technology to deliver business growth, together with his in-depth knowledge of data optimisation and insights, will be invaluable for SBSs future as a multiplatform digital broadcaster. John Sintras said: Im excited to be joining the great team at SBS. As the son of Greek immigrant parents, Im especially connected to SBSs Charter to inspire all Australians to explore, appreciate and celebrate our diverse world. Australia continues to be a shining beacon of successful multiculturalism to the world. Im looking forward to ensuring we continue to create and share meaningful and entertaining content that represents our many communities and cultures, whilst ensuring audiences can engage with SBS using personally relevant and innovative technology and platforms. He begins on Monday. John has been a passionate contributor to the media industry and community issues, having sat on numerous industry and not-for-profit boards over his career. In 2012, John was the inaugural inductee into the Australian Media Federation Hall of Fame and was also named Marketer of the Year by The Australian Marketing Institute. John is also one of the founding Directors of the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of the United States, in addition to being a long-serving Board member of Australias Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The Russia probe and with it, its investigator, Robert Mueller, have been a thorn in Donald Trump's side for quite some time. According to the New York Times, Trump wanted to fire Mueller back in December. At that time, Donald Trump sought to shut down Mueller's investigation. He was furious over news reports claiming that Mueller's office was about to issue a new series of subpoenas. Reports had suggested that the subpoenas would cover information in relation to the president's dealings with Deutsche Bank. Eight different white house officials told the New York Times that Trump considered this move as crossing "the red line." When Trump's advisers and lawyers investigated these claims and it transpired that they were inaccurate, the president backed off, so the New York Times reports. The report also states that Trump had previously tried to get rid of Mueller. In June, Donal F. McGahn II, the White House counsel, had threatened to leave his post over Trump's frequent requests to sack Mueller. These events came to light after reports about searches carried out by the FBI at the office and hotel room of Donald Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen. This, the New York Times believes, indicates that the investigation may well be reaching beyond the remit of the Russian probe. Why did the FBI carry out search warrants at Michael Cohen's hotel room and offices? During the searches, FBI agents were looking for documentation relating to women who claim to have had affairs with the president. In addition, agents were seeking information on the role The National Inquirer played in silencing one of the two women. The president reacted with fury to these searches, telling reporters that authorities had "broke into the office." He went on to call these Mueller's latest move "a total witchhunt" and "a disgraceful situation." A TOTAL WITCH HUNT!!! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 10, 2018 Attorneyclient privilege is dead! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 10, 2018 Donald Trump's rage became even more evident when he called the raids "an attack on our country." White House thinks Trump can sack Mueller Since Rober Mueller started his investigation, the US president has harshly criticised the investigators' approach, believing it to be overly aggressive and unfair. In the aftermath of the latest developments, his previous attempts to shut down the investigation and fire the special counsel have been widely reported. According to the New York Times, his advisers did not believe that the president had sufficient grounds to take action. However, speaking to reporters at the press briefing on Tuesday, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House Press Secretary, said that the president now believes he has the power to sack Robert Mueller. However, she also said that Donald Trump is currently not considering doing so. Observers have cast doubt on this, highlighting that the special counsel can only be "disciplined or removed from office by the personal action of the Attorney General." In that sense, remains unclear what other action Donald Trump could take against Robert Mueller. According to ABC news, Republican leaders in Congress want to see Mueller's investigation come to a conclusion. They are urging the president to let Robert Mueller finish his job. Relations between the two men are at an all-time low. According to ABC News, people close to the president are now no longer sure if he is still willing to be interviewed by the special counsel, despite repeated promises. ATHENS (Reuters) - Hellenic Petroleum , Greeces biggest oil refiner, said on Thursday that the Greek government had proposed that its chairman Efstathios Tsotsoros also take on the position of chief executive, replacing Grigoris Stergioulis. Hellenic announced the decision in a bourse filing outlining a new board of directors, scheduled to convene on April 17. Greece is selling a stake in Hellenic under its latest bailout programme. Hellenic said earlier this month that its major shareholders, Greece and Paneuropean Oil and Industrial Holdings, agreed to divest a combined stake of at least 50.1 percent in the refiner through an international tender. (Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas. Editing by Jane Merriman) A half-billion dollar yacht that was once the prized possession of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been impounded in the United Arab Emirates as one of the worlds costliest divorce battles becomes one of the bitterest. The nine-deck $540 million vessel, called the Luna, has been seized in Dubai, with billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov and his ex-wife Tatiana Mikhavilovna Akhmedova fighting for control of the asset. It follows a British court ruling that Akhmedov owes his ex-spouse $567 million and as she seeks his global assets to get her share of the settlement. She claims that he has been hiding his money to avoid paying her. Trending: Netflix Pulls Out of Cannes; Full Lineup Revealed Mega_Yacht_LUNA_-_Roman_Abramovich_-_San_Diego_Harbor_(9290555316) Sampix via Wikimedia Commons Forbes says the net worth of Akhmedov, who started his business career selling sable furs, was $1.4 billion which he made after he sold shares in the Russian company ZAO Northgas in 2012. He was included last year on the U.S. Treasury blacklist of Russian businessmen and companies that had close links to Vladimir Putin. Don't miss: Parkland Teacher Arrested After Leaving Loaded Gun In Public Bathroom The 377-foot vessel has the worlds largest swimming pool on a superyacht as well as two helipads. It can host 18 guests and 50 crew and was originally built for Abramovich who is a close friend of Akhmedov and from whom he bought the vessel in 2014. However, Straight Establishment, which is the family trust for Akhmedov, is appealing for the vessel to be released after a ruling by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts, Reuters reported on Thursday. Akhmedovas lawyer, Dakis Hagen Q.C., said the yacht had its flag transferred to the Cayman Islands and then to a Panamanian company in 2014. The previous year, the couples marriage had broken down. Story continues Most popular: Black Holes: This is What It Sounds Like When Two Collide At Astonishing Speed The husband engineered the transfer of the boat to a better-protected company at the very time that he realised that the marriage was over for good, Hagen said in March, according to The Times. Akhmedova says she was entitled to due half of his fortune due to her role in the family and raising their two sons in London where the couple moved to in 1993. She was awarded the contents of their home worth $3.6 million and Akhmedov's art collection worth $127 million. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Enoch Powell (Rex) The BBC is under fire over plans to air Enoch Powells infamous rivers of blood speech. Critics claim the 50th anniversary broadcast of the explosive speech could prove incendiary. A Radio 4 programme is due to go ahead on Saturday which will be the first time the speech has been read in full on UK radio. One contributor to the programme, Shirin Hirsch, said she now regretted taking part and a Labour peer has written to broadcast watchdog, Ofcom. The speech will be read by actor Ian McDiarmid, who appeared in the Star Wars movies. The BBC though has defended its decision and said the programme would also contain rigorous journalistic analysis and the show would not endorse controversial views. My letter to Sharon White, head of Ofcom, asking her to instruct the BBC not to broadcast Enoch Powells incendiary & racist rivers of blood speech on Saturday pic.twitter.com/QXOZwR99bP Andrew Adonis (@Andrew_Adonis) April 12, 2018 The speech will be read by actor Ian McDiarmid, who appeared in the Star Wars movies. The BBC though has defended its decision. It said the programme would also contain rigorous journalistic analysis and the show would not endorse controversial views. On Saturday, for 1st time EVER, Enoch Powell's Rivers of Blood speech will be read in full on UK radio (by actor Ian McDiarmid). Please join us @BBCRadio4 8pm. Super-brains Nathan Gower + David Prest have done an amazing production job. Great guests too: https://t.co/3XvDMSH16d Amol Rajan (@amolrajanBBC) April 12, 2018 MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO Below is the full text of the speech, which Powell, a prominent Conservative MP and former minister of health gave to party members in Birmingham on April 20 1968, days before the reading of the Race Relations Bill. Story continues Enoch Powells infamous speech The supreme function of statesmanship is to provide against preventable evils. In seeking to do so, it encounters obstacles which are deeply rooted in human nature. One is that by the very order of things such evils are not demonstrable until they have occurred: at each stage in their onset there is room for doubt and for dispute whether they be real or imaginary. By the same token, they attract little attention in comparison with current troubles, which are both indisputable and pressing: whence the besetting temptation of all politics to concern itself with the immediate present at the expense of the future. Above all, people are disposed to mistake predicting troubles for causing troubles and even for desiring troubles: If only, they love to think, if only people wouldnt talk about it, it probably wouldnt happen. Perhaps this habit goes back to the primitive belief that the word and the thing, the name and the object, are identical. At all events, the discussion of future grave but, with effort now, avoidable evils is the most unpopular and at the same time the most necessary occupation for the politician. Those who knowingly shirk it deserve, and not infrequently receive, the curses of those who come after. A week or two ago I fell into conversation with a constituent, a middle-aged, quite ordinary working man employed in one of our nationalised industries. After a sentence or two about the weather, he suddenly said: If I had the money to go, I wouldnt stay in this country. I made some deprecatory reply to the effect that even this government wouldnt last for ever; but he took no notice, and continued: I have three children, all of them been through grammar school and two of them married now, with family. I shant be satisfied till I have seen them all settled overseas. In this country in 15 or 20 years time the black man will have the whip hand over the white man. I can already hear the chorus of execration. How dare I say such a horrible thing? How dare I stir up trouble and inflame feelings by repeating such a conversation? The answer is that I do not have the right not to do so. Here is a decent, ordinary fellow Englishman, who in broad daylight in my own town says to me, his Member of Parliament, that his country will not be worth living in for his children. I simply do not have the right to shrug my shoulders and think about something else. What he is saying, thousands and hundreds of thousands are saying and thinking not throughout Great Britain, perhaps, but in the areas that are already undergoing the total transformation to which there is no parallel in a thousand years of English history. In 15 or 20 years, on present trends, there will be in this country three and a half million Commonwealth immigrants and their descendants. That is not my figure. That is the official figure given to parliament by the spokesman of the Registrar Generals Office. There is no comparable official figure for the year 2000, but it must be in the region of five to seven million, approximately one-tenth of the whole population, and approaching that of Greater London. Of course, it will not be evenly distributed from Margate to Aberystwyth and from Penzance to Aberdeen. Whole areas, towns and parts of towns across England will be occupied by sections of the immigrant and immigrant-descended population. As time goes on, the proportion of this total who are immigrant descendants, those born in England, who arrived here by exactly the same route as the rest of us, will rapidly increase. Already by 1985 the native-born would constitute the majority. It is this fact which creates the extreme urgency of action now, of just that kind of action which is hardest for politicians to take, action where the difficulties lie in the present but the evils to be prevented or minimised lie several parliaments ahead. The natural and rational first question with a nation confronted by such a prospect is to ask: How can its dimensions be reduced? Granted it be not wholly preventable, can it be limited, bearing in mind that numbers are of the essence: the significance and consequences of an alien element introduced into a country or population are profoundly different according to whether that element is 1 per cent or 10 per cent. The answers to the simple and rational question are equally simple and rational: by stopping, or virtually stopping, further inflow, and by promoting the maximum outflow. Both answers are part of the official policy of the Conservative Party. It almost passes belief that at this moment 20 or 30 additional immigrant children are arriving from overseas in Wolverhampton alone every week and that means 15 or 20 additional families a decade or two hence. Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad. We must be mad, literally mad, as a nation to be permitting the annual inflow of some 50,000 dependants, who are for the most part the material of the future growth of the immigrant-descended population. It is like watching a nation busily engaged in heaping up its own funeral pyre. So insane are we that we actually permit unmarried persons to immigrate for the purpose of founding a family with spouses and fiances whom they have never seen. Let no one suppose that the flow of dependants will automatically tail off. On the contrary, even at the present admission rate of only 5,000 a year by voucher, there is sufficient for a further 25,000 dependants per annum ad infinitum, without taking into account the huge reservoir of existing relations in this country and I am making no allowance at all for fraudulent entry. In these circumstances nothing will suffice but that the total inflow for settlement should be reduced at once to negligible proportions, and that the necessary legislative and administrative measures be taken without delay. I stress the words for settlement. This has nothing to do with the entry of Commonwealth citizens, any more than of aliens, into this country, for the purposes of study or of improving their qualifications, like (for instance) the Commonwealth doctors who, to the advantage of their own countries, have enabled our hospital service to be expanded faster than would otherwise have been possible. They are not, and never have been, immigrants. I turn to re-emigration. If all immigration ended tomorrow, the rate of growth of the immigrant and immigrant-descended population would be substantially reduced, but the prospective size of this element in the population would still leave the basic character of the national danger unaffected. This can only be tackled while a considerable proportion of the total still comprises persons who entered this country during the last ten years or so. Hence the urgency of implementing now the second element of the Conservative Partys policy: the encouragement of re-emigration. Nobody can make an estimate of the numbers which, with generous assistance, would choose either to return to their countries of origin or to go to other countries anxious to receive the manpower and the skills they represent. Nobody knows, because no such policy has yet been attempted. I can only say that, even at present, immigrants in my own constituency from time to time come to me, asking if I can find them assistance to return home. If such a policy were adopted and pursued with the determination which the gravity of the alternative justifies, the resultant outflow could appreciably alter the prospects. The third element of the Conservative Partys policy is that all who are in this country as citizens should be equal before the law and that there shall be no discrimination or difference made between them by public authority. As Mr Heath has put it we will have no first-class citizens and second-class citizens. This does not mean that the immigrant and his descendent should be elevated into a privileged or special class or that the citizen should be denied his right to discriminate in the management of his own affairs between one fellow-citizen and another or that he should be subjected to imposition as to his reasons and motive for behaving in one lawful manner rather than another. There could be no grosser misconception of the realities than is entertained by those who vociferously demand legislation as they call it against discrimination, whether they be leader-writers of the same kidney and sometimes on the same newspapers which year after year in the 1930s tried to blind this country to the rising peril which confronted it, or archbishops who live in palaces, faring delicately with the bedclothes pulled right up over their heads. They have got it exactly and diametrically wrong. The discrimination and the deprivation, the sense of alarm and of resentment, lies not with the immigrant population but with those among whom they have come and are still coming. This is why to enact legislation of the kind before parliament at this moment is to risk throwing a match on to gunpowder. The kindest thing that can be said about those who propose and support it is that they know not what they do. Nothing is more misleading than comparison between the Commonwealth immigrant in Britain and the American Negro. The Negro population of the United States, which was already in existence before the United States became a nation, started literally as slaves and were later given the franchise and other rights of citizenship, to the exercise of which they have only gradually and still incompletely come. The Commonwealth immigrant came to Britain as a full citizen, to a country which knew no discrimination between one citizen and another, and he entered instantly into the possession of the rights of every citizen, from the vote to free treatment under the National Health Service. Whatever drawbacks attended the immigrants arose not from the law or from public policy or from administration, but from those personal circumstances and accidents which cause, and always will cause, the fortunes and experience of one man to be different from anothers. But while, to the immigrant, entry to this country was admission to privileges and opportunities eagerly sought, the impact upon the existing population was very different. For reasons which they could not comprehend, and in pursuance of a decision by default, on which they were never consulted, they found themselves made strangers in their own country. They found their wives unable to obtain hospital beds in childbirth, their children unable to obtain school places, their homes and neighbourhoods changed beyond recognition, their plans and prospects for the future defeated; at work they found that employers hesitated to apply to the immigrant worker the standards of discipline and competence required of the native-born worker; they began to hear, as time went by, more and more voices which told them that they were now the unwanted. They now learn that a one-way privilege is to be established by act of parliament; a law which cannot, and is not intended to, operate to protect them or redress their grievances is to be enacted to give the stranger, the disgruntled and the agent-provocateur the power to pillory them for their private actions. In the hundreds upon hundreds of letters I received when I last spoke on this subject two or three months ago, there was one striking feature which was largely new and which I find ominous. All Members of Parliament are used to the typical anonymous correspondent; but what surprised and alarmed me was the high proportion of ordinary, decent, sensible people, writing a rational and often well-educated letter, who believed that they had to omit their address because it was dangerous to have committed themselves to paper to a Member of Parliament agreeing with the views I had expressed, and that they would risk penalties or reprisals if they were known to have done so. The sense of being a persecuted minority which is growing among ordinary English people in the areas of the country which are affected is something that those without direct experience can hardly imagine. I am going to allow just one of those hundreds of people to speak for me: Eight years ago in a respectable street in Wolverhampton a house was sold to a Negro. Now only one white (a woman old-age pensioner) lives there. This is her story. She lost her husband and both her sons in the war. So she turned her seven-roomed house, her only asset, into a boarding house. She worked hard and did well, paid off her mortgage and began to put something by for her old age. Then the immigrants moved in. With growing fear, she saw one house after another taken over. The quiet street became a place of noise and confusion. Regretfully, her white tenants moved out. The day after the last one left, she was awakened at 7am by two Negroes who wanted to use her phone to contact their employer. When she refused, as she would have refused any stranger at such an hour, she was abused and feared she would have been attacked but for the chain on her door. Immigrant families have tried to rent rooms in her house, but she always refused. Her little store of money went, and after paying rates, she has less than 2 per week. She went to apply for a rate reduction and was seen by a young girl, who on hearing she had a seven-roomed house, suggested she should let part of it. When she said the only people she could get were Negroes, the girl said, Racial prejudice wont get you anywhere in this country. So she went home. The telephone is her lifeline. Her family pay the bill, and help her out as best they can. Immigrants have offered to buy her house at a price which the prospective landlord would be able to recover from his tenants in weeks, or at most a few months. She is becoming afraid to go out. Windows are broken. She finds excreta pushed through her letter box. When she goes to the shops, she is followed by children, charming, wide-grinning piccaninnies. They cannot speak English, but one word they know. Racialist, they chant. When the new Race Relations Bill is passed, this woman is convinced she will go to prison. And is she so wrong? I begin to wonder. The other dangerous delusion from which those who are wilfully or otherwise blind to realities suffer, is summed up in the word integration. To be integrated into a population means to become for all practical purposes indistinguishable from its other members. Now, at all times, where there are marked physical differences, especially of colour, integration is difficult though, over a period, not impossible. There are among the Commonwealth immigrants who have come to live here in the last fifteen years or so, many thousands whose wish and purpose is to be integrated and whose every thought and endeavour is bent in that direction. But to imagine that such a thing enters the heads of a great and growing majority of immigrants and their descendants is a ludicrous misconception, and a dangerous one. We are on the verge here of a change. Hitherto it has been force of circumstance and of background which has rendered the very idea of integration inaccessible to the greater part of the immigrant population that they never conceived or intended such a thing, and that their numbers and physical concentration meant the pressures towards integration which normally bear upon any small minority did not operate. Now we are seeing the growth of positive forces acting against integration, of vested interests in the preservation and sharpening of racial and religious differences, with a view to the exercise of actual domination, first over fellow-immigrants and then over the rest of the population. The cloud no bigger than a mans hand, that can so rapidly overcast the sky, has been visible recently in Wolverhampton and has shown signs of spreading quickly. The words I am about to use, verbatim as they appeared in the local press on 17 February, are not mine, but those of a Labour Member of Parliament who is a minister in the present government: The Sikh communities campaign to maintain customs inappropriate in Britain is much to be regretted. Working in Britain, particularly in the public services, they should be prepared to accept the terms and conditions of their employment. To claim special communal rights (or should one say rites?) leads to a dangerous fragmentation within society. This communalism is a canker; whether practised by one colour or another it is to be strongly condemned. All credit to John Stonehouse for having had the insight to perceive that, and the courage to say it. For these dangerous and divisive elements the legislation proposed in the Race Relations Bill is the very pabulum they need to flourish. Here is the means of showing that the immigrant communities can organise to consolidate their members, to agitate and campaign against their fellow citizens, and to overawe and dominate the rest with the legal weapons which the ignorant and the ill-informed have provided. As I look ahead, I am filled with foreboding; like the Roman, I seem to see the River Tiber foaming with much blood. That tragic and intractable phenomenon which we watch with horror on the other side of the Atlantic but which there is interwoven with the history and existence of the States itself, is coming upon us here by our own volition and our own neglect. Indeed, it has all but come. In numerical terms, it will be of American proportions long before the end of the century. Only resolute and urgent action will avert it even now. Whether there will be the public will to demand and obtain that action, I do not know. All I know is that to see, and not to speak, would be the great betrayal. The price of bitcoin spiked by $1,000 in less than an hour on Thursday and was briefly valued at more than $8,000 per coin before dipping. Is the worlds most popular cryptocurrency making a grand comeback, or is it doomed to fail? In January this year, the price held at around $14,000 before traveling on a downward trajectory. In February, warnings from many economists that it was a bubble seemingly came true as the value plunged to $6,040. Metrics provided by CoinMarketCap show it struggled to break $7,000 in recent weeks. But is the cryptocurrency buzz dying down? Not just yet, experts say, but it does appear that the market remains both unpredictable and volatile, two of the main characteristics that define most of the virtual currencies available today. The price, which ebbs and flows on a daily basis, is highly-reactive to real-world events. Trending: Exercise and Brain Stimulation Lead to Smarter Offspring in Animal Model Charles Hayter, CEO of CryptoCompare, told Newsweek, that he hopes the markets irrational exuberance has now been worked out of the system. He claimed that the recent downward spiral in value was aided by regulatory uncertainty. In March, the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) warned that crypto trading platforms would have to register with the agency or face legal penalties. At the time, the news was blamed for the price falling under $10,000 for the first time in months. Global police authorities have also been clamping down on Initial Coin Offerings (ICO), a controversial form of crowdfunding for start-ups. We have to remember what the underlying concept of this tech is to determine what it's going to be: a global and all-pervasive bearer certificate, Hayter added. It's born of the internet but has applications in the real world whilst also opening up new business models and opportunities," he continued. "Discussions between corporates, individuals and nation states about privacy and security are the main battlegrounds as the world becomes flatter and boundaries erode. Story continues Don't miss: Civilian Deaths Surge Amid Wars In Syria and Yemen cryptocurrency ponzi scheme bitcoin lawsuit REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Hedge fund manager Justin Chan said in an advisory shared with Newsweek earlier this week that while Bitcoins waning slightly it is still cryptocurrencys king. The entire market still takes its cue from it, he wrote. When BTC goes up, the crypto market follows. And when it goes down, the market dips. Others are still not convinced. Nicholas Weaver, a researcher at the International Computer Science Institute at UC Berkeley, told Vox this week that bitcoins price remains too volatile for it to be considered a worthwhile currency. Most popular: Sophie Turner Prefers Her Career Over Joe Jonas Engagement In order to make a cryptocurrency work, you need stability, he said in the interview, published Wednesday. The value has to hold. So, what you need is an entity that will take, say, dollars, and give you cryptodollars one-for-one and vice versa. But we know what these institutions are; theyre called banks. Bitcoin has many dedicated communities. Indeed, some big banks are even investing in the blockchain, the underlying technology popping up the system that maintains a record of every transaction made, for better or worse. As stated, only hours after the $6,800 low this morning, bitcoins price jumped to more than $8,000 before dipping again, ultimately proving the accuracy of Weavers comments about stability. The reasons for the jump were not immediately clear. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Activists with International Animal Rescue (IAR) helped free a nine-year-old brown bear, named April, from horrific conditions in a restaurant in Armenia. According to IAR, April was found in a hell-hole in a cage behind a restaurant in Armenia. Rescue workers cut through the bars of the cage and rushed the brown bear to their safety centre in the mountains nearby. IAR says April is currently in quarantine and is undergoing a series of medical checks to assess her condition. Credit: International Animal Rescue via Storyful Natalie Renier/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution , Author provided The ocean currents that help warm the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America have significantly slowed since the 1800s and are at their weakest in 1600 years, according to new research my colleagues and I have conducted. As weve set out in a new study in Nature, the weakening of this ocean circulation system may have begun naturally but is probably being continued by climate change related to greenhouse gas emissions. This circulation is a key player in the Earths climate system and a large or abrupt slowdown could have global repercussions. It could cause sea levels on the US east coast to rise, alter European weather patterns or rain patterns more globally, and hurt marine wildlife. We know that at the end of the last major ice age, rapid fluctuations in the circulation led to extreme climate shifts on a global scale. An exaggerated (but terrifying) example of such a sudden event was portrayed in the 2004 blockbuster film The Day After Tomorrow. The recent weakening we have found was likely driven by warming in the north Atlantic and the addition of freshwater from increased rainfall and melting ice. It has been predicted many times but, until now, just how much weakening has already occurred has largely remained a mystery. The extent of the changes we have discovered comes as a surprise to many, including myself, and points to significant changes in the future. The circulation system in question is known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The AMOC is like a giant conveyor belt of water. It transports warm, salty water to the north Atlantic where it gets very cold and sinks. Once in the deep ocean the water flows back southwards and then all around the worlds oceans. This conveyor belt is one of the most important transporters of heat in the climate system and includes the Gulf Stream, known for keeping western Europe warm. Climate models have consistently predicted that the AMOC will slow down due to greenhouse gas warming and associated changes in the water cycle. Because of these predictions and the possibility of abrupt climate changes scientists have monitored the AMOC since 2004 with instruments strung out across the Atlantic at key locations. But to really test the model predictions and work out how climate change is affecting the conveyor we have needed much longer records. Story continues Looking for patterns To create these records, our research group led by University College Londons Dr David Thornalley used the idea that a change in the AMOC has a unique pattern of impact on the ocean. When the AMOC gets weaker, the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean cools and parts of the western Atlantic get warmer by a specific amount. We can look for this pattern in past records of ocean temperature to trace what the circulation was like in the past. Another study in the same issue of Nature, led by researchers at the University of Potsdam in Germany, used historical observations of temperature to check the fingerprint. They found that the AMOC had reduced in strength by around 15% since 1950, pointing to the role of human-made greenhouse gas emissions as the primary cause. In our paper, which also forms part of the EU ATLAS project, we found the same fingerprint. But instead of using historical observations we used our expertise in past climate research to go back much further in time. We did this by combining known records of the remains of tiny marine creatures found in deep-sea mud. Temperature can be worked out by looking at the amounts of different species and the chemical compositions of their skeletons. We were also able to directly measure the past deep ocean current speeds by looking at the mud itself. Larger grains of mud imply faster currents, while smaller grains mean the currents were weaker. Both techniques point to a weakening of the AMOC since about 1850, again by about 15% to 20%. Importantly, the modern weakening is very different to anything seen over the last 1,600 years, pointing to a combination of natural and human drivers. The difference in timing of the start of the AMOC weakening in the two studies will require more scientific attention. Despite this difference, both of the new studies raise important questions regarding whether climate models simulate the historical changes in ocean circulation, and whether we need to revisit some of our future projections. However, each additional long record makes it easier to evaluate how well the models simulate this key element of the climate system. In fact, evaluating models against these long records may be a crucial step if we hope to accurately predict possible extreme AMOC events and their climate impacts. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. The Conversation Peter T. Spooner receives funding from the EU ATLAS project, an international effort investigating deep-sea ecosystems and their response to ocean change (https://www.eu-atlas.org/). Relatives and friends of the kidnapped trio at a press conference in Quito. The three men were kidnapped investigating heightened violence in Esmeraldas. Photograph: Cristina Vega Rhor/AFP/Getty Images Three Ecuadorian journalists who were abducted by dissident Colombian rebels have probably been murdered, according to Ecuadors president, who warned he would launch military strikes if the hostages were not shown to be alive. We cant allow the criminals to impose their rules, Lenin Moreno said in a statement late on Thursday after he returned early from Peru, where he had been due to attend this weekends Summit of the Americas. Were going to fight them in the realm they have chosen and we are going to defeat them, Moreno went on to say. Reporter Javier Ortega, photographer Paul Rivas and their driver Efrain Segarra, who work for Ecuadorian daily El Comercio, were kidnapped on 26 March by a holdout faction of Colombias Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, the leftist rebel group which laid down its weapons and became a political party after signing a 2016 peace deal. On Thursday, Colombias RCN network passed on to officials graphic photos purporting to show the mens bodies, which Ecuadorian authorities are analysing. Moreno said there is an enormous possibility that images are authentic. About 1,200 former Farc rebels are believed to have joined dissident drug- trafficking factions, including the Oliver Sinisterra Front, which is believed to have kidnapped the men. A proof of life video was released last month showing the men calling on that countrys authorities to release three unidentified combatants and end anti-narcotics cooperation with Colombia in exchange for their freedom. The three men were kidnapped investigating heightened violence in Esmeraldas, a province on the Ecuadorian side of the 364-mile border. The region has long been a hotbed for Colombian drug traffickers and rebel groups (which are often the same), and has been the setting for a string of recent attacks against military targets. Moreno announced in March that he was boosting security to the region, sending 12,000 soldiers and police to combat drug gangs. Story continues The uncertainty over the fate of the hostages has caused consternation among press freedom groups in both countries, who accuse both governments of acting too slowly. We condemn the actions of the Colombian and Ecuadorian governments and their lack of seriousness in protecting the reporters lives, a statement from Colombias Foundation for Press Liberty said. Colombias president, Juan Manuel Santos, has sent top military and police officers to Quito in order to assist with the crisis. I spoke with Moreno, and I reiterated that he has and will have all of my support, and that of our armed forces and the Colombian people, he tweeted on Thursday night. A 17-year-old Florida high school student who was forced to cover her nipples using Band-Aids because she wasnt wearing a bra and distracting her classmates is now encouraging others to take part in a bracott protest. Braden River student Lizzy Martinez said she was left embarrassed after being pulled into the schools office and told to put on another shirt underneath her long-sleeve T-shirt by school Dean Violeta Velazquez because of her protruding nipples. She told me that I needed to put a shirt on under my long-sleeve shirt to try to tighten my breaststo constrict them," Martinez told the Bradenton Herald. "And then she asked me to move around. Trending: On the Brink of Insanity with Iceage, Denmarks Greatest Punk Band After putting on the second shirt, a school nurse then handed Martinez four bandages in order to X out her nipples. The teenager said she then went to the bathroom and cried because the incident left her mortified. Martinez later tweeted about it, and the message went on to gain nationwide attention. She wrote: I decided not to wear a bra today and got pulled out of class bc one of my teachers complained that it was a distraction to boys in my class. My school basically told me that boys education is far more important than mine and I should be ashamed of my body. lizzy Facebook/ Lizzy Martinez Martinez is now encouraging other students to take part in a bracott at their schools on Monday, April 16, in order to show support for the destigmatizing of natural bodies. Don't miss: Trump Teases Syria Attack: I Never Said When It Would Happen "It's ridiculous that it's even a discussion, but clearly we have to have a conversation about people respecting girls and their choices to wear a bra or not wear a bra," Martinez told Insider. Those talking part in the protest are also encouraged to wear band aids over their shorts and to wear clothing with a message. Story continues Speaking to Buzzfeed, the 17-year-olds mother, Kari Knop, said the incident is another disgusting example of a double standard" that "shows how our culture body-shames women." She added: "If a boy was staring at her nipples that long, why was he not spoken to or punished?" Most popular: Mikhail Gorbachev on the Cuban Missile Crisis and How to Stop U.S.-Russia War "This matter was brought to the attention of the Superintendents Office for review, the districts general counsel, Mitchell Teitelbaum, said in a statement. It is undisputed that this matter should have been handled differently at the school level and corrective measures have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence in the way these matters will be addressed in the future. There was a violation of the School Dress Code and it was an appropriate matter to address by the School. It is clear the intent of school officials was to assist the student in addressing the situation. No disciplinary action was taken in relation to the student." The schools dress code does not specifically state that students must wear a bra but merely dress appropriately with proper attention given to personal cleanliness, grooming and neatness. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Fracking looks set to arrive in Britain after all. US-Australian energy company Cuadrilla recently announced it may begin producing the UKs first commercial shale gas sometime in 2019. The government says that shale plays an important role in the countrys energy strategy. As a domestic resource it can not only can make up for declining gas production from the North Sea, but also help ease concerns about the UKs dependence on imports, notably against a backdrop of strained relations with Russia as well as recent supply shortages. Supporters of fracking also argue it could fill the gap left by the phase-out of coal power, helping decarbonise the energy system while bringing additional jobs. Yet shale gas hasnt done a great job of selling itself in the UK. Fracking technology itself has come under fire in order to obtain shale gas, underground rocks are fractured under high pressure and using chemicals. Many people are worried about groundwater safety, the environmental impact and public health, thus leading to protests. All this raises the question of how to reach an agreement. Is shale gas desirable or not? Is the extra energy worth the environmental damage? Do the jobs created outweigh local residents concerns? Whats needed is a shared understanding between the various social, economic and political stakeholders. In short, energy companies need what is known as a social license to frack. Evidence from Eastern Europe As my recent research on fracking in Eastern Europe suggests, such a social licence rests on a policy process that all stakeholders see as legitimate, along with public acceptance of a technology that doesnt often go wrong but could be disastrous if it did. Although shale gas had been hailed as a game changer for East Europeans, given their strong dependence on Russian gas supplies, Bulgaria ended up banning fracking, exploration plans were shelved in Romania, and quietly abandoned in the Baltics. Across the region, environmental activists were joined by ordinary citizens, the Orthodox Church and even a national grain producer association to protest against the alleged threat of shale gas to food security, the environment and the sell-off of national treasure to foreign companies such as Chevron. Only a few countries, notably Poland, remained legally open to shale gas extraction, and there fracking was granted a social licence by stakeholders. Story continues Judged by the actual output, shale gas in Poland isnt exactly a success story. As in Bulgaria, Romania or Lithuania, the country saw foreign majors abandoning domestic shale prospects. The economics simply didnt add up, geology proved more difficult than expected and the regulatory environment was far from ideal. But public support for the Polish governments shale gas policies stayed strong, protests remained limited, and people bought into the idea of unconventional energy being of overall net benefit. Why was that? Governments that pushed for shale in a top-down manner, cared little about public communication and only involved a few friendly faces from the corporate and NGO world faced public opposition Bulgaria is a good example. By contrast, countries such as Poland that involved those energy corporations already in place, consulted local mayors and ensured some of the profits would remain in the area, saw their efforts pay off. The policy narrative is another important element. Research I carried out with my colleague Benjamin Sovacool found very different narratives across Eastern Europe. In Poland, shale gas emerged as a national project that could potentially bring economic prosperity and energy security and this united various stakeholders behind government policy. In Bulgaria and Romania, the discussion of shale gas focused on authoritarian governments and environmental hazards. Poor public bureaucracy meant that people there had little trust in the policy process and began to question the governments motivations. Lessons for the UK and elsewhere The upshot is that even proving shale gas is economical to extract in Lancashire or elsewhere in the country will not be enough to make it happen. Extracting unconventional energy resources at an industrial scale will eventually require a social licence from society as a whole, not just the local communities that are most directly affected. This wont be achieved simply through bureaucratic processes, such as production permits, or even through a mandate from an election the social licence requires a much broader buy-in. Instead, the UK government would be well advised to think up ways to enhance institutional outreach and community empowerment as well as opportunities to facilitate the buy-in of important stakeholders on national and sub-national levels. This may be a cumbersome process, and the outcome may be hard to determine. But it is the only way to lend legitimacy to its policies and to possibly generate the necessary public acceptance for a highly contested technology. The broader takeaway, however, is that what holds true for fracking also applies to core aspects of the imminent transition towards low-carbon energy. Are people truly ready for massive numbers of new high-voltage electricity pylons? What about enormous new wind farms? Do they appreciate the technology it will take to eventually achieve negative emissions and meet the Paris climate targets? Society as a whole still doesnt really anticipate anything of the required scale, and a serious jump into a low-carbon world may come as a shock to people used to the status quo. Changes of that scale should be broadly acceptable to the nation and would therefore warrant a social licence. Starting with appropriate frameworks for fracking may therefore not be a bad idea, and would pay off at larger scale in future. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. The Conversation Andreas Goldthau gratefully acknowledges that the research leading to these results received funding from the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Unions Seventh Framework Programme. He is affiliated with the Harvard Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. By Jean Paul Arouff PORT LOUIS (Reuters) - Quantum Global, an investment firm through which Angola's sovereign wealth fund invests much of its cash, demanded on Thursday that Mauritian authorities explain their decision to suspend its business licenses on the island nation. Mauritius has frozen 25 bank accounts and suspended seven licenses linked to Quantum Global following a visit by Angolan officials last week, according to a regulatory source. The source told Reuters on Wednesday that Mauritius had acted swiftly in collaboration with investigations by Angolan authorities in order to protect itself against potential "reputational risk." The source did not elaborate. "It is hard to defend ourselves against actions by the authorities when the rationale has not been made clear despite our repeated attempts to receive this information," Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais, founder and CEO of Zurich-headquartered Quantum Global, said in a statement. Bastos de Morais is a business partner of Jose Filomeno dos Santos, the son of Angola's former president. Dos Santos was until recently the head of the national sovereign wealth fund. He has been charged with fraud affecting Angola's central bank, involving the transfer of $500 million held in the United Kingdom. The funds were frozen and then returned to Angola's central bank. Quantum Global has said it had nothing to do with the transaction. Dos Santos is the highest-profile figure to be investigated for corruption since President Joao Lourenco took power last September, vowing to combat years of endemic graft in Africas second-largest oil producer. Quantum Global said it has not been given an underlying reason for why its licenses have been suspended in Mauritius. "As a result of the absence of due process and the rush to sanction us, Quantum Global has seen its business seriously damaged," Bastos de Morais said, adding that his firm operates within the law. "We urgently need to have a fair hearing so we can clear our name," he said. (Writing by Stephen Eisenhammer in LUANDA; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Ivanka Trump attempts to represent womens economic empowerment, while sitting in between men. (Photo: Getty Images) Ivanka Trump arrived in Lima, Peru, on Thursday to represent the United States in the Summit of the Americas conference. The first daughter has quite a lot on her plate: She plans to speak on womens economic empowerment, introduce an initiative to aid that goal, and meet with Latin leaders and officials. However, some people have quickly pointed out a few issues with what weve seen from the trip thus far including the notable presence of men. Taking to her Instagram account to document the official trip, Trump has excitedly posted about the people and places that shes visited. Buenos dias! she exclaimed when she first touched down in the capital city, before explaining that she was on her way to the Lima Stock Exchange. On the first leg of her visit, she engaged in a round-table discussion with women leaders and entrepreneurs of Peru. In the photos Ivanka posted, though, she was in the middle of men. To her left, a man, to her right, a man, one person commented on that photo. Great job sending that message. And the same demographic was seen in a later post, where she headed for dinner with a number of male politicians and CEOs. The photos illustrate that theres a lot of work to be done when it comes to getting more women into these executive positions. Others are pointing out Ivankas unrealistic path to success her own father, Donald Trump, put her in the position of representing the U.S. for the summit. Story continues Im sure like most American business women these business women in Peru actually had to fight tooth and nail to get where they are. Ivankas idea of hardship is realizing people dont bow down to her. Daddy gave her everything. What an insult to have her represent us #Humiliating GHObsession (@GH_obsession) April 13, 2018 That said, some are giving Ivanka props for empowering women throughout the world, regardless of their personal politics. Not a fan of your father but, if you are trying to help and empower Latin American women, heck yes!! someone wrote. Another simply stated, The great role of women in every field is important. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. FILE PHOTO: Teachers rally outside the state Capitol for the second day of a teacher walkout to demand higher pay and more funding for education in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S., April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Nick Oxford/File Photo Thomson Reuters By Heide Brandes and Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton OKLAHOMA CITY/TULSA, Okla. (Reuters) - Oklahoma parent Matt Reynolds backs a teachers' strike that has shut schools statewide, but each day it drags on is another he has to pay for daycare for three of his children. "I'm mad at the teachers for walking out, but I'm more mad at the government for forcing them to do this," said Reynolds, a 51-year-old chef in Yukon. Lawmakers and striking teachers remained at odds over the state's financing of its public education on Thursday, the 11th day of a walkout that has affected about a half million students. The standoff is testing the patience of parents, many of whom support the labor action after seeing firsthand the fallout from slashed education budgets. But they are weary of making special accommodations for their children, and worry about how the missed class time will affect upcoming state testing and national advanced placements exams. Some parents said the strike that started on April 2 has made them consider private schools, home schooling or moving to a district with more secure funding. Many said the prospects of a prolonged strike would eventually lead them to lobby their local districts to return to class. "I'm at the point where if education doesn't get adequate funding, I'll say screw it and home school my kids since we can't afford to move," said Lisa Snell, who has been forced to take her two children to work during the strike. Snell's empathy runs deep for the state's teachers, who are among the worst paid educators in the United States. She has been asked to provide pencils, crayons, paper and tissue for the struggling elementary school her children attend near Tahlequah in eastern Oklahoma. Her kids bring home school books in tatters and have to go shoeless in gym class to preserve the decaying floor, Snell said. "I know what those teachers are going through," Snell said. "It's not just about raises." Story continues The main union in the strike is urging parents to make their voices heard by voting in this year's midterm election for candidates who back increased spending, or have educators run for office. Republicans, who dominate state politics, are appealing to conservative voters by saying they have done enough by raising education spending by more than 20 percent, and more spending would be wasteful. PRESSURE EXPECTED TO MOUNT The legislature passed its first major tax hikes in a quarter century to raise funds for schools and increase teacher pay by an average of $6,100. Educators are asking for a $10,000 raise for teachers over three years. "We've accomplished a whole lot, and I just don't know how much more we can get done this session," state Representative John Pfeiffer, a top Republican lawmaker, told reporters this week on the education funding issue. Pressure is likely to build on legislators and teachers to reach a deal that gets kids back to class. For the most part, teachers have been given permission by their districts to participate in walkouts and have been paid, with the idea that they would make up for lost time as they do for closures due to inclement weather. But that could soon change as the cushion in school calendars runs out. Two large districts, Bartlesville and Sand Springs, ordered schools to resume on Thursday. Tulsa Public Schools, the state's second-largest district, has run out of inclement weather days and plans to lengthen school days when students return. Legislators also are in a tough spot, said Gregg Garn, dean of the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education at the University of Oklahoma. "They have kids in public schools and they live in the communities," he said. "They are getting the signal that the investments need to be there." Candice Stubblefield, 43, of Midwest City wants a quick resolution. "They have missed so many days now," said Stubblefield, whose daughter attends public school. "Both the legislature and teachers seem like they are being stubborn and unyielding." (Reporting by Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton in Tulsa, Heide Brandes in Oklahoma City and Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Richard Chang) See Also: LONDON (Reuters) - Russia's ambassador to Britain said a claim by a British security advisor on Friday that Russia spied on former agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter for at least five years before they were attacked with a nerve agent was a "big surprise." "If someone was spying, why were the British services not complaining about that?" Alexander Yakovenko told reporters. "They always complain if something goes wrong. We didn't see any signs, any applications from the British side that they are not happy with the way Skripals were living in Salisbury." Sergei Skripal has been living in Britain since 2010 but his daughter only arrived last month, to visit her father. Earlier on Friday, the national security adviser to Britain's prime minister told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a letter that email accounts of Yulia had been targeted in 2013 by cyber specialists from Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Yakovenko said he had not seen the letter. (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Elisabeth O'Leary; Writing by William Schomberg; editing by Stephen Addison) Spring will finally arrive this week, forecasters claim (Rex) Its been a long time coming, but temperatures are finally set to hit the mid-20s in many parts of Britain during next week. The warmest temperatures, around 23C, will be in the south east of England and the mercury will be the same as hotspots including the Costa del Sol, Rome and Greece. It will be a welcome change from the freezing temperatures and snow witnessed in the last few weeks as winter dragged on. An influx of warm, continental air from Monday will see the biggest impact in the south-east of England, but the whole of England and Wales is set for warm sunny weather with temperatures 10C above the norm for mid-April. The Met Office says thermometers will rise gradually through the week but has warned that fronts from the Atlantic, battling to move in from the west, will mean some areas of western Scotland and Northern Ireland could see more showery weather. The Met Office said this tussle between the warm air from the south and the wet weather in the west which will bring rain to most places on Sunday will finally be won by the continental influence on Monday. The snowy scene in Sheffield earlier this month (Rex) MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO Temperatures in the south-east could hit 15 or 16C at the start of the working week. A spokesperson for the Met Office said: By Tuesday across London we could see 18C, maybe 19C. By Wednesday, theres still going to be some patchy rain in parts of the north-west but England and Wales will have this continental air coming in. So, dry weather for them, plenty of sunshine again. Temperatures on Wednesday will again be highest in the south-east. London could see between 20C and 23C. And in fact, going further north, places like York could see 18C to 20c. And, even for Glasgow, it could be 17C or 18C on Wednesday. Story continues The trend into the end of the week is to continue this feed of warmer continental air across England and Wales. Those frontal systems are always trying to battle into the north-west, so it could be cloudier there with some more mixed weather at times. But, by the end of the week, in the that far south-eastern corner we could see temperatures into the low to mid-20s. Daffodils break through the wintry soil last month (Rex) The Met Office said Saturday is likely to be the best day of the coming weekend, with temperatures reaching the mid to high teens in some places. But Sunday will see rain at times across much of Britain as the country braces itself for the sun to come. European forecasters are predicting temperatures in the low 20s for Malaga, Rome and Athens next week. Storyful Six young bears rescued from areas affected by Californias Dixie Fire have been receiving care this month at the San Diego Humane Societys Ramona Wildlife Center.Footage by the humane society shows triplet bear cubs arriving at the wildlife center on September 22, as well as another male cub rescued from the Plumas National Forest in August with burns on his paws, who was transferred to the Ramona center on September 10.San Diego Humane Societys Ramona Wildlife Center is caring for six young bears in total, they said. The four new arrivals would join a pair of siblings rescued from the Three Rivers area, who are seen in the last part of the footage.As of September 29, the Dixie Fire measured at 963,276 acres and was 94 percent contained, according to official reports. Credit: San Diego Humane Society via Storyful President Donald Trump may have confused allies with his new Tweet (Getty) Donald Trump has said a missile attack on Syria could happen very soon in a cryptic message in which he also seemed to backpedal on the extraordinary warlike rhetoric from yesterday. The US president tweeted this morning, Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our Thank you America? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018 Yesterday, President Trump hit out at Russias support of the Assad regime in Syria after a suspected chemical attack in the city of Douma which left dozens dead provoked international outrage. Posting on Twitter, he described Assad as a Gas Killing Animal. The new statement may perplex allies, with France and British ministers set to consider the possibility of backing military action in the region. Although Assad has denied the attack, Theresa May has claimed that all the indications are pointing towards it being ordered by the Syrian regime. And the Prime Minister is believed to be willing to support taking action against Syria without seeking the consent of parliament. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad talks with government troops in Eastern Ghouta on March 18, 2018 She has summoned ministers to discuss the UKs response, where she is laying out the case for air strikes by British forces. If Mrs May agrees to launch a barrage of missiles on Syria, in would likely stoke anger among MPs. Jeremy Corbyn has already condemned the PMs approach, saying more killing, more war will not save life. He added: Hundreds of thousands have died and lost their lives in Syria. There has to be a political solution. Trump, Assad and May: Air strikes seem increasingly likely SNP defence spokesman Stewart McDonald also called for a parliamentary vote before any decision to launch air strikes against the regime. Story continues While the need for action is clear that action must be properly considered. Air strikes have not prevented these attacks and will not provide the long-term solutions needed to end the war, he said. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said that while the use of chemical weapons crossed a clear red line, ministers should present their evidence of regime involvement to MPs. MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO A unilateral response by any country, outside of a wider strategy, without allies is not the way forward. There must be a debate and vote in the House of Commons ahead of any military action, he said. Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru leader, stated the government had no authority to launch strikes. No mandate from public or Parliament, no UN resolution, no genuine investigation of facts, no serious plan for what comes next for people in Syria; the UK govt has no authority to follow Trump into a possible confrontation with Russia #NotInMyNameTheresaMay pic.twitter.com/Q1Popu8KQa LeanneWood (@LeanneWood) April 12, 2018 In 2013, MPs blocked David Cameron from joining US forces after another chemical attack. Brexit Secretary David Davis, who voted against action five years ago, indicated it could be different this time because Mr Cameron had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify action. By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda is considering a request from Israel to take in 500 migrants from Eritrea and Sudan, a minister said on Friday, the first time the East African nation has acknowledged it is in talks over such a deal. "The State of Israel working with other refugees' managing organisations has requested Uganda to allow about 500 Eritreans and Sudanese to relocate to Uganda. The government and ministry are positively considering the request," Musa Ecweru, Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, said in a statement. About 4,000 migrants have left Israel for Rwanda and Uganda since 2013 under a voluntary programme but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under pressure from his right-wing voter base to expel thousands more. In January, Israel started handing out notices to male migrants from Eritrea and Sudan giving them three months to take the voluntary deal with a plane ticket and $3,500 or risk being thrown in jail. The government said from April it would start forced deportations but rights groups challenged the move and Israel's Supreme Court has issued a temporary injunction to give more time for the petitioners to argue against the plan. Government representatives told the court earlier this week that an envoy was in an African country finalising a deportation deal after an arrangement with Rwanda to take migrants expelled under the new measures fell through. Until Friday's statement, Ugandan officials had denied to Reuters that their government was in talks with Israel to resettle migrants. Ecweru said "all refugees world over" should be "voluntarily repatriated with strict observance and adherence to international law", but did not give further details on the possible deal. Official documents submitted to the Israeli Supreme Court on Tuesday said authorities have identified close to 8,000 Eritrean and Sudanese migrants it would potentially deport under a compulsory expulsion plan. Story continues Asked about the discrepancy Ecweru though told Reuters the deal under discussion with Israel covered only 500 refugees. A spokesman for Netanyahu did not respond to a request for comment. (Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Maggie Fick and Janet Lawrence) FILE PHOTO: Sky News logo is seen in west London FILE PHOTO: The Sky logo is seen on outside of an entrance to offices and studios in west London, Britain June 29, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo By Paul Sandle LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's takeover regulator said Walt Disney must offer to buy all of Sky if it acquires Twenty-First Century Fox's 39 percent stake and if Rupert Murdoch's Fox is prevented from purchasing all of the European pay-TV company itself. Fox agreed an offer to buy all of Sky 17 months ago but is still waiting regulatory approval, while Disney has agreed to buy Fox assets, including its stake in Sky, in a separate deal subject to its own regulatory clearance. The ruling means that if Fox's bid to buy Sky is blocked by the government in June because of Murdoch's media influence, Disney will have to step in to make the same offer to shareholders if and when it becomes the owner of Fox's assets. Disney had said it should not be required to make a bid for the whole of Sky in line with Fox's existing offer if it bought the Fox assets, but Britain's Takeover Panel ruled on Thursday that it must match Fox's 10.75 pounds-a-share price. Analysts had said Disney wanted a special dispensation to give it more flexibility on whether or when it would bid for the rest of Sky if it only bought the 39 percent stake from Fox. The Takeover Panel, however, said it considered that securing control of Sky might reasonably be considered to be a significant purpose of Disney's acquiring control of Fox, and it must make an offer within 28 days of buying the Fox assets. FOX COMMITTED The Panel's ruling will not stand if Fox has acquired 100 percent of Sky by the time Disney buys the Fox assets, or if Comcast Corp or any other third party has acquired a stake of more than 50 percent in Sky. U.S. cable company Comcast said on Feb. 27 that it was considering making an offer for Sky. Sky said it noted the Takeover Panel's ruling, and it advised shareholders to take no further action at this time. Twenty-First Century Fox said that under the ruling, any mandatory offer by Disney would only be required after Disney's acquisition of Fox is completed, which Fox currently expects to occur after completion of Fox's offer for Sky. Story continues "21CF (Fox) remains committed to its recommended cash offer for Sky announced on 15th December 2016," it said. The offer was supported by revised remedies it had offered to Britain's Competition and Markets Authority, it added. (Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Kate Holton and Alexander Smith) Award-winning author and activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied said she was deported from the U.S. immediately after landing in the country on Wednesday. The activist, who has been slated to host a series exploring Islamic headwear in Australia called Hijabistas! with Yassmin Abdel-Magied on ABCs iView starting in May was in the U.S. to speak at the annual PEN World Voices Festival in New York. Abdel-Magied was expected to speak on a panel at the festival called: "The M Word: No Country For Young Muslim Women." Trending: 34 Must-Have Apps yassmin Theo Wargo/Getty "Im currently at the border and theyve said Im being deported. This should be fun. What are my rights? Abdel-Magied asked on Twitter. ** if they will let me in. Im currently at the border and theyve said Im being deported. This should be fun. What are my rights ? https://t.co/fv12WoSSwf Yassmin Abdel-Magied (@yassmin_a) April 11, 2018 "Interesting facts: within a few min of looking at my case the border security person - Officer Herberg looking at my case she announces: were sending you back!." the activist wrote. She said border authorities confiscated her phone and cancelled her visa. "They've taken my phone, cancelled my visa and are deporting me," the activist wrote on Twitter. "Will follow up on messages once I understand what's going on." Abdel-Magied later wrote that just around three hours after touching down in Minneapolis, she was already on a plane back to Australia. Don't miss: Social Media Has Changed the Way People Commit Crimes | Opinion Story continues "Well, guess that tightening of immigration laws business is working, despite my Australian passport. We're taking off now. What a time," she tweeted. She added that authorities still had her passport when she boarded the flight back home, adding: "Apparently I can't be trusted with it until I'm in a foreign country because, as Officer Blees said, 'planes get turned away back way too often." Oh, and they still have my passport. Apparently I cant be trusted with it until Im in a foreign country because, as Officer Blees said, planes get turned away back way too often and then... Yassmin Abdel-Magied (@yassmin_a) April 12, 2018 "Oh yuh and did I mention they took my phone for the whole time? Fortunately Im a paranoid person - notifications dont show previews of messages, and a 12 digit passcode. Always be vigilant, yo," Abdel-Magied wrote. PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement that she was "dismayed" that an invited guest to the festival was turned away by U.S. immigration officials. Later, Abdel-Magied remarked on "what a good story this will make," writing: "Funniest thing is that throughout this whole ordeal all I am thinking about is what a good story this will make. We all have ways of dealing with situations." "Abdel-Magied is an advocate of the rights of Muslim women and refugees and is a citizen of Australia, travelling on that countrys passport," Nossel wrote. Most popular: On the Brink of Insanity with Iceage, Denmarks Greatest Punk Band "The very purpose of the PEN World Voices Festival, founded after 9/11 to sustain the connectedness between the US and the wider world, is in jeopardy at a time when efforts at visa bans and tightened immigration restrictions threaten to choke off vital channels of dialogue that are protected under the First Amendment right to receive and impart information through in-person cultural exchange," the PEN America CEO added. "We call on Customs and Border Patrol to admit her to the U.S. so that she can take her rightful place in the urgent international conversation to take place at the Festival next week," she said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told news website nine.acom.au that Abdel-Magied was refused entry because she did not have an appropriate working visa. All travelers arriving to the United States must possess valid travel documents for their purpose of travel. For foreign nationals, this includes a current passport and a valid visa or visa waiver issued by the US Government," the agency said in a statement. During the inspection, CBP officers determined this individual did not possess the appropriate visa to receive monetary compensation for the speaking engagements she had planned during her visit to the United States. As such, she was deemed inadmissible to enter the United States for her visit, but was allowed to withdraw her application for admission," the agency added, stating that Abdel-Magied would be eligible to reapply for a visa for future visits. CBP has yet to respond to a request for comment from Newsweek. Abdel-Magied, who was born in Sudan and is a mechanical engineer, in addition to being an activist and writer, founded the Youth Without Borders organization. She was named 2007 young Australian Muslim of the year. Read more: U.S. Immigration Judges Told to Process More Cases to Speed Up Deportation Decisions Last year, she received widespread backlash after penning a Facebook post on Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand commemorating those who have served, suggesting Australians should also remember Syrians, Palestinians, Manus and Nauruans." Critics, including politicians, accused the activist of politicizing the day of remembrance, leading her to later remove the post and apologize, writing: "It was brought to my attention that my last post was disrespectful and for that, I apologize unreservedly." She later moved to the U.K. in response to the episode, saying she had felt betrayed by Australia and branding herself the country's "most publicly hated Muslim." Abdel-Magied has not responded to a request for comment. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek ECR Minerals announced on Friday that geochemical results and geological observations at the Bung Bong gold prospect have indicated several potential targets for high volume gold mineralisation. Following the positive results, the prospect will see the commencement of a first pass diamond drilling programme on 15 April, where six holes of approximately 70m depth will be drilled to further assess the nature of quartz veining and gold mineralisation. The project lies on the Avoca tenement in central Victora, Australia, and is 100% owned by ECR Minerals wholly owned Australian subsidiary Mercator Gold Australia (MGA). Craig Brown, chief executive of ECR, said: "The results of geochemical work carried out at the Bung Bong prospect have been positive and when combined with geological surveys has given us the confidence to commence our drill program. Road cuttings on the nearby highway show multiple west-dipping faults linked by associated quartz vein networks that may have the potential for a broad zone of mineralisation at surface with open cut opportunities." The structural and stratigraphic setting found at the Bung Bong prospect, which includes host rocks such as deep marine sandstones and shales as well as gold hosted by quartz and quartz spurs, is comparable to that found at the prolific Ballarat, Bendigo and Fosterville gold districts. "Bung Bong is only one of multiple high priority targets within our four Victorian gold licences and we look forward to providing further updates soon with regards to the geochemical results at some of our additional target areas beginning with the Blue Moon prospect, which have been highly encouraging so far," said Brown., As of 0850 BST, ECR Minerals shares were down 5.88% at 0.80p. Netflix has been accused of "rigging the compensation process" and awarding large bonuses to top executives in a manner that allegedly violated federal US tax laws. The lawsuit was filed by the City of Birmingham Relief and Retirement System, a company shareholder, with the accusations going as far back as 2015. According to the lawsuit, Netflix allegedly rigged its performance targets so it could deliver the bonuses and claim tax deductions on them irrespective of how the company had fared. They were reportedly taking advantage of a legal loophole through which public companies are allowed to deduct top executives bonuses when they exceed $1m, but only when they require meeting the companys performance goals and only when "the outcome is substantially uncertain". But the thing was that Netflix had almost always managed to hit its quarterly targets for global subscriber growth with surprising - and somewhat suspicious - precision. "Through their conduct, Defendants rigged the compensation process, guaranteeing Netflix officers huge cash payments while misleading investors into believing that these payments were justified by attainment of real performance goals," said the lawsuit. By implication, the current arrangement, if the lawsuit was correct, would also run afoul of the country's tax laws. "This artificial precision resulted in the company paying these officers approximately $18.73m out of a target pool of $18.75m", it added. The prosecution is demanding that the defendants - including CEO Reed Hastings - return all bonuses and compensation obtained as a result of the breach. Netflix is scheduled to report its earnings for the first quarter of 2018 after the market close on 16 April. The shares have enjoyed a strong run, clocking in with a year-to-date gain of 40% on the back of continued growth in the number of subscribers on its platform, with management forecasting global net adds of 6.35m for the first quarter of the year, up 28% from the same period in 2017. Shares are now trading higher by 2.05% at $309.95. Authorities in Singapore are planning to install face recognition cameras atop 100,000 across the city-state as part of a pilot-project to "perform crowd analytics" and protect the city from terror attacks. Despite those lofty goals, security experts and rights groups are showing concerns on the issue fearing privacy breaches. The project "Lamppost-as-a-Platform" was being launched at the behest of government agency GovTech which set a May deadline for companies interested in participating to come forward. "As part of the LaaP trial, we are testing out various kinds of sensors on the lampposts, including cameras that can support backend facial recognition capabilities," a GovTech spokesman told Reuters. Nevertheless, some officials were also concerned about the potential privacy issues the new plan might throw up. That was despite government attempts to promote the program as part of a broad Smart Nation plan to improve peoples lives through technology and its assurances that it will be sensitive to privacy, with a spokesman for GovTech saying that: "The need to protect personal data and preserve privacy are key considerations in the technical implementation of the project." Russias foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, blamed the chemical attack carried out in the Syrian town of Douma on 7 April on opposition rebels and western intelligence agencies, claiming he had "irrefutable" evidence to support his accusations. "We have irrefutable evidence that this was another staged event, and that the secret services of a certain state that is now at the forefront of a Russophobic campaign was involved in this staged event," he said during a press conference. Lavrov did not name a specific agency but warned the West against taking military action after the chemical attack sparked international scorn, leading some Western nations to call for action against Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad's regime. Echoing his foreign affairs chief, President Vladimir Putin said countries should not rush to blame Assad until they had investigated the matter thoroughly, adding that a team of Russian investigators had found no traces of chemicals at the site of the attack. Following last Saturday's attack, Russian officials had also claimed that the images of the victims had been faked. In the background, Moscow's top diplomat in the UK, Alexander Yakovenko had been warning for weeks of the possibility of staged attacks, further accusing France and the UK of following mechanically in America's steps. Donald Trump directed officials to look into the possibility of rejoining the very same Asia-Pacific trade pact he withdrew from after taking office, while expressing optimism over a deal with China. After the President sent markets into a stir on Twitter by escalating tensions as a result of his threats to impose new tariffs on more than $100bn worth of Chinese products, Trump said the two nations could end up not levying any tariffs on each other after all. "Now we're really negotiating and I think they're going to treat us really fairly," Trump said during a meeting with Republican party governors and lawmakers. "I think they want to." Trump's comments were seen as a signal that his administration was willing to stand down from its back and forth tariff threats against another of the world's largest economies. The President publicly mulled over the idea of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership back in January, and US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross noted that the White House would need to see proven action from Beijing before it would be able to reach any kind of deal. In a Twitter post on Thursday night, Trump said the US "would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama. We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years!" Earlier that day, Japan, the biggest economy currently covered by the agreement, welcomed Trump's interest in rejoining the TPP but claimed it was not interested in any partial renegotiation. "If these comments mean that President Trump is correctly evaluating the significance and effects of the TPP, then we welcome them," said Toshimitsu Motegi, the minister in charge of TPP. "The deal is a balanced one, like fine glassware, and it would be extremely difficult to renegotiate or change just one part of it," he added. Trump, who withdrew the US from the accord in his very first week in office, claimed that the pact, which was conceived as a counterweight to China's rising economic power, had been negotiated under the administration of former President Barack Obama but had never been approved by Congress. Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican from Nebraska who was present at Trump's meeting on Thursday, said. "He multiple times reaffirmed the point that TPP might be easier to join now." The news brought opponents of the multilateral trade pact out of the woodwork, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, head of the main trade union group, said the TPP "was killed because it failed America's workers and it should remain dead." Meanwhile, across the aisle, Democrat Senator Sherrod Brown, said he was "very open to a new TPP" assuming it contained strong labour rights protections and currency provisions. "You'd need a whole renegotiation," he said. One White House official said that even though Trump preferred to negotiate bilateral trade deals, a multilateral deal with the TPP countries could potentially counter Chinese competition and would also be significantly faster than negotiating one-on-one deals with individual nations. Stocks on the Continent finished off their best levels heading into the weekend, as traders opted to play it safe given the heightened tensions in the Middle East. Helping to buoy sentiment nonetheless, and acting as a backdrop alongside the ongoing situation in Syria, was the more positive line taken by the White House overnight on the global trade front. On Thursday evening, US president Donald Trump said of China "now we're really negotiating and I think they're going to treat us really fairly." Trump also sounded a confident note on the ongoing NAFTA talks, saying they were progressing well. As well, it was reported that the US Secretary of Defence, James Mattis, had argued in favour of obtaining more evidence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria before any strike, in order buttress the case for action in the eyes of world opinion. Thus, at the closing bell, and following a brief dip into the red just before the end the session, the benchmark Stoxx 600 was higher by 0.10% or 0.38 points at 379.20, alongside a gain of 0.22% or 27.39 points to 12,442.40 for the German Dax and an advance of 0.11% or 5.80 points to 5,315.02 for the Cac-40. Banks did particulary well during the first half of the session, but by the end of trading the Stoxx 600's gauge of lenders' shares was up by only 0.10% to 175.96 and far beneath the year-to-date highs of 197.0 hit on 26 January. Helping to stoke interest in the sector early on had been the more 'hawkish' set of US central bank policy meeting minutes from Wednesday night. On the economic front, data out at the end of the week revealed a drop in Eurozone imports during February - which analysts said hinted at the 'peak' in growth now being past - and firmer 'core' consumer prices in Germany. Thus, the euro area's seasonally-adjusted trade surplus improved from 20.2bn for January to 21.0bn in February, according to Eurostat, but only because of a sharp 3.1% fall in import volumes. Meanwhile, in Germany, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that consumer prices picked-up from a 1.4% year-on-year pace in January to 1.6% for February, as expected. Also dampening sentiment, two days of talks between Italy's main political parties and President Sergio Mattarella failed to produce a government. "Our citizens' expectations, the struggle on the world markets, upcoming events within the European Union, increased international tensions in areas not far from Italy require that there is urgently a positive engagement between the parties to reach this goal. "I will wait a few days, and then I will evaluate how to proceed to break the deadlock," Mattarella said following the latest round of contacts. To take note of, after the close of trading in London, ratings agency Moody's was set to publish its review of Spain's long-term debt rating. On the corporate side of things, shares in German lender Deutsche Bank finished lower after Standard&Poor's placed its rating on the bank's long-term debt on credit watch 'negative'. London stocks were set for a muted open on Friday as investors kept an eye on the geopolitical situation, with the latest Chinese trade data in focus and US bank earnings to look forward to. The FTSE 100 was called to open flat at 7,258. Data out of China earlier showed a surprise monthly trade deficit in March for the first time in 13 months. China's trade balance swung to a deficit of $4.98bn from a surplus of $33.7bn the month before, versus expectations for a surplus of $19.6bn. London Capital Group analyst Jasper Lawler said: "A sharp drop in exports is of some concern for the countrys future path of economic growth. One data point does not make a trend, and this drop is likely a combination of exporters front-loading before possible tariffs and simply a pullback from a strong first two month of the year. "The deficit might have been welcomed by US President Trump, but Chinas trade surplus with the US rose significantly in the first quarter. If investors were looking for empirical evidence to tempt the White House to back off from a trade war, it wont be found here." Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions were set to keep simmering after UK Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Trump agreed during a late-night phone conversation that Syrias suspected use of chemical weapons should not go unchallenged. Downing Street said Cabinet ministers had agreed "on the need to take action" to "deter further use of chemical weapons" after concluding that it was "highly likely" the Assad regime was behind the chemical attack. Transport Minister Jo Johnson later said there had been no decision to take military action at this point. Across the pond later in the day, updates from JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup will kick off the US earnings season. In UK corporate news, London Stock Exchange has appointed Goldman Sachs veteran David Schwimmer as its new chief executive. Schwimmer, who succeeds Xavier Rolet, will join the company on 1 August and will be a member of the board of directors. Meanwhile, interim chief executive and group chief financial officer, David Warren, will continue as group CFO and a member of the board. Elsewhere, Sage Group said it was cutting its full-year organic revenue growth guidance, reflecting inconsistent operational execution. FY18 guidance was revised from around 8% organic revenue growth and around 27.5% organic operating margin to around 7% organic revenue growth and around 27.5% organic operating margin. Prime minister Theresa May has received unanimous support from her cabinet to take action against Syrian president Bashar Al Assads regime after the alleged chemical attack on the city of Douma last week, which several countries - including the US, UK and France - believe was carried out by the Syrian government and its main allies, Russia and Iran. The cabinet ministers agreed that it was highly likely Assads regime was behind the gas attack that killed 75 people and concluded that a response was needed to avoid the use of chemical weapons on civilians. May also spoke to US president Donald Trump on Thursday evening and both leaders agreed to work closely on a coordinated international response, even as the American leader was calling a meeting of his national security council. A spokesman for Number 10 said: "Cabinet agreed that the Assad regime has a track record of the use of chemical weapons and it is highly likely that the regime is responsible for Saturdays attack. Cabinet agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged. "They agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. Cabinet agreed the prime minister should continue to work with allies in the United States and France to coordinate an international response." Yet Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the cabinet of "waiting on US instructions", adding that more military action in Syria is not the way to solve the crisis. "More bombing, more killing, more war will not save life. It will just take more lives and spawn the war elsewhere," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron was also considering a response to the attack and said that any French strikes would target chemical facilities so as to impede further gas attacks against civilians. Norwegian Air Shuttle chief Bjorn Kjos said on Friday that the low-cost carrier wasn't for sale and that he had not spoken to anyone from International Consolidated Airlines Group, IAG's holding company. Just the day before, Anglo-Spanish IAG had revealed the purchase of a 4.6% stake in Norwegian, further stating its intention of starting talks with its rival, including on the possibility of launching an offer for the entire outfit. Shares in Norwegian rose as much as 13% on Friday, adding to a 47% surge on Thursday, after investors got wind of the possible bid. In a statement issued by the company, Kjos said: "The share price doesnt reflect the underlying value and things we do in the company. Norwegian has fantastic potential. I think it has been too cheap." Norwegian also clarified it had no prior knowledge of IAG's purchase of stock on the open market and that it had not discussed the matter with the British Airways owner. "Norwegian believes that interest from one of the largest international aviation groups demonstrates the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth," said the company. Commenting on IAG's latest moves, on Thursday Investec analyst Alex Paterson told clients: "In our view, IAG should be looking to expand its long-haul low-cost airline, Level, and acquiring Norwegian would expedite that. It would bring in 144 aircraft, an $8bn aircraft order book and slots at Gatwick Airport, as well as taking out a competitor. "We are slightly surprised at the timing of IAGs announcement to take a 4.61% stake to establish a position from which to negotiate for a number of reasons: First, Norwegian is highly leveraged with net debt/ebitda of around 23.6x for FY18 and 13.4x for FY19e. Second, Norwegian only has 25% of fuel requirements hedged and therefore the rising oil price will cause downgrades, pushing the stock lower. And third, Norwegian brings with it Norwegian/European short haul business and plans to expand into South America from Argentina, which, if successful, IAG would no doubt withdraw from. "Potentially, a sale of Alitalia to a consortium including AFKLM or Lufthansa is pressurising IAG into making a land-grab for other assets. Norwegian completed two equity raises in March raising a total of NOK 1.5bn (138m). IAG is now giving credibility to Norwegian, which the company lacked before, and this may allow Norwegian to make further equity issues at a much higher price," he concluded. Donald Trump has said he would lead America back into the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership trade pact but only if he was offered a better deal than that negotiated by the Obama administration. After reports that he was reconsidering his decision to pull out of the pact, Trump tweeted on Thursday night that he would only do so if he was offered improved terms from the 11 existing signatories, who include Japan, Australia and Canada. Would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama, he said. Guardian Volkswagen has said that Herbert Diess will take over from Matthias Muller as its chief executive, adding fresh impetus to its efforts to slim down and reorganise the way its 12 brands are managed. On Thursday, the carmaker said it planned to create six new business areas and a special portfolio for China, its largest market, and split its brands into three new vehicle groups with categories for value, premium and super-premium nameplates. The announcement was made after Volkswagen directors ousted Muller and deliberated ways to reform an empire that includes motorbike, bus, truck and passenger car brands including Ducati, Bentley, Porsche, Audi, Scania and Skoda. Guardian A US private equity firms plan to buy rail operator FirstGroup has already hit a hurdle due to the expected intense scrutiny from pension regulators and MPs keen to protect the retirement incomes of the Scottish companys army of workers. FirstGroup, which runs the South Western Railway and Great Western Railway franchises, was identified last year as the company most under pressure from its pension schemes relative to its size because of its more than 4bn of pension liabilities against its 1.2bn market capitalisation. Telegraph Vladimir Putins abusive stranglehold over European gas supplies has been laid bare by explosive EU documents, exposing deliberate violations of EU law and a pattern of political bullying over almost a decade. The longest investigation in EU history found that the Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom has used its enormous power to pressure vulnerable states in Eastern Europe, and to fragment the EUs unified energy market with coercive pricing policies. - Telegraph Londons growth as a major financial centre is set to stall as Britain leaves the European Union and the United States attempts to lure more firms to Wall Street, the boss of Spains biggest bank has warned. Ana Botin, executive chairwoman of Banco Santander, argued that Brexit has already disrupted the huge upward trend in businesses and workers arriving in the City. The Times Facebook has seen no impact on consumer behaviour since the social networks data privacy scandal broke four weeks ago and said it does not expect revenues to be affected. Carolyn Everson, vice-president of global marketing solutions, said there was little evidence people were changing their privacy settings after 87 million users had their personal information unwittingly harvested for advertisers working on Donald Trumps presidential election campaign. The Times The surging popularity of the search term nootropics on Google suggests that worldwide interest in these unique substances is peaking. Often called smart drugs or brain pills, nootropics are a class of supplements (or in some cases prescription medicines such as the drug modafinil) that meet certain criteria for Cognitive enhancement. The term nootropic was coined by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, a Romanian psychologist and chemist, in 1972. Dr. Giurgea, while under the employ of a Belgian pharmaceutical company, synthesized the first nootropic drug in 1964. It came to be known as piracetam and its creator as the father of nootropics. Reports by Corpina and Peak Nootropics provided most of the information for this article. Dr. Giurgea developed piracetam as a sedative When synthesizing piracetam in his Belgian laboratory, Dr. Giurgea was attempting to develop a pharmaceutical with calming and sleep-inducing properties. The medication is a derivative of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), the chief calming neurotransmitter in mammals. But rather than causing sedation, piracetam had the unexpected effects of memory improvement and cognitive enhancement. Dr. Giurgea defined nootropics as unique in that these medications improve learning and memory, protect the brain against chemical or physical injuries, and enhance focus and concentration. He derived the name nootropic from the Greek words noos (mind) and tropein (to bend). Dr. Giurgea's nootropics were to be mind-bending pharmaceuticals, ushering humanity into a new age of brain power. 'Man is not going to wait passively for millions of years' The father of nootropics made this bold statement believing his new medications would hasten the development of advanced capacities in the human brain more quickly than evolution. And in the 1960s, this idea stirred the imagination of one of the world's great superpowers. Indeed, the Soviet Union took an interest in Dr. Giurgea's mind-bending new drugs and started developing new varieties, many of which remain in use today across the globe. One of the most well-known of these is phenibut, a compound designed to reduce anxiety for Soviet cosmonauts without causing dangerous levels of sedation. The Rise from Soviet (or Russian) to worldwide use of these unique medications is a recent phenomenon. Perhaps the simplest explanation for the rise is that the internet makes information about and access to these drugs easier. Today, there are many online stores that specialize in nootropic education and sales, whereas prior to the development of the world wide web the existence of nootropics was not well-known, especially among Americans. Meanwhile, the question of whether or not nootropics actually build a better brain remains a controversial one, even as their popularity continues to rise. Such is the appeal of the notion that supplements can enhance our brain power to superhuman levels. It was a successful operation for the Narcotics officers when they busted a gang engaged in drug trafficking in parts of Brooklyn and Queens. The police conducted raids in Long Island City, New York City and Jamaica and the haul included nearly 22 pounds of narcotics along with a huge amount of cash, a number of guns and a Lamborghini. The drug consisted mainly of the deadly prescription painkiller Fentanyl. According to Daily Mail UK, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor's office confirmed the arrest of four persons believed to be involved in this business with drugs and money recovered from the premises. The police had been on their trail for the last one year following several leads that they had come across after there were two deaths due to overdoses. Patience pays off The narcotics police conducted a year-long wiretap investigation because of two deaths reported from a drug overdose. The victims were a 22-year-old in 2016 and a 42-year-old in 2017. The trail led them to four persons who were engaged in drug trafficking. The culprits have now been arrested on charges of conspiracy and criminal sale of a controlled substance. They are believed to have been supplying drugs like heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana to street-level pushers in New York City. The kingpin used to maintain a stock of the contraband in his house in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. He also owned a luxury condo in Long Island City where the police found nearly $600,000 in cash apart from a firearm and a Lamborghini. Two others who have been arrested lived in Queens. They were also in possession of drugs, and firearms like handguns and shotgun. The fourth man in the gang lived in Jamaica and had heroin in his possession apart from cash. All the four have past history of arrests on various charges ranging from robbery, burglary and weapons possession. However, while his accomplices have served prison sentences, the leader does not have any conviction to his name till now. Drug traffickers deserve no sympathy The drug is a silent killer and those who are addicted to this evil try to rope in innocents into the ring. One of the main sources of most of these contraband is Mexico and President Donald Trump wants to check the spread of this menace and put his foot down on drug smugglers. He wants to have a border wall that will act as a deterrent and end drug trafficking. The arrests that have now been made by the narcotics police in New York City is one of many such arrests to stop the spread of this evil. However, those who engage in such activities are innovative, and the police will always have to remain one step ahead of them to foil their evil designs. It's no secret that Donald Trump is not well-liked around the world, including across Europe. One high-profiled name that typically stays out of politics is Queen Elizabeth, but she couldn't help but make a joke about the United States president. VIDEO: "It sounds like President Trump" Take a look at The Queen's excellent sense of humour as she takes a walk around her gardens with Sir David Attenborough pic.twitter.com/kAcqNb40St Charlie Proctor (@MonarchyUK) April 10, 2018 The Queen on Trump It was just a few years ago when former President Barack Obama met 91-year-old Queen Elizabeth, with the two appearing to get along well. Obama has since spoken highly of the Queen since their meeting, and the former president's been known to have gotten along with many leaders in the region, while also being friendly with much of the Royal Family. Donald Trump, on the other hand, has not yet met with Queen Elizabeth, despite reports of a potential invitation being offered to the president. British Parliament debated whether or not to even invite Trump, and in January 2017, a petition was put together and signed by hundreds of thousands of people in the United Kingdom to ban him from the meeting the Queen. As reported by People Magazine on April 10, Queen Elizabeth recently say down for an interview for a documentary titled "The Queens Green Planet." During the filming, a helicopter flew overhead, causing a disturbance in the filming due to the loud noise. In response, the Queen replied, "Sounds like President Trump." Royal Wedding One of the biggest stories of 2018 is the upcoming Royal Wedding involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle where the United Kingdom is getting ready for a national celebration. The event will take place on Saturday, May 19 and will be held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The wedding will be televised across the world, with pool cameras set up for all major networks to be able to broadcast the live feed. JUST IN: Neither the Obamas nor the Trumps will attend the #royalwedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle https://t.co/j47xstK2qG CNN International (@cnni) April 10, 2018 The wedding made headlines in the United States when it was announced that the Obamas would be invited, but the Trumps would not.The Obama family has since announced that they would not be attending, likely to avoid an uncomfortable clash between themselves and President Donald Trump. Earlier this year during an interview with Piers Morgan, Trump was pressed on his thoughts about not getting invited to the Royal Wedding, but dismissed it as a non-issue, wishing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle all the best. "I really want them to be happy. They look like a lovely couple," Trump said. When asked his response to Markle labeling him "divisive" and "misogynistic," Trump shrugged his shoulders and said "I still hope they're happy." With his new book "A Higher Truth" set to be released, former FBI Director James Comey revealed new information about the so-called "pee tape" dossier involving Donald Trump. In response to an interview Comey gave with ABC, the president quickly lashed out on Twitter. James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH. He is a weak and..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2018 Trump on Comey It was last year when Donald Trump made the controversial decision to fire James Comey as head of the FBI with the investigation into Russian election meddling heating up. One of the big side stories involved in the investigation came from a dossier put together by spy Christopher Steele, which included information alleging that Trump spent time with Russian prostitutes, including the fact that the president engaged in curious sexual behavior. The "pee tape" was first reported by Buzzfeed, which was quickly denied by the White House. Fast forward to present day and James Comey sat down with George Stephanopoulos for an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" where he revealed that the tape in question could exist despite the president's denial. ....untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2018 In response to James Comey, Donald Trump quickly lashed out in a pair of tweets on April 13. "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR," Trump tweeted, claiming that everyone in Washington agreed that he deserved to be fired as FBI director. "He (Comey) leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted," the president added, before stating, "He lied to Congress under OATH." In a follow up tweet, Donald Trump labeled James Comey as a "weak and untruthful slime ball." The commander in chief went on to say that Comey's handling of Hillary Clinton's private email server controversy as Secretary of State will gone down in history as a "botch job" and that it was an "honor" to fire him. As expected, those who oppose the president didn't waste anytime hitting back. Twitter reacts Within minutes of his tweetstorm over James Comey, Donald Trump faced massive criticism. "Everyone but the guy that conned people out of their money with a Fake School, who repeatedly cheated on his wives is corrupt. All the investigators are corrupt. Yeah that's the ticket! I have a fence to sell you at the border and Mexico will pay for it!" one tweet read. Correction : you have been tempted ) patsy mcnutt morgan (@McnuttPatsy) April 13, 2018 Everyone but the guy that conned people out of their money with a Fake School, who repeatedly cheated on his wives is corrupt. All the investigators are corrupt. Yeah that's the ticket! I have a fence to sell you at the border and Mexico will pay for it! Jerry Cannon (@jerrycannon5) April 13, 2018 You are #LiarinChief - the American people don't believe you they believe James Comey - look at the polls!!!!! tara59 (@tara59) April 13, 2018 "You are like a demon possessed .. lashing out hateful rhetoric and seething contempt.. Youve were tempted by the greatest of evils and you failed .. SHAME SHAME SHAME," a Twitter user wrote. "Ahem . The biggest liar and leaker is our POTUS . You are the weak one who is making this country embarrassed and vulnerable. Wheres your taxes sir ? Afraid to show your money laundering?" a tweet wondered. We the American people are calling for a total & complete shutdown of you and your administration until we can figure out what the hell is going on! UnsilentMajority (@The_UnSilent_) April 13, 2018 Hey snowflake, you seem trittered. If you are so innocent, why are your panties in such a twist, Spanky? #AbuseOfPower #Obstruction #DoubleSpeak #Projection Kimberly Lazarski (@kimzr1) April 13, 2018 Ahem . The biggest liar and leaker is our @POTUS . You are the weak one who is making this country embarrassed and vulnerable. Wheres your taxes sir ? Afraid to show your money laundering? Frankie (@FrancesRauer) April 13, 2018 "Hey snowflake, you seem tittered. If you are so innocent, why are your panties in such a twist, Spanky?" a social media user wrote. "We the American people are calling for a total & complete shutdown of you and your administration until we can figure out what the hell is going on!" a follow-up tweet read. According to the United States Constitution, members of the Senate and House Of Representatives are supposed to protect Americans against constitutional offenses. Last time I checked a company selling public information is not a constitutional offense. In fact, that is just part of doing business to try and make profits. Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive officer of Facebook was asked questions about selling public information. He was questioned about fake news and selling information. Congress has no business investigating this business practice and yet they still do. Mark Zuckerberg's entire testimony was a sham. The only reason this court case is being pursued is so congressmen look like they are doing something about the public's outrage. They got voted into office and have to justify their constituent's votes. Congressmen should try doing their job and not be trying to get publicity for the upcoming bill to legislate social media. We do not need more legislation to control speech. We need elected officials to stand for the Constitution and defend it for their voters. Below are some examples of what Mark Zuckerberg was being asked during his testimony. Reports by the New York Times and CNN were used for information in this article. The questions Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois zeroed in by asking Mr. Zuckerberg whether he would be comfortable sharing the name of the hotel he stayed in last night or if he would be comfortable sharing the names of the people he has messaged this week. This was posted on the New York Times website. Mark stammered his answer, No. I would not choose to do that publicly here." He would not publicly share his location due to his being famous. This was an irrelevant question as no amendment was violated because shared information is automatically public knowledge. He did not share it so it remained a private matter. Congress should ask questions that matter, not just trying to make a point. The same article on the New York Times website had Senator Durbin stating, I think that may be what this is all about. Your right to privacy. The limits of your right to privacy. And how much you give away in modern America in the name of, quote, connecting people around the world. Senator Durbin is blaming Zuckerberg for people sharing their information. However, he does not force users to share anything. Facebook users share their information and they do so voluntarily and of their own free will. This all occurred during the Senate hearings on Tuesday (April 10). Yesterday (April 11), he faced the House of Representatives, where questioning was done in the same way. Mostly they focused on how Facebook plans to protect data from public sources. According to CNN Tech website, Representative Frank Pallone asked for a 'yes' or 'no' answer on whether Facebook would commit to changing its default settings to minimize data collection to the greatest extent possible. What they failed to discuss is that default settings can be adjusted. Mark Zuckerberg replied, This is a complex issue that deserves more than a one-word answer. Naturally, it does because Facebook makes money from advertising and would not want to minimize the amount of data collected. Representative Pallone response was, disappointing. Once again, I ask what exactly does this have to do with the constitutional rights of any American? This representative wasted time and money by failing to ask the right questions. Conclusion Most of the elected representatives failed to do their job during these congressional hearings. They did not protect their constituents against constitutional violations. Instead, most of them asked irrelevant questions that just advanced their agendas. This whole hearing was a waste of taxpayer's money. The elected officials need to figure out what they are doing on Capitol Hill. They need to protect this nation and the Constitution of the United States. Nothing more, nothing less. If a congressman does not meet these standards then they have no business being on Capitol Hill. The American public needs to stand up and elect congressmen that will protect the nation and the Constitution. America does not collapse without these congressmen. We have a big decision coming this November in the mid-term elections. We vote for the candidate that upholds American values of freedom, life, liberty, and justice. After the news broke that Donald Trump allegedly had a child with a woman he had an affair with in the 1980s, it was only a matter of time before the story became headline news. While many gave their opinions, it was actor Alec Baldwin that decided to poke fun at the president. One test of Trumps love child: does he have anti-freeze in his veins and does he lie, all day, even when unnecessary? ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) April 12, 2018 Baldwin on Trump In the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election, the now infamous "Access Hollywood" tape was released and revealed Donald Trump's private sexual thoughts about a married woman. As the weeks moved on, a dozen women came forward to accuse Trump of various forms of sexual misconduct. As expected, Trump denied the allegations, labeling it all "fake news" while claiming the women only wanted to get their name into the news and make money. Since then, Trump has also had to face other allegations, including the reported affair he had with adult film star Stormy Daniels. A.M.I.s $30,000 payment to Sajudin appears to be the third instance of Trump associates paying to suppress embarrassing stories about the candidate during the 2016 Presidential race. https://t.co/AE7YnFJSjd The New Yorker (@NewYorker) April 12, 2018 The latest scandal comes in an April 12 report by The New Yorker stating that the National Enquirer reportedly paid Dino Sajudin, a former doorman at Trump Tower, $30,000 for the exclusive rights to tell his story about Donald Trump having an affair with a former housekeeper, who then allegedly gave birth to their child. The National Enquirer, who has long supported Trump, decided to keep the story hidden as a way not to hurt his chances in the election. In response, "Saturday Night Live" actor Alec Baldwin took to Twitter to mock his rival. "One test of Trumps love child: does he have anti-freeze in his veins and does he lie, all day, even when unnecessary?" Baldwin wondered. Baldwin's mockery of Trump comes just days after the actor returned to "Saturday Night Live" and took on his satirical role of the commander in chief, helping the show deliver strong ratings and critically positive reviews as the program moves forward in its 43rd season. Sajudin response Following the news of The New Yorker story, Dino Sajudin broke his silence to confirm the reports. "I can confirm that while working at Trump World Tower, I was instructed not to criticize President Trumps former housekeeper due to a prior relationship she had with President Trump which produced a child," he said. An additional report by the Associated Press notes that Sajudin would have been hit with a $1 million fine if he publicly spoke out about the story in question. As of press time, neither Trump nor his White House have responded to the New Yorker's story or Baldwin's tweet. German Chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel has said Germany will not join a potential US-led military strike against Syria. Germany will not participate in a potential and I must emphasize that no decision has been made so far military intervention, Merkel told the media on Thursday, April 12, Xinhua news agency reported. Merkel also stressed, however, that the use of chemical weapons was always unacceptable. Berlin said it would consequently direct its energy towards non-violent means of preventing the use of further chemical weapons in Syria, for example by supporting the activities of the United Nations Security Council and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened military action against the Syrian government which he blamed for the alleged chemical attack. Activists, local rescuers, and rebels in Syria claim that Syrian government forces used chlorine gas on Saturday in an attack in Douma, a rebel-held area near capital Damascus. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has denied the accusation, calling rebels claims premeditated pretexts. German media reported on Thursday that US and Russian security officials were holding urgent high-level talks to prevent a direct confrontation of the two countries in Syria. Norbert Roettgen, the CDU/CSU parliamentary foreign policy spokesperson, subsequently cautioned Washington against an excessively hasty reaction on Thursday. He expressed the view that neither the US nor Russia had any interest in becoming embroiled in a military conflict against each other in Syria. Nevertheless, the situation remained dangerous due to its complex nature and the large number of actors involved. An avant-garde performance artist, celebrated composer and musician, and 1980s pop music star, Laurie Anderson is known for pushing artistic boundaries and being a leader in the use and critique of technology in the arts. A new exhibition at the Moss Arts Center showcases some of the key creative tools developed by the artist during her storied career. Invented Instruments features a selection of the artists invented musical instruments and unusual musical scores, marking the first exhibition devoted exclusively to these history-making pieces. On display in the Ruth C. Horton Gallery, the exhibition will open with a reception on Thursday, April 26, from 5-7 p.m. in the Grand Lobby of the Moss Arts Center, located at 190 Alumni Mall. The evening will also feature remarks from Kevin Concannon, director of the School of Visual Arts in Virginia Techs College of Architecture and Urban Studies and curator of Invented Instruments. The Moss Arts Centers galleries and all related events are free and open to the public. The exhibition features a selection of Andersons invented and reconstructed instruments, including her Tape Bow Violin (1977). With pre-recorded magnetic tape on the bow and a tape recorder playback head on the violins body, the instrument allows Anderson to remix human speech by dragging the tape over the playback head to create new phrases and languages. Among the tape samples shes used are car crashes, saxophones, and even audio palindromes, words and phrases that create different words forwards and backwards. Andersons performance scores will also be featured, in addition to drawings, photographs, and video clips of these remarkable instruments in action. Initially trained in violin and sculpture, Andersons work spans performance art, visual art, and multimedia projects. Anderson achieved crossover status within the world of pop music in 1981 with the release of the beautiful and quirky single, and accompanying music video, O Superman (for Massenet). Her work as a performance artist has been presented around the world, and her visual art has been presented in major museums throughout North and South America and Europe. The exhibition is coordinated and implemented by the Moss Art Centers curatorial team, directed by Margo Ann Crutchfield, curator at large. Invented Instruments is part of a suite of exhibitions highlighting various aspects of the art of sound. Opening on May 17, Soundscapes features five leading figures in experimental music and multi-channel sound works. ICAT: Open (at the) Source includes three interdisciplinary sound-based projects created by Virginia Tech researchers and opens on April 30. These exhibitions will coincide with the 2018 international conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME), which will be held at Virginia Tech on June 3-6. The Moss Arts Centers galleries are regularly open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Related event: Heart of a Dog screening at the Lyric Theatre The Moss Arts Center will present a free screening of Andersons award-winning 2015 documentary, Heart of a Dog, on Friday, May 5, at 3 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Blacksburg. The film centers on the artists remembrances of her late beloved piano-playing and finger-painting dog, Lolabelle, and flows from a sustained meditation on death and absence, while weaving together thoughts on Tibetan Buddhism, reincarnation, surveillance, and the artistic lives of dogs. The Montgomery County Friends of Animal Care and Control will be on site with information on their services, programs, and adoptable animals. Admission to the film is free and donations to the Montgomery County Friends of Animal Care and Control are encouraged. A list of current needs is available online. Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kacy@vt.edu during regular business hours. According to a recent interview, collaborators Bertrand Lesca and Nasi Voutsas are on their way to a trilogy of plays. Two thirds down now, the performers take stock by presenting the brace of works as a double bill at Battersea Arts Centre before hopping over the Thames for a run at Shoreditch Town Hall later this month. Eurohouse and Palmyra, premiering at consecutive Edinburgh Fringes, may feel like a simply practical double billing, but, in a case of amounting to more than the sum of their parts, the two fascinate as a coupling, complementing one another, both tackling contemporary issues with a healthy dose of subversive clowning. Remember when Greece hosted the Olympics? It feels like only yesterday but, 14 years down the line, the world has had a shake up an economic crisis in 2008 transforming the geopolitical situation in Europe into something more caustic, the interdependency of European nations switching from a noble cause into a saddling circumstance. That's the context of Total Theatre Award-nominated Eurohouse, with the EU distilled and presented by the two performers, the relationships of states reenvisioned with Frenchman Lesca (with a cheeky smile and twinkle in his eye) and Grecian Voutsas (bearded with a vintage tee) acting as proxies for their home countries. The former, hogging M&Ms, calls the shots, chatting to the audience, asking for their names, controlling the lights and choosing the music, while Voutsas, reliant on chocolate-y hand-outs, has to play by his partner's tune, nodding along. Dissonance begins to slowly reveal itself as the pair go through cyclically skit-like routines - eating their sweets, staging rudimentary acrobatics, dancing along to Claude Francois. What starts off as grandstanding devolves into a subtle power play between the one person and another, a nation and another. As Voutsas begins to rebel, wanting to "Go His Own Way" as Fleetwood Mac cries, Lesca refuses to cooperate. Thematically, it's a tight reflection on the EU, told from a perspective that most on either side of the Brexit debate rarely consider. If Eurohouse simmers with passive aggression, then Palmyra lets it boil into all-out violence spasmodic, unexpected, howling and hammer clenching. Shifting the focus from European economics to the cultural impacts of the Syrian conflict, the pair go through an hour-long confrontation, smashing plates, Lesca mocking Voutsas, turning performance into ruckus. It is uncomfortable, at times scary to watch. The steady didacticism of the first part gives way to a frantic, intimidating second. Bert's charming patter with the audience becomes maniacal, almost garish. Where once he tried to foster a sense of community by learning names and asking for favourite songs, now he calls on people by their first name, signalling their complicity as he beats Nassim, mocks him, attacks him for his illiteracy. Both, separately, are charged pieces of theatre, perhaps hampered by the fact that reducing issues to an individual relationship omits some complexities. But when combined, with part two laden with references to part one, the two hours become a slow slide from amiability to savagery. Accord to discord. Jo Palmer's lighting shifts, the wide washes of Eurohouse become harsher, more shadow-laden beams of light in Palmyra. Dust rises from the remains of the plates littering the floor. As the stage is flooded with rubble, chairs are thrown aside and props are destroyed, the audience leaves the theatre having seen a relationship disintegrate and a spectacle fall apart. Part three can't come soon enough. David Hare recently pointed out how ironic it is that Sussex has provided such fertile material for his drama. He hated his childhood home of Bexhill-on-Sea and couldn't wait to escape. But now, at 70, has turned back to his roots to produce two surprising and compassionate plays. First there was South Downs, a response to Rattigan's The Browning Version. Now there is The Moderate Soprano, a piece that Rattigan himself might have written, given its well-made shape, middle-class subject matter and its fiercely beating heat. Its subject is the founding of Glyndebourne, Britain's first and most-famous private opera house, and the vision of Captain John Christie, a bull-headed English eccentric who fell in love with Wagner and determined to improve the state of opera in England as a result. He also, at the age of 48, fell in love with Audrey Mildmay, the soprano of the title, and together they made their dream come to fruition in the rolling Sussex countryside. It's taken almost three years since its premiere at Hampstead for this production to reach the West End and it has been reworked, strengthened and elegantly redesigned by Bob Crowley en route. Its main theme is about the power of the sublime, the centrality of art to life. "Art can't be the sideshow," Christie exclaims at one point. It also, in post Brexit-voting Britain, has a sharp political point to make about the way that a quintessentially English institution owed its success to a mongrel combination of native doggedness and the artistic talent provided by a mixed bunch of German emigres, fleeing Hitler. But the kernel of the play, the thing that gives it its piercing melody, is the relationship between Christie and Mildmay, two people deeply in love. She gives up her career to become chatelaine of Glyndebourne; he builds her an opera house to sing in. Yet when she is dying in scenes that run through the play's structure he can't tell her outright that he loves her. Instead he offers her a cup of tea "from Fortnum's" and recites the names of the operas they have produced, like a lullaby and a lament, comforting her with the thought of "the fun" they have had as she battles terrible pain. Loading... It is an immensely moving portrayal of a love that does not speak its name, full of insight and empathy. Hare and the director Jeremy Herrin are lucky to have playing Christie and Audrey two actors who are supremely skilled at suggesting suppressed emotion. As Christie, Roger Allam (in a much better wig than before) is a superbly convincing mixture of patronising bluster and deep feeling. You utterly believe that this is a man whose humanity would express itself in reading verses from Spenser's Faerie Queene to soldiers trapped with him in the trenches of the First World War and that he would write letters to Winston Churchill telling him how to run things in the Second. There's a wonderful scene when he realises that he is going to have to cede the artistic running of his opera house to the professionals Paul Jesson's brusque Fritz Busch, the imperious Carl Ebert (Anthony Calf) and the charming Rudolf Bing (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) who would go on to run the Edinburgh Festival and the New York Met. He sits in his chair, squirming impatiently, and then strikes the arms with the petulant temper of a child when he realises he is beaten. But he gives up with grace; his passion for opera is greater than his concern with status. As Mildmay, Nancy Carroll suggests with a look in her eye, a catch in her voice, or an inflection of her head a world of concealed longing and thought. She catches Mildmay's fiery spirit "Snobs on the lawn," she spits, reading a Daily Mail headline that particularly enrages her and her buried disappointment that her talent will never quite be judged for what it was. "I've been given a life but another's been taken away," she confides sadly to Bing. The scene where she confronts the three men who doubt her is quietly empowering. Her illness and death deeply moving. That rather sums up the effect of the play. It is hardly radical, but in its own under-stated way, it satisfies. Like a love letter to a certain type of Englishness that Hare understands surprisingly well. The UK production of American Idiot is to head out on a tenth anniversary UK tour in January 2019. The show, which is produced by Selladoor and directed and choreographed by Racky Plews, will open in previews at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable on 17 January before opening at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton on 24 January. The piece features music from American rock band Green Day and won two Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. The show won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Regional Production in 2013 and ran at the Arts Theatre in 2016. American Idiot tells of three boyhood friends trying to find meaning in a post 9/11 world. Songs included in the show are "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", "21 Guns", "Holiday" and "American Idiot". Casting is yet to be announced. American Idiot begins touring at the Grove Theatre, Dunstable on 17 January 2019 before touring to Southampton, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Blackpool and more. ARMY Army awards $248M unmanned aircraft contract to 7 firms The Army has awarded seven companies positions on a potential five-year, $248.5 million contract to supply unmanned aircraft systems across the branch. Nine other bids were submitted for the contract that covers both long-range reconnaissance surveillance and medium-range mobile UAS, the Defense Department said in its Wednesday contracts digest. Other requirements include a tactical open government-owned architecture controller, plus spare and repair parts. Awardees are: AeroVironment Blackbar Engineering Altavian EFW, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America GECO Inc. Innovative Automation Technologies Strata-G Solutions CYBER Air Force awards 5 small firms $950M agile cyber R&D contract The Air Force has awarded five companies positions on a potential five-year, $950 million contract for agile research-and-development services in cybersecurity. The Air Force Research Laboratory received 22 offers in total for the new contract intended as a focused yet flexible, rapid contracting vehicle, the Defense Department said in its Thursday contracts digest. Awardees will work with AFRL, its product centers and operational users on rapid research, development, prototyping demonstration, evaluation and transition of cyber capabilities. Those winners are: Assured Information Security CNF Technologies Global InfoTek Invictus International Consulting Radiance Technologies Agile Cyber Technology 2 migrated to being a small business set-aside contract versus its full-an-open predecessor awarded in 2012 to six large businesses that included CACI International and Peraton, the former Harris Corp. IT business, according to Deltek data. Solicitation documents detail AFRLs vision of the program as helping enable global vigilance, global reach and global power in air, space and cyberspace. American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at contact@marketbeat.com | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. En espanol | The life expectancy for Americans in 1950 was 68; today the average 10-year-old has a 50 percent chance of living to 104. So what will it mean for society when it becomes commonplace to live to 100? And how should that longevity affect how we live and think about everything from retirement and our financial lives to health and lifetime wellness? Those were among the themes considered by a variety of experts brought together by AARP on April 12 in Washington, D.C., for Disrupt Aging: Implications of Living 100, a forum for some 400 attendees, including business leaders, health professionals and entrepreneurs. What they heard from speakers such as personal finance guru Suze Orman, journalist Ann Curry and best-selling author Cheryl Strayed was the importance of cultivating close relationships, continuing to learn and making retirement savings last. AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins, author of the best-seller Disrupt Aging, told the crowd that longevity demands that we replace outdated models, including the traditional linear life path of going to school, spending years at work and then retiring. What if colleges and universities offered lifetime subscriptions? What if we didnt have the word retirement? How would we live our lives differently? Jenkins asked. Dave Evans, cofounder of Stanford Life Design Lab, said that a long, healthy life should be powered by curiosity. "Everybody should go back to school," Evans said, "but you should go back to You U, meaning self-driven education. Get curious; talk to people; try stuff; tell your story, Evans said. Not surprisingly, Orman, whose many books on personal finance include The Road To Wealth, offered the most practical, tough-love message of the day: Now is the time to start building wealth. Money alone will never make you happy, she said, but lack of money will make you miserable. Strayed, author of the best-selling memoir Wild, emphasized that authentic connection is especially crucial as people age and tend to retreat from the world. It can be scary to express your truest self in public, she said, as she herself did in Wild, but allowing people to actually know you, and risking that they might reject you, leads to a deepening of our relationships thats vital as we grow older. Curry also said she knows it can be hard to make social connections. I have a deeply shy side, admitted the former Today coanchor, but get in there and reach out with kindness. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., poignantly articulated a similar message. He said that he remembers feeling deeply lonely as a child and that in his role as surgeon general he saw a lot of emotional pain. Murthy said he now believes strongly that loving relationships are inextricably tied to health and well-being. People who are lonely have shorter lives, he observed a mortality impact thats equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Debra Whitman, AARP's chief public policy officer, sounded an emotional note, growing tearful as she described her husbands recent health scare. She said it reminded her and her family how precious life is, whatever its length. Its about the living, not the 100, Whitman said. We have to plan for 100 but we really need to live for today. Can't-miss games in Northeastern South Dakota for Week 7 Things are getting closer to the wire as most teams will have to prove themselves in the next three games ahead of the upcoming postseason for nine-man and 11B. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Facing mounting calls to resign following sexual misconduct allegations, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens appears to be taking a cue from President Donald Trump as he fights for his political survival amid a #MeToo movement that has felled dozens of other prominent politicians and public figures. Referencing events in Washington, D.C., Greitens is using similar wording as Trump to denounce accusations of unwanted sexual aggression as lies and fake charges and the investigations into his alleged wrongdoing as a political witch hunt. Trump has thus far survived. But reaction from fellow Republicans indicates Greitens may have a more difficult time in part, because allegations about Trumps behavior were known before his election, whereas Greitens had cultivated a campaign persona of an all-American hero. On Thursday, Missouri Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe became the highest-ranking Republican state lawmaker calling for Greitens to immediately resign following the release of a legislative report detailing testimony from a woman who said Greitens slapped, grabbed, shoved and threatened her during unwanted sexual encounters. Kehoe said Greitens has lost his moral authority. Should the governor choose not to resign, I am persuaded that he has not only burned bridges, he has blown them up to where it will be impossible for him to effectively lead the state going forward, Kehoe said. Other Republicans calling for Greitens resignation include Joplin businessman and megadonor David Humphreys who gave Greitens nearly $1.3 million and Attorney General Josh Hawley, a top challenger to Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who also said Greitens should quit. Republican state Sen. Rob Schaaf, a vocal Greitens critic, wrote a letter Thursday to Trump asking the commander in chief to request that Greitens, a former military officer, step down. Greitens has vowed to remain in office and denied any violence or criminal wrongdoing in what he insists was an entirely consensual relationship with his former St. Louis hairdresser as he was preparing to run for governor in 2015. The legislative committees investigation of Greitens began after he was charged in February by a St. Louis grand jury with felony invasion of privacy for allegedly taking and transmitting a nonconsensual photo of the woman while she was partially nude. He is to go to trial May 14. In court Thursday, his attorneys asked for the case to be dismissed. They asserted that the St. Louis prosecutors office had engaged in misconduct and potential perjury by initially saying that a video recorder had malfunctioned during a March interview of the woman. Greitens attorneys say prosecutors shared the video with them Wednesday night only after the release of the Legislatures report and that the womans testimony in the video backs up Greitens claim of a consensual encounter. This woman is not a victim, Greitens attorney Jim Martin said. She was a willing participant in everything they did, and the video goes a long way to establish that. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner said in a court filing later Thursday that she supplied the video once her office determined it could be accessed. She accused Greitens attorneys of using diversionary tactics to shift the focus from his illegal and reprehensible conduct. The womans name never has been officially released; it is redacted from the legislative documents and she is identified only by her initials in court filings. The womans attorney, Scott Simpson, declined to comment on the video, citing a gag order in the criminal case. Greitens said in a statement that the video testimony directly contradicted allegations in the House report and that any allegations of coercion, violence and assault are false. Greitens repeatedly told reporters Wednesday that the allegations against him were a political witch hunt a phrase similar to what Trump has used to discredit investigations into whether he had any role in Russias interference in the 2016 elections. To drive home the point, Greitens added: This is exactly like whats happening with the witch hunts in Washington, D.C. I think it is conscious to link himself to Trump, but its a loser. Its not going to work, said Ed Martin, a former Missouri Republican Party chairman and Trump supporter. He ran as something different than everybody else, and Trump was more in some ways upfront about who he was. Greitens, 44, ran on a pledge to clean up corruption while touting his golden resume. Hes a former Rhodes Scholar, Navy SEAL officer, author and motivational speaker who gained a national platform after founding The Mission Continues charity to help military veterans become involved in their communities. Unlike prior Missouri governors, his official photo hanging in government offices statewide features his full family a wife and two young boys rather than just himself. The same allegations are more damaging against Greitens than they are against Trump because of the public image of each of those people and the expectations that voters might have, said Eric Morris, an associate professor of communications at Missouri State University who studies political rhetoric. Morris noted that the witch hunt metaphor dates to the 17th century, when numerous likely innocent people were accused by other residents of British colonies in the Americas of practicing witchcraft. Some were subsequently executed. In modern politics, Morris said, a witch hunt is usually carried out by ones political opponents. But he said Greitens case doesnt cleanly fit that mold, because hes facing bipartisan criticism from lawmakers, including from some who had been among his early supporters. This has nothing to do with politics; its about sending a message to all women that sexual abuse wont be tolerated, that victims will be believed, and that the era of impunity is over, said Wendy Doyle, president and chief executive of the Kansas City-based Womens Foundation. Republican legislative leaders said they would start gathering signatures from colleagues next week to call themselves into a special session to consider potential disciplinary action against Greitens. The special House investigatory committee is to make a recommendation after the regular session ends May 18 about whether Greitens should face impeachment proceedings to try to oust him. Its also expected to release a second report focused on potential campaign finance violations involving Greitens use of a charity donor list to raise money for his gubernatorial campaign. Impeachment proceedings can operate independently from a criminal trial. The state constitution lays out several grounds for impeachment, including moral turpitude, although there is disagreement on whether the offending behavior must occur while a person is in office. ___ Associated Press reporters Blake Nelson in Jefferson City and Jim Salter in St. Louis contributed. Prev 1 of 3 Next Bernalillo County firefighters, along with other agencies, are helping extinguish a fire on the Sandia Pueblo reservation Thursday afternoon. BCFD spokesman Larry Gallegos confirmed firefighters with the county, Albuquerque Fire Department and Corrales Fire Department are fighting a fire on the pueblo. Gallegos could not give any details as to the size, cause or status of the fire and referred all questions to Sandia Pueblo. When asked about the fire, the Sandia Pueblo Governors Office said no comment. Some served kebapche beef, filled cups with sweet mango lassi and introduced a new audience to patbingsu a Korean shaved ice adorned with toppings, such as bean paste, bananas and condensed milk. Others performed flamenco or a Chinese dragon dance. Dozens of student and community groups helped turn the University of New Mexicos Cornell Mall into a cultural kaleidoscope on Thursday as part of the schools annual International Festival. They represented countries such as Bulgaria, India, South Korea and Paraguay and offered everything from food and crafts to lessons about life thousands of miles away. The campus Filipino student group, for example, sold lumpia (eggrolls) but also distributed fliers titled 10 Fun Facts About the Philippines. (Example: The Philippines is the worlds largest supplier of nurses, supplying roughly 25 percent of all overseas nurses worldwide.) UNM has about 1,300 foreign students on campus. When including visiting scholars, there are 104 different countries represented at the states largest university, according to Nicole Tami, UNMs executive director of global education initiatives. I dont think most folks on this campus or in Albuquerque realize how broad (the representation) is, said Tami, who called the festival a celebration of that diversity. International student interest has waned somewhat over the last year, she said, something she attributes to multiple factors. That includes increasing competition for students from for-profit providers; educational investments by countries such as China meant to keep their students at home; and a geopolitical climate that has left many foreign students unsure how America will receive them. The messages (they hear) are confusing, and the messages are not always friendly, Tami said. But Namrata Nepal, who hails from Nepal and is working on her masters degree in information systems and assurance from the Anderson School of Management, called UNM one of the best universities for international students. While selling goodies like malpua a deep-fried, coconut-filled pancake alongside other members of UNMs Nepali Student Association, she lauded UNMs affordability, its nice faculty and what she called the overall welcoming nature of the state as a whole. Its amazing how open New Mexico is, she said. SACRAMENTO, Calif. The chief executive of a website that authorities have dubbed a lucrative nationwide online brothel pleaded guilty Thursday to state and federal charges including conspiracy and money laundering, and agreed to testify in ongoing prosecutions against others at Backpage.com, authorities said. Federal prosecutors say that Backpage brought in a half-billion dollars since it began in 2004, mostly through prominent risque advertising for escorts and massages, among other services and some goods for sale. Authorities allege the site was often used to traffic underage victims, while company officials said they tried to scrub the website of such ads. Chief Executive Officer Carl Ferrer will serve no more than five years in prison under a California agreement in which he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of money laundering in California. Also Thursday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the company pleaded guilty to human trafficking. And a federal judge in Phoenix unsealed an April 5 plea deal revealing that Ferrer pleaded guilty to conspiracy, and Backpage.com pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy. For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. But this illegality stops right now. Under his plea agreement, Ferrer agreed to make the companys data available to law enforcement as investigations and prosecutions continue. The guilty pleas are the latest in a cascade of developments in the last week against the company founded by the former owners of the Village Voice in New York City, Michael Lacey, 69, and James Larkin, 68. The company founders were among Backpage officials indicted by a federal grand jury in Arizona. Attorneys for the company and Lacey, Larkin and Ferrer did not respond to multiple telephone and email messages from The Associated Press. The U.S. Justice Department also seized and shut down the website, and Ferrers federal plea deal requires him to help the government seize all the companys assets. Ferrer could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine in the federal case in Arizona, while Backpage.com could face a maximum fine of $500,000 for its money laundering conspiracy plea in the Arizona case. The federal plea deal says any prison sentence Ferrer would face would run concurrent with his 5-year terms in Texas and California. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it is happening in our own backyard, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement announcing the plea deal. He called Ferrers plea a game-changer in combatting human trafficking in California, indeed worldwide. Larkin and Lacey remain jailed in Arizona while awaiting hearings on whether they should be released after pleading not guilty to federal charges alleging they helped publish ads for sexual services. Five employees of the site also were arrested and pleaded not guilty, but Lacey and Larkin are the only ones in jail. Lacey and Larkin also earlier pleaded not guilty in California after Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Larry Brown last year allowed the state to continue with money laundering charges. The state attorney generals office, which is prosecuting the case, alleges that Backpages operators illegally funneled nearly $45 million through multiple companies and created websites to get around banks that refused to process their transactions. But Brown threw out pimping conspiracy and other state charges against Backpages operators. Brown ruled that the charges are barred by a federal law protecting free speech that grants immunity to websites posting content from others. President Donald Trump this week signed a law making it easier to prosecute website operators in the future. Texas state agents raided the Dallas headquarters of Backpage and arrested Ferrer on a California warrant after he arrived at Houstons Bush Intercontinental Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on Oct. 6, 2016. The Dutch-owned company is incorporated in Delaware, but its principal place of business is in Dallas. Paxon called Thursdays pleas a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking in Texas and around the world. ___ Associated Press writers Terry Wallace in Dallas and Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix contributed to this story. Kimberly Pounds mother told police her daughter let Christopher Trujillo move back in with her to be around their son. She wanted him to have a father, Christine Pound said. Two months later, on March 23, police say 35-year-old Trujillo beat and strangled Pound before staging the scene to look like a suicide attempt. Pound was taken to the hospital and removed from life support two days later. When police tried to arrest Trujillo this Tuesday morning in her murder, he took his own life. The whole thing makes me sick, Christine Pound said. Im glad hes not here anymore, but I feel sorry for his family, too. This is a tragedy all the way around. Pound said Trujillo had abused her daughter in the past before he moved to Oregon and Pound got full custody of their 2-year-old son. She said Trujillo came back into her daughters life two months ago. He said he wanted to make things work, Pound said. We were all worried about it. On the night of March 23, Pound picked up her grandson so the couple could go to a concert Downtown. They both looked fine, there was nothing wrong, they were both happy, she said. So I just drove away. According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court, later that night Trujillo called police to report Pound had hanged herself after a fight in their apartment on the 6100 block of Imperata NE. Police say rescue crews found Pound unconscious in the back bedroom with a cord around her neck and numerous bruises on her body. Trujillo was detained at the scene after he told police several different stories about what had happened and didnt seem overly concerned with Pounds condition. When detectives tried to question Trujillo later, he asked for an attorney. The hospital called Pound around 1 a.m. to tell her that her daughter had been severely injured and was on life support. Two days later, the machines were unplugged and the medical examiner determined she had been strangled, ruling the manner of death a homicide. Pound said a detective called her Tuesday morning to tell her Trujillo killed himself. Its horrible, she said. Something you see on TV and not expect to happen to you. A police spokesman referred all questions on Trujillos death to the Laguna Police Department. Pound said she is filing paperwork next week to adopt her grandson, who is now without both parents. Pound called her daughter, an Albuquerque native, a fighter who had just gotten a job with Bernalillo County. Its really sad, she had just achieved exactly what she wanted to do, she said. She was there for two weeks before she was killed. With rising pressure to privatize veterans health care, heres what should happen: President Trump and his minions should ask what disabled veterans think. As a qualified Korean War veteran happy with the care I get at the local VA facility, I have an answer. I dont want to go anywhere else. I want to be treated with my fellow vets by caregivers accustomed to serving us. And I dont think my fellow patients would disagree. Nor do I believe non-veterans would understand. Now at an age where I must struggle my way across the parking lot with a walker to meet with my primary physician or report to the blood lab, once I enter the building a sense of well-being overcomes whatever pain or discomfort brings me there. Ill sit in a waiting room with fellow vets. We may never have met, but (we are) not strangers. We make eye contact. We smile and say hello. We exchange greetings, break into conversation, kid, ask which branch, where served. How ya doin today? one of us might ask another with concern, then listen to the answer. We include the few remaining WWII survivors, Korean War vets whose numbers are now thinning, the Vietnam vets whose ages now show, and all those youngsters who served thereafter. We are pushed in wheelchairs . We hobble in on walkers or with canes. Some of us have motorized scooters or carts. Some of us are frail. Some enter on crutches or in casts. Some amble in on their own. But we share a common bond tacitly felt. We do not feel like non-belongers; rather we are more like brothers and sisters. We are comfortable with each other. Something unites us, something hard for me to explain to non-veterans, even my wife, something I can only name in the abstract kindness. To one-another we offer it. We get it from the caregivers, whether nurses or techs or receptionists, many of whom are veterans themselves. I have never felt processed in the Albuquerque Medical Center, never hurried, never subordinate. For the most part we are not kept waiting long, with but few exceptions. During morning hours, a volunteer wheels a coffee cart around. Nurses chat while they weigh us and take our vitals. They make us feel welcome. They lighten our hearts. We are never rushed by the physicians, who get to know us and sit with us at a computer screen to review our charts and X-rays. On my way out of the building after a visit I might sit in the lobby to rest a while before pushing my walker back out to the parking lot, where someone will help me get it into my car. But not until after Ive joined a conversation with several others or start one with a fellow patient awaiting a ride. Some days there will be music in that lobby a mariachi band, maybe, a country western group, a soloist. Sometimes a team of volunteers will make the rounds with petting dogs. It all makes for an easy familiarity, in stark contrast with private-sector hospitals, lobbies, and waiting rooms where, it seems, only strangers gather and leave still strangers. And whenever I leave I feel better about the world, and about my service, how long ago, no matter where it took me. Others I have talked with feel the same. You can be sure, if they rob us of this facility we will feel betrayed. Please call your representatives and tell them that. Its not as outrageous as the scam perpetrated on taxpayers by former Democratic state Sen. Phil Griego who pushed for the sale of a state-owned building, pocketed a $50,000 real estate commission and is now serving time in prison. But it is nevertheless pretty egregious. The it is $440,000 in rent state Rep. Yvette Herrells real estate company has collected from two state agencies since 2013. Theres no prohibition against that, but heres the problem: Herrell who is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Congressional seat in southern New Mexico didnt disclose that income on ethics disclosure statements during her tenure in the Legislature. Confronted with that lapse by The Associated Press, Herrell, a Republican from Alamogordo, provided a weak response, asserting she has always diligently submitted the necessary paperwork required by the Secretary of States Office since becoming a lawmaker in 2011. While I am a partner in a company that has owned real estate in which the state leased, I have never personally been paid by or collected any monies from the state of New Mexico, Herrell said. She also accused a political consultant of one of her opponents of orchestrating the media coverage of the nondisclosures, which she called an attack on my moral character. In short, Herrell doesnt think she did anything wrong, and that may just be the biggest problem of all, particularly since shes pursuing one of the most important elected offices in the state. The state Taxation and Revenue Department and the state Environment Department have been renting property from Herrell Properties since 2013. And while Herrell listed herself as the companys owner in ethics disclosure statements, she did not disclose the substantial income her company is receiving from the state, according to The Associated Press. For her to say she didnt disclose that income because she has never personally been paid by or collected any monies from the state is disingenuous at best. Its a little like someone trying to make the case that purchasing something online isnt the same as shopping, because she never went into a bricks and mortar store. As for her contention the media coverage was orchestrated by an opponent, so what? Thats the type of thing that happens when one runs for office. It doesnt change the fact that Herrell failed to report these six-figure payments. Besides, Joseph Cueto, campaign manager for one of Herrells opponents, Monty Newman, is right when he says sweetheart deals for politicians shake the confidence of voters. Ethics disclosure statements are required for a reason. They put everybody on notice of potential conflicts of interest. Thats critically important when you have a citizen legislature, as we do. After all, lawmakers are powerful people. They approve budgets for state agencies and are often called upon to make decisions on state landholdings and building projects decisions that could have direct implications on such things as the six-figure income stream from the state that Rep. Herrells company has been enjoying. Not disclosing that financial interest is a betrayal of the public trust and should not be tolerated. New Mexicos Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and Attorney General Hector Balderas should take a look at this. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. At a recent Senate hearing, Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden asked Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke whether Teddy Roosevelt, whom Zinke claims as his mentor, would support the elimination of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a 50-year-old account used to support the protection of land and water across the country. Zinke answered, I challenge you to give me one square inch of land that has been removed from federal protection. This incongruous response from Secretary Zinke, likely intended to appease public-lands advocates, failed to acknowledge the more complicated reality that the pro-public-lands movement is facing today. When the Interior Department excised millions of acres from Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah last year, that land remained under the control of the Bureau of Land Management. Now, however, it receives much less protection from activities like hardrock mining and oil and gas drilling. So protest signs with slogans like Public lands in public hands and Keep it public can miss the point of what the Interior Department has been doing over the past year. It is true that maintaining access to public lands has united a broad range of sportsmen and environmentalists. Because these lands are used for both conservation and recreation in the West, the movement has gained new support. That even includes politicians known for their anti-environmental bent, such as former Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who used the hashtag #keepitpublic when he announced the withdrawal of a bill to dispose of 3 million acres of public lands. But the conservation target has moved. Although the motivation of privatizers is partially based on a states rights ideology that resents the federal government on principle, the movements more practical side seeks to skirt environmental reviews. On state or private lands, for example, activities like oil and gas exploration, logging and grazing often dont require compliance with laws like the National Environmental Policy, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts. So, with the pro-public-lands movement effectively rallying supporters, those who wish to transfer public land to the states have shifted tactics and begun to employ a much more insidious strategy. Instead of pushing for the outright disposal of these lands, transfer advocates like Utah Republican Rep. Rob Bishop are attempting to undermine the landmark laws that provide oversight of extractive industries especially oil and gas on public lands. In late 2016, Bishop declared, I would be happy to invalidate the Endangered Species Act. In 2017, other politicians publicly agreed with him, and there were more than 70 legislative attacks on the law, which Congress overwhelmingly approved in 1973. Meanwhile, land-transfer advocates, with support from President Donald Trump and officials like Secretary Zinke, have pursued their end goal of opening up protected public lands while still maintaining federal management. On the territory lopped off from the two reduced monuments in Utah, drilling for oil and gas and mining for minerals such as uranium will now be allowed in places where such extractive industries were previously banned. Other activities, like motorized recreation, can be allowed in monuments but face far less scrutiny in nonprotected BLM and Forest Service tracts. National monuments also typically draw more funding for staff and protection of archaeological treasures like Cedar Mesa, which was left out of Trumps revised monument. Whats more, last September, Secretary Zinke allowed a two-year moratorium on oil and gas leasing in prime sage grouse habitat to expire. Though the land will remain under the management of the BLM, its ability to support imperiled species will undoubtedly decline as new extractive leases are developed. Congress has also opened the 1.5 million-acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration. While it is true that the land will remain in public hands, the change is disastrous ecologically. The area, which supports 200 species of migratory birds, all three species of North American bears, and one of the last great caribou herds, stands to be devastated. The fight for public lands cant merely be about keeping them public. Public lands need vigilant protection to ensure that they support healthy forests, clean water and robust wildlife populations. With public lands advocates slowly embracing this more complex mission, the real fight can begin. Michael Dax is a contributor to Writers on the Range, the opinion service of High Country News (hcn.org). He lives in Santa Fe, where he is a national outreach representative for Defenders of Wildlife. The Santa Fe city manager recently granted big temporary raises of 10 or 15 percent to 37 city employees just before new Mayor Alan Webber took office, at a cost of $400,000. There has been outrage that the general public, Webber, former Mayor Javier Gonzales, the city employees union and the City Council didnt know about the raises until a report came out in the Santa Fe New Mexican. To use Webbers phrase in a unique and detailed mayors report he issued Wednesday, Rarely has one decision made so many people angry for so many different reasons. Among the reasons: It looked like the raises may have been implemented in the dark during the early March mayoral transition and before Webber, with new strong mayor powers granted under a voter-approved city charter change, took over as the citys chief administrative officer. Three new city councilors also were coming on board. Why not just tell the world or at a minimum, the City Council and the mayor about the raises? The city manager has control over personnel matters (or at least he did before the strong-mayor changes clouded that issue somewhat), but the raises came from a software project budget, not from money designated for employee pay. It looked like city government had $400,000 in spare change lying around waiting to be scraped up to spend on pay raises for a select group of city employees. It looked like the city administration may have been playing favorites. Why did some employees get raises and others didnt? Why did some get bigger raises than others? Webbers seven-page report provides some answers. The new mayor, while lamenting a lack of communication that allowed the public to fill the void with standard preconceptions, supports the raises, even describing them as a best practice for rewarding public sector employees who cant get pay bonuses like companies can hand out. The 37 rewarded workers are working on major upgrades in computerization, software and other technology. A financial review from last year that ripped into City Halls financial accountability and oversight lamented technology being out of date and some processes still depending on paper records. The upgrade is a $4.2 million project that Webber portrays as a crucial change in operations and the workplace culture of city government. The workers getting raises took on more work and leadership roles for the project, which was dubbed internally as Project Andale! The temporary raises were deemed a better option than hiring more contractors or hiring new employees to take on day-to-day work while key staff worked on the project, Webber said in his report. He says employees were asked to put their personal lives on hold. The raises were appropriate and quite frankly, necessary to reward City workers who are change agents in an organization that has historically been change-averse, Webber said. So where did the money come from? It was part of a $525,000 contingency fund that was in the project budget, representing 12 percent of the total funding, according to a document provided by City Hall. This is one issue that needs more examination or explanation, totally separate from the benefits of the information technology modernization and the merits of rewarding city employees for good work. Can money from a capital improvement project like the software upgrade routinely be converted to enhancing employee salaries, or to city salaries at all? Could city employees who oversee contractors construction of a City Hall addition or a new parking garage be rewarded with pay raises from a contingency fund as well? I will be on the lookout in the future to turn over every stone, said a skeptical Councilor JoAnne Vigil Coppler at a Wednesday council meeting. And didnt Santa Fe just get into trouble for using money from a $30 million parks improvements bond issue for employee salaries? Another unresolved issue: Even with Webbers detailed report, there really has been no decent explanation for why the city manager or deputy city manager never told the City Council or mayor about the raises. On Wednesday, Vigil Coppler and Councilor Mike Harris asked in particular why the pay hikes werent mentioned during a presentation about the software project just two weeks ago. The excuse offered so far is that city administrators didnt feel they were required to mention the raises because the council had already approved the projects overall budget. Thats a pretty technical and lawyerly answer for not disclosing a $400,000 expenditure. In retrospect, some form of briefing could have been done as part of a larger communication plan for the project, Webber wrote, using tame words on this issue. His report defends the timing of the raises, just before the new mayor and city councilors took office, by saying the raises were under discussion as far back as January and it took time to work out details. There is no reason to think the timing of the raises had anything to do with the City election, Webber wrote. If anything, the decision was politically tone-deaf, rather than politically motivated. Webber in fact turned his report into something of an inspirational address, asking the Santa Fe citizenry to come together. It concludes, We cant afford to let cynicism, self-doubt, or internal strife prevent us from embracing the changes we need to make the City we aspire to be. What I learned what we can learn together from this issue, arising early in my administration as Mayor can serve as a way forward, a determination to work together to build trust, fairness, and optimism we need for the future. Those are great words. But its also hard to disagree with Harris when he said the city manager and assistant city manager had opportunities to inform the council about the raises but didnt. He said he was offended. This really cuts to the quick. Im serious. This just does, he said. This one rankles me. Earlier this year, as the #MeToo movement built momentum, accusations of sexual harassment against author Sherman Alexie began to surface. Alexie, of Spokane-Couer dAlene heritage, is probably the countrys best-known Native American writer. He was the screenwriter for Smoke Signals, the acclaimed 1998 film directed by Chris Eyer, and his novels Reservation Blues and The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian won National Book Awards. Alexie has had connections to Santa Fe, mainly through the Institute of American Indian Arts a connection that came up as the allegations against the author emerged. One of the women who came forward said she was working for IAIA when Alexie acted inappropriately toward her. Before her story was published, the college had already started cutting its ties to Alexie. A scholarship for Master of Fine Arts candidates in creative writing that was created in his name was awarded this week under a new name. In interviews with National Public Radio and its Seattle-based affiliate KOUW last month, Cowlitz Indian Tribe member and writer Elissa Washuta was one of three women to accuse Alexie. Washuta and Alexie were in Santa Fe, she said, when he tried to get her to come to his hotel room. The two writers had both contracted to work with the IAIAs low-residency MFA Creative Writing Program. In the interview, Washuta said that, while both were staying in town for work with IAIA, Alexie sent her photos of a hotel room bed with condoms on a nearby table. According to the news report, Alexie later accused her of plagiarizing his work, and she was afraid of what he would do to her career. She left the IAIA program after that alleged incident. Washuta is currently on the faculty of Ohio State Universitys English department. IAIA MFA program director Jon Davis confirmed that Washuta was a contracted faculty mentor at the Santa Fe school from July 2015 to May 2017. I think we did some really good work there, Washuta told NPR. And Im sure they continue to do really good work there. But Im not a part of it. And that feels so lonely. Im incredibly sad about it. Washuta declined an interview with the Journal via email last week. Davis told the Journal he hadnt heard any accusations against Alexie until they surfaced earlier this year. He said he knew Washuta didnt get along with Alexie, but he thought the issue was his accusation of plagiarism in one of her published essays. He also recalled Erika Wurth, a writer-in-residence at IAIA from 2007-2008 who also went on the record with NPR, being vocal about disliking Alexie while she was at the school. But Wurth did not work at IAIA the same time as Alexie. I was surprised, to say the least, said Davis, who described Alexie as a friend, of the accusations about the writer. While he was reluctant to predict what could happen in the future, Davis said that for now Alexies relationship with the MFA program is completely severed. While Alexie was working as an independent contractor with the institute, there were no official complaints about his behavior, according to IAIA spokesperson Eric Davis. We would have had investigations; we would have gone through all that stuff, Davis said. If anyone said anything, ever, we would have been all over it. As for Washutas account of a run-in with Alexie during a work trip to Santa Fe, he said a Title IX officer reached out to Washuta after the news reports and has not received a response. IAIA connection Alexies contracted work with IAIA began when its low-residency MFA program in creative writing low-residency meaning participants can work from home or elsewhere but come to the campus from time to time was formed in summer 2013. He was associated with the program until October 2017. In 2013 and 2014, Alexie was a faculty mentor for the program, which is mostly conducted online with students corresponding with assigned faculty. After that time, Davis said, the writer was a consultant for the program when he wasnt taking time off for health reasons. The Sherman Alexie Scholarship was established in early 2017. Davis downplayed Alexies role with the program and the school in recent years. He said Alexie played a large role in getting the MFA program off the ground by agreeing to be a faculty mentor, but in subsequent years he acted as more of an adviser as needed. In total, Alexie had visited the school only about four times since 2014, Davis said. He was a supporter of the program but wasnt at the heart of the program, he said. Alexie told Davis in fall 2017 that he was withdrawing from the program for mental health reasons. In the summer of that year, Alexie cited similar reasons for canceling part of the book tour for his memoir, You Dont Have to Say You Love Me, which focuses on his complicated relationship with his mother. Alexie had taken time off from his work with IAIA for health reasons before once for issues with his back and once to recover from a surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, Davis said. But Davis added that this time, his exit felt more final. When he withdrew from the school, I thought something like this was going to happen, Davis said. He cited a Facebook post by Wurth about two weeks before Alexies departure from IAIA that alluded to her writing an article about Native American men in the wake of the #MeToo movement. He thought the post might be about Alexie, but he said at that point it was still a wild guess. Alexie had already left IAIA by then, but spokesperson Eric Davis said school officials didnt consider the fact that Alexies name was still on the MFA scholarship until it was up for renewal in February, in the middle of all of the allegations coming out about the author. The Sherman Alexie Scholarship, funded through a third party, was renamed the MFA Alumni Scholarship. The winner was formerly picked by Alexie but is now chosen by a panel of IAIA faculty. Everyone decided it was for the best, said Eric Davis, who said Jon Davis renamed the scholarship in agreement with Alexie and his team. Were very student-focused and student centric environment, we didnt want to put the student under the microscope for accepting this scholarship. Alexies response Attempts by the Journal to reach Alexie for comment were unsuccessful. Several numbers listed under Alexies name were either disconnected or not accepting phone calls. His literary agent, Nancy Stauffer Cahoon, did not return phone calls or emails. As accusations were mounting against him in late Februrary but before the three women went on the record with NPR Alexie released a statement saying, Over the years, I have done things that have harmed other people, including those I love most deeply. To those whom I have hurt, I genuinely apologize. I am so sorry. A majority of Alexies statement was devoted to denouncing one of his first public accusers, author and essayist Litsa Dremousis, who encouraged others to come forward. He said he rejects her accusations, insinuations and outright falsehoods. He went on to say, There are women telling the truth about my behavior and I have no recollection of physically or verbally threatening anybody or their careers. That would be completely out of character. I have made poor decisions and I am working hard to become a healthier man who makes healthier decisions. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Former New Mexico elected officials can keep doling out money from their campaign accounts long after they leave office. Campaign reports filed this week with the Secretary of States office show thats happening during this years election cycle, with both Republican and Democratic candidates benefitting from former elected officials generosity. For instance, former Land Commissioner Ray Powell, an Albuquerque Democrat who lost in his 2014 re-election bid, reported making $10,400 in contributions to Democratic candidates in the last month, including a $5,000 donation to land commissioner candidate Stephanie Garcia Richard of White Rock. Powell, who also served as land commissioner from 1993 through 2002, had planned to run again for the statewide office this year, but bowed out of the race in November 2017 due to health issues. He has endorsed Garcia Richard in a three-way Democratic primary race for the post. That was a hard process, because I didnt know what to do with the money, Powell said in a Thursday interview. He said he considered returning some of the money to campaign donors, but ultimately decided to give it to Democratic candidates who he felt share similar values. Per state law, former elected officials are not allowed to use campaign funds for personal use. Options for spending leftover campaign funds include giving the money to other candidates, returning it to individual contributors or donating it to charitable groups or the states general fund. Another former elected official who reported giving significant contributions from his campaign account this week was ex-House Speaker Don Tripp, a Socorro Republican who did not run for re-election in 2016. He reported giving $10,200 to GOP candidates including $2,700 to Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce over the past few months. Tripp still has nearly $35,000 in his campaign account. Meanwhile, a political committee has even been formed to make campaign contributions in honor of a deceased state lawmaker. The political committee named after Rep. Luciano Lucky Varela, a Santa Fe Democrat who died last year, reported spending nearly $4,000 during a recent six-month time period. Among expenditures was a $2,500 contribution to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca. The PAC is run by Jeff Varela, the late lawmakers son, and is funded by money from the deceased legislators campaign account. Jeff Varela told the Journal earlier this year the political committee had been formed in honor and recognition of his fathers service, adding, If anyone was a confidant of my father with regard to politics, it was me. A Secretary of States office spokesman said there are no state laws specifically dealing with campaign contributions from the accounts of deceased individuals. As long as the candidate or treasurer is still filing reports, the account is open, spokesman Joey Keefe said. So there is not a time limit as long as the account is still active and in good standing. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Saturday declared Mission Accomplished for a U.S.-led allied missile attack on Syria's chemical weapons program, but the Pentagon said the pummeling of three chemical-related facilities left enough others intact to enable the Assad government to use banned weapons against civilians if it chooses. A perfectly executed strike, Trump tweeted after U.S., French and British warplanes and ships launched more than 100 missiles nearly unopposed by Syrian air defenses. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished! His choice of words recalled a similar claim associated with President George W. Bush following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Bush addressed sailors aboard a Navy ship in May 2003 alongside a Mission Accomplished banner, just weeks before it became apparent that Iraqis had organized an insurgency that tied down U.S. forces for years. The nighttime Syria assault was carefully limited to minimize civilian casualties and avoid direct conflict with Syria's key ally, Russia, but confusion arose over the extent to which Washington warned Moscow in advance. The Pentagon said it gave no explicit warning. The U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John Huntsman, said in a video, Before we took action, the United States communicated with Russia to reduce the danger of any Russian or civilian casualties. Dana W. White, the chief Pentagon spokeswoman, said that to her knowledge no one in the Defense Department communicated with Moscow in advance, other than the acknowledged use of a military-to-military hotline that has routinely helped minimize the risk of U.S.-Russian collisions or confrontations in Syrian airspace. Officials said this did not include giving Russian advance notice of where or when allied airstrikes would happen. Russia has military forces, including air defenses, in several areas of Syria to support President Bashar Assad in his long war against anti-government rebels. Russia and Iran called the use of force by the United States and its allies a military crime and act of aggression. The U.N. Security Council met to debate the strikes, but rejected a Russian resolution calling for condemnation of the aggression by the three Western allies. Trump's U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, told the session that the president has made it clear that if Assad uses poison gas again, the United States is locked and loaded. Assad denies he has used chemical weapons, and the Trump administration has yet to present hard evidence of what it says precipitated the allied missiles attack: a chlorine gas attack on civilians in Douma on April 7. The U.S. says it suspects that sarin gas also was used. Good souls will not be humiliated, Assad tweeted, while hundreds of Syrians gathered in Damascus, the capital, where they flashed victory signs and waved flags in scenes of defiance after the early morning barrage. The strikes successfully hit every target, White told reporters at the Pentagon. The military said there were three targets: the Barzah chemical weapons research and development site in the Damascus area, a chemical weapons storage facility near Homs and a chemical weapons bunker a few miles from the second target. Although officials said the singular target was Assad's chemical weapons capability, his air force, including helicopters he allegedly has used to drop chemical weapons on civilians, were spared. In a U.S. military action a year ago in response to a sarin gas attack, the Pentagon said missiles took out nearly 20 percent of the Syrian air force. As of Saturday, neither Syria nor its Russian or Iranian allies retaliated, Pentagon officials said. The U.S.-led operation won broad Western support. The NATO alliance gave its full backing; NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels that the attack was about ensuring that chemical weapons cannot be used with impunity. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the attack necessary and appropriate. In his televised address from the White House on Friday evening, Trump said the U.S. was prepared to sustain economic, diplomatic and military pressure on Assad until the Syrian leader ends what Trump called a criminal pattern of killing his own people with internationally banned chemical weapons. That did not mean military strikes would continue. In fact, Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said no additional attacks were planned. Asked about Trump's Mission Accomplished assertion, White said it pointed to the successful targeting of three Syrian chemical weapons sites. What happens next, she said, is up to Assad and to his Russian and Iranian allies. Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, said the allied airstrikes took out the heart of Assad's chemical weapons arsenal. He said the missiles hit the sweet spot, doing the expected level of damage while minimizing the unintentional release of toxic fumes that could be harmful to nearby civilians. When pressed, he acknowledged that some unspecified portion of Assad's chemical arms infrastructure was not targeted. There is still a residual element of the Syrian program that is out there, McKenzie said, adding, I'm not going to say they're going to be unable to continue to conduct a chemical attack in the future. I suspect, however they'll think long and hard about it. Assad's Barzah research and development center in Damascus was destroyed, McKenzie said. It does not exist anymore. A former officer in Syria's chemical program, Adulsalam Abdulrazek, said Saturday the joint U.S., British, and French strikes hit parts of but not the heart of the program. He said the strikes were unlikely to curb the government's ability to produce or launch new attacks. Speaking from rebel-held northern Syria, Abdulrazek told The Associated Press there were perhaps 50 warehouses in Syria that stored chemical weapons before the program was dismantled in 2013. Vice President Mike Pence, in Peru for a meeting of regional leaders, said there will be a price to pay involving military force if Syrian chemical weapons are used again. Disputing the Russian military's contention that Syrian air defense units downed 71 allied missiles, McKenzie said no U.S. or allies missiles were stopped. He said Syria's air defenses were ineffective and that many of the more than 40 surface-to-air missiles fired by the Syrians were launched after the allied attack was over. He said the U.S. knew of no civilians killed by allied missiles. McKenzie said 105 U.S. and allied missiles were fired, of which 66 were Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from aboard three U.S. Navy ships and one Navy submarine. U.S., British and French attack aircraft, including two U.S. Air Force B-1B strategic bombers, launched stealthy, long-range missiles from outside Syrian airspace, officials said. A global chemical warfare watchdog group, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, said its fact-finding mission would go as planned in Douma. Russian leader Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the Kremlin's skepticism about the allies' Douma claim, saying Russian military experts had found no trace of the attack. He criticized the U.S. and its allies for launching the strike without waiting for international inspectors to complete their visit to the area. But British Prime Minister Theresa May said there was little doubt the Syrian government used a barrel bomb large containers packed with fuel, explosives and scraps of metal to deliver the chemicals at Douma. No other group could have carried out that attack, May said, adding that the allies' use of force was right and legal. Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report. 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. DAMASCUS, Syria Hundreds of Syrians gathered at landmark squares in the Syrian capital Saturday, honking their car horns, flashing victory signs and waving Syrian flags in scenes of defiance that followed unprecedented joint airstrikes by the United States, France and Britain. A few hours earlier, before sunrise, loud explosions jolted Damascus and the sky turned orange as Syrian air defense units fired surface-to-air missiles in response to three waves of military strikes meant to punish President Bashar Assad for his alleged use of chemical weapons. Associated Press reporters saw smoke rising from east Damascus and what appeared to be a fire light up the sky. From a distance, U.S. missiles hitting suburbs of the capital sounded like thunder. Shortly after the one-hour attack ended, vehicles with loudspeakers roamed the streets of Damascus blaring nationalist songs. Good souls will not be humiliated, Syrias presidency tweeted after the airstrikes began. Immediately after the attack, hundreds of residents began gathering in the landmark Omayyad square of the Syrian capital. Many waved Syrian, Russian and Iranian flags. Some clapped their hands and danced, other drove in convoys, honking their horns in defiance. We are your men, Bashar, they shouted. Syrian state TV broadcast live from the square where a large crowd of civilians mixed with men in uniforms, including an actor, lawmakers and other figures. Good morning steadfastness, one broadcaster said. U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday night that the three allies had launched military strikes to punish Syrian Assad for alleged chemical weapons use and to prevent him from doing it again. Trump said Washington is prepared to sustain pressure on Assad until he ends what the president called a criminal pattern of killing his own people with internationally banned chemical weapons. The Syrian government has repeatedly denied any use of banned weapons. A fact-finding team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog was in Damascus and had been expected to head to the town of Douma on Saturday, scene of the suspected chemical weapons attack that killed more than 40 people. Syrian TV said three civilians were wounded in one of the U.S.-led strikes on a military base in Homs, although the attack was aborted by derailing the incoming missile. It said another attack with a number of missiles targeting a scientific research center destroyed a building and caused other material damage but no human losses. The network says the building in the research center included an educational center and labs. It said earlier that the attacks targeted a scientific research center in Barzeh, near Damascus, and an army depot near Homs. Syrian media reported that air defenses had hit 13 incoming rockets south of Damascus. It said the The attack began at 4 a.m. (0100 GMT) with missiles hitting the eastern suburbs of Damascus, shaking the grounds from a distance. The sky looked orange over eastern Damascus apparently as a result of fires caused by the missiles hitting Syria. Air defense units fired surface-to-air missiles from different directions toward incoming missiles. At about sunrise, the sound of explosions could be heard just as the loudspeakers from the citys mosques called for morning prayers. A car with loudspeakers blaring the national song Oh Syria, You Are My Love could be heard driving through central Damascus amid the attack. Syrian TV called the attacks a blatant violation of international law and shows contempt for international legitimacy. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis said there were no reports of U.S. losses during the initial airstrikes. Right now this is a one-time shot, he said but did not rule out further attacks. He said the airstrikes were launched against several sites that helped provide Assads ability to create chemical weapons. Britains defense ministry said that while the effectiveness of the strike is still being analyzed, initial indications are that the precision of the Storm Shadow weapons and meticulous target planning have resulted in a successful attack. British Prime Minister Theresa May describes the attack as neither about intervening in a civil war nor about regime change but a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. We would have preferred an alternative path. But on this occasion there is none, May said. The decision to strike, after days of deliberations, marked Trumps second order to attack Syria; he authorized a barrage of Tomahawk cruise missiles to hit a single Syrian airfield in April 2017 in retaliation for Assads use of sarin gas against civilians. Trump chastised Syrias two main allies, Russia and Iran, for their roles in supporting murderous dictators, and noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had guaranteed a 2013 international agreement for Assad to get rid of all of his chemical weapons. He called on Moscow to change course and join the West in seeking a more responsible regime in Damascus. Russias U.S. embassy released a statement warning that the airstrikes will not be left without consequences. It said that all responsibility rests with Washington, London and Paris. The allied operation comes a year after a U.S. missile strike that Trump said was meant to deter Assad from further use of chemical weapons. Since that did not work, a more intense attack would aim to degrade his ability to carry out further such attacks, and would try to do this by hitting Syrian aircraft, military depots and chemical facilities, among other things. The one-off missile strike in April 2017 targeted the airfield from which the Syrian aircraft had launched their gas attack. But the damage was limited, and a defiant Assad returned to episodic use of chlorine and perhaps other chemicals. Fridays strikes appear to signal Trumps willingness to draw the United States more deeply into the Syrian conflict. The participation of British and French forces enables Trump to assert a wider international commitment against the use of chemical weapons, but the multi-pronged attack carries the risk of Russian retaliation. In his nationwide address, Trump stressed that he has no interest in a longtime fight with Syria. America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria under no circumstances, he said. As other nations step up their contributions, we look forward to the day when we can bring our warriors home. The U.S. has about 2,000 troops on the ground in Syria as advisers to a makeshift group of anti-Islamic State fighters known as the Syrian Democratic Forces. They are in eastern Syria, far from Damascus. A U.S.-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes in Syria since September 2014 as part of a largely successful effort to break the IS grip on both Syria and Iraq. __ Associated Press writers Sarah El Deeb and Zeina Karam in Beirut and Albert Aji in Damascus contributed reporting. LIMA, Peru Showing solidarity with opposition leaders, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged Latin American allies on Friday to further isolate Venezuela, suggesting the Trump administration would seek additional sanctions to counter the countrys political crisis. Pence, in Lima for the Summit of the Americas, was whisked away from the gathering and to his hotel shortly before President Donald Trump announced retaliatory strikes in Syria for apparent chemical weapons use. Pence had been scheduled to attend a banquet hosted by Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Friday night, and it was not immediately clear if he would still attend. The vice president announced that the U.S. would provide nearly $16 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans who have fled their country under the rule of President Nicolas Maduro. We want one message to be clear: We are with the people of Venezuela, Pence said at the U.S. ambassadors residence, seated with a group of Venezuelan opposition leaders. The vice president called Maduros government a dictatorship and said the U.S. would continue to push a hard line against the countrys leadership. The U.S. and our allies, I believe, are prepared to do much more, Pence said, accusing Maduro of refusing humanitarian aid to be delivered to Venezuela. He said the U.S. would push additional sanctions, additional isolation and additional diplomatic pressure beginning in our hemisphere but across the wider world. Pence is subbing for President Donald Trump after the president pulled out of his first planned visit to Latin America to manage the U.S. response to an apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria. The White House said Pence would sit down Saturday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who has yet to meet with Trump in an impasse over the wall Trump has pledged to build along the U.S.-Mexico border. Pences meeting with Pena Nieto will follow Trumps calls to send National Guard troops to the border. That adds further tensions as the neighbors, along with Canada, work to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. In a series of meetings with Latin American leaders, Pence plans to promote good governance and democratic institutions and urge allies to maintain pressure on Maduro. The U.S. has sanctioned Maduro and dozens of top officials, accusing the country of human rights abuses and sliding into a dictatorship. With the White Houses encouragement, Maduro has been barred from the summit over his plans to hold a presidential election that the opposition is boycotting and that many foreign governments consider a sham. During the meeting with four opposition leaders, Pence listened as they described their once-prosperous country devolving into chaos. Antonio Ledezma, the former mayor of Caracas, pleaded with Pence through a translator to bolster sanctions against Maduro, asking for not only humanitarian aid but humanitarian intervention. The Trump administration is considering imposing an oil embargo on the OPEC nation, while Panama recently said it would pursue sanctions of its own the first Latin American nation do so by blacklisting dozens of Venezuelan officials from doing business in the Central American country. Ana Quintana, a senior policy analyst on Latin America and the Western Hemisphere for the Heritage Foundation, said Pence would seek to continue the momentum of U.S. policy on Venezuela. She said the vast majority of the regions democratic leaders have been so united on addressing the crisis. Pence will also aim to counter Chinas attempt to exert more economic influence in the Americas at a time when the Trump administration has been embroiled in a trade dispute with the Chinese. White House officials said the vice president would emphasize the U.S. as the partner of choice in Latin American trade, noting that nearly half of the U.S. trade agreements are based in the Western Hemisphere. Yet the timing of the trade pitch will be delicate. Pence landed in Peru shortly after Trump signaled his interest in possibly rejoining negotiations in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Pacific Rim trade pact he frequently blasted during the 2016 campaign, injecting a dose of uncertainty among U.S. trading partners. Richard Feinberg, a senior fellow in the Latin America Initiative at the Brookings Institution, said it would be difficult for the U.S. to make a case to become the preferential trading partner as Trump seeks to upend trade agreements. If it means reliable, predictable, Trump is the opposite, Feinberg said. If preferred means lowering trade barriers, Trump is the opposite of that. Hes talking about higher trade barriers and tariffs. Trump, meanwhile, has long assailed the impact of NAFTA on U.S. workers and has insisted on a new round of negotiations between the U.S., Canada and Mexico on NAFTA. In addition to Pena Nieto, Pence is also planning to meet in Lima with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The U.S. president has been pushing a tougher line on immigration and seeking stronger protections along the U.S.-Mexican border in recent weeks. The presidents recent tweets called on Mexico to halt caravans of migrants, many from Honduras, a message that Pence may be asked about in his discussions. ___ On Twitter follow Ken Thomas at https://twitter.com/KThomasDC A Koch brothers-funded group is hosting a New Mexico forum as part of a national effort aimed at convincing Hispanic voters that the GOP-sponsored tax reforms help them. The LIBRE Initiative plans a Tax Reform: More Money In Your Pocket event today in Albuquerque and is inviting Hispanic business leaders to attend and speak on how theyve benefited from the tax cuts sign by President Donald Trump last year. Rep. Steve Pearce of Hobbs, a Republican candidate for New Mexico governor, is slated to join Republican Lt. Gov. John Sanchez. The conservative-leaning group is organizing similar forums in states like Texas, Arizona and Nevada with large numbers of Latino voters. LIBRE president Daniel Garza called the tax cuts a once in a generation opportunity and expects Republicans to pursue more such reforms. He said such policies would help New Mexico, one of the poorest states in the country and a state with the highest percentage of Hispanics in the nation. Latinos care about a lot of issues, but the economy remains their number one concern, Garza said. We, at the LIBRE Initiative, want to have conversations about generating wealth. But the Democratic Party of New Mexico called the GOP tax cuts a sham that mainly helps millionaires and billionaires. Its not fair that the average person is only seeing a few more bucks in their paycheck, while large corporations and Wall Street CEOs are pocketing millions of dollars, the Democratic Party of New Mexico said in a statement. The fact that Pearce thinks he can pull a fast one on New Mexicans with the Koch brothers by his side speaks volumes about his character. Charles and David Koch help start the LIBRE Initiative to recruit Hispanic voters to conservative causes. CHARLESTON, W.Va. Theres a new fact-checking operation in West Virginia, and it buries one fact that its run by U.S. Senate candidate Don Blankenships campaign. The website www.factcheckwv.com explores issues in the Senate Republican primary that pits the former Massey Energy CEO against U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and three others. Those issues include whether President Donald Trump blamed Blankenship for the deadly 2010 Upper Big Branch explosion. At the bottom of the site, below all the updated items, is a small box that says Paid for by Don Blankenship for U.S. Senate. The campaign didnt want to bias it with who paid for it, Blankenship campaign spokesman Greg Thomas said Thursday. We just want people to know the truth. Don likes for people to know the facts. West Virginia Wesleyan political history professor Robert Rupp said in an email that a candidate posting a fact check is like a fox guarding the hen house. The idea of a fact check is an unbiased assessment, not a forum for a candidate seeking office. The fact-checking operation also is posted on Facebook , where it lists itself as a media/news company, not a political campaign. I think its a brilliant marketing tool because the website is set up to look very much like an authentic fact-checking organization, said Marybeth Beller, a political science professor at Marshall University. Beller said in an email that the Blankenship website mimics other fact-checking sites in such a way that, unless read very carefully, the site could easily fool readers. A casual reader could easily mistake this for being a neutral website. While the bottom of the website indicates that it is paid for by Don Blankenship, a reader has to read/scroll through seven articles before getting to that statement. Blankenship served one year in prison for a misdemeanor conviction related to the explosion, which killed 29 miners in southern West Virginia. He was cleared of felony charges. The unrepentant Blankenship is using his campaign to try to clear his name and blames the federal government, particularly the policies of former President Barack Obama. Blankenship is hoping for an eventual showdown in November with Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, who was West Virginias governor at the time of the disaster. The fact-checking operation so far addresses seven questions. The first asks Did President Trump blame Don Blankenship for the UBB mine disaster? Trump has not publicly discussed Blankenships case, which was decided long before he took office in early 2017. When Trump attended a roundtable discussion last week in West Virginia to address his tax cut package, seated immediately to his right and left were Jenkins and Morrisey. Blankenship was not there. Blankenships website was referring to a Facebook post by Morgantown-based 35th PAC, which relayed a newspaper article last year about the U.S. Department of Justice asking the U.S. Supreme Court not to hear Blankenships appeal of his 2015 conviction. The high court eventually rejected Blankenships bid. The PAC post read, President Trumps Administration agrees: Don Blankenship was rightly found GUILTY for his role in the deaths of 29 UBB coal miners. SHARE if you stand with President Trump! Blankenships website concludes the claim is false and adds that the Department of Justice is investigating Blankenships unfair conviction. Blankenship said last week federal prosecutors withheld unspecified information that should have been provided before his trial. He issued a statement that the Justice Departments Office of Professional Responsibility, which investigates allegations of misconduct involving federal prosecutors, is looking into those claims. A call to a number listed on the Office of Professional Responsibilitys website was disconnected. In an email, Justice Department Office of Public Affairs Deputy Director Wyn Hornbuckle said the department does not confirm, deny, or otherwise comment on the existence of investigations. Blankenships conviction was for a misdemeanor charge of conspiring to willfully violate safety standards. Four investigations found worn and broken cutting equipment created a spark that ignited accumulations of coal dust and methane gas at Upper Big Branch. Broken and clogged water sprayers then allowed what should have been a minor flare-up to become an inferno. During the trial, prosecutors called Blankenship a bullish micromanager who meddled in the smallest details of Upper Big Branch. They said Masseys safety programs were just a facade never backed by more money to hire additional miners or take more time on safety tasks. The University of New Mexico is a step closer to naming the next leader of UNM Hospitals. The university on Friday revealed three finalists for the CEO job at New Mexicos only Level 1 trauma center. The three remaining candidates each of whom has worked in an academic medical center will visit campus this month for town hall meetings at the Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education. Dr. Paul Roth, UNM Health Sciences Center chancellor, will subsequently make the hiring decision. Roth has said previously he hopes to have the new CEO in place by this summer. The finalists (and town hall dates) are: Herbert C. Buchanan, who served as president at Indiana University Healths academic medical centers, Methodist and University Hospitals from 2014-2016. His roles prior to that included CEO of Howard University Hospital and chief operating officer for University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. (Town hall: 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 17) Kate Becker, president of SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital. She has led the Level 1 trauma center and teaching hospital since 2015. Prior to that, she spent one year as interim president of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital, and four years as president of SSM Health St. Marys Hospital in Richmond Heights, Mo. (Town hall: 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, April 20) Deborah McGrew, current vice president and chief operating officer for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She has been with UTMB since 2013, leading the UTMB Health System Operations that include three hospitals and more than 90 clinics. She was previously associate vice president at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. (Town hall: 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 24) UNMH has about 7,000 employees and an annual budget of nearly $1.1 billion. The new CEO would come aboard amid a push to increase hospital capacity. Officials contend that the existing hospital some parts built in the 1950s is outdated and insufficient to meet statewide demand and accommodate modern medical equipment and needs. UNM is in the process of selecting an architecture firm to design an expansion plan. Officials have proposed a new, 120-bed facility on university land north of Lomas and east of University, though they may explore some other alternatives. The chosen candidate will succeed Steve McKernan, who retired last fall after 37 years at UNMH, including 21 as its CEO. Michael Chicarelli has served as interim CEO. Roth will ultimately determine the salary. The positions current range is $500,000-$650,000, according to Sara Frasch, the hospitals human resources executive. NEW MILFORD, Conn. A man killed his wife who was also his daughter and their 7-month-old son and then took his own life after she broke up with him, according to a 911 call. Steven Pladls mother called police in North Carolina to say shed had a disturbing call from him and to ask officers to check on the well-being of her infant grandson. The mother told police Pladl said hed killed his baby in Knightdale, North Carolina, and his 20-year-old daughter and her adoptive father, who were shot in Connecticut. Pladls mother said he was upset because his daughter had broken up with him. The slain infant had been born of the relationship between Steven Pladl and his daughter Katie Pladl. I cant even believe this is happening, said Steven Pladls mother, whose name was redacted from the recording of the 911 call released by police in Cary, North Carolina. The woman asked police to check on her grandson, Bennett Pladl. She said Steven Pladl had told her that he left a key under the front mat. He told me to call the police, that I shouldnt go over there, she said. Police found the baby dead, alone in the house. Authorities have not said how the baby was killed. Were trying to make sense of all the factors that led up to this senseless taking of life, Knightdale police Chief Lawrence Capps said. The 911 call came shortly after witnesses in rural western Connecticut reported hearing what sounded like semi-automatic gunfire Thursday morning. Inside a pickup truck with the window shot out police found the bodies of Katie Pladl and her adoptive father, 56-year-old Anthony Fusco. Steven Pladl had contacted his daughters adoptive family in Wingdale, New York, on Wednesday night and said he would be going to see them, said Shawn Boyne, chief of police in New Milford, Connecticut. Katie Pladl and Fusco were shot as they were out running errands. Police said Steven Pladl later was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a minivan across the state line in Dover, New York. Steven Pladl and Katie Pladl had been arrested on incest charges out of Henrico County, Virginia, in January. Since the arrests, their son had been in the custody of Steven Pladls mother. Knightdale police said the boy was last seen alive by his grandmother on Wednesday night, when Steven Pladl asked to take him home to Knightdale, telling his mother he planned to speak with his daughter via Skype. Steven Pladl previously was married to Katie Pladls mother. He told her last year that he had impregnated their daughter and planned to marry her after obtaining a divorce, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. As a child Katie Pladl had been adopted by a family out of state, but after turning 18 she reached out to her birth parents through social media and expressed an interest in getting to know them. Steven Pladl had two other children, ages 6 and 11, when Katie Pladl moved in with the family. Katie Pladls mother initially learned Katie was pregnant by reading a journal of one of the younger children. Eventually Steven Pladl told his other children they were not to refer to Katie as their sister, but rather as their stepmother, court documents said. Attorney Rick Friedman, who had been representing Steven Pladl in the felony incest case, said he had breakfast with Pladl only a month ago and had no indication such violence was possible. This really bothers me a lot because nobody ever could have predicted this. If anybody had a remote idea anybody was in harms way there would have been no bond set, he said. There was just absolutely no prior notice anything would happen to these people. As part of the bond requirements, Friedman said, the father and daughter were not supposed to communicate with one another. He said Katie Pladl had been living in New York with her adoptive parents. What is it with men and marriage? Why are they so scared of tying the knot? They are so ecstatic romancing the pretty damsel, but when it comes to settling down with her, they would love to be far far away. Well, in most cases that is! Tony Braganza faces the same dilemma. Nancy and Tony meet regularly on their daily commute to work and gradually fall in love. But when Tony shows reluctance towards marriage, Nancy's mother starts looking elsewhere for a son-in-law. Featuring a hilarious cast of actors - Amol Palekar, Tina Ambani, Asrani, Zee Classic with its proposition Woh Zamana Kare Deewana will celebrate 39 years of this Basu Chatterjee classic by airing Baton Baton Mein on Friday, 13th April 2018 at 10pm, under the banner of Indias Finest Films. Rosie Perreira is an overly anxious widow, living with her guitar-obsessed son, Sabhi, and a lovely daughter, Nancy, who she would like to get married to a wealthy young man. Her helpful neighbour, Tom, introduces a young eligible Tony Braganza to Nancy onboard a local train from Bandra to Churchgate. Rosie is initially apprehensive about him as he draws a mere Rs.300/ compared to Nancy's Rs.700/-, but soon changes her mind when she finds out that after his probationary period he will draw a monthly pay of Rs.1000/-. Nancy and Tom are permitted to meet and both eventually fall in love. While Nancy wants to follow her mother's directions and get married, Tony is hesitant, and this is what costs him Nancy's love, as she starts to feel that he will not come through with the marriage. And soon Rosie starts looking elsewhere for a son-in-law, while Tony is still reluctant to make any commitments. Will Tony and Nancy unite in marital bliss? To Read More Visit here. Find out when you watch Baton Baton Mein on Friday 13th April 2018 at 10PM only on Zee Classic Columbus India, the digital agency of Dentsu Aegis Network, has announced the appointment of Sohail Khan Qadri as Business Head West. Sohail Khan joins the agency to lead Columbus Indias digital AOR business in Western India. He will report to Nitin Sabharwal, Chief Business Officer, Columbus India. Sohail Khan joins Columbus India with 18 years of extensive experience in Digital Communication, Digital AOR, Content Marketing Solutions, Social Media Optimization & Marketing, Search Engine Marketing, Digital Media Planning & Buying, Mobile Media, and Technology & Start-ups. Sohail has worked with vMobo Mobile, DGM India, R K Swamy BBDO, Tribal DDB India, Lintas and Interactive Realities. He has worked across businesses into Telecom, Consumer Electronics, Retail, Auto, FMCG, BFSI, Sports, Healthcare, Public Policy and Governance. His last stint was at iRealities where he was appointed as Business Director. In his current role, Sohail will focus on building the Digital AOR business for Columbus India. As Business Head for Western India, Sohail would be actively involved in crafting a roadmap for the growth of digital AOR business across key categories such as BFSI, ecommerce, Brand Commerce, Education, FMCG and many more. Commenting on his assignment, Sohail said, The digital consumer is evolving, and so are the channels to reach them online. Traditional AOR business has been more focused on being campaign driven with digital coming at the far end of the planning process, largely implementing the strategies driven by a much larger mainline agenda. We are seeing that often the digital strategy lacks cohesion between key elements such as business objective, communication objective, campaign objective, channels of execution, consumer experience, content, technology and brand performance. Columbus is in a unique position to stitch all these pieces together to offer brands a digital AOR that blends the elements of communication, content, creative, media, social, search, performance and finally sales through a cohesively designed and executed digital strategy Nitin Sabharwal, CBO, Columbus India said, We have set up Columbus to continuously adapt and adopt the latest Digital trends and practices and give a holistic and seamless solution to our clients. With Sohail joining us, we are sure of pushing the envelope even further with much deeper insights and solutions to deliver against the clients objectives. Anurag Gupta, CEO, SVG Media said, Columbus India was set up less than a year ago and has already won some pretty large mandates from leading clients across India. We have done some award winning work during our debut year. As Digital becomes more mainstream, we welcome the addition of Sohail to the team who will help us take Columbus business to new growth trajectories. The Himalaya Drug Company, Indias leading homegrown wellness brand, today launched a new TVC for the Himalaya Kajal, featuring the gorgeous actress, Kajal Aggarwal, who is well known for her beautiful and expressive eyes. The TVC is beautifully captured in a montage sequence based on the concept that eyes express far more than words do. The TVC captures Kajal in different contexts, such as Fun (Masti), Determination (Manmani), and Mischievousness (Shararat), depicted through her expressive eyes. Throughout the TVC, the focus is on Kajals intense black eyes achieved by the 100% natural colour of Himalaya Kajal, which is enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients, such as Almond Oil and Damask Rose. Commenting on the association with Kajal Aggarwal, Ramarao Dhamija, General Manager-Marketing (Consumer Product Division), The Himalaya Drug Company, said, We are very excited to have Ms. Kajal Aggarwal on board for Himalaya Kajal, as she perfectly captures the essence of the product with grace and ease. She truly reflects the fun personality that we have attempted to showcase through the TVC and is a great value-add for our brand. She complements the intense expressive eyes concept that we have tried to capture through her expressions in different scenarios. To Read More Visit Here. The film highlights the product as an essential accessory that is specially made to give you the beauty of bold eyes plus the nourishment of natural ingredients. Sangeetha Sampath, Unit Creative Director, Mullen Lowe Lintas, said, We wanted to be true to Himalaya Kajals benefit of intensely expressive eyes. Hence, we decided to tell the story only through eyes, and not words. Kajal Aggarwal has the most beautiful, expressive eyes. She was the perfect fit. And her name is a bonus too. Campaign details: Creative Agency: Mullen Lowe Lintas Creative Director: Sangeetha Sampath Production House: Classics Films Director for the film: Minto Singh Language: Hindi To Read More Visit Here. The Onida Devil perhaps one of the most well-known mascots in Indian advertising like the Amul Girl, Asian Paints Gattu, Air India Maharaja, Vodafone pug and ZooZoos returns to the ad world, once again, in the latest campaign for Onidas air conditioners. The TVC, which hit the screens earlier this month, has been timed for the Indian Premier League 2018 season as Onida earmarks Rs 20 crore for IPL advertising alone. Taking on the mantle of giving the Devil his due in the ad campaigns this time is Taproot Dentsu. Mindshare is the media agency. Sourav Chakraborty dons the Devils avatar in the latest campaigns and he has big shoes to fill in as the earlier Devils were essayed by the likes of David Whitbread (who played the Devil for 14 years), Rajesh Khera, Aamir Bashir and Ashish Chaudhary. The last time the Onida Devil was seen in an ad was eight years ago. And all this time while the Devil was hibernating in hell, he acquired a wife (played by a Russian model called Daria). Neeraj Kanitkar, Creative Director, Taproot Dentsu, Mumbai, said, The Onida Devil is one of the most memorable icons of Indian advertising. When we had to create a campaign for Onida Inverter ACs, we knew that we just had to use him. After all, who but the devil knows which AC works the best even in the most extreme heat. He was resurrected in a new avatar as a die-hard fan of Onida Inverter ACs. The only ACs powerful enough to keep his house cool in the scorching heat of hell. A true testament to cooling prowess, if there ever was one. Vijay Mansukhani, MD, Mirc Electronics Ltd, explained, We created this whole Devil ad some 35 years ago. That time we strictly followed this ethos that whatever product we made, we should be the worlds best one and still we follow it. Advertising is just a manifestation. When we started this Neighbours envy and owners pride, that was exactly what it meant Model for Model, Product for product but we are better. He further said, I dont just want to use this Devil as a product, but its a brand face for Onida. The Devil will cut across all the product segments be it TV, Washing Machine, AC and Microwave. The moment you see his face, you can easily recall the brand identity, which is a great thing. Basically, there are three things that make your brand work out. One would be the visual which is the Devil, then there is jingle that we dont have, and the third would be the signature line for the brand. For some reason we had changed it and honestly after that we didnt experience any great success. Im pretty much convinced now that the Devil is the brand Onida. He will change the whole perception about the brand. He is not our product ambassador, but hes our brand ambassador. To Read More Visit Here. Creative gurus on whether the Devil works for the Millennials There have been a lot of comments on the return of the Devil some are happy at the return of one of the most loved brand mascots, while some cant believe that the devilish charms have been domesticated. And the advertising fraternity wonders if the Devil will still be relevant for the digital generation that wasnt even born when he first came on to our television screens. Brace for their candid comments... KV Sridhar, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Hyper Collective and Trustee, Population First, ASCI Board Member: Currently, it wont be relevant unless they do it something very creatively. I was the first person to criticise when Flipkart stopped using the kids in their ads. Likely they brought the concept back. There are a few things that are now not considered scandalous anymore, like a two-piece bikini. There are a lot of things that have changed from my time. Lots of things have changed from social to economic. The idea that worked for brands, say Asian Paints, dont work today. The idea of Asian Paints Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai is an expression of who you are and will always remain effective because people from every generation feels the same way for it. The idea will remain contemporary all the time because that expresses yourself through your homes, whether you are a millennial or a couple living in a chaotic space or in spic and span rooms. Various characters created, like the Maharaja, do not remain as effective as every other coffee shop has evolved. Newer symbols have emerged and they are quite different. Anything reminiscent of our fathers age does not remain relevant anymore. Manish Bhatt, Chief Creative Officer, August Communications: Naresh Gupta, CSO, Managing Partner, Bang in the Middle: Sundeep Nagpal, Founder Director, Stratagem Media: Millennials today are not likely to form a large part of the Onida TG. And even if they did, the brand may well believe that this communication is effective even for first time/ younger audiences...perhaps an attempt to re-create the same differentiated brand identity. Taproot Dentsus Shanshank Lanjekar (Strategic Provider for Brands, Creative People and Clients), maintained that the Devil is Onidas asset. It had never gone anywhere. Its a matter of choice when to use it and how to use it, he added. Executive Creative Director Pallavi Chakravati said, It makes a seamless fit for the features of the brand and the brand asset that we had on the table. The challenge that we had while conceptualising the ad was to evolve the character and we did that with his wife, something that you have not seen earlier. The avatar of the Devil will change, depending upon the brief that we will get. To Read More Visit Here. Sanjiv Mehta, who is currently CEO and Managing Director, will take over as the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). This follows Harish Manwanis decision to retire as Non-Executive Chairman of the company following the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Manwani (64) took over as the Non-Executive Chairman of HUL in July 2005. He oversaw a period of sustained growth, with the business nearly tripling in size, and HUL reinforcing itself as one of Indias most admired companies. One of the most successful leaders of HUL, Manwani closely followed Unilevers credo of doing well by doing good throughout his career. He had joined HUL as a Management Trainee in 1976 and joined the HUL Board of Directors in 1995 as a Director responsible for the Personal Products business. In 2005, he was appointed to the Unilever Executive as President, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and the role later expanded to include Central and Eastern Europe. From 2011 to 2014, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Unilever. Manwani strongly believes that the challenges businesses face today, can only be addressed through the 4G sustainable growth model of competitive, consistent, profitable and above all, responsible growth. This model has become a strong focal point for HUL and is central to the Companys business strategy. To Read More Visit Here. Sanjiv Mehta, CEO and MD of HUL, said, Harish leaves behind a legacy that few will be able to match. He has lived the values that make HUL such a great company. Through his passion, commitment and endless energy, he leaves a lasting impact on the business. I will personally miss his leadership and wise counsel. Mehta took over as the CEO and Managing Director of HUL in October 2013. He has been with Unilever for 25 years and for the last 16 years has led businesses in different parts of the world. He has been Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited (2002-06), Chairman and CEO of Unilever Philippines Inc. (2007 -08) and Chairman of Unilever - North Africa & Middle East (2008 September 2013). Mehta is on the South Asia Advisory Board of Harvard Business School. He is also on the Indian Advisory Boards of Enactus, HSBCs Skills for Life and Xynteos India 2022 coalition. He is the Vice President of Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry and member of National Committees of CII and FICCI. The HUL Board had, as part of its periodic succession planning meetings, discussed the succession plan concerning the Chairman. This was before the Kotak Committee on Corporate Governance Report was in the public domain. The Company has taken note of SEBIs recent decision to accept the recommendation of the Kotak Committee to separate the positions of the Chairman and the Managing Director from April 2020, for the top 500 companies by market capitalisation. The HUL Board will ensure compliance with the new regulation of separation of the two positions by April 2020. To Read More Visit Here. Customer Logins Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice. The inaugural edition of the American Photography Open is off to a great start. In just the first few weeks weve received hundreds of submissions from photographers all over the globe. Now its your turn! Whether youre a seasoned pro or a relative newcomer to photography, choosing which photos to enter in a contest is still fraught with a bit of artistic angst. Should you go with a beautifully executed classic landscape composition? Try to catch a judges eye with something a bit more experimental or even daring? Push them back in their chairs with a daring wildlife close-up? Or perhaps tug (or yank) a bit at their heartstrings with an emotionally charged portrait? In the end, perhaps the best advice for entering any photo contest is to go with your gut. Which of your photos satisfied your creative juices the most or drew a primal emotional reaction from you? If the pictures excite you then they will almost certainly cause our judges to take a second (or perhaps a third) look. That advice is exactly what the three contestants below followed in choosing their images: they went with the images that they felt succeeded best in capturing their creative intent. While we cant say whether these photos will end up in the winners circle or not, these three images were among those singled out by our judges as being worth a closer look and more careful and critical consideration. We asked each of these three photographers about their entries and why they chose these photos over all of the other images in their photo collections. Susan Cannarella Susan Cannarella captured this intimate and intense moment in a barber shop in Havana, Cuba while she was visiting as part of being a Santa Fe Workshop participant. A few of us entered this alley barbershop and stayed for a bit photographing the scene, she says. I was inspired by the chaotic feel of the space and the universal activity of these young men getting their hair cut. Cannarella says she shot several photos of the scene, but it wasnt until she returned home that she realized that she had indeed captured the moment she was after. I had hoped I had gotten the shot but, was not sure. I really love the connection I achieved with the subject. See more at @suzpichas. Jordan Kaplan Jordan Kaplans cleverly framed shot of a fisherman was also taken while traveling. The photo was shot on Inle Lake in Myanmar, says Kaplan. I took a river boat out to travel around the lake and I had been told about these fishermen. Seeing them in person was truly a unique experience and I wanted to Kapture how they paddled with one leg, while incorporating the net into the shot. Kaplan says that straight shots that he made of the fisherman standing were interesting (you can see alternate shots on his Instagram account (@kaptureproductions), but he decided to up his compositional game a bit by switching to a 10-20mm wide-angle zoom and using the fishermans net as a frame-within-a-frame. We think the idea really works! The photo, says the photographer, is one of his favorite all-time shots largely because of the off-beat composition. Did he know he had the shot right away? Yes, I sprinted back to the hostel as soon as we got off the boat to start posting picturesstarting with this image. Photographer: Theresa Horbes Not all great photo opps happen in far away places and sometimes fun travel shots are as near as a neighboring town, as photographer Theresa Horbes eye-catching image proves. The parks and recreation in a nearby town hosts Mud Day,a chance for kids to get out and have a blast while wallowing in a giant mud pit, says Horbes. I was originally going to title this shot Baptized In Mud, because the girls with their bare feet, long muddy dreaded hair and long gowns looked as if they were participating in some sort of religious festival. Horbes says she was particularly pleased with the contrast between the mud on the girls clothing and hair, the water being sprayed in the background, as well as the subtle reflection in the muddy water. The long robed girls in the foreground really gave the shot a center of interest and the kids playing in their bathing suits gave an interesting ambiguous dynamic to the picture, she says. I composed as quick as I could and then the girl gave me a lucky glance. I took a few snaps and the moment passed as the three made their way back into the sea of muddy kids. The American Photography Open is not just open to all levels of photographers, its also open to all levels of camera gear. So whether you shot your images with a high-end DSLR or mirrorless camera or snapped it with your smartphone, your photos are welcome. After all, the real camera is the one between your ears, no? What were looking for are your most inventive, creative and inspired images, regardless of how you captured them. By the way, just how many photos you choose to enter is up to you, but keep in mind that, while the final deadline is August 24,2018, the first entry is absolutely free through July 1, 2018. We hope that the grand prize of $5,000 and various prizes from our partners, plus our finalists and community winners prizes, will make you want to show several examples of your best work. GO HERE for more on prizes. Were looking forward to seeing your work in the American Photography Open 2018 competition link and we wish you good luck and good shooting. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan and U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry clashed over the future of the embattled Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility during a Thursday morning budget hearing. Duncan, a South Carolina Republican, supports MOX, a currently unfinished facility at the Savannah River Site designed to turn weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for commercial reactors. Perry, the former governor of Texas, does not support MOX and neither does President Donald Trump's fiscal year 2019 budget request, the topic of Thursday's U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing. Duncan told Perry he believes MOX "is absolutely the right facility" to process surplus plutonium housed at SRS. "We didn't ask for the plutonium to come there," Duncan said, adding that the plutonium was specifically brought to SRS for MOX consumption. MOX is the result of a 2000s-era nuclear nonproliferation accord with Russia. At the time, both the U.S. and Russia agreed to dispose of 34 metric tons of plutonium, enough to create thousands of nuclear weapons respectively. In 2010, the agreement, which Duncan and Perry agreed Russia eventually walked away from, was updated to require MOX processing. MOX, though, is currently 70 percent complete, according to local experts and some of the state's politicians, Republicans U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson included. Construction of MOX was authorized in 2007. Duncan said he would "love" to see MOX funded and completed. "We've already spent a ton of money down there," the congressman said. The 2018 omnibus spending bill, approved in March, afforded MOX construction $335 million. But Trump's fiscal year 2019 budget request allots $220 million for the orderly closure of MOX. Both Trump and former President Barack Obama have tried to mothball the facility. MOX construction afforded $335M in proposed federal spending bill A federal spending bill includes funding for the ever-tumultuous Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savannah River Site. On Thursday, Perry said MOX is "obscenely over-budget." The secretary said he did not want to rehash prior MOX-related arguments he's had and promised to keep his responses short. Perry is a fan of dilute-and-dispose, the cheaper and more efficient MOX alternative, according to the National Nuclear Security Administration. Dilute-and-dispose involves mixing plutonium with inert material and sending it elsewhere, namely the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico. The fiscal year 2019 budget request assigns $59 million to the pursuit of dilute-and-dispose. Perry told Duncan dilute-and-dispose abilities at SRS need to be "substantially more robust," adding that the removal of plutonium from South Carolina is "high on" DOE's "priority list." Duncan seemingly disagreed with Perry's dilute-and-dispose sentiments. Before wrapping up, the congressman asked Perry to sit down with him and discuss the matter further. "You're on," Perry responded. Perry toured SRS he visited MOX specifically over the course of two days in February. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS have officially named a tract of land in Aiken an "opportunity zone." The stretch of land in Aiken's Northside touches Rutland Drive to the north; Beaufort Street N.E. to the east; Colleton Avenue S.E. to the south; and Vaucluse Road to the west. The approval came April 9, according to a same-day Treasury announcement. Opportunity zones throughout 18 states, South Carolina, Mississippi and Kentucky included, were given the go-ahead that day. Aiken tract named to national 'opportunity zone' investment shortlist Plans to revitalize economically ragged communities throughout South Carolina received a jolt from Gov. Henry McMaster on Friday morning. Opportunity zones are a product of the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and efforts made by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. Opportunity zones are meant to spur hyper-local investments in low-income areas: The overall operation allows unrealized capital gains to be invested into opportunity zones with no upfront tax. Opportunity zones retain their designation for a decade. The news comes less than a month after S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster named the Aiken tract, among 134 other distressed areas, to his opportunity zone shortlist. The Treasury had 30 days to respond to governor submissions. Aiken City Council submitted an opportunity zone request to McMaster in mid-February. The City's Treasury-approved stretch is home to more than 6,000 people and has a poverty rate of 41 percent, according to a five-year census study. The median household income in the area is $25,694. Those characteristics clearly qualify it for the program, according to the opportunity zone economic minimums. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, in a prepared statement, said the opportunity zone program would attract investments to "these low-income communities," which, he continued, would "lead to their economic revitalization." At the time of McMaster's nomination, Tim O'Briant, the City of Aiken's community affairs and tourism manager, said opportunity zone designation could bring "a lot of money" and jobs "to the table." O'Briant could not be immediately reached on Thursday for further comment. After more than three years of unregulated work since ride-share companies Uber and Careem launched in Egypt in 2014, car owners and drivers working with these services are anticipating a final law to regulate the industry. On April 7, the Cairo Court of Urgent Matters quashed an administrative court ruling issued in March to suspend the two companies. According to lawyer Ahmed Samir, the last ruling by the administrative court against Uber and Careem was a call for the government to get to work on their regularization. In March, a Cairo administrative court issued a ruling calling for the companies behind ride-sharing apps to stop their services. The government response was quick. On March 29, the Egyptian parliaments transportation committee approved some articles of the draft bill regulating the operation of ride-sharing apps. George Magdy works for the ride-share service Uber. He told Al-Monitor, I am always under pressure because I face citations from the traffic police at any time. Samir Mohamed, a driver with Careem, said, It will be much better than working in unregulated conditions and fearing fines for violations. He's always watching for news reports that the service has been banned and said that he would have no problem with abiding by new regulations. The unrest started when regular taxi drivers organized several marches in protest against Uber and Careem since 2016, urging the government to shut them down, Mohamed told Al-Monitor. Drivers for ride-sharing apps do not pay taxes for their income or for their cars, while the traditional taxi drivers do. He added, White taxi drivers are also saying that those apps are stealing their customers. Many jobless youths who have invested their time or even bought new cars they need to pay off with the job are waiting for the industry to stabilize. Magdy started his business with Uber after he lost his job in the tourism sector, which took a hard hit in the wake of the Egyptian revolution in 2011. The two companies have offered opportunities for many jobless Egyptians. Rana Ghanem, a communications manager for Careem, told Al-Monitor that the company has invested over $30 million in 14 Egyptian cities, and if the government stabilizes the industry it will encourage her company to invest more. Ghanem said, The Careem fleet has over 100,000 [drivers], of which more than 100 are women. The $30 million investments covered infrastructure and call centers and brought affordable on-demand transportation services to 14 cities across Egypt. Careem is a firm believer that startup power can shape the Egyptian economy. Careem has a clear mission to support startups and entrepreneurs, which can be seen through its participation in local, national and university events such as Rise Up summit, Egypreneur and road safety initiatives. She told Al-Monitor that Careem is working closely with the government, saying, Discussions started two years ago to come up with suitable legislation to address the current situation. Adel Mahany, head of the Egyptian Business Association's transportation committee, said it is time to protect the rights of all parties the government, businesses and the drivers under one system. Mahany said that the final draft of the law would be discussed in the coming parliament meetings. He added, Both the parliament and civil society are keen to define the legal rights of the ride-sharing companies and their associates so as to see to a fair policy for all parties. Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr said in a press statement that the coming legislation will also encourage Egyptian companies to make use of the transportation services, which will bring more job opportunities to Egyptian youths. According to Seham Mokhtar, a regular user of ride-sharing apps, their legalization is very important to all users who depend on them on a daily basis. Ahmed Ibrahim, a driver for Careem, told Al-Monitor that many youths want to start a business in the ride-share sector due to high demand for the service. Legalization of these companies will remove substantial fear and uncertainty that may hold them back. CAIRO Egypt's ambitious 2018-19 proposed budget aims to achieve a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 5.8%, the highest in 10 years. The budget bill also seeks to reduce the total deficit to 8.4% of GDP, compared with 12.5% in 2015-16. It is also designed to increase state revenues by 22% and reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 91%. The Egyptian government referred the public budget bill at 1.412 trillion Egyptian pounds ($80 billion) to parliament March 29, according to a press statement. In the bill, the government commits to increasing investment allocations to $8.4 billion in a bid to improve infrastructure and basic services. In addition, the budget calls for maintaining subsidies and social protection programs valued at $18.4 billion. Despite the Egyptian economys positive steps toward recovery since the government implemented its economic reform program in 2014, three main challenges remain: the increasing internal and external public debt, which stands at 105.9% of GDP; the increasing budget deficit, which equals 10% of GDP; and the failure to reach the 5.3% growth rate set in the 2017-18 budget, when population growth was estimated at 2.5% of GDP. "The government is making an effort to impose fiscal controls so as to reduce public debt, get rid of the interest resulting therefrom, achieve a primary surplus and reduce the budget deficit," Mohammed Muit, the deputy minister of finance for public treasury affairs, told Al-Monitor. In the current fiscal year, we have managed to reduce the budget deficit to 9.5%, and we are seeking to reduce it to 8.4% in next year's budget. We also achieved a primary surplus of 2% for the first time in more than 10 years, he added. We are implementing a mechanism aimed at increasing revenues at a rate that exceeds that of expenditure." Changes in the tax system and additions such as the value-added tax and the income tax have yielded an extra 99 billion pounds ($5.6 billion). The government expects total taxes to bring about 780 billion pounds ($44.2 billion) in revenues to the state treasury. Once parliament approves the new budget, the government will be working to implement social protection measures during the new fiscal year, Muit said. A World Bank report issued in January 2017 revealed the Egyptian government's pledge to phase out fuel subsidies and gradually raise fuel prices. These subsidies came into force in July 2014 but were partially lifted in November 2017. In an official statement from the Cabinet, the government described such measures as reform decisions that ended subsidies to gasoline, diesel and petroleum products. The subsidies had led to daily crises, a budget deficit and the emergence of a black market. To bridge the budget deficit, the state will resort to several measures, including international loans and grants, treasury bonds and bills, taxes, raised fuel prices and a program for initial public offerings (IPOs). The IPO program, announced March 18 by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail after the Cabinet approved it, seeks to list 23 of the most successful public sector companies in Egypt on the Egyptian stock exchange. The goal is to list the companies within 24-30 months in a bid to expand their ownership base and invigorate the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). The total value of the shares to be listed is estimated between $4.5 million and $5.7 million. Mansour Kamel, an economic analyst and adviser to former Minister of Investment Mahmoud Mohie el-Din, told Al-Monitor, The IPO program will positively impact the budget, as it will provide revenues that will be used to bridge the deficit, but it is only a transitional measure that the state should not rely upon as a permanent means to solve the [deficit] especially considering that the government has selected a list of the most successful companies out there. Asked about the difficulties lying ahead, he pointed out that listing 23 companies in only 24 months is impossible. The state should have gradually announced the listing of one company after another, as the stock exchange market can't accommodate all of these IPOs, especially as the announced companies are huge, he said. Listing public sector companies on the stock market will be a major challenge for the private sector and an obstacle to its expansion opportunities within the stock market." He added, But implementing the program will be useful and will allow businessmen to hold shares in public companies. This will force public companies to disclose their dividends and financial statements. There are also representatives of shareholders on the boards of directors, which increases governance and corruption controls. This program is a partial privatization of the public sector companies. The state should maintain more than 51% of these companies shares to ensure control, especially over those that monopolize commodities such as the Eastern Co. for tobacco, and those that have a strategic dimension, such as container trading companies, he said. There are three main container trading companies in Egypt: Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Co., Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. and Port Said Container & Cargo Handling Co. They are strategically important because they control trading at Egypts main ports. Moataz al-Said, a board member of the National Investment Bank, told Al-Monitor, The Egyptian market is currently in dire need of the IPO program and the financial reform measures, which alone can't attract foreign investments. He added, The program doesn't infer the privatization of public companies, and it doesn't only aim at bringing money to the government, as it will also expand the companies ownership base and will help diversify their portfolios. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on their performance." With the re-election of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, either a new government will be formed or renewed confidence will be granted to the current government, which will be tasked with making decisions on implementing the ambitious budget in the next fiscal year. The most important challenges will be reducing the deficit and achieving the desired growth rates. Egypt's fiscal 2018-19 begins July 1. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Many questions remain concerning Hamas endorsement of the recent protests that broke out March 30 along the Israeli-Gaza border. Mass demonstrations resumed April 13 for the third Friday in a row, and at least 33 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the clashes in the past two weeks. The recurring protests which Hamas dubbed the Great Return March and are slated to continue until Nakba Day on May 15 were spearheaded by the Coordination Committee for the Great Return March and planned as peaceful demonstrations. The pertinent question, however, is what are Hamas' motives for backing these protests? Is it a long-term strategy or merely a short-term tactic? The Islamic movement has long advocated armed resistance against Israel and criticized the nonviolent resistance style as futile. In a March 29 statement, however, Hamas urged its supporters in the besieged enclave to come out en masse to protest peacefully. The coordination committee includes various Palestinian factions, mainly Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine as well as independent civil and human rights figures and activists. The committee aims to turn the march into an ongoing and sustainable action that will culminate in the 70th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba May 15, the day the US administration is expected to carry out its plan to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Committee member and Hamas leader Ismail Radwan told Al-Monitor that the main goal of the march is to remind the world of the need to implement United Nations Resolution 194, providing for the Palestinian refugees return to the lands from which they were expelled in 1948. Meanwhile, political analyst Talal Awkal told Al-Monitor, By backing the return march, Hamas is also pushing a political agenda. It seeks to present itself to the world as a more moderate party using peaceful resistance to uphold its cause. Awkal believes that Hamas is reinventing itself by pursuing a new strategy based on nonviolent action to open channels for dialogue and forge diplomatic relations with various countries of the world, including the United States, in line with its new political charter. The document, issued in May 2017, reads, Hamas adopts a policy of opening up to various countries in the world, namely Arab and Islamic countries. Hamas seeks to build balanced relations based on reconciling the requirements of the Palestinian cause and the interests of the Palestinian people. Awkal said that with these protests, Hamas wants to embarrass Israel at the international level by portraying it as the party using excessive violence against Palestinians, regardless of whether the resistance is armed or peaceful. Hamas did not respond in kind to the Israeli militarys shooting at protesters. Since the start of the demonstrations, 33 protesters have been killed and 2,850 others wounded by Israeli bullets along the eastern border of Gaza. Since the start of the demonstrations, 33 protesters have been killed and 2,850 others wounded by Israeli bullets along the eastern border of Gaza. In a March 30 statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed sympathy for the families of the Palestinian victims and called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents. Radwan said, Hamas supports all forms of resistance and has become more receptive to the practice of peaceful resistance on a permanent basis. But this does not mean stopping the armed resistance or halting developing of its military equipment. Ahmed Youssef, a former adviser to Hamas' former political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, told Al-Monitor, Until recently, Hamas had long believed that the popular peaceful resistance was useless in the face of Israel, as opposed to the armed resistance, which it sees as a strategic choice. This mindset, however, has started to change with the Great Return March. Youssef believes that this change of heart is due to Hamas becoming aware of the positive impact of the peaceful popular resistance, which has resonated with the international community and brought the Palestinian issue back to the headlines of the global media. Ahmed Awad, a professor of political science at Al-Quds University in the city of Abu Dis, told Al-Monitor that Hamas support for the marches indicates that it is looking to the peaceful resistance movement that emerged in the West Bank in 2005 under the Palestinian Authority. He said, It is clear that Hamas is trying to emulate the peaceful protests of the West Bank in a bid to narrow the gap with Fatah and its leader Mahmoud Abbas, who upholds the option of peaceful resistance as opposed to the armed one. Fatah spokesman Atef Abu Seif concurred, saying, This march paves the way for the re-establishment of the concept of national unity. He called on Hamas to make it part of its strategic vision rather than just a passing tactic. I believe the peaceful resistance was able to embarrass Israel internationally and gain more sympathy to the Palestinian cause, without the need to fire a single shot against Israel, Abu Seif told Al-Monitor, asserting that Fatah fully supports the march and calling on Hamas to cooperate with the PA to integrate the demonstrations into a unified national vision. Awad believes that Hamas is seeking an intellectual rapprochement with Fatah, paving the way for joining the PLO, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people at the international level. However, he said, this new image of nonviolence could contradict the principles of most of Hamas' rank and file as well as its veteran supporters, who have long believed in armed resistance against Israel. Youssef countered, Hamas found out that the nonviolent resistance resonates better with its base and that it is the best way to face the occupation at this time of military calm between Israel and Hamas. President Donald Trumps tapping of Mike Pompeo and John Bolton for secretary of state and national security adviser, respectively, should do away with any pretense that the US administration wishes to fix the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). While Trump has long telegraphed his desire to undo the nuclear deal, Pompeo and especially Bolton have long advocated regime-change policies toward Iran, including war. As the May 12 deadline for Trump to renew sanctions waivers under the JCPOA approaches, five scenarios exist for how Trumps fix it or nix it saga on the accord will play out. The first possible scenario is that Europe gives in to Trumps demands and agrees to new sanctions on Iran over its regional activities and ballistic missile program. In this case, Iran will benefit even less from the nuclear deal, especially given how much of its JCPOA-ordained sanctions relief has already been stymied by US sanctions and threatening rhetoric. Even in this scenario, there is no assurance that Trump will still not seek other ways to kill the deal. For instance, Iran may choose to remain in the deal but would retaliate against regional sanctions by forgoing any regional cooperation with the West. In recent months, Iranian diplomats have met with their European counterparts to discuss regional issues, including in London and Munich. Hamid Baeidinejad, Tehrans ambassador to London, recently stated, Iran and Britain have made important decisions to take action to end this [the Yemeni] crisis. If Europe joins in on new non-nuclear sanctions, this vital diplomatic path that has started may be suspended. The second potential scenario is that Trump follows through on his rhetoric, withdraws from the JCPOA but chooses not to block European business dealings with Iran through secondary or extraterritorial sanctions. In this scenario, Irans response will depend on the reaction of the remaining powers that negotiated the deal. If Russia, China and, most importantly, Europe act proactively to uphold the JCPOA and oppose further US efforts to undermine it, Iran will be incentivized to remain in the agreement. However, Trump would kill chances for US-Iran regional dialogue and cooperation with Iran and increase Iranian opposition to US interests in the region. Given that the United States is entangled in several quagmires, including Afghanistan and Yemen, Iran could instead of potentially facilitating face-saving solutions that allow for an American departure seek to increase the cost of Americas presence. Third, Trump may withdraw from the JCPOA and reimpose all US nuclear-related sanctions, including secondary sanctions targeting international trade with Iran. In this case, European trade with Iran might collapse, leaving Iran with what would be in effect a JCPOA minus the entire West and not just the United States. European countries will find it difficult to resist the United States, and any token measures they take to placate Iran will not make a difference. Thus, Iran will be left with the option of leaving the JCPOA but remaining in the nuclear nonproliferation treaty (NPT). This would terminate the voluntary nuclear transparency measures Iran has agreed to under the JCPOA, such as its implementation of the Additional Protocol to its International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreement and the limits on its uranium enrichment program including its commitment to restrict enrichment to below 5%. For example, Irans nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi has said that if such a decision is made by Irans establishment, Iran will only need four days to ramp up 20% enrichment at its fortified Fordow nuclear facility. Russia and China will be more open to an Iranian nuclear program confined to the NPT if Trump is to blame for the JCPOAs failure, not Iran. The United States will not, however, and can be expected to push for harsher coercive policies short of war leading Iran into greater alignment with Russia and China in confronting Western aims in the Middle East and beyond. The fourth potential scenario is for Trump to leave the JCPOA and pursue an agenda of bringing maximum pressure on Iran, including paving the way for war. This will spur powerful voices in Iran to push for withdrawing from the NPT and follow the North Korean model to bring the United States to the negotiating table. In other words, the conventional understanding regarding North Korea is that the United States will not attack it because it has nuclear weapons, and the reason Trump now wants to negotiate with North Korea while he is increasing pressure on Iran is that the former has nuclear weapons. The strength of the case for this option would not be little in Tehran, as its adherents can argue Iran has not been afforded its rights under NPT rights and that the treaty has in effect become a vessel for punishing Iran. There will also be a greater chance that Iranian military commanders will take steps to play a greater role in the countrys politics to confront warmongers in Washington, Tel Aviv and Riyadh. This scenario would mark the worst point in the history of US-Iran relations and heralds the potential for another devastating Middle Eastern conflict that would dwarf the costs of the Iraq war for the United States. The fifth and the most prudent scenario is that Europe convinces Trump to fully implement the JCPOA in return for the European powers along with possibly the United States, China and Russia engaging Iran in serious negotiations over regional disputes. The fact is that Iran has fully abided by its commitments under the agreement, as has been repeatedly verified by the IAEA, and the JCPOA is an international obligation for the United States as it was endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution. This scenario holds the prospect of finding political solutions to regional crises that would address Trumps long-time accusation of malignant Iranian designs in the region. It would also allow for progress on efforts to build on the JCPOA and establish a formal regional nuclear weapons-free zone. In a conversation with several of his acquaintances on the eve of the Passover holiday, former Minister Rafi Eitan revealed that he planned to approach President Reuven Rivlin with a request to pardon former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert so that his criminal record be expunged. Olmert was released from prison last year after serving 16 months for disgraceful" ethical offenses. A person convicted of such crimes is ineligible for several public offices, including the premiership. Should Rivlin agree, Olmert could then return to political life and perhaps even find himself re-elected prime minister just nine months after being released from prison for bribery, fraud, breach of trust and interfering with a legal investigation. When I first learned of this last week, it seemed unreal. How could Olmert, a man with the questionable distinction of being the first Israeli prime minister to serve time in prison, think that such a comeback is possible? Or could he be unaware of what Eitan was up to? When I posted the news on Twitter April 2, the inevitable responses were quick in coming. Most people were shocked at Olmert's chutzpah. Some questioned the reliability of the news. Journalists who contacted Eitan that day and the next learned that he did indeed plan to approach Rivlin about the matter. Eitan may be 91 years old, but he is still sharp and focused. There is something crafty about him. In an interview with Radio 103, he said, I think the man has already been punished for his actions. He served his time in prison. Furthermore, there can be no doubt that his presence is sorely lacking in the public and political life of the State of Israel. He could contribute far more than many of the other people currently in power. It is important to strengthen the political realm with people of Olmerts character, regardless of where they are situated on the political spectrum. Eitan later admitted that he wanted to remove the stigma of moral turpitude so that Olmert could return to public life. He would not deny that the former prime minister was involved in his efforts. Some of the people who spoke with Olmert after news of Eitans initiative was published heard denial. But anyone experienced with the nuanced language of politicians noticed that his denial was too faint to be credible. And in fact, on April 9, immediately after Passover, the full story was revealed. Olmert had, in fact, approached the Justice Ministry and the president with a request to have his criminal record expunged. His request for a pardon was long and detailed, suggesting it had been prepared well in advance. Its main arguments centered on Olmerts contributions to state security, with his dramatic decision to destroy the Syrian nuclear reactor foremost among them. It is now quite clear that Olmert is following a well-planned strategy in an effort to return to public life. His first step was to receive permission from the Military Censor to publish his book In Person. In it, he provides a detailed narrative of his decisive role in destroying the reactor in Deir ez-Zor nine years ago, along with an account of how Defense Minister Ehud Barak tried to prevent the attack. It's clearly supposed to be the platform on which Olmert will rehabilitate his image, the start of an unprecedented political comeback. The books release was accompanied by an aggressive public relations campaign that included numerous interviews with Olmert. The military's permission to publish details of the Syrian reactor attack, which Israel would not admit responsibility for until that point, stirred great interest in the Israeli media. For several days, Olmert was a fixture on every screen, taking the credit he rightfully deserved for the military action. During that time, he never once expressed regret for his crimes. Instead, he continued to argue in his defense that he was a victim treated unfairly by the various law enforcement agencies, who wanted his head delivered to them on a platter. Olmert had been convicted of serious crimes before various courts, including 11 Supreme Court justices, but he still blamed everyone but himself for his fall. He showed a total lack of self-awareness when he attacked the current prime minister, who is also suspected of criminal behavior, even recommending that Benjamin Netanyahu resign. The release of details concerning the attack in Syria restored something of the former prime ministers lost honor, as could be expected. Even his political rivals complimented him. Once the attacks potential had been exhausted, Olmert moved on to the next stage in his strategy: requesting a pardon so that he can return to a position of national leadership. He's banking on the severe leadership crisis in the center-left and Netanyahus own entanglement in criminal proceedings creating a demand for his comeback. On a practical level, all legal sources agree that there is very little chance of him receiving the pardon, but that he would request such a thing is infuriating. If the State of Israel is really so important to Olmert, the right thing for him to do now would be to live out his life far from the spotlight. Under no circumstance should he become a public figure again. The idea that his contribution to state security is enough to erase his past crimes is evidence of the former prime ministers moral blindness, and not the first. It also shows that he has lost his ability to gauge the mood among the Israeli public. Olmert was never very popular. He admitted as much in a 2007 speech after the Second Lebanon War. He knew that the only reason he was even appointed prime minister in 2006 was because his predecessor Ariel Sharon had slipped into a coma. The Winograd Commission, which investigated the Second Lebanon War, uncovered many serious Israeli failings and determined that Olmert was responsible for most of them. While he managed to survive that crisis, he lost what political strength he once had. He was forced to resign in 2008 because of the criminal investigation into his affairs. The idea that Olmert could be pardoned by the president and have his criminal record erased without even expressing regret for his actions shows a disconcerting lack of judgment. If Rivlin decides to go along with the move, it would be a resounding slap in the face to the war against corruption and all the people and official bodies devoted to maintaining the rule of law, the very same people who are now being subjected to a brutal delegitimization campaign by Netanyahu and the rest of the right. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is moving to increase pressure on the Islamic Hamas movement, demanding the de facto power in Gaza hand over everything, including security personnel, offices and weapons, to the Ramallah-based legitimate government. Azzam Ahmad, a member of Fatah's Central Committee and Abbas point man in the talks with Hamas, told Al-Monitor by phone that Hamas must make a clear choice: Either they hand us everything at once, or they take responsibility for everything. Ahmad, who has been leading the reconciliation efforts with Hamas, denied a report published by Al Jazeera April 10 claiming that Abbas gave Hamas 60 days to make a decision or else he would declare Gaza a rebellious zone. The Palestinian denial, which was also confirmed by two other members of the Central Committee, is focused on the number of days rather than on the fact itself. Ahmad said that the call for a total handover was made during a meeting a week earlier with an Egyptian envoy. He said, President Abbas informed the Egyptians of our position, and we are waiting to hear from them as to the Hamas response. Abbas had met April 3 in Ramallah with Abbas Kamel, head of the Egyptian Intelligence Service. Central Committee member Dallal Salameh told the Jeddah-based Arab News April 13 that the committee approved April 8 the need for decisive action in Gaza. We agreed that Hamas needs to turn over all powers and not half powers to Prime Minister [Rami] Hamdallahs government, she said. We are waiting for answers from Egyptian mediators as to our demand for full solutions and not partial ones. Payment of salaries to public servants, which was delayed in the first 10 days of April, was finally made but only to West Bank government workers, thus increasing the financial pressures on people in the Gaza Strip. Reuters reported from Gaza April 12 that the failure to pay Marchs salary round as scheduled on Tuesday prompted anger and suspicion in the economically stricken Gaza Strip. According to Reuters, the Palestinian Authority (PA) Finance Ministry in Ramallah said that the payment delay in Gaza was due to technical issues. But when the salaries were made to West Bank employees April 12, it became clear that Ramallah was using the salaries as a way to pressure the Hamas de facto power in Gaza. Al-Hayat newspaper quoted undersecretary of the Hamas-controlled National Economic Ministry, Ayman Abed, on April 13 as saying that the number of trucks entering Gaza has dramatically dropped from 700 trucks in 2016 down to 320 in 2017. Abed also indicated that the number of bounced checks in Gaza has increased from $36 million in 2015 to $113 million in 2017. Director of the Ramallah-based think tank Masart Hani Almasri told Al-Monitor that the punishment of Gazans by withholding salaries is wrong. Torturing 2 million of your own people is not a solution but a tragedy, Almasri said. Arab News reported April 13 that a committee headed by Musa Abu Zeid, head of the General Personnel Council, has been established to study the potential cost of turning to early retirement of all nonworking government workers who were employed before the Hamas takeover. These nonworking employees, reportedly numbering 58,000, who have continued to receive salaries had been asked not to work with the Hamas government 11 years ago when the Hamas takeover took place. Those among them who have yet to reach retirement age returned to their jobs last October when Hamas appeared willing to turn over the reins of government to the Hamdallah government. But the process was not complete, and the incomplete takeover appears to have ended when a convoy carrying Hamdallah and head of the Palestinian Intelligence Majid Faraj was the target of an explosive device shortly after their convoy entered Gaza March 13. The current escalation by Abbas comes amid the highly publicized weekly public protests in Gaza, which are expected to climax on May 15, marking the 70th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. It also comes just before the upcoming Arab Summit on April 15, which will be dominated by the Palestine issue. On top of this is a regular meeting of the important Palestine National Council, scheduled for April 30, 22 years since the last general meeting of the Palestinian National Council. Sources in Gaza told Al-Monitor that Hamas is hoping to convince the PLO to temporarily suspend the punitive measures and take part in the anti-Israel peaceful protests, which both sides are on the record as supporting. To prove their seriousness about the peaceful nature of the protests, head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh argued in a speech April 9 in Gaza about the importance of keeping the public protests peaceful despite the fact that Hamas controls an arsenal of homemade rockets. The deteriorating humanitarian situation due to the Israeli siege and the limited civilian passage with Gaza will reach unprecedented and catastrophic levels with the current escalation by the Ramallah leadership, which seems to be hoping for a quick and total capitulation by the de facto power in Gaza. Abbas is clearly taking a risk with the latest decision. But if Hamas doesnt surrender, there is real worry that the current peaceful protests on the borders with Israel might turn ugly and violent and that other violence might take place in the West Bank. One thing is clear: The current situation in Gaza cant continue for much longer at this negative escalating rate. After the Tunisian parliament voted not to extend the mission of a human rights commission for another year, victims' advocates labeled the vote invalid and warned politicians April 5 to expect repercussions, as commission members pledged to carry on with their work. The Truth and Dignity Commission is an independent, constitutionally backed body tasked with implementing the transitional justice law by investigating gross human rights violations committed by the government since 1955, largely under the rule of former Presidents Habib Ben Ali Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The commission, which began its work in 2014 after the 2011 Tunisian revolution that launched the Arab Spring in the Middle East and Africa, has received tens of thousands of cases and is also responsible for helping victims recover and receive compensation. During a tense session March 26, parliament voted against extending the Truth and Dignity Commission's mandate for another year. Some political parties accused Speaker Mohamed Ennaceur of violating parliament bylaws, as he insisted on holding a session without a quorum of one-third. Only 70 out of 217 members were present, while 73 were needed. The Tunisian Victims' Coalition for Dignity and Rehabilitation which comprises more than 50 human rights organizations monitoring the transitional justice process is following the situation. Hussein Bousheba, a founding member of the coalition and a victim covered by the transitional justice law, told Al-Monitor, The coalition pledged to follow up on the transitional justice path stated under the constitution that was passed following the revolution, starting with revealing the truth, [extending] to accountability and reparations for victims and ending with a comprehensive reconciliation with the aggressors." However, the law itself has become a vehicle for settling scores among political parties and blocs in parliament, he said. He underlined that his coalition called on President Beji Caid Essebsi, Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, Ennaceur, national organizations, the Tunisian General Labor Union and leaders of political blocs to assume political and moral responsibility so as not to undermine the path for transitional justice. Bousheba insisted that the public will have the last say; he considers it the last option for the victims of torture and authoritarianism in their struggle to defend their rights and pressure the government. Two prominent parties, Ennahda and Nidaa Tunis, took opposite sides of the debate. Ennahda, which had walked out of the parliamentary session saying the vote was invalid because of procedural violations, issued a statement March 28 stressing that the movement is committed to the path of transitional justice as a "national milestone." Ennahda condemned the tense atmosphere in which the voting session was held. Nidaa Tunis which is affiliated with the speaker issued a statement March 26 praising its blocs vote against extending the commissions mandate. The group also announced it will present an alternative bill to pursue transitional justice. It didn't, however, reveal details. Critics say the commission has worked too slowly and is being mismanaged and that politics play too large a role in its functioning. Ola Ben Najma, a Truth and Dignity Commission member, told Al-Monitor, The commission will continue its work for another year despite the parliaments decision not to extend its work. Ben Najma explained that since the commission began working in 2014, it has received more than 65,000 files concerning victims of violations, including killings, torture and rape as well as forced disappearances and arbitrary dismissals. She also stressed that the commission is committed to studying all the files to achieve transitional justice as well as reparations for all victims in a legal atmosphere, away from vendettas and avenging aggressors. Ben Najma also believes that parliaments vote was invalid and illegal and that parliament's approval isn't even required. The legal wording is clear, and what happened under the parliament is a coup against the path to transitional justice," she said, explaining that the transitional justice law allows the commission's council to extend its own mandate without consulting parliament or other entities. She also expressed her fear that some governmental institutions and ministries will deliberately obstruct the commission's work. For example, she said, the Ministry of Interior has refused to allow the commission to view the archives of the secret police and the military court, blocking access to victims' files. During Russian President Vladimir Putins April 3 visit to Turkey, the two sides finalized an agreement on the creation of a $500 million joint investment fund, among other deals. The fund, which, according to official statements, will focus on infrastructure, health care and information technology projects, will be a joint venture between Ankaras sovereign wealth fund, the Turkey Wealth Fund (TWF) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund. The deal comes as another sign of the growing ties between Turkey and Russia, but how it will unfold is a curious question, for the future of the TWF itself is mired in uncertainty. Ever since its creation in 2016, the TWF has been under criticism, and even President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has admitted that it has been a failure, calling for restructuring. The main opposition, meanwhile, calls for dissolving the fund altogether. The legislation creating the TWF was passed hastily in the summer of 2016 amid the clamor of the July 15 coup attempt, outlining ambitious objectives to support Turkeys development. Public assets worth $160 billion were transferred to the fund, though many were skeptical over its stated goals and some even saw it as a government move to create a parallel budget. Looking at what the TWF has achieved thus far, one could conclude that it is next to nothing, an assessment that even the funds spearheads, including Erdogan, appear to share. So what went wrong? To start with, the TWF has nothing in common with the worlds best-known sovereign wealth funds such as Norways Government Pension Fund, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, China Investment Corporation, Kuwait Investment Authority and Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. Generally, sovereign wealth funds rely on the budget surpluses of their respective governments. In other words, genuine wealth funds belong to countries with current account surpluses and certain natural riches, mostly oil and gas. Turkey has none of these, struggling with both budget gaps and a chronic current account deficit. Officially, the TWFs main objectives are to contribute to Turkeys economic growth by ensuring value increase of key public assets, support the development of assets suitable for participation financing, deepen capital markets through the introduction of a variety of products, attract further investments to Turkey and provide capital for new investments, support the development of strategically important industries, and participate in large-scale investments. Public assets transferred to the fund included the shares of giant entities such as public lenders Ziraat Bank and Halkbank, Turkish Airlines, Turk Telekom, PTT postal service, National Lottery, Istanbul stock exchange, pipeline operator BOTAS, oil company TPAO, satellite communications company Turksat, tea company CAYKUR and Eti Maden mining enterprise. Erdogan had entertained high hopes for the fund. Speaking in November 2016, he described the fund as a very belated project and expressed confidence that the assets it would create would increase our strength, both nationally and internationally. Yet the mountain brought forth a mouse. Less than a year later, in September 2017, Erdogan was grumbling that the fund had failed to progress on the targeted and desired course. We have decided that things cannot go on like this, he said. Reorganizing the wealth fund is a must. By the time of this admission of failure, the TWF was already under fire from the opposition and other critics outside parliament. Atop its hasty creation, almost as a fait accompli without any public debate, the transfer of huge public assets to the fund added to the controversy. Many saw the move as a different way of plundering public resources. The appointment of figures close to Erdogan to the funds management fueled speculation over the funds purpose. When it comes to what the fund has done with the assets, it provides the following explanation on its website: Assessment and independent auditing work on all assets transferred to the TWF is in a process of completion. After the identification of potential development and synergy realms, five-year value creation programs have been drawn up for all assets and submitted to the prime ministers office for the approval of the Council of Ministers. New investments, to be made simultaneously in this process, will be also outlined. In December, Omer Fethi Gurer, a lawmaker for the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), submitted a written parliamentary question to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, asking about the fate of the funds strategic plan and the investments it would finance. He also requested information about any plans to sell or mortgage assets. The response came from Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, who oversees the economy. Simsek said the TWFs activities could proceed under a three-year strategic investment plan, adding that a blueprint had been submitted to the prime ministers office for approval in April 2017. At the time Simsek disclosed this information, the plan had been waiting for seven months without a decision, which seemed to justify criticism that the TWF was stillborn amid discrepancies between its objectives and functions. This raised further questions about the purpose of the fund and some, like CHP deputy Cetin Osman Budak, wondered whether it could end up dissolved. In his own parliamentary question to Yildirim, Budak asked whether the government would consider scrapping the TWF, arguing that it was essentially designed as an unchecked second Treasury and contributed nothing to the economy. According to the lawmaker, the state of affairs was in itself a confession of the funds failure and no management reshuffle could make it useful for the economy, hence it should be dissolved without squandering further public funds. Other opposition questions to Yildirim include the following: What efforts has the TWF made in line with its objectives to secure external funds, increase the value of assets in its portfolio and participate in strategic investments, and what results has it obtained? How much revenue has the fund secured through its activities thus far? How much money has the fund spent on administrative expenditures such as personnel salaries, immovable properties, furnishing and cars? How much payment has been made to members of the funds executive board? While those questions still await answers, the TWF remains an entity that essentially exists only on paper, having failed to make any tangible progress on its objectives and have its strategic plan approved by the government. Some reports suggest that differences between Erdogan and the Cabinet have also contributed to the stumbling, which makes the future of the fund even more curious. Despair and frustration bogs down Rohingya refugees as they face a future with no access to formal education or jobs. Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh It is a hot, chaotic morning at Kutupalong, the worlds largest refugee camp located on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Rohingya women, men and children, uprooted from Myanmar, form long queues outside the offices of various aid organisations and wait to receive clothes, food and medicines. There is a rush to collect stacks of bamboo to protect weak settlements from the upcoming monsoon. Children help out too, carrying the heavy poles as they balance boxes of aid material on their little heads. Some children run around and play in groups, while others attend temporary learning centres where English, Burmese and mathematics are taught. The Rohingya have faced brutal persecution and discrimination at the hands of the Myanmar government, which refuses to recognise them as citizens and has killed or forced out large chunks of their population in repeated, barbaric acts of ethnic cleansing. Following the most recent cycle of violence in August 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya have sought refuge in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district, taking their population in Bangladesh to about a million now. Children and youth between 3-24 years comprise nearly half of the Rohingya refugees and are not allowed to pursue formal education in Bangladesh. Only informal education is available through temporary learning centres and religious schools or maktabs which offer Arabic language and Quranic education. Maktabs are separate from the network of temporary learning centres and are funded by private Bangladeshi donors or countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Viewed against the backdrop of religious oppression of the Rohingya in Rakhine state, the maktabs are seen positively by the refugees in Bangladesh camp. The maktabs also keep the children occupied, since any movement outside the camp is not allowed. Informal education their only option Set up by UNICEF, Save the Children and local Bangladeshi organisations, the temporary learning centres, now numbering close to 1,100, provide informal education to Rohingya children aged 4-14 years. A maktab or religious school at Kutupalong camp [Urvashi Sarkar/Al Jazeera] Bengali, however, is not being taught, since the Bangladesh government does not plan to integrate Rohingya refugees with the local population. It is past noon, and the temporary learning centre at the camp has wound up for the day. Children scamper out of the small room made of tin, sticks, and coarse cloth. A blackboard, bearing the words beard, buttocks and abdomen in English, stands in a corner. The teacher, Mohammed Abdullah, an 18-year-old Rohingya refugee, rubs it clean. As Abdullah explains the curriculum to me, he is joined by Janatullah, also 18 and a Rohingya refugee. Janatullah appears restless and angry he was unable to attend his matriculation exam because of the violence that broke out in Myanmars Rakhine state in August 2017. I would have appeared for the examination this year. I was the best in my class. But the violence drove us out. The Myanmar government murdered our families and prevented us from education. I wanted to study in a university and learn English. I do not know if it will ever happen. Now, I can only live on charity, Janatullah told Al Jazeera. Staring at a bleak future Janatullah speaks in English, which he says he learned after arriving in Bangladesh. But since he is 18 years old, no form of education even informal is available for him in the refugee camp. While Abdullah was able to find work as a teacher in the camp, Janatullah was not as fortunate. His despair is echoed by Sanjib Sil, a resident of the adjacent Hindupara camp. A Hindu Rohingya in his early 20s, Sanjib said he had both fertile land and his own business in Myanmar. Now, he has nothing. I do not have even five rupees. I have to stand in line and beg for charity. I cannot step out of the camp. My future is ruined, and I am condemned to an unproductive existence. No girl will be willing to marry me, said a distraught Sanjib. The tribulations of Janatullah and Sanjib are shared by hundreds of young Rohingya in Bangladeshi refugee camps who have been abruptly wrested from formal education and any chances of employment. Mohammed Abdullah teaches children at a temporary learning centre at Kutupalong camp [Siddharth Adelkar/Al Jazeera] There are no formal jobs available for Rohingya in the camps. According to a recent report, nearly 62,000 refugees have been able to do small cash jobs in the camps. There are also a few Rohingya who managed to escape Myanmar with some money and have been able to set up small shops where they sell vegetables, fruits and clothes to other refugees. Nizamuddin, 32, is a Rohingya teacher at a temporary learning centre in Balukhali camp. He is a graduate, a rare distinction among the refugees because of long discrimination against the Rohingya in schools and universities in Rakhine state. It was not easy to complete graduation. I ignored the insults and humiliation of Muslims and tried not to get into fights. I passed out of Rakhine states Sittwe University before 2012. That was the year fighting broke out between Muslims and Buddhists, and many Muslims were killed. It became almost impossible for Muslims to get admission in Rakhine colleges after 2012, he said. Nizamuddin worked as a private tutor and taught in small rural schools in Rakhine and earned a satisfactory living. In Bangladesh, he earns 8000 taka ($96) a month and can teach only Burmese, English and mathematics, whereas, in Myanmar, he could teach more subjects. My prospects have reduced here. I remember how I struggled to graduate. Has it amounted to nothing? he asked. Rohingya girls situation worse If boys and young Rohingya men are staring at a bleak future as stateless refugees, the situation is possibly grimmer for female children and adolescents who, apart from being forced to pull out of formal education, face the additional threats of child marriage and sex trafficking. Nine-year-old Kasmin Fatema goes to both a temporary learning centre and a maktab at the Kutupalong camp. Gultaz Begum, her mother, has yet not decided how long she will permit Kasmin to go out. Gultaz herself dropped out after third grade in Myanmar. As I grew up, my family was scared that I would be harassed by Rakhine men, she said. However, she is happy that Kasmin is learning English at the temporary centre. Despite attending school in Myanmar, my daughter could not even write her name. Muslims faced a lot of discrimination in schools. Now she can write her name in English and read too, she said, hoping against hope that Kasmin could become a teacher one day. General Gilbert Diendere took over as head of a new National Democratic Council a day after members of Compaores powerful Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) burst into a cabinet meeting and took the interim President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Isaac Zida hostage. A joint statement by the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. Read More: Burkina Faso army issues ultimatum to coup leaders Street protests erupted outside the presidential palace where the interim leaders were being held, with RSP officers firing shots to disperse demonstrators. At least 10 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in protests sparked by the coup, which came just weeks before what would have been the first election since longtime leader Blaise Compaore was ousted in a popular revolt last October after trying to extend his 27-year grip on power. Diendere on Monday apologised to the nation and said he would hand over control to a civilian transitional government after a warning from the military that its forces would converge on the capital and forcibly disarm the soldiers behind the power grab. After the announcement, people took to the streets to celebrate what they hoped meant the end to the coup and the chance of elections later this year. Scots may have voted against Brexit, but they still prefer to share sovereignty with London rather than Brussels. In the aftermath of Britains vote to leave the EU in June 2016, Scotland seemed to be on the brink of independence. Scots rejected Brexit by an overwhelming 24-point margin (62 percent to 38 percent), prompting Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon the head of Scotlands semi-autonomous government in Edinburgh to start preparing the ground for a fresh referendum on separation from the UK. Support for independence surged. Enthusiasm for the 310-year-old union with London melted away. Sturgeon caught the mood of the Scottish public when she described the prospect of Scotland being stripped of its EU membership by eurosceptic voters in England and Wales as democratically unacceptable. {articleGUID} Since then, however, Scotlands First Minister has been forced into a dizzying strategic retreat. Nationalist sentiment has ebbed. The SNP lost 21 of its 56 MPs at the British general election last June. And plans for a rerun of the first independence poll in 2014, which saw 55 percent of Scots opt to remain part of the UK, were abruptly shelved. The question of when another independence referendum should take place, and of how it could be won, is now the source of an increasingly bitter rift within the once-unified ranks of Scotlands nationalist movement. Last week, Pete Wishart, the SNPs longest-serving MP, urged independence supporters to be patient in their demands for indyref2. Staging another referendum too soon and losing, he warned, would be terminal for Scottish nationalism, as it has been for the secessionist campaign in Quebec. The lesson from Quebec is that a defeated second referendum could set back the cause of independence by decades, Wishart wrote. [And] there is no guarantee that the movement would bounce back. The online response was savage. Hardcore SNP activists rounded on Wishart, questioning his commitment to independence and even accusing him of being a poster boy for a pro-UK lobbying group, Scotland in Union. But behind the Twitter frenzy, a more nuanced critique of Wisharts position could be found. Many senior nationalists believe the window for another referendum is rapidly closing. They point to polls indicating that Scotlands two main pro-independence parties the SNP and the Greens are on course to lose their combined majority in the Scottish Parliament at the next devolved election in 2021, which would create a sizeable legislative stumbling block to self-government. Instead, they want Sturgeon to call a vote on independence either just before or just after the UK formally exits the EU in March 2019. This, they argue, would allow Scotland to escape the economic upheaval of Brexit, salvage its place in Europe, and bring the curtain down on a decade of UK government austerity cuts. Decisions made in Scotland are better decisions for Scotland, Chris McEleny, a candidate in the SNPs ongoing deputy leadership race, stated this week. That is why I believe we should have a referendum on our independence within the next 18 months. In reality, if Sturgeon did decide to gamble on a snap poll, the conditions for a nationalist victory would be far from favourable. First of all, the Scottish electorate is in no rush to renew the battle over Scotlands constitutional status. According to one recent survey, nearly 60 percent of Scots oppose holding another referendum at any point in the next few years, while just 30 percent of Scots actively expect independence to occur within the next 10 to 20 years. Secondly, the move would undoubtedly trigger a protracted legal challenge from Westminster that would take months to resolve and could result in a Catalan-style standoff between Scottish politicians and the British legal authorities. Thirdly and most importantly there is very little sign of any sustained backlash against Brexit among Scottish voters. Despite the mounting threat Brexit poses to the UKs economic health, and Theresa Mays inept handling of the Brexit negotiations, support for independence the only political mechanism capable of rescuing Scotlands EU membership has stalled somewhere around the 45 percent mark, which is more or less where its been since September 2014. This fact illustrates the underlying dilemma facing the SNP as it attempts to grapple with Brexit: Scots may be more pro-European than people in other parts of the UK, but only up to a point. And if they are forced to choose between sharing sovereignty with Brussels and sharing it with London, all the available evidence suggests they will pick London as the safer and more familiar option, even if that means remaining anchored to a country wracked by rising levels of political and economic uncertainty. There are risks associated with inaction, too. In what is widely seen as an attack on the principle of Scottish devolution, Westminster is trying to repatriate powers from Brussels that should otherwise revert to the Scottish Parliament after Brexit. And, of course, the SNPs control of the Scottish electoral landscape wont last forever. Moreover, as the unexpected success of Jeremy Corbyn demonstrated last year, public attitudes can change dramatically in an instant. But these considerations have to be weighed against the possibility of losing two independence referendums in under a decade. Given its current internal tensions, Scottish nationalism almost certainly wouldnt survive that. The irony for Nicola Sturgeon is that, having fought hard against Brexit, she wouldnt survive it either. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. For those who bet on Donald Trump altering the geopolitical landscape in Syria, they are in for a huge disappointment. His braggadocio tweets and bizarre flip-flops, from premature withdrawal to humanitarian intervention, is mindboggling for his advisers before anyone else. The fact is, US generals worry about their commander-in-chiefs Twitter tirades as much as they worry about the enemy pulling the trigger on the battlefield. Last Monday, President Trump woke up to two Russia-centered crises that became interrelated in his mindset. Israeli jets caught Moscow by surprise and struck Iranian assets in central Syria with the goal of drawing the US into this conflict, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided the office of Trumps longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, after a tip from US special counsel Robert Mueller. These two developments alerted Trump to engage in two strikes: a military one overseas to prove his anti-Russia credentials and a legal one at home against Muellers octopus infiltration in his private and business life. However, the Pentagon tamed his reaction on Syria and the Congress restrained his temptation to undermine the Russia investigation. Yet, Trump should be given credit, when credit is due. His tweet on April 11 telling Russia to get ready for the coming US missiles on Syria re-opened the hotline between Washington and Moscow. Russian officials explicitly pointed out that they are in direct contact with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford. Calmer heads began to prevail, including Trump who claimed yesterday that he never said an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all. The US presidents passive-aggressive Twitter diplomacy previously secured him a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after the two squabbled over who has the mightiest nuclear button. Russias influence in Syria has been unchecked in the past three years and it is long overdue to establish some sort of deterrence. The psychological warfare was effective for a limited time, but ultimately the US has no plans to compete with Russia in Syria. The only US problem with Moscow seems to be the use of chemical weapons; killing Syrian civilians in conventional weapons is fine otherwise. While the world has been obsessed with a strike that did not happen yet, the Syrian regime took full control of Eastern Ghouta and continue to expand territorial gains in the southwest. Hence, we obviously are not in a turning point in the Syrian conflict, but this crisis can build a strong case for holding the expected meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, once the dust settles. [Trumps insistence on acting in Syria primarily comes from the obsession of being different from his predecessor, Barack Obama, who faltered on the chemical attack redline in 2013.] US General George Patton once said: A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week. The US strike has lost its shock and awe factor and the White Houses national security council meeting yesterday seemed to have put it on the backburner. The Israeli surprise attack last Monday might have mitigated the need for a major US action. The threat to act might be more effective than the actual strike. Russian, Iranian and Syrian authorities were put on notice and recently redeployed their assets in anticipation of a strike. The challenge, however, is how to backtrack the US rhetoric if Moscow did not offer a viable path forward, not only regarding the Douma chemical attack but the overall Syrian conflict. There are indeed legitimate questions in the debate regarding the rational, magnitude and implications of the US reluctant strike. Will it manage to deter the future use of chemical weapons or risk an international war? Should the US be drawn into the Syrian conflict because of Israels agenda against Iran? What are the potential targets: chemical sites, military bases or the whole Syrian jet fleet? Syria is much more important to Russia than it is important for the US, hence Moscow is willing to fight back. Settling scores between the West and Russia should not be on Syrian soil. A US strike is a standalone act, but Syrian civilians might suffer the consequence if there is no long-term plan to protect them and a credible conflict resolution path instead of the de-escalation zones mockery. The Pentagon has the upper hand on Syria for the foreseeable future. However, Trumps behaviour shows how US foreign policy can walk through minefields. Will Trumps impulse, along with his newly appointed hawkish advisers, override, at some point, the checks and balances of the Pentagon? The verdict is out on this question as the US administration is going through a systemic shift in its national security apparatus. But Trump will remain Trump, a non-interventionist who sees the cost/benefit analysis of military acts from a budgetary standpoint. His insistence on acting in Syria primarily comes from the obsession of being different from his predecessor, Barack Obama, who faltered on the chemical attack redline in 2013. Sooner or later, however, Trump will move on from Syria to focus on the May 12 deadline to certify, or not, Irans nuclear deal and the summit with Kim Jong-un. Meanwhile, the Syrian status quo will remain unchanged with no coherent US approach. Make no mistake, when push comes to shove, Trump cares about firing Mueller more than striking Assad. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Greek police detained 1,658 refugees and migrants in March after they crossed the border from Turkey by land. Athens, Greece A growing number of refugees and migrants are reaching Greece via land routes from Turkey, with Greek authorities increasingly accused of carrying out illegal pushbacks on the land borders. On Friday, the Greek police said that 1,658 refugees and migrants were detained in March after crossing into Greece through the Evros River, which is situated on the Turkish border. That number was more than five times higher than the same period in 2017, which saw only 262 people detained on the countrys frontier with Turkey, the Greek daily Ekathimerini reported. The new data comes just two months after the Greek Council for Refugees published a report alleging that Greek authorities were increasingly conducting systematic pushbacks in the Evros region. Eva Cosse, a researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said pushbacks are considered a violation of both international refugee law and human rights law. Weve been monitoring the issue of pushbacks, Cosse told Al Jazeera. Pushbacks at sea stopped when the [Syriza] government came to power [in January 2015], but pushbacks on land have never really stopped, she added. People should have the opportunity to seek asylum but pushing back people can put them in danger. While Greece has been widely criticised for pushbacks and the declining humanitarian conditions for tens of thousands of asylum seekers trapped in camps, migration minister Dimitris Vitsas has defended the governments approach to the crisis. {articleGUID} One of our central priorities for the immediate future is the implementation of major infrastructure projects in the islands, in cooperation with the local government, aiming at enhancing everyday life of the inhabitants who are in the front line during the ongoing refugee crisis, he recently told reporters. Vitsas added that the Greek government will continue to vigorously defend the values of humanity and solidarity. Dangerous Yonous Muhammadi, head of the Greek Forum of Refugees, also said the number of people crossing via Evros is increasing. We have people coming four or five times, entering Greece and then being pushed back to Turkey, he told Al Jazeera by telephone. Describing the land route as dangerous, Muhammadi cited a string of reported deaths along the Evros River, where rising waters made the journey perilous. Meanwhile, the number of refugees and migrants reaching Greek islands by crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Turkey was ostensibly on the rise again. According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), more than 16,595 people have reached European shores by making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean so far this year. During that period, at least 501 people died or went missing, UNHCR noted. {articleGUID} Between January and March, one person out of every 14 crossing the Mediterranean died, compared with one death in every 29 people who made that journey during the first three months of 2017, the UN recently said. On March 17, a boat carrying refugees capsized en route to Greece from Turkey. The Greek coastguard subsequently found 16 bodies, among them children. More than 10,000 personnel, 76 fighter jets and 48 warships took part in the exercises attended by President Xi Jinping. Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen what is being labelled as the countrys largest naval military drill in the contested South China Sea. Clad in military fatigues and as determined as ever to modernise the Peoples Liberation Army, Xi on Friday presided over a large military parade involving the countrys only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. Building a strong navy has never become so urgent as today. We will carry out the thought of building a strong military in a new era, Xi was filmed telling service men and women. Also included in the tour de force were 10,000 personnel, 76 fighter jets, 48 naval vessels and a nuclear-powered submarine, according to the defence ministry. Reporting from Beijing, Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown said Xis remarks came as three US navy aircraft battle groups passed through these same contested waters. Just 48 hours earlier, before an audience that included world leaders, President Xi had sought to present China as the guarantor of free trade. Now in the South China Sea, which contains some of the busiest shipping lanes, he had another message these are our waters, and we have the strength to defend them,' Brown said. Chinas navy announced on Thursday it will be holding a live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, the first such exercise in over 20 years. Protect our country Taiwan for its part held its own military drill on Friday amid rising tensions between the two countries. Authorities in Beijing have long considered Taiwan, a self-ruled island republic, a breakaway province that forms an integral part of mainland China. The naval exercise was the first of its kind since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen assumed power in 2016. I believe our nationals should feel very confident about our armys determination to defend and protect our country, Tsai said onboard a warship off the countrys east coast. Asked to comment on Beijings planned fire-drill in the Taiwan Strait, Tsai said the exercise amounted to a routine drill which the Taiwanese navy has made the relevant preparation for and will fully monitor. Tsai, however, warned against what she called Chinas military expansion, a reference to Beijings increasing military drills around Taiwan. Chinas air force alone conducted some 25 drills around Taiwan between August 2016 and December 2017. On March 20, the Liaoning aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait on the same day Xi warned against attempts to separate Taiwan from China. The US has recently given the green light to defence contractors to help the island state construct its own submarines, adding to existing tensions between the two neighbours. Philippine president says Manilas ICC membership is flawed and court will never have jurisdiction over him. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to arrest the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor if she comes to Manila to investigate his deadly war on drugs. In a press conference on Friday, Duterte said international prosecutors will never have jurisdiction over him in a million years, because the Philippines was never a member of the ICC. You do not have jurisdiction even to conduct a preliminary investigation, he said, addressing ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, who is taking initial steps to investigate the president for possible crimes against humanity for the alleged extrajudicial killings involving police. {articleGUID} So, you Ms Fatou, dont come here, because I will bar you. You cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis. That is illegal and I will arrest you, Duterte said. He also said the Philippines membership in the international body was flawed, thus negating its validity in the country. Previously, Duterte had also criticised Fatou and a UN human rights official, hurling insults that critics labelled as racist and sexist. The statement prompted UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein to call for Dutertes psychiatric evaluation. In March, Duterte announced that the Philippines was withdrawing from The Hague-based court effective immediately. The Philippines is a signatory to the Rome Statute, a multilateral treaty that created the international court. According to the treaty, withdrawal from the court is only effective a year after a country gives notice of its decision to the UN secretary-general. A signatory country also can not be discharged of any cases already pending in the court before the withdrawal. According to police reports, 3,967 drug personalities were killed for resisting arrest during police operations between July 1, 2016, and November 27, 2017. But an opposition senator said the death toll in the drug war had surpassed 20,000, since Duterte came to office on June 30, 2016. An Al Jazeera investigation also revealed that police officers were involved in attempted killings of unarmed drug suspects. Al Jazeera also recorded cases of children being killed by police officers. On Tuesday, the Philippine Supreme Court said the inclusion of the more than 20,000 deaths in a 2017 government report may lead to the inference that these are state-sponsored killings. The court also ordered the government to turn over all the documents related to the deadly two-year-old anti-drug war. Up to 50,000 Commonwealth-born individuals who arrived before 1971 still do not have permanent residency status. London Caribbean Commonwealth high commissioners have called on the UK government to resolve the issue of elderly Caribbean-born undocumented residents at risk of being deported by the Home Office. Many of the Caribbean-born individuals whose undocumented status has now been called into question, arrived in the UK as children under their parents passports at a time when their island was still a British colony. These now elderly Caribbean-born individuals have no formal identity documentation as they assumed they were automatically British citizens. Although the British Nationality Act 1948 granted British citizenship to individuals from Commonwealth countries, the introduction of the 1971 Immigration Act restricted free movement of Commonwealth citizens, although it did grant indefinite leave to remain for those who arrived prior to 1971. According to the Migration Observatory of the University of Oxford, up to 50,000 Commonwealth-born residents who arrived in the UK pre-1971 have not had their residency status made permanent. Speaking on Thursday of his dismay at how the contribution of an entire generation to Britain has been brushed aside, Guy Hewitt, the high commissioner of Barbados to the UK, said: Being a product of the Commonwealth, London-born of Indian and Barbadian migrants to the UK, I am dismayed that this situation could even exist in the 21st century; that people who gave their all to Britain could be seemingly discarded so matter-of-factly. Windrush generation This year marks the 70th anniversary since the MS Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury, bringing with it 492 men and women from the West Indies who became the first of the symbolic Windrush generation. They arrived on British shores at the request of the government, to redress severe labour shortages after World War II. Yet for the new arrivals who walked along the gangplank of the ship onto the shores of their new home, their arrival was not without hostility. Openly anti-immigration political campaigns were forged with slogans such as, No Irish, no blacks, no dogs, culminating in Enoch Powells Rivers of Blood speech delivered in 1968, which became known as one of the most incendiary anti-immigration speeches in modern times. For the children of the Windrush generation, that hostility has come full circle. Since 2012, the Home Office enforced systematic immigration checks on those intending to open bank accounts, applying for a driving licence, and accessing medical care. Harsh treatment The demand of burden of proof has meant that undocumented Commonwealth-born UK residents, the majority of whom are from the Caribbean, have had to produce documentation that predates 1971 to prove their residency. Numerous cases pointing to the harsh treatment of undocumented residents by the Home Office have emerged over the past few months. Paulette Wilson, a grandmother who lived and worked in the UK for 51 years, was detained in Yarls Wood Immigration Centre and threatened with deportation to Jamaica, a country she had not visited since the age of 10, after she was told she was illegal. Wilson is one of many individuals deemed illegal by the Home Office, resulting in the denial of their right to work, their access to bank accounts and medical care, subsequently being forced to report to detention centres with threats of deportation. scholarship, news and new ideas in legal history Israel accused of placing itself in direct confrontation with Iran with suspected attack on military airbase in Homs. A suspected Israeli missile assault on a Syrian airbase in Homs province was a historic mistake, the leader of Lebanons Iranian-backed Hezbollah has said in a televised speech. Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday from the Lebanese capital, Beirut, that Israel had placed itself in direct confrontation with Iran, referring to the missile attacks that targeted military sites in Syria on April 9. Two Israeli warplanes, using Lebanese airspace, fired eight missiles at the T-4 military airbase, according to the Russian military. The attack on the airbase, located 40km west of Palmyra, killed about 14 people, at least four of whom were Iranians from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps an independent force that answers only to the countrys supreme leader. Nasrallah described the attack as unprecedented in the region something that could not be overlooked. The missile attack followed a suspected chemical attack targeting Douma, a former rebel-held town in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta, which has been the target of a two-month offensive by Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces. There has been no comment by Israeli officials on the issue. In his speech, Nasrallah described the suspected chemical attack, which killed at least 85 civilians, including women and children, as a theatrical play, and appeared to clear the Syrian government of responsibility amid a chorus of Western accusations against it. He cautioned the United States against military intervention in Syria, saying it would pit the country in a battle with the people of the region rather than armies or organisations. He dismissed President Donald Trumps Twitter posts as posing no threat to Russia, Iran or Syria. Nasrallahs remarks came shortly before the Israel military announced on Friday that an Iranian drone it shot down in February was armed with explosives. The drone, which had entered Israeli airspace, was tasked to attack Israel, an investigation by the Israeli military concluded. After flight path analysis & an operational & intelligence-based investigation of the Iranian UAV that infiltrated Israeli airspace on 2.10.2018, the IDF concluded that the Iranian UAV was armed with explosives & was tasked to attack Israel Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 13, 2018 By intercepting the Iranian UAV, IAF combat helicopters prevented the attack Iran had hoped to carry out in Israel. The UAV was identified & tracked by Israeli defense systems until its destruction, effectively eliminating any threat the Iranian UAV posed Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 13, 2018 The Israeli army launched large-scale attacks inside Syria in what it claimed was its response to the Iranian drones presence in the occupied Golan Heights and the subsequent downing of an Israeli fighter jet by Syrian air defence forces. Israel is technically at war with Syria and occupies a chunk of the strategic Golan Heights, which it seized in the Six Day War of 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. Israel has sought to avoid direct involvement in the Syria conflict but acknowledges carrying out dozens of air raids there to stop what it calls deliveries of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah. Its going to be OK one day: Syrian asylum seeker in KL airport The Syrian asylum seeker, whos been stuck in Kuala Lumpur airport for more than a month, has received a swell of support from strangers on social media. Koreans on the border want North and South to reunite Koreans stranded on the wrong side of the border after the war long to see their families again. Official request to start blocking messaging app granted but founder pledges to use built-in systems to overcome ban. A Russian district court has granted a request by the countrys media authority, Roskomnxdzor, to start blocking Telegram, the messaging application, because of its refusal to hand over encryption keys. The decision was made on Friday after a 40-minute hearing in Moscow that was not attended by the companys lawyers, at the request of Telegrams founder and chief executive, Pavel Durov. The case was brought to court last year by the FSB, Russia internal security service. The FSB had requested that Telegram, which has more than 200 million users worldwide, hand over its encryption keys, which would allow the authorities to read all messages sent using Telegram. Durov later announced that Telegram would use built-in systems to circumnavigate the ban. However, he said on his page in the VK social network that he could not guarantee users would retain access to Telegram without using virtual private networks (VPNs). A VPN is a technology used to get around restricted internet services and improve anonymity. Encrypting technology According to the FSB, Telegram was used extensively by international terrorist organisations, and its encryption technology made it hard for the security agency to track their communications. However, Telegram refused to hand over the encryption keys, saying it would not compromise the privacy of its 200 million users around the world. Judge Yulia Smolina said in her decision that the ban was to be implemented immediately, Russian press agency TASS reported. The ban on access to information will be in force until the FSBs demands are met on providing keys for decrypting user messages, she said. The Telegram case was brought to court last year by Russias internal security service In his reaction to Fridays decision, Durov also implied the Russian government was motivated by money. The power that local governments have over IT corporations is based on money. At any given moment, a government can crash their stocks by threatening to block revenue streams from its markets and thus force these companies to do strange things, he said. Privacy is not for sale, and human rights should not be compromised out of fear or greed. With 9.5 million users in Russia, Telegram is one of the countrys most popular encrypted messaging apps and is used extensively by private citizens and the government, which uses it, among other things, to send out messages regarding conference calls for journalists. Iran and Indonesia Telegram has been subject to blocks before in other countries, most notably Iran and Indonesia. In Iran, it was used extensively by protesters who used it to plan and coordinate protests critical of the government around the country at the end of 2017. As a result, the app was blocked for a few weeks by the Iranian government. In Indonesia, Telegram was blocked for reasons similar to those cited by Russia. The government had said the app was used to spread radical and terrorist propaganda. That ban was lifted after Indonesia claimed to have taken steps to block negative content. Incidentally, Telegram has been one of the favourite methods of communication for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group, which uses the apps open channels feature which can be followed by anyone using the app to spread ISIL propaganda. However, Telegram is also popular among human rights activists for the same reason, as it allows them to communicate relatively securely to a large group of people. Ruling effectively ends any political future of Sharif, who was dismissed last year over corruption charges. Islamabad, Pakistan Pakistans Supreme Court has disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, dismissed from his post over corruption allegations last year, from holding public office for life. A five-member bench of the countrys apex court unanimously ruled on Friday that anyone disqualified under a constitutional clause requiring legislators to be honest and trustworthy would be considered banned for life. Sharif was dismissed from office as prime minister in July of last year, in a case lodged over disclosures in the Panama Papers leak, but which ultimately hinged on allegations that he had failed to declare a salary from his sons UAE-based company. Sharif says that he never received the salary, and that he held a position within that company in order to maintain a valid business visa in the Gulf state. The Supreme Court ruled that whether he received the salary or not was immaterial. The three-time prime minister and three of his children continue to face trial for corruption charges in a National Accountability Bureau court, which is due to deliver a verdict in the coming weeks. Pakistan is due to hold a general election in July. No accusation has been proven Sharifs PML-N, which continues to hold a strong majority in parliament, termed the decision an attack on democracy. This is an accusation on which a sitting prime minister was disqualified, the trial is ongoing and no accusation has yet been proven, said State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, speaking to reporters shortly after the verdict was announced. Yet, he has been banned for life. Pakistan is fighting the case for democracy, and Nawaz Sharif will take this to its final conclusion. Pakistan has had a tumultuous history with democracy, being ruled by the military for roughly half of the 70 years since it gained independence from the British. Sharif himself had twice been removed from office during previous stints in power in the 1990s, once, after a tussle with the president and a second time, in a military coup by former army chief Pervez Musharraf. In July, the court ruled that he was unfit for office, citing article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, which stipulates certain subjective characteristics in order for a Pakistani to be a member of parliament. The characteristics include being sagacious, righteous and non-profligate [and] honest and trustworthy. Fridays verdict applies to any legislator disqualified from office under the same clause of the Constitution. Jahangir Tareen, a key leader of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was also dismissed from office by the Supreme Court in December under the same clause, for incomplete financial disclosures in his parliamentary declarations. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras web correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim. Suspected chemical attack near Damascus dismissed as staged by West during emergency session at UN Security Council. The UN Security Council has held an emergency meeting called by Russia to discuss what it describes as a threat to international peace from potential US military action in Syria. Russias ambassador to the UN said during Fridays session that its specialists found no traces of toxic substance use in Douma, the largest town in the Eastern Ghouta region near Syrias capital Damascus, after a suspected chemical attack hit the area. Vassily Nebenzia said Russia had clear evidence that the incident was staged, referring to the suspected chemical attack that killed at least 85 people in Douma on April 7. The comments came as Igor Konashenkov, Russias defence ministry spokesman, said in a televised appearance that his country had evidence the UK was involved in organising the chemical attack in Douma. We have evidence that proves Britain was directly involved in organising this provocation, he said. Russian broadside Speaking at Fridays meeting in New York, Nebenzia said the US threat to use force in Syria constituted a breach of international law. He described the actions of the US as reckless, accusing it of infringing on the sovereignty of states by threatening military action and of being unworthy of a permanent seat on the Security Council. The sole thing they [the US, France and the United Kingdom] have an interest in is to oust the Syrian government and contain the Russian Federation, Nebenzia said. The meeting was one of several emergency Security Council sessions convened on Syria to discuss the suspected chemical attack. President Donald Trump had warned that the US might take military action in Syria in response to the alleged chemical attack. Russia and the Syrian government denied using chemical weapons in their fight against rebels in Eastern Ghouta, which began on February 18 when they launched a major offensive. Russia had previously said it would respond to any US missiles fired in Syria by shooting them down and targeting their launch sites. In her speech, Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the UN, said the Trump administration believes Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces used chemical weapons at least 50 times during the seven-year conflict. Our president has not yet made a decision about possible action in Syria. But should the United States and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defence of a principle on which we all agree, she said referring to US allies. All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow Assad to normalise the use of chemical weapons. Shortly before the UN meeting convened, Haley told reporters that the US, UK and France had analysed the situation and concluded that a chemical attack did take place on Douma earlier this week. War of words The US-Russia war of words comes as the worlds chemical weapons watchdog begins investigating the incident in Syria. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said on Thursday it had deployed two fact-finding teams to Douma. In her speech at the Security Council meeting, Karen Pierce, British ambassador to the UN, acknowledged the importance of the OPCWs probe and said that what happened in Syria was a violation of the UN charter. She also said Russias involvement in Syria was not helping to revive the Geneva peace track which is what the UK would continue to do. Her remarks came a day after British media reported that the UK cabinet had agreed on the need to take action in Syria. Referring to the Salisbury case, in which a former Russian spy and his daughter were poisoned by a nerve agent in southern England last month, Pierce said her government had no quarrel with the Russian people, but it was Russias own actions that have led to this situation. For his part, Francois Delattre, Frances ambassador to the UN, said the Syrian government had reached a point of no return by deciding to use chemical weapons. He called on the world to provide a robust, united and steadfast response. France will shoulder its responsibility to end an intolerable threat to our collective security, Delattre said. A day earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said his country had proof that the Syrian government launched the gas attacks. Syrias rejoinder In his speech, Bashar al-Jaafari, Syrias UN ambassador, said his country would have no option but to defend itself in case the West launches a military attack, adding that this is not a threat; this is a promise. Referring to Haleys charge that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons 50 times, he said US experts had confirmed there are no chemical-weapon stockpiles in Syria. Is this how the White House strategises? How is this possible? al-Jaafari said. Her own country has destroyed our stockpiles in the Mediterranean. Could they have simply forgotten all of this? He said the potential target of any attack would not be the vile terrorists in Douma who were chased out to the north, but the state of Syria. According to al-Jaafari, this is the topic that should be discussed today. Cold war warning Earlier during the session, Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, warned that a cold war was back and the tools to address it were no longer present. The Middle East is in chaos, he said, adding that Syria represented the most serious threat to international peace and security. There is no military solution to the conflict. The chemical attack in Douma, if confirmed, would be the largest of its kind in Syria since April last year, when sarin or a sarin-like substance was dropped on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, killing at least 85 people. Days later, the US launched a retaliatory missile attack against a Syrian airbase from where it alleged the attack had been launched. US defence chief urges caution as Moscow warns against any move that could trigger conflict between US and Russia. US defence chief James Mattis has urged caution in Washington, DCs response against Syria, dialling back President Donald Trumps rhetoric about possible military action following reports a chemical attack in the besieged town of Douma last week. In a public hearing on Thursday, Mattis told members of Congress that the US is not going to engage in the civil war itself, and it remains committed to the UN-backed negotiations in Geneva to end the war. We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people. On a strategic level is how do we keep this from escalating out of control, he said. Our strategy remains the same as a year ago: To drive this to a UN-brokered peace. At the same time, we keep our foot on the neck of ISIS until we suffocate it, he said referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group. On Wednesday, Trump had threatened to retaliate against the Russian-backed Syrian regime, posting on social media that nice, new and smart' missiles will be coming. But he later wrote that there is no reason for the antagonism between Washington, DC and Moscow, adding that we need all nations to work together. On Thursday, Trump added on Twitter that he never said when an attack on Syria would take place but it could be very soon or not so soon at all! Russia concerned about aggressive policies Russia had previously said that it would respond to any US missiles fired in Syria by shooting them down and targeting their launch sites. Moscows UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Thursday that the immediate priority is to avert the danger of war. He did not rule out the possibility of a US-Russia conflict, saying Moscow was very concerned with the dangerous escalation and aggressive policies that certain governments are making. We hope that there will be no point of return that the US and their allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign state, Nebenzia told reporters late on Thursday. Russia has called for another emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday. The latest development in Washington comes as British media report that UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays cabinet agreed on the need to take action in Syria. At the same time, Frances President Emmanuel Macron was quoted as saying that he has proof that the Syrian government targeted civilians in Douma with chemical weapons last week. Were looking for evidence For Mattis part, he told members of Congress, I cannot tell you that we have evidence that the government of Bashar al-Assad was directly involved in the deadly attack, saying there are no US troops from the ground who could directly confirm the allegations. I believe that there was a chemical attack and were looking for the actual evidence, he said, calling the deaths absolutely inexcusable. At least 85 people, including many women and children, were killed in the Douma attack, according to a statement by rescue workers and medical staff. A team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog is headed to Syria to begin an investigation into the suspected attack. The incident would be the largest of its kind in Syria since April last year, when nerve agent sarin or a sarin-like substance was dropped onto the town of Khan Sheikhoun, killing at least 85 people. Following that incident, the US launched a retaliatory cruise missile attack days later against a Syrian airbase from where it alleged the chemical weapons attack was launched. Assads government and its ally Russia have called the allegations fabrications. Thousands of DR Congo refugees escaping violence to Uganda Al Jazeera travels Lake Albert, on the DR Congo-Uganda border, to meet some of the refugees who have fled violence in Congo. Arrests seen as part of crackdown against suspected network of US-based figure blamed for failed 2016 coup attempt. Turkish prosecutors have ordered the detention of 140 people, including serving army officers, over alleged links to the US-based religious leader Fethullah Gulen, according to an Anadolu news agency report. Police launched simultaneous operations in 34 provinces across the country for 70 serving army members in a probe led by state prosecutors in the central province of Konya, Anadolu said. It said the suspects were targeted based on statements by soldiers previously detained over ties to Gulen. The Turkish government says Gulen orchestrated the failed coup on July 15, 2016, in Turkey which killed 250 people mostly civilians and left nearly 2,200 injured. Gulen has rejected the accusations. Turkey also accuses Gulens group of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary. {articleGUID} Eighteen suspects from the Turkish navy have also been arrested over suspected links to Gulen, a judicial source said on Friday. The 18 are among 70 officers, ex-officers, and civilian workers and officials sought by warrants, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media. Istanbul prosecutors issued the warrants after examining digital documents seized from a suspect. The warrants include 15 naval officers, including 11 on duty, as well as civilian officials and teachers, the source said. An inquiry based on the digital documents is ongoing, the source said. On Thursday, Turkish police arrested another 58 suspects for their alleged links to Gulen. Since the attempted coup of July 2016, Turkish authorities have detained 160,000 people and dismissed nearly the same number of civil servants, according to the United Nations Human Rights office. Turkey says the arrests are necessary to combat threats to national security. Ex-prime minister replaces his former mentor as Senegals new president. Macky Sall, who once served as prime minister under Abdoulaye Wade, replaces his former mentor as Senegals new president. Sall unseated Wade, the ageing president who unsuccessfully sought a third term in office, in a landslide victory in the countrys 2012 presidential elections. As a member of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), Sall served as prime minister under Wade between April 2004 and June 2007 and was also the president of the National Assembly between June 2007 and November 2008. His political career appeared to have peaked under Wade, who ruled the West African nation for almost 12 years. Sall saw quick political success, and occupied several ministerial portfolios before becoming prime minister. But he then fell out of favour with Wades government, quit the party and struck out on his own. Fall-out Relations soured between Wade and Sall when the latter questioned the role of Karim Wade, the presidents son, in alleged irregularities concerning construction sites for Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) held in early 2008. Wade loyalists viewed Salls move as a covert attempt to undermine Karim and bolster his chances of becoming the president. Wade had long been accused of trying to position his 44-year-old son to take over from him. After the fall-out, Sall formed his own party, the Alliance for the Republic (APR-Yakaar), under which he was elected mayor of Fatick in 2009. Under APR-Yakaar, he ran a nationwide campaign to compete in the 2012 elections. Although Wade led in the first round of the elections, the combined weight of Senegals opposition vote favoured Sall in the runoff. Wade had faced growing criticism for his attempt to seek a third term in office on a constitutional technicality amid discontent over corruption, nepotism and financial scandals in his government. Upbringing Sall was born to a modest family in the western city of Fatick, to a civil servant father and a mother who sold groundnuts. He graduated from Dakars Cheikh Anta Diop University with a degree in geology, before heading to France to further his education in the field. His father was a dedicated member of the Socialist Party which had been in power since independence. But Sall says he quickly became disgusted with its misrule, joining the opposition in 1983. Sall was at Wades side when he finally unseated the Socialists in the 2000 elections. A year later, the new president appointed him mining minister. In 2003 he became minister of territorial administration and government spokesman before taking up the office of prime minister a year later. Sall led his mentors election campaign in 2007, but lost his spot as prime minister in the cabinet shortly afterword, though he went on to be elected speaker of the National Assembly. A tall, plump man, Sall is nicknamed Niangal in the local Wolof language, referring to his closed, austere expression, while he comes across as naive. But his aides say appearances are deceptive. He is not as docile as he seems, said El Hadji Wack Ly, a lawmaker with the PDS. He is a firm man who keeps his word. Russian ambassador rejects claims made by top British security official in letter to NATO head on spy poisoning case. Britains national security adviser has said Russian intelligence agencies had been spying on Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, and Yulia Skripal for at least five years. Mark Sedwill made the assertion in a letter made public on Friday, addressed to Jens Stoltenberg, NATOs secretary-general, explaining Britains conclusion that the Russian government is to blame for the military-grade nerve agent used against the Skripals. He said only Russia had the technical means, operational experience and the motive for the attack. Skripal, 66, a former colonel in Russias military intelligence who betrayed dozens of agents to Britains MI6 foreign spy service, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were found unconscious on a bench in the cathedral city of Salisbury on March 4. It was the first incident of a nerve agent being deployed in Europe since World War II. Theresa May, the British prime minister, has said the Skripals were attacked with one of the Novichok group of poisons, which had been developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 80s. Clear motive Sedwill said that after the Soviet Union collapsed, Russia signed the Chemical Weapons Convention but did not report its ongoing work on Novichok. He said Russia had a proven record of state-sponsored assassinations and had tested ways of delivering chemical weapons, including using door handles to spread nerve agents, as Britain believes was done in the Skripal case. Sedwill also said Russia had a clear motive for attacking Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence officer who had been imprisoned in Russia for spying for Britain, only to be set free in a spy swap. We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals, dating back at least as far as 2013 when email accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU (military intelligence) cyber specialists, he said. Alexander Yakovenko, Russias ambassador to the UK, dismissed Sedwills charges as unfounded and untrue. Moscow has vigorously denied any involvement and suggested that the UK carried out the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. Nevertheless, the attack has prompted the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the Cold War, with the UKs allies in Europe and North America concurring that Moscow was either responsible for the attack or had lost control of the nerve agent. Russian denial Russia strongly denies the UKs claims about Novichok, saying it destroyed its entire Soviet-era chemical weapons arsenal last year under international oversight. It insists that the nerve agent used on the Skripals could easily have been manufactured in any other country with an advanced chemical research programme. The British government has requested a special meeting with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to discuss the findings. The UN Security Council, of which Russia is a member, will also hold a meeting next week. The OPCW confirmed on Thursday that the lethal poison used in the attack on the Skripals was a military-grade nerve agent of high purity. The OPCW tested samples from Salisbury in four laboratories and confirmed the UKs conclusion about the substance that had been used. The results of analysis by OPCW-designated laboratories of environmental and biomedical samples collected by the OPCW team confirm the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical, the published summary said, adding that the toxic chemical was of high purity. However, the OPCW did not explicitly name Novichok in its published summary, nor did it say where the chemical may have come from. Speaking on Friday, Sergey Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, said the OPCW report offers nothing to support Britains claims that Russia was behind the attack. I want to underline: the OPCW only has confirmed the composition of the chemical agent, he said. Separately, Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, said Moscow would not accept any conclusions about the poisoning unless Russian experts were given access to the investigation. Expert opinion Richard Guthrie, an independent chemical-weapons expert, says an important detail in the investigation is that the toxic substance is of high purity. Its very difficult to make a highly toxic chemical to this high level of purity without a lot of effort, he told Al Jazeera. Normally, you dont worry about some impurities because they dont get in the way of the major task that youre using the chemical for, which is to poison someone. So you only remove the impurities if you are trying to make it difficult for people to point the finger back at you. Yulia Kripal was released from hospital this week. Sergei Kripal remains hospitalised, but British health officials say he is recovering. WASHINGTON, April 13, 2018 The American Bar Association Section of International Law and Carolina Academic Press have released a timely, practical and thought-provoking book on how Mexicos legal system is responding to key challenges to the rule of law. Mexico and Its Legal System: Lawyers Essays on the Continuing Evolution presents nine essays exploring how Mexican law is evolving to address critical issues in the development of the countrys legal system. Some of the issues addressed include federalism, civil procedure, dispute resolution, immigration, foreign investment and land ownership. In addition, the book tackles how the law approaches gender equality, assures fair and transparent elections and shapes the role of the legal profession. The books co-editors, Yurixhi Gallardo and Patrick Del Duca, have produced insight into the role of the legal system in Mexican society that is simultaneously concrete and practice-oriented for lawyers and business people. The book, published in English, speaks broadly to the fundamental rule of law and law reform aspirations of lawyers generally, while affording insights relevant to current political and economic developments on both sides of the Mexico-U.S. border. The book lays a solid foundation for anyone seeking to understand the workings of Mexican law and is provocative reading, no matter how sophisticated and versed in the law readers may be. Each essay drills into its subject matter with an immensely practical understanding of how the law currently works and how it might be made to work better, said Del Duca. As just one example, the chapters on the uniquely Mexican procedural concept of amparo and implementation of mandatory alternative dispute resolution in Mexican civil litigation are the most insightful of which I am aware, in any language, into these key elements of the functioning of Mexicos legal system. Gallardo is professor of the School of Law at Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara, where she teaches in the areas of political theory and professional ethics. She received her Ph.D. from the Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara, having earned masters degrees in Humanistic Studies from the Universidad Abat Oliba CEU, Barcelona, and in History of Thought from Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City campus. She completed a specialization in Anthropology and Ethics at Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara, where she also earned her law degree. Del Duca, a partner at Zuber Lawler & Del Duca LLP in Los Angeles, is the author of Choosing the Language of Transnational Deals: Practicalities, Policy and Law Reform. He has a J.D. from Harvard Law School, earned a laurea in giurisprudenza from the Universita di Bologna law faculty, and received his Ph.D. in law from the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Title: Mexico and Its Legal System: Lawyers Essays on the Continuing Evolution Publisher: ABA Publishing and Carolina Academic Press Pages: 232 Product Code: 5210304 ISBN: 9781531009984 e-ISBN: 978-1-5310-0999-1 Binding: Paperback Price: $35 Orders: Order the book here or call (919) 489-7486 Editors note: Author interviews and review copies of this book are available by emailing Francine Bennett at Francine.Bennett@americanbar.org. If you publish a review of this book, please send tear sheets or a copy for our files to Francine Bennett, ABA Book Publishing, 1050 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. ABA Legal Fact Check seeks to help the media and public find dependable answers and explanations to legal questions and issues. Go to www.abalegalfactcheck.com and follow us on Twitter @ABAFactCheck. With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary professional membership organizations in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement online. Follow the latest ABA news at www.ambar.org/news and on Twitter @ABANews. In addition to their liberal tilt, Millennials are the first generation to be brought up on social media. Mark Zuckerberg, himself a Millennial, was born in 1984, and his "genius," if you call it that, created the platform for much of Millennial culture. Launched in 2004, Facebook quickly became the favorite site for Millennials as well as others. During congressional testimony Tuesday, Zuckerberg began his prepared remarks by stressing that "Facebook is an idealistic and optimistic company." Indeed it is, and in this it reflects the values of its users. In what follows, although he acknowledged its failure to restrain Cambridge Analytica and other bad actors, Zuckerberg portrayed the company as primarily a "tool for good." Strictly speaking, one could say Facebook is not primarily a tool for good: it is a capitalistic enterprise, and a successful one. Zuckerberg claims that his top priority has been "connecting people," not profit. I would admire him more if he had frankly stated that he is a businessman who has found a way to make a great deal of money off the site's users. Facebook reflects, and to an extent creates, Millennial values. It operates not just as a "neutral platform," but as an instigator of Millennial culture. That culture is intensely progressive, naively idealistic, and thoroughly nonjudgmental. ("It's all good," as Millennials like to say.) Trusting, openness, and "liking" (on and off Facebook) are values engrained in Millennial thinking. Skepticism and critical thinking are less common. Millennial culture is distinctive in that it is the product of a remarkable period of global affluence and security beginning with the fall of Soviet communism in 1991. Unlike previous generations the Silent Generation growing up in the shadow of WWII and the Great Depression and the Boomers with their Depression-era parents and the challenge of the Vietnam War, the Millennial generation is the product of a remarkable period of global peace and prosperity. In this they may seem fortunate, but they are not. As Milton put it in his verse play Comus, "A virtue untested is no virtue at all." Except for 9/11, which many Millennials barely remember, and the financial crisis of 2008-2009, also a fading memory, the Millennials have seen little of war or economic challenges. They have grown up in a bubble believing, as apparently does the leading Millennial historian Yuval Noah Harari, that the bubble will never burst. (Harari, author of the best-selling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and Homo Deus: A Brief History of the Future, asserts in the latter book that wars, plagues, and economic depressions are a thing of the past.) Mark Zuckerberg, one of the pied pipers of this coddled generation, was pressed hard in Tuesday's congressional hearings. Deflecting questions as to whether he would support regulation, he remained composed while insisting that Facebook will do better at self-regulation in the future. The most important point of his defense, however, had nothing to do with Facebook privacy policies. It was Zuckerberg's insistence that the fundamental nature of Facebook is a platform for maximum "sharing" of personal information and that it is for this very reason that two billion users have signed up. Facebook, in effect, was created by its users. That point seems incontrovertible. What's remarkable is not Facebook's behavior, which, despite its smiley-face persona of serving the greater good, is actually engaged in making money; it's a generation of users intent on unzipping their private lives to a world of "friends," many of whom they have never met. This narcissistic behavior is not restricted to Facebook. "Selfie" and "tweet" are Millennial creations as well. To me, that behavior seems embarrassing and silly (self-important and exhibitionist are other terms that come to mind), but for those who have known nothing but affluence and security, the self-assurance of Facebook users may seem quite normal. I am not defending Facebook. In his testimony, Zuckerberg often insisted that Facebook does not sell user data. Instead, it uses data to "improve user experience" by targeting ads to users. OK, Facebook does not sell data, but it certainly monetizes data. That may be viewed as improving user experience. Or it may be seen as pressuring consumers to buy based on personal information. To me, Zuckerberg's repeated insistence that he is not primarily interested in profit is unconvincing. The most incisive questioning of the day was that of Sen. Ted Cruz, who grilled Zuckerberg on reported Facebook censorship of conservative opinions. Zuckerberg admitted that Facebook operates out of the "leftwing" culture of Silicon Valley, implying that at least some of his 14,000 content-reviewers may hold bias against conservative views. I would go much farther. The question is not whether there are a few rogue employees censoring conservatives; it is whether a systemic culture of political bias exists not just at Facebook, but at Google, Yahoo, and other Silicon Valley companies. In the end, Facebook is a private company devoted to profit-making, but it is also a company with enormous political and cultural influence. Privacy concerns and concerns about other forms of user abuse are legitimate, but the "solution" is not regulation. It is, quite simply, don't use Facebook. To my way of thinking, most of what transpires on Facebook is a waste of time anyway. Why would any rational person spend hours perusing a "friend's" photos of a humdrum luncheon if that's the sort of thing Facebook users do all day when he could be reading books like Mario Livio's Is God a Mathematician?, T. Colin Campbell's The China Study, or the Library of America edition of Poe's poetry and tales, some of the books now on my desk? That leads to another point about the Millennial generation: they don't read in a serious way. Madeline Hill, a Millennial herself, points out that Millennials have plenty of time to read, but they're just too absorbed by social media, or too lazy, to do so. According to one source, Millennials spend 18 hours a day consuming social media, with 5.4 hours of it devoted to user-created content. That doesn't leave much time for War and Peace. Not to be too hard on Millennials, they are the product of their times, as were the Boomers and the generations before. The Boomers had their own issues with "untested virtue" and lack of application, yet most of them grew up, as I'm sure most Millennials will. The Boomers "grew up" not just with Vietnam and Watergate, but after they married, entered the workforce, and underwent years of responsibility as breadwinners and homemakers. The Millennial generation, already the largest component of the U. S. workforce, will do so as well. The greater testing may still lie ahead. The Millennial values essentially nonjudgmental, atheistic, socialistic, and self-absorbed are not the sort that sustain a person through hard times. Their Facebook culture won't be altered in any significant way by congressional hearings or media exposure. It can only change as a result of testing. For many years to come, the Millennial generation will continue to frequent Facebook and other social media sites, disclose their personal information online, and fawn over socialists like Bernie Sanders who promise to postpone their day of reckoning by canceling student loans, offering "free" health care for all, and providing guaranteed employment with a "living wage" regardless of ability or application. The underlying cultural values that pervade Facebook won't change any time soon. America's Millennials are the product of unprecedented affluence and security. Over time, they will change they may even become conservatives but only when affluence and security are threatened. Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011). The audacity. Really, that's probably the right word. Audacity. Let's face it: it's trendy to hate the Israeli rabbinate. Leading thinkers, heads of every major American Jewish organization (except orthodox ones), act as if it's open season. One prong of this onslaught is that the rabbinate makes it disproportionally difficult and drawn out to approve conversions to Judaism. Another is that the rabbinate doesn't recognize at all the authority of many Jewish chaplains from the diaspora. That alienates huge sections of the Jewish community there. Another claim is that the rabbinate actually charges money for the services the rabbis provide e.g., processing marriage paperwork and issuing kashrut certificates for restaurants and hotels. The list of complaints seems endless. It's mind-boggling. Barely a day passes by when you don't see a headline, an interview, an article emotionally and unapologetically bashing the Israeli rabbinate. The reality is that the Israeli rabbinate, in all its branches e.g., law enforcement (from whence this writer is retired), community, military, university chaplains, burial societies, mikvah-ladies, the list goes on and on deserves a well deserved tip of the hat. On a daily basis, year in and year out, they exemplify what writing articles like this takes: courage to stand for unpopular beliefs are besieged by popular attack. By glaring contrast, the overriding custom has always been that American Jewish leadership avoids expressing opinions on all policies that involve internal Israeli decision-making or decisions. The most ready example is AIPAC. Their perennial efforts to garner bipartisan congressional support for Israel are well known. That's what they do. Yet, concurrently, they support the so-called "two state" solution even though that would be the only state in the world where a Jew could not live or even visit. It would be a state established to openly declare that it will continue to pursue its charter's call for Israel's destruction. AIPAC supports this two-state goal because it is the organization's policy, like other Jewish American groups, the AIPAC doesn't "interfere in Israel's internal workings or policies," per se. That is the gist, according to this author's understanding. The people at AIPAC encourage congressional support of Israel but don't take stands on internal Israeli policy. (Though supporting a so-called two-state solution is in fact a stand.) When it comes to the Israeli rabbinate, the rules change. Decorum is out the window; everybody and everyone knows better. Everyone is a "maven." And it's open season on the worst enemy to world Jewry today. In fact, the vehemence toward the Israeli rabbinate often exceeds that toward our real enemies those actively seeking to kill Israeli civilians. We never see pieces championing the Israeli rabbinate. Here it will suffice to touch on one or two points. First, the empowerment, the very establishment, of the rabbinate branch is not a modern Israeli concept. It was, remarkably, the policy for centuries (!) under the Ottoman Empire. The exact areas as are today under the Rabbinate jurisdiction marriage, divorce, conversion, burial were, for centuries, the domain of religious tribunals. That was the policy under the Islamic Ottoman Empire for Jews, Christians, and of course Muslims. These sensitive areas connected to family life were, by law, considered most appropriately decided by the religious authorities. Under the British mandate in Palestine, that legal situation was intentionally preserved. Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious courts. When the modern "state" of Israel was established, through numerous political decisions from Ben Gurion to legislation enacted by the Knesset, which is a democratic representative body this centuries-old practice of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim decision-making was protected. In modern-day Israel, these courts and bodies are anchored in primary and secondary legislation and, naturally, implemented by regulatory rules. Religious courts, the rabbinate, Muslim and Druze courts, and ten recognized Christian communities is law in Israel. It's not the wild west here. It's law, democratically established laws enacted by the representative body called the parliament. Primary, secondary, and regulatory. For example, as the only American chaplain in the Israeli prison service, for thirteen years, I was empowered to oversee all religious activity in my maximum-security installation. Whenever one of my hundreds of Muslim inmates petitioned to marry while still finishing his sentence, it was my job to process the paperwork. I personally visited the local Islamic court and submitted paperwork with the "kadi," the Islamic judge. That judge is a highly educated, certified, and well paid Israeli government employee. This system that delegation of personal and family-oriented issues should be under the jurisdiction of properly screened, educated, and extremely regulated representatives of each religion isn't modern Israel's concoction. Nor is it the diabolical tool of the Orthodox Jews to keep power. It was the wise policy for centuries of the Ottoman Empire, followed by the British empire, and then explicitly left untouched by Israeli politicians and democratically entrenched into primary and secondary legislation and regulation. Second, the conversion process. In my role as the Chabad campus chaplain at Tel Aviv University for almost two decades, it was my privilege to escort many converts through that process. I officiated at many of their weddings. Not one of them ever complained about overbearing bureaucracy. They were sincere in their desire to embrace our tradition in their private lives. They worked hard; they were focused and determined. There's nothing wrong with working hard and being focused. Converting is a life-changing event. Becoming a doctor is a life-changing event. Becoming a computer programmer is a life-changing move. Becoming a rabbi was a life-changing move. The common denominator in all these is that everything real and worth going after in life takes time, effort, and determination. Becoming Jewish is not different. The rhetoric today that seeks to demonize the Israeli rabbinate as fighting to keep a strong hold on who can and who cannot become Jewish is a cop-out. Those community leaders who strain to stoke the flames of animosity against the Israeli rabbinate on this subject are doing a dire disservice to those sincere non-Jews who do wish to make this sensitive and personal move in their lives. It is a disservice because it it's a distraction. When it took this writer two years of failures and retries to pass the first test toward the Israeli rabbinate ordination, my family and confidants didn't say, "They're making it hard because of x, y, or z." Fortunately, and responsibly, they did encourage me by saying, "If you really want it, study harder. It's worth it!" Four years later, I became presumably the first American to achieve such an ordination. It's called hard work and will. Enough is enough. Those constant attackers of the Israeli rabbinate, primarily (not entirely) in the diaspora, check your own deeds first. What are you doing to strengthen belief and observance in the Jewish tradition? I am retired from my government chaplaincy positions. I do not represent anyone but my own ideas. In my experience, the Israeli rabbinate is doing a fantastic job. And I respect the rabbis for doing a hard and often unappreciated service. Rabbi Fishel Jacobs served as a major in the Israeli Prison Service and Chabad campus chaplain at Tel Aviv University. He's authored numerous bestselling books on practical Talmudic law and speaks worldwide. (PowerRabbi.com.) Image: Adam Ben Cohen via Flickr. One of the greatest comic minds of the twentieth century, Mel Brooks, said late last year that "stupid political correctness" would be "the death of comedy." "It's not good for comedy," Brooks said in September 2017. "Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. Comedy is the lecherous little elf whispering in the king's ear, always telling the truth about human behavior." It's safe to say Brooks speaks from a podium of unparalleled wisdom on this matter. His movie Blazing Saddles remains one of the least politically correct movies Hollywood has ever made. It's also probably the funniest. Brooks has said that that "political correctness would almost certainly have prevented Blazing Saddles ... from being made today." Imagine he's right, as I believe he is. Imagine that Mel Brooks, or Richard Pryor (few know he helped write the screenplay), had first considered whether a joke would be politically correct before first considering the more important question for a comedy: whether or not a joke will land with an audience. What you'd be left with is a generally unfunny piece of propaganda defending the ideas of the status quo, hardly "the little elves whispering in the king's ear, always telling the truth about human behavior." As political correctness is driven by prevailing political actors, it and the truth rarely go hand in hand. Take this article, for example, written by the New York Times in 1992, discussing demographic trends: Just a decade ago, gas station ownership usually mirrored the ethnic makeup of the surrounding neighborhood. But now, about 40 percent of the city's stations are run or owned by South Asians[.] ... The forces that draw immigrant groups to certain occupations such as Indians to gas stations ... are complex and varied. "Indians" owning and operating "gas stations" in America at a high rate was a simple observation of truth back then. It's remained the truth over the years, such that over half of America's convenience stores were owned by members of the Asian-American Convenience Store Association as of 2013. (A glimpse at the web page shows that we're not talking about East Asian representation, by the way.) All of that is truth. And what's more, it's Americans' reality. Enter The Simpsons, riffing on that reality, which introduced the character of Kwik-E-Mart proprietor Apu Nahassapeemapetilon three years before the New York Times observed that reality more formally in 1992. America's longest running television show came under fire last year when Hari Kondabolu, "a comedian of South Asian descent," made a documentary titled The Problem with Apu. The documentary asserts that Apu perpetuates a negative and racist stereotype, and as such, his portrayal in the show is offensive and should be addressed. The show addressed Kondabolu's criticism last week by dismissing it. Lisa, the progressive voice of the show, sitting in bed with her mother, Marge, discusses how to make a book inoffensive for 2018, quipping, "Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect[.] ... What can you do?" Just as nothing makes a child angrier than ignoring his tantrum, this dismissal of Kondabolu's criticism earned the furor of all of those who've been triggered by Apu's portrayal. Full disclosure: The Simpsons is my favorite television show of all time, and it is among the smartest and most influential television comedies ever aired, evidenced by the numerous paths it laid for similar prime-time animated comedy shows that followed (think King of the Hill and Family Guy). Particularly, seasons three through nine are without parallel in the world of television comedy, in my opinion. This kerfuffle raises a simple question about the stereotypes deemed suitable for comedy these days. For if one must find a stereotype in the show (and there are certainly many), Homer Simpson is the most obvious. He's white, fat, lazy, and dumb, seeking only to satisfy his basest desires for beer, food, and television. He is the show's leftist creators' vision of the American everyman. But the American everyman can generally overlook all of that because Homer is redeemable and good, and most of all because he is funny. Apu, on the other hand, is highly intelligent, generally kind, a thriving business owner with a strong work ethic, and a complex individual whom fans know and appreciate. Yes, he speaks with a thick Indian accent. Yes, he owns a convenience store. But his character, most importantly, is well developed and funny, which is why he's beloved by most fans of the show, so much so that the show could simply not be what it is without him. The left is not interested in any of that. Leftists are driven by a political narrative within which the humor must fit, rather than humor for the sake of making people laugh though making people laugh should be the essence of comedy. The fascistic approach to comedy presented to us today is, indeed, as Mel Brooks relates, a serious problem. Perhaps you remember that a few years back, Jerry Seinfeld took some flak for saying he would not play colleges because they're so politically correct. "They just want to use these words," said Seinfeld, like "that's racist," "that's sexist," and "that's prejudice. They don't know what the hell they're talking about." There to prove his point (by trying to disprove his point) was Anthony Berteaux at the Huffington Post. "As a college student that loves and appreciates offensive, provocative comedy," he was disheartened by Seinfeld's comments. "While I do agree with you that college students are more sensitive to issues of race and gender politics, it's simply because that's our job as learners," he writes, and continues: It isn't so much that college students are too politically correct (whatever your definition of that concept is), it's that comedy in our progressive society today can no longer afford to be crass, or provocative for the sake of being offensive. Sexist humor and racist humor can no longer exist in comedy because these concepts are archaic ideals that have perpetrated injustice against minorities in the past. College students' "job" is to learn to be triggered by things that offend them, he argues, rather than learning skills that provide actual value in the world. That's stupid. Even stupider, he's arguing that comedy must conform to his vision of the culture. When he says he "likes" offensive comedy, what he means is that he enjoys comedians feigning an offensive posture while, say, riffing on white male privilege, as he references that Louis C.K. does. Anything offensive to prevailing intersectional political thought simply "can no longer exist in comedy." In the end, comedy exists not to validate the worldview of overly sensitive audience members. In fact, comedy should do just the opposite, and expose the delicate sensibilities of audience members who can't take a joke, just as the world around them does. That would be reality. Comedy, at its core, exists to make people laugh, even at our own expense. Radical leftists demanding that comedians conform to their P.C. worldview are not arguing about comedy. They're arguing about conformity. And conformity and comedy are, and always will be, odd bedfellows. William Sullivan blogs at Political Palaver and can be followed on Twitter. See also: Cory Booker disgraced himself questioning Pompeo Doubling down on House minority leader Nancy Pelosi's mantra that the Trump tax cuts and corporate bonuses for individual workers are "pathetic" and mere "crumbs," presidential wannabe Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) blamed middle-class Americans keeping more of their money and corporations sharing more of their profits for driving up the debt: In a video with fellow Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen and Tammy Baldwin, Booker slammed the Republican-led tax reform effort that cut taxes for a vast majority of Americans and led many businesses to give their employees one-time bonuses[.] ... Booker went on to shame people who received those one-time bonuses, insisting that it is not "free money" and that it came with the cost of "driving up our debt." Never mind the eight years during which President Obama accumulated more debt than all prior presidents combined. Booker insists that keeping too much of our paychecks and not the government spending too much is what drives up the national debt. If Booker has any plans for cutting spending outside the military, they are the only thing in Washington that has not been leaked. Letting people keep more of what they earn is not "spending," and companies giving more of what they earn to their employees is not spending, either. Booker is typical of those who believe that all money belongs to a government that decides how much of it we will be allowed to keep in exchange for our votes. Now, that's what you call "trickle-down" economics. Or is it trickle-up taxation? Liberal progressives deal with the distribution of wealth rather than its creation and are more worried about the distribution of the golden eggs than the health of the goose. Ironically, the rich will pay more under President Trump's tax cuts, something one would think Booker and Pelosi would applaud: The bottom 60 percent of Americans, with earnings below roughly $86,000, will account for 27 percent of the country's income but will not pay any income tax at all. In 2017, that lower tier contributed 2 percent of income taxes. The country's biggest earners, those who make over $730,000 and are in the top 1 percent, will pay 43 percent of all income taxes; under the prior tax regime, those folks contributed only 38 percent of income taxes. So, where's the beef? If the tax cuts actually raise the portion of income taxes being collected from the wealthy, what do those on the left, who have been slamming the tax bill, find so objectionable? Good question. What is objectionable about the middle class keeping more and the rich paying more, Sen. Booker, apart from the fact that the money won't pass through the hands and stick to the fingers of greedy government? The tax cuts are the reason consumer confidence is soaring, why business investment is growing, why unemployment is falling, and why the labor participation rate is increasing as people who have given up looking for work find both hope and opportunity. People are starting the small businesses of their dreams as innovation is suddenly being rewarded and not confiscated through taxation or stifled through regulation. Economic growth is what you get when people get to reap the rewards of their efforts, and economic growth is the key to deficit and debt reduction. Government spending needs to be cut, but it is the fault of those struggling to feed, clothe, educate, and house their families. These are people like Jessica Hodge, who teared up as she recently thanked President Trump for the tax cuts that make a big difference to families who pay taxes while being trivialized by politicians who spend other people's money: On Thursday, President Donald Trump traveled to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, to participate in a roundtable on tax reform. President Trump opened up but literally tossed his notes aside, citing how it would be "boring" if he read from the planned remarks, and instead went off script. Then a woman named Jessica Hodge took the mic and told a heartwarming story about how the tax cuts have affected her family. She said while holding back tears: "I just want to say thank you. I said I wasn't going to cry. I just wanted to say thank you to you for the tax cuts. This is a big deal for our family. I think half of this audience is our family. We really support you, and this is a big deal. These tax cuts are a big deal. Thank you for listening to us. Thank you for fighting for us. Thank you for caring enough to allow us the opportunity to come here and tell you thank you to your face." These tax cuts to these families are not "crumbs," Sen. Booker. As Joe Biden might put it, they are a BFD. They will become so for Democrats, too, if Democrats insist on running on a platform of essentially rescinding the Trump tax cuts and recreating a tax and regulatory environment that punishes employers and employees alike. Tax breaks have never exploded the deficit. They did not under Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton, or Bush. Government revenues exploded as workers and companies were rewarded for their labors. We have deficits not because anyone is taxed too little, but because people like Bernie Sanders spend too much. Booker and the Democrats forget the lesson of the luxury tax. The luxury tax was a 10% tax imposed in 1991 on cars valued above $30,000, boats above $100,000, jewelry and furs above $10,000, and private planes above $250,000. Designed to make the rich pay their "fair share," it aimed at the rich and hit the working class right between the eyes. Die-hard class warriors like Ted Kennedy and then-Senate majority leader George Mitchell crowed publicly about how the rich would finally be paying their "fair share." But it wasn't the rich it was Joe Sixpack who suffered. Boat-building, a key industry in Messrs. Mitchell's and Kennedy's home states of Maine and Massachusetts, was particularly hard hit. Yacht retailers reported a 77% drop in sales that year, while boat-builders estimated layoffs at 25,000. When you tax something, you get less of it, particularly when you're talking about economic activity. Corporations, in fact, do not pay taxes; they pass on money to the government that comes from higher prices for their goods and services, lower wages and benefits for fewer workers, and lower dividends to their stockholder and investors. Even if corporations used repatriated money to just buy back their stock, the money still changes hands, and that is called economic activity, which, as Martha Stewart would say, is a good thing. Those selling the stock will put the money to good tax-paying uses, even if it is just to buy those luxury boats and cars. There is no such thing as the unproductive use of money in the private sector. Government picked Solyndra. The private sector picked the iPhone. President John F. Kennedy was right when he said in 1962: It is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low, and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now. The purpose of cutting taxes now is not to incur a budget deficit, but to achieve the more prosperous, expanding economy which can bring a budget surplus. President Kennedy knew that punishing employers really punishes employees. As the late former vice presidential candidate and congressman Jack Kemp observed, "It's difficult to argue you are for working men and women when your policies prevent them from working by destroying the businesses that would employ them." As Kemp wrote in the New York Times in 1996, the historical record shows that tax cuts always increase revenues and growth: Three times in this century the United States has significantly reduced the top marginal income tax rates. In the 1920's the top rate was lowered from 73 percent to 25 percent. Between 1921 to 1928, tax revenues rose from $719 million to $1.16 billion, an increase of over 60 percent. President Kennedy's tax cuts between 1963 and 1965 lowered the top rate from 91 percent to 70 percent. Over that period, revenues increased more than 16 percent. In the 1980's, taxes were lowered from a top marginal rate of 70 percent to 28 percent. By the end of the decade, America's real gross domestic product surged by 32 percent and revenues grew by nearly 40 percent. True, nominal budget deficits were higher at the end of the Reagan era. But as a percentage of the gross domestic product, the deficit actually diminished during the 1980's. So, Sen. Booker, go call the Hodge family and others like them and tell them the debt is their fault and to return their crumbs to the nearest tax-collector. You might not find them at home, however, but rather at that startup bakery down the street that just opened, hiring more workers, spending their crumbs on celebratory treats for their families. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine, and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Mick Mulvaney must be the brightest star, and certainly the most entertaining guy, among President Trump's appointees. Instead of melting into the swamp and becoming part of its ecosystem, he's resolutely out of it, standing on a boat with a pole, and ready to shove a taste of the swamp things' own soup down their gullets. Ed Morrissey at Hot Air has a terrific description of what he did on Capitol Hill this week, trolling Congress: When Mick Mulvaney served in the House, he tried to warn colleagues that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was too independent of Congress. Now that he's running the CFPB, Mulvaney wants to demonstrate just how correct he was. For the second straight day, the acting director has told a congressional panel that he can just sit in front of them all day and ignore their questions, and there's nothing they can do about it[.] It was such a nice touch that Mulvaney directed his refusal to answer questions to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the godmother of this hideous operation, leaving her licking her wounds and yelling of her care about consumers, which was never the point of the CFPB, as it has always been just a leftist slush fund. But there was more: Mulvaney delivered the same message to the House yesterday. In testimony before the Financial Services committee, Mulvaney pointed out that the enabling statute for the CFPB only required him to show up when asked. Otherwise, he could just as well twiddle his thumbs or answer e-mails rather than answering any questions from Congress: So, mimicking a union thug, which is a perfectly recognizable way of communicating with Democrats, Mulvaney jacked with the pious Democrats who created this monster and gave them a taste of their own medicine. It's right in line with Mulvaney's entry to the job of CFPB director, which the Democrats attempted to usurp as an entrenched position of theirs, given its de facto valuable role in financing left-wing causes. The leftists failed, getting Mick instead. Back then, I wrote this here: What Trump is battling is an unaccountable agency run by the Democrats and for the Democrats with the aim of funding more Democrats. It's a shakedown racket targeting banks and other moneybags businesses based solely on the size of their assets to harvest from fines. It was never about protecting consumers. It was never about oversight. It just amounted to a slush fund for Democrats that as set up cannot be reformed. A long, worthy piece by a Ronald L. Rubin, a former enforcement attorney at CFPB, in National Review, lays out the problems as only an insider's account can. Conceived as a government watchdog with noble aims, the CFPB was doomed by a structure that made it an inherently political agency. is how he summed this leftist racket up. The Democrats under President Obama designed the agency first conceived by Elizabeth Warren so that it would be nominally independent and nominally bipartisan[,] and of course, be solely devoted to looking out for consumers. In reality, CFPB is unaccountable to the voters and their elected leaders, with its funding under the purview of the Federal Reserve, which is independent itself, instead of the Congress. Then its creators designed the agency so that no Republican could ever enter it. Well, one did, and now the fox is shaking up the chicken coop, with feathers fluttering. Let's have more of this from Mulvaney, who is schooling the Democrats in the meaning of the non-democratic norms of their own creation with the very establishment of the CFPB, back when they thought they would be in power forever. He understands these guys, and now they're eating crow. Go, Mick! Image: Rick Berry, U.S. Air Force. This isn't an example of unintended humor, but it does prove that the United Nations is a joke. A very expensive, sick joke, especially if you are in a place with U.N. peacekeeping forces. Simone Somekh writes in Tablet Magazine: Syria, the same power being accused of carrying the deadly attack, will assume the presidency of the U.N.'s Conference on Disarmament, the forum which produced the treaty banning chemical weapons, opening in Geneva on March 28. It's just standard operating procedure. Rotating chairmanships, you see. I wish I remembered who it was who many years ago suggested renaming the organization the "United Regimes," because it represents not the nations of the world, but the regimes. Donald Trump told Republican senators yesterday he had instructed his trade representative and chief economic adviser to look into the possibility of reopening negotiations to rejoin the Trans Pacific Partnership, the huge 11-nation, multilateral trade agreement that the U.S. withdrew from last year. The media immediately took the news as a sign that Trump is going to betray his base by accepting a deal he had spurned both on the campaign trail and in his first months as president. But Trump tweeted out later that the U.S. would rejoin the pact only if the U.S. could get "substantially better" terms. Reuters: In his Twitter post, which came during Asian trading hours, Trump said the United States would "only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama. We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years!" Policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region on Friday responded to the possibility of the U.S. rejoining the trade deal with scepticism. "If it's true, I would welcome it," Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Friday and before Trump's tweet. Aso added that the facts needed to be verified. Trump "is a person who could change temperamentally, so he may say something different the next day", Aso said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, commenting after Trump's tweet, said it would be "great" to have the U.S. back in the pact though doubted it would happen. "We're certainly not counting on it," Turnbull told reporters in Adelaide in South Australia. The TPP, which now comprises 11 nations, was designed to cut trade barriers in some of the fastest-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region and to counter China's rising economic and diplomatic clout. Trump, who opposed multilateral trade pacts in his election campaign in 2016 and criticized the TPP as a "horrible deal", pulled the U.S. out of the pact in early 2017. He argued bilateral deals offered better terms for U.S. businesses and workers, and signaled an intention to raise trade barriers. Trump signed an executive order withdrawing from TPP just three days after his inauguration. But all along, Trump has maintained that he is willing to renegotiate certain parts of the agreement in order to give the U.S. a better deal. Even with renegotiation, the forces arrayed against the TPP make approval in this Congress an impossibility. Not only do all major unions oppose the deal, but most of the blue-collar, working class voters who helped elect Trump are opposed as well. So why signal an intent to reopen negotiations? But Trump is struggling to get support from other countries for his recent threat to impose import tariffs on China and the U.S. farm lobby is arguing that retaliation by China would hit American agricultural exports. Trade experts believe Trump is probably trying to placate his political base in the wake of criticism over the U.S.-China China tariff standoff. "Well I think you have to take it seriously but I think there is an enormous chance that this is simply posturing or a tactical decision taken to placate concerned governors and senators from agricultural states that could be affected by China imposing tariffs," said Charles Finny, a Wellington-based trade consultant and a former New Zealand government trade negotiator. As with all multilateral trade agreements, the U.S. is put at a disadvantage with the TPP compared to other big economies. Quite simply, other nations believe we have to give more at the negotiating table because we're the biggest kid on the block. But there is a limit to saddling the U.S. with disadvantages in trade, and the TPP exceeds it. Trump said nothing yesterday that he hasn't said before, but the media pounced on his suggestion immediately as a sign that Trump is going to abandon his protectionist policies. That's not going to happen, despite the knee-jerk reaction from many in the press. Watching the morning news is tough these days. This is especially true when it comes to the current diplomatic row between the Trump administration and Kim Jong-un's Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) regime. Pundits can opine that progress has been made toward denuclearization above the 38th Parallel. As a matter of fact, I believe that positive progress has been made, given the DPRK's confirmation that Kim is willing to negotiate with President Donald Trump. However, what the news media fail to accomplish in their sensationalist coverage of North Korea is a holistic approach. That said, it's my opinion that Kim-Trump negotiations will significantly impact the global dynamic for better or worse. Once that dynamic is changed, diplomatic and national security issues built around North Korea will rapidly become issues for the rising generations. In particular, a case can be made that current relations between the United States and the DPRK are now one of the leading issues that members of the Millennial generation are due to address. About a year ago, I watched an exceptional documentary, The Jangmadang Generation, produced by the nonprofit Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), covering the rise of Millennial-run illicit enterprise and entrepreneurship in the DPRK. The film follows many Millennial individuals under the clout of the North Korean regime as they live and work in a 21st-century dictatorship. As I watched this excellent piece of cinema, I realized we need to address all of the issues surrounding the DPRK with a "people-focused" perspective. This was affirmed when I was commissioned by the South China Morning Post to write up a commentary piece on the potential of an environmental disaster linked to the North's nuclear weapons testing last September. During this process, I dealt with several hard truths. First, we, in all generations, need to stop demonizing the DPRK's civilian population for their own victimization. What we need to achieve cultural and economic self-realization is the power to open up the North from outside and inside the country. Here in the United States, we also need to remind Millennials that the concerns built around the DPRK by the older generations are not yet gone. In fact, it's quite frightening when 56 percent of surveyed Americans believe that the growing student loan debt crisis is a more immediate threat than Kim Jong-un's regime. Student loan debt is indeed troubling; however, our generation is growing into our shoes, so to speak, when it comes to dealing with international threats. Even within the borders of North Korea, our in-country Millennial counterparts are working through illicit and legitimate means to fight oppression, as highlighted above. In some capacities, North Korean Millennials are building up a small yet budding middle class. Getting past existing economic sanctions, these individuals are the owners of private companies while approaching the global market in a capacity that directly challenges ruling political influence. This could also improve human development environments in country as well. Economist Anthony Kim, in a 2007 commentary piece for the conservative Heritage Foundation, mentioned that growing economic liberalization directly impacts a positive growth in human rights in oppressed settings. On this basis, North Korea is ripe for this change not a nuke. Regardless of where you land on our defined understanding of the American political spectrum, we can all agree that moving forward on North Korea is a policy priority with an approach built on diplomacy, not war is an imperative factor. Using the logic of the climate change doomsday crowd and the new-age anti-Second Amendment activists, we need to fix the mistakes of the generations of our parents and our grandparents. McGrady is a Millennial and internationally published libertarian journalist. He is also a political consultant and content-marketer. In an interview with the Atlantic, Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman revealed that Saudi Arabia has financed terrorism. Most people will ignore this. The U.S. left has successfully colluded with jihad against national security. That is also part of Robert Mueller's mission: to cover up and protect jihadist infiltration, espionage, and sabotage during the Clinton-Obama years. See the Awan espionage cell placed in the House Intelligence Committee, with the plausible collusion of Mueller, Comey, Brennan, and Clapper. It was much too obvious not to be noticed, and the House Democrats, including Debbie Wasserman Schultz, literally ignored the need for vetting. This was not an accident. Mohammed bin Salman is trying to modernize and hold down the jihad-sponsoring and paying faction, which apparently involved Walid bin Talal. However, in Islam, there is no such thing as a permanent peace. There is only "hudna," or a temporary truce with "the enemies of God." In Turkey, the jihad faction came back when Recip Tayyip Erdogan was allowed to win his first election with the collusion of the E.U., which insisted on international recognition of this "election" of a paleo-fascist party, the party of neo-Ottomanism (self-described). Trump has gotten the Salman faction in S.A. to turn against the Sunni jihadist faction, but in S.A., basically a tribal federation, nothing completely changes. Same as Turkey, etc. For that reason, exposure of Mohammed bin Salman's admission of guilt always has to be considered tactical. This is not a governing hierarchy; it's an unstable tribal gang with a fantasy of conquering the world. The left loves jihad for that reason, and we are facing a left-jihad coalition. Now we know that Facebook and Google have been set up as political players from the start, that they provide shelter for Obama radicals who are constantly plotting to overthrow Trump, and we see the new Soros foundation with something like $50 billion from Soros. We are still seeing a new version of old-style Marxist-Leninist imperialism. Obama is a third-world socialist. The internet is the natural domain for that style of imperialism, and they don't disguise their willingness to use A.I. and planted electronics in individual homes under extranational "laws" to exercise control. Europe is seeing a revolt against this, since Victor Orban and the Hungarians are afraid of Soros and have seen Soviet imperialism in the memory of living individuals. Americans are soft targets: they have been told never to believe in political conspiracies, which do exist, and which are in fact the continuation of old infections. The media and Mueller are obsessed with trivial issues such as $130,000 for a porn star. In the real world, President Trump has to decide whether to bomb Syria to punish it because Bashar Assad used chemical weapons to kill Syrians. As we all know, this is a complicated civil war in Syria, with Assad, aided by Iran and Russia, fighting the rebels. For the sake of argument, let us assume that Assad ordered the use of chemical weapons to kill. Why should we then bomb Syria? The arguments to bomb Syria include that the United States as the leader of the free world cannot allow Assad to use chemical weapons. This is essentially a moral argument, especially during this week of Holocaust remembrance. Hitler used chemical and other weapons to kill six million Jews, millions of Gypsies, homosexuals, Catholic and Protestant clergy, and others in the concentration camps. If we were not at war with Nazi Germany while this was happening, we should have, according to the moral argument, bombed Germany to stop the killings. It should not matter that Hitler killed millions but Assad killed far fewer. The argument against bombing Syria is a practical one. The bombing will not kill Assad or his generals but will kill Syrians unlucky to be at the military sites we bomb. There are atrocities committed by dictators throughout the world, such as the USSR's gulag, the prisons in North Korea and Cuba, China killing over 60 million in its Cultural Revolution and imposing a one-child birth policy enforced with compulsory abortions, and the numerous civil wars in Africa. These dictators did not always use chemical weapons, but they still killed many. Should we not bomb Syria because we did not bomb those countries? Does it matter how dictators kill their own, with chemicals or other means? Further, we can bomb Syria without fear of retaliation from Syria, but we cannot predict how Russia and Iran will react. We did not bomb the USSR or China or Cuba or North Korea or the African countries because of the danger of retaliation. One issue is whether we are the world's policeman to intervene in countries that are abusing and killing their residents. If we follow the moral argument, then we are the world's policeman. But we do not have the resources or the will to intervene in every bad country. The other issue is whether we have a national interest such that bombing Syria will make us more secure. This is doubtful. Assad for all his crimes has not made war on Christians, such as ISIS, nor on those who do not oppose his rule. Iran is aiding Assad, which means that if Assad wins, then Iran will control Syria and become even more powerful in the Middle East. Iran has vowed to destroy Israel. Iran is the chief sponsor of Islamist terrorism. But if we topple Assad, we may end up with a Syria resembling Libya and Iraq. We definitely should not get involved in nation-building in Syria. This is an important critical decision. The Democrats and media, who oppose Trump on every issue, and are working to remove him as president, favor bombing Syria. Their motives are suspect because they opposed the war in Iraq, where Saddam Hussein also used chemical weapons on Iraqis and Kurds. They want to see Trump embroiled in Syria so he is distracted from his agenda. Regardless of whether he has the authority to bomb Syria, President Trump should place the issue before Congress, as Bush did in 1991, to ask for a vote. It is not a declaration of war, but let Congress debate and vote. Give Congress something important to debate. There are important questions to debate, with good arguments to bomb or not to bomb. Let Congress earn its pay, take a stand, and state positions. Let us see how the Democrats, such as Booker, Harris, Gillibrand, and others who plan to run for the presidency in 2020, vote so we have them on record. James Comey's memoir, pompously titled A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, set for release on April 17, is out from the reviewer class, and all but one seems to have missed the bombshell in it: that Comey neglected to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her refusal to properly handle the nation's top secrets through her illegal private bathtub server, and exposed those secrets to our nation's enemies, because he thought she would win the 2016 election. Some Boy Scout, as he and his allies portray him. Quite a few of the reviewers focus on Comey's descriptive powers, something that could make anyone look negative if the view is biased enough, which Comey's is. He natters on about Trump's hand size, the bags under his eyes, his tie being too long, and other stylistics that mark Comey as a vain little man obsessed with looks, little different from David Brooks and his fascination with the crease of President Obama's pant legs. Sounds about par for a preening fop, which I guess Comey is. I didn't know there were guys who did this. There also is focus on he-said, she-said exchanges, which, given Comey's penchant for lying, raises questions as to the accuracy of the supposed recollections. Supposedly, Gen. John Kelly was all broken up about Comey's firing. Well, maybe he's a swamp thing, after all, and he's said to be a nice person, very empathetic, but who knows? Then there are the pointless anecdotes, which the Daily Wire rightly classifies as "nothingburgers." Are we supposed to be surprised that President Trump didn't like the "pee tape" about himself, in a dossier put together by his enemies and their Kremlin "sources"? Or to think it unnatural that President Trump wouldn't want his wife to believe it? It all seems natural and predictable. Comey just wants to bring private business to the fore to embarrass Trump. Comey is again being Comey. Lastly, there is the elaborate Comey description of President Trump being "a mafia don." What comes off here is that Comey is projecting his past experiences onto Trump, particularly with the stylistics he considers so important, and can't break from his past. He can see no difference between a mobster and a New York businessman, yet at the same time, he considers President Obama with all his dirty-trick tactics above reproach. Talk about a guy who can't discern. Color me unimpressed. Here's what the reviewers, all but one, seem to have missed: that Comey, after playing Boy Scout all through his memoirs, admits he neglected to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her email and server violations and let her off the hook because he thought she would win the election. I found it buried in the best written of the reviews, the one done by a lefty at the New York Times, which goes beyond the bullet-point takeaways for a more interesting piece. Put these three paragraphs from it together here (with my boldface of the money quotes): There are some methodical explanations in these pages of the reasoning behind the momentous decisions Comey made regarding Hillary Clinton's emails during the 2016 campaign explanations that attest to his nonpartisan and well-intentioned efforts to protect the independence of the F.B.I., but that will leave at least some readers still questioning the judgment calls he made, including the different approaches he took in handling the bureau's investigation into Clinton (which was made public) and its investigation into the Trump campaign (which was handled with traditional F.B.I. secrecy). ...and... Those characteristics can sometimes be seen in Comey's account of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, wherein he seems to have felt a moral imperative to address, in a July 2016 press conference, what he described as her "extremely careless" handling of "very sensitive, highly classified information," even though he went on to conclude that the bureau recommend no charges be filed against her. His announcement marked a departure from precedent in that it was done without coordination with Department of Justice leadership and offered more detail about the bureau's evaluation of the case than usual. As for his controversial disclosure on Oct. 28, 2016, 11 days before the election, that the F.B.I. was reviewing more Clinton emails that might be pertinent to its earlier investigation, Comey notes here that he had assumed from media polling that Clinton was going to win. He has repeatedly asked himself, he writes, whether he was influenced by that assumption: "It is entirely possible that, because I was making decisions in an environment where Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next president, my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls. But I don't know." In other words, Comey was watching the elections closely and very concerned as to their impact on the Clinton email investigation. When he thought Hillary had it in the bag, he announced his re-opening of the case in the last week of October, following pressure from the New York cops who had found that the classified emails had spread to Anthony Weiner's pervert-filled computer, where his proclivities for little girls eventually put him in the can. The information from the cops was going to spill out anyway. And the fix was in that Hillary would be let off the hook, by Comey, as he conspired with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, as emails uncovered by Sharyl Attkisson revealed last January. The implication is that he gave her the initial pass on the emails because he wanted her to win. He was focused on her "legitimacy." Busting sailors for careless photos was all fine with him, but he had no problem with Hillary opening a private server illegally in some guy's bathroom because it was all about her winning. He'd give her a stern warning instead of an arrest warrant in the name of his "integrity," yet there was no way he wouldn't protect her "legitimacy," which wasn't his job. It's always OK if the person in power does it, the person he wants to win does it, right, James? Laws are for little people. What we learn here is that Comey was as political an animal as it was possible to be in his decisions about investigating both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. He didn't succeed with this philosophy, so now he's doing his memoirs. Let's hope they make a quick trip to the remainder bins. A merger of AT&T and Time Warner could cost consumers an extra $571 million annually, UC Berkeley professor Carl Shapiro said during a recent court testimony held as part of the ongoing legal battle between the second largest wireless carrier in the United States and the Department of Justice. The figure quoted by the expert would be reached by 2021, according to his own calculations, with Mr. Shapiro claiming AT&T would only take several years before significantly ramping up the average TV bill in the country. The new estimate is higher than Mr. Shapiros mid-March forecast by $135 million. The DOJ called for the professor to testify in order to strengthen its argument that AT&T would be likely to increase the licensing costs of Time Warners content so as to squeeze out more from its rivals and put it at a competitive disadvantage compared to its in-house distribution services such as DIRECTV. The Dallas, Texas-based telecom giant repeatedly dismissed those allegations, having said that ramping up the cost of Time Warners content, particularly that from the firms flagship Turner division, would only devalue the assets its prepared to acquire for over $85 billion. The DOJs attempt to block the consolidation through a lawsuit is largely unprecedented, with AT&T proposing a vertical merger that doesnt take out any competition from the market in a direct manner and is a type of a tie-up that historically saw little to no opposition from Washington until now. The bulk of the DOJ and Mr. Shapiros argument is that Time Warners programming is invaluable and would cause AT&Ts distribution competitors to lose customers if they decided not to carry it due to pricing concerns. Turner itself owns CNN, TNT, HLN, and Cartoon Network, whereas Time Warner also boasts properties like HBO and Warner Bros. If AT&T gets its hands on everything from Game of Thrones to Batman, the company would have significant leverage when negotiating licensing prices with distributors that compete with its own content delivery units, according to the federal plaintiff. The first-instance trial between AT&T and the DOJ is expected to be concluded later this spring. The European Commission is demanding full cooperation from Facebook over the Cambridge Analytica ordeal that saw an American political consulting firm compromise up to 87 million people in 2014, including millions of Europeans. The legislative body of the European Union last called for the social media giant to collaborate on Thursday, shortly after Facebook revealed 2.7 million EU citizens may have had their data harvested by Cambridge Analytica four years ago. The European Parliament previously invited Facebook co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg to testify over the matter but the multi-billionaire is understood to have no intention to do so in the immediate future, having already endured roughly ten hours of congressional questioning in his home country earlier this week. Some rapport between Facebook and top EU authorities has already been established last week, with Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova confirming she contacted the companys Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg to discuss the recent issues and how theyll fit into the Commissions investigation of the matter. No signs of major progress have yet stemmed from that correspondence, with Facebook informing EU regulators that its working on tweaking and improving its platform so as to minimize the chances of it being misused in the future, a sentiment that Mr. Zuckerberg himself reiterated on numerous occasions during his congressional hearings held on Tuesday and Wednesday. The company has yet to detail the majority of its plans to combat malicious data harvesters, having so far only announced a new data abuse bounty program and intentions to limit third-party access to Facebook data in general. The latter point remains a controversial topic in the industry that many people dont agree with. Jedidiah Yueh, Executive Chairman of data technology company Delphix who previously worked with Facebook, told AndroidHeadlines that the social media juggernaut should focus on ensuring the wrong people dont access sensitive data instead of completely locking up shop. You dont necessarily have to stop access entirely to protect user data, Facebook could use masking, obfuscation techniques that deliver fictional data to those who shouldnt access the real thing, Mr. Yueh explained, having added that even fake data is important because developers use it for testing their apps and services. The data can be faked when unauthorized parties want to access it but must still be accurately simulated for testing environments to work as intended, the industry veteran concluded. Gionee will be cutting the jobs of no less than half of its headquarters employees, according to new reports from the companys home country. The development follows reports from late March that suggested massive job cuts and restructuring were underway at the Chinese firm. At that time, Gionee had reportedly already decided that some employees would be laid off but it wasnt immediately clear how widespread the cuts would be. The OEM has rated in Chinas top six manufacturers as recently as last year. Moreover, it has been considered by some to be a top global player in the Android segment thanks to its progress in emerging markets such as India. At the last unofficial count, Gionee employed 8,000 people, so the newly reported cuts presumably wont be light by any stretch of the imagination. Workers will be receiving compensation when they are cut but with rumors also circulating about the reasons for the restructuring and layoffs, that may not come as much consolation. It has been speculated that CEO Liu Lirongs gambling problems have resulted in the company being unable to meet its end of obligations. Specifically, those would have been financial obligations to its advertisers and suppliers, with reports also claiming the company has been in litigation processes over its debts. It is reportedly hoped that by downsizing its business, it will have enough funding to move forward with plans for its devices outside of China. However, the firm also notably missed all of the major industry trade shows held so far this year, including CES and MWC. The majority of the suggested reasons that the layoffs are needed, if not all of them, are mostly just speculative at this point. Although the CEO previously confirmed problems with the companys finances stemming from excessive expenditures, there hasnt been any confirmation hes personally responsible for that state of affairs. Regardless, these are serious and substantial cuts for a company that had been considered among the worlds most promising phone makers not too long ago. Though the layoffs could ultimately work to help Gionee regain operability, there are no guarantees they wont affect its existing market position as well. The IKEA TRADFRI smart lighting system now boasts support for the Google Assistant, as revealed by the official changelog attached to the latest version of the Android app designed for controlling the IoT solution. IKEA started rolling out the update bringing Google Assistant functionalities to its product on Thursday, with the new software build of the service already being available for download on a global level. No other major additions have been introduced to the Android app as part of the same update, with its changelog not even mentioning performance improvements and bug fixes that are often part of new mobile software releases. The development comes nearly a year after the Swedish furniture and appliances giant promised to update its smart lighting solutions with support for the Google Assistant. The company has been increasing its focus on the Internet of Things segment in recent times, having so far embraced Googles ARCore platform as part of an IKEA Place app update and released its own lineup of Bluetooth speakers called ENEBY. The latter series is presumed to have been created in collaboration with Sonos, a Santa Barbara, California-based audio equipment manufacturer with whom IKEA announced a product partnership last December, disclosing its intentions to deliver affordable speakers and other solutions meant to allow for a contemporary listening experience. The addition of Google Assistant support to the IKEA TRADFRI app makes the system compatible with all of todays most popular digital companions as the smart lighting solution was previously made compatible with Amazons Alexa and Apples Siri. Taking advantage of the newly introduced functionality is as simple as opening the Integrations tab found under the TRADFRI apps settings and adding your smart lighting to your smart home setup through the Google Home app afterward. IKEAs TRADFRI Gateway Kit presently retails for approximately $80 and is touted as a direct rival to the Philips Hue ecosystem. After the Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) quietly appeared on the OEMs virtual shelves in Vietnam back in January, Samsung Electronics is now officially introducing the device into Korea where the product is available for the price of 199,100 Won ($186). The handset appears to share the same hardware specifications as the model spotted previously in Vietnam, except for a couple of key differences including the new models connectivity limitations which prevent it from accessing 2G, 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi networks, so basically any form of Internet connectivity. These limitations are set in place by design and are meant to encourage younger audiences to focus on learning, all the while preventing senior users from accidentally sharing personal information or consume data. Furthermore, the Korean variant can only be acquired in one of two color options, including gold and black, while the pink and blue flavors seem to be missing altogether. Although the OEMs more recent announcement doesnt include any details regarding the OS, the Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) newly introduced in Korea likely runs Android 7.0 Nougat just as before. In addition to this, the Korean model comes pre-loaded with the DioDict4 Android application which takes the form of a comprehensive dictionary supporting the Korean and English languages. Hardware-wise the new Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) features a 5-inch qHD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 960 x 540 and a standard aspect ratio of 16:9. Under the panel resides a quad-core chipset clocked at up to 1.4GHz whose manufacturer has remained unspecified, and the CPU is coupled with 1.5GB of RAM. Users will rely on 16GB of on-board memory expandable by up to an additional 256GB via microSD, while photography enthusiasts will make do with an 8-megapixel main camera paired with an LED flash as well as a 5-megapixel front-facing sensor. Finally, all of the internal components rely on a 2,600mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) launches in South Korea today, and to mark the occasion the OEM also appears to have prepared a special promotion for prospective buyers aged 18 to 21. Its unclear exactly what the promo entails but it will last until June 30th, and by the sound of it, the OEM might allow eligible Galaxy J2 Pro (2018) buyers to return the device next year or the year after that for a full refund which can then be used towards the purchase of a new Galaxy S or Note flagship, though some details may have been lost in translation and its not entirely clear whether or not this will be the case. Either way, with the device now officially launched in South Korea, its only a matter of time before availability will expand into more regions including emerging markets such as India, though its likely that the aforementioned connectivity limitations will remain exclusive to the variant at hand launched in the OEMs homeland. Qualcomms ousted Executive Chairman Paul Jacobs is still planning to take the company private and is targeting a June buyout at the latest, CNBC reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. Mr. Jacobs already confirmed his interest in acquiring the San Diego, California-based chipmaker co-founded by his father Irwin Jacobs, with the firms board opting to remove him from his position of a director following that disclosure in mid-March. The official was already relieved of his duties as an Executive Chairman at that point, having been demoted while Qualcomm was still fighting off a hostile takeover attempt from Broadcom. Mr. Jacobs was hence the first executive victim of the Qualcomm-Broadcom struggle that ended earlier this spring after President Trump signed an order that effectively served as a hands-off warning to Broadcom. The ousted official is now said to have approached mobile chip design firm Arm and its parent SoftBank, seeking to discuss a potential deal that would see at least one of the two technology giants fund an acquisition of Qualcomm that would take the company private, i.e. delist it from the public market. Arm is one of Qualcomms business partners and the entity responsible for designing the processor architecture used by the chipmaker. The company already denied holding buyout talks with Mr. Jacobs who hired a roster of attorneys and two banks to work on realizing the deal, industry insiders claim. Broadcoms $117 billion offer was on course of being accepted by Qualcomms shareholders who were reportedly prepared to vote out the firms existing board and replace it with Broadcoms own nominees before President Trump killed the deal earlier this year. Due to that state of affairs, a potential buyout likely wouldnt surpass the last offered figure and could potentially be even lower. Mr. Jacobs is understood to be targeting a deal that would see Qualcomm acquired by fewer than ten parties in total and allow the firm to continue being controlled from the United States so as to avoid the type of foreign investment-related regulatory scrutiny Broadcom attracted even as it pledged to move its headquarters back to the U.S., a move that has now been completed. Advertisement Enlisting SoftBanks help wouldnt allow Mr. Jacobs to partially or completely fund his buyout through the Japanese tech giants Vision Fund as Qualcomm itself is a contributor to the multi-billion cash pool. Instead, such a move could only be financed by SoftBank Group itself. One insider claims Mr. Jacobs wants to keep Qualcomm unified but doesnt see a long-term path for the company without private ownership as many investments he deems necessary are something he believes public stakeholders wouldnt approve. The former executive would also continue committing to Qualcomms licensing business following a theoretical buyout as he still considers it the companys most robust unit with best long-term prospects, sources claim. Following the Samsung Galaxy A6s visit to the Wi-Fi Alliance late last month, the Galaxy A6 Plus variant bearing the model number SM-A605FN also passed through the same regulatory agency today while running Android 8.0 Oreo. Although the series launch date remains unknown as of this writing, the Galaxy A6 Plus seems to be closing in on its eventual debut, having already been certified by the FCC earlier this month. The device is said to offer mid-range specifications wrapped in a modern design, and like the Galaxy A8 (2018) lineup introduced late last year, the Galaxy A6 Plus is also expected to make use of an elongated Infinity Display with thin bezels all around. As usual, the Wi-Fi Alliance application doesnt reveal any new details regarding the hardware characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy A6 Plus, with previous reports suggesting the handset will employ the Snapdragon 625 silicon from Qualcomm, featuring eight ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores clocked at up to 2.0GHz and the Adreno 506 graphics chip. On the other hand, Samsung usually reserves Qualcomms processors for markets including North America while the OEMs devices are generally powered by its in-house Exynos solutions in Europe and other regions. Having said that, its likely that the Samsung Galaxy A6 Plus wont be an exception to this rule of thumb and could launch with an Exynos chipset under the hood in certain countries. Previous sightings also pointed to the smaller smartphone having 4GB of RAM, and the Plus variant may have more RAM compared to the standard Galaxy A6. Samsung originally introduced the A series of handsets as a response to a growing market trend of wrapping mid-range components in premium-grade bodies, combining affordability with decent specifications and a modern design which usually revolves around a metal or unibody frame. Presumably, the Samsung Galaxy A6 Plus will be no different and the inclusion of an elongated 18:5:9 Infinity Display would prove this point further. It remains to be seen when Samsung will debut the upcoming devices given that the ongoing Galaxy A5 (2017) and A7 (2017) were introduced more than a year ago, having launched in January of 2017. The Samsung SM-G8850 got certified by TENAA (Chinas equivalent to the FCC) quite recently, and the phone has just surfaced on AnTuTu as well. AnTuTu says that the device will be fueled by the Snapdragon 660 64-bit octa-core SoC, which is a piece of info that was not available via TENAA. Interestingly enough, AnTuTu says that the phone will include a fullHD+ display with a resolution of 2220 x 1080, while TENAA said we should expect a panel with a resolution of 2960 x 1440, so it remains to be seen whose info is accurate, as the info is conflicting. A 4GB RAM variant of the Samsung SM-G8850 popped up on AnTuTu, though a 6GB RAM model will also be available if TENAA is to be believed. AnTuTu claims that a 4GB RAM model of the device will ship with 64GB of native storage, while Android 8.0 Oreo will come pre-installed on this device, with Samsungs custom UI, of course. The source also revealed that the device scored 136,483 points in AnTuTus benchmark tests, which is just about right having what processor fuels the phone. Having said that, TENAA also said that a 3,000mAh non-removable battery will be available in this package, and that the device will offer expandable storage, you will be able to expand its storage up to 256GB via a microSD card. 12 and 8-megapixel snappers are expected to be included on the back of the Samsung SM-G8850, while a single 8-megapixel camera will sit on the phones front side. Now, the Samsung SM-G8850 will measure 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.4mm, while it will weigh 163 grams, and the phone will be available in Black and Blue color options, according to TENAA. Some sources are suggesting this phone could be called the Galaxy S9 Mini, or something of the sort, but the device differs from the Galaxy S9 in terms of the design. This handsets dual cameras are vertically-aligned, and are placed in the upper-left corner of the phone, while its fingerprint scanner is located in the upper portion of the phones back side. Samsung will probably introduce this phone in the near future, so well get all the necessary details, but for the time being, the name of the device is unknown. Language is not the only way to communicate: Canine therapists help Chinas autistic children 10 April 2018 Hospital staff, patients and parents were won over by animal therapists during first-ever use of canines in a state-run hospital in the city of Shenzhen. In the lead up to World Autism Day, the Shenzhen Baoan Women and Children Hospital in Guangdong province, China launched a new initiative to help the huge numbers of people living with learning disabilities. Six therapy animals from Animals Asias Dr Dog programme visited the facility to bring cheer to autistic children suffering from fear, stress, anxiety or loneliness, marking the first time a state-run facility in Shenzhen has allowed the use of canine therapy animals as part of Animals Asias Dr Dog programme.. More than 50 families attended the event with children learning how to pet dogs as well as how to comb their fur and take them for walks. Ma Liya, Director of the Child Healthcare Department at the Baoan Women and Children Hospital said. This was the first time we worked with Dr Dog and before the event, we did have some worries. We were afraid that the parents wouldnt accept the dogs or that the children would be scared. But the moment I saw the therapy animals, all the worries melted away. I believe the visit taught the children about unconditional love. Language is not the only way to communicate, even a hug and a stroke can connect them together. Studies show therapy dogs are effective in facilitating the social behaviour of autistic children, cultivating a positive play environment and providing children with tactile stimulation. They can also help people with dementia since stroking a dog has been shown to reduce agitated behaviour, which is often associated with the condition. There are more than 10 million autistic people in China, over 2 million of which are children under 14 years old. In Guangdong province, there are about 260,000 autistic children. Animals Asia Founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE said: Animals Asias Dr Dog programme has done so much work with people living with learning disabilities in private facilities, offering them companionship and empathy when life becomes challenging or lonely. So it is hugely rewarding now to see the authorities in Guangdong province acknowledge the efficacy of animals benefitting autistic children and providing that service to their patients. This visit is a perfect example, once again, of how these dogs and their volunteer guardians are making a huge difference and providing tangible social benefits in Chinese society. Since 1991, the Dr Dog programme has touched the lives of over 532,500 people at 5,890 events and activities in Hong Kong, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Animals Asias Cat and Dog programme in China is carried out by Ya Dong Consulting, a consultancy wholly owned and advised by Animals Asia. The United Nations Human Rights Committees recommendation that Spain safeguards Jordi Sanchezs political rights was not sufficient to change the ruling of the Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena. Once again, Llarena has refused Junts per Catalunyas candidate for the presidency of the Generalitat, Jordi Sanchez detained in Soto del Real prison since 16 October permission to attend the investiture convened by the President of Parliament, Roger Torrent, tomorrow, in the Catalan Parliament. He has also been denied permission to participate via a video link. The judge does not repeat his claim that Sanchez poses a potential flight risk, instead insisting that there is a risk of him reoffending since, if he were President of the Generalitat, his mandate "could be oriented towards breaking the constitutional order. In other words, Llarena argues that Sanchez mustnt be allowed to attend the investiture specifically to avoid the possibility of him being voted president, with the increased risk of reoffending that this might entail. The judge continues to develop his theory that the "attack on the constitutional order" is "currently underway" and has not been stopped by the legal proceedings, the triggering of Article 155 or with the December elections. Llarena quoted whole chunks of the 'White Paper on the National Transition of Catalonia' which alludes to the limits of Spains ability to restrict Catalonias right to decide and mentions the eventual intervention of foreign mediators or European agents. Thus, Llarena tries to show that the strategy of internationalisation being pursued by some of the political leaders under investigation supports his argument that the process has not ended. The judge mentions other indications that Sanchez might reoffend, such as the "existence of a political context in which certain sectors still persist in explicitly declaring that the independence of Catalonia must be achieved immediately" and "that these sectors are part of a plan for secession that seeks to illegally impose a constituent term. Regarding Sanchez's commitment to work within the constitutional framework, the judge considers that "it cannot be ruled out that Mr. Sanchez has redirected his criminal objective by integrating himself into a candidature that proclaims it will carry out the exact same plan of action for which he currently stands trial". Referring to the UN resolution, Justice Llarena argues that it is not legally binding for the Spanish justice and he reproaches Sanchezs defence for failing to translate the text into Spanish, as it was originally issued in English. In a written request this Tuesday, Sanchez's lawyer, Jordi Pina, asked either for the presidential candidate to be released, that he be granted leave to attend the plenary session in person or for him to be allowed to participate via a video link. The latter proposal was not included in Pinas earlier petition, which was filed so that Sanchez could attend the first plenary which was also denied on 12 March. At the time Llarena rejected the request due to a "risk of reoffending". In the new petition, Sanchezs defence team reminded Llarena of the UN Human Rights Committees resolution of 23 March, which urged the Spanish government to take precautionary measures to guarantee the MPs political rights. After officially calling for a plenary session on Friday at 10 am, the Speaker of the Catalan Parliament, Roger Torrent, also sent a letter to Llarena on Monday in which he reminded the judge that Sanchezs political rights remain intact. Parliament prepares a symbolic act for tomorrow Llarena's decision means that Torrent must decide what to do during tomorrows plenary session. As stated in yesterdays ARA, Parliament is preparing a symbolic act, and not an investiture debate, like the one which took place with the investiture of Jordi Turull when the Supreme Court judge refused permission for it to take place. Both Junts per Catalunya and ERC were already convinced that Llarena wouldnt let Sanchez attend and they now have to decide whether to activate plan D or first wait and observe the reactions to the Sanchez issue at the international level and if it is possible to reform the presidency law in order for Puigdemont to once again stand as a candidate [and be elected by proxy]. In an interview with Spains Cadena SER radio station this Thursday, Torrent called on international organisations to intervene if Llarena refused to allow Sanchez to attend the plenary session. Jordi Sanchez will, therefore, remain in Soto del Real. In fact, three days ago Llarena called for the Junts per Catalunya MP to attend the Supreme Court next Monday, to inform him of the exact nature of the charges which he faces in what is technically known as the investigative statements. All 25 individuals who have been charged with rebellion by the Supreme Court have been summonsed between April 16 and 18. Despite being a mere formality, legal sources point out that all those who stand accused could once again have the chance to make a statement in court. BarcelonaThe current Minister of Education and spokesman of the Spanish government, Inigo Mendez de Vigo, signed a letter in 1976 justifying violence by the far right. The letter, sent to then-Minister of Education Carlos Robles Piquer, states that "the violence committed by what is incorrectly known as the far right is a reflection of its legitimate self-defence against assault from groups to which it is diametrically opposed, those of a decidedly communist nature". The letter was subsequently published in La Voz de Galicia newspaper on 21 March, 1976. More recently, the letter was widely shared on Twitter after it was posted by Bildu [a Basque separatist party] senator, Jon Inarritu. The letter was signed by seventeen students from Madrids Universidad Complutense, who declared themselves to be opposed to the "violence perpetrated by the far left", in reference to protests by groups of students at the university. "As long as the peaceful coexistence of the university is not duly guaranteed, no other response can be expected from those who wish for the autonomy of the university to serve to eradicate the intolerable blasphemy and the outrageous insults to our homeland and the King", declared the 17 students. As a region, ASEAN has dramatically outpaced the rest of the world in terms of its growth per capita since the late 1970s. Income growth has remained strong since 2000, with average annual real gains of more than 5 percent. Over the years, with the gradual opening up of its economies, increasing demographic dividend, low labor costs, and a steady growth, ASEAN has emerged as one of the most attractive foreign capital destinations in Asia. From the regions financial services capital in Singapore to its low-cost manufacturing hubs in Vietnam, the ASEAN region offers numerous opportunities for businesses interested in establishing operations or trading in Asia. In terms of low-cost manufacturing, Vietnam, in particular, has made great strides as a manufacturing hub attracting significant investment from foreign businesses. Manufacturing accounts for 25 percent of its total GDP. Over the years, Myanmar too has grown into a manufacturing base for industries producing textiles and garments, food and beverages and construction materials. Similarly, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines have shown a significant potential in their manufacturing activities. The average monthly wage of a manufacturing worker in these countries is considerably lower in comparison to other manufacturing hubs in Asia, such as China. Foreign businesses planning to set up operations in ASEAN can benefit tremendously from the low cost production facilities that also offer numerous tax incentives and fiscal benefits. (as shown in the table below). Additionally, businesses can utilize the benefits available under ASEANs FTA with its regional partners to exports manufactured products to newer markets. Other benefits available under the FTAs include reduced importer costs, increased access to a wide range of products eligible for preferential treatment, improved customs clearance times, and less complicated trade procedures. Through FTAs, businesses can access more raw material, intermediate inputs, and capital goods with competitive prices and better quality. Further, the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) offers a possible avenue for businesses to capitalize on the regions economic dynamism. Exporters can tap into areas of strong consumer demand, including the food and beverage, agriculture and seafood, healthcare, financial services, telecommunications, and education sectors. In 2017, the value of Thailands border trade with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia, combined with goods re-exported to Vietnam, totaled 1.3 trillion Baht. This year, the Ministry of Commerce expects the number to grow further by 10 to 14 percent. Likely to benefit further in the light of these strong trends are businesses that choose to locate in the 10 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the border provinces of Thailand. The development of the SEZs is divided into two phases, with the first phase covering the provinces of Tak, Sa Kaeo, Trat, Mukdahan, and Songkhla. Other provinces include Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Kanchanaburi, and Narathiwat. Thailand introduced the policy of SEZ development in 2015, as an integral part of its expansive economic plan to promote trade and investment opportunities in border areas connecting each zone with the respective bordering country in terms of trade, economy, and investment. Closeness to border areas enables businesses to benefit from low-cost, low-skilled cross-border migrant workers, as well as take advantage of the proximity to natural resources. In addition, investors and businesses can take advantage of the existing supply chain and new transport infrastructure to gain easy access to a growing market in Asia. The government provides a full range of incentives for businesses operating in 13 industries located in any of the currently operational five SEZs. Each of the SEZs has its own target industries which are decided and categorized by the area where the SEZ is situated. The 13 industries are agriculture, fishery and related businesses; ceramics; garments, textiles, and leather; home furniture; jewelry and fashion accessories; medical equipment; automobiles, engines, and parts; electrical appliances and electronics; plastics; medical products; logistics; industrial estates; and activities that support tourism. Thailands EEC vs SEZs Both the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and the SEZs provide investment opportunities to foreign businesses in Thailand. While the objective of SEZs development is to take advantage of Thailands growing border trade with neighboring countries and enhance growth in the 13 target industries, the EEC is being developed in the eastern provinces of Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao to encourage investment into next-generation industries that use innovation and high technology. The 10 target industries under the EEC initiative include automotive, electronics, petrochemicals, agriculture and food, and tourism as well as new next-generation industries such as automation and robotics, aerospace, digital, biotechnology, and medical and healthcare. Why invest in Thailand? Nestled in the heart of Asia, Thailand provides investors with easy access to over 3.5 billion consumers across Southeast Asia and the upper Mekong Basin, a region with great economic potential. The country is strategically located between the developed ASEAN economies of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei as well as the emerging economies of Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and enjoys close economic ties with China, India, Japan as well as Australia. Besides, Thailands own domestic market accounts for about 66 million consumers. Further, the country has a resilient economy, well-developed infrastructure, skilled workforce in a number of sectors, pro-investment policies, and strong export industries. Incentives available in Thailands SEZs Business operating in Thailands SEZs enjoy a number of tax and non-tax incentives. Those running businesses in the 13 target industries can avail the following incentives from the Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand: Eight-year corporate income tax (CIT) exemption; An additional 50 percent reduction in CIT for five years; Exemption from import duty on raw materials and inputs used in the production of products; Reduced or waived import duty on machinery; Double deductions for expenses related to transportation, electricity and power supplies for 10 years; A 25 percent deduction of investment costs on the installation or construction of facilities used, beginning from the date in which revenue is generated; Permission to bring foreign experts and technical staff together with their spouses and dependents into Thailand; and Permission to employ foreign unskilled workers in the promoted project, according to the conditions prescribed by BOI. In addition to the above incentives, companies in SEZs can be wholly foreign-owned without the requirement to secure a foreign business license, thus, minimizing costs and timelines required for companies to carry out business activities. Business operating within the SEZs that are not within the 13 target sectors can also benefit from the general BOI promotion scheme, and avail three additional years of tax exemption, not exceeding eight years in total. For activities that are already eligible for eight years of exemption, companies can avail a 50 percent corporate tax deduction for additional five years. Besides, all firms located within the SEZs also enjoy incentives from other government agencies such as good infrastructure, low-interest loans and access to one-stop services for investment and immigration. Johnson is a specialist in commercial, technology, IP and not-for-profit matters. Her practice services financial institutions, multinational corporations, listed public companies, private companies, peak group organisations and not-for-profit organisations. The new partner said she was attracted to Piper Alderman because of its strong reputation not only in the Sydney market but across Australia. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in Sydney this year, the firm is in a rare place of being one of the fastest-growing firms in the country while at the same time being incredibly stable. Sarahs appointment is another great win for the Sydney office, as we can already see great synergies with her contacts, and the Sydney partners are looking forward to welcoming a new face to the table, said Simon Morris, the firms leader in Sydney. Earlier this month, the firm appointed partner Joanne Hardwick from DibbsBarker. She joined the firms insolvency and reconstruction team in Melbourne. In February, Piper Alderman bolstered its corporate and financial services team in Adelaide with the appointment of partner Martin Lovell. He joined the firm from South Australian firm Laity Morrow. Hogan Lovells has replaced its annual review process with a new program to modernize associate career development. The Pathways program, which was piloted at some offices last year, will empower the firms associates to continuously seek and provide feedback to enhance their skill development. Its in response to the firms global lawyers saying that they were not getting enough meaningful or timely feedback in their annual review. We know that effective conversations and feedback are at the core of our culture and are a key component of being a successful business and a great place to work, said Hogan Lovells CEO Steve Immelt. Much of the legal industry focuses on the annual performance review. Its time to break that outdated and irrelevant mold and move on to provide the information that people really need to hear throughout the year what am I doing well, where can I grow, what is my career path. Reed Smith is eyeing Leeds for its new venture because of its strong talent pool, high-quality real estate, growing technology offering, and two-hour connection with London, said Tamara Box, the firms Europe and Middle East managing partner. Leeds is the perfect location from which to launch our billion-dollar start-up. Reed Smith Global Solutions represents our commitment to the evolution of our working practices and to delivering high quality services, which are essential for the firm to remain competitive in todays crowded marketplace, she said. The start-up will consist of a legal offering and a business services function. These include a records and e-discovery practice, as well as the hiring of associates and paralegals in key practice and industry groups to boost the firms services across the UK. Reed Smith first launched a global customer centre which provides accounting, human resources, information technology, business intake and conflict analysis, and central docketing services in Pittsburgh in 2003. That centre will eventually be merged with Reed Smith Global Solutions, the firm said. A check-up with the DVLA returns disappointing results, as in no information whatsoever about the fire-breathing monster nestled in the engine bay. What we do know from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, however, is that the prototype was built in 2013 and registered in the month of January. If you insist, the party piece will come in the form of a naturally aspirated V12 displacing 5.9 liters.What that means is, the most extreme iteration of the Rapide is powered by the AE28, not the 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 codenamed AE31 . Aston Martin is milking the cash cow like theres no tomorrow considering how old the engine and platform are, but then again, this four-door luxury land missile can hit 210 miles per hour.Producing in the ballpark of 600 PS (592 horsepower), the 338-km/h Rapide AMR will be manufactured in limited numbers. 210 examples will be assembled as a nod to the sedans top speed, but thats not all. The all-electric RapidE , which will start production in 2019 with the help of Williams know-how, will spawn 155 copies. So yeah, the Rapide AMR can do better as far as exclusivity is concerned.Aston Martin has its own testing facility at the Green Hell , dubbed AMR Nurburgring Performance Centre (yes, thats the British English spelling). One of the key parts of the sign-off process is a 10,000-kilometer durability test, so look forward to more Rapide AMR sightings on the 20.8-kilometer German racetrack.The Rapide AMR is an evolution of the Rapide S, which was introduced by the British automaker in 2013. In bone-stock specification, the V12-powered sedan relies on an eight-speed automatic transmission. Top speed, meanwhile, is quoted at 203 miles per hour (327 km/h). No self-driving car can operate however without having access to accurate map data. Currently, there are several tech companies providing such data, but so far carmakers themselves have pretty much stayed clear of this part of the new automotive industry.On Friday, BMW said that would no longer be the case, as it has decided to poor some capital into a tech company. Called Mapillary, the Sweden-base company will receive German capital through the BMW I Ventures division.Mapillary allegedly has the worlds largest street-level imagery dataset, containing 260 million images that have been shared by individuals, companies, cities, governments, and NGOs. Those images are connected through computer vision, and then map data is extracted and then used to update HD maps.The scale of BMWs investment has not been announced, but together with other investors the likes of Samsung Catalyst Fund and NavInfo, Mapillary is said to have raised a total of $15 million."There is a growing need for an independent provider of street-level imagery and map data, which also acts as a sharing platform among different players, said Uwe Higgen, BMW i Ventures managing partner.Data sharing is crucial to maintaining accurate maps and to the development of safe autonomous vehicles. Mapillary has made great progress and built technology that will let everyone update maps in a scalable way.BMWs investment comes on the heels of rival Daimler announcing a partnership with HERE , which will provide HD maps for upcoming generations of automated and autonomous Mercedes-Benz vehicles.Currently, BMW is testing incipient self-driving technologies in a couple of 7 Series prototypes, aiming for the parallel development of both Level 3 and 5 automation. With much more exposure in the public eye in the field of aviation than in rocketry, Boeing has until now not made a big fuss about its plans to conquer space. Seeing how the race for other planets heats up, and doing so in style, the company decided to take a more visible stance when it comes to its space program.Boeing is a subcontractor for the Space Launch System (SLS), currently being developed by NASA, a machine expected to be the most powerful rocket ever built. And, according to Dennis Muilenburg, the rocket might even go hunting for a very special prize in outer space.While speaking at a Politico Space Forum, Muilenburg his company aims at going to Mars too, and it might do so in no more than a decade.I certainly anticipate that were going to put the first person on Mars during my lifetime, and Im hopeful that well do it in the next decade, said Muilenburg according to GeekWire And Im convinced that the first person that gets to Mars is going to get there on a Boeing rocket.Talking about the publicity stunt pulled by Elon Musk when he launched a cherry-red Tesla Roadster into space aboard the Falcon Heavy , Boeings exec said his company would not launch cars into space. But, if it finds one along the way, Boeing might consider giving it a lift."We might pick up the one that's out there and bring it back," Muilenburg added.At the beginning of April, Boeing unveiled concepts for the Lunar deep space gateway as well as transport systems for the exploration of the Moon and Mars. Both are probably decades away from becoming a reality. On the other hand, NASA plans to launch the SLS with humans on board in 2022. Traditionally, Morgan is being seen as a niche, even exclusivistic car builder. An image the companys management plans to change, as it eyes a new audience and possibly new customers.The biggest challenge for the carmaker, one it is fully aware of, is making people understand that Morgan vehicles are not necessarily expensive to buy and own. The billboards will be promoting finance packages highlighting how easy and accessible Morgan ownership can be.The problem is, they arent very accessible. Chances are the cheapest Morgan you can buy will set you back no less than $40,000, converted into British pounds. The most expensive, well above $166,000.Like it or not, thats the image Morgan has now: highly expensive, unique, limited edition cars. Maybe that will change, as for the rest of the year two billboards will be explaining to the Londoners traveling between Chiswick and Hammersmith or on M25, near the Heathrow airport, what Morgan is really about.In the statement announcing the campaign, Morgan says the billboards will also promote a range of models. Steve Morris, companys managing director, adds that by producing new vehicles, including the electric version of the 3 Wheeler, we can be sure that Morgan Motor Company will be ready for the next 100 years.Does that mean new, perhaps more mainstream models to be released? Perhaps. Or perhaps not. Morgan has responded to the industry-wide push for electric vehicles by creating the EV3. The problem is, the EV3 is a three-wheeler, not exactly a mainstream configuration.What we do know is that Morgan will be phasing out naturally aspirated V8 engines. The last such powerplants will be fitted into the limited edition Plus 8 and the ultra-limited edition Aero GT SUV There are currently several clips uploaded on the brands Youtube page, and another one, the one you see below, posted on the companys Facebook account.Rolls-Royce Cullinan is almost ready to be released to the world. Only one epic trial stands in its way. Let the Final Challenge begin, Rolls Royce said in the post accompanying the video.Officially, the Cullinan will be properly introduced to the world in a few months time. That is why thestill wears a battledress in the road adventure that would take it from the starting line in the Scottish Highlands all the way to the United States, via Austria and the Middle East.The road adventure of the Cullinan will unfold during April and May, and it is being documented by photographer Cory Richards and a National Geographic team. Periodically, all parties involved will release videos and stills portraying the car in the most challenging environments.In partnership with Rolls-Royce , National Geographic pushes Cullinan to its limits in an expedition to capture iconic images of the worlds most extreme landscapes, says the carmaker on its website.The numbers that will underpin the SUV are not yet known. The car has been spied several times, including with suicide doors for the rear passengers, meaning a good deal of space for access.Under the hood, Rolls-Royce will likely hide the 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 used on the Phantom . On that model, the engine has an output of 460 hp and 720 Nm of torque and a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).Other figures are of course to be expected on the bigger Cullinan. The car made its public debut on March 16, at the Night Fever. Designing Club Culture 1960 Today exhibition in Weil am Rhein. It will travel next week to the Salone di Mobile Milano, where Daimlers brand is scheduled to through one hell of a party.The smart fortwo EQ has been fitted with a lifting platform, on which sits a DJ's booth. It can be raised to allow the DJ a birds eye view of the mood he is setting. The booth itself is equipped with everything such a job requires, from a mixer console to a gooseneck microphone. Sound is provided by JBL.One might thing that adding a humans weight some few feet above the rather flimsy-looking machine might topple it over. Somehow, the designer got round that by adding side supports to stabilize the vehicle.But having a smart from which music is played would have been pretty much like taking any other car to an outdoor barbecue. So some few extra features had to be embedded into the concept.The smart can generate its own mist, thanks to a fog machine located behind the radiator grille. Light effects of all sorts are achieved thanks to the LED headlamps, a stroboscope fitted inside the car and an LED matrix on either side of the boom.There are also a few highlights with no real party application, meant only to further attract attention to the smart fortwo EQ: back-lit alloy wheels and an illuminated underbody.The smart mobile disco is a great symbol of the smart brand's links with club culture a scene that draws people together, forges bonds and brings joy," said Annette Winkler, smarts CEO.Visionary thinking and a passion to keep questioning the status quo encapsulate smart's aims and its essential attitude." Steel wheels with plastic covers, a company car-looking exterior color, no fog lights up front, and the most basic of headlamps and taillamps. No frills is how the Focus in Trend specification is worth describing, more so if you take a look at how small the infotainment screen is. Speaking of the interior, the upper part of the dashboard and door panels are brimming with cheap plastic. And yes, cloth upholstery is the norm.Bluetooth for your mobile phone, automatic air conditioning, power windows, and a six-speed manual transmission are included. The gearbox is connected to the 1.0-liter EcoBoost, tuned to develop 85 PS (make that 84 horsepower). Aided by the standard start/stop system, the three-cylinder turbo is capable of returning 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers on the combined cycle. But on the other hand, torque is lacking.In regard to options available on the Trend, the list features alloy wheels (750), tow hitch (600), alarm (375), heated seats (300), and powered seats (500). Fret not, however, for the LED running lights dont cost a dime. If the Trend doesnt float your boat, customers can also opt for the Cool & Connect, ST-Line, and Titanium.The next trim level in the list is 22,600, with the ST-Line coming in at 25,200. For the time being, the Titanium (25,200) serves as the range-topper. The crossover-like Active and luxed-up Vignale will be added to the lineup later on.Next year, the Focus ST is expected to drop with an upgraded 2.0-liter EcoBoost (and EcoBlue turbo diesel in Europe). Come 2020, the Focus RS will complete the lineup, packing an estimated 400 PS from a mild-hybridized 2.3-liter EcoBoost. That's up 5.9 percent over the same period of 2017. The month of March came with its record: 584,700 units sold or about 5% more.Officials tell us that America and Europe are to blame, but China still carries Volkswagen on its shoulders. They managed 254,300 units in March and 755,700 (+8.6%) over the first quarter of 2018. So about one in two new Vdubs is sold and probably made in China.There was unusually high demand for the Jetta, Lavida and Santana models. The highest absolute growth was attributable to the Teramont, otherwise known as the Atlas SUVs were the key to success for the U.S. market, with sales up 17.8% to 32,500 units in March 2018. Not surprisingly, VW previewed not one but two models based on the Atlas at the recent New York Auto Show. The new Jetta is about to hit dealerships, so this trend should continue.Europe went up by 5.6% percent over the first quarter but witnessed a slow-down in March. This could easily be attributed to Germany, the largest single market, where uncertainty looms over the immediate future of diesel engines. People were afraid of buying TDIs last month!The Volkswagen brands first-quarter delivery results are very encouraging. Thank you to our customers and dealers! We achieved growth in many European markets as well as Germany. The upward trend continued in North and South America. In South America, the successful launch of the Polo and Virtus had a significant impact on the encouraging results, in North America the successful launch of the Tiguan Allspace and the Atlas. In Brazil, we recorded our best quarterly results since 2015 and won further market share," said Jurgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales. Xpander is a hit for Mitsubishi in the Philippines, first releases to start in May AutoIndustriya.com April 13, 2018 14:18 If you're wondering how the Mitsubishi Xpander is performing on the sales charts, unsurprisingly it's doing very well. The Xpander is fast becoming a very successful model for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, garnering over 2000 orders since they announced the opening of the order books earlier this year. The market response to the Xpander shows the great demand for seven seat models in the Philippine auto market. Despite the great interest in the vehicle, no units of the Xpander have yet been released due in large part to the great demand for the Xpander in Indonesia, where it was developed and made by Mitsubishi Krama Yudha in Bekasi. Since it was launched at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in 2017, domestic sales for the Xpander have now exceeded 60,000 units. The reception for the Xpander was so good in Indonesia that it was awarded as the car of the year there. With a 160,000 unit capacity per year split over a few models (including the Pajero Sport/Montero Sport), the Mitsubishi Motors factory in Indonesia will also have to export models for Thailand and for the Philippines. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines wants to start releasing Xpander units to customers starting in May which, by all indications, the supply of units from Mitsubishi's factory in Indonesia is expected to have stabilized. While last weeks horrific chemical weapons attack in Douma has seized the worlds attention, potentially pushing President Trump toward military action, Bashar al-Assad's regime has used chemical weapons more than 20 times since last years missile strike, and as many as eight times just since the beginning of 2018. So the question is: What comes after strikes? The big picture: For Assad, the benefits of using these weapons have outweighed the costs. The U.S. and the international community must change that calculus through a range of economic, diplomatic and legal efforts, in addition to any military response. Otherwise, attacks will resume once the spotlight is gone. Since the Khan Shaykhun attack last year, options to address these crimes have only gotten worse: Russia has obstructed any UN attempts to hold Assad accountable and deliberately ignored its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. But the U.S. and like-minded nations can still leverage a more robust response, nested within a larger strategy for pressing Assad (and his supporters) to end deliberate civilian targeting and negotiate a settlement to the war. Specific elements of the strategy might include: Punitive strikes against Syrian aircraft to prevent future atrocities, ideally in combination with allies across Europe and the Middle East Targeting remaining sites of Syrian chemical weapons research, development and production Sanctioning Iran, Russia and North Korea for their support of Assads weapons programs Multilateral negotiations on Syrias future that hold Assad accountable for any future civilian targeting Using the International Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons to initiate noncompliance proceedings and refer Syria to the Security Council The bottom line: The U.S. and its partners should broaden the menu of response options to ensure that every civilian attack comes at a steep cost to the Assad regime. After seven years, with 500,000 dead and millions displaced, Syrian civilians deserve no less. Rebecca Hersman is director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and senior adviser in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Go deeper: Read an extended take from Rebecca Hersman and Melissa Dalton at CSIS. President Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen reportedly recorded some of his conversations with associates, and Trump allies are concerned that those recordings were obtained by the FBI during their raid of Cohen's office and hotel room on Monday, the Washington Post reports. What we don't know: It's unclear whether Cohen recorded his conversations with Trump, but sources told the Post that Cohen recorded both business and political conversations for leverage. General Motors plant leaders in Lordstown, Ohio, told the facility on Friday that "one of two shifts" will begin to be eliminated in June, resulting in the cut of "several hundred jobs," CNBC reports. Why it's happening: Per CNBC, the move isn't necessarily surprising given the decline in sales for certain models. The plant in Ohio focuses only on the Chevy Cruz while Cruz sales fell 28% this year, CNBC reports. "With regard to the reported comment by the President, if his reported instruction is something that reflects President's understanding of the significance and effects of TPP, I would welcome this ... At the same time, the basic stance of the GOJ to make every effort to realize the early ratification of the TPP11 remains the same." Yoshihide Suga, Japan's chief cabinet minister, to reporters in Tokyo The backdrop: A top Japanese diplomat told Axios earlier this week that Tokyo "would welcome the U.S. anytime back to TPP," but the Japanese government was frustrated when the U.S. left the TPP last year. President Trump tweeted on Thursday that Japan, a close ally, "has hit us hard on trade for years." 1 big thing: Awaiting Trump's "final decision" President Trump has made no final decision on military action in Syria after meeting with his national security team this afternoon, the White House says. Why it matters: U.S. allies and adversaries alike are waiting for a signal from Trump, who yesterday warned that missiles will be coming but has avoided making similar statements today. He tweeted that the response could come very soon or not so soon at all and told reporters well see what happens. Expand chart Data: Conflict Monitor by IHS Markit as of April 9; Map: Lazaro Gamio/Axios The latest: The U.S. has blood and urine samples from Saturdays attack in Syria which have tested positive for chemical weapons, NBC News reports, citing officials who said intelligence from the U.S. and other countries, including images indicates the Assad regime was responsible. Whats next: Trump just spoke with U.K. Prime Minister May and will also speak with French President Macron this evening. Both countries appeared to move closer to military action today... In the U.K.: Mays cabinet unanimously agreed Mays cabinet unanimously In France: Macron said Macron In Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out Worth noting: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Tuesday that the kingdom "will be present" in the international response "if our alliance with our partners requires it. Go deeper: Trump's options for striking in Syria. Republicans are starting to see that campaigning on tax reform might not be enough to keep control of the House in November. State of play: Iowa Rep. Rod Blum's disapproval rating on taxes has gone from 28% to 40% since August, per a new Not One Penny study. And in Pennsylvania, Republicans backed off campaigning on the GOP tax plan in the final days ahead of the PA-18 special election. Progressive groups like Not One Penny are using this to argue that Democrats can win over voters if they make the argument that the tax law benefits millionaires, corporations and incumbent Republicans. Why this matters: Iowa's first congressional district is the quintessential Obama-Trump district that Democrats are trying to take back it went 56% for Obama in 2012 and 48% for Trump in 2016. The results show how Democrats' continued attacks on the GOP tax plan can weaken Republicans' main campaign talking point in some districts. By the numbers: Not One Penny's survey results were compiled after their six-figure, 100-day ad campaign targeting Rep. Blum on taxes. Blum's unfavorable margin doubled to 19 percentage points over the course of the campaign and 43% of independent voters now view him unfavorably. The other side: Half of all voters in the 10 states that voted for Trump but have Democratic senators say the economy is better off now than it was a year ago. And in nine of the states majorities approve of the GOP tax law. The head of Oklahomas largest teachers union has called for an end to a teacher walk-out that shut public schools statewide for nine days, saying that major gains in education funding have been secured. The details: The outrage over lack of education funding, teacher pay and years of budget cuts forced thousands to hold a series of massive demonstrations at the Kentucky State Capitol. Union President Alicia Priest told reporters they received $479 million in funding for the next school year, but it falls short of the $600 million educators were seeking. Priest said outrage and focus should now be on this years midterm and electing pro-education candidates to the state legislature currently controlled by Republicans. The International Energy Agency said Friday that OECD oil stockpiles are almost down to their five-year average. Why it matters: That's the original goal of the production-limiting deal between OPEC, Russia and some other producers seeking to clear the global glut. The IEA's new monthly oil market report states: "With markets expected to tighten, it is possible that when we publish OECD stocks data in the next month or two they will have reached or even fallen below the five-year average target." "It is not for us to declare on behalf of the Vienna agreement countries that it is 'mission accomplished', but if our outlook is accurate, it certainly looks very much like it." OECD stocks has fallen to just 30 million barrels above their five-year average at the end of February, IEA said. But, but, but: The goals and status of the OPEC-Russia relationship has become an evolving thing as the producers grapple with the rise of U.S. shale and seek to continue propping up prices. It's unlikely they'll seek an early exit to the current agreement that's slated to run through year's end. "Despite shrinking oil inventories, Opec producers have said alternative metrics must be considered when evaluating the success of the deal and how long cuts should be maintained," the Financial Times noted Friday. And there are also plans for a longer term maybe much, much longer term collaboration on market management between OPEC and Russia. One level deeper: "OPEC appears to be reformulating its target in terms of upstream investment rather than oil inventories, according to an analysis of recent statements made by ministers from member countries," Reuters analyst John Kemp wrote Thursday. For now IEA is sticking with its forecast of 1.5 million barrels per day of demand growth this year to reach 99.3 million, but warns, "the trade dispute between the US and China is introducing a downward risk to the forecast." Go deeper: The Wall Street Journal has more on how trade fights could hit oil forecasts. The U.N. shipping agency has reached an agreement to cut carbon emissions "by at least 50 percent by 2050," Reuters reports, although they added that the goal "fell short of more ambitious targets." Why it matters, from Axios' Ben Geman: Shipping is estimated to account for 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, but that share is projected to rise sharply to 17% by mid-century, absent more steps to tackle the problem. The agreement also highlights the challenge of curbing emissions from the wider transportation sector, even as cars and light trucks grow more efficient and move towards greater electrification. Be smart: Though several industry insiders said they think the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Panama could have pushed to reduce emissions even further the E.U. and Marshall Islands had aimed for cutting emissions "by 70 to 100 percent by 2050," per Reuters the overall goal of phasing out global CO2 emissions was made clear. Ending a two-week walking tour of Armenias northern and central regions, opposition leader Nikol Pashinian returned to Yerevan on Friday hours before the start of his rallies against former President Serzh Sarkisians continued hold on power. Pashinian has walked around 200 kilometers through Gyumri, Vanadzor and other towns to try to drum up popular support for his and his Civil Contract partys efforts to prevent Sarkisian from becoming prime minister. He was joined by dozens of mostly young activists while entering Yerevan on foot. The small crowd then marched to the city center, urging people to attend a rally that was due to be held in Liberty Square later in the day. Come to Liberty Square and stand up for your power and for your homeland, Pashinian shouted through a megaphone before chanting Take a step, reject Serzh! Speaking to reporters, Pashinian reiterated that he and his supporters will be camped in Liberty Square at least until a parliament debate and vote on the next prime minister slated for Monday. He said they could also march to the parliament building on Monday. It doesnt matter how many people will come to Liberty Square, said the 42-year-old politician. We will be taking actions anyway. But Pashinian also stressed: The scale of our actions depends on the presence of citizens. Armenian officials have already warned Pashinian against blocking streets or entrances to government buildings, saying that such actions would be deemed illegal. Pashinian dismissed these warnings. Citizens of Armenia have a right to take peaceful actions of civil disobedience and they will exercise that right in full, he said. The leadership of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) is expected to formally nominate Sarkisian for prime minister on Saturday. The HHK controls the majority of seats in the parliament. Sarkisian completed his second and final presidential term on April 9. His successor, Armen Sarkissian, has largely ceremonial powers due to Armenias transition to a parliamentary system of government controversially engineered by the ex-president. Serzh Sarkisian promised in 2014 that he will not seek to become prime minister if Armenia becomes a parliamentary republic. His political opponents now accuse him of reneging on that pledge. HHK figures claim that he never explicitly pledged to quit power and is better equipped to govern the country than anyone else. By Rashid Shirinov The ten years of rule of Serzh Sargsyan in Armenia, which were constantly accompanied by failures both in domestic and foreign policy, have eventually fueled the feelings of genuine anger and resentment among the population of the country. It is already 12 days since Armenian MPs from the Civil Contract party, which is a part of the Yelk faction, are absent from the parliament sessions. This is due to the Civil Contract initiative entitled #MyStep. Lena Nazaryan, a Yelk MP, came to the plenary session on April 11 and speaking from the rostrum, urged Armenian citizens to join their rally. Head of the Yelk faction Nikol Pashinyan began a campaign called #MyStep, which was joined by hundreds of supporters, associates and members of the civil initiative, she said, noting that they will protest four days in Yerevan. The purpose of this rally is to gather as many people as possible to surround all the entrances to the National Assembly building and not to allow the MPs to enter and vote for Serzh Sargsyans premiership, Nazaryan noted. The MP added that their initiative is not being covered by the Armenian TV companies, and citizens who disseminate information about the rally get detained. She also reiterated that all protesters will act without violence. I urge you to come to Freedom Square and take your step against emigration, stagnation and for the sake of happy Armenia, Nazaryan said in conclusion. Another MP from Yelk faction Ararat Mirzoyan, in turn, said: The time has come when we can prevent Serzh Sargsyans third term, stop the Republican Party of Armenias rule and form Armenia of our dream. For this, it is necessary to come to Freedom Square, where we will light our torch of freedom together. Having said this, he together with Lena Nazaryan lit smoke bombs on the rostrum of the National Assembly of Armenia. Later in the day, protesters gathered near the building of the ruling Republican Party, where the question of candidacy of the future prime minister was being discussed. People were shouting slogans against Serzh Sargsyan, carrying banners and lighting smoke bombs. The new prime minister will be elected by the parliament on April 17, and Armenians are going to protest every day until the date to not let the worst happen. Armenia has no future without changing the system of power and the top officials, and the population understands this. People suffer from plight due to the incapable authorities headed by Sargsyan, who are not yet able to fix the problems of the country. The state debt is approaching $7 billion but there is no sign of improvement in the life of Armenians, the unemployment rate is around 18 percent, while almost a third of the population lives in poverty. If Sargsyan is elected the new prime minister, the situation in the country is not likely to change in a positive direction, since the prime minister will be the main figure in the country. Of course, this will lead Armenia into an even deeper swamp. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 110 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said April 13. Armenians were using large-caliber machine guns. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov Armenia has once again disseminated a dirty trick aimed at discrediting Azerbaijan and its Armed Forces. Spokesman for the Armenian Defense Ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan wrote on his Facebook page that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces allegedly opened fire on a civilian truck near the border village of Baghanis in Armenias Tavush region. However, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has refuted the fake information. "The information that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces shelled a civilian truck in Armenias border village of Baghanis is false," Azerbaijani Defense Ministry's Spokesman Vagif Dargahli told Trend on April 13. Quite the contrary, for many years, not a day has been going by without Armenias ceasefire breaking and provocations with the use of large-caliber machine guns, mortars and other weapons on the frontline. Moreover, the Armenian troops often attempt to shell the Azerbaijani settlements located in the frontline regions, threatening the lives of peaceful Azerbaijani citizens living there. Over the past day, Armenias armed forces have 110 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact with the use of large-caliber machine guns. Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign state with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years. Until now, Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Interest of cargo shippers in the International North-South Transport Corridor project is growing, Eduard Alyrzaev, first deputy CEO of Russian Railways Logistics (RRL), told Trend April 6. "There is interest on the part of forwarding companies, cargo owners, major Russian exporters," he noted. "For example, authorities of the Stavropol province, as well as the major Russian steel companies are interested in the project. As for foreign countries, we are in contact with Finland, which exports a fairly large amount of paper to India." Alyrzaev went on to add that the operators and countries participating in the transport corridor project have become more active. At the same time, it is necessary to further develop the marketing part of the project, he said. By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijans main electricity producer Azerenergy JSC and Irans state energy company Tavanir signed an agreement on the sale of electricity, Azerbaijani Energy Ministry informed on April 12. The agreement was signed within the visit of the Azerbaijani delegation led by Deputy Energy Minister Natig Abbasov to Iran. During the visit, a meeting was held in the Iranian Energy Ministry, where the sides discussed issues of ensuring electricity trade between the two countries, regulating the joint activities of the energy grids of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia, as well as the transit of energy to third countries. Further an agreement on the sale and purchase of electricity between Azerenergy and Tavanir, a company that produces, distributes and transmits electricity in Iran, was signed by Azerenergy President Etibar Pirverdiyev and Head of Tavanir Arash Kordi. Under the agreement, Azerenergy will start importing 180 megawatt (MW) of electricity for the regions of Mugan and Astara in June 2018. The sides also agreed to hold a trilateral meeting in Baku on April 26 on the realization of the process of uniting the energy grids of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia, as well as discussed the development of the Iran-Azerbaijan-Georgia energy corridor. Azerbaijan and Iran currently enjoy a total capacity of 700 MW for power exchange. During the recent visit of President Hassan Rouhani to Baku, Iran concluded an agreement with Azerbaijan for the purchase of 150 MW of power. Irans nominal capacity for power generation currently stands at 78,421 MW following the connection of a number of power plants to the countrys national grid. The country's capabilities in the area of power generation have significantly developed over the past four decades, thus making Iran the top producer of electricity in the region. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan enjoys a capacity of 7,172 MW. The transmission lines of both countries were synchronized in August 2016. Azerbaijan has already turned from a country importing electricity to the country exporting it. The export potential is growing, since the country enjoys the relevant infrastructure for transmission of electricity. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov Electrotyazhmash, the state enterprise of Ukraine, will supply the necessary raw materials for industrial production at Azerbaijan's Sumgayit Technologies Park (STP), the Park told Trend on April 13. The contract on cooperation was signed by the STP CEO Emin Mammadov and the acting Director of Electrotyazhmash Dmitry Kostyuk. In accordance with the agreement, the parties will be engaged in the development of industrial sectors of the countries and will join efforts to create new technologies, STP noted. The contract also stipulates cooperation in the personnel capacity building and exchange of experience in this field. In addition, Electrotyazhmash will supply the necessary raw materials and spare parts for production at STP. Sumgayit Technologies Park, opened in December 2009, includes a complex of plants engaged in new infrastructure projects. All production facilities are equipped with the best technological equipment manufactured in Europe. STP produces electric power and mechanical engineering products, in particular, various types of cables, transformers, high voltage equipment, hydraulic turbines, water pumps, electric motors, pipes, etc. As for, Azerbaijan-Ukraine cooperation, the countries enjoy sustainable prospects of bilateral relations in political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian fields. Azerbaijan is one of the main trade partners of Ukraine among the CIS countries. The trade turnover between two countries amounted to approximately $810 million in 2017, almost $460 million of which accounted for imports of Ukrainian products. Main goods imported from Ukraine to Azerbaijan are products of metallurgy, machine building, agriculture and chemical industry. Meanwhile, goods exported from Azerbaijan to Ukraine are generally products of fuel energy industry, chemical industry and agro-industry. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Layman Ismayilova The female writers have a significant place in Azerbaijani literature, which has a rich and interesting history. Mahsati Ganjavi, a poetess and philosopher of the 12th century, was recognized not only in her epoch, but much later also. Her works are considered valuable examples of Azerbaijani and world literature. The great poetess of Azerbaijan Mahsati Ganjavi, who lived in the late 11th - early 12th centuries, is a bright representative of the Azerbaijani Muslim revival. The pearl of the East literature, Mahsati became famous in Azerbaijans medieval literature as a freedom-loving poetess and the master of rubai or a quatrain, a poem or a verse of a poem consisting of four lines. She spent her most creative periods in the palaces of Sultan Mahmud Saljugi and Sultan Sanjar Saljugi. With unsurpassed talent and free-thinking, Mahsati Ganjavis personality gave rise to many myths and legends. The most complete collection of quatrains are founded in the Nozhat al-Majales. About 60 quatrains of her are found in the Nozhat al-Majales. Poetess's works are philosophical and love quatrains (rubaiyat), glorifying the joy of living and the fullness of love. She describes love as a fragile natural feeling, which makes a man's fame higher. Her poems reflected the people's, especially, the women's dreams of a free and happy life. Thoughts against obscurantism also hold the main place in her works. Mahsatis poetry is distinguished by its humanism and optimism. She commonly wrote Rubai in Persian. Her poems have been translated into different languages. The poetess spent the most important periods of her life in the cities of Balkh, Marv, Nishapur, Herat and Marva. Mahsati also played an active part in society, organized literature circles, and gathered young girls around her. When she was young, Mahsati Ganjavi left Ganja for several years. She further returned to her hometown and lived there until the end of her days. Ganjavi touched the soul and inspired many writers and poets over the years. The 900th anniversary of works by Mahsati Ganjavi was celebrated by UNESCO in 2013. The hall named after the poet opened at the University of Upper Alsace in Mulhouse through support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The street, a school, an academic institution, a museum, and some other places have been named after Mahsati Ganjavi. In 2016, monument to an outstanding poetess unveiled in France. After so many years, legendary poetess is still highly respected for her courageous poetry. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova The National Art Museum will host exhibition of vintage posters on April 13-28. Co-organized by the Embassy of Switzerland and the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the event will be held as part of Francophonie Weeks in Baku. The exhibition "Go on vacation!" will feature posters created during the period 1917-2017, aimed at promoting the tourist potential of Switzerland. The exposition is timed to the 100th anniversary of Switzerland Tourism promotion agency, a national marketing company dedicated to promoting Switzerland in the international arena as a country for tourism and business meetings. Admission is free. Vintage poster is not just a picture. It's art work that reflects the modernity, the world, and attracts great public attention. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by co-chair of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the Turkish Parliament Necdet Unuvar. Congratulating President Ilham Aliyev on confident victory in the April 11 election, Necdet Unuvar noted that he came to the country with a big observer delegation and that they conducted observations at polling stations. He also noted that the people showed great interest in the election and they didnt face any offense during the voting. President Ilham Aliyev recalled with satisfaction the telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the election and a congratulatory letter sent to him by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Ilham Aliyev said that every effort was made to ensure that the election is held as transparent as possible and reflect the will of the Azerbaijani people. Stressing that the number of people participating in the election was quite high, President Ilham Aliyev noted that this gives additional strength to further confidently lead the country forward. Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence in further successful development of the Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherly, friendly ties. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A solo exhibition of well-known photographer Reza Deghati has been launched at the Heydar Aliyev Center. Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening of the exhibition arranged in the center`s park. Addressing the event, Reza Deghati hailed tolerance in Azerbaijan. He thanked Azerbaijan`s Fist Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for support. The photographer said he will launch his exhibition of works on Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliyev Center in a month. Participants of the event viewed the exhibition, which features 60 photographs taken by Reza Deghati in Azerbaijan, France, Egypt, Turkey, China, Afghanistan and other countries in different years. Reza Deghati for the first time visited Azerbaijan in 1987. In 1997, he lived in Azerbaijan for several months and traveled across the country taking pictures of ordinary people in their everyday life, customs and traditions of various people. Reza has covered much of the globe for National Geographic Magazine. Several films about Reza's work have been produced by National Geographic Television, most notably Frontline Diaries, which won an Emmy Award in 2002. Reza's photographs have been exhibited in major cities throughout the world. War+Peace (2009), an exhibit featuring thirty years-worth of Reza's photojournalistic adventures, was held at the Caen Memorial (Peace Museum) in Normandy, France. One World, One Tribe (2006), was the National Geographic Museum's first outdoor exhibition in Washington D.C, and Reza's landmark exhibition in Paris, drew a million visitors. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The views of members of the observation mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the presidential election in Azerbaijan are a pre-prepared provocation, political analyst Bahruz Guliyev told Trend on April 12. He made the remarks commenting on the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR presented at a press conference on April 12. The mission, which voiced opinions not reflecting the reality observed at the election, announced that the final report will be made public within two months. The expert noted that provocation and bias was initially felt in the work of the observation mission. They were aimed at criticizing Azerbaijan. All international observers, who watched the presidential election in Azerbaijan, had positive attitude and highly appreciated the process, but the OSCE/ODIHR wanted to demonstrate a completely prejudiced stance, Guliyev said. He said that, in fact, the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR were prepared not after the elections and on the basis of observations, but in advance and upon order. This statement by the OSCE/ODIHR was prepared upon the orders of outside forces that do not like Azerbaijan. What was the remark about Azerbaijan? It was alleged that differences were put between candidates and not everyone was allowed to nominate candidacy. In reality, the people, who they claim were subjected to pressure, themselves did not want to participate in the election and no pressure was imposed on them. Therefore, it becomes clear that their statement is absolutely biased. We proved to them that the statement they made does not reflect reality and was prepared in advance, the expert said. He added that the ODIHR observation mission came to Azerbaijan not to observe the election, but on a political order and to blacken the country. Their goal was disclosed by Azerbaijani reporters. It became known that they arrived in the country at the request of some anti-Azerbaijan forces to realize their nefarious intentions. They did not succeed, Guliyev said. Azerbaijan held a presidential election on April 11. Eight candidates were registered for the election. Six of the candidates were nominated by political parties, one candidate was a self-nominee and another candidate was nominated by an initiative group. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev garnered 86.03 percent of votes in the election, according to the votes counted in 5,641 polling stations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The presidential election in Azerbaijan was held within the international norms, Bulgaria's MP from the Socialist Party Pencho Milkov said. Milkov made the remarks in Baku April 12 at the press conference of observers from the "Civil Dialogue" international observation mission, consisting of the members of the European Parliament, MPs from Italy, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria, Belgium, France, Argentina and Slovakia. "I have arrived in Baku for the first time, he said. We visited several polling stations as observers and we did not notice any violations. We managed to talk to the voters. The opinions were also exchanged with local observers representing various parties. Azerbaijan held a presidential election on April 11. Eight candidates were registered for the election. Six of the candidates were nominated by political parties, one candidate was a self-nominee and another candidate was nominated by an initiative group. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev has garnered 86.03 percent of votes in the election, according to the votes counted in 5,641 polling stations. On the voting day, 5,426 permanent polling stations and 215 temporary polling stations in 125 constituencies operated in the country. The election was observed by 894 international observers (61 organizations, 59 countries) and 58,175 local observers. The voter turnout was 74.51 percent. That is 3,962,123 of 5,332,817 voters cast ballot in the election. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has received the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Azerbaijan, Moussaid bin Ibrahim al-Sulayman, upon termination of his diplomatic tenure in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message on April 12. The ambassador congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the election as the president by Azerbaijani people at the presidential election held in the country. The ambassador noted that his country attaches great importance to the development of relations with Azerbaijan. At the meeting the sides underlined that the political relations between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are at an excellent level and are pleased with the development of the economic, trade and tourism cooperation. It was noted that more than 35,000 Saudi Arabian citizens visited the country last year and this indicator will increase further this year by signing an air link agreement and direct air flights. Mammadyarov highly appreciated Saudi Arabia's consistent position with regard to Armenia's aggression and occupation of the Azerbaijan's territories, as well as support for Azerbaijan's fair and just position in the international organizations. The minister emphasized that the humanitarian aid provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan in difficult times in the early 1990s has never been forgotten. The envoy expressed his gratitude for the support to the development of cooperation between the two countries during his tenure, noting that Saudi Arabia's stance on the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will consistently continue. Mammadyarov highly appreciated the efforts of the ambassador made for the development of traditional friendly and partnership relations between the two countries and wished every success in his future endeavors. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has congratulated President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. "I sincerely congratulate you on the re-election as the President of Azerbaijan and wish you success in your work," President Vucic said in his congratulatory message. "The high confidence of the Azerbaijani citizens in you proves that they deeply believe in the strength of your ideas and your thoughts on the further progress of Azerbaijan. I am sure that the people's confidence will strengthen your iron will in order to lead them along the successful path," the Serbian president said. President Vucic further voiced gladness that he will soon visit Azerbaijan again. We will continue the informative discussions that were held during my previous visit and other events, the president of Serbia said. We wish to continue joint efforts for further development of traditional friendly relations and strategic partnership between Serbia and Azerbaijan. Taking this opportunity, I once again express my deep respect to you. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko phoned Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the press service of the Azerbaijani president said in a statement. Petro Poroshenko congratulated Ilham Aliyev on confident victory at the presidential election, wished him success in the presidential activity for the progress and prosperity of Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the attention and congratulations. During the phone conversation, the two presidents expressed satisfaction with the development of ties between the two countries, and stressed with confidence the further strengthening of cooperation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. "Dear Ilham Heydarovich, on behalf of the people of Kazakhstan and on my own behalf, I congratulate you on the confident victory in the presidential election in Azerbaijan. Your victory in the election proves that the Azerbaijani people are providing high support to your policy aimed at increasing the well-being of the people and strengthening of the country's authority on international arena," Nazarbayev said in his congratulatory message. "On this high state post, I wish you new success on the path of Azerbaijan's further prosperity and effective implementation of all the forthcoming plans. I want to note your great contribution to the strengthening of relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, based on unbreakable friendship and trust," the Kazakh president said. Nazarbayev further voiced confidence that the strategic cooperation between the two countries will continue to develop dynamically for the bright future of Azerbaijani and Kazakh peoples. "Dear Ilham Heydarovich, taking this opportunity, I wish you good health, inexhaustible energy, success in all initiatives, and friendly Azerbaijani people - peace and prosperity," the president of Kazakhstan said in his message. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan Vitezslav Pivonka upon the termination of his diplomatic tenure, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message on April 12. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state of bilateral relations, progress achieved in recent years and cooperation prospects between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic. Ambassador Pivonka said that he did his best to contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations during his tenure and thanked the Azerbaijani government for the support of initiatives in this direction. He emphasized that he enjoyed the beauty of Azerbaijan and leaves the country with pleasant impressions. Mammadyarov thanked Pivonka for his contribution to the development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic and wished him every success in his future endeavors. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijan does not consider the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the presidential election held on April 11, as fair and objective, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend April 12. Hajiyev made the remarks when commenting on the preliminary conclusions of the International Election Observation mission. He noted that representatives of the observation mission were received at the Foreign Ministry today and the protest of Azerbaijani side was presented. In the preliminary conclusions subjective allegations and biased political considerations dominate the methodological and technical approach to observe the elections, according to Hajiyev. "The allegations that presidential elections took place within a restrictive political environment are completely groundless. All the necessary conditions have been provided for registered candidates to carry free and open pre-election campaign. Presenting inactions of some marginal political forces owning to their political weakness and lack of political support base and passive election campaign of some candidates as shortcoming is totally incorrect," he said. Hajiyev stressed that media in Azerbaijan is completely free. In the pre-election period, along with the media, there were active environment of political debate, even beyond any ethical norms in the social networks as well, he noted. "Election process took place under the conditions of voters active turnout in a free manner pursuant to the requirements of law. Contrary to this, without any substantiated facts allegations such as disregard to mandatory procedures, lack of transparency and numerous serious irregularities do not withhold any criticism," Hajiyev said, adding that the Azerbaijani side demanded from the OSCE/ODHIR to present such facts, if they have any. Hajiyev noted impossibility to perceive such information serious when elections were unrestrictedly monitored by more than 60,000 domestic and international observers and 1,000 web cameras in an online regime. "Occurrence of technical irregularities during the election cannot be excluded. However, overgeneralization of individual technical irregularities and applying them into the entire election is assessed as overstepping the mandate and biased political attitude," he said. While reviewing the preliminary conclusions, one can easily witness contradictory and self-disproving paragraphs, according to him. "For instance, it is completely incomprehensible that at one point the preliminary conclusions note the positive conditions provided by Government of Azerbaijan for international observers, professional work of the Central Election Commission, but in another point claim about lack of transparency and disregard for mandatory procedures," he said, stressing that such cases are sufficient in the document, and anyone who reads it can clearly see it. Hajiyev emphasized that the attitude displayed by the International Observation Mission is, in the first place, disrespect to the millions of Azerbaijani voters, who freely expressed their right to vote. "In accordance with the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the elections are primarily held for the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In the free, democratic, fair and transparent presidential elections the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan once again expressed their political will," he said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Russia will continue developing relations with Azerbaijan in various directions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing April 12 answering Trends question. Undoubtedly, we will continue to develop relations with Azerbaijan, and these relations will be aimed at implementing the interests of the peoples of our countries in various directions, in various sectors on a mutually beneficial and mutually respectful basis, she said. Zakharova noted that the Azerbaijan-Russia relations have great prospects. Last year, Azerbaijan and Russia marked the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. Russia is one of the main economic and trade partners of Azerbaijan. More than 170 documents were signed between the two countries, including about 50 documents on economy. Russian investments in the Azerbaijani economy exceeded $3.7 billion over the period of the two countries' cooperation. Entrepreneurs from Azerbaijan invested more than $1 billion in Russias economy. According to Azerbaijans Customs Committee, trade turnover with Russia amounted to $2.14 billion in 2017. The Azerbaijan-Russia trade turnover rose by 4.3 percent compared to 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The European Union External Action has issued a statement on the presidential election held in Azerbaijan April 11. As noted by the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission (EOM), the Azerbaijani authorities displayed a positive attitude towards international observers, who were able to operate freely, which constitutes a constructive step, said the statement. The EU looks forward to continuing dialogue and working closely with Azerbaijan, including with a view to addressing fundamental issues of democracy and human rights during the renewed term in office of the President, for the benefit of the people of Azerbaijan and EU-Azerbaijan relations, said the statement. During the press conference held Apr.12, OSCE/ODIHR observation mission made preliminary conclusions on the presidential election in Azerbaijan, which voiced opinions not reflecting the reality observed at the election. Representatives of the observation mission were received at the Foreign Ministry on April 12 and the protest of Azerbaijani side was presented. Commenting on the OSCE/ODIHR conclusions, political analyst Bahruz Guliyev told Trend on April 12 that the views of members of the observation mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the presidential election in Azerbaijan are a pre-prepared provocation. The expert noted that provocation and bias was initially felt in the work of the observation mission. They were aimed at criticizing Azerbaijan. All international observers, who watched the presidential election in Azerbaijan, had positive attitude and highly appreciated the process, but the OSCE/ODIHR wanted to demonstrate a completely prejudiced stance, Guliyev said. He said that, in fact, the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR were prepared not after the elections and on the basis of observations, but in advance and upon order. This statement by the OSCE/ODIHR was prepared upon the orders of outside forces that do not like Azerbaijan. What was the remark about Azerbaijan? It was alleged that differences were put between candidates and not everyone was allowed to nominate candidacy. In reality, the people, who they claim were subjected to pressure, themselves did not want to participate in the election and no pressure was imposed on them. Therefore, it becomes clear that their statement is absolutely biased. We proved to them that the statement they made does not reflect reality and was prepared in advance, the expert said. He added that the ODIHR observation mission came to Azerbaijan not to observe the election, but on a political order and to blacken the country. Their goal was disclosed by Azerbaijani reporters. It became known that they arrived in the country at the request of some anti-Azerbaijan forces to realize their nefarious intentions. They did not succeed, Guliyev said. Azerbaijan held a presidential election on April 11. Eight candidates were registered for the election. Six of the candidates were nominated by political parties, one candidate was a self-nominee and another candidate was nominated by an initiative group. The incumbent head of state, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev has garnered 86.03 percent of votes in the election, according to the votes counted in 5,641 polling stations. On the voting day, 5,426 permanent polling stations and 215 temporary polling stations in 125 constituencies operated in the country. The election was observed by 894 international observers (61 organizations, 59 countries) and 58,175 local observers. The voter turnout was 74.51 percent. That is 3,962,123 of 5,332,817 voters cast ballot in the election. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov The issue of determining the legal status of the Caspian Sea, which has remained essential over the past 27 years, is expected to be eventually resolved in the near future. This issue has once again been discussed during the recent telephone conversation of the Azerbaijani and Russian Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov and Sergey Lavrov. The ministers discussed the progress of work on the documents of the 5th Caspian Summit, Russian Foreign Ministry informed on April 12. The sides expressed a common opinion about the importance of the forthcoming five-sided summit in Kazakhstan, where it is planned to sign the Convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea. The status of the Caspian Sea remains a key topic of discussion at the summits of the littoral states. The issue became relevant after the collapse of the USSR, when the emergence of new subjects of international law - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan - raised the issue of delimitation of the Caspian Sea between the five littoral countries. The difficulties in determining the status of the Caspian Sea were linked, in particular, with the recognition of it as a lake or sea, the delineation of which is regulated by different provisions of international law. The leaders of the five countries met for the first time in 2002 in Ashgabat. The second Caspian summit was held in Tehran in 2007, the third one in Baku in 2010, and the fourth summit in Astrakhan in 2014. Last month, Lavrov noted that at the meeting in Moscow this December, the foreign ministers of the Caspian states finished harmonizing all articles of the Convention. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed the situation in Syria over the phone and pointed to the importance of ensuring the necessary conditions for the work of inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in that country, TASS reports. "[The two presidents] expressed concern over the current aggravation of the situation in and around Syria amid allegations about the use of chemical weapons in the city of Douma," the Kremlin press service reported. "[They] stressed the importance of ensuring the necessary conditions for the work of the OPCW inspectors travelling to Syria." The two leaders spoke out in favor of intensifying the Syrian political settlement process based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the decision made by the Syrian National Dialogue Congress. "[They] agreed to continue bilateral contacts at different levels," the Kremlin press service added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva A new free economic zone (FEZ) - Syrdaryo - will be created in Uzbekistan. It will be established on the basis of the branch of the Djizak free economic zone in the Syrdarya district and the territory of the small industrial zone in the city of Yangier. The period of operation of the new FEZ will be 30 years with the possibility of its subsequent extension. All this time, special tax and customs regimes will operate there. All enterprises of the zone, depending on the volume of investment, will be freed from payment of land tax, profit tax, property tax of legal entities, tax on improvement and development of social infrastructure, single tax payment for microfirms and small enterprises, as well as mandatory contributions to target state funds for various periods. So, for example, if one invests from $300,000 to $3 million he or she will receive benefits for three years, from $3 to $5 million - for five years, $5 to $10 million - for seven years, and $10 million - for ten years. In addition, they will be exempted from payment of customs payments for imported raw materials and component parts used in the production of goods aimed at export for the entire period of FEZ activity. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed to develop a roadmap by mid-June for the placement of production of import-substituting and export-oriented types of finished products, materials and components in the territory of the Syrdaryo FEZ, taking into account the existing mineral resources of the Syrdarya region. As many as 17 free economic zones currently operate in Uzbekistan. They implemented 69 projects for a total of $512 million. Three of them were created in the last two months. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva The volume of foreign trade turnover of Kazakhstan in January-February 2018 in monetary terms amounted to $13.3 billion, which is 23.5 percent more than the figure in the corresponding month of 2017, the Committee on Statistics of the Kazakh National Economy Ministry reported. The volume of exports in the reporting period amounted to $8.8 billion, thus showing an increase of 27.4 percent compared to January-February 2017. At the same time, the imports made $4.5 billion, which is 16.6 percent more than in the first two months of the previous year. Meanwhile, the volume of cargo turnover in January-March 2018 amounted to 136.56 billion ton-kilometers, which is 9.1 percent more than in the same period in 2017. In the first quarter of the year, the volume of cargo transportation amounted to 847.789 million tons (an increase of 4.3 percent compared to January-March of the previous year). The passenger turnover reached 65.545 billion passenger-kilometers, this showing a growth of 4.5 percent. During the reporting period, 5.417 billion passengers (+ 0.9 percent) were transported. Kazakhstan is the 48th most complex economy according to the Economic Complexity Index (ECI). The country has an export-oriented economy which is highly dependent on shipments of oil and related products (73 percent of total exports). Other exports include ferrous metals, copper, aluminum, zinc and uranium. Main imports are electronics, machinery and mechanical appliances (25 percent of total imports), mineral products (15 percent), transport equipment (12 percent) and base metals and related products (10 percent). Kazakhstan became a World Trade Organization (WTO) member on November 30, 2015. The country officially entered into a Customs Union with Russia and Belarus on July 1, 2010. Since that time, Kazakhstans trade policy has been heavily influenced by regulations promulgated by the Customs Union and its governing body the Eurasian Economic Commission. As a condition of membership in the Customs Union, Kazakhstan had to double its average import tariff and introduced annual tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on trade apoultry, beef, and pork. However, in accordance with its WTO commitments, Kazakhstan will now gradually lower 3,512 import tariff rates to an average of 6.1 percent by 2020. Starting from January 2016, Kazakhstan has applied a lower-than-Customs Union Tariff rate to food products, automobiles, airplanes, railway wagons, lumber, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, freezers, and jewelry. On May 29, 2014 Kazakhstan and its Customs Union partners signed a treaty to create a common economic space known as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The EAEU is expected to further integrate their economies, and provide for the free movement of services, capital and labor within their common territory. The government of Kazakhstan has asserted that EAEU agreements comply with WTO standards. Kazakhstans government is optimistic that further integration within the EAEU will make Kazakhstan more attractive for foreign investment by expanding market access to those countries. Kazakhstan is a signatory of the Free Trade Agreement with CIS countries. In addition, as a member of the EAEU, Kazakhstan is party to the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Vietnam. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva An absolutely new system of customs control, based on generally accepted international norms and standards, will be introduced in Uzbekistan on July 1, 2018, according to the decree of the head of state. Preliminary declaration of imported goods before their actual arrival to the customs territory of the republic will probably become one of the most important possibilities for business. Under the current legislation, customs clearance is carried out only upon the arrival of the goods in the country. From July 1, the entrepreneur will be able to declare the goods in advance before they arrive in Uzbekistan and dispose of them immediately after passing the checkpoints at the border. Also, participants in foreign economic activities have the right to fill out and submit cargo customs declarations online without recourse to customs brokers. This will seriously reduce the cost of clearance procedures at customs. For comparison, last year 2,577 or 92 percent of all cargo customs declarations were filled by specialists in customs clearance. The cost of this service ranged from one minimum wage to 0.5 percent of the cost of the goods. Moreover, the customs clearance of identical goods by physical characteristics, quality, manufacturer, code of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity within the framework of a single foreign trade agreement will be implemented through the provision of periodic declarations. Previously, entrepreneurs were forced to declare each shipment of goods supplied under a single contract. The problem with obtaining permits for import of products will also be solved. Currently, businessmen have to apply to various bodies for obtaining the necessary certificates and pay separately each appeal even within the framework of one contract. However, everything will change from July 1. Now a quarantine permit, a permit for import and export, a certificate of conformity, veterinary, hygienic and ecological certificates for identical goods within the framework of a single foreign trade contract will be issued once, but for a period no longer than one calendar year. In addition, the issuance of permits by customs authorities when placing goods under customs regimes, as well as permission to change the route of movement of foreign road carriers through the territory of the republic, will be canceled. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz During the first three months of 2018, Heydar Aliyev International Airport served over 897,000 passengers. This indicator exceeds the same indicator of the previous year by 15 percent. National air carrier Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) carried 362,000 passengers, while national low-cost airline Buta Airways 104,000 passengers. 768,000 passengers (85.6 percent of passenger traffic) accounted for international flights. Currently, Heydar Aliyev International Airport serves 30 airlines on 52 destinations. Top ten most popular international destinations include Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, Kiev, Doha, Sharjah, Tbilisi, Baghdad, Tehran and St. Petersburg. 597,000 passengers traveled to these destinations in January-March. Starting from March 2018, one of the leading airlines of the UAE - Etihad Airways launched regular direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Baku. The new airport terminal of Heydar Aliyev Airport (Terminal 1) was put into operation in April 2014. Its total area is 65,000 square meters. Heydar Aliyev International Airport was awarded the category of "4 stars" by the Skytrax, which is influential British consulting company specializing in the study of the quality of services provided by various airlines and airports worldwide. In March 2018 Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport was named the best airport among airports of Russia and CIS countries for the level of the provided services, being awarded the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards for the second year in a row. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A Beaumont man died in Liberty County Thursday morning when he was run over by his own dump truck, according to the Liberty County Sheriff's Office. Manuel Gutierrez Rodrigues, 60, was killed at about 8:30 this morning at the gate at Trinity Materials Company on Highway 146, LCSO Captain Ken DeFoor said in a press release. Administrators at Kirbyville CISD Superintendent Tommy Wallis' former district said he created "an intimidating, hostile and offensive work environment" and forced them to "work under distress," according to documents released by Bryan ISD this week after a yearlong legal battle. Included in the document packet released to The Enterprise late Thursday night was a September 2016 memo penned by Bryan ISD's "Leadership Cabinet" to the district's school board. Four Bryan ISD administrators outlined in the memo more than a dozen alleged violations of Wallis' contract, state standards and the district's Code of Ethics. "This action is made with a hope that the district will no longer suffer under the Superintendent's totalitarian leadership and abuse of authority," the memo stated. "...because of the severity of these violations and the seriousness of the matter, the cabinet members are in fear of loss of their jobs and believe that the Superintendent will retaliate against each of them, thus placing their careers in jeopardy and equally placing the entire district at risk of collapse due to his possible adverse actions." Wallis was forced to resign from Bryan ISD that same month. Six months later, he was hired by Kirbyville CISD. The Southeast Texas school district is about one-tenth of the size of the College Station-area district. Wallis and his attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday. >> Read more: Report: Kirbyville super accused of violating Bryan ISD ethics policy The memo, which was previously leaked to media in violation of a court order, was released this week in response to a public information request, along with hundreds of pages of documents related to Wallis' departure from the Bryan school district. Wallis sued the Attorney General's Office and Bryan ISD in January 2017 to keep the records private. A Travis County judge ruled in December 2017 that Wallis' annual evaluations and related documents must be kept confidential according to the Texas Education Code, but allowed for the release of other requested information. Wallis said in a statement last month that he would not appeal the ruling, and said he was releasing documents in an attempt "to move on and do the business we were called to do, teach children." Among the documents released were a transcript and an audio recording of a Sept. 14, 2016, conversation between Wallis and Associate Superintendent Barbara Ybarra, in which Wallis called Bryan ISD board member David Stasny a "sorry sack of (expletive)." He told Ybarra he wanted "to vent" about a lunch meeting he had with Stasny that day in which they discussed Stasny's visits to district campuses and a midyear evaluation of Wallis' superintendent contract. "He's pissed because I told him I didn't care" about his visits to campuses, Wallis told Ybarra. "He's pissed because I didn't kiss his ass." Wallis told Ybarra that Stasny wanted to know if he planned to stay in Bryan and that they would discuss his midyear evaluation at the next board meeting. >> Judge denies Kirbyville super's request to keep documents secret Ybarra was one of the four cabinet members who signed the memo to the board the next day, along with Deputy Superintendent Timothy Rocka, Assistant Superintendent Amy Drozd and Brandon Webb, executive director of Communications and Public Affairs. According to the documents, between 2014 and 2016, Wallis applied for jobs in 13 school districts, including Fort Worth, Plano, Klein and Spring Branch ISDs. In June 2016, he emailed Webb, asking him to proofread and mail his application to Leander ISD, where he interviewed later that summer. "Final version. Now go enjoy the day!" he wrote to Webb. The cabinet wrote in its memo that Wallis asked Webb "on multiple occasions" to "write/edit/proof resumes, cover letters, application answers and entry plans during the workday," sometimes excusing him from meetings to work on the applications. The documents released to The Enterprise also include 2014 emails from Wallis to former Texas Education Commissioner Mike Moses and Region 5 Education Service Center Executive Director Danny Lovett, asking for feedback on his resume and advice on applications. The emails were all sent from Wallis' Bryan ISD email account. Moses has worked as a consultant for superintendent searches with Houston attorney David Thompson, including for some districts to which Wallis applied. Lovett's agency assists with superintendent searches in the region, and was involved in Kirbyville CISD's hiring of Wallis in 2017. In a reply email to Wallis, sent in September 2014, Lovett suggested changes to the format and template of Wallis' resume. Lovett declined to comment Friday, citing legal concerns. Moses could not immediately be reached for comment. Bryan ISD also released emails supporting the cabinet members' claims that Wallis interfered in the process for selecting a company for the district's benefits administration. During the summer of 2016, Wallis "had inappropriate conversations with one of the vendors involved," they alleged in the memo. In an email on Aug. 13, 2016, John Pesce, CEO and co-founder of TCG Services, sent Wallis a list of questions that he recommended asking during the vendor selection process. "We just want a fair process. Thanks for your help," Pesce wrote. Wallis sent those questions, along with Pesce's message and email signature, to Rocka. According to the memo, Wallis directed Rocka to add those questions to the selection process, and later that summer, said that regardless of the selection process, "it needs to be TCG." "I'm not biting the hand that feeds me. We're going with TCG and Mike Moses," he told Webb, according to the report. According to a public records search, Moses, the former education commissioner, also previously worked at TCG. The company did not respond to request for comment Friday. According to the documents released by Bryan ISD, Moses emailed Wallis about TCG in February 2015, writing that Pesce "will probably get in touch with you about their portfolio asset program," adding there was a "substantial difference" between TCG and other companies. Moses also emailed Wallis twice in the spring of 2016, inviting him to a "round of golf" hosted by Pesce and TCG at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity. Wallis replied that he would attend the first one, but not the second, according to the emails released. The memo also alleged that Wallis took vacation days without documenting them in the district's system, received a gift valued at about $400 without reporting it though policy requires employees to report gifts above $50 asked Bryan ISD to reimburse him for costs incurred while applying and interviewing for the Leander ISD job, and refused to pay for trash collection at his home in Brazos County, instead bringing his personal garbage to the central office's dumpster every week. The district also released several emails that a school board member received from stakeholders questioning Wallis' leadership. In one, a first-grade teacher told Stasny, who has served on the board since the 1990s, that "I and others feel a bit bullied and bruised by the Wallis regime and feel like someone who would treat teachers as if they are knowledgeable and not administer change after change each year in new programs would benefit the students in the district." In another email, a Brazos County District Court Judge emailed Stasny's son on Sept. 24, 2016, asking him to forward emails to his father in which he said he was "totally opposed to him (Wallis) being fired except for the discovery of some crime by him or extreme incident." The memo also alleged that Wallis used derogatory language to refer to students in the Fine Arts program and to a curriculum administrator, made comments to teachers that were interpreted as threatening, and berated Assistant Superintendent Drozd. In a recording of a cabinet meeting on Sept. 12 2016, Drozd told Wallis that a committee assigned to review the district's healthcare fund had suggested a way to save money that Wallis had previously opposed. "I don't care what the results of the committee are," Wallis said. When Drozd said she had to put every idea on the table, Wallis said, "And you did. And I vetoed it. I mean, I don't say no much ladies and gentlemen. When I say no, it means no, don't bring it back to me. I've already said no. And when I say no, just end it." "The evidence provided reveals a repeated pattern of behavior that has occurred multiple times," the cabinet wrote in the memo to the board. "This is not a onetime violation report." >> Read more: Former Kirbyville secretary releases statement When Wallis was hired in Kirbyville in March 2017, former board president Joseph Brecht said the district had vetted Wallis thoroughly. Wallis' employment history was called into question by Kirbyville residents last summer, after high school principal Dennis Reeves took his life in the school's parking lot on May 23, an hour after he was confronted by Wallis and another administrator about an alleged affair with his secretary. The incident, and a lawsuit filed by Reeves' family against the district, prompted calls from community members for increased transparency. Current KCISD board president Chad George said Friday that he was still reviewing the documents released by Bryan ISD, but "so far, there's nothing that hasn't already been brought to our attention." "If we do find something, we'll look into it," he said. George said Wallis made the KCISD board aware of the report's allegations, including the claims that he created a hostile work environment, during the hiring process. He said the board hasn't received any complaints about the district's environment under Wallis. "Am I going to say he's absolutely perfect? No, no one is," George said. "We're working through that, and we're going to evaluate him on what he's done here. We'll do that as a board." According to his contract with the Jasper County district, Wallis is paid $130,000 a year, which is $76,000 less than he was paid in Bryan. He also receives a $500 "automobile allowance" and a $100 "telecommunications allowance" each month. His contract with KCISD expires June 30, 2020. LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/LizTeitz After losing his reelection bid in the March 6 Republican primary, Orange County Judge Stephen Brint Carlton announced in a letter released Friday that he intends to resign on April 22. Orange County Commissioners on Tuesday will name an interim judge to fill Carlton's term, which ends Dec. 31, according to an agenda packet. Carlton, 36, wrote in a letter to commissioners and addressed to Orange County residents, that he has accepted a position as the executive director of the Texas Medical Board in Austin. "Serving as the chief executive of my home county has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Carlton wrote in the letter. One of the youngest judges to be elected in Orange County history, Carlton said he was "extremely proud" of his time in office and putting the county "on the path to greater economic prosperity." Orange County voters swept out Carlton and two other incumbent candidates during the March 6 Republican primary election following controversies over a proposed hospital district, county workers' benefits and pay and Tropical Storm Harvey. Carlton, in his first term after taking office in 2015, was upset by Dean Crooks, a 47-year-old U.S. Army veteran and retired Beaumont Police Department lieutenant. Crooks, a long-time Orange County resident, said in March he was running "to look out for the interest of our citizens, not the paycheck of politicians." Carlton said he was "very much okay" that the "majority of voters decided to go in a different direction in 2018." "The truth is I did not run for the position of county judge as an attempt to be a career politician and certainly not for the pay," Carlton wrote in his letter. Carlton was paid a salary of $85,500, according to the 2016-2017 Orange County budget. Crooks faces Democrat Donald Glenn Brown, 52, in the November general election. Brown, whose check for his filing fee bounced in January, was indicted last week on a charge of injury to a child, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. He remains on the ballot, according to Orange County Democratic party officials, who said Brown has not filed paperwork to withdraw his candidacy. Vidor Mayor Robert Viator ousted incumbent Precinct 4 Commissioner Jody Crump during the Republican primary. In Precinct 2, former Orange councilwoman Theresa Beauchamp defeated incumbent Barry Burton Viator will not face a Democratic challenger in the November general election. Beachamp will face Democrat Deborah Mitchell, who was unopposed in the March primary. On Friday, Crump said he was "sort of disappointed" that Carlton was stepping down. "I think the court has made a lot of progress during his time, the financial situation is exponentially better," he said. Precinct 3 Commissioner John Gothia said Carlton's announcement was a shock and his exit is coming sooner than he expected. Crump said he hopes the court "takes special consideration and appoints somebody that's involved in the community and knows what's going on." "Let's not just put a warm body in there to fill it," he said. Phoebe.Suy@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/PhoebeSuy The DOJ is targeting hospitals and health systems for performing outpatient procedures in the inpatient setting, where they can charge a higher rate. Phoenix-based Banner Health, a 28-hospital system, agreed to pay more than $18 million to resolve allegations 12 hospitals admitted patients for procedures who could have gone to the less-costly outpatient setting. Here are five things to know. 1. Between Nov. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2016, the 12 Banner Health hospitals billed Medicare for short-stay inpatient procedures that could have been performed and billed on an outpatient basis. The settlement resolves allegations the health system knowingly overcharged Medicare unnecessarily and inflated the number of hours patients received outpatient observation in reports to Medicare. 2. Among the 12 hospitals accused of submitting false claims are Banner Health's locations in Arizona and Colorado. 3. In addition to the settlement, Banner Health entered into a corporate integrity agreement with HHS to engage in significant compliance efforts over the next five years. The health system is required to retain an independent review organization to review the accuracy of claims for federal healthcare program beneficiaries. 4. The qui tam lawsuit was filed by a former Banner Health employee, Cecilia Guardiola, who under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, will receive around $3.3 million. 5. Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler for the Justice Department's Civil Division said, "Taxpayers should not bear the burden of inpatient services that patients do not need. The Department will continue its efforts to stop abuses of the nation's healthcare resources and to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care." Here are two new joint venture ASCs announced or opened in the past couple months. Annapolis, Md.-based Anne Arundel Medical Center and Surgical Care Affiliates are partnering to open two outpatient surgery centers in early 2019. Nashville, Tenn.-based Saint Thomas Health is constructing a joint venture ambulatory surgical treatment center with Addison, Texas-based USPI in Rutherford County, Tennessee. It also purchased three acres of land in Murfreesboro, Tenn., to facilitate an outpatient expansion. Medscape released its 2018 Physician Compensation Report examining compensation throughout the industry. Medscape spoke to 20,000-plus physicians across 29 specialties for the report. Here are 10 states with the most earning potential for physicians: Indiana: $334,000 Oklahoma: $330,000 Connecticut: $329,000 Wisconsin: $327,000 Nevada: $323,000 Arkansas: $318,000 Louisiana: $314,000 Alabama: $313,000 Kentucky: $312,000 Florida: $310,000 Here are five states with the lowest earning potential: Benewah Community Hospital in St. Maries, Idaho, faces a cash shortage after it implemented new Cerner software that caused billing problems, according to the St. Maries Gazette Record. The hospital, which is owned by Benewah County, worked with Cerner for 15 months to implement the software, but the problem reportedly didn't come to light until after the hospital went live following a software update. The hospital can bill private insurers properly, but the software glitches prevent it from billing Medicare. "Because of the lag between providing services and issuing bills, we did not encounter the problem for about a week after we went live," Dan Hammes, chairman of the hospital board, told the St. Maries Gazette Record. The Benewah County commissioners said the county will loan the hospital money until the software issue is resolved. Mr. Hammes said the hospital's billing department is working closely with Cerner to fix the issue. Mr. Hammes said the hospital's cash flow will return to normal about three weeks after the software is fully functional because it takes 21 days after bills are submitted to Medicare for the hospital to receive payment. More articles on healthcare finance: New York oncology practice files for bankruptcy following FBI raid 5 latest hospital bankruptcies, closures 10 hospitals seeking CFOs Gwen MacKenzie, MSN, ministry market executive for St. Louis-based Ascension's Michigan region, is leaving the role April 30. Here are six takeaways: 1. Ms. MacKenzie began serving in the role in 2014. 2. Under her leadership, Ascension Michigan added Rochester, Mich.-based Ascension Crittenton Hospital to its network and seven of its hospitals have earned CMS 4-star rankings. 3. She also played a key role in the addition of Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine to Together Health Network, the statewide clinically integrated network of Ascension Michigan and Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health. 4. However, Ascension Michigan laid off 500 employees, or roughly 2 percent of its 26,000-person workforce, last month. At the time Ms. MacKenzie told Crain's Detroit Business, "We may be a leader as all health systems go through the same rapidly changing landscape with reimbursement decline, people transitioning to outpatient (care). We are focusing on ambulatory growth. ... Healthcare costs are a major issue and we are addressing that now." 5. Prior to joining Ascension Michigan, Ms. MacKenzie served as president and CEO of Sarasota (Fla.) Memorial Health Care System and held numerous leadership positions at Detroit Medical Center. 6. She holds a master's degree in health services administration at Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan. Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems laid off more than 70 corporate employees this week, sources inside the company told the Nashville Business Journal. The layoffs, which began April 9, affected employees in the company's information services department and at least one vice president, according to the report. The layoffs come as CHS is taking steps to improve its financial picture and lighten its debt load. The company put a turnaround plan into place in 2016 and announced plans in 2017 to sell off 30 hospitals. After CHS completed the divestiture plan Nov. 1, the company said it intends to sell another group of hospitals with combined revenue of $2 billion to further reduce its debt. In April, CHS completed the sale of Bayfront Health Dade City (Fla.), and the company has several other deals in the works. CHS signed definitive agreements earlier this year to sell four hospitals in Tennessee and one in Louisiana. With the help of proceeds from the hospital sales, CHS brought down its long-term debt load from $14.8 billion at the end of 2016 to $13.9 billion at the end of last year. The company ended 2017 with a net loss of $2 billion on revenues of $3.1 billion. That's compared to 2016, when CHS recorded a net loss of $220 million on revenues of $4.5 billion. More articles on leadership and management: Express Scripts to lay off 456 employees: 3 things to know Steal this Idea: Geisinger CEO David Feinberg explains how giving back money is his system's most valuable expense Healthcare marketers' No. 1 job? Deliver a moment of clarity and confidence New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has joined leaders in other Democratic states in fighting a lawsuit filed by Texas and other Republican states that looks to overturn the ACA, according to NJ.com. Texas filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government in March, joined by 19 other states, with the goal of deeming the ACA unconstitutional. California filed a brief opposed to the lawsuit and was joined by Democratic attorneys general from 13 other states, including Mr. Grewal. "Typically, it's the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Justice to defend federal laws like the ACA from constitutional attack," said Mr. Grewal, according to NJ.com. "But unfortunately given everything going on in Washington these days it's clear that New Jersey and other like-minded states need to step up to protect the law from yet another meritless legal challenge." The ACA's individual mandate was repealed in Republican tax legislation passed in December, which the lawsuit argues should topple the rest of the law. "Once the heart of the ACA the individual mandate is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of the ACA must also fall," Texas wrote in the lawsuit. Bakersfield, Calif.-based Kern Medical CEO Russell Judd said April 12 the hospital will suspend its surgery residency program June 30 after the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education stripped the program of its accreditation status, according to Bakersfield.com. Mr. Judd told the publication ACGME informed the hospital of its decision after a February audit of the program resulted in the termination of its accreditation status. He said the exact reasons for the loss in status are unknown because ACGME has not sent the hospital a formal report documenting its findings. He said once the hospital receives the report, officials will work quickly to implement changes to fix the issues and reapply for ACGME certification. There are currently 13 residents enrolled in Kern Medical's surgery residency program, according to ACGME records cited by Bakersfield.com. Mr. Judd told the publication five residents will graduate before the program ends. However, eight residents, including four who were scheduled to begin their training July 1, will need to enroll in programs elsewhere. Several of the hospital's residency programs have faced challenges during the last few years, according to the report. Mr. Judd said when he came to the hospital, four of its residency programs were on probation. However, the hospital's surgery residency program has been on probation or under close watch by the ACGME for several years. Mr. Judd said the program's past challenges included a lack of surgeons to train residents in particular subspecialties, Bakersfield.com reports. To access the full report, click here. Providence, R.I.-based CharterCare Health Partners announced plans April 12 to purchase and reopen Pawtucket, R.I.-based Memorial Hospital, which closed last year. CharterCare is part of Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings, which planned to submit a rival bid with Providence-based Brown University to purchase Memorial Hospital's parent company, Providence-based Care New England, earlier this year. CNE rejected the joint bid and opted to continue negotiations with Boston-based Partners HealthCare. "Today, we embark on a path to return Memorial Hospital to the people of Blackstone Valley and to restore this critical community asset," CharterCare Health Partners CEO John Holiver said in a statement. Mr. Holiver said the organization will present an offer to CNE in the coming days, which will include a $10 million capital investment in the hospital. The goal of the acquisition is to reopen the hospital's emergency room and phase in outpatient services, he said. CNE announced its intent last October to shut down inpatient and emergency room services at Memorial Hospital after an acquisition deal with Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare fell through. The closure affected approximately 700 employees, according to CharterCare officials. However, Jim Beardsworth, a spokesperson for CNE, told Becker's Hospital Review April 12 CharterCare's announcement surprised CNE officials, and the proposed deal will prove difficult. "We made the difficult decision more than six months ago to close Memorial Hospital and begin transitioning the facility into an outpatient center. In the process, we preserved 200 local jobs and positioned community-based healthcare for a solid future. Today's announcement by Prospect Health/CharterCare certainly comes as a surprise as there has been no previous discussion or formal proposal submitted to Care New England," Mr. Beardsworth said. "Any plan to reopen the closed facility, as suggested today, is simply unfeasible especially since we previously had conversations with CharterCare about buying Memorial and those proved fruitless," he continued. "Today's announcement represents nothing more than an opportunity to muddy the healthcare landscape with an ill-conceived plan with no true thought for serving the community need." Becker's Hospital Review reported on the following events related to hospital-union relationships including protests, legal issues and elections since April 4. 1. 200+ UMass hospital workers vote to join union Employees at Marlborough (Mass.) Hospital, part of Worcester, Mass.-based University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, voted to join the State Healthcare and Research Employees Union. 2. Providence nurses picket over staffing Some nurses picketed April 10 near Providence Medford (Ore.) Medical Center, part of Renton, Wash.-based Providence Health & Services. 3. Baystate Franklin nurses begin strike: 6 things to know Nurses at Greenfield, Mass.-based Baystate Franklin Medical Center began their 24-hour strike April 11. 4. Students occupy office of UW Medicine CEO to protest proposed outsourcing of laundry jobs University of Washington students protested April 9 against the possible closure of the consolidated laundry facility that serves Seattle-based UW Medicine's UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center and Northwest Hospital & Medical Center. 5. Union accuses Rhode Island hospital of holding back accreditation review documents: 7 things to know Union workers at North Providence, R.I.-based Our Lady of Fatima Hospital accused hospital officials of refusing to provide requested information regarding the results of The Joint Commission's accreditation review of the hospital last fall. While a growing number of healthcare entities, states and regulatory bodies embrace limits for opioid prescriptions, the nation's largest and oldest physician group opposes such rules, categorizing them as arbitrary and potentially injurious to patients, according to an April 11 report from The Hill. Here are five things to know. 1. Patrice Harris, MD, chair of the American Medical Association's opioid task force, said the organization has "grave concerns" about imposing limits on opioid prescriptions with regards to length or dose, according to The Hill. "Pain is a complex, biopsychosocial phenomenon, and individuals experience pain in different ways," Dr. Harris said. "The AMA believes that decisions around dosages needs to be left between the patient and the physician." 2. Proponents of the limitations argue they're an important component of solving the nation's ongoing opioid overdose crisis, which results in the deaths of more than 115 people every day, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 3. Despite widespread support for opioid prescription limits, physicians remain wary of such mandates. Stefan Kertesz, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, is among them. "Most people think, and I agree, that excess prescribing of opioids was at least one major contributor to today's tragedy," Dr. Kertesz told The Hill. "And so the instinct that we need to continue a course correction of a serious nature is well placed. The question is, when is that course correction best enforced as a matter of governmental mandates, and when is that course correction best advanced through a combination of state-based educational and regulatory initiatives that might fall short of hard and fast legislation." 4. While Congress has not passed a bill mandating nationwide opioid prescription limits, there is bipartisan support among lawmakers for such legislation. In February, a bipartisan group of Senators proposed establishing three-day limits for initial acute pain opioid prescriptions. "After three days, someone can go back to the doctor and renew the prescription if it's legitimate, but there should be a process there to do that," Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, one of the proposed legislation's chief sponsors, told The Hill. 5. Twenty-eight states have established regulatory guidelines or limits related to the prescribing of opioids as of early April. To read The Hill's full report, click here. More articles on opioids: Study: Medicare patients use fewer opioids in states with medical marijuana laws Overdose deaths surged since 2010, despite prescription opioid decline: 3 findings Facebook cracks down on opioid-based hashtags on Instagram: 5 things to know The federal judge from the Northern District of Ohio overseeing more than 400 opioid epidemic lawsuits set a March 2019 trial date for three of the cases, according to a report from Reuters. Here are three things to know. 1. Since January, Judge Dan Polster has been calling for a consolidated settlement to these lawsuits, which have been filed by cities, states, counties and Native American tribes against drugmakers and distributors. The lawsuits allege the companies engaged in deceptive marketing tactics to promote the widespread use of opioids, thereby facilitating high rates of opioid addiction and overdose. 2. On April 11, Mr. Polster acknowledged barriers to settlement and said drug companies had "asserted forcefully that they cannot reach final settlement without litigating certain matters." The judge selected three lawsuits filed by three municipalities and counties in Ohio to be the first to face a jury, setting a trial date for March 18, 2019. 3. Polster said additional trial dates would be set for lawsuits filed by local governments in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and West Virginia. To read the full report from Reuters, click here. More articles on opioids: AMA opposes opioid prescription limits: 5 things to know Study: Medicare patients use fewer opioids in states with medical marijuana laws Overdose deaths surged since 2010, despite prescription opioid decline: 3 findings North Scottsdale (Ariz.) Pediatrics redesigned its operations to include more technology-friendly scheduling tools and improve experience for the incoming generation of millennial parents, according to athenaInsight. The 17-provider practice, which serves 30,000 patients across Arizona, wanted to ensure parents could reach the practice through their smartphones and laptops. "Millennial parents are looking for the easiest, fastest way for everything," Tricia Juba, North Scottsdale's practice manager, told athenaInsight. "They want everything on the go on their phone, so we make sure that's how it works here." North Scottsdale utilizes a user-friendly patient portal, which allows parents to fully access their child's medical records on mobile devices and lets them schedule appointments from their phones. Parents can "schedule their kids' appointments on the fly, whether they are at home or even in our parking lot," Ms. Juba said. In this way, parents can schedule an appointment right when their child needs care as opposed to waiting to call when the office opens at 8 a.m. To make this possible, the practice ensures same-day and next-day appointments are available for online scheduling and opened an evening clinic for additional options. Now, nearly half of the practice's patients are using web scheduling, a number the practice expects to reach as high as 95 percent. "These tools helps us relate better to millennial parents," said North Scottsdale physician Jeffrey Siegel, MD, "and will help us recruit more patients in the future." Nearly seven months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, a number of Puerto Rican dialysis patients who are left without a hospital must travel by plane for lifesaving treatment, The Atlantic reports. Hurricane Maria destroyed the hospital on the island of Vieques, which housed the island's only dialysis clinic. Nearly seven months after the storm, 14 Vieques residents must still board a plane three days a week for kidney dialysis at a center in Humacao on Puerto Rico's main island. The round trip can take at least 12 hours, setting off an ongoing crisis for patients with kidney failure who cannot survive without dialysis. Here are six things to know. 1. It is unclear when these critically ill patients will be able to access their lifesaving treatments in Vieques, as federal and local officials and nonprofit groups debate strategy and finances. Additionally, it is unclear when the hospital will be rebuilt. Meanwhile, the government and nonprofit organizations have not taken responsibility for paying for the patients' flights. 2. Since the hospital was condemned due to storm damage, the majority of its medical services were transferred to a nearby tented facility. However, dialysis is not able to be performed in that setting, since the machines that filter impurities from patients' blood need clean water and a consistent source of power. 3. Puerto Rican government officials are debating several solutions for restoring the island's dialysis services, such as bringing in mobile clinics and finding another building to house the services. 4. Rafael Rodriguez-Mercado, MD, Puerto Rico's health secretary, said in a March interview in Washington, D.C., that the department is looking to bring in mobile dialysis units that should arrive within four to six weeks, according to The Atlantic. Dr. Rodriguez-Mercado also said the government is looking for buildings that could house temporary dialysis services in Vieques. 5. In the meantime, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with the territory's health department and the federal Department of Health and Human Services "to help identify costs for mobile or temporary units that are eligible reimbursement expenses," the agency said in an email to The Atlantic. 6. The email said officials aim to reconstruct buildings that "meet the needs of the community with resiliency for future disasters." However, "no long-term solution has been identified yet for any reimbursement costs for reconstruction," the email added. Republican Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal called a meeting with Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to assess how negotiations are progressing. Mr. Deal said the meeting will be held April 16, nearly two weeks after a Piedmont-BCBSGA contract expired March 31. The stalemate has left tens of thousands of BCBSGA patients without in-network access to Piedmont, and Mr. Deal has big stake in the deal: Georgia and the University System of Georgia, based in Atlanta, are absorbing out-of-network claims for 30 days for about 600,000 state employees affected by the spat. "I expect an update on the progress both sides have made in reaching a resolution to this dispute," Mr. Deal tweeted April 11. "Georgia patients deserve stability from their healthcare plans & an immediate end to disruptions." A key sticking point is physician payments, WABE reports. However, Jeff Fusile, president of BCBSGA, told the publication the two sides have made "tremendous progress" in negotiating a new agreement. More articles on payer issues: Payers rank member satisfaction higher priority than value-based care: 3 survey insights Humana acquires Florida physician practice Aetna paid CEO $18.8M in 2017 following 45% annual increase in share price Hospital officials at Porter Adventist Hospital on April 12 identified human error as the source of an infection control breach that potentially exposed 5,800 orthopedic and spine surgery patients to infection, reports Fox31. Officials said the errors occurred during the pre-cleaning process, in which staff soak and scrub orthopedic and spine surgery tools prior to machine cleaning and heat sterilization. The tools were not being cleaned properly and potentially contained bioburden, such as pieces of bone or tissue, according to the report. "Those instruments tend to be highly complex," Porter Adventist CMO Patty Howell, MD, told Fox31. "There's a lot of nooks and crannies, sharp areas, mechanisms, that exist in those. Staff was doing cleaning, but they felt there should be more cleaning." The hospital discovered the sterilization issues Feb. 20 after The Joint Commission visited the facility. Porter Adventist fixed the cleaning process the same day, but did not notify patients of the breach or suspend surgeries for six weeks. "When the Joint Commission first identified the issue, it was not identified as an issue that caused patient harm," Centura Health Senior Vice President Morre Dean told Fox31. "Part of the reason we extended the notification period of patients was continued feedback on our process from [Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment] that we're still not to the place we feel like we're perfect. And we might as well include those people." The CDPHE confirmed surgical infections in "a number of patients" who underwent surgery between July 21, 2016, and Feb. 20, 2018. Porter Adventist resumed surgeries on a limited schedule April 12. An analysis by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., suggests the nation's largest pharmaceutical companies do not plan to use new tax savings to lower prescription drug prices for consumers. For the 15-page analysis, Mr. Booker's office examined transcripts of the fourth-quarter 2017 earnings calls and other public forecasting statements of drugmakers to see their initial plans for tax benefits they are set to receive under the Republican tax bill President Donald Trump signed into law last December. The senator's staff specifically looked at the nation's 10 largest drugmakers Pfizer, Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson, Gilead Sciences, AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly & Co., Celgene and Mylan. The analysis ultimately found "no evidence" the drugmakers will use their expected "windfall" from the tax plan to lower prescription drug prices. "Not a single company has forecast lowering prescription drug prices as a direct result of the tax law, even though such actions could provide immediate relief to millions of Americans," the analysis reads. "By contrast, these companies have announced $45 billion in new stock buyback programs, with more buybacks expected to come. Out of the more than $200 billion in recent buyback announcements across all industries, five pharmaceutical companies alone accounted for approximately one-fifth of the total." According to the analysis, AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer and Merck & Co. each revealed a $10 billion stock buyback plan, while Celgene plans a $5 billion stock buyback program. The analysis noted, however, that Mr. Booker's staff found some drugmakers pointed to investments in "economically productive uses" such as increases in research and development, support for employee pay and benefits, new construction and job creation, and charitable donations. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America trade group took issue with the report. Holly Campbell, a spokesperson for PhRMA, said in a statement to NJ Advance Media the report "buries the lede." "According to the report, these same companies have made billions in commitments to reward employees with bonuses and base pay increases, increase their venture capital investments, expand the drug development pipeline, invest in and strengthen their pension systems and support U.S.-based nonprofits including increased aid for rebuilding Puerto Rico," the statement reads. Mr. Booker's office said in a news release the report was sent to the CEOs of the drugmakers. More articles on supply chain: FDA limits sales of Bayer's birth control device after patient complaints: 5 things to know Taking the Operating Room Supply Chain Processes from Necessary Evil to Essential Ally High drug prices worry 83% of Americans: This is CVS' new solution Four spine surgeons discuss the key changes that they believe will take place within the next decade. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next week's question: What will remain the same in the healthcare industry in the next 5 to 10 years? Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, April 18, at 5 p.m. CST. Question: What will change in the healthcare industry in the next 5 to 10 years? Medhat Mikhael, MD. Pain Management Specialist and Medical Director of the Non-operative Program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center (Fountain Valley, Calif.): I think we will start seeing more patients paying cash for their care and medications as their insurance keeps limiting care. The only way to avoid that is to create competition across state lines and hold these insurance companies accountable for their decisions. I also expect that research for new therapies may continue to shrink particularly when it becomes very difficult to cover it through payers. Finally, I expect that government involvement in healthcare will diminish. Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: I think we will see a single-payer system. There is no question in my mind that one insurer will probably administer it in a semi-privatized model, like how secondary insurances work with Medicare. Nearly every doctor will be employed or somehow heavily supported by a university, health system or insurer. Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Spine Surgeon at New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center (Nashua): The trend toward insurance and hospital consolidation as well as physician employment will continue under the premise that it will lower the costs. The real reason for this consolidation will remain to increase control over healthcare providers and to shift the income further away from the providers and toward those corporations. As a result, healthcare costs will continue to increase and will be followed by further "rationing" of what the insurances are willing to pay for. It will lead to overall decrease in healthcare quality and access for the patients. As a consequence, the cash-pay models will flourish to offer the patient alternatives to get good quality and reasonably priced medical and surgical care outside of insurance and hospital system control. This will likely result in a two-tiered system of healthcare as has already been seen in other developed countries. Alden Milam, MD. Spine Surgeon at OrthoCarolina (Charlotte, N.C.): More robotics and automation as well as big data research to provide better optimization of medical care. Denver-based Porter Adventist Hospital will resume surgeries on a limited schedule April 12 after implementing changes recommended by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment following an orthopedic and spine surgery infection control breach. Here are five things to know. 1. The CDPHE investigated the infection control breach and became aware of several patients who had surgical site infections after undergoing orthopedic or spine surgery at the hospital between July 21, 2016 and April 5, 2018. 2. On April 4, Porter Adventist Hospital mailed letters to patients who may have been put at risk by undergoing spine or orthopedic surgery during the 18-month period. 3. It is unclear if these SSIs are linked to the breach. 4. On April 5, Porter voluntarily closed its operating rooms due to concerns with the postsurgical cleaning process for surgical tools and residue on orthopedic and spine surgical tools after sterilization. Porter officials believed the breach was potentially caused by a water quality issue, but the hospital's water quality was found to be within the normal range in drinking water. 5. The hospital is offering to test patients who had orthopedic or spine surgery performed during the 18-month period for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. More articles on spine: 8 things for spine surgeons to know for Thursday April 12, 2018 Dr. Daniel Resnick: What we can expect from NASS under his leadership Neurosurgeon Dr. Akram Mahmoud brings neurosurgery back to Frye Regional Medical Center: 5 things to know Johnny B. Delashaw, MD, former Seattle-based Swedish Neuroscience Institute chair, is suing The Seattle Times for libel, according to TDN.com. Here are six things to know. 1. Dr. Delashaw sued the newspaper April 11, arguing it published falsities and left out facts. He alleged The Seattle Times based its article on the incorrect claim that he rushed through simultaneous surgeries to increase his profits. Dr. Delashaw argued that he was on a fixed salary that awarded quality. 2. In his complaint, Dr. Delashaw requests the newspaper delete the alleged inaccuracies and publish a retraction. 3. Alan Fisco, The Seattle Times president, told TDN.com, "We are reviewing the complaint, but we stand by the accuracy of the Quantity of Care series." 4. The Seattle Times published an investigative report in February 2017 on the spine and neurosurgery services at Providence Health & Services Swedish-Cherry Hill hospital. The report raised suspicions around the hospital's invasive brain and spine procedures generating around $500 million in net operating revenue in 2015 as well as seeing higher Medicare reimbursement per inpatient visit than any other hospital of its size. 5. Dr. Delashaw brought in 661 inpatient cases resulting in more than $86 million in billed charges within his first 16 months at the hospital. 6. Following The Seattle Times report, Dr. Delashaw resigned in March 2017. Read more about the case, here. https://www.beckersspine.com/spine/item/40699-healthcare-s-biggest-changes-over-the-next-10-years-as-spine-surgeons-see-it.html https://www.beckersspine.com/spine/item/40690-8-things-for-spine-surgeons-to-know-for-thursday-april-12-2018.html https://www.beckersspine.com/spine/item/40681-dr-daniel-resnick-what-we-can-expect-from-nass-under-his-leadership.html Co-owners Mark Beirne and Jim Conlon with operations manager Zoe Watson in the building where Henry Joy McCracken was held before his execution A historic Belfast building which was the last holding place of Henry Joy McCracken before he was hanged is being revived as part of a 1m pub redevelopment. The derelict premises next to McCracken's pub in Joy's Entry is being revamped and renamed 'Henry's' and 'The Jailhouse' by owners and publicans Mark Beirne and Jim Conlon. Their project will bring 40 new jobs and is the latest in a series of pub ventures in which disused buildings have been turned into licensed premises in the city centre. McCracken's has been a licensed premises since 1892 and the redevelopment will incorporate both the bar and the building next door where McCracken - one of the United Irishmen - was held for two days before his execution in 1798. The Presbyterian merchant was hanged in Cornmarket for his role as leader of the insurgents at the Battle of Antrim on June 7, 1798. McCracken's will close on Sunday and reopen in June when the renovations are finished. Mr Beirne previously led the revamp of a historic building in the Cathedral Quarter which was turned into the Potthouse in 2005. Merchant Hotel owner Bill Wolsey also turned an old building in the Cathedral Quarter, which had been the city's oldest intact timber-framed building, into the Dirty Onion pub. And hotelier Lawrence Kenwright from Liverpool has unveiled ambitious plans to transform disused buildings including Crumlin Road Courthouse, the Scottish Mutual Building and the War Memorial Building on Waring Street into hotels. Mr Beirne said: "Having been involved in the redevelopment and transformation of a number of venues in Belfast over the last 20 years, this project is without doubt the most exciting." And Mr Conlon said the restoration would be sympathetic and would retain the building's original features. Henry's will include traditional snugs and cast-iron columns while the Jailhouse will maintain the original brick walls, beams and windows on every floor. "As a long-established and respected bar, we are looking forward to redeveloping McCracken's along with the connecting Jailhouse to add an exciting new dimension to the social scene in the heart of Belfast which links the burgeoning and bustling life of the 17th century with a thriving city centre of the 21st." Mr Beirne has also been linked with other pub venues around Belfast, including The Albany on Lisburn Road and House in Stranmillis. Aer Lingus and British Airways owner International Airlines Group (IAG) is exploring a potential acquisition of low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle. IAG said in a stock market announcement that it had acquired a 4.61% stake in the airline, which is "intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian", including the possibility of a full offer for the firm. Norwegian Air last week announced it was suspending transatlantic flights from Belfast International to destinations in the greater New York and Boston areas during winter. A deal to acquire the fast-growing budget carrier would see IAG fork out an estimated 2.5bn, which includes Norwegian's 2bn debt pile. The group added: "IAG confirms that no such discussions have taken place to date, that it has taken no decision to make an offer at this time and that there is no certainty that any such decision will be made. "A further announcement will be made if appropriate." Norwegian Air has expanded rapidly over the last 12 months, ordering several aircraft to serve a raft of new routes. The firm has shaken up the long-haul market by offering flights at knockdown prices. Some of its most popular deals have included 99 flights from Edinburgh and Dublin to New York. The firm said in response to the news: "Norwegian has just been made aware that IAG has acquired 4.6% of the shares in Norwegian Air Shuttle. "Norwegian had no prior knowledge of this acquisition before it was reported by the media mid-morning Thursday. "Norwegian has not been in any discussions or dialogue with IAG about the matter. "Norwegian believes that IAG's interest in the company confirms the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth." As well as British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia, IAG also owns Spanish low-cost airline Vueling and recently launched a budget long-haul operator dubbed Level. IAG has recently been stepping up its position in the low-cost, long-haul market as it looks to fend off fierce competition in the sector. Shares in Norwegian Air rocketed nearly 40% in Oslo following news of IAG's interest. IAG shares were flat. Norwegian Air carries more than 30 million passengers a year, including 5.2 million from the UK. It has previously explored a long-haul flight deal with Ryanair. Snow Patrol have released a new song and accompanying video from their upcoming album. Life on Earth is the second release from the Northern Ireland band's latest record Wildness. Read More The music video was premiered by British Astronaut Tim Peake and was shot at the European Space Agency in Holland. The release comes just days after the band performed their first live show together since August 2013 at London's Islington Assembly Hall. Wildness is set to be released on May 25, and marks their first studio album in seven years. The band released the record's first single Don't Give In last month. Frontman Gary Lightbody recently told BBC Radio Two's Jo Whiley he "couldn't be more proud" of the finished album. "It took a lot out of me," he said. "I wanted it to be right and it wasn't right until recently. The music had been written a while, the lyrics took a lot, lot longer. I wanted to delve deeper than I had ever gone before and talk about things I had never spoken about. "Some of it is heavy stuff but I don't think the album is heavy, it is quite hopeful. It comes from a lot of heavy soul searching." Lightbody also explained how over the past seven years he had to come to terms with his alcoholism and his father's dementia, revealing how he had suffered depression since he was a teenager. He said he had been to "some desperate places" in the past couple of years. In past albums, he said how he wrote songs about love and loss, but had not been in a relationship for a while and couldn't write about it with honesty. "I felt the time was right to talk about something else. "I am sober now for two years and I am able to speak about it with clarity and with hope. These things are not just sort of open ended in a way where they feel like a lost cause, I am actually talking about these things in a way that I have tried to deal with them positively and hopefully people will hear that in the record." Snow Patrol are set to perform a number of live dates in the coming weeks - including shows at the Millennium Forum in Londonderry on May 11 and Belfast's Ulster Hall on May 20. A Co Down man is to stand trial accused of murdering an elderly couple in their home last year. Thomas Scott McEntee (41), appeared on Friday at Craigavon Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, for an arraignment hearing on a total of nine charges. McEntee, formerly of Moorfield Court in Kilkeel, but now with an addresss at the secure Shannon Unit in Knockbracken Healthcare Clinic in south Belfast, was flanked in the dock by two psychiatric nurses for his hearing. He pleaded not guilty to murdering Michael and Majorie Cawdrey at their Upper Ramone Park home in Portadown. The 83-year-old couple were found stabbed to death in their home on May 26, 2017. McEntee also denied two counts of theft on the same date, stealing a bottle of Oyster Bay red wine valued at 8.99, a torch, a compass, a map and a pair of sunglasses. Her further pleaded not guilty to burgling a house on May 25, 2017, at Derrybeg Lane in Newry and stealing a key. McEntee also denied offences of indecent exposure and burgling the home of Mr and Mrs Cawdrey with a knife, stealing a Northern Bank cheque book and a set of car keys to their Renault Kangoo vehicle, driving off in the van and damaging it. The defendant pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving the Renault vehicle dangerously on roads including Upper Ramone Park and Killicomaine Road, Portadown on May 26. Defence counsel Ciaran Mallon QC told the court that McEntee had been assessed by a consultant psychiatrist at Knockbracken Healthcare Clinic who said there was "no issue around the defendant's fitness to plead''. Expand Close The funeral of elderly couple Marjorie and Michael Cawdery at Drumcree Church, Portadown Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The funeral of elderly couple Marjorie and Michael Cawdery at Drumcree Church, Portadown He said that the defence had retained the services of a second consultant psychiatrist to examine McEntee about his "mental capacity at the time'' of the offences. But judge Mr Justice Colton said he "didn't see the necessity'' in getting a second report as there was no issue around McEntee's fitness to plead. The judge set the trial date for Monday, June 18, 2018, and it is expected to last up to two weeks. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said he won't be taking any lectures from DUP MP Gregory Campbell. Colum Eastwood has said he won't be taking any lectures from DUP MP Gregory Campbell after he called on the SDLP leader to ensure the name of a controversial Newry park would be changed. Mr Campbell called on the SDLP leader to guarantee that the party would work to have the name of the Raymond McCreesh Park in Ballybot changed. A challenge to change the name of the controversial park was defeated in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on Monday night. Instead councillors passed an amendment to wait until a process - agreed in December - concludes on what should happen to the park's name. Unionist councillors stormed out of the meeting in protest. SDLP leader Eastwood hit back at the criticism from Mr Campbell, saying his party "won't take any lectures" on the glorification of violence, and while the SDLP "was busy building our peace, Gregory and the DUP were busy building division". Read More "Since entering politics I have always been committed to the unfinished job of reconciliation on this island, sadly I can't say the same for Gregory Campbell," he said. Mr Eastwood said the SDLP would always oppose naming public spaces against those involved in violence. "The SDLP does not support the naming of public spaces after those involved in the violence of the past. This is our party policy and it was unanimously re-affirmed at our conference last weekend. This week, the party has repeatedly clarified that our elected representatives are expected to vote in accordance with this party policy," he said. "There are no exceptions to that party policy, it applies equally whether in Belfast, Newry, Derry or Enniskillen." Expand Close The Raymond McCreesh Park in Ballybot, Newry / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Raymond McCreesh Park in Ballybot, Newry Earlier, East Londonderry MP Campbell called on SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood to reassure victims of IRA terrorism that his party will not allow any outcome to the Raymond McCreesh Park dispute which sees the current name continue. SDLP Councillors failed to take the opportunity this week to enact the wish of their party conference that this public space should not be named in honour of an IRA terrorist," he said. "Comments from the party following this shameful action have raised as many questions as it answers. There is a need for Colum Eastwood to now provide clarity and certainty as to where his party stands. There has been inference by the SDLP that they will allow the name to remain by outsourcing the problem. This could see the park disposed of, through transfer or sale to another group with the name remaining in place. "To resolve this, Colum Eastwood must answer one simple question: Will the SDLP support any proposal to dispose of McCreesh Park by Newry, Mourne and Down Council if the facility retains its current name, even under the management of an outside organisation? He said that the park's name must be changed even if the park is transferred or sold away from the council. Sinn Fein and the SDLP had already voted to leave the name in place until a review of council playgrounds is carried out later this year with the potential of ownership being transferred to the Ballybot community. When the park was first named, several SDLP councillors on the former Newry and Mourne Council supported the McCreesh name. It was criticised by the SDLP's senior leadership at the time and again in 2015 when only one member of the party attended a vote to change the name and abstained. McCreesh, from Camlough in Armagh, was arrested in possession of a rifle used in the 1976 Kingsmill massacre killings when he was captured later that year. 10 people were killed in the attack. McCreesh was one of seven IRA prisoners who died in the 1981 Maze Prison hunger strikes. Expand Close The 'hero' banner erected at the children's play park. Picture: Newraypics.com Newraypics.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The 'hero' banner erected at the children's play park. Picture: Newraypics.com Ulster and Ireland internationals Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson have not played for almost two years. The IRFU are expected to announce their decision on the contracts of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding on Saturday. It is understood the internal review concluded on Wednesday and the players have been informed of the outcome, but an IRFU source maintains there are still loose ends to be tied up. Both players had been cleared of a rape charge a fortnight ago after a nine week trial at Belfast Crown Court. In addition Jackson had been found not guilty of sexual assault. Their positions remained under scrutiny as support became polarised. Former Ireland and Lions captain Willie John McBride said earlier this week they should be allowed to return to play. A full page advertisement was taken out this week in the Belfast Telegraph by Ulster supporters calling for their reinstatement. That followed an ad in the same paper last week by "concerned fans" calling for their dismissal. Read More On Thursday Ulster sponsor Bank of Ireland issued a statement about its concern over the case. "As a sponsor of Ulster Rugby, Bank of Ireland is highly concerned regarding the serious behaviour and conduct issues which have emerged as a result of the recent high profile trial. The Bank has formally conveyed these concerns to the CEO of Ulster Rugby," it said. "It is of paramount importance to Bank of Ireland that our sponsorship activity aligns with and supports our core values, and reflects positively on Bank of Ireland through association." A rally was held at Kingspan Stadium, ahead of the Guinness Pro 14 game against Ospreys, by Belfast Feminist Network, under the banner 'Stamp out Misogyny at Ulster Rugby'. "We want there to be proper accountability for those players from the IRFU and Ulster Rugby but we also want a commitment from leaders within the rugby establishment that they will take action to stamp out misogyny," a spokesperson said. In the light of the trial and its aftermath it is understood the IRFU will review their guidelines on the responsibilities of contracted players at all levels. The newly founded Irish Republican Movement is reported to be made up of disgruntled dissident republicans who were former members of Oglaigh Na hEireann which called a ceasefire. Pacemaker UUP MLA Doug Beattie has said that republican groups who threaten to use violence to keep drugs off the streets often have the "lion's share" of the drugs market themselves. The Ulster Unionist Partys justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MLA, was speaking after a shooting in west Belfast on Thursday in which a 20-year-old man was shot in the legs. Read More It comes after a new armed dissident republican group calling itself the "Irish Republican Movement" (IRM) said it would "actively target crown forces" involved in policing republican commemorations. The IRM is understood to be made up of former Oglaigh Na hEireann members who declared a ceasefire earlier this year. They also said that anyone involved in selling drugs within the nationalist community must stop immediately or "penalty is death". The group warned people involved in general criminality that they too will be at risk. "Yet again we have seen another disturbing and appalling shooting of an individual in west Belfast by so called self-styled vigilantes linked to a variety of violent republican groups. While some would want to call this or refer to it as a punishment shooting, I am clear it is no more than vile individuals using any excuse to terrorise, intimidate and coerce their own communities through threats of violence," Mr Beattie said. "These individuals say they are trying to keep drugs off our streets or deal with anti-social behaviour but in reality what they are actually doing is ensuring they have the lions share of the drugs trade market. "Without a doubt the PSNI have a major role to play in removing these individuals from our streets and I welcome the work of the Paramilitary Task Force. But this is also terrorism in its most basic and direct form and the use of the Terrorism Act 2006 should be used to target these groups." The Upper Bann MLA said a threat made against the Probation Board must be addresed. "It is also important that communities and society as a whole begin to face up to these thugs and any pre-arranged shootings, beatings, intimidation or coercive action by these thugs should immediately be reported to the PSNI and robust action taken," Mr Beattie said. There also remains an issue with the Probation Board Northern Ireland (PBNI) and the important role they have to play within communities with vulnerable ex-offenders who may well be coerced into taking part in these type activities. It is important that the threat the PBNI are currently under from republican paramilitaries is both assessed and that action is taken to address that threat, in order to safeguard the public. "In the meantime, anyone who is being targeted by these thugs should immediately go to the PSNI with any information they have and the PSNI should be proactive in taking action." Belfast City Council has defended asking for an extra 20,000 for a trip to the French Riviera that is already costing ratepayers 60,000. At a meeting of the council's city growth and regeneration committee on Wednesday night, members voted through the request. The additional money was wanted for a larger stand at 2019's MIPIM, one of the world's biggest property expos, previously described as the prime event in the European real estate calendar. Officers have also been asked to "scope out" options for re-positioning the Belfast stand in a better area with more visitors. Belfast City Council said: "This allows us to host greater networking opportunities and other events to ensure Belfast participants are able to better highlight the city's attractiveness for investors and property developers, creating an even greater return on investment. "The event gives us an ideal opportunity to fulfil our Belfast Agenda goals - giving us a significantly visible presence to 'sell' the city. "Attending MIPIM allows us to showcase Belfast alongside other UK cities on an international stage and promote investment and regeneration opportunities to the international investment and development communities." Last month, more than 80 representatives from the private and public sectors in Northern Ireland attended this year's event in Cannes. The total budget for this year was 329,825, 80% of which came from the private sector, with the council covering the rest. Sinn Fein was the only party to reject the request for additional funding. The party's Ciaran Beattie, who was among those to oppose the proposal, said: "All councillors and council officials have a responsibility to allocate council funds wisely, and the additional 20,000 sought by the council simply can't be justified. "The party has voted against this proposal. We are disappointed that it was voted through by other parties." But Ulster Unionist Jeffrey Dudgeon insisted it was "money well-spent". "It's an important event which brings results to the city," he said. "While the Belfast stand was impressive and the speakers were great, we are competing against hundreds of other cities. We have to make an impression." Jackie Henry, who played a major role in driving private sector involvement in MIPIM, said: "The private sector believes MIPIM is one of the most effective initiatives to allow them to compete internationally and win valuable investment for Northern Ireland. That helps create a stronger economy, which in turn creates a better society. "We cannot overestimate the need to showcase Belfast internationally, to change perceptions about the city and to attract investment." Brian Lavery, managing director of property consultants CBRE, added: "Attendance at MIPIM, the international real estate conference, is essential for Belfast to allow it to compete with other major regional cities in the UK. "We fully support Belfast City Council in the leadership they have shown in developing this platform, which allows the city to compete on a global stage." The closure of five Carpetright stores in Northern Ireland has been described as a "sad loss" for our retail sector. The blow came as the chain announced 92 stores across the UK would shut, resulting in a loss of 300 jobs as part of a restructuring process. There are eight Carpetright branches in Northern Ireland, with stores in Derry, Coleraine, Ballymena, Cookstown, Bangor, Newtownabbey, and two in Belfast. The Ballymena, Bangor, Newtownabbey, Coleraine and Derry stores are expected to close by the end of September. The chain said 92 sites across the UK had been earmarked for closure, although 11 have already stopped trading, with the rent on another 113 set to be slashed under the company voluntary arrangement proposals being put to landlords. It said it hopes to relocate staff where possible. The group - which employs nearly 2,700 staff in total - also confirmed an investor cash-call to raise around 60m through a rights issue to put the company on a firmer financial footing. The details came as it revealed a "technical breach" of its banking arrangements, but the group said it was taking action to address this and ensure it is amended for the future. Carpetright chief executive Wilf Walsh said: "These tough but necessary actions will enable us to address the burden of a legacy UK property estate consisting of too many poorly located stores on unsustainable rents, and are essential if we are to restore our profitability and deliver a successful turnaround. "We will remain in close contact with all colleagues to keep them fully informed as we move through this process." Meanwhile it emerged yesterday that Toys R Us is set to shut its final UK stores. The Sprucefield branch will close on April 23 and the Belfast CastleCourt store will close the following day. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said it was "another sad loss to our retail sector". Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington in Games of Thrones Security firm G4S has hit back after workers on the set of drama series Game of Thrones complained about a "measly" pay rise. Members of the GMB union have claimed they are being paid "poverty wages". They were recently offered a pay rise of 8p per hour. The union has also claimed that G4S did not contact it about the pay rise, nor involve them in negotiations. GMB organiser Michael Mulholland said: "Winter is still here for our members working on Game of Thrones. "They've seen their pay reduce from 55p above the minimum wage to just 30p above," he said. "Now they've been offered a measly 8p an hour extra. "It's an insult. "Game of Thrones is the highest grossing TV series in the world - which costs 10million per episode to make - and they are paying nothing more than poverty wages. "If they can afford spend 1 million on a purpose built castle for series eight, they can afforded to give our members a proper pay rise. "If they think this offer is acceptable - they know nothing." G4S Secure Solutions UK & Ireland operations director Kevin Scruby defended its pay rate. "G4S provides a range of security service solutions for its clients across Northern Ireland and employs a number of staff for this purpose," he said. "We provide competitive rates of pay and other benefits to our employees along with long-term employment and career development opportunities." Victims of institutional abuse in Northern Ireland have won High Court permission to challenge the ongoing failure to provide them with compensation. They were granted leave to seek a judicial review of alleged failures by the authorities in London and Belfast to implement the recommendations of a major inquiry in the absence of Stormont. Lawyers representing a group of those abused in children's homes have issued proceedings against the Secretary of State and the Executive Office. With many victims in poor health and others having passed away since their campaign began, the group claims both bodies have legal powers and duties to step in and ensure payouts. In January 2017, the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry concluded that there should be a public apology to those who suffered physical, emotional and sexual abuse between 1922 to 1995, and compensation ranging from 7,500 to 100,000. Inquiry chairman Sir Anthony Hart has since made repeated pleas to politicians to act on his recommendations and provide the financial, social and educational support as a matter of urgency. Earlier this year the head of the Civil Service in Northern Ireland revealed work was under way on draft legislation aimed at implementing the inquiry's proposals. But legal action has now been launched in a bid to compel the authorities to take immediate steps. Barry Macdonald QC argued that the Secretary of State "had residual executive powers to give effect to a redress scheme for victims of abuse". "In the alternative, senior officers in the Executive Office have the power and duty to do so," he added. Tony McGleenan QC, for the Secretary of State, countered that it was an issue for the devolved institutions. And counsel for the Executive Office argued work was continuing on the draft legislation to deliver the inquiry's recommendations and achieve what the victims are seeking. However, Mr Justice McCloskey granted leave for a judicial review after ruling that an arguable case had been established. The judge added: "There's a seemingly indefinite moratorium in Northern Ireland affecting the Executive and the legislature. The court had experience of this in more than one judicial review case - there have in fact been several. "One of the consequences of this moratorium is that members of the Northern Ireland population are driven to seek redress from the High Court in an endeavour to address aspects of the void that has been brought about by the absence of a government and legislature." He also pledged: "The substantive hearing of this case will not be later than September 2018." Outside court a solicitor representing the victims and survivors said they were being re-traumatised by the delay. Claire McKeegan of KRW Law added: "Since the campaign began many of our clients have sadly passed away without obtaining the redress that they so greatly need and deserve. Many of these individuals are elderly and infirm." Over 200 police officers are currently involved in a significant policing operation underway across the greater Belfast area. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PSNI officers at the IRSP office on the Falls Road in west Belfast after police conducted a number searches throughout Belfast. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Police said their major operation against the Belfast INLA demonstrates their commitment to cracking down on all paramilitaries and not just loyalists. Over 200 police were involved in searches at 12 properties across Belfast, Lisburn, Crumlin and Newtownabbey. Five were arrested with police saying more are planned as the operation continued into Friday evening. The offices of the Irish Republican Socialist Party on the Falls Road were raided as part of the operation. It described the operation as a "publicity exercise" designed to show the PSNI was treating all paramilitaries the same. Police said the operation was linked to similar raids in Londonderry earlier this year and specifically targeted the INLA's involvement in extortion and prostitution. INLA a priority for the paramilitary crime task force. ACC Martin Speaking at a press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said the operation was the largest the paramilitary crime task force had ever undertaken since its inception in 2017. It involves officers from the PSNI, National Crime Agency and HMRC. In 2010 the INLA called a ceasefire saying it was dedicated to entirely peaceful means. Police, however say it has been embroiled in criminal activity. ACC Martin said: "The October 2015 assessment of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland by PSNI and MI5 at the request of the secretary of state stated very clearly INLA structures remained in existence and its members continued to be involved in criminality; including extortion, paramilitary style attacks and violent acts of intimidation against people alleged to be involved in drug dealing. ACC Martin briefs media following the Paramilitary Crime Task Force Operation into the criminal activities of INLA. https://t.co/86oqMFKyyk Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 13, 2018 "These activities were assessed to have a significant and negative impact on local communities and this made the INLA a priority for the paramilitary crime task force." ACC Martin appealed for any business owner subjected to extortion to contact his officers. "We will take action." There is not and will not be any hiding place for paramilitaries He continued: "There has been a misconception in some quarters the work of paramilitary crime task force is focused only on loyalist paramilitaries. "Today's policing activity and a related operation in Derry-Londonderry in March clearly demonstrates that our work is to remove paramilitarism from all our communities across Northern Ireland. "During the last financial year the paramilitary crime task force has conducted 193 searches made 47 arrests in which 44 people were charged or reported to the prosecution service. "There is not and will not be any hiding place for paramilitaries." "These criminal gangs destroy people's lives and harm out communities and we are committed to tackling them head on so communities and businesses can prosper without threat or fear." Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) A 20-year-old man has been shot in both legs in an attack in west Belfast. It happened in the Ardmonagh Parade area in the west of the city at around 10.30pm on Thursday. Police swarmed to the scene shortly after the incident. The man was rushed from the scene to hospital by ambulance. His condition is unknown. Police remained at the scene late into the night on Thursday bringing residents out to the street. One woman told the Belfast Telegraph she did not hear the shooting but was awoken from her sleep by screaming. Inspector James Murphy has appealed for anyone with information to contact his officers on 101. Or to send information anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast A 20-year-old man was in hospital last night after being shot in both legs in an attack in west Belfast. It happened in the Ardmonagh Parade area in the west of the city at around 10.30pm. Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. As police continued their investigation residents came out of their homes. One resident told the Belfast Telegraph she did not hear the shooting but was awoken from her sleep by screams. The man was rushed from the scene to hospital by ambulance. His condition was unknown last night. Police inspector James Murphy has appealed for anyone with information to contact his officers on 101. Or alternatively anonymous information can be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Almost one in five pregnant women in Northern Ireland reported having a mental health disorder linked to poor health outcomes for babies, according to major new research Almost one in five pregnant women in Northern Ireland reported having a mental health disorder linked to poor health outcomes for babies, according to major new research. The Northern Ireland Maternity System study, carried out by academics at Queen's University, Belfast, found that mothers with a history of mental illness - including depression - were more likely to give birth prematurely and deliver underweight babies. It also found that APGAR scores, a test which midwives use to measure the health and wellbeing of a baby, were lower if the mother had a history of mental health problems. Dr Ciaran Mulholland, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at QUB, said the results are of international significance and cannot be ignored by politicians and health professionals. "We now have absolute clarity about something we suspected for a long time and it is clear we are facing a massive problem," he said. "Premature birth and low birth weight are two key factors in determining how a baby will develop and is often detrimental. "Their life chances are being diminished and we are doing nothing to address it." The new study, conducted in collaboration with clinicians and the Health and Social Care Trust NI's Honest Broker Service, analysed data from 142,000 expecting mothers in Northern Ireland between 2010 to 2015. Dr Mulholland criticised the fact that only four of the five health trusts here offer specialist perinatal mental health services and said the lack of a specialist unit in the whole of Ireland is unacceptable. "There is only a very limited service in Belfast - we need a standardised regional service and perhaps an all-Ireland provision," he said. "There is widespread agreement among health professionals and politicians and yet nothing has been done to address it." The study also revealed that there were 3.7 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies in Northern Ireland as a direct result of mental health issues between 2009 and 2013. The deaths occurred during pregnancy or within the first year of birth, with 101 maternal deaths by suicide in the period. Dr Janine Lynch, a consultant psychiatrist at the Health and Social Care Trust NI, helped conduct the research and said major investment in services should now be made a priority. "By addressing the urgent need for investment in the provision of specialist maternal mental health care, lives and costs will be saved," she said. The study states that the current long-term cost of dealing with perinatal depression, anxiety and psychosis is estimated to be around 8.1bn for each one-year cohort of births in the UK. Millions is set to be lost by creditors following the collapse of a Co Antrim engineering firm. Millions is set to be lost by creditors following the collapse of a Co Antrim engineering firm. Mallusk-based Williams Industrial Services (WIS) collapsed in February, with most of the approximately 150 people employed by the company made redundant. The company specialised in water-treatment and anaerobic digestion technology, with its collapse coming as a result of cash shortfalls, contract disputes, and an inability to secure external investment. A statement published on the Government's Companies House website by administrators PwC outlines the company's assets and liabilities and how much each creditor is is likely to receive. PwC states in the document Allied Irish Bank, which had lent the company around 7m, was likely to see a "significant shortfall" on its investment. The bank as a secured creditor will be paid first from the disposal of its assets. WIS's assets, including property owned and manufacturing equipment, are valued at around 5m. For the repayment of unsecured creditors, the PwC document says it does "not think there will be funds available" - meaning more than 250 creditors will likely receive nothing. The list of unsecured debts includes separate amounts of 300,000 owed to: an engineering firm in Tyrone; a Manchester-based specialist fabricator firm; and an electrical automation firm in Belfast. One Tyrone-based firm is listed as being owed more than 700,000. The document states the company believes it will be able to pay preferential creditors, which are mostly its employees, in full - with the amount owed to them estimated to be around 132,705. Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pictured is Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Ardmonagh Parade area of west Belfast on April 12th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Police have appealed for information about a "brutal and despicable" attack in which a man was shot in both legs in a paramilitary-style attack in west Belfast. The 20-year-old was injured after shooting in the Ardmonagh Parade area of Turf Lodge, west Belfast. Police receive a report of the incident a short time before 10.30pm on Thursday night of a man being attacked by three men and being shot three times in the legs and ankle. The victim was taken to hospital in where he received treatment for his injuries. On Thursday night, a female local resident told the Belfast Telegraph she did not hear the shooting but was awoken from her sleep by screaming. Read More Detective Inspector Harvey said: "This was a brutal and despicable attack, which has left the victim with potentially life changing injuries. It is yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence. "I would appeal to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact detectives at Musgrave Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1360 12/04/18." Local SDLP councillor Tim Atwood described that attack as "appalling" and said those carrying out the attacks are "intent to take the law into their own hands". In recent weeks, sinister graffiti has appeared threatening further shootings. Twenty years after the Good Friday Agreement, there is no place in our community for threats or violent attacks. We must unite politically and as a community against these attacks," he said. The public can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A new Rape Crisis Service for Northern Ireland has been launched after support charities became "inundated" with calls in the wake of the Belfast rugby rape trial. Women's Aid CEO Jan Melia told the Belfast Telegraph that the trial had provoked "Northern Ireland's own #MeToo moment" and had led to an "awakening" over the treatment of sexual assault victims here. Her organisation has fielded 29,000 calls for help in the last year alone. The new initiative will see Women's Aid, Nexus NI and the Men's Advisory Project come together to offer free one-to-one support for victims - the only service of its kind currently on offer here. Nexus NI has a waiting list of around 800 survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse who wish to use its services. Chief executive Cara Cash-Marley revealed it has been receiving 14 new referrals every day since the trial's verdict - double the usual rate. The charity is now receiving approximately 200 new referrals every month. Commenting on the new Rape Crisis Service, Ms Melia stated: "This has been an awakening, a watershed moment - it's Northern Ireland's personal #Me Too moment. "In the light of the Belfast rape trial, we and our partners are keen to let victims and survivors know that we are here to support them. "In the week of the verdict, calls to our services spiked, and they are still spiking now. "We have been inundated with calls, as have our partner agencies like Nexus NI, and it has put a lot more pressure on services. "The trial triggered a lot of memories and trauma for people. "There needs to be a lot more done to support victims of sexual violence in Northern Ireland." Ms Melia revealed that while helplines and forensic services are available here, there was previously no free one-to-one support service. "All of our staff have gone through domestic and sexual violence training," she said. "We have a 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline which is a rape crisis helpline. "But we were lacking free one-to-one support. It has come out of this trial that the rape crisis support wasn't there. "There are phone lines and we have a state-of-the-art resource in the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre which can take and store forensic evidence. "We had a rape crisis service in Belfast previously but funding was cut, so no free one-to-one support was available until now. "The development end of this new service is being funded by the Joseph Rowntree Trust and our own fundraising. "We are in the process of recruiting volunteers and finalising venues which we will be publicising widely," Ms Melia continued. "We are also calling on the Government to support this work, recognising that we urgently need adequately resourced rape crisis support services for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse, along with clear information about where victims can get the help they need." Green Party MLA Clare Bailey, who is the co-chair of Stormont's Domestic and Sexual Violence All Party Group, said the new service would "fill the gap in crisis support for victims and survivors of rape in Northern Ireland". She stated: "This collaborative approach is the future for Northern Ireland and plugs a major gap in rape services for victims and survivors. "I urge the government to provide the support that these organisations desperately need to do the important work they do." Women's Aid's confidential 24 hour domestic and sexual violence helpline, which is open to all women and men affected by rape or sexual violence inflicted on their friends and families, can be contacted on 0808 802 1414, or by emailing 24hrsupport@dvhelpline.org Jaish al-Islam fighters and their family members have been evacuated from the town of Douma, Syria Ulster Unionist and Alliance MLAs have said any military action in Syria in the wake of a suspected chemical weapons attack must be backed by Parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May summoned her cabinet for an emergency meeting yesterday as expectations mounted she would join the US in launching airstrikes against the Assad regime. The Ministry of Defence refused to comment on a report that Royal Navy submarines had been ordered into range to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. Mrs May also declined to confirm if she would start military action without seeking a vote in Parliament. The UUP's Steve Aiken, a former submarine commander, said it was vital parliament was recalled to debate the matter. "It's not just about the situation with Syria, it's also about the wider context with Russia," he said. Yesterday an international watchdog on chemical weapons confirmed the findings of UK scientists over a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter in Salisbury. "They made it clear it was a very high-grade piece of chemical weapons and obviously came from a state actor," said Mr Aiken. "We've no doubt whatsoever it came from Russia. So this has the potential to escalate, so we need Parliament to come back and debate all the issues. "If that is the case we should indeed be taking military action along with our allies to deal with this." He continued: "The wider question is if this fits into what Russia is doing, if it's cyber attacks, use of chemical weapons on the streets of Ukraine, attempts to destabilise the electoral system across the west. "All these things need to be considered, that's why we call for Parliament to be recalled to debate the issues and strengthen the Prime Minister's hand. "I've no doubt Parliament will make the right decision and back the Prime Minister to support our allies in the United States and France." Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson, however, said no military intervention could be justified. "We don't believe we have grounds for going to war in Syria," he said. "I certainly would not wish to do so on the basis of a sabre-rattling President engaging in diplomacy via Twitter. "I absolutely feel there should be a vote in Parliament before the Government makes such a decision. That was promised before and should stand now, it must be for Parliament to decide." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn joined other opposition parties and some Conservative backbenchers in demanding MPs are consulted before committing British forces. "Parliament should always be given a say on any military action," he told the BBC. "What we don't want is bombardment which leads to escalation and leads to a hot war between Russia and America over the skies of Syria." Pressure to commit has increased from Washington, with President Donald Trump commenting on Twitter that the missiles "will be coming." White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders later said no final decisions had been taken and that "all options are on the table". She made clear however that Mr Trump held Assad and his principal backer, Russia, responsible for what happened in the rebel-held town of Douma. The PSNI chief constable has hit back at a Northern Ireland peer who criticised a senior police officer for using the term "Derry" in a press conference. Friday saw hundreds of police officers swoop on 12 properties across Belfast, Lisburn, Crumlin and Newtownabbey. Five were arrested with police saying more were to come. They said the operation - the biggest undertaken by the paramilitary crime task force - was aimed at disrupting the Belfast INLA and demonstrated their commitment to eradicating all paramilitaries across Northern Ireland. Read More During a press conference Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said the raids were linked to an operation in "Derry-Londonderry" earlier this year. "The official name of the city is Londonderry," Lord Kilclooney responded on Twitter. "The airport is Derry; and the Council is Derry Strabane. "One would assume they would get it correct." Police chief constable George Hamilton said he was "amazed" at the response saying he had hoped for more support on the work of the police. "In the face of the great work today Im astonished John that this is all you have to say," he tweeted. "I had hope [sic] for support to promote culture of lawfulness from people like you in public life but well just get on with #KeepingPeopleSafe regardless." Asked for their policy on the "Derry/Londonderry" phrase, a police spokeswoman said: "The PSNI respects the fact that the communities we serve have more than one identity and will seek to be inclusive in the language we use. Communities can be assured that we are committed to keeping them safe." ACC Martin briefs media following the Paramilitary Crime Task Force Operation into the criminal activities of INLA. https://t.co/86oqMFKyyk Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 13, 2018 The official name of the city is Londonderry; the airport is Derry; and the Council is Derry Strabane Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) April 13, 2018 In the face of the great work today Im astonished John that this is all you have to say .... amazing. I had hope for support to promote culture of lawfulness from people like you in public life but well just get on with #KeepingPeopleSafe regardless. Sir George Hamilton (@SirGHamilton) April 13, 2018 A child therapist turned fine arts student has created a collection of tiny porcelain hearts as a tribute to the babies of Tuam. Mature student Bonnie Kavanagh, from Dublin, said her work was an attempt to acknowledge and recognise the loss of so many young lives who ended up buried in a mass grave at the site of a former mother and baby home in the Co Galway town. The white hearts exhibit is one of a series of ceramic and glass pieces of art now on show in Dublins Gallery Zozimus. They are the creation of students from the National College of Art and Design. Expand Close Fine Arts student Bonnie Kavanagh holds her collection of tiny porcelain hearts (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fine Arts student Bonnie Kavanagh holds her collection of tiny porcelain hearts (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Kavanagh, a former child psychotherapist who is now doing a degree in fine arts specialising in ceramics, said the story of the Tuam babies resonated with her. The amount of grief and ritual and mourning that would normally be around a loss like that or around grief like that was missing in this so this is really about grief and mourning, she said. Because in those times people werent allowed to mourn, you just had to get on with it no mourning, no recognition so its just a recognition or to acknowledge, I suppose. Its my reaction to it. She said the hearts symbolised the souls of the lost children of Tuam. The Tuam home for unmarried mothers, run by the Sisters of the Bon Secours, operated from 1925 to 1961. Expand Close Catherine Corless receives award PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Catherine Corless receives award Ms Kavanagh hailed amateur historian Catherine Corless, whose research helped discover the mass grave which is believed to hold the remains of around 800 children. I was just very taken by Catherine Corless and the way she kept going and was just so driven by this, she said. I suppose I am the same generation as Catherine so we remember that kind of secretness around that stuff in Ireland. But things are changing. An investigation is underway into the posting of a so-called sexual assault list in the toilets of an Irish school. The list, which resembled graffiti, was posted in the male toilets of Davis College in Mallow, Co Cork and asked people to place a 'tick' beside the name of a number of young women included on the list. Shockingly, the list then advised that the young woman who garnered the greatest number of 'ticks' beside her name would be targeted for a sexual assault. All those whose names were included on the list are minors. The young women listed are all students at the school. The issue has now been referred to the gardai. One source indicated that the young women were very upset by the resultant publicity it has attracted. One parent at the school, who is not connected to any of the young women on the list, contacted Cork's RedFM to express deep shock at what had happened. Davis College stressed that it is taking the matter very seriously. The safety and well-being of all of our students is our top priority," Principal Stephen Gilbert said. "We are taking this issue extremely seriously, and immediately took steps to address it with both the affected students and student body at large." "This work is continuing. The list was removed the minute we were notified of its existence and we spoke to each of the young ladies mentioned to answer any questions or concerns they had." "We encouraged them as we encourage all of our students to come to us with any issues that may be of concern so that we can support them in any way possible." It is understood an internal review is underway and, if the person or persons who compiled and posted the list are identified, they will face disciplinary action. Mr Gilbert said every support is now being provided for the young women involved and their families. "There has been a spotlight nationally on this topic in recent weeks," he said. "In keeping with our ethos of caring for all our students and in light of public and media conversation, we wish to make sure that this issue is addressed among all of our students." "Our S.P.H.E. (Social, Personal & Health Education) teachers will be facilitating discussions on this subject with every class." "We want students and parents to know that we will continue to provide a safe learning environment for our students." "We remain available to all parents and students who may have concerns in relation to this issue, he added. Arlene Foster has told an inquiry that she was not aware the RHI scheme was 200m more expensive than an alternative scheme that she rejected. The DUP leader, who was in front of the inquiry for more than four hours, said officials did not draw to her attention the fact that the RHI scheme was more expensive than an alternative. Read More The inquiry heard that Mrs Foster had two main options available to her with regards to incentivising the use of renewable energy in Northern Ireland. The first type was a single-up front grant to applicants, the other would provide subsidies to claimants over a 20 year period. The grants scheme, referred to as the "challenge fund", was rejected by Mrs Foster because of administration costs. She opted for the subsidy option, despite the fact it cost 200m more than the challenge fund. Read More Read how Arlene Foster's second day of evidence unfolded: Britain has moved a step closer to potential military action against Syrian President Bashar Assad after Theresa May won the backing of senior ministers for action to deter any further use of chemical weapons by the regime. Following an emergency Cabinet meeting, Downing Street said ministers had agreed it was "highly likely" Assad was responsible for the attack on Saturday on the rebel-held town of Douma which reportedly left dozens dead. It said there had been agreement that such actions should not go "unchallenged" and that the UK would continue to work with the US and France to co-ordinate an international response. The statement made no direct reference to military action, but will be seen as a signal Britain would be prepared to join any US-led air strikes against the regime should the Americans decide to go ahead - putting it on a potential collision course with Assad's principal backer, Russia. Earlier, US President Donald Trump appeared to row back from a suggestion on Wednesday that missile strikes were imminent. "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" he wrote. At a congressional hearing in Washington, defence secretary General James Mattis also signalled caution, saying the president had not yet decided whether military force would be part of the US response in Syria. He said that because the US had no personnel at the site of the suspected chemical attack, it has no hard evidence of what happened, although he personally believed it was an "inexcusable" use of chemical weapons. However US broadcaster NBC later quoted officials familiar with the intelligence as saying they had now obtained blood and urine samples which had tested positive for chemical weapons. The samples were said to have suggested the presence of both chlorine gas and an unnamed nerve agent, with the officials saying they were "confident" in the intelligence, although not 100% sure. That assessment appeared to echo French President Emmanuel Macron who said they had "proof" that "at least chlorine" was used in the attack by the regime. The No 10 statement issued following the Cabinet meeting said Mrs May had again described the attack on Douma as a "shocking and barbaric act" which represented a further erosion of international law. The statement made no reference to whether Parliament would be given a say on military action - prompting renewed concerns among opposition parties and some Tory MPs that Mrs May is prepared to go ahead without a Commons vote. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn insisted that MPs were entitled to a vote, saying Parliament "must be consulted". "We elect Parliament, we elect members of Parliament. They should have a voice in this. Cabinet on its own should not be making this decision," he said. Russia meanwhile continued to warn against any use of military force against its Syrian ally. Countries have agreed a ground-breaking deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 in a bid to tackle climate change. The agreement by more than 170 countries, which comes at the end of two weeks of talks at the UNs International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, is the first time the shipping industry has signed up to climate targets. It pledges to ensure shipping emissions peak as soon as possible and be reduced by at least 50% by 2050 on 2008 levels, while pursuing efforts towards phasing them out in line with global goals to limit temperature rises. The white smoke has appeared out of Albert Embankment - the IMO has just agreed to a greenhouse gas emissions strategy that will require 50% CO2 reduction by 2050. Full analysis up shortly on @LloydsList Richard Meade (@Lloydslisted) April 13, 2018 The move means all new ocean-going vessels are likely to be using alternative fuels such as sustainable biofuels, batteries or hydrogen from the 2030s, experts said. But it is less ambitious than was being sought by some Pacific island states led by the Marshall Islands, which are at high risk of rising seas but also a major flag state, and the European Union, which wanted cuts of 70% to 100% by 2050. The international shipping industry, which carries four fifths of the worlds trade, accounts for between 2% and 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. But with countries taking action to cut their national emissions under the global Paris Agreement on climate change, shippings share could rise to almost a fifth of the total by mid century without action, it has been warned. Under the Paris deal, which does not directly include shipping and aviation, countries committed to keeping temperature rises to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to curb them at 1.5C. This requires global greenhouse gas emissions to fall to net zero by the second half of the century. Today the @IMOHQ has made history. While it may not be enough to give my country the certainty it wanted, it makes it clear that international shipping will now urgently reduce emissions and play its part in giving my country a pathway to survival. https://t.co/Z4liMwPtbp #MEPC72 pic.twitter.com/mqGsqC1f3X Dr. Hilda C. Heine (@Senator_Heine) April 13, 2018 The International Chamber for Shippings secretary general Peter Hinchliffe said of the IMO deal: This is a ground breaking agreement a Paris Agreement for shipping that sets a very high level of ambition for the future reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. We are confident this will give the shipping industry the clear signal it needs to get on with the job of developing zero carbon dioxide fuels, so that the entire sector will be in a position to decarbonise completely, consistent with the 1.5C climate change goal. Our statement on historic @IMOHQ climate target agreed today: https://t.co/cAalxDZeF1 Bryony Worthington (@bryworthington) April 13, 2018 Bill Hemmings, shipping director at environmental charity Transport and Environment, said the IMO could and should have gone further but was held back by opposition from countries led by Brazil, Panama and Saudi Arabia. But he said: This decision puts shipping on a promising track. It has now officially bought into the concept of decarbonisation and the need to deliver in-sector emission reductions, which is central to fulfilling the Paris Agreement. Tristan Smith, from UCL Energy, said the target would likely tighten further, but even with the lowest ambition the shipping industry would require rapid technological change to produce zero-emission ships. Hilda Heine, president of the Marshall Islands, said the IMO had made history. While it may not be enough to give my country the certainty it wanted, it makes it clear that international shipping will now urgently reduce emissions and play its part in giving my country a pathway to survival, she said. UK Shipping Minister Nusrat Ghani said the deal was a watershed moment. I wanted the International Maritime Organisation to reach an ambitious agreement to secure a sustainable future for the sector. I am delighted the UK was a leading voice in pushing for decisive and urgent action to reduce greenhouse gases from international shipping. We will work with fellow member states to ensure the shipping industry makes the transition to zero emissions ships as quickly as possible. She added that the deal opened up new opportunities to develop environmentally-friendly technologies. Five men have been arrested in a major police crack-down on the criminal activities of the INLA. More than 200 officers were involved in raids and arrest operations carried out across greater Belfast under the auspices of the Stormont established Paramilitary Crime Task Force. Four suspected victims of human trafficking were found in a house in south Belfast. The four Romanian women have been taken to a police care suite. ACC Martin briefs media following the Paramilitary Crime Task Force Operation into the criminal activities of INLA. https://t.co/86oqMFKyyk Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 13, 2018 The Police Service of Northern Ireland, The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Her Majestys Revenues and Customs (HMRC) took part in Fridays series of swoops against the supposedly on-ceasefire Irish National Liberation Army. The west Belfast offices of the Irish Republican Socialist Party, the political wing of the INLA, was one of 12 properties raided in various parts of Belfast, Lisburn, Crumlin and Newtownabbey. The suspects detained are aged 33, 41, 48, 49 and 51. The police said further arrests were planned. Great job so far by Paramilitary Crime Taskforce and much more enforcement action to come. Thanks to the team including colleagues in @NCA_UK and @HMRCgovuk #KeepingPeopleSafe BringingOffenderstoJustice https://t.co/OImJnUNlJD Sir George Hamilton (@SirGHamilton) April 13, 2018 PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: This search and arrest operation is the largest conducted by the Task Force to date and is the result of an investigation that has been under way for a significant period of time into the groups criminality and specifically its involvement in extortion and prostitution. Id like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who believes they or their business are the subject of extortion to contact officers at the Paramilitary Crime Task Force on our 101 non-emergency number. We want to hear from you and, as todays action demonstrates, where we can secure evidence of these suspected offences we will take action. There has been a misconception in some quarters that the work of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force is focused only on loyalist paramilitaries. Todays policing activity and a related operation in Derry/Londonderry in March clearly demonstrate that our work is to remove paramilitarism from all our communities across Northern Ireland. ACC Martin added: There is not and will not be any hiding place for paramilitaries. These criminal gangs destroy peoples lives and harm our communities and we are committed to tackling them head on so that communities and businesses can prosper without any threat or fear. Paramilitaries exploit their own communities and others through various types of criminality, including extortion and prostitution, and they are ruthless in their methods including so-called paramilitary style attacks. They exploit vulnerability, including younger citizens who can so easily be drawn in. They destroy lives and harm the communities they so often claim to represent. The majority of people in our communities want to make the transition away from that sort of control and intimidation. This means that the response to the paramilitaries needs to fall to everyone. The IRSP described the operations as political policing. Emma Dent Coad delivering a letter on behalf of Stop the War Coalition at 10 Downing Street (Yui Mok/PA) Labour MP Emma Dent Coad has handed a letter in to Downing Street urging Theresa May not to take military action in Syria. The handover of the letter, co-ordinated by the Stop the War Coalition, was marked with a protest in Whitehall attended by a large numbers of activists. The letter has been signed by MPs, trade unionists, celebrities and academics. Speaking after the letter was handed in, Ms Dent Coad said the current case for intervention was based on supposition and that military action should be put to a vote in Parliament. Expand Close A person is held by police officers during a protest by Stop the War Coalition in Whitehall (Yui Mok/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A person is held by police officers during a protest by Stop the War Coalition in Whitehall (Yui Mok/PA) Syria has been bombed to bits already. Are we really going to go in and finish the job for Assad? I think thats really frightening, she said. Theres no precision bombing in Syria. Its so overlapping. Theres no good guys and bad guys everybody is mixed up together. If we bomb airbases, we could be bombing Russians. We are at the brink of something really frightening. We have to have proper evidence, we have to know what were doing. No more war without full evidence and full UN backing. Theresa May and Donald Trump have agreed that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged after the Prime Minister won the backing of her Cabinet for action to prevent their further use in Syria. The two leaders also said there was a need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, as they pledged to work together on the international response to the suspected chemical weapons attack. Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused the Government of waiting for instructions from the US and that military intervention risks escalating an already devastating conflict. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Ministers have said it is highly likely Syrian President Bashar Assad was responsible for the attack on Saturday on the rebel-held town of Douma which reportedly left dozens dead and that there was agreement around the Cabinet table that such actions should not go unchallenged. Mrs May and President Trump spoke hours after this meeting and reiterated the use of chemical weapons should not be tolerated. The largest US air and naval strike force since the 2003 Iraq war was said to be heading towards Syria, according to reports in The Times, paving the way for strikes within the next three days. Russia has been granted a request for the United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday for fresh discussions on the threat to international peace from air strikes on Syria. The statement released by Downing Street after Thursdays Cabinet meeting made no direct reference to military action, but will be seen as a signal Britain would be prepared to join any US-led air strikes against the regime should the Americans decide to go ahead putting it on a potential collision course with Assads principal backer, Russia. In a statement released on Thursday night, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response. It is vital that parliament has the chance to debate and decide in advance on any government proposals to support a new US-led military intervention in Syria, which risks a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 12, 2018 But Mr Corbyn said: Further UK military intervention in Syrias appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. The Government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. Even US defence secretary James Mattis has said we dont have evidence and warned further military action could escalate out of control. Earlier, President Trump appeared to row back from a suggestion on Wednesday that missile strikes were imminent, insisting in his latest tweet that he had never set out a timetable for military action. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! he wrote. US broadcaster NBC quoted US officials familiar with the intelligence as saying they had now obtained blood and urine samples which had tested positive for chemical weapons. That assessment appeared to echo President Macron, who said they had proof that at least chlorine was used in the attack by the regime. The White House said it was still assessing the evidence after its security council meeting on Thursday. The No 10 statement issued following the Cabinet meeting said Mrs May had again described the attack on Douma as a shocking and barbaric act which represented a further erosion of international law. Cabinet agreed that the Assad regime has a track record of the use of chemical weapons and it is highly likely that the regime is responsible for Saturdays attack, it said. Signs that @realDonaldTrump and @EmmanuelMacron may now be holding back as #AssadRegime moves key military assets behind #Russian defences. Very dangerous. Essential for @theresa_may to seek #Parliament approval for any action. Vince Cable (@vincecable) April 12, 2018 Following a discussion in which every member present made a contribution, Cabinet agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged. Cabinet agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. The statement made no reference to whether Parliament would be given a say on military action prompting renewed concerns among opposition parties and some Tory MPs that Mrs May is prepared to go ahead without a Commons vote. Mr Corbyn insisted that MPs were entitled to a vote, saying Parliament must be consulted. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Ken Clarke, the Conservative former chancellor, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable and Ian Blackford, leader of the SNP in Westminster, also urged Mrs May to give MPs a vote on military action. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is due to start its investigation in Syria on Saturday. On Friday campaigners from the Stop the War Coalition will hand in a letter signed by MPs, trade unionists, celebrities and academics to Downing Street urging Mrs May to not take military action in Syria. Bombing Syria will not help the war-torn country, Labour has insisted as it accused Theresa May of waiting for instructions from US President Donald Trump on how to handle the crisis. The comments came as Russia claimed a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. The Douma attack has drawn international outrage which has seen the Prime Minister and Mr Trump agree that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged after Mrs May won the backing of her Cabinet for action to prevent their further use in Syria. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was scathing about the PMs stance, stating: Further UK military intervention in Syrias appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. The Government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. Even US defence secretary James Mattis has said we dont have evidence and warned further military action could escalate out of control. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. Expand Close POLITICS Syria Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp POLITICS Syria He said Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication. Russias ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko told a London press conference that the US and its allies had provided no tangible proof to back up claims the Syrian government was responsible for the Douma attack. He said: The Syrian government had been repeatedly warning for at least a month that rebels prepared to stage a provocation with chemical weapons in this very area. Mr Yakovenko added: We are witnessing very dangerous developments in Syria. The current US politics, supported almost mechanically by France and the UK, is becoming a threat to the peace and security in the region and beyond. Mrs May and the US president discussed the situation on Thursday night, saying there was a need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, as they pledged to work together on the international response to the suspected chemical weapons attack. Further UK military intervention in Syria's appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. My full statement: https://t.co/wWpxxk8eYI Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 13, 2018 Ministers have said it is highly likely Syrian President Bashar Assad was responsible for the attack on Saturday on the rebel-held town of Douma which reportedly left dozens dead and that there was agreement around the Cabinet table that such actions should not go unchallenged. Mrs May and Mr Trump spoke hours after this meeting and reiterated the use of chemical weapons should not be tolerated. The largest US air and naval strike force since the 2003 Iraq war was said to be heading towards Syria, according to reports in The Times, paving the way for strikes within the next three days. Russia has been granted a request for the United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday for fresh discussions on the threat to international peace from air strikes on Syria. Expand Close POLITICS Syria Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp POLITICS Syria A statement released by Downing Street after Thursdays Cabinet meeting made no direct reference to military action, but will be seen as a signal Britain would be prepared to join any US-led air strikes against the regime should the Americans decide to go ahead putting it on a potential collision course with Assads principal backer Russia. In a statement released on Thursday night, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response. Earlier, Mr Trump appeared to row back from a suggestion on Wednesday that missile strikes were imminent, insisting in his latest tweet that he had never set out a timetable for military action. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! he wrote. US broadcaster NBC quoted US officials familiar with the intelligence as saying they had now obtained blood and urine samples which had tested positive for chemical weapons. It is vital that parliament has the chance to debate and decide in advance on any government proposals to support a new US-led military intervention in Syria, which risks a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 12, 2018 That assessment appeared to echo French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France had proof that at least chlorine was used in the attack by the regime. The White House said it was still assessing the evidence after its security council meeting on Thursday. The post-Cabinet meeting statement made no reference to whether Parliament would be given a say on military action prompting renewed concerns among opposition parties and some Tory MPs that Mrs May is prepared to go ahead without a Commons vote. Mr Corbyn insisted that MPs were entitled to a vote, saying Parliament must be consulted. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is due to start its investigation in Syria on Saturday. On Friday campaigners from the Stop the War Coalition will hand in a letter signed by MPs, trade unionists, celebrities and academics to Downing Street urging Mrs May to not take military action in Syria. Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 CHLORINE GAS USED FOR CHEMICAL ATTACK IN SYRIA WAS "MADE IN GERMANY" BY MERCK COR LoP Guest lop guest User ID: kaput 04-13-2018 01:19 PM Post: #1 CHLORINE GAS USED FOR CHEMICAL ATTACK IN SYRIA WAS "MADE IN GERMANY" BY MERCK COR Advertisement Yes, Germany; a NATO member country. The images below show the Chlorine gas cylinders captured from a Terrorist hideout in east Ghouta Syria, proving the Syrian government (which cannot and does not trade with Germany) could not have perpetrated the attack as is being claimed by the USA and western allies. The attack was, in fact, a "FALSE FLAG" perpetrated by someone else, designed to be BLAMED on the Syrian government. Someone inside NATO arranged for these chlorine gas cylinders to be covertly shipped into Syria, and they ended up in the hands of US-Saudi-backed "Jaish Al Islam" & "Al-Nusra Front" in Damascus country side in order to poison innocent Syrians and falsely accuse the Syrian government. http://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/...orporation As the world is finding out about a "chemical weapons attack" in Syria which injured about 1,000 and reportedly killed between 40 and 161, new evidence has surfaced showing the Chlorine Gas came from Cylinders manufactured by Merck Corporation in Germany!Yes, Germany; a NATO member country.The images below show the Chlorine gas cylinders captured from a Terrorist hideout in east Ghouta Syria, proving the Syrian government (which cannot and does not trade with Germany) could not have perpetrated the attack as is being claimed by the USA and western allies. The attack was, in fact, a "FALSE FLAG" perpetrated by someone else, designed to be BLAMED on the Syrian government.Someone inside NATO arranged for these chlorine gas cylinders to be covertly shipped into Syria, and they ended up in the hands of US-Saudi-backed "Jaish Al Islam" & "Al-Nusra Front" in Damascus country side in order to poison innocent Syrians and falsely accuse the Syrian government. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 01:33 PM Post: #2 RE: CHLORINE GAS USED FOR CHEMICAL ATTACK IN SYRIA WAS "MADE IN GERMANY" BY ... Germany won't participate in the possible military action in Syria, but "supports sending a message that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday. "Germany will not participate in any possible - there has been no decision yet, I want to make that clear again - military action. But we see and support everything being done to signal that this use of chemical weapons is unacceptable," Merkel said. "But we support everything that is being done to show that the use of chemical weapons is not acceptable," she added. Earlier, Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation, during which they discussed the recent escalation of tensions in Syria, spokesman for the German government Steffen Seibert said Thursday. Merkel and Macron vowed to continue close coordination on the issue. Italy also will not have any direct role in an eventual Western military attack against the Syrian government, but it will provide logistical support to its allies, the prime minister's office said on Thursday. Caretaker Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni had numerous "international" contacts on Thursday, including with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the statement said. "Italy will not participate in Syrian military actions," Gentiloni told allies according to the statement. "Based on current international and bilateral accords, Italy will continue to offer logistical support to allied forces." The situation in Syria significantly escalated within the last several days after an alleged chemical attack in the city of Duma. Reports about the alleged attack in Duma, located in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta, emerged on Saturday. The European Union and the United States have rushed to blame the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad for the incident, however, Damascus has refuted the allegations. http://theregion.org/article/13259-germa...ary-strike Germany, Italy won't take part in possible Syria military strikeGermany won't participate in the possible military action in Syria, but "supports sending a message that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday."Germany will not participate in any possible - there has been no decision yet, I want to make that clear again - military action. But we see and support everything being done to signal that this use of chemical weapons is unacceptable," Merkel said."But we support everything that is being done to show that the use of chemical weapons is not acceptable," she added.Earlier, Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation, during which they discussed the recent escalation of tensions in Syria, spokesman for the German government Steffen Seibert said Thursday. Merkel and Macron vowed to continue close coordination on the issue.Italy also will not have any direct role in an eventual Western military attack against the Syrian government, but it will provide logistical support to its allies, the prime minister's office said on Thursday.Caretaker Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni had numerous "international" contacts on Thursday, including with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the statement said."Italy will not participate in Syrian military actions," Gentiloni told allies according to the statement. "Based on current international and bilateral accords, Italy will continue to offer logistical support to allied forces."The situation in Syria significantly escalated within the last several days after an alleged chemical attack in the city of Duma.Reports about the alleged attack in Duma, located in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta, emerged on Saturday. The European Union and the United States have rushed to blame the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad for the incident, however, Damascus has refuted the allegations. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 02:05 PM Post: #3 RE: CHLORINE GAS USED FOR CHEMICAL ATTACK IN SYRIA WAS "MADE IN GERMANY" BY ... The whole gas thing was a Hoax singing spider terrarising the 'hood User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 02:06 PM Posts: 20,937 Post: #4 RE: CHLORINE GAS USED FOR CHEMICAL ATTACK IN SYRIA WAS "MADE IN GERMANY" BY ... chlorine gas is toxic but not a chemical weapon some household bleach works with it on the containers it says "for synthesis" chlorine gas is toxic but not a chemical weaponsome household bleach works with iton the containers it says "for synthesis" https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=92i5m3tV5XY nobody starts at point zero The female Gorilla Fatou eats a 'rice-cake' to celebrate her 61st birthday at the zoo in Berlin, Germany (Markus Schreiber/AP) Fatou, one of the worlds oldest gorillas and a living legend, is celebrating her 61st birthday today. The sexagenarian, who lives at Berlin Zoo, had a life of adventure before arriving in Germany from the south of France in 1959. Her exact age is not known, but as a youngster, a hard-drinking sailor used her to pay his tab at a bar in Marseille. She eventually made her way to Berlin Zoo and is believed to have been two years old when she arrived. Today, Fatou has been savouring a rice-based birthday cake adorned with blueberries, strawberries and grapes a delicacy which she can only enjoy occasionally due to the high sugar content. Dr Andreas Knieriem, director of the zoo, said: We are delighted to be celebrating Fatous 61st birthday today. She is a living legend and a part of Zoo Berlin history. The gorilla shares her record age with Trudy, another female gorilla who lives in Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas, United States. Expand Close AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fatou, a western lowland gorilla, is one of the few animals at Zoo Berlin born in the wild, and her species is facing the threat of extinction due to poaching and environmental destruction. President Donald Trump has emerged from a meeting with his national security team without a final decision on how to respond to a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump held a meeting on Thursday afternoon with his team to discuss the situation. But she said no final decision has been made. She said that US officials are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies. Mr Trump said earlier that an attack on Syria could take place very soon or not so soon at all, arguing he had never signalled the timing of retaliation for the suspected chemical weapons attack that he had suggested was imminent a day earlier. A Kremlin spokesman warned the US and its allies against any steps that could destabilise the situation in Syria. Asked about possible US strikes on Syria, President Vladimir Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that its necessary to avoid any steps that may fuel tensions in Syria. He added that it would have an utterly destructive impact on the Syrian settlement. Expand Close POLITICS Syria Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp POLITICS Syria Mr Peskov would not say if Moscow could use a Russia-US military hotline to avoid casualties in a case of a US strike, saying only that the hotline exists and has remained active. Mr Trump warned Russia on Wednesday to get ready for a missile attack on its ally Syria. Israel's foreign ministry has summoned the Republic's ambassador to express dismay over Dublin's Sinn Fein mayor attending an "anti-Israel" event in Ramallah Israel's foreign ministry has summoned the Republic's ambassador to express dismay over Dublin's Sinn Fein mayor attending an "anti-Israel" event in Ramallah. The ministry said in a statement that Israel expresses its "deep disappointment and shock" over the incident. It said the event in the Palestinian city of Ramallah was "explicitly" against Israel and occurred as Israel commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day. Israel expects a "public and formal" response from the Republic to his conduct, it said. Micheal Mac Donncha participated in an Islamic conference about Jerusalem in Ramallah organised by the religious affairs adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The fate of the holy city is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mr Mac Donncha is a supporter of the movement to boycott the Jewish state. Israel had tried to block his entry through its airport. Mr Mac Donncha, who claimed he was unaware that he had been banned, said attempts to bar his entry failed, because officials spelt his name wrong. "The Israeli strategic affairs minister did allow me in," he told Newstalk's breakfast show. "He said the problem was someone spelling my name wrong." Interior Minister Arieh Deri, who ordered an inquiry after Mr Mac Donncha's arrival, said that upon his departure, he would be notified he will not be allowed back. Having a problem with the DUP for being too liberal is a bit like taking Russia to task for being overly soft on ex-spies. After all, in many people's eyes, the DUP are arch-conservatives, traditionalist to the marrow, fuelled with moral and religious fervour. Not to Jim Wells, though. The DUP stalwart, in an outspoken interview with this newspaper, which he later expanded upon elsewhere, does not like the way he sees the party leadership going. Jim sees a bad moon rising. He suspects the DUP of a desire to modernise, to become more inclusive, in defiance of the views of people like him. Seemingly proudly, he identifies himself as a dinosaur, outside the mainstream, "the embarrassing uncle sitting in the corner at the Christmas party". Wells opposes abortion in all circumstances, even in the case of rape or extreme foetal abnormality. In the past, he has suggested that rape victims continue the pregnancy to term and then hand the baby over to one of the "hundreds of married couples in Northern Ireland who would love to adopt children". He's also against gay marriage, believing that children are best brought up in a "loving, monogamous, heterosexual marriage". Now we know that he opposes legalising cannabis, casinos and all night drinking too. So far, so DUP, you might think. Uncle Jim, however, has come to the conclusion that his face simply doesn't fit any more. Wells does not believe that he has changed. But he thinks the DUP leadership has. The rest of us may be scratching our heads in bemusement. There is little external indication, as far as I can see, that the DUP are suddenly about to turn into sandal-wearing, anything-goes hippies. I really can't picture Arlene Foster demanding the legal right to enjoy a fat spliff, or Nigel Dodds extolling the heady delights of the roulette wheel. More seriously, when a United Nations committee recently said that the denial of reproductive rights to women in Northern Ireland "may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment", I did not hear any DUP voices promising reform. Yet they are a party renowned for their pragmatism, and if they have any common sense at all, they must realise that the world has moved on from the days when Jim's hero, party founder Ian Paisley, guldered loud and long about the dangers of sodomy and the devil's buttermilk. There has been the odd welcome sign of progress, such as the backing of gay pardons for men convicted of abolished sex offences in Northern Ireland, in 2016 - which would have been unthinkable even a decade before. But it's still nowhere near enough. The DUP has shown every sign of wishing to avoid Jim Wells' dramatically-thrown gauntlet. He says he expects stern disciplinary action, the world falling on his head, following his attack on the party leadership. But aside from a short, perfunctory statement, regretting the MLA's comments and disputing their accuracy, reaction from the DUP has been muted, with a tone of 'more in sorrow than in anger' prevailing. And now Peter Robinson has rejected Wells' claim that he was promised he could return to his job as health minister after resigning. The wagons are circling, and Jim is on the outside, howling at the moon. Yet rather than ignoring and sidelining Wells, ushering him quietly off the stage to ensure maximum damage limitation, the DUP should rise to his challenge. We know what they were, in the past. But who are they now, and what do they stand for? Fear of losing touch with their traditional base comes a very close second to the party's primary dread, which is fear of losing face. But at some point the DUP is going to have to enter the 21st century and accept its realities. If Wells is correct, and there is a secret desire within the leadership to progress in a more enlightened fashion, now is the moment to declare it. Abortion rights, marriage equality: they are coming to Northern Ireland, sooner or later, whether the DUP likes it or not. The majority of people want change on both counts. Instead of a minor embarrassment caused by a disgruntled former minister, this outburst by Jim Wells could actually be a turning point for the DUP. Do they remain fearfully in the corner, with the closed minds of the past, or do they go forward, with courage and real leadership, ready to embrace the future? Two voices from the past this week put the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement into perspective and struck a tone so different from the toxic exchanges which have led to the current political impasse at Stormont. One of those voices was that of a man opposed to the Good Friday Agreement, former First Minister Peter Robinson. While he has said there were elements of the accord he could never agree with, he nevertheless accepted that its guiding principle of compromise between competing political ideologies in Northern Ireland was essential. He stressed that it was not enough for any one party to simply look after its own interests, it had to accept the others also had a constituency and that both had to work to solve problems which arose. And he echoed the words of many in the province when he said it was a worse place for not having a devolved administration. There is, he added, no problem which cannot be solved. The other voice was that of former Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon, who did not mince his words about the way the DUP and Sinn Fein have behaved in recent times. But it was his comments on Irish unity which had the strongest message for nationalists and republicans. They, he said, had to convince unionists that unity would be a good thing for them. That could not be achieved if they felt under threat or were afraid of what the future might hold. How different those comments were from the statement by former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams that the use of violence to achieve political ends could be justified in certain circumstances. By coincidence, his words came just a day before the emergence of a new dissident republican group, the Irish Republican Movement, which threatened to kill police officers and drug peddlers. As both Peter Robinson and Gavin Robinson, the DUP MP for East Belfast pointed out, any suggestion that violence can be justified is dangerous. Mr Adams claimed the IRA resorted to it because people were being denied their rights, but how did that justify denying many hundreds of people the right to life? It is clear that trust has broken down between the DUP and Sinn Fein at the present time - but as the history of the Good Friday Agreement shows, trust can be rebuilt if there is a will to do so and if there is the spirit of compromise shown by Mr Mallon and Mr Robinson. The SDLP believes agreement can be reached once again The Good Friday Agreement was my very first campaign. I was only 14 at the time, but I can still vividly remember the tangible sense of hope and expectation on the streets of Derry and throughout Northern Ireland. Alongside that enthusiasm and energy though, there was another very real sensation - a sense of relief. Even as a teenager that huge emotional shift across this society was evident. It was as if, after 30 years of awful violence and hurt, the layers of tension and the constant fear began to gently melt away. The referendum campaign marked an end to that narrowness and claustrophobia. It threw open our windows to a wider world, allowed fresh air to flow in and gave our communities the chance to breathe again. The image that has probably imprinted its way into our collective history shows the famous concert where U2's Bono raised the hands of John Hume and David Trimble aloft. However, that memory shouldn't entirely overshadow the less glamorous images of long hours of canvassing and leaflet drops. It is important to remember that the overwhelming 'Yes' result wasn't just the work of individual political parties or governments. For perhaps the first time, civic society mobilised for the campaign and made its voice heard. For me personally - as one of the many volunteers in the SDLP's campaign for 'Yes' - I was very conscious that I was walking alongside the architects and the builders of this Agreement. Going in and out of Hume's office every day, I was part of a team for whom this referendum campaign of a few short weeks was the product of years of work, thought and hardship. Even back then I had the clear sense that this campaign was a lifetime's work for these men and women - Hume, Mallon, Durkan and Rodgers. This referendum was more important to them than any individual election for the party. To them securing peace and securing a strong 'Yes' vote mattered much, much more. John Hume had imagined these institutions as far back as the 1960s and had invested all of his body and mind to its cause. The dogged dream he held on to for all those difficult years was finally being placed before the people of Ireland, north and south. I do remember being confident of the outcome, in spite of the noise of Ian Paisley and Bob McCartney preaching the past on the margins. On referendum day, the massive support received across the island was a true vindication of the work and effort of decades before. It was truly deserved. The memories of that time obviously stand in deep contrast with our current political failure. The Good Friday Agreement is now under a severe and sustained threat. Unfortunately, there is no hint of exaggeration in that statement. In the undergrowth of this week's 20th anniversary commemorations, there are plenty running to write its obituary. Brexit, multiple scandals at the heart of the Executive and an inability to embrace the partnership spirit of 1998, have brought us to this precarious place. As we all know, for well over a year now, politics here in Northern Ireland has been locked in a cycle of frustration and failure. It would be wrong though to give up hope, because history tells us that cycles are there to be broken. We know this because 20 years ago, it was the Good Friday Agreement itself which broke the cycle of conflict which had cast a shadow upon the Irish and British relationship for 800 years. The enormity of that achievement is still felt with the absence of violence and in the many lives saved. So rather than writing obituaries, now is the moment to review and renew. A review and renewal mechanism was built in to the Agreement and I believe now is the right time to trigger it. That review and renewal would seek to get our politics back on track following a year of failure. It would seek to show that the narrow issues that we now contend with are very minor compared with the broadness of progress and possibility which was mapped out for us in 1998. It could provide a roadmap for the restoration of the Executive and finally provide the North with a voice and answers to the looming Brexit threat. The review wouldn't be about pulling the Agreement apart, it would instead be about getting back to it. Previous negotiations have lessened the vision and principles of the 1998 Agreement. This is a time to enhance it. For instance, a review and renewal should reverse the flawed changes of subsequent agreements, particularly at St Andrews, which have been resulted in a deep polarisation of our politics. As guarantors, this process must be led by the Irish and British governments and involve all the parties in Northern Ireland. As change engulfs the islands of Britain and Ireland following the Brexit result, the three strands of relationships at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement haven't dated, they have truly come of age. Its structure and spirit of power-sharing, partnership and cooperation across our islands is still the pathway to progress and reconciliation in Ireland. If Good Friday 20 years ago was to be the final destination of slow learners - let us not allow it to fall victim to fast wreckers. Now is not the moment to give up on that Agreement - it's the moment to fully embrace it. We shouldn't lose sight that the choice for all of us on this island remains the same. The Irish and British peoples across this island can retreat from each other or we can again choose to work, live and govern together. It is not just the best solution for our broken politics, it remains the only solution. This week can't simply be about commemorating the Good Friday Agreement - it must also be about getting back to it. A Rohingya girl fans herself outside her makeshift home at Teknaf sub-district of Coxs Bazar. March 20, 2018. Bangladesh and the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) signed a memorandum of understanding Friday that establishes a framework of bilateral cooperation for the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, United Nations officials said. The memorandum (MoU), signed in Geneva by U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque, could affect about 700,000 Rohingya who fled a violent crackdown in Myanmars Rakhine state in August 2017. UNHCRs MoU with Bangladesh reaffirms the general principles of voluntary returns in safety and dignity, Andrej Mahecic, a spokesman for the U.N. agency based at its headquarters in Geneva, told BenarNews. The memorandum outlines broadly the roles for both the government of Bangladesh and UNHCR in any future return movements in informing refugees about conditions in the return areas, data sharing, verification of voluntariness and assistance in returns, he said in an email. The MoU provides a framework of cooperation between the agency and Bangladesh, he added, on the safe, voluntary and dignified returns of refugees in line with international standards, if and when the conditions are right and refugees decide they want to return. But UNHCR considers that conditions in Myanmar are not yet conducive for returns to be safe, dignified, and sustainable, Mahecic said. In the absence of a three-way MoU between the U.N. agency and Bangladesh and Myanmar on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, UNHCR was seeking a similar bilateral understanding with Naypyidaw, it said in a news release about the signing of the memorandum with Bangladesh. The responsibility for creating such conditions remains with the Myanmar authorities, and these must go beyond the preparation of physical infrastructure to facilitate logistical arrangements, UNHCR said while calling on Myanmar authorities to allow full and unhindered access to Rakhine. Such access was necessary to assess the situation there and monitor any future return of Rohingya from refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh, the agency said. We do not believe Myanmar Fridays memorandum, which was not released to the public, came nearly five months after Bangladesh and Myanmar officials signed a bilateral deal for what they said would be the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine. In southeastern Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district, a Rohingya leader at the Kutupalong refugee camp welcomed the U.N.s signature on Fridays MoU. We want to go back to Arakan [Rakhine]. But we do not believe Myanmar. We believe the United Nations. We will do what the UNHCR says, Jahid Hossain told BenarNews. On Wednesday, senior officials from Myanmars government, including Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye, paid an unprecedented visit to Kutupalong. During their visit, they urged Rohingya to return to Rakhine. We are responsible to protect all the people living in our country. We will solve all the problems to have peace and stability. Just cooperate with us, and return, Aye told a group of refugees at the camp. UNHCRs memorandum with the Bangladeshi government also came a day after Saudi Arabias King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center pledged to give the U.N. agency U.S. $3 million (249 million taka) in emergency relief assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. In November 2017, the U.S. government pledged $47 million in aid for Rohingya relief, bringing the total aid package to about $150 million, beginning in October 2016 following an earlier exodus of Rohingya from Myanmar. Repatriation deal with Myanmar On Nov. 23, 2017, Bangladesh and Myanmar officials signed a repatriation deal seeking to establish a process for the voluntary and safe return of thousands of Rohingya to Rakhine. The agreement, which called for the process to begin within two months, included a provision that the governments could associate with U.N. agencies in the repatriation process. Since then, however, Myanmar has refused to involve UNHCR, Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam told BenarNews. Meanwhile, Bangladesh officials welcomed UNHCRs assistance. We need the UNHCR in the repatriation process, they have huge expertise in repatriating refugees. The UNHCR can help us fill the repatriation forms properly and provide necessary logistics, Mohammad Abul Kalam, the Bangladeshi commissioner for refugee relief and repatriation, told BenarNews earlier this week. In February, Bangladesh presented a list of 8,032 Rohingya for verification by Myanmar authorities to begin the repatriation process. So far, Myanmar authorities have given us clearance of 670 names in three phases. The verification is a continuous process. Hopefully, they would verify more people, Kalam said. Myanmar authorities told their Bangladesh counterparts that the forms were not filled out properly. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, accompanied by first lady Iriana, visits a market in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, April 11, 2018. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo visited his countrys easternmost Papua province on Thursday, two months after a measles-and-malnutrition outbreak killed more than 70 children in the area that is home to one of the worlds biggest gold mines. Accompanied by first lady Iriana, Jokowi arrived at Agats port in Asmat on a military helicopter, becoming Indonesias first leader to visit the impoverished regency. During a meeting with local officials, Jokowi expressed his concerns about the threat of malnutrition among children. I urge the regent to prioritize the governments attention on malnutrition issues among children, Jokowi said, referring to Asmat Regent Elisa Kambu. After news of the measles outbreak spread early this year, Widodo ordered the military and medical teams to bring supplies to remote areas of the regency. In February, health officials said the crisis had been placed under control after paramedics vaccinated more than 17,000 children. During his visit Thursday, Jokowi said all water reservoir projects for residents would be completed by the end of August. Papua, a former Dutch colony that was absorbed into Indonesia in 1969 after a controversial referendum, is where the U.S.-based mining giant Freeport-McMoran operates the Grasberg gold and copper mining complex. Foreign media access is restricted in Papua and West Papua, Indonesias two easternmost provinces, which make up about one-fifth of Indonesias land mass. The region is one of Indonesias poorest, with low literacy rates and high rates of infant and maternal mortality. It was Jokowis eighth trip to Papua since taking office in 2014. He was accompanied by his public housing and health ministers during the visit that included an inspection of a public housing complex under construction in Asmat. Jokowi talked about nutrition with a number of local women and children and was seen riding an electric motorcycle with his wife. Before arriving in Asmat, Jokowi also visited Jayapura, the provincial capital of Papua, where he checked the progress on the construction of a bridge and handed out land certificates to residents. Human rights complaints During the past decades, the Papua region has been the site of a low-level armed separatist movement, the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM), against Jakartas rule. The OPM and Indonesian security forces are both guilty of human rights abuses, according to rights groups. Recent images of thin children with exposed ribs at ill-equipped hospitals has led to criticisms that the regions wealth is not being evenly shared with its ethnic population. Jokowis frequent Papua visits underscores his failure to fulfilling his pledge to resolve the human rights violations in the insurgency-hit eastern province, local human rights activists told BenarNews on Thursday. If Jokowi keeps neglecting the efforts to solve the cases, his commitment in developing Papua will face a great distrust by Papuans, said Frits Ramandey, head of Papua office of the National Commission of Human Rights. Special Forces troops participate in a drill to combat terrorism after Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines launched trilateral air patrols at the Subang military airbase in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Oct. 12, 2017. Southeast Asian governments have to step up their games to counter the Islamic State (IS) threat as the extremist group seeks to establish safe havens in the region following defeats in Syria and Iraq, a senior U.S. State Department official said. Irfan Saeed, director of the departments Bureau of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), specifically named Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines while also praising their counter-terrorist efforts during a conference call this week from Washington with reporters in East Asia. We need to understand both the global and local drivers of violent extremism because situations are not the same on the ground, he said, adding that drivers that trigger radicalization of people in the Philippines were different than those in Indonesia or Malaysia. Saeed stressed the need for research into identifying local drivers of violent extremism as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach. Research, he said, was the first of a five-prong approach to combatting CVE followed by prevention, de-radicalization and reintegration, along with counter-messaging. He praised the three nations for efforts already in place to counter extremism. Malaysia is doing a good CVE job in the educational sector and in the government reform perspective as well as by having initiatives such as their Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Counter Terrorism, he told reporters during Wednesdays call. The Philippines is having its long-term anti-extremism programs in place while Indonesia is doing well in understanding the drivers of violent extremism. Saeed warned that the region must remain vigilant, even though Islamic State was losing territory in Iraq and Syria. At this time last year I think our focus would have been on the over 1,000 foreign terrorist fighters that had gone from Southeast Asia and different parts of Southeast Asia up to Syria and Iraq to join the ISIS fight, he said, referring to IS by another acronym. A year on a lot of good work by our partners across Southeast Asia, our partners across the world, the Global Coalition, and the good news is that we are not talking about a massive flow of fighters going to Syria and Iraq anymore. The bad news, however, was that Islamic State was now eying other parts of the globe for its operations, he said. They are looking at different parts of the world, and unfortunately I think Southeast Asia is in their radar. They are looking very clearly about how to establish safe havens across maybe the Southern Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. So, when we are looking to counter violent extremism and counter terrorism, its important to ensure that we dont give them that safe space that they need, Saeed said. Nations also needed to guard against the threat that IS and other militant groups do not reconstitute, they dont strengthen, and they dont continue to inspire others to commit acts of violence, he said, adding Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Abu Sayyaf should not be allowed to take their place. We cant let them grow in a vacuum that ISIS used to occupy, Saeed said. Learning from each other To counter those efforts, the State Department official said, each country had something to offer the others and it was important that they learned from each other to address terror threats that had not gone away. The countries could also learn from the initiatives of others including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Britain. Southeast Asian countries also should follow the lead of IS and use social media against it by intensifying campaigns to drive out militant groups, Saeed said, adding that as IS lost strength in Iraq and Syria, it had used social media to establish new caliphates. In Malaysia, Mohamad Abu Bakar, a retired international security analyst from the University Malaya, supported the State Departments message. The sharing of best CVE practices among Southeast Asian nations was necessary because of unique circumstances and situations, he said. What is suitable for Malaysia may not be currently usable for Indonesia, for example, he told BenarNews. But because of sharing, Indonesia will be prepared for a driver of violent extremism if it emerges in the future. And for such a driver, the Indonesians will know how to address it thanks to lessons from other countries who had such an experience in the past, he added. Abu Bakar also said Southeast Asian countries could learn from the Middle East in dealing with such conflicts. The Arab worlds grievances, rooted in colonial times, have a long time ago turned into conflicts in what Id call crunch zones, he said. In Southeast Asia, our conflicts have started relatively recently, so we could learn also from the experience of the Middle East countries. BenarNews staff in Washington contributed to this report. More than five months after a brutal war pounded the southern Philippine city of Marawi, images of the violence haunt the citys residents. The Philippine military wrested the city back from pro-Islamic State (IS) militants in October 2017 after ferocious fighting forced about 200,000 residents of the city to flee their homes. As many as 1,200 people mostly militants died in a five-month battle that left the city in ruins, Philippine officials said. Marawi the only predominantly Muslim city in a Catholic country has become a virtual ghost town of abandoned buildings; its main highway cratered by bombs and mortars. Around the neighborhood, people walked in a daze as they dug through rubble for salvageable belongings. Many took metal and other items they could turn into cash at the junkyard. Posters that warned residents of possible unexploded bombs among the debris hung prominently in lifeless tree stumps. There was an eerie silence as BenarNews reporters observed a crowd of returnees trudging through the debris. The smell of death and decay was in the air. We are expecting more bodies to recover. Civilians are returning to their homes and we expect to get calls of more skeletons to be found, said Capt. Rowalde Camero, commandant of the 500th Engineer Combat Battalion, which is part of the clearing team. It is tough for the people, Camero said. Imagine finding your destroyed house like that and seeing that people died. A tattered Philippine flag flew on the rooftop of Marawis grand mosque as loudspeakers aired the 3 oclock call to prayer. The hymn provided a sense of serenity to the wrecked place. 8. God Is Faithful He Is Infinitely, Unchangingly True "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." - Deut 7:9 [I]f we are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 As with all of Gods attributes, they are not separate, isolated traits but interconnected parts of his perfect whole being. So his faithfulness cannot be understood apart from his immutability, the fact that he never changes. So when we read that God remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself, we see these his attributes working together. The fact that he is unchanging means he can never not be faithful. A. W. Pink writes this about Gods faithfulness: God is true. His Word of Promise is sure. In all His relations with His people God is faithful. He may be safely relied upon. No one ever yet really trusted Him in vain. We find this precious truth expressed almost everywhere in the Scriptures, for His people need to know that faithfulness is an essential part of the Divine character. This is the basis of our confidence in Him. The fact that God is infinitely, unchangingly faithful means that he never forgets anything, never fails to do anything he has set out to do, never changes his mind or takes back a promise. And his faithfulness pours out from his love, so we can trust Pauls word that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Of course, we dont always understand or see how his plan is faithful. In our limited understanding and finite minds, Gods faithfulness might look a lot like abandonment. For how could a faithful God allow his children to suffer, to hurt, to die? But Christians can take comfort in these moments by remembering these attributes of God, for when we go through hard times, we know that God is nevertheless unchangingly faithful, good, always with us and wise. Faithfully trusting in who God says he is a great comfort. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 Image Credit: Thinkstock Kabul This is the unbelievable story of an Indian man who was seeking a better life in Germany. He pretended to be an Afghan refugee and was eventually deported from Hamburg to Afghanistan. But he had never been there before At the beginning of April, Ram (30) was sitting on a deportation flight from Germany to Afghanistan. Now, he is standing in front of the Indian embassy in Kabul while the sun is burning his head. Ram says to the guard: Im an Indian national and need a new passport because I was deported from Germany. An embassy staff member arrives at the scene and asks visibly astonished: What happened to your old passport? Ram says, he lost his passport. But thats only half the truth. At the beginning of 2015, Ram decided that he was going to immigrate to Germany. He bought a visa from smugglers for 20,000 US$ in exchange for his Indian passport. He had saved the money for several years working as a logistics specialist. In addition, he borrowed money from his friends. Ram: After my arrival in Germany, the smugglers took away my Indian passport and brought me to a refugee camp. They told me to pretend to be from Afghanistan or else I wouldnt stand a chance to be granted asylum. Auch Interessant He was able to tell the story for over three years. But the authorities kept asking him for his passport. They did not believe him that it was unsafe for him to live in Afghanistan. Rams relatives also arrived in Germany from India. The most likely reason that Ram never cleared up his deception is that he wanted to protect his family. However, he is reluctant to divulge details. When his asylum application was rejected, Ram went to the Afghan embassy and received a so-called Transit pass for returning to Afghanistan. The document cannot be compared to an ID. On the ID, however, it says that Ram was born in Kabul. But its not true. BILD INTERNATIONAL Syrian General Assad still has 700 tons of poison For 30 years, Zaher al-Saket was a member of the Syrian army. He has now been on the run from the dictators regime for almost five years. 7 years war in Syria Hala was 9 years old, when she was killed Hala was nine years old when she was killed, burried alive after an air strike. Assads and Putins bombs killed her. Greek-Turkish border Evros, the river of death Evros river, the alternative passage of migrants and Turks to Europe since the Balkan Route closed back in 2016. BILD at the river of death. How is that possible? The Afghan government is saying that there is a only a small number of reported cases, because the large influx of migrants was straining the resources of consulates and embassies. An Afghan government advisor said to BILD: When people destroy their documents, it is somewhat difficult for embassies to check the correctness of all data. How ist that supposed to work? Thats how Ram ended up being deported. Now, he is all alone in Kabul, in a city he doesnt know. The Indian embassy is asking him to present evidence by finding his old passport number. Ram: I dont know what to do. At the present time, I dont even have the money to pay for a flight to Deli PS: Sind Sie bei Facebook? 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Pulse oi-Syeda Farah This case is the most hilarious bit that you would read on the internet today. A distressed man who had apparently sued his ex-boss for farting maliciously seems to have lost the case. Here are the details of the distressed case, which will leave you in splits. Apparently, The Man Was The emotionally drained man named David Hingst claimed his supervisor, Greg Short, abused and farted on him almost every day during his time with a construction company in Australia, during his tenure 2008-2009, when he was working in the firm. On TANTRIK's ADVICE Man Swallowed Mobile And Other Metal Objects! He Explained In Detail About His Stress Apparently, Mr. Hingst revealed the details of his case where he mentioned about his ex-boss Mr. Short. He revealed that Mr. Short would quite often "lift his bum and fart" in his direction. WTF! A 3-Foot-Long Phone Charging Cable Was Removed From A Man's Penis The Incidents Were Often Mr. Hingst in his testimony revealed that the farting incidents resulted in depression, anxiety and physical injuries on him. All About The Case There were over 15 witnesses who were called to testify during the 18-day trial at the Victoria Supreme Court, yet the man lost the case, as the judge ruled that the case held no merit, even if farting occurred in the workplace. He Even Used A Can Of Deo On His Ex Boss! It is reported that the court heard about one incident, wherein he confronted his ex-boss with a can of deodorant and had even labelled him as 'Mr. Stinky'. But Things Didn't Work In His Favour! In the court, the man was left with an embarrassing situation, as the court sided with the defendant and eventually rejected Mr. Hingst's claims. The judge even denied him the $1.9 million in damages that he was trying to seek. This makes us wonder as to how the judge handled this funny yet bizarre case. Do you know any such bizarre incident or case which has left a mark on your mind? Let us know, as we will share it with the world. For more such funny, bizarre and crazy stories and updates, you can check our section, as we bring you the latest scoop. GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 13, 2018, 19:15 [IST] This Akshay Tritiya, Multiply Your Happiness By Donating These Things Faith Mysticism oi-Staff One of the most frequent questions asked these days is " how do you find time for yourself in this busy life?'' Now, let us change it and switch our attention from giving a day to ourselves to giving one to the needy. Someone who really needs it. One day can be any in the whole year. Then, why not it be an auspicious one ? Akshay Tritiya this year is being celebrated on the 18th April. This Akshay Tritiya, let us give away a part of our earning, and share and multiply the happiness around. The day is considered to be one of the most important days for making donations. While worshiping, Lord Vishnu is believed to earn a place in the heaven, after death, making donations will also help earn punya. Almost all the Hindu religious books mention the importance of donating to the needy. It is believed that it comes multiplied manifolds. But the question now arises is what to donate? Here is the list of things that can be donated along with the benefits that these donations will reap. Food According to a 2017 report, 190.7 million people are undernourished in India. India is home to one of the largest undernourished populations. Also, about one-third of food in the world gets wasted. It is believed that donation of food to the hungry and the starving brings food till eternity to the donor. Knowing all these statistics, and the astrological significance of donating food, why can't we be the ones to bring back the equilibrium in the society. Clothes No doubt we know that India is home to a good proportion of people falling under the below poverty line. Aditya Purana speaks about the importance of donating clothes. It has mentioned that by donating jaggery, ghee, porridge and clothes, one pleases the Moon God. Water Padma Purana says that by donating water, especially along with sesame seeds, one becomes free from sin. Of course, there is no forgiving for the willful sinner. But minor mistakes that one may do out of ignorance, should not get him bad results astrologically, or add into the bad karmik accounts. To make sure it does not happen, the best way is to ask forgiveness from the almighty. This Akshay Tritiya, donate water, and seek pardon for your mistakes. Also Read: Why Do We Celebrate Akshay Tritiya Medicines There are millions who need treatment and are not able to get it due to prevailing shortage of funds. Padma Purana says that donating medicines as well as oil brings good health and freedom from diseases to the donor. You can buy medicines for someone or bear their treatment expenses. Rice, Silver, Sugar Aditya Purana mentions the importance of donating rice, silver, sugar to the needy. These donations neutralize the malefic effects of the Moon in one's life. Donating silver also makes Lord Shiva happy. Vehicle Agni Purana says that donating a a vehicle, one earns the benefit of Rajsurya Yagya. Vehicles such as cycles can be donated to the girls in slums. Ministry of Human Resource Development had once mentioned in 2016, that the school dropout rate at primary level was 4.34%, but it was 17.86% for the secondary level. The rate being more among the girls, one of the prime reasons is the parent's concern regarding their safety once they cross a certain age. Giving them cycles might help the cause. Donating Knowledge History in the religious books mentions that there have been many examples of how the greatest of kings had to lead a miserable fate, because of their uncontrolled ego. Powerful kings such as Ravana, Hiranyakashyapu and a lot of others got trapped in ego and were killed by the God himself. In this materialistic world, becoming egoistic is not a matter of surprise. Another important fact to be known is that the literacy rate in India is 74 percent, which is much below the world average rate, that is 84 percent. By giving free education to the illiterate children and elders, you will not only help yourself get rid of ego and earn punya, but also help someone earn an opportunity to become a better and learned person. This would be a lifetime gift for them. A contribution to the society as well. Other ways of donating knowledge can be sharing your spiritual knowledge through Satsang, all night vigils, etc. Donations are the best way to appease Lord Vishnu. Among the donations, the beast donation is said to be that of knowledge. Lord Krishna had once told Yudhishtir that while donating gold, silver, food, water, cow, etc., are important, donating ones' knowledge is of prime importance among them. So, come ahead to give a portion of your wellness to someone who needs it. GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 13, 2018, 15:43 [IST] Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 2 Vote(s) - 3 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack LoP Guest lop guest User ID: kaput 04-13-2018 04:01 PM Post: #1 Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack Advertisement Russias top diplomat: Chemical attack in Syrias Douma staged by foreign special services MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. Russia has indisputable data that the chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma was staged by special services of a foreign country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. "The mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons [OPCW] has set off to Syria not so quickly and without abundant enthusiasm but under our and Syrian pressure. It is due to arrive in Damascus in the morning of April 14," the Russian foreign minister said. "We expect the mission to go without any delay to Douma where Russian specialists who examined this place have not found any confirmations of the use of chemical weapons," Lavrov noted. More: http://tass.com/politics/999569 MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. Russia has indisputable data that the chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma was staged by special services of a foreign country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday."The mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons [OPCW] has set off to Syria not so quickly and without abundant enthusiasm but under our and Syrian pressure. It is due to arrive in Damascus in the morning of April 14," the Russian foreign minister said."We expect the mission to go without any delay to Douma where Russian specialists who examined this place have not found any confirmations of the use of chemical weapons," Lavrov noted.More: LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:03 PM Post: #2 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack They said it was a hoax. Can they agree what the agent was? First reports said it was Chlorine gas. WWI gas agent? WTF Builder of the Adytum Enemy of the State User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:06 PM Posts: 6,633 Post: #3 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack First the Russians say there was no nerve gas. Now they say it was foreigners that did it. I wish the Russkies would make up their minds. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:10 PM Post: #4 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack The Ghost of David Carradine Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:06 PM) First the Russians say there was no nerve gas. Now they say it was foreigners that did it. I wish the Russkies would make up their minds. "We expect the mission to go without any delay to Douma where Russian specialists who examined this place have not found any confirmations of the use of chemical weapons," Lavrov noted. engineering Banned User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:16 PM Posts: 5,299 Post: #5 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:10 PM) The Ghost of David Carradine Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:06 PM) First the Russians say there was no nerve gas. Now they say it was foreigners that did it. I wish the Russkies would make up their minds. "We expect the mission to go without any delay to Douma where Russian specialists who examined this place have not found any confirmations of the use of chemical weapons," Lavrov noted. So then last time there was no gas used either? And the urine samples were faked also? it's come down to either the Russians are about to get caught lying about everything or the entire western world is. Moscow is now grasping at straws I really think it's crazy people still can't see this. Don't worry though Putin is the great white christ & his arab & asian army of literal godless human beings will be the saviors of the white race So then last time there was no gas used either?And the urine samples were faked also?it's come down to either the Russians are about to get caught lying about everything or the entire western world is.Moscow is now grasping at straws I really think it's crazy people still can't see this.Don't worry though Putin is the great white christ & his arab & asian army of literal godless human beings will be the saviors of the white race LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:20 PM Post: #6 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack it's come down to either the Russians are about to get caught lying about everything or the entire western world is. Exactly. Which is why "the entire western world" is crapping it's panties right now. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:24 PM Post: #7 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:20 PM) it's come down to either the Russians are about to get caught lying about everything or the entire western world is. Exactly. Which is why "the entire western world" is crapping it's panties right now. The entire western world? As far as I know only Macron has so far claimed he has good evidence that Assad used chemical weapons in Douma. The entire western world? As far as I know only Macron has so far claimed he has good evidence that Assad used chemical weapons in Douma. engineering Banned User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:25 PM Posts: 5,299 Post: #8 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:20 PM) it's come down to either the Russians are about to get caught lying about everything or the entire western world is. Exactly. Which is why "the entire western world" is crapping it's panties right now. Well I believe gas was used. Militarily speaking it makes sense to clear out neighborhoods that would otherwise take weeks or months to clear. It also makes sense that children with little lungs were the victims. You figure Assads forces took years to take some neighborhoods from insurgents it makes a bit of sense to use gas and quickly end it before their enemies have a chance to rally back. But hey don't let rational thinking put cracks in your comfy little bubble. Well I believe gas was used. Militarily speaking it makes sense to clear out neighborhoods that would otherwise take weeks or months to clear. It also makes sense that children with little lungs were the victims.You figure Assads forces took years to take some neighborhoods from insurgents it makes a bit of sense to use gas and quickly end it before their enemies have a chance to rally back.But hey don't let rational thinking put cracks in your comfy little bubble. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:26 PM Post: #9 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:24 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:20 PM) it's come down to either the Russians are about to get caught lying about everything or the entire western world is. Exactly. Which is why "the entire western world" is crapping it's panties right now. The entire western world? As far as I know only Macron has so far claimed he has good evidence that Assad used chemical weapons in Douma. No one will care about who did what in April if there is a war in May. By June it will be every man for himself in the USA. No one will care about who did what in April if there is a war in May. By June it will be every man for himself in the USA. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:34 PM Post: #10 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack engineering Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:25 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:20 PM) it's come down to either the Russians are about to get caught lying about everything or the entire western world is. Exactly. Which is why "the entire western world" is crapping it's panties right now. Well I believe gas was used. Militarily speaking it makes sense to clear out neighborhoods that would otherwise take weeks or months to clear. It also makes sense that children with little lungs were the victims. You figure Assads forces took years to take some neighborhoods from insurgents it makes a bit of sense to use gas and quickly end it before their enemies have a chance to rally back. But hey don't let rational thinking put cracks in your comfy little bubble. Assad and the Russians have already won the war against "the entire western world's" hired mercenaries in Syria. "Militarily speaking" it makes no sense to spread deadly chemicals all over the ground your troops will soon be occupying. Does it. Assad and the Russians have already won the war against "the entire western world's" hired mercenaries in Syria."Militarily speaking" it makes no sense to spread deadly chemicals all over the ground your troops will soon be occupying.Does it. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:34 PM Post: #11 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:26 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:24 PM) The entire western world? As far as I know only Macron has so far claimed he has good evidence that Assad used chemical weapons in Douma. No one will care about who did what in April if there is a war in May. By June it will be every man for himself in the USA. The UN inspectors are going in to Douma this weekend. If they find nothing there may be no following raid by America and others. The only person left looking like a fool then will be Macron. The UN inspectors are going in to Douma this weekend. If they find nothing there may be no following raid by America and others. The only person left looking like a fool then will be Macron. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:36 PM Post: #12 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:34 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 04:26 PM) No one will care about who did what in April if there is a war in May. By June it will be every man for himself in the USA. The UN inspectors are going in to Douma this weekend. If they find nothing there may be no following raid by America and others. The only person left looking like a fool then will be Macron. thanks for the update thanks for the update Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:47 PM Posts: 40,873 Post: #13 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack Syria claims it was Libyan terrorists. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:48 PM Posts: 40,873 Post: #14 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack More: http://tass.com/world/999486 Syrian diplomat names those responsible for bringing chemical weapons to SyriaMore: Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 04:52 PM Posts: 40,873 Post: #15 RE: Russia has proof who really did the Syrian chemical attack the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United States, Turkey and France. Haitham al-Qassar is the name of terrorist guy.... and of course, because it's Friday 13th the official day to blame someone else..... Syria is blamingthe United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United States, Turkey and France. Advertisement Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 4 Vote(s) - 2 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 3 The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:31 PM Post: #16 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Advertisement loNeNLI Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:25 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:18 PM) That's not hate Ivan, that's realpolitik. You don't get to shut up free speech because you feel buthurt over the facts of the situation. oh fk off with your 'facts'. - you are being fkd by deepstate like a prisoner searching his soap. Fool . The facts are that the free world has soft peddled for too long on Russia. Sevastopol is it's number one military and commercial centre. American and allied assets in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey can easily hit Sevastopol with minimal losses and collateral damage. It's a no brainier, what are we going to do otherwise, bomb a few sheds on the outskirts of Damascus? The facts are that the free world has soft peddled for too long on Russia. Sevastopol is it's number one military and commercial centre. American and allied assets in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey can easily hit Sevastopol with minimal losses and collateral damage. It's a no brainier, what are we going to do otherwise, bomb a few sheds on the outskirts of Damascus? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:32 PM Post: #17 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Where is this civilised west you speak of? Aren't we the ones who let Al Nusra and ISIS into Syria? Aren't we the ones that have caused the deaths and terror of millions since 9-11 2001 and then now cry about non existent gas attacks every year cos the terrorist aren't winning the fight for us? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:34 PM Post: #18 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma There is no physical evidence the attacks even occurred. When Sweden recently proposed to the UN to send in a forensic investigation team to determine what happened the US vetoed the proposal. This is a classic false flag, hastily and poorly done I might add. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:35 PM Post: #19 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:20 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:15 PM) Not if we use weapons that are nice and new and smart." So we can blow up the basement of the elementary school where the gas is being stored without interrupting the classes going on above now? That is smart. Should we permit terrorism and human rights violations because the terrorists use children as shields? No. In this case, I say bomb the school. Should we permit terrorism and human rights violations because the terrorists use children as shields?No.In this case, I say bomb the school. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:36 PM Post: #20 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:27 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:25 PM) Jeez, read the first post dummy. We are not bombing chemical weapons in Syria, We are going wreck the port of Sevastopol for maximum effect. Jeez, no one is going to bomb Crimea Yes we are. Justice for Syrians, justice for Ukrainians. Maximize the just outcomes from one single devastating and unexpected raid. Yes we are. Justice for Syrians, justice for Ukrainians. Maximize the just outcomes from one single devastating and unexpected raid. Lobster Boy Registered User User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:36 PM Posts: 1,148 Post: #21 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Charlie McCarthy is fixing Johnsonville brats Donald J Trump Homer's University of GREATNESS User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:37 PM Posts: 6,934 Post: #22 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma loNeNLI Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:25 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:18 PM) That's not hate Ivan, that's realpolitik. You don't get to shut up free speech because you feel buthurt over the facts of the situation. oh fk off with your 'facts'. - you are being fkd by deepstate like a prisoner searching his soap. Fool . "Go with the flow, like a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream" Del Griffith LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:49 PM Post: #23 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Patriotic Americans know this is the one true and just course of action. Younger generations have become weak and timid and no longer have the manly determination to stand up for the murdered women and children against the bully Russian bear. Donald J Trump Homer's University of GREATNESS User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 05:57 PM Posts: 6,934 Post: #24 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:49 PM) Patriotic Americans know this is the one true and just course of action. Younger generations have become weak and timid and no longer have the manly determination to stand up for the murdered women and children against the bully Russian bear. Homer Simpson Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:31 PM) "Go with the flow, like a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream" Del Griffith LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 06:04 PM Post: #25 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Homer Simpson Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:57 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:49 PM) Patriotic Americans know this is the one true and just course of action. Younger generations have become weak and timid and no longer have the manly determination to stand up for the murdered women and children against the bully Russian bear. Homer Simpson Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:31 PM) link to image: https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fm8iws5Wrv0/W...1%2529.jpg link to image: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaTG4oLU0AE-OHp.jpg link to image: https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfxFc0XpaY4/W...1%2529.jpg link to image: https://i2.wp.com/www.thelastamericanvag...=600%2C336 I see you are one of the soft dick generation. Go cry into your manbag. I see you are one of the soft dick generation. Go cry into your manbag. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 06:05 PM Post: #26 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:49 PM) Patriotic Americans know this is the one true and just course of action. Younger generations have become weak and timid and no longer have the manly determination to stand up for the murdered women and children against the bully Russian bear. Nice lame troll routine with this thread. No one could be this stupid. Nice lame troll routine with this thread.No one could be this stupid. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 06:08 PM Post: #27 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 06:05 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:49 PM) Patriotic Americans know this is the one true and just course of action. Younger generations have become weak and timid and no longer have the manly determination to stand up for the murdered women and children against the bully Russian bear. Nice lame troll routine with this thread. No one could be this stupid. Nobody's laughing son, you better believe it's right. Get a backbone. Nobody's laughing son, you better believe it's right. Get a backbone. Donald J Trump Homer's University of GREATNESS User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 06:13 PM Posts: 6,934 Post: #28 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 06:04 PM) Homer Simpson Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:57 PM) I see you are one of the soft dick generation. Go cry into your manbag. You should really log in for that one sweetie. ;) And do you have a pillow next to ya?? Go back to sleep ya angry leftist commie woman. You should really log in for that one sweetie. ;)And do you have a pillow next to ya??Go back to sleep ya angry leftist commie woman. "Go with the flow, like a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream" Del Griffith LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 06:14 PM Post: #29 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma Homer Simpson Wrote: (04-13-2018 06:13 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 06:04 PM) I see you are one of the soft dick generation. Go cry into your manbag. You should really log in for that one sweetie. ;) And do you have a pillow next to ya?? Go back to sleep ya angry leftist commie woman. You must be Canadian, that explains it. You must be Canadian, that explains it. Donald J Trump Homer's University of GREATNESS User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 06:15 PM Posts: 6,934 Post: #30 RE: The best way to punish Russia for using nerve gas on babies in Douma LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 06:05 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 05:49 PM) Patriotic Americans know this is the one true and just course of action. Younger generations have become weak and timid and no longer have the manly determination to stand up for the murdered women and children against the bully Russian bear. Nice lame troll routine with this thread. No one could be this stupid. Yeah, they're that stupid. Stupid is as stupid does. Yeah, they're that stupid.Stupid is as stupid does. "Go with the flow, like a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream" Del Griffith (This post was last modified: 04-13-2018 06:16 PM by Donald J Trump .) Advertisement Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Michigan weather warfare LoP Guest lop guest User ID: kaput 04-13-2018 06:41 PM Post: #1 Michigan weather warfare Advertisement ALEANNA SIACON | DETROIT FREE PRESS 0 minutes ago Brace yourselves Michigan, our short-lived stint of spring weather is expected to come to a blistering end this weekend. "The National Weather Service's winter storm watch that included six thumb area counties along and north of I-69 has now expanded to 10, and communities like Gaylord and Alpena in the northern lower peninsula could get hammered with as high as 6-8 inches of snow piling up Friday night to Saturday. The weather service is warning of a significant ice storm possible Saturday morning through Sunday morning, with the potential for over a quarter of an inch of ice to accumulate in Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair counties. "Northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph are also expected during the event, which will potentially magnify the icing impacts to trees," the weather service said on its website. Andrew Arnold, a meteorologist at the agency's White Lake Office, said metro Detroit will see less than a tenth of an inch over the whole weekend, as temperatures creep close to freezing or a little bit below. More: 6 Michigan counties could get hit by a half-inch of ice More: 60-degree weather this week in Detroit, then spring disappears again The weather service also said Saturday's cool weather brings the potential for freezing rain north of M-59, with thunderstorms persisting south. According to an urgent marine weather message issued by the weather service at 4:01 a.m. on Friday, a watch is in place for possible long duration gales that could cause high waves across parts of Lake Huron. Arnold said these gales are expected to begin tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. and persist into Sunday evening. "Best chances for gales will be across central and northern Lake Huron where gusts could increase to around 40 knots," the NWS message said. Wave heights could reach toward 15 feet high over the open central Lake Huron Waters, but top out around 5-8 inches across the nearshore zones, Arnold said. Going into this weekend, Arnold said it's probably a good thing not to travel, but to tread cautiously if you do have to go out. Avoid any road closures and stretches with ice-packed trees, he said. Additionally, Arnold said there is a potential for power outages with the ice storm, so residents should take precautions by having plans in place, including extra blankets and home safety kits. " They spray 4/5 days and now https://amp.freep.com/amp/513828002 ALEANNA SIACON | DETROIT FREE PRESS0 minutes agoBrace yourselves Michigan, our short-lived stint of spring weather is expected to come to a blistering end this weekend."The National Weather Service's winter storm watch that included six thumb area counties along and north of I-69 has now expanded to 10, and communities like Gaylord and Alpena in the northern lower peninsula could get hammered with as high as 6-8 inches of snow piling up Friday night to Saturday.The weather service is warning of a significant ice storm possible Saturday morning through Sunday morning, with the potential for over a quarter of an inch of ice to accumulate in Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair counties."Northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph are also expected during the event, which will potentially magnify the icing impacts to trees," the weather service said on its website.Andrew Arnold, a meteorologist at the agency's White Lake Office, said metro Detroit will see less than a tenth of an inch over the whole weekend, as temperatures creep close to freezing or a little bit below.More: 6 Michigan counties could get hit by a half-inch of iceMore: 60-degree weather this week in Detroit, then spring disappears againThe weather service also said Saturday's cool weather brings the potential for freezing rain north of M-59, with thunderstorms persisting south.According to an urgent marine weather message issued by the weather service at 4:01 a.m. on Friday, a watch is in place for possible long duration gales that could cause high waves across parts of Lake Huron.Arnold said these gales are expected to begin tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. and persist into Sunday evening."Best chances for gales will be across central and northern Lake Huron where gusts could increase to around 40 knots," the NWS message said.Wave heights could reach toward 15 feet high over the open central Lake Huron Waters, but top out around 5-8 inches across the nearshore zones, Arnold said.Going into this weekend, Arnold said it's probably a good thing not to travel, but to tread cautiously if you do have to go out.Avoid any road closures and stretches with ice-packed trees, he said.Additionally, Arnold said there is a potential for power outages with the ice storm, so residents should take precautions by having plans in place, including extra blankets and home safety kits. " Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/4/2018 (1266 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Icy conditions wreaked havoc on Westman highways Thursday morning. Shortly after 7 a.m., RCMP responded to a serious pileup on the Trans-Canada Highway, involving four semi-trailer trucks and a pickup truck. According to Cpl. Michael Boychuk, a 41-year-old semi driver from Saskatoon was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for imprudent driving, which carries a fine of $203. "I think the combination of conditions and speed really contributes to the collisions," Boychuk said. "No one was killed, but we have a seriously injured male." STARS air ambulance was dispatched to the accident from its Winnipeg base at 7:15 a.m. Due to poor weather, they were unable to reach the scene, but met ground ambulance at the Brandon Municipal Airport at 8:22 a.m., according to STARS spokesperson Fatima Khawaja. The 40-year-old male driver of the pickup truck was airlifted to Health SciencesCentre inWinnipeg and by Thursday afternoon, was reported to be in stablecondition. One male passenger of one of the semi trucks was taken to Brandon Regional Health Centre with non-critical injuries. BEN KULLEAN A multi-vehicle collision involving four semi-trailer trucks and a pickup occurred in the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway near Kemnay just after 7 a.m. on Thursday. The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway near Kemnay, between roads 120 and 121. The investigation revealed that a line of semis had stopped travelling due to poor weather conditions. According to RCMP, one semi truck was attempting toslow down while passing the stopped vehicles. Another semi was unable to slow down,lost control and collided with other semis and a pickup truck. "People seem to be in a real hurry to go places and throw caution out the window, thinking that theyre going to make their destination, even though the road and weather conditions are not vey good," Boychuk said. "Weve seen collisions and heard about some tragic ones recently, and just have to be ultra careful on our highways when theres poor conditions." Ben Kullean was travelling westbound when he noticed a semi had stopped in the middle of the road. He believed the semi was having trouble going up the hill, because it was "very icy, and very hard to drive." Thanks to his quick thinking, Kullean narrowly escaped the crash. "When I checked in my mirror, I saw (a semi) coming. I said, Oh my God, its going to hit me for sure," he said. He made a decision to veer to the right, into the ditch, to avoid being hit from behind. "I was shaking for sure," he said. "I didnt know what to do. I tried to phone 911, but there is no network, because its (in a valley)." A few minutes later he was relieved to see first responders arrive. BEN KULLEAN Icy conditions contributed to a serious collision on the Trans-Canada Highway early Thursday morning. "Im glad that I pulled my car on the right, and escaped this one," he said. Further west on the Trans-Canada Highway at Road 129, RCMP were called to a second collision just before 8 a.m. Traffic was again stopped due to weather conditions. A semi-trailer truck was unable to slow down in time and crashed into another semi truck, causing a pileup. The incident blocked the Trans-Canada Highway. A 31-year-old semi driver from Winnipeg was charged with imprudent driving under the Highway Traffic Act. A male passenger of one of the semis was taken to Brandon hospital with non life-threatening injuries. These collisions prompted the Trans-Canada Highway from Brandon to Virden to be closed to traffic. Boychuk reminded the travelling public to use caution and drive to the conditions. "No. 1, check the weather conditions, No. 2, check the highway conditions and if you dont need to travel, why risk it?" he said. "If you absolutely do need to travel, then you have to use the proper driving behaviour for the conditions. If there is reduced visibility or treacherous conditions like ice slow down, put your four-ways on, be cognizant of your driving and also the driving of others." If drivers need to pull over, make sure it is in a safe spot. "People have to be wary of where they stop on the highway, they might be off the road, but it just seems that people are not reacting to whats in front of them properly." jaustin@brandonsun.com Twitter: @jillianaustin Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA LoP Guest lop guest User ID: kaput 04-13-2018 08:01 PM Post: #1 WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA Advertisement The aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman set sail from Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday with five escort warships and they were expected to join four destroyers and two nuclear-powered subs believed to already be in or near the Mediterranean, the Times of London reported. Trump on Wednesday appeared to telegraph an attack on Syria by tweeting that missiles will be coming in response to the attack on the town of Douma on April 7. The president threatened that nice and new and smart missiles will be coming after a Russian diplomat pledged that its military would intercept any rockets fired into Syria. But Trump tempered those remarks the next day as he consulted allies such and Britain and France, who could join in any American-led strikes on Syria. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! Trump wrote on Twitter, after facing a backlash for signaling his moves, something he had vowed as a candidate he would never do. https://nypost.com/2018/04/13/armada-of-...ddle-east/ An armada of 12 warships the largest US strike force since the 2003 Iraq war is steaming toward the Middle East as President Trump mulls an attack on Syria in retaliation for a chemical weapons attack on civilians, according to a report.The aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman set sail from Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday with five escort warships and they were expected to join four destroyers and two nuclear-powered subs believed to already be in or near the Mediterranean, the Times of London reported.Trump on Wednesday appeared to telegraph an attack on Syria by tweeting that missiles will be coming in response to the attack on the town of Douma on April 7.The president threatened that nice and new and smart missiles will be coming after a Russian diplomat pledged that its military would intercept any rockets fired into Syria.But Trump tempered those remarks the next day as he consulted allies such and Britain and France, who could join in any American-led strikes on Syria.Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! Trump wrote on Twitter, after facing a backlash for signaling his moves, something he had vowed as a candidate he would never do. engineering Banned User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:03 PM Posts: 5,299 Post: #2 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA Hamburgerwagon lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:04 PM Post: #3 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA In the year 2018 is it a joke that you have to wait on slow ass ships to show up somewhere to have war? We have planes that can circle the world in 6 hours. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:06 PM Post: #4 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA iRAN AND sYRIA ARE TRYING TO DELAY THE PEACE TREATY WITH NORTH KOREA. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:24 PM Post: #5 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA How many thousands of dollars and unnecesary human lifes is this war going to cost? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:33 PM Post: #6 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA Trump likes to bluf. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:34 PM Post: #7 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA Not today BH, it's Friday. We can reschedule you for Tuesday if that works. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:44 PM Post: #8 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA MAGA Good riddance. It will be highly entertaining when that shit is sitting at the bottom of the sea..MAGAGood riddance. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:45 PM Post: #9 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA Who Runs The World? Psychopaths and Liars - Simple Really -David Icke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87AbtO-rdpM LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-13-2018 08:47 PM Post: #10 RE: WAR DRUMS BEGIN- US SENDS LARGEST ARMADA SINCE IRAQ WAR TO SYRIA LoP Guest Wrote: (04-13-2018 08:44 PM) It will be highly entertaining when that shit is sitting at the bottom of the sea.. MAGA Good riddance. By Geoff Percival Financial services firms have returned 164m in erroneous charges excluding the tracker mortgage redress schemes to Irish consumers over the past four years, the Central Bank said. The regulators director general for financial conduct, Derville Rowland, said 75m of that total had been identified by the firms themselves, but the majority, 89m, had been uncovered by the Central Banks own supervisory activity. She said the 164m is not part of the tracker mortgage scandal, which has seen the main lenders pay 316m to date in redress and compensation to nearly 34,000 wrongly charged/tracker denied customers. Since 2006, the Central Bank has concluded 117 enforcement cases and imposed over 61.6m in fines. Ms Rowland was delivering a speech at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, in which she said regulators main focus, worldwide, is now on the culture underlying the behaviour of financial services firms. The apparent regularity with which misconduct issues have surfaced in the years since the crisis means that public trust in financial institutions remains very low, she said. Ms Rowlands speech coincided with the Central Bank issuing its latest warning on an unauthorised financial services firm illegally practising in Ireland. The publication of the name Prive Global Management Services/PGMS (Ireland) a non-regulated investment firm, which has cloned the name of an existing authorised and regulated firm brings to 311 the number of firms it has named since obtaining the necessary rights in 1998. The Central Bank has begun with help from its Dutch counterpart its cultural and behavioural inspection of the main banks. A UK High Court judge's ruling on litigation featuring two businessmen who want Google to stop linking their names to media reports about past crimes will have implications for everyone, a lawyer says. The two men both say their convictions are legally "spent" and that they have been rehabilitated. They argue that they have a right to be forgotten, but Google bosses disagree. Mr Justice Warby has analysed issues at two High Court trials in London. He is due to publish a ruling today. Lawyers say the cases are the first of their kind to be aired in England. "There is an inherent tension between an individual's right to privacy and what information the public interest requires be available," said solicitor Ben Rose, who is based at law firm Hickman & Rose. "One of the many arenas in which this issue plays out is in access to information about someone's previous criminal convictions. "The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 sought to strike a balance on this thorny topic. "That held good until the internet and Google's powerful search engine rather undid matters." He added: "The right to be forgotten litigation requires the courts to once again consider where that balance lies, a question which has implications for us all." Mr Justice Warby has made orders barring the men from being identified in media reports about the litigation. - Press Association US president Donald Trump has asked trade officials to explore the possibility of the United States rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, a free trade deal he pulled out of during his first days in office as part of his "America first" agenda. Mr Trump's request comes as he faces pressure from farm-state Republicans anxious that his protectionist trade policies could spiral into a trade war with China that would hit rural America. He spent the 2016 presidential campaign ripping into the multi-national pact, saying he could get a better deal for US businesses by negotiating one-on-one with countries in the Pacific Rim. Now, faced with political consequences of the action, Mr Trump appears to be reconsidering. "Last year, the president kept his promise to end the TPP deal negotiated by the Obama Administration because it was unfair to American workers and farmers," the White House said in a statement. The president assigned his top trade advisers, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his new chief economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, "to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated". Mr Trump first disclosed his request Thursday to a group of politicians at a White House meeting on trade. They have been pressing Mr Trump to shift course after escalating trade threats, including China's plan to slap tariffs on soybeans and other US crops. The apparent decision comes after the 11 other TPP countries went ahead last month and signed the pact in Santiago, Chile - without the United States. The agreement is meant to establish freer trade in the Asia-Pacific region and put pressure on China to open its markets to compete with and perhaps eventually join the bloc. Japan cautiously responded early on Friday to Mr Trump's request. Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Japan welcomes the request if it means Mr Trump recognises the significance of the pact. He added, though, that it would be difficult to renegotiate only parts of the TPP, describing the agreement as delicate. Mr Trump tweeted late Thursday that he "would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama." "We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years," the president tweeted. It was not immediately clear how committed Mr Trump was to embarking on a new path of potentially thorny negotiations. He frequently equivocates on policy when faced with opposition, only to reverse course later. "I'm sure there are lots of particulars that they'd want to negotiate, but the president multiple times reaffirmed in general to all of us and looked right at Larry Kudlow and said, 'Larry, go get it done,'" said Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who attended the meeting. The president has mused publicly about rejoining the deal before, suggesting he would re-enter if he could negotiate more favourable terms. He has not said precisely what provisions he would want changed. It's unclear how willing the other 11 countries would be to reopen the agreement and make concessions to lure the United States back, though its economic power would likely be an appeal. "If the Trump administration doesn't pose too many demands, it is likely that the other TPP members will see the value of the bringing the US back into the fold," said Eswar Prasad, Cornell University professor of trade policy. "Undoubtedly, a TPP that includes the US would be stronger and more formidable than one that does not." Today marks another Friday the 13th on our calendars, writes Breda Graham. 13 is said to be unlucky for some and if you have Paraskevidekatriaphobia, which is a fear of Friday the 13th, this is definitely the case - but why does the number 13 evoke so much emotion in people? To mark Friday the 13th and the sixth day of Science Foundation Ireland Science Week, Dr Richard J. Smith from the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics has compiled a list of thirteen thrilling facts about the number thirteen. 1. According to the Gregorian calendar, the 13th day of the month is more likely to be a Friday than any other day. There are three occurrences of Friday the 13th in 2015, in February, March and November. The next time this will happen is 2026. 2. Bad things have happened on this day - on Friday, 13th October 1307, the French King Philip IV ordered the arrest, torture and subsequent burning at the stake, of hundreds of the Knights Templar military order. Several modern authors, such as Dan Brown in his novel The Da Vinci Code, have succumbed to falsely associating the superstition with this grisly tale. 3. Allowing for ties, there are exactly 13 possible ways in which the three fastest horses in a horse race can finish. 4. The number 13 is considered in several cultures as a somewhat sinister number, a bearer of ill portent, when compared to its much lauded neighbour 12. There are 12 months of the year, signs of the Zodiac, sons of Jacob, apostles of Jesus and days of Christmas fame, to name a few. 5. 13 is a prime number, that is, a number greater than one that can only be divided by itself and one. For example, six is not a prime number, because it can be divided by two and three, as well as six and one. In fact, 13 belongs to the much more distinguished club of so-called Wilson primes, of which only three are known. If there is a fourth, it must be larger than 20 million million. 6. Prime numbers have fascinated mathematicians for millennia because they are the building blocks of all numbers, and nowadays they are used globally every second of every day - whenever a credit card transaction is made online, prime numbers are used by computers to keep those details safe from prying eyes. 7. Around 2300 years ago, Euclid proved that there are infinitely many prime numbers. But mathematics thrives on finding patterns, and to this day nobody knows if there is a pattern that will unlock the secrets of the primes. Solving the Riemann Hypothesis would help - there is a million dollar Millennium Prize, offered by the Clay Mathematics Institute, to anyone who can! 8. Many species of the cicada insect in the US have a life cycle of 13 or 17 years. Some believe that these prime number life cycles help them avoid predators which appear in their habitat at regular intervals. 9. 13 is also a member of the famous sequence of Fibonacci, introduced in the 13th century. This sequence begins with zero and one, and the next number in the sequence is always the sum of the two preceding it, so we have 0+1=1,1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8 and so on. If you want to know why rabbits breed so quickly, look no further than the Fibonacci sequence. Fibonacci is also responsible for introducing the decimal number system to Europe. When things aren't adding up in your life, start subtracting. It's officially Friday the 13th. Katlego Maseng (@KatlegoMaseng1) April 13, 2018 Developed by Indian mathematicians centuries earlier, and adopted by the Arabs, it revolutionised European banking and business because arithmetic is much easier with decimals than with clunky Roman numerals. 10. In certain countries, such as Belgium, some employees get a "13th month" pay cheque, so in fact the number 13 can be quite a lucky number. 11. There have been 12 films in the Friday the 13th horror franchise. Perhaps its bad luck that a 13th is due for release in 2017? 12. Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. 13. Alas, the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition seems far more mundane - it appears to be not much more than a hundred years old, and might just be a combination of two things traditionally associated with ill fortune, namely Friday and the number 13. Angry scenes marred a public information meeting on a planned mosque which took place in Kilkenny yesterday. The meeting was requested by public representatives, John and Andrew McGuinness, in response to queries from local residents. Approximately 200 people attended the meeting which was organised to provide information on the planning application and the planning process. Shouting and heckling dominated the two-hour meeting which took place at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA club. Imam Ebrahim Ndure addressed those present and attempted to answer questions from people, the majority of whom voiced their opposition to the planned development which will cost in the region of 5m. The proposed development will consist of a mosque, a community hall, a library, residential accommodation, a Halal shop and a community cafe. "We are here to answer your questions and concerns," he said. The architect for the planned development was also present to answer any queries, along with a planning expert. Concerns were raised from the floor that the planned site might be close to a burial ground and that the proposed development would have a negative impact on traffic, traffic management and parking in the area. Local resident, Eugene McGuinness, who is opposing the planned mosque said the majority of the people do not want this mosque: "I have walked to every door in this area, all the housing estates. 99.9% of people do not want this building to go ahead. It is about planning, it is not a religious argument." Stephanie McDermott from Kells said she has lived in Muslim countries and that Irish people are allowed to go and worship their faith in other countries. The Imam said the Kilkenny Islamic community has been looking for sites for the past two years and asked anyone with an objection to raise it with the county council. A suggestion was also made from the floor to build the mosque on the Freshford Road where the Kilkenny Islamic community have been renting premises for the past 10 years. The Imam issued an invitation to people to visit the Kilkenny Islamic Centre on the Freshford Road. One member of the public said: "We don't agree with the mosque, nobody wants the mosque. We don't want a mosque. This is not just for the Muslims of Kilkenny. They are going to come from all of Tipperary, Wexford. This is Kilkenny, not Mecca. This is not Mecca. "Don't be bringing people down here. Don't build the mosque, we don't want it. You have to respect our culture - for us to respect you, respect us first." Another person present interjected: "That is not true." Deputy John McGuinness called for calm and explained that if people present want to make an objection they can do so. The closing date for objections is April 19. By Ann O'Loughlin Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland will have abortion readily available, in the same way as they can already avail of other health services in the Republic, if the repeal of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution is passed, the High Court has heard today. It meant people there would no longer have to cross the Irish sea for this service and is one of the reasons why those citizens should have a right to vote in the forthcoming referendum, Ronan Lavery QC said. He was making arguments in an action by Belfast student Roisin Morelli against the State in which she says the State has failed to vindicate her constitutional right, as an Irish citizen, to have a vote. By reason of the birthright of people in Northern Ireland to be Irish citizens already there under Article 2 of the Constitution, the case for voting rights for those people is a special one in particular where it is a health issue and there is already sharing of health services north and south of the border, counsel said. The State parties, including the Taoiseach and four Ministers, say the case is wholly misconceived and it is inappropriate to deal with it by way of judicial review. It should be dealt with through a normal High Court plenary hearing, the State says. Mr Justice Charles Meenan hopes to give his decision at the end of next week. Mr Lavery said this was principally a constitutional case centring on Articles 2 (citizenship), 16.2 (voting rights) and 46.2 (procedure for amending the Constitution), he said. While there was a requirement of residency in order to vote in referenda and Dail elections, there are already situations where electors outside the State have a right to vote in Senate elections for certain universities. This distinction between citizens was arbitrary and inconsistent with the provision of the Constitution which includes as citizens everybody on the island of Ireland and in particular where the aspiration for Irish unity is an express requirement for the Government to pursue, he said. There are not two classes of Irish citizen, one south of the border and a second class north of it, he said. All citizens were entitled to have a say in the shaping of their country. Ms Morelli was not an ex-pat living abroad but a citizen of her country. Mr Lavery said it was possible to provide the franchise by adding Northern Ireland to existing constituencies in the south or by dividing the six counties into new constituencies. Asked by the judge if the same right should then apply to people living in other jurisdictions outside the State, Mr Lavery said this would "not so much" be so in the case of other citizens because the rights guaranteed to them by the Belfast agreement and the fact there is already sharing of health services across the border. This made Northern Irish citizens a special case. Conor Power SC, for the State, said the case was "wholly misconceived" largely not capable of being settled by the court. The core issue was that she was not resident in the State. The residency requirement was central and there is no reference to any special status of Northern Ireland citizens in the constitution. It is not the case that everybody on the island is a citizen, and many in Northern Ireland did not want to be, he said. To argue Ms Morelli had rights based on the possibility of Irish unity was wholly hypothetical, he said. The border was a fact and the constitutional right to achieve unity did not extend the writ of the State to the north pending that. The right of certain people outside the State to vote in senate elections was not relevant because the Constitution only refers to Dail and referenda votes. It would not be possible to provide secure voting for citizens in Northern Ireland. Was it being suggested the PSNI would provide proxy cover for gardai who oversee polling stations here, counsel asked. The right to travel to use health services in another jurisdiction is not a right under the Constitution but under EU law and was not relevant, counsel said. In a separate, but related case, journalist Michael Fisher, who worked with RTE for 28 years, is challenging the refusal to allow him a postal vote for the referendum. He says he had a family visit to England planned for when the referendum is taking place and the postal vote should be extended for people such as him. Four men have been arrested in Northern Ireland as part of an investigation into criminal activities of the Belfast INLA. Police say a significant operation, involving over 200 officers, is ongoing. Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 2 Vote(s) - 3 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation LoP Guest lop guest User ID: kaput 04-14-2018 12:53 AM Post: #1 Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Advertisement A Joint Statement issued by Hezbollah and Iran declared "Israel is now in direct conflict with Iran" and news has broken that Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation if the US attacks Syria. Late last week Russia deployed 77,000 troops to within 50km of the Ukraine Border, along with about 1,000 tanks, 2,300 armored personnel carriers, and hundreds of pieces of self-propelled artillery. The message is simple: If the US/UK/France attack Russia's ally, Syria, then Russia can attack US allies in Europe. At a meeting of the United Nations Security Council today in New York, Russia directly and publicly blamed British Secret Services for "staging" a false Chemical attack in east Ghouta, Syria, for the express purpose of providing an excuse to launch a military attack. Russia again warned that if Syria is attacked, Russia will defend it, shooting down missiles, planes, and counter-attacking ships *** and the bases from which they launch attacks ****.A Joint Statement issued by Hezbollah and Iran declared "Israel is now in direct conflict with Iran" and news has broken that Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation if the US attacks Syria.Late last week Russia deployed 77,000 troops to within 50km of the Ukraine Border, along with about 1,000 tanks, 2,300 armored personnel carriers, and hundreds of pieces of self-propelled artillery. The message is simple: If the US/UK/France attack Russia's ally, Syria, then Russia can attack US allies in Europe. http://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/...ael-europe LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 01:22 AM Post: #2 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation DIMONA Krampus Registered User User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 01:30 AM Posts: 10,188 Post: #3 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation I know it's all Vaudeville but it would be epic if Russia erase Israel from the face of the earth! It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled. Mark Twain Archangel Michael User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 01:34 AM Posts: 14,103 Post: #4 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Nez Ziona LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 01:41 AM Post: #5 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation best news of the day, bri ng it on! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 01:44 AM Post: #6 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation EVERYTHING from Gaza back ! Archangel Michael User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 02:01 AM Posts: 14,103 Post: #7 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Krampus Wrote: (04-14-2018 01:30 AM) I know it's all Vaudeville but it would be epic if Russia erase Israel from the face of the earth! That's who should get it for doing it's best to create war between the US and Russia, and beyond. They wrote the plans and are pushing the agenda. Couldn't happen to nicer people. War is their harvest. That's who should get it for doing it's best to create war between the US and Russia, and beyond.They wrote the plans and are pushing the agenda. Couldn't happen to nicer people.War is their harvest. Krampus Registered User User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 02:18 AM Posts: 10,188 Post: #8 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Archangel Wrote: (04-14-2018 02:01 AM) Krampus Wrote: (04-14-2018 01:30 AM) I know it's all Vaudeville but it would be epic if Russia erase Israel from the face of the earth! That's who should get it for doing it's best to create war between the US and Russia, and beyond. They wrote the plans and are pushing the agenda. Couldn't happen to nicer people. War is their harvest. If they think they would be spared if a war between the US and Russia happen then they are truly lunatics! If they think they would be spared if a war between the US and Russia happen then they are truly lunatics! It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled. Mark Twain (This post was last modified: 04-14-2018 02:18 AM by Krampus .) LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 03:50 AM Post: #9 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Archangel Wrote: (04-14-2018 02:01 AM) Krampus Wrote: (04-14-2018 01:30 AM) I know it's all Vaudeville but it would be epic if Russia erase Israel from the face of the earth! That's who should get it for doing it's best to create war between the US and Russia, and beyond. They wrote the plans and are pushing the agenda. Couldn't happen to nicer people. War is their harvest. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 04:07 AM Post: #10 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Nah Israel hit the IRG in Syria already. The Iranians not stupid enough to jump in and the russians are checkmated already. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 04:08 AM Post: #11 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Biggest mistake anyone can make LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 04:13 AM Post: #12 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Still arrogant enough To leach onto free world Now that you're completely surrounded By ruins? SevenThunders Registered User User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 04:38 AM Posts: 3,741 Post: #13 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation Krampus Wrote: (04-14-2018 01:30 AM) I know it's all Vaudeville but it would be epic if Russia erase Israel from the face of the earth! Ezekiel 39 and Zechariah 12. It will be Russia who is erased if they try it. Ezekiel 39 and Zechariah 12. It will be Russia who is erased if they try it. The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? Builder of the Adytum Enemy of the State User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 04:45 AM Posts: 6,633 Post: #14 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation They don't have the balls between them to hit the Izzies LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-14-2018 04:51 AM Post: #15 RE: Russia and Iran are selecting targets inside Israel for retaliation The Ghost of David Carradine Wrote: (04-14-2018 04:45 AM) They don't have the balls between them to hit the Izzies If only They'd all just gather together In a clump Thatd be nice If onlyThey'd all just gather togetherIn a clumpThatd be nice Advertisement By Ann O'Loughlin A 17-year-old girl who as a young child was attacked and bitten about the lips by a Jack Russell dog has settled her High Court action for 92,000. Aoife Walsh was only three-and-a-half years of age when the dog, Trigger, bit her on the lips and swung her from side to side. Oonah McCrann SC told the High Court the child suffered injuries to her lips and has been left with some scarring including a bulge in the lower lip area and she has difficulty wearing lipstick. She said Aoife was now afraid of dogs. Aoife Walsh (aged 17) of Oldbridge Grove, Lucan, Co Dublin had through her father Liam Walsh sued Aishling Fagan and Paul Barry the owners of the Jack Russell of Oldbridge View, Lucan, Co Dublin as a result of the attack on September 19, 2004. The case was before the court for assessment of damages only. It was claimed there was a failure to keep any or any proper control of the dog when they knew or ought to have known it was dangerous and had the propensity to bite. It was also claimed there was a failure to take any or any adequate steps which would have prevented the accident from taking place. It was further claimed that a dangerous animal had been allowed to roam on the premises where they knew or ought to have known that children would be present. Aoife suffered a number of jagged wounds to the upper and lower lips and was bleeding profusely and rushed to hospital. She was discharged from hospital after two days, but it was claimed she was very traumatised by the incident. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Kevin Cross who examined the scarring said it was only noticeable when pointed out. He said the settlement was a very good one. Update Friday, April 13, 10.24pm: Roza Jakubowska was located safe and well in Dublin this evening. Earlier: Gardai search for missing teenager Roza Jakubowska Gardai have asked for the public's help to find missing teenager of Roza Jakubowska. The 15-year-old was last seen on Tuesday, February 23, in Blanchardstown. Roza is described as being 5' tall, of slim build with brown eyes and long straight dark brown hair. When last seen she was wearing a black jacket, dark leggings and black runners. Anyone with information should contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on (01) 6667000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. A tower built in tribute to one of Ireland's most celebrated politicians has reopened - 47 years after being damaged in a bomb blast. Visitors can now climb a newly installed staircase to reach the top of O'Connell Tower in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, TD and Chairman of Glasnevin Trust John Green The 55-metre round tower was built in the 1850s to commemorate the life of Daniel O'Connell. Known as the Liberator, O'Connell led the successful campaign to repeal discriminatory laws against Catholics - Catholic Emancipation - and went on to become a key figure in the political movement to repeal Ireland's union with Britain. He founded Glasnevin cemetery in 1832 and was laid to rest there after his death in 1847 as he travelled to Rome on a pilgrimage. O'Connell's remains were later exhumed and interred in a crypt at the base of the memorial tower built in his honour. The granite tower was a popular visitor attraction for more than century but was forced to close in 1971 when it was badly damaged in a suspected loyalist paramilitary bombing. The blast shot up through the tower, destroying its staircase and blowing out the windows. A large crack caused by the bombing is still visible on the structure. The crypt was refurbished a decade ago and in 2016 the Glasnevin Trust, in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW), began work to restore the tower and install a new 198-step staircase. Visitors can now climb to the top and access a 360-degree panorama affording views across Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and the Irish Sea. For the first time in almost half a century, visitors to Glasnevin Cemetery will be able to climb to the top of the iconic OConnell Tower and enjoy unique views of Dublin. A new staircase has been installed to replace one destroyed by a bomb in 1971 pic.twitter.com/GZSL5pV6RL Philip Bromwell (@philipbromwell) April 13, 2018 The reopening of the O'Connell Tower was marked by the laying of a time capsule at the base by students from the O'Connell School in Glasnevin. When the foundation stones of the tower were laid in 1854 a lead time capsule containing medals, documents and objects relating to O'Connell's life was placed within it. Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, attended the reopening ceremony. "In recent years, Glasnevin Cemetery has become a unique and unmissable Dublin attraction," he said. "Developing from a traditional cemetery, and the resting place of more than one million people, to the home of the wonderful museum and visitor centre and an exceptionally engaging and entertaining tour, it draws tens of thousands of visitors every year. "The restoration of the iconic O'Connell Tower, with a newly installed staircase that promises unparalleled views, adds yet another string to the already fulsome Glasnevin Cemetery bow. "It is a privilege to be here today, alongside the students from the local school that takes O'Connell's name, to see the results of the extraordinary work undertaken by the OPW and the Glasnevin Trust. It is testament to the man we refer to as the Liberator and one of the seminal figures in Irish political life." Chairman of the Glasnevin Trust, John Green, said: "The reinstatement of the stairs in the O'Connell tower will allow us to experience the full magnificence of this mausoleum. "Of course, we remember O'Connell through the bridges, streets, and squares named after him, but as we approach the centenary of the founding of our state we must remember how important O'Connell is in our nationhood. "O'Connell lit a beacon for the peaceful parliamentary political process, a beacon carried on by (Isaac) Butt, (Charles Stewart) Parnell, (John) Redmond and, perhaps more significantly, every Taoiseach since the end of the civil war. "Hopefully the exhibition inside the tower will not only enhance the climb but also help to reinstate Daniel O'Connell to his rightful position in the pantheon of Irish leaders." Tickets are required to access the tower. For more information visit www.glasnevinmuseum.ie. - Digital Desk and Press Association Update: Body found in search for missing swimmer in Galway Bay Rescue workers searching for a missing swimmer in Galway Bay have found a body. The body was found by the coastguard Rescue helicopter 115 just after 10am this morning and is now being brought back to shore. A 40-year-old swimmer had been missing since getting into difficulty off Salthill yesterday. The man is understood to be from the Galway area. Earlier:The search for a swimmer feared missing in Galway Bay will resume this morning. The alarm was raised around 5pm yesterday when when a member of the public reported seeing two swimmers about 100m offshore from Salthill. Its understood that the crew of a local pilot boat - Kerry Head - met one swimmer who didnt appear to be in difficulty. A search for the second person, a man believed to be in his late 30s, was then mounted in the area of Blackrock in Salthill. The Galway RNLI lifeboat was launched while the Shannon based Irish Coast Guard helicopter - Rescue 115 - was also tasked to assist in the operation. Units of Galway Fire and Rescue Service are also involved in the search. Crews searched until 9pm last night. - Digital Desk By Ann O'Loughlin A violent criminal who claimed he was allegedly failed by the State as a child when put in foster care has settled his High Court action for 50,000. The 30-year old man who is currently in solitary confinement in prison and who has previously been jailed for violent attacks had claimed he was physically and sexually abused while in foster care and never treated properly for his ADHD condition, despite being in the State care system since he was four years old. The High Court heard today that the settlement is without an admission of liability in the case. Mr Justice Kevin Cross who approved the settlement of 50,000 towards the man's future care directed that the prisoner, who heard the ruling by video link, not be identified in any way by the media. His senior counsel Hugh O'Keeffe SC told the court the man was first taken into care when he was four years old due to the neglect of his mother and it was their case there has been an "abject failure of the State" in his case. He said the man's life had been a "litany of very sorry circumstances" and since the age of 17 years he had spent most of the time incarcerated for anger-related crimes. Counsel said it was the case that no adequate plan was put in place to treat the man's ADHD when he was a child. He said the prisoner has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and he is getting the treatment he needs for that. He said the prisoner's main worry was that he had nobody and nowhere to go when he is released. The prisoner said by video link that the settlement figure was acceptable and that he had been out of trouble for one and a half years since he started the medication to control his condition. The 30-year old had sued the Ministers for Justice and Health, the Attorney General, the HSE and the Irish Prison Service for alleged negligence and breach of duty and alleges he was sexually abused while in foster care as a child. He claimed that for a period of 10 years he was in the foster care of a family where he alleged he was assaulted, battered, falsely imprisoned and abused. He further claimed when he left foster care, at 14 years of age, he was allegedly not provided with a safe environment in which to live and was allegedly given drugs and raped. Since he was 17, the man has spent most of his time in prison and has been incarcerated at various prisons where it is claimed his various conditions were not diagnosed or treated as they should have been. It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to implement any or any suitable code of ethics or rules of good practice for foster parents and an alleged failure to take any or any adequate steps by means of screening, enquiry or character assessment before appointing the boy's foster family. The State denied all the claims and further contended some or all of the injuries alleged were caused by the man's own acts by behaving aggressively and violently and engaging in criminal activity. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Kevin Cross told the man he is going to have to keep on his medication when he is released from prison and he wished him well for the future. Helen Barlow gives the lowdown on this year's Cannes Film Festival. Solo: A Star Wars story, starring Alden Ehrenreich as a younger version of the character made famous by Harrison Ford, will be the big Hollywood movie in Cannes this year. Directed by Ron Howard it marks the third time the festival has welcomed a spinoff of Star Wars, noted Festival director Thierry Fremaux as he announced most, but not all, of this years programme, which so far does not include any Irish films. Cate Blanchett, who interestingly played Ehrenreichs stepmum in her Oscar-winning Blue Jasmine, will preside over the official competition jury. Happy couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem will open the festival co-starring in the Spanish-language competition entry, Everybody Knows, the international debut of Iranian director Asghar Farhadi (The Separation, The Salesman). The film follows Cruzs Laura as she travels with her family from Buenos Aires to her native village in Spain for a family reunion that turns fraught. Don't they all in movies? One of the highlights surely will be Under the Silver Lake from It Follows director David Robert Mitchell. It tells of Andrew Garfield discovering a mysterious woman, played by Riley Keough (Elviss granddaughter), who vanishes after frolicking in his apartments swimming pool. As he searches for her in Los Angeles, he descends into the murkiest depths of mystery, scandal and conspiracy. Overall the films announced so far are mostly political and arty. Spike Lee returns to the Croisette after a 20-year absence with BlacKkKlansman. Its inspired by the news even if its a story about the 70s, notes Fremaux. It is an angry Spike Lee telling about the situation of the African-American community at the same time as telling a lot about American history. The film follows Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), an African-American police officer from Colorado, who successfully infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan and became the head of the local chapter. Adam Driver and Topher Grace (also in Under the Silver Lake) co-star. French directors Nicolas Champeaux & Gilles Porte will present The State Against Mandela and the Others, while Germanys Wim Wenders will deliver a personal rather than biographical documentary, Pope Francis: A Man of His Word. Cannes audiences will see it on Sunday notes Fremaux, but obviously the Pope will not come to Cannes to climb the stairs. Italian director Matteo Garrone will world premiere Dogman, and if its anything like his landmark 2008 mafia movie, Gomorrah, we will be in for a treat. Ida director Pawel Pawlikowski likewise has a strong pedigree and his latest movie, Cold War, tells of two star-crossed lovers, and spans several years and countries during the Cold War. In the English-language Icelandic survival movie, Arctic, former Cannes best actor winner Mads Mikkelsen (he won for The Hunt) should be as hardy as ever as he tries to battle his way to safety. Thrilled to announce that Cold War, the new Film4-backed drama from writer/director Pawel Pawlikowski, will premiere in #Competition at #Cannes2018! pic.twitter.com/kff9iCRiFC Film4 Productions (@Film4Insider) April 12, 2018 Like many other potential entries, Fremaux notes that Terry Gilliams The Man Who Killed Don Quixote starring Adam Driver, Stellan Skarsgard and Jonathan Pryce, is a strong contender. This film is in dispute, its in front of the courts so it has not been announced. Netflix definitely wont be there however as the company is not prepared to comply with Cannes/French rules of screening films in cinemas before they are streamed. Selfies also have been banned on the red carpet, leading Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos to deem the Festival old fashioned, telling Variety, We hope that they do change the rules. We hope that they modernize. Netflix won't be going to Cannes this year. Here's my interview with Ted Sarandos. https://t.co/Bjoz4IJQlC Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) April 11, 2018 As for banning selfies, Fremaux notes that many people are falling down the stairs as they try to take pictures of themselves. He speaks of a lack of elegance and that the ban makes sense in Cannes as the general public walk the red carpet unlike at other festivals. In Cannes we come to see movies and not to see ourselves, he says. - Digital Desk A paramedic in England had to "tip" water out of a three-month-old baby boy allegedly shaken and immersed in water by his parents, a British court heard. Ah'Kiell Walker was naked, cold and wet when paramedics arrived at his family home in Archdeacon Street, Gloucester, England, on July 30, 2016. The baby was so cold that medics were unable to record a temperature and was taking just four breaths per minute. He was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and then transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where he died the following day. Bristol Crown Court heard Ah'Kiell had suffered brain injuries potentially caused by shaking, and may have been immersed in water. His parents, Hannah Henry, 22, and Alistair Walker, 27, deny manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and cruelty to a person aged under 16. Gary Mills, a rapid response lead paramedic for South Western Ambulance Service, arrived at the family home after Henry called 999 just after 10am. "The baby was wet, he was naked and unresponsive. I could see that the breathing rate was not enough to sustain life," Mr Mills told the jury. "It looked like the baby had been got out of the bath, that's how wet it was. From what I could see, the mouth contained water. "The first priority is to clear the airway. I tipped the baby on to its side. Effectively using gravity to tip the water out. Water came out of the mouth. "The baby felt very cold. It was a day in July, it was a warm day and there was no reason for the baby to be that cold on that sort of day." Mr Mills said he was unable to say how much water came out of Ah'Kiell's mouth and told the jury that the floor around the baby was also wet. He described Walker as being "aggressive" and said he stopped the father from pushing down on the baby's stomach "forcefully" with his hand. An ambulance arrived and Ah'Kiell was dried off with a towel to allow a defibrillator to be used. The baby was then taken to hospital. Walker claimed he had left Ah'Kiell for an unspecified amount of time and returned to find him unresponsive, Mr Mills said. Ah'Kiell was pronounced dead at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children at 1.44pm on July 31. A post-mortem examination found Ah'Kiell's death was caused by a lack of oxygen to his brain, with a pathologist also finding four older fractures to his ribs and a fracture to his shoulder. Jurors have been told that Walker was "obsessed" with Ah'Kiell's constipation and fed him water through bottles with the teat cut to increase the flow. Accounts given by Walker and Henry in police interviews do not explain his injuries, prosecutor Andrew Langdon QC said. Following the death, officers examined phones used by Henry and Walker. They revealed that Henry had told friends she wanted to end her relationship with Walker by the time Ah'Kiell was nine or 10 weeks old. During the same period, internet searches were made on Walker's phone including "shaken baby syndrome", "can I squeeze my baby", "internal bleeding due to trauma" and "baby broken ribs". One search, on June 14, asked: "Can babies feel pain?", followed by "baby burst liver". Henry, of Tuffley, Gloucestershire, and Walker, of Lansdowne Green, London, deny all the charges against them. - PA I ts morning and Nya Williams strides confidently into a classroom of a dozen 12th-grade students chattering animatedly about the hotly contested campaign for homecoming queen and king. An eager young woman with a ready smile and a head full of bouncy curls, Williams deftly brings the class at Cincinnatis Withrow University High School to attention and asks about their college plans. A hand tentatively goes up. I want to go to the University of Cincinnati, but my GPAs not so good, admits a rangy student slouched low in his chair. Can I even go to college? Thats a good question, replies Williams. You can go to UC Blue Ash and work on your GPA there, get that up and transfer to main campus. Next, Williams heads to her desk in the school counselors office, where she guides as many as 15 anxious students a day in navigating what seems to many a complicated and overwhelming maze of college admission and financial aid applications. But Williams isnt a school guidance counselor or college advisor. Shes a student herself, a graduating senior and a member of the Cincinnati Public Schools High School Ambassador program, a new initiative launched by UC in collaboration with CPS to increase the number of students who enroll in a postsecondary institution. The venture, believed by organizers to be the first of its kind in the nation, holds the promise not only of boosting the socio-economic futures of students in Ohios third-largest school district, but could serve as a model to propel underserved students nationwide, particularly low-income and first-generation students, to attend college. This is really first of its kind where you have peers facilitating programming throughout the year for their peers, says DeRecco Lynch, UCs associate director of admissions, who helped develop the program. Weve not seen anything like this before. The family of a child who was brain damaged after hospital staff in England did not explain the importance of feeding a newborn have won their High Court claim in the UK. Nilujan Rajatheepan was in good condition when he was delivered by caesarean section at King George Hospital in Goodmayes, Essex, England in July 2009. His parents are Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka and his mother, Sinthiya, was 21 when Nilujan was born and spoke only very few words of English. When the community midwife visited the family at home after the birth, Nilujan was pale and lethargic, having not been fed for more than 15 hours. His hypoglycemic state resulted in catastrophic brain injuries. Nilujan, eight, now has cerebral palsy with severely impaired physical and cognitive function. On Friday in London, Judge McKenna ruled that Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Foundation Trust was liable. He said the sad reality was that Mrs Rajatheepan did not get any instruction on how to feed properly or what to do if feeding was unsuccessful. No one had ever given her a clear and understandable explanation of the importance of feeding - still less how she should respond if she had concerns. Because of the language barrier, she was unable to communicate her concerns to hospital staff and when they were communicated by a friend, they were not acted upon. If the baby - who had been crying continuously - had been reviewed when Mrs Rajatheepan was collected from the hospital, mother and child would have been kept in overnight, the difficulties with feeding would have become apparent and his injuries would have been avoided, said the judge. By repeating the mantra that it was perfectly normal for newborn babies to cry without investigating the concerns raised, false reassurance was given to the parents so it was not surprising they did not later contact the hospital. Damages will be assessed at a later date if not agreed. Wendy Matthews, director of midwifery, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said later: "We would like to say sorry again to Nilujan and the Rajatheepan family and express our sincere sympathies to them. "We are considering the judgment and the implications of the judge's ruling in this case. "Although we have made huge improvements since this incident occurred in 2009, we will take the opportunity to review it closely and see if there are any more lessons about our post-natal care that we can learn." - PA Police have saved a six-month-old baby girl who was thrown off the roof of a shack in South Africa by her father who was protesting the demolition of an illegal township. The 38-year-old South African man had climbed on top of his home with his baby daughter in the township of Kwadwesi, near Port Elizabeth, to prevent it from being demolished. Dozens of police officers had gathered below to try and talk him down from the shack which is on South Africa's eastern cape coast. One officer had climbed up onto the roof before the man dangled the baby over the edge by her ankle. Pic via Facebook. It was reported by the Daily Mail that other protesters were heard egging him on by chanting: 'Throw, throw, throw'. He then started swinging her over the edge at which point the officers rushed forward. However, before the police officer could grab the father, the baby was hurled into the air. Thankfully, she was caught by the policemen below and was not injured. Police arrested her father and charged him with attempted murder. Pic via Facebook. Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said the baby was back with her 35-year-old mother and local social services are ensuring they are in a place of safety. Captain Beetge said: At about 10.40am a 38-year-old man climbed onto the roof of one of the structures and held a one-year-old girl in his hands. This was done to force the team not to demolish the structure. Around 90 shacks were ordered to be demolished at the Joe Slovo township in Kwadwesi and police were sent in to ensure the safety of the demolition team as 150 protesters had had started throwing bricks and closing roads with burning tyres. The situation was becoming calm until the man climbed onto the roof of his shack with his child. Pic via Facebook. Captain Beetge said: Due to the dangerous threat to the safety of the child police set out a plan to rescue the little girl and arrest the male and one of our officers successfully caught the girl as she was flung. The 38-year-old father has been charged with the attempted murder of his daughter and the case is being handled by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit. The Motherwell Cluster Commander Major General Dawie Rabie praised the police actions. Pic via Facebook. He said: It is shocking that a father would attempt to sacrifice his own child for the sake of delaying the demolishing of an illegal shack structure but thankfully the girl was saved. The father will face the full force of the Law for his actions. The 90 shacks which had been built illegally on unowned land were then taken down. - Digital Desk Russia is the only nation with the "technical means, operational experience and motive" for the Salisbury nerve agent attack on a former spy and his daughter, Britain has said. While Russia's London ambassador Alexander Yakovenko said the UK has not produced any evidence to support its claims about the incident, here are five reasons the UK thinks it highly likely Russia was responsible. 1 - Russia has the capability Novichoks, which have been identified as the nerve agent used in the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1980s, according to the UK's National Security Adviser Sir Mark Sedwill. In a letter to Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today Sir Mark said Russia continued its chemical weapons programme after the Soviet Union's collapse and described as "unlikely" any suggestion that Novichoks could be made and deployed by terrorist groups, especially at such high purity. 2 - Novichoks have been tested by the Russians on door handles The highest concentrations of the nerve agent were discovered on the front door handle at Mr Skripal's house. Sir Mark said Russia had, in the 2000s, developed a programme investigating how to deliver Novichoks, which included applying them to door handles. 3 - Russia has a store of Novichoks In the last 10 years Russia has made and stockpiled small quantities of the nerve agent under its chemical weapons programme, Sir Mark said. 4 - Russia has a record of assassinating so-called traitors Russian president Vladimir Putin "probably" approved the killing of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, a public inquiry in the UK concluded. Alexander Litvinenko. The dissident Russian spy died after drinking tea laced with radioactive polonium-210. In the years since, there have been a number of suspected Russian state-sponsored assassinations, Sir Mark said. 5 - Sergei Skripal, as a former spy, may have been viewed as a legitimate target Mr Skripal was convicted in his home country for selling secrets to the British and was freed in an exchange of captured spies between the US and Russia eight years ago. He and his daughter had been spied on by Russian intelligence agencies for at least the past five years, Sir Mark said. He said it is "highly likely" some defectors are still seen as "legitimate targets for assassination". Update - 4.01pm: The Russian military has claimed an alleged chemical attack in Syria was staged and directed by Britain. Volunteer first responders and activists said a chemical attack by the Syrian government killed more than 40 people in the town of Douma, which drew international outrage and prompted Washington and its allies to consider a military response. Moscow warned against any strikes and threatened to retaliate. Russian Defence Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov, released statements by medics from Douma's hospital who said a group of people toting video cameras entered the hospital, shouting that its patients had been struck with chemical weapons and causing panic. The medics said none of the patients were hurt by chemicals. Maj. Gen. Konashenkov said Britain was "directly involved in the provocation". The US ambassador to the United Nations said Donald Trump "has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria". Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by Russia that should the US and its allies decide to act in Syria it will be to defend "a bedrock international norm that benefits all nations" - the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons. She said "the United States estimates that (President Bashar) Assad has used chemical weapons in the Syrian war at least 50 times". On the suspected poison gas attack on Douma, Ms Haley said: "We know who did this. Our allies know who did this. Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups." 1.56pm: Russia claims Syria was warned that rebels would carry out chemical attack Russia's ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko has told a London press conference: "The Syrian government had been repeatedly warning for at least a month that rebels prepared to stage a provocation with chemical weapons in this very area." Mr Yakovenko said that international inspectors were expected in Syria on Saturday, adding: "But I believe that any delay may be used to carry out military strikes to cover up all the evidence, or lack thereof, on the ground." Mr Yakovenko, who showed footage of former British prime minister Tony Blair apologising for intelligence mistakes in the run-up to the Iraq war at the event, said the US and its allies had provided "no tangible proof" to back up claims the Syrian government was responsible for the attack. He added: "We are witnessing very dangerous developments in Syria. The current US politics, supported almost mechanically by France and the UK, is becoming a threat to the peace and security in the region and beyond." Mr Yakovenko said Russia was sending an official request to the UK today under article nine of the Chemical Weapons Convention seeking "clarification and information" regarding questions and concerns Moscow has. The Russian ambassador said Ms Skripal was free to live where she wants, stating: "This is her decision. She can choose any country to stay or leave. We want to investigate this case and we definitely want to hear her story." It comes after the Russian Embassy in the UK said it was "concerned about the decision of the Cabinet to "take action" amid the reports on the possible UK participation in the military operation against Syria". It added: The preparations are being made despite lack of evidence as regards to what happened on the ground in British interpretation. At the request of the Syrian Government, the OPCW sent a fact-finding team to Douma. The experts will arrive tomorrow. Syrian authorities will provide all the relevant security guarantees. Russia is ready to assist in ensuring its safety. We are interested in seeing independent experts there, so they can make all the necessary tests without delay. "The conditions on the ground, now that the Russian military police is present in Douma, are appropriate for conducting an investigation of the alleged incident. Russian services for chemical and radiological security visited the suspected site of the incident and did not find any traces of chemical substances. No persons treated for chemical poisoning were found in local hospitals. "We took note of the recent statement of the UK Permanent Representative to the UN Karen Pierce, calling the idea of an investigation "an offer worth pursuing". What is striking is that the UK statements in favour of an independent investigation clearly contradict those automatically laying the blame on the Syrian government. "At the same time we receive worrying reports about London pressing ahead with preparations for the military action against Syria. "Military strikes may be used to cover up all the evidence, or lack thereof, on the ground. Such a decision, if it's taken, in violation of the international law and the Charter of the United Nations may well mark the latest in the series of the reckless military adventures by the UK. "The infamous aggression against Iraq in 2003 immediately comes to mind, when the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair deliberately misinformed the Parliament and the public. It is well known how it ended - with Chilcot inquiry delivering a condemnatory verdict. It's essential to avoid any steps which could escalate the tensions." 11.55am: Syria chemical attack 'fabrication by foreign power', says Russia Russia's foreign minister has claimed a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov said Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He said Moscow has "irrefutable information that it was another fabrication". Mr Lavrov, speaking to reporters in Moscow, said: "Intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication." He did not elaborate or name the state. The attack has drawn international outrage and prompted the US and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. 9.27am: Jeremy Corbyn accuses Theresa May of 'waiting for instructions' from US on Syria Britain's Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused the British Government of 'waiting for instructions' from US president Donald Trump on what to do over Syria. It comes after Theresa May and Donald Trump agreed that the use of chemical weapons must not go unchallenged after the British Prime Minister won the backing of her Cabinet for action to prevent their further use in Syria. The two leaders also said there was a need "to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime", as they pledged to work together on the international response to the suspected chemical weapons attack. He said: "Further UK military intervention in Syria's appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. "The Government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. "Even US defence secretary James Mattis has said we 'don't have evidence' and warned further military action could 'escalate out of control'." Mr Corbyn added: "Ministers should take their proposals, such as they are, to parliament. And Britain should press for an independent UN-led investigation of last weekend's horrific chemical weapons attack so that those responsible can be held to account. "Rather than further military action, what is urgently needed is a coordinated international drive to achieve a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement under UN auspices. The humanitarian priority must be to halt the killing on all sides. "The need to restart genuine negotiations for peace and an inclusive political settlement of the Syrian conflict, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces, could not be more urgent. We must do everything we can, no matter how challenging, to bring that about." 7.17am: Russia warns West of 'dangerous escalation' in Syria A team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog is due to begin an investigation into a suspected chemical weapons attack near the Syrian capital Damascus. It comes amid Western threats of retaliation and Russian warnings of the potential for "a dangerous escalation" in the area. Speaking at the United Nations on Thursday, Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said the top priority had to be to avert a wider war, and he didn't rule out the possibility of a US-Russia conflict. Speaking to reporters after a closed emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Mr Nebenzia said Russia was very concerned with "the dangerous escalation" of the situation and "aggressive policies" and preparations that some governments were making - a clear reference to the Trump administration and its allies. "We hope that there will be no point of no return - that the US and their allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign state," Mr Nebenzia said, adding that "the danger of escalation is higher than simply Syria." The Security Council scheduled another emergency meeting for this morning at Russia's request. The fact-finding mission from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was expected to head to Douma, where the suspected attack took place and where Russia said rebels had now capitulated to government control. The Syrian government said it would facilitate the mission's investigation, which is to start on Saturday. In case you missed it: In response to media queries, the Spokesperson for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirms that the #OPCW Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) team is on its way to #Syria and will start its work as of Saturday 14 April 2018. pic.twitter.com/IZUIpg2DsZ OPCW (@OPCW) April 12, 2018 Syria and its ally, Russia, deny any such attack, which activists say killed more than 43 people last weekend. The imminent arrival of the chemical weapons inspectors came as rebels in Douma surrendered their weapons and left the town for opposition-held areas in the north. Russia's military said on Thursday that Douma was now under full control of the Syrian government after a Russian-mediated deal secured the evacuation of the rebels and thousands of civilians after it was recaptured by Syrian forces. Douma and the sprawling eastern Ghouta region near the capital, Damascus, had been under rebel control since 2012 and was a thorn in the side of President Bashar Assad's government, threatening his seat of power with missiles and potential advances for years. The government's capture of Douma, the last town held by the rebels in eastern Ghouta, marked a major victory for Assad. Hamza Bayraqdar, spokesman for Jaysh al-Islam, the main rebel group that once controlled Douma, said his fighters had all evacuated. They handed over their heavy and medium weapons, as well as maps of land mines and the tunnels they dug, according to Syrian state media. Douma and the rest of eastern Ghouta had been a significant rebel stronghold throughout Syria's civil war and its surrender came after years of siege by Assad's troops and a months-long military offensive. It followed weeks of negotiations mediated by Russia that repeatedly were derailed. A truce collapsed last week and the Syrian government pressed ahead with its military offensive. Then came the suspected chemical attack in Douma, followed by international condemnation and threats of military action. Amid conflicting tweets about the timing of any retaliation, US president Donald Trump said on Thursday that an attack on Syria could take place "very soon or not so soon at all." On Capitol Hill, US defence secretary Jim Mattis said the National Security Council would be meeting later on Thursday to present Mr Trump with various options, adding that he could not talk about any military plans because an attack "is not yet in the offing". U.S., allies "still assessing the intelligence" needed to prove Assad regime conducted recent alleged chemical attack in Syria, Defense Sec. James Mattis says. https://t.co/dOrNLzNLEv pic.twitter.com/52jEayDBkA ABC News (@ABC) April 12, 2018 - Digital Desk and Press Association Update - 1.45pm: Russia's ambassador has accused the British authorities of destroying evidence in the Salisbury nerve agent attack. Alexander Yakovenko said the UK had yet to produce the evidence to back its claims that Russia was responsible for the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia. "The British Government still hasn't produced any evidence in support of its position that would confirm their official version," he told a news conference at the Russian embassy in London. "We get the impression the British Government is deliberately pursuing the policy of destroying all possible evidence." Mr Yakovenko complained at the continued refusal of the British authorities to grant consular access to Ms Skripal following her discharge from hospital. He questioned the authenticity of a statement issued by Ms Skripal through the Metropolitan Police saying she did not want to meet Russian officials. "We are not allowed to see our citizens, talk to doctors, have no idea about the treatment the Russian nationals receive," he said. "We cannot be sure that Yulia's refusal to see us is genuine. We have every reason to see such actions as the abduction of two Russian nationals. "The statement made by Scotland Yard on behalf of Yulia Skripal only confirms our suspicions." Mr Yakovenko complained they had not received the allegations in Sir Mark Sedwill's letter from the British authorities. "It is not the right way how the serious people handle these issues," he said. He described Sir Mark's claim that Russian intelligence had been interested in the Skripals since at least 2013 as a "big surprise". "If somebody was spying why were the British services not complaining about that because they always complain if something goes wrong in their country or somewhere else," he said. The ambassador also denied that Russia had ever produced or stockpiled Novichok nerve agents. "Russia stopped any chemical programmes in 1992. In 2017 we eliminated all the chemical weapons," he said. "We didn't produce Novichok, we didn't store this Novichok, so-called under the Western classification, was never in our military forces. This is the fact of life." 1.07pm: UK says Russia spied on the Skripals for at least five years Russian intelligence agencies have been spying on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter for at least five years, Britain has said in the latest twist in the Salisbury nerve agent attack. Britain's National Security Security Adviser Sir Mark Sedwill said cyber specialists from the GRU - Russian military intelligence - targeted Yulia Skripal's email accounts as far back as 2013. In a letter to Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Sir Mark also said that in the 2000s the Russians had begun a programme to train personnel from "special units" in the use of chemical warfare agents. He said that it included investigating ways of delivering nerve agents by applying them to door handles. The strongest concentration of the Novichok nerve agent found in the Salisbury incident was on the front door of Mr Skripal's home. The claims come after the international Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons backed Britain's assertion the Skripals were poisoned by Novichok - a military grade nerve agent developed by the Russians in the 1980s. In his letter, Sir Mark set out why the British Government believes that only Russia has the "technical means, operational experience and the motive" to carry out such an attack - including some declassified intelligence material. He said Russia had a "proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination" and that it was "highly likely" some defectors - like Mr Skripal, a former GRU officer who was exchanged in a spy swap in 2010 - may be regarded as "legitimate targets". "We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals dating back at least as far as 2013, when email accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists," he said. Sir Mark also identified the key institute for developing Novichok in the former Soviet Union as a branch of the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikany near Volgograd. "The code word used for the offensive chemical weapons programme (of which the Novichoks were one part) was FOLIANT," he said. "It is highly likely that Novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international weapons controls." He said that Russia had continued to produce and stockpile small quantities of Novichoks within the last decade. "We therefore continue to judge that only Russian has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible," he said. "There is no plausible alternative explanation." The Commonwealth Bank will pay $3 million and review key processes within its financial advice arm after it charged tens of thousands of customers for annual reviews they did not receive. As the royal commission prepares to focus on past scandals in financial advice at hearings next week, CBA on Friday vowed to lift its game after it was slapped with a penalty for not providing customers an annual review of their advice, even though they is what they were paying for. CBA chief executive Matt Comyn said the bank's failings in financial advice over the past decade were "unacceptable". Credit:Peter Braig The failings occurred when the bank could not prove that it provided annual reviews to 31,500 "ongoing service" customers of its wholly-owned businesses Commonwealth Financial Planning and BW Financial Advice. As a politician, Mike Baird managed to convince a sceptical electorate to re-elect his government in 2015 on the back of an unpopular plan to privatise the state's electricity assets. Three years later, the former NSW premier once again faces what look likes an uphill battle in trying to change a public perception. Mike Baird says banks NAB's move to stop new thermal coal lending reflected "where we are going strategically." Credit:Louise Kennerley But this time, he is on the side of the under-siege banking industry, working as a top executive at National Australia Bank, as the industry scrambles to repair its battered reputation after a string of scandals. Asked whether it's harder to convince the public of your position as a politician or a banker, Baird laughs that both "have their challenges," but adds "I dont think theres really any difference." The truth hurts. And when you blow the whistle, people get upset. So says Martin Woods, an anti-money laundering expert and whistleblower, who says governments, companies and wider society need to rethink their attitudes towards whistleblowers in all sectors of the economy, from compliance staff in banks to nurses working in aged-care facilities. This includes compensating them for speaking up - and paying rewards for valuable information. Whistleblower Martin Woods Credit:Eddie Jim "It's human conditioning - the human race doesn't like whistleblowers," Woods says. "[As children], we were told, 'don't tell tales', and we tell our kids, 'don't tell tales'. Why do we do that? We have anxiety around their social grouping, and their social acceptance, but we're telling them not to like people who tell tales - the whistleblower." Bernhard says its disappointing and the company is working decisively to turn this around. This is a period of considerable transformation for us as a business and as a brand. We are reinventing one of the longest-running companies in Australia and, in many ways, were in unchartered territory. Some dealers are fuming their frustration is understandable. In the first quarter the average Holden dealer shifted just 26 new cars per month. In comparison, the average Toyota dealer sold 85 per month and the average Mazda dealer 72. Even Mercedes-Benz a premium brand with higher margins shifted 57 cars per dealer. Many of those sales were classified as demonstrators. (for customer test drives. In the case of Astra, demonstrator registrations outdid sales to private buyers, according to figures reported to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries). Those cars end up being sold as near-new vehicles, often at big discounts. Sales were expected to dip post-manufacturing, but no one including Holden expected them to drop so dramatically. Holdens market share has slumped from 7.1 per cent before the manufacturing shutdown to 5.3 per cent this year. The three most recent brands to cease local manufacturing in Australia Toyota, Ford and Mitsubishi experienced nothing like that plunge. Its indicative of a brand thats relied on locally-made large cars, which have been the backbone of Holden for 69 years. The focus has gone off the major product being the Commodore, which they could rely upon and its gone onto other things, says John Conomos, a part-time consultant and the former chief at Toyota Australia who played an instrumental role in making the brand No. 1. They didnt pay attention to the consequences of not having their flagship car and relying solely upon it. The two and a half millionth Holden rolls of the line at GMH's Dandenong plant. Credit:The Age Archive Turning its back It was once families, farmers, business executives and middle class Australia lining up to buy Holdens. But in recent years its turned its attention to minorities LGBTI and ethnic groups to better reflect and connect with todays Australia, none of which is a bad thing. In doing so, it turned its back on traditional Holden buyers, the people arguably most likely to give the brand a chance in its import-only form. Holden also focused on younger buyers, an odd move considering the average age of a new car buyer is 51. There was backtracking once Holden realised it had alienated so many. Despite the sales slump, orders were in and boats were on their way, leaving dealerships with excess and executives scratching their heads over how to clear the backlog. Panic appears to have set in and sporadic extended warranties and discounting have been the solution. Holden is selling its small car which when it launched last year was hailed as stronger than ever for less than rivals are selling city cars. Heavy discounting on new models has an immediate and ongoing impact on residual values, says Santo Amoddio, managing director of used car valuer Glasss Guide. It also crunches margins and creates an uneasy feeling with shoppers. This is where General Motors needs to step up, said one analyst who declined to be named. The Holden manufacturing plant at Elizabeth, Adelaide, South Australia closed in October 2017. Credit:Kate Geraghty They need to come in and relieve the pressure. Take a hit on the sales targets and position the brand with a viable strategy moving forward. A consistent strategy is crucial, says Conomos. They dont seem to have a final long term plan where theyre saying to themselves and the organisation this is the plan, this is what were going to do and well fund it and well stick to it. Blame game Last week, Holden announced its shortlived marketing director Mark Harland had left GM after 20 years. His replacement, Kristian Aquilina, a long time Holden man, has brought hope to dealers. The Herald has heard of calls for Bernhard to resign, something chairman of the Holden Dealer Council, Scott Wakeling, denies. Theres been no official discussion or note thats definitely not happened, he said. Conomos says the executive changes are poisonous, blaming management failures. Theyve had a succession of MDs, theyve had a succession of marketing people they dont have the continuity they lurch from one policy to another. Marketing fight Holden has failed to get its message out succinctly to lure buyers. Dr Abas Merzaei is a brand strategies lecturer at Macquarie University and says Holdens identity has been diluted. Referencing the discounting, he says it kills brands. Your brand starts to lose energy and losing energy means youre pretty much dead, which is the case for brands like Holden or Gap in Australia. If youre trying to revitalise your brand you can go back to your heritage and history and feature that in a nice signature story, an emotional one. Holden has been forced to make big reductions on new vehicle sale prices. Credit:Nic Walker The news doesnt look better moving forward. Internal Roy Morgan intention-to-purchase figures an indicator of short term sales - have Holden intentions at 6 per cent and dropping, down from 15 per cent a decade ago. Look to America Holden admits it has made mistakes, but it has not been helped by Detroit. Despite decades of promises to produce all new models with the steering wheel on the right it hasnt happened, leaving Holden with gaps. And many cars sent Down Under have been lacklustre. Despite sprouting that Holden is poised to pluck cars from across the GM world, the reality is more sobering. Sometimes vehicles arent primed for a market that is big on safety and features. Peter Hanenberger was the boss of Holden between 1999 and 2003, when its modern market share peaked at 21.6 per cent. He believes there is zero interest in Australia from GM and that it could walk away from the market. They basically have now decided to go on three big markets, he says, citing China, North and South America. Domestic focus Of GMs 9.6 million sales in 2017, 7.6 million were to the US and China, the latter now its biggest market. GMs early investment in China is paying off. But the rise of China has changed GMs focus. Whereas Holden was once a profitable, largely independent outpost that needed little direction, these days its a thorn that requires careful pruning. Holdens Australian sales account for just 0.94 per cent (and falling) of GMs global output. New General Motors CEO Mary Barra. Hardly enough to warrant the careful attention of CEO Mary Barra, who is making some of the toughest decisions in the industry. Since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US in 2009 GM has been fighting its own battles restructuring the company, culling brands and retreating from countries where things were too tough. But GM says it is committed. I am confident in our ability to turn the business around, said Engle in a statement. My mandate is to deliver profitable growth in each market in which the company competes. My objective is to leverage the learnings from our turnaround in GM South America to make our businesses successful in this part of the world, including Australia and New Zealand. Holden points to the $150 million investment in dealerships of the future. European hiccup Late in 2014, Holden announced it was turning back to Europe. It committed to sourcing one-third of its cars from Opel, a brand with very similar core values and one seen as a perfect match for Holden. It seemed a return to form; Aussies love European cars and Holden has been successful with them previously. But as the deal was being digested GMs top brass were secretly negotiating to offload Opel, something confirmed early last year. Suddenly, a crucial cog within Holdens delicate post-manufacturing world had been stripped. The company set to supply one-third of Holdens future models the most important of those was the new Commodore, a rebadged Opel Insignia was no longer part of the family. And the company it was part of PSA, owner of Peugeot and Citroen has a poor record of building cars Australians like. The ramifications were almost immediate. Since the takeover Fairfax Media has been told the price Holden pays for Commodores has increased. And, whereas rivals from Toyota, Subaru, Mazda and Hyundai are imported under a Free Trade Agreement, Commodores attract a 5 per cent import tariff. Ironically, Holden is quietly joining the fight with luxury brands with the view to pressuring the government to remove the import tariff originally implemented to protect local manufacturers such as Holden. Battening down Holden is not unfamiliar with tough times. In the 1980s the brand was on the brink and effectively forced into a joint venture with Toyota. Holden bought Corollas and Camrys off Toyota to be rebadged as Holdens, while Toyota bought Commodores off Holden to be sold as Toyotas. It was a disaster made in Canberra. Not that it slowed Holden. The company went back to basics building large family cars people aspire to own and within a decade it was back on top. But this time its different. Holden denies it is going anywhere. We have great backing from GM, as demonstrated by the product portfolio today and into the future, Bernhard says. Like any business transformation, we get some things right and some wrong. Its important we continue to stay nimble and be able to course correct when required. Wakeling is optimistic, acknowledging some dealers had concerns but through meetings with local executives and those in Detroit he is confident. We want to be selling more cars, theres no doubt, but weve got a pretty robust plan if we work to that were going to make sure we get there. But things can change quickly. Only a few months before the late 2013 announcement it would cease manufacturing, then-Holden boss Mike Devereux was still committed to building Holdens here until at least 2022 on the promise of $275 million in government assistance. Former Holden chief executive Mike Devereux. Credit:Regi Varghese Some analysts believe any decision on the future of Holden would be swift. If GM commits, it needs to be long term, according to Conomos. Itll take a decade of very clear thinking the parent company support of the sibling is crucial, he says. Conomos believes Holden can survive. I think itll become an important importer. Detroit bound Fortunately, Holden has friends in high places, including GM design boss Mike Simcoe. While he is shaping Chevrolets, Cadillacs and Buicks, his passion is Monaros and Commodores. He is a staunch supporter of the brand. GM president Dan Ammann is a New Zealander who grew up with Holdens. And the man in charge of GM product development is former Holden boss Mark Reuss. Reuss bought an FC Holden during his time in Australia and it now spends time in the GM Heritage Centre in Detroit. Mark Reuss' old FC Holden in Detroit. Developer Tim Gurners Spanish Club development in Melbournes inner-city Fitzroy has finally hit the market, more than two years after winning the tender to redevelop the Johnston Street site. It has taken two VCAT cases and a Supreme Court win to get to the launch of the 32-apartment development which Mr Gurner describes as a passion project. We were so far into it that we couldnt leave it. We need to make our money back but we wont make any money from it, Mr Gurner said. Render of the proposed Spanish Club redevelopment. Part of that is down to Mr Gurners deal with the Spanish Club, looking after their bank debt, building them a new 500 square metre restaurant on the ground floor. The original seven-level project was nixed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal because of a neighbouring car body work buildings exhaust fan. His company, Gurner, took that case to the Supreme Court and VCAT finally approved the development late last year. As I was watching a Thermomix representative on the news on Wednesday, expressing the companys sorrow for breaching the Australian Consumer Law and claiming theyd learned a lot, Thermomix was sending CHOICE its latest legal threat. This mirrored one of the most troubling experiences of people who tried to exert their refund rights through Thermomix - the companys use of corporate lawyers to threaten, intimidate and silence. A Perth mother suffered second-degree burns to her chest, arms and stomach after her Thermomix unexpectedly burst open while she was preparing dinner. Product distributor Thermomix in Australia was fined $4.6 million on Thursday for failing to alert the government when at least nine people suffered serious burns while using its faulty cooking appliances. Despite knowing about the problem, the company did not warn appliance users about the risk to their safety. But this break is also fieldwork. For those who want to mine daily life for their art, a second job becomes an umbilical cord fastened to something vast and breathing. The alternate gig that lifts you out of your process also supplies fodder for when that process resumes. Lost time is regained as range and perspective, the artist acquiring yet one more mode of inhabiting the world. The act of producing art can be anything but romantic. To escape the blank page, the only thing on earth as passive as yourself, you cast about for distractions, half-convinced that avoiding your project will shower some sort of mystical growth hormone on your ideas. Yet for some artists, such as William Carlos Williams, life and art were more than each other's palate cleansers. The poet doctor saw his dual vocations as mysteriously fused. "They are two parts of a whole," he contended in his 1967 autobiography. "It is not two jobs at all ... one rests the man when the other fatigues him." What, then, is the real relationship between art and trade? Agonistic? Complementary? The question, suggesting something like a creative sanctum shimmering a few metres above the room in which you punch a clock or schedule a meeting, supposes that aesthetic experience is categorically different from everyday experience, and that muse-fuelled invention floats apart from earthier forms of productivity. But those borders have a tricky way of dispersing. Frank O'Hara's 1964 Lunch Poems, a set of imagistic, peripatetic musings on a city in motion, are beloved in part because they manage to articulate the balance of work and life. Written on his breaks, their title an invitation to us to read them on ours, the seemingly dashed-off lines celebrate the pleasure a mind can take in wandering through its own busyness. Creative practice can be meditative flow, but it can also be worthy of a Ricky Gervais punchline. The author Sujatha Gidla, whose recent memoir, Ants Among Elephants, examined India's caste system, has been a conductor for the New York City subway since 2009. "I'm very disorganised," she tells me before I can frame my first question. "You must factor that in to how difficult it is to manage work and writing." But for all the stress of brainstorming ideas during her commute and transcribing interviews in the break room, Gidla would never quit her day job. "It's masculine; I fancy it," she says. What's more, Gidla fervently believes that the individual "should be participating in social production, something useful for society". As a conductor, she has met people from all over the world ("even Liberia"), drinking in their "cosmopolitanism and openness". She enjoys their company. "Writing is kind of lonely," she says. "It doesn't make me feel like, 'This is my environment'. At work I have no choice but to talk to people." Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was previously a Paris-based artist. Credit:Edmunds Brencis/Pool photo via AP Some cultivate their art because it sustains their work, or because it fulfils a sense of civic responsibility. Writing children's literature "has helped me grow in confidence as a person, which in turn has helped me develop as an officer, too," says Gavin Puckett, a UK-based policeman (it remains his primary income source) and author of the prizewinning 2013 Fables From the Stables series. Puckett, who joined the service in 1998, sketched the rhyming adventure Murray the Horse after passing a horse in a field while listening to a radio announcer report on "sports and activities you can only complete backwards" he imagined a story about a horse that runs in reverse. He admits that telling stories still makes him feel as though he's "stepping out of character". "My role as a police officer came first," he tells me. Others are pulled, almost involuntarily, the other way. Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, sometimes feels his hand doodling as he contemplates a political decision. The art pours out to centre and steady him. In 1998, Rama left a promising career as an artist in Paris to become Albania's minister of culture. Now the country's leader, he shows his loose, improvisatory drawings and sculptures in galleries around the world. "I found myself drawing almost all my working time while interacting with people in my office or on the phone," he said in a 2016 interview. An example of Rama's artwork, which often drawn onto A4 printouts from his office. Credit:Courtesy of Galerie Michael Schultz, Berlin "I began to understand that my subconscious was being helped by my hand to stay calm while my conscious had to focus on demanding topics." Art, so often the wild or ephemeral factor in this equation, stabilises the politician. Do politics abet the artist? Unlike Williams, Rama does not borrow directly from his waking life for subject matter; he aims to explore automated and preconscious processes. But perhaps the day's noise makes the quiet of drawing more numinous and clarifying. A year ago, Rama papered the walls of Albania's main government building with his own compositions. He wanted to remind himself of spaces in which "politics, with its characters and struggles, has evaporated" to appreciate a freedom he might otherwise forget he had. Back to the artist in her turret. Though ethereal, she possesses monomaniacal focus. She can barely cook for herself, let alone pursue other hobbies. Her cultural ascent coincides with the waning of another figure: the renaissance person, who is allowed to excel at multiple things. At the risk of overliteralising, one of the West's foundational creatives, Leonardo da Vinci, held down at least a dozen occupations, from cartographer to engineer to painter to architect. But today, we ridicule Tom Hanks for composing short stories, Steve Martin for trying his hand at a novella, James Franco for making a run at poetry. Why do we rain down suspicion on those who seem ruled by competing creative impulses? What's wrong with letting people do two things at once? Actor Tom Hanks, who last year released Uncommon Type, a book of short stories. The title is a reference to his love of vintage typewriters. Credit:The New York Times Some artists may try to simultaneously grow both of their undertakings, yet the balance shifts from year to year. American author Tanwi Nandini Islam launched Hi Wildflower, a line of perfumes, candles and beauty products in 2014, 12 months before her debut novel, Bright Lines, arrived in bookstores. She needed a space for her "olfactory experiments", she says, referring to the fragrant projects she'd started as a species of "method writing" while crafting a story about an apothecary. At first, Islam imagined the two endeavours, the company and the writing, as "sisters", more similar than different. She inscribed lines of poetry on the candles' packaging and enmeshed herself in every aspect of design and production. Hi Wildflower also became a form of introspection, "a space to rethink my values", Islam says. Yet as Hi Wildflower developed into the author's main source of income, morphing from an alternate expression of the energies that drove her fiction into "a way of keeping afloat in a society that doesn't pay artists to do their work", its meaning mutated. The company now has three employees, 70 products and distribution ties to boutique retailers. Business is where Islam works; writing is where she dreams and roams. She no longer notates individual candle wrappers with poems, and she's delegated some of the more menial production tasks. When I speak to her, Islam is at work on a collection of poems and a second novel. Meanwhile, Hi Wildflower, an erstwhile extension of her aesthetic self, has clumped off into its own entity, an enterprise that props her up materially and gives her space to write. Financial security (for now, at least) is not the only thing the business has bequeathed Islam. "When I create, I want this sense of quietness and wisdom to seep in," she tells me, echoing Rama. "But leading a company has made me tough on myself as an artist. You experience so much discomfort [in writing]: pitching articles, revising, building your brand. Having a business primes you for that kind of grind, that hustle." In A Room of One's Own, her famous, passionate argument about the material conditions necessary for writing, Virginia Woolf compared fiction to a "spider's web, attached ever so lightly perhaps, but still attached to life at all four corners". It is a lovely vision of art hanging from the beams of reality, only people are not spiders, they don't generate just one thing. The trope of the secluded creator has echoes of imprisonment and stasis. (After all, who wants to spend all their time in one room, even if it belongs to them?) Sometimes the artist needs to turn off, to get out in the fray, to stop worrying over when her imagination's pot will boil because, of course, it won't if she's watching. And regardless of whether the reboot results in brilliance down the line, that lunchtime stroll isn't going to take itself, those stray thoughts won't think themselves, the characters on the corner certainly won't gawk at themselves. Artists: they're just like us, unless they can afford not to be, in which case they still are, but doing a better job of concealing it. Edited version of a story first published in The New York Times T Magazine. Its now one of Canberras most popular destinations, and has far surpassed expectations in terms of visitor numbers and public engagement. But is the National Arboretum Canberra, the $70 million tree collection created as a symbol of healing after the city was devastated by bushfires in 2003, a tourism success, a botanical failure, or both? The venue had 564,000 visitors in 2016-17 and more than 400,000 in the current financial year so far, putting it up there with the city's main attractions. Spectacular views at the National Arboretum Canberra Credit:Rohan Thomson The visitor centre, with its cafe and spectacular views, is inundated with visitors on weekends and holidays, the quirky, $1 million playground is a hit, and the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, overlooking the sweeping site, is a popular venue for weddings and funerals. An international student studying his PhD at UNSW Canberra was so desperate for accommodation he asked a stranger at Woolworths for assistance in finding a home. The Group of Eight university does not have dedicated accommodation for non-Defence students enrolled at its Campbell campus. International students say they are struggling to find a home. Credit:Tamara Voninski Instead, it gives international PhD students one week of accommodation on arrival and a reloaction allowance worth $1000, as well as health cover, a conference allowance and tuition and living scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars. But three postgraduate students from Asia and the Middle East said the week of accommodation and reloaction allowance did not stretch far in the ACT's competitive and expensive housing market, where rents have recently soared to a record high and agencies were reluctant to take on students without an Australian rental history. A Bondi entrepreneur who was "addicted" to cocaine spent about $1000 a day on the drug and became so indebted to his dealers he agreed to become a driver for them, a court has heard. George Gerges, 33, was working for a strata company in early 2015 and made about $200,000 a year when he was introduced to a new "social scene" where cocaine was used recreationally. Initially, Gerges had no concerns about trying the drug, thinking his use would only be "temporary". However, over time, his drug use increased significantly to five grams per day, draining his savings and racking up a $25,000 debt with his dealers. A man has been fined $1800 for interfering with a crocodile trap in far north Queensland. The man was photographed in October climbing in and around the trap set up by wildlife officers to remove a problem crocodile from Dicksons Inlet, near Port Douglas. A large saltwater crocodile shows aggression as a boat passes by. He pleaded guilty in Caboolture Magistrates Court in March to four charges including interfering with a crocodile trap. He was fined $1800 and had a conviction recorded. A man accused of a violent gang bashing that left a Gold Coast tradesman fighting for his life has been granted Supreme Court bail. Jonathan Lawrence was allegedly one of 13 men who set upon Brock Prime with a tyre iron or crowbar on February 24. Brock Prime remains in hospital in a coma. It's alleged the group was travelling in a white van when they engaged in a "cat and mouse" style chase along the M1 Motorway with Mr Prime. The bashing, which happened after a bucks party, left Mr Prime with a fractured skull and a broken leg. We need a style of leadership that explains those challenges and opportunities ... and how to seize the opportunities. A style of leadership that respects the peoples intelligence, that explains these complex issues and then sets out the course of action we believe we should take and makes a case for it. We need advocacy, not slogans. We need to respect the intelligence of the Australian people. Our values of free enterprise, of individual initiative, of freedom, this is what you need to be a successful, agile economy in 2015. What we have not succeeded in doing is translating those values into the policies and the ideas that will excite the Australian people and encourage them to believe and understand that we have a vision for their future. But Turnbull has not followed his own prescription for improved government. He has not excited the Australian people. He has not created a belief and understanding of a future based on seizing the opportunities. He has failed to energise and enthuse either his own party, or the electorate in general with his values, his policies and his ideas. It is clear that he has disappointed many voters not instinctive coalition voters who had welcomed his ascension, and seen him as a moderate of liberal values and principles, calm and free of the frenetic partisanship of Abbott. But if he has retained, more or less, the loyalty of his own party and his own caucus, that has been rather more because of the way that he has harnessed himself to the philosophies and desires of the partys conservatives than because he has won the partys mandate to do it his own way. If there was ever any disposition to give him his head, it disappeared after his miscalculations at the last election. He has not been the intellectual leader of the party, or the source of its most central policy ideas, and values. His personal office and his department may be furnishing him with political lines with which to attack Labor, but he has not seemed either to put flesh to ideas he had once articulated, or new ones appropriate to the meaningful, viable, exciting, agile, innovative and disruptive times in which he thinks we live. If his personal values and personality play any role in his set speeches or policy announcements, it is not obvious. All too often, the appearance is of an actor playing a part, mostly without conviction or passion. His intellect, his legal and business background, and the advisers he has about him, have so far seemed unable to establish an organising principle behind the messages he sends out over policies such as the energy guarantee. The bullying of AGL, as well as his apparent lack of faith in the capacity of free markets to meet possible energy shortfalls six years from now, sits ill with both Liberal philosophy and his own background. His pragmatic willingness to indulge dog-whistling and immigration signals, as well as his professed indifference to the personal impact on asylum seekers of his governments concentration camp policies has bred significant distrust of his instincts among old friends and colleagues. His muddling-along approach, his failure to provide much leadership over or control of ministers, his habit of dithering, aversion to hard choices have combined with some poor judgment calls to make colleagues and professional advisers contemptuous of his day-to-day judgment, his reflexes and his political instincts. John Howard had a genius for seeing every development through a political prism; Tony Abbott for turning every appearance (no matter how inappropriately) into an occasion for culture war, often by co-opting public officials who should have known better. If Turnbull can see into a brick wall further than most, as Bob Menzies once said admiringly of an adviser, it is not obvious. Tony Abbott takes questions on the Prime Minister's Newspoll conundrum. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Turnbulls attachment to solid policy development t ook a hammering early after he became prime minister when he fled from a taxation policy debate at the first smell of gunpowder and vested interest. He has yet to convince anybody that the governments submarine purchase decision was anything but a political plan to woo South Australia, rather than the most important defence decision of the next two decades. No doubt he is right in his general caution on foreign policy, particularly over North Korea and China, given the unpredictability of Donald Trump. But he has failed to create confidence that the government is anything but a hostage to events. His reputation for good management has likewise suffered from the debacles of NBN But he is still there. No one is plotting to displace him. While he is, there is the possibility of finding the issue, and the event, to seize the initiative and catch Labor unawares. He has been trying out any number of attacks, so far without obvious success, but has a year up his sleeve. Even were he to fall under a bus a prospect more likely with him than any of his predecessors, he has no obvious successor. There are any number of anxious backbenchers in despair at his seeming inability to cut through or to do serious damage to his ultimate political enemies in the Labor Party or even to seize the political initiative from them. But most of them have judged, probably rightly, that neither Peter Dutton nor Julie Bishop, nor any contender from a younger generation of Liberals, is likely in the short term to strike that rapport with voters either. Indeed, most of those with ultimate leadership ambitions have judged, probably wisely, that it would be better to take charge of a chastened, defeated party, than to lead the present coalition over a cliff. Voters may be uninspired by Turnbull (and by his opposite number, Bill Shorten), but the opinion polls also suggest that there is no appetite for yet another political assassination and that a successful plot to bring him down might actually make the position of the coalition, under whatever successor, worse. Eighteen months ago, Turnbull argued that a changeover was urgent. An election was necessary within a year, he said. The fact is we are maybe 10 months, 11 months away from the next election. Every month lost is a month of lost opportunities. We have to make a change for our countrys sake, for the governments sake, for the partys sake. John Howard had a genius for seeing every development through a political prism. So the question you might reasonably ask is this - what's the government actually going to do about it? The response is already under way. The South Africans farmers have advocates in Australia - their relatives and emigre community groups - who are entitled to make submissions to the Department of Home Affairs drawing attention to their situation. This has already happened. The department is now considering whether these cases meet the criteria to be granted humanitarian visas. If they do, they'll be given visas and if they don't, they won't. They don't need a special category - their numbers of are tiny. The potential numbers are not in the thousands or the hundreds but probably only in the dozens, the department expects. It's a big thing to give up your land and your assets and leave your country. The white South African farmers certainly won't need 80 per cent of the places in the humanitarian program - Australia's quota this financial year is for 16,250 humanitarian visas. Giving them 80 per cent would equate to 13,000 visas. On the department's estimate, that would be more than 12,900 more than they could possibly need. Loading And who are the racists here? The characters saying that white people should take priority, or those demanding that they should be excluded in favour of others? A reasonable person would conclude that both of these views are racist. Australian immigration, Australian officialdom generally, should be colour-blind. The centre must hold against the fringes right and left or Australia will end up being yet another country whose citizens flee in desperation, a source of refugees rather than a haven. In a world awash in more refugees than at any time since World War Two, there will never be enough havens. There are about 65 million displaced people, about 1 per cent of humanity. This is the highest percentage since the United Nations started counting in 1951. Australia could take more; under a Labor government it is pledged to. But it's important to know that Australia has the bandwidth to accept persecuted white farmers from South Africa as well as Syrians fleeing a shockingly brutal civil war, aggravated by a terrorist "caliphate". How many refugees has Australia actually taken from the war zone, the second question? It's well known that Australia under Tony Abbott created a special one-off refugee category for 12,000 people escaping the Syrian violence. Very few realise that Australia actually has taken many more. In the two years to June 30, 2017, Australia granted 22,000 humanitarian visas to people fleeing the Syrian war and the murderous cult Daesh, which likes us to call it by the deliberately misleading name of Islamic State. In addition to the one-off allocation of 12,000, another 10,000 visas were granted through the mainstream humanitarian program. These are Syrians, Iraqis and others displaced by the seven years of war. And still more visas are being granted in the current financial year so we won't know the final tally for some months. Other countries take vastly more on a temporary basis, with Jordan and Turkey housing millions. But they will not be given citizenship and one day they will be asked to leave. Only one country has taken more from the Syrian conflict zone as refugees, accepted as permanent settlers - and that's Canada. The third question is about a much longer-running saga, the dismal cases of the remaining asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island who will never be resettled in Australia under bipartisan national policy. There was some renewed attention this week to the offer from New Zealand to take 150 of them. The bigger question is what's happening with the US deal, the one that Donald Trump wanted to ditch? "This is going to kill me," Trump told Turnbull in their infamous leaked phone call. "I am the worlds greatest person that does not want to let people into the country," he said, but now he was agreeing to take 2000 Australian rejects: "That puts me in a bad position. It makes me look so bad and I have only been here a week." Turnbull pointed out to him that the deal agreed with Barack Obama was actually to take 1250. Turnbull talked him around and a reluctant Trump seemed to cop it on condition that he would conduct "extreme vetting". So where's this up to? The US has approved and now taken 233 of the remaining asylum seekers to America as refugees. That's 19 per cent of the agreed number. The US has another 1100 in various stages of processing. What of the "extreme vetting"? Of the candidates that US officials have so far screened, they've rejected about 10 per cent as security risks or on other grounds. Not too extreme, it seems. In short, the deal is well under way. No matter how distasteful he found the deal, Trump's America is honouring a promise made by Obama's. Remarkable. Even if and when the Americans have taken their full quota, some hundreds will remain. The NZ offer will then likely be taken up. All this will still not be enough to find permanent homes for all the asylum seekers. The government will need to continue to seek further resettlement options. Fourth is the big picture of Australia's immigration program. With Tony Abbott calling for a 42 per cent cut to the overall annual intake, and others taking up the cry, is the government about to slash the program? Abbott speaks for many frustrated city dwellers when he calls for the annual intake to be cut "at least until infrastructure, housing stock and integration has better caught up. With chronic congestion, housing priced beyond the reach of an entire generation in the biggest cities, and unease about some ethnic concentrations, Abbott's solution appears to be a masterstroke of a solution. It's not. It's the definition of populism - an impractically simple solution to a complex set of problems. A country needs to build its infrastructure to the size of its population, not shrink its people to its infrastructure. Australia needs a big immigration intake mainly as a matter of national solvency - immigrants are younger and more skilled than the average population. They slow the pace of population aging, keeping health and welfare spending in check. And they increase net economic output per person. Yet we've seen the Turnbull government defer to Abbott and those of his conservative colleagues on a range of issues. The annual immigration ceiling is set each year in the federal budget, which is being drawn up now for May 8 budget night. Is Turnbull about to appease Abbott and the right once again? The answer is no. In fact, it hasn't been announced but the annual immigration figure for next financial year has already been decided. And it's not changing. One reason is the Treasury has imposed a secret budget rule that is designed deliberately to make a big cut difficult. The Treasury has a long-standing set of rules, never published, that govern the way the budget is put together. They're called the "budget process operating rules". One of the rules applies to immigration. On the assumption that every new skilled immigrant will get a job, earn an income and pay tax, every place in the program is assumed to add revenue to the federal budget. If an immigration minister wants to cut the intake, he or she must offset the notional lost revenue. And the minister has to find the money elsewhere in his or her own portfolio. Treasurer Scott Morrison gave an example of the size of this effect when he said that the Abbott proposal to cut the ceiling by 80,000 people would cost the budget $5 billion over four years. So under the Treasury rule, if Peter Dutton were to make such a cut he'd have to find savings of $5 billion elsewhere in his portfolio. An official in the Prime Ministers Department said that the rules were designed to stop dramatic cuts so that people cant go from an intake of 200,000 to 100,000, which is pretty close to what Abbott is calling for, a cut from 190,000 to 110,000 a year. A cabinet minister described the rule as as a strange formula. "If a minister wants to cut the program they have to find offsets," the minister said. "Its weird science, essentially it means you cant cut the intake. The future is in plain sight. I saw it over the past two weekends at either end of the country: in a house in Middleton south of Hobart and on Low Island, north-east of Cairns. A family of five lives in the Middleton house. At Easter, my wife and I made it seven. The house is off-grid and off main water. On Low Island, a caretaker and several volunteers inhabit three houses and research the reef, take weather observations and look after the lighthouse. Again it is off the grid and there is obviously no mains water. The lighthouse is also run off solar power. Imagine not getting an electricity or water bill. There are some slight inconveniences: fewer power-guzzling appliances like hair-dryers and microwaves and a bit of battery monitoring. The Middleton house is fairly new, so it was a no-brainer to install solar-power generation compared to the immediate and future cost of connecting to the grid and using mains power. The Turnbull governments energy blueprint promises to make the electricity sector more transparent and competitive but the policy hung in the balance on Friday night, as states and territories awaited critical detail on how emissions would be slashed. A draft design of the governments controversial national energy guarantee has been circulated to energy ministers ahead of critical negotiations next Friday. Energy ministers from across Australia will next week decide whether to adopt the federal government's national energy guarantee. Credit:Chris Ratcliffe The policy will set reliability and emissions standards for electricity retailers. It aims to make electricity more affordable and secure, as well as cutting dangerous greenhouse gas emissions in line with Australias obligations under the Paris climate deal. Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg must undertake the delicate task of winning consensus support from the states and territories including allaying concern from some quarters about inadequate emissions reduction while placating pro-coal backbenchers in the Coalition. A union boss emailed a draft list of demands to a Palaszczuk government minister via his private email account before he was sworn in. The email is the latest to be revealed following a Right to Information request into the former energy minister Mark Bailey's use of his personal email account, mangocube6@yahoo.co.uk. A union boss sent then energy minister Mark Bailey a draft brief to his private email account in 2015. Credit:AAP Image/ Glenn Hunt Electrical Trade Union boss Peter Simpson emailed Mr Bailey on the night of February 15, via a Gmail account the minister used while working with Keep Queensland Nuclear Free, forwarding it to his Yahoo account on the morning of February 17. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the make-up of her first cabinet on the afternoon of February 15. Washington: President Donald Trump has delayed a final decision on possible military strikes against Syria after tweeting earlier that they could happen "very soon or not so soon at all." The White House said on Thursday, US time, that Trump would consult further with allies. Donald Trump wavers on Syria missile strike. Credit:AP Meanwhile, defence secretary Jim Mattis has warned that such an attack carried the risk of spinning out of control, suggesting caution ahead of a decision on how to respond to an attack against civilians last weekend that US officials are increasingly certain involved the use of banned chemical weapons. British officials said up to 75 people were killed. The White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said in a brief statement after Trump met with Mattis and other members of his National Security Council: "No final decision has been made. We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies." Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC Some Southern Brooklynites are skeptical of the protection they can expect from an expedited plan to construct a seawall in Jamaica Bay. In late March, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Mayor DeBlasio announced that studies for the Rockaway and Jamaica Bay seawall projects will be ready by summer with construction able to start in early 2019 a year earlier than originally expected. The studies focus on putting a seawall in Jamaica Bay to better protect Southern Brooklyn and the Rockaways in far off Queens from another storm like Hurricane Sandy. However, some people in the area say the announcement doesnt make them feel any safer. Ill believe it when I see it, said Community Board 18 district manager Dottie Turano. Im very skeptical. Theyve been studying since Sandy. The announcement said that DeBlasio got the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the process in February, while Schumer secured an additional $730 million in funding in the recent federal budget. The two touted the funds as crucial to protecting Southern Brooklyn, which got clobbered by the 2012 superstorm. The plan now is for the Army Corps of Engineers to issue a report on possible storm barriers to be built in August, take public comments, and then release a final report in November. Construction can then begin on the structures in early 2019. The project will include a seawall, jetties, and groins near Rockaway and in Jamaica Bay, according to the announcement. The residents of the Rockaways and Southern Brooklyn need better protections ASAP, said Schumer. They are justifiably scared and tired of waiting. Southern Brooklynites have been waiting for a plan to protect them for years. In 2016, local pols convinced the Corps to include Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island and other southern neighborhoods in its originally Queens-focused plan to build seawalls, dunes, jetties and other protective structures. Last year, locals were livid when the Corps announced it had no funds to finish the storm barrier project for south Brooklyn. Some locals are still not satisfied even now that Schumer has secured funding. One Brighton Beach environmental activist complained the announcement talked a lot about the Rockaways part of the project, but gave no details on the portion for Brooklyn, which continues to struggle with flooding. It looks like there is nothing here for Southern Brooklyn, said Ida Sanoff, the executive director of the National Resources Protective Association. Judging by how far up the beach some of the high tides have been, there is a good chance that even a minor hurricane will cause some street flooding. The chairwoman of Community Board 15 agreed. Theres nothing in there other than Rockaway, Rockaway, Rockaway, said Theresa Scavo of the announcement. I dont know what it means for us other than its faster than anticipated. Councilman Chaim Deutsch (DSheepshead Bay), who helped convince the Corps to include southern Brooklyn in the project, was more positive. He said the studies coming in the summer will help move the process along. Its a good thing for Southern Brooklyn this is getting sped up, he said. We hope to see them in July or August, then well reach out to Congress about the funding for the seawall and everything else. Another city pol said that Mill Basin and Canarsie in particular need flood barriers on land not a seawall out in Jamaica Bay because there are too many places for water to flow into the area. Its not practical on our part. There are too many inlets and outlets for it to be effective, said Councilman Alan Maisel (DMill Basin) of the seawall idea. The mayors office said that the first step in fortifying Southern Brooklyn is a $47 million project by the city to raise the shorelines along the Coney Island creek, which is set to begin a design phase in 2019. The overall plans for the area are still being studied by the Army Corps of Engineers, a spokesman said. The USACE is studying coastal protection measures for Southern Brooklyn, which looks at a comprehensive regional solution for coastal flooding, including storm surge and sea level rise, the spokesman said. India's second-largest software services firm Infosys on Friday posted a 2.4 per cent rise in its fourth-quarter net profit to Rs 3,960 crore, while the revenue increased 5.6 per cent to Rs 18,083 crore. However, the company's net profit on a quarterly basis fell 28.1 per cent. The IT services behemoth had reported a net profit of Rs 5,129 crore in the December quarter and Rs 3,603 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Infosys Q3 FY18 net profit included positive impact of Rs 1,432 crore on account of conclusion of an Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) with the United States' Internal Revenue Service. The company said its revenues from digital offerings stood at $2.79 billion (25.5 per cent of total revenues) for FY18. The IT services firm has guided for 6-8 per cent constant currency revenue growth for FY19. Infosys new CEO and Managing Director Salil Parekh, who concluded his first complete quarter at the IT major, said, "I am pleased with our healthy revenue growth, profitability, and cash generation in Q4. Our robust performance is a reflection of the strong impact we have with our clients and the dedication of our employees. 'Navigating Your Next' is our aspiration of how we will partner with each one of our clients." "We will execute our strategy around the four pillars of scaling our agile digital business which is today $2.79 billion in revenue, energizing our client's core technology landscape via AI and automation, re-skilling our employees, and Expanding our localization in markets su ch as US, Europe, and Australia. In the press conference, Parekh said the company will complete the sale of Panaya and Skava by March 2019. Infosys said assets amounting to Rs 2,060 crore ($316 million) and liabilities amounting to Rs 324 crore ($50 million) in respect of the disposal group have been reclassified and presented as "held for sale". On reclassification, an impairment loss of Rs 118 crore ($18 million) in respect of Panaya has been recognized in the consolidated profit and loss for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018. The corresponding write down in the investment value of Panaya in the standalone financial statements of Infosys Ltd. is Rs 589 crore ($90 million), it said. The company's CFO, Ranganath D. Mavinakere, said the total dividend payout is 30 per cent higher than last year. Infosys has recommended a final dividend of Rs 20.50/- per equity share for the financial year ended March 31, 2018 and special dividend of Rs 10/- per equity share. Infosys also approved a definitive agreement to acquire Wongdoody holding Company Inc, a US-based creative and consumer insights agency for a total conside ration of up to $75 million (approximately Rs 489 crore). COO Pravin Rao had some good news for the employees: "Revenue productivity per employee was stable during the year as the benefits of automation and newer services kicked in. Employee utilization remained healthy." "During the quarter, we provided highest level of variable payouts in several years. We will be rolling out compensation increases for a large part of our workforce effective April 1st," Rao added. The Supreme Court today struck a big one for the fledgling Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) by refusing to allow the out-of-bankruptcy court deal between UltraTech Cement and Binani Industries (BIL) for its beleaguered subsidiary Binani Cement. So all parties will now have to go back to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for subsequent acts of this long drawn out drama. Earlier this week, BIL had moved the apex court with an appeal to redeem the pledge of its assets Binani Cement from its lenders. It had also deposited a sum of Rs 750 crore to show its commitment, along with a bank guarantee for the remaining amount of the total offer of Rs 7,266 crore. To remind you, last month, UltraTech's board had agreed to issue a 'comfort letter' to provide the above-mentioned amount in return for 98.43 per cent stake in Binani Cement provided the company came out of insolvency proceedings. Significantly, this offer came after the latter's Committee of Creditors (CoC) had voted in favour of the resolution plan submitted by the Dalmia Bharat-Bain Piramal Resurgence Fund consortium. The offer from the Aditya Birla Group company was certainly fatter than Dalmia Bharat's winning bid of around Rs 6,500 crore. So Binani Cement's CoC last Saturday decided to conditionally back the deal between BIL and UltraTech, subject to the Supreme Court's nod. The Kolkata bench of the National Company Law Tribunal also recently adjourned the hearing of the Binani case to April 16 in light of the hearing today. According to BloombergQuint, while putting forth its argument in the top court BIL had said that UltraTech's out-of-court offer ensured that all Binani Cement creditors would be paid in full. UltraTech meanwhile argued that there were no grounds to disqualify them from making the offer. The Competition Commission of India gave its approval to the UltraTech bid two weeks ago, which it previously claimed was the reason why it was not rated as the highest bidder for Binani Cement. "We are happy that the Supreme Court has upheld the IBC process and has not terminated the process, which was requested by the defaulting promoter and the losing bidder. At the same time, Supreme Court has said that nobody should front someone. Now it will be heard at NCLT ... as scheduled earlier to approve our resolution plan," Mahendra Singhi, group chief executive officer, Dalmia Group, told the news portal. According to him, Dalmia Bharat's resolution plan proposed to pay out nearly 99 per cent of all operational creditors in Binani Cement, excluding some related parties and certain other operational creditors. "Legally the lenders have voted for us by 99.4 per cent majority, so there was no question that lenders would not be supporting us," he added. The NCLT proceedings on Monday will hopefully take things towards closure. Let's not forget that the 270-day deadline specified for bankruptcy resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is fast approaching. Bank of Baroda had dragged Binani Cement to NCLT last July after it failed to repay a loan of over Rs 97 crore. The Ashok Leyland stock rose in afternoon trade after the firm won an order worth over Rs 100 crore from the Ministry of Defence. At 12:32 pm, the stock was trading over 3 percent higher at 149.55 on BSE. The stock opened at 145.10 level and hit an intra day high of 150 on BSE. Its market capitalisation stood at Rs 43,815 crore. It is trading above its 50-day and 200 day moving average of 143 .95 and 128.09 levels, respectively. The stock hit its 52 week high of 151.55 on March 15, 2018. On April 19, 2017, it hit its 52-week low of 81 level on BSE. It finally ended 3.14% higher at 149.45 on BSE. The Hinduja Group firm won the contract for supplying high mobility 10x10 vehicles (HMV 10x10) to the Indian Army. The vehicles will be used for carrying Smerch rockets. Amandeep Singh, head - Defence at Ashok Leyland, said, "We have won 12 of the 15 tenders we participated in last year, and this is a crucial win for us. This will pave Ashok Leyland's way for newer opportunities in providing mobility platforms for other missile carriers, missile launchers, modular bridges and other critical loads. This order is a testament of our mobility leadership in the Defence sector, and we will continue to partner our Forces in service of the nation." The committee of creditors of troubled domestic auto parts maker Amtek Auto on Thursday approved the resolution plan submitted by Liberty House, clearing the decks for the acquisition by the Sanjeev Gupta-led global industrial group GFG Alliance. Amtek Auto has been under corporate insolvency resolution process under the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016. It was among the twelve high profile debt laden companies that were pushed by banking regulator Reserve Bank of India for a clean up last year. Since July 2017, Amtek Auto's affairs, business and assets were being managed by resolution professional Dinkar Venkatasubramanian appointed by the National Company Law Tribunal. Besides Liberty House, Amtek Auto had received only one more bid from the US based hedge fund Deccan Value Investors. Initial bids from both companies were rejected by the creditors as they were below the liquidation value of Amtek Auto of Rs 4000 crore. Creditors have claims worth Rs 12,321 crore in the firm and liquidation value had been set at a third of that amount. In subsequent bids, Liberty House was declared the preferred bidder last month. While details of the resolution plan have not been made public yet, sources claim, from the perspective of Liberty House, it involves a juicy 75 percent haircut for the banks. Amtek Auto is one of the top component suppliers with a client list that includes Maruti Suzuki, the nation's biggest car maker, and Tata Motors, the top truck maker in India. The company makes steel and aluminium parts that include connecting rods, crankshafts, flywheels, engine blocks, cylinder heads and various engine housing and drive train components. Its operations are spread across forging, iron and aluminium casting, machining and sub-assemblies. A darling with the investors till a few years back, Amtek's troubles started as it had problems servicing the debt it raised to acquire a string of companies outside India in the last decade. Between 2005 and 2014, Amtek acquired as many as 22 companies across the globe including Kuepper and Nuemayer Tekfor of Germany, forging business of Asahi Tech of Japan, Sigma Castings of UK and Rege and Scholz of Germany. Slowdown in the automobile business particularly in the two-wheeler segment in India in the last 3-4 years impacted the company's cash flow while Volkswagen's diesel gate fiasco in Europe led to a significant increase in compliance costs for its European operations. The weakened balance sheet led to a massive downgrade of its stock by rating agencies eventually bringing the firm's financial troubles in public domain. After emerging as the preferred bidder last month, GFG had said it would apply its GREENMETAL vision in India and develop a full end-to-end enterprise ranging from renewable energy generation and metal-making right through to finished engineering products. No stranger to scripting a turnaround to sick assets, the acquisition gives GFG a direct entry into the automotive component industry in India, which is tipped for exponential growth over the next decade in line with the growth in the automobile industry. India is the largest market for two-wheelers, fourth largest for passenger vehicles and fifth largest for commercial vehicles in the world. "We are very excited about this opportunity to restore a great Indian business to its rightful position and add a major new asset portfolio to our international network. This business will be the cornerstone of our strategy to bring GREENMETAL to India and expand our footprint in the automotive sector worldwide," said Sanjeev Gupta, GFG Executive Chairman last month. "We look forward to working closely with the high calibre customer base Amtek Auto enjoys. We are very pleased to be able to secure the jobs of 6,000 workers and welcome them to the global GFG family." In the past, GFG has made a string of acquisitions in the UK and Australia in the steel sector, including Tata Steel's UK operations. The company believes its plans for Amtek Auto post acquisition will complement its existing automotive strategy in the UK whilst sharing many common customers. "India is one of the most promising markets in auto and we are well poised to bring our expertise and impeccable track record in this sector from the UK to India, focusing on rapid innovation and growth," said Dr Douglas Dawson, Chief Executive of Liberty Industries Group who led the bid. Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran on Friday said that the conglomerate will clear its stand on buying a stake in debt-ridden Air India by mid-May. In an interview with CNBC TV18, Chandrasekaran said: "The deadline has got extended till middle of May. We might take a call around that." The deadline for submitting initial bids is on May 14. Earlier, a Reuters report had said that the Tata Group was not very keen on bidding for the loss-making national carrier, given that the government's terms are 'too onerous'. The Tata Group already owns stakes in two airline joint-ventures - Vistara and AirAsia. The government has decided to put the debt-ridden airline on the block and plans to divest a 76 per cent stake in it. While it wants to divest a 100 per cent stake in Air India Express Ltd, it seeks to shed 50 per cent of its holdings in Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd by May 28. But certain preconditions set by the Centre have not found favour with potential buyers of the ailing national career. According to the guidelines, the winning bidder will not be allowed to merge the airline with existing businesses as long as the government holds a residual stake, besides it may also be asked to list it on the bourses. To safeguard employee interests, the government has also sought to enforce a rider, wherein the new management will not be allowed to reduce staff strength. Since the Centre made the new terms of the sell-off public, Jet Airways and IndiGo have opted out of the race. However, four international carriers, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Etihad and Singapore Airlines, may still be interested and are looking for Indian partners to pick up stake in Air India. Air India registers 11% growth According to Air India chairman and managing director, Pradeep Singh Kharola, it has registered around 11 per cent growth in revenue in 2016-17, and its fiscal and performance parameters were good. It posted revenue of Rs 22,177.68 crore last fiscal year, compared to Rs 20,610.33 crore in 2015-16. The civil aviation ministry in February had said the national carrier's overall performance has been "consistently improving" and it had more than doubled its operating profit to Rs 298.03 crore in 2016-17. It net loss had, however, increased to Rs 5,765.16 crore during the fiscal year. Air India had reported operating profit of Rs 105 crore and its net loss was at Rs 3,836.77 crore in 2015-16. The government has shown some urgency in reconstituting the Bank Board Bureau (BBB) team under the leadership of another retired bureaucrat B P Sharma this week. This was due after the end of the term of the first team under ex-CAG Vinod Rai that took office two years ago. The decision to set up a BBB for improving governance at public sector banks (PSBs) was bold. And coming from the new government with a clear majority in the lower house, it was seen by many as shifting of the power centre from the bureaucrats at the finance ministry to BBB. But surprisingly, there has been no follow up to take the BBB to the next logical step. What is missing is the formation of the Bank Investment Company (BIC), a holding company for housing the government stake at all the PSBs. So far, there is no road map. The PSBs are already neck deep in trouble with government only pouring in more capital. If one looks at the broader structural plan, the BBB was the brain child of P J Nayak (former Chairman of Axis Bank) committee that was set up four years ago to review the governance of the banks boards. The committee suggested a phase-wise process of keeping the government away from the PSBs. The ownership is a very sensitive issue. Under the first phase, senior retired bankers would advise the government in appointments of CEOs and directors on the boards. But that didn't happen in letter and spirit as many a times the government either didn't agree with the BBB's choices for CEOs or delayed announcing the candidates. But that was just one part of the bigger solution for the PSBs as envisaged in the PJ Nayak committee. The next big step, which was to set up a Bank Investment Company (BIC), is not at all in sight. BIC was supposed to take the government stake in the PSBs and also take care of appointments of PSB board members. In the final phase, the power of BIC was supposed to go back to banks (or their board and management) as it was envisaged that by that time banks would be on their feet to take those decisions. Take for example, the private bank board today decides the selection of CEOs and other senior management team members. Similarly, board members are also appointed or replaced without any interference from the government. But as things stand today, there is a long road ahead. Currently, the government is still hanging on as an owner of the PSBs. In the last four years, the government has not taken any encouraging steps to repeal some of the Acts that govern the PSBs. There is a Bank Nationalization Act of 1970. The largest bank in the country, the State Bank of India (SBI) is governed by the SBI Act. The Nayak Committee had suggested all the PSBs should be brought under the Companies Act just the way private banks are registered in India. This process would anyway take time as the government has to build consensus at the political level. In fact, when the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley first announced the formation of BBB in his budget 2015-16, he also mentioned that a road map for consolidation of PSBs would be spelt out. The plan was to transfer all the government holding in PSBs to Bank Investment Company. The government stake at BIC would be 100 per cent. Many expert says the government could have easily diluted its majority stake in operating PSBs from 51 per cent to much lower. That would have helped in raising capital from outside without any pressure on the exchequer. There was another window of reducing the government stake in the BIC itself from 100 to 51 per cent. This could have gone down further in later years. This entire process has many steps and could take many years. But, unfortunately, it's stuck at the first step. Published On Apr 13, 2018 02:45 PM By Dhruv.A for Ford Freestyle How good is Fords crossover against Tatas value-laden Nexon? Find out in this comparison Ford calls its upcoming Figo-based crossover -- which takes on the likes of the Hyundai i20 Active, Toyota Etios Cross and the Fiat Urban Cross -- a CUV (compact utility vehicle). However, the Freestyles expected price tag also puts it up against some compact SUVs as well. Thats why we are pitting it against the most value-for-money sub-4-metre SUV, the Tata Nexon. Major Differences Ford Freestyle Tata Nexon A raised and toughened hatchback: The Freestyle is based on the Figo hatchback and that clearly shows in its exterior design. It looks like a raised version of the upcoming Figo facelift. A bold crossover: The Tata Nexon is also based on an existing hatchbacks (Bolt) platform, but its a completely different product in the flesh. As far as its exterior design is concerned, its a crossover with a high ground clearance and flared wheel arches, which gives it the road presence of an SUV. Just as spacious as the Figo: Since the Freestyle is based on the Figo, do not expect a sprawling cabin. However, our test figures suggest that the legroom and kneeroom in the pre-facelift Figo are more than the Nexon. So expect the Freestyle to be equally good. Truly spacious Tata: Staying true to its reputation, the Nexon offers generous room for your head and shoulders. That said, it has less legroom than the Freestyle. Dimensions Vitals Ford Freestyle Tata Nexon Length (mm) 3954 3994 Width (mm) 1737 1811 Height (mm) 1570 1607 Wheelbase (mm) 2490 2498 Ground Clearance (mm) 190 209 Boot Space 257 litres 350 litres Visually, the Tata Nexon is the bulkier looking of the two. It is 40mm longer, 74mm wider and 37mm taller than the Freestyle. We also expect the cabin space of the Ford Freestyle to be less than the Nexons, although the wheelbase of the former is shorter only by 8mm. The Freestyles luggage bay is 93 litres smaller in volume than the Nexon. If you thought the Ford Freestyle will have the edge in ground clearance, youd be wrong. The Nexon rides 19mm higher than the Ford. Going by the numbers above, the Freestyle may appear to be no match to the Nexon. And that's because it really isn't, since the two cars belong to different segments. That said, the Freestyles relatively smaller dimensions will make it more suitable for those looking for a personal vehicle with limited parking space. Let us move to engine specifications now. Engine Petrol Ford Freestyle Tata Nexon Engine 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Power 96PS 110PS Torque 120Nm 170Nm Power to weight ratio(PS/Tonne) 93.5 88.9 Transmission 5MT 6MT Fuel Economy 19kmpl 17kmpl The petrol motors on both the Nexon and Freestyle are 3-pot units. It is the Tata that trumps the Ford in all departments here except the most important one for some: fuel economy. However, pay close attention and youll see that the Freestyle has the better power-to-weight ratio compared to the Nexon, and this should make it the more agile of the two. Also Read: Tata Nexon First Drive Review Diesel Ford Freestyle Tata Nexon Engine 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder Power 100PS 110PS Torque 215Nm 260Nm Power to weight ratio(PS/Tonne) 94.1 84.2 Transmission 5MT 6MT Fuel Economy 24.2kmpl 21.5kmpl The diesel version of both cars are powered by 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder units. It is the Nexon that leads the power and torque game here again. But once again, the Freestyles lower weight ensures that it has the better power-to-weight ratio, which could result in the Ford being quicker and more fuel efficient between the two. Related: Ford Freestyle First Drive Report Prices We expect the Ford Freestyle to cost between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 8.59 lakh. Read more about the expected prices here. The Tata Nexon, on the other hand, is priced between Rs 6.16 lakh and Rs 9.90 lakh for the top-spec XZ+ dual-tone variant in Delhi. Features Standard: The Tata Nexon is equipped with ABS, EBD and dual airbags as standard. Its base XE variant gets power windows only at the front. In comparison, the Freestyles base Ambient variant is more loaded. It gets ABS, EBD, dual airbags, rear fog lamps, high speed warning, front power windows and keyless entry as standard across range. Top variant: The top-spec Nexon XZ+ gets projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs), 16-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, cornering fog lamps and LED tail lamps on the outside. The cabin features a sliding tambour door for the storage space on the centre console, push-button start/stop, 60:40 split rear seats, auto climate control and a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eight speakers and various connectivity options such as voice command, Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in. Additional safety features include a rear defogger, rear parking sensors and a camera. The Freestyles top variant puts greater focus on safety. It is equipped with ESP (electronic stability program), hill assist, six airbags, rear parking sensors and emergency brake assist over the standard equipment. It trumps the Nexon on infotainment as well, with Apple CarPlay on offer alongside Android Auto and Fords SYNC 3 system. Convenience features include auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and auto climate control. The top-spec variant of the Freestyle rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. Bottom line If Ford manages to price the top-spec Freestyle below the Nexon, it will turn out to be a better value proposition than the Tata, especially when you consider the amount of kit on offer. Why Buy The Ford Freestyle It is more engaging to drive than the Nexon Better fuel economy in both petrol and diesel guises The Freestyles compact dimensions make it well suited for tight spots in cities Why Buy The Tata Nexon The Nexon is a bigger car with an imposing stance and more road presence You can carry more luggage in the Nexon thanks to its bigger boot. So it can be better for those who often go out on road trips At 209mm, the Nexon has the highest ground clearance among the sub-4 metre SUVs, meaning it can tackle bad roads much better Modified On Apr 13, 2018 07:11 PM By Saransh for Volkswagen Ameo Prices and the list of variants of the Ameo petrol remain unchanged. The new engine replaces the existing 1.2-litre unit In March 2018, Volkswagen launched the Polo with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, replacing the older 1.2-litre unit. Now, after a month, the German carmaker has done the same with its sub-4m sedan, the Ameo. The Ameo gets the same engine as the Polo without any change to the output. The 1.0-litre petrol engine makes 76PS of maximum power and 95Nm of peak torque, 1PS and 15Nm lesser than the outgoing 1.2-litre engine. Like the older engine, the 1.0-litre engine is also mated to a 5-speed manual transmission only. With this, the Ameo petrol becomes the least powerful car in its segment, which comprises of the Tata Tigor, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Ford Aspire and the upcoming Honda Amaze. Related: Volkswagen Planning To Launch Ameo GT TSI In India Other details like the variants, features and prices remain unchanged. The Ameo petrol is still available in five variants - Trendline (Rs 5.5 lakh), Comfortline (Rs 6.14 lakh), Comfortline Plus (Rs 6.44 lakh), Highline (Rs 7.15 lakh) and Highline Plus (Rs 7.45 lakh) (all prices ex-showroom pan-India). At present, Volkswagen dealerships still have stocks of the Ameo 1.2 petrol, but we expect the Ameo 1.0-litre to hit showrooms soon. Also Read: Volkswagen Ameo: Variants Explained Volkswagen is also organising a multi-city Ameo roadshow that will travel through 250 cities across India covering over 30,000km, starting from April 14, 2018. The roadshow will commence from Maharashtra in the West, Uttarakhand and Haryana in the North and Karnataka in the South. Since Volkswagen doesnt have as wide a network as Maruti Suzuki or Hyundai, the roadshow is aimed at creating brand awareness. Those who are interested in buying the Ameo will be able to test drive and book the car on the spot. The carmaker will also offer options to finance the car. Also Read: VW Confirms Sub-4m Crossover That Could Rival WRV, Nexon In India Read More on : Ameo on road price Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is one of the top medical entrance examinations in the country. This prestigious national-level entrance examination, AIIMS, sits behind National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The medical entrance examinations have undergone a lot of changes in the recent past, such as the merging of all the state-level medical entrance examinations with NEET. However, AIIMS stands to be individual with its own test format and set of rules. AIIMS is an online entrance examination conducted for an admission to the MBBS courses at AIIMS, New Delhi and eight other AIIMS (Patna, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar, Rishikesh, Raipur, Guntur and Nagpur). Candidates who have passed/are appearing/have appeared for the 10+2 or its equivalent with sixty percent marks can take this examination. In terms of reputation, AIIMS hospitals stand on top of the country. Lakhs of students aim for an admission to the institution though the total number of seats across the nine AIIMS is just 807. The AIIMS exam is all set to take place at various exam centres spread across the country on 26 and 27 May, 2018. With a month left for the examination, let's explore the preparation tips to crack AIIMS 2018. AIIMS Exam Pattern The AIIMS exam is conducted in 155 cities all over India. The duration of the AIIMS exam will be three hours and thirty minutes. The exam will be conducted online (CBT) in two shift. This competitive entrance exam consists of 200 objective type questions (multiple choice and reason-assertion type). One mark will be awarded for every correct answer; however, 1/3 of mark will be deducted for each wrong answer. The questions will be based on physics, chemistry, biology, general knowledge and aptitude. However, the distribution of questions is as follows. Subject Number of Questions Physics 60 Chemistry 60 Biology (Botany & Zoology) 60 General Knowledge 10 Aptitude & Logical Thinking 10 Understand The Purpose Of The Interview Basically, a police recruitment interview is held to evaluate your aptitude, personality, knowledge and decision-making skills. So, you must centre your preparations around those aspects. Have Interesting Things To Say About Yourself Although "tell me about yourself" is one of the common and firstly asked questions in every interview, the way you answer it talks about your personality. First of all, focus on your diction. After your first sentence, pause and look at the reaction of the interviewer. Then, proceed with more details. It is important to respond to their reactions instead of going on and on about yourself, so that you can read from their faces if you are making points that interest them or not. Apart from the generic introduction, talk about your interest in the field and how you built it; this will make your introduction relevant. 10 Things To Do 15 Minutes Before An Interview Expect Job Role Related Questions Some of the expected job-related questions are: Photo: Vic PD A police officer in Victoria has died after spending 30 years in a coma following an on-duty car crash. The Victoria Police Department says in a news release that Const. Ian Jordan was racing to the scene of a break-and-enter when his car collided with another police vehicle early on Sept. 22, 1987. Injuries sustained in the crash left Jordan in a coma. He remained unconscious until his death last night. The police department says the accident resulted in the creation of a "trauma team," which helps officers and staff after traumatic incidents. A funeral with full police honours is being planned. Zambia pushes on with cement growth 13 April 2018 Zambia is currently seeing one of the most rapid growth rates in investment in cement capacity on the African continent. While the country has a cement demand of around 1.8Mta and a population of 15.9m, the build-up of its 3.6Mta cement production base may not only be due to positive domestic construction forecasts. Additional drivers are likely to be found across its borders. This week has seen the announcement of yet another new 1Mta cement plant in Chilanga to be created by Weye Construction Materials Ltd, while further, smaller enterprises have reached the construction phase or are in the early stages of planning application. The regular announcements of Zambia-based cement works have been hard to escape. The biggest project that has been announced is the 1.85Mta Central African Cement plant (Ndola Lime Co) in Masiti, which could be completed as early as the 1Q20. This facility is being funded by Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) and Sinocasonst, and will be located in the Copperbelt province. In addition, the arrival of the 1.16Mta Chongwe plant by Sinoma Mpande Limestone Ltd is expected even sooner with commissioning scheduled this quarter. It is situated 49km southeast of Lusaka at Chiyyeya village. Meanwhile, Dangote Industries Zambia Ltd is Zambia's market leader with its 1.5Mta integrated plant at Ndola and is currently looking to build another 1.5Mta plant at Kafues, Chilanga, to consolidate its market leadership. Infrastructure investment The expansion of Zambia's cement industry is partly fuelled by expectations of an infrastructure boom. Zambian Finance Minister, Margaret Mwanakatwe, said the economy is predicted to grow by four per cent in 2018, aided by the mining, agriculture and construction sectors. However, the government's spending spree has seen external loans grow to US$8.7bn. But continued efforts to diversify the country's economy drives the government's reliance on building infrastructure such as the Kazungula Bridge that will connect Zambia to Botswana to enhance intra-regional trade. Zambia is also in the middle of a national irrigation project to establish three hydroelectric dams at Mwomboshi, Chisamba district, Lusitu, in the south, and at Kafulafuta in the Copperbelt. The use of public funds invested in road infrastructure has opened up the Copperbelt and fuelled industrial development in the area. Exports While there are construction projects raising cement demand in Zambia much of the investment in new cement capacity is lured by opportunities for profitable export trade. Currently, only 20 per cent of Scirocco Enterprises' product is destined for the domestic market. Popular destinations for exports include Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Furthermore, the country's is investing in the expansion of its export sector to additional destinations. Zambia Railways Ltd also signed a deal, in February, with South African freight logistics company Transnet, to buy a fleet of eight new locomotives and 600 wagons to move bulk cargo such as cement, copper, sugar and coal off the road network and on to rail for transport to South Africa. Cement pricing However, the build-up of capacity comes with a caveat for existing and would-be producers. Dangote Cement's entry to the Zambian market in 2015 has had a profound effect on the domestic price of cement. Following its launch, cement prices soon fell from ZMW90 to ZMW55 (from US$9.40 to US$5.70)/50kg bag. This trend could persist when additional capacity comes online, particularly if exports efforts are slow to bear fruit. Moreover, cement pricing issues have already surfaced with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission fining Lafarge Cement Zambia ZMW99m (US$10.4m) for alleged application of abusive loyalty discount schemes and price discrimination. Board of Commissioners' Chairperson, Kelvin Bwalya, said in December 2017: "Lafarge Plc's pricing discriminated the domestic market against the export market and further applied discriminatory pricing for the Lusaka segment of the Zambian market. The company abused its dominant position and had excessively priced its cement on the domestic market." Published under Decision to fine six Polish cement companies upheld 13 April 2018 After nine years, the decision of the Polish Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) to fine six manufacturers for alleged collusion has been supported by a court of appeal. The total fine, PLN411m (US$121.33m), has been reduced to PLN280m following the appeal, according to PNB. Amongst the fined companies are Grupo Ozarow (PLN92.5m), Cemex Polska (PLN69.4m), Gorazdze Cement (PLN51.3m), Dyckerhoff Polska (PLN31.4m), Cementownia Warta (PLN23.2m) and Cementownia Odra (PLN12m). However, some manufacturers had their fines reduced by the appeal. Dyckerhoff Polskas fine decreased by 53 per cent to PLN31.4m, while Cemex Polska had its fine fall by PLN24.6m. A few of the companies may consider a further appeal to the Supreme Court, according to reports. Published under East African Portland Cement Co to build inland container depot 13 April 2018 East African Portland Cement Co wants to establish an inland container depot in Athi River to deliver imported raw materials to its plant via the standard-gauge railway. Managing Director. Simon Peter Ole Nkeri. said the move could ease costs of finished products and make Kenya-made goods affordable in east Africa and competitive on the global stage. "We heavily rely on imported raw materials like clinker for the manufacture of cement. We are engaging the government on this issue and are optimistic an offloading and loading terminal will be built within an inland container depot in Athi River," he said. In 2016 Kenyas six cement producers imported 2Mt of clinker, which was transported by road from the Mombasa port to the Athi River-based cement factories. Published under Saudi Arabia cement sales fall 11% in 1Q18 13 April 2018 Saudi Arabia's total cement sales for 1Q18 stood at 11.8Mt, down 11 per cent YoY and one per cent QoQ. The combination of weak demand and high inventory levels forced the companies to seek other solutions such as entering other regions within the kingdom as well as exporting with low selling prices. Yanbu Cements low cash cost per tonne gives the company the ability to export at lower prices, which is likely not possible for other companies to replicate, says finance research group Al Rajhi. Cement demand in the kingdom is forecast to pick up following the first three months of 2018, but construction activity is expected to remain weak. The 2Q18 is predicted to see a slight drop in sales volume due to seasonality (Ramadan and the Eid), which will result in around 20 per cent drop on QoQ basis to reach 9.6Mt (-14 per cent YoY) based on Al Rajhi's analysis. For now, Al Rajhi remains neutral on the sector given the low demand, high inventories (35.7Mt) and price war in the sector, the company said in the report. Published under Vacationing in Mexico is a popular choice among U.S. tourists and for good reason. The country has almost 6,000 miles of coastline. That includes world-class surf spots on the Pacific coast, crystal-clear waters on the Gulf of Mexico, and gentle Caribbean coastline. And if an urban getaway is more your speed, you can visit numerous vibrant cities across the country. Unfortunately, Mexico also has its fair share of dangerous areas that travelers should avoid. Between travel bans and the current political climate, government officials in the United States advise vacationers to be cautious in Mexico. In fact, being an American tourist in the country may be more dangerous than you thought due to homicides, kidnappings, carjackings, and robberies. These are seven cities in Mexico you should avoid at all costs, including one very popular destination, according to data provided to Business Insider by The Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, a Mexico City-based advocacy group, in its most recent report about the 50 cities in the world with the highest rate of homicides. 12. Mazatlan The State Department has warned citizens about traveling to this region. | DarienP/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus 39.32 homicides per every 100,000 people Mazatlan, a resort town situated in Mexicos Sinaloa state, had a population of 488,281 people and saw 192 homicides in 2017, a rate that makes it one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. USA Today notes that the State Department has a moderate travel advisory is in place for Mexico in general, with higher alerts for Mazatlans state of Sinaloa and other regions in particular. The publication notes that drug-related crimes seem to be the biggest problem. But if you visit Mazatlan known as the largest seaport between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal you should be aware of the situation and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which helps locate individuals in case of an emergency. Next: One Mexican governor warned his citizens to avoid this dangerous border town. 11. Reynosa Many people travel through Reynosa, Mexico, to get to the U.S. | John Moore/ Getty Images 41.95 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Reynosa had a population of 701,525 people and saw 294 homicides. Business Insider reports that the breakdown of one of Mexicos most powerful cartels is driving violence in the border city, situated adjacent to McAllen, Texas. In and around Reynosa, authorities have reported clashes between the Gulf and Zetas cartels. The San Antonio Express-News reports that a Mexican governor has warned his citizens not to travel through Reynosa to get to the United States. Tamaulipas, the state where Reynosa is located, features popular beach spots, but the governor said, Its recommended to citizens who travel to those destinations to be very cautious. Next: The U.S. government doesnt want you to visit this city. 10. Tepic The U.S. government doesnt want its citizens to visit Tepic. | Javier Flores/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus 47.09 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Tepic had a population of 503,330 people and reported 237 homicides. The capital of Nayarit state in western Mexico, the city has made headlines for cartel violence. In fact, the situation has become dangerous enough that U.S. citizens have been warned against visiting Tepic. The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a warning late in 2017 about increased criminal activity in the area around San Blas and Tepic, Nayarit. The U.S. actually prohibited government employees from traveling to Tepic, and advised all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and take security precautions when considering travel to the area. Next: Look at this citys assurances with a healthy dose of skepticism. 9. Ciudad Obregon Though the city says otherwise, Ciudad Obregon can be very dangerous. | Jay Pierstorff/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus 48.96 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Ciudad Obregon had a population of 339,000 people and saw 166 homicides. The citys website claims that it has extremely low rates of street crime and violence, plus a high police presence and fast response rate. But as the Tucson Sentinel noted, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning that referred to the northern state of Sonora, where Ciudad Obregon is located, as a key region in the international drug and human trafficking trades. The department noted that the region can be extremely dangerous for travelers. And it also advised that travelers defer non-essential travel within the city of Ciudad Obregon until the situation becomes less dangerous. Next: The State Department has also warned U.S. citizens about traveling to this city. 8. Chihuahua Chihuahua ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. | Esdelval/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus 49.48 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Chihuahua had a population of 929,884 people and saw 460 homicides, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and worldwide. CBS News reported early in 2018 that five Mexican states had received the highest do not travel warning under the State Departments new advisory system. The Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the city of the same name is the capital, didnt receive the level 4 advisory, which put the Mexican states on the same level as war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia, CBS News explains. However, Chihuahua is under a level 3 warning, along with much of the rest of northern Mexico. A level 3 advisory encourages Americans to reconsider travel to the area in question. Next: Criminals may not target tourists in this dangerous city. But you should still think twice about visiting. 7. Ciudad Juarez U.S. citizens arent targeted with crimes, but this city still isnt safe. | Paul Ratje/AFP/Getty Images 56.16 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Ciudad Juarez had a population of 1,448,859 people and reported 814 homicides, landing it on the list of the most dangerous cities in Mexico (and around the world). A report from the State Departments Overseas Security Advisory Council concluded that U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for violence in this city, situated on the Rio Grande, just south of El Paso, Texas. But it still warned that U.S. citizens traveling to Ciudad Juarez and the city of Chihuahua need to guard against robbery, carjacking, theft, and burglary. While homicides decreased in the state of Chihuahua between 2011 and 2015, they began increasing again in 2016. Forbes characterizes Ciudad Juarez as a gritty industrial hub that became known as Mexicos Murder City during an outbreak of cartel violence from 2008 to 2012. Next: A few hours north of Puerto Vallarta, youll need to look out for your safety in this dangerous city. 6. Culiacan Mexicos drug lords call Culiacan home. | Alxpina/iStock/Getty Images 70.10 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Culiacan had a population of 957,613 people and reported 671 homicides. Located about an hour inland from the Pacific coast, Culiacan is the capital of the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa. (For perspective, the city is about eight hours north of the popular tourist destination, Puerto Vallarta.) But this isnt a destination that most people would want to visit. As PBS reports, If you say the words Sinaloa, and more particularly Culiacan to most Mexicans, the first things they think of are drugs and violence. The states primacy in the drug world reaches back over a hundred years. Frontline adds, What Cali and Medellin are to Colombias narcotraffickers, Sinaloa is to the drug lords of Mexico. Culiacan, specifically, has become the cradle of the biggest traffickers Mexico has ever known. Next: Just south of the border, cartels fight each other and the authorities. 5. Ciudad Victoria This city sees a lot of gang and cartel activity. | Dk_photos/iStock/Getty Images 83.32 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Ciudad Victoria had a population of 361,078 people and saw 301 homicides. As in Reynosa, another city in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, violence continues to rise in Ciudad Victoria due to violence between rival drug cartels. As Business Insider explains, Much of the bloodshed has come from shootouts between members of criminal groups as well as their clashes with police and soldiers in the streets in and around the city. In fact, in Ciudad Victoria, youll hear about violence even in prisons. Midway through 2017, a shootout inside a prison in the city killed seven and injured 13, according to The Guardian. As the publication explained, The prison has been the scene of shootings, smuggled guns, riots and escapes. Ciudad Victoria has long been dominated by the hyper-violent Zetas drug cartel. Next: The Baja peninsula isnt as safe as you thought. 4. La Paz The city of La Paz, Mexico | vic-yee68/Getty Images 84.79 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, La Paz had a population of 305,455 people and 259 homicides. La Paz may translate to peace, but thats not something you should expect to find in this city, the capital of Baja California Sur. The mountains and beaches of Baja California sound like an idyllic vacation spot. But as the San Diego Union-Tribune explains, a State Department advisory warned tourists to exercise increased caution due to crime if they visit Baja California or Baja California Sur. While there are no restrictions on travel to La Paz, its place among the most dangerous cities in Mexico would give most travelers pause. The Los Angeles Times reports that bodies of those killed in escalating violence have been found along roads leading to the airports at La Paz and Los Cabos, key entry points for foreign visitors. The publication also added that The violence has been concentrated among warring gang factions and has largely spared foreign visitors. Next: The worlds busiest border crossing has high crime rates. 3. Tijuana This city has become a popular border-crossing spot. | F8grapher/iStock/Getty Images 100.77 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Tijuana had a population of 1,882,492 people and 1,897 homicides. Tijuana is home to the worlds busiest land border crossing, with over 50 million people passing through it every single year. Some Mexicans cross the border every day, traveling to and from the U.S. for work. Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his concern that violence would also cross the border at Tijuana, but so far, that hasnt seemed to happen. NBC News reports that San Diego reported just 35 homicides in 2017, a number that pales next to Tijuanas astronomical homicide count. NBC explains, One reason is that the border region is fortified with hundreds of law enforcers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Next: Once a glamorous destination beloved by the Kennedys and other members of the jet set, this hotspot is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. 2. Acapulco This destination still attracts tourists despite the violence. | Rafal_kubiak/iStock/Getty Images 106.63 homicides per every 100,000 people In 2017, Acapulco had a population of 853,646 people and reported 910 homicides, highlighting just how far the Pacific coast city has fallen since it served as a popular destination for the jet set in the 1950s and 1960s. John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned in Acapulco in 1953. But if you follow in the Kennedys footsteps, you may want to avoid straying far from your resort. Acapulco has made headlines as one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Aas Fox News notes, the city like many other parts of Mexico has seen a surge of violence not only because of drug trafficking but also due to social triggers, institutional ones, historical ones, [and] issues of land rights. But the danger doesnt seem to affect tourism, perhaps in part because the city has launched a public safety initiative that focuses on providing assistance to visitors. Next: Are you vacationing in this major tourist hot spot? Stay aware of your surroundings. 1. Los Cabos The major tourist hotspot has a high homicide rate. | Sorincolac/iStock/Getty Images 111.33 homicides per every 100,000 people Finally, Los Cabos ranks at the very top of the list of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and around the world. In 2017, the city had a population of 328,245 people and reported a total of 365 homicides. Situated at the far tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula, Los Cabos remains a major tourist hot spot. But as The New York Times notes, a Department of State travel warning reveals that even gorgeous beach towns arent immune to the wave of violence caused by rival cartels battling over territory. Recent shootings in Los Cabos, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen indicate those conflicts have surfaced in popular beach destinations, although the statement notes that tourists have not been targets, the Times explains. Resort towns dont typically see the same level of violence and crime reported in border regions or in areas along trafficking routes, but Los Cabos may be the unfortunate exception to that rule. When it comes to weddings, the British royals go all out. Not only do these events pull major crowds and boost the economy, but they are wildly expensive. Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding stands to cost nearly as much as Prince William and Kate Middletons around $34 million. But for all of these milestone royal events, commemorative china is created. No matter the occasion, a pattern is created and the commemorative china becomes available to the public for purchase. Take a look at some of the most iconic royal china, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markles new pattern. 1. Queen Elizabeth II and The Dukes 70th-anniversary china When Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were wed in 1947, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017 was but a very distant notion. Yet, it happened. The British celebrated the couples marital achievement with an adorable portrait of the happy couple in their 90s, as well as a lovely 70th-anniversary china set. Next: Heres what they made for the longest-running monarch 2. The Queens longest-running monarch china Before Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 70th-anniversary, she began wearing the crown of the longest-living reigning monarch in the entire world on September 5, 2015. She took the throne when she was only 21 years old after her father King George VI passed. The deep-blue hue of the Queens commemorative china set was made by hand in Stoke-on-Trent. PHOTO Next: Prince Charles and Princess Dianas popular china 3. Queen Victoria and Alberts 1840 wedding china In 1840, Queen Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert at Chapel Royal at St. James Palace. Back then, cousin marriage wasnt so weird. Nevertheless, the couple went on to have nine children during their relatively short time together 21 years. Fortunately, the couples commemorative wedding china lives on. Next: The style back in the early 1900s was a little different. 4. Prince William and Kate Middletons wedding plate The awe-inspiring royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was a true sight to see. Prince William and Kate arrived at Westminster Abbey on a horsedrawn carriage, and everyone watching was entranced. Everything about the wedding was gorgeous, including their china pattern. Surrounded a border of gray and white stripes, the couples first initials are intertwined to perfection. Next: Your other favorite royal couple designed their own wedding china. 5. Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding china The wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is expected to be nothing short of amazing. Each and every detail has been so thoroughly thought through that it will take a full-on disaster to ruin their special day. Dont worry, that wont happen. All 2,640 wedding guests will enjoy Windsor Castle nuptials and hopefully snag the gorgeous commemorative china set. Next: Lets hope Prince Harry and Markles wedding is as beautiful as their china. 6. The entire Queen Victoria china set Queen Victoria was only 18 years old when she took the throne as the Queen of England in 1837. And until her great-great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II took the title in 2015, Victoria was the longest-reigning monarch regnant. As a commemoration and ode to Queen Victoria, the Royal Collection created a beautiful floral pattern and set of china for the late queen. Next: The Queens silver jubilee china was classy. 7. Queen Elizabeth IIs 60th coronation set The responsibility that comes with running a country for 60 years deserves way more than commemorative china, but it certainly is beautiful. The rich red borders surrounding the rim of the teacups and border of the plates are vibrant against the 22-carat gold finish. The royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is around the corner. From the non-traditional lemon elderflower wedding cake to their royal commemorative china, all of the details have been set. The couple has invited 2,640 guests. Some big-name celebrities like Sir Elton John, along with other lesser-known members of the general public have been invited. Harry and Markle elected to invite the movers, shakers, and do-gooders to their special day. These are the outstanding Brits who just received an invitation to the royal wedding. 1. Phillip Gillespie An Irish war veteran, Phillip Gillespie lost his right leg during a bomb attack in Afghanistan. The shock of losing a limb can be a total life derailment, but Gillespie leveraged his tragic experience into an opportunity to help others. He now spends his time working with ABF The Soldiers Charity by providing assistance and support to soldiers and their families in times of need. Next: The good service of this lady caught the royal couples eyes. 2. Pamela Anomneze As so many people already know, resources for mental health support are wildly underserviced across the world. For so many individuals, finding an outlet for understanding and help can be difficult. Studio 306 Collective in London, managed by Pamela Anomneze, has created a safe haven for individuals to recover through creativity and art. This forward-thinking collective provides the mental health resources so many people are seeking. Next: The young lad educating his peers. 3. Reuben Litherland A young lad hailing from Derby in the United Kingdom, Reuben Litherland just received his invite to Prince Harry and Markles royal wedding. Born deaf, Litherland is doing the good work of helping other children better communicate. During his lunchtime at school, he is teaching sign language to students throughout his school. Next: Everyone is of equal worth resonates with Harry and Markle. 4. Amy Wright Serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Usual Place Cafe in Dumphries, Amy Wright and her team at the cafe provide on-the-job training and assistance to youngsters with special needs. The cafes core values transcend all cultural barriers everyone is of equal worth, can contribute to their community, and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Next: Teenagers making a difference should be recognized. 5. Faith Dickinson 15-year-old Faith Dickinson of Peterborough, Ontario, is officially a royal wedding invitee. Dickinson is a recipient of The Diana Award named after the late Princess of Wales. The award is presented to individuals making strides towards changing the worldthrough kindness, compassion, and service. Dickinsons work with Cuddles for Cancer creates warm, cozy blankets for cancer patients. She has provided blankets for over 3,500 patients and has raised over $30,000 for the blanket deliveries. Next: A mother-daughter duo serving women across Scotland 6. Catherine Cooke and daughter Julie-Ann Coll Catherine Cooke and Julie-Ann Coll are a mother-daughter duo working to create change for women and parents across Scotland. Cooke is involved in a host of different womens groups, while Coll is heavily involved in the support group known as Life After Loss, which supported her after the loss of her 22-week-old son. The two will be attending the royal wedding. Next: This teen rose above this act of terror. 7. Amelia Thompson Many children and teenagers can recall their terrifying memories of the suicide bombing that took place at Ariana Grandes May 2017 Manchester concert. 22 people were killed that evening. One survivor, Amelia Thompson, has received a royal wedding invite. The 12-year-old will attend alongside her plus one, Sharon Goodman. Goodman is the grandmother of 15-year-old Olivia Campbell-Hardy, who was killed in the bombing. When marrying into the royal family, its important to be well-liked by your new in-laws. Luckily for Meghan Markle, that process seems to have been a breeze. Prince Harrys fiancee is clearly loved by the entire royal family, but the way she won over Prince Philip is particularly heartwarming. Heres what a number of the royal family members have said about Markle, including the one bold move Markle made to get on Philips good side (page 6). 1. Markle got the queens blessing Queen Elizabeth clearly approves of Markle. And its a good thing she does, because the actress couldnt marry into the royal family without it. In March 2018, the queen provided her official consent of Markles marriage to Prince Harry: My Lords, I declare My Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between My Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales and Rachel Meghan Markle, which Consent I am causing to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council. Next: She gained the approval of these furry family members. 2. Even the queens corgis love Markle Apparently, even the queens corgis have given their official approval of Markle. In Markles post-engagement interview with her fiance, Harry revealed that Elizabeths corgis love Markle. However, theyve never exactly been a fan of him. The corgis took to you straight away. For the last 33 years, Ive been barked at, and this one walks in, absolutely nothing, just wagging tails, Harry joked. Markle chimed in, Just laying on my feet during tea, it was very sweet. Next: We can see how their relationship has grown already. 3. Kate Middleton is absolutely thrilled Weve loved getting to see Markles relationship progress with the Duchess of Cambridge. Kate Middleton was overjoyed with the news of Harry and Markles engagement, telling reporters, William and I are absolutely thrilled. She added, Its such exciting news. Its a really happy time for any couple, and we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this happy moment. Middleton and Prince William raved on a previous occasion, We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together. Next: He was the first to wish the couple well. 4. Prince Charles couldnt contain his excitement Prince Charles was the first of the royals to wish his son and new fiancee a lifetime of happiness. He announced their engagement through the official Clarence House Twitter account, writing, The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle. While the initial announcement was quite formal, Charles later tweeted just how overjoyed he and his wife are. He shared that he and Camilla Parker Bowles are thrilled. He added, Were both thrilled. We hope theyll be very happy indeed. Next: Shes clearly overjoyed with Markle. 5. Camilla Parker Bowles clearly loves Markle Bowles even raved about Markle on her own accord. She gushed, Absolutely thrilled its brilliant. And, as I said, Americas loss is our gain. Were all absolutely delighted. As you can see, theyre so happy. She even noted, Sometimes, in a climate where were surrounded by a lot bad news, its a real joy to have a bit of good news for once. Next: Heres how she won over Prince Philip. 6. Markle won Prince Philip over Unsurprisingly, Markle had no problem in getting the queens husband, Prince Philip, to take to her immediately. According to Elle, she used a tactic for winning over the prince and it worked. Meghan asked a lot of questions, about Philips side of the family and his connection to Greece. Philip apparently loved that Markle took an interest in his heritage, which showed she really wanted to get to know her new family. Next: This is why he took to her immediately. 7. Prince Philip approved of Markles bold move According to Elle, a source suggested that Harry may have been in on the plan for Markle to win over Philip. The source claimed, Was she told to say that by Prince Harry? I dont know. But she got really involved in the conversation. Express explained, The Duke of Edinburgh really got on with her. He appreciated her direct questioning, so his approval came from the fact that she was very bold. Next: Harry and Markles love story seemed like fate from the beginning. 8. The moment they met seemed like fate Were sure Harrys heart skipped a beat when he saw his dream girl in real life. They met in Toronto while Harry was launching the Invictus Games in May 2017. This just so happens to be the same city in which Suits is filmed, so they were bound to cross paths eventually. Us Weekly reports, They had gotten on when they first met but it was just as friends. It didnt take long for them to develop romantic interests in each other and, before you knew it, they were texting every day. Next: This fan revealed the real truth behind the loving couple. 9. A fan confirmed how genuine they both are Fans will always tell the truth if a celebrity or royal they meet isnt as genuine as they let on. Luckily one royal fan, Camilla Vasquez, confirmed that both Harry and Markle are just as kind as they appear, and said they are wonderful together. Vasquez got the chance to meet Harry at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, after already having met Markle, and gushed about both experiences. I met [Markle] when she was filming Suits near my school, Vasquez said. Shes like him very kind and genuine. They are both caring and care [about] humanitarian issues and social issues. Harry proved that by being here today. Next: They cant stop gushing about each other, even in public. 10. Markle comments about Harry in the media Any time the media asks Markle about their relationship, she cant help but gush about her beau. In the October 2017 issue of Vanity Fair, Markle gave us a look into their relationship: Were two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was peoples perception. Nothing about me changed. Im still the same person that I am, and Ive never defined myself by my relationship. Next: We never thought wed see the day Harry would change. 11. Markle helped Harry grow up At one time, it seemed like Harry might never settle down. Since his teen years, hes jumped from one relationship to the next, clearly struggling to find the one. A source at E! News has revealed that Harry is more serious [about Meghan] than he ever has been about a woman before. Next: Harry wouldnt let these nasty comments about Markle slide. Next: They do this just like any other couple. 12. They go on low-key dates Despite constantly being in the public eye as a high-profile royal couple, Harry and Markle manage to squeeze in low-key dates around London. They went to the Soho House with a group of friends, picked out a Christmas tree together, and attended a production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Gielgud Theater. Theyve definitely proven to be a real couple who is happy and in love, and they enjoy spending every moment they can together. Next: They have this one major thing in common. 13. They bond over their love for animals What better way to form a connection than over a love for animals? According to PopSugar, a source says Harry loves that she is so into philanthropy. The source continued, One of the first things they spoke about was all the work she does with shelter animals. He loves that shes so caring. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Drew Angerer/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- Former FBI director James Comey says President Donald Trump asked him to investigate the salacious allegations from the so-called dossier to "prove that it didn't happen" and said it would be "terrible" if his wife Melania Trump would believe them to be true. In an exclusive interview ahead of the April 17 release of his book A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, Comey told ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos that he met with the president to discuss the unverified allegations that the then-reality television star engaged in a sexual encounter with prostitutes during a 2013 trip to Moscow. The interview will air during a primetime "20/20" special on Sunday. The "dossier," a 35-page document containing raw intelligence complied by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele, includes a detailed and graphic account of the alleged encounter and even raises the possibility that it could have been captured on video. Comey says that during a private, one-on-one dinner with Trump on Jan. 27, 2017, Trump brought up the dossier and said, "He may want me to investigate it to prove that it didn't happen. And then he says something that distracted me because he said, you know, 'If there's even a 1 percent chance my wife thinks that's true, that's terrible.'" "'And I remember thinking, 'How could your wife think there's a 1 percent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow?' I'm a flawed human being, but there is literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true. So, what kind of marriage to what kind of man does your wife think [that] there's only a 99 percent chance you didn't do that?' Comey said that Trump then told him, "I may order you to investigate that." Comey said he preached caution. "I said, 'Sir, that's up to you. But you'd want to be careful about that, because it might create a narrative that we're investigating you personally, and second, it's very difficult to prove something didn't happen,'" Comey said. Comey said that he first told Trump about the dossier several weeks earlier at a Jan. 6, 2017, meeting at Trump Tower in New York City, in a private, one-on-one conversation after a group of intelligence agency leaders had presented the president-elect with information about how the Russians had interfered with the 2016 election. Trump appeared less concerned by the attack, Comey said, than by how it could undermine his victory. "President-elect Trump's first question was to confirm that it had no impact on the election and then the conversation, to my surprise, moved into a PR conversation about how the Trump team would position this, and what they could say about this, with us still sitting there," Comey said. "And the reason that was so striking to me [is] that's just not done. That the intelligence community does intelligence, the White House does PR and spin." According to Comey, no one in the room that day asked what next steps should be taken to stop the Russians from executing a similar operation in the future. "It was all, 'What can we say about what they did and how it effects the election that we just had,'" Comey said. Comey said he then asked to speak with the president-elect alone to discuss the information contained in the "dossier." "I'm about to meet with a person who doesn't know me, who's just been elected president of the United States, [and] by all accounts, and from my watching him during the campaign, could be volatile," Comey said. "And I'm about to talk to him about allegations that he was involved with prostitutes in Moscow and that the Russians taped it and have leverage over him." The conversation, Comey said, was "really weird," resulting in what the then-FBI director called an "almost out-of-body experience." "I was floating above myself, looking down, saying, 'you're sitting here, briefing the incoming president of the United States about prostitutes in Moscow,'"Comey said. Comey did not reveal to the president-elect at this time that the information had come to light through opposition research financed by his opponents, "because it wasn't necessary for my goal," which was merely to alert him the FBI had obtained the information. "I started to tell him about the allegation was that he had been involved with prostitutes in a hotel in Moscow in 2013 during the visit for the Miss Universe pageant and that the Russians had filmed the episode, and he interrupted very defensively and started talking about it, you know, 'Do I look like a guy who needs hookers?'" Comey recalled. "And I assumed he was asking that rhetorically, I didn't answer that, and I just moved on and explained, 'Sir, I'm not saying that we credit this, I'm not saying we believe it. We just thought it very important that you know.'" Comey said he tried to tell Trump that he didn't know if the allegations were true, but wanted to inform the president that the FBI had the information. "I said 'I'm not saying that I believe the allegations, I'm not saying that I credit it,'" Comey said he told Trump. "I never said, 'I don't believe it,' because I couldn't say one way or another." But when asked if he believed Trump's denials, Comey remembered being mostly stunned. "I honestly never thought this words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013," he said. "It's possible, but I don't know." As of his firing, Comey said, the information remained "unverified." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A bill quickly moving through the California state legislature may threaten the religious freedom of those who object to homosexuality. Jim Daly, the president of Christian ministry Focus on the Family, wrote a blog post alerting Christians to the implications of this bill, which is known as Assembly Bill 2943. The bill amends Californias Consumer Legal Remedies Act to include sexual orientation change efforts. Daly breaks down the implications of this bill and how it could adversely affect Christians. For example, a simple monetary transaction buying a book about overcoming homosexuality, or paying a counselor for help with gender confusion would trigger AB 2943. Thus, those who believe homosexuality is a sin could face legal repercussions from monetary transactions having to do with this belief. To put it simply, writes Daley, Christian schools, churches and others who hold to a traditional understanding of marriage and sexuality would be open to lawsuits for teaching biblical truth about homosexuality or transgenderism. Daly encouraged his readers to be aware of this issue, to fight for religious freedom, and to take action by visiting California Family Council. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/ChrisBoswell Publication date: April 13, 2018 Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment To learn Biblical answers to your financial questions, you can #AskChuck @AskCrown your questions by clicking here. Questions used may be lightly edited for length or clarity. Dear Chuck, We have a son graduating high school this year and are trying to make plans for his college years. While he's done an excellent job applying for and receiving scholarships, taking AP classes, and CLEP exams, we will still have to take out student loans. My question is who should take out the loans my husband and me, or my son? Is it bad for us to make him take on the loans? Is it better parenting to just take the loans out ourselves and pay them off? Any advice would be appreciated! Confused About College Debt Dear Confused, You ask some valid questions and I'm encouraged that you are seeking answers now! Far too many parents make emotional decisions before thinking through the ramifications and then find themselves in difficult situations both financially and relationally. We are the parents of past and present college students so we know exactly what you are going through! Approximately 44 million Americans owe more than $1.48 trillion in student loan debt. That's $620 billion more than our total credit card debt. And, the average 2016 college graduate carries more than $37,000 in debt! So, the perfect answer is that neither you nor your student should borrow money for college. And remember, it is possible to graduate from college debt-free! Your report that your student is doing well, taking CLEP exams, and seeking scholarships is very smart. This lowers the overall cost of their education. Bottom Line Taking on student debt for your child does not make you a "better" or "worse" parent. So instead of using that terminology, let's consider "responsible" parenting. Ultimately, in my opinion, it comes down to this: The student loans in question are for your child and for their education. So you don't need to put yourself in a financial bind trying to cover their education expenses. If you have to take out student loans, I would recommend that the majority, if not all, of the responsibility fall to the child instead of the parent. However, I do think responsible parenting means you're involved in this decision and equip your child to know what they're getting into and assist in making plans to pay off the loans quickly. Some Tips Talk about the financial burden student loans will bring them and offer to help however you can. These financial conversations can actually be a blessing to your relationship with your teenager, and help you bond in new ways. While they're still in high school, help them make a budget and create savings goals. Walk them through a resource like the Money Map so they have a holistic picture of their financial future. Encourage them to get a summer job after they graduate high school and help them save every penny of what they earn. Maybe you can match them dollar for dollar on a savings goal for the summer. Help them apply for jobs or internships that will get them valuable experience and look great on their resume. Encourage your student to make a list of every job, sport, activity, community service opportunity, and achievement they make during their college years in preparation for resume building. Talk to them about the possibility of working throughout college. Teach them to make wise financial decisions now so they can be financially stable later on. Some Basics Since taking on student loans is a serious financial commitment, there are a few things you can do to help decrease the severity of the debt. First, help your child decide on a career path. This can be an overwhelming and confusing process for many high school students and recent graduates, but it's important, especially when talking about financing college. Crown has a Career Direct Assessment that will help your student discover their unique design and what career path suits them best. It's a comprehensive assessment that examines personality, skills, interests, and values, all through a biblical lens. I would highly recommend your student taking the assessment and meeting with a consultant. Help them make an informed decision and choose a career that is stable and achievable. You can read about 7 trending careers here. Determining a career path will also help your student calculate an estimated starting salary upon graduation. Don't ever borrow more than this anticipated annual starting salary. Fields that require extended education, such as doctors and lawyers, will have higher starting salaries but also require more education and more expensive loans. Plan your student loans around their future career path, and don't ever spend the loaned money on anything other than education. Also help them budget their student loans as a fraction of their estimated future income. It may be helpful to know which careers offer loan forgiveness or assistance. You and your child should understand the Financial Aid Terms and definitions, and review smart borrowing tips here and here. Ask lots of questions and don't sign a contract without full understanding! Study your loan options and talk about what will suit your child's needs best. Biblical Advice The Bible never says that debt is wrong. But it warns against accumulating debt (Proverbs 22:7) and co-signing (Proverbs 6:1-5), because of the financial burdens it causes us. If you decide to co-sign with your student on their loan, assume and plan like the loan is yours. In other words, you are just as responsible for the repayment as they are. Make sure the lender grants you access to the same information that your student has to verify that payments are indeed being made. Late payments strain relationships and credit can be ruined, so be prayerful and cautious when making this decision. Just over half of all college students actually graduate. Since this is a major decision for everyone involved, be sure to commit it to prayer and be cautious. In our home, by God's grace, we were able to work around the challenges and avoid borrowing for college. My hope is that you will be able to do the same. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Senator Booker, pursuant to your questioning of Secretary of State candidate Mike Pompeo, I'd like to ask you some forthright questions. I understand you might never read this article. Or, if you do read it, you might choose not to respond. At the least, though, we can put these questions on public record. When interviewing Secretary of State candidate Mike Pompeo, you asked him about his views on same-sex "marriage," which he had previously opposed. To be candid, I very much appreciate the fact that Mr. Pompeo did not back down on his conviction that marriage is reserved for members of the opposite sex. He said, "When I was a politician, I had a very clear view on whether it was appropriate for two same-sex persons to marry. I stand by that position." As you surely know, his position agrees with the historic view of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as with the current view of more than 85 percent of the countries of the world. Mr. Senator, since the Secretary of State is required to reach out to all the countries of the world, shouldn't you be glad that Mr. Pompeo's views are in harmony with the vast majority of these nations? Isn't that a positive rather than a negative, especially when he stated that, regardless of his personal views, he would treat all couples with respect? In his own words, "I believe it's the case we have married gay couples at the CIA. You should know I treated them with the exact same set of rights." But not only did you ask him about his views on same-sex "marriage." You also asked, "Do you believe gay sex is a perversion, yes or no? Yes or no, sir? Do you believe that gay sex is a perversion, because that's what you said here in one of your speeches. Yes or no, do you believe gay sex is a perversion?" May I ask you, Senator Booker, what this has to do with serving as Secretary of State? You clarified your remarks by adding, "Your views do matter. You're going to be dealing with Muslim states on Muslim issues. And I do not necessarily concur that you are putting forward the values of our nation when you believe there are people in our country who are perverse." But again, may I ask you: Did you think through these words clearly? Did you intend to say what you said? First, are you not aware that Americans remain deeply divided on homosexual practice? There has certainly been a shift towards affirming homosexuality in the last 20 years, but to this moment, we are a nation passionately divided over LGBT issues. That means that if Mr. Pompeo said, "I think gay sex is wonderful," he would not be speaking for our nation as a whole. So, in your view, what are "the values of our nation" when it comes to homosexual acts? Second, in this context, why did you bring up "Muslim states" and "Muslim issues"? Again, as you must surely know, the vast majority of Muslim states vigorously oppose homosexual practice. And they would agree that homosexual acts are perverse. In fact, their views on this subject are even stronger than those of Christian conservatives in America. What, then, was the point you were making? Were you stating that you want our Secretary of State to push gay activism on Islamic nations? To say to them, "If you want to partner with America, you'll need to change your historic, deeply held religious convictions?" Was this you point? If not, what point were you making? Third, what would you say to a traditional Jew or conservative Christian who affirms the teaching of Scripture? The Bible states plainly that homosexual sex is detestable in God's sight, even while affirming God's love for gay and straight alike. In your view, would these religious convictions disqualify someone from serving our nation? Are you proposing a religious test for the Secretary of State? Fourth, in your opinion, are any sexual acts perverse? Are any contrary to our biological design? Are any in violation of the intent of our creator? Can you answer with a yes or no? Several years ago, a colleague and I had dinner with a local gay couple. We wanted to get to know each other on a personal level in the midst of our deep differences. At one point I asked these two men, "What about two adult brothers having a romantic and sexual relationship? Would that be OK?" They were repulsed by the very thought, calling it "Icky," although they could give no specific reasons for their feelings. Do you concur with their position? Would you judge gay sex between consenting adult brothers or sisters to be perverse? If so, based on what criteria? There's actually a push in some gay circles to accept adult consensual incest. As a recent headline asks, "Why can't gay or lesbian twins have sex with or marry each other? Why is incest wrong between same-sex siblings?" If it's appropriate for you to press Mike Pompeo on his views as to what constitutes sexual perversion, it is inappropriate for me to press you on your views? What kind of sexual acts would you deem perverse? With all due respect to your office, sir, I would suggest that someone can serve our nation (and the world) admirably while believing that some sexual acts are contrary to God's plan. Surely we all draw the line somewhere, do we not? And if Mr. Pompeo draws his lines in accordance with Scripture, while also loving his neighbor as himself, should he be penalized for it? Certainly not. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment I am a Christian. And Yes, I am Privileged. Much has been made about the diversity workshop at George Washington University that will teach students and faculty to combat "Christian privilege" in our culture. Both The Christian Post and the College Fix initially ran the story that went on to precipitate hundreds of other commentaries, responses, and reactions. I figure one more can't hurt. As a Christian myself I'm acutely aware of how privileged I am. In fact, the number of fellow believers that I see reacting with animus towards this notion is disappointing. Now, don't misunderstand, I fully appreciate the frustration with multiculturalist indoctrination that takes place on too many campuses. And I can't disagree with those who say all indications are that this particular workshop was originally designed to antagonize, vilify, and defame Christians and the influence of Christianity in our culture. But the response of many Christ-followers to such acrimony seemed to miss a glaring opportunity for us to fulfill our greater purpose. Answering back by pointing to all the hostility Christians face in our culture, as if to engage in a "we're more persecuted than you are" competition, ultimately does nothing to entice or win others to our message. Perhaps we could be more discerning and shrewd about our response? I think it is more than appropriate to point out to our watching culture how this workshop misses the mark, but that doesn't mean we deny our privilege. To the contrary, we use this opportunity to tell the world how privileged we are, regardless of our skin color, our ethnicity, our gender, our socioeconomic status, our material possessions, or our country of origin. You want to know what privilege is? True privilege? It's that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The truth is you can't really know privilege unless you are a Christian. The soul of every Christian has been bought and paid for by the blood of God's own Son. We are thus privileged to join as heirs in a Kingdom that was not ours and that we have done absolutely nothing to earn. We have been gifted paradise the likes of which no mind can even conceive. Bestowed upon us are the riches of eternal glory, a home where there is no more suffering, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears. And none of it came as a result of our own merit. One day I, like every other human being on this planet, will stand accused before the God of eternity. We will be asked to give an answer to Him for the deeds that we have done in the life we have lived. As all my righteousness appears as filthy rags in light of the brilliance and glory that surrounds His throne, I will be privileged enough to lay prostrate before Him, plead no contest, and say, "Father I am unworthy to be in your presence," but while pointing at His beloved Son say, "but I'm with Him. I come only on His nail-pierced invitation." That is my privilege. It's the privilege of every believer. And it is an undiscriminating privilege available to anyone who wants to join us. Maybe rather than offering biting critiques of those who already resent us, we could have more impact for the Kingdom by conducting workshops on every college campus to humbly and lovingly offer an invitation to join our privilege? Aid agencies warn of Congo humanitarian disaster Millions of people caught up in a humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo risk rising levels of hunger, death and disease due to a lack of aid funding, a coalition of humanitarian organisations warned ahead of a conference in Geneva today. The donor conference aims to raise $1.7 billion to help more than 10 million people in desperate need across the country. To date only 12 per cent has been funded. Last year's appeal for a smaller amount was poorly funded, the agencies say, forcing many of them to cut back or discontinue providing clean water, food and safety for people forced to flee their homes due to violent conflict. Anne-Marie Connor, World Vision's DRC country director, said: 'More than 60 per cent of those in need of humanitarian assistance in the DRC are children: 7.9 million girls and boys under the age of 18 are in dire need of support to survive and to thrive. Urgent funding is needed to protect children affected by the crisis and to build long-term resilience in their communities.' A number of factors including violent conflicts and chronic poverty have left an estimated 13 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance 5.6 million more than 2017. In 2017, only 1.7 million people out of the 4.6 million in need of clean water and sanitation received help, leaving people drinking filthy water, defecating in the open and facing high risks of contracting water-borne diseases. Of the 4.1 million people who were acutely malnourished only 521,600 received treatment. Today 7.7 million people are suffering from acute hunger. The poor condition of roads means that in a country as big as Western Europe there is a huge delay and increased costs to reach areas in need. Insufficient funding for logistics and security limit the ability to deploy quickly. The UN's fleet of helicopters which are the often the only means to transport aid to some areas may be cut due to decreased funding. Jose Barahona, Oxfam's Country Director in DRC, said: 'The lack of funding forces us to make choices we shouldn't have to make. We have had to limit our work to specific areas and we can only help a fraction of the people who desperately need it. In November 2017, in the conflict-ridden Kasai provinces, we had to halve food rations to 90,000 people last month we had to restrict the rations even further with over a quarter of people receiving no food at all. Governments and international donors should learn from the past. Without sufficient aid, many Congolese people will not get the help they desperately need.' Malek Akchour, Danish Refugee Council's DRC country director, said: 'DRC has one of the highest percentages of children out of school, which is in many areas often due to insecurity. In addition to contributing to children's education and development, schools provide a protective environment that reduces the risk of exploitation and abuse. Assisting schooling efforts and promoting children's protection and development should be a key donor priority.' Bernard Balibuno, CAFOD's DRC country representative, said: 'It is critical that we act now. Governments and international donors need to urgently support the funding gap. Without aid many vulnerable people will not survive. Every day, families face the horrors of conflict and violence, they have lost everything; their homes have been looted and burnt to the ground, along with clinics and schools.' However, despite agreement among aid agencies and the international community on the scale of the disaster facing the country, the DRC's government has boycotted the donor conference accusing participants of exaggerating the problem. It is seen as reflecting badly on the government of Joseph Kabila, whose refusal to step down after the end of his presidential term precipitated an ongoing political crisis. An opposition statement linked the desperate humanitarian situation to the actions of the Kabila regime, saying: 'This humanitarian crisis is not a result of an unpredictable natural disaster; it is a man-made tragedy. It has been marked by violence, often state-sponsored, harsh political repression, and flagrant and repeated violations of our people's most basic rights.' Methodists warn against Syria air strikes The Methodist Church has warned against launching air strikes on Syria in response to the chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime on Douma in eastern Ghouta. A statement signed by the president and vice-president of the Methodist Conference, Rev Lorraine Mellor and Jill Baker, says: 'We continue to remember those killed or injured in Douma and their families in our prayers. The use of chemical weapons is deplorable, and it is essential that those responsible are identified and held accountable for their crimes. There is a role for the whole international community to play in bringing justice to this situation.' However, it continues, 'air strikes on Syria risk further destabilising the situation in the country and escalating the conflict'. The statement concludes: 'We pray that in this situation national leaders will demonstrate qualities of understanding, perception, creativity and commitment. We ask that any immediate response recognises that ultimately the conflict can only be brought to an end through negotiation with all parties.' The attack on Douma on April 7 killed at least 70 people and is believed to have involved chlorine gas and a nerve agent, possiblly sarin. Russia has disputed this, with its foreign minister Sergei Lavrov claiming it was staged with the help of a foreign secret service. Arguments have raged in Western government circles about how or whether to respond to the atrocity, itself only the latest in a series of chemical weapons attacks carried out with apparent impunity. The US, the UK and France say they are considering military retaliation, but large numbers of Russian troops and weaponry are present in Syria and there are fears that Russian casualties could escalate the situation. Sony PlayStation 5 release date delay, specs rumors: Not expected until 2020, despite reports suggesting 2018 launch According to the latest rumors, Sony is now in the planning stage for its next-generation PlayStation console. Dubbed as the PlayStation 5, the console is expected to put an end to the reign of the PS4. Still, the Japanese company has yet to confirm its plans for the PlayStation's future. For those who are hoping to see the PlayStation 5 soon, they may need to be more patient as the console's development could take up to 2020. PlayStation fans are expecting that Sony will introduce a brand new PlayStation console very soon, as almost five years have passed since the company launched the PlayStation 4. In spite of Sony remaining silent about the next-gen console, the public feels like the PS5 will see the light of day in just a matter of months. However, it is worth noting that it took seven years for Sony to release the PS4 console after the PS3 launch in 2006. Thus, the much-awaited PlayStation 5 launch will happen in 2020, contrary to earlier speculations that the console would make a surprise appearance this year, according to Kotaku. Kotaku's sources, who claim to be familiar with Sony's internal operations, said that the public should not expect the PlayStation 5 arriving as early as 2019, moreso this year. At this point, the most likely scenario would be Sony announcing the PS4 successor sometime in 2020, or possibly later than that. However, the insider sources also suggest that Sony's timetable for the next-gen PlayStation console launch varies often. The company's plans always change from time to time as Sony depends on the public's demand. If Sony thinks that releasing a new hardware soon will rake in more profit, the company could adjust the schedule and have an earlier launch. Also, the PlayStation 5 could arrive earlier than 2020 if Sony's competitor in the gaming department, Microsoft, decides to launch a next-gen Xbox console sooner. A separate report has surfaced recently that point to a surprise appearance of the PlayStation 5 this year. It was tipped that Sony's next-gen console will boast a custom AMD video card, based on the new Navi architecture. However, with lack of definite information from manufacturers, it is strongly advised to take this report with a grain of salt. Stop badging us by our religion, Chaldean patriarch tells Iraqi government The Iraqi government should end the practice of including citizens' religion on their identity cards, according to the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq, Louis Raphael Sako. In a speech at a conference on citizenship in Paris yesterday reported by Kurdistan 24, Sako said there were still deep divisions in the country even after the defeat of Islamic State or Da'esh declared in December last year. He said: 'Nine months after the end of the battle of Mosul and the defeat of Da'esh in Iraq, our country is plagued by a paradox. 'There is a great aspiration among Iraqis to no longer live out of step with modernity and finally turn the page on war and division. Most people want to move on from sectarianism because it is at odds with the notions of citizenship and human rights.' However, he said: 'Iraqi society still seems to be marked by deep divisions of tribal, ethnic, religious or cultural origin.' He urged the separation of religion from politics under a common citizenship, saying: 'Citizenship is the only solution for the future of Iraq. Citizenship must be for everyone; all must be integrated. It is under its tent that everyone will be protected, regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation. "The notion of citizenship helps put an end to discrimination and exclusion, as is the case in the democratic West. Citizenship means that there is no longer a religious or ethnic majority or even the notion of minority groups. Citizenship allows everyone to be protected because everyone is subject to the same laws.' Sako said minorities including Christians hundreds of thousands of whom had fled the country were marginalised in Iraq. 'Yet, in today's textbooks, there are no mentions of our history and our religion and all that we have given to our Muslim brothers and offered to our country,' he said. A developer has started construction on a 17-story residential building near the Rice Village shopping district, adding a new senior housing component to the tony neighborhood near near Rice University and West U. The Village of Southampton is being developed at 5020 Kelvin, between Robinhood and Quenby, adjacent to the Robinhood condominium building. The tower, which should be completed in spring 2020, will offer independent living, assisted living and memory care services, filling a gap in the neighborhood, said Jim Gray, founder and president of Bridgewood Property Co. We saw that this well-loved, long-established Houston enclave was very much underserved in quality senior living options, Gray said in an announcement. He said the location was chosen because it allows residents of the area a place to move as they age without leaving their friends, neighbors and churches. Bridgewood has developed several other senior facilities in or near high-end neighborhoods including Meyerland, Tanglewood, the Heights and River Oaks. Before it was built, the River Oaks facility was targeted by a group of nearby condominium owners who sued the developer, claiming the building would harm their property values. The lawsuit was later withdrawn. Bridgewood said it has met with homowners who live in the Robinhood to inform them of the project and discuss potential concerns. The buildings will be close, but the new towers garage will buffer the two structures, said Lynn Wallace, spokeswoman for Retirement Center Management, which will run the property. Were doing everything we can to prevent traffic problems during construction, she added. Amenities in the new building will include an indoor heated pool, fitness center, movie theater, full-service salon, secured parking for residents and guests, valet and concierge services and formal and private dining. Shuttle service also will be provided to residents. Rents have not been determined yet, but likely will be similar to the River Oaks property, where units rent from around $3,900 per month and reach $6,500 per month for the largest units. nancy.sarnoff@chron.com twitter.com/nsarnoff Oil companies fell behind in hardening their computer control systems against cyberattacks after the collapse of crude prices more than three years ago, putting security initiatives on hold while state-sponsored hacking groups became more proficient at probing U.S. energy networks, according to cybersecurity experts. Oil and gas cybersecurity teams faced funding shortfalls for projects to protect networks that run pipelines, drilling rigs and other oil field operations, as energy companies slashed thousands of jobs and cut production, security professionals said in recent interviews and conferences. Meanwhile, the worst of the downturn in early 2016 and some of the deepest cuts to jobs and spending coincided with an intensifying campaign of online attacks on energy networks by hackers backed by the Russian government, according to a recent report by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. The hackers almost certainly penetrated the networks, according to government and private cybersecurity specialists, likely with the aim of testing detection capabilities and responses and preparing for a a day when they could launch an attack aimed at shutting down operations or damaging facilities. Attacks that interrupted the flow of power or crude oil or gasoline could disrupt, if not derail the U.S. economy. During an oil bust, said Paul Brager Jr., a cybersecurity specialist at Houston oil field services firm Baker Hughes, projects, capabilities and needs that arent exactly on top of mind go to the bottom of the pile. In recent years, federal authorities and security consultants have warned of the vulnerability of the U.S. energy industry to cyberattacks, pointing to outdated software that hackers can easily crack, a vast network of internet-connected devices that provide avenues to control systems, and lack of monitoring and detection of attempted intrusions. In many cases, specialists said, companies cant tell if hackers have penetrated their networks or if they are still lurking in their systems. In mid-March, the FBI and Homeland Security blamed Russia for a hacking campaign targeting the operators of critical infrastructure in the energy, water, aviation, nuclear and manufacturing sectors. Not long after, four U.S. natural gas pipeline operators reported that cyberattacks shut down electronic data systems used in setting transaction terms with customers. The attacks, which security experts said didnt bear the markings of a nation-state incursion, did not affect pipeline operations Jim Guinn, global lead of the consultancy Accentures natural resource cybersecurity practice, said analysts affiliated with his firm have tracked a significant increase in hacking activity in all portions of U.S. critical infrastructure over the past two years, including against oil and gas companies. For the oil industry, which is concentrated in Houston, critical assets include refineries, petrochemical plants, pipelines, power plants and drilling rigs. The tactics have included using phishing emails and malware aimed at engineers and operators who have control of systems that run plants, pipelines and equipment, according federal agencies and cybersecurity researchers. Theyre going after critical access to figure out how to manipulate systems, Guinn said. So far lawmakers and regulators have done little to address the vulnerabilities in the oil and gas industry. There are no regulations governing cybersecurity in oil and gas as there are for power, nuclear and chemical sectors. Oil industry representatives and some cybersecurity professionals have argued such regulations would diminish security programs to a check list of basic measures that would not make systems more secure. The American Petroleum Institute, a trade group for the oil and gas industry, said the oil and gas industry has invested heavily in cybersecurity measures and promoted guidelines similar to ones followed by the electric utilities and financial companies. As oil prices have improved - U.S. crude settled above $67 a barrel on Thursday, more than double the $26 in February 2016 - energy companies are spending more to protect systems and asking security teams for better results, cybersecurity consultants said. Top executives are starting to take it seriously, said Stuart Bailey, an information security adviser at Houston oil explorer Noble Energy. Its not perfect, but weve seen a lot of push for people wanting secure stuff. Unlike hacks that compromise personal data such as Social Security or credit card numbers, federal agencies have typically had little to say about attacks on industrial control and networks. In most cases, the details of attacks on critical infrastructure are classified by the FBI and national security agencies, which private security experts says precludes the type of exposure and public outrage that might lead to changes needed to improve cybersecurity. But Homeland Securitys recent acknowledgment of Russias role in attacks on U.S. energy and industrial networks is a sign Washington may put more resources into tackling the lack of defenses protecting vital networks, security experts said. For way too long, the U.S. government did not want to talk about that, said Galina Antova, co-founder and chief business development officer at cybersecurity firm Claroty. The reports by the DHS and FBI were super helpful just to say, Hey, Im not crazy, this is actually whats going on. collin.eaton@chron.com twitter.com/collineationhc Escalating trade tension between the United States and China could lop off a chunk of global economic growth and curtail oil demand this year, the International Energy Agency said on Friday. If the two countries follow through with proposed tariffs on a myriad of goods including possible Chinese levies on U.S. polyethylene then exports of the fuels and chemicals that support Houston's energy-centric economy could tumble, the IEA said in its monthly oil market report. The IEA pointed to a 2016 analysis by the intergovernmental economic group Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development, which said if rising tariffs increased global trade costs by 10 percentage points, international trade would fall 6 percent and global economic growth could fall 1.4 percent. Related: Analysts say trade war could hurt U.S. petrochemical boom The global economy is set to grow 3.9 percent this year and next, and international trade volumes grew 5.2 percent last year, the highest since 2011 and twice as high as the previous two years, according to the OECD. But rising tariffs could interrupt bustling trade, the IEA said. Another 2o16 analysis by the International Monetary Fund said if the United States slapped a 20 percent tariff on East Asian goods, and Asian countries retaliated, U.S. GDP growth could slow by 1.3 percent over five years, cutting imports 4 percent and exports 6 percent. "Of course, this would have strong consequences for oil demand," the IEA said. A reduction of 1 percent in global GDP growth would slice off 690,000 barrels a day in oil demand, the Paris-based adviser to energy importing countries said. Though it's too early to forecast the potential impact of rising tariffs, the U.S.-China trade dispute "is introducing downward risk" to forecasts of global oil demand growth of 1.5 million barrels a day in 2018, it said. If tariffs slowed international trade by 5 percent, demand for bunker fuel used by cargo vessels could drop by 180,000 barrels a day, out of a 3.5 million barrel a day market. Demand for diesel used by semi-trucks delivering goods to U.S. stores would also drop, though the impact is hard to quantify, the IEA said. China's proposed 25 percent tariff on propane exported from the United States would hit U.S. natural gas liquids producers. China, which purchased 110,000 barrels a day of propane from U.S. shippers last year, would likely turn to Middle East suppliers. The IEA said Chinese tariffs on U.S. exports of polyethylene could also hit U.S. petrochemical companies. "The U.S. currently ships more than 12 percent of its low-density polyethylene production to China and the announced tariff of 25 percent would make this trade uneconomic," the IEA said in its report. "In the future, the development of ethane crackers and polyethylene plants in the U.S. could slow if they are not able to export petrochemical products to China, by far the fastest growing market." Oil headed for the biggest weekly advance since July as concern over possible disruption to supply lends weight to signs of a dwindling glut. Futures gained more than 8 percent this week in New York, buoyed by political tensions over Syria as U.S. President Donald Trump met with advisers to discuss punitive measures over an apparent chemicals weapons attack. OPEC and Russia can nearly declare "mission accomplished" as their production cuts have cleared almost all of a supply surplus, the International Energy Agency said. Oil rose this week to the highest since late 2014 as the risk of conflict in Syria, as well as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen, raises concerns over supply security in the energy-rich region. Tensions in the Middle East are aggravating an already tight oil market, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts including Jeffrey Currie said in a note. "A long-standing global oil glut is now expected to be vanquished," said Stephen Brennock, an analyst at PVM Oil Associates Ltd. in London. West Texas Intermediate for May delivery rose as much as 69 cents to $67.76 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest since December 2014, and traded for $67.13 as of 1:36 p.m. in London. Total volume traded was about 24 percent above the 100-day average. Brent for June settlement added 1 cent to $72.03 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange, set for a 7.2 percent weekly advance. The global benchmark crude traded at a $5.02 premium to June WTI. Yuan-denominated futures for September delivery gained 0.4 percent to 426.1 yuan per barrel on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange. As tensions heightened in the Middle East, Trump spoke with U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, with the U.K. cabinet agreeing it was " vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged." That signaled that May is prepared to join Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron if military strikes are launched against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. Other oil-market news: Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil-producing company, earned $33.8 billion in net income in the first six months of 2017, according to numbers seen by Bloomberg News. OPEC's crude production fell to the lowest in almost three years as Venezuela's woes continued to mount, the IEA said. The world's need for OPEC crude in 2018 will exceed the group's March production level by 600k b/d, the IEA said. The IEA still expects " a second wave of shale revolution" in the U.S., Fatih Birol, head of the IEA, said on Bloomberg TV. China's crude imports in March increased more than 21 percent from the previous month to 9.26 million barrels a day, Bloomberg calculations based on customs data show. Clay Development & Construction has locked up land for a new office development at 4435 W. 12th Street with the pending purchase of the vacant Kennametal industrial building. The Houston-based company plans to develop the Offices @ North Post Oak, a 150,000-square-foot project on 7.5 acres with frontage along both 12th and North Post Oak. The development is designed to bring seven red-brick, loft-style office buildings, offered for sale or lease, to a stretch of road where expensive townhomes are replacing aging industrial buildings. With area office vacancies hitting 20-year highs, some might say the last thing Houston needs is more office buildings. Vacancy averaged 17.8 percent or 22.2 percent factoring in sublease space in the first quarter, according to a CBRE. Clay Development & Construction president Robert Clay sees it differently. The reality is, there are almost no single-tenant small office buildings available in the city that are in a good inner-Loop location where the buildings arent $500 per square foot, Clay said, acknowledging that the project is immediately west of Loop 610, just north of Interstate 10. The project is aimed at business owners who live in nearby areas such as River Oaks, Memorial and Tanglewood who want to own their own building, Clay said. Potential occupants include oil and gas, real estate, finance and architecture firms. They cant find the right area and the right cost point to do it, Clay said. Clay Development & Construction will break ground on the first two buildings, each containing 16,100 square feet with two stories rising 32 feet tall, in the third quarter. The initial buildings will be finished in the first quarter 2019. Frost Bank provided construction financing. Clay will occupy the top floor of one building and offer the bottom floor for lease to businesses and retailers. Future buildings will follow, with the development projected to be completed in about four years. Jim Foreman at Cushman & Wakefield is marketing the buildings for sale or lease, and Chris Dray with NewQuest Properties is marketing the retail space. Tim Cisneros of Cisneros Design Studio designed the project, which draws upon Clay Development & Constructions industrial roots. The pre-war loft warehouse style buildings will incorporate red brick, open floorplans and an abundance of small windows. The price tag for a turnkey, move-in ready building will be $300 per square foot, Clay said. That amounts to about $4.8 million. In the suburbs, where land costs are lower, a comparable building would cost $200 to $225 per square foot, Clay said. A buyer could expect to pay $150 to $200 per square foot for the land alone in prime areas. The project may incorporate a portion of the 90,000-square-foot Kennametal building or it may get torn down, Clay said. The property, adjacent to the Post Oak Villas townhouse development on 12th Street, is within a mile of the planned high-speed rail terminal at Northwest Mall. Clay envisions more of the concrete warehouses along North Post Oak getting repositioned for higher uses as property values rise over the next decade. Many of them are owned by either real estate investment trusts or private investors. Recent improvements on North Post Oak include the Awty Schools campus expansion. Clay likened the areas potential to the Houston Heights, which has been transformed into a destination with some of the citys top restaurants and retailers in recent years. katherine.feser@chron.com twitter.com/kfeser At last, weve turned the corner from the dreary, winter blacks and blues to the bold, sunny colors of spring. Stores are popping with candy-colored hues, puff sleeves, 1980s retro looks, feathers, suit shorts, floral dresses and many other spring trends. Amanda Hearst brings an ethical spin on spring with her brand, Maison-De-Mode, an online retailer of high-end ethical fashion, jewelry and home accessories with a popup at the Galleria through May 15. Hearst is the great-granddaughter of late media mogul William Randolph Hearst; the Hearst Corp. is the parent company of the Houston Chronicle. Hearst founded Maison-De-Mode in 2012 with Hassan Pierre, who studied fashion at Parsons New School of Design in New York before creating his own sustainable collection. At the time, Hearst was an associate fashion editor with Marie Claire and wrote regularly about ethical fashion. She also worked at Town & Country magazine. We started doing these one-off, concept shops focused on ethical fashion because we wanted to show people that this type of apparel can actually be sexy and chic, she said. We kept doing the shops because we saw that there was a demand, and after two years of doing the pop-ups, we decided to launch the e-commerce platform and really make this project a company. Ethical or sustainable fashion is an umbrella term to include fair trade (fair prices/wages for products made in developing countries), recycled or vegan materials (not made of animal skins, hair, feather, etc.), cruelty-free manufacturing (not tested on animals) and organic textiles (made with no chemicals or pesticides). The goal is to minimize the negative impact on the environment. Eco-fashion has evolved through years from earthy, shapeless silhouettes to chic, on-trend offerings, such as Maison-De-Mode. If something isnt beautiful, people are not going to buy it, Hearst said. I think its important to educate yourself and then make decisions that are right for you. Maison-De-Modes Fanm Mon dress in yellow is one of Hearsts favorite looks. She wore it for a trunk show in Palm Beach, Fla., earlier this year. Other favorites are Sarahs Bag, a line of playful accessories made by women in Lebanon, AMUR evening dresses made with sustainable or recycled textiles and Rafa vegan shoe line with classic shapes. For spring, shes sporting the TOME baby-blue button-down dress from the Galleria pop-up store, which opened in time for Earth Day on April 22. More Information What to Wear A visit to an art gallery calls for a sophisticated spring look. Fanm Mon's linen Gloriosa dress from the Maison-de-Mode pop-up shop fits the bill, paired with Aquazzura slides, from Neiman Marcus. A blue-and-white dress by Alexis, $583, from Neiman Marcus is a summery affair. Jewelry by Tiffany & Co. Location: Martin Kline's colorful encaustic "Jewel Paintings" are on exhibit at Meredith Long & Co. gallery, 2323 San Felipe. See More Collapse This is really a time for me to remind myself of my day-to-day actions and how they affect the planet, Hearst said. joy.sewing@chron.com Rice University will transform the former Sears property in Midtown into an innovation center for technology companies as part of a broader effort to spur on the local startup community in the wake of Houstons failed bid for Amazons second headquarters. The four-story, 190,000-square-foot landmark retail center and surrounding parcels of land will be renovated into a startup incubator featuring co-working spaces, classrooms, offices, as well as as restaurants, cafes, shops and other amenities. The $100 million redevelopment, formally announced by university, city and business leaders Thursday morning, would revitalize a long-neglected stretch of Main Street by attracting new technology companies and venture-capital firms. It also would help the region further diversify from its blue-collar roots. We can no longer be in the shadow of Chicago or Silicon Valley, Mayor Sylvester Turner said, adding that Houston has lagged in attracting startups. Weve got to tap into our collective resources, our collective talents and collective brainpower to compete globally. City and business leaders have long envisioned a centralized tech hub where a creative work force can collaborate on cutting-edge technologies and tap into academic, financial and business expertise on site. The innovation would focus on such core industries as energy, health care, data and logistics. Thursdays announcement sprang from a year-long effort to make that vision a reality. The leaders convened two task forces, commissioned consulting firm Accenture to develop a strategic plan and toured several technology hubs around the world, including 1871 in Chicago, Tech Square in Atlanta and Tech City in London. However, when Amazon eliminated Houston in the first round of candidates for its HQ2 earlier this year, it exposed the citys chronic shortcomings in attracting technology companies and accelerated plans to develop an innovation district to foster startups. Houston was the largest city nationally to be taken out of the running for the e-commerce giants coveted $5 billion campus and 50,000 jobs. I think there is a growing realization that Houston needs to act and act quickly to build up the digital economy, said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. The Amazon result served as a catalyst for much more immediate action than we had previously anticipated. Rice spurs effort Rice Management, which oversees the universitys $5.8 billion endowment, last fall bought out the remaining 28 years of Sears 99-year lease at 4201 Main and acquired three adjoining acres that includes Fiesta Mart, the empty Sears Automotive Center and parking lots, in a last-minute play to accommodate Houstons bid to land Amazon. Even before Amazons request for bids, Rice had imagined turning the 9.4-acre property into an innovation hub. The university now is spearheading city-wide efforts to bolster Houstons startup economy. Our success as a university depends in large part on Houstons success, said president David Leebron. Its important to Rice that Houston gain the recognition as a place of innovation and entrepreneurship that will advance the economy, create jobs and raise the citys profile. The Rice investment arm will fund the innovation districts creation, but Leebron stressed this is not just for the school but for the entire city. The university has sought partnerships with other local higher education institutions, including the University of Houston, Houston Community College, University of St. Thomas, Texas Southern University and Lone Star College. It has yet to have conversations with Texas A&M University or the University of Texas. The overall vision, still being developed, would place the hub at the heart of a so-called innovation corridor, a roughly four-mile stretch between the Texas Medical Center and downtown that city and business leaders hope to populate with startups. Rice and its partners were drawn to Midtown due to its proximity to light-rail lines, downtown companies, other universities, museums and the Texas Medical Center. The neighborhoods Millennial population and its concentration of apartments, restaurants and nightlife is well suited to attract startups. A slew of community partners came together on the project. Station Houston, a downtown incubator with more than 300 member companies, will be in charge of operations and organizing networking events to create a community of entrepreneurs. The new, nonprofit Houston Exponential was created by city and business leaders to raise venture capital and coordinate efforts to build a stronger startup ecosystem. TMCx, a medical startup accelerator managed by the Texas Medical Center, will place a data science division in the new center. Universities will be tapped to offer coding classes and workforce training to educate students for the jobs of the 21st century. Startups want to be in a place thats cool and welcome, and where they get all the resources they need to create, said JR Reale, co-founder and CEO of Station Houston. Those are the biggest drivers to activate a community. The yet-to-be-named technology center on Main will be designed and developed by Hines in partnership with architects Gensler and James Carpenter. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by early 2020. New vision for historic site Developers and architects are working out the details for reimagining the former department store as a high-tech work space. The startup incubator will charge varying rents to students, startups and more mature companies. At the same time, developers plan to restore the iconic Sears buildings art deco facade covered with a metal slipcover in the 1960s and preserve the stores original terrazzo floors, antique machinery and 1930s-era interior murals depicting Houston history. When the Sears opened in 1939, it was one of the first department stores in Texas to feature air conditioning and escalators. Developers plan to add windows and light wells to bring more natural light into the building. James Carpenter Design Associates, a New York-based architect recognized for its distinctive use of glass and natural light in its projects, was tapped to accomplish this task. Ultimately, the innovation districts planners hope the new technology hub will propel Houston into a top city for digital startups. Houston Exponential has set out aggressive goals for the city to become a top-10 innovation ecosystem, generate $2 billion in venture capital annually and create 10,000 new technology jobs a year by 2022. Although Houston faces several challenges, such as creating a pipeline of technology workers, the innovation district will be a key first step toward achieving those goals, said Gina Luna, chairwoman of Houston Exponential and the groups interim executive director. The momentum is really starting to build, Luna said. The fact that this is under way and being developed further accelerates that momentum. Its a new era of collaboration to accomplish this goal. John Kennedy, a 19-year-old Houston entrepreneur who founded an education technology startup called Mesa Digital, attended the innovation districts announcement on Thursday. His company is a member of Station Houston and plans to take at the space at the new center. Startup incubators and accelerators are instrumental for young businesses looking for seed funding and mentors, he said. Though he plans to step away from his company after he enrolls in the University of North Carolina later this year, Kennedy said he is excited for his small business to grow inside the new innovation district and beyond. Weve gotten so much value out of Station Houston, Kennedy said. But our goal is to expand. We want to outgrow these places. After murdering two women and molesting his granddaughter, William Thad Greenwood, 60, will soon be making his final trip to prison. He was sentenced Wednesday in Liberty County to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His conviction this week for the continuous sexual assault of his granddaughter came 40 years after he pleaded guilty to the abductions, rapes and murders of two women in the Highlands-Baytown area. For those two murders in Harris County, he was sentenced to 36 years in prison. In 1991, after serving roughly a third of his sentence, he was paroled and relocated from Highlands to Hull, Texas. Liberty County Assistant District Attorney Tami Pierce, who prosecuted Greenwood for the child sex abuse case in the 75th State District Court before the Honorable Judge Mark Morefield, believes Greenwood may have other victims. According to Pierce, two other women also have made outcries of sexual abuse against Greenwood. Greenwoods previous crimes were inadmissible during the guilt-innocence phase of the child sex abuse trial, so jurors were unaware of the two murders until it was revealed during sentencing, Pierce said. At Greenwoods request, the judge, not the jury, decided his sentence. Six to eight of the jurors stayed behind for sentencing. They told me they couldnt believe they had been that close to evil, Pierce said. The granddaughter was a compelling witness, Pierce said, but Greenwood's own voice on a phone call, in which he sounded like a jilted lover, was the most damning evidence. The call was recorded by Greenwoods granddaughter not long after she had moved out of state with her boyfriend and his family. Greenwood, in an effort to force her to return home so the sexual encounters could continue, threatened to show her boyfriend sexually-graphic images he had taken of his granddaughter. He would refer to their sexual encounters as, I want to have fun. I want to play with you, Pierce said. Thats not a normal conversation a grandfather would have with his granddaughter. We were glad she decided to record him. More Information Timeline April 20, 1978 - Lucille Deborde, 14, goes missing in Highlands, Texas. May 22, 1978 - Diane Rose Hall, age 40 and the mother of five children, is abducted while walking down a street in the Highlands-Baytown area. July 10, 1978 - Bodies of both females are found at or near William Thad Greenwood's family home on the 800 block of Main Street in Highlands. 1978 - William Thad Greenwood pleads guilty to the murders and is sentenced to 36 years in prison. 1991 - Greenwood is paroled from prison after serving roughly one-third of his sentence. 2002 - Greenwood begins victimizing his 5-year-old granddaughter. Sept. 23, 2015 - Greenwood's granddaughter makes complaint of sexual abuse to law enforcement. June 17, 2017 - Greenwood is arrested and charged with sexually abusing his granddaughter. See More Collapse Greenwood is heard on the phone call saying, I love you and I know it doesnt hurt a damn thing. I know we have fun so what the hell does it hurt? and The way I feel now is if my life is ruined, Ive got nothing left to live for, so why should I care what happens to you? Convinced he would never leave her alone, the granddaughter, at age 18 and after 13 years of abuse, finally made an outcry to law enforcement. The most recent abuse occurred on the very day she moved out in June 2015, just one day shy of her 18th birthday. The earliest memory she has of him abusing her is when she was 5, said Pierce. The molestation began with over-the-clothing touching, then more intimate touching, which progressed to oral sex and then vaginal penetration, she said. He also took pornographic photos of them together. There were somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 photos. He attempted to blackmail her with those, to break up her relationship by sending her then-boyfriend the pics he had taken, Pierce said. He wouldnt leave her alone. He kept texting her and calling because he wanted her back. On Sept. 23, 2015, the granddaughter reported the abuse to the Liberty County Sheriffs Office. The delayed outcry, said Pierce, is typical for about half of all child sex abuse cases. A lot of times kids cant tell anyone until they are adults. If you are brought up in this type of environment, this behavior seems somewhat normal, she said. Beaumont defense attorney Ryan Gertz, who had the challenging task of representing Greenwood, agreed with Pierce that the recorded phone call guaranteed his conviction. The prosecution was losing that case until that phone call was played. The deputy took her statement in September and the person who was in charge of sex crimes waited five months to take her statement, Gertz said. She told them he had photos of her on a photo drive and there were other little kids in the house with him, but they waited five months? Gertz said he was disappointed with the outcome of the case but praised Judge Mark Morefield for a fair trial and the state for representing the case. Pierce praised Gertz for his efforts on behalf of his client. He did a good job of defending a monster, Pierce said. Greenwood is expected to appeal his conviction. We will file a notice of appeal but I will not be the attorney representing him in the appeal, Gertz said. Could DNA solve cold cases? Greenwoods DNA will now be entered into the FBIs CODIS database. At the time of his 1978 arrest and conviction, authorities were looking at him as a suspect in other similar crimes. In the statement of facts for the murder cases, authorities wrote, The defendant is believed to be responsible for other deaths but there is no proof at this time. The defendant should be considered very dangerous and should never be paroled. Greenwoods first known victim, Lucille Deborde, was 14 years old when she was disappeared in Highlands, Texas, on March 5, 1978. She dated his juvenile brother, who had nothing to do with her death, Pierce said. The victim was strangled and her body was hid on the Greenwood property under a stack of logs. Her body was not discovered until July 10, 1978, and by then it was severely decomposed. Diane Rose Hall, Greenwoods second known victim, disappeared on May 22, 1978, while walking in her Highlands neighborhood. Greenwood and his brother were driving around in his car looking for someone to rape. They saw Hall, a housewife with five children. They grabbed her, shoved her in the car and drove to the Greenwood property, said Pierce, reading from the statement of facts from the case. Greenwood raped Hall, then used a rope to strangle her after blindfolding her, the statement continues. He dumped Hall's body in close proximity to where Deborde was disposed. When asked if she thinks Greenwoods crimes are serial in nature, Pierce said, He is a serial rapist for sure. The bodies of the two women were found on July 10, 1978, at the Greenwood familys property on the 800 block of Main Street in Highlands, just a short distance from the San Jacinto River. Some people were walking through the woods next to the property looking for a place to put their trailer or house, and smelled something. They poked around and found Halls body, Pierce said. When law enforcement began looking around the site, they found Debordes remains. Two of Halls children provided allocution in Greenwoods trial in Liberty County, Pierce said. They were all juveniles at the time of their mothers murder. One remembers looking for her mom with some of her friends and not finding her. Long-term consequences for victims The murders, like the child sexual abuse case, have caused ripple effects for the victims and their families. It changed the course of their lives forever, Pierce said. One of the things I wanted for his granddaughter was swift justice. The jurors gave us that. They deliberated for 18 minutes. They had no doubt. Pierce is hopeful that Greenwoods granddaughter will put the painful events of her childhood in the past. I hope she is able to move on with her life and start living a normal, successful life. Its her time, she said. Liberty County DA Logan Pickett said he is relieved that Greenwood will never again have an opportunity to victimize another person in the free world. There are so many of these cases and they have serious consequences. Its good to know that a victim received whatever justice the system could give her, Pickett said. vbrashier@hcnonline.com A man and woman seen on surveillance video are wanted for robbing a Kohl's department store in west Harris County earlier this year, and authorities are willing to pay up to $5,000 for help finding them. The pair were caught inside the store in the 7100 block of Barker Cypress Road, near the intersection of FM 529, on Jan. 18, allegedly stuffing several store items underneath the seating area of a cart in an attempt to steal it, Harris County Sheriff's Office detectives said. A Humble historian unveiled a massive Humble ISD history database nearly three years in the making during a school board meeting April 10. The database was created in anticipation of the districts centennial anniversary, which will occur during the 2018-2019 school year. Robert Meaux is the student information systems coordinator for Humble ISD. He is also a prominent local historian on the Humble Museum board of directors and is the author of Humble (Images of America). Meaux developed the database, not only commemorate the occasion, but also to serve as a legacy that future generations will be able to use and add to for years to come. Humble now has a vast web archive that tells its history over the past 100-plus years, Meaux said. By visiting the new Humble ISD History website at www.humbleisd.net/history, anyone can find a comprehensive network of information about schools, major events, timelines by decade, school board members and many other historical details some of which date back long before Humble ISD even existed. Although the site is now active, it is not yet complete. Meaux intends to continue adding information with the goal of completing Phase I by June 2018. He plans on launching into phase two in July, which will include information about Humble ISD student programs as well as information about the outstanding work being achieved by students of Humble ISD. This is a great resource for our community and Im really excited to share that with you, but I have something even better, Meaux said after unveiling the history website to the school board on April 10. In honor of Humble ISDs centennial, the school district was awarded with a Texas Historical Marker that will be placed at the Charles Bender Performing Arts Center, which used to be the Charles Bender High School campus. I wanted to thank the city of Humble for helping us with this application, Meaux said. They helped us get the application done, and theyre letting us place the marker at the Charles Bender campus because that is where we were located when we became an independent school district. Humble ISD does not yet have the official marker and is still waiting to hear from the state of Texas about when they may receive the historical marker. Once a date is established, Meaux said there will be a dedication ceremony planned and he anticipates the ceremony will likely occur during the next school year. According to school board member Robert Sitton, these are just first of many centennial-related surprises expected to come. Folks, buckle your seatbelt, Sitton said. Theres a lot of things about to start happening. Its going to be a great year celebrating 100 years of Humble ISD. mfeuk@hcnonline.com The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 10 board is nearing completion on the final facts and figures for an application to obtain federal funding for the expansion of Northpark Drive in Kingwood. The TIRZ is applying for federal funds through the Houston-Galveston Area Councils Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP is a collection of transportation projects approved to receive a portion of a $1.5 billion pot federal funding. The federal dollars would help the TIRZ fund Phase II of the project, which includes the section of Northpark Drive from Russell Palmer Road to Woodland Hills Drive. The $60 million Northpark Drive expansion was identified as the top priority mobility improvement project by the 2016 Kingwood Area Mobility study, which was conducted by the TIRZ. Phase I, the western section, spans from Hwy. 59 to Russell Palmer Road and includes an expansion to six lanes and the construction of an overpass at Loop 494 over the railroad tracks. Councilmember Dave Martin said city of Houston officials want the roadway to serve as an evacuation route in the event of a rainstorm. (Mayor Sylvester Turner) wanted to make sure we build this road up to whats called the resiliency factor and that gives us the ability to make sure that in a Harvey-like event, the road will still be passable and you can move people from the back of Kingwood to 69 eventually going up north if you need to, Martin said. Because of this, De Leon said the cost of that portion of the project will need to be reanalyzed, factoring in alterations to the projects original plan. We should get new numbers by mid to next week and thats because we need to have those numbers for our application, De Leon said. TIRZ chairman, Stan Sarman, and consultant Ralph De Leon have been regularly attending the H-GACs Technical Advisory Committee meetings and Transportation Policy Council meetings. Sarman and De Leon were at an HGAC subcommittee meeting April 11, where they learned that information about the TIPs call for projects is in the process of being put up on the HGAC website. Theyre going to start receiving applications June 1 through July 31, Sarman said during the April 12 TIRZ meeting. Were in position to meet that deadline, and were working through the grading process that theyre going to be using. And so thats a good sign that thats finally moving forward. DeLeon said the Northpark project has good potential to do well on the HGAC scoring criteria for potential projects, including items like the construction of an overpass and projects that create an evacuation route and make roads accessible during weather events. With approximately $1.5 billion that may be allocated to various projects in the area, Sarman believes that number puts the Northpark Drive project in a good position as far as available potential funding. However, TIRZ hopes to be able to fund the estimated $32 million western phase of the Northpark project first. For the western section, from Hwy. 59 to Russell Palmer Road, the assumption currently is that phase would be 100 percent locally funded, according to DeLeon. A major factor thats caused the delay of the Northpark Drive project is the TIRZ boards uncertainty as to whether they would have the ability to issue, sell and repay bonds to fund Phase I of the project, Sarman explained during the April 5 Kingwood BizCom meeting. After Hurricane Harvey caused widespread damage to Kingwood-area homes, it is unclear what revenue the TIRZ will receive from local property taxes. The TIRZ board, and its subsidiary the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, is a taxing entity that splits Kingwood-area property tax revenue with the city of Houston. The board is waiting for the Harris County Appraisal District to determine its projected property tax revenue, which will be a deciding factor in the amount of money the entity can borrow. Our big holdup at the moment as far as selling bonds so we can continue on with the design of the westerly portion is waiting to see whats going to happen to the appraised value with the appraisal district, Sarman said. Were waiting to see whats going to happen with the Harris County Appraisal District and what they do as far as the new tax values. So thats an unknown factor and we need to know that so we know whether we can pay bonds off. TIRZ 10 is also attempting to extend the life of the TIRZ. Martin said that currently, part of TIRZs issue acquiring funding for Northpark is limited debt capacity and ability to borrow money. With the term that we have today we cant fit it in, but when we extend the life of the TIRZ, extending the TIRZ gives us the ability to make sure we have the debt capacity and the time necessary to borrow the money to pay back the people we borrow the money from, Martin said. Martin said an ordinance to prolong the life of the TIRZ may possibly be brought before Houston city council within the next 30 days or so. Were continuing to keep pushing on these things, particularly on Northpark Drive, Sarman said. One of our criteria is to make this an all-weather evacuation route, De Leon said. Were going to have to bring it up out of that (floodplain), which means the roads going to have to come up. A simulation of the Northpark Drive project, along with other resources related to Kingwood, can be found at http://www.houstontx.gov/council/e/kingwood.html. Melanie Feuk, mfeuk@hcnonline.com Richmond police are looking for the thief who stole cash from a juice bar earlier this month, according to a news release issued from the department. A man broke in around 4 a.m. April 7 into Trough Organic Juice Bar in the 100 block of South Third Street. He took off with an unknown amount of cash. Two men were arrested Wednesday after they were allegedly caught in possession of almost 60 pounds of methamphetamine at a Fuddruckers near Katy Mills Mall. Investigators set up a sting operation, offering to purchase 27 kilos, or almost 60 pounds, of meth from the men for $5,000 per kilo, said Jeff McShan, public information officer for Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap. Houston ISD trustees cleared the way Thursday for expediting approval of in-district charter agreements that would help HISD avoid major state sanctions. Trustees didn't, however, hear any details Thursday about those agreements, which involve HISD potentially surrendering control at 10 low-performing schools. Less than three weeks before proposals must be submitted to the Texas Education Agency, HISD administrators have not named any organizations that would take control of campuses or divulged contract language. Board members voted 7-1 to waive and establish policies that will allow them to vote immediately on in-district charter schools guided by a new law known as SB 1882. HISD administrators have proposed employing SB 1882 at the 10 struggling schools as a way to stave off a potential state takeover of the district's school board or forced campus closures due to chronically low performance. Under SB 1882, districts must hand over control of hiring, governance and operations at each campus to receive a two-year reprieve from sanctions. A nonprofit, higher education institution, charter school network or government entity must take control -- though HISD administrators have ruled out charter school networks. Agreements under SB 1882 must be submitted to the Texas Education Agency by April 30. Some community members have said the district isn't giving residents and parents enough time to review plans and voice opinions. Trustees will likely hear proposals and vote on SB 1882 agreements during a special session later this month. No meeting dates have been set. HISD administrators originally hoped to present proposals for review in early April and allow trustees to vote on them at Thursday meeting while also cautioning the timeline could get pushed back. "We're still weighing all of our options," HISD spokesman Tracy Clemons said Thursday, declining to elaborate on the reasons for the delayed timeline. Also on Thursday, trustees voted 4-3 to renew the district's contract with Teach For America, a nonprofit that recruits high-achieving college graduates who aspire to teach but didn't follow an education-related path. The contract allows HISD to hire up to 100 Teach For America recruits for the 2018-19 school year. Teach For America recruits, known as corps members, agree to teach in HISD schools for a minimum of two years. They can remain in the district after their two-year commitment, though they no longer fall under the umbrella of Teach For America. Fifty-two Teach For America corps members are currently working in HISD under their two-year agreement. The contract doesn't set a minimum number of Teach For America recruits who must be hired in HISD. Principals will be responsible for deciding whether to employ Teach For America recruits, with the additional administrative costs coming from their campus budget. With the district facing a projected $115 million deficit and an undetermined number of teachers expected to lose their jobs due to budget cuts, three trustees voted against renewing the contract. They noted it costs the district an extra $1,800 to $3,000 per year for each Teach For America recruit. The money covers the nonprofit's administrative fees. "With our budgetary constraints this year, I can't wholeheartedly vote on a contract to hire a new TFA teacher for more money than our current teachers," Trustee Elizabeth Santos said. Other trustees said they've seen Teach For America corps members and alumni contribute significantly to HISD, prompting them to continue supporting the arrangement. "Corps members are making a difference," Trustee Diana Davila said. "We need to not let these partnerships end." While "'One small step for man ..." stands as the most important quote in the history of U.S. space exploration, an interaction between one astronaut and NASA 48 years ago this week is by far the funniest. It had been roughly a day since Apollo 13 launched into orbit on April 11, 1970, from Florida on a mission to the moon. A former Texas State University student was sentenced Thursday to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty in connection with an August 2016 drunk driving crash that killed a man and his unborn child. Shana Elliott will begin her 14-year prison term Thursday. Elliott plead guilty to intoxication assault and two counts of intoxication manslaughter in March, roughly a year and a half after she drunkenly drove her vehicle into a young couple's car in San Marcos. She was sentenced to seven years for each intoxication manslaughter charge and 10 years of probation for intoxication assault. Judge Jack Robison ruled Thursday that Elliott would serve the prison sentences consecutively. RELATED: Shana Elliott sentenced to prison in fatal San Marcos crash that killed man, unborn child Kristian Guerrero, who was 19 weeks pregnant, and her husband Fabian Guerrero-Moreno were headed to their Bryan home in August 2016 when Elliott, who had been drinking on the San Marcos River, plowed into their vehicle. Guerrero-Moreno and the couple's unborn child were killed in the crash. Elliott will be eligible for parole in three in a half years for the first count of intoxication manslaughter. If she is granted parole, she will then begin to serve a second seven-year sentence for the second intoxication manslaughter charge. She was given 10 years probation for the intoxication assault charge, which she will also begin Thursday. Should Elliott serve a full 14 years in prison, she will not be on probation when she gets out. If she does not spend a full 10 years in prison, she will have to be on probation for the remainder of time. RELATED: Records: 8 charged with murder in Bexar County in March A condition of her probation includes turning herself in to the Hays County Jail every year on the anniversary of the incident, Aug. 1 and stay there through Aug. 3. Guerrero, who survived a brain bleed, took the stand after the verdict was read at the March trial and spoke directly to Elliott. "You're a murderer and a thief. You stole my life," Guerrero said. "You don't know me. You don't know what my life was like before Fabian. He finally made my world stable. I finally felt safe and you stole that from me." Kelsey Bradshaw is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| kbradshaw@express-news.net | Twitter: @kbrad5 For his return to theater after a five-year hiatus, Larry Fletcher of Pearland picked the role of Francesco Bertozzo, an Italian police inspector, in Dario Fo's "Accidental Death of an Anarchist," which plays through April 22 on the Black Box stage at Pasadena Little Theatre. "It's a political farce with a lot of physical comedy," said Fletcher, 62. "I get punched, kicked, stepped on, wrestled into a chair and chased. I am having a blast." Dano Colon of Humble stars as the "Maniac," who pretends to be a magistrate who is investigating whether a suspect at the Milan police station fell or was thrown to his death from the building's fourth-floor window. "It is a fictional story that is loosely based on a real incident from 1969," said director Alan Gardiner-Atkinson of Houston. "The playwright used a lot of crazy re-enactments to rail against corruption in the Italian government and how, from his left-wing point-of-view, the whole social system was not working." In the play's prologue, its author wrote, "There is no greater equaliser (sic) than the stupidity of men - especially when those men have power." Fletcher and Colon set the tone for the show, as Bertozzo is the first of several bumbling police officers to interview the Maniac in various disguises. Fletcher, who manages an inside sales group for a company involved with electric actuators, played Marryin' Sam in an Oklahoma high school production of the musical "Li'l Abner" before moving to Houston and continuing in roles at San Jacinto College. Mostly, he performed for United Players in Friendswood, where he served as vice president before the group closed several years ago. "We had great shows and a wonderful group of actors," said Fletcher. "One of our troupe, Katie Rose Clarke, went on to both tour and star on Broadway as Glinda in 'Wicked.' " At United Players, Fletcher portrayed Benjamin Franklin in "1776," Daddy Warbucks in "Annie" and Eli Whitney in "Anything Goes." He also originated the roles of Henry in "A Little Piece of Heaven" and Dr. Griffin in "Adam's Eve," which were original scripts by Matt Carlin, who founded the group with his wife, Laney. Fletcher is celebrating his 40th year of marriage to Linda Fletcher, the director of fine arts for Pasadena ISD. The couple has a daughter and two grandsons. Vance "Bo" Richardson of Pasadena portrays Pissani in "Accidental Death of an Anarchist." Other cast members include Anastasia Eremenko Berg, Kealoha Peterson and Katie Reed of Houston. The assistant direct is Renea Runnels of Pasadena. Pasadena Little Theatre also announced that it is accepting resumes for directors to be considered for future seasons. "We are currently working on our 65th season schedule - May 2019 through June 2020," said PLT board member Greg Brown, who will direct John Pielmeier's "Agnes of God" May 4-20. "If you would like to be considered for the 65th season or future seasons, please submit a resume to gregbrown526@hotmail.com." "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" is at Pasadena Little Theatre, 4318 Allen-Genoa Road, Pasadena, TX 77504. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 20-21; 8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, and 2:30 p.m. April 22. Admission costs $12-15. For more information: 713-941-1758; www.pasadenalittletheatre.org Don Maines is a freelance writer who can be reached at donmaines@att.net The attorney for a 13-year-old boy believed to have fatally shot a man near Channelview on April 6 said the boy opened fire because his brother's life was in danger. The boy, who was not named, gave a voluntary statement to homicide detectives Thursday, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. A Harris County grand jury will determine if charges are necessary. HCSO authorities said David Jimenez, 25, was picking up his son in Channelview in a routine child custody exchange on April 6. At some point during the exchange, Jimenez and his son's stepfather got into an altercation, detectives believe. MUGSHOTS: Police arrested more than 120 suspects on sex trade-related crimes The 13-year-old who is the younger brother of the stepfather pulled out a gun and shot Jimenez, according to police. Jimenez was shoved into a vehicle and driven to a nearby gas station at the intersection of East Freeway and Magnolia Street where he later died. The boy fled on foot into nearby woods and was not heard from until Thursday, authorities said. Houston-based defense attorney Mark Thering, who accompanied the boy to HCSO headquarters Thursday, said the 13-year-old opened fire out of necessity. "(Jimenez) showed up unexpected, and there was a confrontation," Thering said. "It was more than just a verbal confrontation. It became physical. At that point, my client did shoot the individual. But we believe it was justified." "He felt his brother's life was in danger," he said. Thering did not go into detail about the altercation or any other facts of the case, citing the pending grand jury investigation. No charges have been filed against the boy. Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan. A Spring, Texas, family is offering a $10,000 reward for more information about their son's death, which they believe is suspicious. On Monday, Lubbock police found the body of 22-year-old Noble Douglas Kimanthi Abdullah, a Texas Tech University student better known as Kimo. MOM: Drawing by 7-year-old Rosenberg girl claims teacher slapped her His body was discovered near an 11-story parking garage on campus. A police report of his death did not detail the cause of his injuries. Police believe there is no indication of foul play, although his death has not been ruled a suicide. "Knowing Kimo's character, he was not suicidal, well-liked and often went for early morning jogs," father Noble Abdullah told KCBD. "We feel people were involved in his death." An officer at the scene who viewed surveillance footage said he saw unidentified subjects running past security cameras at 2:20 a.m. and 3:40 a.m., but "observed no further suspicious activity or subjects," according to the police report. Texas Tech plans to have its campus flag lowered next Friday to honor the junior, who was studying computer science and technology. Above: See crimes that are still unsolved in the Houston area. After a lengthy debate Wednesday night, the Shenandoah City Council voted 3-2 approving the hiring of a headhunter firm to recruit a qualified candidate for the city administrator job. At the meeting on April 11, interim City Administrator Joseph Peartoverseeing his first meeting in his new interim rolerecommended the city hire Strategic Government Resources, a recruiting firm based out of the Dallas/ Forth Worth area, to assist city officials with filling the vacancy leftafter the departures of seven-month interim city administrator Kathie Reyer and her predecessor, the citys last official adminstrator, Greg Smith. Peart, who is also the city public works director, took on the role of interim city administrator after Reyer resigned at the end of March to take a job near Austin. At the council meeting Wednesday night, Peart presented the council members with the two recruiting firm options, suggesting that they hire Strategic Government Resources at $28,000, which was $2,000 more than the other firm, Peckham & McKenny. Mayor Ritch Wheeler said he was all in favor of having the recruiting firm take on the task of filling the city administrator vacancy. The difference between posting a job opening is youre getting people who are looking for a job, Wheeler said. Having a headhunter is going out and finding somebody who isnt looking for a job but its that person that you want to entice to come. And thats what it requires. Youre selling them, This is why you should leave what youre doing and work for the fabulous city of Shenandoah. You need somebody out there selling your city. The City Council has been searching for a replacement for Smith since he resigned in August. Despite public job postings on the websites of both the Texas Municipal League and Shenandoah, the council has seen very few qualified candidates. Council Member Ted Fletcher said the city wasnt having much success attracting qualified candidates and instead saw a hodge podge of job seekers ranging from carpet cleaners to applicants straight out of high school. While I dont like spending the money, at the same token, looking back at the resumes we have receivedout of the 100 or so, I think we all agree that there were probably four or five that could have been qualified candidates, Fletcher said. To think that we are going to do it on our ownIm not saying its not possible. I think in the environment overall in an open forum, its very difficult. A recruiting firm would aggressively vet candidates, pulling qualified candidates from other cities, Fletcher added. And the last thing that they want to do is make an application in an open forum that can have an open records request that can be posted for everybody in the public to view, Fletcher said. They are just not going to go through that process because they will lose their job. Council members Ron Raymaker and Charlie Bradt voted against the resolution, as both were completely opposed the idea. Before a motion to approve the hiring of SGR, Raymaker had made a motion to not hire either firm, stating that he felt the timing of the job posting had been a major hurdle in attracting the right candidates. Raymakers motion failed with only two council members voting yes on the motion. That failed motion was followed by a motion from Fletcher to approve the hiring of the firm. Bradt said he was not ready to spend thousands of dollars for another group of candidates that I think we can get ourselves. Im also against another 12 or 15 weeks of this, Bradt said. Thats why I say no. michelle.iracheta@chron.com The couple was trying to flee. Federal immigration agents had just shown up at the two farmworkers' residence in Delano, California, on March 13, thinking it belonged to a Mexican citizen they wanted to arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said at the time. And the man who had left the house had matched "the target's description," officials said. The couple drove off in an SUV, so ICE agents went after them. What came next was a fatal car crash, and a narrative from ICE with discrepancies about what happened. According to ICE officials, the agents attempted to stop the SUV. The driver at first pulled over, but then sped away once the agents exited their vehicle. As he was speeding, the driver lost control of the vehicle, veered into a dirt shoulder and rammed into a power pole, according to the Delano Police Department. The SUV flipped onto its roof, and its two occupants - 35-year-old Santos Hilario Garcia and 33-year-old Marcelina Garcia Profecto - were pronounced dead at the scene. ICE officials said Garcia wasn't the man they wanted to arrest. But he was a Mexican citizen who returned to the country three times between 2008 and 2017, then was removed from the United States again last year. When asked if that meant ICE had an active final order of removal for Garcia, officials said that was not necessarily the case. They did not elaborate. One month later, the couple's deaths have become another battleground in a war between California and the federal officials cracking down on the people who live there illegally. And although ICE officials have maintained they weren't looking to arrest the parents of six, police note discrepancies in their accounts of what happened. In March, ICE officials told police that they did not have emergency lights activated on their respective vehicles. But video surveillance obtained by Delano police shows the agents' vehicles speeding down West Cecil Avenue, traveling in the same direction as the couple's vehicle with their emergency lights on, police said in a statement Wednesday. Based on the discrepancies in the ICE agents' statements, the traffic collision report has been forwarded to the Kern County District Attorney's Office. Charges against the agents have been requested for their violation of California Vehicle Code section 31, which states, "No person shall give, either orally or in writing, information to a peace officer while in the performance of his duties under the provision of this code when such person knows that the information is false." ICE officials could not be immediately reached by The Post for comment. Spokesman Richard Rocha in a statement obtained by the Los Angeles Times on Monday said, "Per routine protocol, at the time of the incident, the facts surrounding the encounter were referred for review and that review is ongoing." "While this was an isolated and extremely unfortunate incident, ICE wants to encourage all individuals we encounter to fully cooperate with our law enforcement officers," Rocha said. Left-leaning California has become the epicenter of resistance to the Trump administration and its policies, particularly with regard to immigration. Shortly after he was elected, Donald Trump vowed to deport 2 million to 3 million undocumented immigrants right after his inauguration, saying the focus would be on those with criminal records. Yet, since Trump took office, many immigrants who were previously allowed to stay found themselves swept up by ICE, as reported by The Washington Post's Maria Sacchetti. Several California officials, from representatives to mayors across the state, have since spoken out against Trump and vowed to fight back against such immigration sweeps, in part to protect its economy, the sixth largest in the world. In February, tensions between federal and state officials came to a head after Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf tipped off residents of the city to possible ICE raids. Hundreds attended a memorial service for Garcia and Garcia Profecto last week, the L.A. Times reported. One Delano resident, Susana Ortiz, told the newspaper that she did not know the couple, but said that what happened to them "could happen to any one of us." "People are scared, because they're leaving their kids and they don't know if they're going to come back," she said. A teary-eyed Kita Thomas on Thursday stood on the steps of the 17-story Harris County civil courthouse in downtown Houston as her family announced the filing of a civil rights suit in last months shooting death of her unarmed brother by a Harris County sheriffs deputy. I was robbed. My nieces and nephews were robbed. He meant everything to me, Thomas said. I just hope that my brothers life is justified and not swept under the rug. She appealed to District Attorney Kim Ogg, to give my brother justice. Thomas father, Donald Woods, also spoke for the first time publicly about losing his son, Danny Ray Thomas, 34 who died from a single bullet fired by Harris County sheriffs deputy Cameron Brewer. He was my firstborn, Woods said. Seeing him come into this world was a great feeling. It was terrible to see the way he went out. Friends and family members held signs with Thomas initials, D.R.T standing for Do the Right Thing, which the crowd chanted. PREMIUM CONTENT: Deputy's shooting of Danny Ray Thomas reignites debate over use of force, police brutality Also standing on the courthouse steps was Benjamin Crump, the familys attorney who has represented the family of Trayvon Martin in Florida and handled high-profile cases involving the shooting deaths of other black men by police, most recently Stephon Clark in Sacramento, Ca. This lawsuit is about dealing with issues that are too well pronounced in America ... unarmed citizens killed unnecessarily by the people who are supposed to protect and serve us, Crump said of the filing made late Wednesday. Attempts to reach Brewer, who was placed on administrative leave, for comment were not returned by press time Thursday. Likewise, his attorney did not return calls and emails. Because the shooting happened in the city limits, the Houston Police Department is investigating the possible criminal aspects of the case. Once the department is finished, it will hand its evidence to Oggs office, a spokesperson for the office said. The district attorneys office also said the case will go before a grand jury. When the shooting occurred, Crump and Houston co-counsel Bob Hilliard, said Thomas was experiencing a mental crisis at the busy intersection of Imperial Valley Road and Greens Road. It was only a block away from his Greater Greenspoint home, said Kita Thomas. The incident began about 1 p.m. on March 22, when Brewer stopped his patrol car and approached Thomas. Thomas was reportedly standing in the middle of the road and hitting cars as they drove by. Family members say Thomas was never diagnosed with a mental illness. At earlier press briefings, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has said that Thomas appeared in distress that day and was foaming at the mouth. As Thomas continued standing in the road one driver got out of his car and shoved Thomas. Thats when deputy Brewer arrived and commanded Thomas to stand down. Dashcam video released by the Harris County sheriffs office a few days after the shooting, showed Thomas continuing to walk toward a backpedaling Brewer, who had his gun drawn, additional cellphone footage from the scene revealed. After 16 or 17 seconds, Brewer fired a single shot into Thomas chest. According to the familys lawsuit, Thomas was visibly unarmed, wobbling unsteadily, and had his pants around his ankles. He didnt need bullets. He needed a helping hand. But he got bullets, Crump said. We are struggling for answers to figure out why this happened. Crump, joined by attorney Hilliard, and Thomas family and friends who held signs urging the Harris County District Attorneys Office to seek justice and convict Brewer. The central question the jury will face, Crump said, is why did the deputy reach for his gun instead of a less lethal weapon? Brewer was armed with a Taser, a police baton and pepper spray but decided not to use either, according to the lawsuit. A spokesman for the Harris County Sheriff Office said Brewer was not carrying a baton and pepper spray, but was equipped with a Taser. Crump said the deputy could have employed a range of other techniques to save Thomas. Rather than attempt to assist Thomas, Brewer drew his firearm and a mere sixteen seconds later, Brewer fired his weapon, killing Thomas with a single shot, Crump said. According to court testimony, Thomas wife at the time drowned his 5-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son. She later hid the bodies under the next-door-neighbors home. Thomas was serving a three-year prison sentence at the time of his childrens death. His estranged wife is currently in jail awaiting trial. Thomas sister said the death of his two kids and losing his wife was devastating for him. Can you imagine that? He lost a big part of his world, she said. The familys civil action attempts to paint Harris County Sheriffs Office as an office that has a bias against people of color. The suit lists at least 14 other incidents by the Harris County Sheriffs Office within the last five years that the family contends illustrate the offices negligence in shootings. Sheriff Gonzalez has said his office currently is reviewing its policies and training efforts in light of Thomas death. The sheriff has asked his internal affairs investigation on the shooting be concluded by the end of this month, which could result in administrative discipline against the deputy. Crump and Hilliard called the shooting a violation of protections set forth in the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. The heartbreak has been heard by America too often recently when excessive use is use by law enforcement, Hilliard said. The video clearly shows .. that the officer was not in danger of his life for him to choose lethal force was unnecessary and a violation of this mans civil rights. Though the district attorneys office said there is not a set timeline to present evidence to a grand jury, Hilliard said a jury will decided in eight to 12 months if the sheriffs office was negligent in Thomas death. john.harden@chron.com twitter.com/jdharden A Houston man was sentenced this week to 55 years in prison for his role in a gang rape 18 years ago of a Port Arthur woman who was in town for the rodeo, prosecutors said Friday. Wilber Ulises Molina, 38, was sentenced Thursday after being convicted of aggravated sexual assault in a four-day trial in state District Judge Ramona Franklins court. He will be eligible for parole in 22 years. To the perpetrators of these horrific crimes, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and you will spend many years in prison, prosecutor Christopher Handley said in a press release. The woman was carjacked at gunpoint in February 2000, blindfolded and driven to a field, where she was raped by four men including Molina. Before leaving her in her Acura sedan, the womans attackers put the vehicle up on blocks and stole the wheel rims and tires. Molina did not testify in the trial and has refused to reveal the identities of the others involved in the attack, prosecutors said. The cold case was rekindled in 2013 by the Houston Police Department after Molina was convicted of aggravated assault in a road-rage incident and sentenced to five years in prison. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice collected his DNA and a database determined Molinas DNA was a 1 in 3.9 quadrillion match, authorities said. Defense attorney Mario Madrid said he had doubts about the veracity of the DNA results because the original sample came from the long-troubled now-shuttered Houston Police crime lab. He said he did not get to cross-examine the original analysts. Theres a strong case for an appeal because potentially tainted DNA was allowed into evidence without giving the defense the opportunity to cross-examine the analysts who produced the evidence, he said. The victim, who returned to Houston to testify against Molina, said she had found peace in spite of the brutal attack and had advice for other victims. The most important thing is the healing, she said, according to a press release. Regardless of whether they get caught or not, heal yourself and the rest will happen as it should. Above, see the Houston neighborhoods with the highest concentration of registered sex offenders... A man has been charged in a shooting last week that killed the owner of a north Houston auto mechanic's shop. Eliud Echeverria, 40, is in Harris County Jail with two criminal charges, including murder and tampering with evidence. Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, a prominent Houston pastor and spiritual adviser to President George W. Bush, pleaded not guilty to federal fraud charges and plans to testify in his own defense, his attorney said Thursday outside of a courtroom in Shreveport, La. The 64-year-old pastor was indicted in late March, accused with a Shreveport financial planner of selling millions of dollars in worthless Chinese bonds to elderly and vulnerable investors, according to court records. We believe in our hearts and in our souls that the jury is going to do the right thing at the end of this trial and acquit Kirbyjon Caldwell, defense attorney Dan Cogdell said after the appearance before federal Magistrate Judge Mark L Hornsby. Cogdell has maintained that Caldwell was dealing in good faith and will testify when the case goes to trial. He said a grand jury indicted Caldwell without hearing his side of the story. The grand jury did not hear from Kirbyjon Caldwell like the trial jury will hear, so were looking forward to our day in court when we can actually go forward and present our defense, Cogdell said. Federal prosecutors with the Securities and Exchange Commission have accused Caldwell and financial planner Gregory Alan Smith, 55, of selling 29 investors collectible Chinese bonds that are not recognized by the Chinese government as financial instruments or legitimate bonds. Both men pleaded not guilty on Thursday and were released on personal recognizance bonds. Caldwell and his supporters followed Cogdell out the federal courthouse but did not speak. Caldwell is accused of using his position as the senior pastor of the Windsor Village United Methodist Church to help lure nearly $3.5 million in investments between April 2013 and August 2014. He and Smith allegedly told investors they could see returns as high as 15 times their initial investment. None of the investors got the money theyd been promised, and most did not recover even the value of their investments, according to the indictment. A Houston native, Caldwell developed a friendship with then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush that continued into Bushs presidency. Under Caldwells leadership starting in 1982, the Windsor Village church expanded its membership from 25 to more than 16,000, making it one of the largest protestant churches in the country, according to the church website. Caldwell and his Wyoming-based company, LDT are accused of pocketing nearly $2 million in the Chinese bond scheme. Smith received $1 million and offshore third parties, at least one in Mexico received most of the rest, court records show. Caldwell sometimes used the alias Turner Hines when communicating with investors, and told one person who invested about $800,000 that the bonds were backed by gold or silver, according to the indictment. Smith is the operator and manager of Smith Financial Group in Shreveport, prosecutors say. In 2010, he was permanently barred from having any association with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority members after he was caught misappropriating investor funds, according to the indictment. The Lay Leadership of the Windsor Village Church issued a statement Thursday backing Caldwell. Pastor Caldwells thirty-five plus years of leadership with integrity, unselfish service and history-making achievements both in the Church and in the community, have earned him our trust, respect and love, according to the statement. We believe Pastor Caldwell is innocent of the charges and we stand by him with unswerving confidence. If convicted, both men could face up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud count and for the wire fraud counts, and up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering and the money laundering. They also could each face $1 million in fines. The aunt of several Houston children who died or are missing after the car driven by their adoptive mother plunged off a cliff in California last month had unsuccessfully sought custody of the children years before in Harris County family courts, records show. And the Houston attorney for the aunt was sharply critical of Texas child welfare officials for removing the children from her client's care. Authorities in California are still investigating the March 26 incident in which a car carrying a family of eight ran off a 100-foot cliff. The bodies of Sarah and Jennifer Hart, both 39, and three of the couple's adopted children were recovered soon after. California law enforcement officials are investigating whether the crash was intentional. The couple's three other adopted children are presumed dead, and authorities recovered the body last weekend of an unidentified person who may be one of the missing children. On Friday afternoon, a spokesoman with the California Highway Patrol announced that Jennifer Hart's blood alcohol content at the time of the crash was .102, which is above the states legal limit of .08. The case has garnered national attention, because one of the children, Devonte Hart, became famous in 2014 after being photographed hugging a white police officer at a Black Lives Matter protest in Portland, Oregon. Devonte's aunt, Houston resident Priscilla Celestine, had sought custody of the children -- Sierra, Devonte and Jeremiah and one other sibling, records show. A Houston-based appeals court denied her request in 2010 because she had let the boy's biological mother see the children, in violation of a judicial order barring visitation. Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services had in 2006 deemed Devonte's biological mother unfit to care for him and his siblings. Court records show the children's biological mother had a history of drug abuse and that one of the children had suffered multiple bone fractures in her care, and her parental rights had been terminated. A spokeswoman for the agency said she could not comment on the specifics of the case, and referred to a written statement DFPS previously released. "In any adoption, we try to look at absolutely everything to ensure that it is a good match that the child or children are getting a permanent and loving home. A typical adoption includes trial visits, and at least a six-month placement with the adoptive parents," DFPS Spokesman Patrick Crimmins said in the statement. "During that time, for out-of-state adoptions, the child welfare agency in that state would be monitoring the family and reporting back to us, and we in turn report it to judge overseeing the case. The judge reviews all the information on the adoptive parents and decides to approve, or deny, or ask for more information." According to the court records, the children lived with Celestine for about five months before they were placed in foster care. The Harts then adopted Devonte and two siblings in 2009. An Alexandria police report obtained Tuesday also shows a different daughter told authorities in 2008 one of her mothers bruised her with a belt. Celestine was not available for comment. Her attorney, Shonda Jones, on Friday sharply criticized CPS and Harris County family court for so quickly removing the children from her care. Celestine had moved into a larger town house that could accommodate the children, and was a stable and hardworking woman who had a steady job for 30 years, she said. "She probably didn't even have a driving ticket, she's one of those church going women," Jones said. Jones said Celestine had only left the children with their mother one time, when she was called into work and had no one else to look after them. The CPS visit occurred in a 45- minute time window while Celestine was at work, she said. Promises to not allow future visits with the children's mother fell on deaf ears, she said. "I felt it was a very harsh and punitive in the way that was handled," she said. "Honestly, it really upsets me." She also questioned why CPS had allowed the Harts to adopt additional children after allegations of child abuse. The San Antonio Express-News reported April 6 that the adopted parents received $270,000 from the state of Texas in monthly adoption subsidies to help pay the costs of raising the children. The Harts lived in Minnesota when they adopted six children who had been living in Texas foster care. Abigail, Hannah and Markis - all siblings - were adopted in 2006, from Colorado County. The Harts adopted Sierra, Jeremiah and Devonte, a group of siblings from Harris County, in 2009. The Harts did not adopt a fourth sibling removed from Celestine's care. The Harts had been accused of child abuse of their adopted wards in Minnesota, Washington and Oregon, according to news report. Sarah Hart had pleaded guilty in 2011 to domestic assault in Minnesota. In March, neighbors in Woodland, Washington, contacted child welfare workers with concerns about the children not having enough food to eat. The case is the latest to bring scrutiny to CPS's handling of adoptions of children in foster care. A Fort Bend County couple that adopted eight special needs children in one year was charged with aggravated kidnapping and child injury. One of the children died in 2011; the others lived in squalor in a single room locked with a deadbolt and with boarded-up windows, authorities alleged. Paula Sinclair, the Fort Bend woman accused in the case, was sentenced last month to 35 years in prison. The charges against her ex-husband, Larry Sinclair, is still pending. This story contains material from the Associated Press. st.john.smith@chron.com twitter.com/stjbs University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Deborah McGrew, second in command at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Health System until last week, is a finalist to become CEO of the University of New Mexico Hospitals. UNM announced Friday that McGrew is one of three finalists for the job, which has been open since the former president retired Oct. 1. The other finalists are Herb Buchanan, most recently president of the academic medical centers for Indiana University, and Kate Becker, president of the primary teaching hospital of Saint Louis University. On Tuesday, pro-government forces intensified their assault on the rebel-held suburbs of Syria's capital, activists report. This comes a day after rebels beat back an attempted government advance, killing several soldiers. LATEST FROM SYRIA: War crimes expert quits UN panel in frustration Children in the Syrian war zone have had to see more violence in the past 6 months than most people would see in a lifetime. They are children of civilians and rebel forces that are caught in the crossfire between the rebels and the pro-government forces. The images aboves give a heartbreaking face to the conflict that can sometimes feel far away. Many of the photos show children being treated for injuries from bombs and airstrikes by the Assad government that targeted civilians and rebels. Many children have been seriously injured or have died in the attacks. CHILD BRIDES: More Syrian child brides in Jordan amid poverty, uncertainty Other images from the region show living conditions in the UNESCO border refugee camps where many civilians have fled. See the graphic photos of what Syrian children have to endure growing up in the war zones or as refugees in camps. When NASA astronauts were suiting up to go to space in the 1960s, they had to make a big decision before they explored the world above us: How large of a man are you? Getting it wrong could damage the mission. MOON RACE: Why do moon landing conspiracies live on? According to a former NASA life support system expert who helped construct space diapers, otherwise known as Maximum Absorbency Garment systems, each astronaut in the Gemini and Apollo programs had to wear a condom-type sheath with a hole at the end for urination inside their suits. In an interview on the Science Channel's Moon Machines documentary series about early space travel, engineer Donald Rethke, known in space history circles as "Dr. Flush", describes how these condoms came in specific sizes to accommodate each astronaut's anatomical size. Astronauts had to estimate their size correctly. If they claimed to be bigger than they were, the sheath would be loose and liquid leakage could damage the suits and lead to bigger problems for mission astronauts. The condom initially came in only three sizes: small, medium, and large. Of course every astronaut fancied himself a large, and why not? He was riding on the top of a powerfulpotentially dangerous rocket, exploring parts of the outer world that men had not yet touched. No one wants to called "small" when they are planting an American flag on lunar soil. In the Moon Machines interview, Rethke said that the sizes were changed to large, gigantic, and humongous to better cope with the astronaut's sense of humor. LOST MOON: Apollo 13's harrowing week in space The need for space diapers arose on May 5, 1961, when Freedom 7 astronaut Alan Shepard had to ask permission to wet his space suit on the launch pad. NASA scientists didn't think the need for bladder evac would be an issue in what was to be a 15-minute excursion. The incident made for a pretty humorous scene in 1983's space epic The Right Stuff. Shepard was inside the Freedom capsule much longer than anticipated, nearly four hours, before finally being shot into near-Earth orbit. These days, the MAG systems are only needed for missions outside space vehicles, as restroom facilities are a major part of space station outposts. Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. Twitter is joining the ranks of tech companies that are switching out the pistol for a squirt gun in their emoji arsenals. In 2016, Apple announced it was replacing the realistic pistol emoji with a green toy squirt gun. At the time, Apple was alone, with every other company that offers a collection of emoji for use with its products sticking with the pistol. But soon, other companies began to follow Apple's lead, including Samsung on its Galaxy phones and the Facebook-owned WhatsApp. Twitter's the latest. Not everyone has gone with the toy version of the emoji. Emojipedia has a visual list of how different vendors display various emoji, and most still use a realistic handgun image. But Twitter's decision to change is, in its own way, as big a deal as Apple's original switch, which was viewed at the time as being highly political. Twitter is trying to crack down on harassment and abuse, which has been a long and troubling problem on its platform. As TechCrunch points out, the handgun emoji is often used in threatening messages to targeted users, and turning it into a squirt pistol is decidedly less ominous. Chronicle screenshot / Apple That said, how you see an emoji depends on the platform on which is displayed, not on the platform from which it was sent. If an iPhone user sends a squirt gun emoji in a text message to an Android phone user on a device not made by Samsung, it will appear as the realistic pistol. How can a standard emoji take different forms in different places? An emoji is actually a code that invokes an image file on the displaying device. You can see the codes at the site for Unicode, the standards body that controls the emoji universe. The change is part of some general tweaking of Twitter's emoji. See the other changes at Emojipedia. Dwight Silverman is the technology editor for the Houston Chronicle and the grillmaster for the TechBurger tech news site. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. more techburger Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. See More Collapse Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. At Dell EMC, the roots of our high-performance computing solutions begin with our community of customers, technology partners and experts in different disciplines. We listen to our community, and then work collaboratively with our customers and partners to deliver HPC solutions that solve real-world problems. This, in a few words, is what the recent Dell EMC HPC Community Meeting in Austin, TX, was all about. This worldwide technical forum fosters an exchange of ideas among researchers, computer scientists, technologists and engineers to promote the advancement of innovative HPC solutions. At these gatherings, we encourage sustained discussions among experts that lead to the design, deployment, operation and usage of highly effective HPC solutions. The Dell EMC HPC Community itself encompasses companies from a wide range of industries and universities from around the world. For example, speakers at our March 19-21 meeting included representatives of Enthought, PayPal, Aerofarms, Alces Flight, SonicWall and Sylabs. And on the academic research side, we heard from Texas Tech University, the University of Cambridge and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute. We also heard from our partners Intel, NVIDIA, Mellanox, Microsoft, R Systems, and VMWare, along with several HPC specialists from Dell EMC. When you bring organizations like these together, great things can happen. This is all about collaboration and synergy. Working together, we can accomplish things that none of us could do on our own. This same spirit of collaboration runs through the Dell EMC HPC & AI Innovation Lab in Austin. This lab encompasses a 13,000-square-foot data center that houses thousands of servers, a TOP500 cluster, and sophisticated storage and network systems. It brings together world-class infrastructure, HPC operational excellence and HPC expertise from a dedicated group of computer scientists, engineers and Ph.D. subject matter experts. The lab gives our customers access to the latest and greatest technologies for HPC, such as the Intel Scalable System Framework for HPC, InfiniBand gear from Mellanox, NVIDIA GPUs, Bright Computing software and next-generation systems from Dell EMC. Investments like these say a great deal about the Dell EMC commitment to HPC. We are working actively to help all types of organizations use HPC solutions to drive innovation and discovery. Were passionate about this mission, and were deeply committed to helping our customers succeed with HPC. Lets consider a few examples of the great work our customers are doing with HPC: The NASA Center for Climate Simulation (NCCS) uses HPC to help researchers gain a better understanding of how vulnerable or resilient our ecosystems and societies are to environmental change. 1 To empower its Smart City initiative, Fujian University of Technology in China created a high-performance cloud platform to mine and analyze real-time data on local road usage and deliver insights that enable residents to travel more efficiently through reduced traffic congestion. 2 Nakashima Propeller is using computational fluid dynamics applications running on an HPC cluster to support faster, greener shipping by creating propellers that enable ships to move through the water more efficiently.3 Increasingly, HPC is at the core of artificial intelligence (AI), machine and deep learning (ML/DL) applications that build on the base of HPC infrastructure: Researchers affiliated with the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at the University of Texas at Austin use HPC and machine learning technologies to identify brain tumors. 4 In order to stop fraudulent transactions, Mastercard uses machine learning algorithms running on HPC systems. 5 AeroFarms is researching a new way to feed our planet that are made possible with the power of HPC and AI.6 This list of examples could go on and on, spanning HPC applications in industries ranging from agriculture and mining to autonomous systems and robotic vehicles. In just about any industry, you can now find countless examples of the way in which organizations are using HPC and technologies for AI, machine learning and deep learning to improve peoples lives. Heres the bottom line: HPC is now everywhere, and we are all better off because of that. ___________________________________________________ Join the Next Dell EMC HPC Community Meeting The next Dell EMC HPC Community meeting will take place on the afternoon of June 24, 2018, in Frankfurt, Germany, with a reception following the meeting. This exclusive technical forum will feature insightful keynote presentations by HPC experts, technical sessions and discussions, and networking opportunities, including a unique opportunity for open dialogue between customers, leading HPC technology providers and Dell EMC HPC specialists. Visit www.dellhpc.org for more information, updates on the agenda as it evolves and registration. ___________________________________________________ The banking industry is experiencing tremendous change as customers opt for superior digital service delivery and better value from traditional products and services. This shift has resulted in a notable decrease in bricks and mortar service delivery. In 2017, European Union banks closed 9,100 branches and cut around 50,000 staff, according to data published by The European Banking Federation. In the United States, over 10,000 banks have closed branches since the financial crisis in 2008, and in 2017 alone, S&P Global Market Intelligence reported that 869 brick-and-mortar entities shut their doors. In parallel, there has been a rise in technology-led innovation and digital new entrants in the banking market. Accenture analysis found that global investment in the financial technology (fintech) industry reached an all-time high in 2017, growing 18 percent to $27.4 billion, and the value of U.S. deals jumped 31 percent to $11.3 billion. This level of investment has resulted in the creation of a new distinct fintech sector which is durable and growing rapidly. Is there scope for Incumbents to collaborate with Fintechs? Before the financial crisis, banks were more progressive when it came to adopting new technologies. After the housing bubble burst, banks were consumed with complying with new rules and regulations. Innovation became a very distant priority and came to a standstill for many banks. At the same time, technology companies like Apple were developing revolutionary products such as the first smartphone, which debuted in 2007, and innovative business models such as Uber soon followed. This put pressure on traditional banks because many customers started to expect every transaction to be as easy as it is on many mobile apps such as Amazon. In recent years, banks realized the value of partnering with fintech firms to leverage innovation and in particular deliver an enhanced customer experience. In fact, an IDC study commissioned by SAP found that 60 percent of global banks are open to partnering with fintech startups. The collaboration between fintech and finserv companies are opening the door to new processes powered by artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing, blockchain and IoT, and a range of benefits can be achieved. As an example, two years ago ATB Financial, a regional Canadian bank, worked with fintech startup Ripple and SAP, and ReiseBank AG in Germany to send the first real international blockchain payment from Canada to Germany. In 20 seconds, a transaction that would usually take six business days to process was completed. How can banks and fintechs work together? As with any relationship, fintech and incumbent banks must consider their respective strengths and weaknesses as they form partnerships. While banks have a large customer base and expansive repositories of customer data, fintechs are highly agile and adept at using new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. Fintechs can enhance banks customer experience capabilities and help automate mundane tasks. For example, by integrating data processing between control departments such as finance and risk & compliance, banks can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on higher value projects. In the case of fintechs and incumbent banks, the theory that opposites attract is valid. By embracing the strengths of a third party, a successful partnership can translate into higher customer loyalty and revenue as well as greater efficiency for an incumbent bank. High potential opportunities for collaboration One area that has high potential is the field of artificial intelligence, which is being used in a myriad of ways. In the case of behavioral analytics, fintechs such as Quantiply are leveraging AI to derive new insights and patterns to prevent money laundering. Quantiply is a member of the SAP Startup Focus program and has developed a solution which can assist in reducing the risk of money laundering through banks. It relies on cognitive agents that are continuously learning from human feedback to identify, respond and report money laundering and other suspicious activities/events to both banks and regulators. Another area with high potential is the field of predictive analytics. Banks are increasingly leveraging these fintech solutions to enhance the experience for their retail and commercial customers. Two common examples are: Predicting future needs using customer data: Banks are leveraging fintech solutions to provide customer profiling capabilities that can anticipate customer needs and propose new products/services proactively to customers. Banks are leveraging fintech solutions to provide customer profiling capabilities that can anticipate customer needs and propose new products/services proactively to customers. Cross-selling opportunities for financial institutions: Technology that tracks customer buying patterns and investment behaviors allows banks to identify new cross-sell opportunities. The road ahead While banks and fintech partnerships start from very different positions, the future is bright for collaboration. The development of the fintech sector has been transformative for the financial services industry. Consumers and corporations alike have benefited from the innovation and creativity that fintechs have delivered. To stay competitive, banks can collaborate with fintechs to embed their technology solutions and skills, and accelerate their digital transformation. There is a growing body of evidence that incumbent banks that embrace these partnerships successfully will deliver superior results for customers and stakeholders alike. As Senior Vice President of the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), I have been engaged on U.S.-China economic issues for many years. SIIA, like other associations, supported Chinas entrance into the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a way to bring them into the international trading system. The general thinking was that, over time, China would develop and maintain the practice of open trade and investment across borders. That has proven false as the Trump Administrations Section 301 investigation amply demonstrates. But while the Administrations diagnosis is correct, the announced tariff action against many countries, including China, is a mistake. An increase in tariffs is effectively a tax hike that would directly harm U.S. consumers. It could also lead to a trade war that could seriously undermine the global economy and cause additional pain for American workers, farmers, consumers, and businesses. This is why SIIA joined with 45 other trade associations in a letter arguing against tariffs. Instead of tariffs the Administration should make meaningful change in Chinas economic behavior the focus of its global diplomatic trade strategy. But for that to happen, the United States is going to need allies. And that requires dropping most, if not all, of the other announced U.S. tariffs affecting European, NAFTA, and hemispheric partners. Our allies recognize that more needs to be done to strengthen a global economic system that emphasizes open trade and investment. The Trans-Pacific Partnership contained groundbreaking digital trade provisions that provided for free flow of data and a ban on forced data and server localization. The Administration rejected it when it came to office, but 11 nations including Canada, Mexico and Japan have signed a new version of this trade deal that contains those same progressive digital trade provisions. The good news is that the President reportedly instructed Ambassador Lighthizer to analyze the possibility of joining TPP. Changing Chinas economic behavior should be the focus of the Administrations global diplomatic trade strategy The new Asia-Pacific trade deal is good economics and a rejection of the Chinese vision of digital trade, which calls for strict government control over Internet trade and investment. So, we have potential partners in containing Chinas mercantilist trade and investment practices. We need to reengage with these allies in a common effort focused on China. The U.S. business community has had some success with this strategy. In 2015 and 2016 a coalition of U.S., EU, Japanese, and South Korean business associations pushed back against a proposed protectionist Chinese cybersecurity law and cybersecurity regulations in the banking and insurance sectors. There was a coordinated government diplomatic approach to China as well. This broad coalition should be revived for the broader purpose of changing Chinese economic behavior. Commerce Secretary Ross has already made good progress with the EU through his strong support for the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which enables data to flow from Europe to the United States. We share a common commitment to the fundamental right to privacy that separates both of our privacy regimes from the authoritarian approach prevailing in China. Our commitment in the Privacy Shield to provide a comprehensive and public explanation of our surveillance practices and a redress option for EU consumers who feel aggrieved is not something China would ever provide. Getting to yes on the modernized NAFTA is a crucial element of building a global economic architecture committed to openness in trade and investment. It would be a step forward in getting China to play by our open rules, not their mercantilist ones. The Trump Administrations updated proposed digital trade (effectively TPP-plus) rules for a modernized NAFTA are an excellent way to get there. And why not build out on NAFTA? Shouldnt we also think about a hemispheric free flow of data area built on the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules system? On the free flow of data, Japan has been a crucial player Japan has played an important role in arguing for good data flow provisions in its negotiations with other partners, notably the EU. With the right diplomacy, Japan could become an even more important partner in changing Chinese economic behavior. One way to jumpstart the creation of a coordinated alliance strategy might be to use the Section 301 investigation reports nuanced and fact-based findings as the basis for our conversations with allies. We could encourage other countries to issue their own public reports on their experiences with closed Chinese trade and investment practices. The EU already issues a report on Chinas IPR regime. Our true ace in the hole in creating a free and open trading system is that we have real allies. Together, we created the rules and institutions that guide the world trading system. We dont always agree on some details and in particular cases, but they are real friends with whom we agree on the fundamentals. Lets play our ace. The results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), released this week, offer little to celebrate. Political leaders and education advocates are struggling to find evidence that their preferred policywhatever it might beis having much impact on student performance. Progress has stalled in recent years, and results at the state and national level are far below where most education policymakers thought they would be by now. Despite the efforts of George W. Bush, many children are still being left behind; despite the efforts of Barack Obama, the race to the top didnt produce many winners. Administered to a representative sample of youngsters, the NAEP is a rigorous test, the only instrument we have to make valid comparisons across statesand some major local school districtsand to track nationwide progress over time. The test sets a high bar for achievement: it defines proficiency as mastery of challenging subject matter, as distinguished from grade-level proficiency (good enough to pass). The NAEP results reveal that slightly more than a third of the nations eighth-graders were proficient in reading and math in 2017. These numbers have moved up slowly: since 2003, math proficiency is up five points, to 34 percent, and reading is up four points, to 36 percent. But the average eight-grade math score is currently 16 points below proficiency, while the average reading score falls 14 points shortdiscouraging figures, though better than 2003. If improvement continues at this glacial pace, it will be 45 years until the average eighth-grader is considered proficient in mathematics and 49 years for an average eighth-grader to achieve reading proficiency. We should not be surprised by the NAEP findings, as they align with trends in college completion. Nationally, 84 percent of high school students graduate, and of those, about 70 percent enroll in a two- or four-year college. But college-completion rates are just 60 percent for four-year colleges and 30 percent for two-year colleges. Overall, only about 30 percent of the students who start out in the American K-12 system complete a college degree by age 25. Students who plan to complete college should be scoring at the NAEPs proficiency levels by eighth grade; two-thirds are not doing so. Stagnant NAEP scores should be a wakeup call for education advocates and politicians who see the purpose of primary and secondary education as preparation for college. Most students will never complete collegea stubborn truth since the birth of our educational system that remains true today. Any growth in the proportion of young people earning a college degree by their mid-twenties will be slow. Given this reality, its vital that we offer students meaningful preparation for adulthood that doesnt require a college degreefor example, a dedicated program of career and technical education. Good career training requires time spent out of the classroom and in workplace apprenticeships. Schools in all sectorsdistricts, charters, and private schoolsshould innovate in this important area. State policy should not stand in the way of solid training for the working world. Working adults regularly achieve excellence in non-academic disciplines; its how they make a living. Schools should embrace this reality instead of regarding it as a second-best option. Some students will never achieve beyond the basic academic level, but these kids shouldnt be doomed just because theyre not college-bound. Academic success and college attainment are particularly rare in low-income schools and communities, but students in some district, charter, and private schools have outperformed these expectations. Many low-income students in large cities have benefited from selective high schools offering a rigorous curriculum to the highest achievers. Policymakers should support these schools and look for ways to expand their numbers. At the same time, school systems should monitor performance and intervene swiftly in schools that fail to bring most of their students to at least basic levels of achievement. Values matter. Schools should model civil behavior and give all studentsno matter where their future paths leadgrounding in the habits and behaviors of adulthood. Photo: cmcderm1/iStock Simon Wheatley/Magnum Photos Just before midnight on January 12, 2006, Tom ap Rhys Pryce, a 31-year-old lawyer, left a London party and telephoned his fiancee to say that he was on his way home. He emerged from the tube station at Kensal Green about 20 minutes later and began walking toward their apartment. That was when two teenage gang members attacked him. Donnel Carty kicked Pryce in the back, sending him flying to the ground, and Delano Brown kicked him in the face. When Pryce tried to defend himself, the attackers stabbed him in the legs, hands, face, and heart. Then they took his cell phone and public-transportation pass, the only valuables in his possession, and ran off, leaving him dying on the ground. The paramedics who strove unsuccessfully to revive him found his wedding vows strewn on the pavement. The British press, particularly the tabloid press, carries stories like this nearly every daylurid accounts of drunken vandals, teenage murderers, child abuse, knifings, and gang violence. After bingeing on lager, vodka and cocaine, twisted Jobson launched a frenzied attack, stabbing Samantha TEN times with an eight-inch blade, the Sun reported this past November 26. drunken yob who left teenager with part of his skull missing after party attack gets just one years detention, cried the Daily Mail on the same dayabout a different incident. Collectively, these reports paint a portrait of a nation terrorized by vomit-spewing, tattooed thugs. And according to polls, British citizens also consider crime an exceedingly grave problem. But here the British government is strikingly at odds with both the press and popular opinion. Supported by Britains most prominent criminologists, the government insists that the country has, in fact, been experiencing the longest period of falling crime since record-keeping began. Indeed, it says, the rapid and sustained rise in crime that began in Britain in the late 1950s has been entirely reversed: crime reached a peak in 1995 but has since dropped by 48 percent. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has declared herself extremely pleased by the dramatic improvement in public safety. Someone in this story is wrong. But who? Have the British people succumbed to mass hysteria? Or is the governments methodology flawed? One shouldnt discount the possibility of mass hysteria. Such things happen. At various points in history, large numbers of people have convinced themselves that they faced a witchcraft epidemic, a Martian invasion, or a high risk of date rape on an American college campus (see The Campus Rape Myth, Winter 2008). Defenders of Britains official statistics commonly say that public worry about crime constitutes just this kind of hysteriaand that its the medias fault. Great lies, bold, bare-faced and unapologetic, are relayed every day by every orifice of the media in ways that would make Kim Jong-il proud, writes Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee. In her view, the press is peddling these lies to discredit the Labour Party, in power since 1997, and to boost the fortunes of the Tories. But the idea of a media conspiracy is inconsistent with the evidence: Technicolor headlines are by no means confined to the anti-Labour press. Toynbees own Labour-boosting newspaper, for example, regularly relays from its own august orifices such headlines as: i was drunk. the blade went straight into his eyeball. Government officials are generally too sober to peddle such conspiracy theories but tend nonetheless to blame the press for the publics alarm. Crime sells papers, they say. But any journalist knows whats wrong with this argument. You cannot sell a story that no one will believe. If stories of crime seemed radically unconfirmed by anything in readers experience, no newspaper could print them, over and over and over, and hope to stay in business. Even if I could find the odd sad-eyed, swollen-bellied, malnourished American child, I couldnt make a living by writing story after story warning that Americans are eating too little. So why would the media be able to generate hysteria about rising crime when, if the government is right, the rising British crime rate is as mythical as the American malnourishment crisis? Another standard explanation for Britons crime worries looks not to the media but to psychology. As criminologist Richard Garside puts it: It is a criminological commonplace that crime anxieties are in truth anxieties about a broader range of issues, from whether you can trust your neighbors to whether your children will get ahead in life; from whether your job is secure to whether youll be stuck next to a leering sexist on the 7.32 am out of Basingstoke. This may be a criminological commonplace, but it is not a self-evident truth. No reasonably perceptive observer of human nature would deny that people often displace their anxietiesbut generally, they displace them for a reason. It seems rash to embrace Garsides conclusion unless we are sure that the governments crime figures are robust. But it is hard to be sure, for here is another, less advertised, criminological commonplace: criminologists do not know how to calculate the crime rate with precision. The problem was first described in the 1830s by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and sociologist and the founder of modern scientific statistics. The real crime rate, which he called the dark figure of crime, could not be revealed by official statistics, he argued: Our observations can only refer to a certain number of known and tried offenders out of the unknown sum total of crimes committed. Since this sum total of crimes committed will probably ever continue unknown, all the reasoning of which it is the basis will be more or less defective. The problem has plagued criminology for nearly two centuries. To understand why the dark figure of crime escapes exact measurement, realize that for a crime to be officially recorded, three things must happen: someone must be aware that a crime has been committed; someone must report that crime; and the police must accept that a law has been violated. But each link in the chain is easily broken. People may be unaware that a crime has been committed because they view it as normal or trivial behavior: in some neighborhoods, it would seem perfectly natural to settle a dispute with a good brawl, while in others, this would be seen as assault. Other crimes may go unrecognized because the victims are unaware that they have been victimizedeither because of the nature of the crime, such as fraud, or because the victims are drunk, mentally ill, or otherwise incapable of understanding what has happened. Even when victims recognize that a crime has been committed, they may not report it. Think of children, or of immigrants who dont speak the language well enough to explain what happened to them. Rapes can go unreported because the victims are ashamed. So-called victimless crimes involving sex and drugs also go unreported, of course, because the criminals have no motivation to inform the police that they are hiring prostitutes or shooting up. Crimes can also go unreported because victims fear reprisals. Above all, crimes can go unreported because victims feel no confidence in the police and see reporting a crime as pointless. Even if a crime is reported, it will not necessarily be added to the official statistics. The police may conclude, for example, that there is insufficient evidence to believe the report. Moreover, poorly performing police departments have an incentive to stop recording crimes: it makes them look more successful than they are. For these reasons and many more, criminologists commonly posit that the dark figure of crime is far larger than the official figureperhaps by as much as an order of magnitude. And there is good reason to believe that in Britain, the dark figure is unusually high. The British government derives its rosy estimates of the falling crime rate from two separate sets of statistics. The first, Police Recorded Crime, does indeed show a recent fall in the total number of crimes recorded in England and Walesfrom 6.01 million in 2004 to 4.95 million in 2008. But the long-term trend is quite different. It shows just 2.69 million crimes recorded in 1980, a number that rose steadily until 1992, when it reached 5.59 million. After a decline in the nineties, it began rising again, until 2004, when it hit that all-time high of just over 6 million. While the recent drop to 4.95 million may be welcome, it is still high by anyones standards: to find the last year that the British police recorded fewer than that, you have to go back to 1999. Defenders of the statistics counter that changes in crime-counting rules kicked in during 1998, pushing the number of recorded crimes up. Perhapsbut that doesnt account for the even grimmer picture painted by police records of violent crime. Sure enough, when the rules changed in 1998, the total number of violent crimes recorded jumped from 231,000 to 503,000. But then, even after the switch, it continued to rise sharply, hitting a peak of 1.06 million in 2006. That number has since declined only slightly: in 2008, the number of police-recorded violent crimes stood at 961,000. When it comes to violence, in other words, Police Recorded Crime actually confirms the publics general view. Further, the recent decline to 4.95 million total crimes recorded could well mean that the public has lost faith in the criminal-justice system and no longer believes that reporting crimes will result in the punishment of the perpetrators. Support for this hypothesis comes from a British Federation of Small Businesses poll indicating that 60 percent of businesses in London had been victims of crime in the past year. But proprietors reported to the police only half of the burglaries, vehicle thefts, and assaults that they sufferedand not a single case of arson. They didnt think that the offenders would be caught and punished, they explained. Going to the police just wasnt worth their time. A typical comment on the website of the Daily Mail makes the same point: A few years back I saw someone slash 4 tyres on a car. I did not report it to the police. I am a female, living alone in a rather isolated location. I knew that tyre slashing would probably warrant no more than the police having a word with the perpetrator and leaving it at that, maybe a fine, while the perpetrator would most likely have taken a more robust approach to me. Another writer to the website says: I had my car broken into in the Palmers Green area of London. I called the police to obtain a crime number but was asked to call back a week later as they were inundated with such requests. When my car was broken into again the following year I didnt bother reporting it. If this attitude is widespread enough, the dark figure of crime fades to black. Police-recorded crime statistics are an imperfect guide for another reason. Perhaps the number of muggings in a particular district really has gone down. But could it be because citizens no longer venture out of their homes at night for fear of being mugged? If someone needs to restrict his activities more severely and purchase more elaborate security equipment just to be as safe as he was ten years ago, his sense that crime is rising may be more significant than the bare fact that crime is falling. Even the murder rate may not be a particularly sound measure of criminality, because advances in medical technology have ensured that more victims of attempted murder survive. Recognizing the limitations of police crime figures, governments have begun to supplement them with a second kind of statistic, the victimization surveya poll that asks whether respondents have been the victims of crime. British government officials are fond of saying that the rigor of the British Crime Survey (BCS), an annual poll of about 50,000 homeowners in England and Wales, ensures that British crime statistics are the worlds most reliable. The BCS suggests that the dark figure of crime is extremely high: last year, for example, it indicated that some 10 million crimes had been committed, far more than the police-recorded 4.95 million. Still, the government points triumphantly to the 1618 million annual crimes that the BCS indicated in the mid-1990s. Since then, officials say, the figures have come down steadily. But the BCS suffers from shortcomings, too. Crime sampling is a classic problem in epidemiology and resembles, in many respects, efforts to track the spread of HIV. You wont necessarily gain a useful sense of the percentage of the population that, say, shares needles by calling 100 households at random and asking whether the respondents have recently shared a needle, for the people most likely to share needles are those least likely to have a household. Similarly, victims of crime are more likely than average members of society to be poor, homeless, mentally ill, or distrustful of officious bureaucrats who call to ask complicated, intrusive questions. Indeed, those most fearful of crime are those least likely to open their doors to pollsters. Criminologist Marian Fitzgerald argues that the survey doesnt capture the extent of violent crime in Britain because of information-gathering problems: The people who are most at risk of crime and serious violent crime are young men in inner cities. For the last decade social surveys have found it difficult to get into these areas. And even if you can locate crime victims and ask them questions, they are likelier than average members of society to lie when they answersince they are likelier, by the mere fact of being victims, to be related to criminals or otherwise associated with them. Note, too, that the BCS polls homeowners, not renters. This immediately skews the results by deflecting attention from poorer neighborhoods, which are the areas likely to have the highest crime rates. And the pollsters have only been sampling children under 16 since January 2009, so crimes against youths havent been recorded. If you read the British press, you will see that youth crime is what has the public most concerned. A 2007 Freedom of Information request to Britains police forces found that 40 percent of all muggings were committed by kids under 16, many doubtless against other children. In January 2008, the Daily Telegraph obtained figures from the Ministry of Justice indicating that in the three years prior, violent crime committed by youths, measured by convictions in court and the issuance of formal police warnings, had increased by 37 percent; robberies committed by youths had risen by 43 percent. Of course, a rise in convictions does not necessarily indicate a rise in crime; it may indicate instead that the government is cracking down on crime, and indeed this is how the government explains these figures. But it is suggestive that there has been no commensurate rise in adult convictions and warnings. The most plausible explanation for this is that the government has been cracking down on youth crime disproportionately because it is rising disproportionately. Nor does the BCS poll the victims of sex crimes, drug crimes, crimes against commercial premises, or (obviously) murder. In 2003, David Green of the think tank Civitas attempted to calculate the number of crimes in some of those missing categories. The BCS that year estimated that about 13 million crimes had been committed, but using the Home Offices seldom-publicized estimates of police underrecording of significant crimes, Green concluded that the true number was nearly twice that. The BCS has other weaknesses. If a respondent claims to have been the victim of a particular crime more than five times in the past year, the pollsters are instructed to enter the number as five. For instance, if a homeowner in a high-crime area reports that feral youths vandalize his property every week, his report will enter the database as five crimes, not 52. In 2007, researchers Graham Farrell and Ken Pease concluded that if one refrained from truncating the long statistical tail of victimization, the overall number of BCS crimes would be at least 3 million higher. Are the revised crime estimates significant? It is true but trivial, says Mike Hough, a criminologist at Kings College London who has helped design the BCS since it began in 1981, that if you include all crimes, an astronomical amount of crime is committed. Surely nobody is really in a panic about petty crimes, he adds. But not all the repeat crime is petty: according to Farrell and Peases study, if calculated correctly, violent crime would be 82 percent higher. The BCS figures, on their own terms, show substantial drops since 1995 in acquaintance and domestic violence, but stranger violence and muggingsthe kind of violent crime that really terrifies peopleremain at their extraordinarily high mid-nineties levels. And an astronomical number of petty crimes is far from a trivial problem. As New Yorkers remember all too clearly, a city suffering from rampant vandalism, shoplifting, petty theft, commercial fraud, drug dealing, and public streetwalking is a low, vulgar, ugly, dishonest, and menacing place to live. Might this ambient climate explain the British publics concern about crime? Its more plausible than positing a media conspiracy to dupe a nation of credulous hysterics. As for the downward trend in the BCS, as with Police Recorded Crime, it may reflect a real shiftin this case, a drop in victimization among homeowners who have grown cautious and more aware of crimewhile completely missing a huge spike in youth crime and repeat crime in certain disorderly urban areas. Victimization studies also show that the crime rate in Britain is far higher than in most other European countries. Comparative analyses show England and Wales at the very top of the European crime leaguesand well above the U.S. as well. Upon close inspection, the official crime statistics hardly suggest that the concerns of the public and press should be dismissed. I propose a counterhypothesis: the medias treatment of crime, while obviously no perfect measurement, may well be a better guide to whats really happening in Britain, or at least an equally valid one. The media, unlike the government, are responding in real time to market demand. The market in Britain for stories about ultraviolent juvenile delinquents is insatiable; perhaps the people who buy these newspapers are, in effect, responding to a better-designed survey than criminologists have been able yet to construct. Why might Britain be suffering such high levels of crime? It isnt hard to guess. Officials at every level of the British criminal-justice systemdetectives, judges, prison officials, probation officerscomplain that too few criminals are caught and that those who are caught rarely receive sentences that will function as a deterrent. Lack of resources and a massive bureaucracy hamper police efforts: the average time to process an arrest in London is over ten hours, and the number of forms that must be filled out averages about 35, according to various analyses. Home Office figures released in 2007 show that police officers in England and Wales spend only about 13 percent of their time on patroland 20 percent on paperwork. One London cop in the Criminal Investigation Division blames the polices ineffectiveness on the unintended effects of community policing. There was a perception that there werent enough beat copspeople who knew the local area, he remembers, which led to sending extra cops to problem spots. But in practice, they ended up going to community meetings and liaison. Theyre not actually dealing with minor crimes. If they were answering emergency calls and dealing with minor crimes instead of doing community liaison, that would indeed take a huge load off the system, but theyre not. So in practice, what this means is that when I started working as a police officer, there were 25 people on staff answering 999 callsthe British equivalent of 911. Now there are 15. Perhaps as a consequence, more than two-thirds of burglaries reported to the London police are never investigated, according to police figures released under the Freedom of Information Act and obtained by the Daily Telegraph. Under 10 percent result in an arrest. And even if an arrest leads to a conviction, its unlikely to include real punishment. The London policeman adds that its common for a burglar to be arrested 30 times a year, taken to court 20 times a year, and punished with nothing more than a finewhich is meaningless, because they cant pay. Theres no chance that with minor-level crimes youll go to prison. A London magistrate clarifies: Its not that they cant pay, its that they wontand the system doesnt push the point. Theodore Dalrymple, a contributing editor of City Journal and a former prison doctor, tells me that he recently met a burglar on his 57th conviction. The burglar was fined 50 pounds, to be paid in five-pound installmentsconsiderably less than someone in a legitimate business, making a comparable amount of money, would pay in taxes. Juvenile criminals can be particularly confident that if they commit a crime, it is unlikely to carry any serious consequences. During the seventies and eighties, the government passed legislation making it much harder to impose long custodial sentences on minors. The London policeman mentions a schoolgirl in his borough who was recently arrested and found guilty of committing grievous bodily harmwhich means that bones were broken, someones life was seriously affected; usually GBH implies surgical follow-up. She received a 12-month supervision order. Essentially, just reporting in for a year. Kids see this and say, What the hell, what can you do to me? Also during the seventies and eighties, the government introduced new forms of noncustodial sentencing, including community service and early-release schemes even for career criminals. In 2008, figures from the Ministry of Justice indicated that some 5,000 criminals who had already served more than ten jail sentences had received noncustodial sentences. Not surprisingly, a third of prosecutions in London collapse because witnesses wont testify: they know all too well that even if convicted, the criminals will be walking the streets terrifyingly soon. The situation in Britain, then, resembles that of 1980s New York, whose crime problems were routinely called insoluble. What the British government fails to understand is that the majority of serious crimes are committed by a small cadre of criminals, who are also, disproportionately, the authors of minor crimes. If you lock these criminals upreliably, and for a long timecrime will drop precipitously. The reason Broken Windows policing works is not that it is inherently important to jail every petty thug who breaks a window; it is that the window-breakers tend to be muggers, rapists, burglars, and murderers as well. If you get them off the streets, the rate of serious crime will fall. To dismiss as true but trivial the finding that an astronomical amount of crime is committed in Britain is only half right. The British people know this full well, even if their government does not. After a successful career in the corporate sector with the likes of the Ford Motor Company, Coca Cola and Twinings, Zac Hussain was looking for a new challenge. I wanted to join the charity sector, but at that time I didnt have any specific charity in mind, he says. It was just more about a desire to work in the sector as a whole. In June 2017, Hussain became one of a spate of new senior appointments at Muslim Aid, taking up the role of director of business development. A health board has agreed to repay 2.7m of endowment funds to its linked charity, after criticism from elected officials and newspapers that it misused charitable funds. Tayside NHS Board used funds from Tayside NHS Board Endowment Funds when "faced with a funding deficit" in 2013/14 to pay for Tayside NHS Board projects including a new IT system. The charity and the health board are nominally independent of one another, but share all the same non-executive directors. Those directors temporarily suspended the charity's constitution to make the payments, in order to retrospectively patch a hole in the NHS Board budget. Scottish health secretary Shona Robison announced last week that she would be exercising ministerial powers of intervention and moving NHS Tayside to "the highest level of escalation". The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) opened an inquiry into Tayside NHS Board Endowment Funds last week. At Robison's request, NHS Scotlands chief executive Paul Gray replaced the boards chief executive Lesley McLay and chair John Connell, who were both also on the executive team of the linked charity. Yesterday, interim chair John Brown announced that the board had decided to repay the money after holding an extraordinary meeting with interim chief executive Malcolm Wright. Brown said: For our staff and our patients, we believe this is the right thing to do. The decision made by the board today doesnt pre-empt the findings of the formal inquiry into Tayside NHS endowment funds by the OSCR. It does mean that we can move forward, start to rebuild confidence and ensure there are no distractions to continuing to do what we do best and that is making sure everyone in Tayside receives high-quality and effective care and treatment. Misused funds In Tayside NHS Board Endowment Funds accounts for 2013/14, it says: During the year Tayside NHS Board was faced with a funding deficit and trustees were asked to retrospectively fund projects already approved by the Board and for which expenditure had been incurred. In order to facilitate this, a temporary variation to policy and procedures was approved, suspending the ban on retrospective approval of expenditure for one month. Various projects were identified where the trustees could have provided funding and these were subsequently put forward for approval by trustees. This resulted in Trustees reimbursing 2.71m to Tayside NHS Board in the year. This expenditure is included within charitable activities. Robison's comments Robison said in a letter last week: Issues over past few weeks have laid bare the extent of the problems facing NHS Tayside and the minutes of a meeting of Trustees in 2014 outline, in detail, the approval of the use of endowment funds by the chief executive. It has become clear to me that the current structure of the board cannot deliver the improvements required to return to a sustainable position, while continuing to deliver safe and effective services to patients. "In particular, I have concerns about the overall management of the boards finances and the ability of leadership to carry through the change required to bring the Board back into financial balance. As such, I will be exercising ministerial powers of intervention and moving NHS Tayside to the highest level of escalation and I have instructed the chief executive of NHS Scotland to strengthen the leadership of NHS Tayside with immediate effect. It is imperative that all boards use charitable donations for the purposes of which they were given. At my request, the chief executive of NHS Scotland has written to every NHS board chair seeking assurance that endowment monies are being spent for the correct purposes. We are also engaging directly with OSCR on this issue. Happy Friday dear readers. In a week where the world inched closer the precipice of war, finding any crumbs of comfort have been somewhat hard to find. This column doesnt know about you reader, but itd probably take a thousand hard Brexits over one cheeky incident of complete global annihilation. Anyway, this week in charity sector satire: a Dogs Trust survey puts the Netflix and chill stereotype to bed; the force is strong with a number of fundraising Star Wars fans, and The Sun is attacking charities (kind of). Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. Netflix and shrill (barking) First this week, we turn to unlikely charity/corporate partnerships with the news that the Dogs Trust has teamed up with television/movie streaming service and heartless multi-national corporation Netflix. Why? Well, thats something of a good question. According to the Dogs Trust, a new survey by Netflix shows the majority of Brits (68 per cent) find pets to be the best binge partner when it comes to settling in for a box set. Indeed, such are Britons attachment to their furry friends they will often bump human companions off the sofa to make room for their pooch. Diary can feel this. For Diary's significant other, while in some ways a perfect soul mate, has proven distressingly immune to the charms of some of Diary's favourite shows. A partner unable to operate a remote control - but which can be trained to find it anywhere in the house - would frankly be ideal. While this is certainly an interesting and smart piece of awareness raising on the part of the Dogs Trust, Diary is sure youll agree dear reader that it has led to some truly, pawful puns. Alert the Puparazzi! Netflix and Woof is latest craze to take over your living room. Oh, dear. That punny headline is so bad its literally made Diary double over in pain. Unfortunately however, the Dogs Trust haven't stopped there. Whether youre loyal to The Crown or know every lip-sync in Ru Pauls Drag Race, there may be a binge buddy who is the paw-fect pal for you. If youre looking for the perfect pooch, check out our rehoming pages, or head down to your nearest centre and grab a bone, some pup-corn and get ready to Netflix & Woof! *Angry mutt-ering about pup-corn* Cringe inducing puns aside, Dogs Trust and Netflix have put together a really nice video of different dogs watching different Netflix programmes so, yeah, this column can just about forgive them the puns. Also, not sure if Netflix intended it or not, but huge props for praising a cute Labradors inate ability for sniffing out suspense while watching clips from a show about notorious cocaine king-pin Pablo Escobar. Tatooine this story on our hearts To Barnardos now, and the news that Star Wars fans from around the UK have helped raise 250,000 in conjunction with Santander. In a press release which is criminally bereft of any pictures or video evidence, it says that Star Wars fans have grabbed their light sabers and showed off their best Jedi moves and Darth Vader voices as part of the Force for Good campaign, backed by a pledge from Santander. Even former F1 World Champion, and apparent closet Sith Lord, Jenson Button got in on the act, filming a clip with fan favourite droid character BB-8 and actor Warwick Davis. Now, aside from the fact that this column isnt entirely sure that anyone who says that BB-8 is their favourite Star Wars droid can truly be called a fan of the series (HAVE THEY NEVER EVEN HEARD OF R2D2?!) this is a truly great initiative. For every Star Wars photo or clip uploaded to a dedicated campaign website (links to which havent been included which, again, is a travesty of justice) Santander donated 25 to a number of childrens charities, including Barnardos. One chap, Simon Tilley from Caerphilly in Wales, who submitted a clip to the website has been given a Star Wars inspired trip to Skellig in Ireland. Not quite the frozen tundra of Hoth, or the baking sands of Tatooine, but Diarys sure he enjoyed himself. Also, if anyone knows the URL for the website with all the videos and pictures, please, PLEASE send them to Society Diary. PLEASE! Naked FURY! Finally this week, it is with a heavy heart that we must turn as one to the front page of The Sun, and the news that ITV paid a bunch of *celebrities* 10,000 a piece to strip off for charity. Yes, The Sun reports that male celebrities including Ainsely Harriott (fair enough), James Argent (?), Jeff Brazier (??) and Ashley Banjo () pocketed around 10,000 a piece for appearing on ITVs Full Monty fundraising night, while the charity in question only received around 4,000. The Suns TV insider apparently told the paper that Viewers were made to think the show was all about raising awareness and funds for testicular and prostate cancer and have instead been thoroughly ripped off. Diary would go so far as to say that ITV have really dropped the ball(s) on this one. In the interests apparently of destroying the gender pay gap, The Sun says that female celebrities, including Coleen Nolan off of Loose Women and Megan McKenna (from TOWIE apparently) who appeared the following night, also received 10k each. The Sun claims that ITV have since said the shows were never positioned as charity fundraisers, however after last years performance we found some of the audience wanted to donate. So, all a bit of a storm in a bra cup then? Perhaps, but at least The Sun are still outraged though, which is something. A group of Colorado investors is now proposing to end the long-simmering fray between the staff of The Denver Post and its hedge fund owners by buying the newspaper. For months, reporters and editors at The Post have been pressing New York-based Alden Global Capital to sell their paper, arguing that they can no longer act as an effective watchdog over the government due to the massive staff cuts Alden has ordered. I recently studied The Denver Post as part of a larger project on watchdog reporting at American newspapers. My new book, The Watchdog Still Barks: How Accountability Journalism Evolved for the Digital Era (published in March by Fordham University Press), assesses the content of the front pages of nine US newspapers of various sizes around the country from 1991 to 2011 to see how their enterprise reporting changed as journalism moved online and its economics changed. ICYMI: The story of a journalist who became a killer When I started my study in 2010, newspapers were under severe financial stress. The global financial crisis and the advent of digital journalism had weakened papers revenue streams, and most were shedding jobs. It seemed likely that as newspapers lost large portions of their staff, their ability to do the kind of reporting that holds officials accountable would fade away. My main focus was whether the newspapers continued to turn out the kind of deeply reported accountability journalism that uncovers important stories. I was looking for sustained digging, not the stories that could be done with just a handful of interviews. Given how many jobs had been lost at American newspapers after 2000at least 35,000 by one countI expected my book would be chronicling the death of watchdog reporting. To my surprise, the front pages told a very different story. Sign up for CJR 's daily email It seemed counterintuitive, but the papers I studied generally had more deep accountability stories on their front pages over time, not fewer. Most of the newspapers actually expanded the amount of deep watchdog reporting in the later study years, even as their staffs became smaller. In the 1991 sample, for instance, only about 1 percent of the front-page content at the nine papers studied was what I termed deep accountability. By 2011, it had jumped to almost 5 percent. Deep accountability reports as a percentage of front-page stories, ranked from highest to lowest, months of April, 19912011 The results of my content analysis were so unexpected that I decided to interview editors at all the papers to help me understand what I had found. The editors all gave the same explanation: that watchdog reporting not only induces people to read their papers, but also to buy them. Meaningful watchdog reporting is a key selling point for newspapers, as no other part of the media produces it in any significant quantity. So editors were dedicating all possible resources to keep such projects alive. With declining resources, newspapers like ours are doubling down on journalism that matters and has impact, said Gregory L. Moore, who was the editor of The Denver Post when I interviewed him for the book (and who quit in 2016 after butting heads repeatedly with management). When we do major investigative pieces we frequently get notes from readers saying this is why they continue to support the newspaper. The stars of my study were the mid-sized metropolitan dailies, including The Denver Post, which remade themselves over the years into large producers of watchdog and investigative reporting. The Denver Post went from having no deep watchdog stories at all on the 1991 front pages I examined to having more than 5 percent front-page investigative stories in 2011. And it did this even as its staff size went down considerably. The Denver Post went from having no watchdog stories on the 1991 front pages to having more than 5 percent front-page investigative stories in 2011. But my research also suggests that at some point, staff cuts begin to erode even a committed newspapers ability to perform the watchdog role. The two smallest papers I studied for my book had a much harder time dedicating resources to accountability reporting than the larger ones. The Denver Posts staff and readers are correct to worry that the latest job cuts will compromise the papers ability to hold government and business accountable. My study makes it clear that newspapers can both perform the watchdog role and turn a profit. Numerous papers I studied for my book actually saw their circulation increase and their financial fortunes improve after they re-dedicated themselves to the watchdog role. But this takes a certain level of funding and staffing to ensure reporters get the time and resources they need to dig out information. Alden Global Capital, the owner of The Denver Post and 96 other newspapers, should take note. While newspapers have to watch the bottom line, there is much more at stake here. Nothing newspapers do is more important than keeping the powerful in check. ICYMI: CNN frustrates viewers with gun comment controversy Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Beth Knobel is a professor of communication and media studies at Fordham University in New York. She previously served as the Moscow Bureau Chief for CBS News, and reported for the New York Times and Los Angeles Times. Follow her on Twitter @bethknobel. Journalism has never been known for its lucrative salaries, but there are a couple ways reporters can hope to improve pay. Deliver the sort of groundbreaking work that earns a major prizesay, a Pulitzerand you can typically expect a bump (and some well-deserved job security). Produce a record of quality work so solidly enviable that a major competitor comes calling with a job offer, and those notoriously tight newsroom purse strings may loosen to retain talent. Los Angeles Times reporter Sarah Parvini has fit the bill on both fronts. After reporting on the Pulitzer Prizewinning team that covered the San Bernardino terror attack of 2015, which left 14 dead, she was hired to the newspaper full-time from the prestigious MetPro training program and offered a bit of a pay bump. Her continued performance led to a tempting job offer from a major competitor, which she declined to accept a generous salary bump to stay at the Times. RELATED: The LA Timess hit true-crime thriller Still, the Iranian-American reporter came to learn this week, after the newly formed NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America shop released wage information for Times employees, that her salary lags behind white and/or male reporters at her experience level. Which raises the question: If the most sought-after award in her field and competing employers couldnt bring her salary up to parity, what could? Parvini is among many female reporters and reporters of color at the Times who learned this week that even though they demonstrated excellence time and again, they earn less. Its tough news to take, but shining a light on the newsrooms problemswhich mirror other newsrooms and society at largeis a step toward fairness, and for some, a boost in morale. Im actually really glad that this came out, no one can deny that this disparity exists anymore, Parvini tells CJR. She and her colleagues are now empowered to use this information to effect change, and thats the goal. The goal is not to sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. The point is that we did this so we can move forward now. Sign up for CJR 's daily email If the most sought-after award in her field and competing employers couldnt bring her salary up to parity, what could? In a new union workplace study, Times staffers saw widespread proof of inequality, with salary numbers broken down by job category, gender, race, and age. Their new union was voted in by an overwhelming majority (24844) this January, and has already issued the workplace study, which makes a reality of long-standing hunches and fears: White workers, on average, earn $94,000 a year, compared to $75,000 for people of color at the 650,000-circulation daily newspaper. Men earn an average of $92,000, compared to $78,000 for women. The 60.7 percent white newsroom composition doesnt reflect the diversity of Los Angeles, which is 26.7 percent white. Women disappear from the newsroom ranks after age 40. (The analysis includes data from 330 journalists for whom tronc provided details, and leaves out 70 workers, such as line editors, for whom tronc did not provide information, arguing they are management and ineligible for union membership.) That last stat troubles art and culture staff writer and union Co-Chair Carolina Miranda, who likened the pay study to pulling back the Band-Aid on a wound that had been ignored for some time: unpleasant, a bit of a mess, the sort of thing that rouses a fair share of anger and pain. But an important thing to do. If you follow LA Times staffers on Twitter, you'll know that the staff is reeling from just released results of the @latguild pay equity study, which reveals gaps in the ways in which women and POC are compensated for their work at the company. https://t.co/2Ib0eHKPrm Carolina A. Miranda (@cmonstah) April 11, 2018 As someone who worked a stint at the Times back in the 90sthe vacuum tubes were still functioning, she jokesshe is concerned the newsroom has lost too many experienced workers already. We could use greater representation across the board: women (especially in management positions), Latinos, Asians, African Americansbut its important to remember issues such as age diversity, too. Over the last couple buyouts we have lost longtime writers and editors who not only brought a lot of experience to the table, but who had a profound knowledge of Los Angeles, Miranda writes to CJR. At the very bottom of the salary scale revealed by the studybelow the MetPro trainees and administrative workersare the Times Community News reporters, whose reporting appears in five smaller newspapers devoted to suburbs of Los Angeles, including Orange County. On average, they earn $38,765, compared to the average reporters pay of $95,232, though their stories sometimes appear side by side in the newspaper. Times Community News reporter Andy Truc Nguyen works from the same Art Deco building downtown as reporters who earn double his salary, and has been covering public safety in Glendale and Burbank since November 2016. Were basically at the bottom of the barrel, the 27-year-old union officer tells CJR. Noting that MetPro employees at the newspaper, where Parvini got her start, are already underpaid considering they do the same work as reporters, he admits, seeing our salaries compared to theirs, it did kind of hurt. The numbers are proof of a systemic problem at tronc, Nguyen says: undervaluing reporters and journalism. The Chicago-based company still holds ownership as the newspapers sale to billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong finalizes. (Tronc did not respond to a request for comment.) Reporters CJR spoke with dont have a read on how new leadership feels about the union yet, but they are cautiously optimistic about Soon-Shiongs early, civic-minded comments about his intentions to serve the city, and a return to local ownership. On Thursday, staffers were invited to submit questions for a Friday town hall meeting with Soon-Shiong that is expected to be standing room only. The email, obtained by CJR, thanks staffers for their patience during the transition to new ownership and says, in part, that Soon-Shiong has been looking forward to speaking with you directly about the future of the organization. ICYMI: 8 strategies for saving local newsrooms For Nguyen, who is Vietnamese, being a person of color in any workplace setting means following an unwritten rule, to just be grateful for any opportunity and take whats offered. It kind of comes with the territory of growing up as not-white, Nguyen says. At the Times, unionization has meant a sharp push toward equitythough its unclear how long it might take for the union to implement a pay scale, since ownership remains in limbo. While the pay report validates existing frustrations, and reveals the significant challenge the union will have to surmount, for now, many at the Times report an overdue uptick in morale, a sense of empowerment, and a feeling that they are a part of a national push for fairness in newsroomsespecially with news this week that the tronc-owned Chicago Tribune wants to unionize. There is a change sweeping through newspapers in the United States with staffers pushing back against models that empty newsrooms while filling the pockets of corporate leadership, national reporter Matt Pearce tells CJR. The thing thats great about this data is it gives leverage to individual workers, Pearce says. They can say, Ive been doing great work and Im paid below average, can you fix this? By introducing transparency to the conversation, weve put power in the hands of people [who] werent well-armed before. That fresh call to arms was echoed in other conversations with Times staffers, who seem to share a bond of survival after troncs fractious leadership. There are plenty of people who are making less than I do. There are people who have worked at the paper longer than I have who should be making a lot more than me, Parvini says. Even though a lot of people are frustrated right now, it really is an empowering moment, because what is more powerful than the truth? ICYMI: LA journalisms Prince of Darkness This article has been updated to clarify that the Guild report did not include all employees. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Shaya Tayefe Mohajer teaches journalism at the University of Southern California and works as a freelance journalist in Los Angeles. Previously, she was the news editor for TakePart.com and a reporter for The Associated Press. She is a graduate of New York University's masters program in journalism. Follow her on Twitter @Shaya_in_LA. Watch out! If youre being a slowpoke in the left lane in Virginia, you may be fined. Thousands of people have been cited since Virginia implemented a law setting penalties for driving too slowly in the left lane of a highway. WTOP-FM obtained data on the citations through a public records request. The station reports that from July 2017 through April 3, more than 16,000 people were cited under various parts of the law. The law established a $100 fine for driving too slowly in the left lane, failing to stay to the right unless passing and other related violations. The bills sponsor, Del. Israel OQuinn, says driving too slowly in the left lane endangers law enforcement and spurs road rage. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Tesla Inc. withdrew from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Boards investigation of a fatal accident involving one of its vehicles, an unusual move that followed public statements by the company blaming the driver and breaching the agencys protocols. Tesla withdrew from the party agreement with the NTSB because it requires that we not release information about Autopilot to the public, a requirement which we believe fundamentally affects public safety negatively, the company said in an emailed statement. We believe in transparency, so an agreement that prevents public release of information for over a year is unacceptable. Although Tesla wont be a formal party to the probe, the company said it will continue to provide technical assistance to the NTSB. Tesla issued a statement this week in response to a local television appearance by the family of Walter Huang, a 38-year-old who died last month in his Model X using the driver-assistance system Autopilot. The company said the only explanation for the crash was if Mr. Huang was not paying attention to the road, despite the car providing multiple warnings to do so. It was the third time the company has commented on the Huang incident. In a March 30 blog post, Tesla said that the Model X drivers hands werent on the steering wheel for six seconds prior to the fatal crash. An NTSB spokesman said the agency was unhappy with the company for disclosing details during the investigation. Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt spoke by phone over the weekend and had what an agency spokesman said was a constructive conversation. The NTSB is looking into the crash that killed Huang, as well as a collision in January involving a Tesla Model S that was using Autopilot when it rear-ended a fire truck parked on a freeway near Los Angeles. The stakes for Teslas bid to defend Autopilot are significant. The NTSBs investigation of the March 23 crash involving Huang contributed to a major selloff in the companys shares. Musk claimed almost 18 months ago that the system will eventually render Tesla vehicles capable of full self-driving, and much of the value of the $51 billion company is linked to views that it could be an autonomous-car pioneer. The NTSB guards the integrity of its investigations closely, demanding that participants adhere to rules about what information they can release and their expected cooperation. These so-called parties to investigations must sign legal agreements laying out their responsibilities. The safety board has in some cases thrown airlines, aircraft manufacturers and unions off of investigations in cases where they were either making unauthorized statements or not producing information the NTSB expected of them. Because its a relatively small agency with a limited numbers of employees, the NTSB relies heavily on these parties to assist its investigations. The safety board has subpoena power that its used in rare instances to compel companies involved in investigations to provide information. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Johnson & Johnson and a talc-mining company were ordered by jurors to pay $80 million in punitive damages for hiding that their products, including J&Js iconic baby powder, had been tainted by asbestos and posed a cancer risk. The New Jersey jurys award brings to a total of $117 million that J&J and a unit of Imerys SA must pay investment banker Stephen Lanzo III over his claims the companies asbestos-laced talc products caused his cancer in what may be a precedent-setting case for U.S. talc litigation. Lanzo wasnt in the courtroom when the punitive award was announced Wednesday. The bankers lawyers, however, wept with joy over the panels finding that J&Js and Imeryss mishandling of the talc warranted punishment. The message to J&J is stop selling this product because its dangerous and can kill people, said Joseph Satterley, one of Lanzos lawyers. The same jury concluded last week J&J and Imerys officials knew for years their talc contained trace amounts of asbestos, a known carcinogen. The verdict was the first time a jury lined up behind a consumers claims that J&Js baby powder and former Shower-to-Shower product can cause mesothelioma, an often-fatal cancer linked to asbestos. We will continue to defend the safety of Johnsons Baby Powder and immediately begin our appeal, Carol Goodrich, a J&J spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement. Once the full evidence is reviewed, this decision will be reversed. Having J&Js baby powder tied an asbestos-linked cancer tarnishes the brand a bit, said Jean Eggen, a Widener University law professor. The verdict and subsequent punitive award may draw more such cases in coming months, she said. Imeryss officials said the verdict hasnt shaken their belief that the companys rigorous asbestos-testing regime insures that its talc poses no threat. We intend to appeal this decision and will continue to stand by the safety of our product, Gwen Myers, a company spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement. J&J is grappling with about 6,600 lawsuits from women who blame its baby powder for causing their ovarian cancers. Lanzos case may open a second front in the litigation over whether the companys talc products pose a health threat to consumers. J&J won the first mesothelioma talc trial tied to its baby powder when a California jury ruled in November the product wasnt responsible for causing a 61-year-old womans cancer. Colgate-Palmolive Co. agreed last year to settle a lawsuit claiming its talcum-powder products caused a Pennsylvania woman to develop mesothelioma. Jurors in the Lanzo case awarded punitive damages after hearing arguments that J&J executives knew more than 40 years ago their talc products were laced with asbestos and hid that fact to protect the cornerstone of their baby products line. A J&J scientists warned in a 1974 memo that the asbestos-tainted talc posed a severe health hazard, Moshe Maimon, one of Lanzos attorneys, told the panel. Lanzo, now 46, was only two years old at the time. They need to be told in a very loud voice, stop it and never do it again, Maimon said of the companys decision to hide its baby powders health threats. Last week, jurors in New Brunswick, New Jersey, about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from J&Js headquarters, awarded Lanzo $30 million for his pain and suffering. The panel awarded Lanzos wife, Kendra, $7 million in damages as well. Liability Determination Under New Jersey law, jurors had to assess how much responsibility J&J and Imerys bore for Lanzos injuries. The panel found J&J liable for 70 percent of the compensatory damages and Imerys for 30 percent. After the punishment damages were announced, Judge Ana Viscomi refused to apply New Jerseys damage cap to the award since it didnt exceed five times the compensatory damages awarded to the Lanzos. The companies lawyers denied the companys baby powder and Shower-to-Shower product had ever contained asbestos. They argued that decades of testing found talc purchased from Imeryss units was clear of the carcinogen. J&J sold Shower-to-Shower to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. in 2012. J&Js testing regime was an expression of care to try and insure its baby powder was asbestos free, Mike Brock, one of the companys lawyers, told jurors in the punitive-damage phase. This is not a company that was putting its hands over its eyes and saying its not seeing anything in terms of asbestos in talc samples, Brock added. The case is Lanzo v. Cyprus Amex Minerals Co., L00738516, Middlesex Superior Court (New Brunswick). Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Republican Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday ordered the Mississippi Department of Transportation to immediately close 83 locally maintained bridges that the federal government says are in bad shape. These bridges have been deemed unsafe for the traveling public, Bryant said in a statement. Keeping them open constitutes an unnecessary risk to public safety, violates the corrective action plan agreed upon by the state and federal government and jeopardizes federal infrastructure funds Mississippi receives. Bryant issued the order five days after the U.S. Department of Transportation sent him a letter saying Mississippis bridge-inspection program was not meeting federal standards. The 83 bridges are in 16 counties: Amite, Carroll, Clarke, Greene, Hinds, Humphreys, Itawamba, Jasper, Jones, Lauderdale, Leake, Lincoln, Newton, Pike, Smith and Wayne. Mississippi legislators ended their nearly three-month session about two weeks ago without agreeing on a long-term plan to put more money into improving highways and bridges. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Joey Fillingane, a Republican from Sumrall, said he expects Bryant to set a special session for legislators to set a transportation plan. Fillingane said he hopes the session will happen relatively soon, and that leaders will agree on most details before all members of the House and Senate return to the Capitol. You dont want to be sitting there for days on end, basically redoing the regular session and wasting taxpayer dollars, Fillingane said. Mike Pepper, executive director of the Mississippi Road Builders Association, said in a separate interview Tuesday: We still hold our breath for the possibility of a long term, comprehensive road and bridge program. The Federal Highway Administration forced an intensive round of bridge inspections in Mississippi in 2016 after concluding the Office of State Aid Road Construction was doing too little to oversee how cities and counties examine local bridges. The state transportation department does not directly control the state aid road office, but federal officials threatened money that the department spends on state-maintained roads if the department didnt force the office to comply. Inspections have focused on more than 1,500 local bridges that are supported by wood pilings, though their roadbed may be concrete. At a county supervisors meeting in January, Federal Highway Administration officials showed pictures of deteriorated timber pilings on bridges that county engineers allowed to remain open. Local engineers would often instead put low weight limits on those bridges. Counties and their engineers have bristled at the implication that supervisors are pressuring engineers to leave bridges open for political reasons. Bryants order Tuesday is an unusual intrusion by the state into whats normally a local decision, and it shows the power of the threat of losing federal money. Local officials have been angered that the state transportation department hired engineering firms to conduct bridge inspection that were more expensive than what counties paid their engineers, diverting money that would have gone to repair local roads and bridges. State and federal officials have defended that inspection program, saying expensive work was often required to measure dimensions of old bridges. Counties have reopened some bridges after replacing or repairing pilings, often at low cost. However, low weight limits were not always increased after such repairs. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A recent report says work zone fatalities in Colorado have skyrocketed. The Gazette reports a study by the Colorado Department of Transportation says the 2017 death toll in work zones was 15, compared with seven in 2016 and 2015 and eight in 2014. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHA), daily changes in traffic patterns, narrowed rights-of-way, and other construction activities often create a combination of factors resulting in crashes, injuries and fatalities. The FHA reports the leading cause of death in the road and bridge construction sector are run overs, back overs and falls. No Colorado Department of Transportation worker was killed in a work zone in 2017. The department already has had an employee, maintenance operator Nolan Olson, die in a work zone this year. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) reports that over the past five years, over 3,300 peopleincluding an estimated 650 workershave been killed nationally in work zone crashes, with distracted driving blamed directly for at least 500 of the deaths, according to government data. More than 35,000 people annually are injured at these work sites. This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 9-13). TOTAL WORK ZONE FATALITIES by transportation mode* 2016 2015 % Change 765 712 7% Drivers and passengers 635 595 7% Pedestrians and bicyclists 125 113 11% Others Occupant of a Non-Motor Vehicle Transport Device and Persons on Personal Conveyances 5 4 25% Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Australian entrepreneurs Alex Tomic and Nik Mirkovic were not yet 21 when they came up with an idea that would rank them among their country's youngest self-made multimillionaires and put their names on the lips of celebrities from Kylie Jenner to Conor McGregor. The moment came at dinner one evening in 2014, shortly after Tomic had dropped out of his first semester of his undergrad studies. Within hours, the best friends had decided to pool their savings a combined 20,000 Australian dollars (around $15,000) and give it a go. Three years on, their business has surpassed 50 million Australian dollars (almost $40 million) in sales, and last October their estimated $35 million joint fortune earned them the title of youngest new entrants on the Australia Financial Review's Young Rich List 2017. Tomic and Mirkovic, now 24 and 23 respectively, are the guys behind HiSmile: the Australian teeth whitening start-up that shot to success on the back of social media marketing. A social media game plan The entrepreneurs' idea was born out of their observations of the retail industry at the time, and how online influencers were becoming increasingly important for brands. They wanted to come up with a product that could capitalize on the trend, and identified the dental care industry as a point of attack. "Lo and behold we had a bit of a discussion at the dinner that sort of extended, it was a couple of hours, and we came up with the concept of HiSmile and entering the space of oral cosmetics," Mirkovic told CNBC Make It. "We felt that that was a static space, static industry, and one that we could really attack and build a brand in," he added. The pair, who both live on Australia's Gold Coast, wanted to create something that consumers were proud to associate themselves with, and soon came up with their flagship product: a do-it-yourself teeth whitening kit aimed at 15 to 25-year-old social media users. We never wanted to throw money at influencers from the start. Nik Mirkovic Co-founder of HiSmile Retailing at $59, the set includes a mouth tray, a LED light and three gel tubes. They then "made it beautiful," said Tomic, and sent it to micro-influencers social media users with a burgeoning following to gauge feedback. "We never wanted to throw money at influencers from the start," explained Mirkovic. "So we started with micro-influencers, influencers with 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 followers people that normal brands wouldn't really see influencing." "After they shared their experience with the audience, we saw the proof of concept was there, we saw that people actually loved the product." Within 18 months the duo had raked in more than 10 million Australian dollars in sales and decided to put more budget behind their marketing strategy, targeting higher profile personalities, including fighting titan Conor McGregor. Success came relatively quickly, and we were like, 'Okay, let's start talks about Kylie.' Nik Mirkovic Co-founder of HiSmile The Kylie Jenner effect A major breakthrough for the pair came in 2016, when they signed up Instagram icon Kylie Jenner. They had been working closely with Jenner's mother, Kris Jenner, who at that time was managing one of HiSmile's other Instagram influencers. "Success came relatively quickly, and we were like, 'Okay, let's start talks about Kylie,'" recalled Mirkovic. Jenner's then-75 million Instagram followers, many of them HiSmile's target demographic, made her an ideal advocate for the brand. But the guys spent several months discussing the deal to make sure it would be a genuine endorsement. "Obviously she's got to actually enjoy and believe in the brand and the product and what we're selling," said Mirkovic. Since then, the business has grown rapidly, amassing close to 1.7 million likes on Facebook and 749,000 followers on Instagram. Entirely self-funded The duo said they have no regrets about betting on the company with their own cash. "Starting with that 20,000 (Australian dollars), it was making the wise decisions and understanding where to put it," said Mirkovic. "People see that as a risk, putting that money towards starting something, but you look at what you can spend 20,000 on, or 10,000 each, that isn't even a waste of money," he added. "It's education for us." From day one, we've made the right decisions ... and invested back into ourselves. Alex Tomic Co-founder of HiSmile Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer and founder of Facebook Inc., listens during a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Facebook's Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg spent two days this week facing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, but the social network he helped create isn't in the clear just yet. The firm's billionaire co-founder told lawmakers at the two-day Congress hearing of how his own data had been compromised as a result of the data scandal haunting the company. He said the company failed to notify the Federal Trade Commission about the leak of users' data to controversial political data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica. Now Facebook faces further scrutiny in Europe. Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfner is due to appear before U.K. lawmakers later this month to address the ongoing data scandal enshrouding the company. Stepping in for the firm's CEO, Schroepfner will face questions from the U.K. Digital, Media, Culture and Sport select committee, chaired by Damian Collins, on April 26. British lawmakers still want to hear from the Facebook boss, however. After Zuckerberg declined an invitation to appear before British lawmakers, Collins, a parliamentarian from Britain's governing Conservative Party, sent Facebook a letter insisting that Zuckerberg give evidence before the committee. Facebook has admitted that the data of 87 million users' profiles even Zuckerberg's may have been shared without their permission to controversial political data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica. The social network has been letting users know whether their data was compromised since Monday. "People will seek to clarify the converging testimonies, especially on the more technical aspects where he (Zuckerberg) was obscuring and giving evasive answers," Paul-Olivier Dehaye, co-founder of PersonalData.IO, told CNBC in a phone interview. Some commentators have said that U.S. politicians did not ask difficult enough questions to the Facebook CEO. That is something that could change when Schroepfner gives evidence, Dehaye said. Newark, New Jersey. Mayor Ras Baraka flanked by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (left) and , Senator Cory Booker at an HQ2 event in Newark, New Jersey, on Oct. 16, 2017. Amazon leaders were again in the tri-state region as reports indicate the Seattle-based e-commerce giant has representatives touring Newark, N.J. earlier this week. When asked about the meeting on Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy declined to comment and wouldn't even confirm whether it took place, according to an NJ.com report. New Jersey gained attention with its proposal because the state offered up to $7 billion in tax credits if it's chosen. But the CEO of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation, Aisha Glover, confirmed with the news outlet that the visit occurred, though she remained mum on specifics. "The purpose of that meeting was to fine-tune elements included in our pitch and give a first-hand look at the city we hope will be chosen for their second national headquarters," Glover said. "We will make no comment on the views and reactions of the Amazon team in order to respect the integrity of their selection process." Sources told NJ.com the local and state officials who met with Amazon included U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, businessman and philanthropist Ray Chambers, and Murphy. Similar to its stop in Philadelphia and the other cities on the HQ2 shortlist, additional details are sparse. Read more from Philadelphia Business Journal: In HQ2 site visits, Amazon focuses on education, tech-talent pipeline Philadelphia beats Boston, San Francisco in attracting skilled workers, analysis finds Victims of Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme to receive millions more in compensation The HQ2 team stopped in Philadelphia earlier this year, Mayor Jim Kenney confirmed the visit happened in a March meeting. But little has been shared about what actually occurred while they were in town. The Wall Street Journal said earlier this month education and the tech-talent pipeline have been key. Amazon reportedly asked for breakout sessions on those topics. In Philadelphia, the Navy Yard business campus and two sites in the University City neighborhood are under consideration by the e-commerce and technology giant. Bourbon, now caught in the crosshairs of a potential trade battle between Washington and Beijing, once relied on foreign markets for survival. During the 1970s and 1980s, international markets, namely Asia and Europe, threw a lifeline out to whiskey and bourbon distillers as Americans shifted their taste to clear spirits. "There were bourbons being produced in Kentucky that were only going to Asia," said whiskey expert Bill Thomas, proprietor of Washington, D.C.'s Jack Rose Saloon, which is famous for its collection of nearly 2,700 bottles. "Foreign markets have always been a big part of keeping up the revenue in distilleries during the downturn here in the United States and they continue to be a big market in the business cycle," Thomas said, noting the budding trade war between the U.S. and China. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday night that the Trump administration plans to ratchet up trade pressure on China. Last week, the Asian nation threatened to slap a 25 percent levy on 106 U.S. products, including types of whiskey such as bourbon, which is known for being uniquely American. Similarly, a few months prior, the European Union hinted at retaliating with trade taxes on Kentucky bourbon. The moves were viewed as strategic political punches since the entirety of bourbon production must occur within the U.S., per a 1964 congressional resolution. "Right now, the U.S. exports about $1.5 billion worth of spirits abroad, and many producers in America are pinning their future growth to exports," said Reid Mitenbuler, author of "The Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America's Whiskey." "Without a market to sell to, they might have problems recovering these investments," Mitenbuler told CNBC. However, despite a possible trade battle between the world's largest economies, Mitenbuler and Thomas remind that the American whiskey industry has proven its resilience before. Short-term interest rates rose to their highest levels since the financial crisis, as investors bet on more Federal Reserve hikes with inflation showing signs of life. The yield on the two-year Treasury note hit a high of 2.373 percent, its highest level since Sept. 9, 2008, when the two-year yielded as high as 2.375 percent. Yields retreated off session highs later in the day amid a drop in equity markets. Minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee's March meeting released this week showed central bankers largely hopeful about the direction of the economy and unanimous in expectations of higher inflation. A strong report on jobless claims this week along with a positive start to first-quarter earnings season added to investor confidence that the economy is strengthening at a pace that will warrant further tightening by the Fed. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was largely unchanged at 2.828 percent at 1:49 p.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was also flat at 3.035 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. Markets have been on edge in recent days after Trump appeared to criticize the Kremlin for its supporting Syrian President , following a suspected chemical attack last weekend. Markets have since eased, after Trump clarified his position on a possible missile attack in Syria. Equities rallied after the president clarified his take on Syrian intervention, appearing to give investors confidence to shift money away from so-called safe havens and back into stocks. When you're flipping the 500th burger of the day, or trying to placate a table of frustrated diners, it can be hard to see it; but that job at the local food joint could just be the most valuable of your life. That's according to the CEO of Yum China, the country's largest restaurant company that manages big-name brands including KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Don't worry. Joey Wat's not trying to coax you into a life behind the counter at one of her company's 7,900 restaurants. But the three years she spent working at a Chinese restaurant before college were among the most important of her career, she claimed during an episode of CNBC's "Life Hacks Live," all thanks to the insights they gave her. Pedestrians walk past Yum! Brands Shanghai, China Bloomberg | Getty "I never knew that I would be in the restaurant business, but when I was 15 years old I worked in a Chinese restaurant for three years before university and I learned so much," Wat told CNBC's Akiko Fujita. Now, aged 46, Wat sits at the helm of the Fortune 500 company where she is responsible for 450,000 employees across China. She says she draws on those lessons from three decades ago and the empathy they gave her every day. "I can't believe how much I'm going back to that experience and thinking to what extent I should do this differently because (of what) I learned during those few years," she said. No passion, no problem Food was not an obvious calling for Wat. At the start of her career she had no idea what she wanted to do, so instead focused on learning as much as she could and recommended others do the same. "It took me a long time to find what I'm passionate about," she said. "I believe for young people who find out what they want to do early in their life they're very lucky. Good for you fantastic! But many young people are probably still in the searching process (and) it's okay," said Wat. "Keep learning," she continued, "because you never know when this particular experience will be beneficial for your future." On March 18, one of the cars in Uber's self-driving vehicle pilot program hit and killed 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg as she was walking across the street in Tempe, Arizona. The next day, Uber halted its pilot programs in San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Phoenix and Toronto. Despite this, Uber is still envisions self-driving cars a key part of its business. "[W]e are absolutely committed to self-driving cars," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC's "The Today Show," during an interview that aired Thursday. "This is an important technology," Khosrowshahi said. Khosrowshahi took over leadership of the ride-hailing technology company in August after co-founder Travis Kalanick stepped down in June. Some incredibly sad news out of Arizona. We're thinking of the victim's family as we work with local law enforcement to understand what happened. "Ultimately, self-driving cars will be safer than humans, but right now self-driving cars are learning," said Khosrowshahi of the technology, which is still being developed. "They're student drivers. You need a safety driver with a student driver. When that student driver graduates, it will be safer than humans," Khosrowshahi explained. In the meantime, Khosrowshahi said, Uber is coordinating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both governmental regulatory bodies. "What happened with Elaine Herzberg was an absolute tragedy and we are doing two things," said Khosrowshahi. "First of all, we are working with authorities at hand, NTSB, the N[H]TSA, they are the professionals in determining who is at fault. We don't want to get in their way and we are getting them all the data necessary so that they can make the determination of exactly what happened and why." Also, the tech executive said he has ordered a review of the safety processes of the self-driving-car testing program, which, he says, is still temporarily halted: "Right now our fleet is grounded to be safe," said Khosrowshahi. Electric vehicle company Tesla is also dealing with the fallout of a car accident involving self-driving technology. An Apple engineer, Walter Huang, was killed on March 23 while driving his 2017 Tesla Model X with Tesla's Autopilot systems engaged. In addition to speaking about Uber's long-term plan for self-driving cars, Khosrowshahi addressed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's recent testimony about user privacy on Capitol Hill. It "shows the challenges of technology getting into everyday life and the responsibilities that come with it...," said Khosrowshahi. He said he thinks the founders originally believed people would use the platforms for good. "I think that Silicon Valley is understanding that with building these platforms comes the responsibility to make sure that those platforms are being used for good and the old days are over and you have got to take this responsibility seriously and you have got to invest behind it," he said. Khosrowshahi he is working hard to keep Uber users' data secure: "I am confident that we are doing everything that we can. I am confident that we are investing very aggressively it is one of the areas of greatest growth in investment at the company. You can never be too sure of yourself because if you are too sure of yourself that is when someone strikes so we continuously invest in data making sure that it is secure it is an arms race," said Khosrowshahi. "What I can say is that we are using your data for you to make your experience better. We don't sell that data. We don't try to monetize it. The use of the data is for you, knowing where your home is, knowing where your work is etc. to make sure the service is as best as it can be for you." See also: The EB-5 program allows Chinese individuals to invest as little as $500,000 in a business to get a green card. However, an escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and China could make it tougher to attract such investment. It has also attracted wealthy Chinese investors over the past decade through the U.S. government's EB-5 program, or the so-called golden visa. The Temecula area, located about 85 miles southeast of Los Angeles, has about 40 wineries and attracts nearly 3 million visitors annually. The Riverside County area is not as famous as California's Napa wine region but is still a hotspot for tourism and boasts award-winning wines. California's Temecula Valley wine region has been a popular place for Chinese investors, but lately there's been a pullback in those dollars and some projects have "stalled." All the rhetoric over trade wars and tariffs could take a toll on a California wine region that's already seeing a slowdown in investor activity. "All that turmoil doesn't help," said Dan Stephenson, founder and chairman of the Rancon Group, a Murrieta, California-based real estate development firm. Indeed, the Chinese earlier this month slapped a new tariff on U.S. wine exports. And Beijing could spur an anti-U.S. backlash that discourages Chinese citizens from investing in American businesses. Regardless, there has already been a pullback of Chinese investors that's not tied to the current trade spat. Beijing imposed policies a few years ago that curbed money outflows. "It's become much more difficult to get money out of China than it was two years ago," said Stephenson. Still, several large real estate developments backed by Chinese money are already underway in the area. One of Rancon's current projects in the Temecula area is expansion of Europa Village, a European wine-themed resort development with vineyards, lodging and a retail component. A second project is the 290-acre Europa Vineyard Estates, a high-end residential community with vineyards. According to Stephenson, roughly one-third of the capital for the Europa development is from EB-5 investors and the remainder from equity investors and a bank loan. He said Chinese-born participants represented the lion's share of the EB-5 money. Another major project in the area funded with Chinese money is Twelve Oaks, a 135-acre winery resort going through the planning phase with county officials. Similarly, there are hotel-related projects in the area with EB-5 financing from the Chinese. "We've become a major tourist destination," said Danny Martin, president of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association and owner of Pauba Ridge Vineyard. "One of the biggest drivers for us is the proximity to 21 million people within an hour and a half." There have been "a couple of bumps in the road" in recent years for the Temecula region, according to Martin. He said that includes a few projects that have "stalled" due to a tightening up of Chinese money and EB-5 visa issues where the investors couldn't take their money out. Another challenge is Chinese-born investors have become frustrated by lengthy wait times to get their EB-5 U.S. visas. There's also uncertainty about the future of the EB-5 program beyond its current six-month extension. "If you're putting in a half-million bucks put in a green card, and you have to wait four or five years, you're not going to be too excited about it are you," said Bernard Sidman, an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles. "And it could be longer." There's an annual worldwide quota of about 10,000 annual EB-5 U.S. immigrant visas per year The Chinese are oversubscribed on the list and can expect to wait four years or longer to get the initial green card. "It's not due to any political thing or not due to any trade issue," said Brian Ostar, senior vice president of global operations for EB5 Capital, a Maryland-based firm that raised money from investors to develop the Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel in Temecula. "The desire is still there, the money is still there, the demand is still there. It's purely a function of their backlog and wait time." FBI Director James Comey looks on during the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on Russian actions during the 2016 election campaign on March 20, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Former FBI Director James Comey said he is not sure whether he believes President Donald Trump's denials about unsubstantiated dealings with prostitutes in Russia five years ago. In an ABC News interview, Comey described briefing the then-president-elect on the salacious, unverified allegations that he watched prostitutes urinate on each other in Russia in 2013. The allegations came from what's known as the Steele dossier, which was funded in part by the Democratic National Committee. "It was almost an out-of-body experience for me," Comey told ABC in an excerpt that aired Friday. "I was floating above myself, looking down, saying, 'You're sitting here briefing the incoming president about prostitutes in Moscow.'" Trump, who fired the FBI director four months after that discussion, pushed back against the allegations, according to Comey. Trump said he was a "germaphobe" and suggested that someone like him wouldn't need to hire prostitutes, Comey said. The revelations come as the president is embroiled in multiple sex scandals. When George Stephanopoulos, who interviewed the former FBI director for ABC News, asked Comey whether he believed Trump's denial of the allegations in the dossier, Comey said he couldn't be sure. "Honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013," he said. "It's possible, but I don't know." Comey said in his new book that Trump continually brought up the allegations about the prostitutes and suggested that the FBI investigate the claims. Comey said Trump told him that "it bothered him if there was 'even a 1 percent chance' his wife, Melania, thought it was true." Comey's memoir, "A Higher Loyalty," is due out Tuesday. Excerpts of the book have already emerged, including details about how Comey and Trump discussed what's become known as the "pee tape." Trump has also publicly denied the allegations in the dossier. On Friday, Trump took to Twitter to rip Comey, calling him an "untruthful slime ball" who "should be prosecuted." TRUMP TWEET TRUMP TWEET 2 ABC News plans to air the full interview with Comey at 10 p.m. ET on Sunday night. Trump partly won the White House by arguing deals such as the TPP hurt manufacturing workers in the Rust Belt, and many Democrats have opposed trade agreements on the same grounds. However, Democrats running this year in certain red states may have to tread carefully around the issue. The president's decision to reconsider one of his first acts in office withdrawing from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership opens up another potential line of attack for some Democrats ahead of critical midterm elections in November. Notable Democrats who found rare common ground with President Donald Trump on trade bashed his move Thursday to look at rejoining a massive Pacific trade deal . In a tweeted statement Thursday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., argued Trump's move to reconsider is a "ridiculous reversal" and a "slap in the face" to workers. The office of Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, tweeted that jumping back into the deal "would be a betrayal of American workers." Both of those senators are running for re-election this year in solidly blue states. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana seeking another term in a state Trump won easily in 2016, had a more measured reaction but said the uncertainty could hurt farmers in his state. The agriculture industry largely benefits from lower trade barriers. "Playing ping pong with TPP may be good for Twitter headlines, but it piles too much uncertainty on the backs of Montana farmers and ranchers," Tester said in a statement. For his part, Trump tried to downplay the chances of the U.S. rejoining the TPP. In a tweet Thursday, he said he would only do so "if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered" to President Barack Obama. Trump tweet White House legislative affairs director Marc Short also stressed to reporters Friday that Trump only said he was willing to take another look at the deal. He did not say what specific action the White House could take related to the trade agreement. It is unclear if the U.S. could even get back in on the agreement at this point. After Trump pulled the U.S. from the 12-nation deal last year, the remaining 11 countries agreed to a separate pact. Trump's decision to reconsider the TPP came as his administration and China engaged in escalating tariff threats that many Republicans from agricultural states worried could hurt American farmers. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., contended Thursday that getting back into the TPP a deal designed to counter China's rising influence would be a better way to get back at Beijing for alleged intellectual property theft by Chinese companies. Trump's comments about reconsidering the agreement came as he met with lawmakers from states with a farming presence. They expressed concerns about Trump's proposed tariffs leading to retaliatory measures from China that could hurt the agriculture industry. Trade is one of several issues on which Trump has broken with the policies Republicans have traditionally backed. The president's opposition to the TPP distanced him from GOP congressional leaders and aligned him with numerous Democratic senators from states with significant manufacturing presences. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, told CNBC: "Anything that looks, sounds or smells like TPP would be a disaster for Ohio jobs." "The President must keep his promise to Ohio workers and stay away from this failed trade agreement," Brown said in the statement. "If the President and Ambassador Lighthizer are serious about negotiating new, pro-worker trade agreements with our Asian partners, I am ready to work with them to secure the best possible deals for Ohio," Brown added. In 2015, the GOP-controlled Senate passed legislation granting Obama the authority to expedite negotiations on TPP. Eight Democrats from states Trump would go on to win in 2016 voted against the measure: Tester, Brown, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters of Michigan, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. All of those senators but Peters face re-election this year. Manchin's office declined to comment on Trump's move to reconsider TPP. The offices of Donnelly, Stabenow, Casey and Baldwin did not immediately respond to requests to comment. CNBC's Eamon Javers contributed to this report. A stressed Elon Musk says his electric vehicle car company Tesla is going to deliver all the Model 3 cars people have ordered, if six to nine months behind schedule. He also takes responsibility for the delay and a series of missed targets. "You started saying, 'We'll do 5,000 a week.' Then, okay, that didn't work out, 'We'll do 2,500 a week.' And now it's a little over 2,000 a week," says Gayle King, host of "CBS This Morning," during an interview with Elon Musk at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California, which aired Friday. "Does that trouble you?" she asks. "Yeah. No, that's true. I need to figure out how to be better. And then we can be better at meeting goals," Musk says. Part of the problem, says Musk, is that Tesla was trying to do too much at once. "We got complacent about some of the things that we felt were our core technology. We put too much new technology into the Model 3 all at once. This this should have been staged," he says. Building a Model 3 electric car also requires sophisticated factory technology. "In some cases, the robots actually slowed the production. Right?" King asks. "Yes, they did.We had this crazy, complex network of conveyor belts.And it was not working, so we got rid of that whole thing," Musk says. Yes, excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake. To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated. Musk calls the situation "production hell," even "worse than I thought," but tells King its getting on track. "I'm feeling pretty optimistic about where Tesla is at this point," he says. "At this point I can have a clear understanding of the path out of hell, and I did not, until recently, have a clear understanding. "We'll probably have, I don't know, a three- or four-fold increase in Model 3 output in the second quarter," he adds. Missing Model 3 production targets isn't the only challenge facing Tesla. It has also been dealing with the fallout of a recall of 123,000 older Model 3 vehicles, a fatal crash of a Tesla with its autopilot systems engaged, a downgrade of its credit by ratings agency Moody's in March and a Goldman Sachs analyst who cut a 12-month price target on Tesla stock. Energy stocks are still negative for 2018 even as crude oil has gained 11 percent. One market technician expects the sector to play catch-up as we head deeper into the year. "The divergence between what we're seeing with crude oil and the XLE, this is a divergence that is clearly going to close," Craig Johnson, chief market technician at Piper Jaffray, said Thursday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." The XLE energy ETF has fallen more than 1 percent this year, failing to join in on crude oil's rally. It tumbled nearly 11 percent in February, its worst month since December 2015, while crude oil fell just 5 percent. Energy has made a comeback since those lows. It posted gains in March and is on track to become the best performer on the S&P 500 in April. The S&P 500 energy sector has added 6 percent this month. Even with those gains, Johnson says fear remains following years of underperformance. "Most places are underweight the energy play. They've been burned by it, they haven't wanted to come back to it yet," he said. But Johnson and his team are bullish on the sector and expect more upside this year. "We're overweight the sector at this point in time," said Johnson. "If we're going to get any sort of pullback, a shakeout (a deeper pullback and shakeout, I should say) in the broader market I think energy is probably a space that some of that money is going to rotate into, given how weak the performance has been so far this year." To Chad Morganlander, portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, the energy sector doesn't look quite as good. A possible weakening in Chinese demand and growing domestic supply could unbalance oil and hit energy names, he said. "China growth has actually been one of the critical contributors to demand for oil," he said. "Any type of reset there within policy for credit growth is going to have this wash-back effect on demand for oil." "Secondarily, you do have the United States which is actually going to become in our estimates over the next five years the largest producer of oil and they're not directed by OPEC," he added. U.S. crude oil exports moved north of 2 million barrels per day at the end of March, its highest level on record. Analysts expect that supply to grow this year with the U.S. possibly overtaking Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world's largest producer. "We're neutral on the sector to underweight," said Morganlander. "We would be much more cautious on this sector overall going forward." The XLE ETF surged more than 1 percent on Friday afternoon, while West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices gained 0.6 percent to trade at roughly $67.50 a barrel. Exterior of the Express store on Madison Avenue in New York Source: Express Stores are beginning to conform to shoppers' needs and wants. Express' New York shop on Madison Avenue, serving as a prototype for future expansion plans, has been decked with phone chargers, digital styling screens, lounges, and will hold events every month inspiring young entrepreneurs. Most important for shoppers in a pinch: Express will have a dressing room ready for you with the items you want (based on your selections online) before you arrive at the store. "Retailing is about relevance. Relevance is about being at the heart of what the customer wants," David Kornberg, president and CEO of Express, told CNBC. "I think we clearly saw there was an opportunity where bricks-and-mortar retailing was moving." The plan for the Madison Avenue store, he said, is to learn from shoppers' reactions to the more open layout, a different assortment of clothing and new tech, before taking that to other Express locations. The company tapped the New York store for the job because of its proximity to other digitally native brands growing along that corridor namely Bonobos, Untuckit and Indochino. One of the charging stations inside the store. Lauren Thomas | CNBC "The store of the future has to be an experience and a distribution center," Kornberg said. "It makes it an easy and compelling proposition for the customer to come in and spend more time. The store is like a 3-D website for the customer." The number of retailers pushing this same idea is growing. Also this week, Nordstrom opened a new store in New York with express returns, a tablet for shopping inventory found only online and a digital suit stylist. Zara also rolled out an augmented realty shopping experience in three of its New York stores, marketing its capsule collection of spring-summer apparel. Express' digital styling screen, which lets shoppers browse curated outfits. Lauren Thomas | CNBC A key part of the shopping experience for Express is still its breadth of apparel merchandise. In the Madison Avenue store, which is located in midtown Manhattan, one will find more dress pants, buttoned-down blouses, pencil skirts and heels for women, alongside a plentiful selection of suits and ties for men. Express has increasingly shifted its focus toward being a category leader for women's and men's workwear. The changes come as apparel retailers across the industry are struggling to keep pace with shoppers' demand for fresher inventory quicker than ever before. And the market for casual clothing is viewed as much more competitive. There's a big space for men's workwear in the store. Lauren Thomas | CNBC Express' strategy in New York aims to solve bigger issues at the mall and to win a race for shoppers' dollars. "There are some Express locations where they are just not performing," Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, told CNBC. "They are very mall based, so they suffer from that drop in footfall." Still, Saunders said he's seeing improvements at the company as it reaches a younger demographic online, and there's a niche needed in the market that Express can meet. "I think their aim ... makes sense. They want to provide an outfit solution for all parts of the day, a solution for when you get to work and then go out in the evening," he said. The company has been working to clear excess inventory at its stores a concern on Wall Street after a disappointing holiday season. Its 2017 results overall came in below analysts' expectations, though the e-commerce business showed signs of progress. Men can customize their own suits at the store. Source: Express Facebook CEO should testify in person in front of European lawmakers to show that he understands the sensitivities of privacy in the region, a top European Union official told CNBC Friday. Vera Jourova, the European commissioner for justice, consumers and gender equality, renewed calls for Zuckerberg to appear in Europe, following his two-day questioning in front of lawmakers in Congress. "I expect that Mr Zuckerberg will take this invitation because I believe that face-to-face communication and being available for such communication will be a good sign that Mr Zuckerberg understands the European market ... is serving to people who are very, very sensitive to their privacy," Jourova told CNBC in a TV interview. "I think it would be a good thing to do to come to Europe." Mike Blumenthal gives a talk at a LocalU conference. Tom Waddington was hanging out at a friend's house when he got an unexpected notification from Google Maps. Waddington is part of a group of Google Maps advocates who are trying to improve the service, so he lets Google track his location and frequently adds photos or edits to Maps listings. So the notification itself was routine, but the message was strange: Maps wanted him to contribute information about the Urgent Care center nearby. He was in a residential neighborhood. He opened the app and, sure enough, one of the houses next door was listed as a clinic. A telemedicine company that also made house calls had falsely claimed that physical address to try to increase business. The scammers hoped potential patients would search Maps for Urgent Care centers nearby, then call its number to schedule a house call or virtual appointment. These growth-hacking scams can have consequences: Waddington found someone who claimed to have taken his child to one of these non-existent clinics. "I looked into it later and found over 40 listings that were part of this ring of fake listings for a nurse practitioner service that comes to you," Waddington says. He reported them all, as well as the profiles that had written reviews for every one of them. Google deleted the bunch. Yet several months later, Waddington noticed that someone had created very similar listings and reviews from fresh accounts. "Maps is still really the Wild West," he tells CNBC. Alphabet investors see Google Maps as a huge, untapped opportunity. Morgan Stanley analyst Brian Nowak has called the service the "most under-monetized" asset he covers. Google's other mapping app, Waze, recently launched new local business ads that could be a blueprint for Maps' eventual strategy. But the service is plagued by fake reviews, ghost listings, lead generation schemes and impersonators. This hurts both honest business owners who don't use deceptive tactics and consumers who have come to rely on Google Maps to find information about the world around them. Google says it's in a "constant race with local business spammers" and that it's "heavily invested" in getting users to contribute and flag issues, while also using manual and automated systems to detect fraud. In the last year, Google has come under fire for how much it has relied on outsiders to help it find fake news in search, incorrect responses through its Home smart speaker and inappropriate videos in the trending section on YouTube. There's a volunteer army to fight these Maps scams, too. Waddington is part of a group of passionate "Top Contributors," who spend countless unpaid hours answering questions and reporting spam. Many, like Waddington, have also built marketing businesses around advising people on how to legitimately use Maps' tools, and are feeling increasingly flabbergasted that Google hasn't found a better way to curb the abuse they can turn up so easily. They say the issues with Maps are getting worse and deserve to be in the spotlight. Fake reviews proliferating Mike Blumenthal is one of the best-known Google Maps junkies. He has spent more than 10 years writing about the service's many changes and the evolution of local search in general. One of his latest obsessions is fake review spam on Maps. People use fake reviews to prop up their legitimate business, sabotage a competitor with bad reviews, or make an illegitimate listing look like it really exists either to drive phone calls to their real business, like in the urgent care center example, or to generate customer leads, which they will then sell. There's even a cottage industry of "black hat" search engine optimization experts focused on Maps and reviews. These companies write fake reviews or port real reviews from other sites, like Yelp, over to Google (which isn't allowed). You can find "review swap" groups on Facebook or people selling them on the freelance site Fiverr or Craigslist. Blumenthal's friend built him a handy tool that helps him track down and mass-report "review networks" of linked accounts. He estimates that he's reported tens of thousands of fake reviews to Google and has spent more than 1,200 total hours in its forums, answering questions, doling out advice and escalating issues. This work has earned him "Top Contributor" status. "I'm one of those stupid guys who volunteers a lot of my time to give Google free labor," Blumenthal laughs. (His real job is working for a company that helps businesses manage customer feedback, including reviews, but he does Google Maps reporting work in his spare time.) Hidden under the humor is a very real frustration: He thinks it's ridiculous that volunteers like him are doing dirty work that Google's engineers should be able to handle. Under his guidance, it takes me only seconds to find a phony garage door repair company located nearby in San Francisco, complete with fake office photos and a handful of glowing reviews. One of those reviews is attributed to a person named Nick Edward, who gave the service five stars. This person apparently also hired an exterminator in New Jersey, enjoyed personal training services in Texas, got his air conditioner repaired in Florida, sought legal counsel in Michigan, retiled his bathroom floor in Canada and had garage doors repaired in both Indiana and San Francisco. With all of Google's sophisticated data tracking tools, Blumenthal argues, the company should be able to flag obviously fake accounts like this. The company does take some steps to stop spam and scams in local search listings. Google has tried to crack down on garage door repair scams (which are known for swindling consumers) and other fraud-heavy services such as locksmiths and plumbers by selling "guaranteed" listing ads in certain cities. Google essentially promises that these advertisers are legit, and shows a little green box saying "guaranteed" to show it. However, anyone who Googles "garage door repair near me" might skip past these ads. And people starting their search in Maps wouldn't see those listings at all, and could easily be tripped up by the fake reviews. Joy "The Hawk" Hawkins, a consultant who helps small businesses manage search results, says she's seen the number of fake reviews get "much worse" in the last year. "These fake reviews might be easy to spot when you're looking for them, but unfortunately the average consumer isn't going to check the details to see who's writing the reviews," Hawkins says. "The spam issue just isn't something that a lot of people are aware of." She believes Google is aware of the problem fake review complaints are incredibly popular on the Google My Business forums where she spends her time but seems to be reactive, instead of proactive, in taking down listings. Hawkins says she feels defeated when reviews evade Google's filters even when they've literally been copied and pasted between businesses something that should be easy for Google to spot. She feels even worse when she gets a review network taken down, only to find more fake reviews populating a business listing several months later. "Google tells you it's a priority and that it's working on it, but at the end of the day, based on the progress I've seen in the last couple years, I just don't think it is," she says. Fake listings with real effects Hawkins' friend Jason Brown, a fellow search consultant and spam-chaser, has made it his mission to report businesses buying fake reviews to the Federal Trade Commission through his site Review Fraud. "I put in at least an hour or two of free time a day identifying, categorizing, and listing out businesses that are using fake reviews, and turning them over to Google to get them dumped," Brown says. On weekends, he adds, he'll usually fit in more time by getting up before his family and locking himself in front of a computer screen. "It's about preventing people from getting taken advantage of," he says. "People are wasting hard-earned money and time with businesses that they shouldn't even be going to." Earlier this year, Google suspended addiction treatment center ads after a series of investigations showed that companies were abusing the ads service. But now that those companies can't pay for ads, Brown found, they're trying harder to game Google Maps. Brown found a Craigslist ad offering to pay people to create Google Maps listings for drug rehab centers. When people call the number associated with what appears to be a real center near them, the phone operator will direct them to a different location, getting an undisclosed commission in the process if the person checks in. (The website, Seorehab, linked to from the Craigslist ad is connected to the company TopSeek Inc, which lists Narconon, a drug rehab network affiliated with Scientology, as one of its clients.) After Brown found the ad, he immediately went on the hunt to see whether any of the fake listings had gone through. He found two, which he promptly reported to Google. But Brown believes that until the FTC starts fining more businesses for posting fake listings and reviews, or Google starts finding bad actors faster and doling out harsher punishments, he's only making a small dent in a huge ecosystem. Why Google hasn't done a better job Aaron Shamo was a bitcoin millionaire. The 28-year-old former Eagle Scout was an early convert to cryptocurrency, a digital form of money that exists independently of any country or central bank. He began hunting for or "mining" bitcoin soon after it was created in 2009, while he was still a student at Utah Valley University. He stockpiled bitcoin even as he worked at outposts of Apple and eBay in Utah over the next few years. And when the crypto craze erupted on Wall Street last year, Shamo appeared to have placed an expert bet. The value of his holdings shot from about $767,000 to at least $10 million over the course of a year. But Shamo was not an investor or day trader. Instead, federal authorities say he built his wealth by harnessing the dark side of digital currency using it to fund a vast underground marketplace of illegal activity. Shamo is accused of trafficking the deadly opioid fentanyl and financing the operation with bitcoin. Law enforcement uncovered more than 500 bitcoin after raiding his house in 2016. Shamo is now in prison awaiting trial, and prosecutors said they are investigating 28 fatal overdoses in connection with his alleged drug ring. "They were entrepreneurs," his attorney, Greg Skordas, said of Shamo and five friends charged in the case. "They were looking for ways to make money, to do things, to be creative. They are alleged to have gotten into a very dark hole." Mugshot of Aaron Shamo. Source: Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Authorities say Shamo is part of a new generation of criminals who buy and sell drugs online and cover their tracks with cryptocurrencies. They've turned the internet into one of the main arteries for fentanyl traveling into the United States, according to officials. Nearly 20,000 people died after overdosing on fentanyl in 2016, data from the Center for Disease Control shows, contributing to one of the worst drug epidemics in a generation. "You can order illicit opioids right online and have them delivered right to the comfort of your living room," said Greg Nevano, deputy assistant director of Homeland Security Investigations. 'The currency of choice for these drug traffickers' The e-mail from the fentanyl dealer arrived with an important message for potential buyers. "We have switched to bitcoin payments only. Now you will enjoy a 10 percent less price tag on all products," it read. The dealer added, "Good part is that paying by bitcoin you can order as much as you like with no limit." The message was sent to undercover investigators working for a Senate committee led by Ohio Republican Rob Portman, whose state is suffering from one of the highest rates of fentanyl overdose deaths in the country. It was part of a yearlong inquiry into the international supply chain that funnels fentanyl from China to homes across America. The name of the dealer was redacted. The committee's report, released early this year, tracked activity on six websites offering fentanyl, including 300 potential users and seven overdose deaths connected with the sales. In each case, the sites listed bitcoin as the preferred method of payment. "Because it's anonymous, it's the currency of choice for these drug traffickers," Portman said. Sen. Rob Portman Karen James Sloan | CNBC Bitcoin used to be a currency for computer geeks. Invented in 2009 exactly by whom remains shrouded in mystery it was designed to be a truly free-market currency, without any company, country or central bank controlling its value or supply. Each bitcoin exists only as a virtual token, and all transactions are recorded in an open public ledger known as the blockchain. Yet while bitcoin transactions are public, bitcoin ownership is not. Each token is stored in a digital wallet identified only by a string of numbers and letters. Users do not always have to provide personal information to sign up for a wallet. The anonymity of bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies has made them popular on the so-called dark web, an encrypted layer of the internet where criminals conduct their business freely. Authorities have been playing cat-and-mouse with dark web marketplaces for years. The Silk Road, which was taken down in 2013, featured listings not only for drugs, but also for hackers, malware and forged documents. Last fall, the Justice Department shut down AlphaBay, another illicit marketplace, collecting $48 million from about 144,000 seized bitcoins. Fentanyl for sale via the dark web. Karen James Sloan | CNBC Marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine make up the majority of the drugs sold on the dark web, according to Nicolas Christin, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. But the rapid rise of fentanyl and the subsequent spike in overdose deaths have transformed the long-running war on online drugs sales into a full-blown crisis. "That's where we have to, obviously, try to up our game and be as savvy if not more savvy than the criminal enterprise involved in this," said Homeland Security's Nevano. A low-tech loophole at the post office Shamo allegedly ordered his fentanyl from China, where authorities believe the purest and deadliest form of the drug is manufactured. A fine white powder, fentanyl is easy to ship and is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Just a few flakes can be fatal. One of the primary ports of entry is the sprawling U.S. mail facility at JFK Airport in New York. About a million packages arrive daily from overseas. Customs and Border Patrol officers must search suspicious packages largely by hand, with the help of an X-ray machine or drug-sniffing dogs. In fiscal year 2016, CBP found seven shipments of fentanyl at the airport. Last year, the number jumped to 86. In the first few months of fiscal 2018, seizures soared to 146. "As long as we keep finding stuff, we know it's still out there," said Frank Russo, CBP's port director at the airport. Authorities say the high-tech criminals using cryptocurrencies to buy drugs online are exploiting a low-tech loophole in the international mail system to ship them to America. The U.S. Postal Service is is not required to collect information on who is sending the package or what's in it information that private carriers such as FedEx and UPS must provide. USPS spokesman Dave Partenheimer said the agency receives so-called advanced electronic data for about 40 percent of packages. He also pointed out that the office's international seizures of opioids, including fentanyl, jumped 375 percent from fiscal years 2016 to 2017. The agency said it is working with foreign governments to improve data collection. A Customs and Border Patrol agent and dog search mail packages for opioids. Karen James Sloan | CNBC In the meantime, law enforcement officials argue that lack of information makes it easy for fentanyl to slip through the system hidden in everything from teddy bears to fake pregnancy test kits and makes it difficult to track down suspicious packages and identify repeat offenders. Shamo used the fentanyl he purchased from China to manufacture fake oxycodone tablets, according to court documents. He allegedly sold some on the dark web, and Shamo turned to the U.S. mail to ship pills to buyers from North Carolina to New York, court documents show. "The mailman ends up being the drug carrier," Russo said. "Not because he wants to be, but because that's just the way it's going." 'Cryptocurrencies do not kill people' The first things police seized when they raided Shamo's home and stash house were bags of cash, gold bars, a Ford pickup and a BMW. It took another year for his bitcoin to show up in court paper. "It's really been a process that we've never dealt with before," said Skordas, Shamo's attorney. "I'm old enough to remember when we did everything with cash." In Washington, lawmakers and federal authorities believe stopping the flow of fentanyl means cracking down on cryptocurrencies as well. A bipartisan bill from Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., would create new language explicitly requiring digital currencies to comply with laws against money laundering. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called the use of bitcoin on the dark web "a big problem." Earlier this year, he launched a task force targeting fentanyl sales over the internet. "It will help us make more arrests of those selling these deadly substances online as well as shut down the marketplaces that these drug dealers use and ultimately help us reduce addiction and overdoses in this community and across the nation," Sessions said in January during a speech in Pennsylvania. But crypto advocates argue that digital currencies are getting unnecessarily swept up in the rush to find a solution. "Cryptocurrencies do not kill people. Opiates are killing tens of thousands of people a year," said Perianne Boring, president of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. "Blaming bitcoin for this crisis would make as much sense as blaming the internet or cars that drug traffickers have to use." Bitcoin users are not anonymous, industry groups say. They're "pseudononymous": Buying bitcoin requires real money. Many users convert that cash through cryptocurrency exchangers that collect personal information. And they have to change their bitcoin back to real money once they're ready to spend it. That's where law enforcement can swoop in. "One of the things we look for are pressure points," said a Justice Department official, who requested anonymity to protect ongoing investigations. "At some point, bitcoin is only as good as where you can spend it. You look at where the currency enters the mainstream financial system in order to get spent." Karen James Sloan | CNBC U.S. cryptocurrency exchangers are also subject to federal reporting requirements and laws against money laundering. Boring's organization launched a working group of more than two dozen companies called the Blockchain Alliance to help authorities combat crime. An industry analysis released this year by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a foreign policy think tank, found less than 1 percent of bitcoin is used for illegal purposes. However, the report also found that almost all of the illicit activity came from transactions on the dark web. It detailed the ways criminals can avoid regulated currency exchangers, such as using foreign converters or "mixing" sites that allow users to swap bitcoin. Meanwhile, new cryptocurrencies, such as monero, are growing in popularity and they're even harder to trace. "Better privacy may be a critical feature for legal cryptocurrency use to grow, but this must be balanced with the need for law enforcement to be able to trace transactions in some circumstances," the report concludes. Some crypto companies are urging the industry to take a harder look at its own practices. Canadian-based Einstein Exchange maintains a physical headquarters where customers can convert their digital currency in person. They verify all of their customers' personal information and are pushing for the creation of an international black list of bad actors. "We care because our loved ones, our relatives people we know their relatives are also dying from fentanyl overdoses," Einstein Exchange CEO Michael Gokturk said. "We want to play our part." Millions of dollars in limbo When Aaron Shamo was arrested in 2016, his bitcoins were worth about $750 each. The price skyrocketed while he sat in jail to a high of more than $19,000 each earning Shamo about $10 million, at least on paper. That's when Uncle Sam intervened. "The government was, first of all, nervous that they would disappear," said Skordas. "And second, they were anxious to liquidate them when the market was so incredibly high." Typically, the federal government waits until after a conviction to liquidate a defendant's assets. But when authorities asked to auction off Shamo's bitcoins before his trial, Skordas said his client agreed to foster goodwill. Fentanyl seized at a postal facility. Karen James Sloan | CNBC Students spend years of their lives focusing on getting into their dream college, but once they get in, families must face a brand new issue: How are they going to pay? The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators analyzed research from the Lumina Foundation and found that even if low-income families saved 10 percent of their discretionary income for 10 years and students worked 10 hours a week while attending college full-time, they still couldn't afford 95 percent of colleges. Even wealthy families were unable to afford 48 percent of schools. While many may not realize it, it is possible to negotiate for more financial aid. "The era of financial aid appeal has arrived in full," Ron Lieber writes in The New York Times, "and April is the month when much of the action happens." Here are three steps you can take to maximize your financial aid offers: 1. Appeal FAFSA 2. Review your college offers The next step in your financial aid negotiation process should be assessing all of your offers. It may seem tedious, but every family should make an Excel spreadsheet detailing each school's offer and how much debt they are able and willing to take on. "Review and evaluate each financial aid package thoroughly before deciding your course of action," Kat Cohen, CEO and Founder of college guidance company IvyWise, tells CNBC Make It. "Make sure you note the amount of aid you receive through grants and scholarships, which you will not have to pay back, versus loans, which are borrowed money that you will have to ultimately repay." This review process should also include estimating how much your degree will be worth. A typical rule of thumb is that students should not borrow more than their expected starting salary upon graduation. For instance, if you plan to become a computer scientist or a nurse, this estimated value will be higher than if you plan to pursue a degree in dance. Furthermore, The Fiscal Times suggests that parents only take on as much debt as they believe they can pay off within the next 10 years. The starting salary for college graduates is about $50,359, and the average student loan borrower has $37,172 in student loans when they graduate implying that most college graduates are actually making sound borrowing decisions. Kat Cohen Courtesy of IvyWise 3. Work with each school Oil prices have soared amid worries about fighting in the Middle East, but it is not yet clear whether elevated tensions will continue to support the recent rally, according to the latest monthly report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). "Political uncertainty in the Middle East has returned to the fore," the IEA said in its closely-watched report published Friday. "It remains to be seen if recently elevated prices are sustained and if so what are the implications for the market demand and supply dynamics," the Paris-based organization added. Crude futures surged to highs not seen since December 2014 Wednesday, underpinned by greater geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and elevated concerns over the prospect of imminent military action from Western powers. Oil prices have since edged away from multi-year highs, though both benchmarks were still on course to post their biggest weekly gain in more than eight months on Friday. Saftey, including with self-driving cars, is a huge priority for Uber, the ride-hailing company's new safety advisory board chairman told CNBC on Friday. "I took this advisory position knowing that there'd be many interesting issues to be focused on," said Jeh Johnson, secretary of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama. Johnson, who is the company's first chairman on the safety advisory board, said the new leadership team at Uber is very focused on safety. "They realize it is simply good for business to be focused on safety and to be seen as focused on safety," Johnson told "Squawk Box" Uber temporarily halted self-driving car tests in all locations after a woman was struck and killed on March 18 by a self-driving Uber vehicle in Tempe, Arizona. The company had suspended the program a year earlier after another crash, which did not result in serious injuries. The ride-hailing company is also facing a class action suit in the U.S. for poor driver vetting that has led to a series of sexual harassment incidents, including rape. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who joined the company in August, announced Thursday that the company is adding safety features, including background checks for drivers, a new emergency button that will connect users to a 911 operator and an in-app safety toolkit. Khosrowshahi also announced that Johnson will lead the six-member board, which consists of law enforcement, road safety, criminal justice, sexual assault and domestic violence prevention experts. Johnson served as secretary of Homeland Security from December 2013 to January 2017. He is also a fellow at the American College of Trial Lawyers. CNBC's Anita Balakrishnan and Reuters contributed to this report. A majority of Americans support special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into President Donald Trump and his campaign, a poll by ABC and The Washington Post found. According to the poll, which randomly sampled 1,002 adults, 69 percent support Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, while 25 percent oppose the investigation. Additionally, 64 percent of Americans support the investigation into Trump's business dealings, with 32 percent in opposition. Fifty-eight percent support the investigation into claims that Trump's associates paid women to remain quiet about their alleged affairs with the president, with 35 percent in opposition. Women are also less likely than men to support the president, according to the poll. President Donald Trump likes a good negotiation, and he's likely to get one if the United States is serious about reentering talks with trading partners on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Reports out of Washington, D.C., this week were that Trump has signaled a surprise openness to the TPP, a deal that he bashed on the campaign trail and, once elected, signed an executive order to abandon. In response, some of the TPP pact nations said they won't be rushing to appease Trump. General statements from TPP members "welcomed" the U.S. interest, but also stressed there won't be any renegotiation. Australia's trade minister told the New York Times on Friday, "We've got a deal. I can't see that all being thrown open to appease the United States." Officials from Japan and New Zealand, also among the 11-member TPP block, were also cagey about the latest surprise from Trump. But Mark Mobius, the dean of emerging markets investing, thinks the tough talk from TPP partners is just that talk and if Trump is serious about TPP reentry, the United States has a strong position to get back in on the trade deal. Trump holds up an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership after signing it in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, January 23, 2017. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images "Let's face it, the U.S. is the biggest trading partner and has the biggest influence," Mobius said on CNBC on Friday. "Without the U.S. the whole thing doesn't work; it doesn't make sense. It's a net positive if the U.S. enters negotiations. ... Always better than one-off statements that shut down any chance of compromise," Mobius said. Among the reasons stated for Trump's renewed interest is placating voters in farm states that have been hit hard by the trade war with China. Some top Democrats slammed the news as a "ridiculous reversal." Mobius also believes the United States has a strong position in that evolving trade scenario. "Just look at the trade balance. It's way off. The U.S. has lots of negotiating bullets," he said. Mobius said trade rhetoric about the U.S. economy being software- or service-based and, therefore, not being represented well by trade balance analysis misses the larger point: Those industries need access to the Chinese market. "A stronger trade balance is good for everyone, China included." He added, "Let's face it, at the end of the day, the U.S. is strong on software but doesn't have full access to the Chinese market, and that's one area where there has to be negotiations to strengthen the U.S. position. Mobius also noted that the United States is a commodity producer, and getting greater access to the Chinese market for commodities could provide trade options. "The good news is the Chinese know how to negotiate. It's one voice in China. In America it's 200. ... The Chinese will give a lot the renminbi is getting stronger, and there are lots of little buttons they can push." Mobius is not concerned about trade wars slowing EM growth In 1969, when Mike Massimino was seven years old, he dreamt of being an astronaut just like Neil Armstrong, who had just made his historic moon landing. Before the age of 33, Massimino got rejected by NASA three times until he finally reached his goal and learned an important lesson on patience and persistence. "The most important thing is to never give up. As long as you keep trying, there is always a chance," Massimino tells CNBC Make It. Massimino went on to travel on two space missions, of which the second helped him become the first person to ever tweet from space on May 12, 2009. tweet Massimino, 55, is the author of The New York Times bestseller "Spaceman," and serves as the senior advisor at the Intrepid Museum while teaching at his alma mater Columbia University. It was right after graduating from Columbia in 1984 that Massimino wrote a letter to a top NASA administrator out of the blue that would later lead to his first job at NASA, he recalls in "Spaceman." Although that administrator didn't reply to Massimino's letter, his executive officer Franky Coy did. Soon, Massimino and Coy were on the phone, discussing different jobs at NASA and establishing a connection that would eventually prove valuable. As a graduate student at MIT, Massimino got an administrative engineering job at NASA's headquarters. tweet When working toward his Ph.D. at MIT to gain a competitive edge over other aspiring astronauts, Massimino made it into the top 10 percent of NASA's astronaut program applicants. To his dismay, he got rejected for having bad eyesight. One eye procedure later, Massimino was determined to apply again. "Surely NASA would want me now. All I had to do was go back to MIT and do the impossible thing had nearly killed me: pass my qualifying exam," Massimino wrote, referring to completing his Ph.D. When Massimino applied to the astronaut program a second time, he got rejected yet again. This time, for listing references who didn't know him well and provided less-than-impressive recommendations. "I did that with a couple of the recommendations: I picked people I thought were important instead of people who knew me. That was a mistake," Massimino wrote. tweet At a time when NASA was getting upwards of 5,000 applicants per astronaut program class, Massimino applied a third time and got through to the final round, an in-person interview. And for a third time, he got rejected. This time, because of a medical disqualification due to of his eyesight. "I was crushed. It'd been 10 years. Ten years of my life I'd been working toward this goal. I didn't know whether to feel angry or sad or frustrated or what," Massimino wrote. Instead of remaining disheartened, he got in touch with the program selection committee, who told him he could still try applying if he could correct his eyesight. "After everything I'd invested, for me to walk away the door had to be closed and closed forever," Massimino said. "As long as it was open, even just a crack, I knew that I couldn't bring myself to stop trying. I'd made it too far and come too close to give up, and I had nothing left to lose." In the meantime, after getting his Ph.D., Massimino worked as a professor at Rice University and Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1995, he applied to NASA's astronaut program a fourth time and went through several months of vision training, which helped him pass the same eye exam he previously failed. In May of 1996, Massimino was selected to be a NASA astronaut candidate. After years of training, he flew with a crew to space in 2002 and 2009 as part of the final two trips to service the Hubble Space Telescope. He spent exactly 571 hours and 47 minutes in space. tweet To this day, Massimino says he is still actually afraid of heights, but he holds onto this lesson: "It's important to have dreams. Sometimes they come true like it did with my astronaut opportunities and sometimes you get disappointment." "But I think the most important thing is to have a dream and to pursue it. Sometimes it will work out and sometimes it won't, but the important thing is to try," he says. Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook. Don't miss: Iraqi forces flash the sign for victory while driving past an oil production plant as they head towards the city of Kirkuk during an operation against Kurdish fighters on October 16, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rybaye | AFP | Getty Images The long era of too much oil sloshing around the world and low prices is coming to an end, just as global events are heating up crude prices. On Friday, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. forces to join France and Britain in launching targeted strikes in Syria, in retaliation for an attack on civilians that employed chemical weapons. With other parts of the world already in turmoil, fallout from Syria could upend the dynamic, as the peak summer season for oil demand approaches, keeping oil prices in a new, elevated range. "Syria is a client state of Russia and Iran," said John Kilduff, energy analyst at Again Capital. In his speech, Trump singled out both countries for their support of Syrian President Bashar Assad. "We wait to see if her enablers step up and respond on Syria's behalf," he said just as Russia warned of "consequences" for the U.S.-led attack. Gasoline prices are also vulnerable. They are already expected to hit a four-year high this summer. "The supply cushion is gone. There was a security cushion, and that's gone," said Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit. "A lot of things are happening at the same time." Brent crude, the international benchmark, was up 7.8 percent in the past week and was trading near $73 a barrel in the futures market for the first time since December 2014. "It's probably in an orbit around $70," said Yergin, adding the floor could be high $60s to low $70s for Brent. Prices jumped this week after Trump said the U.S. would respond militarily to Syria's use of chemical weapons on its citizens last Saturday, killing dozens and wounding hundreds more. That sparked a blunt response from Russia, which warned the U.S. against the strike. While industry analysts aren't calling for sharply higher prices, they say the market is vulnerable to more erratic pricing because global supply has drained dramatically over the last year as demand has grown. "As the inventory overhang drains, we're vulnerable to a super spike again," said Kilduff. "That would only be if there were losses of significant size in any major oil-producing countries, particularly in the Middle East." Oil's price also has been firming as Houthi rebels in Yemen have increased a campaign of firing missiles into Saudi Arabia, both at oil facilities and civilian areas, but those efforts have so far failed. Even so, Yemen is viewed as a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia that easily could heat up. "When you see an escalation in Syria, it raises the risk of escalation in other places. Whether it's Yemen, whether it's eastern Saudi Arabia, or Iran or Iraq, it can foment tensions all across the Middle East," said Michael Cohen, head of energy commodities research at Barclays. "If the fundamental backdrop is strong, these things are going to matter. If the fundamental backdrop is weak, it's not going to matter," he added. But there are already other factors that could be wild cards for oil supply, affecting oil's price. One is the Iran nuclear deal, which the U.S. may choose to exit in May. Newly named national security advisor John Bolton is expected to encourage the president to abandon the deal, which would mean a return to U.S. sanctions on Iran's oil production and its financial sector. Another uncertainty is Venezuela, where the state oil company PDVSA has seen its production cut in half as its economy teeters and its ability to pump and process crude deteriorates. The U.S. could sanction its already distressed oil sector if President Nicolas Maduro proceeds with an election in May. Helima Croft, the head of global commodities strategy at RBC, said it is "realistic" to start thinking about Brent nearing the $80 a barrel mark. "To move beyond that we'd have to see Venezuela really drop fast. Iran would have real problems, and Yemen would have to visibly look a lot worse," she said. This is the first significant political premium to show up in crude prices since OPEC and Russia joined forces in late 2016 to steady a market faced with a serious global glut. As oil prices were in free fall then, Saudi Arabia and Russia led other oil-producing nations to agree to curb production by 1.8 million barrels a day. At the time, oil supplies for OECD nations had surged to near 400 million barrels above their five-year average, and were still running at about 300 million barrels above the average at the end of 2016. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reported this week that those stocks have fallen to just 43 million barrels above the five-year average, and that average is a line where oil producers would see the market as more balanced. Until now, "geopolitics didn't matter because we were swimming in oil," said Croft. In its monthly oil market report, OPEC said Thursday that the cartel's total crude output declined by 201,000 barrels a day in March, to average just below 31.96 million barrels a day. The decline was mainly from lower output from Angola, Venezuela, Algeria and Saudi Arabia. Croft said there's a strong case to be made for both bulls and bears currently, depending on Middle East tensions and the outcome of trade conflict between the U.S. and China. "Which war is going to win out? The Middle East war or the trade war? If the trade war comes back and dominates the headlines, you could have a broad-based macro sell-off that takes oil down with it." The other unknown is the U.S. shale production, which has increased as OPEC production decreased. OPEC also said Thursday that the world's total oil supply rose by 180,000 barrels a day last month, mainly because of non-OPEC producers such as the U.S., Norway and the U.K. "Shale is the reason we're not trading over $100 a barrel, way more than $100 a barrel," said Francisco Blanch, global head of commodities and derivatives at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Production from shale "has been the incremental barrel for years. Not for the last year or two but for seven years." Analysts are watching for any changes to come with Bolton as national security advisor and a new secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who is awaiting Senate confirmation. "I think the escalation of tensions with Russia is a major factor that could impact oil prices," said Blanch. He pointed to the steep drop in aluminum prices this past week, since the U.S. sanctioned Russian oligarchs and companies for meddling in the election. Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected to try to extend their production arrangement after it expires in December. The agreement will be reviewed when OPEC meets in June. Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih recently told CNBC that it's important to keep the agreement going. "We will review in June what are the specific targets for a balanced market," said al-Falih, during a visit to the U.S. last month. He said even if the market is balanced, the producers may not want to "lift our hands from the steering wheel and leave the market without stewardship" because it could quickly become out of balance. "The bottom line is they're committed to holding back supply from the market, which combined with the continued decline of PDVSA in Venezuela is going to make for higher oil prices," said Kilduff. WATCH: Buy the crude rally? The president's latest attack on Comey came as details from the former law enforcement leader's new memoir emerged in the media . The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is due out Tuesday. It includes Comey's version of his encounters with Trump, first when the real estate magnate was president-elect and then after he became president. The Trump administration has previously suggested that Comey could have violated the law in leaking a document, but fact checkers suggest that the circumstances are not so clear . President Donald Trump vented his rage at former FBI Director James Comey in a pair of tweets Friday, calling him an "untruthful slime ball" who "should be prosecuted." In the book, Comey describes Trump as being "untethered to the truth" and likens him to a mob boss and a bully. Comey also writes that Trump continued to ask him about unverified, salacious allegations that there was tape of him watching prostitutes urinate on each other in a Moscow hotel room in 2013. The former FBI director said Trump denied the lurid tale, but said he might order the FBI to investigate the claims. In an interview with ABC News, Comey said he didn't know whether he believes Trump's denials. A snippet aired Friday morning, and a longer version of the interview is slated to be broadcast 10 p.m. ET on Sunday. Trump fired Comey last May, four months after the Justice Department veteran first briefed him on the allegations about the prostitutes. The president told NBC News' Lester Holt that he had been thinking about the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election when he decided to fire Comey. Weeks later, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller, Comey's predecessor at the FBI, to take over the Russia probe as special counsel. Mueller is reportedly investigating Trump for obstruction of justice and possible collusion with the Russians. Trump has repeatedly denied accusations of collusion and obstruction. President Donald Trump on Friday pardoned Scooter Libby, a veteran of the George W. Bush administration who was convicted in 2007 of obstructing justice, perjury and lying to the FBI. Libby, who served as Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, lied about how he learned the identity of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame and how he talked to reporters about her. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, but Bush commuted the sentence. "I don't know Mr. Libby," Trump said in a statement issued by the White House. "But for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life." Members of the Bush administration had sought to discredit Plame's husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, over his claims that the administration fabricated intelligence on Iraq before the U.S. invasion in 2003. The pardon comes as Trump himself and members of his inner circle are under investigation by federal authorities. Special counsel Robert Mueller is reportedly looking at possible obstruction of justice by the president, as well as whether Trump and his campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 election. Trump has repeatedly denied collusion and obstruction of justice. The special prosecutor in the Plame case, Patrick Fitzgerald, was appointed by then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey. Trump fired Comey as director of the FBI last year. Comey said the president made several attempts to secure his loyalty. Trump told NBC's Lester Holt that he had been thinking about the Russia investigation when he decided to fire Comey. Excerpts of Comey's new memoir, "A Higher Loyalty," have started to leak. In the book, which is being released next week, Comey says Trump was "untethered to the truth." Here's White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders' Friday statement on the pardon: Donald Trump (L) and Steve Wynn talk before the start of Game 7 of the NLCS playoff baseball series in New York in this October 19, 2006 file photograph. A pro-Trump political action committee is refusing to return a hefty contribution from , the former casino magnate who has been accused of sexual misconduct, CNBC has learned. Wynn gave $500,000 to America First Action Super PAC on Jan. 23, just days before the first reports of his alleged harassment of women were published, according to first-quarter financial data from the Federal Election Commission. CNBC asked the group whether it has any intention of returning the contribution following the stories of Wynn's alleged misconduct. "We're not returning the donation," a spokeswoman for America First said. CNBC then asked the spokeswoman whether the group plans to accept future donations from Wynn. "Why do you ask? Did he offer?" she wrote back in an email, suggesting that America First would be willing to keep its financial coffers open for potential Wynn contributions. The group's spokeswoman did not immediately respond to requests for clarification. A spokesman for Wynn did not return requests for comment. America First's refusal to return Wynn's donation is in line with the Republican National Committee's decision to not refund Wynn contributions. This response to Wynn's alleged misdeeds provides a stark contrast to the Democrats' reaction to sexual harassment and misconduct allegations against movie mogul and prominent Democratic booster Harvey Weinstein. Michael Cohen, President Trump's personal lawyer arrives at the Hart Senate Office Building to be interviewed by the Senate Intelligence Committee on September 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. Federal prosecutors asked a U.S. District Court judge on Friday to deny a request from President Donald Trump's longtime lawyer, Michael Cohen, that would give his attorneys veto power over what materials seized from Cohen by the FBI could be used by prosecutors. The prosecutorial filing called Cohen's proposal "extraordinary" and "unprecedented," and contended that Cohen's request for a temporary restraining order was intended "to delay the case" and deprive the prosecutors in the case from viewing the evidence. The prosecutors also hinted that "the crimes being investigated involve acts of concealment by Cohen" which prompted the U.S. attorney's office to seek and obtain the search warrants. Lawyers for Cohen did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the filing. The filing also offered new information about the "months-long investigation into Cohen" that led to the aggressive searches Monday morning. The prosecutors said in the filing that Cohen's residence, hotel room, office, safety deposit box and electronic devices were all searched by FBI agents on Monday. Each of the searches were approved in separate affidavits and "seek evidence of crimes, many of which have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, but rather relate to Cohen's own business dealings." Since the "overwhelming majority" of the evidence seized in the raids relates to Cohen's business work, the prosecutors argued that most of it would not be covered by attorney-client privilege. Trump had earlier sounded off on the raids in a Twitter message Monday, saying "Attorney-client privilege is dead!" trump tweet But the prosecutors say they have already conducted searches of Cohen's email accounts, "covert until this point," which they say "indicate that Cohen is in fact performing little to no legal work, and that zero emails were exchanged with President Trump." This line of attack extends to a law firm from which Cohen received a $500,000 "strategic alliance fee" each year. "Based upon conversations with a representative of the law firm," the attorneys said they found that: "(1) Cohen did not have an email address associated with the firm; (2) Cohen did not have access to the firm's shared drives or document systemsand vice versa; (3) Cohen's documents were to be kept in a locked filing cabinet; and (4) Cohen did not have access to any of the firm's client files." Counsel for the Trump Organization told the prosecutors that it considers "each and every communication by, between or amongst" Cohen, the organization and its employees to be protected by attorney-client privilege. The U.S. attorneys called that claim "inaccurate and/or overbroad." They also asked the judge, Kimba Wood, to deny Cohen's request to appoint a so-called special master, instead of a "taint team" of separate federal lawyers, to review whether the seized material is protected by attorney-client privilege. "Appointment of a special master," the U.S. attorneys say, would "run the risk of creating significant delay in an ongoing criminal investigation." The prosecutors concluded by attacking the precedent Cohen's argument would set if enacted: Further restrictions on the imports of American farm products and curbs on food and drink imports were also suggested. Lawmakers in Moscow said Friday they had prepared a list that has suggested a possible ban on titanium sales to Boeing. The list also slaps limits on cooperation in nuclear and space technology. Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is to consider legislation banning a list of U.S. imports in response to sanctions recently imposed by Washington on Russian officials and businessmen. Russian lawmakers have proposed a set of measures that, if adopted by the Kremlin, could see the country halt crucial supplies of titanium to U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing . A Boeing Co. 737 MAX 9 jetliner sits on the production floor at the company's manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington. The aircraft industry is increasingly reliant on titanium as a strong but lightweight material for use in wing assemblies, steering wheels, hydraulic systems and a number of other parts. A Boeing 777 has a reported 8.5 to 12 percent of titanium in its airframe. Russia's VSMPO-AVISMA is the world's largest titanium producer and the main supplier to Boeing. The Russian firm told Reuters on Friday that stopping that trade could push the company out of emerging markets. Boeing also has a joint venture with VSMPO-AVISMA's parent company Rostec Corporation. The two firms run a plant in western Russia devoted to manufacturing finished parts for airplanes. The trade-restrictive proposals from the Russian politicians are at an advisory stage and it remains to be seen if the Kremlin will adopt them into law. In an email Friday, Timothy Ash of BlueBay Asset Management said the Russians were issuing Washington with a clear warning. "I assume the reason they are not going straight to an imposition of sanctions is that they want to let the U.S. administration and its allies mull over the implications of further sanctions actions against Russia," he told CNBC. Boeing shares fell around 1.2 percent shortly after the open of trade. Boeing told CNBC they are "aware and monitoring closely". Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman just capped off a three-week tour across the United States. He spent last week on the West Coast, meeting with tech moguls from Jeff Bezos to Richard Branson and working to clinch deals with Snap, Amazon, Google and Apple. His Vision 2030 goal is to diversify Saudi Arabia's oil-based economy and transform the kingdom into a tech and logistics hub in the Middle East. From the detention of princes in a five-star hotel, to plans for a grand tech city in the desert, it seems every bit of news that comes out of the kingdom lately has some business relevance. Much of it is splashy and designed for media attention, but behind the scenes, serious changes are under way to create a more friendly business environment for foreign investors and companies. Saudi Arabia is not going to transform itself overnight into the new Silicon Valley, the Detroit of the 1950s or Wall Street. It simply does not have the manpower or enough citizens who will work for laborer wages. Hollywood and Silicon Valley investments may grab headlines today, but underneath, Saudi Arabia is pursuing diversification and expansion of private enterprise in industries in which it already has an advantage. To reorient its economy, Saudi Arabia is taking advantage of its robust oil-production business and its veteran engineers and scientists and becoming a center of petrochemical and plastics manufacturing. Aramco, Saudi Arabia's national oil company, has already partnered with leading chemical manufacturers, like DowDuPont and Total, on several petrochemical plants in the kingdom. There is also an expectation that another American manufacturer could join them and open a new chemical plant soon. In addition, Saudi Arabia is attracting the manufacturers who use these chemicals with free or subsidized access to utilities and proximity to chemicals production plants. In fact, a detergent manufacturer is already preparing to set up shop next to a Saudi petrochemical plant on the Persian Gulf. More from Global Investing Hot Spots: China's $1.2 trillion weapon that can be used in a trade war with US Saudi prince's big challenge on US visit The investment with the most compelling case right now Saudi Arabia is also using a government stimulus package to lure Amazon to open a data center in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia is an attractive choice for Amazon to expand its data services and cloud computing to the Middle East because its west coast is beside an existing cable running underneath the Red Sea. The kingdom can also offer attractive utility subsidies to keep electricity costs low for Amazon. Moreover, it can provide subsidized real estate. Saudi Arabia realizes that the Middle East is traditionally underserved by data centers, and the kingdom wants to take advantage. SoftBank's massive Vision Fund said in 2017 that its minimum check size is $100 million. But in the financial-technology market, the number appears to be twice as big. Executives at a half-dozen fintech companies said the Vision Fund has told them it's looking to do deals where it can put at least $200 million to work over one or multiple investment rounds. These people asked not to be named because their talks with SoftBank are confidential. The Vision Fund recently attempted to invest about that much in online real estate company Opendoor, but the two parties didn't come to terms, sources familiar with the deal told CNBC. According to a report last month from the Wall Street Journal, Opendoor, which helps people buy and sell homes, is raising money at a $2 billion valuation. An Opendoor spokesperson declined to comment. A spokesperson for SoftBank said in an emailed statement that there's been no change to the investment strategy. "We partner with fast-growing companies that seek at least $100M to help achieve their ambitious goals," the statement said. "We don't have a different capital threshold for fintech companies." The Vision Fund, which SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son announced in late 2016, has no choice but to write huge checks because it's operating out of a $100 billion pool of capital. It's put billions of dollars to work in ride-hailing companies across the globe, including Uber and China's Didi Chuxing, and hundreds of millions into start-ups in many other categories, including dog-walking company Wag (it invested $300 million), food delivery provider DoorDash (it led a $535 million round), and virtual reality infrastructure provider Improbable (it led a $502 million round). Rajeev Misra, CEO of the Vision Fund, told CNBC in February that the firm had invested in 30 companies and that it would eventually reach 70 to 100. A dynamic casually observed in many science classrooms has now been confirmed by research: Men overestimate their intelligence in STEM courses, while women underestimate their abilities. That's according to a study published this month in Advances in Physiology Education. This dynamic had already been proven to exist in math, physics and chemistry courses, and the study affirmed its presence in biology classes as well. "A review of nearly 20 published papers on self-estimated intelligence concluded that men rate themselves higher than women on self-estimated intelligence," researchers from Arizona State University write in the report. Even though the men and women in the class had the same average GPA, 3.3, and had not taken any exams for the course before they were surveyed, when the researchers looked at how individuals perceived themselves compared to the class as a whole, they found that the men tended to have higher "academic self-concepts," or perceptions of their own ability. "The average male student thinks he is smarter than 66 percent of the class, while the average female student thinks she is smarter than 54 percent of the class," assistant professor Sara E. Brownell told NBC News. When Brownell and her colleagues looked at out how students thought they compared to a single workmate, they found that the male students had a 61 percent chance of perceiving themselves as smarter, while females only had a 33 percent chance of saying they were smarter. They found a similar discrepancy between non-native and native English speakers. The average non-native speaker believed he or she was smarter than 46 percent of the class, while the average native speaker claimed to be smarter than 61 percent. The research can't definitively explain these differences. But between genders, because the men and women used the same exact indicators to construct their self-concepts interactions in class they posit that "women may be judging their own behavior or ability more harshly than do men." If a student answered a difficult question correctly in front of the class, everyone was influenced by it, but the men and women were influenced to different extents. Venture capitalist Tim Draper predicts bitcoin will multiply by 30 times within four years. He made the forecast Thursday evening at his "Draper Block(chain) party" in California. Draper tweeted early Friday morning New York time that he was predicting "bitcoin at $25k by 2022," causing confusion among investors. But he clarified in an afternoon tweet that $250,000 was the correct figure. Tweet2 Tweet "It sounds crazy," Brian Kelly, founder and CEO of BKCM, an investment firm focused in digital currencies, told CNBC on "Fast Money" Friday. "But think about it this way: that's four years from now. That's a 3,000 percent return from here. But over the last two years bitcoin has had a 4,000 percent return. It would be a continuation of that trend." Europe has no doubts that tech firms other than Facebook are affected by privacy and data protection issues similar to the social media giant, European Commissioner Vera Jourova told CNBC. "I don't have doubts that there are some bad practices among other IT providers and networks. So what I have said about GDPR (the EU's general data protection rule) and our serious intention to have the data of all people protected, it applies to everybody, it's not only related to Facebook," she told CNBC's Arjun Kharpal Friday. The European Union's GDPR is a new law that aims to protect the data of consumers. The new rules will mean companies European or not are forced to remove data they have on EU citizens if requested. Violations of that law could result in a fine of up to 4 percent of annual turnover. "We want Europeans to be the masters of their privacy and it must be guaranteed by anyone who is collecting the data, who is monetizing and selling the data, and I expect Facebook to take this very seriously." Michael Cohen, personal attorney for President Donald Trump, as he arrives to appear before Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington, September 19, 2017. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters President Donald Trump's longtime lawyer, Michael Cohen, brokered a deal to pay $1.6 million to a former Playboy model who said she was impregnated by Republican National Committee official Elliott Broidy, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC. The sources also told CNBC that Cohen was paid $250,000 for negotiating and handling the deal. Attorneys for Cohen and representatives for the Republican National Committee, as well as lawyers for the former Playboy model, have not yet responded to CNBC's requests for comment. Representatives for Broidy declined to comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news of Broidy's payoff to the woman earlier Friday. Citing people familiar with the matter, the Journal reported that the 2017 deal prohibits the woman from discussing the relationship with Broidy, who worked as deputy finance chairman of the GOP committee. Broidy resigned from the committee shortly after the Journal's report. The committee's chairwoman accepted his resignation. "I acknowledge I had a consensual relationship with a Playboy Playmate," Broidy said in a statement. "At the end of our relationship, this woman shared with me that she was pregnant. She alone decided that she did not want to continue with the pregnancy and I offered to help her financially during this difficult period." Elliott Broidy Stefanie Keenan | Getty Images Cohen also works for the committee as a national deputy finance chairman. Casino mogul resigned as RNC national finance chair in February after the Journal reported that he had been accused of sexual misconduct. The $1.6 million sum was scheduled to be paid to the woman in quarterly installments, beginning in December 2017 and parceled out over the course of two years, according to sources who declined to be named. Broidy still owes money under the deal, although it was unclear how much he still had to pay out. The development is the latest example of Cohen negotiating nondisclosure agreements and payments to women who allegedly had affairs with his clients. Cohen and are currently being sued by porn star Stormy Daniels, who seeks to void her own hush deal over an alleged dalliance with Trump for which she was paid $130,000. Cohen is also in the sights of the FBI, who raided his office and residence on Monday and seized records and communications related to the deal with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. The agents also sought documents regarding another woman who allegedly had an affair with Trump, Karen McDougal, who received $150,000 from the parent company of The National Enquirer. The CEO of that company, American Media, is friends with Trump. The authorities reportedly seized documents and communications related to the now-infamous "Access Hollywood" tape containing audio of Trump boasting about sexual harassment. Broidy was a prominent supporter of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, and contributed to the then-candidate's fundraising efforts as vice chairman of the Trump Victory Fund, which combined state and national Republican committees. Broidy apologized to his family in his statement: "It is unfortunate that this personal matter between two consenting adults is the subject of national discussion just because of Michael Cohen's involvement. Mr. Cohen reached out to me after being contacted by this woman's attorney, Keith Davidson. Although I had not previously hired Mr. Cohen, I retained Mr. Cohen after he informed me about his prior relationship with Mr. Davidson." WATCH: Trump lawyer Cohen wants to review evidence found in FBI raid A court hearing Friday on an emergency request by President Donald Trump's longtime personal lawyer to bar prosecutors from getting a quick look at materials seized in FBI raids was adjourned until Monday after another attorney, who represents the president in the case, raised similar concerns. Michael Cohen, who has a reputation as a "fixer" for Trump, asked in a court filing late Thursday that his own lawyers be allowed to review the materials and then determine which of them should be turned over to federal prosecutors for their ongoing criminal investigation. Failing that, Cohen wants a judge to appoint a so-called special master to determine which files can be seen by prosecutors, to avoid a violation of attorney-client privilege that would taint any case brought against Cohen, Trump or anyone else. While Cohen's filing is under seal, the judge in the case summarized the gist of it, after media outlets said they wanted all the documents in the case made public, at Friday's hearing in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Cohen was not present for that hearing. Meanwhile, Trump called Cohen to "check in" on Friday, The New York Times reported, citing two sources familiar with the call. That development emerged after White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that she wasn't sure whether Cohen was still Trump's personal attorney. 'We need more time' A lawyer representing Trump said told Judge Kimba Wood at the hearing that she is worried about the plan by prosecutors to have a "taint team" of independent federal lawyers review the material to determine what information from the raids is permissible for disclosure to prosecutors who are actually handling the case. Some, if not all, of that material relates to Trump. Federal prosecutors "would not be my first choice for that role," said Trump's lawyer, Joanna Hendon, who revealed that the president had only hired her for the case two full days after the raids on Cohen's office and hotel room. Hendon said she believed "my client," Trump, "should be allowed" to make arguments about who will get to review the evidence seized from Cohen. Hendon said the privilege in the attorney-client privilege belongs to Trump, not to Cohen. Hendon said she had seen neither Cohen's sealed motion, nor the response to it filed Friday by prosecutors. She noted "the exceptional nature of my client," and her concern that Trump's interests could be damaged if the review of Cohen's files is mishandled. "He is the president of the United States," Hendon said. "The issues are so weighty. ... We need more time." She added: "What's at stake? The viability of the prosecution." In Monday raids, FBI agents seized evidence related to Cohen's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for what Daniels has said was her silence about a purported sexual encounter with Trump. Prosecutors also are reportedly eyeing payments to another woman who claims she had sex with Trump more than a decade ago, along with other issues related to Cohen. Thomas McKay, a federal prosecutor in the case, pushed back hard at the requests by both Cohen's lawyer and Hendon. McKay said he objected to them seeking to delay the prosecution's review of the evidence more than three full days after the raids occurred. "It's just another attempt at delay," McKay griped. McKay also said that Trump was entitled to no more deference in the review of his lawyer's files than any other person. Porn star's lawyer shows up Michael Avenatti, a lawyer for Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was in court for the hearing. Avenatti said it was "shocking" that Trump, who had angrily denounced the raids Monday, did not hire a lawyer to represent his interests in the case involving the materials relating to him until Wednesday. Avenatti said the president, who has had problems hiring lawyers to deal with the ongoing probe by special counsel Robert Mueller, should have had an attorney retained for Cohen's case by last Monday night, immediately after the raids. Avenatti told reporters after the hearing that he wanted to make sure that the evidence seized from Cohen were secured, regardless of who reviewed them and regardless of who was allowed to see them. "We don't want documents disappearing under any circumstances," Avenatti said. "He knows where all the bodies are buried," Avenatti said, referring to Cohen. Judge Wood adjourned the hearing until Monday afternoon to allow time for the parties involved to prepare for arguments. Prosecutors agreed not to use the seized materials until then. Cohen had filed a temporary restraining order in response to the warrant that authorized the searches. Avenatti asked Wood if he would be allowed to state his position in the case on Monday. She agreed. Rachel Strom, a lawyer for ABC News, had argued at the beginning of the hearing that all of the proceedings should be held in public view, and not at a sidebar conference with the judge. McKay also said he believed the proceedings should be open to the public. 'He has no basis to challenge it' Cohen's argument is "a dead loser," said former U.S. attorney Harry Litman, who teaches at the UCLA School of Law and continues to practice law. "The search was orthodox and lawful and he has no basis to challenge it," Litman said, based on news reports about the process of obtaining the search warrant. But even if it turns out that the warrant was acquired on insufficient grounds, Litman said Cohen's strategy for this hearing doesn't hold much water. "Even if it's flagrantly unlawful, the way to challenge that is to keep the government from using the evidence in court against him," Litman said. Cohen's approach, on the other hand, makes it look like he is trying to temporarily freeze the government's ability to use what it has seized, said Harry Rimm, a partner of the law firm Sullivan & Worcester. "The argument is likely that this is an unusual case with leaks," where Cohen can't "wait months for a suppression motion because by the time we'd get to a suppression motion in the normal course, Cohen will have suffered terrible harm," Rimm told CNBC in an email. Serious suspicions The U.S. was considering eight potential targets in Syria, including airfields, a research center and a chemical weapons facility. The world is bracing for the U.S. response to the Syrian government's alleged chemical attack last weekend on a rebel-held town. Since the attack, Trump tweeted about potential missile strikes multiple times. President Donald Trump might have given Syrian and Russian forces too much time to prepare for potential air strikes, defense experts say. President Donald Trump might have given Syrian and Russian forces too much time to prepare for potential air strikes, defense experts say. The world is bracing for the U.S. response to the Syrian government's alleged chemical attack last weekend on a rebel-held town. Since the attack, Trump tweeted about potential missile strikes multiple times. "If Russia and Syria were smart, as soon as President Trump indicated early this week that an attack was possible, [Syrian President Bashar] Assad would have begun moving any and all military assets close to or on Moscow's military bases in-country," Harry Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, told CNBC. "This would include aircraft, helicopters, artillery and even ammunition or high-value weaponsanything you might think the U.S. and its allies might consider a target." A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter lands at the Russian Hmeimim military base in Latakia province, in the northwest of Syria. Vasily Maximov | AFP | Getty Images A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told CNBC on Thursday that the U.S. was considering striking eight potential targets in Syria. Those targets include two Syrian airfields, a research center and a chemical weapons facility. The source also noted that Syria's military has repositioned a significant amount of air assets to Russian-controlled airfields in hopes that Washington would be reluctant to strike there. Meanwhile, Trump is seeking a large-scale attack in Syria that would also punish Iran and Russia, but Defense Secretary James Mattis has been pushing back, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing administration officials. The following graphic from the Institute for the Study of War, or ISW, tracks the movements of military assets and personnel following a deadly chemical weapons attack believed to be carried out by the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. A map identifying key pro-regime military movements from April 8 12, 2018 following the deadly Syrian chemical weapons attack. Institute for the Study of War According to the ISW report, Syrian aircraft located on the outskirts of Hama, Homs and Palmyra have relocated closer to heavily defended airfields across Syria. "Aircraft relocated from the Seen (Sayqal), Dumayr, Shayrat, and the T-4 (Tiyas) Air Bases to the Bassel al Assad International Airport in Latakia Province, the Nayrab Air Base outside Aleppo City, and the Damascus International Airport," the ISW report states. Russian and Assad regime forces have enhanced their air defenses around Syria's capital, Damascus, and deployed short- to medium-range surface-to-air missiles to the Mezzeh Military Air Base, as well as other sites in the city. "Pro-regime officials also reportedly issued an alert to the Syrian Arab Army to evacuate personnel and assets from military bases across Syria," the report notes. Weapons research center reportedly evacuated The Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center, a government body responsible for research and development of advanced weapons systems, was reportedly evacuated amid potential strikes. In addition, Iranian proxies have reportedly begun exiting Syria. Syrian and Russian soldiers wait at the entrance of the Wafideen Camp for the arrival of buses carrying Jaish al-Islam fighters and their family members evacuated from the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma, on April 12, 2018. Youssef Karwashan | AFP | Getty Images A journalist working at the international press center of the VIII Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru. The Summit of the Americas a large gathering of leaders from countries in the region, including Mexico and Brazil kicked off on Friday in Lima, Peru, with one glaring absence: President Donald Trump. The White House said Tuesday that Trump who was originally scheduled to attend the two-day summit will stay in the U.S. to "oversee the American response to Syria" following an apparent chemical attack in the Middle Eastern country. Vice President Mike Pence attended in Trump's place. Trump's absence marks the first time in the summit's nearly 24-year history that a U.S. president did not attend. It is also a missed opportunity for Trump to try and curb China's growing influence in America's own backyard. Chinese foreign direct investment in Latin America skyrocketed more than $110 billion between 2003 and 2016, with most of that coming between 2012 and 2016, according to a report last year by Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council. "There are political implications," said Sean Miner, a fellow at the Atlantic Council. "There is an opening for China to expand its influence there. That's in part due to the lack of attention from the U.S. The U.S. has recently been more focused on other world affairs." Miner said some of the money was invested in the region's energy, technology and transportation sectors. He also noted that more than 80 percent of Chinese investments in Latin America come from state-run companies, signaling a more hands-on approach to Latin America by China. "Chinese investments in Latin America are accelerating and will continue to accelerate in countries like Brazil, Argentina and Mexico," Miner notes. "I think that's good for Latin America economically, but not so good for U.S. companies in these countries because they're seeing more competition." China is increasing its presence in Latin America while a potential trade war with the U.S. may take place in the near future. Last week, China announced fresh tariffs on 106 U.S. products while Trump asked United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to consider $100 billion in additional tariffs against the Asian country. The White House said Trump also instructed Lighthizer to consider trying to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a multi-nation deal the U.S. quit after Trump took office. But skipping this weekend's summit won't help Trump mend relationships with some of the TPP's Latin American members, especially Mexico. "The late-cancellation is a real insult to the other countries attending," said Shannon O'Neil, senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "There is a lot of tension between the U.S. and Latin America. It would've been good to smooth them out." The U.S. and Mexico along with Canada are in the middle of renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday that a deal on the matter was "getting pretty close." However, the president added a renegotiated trade agreement was still "weeks or months away." Trump has threatened to rip up NAFTA unless he gets some big concessions, particularly for the U.S. auto industry. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump called the 1994 agreement the worst trade deal in history. "US officials [had] previously suggested that an agreement in principle could be reached in time for the Summit of the Americas," said Jon Harrison, managing director and EM macro strategist at TS Lombard, in a note Wednesday. "A delay until at least the end of the month now appears more likely. A new NAFTA deal would confirm US willingness to compromise on trade and help offset the rising criticism of Trump's policy from businesses." The president has also made disparaging comments about Mexico and its citizens. When he announced his candidacy in June 2015, Trump called Mexican immigrants to the U.S. "rapists." He has repeatedly said the U.S. would build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and said Mexico would pay for it. Mexico is not the only Latin American country where Trump has ruffled some feathers. Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, has been in tough negotiations with the U.S. after Trump implemented a 25 percent tariff on steel imports last month. Brazil is one of the top three import sources of steel for the U.S. Reuters reported Thursday, citing sources, that the U.S. had proposed a quota for Brazilian steel imports that would be tariff-free. "The U.S. is still a major ally [to Latin American countries]," said Monica de Bolle, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. "But not too many countries are looking too favorably at the Trump administration." "There has been a sense that the U.S. has no strategy for Latin America," de Bolle said. The biggest risk heading into the summit prior to Trump's cancellation was Trump banging his fist on the table demanding cooperation from Latin American leaders against China, de Bolle said. But since Pence will be the one attending in Trump's place, the summit might run more smoothly for the U.S., O'Neil from the Council on Foreign Relations said. "We know President Trump is not the most diplomatic person in the world." President promised Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado he would support efforts to protect states that have legalized marijuana, ending a standoff on Department of Justice nominations. "Since the campaign, President Trump has consistently supported states' rights to decide for themselves how best to approach marijuana," Gardner said in a statement. "Late Wednesday, I received a commitment from the President that the Department of Justice's rescission of the Cole memo will not impact Colorado's legal marijuana industry." "Because of these commitments, I have informed the Administration that I will be lifting my remaining holds on Department of Justice nominees," Gardner added. The Washington Post first reported the development, and the White House confirmed on Friday Gardner's statement was accurate. In January, Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked the Cole Memo, Obama-era guidance designed to discourage prosecutors from targeting states that have legalized marijuana. The move provoked an outcry from marijuana friendly states, including Gardner's Colorado, in which the marijuana industry has flourished since 2000. Angry that Sessions had reneged on his pledge to leave marijuana states alone, Gardner promised to block all DOJ nominations, pending a resolution. Since then, he has held up about 20 Justice nominations, the Washington Post reported. "Clearly, we've expressed our frustration with the delay with a lot of our nominees and feel that too often, senators hijack a nominee for a policy solution," White House legislative affairs director Marc Short told the Washington Post on Friday. "So we're reluctant to reward that sort of behavior. But at the same time, we're anxious to get our team at the Department of Justice." Trump "does respect Colorado's right to decide for themselves how to best approach this issue," Short added. Gardner and other senators have been discussing legislation that would prevent federal government intervention in states that have legalized marijuana. Nothing has been finalized, according to Gardner's statement. "My colleagues and I are continuing to work diligently on a bipartisan legislative solution that can pass Congress and head to the President's desk to deliver on his campaign position," Gardner said in a statement. This move comes days after former Republican House Speaker John Boehner announced he would join the board of a medical marijuana holding company. Advocates have called this announcement a watershed moment for the marijuana industry. Facebook is in full damage-control mode. One of its latest crises involves both President Trump and a massive data breach affecting as many as 87 million of its users, and it seems to be the tipping point in a difficult few years for the social media giant. Unlike past incidents over data privacy and fake news, investors and consumers seem to finally be taking note. In the aftermath, Mark Zuckerberg has been repeating the same refrain he and the company "didn't take a broad enough view of what our responsibility is." It's almost like Zuckerberg's Frankenstein moment. He created a monster 14 years ago, and he's now trying to figure out how to control the beast. But none of these problems are new, which begs the obvious question why is this only happening now? If you look at the timing, it all seems oddly pegged to President Trump. To understand why, you need to look back at the two big events plaguing Facebook at the moment: "Fake News" and Cambridge Analytica. Fake News and the 2016 U.S. presidential election Cambridge Analytica Now fast forward to 2018 and the Trump campaign's ties to a data analytics firm that mined user information on Facebook have come into question. Cambridge Analytica is perhaps the most prominent Facebook controversy right now. It's brought data privacy to the forefront of the public dialogue. Back in 2013, a Cambridge University researcher made an app called "thisisyourdigitallife." More than 270,000 Facebook users took the quiz, thinking that any information the quiz gathered would be used for academic research. Facebook says the quiz makers then handed the information over to political data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica. In 2016, Jared Kushner hired Cambridge Analytica to take over the Trump campaign's data operations. It's not clear exactly when or if the data from that app was actually used. But if it was, it could have granted them access to the data of as many as 87 million users. The roughly 300,000 people who downloaded the app didn't know their data would be used like this, and their Facebook friends who didn't download the app, didn't know anything. Chesnot | Getty Images Keep in mind that Facebook has been advertising the fact that it's the perfect place for candidates to access voters for years. This isn't the first time a presidential hopeful has scraped Facebook for voter data. Just take the "Obama for America" app that launched in 2012. More than a million people downloaded the app, and it, too, apparently branched out to those people's friends to mine information, including "their birth dates, locations and 'likes.'" The Facebook users who actually downloaded the app knew their data was going to a political campaign but their friends didn't. Unlike the fallout associated with Cambridge Analytica and President Trump, there was very little blowback for President Obama. This idea of micro targeting feeds right into Facebook's current ad model. It's always been one of the big ways Facebook makes money. Facebook's business model relies on user data to build algorithms to sell advertising, which ultimately keeps the platform free for users. So, data is their business model. But a big difference now appears to be that the data in question is tied to a president whom a lot of people just don't like. Zuckerberg: There will always be a free Facebook For now, the company is still sticking to the data-driven model. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg says Facebook users would have to pay to opt out of their data being used for targeted ads. But Facebook's recent Trump-tied scandals have brought about some change. In his testimony on Capitol Hill, Zuckerberg announced plans to be more transparent about Facebook's data use. He said apps will have access to less user data, and it'll be easier for users to see which apps have that access. In response to Russia, Zuckerberg tightened up Facebook's political advertising policies and said Facebook is increasing its investment in security. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for his meeting with Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., in the Hart Senate Office Building on Monday, April 9, 2018. Zuckerberg is on Capitol Hill to testify before the House and Senate this week. Bill Clark | CQ Roll Call | Getty Images So it seems Zuckerberg is taking steps to address the latest controversies. But Facebook's reputation has already taken the hit. Even while the Cambridge Analytica scandal was unfolding, Facebook was in talks with hospitals in the hopes of matching patient data with Facebook user data. To some people, that kind of access is expected. To others, it struck a nerve. #DeleteFacebook was trending after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, although Zuckerberg told House lawmakers it hadn't led to an exodus of users yet. Platform versus publisher The fact remains, for a good portion of the country, Facebook is how people get their news. That's brought new relevance and urgency to the one big question that's been plaguing Facebook for years: Is it a platform, or a publisher? The company would say platform. Technically, they're right. There's a section in the 1996 Communications Decency Act that reads, "No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider." Facebook didn't even exist when the federal law was written. But that single line has given companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google the legal grounds to say they're not responsible for the content on their platforms. But that precedent has come under question. Facebook's news feed is arranged based on algorithms, which means not everybody sees the same posts, videos and news stories. As more people turn to Facebook as their primary news source, the company is being looked at as a sort of "editor" of information online. New plans by German carmaker Volkswagen could finally set it free from the troubled years of the "dieselgate" scandal, analysts told CNBC Friday. VW announced several changes Thursday, including that the group will be organized into six businesses and have a portfolio for China. It also announced a new CEO with Herbet Diess starting in August, replacing Matthias Muller, who led the company in the wake of the emissions scandal. Volkswagen has struggled since 2015 when news broke that the company had deliberately cheated emission tests with U.S. authorities hitting the firm with a $2.8 billion penalty. Diess has been the head of the Volkswagen cars division. "Volkswagen used to trade at a big, big discount, and I think Herbert Diess is really the CEO who will drive efficiency at Volkswagen, he will take the company to the next level," Arndt Ellinghorst, senior managing director at Evercore ISI, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Friday. "Investors will really enjoy meeting him and will put a lot of trust into his ambitions into Volkswagen," he added. The Trump administration, confident in its hard-line strategy, reportedly plans to ratchet up pressure on China. The administration may focus on new tariffs and threaten to block Chinese technology investment in the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported. The White House said Trump told top economic advisors to look at the possibility of re-entering a massive Pacific trade deal. The president wants them to "take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated." (CNBC) Trump issued an executive order to set up a task force to study the USPS and recommend reforms following his criticism of Amazon (AMZN). That development may represent an escalation in Trump's attacks on Amazon for its dealings with the service. (CNBC) CNBC has learned a man who used to work as Paul Ryan's personal driver is preparing to run for the outgoing House speaker's seat. Bryan Steil has been courting some of Wisconsin's top donors as he prepares to enter the fray. The Washington Post and the Associated Press have published a series of excerpts from former FBI Director James Comey's forthcoming tell-all book about his experiences working under Trump. Here are some of the most revealing things Comey wrote. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett warned students in 1991 about the perils of using debt and leverage decades ago, using Trump as a negative case study. Buffett also told the students to instead use his own life as a model on how to succeed. (CNBC) Google (GOOGL) is apparently drafting a set of ethical principles to guide the use of its tech in the wake of outcry against its partnership with The Pentagon. The company announced its partnership in March to develop A.I. to analyze and interpret drone videos. (Defense One) A judge in Philadelphia ruled that limousine drivers for Uber are independent contractors and not the company's employees under federal law. This is the first ruling of its kind in what is a crucial issue for the ride-hailing company. (Reuters) [The stream is slated to start at 2:45 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] White House press secretary is set to take reporters' questions Friday afternoon after President Donald Trump tweeted attacks on former FBI Director . In an ABC News interview, Comey said that he is unsure whether or not he believes Trump's denials about unsubstantiated reports that the president had encounters with Russian prostitutes in 2013. "Honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013," Comey told ABC. "It's possible, but I don't know." Friday morning, Trump tweeted that Comey was an "untruthful slime ball." Trump tweet Trump tweet Separately, in a statement Friday afternoon, Sanders announced that Trump granted a full pardon to Scooter Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff. In 2007, Libby was convicted of lying to the FBI and obstructing justice. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, but President George W. Bush commuted his sentence. However, Bush refused to pardon Libby. Early earnings season action, with strong results and weak stock performance, show that profits alone won't drive this bull market higher any longer. Instead, investors still have to contend with a slew of other issues geopolitical, economic and valuation that could drown out what should be an otherwise robust time for the corporate bottom line. "All of this is a little bit of the wall of worry, which is pretty high" said Rob Lutts, president and chief investment officer at Cabot Wealth Management. "We should be having a better attitude toward the markets today, but people are still nervous and concerned." Getty Images As it stood Friday, the first wave of first-quarter reports from banks saw respectable beats against the top and bottom lines. Three of the four biggest U.S. banks reported JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo along with PNC. Yet the sector as gauged by the SPDR S&P Bank ETF was off 1.2 percent in early afternoon trading, with all of the banks that reported off at least 2 percent. The major averages see smaller losses, with the nearing breakeven. To some extent the group was a victim of sky-high expectations, and internal numbers that caused investors to question the health of core bank operations. But there also was more at play. Traders may have been loath to go into the weekend long the market at a time when President Donald Trump is threatening to rain bombs on Syria and Wall Street still doesn't know whether the U.S. and China are in the early days of a full-blown trade war. There's also the looming specter of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation and the constant drumbeat of unrest in the nation's capital. "A very big part of it is the pace of changing news coming out of Washington is very unsettling," Lutts said. "This is something investors are very uncomfortable with. You would think they would start to adapt to it, but one minute we're going in this direction and the next we're changing." Investors would be wise to dismiss the noise and focus on corporate fundamentals, said Michael Kresh, president of Creative Wealth Management. "The overhang of daily political tensions and nonsense coming out of the White House is causing people to become more nervous, but that doesn't change the fundamentals of the market," Kresh said. "We're still coming in above [earnings] expectations. So the issue here is if we subtract the noise, which is noisier this year than we've been exposed to, we have to look at what's actually happening." "If we come in at the end of the year with a net 8 percent return, everybody should be ecstatic," he added. The math seems to make sense: Earnings are expected to rise 17.1 percent in the first quarter and 18.4 percent for the full year. Mid-to-high single-digit gains don't seem unreasonable in such an environment. Yet the bar has been set so high that it will be a challenge to impress. "If we get through a week or two without jitter-inducing headlines ... the market may just be ale to take a deep breath and climb higher," said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist at Prudential Financial. "It's very interesting to see this market struggle. You may not want to go in long over the weekend." WATCH: How to trade financials as bank earnings kick off Advertising giant WPP is preparing for the possibility of CEO Martin Sorrell's departure, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The firm is weighing contingency plans, including naming veteran executives Mark Read and Andrew Scott as co-CEOs, the newspaper reported, citing anonymous sources and publication Campaign U.K. CNBC last week confirmed Sorrell is under investigation after an allegation of "personal misconduct." WPP did not immediately respond to CNBC's updated request for comment on Friday. The company said last week it had appointed an independent counsel to investigate Sorrell and that the ongoing investigation doesn't appear to be material to the business. The company expects to complete its investigation as soon as next week, the Journal reported on Friday, coinciding with a previously scheduled board meeting. Read the full WSJ report here. CNBC's Michelle Castillo and Anita Balakrishnan contributed to this report. The eighth edition of the Singapore Yacht Show is back this week. Southeast Asia is seeing increasing potential as a yachting region, industry players told CNBC, so expectations for the event were high. The marina on Singapore's Sentosa island will see superyachts like Amel's La Familia, ICA's Aquamarina, Heesen's Lady Azul, and Ferretti's Happy Days among many others over the weekend. La Familia, which is the largest yacht on display at 55 meters in length, is on sale for 39,250,000 euros (more than $48 million). The average buyer for such a yacht are "extremely private, very wealthy," according to Paul Moran, CEO of Eastwind Yachts, which is the broker for the sale. Speaking with CNBC's Dan Murphy, Moran also mentioned he believed in the potential of the Asian market because consumers there are developing a greater appreciation for yachting. Indeed, yachting in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, has been growing in popularity. The practice, once seen as a European and American pursuit, has picked up traction in Asia, with Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean ultra-high net worth individuals expressing more demand, according to the Singapore Yacht Show. Overall, the yachting market is "a big opportunity for Asia in particular," according to Andy Treadwell, the CEO and founder of the Singapore Yacht Show. Vrit Yongsakul, group managing director of Boat Lagoon Yachting told CNBC that the company has been "seeing more people, Asians and non-Asians alike, coming to appreciate the lifestyle of yachting." Zillow shares plunged 9 percent on Friday after the online real estate database company announced it will begin buying and selling homes, a capital-intensive endeavor. With Zillow's new program, announced on Thursday, home sellers in the test markets of Phoenix and Las Vegas will be able to use Zillow's platform to compare offers from potential buyers and Zillow. When Zillow purchases a home, it will aim to quickly flip the home, making updates and repairs and listing it as soon as possible. An agent will represent Zillow in each transaction. "We're entering that market and think we have huge advantages because we have access to the huge audience of sellers and buyers," Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff said on CNBC's "Squawk Alley." "After testing for a year in a marketplace model, we're ready to be an investor in our own marketplace." But investors are less enthusiastic. Flipping homes, a model that's being utilized by start-up Opendoor, is very different than operating an internet marketplace. It carries additional risk associated with buying and selling homes and requires a hefty investment in operations. And it also potentially puts Zillow in direct competition with the realtors on its platform. Zillow sank $5, or 9.3 percent, to $48.77 as of mid-day on Friday, knocking more than $900 million off its stock market value. "This is a business model that to date has been all advertising revenue driven, which is high gross margin," said Mark Mahaney, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets who has a "buy" rating on Zillow. "And now there's this pivot into this other category which has balance sheet risk and it has much lower margins and is in an uncertain housing environment," Mahaney said on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street." The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form A Windows Ink engineer has confirmed that theres a bug in the third Win10 1709 March Cumulative Update, KB 4089848, that breaks common pen movements in Photoshop, Lightroom and CS Paint. Looks as if the same problem bedevils this months 1709 Cumulative Update, KB 4093112, as well. Microsoft, it seems, decided to break pen behavior in Win10 1709 without any notification or explanation. Early this month, DavideV, on the Microsoft Answers forum, posted a rather strange observation: I'm on a Surface Pro 4 and Photoshop CC used to work just fine for me but recently I'm experiencing the following problem: often in Brush mode the pen moves the canvas around instead of drawing. This is almost always the case when starting a vertical stroke, less so for horizontal ones. This happens: both with and without Photoshop gestures enabled with both the new and old Surface pen with and without hardware acceleration enabled in ps (note: without hardware acceleration, moving the canvas around is comically slow). Please note that my Surface pen is working normally other than in this specific instance. All other drawing or writing applications work as usual. I therefore suspect this is a Photoshop specific problem, but I'm posting here just in case anyone else has seen the problem and/or knows of any obscure Windows Setting that could potentially affect this. Ends up that DavideV hit a bug in the March 22 Cumulative Update to Win10 Fall Creators Update, version 1709. Youll be forgiven if youve lost track of all the 1709 cumulative updates, but KB 4089848 is the third cumulative update for 1709 released in March. Microsoft hasnt yet confirmed the bug, but it now looks as if the same bug also appears in this months (first) Win10 1709 cumulative update, KB 4093112. On Wednesday, Microsoft MVP and community moderator Barb Bowman posted a detailed explanation of the bug, simply describing it thusly: The pen drags the canvas around instead of drawing. On Thursday, an intrepid Reddit poster called david-windowsink, who appears to be a Microsoft Ink engineer, posted a much more detailed explanation. I found his explanation (which you can read on Reddit) a bit hard to follow, so Id like to submit this near-translation for your inspection: In one of the beta test builds for the next version of Windows, Win10 version 1803, we brought back a Win10 1607 setting that controlled pen behavior in regular, everyday Windows applications. The change was so well received that we rolled it back into the third March cumulative update for Win10 1709, KB 4089848. Unfortunately, the change in pen behavior has an adverse effect on some popular Windows apps, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Clip Studio Paint. The change results in unexpected panning and scrolling. Were working on a fix and hope to release it soon. In the interim, you can either upgrade to Win10 version 1803 (currently still in beta), or you can change the LegacyPenInteractionModel Registry setting. If I misinterpreted any of david-windowsinks comments, please blast me with both barrels on AskWoody. Barb Bowmans article has details and easy instructions for changing the Registry setting. Pen owners are (rightfully, in my opinion) livid about the bug and the way it was introduced, without explanation, without warning, into the KB 4089848 patch on March 22. Theyre no happier that the bug persists in this months Win10 1709 cumulative update. The Reddit thread flames in the usual NSFW manner. Theres a less, uh, heated discussion started by TheCorrelation on the Microsoft Answers forum: [I] rely on programs like Matlab, Word, Excel and Oaysis. All these programs behave differently to the pen now and my productivity has been seriously hindered. Please Microsoft, I always love having the latest updates, but this feature has seriously hindered my ability to get the things I need to do done. I just want you to know, from the absolute bottom of my heart, that your new pen implementation has utterly screwed my productivity, and destroyed my ability to use FL studio, AutoCAD, Oaysis GSA/Engineering tools, and the list goes on. Your implementation allows for a pen to scroll, just like my finger has been doing for the last decade, to save me a few seconds of lifting my pen off the screen. Instead, it has caused me (and many others), hours of frustration. But the worst part of all of this, is the way your team has handled this. Just own up to it. I don't want you to tell me these changes have come due to 'overwhelming feedback'. At the end of the day, your team messed up. The fact that even Edge and Word behave differently when barrel-clicking on text shows me that even you can't get this to work consistently in your own apps. Of course, neither the KB 4089848 Knowledge Base article, nor the KB 4093112 article, mentions this what should I call it? - unannounced improvement. Just to be clear: I think its great that Microsoft engineers are communicating, candidly, on Reddit and other fora. I just wish they had a better story to share. Your pen is mightier than your sword. Join us on the AskWoody Lounge. As the debate intensifies around whether to hold a Commons vote before any action in Syria, and then whether MPs should vote for or against such action, attention turns to the Parliamentary arithmetic. In 2013, the Coalition Government suffered the worst defeat on foreign policy in modern times, over the question of whether to carry out strikes against Assad in response to his use of chemical weapons on Syrian civilians. We all remember how Ed Milibands Labour Party had promised to support the Government, only to change tack shamefully at the eleventh hour. But whats often forgotten is that 30 Conservative MPs also rebelled against Cameron on the issue making all the difference in a vote which the Government lost by just seven votes. If there is a new vote, on a new motion albeit on a similar topic, then it could well come down to how many rebel MPs there are on each side of the House. The Government has no majority of its own, while foreign policy is a specifically fraught area of tension between Jeremy Corbyn and many of his backbenchers. Some of the 2013 Conservative rebels (like Sarah Wollaston) have signalled their minds have since changed on the issue, while others (like Steve Baker) havent commented publicly but are now bound by collective responsibility, but some (like John Baron) have restated their continued concern about involvement in the Syrian civil war. Given that seven Conservative MPs even voted against bombing ISIS in Syria, it seems likely a new vote on action against Assad would bring a Tory rebellion on some scale, but perhaps less than the 30 of 2013. Over on the Labour benches, there are some signs of consciences wrestling to assert themselves against fear of Corbynite vengeance. John Woodcock long since past the point at which it was even worth trying to hide his disdain for the Labour leadership has called in the Evening Standard for his colleagues to rise above the excuses and diversions which emanate from the shadow front bench whenever there is a crisis. Woodcock appears nailed on to vote for action, whatever his whip might say, but its questionable whether his support might encourage or deter less committed colleagues by association. At the other end of the spectrum, Kate Osamor, the Shadow International Development Secretary, gave an interview to the House Magazine in which she said Assad needs to be removed if his governments responsibility for the Douma attack was proven only to promptly beat a retreat and try to claim that the quotes she gave simply dont represent my views. The reporter who interviewed her rightly stands by his story, but nonetheless Osamors about-turn illustrates the fact that Corbyns personal authority and his grassroots following still hold considerable sway, meaning that the application of the Labour whip against action will successfully compel some of his MPs to swallow their principles. After all, theyve done so plenty of times before. Still, there are evidently some who differ drastically from Corbyns world-view. When he granted a free vote on bombing ISIS in Syria in 2015 (albeit a free vote for which some of his supporters still called for dissenters to be punished) there were 66 Labour MPs who voted in favour of action, famously led by Hillary Benn. Being whipped to vote against might make a difference to many of them, but not all. Chris Leslie, Pat McFadden, Mary Creagh, and Alison McGovern, for example, have spoken publicly about regretting their vote in 2013, which hints that they could potentially vote differently in a similar scenario today. Still more Opposition MPs, like Wes Streeting, say they are undecided and by implication could therefore be persuaded if the Government were to put a sufficiently compelling case. So, while the arithmetic is always tight in a hung parliament, and there could well be Conservative rebels, the Government could yet secure a majority if it wins the support of enough Labour MPs. Lord Lexden is the Conservative Partys official historian. His website can be found here. This article is based on a lecture delivered at the Carlton Club in March. Writing in his diary on 13 November 1940, Viscount Mersey, historian, author and long-serving Liberal Whip in the House of Lords, noted the death of Neville Chamberlain which had occurred four days earlier. He praised Chamberlain as a good man whose merits will be better appreciated in the future. It was the judgement of a seasoned observer of the political scene, an opponent of the Conservative Party, who had met Chamberlain on a number of occasions, but did not know him well. Their conversations had brought out some of his wider merits outside the political sphere. At a party in 10 Downing Street the previous year before the outbreak of war, they had discussed the pictures of prime ministers that fill the wall beside the staircase leading to the first floor. Chamberlain, looking young [he was then 70], well, black-haired and alert, spoke knowledgeably about the production of steel engravings of painted portraits. He also told Mersey, who was greatly interested in art, that he had recently established that only two portraits of Sir George Downing, builder of the famous street, survived, both of them in America. Lord Merseys favourable opinion, which reflected overall approval of a controversial political career, was strengthened by evidence of Chamberlains wider cultural interests that not all holders of high office have possessed. Posterity would surely arrive at a fair, balanced appreciation of this good man. Mersey misjudged his fellow countrymen. Nearly 80 years on, they have still not come to appreciate Chamberlains many merits in and beyond politics, even though examples of them can be readily identified in his long, uninterrupted years of public service which began in Birmingham in 1911. They are not found because they are not sought. What Chamberlain did before he became prime minister in 1937 is virtually unknown. Attention is concentrated on the three years of his premiership and on only one aspect of them, his conduct of foreign affairs in response to severe threats on three fronts: the continent of Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, and the Far East (with the first of the three attracting most of the comment). Who remembers that in 1938 several million working people became entitled to paid holidays for the first time? Too many historians have reinforced the public obsession with Chamberlains foreign policy. It has been examined from almost every conceivable angle. Some of the numerous studies have reached conclusions favourable to Chamberlain, but little notice has been taken of them outside academic circles. Public opinion remains extraordinarily reluctant to question, let alone reconsider, the condemnation of Chamberlains handling of foreign affairs which, shortly before his death, replaced the widespread approval that it had previously attracted. The hero of Munich continued to enjoy the nations support until the spring of 1940 when it suddenly collapsed, the abrupt reversal of view being greatly assisted by the wide distribution of a scurrilous, but influential publication, Guilty Men. That too is unappreciated today. With public opinion in such a state, plain falsehoods are readily accepted as truths. Chamberlain dwells in the national memory as a weak, spineless figure, always ready to defer to Hitler and anxious to arrange for him to be granted the territorial concessions he demanded. In reality Chamberlain was one of the most formidable politicians of the twentieth century. He ruled the Conservative Party with a rod of iron, exacting obedience from all but a small group of dissidents in Parliament until his resignation as prime minister on 10 May 1940; indeed, his dominance was only slightly lessened by it, for Tories failed to warm to Churchill in his early days in power (some never did). This point at least emerges clearly from the recent, much-lauded film, Darkest Hour, which, like most of its genre, takes grave liberties with the historical facts. For Hitler, Chamberlain felt an overwhelmingly strong, personal distaste , going to meet him in September 1938 not in order to submit tamely to him, but to try and prepare the way for a new European settlement that would avert the war that, like the majority of his contemporaries, he believed would destroy civilisation. From the start of his quest he was clear that boundaries agreed for new central and eastern European states, created by the Versailles Treaty but unable to provide stability in the region, could not be regarded as inviolate. Virtually everyone agreed with him. Chamberlain is ridiculed as a narrow-minded, insular figure, hopelessly ill-fitted to participate in international affairs. The patronising words of his elder half-brother, Austen, are frequently quoted: Neville, you must remember you know nothing about foreign affairs. In fact he knew more about them than most senior politicians of his time. He had visited places in North Africa and the Far East that were mere names to them, as well as travelling extensively in Europe, adding North America in his later years. From the moment that Britain began to rearm in 1934 when Chamberlain was Chancellor of the Exchequer following the collapse of a big international conference called to eliminate the most destructive weapons, foreign affairs were never far from the centre of his mind. It is, however, the widespread ignorance about Chamberlains career before 1937 which above all prevents a serious appreciation of his merits. Hardly anyone is aware, for example, that in the 1920s he devised the first full policy programmes to be put before the country at general elections by the Tory Party and then personally implemented most of the progressive pledges which filled them, making him the greatest social reformer in the Partys history. Knowledge of such things can now be readily acquired for the first time. They are described fully and lucidly by Robert Self in his fine biography of Chamberlain, based on material in some 150 archives, which was published in 2006. This detailed study is complemented by a brilliant short profile by Nicholas Shakespeare in his account of how Chamberlain lost the premiership in 1940, Six Minutes in May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister, published last year. These two works document Chamberlains numerous merits without in any way concealing his shortcomings which until now have received all the attention. It is time that the balance was redressed (Arthur) Neville Chamberlain was born on 18 March 1869 into Birminghams first family, over which his powerful father, who had made a fortune as a screw manufacturer by his forties, presided with complete and unquestioned authority. Many regarded the great radical Joe with his youthful republican sympathies a politician famously described by Churchill, who was in awe of him, as the man who made the weatheras a profound danger to the existing social order, but within his family circle he was a stern upholder of prevailing middle-class Victorian attitudes. He decided what each of his six children (by two marriages, both of which were ended by the deaths of his wives) should do with their lives. Austen, his eldest son, would become prime minister; Neville would make a great deal of money to replenish the familys coffers which had become alarmingly depleted ; his four daughters would form a support group, fetching and carrying as required to advance the familys interests. The master plan miscarried. Austen reached the cabinet quite easily with the help of his father now in alliance with the Tories, but then faltered so badly that it became clear that he would never get to the very top. Neville spent six years in the 1890s on a bleak frontier outpost of Empire, Andros Island in the Bahamas, working round the clock with a devoted team recruited locally (whom he organised brilliantly) in the hope of making a fortune from the first large-scale British cultivation of sisal, thought to be ideal for making rope: but his 20,000 acres yielded nothing except substantial losses, though through no fault of his: the plants would not flourish in the prevailing conditions. Only the four Chamberlain daughters, all of them very able women who never married, successfully filled the roles assigned to them as highly resourceful assistants and advisers to the menfolk. After 1900, while Austen failed to make the most of his chances in politics, Neville flourished, running two Midlands businesses concerned with the production of metal goods and displaying for the first time that passionate desire to create a better society which was to become the dominating theme of his political life. His employees shared in the firms profits; pension schemes were established; effective health cover was provided. Chamberlain himself now acquired an extraordinarily wide range of interests, at all of which he excelled. Britain possessed no greater expert on the countryside: he studied bird life intently everywhere, including in St Jamess Park when he was prime minister; he knew the name of every tree and flower; he handled gun and fishing-rod with skill. As prime minister he published articles in natural history and botany magazines. In 1940 he still thought nothing, at the age of 71, of walking 20 miles through the land he had hoped so much to save from Nazi bombs. As his premiership ended and with cancer not yet diagnosed, his doctor told him he had the constitution of man of forty. At home he was an accomplished pianist with a deep love of Beethoven. He came to know Shakespeare so well that in later years he became a regular correspondent of one of the leading authorities on the works of the Bard. In a Commons speech, Churchill once cited Henry VI as the source of a quotation used not unkindly about Chamberlain; he pointed out at once that it came from Richard III. Lord Mersey was far from being the only recipient of his knowledge of art. Like so much of his political life, his talents in other spheres too remain practically unknown. He did not boast about them. His deep personal contentment was, however, sustained principally by the love of his family. His attractive, vivacious wife Anne, Birminghams foremost Tory canvasser, exuded charm; Churchill was prominent among those who relished her company. She put people at their ease, something her husband, gravely handicapped by shyness (as he himself recognised), rarely did. He always said that he could not have become prime minister without her. His delight in his two children never wavered. He was the kind of father, rare at that period, who rushed home from work to be with them before bedtime. His niece, Valerie, who lived with the Chamberlains at No 10, recalled: He had a reputation for being cold. He wasnt cold at all. He was amusing and he was interesting and he was kind. What more can you have? Constant affection was also provided by two of his clever, unmarried sisters to whom he wrote long letters revealing his innermost thoughts. Now published, this correspondence illustrates his principal characteristics, the good and the not so good, in rich detail. This secure, affluent family background strengthened his determination to make life better for the mass of working people. Birmingham was the beneficiary of his crusading zeal before and during the First World War as he rose swiftly from Councillor to Lord Mayor. He insisted on the kind of careful urban planning that only became standard practice throughout the land after 1945. The new housing estates which he oversaw fostered community life through imaginative design, with plenty of open space for recreation. Integrated medical services, including specialist infant welfare centres, were brought within the reach of most working people. He created the first municipal savings bank and the first city symphony orchestra. He took his mission for social improvement to the national stage as a Birmingham MP in 1918, his fiftieth year: no one else elected at that age has gone on to become prime minister. He got his first ministerial post in 1922; ten months later he was Chancellor of Exchequer and the second figure in the cabinet under Stanley Baldwin, whom he was to supply with progressive policies and dynamic ideas for the next fourteen years. Many were put into detailed form for him by his small, devoted Conservative Research Department, the Rights first think-tank, which he established in 1929. It came at the end of an immensely productive five-year term at the Ministry of Health, at that time responsible for all social services apart from education. The work done in partnership with Baldwin, and by Chamberlain alone after 1937, gave Britain some of the best welfare services in the world. Much that he had pioneered in Birmingham was extended to the country as a whole. He wanted his fellow countrymen to live in decent houses: some 3 million were built during his years in office. He wanted them to have access to good health services: progress was made towards a comprehensive national system. He wanted the elderly to have security: the contributory pensions system he introduced in 1925 laid the basis for it. At the heart of all this lay the principle of the helping hand. Our policy, he said in 1925, is to use the great resources of the state, not for the distribution of an indiscriminate largesse, but to help those who have the will and desire to raise themselves to higher and better things. With his strong Victorian values, he could not imagine that there would be many uninterested in responding to this offer. Deeply conscious in his last years of how much grinding poverty still remained, he would have liked to have gone much further. He dreamed in 1940 of a further stint as premier after the war when his mission might be more fully accomplished. Instead, the completion of the welfare state fell to the Labour Party. Chamberlains vital contribution was forgotten, the more readily because in the years of his ascendancy he had treated Attlee and his colleagues like dirt, in their words. They would never acknowledge him as a fellow builder of a better, fairer Britain. Briefly, they came together in Churchills government in 1940. A new respect immediately sprang up between them, but the very short duration of their partnership could not efface the memory of the fierce attacks that Chamberlain, one of the most effective Commons debaters of his time( he always had all the facts at his fingertips), had inflicted on them in his prime. What the Labour Party and his other critics never appreciated is that he was called on in the late 1930s to make vast sums available for defence, after having earlier with Baldwin made the social services the largest item of public expenditure for the first time, with so much scope for further increases. Chamberlain, the great social reformer, could hardly contemplate this with equanimity, but he saw clearly what had to be done as he pursued his double policy, as he called it, of rebuilding armaments and of striving for peace with Hitler and Mussolini in a new European settlement (while, like everyone else, hoping against hope that a third cruel regime in Japan, busily committing atrocities in Manchuria, did not advance against us in the Far East). Speaking in Birmingham in this month (April) 80 years ago, he said: To me the very idea that the hard-won savings of our people, which ought to be devoted to the alleviation of suffering, to the opening out of institutions and recreations, to the care of the old, to the development of the minds and the bodies of the youngthe thought that these savings should have to be dissipated upon the construction of weapons of war is hateful and damnable. Yet I cannot shut my eyes to the fact that under the present conditions of the world we have no alternative but to go on with it, because it is the very breath of our British being, our freedom itself, that is at stake. Do not let us forget that this freedom has come down to us from the past, bought for us at a price. If we wish to keep it we must pay the interest on that price in each succeeding generation. (How odd it is that that Chamberlain should have come to be regarded as a poor public speaker. How hopeless todays politicians sound by comparison.) Neville Chamberlain was strongly imbued with his fathers radicalism. He saw himself as carrying forward a family, rather than a party, creed. He was over forty when Joe Chamberlains followers merged with the Tories. His father argued for ambitious social reforms; he implemented them. His father stood for tariffs, not free trade; he introduced them in 1932. His father believed that local councils, close to the people, should deliver most public services; he carried through complex legislation in 1928 (greeted with prolonged cheering in the Commons) which made them effective, well-resourced institutions, doing more to improve local government, in the view of A.J.P. Taylor, than any other single man in the twentieth century In few other European countries were the tasks of local government so wide and varied. For the ordinary British citizen, they usually meant the town hall, not an agency of the central government. It is not obvious that departure in recent decades from this model of administration, so easy for the public to understand, has served the country well. Shortly before his death, Chamberlain received a letter of farewell from Sir John Simon, the cleverest of all his colleagues. Simons words brought him great comfort. You have spent yourself in the countrys service, he wrote, and have done more than any man alive to improve the conditions of life of humble folk. Chamberlain replied: It gave me particular pleasure that you remembered my efforts for social improvement. It was the hope of doing something to improve the conditions of life for the poorer people that brought me at past middle life into politics, and it is some satisfaction to me that I was able to carry out some part of my ambition. Neville Chamberlain will never lack critics. Much too much has been heard from them since 1940. There is another side to this story of human tragedy which has been touched upon in this article. Lack of appreciation of his many merits has made him the most misunderstood statesman in modern British history. BIBLIOGRAPHY. Alistair Cooke (Lexden), Neville Chamberlains Private Army in Alistair Cooke (ed.), Tory Policy Making: The Conservative Research Department 1929-2009 (2009) and Chamberlain and Churchill: A Perfect Partnership in The London Magazine (forthcoming). David Dilks, Churchill and Company: Allies and Rivals in War and Peace (2012). H. Montgomery Hyde, Neville Chamberlain (1976). Viscount Mersey, A Picture of Life 1872-1940 (1941) and Journals and Memories (1952). Robert Self, Neville Chamberlain: A Biography (2006). Nicholas Shakespeare, Six Minutes in May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister (2017). A.J.P. Taylor, English History 1914-1945 (1965). Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate. Its not often that this column praises Harriet Harman, but her reaction to the rather bizarre story that, ten years ago, a young Kemi Badenoch entered into a jolly jape by somehow gaining access to Harriets website and making some funny changes tells us three things that she is capable of being non-partisan, that she has a heartand that she wants to be Speaker. She accepted Kemis apology, and accepted that the incident was mischievous rather than malicious. Good on her. A lesser politician could have made hay. But credit also to Kemi, whose own reaction and handling of a slight media storm mitigated what could have been a much bigger problem for her. Well, thats one vote in the bag for Harriet if she decides to stand to succeed John Bercow as Speaker of Commons. As I write, prospects of the immediate bombing of Syria seem to have receded, but who knows what will happen next? At any rate, Bob Seely has called such action gesture bombing and he makes a good point. Bombing in retribution for a chemical attack is entirely justified, and might make us feel better, but would it really be the right course to take? Im known for being fairly hawkish on these matters. Many of my listeners accuse me of being a warmonger but, surely the most important thing when taking military action is to have clear aims, understand the consequences, and know what the endgame is. If it is to destroy the Assad regimes ability to launch chemical weapons attacks, then count me in as an enthusiastic supporter. But if it is to be a repeat of Donald Trumps retributative bombing of a year ago, then I have to ask: what would be the point? The President received a lot of praise last year for taking the kind of decisive action that Barack Obama consistently failed to, but if the aim of launching those 59 cruise missiles was to dissuade Assad from using chemical weapons again, well, it failed, didnt it? Back in 2013, Assad crossed Obamas red line. The Commons voted against taking any action, and that allowed Obama to wimp out as well. I was also against Britain taking action, as I couldnt see how it was in our national interest to do so. I freely admit I was wrong. I now believe that, had decisive action been taken then, the whole course of the war in Syria might have been very different. Well never know, I suppose. Then in 2015, the Commons voted to give Cameron the authorisation to join with the US and France in taking action in Syria following another chemical attack. Id say that parliamentary vote is still valid, even though a general election has intervened in the meantime. A Prime Minister has to be able to take military action at the right time, and to have to wait for parliament is an unnecessarily inhibiting factor. There is no constitutional need for it and, while it might be nice to have it, to govern is to choose, and then be held accountable for the choice you made. Apart from the Iraq War vote, and the 2013 Syria vote, thats how weve always done it. Theres a pincer attack on the BBC at the moment. From one side, its some Remainers, led by Andrew Adonis and from the other side, its the Corbynistas, led by Owen Jones. Owen is now trying to get Andrew Neil sacked from the BBC, on the basis that he is not impartial and is very right wing. He alleges that the BBC would never employ a correspondent or presenter from the Left. He conveniently forgets that Newsnight employed Paul Mason as their Economics Editor for several years. I could go on. And the very thought, as Adonis suggests at least fifty times a day, that the BBC is biased towards Brexit is so risible as to be hardly worth a debate. We can all have our views on where the BBC stands and how it displays a bias, conscious or unconscious, but I have never seen such attempts to undermines individual journalists in this way. The idea that Andrew Neil doesnt give right of centre politicians just as hard a time as left-wing ones is for the birds. Hes the best political interviewer in the country, and I hope all these attacks are water off a ducks back. Tonight, Im making my debut as an arts critic on Mary Beards new BBC2 show, Front Row Late. As a complete cultural philistine, Im a bit nervous about this, so tune in and you may see a complete car crash. Were discussing causing offence and freedom of speech, looking at the play The Assassination of Katie Hopkins; the anti-semitic mural that caused Corbyn so many problems, and a South African gay-themed film which has been classed as pornographic even though theres not an erection, or indeed anything flaccid, to be seen at all! What could possibly go wrong Anyway, its on BBC2 at 11.05pm tonight after Newsnight. PS Look out for the shirt The line between industrial robot tasks and collaborative robot tasks are beginning to blur, and collaborative robots may be poised to take market share from industrial robots. Usually, industrial robots are kept behind some form of safety barrier to perform heavy duty manufacturing tasks such as welding. Collaborative robots, on the other hand, are safe enough to work alongside humans but only automated simple, safe tasks that didnt require industrial strength. Now, thats all changing as collaborative robots get tougher, smarter and easier to implement and train in any size facility. Recently, Universal Robots (UR) and ARC Specialties announced a new collaborative MIG welding system that can be deployed in existing, manual welding stations and eliminates the need for large, expensive robotic work cells. While it may not be able to handle some of the more rugged welding applications, its useful for small shops that lack the space and budget for industrial robotic welding systems. Smart collaborative robots could take on more industrial robot tasks More than 90% of physical tasks performed in manufacturing environments cant be automated because of budgetary or physical limitations. The primary reason for this is that robots arent yet skilled at adapting to real-world variability. Smart collaborative robots are already equipped with an array of sensors and underlying technology that makes them easy to program. As these robots get smarter, theyll be more reactive and independent, helping manufacturers meet aspirational production goals like being more responsive to market changes, delivering on customer preferences and increasing the speed of innovation. These capabilities will make smart collaborative robots highly desirable in settings traditionally reserved for industrial robots. The long-term consequences of this could be huge, with manufacturers altering their entire supply chain because of smart collaborative robot capabilities. In the near future, the increasing durability, low price points and intelligence of collaborative robots could lead to widespread adoption of the technology in smaller factories. Collaborative robots are becoming more and more equipped to handle industrial tasks. Their intelligence, which breeds flexibility and productivity, is a highly desirable quality for nearly any manufacturer looking to maximize return on investment (ROI). The line between collaborative and industrial robot applications is beginning to blur. As this trend continues, smart collaborative robots will begin to invade the industrial sector. This article originally appeared on the Robotics Online Blog. Robotic Industries Association (RIA) is a part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com. Cybersecurity managers face many challenges, with corporate boards demanding awareness of cyber risks, faster processing of complex data, and efficiently managed services for an increasing number of intelligent devices. Security teams are in a better position to defend their organizations against threats if they take the proper preventive measures. Tools and staff need to be augmented with threat intelligence. Threat intelligence is no longer just for large, well-funded organizations. It is now required to be an overall component of mitigation strategies for all businesses that operate within this evolving technological environment. Small businesses are able to access credible threat intelligence sources that can be based on an organizations profile and supply chain. Critical data that used to be in a secured data center now moves across an increasingly complex ecosystem of networked environments including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud servers, virtualized environments, and mobile devices. Cybersecurity and threat intelligence The rate of change in some enterprise environments is so rapid many organizations struggle to keep pace with the evolving nature of cyber threats or have the ability to stay tuned into the threats that arise. To build an effective cybersecurity strategy, an organization needs to be aware of specific cyber threats and understand how those threats impact the organization. Threat intelligence provides context, indicators, increased awareness, and actionable responses about current or emerging threats. This is designed to aid in decision-making at an operational, tactical, or strategic level. Cyber adversaries are using more sophisticated tools, techniques, and procedures that evade stand-alone security plans. Organizations need an evidence-based, holistic view of the threat landscape with a proactive security posture to defend organizations from a wide array of potential threats. The goal behind threat intelligence services is to provide organizations with the ability to become aware, recognize, act upon attack indicators, and comprise scenarios in a timely manner that better protect against zero-day threats, advanced persistent threats, and exploits. Security teams across the world are challenged to discover, analyze, and interpret the vast number of daily events to discover attacks. Security consortiums are leading efforts to automatically detect, contextualize, prioritize, perform forensic analysis, automate compliance, and respond to incidents go beyond security information management to security threat intelligence. Facility owners should define what they hope to achieve from threat intelligence; including: Types of alerts needed Vendor news How intelligence is collected, reported and communicated to relevant stakeholders Analysis process How threat intelligence would be used. Threat intelligence feed An analysis identifying the organizations needs through an internal assessment of the organizations processes, infrastructure, requirements, ability to manage threat intelligence and security posture should be performed. Customers should compare the data feed and capabilities, alerts and reports, relative subscription prices and support offered by providers. Threat intelligence feeds are becoming a dominant method as an intelligence gathering process for organizations that are developing their threat intelligence capability. These feeds provide a major benefit of combining intelligence into a single source that is easy to digest. The real-time nature of threat intelligence feeds is critical, especially when integrated with security information and event management (SIEM) platforms to allow for automatic comparisons of other feed entries. Most organizations lack the resources and maturity in their security platforms to take advantage of threat intelligence feeds, which should evaluate the threat information against internal vulnerability assessments to allow for better prioritization of security controls. A threat intelligence platform should prepare a defense for the organization. Combining threat intelligence capabilities to an organizations software, hardware, and policy defense strategy enhances the staffs ability to search for advanced attacks, profile atypical malware, and detect potential adversaries. Typical internal threat intelligence teams have been deployed and structured in a way that is costly, hands-on, and misaligned to the organizations security posture. Customers should work with their provider to improve subscription offerings, selected offerings, technical indicator feeds for integration, specific summary reports on events and emerging cyber threats, trends within the various business sectors and ensure that it is aligned to a long-term vision with integrated processes, and business requirements. Too few cybersecurity professionals, tools The industry still has to address the growing shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, isolated security products, lack of integration with other devices and management tools, lack of funding, and inadequate correlation of threat data. Companies must be mindful implementing programs to avoid the typical failings such as not integrating threat intelligence into the enterprise platform, consuming but not sharing data, manual processes becoming a burden, no real-time data to provide security awareness, and lacking contextualized information. In a global environment where cyber attacks are generated at a machine level, customers must ensure the identification, sharing, comprehension, and application of threat intelligence is as automated as possible. An automated platform allows for easy access to the intelligence and the ability to contextualize and prioritize attacks for immediate mitigation strategies. Effective intelligence assesses intelligence from various sources and source types to create a better threat and risk image for an organization. The value to end customers is not the quantity of the various intelligence feeds, but the applicability of those feeds to their entire environment. The ability to customize dashboards and filters to continuously illustrate threats allows security teams to focus on threats that impact the organization. The threat intelligence market offers different types of information feeds that are not necessarily aligned to any industry or large manufacturer installed base. Though intelligence platforms must be recognized as a critical component to cybersecurity, organizations must define their high-level requirements, functional requirements, and visibility requirements. Through collecting continuous threat intelligence, analysis, and optimization, organizations can increase their protective measures and strengthen their security tools. Significant and beneficial trends for cybersecurity in the following areas include: Threat awareness over the past 5 years, has risen from 25% to 75%. Companies have realized that cyber attackers had the advantage of knowing more about their networks than they did and are now becoming more proactive. The percentage of organizations that have formalized in-house/out sourced teams to address threat intelligence has risen from 25% to 45% over the past two years. The overall level of satisfaction with various threat intelligence elements that companies use is approximately 73%. This may be skewed as some may not understand what they are not receiving from other threat intelligence. The industry also is making progress as data science and machine-learning models are delivering entirely new ways of looking at threats; this has the effect of avoiding the dependency of seeing the threat previously to provide security. Data science and machine-learning models can evaluate the traffic based on the collective knowledge of all internal and external threats previously to ascertain discrepancies that may become threats. According to recent research including reports from Statista and IDC, its estimated that global external threat intelligence services spending is expected to increase to over $1.6 billion by the end of 2018. Anil Gosine is a global program manager at MG Strategy+, a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Emily Guenther, associate content manager, Control Engineering, CFE Media, eguenther@cfemedia.com. MORE ANSWERS KEYWORDS: Threat intelligence feeds, cybersecurity The importance of threat intelligence feeds Implementing a successful mitigation strategy against cyber attacks Consider this: How would implementing a threat intelligence feed improve your organizations defense against a cyber attack? A coalition of tech giants has formed around Oracle's efforts to torpedo a deal they expect will deliver to Amazon Web Services the entirety of a massive U.S. Department of Defense contract for cloud computing services, Bloomberg reported Friday. Microsoft and IBM, two of Amazon's most-prominent cloud rivals, as well as hardware giants Dell and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, all want a piece of the looming contract. Those companies are joining Oracle in lobbying the federal government against prematurely selecting AWS, and to break up the award for multiple vendors. Oracle launched its campaign with a formal protest last month after REAN Cloud, a close AWS partner, announced a nearly $1 billion contract to speed the defense department's cloud adoption strategy. [Related: Cloud Computing: Now A $180 Billion Market] The total contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) cloud initiative, which defense officials say will be awarded around September to a single vendor, promises billions in federal spending. Oracle's campaign, as reported by Bloomberg, involves coordinating efforts with allies in the tech world, as well as a comprehensive media strategy and the lobbying of government leaders, defense officials and the Trump Administration. Oracle, IBM and Microsoft are opposing the "winner-take-all" nature of the contract, believing the Pentagon should opt for a multi-cloud investment, according to Bloomberg. The defense spending controversy swirls around REAN, a Herndon, Va.-based solution provider that implemented a prototype migration last year for U.S. Transportation Command a project that won the 2017 DoD CIO Cyber and IT Excellence Award. On Feb. 7, REAN announced it had won a five-year contract, capped at $950 million, for a migration project involving implementation of a custom solution for automating the military's procurement of cloud resources while maintaining price stability. Oracle responded by lodging an official protest through the Government Accountability Office. It argued the procurement process violated government procedures to ensure competitive bidding because the Defense Department selected an implementation partner before deciding on the cloud provider that would host those workloads. Soon after, the Pentagon said REAN's deal had been drastically reduced to cover only the pilot Transportation Command project, with a maximum price set at $65 million. REAN managing partner Sekhar Puli, in a prepared statement, dismissed Oracle's complaints and threat of legal action, as a protest "by the old guard." Puli said further delay in modernizing defense infrastructure benefited "those large companies that stand to lose money if the DoD proceeds with innovation." In a prepared statement, Oracle Senior Vice President Ken Glueck said: "Of course Oracle is interested in competing for the DoD cloud contract and we are equally interested in the mission success of the DoD. The best way to ensure mission success is to have an open competition, allowing DoD to choose from many competing, innovative, modern, secure cloud architectures." Amazon, the industry's largest cloud service provider, didn't immediately comment on the latest report of mounting opposition to it being chosen the sole recipient of the lucrative contract. Earlier this month, Oracle co-CEO Safra Catz raised concerns around the issue directly to President Trump at a private dinner, according to an earlier Bloomberg report. That discussion raised eyebrows because Catz brought the controversy directly into the White House amid the backdrop of a series of contentious comments the president has made against Amazon around its bulk delivery deal with the U.S. Postal Service. Amazon backers say President Trump is using the postal issue as a proxy to take on Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos because of Bezos' ownership of the Washington Post, a newspaper the president has repeatedly criticized as being unfair to his administration. "We have no favorites. We want the best solution for the department," Pentagon spokesperson Navy Commander Patrick Evans, said in response to news of the discussion Catz had with the president. REAN's original contract was to implement an automated procurement system with firm fixed-pricing, helping DoD agencies achieve efficiencies in running their IT infrastructure, developing applications and handling highly sensitive data. REAN would also offer consulting services to the agencies as they worked to meet complex and mission-critical infrastructure needs Onapsis, a Boston-based enterprise cybersecurity startup, said Friday that the company has raised a $31 million financing round that will be used in part to expand its channel partner program. Founded in 2009, the company provides automated threat monitoring and protection for SAP and Oracle enterprise applications to more than 200 customers, many of which the company said belong in the Global 2000. The company's largest round yet, which was announced Friday and brings total funding to $62 million, comes after experiencing record annual growth for five consecutive years, allowing it to make Deloitte's Fast 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. last year. Mariano Nunez, CEO and co-founder of Onapsis, told CRN exclusively that after two years of working with channel partners and seeing multiple seven-figure deals come through, the company plans to double down on its channel program. The channel currently represents 20 percent of annual revenue, Nunez said, which he hopes will grow to 30 percent to 35 percent in the next 12 months. Nunez declined to disclose annual revenue. "We know this is a great opportunity to any VAR to provide a very differentiated offering to their customers, a solution for a very critical problem," said Nunez, who added that enterprise resource planning (ERP) software has historically been vulnerable to cyberattacks. The company's channel partners include consulting and audit firms like Accenture and PwC, as well as value-added resellers like Optiv and Agentil. As part of its plan to expand its channel program, Nunez said the company will hire a vice president of strategic alliances who will work closely with partners. Onapsis provides a variety of resources for partners, Nunez said, including sales enablement and certification for the company's products, which will be expanded with the new round of funding. Selena Proctor, vice president of marketing at Onapsis, said the company also engages partners for joint marketing efforts and that she will expand her team for increased interaction with partners. Nunez said part of what helped Onapsis with early traction in the channel was a 2017 Gartner report that recognized the company as a sample vendor for the emerging category of business-critical application security. "By definition, business-critical application security applies to applications critical to the functioning of the business. Downtime of the core ERP system of an enterprise can be catastrophic," Gartner analyst Neil MacDonald wrote in the report. "Outages and theft caused by hackers should be viewed as critical as downtime caused by hardware or software failures. Now that Onapsis has seen enough big deals coming through the channel, Nunez said, the company is going to pursue partners more than it has ever before. "We know there is a repeatability," he said. The company's lead investor for this round was private equity firm LLR Partners. The other investors in the new round included .406 Ventures, Evolution Equity Partners and Arsenal Venture Partners. As part of the funding, David Stienes, partner at LLR, joined the company's board. Disney Cruise Line will make maiden calls to Bermuda and Quebec City this fall with the 1998-built Disney Magic. Sailing five nights from New York, the Magic will offer guests two full days in Bermuda, while one six-night sailing will see the ship stay for three days. The company is also opening up its Canada/New England program, sailing two September cruises from New York with calls in Saguenay and Baie-Comeau, and overnighting in Quebec City. Before the companys expanded fall deployment, the Magic will be in Europe this summer, heading to Barcelona from Miami on a 13-night crossing with calls in the Azores, Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga and Ibiza. After her Western Mediterranean program, its north for the Magic, sailing in July from Barcelona to Dover on a week-long repositioning cruise. August is spent exploring the Baltic capitals and Norwegian fjords before a northerly trans-Atlantic crossing to New York, with the ship arriving on Sept. 20 for her new fall deployments. Winter is spent out of PortMiami on a four- and five-night cruise program. On the West Coast, the Wonder will be in San Diego, sailing to Baja and the Mexican Riviera before repositioning to Galveston for November and December, extending into early January before a short program from San Juan. Its from San Juan that the Wonder is able to offer a mixed set of itineraries, venturing into the Southern Caribbean with transit stops including Aruba, Curacao and Barbados. A 14-night Panama Canal transit leaves on Feb. 24, 2019, as the Wonder repositions for an early and expanded program out of San Diego, offering two months of sailings from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera. Two-night weekend cruises are a teaser experience with a call to Ensenada, while four- and five-night cruises add a call in Cabo, and week-long cruises call in Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan ahead of the ships 2019 Alaska season. The lines Dream and Fantasy continue their Florida-based program, with the Dream sailing short cruises and the Fantasy offering longer, alternating Caribbean itineraries. Passengers can now book inaugural season itineraries aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises newest ship, the Seven Seas Splendor, launching from Fincantieri in February 2020. For Seven Seas Splendors inaugural season, we included voyages to destinations that are as extraordinary as the ship herself, said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Based on guest response to our current itineraries through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North America, we anticipate these new offerings will be popular among both new and repeat guests wanting the exclusive opportunity to be one of the first to sail on the newest luxury ship in our fleet. The inaugural season includes cruises Caribbean, North America and the Mediterranean. Key ports, according to Regent, inlcude San Juan, Barcelona, Cabo San Lucas, New York, Saint-Tropez, Portofino, Los Angeles, Dubrovnik, Amalfi/Positano, Corfu and Cartagena. After her first transatlantic voyage on February 7, Seven Seas Splendor crosses through the Panama Canal on her way from Miami to Los Angeles on February 25, 2020, and calls on Cartagena and anchors at Cabo San Lucas. The ship then heads from Los Angeles to Miami on March 14, 2020, before moving to New York in April. Then, from New York, she crosses the Atlantic to Barcelona, departing April 16, 2020 for 14 nights ahead of her debut season in Europe. The first European cruise is 12 nights from Barcelona, including an overnight in Venice, while hte summer season includes both Eastern and Western Mediterranean sailings. NEW HAVEN -- A federal prosecutor who began his career investigating violent gangs and firearm violators in Bridgeport will be the new federal magistrate judge here. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Spector will receive the oath of office from Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall during a May 1 ceremony in New Haven. Spector will replace longtime U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis, who is retiring April 30. The district court is fortunate in its selection of an attorney of Rob Spectors caliber, intellect, and commitment to justice, Hall said Thursday in announcing the appointment. He is an excellent lawyer and possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are confident that he will serve the people of our state well. Hall said Spectors appointment was made by the districts federal judges from among five finalists. Those finalists were selected by an 11-member selection committee which reviewed 37 applications for the position. U.S. Magistrate Judges serve for eight years and start at a salary of $157, 273 a year. They assist U.S. District Judges by accepting grand jury returns, signing off on arrest and search warrants, setting bail and conducting detention hearings. They also accept pleas and in misdemeanor cases impose sentences. On the civil side they can decide disputes during initial proceedings as well as try cases upon the agreement of both sides. Spector is a graduate of Colgate University and the Yale Law School. While in law school, he served as executive director of New Haven Cares, a non-profit organization that provided food and shelter vouchers to homeless individuals in New Haven. From 1996 through 1998, he worked as a law clerk for now retired U.S. District Judge Alan H. Nevas. He then spent three years in the Chief States Attorneys appellate bureau. In 2002 Spector joined the U.S. Attorneys office and spent the next three years prosecuting firearms and violent crime cases in Bridgeport. After that, he supervised wiretap investigations for three years. Presently he serves as deputy chief of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit and Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. He also leads a task force battling the opioid epidemic. That task force has prosecuted more than 100 cases involving victims who died from drug overdose. It also made opioid awareness presentations to about 40,000 students and parents at more than 80 Connecticut middle schools and high schools. WASHINGTON The chairman of the Democratic Partys congressional campaign arm said Friday he believes Connecticuts 5th District will stay in party hands, notwithstanding the abrupt decision of incumbent Rep. Elizabeth Esty to withdraw from the race. I am confident we will hold this seat in Connecticut, said Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. This one matters to us. We need to pay very close attention to it. Esty announced April 2 she would not run for a fourth term after acknowledging mistakes in handling the 2016 exit of her former chief of staff, Tony Baker, who was abusive to her former scheduler, Anna Kain. Her withdrawal created a vacuum that both Democrats and Republicans in the district are scrambling to fill. On the Democratic side, Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley, both of whom lost children in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, are contemplating bids to replace Esty. They are co-founders of Sandy Hook Promise, which offers training to teachers, schools, students and community groups on how best to identify and get treatment for troubled youth who may be prone to violence. I think Nicole and Mark are incredible leaders, not only in the community and the district, but also across America, Lujan said in a briefing for regional reporters based in Washington. I think either one of them would be a very strong candidate to hold that important seat. Other possible Democratic contenders include Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman. In her bid for a third term in 2016, Esty won 58 percent of the vote swamping GOP opponent Clay Cope. But the district as a whole went to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton by a thin margin of just over 50 percent. Esty herself has said parts of the Naugatuck Valley are a mini rustbelt, having never fully recovered from the decline in American manufacturing. Republicans insist there is fertile ground there. This is a toss-up district, said J.R. Romano, chairman of the state Republican Party. This is going to be a very, very interesting congressional race. Former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos, a Republican, has declared himself a candidate. State Rep. William Petit, R-Plainville, who lost his family in a brutal 2007 home invasion in Cheshire, also is considering a run. Another possible Republican contender is Dan Carter, a Danbury state representative who lost to Sen. Richard Blumenthal in 2016. Democrats enjoy a registration advantage in the district of eight percentage points. But in the wake of Estys departure, the authoritative Cook Political Report downgraded the district from Solid Democratic to Lean Democratic. In light of her self-inflicted scandal, Estys exit is probably good news for Democrats chances of holding the seat, said David Wasserman, who monitors House races for the report. But even so, the open seat should draw a much higher caliber Republican into the contest. As he ticked through many of the 104 races that the DCCC considers competitive, Lujan insisted Democrats were taking nothing for granted. Nevertheless, with President Donald Trumps favorable-rating percentage hovering in the high 30s-low 40s, we have a national environment that is showing positive indicators that we can win in seats all across the country, said Lujan, whose district covers most of northern New Mexico, including Santa Fe. Democrats need to turn over 24 Republican seats to win the majority, which political handicappers consider a possibility if Trumps favorability rating does not improve. dan@hearstdc.com WASHINGTON Sen. Chris Murphy attempted to pin down President Trumps nominee for secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, on whether Pompeo agrees with Trumps poisonous attacks on special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Trump-Russia connections. Pompeo, Trumps choice to replace fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, dodged the question but promised that, if confirmed, he would continue to cooperate with the probe. Murphy, D-Conn., is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which held a confirmation hearing on Pompeo on Thursday. Murphy and other senators on the GOP-controlled committee peppered Pompeo with questions on a variety of foreign policy topics: consulting Congress before a possible strike on Syria; a nuclear North Korea and whether the Iran nuclear agreement should be scrapped. A hardline conservative while representing a Kansas district in the House, Pompeo also faced questions on same-sex marriage, and whether he considered gay sex a perversion. But it was the questions on Mueller that seemed most timely, given Trumps continuing grenade lobs against the special counsel on Twitter. Before Murphy, Pompeo had similarly ducked a question from Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., on his views of the Mueller probe, saying hed been interviewed by Mueller and was a participant in the investigation. During his first round of questions, Murphy pressed Pompeo on whether he agreed with Trump that the Mueller investigation was, as Trump phrased it, an attack on our country and an attack on what we all stand for. I think it would be troubling if you couldnt say here today that you dont believe that the Mueller investigation is an attack on America, Murphy said. But Pompeo wouldnt take the bait. The West Point and Harvard law grad took up the same line of defense, saying hed cooperated fully with the Mueller probe as CIA director and did not want to become further enmeshed in it. Its a minefield, Senator Murphy, he said. And I want to be on the far side of the line with making sure that I dont create challenges for the special counsels office. Murphy did not like the answer. By refusing to condemn the attacks you are frustrating the work of the special counsel because youre associating yourself with some very poisonous political attacks, Murphy said. Mueller is investigating whether Trumps 2016 presidential campaign had connections to Russian efforts to diminish Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and swing the election to Trump. On a referral from Mueller, FBI agents in New York raided the office and hotel room of Trump lawyer Michael Cohen for information on hush payments to two women who had affairs with Trump. Murphy appeared to be leaning toward a no vote on Pompeos confirmation, but after the hearing he said he was undecided. Im going to think seriously about my vote on Pompeos nomination, but there was little in todays hearing that addressed my existing concerns, Murphy said. dan@hearstdc.com FAIRFIELD A Fairfield man attempting to leave Barcelona Wine Bar late one night in March was recently charged with evading responsibility and unsafe backing up after reversing into two cars and then driving home. According to police, Robert John Belletzkie, 37, of Morehouse Drive, was exiting the Barcelona parking lot just before 2 a.m. on March 11 in his 2009 blue Ford Edge around the same time an Uber driver arived at the restaurant to pick up a guest and was idling nearby. Hiring can be a dreaded task for any business. Making the right hire is tricky, but can be one of the most high-value actions an organization can take. There is not a guaranteed way to ensure you are making the right hire 100% of the time. Some people are great at interviewing, and dont work out well once in the work environment. Others dont interview so well, but really shine in the office. Preparation for the interview says a lot about the candidate, and is one indicator of a high-performing employee. Many interviewees do not put enough thought into the interview process, so a prepared candidate can be an indicator of work quality. However, the hiring process can become overly systemized and miss some really great candidates. Having to let go of a new hire because they do not contribute effectively to the organization can be as costly as turnover. Here are a few ways to think about the interview process when considering a new hire. Consider culture fit: Culture fit has taken higher priority in recent years. A candidate can have great skills, but if your environment cant offer them a place where they can excel it may not be the best for either of you. People are unique, and are best suited to various types of settings. Some individuals thrive under lots of structure, where others prefer to express their creativity. Some are detail oriented, while others see the big picture. Fitting people into a box because their technical expertise matches the job description may work in the short term, but not in the long term. Ask questions during the interview to identify the type of environment in which the candidate thrives. Be willing to admit your perfect candidate may not be perfect for your organization. Have a conversation: Interviews are frequently very formal, stressful events. There are different schools of thought about how the hiring manager should approach the candidate. An interviewee should never be overly casual with a candidate because the individual should be working to show their expertise and what they can contribute. However, your team is going to be spending a lot of time with this person moving forward. Having a staff of best friends is not the goal, but attempt to get a sense of how the individual will interact with the peers with which they have to coordinate. Dig deeper when a candidate has an unusual response to a question, or when they make an off-handed comment that sounds like it sparks an emotion. Those are the interactions where you can learn the most about a candidate. Cover Letters are Valuable: Sometimes cover letters are really valuable tools. Many candidates use a template cover letter that is obviously sent to multiple employers, and keyword screening these is a helpful time saver. However, a candidate with a striking cover letter may be a good bet for an interview. Cover letters that are clearly targeted to the organization, especially if the person shares an interesting story, can work well to identify a good potential. Someone who takes time to write a strong letter often has a specific interest in the organization in which they are applying to, which may translate to a stronger commitment to the role and higher engagement. Consider an interview. Child tax credit extension: What we know about if it'll last until 2025 Counterintuitive though it may appear, the political engineering project of the Pakistani "deep state" currently underway runs the risk of taking the policy of "divide and rule" to a point where it will certainly divide the politics of the country but make it difficult to rule it in any meaningful sense. Deep state To an extent, fragmenting Pakistani politics makes some sense for the "deep state". The military-dominated "establishment" is deeply suspicious of any civilian leader with an inflated sense of importance, purpose, destiny or even public service. It is also extremely wary of a popular politician with a pan-Pakistan footprint or even complete domination in any of the provinces, and who can use public support to push through an agenda which runs contrary to that of the establishment. Although the "deep state" has invariably managed to get its way even with political leaders who enjoyed a solid majority in Parliament, it is so much easier to manipulate politics and politicians if no single party commands a majority and only fragile coalition can form a government. Exploiting the ambitions, egos, insecurities, jealousies and vulnerabilities of politicians is a so much more refined and sophisticated way of handling things than the messy, ugly and hamhanded use of the judiciary and other institutions of state to effect political change. Unlike normal countries where a solid mandate is seen as a positive thing, in Pakistan a fractured and fragmented mandate is preferred by the "establishment" because it allows it to "guide" the democratic process in the direction it wants. The trouble is that while the Pakistani "miltablishment" is adept in manipulating the political process, its track record in anticipating, much less handling, the unintended consequences of its political engineering has been quite poor, and at times even disastrous. Invariably, and perhaps unwittingly, the "deep state" ends up unleashing forces that it then finds difficult to control. The first real signs of fragmentation of politics in Pakistan became manifest in the 2013 polls. None of the so-called national parties really got any worthwhile support outside of their bastions. The PMLN swept Punjab and was able to form a government in the Centre merely on the strength of the seats it won in that province. The PPP was limited to rural Sindh, with urban Sindh being swept by the MQM. Imran Khans PTI managed to grab Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and half-a-dozen seats in Punjab. And Balochistan threw up the sort of split mandate that it always does. Since 2013, the process of fragmentation and whittling down of the main political parties has gathered pace, with a lot of help from the "deep state". It started in Karachi where the MQM was systematically demolished. The MQM has borne the brunt of the security operation launched in 2013 to clean up Karachi. Scores of its cadres were killed in "encounters" or went "missing", many more were arrested, its offices were raided and sealed, a gag order was imposed by the judiciary on its leader Altaf Hussain. After a provocative speech by Altaf in August 2016, the party was virtually dismantled. As of now, with the MQM split into four factions, Karachi is up for grabs. But while MQM has been degraded, it is unlikely that pro-establishment parties that have been propped up by the "deep state" will be able to address, much less constructively channelise, Mohajir disaffection and alienation. Regime change In Balochistan where disaffection against Pakistan is at a peak, the military engineered regime change by instigating a rebellion against the PMLN-led coalition government. The PMLN, which was the single largest party, has virtually ceased to exist, its members bribed and browbeaten to elect a political non-entity as chief minister. Defections were also encouraged from other parties and a new coalition of lackeys of the military was foisted on Balochistan. The Balochistan model political orphans, independents, and pliable, subservient and fungible characters being brought together to form a government could well be replicated in Islamabad after the 2018 polls. Already, a pilot project of this model has been successfully implemented in the Senate where an independent Senator from Balochistan was elected chairman of the Senate with the support of all opposition parties and some PMLN turncoats. Religious parties In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the politics is already fragmented, what with over half-a-dozen parties vying for votes. The revival of the religious parties alliance, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) often lampooned as Military-Mullah Alliance, is expected to cut into votes and seats of ostensibly moderate parties like PTI, ANP, PMLN and PPP. The X-factor in the Pashtun belt in the tribal areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan will be the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement a non-political movement which is drawing massive support on the issue of Pashtun rights and could pour cold water on the miltablishments plans. The real battle-ground will, however, be Punjab. To cut the PMLN to size in its bastion, defections are being engineered. Already, nearly-a-dozen legislators have deserted the party, ostensibly to push for a Seraiki or a South Punjab province. The grapevine is that many more of the "electables" will also ditch the PMLN in the coming days and weeks. The fragmentation of the vote will be further ensured with the emergence of Barelvi party Tehrik-e-Labbaik, as well as the Milli Muslim League which is the political front of the Lashkar-eTaiba. The calculation is to create conditions in which it is impossible for the PMLN to sweep Punjab like it did in 2013. A split mandate in Punjab will ensure a split mandate in both Lahore and Islamabad. That would pretty much be game, set, match for the "deep state". The only problem is that regardless of whether the current political engineering succeeds or fails, Pakistan could end up paying a heavy price: at worst, it could end up staring at another 1970-71 like spectre; at best, it will be saddled with an utterly dysfunctional government which far from addressing any of the economic, security, political and diplomatic problems confronting the country, will only worsen these problems. (Courtesy of Mail Today) Also read: 8-year-old girl Kathua girl was kept alive to be raped. Chilling details have emerged If you are an upper caste Indian, chances are you have a better life than that of people from lower castes. Government data has shown you are also likely to have a longer life. In a stark demonstration of how deeply entrenched caste is in every aspect of an Indians existence, data from the National Sample Survey Offices (NSSO) Morbidity and Healthcare Surveys reveals that for Scheduled Tribes (ST), the average age of death was 43 years, for scheduled castes (SC), it was 48 years, while for upper castes (non-Muslims), it was 60 years. While adivasis die the youngest, only 24 per cent considered themselves to be in poor health. Photo: Reuters/file Caste also determines how healthy people are, how much access to healthcare they can command, and how likely they are to report their own ill health. The statistics are open to the criticism that it is not caste, but the attendant disadvantage of poor income, which is responsible for the poorer health of individuals. Even if valid, the criticism would mean that after 70 years of Independence and affirmative action on the policy level, lower caste is largely equal to poverty. However, data has actually been crunched to remove the income factor, and the results are still the same between two people with comparable salaries, the one belonging to the lower caste is likely to die earlier. This is far more problematic than the simplistic poverty-means-disadvantages corollary, and throws into relief the degree of exclusion, lack of access, lack of awareness, and institutional neglect that caste can mean for Indians. What numbers say In an article in the Economic and Political Weekly, Vani Kant Borooah, University of Ulster economic teacher, uses four factors along with the NSS data to determine what he calls average age at death (AAD) of people from six groups adivasis, of which 56 per cent were Hindu and 33 per cent were Christian; Dalits, of which 93 per cent were Hindu; non-Muslim other backward classes, Muslim other backward classes, and non-Muslim upper classes. For OBC non-Muslims, the ADD was 52 years, for OBC Muslims, it was 50 years, and for Muslim upper castes, it was 49 years. Peoples perception of their health also varied with caste, which means upper castes were more likely to realise they were unwell and seek medical help than lower castes. While only 24 per cent adivasis considered themselves to be in poor health, most to report ill health 35 per cent were Muslims, of both backward and upper castes. What this means The numbers clearly show how caste operates in a matrix of privileges and disadvantages. Lower castes are likely to have lower income, lower levels of education, lower awareness about diseases and symptoms, all of which contribute to ill health and mortality. Along with this, they are also more likely to be victims of exclusion practices like untouchability, upper castes laying first claim on limited resources, lower castes lacking the voice to fight for more equitable distribution, mean they have limited access to healthcare. Borooah, in his article, writes: The point about group membership is that while it may not be the primary factor behind health inequality, it is the main cause of health inequity. Another factor is that of migration. Lower castes migrate as blue collar workers, and often fall off the radar of public services, which require identity and address proof to register. This means that a migrant worker is more likely to not be registered for government benefit schemes such as subsidised ration, health initiatives like the Tuberculosis treatment programme, aanganwadis, care schemes for pregnant women and infants, among others, which can be potentially life-saving. At a time when reservation in education is often up for debate triggered by statements from the likes of Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat the statistics give the lie to claims that if education levels and incomes improve, the most disadvantaged classes, Dalits and adivasis, will organically progress to better living conditions, and outline the need for targeted benefit schemes. Is it time for reservation in access to healthcare? Also read: Dalit consciousness in India has reached a watershed moment When Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Chennai on April 12, the people of Tamil Nadu wanted him to do just one thing: Go back. On April 13, he was back in Delhi, albeit for unrelated reasons. Delhi: PM Modi arrives at Lok Kalyan Marg metro station, he will travel via metro to 26, Alipur Road, where he will dedicate Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial to the nation. pic.twitter.com/yEz2IMlMnf ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 The PMs April 12 visit to Chennai to attend the Defence Expo 2018 - a biennial exhibition of weapons and military hardware - and inaugurate four facilities at the Adyar Cancer Institute was somewhat disrupted, thanks to a few Tamilians who were "unhappy" about the central governments failure to form the Cauvery Management Board despite the Supreme Courts order. In its order on February 16, the apex court stated that the Centre must form a board to oversee the sharing of river water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu within six weeks or March 29. There have been widespread allegations that the Modi government is reluctant to form the Cauvery Management Board fearing voter blacklash in poll-bound Karnataka. Whether accidentally or intentionally, this protest resembled the pre-Independence Simon, Go Back movement, only instead of John Simon, the people of Tamil Nadu wanted Modi to go back. Armed with black flags, black clothes and black balloons, protestors belonging to various political outfits such as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Tamizhaga Vazhvumurai Katchi and all pro-Tamil groups, demanded that the prime minister return to Delhi. According to a Hindustan Times report, the police detained most of the high-profile protesters, including film directors Bharatiraja, Seeman, Vetrimaran and others, at the Chennai airport. MDMK chief Vaiko said, "Aren't you the bravest, Mr Modi? Why can't you travel by road? You are going directly into IIT by helicopter and then a wall is broken to let you into Cancer Institute. We have never seen such a cowardly Prime Minister in India. You are a coward. Are we going to shoot you through the black flags? Didn't Nehru face black flags?" Even the DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi was seen wearing black as a mark of protest against Modi's visit. A man who does not have the guts to take the road n meet the people, shudders at the thought of people shouting slogans of his failures,face the media with answers,goes maunvrat on problems of this country,turns a blind eye to burning issues has to go back.. #GoBackModi khushbusundar (@khushsundar) April 12, 2018 Even on social media, the protest managed to make a spectacular impact. Devoid of all the characteristics of a paid or manufactured trend, #GoBackModi managed to reach the number one spot on Twitters international trends. Hashtag #GoBackModi is now way past half a million tweets.Mind Blown, Guys.Meanwhile BJP's paid IT Cell tried to trend #TNWelcomesPMModi and failed really hard.???????? pic.twitter.com/unqrIVrRDu Keerthi???? (@TheDesiEdge) April 12, 2018 The protests did not end there. The PM also faced a silent protest by students at IIT Madras as he walked a few steps from the helicopter into his car; students who held posters demanding creation of the Cauvery Management Board. IIT M students holding placards, wearing black, in a protest against the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Chennai visit as his convoy entered the campus road. PM was on his way from the helipad to attend an event at the Cancer Institute in the nearby campus @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/MfBK7aZAcO Arun Janardhanan (@arunjei) April 12, 2018 A journalist also tweeted that as per sources PM Modi's air route to the Defence Expo also had to be supposedly changed in the last minute due to protesters floating black balloons near airport. The Centres and by extension the prime ministers failure to address an issue this important is sure to spell trouble for the ruling party not just at present, but also in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, which is but a few short months away. The BJPs popularity in the southern states has been shaky at best. Kerala, a communist bastion, became a pioneer in this form of anti-Modi protest when the people of the state coined the iconic phrase Po mone Modi after the PM compared Kerala with Somalia at an election rally. With the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly polls right soon to be underway, is this peaceful protest a sign of things to come for the BJP? Also read: How the fast defines Modi's greatness InterXion Holding N.V. provides carrier and cloud-neutral colocation data center services in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The company enables its customers to connect to a range of telecommunications carriers, cloud platforms, Internet service providers, and other customers. Its data centers acts as content, cloud, and connectivity hubs that facilitate the processing, storage, sharing, and distribution of data between its customers. The company offers colocation services, including space and power to deploy IT infrastructure in its data centers; a range of output voltages and currents; connectivity services that enable its customers to connect their IT infrastructure to exchange traffic and access cloud platforms; and systems monitoring, systems management, engineering support, and data backup and storage services, as well as installs and manages physical connections running from its customers' equipment to the equipment of its telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers, Internet exchange customers, and other customers. It provides its services to telecom operators, Internet service providers, and content delivery networks; content and cloud providers; and enterprises through direct sales forces, as well as through tradeshows, networking events, and industry seminars. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 51 carrier and cloud neutral colocation data centers in 13 metropolitan areas in 11 countries. The company is also involved in real estate management/holding businesses. InterXion Holding N.V. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Read More Exelon Corp. operates as a utility services holding company, which engages in the energy generation, power marketing, and energy delivery business. It operates through the following segments: Mid Atlantic, Midwest, New York, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and other Power Regions. The Mid-Atlantic segment represents operations in the eastern half of PJM, which includes New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, the District of Columbia and parts of Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The Midwest segment operates in the western half of PJM, which includes portions of Illinois, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee, and the United States footprint of MISO, excluding MISO's Southern Region, which covers all or most of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, the remaining parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio not covered by PJM, and parts of Montana, Missouri and Kentucky. The New York (NY) segment provides operations within ISONY, which covers the state of New York in its entirety. The ERCOT segment includes operations within Electric Reliability Council of Texas, covering most of the state of Texas. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of The Allstate: AIMCO Private Fund I Holding LLC, AIMCO Private Fund I LLC, AIMCO Private Fund II LLC, ALIC Reinsurance Company, ALINV Mosaic LLC, ANIHI Newco LLC, AP Real Estate LLC, AP Riverway Plaza LLC, AP Timber LLC, Allstate Assignment Company, Allstate Assurance Company, Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company, Allstate Digital Ventures LLC, Allstate Distributors L.L.C., Allstate Enterprises LLC, Allstate Exchange Services LLC, Allstate Finance Company Agency Loans LLC, Allstate Finance Company LLC, Allstate Financial Advisors LLC, Allstate Financial Corporation, Allstate Financial Insurance Holdings Corporation, Allstate Financial LLC, Allstate Financial Services LLC (1), Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Global Holdings Limited, Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, Allstate Insurance Holdings LLC, Allstate International Assignments Ltd., Allstate International Holdings Inc., Allstate Investment Management Company, Allstate Investments LLC, Allstate Life Insurance Company (2), Allstate Life Insurance Company of Canada, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Allstate Motor Club Inc., Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Non-Insurance Holdings Inc., Allstate North American Insurance Company, Allstate Northbrook Indemnity Company, Allstate Northern Ireland Limited, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Settlement Corporation, Allstate Short Term Pool LLC, Allstate Solutions Private Limited, Allstate Texas Lloyds, Allstate Texas Lloyds Inc., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Company, American Heritage Life Insurance Company, American Heritage Service Company, Answer Financial Inc., Answer Marketplace LLC, Arity 875 LLC, Arity International Limited, Arity LLC, Arity Services LLC, CE Care Plan Corp, Castle Key Indemnity Company, Castle Key Insurance Company, Complete Product Care Corp, Current Creek Investments LLC, E.R.J. Insurance Group Inc. (3), Encompass Floridian Indemnity Company, Encompass Floridian Insurance Company, Encompass Home and Auto Insurance Company, Encompass Indemnity Company, Encompass Independent Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company of America, Encompass Insurance Company of Massachusetts, Encompass Insurance Company of New Jersey, Encompass Insurance Holdings LLC, Encompass Property and Casualty Company, Encompass Property and Casualty Insurance Company of New Jersey, Esurance Holdings Inc., Esurance Insurance Company, Esurance Insurance Company of Canada, Esurance Insurance Company of New Jersey, Esurance Insurance Services Company of Canada, Esurance Insurance Services Inc. (4), Esurance Property and Casualty Insurance Company, First Colonial Insurance Company, Identity Protection Strategic Solutions LLC, InfoArmor Aggra Inc., InfoArmor Inc., Insurance Answer Center LLC (5), Intramerica Life Insurance Company, Ivantage Insurance Brokers Inc., Ivantage Select Agency Inc., Kennett Capital Inc., NBInv AF1 LLC, NBInv AF2 LLC, NBInv AF3 LLC, NBInv AF4 LLC, NBInv AF5 LLC, NBInv AF6 LLC, NBInv AP1 LLC, NBInv AP2 LLC, NBInv AP3 LLC, NBInv AP4 LLC, NBInv AP5 LLC, NBInv AP6 LLC, NBInv AP7 LLC, NBInv AP8 LLC, NBInv APAF1 LLC, NBInv Riverside Cars1 LLC, NBInv Riverside Management LLC, North Light Specialty Insurance Company, Northeast Agencies Inc. (6), Pablo Creek Services Inc., Pafco Insurance Company, Pembridge Insurance Company, PlumChoice Business Services Inc., PlumChoice Inc., Protection Plan Group Inc., Right Answer Insurance Agency LLC, Road Bay Investments LLC, ST Product Care Corp, Signature Agency Inc., Signature Motor Club Inc., Signature Motor Club of California Inc., Signature Nationwide Auto Club of California Inc., Signatures Nationwide Auto Club Inc., SquareTrade Australia Pty Ltd, SquareTrade Canada Inc., SquareTrade Europe Limited, SquareTrade Holding Company Inc., SquareTrade Inc. (7), SquareTrade Insurance Services Inc., SquareTrade Limited, SquareTrade Protection Solutions Inc., SquareTradeGo Inc., Tech-Cor LLC, and West Plaza RE Holdings LLC. Bank of America Corp. is a bank and financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and nonbank financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management, Global Banking, Global Markets, and All Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers credit, banking, and investment products and services to consumers and small businesses. The Global Wealth and Investment Management provides client experience through a network of financial advisors focused on to meet their needs through a full set of investment management, brokerage, banking, and retirement products. The Global Banking segment deals with lending-related products and services, integrated working capital management and treasury solutions to clients, and underwriting and advisory services. The Global Markets segment includes sales and trading services, as well as research, to institutional clients across fixed-income, credit, currency, commodity, and equity businesses. The All Other segment consists of asset and liability management activities, equity investments, non-core mortgage loans and servicing activities, the net impact of periodic revisions Read More Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. engages in the management of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. It operates through the following segments: Asset Management, Real Estate, Renewable Power, Infrastructure, Private Equity, Residential Development, and Corporate Activities. The Asset Management segment includes the management of its listed partnerships, private funds and public securities. The Real Estate segment is comprised of the ownership, operation and development of core office, core retail, LP investments and other properties. The Renewable Power segment encompasses the ownership, operation and development of hydroelectric, wind, solar, storage and other power generating facilities. The Infrastructure segment consists of the ownership, operation and development of utilities, transport, energy, data infrastructure and sustainable resource assets. The Private Equity segment refers to the broad range of industries, and is mostly focused on business services, infrastructure services and industrials. The Residential Development segment represents homebuilding, condominium development and land development. The Corporate Activiti Read More Rolls-Royce Holdings plc operates as an industrial technology company in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defence, and ITP Aero. The Civil Aerospace segment develops, manufactures, and sells aero engines for large commercial aircraft, regional jet, and business aviation markets, as well as provides aftermarket services. The Power Systems segment provides high-speed and medium-speed reciprocating engines, and propulsion and power generation systems for the marine, defense, power generation, and industrial markets. The Defence segment offers aero engines for military transport and patrol aircraft applications; and naval engines and submarine nuclear power plants, as well as aftermarket services. The ITP Aero segment engages in the design, research and development, manufacture and casting, assembly, and testing of aeronautical engines and gas turbines. It also provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for regional airlines, as well as business aviation, industrial, and defense applications. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. Within direct investments the firm specializes in expansion capital, management buyout, middle market, growth capital, add-on acquisitions, bridge financing, management buy-ins for experienced executives, corporate spin-offs, succession arrangements and generational transition in a family-owned business, small and medium-sized companies and pre-IPO stage investments. Within fund of fund investments the firm invests in private equity funds. It does not invest in start-up and early stage companies. The firm prefers to invest in automotive suppliers, industrial, mechanical and plant engineering, businesses develop, building supplier, measurement and automation technology, specialty chemical, support service providers, printing, media, broadband/telecommunication, IT services/software, healthcare and packaging sectors. It also prefer to invest in manufacture industrial components for very different customer sectors, produced machines and plants for various customer sectors, industrial support services, and logistics. It have accessed business models and invested very successfully in other sectors as well. The firm primarily seeks to invest in companies headquartered or having significant business relationships in Germany Mittelstand, DACH (Austria, Switzerland and Germany) France, Netherlands, United States of America, European neighboring countries, and in German speaking European countries. Within European Emerging Markets, it prefers to invest in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The firm typically invests between A10 million ($11.07 million) and A75 million ($105.61 million) in companies with revenues between A30 million ($55.33 million) and A500 million ($704.12 million) and enterprise value between A35 million ($35.26 million) and A300 million ($422.47 million), but may also consider investments in smaller companies or participating in larger transactions. In individual instances, it also prefers structure transactions, in which the enterprise value exceeds this range and which require equity capital investments of up to A200 million ($235.19 million). It can also co-invest with other firms. The firm seeks to take majority or minority stakes in its portfolio companies. It prefers to invest in split-offs of peripheral activities from large corporations, a sale from the portfolio of another financial investor, and a capital requirement to fund a company's growth. The firm seeks to take seats on the portfolio companies' advisory councils or supervisory boards. It typically holds its investment for a period of eight years. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG was founded in 1965 and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Eastman Chemical: BP - Aviation Turbine Oil Business, CP Films Vertriebs GmbH, Commonwealth Laminating & Coating (Hong Kong) Limited, Commonwealth Laminating & Coating Inc, Crown Operations International LLC, Dynaloy, Eastman Administracion S.A. de C.V., Eastman Chemical (Barbados) SRL, Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd., Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd. - Guangzhou Branch, Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd. - JingAn Branch, Eastman Chemical (Gibraltar) Limited, Eastman Chemical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Eastman Chemical (PPU) Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical AMI GmbH, Eastman Chemical AMI LLC, Eastman Chemical AP Holdings B.V., Eastman Chemical Adhesives (Hong Kong) Limited, Eastman Chemical Advanced Materials B.V., Eastman Chemical Argentina S.R.L., Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte Ltd-Indonesia Rep Office, Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. - Vietnam Representative Office, Eastman Chemical Australia Pty LTD - New Zealand Branch, Eastman Chemical Australia Pty. Ltd., Eastman Chemical B.V., Eastman Chemical B.V. - Czech Republic Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Denmark Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Filiale Italiana, Eastman Chemical B.V. - France Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Hungarian Commercial Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Poland Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - South Africa Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. Taiwan Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. The Hague Zug Branch, Eastman Chemical Canada Inc., Eastman Chemical Company Investments Inc., Eastman Chemical EMEA B.V., Eastman Chemical Europe Middle East and Africa LLC, Eastman Chemical Europe S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Fibers IP GmbH, Eastman Chemical Fibers IP LLC, Eastman Chemical Finance B.V., Eastman Chemical Finance CN S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance EUR S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance GBP S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance SGD S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance USD S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Financial Corporation, Eastman Chemical GDL S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Germany Holdings GmbH & Co. KG, Eastman Chemical Germany Management GmbH & Co. KG, Eastman Chemical Germany Verwaltungs-GmbH, Eastman Chemical Global Holdings LLC, Eastman Chemical Global Holdings S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical GmbH, Eastman Chemical HK Limited, Eastman Chemical Holdings do Brasil Ltda., Eastman Chemical Hong Kong B.V., Eastman Chemical Iberica S.L., Eastman Chemical India Private Limited, Eastman Chemical Intermediates (Hong Kong) Limited, Eastman Chemical International GmbH, Eastman Chemical International Holdings B.V., Eastman Chemical International LP LLC, Eastman Chemical Japan Ltd., Eastman Chemical Korea B.V., Eastman Chemical Korea Ltd., Eastman Chemical Latin America Inc., Eastman Chemical Ltd., Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Australia Branch, Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Singapore Branch, Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Taiwan Branch, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 1 LLC, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 1 S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 2 S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Malaysia B.V., Eastman Chemical Middelburg B.V., Eastman Chemical Netherlands Limited, Eastman Chemical Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Regional UK, Eastman Chemical Resins Inc., Eastman Chemical S.C.S., Eastman Chemical Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Switzerland GmbH, Eastman Chemical Technology BVBA, Eastman Chemical Texas City Inc., Eastman Chemical US Finance LLC, Eastman Chemical Uruapan S.A. de C.V., Eastman Chemical Workington Limited, Eastman Chemical do Brasil Ltda., Eastman Cogen Management L.L.C., Eastman Cogeneration L.P., Eastman Company UK Limited, Eastman Fibers Korea Limited, Eastman Fibers Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Foundation, Eastman Global Holdings Inc., Eastman International Holdings LLC, Eastman International Management Company, Eastman Italia S.r.l., Eastman Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Eastman LAR Distribucion S. de R.L. de C.V., Eastman Mazzucchelli Hong Kong Limited, Eastman Mazzucchelli Plastics (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Eastman Servicios Corporativos S.A. de C.V., Eastman Spain L.L.C., Eastman Specialties Corporation, Eastman Specialties Holdings Corporation, Eastman Specialties OU, Eastman Specialties S.a.r.l., Eastman Specialties Wuhan Youji Chemical Co. Ltd, Eastman de Argentina SRL, Ecuataminco S.A., Flexsys America L.P., Flexsys America LLC, Flexsys Chemicals (M) Sdn Bhd, Flexsys K.K., Flexsys Rubber Chemicals Limited, Flexsys Verkauf GmbH, Flexsys Verkauf GmbH - France Branch, Flexsys Verwaltungs- und Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Genovique Specialties Corporation, HDK Industries Inc., Holston Defense Corporation, Huper Optik (GP) L.L.C., Huper Optik International Pte. Ltd., Huper Optik U.S.A. L.P., Industriepark Nienburg GmbH, Kingsport Hotel L.L.C., Knowlton Technologies LLC, Monchem International LLC, Mustang Pipeline Company, Nanjing Yangzi Eastman Chemical Ltd, Novomatrix Inc., Novomatrix International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Qilu Eastman Specialty Chemicals Ltd, S E Investment LLC, Sakra Hyco Pte. Ltd., Sakra Island Carbon Dioxide Pte Ltd, Scandiflex do Brasil Ltda., Solchem LLC, Solchem Netherlands C.V., Solutia (Thailand) Ltd., Solutia Brasil Ltda., Solutia Canada Inc., Solutia Chemicals France S.a.r.l., Solutia Chemicals India Private Limited, Solutia Chemicals India Private Limited - Branch, Solutia Deutschland GmbH, Solutia Europe BVBA - Portugal Representative Office, Solutia Europe BVBA - Russia Representative Office, Solutia Europe SPRL/BVBA, Solutia Greater China LLC, Solutia Hong Kong Limited, Solutia Inc., Solutia International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Solutia Italia S.r.l., Solutia Japan Limited, Solutia Performance Products (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Solutia Performance Products Solutions Ltd., Solutia Singapore Pte. Ltd., Solutia Solar GmbH, Solutia Therminol Co. Ltd. Suzhou, Solutia Tlaxcala S.A. de C.V., Solutia UK Holdings Limited, Solutia UK Investments Limited, Solutia UK Limited, Solutia Venezuela S.R.L., Southwall Europe GmbH, Southwall Insulating Glass LLC, Southwall Technologies Inc., St. Gabriel CC Company LLC, Sterling Chemicals Inc, SunTek Australia Pty. Ltd., SunTek Films Canada Inc., SunTek UK Limited, TX Energy LLC, Taminco Argentina S.A., Taminco BVBA, Taminco BVBA - France Rep Office, Taminco BVBA - Hungarian Commercial Representative Office, Taminco BVBA - Oficina de Representacion en Espana, Taminco BVBA - The Philippines, Taminco Chile S.p.A, Taminco Choline Chloride (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Taminco Corporation, Taminco Finland Oy, Taminco Germany GmbH, Taminco Global Chemical LLC, Taminco Group BVBA, Taminco Group Holdings S.a.r.l., Taminco Holding Netherlands B.V., Taminco Intermediate LLC, Taminco Italia S.r.l., Taminco Limitada, Taminco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Taminco US LLC, Taminco Uruguay S.A., Taminco de Guatemala S.A., Taminco de Honduras S.A. de C.V., Taminco do Brasil Comercio e Industria de Aminas Ltda., Taminco do Brasil Produtos Quimicos Ltda., Te An Ling Tian (Nanjing) Fine Chemical Co. Ltd., TetraVitae Bioscience, V-Kool International Pte. Ltd., and Yixing Taminco Feed Additives Co. Ltd.. Evonik Industries AG engages in the specialty chemicals business. It operates through Specialty Additives, Nutrition & Care, Smart Materials, Performance Materials, and Services segments. The Specialty Additives segment provides polyurethane additives, organically modified silicones, isophorones, epoxy curing agents, oil additives, fumed silicas, matting agents, TAA and TAA derivatives, and acetylenic diol-based surfactants for consumer goods and specialized industrial applications. The Nutrition & Care segment offers amphoteric surfactants, ceramides, phytosphingosines, oleochemicals, quaternary derivatives, amino acids and amino acid derivatives, synthesis products, pharmaceutical polymers, and DL-methionine for use in consumer goods, animal nutrition, and healthcare products. The Smart Materials segment provides hydrogen peroxide, activated nickel catalysts, precious metal powder catalysts, peracetic acid, oil and fat hydrogenation catalysts, amorphous polyalphaolefins, polybutadienes, polyester resins, thermoplastic and reactive methacrylate resins, PEEK, polyamide 12, organosilanes, chlorosilanes, fumed silicas, fumed metal oxides, and precipitated silicas for the automotive, paints, coatings, adhesives, construction, and various other sectors. The Performance Materials segment produces polymer materials and intermediates, including butene-1, DINP, isononanol, cyanuric chloride, alkoxides, and superabsorbent for rubber, plastics, and automotive industries. The Services segment provides site management, utilities and waste management, technical, process technology, engineering, and logistics services. It operates in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, and North America. The company is headquartered in Essen, Germany. Evonik Industries AG is a subsidiary of RAG-Stiftung. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE). TCF Financial Corporation operates as the financial holding company for TCF National Bank that provides various financial products and services in the United States and Canada. It operates through Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Enterprise Services segments. The company offers checking, savings, and money market accounts; certificates of deposit; individual retirement accounts; debit and credit cards; and check cashing and remittance services. It also provides investment management and custodial services, trust services, financial and estate planning, and retirement planning and employee benefit programs; residential, consumer, and small business lending products; and consumer real estate secured lending, consumer loans, loans secured by personal property, and unsecured personal loans. In addition, the company offers loans and lines of credit, deposits, cash management, capital market products, international trade finance, letters of credit, foreign exchange management services, and loan syndication services. Further, it provides commercial and industrial, commercial real estate banking, and lease financing; and treasury services comprising investment and borrowing portfolios, as well as manages capital, debt, and market risks. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated 478 branches, including 373 traditional branches, 102 supermarket branches, and three campus branches located in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arizona, and South Dakota; and 1,062 ATMs. TCF Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Read More Wall Street analysts have given American Realty Investors a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but American Realty Investors wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. The following companies are subsidiares of Valero Energy: AIR BP-PBF DEL PERU SAC, BELFAST STORAGE LTD, CANADIAN ULTRAMAR COMPANY, COLONNADE TEXAS INSURANCE COMPANY LLC, COLONNADE VERMONT INSURANCE COMPANY, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY LLC, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OF CANADA INC., DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL HOLDINGS LLC, DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL LLC, DIAMOND K RANCH LLC, DIAMOND OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., DIAMOND SHAMROCK REFINING COMPANY L.P., DIAMOND UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., DSRM NATIONAL BANK, ENTERPRISE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INC., GCP LOGISTICS COMPANY LLC, GOLDEN EAGLE ASSURANCE LIMITED, HAMMOND MAINLINE PIPELINE LLC, HUNTWAY REFINING COMPANY, MAINLINE PIPELINES LIMITED, MAPLE ETHANOL LTD., MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT GP LLC, MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT L.P., MRP PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, NECHES RIVER HOLDING CORP., NORCO METHANOL LLC, OCEANIC TANKERS AGENCY LIMITED, PARKWAY PIPELINE LLC, PENTA TANKS TERMINALS S.A., PI DOCK FACILITIES LLC, PICKARD PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, PORT ARTHUR COKER COMPANY L.P., PREMCOR USA INC., PROPERTY RESTORATION L.P., PURE BIOFUELS DEL PERU S.A.C., PURE BIOFUELS HOLDINGS L.P., Parkway Pipeline, Premcor, Pure Biofuels Del Peru, SABINE RIVER HOLDING CORP., SABINE RIVER LLC, SAINT BERNARD PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, SUNBELT REFINING COMPANY L.P., THE PREMCOR PIPELINE CO., THE PREMCOR REFINING GROUP INC., THE SHAMROCK PIPE LINE CORPORATION, TRANSPORT MARITIME ST. LAURENT INC., ULTRAMAR ACCEPTANCE INC., ULTRAMAR ENERGY INC., ULTRAMAR INC., Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, V-TEX LOGISTICS LLC, VALERO (BARBADOS) SRL, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS GP LLC, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS LIMITED, VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ARUBA ACQUISITION COMPANY I LTD., VALERO ARUBA FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA HOLDING COMPANY N.V., VALERO ARUBA HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS COMPANY N.V., VALERO BROWNSVILLE TERMINAL LLC, VALERO CANADA FINANCE INC., VALERO CANADA L.P., VALERO CAPITAL CORPORATION, VALERO CARIBBEAN SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO COKER CORPORATION ARUBA N.V., VALERO CUSTOMS & TRADE SERVICES INC., VALERO EAST BAY LLC, VALERO ENERGY (IRELAND) LIMITED, VALERO ENERGY ARUBA II COMPANY, VALERO ENERGY INC., VALERO ENERGY LTD, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS GP LLC, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS LP, VALERO ENERGY UK LTD, VALERO ENTERPRISES INC., VALERO EQUITY SERVICES LTD, VALERO FINANCE L.P. I, VALERO FINANCE L.P. II, VALERO FINANCE L.P. III, VALERO FOREST CONTRIBUTION LLC, VALERO GRAIN MARKETING LLC, VALERO H2 PIPELINE COMPANY LLC, VALERO HOLDCO UK LTD, VALERO HOLDINGS INC., VALERO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC., VALERO LIVE OAK LLC, VALERO LOGISTICS UK LTD, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY (PANAMA) LLC, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY COMPANY, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPY INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO MARKETING IRELAND LIMITED, VALERO MKS LOGISTICS L.L.C., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEW AMSTERDAM B.V., VALERO OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONS SUPPORT LTD, VALERO PARTNERS CCTS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS EAST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS WEST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS EP LLC, VALERO PARTNERS HOUSTON LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LOUISIANA LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LUCAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MCKEE LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MERAUX LLC, VALERO PARTNERS NORTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS OPERATING CO. LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PAPS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PORT ARTHUR LLC, VALERO PARTNERS SOUTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS TEXAS CITY LLC, VALERO PARTNERS THREE RIVERS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WYNNEWOOD LLC, VALERO PAYMENT SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE LLC, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE OIL TERMINAL LTD, VALERO PLAINS COMPANY LLC, VALERO POWER MARKETING LLC, VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL PARTNERS LLC, VALERO REFINING AND MARKETING COMPANY, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-ARUBA N.V., VALERO REFINING COMPANY-CALIFORNIA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-OKLAHOMA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-TENNESSEE L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-MERAUX LLC, VALERO REFINING-NEW ORLEANS L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-TEXAS L.P., VALERO RENEWABLE FUELS COMPANY LLC, VALERO SECURITY SYSTEMS INC., VALERO SERVICES INC., VALERO SKELLYTOWN PIPELINE LLC, VALERO TEJAS COMPANY LLC, VALERO TERMINAL HOLDCO LTD, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO TEXAS POWER MARKETING INC., VALERO ULTRAMAR HOLDINGS INC., VALERO UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., VALERO WEST WALES LLC, VRG PROPERTIES COMPANY, VTD PROPERTIES COMPANY, WARSHALL COMPANY LLC, and ZELIG COMMERCIAL INC.. logo_ddn_tag_Site JN with Tagline logo-sns_tag_Site Our apologies, unfortunately our website is currently unavailable in most European countries due to GDPR rules. New Rosneft-led management, as part of the $12.9 billion acquisition of Essar Oil, took the decision to repay the dues owed to Iran. New Delhi: Essar Oil has settled about 2 billion euros ($2.5 billion) in dues to Iran to cover previous oil purchases and still owes the country about $616 million, Chief Executive B. Anand said on Thursday. The outstanding payments stem from delays in paying for Iranian oil when the country was under international sanctions over its nuclear programme. The sanctions ended in 2016. The new Rosneft-led management, as part of the $12.9 billion acquisition of Essar Oil, took the decision to repay the dues owed to Iran. Essar Oil aims to buy 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil from Iran in 2018-19, the same as the previous year, Anand said, adding his company was receiving the same concessions as state-owned Indian refiners for Iranian oil purchases. Iran has deepened discounts on freight to state refiners that have agreed to almost double annual imports from Iran in 2018/19. The private refiner imports about 60,000 bpd of oil from Venezuela under a term deal and about 50,000 bpd of Mexican oil from spot markets depending on economics, Anand told Reuters in an interview during the International Energy Forum. Essar operates a 400,000 bpd Vadinar refinery in western Gujarat state and sells about 60 per cent of its refined fuels in local markets. The company recently struck an over $1 billion pre-financing deal with BP and Trafigura with a commitment to repay with cargoes of refined products. Anand said his firm had no immediate plans to sign more pre-financing deals. To boost its local sales Essar plans to add 1,500 fuel stations within 18-24 months, he said. Essar currently operates 4,500 fuel stations in India. Our retail strategy include adding more value-added services, more automation and digitisation and embracing the changing energy scenario like charging stations, he said. Telecom operator Reliance Jio is learnt to be in talks with three Japanese banks to raise USD 500 million (around Rs 3,250 crore) in debt. New Delhi: Telecom operator Reliance Jio is learnt to be in talks with three Japanese banks to raise USD 500 million (around Rs 3,250 crore) in debt. "Reliance Jio is in discussion with MUFG (formerly The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ) , Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to raise USD 500 million," sources in the know of the development told PTI. An e-mail query sent to the company seeking a response remained unanswered. Last month the Reliance Jio board had approved raising of around Rs 20,000 crore in debt. The company has invested over Rs 2 lakh crore in the mobile business which has garnered over 168 million customers. The Mukesh Ambani firm has also signed agreement to buy mobile business assets of Reliance Communications-- the company led by his younger brother Anil Ambani, for around Rs 25,000 crore. The source did not mention the timeline for raising the loan from Japanese banks and said, "The agreement is yet to be signed." Limit for FPIs in central govt securities shall be enhanced to Rs 2,07,300 cr on April 12 and Rs 2,23,300 cr on Oct 1. New Delhi: To boost inflows of foreign funds into Indian capital markets, regulator Sebi has decided to raise the investment limit for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in central government securities and corporate bonds in two tranches. It has been decided to enhance limit for investment by FPIs in two tranches from April 12 and October 1. The move is part of an effort by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to push inflow from overseas investors in the country's capital markets. "Limit for FPIs in central government securities shall be enhanced to Rs 2,07,300 crore on April 12 and Rs 2,23,300 crore on October 1, respectively," the regulator said in a circular. Earlier, investment limit for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) was Rs 1,89,700 crore. Besides, limit for long term FPIs -- sovereign wealth funds, multilateral agencies, insurance funds, pension funds and foreign central banks -- in central government securities has been enhanced to Rs 78,700 crore from yesterday. This will be further increased to Rs 92,300 crore on October 1. Earlier, the existing limit was Rs 44,100 crore for long term FPIs. "The sub-limit for investment by long term FPIs in the infrastructure sector shall be done away with and the existing investment and free limits shall be merged into the corporate debt investment limits. "Further, all the existing sub-categories under the category of corporate bonds will be discontinued and there would be a single limit for FPI investment in all types of corporate bonds," Sebi noted. The corporate debt investment limit has been moved upwards to Rs 2,66,700 crore from Thursday and the figure will be further increased to Rs 2,89,100 crore from October. The existing limit was Rs 2,44,323 crore. Also, debt limit of state development loans (SDLs) has been increased to Rs 34,800 crore. It will further rise to Rs 38,100 crore. The existing limit for the category was Rs 31,500 crore. OPEC and its oil producer allies are poised to extend their supply-cutting pact into 2019 even as a global glut of crude is set to evaporate by September. Tokyo: Oil prices edged lower on Friday after US President Donald Trump tempered remarks warning of an imminent missile attack on Syria, but were still set for their biggest weekly gains in more than 8 months. NYMEX crude for May delivery was down 21 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at $66.86 a barrel at 0329 GMT. For the week, the contract is set to post a gain of nearly 8 percent, following two weeks of declines. London Brent crude was down 24 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at $71.78, and is up about 7 per cent for the week. Both benchmarks are set for their biggest weekly gains since last July after surging to a more than three-year high earlier in the week on tensions over Syria and shrinking global oil inventories. This last jump of $5 or so is because of the geopolitical situation caused by the situation in Syria, said Tony Nunan, senior oil risk manager at Mitsubishi Corp in Tokyo. It looks like Trump backed off a little bit and wants to build a coalition, sending a signal to the broader market that he is going to be much more careful than people thought. Oil prices hit their highest level since late 2014 on Wednesday after Trump warned that missiles will be coming in response to the attack in Syria and Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missiles over Riyadh, both of which raised concerns about possible supply disruptions. Trump tempered his comments on Thursday and even as he consulted allies such as Britain and France, who could join in any US-led strikes on Syria, there were signs of efforts to prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control. Trump tweeted an attack on Syria could be very soon or not so soon at all, raising the prospect that an attack might not be as imminent as he seemed to suggest the day before. On fundamentals, OPEC said on Thursday a global oil stocks surplus is close to evaporating, citing healthy energy demand and its own supply cuts, while revising up its forecast for production from rivals who have benefited from higher oil prices. OPEC and its oil producer allies are poised to extend their supply-cutting pact into 2019 even as a global glut of crude is set to evaporate by September, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo told Reuters. Chinas crude oil imports rose to 9.2 million barrels per day in March, the second highest on record, according to Reuters calculations based on official customs data. Mumbai: Priyanka Chopra says women have the "superpower" to balance career with family and it is high time men understood that their aspirations are equally important. The 35-year-old actor, who entered the film industry soon after winning the Miss World title at the age of 18, credits her parents, especially her father, for understanding her dreams and helping her achieve them. "I came from a family where everyone questioned my decision to become an actor. There was a big debate in my house. But my parents, especially my father said, 'I am standing by her in whatever she wants to do. I will make sure nothing wrong happens to her.' He kept his promise. He was with me always till I was 23. He used to be my manager. I had the support of my father," Priyanka told PTI in an interview. "The men in the world need to understand that as soon as you empower a woman, as soon as you give her the opportunity to be her best, she can handle both family and career. I feel boys can't tackle both. Look at the medals at Commonwealth Games, most of them have been won by women because they had this opportunity," she says. The actor believes society needs to be more open towards the idea of women being ambitious. She says people have still not warmed up to the idea of a career-oriented woman. "Girls being ambitious is still like... 'haw kitni ambitious hai!' (she is so ambitious!). Women have the superpower where they can manage their family and their ambition together. Just because a woman is working, it does not mean she won't be able to take care of her family. My mother was a working woman. She is double MD. She raised two children, who seem to be alright. We need to separate the two things," she says. Priyanka, who has always been upfront about her ideas on issues pertaining to gender equality and women's health, says being an entertainer gives her a platform to spread awareness about various social causes. "I take my social responsibility very seriously. I know I am an influencer. I know because of being an entertainer, I have the ears of people. They will listen to me. I like to use the platform to be able to make a change. I know what my life would have ended up being had my parents not taught me to be the way I am. So, I like to take that opportunity, especially when I believe in a cause." The actor, however, does not think working for social welfare is solely a celebrity's job. She believes promoting a cause is a personal decision and celebrities should not be expected to behave like superheroes. "So many people ask me 'you are celebrity, what do you do for the world?' People never ask themselves what they have done. As an entertainer, it is my job to entertain people and I am doing it. And I don't understand why celebrities are expected to do everything and solve world problems. I am doing this because I want to. "I am a strong believer that each one of us needs to be socially responsible. But it is an individual's decision. For me, it is important that I will fly down in the middle of my shoot just for 12 hours. But everybody can't be expected to have the same standard. And I do think, we tend to sometimes think that actors should be perfect, but we are not... We are humans," says Priyanka. Priyanka, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, flew down to Delhi from Dublin, Ireland to formally introduce the 2018 Partners' Forum, a platform which works towards improving the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents. The actor says despite being a public figure, she does not censor her opinions to fit the popular narrative which sometimes lands her in trouble. "... I am logical, but not careful. That is why I get into trouble. But I speak from my heart and I know I don't have any malice. I know there are people out there who are waiting with a magnifying glass to see if I speak something wrong. I always hope that I don't say something wrong and if I say I am not shy to apologise. But if I am not wrong, I will defend myself," she says. Mumbai: Priyanka Chopras visit to India always garners speculations, and it happened even with her recent visit at a UNICEF event held in Delhi. The last time PeeCee came to Mumbai, it was being believed that she was almost cast for Bharat, but then she left and everybody was left disappointed. Priyanka, it was being believed, might also play Kalpana Chawla in the late astronauts biopic. Piggy Chops had earlier shown her interest in telling the story of Kalpana, the youngest female astronaut. However, when she was questioned about the biopic at the Delhi event, Priyanka ended up saying that shes still looking for the right script. Does this mean that the Kalpana Chawla biopics script did not appeal to the Quantico actress and hence she wont be signing the film? Mumbai: Remo DSouza is currently gearing up for his Salman Khan starrer Eid release Race 3, the shooting of which will wrap up soon. While the trailer of that movie is also expected to be out by the end of this month, Remo will also be prepping for his next film a dance film with Varun Dhawan and Katrina Kaif. The director touted the untitled film as his biggest film ever, and the reason appears to be that his will be a film in the 4D format, which is unusual in India. In a chat with Mid-Day, D'Souza revealed, "We are exploring the possibility of 4D and IMAX. I am still learning the technology and I hope to get it right so that I can use it in the appropriate way." But the team is still on the verge of figuring out how that could be made possible. Remo added, "Making a 4D film is even more difficult as the audience is totally involved. There are a lot of elements that need to be considered. We need to take care of the camera angles, the mark of the actors, and that sometimes takes a toll on their performances. We don't want to compromise on the story because of the technology, so we are still toying with the idea." "After Race 3 releases, I am going to Los Angeles and will figure out the process of making it in 4D or IMAX," concluded the filmmaker. The cast and crew of Salman Khan starrer Race 3 have mounted back to the sets after Salmans release from jail in the blackbuck poaching case. The actor, along with Jacqueline Fernandez and Daisy Shah, was spotted shooting some portions of the film at a studio in Mumbai. Earlier, the shoot was to be completed outside India, but due to Salmans case and a five-year sentence clamped on him for killing two deer, the shoot has been shifted to India. They had no choice but to cancel the rest of the international shoot and start filming the balance portions in India. Many things including permissions would have to be obtained if the film had to be shot abroad again. With a slight twist in the script, the film is now being completed in India. Other things like VFX and computer graphics may be added at the soonest for the film to be able to hit the screens during Eid, says a source. While the phenomenon of celebrity trolling is terribly common on social media these days, we often forget (conveniently so) that no matter how confident they may appear on the outside, bullying and hateful words targeted at them can affect them mentally. In this light, a Twitter user named Emily Klee recently explained how trolling Katy Perry was highly insensitive. She wrote in a series of tweets, Katy Perry literally live-streamed her therapy session, showed the world inside her mental health, showed the world shes human with human emotions and is impacted by the words of heartless people. Yet you cruel people are still going to attack her over and over again. Yet suddenly youre also all advocates for suicide prevention? News flash! Celebs have feelings and poor mental health too! They are affected just as easily as others! Its still bullying (sic). Perry was subjected to heavy trolling on Twitter soon after the American pop star tweeted about anxiety. Psychologist Richa Khetawat agrees that some celebrities are sensitive and rude remarks and comments can get overwhelming for them. It can be extremely traumatic and stressful. When you try to take down the trolls, it can sometimes be unsafe as there are severe cases of cyber-bullying. While its best to ignore trolls, you dont need to completely chicken out either, she says. Twinkle Khanna Shockingly, 40 per cent of American adults have reportedly personally experienced online abuse, with almost half of them experiencing severe forms of harassment, including physical threats and stalking. Further, 70 per cent of women described online harassment as a major problem, according to a report on The Independent. Dont waste your time on trolls On the other hand, Twinkle Khanna says that people who take trolls seriously are foolish. They (trolls) are like cockroaches. Once in a while, you spray repellent and they scamper out of your way and you go on. But, I do look at criticism and I examine it very carefully. Sometimes its valid and it always tells me about the world around me or myself, she says. Rakul Preet Singh Actress Rakul Preet Singh, who was also trolled nastily for posting her photos online, says, As celebrities, we often get nasty comments on various social media platforms and I just dont read them. I think its best to avoid trolls and let what they say not affect you. Dont take them personally. You are entitled to your opinion. Back home, Malayalam actress Malavika Mohanan, too, condemned the trolling culture down south. She spoke about how actress Parvathy was viciously trolled and abused by fans on various online platforms for her comments against some dialogues in actor Mammoottys film. Hyderabad-based model and actress Swetha Jadhav believes that people troll others to get attention and often have issues themselves. Trollers are frustrated with their own lives and they vent their frustration on others, especially on celebrities as they are easy targets. Its better to avoid them and not waste time replying to their messages, she strongly feels. Meanwhile, supermodel Deborah Doris Fell, who has thousands of followers on social media, says that one should rather concentrate on the love that you receive from other fans. Fortunately, I havent received hate on social media. I do receive a lot of proposals from fans and I just thank them for their love. I would say, instead of focusing on the hate, focus on the love you receive from so many other fans, she explains. The endless list of celebs trolled online On Friday, Ghazi, Indias first underwater war film, won the National Award for the Best Telugu film. Directed by Sankalp Reddy, the film stars Rana Daggubati, Atul Kulkarni and Kay Kay Menon in the lead roles. The film, taken from a real-life incident that happened near Visakhapatnam involving Pakistani warship Ghazi, was not only critically applauded, but also changed the technical face of Telugu cinema. There was hope that the film would get a National Award, but I never expected it because of the stiff competition. But today, everybody is happy, especially the writers, the cinematographer, technicians and the artistes, says Sankalp, adding, I met so many producers with the script but they were not convinced. Many questioned who would even watch this kind of film. This award is hopefully an answer to all those questions. When I narrated the story, Rana believed in it and helped the other actors and producers, says Sankalp, adding, Now we can say that Ghazi is a National Award winning film and the entire team feels very proud about it. The Joy of Baahubali has been going on for the last five years. It has been hailed as a spectacle in India. And now the National Award is like icing on the cake. Ghazi is an alternate genre of film, which I am very proud of. It was a film that had a lot of resistance when I was trying to make it because it was a submarine war film and did not have a love story, songs or anything that a regular Telugu moviegoer would normally watch. We believed in the storys potential and we stand vindicated with this National Award. The award was so important because it now gives us strength to make more such films Rana Daggubati, actor (As told to Sashidhar Adivi) However, Sankalp adds that the National Award has not put any pressure: For my first film, I struggled to get a producer, but I already have one for my second film, so I am working harder now than ever before! However, the National Award has not put any pressure or hype on my second film. Posted Friday, April 13, 2018 8:45 am Two Marshfield High School seniors hosted community-related events last Friday (April 6) for their MHS senior projects. The first one involved a Trivia Night for TLC Student Funds, at the Marshfield United Methodist Church. Organized by senior John Gray, the event included a pulled pork dinner with chips and desserts, followed by a trivia game. There were nine rounds of different categories of trivia, with cash prizes for the winners. Each team had eight minutes to complete the trivia questions for that round. Judges looked over the results and scored each team once they finished. Grays project, which had an attendance of 72 people, raised $1,500 for TLC Student Funds. My nana and her good friend, Jean Benzen, have been involved in TLC since its conception in 2012, said Gray. The more I studied it and found more out about it, I thought this would be a perfect senior project, helping kids grades kindergarten through 12th grade. According to Benzen, a member of TLC, the organization was started in December 2012 because of the needs many students have in the community that are unmet. She explained teachers in the school district will notice a certain need and use their own money to buy school supplies, clothing and food. When we heard about that, we started the TLC organization, said Benzen. Every year, we have increased it and every year the blessings of the community and public grant, we are able to fill all the needs and requests that we get. We had about 10 seniors going to the senior prom that TLC purchased their tickets and also helped them get used prom dresses. We have students who are participating in the GO CAPS program in Springfield. They do not have enough money to pay for gas to get there, so TLC takes care of the gas for them. We also get them clothes, so when they get there, they will look like everybody else. She added TLC provides clothing and school supplies for the students at Marshfield Junior High School. It also pays for student field trips, class parties and T-shirts for students at Webster Elementary School. As part of her project, senior Savannah Clair organized a NightLight International Jewelry Party Friday evening at the Marshfield Church of the Nazarene. Participants could purchase jewelry from NightLight, an international company located in Bangkok, Thailand, and Missouri that reaches out to victims of human trafficking, provides them with counseling and the tools to step out of the sex industry and work in their own community. Each product at the party was handmade by women at NightLight, according to Clair, who found out about the organization from one of her friends. In Bangkok, the women actually made all these necklaces themselves, said Clair. They are doing that to get out of the sex industry, so then they can support themselves without having to be involved in that industry. They will ship the jewelry in Springfield, where those women are doing the exact same thing because it is not just in Bangkok. It is also in the United States. Those women do not make the jewelry, but they will package it and ship it internationally, then we sell it here. Clair raised over $500 from the event, which will go back to support NightLight and the women who make the jewelry. War, poverty and the transport constraints of a landlocked country have shredded sales for an industry that experts say dates back at least 2,500 years.(Photo: Pixabay) KABUL: Sales of Afghanistans ancient carpet-weaving industry have dropped by half in the past year as war with Taliban militants heats up and neighbouring Pakistan clamps down on border traffic. Prized by buyers as much for their artistry as utility, carpets are still a chief export of the impoverished nation, but their share has shrunk to six percent from 27 percent within less than a decade. War, poverty and the transport constraints of a landlocked country have shredded sales for an industry that experts say dates back at least 2,500 years. Legend holds that Alexander the Great sent a carpet from the area to his mother. At a factory in Kabul, the capital, women weave on looms while men in dust-masks sort heaps of wool. We have invited a lot (of buyers), said Diljam Manan Qassimy, a manager at the factory, Afghanistan Rugs and Carpet Center. But they say, No, it is impossible to come, because of the blood and security problems. This is the sad tragedy. Violence has surged in Kabul, with attacks in the last year ranging from a truck bomb that killed at least 80 people and an ambulance bomb that killed 100, to a hotel raid that killed 20. Carpets ranked fourth among Afghanistans legal exports at $38 million in the 2016-17 fiscal year, its Central Statistics Organization says. More than 85 percent went to Pakistan. The export figure dropped by more than half from $89.5 million a year earlier. That in turn was a plunge from more peaceful times eight years earlier, when exports stood at $150 million. Sales prospects are no brighter at home, as few Afghans can afford carpets that cost between $70 and $250 per square metre, outstripping the average monthly income. LANDLOCKED NATIONS WOES Reliance on Pakistan and its seaports leaves Afghan sellers vulnerable to frequent border control changes over the neighbours mutual accusations of failing to rein in cross-border militant attacks. Last year, a major border crossing at Torkham closed for 40 days, Qassimy said. Traders from Pakistan can earn a premium ranging from 10 percent to 15 percent by buying Afghan carpets and re-exporting them, said Pervez Hussain, who owns a Pakistani retailer, Afghan Carpets. People dont go to Afghanistan, and their washing methods are not that good, so the carpets come to Pakistan and are washed here and are exported from here, he said. Both countries industries benefit by working together, he added. There are a lot of big Afghan traders who are in Pakistan and they export directly from here, he said. Qassimys Kabul factory has found ways to sell carpets to Australian, British and German buyers by opening showrooms in those countries. But his costs for air transport are triple those of a typical Pakistani vendor, who can use his countrys seaports instead. The disparity keeps margins tight, forcing him to charge higher prices and pay workers lower wages, Qassimy said. The industry spans many Arabic and Asian nations. But most Afghan carpets, best-known for their dark red colour, are hand-woven in dense knot patterns, and last longer than machine-made rugs using synthetic materials. Ali Reza, 35, weaves at home, sharing 8,000 Afghani ($116) with three artisans for a carpet that takes a month to complete. Its really difficult to meet the needs of your family with such amount, he said. In Kabuls famed Chicken Street market, carpet merchant Ehsan, who goes by one name, has seen a steady decline in foreign shoppers. Ten years ago, business was good, eight years ago OK, he said. The last two years, it stopped. On sale in his Istalif Gallery are carpets hand-woven from sheep or camel wool, printed with elephant feet symbols or flowers. Some are 50 years old. Before, it was two, three, five sales every day. Now, every week maybe its one, Ehsan said. Nobody comes here, because of security. In Afghanistans latest effort to revive its carpet industry, the commerce ministry is preparing a plan to cut air transport costs to India and Dubai, offer financial help and boost marketing, ministry official Ahmad Zia SaydKhaili said. An initiative announced in January will speed export customs procedures at Kabul airport. Since buyers cannot risk coming to Afghanistan, boosting exports will be critical, Qassimy said. We can take our carpets there, and this market will be famous. A 20-year-old woman was set on fire in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly by her neighbour for resisting molestation. (Representational Image) Sambhal: A 20-year-old woman was set on fire in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly by her neighbour for resisting molestation. The woman, who suffered 70 per cent burn injuries, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. The doctor, who treated the victim, said they have provided her with first aid, but the injuries are severe and hence have asked the family to take her to some other hospital. The family of the victim alleged their neighbour, Ankit, forcefully entered their house on Tuesday night and tried to molest the woman. When she resisted, he poured kerosene oil on her and set her ablaze, they said. Police said a case under section 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered, and an investigation has been initiated. Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also said that the BJP ministers who took part in a rally in support of the accused had no right to be in the cabinet. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Two BJP ministers, who had backed the accused men in the Kathua rape case, resigned on Friday evening. Commerce and industries minister Chandra Prakash Ganga and forest minister Chaudhary Lal Singh, who took part in a rally to support the Kathua gangrape accused, had to resign due to pressure. J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had expressed her displeasure and asked BJP to remove ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh from their positions, news agency ANI reported citing sources. Earlier in the day, Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also said that the BJP ministers who took part in a rally in support of the accused had no right to be in the cabinet. "Mehbooba Mufti will have to decide whether she is ready to work with those ministers who are trying to save the killers of the girl," the former chief minister told reporters. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi declared it in a video message in which she said she was 'deeply, deeply' disturbed by the Kathua rape case. (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: Amid nationwide outrage and grief over the gangrape and murder of eight-year-old girl at Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a move to change the law for sexual crimes against children to bring in the death penalty for child rape. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi declared it in a video message in which she said she was "deeply, deeply" disturbed by the Kathua rape case. Maneka Gandhi, the Union women and child development minister, said her ministry would move a cabinet note on Monday to amend POCSO (Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences) Act. "I have been deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for the death penalty for rape on children below 12 years," said Maneka Gandhi. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, on Thursday said a new law would be introduced awarding death sentence to those guilty of raping minors in the State. Mufti tweeted, "We will never ever let another child suffer in this way. We will bring a new law that will make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors, so that little Asifas case becomes the last." 8-year-old nomad Bakerwal (herdsmen) girl, went missing while grazing horses in Rasana village of Hiranagar tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on January 17. Her body was found in woods near her village a week later. The DNA and police investigations have revealed that she was held inside a local temple where she was drugged, raped and killed. The police have arrested eight people including the custodian of the temple, his son and two Special Police Officers for their alleged involvement in the crime. A police Sub-Inspector and a Head-Constable too have been arrested on charges of destroying evidence. The Chief Minister in another tweet said, "I want to assure the entire nation that I stand committed not just to ensure justice for Asifa but also seek exemplary punishment for those responsible for a crime whose brutal savagery has shamed humanity." She had earlier in yet another tweet said, "The Law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions and statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track & justice will be delivered. #JusticeFor Asifa." Chennai/Cuddalore/Erode: Black balloons and pigeons with black ribbons took to the skies with hard messages protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Chennai for the Defence Expo at Thiruvidanthai, 40 km from the city, on Thursday as all the political parties, sans the ruling AIADMK, stepped up their Cauvery agitation to top decibels. With the Prime Minister using the defence helicopter through almost his entire trip airport-DefExpo-IIT-airport - to avoid the black flag demonstrations, the Cauvery protesters claimed yet another victory close on the heels of the success in driving away the IPL from Chennai. In the short road trip within the IIT to speak at the adjoining Cancer Institute, the PM faced a low-intensity protest as some students raised placards against his government for not constituting the Cauvery Management Board despite the Supreme Court order of February 16 setting a deadline of six weeks. The hashtag #GoBackModi in twitter did brisk traffic, apart from the on-ground demos such as sloganeering and blocking roads in several parts of Chennai and elsewhere in the state. Police said over 3,080 protesters were taken into custody. They were all released later in the evening. In fact, there was some delay in releasing Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman and a few of his Tamil nationalist allies held at a marriage hall near the airport, but they too were let off after film director Bharatiraja did a sit-in protest refusing to avail the police release offer until friend Seeman too was freed. Hyderabad: Hyderabad High Court on Thursday refused bail to former director (planning) of HMDA K. Purushotham Reddy in the disproportionate assets case. Justice M. Satyanarayana Murthy refused bail on grounds of Anti-Corruption Bureau registering another case against him for misusing his official position to amass wealth. ACB senior counsel Ravi Kiran Rao said that granting bail to Purushotham Reddy at this stage would hamper the investigation. The eight-year-old victim was born a Kashmiri Muslim into a family that falls under the category "Nomadic Tribe". Needless to say, her family was extremely poor. She perfectly embodied all the marginalities that India has systematically oppressed and tortured over years. (Photo: Facebook | @justiceforasifa) Mumbai: Last night was not comfortable. Many of us haven't slept, uncomfortable and squirming all night, thinking of the pain eight-year-old Kathua girl had to withstand. By Friday morning, in urban metropolitan India, the girl's name is everywhere. In varying degrees, there are posts of sympathy, horror, anger plastered across social media. Our opposition leaders are walking candle light marches in the capital. Our Bollywood stars have expressed their grief and shock on Twitter. But, why? Why was the child abducted, confined, raped multiple number of times and eventually, her head bashed? What could an eight-year-old probably have done to invite this fate upon herself? She was but a child, unable to tell the left apart from the right, according to her broken, grief-stricken father. The little girl was born a Kashmiri Muslim into a family that falls under the category "Nomadic Tribe". Needless to say, her family was extremely poor. She perfectly embodied all the marginalities that India has systematically oppressed and tortured over years. The Nomadic Tribes and Denotified Tribes (NT/DNT) consist about 60 million people in India. Until independence, British laws classified them criminal under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. Free India's government repealed this act in 1952. The groups have since been classified into Scheduled Castes or Tribes. To a liberal mind, decriminalisation by law is definitely an improvement. Politics of caste is, however, not that simple. Decriminalisation by law does not guarantee removal of social stigma. According to Sarayu Menon, former student of Criminology and Justice at Tata Institute of Social Sciences and currently involved in research on NT/DNT, they definitely carry the stigma of criminality, owing to their nomadic nature. They are always seen as a threat to mainstream pastoral society. The eight-year-old girl probably did not even realise how much oppressive politics was running through her veins as she went about feeding the horses and playing with their two newborn lambs. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Madhya Pradesh State President Nandkumar Singh Chouhan has claimed that the entire episode is actually a conspiracy by Pakistan, since the Hindu population in Kashmir is less than one per cent. India and Pakistan has forever been at loggerheads over the occupation of Kashmir. A war fought largely between New Delhi and Islamabad has killed thousands in Kashmir in the struggle for 'Azaadi.' A multitude of others have been incapacitated for life. The girl was a Muslim. In a country that is roaring for a Hindu nation, the unaware little girl did not know dying that a person especially travelled from Meerut to Kashmir, only to rape her. The predator would have found other feasts in his own jungle, but this was an exceptional opportunity to show 'them' where 'they' belong. Did her rapists think that sexually brutalising an eight-year-old body was fun? Did rape before the murder make their message stronger? Women are doubly oppressed, in any situation. Rahul Gandhi, in his candle light march, has said that it is not a political issue, but a social issue. It is about the safety of our women. India cannot treat its women like this anymore. But the little girl embodies a war that goes much deeper than that. She was politicised the moment she was born and if we appropriate her death according to our own comfort zones, then we better not ask for justice for her, but for justice for our own uncomfortable minds. India should in unison, now more than ever, demand justice for all women, tribes and religions. Because if not now, then when? If not us, then who? 'Our daughters will definitely get justice,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. (Photo: Twitter/@PIB_India) New Delhi: In comments being seen as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first public response over Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which sparked nationwide outrage, the prime minister assured that justice will be delivered to the daughters. The Prime Minister further added that the culprits will not be spared. Addressing the inauguration of Dr Ambedkar National Memorial in New Delhi, PM Modi said, "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it." "I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," the Prime Minister added. Earlier, PM Modi's silence was severely criticised by the Opposition with Congress president Rahul Gandhi terming it as "unacceptable". Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said, Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women and children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state. India is waiting. Read: India is waiting: Rahul slams PM Modi's silence on Kathua, Unnao rape cases Rahul Gandhi on Thursday also led a midnight march to India Gate to protest the gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua in January and for the 17-year-old in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao who was allegedly raped by BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar in June 2017. Also Read: Rahul, Priyanka hold midnight march for justice in Kathua, Unnao rape cases 'Hindus are less than one per cent in Kashmir. They cannot even open their mouths, then how can they shout these slogans?' Nandkumar Singh Chouhan asked. (Photo: Facebook | @NandKumarSinghChouhan) Khandwa: A senior BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh on Friday claimed a "Pakistani hand" behind the gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua region. BJP state president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan, who was participating in a fast organised in Khandwa in protest against the washout of parliament's budget session, told reporters, "The act (Kathua rape-murder) must have been committed by Pakistan's agents to divide people by chanting Jai Shri Ram". He was responding to reports that slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' were raised following the incident. "If slogans of Jai Shri Ram were shouted on the rape of the girl, it must be the handi work of Pakistan's agents who want to create differences between us," Chouhan said. "Hindus are less than one per cent in Kashmir. They cannot even open their mouths, then how can they shout these slogans?" he asked. The BJP leader, however, termed the incident as a "blot on humanity". The eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped by six men who had held her in captivity in a small temple village for a week in January. She was allegedly drugged so that she could be sexually assaulted again before being bludgeoned to death, according to police. Chennai: The ongoing statewide protests seeking Cauvery Management Board on Thursday peaked in capital Chennai during the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chennai city airport, which was given a five-tier security on Thursday, witnessed a security breach with more than 100 protestors entering the alighting point of Chennai international airport. There were 60 special group police personnel from Delhi headed by a DIG spearheading the security arrangements for Modi and another 500 local police personnel cordoned off the airport and approach roads. The entire police machinery focused that the PM had a safe chopper sortie. However, there were no public to wave hands or greet the most popular politician of the country during a mega defence expo event. The PM during his visit was surrounded by security guards and there were a selected group of ruling AIADMK office-bearers and ministers to greet him throughout the day. The little respite was that there were hundreds of participants at the defence expo and the Adyar Cancer Institute, who applauded the PM, when he recited a Tirukkural and extended his Tamil New year greetings in Tamil. By and large, the usual staged reception with public thronging on either sides of the road greeting the PMs convoy was absent this time as the protesters occupied the city roads with black balloons forcing the PM to take up airborne sorties. By noon as the slogans Go back Modi rent the air, traffic also came to a standstill in parts of South Chennai as protesters thronging Chennai airport and Adyar Cancer Institute swelled. The city police had a tough time cordoning off venues, to ensure that the protesters did not sneak into these packed venues, where even visitors were screened twice despite having valid invitations. The preventive arrests on Thursday reached an all-time high of over 3,000 as more and more fringe outfits and political party cadres thronged in black shirts, till Modi left Chennai. Posted Friday, April 13, 2018 6:45 am The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is fueling record-level economic optimism across America, and Missouri is no exception. I recently visited two small businesses, one in Owensville and one in Montgomery City, and it was clear the new tax code is already paying off for employees and local jobs, and laying the groundwork for stronger growth in our communities. As of today, more than 500 companies nationwide have publicly announced pay raises, bonuses, benefit increases and new investments because of tax reform. More than four million Americans will benefit from these changes, including thousands in Missouri. Walmart, our state's largest employer, and Lowes, which employs 6,000 Missourians, announced tax reform bonuses and expanded maternity and parental leave, and both companies will provide $5,000 to help cover adoption expenses. Home Depot, with 34 locations in Missouri, announced that its employees will receive bonuses of up to $1,000. Smaller employers, like Mid-AM Metal Forming in Rogersville and Hunter Chase and Associates in Springfield, have also handed out bonuses to their employees. In addition, with the new tax rates in effect, the vast majority of Missourians should be taking home more money in their paychecks. For the single parent with one child who makes $41,000 a year, their taxes will be reduced by 75 percent or nearly $1,400 this year. For the average family of four making $75,000 a year, the law will mean $2,000 in annual tax savings. That amounts to more than two months' worth of groceries, a year's worth of gasoline, and almost a year and a half of utility bills for the average Missouri household. At a recent roundtable hosted by President Trump in St. Louis, one mother and veteran said the increase in her take-home pay is allowing her to invest in her daughter's education to give her the same opportunity she had to succeed. Chris, who wrote to me from Midland, says he's taking home an additional $136 in his pension check. For him, that means another trip to the grocery store each month and help offsetting other bills. Helping families also means making sure they have more opportunities and better paying jobs in the future. We've seen employers in Missouri and across the nation announce major investments that will strengthen our economy and create thousands of new jobs. A solar company based in Springfield just announced that it's adding 30 jobs and will invest $300,000 in a Kansas City expansion. Boeing, which has a significant presence in St. Louis, has announced $100 million in charitable donations, $100 million for workforce development, and $100 million for infrastructure and facilities investments nationwide. A recent report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that nearly 60 percent of business leaders plan to increase hiring over the next six months. As the CEO of Kansas City Southern said, The combination of lower tax rates and expensing is going to create additional cash flow that we can use for reinvestment in growth, [to] create jobs, and so it's a very big deal. Delivering much-needed tax relief for Missouri families was a historic accomplishment, and it will continue to have a major, positive impact on families across our state. But our work can't stop there. It's important for Congress to continue moving forward on the big issues we have in front of us, like fighting the opioid epidemic, strengthening our infrastructure, and more. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in doing the job the people we work for expect us to do. Sen. Roy Blunt represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate. On May 18, 2017, an FIR was lodged against French national Patrick Brilliant for sexually assaulting the child and was arrested on November 7, nearly six months after the registration of the FIR. (Photo: Representational) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked a French national, an active trustee of an international school in Mumbai, to surrender in three days in connection with a case of alleged sexual assault on a three-year-old girl. The top court, however, barred him from entering the school premises and directed the trial court to decide the matter as per material available on record. A bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan clarified that the observations in the orders of the Bombay High Court and the sessions court are only in respect to the granting and cancellation of bail. "The petitioner shall surrender within three days. However, he will not visit the school. We make it clear that the observations of the sessions court as well as the high court are only in the context of granting and cancellation of bail. Needless to stay, the trial court is required to finally decide the matter on the basis of evidence which is produced before the court," the bench said. Accused Patrick Brilliant had challenged the April 2 order of the high court cancelling bail granted by the trial court on November 24, 2017. It had asked him to surrender forthwith before the authority concerned while asking the trial court to complete the proceedings in four months. On May 18, 2017, an FIR was lodged against Brilliant for sexually assaulting the child and was arrested on November 7, nearly six months after the registration of the FIR. However, the trial court granted him bail on November 24, 2017, just 17 days after he was arrested in the case. The prosecution said on July 15 that year, a gang led by Nadesan allegedly assaulted the duo to death. Salem: A Salem court on Thursday awarded double life terms to seven persons and life term for five others, following their conviction in a double murder case. The prosecution case was that a group of about 24 persons attacked two persons, S Sundararajan, 25, and S Kuppusamy, 23, from Veeranam in Salem district in 2003 and the duo died in the mob attack in the wake of a civil dispute with one Nadesan, 52, and his kin over collecting funds for a local temple festival. The prosecution said on July 15 that year, a gang led by Nadesan allegedly assaulted the duo to death. The Veeranam police registered a case on charges of murder against 24 persons including a suspected Maoist Palanivel. On completion of trial after 15 years, the Salem first additional district and sessions court convicted 12 persons for the double murder. Pronouncing the verdict, the judge, Mr. M Ravindran awarded double life sentence to seven of the accused including N Nadesan, 52, S Jeganathan, 42, S Kumaravel, 41, S Annamalai, 41, K Selvam, 41, K Thiagarajan, 35 and K Selvaraj, 52. He also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each. Similarly, five more accused persons in the case including A Dharmalingam, 42, S Sekar, 43, P Selvam, 40, A Kumaresan, 43 and C Manikkam, 46, were each handed down a life sentence, besides a fine amount of Rs 5,000 on each . Further, the court imposed a fine of `1,000 each on three women who were allegedly involved in the attack. Five other accused were acquitted in the case. A separate trial is underway in the split-up case against the suspected Maoist Palanivel, who is lodged in Coimbatore central prison in another case, as he was in hiding when the double murder case was under trial. Tension prevailed in the court premises for a while as relatives of the convicted persons broke into tears soon after the judgment was pronounced. They were seen involved in an argument with the police. The convicted persons were sent to Coimbatore prison. BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been brought to the Lucknow office of the CBI, after it took over the probe on Thursday evening. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who has been charged of raping a 17-year-old girl in June 2017, has been detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning in the wee the hours on Friday. He has been brought to the Lucknow office of the CBI, after it took over the probe on Thursday evening. The CBI will investigate three cases filed against Sengar with Makhi police station in Unnao. The BJP MLA from Banagarmau in Uttar Pradesh has been charged under the stringent POCSO Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) dealing with rape. The notice to the CBI to take over the cases was issued on Thursday night, following which the probe agency in a matter of a few hours picked up the BJP lawmaker from his Lucknow home at 4:30 am. On Thursday, the Allahabad High Court had come down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh government, asking that despite FIR why BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was not arrested. The court also asked the government whether it proposes to arrest Sengar. Also Read: Why accused BJP MLA free even after FIR: Allahabad HC to UP govt An FIR was lodged against the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar on Thursday under sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction of woman), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the case was handed over to the CBI. The victim had attempted suicide outside the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath triggering a massive political row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. Later, the state police had arrested her father who died in judicial custody with autopsy suggesting several injuries on his body. A bench of Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar, taking cognisance of the Unnao gangrape case on a letter to the court by senior lawyer Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi, heard the matter in detail. It will pronounce its order at 2 pm on Friday. The court also questioned the conduct of the police in the case. Advocate General Raghavendra Singh, who was present in the court on Thursday, told the bench that on August 17, 2017, an application was sent to the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's office in which allegations of rape was made against the BJP MLA. The application was then forwarded to officers in Unnao, who were supposed to act on it, he said. All this week, Kuldeep Singh Sengar has moving freely denying the accusation, disparaging the girl and her family and hitting out at the media. Meanwhile, his brother Atul Singh was arrested for a brutal assault on the victim's father, who was not just arrested with severe wounds on his body but who died on Monday in police custody. He "had not been treated properly", a Special Investigation Team has found. On Wednesday night, Sengar made a dramatic appearance outside the house of the police chief in Lucknow, in a convoy of 20 vehicles. "I have come here because TV channels were saying I will surrender," he appeared to taunt reporters, insisting that he was neither a fugitive nor a rapist. Up to six police personnel were also suspended for allegedly beating up the victim's father, who died on April 09. Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court on Friday said that BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping 17-year-old Unnao girl, should be arrested and not just be detained. The court directed the CBI to carry out investigation strictly in accordance with law and to consider filing an application for cancellation of bail granted to other accused in the case. It also directed the CBI to file status report by May 2. A bench comprising Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar gave the direction to the agency after the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government informed it that Sengar has been detained for interrogation and not arrested yet. The bench passed the order on a letter written by senior advocate Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi demanding a court-monitored investigation of the incident and treated it as a PIL. The CBI registered three separate cases in connection with the alleged rape and detained Sengar for questioning in the early hours on Friday. The cases pertain to the alleged rape, killing of the girl's father and a case of arms act which was slapped on her father in which he was arrested by local police. He had subsequently died in judicial custody and the autopsy report showed serious injuries on his body. Read: Unnao rape: No matter how influential accused is, he will not be spared: Adityanath Sengar was taken to the Lucknow office of the CBI, after it took over the probe on Thursday evening. On Thursday, the high court had asked the Advocate General whether the state government proposes to arrest Sengar. Advocate General Raghvendra Singh had replied that he was not in a position to make any statement in this regard and police will proceed in accordance with law only after recording statement of the complainant and witnesses. Also Read: Unnao rape case: Accused BJP MLA taken in for questioning by CBI The BJP MLA from Banagarmau in Uttar Pradesh has been charged under the stringent POCSO Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) dealing with rape. The notice to the CBI to take over the cases was issued on Thursday night, following which the probe agency in a matter of a few hours picked up the BJP lawmaker from his Lucknow home at 4:30 am. On Thursday, the Allahabad High Court had come down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh government, asking that despite FIR why BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was not arrested. The court also asked the government whether it proposes to arrest Sengar. Also Read: Why accused BJP MLA free even after FIR: Allahabad HC to UP govt An FIR was lodged against the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar on Thursday under sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction of woman), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the case was handed over to the CBI. All this week, Kuldeep Singh Sengar has moving freely denying the accusation, disparaging the girl and her family and hitting out at the media. Meanwhile, his brother Atul Singh was arrested for a brutal assault on the victim's father, who was not just arrested with severe wounds on his body but died on Monday in police custody. He "had not been treated properly", a Special Investigation Team has found. On Wednesday night, Sengar made a dramatic appearance outside the house of the police chief in Lucknow, in a convoy of 20 vehicles. "I have come here because TV channels were saying I will surrender," he appeared to taunt reporters, insisting that he was neither a fugitive nor a rapist. (With inputs from PTI) 'The 2019 poll are going to be on the lines of Pakistan versus Bharat... Islam versus Bhagwan and so the respected people of the country you have to decide whether it will be Islam which will win or Bhagwan,' JP UP MLA Surendra Singh said. (Photo: ANI) Ballia (Uttar Pradesh): The 2019 Lok Sabha elections would be fought on the lines of "Islam versus Bhagwan" and "Pakistan versus India", BJP UP MLA Surendra Singh has said, days after he defended his colleague accused of raping a teenage girl. The saffron party legislator from Bairia had stirred a row on April 11 when he defended MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar who allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl last year. "Tell me who will rape a mother of three? He is being falsely implicated," he had told reporters on the sidelines of an event. Also Read: Victim known for filing false cases: BJP MLA defends Unnao rape accused On Thursday night during a public meeting in Ballia, Singh said, "The 2019 poll are going to be on the lines of Pakistan versus Bharat... Islam versus Bhagwan and so the respected people of the country you have to decide whether it will be Islam which will win or Bhagwan." "(You have to) decide if it is the dishonest that will be victorious or (Narendra) Modi's sincerity," he said. The lawmaker said that this time if the BJP won the people of the country would rejoice and if the opposition managed to make its government, drums and trumpets would be played in Pakistan. "People have to decide if they are with Bhagwan or Islam," Singh said. "It will be Bharat 'bhakti' will take on 'vibhakti' (divisive forces)," he said. Singh had earlier said that once India becomes a "Hindu rashtra" only those Muslims would stay in the country who assimilate in the Hindu culture. "There are a very few Muslims who are patriotic. Once India becomes a Hindu 'rashtra' (Hindu nation), Muslims who assimilate in our culture will stay in India. Those who will not, are free to take asylum in any other country," he had said. 17-year-old Unnao rape victim said she was told that her father and family would be killed if she opened her mouth. She claimed that they gangraped her for a few days and sold her to someone from whom she was recovered. (Photo: ANI) Unnao: Families of the 17-year-old Unnao rape victim and the accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar were neighbours in Makhi village and the girl and her sibilings used to address Sengar as "bhaiya" (elder brother), The Indian Express report said. Families of the rape victim and Kuldeep Singh Sengar once enjoyed "cordial relations" until June 2017, when the girl visited the MLAs house with a relative after he offered her a job opportunity. In an interview to The Indian Express, the rape victim spoke about the link between the two families and the sequence of events that led to her alleged rape last year. It was June 4 last year (2017). I was asked to go inside a room, where he raped me. Later, I was told that my father and family would be killed if I opened my mouth. I did not speak about it to anyone until I was kidnapped by some of his people a few days later, on June 11. According to the 17-year-old victim, she was then gangraped again for a few days and was sold to someone from whom she was recovered. On Thursday, police registered an FIR against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the alleged gangrape after the UP government decided to hand over the probe to the CBI. Police charged Sengar under various sections of the IPC and provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Hum sab unhen Bhaiyya kehte the. Humare bade papa unke sath the. Kabhi-Kabhi woh (MLA) ghar aate the aur daadi se kehte the ki anda fry karke khilao, toh daadi unhe banake khilati thi (All of us used to call him brother. The elder brother of my father was with him. Sometimes, the MLA used to come home and ask my grandmother to prepare egg fry for him, and she used to do it), said the victim. Thursdays FIR followed the victims father death in judicial custody, with police arresting Atul Singh Sengar, the MLAs brother, for allegedly beating him up. According to the victim, as soon as she returned home after the alleged gangrape last year, she was shifted to Delhi where her uncle lives. It was at their home in Delhi that I first shared details of the entire incident with my aunt, who then informed my uncle, said the victim. On August 17, 2017, my uncle and I went to Lucknow and submitted an application to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence. He gave it to some others standing with him but nothing happened. Neither me nor my father could come back to the village, said the rape victim, adding that she dropped out of school after Class VI about five years ago, like other girls due to constant harassment by local boys. When nothing happened even after meeting the Chief Minister personally, I wrote applications to the President, the Prime Minister, the UP DGP, seeking help. But nothing happened, I was instead advised by policemen to leave the MLA out of it, the 17-year-old claimed. The rape victim went on to add that when she heard about her father being beaten up last week, she decided to take the next train to Lucknow to meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath again. Those at the gate said he was not there. We requested to meet his subordinates but they refused. I felt that I was the cause of all the trouble for the entire family and had brought kerosene with me. I took it out and poured it on myself. But instead of me, my father was killed, she said, with tears rolling down her eyes. Today, the victim's entire family - she, her three sisters, five-year-old brother, mother, grandmother, uncle and aunt is staying in hotel rooms provided by the district administration in Unnao. According to the grandmother, who is TB-stricken, the father of the victim had stayed away from the village until last week when he just came to deliver medicines. I am to be blamed for his death as he had come to the village just to give me medicines. He also wanted to meet his son. They held him by his feet and dragged him out of my house in front of my eyes. We had closed the door but they jumped in I will never go there again, said the 65-year-old. Mere papa ko khub mara pani dal-dal ke maar rahe they neem ke ped se bandhke koi nahin bola daadi toh wahin behosh ho gayi thi hum wahan wapas nahin jayenge (My father was beaten badly they were pouring water on him while beating him after tying him to a neem tree no one said anything. my grandmother fainted right there we wont go back), said the 11-year-old sister of the rape victim. When they could pick up the male member of our family from our house in front of the entire village and beat him publicly with their guns and cane sticks, you can imagine our plight. How can we be secure now? They can pick any one of us at night and our bodies would not be found, said the victims mother. She said the familys male members and two elder daughters, including the rape victim, did not return to the village even during festivals. The rape victim, meanwhile, is clear that she will continue her fight for justice. Usne kaha tha ki agar bologi kisi ko toh tumhare papa ko aur parivar ko khatam kar denge. Usne kar diya aur abhi bhi muskurake ghoom raha hai (He had told me that if I confide in anyone, he would finish my papa and family. He has done it and is now moving around with a smile), she said. Jaan de denge, wapas nahin jayenge lekin ladai ladenge. FIR se kya hota hai, un sabki giraftari honi chahiye (I will give up my life, I wont go back but I wont stop fighting. What happens with an FIR? They should all be arrested). The BJP leaders were seen snacking on sandwiches and chips in a video that went viral. (Screengrab | ANI) Pune: After Congress leaders were seen munching on chole-bhature ahead of the day-long fast that the party observed earlier this week over a variety of issues, Maharashtra BJP leaders left the Narendra Modi government red-faced with some of its legislators found snacking on sandwiches and chips as the party along with the Prime Minister and national president Amit Shah observed a nation-wide fast on Thursday. Also Read: 'Feast Before Fast': Congress leaders feast before protest fast Two BJP legislators -- Bhimrao Tapkir and Sanjay Bhegade alias Bala -- were filmed 'breaking' their fast mid-way during an official meeting convened in the Pune Council Hall by Guardian Minister Girish Bapat. A video clipping of the two relishing on sandwiches and chips went viral on the social media and was broadcast by television channels, even as embarrassed state BJP leaders kept mum. #WATCH BJP Maharashtra MLAs Sanjay Bhegade and Bhimrao Tapkir seen eating during a meeting in Pune yesterday. BJP had called for a fast yesterday against the opposition stalling parliament pic.twitter.com/BnCjkT2jDq ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 In a statement, Maharashtra Congress President Ashok Chavan said that the "drama of fasting will not work anymore" as the people are no longer interested in government's false promises. "In Pune, the BJP leaders were seen enjoying snacks in the middle of the fast, elaborate arrangements were made for serving snacks before launching the 'fast' and after completing it. This fast is just a farce," Chavan said dismissively during a media briefing. "If somebody eats three hours before a fast, BJP finds it objectionable, but it is okay for them if they eat during the fast. The reason behind today's fasting programme is bogus, the sentiments are bogus and the fast itself is bogus," said state Congress Spokesperson Sachin Sawant. Incidentally, it is not clear how the video clip of the BJP legislators enjoying the snack during the fast came into the public domain as the party had issued strict instructions against any publicity stunts on social media networks. The call for a day-long fast by the BJP leaders led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given to protest the disruption and washout of the second half of parliament's budget session. The BJP alleged that the Congress did not allow parliament to function, initially on account of the bank scams. Thereafter, the YSR Congress and TDP created protested over the issue of special status for Andhra Pradesh and moved no-confidence motions against the government. Chennai: In a surprise development, the AIADMK on Friday hit out at the Centre accusing it of disrupting peace in Tamil Nadu through its discriminatory policies and politics. Unless the Centre changed its attitude at once, there would be serious threat to unity and integrity, the ruling party said in its harshest attack on the Modi Government in recent times. Why has this black (protests) erupted in this manner in our land known for its unbridled generosity? Theres rage on every face. Its the discriminatory conduct of the Centre that has caused this upsurge of anger, said a special piece, written in flowery poetic form, in the ruling partys official newspaper Namadhu Amma. Listing out the various shortcomings TN had faced at the hands of Delhimost of them in the post-Jayalalithaa periodsuch as the denial of the extension sought for Neet exemption at least for one year, the inadequate compensation for the Vardha cyclone damage and the inequitable allocation of funds to the state that contributed the second largest tax revenue to the Centre, the AIADMKs hate-poem said: The Centre must change its attitude without wasting time, or else the unity and integrity will be fractured; let the lotus party understand now. The AIADMK outburst against the Centre could cause a mini political storm in the midst of the already surcharged environment in Tamil Nadu. While no prominent state minister or AIADMK functionary was willing to openly comment on the party organ's provocative poem, a senior member of the editorial team at 'Namadhu Amma' told DC: "It's true that there is no cordial relationship between our government and the Centre now". Explaining further, he said: "Our Chief Minister had pleaded with the Prime Minister during his trip here on Thursday, first on the DefExpo dais and later at the airport, to do something on the Supreme Court order on Cauvery Management Board. The PM went away without uttering a word on that; he could have at least shown us some courtesy by saying he respects the sentiments of Tamil Nadu people and would do something". It now remains to be seen if Delhi would do something soon to iron out the differences with the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, or if the fissure would be allowed to deepen into a crisis. According to Christopher, around 275 patents have been given to DRDO in the last three years, by which it had earned Rs 190 crore. CHENNAI: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is all set to strengthen the Indian defence armoury by developing Prahari, a deep penetrating surveillance system. Using Prahari we can see through the other side of the border during night and day. The range will depend on the sensor. We are taking up the new project, C.P. Ramanarayanan, DS & DG (Aero), DRDO, told media persons at the DefExpo in Chennai, on Friday. Explaining the monetary position of the organisation, S. Christopher, DRDO chairman and department of defence (research and development) secretary said that a sum of Rs 18,000 crore has been allotted for DRDO for 2018-19. Of this, 25 to 30 percent has been earmarked for new projects, he added. According to Christopher, around 275 patents have been given to DRDO in the last three years, by which it had earned Rs 190 crore. Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System has huge potential and we may export the gun system, he said. He also added that the government has asked to make 201 Mark II light combat aircraft (LCA). With the new LCAs, India will have 324 Mark I and Mark II aircraft. We are also asked to look into twin-engine aircraft for stealth operation, he said. Satheesh Reddy, DRDO and scientific advisor to defence minister, said that new version of anti-tank missile, which can be launched from helicopters and also from the ground would be taken up. To avert an accident, the bus driver swerved to the right, but a speeding tempo from the opposite side collided head-on with the bus. COIMBATORE: As many as 11 persons including a tempo driver suffered injuries when the government bus in which they were travelling collided head-on with a tempo near Vellakinarupirivu in the suburbs of Coimbatore on Friday. Police said that a government bus with 35 passengers was heading for Coimbatore from Mettupalayam and while nearing Vellakinarupirivu at around 7.30 am, a bike came towards the bus from the wrong side. To avert an accident, the bus driver swerved to the right, but a speeding tempo from the opposite side collided head-on with the bus. Tempo driver Pandi, 30, suffered serious injuries and around 10 passengers of the bus suffered injuries. The bus driver survived without injuries, but panicked and jumped out of the bus to escape. Passersby and local residents informed 108 ambulance and tempo driver Pandi was rushed to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) where he is being treated in the ICU. The passengers are being treated at a nearby private hospital for minor injuries. On information Thudiyaloor police rushed to the spot. Traffic was affected for more than an hour on the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam stretch. Egypts former auditor and member of campaign team of arrested presidential hopeful Sami Annan has been referred to a military court for making statements deemed harmful to the army. Hisham Geneina will stand trial on April 16 on charges of spreading news that harms the armed forces, according to his lawyer, Ali Taha. Geneina was detained in February ahead of March Presidential elections. He was member of the campaign of former Chief of Staff who has been also detained over breaching military rule after he announced his candidacy for the elections. Speaking in an interview with Huffpost Arabi, Geneina claimed that Annan was in possession of documents kept secret abroad and which damn the army. The documents in point revolved around political events and crises Egyptian society has passed through since the January 2011 uprising which toppled veteran strongman Hosni Mubarak, Geneina noted. The former Chief of the anti-corruption organization has become an arch critic of the al-Sisi regime that he said closed eyes on corruption dealings that cost Egypt billions of dollars in 2015. He was dismissed in 2016. Few days before the interview and his arrest, Geneina was attacked by armed man who attempted at his life. He joined Annan and other prominent political figures in calling for the boycott of the elections that they deemed unfair. Moataz Wadnan, the journalist who conducted the interview has also been arrested, AFP reports. Hyderabad: Fuel prices which hit a four-year-high in April are worrying motorists and transporters, but the state government has got richer by crores of rupees because of the corresponding increase in VAT (value added tax) collection. Fuel prices increased consistently in the 2017-18, which ended on March 31. The state government earned a whopping Rs 9,000 crore through VAT on petrol and diesel. TS collects high VAT on fuel: 35.2 per cent on petrol and 27 per cent on diesel. The Centres request to bring down VAT to lower fuel prices was turned down by the state government on the ground that it would suffer losses. Oil marketing companies supply fuel for just `30 per litre but due to various taxes imposed by both by the Centre and state governments, consumers end up paying over Rs 70 per litre for diesel and `78 for petrol. These taxes include Central excise duty, state VAT, Octroi, cess and commission for petrol pump owners. The TS government earned a total of Rs 42,076 crore through commercial taxes in 2017-18, a growth rate of 19.42 per cent over 2016-17. Of this, taxes on fuel alone contributed Rs 9,176 crore. Taxes on fuel stand next only to liquor as big revenue earners. Liquor contributed the highest tax revenue of Rs 10,542 crore to the state exchequer. Though the Goods & Services Tax introduced last year replaced VAT, states were permitted to retain VAT on fuel and liquor, the big revenue earners for state governments. In Telangana, half of the total taxes are earned through VAT on fuel and liquor. Leaving fuel and liquor aside, the TS government earned just `6,540 crore through state GST and `6,534 crore through IGST. Minister of Municipal and Urban Administration K.T. Rama Rao appreciated the move and urged people to participate actively in the lucky draw to keep the city clean. Hyderabad: Residents of Kukatpally Assembly constituency could now vie to get the prize of gold worth Rs 1 lakh every month for waste segregation. The offer was made by Mr Madhavaram Krishna Rao, MLA. Vexed over people in the constituency failing to segregate dry and wet waste, the legislator decided to give away gold worth Rs 1 lakh every month to women who religiously separated waste. The money for this would be deducted from his salary, he said. The wet waste needed to be put in a green basket while the dry on in the blue and given separately to the swacch auto collector. The auto collectors would take the contest coupon at the end of every month. Through a lucky draw, women would be picked from each division and given gold. To ensure that Kukatpally constituency is the best in implementing Swacch Bharat Mission, I urge the residents to separate wet and dry waste, Mr Rao said. Minister of Municipal and Urban Administration K.T. Rama Rao appreciated the move and urged people to participate actively in the lucky draw to keep the city clean. He said, Dry waste can be converted to compost. Even GHMC has been doing such Swachhta programme. It is important for people to co-operate with the MLA and GHMC for keeping the city clean. But people of Parvath Nagar told the Minister that they were never given dustbins for waste segregation. The Minister said that if they did not get dustbins in a week, he along with people would protest in front of the MLA's residence. Separately, the Minister inaugurated three service reservoirs to provide drinking water to people of Borabanda and Anjaneya Nagar. The 1.34-million litre reservoir in Anjenaya Nagar and the and the 2-million and 5-million litre ones at Borabanda would have about 3,650 connections to provide water to 2 lakh people. Patients wait before the OP section at Ernakulam General Hospital on the first day of the strike by government doctors across the state. DC Thiruvananthapuram: The indefinite strike of health services doctors hit patient care services badly across the state on Friday. Patients who came to government hospitals had a harrowing time. Since the strike was called late on Thursday night, most people were caught unawares. Many patients who lined up in front of OP wings had to wait indefinitely for getting treatment. At several places the patients lashed out at the doctors for bringing health services to a halt. About 4000 government doctors owing allegiance to Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) in 1300 health department institutions are on strike to protest against the extension of OP hours and suspension of one of the doctors in Palakkad . Barring casualty services, most of the health care service services were affected due to the strike. The worst affected were those who came to outpatient wings. A majority of the patients belong tothe poor section who cannot afford health care services in private hospitals, bank on the goveremnt hospitals including primary health centres, community health centres, general, taluk and district hospitals. I have unbearable pain in the leg. I require a tablet urgently. But there is no one to treat us here, said an old lady at the general hospital here. Despite coming to know about the doctors strike, patients waited for three to four hours with the hope of getting some treatment. Later some additional arrangements were made to cater to the patients. The doctors held the government squarely responsible for the strike. They are converting PHCs into Family Health Cetnres one after the other everyday. After rushing through the inauguration they are posting doctors on temporary basis and putting additional burden on the existing staff. The health minister is not ready concede our demand for more staff, said a KGMOA officer bearer. The patient care activities will be further affected from Monday with the doctors deciding to boycott inpatient services. HYDERABAD: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Chief Asaduddin Owaisi took to Twitter to talk about the plight of the father of the eight-year-old girl who was brutally murdered after being gangraped in Kathau province of Jammu and Kashmir. "Our highest court is that of Allah, in which everyone is put on trial. We have left the matter to that court, whatever my Allah will decide is final, was said by the girls father and this was tweeted by Owaisi. Hyderabad: The state government has decided to face lift as many as 44 lakes in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits at the cost of Rs 441 crore. Besides this, the government is also planning to face another 38 lakes with in Outer Ring Road villages. Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority would develop 38 lakes. This was announced by Municipal Administration and Urban Development minister K Taraka Rama during the launch of the lakes development programme at Neknampur here on Friday. The Minister said `441 crore was allocated for beautification and development of several lakes and water bodies across the State. Of these, 40 lakes were short-listed in GHMC and HMDA limits, he said. The Minister formally launched the lakes development programme at Neknampur here on Friday. The Government has allocated Rs 21.26 crore for beautification and development of Neknampur lake. Rao also appealed to the local residents to actively participate in lake protection, maintenance and other works. GHMC Additional Commissioner Bharthi Hollikeri has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Lakes and Beautification project. In addition to the Rs.441 crore for lakes development, Rs 100 crore was sanctioned for development of Gandipet as well. HMDA has been entrusted with the job of developing Gandipet as a tourist spot, he said. Emphasising on treatment of sewage, the Minister said every day 1150 MLD sewage is generated in the city. Of this, 670 MLD is being treated and efforts are being made to set up more Sewerage Treatment Plants before releasing the same into water bodies, he said. The Minister directed the GHMC Commissioner B. Janardhan Reddy to ensure that apartments with more than 100 flats should set up STPs in the ventures. The STP cost should be borne by the builders, the Minister said. Chennai: Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately set up the Cauvery Management Board, saying it was his duty to prove wrong the notion that it was being delayed due to the Assembly polls in Karnataka. Setting up the CMB was also the Centres constitutional duty, he said. You must be aware of the agitations that have gripped Tamil Nadu due to the injustice meted out, the actor-turned-politician said in a letter to Modi, a copy of which was released to the media here. People were dismayed by the delay in setting up the CMB, Kamal said and added that they were holding protests to get justice. The Supreme Court has already performed its constitutional role by delivering its judgment. It is now the turn of your government to perform its constitutional duty and implement the order, he said. Recalling Modis earlier stint as Gujarat chief minister, Kamal said he already had the experience of sharing water among four states through the Narmada Control Authority. Please do the needful as our prime minister and set up the CMB to ensure implementation of the apex court order in letter and spirit, the actor said. All sections of people have started to believe that the delay (in forming CMB) is due to the ensuing election in Karnataka and your partys interest in it, he claimed. It is your duty as the Prime Minister of our country to prove this wrong by immediately acting as per the Supreme Court order, Kamal said. The actor said he was sure that Modi would fulfil his duty towards the people and farmers of Tamil Nadu by setting up the CMB immediately. Kerala and Puducherry should also get their rightful share as per the apex court verdict, he said. Constituting the CMB was of utmost importance to ensure this, he said, adding, he looked forward to immediate action. In a video clip of little over one minute, Haasan made the same plea to Modi to set up the CMB and do justice. Bengaluru: Congress communication in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said that fearing an imminent defeat in the state Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year, BJP leaders, including PM Modi and party president Amit Shah, were enacting an absurd drama for providing photo-opportunities and for headline management. Addressing a news conference on Thursday, Mr Surjewala slammed the BJP for denigrating Parliament-the highest temple of democracy in India-by obstructing its functioning, first while it was in the opposition and now when in power. For a party which disrupted 66.88 per cent of the total functioning time of the previous Lok Sabha (2008-2014) and wasted 250 functioning hours of the budget session by engineering disruptions, the Modi government and the BJP should tender an unconditional apology for dishonouring democracy, he said. The truth is the PM has lost credibility. Modi's words carry no value and his government has no sense of accountability. Both Mr Modi and Mr Shah came to power riding a 'Jumla boat' of fake promises. The Jumlas stand exposed, the boat has its underbelly exposed and the rats are jumping ship, he quipped. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appealed to Telugu- speaking people in Karnataka to vote for the Janata Dal (Secular) in the Assembly elections on May 12. Mr Gowdas son, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, H.D. Kumaraswamy, was also present. The CM sought Mr Gowdas support for setting up a Federal Front at national level. Mr Rao welcomed all political parties to join the new Front, which is not a pol-itical front, but a peop-les front, a common mans front, a farmer's front and womens front, he said. The new front will place its big agenda before the nation. Let it be CPI, CPM, TD or any other party. They can join our movement for the cause of common people, farmers, youth, women etc. We are not planning a regular or routine front with alignment of two or three parties. We want alignment of people of India. We have a big agenda, which we will soon place before the nation. Anyone who wants to support this ag-enda can join us. We have room for everyone who supports our cause and agenda, Mr Rao said when speaking to the media along with Mr Gowda at the latters residence. Explaining his reasons for supporting the JD (S), Mr Rao said, During the Telangana statehood agitation days, Deve Gowdaji extended support to us. He participated in public meetings conducted by TRS then. I will always remain thankful to him for this and I want to extend support to him in the coming Assembly elections. In the past, JD(S) has also made itself accessible to both the BJP and the Congress. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh BJP president Nand Kumar Singh Chouhan saw a cross-border conspiracy in the horrific gangrape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir with a design to stir communal cauldron in the valley. Militants backed by Pakistan might be involved in the heinous crime to drive a wedge between Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir, he told the media on the sidelines of BJPs fast at Khandwa in MP on Thursday. Mr Chohan said his suspicion was based on the premise that Hindus would never chant Jai Shri Ram after committing such a crime. Hindus comprise less than one per cent of Kashmir. Helpless Hindus live in perpetual fear in Kashmir and they cannot even dare to speak. How can they raise Jai Shri Ram slogans there, he remarked. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and JD (S) chief Deve Gowda hold discussions during their meeting in Bengaluru on Friday. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appealed to Telugu speaking people in Karnataka to vote for Janata Dal (Secular) in the Assembly elections on May 12. Mr Rao offered to campaign for the JD(S) in Karnataka. The meeting of Mr Rao with the JD (S) chief and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has raised some political eyebrows because the Janata Dal parties are known to have good ties with the BJP. The JD(S) had earlier tied up with the BJP in Karnataka while the JD(U) led by Nitish Kumar in Bihar is running a coalition government with the BJP. Earlier, the CM left for Bengaluru by a special flight from Begumpet airport accompanied by actor Prakash Raj and TRS leaders to meet the JD(S) chief. The two leaders discussed national politics and Mr Raos proposed Federal Front against the BJP and the Congress. Saudi Foreign Minister Thursday indicated that a solution to the diplomatic feud opposing Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt to Qatar would come from within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and not the Arab League. Saudi Arabia is hosting the 29th Arab League summit in Dammam this week. Qatar has been invited to the summit as member of the League, but it is still unclear if the Emirate will attend and at what level. Asked by AFP whether the Summit will table the crisis opposing the quartet to Qatar, Adel al-Jubeir noted that it will not be discussed at the Arab League level, but rather within the GCC framework. The solution of Qatar will be within the GCC, Jubeir said. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain plus Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June 2017 over its alleged support for terrorism. The four cut off air, sea and ground links with the tiny gas-rich country and issued a 13-demand list, which includes the shutdown of Doha-based al Jazeera news network and reduction of ties with Iran. Qatar has permanently denied any wrongdoing arguing that the quartet seeks to turn it into a vassal state. Kuwait and Oman, also member of the GCC, tried to mediate the crisis but to no avail. As a sign that no solution to the crisis is coming any time soon, Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to build a canal dubbed Salwa along its border with Qatar. The canal upon completion will turn Qatar into an isolated island. Hyderabad: TRS MLA Gampa Govardhan was caught on camera talking harshly to two women who came to clear their doubts on lake land encroachment. The incident happened last week in Lingayapally village in Kamareddy mandal in presence of police officials and locals, where the MLA in Telangana slang, spoke rashly and asked the women from the village to get out of his way. The incident happened while Mr Govardhan was carrying out an inspection of development works in his constituency. A section of protesting villagers approached him to know if their patta land would be taken over for Mission Kakatiya. In a 45-second video, the MLA was seen loudly saying: Shut up, dont shout. For you should I stop lake restoration work? If you have any problem then come to me, but dont tell me to stop works. Do you think we will stop lake restoration work for you? The lake has been existing since our forefathers. Eve-ry lake will have a patta land, where maize and jowar are grown when the water recedes and the cultivators are allowed to take water from the lake. He also abused individuals using vulgar language for recording his video and sought to know what could anyone do to him. This newspaper tried to reached out to Mr Govardhan several times. However, he was unavailable for a comment. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday said that water wars existed between states in India because of the failure of the Congress and BJP governments at the Centre. Speaking to the media along with JD(S) chief H.D. Deve Gowda in Bengaluru, Mr Rao asked why Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were fighting for Cauvery water when there was an abundance of water in the country. Mr Rao lashed out at the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal on Krishna Water sharing for failing to resolve the dispute. Cant the Centre issue a mandate for the Tribunal to deliver its verdict within six months or one year. 14 years have already passed since the set-up of the Tribunal, but it has failed to resolve the issue. If someone approa-ches a court, the case may go on for years. Ultimately, people and farmers are suffering due to lack of water for irrigation and drinking purposes, he said. The Chief Minister said that successive Congress- and BJP-led governments at the Centre had failed for 65 years, and people from all sections of society were bearing the brunt of their failure. There is a need for an alternative political system in India, he said, adding that he would work towards the development of that system with the support of leaders like Deve Gowda. Mr Gowda appreciated Mr Rao for implementing innovative schemes in Telangana for the welfare of farmers, women, and other sections of society. He also praised his efforts towards setting up a new political front at the national level. Mr Gowda said Mr Rao had explained to him the measures that needed to be implemented for the welfare of farmers and ot-her sections of the society. He said that Mr Kumar-aswamy had announced the agenda of the JD(S) for the Karnataka elections. The agenda includes so-me programmes that KCR has mentioned. We will include more of what he has told us so that we can work towards uplifting the poor, Mr Gowda said. Mr Rao added, We are not here to play silly politics. Deve Gowda has already been the Prime Minister. And I have achieved my dream of ruling Telangana state; I am a successful Chief Minister. Our common desire is to bring a qualitative change in the country that both the BJP and the Congress have failed to achieve. Both the leaders refused to talk about Mr Raos meeting with Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Any party that agrees with the agenda that we put forward is most welcome to join the People's Front or Farmers' Front, whatever name we decide to call it, Mr Rao said. The Supreme Court on Wednesday quite rightly dismissed a PIL by a little-known UP lawyer which sought to constrain the power of the Chief Justice of India to assign work to other judges. But the spirit of the issue at stake over the present CJI lies elsewhere in the widespread belief that the CJI, while being chief, hasnt done enough to uphold the judiciarys independence in relation to the executive. Thats the nub of the matter, starting with the January 12 press conference where the four seniormost judges of the nations highest court had questioned the CJIs powers to assign cases to other judges because the underlying grouse was that judges were being handpicked to give judgments in certain cases to give the government and the ruling party an easy ride the death in unusual circumstances of Maharashtra judicial officer B.H. Loya being a case in point. On Wednesday, dismissing the PIL, the bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud quoted the order of a five-judge bench in November 2017 that the CJI was the Master of the Roster while being primus inter pares, or first among equals. The order, written by Justice Chandrachud, says: As a repository of constitutional trust, the CJI is an institution in himself. Thats where the rub lies. Its a matter of trust in the end. Even in the case of Karnataka judge Krishna Bhats elevation, CJI Dipak Misra is yet to assert himself vis-a-vis the law and justice ministry and pull up the Chief Justice of the Karnataka high court, who appears to be doing the Centres bidding, bypassing the Supreme Court. The messy events of East Ghouta south of Damascus are subsequent to a story which appeared on my blog four days ago. To grasp what really is happening in Ghouta, lets pick up the narrative from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salmans crucial visit to the United States in circumstances infused with high drama. The Crown Prince announced in the course of an interview to Time magazine in New York that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would not be toppled. Bashar is staying, he said. He added, in parenthesis, that American troops should stay for at least the short term, if not the long term. This last bit of advice to the Americans was obviously an immediate response to what Donald Trump had earlier announced in Ohio. He said that US troops would be pulled out of that war-weary country very soon. The US President announces troop withdrawals from Syria just when the Saudi Crown Prince is visiting him. MBS goes one better. He makes the entire Saudi policy since the beginning of the Syrian war stand on its head. The chorus is joined by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, he thumps the table and screams with emotion. What is happening in Ghouta, south of Damascus, is hell on earth and that it must be stopped. Immediately, fingers are pointed at him. Does the description hell on earth apply only to Ghouta, and not what the world saw in Aleppo, Idlib, Mosul, Fallujah, Yemen? After all, hundreds of thousands of migrants have walked, sailed, drove to Europe to escape the unspeakable horrors of Syria, Libya, even Iraq. No one saw the Secretary-General do the tandav then. He was not heard screaming. hell on earth. There must be something special about eastern Ghouta. What is it? Sifting details, a narrative does emerge in sharper profile. Syrian intelligence picks up chatter which suggests that the opposition to President Assad was planning the biggest attack of the Syrian war on Damascus. Tanfs, on the Syrian side of the border with Iraq (Al Waleed is on the other side), serves as an American base. To grasp the plan a map of Syria, bordering Iraq, Jordan and Israel, would help. About 30,000 trained militants, in small batches, were to move along the border with Jordan, looping around Daraa towards Quneitra, the Golan Heights, looking for passages into Ghouta. This is where the White Helmets were to play a key role. Media audiences may be forgiven for imaging that the White Helmets are variants of Doctors without Borders, the Red Cross, and so on. This precisely is the way they have been projected in the global media. Let me give you an example. On October 12, 2016, Christiane Amanpour of CNN places in Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrovs hand a photograph of a four-year-old Syrian boy with a burnt face. This is in the course of an interview with Mr Lavrov, who looks at the photograph and mutters very sad. In the same interview he says openly that the US is helping the Nusra Front. On October 20, the same photograph is flourished by Hillary Clinton during the final presidential debate with Mr Trump in Las Vegas. Ms Clinton even simulates a lump in her throat while dwelling on the Russian perfidy in Syria. Now, lets turn to Vanessa Beeley, of the 21st Century Wire website, and her alternative narrative. She paints the White Helmets in lurid colours. According to her and a host of alternative media, the White Helmets are a part of the West-led anti-Syrian war effort. Given Saturdays outrage in Ghouta, agencies like the Associated Press are predictable: The opposition-led first respondents, known as the White Helmets, are giving out details of entire families suffocated... etc. But the alternative media has quite credibly established the White Helmets as part of the opposition to the Syrian government. Let us return to that burnt boy. The alternative media posts visuals of the very same burnt boy being strapped to a chair in a mobile studio even as cameramen produce pictures which find their way to Amanpour and Ms Clinton during shows with a record viewership. It is a frightening reality. Now lets revert to the plan to take Damascus. As thousands of trained rebels close in on the Syrian capital, the White Helmets, who, according to Beeley, are also false flag specialists, will detonate poison gas or something worse which the global media (also part of the operation) amplifies as the greatest detonation since Bikini Island. What is all this building up to a US-led aerial campaign.This is what the mainstream media is pushing President Trump to do. Mr Trump, meanwhile, has cast himself as Prince Hamlet to do or not to do? By the time this appears we may have an answer. As often happens with American plans, the plan to attack Damascus leaked. The leakage of the mega plan left the Syrians and Russians with no option but to go for broke on Ghouta. The White Helmets also went full throttle, with their propaganda amplifiers. The world saw the horrors of the Syrians and Russians ram into Ghouta with barbarity. In the course of that military action, the Syrian Army captured intelligence officers working out of a full-fledged control room in Ghouta. This, as I indicated in an earlier paragraph, is what was special about Ghouta. American, Saudi, Israeli, Jordanian intelligence officers were in Assads captivity. And, who knows, under pressure, they may sing like canaries. This is what caused President Trump and MBS to change their scripts on Syria. But the Deep State in Britain, Israel and elsewhere is hopping mad. They will not allow the script on Syria to be altered so easily. With apologies to Tennyson Ours is not to reason why. But to do, and let them die! Googles rivals in searches and Internet browsers are holding out hope theyll be better able to compete under a new EU regulatory regime. (Representational Image) The European Unions top antitrust regulator, Margrethe Vestager, has made it her mission to stem alleged anti-competitive abuses by big American tech companies, threatening as recently as last month to break up Alphabet Incs Google. But a decision in the most important of three antitrust cases against Google this one aimed at loosening its stranglehold over Android-powered smartphones is likely to show just how difficult it is, even for a committed trust-buster like Vestager, to dent the power of the US giants. The final ruling, expected within the next few months, will likely involve a multi-billion-dollar fine and an end to clauses in licensing agreements that stop smartphone vendors from promoting alternatives to apps such as Google Search and Maps, people familiar with the European Commissions thinking say. The decision, which is expected to hew closely to recommendations made in 2016 soon after the probe began, will almost certainly leave Googles market dominance intact because the incentives to stick with the company are so strong, say industry executives, analysts and even its foes. Robert Marcus, a former member of Microsofts mobile strategy team and now a general partner at investment firm Quantum Wave Capital, said it was virtually impossible that any EU penalty would change anything massively for Google. The case holds lessons for regulators in Europe and elsewhere as they pursue Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon over practices including anti-competitive conduct, tax avoidance and a cavalier approach to user data and hate speech. German regulators have shown that targeted measures can force changes in a companys conduct, such as compelling social media companies to quickly remove hate speech. Tax authorities can close loopholes and change laws to collect more money. But stimulating competition in markets where products and services are free is a far more difficult undertaking. Once someone is entrenched, you cant say, stop and things get better, said Mark Patterson, a Fordham University law professor who has researched Google antitrust issues. The Commission declined to comment on the case. Google did not respond to a request for comment. Few Alternatives Google holds 90 per cent of the European search market, meaning there are few plausible alternatives for handset makers or consumers who might want to opt out. Phone vendors will be reluctant to dump popular applications such as Google Maps even if they could do so freely. An executive at one major smartphone maker said European wireless carriers have told his company they would refuse to market phones without Google Search or the Google Play app store. Alternatives to Android remain scarce. And Google still has the option of going all-out with its own Pixel phones if new rules make licensing Android unappealing. Tom Moss, a former Google employee who wrote key parts of the first Android licensing agreements a decade ago, told Reuters' tight control was necessary at the time, both to assure a standard platform for third-party software-makers to build Android apps and to guarantee customers a consistent experience. Moss, now with the gaming hardware company Razer, acknowledges that at this stage, however, keeping all the same policies and approaches can seem heavy-handed, unfair and anticompetitive. He added: Its not the end of the world for Google that the EU is reassessing the arrangements. The EUs Android investigation began in 2015 following a complaint two years earlier from lobbying group FairSearch, whose members at the time included competitors like Oracle, Nokia and Microsoft. Sources said Amazon also complained. A preliminary document from 2016, seen by Reuters, said regulators should levy a large fine and that Google should stop giving revenue sharing payments to smartphone makers to pre-install only Google Search, as well as stop requiring Googles Chrome browser and other apps to be installed alongside Googles Play store. The EU was not likely to go further than that recommendation, EU sources said. Ordering the company to divest its Android business altogether, for example, would be difficult to justify under European law, European Commission sources said. Deutsche Bank analyst Lloyd Walmsley said in January the EU could require more onerous changes than it did last year in its inquiry into whether Google was favouring its own online shopping service in search results. In that case, Google was fined $2.4 billion euros a large amount for most companies, but barely 2 per cent of the companys 2017 sales. Changes made by Google in response to the EUs order did stoke more competition for certain ad slots, but because of the way Googles ad auction system works that resulted in more money for the company without giving competitors enough of a leg up to gain market share. Theres still a possibility the Commission could compel Google to work with manufacturing partners that want to use modified versions of Android, allowing what is known as forking of the operating system, EU sources said. But the ruling almost certainly will not be enough to break Googles monopolistic hold, FairSearch lawyer Thomas Vinje said. The Android case has taken too long, and ... Google has in large measure achieved the elimination of competition it sought, Vinje said. Google is appealing the shopping verdict, and could also appeal any ruling in the Android case. Rivals The big issue for Google is less what the EU might do than how the strategies of smartphone makers might evolve. Global leader Samsung Electronics has long pushed its own apps for messaging, Internet browsing and other functionality. Samsung could end its relationship with Google if it truly wanted to go in a different direction, Moss said. So far, however, Samsung has been unwilling to take that step. Among other things, doing so could drive customers to Googles own Pixel smartphone because it comes with a full range of Google apps and often gets first access to new features. Other challenges could come from Amazon, Alibaba and other companies who might customise an open source version of Android that Google has made freely available for public use. There are few signs so far that any major smartphone vendors want to opt for a different operating system. Amazon tried to build its own phone with a modified version of Android several years ago, but it was a spectacular flop. Googles rivals in searches and Internet browsers are holding out hope theyll be better able to compete under a new EU regulatory regime. Guillaume Champeau, ethics and public relations officer at French search engine company Qwant, said an agreement it reached with a phone maker fell through last year because of Googles rules. We want to have a chance to compete, but we need to be able to have agreements with phone manufacturers, he said. Such deals would not be a big threat to Google. Android is utterly dominant, said technology analyst Geoff Blaber of CCS Insight. Whatever the ruling, manufacturers are heavily reliant [on it] so nothing is going to change dramatically. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Facebook has stepped up fact-checking in its fight against fake news and is working on making it uneconomical for people to post such content by lowering its ranking and making it less visible. (Representational Image) The European Union is set to demand tech giants like Facebook and Google do more to stop the spread of fake news on their websites by the end of the year to avoid possible regulatory actions, according to a draft document seen by Reuters. The draft document sets out for the first time the measures the EU would like to see the tech giants take within a certain timeline. The companies have come under fire in Europe for not doing enough to remove misleading or illegal content, including incitement to hatred, extremism and the online sale of counterfeit products. The European Commission plans to draw up a Code of Practice by July that will commit online platforms and advertisers to take a number of measures to prevent fake news being both uploaded and disseminated, with a view to producing measurable effects by the end of 2018, the draft policy document says. Should the results prove unsatisfactory; the Commission may propose further actions, including actions of a regulatory nature, if necessary. The measures include improving the scrutiny of advertisement placements, stepping up efforts to close fake accounts, ensuring that fighting disinformation is factored in by design when developing online tools and preventing the unauthorized use of users personal data by third parties a clear reference to the Cambridge Analytica scandal engulfing Facebook. The revelations that political consultancy Cambridge Analytica which worked on US President Donald Trumps campaign improperly accessed the data of up to 87 million Facebook users have hit the social networks share price and led to 10 hours of questioning for its CEO by US lawmakers. So far, platforms have been unable to address the challenge posed by disinformation and some have turned a blind eye to the manipulative use of their infrastructures, the document says. The gravity of the threat, however, has become increasingly clear as exemplified by the recent revelations about personal data mined from social media used in a electoral context. Facebook has stepped up fact-checking in its fight against fake news and is working on making it uneconomical for people to post such content by lowering its ranking and making it less visible. The worlds largest social network is also working on giving its users more context and background about the content they read on the platform. Some European countries have already moved to tackle the problem, like Germany which has passed a law requiring social media companies quickly remove hate speech. France is also looking at rules to block fake news. Facebook disclosed in September that Russians under fake names used the social network to try to influence US voters in the months before and after the 2016 election, writing about inflammatory subjects, setting up events and buying ads. Platforms have by and large failed to ensure sufficient transparency on political advertising and sponsored content, the Commission document which is due to be published at the end of April says. The Commission also wants companies and advertisers to establish clear marking systems and rules for bots and ensure their activities cannot be confused with human interactions. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The statements expressively wished for better working opportunities with all three communities in the coming year. (Photo: File) Washington: The United States has extended greetings to Sri Lankans living across the globe for Sinhala and Tamil New Year. "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish a joyous New Year to all the Sri Lankan people. The New Year celebration is a chance to reflect on the milestones of the past year, including the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence and US-Sri Lankan diplomatic relations, as well as continued progress on good governance, economic stability, and reconciliation to ensure an even brighter future for the Sri Lankan people," acting Secretary of State John J Sullivan said in an official statement. "The United States looks forward to working with Sri Lanka on our shared goals of peace, prosperity, and further growth in the Indo-Pacific region in the year ahead. Best wishes to the Sri Lankan people for a safe and prosperous year ahead," the statement further added. The day, called Aluth Aurudu, is an important national holiday for both the cultures of the Sinhalese and the Tamil population of Sri Lanka. President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Bengalis living across the globe ahead of the Bengali New Year. "On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish Bengalis everywhere a joyous New Year. We commemorate this important day along with all those from Bangladesh, India, and around the world who come together today to mark the arrival of the New Year," said Sullivan, in another statement. "Here in the United States, we take this opportunity to thank the Bangladeshi American community for its outstanding contributions to our nation, our economy, and our culture. We join all of you in looking toward a bright future, and wish you the best in the year to come," the statement further read, before signing off with "Shubho Noboborsho!" The Bengali New Year, also called 'Poila Boishakh', is the traditional new year day of the Bengali community. This year, it will be celebrated on April 15. Former FBI director James Comey says in a new book that President Donald Trump reminded him of a mafia boss who demanded absolute loyalty. Former FBI director James Comey says in a new book that President Donald Trump reminded him of a mafia boss who demanded absolute loyalty, saw the entire world against him, and lied about everything. According to excerpts of the book leaked by US media on Thursday, Trump was also obsessed with the alleged existence of a video in which Russian prostitutes said to be hired by Trump urinated on the bed in a Moscow hotel room. In the book to be released officially next Tuesday, Comey, whom Trump fired in May 2017, says the US president lives in "a cocoon of alternative reality" that he tried to pull others around him into, according to The Washington Post. Meetings with Trump gave Comey "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob," he writes. "The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." But Comey goes farther to say that Trump, congenitally, has no sense of what is right and wrong. "This president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values," he writes, according to The New York Times. "His leadership is transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty." A Higher Loyalty: The book, entitled "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership," has triggered worries now rippling through the White House and Republican establishment over the damage it might do to the already deeply troubled Trump presidency. The White House has sought to cast doubts about Comey's reputation: the Republican Party this week put up a website called "Lyin' Comey" to undermine the book. But among both Republicans and Democrats in Washington's establishment, the reputation of Comey -- who has served in the FBI under three presidents -- is much stronger than his book's target. Last year Comey revealed that Trump had pressured him to drop an investigation into Mike Flynn, the US leader's former national security advisor, and also demanded a loyalty pledge. Getting neither, the president fired Comey on May 9, complaining of the ongoing investigation into possible Trump campaign-Russia ties. A week later the Justice Department appointed a special prosecutor Robert Mueller, who has doggedly pursued the probe as well as possible obstruction of justice by Trump. He has issued 19 indictments so far, including of top Trump lieutenants. But "A Higher Loyalty" shares little new about the Russia investigation, with Comey bound to respect the classified nature of the Mueller investigation that Trump just this week labeled "fake & corrupt." Sought 'pee tape' investigation: According to the New York Post, Comey says Trump was obsessed with the "pee tape," the existence of which was first reported by a former British intelligence agent who researched alleged links between Trump's campaign and Russia. Trump asked Comey to investigate "what he called the 'golden showers thing'" Comey writes, saying Trump was determined to prove to his wife Melania that it did not exist. "He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldn't possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie." At one point Trump discussed the political implications of the dossier and possible strategies while intelligence community leaders remained in the room, wrote Comey, according to ABC News which also obtained a copy of the book. "Holy crap," Comey wrote. "They are trying to make each of us an 'amica nostra' a friend of ours. To draw us in. As crazy as it sounds, I suddenly had the feeling that, in the blink of an eye, the president-elect was trying to make us all part of the same family." Trump returned to the matter in a call to attempt to prove why it could not be true. "I'm a germaphobe. There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me," he insisted. But Trump's concern over the alleged video extended to the numerous sex scandals that have dogged him over decades as a New York real estate tycoon -- and have returned to haunt him in the White House. In the past year two women, one a pornographic film star and the second a Playboy model, have said they were paid off to be silent about affairs they had with Trump over a decade ago while he was married to his current wife Melania. Speaking on the Moscow video, Comey said, Trump "strongly denied the allegations, asking -- rhetorically, I assumed -- whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes." "He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised," Comey wrote. "He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations." Washington: US President Donald Trump is weighing all options on the table with regard to Syria as he holds the Syrian regime and Russia responsible for the latest chemical weapons attack, the White House said on Thursday, adding that no final decision has been taken yet on the military response. It sounds like all options are on the table, and a final decision hasn't been made, but we'll keep you posted once it is, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference. Referring to the allegation of a Russian military official that there was an attack, but it was staged by the White Helmets brigade component of the rebels in Syria, she said the intelligence provided certainly paints a different picture, and the President holds Syria and Russia responsible for the chemical weapons attack. Were maintaining that we have a number of options, and all of those options are still on the table. Final decisions havent been made yet on that front, Sarah Sanders said, adding that the President has not laid out a timetable. In a public sense, certainly the President has made some decisions. He made a decision not to travel to Latin America so that we could focus on this. That was the first step in this process, but were continuing to look at a number of options, she said. Russia, she alle-ged, holds some responsibility in the fact that they had guaranteed that Syria wouldnt use chemical weapons again, which they did. They also hold some responsibility in the fact that they have the six UN resolutions that they vetoed to help protect Assad. Both of those things lie at Russias feet in terms of responsibility in this process, Sarah Sanders said. In a statement, Senator Bernie Sanders said Trump has no legal authority for broadening the war in Syria. It is Congress, not the President, who determines whether our country goes to war and Congress must not abdicate that responsibility. We have been in Afghanistan for 17 years and Iraq for 15 years. The result has been massive regional instability, terrible loss of life and a cost of trillions of dollars, he said. If President Trump believes that expanding the war in Syria will bring stability and protect American interests, he should come to Congress with his ideas, Bernie Sanders. Senator Edward Markey, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticised Trumps warnings that he intends to conduct military strikes in retaliation against Assads use of chemical weapons. Taliban militants ambushed a checkpoint in western Afghanistan, killing at least nine policemen, officials said on Friday. (Photo: AP) Herat: Taliban militants ambushed a checkpoint in western Afghanistan, killing at least nine policemen, officials said on Friday, in the latest attack on the country's beleaguered security forces. Two other policemen were killed and four wounded by a roadside bomb en route to the checkpoint to provide backup during the hours-long assault that began late Thursday night, Herat provincial governor spokesman Jailani Farhad told AFP. Two armoured Humvees were destroyed in the attack in Shindand district, Farhad said. The Taliban also seized weapons and ammunition during the raid, he added. Shindand district governor Shukrullah Shakir confirmed the casualty figures. He added that the checkpoint was eight kilometres (five miles) from the district centre. The attack comes a day after Taliban fighters raided a district government compound in the southeastern province of Ghazni, killing at least seven people, including the local governor. The Taliban frequently attack Afghan security forces and steal their equipment, eroding morale among poorly-paid police and soldiers. The latest assaults are the deadliest by the Taliban in several weeks and come as the group prepares to launch its annual spring offensive, which marks the beginning of the traditional fighting season. The Taliban are under pressure to take up President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks but so far have not responded directly to the proposal. Algerian authorities have always denied being involved in the Sahara issue, claiming that this conflict is between the Polisario separatist group and neighboring Morocco. Yet, the latest crash of an Algerian military plane, killing 257 soldiers including 30 Polisario fighters, showed to the whole world the lies of Algiers which shelters, funds and provides weapons to the secessionist militias, enemies of Moroccos territorial integrity. The presence of Polisario armed elements embedded with Algerian soldiers in the crashed military aircraft was announced by Secretary General of the ruling FLN party Djamel Ould Abbes. The plane was heading to Tindouf in southern Algeria wherein the secessionists are sequestering Sahrawis with the support of Algerian army. Ould Abbes was severely criticized by Algerian authorities for disclosing such as a secret in statements to local TV channel Ennahar. Everybody knows that Algiers is an involved party in the Sahara issue and plays a dirty game behind the scenes. With the plane crash, Algeria was caught red-handed. With the compelling evidences of their connivance and machination against their rival neighbor, the Algerian authorities should come out of the shadow and sit at the negotiating table with Morocco to work out a solution to the Sahara issue. Convinced of the involvement of Algeria in this regional conflict, UN Secretary-General has urged, in his latest report to the Security Council, Algeria to make important contributions to the political process and to step up its commitment to the negotiation process. In his annual report on the Sahara, the UN chief Antonio Guterres said that in the era of global interdependence, the socio-economic, humanitarian and security consequences of this protracted conflict weigh heavily on regional and sub-regional integration. The report also recalls the stand of Morocco, which rejects any settlement of the Sahara issue outside its full sovereignty, puts on the table a serious & credible autonomy plan for its Southern provinces and calls on the parties to this regional conflict to fully assume their responsibility for reaching a solution. SALT LAKE CITY FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention formerly known as Salt LakeComic Con may not be coming until Sept. 6-8, but cosplay fans still had plenty to be excited about during a press conference at the Utah State Capitol on April 11. Beneath the rotunda of the historic building, a slew of classic characters from stormtroopers to Spiderman gathered to hear the newest list of celebrities that would be attending the 2018 convention. Dressed as X-Mens Wolverine, Fountain Green, Sanpete County, native Jake Putnam carried his child in a stroller up the Capitol steps to hear the announcement a small price to pay to hear in person that Tom Welling (Clark Kent in Smallville) and Chuck Norris (title role in Walker, Texas Ranger) would be among the eight latest celebrity guests joining the roster for FanX. Im here because I love to cosplay. I love the environment, Putnam said. Ive collected comics for like 30 years now. Wolverine is my favorite character. As the Deseret News reported, other guests announced Wednesday included Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), John Wesley Shipp (The Flash) and the cast of the anime web series RWBY, Lindsay Jones, Arryn Zech, Kara Eberle and Vic Mignogna. The conventions founders, Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg, also announced new volunteer and education initiatives at the conference. Fans reveled in the news by taking pictures and admiring costumes, giving the event a family air. But for some, family at cosplay events is not only a figurative expression but a literal one. Layton resident Kaylynn Wolfe actually met her husband at a comic convention, and now that they have a son, making the press conference a family affair while dressed as the family from The Incredibles, of course was only natural. We are a family of cosplayers. Thats our favorite part, Wolfe said. We have such a fun community of people who understand this world and understand the joy of dressing up like a superhero or a princess, and we all just get to hang out and have a lot of fun. Sometimes the joy of dressing up can come not from playing the part of a hero, but from taking on the role of a villain. Becca Gunyan, who has attended the Salt Lake Comic Convention for five years now, loves nothing better than dressing up as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. (The Queen of Hearts is) just a combination of me. Shes super sassy and people always think shes evil, but she has the best fun side to her. Shes playful and fun and the more Ive done her, the more shes me. My favorite is walking through crowds and just parting them because I am the queen and I get my way. And people just move to the side," Gunyan said with a laugh. Marissa Moody from Salt Lake City, dressed as Giselle from Enchanted, even sewed her own dress for the occasion. Although shes already spent 140 hours on the project, she said theres still beading on the skirt and bodice to go. Equally devoted to cosplay is Carlos Trevizo from West Valley City, who has been creating his own life-sized personal droid from scratch the past several months something he was excited to show off at the press conference. Throughout the years Ive become more and more attached to (cosplay) to where I have my own droid, my own suit, he said. Basically, I love cosplay. Utahs the place. KAYSVILLE From his hospital bed, Kaysville police officer Robert Jackson recounted the events from last week that left him with burns as he tried to help a man who lit himself on fire. "My job is to protect lives, and if I have to risk mine to save somebody else, I'm going to do that," Jackson said Thursday. Jackson, along with officers Lacy Turner, Cade Bradshaw and Sgt. Shawn McKinnon proved that the police motto "to protect and to serve" isn't just talk. All four officers were injured April 5 during the incident that began inside the bathroom of a Chevron Top Stop, 320 W. 200 North, which is connected to a McDonald's restaurant. Two other officers were also treated for smoke inhalation. On Thursday, the four burned officers spoke publicly for the first time about their courageous actions. Three of them spoke in person at the Kaysville Police Department while Jackson, the most severely injured of the four, joined the group via Skype from his room at University Hospital. Dramatic surveillance video from inside the store was also released Thursday. The four officers can be seen in very tight quarters near the bathroom of the convenience store, all trying to get a lighter away from Tyler Ivison, 26, who had doused himself and the bathroom with gasoline. As the flames erupt, all five people are seen trying to frantically get out of the bathroom. One officer is seen rolling out of the room as Ivison also falls to the floor on fire. Smoke quickly fills the store. "It was scary, it was hot, it was intense, and it was just, 'We need to get out of here, McKinnon recalled. McKinnon watched the video for the first time Thursday just 10 minutes before the press conference began. "It's tough to watch. It's very hard to watch. And it's just amazing everyone is alive and doing as well as they are," he said. When asked if he thought he was going to die, McKinnon replied, "Absolutely." "You felt trapped," he added. Bradshaw said it all happened very quickly, and he just remembers "that sound of fire going up." He, too, was "shocked" when he first saw the video and recalled everyone that day going into "survival mode." Turner grabbed a fire extinguisher to help Jackson, who said he wasn't able to put the fire out himself. Another officer threw a blanket over Ivison to extinguish his flames. Jackson and Bradshaw, who were the closest to Ivison when the fire ignited, suffered the worst injuries among the officers. Jackson suffered third-degree burns on both his calves and a second-degree burn on the back of his left arm from his wrist to his shoulder. He said he won't know how much longer he'll have to stay in the hospital until after an upcoming surgery. Jackson said he was attempting to talk to the man to put the lighter down before the fire started. Kaysville Police Chief Sol Oberg said his officers weren't telling the man he was going to be arrested. Instead, they attempted to calm him down by assuring him he'd be OK and they would get him the help he needed. Jackson was also stalling to give customers time to get out of the store. "I wanted to make sure that I could do everything that I could to help everyone get out of that situation as fast as we could. Unfortunately, I caught fire and that was scary, and a couple other of my officers got burned as well," he said. Turner agreed that it wasn't just Ivison they were trying to save. "There was more than just him and us in that room," she said. "Were ready to lay down our lives for anybody." But after several minutes of negotiating, "At some point we realized we're not getting through to him," Turner recalled. Ivison had a cigarette lighter with a lid that opened and closed, Jackson said. When Ivison momentarily closed the lid, Jackson made the decision to go "hands on" and get the device out of his hands. Unfortunately, Ivison was able to get the lighter open and light it. "All of a sudden I thought, 'Man, I'm getting really hot. Im not really sure why.' And at that moment I saw flames and I just knew I needed to get out of there," Jackson said. Bradshaw, who also tried to grab the lighter but couldn't get a good grip because the floor was very slippery from gasoline and water, suffered second-degree burns on the backs of both his arms and some burns to his face. Turner and McKinnon also suffered some burns but were back in uniform Thursday. The investigation into the incident, including whether to file charges, is ongoing, the chief said. Ivison remained hospitalized Thursday in critical condition. All of the officers said they are grateful for the overwhelming support they've received from the community and from law enforcement officers across the state. But the officers also had praise for Jackson. "Officer Jackson made a very courageous move to go in and grab the lighter, try to grab the lighter out of his hand," McKinnon said. "Hes a hero," echoed Turner. "Like I stated before, my job is to protect lives. That's what I try to go out and do every day," Jackson said while trying to downplay the praise. "People use the word 'hero.' I just know me and my fellow officers were doing what we need to every day, to help save people. And luckily that day they got out safe. Everyone was alive," he said. "I'm going to get better," Jackson continued. "At the end of the day were all alive." The Utah Department of Health offers suicide prevention help at utahsuicideprevention.org/suicide-prevention-basic. The national crisis hotline is 1-800-784-2433. SALT LAKE CITY Three years ago, two businessmen eating in a Los Angeles restaurant came up with an idea to start a residential program that would help homeless people, chronic criminal offenders and substance abusers learn life skills. Later, at the airport, the two split up to go through separate security lines, and one of them said, "I'll see you on the other side." That is how The Other Side Academy came about. "Community is the key to healing. No matter how broken you are the key is always community. It is always connection," Joseph Grenny, the nonprofit's chairman, said Thursday as he explained the The Other Side Academy's origins during a ribbon-cutting celebration for its new expansion. The nonprofit recently purchased an apartment building at 35 S. 700 East in Salt Lake City that will add more than 100 beds and double its capacity. "This is the beginning of better days for thousands in Utah," Grenny said. Forty percent of the funding for the property came from donors, and Ally Bank financed the rest through a Community Reinvestment Loan, according to Other Side Academy CEO Tim Stay. There is one additional aspect of this loan that is unique to our model. Rather than having the loan paid for by donors, it will be paid for by the efforts of the very students who will be benefiting from the additional housing," Grenny said. "The students run training companies at The Other Side Academy that generate revenue to repay the loan, while learning vocational and life skills key to their futures," he explained. The Other Side Academy is privately run on self-sustaining funds. It is free to students, who are asked for a two-year commitment to the program, according to academy officials. There, they learn life and job skills. They provide services including helping people move, working at a thrift boutique, or in construction, corporate development or food services, among other occupations. In the 2 1/2 years since it started, the academy has helped 82 students. Nineteen students have already graduated from the program and found employment, according to the academy's CEO. Before buying the new building, the academy had capacity for 92 students. Officials from The Other Side Academy have estimated the new beds will save taxpayers $300 million over the next 40 years, adding up what it would otherwise cost to incarcerate the students, Stay said. "This is something that transcends politics and policy disputes that we have," said Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who spoke at the ceremony Thursday. He said he has spent some time there, talking to students and graduates, and has seen a transformation in the students. "We talk often about the Utah way," he explained. "We believe in redemption, we believe in second chances, we believe in self-reliance." The Other Side Academy is giving people second chances "without the government's oversight," Cox said. He noted the Beehive State is learning that simply putting people in jail doesn't solve the problem. The same issues exist when they get out, he explained. The state can save money and not have to continue building larger prisons and jails if individuals receive the help they need, and the free market can provide ways to accomplish that, he said. In February, The Other Side Academy received permission to tear down a dilapidated building at 46 S. 700 East. Demolition will begin next month, Stay said, and in about two years the academy will begin construction of a building that will house offices, computer labs and a training center for its students. Originally, the academy planned to build housing at that location, but it would've taken several years to complete. The academy was already reaching capacity, and they didn't want to turn away students, Stay said. The Other Side Academy officials then reached out to the owner of the apartment building at 35 S. 700 East and discovered he was willing to sell, Stay explained. SALT LAKE CITY Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, took on an unexpected starring role in media coverage of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's appearance at a joint committee hearing of the U.S. Senate this week, but a Hatch spokesman noted it was for all the wrong reasons. Hatch used the entirety of his allotted five minutes to speak with Zuckerberg and began his questioning with a statement expressing his dismay that anyone using Facebook could still be surprised to learn that the company sells information to advertisers. He also noted that "nothing in life is free" and that users get free use of the service in exchange for access to their data. Hatch also underscored the need for transparency in agreements between social media operators and users, to ensure everyone knows when, how and what data is collected. But it was a very short segment of Hatch's exchange with Zuckerberg, which followed the senator's statement, that blew up on social media and was held up, by numerous outlets as evidence that Congress in general, and Hatch specifically, is out of touch with the tech world. In one piece of coverage under a headline that read, "Some senators don't understand Facebook," Washington Post reporter Callum Borchers wrote, "In perhaps the most glaring example, Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) asked Zuckerberg, How do you sustain a business model in which users don't pay for your service? Zuckerberg paused for a moment, seemingly surprised by the basic nature of the question, and said, Senator, we run ads. The story was accompanied by an embedded Tweet from CNN reporter Daniella Diaz that featured a very brief video that only showed that part of Hatch and Zuckerberg's conversation. Neither the story, nor the accompanying tweet, acknowledged Hatch's preamble before that question, which included a very specific recognition of how Facebook's business model works. "Some have professed themselves shocked that companies like Facebook and Google share user data with advertisers," Hatch said. "Did any of these individuals ever stop and ask themselves why Facebook and Google don't charge for access? Nothing in life is free, everything involves trade offs. If you want something without having to pay money for it, you're going to have to pay for it in some other way, it seems to me. "These great websites that don't charge for access, they extract value in some other way. And there's nothing wrong with that as long as they're up front about what they're doing." Sen. Hatch: "If [a version of Facebook will always be free], how do you sustain a business model in which users don't pay for your service?" Mark Zuckerberg: "Senator, we run ads." https://t.co/CbFO899XlU pic.twitter.com/bGKWks7zIk CBS News (@CBSNews) April 10, 2018 Mark Zuckerberg explains to Sen. Orrin Hatch how Facebook makes money during his congressional hearing https://t.co/fxrvu2SUCy pic.twitter.com/H7uvtBec7Q Los Angeles Times (@latimes) April 10, 2018 In a statement to the Deseret News, Hatch spokesman Matt Whitlock said it appeared many news outlets relied on this excerpt when reporting on the Zuckerberg testimony and failed to recognize the context, or point, of Hatch's question about the sources of Facebook's business revenue. Sen. Hatch focused his opening statement and line of questioning on Facebooks business model, noting himself that ads are a necessary part of the internet age," Whitlock said. "After a discussion about Facebooks business model, Hatch asked in summation how a company like Facebook can provide its service for free a simple question intended to underscore the prior discussion, a common tactic used in Congressional hearings to make a point. "Unfortunately, many in the media seemed to be following the hearing only on social media and only saw the 12-second summation, missing both the context and the entire point of Sen. Hatchs questioning," Whitlock said. "Its ironic to see members of the media use this as an example of Congress being tech-illiterate when its in fact an example of media being Congress-illiterate, or worse willfully ignoring context to fit a pre-determined narrative. To watch Zuckerberg's full Senate testimony, visit c-span.org. ALPINE A surprise during a school assembly at Westfield Elementary in Alpine turned into a special moment that was full of smiles, tears and a lot of hugs. When I saw him, I think that was the most happiest I have ever been in my life, said fourth-grader Abigail Sego, whose father just surprised her and her sisters. Air Force Sgt. Jason Sego has been deployed in Afghanistan for nearly a year and wasnt expected to come home for another two months. Although the internet is pretty good there, its still nothing like being at home with the family, Sego said. It is a special thing to be able to be with your family day in and day out, and not being able to have it is kind of tough. The homecoming was a surprise that had been in the making for several weeks. An operation, I dont want to say as covert as what I do, but pretty secretive from the kids, that is for sure, so it was a happy surprise, the father said. His wife, Diana Sego, worked with the school to help pull off the surprise and share this homecoming with the community. I just knew that the girls missed their dad so much, and we are so excited to see him again, Diana Sego said. With the help of the school assistant principal, Tiffinie Littlefield, the school held a patriotic assembly to honor those who are serving in the military. Sgt. Sego was the special guest. Because it has been so long, I am going to remember how happy I was to see him, said third-grader Emma Sego. First-grader Autumn Sego, who was still very emotional after seeing her dad, said, I was really happy because he came back. The girls were all very surprised and couldnt stop crying happy tears. Their fourth daughter is Riley, a kindergartner. You cant tell, but everyone is happy, said Diana Sego with a laugh. Fortunately, Sgt. Segos next deployment to Germany beginning in June will allow his family to be with him, but after nearly a year apart, this day is one they will never forget. The emotions from the children put that special moment in your heart of how much children mean and how much you mean to them, he said. Contributing: Viviane Vo-Duc To people pondering with dismay the situation in todays Middle East, it may seem strange that less than a century ago Jews and Muslims frequently lived together in relative harmony. But the Jews of Morocco, with a 2,000 year presence in the region, provide a classic example. Though its precise location is unknown, the land of Tarshish to which Jonah fled (Jonah 1:3) is often equated with Spain. If that identification is correct, Jewish merchants may have visited Spain and Morocco as early as the 10th century B.C., when Solomon is said to have traded there (1 Kings 10:22). Small permanent Jewish communities first appear in Morocco (Mauritania) during the time of the Roman Empire. At that time, Jews were scattering throughout the empire, at first for economic reasons and then, after A.D. 70, as refugees from the near-genocidal Roman wars in Judea. In Romans 15:22-29, Paul talks about his plans probably never fulfilled to visit Jews in Spain, which may have included a hoped-for visit to the smaller Jewish communities in Morocco. Paradoxically, the Arab Muslim conquests of North Africa and Spain in the seventh and early eighth centuries brought an increase of Jewish migration into Morocco and nearby Spain. This migration began with Jewish merchants, but soon expanded to include Jews from all walks of life. Most medieval Jewish migrants went to Spain, which afforded greater economic and cultural opportunities. However, the wars of the Spanish Christian Reconquista (1002-1492) created political instability, causing Jews to begin to leave Spain. The completion of the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Muslims culminated in the 1492 Alhambra Decree of Ferdinand and Isabella, which demanded either conversion or expulsion of all of Spains Jews. (Five months later, Columbus departed on the expedition that discovered the New World.) Portugal issued a similar decree in 1497. These expulsions transformed the nature of the Jewish communities in Morocco. As a general rule, Jewish refugees from Spain after 1492 were welcome throughout the Muslim world, largely for economic reasons. As a contemporary Sultan of Turkey is reported to have said, The king of Spain is a fool; by expelling his Jews he impoverishes himself and enriches me. Many of these Jewish emigrants were skilled craftsmen, merchants, bankers and scholars. The most famous Spanish Jewish refugee was the rabbi and philosopher Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), who was born in Cordoba but migrated to Fez, Morocco, where he composed his famous commentary on the Mishnah. He later moved to Egypt, where he served as court physician to Saladin and as the official representative of the Egyptian Jews to the Sultan. The Jews expelled from Spain spread throughout the Mediterranean, but most went to North Africa, just a short distance across the Straits of Gibraltar. The majority settled in Fez or Marrakesh, transforming Moroccos greatest cities at the time into centers of Jewish economic, cultural and scholarly activity. The Jewish quarter of southeast Marrakesh flourished for centuries. In 1492, Jewish emigrants from Spain founded the Laazama (al-Azama) Synagogue, which is still in operation, though mainly for Jewish tourists. The nearby Jewish Cemetery of Bab Ghmat is likewise half a millennium old; Marrakeshs surviving Jews are still buried there. Other Moroccan Jews settled in the countryside, remaining among the native Muslim Berbers there for nearly 500 years. Among the founders of these Jewish-Berber communities was Shlomo bel Hensh. Revered as a tzadik (righteous holy man), his tomb in the Ourika Valley of the Atlas Mountains is still a site of Jewish pilgrimage. Of course, relations between Jews and Muslims in Morocco were not always friendly, but as a whole, Jewish communities thrived in Morocco during the early modern period. Ironically, the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 led to the decline of independent Jewish communities in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Whereas in 1900 there were as many as 300,000 Jews in Morocco, today they number only a few thousand. Most have emigrated to Israel, where their descendants number around 1 million, roughly one sixth of contemporary Israeli Jews. Jews from Spain and North Africa, known as Sephardic Jews (Sephardim), form one of the major cultural forms of modern Jewry along with Ashkenazi (European), and Mizrahi (Middle Eastern) Jews. In recent years, Moroccos King Hassan II has encouraged Israeli Jews of Moroccan descent to return to their homeland, with only meager success. Daniel Peterson founded BYU's Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, chairs The Interpreter Foundation and blogs on Patheos. William Hamblin is the author of several books on premodern history. They speak only for themselves. SALT LAKE CITY The head of Washington's state highway safety agency said Thursday that there are not well-established forensic benchmarks to draw clear-cut conclusions on whether or not a driver is impaired by marijuana, or to what extent. But state policymakers have nevertheless tried their best to identify an appropriate threshold, said Darrin Grondel, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, who was in Utah to speak at Utah's Zero Fatalities Safety Summit. "The research is abundant for alcohol, and seeing what levels people are at and what kind of impairment is seen at different blood alcohol concentrations," Grondel told the Deseret News in an interview. "With marijuana there is no such scale, there is no scientific evidence or empirical research that supports any particular level (being) impairing." "So in Washington state we have a 5 nanogram (per mililiter) limit, which assumes that if you're at five, you're impaired," he added. "That creates challenges, especially for people who are below 5 nanograms who are definitely impaired, and (for those) cases moving forward in court it's pretty complicated." Grondel's presentation Thursday focused on how to focus public messaging campaigns on those at risk of driving while impaired by marijuana, as well as how officers can be "able to determine if somebody is under the influence" in the absence of established forensic measures. In Washington, legal recreational use of marijuana has been available to residents since 2014. But in Utah, the debate over the drug currently is whether to broadly legalize its use for qualifying patients suffering from certain medical conditions or chronic pain. A ballot initiative campaign seeking to put the issue before Utah's voters is expected to get enough petition signatures by the April 15 deadline in order to put it on the November ballot. The Utah Department of Public Safety has previously raised concerns about legalizing the medical use of marijuana in a statement on its website, but has denied requests for further comment. "While the Utah Department of Public Safety acknowledges that there is information supporting the clinical use of marijuana, DPS has some preliminary concerns regarding a more broadly defined medical use of marijuana in our state and the negative impact it could have on public safety," the agency's statement says. The agency's site points to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing 125 traffic fatalities in 2016 in Colorado in which at least one of the involved drivers tested positive for marijuana, up from 65 in 2012, the year that voters in that state passed a measure allowing the recreational use of the drug. Doug Rice a supporter of medical legalization of marijuana in the Beehive State, president of the Epilepsy Association of Utah, and board member of advocacy organization Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education told the Deseret News editorial board in January that marijuana-related traffic fatality figures can be inflated because of how long the substance can leave traces in a person's system. "A person could ingest cannabis on Friday and be killed in a traffic accident (a few days later) and (you) could say 'Aha! there's a another'" death related to marijuana, Rice said at the time. "So the numbers are skewed." Asked Thursday about the propensity of marijuana to leave behind a biological trail long-term, Grondel said some traces of it "can be detected ... up to 30 days in the body." "It depends on frequency of use, and how much you use," he said. Regardless of whether there are long-lasting traces of marijuana, Grondel said, "the question is, is it actually impairing" the person in each specific case. "That's the question I think that we'd all like to get to, but the research isn't substantial on that yet." In the time since recreational marijuana sales began in Colorado, Grondel said, "we have seen an uptick in fatal crashes" where a specific active ingredient of the substance called delta-9 THC "was present" in at least one of the drivers. But Grondel emphasizes the fact that THC is present doesn't mean someone is impaired. "People can (become) impaired at a very low level (of THC) or ... higher levels," he said. The number of drivers in fatal crashes who tested positively specifically for THC has steadily risen from seven in 2013 to to 27 in 2016, Grondel said. "Now again, it doesn't mean impairment, it just means presence," he said. Of particular concern to the state of Washington, Grondel said, is the rise in fatal crashes in which at least one of the drivers tested positive for multiple substances. The number of fatal crashes involving those individuals, so-called "poly-drug drivers," has risen from 97 in 2013 to 137 in 2016, according to a report published this month by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Of the cases involving poly-drug drivers, "alcohol and cannabis are the two most prominent in fatal crashes in our state," Grondel said. This month's report by Grondel's commission states that "the frequent co-occurrence of marijuana with other substances known to cause driver impairment, such as alcohol, is a contributing factor in the rising poly-drug issue." When it comes to the legalization of marijuana to one extent or another, Grondel said, his agency is "not pro or con to the issue." "What we are concerned about is that if it's legal, let's make sure that people are not consuming and driving," he said. Hatch pushes DOJ In other marijuana-related news Thursday, Sen. Orrin Hatch issued a letter to the Department of Justice in which he urged the agency to move ahead expeditiously on resolving the applications of "at least 25 manufacturers" who have sought clearance "to produce federally approved research-grade marijuana." "Last August, The Washington Post reported that you have been blocking these efforts," Hatch, R-Utah, said in a joint letter also signed by Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California. The Washington Post reported at the time, citing unnamed Drug Enforcement Administration officials, that "the department is not taking any action at all" on the applications. In the letter, Hatch and Harris tell U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions that "the supply for needed research is clearly not meeting the demand," since the only federally approved manufacturer of marijuana is the University of Mississippi. In the past, the senators said, one manufacturer was enough to "meet the minimal demand for research." But that isn't enough anymore, they argued, with the 354 organizations and individuals who had received clearance as of August 2016 "to conduct expansive research on marijuana and its related components." "Those researchers (need) access to a federally complaint expanded product line," Hatch and Harris wrote. The Washington Post has said the Drug Enforcement Administration collects applications from those who want to grow marijuana for research, but that those requests are also subject to Department of Justice approval. A state law passed this year instructs the Utah Department of Agriculture to oversee the growing of full-strength marijuana in Utah by contracting with a third party that would be in charge of doing so. The measure's supporters say it will speed up efforts to research marijuana in the state. Hatch and Harris asked Sessions to notify them, as well as the applicants, of the expected timeline on which the Department of Justice will review the requests. The senators say they want that information by May 15. Also by that date, they told Sessions they would like "notice of actions you have taken to review applications" over roughly the last six months and "a commitment to resolve applications" by August. Multiple attempts to obtain comment from the Department of Justice were unsuccessful Thursday. Editor's note: Deseret News and Church News writers are chronicling the ministry of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson as he and other church officials travel to Europe, Africa and Asia during the next two weeks. Tad Walch reports today from London. LONDON Sacha Winters had not been actively attending church when she had a miscarriage more than a year ago, but her Mormon bishop, other leaders and some local missionaries came to see her and offer comfort. "They helped us get back to church," Winters said. "There was a transition period there where they really supported us and helped us get back to the temple, where I felt so much peace." On Thursday, Winters and her family of five met new LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson during his global tour's first stop, when he shared more information about the ministering concept he unveiled two weeks ago during the last general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Global Ministry Tour Follow the Deseret News as we chronicle President Russell M. Nelson's travels through seven countries around the world."I just want to cry, I feel so overwhelmed. It's so surreal," said an emotional Winters, who now teaches Sunday School. "We came back to the church last year and our children were baptized. It just seems impossible. I just felt his love and I just know that he's ordained of God. It's such an honor." In an interview, President Nelson also explained why he decided to make his first international trip as the church's leader now and why he selected some of the eight countries on the tour. Then he hinted at another trip in the future. "The Lords message is for everyone," he said. "This is a global work. Whenever I'm comfortably situated in my home, I'm in the wrong place. I need to be where the people are. We need to bring them the message of the Savior." Why here? He said he chose London as the starting point because of its international diversity. "It's a melting pot, and ours is a global ministry, so at least we can get a sample," he said. "Most of the nations of the world are here in London." Some 750 people began to arrive more than two hours before Thursday night's meeting with President Nelson at the historic Hyde Park Chapel. They stood in a line that stretched down Exhibition Road past London's landmark Victoria and Albert Museum while a single protester yelled at them. Earlier in the day, President Nelson met briefly with four families and presided at a conference for all missionaries in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Jerusalem is next on his itinerary because of its significance as the place of Jesus Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection. "We felt that was where we wanted to be rooted," he said. "Then well go from there to parts of Africa and Asia." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Patricia Holland participated with President and Sister Wendy Nelson throughout the day. "Their hope and their dream," Elder Holland said, "literally and figuratively, is to reach out to the world to show the internationalization of the church and the growth of the church. Our role is to sustain them in that." Expect more President Nelson said he expected to continue his travels. "No matter where we would go, we would neglect more than we'd serve," he said, "but well do all we can do in two weeks, and we'll go home and rest for a while, then tackle another journey." This journey kicked off Thursday with brief media interviews and short visits with families in the Hyde Park building's lobby. Then 169 missionaries from the England London Mission greeted him by singing "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet." Then the Nelsons and Hollands shook hands with every missionary. Sister Megan Bain of Sandy, Utah, said she'd been advised to look into their eyes during the moment she shook their hands and told them her name and hometown. "I made sure to do that," Bain said. "I saw light and love, in both Elder Hollands and President Nelsons eyes. Warm smiles, as well." Then, in a crisp blue suit, blue vest and blue-and-white striped tie, President Nelson addressed the mission conference, joined by five other missions via broadcast. He gave them tips on missionary work. One was to ask people the names of their great-grandparents, then connect them to the family history specialists in local congregations. Holier way Sister Nelson told the missionaries that many of the ancestors of the people they teach have accepted Christ after death and are cheering for the missionaries to reach their descendants. She told them to imagine 100 to 1,000 people surrounding them as they teach, pulling for them. Elder Holland's mission to London as a 19-year-old changed him forever. He hoped all missionaries felt the same about their missions. "The location doesnt matter," he said. "It is the experience of the service, and of the sacrifice, yes, the Spirit, the revelation, the leadership that we receive." One missionary was absent. Sister Anne Nicole Balgue of the Philippines had the chicken pox. Elder Holland mentioned her by name during the meeting and blew her a symbolic kiss. Sister Holland taught the missionaries to engage occasionally in deeper prayer. The evening meeting was broadcast to tens of thousands in meetinghouses in 47 stakes and districts in the United Kingdom and Ireland. President Nelson returned to the ministering concept, which replaced the LDS program of home and visiting teaching. He revealed that church leaders considered the term "shepherds" instead of ministering but felt shepherds would be too easily misunderstood. "We are to be ministers among our fellow men," he said. "How are you going to do that? Just the way Jesus would, that's all. You find someone who is having a bad day or is lonely or afraid, feeling unwanted or unloved. We're going to take care of them. I call it the higher and holier way of loving our neighbor." He said home and visiting teaching saved many lives. "Now we can take a step higher, not worry so much about checking off a box, but really loving someone, extending ourselves, being physicians in a way, spiritual physicians. You may have to diagnose what the problem is, where the pain's coming from, but no matter what it is, the gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power to lift, to love, to serve. That's all we're asking. Just minister." 'Peaceful man' Sister Nelson described one way President Nelson receives spiritual direction and said "the frequency and abundance of messages from heaven have increased exponentially" since he became the church's 17th president in January. She said in the evening, during the night and in the morning, he regularly takes a yellow pad of paper out of a drawer by the side of his bed and writes notes as he receives inspiration. Elder Holland encouraged listeners to revisit President Nelson's conference talk on revelation. He said the church's ultimate message is about Jesus Christ's Atonement, but he said it starts when people understand "that God lives and talks to prophets." Sister Holland provided insight into the Hollands' relationship with the new church president. "God has bestowed on President Russell Nelson what was said about another prophet, Isaiah, that those who are obedient to him could have peace like a river," she said. "President Nelson has peace like a river, and he gives me and everyone he knows peace like a river. He is such a peaceful man." Missionaries and members were thrilled to hear, see and in some cases meet the church leaders. Best day Raquel Silva, 28, a Portugal native living in London, wiped her eyes as President Nelson passed close by her and left the chapel. "I just feel so blessed," she said. "I can't believe I saw a prophet and Elder Holland and got to shake Elder Holland's hand. I've never felt so close to the Lord, because those are literal prophets and apostles of the Lord." Nearby, tears streamed down the face of Lhea Phillips, 32, a native of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, while President Nelson hugged her just inside the chapel doors after the meeting. "My hands are shaking," she said. "I'm not going to wash my hands until I can get home and hold Clara," her baby. Chris Cooke, a member of the Wandsworth Stake presidency in South London, smiled broadly as he recalled President Nelson's message. "It's very difficult to define in words the impact of the experience," Cooke said. "I like the fact he brought it down to love God and your fellow man. That's the whole message of the ministering effort. It's fantastic, because it's so simple. We don't need a massive program. Just apply those two principles and we're home. It was cool when the Lord said it 2,000 years ago, and it's still just as powerful now." President Nelson said in an interview that his tour's message "is to invite all of God's children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior and enjoy the blessings of the temple, have enduring joy and qualify for eternal life. And that will bring hope, help and lift to all people." Sacha Winters said she felt lifted doing vicarious temple work for her late grandmother last month in the Preston England Temple. Her husband Nigel said another reason for their post-miscarriage decision to return to church was to help provide spiritual guidance for their children. Joshua, 18; Alex, 14; and Lizzie, 12; were grateful to meet President Nelson on Thursday. "It still hasn't sunk in yet," Lizzie said. "It's amazing to think I just shook hands with the prophet. It's the best day of my life since my baptism last year." Editor's note: Deseret News and Church News writers are chronicling the ministry of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson as he and other church officials travel to Europe, Africa and Asia during the next two weeks. Sarah Jane Weaver reports today from Jerusalem. JERUSALEM, Israel Just inside Damascus Gate, the Old City here is brimming with hurried activity. A boy carries a pallet filled with freshly baked bread, steam rising above it. Locals rip open the fresh loaves and sprinkle them with zaatar, a fragrant seasoning made of sesame seeds, thyme, salt and sumac. Women sit on ancient cobblestone streets and sell grape leaves, sage and parsley. They weigh the herbs by placing a bag on the bottom of a hand-held scale. The city bustles again as some answer the Call to Prayer and others follow the Stations of the Cross. Many here begin their day praying and touching the sacred Western Wall, while thousands more visit the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Into this city of kings and prophets comes President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bringing a message of hope here to Jerusalem, part of a two-week tour that will span the globe. "We want to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ," said President Nelson, who arrived here Friday night from London with his wife Sister Wendy Nelson, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Patricia T. Holland, and others. Because of the significance of its history, Jerusalem located in the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia becomes the central stop on President Nelsons ministering tour that will also include stops in Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and Hawaii. The walls surrounding the Old City were built almost 500 years ago, yet the markets inside those walls also bear the signs of a modern era. Air conditioning ductwork runs along the ancient quarters. And armed guards secure the area a part of the world considered sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Guards and the threat of violence have been a part of the city for centuries as well, as conflicts continue to embroil the Middle East. Friday Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli soldiers along the border separating Gaza from Israel. And press reports note continuing Mideast tension as countries, including the United States and Israel, search for responses to the violence in war-torn Syria. Yet the mission of the man revered as a prophet to 16 million members of the LDS Church is to focus attention on the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, who walked these streets, brought his Gospel to the world and whose disciples believe overcame death through resurrection. President Nelson took time Friday evening to overlook the Old City from the BYU Jerusalem Center, an eight-level building set on five acres on Mount Scopus, overlooking the Mount of Olives and the Old City. Global Ministry Tour Follow the Deseret News as we chronicle President Russell M. Nelson's travels through seven countries around the world.After visiting London and addressing a diverse group of LDS Church membersgathered in the Hyde Park Chapel, President Nelsons delegation continued the trip that includes visits to eight countries in 11 days. Cassidy Heaton, 24, a BYU Jerusalem Center student from Ogden, Utah, said people come from all over the world to visit Jerusalem and it is historic to have President Nelson and Elder Holland here. This is where it all happened. The most important person to ever live on the Earth lived here and died here and was resurrected here, she said, noting that now the person she believes is prophet of the Lord will continue Jesus Christs ministry here. Holly Castleton, 22, also a BYU Jerusalem Center student from Mesa, Ariz., finds great significance in the fact that President Nelson has arrived in a place so familiar to the Savior. President Nelson is the mouthpiece of the Lord, and this is the place where it all started, she said. He will address those gathered at the Jerusalem Center Saturday at a Jerusalem district conference. President Nelsons visit also holds great significance for the Church. In 1972, Harold B. Lee became the first LDS Church president to visit Jerusalem, according to information compiled by the Church History Library. Spencer W. Kimball and Gordon B. Hinckley also visited Jerusalem as LDS prophets in 1979 and 2000, respectively. Ghost Towns in Southern Arizona The Superstition Wilderness, Fort Bowie, Pearce, Courtland, Gleeson, Tombstone, Fairbank, Harshaw, Duquesne, Lochiel, Yuma Territorial Prison, KOFA by Robert C. Jones There are a number of interesting ghost towns in southern Arizona, especially in the area around Tombstone, and in or near Coronado National Forest. I'm including towns that are completely abandoned, as well as towns that still have residents -- albeit less than their "boom" days. You'll travel on some dirt roads if you go to all these towns, but only one of them, KOFA, requires 4-wheel drive. A high clearance vehicle is always useful when searching for ghost towns. The Superstitions - The Flat Iron in the Superstition Mountains as seen from the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona, USA. Photographed by Doug Dolde. We'll start our tour east of Phoenix in the Superstitions, and continue clockwise through the southern part of the state, ending in the southwest corner of Arizona at Yuma (or KOFA, if you're adventurous). The 158,000-acre Superstition Wilderness (and environs) has it all for the Western explorer a ghost town (Goldfield), Indian ruins, abandoned ranches, and abandoned mines. And, perhaps most important of all, a tale of a fabulous lost gold mine the Lost Dutchman Mine. There is no question that there is/was gold in the general area of the Superstitions. In the Goldfield area (near the modern day Lost Dutchman State Park), several large gold mines operated beginning in 1892, including the Mammoth Mine and the Bull Dog Mine (one mine was still producing in the 1970s). But there has always been some debate as to whether any gold was ever mined in the Superstition Wilderness itself. There are many versions of the Lost Dutchman Mine story, but here is a conservative version. Sometime in the late 1870s or 1880s, a German named Jacob Waltz and his partner Jacob Wiser are said to have discovered a fabulous gold mine in the Superstitions. There are various versions of how they found the mine, ranging from the two Jacobs stumbling upon some Mexican miners already working the claim, to having had a map given to them from a man they rescued from a card-game fight. Before Waltz died in 1891, he told two companions the location of the mine. People have been searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine ever since. Did the mine ever exist? If so, does it still exist today? Has the mine already been discovered and mined secretly or was it incorporated into one of the Goldfield-area mines? No one knows the answer to those questions, but people have been searching for the last 100+ years for the fabled fabulous mine. There are many hiking and exploring opportunities in the Wilderness, as well as a splendid little state park/campground in the northwest corner. The Superstition Wilderness is located east of Apache Junction (40 miles E of Phoenix). Continuing clockwise from the Superstitions to the area northeast of Tombstone, the next stop on our tour is Fort Bowie. The trailhead to Fort Bowie is located 13 miles south of Bowie on Apache Pass Road. Fort Bowie was a military fort established in 1862 to fight against Geronimo and the Apaches. Its raison d'etre ceased after Geronimo's surrender in 1886, and it closed soon after. Many of the buildings were dismantled in 1911 when the site was sold. It became a National Historic Site in 1964. Fort Bowie in 2009 By Wilson44691 - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12463763 A 1.5-mile walk is required to get into the site. There are several adobe and stonewalls remaining, in a particularly picturesque setting in the Chiricahua Mountains. I should point out that one of my three close encounters with a western rattlesnake happened on this trail, so keep your eyes and ears open. Our next stop is Pearce, located 29 miles S of Willcox (off of US 191). Legend has it that Jimmie Pearce discovered a rich gold vein by accident one day in 1894. His discovery led to the development of the Commonwealth Mine. A post office was established in Pearce in 1896, and the population had mushroomed to 1,500 by 1919. Between 1894 and the 1930s, $30,000,000 in ore (gold and silver) was mined. It is said that gold bars were sometimes made intentionally heavy, so that thieves wouldn't be able to rob the gold shipments (this practice was also successfully utilized in Panamint City in Death Valley). Soto Bros. and Renaud General Store. By PhillipC at Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/flissphil/5861909/in/set-166684/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6583780 Today there are several standing buildings from the boom days, including the wonderful Soto Bros. and Renaud General Store, and an adobe church. Next on our tour is Courtland, located 22 miles northeast of Tombstone. In 1909, Courtland mushroomed from nothing to a town of over 2,000 people in a very short time due to the discovery of copper there. Four mine companies and two railroads (including the El Paso and Southwestern) rushed into the town. By the 1920s, the copper ran out, and the town started to decline. The Post Office closed in 1942. All thats left in Courtland are the shells of two buildings, one of which is the old jail. The ruins are easily seen from the road that runs between Pearce and Gleeson. Gleeson is located 16 miles east of Tombstone. It was founded in 1900 near the site of an earlier mining camp named Turquoise (after a nearby mountain). The name Gleeson came from a prominent Irish miner named John Gleeson. By 1909, the town had a population of about 500. Courtland, Arizona in 1909 A fire wiped out much of the town in 1912, but the World War I demand for copper assured its survival for a while longer. The Post Office closed in 1939. Today, there are several interesting buildings remaining, including a jail and a school, as well as a few residents. The historic Gleeson Jail in Gleeson, Cochise County, Arizona. Now a local history museum, the Gleeson Jail was built of concrete in 1910 to replace an earlier wooden-frame jail and an earlier oak jail tree. The metal cell door on display in the center was used in the original wooden jail. By The Old Pueblo at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70712002 Next, well stop in Tombstone, located 72 miles east of Tucson. While hardly a ghost town (the 2013 population was 1,338), Tombstone was the most important town in the area during the boom days. Tombstone gets its colorful name from one of its original prospectors named Ed Schieffelin. When his associates heard he was going to prospect in the area, they told him that he would only find his tombstone in this Apache-dominated land. Ed did indeed find silver in the area, and in its mining heyday (1880-1886), Tombstone was a rich producer. At its 19th century peak, Tombstone had a population of 15,000. The most famous event in Tombstone history occurred on October 26, 1881, when Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan Earp, aided by Doc Holiday, faced down the Clanton and McLaury brothers at the OK Corral. The fight lasted only a minute or so, but when it was over, the McLaurys and Billy Clanton were dead or dying. They are buried in the famous Boot Hill cemetery. There are many well-preserved remains in Tombstone, including the O.K. Corral, the Cochise County Courthouse, the Bird Cage Theater, Boot Hill (Here lies Lestr Moore, four slugs from a 44. No Les, No More), and the office of the Tombstone Epitaph. Moving 9.5 miles west from Tombstone, our next stop is Fairbank. An Indian village existed on this site as early as 1700, but its creation in 1883 coincided with the mining boom in nearby Tombstone. In the late 19th century, Fairbank operated as a railroad supply town for Tombstone and Contention. In the 1880s, over 100 people lived here. Fairbank in 1890. By Unknown. 19th Century Photo (1890). - Scan from Ghost Towns of Arizona, by James E. and Barbara H. Sherman, page 54, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=385872 Fairbank has a picturesque (former) post office/mercantile store, several private residences, and a pleasant mile walk back to an old mill. It is located just south of SR82, on N. Old Fairbank Road. If you like your ghost towns completely abandoned Charleston, located 9.5 miles southwest of Tombstone (and 6 miles as the crow flies from Fairbank) could appeal to you. Charleston, located on the bank of the San Pedro River, served as a mill town for nearby Tombstone. (The mills themselves were actually located in Millville, across the river from Charleston). Founded in 1879, by the 1880s the population was over 400. When the mines in Tombstone went bust in the late 1880s from flooding, Charleston went bust, too (the Post Office closed in 1888). There are only a few stone walls left in Charleston and Millville. An earthquake in 1887 destroyed much of Charleston, and war games during World War II destroyed the rest. Charleston is very difficult to find, so here is my take. From the Mormon Battalion monument, follow the San Pedro River bed NW for about 34 of a mile. When you see some modest cliffs on the west bank, find a place to climb to the top. Whats left of Charleston can be found at the top of the cliff. We now move to three towns located in or near Coronado National Forest. The Coronado National Forest covers 1,780,000 acres, mostly in southeastern Arizona. Harshaw is located 8+ miles SE of Patagonia. Harshaw has been occupied by Indians, Spanish padres, Mexican families, and miners in its history. The Mexicans called it Durazno. It became Harshaw in the late 1870s, named after a miner that made it big there. For two years (1879-1881), Harshaw was a boom town. In 1880, Harshaw had a population of 600 people. Fire and flood brought it down, and it never recovered the population had dwindled to 100 by the late 1880s. The Post Office closed in 1903. The ruin of an adobe house and pool hall in Harshaw By The Old Pueblo - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37301822 Today, there are a couple of interesting dwellings that have survived the ravages of time. Duquesne is located about 5 miles NW of Lochiel, about 13 miles south of Harshaw. Duquesne was founded in 1890 when the Duquesne Mining and Reduction Company of Pittsburgh established a company town there. They also established a mill in nearby Washington Camp. Like many mining towns, its life was short-lived - the Post Office closed in 1920. The Westinghouse Estate in Duquesne By The Old Pueblo - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37798171 There are several significant buildings still standing in Duquesne, which is located on a loop road above the main road that goes through Washington Camp. Lochiel is located about 24 miles east of Nogales (and about 5 miles southeast of Duquesne) on the Arizona/Mexico border. Lochiel has had various names in its existence, including Luttrell and La Noria. In 1881 (as Luttrell), the population was 400. A Post Office was established as Lochiel in 1884. In addition to its mining past, Lochiel was visited by Pancho Villa numerous times in the early 20th century (with less dramatic results than at Columbus, New Mexico!). Also, there is a monument in Lochiel to Fray Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan monk, and the first European West of the Rockies (1539). The monument to Fray Marcos de Niza, the first European west of the Rocky Mountains. By The Old Pueblo - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37631179 Today, Lochiel has a small U.S. Customs station. Continuing west on our tour, we eventually come to Yuma, home of the Yuma Territorial Prison (Prison Hill Rd. in Yuma, Arizona). Yuma Territorial Prison operated from 1876-1909, and housed over 3,000 prisoners in its brief history. The site also served as Yuma Union High School from 1910-1914. The prison is well preserved. Among the structures still left to see are cell blocks, the guard tower and the sally port. Yuma Territorial Prison is now an Arizona State Historic Park. Yuma Prison Cellblock We end our tour of southern Arizona ghost towns at KOFA. KOFA (short for King of Arizona) was a bustling gold mining operation in the early part of the twentieth century (the Post Office was established in 1900). KOFA mine shut down in 1910, although there was sporadic mining in the area in the late 20th century. Today, there is nothing but rubble at the site, including several old cars, and some concrete pads from later mining. KOFA is located 53 miles SE of Quartzsite (30 miles as the crow flies). If you approach it from the south, youll probably need four-wheel drive. Approaching it from the north, you can probably get away with high clearance 2WD. (Note: if you look for KOFA on a map, look for KOFA Butte not the railroad location to the south) One of the reasons that some of these towns are so well preserved is because most of them (Charleston and KOFA being the exceptions) have never been totally abandoned. This is great from the standpoint of preservation, but it may limit some of your exploration activities - many of the buildings in these towns are on private property. Please respect posted No Trespassing signs. Related DesertUSA Pages Share this page on Facebook: DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. (It's Free.) FREE DESERTUSA NEWSLETTER Enter E-Mail address: The Desert Environment The North American Deserts Desert Geological Terms Nearly 257 people, including members of Western Saharas Polisario separatist movement, were killed in a crash of an Algerian military plane soon after takeoff from Boufarik military airport, west of Algiers, the Algerian defense ministry said in a statement. Most of the dead are army personnel and their families, according to the defense ministry. Ten crew members also died. The Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which is seeking independence of the Sahara, formerly under Spanish rule, said 30 Saharans, including women and children, died in the crash. The plane was scheduled to make a layover in Tindouf, in southern Algeria, home to many refugees from the neighboring Western Sahara, before heading to Bechar. The government of Algeria has declared three days of national mourning. Lawmakers and officials also observed a minute of silence as a tribute to the victims. The previous deadliest crash in Algeria occurred in 2003, when 102 people were killed after a civilian airliner crashed at the end of the runway in Tamanrasset. Wednesdays crash is the deadliest plane crash in the world since July 2014, when all 298 people on board Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 died in eastern Ukraine. Pro-Russian rebels were then accused of shooting the Malaysian plane down. The government of the Philippines has established an oversight committee to ensure that the introduction of a third player to the countrys mobile market is undertaken in an integrated and transparent manner. The committee will help the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) to set out the terms of choosing and allocating spectrum for the new player, as well as overseeing its entry into the market. The Philippines mobile space is effectively a duopoly between Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, with each having a market share of around 50%. The order to create the committee notes that the entry of a third operator into the market is a matter of paramount national interest as by ensuring genuine competition in the countrys telecommunications industry, the Philippines will be able to deliver reliable, inexpensive and secure telecommunications services in the country. Telecoms services in the country are some of the most expensive in Southeast Asia. The committee will contain members from various government departments. Its chair will belong to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), with the vice chair coming from the Department of Finance, and other members from the Office of the Executive Secretary and National Security Adviser. In October 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte warned Globe and Smart that he would allow companies from China to begin competing in the Philippines unless they improved their notoriously poor service. He made good on this threat in late 2017, with China Telecom being named as the company that would set up a third operator in the market. In February this year, DICT issued proposals for choosing a third operator and held public consultation over these in March. Maruti Suzuki is set to present a major upheaval to its mid-segment MPV, the Ertiga. The car has been spotted testing multiple times in India, and is reportedly set to be unveiled at the upcoming Indonesia International Motor Show on April 19, 2018. Furthermore, reports suggest that the car is already up for pre-bookings in Indonesia for a figure of 5 million Indonesian Rupiah, which converts to approximately Rs. 23,000 in India. Suzuki is set to present a host of changes to the Ertiga MPV, including a new design for the front fascia, new tailgate design with fancier lighting and a longer wheelbase, accounting for more space inside along with a new dashboard with improvements to the infotainment system and other elements. The company is looking to present the Ertiga as a more upmarket offering, although the new edition of the MPV is not expected in India till at least the end of 2018. Information, however, is scarce in terms of how exactly the new Ertiga will look. Nonetheless, heres looking at everything that we expect to see in the new generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, when it launches in India later this year. Interiors The new generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga will reportedly get revamped interiors, which will reportedly resemble the Dzires interiors. This means that a beige two-tone interior colour theme can be expected, with a two-tone dash that may get faux-wood inserts on the steering wheel and the dashboard itself. At the centre of the console, the Ertiga is expected to get Maruti Suzukis SmartPlay infotainment system, which gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with integrated navigation via SD card-mounted maps. Inside, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is slated to retain the 7-seater configuration, but may get better space inside owing to a longer wheelbase. This may also translate to larger boot space, which Maruti Suzuki may emphasise on to position the new Ertiga as a premium MPV for large families. Exteriors On the outside, expect to see a more aggressive front fascia on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which seems to marginally resemble Toyotas premium MPV, the Innova Crysta. In contrast to the present-generation Ertigas rather bleak design, the new Ertiga will get bold creases along the hood forming a sharp V leading up to the front grille. The blackened grille, as seen in photos so far, also looks smarter, along with new housing for the fog lamps and sharper headlamps that now have more defined edges instead of rounded curves. To the rear, expect a straighter tailgate with redesigned LED tail lamps, and with the elongated wheelbase, the entire design language may look more upright and certainly more premium. The Ertiga is also expected to get projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and full LED tail lamps too. Looking at the premium positioning of the car, automatic headlamps are not out of the question either. However, Maruti Suzuki very strangely left speed-sensing central locking out of the Dzires feature list, although we do expect to see the feature in the Ertiga. Powertrain The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga will also reportedly introduce a new, 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine to the India lineup, although specific details about it still remain scarce on the ground. There is, as of now, much debate surrounding whether the older, 1.4-litre K-series petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS engines will be retained when the Ertiga will be launched, all of which should be clarified when it is launched in Indonesia next week. In terms of transmission, the new Ertiga is expected to retain the 5-speed manual transmission, while an AMT/torque converter transmission may also be thrown in. Since there will be a change in the wheelbase, Maruti Suzuki may also upgrade the wheels, making the new Ertiga a rather thorough upgrade. Pricing and launch If you are presently on the lookout for an MPV, you have the present generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda Mobilio, Nissan Evalia and the Renault Lodgy to pick from in the Rs. 10 lac price range. The new Ertiga, hence, would look at establishing itself as a premium MPV in this segment, adding more infotainment options, space, a smarter design and newer powertrains. As for pricing, expect the Ertiga to come at a slight premium over the present generation one, although a sub-Rs. 10 lac pricing is expected. The new MPV is expected to launch in India in late-2018. The latest Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the best iteration of the iconic laptop thus far. It has everything you would need in a thin and light laptop and more. The higher price tag may not suit everyone but if you have that kind of money, this is a worthy, dependable option for both consumer and commercial customers. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (6th Gen) detailed review There are very few tech products out there which can be termed as iconic. Apples iPod and the Nokia 3310 are a couple of products which fall into this category, but in the laptop world, there are several contenders vying for the title, but there is nothing as unique and tasteful as the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon. Since its birth back in 2012, the Carbon X1 line has always been the pinnacle of Lenovos business line of laptops. Over the years, the company has honed its features, perfected the design and build quality, but has kept the keyboard more or less untouched and for good reason. This year it returns with better performance, lighter chassis and the much-loved Thinkpad keyboard. I have been playing around with the companys prime variant of the machine and let me tell you before we even begin, it is brilliant. Build and Design Thinkpads have always carried a unique design since their days of being a part of IBM. Over the years Lenovo has tweaked, experimented and added more options in the Thinkpad line, but the X1 Carbon remains the companys crown jewel. In this new avatar, where even the Thinkpad logos are blacked out, it is by far the meanest looking thin and light laptop out there. It has subtle, almost nondescript exterior and yet it is recognizable from across the room. While part of that charm lies with the iconic Thinkpad keyboard which hasn't changed much from early days, it is now accompanied by a new display that gives the laptop some serious charm. As for the build quality, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon still carries the 12-MIL standard badge and is the only one to boast a magnesium and carbon fibre body. Lenovo has tweaked the chassis this year, so while it still has internal roll cages and a super strong body, it weighs just 1.13 kilograms. The whole body is covered in the typical matte black paint job which is smooth to touch and gives the laptop a unique yet premium feel. It is still a fingerprint magnet though. There is no maintenance hatch on the machine, but like all previous ThinkPads, this is still very easy to open. The back panel is fastened by just five Phillips head screws. There are no hidden latches and removing the screws just lets you take a peek at the tightly packed hardware. The RAM as you can see is soldered on the motherboard, but the storage is user replaceable. There is a 57Whr battery, which is more than enough for a day worth of use (more on that later). Display and I/O The biggest update the laptop has received this year, besides the 8th gen Intel processor is the new display. This is the first time I have seen an IPS LCD display which is touch-enabled and has a matte finish. It should be noted that the Dell XPS 15 (9560) does have 1080p variant which offers a similar matte touchscreen display. Anyway, Ive had this complaint with all touch-enabled laptops that the glass front is glossy and reflective, but this changes the equation. The matte coat does have a small drawback though. It is not super sensitive to touch, and you cant use it to draw or take notes. However, if all you need to do is browsing or highlighting some text, the display is far more capable to do that. Touch aside, this is the best display I have seen on a thin and light laptop till date. Lenovo claims that the display covers 100% of the colour gamut. However, our tests indicate that the display covers 77% of the Adobe sRGB and 99% of the sRGB colour gamut. To put it plainly, the colour fidelity is amazing and since this is an IPS display, the viewing angles are best in class. The viewing experience is also enhanced by the now thin bezels on either side, which is not exactly a new feature anymore. I am quite satisfied with the I/O selection as well. There are two USB 3.1 Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support. There are two Type-A USB 3.0 ports and there is an HDMI out as well. There is a proprietary ethernet port as well, but it can only be used with the dock that is sold separately. At the back, there is another tiny port which hides the MicroSD card slot and the SIM card tray. I have a couple of complaints here. Firstly I miss the standard SD card slot and the SIM slot doesn't work as there is no LTE modem inside, at least in our test unit. That said, Lenovo assures us that corporate buyers can opt for one if they require. Keyboard and touchpad The one thing that hasnt changed over the years on X1 Carbon laptops is the keyboard. It is just as good as the year before. The island-style keyboard layout is easy to work on and offers a luxurious 1.8mm of key travel, which is even better than some desktop keyboards. The typing experience is sublime and a bit addictive, as it is hard to go back to any other laptop keyboard after this. Like previous ThinkPad keyboard, the keys dont make a particularly clacking sound and are concave which helps in typing silently and precisely. It still carries the fn key at the wrong place, but worry not as it now can be swapped with the ctrl much easily from within Lenovos Vantage app. The app is a one-stop shop for all settings and maintenance options. The app also allows users to customize the F12 key for their own shortcut which is a bonus. I am not too stoked about the position of page up and page down keys as they can be accidentally pressed instead of the arrow keys. That said, I got used to the change within a couple of days. In short, you cant go wrong with a ThinkPad keyboard. Same is true for the soft touch matte-ish touchpad. It is not large or wide like some other thin light laptops offer, it is just big enough to have a comfortable experience. Dont be fooled by its looks though as it is a glass trackpad. It is quite precise and has excellent finger tracking. It is using Windows Precision drivers and supports all Windows 10 gestures. The left and right clicks press down with small yet precise depression offering a subtle click sound. However, the three separate mouse keys (left, scroll, right) above the touchpad are far easier, satisfying and natural to use. Lenovo has also carried the red TrackPoint which sits between the B, G and H buttons. It takes some time to get used to at first but it is very handy to use and fits perfectly with the rest of the setup. Security Being an enterprise laptop, ThinkPad has all the required security specifications the high-end business customer requires. Youve got your standard Windows Hello camera, which is still isnt the best unlocking solution when you are sitting in a dim lit area. However, the fingerprint scanner is a valid alternative for that. It is a bit slow compared to modern day smartphones, but in my use, it never faltered. The other thing which enterprise and other potential customers will like is the fact that the fingerprint scanner has its own security chip and all the data is kept on the machine itself. I wish it had an HP Sure View like feature on the display, similar to what we saw on the HP Elitebook x360 1030 G2, but I guess you can't get everything Corporate security managers will love the fact that the machine still carries the latest vPro security features and includes the new Glance feature. Once enabled the system recognizes the user and tracks the face when he/she is using the machine. If the user moves away, the screen automatically locks and come back only when the user unlocks it. The Glance feature also lets users move an open application from the laptop display to extended displays with just a glance, but I couldn't make that work during my use. I will update this review, once I figure it out. Performance This new 2018 ThinkPad X1 Carbon is powered by the latest Intel Core i7 8650U processor. This is the first time I have seen this chip in a laptop. It is a quad-core processor just like the Core i7 8550U other thin and light laptops use, but is slightly faster with a higher base and boost clock speeds. The processor is helped by dual channel 16GB 2133MHz RAM which as I mentioned is soldered to the motherboard itself. The NVMe PCIe based Samsung SSD is, however, user replaceable. This is the latest variant of this SSD and by far the fastest SSD I have seen on a laptop. This combination makes this ThinkPad, the best thin and light performer to date. So, as far as the synthetic benchmarks go, this is right up there. However, the day-to-day performance is just as good as any other premium thin and light machine. To put it simply, you wont have any issues running office applications on this machine. Be it opening multiple tabs (more than 30) on Google Chrome, running heavy excel sheets or just running a presentation or even watching videos in 4K, everything is handled without a hitch. Like with every other thin and light laptop out there, this is not meant for gaming, even though you can push the integrated UHD 620 graphics to run games like Dota 2 at low settings at 1080p resolution. The good thing is the machine never gets hot and the single side venting fan remains eerily silent even at 100% load. The processor does throttle down about 400MHz while on battery and 200MHz while on power from the base 1.9GHz under full load, which is the category average. Dont fret though, as this does not hamper the machines performance. Audio quality is nothing great and that has been a complaint with all thin and light laptops alike. It is loud for sure and you wont find any issues while taking conference calls, but it is not really tuned for music aficionados. Battery life The battery life on the machine is quite impressive. The 57Whr battery provides about 10-12 hours of non-stop usage in day-to-day workload regardless of varying display brightness throughout the day. Compared to every other thin and light machine I have tested up until now, this is by far the best. You can easily get through a workday with one charge and since the machine supports fast charging with up to 80% charge in an hour, you wouldnt have much to worry about. Bottomline The Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon then is the best enterprise laptop one can buy today. The machine does everything (ever-so-slightly) better than most thin and light laptops out there. It offers a brilliant performance, the display is excellent, the battery life is dependable and the keyboard can only be described as the best. If I had to nitpick, I would have loved to see user replaceable RAM and even better battery life, but even without those extras, this is still a really good laptop. The price is a little steep at Rs. 1,52,220, but even at that price, this is still a really good machine compared to whatever is available in the market. After taking the 4G and feature phone market by a storm in India, Reliance Jios next big bet in connected devices seems to be an Always Connected laptop running Windows 10, with a Qualcomm chipset inside. As per a new report, Reliance Jio is in talks with Qualcomm to launch a laptop with cellular connectivity and bundled data as well as content offerings. Qualcomm has confirmed to the Economic Times that the chipset maker is indeed in talks with Reliance Jio to bring an Always Connected laptop to the Indian market. we have talked to Jio. They could take the device and bundle it with data and content, Miguel Nunes, Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, told the publication. Qualcomm introduced Always Connected PCs powered by its Snapdragon 835 chipset just last year in December at its annual Snapdragon Technology Summit. The cellular laptops have the Qualcomm X16 Gigabit modem for 5G connectivity and promise more than 20 hours of battery life. PC makers like Asus, HP, and Lenovo have already announced laptops powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset and besides Jio, Indian OEM Smartron is also working with Qualcomm to launch an Always Connected laptop in the market. Smartron Founder and CEO, Mahesh Lingareddy confirmed that talks were on with Qualcomm. "Since we already have tbook line of computing products, we are always exploring innovative form factors and devices where we can bring tronX experiences, services, solutions, and support to users," Lingareddy told ET. Internationally, major telecom providers including the Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and more have already started supporting these cellular laptops. If the report is to be believed, Reliance Jio will be the first Indian telecom service provider to support these Qualcomm powered Windows 10 laptops. However, it is not clear who will manufacture the laptop for Reliance Jio. The company currently outsources manufacturing of its Lyf branded smartphones, MiFi dongles and other feature phones through Chinese ODMs. Qualcomms Nunes was quoted in the report saying, "We are trying to make sure that the operators understand the value. Its new for the OEMs, new for the operators, and new for the channel. We spend a lot of time here at DMARGE waxing lyrical about the worlds best beverages and none has received a more resounding reception than old mate, whisky. The distilled alcoholic drink that started life in Europe before making its way to the U.S and Japan relies on various specific grains and wooden casks to achieve a distinct flavour profile that fans seek out. When further paired with the ageing constant known as time, magic often happens. Not to mention, its the base ingredient for the world-famous Old Fashioned cocktail. Today were not looking purely at the unattainable though. Its all about taste, accessibility and Australias best-valued whisky that wont send you broke. Weve also tapped the mind and experience of Martin Eber of Time For Whisky on this one to ensure that the local selection is on point for any palate. Australias Finest Whisky FAQ Which is the biggest whisky-producing region in Australia? Tasmania has the largest concentration of whisky distilleries in Australia. Other whisky-producing regions are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. What is the typical style of Australian whisky? Australian whisky has a distinctive taste because distillers are not locked into traditional production rules and don't have to follow established styles like other whisky-producing countries. What is the most produced style of whisky in Australia? The majority of whisky produced in Australia is the single malt. The country also produces multiple styles of whisky, including single malt, rye, wheat and blended whiskies. For more news and reviews on the latest whisky from around the world, be sure to check out Time For Whisky GALLERY BEGINS AFTER THIS ADVERTISEMENT Boeing teams up with HAL, Mahindra for F/A-18 Super Hornet production Boeing on Thursday announced a partnership with Indias state-run Hindustan Aeronautics and Mahindra Defence Systems for local production of F/A-18 Super Hornet, as the US aviation and defence major eyes Indias largest fighter jet acquisition programme. Mahindra Defence, Boeing and Hindustan Aeronautics jointly announced the creation of a strategic alliance for building F/A Super Hornet fighter planes in India, on the sidelines of the ongoing DefExpo 2018. Mahindra Defence, Boeing and Hindustan Aeronautics jointly announced the creation of a strategic alliance for building F/A Super Hornet fighter planes in India, on the sidelines of the ongoing DefExpo 2018. The 'Make-in-India partnership brings together two Indian private and public sector companies and a leading global aircraft manufacturer. The announcement comes after the defence ministry last week issued a request for information for 110 combat jets for the Indian Air Force, marking the first step toward a long-delayed defence procurement that could be worth more than $15 billion. "With the F/A-18 SuperHornet programme, Boeing wants to build a deeper, capable aerospace supply chain, building on the 160+ suppliers we already have," Dan Gillian, vice president, F/A-18 programme, Boeing, said. Team F/A-18 comes together with MahindraRise, Boeing_In, HAL, GE Aviation, GKN Aero, Northropgrumman and Raytheon to `Make in India the fighter plane for India, with India, Boeing tweeted. Proud to partner with MahindraRise and HAL for F/A-18 Super Hornet 'Make in India' . Working together to develop the Indian defence production ecosystem, it added. Boeing said the Super Hornet 'Make-in-India' proposal is to build an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility that can be utilised for other programmes like Indias Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Our F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of the world's most capable and lethal fighters. Boeing's F/A-18 `Make in India will advance the Indian aerospace ecosystem, advance indigenous technology and build a path to AMCA, said Boeing. Boeing said it will accelerate its commitment to Make in India and defence modernisation. Boeing India president Pratyush Kumar congratulated defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman for achieving "convergence of defence procurement and production policies, that'll drive the scale needed to create a globally competitive aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem in India. The planes have to be built locally as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Make-in-India drive to build a domestic industrial base. Boeing said it stood ready to build an aerospace manufacturing system in India along with its partners that will help Indias own aircraft manufacturing programmes. Other global defence and aviation majors like Lockheed Martin, Saab and Dassault Aviation are also expected to compete for the Air Force order, one of the worlds biggest fighter jet deals. Lockheed has offered to move its F-16 production line in Fort Worth, Texas, to India, to build the planes in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems. Swedens Saab has said it will build the planes in collaboration with infrastructure and resources major Adani Group. The Air Force will tender for single engine and twin-engine combat jets, widening the field and allowing new contenders like Eurofighter Typhoon and Russian aircraft makers like MiG 35. Boeings Super Hornet is also competing for a separate order for 57 carrier-borne fighter jets that the navy is seeking. Hero's Munjals and Dabur's Burmans propose joint investment in Fortis In another twist to the Fortis Healthcare saga, the countrys second largest healthcare provider said on Thursday that it has received an unsolicited binding offer jointly from Sunil Munjals Hero Enterprise and the Burmans of Dabur to invest Rs1,250 crore directly in the company through a preferential allotment. Of this amount, Munjal and the Burmans have offered to invest Rs500 crore immediately and Rs750 after due diligence, to be completed within three weeks. Of this amount, Munjal and the Burmans have offered to invest Rs500 crore immediately and Rs750 after due diligence, to be completed within three weeks. Group entities of Munjal and the Burmans are shareholders of Fortis, holding approximately 3 per cent shares. With the latest proposal to pump in Rs 1,250 crore, they would together get around 16 per cent additional stake in Fortis. See: The development comes even as the Fortis board has approved a takeover offer from Manipal Hospitals and is also fielding a non-binding rival offer from Malaysias IHH Healthcare Berhad ( Malaysias IHH plans to outbid Manipal Hospitals for Fortis: report ). We are investing an amount of Rs500 crore, based on the current business and financial position of the company reflected in the Company's various public filings, and taking into account information in the public domain, without doing any due diligence, said the Munjals and Burmans in a joint statement. Allotment and pricing will be as per SEBI ICDR guidelines for preferential issues or Rs156 per share whichever is higher. This is just higher than Manipals offer of Rs155 per share. Our offer is in the best interest of Fortis Healthcare. In fact, all those connected with the companys ecosystem, its shareholders, patients, their attendants, the community and public at large, in addition to the lenders, suppliers, doctors, medical and non-medical staff will benefit from it. We are investing in the company and our aim is to create value for all stakeholders, said Munjal in the letter to Fortis' Board. The said proposal is under evaluation by the company, Fortis said in a statement to the exchanges. The utilisation of proceeds from this funding should only be used for paying dues to Fortiss employees, repayment of loans and payment to pressing creditors, the bid document noted. Our offer does not envisage any changes in the current structure, operations and assets of the company and is simple and is almost immediately implementable, said Anand Burman. He expressed the hope that the Board would consider this very simple offer and put it before shareholders to take a final decision. We believe that our offer deserves serious and urgent consideration, Burman said. Munjal and Burmans have sought one board seat to the investors to monitor the above transaction. Munjal along with the Burmans approached the company in the last week of March 2018 with the offer. On July 19, 2017, Hero expressed interest in exploring the possibility of an M&A with Fortis, and had entered into a non-disclosure agreement. Unfortunately, these discussions could not fructify as there was an impasse which arose on account of the management's insistence that Hero should state the commercials, including a price, before any due diligence could commence and Hero insisted that unless a due diligence was permitted, no commercials including a price could be offered, Munjal said in a statement. This resulted in a stalemate by the end of July 2017, and hence the discussions did not progress further at that stage, the statement added. Both Munjal and Burmans have thereafter independently acquired and held shares of the company. As shareholders, we are concerned regarding the company's future, as it presently finds itself at a very critical juncture of existence, Munjal and Burmans said. The troubled hospital chain has been rendered without a promoter after Shivinder and Malvinder Singh quit the board in February. The brothers now own around 0.77 per cent stake in the company. Yes Bank remains the largest shareholder of Fortis with 15 per cent stake in the company. An analyst tracking the series of events in the Fortis saga who didnt want to be named told Moneycontrol, Ideally a buyer aims at buying controlling stake, but the money that they are talking about will get them a 16-per cent stake it will be interesting to see what Munjal and Burmans are planning to do here, running hospitals isnt there core business. Shares of Fortis rose 4.17 per cent to close at Rs153.80 on the BSE on Thursday, when the benchmark Sensex gained 0.47 per cent to end at 34,101.13 points. Harish Manwani to retire, Sanjiv Mehta to take over as CMD Hindustan Unilever has announced the retirement of Harish Manwani as non-executive chairman of the company following the forthcoming annual general meeting. Sanjiv Mehta, the present CEO and managing director, will take over as chairman and manging director. Sanjiv Mehta, the present CEO and managing director, will take over as chairman and manging director. Manwani, 64, took over as non-executive chairman in 2005. He oversaw a period of sustained growth, with the business nearly tripling in size, and HUL reinforcing itself as one of Indias most admired companies, said a company statement. Joining the company as a management trainee in 1976, Manwani rose to become a director responsible for the personal products business in 1995. Ten years later he was appointed to the Unilever Executive as president, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and the role later expanded to include Central and Eastern Europe. From 2011 to 2014, he was the COO of Unilever. According to the company, Manwani strongly believes that the challenges businesses face today can only be addressed through the 4G sustainable growth model of competitive, consistent, profitable and above all, responsible growth. This model has become a strong focal point for HUL and is central to its business strategy, it adds. Harish leaves behind a legacy that few will be able to match, remarked Mehta. He has lived the values that make HUL such a great company. Through his passion, commitment and endless energy, he leaves a lasting impact on the business. I will personally miss his leadership and wise counsel. Mehta, who will now head the company, took over as the CEO and managing director of HUL in October 2013. A chartered accountant, he has completed his Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School. Mehta has been with Unilever for 25 years and has led businesses in different parts of the world. He has been chairman and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited (2002-06), chairman and CEO of Unilever Philippines Inc. (2007-08) and chairman of Unilever - North Africa & Middle East (2008 2013). See: The HUL board had discussed the succession plan concerning the chairman, before the Kotak Committee report on Corporate Governance was in the public domain ( Sebi accepts Kotak Panel suggestion to split CEO, MD and chairman posts ). According to the company, it has taken note of SEBIs recent decision to accept the recommendation of the Kotak Committee to separate the positions of the chairman and the managing director from April 2020, for the top 500 companies by market capitalisation. The HUL board will ensure compliance with the new regulation of separation of the two positions by April 2020, it added. In Gambia, the former party of President Adama Barrow, the United Democratic Party, has won the local government elections, winning 62 of the 120 seats in contest. An estimated 900,000 voters have cast their ballots at 1,422 polling stations across Gambia, in the countrys first post-Jammeh local elections. The elections are a significant milestone in the countrys transition to a new government and greater security. About 400 aspirants have contested for 120 seats of Councilors and Mayors. The Gambia Democratic Congress Party, led by Mamma Kandeh, a former ally of ex-President Yahya Jammeh, has come second with 23 seats. The party of exiled Jammeh, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction, has surprisingly won only 18 seats. The election was done fairly and transparently, said Alieu Momar Njai, the Independent Electoral Commission chairman. This weeks polls are likely the last time Gambia will use its unique voting method of marbles and barrels, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said. According to IEC chief, Alieu Momar Njai Gambia will switch to the use of ballot papers as per international standards for upcoming elections. Njai described the marble system as a huge logistical nightmare. The UDP had won the majority of seats in the countrys parliamentary election in 2017 as well. Missile strikes against Syria 'as serious as triggering events', says US expert Prior to the Trump administration, the US consistently attempted to justify reprisals through creative characterisation of the facts to fit the self-defence paradigm, says world-renowned expert on international law, Mary Ellen O'Connell, the Marion Short Professor of Law and research professor of international dispute resolution. She is the author of The Popular but Unlawful Armed Reprisal, due to be published in the Ohio Northern Law Review. Mary Ellen O'Connell As the Trump administration considers military operations against Syria in the wake of a suspected chemical weapons attack Saturday, 7 April in the town of Douma, a University of Notre Dame Law School professor and world-renowned expert on international law on the use of force says a reprisal attack would be illegal. The use of chemical weapons is correctly characterised as a war crime, but there is an utter failure to recognise that a punitive military attack in response violates fundamental international law. Those who target citizens with chemical weapons should be held accountable, but the way accountability is imposed must also comply with the law. Attacking after such incidents amounts to unlawful reprisals, and unlawful reprisals in which people die belong in the same category of international crimes as the use of banned weapons. Currently in residence at the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway, O'Connell says reprisal attacks are a serious breach of the United Nations charter. President Trump has warned via tweet that 'missiles will be coming' to Syria to enforce the norm against using chemical weapons. He is going to break the law to save it, reminding me of the old US strategy in Vietnam of destroying a village to save it. And we know how well that turned out. In her forthcoming research paper, O'Connell points to armed reprisals last year in Syria carried out by the United States and Iran in the wake of chemical and terror attacks. Despite support for their actions even by countries such as Germany and France, retaliatory uses of force are clearly prohibited under international law," she writes. "International law generally prohibits all use of armed force with narrow exceptions for self-defence, United Nations Security Council authorisation, and consent of a government to participate in a civil war. Military force after an incident are reprisals, which have been expressly forbidden by the UN. Prior to the Trump administration, O'Connell says the US consistently attempted to justify reprisals through creative characterisation of the facts to fit the self-defence paradigm. Following the April 2017 attacks, the US did not even offer one of these insufficient attempts at justification, she states. Nine people reportedly died in last year's attack, including four children. What was achieved? The implications of these latest developments on international law for the U.S. and the world are grave. Human lives have been taken in violation of the law. The whole attempt to condemn chemical attacks and terrorism becomes at best counterproductive when the response involves a law violation as serious as the triggering offence. Kathua horror: Maneka to seek death penalty for rapists of kids Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said today that her ministry would appeal for the death penalty under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for those who rape children below 12 years of age. A "deeply, deeply disturbed" Maneka Gandhi made the comment in a video released today amid widespread horror at the gang rape and murder of eight-year-old Asifa in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua as well as attempts communalise the incident, and another rape in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. "Am deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua, and all the recent rape cases. I and the ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for the death penalty for the rape of children below 12 years of age," said Maneka, adding that her ministry will bring a cabinet note to this effect on Monday. The POCSO Act, 2012 was framed to protect children from offenses of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and pornography and to provide a child-friendly system for the trial of these offences. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also said on Thursday that her government would enact a law to make rape of minors punishable by death. We will never ever let another child suffer in this way, she tweeted. Another Union minister, V K Singh, also tweeted his horror at the Kathua atrocity. We have failed Ashifa (sic) as humans. But she will not be denied justice, Singh tweeted on Thursday. Asifa, who was from a nomad Muslim community, was held captive, sedated and raped for several days at a temple before she was murdered at Rassana village in Kathua district, according to the J&K Police crime branch investigation based on DNA test, forensic evidence and post-mortem report. The body of the eight-year-old was recovered from Rassana forest on 17 January, a week after she had gone missing while grazing horses in the area. The state government handed over the case to the crime branch following massive protests in the state. The accused, including alleged mastermind Sanji Ramthe, his son Vishal, sub-inspector Anand Dutta, two Special Police Officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, head constable Tilak Raj and civilian Parvesh Kumar, were booked under Sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Ranbir Penal Code. CBI detains rape-accused Unnao MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken custody of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, BJP legislator from Bangarmau and the prime accused in the Unnao gangrape, from his Lucknow residence, early in the morning today. Sengar, who was booked by the UP police on Thursday following nationwide furore over rape allegations levelled by a 17-year-old minor in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao, was taken into custody by the CBI in the wee hours today. Sengar, along with his accomplices, has been involved in the brutal gangrape of a 16-year-old girl. He has been booked under IPC Sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction of woman), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) and also under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Under the laws (IPC and CrPC), the police are duty bound to arrest a person who has been charged with rape and a case registered against him. In cases of rape, A joint team of the CBI and UP cops picked him up from an Indiranagar residence of his kin at around 4:30am. Sengar was then taken to the CBI headquarters in Hazratganj in Lucknow The CBI's move comes a day after the Allahabad High Court came down heavily on the Yogi Adityanath government over Unno case, asking it whether it proposes to arrest the accused MLA as it does in other cases. Reports quoting CBI sources said the agency has registered three separate cases, equivalent to three FIRs of rape, assault on the Unnao girl's father and counter assault on the MLA's aides. CBI officials, however, said the MLA has not been arrested so far. CBI is also probing the alleged connivance of Uttar Pradesh Police on the basis of call details of Senger. The team is expected to call police officers who were in touch with him over the phone for questioning. The team of CBI officials will look into role of officers and find out if they helped him or not. The UP government's move to hand the three cases of alleged rape of the woman, custodial death of her father, was taken after the Special Investigation Team constituted under Additional Director General of Police (Lucknow zone) Rajeev Krishna to investigate the matter, submitted its report to the government on Wednesday evening. Before joining the BJP in 2017, rape accused Bangarmau MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar had been with the Congress after leaving the BSP and the SP. Meanwhile, the Unnao MLA has been claiming that the girl had been tutored to build a rape case against him following her abduction last year and family dispute over village supremacy. Several audio and video evidences involving the girl, her uncle and rape survivor have surfaced over the past few days. Trump relooks at Trans-Pacific Partnership after China trade row US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered officials to examine America rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multi-country trade agreement that includes China, Japan, Australia and several countries in the Asia-Pacific region. President Donald Trump See: ). President Trumps move to reopen a deal he pulled out of days after assuming the presidency made during a meeting with farm-state lawmakers and governors at the White House, is a sharp reversal of his earlier stance when he denounced the agreement as a rape of our country ( Trump pulls US out of TPP, leaves Asian allies in the lurch ). Trumps move to join the multi-country trade agreement comes on the back of the US-China bilateral trade dispute that has only brought misery to American farmers. But, he said, the United States would only join the Trans Pacific Partnership if it offered substantially better terms than those provided under previous negotiations. Members of an 11-nation Asia-Pacific trade pact, however, said they are opposed to any renegotiation of the deal to accommodate the US, should it decide to rejoin at a later date. Ministers from Japan, Australia and Malaysia welcomed Trumps move to explore returning to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pact he withdrew from shortly after coming to office. But they also cautioned against making any significant changes. Trump who only last year threw out the Trans-Pacific Partnership and pledged to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement saying that these were centred heavily on unfair trade practices that only robbed American manufacturers and workers, has now made an about turn after Republican lawmakers said farmers and other businesses in their states would suffer from his trade approach. Trump seems to be looking to Japan to save American farmers and businesses suffering from the US stand-off with China. In a late morning Twitter post Trump said he would consider re-entering the agreement only if it were substantially better than the deal offered to President Barack Obama. We already have bilateral deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, he wrote, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years! The discussion on the trade deal began at the White House meeting earlier on Thursday, when Senator John Thune, Republican from South Dakota, questioned Trump about returning to the pact, arguing that the Trans-Pacific Partnership was the best way to put pressure on China. Trump is reported to have asked Larry Kudlow, his top economic adviser, and Robert Lighthizer, his trade negotiator, to look into re-entering the agreement. The deal, which was negotiated by the Obama administration, was largely intended to prod China into making the type of economic changes that the United States and others have long wanted. Many economists say the best way to combat a rising China and pressure it to open its market is through multilateral trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which create favourable trading terms for its members. US farmers would stand to benefit from new access to markets, especially Japan, if Trump decides to rejoin the pact. In the absence of American meat, ranchers in Australia can now send beef to Japan more cheaply. With access to more markets, US wheat farmers would also be able to compete on a level playing field with competitors in Australia and Canada, which both remained in the TPP agreement. But rejoining it could be a complex issue for Trump as he cannot expect countries to come to his terms. They would rather do without the United States rather than spent months renegotiating a pact reached after years of hard negotiations. Civil aviation minister to head task force for fast-tracking UAV technology The government has decided to constitute a task force under the chairmanship of minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha for fast-tracking the roll-out of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. The task force will develop a roadmap with implementable recommendations for central as well as state governments, industry and research institutions. The task force will consist of representatives from the government, PSUs, industry and sectoral experts and submit report within 6 months of its constitution. The headquarters of the task force will be at ministry of civil aviation, New Delhi. The task force will have minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha as its chairman. It will have secretaries of the ministries of civil aviation and home affairs, department of defence and the department of industrial policy and promotion, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, director general of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, director general of civil aviation, chairman and secretary, Defence Research and Development Organisation, director general and secretary of the department of scientific and industrial research, chairman of the Airports Authority of India, head of department of aerospace engineering at IIT Kanpur, joint secretary in the civil aviation ministry (member secretary) as members. Besides, the task force will co-opt industry experts as special invitees on need basis. The task force will focus, inter-alia, on research and development, acquisition and commercialisation, application and adoption in specific sectors, regulatory framework, preference for Make in India. The task force will prepare a roadmap with implementable recommendations for the central government, state governments, industry and research institutions, on the outcomes, timelines, implementation and review mechanism and measurable metrics. The role of the industry will also be clearly delineated. The task force will have necessary consultations and interactions with industry, research institutions and government organizations. It may also study global practices and interact with relevant stakeholders, as required, for preparation of the report. Oil prices spurt as tensions in Saudi-Syria, US-Russia relations rise While global oil prices stabilised on Friday, they continue to pose worries for governments and consumers around the world, with fears that they could touch the $80 a barrel mark in about a year. Oil prices flared on Wednesday to a six-year high of $73 a barrel, especially after tensions rose between the US and Russia over the Syrian crisis. American President Donald Trump has warned of military action in Syria after Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted missiles fired over its capital. While oil prices have gone up by about eight per cent in 2018, they have seen a stiff increase of 30 per cent over the past 15 months. According to OPEC, the surplus in oil stock is falling rapidly and it plans to expand the supply-cutting agreement with its member and allies well into 2019. OPECs latest report reveals that oil stocks in the developed world fell by 17.4 million barrels in February to 2.854 billion barrels. OPECs secretary-general Mohammad Barkindo told an international news agency in New Delhi that the global oil glut had shrunk by nine-tenths since the beginning of 2017. We have seen an accelerated shrinkage of stocks in storage from unparalleled highs of about 400 million barrels to about 43 million above the five-year average, he revealed. Interestingly, the rising price of oil is bringing together India and China, who are eager to protect their interests as consumer nations. Union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan said there is a lot of scope for cooperation between major consumers. Sanjiv Singh, the chairman of Indian Oil Corporation and Wang Yilin, chairman, China National Petroleum Corporation will be exploring joint sourcing of crude oil, added the minister. China and India are the worlds second and third-largest energy consumers. Vodafone, Idea may have to clear dues worth Rs19,000 cr before merger: report Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, currently India's No 2 and No 3 carriers, will have to cleat their dues worth around $3 billion (about Rs18,870 crore) before they can merge their operations to create the countrys largest telecom company with over 410 million customers, says a report in The Economic Times. The department of telecom (DoT) is likely to shortly ask Vodafone India and Idea Cellular to pay up dues including pending licence fees, spectrum usage charges (SUC) and one-time spectrum charges (OTSC), adding up to nearly Rs18,870 crore as a pre-condition for clearing their mega merger, the report quoting sources aware of the matter said. Vodafone India owes Rs5,532 crore by way of licence fee and SUC dues (including additional dues on these counts) while its OTSC dues is about Rs3,600 crore (as per a CAG July 2017 report). Idea owes roughly Rs7,625 crore by way of licence fee / SUC dues (including additional dues) and another Rs2,113 crore in OTSC dues. However, the report quoting an industry official said the government wont be able to force either Vodafone India or Idea to clear their licence fee / SUC dues since the computation of a telcos adjusted gross revenue (AGR) is an issue that has been under dispute and is sub judice. But a DoT official said the department will shortly send demands to both companies for approximately Rs19,000 crore. Even if the licence fee and SUC dues are legally challenged, it will insist on bank guarantees for OTSC dues worth nearly Rs5,713 crore in line with present telecom M&A rules, in the run-up to the merger. A telcos AGR is the revenue derived from licensed services and the licence fee is fixed at around 8 per cent of AGR and roughly 5 per cent will be the SUC. The reports quoting a senior DoT official said Idea is seeking approval of 100-per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the company and is already in discussions with DoT to determine the total dues that the telco may have to pay up before the merger is approved. This is because the Kumarmangalam Birla-led carrier will continue to be the licensee, post merger with Vodafone India. Also, according to the report, Vodafone India might be required to clear its near Rs3,600-crore OTSC dues to DoT at the earliest, since the company will no longer exist as a licensee after its merger with Idea. But Idea, in this case, the acquirer, would be allowed to submit bank guarantees, equivalent to its Rs 2,113 crore OTSC dues, as a pre-condition to its proposed merger with Vodafone India, the official is reported to have told ET. Study suggests ways to close CEO pay gap The gender compensation gap between women and men is well-documented, and research shows that the gap is wider in the top positions. Recent research from University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) Naveen Jindal School of Management examines how cultural perceptions affect the compensation of female CEOs in China, where women CEOs earn significantly less than their male counterparts. Overall, the researchers suggested that the gender gap in CEO pay in emerging economies may result from a perceived mismatch between cultural perceptions of female gender roles and perceptions of leadership traits. Joyce C. Wang, a PhD candidate in international management; Dr. Livia Markoczy, associate professor of organizations, strategy and international management; and Dr. Mike Peng, O.P. Jindal Distinguished Chair of Management, are co-authors of the study, which was published in the Journal of Business Ethics. "That the gender pay gap exists even in top positions is a known problem, but the reasons for this pay gap and possible solutions to address this problem are still debated," Markoczy said. The researchers wanted to explore how female CEOs are compensated in emerging economies. China was chosen in part because an increasing number of women are rising through corporate ranks in Chinese companies. Also, the process for determining CEO pay is less formalised and transparent in China compared to developed economies. Using a sample including 1,667 firms in China, the researchers studied CEO compensation between 2004 and 2010. They gathered data from publicly listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. Although a higher percentage of women serve as CEOs in China than in the United States about 5.6 per cent of firms there were headed by women compared to 3.3 per cent in the US as of 2010 the study found that the female CEO compensation gap is still substantial in China. Clash of Expectations The study examines how, in emerging economies, leaders are typically associated with agentic traits, or those more focused on outcomes, including aggressiveness, competitiveness and independence. In contrast, women are stereotypically considered more compassionate, inclusive and sympathetic. These communal traits, which consider group dynamics in decision-making, are often seen as incompatible with the agentic requirements expected of a leader. "The stereotypical views toward women and leaders may be translated into lower pay to female CEOs relative to male CEOs," Wang said. "This is more likely in firms with less-formalized pay-setting rules, such as those in China." Closing the Gap The researchers proposed that the perceived mismatch for female leaders may be altered by two mechanisms. Female CEOs may narrow the pay gap by undertaking one of the following: Exhibiting agentic qualities, such as taking more risks, thus demonstrating traits desirable for leaders. Working in female-dominated industries such as broadcasting, retail, publishing, textiles or tourism, in which more than 50 per cent of the employees are females a context where communal traits are valued in leadership positions. However, for female CEOs, the researchers advised against doing both taking risks in female-dominated industries. "While our findings on the substantial compensation gap between female and male CEOs are sobering, we also offer a silver lining to successful women," Peng said. "There are ways for female CEOs to reap the fruits that their hard work justifies." Dr. Sunny Li Sun PhD'10 of the University of Massachusetts Lowell is also a co-author on the paper. Donegal TD Joe McHugh has urged business leaders to capitalise on opportunities being thrown up by Brexit rather than let it define their success. The Government Chief Whip and Minister for the Irish language, Gaeltacht and the Islands told the Beyond Local Why Going International Makes Sense conference in Donegal Town today (Friday) that Britains split from Europe will open new markets for companies. Mr McHugh told hundreds of business figures: This Government appreciates the concerns that many of you have in relation to Brexit. Not least those of you operating in the border counties and those of you exporting to Northern Ireland and Britain. But I would urge you not to be defined by Brexit. Despite the difficulties, look at this as an opportunity. Mr McHugh highlighted the role of the states 31 Local Enterprise Offices in advising businesses to prepare for Brexit; explore new markets; funding for potential exporters; and tailored mentoring and training, among other initiatives. It is our Government's ambition to get you, the business leaders of today and tomorrow, thinking global, the Minister said. The Beyond Local international conference runs over two days in Solis Lough Eske in Donegal Town. Mr McHugh added: We must prepare for the future and that requires looking beyond local, beyond borders and beyond the limits of past ambitions. International opportunities are available and conferences such as this are designed to ensure they are embraced with confidence.Mr McHugh said: And while were here in the beautiful setting of Solis Lough Eske I also want to refute the ill-informed analysis in The Irish Times Business Section this morning on the Governments Project Ireland 2040. It's a terrible analysis of the North West. It accuses the Government of being unable influence policy across the border. Where have they been for the past 20 years? The Government has invested 19 million euro in a joint radiotherapy centre in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. We have committed 115 million euro to the A5 project, connecting Derry, Donegal and Tyrone and Monaghan to our capital city. We have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Ulster University and Department of Education. We have an ambitious goal of LYIT becoming a Technological University. We have a North West Strategic Partnership, with both the Irish and British Governments involved. And we are focused on creating City Region status for Letterkenny-Derry-Strabane. That is influential. That is strategy. And that is sensible and ambitious forward planning, he said. Celebrity Chef Brian Mc Dermott will be giving a free cookery demonstration later this month in an unusual location, the Central Library in Letterkenny. McDermott, who just recently published his own book, 'The Donegal Table', should be right at home in this interesting if not unique setting for a cookery demonstration. McDermott, who appears regularly on TV, is a Donegal Local Food hero and he will hold the free cookery demonstration in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday 26th of April at 7pm. The event is part of the Healthy Ireland at your library programme. Healthy Ireland is a national campaign for action to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland. Its main focus is on prevention and keeping people healthier for longer. More information is available at www.librariesireland.ie/ healthyireland . Donegals Healthy Ireland at your library service co-ordinator, Kevin Mc Caul said: "We are delighted that Brian has agreed to be associated with the Healthy Ireland Programme. His inclusion will allow us to promote the wide range of health and well being resources available in libraries across the County. We look forward to welcoming Brian and everyone on the night." Brian will be cooking up a storm in the library and showing the audience how to cook some healthy meals for family and friends. Brians new book entitled The Donegal Table will be available to borrow from the library on the night. The library will also be giving some copies away to a few lucky audience members. This is going to be a popular evening so early booking is advised. To book please contact Central Library on 074 9124950. Zimbabwe has bought two Boeing 777 aircraft and an Embraer plane from Malaysia, finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said on Wednesday. According to Patrick Chinamasa, the southern African nation had agreed with an unidentified Malaysian firm to buy four Boeing 777 planes for $70 million but had so far paid for two. Government has already paid $41 million out of the $70 million, Chinamasa said. The planes will be used by Zimbabwe Airways, a new carrier whose ownership was not immediately disclosed. Local media reports that the new carrier belongs to President Robert Mugabes family, but Chinamasa said that was not true. The planes were acquired by Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company (ZALC). Their call sign, Z RGM, and the airport are named after former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Aviation experts that have examined the Boeing 777 planes from Malaysia say they can operate efficiently for between 15 to 20 years. Note that the national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, is struggling to stay afloat, weighed by high operational costs and failure to attract passengers. The airline is saddled by a debt of over $300 million and is currently banned from flying to Europe because of safety concerns. A farmer who found the body of murdered Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin has been giving evidence today at the trial of Vikat Bhagat, who has been charged with her murder and rape. The 28-year-old was found lying dead in an isolated stretch of land between Agonda and Canacona beaches in Goa on March 13th last year. Prashant Komarpanth, the farmer who found the body on the way to his farm, said he found the body on a secluded stretch of land, off a highway. The area is often visited by couples and groups (of tourists). They sit around and drink, and leave empty bottles around. The Irish Independent is reporting that the mediators report which records all pieces of evidence found at the scene, including a sketch and description of the scene, along with noting the persons present at the scene of the offence was stored on a hard disc but could not be presented before the court because of a password discrepancy. Judge Sayonara Telles, who is presiding over the case, ordered the password to be recovered, by the next hearing which will be held on April 24th. A Donegal TD says he is absolutely shocked that not one Donegal school is included in plans announced today by the Minister for Education and Skills for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years. He accused the government of setting a new precedent whereby urban growth areas are getting preference over all other area. Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, T.D., announcing the list of schools today, said it follows a nationwide demographic exercises carried out by his Department into the current and future need for primary and post-primary school places across the country. The Minister announced 42 new schools - 26 schools at primary level and 16 at post-primary level. Pat the Cope Gallagher TD has criticised the exclusion of any school from Donegal, stating that the plan ignores rural Ireland as no Donegal schools are included in 2019 to 2022 strategy. Whilst welcoming the governments commitment to construct new school buildings as part of their strategy, Deputy Gallagher said demographics should not be the sole determinant in the school buildings programme announced. Gallagher, who is the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, said he is absolutely shocked that no Donegal school has made it on to the building programme. He said the absence of any Donegal school on the list was more surprising because quite a number of schools throughout the county, are awaiting approval for construction, with other schools waiting to get through the cumbersome and lengthy building process and procedures of the Department, which eventually lead to permission to go to construction. Deputy Gallagher said the government had again failed to rural-proof their policies He said the list of schools announced, many of them in large urban centres in Dublin and elsewhere, is another example of how rural Ireland is not given fair play or an equal share in the recovery. Left Behind He said time and time again we see how rural Ireland is being left behind and how this government have a different set of criteria in how they deal with rural areas such as Donegal. He said the announcement copper fastens that policy of rural neglect. He said in the interim he was requesting the Minister to favourably consider all Donegal School Applications under the Summer Works Scheme, Emergency Works Scheme and Minor Works Scheme, in order that these schools are maintained until such time as further Capital works can be approved. He said schools such as St Marys National School, Stranorlar, Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistri Donegal Town require new buildings while numerous other schools in Donegal such as Abbey Vocational School, Scoil Mhuire Belcruit, Scoil Mhuire Creeslough, Scoil Adhamhnain Luinneach, Dunkineely NS, Donoughmore NS, Castlefin, Little Angels Letterkenny, St Eunans College Letterkenny, Derryconnor NS, Buncrana 3 School Campus, require extensions due to capacity issues or due to the fact that the school buildings are deteriorating rapidly and require upgrading or renewal in order to be fit for purpose. These school issues have been raised on numerous occasions by me in the Dail and on each occasion the Minister has failed to act and failed to sanction new school building for these Donegal Schools. Deputy Gallagher claimed when the Minister of Education toured Donegal schools he failed to visit St Marys National School despite being invited to the school. Overcrowded schools He said if the Government persists on their policy of favouring urban schools over rural areas then many schools in Donegal may never get eventual approval for construction of their much needed new schools. A school overcrowded in rural Ireland is no different to an overcrowded school in urban areas but this Government has failed to recognise the needs of rural areas, insisting instead on providing prefabs and temporary accommodation for rural areas rather than the new school buildings for urban area . This policy or rural neglect and failing to identify the needs of rural area must be reversed and a level playing field provided for all regardless of what postal address the respective schools, he said. Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd has welcomed the news that a new 600 pupil post primary school will be established in the Drogheda-Laytown area. "My colleague Minister Richard Bruton has confirmed to me that following on from the nationwide demographic report carried out by his department, that a new 600 pupil post primary school will be built in the Drogheda Laytown area to address the ever increasing demographic demand." "This is fantastic news and it is hoped the project will be completed by 2019 and will deliver a regional solution for the area. This decision is an endorsement of the Project 2040 announcement and Drogheda's inclusion as a vital cog earmarked for regional development in the plan." "Another key element of this announcement is the process that will be run to establish parental preference for the patronage of the new school. Minister Bruton will announce a new online patronage process this year to determine parental preferences in the area in terms of preferred patron and their preference as to whether the new school should operate through Irish or English." "In addition the large school will also secure employment for teachers locally and create jobs in the construction sector." "I have also been re-assured that the Department remains fully committed to all projects on the existing building programme." This Tuesday, April 17th, the Dundalk Democrat hits newsstands across Louth with a brand new look - refreshed and redesigned as a newspaper for a modern Dundalk. Keep an eye out for the brand new Dundalk Democrat - Dundalk and Proud 24/7. Gardai recovered a pen knife and a small canister of C-S gas when they stopped and searched a teenager on one of the towns main streets, Dundalk District Court heard last week. The Defence solicitor for Tadas Klementavicius of Nicholas Street, Dundalk told Judge John Coughlan his client was carrying the items to protect himself. Insp. Martin Beggy told the court on Wednesday that Gardai were on patrol when they came across the accused on Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk on April 5th last year. They recovered a yellow pen knife with a two inch blade in an open position and a small black canister of pepper spray. The Defence solicitor said his client who is originally from Lithuania and works in an air conditioning factory in Drogheda - had instructed him that the gas was for self-defence only. Judge John Coughlan imposed a two month sentence for possessing the C-S gas, but suspended it on the accused entering into a bond to be of good behaviour for two months and he marked the knife possession charge taken into account. However he warned the accused You come before me again Ill put you in Mountjoy for a long time. There is only one month left for students to apply for the 13 new PhD positions at European centre of excellence for sustainable water technology, Wetsus in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. Wetsus seeks highly motivated candidates with interest in water science and technology, with an MSc degree in microbiology, chemistry, (applied) physics, bio-technology, chemical engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines. The call for applications closes on 11 May 2018. The iconic building of Wetsus at the WaterCampus Leeuwarden. International research To stimulate mobility of researchers and to further internationalize the research program, Wetsus received funding for the WaterSEED project from the European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under a Marie Skodowska-Curie grant agreement. The best eligible candidates will be awarded a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship. Unique setting The Wetsus research program brings together research on water technology from over 16 universities from all over Europe in one physical location in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. The research is demand driven through active participation of more than 100 industrial partners in the program. Key elements in the program are the strong focus on interdisciplinary interaction, entrepreneurial skills and societal relevance. Well equipped research laboratory at Wetsus. Excellent facilities The PhD students will be working in an innovative, dynamic and future-directed institute on water technology research. You will work in close collaboration with industrial partners. Wetsus offers excellent research facilities. One floor of its building at the WaterCampus Leeuwarden is completely dedicated to the research. The floor plan consists of almost 500 m2 laboratory, divided in analytical, biological, chemical and synthesis laboratories. Read more about the PhD positions. Read also on this website Wetsus enters third phase Barley Water Prize to recover phosphorus from/Lake Simcoe, Canada, 12 March 2018 International audit qualifies Wetsus as world class water technology institute, 10 October 2017 Wetsus has 8 PhD positions for top water technology scientists at WaterCampus Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, 21 September 2016 Expertise: Water technology More information Wetsus Leeuwarden, the Netherlands www.phdpositionswetsus.eu Vlog by Raquel Barbosa (Portugal 2nd year) and Elias Bodner (Finland 1st year) telling about there lives as a PhD student at Wetsus. King Mohammed VI of Morocco Thursday conveyed a message of condolences and compassion to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the wake of the military plane crash which killed 257 people among whom members of the Polisario separatist front. The King expressed his sympathy to the Algerian President, and his sincere feelings of compassion and esteem, praying God to protect Algeria and its brotherly people from every misfortune. A plane belonging to the Algerian army crashed early Wednesday few moments after taking off from the Boufarek military base, some 30 Km to the south of capital Algiers. All the 257 passengers onboard, mostly Algerian troops, were killed in the crash. The victims included 30 members of the Polisario, a, Algeria-backed separatist movement confronting Morocco over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Following the crash, President Bouteflika decreed three days of morning while the Polisario declared a seven-day mourning. The Senate voted on Thursday to confirm former Inhofe staffer and coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler to the position of deputy administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to serve as Scott Pruitt's second in command. Democrats Heitkamp, Manchin and Donnelly joined with Republicans to give approval for Wheeler to move into a position regulating the industry on whose behalf he was just lobbying (for Murray Energy.) And because Wheeler would become acting administrator in the event that Pruitt resigns or is fired, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) likened it to "a shadow confirmation vote for the next administrator of the EPA." "Andrew Wheeler's coal credentials are without equal. He is, without question, a member of the coal industry's Hall of Fame," said Markey, the AP reported. "Sadly, I am concerned that Andrew Wheeler's background means that he will never understand that saving coal is not the job of the EPA," Markey added. "It is the EPA's job to regulate coal to protect public health and the environment." According to the AP, environmental groups said that Pruitt and Wheeler could be a devastating combination. "Before the Trump administration, it would have been inconceivable that a coal and chemical industry lobbyist with a long history of hostility toward environmental policy would be the No. 2 at EPA," said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group. As reported by the Washington Post, "Wheeler has changed his tune" about Trump after vehemently opposing his candidacy: "Wheeler wrote a post on his personal Facebook account the day before Super Tuesday pleading with those considering voting for Trump to reconsider. In his six-point critique, Wheeler questioned Trump's character, business acumen and viability as a general-election candidate. Trump was a 'bully,' Wheeler wrote in the since-deleted Facebook post obtained by The Post. He said that Trump 'hasn't been that successful' in business and 'has more baggage then all of the other Republican candidates combined.' Wheeler added that Trump 'has demonstrated through the debates and interviews that he doesn't understand how the government works.'" For a deeper dive: News: AP, New York Times, Mother Jones, CNN, Washington Post, WSJ, HuffPost, Inside Climate News, The Hill, Think Progress For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News. The UK's vote to leave the EU in June of 2016 is often compared to the U.S. election of Donald Trump as part of a populist, xenophobic reaction against increasing globalization and business-as-usual politics. But is Brexit as much of a danger to the environment as Trump's presidency has turned out to be? The UK isn't planning to withdraw from the Paris agreement anytime soon, but a March risk analysis commissioned by Friends of the Earth found that environmental protections are likely to weaken in any potential Brexit deal, The Guardian reported Thursday. Researchers from the University of Sheffield, Queen's University Belfast and the University of East Anglia studied five different trade arrangements and 15 different environmental policies, and found that all posed a "very high risk" to birds and habitats, according to The Guardian. Overall, a model that resembles Norway's close relationship to the EU was the best for the environment, and a "chaotic no deal" model that represents a total separation was the worst. Every model except the Norwegian model would pose high risk or very high risk to water frameworks, urban wastewater, ground water, nitrates, climate and energy, ambient air quality, agri-environment, food and welfare standards, and fisheries and marine protection. Air quality has in particular emerged as a major public health focus in the UK, as a parliamentary joint-inquiry in March called air pollution in the country "a national health emergency." The study calls into question assurances from the UK government that Brexit would be "green." In an opinion piece for Politico cited by The Guardian, the UK environmental secretary Michael Gove called Brexit "a chance to take back control of our environment." He held up a 25-year environment plan launched by UK Prime Minister Theresa May in January that "shows the way to Green Brexit and beyond." But the risk analysis found the plan low on detail, and the details it did provide less ambitious than current EU law. "The 25-year plan was depressing and concerning," analysis author and Sheffield University professor Charlotte Burns told The Guardian. "If the government is not tied down to strict standards, we will see waning investment in the environment and less capacity for NGOs to challenge what they do in the courts." According to the executive summary of the analysis, Brexit could also weaken EU environmental policy, since the UK had lobbied for more aggressive climate change action and more eco-friendly agricultural practices. To avoid backsliding, the summary recommended that the UK and EU write environmental regulations, such as an "environmental non-regression clause" into any new trade deals. "We were promised that Brexit wouldn't harm our environmentbut this analysis shows that under all scenarios currently on the table, this promise will be broken," Friends of the Earth's Kierra Box told The Guardian. "We hope this report will spur parliament to make much needed changes to the withdrawal bill currently in the process of going through parliament, to lock in guarantees for our environment that the report authors have found lacking so far," she said Sweden inaugurated on Wednesday the first road of its kind that can recharge commercial and passenger car batteries while driving. The eRoadArlanda project consists of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of electric rail installed on a public road outside Arlanda Airport. The innovation was funded by the Swedish Transport Administration and is part of the government's goal of fossil fuel-free transportation infrastructure by 2030. According to the project website, the road works by transferring energy from an electrified rail to a movable arm attached underneath the vehicle. The arm is able to detect and lower onto the electrified section when the vehicle drives above it. The road is divided into 50-meter sections, with each section supplying power only when a vehicle is above it. When the vehicle stops, the current is disconnected. The system is also able to calculate the vehicle's energy consumption, which enables electricity costs to be debited per vehicle and user. A diesel-turned-electric truck owned by logistics firm PostNord is the first to use the road. Over the next 12 months, the truck will stay juiced as it shuttles deliveries between Arlanda Airport and its distribution center 12 kilometers away, The Local reported. "Everything is 100 percent automatic, based on the connector magnetically sensing the road," Hans Sall, chairman of the eRoadArlanda consortium and business development director at construction firm NCC, told The Local. "As a driver you drive as usual, the connector goes down onto the track automatically and if you leave the track, it goes up automatically." The developers claim that electrified roads can cut fossil fuel emissions by 80 to 90 percent. According to the project website, "operating costs will be minimal, due to significant reductions in energy consumption arising from the use of efficient electric engines. Electricity is also a cleaner, quieter and less expensive source of energy, compared with diesel." Sall told the Guardian, "If we electrify 20,000 kilometers of highways that will definitely be be enough." "The distance between two highways is never more than 45 kilometers and electric cars can already travel that distance without needing to be recharged. Some believe it would be enough to electrify 5,000 kilometers," he added. According to the Guardian, electrification will cost about 1 million ($1.23 million) per kilometer, which is said to be 50 times lower than the cost of building an urban tram line. "One of the most important issues of our time is the question of how to make fossil-free road transportation a reality," Sall said in a statement. "We now have a solution that will make this possible, which is amazing. Sweden is at the cutting edge of this technology, which we now hope to introduce in other areas of the country and the world." Could Monsanto's six-decade presence in India be coming to a halt? On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court ruled that the biotech giant cannot claim patents for Bollgard and Bollgard II, its genetically modified cotton seeds, in the country. Citing India's Patents Act of 1970, the court said that plant varieties and seeds cannot be patented, thereby rejecting Monsanto's attempt to block its Indian licensee, Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd., from selling the seeds. "What it means is effectively Monsanto has no patent on seeds in India and they have never had it. They have tried to hoodwink the seed companies and farmers for years claiming they have a patent and making huge amounts of money from that," Diya Kapur, a lawyer for Nuziveedu Seeds, told Bloomberg. As Dilsher Dhillon wrote in Business Insider India, Wednesday's verdict could prompt Monsanto to pull out of the country: With the latest ruling, Monsanto's claims against Nuziveedu for unpaid royalties have been waived because its patents are invalid. It will now have to settle for the rates decided by the government. This is a significant blow for Monsanto, the world's largest seed producer, as it currently licenses its seeds to nearly 50 domestic companies through its local joint venture with Mahyco Seeds Ltd. It could, in all probability, lead to the company's complete exit from India. Monsanto had already threatened to stop business in India after the government imposed price controls on cotton seeds in 2016. Monsanto first introduced its GM-technology in India in 1995. Today, more than 90 percent of the country's cotton crop is genetically modified. These crops have been inserted with a pest-resistant toxin called Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt. Business Insider's Dhillon noted that the ruling has significant implications for Monsanto and farmers alike: While yields have increased significantly, Monsanto has long been accused of overcharging farmers for its seeds, especially given the fact that their ability to resist pests diminishes with time. The high cost of seeds and royalties left thousands of farmers in a vicious cycle of debt, which inevitably led to many suicides when crops failed. As a result, the government was forced to start regulating Bt cotton prices in 2006. Hence, the Delhi High Court's ruling can be seen as a moral reckoning on Monsanto. But it also has wider implications. Yes, it will reduce prices for farmers, given that seed licensing companies pass on the royalty costs to them, but it could prove to be the death knell for innovation in the agriculture sectorsomething that will hurt farmers in the long run. However, the company's presence in India may ultimately be decided by its pending mega-merger with Bayer AG. "Bayer is generally seen as a company with a more collaborative approach towards governments. If Bayer sits down at the negotiating table with the Indian government and works out a solution, then it's possible that the next generation of Bt cotton technology may still see the light of day in India at some point in the future, although it may take years," Abhijit R. Akella, vice president at IIFL Institutional Equities, told Mint. A Monsanto India spokesman said the company was "very disappointed" with the court's ruling. "Today's order will have wide-ranging, negative implications for biotech-based innovation across many sectors within India, and is inconsistent with other international markets where agricultural innovation has flourished," the spokesman said. Monsanto said it might challenge the decision in India's Supreme Court. When Mike Pompeo was director of the CIA, there were concerns that his climate change waffling would prevent him from taking it seriously as a national security threat. A Politico analysis of the Trump team's climate views, reported on by EcoWatch in March, pointed out that the Pentagon had excluded climate change from the 2018 National Defense Strategy, and quoted a 2013 interview in which Pompeo hedged on climate science. "There's some who think we're warming, there's some who think we're cooling, there's some who think that the last 16 years have shown a pretty stable climate environment," he had said. But now that Pompeo is seeking Senate confirmation to replace Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, a role for which an accurate assessment of national security risks is also essential, he is changing his climate tune somewhat. "[I] believe that the climate is changing, that there's a warming taking place. I'm happy to concede there is likely a human component to that," Pompeo said during his confirmation hearing Thursday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Quartz reported. He also said that the State Department should work to meet climate-based security threats. "You're heading in the right direction," Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who he had been addressing, said, according to Quartz. But an Associated Press live-update of the proceedings printed in the Washington Post reported that Democrats found his remarks "insufficient." During his 2017 Senate hearing to be named CIA director, Pompeo had refused to "get into the details of climate debate and science," Quartz reported. His most climate-accurate remarks to date come two days after more than 200 environmental groups sent a letter to senators asking them to reject Pompeo for the secretary of state position due to his history of climate change denial, The HIll reported. "Any Senator who votes in support of his nomination to the important position of Secretary of State is complicit in advancing the Trump/Pompeo pro-fossil fuel, anti-climate agenda," The HIll reported the letter read, in part. Tillerson, who Pompeo would replace if confirmed, ended up being one of the more climate-friendly members of the Trump administration, despite his former role as CEO of ExxonMobil. He supported staying in the Paris agreement, though he also cut the position of U.S. climate envoy. Pompeo's updated views on climate might not be enough to win him Tillerson's old gig. Since Republican Senator Rand Paul has already said he would not recommend Pompeo for secretary of state, if the two Democratic senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee join him, Pompeo would not get a favorable recommendation overall. Republicans could still bring Pompeo's nomination to a Senate vote without the recommendation of the committee, but it would be an unusual move, CNN reported Thursday. In a rebuke to efforts by the Heartland Institute and at least 10 state legislatures, a large majority of Americans believe climate change should be taught in schools, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) reported Wednesday. When the YPCCC asked Americans, "Should schools teach our children about the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to global warming?", a national average of 78 percent either somewhat or strongly agreed that they should. Moreover, a large majority shared that view in all of the 50 states and more than 3,000 counties surveyed, whether or not they favored Republicans or Democrats in elections. Yale Program on Climate Change Communication The results suggest that efforts in at least 10 states to alter how climate change is addressed in state educational standards are out of step with voters. For example, YPCCC holds up the case of Idaho, where state legislators argued that no section on human-caused climate change should be included in state science standards, but instead arguments for and against a human role should be presented. Scientists and educators successfully argued that such a move would damage the education and futures of students by presenting a scientific consensus on an urgent issue as up-for-debate. The final decision was in line with the majority of Idahoans views, since, according to YPCCC data, 76 percent of them support climate education. The same is true for the residents of other states debating their science standards, including Texas, Oklahoma and Kentucky. Yale Program on Climate Change Communication National Center for Science Education Deputy Director Glenn Branch told Business Insider in 2017 that, when it comes to determining state science standards, "the two topics that arouse the most discontent and controversy are climate change and evolution." But the YPCCC data suggests that that controversy is manufactured at the political level and not felt by most Americans. One key controversy-monger, according to YPCCC, is the climate-denying think tank the Heartland Institute. In March 2017, the fossil-fuel-funded group sent out 25,000 copies of a book called Why Scientists Disagree About Global Warming to science teachers nationwide. Despite that effort, majority opinion seems more in line with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a science-education template that Branch called "the gold standard." The NGSS clearly link human activity to climate change and have been accepted by 19 states and Washington, DC, Business Insider reported. However, more teacher education is needed to ensure U.S. school children are learning accurate climate science. YPCCC cited research published in Science that found that only 30 percent of middle school and 45 percent of high school science teachers understand the degree of scientific consensus on human-caused climate change. Worse, 30 percent of teachers who teach climate change tell their students it is due to natural causes. (By AgnosticPreachersKid - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7446061)The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Weekly church attendance has waned among U.S. Catholics in the past decade, while it has remained steady among Protestants, a new survey from Gallup has shown. From 2014 to 2017, an average of 39 percent of American Catholics reported attending church in the past seven days. This is down from an average of 45 percent from 2005 to 2008 and represents a steep decline from 75 percent in 1955, said Gallup. In 2009, Gallup had reported the steepest decline in church attendance among U.S. Catholics occurred between the 1950s and 1970s, when the percentage saying they had attended church in the past seven days fell by more than 20 percentage points. Through the mid-1990s before stabilizing in the mid-2000s, it then fell an average of four points a decade. "Since then, the downward trend has resumed, with the percentage attending in the past week falling another six points in the past decade," said Gallup. Back in 1955, practicing Catholics of all age groups would largely observe their weekly mass obligation. At that time, roughly three quarters of Catholics, regardless of their age, said they had attended church in the past week. This had begun to change in the 1960s, however, as young Catholics became gradually less likely to attend. The decline accelerated through the 1970s and has since continued at a slower pace. In the 1950s U.S. Protestants' church attendance was not nearly as high as Catholics', but it has not diminished over time. Protestants' church attendance dipped in the 1960s and 1970s among those aged 21 to 29, but it has since rebounded. Among those aged 60 and older, weekly attendance has grown by eight points since the 1950s. PROTESTANTS' PIE SHRINKING FASTER THAN CATHOLICS' While drawing parishioners to weekly services is essential for both Catholics and Protestants alike, so too is maintaining a large base of Americans identifying with each faith group. Although the rate at which Protestants attend church has stayed consistent over the past six decades, the percentage of Americans identifying as Protestant has declined sharply. It has fallen from 71 percent in 1955 to 47 percent in the mid-2010s. Since 1999, Gallup's definition of Protestants has included those using the generic term "Christian" as well as those calling themselves Protestant or naming a specific Protestant faith. By contrast, while the Catholic Church has suffered declining U.S. attendance., the overall percentage of Catholics has held firm, largely due to the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population. Twenty-two percent of U.S. adults today identify as Catholic, compared with 24 percent in 1955. Gallup notes, however, that a troubling sign for both Catholics and Protestants is that younger adults, particularly those aged 21 to 29, are less likely than older adults to identify as belonging to either confession. "This is partly because more young people identify as 'other' or with other non-Christian religions, but mostly because of the large proportion 33 percent -- identifying with no religion," says Gallup. OFT warns of child seat, baby carrier recall The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading is warning local residents of two items for babies and toddlers that have been recalled for safety reasons. The Britax Romer Dualfix Child Car Seat sold between November last year up to last month is the subject of a voluntary recall. Meanwhile, a Red Kite 3 Way Baby Carrier is being recalled because of a manufacturing defect with some units. Anyone who has bought an item that could be affected should contact the manufacturer immediately. To access this article please sign-in below or register for a free one-month trial. Luxembourg pension reserve fund Fonds de Compensation (FDC) has made a request for proposals (RfP) for an ESG mandate worth 1 billion ($1.2 billion). To access the premium content on Environmental Finance, you must first sign in to your account Not registered? Take a free no obligation one-month trial. Register for a trial @alextdaugherty @newsbysmiley President Donald Trump is coming to South Florida to talk up the GOP tax bill on Monday, but a Miami Republican who played a role in its creationand who is facing a tough reelectionwon't be there. Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a member of the House tax writing committee that drafted the tax bill signed into law by Trump late last year, is in Lima this weekend at the Summit of the Americas and won't be back in time for the Monday afternoon event, according to spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez. "Congressman Curbelo is part of the U.S. Delegation to the Summit of the Americas, taking place in Peru this weekend, promoting our engagement in the region," Rodriguez said in an email. "The delegation is not set to return until Monday so he is currently not expected to make it back in time to attend the event in Miami." Curbelo had plans to attend the summit well before Trumps event was announced, Rodriguez said. The Monday event is an official White House event and not a Trump campaign stop, though Curbelo appearing alongside a president who overwhelmingly lost Curbelo's Miami-to-Key West district to Hillary Clinton could be ad fodder for Democrats seeking to defeat him in November. Curbelo's campaign previously said he doesn't invite people to campaign with him but "anyone who wants to support Carlos' efforts and endorse his bipartisan approach to public service is welcome to do so." Miami Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who doesn't have a serious Democratic opponent and who has worked with Trump on Cuba policy and immigration, confirmed that he will attend the event, though details have not been publicly released yet by the White House. Sen. Marco Rubio's office did not immediately respond when asked if he plans to attend, though Rubio is also attending the Summit of the Americas in Peru. Engineers have proposed a coordinated control architecture for motion management in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to increase safety and comfort across all vehicles, regardless of ADAS specifics. They published their proposal in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, a joint publication of the IEEE and the Chinese Association of Automation. "The modern automobile is a complex system of systems. How the functionalities of advanced driver assistance are implemented and coordinated across the systems of the vehicle is generally not made available to the wider research community by the developers and manufactures," wrote Tzu-Chi Lin, a research engineer with the Warwick Manufacturing Group in the United Kingdom, and an author on the paper. "This paper seeks to begin filling this gap by assembling open source physics models of the vehicle dynamics and ADAS command models." One of the most common ADAS alerts drivers when the car drifts out of their lane, or helps a driver intentionally change lanes. "Each of the various types of ADAS systems in service today generally provide a unique feature for the user that is implemented through additional control of one of the vehicle's systems, e.g. braking or steering," Lin wrote. "ADAS systems must not be regarded as a substitute for drivers but rather as a co-driver, even if direct involvement in some of the driving tasks is not required." With that in mind, Lin and his team integrated physics models of vehicle dynamics and ADAS command models. They ran simulations on this combined information, and analyzed how control from different, independent vehicle systems might influence the vehicle trajectory as it changes lanes. They found that the steering system caused the simulated vehicle to undershoot, while the brake system overshot. "On the other hand, the 'coordinated control' strategy successfully damped out the deviation errors, and gave much greater precision in following the intended trajectory," Lin wrote. The researchers will continue to explore the system of systems control architecture to better develop coordinated control in ADAS. They will also examine how new systems interfere with existing systems to fully understand control performance and stability. Engineers from the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering of Loughborough University and systems engineering of Jaguar Land Rover contributed to this research. The work was supported by the Programme for Simulation Innovation at Loughborough University. ### Fulltext of the paper is available: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=8283970 IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica (JAS) is a joint publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Chinese Association of Automation. The objective of JAS is high quality and rapid publication of articles, with a strong focus on new trends, original theoretical and experimental research and developments, emerging technologies, and industrial standards in automation. The coverage of JAS includes but is not limited to: Automatic control,Artificial intelligence and intelligent control, Systems theory and engineering, Pattern recognition and intelligent systems, Automation engineering and applications, Information processing and information systems, Network based automation, Robotics, Computer-aided technologies for automation systems, Sensing and measurement, Navigation, guidance, and control. JAS is indexed by IEEE, ESCI, EI, Inspec, Scopus, SCImago, CSCD, CNKI. We are pleased to announce the new 2016 CiteScore (released by Elsevier) is 2.16, ranking 26% among 211 publications in Control and System Engineering category. To learn more about JAS, please visit: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=6570654 http://www.ieee-jas.org SLAC and its collaborators are transforming the way new materials are discovered. In a new report, they combine artificial intelligence and accelerated experiments to discover potential alternatives to steel in a fraction of the time Blend two or three metals together and you get an alloy that usually looks and acts like a metal, with its atoms arranged in rigid geometric patterns. But once in a while, under just the right conditions, you get something entirely new: a futuristic alloy called metallic glass that's amorphous, with its atoms arranged every which way, much like the atoms of the glass in a window. Its glassy nature makes it stronger and lighter than today's best steel, plus it stands up better to corrosion and wear. Even though metallic glass shows a lot of promise as a protective coating and alternative to steel, only a few thousand of the millions of possible combinations of ingredients have been evaluated over the past 50 years, and only a handful developed to the point that they may become useful. Now a group led by scientists at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Northwestern University has reported a shortcut for discovering and improving metallic glass -- and, by extension, other elusive materials -- at a fraction of the time and cost. The research group took advantage of a system at SLAC's Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) that combines machine learning -- a form of artificial intelligence where computer algorithms glean knowledge from enormous amounts of data -- with experiments that quickly make and screen hundreds of sample materials at a time. This allowed the team to discover three new blends of ingredients that form metallic glass, and to do this 200 times faster than it could be done before, they reported today in Science Advances. "It typically takes a decade or two to get a material from discovery to commercial use," said Northwestern Professor Chris Wolverton, an early pioneer in using computation and AI to predict new materials and a co-author of the paper. "This is a big step in trying to squeeze that time down. You could start out with nothing more than a list of properties you want in a material and, using AI, quickly narrow the huge field of potential materials to a few good candidates." The ultimate goal, he said, is to get to the point where a scientist could scan hundreds of sample materials, get almost immediate feedback from machine learning models and have another set of samples ready to test the next day -- or even within the hour. Over the past half century, scientists have investigated about 6,000 combinations of ingredients that form metallic glass, added paper co-author Apurva Mehta, a staff scientist at SSRL: "We were able to make and screen 20,000 in a single year." Just Getting Started While other groups have used machine learning to come up with predictions about where different kinds of metallic glass can be found, Mehta said, "The unique thing we have done is to rapidly verify our predictions with experimental measurements and then repeatedly cycle the results back into the next round of machine learning and experiments." There's plenty of room to make the process even speedier, he added, and eventually automate it to take people out of the loop altogether so scientists can concentrate on other aspects of their work that require human intuition and creativity. "This will have an impact not just on synchrotron users, but on the whole materials science and chemistry community," Mehta said. The team said the method will be useful in all kinds of experiments, especially in searches for materials like metallic glass and catalysts whose performance is strongly influenced by the way they're manufactured, and those where scientists don't have theories to guide their search. With machine learning, no previous understanding is needed. The algorithms make connections and draw conclusions on their own, and this can steer research in unexpected directions. "One of the more exciting aspects of this is that we can make predictions so quickly and turn experiments around so rapidly that we can afford to investigate materials that don't follow our normal rules of thumb about whether a material will form a glass or not," said paper co-author Jason Hattrick-Simpers, a materials research engineer at NIST. "AI is going to shift the landscape of how materials science is done, and this is the first step." Strength in Numbers The paper is the first scientific result associated with a DOE-funded pilot project where SLAC is working with a Silicon Valley AI company, Citrine Informatics, to transform the way new materials are discovered and make the tools for doing that available to scientists everywhere. Founded by former graduate students from Stanford and Northwestern universities, Citrine has created a materials science data platform where data that had been locked away in published papers, spreadsheets and lab notebooks is stored in a consistent format so it can be analyzed with AI specifically designed for materials. "We want to take materials and chemical data and use them effectively to design new materials and optimize manufacturing," said Greg Mulholland, founder and CEO of the company. "This is the power of artificial intelligence: As scientists generate more data, it learns alongside them, bringing hidden trends to the surface and allowing scientists to identify high-performance materials much faster and more effectively than relying on traditional, purely human-driven materials development." Until recently, thinking up, making and assessing new materials was painfully slow. For instance, the authors of the metallic glass paper calculated that even if you could cook up and examine five potential types of metallic glass a day, every day of the year, it would take more than a thousand years to plow through every possible combination of metals. When they do discover a metallic glass, researchers struggle to overcome problems that hold these materials back. Some have toxic or expensive ingredients, and all of them share glass's brittle, shatter-prone nature. Over the past decade, scientists at SSRL and elsewhere have developed ways to automate experiments so they can create and study more novel materials in less time. Today, some SSRL users can get a preliminary analysis of their data almost as soon as it comes out with AI software developed by SSRL in conjunction with Citrine and the CAMERA project at DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "With these automated systems we can analyze more than 2,000 samples per day," said Fang Ren, the paper's lead author, who developed algorithms to analyze data on the fly and coordinated their integration into the system while a postdoctoral scholar at SLAC. Experimenting with Data In the metallic glass study, the research team investigated thousands of alloys that each contain three cheap, nontoxic metals. They started with a trove of materials data dating back more than 50 years, including the results of 6,000 experiments that searched for metallic glass. The team combed through the data with advanced machine learning algorithms developed by Wolverton and graduate student Logan Ward at Northwestern. Based on what the algorithms learned in this first round, the scientists crafted two sets of sample alloys using two different methods, allowing them to test how manufacturing methods affect whether an alloy morphs into a glass. Both sets of alloys were scanned by an SSRL X-ray beam, the data fed into the Citrine database, and new machine learning results generated, which were used to prepare new samples that underwent another round of scanning and machine learning. By the experiment's third and final round, Mehta said, the group's success rate for finding metallic glass had increased from one out of 300 or 400 samples tested to one out of two or three samples tested. The metallic glass samples they identified represented three different combinations of ingredients, two of which had never been used to make metallic glass before. ### SSRL is a DOE Office of Science user facility. In addition to SLAC, NIST and Northwestern, scientists contributing to this study came from the University of Chicago's Computation Institute, the University of South Carolina and the University of New South Wales in Australia. The SLAC pilot project with Citrine is funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Office of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and includes collaborating scientists from NIST, DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Colorado School of Mines. The CAMERA project at Berkeley Lab is supported by the DOE Office of Science. SLAC is a multi-program laboratory exploring frontier questions in photon science, astrophysics, particle physics and accelerator research. Located in Menlo Park, California, SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. To learn more, please visit http://www.slac.stanford.edu. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. OAK RIDGE, Tenn., April 13, 2018 - A team led by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a safer cladding for nuclear fuel rods. The new material, an alloy of iron, chromium and aluminum, avoids zirconium. As a result, it should give plant operators substantially more time to react to incidents such as a station blackout. The fuel rods at civilian nuclear power plants have been sheathed with an evolving zirconium alloy for the past six decades. Zirconium as the preferred base metal was chosen in the 1950s by Hyman Rickover, then a captain and later an admiral, as he worked to take nuclear technology and use it to power ships and submarines. His choice of cladding, as well as the light-water reactors that powered these vessels, was adapted by the nuclear power industry and dominates plants throughout the world. Zirconium absorbs very few of the neutrons that drive a nuclear reactor, so zirconium alloys made sense as a fuel cladding--as long as the reactor operated as planned. If a reactor loses its cooling water, however, the zirconium can make a bad problem worse. "The issue is you have anywhere between 20 and 40 tons of zirconium metal in these reactor cores," explained ORNL nuclear engineer Kurt Terrani, who heads up the project. "Zirconium reacts with steam at high temperature, and when it reacts it produces a lot of heat and a lot of hydrogen." The job for Terrani's team, as the innovation engine of the consortium led by General Electric, was to create a zirconium-free alloy that would generate as little hydrogen as possible during incidents while at the same time matching the performance of the nuclear fuel rod cladding that is in use today. The project was out of the ordinary for at least three reasons, Terrani explained. In the first place, the team was not interested in testing existing alloys to see if one might be appropriate. Instead, it designed the new alloy from scratch with a diverse team that included experts in nuclear engineering, materials science, radiation effects, corrosion, thermomechanics and alloy fabrication. The approach made use of the wide range of tools and expertise available at ORNL, DOE's biggest science and energy laboratory. The new cladding also underwent testing at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor and Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Test Reactor, as well as the Halden research reactor in Norway. "This was by no means an Edisonian approach," Terrani said, alluding to the trial-and-error approach made famous by Thomas Edison. "We worked with knowledge and tools that were not available in Rickover's day. We designed an alloy that we knew was going to work. I'm not surprised that this alloy behaves so well under different conditions; we designed it to do so." Secondly, the team was able to identify and produce the alloy in six years, which is lightning fast in the nuclear industry. Conventional wisdom says the project should have taken twice the time, Terrani said. Thirdly, he added, the project is unusual because the research and development is complete. "The other thing I'm very proud of is we are ready to stop working on this," he said. "We feel like we delivered it, the industry is running with it. We want to put a big fat red bow on it." It has now been turned over to the industry for testing and evaluation. The new cladding was placed in a reactor at Southern Nuclear's Hatch Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia for testing in February, Terrani said, and subsequent installations are planned. ### Key collaborators on the project include Yukinori Yamamoto of ORNL's Alloy Behavior and Design Group, Kevin Field of the lab's Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Team, and Bruce Pint, leader of the lab's Corrosion Science and Technology Group. This research was funded by DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy and leveraged ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor, a DOE Office of Science User Facility. ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle for DOE's Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit http://science.energy.gov/.--by Leo Williams Image: https://www.ornl.gov/sites/default/files/news/images/2017-P04785%202%5B2%5D.jpg Caption: ORNL-designed nuclear fuel cladding is now undergoing tests at Southern Nuclear's Hatch Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia, with additional tests planned for later this year. Credit: Jason Richards/ Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy NOTE TO EDITORS: You may read other press releases from Oak Ridge National Laboratory or learn more about the lab at http://www.ornl.gov/news. Additional information about ORNL is available at the sites below: Twitter - http://twitter.com/ornl RSS Feeds - http://www.ornl.gov/ornlhome/rss_feeds.shtml Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakridgelab YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/OakRidgeNationalLab LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/companies/oak-ridge-national-laboratory Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Oak.Ridge.National.Laboratory 13 April 2018, Paris, France: An analysis of outcomes and costs for German patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who develop compensated cirrhosis was presented today at The International Liver Congress 2018 in Paris, France. Healthcare costs for this population spiked in the first year after compensated cirrhosis diagnosis. Comorbidities were common and one in five patients died within a year of cirrhosis diagnosis, highlighting the need for new treatment options to improve outcomes in these patients. NAFLD is a major cause of liver disease worldwide with a global prevalence of 25% that is, alarmingly, thought to be rising, fueled by the global epidemic of obesity.9 The progression from NAFLD to NASH to advanced fibrosis is well established.9 For patients with NAFLD/NASH, increased morbidity and mortality is associated with increasing fibrosis. 10 'We know that compensated cirrhosis is often caused by NASH, but data on the associated morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization and costs within the population of Germany are lacking', explained Dr Ali Canbay from the University of Magdeburg Medical School in Germany, and lead author of the study. 'We were able to extract these data from a large, anonymized billing database'. The study presented by Dr Canbay obtained retrospective claims data for adult patients with a NAFLD/NASH diagnosis between 2011 and 2016 using the InGef FDB database (which contains anonymized billing data for about 6.3 million persons in about 60 health insurances in Germany).11,12 A total of 800 patients who had a subsequent diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis were included in the analysis. Of these, 245 (30.6%) individuals progressed to end-stage liver diseases (ESLDs) (progressors) and 555 (69.4%) remained cirrhotic (non-progressors) within 1 year of follow-up after their cirrhosis index diagnosis. Comorbidities, all-cause mortality within 1 year of the cirrhosis index diagnosis, annual healthcare utilization, annual mean costs (1 year pre-index to 1 year post-index period) and cumulative mean costs (1 year to maximum 5 years pre-index and post-index period) were presented. In the 1-year pre-index period, the most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (78.8 %), type-2 diabetes mellitus (52.6%), cardiovascular diseases (48.8%) and hyperlipidaemia (47.5%). In the first year of the post-index period, 19.4% of the patients died. This percentage was significantly higher for progressors (46.1%) than non-progressors (7.6%) (p<0.05). Following the cirrhosis diagnosis, the mean annual number of all-cause hospitalizations and emergency room visits increased significantly by 91% and 106.8%, respectively (p<0.05). During the 1-year pre-index period, the mean of annual all-cause healthcare cost was 6,146 per patient. In the first post-index year there was a substantial and significant increase (93%, p<0.05) in annual all-cause healthcare cost per patient to a mean of 11,877. The primary driver of healthcare costs was the inpatient setting, which accounted for 42.0% of pre-index costs and 68.4% of post-index costs. Cumulative mean costs for cirrhosis patients increased 143% over the 5-year period of the study (p<0.05). 'We demonstrated that German patients with NAFLD/NASH who develop compensated cirrhosis have a substantial burden of comorbidities and that their healthcare costs jump with the development of cirrhosis', said Dr Canbay. 'Novel treatment options are needed to improve patient outcomes'. 'This study highlights the burden of NASH cirrhosis on healthcare systems and reinforces the need for new therapies to tackle the epidemic currently affecting many European countries', said Prof. Phil Newsome from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University of Birmingham, UK, and EASL Governing Board Member. ### About The International Liver Congress This annual congress is the biggest event in the EASL calendar, attracting scientific and medical experts from around the world to learn about the latest in liver research. Attending specialists present, share, debate and conclude on the latest science and research in hepatology, working to enhance the treatment and management of liver disease in clinical practice. This year, the congress is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates from all corners of the globe. The International Liver Congress 2018 will take place from 11-15 April 2018 at the Paris Convention Centre, Paris, France. About The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Since its foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organization has grown to over 4,000 members from all over the world, including many of the leading hepatologists in Europe and beyond. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, having evolved into a major European association with international influence, and with an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy. Contact For more information, please contact the ILC Press Office at: Onsite location reference Session title: Parallel session: Public health: General Time, date and location of session: 12. April 2018, 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM, West 2 Presenter: Ali Canbay, Germany Abstract: Substantial comorbidities and rising economic burden in real-world non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients with compensated cirrhosis (CC): A large German claims database study (2665) Author disclosures Ali Canbay disclosures: Shire, Alexion, Falk The analyses were performed in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Greiner and the Institut fur angewandte Gesundheitsforschung (InGef) The study was financially supported by Gilead Sciences Europe, Ltd. References 9. Younossi ZM, et al. Global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology. 2016;64(1):73-84. 10. Hagstrom H, et al. Fibrosis stage but not NASH predicts mortality and time to development of severe liver disease in biopsy-proven NAFLD. J Hepatol. 2017;67(6):1265-73. 11. Andersohn F, Walker J. Characteristics and external validity of the German Health Risk Institute (HRI) Database Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2016;25(1):106-9. 12. The Institute for Applied Health Research (InGef). Health research: methods. Available from: http://www.ingef.de/gesundheitsforschung/methoden/. Last accessed: February 2018. 13 April 2018, Paris, France: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) waiting for a liver transplant in the USA are now significantly less likely to receive a new liver than they were around a decade ago. A nationwide study presented today at The International Liver Congress 2018 in Paris, France, has confirmed that patients with HCC on the liver transplant list in the USA were more than 50% less likely to receive a transplant in 2014-2016 than they were in 2005-2007. Patients with Medicaid insurance were also significantly less likely to undergo liver transplantation than those with private/commercial insurance. 'This is a very worrying trend and reflects the continued imbalance between the number of patients with HCC in need of liver transplantation and the limited number of donor livers available', said Dr Jennifer Wang from the California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, USA, who presented the study findings today. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary tumour of the liver, with average survival estimated to be 18 months.1,2 Liver transplantation is a guideline-recommended treatment for people with HCC,3 although individuals must meet strict criteria in order to join the waiting list.1,3 A recent study has shown that HCC is the most common indication for liver transplantation and placement on the waiting list in the USA.4 However, limited organ availability and an increasing demand has extended transplant waiting times, and increased morbidity and mortality amongst those listed.3 The study presented today was undertaken to evaluate overall trends in the probability of receiving a liver transplant among US adults with HCC on the transplant list. Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing Liver Transplant Registry were analyzed by year of listing (2005-2007, 2008-2010, 2011-2013, and 2014-2016), and stratified by age and insurance type. When stratified by age, the probability of receiving a liver transplant within 1 year of listing was highest amongst HCC patients aged 50-59 years (64.6%) and lowest amongst those aged 60-69 years (58.1%) (p<0.01). When stratified by insurance type, the probability of receiving a liver transplant within 1 year was highest amongst those with private/commercial insurance (63.6%) and lowest amongst those with Medicare insurance (52.8%) (p<0.001). In 2005-2007, the probability of receiving a liver transplant in the first year of joining the waiting list was 81.5% compared with just 51.7% in 2014-2016 (p<0.001). A multivariate regression analysis confirmed that HCC patients who joined the liver transplant waiting list in 2014-2016 were significantly less likely to receive a transplant than those who joined the list in 2005-2007 (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.40, 0.46; p<0.001). 'This means that, despite the increasing numbers of adults with HCC waiting for a liver transplant in the USA, patients are now 57% less likely to receive one than they were in the mid-2000s', said Dr Wang. As well as the lack of donor livers, Dr Wang believes that the findings from her study also reflect disparities in the rates of liver transplantation amongst HCC patients - especially patients from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with Medicaid-type insurance. She also believes that the increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as a cause of HCC and the increasing numbers of patients with early-stage HCC that are eligible for liver transplantation have contributed to the current situation. 'Ultimately, this situation will only improve when newer therapies and more curative options for HCC become available', said Dr Wang. 'In the meantime, we need more research to help us understand the disparities identified in our study so that targeted interventions can be developed to ensure more equitable access to liver transplantation for all our HCC patients'. 'This increase in the proportion of patients who are potential candidates for liver transplantation will be associated with an irremediable increase in the waiting time and of the drop-out due to tumour progression', said Prof. Alejandro Forner from the Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Spain, and EASL Governing Board Member. 'Efforts should be directed to design prioritising strategies to facilitate access to liver transplantation for patients affected by HCC, without harming the patients listed due to impaired liver function'. ### About The International Liver Congress This annual congress is the biggest event in the EASL calendar, attracting scientific and medical experts from around the world to learn about the latest in liver research. Attending specialists present, share, debate and conclude on the latest science and research in hepatology, working to enhance the treatment and management of liver disease in clinical practice. This year, the congress is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates from all corners of the globe. The International Liver Congress 2018 will take place from 11-15 April 2018 at the Paris Convention Centre, Paris, France. About The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Since its foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organization has grown to over 4,000 members from all over the world, including many of the leading hepatologists in Europe and beyond. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, having evolved into a major European association with international influence, and with an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy. Contact For more information, please contact the ILC Press Office at: Onsite location reference Session title: Liver tumours: Clinical aspects except therapy Time, date and location of session: 13. April 2018, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM Presenter: Jennifer Wang, USA Abstract: While hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States, the probability of receiving liver transplantation among adults with HCC has rapidly declined (1128) Author disclosures Jennifer Wang: None reported. Robert Gish: Dr. Gish has received Grants/Research Support from AbbVie, Benitec Biopharma, Gilead Sciences, and Merck & Co. Dr. Gish has performed as Consultant and/or Advisor to AbbVie, Akshaya Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Hoffman-LaRoche, Ltd., Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Merck & Co., Nanogen Biopharmaceutical, and Presidio Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Gish has current activity with the scientific or clinical advisory boards of AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Merck & Co., and Nanogen Biopharmaceutical. Dr. Gish is a member of the Speakers Bureau for AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, and Merck. Dr. Gish is a minor stock shareholder of Cocrystal Pharma. Benny Liu: None reported. Taft Bhuket: None reported. Robert Wong: Dr. Wong receives research funding from Gilead Sciences and Abbvie, has served as a consultant and member of the advisory board for Gilead Sciences, and serves on the speaker's bureau for Gilead Sciences, Salix, and Bayer. Dr. Wong is also funded by an AASLD Foundational Clinical and Translational Research Award in Liver Diseases. References 1. Byam J, et al. Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr. 2013;2(1):22-30. 2. Maluccio M, et al. Survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): A report of 1444 patients treated within a multidisciplinary program. J Clin Oncol. 2017;35(15_suppl):e15652. 3. European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Liver transplantation. J Hepatol. 2016;64(2):433-85. 4. Yang JD, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common indication for liver transplantation and placement on the waitlist in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;15(5):767-75.e3. ? [Summary] The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT, President: Hideyuki Tokuda, Ph.D) Network System Research Institute and Fujikura Ltd. (Fujikura, President: Masahiko Ito) developed a 3-mode optical fiber, capable of wide-band wavelength multiplexing transmission with standard outer diameter (0.125 mm) that can be cabled with existing equipment. We have successfully demonstrated a transmission experiment over 1045 km with a data-rate of 159 Tb/s. Multimode fibers have different propagation delays between optical signals in different modes that makes it difficult to simultaneously satisfy large data-rates and long distance transmission. This achievement shows that such limitations may be overcome. Converting the results to the product of data-rate and distance, which is a general indicator of transmission capability, results in 166 Pb/skm. This is the world record in a standard outer diameter few-mode optical fiber and the largest data-rate over 1000 km for any kind of standard-diameter fiber. In order to achieve the transmission capacity of 159 Tb/s, mode multiplexing is used in combination with 16-QAM (quadrature-amplitude modulation), which is a practical high-density multilevel modulation optical signal, for all 348 wavelengths and MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) enables unscrambling of mixed modal signals even after transmission over more than 1000 km. This shows that standard outer diameter multimode fibers can be used for communication of high capacity optical backbone transmission systems. The results of this demonstration were selected for presentation as a post-deadline paper at the 41st Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC2018). [Background] In order to cope with ever-increasing communication traffic, research on large-scale optical transmission using new types of optical fiber exceeding the limit of conventional optical fiber and its application is actively conducted all over the world. The main new types of optical fibers studied are multicore fibers in which multiple passages (cores) are arranged in an optical fiber and multimode fibers that support multiple propagation modes in a single core with a larger core diameter. Up to now, successful transmission experiments of large capacity and long distance have been reported for multicore fiber, but it was considered that transmission which satisfied both large capacity and long distance simultaneously was difficult in multimode fiber. [Achievements] In this work, NICT constructed a transmission system using an optical fiber developed by Fujikura and successfully transmitted over 1045 km with a data-rate of 159 Tb/s. Converting the results to the product of transmission data-rate and distance, which is a general indicator of transmission capability, is 166 Pb/skm. This is about twice the world record so far in the few-mode fibers. The transmission system consists of the following element technologies. 3-mode optical fiber with standard outer diameter 0.125 mm 348 wavelength optical comb light source 16-QAM multi-level modulation technology equivalent to 4 bits / single polarization symbol Separation technology of multimode optical signals with different propagation speeds in fiber (MIMO processing) We succeeded in transmitting over 1045 km using a standard 3-mode optical fiber. When laying of standard outer diameter optical fibers takes place, the existing equipment can be used and the practical use at an early stage is promising. Also, ultimate large-capacity transmission will become possible in the future if combined with multicore technology, which is researched by NICT in cooperation with industry, university and government in Japan. [Future Prospects] We will continue to research and develop future optical communication infrastructure technologies which can smoothly accommodate traffic such as big data and 5G network services. The results of this work were presented as a post deadline paper on the prestigious 41st Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC2018), held in San Diego, USA from March 11, 2018 until March 15, 2018. ### Two thirds of Earth's surface are covered by water -- and two thirds of Earth's atmosphere reside over the oceans, far from land and the traditional ways that people measure the gases and pollutants that cycle through the air and around the globe. While satellites in space measuring the major gases can close some of that gap, it takes an aircraft to find out what's really happening in the chemistry of the air above the oceans. That's where NASA's Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) mission comes in. Since 2016, a team of scientists with 25 advanced instruments aboard NASA's DC-8 research aircraft has sampled over 400 different gases and a broad range of airborne particles on month-long excursions from Alaska down the Pacific to New Zealand, then over to South America and up the Atlantic to Greenland, and across the Arctic Ocean. Far from land, the atmosphere above the ocean is where to find the cleanest air on the planet -- at least in theory. Over the course of three deployments, and with their fourth and final trek beginning in late April, the team has found surprising levels of pollutants above the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. "It is astounding to see such dense pollution in the middle of the ocean, so far from the source regions," said ATom's principal investigator Steve Wofsy of Harvard University, recalling their flight up the center of the Atlantic and their stop at Ascension Island halfway between Africa and South America, just south of the equator. "As we descended the first time, we were stunned to find ourselves in a thick haze of smoke and dust that originated in Africa, thousands of kilometers to the east. The haze had an unappealing yellow-brown hue and was so thick we couldn't see the ocean. All of the hundreds of pollutant chemicals we measure had very high amounts. On each revisit since that first one, we have found a similar pall extending for thousands of kilometers, spanning the entire tropical Atlantic Ocean," he said. Computer models that simulate the movement of the major gases such as carbon monoxide, created by incomplete combustion from fires, are one of the tools used by the ATom team to get an idea of what they might see on each leg of their flight. It's also one of the tools they are evaluating. "One of the great things about ATom is showing how well the model generally works," said Paul Newman, chief scientist of Earth science at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The model combines weather forecasts with known atmospheric chemistry to tell them where and when a pollution plume will intersect the flight path. "But it misses a lot of the detail. It's giving you an understanding of where the stuff is coming from, and that allows you to refine your science. So we're not out there discovering uncharted lands, but it's like, I have a map of Iowa, and I'll drive around there, and that map is probably, depending on how old it is, 95 percent right. It's the 5 percent wrong that's interesting." One of those interesting deviations occurred over the Arctic, according to atmospheric scientist and ATom team researcher Roisin Commane at Columbia University in New York City. "One of the largest pollution plumes we've seen wasn't predicted by the models, which came from fires in Siberia. So ATom has given us a snapshot of what we might be missing," she said. Tracking plumes is only the first step. The next is getting a better understanding of how they change as they linger over the ocean. For example, the hydrocarbons from smoke plumes react in sunlight with other gases to form ozone, a greenhouse gas and air pollutant best known as the main ingredient in city smog. The instruments aboard the DC-8 can detect both ozone itself and all the gases that produce ozone by chemical reactions. This means that in addition to tracking ozone in plumes from land, the ATom team can also determine how much is produced from other gases over the ocean. The center of the Pacific Ocean is much farther from land than the Atlantic. There, ATom observed generally low ozone levels, but the production of new ozone over the ocean based on the measured suite of ingredient gases was higher than the models predicted. "This implies that the remote Pacific is a larger source of tropospheric ozone than we previously understood," said ATom's deputy project scientist Michael Prather at the University of California, Irvine. "It's a preliminary result, and we have yet to analyze whether this produced ozone is natural or related to pollution, but it does mean we'll need to rethink what we believe about how much ozone is produced over the remote oceans, and what that means for the climate and our efforts to reduce ozone pollution on land." TTom's final deployment will take place this spring. With the atmospheric data they've collected during flights from each season of the year, the science team will continue to analyze the data and improve the atmospheric models that help us understand our home planet. ATom is funded by NASA's Earth Venture program and managed by the Earth Science Project Office at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. The DC-8 research aircraft is managed by NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in building 703 in Palmdale, California. A team of over 100 people -- scientists, engineers, flight crew and staff -- across government agencies and universities support the mission both in the air and from the ground. To learn more about the ATom mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/content/earth-expeditions-atom ### An international group of scientists from Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany have presented an alternative qubit design which can be used to build a quantum computer. Nano-wires made of superconductors are the design's main elements. In the first experiments, the new superconductor qubit proved to be no worse than the traditional one built on Josephson junctions. The collaboration of scientists from the Russian Quantum Center and NUST MISIS in Russia, the University of London and the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington in the United Kingdom, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and IPHT Jena in Germany, as well as contributions from MIPT and Skoltech (Russia), has managed to create a fundamentally new qubit based not on the Josephson transition, which has gaps in the superconductor, but on a continuous superconducting nano-wire. The research has been published in Nature Physics. Scientists expect quantum computers to achieve landmarks. Although the universal quantum computer hasn't been created yet, scientists can already design chemical compounds and materials with the help of qubits. The calculation principle on its basis even allows researchers to solve complex problems today. That is why many scientific groups are working on improving quantum computer elements. Studying and improving qubits, which are the main computational cells of the quantum computer, are the most challenging part of that process. There are several approaches to creating qubits. For example, there are qubits that work in optical range. However, they are difficult to scale, unlike qubits on superconductors operating in radio range and based on so-called Josephson transitions. Every such transition is a break in the superconductor, or to be more specific - a dielectric layer through which electrons tunnel. The new qubit is based on the effect of quantum phase slip - the controlled periodic failure and recovery of superconductivity in ultra-thin (about 4 nm) nano-wires which in their normal state have fairly large resistance. Professor Oleg Astafiev, head of the Artifical Quantum Systems Laboratory at MIPT in Russia and a researcher at the University of London and the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington (United Kingdom), was the first who experimentally observed this effect, which had previously been theorized. His pioneering work was published in Nature in 2012. Professor Ustinov, one of researchers on the project, head of the RQC research group, head of the Laboratory of Superconducting Metamaterials at NUST MISIS, and Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), noted that researchers have managed to create a new type of superconducting device that in many ways is similar to SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device), a supersensitive magnetometer based on Josephson transitions. The interference in the new device is caused by an electric field (instead of a magnetic field) that changes the electric charge on the island between the two nano-wires. These wires fill the role of Josephson junctions, and better yet, they do not require the creation of a break and can be made from a single layer of a superconductor. According to Professor Ustinov, during the research, the international team managed to show that this system can work as a charging interferometer. If [we] divide the wire into two sections and make a thickening in the center, then by changing the charge of that thickening with the shutter, it is possible to make a periodic modulation in the process of quantum tunneling of magnetic quanta through the wire, which is actually observed in this work. Proving that the effect is controllable and coherent is a key point, as well as the process being applicable to create a new generation of qubits. SQUID-technologies have already found their application in several medical scanning devices such as magnetocardiography and magnetoencephalography, as well as in devices catching nuclear magnetic resonance, and in geophysical and paleogeological methods of exploring Earth's surfaces. This is precisely why advanced SQUID charges can bring about serious changes not only in the world of quantum computers, but in society at-large. Professor Ustinov said that scientists face a lot of fundamental tasks related to the studies of new qubits. However, it is obvious now that when we talk about qubits, their functionality is equal to, if not better than modern analogues, while being much easier to manufacture. The main intrigue is whether the whole set of elements of superconducting electronics can be built on this principle. The obtained device is an electric meter and measures the charge on the island of the superconductor with a margin of error thousands of times less than an electron charge. We can control it with the highest precision, as this charge is not quantized, but induced. My research group in Karlsruhe is now studying qubits on the principle of phase slippage, and the coherence times we get on them turn out to be surprisingly high. So far, they are not larger than in conventional qubits, but we have just started to work on [the project], and there is a chance that they will be larger. For example, there is also another important issue of defects in qubits, on which we have recently been awarded a grant from Google, and these defects arise in the dielectric tunnel barrier of the Josephson transition. Defects appear due to the fact that there are large electric fields in this area, and all the voltage is on a scale of only 2 nm. If we imagine that the same fall occurs in a homogeneous wire, and we don't know exactly where in the homogeneous blur [it occurs] throughout the superconductor, then the fields that arise here will be much smaller. This means that the defects which are in qubit materials, most likely, will not occur and that we will be able to get qubits with higher coherence time, which will help to cope with one of the main problems of qubits - not much time in their quantum life, Professor Ustinov proclaimed. ### Rice University scientists who say biological sensors aren't sensitive enough are doing something about it. The lab of synthetic biologist Jeffrey Tabor has introduced a new technique to dial up or down the sensitivity of two-component systems - a class of proteins that bacteria use to sense a wide variety of stimuli. The technique could enable the engineering of tailor-made biosensors for diagnostic gut bacteria, detection of environmental pollutants or automated control of nutrient levels in soil. Two-component sensors, the focus of a new paper describing the work in Nature Communications, are a large family of genetically encoded sensors that bacteria use to sense a specific input and turn on a specific gene in response to changes in their environment. While these sensors have been known for three decades, they weren't sensitive enough for Tabor. He and Rice alumnus and lead author Brian Landry set out to decrease the amount of input needed to turn them on. By combining computer modeling and experiments, they achieved just that. In the paper, they describe their discovery that phosphatase activity, which is essential to regulation and signaling in cells, can have a dramatic effect on the detection thresholds of two-component systems. Previous research had shown that mutations to the first component, a signaling sensor protein known as a histidine kinase, can be used to control the extent of phosphorylation of the second component, a response regulator protein. But no one had suggested that phosphatase mutations might be used to alter the sensitivity of these pathways for their inputs, Tabor said. One day, faced with a nitrate sensor that was not turning on as expected in the gut of a sick mouse, Landry hypothesized that phosphatase mutations might dramatically increase the pathway's sensitivity. He first validated the hypothesis using a mathematical model and then conducted experiments that showed the mutations increased the efficiency of a nitrate sensor by a factor of 100. Tabor's lab went on to validate the approach in two-component systems that sense a wide variety of inputs, even in very different species of bacteria. Landry worked with another Rice bioengineering student, co-author Lucas Hartsough, to identify a "hot spot" amino acid present in 64 percent of all sensor histidine kinases that can be mutated to tune sensitivity. They validated the approach in two minimally characterized pathways, which suggested it can be widely applied, Tabor said. Landry also used the technology to engineer a soil bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, to sense and respond to a wide range of nitrate (fertilizer) concentrations in soil. Tabor and Landry suggest this system could be coupled to pathways under development by a colleague at MIT, synthetic biologist Chris Voigt, and his lab to engineer soil bacteria that maintain optimal nitrogen levels in soil without the need for fertilizer. Two-component systems can be triggered by many kinds of inputs, including gases, heme molecules in blood, sugars, gut polysaccharides, human or plant hormones or even light. "That's why we're so excited about this," Tabor said. "These sensors all operate the same way. They all have the phosphatase and the kinase. We've identified over 25,000 of them in bacterial genomes and we think our strategy will work on most of them." He said his lab's technique relies on the signaling pathway by which natural sensor molecules tell cells to stop, start or modify the production of proteins. Tuning natural sensors for synthetic applications has been difficult until now, he said. "One of the great limitations is that when you take a biosensor from nature, it may sense the chemical you're interested in, but not at the right concentration. This is because it has evolved to allow a bacterium to survive better in a natural environment rather than to satisfy the engineering needs of a synthetic biologist," he said. "We call this level the detection threshold of the sensor, and there haven't been many good technologies to tune that threshold to match our engineering needs," Tabor said. "That's been a major limitation in biosensor design. But now, we've found one general trick that allows us to tune the detection thresholds of this family of bacterial sensors in a very rational way, and it works quite well." In its simulations and experiments, the lab mutated the histidine kinase protein, which detects an input and releases a phosphate group that binds to the response regulator. That, in turn, binds to DNA to activate gene expression. "When you turn on gene expression, that's your signal," Tabor said. "What's cool about these pathways is that when the input is absent, the sensor histidine kinase acts as a phosphatase instead and removes the phosphate group. When that happens, the response regulator falls off the DNA and no longer activates the gene expression." He said that mutating the histidine kinase to favor turning the signal on or off can be used to control the actions of response regulators, and thus the amount of desired proteins produced. "We reasoned it's like a tug of war between the kinase activity and the phosphatase activity," Tabor said. "That balance determines how much input is needed to turn the sensor on. So this is like a knob where we can make the phosphatase activity stronger or weaker to tune the input." He said the generality of the process should boost synthetic biology in general. "There are alternative methods to do what we did here, but they are far more labor intensive," Tabor said. "They're more likely to fail, and they'd take a whole Ph.D. to get them to work, whereas we can do this in a week and make it work." ### Co-authors are undergraduate students Rohan Palanki and Nikola Dyulgyarov. Landry is now a staff scientist at BillionToOne. Tabor is an associate professor of bioengineering. The research was supported by the Office of Naval Research, National Science Foundation, National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship program. Read the abstract at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03929-y This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2018/04/12/sensor-strategy-a-boon-for-synthetic-biology/ Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews Related materials: Tabor Lab: http://www.taborlab.rice.edu Rice Department of Bioengineering: https://bioengineering.rice.edu Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,970 undergraduates and 2,934 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for happiest students by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview. Predicting the behaviour of electrons in a material is not easily done. Physicists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), ETH Zurich and EPFL replaced the electrons with ultra-cold neutral lithium atoms that they had circulated in a one-dimensional quantum tube. The scientists were then able to confirm an unusual state of matter that retains its insulation regardless of the level of attraction between the particles. This work, published in PRX, opens the way to the search for new materials with atypical properties. The fact that a material is a metal or an insulator depends on a series of microscopic details, such as the strength of the interactions between electrons; the presence of impurities or obstacles; or the number of dimensions through which the charge carriers can propagate. This high degree of complexity means that predicting the electronic properties of a given material is a hard task. Even if we know perfectly how to model the trajectory of a particle in a vacuum, we struggle to do the same thing in a material (a crystal for example), where the electrons circulate between the nuclei of positively-charged atoms. The latter generate a periodic potential, much like a series of peaks that affect the motion of the electrons, thereby complicating predictions. Will the material be a metal? An insulator? Or a semiconductor? It will all depend on two parameters: the strength of the interaction between the electrons and the strength of the periodic potential. The answer to these questions was found in the ongoing discussions and debates between a group of theorists, led by Thierry Giamarchi, professor in the Department of Quantum Matter Physics (physics section) in UNIGE's Faculty of Sciences, and the experimental groups based in Zurich and Lausanne, led by Martin Lebrat, from the group headed by Professor Tilman Esslinger at ETH Zurich's Institute for Quantum Electronics; and by Jean-Philippe Brantut, professor at EPFL. The coldest place in the Universe The researchers tackled the problem by conducting their experiments on a perfectly clean artificial material, meaning they could control the interaction and the periodic potential. Instead of circulating electrons whose long-range interactions make predictions more difficult, the scientists used ultra-cold neutral lithium-6 atoms, which they stored using a laser in two borderless tanks, veritable bowls of light. As Thierry Giamarchi explains: The core of this experiment is the coldest place in the universe. The temperature there only reaches 70 billionths of a degree above absolute zero, which is much lower than in an interstellar vacuum. The atomic reservoirs were then connected by a one-dimensional quantum tube, in which a second laser was employed to simulate the peaks of the periodic potential. The researchers were able to measure the conductivity of the tube while varying the relevant parameters, including the length and height of the periodic potential together with the interactions between the particles passing through it. The scientists highlighted an unusual state of matter, predicted by the theory but which no one had been able to observe until then: a band insulator that is maintained regardless of the strength of the attractive interaction between the particles. The intuitive conclusion was that the greater the attraction between the particles, the more likely it was that the material would be a conductor or superconductor. It's true, continues Professor Giamarchi, in a three-dimensional world but in the low-dimensional quantum world, it's an urban legend. When you manage to confine the material in a one-dimensional quantum tube with a periodic potential, it remains insulating, even if there is an infinite attraction. The huge flexibility resulting from this research paves the way for creating complex structures. We can see this system as a kind of simulator that will define the ingredients to be used to devise a material that does not yet exist, and that could meet the requirements for future electronic systems - in quantum computers, for example says Giamarchi. ### @alextdaugherty Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Cuba libre in hand, was busy waxing nostalgic with former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart about their efforts to undermine Fidel Castro when the animated discussion was interrupted by Caitlyn Jenner. The worlds most recognizable advocate for transgender causes wanted to hug the retiring Miami lawmaker with a history of bucking and pushing the Republican Party on LGBT issues. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is a person of many firsts, and if you know anything about me I love firsts, Jenner said at a recent gala honoring Ros-Lehtinens career. The first Latina elected to Congress, the first woman elected to Congress from Florida, the first Republican in the House to support marriage equality, and she did it in a very big way. Jenner, also a Republican, and Ros-Lehtinen are at odds with the majority of Republican lawmakers. President Donald Trump has announced a ban on transgender people serving in the military via tweet and multiple state legislatures have considered legislation that would restrict access to restrooms, locker rooms, and other sex-segregated facilities on the basis of sex assigned at birth. Fighting for gay rights, transgender rights is such an important part of my DNA and what I do, Ros-Lehtinen said. Ros-Lehtinen introduced legislation in 2015 that would prohibit schools from discriminating against students based on sexual orientation or gender identity. She also signed on to a friend-of-the-court brief in a Supreme Court case seeking to protect access to public accommodations for transgender students. And Ros-Lehtinens son, Rodrigo, is the first openly transgender child of a sitting member of Congress. The most important job Ileanas had... is being a mom, Jenner said. For the trans community we have many, many issues. The suicide rate for young trans youth is nine times higher than the general public, we have homelessness, we have young trans people being kicked out of their homes all across this country. Transgendered kids may be bullied in school, they may be a little different, but when they go home, [if] they go to a safe place and a loving family, that is by far the most important thing we can do for our kids. So Ileana, I want to thank you for that. But Ros-Lehtinen, the only Republican in Congress with a 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign, the countrys largest LGBT rights organization, wont be in office next year. Her retirement and a potential wave election for Democrats in 2018 could make pro-LGBT Republicans a rare breed in the next Congress. Four of the eight Senate Republicans endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans, a pro-LGBT group, could be gone next year, and nine of the 11 House Republicans endorsed by the group are retiring or face tough reelection campaigns. Ros-Lehtinen was honored by Jenner at the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute's annual gala. The institute recognized Ros-Lehtinen with its Leadership in Public Service Award and Leadership in International Relations Award, and it renamed the latter award after Ros-Lehtinen in her honor. Read more here. UCR researchers have identified three bacteria that may help prevent spoilage of the pollen that wild bees provision for their offspring RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside have isolated three previously unknown bacterial species from wild bees and flowers. The bacteria, which belong to the genus Lactobacillus, may play a role in preserving the nectar and pollen that female bees store in their nests as food for their larvae. The results were published Thursday in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. The study was led by Quinn McFrederick, an assistant professor of entomology in UCR's College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences. Symbiotic bacteria that live in bee guts are believed to promote bee health by helping to digest food and boost immunity. Compared to honeybees and bumblebees, little is known about the microbial communities associated with wild bees, despite the important role these insects play in the pollination of flowering plants. To study the bacteria associated with wild bees, McFrederick and co-authors collected wild bees and flowers from two sites in Texas and on the UCR campus. Genomic DNA sequencing coupled with traditional taxonomic analyses confirmed the isolation of three new Lactobacillus species, which are closely related to the honeybee-associated bacteria Lactobacillus kunkeei. The news strains are: Lactobacillus micheneri, named after Charles D. Michener to honor his contributions to the study of bees in natural habitats. Lactobacillus timberlakei, named after Philip Timberlake to honor his work on the taxonomy of native bees, especially at UC Riverside. Lactobacillus quenuiae, named after Cecile Plateaux-Quenu to honor her contribution to our understanding of the social biology of halictid bees. Lactobacilli are often used by humans to preserve dairy products, fermented vegetables and other foods. The study by McFrederick's group suggests the newly identified species may help bees in a similar way, inhibiting the growth of fungi inside pollen provisions. McFrederick's group is currently conducting research to further explore this hypothesis. "Wild bees lay their eggs inside chambers filled with nectar and pollen," McFrederick said. Once an egg has been laid, it may take several days to hatch and an additional week for the larvae to eat through all the nectar and pollen, so it is important that these provisions don't spoil during this period." McFrederick said it is interesting that the bacteria were able to live on both wild flowers and bees. "The species we isolated have fairly small genomes and not as many genes as you would expect considering they survive in two different environments," McFrederick said. ### The title of the paper is "Lactobacillus micheneri sp. nov., Lactobacillus timberlakei sp. nov., and Lactobacillus quenuiae sp. nov., lactic acid bacteria isolated from wild bees and flowers." In addition to McFrederick, Hoang Vuong and Jason Rothman, students in UCR's Graduate Program in Microbiology, contributed to this research. IF you want to know how to pour the perfect pint or create the ultimate cup of coffee, then you really need a mathematician. That might not be the most obvious choice, but major companies are increasingly aware that they can solve conundrums and improve their products by calling on specialists in the burgeoning discipline known as industrial mathematics. They include William Lee, recently appointed professor in the subject at the University of Huddersfield. Two of his most high-profile research projects were triggered by drinks giant Diageo - which wanted Professor Lee to investigate the strange behaviour of bubbles in a glass of Guinness - and by electrical goods conglomerate Philips, which commissioned research on how to obtain the best results from filter coffee machines. He has also carried research for major companies in fields that include pharmaceuticals, using mathematics to investigate topics such as arterial disease. The Guinness bubbles research has created widespread media interest over recent years and earned light-hearted plaudits such as The Economist Babbage Award for Bizarre Boffinry. But it has also proved to be highly productive academically, resulting in a sequence of scientific articles. The latest is Sinking Bubbles in Stout Beers, published by the American Journal of Physics. It was while Professor Lee was based at the University of Limerick that he was asked to investigate the counter-intuitive behaviour of bubbles in a glass of Guinness - they sink rather than rise. After simulations and experiments, which he completed following a move to the University of Portsmouth, it was decided that the shape of the glass, with its sloping walls, was the determining factor. The latest article describes how a mathematical model - which provides greater focus than computer simulation - was used in order to provide conclusive proof. "People think that the Guinness glass is designed to optimise the settling time," said Professor Lee. "But now we have a better understanding of the theory behind it, we might be able to make an even better glass so that it settles faster. Unfortunately, the ideal shape would look like a giant cocktail glass!" Mathematical ideas Professor Lee was drawn to industrial mathematics when he realised the research potential it offered. At the University of Limerick - where he remains an Adjunct Professor - he founded its Industrial Mathematics Unit, which carries out consultancy work in mathematical and statistical modelling for industry. At the University of Huddersfield, he is establishing an Institute for Mathematics and Data Science. "There are two basic places you can look for new mathematical ideas," said Professor Lee. "One is just digging deeper into existing mathematics and the other is to go out and look for new phenomena, and industry is full of those." "It's much more rewarding to work on a problem where you know someone is interested in the solution!" Specialists in industrial mathematics hold study groups that resemble academic conferences, but also invite industry figures to come and present their problems. This is how Professor Lee and his collaborators were first enlisted by Diageo to work on issues around bubbles in stout and the serving of Guinness. It was also the point of contact for another high-profile strand of Professor Lee's research - the quest for a perfect cup of coffee from the filter machines manufactured by Philips. The result was a mathematical model of coffee brewing that could be used to aid the design of machines. There were also significant findings about the processes by which coffee is extracted from beans. This led to the co-authored 2016 article Coffee extraction kinetics in a well mixed system, in the Journal of Mathematics in Industry. Now, Professor Lee is moving from filter coffee to espresso, investigating the link between strength and flavour. ### CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- A new paper from a team of University of Illinois legal scholars argues that reformers of the burgeoning #MeToo movement ought to heed the core principles of restorative and transitional justice and take into account the needs of both victims and offenders, as well as the larger community. The article, co-written by U. of I law professors Colleen Murphy, Jennifer K. Robbennolt and Lesley Wexler, explores the "meaning, utility and complexities of restorative and transitional justice for dealing with sexual misconduct in the workplace" in the post-Harvey Weinstein era. "As the public is trying to come to terms with how to think about violators - from sexual harassers to perpetrators of sexual crimes - we wanted to explore what counts as having made things right," Wexler said. "One answer is what's owed to the individual victims of sexual harassment and abuse. The second is to think about the bigger purpose of the #MeToo movement, which is not so much about any one individual but highlighting that there's a structural, societal problem." The paper documents the restorative justice aspects of the #MeToo movement - acknowledgement, responsibility-taking, harm repair, nonrepetition and reintegration - and explores the steps taken, most prominently by the Time's Up movement, to amplify the voices of survivors, seek accountability and encourage access to the legal system, and change workplace practices and dynamics. "We take a look at the ways in which people accused of sexual misconduct have responded to those accusations and how those responses have succeeded or failed in terms of restorative justice," said Robbennolt, the associate dean for research at the College of Law and co-director of the Program on Law, Behavior, and Social Science. "The #MeToo movement creates an opening for a conversation about what it takes to make amends for serious wrongdoing, as well as recognizing that wrongdoing exists along a spectrum," said Murphy, also the director of the Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program at Illinois. "It can be an isolated incident or reflect an ongoing, broader pattern of behavior. When it comes to thinking about those who've served time for the crimes they've committed: Does it mean that their life is forever stained by it, or are there possibilities for reintegration? It's important to think what the commission of wrongdoing means for the future of one's life, and also how being the victim of wrongdoing shapes one's future." The scholars also examine the movement through the lens of transitional justice. "We identify some shared features of transitional societies and the #MeToo setting, including structural inequalities, a history of denial and the normalization of wrongful behavior, and uncertainty about the way forward," Wexler said. It remains unclear where things will end up as a result of the movement, said Murphy, also a professor of philosophy and of political science at Illinois. "And that's common to transitional contexts where you're trying to deal with long-standing patterns of wrongdoing, where it's ambiguous to what extent things will change in a deeply meaningful way," she said. "Even at moments of possibility such as right now, where we're having this conversation nationally that's creating an opening for individuals to come forward and tell their story in a way that may be more sympathetically received - it's still going to be a battle on multiple fronts, not all of them organized by government. Private efforts utilizing the legal system, and operating in ways that don't rely on turning to the passage of new laws as the first and only source of a response, will also be important." It could come in the form of public gestures, such as the recent calls for "inclusion riders" in Hollywood contracts, which specify a level of diversity in a production's cast and crew. "When 'Black Panther' actor Michael B. Jordan announced that his production company was going to include inclusion riders in all of their contracts - sure, that's a single individual doing it, but if others follow suit, it could become the industry standard," Wexler said. "That, at least, represents a step in the right direction. When you have those very public gestures being done, there's a hope that they will be replicated and eventually become the norm," Murphy said. If nothing else, it's a moment for "creative thinking about what kind of efforts will lead to changing the norms that structure interactions between employer and employees, at a very broad level," Wexler said. "At this point, it's overwhelming to keep track of all the different cases and industries where this is coming up," she said. "We are in an epochal moment - but it's hard to gauge where we are and where it all will go. Our paper suggests that just as we celebrate the optimism of this moment, we should be cautious to make sure the path for structural change doesn't leave out the voices and needs of the most vulnerable women such as those who are of color, gender nonconforming, lesbian, disabled or poor. To do so risks harming them again." The paper will be published in the University of Illinois Law Review. ### The U.S. Army Research Laboratory's Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Propulsion made an historic first with its experiment in a gas turbine combustor using X-rays. The data will help advance gas turbine engine designs for higher power density and efficiency, scientists said. "This is the strongest X-ray source in the world," said Dr. Tonghun Lee, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which recently joined forces with ARL. Lee and his graduate students, along with partners from the ARL Center for UAS Propulsion, set up shop in the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, resulting in a unique experiment, which continued through April 11. "We're here to do spray imaging inside a gas turbine combustor as relevant to the Army," Lee said. Lee said their experiment mimicked what happens inside a typical Army helicopter gas turbine engine. Inside a gas turbine engine, a combustor is fed high pressure air that is heated by constant pressure. After heating, the air passes from the combustor through the nozzle guide vanes to the turbine, producing thrust. Combustors play a crucial role in determining many of an engine's operating characteristics, such as power density, fuel efficiency and levels of emissions. "We had a combustion going on, which is done for the first time ever at APS and we are imaging the spray breakup at the very tip of the injector using an X-Ray source," he said. "Typically that region where the liquid breaks up is very dense and it's difficult to image anything inside there." By using the world's most powerful X-Ray source, the team was able to penetrate and understand how the ligaments, or strands of burning fuel, breaks up into small droplets. "We are trying to understand exactly what occurs inside the gas turbine combustor to understand how it responds to different operating conditions," Lee said. The data gathered during this experiment will become the initial conditions for numerical simulations that will further understanding of gas turbine combustors. "We're trying to get an understanding of the physics, which to this day we have been speculating, we can really visualize using this X-Ray source," he said. "We want to understand what we're doing right now, understanding the fuel impact. When Soldiers are off in a different location and they have different types of fuels, how will it impact the combustor they have?" The professor said in the slightly longer term, he hopes the data from the experiment will allow researchers to design more optimized combustor systems for the future. "The Advance Photon Source has spent a lot of effort over the last decade or so looking at spray-droplet breakup. And never has it been done in a live combusting environment," Lee said. "So we made the hardware to make it happen and this is actually this first time it's ever been done live with a combusting flow in a combustor." Lee, while remaining a faculty member at UIUC, recently accepted an additional position as a researcher on the laboratory's regional office in Illinois, ARL Central. The Army established ARL Central in November 2017, as an extension of its Maryland-based headquarters with the goal of leveraging regional science and technology talent. "It was great to see a team of ARL, UIUC and Argonne researchers working together with the unique capability at the Advanced Photon Source to gain unprecedented insight into the fuel injection and combustion process," said ARL Central Regional Lead Dr. Mark Tschopp. "It was so exciting to see this novel experiment firsthand because it symbolizes what ARL Central is all about -- partnering to accelerate discovery and innovation for future Army applications." The experiment was the first accomplishment of the lab's new Center for UAS Propulsion, which kicked off a massive partnership between academia and industry. ARL held a ribbon cutting for the center April 2. "I am so pleased to perform this historic experiment right after the ribbon cutting ceremony for Center for UAS Propulsion," said center founder Dr. Chol-Bum "Mike" Kweon, who also serves as the lab's Propulsion Division chief. "I was thrilled watching the quality of the spray breakup processes in the gas turbine combustion in real time, which is extremely difficult to measure at this quality." Dr. Jaret Riddick, director of the lab's Vehicle Technology Directorate watched the experiment in person April 4. "Future Vertical Lift is one of the Army's six Modernization priorities," Riddick said. "Future tactical unmanned aerial vehicles will play a key role in manned-unmanned teaming for Future Vertical Lift." Breakthroughs in small engine technology for future unmanned aerial vehicles will enable longer duration, larger payloads and silent operation, he said. "Research partnerships through the newly established Center for UAS Propulsion, such as the one we witnessed at Argonne National Lab, will make these breakthroughs possible in support of the Army modernization priority for Future Vertical Lift ," he said. ### A National Science Foundation grant will help researchers map the repeated evolution of similar head shapes among animals that use their head to dig into the ground Virginia Tech College of Science Assistant Professor Michelle Stocker is using a National Science Foundation grant to map the repeated evolution of similar head shapes among animals that use their head to dig into the ground. During the multi-university study, Stocker and her team will examine what developmental and biomechanical properties led to a repeated evolution of body shape designed for burrowing. Stocker is part of the Department of Geosciences and is a member of Virginia Tech Global Change Center, part of the university's Life Science Institute. "The main goal of the project is to examine how and why we get the repeated evolution of similar head shapes in very distantly related animals from more than 400 million years ago to today," Stocker said. "How and why convergence of body shape occurs is a fundamental evolutionary puzzle. We're looking at how anatomy, development, relationships and ancestry, and biomechanics interplay to result in these shapes." The $77,000 project examines the anatomical, biomechanical, developmental, and natural selection pressures that have driven the evolution of limblessness and head-first burrowing in scores of animals across hundreds of different species. Among the animals to be studied will be lizards, snakes, and caecilians that are alive, as well as fossils of extinct animals called microsaurs that have a similar shape. Stocker will use three-dimensional images from CT scans as well as bone material properties to study the anatomy and biomechanics of the skulls of these animals. "Some species we'll include have not had their skeletal morphology documented fully because the skeletons of living animals aren't always examined when we have the ability to look at their color and the number of scales and types of teeth they have," Stocker said. Stocker said the final goal of the project really is to test predictions of ecomorphology -- this animal looks like X so it must have done Y, without actually seeing it do any such thing -- by quantifying the shapes. "We'll take the relationships we determine among form, function, and evolutionary constraints in living species and apply them to selected extinct, possibly head-first burrowing, species to test prior predictions of head-first burrowing made for those taxa across deep time," she added. Working with Stocker will be researchers at State University of New York at Oswego and Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Graduate and undergraduate student researchers from Virginia Tech also will be brought into the project with Stocker seeking help from those in geosciences, biological sciences, and computational modeling and data analytics, among other areas. ### How and why has life on Earth become ever more complex over time? Darwin's theory has provided us with a general framework for understanding biological evolution, but it does not explain the long-term trend toward increased complexity. Peter Corning's new book, Synergistic Selection: How Cooperation Has Shaped Evolution and the Rise of Humankind, represents a major theoretical contribution. It highlights the creative role of synergy--the unique combined effects produced by two or more genes, parts, or organisms--throughout the natural world. As Dr. Corning puts it: "Nothing about the evolution of biological complexity makes sense except in the light of synergy... Life on Earth has been a synergistic phenomenon from the get go." He also shows how synergy has been a key to human evolution, including the rise of complex modern societies. He describes the evolution of our species as a cooperative, entrepreneurial process, which he refers to as the "Self-Made Man" scenario. "This is an important book," writes Daniel W. McShea, Professor of Biology at Duke University. "It offers a solution to a problem that has been central to evolutionary biology for half a century, with implications that reach down to the foundations of evolutionary theory." Dr. Corning also addresses the future of our species, and of the planet, in the context of the negative synergies that are now threatening to overwhelm us. As he shows, we are at a tipping point in our history. He argues that our ultimate fate as a species will depend on being able to make major social, economic and political changes on a global scale, and he offers us a synergy-based road-map to the future. According to Anthony Trewavas, FRS, Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Molecular Plant Science, University of Edinburgh, "This magnificent book reveals the critical role of synergy in evolution and in all of biology, including especially in humankind." He concludes: "Peter Corning offers us a unique and hopeful new vision." Written in an engaging, conversational style, Dr. Corning's book will appeal to academics, students and general readers who are interested in evolution, and in the future of humankind. The late Sir Patrick Bateson, FRS, Emeritus Professor of Biology at Cambridge University and president of the Zoological Society of London, gave the book a strong endorsement: "Peter Corning's approach is wise and he is astonishingly well read... He writes extremely well and I read every word with great pleasure and interest. I am full of admiration and strongly recommend it." ### This book retails at US$29.95/26 (paperback) at major bookstores. To learn more about it, visit http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/10732. For excerpts, visit the author's website http://www.complexsystems.org. About The Author Peter Corning is currently the Director of the Institute for the Study of Complex Systems in Seattle, Washington. He was also a one-time science writer at Newsweek and a professor for many years in the Human Biology Program at Stanford University, along with holding a research appointment in Stanford's Behavior Genetics Laboratory. In addition to some 200 professional papers, he has published six previous books, including The Synergism Hypothesis: A Theory of Progressive Evolution, New York: McGraw-Hill 1983; Nature's Magic: Synergy in Evolution and the Fate of Humankind, New York: Cambridge University Press 2003; Holistic Darwinism: Synergy, Cybernetics, and the Bioeconomics of Evolution, Chicago: University of Chicago Press 2005; and The Fair Society: The Science of Human Nature and the Pursuit of Social Justice, Chicago: University of Chicago Press 2011. About World Scientific Publishing Co. World Scientific Publishing is a leading international independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research and professional communities. World Scientific collaborates with prestigious organisations like the Nobel Foundation and US National Academies Press to bring high quality academic and professional content to researchers and academics worldwide. The company publishes about 600 books annually and 135 journals in various fields. To find out more about World Scientific, please visit http://www.worldscientific.com. For more information, contact Amanda at heyun@wspc.com. Brussels prosecutors said Friday they are investigating a news report that images of hundreds of nude young women were uploaded to the internet without their consent. Belgiums Dutch-language VTM Nieuws reported thousands of photos and videos, including some showing them having sex, appeared on Discord, a chat room for video gamers. The images, some of which carried the full names of the victims, were classed according to region in Belgium. VTM provided the Brussels prosecutors office with all the information gathered during their report on the basis of which an investigation was opened, the office said. The suspects publicly distributed photos or videos of naked young women without their consent, it added. The office said it was looking into charging the suspects with voyeurism if and when they identify them. A source in the prosecutors office told AFP hundreds of young women were victimised. Those found guilty of voyeurism can be sentenced to jail for up to five years if the victim is more than 18 years old and 10 years if the victim is between 16 and 18 years old. The penalty is 15 years in prison if the victim is under 16. Prosecutors suspected former partners of some of the young women distributed the images in cases of revenge porn. In other cases, they added, hackers entered the womens Facebook accounts to obtain nude photos they can sell. VTM journalists reported that some of the more than 5,000 images involved under-age victims. The prosecutors office did not rule out charges of distribution of child pornographic images. Child Focus, an organisation that helps find missing children and fights child sexual abuse, said it will look into the case and encourage the victims, especially those whose names are known, to take legal action. Until now, no suspect has been identified, the prosecutors office said. Donors gathered in Geneva Friday pledged $528 million (428 million euros) towards addressing a towering humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN said. The amount was less than a quarter of the some $2.2 billion the UN has estimated is required this year to provide desperately needed aid inside DRC and to Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries. But UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock stressed that the expectation had never been to raise the entire amount in one conference. I am pleased with the progress, he told reporters, highlighting that a number of countries which had not yet made pledges had indicated they planned to do so soon. Around 100 delegations, including from 54 UN member countries, took part in Fridays conference. DRC boycotting conference But the DRC itself was conspicuously missing. The government has accused the UN of exaggerating the crisis and is boycotting the event. That move has deepened political divisions in a country facing mounting strife, while its legacy of ethnic conflict, corruption and instability are combining with political tensions to spark fears of bloodshed. The growing violence has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation in several areas, with underfunded aid agencies struggling to keep up with the needs. In a video address to Fridays conference, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that the DRC was experiencing one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises. Millions of people are suffering, he said, warning that the single biggest obstacle is the lack of funding. In January, the UN and Kinshasa said $1.68 billion was needed in 2018 to provide urgently needed assistance to some 10.5 million people inside the country. The UN refugee agency has meanwhile said another $508 million is needed to support more than 800,000 Congolese refugees in surrounding countries, as well as the some 540,000 refugees from the Central African Republic, South Sudan and other countries who have fled into DRC. Lowcock acknowledged that the total of $2.2 billion was a lot of money. But, he stressed, it amounts to less than 50 cents a day for each of the people whose lives we are trying to save and protect. Unbelievable pain, horror Fridays conference got off to a strong start, with co-host Christos Stylianides, the European Commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, pledging 77 million euros ($95 million) of EU aid inside the DRC this year. Stylianides, who recently visited DRC, told reporters he had seen with my own eyes the massive humanitarian needs on the ground, (and heard) stories of unbelievable pain and horror. Stories that cannot be forgotten. DRCs former colonial power Belgium meanwhile announced that it would give 25 million euros this year, up from 17 million in 2017. Lowcock said at least 15 donor countries had significantly increased their pledged amounts this year. It is obvious that we will get a better financed response for the DRC this year than we got last year, he said. Last year, humanitarian actors requested $813 million for DRC, but received just over half that amount. In a statement, a coalition of humanitarian organisations warned Friday that the dire underfunding had forced them to cut back on essential aid, including providing food, water and safety to people fleeing violence. Impossible choices The lack of funding forces us to make choices we shouldnt have to make, Jose Barahona, Oxfams Country Director in DRC, said in the statement. Norwegian Refugee Council chief Jan Egeland meanwhile voiced dismay that Fridays conference had not generated more funds. We are disappointed that too few countries sent a real message of hope to the millions of Congolese children, women and men in desperate need of assistance, he said in a statement. In all, the UN estimates that 13 million Congolese need aid, including 7.7 million who are food insecure, and 4.5 million internally displaced people. The DRC has angrily contested the UN figures, with humanitarian affairs minister Bernard Biango putting the number of IDPs at just 231,241. Aid bodies and NGOs are propagating a bad image of the Democratic Republic of Congo throughout the world, Prime Minister Jose Makila charged last month. The government has meanwhile promised $100 million to ease humanitarian distress and earmarked $10 million to help refugees or those internally displaced to return home. Lowcock hailed that pledge and said the government of the DRC is providing the leadership on this crisis. Felix Tshisekedi, the leader of the main opposition UDPS party, has urged the conference to drum up as much aid as possible. The irresponsible attitude of the Kinshasa government reflects its indifference to the suffering of the Congolese people, he said. The number of men over the age of 50 who become fathers has trebled in Switzerland over the past 20 years. Experts see advantages as well as disadvantages in this trend. Whereas in 1996, 625 babies were born to men over 50, in 2016 the figure rose to 1,855, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Over the same period, these births as a proportion of all births increased from 0.8% to 2.2%. In addition, 22 men became fathers at 70 or older in 2016. Increasingly late family planning is the main reason for this development, Felix Haberlin, president of the Swiss Society for Reproductive Medicine, told 20 Minutes newspaper on Friday. Young women are studying for longer and more of them have jobs they dont feel the desire for children until later. Consequently, the age of fathers also increases. In 2016, the average age at which a woman gave birth was 31.8, up from 29.5 two decades earlier. The statistics show that old mothers (over 50) remain the exception, with only 33 cases in 2016. Whereas eggs start deteriorating from the age of 40, sperm quality only starts to decrease after about 60, according to Haberlin. He added that the risk of mental problems, autism and certain hereditary diseases in the child increases slightly beyond that age. More important, in his view, is the legal obligation of doctors to consider and ensure the wellbeing of the child. Parents must be able to take care of the child until he or she is an adult. Becoming a father at the age of 70 would make this hard in many cases, he said. Still got pep Another factor is men in their second marriage, who are older, who have kids, says family sociologist Francois Hopflinger. He believes older fathers can be positive for children, being able to offer them financial stability. In addition, when they are retired, they have a lot of time for their kids, he said, adding that the fathers age doesnt generally make much difference for children, so long as he still has enough energy. Hopflinger nevertheless says that children with older fathers will probably be confronted at an earlier age with issues of caring and death. That can certainly be a burden for a young person, he said. What is your view on older fathers? Let us know. 20 Minuten/ts It has its own currency, its citizenship, a palatial headquarters and rejects the democratic state of Switzerland: an imaginary republic in Mullheim, canton Thurgau, run by local entrepreneur Daniel Model. It might be a cathedral. Or a temple. The big grey stone building is a massive presence in Mullheim, a rural village in northeastern Switzerland. The Model House, as the rectangular building with the golden figure over the entrance is called, happens not to be a church, though people of the same faith, or rather the same convictions, gather here. It is the embodiment of Avalon, an imaginary state with its own coinage and its own citizenship (for which a secret test has to be passed). It has an unambiguous attitude to the democratic political culture of surrounding Switzerland: rejection. Avalon was founded in 2006 not by some eccentric loner, but by Daniel Model, a successful businessman who is one of the major employers in the region. He owns the packaging company Model AG, headquartered in Weinfelden, and he is the fourth generation of the family to run it. His wealth is estimated at between CHF200 million and CHF300 million ($207 million-$311 million). Model himself no longer lives in Switzerland, but across the border in Liechtenstein. It is rumoured that his rejection of the Swiss state is somewhat coloured by tax considerations. For 12 years, the people of Mullheim have lived with this strange building under their noses. What do they think? Never heard of Avalon Dani Ammann, who is going shopping, looks surprised. The palatial-looking house? Ive never inquired what goes on there. A man who drops his cigarette in the ashtray in front of the local store shakes his head. Ive been living here for a long time, but Ive never heard of Avalon, he says. In a shop, an assistant is putting together a grill. Yeah, I know that house. But I dont know what goes on there. Even if the state of Avalon is a looming presence in the village with this temple-like building, in the minds of the people of Mullheim it hardly exists. Yet the fantasy of the wealthy entrepreneur is not discounted by all. In a democratic state there is no room for parallel structures of government, says Benjamin Schindler, professor of public law at the University of St. Gallen. Shrinking government In an interview with the Bernese newspaper Der Bund, Model spoke of his reasons for declaring his own republic two years previously. The welfare state doesnt just fool people, it robs them. Daniel Model In the West, the tutelary state rules and it makes people into paupers under the guise of helping them, he said. The welfare state doesnt just fool people, it robs them. His conclusion? We need to reduce it to an absolute minimum. As the whole idea was utopian, he decided to start his own state and call it Avalon. He got the idea for the name from his daughter. At the time she had been reading the fantasy novel The Mists of Avalon, a reworking of the Arthurian legends. Models ideas are derived from the political philosophy of libertarianism. This system of thought advances the principle of individual ownership and sees a need to abolish the state in whole or in part. This point of view has been brought to Swiss media attention most recently by the vote on the No Billag initiative. Under this proposal, licence fees to support Switzerlands national broadcaster were to be abolished. But Swiss voters rejected the initiative with a 72% majority. The initiative was mainly a challenge to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, swissinfo.chs parent company. So it is not surprising that Christian Zullinger, one of the ideological godfathers of the initiative, met journalists in the Model House in Mullheim. Austrian connection It turns out that the house at Hofstrasse 1 is more than just a fantasy castle for a handful of Swiss rightwing libertarians. It casts quite a radical shadow that extends outside Switzerlands borders. In the Swiss register of companies we find four organisations with names in English listed at the Mullheim address: International Right Commission, International Intelligence Agency, International Right Organisation and International Sheriff Association. The individuals listed as running these organisations are mostly Austrian. The organisations may be fictitious, but their members engage in real activities. In March a court case began in Austria against members of the Sheriff organisation based in Mullheim, which allows its representatives to carry and use guns. They are now on trial charged with offences ranging from threatening behaviour and stalking to abuse of office. In Mullheim itself there have been no such incidents, as the Thurgau cantonal police confirmed. We have had no reports about such sheriffs, and we have encountered no such people. Furthermore, they said: Thurgau law enforcement keeps an eye on events around the fantasy state Avalon in Mullheim. So far we have seen nothing of a criminal nature. Urs Forster, the mayor of Mullheim, also downplays the situation. We take no notice of this fantasy state. We have never had any cause to develop a policy about this organisation, as there has never been any occasion to do so. The palatial premises, according to the building permit, were intended as a cultural events and conference centre. In this video,Forster explains how he was only informed of Avalons existence through the media: Libertarian art installation Basically, the legitimate democratic state can take action against such parallel structures if need be. Benjamin Schindler considers this not required in the case of Models fantasy state: Looking at it from the outside, Avalon seems to me just a sort of libertarian art installation and not really subversive of the government, he says. As long as it remains no more than a fantasy organisation, it presents no legal problem. Schindler also invokes the principle of freedom of opinion. Anyone whose sense of imagination induces them to create a fantasy entity and call it a state is within their constitutional rights, he says. Just like someone who criticises the existing state. In Switzerland, then, activities like the imaginary republic of Avalon have their place within the appropriate legal limits. The fact that it is regarded by the official agencies with good-natured tolerance but still with an watchful eye speaks for a well-functioning democracy one where numerous opinions and philosophies of life are permitted to coexist. (Translated from German by Terence MacNamee), swissinfo.ch For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page Germany's troubled lender Deutsche Bank suffered more bad news Friday with a Standard and Poor's downgrade, despite its efforts to emerge from years of crisis with a new CEO and dramatic cost cuts. S&P lowered Deutsches long-term credit rating from A- to BBB+, a day after the US Federal Deposit Insurance Commission classified it among problem banks which are judged to have financial, operational, or managerial weaknesses that threaten their continued financial viability. Further darkening the outlook, the US Federal Reserve has also branded the bank as being in troubled condition. The banks share price Thursday plunged to near its all-time low on the Frankfurt stock exchange by 7.2 percent to 9.07 euros before clawing back about 3.5 percent Friday. Analysts at ING said they saw a high likelihood of another downgrade by Moodys, another ratings agency. The string of bad news has raised troubling questions about the long-term viability of what has traditionally been seen as the too-big-to-fail bank of Europes top economy. In January, Union Investment fund manager Ingo Speich warned that if earnings dont recover in coming years, something that is unthinkable today could occur, the breaking up of Deutsche and its merger with other large European companies. He followed up with a warning at the annual general meeting last week about the banks worrying state, saying that what went wrong in the past 20 years cant be corrected in two. Philipp Haessler, an analyst at Equinet Bank, said he considered fears of an eventual break-up of the financial behemoth as exaggerated. The bank can recover, I do not see the danger of it being dismantled, he told AFP. Refocus on European roots Deutsches woes stem back largely to its bold attempt to compete with the major Wall Street investment banks in the giddy years leading up to the financial crisis. Playing in the global top league left the financial giant saddled with a toxic legacy of risky assets and costly legal challenges. Deutsches newly appointed chief executive Christian Sewing, who unexpectedly replaced John Cryan in early April, last week sought to reassure investors that the bank is ready to do what it takes to return to profitability. Deutsche announced it would slash 7,000 jobs around the world as part of its revamp, especially in the US and Asian investment banking businesses, to refocus on its European roots. S&P acknowledged the banks tough actions and logical strategy, but also said the lender would still have to work hard to recover its edge over its competitors. For now, it warned, the bank appears set for a period of sustained underperformance compared with peers, many of whom have now finished restructuring, S&P said. S&P however also appeared confident that Deutsche will eventually manage to pull itself back from the brink. It removed Deutsche from CreditWatch negative effectively a warning for further downgrade in the future and said the ratings outlook was now stable. Global volatility At the same time, it said it was unlikely to upgrade its long-term issuer credit rating in the next 18 months, because it did not expect the efforts being made to start paying off until 2019. Notably, while much of the heavy-lifting should be completed in 2018, Deutsche Banks restructuring will likely only start bearing fruit in 2019, and only fully by 2021, it said. Making matters harder for Deutsche, but also for its rivals, is growing global volatility, with a trade war looming after the United States announced steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from key partners around the globe. The banking sector could get relief if the European Central Bank raised its rates, but some analysts fear this may be postponed after a populist and eurosceptic government took power in Italy Friday. bur-fz/mfp/ser Western powers must step up the pressure on Russia over its role in the Syrian civil war, Germany's foreign minister warned on Friday, saying an alleged chemical weapons attack cannot pass "without consequences". The United States and some of its allies are weighing up whether to launch military strikes against President Bashar al-Assads regime over Saturdays attack on Douma, the main city in the rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta. The British government now estimates 75 people were killed in the incident. After talks in Brussels with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, Heiko Maas condemned Moscow Assads key ally for repeatedly blocking resolutions on Syria at the UN Security Council. We must increase pressure on Russia to force it to change attitude. Everyone knows there is only a solution to the conflict in Syria with Russia, Maas said. Russias latest veto came on Tuesday when it sank a draft Security Council resolution to establish a mechanism to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria following the attack in Douma. Germany has ruled out taking part in any military action and Maas warned against starting an escalation spiral. But he gave his support to a French proposal to bring those responsible for chemical attacks before an international court. I am also of the opinion that what has happened there cannot remain without consequences, he said. Syria will be high on the agenda when EU foreign ministers including Maas gather in Luxembourg for their monthly talks. The bloc is expected to condemn the Douma incident and reiterate its longstanding call for a political resolution to Syrias bloody seven-year conflict. Russia has stepped up its warnings against Western military action in Syria, which it said could lead to war. The UN Security Council will meet again on Friday, at Moscows request, to try to defuse the standoff. Spanish prosecutors have handed over new information to Germany they hope will back their demand to extradite former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on rebellion charges, the justice minister said Friday. Rafael Catala told Spanish radio both sides had met Thursday at the headquarters of Eurojust, the European Unions judicial agency in The Hague, just one week after a court in Schleswig-Holstein rejected extraditing Puigdemont on the controversial charge. It ruled that rebellion which carries up to 30 years in jail was not punishable under German law, and that the closest equivalent, high treason, did not apply because Puigdemonts actions were not accompanied by violence. Catala suggested that with the new data, the German prosecutor would now be able to provide further information to substantiate the use of violence which would justify the rebellion charge. According to Spanish daily El Pais, the new information includes videos of alleged violent acts and police reports. Puigdemont was detained in Germany late last month after Spain issued a European arrest warrant against him for his role in Catalonias failed bid to break from Spain last October. He had been in self-exile in Belgium since then but was travelling through Germany when he was detained. On April 6, the Schleswig-Holstein court released him on bail and rejected extraditing him for rebellion. It has yet to rule on another, lesser charge of misuse of public funds. Complaint against court Even if Puigdemont is eventually extradited, the rejection of the rebellion charge is a major blow for Madrid as it means he cannot be tried in Spain on that count. It could also potentially derail Spains case against nine other Catalan separatists also accused of rebellion who are in preventative custody in Spain. These nine could argue that the man who led Catalonia to the verge of secession cannot be prosecuted on lesser charges than them. Minister Catala said it would be reasonable that the final decision of the German court be as coherent as possible with what the (Spanish) judge established. Altogether, 13 separatists have been charged with rebellion, but four of them including Puigdemont have fled Spain. On Friday, the majority-separatist Catalan parliament said it had decided to file an official complaint against Judge Pablo Llarena of the Supreme Court, who is in charge of the case. Announcing the complaint in a tweet, the regional assembly said the decision was taken after Llarena turned down a request by Jordi Sanchez, a jailed separatist civic leader, to be let out of prison to be formally appointed as Catalan president. The Catalan parliament had been scheduled to hold a debate and vote on Sanchezs candidacy on Friday. But after the courts ruling Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent suspended the session indefinitely, and the region remains in political limbo since elections in December. These saw separatist parties win most parliamentary seats, but all three candidates they have put forward for the regional presidency have not borne fruit. First choice Puigdemont is in self-exile, while second and third choice Sanchez and Jordi Turull, the former regional government spokesman, are in jail. Reacting to the complaint, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned legal experts had ruled that if its paid by the parliament, it could constitute misuse of public funds. On the same day Prime Minister Justin Trudeau left for a three-country trip to Peru, France and Britain, his office announced Thursday he would return midway to deal with a pipeline row. Trudeau was wheels up and headed for Lima to attend the Summit of the Americas when he appeared to bow to criticism over his absence in the midst a political crisis related to the construction of the Trans Mountain pipeline. He will now return to Ottawa on Sunday after his trip to Peru to meet with the sparring leaders of Alberta and British Columbia who are at odds over the project. He will then resume his travels to France on Monday before heading to Britain. In Canada, Trudeau will meet with British Columbia Premier John Horgan, who he has accused of illegally obstructing the project, and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, a proponent of the pipeline who has warned that the standoff risked triggering a constitutional crisis. Feeling squeezed, US firm Kinder Morgan said Sunday it would suspend most work on the pipeline during the row that is creating undue risk for investors. The company gave the parties until May 31 to resolve their differences or it would scrap the Can$7.4 billion ($5.9 billion US) project. Trudeau has said the pipeline is in the national interest. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh urged Trudeau to cancel his trip altogether, saying: This is a crisis which requires the prime minister. He was echoed by several Conservative MPs. In 2016, Trudeaus Liberal government approved tripling the 1,150-kilometer (715-mile) Trans Mountain pipelines capacity to carry 890,000 barrels of oil for shipping overseas from landlocked Albertas oil sands to the port of Vancouver. But the project faced continued protests and legal challenges from environmental and indigenous groups as well as municipalities concerned about the risk of oil spills along Canadas pristine Pacific coast impacting fisheries and tourism. British Columbias new social democratic government joined the fight against the project late last year when it looked all but lost. About 97 percent of Canadas oil is currently sold to the United States at a discount. The industry and the federal government say new oil conduits to tidewater are needed in order to diversify exports and get better energy prices. Hepatitis C is easily cured. Yet, about 400,000 people die of the liver disease every year as only a smattering get the medicine they need. On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments to attack the problem with more urgency, and more money. Only about three million people from an estimated 71 million Hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers, received the treatment they needed, the UNs health organ said at an International Liver Congress in Paris. We very much encourage leaders in countries and politicians, policymakers, to include Hepatitis C treatment into their broader health portfolio and really also find the domestic resources that are needed to take this forward, said Gottfried Hirnschall, head of the WHOs global hepatitis programme. The price of a cure ranges from about $200 (162 euros) to several thousand dollars per person excluding diagnostic tests and healthcare salaries and infrastructure. But by really frontloading and treating people, and treating them as quickly as possible you save costs later, Hirnschall told AFP. You save costs that you have if somebody progresses to liver disease or other diseases that require hospitalisation, in some instances very costly liver transplants, (or) tertiary care. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, and curing it is the best way to prevent virus spread. HCV is most commonly passed on through infected blood either by soiled needles used to inject legal or illegal drugs, or blood transfusions. Only about one in five people even know they are infected. Many go on to develop cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. Incredible opportunity A new category of drug called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), described by Hirnschall as revolutionary, can cure all six major HCV strains, with a success rate of more than 90 percent. It comes as a once-daily pill taken for eight to 12 weeks. If all infected people could get it, the treatment would slash liver cancer deaths by 80 percent, says the WHO. Some countries, such as Egypt, Pakistan, China, and Brazil, have really started to increase access to HCV medicines, said Hirnschall some relying on special licencing agreements that allows for the production of cheaper, generic versions . As a result, the majority of infected people live in low- to middle-income countries where prices today are but a fraction of the $84,000 initially charged in the United States for a three-month course. In many rich countries, prices remain high, said Hirnschall. The WHO is reviewing its guidelines on HCV treatment, he added, and will propose that every person older than 12 must have access to DAA. Governments right now have an incredible opportunity, said Hirnschall, with medicines becoming available that are simple, that are cheap, that can now be delivered not only through specialist hepatologists but also through the primary care system. Theres no reason to not scale this up, to not take this forward. The WHO will release an estimate of the global price tag in June. Two years ago, health ministers agreed to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 meaning to reduce new infections by 90 percent and deaths by 65 percent. On Thursday, the liver conference heard that only six European countries the Netherlands, Iceland, Georgia, France, Spain, Switzerland were on track to meet the goal. Research published last year showed the number of Hepatitis C infections in the United States had nearly tripled in five years, partly due to a rise in needle-sharing fuelled by the opioid epidemic. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron late Friday and agreed to "keep working closely" on a response to an alleged Syrian chemical attack, her office said. The prime minister spoke to the French president Emmanuel Macron this evening about the horrific attack in Douma, Syria, on Saturday, a Downing Street spokesman said. They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response. The United States says it has proof that Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime launched the alleged attack on the then rebel-held suburb of Douma on April 7. Frances UN ambassador Francois Delattre said that in choosing once again to use banned chemical weapons against civilians, Assads regime had reached a point of no-return. Russia on Saturday asked the UN Security Council to condemn the "aggression" against Syria in the form of military strikes carried out by the United States, Britain and France, according to a draft resolution seen by AFP. Russia circulated the measure ahead of a Security Council meeting called by Moscow to discuss the military operation by the three allies in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack a week ago. The draft text condemns the aggression against the Syrian Arab Republic by the US and its allies in violation of international law and the UN Charter. It demands that the US and its allies immediately and without delay cease the aggression against the Syrian Arab republic and demands also to refrain from any further use of force in violation of international law and the UN charter. Air strikes by the three allies on Saturday hit three targets that Western officials said were linked to chemical weapons development in the Damascus and Homs areas. Russia has warned that any military action against Syria would be in violation of international law as it was carried out without UN Security Council approval. At a council meeting on Friday, the United States, Britain and France made the case for military action, arguing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces had used toxic gases multiple times in violation of international law. Russia countered that the US-led action was aimed at overthrowing Assad and keeping Moscows influence in check. The council will hear a briefing from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is urging restraint and to avoid any escalation. Russia on Saturday failed to win UN backing for a condemnation of military strikes launched by the United States, Britain and France on Syria in retaliation for an alleged chemical weapons attack. A Russian-drafted resolution won three votes at the Security Council, far below the nine votes required for adoption. Eight countries voted against and four abstained. The Russian measure would have condemned the aggression against Syria and demanded that the three allies refrain from any further strike. The vote was held after the United States warned that it was locked and loaded, ready to launch more military strikes on Syria if President Bashar al-Assads forces carry out a new chemical weapons attack. Britain argued that the strikes were both right and legal to alleviate humanitarian suffering from repeated use of toxic gas in attacks in Syrias seven-year war. The United States, Britain and France launched air strikes in response to a suspected chemical attack in the rebel-held town of Douma a week ago that killed at least 40 people. Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the West of hooliganism and demanded that it immediately end its actions against Syria and refrain from them in the future. You are not only placing yourselves above international law, but you are trying to re-write international law, Nebenzia said after the vote. China and Bolivia supported the Russian measure, while the three allies along with Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, Kuwait and Ivory Coast opposed it. Peru, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia and Equatorial Guinea abstained. Most serious threat Air strikes by the allies on Saturday hit three targets that Western officials said were linked to chemical weapons development in the Damascus and Homs areas. Addressing told the council, Haley said the United States was confident that the military strikes had crippled Syrias chemical weapons program. We are prepared to sustain this pressure, if the Syrian regime is foolish enough to test our will, she said. Moving to return to diplomacy, France said it was working with the United States and Britain on a draft resolution that would address chemical weapons use, the humanitarian crisis and the future of the peace process in Syria. The measure would provide for the creation of an inquiry to identify perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks, allow access for aid convoys and re-launch stalled peace talks in Geneva, French diplomats said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who delayed a trip to Saudi Arabia to deal with the Syria crisis, said he had asked special envoy Staffan de Mistura to return to New York as soon as possible to chart a way forward. Addressing the council, Guterres urged all countries to uphold international law and warned that Syria today represents the most serious threat to international peace and security. The United States, Britain and France have argued that military action was necessary after Assads forces had used toxic gases multiple times in violation of international law. Russia has countered that the US-led action was aimed at overthrowing Assad and keeping Moscows influence in check. An alleged Syrian chemical attack on one-time rebel-held Douma has prompted outraged Western powers to threaten retaliatory strikes and Russia to warn against a dangerous escalation of tensions. Here is a recap of events: Toxic gas On April 7, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and Syrias White Helmets jointly say more than 40 people have died in a poisonous chlorine gas in Douma, the last opposition-held town in Eastern Ghouta near the capital. Blaming the government, they say there are more than 500 cases of people with symptoms indicative of exposure to a chemical agent. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, does not confirm a chemical attack. However, it reports at least 70 cases of respiratory difficulties among civilians after regime air strikes, saying 11 people had died. The regime and its key ally Russia deny any chemical attack. Big price to pay The following day, US President Donald Trump tweets a warning aimed at Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his allies that there will be a big price to pay after a mindless CHEMICAL attack. He hits out at Russia and Iran for backing Animal Assad. Moscow warns Washington against carrying out a military intervention on fabricated pretexts which could have the most dire consequences. Military alert On April 9, US ambassador at the UN, Nikki Haley, says Washington is determined to see the monster who dropped chemical weapons on the Syrian people is held to account. The USS Donald Cook a guided-missile destroyer leaves Cyprus, moving within easy striking range of Syria. On April 10, the Syrian army puts its airports and military bases on alert, the Observatory reports. The global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, announces a fact-finding mission to Douma. At the UN, Russia vetoes a US-drafted Security Council resolution that would have set up an investigation into chemical weapons use in Syria. Missiles coming On April 11, Trump tells Moscow to be prepared for a retaliatory missile strike. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! he says on Twitter. But White House says later that no final decisions on a response have been made although all options are on the table. The Russian defence ministry dismisses footage of attack victims as yet another fake, and a staged provocation to justify Western intervention. Ghouta retaken On April 12, Russia announces that remaining fighters in Douma had given up their heavy weapons, meaning the whole of Ghouta was all-but under pro-regime control. Of course, the chemical attack is what pushed us to agree to a withdrawal from Douma, a top rebel official tells AFP. President Emmanuel Macron says France has proof that the Syrian regime had used chemical weapons and would respond at a time of our choosing. Russias UN ambassador says US-led strikes could lead to a confrontation between the worlds two preeminent nuclear powers. The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war, says Vassily Nebenzia. Russian President Vladimir Putin calls Macron on April 13 to warn against any dangerous actions with unpredictable consequences, the Kremlin says. Staged by London Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has irrefutable evidence the alleged chemical attack was staged as part of a Russophobic campaign led by the secret services of a foreign power. The Russian military points the finger at London. At a meeting of the Security Council, UN chief Antonio Guterres says the spiralling tensions could lead to a full-blown military escalation and urges the body to act responsibly. Fact-finding experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog say they will start work on the ground in Douma on April 14. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday said Russia-US tensions over Syria appeared to be easing, after Moscow and Washington traded bitter accusations over potential American military action. It seems that with the latest developments, the atmosphere has eased somewhat, Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul. Our talks continue and will continue. The temperature had been raised by President Donald Trump on Wednesday warning Moscow that US missiles will be coming to Syria after an alleged chemical weapons attack. However, the White House said on Thursday that Trump had not yet made a final decision on how to respond to the attack in Syria which reportedly killed dozens. Moscow, meanwhile, warned the West against any intervention in Syria, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggesting it could lead to new waves of migrants to Europe. Ankara appears keen not to take sides in one of worst outbreaks of tension since the Cold War between its NATO ally Washington and increasingly close partner Moscow. Instead, it has sought to warn both sides ease off the pressure, with Erdogan saying on Thursday that Syria should not become an arena for geopolitical arm-wrestling. Erdogan has in the last days spoken by phone to Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said Friday he had told the leaders it was not right to raise tensions in the region. The Turkish leader repeated Ankaras vehement opposition to chemical weapons use after the alleged chemical attack in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Douma. The West has blamed the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad for the attack, while the Turkish foreign ministry has also said it strongly suspects the government was behind it. But Lavrov earlier on Friday said Moscow had irrefutable evidence the attack was staged with the help of a foreign secret service. Erdogan cautioned against ignoring the impact of conventional weapons use during the war, adding that they also killed women, children and older people. He said Turkey wanted and wants Russia, coalition forces and especially the US to show sensitivity regarding this issue. Turkey has been working closely with Moscow on a peace process, putting aside their differences on the conflict. While Russia, alongside Iran, supports the al-Assad, Ankara has repeatedly called for his removal. Friday, April 13, 2018 CRaKN provides software that helps funeral directors and funeral homes manage the many arms of their business. Their blog provides tips and advice to help funeral directors better serve families, improve their operations, and stay on top of the latest tech trends impacting death care. Two recent posts feature advice from yours truly, The Doyenne of Death. Before I Die Festivals The April 4 post, How to Market to Those Who Dont Plan on Dying, provides in-depth tips about how to put together a festival devoted to getting end-of-life conversations started. Gail Rubin is the event coordinator for Before I Die ABQ, and Justin Magnuson is co-coordinator of Before I Die Louisville. Among the tips for holding a big event: Know how much marketing goes into holding a festival. Take time to organize your schedule. Know what audience size youre really aiming for. Keep your event low cost or no cost. Dont focus on just one demographic. Dont try to do it all yourself. Before I Die festivals arent the only efforts currently being made to get people to address their mortality. Check out the San Francisco Reimagine End of Life festival taking place April 16-22, 2018. The website is www.LetsReimagine.org. Read the full story here. Event Ideas for Funeral Directors The April 11 post, 15 Event Ideas That Will Help You Educate & Inform Your Families, provides a host of outside-the-box suggestions for community outreach activities. These additional ideas from Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist and pioneering death educator, include: Conduct a behind-the-scenes visit at your mortuary. Host your own Death Cafe conversation. Interview your local coroner or medical investigator. Hold a panel discussion on religion, spirituality, and/or Near Death Experiences. Embrace and answer the questions youre hearing. Read the full story here. Where Did the Name CRaKN Come From? Heres the description from CRaKNs website: You are probably wondering why the name CRaKN? We admit, its unusual. We do think its fitting though. CRaKN was founded by Scott Mindrum, who spent 20 years in funeral service primarily as the Founder, CEO & President of MeM (Making Everlasting Memories). After successfully growing MeM and selling it, Scott took some time to invest in and work with startups in the Cincinnati area. Scott wasnt much for sitting on the sidelines, so he decided to jump back into entrepreneurial life. The problem he wanted to solve was one he had seen so many times: making it easier for funeral professionals to streamline and manage the many touch points and activities that they needed to do each time they worked with a family. With his Norwegian ancestry as inspiration, Mindrum looked to Nordic origins for a memorable name for the company. The concept of a Krakenor a Nordic sea monster resonated with Mindrum. He had seen so many funeral directors who needed more arms to handle daily operations so that they could better serve families, and knew that the Kraken could help represent the solution they needed. From there, an idea was born: a smart, efficiency sea monster that would give funeral directors more arms to handle operations. To capture Customer Relationships and Knowledge, the spelling was changed to CRaKN, keeping the Nordic umlaut over the a. Share this: Here's another blog about illegal immigrants from a client who discusses how DOJ stats indicate that these immigrants do commit more crimes. Department of Justice Stats Show that Illegal Immigrants Commit More Crimes by Paul Brakke Some newly released stats show that illegal immigrants really do commit more crimes, despite liberal claims that they commit less. That liberal claim may be true for older illegals who really are less likely to be criminals, just as crime declines generally for older populations. But the stats from the prisons which largely house younger criminals under 35, who commit most of the crimes, are deeply troubling. This situation was described in a December 2017 discussion between news commentators Tucker Carlson and Mark Steyn, a conservative Canadian author, who now lives and works mainly in Woodside, New Hampshire. Steyn has written five books, including America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It, a New York Times bestseller.[1] As Steyn reported, according to the Department of Justice and Homeland Security Release Data on Incarcerated Aliens, 94% of all confirmed aliens in Department of Justice (DOJ) custody as of December 2017 were unlawfully in the United States. The vast majority of these illegal immigrants were there for drug related offenses. Or more precisely, as Steyn described, there were 39,455 suspected or confirmed non-citizens in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons -- amounting to 21% of the total federal prison population. Of the total 37,557 immigrants in federal custody, 94% were illegal immigrants, primarily for drug smuggling offenses. Steyn further blasted the media and DOJ for keeping this information from the general public on the grounds of political correctness. In reality the lack of information from the media and DOJ permitted liberal support for the illegals who had made it into the U.S., and the illegals were more likely to vote for Democratic candidates. As Steyn put it: "These statistics, which for political correctness reasons we were prevented from knowing in recent years, show that this country is, in effect, importing a criminal class." Moreover, Steyn stated that these figures "represent just the tip of the iceberg," because the vast majority -- approximately 90% -- of incarceration is at the state and local level, and the Department of Justice does not include that data in its report. However, I summarized similar crime data from Arizona in my previous blog. Moreover, the problem of immigrant gangs in major cities continues, and the majority of these gangs are made up of illegal immigrants, according to earlier DOJ reports[2] and recent statements supporting the DOJ's continued crackdown on both gangs and illegal immigrants. The result in effect is that the U.S. is importing a criminal class, and why should it do so, since this is only adding to the criminal population, and "America has no shortage of citizens in the country who break the law."[3] In other words, why make America's already serious crime problem even worse by permitting illegals to come into and stay in the country, since they are more likely to commit crimes. A Department of Justice report issued December 21, 2017 emphasized this point in its statement about the large number of immigrants coming to the United States and committing crimes. As Attorney General Sessions stated: "At the border and in communities across America, our citizens are being victimized by illegal aliens who commit crimes. Nearly 95 percent of confirmed aliens in our federal prisons are here illegally. We know based on sentencing data that non-citizens commit a substantially disproportionate number of drug-related offenses, which contributes to our national drug abuse crisis. The simple fact is that any offense committed by a criminal alien is ultimately preventable. One victim is too many.We (have to) start welcoming the best and brightest while turning away drug dealers, gang members, and other criminals."[4] One reason that the proportion of illegal immigrants is so high in federal prison is because immigrant offenses now account for about half of all federal prosecutions. Among these offenses are smuggling people into the United States. At the same time, illegal immigrants were convicted of offenses related to money laundering and drugs at a higher rate than ordinary citizens along the southern border, due to drug trafficking activity by the Mexican cartels. Certainly it is true that the vast majority of violent crimes, such as murder, assault, and rape, are prosecuted at the state and county level. And it is true that many of the offenses by illegal immigrants may be non-violent, such as smuggling individuals into the country or illegal entry to the country. But that does not negate the fact that illegals facilitate activities that are associated with a high rate of violence, such as drug trafficking, which is wreaking havoc as part of a national addiction crisis, especially in the inner cities. Moreover, it is important to recognize that illegal immigrants have a very different demographic profile than natives, which contributes to the high crime rate when that rate is considered for a younger demographic than the population as a whole. As reported in a January 22, 2018 National Review article by Robert Verbruggen, "Re: Illegal Immigration and Crime," the Migration Policy Institute pointed out that illegal immigrants are concentrated in the 16-34 age range in which criminal behavior is most common. But while this criminal population group accounts for 26% of the native born, it accounts for 43% of the illegal immigrant population, so that means this is a group that has a much higher likelihood to commit crime -- about 60% higher than the native-born population. As Verbruggen points out, the illegal immigrant population "should have a murder rate something like 60 percent higher than natural-born population, based on demographics alone." This greater propensity for crime in this younger population is borne out in the Arizona study, which shows that illegal immigrants in the 15-35 year old age range is "far more overrepresented among criminals, including murderers." Thus, Verbruggen's conclusion firmly shows the dangers of allowing in illegal immigrants who are more likely to commit crimes than the general population, largely because they come from a younger demographic than the general population, and this younger population is more prone to crime. As he observes: "If young men are coming here, working for a few years, and going home, they're pumping up the U.S. crime rate simply by virtue of being young men." While these young men may work for a few years, this doesn't mean this is steady work, especially since illegals end up working in jobs involving physical labor that are generally short term projects, such as being hired for a construction crew for the key months for construction from about April through October, or being hired for a short-term harvest job for a few months in the fall. These are notoriously low-pay, hard labor job, which could readily lead illegal immigrants to seek out other sources of income, such as through property crimes like robbery and theft. Then, too, Verbruggen points out that among the native born, many nationalities with a high percentage of second and third-generation immigrants, particularly from Latin America, "have considerably higher rates than U.S.-born whites do." Moreover, as he emphasizes: "Illegal immigrants unquestionably have higher crime rates than legal immigrants do." Accordingly, while illegals who manage to elude the justice system and become middle aged or old in America may have lower crime rates that depress the overall rates of comparing illegals and legal immigrants and native populations, it is important to recognize the contributions of the younger illegal immigrant population who make up the vast majority of illegal immigrants coming to the U.S. Liberals tend to point to the overall statistics in support of the illegal immigrants who have made it to the country. But that is really a whitewash of the true picture which requires looking at the statistics for the younger illegal immigrants. A report from the Center for Immigration Studies: "Taking Back the Streets: ICE and Local Law Enforcement Target Immigrant Gangs," points to the growing danger of these gangs. As described in this report, since 2005, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 8000 gangsters comprising over 700 different gangs as part of their Operation Community Shield initiative. In particular, the immigrant gangs are singled out as an especially big threat to public safety since their members are prone to violence and involved in transnational gangs. As the article states: "The latest national gang threat assessment noted that Hispanic gang membership has been growing, especially in the Northeast and the South, and that areas with new immigrant populations are especially vulnerable to gang activity. A large share of the immigrant gangsters in the most notorious gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Surenos-13, and 18th Street are illegal aliens."[5] According to this report, the FBI estimates that there are about 30,000 violent street, motorcycle, and prison gangs, with about 800,000 members, with much of the growth in suburban and rural parts of the U.S. where criminal gang activity is relatively high. As of 2008, the FBI considered the gangs more violent, organized, and widespread than ever before, and this is a trend that has continued to grow. Most significantly, the crimes associated with gang activity, such as homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault, showed the greatest increases. At the same time, these gangs reflected an increase in the number and size of gangs made up of both legal and illegal immigrant youth, with about 75% coming from Mexico. Importantly, certain gangs, such as the MS-13 and 18th Street Gang, are composed of mostly illegal immigrants.[6] To a great extent, these gangs are involved in the illegal drug trade. As the report states: "According to the National Drug Intelligence Center and other law enforcement sources, street gangs, along with outlaw motorcycle gangs and prison gangs, are the primary distributors of illegal drugs in the United States. Gangs increasingly are involved in smuggling large quantities of cocaine and marijuana and lesser quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA (also known as 'ecstasy') into the United States from foreign sources of supply and in the transportation of drugs throughout the country. Some street gangs and prison gangs have established relationships with Mexican drug trafficking organizations and these relationships have resulted in the evolution of many street gangs from retail-level distributors to smugglers."[7] Since this report came out, the problem of immigrant gangs has continued, along with their continued involvement in the growing drug problem in the U.S. as expressed in statements by Attorney General Sessions. He has emphasized the need to continue to go after these gangs, as well as the effort generally to stop and reduce illegal immigration to the U.S. So I rest my case. We have to look more carefully at these crime stats and immigration to sort out the real truth. For more blogs, visit www.AmericanLeadershipBooks.com About AEA The American Evaluation Association is an international professional association and the largest in its field. Evaluation involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products and organizations to improve their effectiveness. AEAs mission is to improve evaluation practices and methods worldwide, to increase evaluation use, promote evaluation as a profession and support the contribution of evaluation to the generation of theory and knowledge about effective human action. For more information about AEA, visit www.eval.org. State Sen. Carlos Uresti, convicted less than two months ago by a federal jury on 11 felony charges, has surrendered his license to practice law in lieu of facing disciplinary action from the State Bar of Texas. Without a license, Uresti will be prohibited from practicing law in the state where he has worked as an attorney for more than 25 years. Uresti, 54, would have been disbarred after hes sentenced June 28 anyway, but he chose to voluntarily submit his resignation March 23. His resignation was accepted by the bars Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel the same day and then by the Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday. The San Antonio Democrat was found guilty Feb. 22 of securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, among other charges, over his involvement in FourWinds Logistics. Uresti has vowed to appeal. His recent motion for a new trial was denied. FourWinds bought and sold sand used for fracking in oil production before going bankrupt in 2015 amid allegations that it had defrauded investors. Uresti served as FourWinds outside legal counsel, held a 1 percent ownership interest and recruited potential investors to enter into joint ventures with the company. But he left out pertinent details to get them to invest, including that he stood to get a slice of their profits. The lawmaker is facing a prison sentence that could range from eight to 12 years in addition to likely owing millions of dollars in restitution to victims, some attorneys have said. Uresti is scheduled to stand trial in October in a separate case where hes accused of splitting $850,000 in bribe payments with a county judge in Reeves County over a medical services contract at a jail in West Texas. Uresti has denied the charges. In its Tuesday order, the Supreme Court directed Uresti to immediately notify in writing each of his clients and lawyers representing opposing parties of his resignation. He also has to inform the judges in any pending cases he may have had. He must also return any files, papers, unearned monies and other property in his possession belonging to any client or former client, the court ordered. Clarie Mock, a bar spokeswoman, said it was her understanding that there was one other lawyer who worked in Urestis law firm. So (Urestis) clients should discuss their options with (the other attorney in the office), Mock said. They can determine whether to stay with the firm or to request their files and refund of any unearned fees so they can seek new counsel. The firms website, Urestilaw.com, is inactive. The Bars Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel said Urestis crimes violated the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys. In February of last year, FBI and IRS agents raided Urestis law offices at 924 McCullough Ave., confiscating documents and other items. Agents spent more than six hours at the offices. Prosecutors recently alleged that after his conviction, Uresti had begun selling furniture, statues and artwork. He also was preparing to list for sale the law office building, prosecutors said. Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra issued an order last month barring Uresti and other family members or representatives from disposing of any of his assets without court approval. His wife, Lleanna, has filed for divorce. Prosecutors have said the divorce is an attempt by the couple to protect their assets. Meanwhile, Uresti has resisted calls to resign his Senate seat. The Senate could expel him with a two-thirds majority vote. On Friday, Ezra rescheduled the sentencing of FourWinds CEO Stan Bates from Tuesday to Aug. 27. Bates pleaded guilty to eight felonies in January rather than stand trial with Uresti. Bates public defender requested the continuance to complete further sentencing investigation, according to a court filing. Patrick Danner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | pdanner@express-news.net | @AlamoPD U.S. farmers and ranchers are welcoming the news that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has authority to draw from at least two funding pools to make up for losses due to tariffs from China. But the plan is already hotly contested. Producers groups said what they really want is protection from 25 percent tariffs China plans to slap on several commodities including soybeans, sorghum, cotton and beef. Producers of pork, one of the products China has already slapped with tariffs, are already feeling some pain. Hog futures have dropped about $9 since the Chinese announcement, inflicting severe harm on hog producers, said Jim Monroe, senior director of communications for the National Pork Producers Council. China was the third largest value market, with more than $1 billion in U.S. pork being shipped there last year. Were pleased that the Trump trade team is talking with its Chinese counterparts and were hopeful that the 25 percent tariffs on U.S. pork will be short-lived. Perdue has two main pots for short-term relief. One is the so-called Section 32 program that sets aside an accrual of receipts from tariffs, import duties and entry fees for foreign visitors that can be used to restore producers purchasing power. The other is the Commodity Credit Corp., or CCC, a government-owned entity incorporated in 1933 to help stabilize farm income and prices. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Steve Censky, formerly a longtime CEO of the American Soybean Association, on Monday emphasized President Donald Trumps support of farmers and ranchers, who Trump said were getting hit as Chinas way of punishing him for tariffs on imported aluminum and steel. Trump that same day said farmers are great patriots who understand that theyre doing this for the country. We know these actions have created a lot of anxiety and thats why I think you have a White House, the president directly relayed to Secretary Perdue to please assure farmers and ranchers that I have their backs, Im going to protect them, Censky said. Farmers and ranchers can be on the tip of the spear when it comes to retaliation, and we want to make sure that they are not harmed in the process. Censky said the U.S. Department of Agriculture was looking at all our authorities, including the CCC. We have some pretty broad authorities there, Censky said. Were in a process of vigilantly looking at that right now, working hard to make sure that were ready so something can be announced whenever we think its appropriate. William Rodger, spokesman for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the CCC has definitely been used before to compensate farmers when unforeseen circumstances allowed. That is an avenue if (Perdue) decides thats what he wants to do. What isnt known is how much would be needed if and when the ag tariffs were put in place by China, Rodger said. Dale Moore, the AFBFs vice president of public affairs, said much of the Section 32 authority funds go to mandatory food programs such as the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps. Whats left is about $350 million to $500 million, he said, which wouldnt go far. Perdue has a $30 billion borrowing limit under CCC, but other U.S. agriculture needs are paid from the pool. In the 2015 fiscal year, Moore said, about $6 billion was used, or about 20 percent of Perdues borrowing limit. Whats not known is what would happen if the trade dispute drags on with heavy tariffs in place, how producers would document their losses, and what would be done to reimburse farmers already affected by price swings as traders absorb each days news. The secretarys got to sort out, Well, how much do I take into account that the markets rolled around in the cash or in the futures today? Moore said. Theres the potential for this to be ongoing because of the market disruption. ... Particularly with China, it can take years to get a market going. Luis Ribera, an agricultural economist at Texas A&M University, looked at the value of five top agricultural exports to China to get a sense of losses. In 2017, U.S. ranchers sent about $31 million to the just-reopened market for beef and veal (Texas share: $4 million), $349 million in wheat (Texas share: $11.5 million), $12.4 billion in soybeans (Texas share: $11.6 million), $976 million in cotton (Texas share: $449 million) and $836 million in sorghum (Texas share: $209 million). We send $15.5 billion worth of these agricultural products, so if no alternative markets are found then that would be the amount needed, he said Wednesday in an email. If all those products are placed in alternative markets then theres no money needed to compensate. Now on subsidies, in general they are just a patchwork and not sustainable. They usually disrupt markets and harm producers in the long run. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle criticized the idea during a Capitol Hill meeting with farm reporters Tuesday. We dont need another subsidy program, said U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, a Kansas Republican who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture. What kind of payment would this look like, and its a very amorphous kind of effort. You cant sort of grab ahold of it and say, What well would we do with the pork industry? What do we do for soybeans? What to we do for this, that and the other? U. S. Rep. Collin Peterson, a Minnesota Democrat who serves as ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture, said he was opposed to a one-time bailout of a situation that was created by the administration. If were going to spend money, if you would use it to improve the safety net on a long-term basis that would be good, he said. But to do it just for short term, just to ostensibly buy off people that are upset about the trade policy, I just think it would be a mistake. I can tell you from my farmers that this is not what farmers want, this is not going to placate them, Peterson added. From what I can tell, what they want is their markets they spent all these years building up to be left intact and not screwed up by this policy. Lynn Brezosky is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | lbrezosky@express-news.net | @lbrezosky WASHINGTON Senators on Thursday implored Mike Pompeo, the CIA director nominated to be secretary of state, to stabilize the Trump administrations erratic diplomacy by standing up to Russia and other adversaries and reinstalling U.S. influence among allies. Under persistent questioning, Pompeo said that he had spoken to Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russias meddling in the 2016 election. But Pompeo refused to describe what he had said, maintaining he was at the hearing to discuss foreign policy. In a week when President Donald Trump issued a fusillade of tweets about Syria, Russia and China that set a new standard for contradictory and inconsistent policy positions, the question of how Pompeo would manage White House impulses that can have global impact was the focus at the hearings start. Will you enable President Trumps worst instincts? asked Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the committee, said that while Trump has sometimes been erratic, we have also seen that good counsel has led the president to evolve. If confirmed, Pompeo would be the Trump administrations second secretary of state in 14 months. In his opening statement, Pompeo signaled that he planned to harvest a forceful diplomacy. He said he would take a tough line against Russia and push to improve the Iran nuclear deal through negotiations with European allies so that Trump could be persuaded to preserve it. And as planning was underway at the White House and Pentagon for a potential missile strike on Syria for a suspected chemical weapons attack against civilians, Pompeo, a former Army captain, stressed that war is always the last resort. I would prefer achieving the presidents foreign policy goals with unrelenting diplomacy rather than by sending young men and women to war, he said. Code Pink protesters interrupted the hearing, denouncing what they said was Pompeos support for war. Two sitting senators and former Sen. Bob Dole, the longtime Republican leader from Kansas, introduced Pompeo to the committee and spoke highly of his credentials to be the United States top diplomat and his commitment to the rule of law. Dole, who also introduced Pompeo during his confirmation hearing last year to be director of the CIA, warmed up the panel, which is far from unanimous in its support to confirm him. I can see all you people up there. I cant see very well, so you look good, said Dole, 94. Sen. Richard M. Burr, R-N.C., chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, assured his peers that Pompeo is transparent and a natural fit for the job. I asked Mike to lead the CIA in an ethical, moral and legal manner, Burr said. And Im here to tell you that he did exactly that. He asked those on the committee to examine Pompeos nomination on the merits alone. If theres ever one where you put politics aside, this is it, Burr said. Pompeo caught Trumps attention with his broadsides on Hillary Clinton during 2015 congressional hearings about the attacks on a diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that left four people, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, dead. At the time, Pompeo was a Republican congressman from Wichita, Kansas. Pompeo has been the director of the CIA over the past year and at least one officer died on his watch. Pompeo kicked off his remarks to the panel with a reminder to lawmakers that, as a former congressman, he understands the important oversight role of Congress. He pledged to be in regular contact and work well with the committee something former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was not known for during his brief term. This article originally appeared in The New York Times WESLACO Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday the deployment of Texas National Guard troops is necessary to deal with a dramatic escalation of immigrants, drugs and MS-13 gang members crossing the southern border. The cross-border activity poses serious threat to communities across Texas and the United States, Abbott said during a visit with troops and U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley. Stunningly and disturbingly there has been an increase of more than 200 of MS-13 coming across the border, Abbott said. Its our responsibility on behalf of our fellow Americans that we stop those MS-13 gang members. President Donald Trump last week called for a force of as many as 4,000 troops in four states to deploy to the southern border. The president said the troops would remain on the border as a virtual and personnel wall until his wall is built. As of Thursday, Abbot said, 762 Texas National Guard had arrived on the border and that their ranks would continue to grow by 300 guardsmen per week until the force reached around 1,400 troops. The total deployment will vary depending on the circumstances on the ground, Abbott said. The troops will provide the Border Patrol with surveillance of the river from the ground and the air but will not apprehend immigrants or interdict drug trafficking operations. Their task is to observe and report, Abbot said, noting that morale is high and many troops want to take part. I have received phone calls from governors of other states who offered their national guard to participate in the operation, Abbott said. Critics of Trumps call to send troops to the border say federal agencies are intentionally using misleading information to justify the deployment. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen called the operation a decision rooted in the fiction that the border is overrun with illegal immigration. I cannot endorse this unwarranted deployment when there are smarter approaches to successfully secure our nations borders, Gonzalez said this week. Border agents in the Valley are catching around 450 people every day, Abbott said, remarking on the 200 percent increase in the number of immigrants apprehended in March compared with the same period a month ago. He compared the sharp rise to the surge of children and families from Central American who in 2014 overwhelmed immigration agents in the Valley. Read more: National Guardsmen arrive on the southern border to assist immigration authorities The governor also said MS-13 gang members and heroin seizures had increased more than 200 percent, but Abbott didnt provide context for the claim. What the real facts show, if you look at all the years going back decades, you will see the rise that we are dealing with right now is at a substantially high level, Abbott said. Even with the spike in March, however, Border Patrol data show the number of immigrants caught illegally crossing the border is historically low. Moreover, the rise includes people who arrived openly at international ports to seek asylum, Gonzalez said. But Abbott stood by his statements. The president was right to call this action now before the situation gets out of hand, Abbott said. We want to shut down cartels and smugglers who are trying to import crime into the United States. anelsen@express-news.net | Twitter: @amnelsen Several residents facing displacement from their downtown apartment complex due to rising rents demanded Thursday that the city purchase the privately owned property and convert the site into permanent affordable housing. Those renters have created a tenants union to represent residents at the Soapworks and Towne Center Apartments, located next to a stretch of San Pedro Creek that is being transformed into a linear park. The apartments which were purchased by The Barvin Group in Houston in October and will be rebranded as Soap Factory are currently undergoing renovations. The new owner plans to raise rents once that remodeling work is complete, but no tenants have been asked to leave, said Michelle McMillan, regional vice president for Capstone Real Estate Services, which manages the properties in the 500 and 600 block of North Santa Rosa Street. Nobodys rent has been raised yet, she said, though some new ancillary fees for pest control and trash collection have been imposed. But the tenants union and other activists rallying Thursday at Main Plaza pressed the city to intervene. They demanded the city buy the apartments which house some elderly and disabled residents by tapping into $20 million in neighborhood improvement funds that were part of a bond issue approved by voters last year. They also insisted that the city work with the new owner to halt all rent hikes and guarantee no one is evicted from the apartments in the coming months. And they demanded the city create a renters task force to seek effective tenant protections and urged Mayor Ron Nirenberg and the City Council to declare an emergency housing crisis exists in San Antonio. If we allow this community to be erased, not only will that set the precedent that lower-income folks are no longer welcome downtown, but that will also be 381 affordable units taken off the downtown housing market, said Maureen Galindo, a single mother of three living at Towne Center. The apartments are privately run and dont use any government funds, McMillan said. We are not using anybody elses money for anything that we are doing, she said Thursday. We empathize with those (residents) who feel that theyre not going to be able to afford to stay there over a long period of time. More than 60 apartments have been vacated by residents who chose to move out since the properties were sold, McMillan said. Concerned tenants and advocates converged on Main Plaza shortly after the City Council voted to approve using $542,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to provide up to two months of emergency rental assistance for qualified low-income tenants moving out of apartments they can no longer afford. That move was intended to help renters vacating Soapworks and Towne Center, city officials said. But the funds cant be reserved solely for those residents. The financial aid must be made available to qualified applicants citywide and disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. How soon the city will begin paying that assistance isnt yet known. Galindo has said that money is not enough. The mayors office declined later Thursday to comment on the groups demands. Nirenberg has made housing for everyone a focus of his administration since he was elected mayor last year. He appointed a housing policy task force to explore a comprehensive and compassionate housing policy for the city. That panel which is investigating multiple issues, such as boosting affordable housing and addressing gentrification and displacement began meeting last fall and is expected to forward recommendations to the City Council in June. We should not be resigned to displacement as an acceptable condition in the community, Nirenberg said Thursday shortly before the council voted to approve the emergency rental assistance funds. At the same time, we cant be so reckless to suggest that displacement will never occur. It is a charge of the task force to find out how we can prevent displacement. City Councilman Roberto Trevino, whose district includes the Soapworks and Towne Center properties, is working to create a tenants task force that includes renters from all over the city, spokesman Justin Renteria said. Trevino also has been working closely with property managers and residents of the apartments in recent months to seek solutions. Soapworks and Towne Center, which were built between 1978 and 1982, were poorly maintained over the years before they were sold in October, city officials and the new owner have said. The rents charged previously were unusually low, said Eric Barvin, president of The Barvin Group. Several tenants reported paying anywhere from $430 to $600 a month for efficiencies or one-bedroom apartments. The Barvin Group plans to raise the rents to a midprice range once the apartments undergo interior renovations. Newly remodeled units are being shown on the apartments website with monthly rents of $665 for an efficiency and ranging from $745 to $975 for a one-bedroom. Weve been personally a little bit surprised by the pushback just because we feel like weve really improved the property, Barvin said. City officials estimated the rental assistance funds approved Thursday will help 255 households, providing an average of $1,850 in rental assistance per applicant. To qualify for such help, tenants household pay cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income $35,600 for someone living alone or $50,800 for a family of four. The city is still evaluating other criteria for the program. Peggy OHare is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pohare@express-news.net | @Peggy_OHare NASA is inviting everyday space enthusiasts to send their names where no human has been before the sun. This summer, NASA is launching the Parker Solar Probe, the first-ever spacecraft to the sun, in an effort to study how it affects space. As part of that mission, the space agency will send a microchip loaded with peoples names. Parker Solar Probe is, quite literally, the fastest, hottest and, to me, coolest mission under the sun, said project scientist Nicola Fox of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, a Maryland facility that is in charge of designing, building and operating the spacecraft. This incredible spacecraft is going to reveal so much about our star and how it works that weve not been able to understand, Fox said. The deadline to apply to have your name included in the probe is April 27. The probe is the about the size of a small car and will travel into the solar atmosphere, about 4 million miles away from the suns surface, during its seven-year mission. To prevent the probe from burning up in the suns atmosphere, it will be protected by 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield, able to withstand temperatures of about 2,500 degrees. The probe is named after astrophysicist Eugene Parker, who proposed in the 1950s numerous concepts of how stars, including the sun, give off energy. This is the first time a spacecraft has been named after a living person. NASA officials said the probe will broaden understandings of the Earth and its solar system. The mission will revolutionize our understanding of the sun, where changing conditions can spread out into the solar system, affecting Earth and other worlds, according to a recent post on NASAs website. St. Marys University has received a $1.5 million pledge that will help endow the Marianist chair in Catholic Education Leadership, a fund that will be matched by the university, officials announced this week. The post will develop and supervise a masters degree in Catholic Education Leadership, which will be designed to create leaders in Catholic K-12 education in San Antonio and the Southwest. The total $2.5 million endowment will fund the recruitment and retention of a Catholic scholar who will work out of the universitys Center for Catholic Studies, according to a Thursday press release. The initial pledge came from the Marianist Province of the United States. The Society of Mary is the Catholic religious order of priests and brothers whose members in 1852 founded what became St. Marys and Central Catholic High School. The universitys share of at least $1 million will come from its Defining Moment campaign. In the geographic region that encompasses the heart of the Hispanic Church, the Society of Mary will continue to fulfill its historic role of educating Catholic boys and girls through the establishment of this chair, St. Marys President Thomas Mengler said in the press release. The interdisciplinary degree program will offer finance and organizational management coursework as well as education theory and practice, all of which are required by Catholic educators. It will include Catholic theology and Catholic social teaching and courses in the universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Greehey School of Business and the Center for Catholic Studies. President Donald Trump is heading to Houston next month in a quest for cash to help Republicans defend their majorities in Congress. Trump is scheduled to headline a May 14 fundraising luncheon at a location yet to be publicly disclosed. The fundraiser is to help Senate Republicans raise money for the 2018 midterms, which have their party on defense, trying to hold their majorities in both the House and the Senate. The Washington Post, which first reported the event, said the invitation is requesting donors give up to $100,000 per couple to attend the event. While the event will essentially be in Sen. Ted Cruzs backyard, its less about helping him in his first re-election bid than it it about helping bolster GOP finances in battleground states such as Florida, Missouri and Indiana, where Republicans are in major battles that could determine control of the Senate. Texas and more specifically Houston have become among the Republican Partys most important fundraising hubs outside of the Washington, D.C., region and New York City. In 2016, the Houston metro area donated more than $44 million to federal campaigns and political action committees tied to Republicans. D.C., New York and Chicago were the only metro regions that contributed more to Republican politicians, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Cruz is facing stiff opposition from Democrat Beto ORourke for re-election but is still considered the favorite. Texas has three Republican-held U.S. House seats that have become top targets for Democrats as they seek to retake the majority in Congress. One of those seats is in Houston, where U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, is considered one of the top targets for Democrats in all of the U.S. Culberson is considered vulnerable partly because of how poorly Trump did in the Houston area in 2016. Despite winning the state, Trump lost Harris County to Hillary Clinton by 160,000 more votes than Republican nominee Mitt Romney lost to President Barack Obama in 2012. And within the confines of Culbersons 7th Congressional District, Clinton won 48.5 percent of the vote to 47 percent for Trump. Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate. In the House, they hold a 237-193 edge, with five seats currently vacant. Democrats are increasingly optimistic that they can win the seats necessary to take control of the House, though the Senate represents a more difficult challenge. In a recent fundraising letter to supporters, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said the party needs to win two of three seats now held by Republicans to retake the majority in the Senate. Those seats are in Texas, Arizona and Nevada. Trumps fundraising run follows House Speaker Paul Ryans own trip through Texas this month. Ryans political action committee touted raising more than $4 million during the four-day run through Texas. Ryan has since announced that he is retiring from Congress. Democrats, too, have made Houston a regular stop to bolster their cause. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi have both been in Houston for different events this year to raise money for the party and to motivate Texas Democrats. Schumer attended a private fundraiser near Hobby Airport in January to specifically help Democrats seeking re-election in Florida and Indiana. Pelosi was in Houston in February for the Harris County Democratic Party fundraiser. DOSS For a publicity-shy couple who live in this tiny ranching community, population 225, Mike and Mary Porter are causing quite a stir in Texas politics. Over the past year, theyve given a total of $1.5 million to Gov. Greg Abbotts re-election campaign and to a political action committee bent on protecting Republican philosophy in drawing legislative and congressional districts. And they tossed in $70,000 to an unsuccessful legislative candidate in their home district in the Hill Country west of Austin. The Porters, however, arent fond of the limelight. Mary Porter hung up on a reporter seeking an interview. And veteran political operatives and fundraisers say they havent even met the Porters and have no clue about why they suddenly have emerged as a financial force in Texas politics. Others have theorized the Porters, who lived in California before finding a home in a rural valley far from the closest big city, may have found common ground with Abbott, a conservative who often has contrasted Texas approach to governing with the Golden States. Former state Rep. Doug Miller, a New Braunfels Republican whose campaign received $50,000 from Mike Porter two years ago, said the reason for the couples burst of political activity may be simple, albeit shrouded in their pursuit of privacy. Miller said hed gotten calls from other political operatives wondering whether the Porters would start spreading their money more widely. I think hes just a guy who has got concerns and is conservative, but that doesnt mean he couldnt fall prey to some of the people who would exploit somebody who lives in Doss, Miller said. Im not saying that he is naive, but maybe a little bit of naivete on political matters. He is kind of a private person. Yet a $1 million contribution to a governors campaign, taking advantage of Texas permissive campaign-finance laws, will attract attention. And Mike Porter pumped another $500,000 into a super PAC called #ProjectRedTX, led by a former Abbott campaign manager, that was created to repel challenges to Texas Republicans redistricting efforts. Now Playing: Sens. John McCain and Sheldon Whitehouse doubled down on their bipartisan effort encouraging the U.S. Supreme Court to create a new standard for determining the constitutionality of partisan gerrymandering. Video: FortuneTime If its not clear whats driving the Porters, theres some indication of the source of at least some of their wealth. Related: Gov. Abbott's appointees have given him more than $14 million Mary Porter is the daughter of Frank Batten Sr., a Virginia media magnate who founded the Weather Channel and sold it a decade ago for billions. Porter is a California native who owned general and electrical contracting firms and started acquiring land in Gillespie County in 2004. When the couple wrote the big check to Abbotts campaign last year, Mike Porter said, We believe Gov. Abbott has put forward a vision to keep Texas exceptional, and we want to do our part in supporting what hes doing. Thats all there was to it. The Porters have continued to spend lavishly on political causes and candidates. But unlike last year, the couple arent publicly discussing the reasons for their contributions or anything else. In response to an interview request, Mary Porter said: Were not interested. We are not interested. We know you contacted us several times and some of our friends, and we are definitely not interested. Then she hung up. Land, restaurant Mary Porters father was chairman of Virginia-based Landmark Communications. At the time of his death in 2009, Landmark owned nine daily newspapers; television stations in Las Vegas and Nashville, Tennessee; more than 50 weekly newspapers; and a national chain of classified advertising publications, according to his obituary in the New York Times. Toward the end of his life, Batten was best known as the founder of the Weather Channel, which debuted in 1982. In 2008, Landmark sold it to NBC Universal and two private equity firms for nearly $3.5 billion. Batten and his wife, Jane, had three children a son and two daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Dorothy. Michael Porter, 70, was born southwest of Los Angeles. According to California business filings, Porter registered several companies, including the Red Butte Corp., Jayport Electric Inc. and Wespac Electric, with addresses in Los Angeles County, and Landco Management Corp. in San Diego County. A 2009 business record listed Landco as a general contractor. Mike Porter began to buy land in Gillespie County in 2004 under a trust, according to property records. In addition to their Cross Creek Ranch in Doss, the Porters own a house in nearby Fredericksburg. Read more: White proposes $1 billion-plus state fleet of self-driving vehicles, 'Made in Texas' fuel signs He sued the Doss school district in 2013, accusing it of withholding public records in the acquisition of a house and land adjacent to the school that he said cost the district too much. The district said Porter had tried to buy the same property. He dropped the lawsuit eight months after filing it. That year, Mike Porter also was the target of a lawsuit. Matthew Cavin, the executive chef of the restaurant in the Doss Country Store that Porter owned, sued him, alleging Porter violated his employment contract when Porter fired him without cause. Porter rejected the allegation. Cavin said he had warned the couple that the restaurant would lose money, but Cavin said Mary Porter enjoyed eating and entertaining at a restaurant outside Fredericksburg and wanted one. The Porters wanted a restaurant with the acclaim of the Hilltop Cafe, according to court records filed by Cavins Austin attorney, Jim Guleke. The Porters told Cavin that they did not care whether the restaurant to be opened in the Doss Country Store made money. They just wanted to have a restaurant there. Guleke deposed Mike and Mary Porter separately in 2014. Cavin said as part of the lawsuits out-of-court settlement, he agreed not to release copies of the depositions. The store and restaurant since have closed. Discussion over a Coors The Porters made their first campaign contribution in Texas in 2014, when the couple made one and Mike Porter made another to Abbotts successful gubernatorial campaign. The two contributions totaled $5,000. The following year, Porter gave $50,000 to Miller, the Republican House member who represented three counties, including Gillespie. Miller lost in a GOP runoff to a tea party favorite, Kyle Biedermann. Miller said Porter told him he asked his Doss neighbors whom he should support and they said Miller. One of the Porters neighbors is a relative of Millers wife, whose descendants helped found Doss in the mid-1850s. He and I had a conversation on the back of one of his pickups over a Coors beer, and I guess he decided he liked me because he made a nice contribution to my campaign, Miller said. John Wittman, a spokesman for Abbotts campaign, said the Porters generosity extends well beyond politics. They play a pivotal role in their community where they provide scholarships to children, are heavily engaged in building the new fire station in Doss, are staunch supporters of the Wounded Warrior Group, Combat Marine Outdoors, and so much more, Wittman said in a written statement. The governor is grateful not only for the (Porters) financial support of his campaign, but also their support for Texas values that have made the Lone Star State the freest and most prosperous state in the nation. Read more: Abbott is urged to soothe hard feelings The Porters contributed $50,000 last December to David L. Campbell, a former Fredericksburg school board member who challenged Biedermann in the GOP primary. They followed that up with $20,000 last month to Campbells campaign. Biedermann defeated Campbell in the primary. Biedermann and Campbell could not be reached for comment. Other Republicans including state party Chairman James Dickey, Gillespie County GOP Chairman Dalton Fromme and Allen Blakemore, a campaign consultant for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said they didnt know the Porters. In November and December of last year, Mike Porter made two contributions totaling $500,000 to #ProjectRedTX. When the PAC disclosed contributions and expenditures earlier this year to the Federal Election Commission, Porter was the sole donor. The PACs website states: Low taxes, positive business climate, and a predictable regulatory process have paved the way for those wanting a freer way of participating in free enterprise. Texans are welcoming people. Our neighbors that move here from out of state laud their newfound freedom. We cannot sit by and take it for granted. WESTPORT Christi Caldwell breaks her career up into two periods. The time before her son Rory was born and the time after. The point of inflection was 2008. At the time, Caldwell taught history at Fairfield Warde High School, but when Rory was born and Caldwell and her husband learned he had down syndrome, Caldwell did not return to Warde in order to attend to Rorys many medical appointments. It was a really uncertain time in my life and so I found that writing was really cathartic. I put a lot of emotion into it and its where I channeled my energy, Caldwell, 38, said. When Caldwell was ready to return to work, she couldnt find a teaching job. Facing financial hardship, Caldwell and her husband, a middle-school science teacher, moved to North Carolina, but couldnt find work so returned to their native Connecticut a year later. The years after Rory was born were undeniably difficult for Caldwell and her family. We ate our Halloween pumpkin one year because we didnt have money for produce, Caldwell said, adding the city of Milford helped her family out with oil because they couldnt afford it and also provided her son with Christmas gifts because she and her husband didnt have the funds. Caldwell began writing long-before Rory was born but said her work took on a new intensity after his birth. I started to reassess my view of perfections and imperfections and what makes something perfect. I looked at us all as kind of flawed beings and thats what makes the world really beautiful and unique and so I started writing about really flawed characters, Caldwell said. Ever since she was 13, Caldwell read historical romance novels. What I loved is that it is a blend of history and they always end with a happily ever after because I feel life is hard enough, Caldwell said. While earning an integrated bachelors and master's degree in history education from the University of Connecticut, Caldwell tried her hand at writing historical romance and continued writing into her teaching career at night after grading papers. After Rorys birth, Caldwells wrote at night and on the weekends when her husband would take Rory out of the house. Despite all the time Caldwell put into her writing she wrote two books in total after Rorys birth she sat on the works and thought theyd never see the light of day. Eventually, Caldwell and her husband both found teaching jobs again her at Stamford High School and her husband at Stamfords Cloonan Middle School. In 2013, however, Caldwells world was once again turned upside down. She was pregnant with twin girls, and the pregnancy was difficult and complicated. For weeks, Caldwell was on bed rest with her twins and continued to write. Out of boredom, she watched episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, including one which featured historical romance author Valerie Bowman. Cadwell saw Bowmans life and decided to self-publish some of her work through IndyPublish.com, not thinking anyone would find them. In the past, Caldwell had sought out different agents and editors at historical romance fiction fests but was told over and over again that her work wouldnt sell because it was depressing and dark and people read historical romance because they dont want to think. Nonetheless, the novella Caldwell self-published garnered a following, and quickly. Caldwell could see on IndyPubish that people read and reviewed her book and were asking for more, so Caldwell published her first full-length novel, Forever Betrothed, Never the Bride, which was the first book she wrote after Rorys birth and which became a USA Today Bestseller. I literally found a readership overnight, Caldwell said, adding, people were asking for more and saying, where are your books? While her newborn twins slept, Caldwell wrote. I was doing it because I love it. Its never work, Caldwell said. A prolific writer, Caldwell has published nearly 40 books of historical romance in the last five years and is now a full-time romance writer. This month, she and her family moved to Fairfield because she felt it was a community that could embrace Rory and his challenges with down-syndrome. I always said if I could live in Fairfield I would live in Fairfield, Caldwell said. All of Caldwells historical romance books are set in the Regency period in England, which spanned from 1805 to 1822 and is the most common setting for historical romance novels set today. People love the pageantry and the curtsies and the manners and the proper way that people behaved. It wasnt overt sexuality. The kiss of the fingertips is just as romantic, if not more, than what you see in other romance novels more about how it is today, Caldwell said. While Caldwell said readers enjoy the chivalry of the period, it turns out they dont mind that her characters have struggled, and push the boundaries of their time. What people tend to like is the characters who break outside the mod. Its not necessarily about the hero whos polite and proper. Its the one who stands and maybe makes waves in society for different reasons. Or people enjoy the heroine who is strong, blue stockings they're called, and doesnt allow herself to be constrained, Caldwell said. As small children, Gabriel Bol Deng, Koor Garang and Garang Mayuol fled their villages in South Sudan due to civil war. They became a part of a group of thousands of other boys with a similar story, nicknamed The Lost Boys upon resettlement in the United States in 2001. In May 2007 the three men, then in their twenties, embarked on a journey back to Sudan. Accompanied by filmmaker Jen Marlowe and journalist David Morse, they discovered whether their homes and families had survived, viewed the situation in South Sudan, and considered how they could help their community rebuild after devastating civil war. Along the way, the young men assessed the hopes, dreams and fears of the Southern Sudanese people nearly three years after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. They also explored the connections between the conflict in South Sudan to the conflict in Darfur, probing the larger questions of identity and ethnicity in Sudan. Gabriel took the first steps toward starting a school in his village, and Koor brought medical supplies and volunteered at a clinic. They also returned to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. by Brad Richter | Brewers Correspondent | Fri, Apr 13th 6:44am EDT Christian Yelich who is currently on the DL with an oblique strain will test out the injury during pre-game warmups on Friday with the hope of playing as soon as Sunday when he is first eligible to be activated. (Tom Haudricourt on Twitter) Measures unveiled by the European Commission to tackle unfair practices in the food supply chain are an important step forward, according to the Conservative Agriculture spokesman. The proposed directive aims to protect farmers and suppliers from practices including the cancellation of contracts for fresh produce at short notice, late payments by retailers and by demanding more clarity in agreements. It draws on the experience of the UK's Groceries Code Adjudicator, a position created in 2013 to re-evaluate the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers. Conservative Agriculture spokesman Anthea McIntyre told MEPs that she warmly welcomed the Commission's proposals. She said: "Farmers don't always get a fair price and they don't always get fair treatment. Processors and supermarkets are often those who take the lion's share of the profit when of course they wouldn't take any profit at all were it not for the raw commodity provided by the farmers. "The UK adjudicator is a very good example of how to make progress in this area and I am pleased to hear the Commission has used it as a model. When the system was set up one of the worst practices I came across was of farmers being charged by supermarkets for replying to customers who wrote complementing the quality of a product. She added: "Proof of the effectiveness of the adjudicator is that the number of complaints and issues raised by farmers has reduced year on year." Introducing the proposed directive, Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan confirmed the UK "had been specifically looked at in drawing up this proposal." He added: "Companies have come into line as a result of the work of the groceries adjudicator." Mr Hogan stressed the EU measures would complement, not replace, steps already taken by Member States. Farmers have been told to beware of an ever-increasing problem when renovating their property - the presence of bats. Most farmers are resigned to the fact that building works can be delayed by setbacks in the construction process or bad weather. However, very few expect their property renovation to be delayed due to bats, which is a growing problem, reports property consultancy Galbraith. The UK is home to 18 species of bats, 17 of which are known to be breeding in the UK, and most have special protection and recognition on a national level. As such, Galbraith said special consideration has to be given to them when undertaking building projects where bats have taken up home, as not only do bats have strong legal protection, their roosts do too. Protected species Bats are woodland animals, but many species have come to use roosting sites in buildings as the availability of natural roosting sites in trees has fallen. They have well established traditions and tend to return to the same sites year after year, and they often use farm buildings. The problem is more prevalent in the summer months when female bats need somewhere warm to rear their young, as over the winter months bats hibernate to stay out of the cold weather. Galbraith has advised a number of farmers and landowners on how to deal with bats and other protected species whilst undertaking building projects, particularly in the rural sector where bats thrive. Special measures have to be implemented to adhere to ecological legislation and project design has to be carefully considered where bats have been found to be occupying a building. Failure to comply with legislation can lead to criminal prosecutions. In many cases a series of ecology surveys will be required to be carried out by specialist ecologists, over a period from May to August when bats are out of hibernation. 'Carefully considered' James Taylor, of the Galbraith building surveying team, said: When planning any project that creates a risk of disturbance to bats, or indeed any other protected species during their breeding cycle, it is vital to start preparations early and plan ahead. There are a range of measures that can be undertaken including the timing of the work to avoid the breeding season, installation of bat boxes to re-house any bats found during the work and specifying the installation of lead slates in new roofs to maintain access for bats in future. The use of under slate breathable membranes can be problematic where bats are present as bats can become entangled in the membrane. Mr Taylor added: Therefore, the design of the roof has to be carefully considered and the introduction of alternative roof felts and roof ventilation factored in, depending on the roof structure and design. Discussions on plans to regulate milk contracts were top of the agenda when dairy officials from the UK's four farming unions met for their quarterly meeting. Looking at short, medium and long-term issues facing dairy farmers across the UK, debate also covered forage availability, antibiotics, industry reputation, Brexit and trade. But the main discussion revolved around Defra and the devolved governments plans to regulate on milk contracts. All four unions welcomed the fact that the government has listened to their call, in the Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA) consultation, for a fairer, more balanced supply chain. In Defras own words: The Government is committed to a fair, transparent and thriving modern groceries supply chain. The department recognises that there are still some concerns about unfair trading practices in the supply chain, in particular, amongst primary producers. The unions say the three specific concerns are the balance of bargaining power, unfair or unclear contract terms and a lack of trust and transparency that discourages good relationships across the supply chain. All concerns were raised in the respective responses to the GCA consultation last year. The farming unions also welcome Defras recognition of the need for fairer, more balanced contracts between farmers and first purchasers. 'Huge opportunity' Speaking after the meeting NFU Scotlands Milk Committee chairman John Smith, a dairy farmer from Kintyre, said the unions have argued for "fairer, more effective and equitable milk contracts for many years" and is a "huge opportunity for the entire UK dairy sector". That said, the blunt wording of the current EU regulation on milk contracts isnt suitable for our diverse UK dairy industry this is one of the reasons the UK opted for the voluntary code of conduct for contracts when the EU regulation first came into force, Mr Smith said. "Rather than rush through a text developed for the whole EU dairy sector, we would rather work with Government on improving this text to achieve better results for UK dairy farmers and dairy processors. This needs to go hand in hand with better farmer representation and better market data. These are three corners of a triangle that will help ensure more fairness in the supply chain the ultimate goal of Government and the farming unions. Regulating on one of these areas isnt sufficient. Mr Smith added: This will be the thrust of our response to Government in its upcoming consultation on compulsory milk contracts. The Labour Party would ban cage egg production on farms in the United Kingdom if it came to power. The commitment is amongst a number of policies outlined in what it says is a plan for radical action on animal welfare. Other policies include ending the badger cull - introduced in an attempt to tackle bovine TB - and banning live exports of animals for slaughter or fattening. Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary Sue Hayman says she wants the UK to become a world leader on animal rights. All the major retailers in the United Kingdom, as well as a number of leading food service companies, have already committed to going cage-free by 2025. The move followed successful animal welfare campaigns run mainly on the internet. Particularly influential was a petition by schoolgirl Lucy Gavaghan from Sheffield. She initially aimed her campaign at Tesco. The petition went viral, with huge numbers of signatures, and Tesco eventually said it would stop selling cage eggs by 2025. Once Tesco committed to going cage-free, she turned her attention to other leading retailers. Asda and Morrisons subsequently made the cage-free commitment and they were followed by discounters Aldi and Lidl and then the convenience chain, Spar. Sainsburys, the Co-op, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer stopped selling cage eggs some years ago. More recently, campaigners with the Humane League have started pressing the United Kingdom's biggest egg company, Noble Foods, to go cage free. Noble, which has been very successful with its high welfare happy egg brand, still has an enriched cage brand in Big and Fresh. Conventional battery cages have been banned in the European Union since the beginning of 2012. Animal welfare However, whilst leading companies have committed to going cage free, a market for eggs produced in enriched cages is likely to continue - particularly in the processing industry. The Labour Party has now committed to ending the use of cages. Labour is the party of animal welfare," said Sue Hayman. "From bringing in the ban on fox hunting to tightening the rules on the transport of live animals, Labour has always been consistent in our leadership on matters of animal welfare. Today were making proposals for real, long-term progress. Our vision is one where no animal is made to suffer unnecessary pain and we continue to drive up standards and practice in line with the most recent advances and understanding. With new trade deals on the horizon and the UK no longer subject to EU-wide rules on animal welfare, we want to ensure there is a comprehensive legislative agenda in place so that the UK becomes a world leader on animal rights. The Labour Party says its 50-point draft policy document, entitled Animal Welfare For The Many, Not The Few, will go out for public consultation. The party proposes appointing an Animal Welfare Commissioner to ensure that Government policy across Whitehall is continually informed by the latest scientific evidence on animal sentience. The commissioner would also ensure animal welfare standards were always considered in new legislation and were maintained in Britains involvement in international bodies and post-Brexit trade deals, it says. 'Quality and provenance' Concerns about animal welfare have been raised during the Brexit debate, with many people fearing that the UK's animal welfare standards could be ditched in a rush to clinch trade deals with countries like the United States, where regulations are less stringent than the European Union rules under which the UK currently operates. US president Donald Trump's commerce secretary Wilbur Ross told business leaders at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference in London that any post-Brexit deal with Washington would hinge on the UK scrapping rules set by Brussels. Environment Secretary Michael Gove has insisted that the UK will not weaken animal welfare standards. At the Oxford Farming Conference, he said: "Food and drink is the UK's biggest manufacturing sector and one of its fastest growing, with an increase of eight per cent in exports to the EU and 10 per cent in exports outside the EU in the first three quarters of last year alone. "That success has been built on a reputation for quality and provenance, on the knowledge that we have among the highest environmental and animal welfare standards of any nation on earth. "So people know when they're buying British they're buying food which is guaranteed to be high quality and more sustainable," he said. "That's why it would be foolish for us to lower animal welfare or environmental standards in any trade deal, and in so doing undercut our own reputation for quality. We will succeed in the global market place because we are competing at the top of the value chain, not trying to win a race to the bottom." 'End use of cages' Now, Labour is proposing a series of measures to strengthen animal welfare rules in the UK. Amongst the measures listed is one to "end use of cages on British farms." Other measures include banning live exports for slaughter or fattening. This would include an exemption for breeding animals, providing provision was in place ensuring they were transported under genuinely high welfare standards. There would also be an exemption for livestock transported across the Northern Ireland border. Mandatory labelling of meat, both domestic and imported, would be required, including details on country of origin, method of production and method of slaughter (stun or non-stun). There would be a total ban on imports of foie gras; guidance to end the use of antibiotics for routine, preventative purposes on farm animals; introduction of mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses; a formal whistle blowing procedure through the Food Standards Agency to enable employees to report "bad behaviour and practice" within abattoirs; and a review of training and standards within slaughterhouses. The party would introduce a phased ban on sow farrowing crates, with "a reasonable phase-out period, replacing with safe, free-farrowing systems." It says it would consult on the expansion of "megafarms" to "detail their effects on animal welfare standards." It says, "The recent increase in industrialised farming under this Conservative government poses serious questions in relation to animal welfare post-Brexit." The document says that a Labour government would draft post-Brexit farm subsidies to "move away from intensive factory farming and bad environmental practices." A dairy farmer has won a prestigious royal award for his lifetime contribution to the British dairy industry. The winner of the prestigious Princess Royal Award has been announced as Barry Wilson in a formal presentation by Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace. Awarded each year for an outstanding lifetime contribution to the dairy sector, Barry Wilson was unanimously chosen as this years winner by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) board of trustees due to his unique insight into dairy politics over the past 40 years. RABDF president, Lord Curry said Mr Wilson had been an "outstanding observer and commentator" on the British dairy scene for almost half a century. Lord Curry said: For the past 20 years or so he has written and published the fortnightly Dairy Industry Newsletter which is essential reading for anyone interested in the machinations of how the global dairy scene operates. He has also been very involved with the British Dairying magazine turning his thoughts into issues that dairy farmers need to consider. The Princess Royal Award is run by RABDF, presented each year it has been awarded to many industry influencers since its establishment in 1991. More recent years have seen names such as Ian Potter, Dr Dick Esslemont and John Alvis win the award for their exceptional contribution to dairying. Summary Company Announcement Date: April 12, 2018 FDA Publish Date: April 07, 2020 Product Type: Food & Beverages Allergens Reason for Announcement: Recall Reason Description Undeclared Sulfites Company Name: Guixens Food Group, Inc. Brand Name: Brand Name(s) La Marinera Product Description: Product Description Dried Yellow Potatoes Company Announcement Guixens Food Group, Inc., of Miami, FL, is voluntarily recalling its ten-ounce packages of La Marinera Brand Dried Yellow Potatoes because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The above-mentioned product was distributed to and available for purchase at retail supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, California, and Tennessee. The affected La Marinera Brand Dried Yellow Potatoes come in a 10-ounce, clear plastic bag marked with "Dried Yellow Potatoes - Papa Seca AmariIla" on the label with an expiration date of July 2018. The product UPC code is 7-42287-73054-5. No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date. The voluntary recall was initiated after routine sampling by the Florida State Department of Agriculture and analysis by food laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the product, which were not declared on the label. Consumers who have purchased La Marinera Brand Dried Yellow Potatoes are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-634-0500, Mondays-Fridays, 9:00AM-4:00PM EST. Company Contact Information Consumers: 305-634-0500 He Was Enamoured By Sridevi "I must have been in college when I first watched Himmatwala (1983), and I was instantly enamoured. Be it those twinkling eyes or her poise, I loved everything about Sridevi. I finally met her a few years later, when Rakesh Shrestha, legendary photographer of the time, introduced us." On Her Most Intimate Friend "I remember waiting anxiously at Mumbai's Mehboob Studio as she wrapped up a song sequence in a striking red Amrapali costume alongside Vinod Khanna. She greeted you with genuine kindness, but one couldn't help notice how reserved she was. She barely spoke, in fact. She, however, came to life when the camera started rolling. It was almost as if the camera was her most intimate friend." Manish On How They Became Close Friends "During Judaai (1997), she went from iconic actor to dear friend. I remember it like it was yesterday-we were in the elevator of a Las Vegas hotel when she confessed she wasn't sure about working in films anymore. I was so taken by her, I couldn't believe this could be it. But even when she stopped acting, it was on a happy note-she wanted to get married and start a family. During that 15-year gap, from Judaai to when she returned to the silver screen in English Vinglish (2012), we remained in touch. We became particularly close in the last seven years. Whether attending all my shows or being a part of my niece's wedding, she always returned the love, loyalty and admiration I had for her." Sridevi Will Forever Be Boney ji, Janhvi And Khushis Best Friend "I always called her ma'am. Over the years, I learnt much from her, whether a simple sartorial trick-she taught me that sleeves sans lining were more flattering on screen-or giving a task your unwavering focus. This quality of not believing in half measures extended to her personal life too, and that's something I have tried to imbibe and emulate. As a wife, friend and mother to two lovely girls, she always gave her 200 per cent. She was, and I think will forever be, Boney ji, Janhvi and Khushi's best friend." On Their Last Conversation "I spoke to her the night she passed away. We talked about everything under the sun, from Janhvi's debut, how beautiful Khushi looked at the wedding to even what she had eaten earlier that day. Even now, I still expect my phone to ring and hear her discuss an outfit or a project." Heart-Breaking "This is the first time I've lost someone so close, and it feels surreal. I'd known her for 28 years. We were at a wedding together and then, out of nowhere, her sister Srilatha was handing me a silk sari for her funeral." Sridevi Never Spoke Ill About Anyone "I realize gossip never entered our conversations. We talked about clothes, food, movies, all the good things in life. She never wished ill upon anyone, or remarked upon her contemporaries." On Working With Her Daughter Janhavi Kapoor "It's funny how life comes full circle. I used to make little cholis and ghagras for the girls when they were younger. Now I'm working with Janhavi on her debut. Much like her mother, she's a bundle of talent and discipline." He Was Keen To See Her In A Karan Johar Film "I was very keen that Karan [Johar] sign her, because when you have good people in your life, you want them to get together. Some of the best relationships in my life are a result of my friendship with her. It was through her that I met Yash Johar (my favourite producer) and his son Karan, who is now my closest friend, and also began longstanding associations with Ram Gopal Varma and Boney Kapoor's production houses." National Film Awards 2018: Complete List of WINNERS | FilmiBeat The 65th National Award 2018 winners list is out and Sridevi won the Best Actor Award for Mom and Rajkummar Rao's Newton bagged the Best Hindi Film Award. Divya Dutta won the Best Supporting Actress for her role in Iraada and music maestro A.R Rahman bagged the Best Background Score Award for the film Mom as well. Boney Kapoor, Jhanvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor jointly said in a statement, "We are overjoyed to know that the Jury has conferred the Best Actor Award to Sridevi for her performance in 'MOM'. It's a very special moment for all of us. She was always a perfectionist and it showed in all the 300 plus films she did." Boney Kapoor's statement surther read, "She was not just a Super Actor but a Super Wife and a Super Mom. Its time to celebrate her life and her achievements. She is not with us today but her legacy will always live on. We thank the Government of India, the Hon'ble Jury Members for this honor. We also take this opportunity to thank all our friends, her fans who have been sending us congratulatory messages. Thank you, Janhvi, Khushi & Boney Kapoor." Divya Dutta won won the Best Supporting Actress Award for Iraada shared her excitement by saying, "I am overjoyed with the news. First my film Manto going to Cannes and now the National award, I am overwhelmed. The actor in me feels alive again and grateful that there is appreciation pouring in. After a 100 odd films , this is my first national award and I am going to treasure this moment. It means the world." Rajkummar Rao starrer Newton won the Best Hindi Film Award and opened up by saying, "It's a huge achievement for all of us. Newton is such a unique and a special film for all of us. It's a film which has been made with so much purity and honesty, without keeping any commercial aspects in mind." Newton is a movie about a rookie government clerk, assigned to conduct elections in conflict-ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh, despite the fear of Naxalite attacks, Newton highlights the predicament of an idealistic youth against the world's pragmatism and cynicism. Moved by the difference in the Indian Constitution's preamble and the reality of our times, director Amit V. Masurkar penned the comedy-drama. The coming-of-age satire had impressed several critics and B-town influencers who raved about the poignant film, brilliant subject and superlative performances by the cast including Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra and Anjali Patil. Having made it to the India's official pick for Oscars 2018 in the Foreign Language Film Category, Newton has also won several prestigious awards including Filmfare Award, Star Screen Awards, Asian Film Award, Films of India Online Awards, Bollywood Film Journalists Award, and News18 Reel Movie Awards. The movie also won the Jury Prize for Best Film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. Sridevi & Shekhar Kapur's Journey Sridevi and Shekhar Kapur had worked together in the superhit movie Mr. India which released in the year 1987 and Shekhar Kapur along with Boney Kapoor had also planned to shoot a documentary on the life of Sridevi a week after her death, which did not go through as of now and is still in the pipeline. Sridevi & Mom Director Ravi Udayawar Mom director Ravi Udayawar reacted to Shekhar Kapur's statement by saying, "She deserves it. I'm really happy it's a great news for me because it was our film. She had done a fabulous job. We all are missing her now." Boney Kapoor's Statement Boney Kapoor, Jhanvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor release a statement after Sridevi won the National Film Award 2018 for Mom, "We are overjoyed to know that the Jury has conferred the Best Actor Award to Sridevi for her performance in MOM'. It's a very special moment for all of us. She was always a perfectionist and it showed in all the 300 plus films she did." Boney Kapoor's Statement Further Read "She was not just a Super Actor but a Super Wife and a Super Mom. Its time to celebrate her life and her achievements. She is not with us today but her legacy will always live on. We thank the Government of India, the Hon'ble Jury Members for this honor. We also take this opportunity to thank all our friends, her fans who have been sending us congratulatory messages. Thank you, Janhvi, Khushi & Boney Kapoor." Once again, we saw the Malayalam movies sparkling at the National level with the industry bagging a good number of awards at the 65th National Film Awards. The year 2017 was filled with spectacular Malayalam movies and rightly, those movie have brought laurels to the industry. It has to be said that this has to be one among best outings that Malayalam films have had in the National Film Awards. It has to be noted that Malayalam movies won big in most of the important categories. Jayaraj, Fahadh Faasil, KJ Yesudas, Parvathy, Take Off, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Bhaaanakam etc., have once again proved that Mollywood products and the talents are a class apart. Definitely, with so many big awards in the kitty, it wouldn't be wrong to say the Mollywood has ruled the 65th National Film Awards. Meanwhile, praises are pouring in for all the winners. Social media users are ecstatic after hearing the results and are busy discussing the topic. At the same time, some of the top celebrities also made it a point to praise all the big winners on this real special occasion. Best Telugu Film: Ghazi The film which was directed by debutant, Sankalp Reddy, starred Rana Daggubatti in the lead role. The movie was based on a real life incident. Ghazi won both critical and audience acclaims post its release and went on to become a Blockbuster at the Box-office. Rightly so, Ghazi has been crowned as the Best Telugu Film of 2017. Best Action Direction: Baahubali 2 Baahubali-2 was an emotional drama than its first part. Baahubali- The Beginning, which was more into the action side. However, the action episodes in Baahubali- The Conclusion, were orchestrated to its level best. SS Rajamouli, the visionary, along with the stunt direction team, had designed 5 major action blocks representing three pancha bhoota's as its core theme. Devasena's Kingdom gets attacked which will be fought together by Devasena's army in coordination with Baahubali and the said scene runs on Jala/Water theme. Bhallaladeva employs a team to eliminate Baahubali and the action sequence depicts Agni/Fire. The climax scene is composed with Vayu/Air, as its thread. Best Special Effects: Baahubali 2 Special effects should be a key integral part of a movie, especially for a film of Baahubali's magnitude. Be in the gigantic sets, lavish backdrops, action episodes or grandeur song sequences, every single detailing in the flick will be dependent on special effects and the concerned team has been noticed and crowned with the desired reward Best Popular Film: Baahubali 2 There could have been no debate/appeal or competition for Baahubali 2, by any cinema or industry in this specific category. The movie was a colossal industry hit in not just Telugu industry, but almost in all cinema industries of the country. The craze and frenzy appeal generated by the movie was so much so that, no other national news dominated the media during its release time. Baahubali-2 was an industry hit in neighbouring country, Nepal as well. Baahubali-2 also became all time 2nd movie with highest number of footfalls in Indian cinema, just behind Salman Khan's Hum Aapke Hain Koun. Reliance Infrastructure had participated in the tender for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for five packages in a joint venture with Astaldi New Delhi: Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) on Friday said its joint venture with Italy's Astaldi SPA has won a contract worth Rs 1,584 crore for a Mumbai Metro line. "RInfra EPC has received the Letter of Award from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for three packages worth Rs 1,584 crore for construction of North-South Metro-4 corridor which will run between Kasarwadavali in Thane and Wadala," RInfra said in a statement. RInfra had participated in the tender for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for five packages in a joint venture with Astaldi, it said. The scope of work includes part design and construction of elevated viaduct and stations (excluding architectural finishing and pre-engineered steel roof structure of stations) of Line 4, the statement said. This includes entry and exit structures of the stations. The 32.32-km long Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kasarvadavali Metro will connect Wadala in central Mumbai with the neighbouring Thane district via the Eastern Express highway, the statement said. According to MMRDA, the Metro Corridor will provide more North-South rail connectivity and reduce the burden on the suburban rail network. RInfra EPC CEO Arun Gupta said the company is well positioned in emerging Metro Rail market and poised to capture a sizeable share. The company said it is keenly pursuing project opportunities worth around Rs 2 lakh crore to increase the EPC order book to Rs 50,000 crore by 2018-19. It said RInfra EPC has executed large-scale projects worth Rs 33,000 crore including the ultra mega power project (UMPP) of 3,960 MW at Sasan, Madhya Pradesh. The infrastructure major has been focusing on projects in power, roads, railways, defence and ports. Exports aggregated at $302.84 billion in 2017-18 as compared to $275.85 billion in the previous fiscal New Delhi: India's exports dipped by 0.66 percent to $29.11 billion in March, even as they increased by 9.78 percent for the full 2017-18 fiscal. Exports aggregated at $302.84 billion in 2017-18 as compared to $275.85 billion in the previous fiscal. Imports in March grew by 7.15 percent to $42.8 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $13.69 billion, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Friday. Oil imports during the month under review were valued at $11.11 billion, 13.92 percent higher than the same month previous year. During 2017-18, imports increased by 19.59 percent to $459.67 billion. Trade deficit during the fiscal stood at $156.83 billion. Group entities of Hero Enterprise Investment Office led by Sunil Kant Munjal and the Burman family of the Dabur Group currently hold around 3 percent stake in the healthcare chain. New Delhi: Fortis Healthcare on Thursday said it has received an "unsolicited binding offer" from Hero Enterprise Investment Office and Burman Family Office to invest Rs 1,250 crore in the company through preferential allotment route. Group entities of Hero Enterprise Investment Office led by Sunil Kant Munjal and the Burman family of the Dabur Group currently hold around 3 percent stake in the healthcare chain. In a regulatory filing, Fortis Healthcare Ltd (FHL) said the offer from Munjals and Burmans includes Rs 500 crore binding offer immediately and Rs 750 crore post diligence to be completed within three weeks. "The said proposal is under evaluation by the company and we will keep the stock exchanges informed accordingly," it added. Spelling out the details of their offer, the Munjals and Burmans in a joint letter said,"We are investing an amount of Rs 500 crore based on current business and financial position of the company without doing any due diligence..." Further, the letter said,"Allotment and pricing shall be as per SEBI ICDR guidelines for preferential issues or Rs 156 per share which is higher." Utilisation of proceeds from this funding shall only be for the purposes of payment of employee dues, repayment of loans which have matured and payment of pressing creditors and to monitor these a board seat shall be given to investors, it added. The rest Rs 750 crore shall given after due diligence subject to the satisfaction of the investors which will be completed in three weeks, the letter added. Their offer comes two days after Manipal Health Enterprises raised its offer for Fortis Healthcare Ltd by valuing the hospital business higher at Rs 6,061 crore which would result in a "more favourable share exchange ratio for shareholders of FHL". The decision to this effect will be taken in the board meeting on 21 April, 2018, HDFC Bank said in a regulatory filing New Delhi: HDFC Bank on Friday said it plans to raise Rs 50,000 crore through bonds in the next 12 months to fund business expansion. The decision to this effect will be taken in the board meeting on 21 April, 2018, HDFC Bank said in a regulatory filing. The funds will be raised by issuing Perpetual Debt Instruments (part of Additional Tier I capital), Tier II Capital Bonds and Long Term Bonds (Financing of infrastructure and affordable housing) up to a total of Rs 50,000 crore in next 12 months through private placement mode, it said. "The bank shall appropriately inform the exchanges after the conclusion of the board meeting," it said. For the full fiscal 2017-18, Infosys' profit was up 11.7 percent at Rs 16,029 crore, while revenues grew 3 percent to Rs 70,522 crore over the previous year Software major Infosys Ltd, on Friday, reported a 28.1 percent sequential decline in consolidated net profit, in rupee terms, to Rs 3,690 crore for the fourth-quarter of fiscal 2017-18. In a regulatory filing to the BSE, the Bengaluru-based IT firm said consolidated revenue for the quarter under review was up 1.6 percent sequentially to Rs 18,083 crore in rupee terms. On a yearly basis, net profit, however, grew 2.4 percent and revenue 5.6 percent in rupee terms. Under the International Financial Reporting Standards, in dollar terms, consolidated net income declined 28.1 per cent sequentially to $571 million but gross income was up 1.8 per cent sequentially to $2,805 million. On a yearly basis, net income, however, grew 5.3 percent and gross income grew 9.2 percent. M&A Infosys said it has decided to sell subsidiary Panaya, the Israeli firm whose acquisition became a contentious issue between the erstwhile management led by Vishal Sikka and the founders. The firm is also looking at selling its other subsidiaries Kallidus and Skava. Infosys said: "In the quarter ended March 31, 2018, on conclusion of a strategic review of its portfolio of businesses, the company initiated identification and evaluation of potential buyers for its subsidiaries, Kallidus and Skava (together referred to as 'Skava') and Panaya (collectively referred to as 'disposal group')." Furthermore, Infosys said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WongDoody Holding Company Inc., a US-based digital creative and consumer insights agency, for a total consideration of up to $75 million. Infosys expects revenue for the 2018-19 fiscal to grow in the range of 6-8 percent in constant currency terms and 7-9 percent in US dollar terms. For the full fiscal year 2017-18, profit was up 11.7 percent at Rs 16,029 crore, while revenues grew three percent to Rs 70,522 crore over the previous year. "I am pleased with our healthy revenue growth, profitability, and cash generation in Q4. Our robust performance is a reflection of the strong impact we have with our clients and the dedication of our employees," Infosys CEO Salil Parekh said. He added that the company will execute its strategy around the four pillars -- scaling digital business ($2.79 billion in revenue currently), energizing client's core technology landscape via AI and automation, re-skilling employees, and expanding localisation in markets like US, Europe, and Australia. COO Pravin Rao said the company will be rolling out compensation increases for a large part of its workforce, effective 1 April. The Infosys Board in its meeting, on Friday, decided to retain the current policy of returning up to 70 percent of the free cash flow of the corresponding financial year. "In addition to the above, out of the cash on the Balance Sheet, the Board has identified an amount of up to Rs 13,000 crore to be paid to shareholders," it added. This will be done through a special dividend of Rs 10 per share (resulting in a payout of about Rs 2,600 crore in June 2018). Also, an amount of up to Rs 10,400 crore has been identified to be paid out to shareholders for the Financial Year 2019 in a manner to be decided by the Board. The Board also appointed Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Independent Director, as the Lead Independent Director of the Board. (With inputs from agencies) Both #RaghuramRajan and #UrjitPatel seem to be contradicting each other about the RBI's view on the idea of demonetisation and its rollout, writes @Dinesh_Unni Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on the night of 8 November, 2016 to kill black money, check counterfeit notes, push digitalisation and block terror funding. The merits and demerits of the biggest disruptive economic move in India have been discussed for long by Indians and foreigners using the yardstick of politics and economics. The jury is still out on whether note ban was a success or failure, and might remain so for a long time to come since quantifying the outcome of the exercise isnt an easy task. But one question that is important to ask is this: What did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) think of demonetisation prior to the rollout when the government approached it for its opinion? Did the central bank view demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as a good idea for the Indian economy when the Narendra Modi government introduced it or was it a reluctant participant in the whole exercise? Lets look at some of the comments from the current RBI governor Urjit Patel and his predecessor to understand the thought process in the central bank prior to the announcement of demonetisation and after it came into force. On Wednesday, speaking at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan said he had made it quite clear to the government that demonetisation was "not a good idea" and that its implementation was "not well-planned". I didn't ever say that I wasn't consulted (on demonetisation). In fact, I have made it quite clear that we were consulted and we didn't think it was a good idea," said Rajan, who is currently the Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, adding, demonetisation "was not a well-planned, well thought-out, useful exercise and I told the government that when the idea was first mooted." Rajan was the RBI governor till the first week of September 2016. So his comments can be safely taken as RBIs official view for that period. It somewhat contradicts with the Modi government version about demonetisation. Top ministers in the Modi government have all along maintained that demonetisation was a well-thought-out, well-planned move done in consultation with the central bank. On 11 November, 2016, three days after the announcement, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the decision to demonetise high denomination currency notes was a well-planned move and not taken in haste. "Recently a decision to demonetise currency notes in the denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 has been taken, it surprised people not only in the country but the world over, Singh said. A similar statement was made by Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 17 November, 2016. The whole thing is a very well-planned and executed move," Jaitley told reporters in New Delhi. That makes it pretty clear now that both the RBI and the government were not on the same page as far as the planning is concerned prior to the announcement of demonetisation, even though the government consulted the RBI on the matter. But, this is not surprising since demonetisation was primarily a political decision from Modi and the RBI had very little role to play in it. But was there a consensus with the top brass in the central bank about one of the most disruptive political-economic move witnessed by independent India? This is critical to know to understand demonetisation. To find out this, lets look at what the current RBI governor Urjit Patel said about the idea of demonetisation and the preparedness for its rollout. On 7 December, 2016 (one month after demonetisation), Patel said: The decision has not been taken in haste but after detailed deliberations. There had to be a high level of secrecy surrounding this decision and the fact is that such a large country was indeed taken by surprise when the decision was announced." Was it a good decision according to Patel? In his foreword to the 14th Financial Stability Report, Patel said this. It is expected to significantly transform the domestic economy in due course in terms of greater intermediation, efficiency gains, accountability and transparency through increasing adoption of digital modes of payments, notwithstanding the short-term disruptions in certain segments of the economy and public hardship. Thus, one can safely say that Patel has been largely a supporter of Modis big economic move unlike Rajan. To sum up, Patel thinks demonetisation was a well-planned, good move that has several benefits not taken in haste. But his predecessor, Rajan felt this wasnt a good economic move and not well-planned. This means there wasnt a consensus among the RBI's top brass about the idea of note ban and the level of preparedness. Remember, Patel was Rajans deputy before he took over as the governor. An email sent to the RBI on Thursday seeking clarity on this matter remained unanswered. So, was the RBI in support of demonetisation when the government consulted it or not? Will the real RBI please stand up and answer? Embibe is an emerging education technology provider incorporated in India in August, 2012 New Delhi: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) on Friday said it has entered into agreements to acquire close to 73 percent stake in education technology provider Indiavidual Learning Private Ltd (Embibe) and will invest $180 million into the company over the next three years. "Reliance Industries has entered into agreements on 12 April, 2018, to acquire 34,33,767 equity shares of Indiavidual Learning Private Ltd for cash consideration, translating to 72.69 percent shareholding of Embibe on a fully diluted basis," the company said in a regulatory filing. Reliance said it has agreed to invest up to rupee equivalent of $180 million (Rs 1,175 crore) into Embibe, (including consideration to be paid for acquiring majority stake from existing investors) over the next three years. Speaking on this strategic transaction, Akash Ambani, Director, Reliance Jio, said The investment in Embibe underlines Reliance's commitment to growing the education sector in India and the world and making education accessible to the widest possible group of students by deploying technology". "Reliance aims to connect over 1.9 million schools and 58,000 universities across India with technology," he added. Embibe is an emerging education technology provider incorporated in India in August, 2012. Reliance said Embibe is an early stage company has on-boarded 60 education institutions to its platform. Embibe will use the capital over the next three years towards deepening its R&D on AI in education, as well as business growth and geographic expansion, catering to students across K-12, higher education, professional skilling, vernacular languages and all curriculum categories across India and internationally. RIL said this investment in education technology is in line with its commitment to invest and grow the education sector in India, and digital and technology businesses. The transaction is expected to be completed in 2 months, subject to completion of customary regulatory compliances and other conditions precedent, and do not require statutory/ regulatory approvals. Last month RIL said it has executed definitive agreements for combination of Saavn, a leading global music OTT (over-the-top) platform, with its digital music service -- JioMusic. Reliance had announced it will also invest up to rupee equivalent of $100 million in Saavn, out of which rupee equivalent of $20 million will be invested upfront, for growth and expansion of the platform into one of the largest streaming services in the world. (Disclosure - Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd) Last month the Reliance Jio board had approved raising of around Rs 20,000 crore in debt New Delhi: Telecom operator Reliance Jio is learnt to be in talks with three Japanese banks to raise $500 million (around Rs 3,250 crore) in debt. "Reliance Jio is in discussion with MUFG (formerly The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ), Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to raise $500 million," sources in the know of the development told PTI. An e-mail query sent to the company seeking a response remained unanswered. Last month the Reliance Jio board had approved raising of around Rs 20,000 crore in debt. The company has invested over Rs 2 lakh crore in the mobile business which has garnered over 168 million customers. The Mukesh Ambani firm has also signed agreement to buy mobile business assets of Reliance Communications-- the company led by his younger brother Anil Ambani, for around Rs 25,000 crore. The source did not mention the timeline for raising the loan from Japanese banks and said, "The agreement is yet to be signed." (Disclosure - Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd) Living away from their homeland, Tibetan entrepreneurs are keen to preserve their cultural heritage, and this is the focus of their startups. As a youngster growing up in Karnataka, Tenzin Righten, a Tibetan settler, was used to home-cooked Tibetan food. But he soon realised that this privilege of eating Tibetan fare was available only when he visited relatives and friends' homes in the community. Therefore, Righten decided to get into the food business and start a restaurant selling Tibetan food. He took a course in Catering Development Technology and Culinary Art from the Culinary Academy of India, in Hyderabad. Acquiring a formal education was one thing. Finding the right location for his restaurant proved to be a herculean task. I spent a year looking for the right location that could make Tibetan delicacies available to food lovers in Hyderabad, but did not find the right ingredients to rustle that recipe, he said. It was during this trying out period that Righten decided to try his luck with the Tibetan Entrepreneurship programme. He shot off an application and was selected. Righten said the entrepreneurship programme fuelled a plan to shift base to Bengaluru, where he opened his retaturant, Tenzin Kitchen, in June 2016, which specialises in Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Chinese food. I did not not seek any financial support, besides the two lakh rupees I received as seed fund from the Tibetan government in exile, he told Firstpost. Over time, Righten roped in two close friends as partners. Tenzin Kitchen is expected to break even this year. The 26-year-old has chalked out expansion plans that include setting up a second outlet in Bengaluru. Another graduate of the entrepreneurship programme trimmed his dream of selling clothes internationally, decided to sell to locals, and, is thriving. Jampa Tendar, who graduated from the Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (TEDi) in 2016, founded Keraa Fashions with two partners in 2015. He said the TEDi opened a world of opportunities for him. "The Jindal Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship (JSiE), which hosts TEDi, not only fine-tuned my business acumen but also helped me upscale the business. Keraa Fashions focuses on Tibetan fashion by emphasising on conventional design and the aesthetics of Tibetan clothing. As a student in Mussorie, Tendar was privy to Tibetan monasteries in the Himalayan region. He said he realised there was a clear need for a one-stop shop for Tibetan clothes and accessories for monks and fellow Tibetan residents across settlements. This business opportunity lingered on my mind since then. Instead of giving-way to the conventional job hunt, I wanted to start my own venture and Keraa happened at just the right time. The 28-year-old started Keraa with an initial investment of Rs 3 lakhs -- he sold his bike for Rs 1 lakh. His co-founders Yeshi Paljor and Lhamo Tashi pooled in Rs 1 lakh each. We plan to expand and open one more store in a Tibetan settlement near Karnataka. To promote cross-selling and brand outreach, we are also exploring opportunities to tie-up with fellow modern fashion-wear brands in cities like Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad and place our products in their stores, he said. Entrepreneurship programme for Tibetans in exile In a bid to encourage entrepreneurship among Tibetan settlers in India, the TEDi, part of a so-called Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD), under the Department of Finance, Central Tibetan Administration, was set up in 2013. The main objective of the initiative is to promote entrepreneurship within the Tibetan community, to foster long-term economic sustainability and self-reliance in the Tibetan diaspora. JSiE and TEDi host a residential pre-incubation programme. Six aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs are selected from applicants. They camp at the Jindal Global University, in Haryana, for five weeks and participate in workshops, during which period they are mentored. The University has groomed four batches and 14 Tibetans have received training through the programme. The next batch will commence in May. The pre-incubation programme helps businesses fine-tune their modus operandi so as to reach new customers and markets. The programme supports 10 Tibetan entrepreneurs a year, providing them end-to-end support at all stages of business development. The entrepreneurs are also granted a one-time seed fund of Rs two lakh. Explaining the programme, Jeremy Wade, Founding Director, Jindal Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, OP Jindal Global University , said the programme covers all 39 Tibetan settlements across India and focuses on four key imperatives for budding entrepreneurs -- pre-incubation training; business registration support; seed funding and mentorship. Away from their homeland, Tibetan entrepreneurs are keen to to preserve their cultural heritage. "Tibetan entrepreneurs can create significant economic and social impact in their communities. Supporting them helps create an economically self-reliant Tibetan community in India, and in turn, helps preserve the unique and compassion-based Tibetan cultural heritage, Wade told Firstpost. The Firstpost investigation revealed that PNB's board, audit committee and banking regulator, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had approved little-known Chinese audit firms New Delhi: Investigators in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam have questioned many auditors in the country and have now zeroed-in on a cobweb of Hong Kong-based book-keepers who audit all Indian banks in the special administrative region of China. Sleuths from various investigative agencies said they would soon be questioning Indian bank officials and auditors in Hong Kong. Sources revealed they are trying to verify antecedents of G Natarajan, the founder of Singapore-based certified public accountancy firm -- MGI N Rajan Associates. They also seek to probe rotation norms of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which mandates change of auditors at regular interval, to find out if it was violated in the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi episode -- a colossal loot of public money primarily through Punjab National Bank (PNB). Little-known Chinese firms such as Charles H C Cheung & CPA Limited and W Y Lam & Co have been auditing PNB, State Bank of India (SBI), Allahabad Bank, Union Bank of India, Axis Bank, UCO Bank and Bank of India for the past few years. The Firstpost investigation revealed that the banks board, audit committee and banking regulator Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had approved these firms. Sources also confirmed that despite the massive scandal, they continue to audit around 10 banks in Hong Kong. Charles H. C. Cheung & CPA Limited is a local accounting firm based in Sheung Wan and claims to have been established some 30 years ago. The company says it provides audit, accounting, taxation and company secretarial services to clients, both local and overseas from a variety of business sectors. Charles Cheung of Charles H C Cheung & CPA Limited told the Firstpost that G Natarajan is principal auditor of almost all the public sector banks in Hong Kong on behalf of his firm. Charles further said they have been auditing the books of about 10 banks at Hong Kong including SBI, PNB, Allahabad Bank, Union Bank of India, Axis Bank, UCO Bank among others. We have been auditing the books for a very long time. Mr. Natarajan has vast experience as an auditor and I believe he is doing the bank audit works for the last 20-30 years. I do not exactly remember since when we have been auditing books of Indian banks but I can tell you that we are doing the audit as per the guidelines issued by Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Charles said. When contacted by Firstpost, W Y Lam & Co CPA located at Wan Chai, Hong Kong, confirmed about working with Indian banks but refused to divulge details of auditors and clients. P S Somasekharan, a partner in MGI N Rajan Associates Singapore told Firstpost: You may wish to kindly be in touch with Mr. G. Natarajan with regard to the information sought (auditing of Hong Kong based Indian banks). Our firm (Singapore based) has nothing to do with Charles Cheung & Co. A detailed questionnaire was sent to Shanthini, who looks after secretarial matters at MGI N Rajan Associates, seeking response from Natarajan. But no reply was received till the time of publishing this story. Central investigative agencies the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Income Tax Department, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) -- intend to examine how banks could keep under the wraps huge fraud despite regular audits, said government sources. This raises serious questions: Why the serial attempts were not flagged even once in Hong Kong, despite balancing the books of Indian banks now linked to the Modi-Choksi scandal, for the whole period from 2010 to 2018? Did banks engage auditors who were also keeping the books of loan seekers? A senior PNB officer in Hong Kong, requesting anonymity, told Firstpost that Natarajan and the Chinese audit firms were involved in auditing the books of his bank, but that no LoU and LC were raised on the bank. Our bank branch at Hong Kong had no exposure to fraudulent LOUs and LCs. Even the Nostro account of our branch in Hong Kong is different from the PNB Nostro account that cleared credit, for Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi's firms, for other Indian government owned banks in Hong Kong, he said. To a question whether audit documents have been shared with the investigative agencies including the CBI and the ED, he confirmed that some papers were recently sent from Hong Kong to the Punjab National Bank (PNB) head office, but clarified that he was not aware about subsequent developments. Our Head Office has asked for certain documents, which we have forwarded. As per our internal procedure, we do not directly deal with central investigative agencies, he further added. Banks, RBI keep mum Top sources in the investigative agencies said that during the questioning of bank officials, they asked for documents including audit reports lying with overseas branches of Indian banks, which have exposure to the massive banking fraud, to ascertain why the auditor failed to identify the scam and did not raise an alarm. Another aspect that investigators are going to explore is why the eligibility norms of the RBI were flouted in the auditors appointment in Hong Kong, ignoring the audit rotation requirement of the Indian banking regulator. It is possible that some banks may have developed comfortable working relationship with the Chinese audit firms. But, the bank officials connivance in putting things under the carpet also cannot be ignored. We are probing whether these Chinese firms are directly or indirectly linked. If they are auditing the defaulters, then there is a clear case of a deep entrenched network with bank officials. We will request our counterpart in Hong Kong for assistance to probe into the conduct of bank officials," said sources in investigative agencies. As far action against Chinese firms are concerned, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority needs to act, explained sources. The PNB officer quoted above further revealed his bank is rotating auditing firms, though he admitted that audit process was not satisfactory. When contacted by the Firstpost, the Chief Executive of the Union Bank of India in Hong Kong, Ashutosh Kumar, refused to confirm or deny the names of their auditors, and said that only the bank's headquarters in India is authorised to reveal such information. An email sent to the Union Bank of India remained unanswered. A total of 77 LCs were raised to the Union Bank of India, Hong Kong, for Choksi owned Nakshtra, Gili India and Gitanjali Gems. Similarly other banks with exposure in the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi scandal, namely UCO Bank, Allahabad Bank and SBI kept mum on Firstpost's queries on audit firms and why these banks failed to comply with RBI norms for audit rotation requirement. No response was received from these banks till the time of publishing the story. Only Axis Bank responded to posers and confirmed that its Hong Kong Branch has availed the services of Charles H C Cheung and CPA Limited as External Auditors, whose appointment has been made after all necessary approvals. However the auditor made no adverse observation on buyers credit transactions out on the back of the PNB LoUs. Axis Banks official spokesperson said Axis Bank, Hong Kong (HK) Branch is recognised as a foreign branch of Axis Bank by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). M/s S. R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, an affiliate of the global audit firm, E&Y, is the banks statutory auditor, who also conducts the audit of Axis Bank's Hong Kong branch. In compliance with the HKMA regulations in Hong Kong, our HK Branch has availed of the services of Charles H C Cheung and CPA Limited as External Auditors, whose appointment has been made after all necessary approvals. No adverse observations were made by the said External Auditors on the buyers credit transactions carried out on the back of the Punjab National Bank(PNB) Letters of Undertaking (LOUs). It may be mentioned that none of the importer firms nor the exporter beneficiaries under the LoUs hold their banking accounts with Axis Bank, HK Branch. The Branch has provided buyers credit loan into the nostro account of PNB against their LoUs duly authenticated through the swift network, Axis Bank official spokesperson said. The CBI, which has arrested and interrogated two internal auditors of PNB - MK Sharma and Bishnubrata Mishra, suspects that external auditors in overseas Indian banks branches may have helped the bankers keep the skeletons in the closet. We are calling bank officials in overseas branches for questioning to probe into buyers credit extended to Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. So far many bank officials from Canara Bank, Bahrain, Bank of India Antwerp, SBI Frankfurt and Mauritius branch is being examined in the scam, which has now touched Rs.13,578 Crore but could go up in the coming days, the investigators argued. The RBI did not respond to queries on the issue of appointment of auditors in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority responded, stating that it would not comment on the affairs of individual institutions. On the issue of appointment, review and rotation of an auditor, the HKMA's official spokesperson said these issues have been left to the banks to take decision as per their satisfaction. In case where a bank is required to procure the service of an audit firm, the management of the bank have to satisfy themselves that the service will be performed by qualified and competent professionals, the HKMA official said. Future course of action According to top sources, the senior management of Indian banks exposed to the Modi-Choksi scandal are worried that re-auditing of books could reveal a lot of mess that may expose other defaulters and banking irregularities. They said there are three action points, which need to be taken by the RBI and Indian banks - Firstly, Indian banks in Hong Kong should be asked to get the last seven-years' accounts re-audited by top accountancy firms. Secondly, the RBI should send its own team to audit the books. Thirdly, Indian Banks should file a complaint to the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) and the Financial Reporting Council Hong Kong about the shoddy job done by Indian bankers. The banks should be subjected to a review of their audit reports to identify if these transactions in the PNB scam were identified but not reported or if these were not even identified, which would suggest that they did not employ very basic internal banking process. It seems not only their systems were failing but the bank officials were also deliberately failing the system. If the checks and balances at PNB were missing, what about the other banks? sources asked, indicating agencies' future course of action. AAP will 'gherao' prime minister Narendra Modi's residence in Delhi on Sunday over what it said on Friday was his silence on the rapes in Unnao and Kathua. New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will 'gherao' prime minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi on Sunday over what it said on Friday was his silence on the rapes in Unnao and Kathua. Addressing the media, senior party leader Gopal Rai said the party would also launch a country-wide campaign after Sunday on rising attacks against women. Rai said the prime minister became silent whenever the country faced trouble. "Why is he silent? What is the reason? Even Manmohan Singh used to speak at times." Rai alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath were trying to save the accused BJP MLA in the rape in Unnao. "The BJP MLA should be arrested and police should end giving protection (to the accused)," Rai said. He said that AAP would march from Patel Chowk metro station in central Delhi to Modi's residence on Sunday evening. Asked if AAP had police permission for the rally, Rai told IANS: "Are the attacks on women being done with the permission of police? We just want to see the Prime Minister." Ajit Doval on Friday held talks with a top official of China's ruling CPC Yang Jiechi in Shanghai, the Indian Embassy said, the second meeting between the two officials after the last year's Doka La standoff. Beijing: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday held talks with a top official of China's ruling CPC Yang Jiechi in Shanghai, the Indian Embassy said, the second meeting between the two officials after the last year's Doka La standoff. Doval's meeting with Yang, the Politburo member of the CPC, comes ahead of several key dialogues between the two countries, which are trying to reset the ties after the last year's 73-day long stand-off at Doka La. The Indian Embassy in a brief statement said that Doval and Yang, both special representatives of the India-China boundary talks, held talks, but gave no details about the meeting. Yang is also Director of Foreign Affairs Commission. Till last month, Yang was the State Councillor of the CPC, a top diplomatic post. He was replaced by foreign minister Wang Yi. Wang will hold the dual posts of state councillor and foreign minister in a major reshuffle of top officials. This is the second meeting between Doval and Yang after the Doka La standoff. Yang attended the 20th round of boundary talks between the two countries in Delhi in December last year during which both sides decided to reset the ties with more interactions. Since December, the two sides are trying to iron out differences on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China blocking the efforts to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. The two countries are preparing for a series of high-level interactions leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in June. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on 24 April to attend different meetings of the SCO and interact with their counterparts from the member states. The eight-member SCO, in which India was the latest entrant along with Pakistan, is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao. The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which is focused on anti-terrorism cooperation is holding a host of ministerial and officials' meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the grouping. SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers meetings are also scheduled on 24 April and almost around the same time, according to officials. Both sides attach a lot of significance to these meetings to reset the ties as they were taking place after President Xi Jinping commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect of continuing in power for life following the removal of the two-term limit for the president. On 14 April, the 127th birth anniversary of Bhimrao Amebdkar (also known as Ambedkar Jayanti), Dalits across the country will observe 'Protect Constitution Day' in order to assert their rights guaranteed under the Constitution Auto refresh feeds In light of 127th Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations on Saturday and the community's demand for rights and justice, Firstpost will be following all that transpires on 14 April being observed across the country as Protect Constitution Day, starting with video reports looking at Dalit identity by Khabar Lahariya, an independent feminist news platform working out of rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Then the northern parts of the country were brought to a standstill on 2 April due to a massive movement by Dalits protesting against the alleged dilution of SC/ST (PoA) Act. While the opposition has been accusing BJP of being anti-Dalit for some time, now even BJP MPs from the party have begun to voice their discontent. Uttar Pradesh has been seeing a steady rise in reports about statues of BR Ambedkar being vandalised since little over one month. Incidents of vandalism have been reported from Firozabad, Etah, Meerut, Saharanpur, Siddharthnagar, Bulandshahr and Allahabad districts. In the latest incident, a saffron-coloured Ambedkar statue was re-painted into blue in Badaun district. Meanwhile, the cases of atrocities against Dalits are also on a rise. Dalit leaders announced they would observe 14 April as "Protect Constitution Day" across the country. The decision was taken at a meeting in New Delhi. Political leader and activist Prakash Ambedkar, who presided over the meeting, said the government should bring a legislation in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to ensure adequate representation of SCs/STs, Dalits, and Adivasis in the judiciary. As the Bharatiya Janata Party is increasing its outreach to the Dalits in view of the repeated instances of protests and unrest from within the community, the dalit leaders are set to proceed with another protest. The duo are set for a face off as on one hand the BJP has asked its workers and leaders to visit nearly 21,000 villages and spend the night in Dalit homes, Dalit leaders have said Dalit organisations will mark April 14 as 'protect constitution day', according to Buisness Standard . The MHA asked the DMs and SPs to activate community policing initiatives to ensure peace and harmony. This is a third advisory by the MHA within a fortnight. The first one was sent a day before the April 2 Bharat bandh, which was called to protest against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Centre today asked all states to beef up security and check any possible attempt to inciting violence during the event. The Ministry of Home Affairs also said that Districts Magistrates and Superintendents of Police should ensure peace and check violence in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Not just Ambedkar Jayanti, we need to walk on the path of BR Ambedkar's teachings on all 365 days. I request all my Dalit friends to discuss Ambedkar's ideals whenever they meet, says Kiran Sethi. Khabar Lahariya, an independent feminist news platform working out of rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, will produce a series of video reports looking at Dalit identity, with interview-based profiles of professions, locales, cultures and lifestyles associated with caste. Kaam, Pehchaan, aur Rajneeti will launch on Ambedkar Jayanti, as part of Dalit History Month. Firstpost will be publishing these reports as well. Stay tuned for more interviews and live videos. "Congress used all its power to remove any mention of Babasaheb Ambedkar and his work from the country's history. This is the bitter truth of history that when Babasaheb was alive, Congress left no stone un-turned to insult him," Modi said in Delhi. Congress tried its best to remove Ambedkar's name and his work from history: PM "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," Modi said about the Kathua, Unnao rape cases. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi reacts to Narendra Modi's statement for Kathua, Unnao victims. Accuses BJP and Narendra Modi of having an 'anti- dalit ' mentality: President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Madhya Pradesh on Saturday to pay tributes to BR Ambedkar at his birthplace in Mhow. The president will grace a function being organised on Babasahebs 127th birth anniversary CPM leader Sitaram Yechury hit out at the NDA government on Twitter, alleging that there was a rise in atrocities against the Dalits in the past three years of its rule. "Past three years have seen the worst atrocities against Dalits the upper-caste Hindutva ideology spearheads this regression. India will defeat these forces," he said. A large number of people from nearby villages had gathered after news of vandalism spread. Police, however, contained the mob. Singh said that the damaged statue was being replaced with a new one. Suniti Singh, SP (rural), said a case was registered against unknown persons for vandalism and that the guilty would not be spared. A statue of BR Ambedkar in Richhpal Garhi village of Bisrakh in Greater Noida was found damaged on Friday. The incident came to light on Friday morning when the villagers spotted the statue of Ambedkar damaged. Heavy police force was deployed in view of the tense situation. According to Times Now, the incident occured in Ahmedabad. "No force in the universe can stop us (from paying tribute to Ambedkar)," Solaki told reporters after the incident. Five Dalit activists have been detained by police when they attempted to prevent BJP MP Kirit Solanki from putting a garland over BR Ambedkar's statue, CNN-News18 reported. The activists raised slogans against the BJP. This was the third celebration of Ambedkar Jayanti at the UN and the theme was "Leaving No One Behind". UN development programme director Achim Steiner said in his keynote address that Ambedkar's legacy lives on in a remarkable way in the difficult work undertaken in the UN headquarters everyday. "We are as much entrapped by the contradictions of the world in which we serve and which we confront as Dr Ambedkar was in his time," he said. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar's legacy of fighting inequality and inspiring inclusion around the world was highlighted in the United Nations at the celebration of his 127th birth anniversary. "I want to tell Narendra Modi and his government that commemorating places related to Babasaheb Ambedkar's life and inaugurating schemes in his name will in no way lead to development of Dalits," ANI quoted Mayawati as saying. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bijapur in Chhatisgarh to open the first health centre under Ayushman Bharat scheme today. Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Palta was beaten up allegedly by Dalits in Phagwara, late on Friday, informed sources in the police said. Senior police personnel along with additional forces have been deployed in the industrial town following the clash. The trouble arose on the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti when one group tried to put up the statue at the Balmiki Chowk crossing which was opposed by the other group. Tension prevailed in Phagwara town of Punjab's Kapurthala district on Saturday following a late night clash between two groups over the installation of a Babasaheb BR Ambedkar statue. The members of the Dalit community led by Thakor Solanki, general secretary of SC/ST the Employees Union of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda started raising slogans against BJP leaders who arrived at the place. After Maneka and other leaders garlanded the statue around 9 am and left the venue, the members of the community washed it with milk and water, saying the BJP leaders' presence had "polluted" the atmosphere. Members of Dalit community "cleansed" BR Ambedkar's statue in Vadodara soon after Union minister Maneka Gandhi and some BJP leaders paid floral tributes on his 127th birth anniversary, a Dalit leader said, claiming that their presence had "polluted" the atmosphere. Modi also flagged off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur and inaugurated a dialysis centre at the Bijapur hospital at an event in Bastar district. Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bastar at the launch of the first wellness centre under 'Ayushman Bharat', "Ambedkar was highly-educated. If he wanted, he could've lived a comfortable life. But he didn't do so. He studied abroad, but he came back to India and gave his life to serve the poor," Modi said. "14 April is an important day for the 125 crore Indians," Narendra Modi told the gathering in Bastar. He asserted that his government is committed to the dreams and aspirations of people from all sections of the society. "I have come here to remove the backward tag attached to Bijapur," he said. India has a prime minister because of Ambedkar, says Narendra Modi Hailing BR Ambedkar's contribution for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "If there is a prime minister in India, it is because of Babasaheb's contributions." "The first phase of Ayushman Bharat scheme has been started, in which efforts will be made to make major changes in primary health-related areas. In every major panchayat of the country, sub centers and primary health centers will be developed as a health and wellness center in about 1.5 lakh places," Narendra Modi said. "This government is for the poor, the needy, the downtrodden, the backward and the tribals," he added. "Bastar is changing. In future, Bastar's identity will be that of an economic hub. Connectivity will be to Hyderabad, Visakapatnam, Ahmedabad. New Bastar will be that of new hopes. The day is not far when the sun will rise from the west in Chhattisgarh's Bastar," Narendra Modi told the gathering in Chhattisgarh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the government was working to develop the situation in the Naxal-affected Bastar district. "Naxals come from outside, not your region. Why are you giving them the authority to take over your children? The government is working so that your children get education, you get the right price for your crops and you live a respectable life," he said. Kovind garlanded Ambedkar's statue in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union social justice minister Thawar Chand Gehlot. The three-day celebration in Mhow also known as Dr Ambedkar Nagar to mark the birth anniversary of Ambedkar kicked off on Thursday. Kovind is the first president to visit the legendary social reformer's birthplace in the Mhow cantonment town, which has been rechristened as Ambedkar Nagar in the memory of the leader. President Ram Nath Kovind paid tributes to chief Constitution-maker BR Ambedkar at his birthplace in the Kalipaltan area, where the Madhya Pradesh government has built a grand memorial. "Let us take a vow (on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar) to save the country from the BJP government which is trying to saffronise all the (public) spheres against Tamil Nadu through its politics of communalism and linguistic chauvinism," he said. DMK working president MK Stalin appealed to his party cadres and workers of 'friendly parties' to take a vow to "end such betrayal." "We are influenced by thoughts of Ambedkar and have been trying to spread it among people to fulfill his dream," he said. He said that he did not know who is saying something or thinking on reservation, but all should understand that no one can play with reservation. Speaking at an event organised to commemorate Dalit icon BR Ambedkar's 127th birth anniversary, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that no one has enough power to end reservation for Dalits and backward classes in education and government jobs. The 62-year-old leader said that taking name of Ambedkar did not behove both Modi and the ruling BJP as every day they would trample upon the tenets of the Constitution that was the brainchild of the Dalit stalwart. She also blamed the Narendra Modi government of not pleading for the SC/ST Act case forcefully enough in the apex court and added that this showed they were not honest towards welfare of the Dalits, who have been oppressed for years. This double standards of launching schemes and naming buildings and monuments in the name of BR Ambedkar while remaining silent on atrocities on Dalits would neither be tolerated nor accepted, the BSP supremo said. "Both Modi and Yogi have done nothing for the oppressed, marginalised and the Dalits and they are only paying lip service to the cause of these sections of the society," she said. Mayawati lashed out at Narendra Modi and said his words and the acts of BJP about Dalit welfare and respect for Dalit icon Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is a sham. However, members of another group objected to it and that led to a clash between both the groups, police said. Several vehicles were damaged during the clashes as members of both the groups pelted stones at each other. The incident took place when members of a group allegedly installed a board carrying a picture of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar and tried to rename a city square as Savidhan Chowk. Mobile internet and SMS services were suspended today in four districts of Punjab following clashes between two groups in Phagwara over renaming of a chowk. Internet services suspended in four districts of Punjab following reports of violence in Phagwara The chief minister also announced that the state government would bear the entire expenses for the treatment of all those injured in the clashes, whether admitted to government or private hospitals. Amarinder has also directed the police to maintain a tight vigil and crackdown on disruptive elements to ensure that the situation does not escalate further. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony in the wake of a clash between two communities in Phagwara on eve of BR Ambedkar's 127th birth anniversary, while warning of stringent action against anyone found disturbing law and order in the state. Speaking at the occasion, Akhilesh said, "We cannot forget the contributions of Ambedkar, who united people of all castes He framed the Constitution and on his anniversary we take pledge to follow path of secularism," he said. The Samajwadi Party today unveiled a statue of BR Ambedkar at its office in Lucknow on the occasion of his 127th birth anniversary. However, members of another group objected to it and that led to a clash between both the groups, police said. Several vehicles were damaged during the clashes as members of both the groups pelted stones at each other. The incident took place when members of a group allegedly installed a board carrying a picture of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar and tried to rename a city square as Savidhan Chowk. Mobile internet and SMS services were suspended today in four districts of Punjab following clashes between two groups in Phagwara over renaming of a chowk. Internet services suspended in four districts of Punjab following reports of violence in Phagwara The chief minister also announced that the state government would bear the entire expenses for the treatment of all those injured in the clashes, whether admitted to government or private hospitals. Amarinder has also directed the police to maintain a tight vigil and crackdown on disruptive elements to ensure that the situation does not escalate further. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony in the wake of a clash between two communities in Phagwara on eve of BR Ambedkar's 127th birth anniversary, while warning of stringent action against anyone found disturbing law and order in the state. #PresidentKovind receives first copy of the book "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: Vyakti Nahin Sankalp" at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The book was released by the Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu pic.twitter.com/EAsJR5pEGN We are indeed fortunate that the country is being led by a visionary leader like Narendrabhai Modi who has not only been inspired by Dr. Ambedkar's grand vision but has made it a mission to integrate this vision into the overall governance of the country. A lawyer, an Economist, a Teacher, a Philosopher, a Social visionary and a Statesman - Dr. Ambedkar was the symbol of excellence that every Indian was inspired by. Dr. Ambedkar's thoughts have left an indelible, lasting footprint on the sands of contemporary Indian history. pic.twitter.com/TVQ3XDuPO0 A lawyer, an Economist, a Teacher, a Philosopher, a Social visionary and a Statesman - Dr. Ambedkar was the symbol of excellence that every Indian was inspired by. Dr. Ambedkar's thoughts have left an indelible, lasting footprint on the sands of contemporary Indian history. pic.twitter.com/TVQ3XDuPO0 Ambedkar Jayanti latest updates: On 14 April, the 127th birth anniversary of Bhimrao Amebdkar (also known as Ambedkar Jayanti), Dalits across the country will observe "Protect Constitution Day" in order to assert their rights guaranteed under the Constitution. Leaders of various Dalit organisations have also demanded that the Centre immediately bring an ordinance to restore the status quo of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They have also urged the Union government to include the Act in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ninth Schedule provides protection to legislations placed under it. A law placed under the Schedule is not open to judicial scrutiny. "The government should issue an ordinance to maintain and restore the status quo of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and put the Act in the Ninth Schedule on the Constitution. We have decided to hold a unified action on April 14 as Protect Constitution Day on Ambedkar Jayanti," Srinivas Rao, Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch leader, said. Political leader and activist Prakash Ambedkar, who presided over the meeting, said the government should bring a legislation in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to ensure adequate representation of SCs/STs, Dalits, and Adivasis in the judiciary. Ashok Bharti of the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations supported Ambedkar's demands. "Since judiciary is not reforming itself, Parliament should bring a law in the Monsoon Session to ensure that there is an adequate representation of the marginalised (sections) in the judiciary." The Dalit leaders have threatened street protests if the prime minister does not announce the government decision on August 15, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, to resolve their demands. The Dalit leaders' demands came after the Supreme Court on March 20 "diluted" the provisions of the Act, ruling that government servants should not be arrested without prior sanction and private citizens, too, can be arrested only after an inquiry under the law. Today, the Centre told the Supreme Court that its judgment on the SC/ST Act has "diluted" the provisions of the law, resulting in "great damage" to the country, and steps may be taken to correct it. Bhim Sena district chief Upkar Bavra, wanted in a case of violence during the 2 April country-wide bandh, has surrendered in a court in Uttar Pradesh' Muzaffarnagar and has been sent to judicial custody Muzaffarnagar: Bhim Sena district chief Upkar Bavra, wanted in a case of violence during the 2 April country-wide bandh, has surrendered in a court in Uttar Pradesh' Muzaffarnagar and has been sent to judicial custody. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ankur Sharma remanded Bavra on Thursday in judicial custody up to 26 April, said public prosecutor Yogesh Sagar. Meanwhile, another court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ritu Nagar has refused to grant bail to BSP district president Kamal Gautam who had been arrested for allegedly inciting the violence during the bandh. Gautam was denied bail on Wednesday. Dalit groups had called for a Bharat Bandh across the country on 2 April in protest against a recent Supreme Court order which they claimed had diluted the SC/ST Act (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Protesters turned violent at several places which resulted in the death of at least 11 people and destruction of property. The Defence Expo was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tamil Nadu on Thursday. However, protests by members of several political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), threatened to steal the limelight away from the exposition. The Defence Expo 2018 was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tamil Nadu on Thursday. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam and representatives of several countries attended the event. Modi used the mega exhibition as a platform to highlight the measures taken by his government to boost defence production in India. Addressing the gathering at his first ever visit to a defence exposition, Modi lauded the efforts of the defence ministry and said that he was pleased to see over 500 Indian and over 150 foreign firms participating in the exposition. The purpose of the Defence Expo was to alter the image of India from an importer of defence products to an exporter of defence products. However, protests by members of several political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), threatened to steal the limelight from the Defence Expo. A host of protesters across Tamil Nadu, holding black flags and black balloons, protested against what they called the Centre's failure to form the Cauvery management board despite the Supreme Courts order. Protesters planted black flags on the way and also arrived at the Chennai airport in large numbers, even as 10,000 policemen stood guard to prevent any untoward event. The protests forced the prime minister to keep away from roads, and rely on a chopper instead to carry out his engagements. As Modi's convoy passed through the sprawling IIT-Madras campus as it made its way to the Cancer Institute in Chennai, where the prime minister was to open the Diamond Jubilee Building, some individuals in the crowd briefly raised placards against the central government on the Cauvery issue. Whether black flags or balloons with the slogan "Go Back Modi or the hashtag #GoBackModi on Twitter, they highlighted the mood of the protestors of various parties, the including DMK. In Chennai, black flags were also hoisted atop the residences of several farmers and DMK workers in parts of the state, including Coimbatore, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Karur and Ramanathapuram. Black flags were also hoisted at the residences of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, party working president MK Stalin, Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi and other leaders. Stalin tweeted photographs of the protest and took aim at Modi saying, "You're someone who flies around in aeroplanes, so look at the black flags that are fluttering as a symbol of our sentiments. Immediately withdraw the case filed in the Supreme Court. Otherwise, the fire in our protests will never extinguish." Cadres of CPI and CPM also participated in the DMK-led demonstrations to protest against Modi's visit. The wheel-chair bound Karunanidhi sported a black shirt instead of his usual white at his residence. Similarly, Stalin, his sister Kanimozhi and second-rung leaders, including former Chennai Mayor Subramanian, also wore black. Ahead of Modi's arrival at the airport in Chennai at around 9 am, protesters began congregating in the vicinity of the airport. Veteran film director Bharathiraja and film-maker Ameer were among those who held demonstrations near the airport, raising slogans against the prime minister over the Cauvery issue. Besides the DMK's black flag protest, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi led by T Velmurugan and volunteers of the Tamizhar Vazhvuirimai Kootamaippu (TVK), an umbrella body of Tamil outfits, also held demonstrations near the airport. Around 10 volunteers of TVK climbed atop a giant billboard in the vicinity of the airport as part of the demonstration. They climbed down after being persuaded by the police and Bharathiraja, and were detained by the police. Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi led by MLA M Thamimun Ansari, Nam Tamizhar Katchi leader Seeman and pro-Tamil leader Nedumaran wore black shirts and staged a protest in the vicinity of the airport before eventually being detained. According to DMK's Subramanian, while over 2000 black balloons were released in various parts of the city, a giant balloon with the slogan "Modi Go Back," was placed on the terrace of his residence. MDMK chief Vaiko also led a protest with black flags and balloons outside the Raj Bhavan in Chennai against Modi's visit to the state over the Cauvery issue. Traffic snarls were witnessed around the airport and in its surrounding areas due to the protests. The police detained almost 200 protesters, which included a group led by Bharathiraja. With inputs from PTI The Bombay High Court declined today to stay the implementation of the Maharashtra government's decision to ban plastic materials. The Bombay High Court declined today to stay the implementation of the Maharashtra government's decision to ban plastic materials but protected citizens from prosecution for their possession for a period of three months. The court, while giving an interim ruling on a bunch of petitions opposing the ban, maintained it cannot overlook the adverse impact of plastic waste on the environment. On 23 March this year, the government issued a notification, imposing a ban on manufacture, use, sale, distribution and storage of all plastic materials like one- time use bags, spoons, plates, PET and PETE bottles and also thermocol items. The notification gave a period of three months to the manufacturers, distributors and retailers to dispose of the existing stock of the banned items. Consumers and users were, however, given only a period of one month to dispose of the same. The notification was challenged in the HC by plastic, PET bottle and thermocol manufacturers and retailer associations on the ground the ban was arbitrary, bad in law and violates their fundamental right to livelihood. Petitions challenging the notification had sought an interim stay on the implementation of the ban pending hearing of their pleas. A division bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Riyaz Chagla today refused to stay the notification after observing the court cannot ignore the adverse effects of plastic waste on the environment. "We are aware that the petitioners and all those persons involved in the business of plastic materials may suffer loss due to the ban. "However, we have to consider the impact of plastic waste on the environment and the eco-system in general and the effect thereof on citizens. The harmful effects of plastic waste are multifold," the court said. The bench added that it does not feel that the imposition of such restrictions infringes upon the fundamental rights of the petitioners. Tribals across Chhattisgarh face a threat to their livelihoods ever since the state government drastically reduced the MSP of minor forest produce. Raipur: Saakhu Gond, a tribal from Katghora village of Korba district in Chhattisgarh, has decided it's no longer worth his while collecting lac (a resin used in varnishes), mahua seeds (a source of soap-nut oil) and flowers (used to make alcohol) and sal (Shorea-robusta) seeds from the forests. These are minor forest products that he's been collecting and selling for as long as he can remember. But Saakhu plans to migrate, along with his wife and two sons, in search of work. "We gather produce wandering the forest in the heat of summer but can't earn a living wage," he complains. "I will move to Punjab, Haryana or Gujarat and find work there." Tribals across the state, from Sarguja to Sukma, face a threat to their livelihoods ever since the Chhattisgarh government drastically reduced the minimum support price (MSP) of minor forest produce. In Chhattisgarh, the minor forest-produce business is worth around Rs 2,000 crore a year. Last year, the government reduced the MSP of coloured lac to Rs 100 per kilogram from Rs 230, that of kusumi lac to Rs 150 per kilogram from Rs 320 and tamarind to Rs 18 per kilogram from Rs 20 (when the latter retails for Rs 120 a kilogram in the open market). The MSP for karanj (an oilseed) has dropped to Rs 18 per kilogram from Rs 20, that of chirongi (an almond-flavoured seed) to Rs 60 a kilogram from Rs 100 and of harra (used in Ayurvedic medicine) to Rs eight per kilogram from Rs 11. In the past, the union government would bear 75 percent of the MSP for minor forest produce while the state government contributed 25 percent. But, the central government has now stopped contributing altogether and that decision has jeopardised the lives of more than 14 lakh tribal families in Chhattisgarh. The central government granted Rs 80.16 crore to the Chhattisgarh state minor forest produce cooperative union in 2014-15, which it reduced to Rs 73.50 crore the following year. After the central government stopped paying its share, the state government tried to compensate and raised its grant to Rs 15 crore in both year 2015-16 and 2016-17. But with the cuts, in the year ending March 2018, support dwindled to just Rs six crore from the Rs 98.38 crore paid in 2015-16. Alok Shukla, a tribal-rights activist and convener of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, said: "Never before have tribals been forced to search for employment elsewhere, leaving their own forests. But government policies have created an employment crunch for the tribals of Chhattisgarh." The problem is that there is little alternative employment in the state. Even the employment-guarantee scheme has fared poorly in Chhattisgarh. Although the state promised 200 days of work a year under national rural employment guarantee scheme, in practice this has rarely exceeded 40 days a year. Chhattisgarh chief minister Dr Raman Singh, however, insists that gatherers of forest produce won't be left in the lurch. "Our government very well understands the importance of minor forest produce in lives of tribals," Singh said. "That's why arrangements have been continuously made for the purchase of forest produce at the support price. In fact, we have decided to pay a bonus over the declared minimum support price by the central government for the year 2017-18." According to Singh, the Chhattisgarh government has decided to pay a bonus of Rs one on top of the MSP of Rs 12 for sal seed, a Rs three bonus over the Rs eight per kilogram price of harra, and a Rs 33 bonus over the Rs 167 per kilogram price of kusumi lac. He claims that these payments will benefit 14 lakh families. The government claims that of its purchases of 21 types of minor forest produce, tendupatta (used to roll beedis) gives the tribals the maximum benefit. Not only has the government not reduced the MSP on tendupatta, it claims it has increased the bonus on the leaf. Ambesh Jangde, parliamentary secretary for tribal affairs in Chhattisgarh, said: "Tribals are happy and their income from tendupatta provides them food for the whole year. If the support price is reduced somewhere, tribals won't be affected." But the government's own data tells a different story. In 2016-17, nearly 14 lakh standard bags of tendupatta were collected by nearly 13 lakh families in the state, which works out to 1.1 bags collected per family. They received an income of Rs 1,725 per bag. Adding a bonus of Rs 750-800, a family gets a maximum of Rs 2,500. This works out to just Rs 200 per gatherer a month. Interestingly, the government is buying forest produce cheap and selling it dear in the open market, earning a huge profit. For example, the government purchased kusumi lac at Rs 150 per kilogram and coloured lac at Rs 100 per kilogram and sold both at Rs 355 per kilogram. Manish Kunjam, a former member of the legislative assembly for Bastar and national general secretary of the Adivasi Mahasabha, said: "Tribals do not share in these profits. They have been thrown off their own land, their own forest and now, denied their livelihood. This is a very bad time for tribals." The author is a Raipur-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters. Congress leaders across India came together in their states to hold candlelight marches in protest against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases which have sparked nationwide outrage for their sheer brutality and the raw nexus they have exposed between powerbrokers, politicians and the police. Congress leaders across India came together for candlelight marches in major cities and towns to protest against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases which have sparked nationwide outrage for their sheer brutality and the raw nexus they have exposed between our society's powerbrokers. A four time BJP MLA from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh Kuldeep Singh Sengar is prime accused in the gang rape of a young local woman and the custodial death of the victim's father just days ago. In Kashmir's Kathua, an 8 year old was raped, tortured and killed by many men in a bid to settle communal scores. Politicians and common folk from across the country took to the streets demanding the death penalty for child rapists, protection for women and swift justice in the Kathua and Unnao cases. Film actors lashed out with an "I am Hindustan, I am ashamed" campaign on social media with stark notes scrawled with Sharpies on sheets of white paper. "Yet again we've failed as a society. Can't think straight as more chilling details emerge...her innocent face refuses to leave me. Justice must be served, hard and fast!", Akshay Kumar tweeted. Top developments: By Friday evening, prime accused in the Unnao rape case Kuldeep Singh Sengar was arrested by the CBI based on an Allahabad high court order. Sengar will be produced before a local CBI court Saturday. The CBI has registered three separate cases in connection with the alleged gang rape of an 18-year-old by Bangarmau MLA Sengar and associates. The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misrah has decided to examine the Kathua rape and murder case. Two BJP ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh resigned from the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet Friday. Only last month, both attended a rally in support of the prime accused in the rape, torture and murder of an 8-year-old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence Friday, saying justice will be served and culprits will be punished. "We are all ashamed", he said. BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi came in for severe criticism after these comments at a press gaggle:"You see their (Congress') plan: first shout 'minority, minority', then 'Dalit, Dalit' and now 'women women' and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state governments." Union minister Maneka Gandhi said that her ministry will bring an amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on death penalty for rape of children below 12 years of age, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has assured that that her government will bring a "new law" on the same lines. Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal began an indefinite hunger strike demanding the death penalty within six months for those who rape minors. On Thursday, at around midnight, Congress president Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march to India Gate in New Delhi to protest against the two rape cases. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, her husband Robert Vadra and thousands of Congress workers criticized the ruling BJP government for "shielding brutality". In Kerala, the outrage against the Unnao and Kathua rape cases is pouring out in billboards and political marketing material painting the BJP as a party that preys on women. In the same state, Kotak Mahindra Bank sacked an employee who posted hate speech on social media against the Kathua rape victim. 00:54 (ist) What happened in Kathua is beyond humanity: Rahul Gandhi at India Gate "What happened in Kathua is beyond humanity, an 8 year old innocent was kidnapped, brutally raped by many men, including a juvenile and tortured till she died. This defies all human values we have grown with as a society. This brutality instead of being punished is actually being shielded. We absolutely condemn this and hope BJP wakes up to its commitment to the people of the nation and ensures stringent punishment is meted out to the perpetrators of the crime. We see similarly how in Unnao an underage girl was allegedly raped by elected representative of the BJP and members of his family. Instead of ensuring justice was done to the victim, we have seen how ger family has been threatened and silenced by the accused. The father of the victim was beaten to death in judicial custody. Only an outrage led to action from Adityanath government. In both the cases we seek immediate action against the accused and allowing justice to prevail even if it involves those who hold positions of power". Railway Minister Piyush Goyal indicated that his ambitious plan to convert Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus into a museum-cum-railway station is still alive. Thane: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday indicated that his ambitious plan to convert Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) into a museum-cum-railway station is still alive. The proposal was turned down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few days back, ministry sources said. When asked about media reports about the Opposition to the proposal from the railway board and the prime minister, Goyal said, "It is all speculation." The Union minister was speaking to reporters after ending his day-long fast over wash-out of the Budget session. "We want only a part of the CSMT building, the second floor, to house the museum. Already there is a railway museum in the building," he said. The terminal was built over 10 years, starting in 1878. Designed on late medieval Italian models, it was elevated to the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. As per the ministry sources, at a meeting attended by Goyal and senior railway board members on 26 March, Modi questioned the logic behind the project to convert it into a railway station-cum museum. Sources said the railway board was also against Goyal's proposal, which could displace a lot of employees. With the Indian democracy emerging as a dominant player, some social and political changes have been seen. But caste and politics continue to collide. Editor's Note: As the Indian Republic turns 70, Tufail Ahmad begins a journey through the country to examine the working of democracy at the grassroots level. Inspired by the French author Alexis de Tocqueville, who toured America and wrote Democracy in America, the authora former BBC journalist and now senior fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Media Research Institutewill examine how sociological realities of India and the promise of democracy interact with each other in shaping the lives of the Indian citizen. This report is the third in a series called "Democracy in India". Unlike theocratic and authoritarian forms of government, democracies empower people on a large scale. As democracy grows deeper roots in India both as a movement of ideas and a system of government there is mass awareness of democratic rights. On 8 April, the Rajasthan government opened 40 percent seats in caste-based hostels for all irrespective of castes. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is training hundreds of Dalit priests, ending the dominance of Brahmin priests. Some inter-caste marriages also happen in urban India. Such positive changes would not be possible without the increasing awareness of democratic rights. But, in the Indian democracy, it's also the case that caste and politics collide, sometimes violently, in a cyclical struggle for power. It is 5 pm on 4 April, 2018. The corridors of the district court (the old high court) in Gwalior are largely empty. Advocates can be seen milling around. The situation has been tense since the 2 April Bharat Bandh called by Dalits. A group of more than a dozen upper caste advocates, each holding six-foot long lathis (sticks), walks in a show of muscle flexing. The Dalit advocates watch on with concern. A clerk whispers that the upper caste advocates had purchased 60 lathis that day. A day earlier, on 3 April, upper caste advocates had threatened to beat up some people when they had tried to file bail applications for Dalits arrested during the bandh. In the Gwalior-Chambal region, upper castes continue to exercise their traditional supremacy. The corridors of a court should be the safest place for the Indian citizen, irrespective of caste, but this is not so in Gwalior. Dalit advocates fear that the district court will not grant bail in such an atmosphere of intimidation. The assertion by the upper caste advocates, the most educated section of society, came in reaction to the 2 April bandh. In the Indian democracy, such assertions by communities have acquired a cyclical life. Political demands by one community lead to counter-demands by another. So, the upper castes organised their own bandh on 10 April. Over the years, legislative measures like the quota for SC/STs in jobs and Parliament have empowered Dalits or at least a section of them. The caste-based politics for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), led by Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar and for Dalits by Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh, may not have ended casteism, but it has filled these castes with a sense of political empowerment. The castes which are losing their traditional dominance assert in their own ways. The demands for reservation by Gujjars in Rajasthan and Jats in Haryana are examples of this assertion. It has become an acceptable idea that politically organised castes can disrupt train services and damage government and private properties. During the 2 April bandh, 1.2 kilometres of railway track was removed by the protesters in Agra region. Different caste groups feel that when they are organised, they can force political parties and the Indian state to surrender before them. In principle, the right to vote makes the individual the fulcrum of Indian democracy, but in practice the organising principle of politics in India is caste. Most political parties continue to form their electoral strategy around caste. Caste has become the engine of Indian democracy. For thousands of years, caste has been deeply entrenched in Indian society. Perhaps the first reform movements against caste emerged the during sixth-fourth centuries BCE under Buddhism and Jainism. But both these spiritual-social movements did not succeed in eliminating the caste system. In fact, caste received a shot in the arm as Shankaracharya launched an intellectual movement against Buddhism. The Bhakti and Sufi movements too failed in removing caste. Indian Muslims remain divided along caste lines and do not marry across castes. Sikhism, which started out as a movement against caste, too failed. All its gurus were Khatris. Since the Constitution came into force in 1950, democracy is a new player in this game or a new reform movement against caste. But, it appears that while democracy is empowering weaker castes like Dalits and OBCs, it may not be eliminating casteism. From Gwalior, let's go to Morena and from there further 25 kilometres to Puravas Kalan village in Chambal region. From Gwalior to Morena, you can see billboards of Nimki Mukhiya, a television serial in which a woman accidentally becomes the chief of the village and works her ways attendant upon such an election. The TV series is popular among women. It's also a vehicle of political socialisation. In real life, the Puravas Kalan panchayat was reserved for SC women in 2010. Consequently, Badami Devi was elected as a sarpanch in this panchayat which has always lived under upper caste domination. The first shock as a sarpanch came to her when she was not allowed to unfurl the Indian flag on Republic Day. For the next four years of her five-year term as a sarpanch, the upper castes prevented her from unfurling the national flag on Republic Day or Independence Day. However, coming from a weaker caste, she noticed the positive role of politics and education. Speaking at her home at Puravas Kalan, Badami said: "When I first became sarpanch, I realised that politics and education are changing our daily life." This sense of empowerment convinced her to raise the issue of flag hoisting with Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. With his intervention, Badami says she unfurled the national flag for the first time on Independence Day in 2014. She attracted the attention of national media as well. Her story sounds like a positive change in Puravas Kalan, but it is not. Her husband, Chimman Singh, said that when the panchayat system was introduced, initially people did not understand the rules and husbands would represent the woman-sarpanch, which continues even today. During Badami's tenure, attempts were made to organise gram sabhas (the meetings of panchayat). Also during her time, a Dalit woman cooked mid-day meal for six months during which the upper caste children would not eat at school. They would go home at mealtime, eat and return to school. Even the teachers did not eat the food cooked by the Dalit woman. After Badami's term ended, the seat was reserved for OBC women. The new sarpanch enjoyed some electoral support of the upper castes. In a cyclical change, the de facto power is back in the hands of the upper castes in Puravas Kalan. The panchayat meetings do not take place. The mid-day meal is no longer cooked by a Dalit. A member of the upper caste unfurls the national flag on important days, not the OBC sarpanch. Since the new sarpanch is backed by the upper castes, she does not feel the need to protest. This reveals the deeper role of caste in Indian democracy. As castes compete for power, it appears there is no real change at the political level. But at a social level, there is some change, especially on the issue of untouchability which stands largely eliminated; some inter-caste marriages too can be seen in urban areas. Asked if she would allow her sons to marry outside caste, Badami said: "We are not ready yet for our sons to marry outside caste." However, when asked if her sons went to study in cities and brought wives from other castes, she responded: "We will accept." This is some change at the social level. Some little change is also possible at the political level. For example, in the Chambal region, an upper caste man would touch the feet of a Dalit politician. Such social and political changes would not have been possible without democracy emerging as a dominant player in the lives of India's people. Read Part 1: BJP, Congress prioritise community over individual, use caste and religion to enslave citizens Read Part 2: Use of religion by ruling parties overwhelms secular character of Indian State Read Part 4: Rule of law routinely trampled upon by politicians in power, who act like 'new kings' Read Part 5: Cities are drivers of democratic change, secure rights and liberties of individuals Read Part 6: Despite caste and religious divisions, our democratic journey reflects silent revolution Read Part 7: Country's polity vastly unaccountable to citizens despite relative success of democratic process Read Part 8: Strong democratic process engendering surplus of free speech, empowering communities The author is touring India to write a series on the workings of democracy. He is a senior fellow at the Middle East Media Research Institute, Washington DC. He tweets @tufailelif A petitioner in the June 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake shootout case was killed in a road accident in Alappuzha on Friday. Kerala Police have started a probe Alappuzha (Kerala): A petitioner in the June 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake shootout case was killed in a road accident in Alappuzha on Friday. Kerala Police have started a probe. MR Gopinathan Pillai died when the car he was travelling in collided with a lorry. "We are leaving nothing to chance and all aspects of the accident are being thoroughly probed," said an officer, who did not wish to be identified. Pillai was the father of Javed Ghulam Shaikh, alias Pranesh Kumar Pillai, who was one of the three others killed by the Gujarat Police along with Ishrat Jahan on the outskirts of Ahmadabad in June 2004. "It's too early at this moment to come to any sort of conclusion on the accident. An FIR has been registered and the probe has begun," the officer said. Speaking to IANS, a police officer attached to the Pattanakad police station said: "Pillai was on his way to a hospital for a check-up when his car met with the accident." The 78-year-old Pillai, a retired teacher had heaved a sigh of relief after the Special Investigation Team submitted to the Gujarat High Court in 2011 that his son was killed in a fake shootout. Pillai then reacted that he was a much relieved man because no one would call him the father of a terrorist as the Gujarat Police had dubbed his son. Shaikh had converted to Islam to marry a Muslim woman. The Gujarat Police had then alleged that Ishrat and the three others were Leshkar-e-Taiba activists on a mission to kill then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Chinese are past masters in pushing their anti-India agenda via Nepal in a manner that KP Oli can do little about. New Delhi must remain wary of the threat. Nepalese prime minister KP Sharma Oli's recent India visit is being hailed as a new leaf in India-Nepalese relations; it was more about rebuilding trust. China's Xinhua quoted Oli as saying after his visit, "Nepal and India are two sovereign countries and good friends. We want to develop goodwill and mutual trust according to the change of times. I believe that my visit was productive to building mutual trust and friendship between the two countries." Returning to Nepal after his India visit, Oli remarked at the airport in Kathmandu, "I conveyed the top Indian political leadership that Nepal wants to develop a relationship with India and our neighbours in line with the changing times in this 21st Century. I found they were quite positive in my opinion." During Oli's visit, construction of the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum products pipeline was flagged off, besides an agreement on the new railway line from Raxaual in Bihar to Kathmandu, integrated border checkpoints, organic agriculture, and inland waterways the latter just an initial idea which will need much reconnaissance and follow up. The two sides also agreed to speed up the India-funded development projects in Nepal, including the Pancheswar Multipurpose Project. India has traditionally been blamed for lacking strategic sense. Former foreign secretary Kapil Sibal had said, "That we produced Chanakya almost 2400 years ago is not sufficient ground to claim that today's India possesses a strategic culture." Ironically, you also have diplomats stating that the India-Nepal border is the only "open border"; oblivious that the India-Myanmar border is also open. But while Oli may mention the "changing times in this 21st Century" in a different context, India will do well to examine the threat via Nepal, which is far greater than an open admission of "full support" to Naxals in India by Nepals Maoists. Mao Zedong had said, "Tibet is the palm of China and Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh) its fingers." China, it seems, thinks 100 years ahead. The Chinese ministry of foreign liaison under Mao had recruited and supported Maoist groups in Nepal, Burma, Philippines, Peru, the Japanese Red Army, and the Shining Path in Peru. Chinese intelligence infiltration operations into Nepal, that began decades ago, set off a self-perpetuating Maoist "People's War" that has never really ended. Thus, it is in China's interests to install a regime in Kathmandu that is not too friendly with the US or India. Much before Pushpa Kamal Dahal, alias Prachanda, became prime minister of Nepal, he had told Nepalese media, "The ultimate war will be with the Indian Army", which can hardly be construed a political statement, even as Nepal's moves to stop Nepalese Gurkhas from joining Indian Army may be given the benefit of the doubt. But Maoists' takeover of Nepal underscores the success of Communist China, which has consistently applied its hard and soft power in Nepal. India and Nepal have ancient and historical links. Indian and Nepalese armies enjoy excellent relations and Nepal should logically not like its territory to be used for anti-India activities. But China, together with its protege Pakistan, is past master in playing the sub-conventional card. Take the case of Myanmar, where China has created proxies in the 10,000-strong United Wa State Army (USWA), armed with missile-fitted Chinese helicopters, and the United Liberation Front of West, South East Asia (ULFWSEA) as means to pressure both India and Myanmar. The Indian Army has been conducting bilateral joint exercises with Nepal, Myanmar and China, but that does not deter Beijing from pursuing its nefarious agenda. Remember a few years back, media reported that four Chinese nationals were caught with fake Indian documents en-route to meet Naga rebels; which perhaps led to NSCN (K) abrogating its 14-year-old ceasefire with the Indian Government. Chinese are past masters in pushing their anti-India agenda via Nepal in a manner that Oli can do little about just like in Myanmar. Integrated border check-posts (still a long way off) can only help if movement other than these posts is met with force, which is unlikely with occasional patrolling. Nepal deploying drones along the border, which will obviously be Chinese, can also be used for infiltration of terrorists, arms, narcotics and drugs in line with China's concept of 'Unrestricted Warfare'. It will be foolish to believe that China will forsake its illegal territorial claims because of connectivity and economics (OBOR); its recent protests against purported Indian 'transgressions' in Asaphila should make this clear. China's occupation of north Doka La, construction of a road and posts in Shaksgam Valley must be viewed in concert with the threat to the Siliguri Corridor. Pakistani prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's visit to Nepal in early March too must be seen in the context of not only a well-oiled network in Nepal, giving protection to ISI-backed terrorists, but becoming a "Control Centre", as per the IB, which the China-Pakistan anti-India nexus is liable to exploit, supported by Nepalese Maoists. Earlier, ISI-backed terrorists had allegedly transited Nepal to sabotage India's trains and railway network, but now it may be for much more. Eminent scholar and China-watcher Claude Arpi wrote in 2014 of 'PLA soldiers in uniform deployed in Northern Nepal' in 2014. Nepal's agreement permitting Chinese oil drilling in Terai region will bring the PLA to Terai, which is already infested with ISI-backed radicals. Ironically, such acts will likely be supported by Naxals frequenting visiting Beijing. India must also watch out for Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, headed by a former officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, which China may exploit to pressure Bhutan and India Oli being a pawn or complicit. These are clear and present dangers, which India can ignore only at its peril. The author is former Lieutenant General As the issue of brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua assumed communal proportions, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday promised that there will be no obstruction of justice while the Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 'silence' over the issue. Auto refresh feeds "The SIT has done a very professional job and filed chargesheet, now we hope justice will be done," Vaid told ANI. Reacting to the Kathua rape case and the shoddy investigation that has led to the massive outrage against the crime, Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid said that it couldn't get worse than this. Breaking her silence for the first time since the Kathua rape case, Information and Broadcast Minister Smriti Irani said, "Law agencies and government are taking necessary action. As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming." Hearing the issue, the CJI asks the group to bring "some material before" the court to proceed. A PIL is likely to be filed during the course of the day. A group of Supreme Court lawyers has requested the Chief Justice of India to take suo motu cognisance against lawyers' conduct in Kathua rape case. Advocate P V Dinesh mentioned the case before CJI Dipak Misra and asked for action against Jammu lawyers for impeding justice. Coming from the Muslim nomadic shepherd Bakarwal community, eight-year-old *****'s sister says that they have spent their lives roaming in the jungles with their cattle, but never have they felt such kind of fear that they are facing now. The chargesheet filed by the CBI stated the plot was carried to dislodge the Bakarwal community in Rassana, the village in Kathua district where the minor lived. Lawyer PV Dinesh told the Supreme Court about Jammu lawyers preventing the course of law in Kathua rape case and requested CJI Dipak Misra to take suo moto cognisance of it. Maneka said her Women and Child Development Ministry would move a cabinet note on Monday to amend POCSO, the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act. "I have been deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for the death penalty for rape on children below 12 years," said Maneka Gandhi in a video posted on YouTube. Amid nationwide grief and anger over the gang-rape and murder of eight-year-old *****, there is a move to change the law for sexual crimes against children to bring in the death penalty for child rape. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi declared it in a video message in which she said she was "deeply, deeply" disturbed by the Kathua rape case. "We were not even allowed to bury her in our area. We were forced to consign the body to a grave far away. We want her tormentors to be hanged. We are satisfied with the investigation till now, but justice will only be delivered after those people are hanged," her sister says, adding that the family has also received threats. Speaking to News18 , *****'s sister said that the aggrieved family saw the victim's hand, leg and jaw broken. Hundreds of Congress workers assembled at the India Gate on the call of their party chief to protest against the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over rape incidents in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, and seek justice for the victims. Several senior Congress leaders, including Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ambika Soni, joined the Thursday midnight candle-light protest. People also gathered at the place in sizeable numbers to express their support. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tweeted a note of thanks for all those who participated in Thursday's midnight candlelight vigil. "Thousands of men and women stood up to be counted in the battle for justice and to protest the rising acts of violence against girls and women. I thank each and every one of you for your support. It shall not be in vain." The law of the land states that the identity of a rape victim cannot be disclosed and those guilty of doing so face be punished under Section 228-A of the Indian Penal Code. However, Jammu and Kashmir is ruled by State Ranbir Penal Code or RPC. Indian Penal Code is not applicable in the Valley under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notices to several media houses who disclosed identity of Kathua victim, asking them why action should not be taken against the organisations. The high court took up the issue on its own after coming across print and electronic media reports revealing victim's name. Why should action be not taken against you? Delhi HC issues notices to media houses who disclosed identity of 8-year-old victim Sanji Ram's son Vishal Jangotra was arrested on the basis of forensic tests. Vishal, studying in Meerut, travelled to Kathua after a phone-call from the teen who said he could "satisfy his lust", the police chargesheet said. The fourth accused is another Special Police Officer, Surinder Kumar . Witnesses saw him at the crime scene. Call data records also prove his presence. The teen named his friend Parvesh Kumar , who is the fifth accused. He was one of the men who repeatedly raped the child. The man who allegedly wanted to rape ***** one more time before she was killed is Special Police Officer Deepak Khajuria , police chargesheet said. He was named in the teen's statement to the police. Call data records also established his presence at the place where ***** was kept locked in for days. Medical tests confirmed that the teen, who had first claimed to be 15, was not underage. He confessed, NDTV quoted the police as saying. Accused no.2 is Sanji Ram a former government official reportedly planned the crime and even kept side a huge amount of money for bribes. He was arrested after the teen's confession, forensic tests and based on the interrogation of various suspects. The Kathua rape victim's body was found on 17 January after days of brutality. Investigations led the police to the 19-year-old school dropout who had often seen the victim grazing horses, and to his uncle Sanji Ram, who was in charge of the temple where police found forensic evidence. The Bar Association of Jammu (BAJ), had alleged that its agitation for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Kathua rape and murder was wrongly being portrayed as "communal". The Jammu city has been tense since the brutal rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl belonging to the nomadic Muslim Bakharwal community. The police have arrested eight people in the case, but the Bar Association has opposed the action alleging "targeting of minority Dogras". Alleging that the Congress is playing "dirty" politics in the country and playing with the future of children and women, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said that a fair investigation was conducted in the Kathua murder and rape case. "SIT was formed and six-seven people were arrested. Also, I would like to say it on record that the Jammu Bar Association president BS Slathia was the polling agent of Ghulam Nabi Azad ji," Lekhi said. Lekhi was speaking on behalf of the ruling government and alleged that Congress is playing dirty political games involving women and children. The BJP spokesperson also alleged misreporting by the media. "Apart from Kathua and Unnao cases, there was another case in Assam's Naigon where a Class XII student was raped first and then burnt to death. Why no candle march for her," Lekhi asked mediapersons. Lekhi further alleged that this was Congress' plan all along: "...first shout 'minority minority', then 'Dalit Dalit', and now 'women women' and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state governments. Party (BJP) has already condemned this act, two individuals (BJP Jammu and Kashmir ministers) were mislead and misguided by people. Lesson to them is not to believe one side or the other and let the law take its course." "Aap log (media) chaahte hain ki 2 minute mein karyavahi ho jaye (You guys want investigations to conclude in two minutes ). Action is being taken by state governments. Also, we are contemplating an amendment in law which awards death penalty to rapists of minors below 12 years of age," Maneka was quoted as saying by ANI. Confirming her earlier statement on amending the POCSO Act, Maneka Gandhi slammed media by saying that important decisions aren't taken in two minutes. Addressing BJP's claim on Congress' links with the Jammu Bar Association(JBA), senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Yes he(JBA chief BS Slathia) was my polling agent, and also Lal Singh(BJP Jammu and Kashmir minister) was in Congress.They were secular then, but BJP has vitiated the atmosphere so badly in Jammu and Kashmir that these individuals have now turned communal." National Conference leader Omar Abdullah demanded that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti show her "braveness" by sacking the two BJP ministers who reportedly attended a rally in support of the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case. "The prime minister job is not the decide on Jammu and Kashmir; that is the chief minister's job. Mehbooba Mufti has to decide if she wants such ministers in her Cabinet who are set to save eight-year-old's murderers," Abdullah told reporters. 'Mehbooba Mufti must decide if she wants supporters of eight-year-old's murderers in her Cabinet' "It's not when you wish your friends and others in the US or Europe happy birthday, but when you join the suffering and pain of your own people that you become a leader with a big heart," said Chandy. "The news of this incident surfaced when you were on fast and by now several hours have passed and you continue to be silent. This is the biggest challenge to our country. In his Facebook post, Chandy said this was one of the worst incidents that the country had witnessed. "Instead of writing slogans of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padao', "you should first correct your supporters who have done this ghastly crime to turn into a human being. Former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the rape and murder of a minor in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Supreme Court issues notice to Bar Council of India, Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua Bar Association on a plea against lawyers allegedly blocking filing of chargesheet, reports ANI . Quoting sources, CNN-News18 reported that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti wants the Centre to take a call on the action to be taken against BJP ministers for showing support to culprits in the Kathua rape and murder case. The apex court has issued notices to four lawyers' bodies for obstructing the victim's counsel appearing in the Kathua gangrape and murder case. It has also sought their responses by 19 April. Congress to hold candlelight march at capitals of all the states against Kathua and Unnao rape cases, reports ANI . The victim's family told News18 that they are in a lot of pain and live in constant fear after the incident. "The accused should be hanged," they added. Union minister Rajnath Singh said that the victim's family should get justice. Singh told reporters that he is in favour of ensuring proper justice to the family of the 8-year-old girl. - PTI The apex court agreed to take suo motu cognisance of the case after several lawyers who had mentioned the matter before it came out with materials about the incident. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud sought responses from the Bar Council of India, state bar council, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua district bar association by 19 April. The Supreme Court directed members of the bar not to obstruct judicial proceedings in the case in Jammu and Kashmir as it took note of lawyers obstructing the victim's counsel from appearing in court. News18 reported that hundreds of people have gathered at Mumbai's Azad Maidan to demand justice for the Kathua rape victim. They also want amendments in the POCSO act. Rai said the party would also launch a country-wide campaign after Sunday on rising attacks against women. He also said the prime minister became silent whenever the country faced trouble. "Why is he silent? What is the reason? Even Manmohan Singh used to speak at times." - IANS The Aam Aadmi Party will 'gherao' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Sunday over what it said was his silence on the rapes in Unnao and Kathua.Addressing the media, senior party leader Gopal "We will do whatever is required and take care of it. Nothing to worry about," Vaid said when asked about alleged threats to the witnesses, including the family members of the victim. - PTI Jammu and Kashmir Police chief SP Vaid asserted that all necessary steps will be taken to provide protection to the family members of the eight-year-old girl, and the witnesses in the case. Sources said Congress president Rahul Gandhi has asked party cadres to organise similar protests on Friday in support of protection of women. - PTI The Congress is seeking to take forward the protest against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases and has asked its cadres at state and district headquarters to stage similar demonstrations across the country, demanding justice for the victims. Expressing solidarity with the victim's family, the NC said that it will not cooperate with the state government "until and unless the two erring cabinet ministers are sacked for their unacceptable, abhorrent and criminal behaviour in the light of this tragedy and its politicisation". - IANS A party statement said that a day long meeting of the party's core group at its headquarters on Thursday, chaired by party president Farooq Abdullah and attended by working president Omar Abdullah, discussed "in detail the insensitive handling of the horrific Kathua rape and murder case by the state government". National Conference on Friday demanded sacking of two BJP ministers for defending the accused in the Kathua rape case. The two ministers had attended a meeting in the girl's village in support of the accused in the case and demanded a CBI probe in the matter last month. - PTI According to PDP sources, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who will chair the meeting, is likely to tell the BJP, a coalition partner in the ruling coalition in the state, to ask its ministers - Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga - to resign. The PDP leadership will meet on Saturday in Srinagar to discuss the situation emerging following the brutal gangrape and killing of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua, a party spokesman said. Two BJP Ministers Chaudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga who backed Kathua rape accused have submitted their resignation to Jammu and Kashmir state BJP president Sat Sharma for further action. The prime minister was speaking at an event to mark the inauguration of Ambedkar memorial in New Delhi. "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," he said. BJP's national general secretary Ram Madhav will leave for Jammu shortly as the news of two ministers resigning from the Mehbooba Mufti cabinet came, India Today report. The two BJP ministers who supported the rape accused in the Kathua rape case have handed over their resignations, reportedly after Mehbooba Mufti expressed her displeasure to BJP's central leadership. "When we met people they put forward a demand of CBI inquiry, we had simply put it across being people's representatives. Now, such a perception is being created that I deemed it fit to tender my resignation (as Jammu and Kashmir minister)," Chaudhary Lal Singh told ANI . There was indiscretion on part of our two ministers (Lal Singh & PC Ganga), coming under pressure of local public they spoke at a gathering. I immediately flew to Jammu as soon as I got to know and told the party that we should fully support the investigation," Ram Madhav said. "We actually acted very fast, state govt & Police acted swiftly. Congress is trying to politicize the issue, I am accusing Congress of being behind the agitations in Jammu," Ram Madhav told ANI . A meeting of senior leaders of the ruling PDP has been called on Saturday to decide the party's course of action amid demands to remove two ministers of its ally BJP from the Jammu and Kashmir government for participating in a rally supporting those accused in the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua. Speaking to ANI , BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav in Jammu said: "A meeting will be held. We will take stock of the current situation. The resignation of two ministers will be discussed as well." "We've been thinking of amendments to POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) to bring death penalty for rape or provision that instills fear in people so that they refrain from doing anything wrong with children," Maneka Gandhi , Women and Child Development Minister told reporters Following the rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, the victim's mother told The Economic Times that the perpetrators of the crime must be hanged. I am sure she is waiting for justice. I will see her in dream again when she gets answers, when the perpetrators of the crime are hanged, when she gets justice, she said. "I think we've seen the media reports of this horrific case, of the abuse and the murder of a young girl. We very much hope that the authorities will bring the perpetrators to justice so they can be held accountable for the murder of this young girl," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujjaric told reporters at his daily press briefing on Friday. Terming as "horrific" the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, UN chief Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that the authorities will bring perpetrators of the brutal crime to justice. "We had gone to defuse the situation created due to migration one and half months back. We told them they should go back. Abdul Gani Kohli (minister) was sent to the house of the victim, so that an ugly situation was not created," Lal told reporters. Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, BJP ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir coalition government, on Friday tendered their resignations after facing criticism for their participation in the event. BJP leader Chaudhary Lal Singh on Saturday defended his participation in a rally supporting the accused in the Kathua rape and killing case, saying that it was meant to defuse the situation and restore normalcy. "I commend the manner in which the people of Jammu dismissed communal forces and were unwavering in their support for a little girl. It has strengthened my belief that Jammu serves as a model of inclusiveness and together the people of J-K inspire secular unity and righteousness," Mufti said in a tweet. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday lauded the people of Jammu for dismissing communal forces and their unwavering support for justice to an eight-year-old girl who was raped and killed in Kathua. The 15-year-old boy accused in the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua is reportedly a "problem child" who often got into fights, reported Hindustan Times .His relatives described him as a "lean and thin boy afraid of the dark. However, officials investigating the case said that the boy had developed a hatred for nomadic Muslims and got into fights with Gujjars, for which the police lodged a police complaint against him, three months before the Kathua rape took place. According to ANI , Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will request the state high court Chief Justice to establish a special fast-track court for the Kathua rape case. It will be the first in the state where the trial will be expected to be completed within 90 days. According to CNN-News18, the key PDP legislative meet will take place at 2 pm on Saturday. The Kathua rape case is likely to on the top agenda during the meet. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had raised the issue of two BJP ministers obstructing the process of justice, in the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, last week with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who assured her that heads will roll. The BJP's architect of alliance with the PDP, Ram Madhav, has arrived in the state on Saturday to follow up on the prime ministers commitment even as the two tainted ministers have resigned. "A misunderstanding took place, they should have been more alert. Their intention was not to hamper the investigation. Allegations on them being pro-rapists aren't true," Madhav added. He said that the ministers decided that they will resign from their post. "We held discussions on it and their resignation will be sent to Jammu and Kashmir chief minister today," he said to the press in Kathua. "On 1 March, a huge crowd gathered in Kathua and our ministers went there to pacify them," Ram Madhav said about the two BJP ministers who had attended a rally in support of the accused in Kathua rape and murder case on Friday. BJP leaders who attended rally should have been more alert, did not intend to hamper investigation BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav meets two BJP ministers, Choudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga in Kathua, reports India Today. The leaders had tender their resignations after facing criticism for their participation in an event related to the Kathua rape case. India Today also reported that BJP has accepted the resignation of two Jammu and Kashmir ministers and will send the letters to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. "There was no pressure on me to resign, I have done it by myself. If my resignation can save the image of my party, I will give this sacrifice," BJP leader Chander Prakash Ganga said about his resignation to ANI. He added that he has demanded a CBI enquiry into the case and asserted that he has never practised "politics for power." Akhtar also said that the Jammu and Kashmir high court is now monitoring the case and that the government is considering formulating a law for awarding death penalty to rapists who abuse minors. Akhtar also thanked BJP leaders for their support in the case. "We appreciate BJP leaders for their support in the case. It's a confidence-building measure. If BJP-PDP continues to resolve their differences, there will be no alternative to this alliance," he added. He indicated that the PDP-BJP alliance was safe through this statement. "If the people of the country are united and think that Kashmir also has people just like the rest of India, it will help bridge the differences," he said. The Kathua case has united people of Jammu and Kashmir with rest of India, senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said on Saturday. Speaking with reporters after the PDP meeting in Srinagar, Akhtar said that the way people of India have reacted to the incident and shown empathy will work towards unifying the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. According to ANI , the family members of the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim, said that an FIR should be lodged against the two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh, who had resigned after drawing criticism for attending a rally in support of the accused in the case. Hussain also opposed vehemently the demand of Jammu lawyers for transfer of the investigations in this case to the CBI. Police said they have taken cognizance of Hussain's complaint and started investigations. IANS Talib Hussain, a local lawyer has been in the forefront of seeking justice for the Kathua rape and murder victim during the last two months. A lawyer fighting for justice for Kathua rape and murder victim on Saturday alleged he had been attacked by goons in Udhampur town. We were sent by the party. Our party president Sat Sharma sent us. We went there on the partys instruction, he said, speaking with Times Now on Saturday. "If my resignation can save the image of my party, I will give this sacrifice," he added. BJP leader Chander Prakash Ganga, who drew criticism for attending a rally in support of the accused in Kathua rape case, alleged that BJP's state party leadership had sent the leaders to attend the meeting of the Hindu Ekta Manch. "If any lawyer is found guilty in the case, we have the rights to cancel their license for life," Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said to ANI Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Chaudhary Lal Singh, reports ANI. Mufti has forwarded the resignations to Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, the report adds. While visiting the Rajghat where Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal's fast on the same issue entered the third day, Kejriwal said his government was ready to make amendments to the existing law to ensure death penalty to rapists of minors. IANS Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday demanded death penalty for those raping minors and also blasted the BJP for defending its MLA accused of raping a teenager in Uttar Pradesh. The trial in the gruesome Kathua rape and murder case begins on Monday against eight accused who allegedly held an eight-year-old girl in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death. "Today we mourn the rape and murder of a little girl in Kathua. Her crime was that she belonged to the Bakarwal Muslim community that the Hindutva forces want out of the area. Her rape and murder are part of a larger narrative of communal violence with women's bodies being used as a battlefield," said Saba. Gurugram-based filmmaker Saba Dewan led the protest. The protest included artistes and students, who vented their anger over the incidents and claimed that Muslims in the country were living in fear. They said the rights of Dalits and Adivasis were being questioned. Hundreds of people on Sunday participated in a protest march called "Not In My Name" at Parliament Street in the national capital against increasing incidents of rape and atrocities on Dalits and minorities. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, the Kathua victim's family's counsel Deepika Rajawat said that she was threatened on Saturday and does not know till when she will be alive. "I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that 'we will not forgive you'. I am going to tell SC tomorrow that I am in danger," ANI quoted Rajawat as saying. The charge sheet also names investigating officers head constable Tilak Raj and Sub-Inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. The chargesheet lists the caretaker of 'Devisthan', a small temple, in a village in Kathua, about 90 kilometres from Jammu, as the main conspirator behind the crime. Sanji Ram was allegedly joined by special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu, Ram's nephew, a juvenile, and his son Vishal Jangotra alias "Shamma". "If the state would have booked the perpetrators (armed forces) who unleashed terror in the village and raped our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives; a minor girl would not have been raped. Kunan-Poshpara could have acted as a deterrent, so that no girl in Jammu and Kashmir would ever be raped, she further said. While expressing happiness that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is seeking to expedite the process by asking for a fast track court, a victim who had come along with other people from the village, said: "If this one rape has shaken her conscience, why is she unfazed by the mass rape of women by armed forces in Kunan-Poshpora? Doesnt she have a responsibility towards us also?" For the survivors of the horrific 1991 Kunan-Poshpora mass rapes, the murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua has reopened old wounds, reported Greater Kashmir . The survivors came from their hamlet to show solidarity for the minor victim in Kathua. "Media should have heard us, our side and our fears on the probe by the Crime Branch. Wanting a CBI probe to give justice to 8-year girl, meant to media that we were shielding culprits or creating hurdle in the probe. It was wrong. We always batted for justice for the girl," she said. - PTI "My father (Sanji Ram) and brother (Vishal) should be hanged to death if they are found guilty, provided the investigation is conducted by a credible agency. We want justice for the girl by a probe through credible agency and only such probe can ensure our father's and brother's innocence," one of Ram's daughters said. The family members of Sanji Ram, the alleged conspirator of the Kathua rape and murder case, have said that he should be hanged publicly but only if a CBI probe into the case finds him guilty. According to media reports, the eight-year-old girl's father will approach the Supreme Court today to seek to move the trial of the rape and murder of his daughter to Chandigarh from Kathua. Various civil society groups sent invites on social media asking people to unite and demand justice for the two girls. Protests were held at Parliament Street in New Delhi where people gathered under the banner of NotInMyName against increasing incidents of rape and atrocities on Dalits and minorities. Scores of people took to streets on Sunday protesting over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Condemning the government response in the two cases, protesters demanded swift trial and strict punishment for the culprits. The lawyers will march to the Bar Council of India and present a memorandum demanding action against the Jammu lawyers. Lawyers in New Delhi will be holding a march in protest at 3 pm on Monday against the "conduct" of lawyers of the Bar Association Jammu, who earlier had come out in support of those accused in the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua. Speaking to ANI, the counsel for accused constable Tilak Raj, in the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, said that he has not been provided with the copy of the full chargesheet. "Full chargesheet copy has not been provided to us. We are depending on information from social media. We are handicapped," counsel Aseem Sahni said. Eight-year-old victim's father approached the Supreme Court seeking safety, security and transfer of the case outside Jammu and Kashmir. The family will ask the apex court to let the case be heard in Chandigarh instead. The Supreme Court wil hear the matter at 2 pm, reports said. According to the main accused in the Kathua rape case, Sanji Ram said that everything will be clear after Narco test. "After the case was called and all accused appeared, I filed my Wakalatnama. I asked for a copy of chargesheet. There is 490-page copy and I did not receive any copy. Is this a hallmark of a fair trial?" asked one of the accused's lawyers. The juvenile accused arrested in the Kathua rape and murder case has moved a bail application before the judicial magistrate. The matter will be heard later on Monday. A plea filed by Delhi-based lawyer Anuja Kapur, seeks transfer of the sensational gangrape case from Kathua trial court to a local court in the National Capital. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud considered the submission advanced by senior advocate Indira Jaising, representing Deepika Rajawat and Anuja Kapur, for urgent hearing of the two petitions on Monday itself. According to the copy of the PIL with Bar and Bench , the appellants have requested for the following: Relatives of the victim present outside the Kathua court on Monday accused the media of ignoring extensive reportage of this heinous crime for nearly three months. - IANS Lawyer Deepika Rajawat, who is representing the victim's family in the Kathua rape and murder case, said that she was being called "anti-Hindu" and facing social boycott for taking up the case, as per The Indian Express ."Today, I dont know, I am not in my senses. I can be raped, I can be killed and may be they wont allow me to practice in court. They (have) isolated me, I dont know how I can survive," the report quoted Rajawat as saying. "We are not favouring rapists, we demand justice for the victims. The dispensation of justice should not become a political football," said Kaur, adding, "There was a writ petition filed by the victim's family that said that the police had not launched a proper inquiry into the case. After lawyer Deepika Singh Rajwat who is fighting the case of an eight-year-old girl from Kathua who was raped and murdered accused the Jammu High Court Bar Association president of threatening her, the Jammu Bar on Sunday sent a team of women lawyers to defend its president Bopinder Singh Salathia. The Bar had come under criticism for calling a strike against the Crime Branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and demanding a CBI probe into the incident. According to the chargesheets filed by the Crime Branch, the abduction, rape and killing of the girl was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the nomadic community from the area. A separate chargesheet was filed for the juvenile. The counsel for the accused demanded a copy of the chargesheet filed by the Crime Branch on April 9 before the chief judicial magistrate.- PTI The victim from a minority nomadic community was allegedly held in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death. According to NDTV, chargesheet will be provided to the accused on Tuesday while the plea to move the case out of Jammu and Kashmir will be heard on Monday. A shutdown called by a section of social media users against the rape and murder of a girl in Jammu and Kashmir derailed normal life in parts of Kerala. Police took several protesters into custody. The worst affected districts included Kozhikode, Kannur, Malappuram, Palakkad and parts of Thiruvananthapuram. What began as a campaign in the social media on Sunday against the brutality heaped on an eight-year-old in Kathua region led to a shutdown on Monday. Angry demonstrators, some shouting anti-RSS slogans, blocked traffic and forced shops to shut. - Read more here As Kerala shuts down to protest incident, normal life gets derailed; several protesters taken into custody The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir state government seeing a reply on the Kathua rape and murder case plea that was file by the victim's father. The apex court has also ordered security to victim's family and lawyer. The next hearing on the plea to transfer case will be on 27 April. ( Read more here. ) Supreme Court lawyer Indira Jaising told the apex court, said, "State police had done a good job and it not only arrested all the accused persons on evidence but also on a scientific basis." Appearing for the victim's father, she told the Supreme Court, "The atmosphere is not conducive to a fair trial. The atmosphere is highly polarised."- ANI The lawyers demand that the lawyers who stood for accused should be punished by cancellation of licenses. Shalu Nigam says lawyers who stood for the accused should be punished by the cancellation of licenses Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ravinder Raina said, "We will ensure that justice is given. We have full faith in the judicial system. It's the most autonomous body and doesn't work under anyone's pressure."- CNN-News 18 Lawyers protesting near the Supreme Court say that those who try to interfere with the rule of law after raising saffron flags, must be punished. One of the protesting lawyers, Som Dutt, said that a section of lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir is not allowing legal course to be taken smoothly in the case and it is unfair. One of the protesting lawyers Advocate ND Pachauli asked how can lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir not allow chargesheet to be filed when such a heinous crime has been committed. Advocate ND Pachauli asks 'how can lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir not allow chargesheet to be filed?' The general house decided to temporarily suspend the agitation, responding to the appeal of Bar Council of India (BCI), and the Supreme Court taking cognizance of the issue (Kathua rape and murder case), Slathia said. - PTI ( Read more here The Jammu High Court Bar Association (JHCBA) on Monday resumed work after staying away from courts for 12 days in support of their various demands including handing over the Kathua rape and murder case to CBI and deportation of illegally settled Rohingyas. The decision to resume work was taken at a general house meeting of the JHCBA held under the chairmanship of its president B S Slathia. #Delhi : Lawyers protest outside Supreme Court over the conduct of lawyers in Jammu in connection with #KathuaRapeCase . pic.twitter.com/qoD6uVlxSX Supreme Court lawyer Indira Jaising told the apex court, said, "State police had done a good job and it not only arrested all the accused persons on evidence but also on a scientific basis." Appearing for the victim's father, she told the Supreme Court, "The atmosphere is not conducive to a fair trial. The atmosphere is highly polarised."- ANI The lawyers demand that the lawyers who stood for accused should be punished by cancellation of licenses. Shalu Nigam says lawyers who stood for the accused should be punished by the cancellation of licenses Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ravinder Raina said, "We will ensure that justice is given. We have full faith in the judicial system. It's the most autonomous body and doesn't work under anyone's pressure."- CNN-News 18 The Supreme Court has issued directions to the authorities to provide protection to us (victim family and their counsel): Deepika S Rajawat, Counsel, #Kathua victim's family pic.twitter.com/HP4pV3uB5u Lawyers protesting near the Supreme Court say that those who try to interfere with the rule of law after raising saffron flags, must be punished. One of the protesting lawyers, Som Dutt, said that a section of lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir is not allowing legal course to be taken smoothly in the case and it is unfair. One of the protesting lawyers Advocate ND Pachauli asked how can lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir not allow chargesheet to be filed when such a heinous crime has been committed. Advocate ND Pachauli asks 'how can lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir not allow chargesheet to be filed?' The general house decided to temporarily suspend the agitation, responding to the appeal of Bar Council of India (BCI), and the Supreme Court taking cognizance of the issue (Kathua rape and murder case), Slathia said. - PTI ( Read more here The Jammu High Court Bar Association (JHCBA) on Monday resumed work after staying away from courts for 12 days in support of their various demands including handing over the Kathua rape and murder case to CBI and deportation of illegally settled Rohingyas. The decision to resume work was taken at a general house meeting of the JHCBA held under the chairmanship of its president B S Slathia. Kathua rape and murder LATEST UPDATES: The two BJP ministers who had defended the rape accused men have submitted their resignation to the state BJP president. Meanwhile, the prime minister also broke his silence on the issue and assured the nation of strict action in Unnao and Kathua rape cases. The PDP leadership will meet on Saturday in Srinagar to discuss the situation following the brutal gangrape and killing of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua, a party spokesman said. According to PDP sources quoted by PTI, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who will chair the meeting, is likely to tell the BJP, a coalition partner in the ruling coalition in the state, to ask its ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga to resign. The two ministers had attended a meeting in the girl's village in support of the accused in the case and demanded a CBI probe in the matter last month. Jammu and Kashmir Police chief SP Vaid said that all necessary steps will be taken to provide protection to the family members of the eight-year-old girl, and the witnesses in the case. "We will do whatever is required and take care of it. Nothing to worry about," Vaid said when asked about alleged threats to the witnesses, including the family members of the victim. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that Kathua is not just a case of rape but, it is a crime against humanity. Union minister Rajnath Singh said that the family of the Kathua rape victim should get justice. He told reporters that he is in favour of ensuring proper justice to the family of the 8-year-old girl. The Supreme Court issued notices to Bar Council of India, Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, Jammu High Court Bar Association and Kathua Bar Association on a plea against lawyers allegedly blocking filing of chargesheet in Kathua Case. Former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the rape and murder of a minor in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Confirming her earlier statement on amending the POCSO Act, Maneka Gandhi slammed media by saying that important decisions aren't taken in two minutes. Alleging that the Congress is playing "dirty" politics in the country and playing with the future of children and women, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said that a fair investigation was conducted in the Kathua murder and rape case. "SIT was formed and six-seven people were arrested. Also, I would like to say it on record that the Jammu Bar Association president BS Slathia was the polling agent of Ghulam Nabi Azad ji," Lekhi said. "Apart from Kathua and Unnao cases, there was another case in Assam's Naigon where a Class XII student was raped first and then burnt to death. Why no candle march for her," Lekhi asked mediapersons. Lekhi was speaking on behalf of the ruling government and alleged that Congress is playing dirty political games involving women and children. The BJP spokesperson also alleged misreporting by the media. The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notices to several media houses who disclosed identity of Kathua victim, asking them why action should not be taken against the organisations. The high court took up the issue on its own after coming across print and electronic media reports revealing victim's name. The law of the land states that the identity of a rape victim cannot be disclosed and those guilty of doing so face be punished under Section 228-A of the Indian Penal Code. However, Jammu and Kashmir is ruled by State Ranbir Penal Code or RPC. Indian Penal Code is not applicable in the Valley under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. A group of lawyers in the Supreme Court have requested Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra to take suo moto cognisance of the conduct of lawyers in Kathua and a PIL in this regard is likely to be filed today. Even as the chorus for justice in Kathua rape case grows louder, the minor victims family is under threat. The sister of the eight-year-old girl, who was held captive, sedated and repeatedly raped before being killed, says her family received death threats recently. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi said she'll work to amend the POCSO Act to make rape of children under 12 years punishable by death. The girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, had disappeared from a spot near her house on 10 January. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday promised that there will be no obstruction of justice while the Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his "silence" over the issue. "The law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions and statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on fast track and justice will be delivered," the Chief Minister said. Her tweet follows protest by the Jammu Bar Association against the handling of the case by the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch and demand for a CBI probe into it. Eight people, including alleged mastermind Sanji Ram, have been charged with abduction, rape and murder of the 'Bakerwal' (nomadic) girl in Kathua's Rasana village in January. Congress President Rahul Gandhi asked "how could anyone protect the culprits" and deplored letting politics interfere in such "unimaginable brutality". "How can anyone protect the culprits of such evil? What happened to ***** at Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished," he tweeted. "What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child," he asked. Congress leader Kapil Sibal attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his silence over the issue and said he should speak up over violence against women in states where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power. "Prime Minister is silent over the incidents of rape in Unnao (in Uttar Pradesh) and Kathua," Sibal told the media. Slamming Modi over his day-long fast against the washout of the second part of Parliament's budget session due to disruptions, which the BJP blames on the Congress, Sibal said: "Why don't you fast against incidents of rape? And tell the people that you are feeling bad about the incidents of rape and so you are fasting." Meanwhile, the Jammu Bar Association reiterated its demand for a CBI probe into the case. It said that while it did not support the accused, it wanted a fair probe. BS Slathia, President of the Bar Association, said attempts were being made to project the lawyers as supporters of the accused against whom the Crime Branch has produced a damning chargesheet in the court. "Lawyers of Jammu are being maligned in order to divide the state on communal lines. All we have been saying is that the investigation of the case be transferred to the CBI. Does anyone say that the CBI is communal?" Slathia asked. He said the Crime Branch that has been investigating the case had brought an officer from the Kashmir Valley to carry out the probe while the organisation had enough staff in the Jammu region. "The officer in question has faced murder and rape allegations in the past. We have said the association of this officer with the investigation process has put a question mark on the probe. "Justice should not only be done but must also be seen as being done. It is unfortunate that communal motives are being attributed to our demand. The media should report events in an honest manner," Slathia said. Track LIVE Updates in UNNAO RAPE CASE here BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi in a press conference on Friday alleged that the Congress is politicising the Kathua rape and murder case. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi in a press conference on Friday alleged that the Congress is politicising the Kathua rape and murder case, and also accused the media of selective coverage of crimes against women and girls. "You see their (Congress') plan: first shout 'minority, minority', then 'Dalit, Dalit' and now 'women women' and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state governments," Lekhi said. Further, Lekhi mentioned the rape and murder of a 12-year-old student in Assam's Naigaon village earlier this month. She remarked, "Doesn't this case warrant the national media's attention like the Unnao And Kathua cases?" Also, commenting on the Unnao rape case, Lekhi said that a probe into the incident was ordered as soon as the chief minister's office received the victim's letter naming the accused BJP MLA, Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Her press conference a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi held a midnight march to protest crimes against girls and women in the country. "What happened in Kathua is beyond humanity, an 8-year-old was kidnapped, brutally raped by many men, including a juvenile and tortured till she died. This defies all human values we have grown with as a society", Rahul had said in Delhi. Taking note of the communal turn given to the Kathua rape and murder case, Lekhi said, "I would like to say it on record that the Jammu Bar Association president BS Slathia was the polling agent of Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. One can understand from this what sort of dirty politics is being played." She demanded for justice to be served in both the cases irrespective of the victim's caste or religion. As the two crimes evoke nationwide outrage, Opposition leaders have been criticising Narendra Modi for his silence on the issue. Earlier on Friday, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted to urge Modi to speak up on the matter. He said that the 8-year-old victim shouldn't be someone the prime minister chooses to remain silent about. Prominent politicians, including Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and Women and Child Development minister Maneka Gandhi have called for death penalty for such crimes. "The Ministry of Women and Child Development intends to bring an amendment in POCSO Act asking for death penalty for rape on children below 12 years of age," Maneka had said in a video message. Seven years ago, Muhammad Yusuf Pujwala bought a piece of land in Kathua's Rasana, where he has built a single-storied house. On the morning of 18 January, I was sitting in the press gallery of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly when Mian Altaf, an influential Gujjar leader from the Opposition, waved an Urdu newspaper that had printed a photograph of ***** with a news item on the eight-year-old Bakerwal girl's shocking murder. Soon, Congress and National Conference leaders joined him to demand a probe into the murder. Kya yehi 'Beti padhao, Beti bachao' andolan hai (Is this the 'Beti padhao, Beti bachao' movement)? Altaf shouted at the speaker and treasury benches. But he was soon outshouted by BJP legislators, Rajiv Jasrotia among them, who claimed in the house that it was a "family matter" and land grab issue. No one paid much attention to the story. Most of the English newspapers in Jammu skipped reporting the incident, so we assumed it was another murder of a young girl, a child really, from a lower economic group, committed by her rich landlord. The Gujjars and Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir, a nomadic community which make up 12 percent of the states population, have in the last 29 years of political turmoil in Valley remained loyal to New Delhi. If you ask a serving or a retired Indian Army officer who may have served on the Line of Control or International Border in the state, they will tell you how the Gujjars and Paharis are the second first line of defence." In the early nineties, when the insurgency broke out, a section of Paharis who live closer to Kashmiris, a separate community which is confused with other two, worked as guides in the Valley to take Kashmiri militants to Pakistan. Gujjars and Bakarwals have always been discriminated against and looked down upon by most people, including Kashmiris. When Ghulam Nabi Azad became chief minister of the state, he was often called a Gujjur. In Srinagar, if you are from a village or a town, during fights and arguments, many people would call you a Gujjar. It is normally referred to person who is either unclean or has no manners. A slur. It was surprising that most journalists in Jammu, who have done exceptional reporting on border violence, particularly on TV, failed to report the crime in Kathua. Two TV journalists from Kashmir arrived in the city later, one stayed back and continuously reported on the crime. Two days later, a friend who works with a national daily, was missing in the Assembly. When I called a fellow reporter from Kashmir, it turned out he had gone to Rasana, a village in Kathua district, where the brutal rape and murder had taken place. Once there, he was asked to prove his identity, and disclose the hotel name he stayed in. He was terrified. He wrote about the incident many days later. It was after three days that another journalist friend called in the evening. Go to Rasana, he said, Media in Jammu wont cover it. I did not understand why they would not. On the fourth day after *****s body was recovered, I arrived in the village. Kahan jana hai (Where do you want to go)? a tall, broad-shouldered youth with a moustache asked my driver, who was wise enough to remain silent. He knew something had gone wrong. He is a Dogra from Jammu. Then he spoke: Gujjarun kay yeha jana hai (We have to go where the Gujjars stay). The youth pointed towards a plateau near the forests, which was approached by a bumpy road. We moved forward and I took a sigh of relief. It takes a half-hour uphill trek from the nearest road, through dense forests, to reach Rasana village. Seven years ago, Muhammad Yusuf Pujwala bought a piece of land in Rasana, where he has built a single-storied house. In the last three years, the villagers say the conflict between Hindu villagers and Muslim nomads has escalated. It worsened last year when Hindus demanded return of over one acre of land sold to the Muslims. There have been fights over trespassing by cows and sheep. In a recent case, Sanji Ram, a former bureaucrat arrested in the rape and murder case, had charged a nomad Rs 1,000 for his buffalos entering his fields. Pujwala is a Gujjar nomad and depended on Hindu residents for providing fodder in the form of tree leaves to his livestock, for which he used to pay duly. ***** spent most of her time in a nearby forest. The family lived here only for four months before migrating to Kashmir and finally to Ladakh. When I sat with him and his wife, he looked like a broken man. Beti ka pyaar hi naseeb main nahi tha (Our daughter's love was not even part of our destiny), he told me. His wife was silent. Three days before she was abducted, ***** had told her mother she had a fight with a boy from the neighbourhood many times in past few days. The boy was the nephew of Sanji Ram, the alleged ringleader of the crime. Though a juvenile, he was the first to be arrested in the case. Bahut ganda hai who larka (That boy is very evil), ***** had told her mother Naseema. Bolta hai: cigarette piyo mere saath baith ke (He tells me: Sit with me and smoke a cigarette). Dur reh us say, apna kaam kar (Stay away from him, do your own work), she had advised her daughter, unaware of the hell that awaited her. Apart from narrating this brief conversation, the couple hardly spoke. They know what it was all about. They know Sanji Ram. They know Deepak Khajuria. They know the juvenile. They know all of them had conspired to throw them out of the village. But they were terrified. A few days later, I returned to the village. Emboldened by the support given to them by Talib Hussain, a crusader of tribal rights, they blocked the road and demanded the arrest of the culprits. On my second trip, I was again confronted by local youth. They asked for an identity card. I left it in hotel. My bag was checked. I was let go peacefully. They are nice guys but something is wrong, my driver told me. Upon reaching there, I saw a different version of *****'s parents. They were willing to talk. Shareefa Begum, a relative of Yusufs, walked in. She was an outspoken lady. Holding the hand of Naseema, she asked her to show us the clothes of *****. As she moved into the room, a trunk was opened in which lay a chocolate and maroon-coloured frock of her daughter. Then she broke down. Shareefa, the relative, told me she knew the culprit was Sanji. When our children were young, we used to tell them, 'so jao warna Sanji Ram aayega (Go to sleep, or else Sanji Ram will come)'. He is a notorious man, she said. She knew ***** had been violated. She performed her last rites, She saw red and blue marks on her arms and legs, behind her back and on her neck too. Only a beast can do this to an eight-year-old, she remarked. Maneka Gandhi said her ministry will bring an amendment in POCSO Act on death penalty for rape of children below 12 years following Kathua rape & murder. Amid rising tensions in Jammu and Kashmir over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua district, there is a rising national consensus for exemplary punishment for the culprits. While Union minister Maneka Gandhi has said that her ministry will bring an amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on death penalty for rape of children below 12 years of age, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has assured that that her government will bring a "new law" on the same lines. "The Ministry of Women and Child Development intends to bring an amendment in POCSO Act asking for death penalty for rape on children below 12 years of age," Maneka has said in a video message. Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi demand death penalty for Kathua rapists, says her ministry will bring changes in the POCSO act for the death penalty for those who rape girl child. #KathuaHorror pic.twitter.com/8mkUkaKQlq News18 (@CNNnews18) April 13, 2018 Mufti assured that the state will bring in a law that would make death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors. "I assure that I stand committed not just to ensure justice for ***** but also seek exemplary punishment for those responsible for a crime whose brutal savagery has shamed humanity," she said on Twitter. We will never ever let another child suffer in this way. We will bring a new law that will make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors, so that little Ashifas case becomes the last. 2/2 Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 12, 2018 Jammu and Kashmir's ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also directed all its ministers, legislators and senior leaders to be present for a special meeting on Saturday in Srinagar at 11 am, ANI reported. India Today reported that the Kathua rape case will be the top agenda of the meet as Mufti is upset with the two BJP ministers Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga who had reportedly gone to the place of agitation at Rasana in Kathua in March. Speaking on the rape cases in Kathua and Unnao, Union information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani said that the law agencies and government are taking necessary action. "As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming," she said. Law agencies and government are taking necessary action. As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming: Union I&B Minister Smriti Irani to ANI #UnnaoRapeCase #KathuaCase pic.twitter.com/jyS6r03uUM ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 'Never thought we'd lose her to beasts' The rape and murder case has kicked-off a national debate on the role of religion in the act. Speaking to The Indian Express, *****'s father Muhammad Yusuf Pujwala said, "She couldnt tell her arms from her legs, couldn't tell which hand was right and which left. She never thought who was a Hindu, who a Muslim." The report quoted the mother as saying that they had wished to educate her and, later, get her married into a good home, but they had "never thought we would lose her to beasts before that." *****'s family was supposed to move towards Kashmir in May along with other nomads from their village. But Pujwala along with his wife, two children and livestock abandoned his home late on Tuesday evening, only to surface at his brother Nisar Ahmad Khan's residence in Samba district. Khan told Firstpost that Pujwala did not want to leave his house but "felt insecure" living with his family, including his father and mother, at their home amid rising communal tensions in the district. Pujwala had adopted ***** after the death of his two daughters. His wife had asked Pujwala to adopt *****, who was Pujwala's brother's biological daughter. Opposition questions Mehbooba, Rahul Gandhi holds protest Congress president Rahul Gandhi led a midnight protest by party workers at India Gate against the "slumber" of Narendra Modi government over the rape incidents in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao. He said there were repeated incidents of violence, rape and murder of women in the country. "We want the government to take action. Today, women are feeling insecure to move out of their houses. Somewhere a child, a woman is raped, killed and we want that the government should resolve this. The women of the country should feel safe," he said. Rahul stressed that it was a national issue and not a political one. "This is an issue concerning women," he said, adding that people from all parties as well as the common man were at India Gate. Earlier on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) asked Mehbooba Mufti to come clean on the alleged involvement of two of her Cabinet ministers in instigating trouble in Kathua region. "The chief minister should clarify her stand on the involvement of two senior ministers instigating trouble in Kathua with regard to the brutal of *****," JKPCC chairman GA Mir said. He said both the ministers should have been sacked on day one for giving "communal colour" to the shameful act of rape and murder. "The inaction on part of the chief minister amounts to shielding them (ministers)," the Congress leader added. Congress leader Ambika Soni called that the Kathua incident a "shame on our society". "It's taking so long to nab the culprits when everybody knows who they are and still you are not able to ply the processes of the law," Soni was quoted as saying by ANI. Meanwhile, BJP state president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh alleged that there was an involvement of "Pakistani hand" in the alleged rape and murder. "The act (Kathua rape-murder) must have been committed by Pakistan's agents to divide people by chanting Jai Shriram," Chouhan told reporters on Thursday. He was responding to reports that slogans of 'Jai Sriram' were raised following the incident. "Hindus are less than one percent in Kashmir. They cannot even open their mouths, then how can they shout these slogans?" he asked. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, however, lashed out at the chief minister for not taking any action against two BJP ministers who had attended a rally. What rubbish! They are HER ministers, not the Hon PMs. The way for her to express her displeasure is to sack them in Jammu not come & leak her alleged displeasure in Delhi. https://t.co/BVU3fGib61 Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 12, 2018 Jammu and Kashmir appoints two Sikh prosecutors The Jammu and Kashmir government appointed two special public prosecutors on Thursday for the trial. Meanwhile, the family members of the victim, *****, silently abandoned their home in Rasana village. The state police crime branch which probed the alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl belonging to the nomadic Muslim Bakerwal community had filed the main charge sheet against seven accused persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. The government appointed Jammu crime branch's chief prosecuting officer S Bhopinder Singh, and Samba's chief prosecuting officer Harinder Singh as special public prosecutors to pursue the cases against ex-revenue official Sanji Ram and the one involving the juvenile. "This was done to ensure speedy conduct and ensure focused attention on the case," a senior official told PTI. DGP SP Vaid had written to the government in this regard by recommending two officers as SPPs to conduct the case. "We wanted two officers to pursue the case from the police department as others may take the case casually," another official said. When asked whether two Sikh officers were engaged as SPPs to ensure "neutrality" in view of Hindu-Muslim polarisation over the case, DGP Vaid said, "Please do not think on religious lines. It has not been done. Police does not think in terms of Hindu or Muslim or Sikh". The body of the girl, from the Bakerwal community, was recovered from Rassana forest on 17 January, a week after she went missing while grazing horses. On 23 January, the government had handed over the case to the crime branch of the state police which formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested eight people including two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destruction of evidence. The Bar Association of Jammu (BAJ) has demanded a CBI probe into the case. Responding to queries from the general public in a Twitter broadcast, Vaid said on Thursday that the Jammu and Kashmir Police had no objection if the case was assigned to the CBI but it asserted that it is as competent as any investigation agency to handle it. He justified the crime branch probe into the rape and murder of the Bakerwal girl. "If we can fight terrorism and stone pelters, why cannot the Jammu and Kashmir Police perform the professional duties of the investigation. Our officers go on deputation to the CBI," the DGP said. The police has arrested eight persons in the case. With inputs from agencies Chaudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga addressed a gathering of more than thousand people who have been demanding a CBI probe in the brutal rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl. Jammu: On 1 March during a speech delivered at Kooth village, Chaudhary Lal Singh, the forest minister in BJP-PDP government, told a gathering that people have been going missing for decades, an indirect reference to the massacre of Muslims in Jammu during 1947 partition of India during which nearly two lakh Muslims were either killed or driven out of their homes. The rally was organised by the Hindu Ekta Manch, a right-wing group headed by a BJP leader, which has been the organiser of the protests and defends the accused, Sanji Ram and special police officer Deepak Khajuria, in the rape case of a young Bakarwal girl. Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, Jammu and Kashmir's minister for commerce and industries addressed a gathering of more than thousand people who have been demanding a CBI probe in the brutal rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl. At least seven MLAs from BJP participated in the rally, reportedly following the consent of the party high command. As this copy was being edited, the two senior BJP ministers tendered their resignations to the state party chief. The general secretary of BJP, Ashok Koul, confirmed to Firstpost on Friday evening that both Singh and Ganga had submitted their resignations to state BJP president, Sat Sharma. There is no information if the same has been forwarded to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti yet. "One girl was killed here. They dont understand that many women have gone missing since 1947. No one is asking about them, Singh had said to a cheering audience. He was speaking in Dogri. Firstpost translated the speech with the help of two Dogri speaking journalists based in Jammu. Singh, who was earlier with the Congress, on 18 May, 2016, had threatened Gujjars in Jammu by reminding them of the 1947 massacre of Muslims in the region, sparking a controversy which fizzled out only after he was forced to eat his words. O Gujron, 1947 pulligaya hai tuse ge? (Gujjars, have you forgotten 1947. Why have you come here?) Singh told a delegation of Muslim farmers from Jammu, which included Mohammed Mumtaz, a sarpanch, and a group of Hindu and Muslim farmers, at his official residence in Gandhi Nagar. We went to the residence to apprise him about the problems being facing by people after an order issued by the forest department, Mumtaz said. When one of the delegates raised the issue, the minister shouted him down. This outburst by the communal minister explains the mindset of the RSS and the Sangh Parivar, chairman of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, said at that time. Any untoward incident with any Jammu Muslim will cause a storm in the entire state that will wash away people like Lal Singh. That was exactly what the minister was trying to tell the Gujjar family living in Rasana village, which is a nearby village of Kooth when he was addressing the protesters. If you are doing this agitation, you should do it with forceIf cant manage a strong agitation, then go home, he said. These people have no shame I and Ganga are from the same government. What kind of investigation is the crime branch doing? They are so intelligent (laughs) and are so intelligently doing it. They are asking questions, arresting our people, but have they posed any questions to Gujjars, Singh told the gathering. The minister said no one has trust in the state police and by handing over the investigation to SIT and Crime Branch later, the government has shown that no one trusts the police. What follows is an English translation of the speech made in Dogri Chaudhary Lal Singh, minister for forest Chandra Prakash Ganga ji, party general secretary ji and our Jammu district president Listen, people of Rasana, If you are doing this agitation you should do it with force. This agitation should not be the like the way you are doing. If you cant do a strong agitation then go home. It has to be a strong one. But after seeing you all here, I am now confident this fight for truth and justice you have started will be won by you. These people (the PDP government) have no shame. I and Ganga are from the same government. What kind of investigation is the Crime Branch doing? They are so intelligently carrying out this (laughing) investigation. They are asking, arresting our people but are they asking questions to Gujjars? No one trusts the police. They first gave the investigation to the police, then to the SIT and then it was given to the Crime Branch. That means no one is trusting the police. Throughout my life, I have never cared about anyone. I dont know anyone. I only know you. Loud cheers follow It is because of you, we are standing here today, [referring to the MLA of BJP on stage and other leaders]. If you are going to get beaten up, then why will you vote for us? We are saying it again and again that the girl had to be given justice. We are sad and no one is justifying it. Everyone said that. But without a reason, they are trying to give this incident an undue hype. In the Assembly, this issue was raised by the Opposition and I tried to even tell them there. Every day there was an issue in the Assembly when people said we will arrest them (accused) and all that. The Opposition was saying that in Kathua there is zulm (atrocity) is being done on Muslims, and I was sitting in the same Assembly. People laughing Listen, I come from the party which has fought for its entire life for the country. How is it possible that someone among us is going to do this thing to the girl? Is it possible our men will do this, [asking people] Is anyone going to tolerate this. Not at all. These buggers were trying to malign our image inside the Assembly. Every day, every morning I tolerated them in the Assembly. They are naive(PDP). Is this their father's government? It is half ours and half theirs. People cheering If we step down it wont be there. A leader from Srinagar (Omar Abdullah) said in the Assembly there should not be a CBI inquiry in the case. What is this threat to a CBI inquiry that he is scared of? Are there people from Rasana in CBI? If there is a CBI inquiry how are the accused going to be saved? If it is possible for the CBI to get big people country, why can't they do an impartial investigation? There is only one solution for this, there should be an agitation, and that is the only solutionIf you dont trust the police and SIT, why are you employing these people? You only get CBI because local police had failed and how is it possible that they have caught so many big people in India. I have been drinking poison for a long time. This state doesnt belong to only one community I know what they can do. You dont need to worry about them. You dont have to worry about them. This state is not of their fathers. Our party was made by you. You did some good demonstrations. When slogans were being raised these people started making dossier. On this dossier you slap a PSA (Public Safety Act) on people. Are you going to put these people behind bars because they raised slogans? You raise slogans and protest against injustice. Why should PSA be slapped on you? You were raising slogans for your own rights. If you are doing agitation do it with proper force. If you dont want to do it go home then. They are saying there is Section 144, [asking people]. Do you know what it is? It is nothing! (Kahk nahi) Here one girl was killed and there have been many women missing since 1947, no one is asking about them. So does it make a difference? Someone died in Chani, no one did anything for him. Listen what kind of law is this you are implementing which is one-sided. You are discriminating people on the basis of religion. You have asked for a CBI probe, we are with you to do the agitation. In front of the people, no one can do anything. Only one man does need justice. Every one needs justice. A man slapped someone and you levelled PSA on him and your police are dividing people. Then you show law on one and on the other six you dont. You are beating up people and torturing them. Why are they beating them? There are modern technics. Do a DNA test, narco test everything will be clearSo why are you beating them? Instead of making rounds of districts and why are you beating these five people? You have got an SSP from Kashmir. Are police officers sick here in Jammu? You have got people from outside. One person goes on leave another comes. Government's job is to provide a sense of security not to provide them with a sense of insecurity. The people should trust the government, I have fought five elections I know everything. I have been an MP. People from Kooth are very clever. People were not what they are today. Is everyone going to teach us law now? We are with you and always will be with you. And listen if your MLA goes from this place, he is now saying that people are with us and that is the reason we came here. You have to keep your MLA with you and he will walk in front of you. You will curse your MLA, but there are games being played here. You have to be cautious. You have a non-political organisation (Hindu Ekta Manch) the MLA here is scarred. He is a nice man. No one can be like Chaudhary Lal Singh, This man (MLA) will always with you. Your MLA is your way to the government and for the agitation, without him, you cant win this battle. MLA will be with you. He kept his point and he is not going to leave. Dont make this a political issue. This is your issue and you have to win this issue. If anyone has done injustice to the girl he is a neech and a low man. If anyone is thinking, in this case, anyone is going to make an issue out of it we wont allow it. If you think people are going to make a stain on the name of this issue that we will not allow. Here people with 15 and 20 stars on their shoulders cant do anything: [referring to police] Dont make much drama here, you dont have to make people fearful. If you have to give an interview and get the IAS, KAS or KPS, who is going to get the courage when it comes to dealing with these people? If you are frightening people this is not going to work. Our slogan is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. If (Narendra) Modi says I made your government and these people are being beaten is he going to leave us? Listen, people from Rasana if someone touches you or puts his finger on you I will assure you that it is our guarantee we will deal with them. But you dont have to migrate from here. Why should you leave, our villages in Kathua? It is a matter of shame. We are Dogras, we have fought fights for centuries. I will come back again if something wrong happens. You should continue with what you are doing if your demands are not met I will show you the way how to do it. This committee should remain in coordination. We are with you and we will always be with you. An 8-year-old girl from Kathua in Jammu was abducted, tortured, raped repeatedly and murdered, and her body was dumped in a forest. Editor's note: The following is an opinion held by the authors of this piece and does not necessarily reflect Firstpost's editorial position. How does the rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl fit in the BJP's newfound narrative of New India? When we asked the question to those who claim to be belonging to the 'liberal and progressive' tribe, although mindful of the dangerous development, they nonetheless issued their own caveats. "We can omit the word 'Muslim'. The rape and murder of a minor should open our eyes, and it doesn't make any difference if the victim is Muslim, Dalit or Hindu," we were told. Or does it? An 8-year-old girl from Kathua in Jammu was abducted, tortured, raped repeatedly and murdered, and her body was dumped in a forest. She had gone missing on 10 January and her parents had approached the police and filed a missing person report. Her body, bearing torture marks and signs of sexual abuse, was recovered on 17 January. The gravity of the crime prompted the state police to launch a rigorous investigation to nab those responsible for the victim's abduction, rape and murder. The case was handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Crime Branch. The brutal crime was condemned by most, with the exception of a newly-formed right-wing group called Hindu Ekta Manch (HEM). The 8-year-old girl in Kathua was among the recent victims of brutal communal attacks carried out on minorities in India. Besides belonging to the tribal community Gujjar and Bakarwal, she was a Muslim. So it does make a huge difference being Muslim, vulnerable and living in a pocket where the BJP's right-wing foot-soldiers want to tighten the party's hold. But that's not all. It is the audacity of right-wing elements along with their down-the-line impunity to carry out such attacks that pose the biggest threat. The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has preferred to remain silent on issues related to intolerance and scathing attacks on religious and sect-based minorities. At the same time, the government at the Centre has made few attempts to project itself as offering an alternative to the Congress narrative with all-inclusive agenda. One such attempt was when the BJP trumpeted the vision of a "New India" something that appeared palatable for mass consumption. The "New India" narrative seemingly marked a shift from the BJP's ideological fountainhead's narrative of making India a "Hindu Rashtra". The "Hindu Rashtra" narrative not only excludes all religious minorities from the equation, but also poses an existential threat to them. From the representation of minorities in politics and development, the argument takes a new thread that of security. With the relentless efforts of BJP-affiliated groups to target minorities, Muslims in particular, the first takeaway happens to be security and existence, rather than representation. Put differently, Muslims in India have been forced to lower their demand for rights to that of a peaceful existence. The BJP and RSS have been successful in thwarting any attempt made by Muslims to claim political rights and representation. The manifestation of this has been visible in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP not only denied a ticket to Muslim candidates, but also created an atmosphere where the first concern of Muslims is a peacefuk existence. The trusted lieutenant of the BJP-RSS, Yogi Adityanath who is the chief minister of the state, is following the script religiously. If it has been lynchings over beef consumption and now encounters in UP, it has come down to rape and murder in Jammu and Kashmir. In Jammu and Kashmir, the footprint of the BJP has increased since it entered into an alliance with PDP and formed the government. Like Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir has Muslim and Hindu populations living in different pockets. The religious faultline however is a little different in Jammu and Kashmir. The state is divided in three regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The divide is administrative, geographic, ethnic and now political. Kashmir is the largest region with 10 districts and more than 90 percent of population comprising Muslims. Ladakh, after the establishment of Hill Councils, has been politically isolated to some extent. It started with the indoctrination of the idea of a "separate status", preferably Union Territory, in which the BJP played a major role behind the scenes. Jammu, although it has also been divided into 10 smaller districts to maintain the proportion of its counterpart Kashmir, has a mixed population of Muslims and Hindus. While some districts have a predominantly Hindu population, there are also some where the Muslim numbers are strong. Kashmir is out of the league for now, because the region, in an outright mandate, rejected the BJP. As a matter of fact, Kashmir voted against the BJP when in all other states, the party was welcomed. It is in the Jammu region where all troubles are to start. With the right-wing politics of the BJP having registered a thumping victory in Jammu, its character is fast-changing. Jammu today is more like Uttar Pradesh. The BJPs top leaders meet the people, workers and political leadership to keep them aligned with the party's interests. It has created a feeling among the people of this region that they are directly connected to the Modi government at the Centre. The state government has become meaningless as they perceive it to be powerless. It has been seen on many occasions that the workers and other people take their grievances directly to the Centre. In all likelihood, the BJP core is aware of all the developments and has been responding in ways to further the hold of the party on masses in Jammu. This has led to the development of a sense of impunity among the BJP workers and foot-soldiers in Jammu. As in Uttar Pradesh, the foot-soldiers of the BJP bask in their "untouchable" status. The feeling at times heightens to "Above the Law" euphoria. This is the political backdrop against which the brutal rape and murder in Kathua took place. There is still more to it than meets the eye. Soon after the formation of BJP-PDP state government, a prominent BJP leader, Choudhary Lal Singh, came under the spotlight for harassing and targeting minorities, Gujjar and Bakarwal, in particular. Given the portfolio of ministries of health at first and forests later, Lal Singh has been at the centre of controversies from philandering to stirring communal passions among people. The community Lal Singh and his cohorts have been targeting has at several times come out in public and held demonstrations nothing has been achieved though. Back to the Kathua rape case, and after the police started its investigation, HEM launched a campaign against the investigation. For days, the group carried out protests in the Kathua region against the arrests made by the police. There were two interesting demands put forth by the HEM: The first was to release the arrested who were accused of being involved in the rape and murder, and the other was the demand to hand the investigation over to the CBI. To add more fuel to the fire, two BJP leaders including Lal Singh offered support to the HEM in their demands. That raised a lot of questions from politics of hate and fear to the audacity of demanding release of rapists and murderers, to the support of BJP leaders in the brutal crime to the CBI and all the way to the rights and freedoms of minorities, and the narrative of New India. The questions remain unanswered. We asked liberal and secular groups the question: How does the rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl fit into the new narrative? And as we mentioned earlier, they said "The word 'Muslim' can be omitted". It is here that we differ: If the 8-year-old girl hadnt been Muslim, she might not have been raped and murdered. The Crime Branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested the person who allegedly played the lead role Sanjhi Ram. He has appeared at HEM protests that had the support of BJP leaders. It wouldn't make any difference to him if the nomads stayed or moved, but it makes a difference to BJP, RSS, their leaders and their politics. Why should only Sanjhi Ram be tried for the crime? Behind all incidents of hate crimes in India today, there are people who have, in a real sense, become untouchables. Footnote: The 2012 Delhi gang rape case shook all of India. Laws were passed, fast-track courts were established. And some people said it was all because of "Congress rule". In 2018, an eight-year-old girl was held in captivity, tortured, raped and murdered. BJP leaders demanded the release of those arrested. Does this shake the "New India"? The authors are oped editors of Rising Kashmir The Bar Association of Jammu (BAJ), on Thursday, announced that it is extendng its strike till 17 April against the growing illegal presence of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, while alleging that its agitation for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the Kathua rape and murder was wrongly being portrayed as 'communal'. Jammu: The Bar Association of Jammu (BAJ), on Thursday, announced that it is extendng its strike till 17 April against the growing illegal presence of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, while alleging that its agitation for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Kathua rape and murder was wrongly being portrayed as "communal". The Jammu city has been tense since the brutal rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl belonging to the nomadic Muslim Bakharwal community. The police have arrested eight people in the case, but the Bar Association has opposed the action alleging "targeting of minority Dogras". "The strike has been extended till Tuesday (17 April). It was decided at the meeting here today," vice-president of BAJ Himanshu Sharma told PTI. The BAJ also alleged that their agitation for a CBI probe into the Kathua rape and murder case to ensure justice for the eight-year-old-victim was being portrayed as communal by those with a "Kashmir-centric mindset". Batting strongly for justice for the victim, the BAJ claimed that the probe by the crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police was done on questionable line amid threats and coercion by a team of officers from the Kashmir valley, including one who served a jail term for the alleged rape and murder of a minor. Kathua rape case victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat told Firstpost that the Jammu and Bar Association wants a CBI probe in the case only to stay in the limelight while also accusing them of reproaching her to leave the case Deepika Singh Rajawat, the lawyer appearing in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on behalf of *****s father Mohammad Akhtar is determined to fight for justice for the eight-year-old girl who was brutally gang-raped and murdered in the Kathua district of Jammu in January this year. Chairperson of Voice For Rights, an NGO working in the field of human rights, Rajawat is not new to threats and insults but is surprised at the extent of verbal abuse being levied against her when she took up *****s case. This has led her to write to the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, asking the court to ensure her safety and security in the court. Rajawat spokes to Firstpost about the 'prejudice', 'bias' and 'threats' that she has been facing from her fellow colleagues, and the case. What made you take up *****s case? I have been fighting cases of human rights abuse earlier also. ***** comes from a family of shepherds. They are here today and somewhere else tomorrow. They are very poor. Ek dhamki denge to woh chup ho jayenge (one threat and they will keep quiet). I approached them in February. ***** went missing on 10 January, but the police did not register an FIR. I felt I had to fight on their behalf. Why were the lawyers of the Jammu Bar Association so opposed to your taking up this case? I filed the writ petition on behalf of *****s father. He had sought a court-monitored investigation into the death of his daughter. The lawyers claim the investigation was not done in a fair manner. I was at the court when Jammu Bar Association president BS Salathia passed by and said that I should not appear. I told him that I was not a member of the bar. But he told me that if 'you will appear, we know how to stop you'. I immediately rushed to the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and filed a complaint in which I said that I was not safe here and requested that I should be provided security. I also requested him to ensure my safety while I appear in the court. I am thankful that the honourable chief justice passed directions to the security wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police to ensure that I remain safe in the high court. The Supreme Court has said that lawyers should stop work in the rarest of rare cases otherwise they should seek other remedies. But the lawyers here are flouting this directive with impunity. Have you seen the charge sheet? Do you think it is fair? Yes, I have seen the charge sheet and I am satisfied with it. Why should I want a CBI probe? My question is where were these lawyers when the FIR was lodged. But, isn't a supplementary charge sheet likely to be filed shortly as well? Yes, I understand a supplementary charge sheet will also be filed. It is because this probe is being monitored by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that the policemen (involved in the case) have also been booked. The case was given to the crime branch after the constitution of three SITs. I would like to add that it was only when the court started monitoring the investigation that the investigation started showing results because they minutely examined the reports filed by the crime branch. Have you received threats in the past also? Several times. Earlier this year, I took up a case where a judge had raped his maid. The judge was arrested and is presently behind bars. Some years ago I had taken the case of a 12-year-old-girl dying under mysterious circumstances in an advocates house. The advocate stated that the girl had committed suicide. The girls parents approached me and I took up the case. Even then the lawyers reproached me and went to the extent of cancelling my bar membership. Why do you only take up cases of women and children? I must point out that I run an NGO called Voice for Rights and the NGO takes up cases of human rights abuse against women and children especially cases of trafficking and of children who are victims of mines. Look at the number of children living along the Line of Control (LOC) who have been left maimed because they stepped onto a mine. I filed a PIL in 2012 asking the court to conduct a survey of mine victims and give those who have suffered injuries adequate compensation. I am happy to say that because of my PIL, mine victims are presently receiving Rs two lakh per individual. But I feel they need to be shifted to a safer place. The government also needs to come up with a policy for their rehabilitation. This is an issue that other lawyers from the Jammu Bar Association should take up. I also work in the field of juvenile justice. It is because of the work that I received the Charkha fellowship and have also received the Ladli award. Another important issue that I have taken up is how the fruit mafia is using all kinds of artificial ripeners including calcium carbide to ripen fruit. I wish Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who talks so much, would take up this issue because food and fruit is something that all of us eat. I have filed a PIL on this also and on the need for the government to set up a proper monitoring organisation to ensure these malpractices are stopped. Why should the lawyers be so agitated over this case which has now acquired communal overtones? This is their strategy to come into the limelight. These lawyers are demanding the ouster of the Rohingya and others along with the nomadic tribes (from the state). Do you think this case should be moved out of Jammu? Yes, absolutely. I do not think the case should be taken up in Jammu. I will discuss the matter with Mohammad Akhtar about transferring the case to another court. Several political parties are trying to generate political capital from the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Kathua. This may affect peace in the region. Jammu and Kashmir is a state in the Indian Union that evokes mixed responses across the country. To some, it is India's Switzerland, a tourist destination that has been unaffected by modern capitalism. But to others, it is an ideological, military and political battleground. If one had to look for an analogy, perhaps the only one that would come close, is to call Jammu & Kashmir India's Northern Ireland. For this reason, the reaction to the rape of an 8-year-old at Kathua is a complex political call. The response has to be tailored to be one that manages to reassure citizens who live in the state that India is here to support them rather than use them to make a political point. Of late, that has become hard to do. The party in power at the Centre, and a key coalition partner in the State, the BJP has responded in a mixed manner to the Kathua incident, while the Opposition party, the Indian National Congress has decided to use this incident to attack the government. It will be important at this time to recollect the "theek hai" moment during the prime ministerial tenure of Dr Manmohan Singh. After the 16 December 2012 Delhi gangrape, Manmohan Singh addressed the nation on live television. Just as the broadcast ended, one could hear him ask "theek hai?" (Was that okay?) to the cameraperson. While this would have been an ordinary way to determine if the take was fine, the line got broadcast live. In the view of this author, that moment perhaps sealed the BJP's election victory in 2014 as the Congress had lost its moral legitimacy in the eyes of the country at that point. Anything that the government did, including the Criminal Law (Amendment) of 2013 which reformed the laws on crimes against women, was insufficient to compensate for that broadcasting goof-up. Images matter and how they are delivered help communicate the intent behind those messages. After the 2012 Delhi gangrape, the Indian Armed Forces cancelled their new year celebration to stand with the rest of the nation in condemning the incident. While Kashmir has a strong military presence, there has been little or no statement from any senior army officers this time. Perhaps this may be because this incident has political connotations to it political connotations that all parties will find difficult to ignore. The eight year old girl belonged to a minority Muslim herder community and the perpetrators were Hindus. Hindus in Kashmir have found a natural ally in the Central Government whose standard propaganda line while discussing Kashmir is "But what about the Pandits?". If the BJP has to consolidate whatever gains it made when it entered into a power-sharing arrangement with Mehbooba Mufti's Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party, it needs to ensure that it manages this situation well. The first sign of distrust has been the reluctance of the state to accept a probe into the incident by the Central Bureau of Investigation. While the Director General of the Jammu and Kashmir Police said he had no objection to a CBI probe, he was quick to reiterate the competence of the police to conduct a fair investigation into the matter. The protests by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, demanding a CBI probe into the matter also quickly turned communal. This perhaps is evidence of the fact that while the state is shaken by the incident, it has little or no confidence in Delhi to bring justice to the 8-year old Kashmiri girl. This was aggravated by the fact that state industries minister Chander Prakash Ganga and forest minister Lal Singh, both BJP members addressed a rally called by the Hindu Exta Manch in March of this year, in support of the accused. In the face of mounting pressure on the BJP, which snowballed into mounting pressure on the state government, the ministers sent their resignation to the party on Friday. However, they still remain members of the state legislative assembly. If the BJP wants to send a message that it is with the Kashmiri people, it will do well to ask these members to resign from the Assembly and suspend them from the party. However, doing so may cost it votes among its vote bank in Kashmir and the rest of India. From the rest of the Central government though, there has been a measured response. Minister of State for External Affairs and former Chief of Army Staff, General VK Singh was the first to break his silence and publicly condemn the incident. On Friday, various government ministers have issued measured responses. The responses also take a dig at the Opposition. The issue has now become a political war now, rather than one on which to stand in solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally broke his silence on Friday, announcing that the perpetrators would be punished. However, his silence over the past few days may have resulted in fanning the flames of anger in Kashmir against the central government. For ordinary Kashmiri people, it must be business as usual. Incidents and political statements about Kashmir are often not about the Kashmiri people, but are part of a bigger ploy in the national political debate. Unfortunately, several political parties are now trying to generate political capital from the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl. The long term impact of this on the peace process in Kashmir is something that only time will tell. The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of the conduct of lawyers' associations in Kathua in the aftermath of the rape and murder incident there. The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of the conduct of lawyers' associations in Kathua in the aftermath of the rape and murder incident there. The apex court has observed that lawyers can't obstruct access to justice, according to media reports. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra issued notice to the Bar Council of India, Bar Association of Jammu High Court and Bar Association of Kathua court seeking their response, CNN News18 reported. The respondents have been asked to state their stand by 19 April. It was hearing a petition filed by lawyer PV Dinesh seeking directions to the striking lawyers and the Bar Council of India to ensure that the rule of law prevails. On Monday, lawyers in Kathua had tried to block the filing of a chargesheet in the rape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua. The eight-year-old girl from the Bakherwal community was abducted, raped and murdered in Rassana village in Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua district in January. The body of the girl was recovered on 17 January, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have filed an FIR against the lawyers who tried to block the chargesheet. In response, the Jammu High Court Bar Association (JHBA) had called for a bandh in the Jammu region. With inputs from agencies 40-year-old Chithralekha was allotted the land in Kerala by the previous government after being forced by political goons to leave her native village. A 40-year-old Dalit woman from Kannur district in Kerala was recently sent a government notice to vacate five cents of land that was allocated to her by the previous government. She had been given the land and a sum of Rs 5 lakh to relocate at a place 40 km away from her native, Edatt, allegedly after Communist Party of India (Marxist) goons forced her to leave the area. I will not leave the land. I will live here and continue my fight, said Chithralekha, who has been fighting to earn her livelihood as an auto-rickshaw driver in the region for over 13 years now. Since Chithralekha bought an autorickshaw with a bank loan in 2004, she has had eight cases slapped against herself and her husband, been assaulted by trade union workers and has spent 20 days in jail. To work at the Edatt auto-rickshaw stand, Chithralekha said she had to first get herself registered with the CPM-backed Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU). But despite having her registration accepted three months after applying, Chithralekha became a target for the CITU workers as women, particularly Muslim women, favoured travelling in her autorickshaw. Her fellow auto drivers considered this as a threat to their earnings and allegedly tried to dissuade Chithralekhas passengers in various ways. Chithralekha, who belongs to the untouchable Pulaya community, was allotted five cents of land in 2015 after CITU workers succeeded in forcing her to leave Edatt by flexing their muscles. The United Democratic Front (UDF) government also sanctioned a sum of Rs 5 lakh for her to construct a house at Kattampilly. But the financial grant that came after a long struggle, including a 122-day dharna outside the Kannur collectorate in 2014 and a 47-day sit-in protest in front of the state secretariat at Thiruvananthapuram in 2015, was cancelled by the CPM-led government. Citing an inquiry that revealed Chithralekha had six cents of land in Edatt, the government argued that she is not eligible for the grant as the scheme allows allotment of land only to landless people. I would be happy to go back to Edatt if the party workers were ready to allow me to live in peace there. But I dont find any change in their attitude towards me or my family. They will kill me if I go back, said Chithralekha, recalling how CITU works used muscle power to chase her away. Burnt, beaten and chased The windscreen of her auto was smashed and its hood ripped off in 2005; as the woman fought back, her auto was burnt. The harassment continued after she returned to the Edatt stand in 2008 with an autorickshaw bought with help from human rights activists. Chithralekha alleged that she, her husband and her 10-year-old daughter were beaten up by CITU-backed goons. CITU workers vandalised her house on several occasions and eight false cases were slapped against her and her husband, she said. Chithralekha and her husband were also remanded in jail for 20 days in 2014 in connection with an attempt-to-murder case. Chithralekha was heard after shifting her agitation to Thiruvananthapuram. The Ommen Chandy-government decided to rehabilitate her by allotting her five cents of land at the Dalit-dominated Kattampilly. But to her misfortune, after the UDFs loss of power in the 2016 Assembly election, the Pinarayi government has asked her to vacate the land. Chithralekha is not ready for another round of agitation. If I start a fasting agitation, the CPM government will not do anything till I breathe my last. If Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan won't let me live in peace, the comrades can feed on mine and my family's corpses," Chithralekha wrote in a Facebook post. Opposition parties extend support But the 40-year-old Dalit woman has been promised full support by Opposition Congress leaders. Senior Congress leader from Kannur, K Sudhakaran, said the governments claim that she owns six cents of land at Edatt was not technically correct as it (the land) is still under the possession of her grandmother. Chithralekha will get possession of the land only after the death of her grandmother. Till then, she is landless. If the government tries to take back her land on this ground, we will take over the fight and protect the Dalit woman, he added. State Congress chief MM Hassan, who is presently leading a Janamochana Yatra through north Kerala, said their party will launch a second land struggle if the government goes ahead with its plan to take back the land allotted to Chithralekha. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent of the UDF, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also voiced support for Chithralekha. IUML MLA KM Shaji has launched a fund mobilisation campaign to help Chithralekha complete the construction of her house at Kattampilly. Movie offer and fresh troubles Chithralekha, however, remains sceptical about being able to live in peace. She said that the partys workers at Kattampally have unleashed a fresh round of campaigning against her, after British scriptwriter Fraser Scott offered to shoot a film based on her struggles. She believes that the government may have initiated measures to take back the land only after news about the film spread. She said she would cooperate in making the movie because it is a platform for her to let the world know about the atrocities that a powerful party like the CPM committed on a hapless woman. Several human rights activists feel that the bold stance that Chithralekha has taken is the reason for her troubles. The CPM does not like anybody to question their diktat, especially in Kannur district, which is the cradle of the communist movement in Kerala, says Usha Nambeesan, a member of the Feminist Kerala Network. She added that a solidarity mission commissioned by the NGO to probe the persecution of Chithralekha, had found that the travails of Chithralekha were the result of a fascist atmosphere created by the CPM. In Kannur, there are entire villages that are controlled by various political parties, of which the CPM is the most dominant one. Once a party takes over a village, it enforces an extra judicial power over all the people who live in that village, the commissions probe report said. Chithralekhas case is not an isolated one. Other female Dalit auto drivers in north Malabar, consisting of Kannur and Kasargod districts, have faced similar intimidation, caste-related abuses, accusations of promiscuity and immorality. Chithralekha says she continues to be hounded as she is not willing to submit to CPMs authority. The author is a member of The NewsCart, a Bengaluru-based media startup. Kotak Mahindra Bank sacked its employee Vishnu Nandukumar for posting comments on social media against the 8 year old Kathua rape victim who was tortured and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua region in January this year. Kotak Mahindra Bank sacked the assistant manager of its Kochi office Vishnu Nandukumar for posting comments on social media against an 8-year-old rape victim who was tortured and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua region in January this year. It is extremely disheartening to see such comments being made in the aftermath of such tragedy by anyone including an ex-employee. We strongly condemn this statement, bank spokesperson Rohit Rao said. Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd expelled Vishnu Nandakumar, its assistant bank manager in Kochi's Palarivattom branch, for making derogatory remarks against #KathuaRapeVictim in a tweet #Kerala ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 We have terminated Nandukumar from the services on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 for poor performance, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, reports PTI. Nandukumar, posted as assistant manager at a branch in Kochi, allegedly justified the killing of the eight-year-old rape victim, saying she would have grown up to be a terrorist. Its better to kill her now otherwise tomorrow she may become a human bomb against India, he allegedly wrote in Malayalam. The vile comment led to a furore on social media, with people demanding action against him. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Kerala, the anger against the Unnao and Kathua rape cases has found outlet in posters painting the BJP as a party that preys on young girls. "Overnight, notices have sprung up in front of homes and buildings. The text on them varies, but they all have the same message: "There are young girls in this house. BJP cadre please stay outside the gate", reports News18. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has called for a special meeting of all PDP ministers, legislators after the Kathua rape and murder case. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has called for a special meeting of all PDP ministers, legislators and senior leaders in Srinagar at 11 am on Saturday. According to India Today, the Kathua rape and murder case will be the agenda of the meeting. The news channel further reported that the chief minister was upset with two BJP ministers. On Thursday, Mufti said that her government will not allow law to be obstructed and justice will be delivered in the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district. Mufti had also tweeted about bringing in a new law "that will make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors". National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, however, lashed out at the chief minister for not taking any action against two BJP ministers who had attended a rally held in support of the persons accused in the case. What rubbish! They are HER ministers, not the Hon PMs. The way for her to express her displeasure is to sack them in Jammu not come & leak her alleged displeasure in Delhi. https://t.co/BVU3fGib61 Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 12, 2018 He was responding to tweets by a journalist who claimed that Mehbooba had finally expressed her displeasure over the BJP ministers' actions in regard to this case. However, the journalist later pulled down the tweet. With inputs from PTI Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday ordered restoration of the security arrangements at the residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday ordered restoration of the security arrangements at the residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi, a day after the latter "returned" the state security cover in protest against withdrawal of guards from her residence in Patna. Rabri, however, refused to accept the restoration of security until she received a suitable explanation for the earlier action. Kumar directed the state home department to explain "when, why and at what level" was the decision taken for changing the security arrangements in place, at the residence allotted "for life to two former chief ministers" Rabri Devi and her husband, jailed RJD supremo, Lalu Prasad. "The letter from Rabri Devi was brought to the notice of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar upon his arrival in Patna today," an official release said. Rabri had shot off a letter to Kumar on Wednesday, stating that she wished to "return" the security at her 10, Circular Road residence after recall of some of the guards around Tuesday midnight. The state government had said that the guards, who were recalled from Rabri's residence, had been deputed for Lalu Prasad Yadav. It clarified that the decision to withdraw the security cover was taken because Prasad has been away since his conviction in a fodder scam case by a CBI court at Ranchi in December last year. However, RJD leaders had cried foul, alleging that there was a conspiracy to harass, and even eliminate Lalu Prasad's family. They also pointed out that the withdrawal of security had come within hours of Rabri's interrogation by the CBI in connection with a railway hotels scam. The chief minister, who is also the national president of Janata Dal (United), was away in Bengaluru on Wednesday in connection with poll preparations of his party, which is contesting a number of seats in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. "The chief minister took note of Rabri Devi's letter and asked the home department to explain when, why and what level was the decision taken to change security arrangements in place at 10, Circular Road, which is a government bungalow allotted for life to two former chief ministers," the release said. "The chief minister also issued instructions for restoration of the security arrangements that were in place," it said. However, reacting to the development, Rabri told reporters, "I need no security. The people of Bihar and workers of my party will take care of my safety. But if anything untoward happens to any member of my family, the state government shall be held responsible". "I demand an explanation from the government, headed by Nitish Kumar and (Deputy CM) Sushil Kumar Modi as to why and at what level a decision for such a spiteful action was taken in the first place. Only then will I decide whether or not to accept restoration of security arrangements," she said. When pointed out that security personnel and escort vehicles had already arrived outside her residence, she said, "They are standing on a public road. I have nothing to do with that". Her son Tejashwi Yadav also hit out at Nitish Kumar and called him "Paltu Ram". "It is not for nothing that Nitish Kumar is known as Paltu Ram. He has once again gone back on his decision. He should make it clear who issued the earlier order to withdraw our security," The New Indian Express quoted Tejashwi as saying. With inputs from PTI As Congress president Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march at India Gate to protest against the incidents of rape in Unnao and Kathua, his sister Priyanka Gandhi was visibly miffed after she got pushed by the unruly crowd New Delhi: As Congress president Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march at India Gate to protest against the incidents of rape in Unnao and Kathua, his sister Priyanka Gandhi was visibly miffed after she got pushed by the unruly crowd. A huge crowd had gathered at the India Gate in New Delhi on Thursday midnight to protest against the incidents of rape in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. Priyanka Gandhi was heard telling the crowd to respect the cause for which they had gathered at the India Gate. She also appealed to the crowd to keep calm and march silently. "Those who have come here to push people around must go home," she was heard saying. Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra and her children (son and daughter) were also present. Many were shouting slogans like "Modi Bhagao, Beti Bachao" as they held candles as a mark of protest. The police had a hard time controlling the crowd (some of them were even drunk) as many had crossed over the barricades and even broke through them. Traffic movement too came to a halt near India Gate due to the crowd. The SPG too had a very difficult time protecting Rahul Gandhi from the chaotic crowd. Apart from scores of Congress workers, there were also students, people from civil society groups, professionals and mediapersons participating in the march. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tore into the ruling BJP government for 'shielding' the villains in the Kathua and Unnao rape cases which have sparked widespread outrage for their brutality against innocent girls, one of them barely 8 years old. Gandhi led a midnight vigil at India Gate in New Delhi Thursday. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tore into the ruling BJP government for "shielding" the villains in the Kathua and Unnao rape cases which have sparked widespread outrage for their brutality against innocents, one of them barely 8 years old. Gandhi led a midnight vigil at India Gate in New Delhi Thursday. A four time BJP MLA from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh Kuldeep Singh Sengar is prime accused in the gang rape of a young local woman and the custodial death of the victim's father just days ago. In Kashmir's Kathua, an 8 year old was raped, tortured and killed by many men in a bid to settle communal scores. "This is not a political issue but a national issue. We are seeking justice", Rahul told reporters early hours of Friday under a dark sky in New Delhi as camera flashlights popped and outrage against the murder of soft targets swirled on social media platforms and in living rooms across the country. "What happened in Kathua is beyond humanity, an 8-year-old was kidnapped, brutally raped by many men, including a juvenile and tortured till she died. This defies all human values we have grown with as a society", Rahul said. Posters skewering the BJP's 'Beti Bachao' (Save the girl child) slogan rose above the crowd as grim reminders of the brutal rape and killing of *****, an 8 year old who was grazing her horses in a meadow in Kathua, Kashmir on the day she was led away to her death in the musty innards of a deserted temple. Speaking at length on both the Unnao and Kathua rape cases, Rahul accused the BJP government of "shielding brutality". "This brutality, instead of being punished, is actually being shielded. In Unnao an underage girl is raped by an elected representative of the BJP and members of his family. We have seen how her family has been threatened and silenced by the accused. The father of the victim was beaten to death in judicial custody. Only an outrage led to action from Adityanath government. In both the cases, we seek immediate action against the accused even if it involves those who hold positions of power", Rahul said. Rahul, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and a crush of Congress workers and senior party leaders laid blame on the BJP for failing to protect India's women. The decision to march to India Gate came together late Thursday evening via a Rahul Gandhi tweet: Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice." "Our message to those who are allowing the Unnao and Kathua rape horrors to happen is this - don't try to divide our country on religious lines because that is the work of evil and such people will be shown the door when elections come," Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi told Firstpost. "We have all seen how the man who allegedly raped a girl in Unnao and got her father killed is laughing and talking to senior police officers in the state. The 2019 elections are not far away, the people of India will speak out. Our daughters are not safe while this government is in power," multiple Congress leaders said in unison as the crowds dispersed around 2:30am. The 2019 general elections are less than 18 months away, Karnataka goes to the polls next month and the BJP's saffron stamp has only grown with each state election so far after the Bihar wallop in late 2015. Although Rahul Gandhi himself did not mention elections, Congress party acolytes are relishing the prospect that some of the outpouring of support from Thursday night may linger until 2019. Reporting, visuals: Debobrat Ghose, Ravishankar Singh The Samajwadi Party, on Friday, demanded President's rule in Uttar Pradesh and said this was necessary to restore the rule of law in the state. Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party, on Friday, demanded President's Rule in Uttar Pradesh and said this was necessary to restore the rule of law in the state. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, party leader Kironmoy Nanda said the time had come to bid the Yogi Adityanath government good bye. Referring to the Samajwadi Party rule of 2012-17, he said the development work of the Akhilesh Yadav government was praised by one and all. The present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, he said, was only telling lies and inaugurating the projects initiated by the earlier government. "In the last one year of BJP rule, the state has only been defamed by their acts," he said. Nanda also demanded strict action against police officials who have been dishing out tall claims about improved law and order in the state. Nanda also accused governor Ram Naik of not discharging his constitutional duties. Former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan said the controversial SC/ST verdict of the Supreme Court was 'basically wrong' as the decision will enable perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law New Delhi: Former chief justice of India KG Balakrishnan on Friday said the controversial SC/ST verdict of the Supreme Court was "basically wrong" as the decision will enable perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. Balakrishnan, the first Dalit to become CJI (14 January, 2007 to 12 May, 2010) also said that this decision of the apex court has incited violence. "This is probably the first time a decision of the Supreme Court has incited violence among the people. Usually, when violence is there, the Supreme Court intervenes. The people used to accept the verdict. "Now people are not in a position to accept the verdict of the highest court of the land. It is something which is strange. This we should understand. The Supreme Court should produce decisions which are acceptable to greater number of people. It should not create violence among the society," he said. He was delivering the presidential address at a seminar on "Supreme Court Judgement on SC/ST Causes, Effects and Solution" organised by South Asian Minorities Lawyers' Association and Ambedkar Educational Cultural Society. In its 20 March order, the apex court had diluted stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act mandating immediate arrest under the law in a bid to protect honest public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases. Following the apex court's decision, a nationwide 'bandh' was called by Dalit groups on 2 April to protest against the dilution of the act. At least 11 people persons were killed and hundreds injured in ensuing violence across several states as protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to private and public properties, including police posts. Pointing out the finding of the apex court with regard to abuse of law of arrest in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said that sufficient safeguards were already provided in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in case of arrest of any person. "If a person is to be arrested, he should have committed a cognisable offence and the police officer should be satisfied that the person has committed a cognisable offence and the officer should record as per the amendment in the CrPC. So there are sufficient safeguards," he said. Referring to the apex court verdict making it mandatory to get the approval of the appointing authority before arresting a public official in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said its implementation was not feasible and the accused will easily get away. "How is the appointing authority concerned with the case? Who is bothered about it? The approval will never come. He can very well escape from the clutches of law. This decision will enable such perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. So in that way, the decision is basically wrong," Justice Balakrishnan said. The former CJI, who had also headed the National Human Rights Commission, said there is a perception that the act is widely misused as most of the cases are either discharged or the accused are acquitted. He said that since the perpetrators of the offence under the act are socially influential members of the society and the complainants are poor people, a proper prosecution of the accused never happens. "Those who commit the offence are socially powerful members of the community. They are influential. The police and the powerful people are not in favour of SC/ST and ultimately the case ends in acquittal or discharge. That is why the general impression that the act is being misused. It's not that the complaint is a farce. The complainant is not really able to prosecute the perpetrators who had committed the offence. They are not able to successfully prosecute the persons," the former CJI said. Advocate Mehmood Pracha, who also addressed the event, said that the judgment of the apex court shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of the judicial system. "This judgment of the Supreme Court actually shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of our system, most unfortunate is of our judicial system. Because the SC/ST community is totally unrepresented in higher judiciary at least and it is almost non-existent in lower judiciary as well. "This is the root cause of all our problems because the judicial minds cannot appreciate the pain and sufferings of the oppressed classes because they have come from the upper classes and caste of the society," Pracha said. He said that the Muslim community of the country should stand with another oppressed community of their times, the Dalits. "Rather Muslims should stand ahead of SC/ST community in this fight and I hope if we stand in front of them, they will stand in front of us in our fights. That is the real solution for the problems of this country," he said. The New York Times tells the story of H4 dependent spouse through the experiences of a California resident who reveals details of her monthly mortgage payment - $ 4,800. Its the only house mortgage payment that is mentioned in the entire NYT longform but thats enough red meat for a country battling economic anxiety across many industries. The scathing reactions have set off alarm bells in the H4 community. A New York Times report on spouses of H1B workers anxious over the fate of their employment authorisation has sparked a scathing riposte from a US based anti-immigration 'think tank' in a story headlined New York Times Urges Sympathy for H-1B Workers in Million-Dollar Homes. I was shocked! This is just the kind of stuff that will fan the flames of anti-immigrant sentiment. Its the last thing we need in this political climate, says Anuradha, an H1B spouse on an H4 visa in Stamford, Connecticut. The million dollar homes headline is deeply troubling and completely misleading although it represents a real person who actually lives in the US, says Lakshmi an Atlanta resident whose husband works in the US on an H1B. Lakshmi is on an H4 visa - the subject of the NYT story. H4 visa holders were not allowed to work for pay in America until the Obama government changed the rule in 2015. Within weeks, anti immigration groups filed a case challenging the concession and that case continues till today. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has indicated that it intends to revoke the work permit for H4 spouses although that has not yet happened. Lakshmi and her husband pay $ 2000 per month as rent for a townhome and have been putting off buying a home although the mortage payment on a much larger house will bring down their cost to about $ 1300 to $ 1500 per month. We have decided not to invest as long as we are on temporary visas. Sometimes the cold clarity of our alien category helps get our priorities in order. Investing in a million dollar home?! Forget it! Thats stupid, at least for us, says Lakshmi. Cost of living varies widely across American cities. Between say, Elizabeth in New Jersey and Sunnyvale, California, there's a nearly 200% difference in housing costs but all things considered, the million dollar price tag is 'rich' by any standards for the 'average' H1B family on a single salary. The Centre for Immigration Studies (CIS) has taken a sledgehammer to the contradictions between H1B workers paying lush mortage payments in tony neighbourhoods and the idea of an immigrant family working hard and struggling to strike root in a foreign country. The NYT tells the story of H4 dependent spouse through the experiences of a California resident who reveals details of her monthly mortgage payment - $ 4,800. The $ 4,800 number is the only house mortgage payment that is mentioned in the NYT longform but thats more than enough red meat for the opposition in a country where a home purchase has long been celebrated as the sign of having truly arrived. Thats precisely what has happened here, setting off alarm bells in the H4 community. CIS pounces on the math and takes the $ 4800 to its approximate total sunk cost: Let's use the mortgage payment to put this picture in perspective. According to one of those handy mortgage payment calculators on the internet, a $4,800 a month mortgage payment, at current rates, would cover a $1,036,458 mortgage at 30 years, or a $683,110 mortgage at 15 years. Armed with these remarkable numbers, CIS questions the economic rationale of the H4 EAD and why American workers need to worry about the financial mistreatment of people living in $1,150,000 houses. What portion of the overall U.S. population lives in $1,150,000 houses?, asks CIS. Exactly! We dont live in mansions. Mortgage payments of $ 4,800 misrepresent the H1B worker and stories that highlight a single Californian family in a luxe area creates needless trouble for our community. We are dealing with enough already, says Nandini Shankar, another H4 spouse. "We are paying $ 2600 for our one bedroom apartment in Bay Area. We can't even think of moving to a two bedroom apartment let alone buying a house," says Sumi, also on H4. Given the average salary levels for the bulk of H1B workers, the all American million dollar home is not par for the course for the 'average' H1B family. Exceptions, of course, apply as you trace salary growth progression on the H1B ladder, qualifications, Master's degree or not and so on. Yet, economic anxiety of Americans who lost jobs coming off the worst recession in history put Donald Trump in the White House and those same forces are very much in play here. Reactions to the NYT story and the associated backlash are coming thick and fast in messaging groups. Lets get this straight, guys, begins one thread. They shouldnt have bought that McMansion on a temporary visa. End of story. Quick comes the reply. Agreed. But nearly 4 million Indians live in the US. How can one mortgage payment on the West Coast represent the living standards of tens of thousands of H1B workers in America? Terrible math. Indians win the lions share of the yearly quota of 85,000 H1B visas which allow US companies to hire foreign workers. This visa category has come in for tough treatment after Trump's ascent to the White House in 2016. Trump's backers say they want to fix flaws in the employment based immigration process and also advocating for a complete overhaul of America's immigration system. H1B critics abound and they argue that these visas are a way for companies to avoid hiring U.S. citizens; Trump himself has said that H1B recipients shouldn't even be considered skilled. The Supreme Court decided to examine a PIL filed by former law minister Shanti Bhushan challenging the existing roster practice of allocation of cases by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday decided to examine a PIL filed by former law minister Shanti Bhushan challenging the existing roster practice of allocation of cases by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). A bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan sought the assistance of Attorney General KK Venugopal and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in dealing with the PIL stating that the CJI cannot exercise arbitrary power in allocation of cases. However, the bench took objection when Bhushan's counsel made an attempt to bring to its notice the unprecedented January 12 press conference held by four of the court's most senior judges Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur and Kurian Joseph who had accused Chief Justice Dipak Misra of arbitrarily allocating cases. "We are not going to go into it. We are not concerned with it for many reasons and obvious reasons. Don't say all this," the bench said. The bench also referred to its recent verdicts, saying it has already held that the CJI is the 'master of roster'. Irked over the government's delay in clearing the collegium's recommendation to elevate a judge and a senior woman advocate to the apex court, Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra contending that the 'very life and existence' of the institution was 'under threat' and a 'surgical intervention' is required. New Delhi: Irked over the government's delay in clearing the collegium's recommendation to elevate a judge and a senior woman advocate to the apex court, Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra contending that the "very life and existence" of the institution was "under threat" and a "surgical intervention" is required. The apex court collegium, headed by the CJI, had in January sent to the Centre the names of senior advocate Indu Malhotra and Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph for their appointment as judges in the apex court. However, the Centre is yet to take a decision on the names. Justice Joseph, who is a member of the collegium, said it was the "government's duty" to act on the recommendations of the names and dubbed the executive's failure to discharge their duty as "abuse of power. "Today, we complete three months since we resolved to recommend senior advocate Indu Malhotra and Justice KM Joseph for appointment as judges of the Supreme Court. To my limited information, it is the first time in the history of this court where nothing is known as to what has happened to a recommendation even after three months. Government owes a duty to take a call on the recommendation as soon as the same is sent from the collegium," he said. "Failure to discharge their duty by sitting on the recommendations of the collegium, in administrative law, is abuse of power. More than anything else, it sends a wrong message, which is loud and clear to all judges down the line not to cause any displeasure to the executive lest they should suffer. Is this not a threat to the independence of the judiciary," asked Justice Joseph in his letter, which has now become public. He requested the CJI to set up a bench of seven senior-most judges to take up the matter of appointments to its logical conclusion. "When Justice Karnan challenged the dignity of the court, you may kindly recall that we met in Full Court and resolved to take the issue suo motu on judicial side. The Full Court was also of the view that in such important matters, the first seven judges should sit and deal with the same...," he said. "Is not the present a more grievous situation? In Justice Karnan's case if it was a threat to the dignity of the court, the present one is a threat to the very life and existence of the institution...I am of the view that following the precedent in Justice Karnan's case, we should take up the matter on the judicial side in a bench of first seven or more as you please. I mentioned the first seven only because of the mandate of the Full Court in Justice Karnan's case," he said. Justice CS Karnan was a former judge of Calcutta High Court who had made serious allegations against the judges of the apex court. In an unprecedented order, the top court had held the controversial judge guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to jail for six months. Referring to the vacancies, he said the top court was reeling under pressure of work and working with a strength of 24 as against 31 and "the dignity, honour and respect of the institution was going down day by day" as the recommendations made by the court were not being taken to take their logical conclusion. "You may recall, and as has been the practice, it was our decision to send the names in a phased manner so that there may not be any administrative or other difficulty. We are not able to sit for the second phase since the fate of the first phase is not yet known," he said. "The dignity, honour and respect of this institution is going down day by day since we are not able to take the recommendations for appointment to this court to their logical conclusion within the normally expected time. I am more worried about the irreparable injury that is being caused by the wrong message sent to the judges down the line. It appears your personal efforts have not been fruitful," he said. Justice Joseph sought urgent intervention from the CJI, stating that if there is no normal delivery on completion of the gestation period, what is urgently done is a caesarean section. Unless such a surgical intervention is made at an appropriate time, the child in the womb dies," Justice Joseph said. "Therefore, I request you, in the interest of the this great institution and independence of the judiciary for which all of us have fought so vigorously and tirelessly, to have an appropriate bench in the lines of the precedent set by Justice Karnan's case constituted forthwith before the child dies, otherwise I feel, history will not pardon us," Justice Joseph said. The copy of the letter has been sent to other fellow judges. The collegium is headed by the CJI and has Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Justice Joseph as its members. Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra over the government's delay in clearing the Collegium's recommendation to elevate a judge and a senior woman advocate to the apex court. Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra over the government's delay in clearing the Collegium's recommendation to elevate a judge and a senior woman advocate to the apex court. He contended in the letter that the "very life and existence" of the institution was "under threat" and a "surgical intervention" is required. The apex court Collegium, headed by the CJI, had in January sent to the Centre the names of senior advocate Indu Malhotra and Uttarakhand high court Chief Justice KM Joseph for their appointment as judges in the apex court. However, the Centre is yet to decide on the names. Justice Joseph, who is a member of the collegium, said it was the "government's duty" to act on the recommendations of the names and dubbed the executive's failure to discharge their duty as "abuse of power." Here is the full text of the letter which is dated 9 April, 2018: Today we complete three months since we resolved to recommend Ms Indu Malhotra, Senior Advocate and Justice KM Joseph for appointment as judges of the Supreme Court. To my limited information, it is the first time in the history of this Court that where nothing is known as to what has happened to a recommendation even after three months. Government owes a duty to take a call on the recommendation as soon as the same is sent from the Collegium. Failure to discharge their duty by sitting over on the recommendations of the Collegium doing nothing, in administrative law, is abuse of power. More than anything else, it sends a wrong message which is loud and clear to all judges down the line not to cause any displeasure to the executive lest they should suffer. Is this not a threat to the independence of the judiciary? When Justice Karnan challenged the dignity of the Court, you may kindly recall that we met in Full court and resolved to take the issue suo moto on the judicial side. The Full Court was also of the view that in such important matters, the first seven judges should sit and deal with the same. Is not the present a more grievous situation? In Justice Karnans case, if it was a threat to the dignity of the Court, the present one is a threat to the very life and existence of the institution. This court is reeling under the pressure of work and working with a strength of 24 as against 31. You may recall as has been the practice, it was our decision to send the names in a phased manner so that there may not be any administrative or other difficulty. We are not able to sit for the second phase since fate of the first is not known. The dignity, honour and respect of this institution is going down day by day since we are not able to take the recommendations for appointment to this court to their logical conclusion within the normally expected time. I am more worried about the irreparable injury that is being caused by the wrong message sent to the judges down the line. It appears your personal efforts have not been fruitful. In these circumstances, I am of the view that following the precedent in Justice Karnan's case, we should take up the matter on the judicial side in a Bench of first seven or more as you please. I mentioned first seven only because of the mandate of the Full Court in Justice Karnans case. If there is no normal delivery on completion of the gestation period, what is urgently done is Caesarean section. Unless such a surgical intervention is made at the appropriate time, the child in the womb dies. Therefore, I request you, in the interest of this great institution and independence of judiciary for which all of us have fought so vigorously and tirelessly to have an appropriate Bench in the lines of the precedent set by Justice Karnans case constituted forthwith before the child dies, otherwise I feel, history will not pardon us. The full text of the letter was first published in Bar and Bench. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on 24 April to attend different meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and interact with their counterparts from the member states Beijing: External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on 24 April to attend different meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and interact with their counterparts from the member states. The eight-member SCO, in which India was the latest entrant along with Pakistan, is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June. Prime minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit and also hold talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping. The SCO comprised China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which is focused on anti-terrorism cooperation is holding a host of ministerial and officials' meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the grouping. SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers meetings are scheduled on the same day on 24 April and almost around the same time, according to officials in Beijing. In New Delhi, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that after the SCO ministerial meet in China, Swaraj will visit Mongolia. The visits of Swaraj and Sitharaman are the first high-profile visits by Indian ministers after last year's 73-day long standoff at Doka La. The two ministers are expected to hold bilateral meetings with their Chinese and other counterparts. Since December, the two sides are trying to reset relations and looking to iron out differences on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China blocking the efforts to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. Besides the two ministers, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is also expected to visit China in the coming weeks. Both sides attach a lot of significance to these meetings to reset their ties as they were taking place after President Xi has commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect of continuing in power for life, following the removal of the two-term limit for the president. In a major setback to the Maoist movement in Odisha, one of its top leaders, Kunu Dehury, surrendered before police in Sambalpur, a senior police officer said Bhubaneswar: In a major setback to the Maoist movement in Odisha, one of its top leaders, Kunu Dehury, on Friday surrendered before police in Sambalpur, a senior police officer said. Dehury, who was carrying a hefty reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, laid down his arms before Sambalpur SP Sanjeev Arora this morning as he was disillusioned with the Maoist ideology, director general of police (DGP) RP Sharma said. "The Maoist leader's surrender will certainly affect the Sambalpur-Deogarh-Sundergarh unit of the outfit," he said. Dehury had joined the erstwhile Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCC-I) in 2002 and was elevated to the level of divisional committee secretary in 2015. "The case would be examined as per the existing surrender and rehabilitation scheme of the state government," the DGP told reporters in Bhubaneswar. He had spearheaded at least 51 attacks 42 in Sambalpur, 5 in Rourkela and 4 in Deogarh over the past few years. Khabar Lahariya will be doing a series of video reports looking at Dalit identity, with interview-based profiles of professions, locales, cultures and lifestyles associated with caste. Kaam, Pehchaan, aur Rajneeti will launch on Ambedkar Jayanti, as part of Dalit History Month. Since a little over the past month, there has been a steady spate of reports from Uttar Pradesh about statues of BR Ambedkar being vandalised. Incidents of vandalism have been reported from Firozabad, Etah, Meerut, Saharanpur, Siddharthnagar, Bulandshahr and Allahabad districts. In the latest incident, a saffron-coloured Ambedkar statue was re-painted blue in Badaun district. In March, the Yogi Adityanath government sent out an official order asking Bhimrao Ambedkars name be changed to Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, after his fathers first name, in all government records. The introduction of this middle name was perceived as yet another attempt by the BJP to claim Ambedkar as a Hindu icon, even as the party tries to inculcate a Dalit-friendly image. In May 2017, a day before the chief minister's scheduled visit to Mainpur Deenapatti village in Kushinagar district, the Musahar Dalit families in the village were given two bars of soap Lifebuoy and Ghari, a sachet of shampoo, along with instructions to clean themselves. The incident triggered criticism from opposition parties that accused Adityanath of practicing untouchability. The opposition has been accusing the BJP of being anti-Dalit for some time, but now MPs from the party have also begun to voice their discontent. Khabar Lahariya, an independent feminist news platform working out of rural Uttar Pradesh, will produce a series of video reports looking at Dalit identity, with interview-based profiles of professions, locales, cultures and lifestyles associated with caste. Kaam, Pehchaan, aur Rajneeti will launch on Ambedkar Jayanti, as part of Dalit History Month. Firstpost will be publishing these reports as well. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered three separate cases related to the alleged rape of a woman by a BJP MLA and his brother late in the night, officials said in New Delhi on Friday New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered three separate cases related to the alleged rape of a woman by a BJP MLA and his brother late in the night, officials said in New Delhi on Friday. Banagarmau MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar is being questioned by the CBI officers, they said. The woman had attempted suicide outside the residence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, triggering a massive political row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. Later, the state police had arrested her father who died in judicial custody with the autopsy suggesting several injuries on his body. The Uttar Pradesh government had referred the matter to the CBI, which registered the case after getting a reference from the Centre on Thursday night. Click here for LIVE updates The CBI detained BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused in the Unnao rape case, on Friday, a day after the Uttar Pradesh government handed over the probe to the central agency. Auto refresh feeds The Yogi Adityanath government late on Wednesday night decided to hand over to the CBI the probe into the Unnao rape case in which a BJP MLA is among the accused, on a day when he made a dramatic appearance before the police but refused to surrender. Two doctors, namely Dr DK Dwivedi and Dr Prashant Upadhyay have been suspended and disciplinary action initiated against three other doctors, Dr Manoj Kumar (Orthosurgeon), Dr GP Sachan (Surgeon) and Dr Gaurav Agrawal for laxity in giving proper medical care, Principal Secretary (Information) said in an statement. Rape accused and four-time Unnao MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has the blind support of the villagers of Makhi. So much so that the villagers took up cudgels against a special investigative team (SIT) formed to probe the Unnao rape case and the death of the survivor's father, Surendra Kumar Singh, in police custody. The villagers wouldnt let the team, headed by additional director-general (ADG), law and order, Lucknow zone, Rajeev Krishna, enter the village on Wednesday and held vociferous protests against the probe. Speaking to CNN-News18 , BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar said rape accusations hurled at him were a political conspiracy. "I am innocent, everything will be cleared as the matter has been handed over to CBI.This is a political conspiracy against memy wife has been hospitalised and I am with her..i am ready for any probe," accused MLA said. The case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (including Section 376 for rape) and POCSO Act. An FIR has been fired against the rape accused Kuldeep Sengar on Thursday, confirmed SO Rajesh Singh to ANI. The case has been registered at the Makhi police station in Unnao. I screamed. I knew people were sitting outside in the corridor, but no one came to help me. After raping me, he asked me to leave and straightaway return home, she told The Print, adding that Sengar wiped her tears and said he would get her a good job. He also allegedly threatened to kill her father and four-year-old brother if she filed a complaint. In an interview with The Print, the rape survivor, who has accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of sexually assaulting her, said the incident took place on 4 June, 2017 when she was 16 years old. On that day, Sengar reportedly called her home, took her to his room and raped her, while accomplices sat outside the door. Kuldeep Sengar told rape survivor he would get her a good job after assaulting her On Thursday, rape accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was booked under the following sections of the Indian Penal Code: Section 366 (Kidnapping, abducting), Section 363 (Punishment for kidnapping), Section 376 (Punishment for rape) and Section 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation) "I'm not a fugitive. I respect the CBI and the judiciary process," he said. Speaking to CNN-News18, accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar said that he is confident he will be proved innocent after the CBI probe. "I have full faith in the Yogi Adityanath government. I have done no wrong. I will be proved innocent after CBI probe. I'm willing to cooperate. The rape allegations are baseless." According to CNN-News18, the Congress party members will protest against BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar in Lucknow at 2 pm on Thursday. Sengar is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in June last year. An FIR into the same was filed on Thursday as well. Allahabad High Court has sought the Yogi Adityanath-led state government's stand on the incident in a letter to the court by senior lawyer Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi detailing the case and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday. Speaking to the media, Uttar Pradesh home secretary Arvind Kumar said on Thursday the rape survivor did not name the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in her statement in 2017. The case has been registered based on allegations, said OP Singh, DGP, Uttar Pradesh. "If there is evidence found, the CBI will take a call if the accused has to be arrested or not." He also added that the BJP MLA is an accused and not convicted yet. 'BJP MLA not being arrested yet as its only an allegation' The home secretary and other officials addressing the media kept referring to Kuldeep Singh Sengar as "mananiy vidhayak" (honourable minister). As reporters pointed this out, DGP OP Singh said, "I'm not defending anyone. I referred to him as 'accused'." During Wednesday's briefing, the DGP came under fire from the media after he referred to Kuldeep Singh Sengar as the 'Honourable MLA'. The mediapersons present at the briefing were quick to point out the irony of the situation to the top cop and asked him how was Sengar "honourable"? Singh said, "His (Sengar's) crimes have not been proven yet, and there is no reason why he shouldn't be given respect of his position." After the Uttar Pradesh government decided to hand over the probe into the Unnao rape case to CBI on Wednesday night, the young rape survivor expressed her apprehensions and said the accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar must be arrested. "Still so many questions are being raised on me, even after my father's murder. How will I get justice? CBI probe is fine but first MLA (Kuldeep Singh Sengar) should be arrested as he will influence the probe. I now fear for my uncle's (father's brother) life," ANI quoted her as saying. "They belong to a low status family ('nimn star ke log hain')...This is a conspiracy by my opponents," Sengar told reporters, but refused to comment on speculation about he being summoned by Adityanath. The woman's father, aged around 50, was rushed to a hospital from the district jail on the night of 8 April but he died during the treatment, an officials said. He was arrested on 5 April under the Arms Act, they added. Significantly, a case had been registered against four persons a few days earlier on a complaint by the deceased's wife that he was beaten up. "The four accused Sonu, Baua, Vinit and Shailu named in the FIR registered on 4 April for beating up the deceased had been arrested," Superintendent of Police, Unnao, Pushpanjali Devi was quoted as saying. BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his brothers allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in June 2017. The father of the girl died in police custody on 9 April. A defiant Sengar, however, had rejected the charge as a conspiracy by his opponents and said the complainant belonged to a "low class", even as six policemen were suspended and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that the guilty will not be spared. Congress members led protests against the Bharatiya Janata Party and rape accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Lucknow on Thursday. The Congress women's wing is also part of the protests. Addressing the media, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said: "Someone who has raped and abducted, the chief minister wants to withdraw the case? This is their mentality. If they are in power, they will protect the accused. Unfortunately, the manner in which the prime minister has conducted himself suggests that he is not serious about the kind of things happening in this country." PM's conduct suggests he is not serious about rapes happening in the country: Kapil Sibal The Allahabad High Court on Thursday said that the rape charges against the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar are very serious and sought a reply from the Uttar Pradesh government on the matter by 2 pm, reported India Today. According to Prakhar Singh, the nephew of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the MLA's family has welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government's move to hand over the probe to the CBI in this case and has also demanded a narco test be conducted on both the rape survivor and Sengar. "We are saying this from day one that CBI should investigate this matter as all the allegations are false and have been made for political interest," said Prakhar. Sengar's nephew Prakhar Singh also confirmed that the BJP MLA's wife Sangeeta is admitted in the ICU of Mayo Hospital in Lucknow. "After watching the news Sangeeta aunty is in trauma and a team of three doctors is looking after her," he added. The SIT has told the Allahabad High Court that they will arrest Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The court's order is expected to come by 3:30 pm. When questioned that whether he will surrender to the police, Sengar said he would surrender when there is a warrant against him. "I came here to show to the media that I am not absconding, and I am very much in Lucknow. I am here, tell me what to do," a visibly unrepentant Sengar told reporters. He said, "I am a disciplined BJP worker. I am innocent. I am being implicated." Today morning, when Kuldeep Singh Sengar appeared at the residence of Senior Superintended of Police in Lucknow, word was that perhaps the MLA has come to surrender. However, Sengar came out looking confident. Union minister Satyapal Singh said, "The SIT has submitted its report and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.I don't know how much is he (Kuldeep Singh Sengar) involved in the case. But sometimes such allegations are proven wrong also." 'Allegations are false sometimes, law will take its course,' says Union minister Satyapal Singh However, since the victim is 17-year-old, Sengar is charged under provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the Makhi police station area. Under POCSO an accused has to be arrested immediately after a case been filed. Even tough the Uttar Pradesh Police finally registered an FIR against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, it is still undecided on whether to arrest the accused MLA or not. It said that since the case has been handed over to the CBI, the premier investigating agency will take a call on the MLA's arrest. AICC general secretary in charge of communications Randeep Surjewala told The Times of India , The media department has decided to refer to UP chief minister as only Adityanath. A chief minister who lords over the death of 200 infants and razing of Dalit houses, who protects MLAs and leaders accused of rape is not a yogi (ascetic) but a bhogi (materialist). 'Hes no Yogi, will just call him Adityanath': Congress slams UP CM over Unnao rape case Advocate general Raghvendra Singh, on behalf of the UP government, told the Allahabad High Court that their is no evidence against Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the alleged rape case. The government told the court that action was taken according to the law. The Allahabad High Court will give its order in the case at 2pm on Friday. The SIT investigating the case, meanwhile, has told the court that it will arrenst Kuldeep Singh Sengar if gathers enought evidence against him. Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal has sent a letter to the prime minister, demanding stern action in the two rape cases. She has said that she wil sit on an indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow at Rajghat in Delhi. In the midst of Unnao rape case controversy that has dented the Uttar Pradesh government's claim of improved law and order, the burnt body of another body was found in the forest area in Asoha. the police have started their investigation. "It's correct decision to refer the matter to CBI. If there're issues which are not meeting the eye then severe punishment should be given to those who did such an abhorrent act, there should be no false prosecution and the accused shouldn't escape," Lekhi said. BJP leader Deepti Bharadwaj has said that the government has now made its stand clear in the Unnao rape case and justie will be served. She had earlier tweeted out her concerns about the government inaction in the case and had also written to party president Amit Shah. Advocate General Raghvendra Singh told the court that the investigating agency will arrest Sengar if sufficient evidence is found against him. The court was, however, not convinced with the argument and the judge asked Singh whether this was a standard norm followed in all cases. Singh replied saying that the investigating officer takes a call on arrest on a case to case basis depending on the merit of the case. The investigation in this case is still underway. The Special Investigation Team has reached the Unnao Hotel where the victim is staying. The investigation team will record fresh statements of the victim nd her family. Media persons have been asked to wait outside. Chief food inspector, Unnao, KK Tripathi said that he has been asked by the DM to check the quality of items the victim family is consuming. Input by Saurabh Sharma Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik reacted to the accusation of gang-rape and murder against BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar. "What has happened is shameful. But to say that no action has been taken is wrong. Actions taken by the police till now will provide a solution and will also set an example for the future," Naik said . Wrong to say no action taken so far: UP Governor Ram Naik National Commission for Women has issued a notice to BJP MLA from Bairia Surendra Singh over his comment on Unnao rape case. He had said, "I am speaking from psychological point of view, no one can rape a mother of three children." NCW issues notice to BJP MLA Surendra Singh who defended Sengar saying its impossible to rape mother of 3 The CBI will now take a call on whether Kuldeep Sengar should be arrested in the case or not. The Special Investigation Team probing the incident has formally handed over the case to CBI after Centre gave its nod to UP governments' recommendation seeking premier investing agencies help. According to The Indian Express , the CBI detained BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping a 16-year-old teenager last year, on Friday, a day after the Uttar Pradesh government handed over the probe to the central agency. Rape accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar is currently being questioned at the CBI office in Lucknow, reported NDTV. It was June 4 last year. I was asked to go inside a room, where he raped me. Later, I was told that my father and family would be killed if I opened my mouth. I did not speak about it to anyone until I was kidnapped by some of his people a few days later, on June 11. They gangraped me for a few days and sold me to someone from whom I was recovered, claimed the survivor. In an interview with The Indian Express, the 17-year-old rape survivor from Unnao said that she used to called BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar 'Bhaiyya' till he allegedly raped. 'I used to call the BJP MLA Bhaiyya until he raped me' BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was taken into CBI custody for questioning in the wee hours of Friday morning. He was picked up by the CBI from his house in Lucknow at 4.30 am, reported News18 . The investigating agency also registered three separate cases late on Thursday after the case was taken up by the CBI following a notification by the personnel ministry. The 17-year-old rape survivor told News18 she wanted Kuldeep Sengar to face strict action. "I want strict action to be taken against him and he should be given severe punishment." The rape survivor's mother said, "I am happy (with CBI detaining him). I want him to get punishment, get death penalty. My husband is dead and he is not going to return now. The accused must be hanged. Kuldeep must be hanged. Both Atul and Kuldeep Sengar must be sent to jail and hanged." Sources also said that the CBI has questioned the BJP MLA about the leaked audio tape of Sengar with the victim's uncle. "I want CBI to take all accused into custody. and check Kuldeep Singh Sengar's call details from last year onwards to clarify his involvement in the case," the rape survivor's uncle told media persons. WATCH: Unnao rape survivor's uncle wants all accused to be taken into custody The TV channel also said the CBI might arrest one of the cops from Makhi police station and grill police officers over the alleged involvement. The Uttar Pradesh Police has come under the CBI scanner after the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's call details suggested he kept in touch with police officers, reported India Today. The CBI team reached Unnao hotel on Friday, where the rape survivor's family is staying, to investigate, even as accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was being questioned in Lucknow. Reports have emerged that the CBI may also investigate the Supreintendent of Police in Unnao, the Chief Medical Officer, Safipur Circle Officer, jail doctors and the other accused who have been sent to jail. Main khud aaya hoon. Adhikari se pooch lo (I came on my own. Ask the officer), News18 quoted him as telling reporters while being taken inside the CBI head office. After being to taken into CBI custody on Friday morning, rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar said he arrived at the central agency office in Hazratgunj in Lucknow of his own volition, and asked reporters to confirm it with the officers. Kuldeep Singh Sengar denies being 'detained' by CBI, says he went to agency on his own Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi demanded capital punishment for those who raped minors below 12 years of age, reported CNN-News18. She also said she will amend the POCSO Act to reflect the same. You can follow LIVE updates on the Kathua rape case here . "Main khud aaya hoon. Adhikari se pooch lo," News18 quoted him as saying while being taken inside the CBI head office. Despite being taken into CBI custody, BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar denied being held by the CBI and said that he had, in fact, arrived on his own at the agency's head office in Hazratganj. "Investigation has been handed over to the CBI. I believe the CBI would have arrested the MLA also. Our government will not compromise on this. No matter how influential the accused is, he will not be spared," Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, ANI reported. One of the three FIRs filed by the CBI against the rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Kumar Sengar specify the charges he has been booked for. He has been charged under Section 363, 366, 376, 506 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 2 and 4 of the POCSO Act. The FIR mentions the survivor's mother as the complainant. In a separate FIR, the CBI booked BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar for rioting, voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation under Sections 147, 323 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code. In the third FIR, CBI booked MLA Kuldeep Sengar for voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, threat and unlawful possession of arms under Sections 323, 504, 506 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3 and 25 under the Arms Act. Six policemen, who were earlier suspended, have reportedly been taken into custody by the CBI. The two police officers and four police constables were suspended after being accused of allegedly beating up the rape survivor's father in judicial custody. In an interview with The Times of India , BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping a 16-year-old minor, said he is open to narco and other medical tests and that he believed no rape took place. "Let CBI collect audio, video evidence and any witness's statements. I personally believe no rape took place in first or second case. But now let CBI or other agencies probe it. Why should I surrender before the CBI completes its probe?" the report quoted Sengar as saying. "The Unnao incident took place 10 months ago. The police presented their case before the magistrate. In that the MLA was not named. The victim wrote letters to the prime minister and Yogi Adityanath, and in that she accused the MLA Kuldeep Sengar. Then, the probe began," she said. Addressing the media, BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi said the accused must be punished and the victims must get justice. "Accused must be punished and victims should get justice. The country is ours, the accused should not be allowed to escape. The government has condemned both Kathua and Unnao rape cases." The Allahabad High Court is set to pass its order on the Unnao rape case at 2 pm on Friday. The court on Thursday strongly objected to the delay in BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's arrest, as it sought details of the action taken by the government in the matter. The Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered the CBI to probe all three FIRs, and cancel the bail of those accused. The court has directed the investigating agency to present the progress report on the same on 2 May at 10 am. The Allahabad High Court on Friday passed an order stating that the CBI arrest BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and present the status report on the case on 2 May. In the order, the Allahabad High Court also said it would monitor the probe while adding the Kuldeep Sengar should be arrested, and not just detained. In the court, the Additional Advocate General was asked if the BJP MLA has been arrested or not. The AAG replied that he has been detained, said Sanjay Singh, one of the lawyers present in the courtroom. The court observed that detention will not serve the purpose, "Suppose I ask you to be in the court for 10 minutes, it amounts to detention but it does not mean he has been arrested," the court said, according to Singh. The woman's body was found hanging in her cottage and a suicide note was also recovered from the spot in which she alleged that she was facing sexual harassment, SP rural Ajay Sehdev. A 38-year-old Dalit woman committed suicide after facing sexual harassment by two men at Jolla village in Muzaffarnagar, police said. Congress President Rahul Gandhi has instructed party members to hold candlelight march at capitals of all the states against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, ANI reported. Congress workers to take out candlelight march in capitals of all states Voices from within the BJP are coming out against the brutal Unnao and Kathua rape cases. BJP MP from Assam RP Sharma also demanded death penalty for those found guilty, even if the accused hailed from his own party. "The guilty should be publicly hanged or shot dead. There should be no leniency with rapists. Even if the guilty is found to be a BJP member, he should be executed publicly," Sharma said . Addressing the media, senior party leader Gopal Rai said the party would also launch a country-wide campaign after Sunday on rising attacks against women. Rai said the prime minister became silent whenever the country faced trouble. "Why is he silent? What is the reason? Even Manmohan Singh used to speak at times." The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will ' gherao ' prime minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi on Sunday over what it said on Friday was his silence on the rapes in Unnao and Kathua. Smriti Irani, who had been vocal at the time of Damini Singh's brutal rape and murder in New Delhi, had been silent on the Unnao and Kathua cases so far. Tody, speaking to reporters she said, "Rahul Gandhi earlier stood in support of Gayatri Prasad Prajapati. It's just his compulsion to take a stand this time but Amethi knows the truth. I have faith that justice will be provided." Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media over the Kathua and Unnao rape case. Targeting the BJP over Prime minister's silence, Singhvi said that the collective conscience of the nation has been shaken, and India is waiting to listen from three people. He said the prime minister and the chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh should answer. "We have referred the matter to the CBI...Our government will not compromise on the zero-tolerance policy it has followed against crime and corruption since the beginning. We will firmly deal with criminals, however influential they might be," Adityanath said. "As soon as the matter came to the notice of the government on 9 April, we immediately constituted an SIT (Special Investigation Team) and initiated action in the matter...The policemen and doctors found guilty in the SIT report were suspended," the CM told reporters in Chitrakoot. Facing severe flak over the delay in taking action against his party MLA who has been accused in the Unnao rape case, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said his government had not deviated from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and that it would firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. Firm action will be taken against criminals, no matter how influential they may be: Yogi Adityanath The court also rapped the investigating agency for allowing Sengar to influence their actions. We fail to understand why the Investigating Agency instead of arresting accused persons, they arrested complainant, in connection with this case," the Allahabad High Court asked in its order. It also said it appears that false cases were lodged against the family members. The bench said the father of prosecutrix was "beaten up by the brother and the goons of Kuldeep Singh and was arrested and in the custody was beaten mercilessly". In its 20-page order, the court also said, "The disturbing feature of the case is that the law and order machinery and the government officials were directly in league and under the influence of Kuldeep Singh. The doctor did not examine the prosecutrix, nor did the circle officer, Shafipur, register the crime, though hand written complaint of the prosecutrix was sent from the office of the Chief Minister." The prime minister was speaking at an event to mark the inauguration of Ambedkar museum in New Delhi. "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," he said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continued the interrogation of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at CBI Zonal office in Lucknow. He is being questioned since past 15 hours . The premier investigation agency has also recorded the victim and her family's statements separately in Unnao and has called them to Lucknow tomorrow for further investigation. Medical superintendent and casualty officer at Unnao District Hospital was suspended on Friday evening a day after CBI took over the case. A departmental inquiry has also initiated against 3 other doctors. The Allahabad High Court had also raised questions on the role of doctors on duty asking that why was the victim's father released to be taken into police custody again, if his injuries were serious. The CBI has arrested BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar accused of assaut, murder and raping a minor was finally arrested by the CBI after the Allahabad High Court's order. Sengar was grilled by the investigation agency for close to 15 hours. Meanwhile, ANI reports that a woman in Unnao alleges that a councillor from Safipur raped her while his accomplice filmed the act, an FIR has been filed in the case Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday demanded death penalty for those raping minors and also blasted the BJP for defending its MLA accused of raping a teenager in Uttar Pradesh. While visiting the Rajghat where Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal's fast on the same issue entered the third day, Kejriwal said his government was ready to make amendments to the existing law to ensure death penalty to rapists of minors.- IANS "People have been arrested only in the rape case, the murder case of my brother has not been touched yet," the uncle of Unnao rape survivor told ANI. He added that despite this the investigation is going "at a good pace" and that they are safe. The University of Oxford India Society, London School of Economics India Society, University College London Indian Society, Imperial College London Indian Society and University of Birmingham Bharat Parivar are among the 19 signatories of the letter alongside NISAU UK, one of the UK's largest Indian student organisations. PTI It urges the Indian government to take "extraordinary measures" in the horrific rape cases that have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and more recently in Gujarat. "Hon Prime Minister, extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures. You have not shied away from taking difficult decisions in the past, such as with demonetisation. Please take similar extraordinary steps to prove that India's daughters matter," the letter reads. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, together with 19 India-related societies at leading UK universities, submitted the letter dated 14 April ahead of the Indian PM's four-day visit to the UK on Tuesday. Indian students and alumni based in the UK have delivered a letter for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Indian High Commission in London asking him to take "extraordinary measures" to ensure justice in rape cases reported from different states in India. Indian students from leading universities in UK write to Narendra Modi ahead of his visit demanding justice in rape cases There is also a sharp contrast between the strictly professional manner with which senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Crime Branch investigated the case in Kathua and the connivance of the state administration in Uttar Pradesh to protect the politically powerful from charges of rape and murder. However, what happened to the eight-year-old girl in Kathua cannot be seen merely through the prism of the routine brutalisation of Indian women by sexual predators or political perfidy on display under Yogi Adityanaths rule since it has a larger and darker dimension. Though both provoked a public uproar, the Kathua case correlates with the involvement of a BJP legislator and his cronies in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl and the murder of her father in judicial custody in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district. Sharp contrast between strictly professional manner with which Kathua case has been handled in comparison to connivance of state administration in Unnao rape case Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday demanded death penalty for those raping minors and also blasted the BJP for defending its MLA accused of raping a teenager in Uttar Pradesh. While visiting the Rajghat where Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal's fast on the same issue entered the third day, Kejriwal said his government was ready to make amendments to the existing law to ensure death penalty to rapists of minors.- IANS The group has also demanded the convening of an all-party meeting "to deliberate on ways in which the phenomenon of hate crime can be tackled socially, politically and administratively". IANS "This is a moment of existential crisis, a turning point the way the government responds now will determine whether we as a nation and as a republic have the capacity to overcome the crisis of constitutional values, of governance and the ethical order within which we function. Holding Modi responsible "more than anyone else" for the "terrifying state of affairs" and pointing out that both in Uttar Pradesh (Unnao) and Jammu and Kashmir (Kathua) it is his party (BJP) that is in power, the 49 former civil servants who included Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander, Wajahat Habibullah, Jawahar Sircar and NC Saxena, termed the present state of affairs an "existential crisis". In a strongly-worded open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a group of former civil servants on Sunday asked him to check the nations "free fall into anarchy" by acting tough against the culprits of the Kathua and Unnao rape cases and the perpetrators of hate crimes across the country. Group of former civil servants pens letter to PM, tells him to 'act tough' against culprits of Kathua, Unnao rape cases All of this is difficult, and most politicians know that it is close to impossible. That is why the easy way is chosen and that is to demand that rapists be hanged. The fact that murderers are also hanged and it has no effect on murders does not seem to worry us. The facts show that to prevent sexual crimes, we have to make large changes in our society and its treatment of women at the level of the family. And we need to ensure that the existing laws on reporting sexual violence are followed at the level of every police station across India. This is very, very hard work but it will ensure that the rate of reporting goes up, at least to the levels where it is in the rest of the world. After the rate of reporting goes up, the state needs to ensure that it conducts proper investigations (which need resources and cannot be done with the same force or budget) that increases the rate of convictions. Gurgaon-based filmmaker Saba Dewan led the protest. The protest included artistes and students, who vented their anger over the incidents and claimed that Muslims in the country were living in fear. They said the rights of Dalits and Adivasis were being questioned. Hundreds of people on Sunday participated in a protest march called "Not In My Name" at Parliament Street in the national capital against increasing incidents of rape and atrocities on Dalits and minorities. Not In My Name protests launched after Kathua, Unnao cases; hundreds march over atrocities against minorities People have been arrested only in the rape case. The murder case of my brother has not been touched yet. Several culprits are still free. The investigation is going at a good pace and we are safe: Uncle of #UnnaoCase victim pic.twitter.com/mFEChtzsKh "People have been arrested only in the rape case, the murder case of my brother has not been touched yet," the uncle of Unnao rape survivor told ANI. He added that despite this the investigation is going "at a good pace" and that they are safe. Unnao rape case latest updates: The CBI has arrested Kuldeep Singh Sengar after Allahabad High Court directed it to do so. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally broke his silence on the two rape cases. Speaking at an event for inauguration of Ambedkar museum, Modi said that justice will be served and no one who is guilty shall be spared. The Opposition is riling up attack against the BJP government in the wake of the Unnao and Kathua rape cases. On one hand Aam Aadmy Party said it will gherao the prime minister's residence on Sunday, while the Congress party is planning to take out candlelight vigils in all state capitals across India. The Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered the CBI to probe all three FIRs, arrest Kuldeep Singh Sengar and cancel the bail of those accused. The court has directed the investigating agency to present the progress report on the same on 2 May at 10 am. The Allahabad High Court is set to pass its order on the Unnao rape case at 2 pm on Friday. The court on Thursday took strong objection to the delay in the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's arrest, as it sought details of the action taken by the government in the matter. One of the three FIRs filed by the CBI against the rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Kumar Sengar specifies the charges he has been booked for. He has been charged under Section 363, 366, 376, 506 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 2 and 4 of the POCSO Act. The FIR mentions the survivor's mother as the complainant. According to CNN-News18, Uttar Pradesh DGP "wrongly" advised the government on the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's arrest, alleging that the Unnao rape case was mismanaged by him. The seven-member CBI team will quiz medical officers and policemen. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Singh Sengar has denied being arrested or detained by the CBI and said that he had come to the CBI office on his own. The CBI team reached a Unnao hotel on Friday, where the rape survivor's family is staying, to investigate, even as accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was being questioned in Lucknow. The primary accused in the Unnao rape case, BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, is currently being interrogated by the CBI in Lucknow. He is being questioned from 4.45 am on Friday morning. Meanwhile, the BJP MLA's supporters, hoping he gets a clean chit, held special prayers on Friday at the BJP MLA's home in Makhi. The rape survivor's mother demanded that the accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar be awarded death penalty. "I am happy (with CBI detaining him). I want him to get punishment, get death penalty. My husband is dead and he is not going to return now. The accused must be hanged. Kuldeep must be hanged. Both Atul and Kuldeep Sengar must be sent to jail and hanged," she said. BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was taken into CBI custody for questioning in the wee hours of Friday morning. He was picked up by the CBI from his house in Lucknow at 4.30 am, reported News18. The CBI has detained BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping a minor last year, on Friday, a day after the Uttar Pradesh government handed over the probe to the central agency. The investigating agency has registered three cases against him and is currently questioning Sengar at its Lucknow office, reports said. As outrage mounted over the alleged gangrape of a minor girl over a year ago, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday rebuked the Uttar Pradesh government for being tardy in arresting the prime accused, BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, despite an FIR against him, warning that it may be forced to observe that the "law and order has collapsed in the state". The FIR itself came days after the Unnao girl tried to self-immolate in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's house on Sunday accusing authorities of inaction, and the death of her father in custody the next day allegedly after being beaten up by the politician's brother and their henchmen in front of policemen. As the public outcry raged amid growing demands by political parties and civil society for the legislator's arrest, protests were also held outside Adityanath's house. The police put the onus on the CBI to arrest the MLA, who has remained defiant and has dubbed allegations as a political conspiracy. The FIR was registered against Sengar under various sections of the IPC, including for rape, kidnapping and criminal intimidation as well as under provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Under POCSO, an accused has to be arrested immediately. The case was registered hours before the high court was to hear the matter, and so was the Uttar Pradesh government's decision on transferring the case to the CBI late last night. "Police is not ready to register FIR of a minor rape victim. In spite of the SIT report, you are repeating that you can take any action only after further investigation. If this is the conduct of the police in the state, who will a victim approach to register a complaint," the court said. "If this is the stand you are repeatedly taking, then we will be forced to observe in our order that law and order has collapsed in the state," it said. The court, which is expected to pass an order on Friday, took strong objection to the delay in the MLA's arrest, as it sought details of the action taken by the government in the matter. The court was told by the Advocate General that three of the accused in the case were arrested, including the MLA's brother, but any further action would depend on statements of the complainant and witnesses. Observing that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report showed that the medical officers and police officers were hand in glove with the accused to save them, the court said since these officers have been arrested already why further investigation was needed to arrest the main accused. Senior Advocate GS Chaturvedi, who had moved the court, said the SIT headed by senior police officers conducted preliminary investigation and then filed a report after which the FIR was registered. Meanwhile, the Centre issued a notification approving the CBI probe into the case, officials said later in the evening in New Delhi. When asked when Sengar would be arrested, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar told reporters in Lucknow that the CBI would take a decision on this. State Director General of Police OP Singh said the minor had not named the MLA before the magistrate earlier as she feared for her life. The government has decided to extend security to the family of the 17-year-old girl, he added. Kumar dismissed allegations that police was trying to shield the MLA. Strong reactions came from opposition parties, who demanded immediate arrest of the MLA, with senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over the Unnao rape case. Sibal also alleged that Modi was "not serious" about the crimes against women across the country, in an apparent reference to another rape case in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, where the BJP is in the ruling alliance with the PDP. Several Union ministers including Mahesh Sharma, Piyush Goyal and Maneka Gandhi, however, sought to defend the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, saying it is committed to protecting women, and ensuring that law takes its course. Two doctors have been suspended and disciplinary proceedings initiated against three others for laxity in providing the victim's father with proper medical care and treatment prior to his judicial custody and at the district hospital, officials said. Kumar said the government decided to transfer the case to the CBI after lodging the case into the incidents of 4 June, 2017, (alleged rape) and since the two other cases of 3 April this year (cross FIRs on the beating up of the victim's father leading to his death) are connected, they will also be transferred to the CBI. The teen rape survivor demanded immediate arrest of the MLA, saying the CBI probe could be conducted later. "Why is he being shielded? If the MLA is allowed to remain out he will not leave my uncle... He had earlier too hatched conspiracies against my kin," she said. With inputs from PTI Congress has once again attacked BJP over their silence in the Kathua and Unnao rape cases in a press conference in Delhi on Friday. A day after the Rahul Gandhi-led midnight candle march, Congress has again attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its silence over the incidents of rape in Unnao and Kathua. Congress's national spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi, in a press conference on Friday, said, "We will see more Kathuas and more Unnaos every week, every month" if the BJP maintains the same stance. He questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and asked them to speak up. Singhvi addressed the media hours after BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi's press conference earlier on Friday. He said, "Kathua is not just a case of rape, it is a crime against humanity. Kathua and Unnao were given a communal twist by the BJP." Earlier, Congress had also tweeted to demand an apology from Lekhi citing her "insensitive remarks". BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi's insensitive remark is an insult to Indian citizens standing up for their rights. Her statement reflects her party's regressive ideology. She must take back her words and apologize immediately. https://t.co/WLg53oCn6G Congress (@INCIndia) April 13, 2018 Lekhi had alleged that Congress is politicising the Kathua rape and murder case and had also accused the media of selective coverage of crimes against women and girls. "You see their (Congress') plan: first shout 'minority, minority', then 'Dalit, Dalit' and now 'women women' and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state governments," she had said. In Karnataka, apart from the anti-incumbency factor against Congress, what may really work in BJP's favour is the 14 percent debutant voters among whom Prime Minister Modi is very popular Karnataka is headed towards perhaps the most fiercely contested elections in recent times. Reports emanating from the ground suggest that both Chief Minister Siddharamaih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoy their fair share of popularity. But which leader will pip the other remains to be seen. The last elections in the state were the 2014 General Elections to Lok Sabha, where BJP won 17 out of the 28 seats and Congress won 9 seats. However, the vote share of BJP and Congress were 43 percent and 40.8 percent respectively. The vote share of BJP had actually declined in the state, from the 2009 election figures by 1.37 percent. Also, the party needs to convert the popularity of the prime minister into votes at the Assembly level. This is a cause of concern because, in the 2013 Assembly Elections, the Congress bagged a 54.46 percent vote share and decisively trounced BJP, only to lose 14 percent of the vote share the very next year in the General Elections to Lok Sabha. Hence, Karnataka remained an aberration in the larger 2014 victorious edifice of BJP. The challenge for BJP seems to be the quality of the electorate. South Indian states generally have a higher level of human development and have a remarked behaviour of exercising smart choices. This suggests that the electorate is clear on its choices of the central and state leadership. The important factor playing in favour of BJP is the anti-incumbency against Congress; this played in favour of Congress in 2013. This can be clubbed with the fact that 14 percent of the state's electorate this time are going to be first-time voters, where Prime Minister Modi is very popular. The BJP very well realises this and that is why Modi is set to engage in 10 election rallies before the state goes to polls. The present campaign, however, focuses on targeting the Siddaramiah government and himself personally, for communally vitiating the atmosphere of the state. The rallies of the prime minister are expected to put the BJP organisation in motion. There cant be any doubt about the fact that Congress granted Lingayats the recognition as a separate religion from Hinduism, solely for a short-term benefit in these Assembly polls. This is much like the creation of Telangana state just before the general and state elections in 2014. The BJP has the agency to effectively counter such a strategy and it has placed the election machinery at its disposal in its full strength in the state. In fact, one of the teams of election consultants Association of Billion Minds has been camping in the state for over a year now. However, the poll agenda for BJP, besides development, also rests with effectively managing the complex caste arithmetic in the state. The Linagayats and upper castes have traditionally voted for BJP, this time the challenge is to keep the Lingayats together, and to have a share of OBC votes, which should drive the party home. The Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) remains a relevant player in the state, and its success with its traditional vote bank of backward and scheduled caste communities can substantially help the election effort of BJP by dividing the anti-BJP votes. It has to be kept in the context of the pre-poll alliance between JDS and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which can emerge as a substantial puller of votes from the caste groups these parties represent. However, it can be said with confidence, that for JDS and its allies, the fight is to remain relevant. Therefore, Deve Gowdas best interests are served by a hung Assembly, where he can ally with either of the national parties and form the government. The author is a senior fellow with the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Bombay, Mumbai. He can be reached at raghav10089@gmail.com, Twitter: @raghavwrong The Election Commission on Friday announced that the Karnataka poll date leak wasn't a leak and it was 'mere speculation.' The Election Commission on Friday announced that the Karnataka poll date leak wasn't a leak and that it was "mere speculation." According to ANI, EC said, "The alleged leak wasn't a leak and it was mere speculation." The commission, however, added that the revelations made by Malviya and Times Now were avoidable. "Presentation of the news item by TV channels and tweets by political party leaders regarding the dates, just as the commission was making the announcement, was avoidable," ED said in its statement. The ruling BJP's Information Technology (IT) cell head Amit Malviya had left the Election Commission scouring for cover as he announced the Karnataka Assembly polling date even before the poll panel. Questioned about the "leak" of poll dates, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat first dismissed the poll date announced by Malviya as "conjectures" but later said the commission would investigate the matter and take appropriate action. The EC had formed a six-member panel to probe the leakage of the poll dates. After his tweeting of the Karnataka poll date ahead of the EC's formal announcement created a controversy, Malviya told the commission that he had picked the date from Times Now. Times Now had also told the EC that it got the Karnataka assembly poll date from "informed sources", but argued that it could not be called a "leak". In its brief reply, it said: "Times Now news channel accessed the details from informed sources. Given that the information was not entirely accurate, it is obvious it wasn't a leak." The voting date for the Karnataka Assembly polls is 12 May while counting day is 15 May. With inputs from agencies Though the Kathua rape and murder case in Jammu and Kashmir has become the latest point of contention between the PDP and BJP, cracks in the alliance have been widening due to the prolonged and unnecessary delay in the implementation of the 'agenda of the alliance' Jammu: Has the PDP-BJP alliance in Jammu and Kashmir reached a tipping point from where there is no point of return? That is the question on the minds of political observers in the state who have been watching the alliance drift apart after coming together in 2014, in what was described as an unholy marriage of two ideas lying at the opposite ends of the political spectrum. "We are tired of their (BJPs) deception," a senior PDP leader and member of Jammu and Kashmir's legislative council, told Firstpost, adding, "We were not able to deliver on our promises because of their betrayal. With what face will we approach our voters now? As far as I can see, it is only a matter of time before this failed experiment is put to an end. The MLA says that due to the Operation All-Out, a major offensive against militants planned by the Union ministries of home affairs and defence, Kashmir has reached a point where death has become a wish and "more and more youth" are inclined towards militancy. It has all happened due to the aggressive policies of the BJP. A fire has been sparked in Kashmir but no one knows how to put an end to it," the MLA added. The rift between the two parties has now come out into the open with Tassaduq Mufti, brother of Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, sounding the bugle of break-up on Friday. Mincing no words in an interview with The Indian Express, Tassaduq castigated the Centre for pushing Kashmir towards a situation "where it can lead to bloodshed of a scale that doesnt find a precedent in history". "The Centre should give up its obduracy and recognise the problem at hand, de-escalate tension, resume the political process... implement the commitments made in the agenda of alliance, he said. And, in case the Centre continues with its current policy, Tassaduq said the PDP will "take one last bow and apologise to the people (of Jammu and Kashmir) for having unknowingly pushed them into something they did not deserve". "People can have opinions and should have them and that is the beauty of democracy," Rafi Mir, a PDP spokesperson said. However, Mir clarified that despite the difference in opinions over several issues, both the BJP and PDP) "are now on the same page because Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has been adamant that ***** has to get justice". Point of no return? Ever since the PDP-BJP alliance started ruling the border state in 2014, the state has remained gripped by controversies, mostly of BJPs making, that threaten to change its political make-up. Instead of the coming together of the 'North Pole' and 'South Pole', as the late Mufti Sayeed had envisioned, the social, political and cultural boundaries between the Hindu-majority Jammu and Muslim-dominated Kashmir have sharpened. The alliance, whose architect (from PDP) and the states finance minister Haseeb Drabu was unceremoniously sacked by the Jammu and Kashmir chief ministe earlier this year, suffered credibility crisis from day one. After all, both the parties had fought the 2014 Assembly election on agendas that were in contradiction with their stated positions in the governance agenda. For many, the alliance was a planned experiment in politics gone horribly wrong. "For both PDP and BJP, it was an alliance of mutual interest, ie, power grab, but it has ignited dangerous tensions in the state where even Panchayat elections cant be held due to fear of large-scale anti-state violence. The recent civilian killings have only added fuel to the fire," Noor M Baba, a prominent political scientist and dean of social science at Central University of Kashmir, said. Broken promises From the attempts to revoke Jammu and Kashmirs special constitutional position (granted by Artilce 35A of the Constitution) by shady groups affiliated with the Hindu right, the rejection of the state governments demand for the return of power projects and the "slow" pace of release of funds to the state under the prime ministers development package, the promises made by the alliance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir were broken one after another. ***** as a turning point? The communal winds, blown in the Jammu region by BJP whose two leaders and Cabinet ministers in the Mehbooba-led government Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga attended a rally by Hindu Ekta Manch, has brought the coalition partners on the crossroads. The BJP leaders have put Mehbooba in a tight spot by openly endorsing the rallies and protests against the Jammu and Kashmir Police crime branch, which investigated the Kathua rape and murder case. However, the party has put a cloak of ambiguity on the issue with state BJP spokesperson Sunil Sharma reiterating the demand for a CBI probe into the case. "People have lost faith in the crime branch. Our party is not in favour of the culprits. We are only demanding a CBI probe into the case which will address the concerns of the people in Jammu," Sharma, said, adding that BJP will continue to support the demand for an 'impartial investigation' into the case, wherever it comes from. A senior PDP leader, who is also a Cabinet minister, told Firstpost on the condition of anonymity that the "cracks in the alliance are widening" due to the "prolonged and unnecessary delay" in the implementation of the 'agenda of the alliance', the governance agenda that was worked between the two parties by Drabu and BJPs Ram Madhav in 2014. Click here for live updates on Kathua rape and murder case For all its clever electoral tactics, the BJP may have failed to comprehend the amount of anger that the crimes in Kathua and Unnao have generated. The BJP has possibly miscalculated on the public anger around Unnao and Kathua. Its actions and reactions on the rape-murder cases involving minor girls suffer from a damning time lag, and in final balance may be adjudged as inadequate and morally repugnant. Any crime deserves to meet with the full force of the law. Yet, in some cases such as the rape, mutilation and murder of an eight-year-old girl, justice must not only be done, but also seen to be done. On such instances of depravity, the party in power in a democracy has a moral obligation not only to act, but to do so with alacrity and certitude to restore faith in public institutions. Failure to do so creates a moral vacuum where the worst societal instincts are unleashed. In times like these, the BJP, as a party in power and a dominant social and political organisation, would do well to reflect on its purpose. Is it interested only in a) winning elections, or b) in truly becoming the architect of the 'New India of Prime Minister Narendra Modis dreams? If the answer is 'option a', then its actions are commensurate with its goal. If the answer is 'option b', then its actions fall way short. A 'New India' that is morally bankrupt does not seem an attractive proposition. Even if BJP's actions are focused on the narrow metric of winning the next election, failing to act swiftly to ensure justice for a girl raped allegedly by a powerful leader and the custodial death of her father seems an unbeatable way to alienate the public. The Yogi Adityanath government's reluctance to act against MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao or BJP ministers' rally in support of the rape-and-murder accused in Kathua are failings that may end up alienating the youth and the middle class. At times, the irrationality of rationalising a party or leader's failings becomes too heavy a cross to bear. A caveat is in order. Charges of BJP's silence, indifference and even complicity in these cases are exaggerated and unfair. It is incorrect to say it hasn't acted. The UP government has transferred the Unnao case to the CBI that finally detained the rape-accused BJP MLA for questioning after the Yogi's 'macho' policemen failed to do so. Maneka Gandhi, the Union women and child development (WCD) minister, has vowed to tighten further the already stringent POCSO Act to ensure death penalty for rape of children below 12 years of age. Rajnath Singh, the Union home minister, has described the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl as "sad and shameful". Yet this is Narendra Modi's party BJP's most powerful and influential leader for decades and his silence has been deafening. Amit Shah, the party president, has also refused to comment on Kathua and Unnao. The silence of the BJP's top leadership is strategic. Modi and Shah prefer setting agendas instead of reacting to them. Their strategy has worked like a charm since the BJP's ascendance in 2014. Both leaders have resolutely ignored the noise generated by the Opposition and media and in rare cases that they have responded, the reactions have come at a time and place of their choosing. This is as much a political as a psychological ploy. Both leaders evidently believe that reacting to Opposition agendas or media-driven outrages is not only pointless, it is also counterproductive to the extent that it indicates a tactical weakness that may eventually lead to ceding political space. Both leaders place far more importance on remaining continuously connected with the electorate. Modi prefers to do it through the social media and radio and Shah through BJP's countless booth-level cadres and community leaders. To a certain extent, the BJP top leadership's belief that the Kathua and Unnao cases have become a touchstone for political brinkmanship was borne out by Rahul Gandhi's midnight "silent" march that was intensely political in its attendance, shape, nature and colour. Inconsistency in Rahul's actions on the Nirbhaya and Kathua incidents apart, there is also political opportunism in Rahul's virtue-signaling when an old Congress hand is leading protests in Jammu in favour of the accused and has organised a bandh demanding a CBI probe. According to a report in The Print, "one of the leading lights of the protest in favour of a CBI probe is senior Congress leader BS Slathia, the president of the Jammu Bar Association. Slathia spearheaded Wednesdays Jammu bandh." He was apparently senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's election agent. Yes he(Jammu Bar Association chief BS Slathia) was my polling agent, and also Lal Singh(BJP J&K minister) was in Congress, they were secular then but BJP has vitiated the atmosphere so badly in J&K that these individuals have now turned communal: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress pic.twitter.com/GT7HqFaG7m ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 That said, political parties in a democracy are well within their rights to "politicise" issues that catch popular imagination. Rahul is trying to exploit the space created by BJP's dithering. For all its clever electoral tactics and psychological warfare, the BJP may have failed to comprehend the amount of anger that these twin incidents have generated across the length and breadth of India an anger that is intense, unorganised and organic. Elections are crucial to democracy, but democracies cannot be defined by elections alone. The moral sanction is as important as electoral because societies and communities are not amoral entities. It will not make Modi politically vulnerable if he speaks up on Unnao, Kathua and impresses upon Mehbooba Mufti to sack the BJP ministers who marched for the accused. It will only enhance his halo. Follow live updates on the Unnao and Kathua rape cases here and here. A local BJP leader was injured when a motorcycle-borne gang attacked him in Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram: A local BJP leader was injured when a motorcycle-borne gang attacked him in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, police said. Saji, the party's district general secretary and councillor of Melancode, was travelling on his motorcycle with another BJP activist Prakash when the attack took place. Prakash was not injured, they added. Saji was admitted to the hospital, police said, adding, his condition was stable. The BJP alleged that activists of ruling CPM and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) were behind the attack. BJP's Kerala unit president Kummanam Rajasekharan alleged that the law and order situation in the state was deteriorating. "The attack on the councillor in broad daylight is a pointer to it," the BJP leader said. A search is on for the assailants, police said. Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday said stern action will be taken against those found guilty in the Unnao rape case Amethi (UP): Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday said stern action will be taken against those found guilty in the Unnao rape case. "I appeal to the people to have faith in the legal process...stern action will be taken as per the provisions of the Constitution against those responsible (for the incident)," she told reporters in Amethi. "The CBI is investigating the matter...our government is with the victim's family," the Union information and broadcasting minister, who arrived in Amethi this morning on a two-day visit, said. Her remarks came hours after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe in three cases related to the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and detained the legislator for questioning. The victim has alleged that on 4 June, 2017, she was raped by the MLA of Bangarmau in Unnao district at his residence, when she had gone to meet him with a relative, seeking a job. In February, the girl's family had moved the court, seeking to include the MLA's name in the case. After the filing of the case, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on 3 April and put in jail on 5 April. Frustrated with the alleged police inaction on her complaint and coercion from influential people, the victim had attempted self-immolation in front of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath's residence on 8 April. The next day, her father had died in jail with the post-mortem report suggesting serious injuries on his body, triggering a massive political row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. The CBI sleuths swooped down at Sengar's residence in Lucknow in the early hours on Friday and took the four-time MLA to its office for questioning. Follow LIVE updates of the Unnao rape case here Asheeta Regidi Editor's Note: This copy was published on 13 April, 2018. It is being republished in light of the Supreme Court's verdict on the constitutionality of Aadhaar likely being pronounced tomorrow. On Day 28 of the Aadhaar hearing, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta concluded his arguments on the Aadhaar-PAN and the Aadhaar-Bank account linkages. The Bench also questioned the counsels extensively on the justification of these linkages, noting that the freezing of accounts thereby was a deprivation of the constitutional right to property. Senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi then commenced his arguments, arguing that the surveillance possibilities discussed by the petitioners were ridiculous and mere rhetoric. The purpose of Aadhaar, he argued, was authentication alone. Aadhaar as a compulsory document for bank accounts First, the Additional Solicitor General continued his arguments, that the amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules (PML), on Aadhaar-bank account linkage were for the benefit of the public. These rules, he stated were neither ultra vires the Aadhaar Act nor the RBI Rules. The Bench, here, first observed that the challenge to the PMLA Rules was proportionality and on why there was a need to make Aadhaar compulsory when the RBI KYC Master Directions recognised six forms of Officially Valid Documents. To this, it was argued that the purpose was to prevent impersonation. Aadhaar, further, is one of the most robust IDs which cannot be faked, unlike others which are not based on biometrics. On rendering bank accounts non-operational The Bench, here, asked the Additional Solicitor General to specifically address Arvind Datars arguments for the petitioners, that the PMLA Rules are ultra vires the PML Act, and that no provision of the PMLA allowed validly opened bank accounts to be rendered non-operational. Further, the rationale behind linking with insurance as well as mutual funds was questioned. To this, it was argued that the freezing of accounts in this manner was not permanent. The Bench, here, further observed that such freezing of accounts could amount to a violation of Article 300A of the Constitution, or the constitutional right to property. To this, it was argued that the freezing would only amount to a reasonable restriction on this right. Is freezing of accounts a valid, penal consequence? The Bench, further questioned if the penal consequence of freezing accounts was authorised by the PML Act. The Act, they said, only discussed the verification of bank accounts. To this, it was argued first that this was not a penalty but a mere consequence. Secondly, the rules were part of the Act. The Bench, however, did not agree with this, observing that the prescription of penalties via rule-making powers had not been sanctioned by the Aadhaar Act. Further, freezing of accounts did amount to a penalty, since it amounted to a deprivation of property under Article 300A. The Bench further stated that their question was on whether the freezing of accounts was authorised under the law, or was it a case of judicial overreach. Can penal consequences be prescribed via rule-making power The Bench directed the Additional Solicitor General to show how rules may prescribe such drastic consequences when the Act did not allow it. The Additional Solicitor General cited judgments that rules once issued are effectively part of the Act. The Bench, however, observed that this cannot apply to rules made outside of rule-making power. Senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi, arguing for the State, intervened here, arguing that Aadhaar was a just a condition for opening and continuing a bank account, to meet the need to re-verify bank accounts. The Bench here, again questioned how a validly opened bank account could be frozen under the PMLA. The Additional Solicitor General then summed up his arguments, discussing the threat from terror financing and also of cross-border offences. He argued that the purpose behind the PMLA Rules is threefold: zero tolerance to money laundering, curbing black money and reaching beneficiaries. Petitioners are using rhetoric to rubbish Aadhaar Senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi then commenced his arguments for the State, arguing that he never felt that he was under surveillance while using Aadhaar, and further, that Aadhaar was voluntary. He argued that it was ridiculous to consider that the government would surveil people like a farmer and that the government had ample means of conducting surveillance if it needed to, without the need for Aadhaar. The petitioners, he argued, were using rhetoric to rubbish Aadhaar. Technology as an enabler of mass surveillance The Bench, here, observed that technology was a very powerful enabler of mass surveillance, with even elections being swayed using it. To this, it was argued that the technology in use by Facebook and Google could not be compared to that in use by the UIDAI. For instance, there were no learning algorithms in use by the UIDAI. The Bench, to this, observed that the Aadhaar Act does not preclude the UIDAI from acquiring that kind of technology, to which Dwivedi responded that this would amount to an offence under Section 33 of the Aadhaar Act. Authentication metadata reveals very little Further, he argued that the only purpose behind Aadhaar was authentication, and there was no authorisation under the Aadhaar Act to analyse the data. The Bench questioned the collection of metadata, to which it was argued that the metadata collected was limited to that related to authentication, i.e., of the authentication request, the result, and the time of the authentication. The Bench, here, observed that even this data could reveal a lot about a person. To this, it was argued that this was not possible unless such data is sought in collusion with the CBI, which is far-fetched. For a specific authentication, it was argued that the authentication request would reveal the place where the request arose from (such as Apollo Hospitals), but not specific location (such as which Apollo hospital). The Bench here observed that the requesting entity itself may store data, and that surveillance need not be interpreted in the traditional sense only. The prevalence of commercial surveillance, and also the absence of a data protection law to protect the data was also pointed to. Most people are not concerned with privacy Dwivedi further argued that individual information is of no value. Further, most people were unconcerned about privacy. The Bench, here stated that the issue was not of whether 1.9 billion people are concerned with privacy. Regarding the information being available, he further argued that fingerprints were only of interest to palmists and for palmistry. To this, the Bench observed that the question was not of fingerprints per se, such as their use for a limited purpose. The issue, instead, was of storing them in a central database, followed by their use for authentication. To this, it was argued that biometrics are encrypted, and the data is not shared with anyone. It was argued that it was understandable if the people had a problem with the implementation and enforcement of the Aadhaar Act, but there is no issue with the law itself and the technology. Sharing of data under Aadhaar Act A discussion then ensued on Section 29 of the Aadhaar Act, which permits the sharing of data. The Bench here observed that Section 29(3)(b) of the Aadhaar Act allowed the sharing of data with requesting entities to third parties. Further, Section 29 read with 57 allowed the information to be shared with third parties even under contracts. To this, it was argued that this section should be read in context with Section 29(1), which completely bars the sharing of biometric data. The Bench, here, observed that the issue was not only about Section 7 or the UIDAI but goes far beyond that. Further, Section 29(3) uses the word identity information, which indicates that biometric data can also be transferred. To this, it was suggested that the Court read this provision down to prevent the sharing of biometric data. The arguments will continue on 17 April. Sources of arguments include live-tweeting of the case by SFLC.in, Prasanna S, and Gautam Bhatia. You can read out coverage of the Aadhaar Supreme Court case below. Why SC needs to look into technical evidence of Aadhaars surveillance capabilities Will State give citizens rights only if they agree to be tracked forever, asks lawyer Shyam Divan Coalition for Aadhaar: A collective of private companies wants to ensure that Aadhaar ID and related services continue to be offered Petitioners argue on centralisation of data and challenge Aadhaars claims on savings Petitioners argue for a voluntary ID card system that does not collect user data Petitioners argue that receipt of govt benefits cannot be at the cost of compromising fundamental rights Aadhaar is architecturally unconstitutional, argue the petitioners Petitioners argue that Aadhaar violates dignity by objectifying and depersonalizing an individual Petitioners seek compensation for starvation deaths and extension of March 31st deadline Section 7 exception in Supreme Courts interim order greatly affects peoples constitutional rights Entire Aadhaar project is beyond the stated objectives of Aadhaar Act, argue petitioners Petitioners conclude their arguments on 'the number of the beast' Aadhaar, highlighting various issues Aadhaar hearing: Political liberties cannot be foregone for economic and social justice, states the Bench Aadhaar hearing: UIDAIs presentation discusses Aadhaar enrolment, updation and authentication processes in detail Aadhaar hearing: Supreme Court expresses concerns with data breaches, Aadhaar security and profiling Aadhaar hearing: Petitioners question UIDAI on verification of residency requirement, de-duplication rejections and authentication failures Aadhaar hearing: Attorney General argues that pervasive collection of fingerprints meets proportionality requirements Aadhaar hearing: Bench criticises the argument that Aadhaar can prevent bank frauds and terrorists from acquiring mobile numbers Aadhaar hearing: Additional Solicitor General argues Aadhaar-PAN linkage enables deduplication, prevents fraud and widens the tax base Aadhaar hearing: Not necessary to prove least possible invasion of privacy, argues Additional Solicitor General The author is a lawyer and author specialising in technology laws. She is also a certified information privacy professional. Reuters European Union Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said she had a constructive and open discussion with Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg about the Cambridge Analytica scandal on Thursday. The call lasted around half an hour and Jourova said the EU would closely monitor Facebooks implementation of a strict new EU data protection law which enters into force on 25 May. Of my particular concern is the information to European citizens affected by the scandal. I was told that Facebook has started to inform people this week, Jourova said after the call. Facebook has been hit by revelations that data of some 87 million users were improperly accessed by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, which worked on U.S. President Donald Trumps campaign. Ms Sandberg also confirmed to me that there could be more apps that harvested personal data of users and those of their friends. I urged Facebook to take all the necessary steps to mitigate any potential negative consequences for the users in the future, Jourova said. Sandberg also told Jourova Facebook was working on improving transparency on political advertising. Jourova said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg should accept the invitation to speak before the European Parliament. Zuckerberg was questioned for 10 by U.S. lawmakers over the last two days on Facebooks handling of user data. Reuters The European Union is set to demand tech giants like Facebook and Google do more to stop the spread of fake news on their websites by the end of the year to avoid possible regulatory actions, according to a draft document seen by Reuters. The draft document sets out for the first time the measures the EU would like to see the tech giants take within a certain timeline. The companies have come under fire in Europe for not doing enough to remove misleading or illegal content, including incitement to hatred, extremism and the online sale of counterfeit products. The European Commission plans to draw up a Code of Practice by July that will commit online platforms and advertisers to take a number of measures to prevent fake news being both uploaded and disseminated, with a view to producing measurable effects by the end of 2018, the draft policy document says. Should the results prove unsatisfactory, the Commission may propose further actions, including actions of a regulatory nature, if necessary. The measures include improving the scrutiny of advertisement placements, stepping up efforts to close fake accounts, ensuring that fighting disinformation is factored in by design when developing online tools and preventing the unauthorized use of users personal data by third parties a clear reference to the Cambridge Analytica scandal engulfing Facebook. The revelations that political consultancy Cambridge Analytica which worked on U.S. President Donald Trumps campaign improperly accessed the data of up to 87 million Facebook users have hit the social networks share price and led to 10 hours of questioning for its CEO by U.S. lawmakers. So far, platforms have been unable to address the challenge posed by disinformation and some have turned a blind eye to the manipulative use of their infrastructures, the document says. The gravity of the threat, however, has become increasingly clear as exemplified by the recent revelations about personal data mined from social media used in a electoral context. Facebook has stepped up fact-checking in its fight against fake news and is working on making it uneconomical for people to post such content by lowering its ranking and making it less visible. The worlds largest social network is also working on giving its users more context and background about the content they read on the platform. Some European countries have already moved to tackle the problem, like Germany which has passed a law requiring social media companies quickly remove hate speech. France is also looking at rules to block fake news. Facebook disclosed in September that Russians under fake names used the social network to try to influence U.S. voters in the months before and after the 2016 election, writing about inflammatory subjects, setting up events and buying ads. Platforms have by and large failed to ensure sufficient transparency on political advertising and sponsored content, the Commission document which is due to be published at the end of April says. The Commission also wants companies and advertisers to establish clear marking systems and rules for bots and ensure their activities cannot be confused with human interactions. Reuters The European Unions top antitrust regulator, Margrethe Vestager, has made it her mission to stem alleged anti-competitive abuses by big American tech companies, threatening as recently as last month to break up Alphabet Incs Google. But a decision in the most important of three antitrust cases against Google, this one aimed at loosening its stranglehold over Android-powered smartphones, is likely to show just how difficult it is, even for a committed trust-buster like Vestager, to dent the power of the US giants. The final ruling, expected within the next few months, will likely involve a multi-billion-dollar fine and an end to clauses in licensing agreements that stop smartphone vendors from promoting alternatives to apps such as Google Search and Maps, people familiar with the European Commissions thinking say. The decision, which is expected to hew closely to recommendations made in 2016 soon after the probe began, will almost certainly leave Googles market dominance intact because the incentives to stick with the company are so strong, say industry executives, analysts and even its foes. Robert Marcus, a former member of Microsofts mobile strategy team and now the general partner at investment firm Quantum Wave Capital, said it was virtually impossible that any EU penalty would change anything massively for Google. The case holds lessons for regulators in Europe and elsewhere as they pursue Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon over practices including anti-competitive conduct, tax avoidance and a cavalier approach to user data and hate speech. German regulators have shown that targeted measures can force changes in a companys conduct, such as compelling social media companies to quickly remove hate speech. Tax authorities can close loopholes and change laws to collect more money. But stimulating competition in markets where products and services are free is a far more difficult undertaking. Once someone is entrenched, you cant say, stop and things get better, said Mark Patterson, a Fordham University law professor who has researched Google antitrust issues. The Commission declined to comment on the case. Google did not respond to a request for comment. Few alternatives Google holds 90 percent of the European search market, meaning there are few plausible alternatives for handset makers or consumers who might want to opt out. Phone vendors will be reluctant to dump popular applications such as Google Maps even if they could do so freely. An executive at one major smartphone maker said European wireless carriers have told his company they would refuse to market phones without Google Search or the Google Play app store. Alternatives to Android remain scarce. And Google still has the option of going all-out with its own Pixel phones if new rules make licensing Android unappealing. Tom Moss, a former Google employee who wrote key parts of the first Android licensing agreements a decade ago, told Reuters that tight control was necessary at the time, both to assure a standard platform for third-party software-makers to build Android apps and to guarantee customers a consistent experience. Moss, now with the gaming hardware company Razer, acknowledges that at this stage, however, keeping all the same policies and approaches can seem heavy-handed, unfair and anticompetitive. He added: Its not the end of the world for Google that the EU is reassessing the arrangements. The EUs Android investigation began in 2015 following a complaint two years earlier from lobbying group FairSearch, whose members at the time included competitors like Oracle, Nokia, and Microsoft. Sources said Amazon also complained. A preliminary document from 2016, seen by Reuters, said regulators should levy a large fine and that Google should stop giving revenue sharing payments to smartphone makers to pre-install only Google Search, as well as stop requiring Googles Chrome browser and other apps to be installed alongside Googles Play store. The EU was not likely to go further than that recommendation, EU sources said. Ordering the company to divest its Android business altogether, for example, would be difficult to justify under European law, European Commission sources said. Deutsche Bank analyst Lloyd Walmsley said in January the EU could require more onerous changes than it did in 2017 in its inquiry into whether Google was favoring its own online shopping service in search results. In that case, Google was fined $2.4 billion euros, a large amount for most companies, but barely 2 percent of the companys 2017 sales. Changes made by Google in response to the EUs order did stoke more competition for certain ad slots, but because of the way Googles ad auction system works that resulted in more money for the company without giving competitors enough of a leg up to gain market share. Theres still a possibility the Commission could compel Google to work with manufacturing partners that want to use modified versions of Android, allowing what is known as forking of the operating system, EU sources said. But the ruling almost certainly will not be enough to break Googles monopolistic hold, FairSearch lawyer Thomas Vinje said. The Android case has taken too long, and ... Google has in large measure achieved the elimination of competition it sought, Vinje said. Google is appealing the shopping verdict, and could also appeal any ruling in the Android case. Rivals The big issue for Google is less what the EU might do than how the strategies of smartphone makers might evolve. Global leader Samsung Electronics has long pushed its own apps for messaging, internet browsing, and other functionality. Samsung could end its relationship with Google if it truly wanted to go in a different direction, Moss said. So far, however, Samsung has been unwilling to take that step. Among other things, doing so could drive customers to Googles own Pixel smartphone because it comes with a full range of Google apps and often gets first access to new features. Other challenges could come from Amazon, Alibaba, and other companies who might customize an 'open source' version of Android that Google has made freely available for public use. There are few signs so far that any major smartphone vendors want to opt for a different operating system. Amazon tried to build its own phone with a modified version of Android several years ago, but it was a spectacular flop. Googles rivals in searches and internet browsers are holding out hope theyll be better able to compete under a new EU regulatory regime. Guillaume Champeau, ethics and public relations officer at French search engine company Qwant, said an agreement it reached with a phone maker fell through last year because of Googles rules. We want to have a chance to compete, but we need to be able to have agreements with phone manufacturers, he said. Such deals would not be a big threat to Google. Android is utterly dominant, said technology analyst Geoff Blaber of CCS Insight. Whatever the ruling, manufacturers are heavily reliant [on it] so nothing is going to change dramatically. AP Uber will start doing annual criminal background checks on US drivers and hire a company that constantly monitors criminal arrests as it tries to do a better job of keeping riders safe. The move announced on 12 April is one of several actions taken by the ride-hailing company under new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who said that the changes arent just being done to polish the companys image, which has been tarnished by driver misbehavior and a long string of other embarrassing failings. The first thing that we want to do is really change Ubers substance, and the image may follow, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. The announcements that were making are just a step along the way of making Uber fundamentally safer for drivers and riders. Other safety features include buttons in the Uber app that allow riders to call 911 in an emergency, as well as app refinements that make it easier for riders to share their whereabouts with friends or loved ones. Since it began operating in 2009, Uber has been dogged by reports of drivers accosting passengers, including lawsuits alleging sexual assaults. In 2017, the company was fined $8.9 million by the state of Colorado for allowing people with serious criminal or motor vehicle offenses to work as drivers. The Public Utilities Commission said it found nearly 60 people were allowed to drive in the state despite having previous felony convictions or major traffic violations including drunken driving. Khosrowshahi, formerly CEO of the Expedia travel booking site, replaced hard-charging co-founder Travis Kalanick in August and faced problems almost from the start. Most recently, he has had to grapple with his companys autonomous vehicle program after one of its SUVs struck and killed a pedestrian last month in Tempe, Arizona. Khosrowshahi said the companys exponentially fast growth prevented steps like the annual background checks from being done sooner. I cant change the past, but I can change the things that we do going forward, he said. Uber does 15 million trips per day worldwide, and its drivers reflect the good and the bad and the random events of the world, Khosrowshahi said. It was bad policy for Uber to do just one background check for drivers and never follow up, said Thomas Mauriello, a senior lecturer of forensic science at the University of Maryland and former defense department agent who was involved in background checks. But he sees the changes as positive, potentially catching bad behavior after a driver is hired on. Any check is better than no check, he said. Nobody should think that any check they do is going to be 100 percent foolproof and get all information. Some governments now require background checks after drivers are hired, but the companys policy makes it uniform nationwide, Uber said. Uber will conduct its annual background checks through a company called Checkr starting in the next few weeks. It still does not intend to do FBI fingerprint background checks, saying its check of court records and other databases is robust, fair and stacks up well against the alternatives. A company, which Uber would not identify, has been hired to continually check arrest data, and that also will begin in a few weeks, Uber said. Most governments do not require annual background checks on taxi drivers, but they continually monitor arrest records and check them against drivers names, said John Boit, spokesman for the Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association. Mauriello says that may be true because the FBI database includes only felonies. Many sex crimes and traffic violations that could disqualify driver candidates are misdemeanors and not in the database, he said. The app changes, which will take several weeks to become active, will roll out first in the US, then move to other countries. Riders will see a shield that they can touch, sending the app to another screen with safety tips, instructions on how to easily share ride information with others, and a button to call 911. When the 911 button is pressed, riders will immediately get their location to relay to dispatchers, helping riders traveling in unfamiliar areas. Uber has been testing its new features with Denvers 911 system, which automatically sends the riders location, as well as driver and car information, to the dispatch center. Uber says location information from smartphones is better than whats used by 911 centers, which rely on triangulation of multiple cellular telephone towers. Evelyn Bailey, executive director of the National Association of State 911 Administrators, said theres no proof yet that smartphones provide closer location information than wireless carriers, but its under study by the Federal Communications Commission. She said Ubers two-step calling through the app may not be intuitive for people, and she would prefer they call 911 with the keypad. She also said Ubers system has great potential, although she would like to see test results before passing judgment. If in fact it does deliver what it promises, then that could be very beneficial to the calling public, she said. But if it doesnt, then I think thats a problem. Uber says people can always call 911 from the keypad. Reuters A US judge in Philadelphia has ruled that limousine drivers for Uber Technologies Inc are independent contractors and not the companys employees under federal law, the first ruling of its kind on a crucial issue for the ride-hailing company. A US District Judge Michael Baylson on 11 April said San Francisco-based Uber does not exert enough control over drivers for its limo service, UberBLACK, to be considered their employer under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The drivers work when they want to and are free to nap, run personal errands, or smoke cigarettes in between rides, Baylson said. The legal classification of workers has been a major issue for gig economy companies that rely on independent contractors. Uber, in particular, has been hit with dozens of lawsuits in recent years claiming that its drivers are employees and are entitled to minimum wage, overtime, and other legal protections not afforded to contractors. An Uber spokeswoman said the company is pleased with the decision. Jeremy Abay, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said he would appeal the ruling to the Philadelphia-based 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals. The 3rd Circuit would be the first federal appeals court to consider whether Uber drivers are properly classified as independent contractors. Many of the cases filed against Uber have been sent to arbitration, but the plaintiffs in the Philadelphia case were among a small minority of drivers who had opted not to sign arbitration agreements with the company. In 2017, a state appeals court in Florida said Ubers drivers were not its employees under Florida law. But state agencies in California and New York have said that they are under those states laws. Baylson on 11 April ruling said he was the first judge to rule on the classification of Uber drivers under federal law. His ruling comes about two months after a federal judge in San Francisco said that food delivery workers for Grubhub Inc were not the companys employees. The GrubHub case was the first of its kind against a so-called gig economy company to go to trial. The Philadelphia lawsuit was filed in February 2016. The plaintiffs said Uber failed to pay them minimum wage and overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which only applies to employees. The plaintiffs were seeking to represent all drivers in Philadelphia for Ubers limousine service, UberBLACK. The case is Razak v. Uber Technologies Inc, US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 2:16-cv-00573. Rupali Pangtey The spirit of online entrepreneurship isn't just limited to major cities these days. And in a village near Pune in Maharashtra, some women are redefining the traditional roles expected of them by exploring the internet. Karandi village is nearly 40 km from Pune. Along with a group of five journalists, I was headed there to meet the Google Internet Saathis, who are women entrepreneurs in rural areas across India. While headed to the lush green village, our driver seemed to have lost his way. As if on autopilot, we fired up Google Maps to help us navigate to our destination and eventually reached there. To imagine our lives without the internet seems difficult now, considering how wired our brains are to online stimuli. But what's the importance that internet has for a group of villagers, especially women, was a question which propelled me to dig deeper. Over eight months ago, Google, Tata Trusts and the Sakal Social Foundation, Pune introduced the Google Internet Saathi program to empower women with digital literacy. Across India, the program has been active since 2015 for women in rural areas. For a city-bred woman like me, the internet is an empowering tool. Be it simply ordering food, booking a cab, shopping, searching for help, safety or simply browsing the web for cat videos, the internet is a universe in itself. Life would be quite inconvenient without internet access for me. But in rural areas, where networks are spotty, reliable electricity is a question mark, I was curious to find out how the internet could be useful for the women living here. Vandana Potdar who is a member of the Google's program is also known as Internet Saathi. The Saathis chosen are high school graduates who can understand basic English. She was known to address issues of women regarding eve-teasing and ragging in colleges, during her service as a police maitri (friend). "During one of the meetings organised by the Maharashtra Police, we were introduced to an app. Through this app, women could send alerts if they felt unsafe," says Potdar. Lack of conveyance such as buses led these women to download this app on their father's or brother's mobile phones. In Karindi village, men still have a say over mobile phones, very few women have access to it. As part of the Internet Saathi program, Google provides these women with smartphones and tablets to access the internet, but convincing women in families to use their own mobile phone and the internet has been an uphill task says Potdar. Initially, people were hesitant to introduce women to the internet. Men saw it as a social deterrent and treated it as a social stigma. Some said to me that women work in fields there is no point for them to have a mobile phone, said Potdar. Utility and relevance play a big role in convincing these families, according to Potdar safety of the women led the men to allow women to use mobile phones. In fact, as per the Kantar IMRB-ICube-Rural Internet Report for 2017, the number of internet users is still dominated by men than women. Like Potdar, there are 19 Internet Saathis in the village who have various other villages under their wings to empower women. With the help of Google-owned YouTube, these women have learned to make potato chips, take orders from nearby villages, setup beauty parlours and engage in handicrafts. Karindi-resident Deepali Gowdi makes aakash kandeel or lanterns made of thick plastic ropes. She also makes silk thread bangles which she learned from YouTube. For Gowdi, this is an extra form of income, as she also runs a small beauty parlour in the village. We were told to write how to while typing the search query. When we were learning to make these bangles, we type how to make silk thread bangles, said Gowdis sister explaining the process of how a lot of the entrepreneurial women are taught how to search for the right content on the internet. Meenakshi Sonkatare has made Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 since the past eight months by making over 30 quilts which she learned to make by watching YouTube videos. She is collaborating with local shop owners to increase her sales. Neha Barjatya, chief of Internet Saathi, accounts the barrier that they had to face as they were introducing the program. People clearly had a negative perception regarding the internet. Hands-on training from these Internet Saathis gave them access to information. These women are trained with the help of voice inputs. According to Barjatiya, in her experience, most of the women preferred images and videos to overcome the language barrier. Their training modules include basics of using smartphones, understanding of the internet and searching for relevant information online. However, digital literacy differs from village to village. For instance in Karindi, agriculture is the main occupation. Therefore, digital literacy revolves around relevance and need. But it's not all a bed of roses for these women who want to get online. Fluctuation in electricity and low internet speeds are some of the major barriers that need to be overcome, for the Internet Saathi program to truly proliferate. But one of the bigger issues still, is the gender divide that needs to be crossed. As of now, men have begun accepting internet, however, only to the point it is useful. It does seem like there is a long way to go. As Nigeria prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of the Chibok kidnapping, UNICEF reported that over 1,000 children have been abducted by jihadists since 2013. Lagos: As Nigeria prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of the Chibok kidnapping, UNICEF reported on Thursday that over 1,000 children have been abducted by jihadists since 2013. "Since 2013, more than 1,000 children have been abducted by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, including 276 girls taken from their secondary school in the town of Chibok in 2014," said UNICEF in a statement. "These repeated attacks against children in schools are unconscionable," said Mohamed Malick Fall, a UNICEF representative in Nigeria. Boko Haram's fight to establish a hardline Islamic state in north east Nigeria has claimed at least 20,000 lives and displaced more than two million people. Schools, particularly those with a secular curriculum, have been targeted by Boko Haram, whose name roughly translates from Hausa the language spoken widely across northern Nigeria as "Western education is forbidden". At least 2,295 teachers have been killed and more than 1,400 schools destroyed by the Islamist extremists since the conflict started in 2009, according to UNICEF. While a 2015 offensive launched by Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari successfully reclaimed swathes of territory back from the jihadists in Nigeria, the group still stages deadly attacks on both military targets and civilians. In February, the Islamists shocked Nigerians by driving unopposed into the northeastern town of Dapchi and kidnapping over 100 schoolgirls. Most of the girls have since been returned, but the brazen abduction revived painful memories of the Chibok kidnapping in 2014. Of the 276 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram from the northeastern town of Chibok on 14 April, 2014, over 100 are still missing. Former FBI director James Comey says in a new book that President Donald Trump reminded him of a mafia boss who demanded absolute loyalty. Former FBI director James Comey says in a new book that President Donald Trump reminded him of a mafia boss who demanded absolute loyalty, saw the entire world against him, and lied about everything. According to excerpts of the book leaked by US media on Thursday, Trump was also obsessed with the alleged existence of a video in which Russian prostitutes said to be hired by Trump urinated on the bed in a Moscow hotel room. In the book to be released officially next Tuesday, Comey, whom Trump fired in May 2017, says the US president lives in "a cocoon of alternative reality" that he tried to pull others around him into, according to The Washington Post. Meetings with Trump gave Comey "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob," he writes. "The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them world view. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organisation above morality and above the truth." According to the New York Post, Comey says Trump was obsessed with the "pee tape", the existence of which was first reported by a former British intelligence agent, who researched alleged links between Trump's campaign and Russia. Trump asked Comey to investigate "what he called the 'golden showers thing'" Comey writes, saying Trump was determined to prove to his wife Melania that it did not exist. "He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldn't possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie." The book, entitled A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, has sparked worries through the White House and Republican establishment over the kind of damage it might do to the Trump presidency. Last year, Comey revealed that Trump had pressured him to drop an investigation into Mike Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, and also demanded Comey promise his loyalty. Trump fired Comey on 9 May, complaining of the ongoing investigation into possible Trump campaign-Russia ties. That firing led to the appointment of a special prosecutor, who continues to probe the issue as well as possible obstruction of justice and has issued 19 indictments so far, including of top Trump lieutenants. Comey says in the book that Trump has no sense of what is true and what is not. "This president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values," he writes, according to The New York Times. "His leadership is transactional, ego driven and about personal loyalty." Germany won't participate in possible military action in Syria, but supports sending a message that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday. Berlin: Germany won't participate in possible military action in Syria, but supports sending a message that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday. Merkel stressed the importance of a united position in response to an alleged attack in Douma that the West is blaming on Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces. "Germany will not take part in possible military action I want to make clear again that there are no decisions but we see, and support this, that everything is being done to send a signal that this use of chemical weapons is not acceptable," Merkel told reporters in Berlin after meeting Denmark's prime minister. The German leader said she spoke on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been talking regularly this week with US President Donald Trump about the most effective response to the alleged chlorine gas attack. Post-World War II Germany typically has been reluctant to engage in military action, and parliamentary approval is required for any military missions abroad. The country often has restricted itself to supporting roles, such as the participation of a German refueling plane and Jordan-based reconnaissance jets in the current international campaign against the Islamic State group. "I think it is important to have a common line, without Germany participating militarily," Merkel said. "If the permanent representatives in the (UN) Security Council were to initiate steps ... going beyond the diplomatic dimension, then we will be supportive." She did not specify how Germany might be supportive. And Merkel avoided a question about whether she was concerned that a conflict between Russia and the United States could ignite following Trump's tweet on Wednesday announcing upcoming strikes against Syria with the words "Get ready Russia." The crisis over Syria is being handled "with caution," Merkel said. But she added that the violation of international rules against chemical weapons is serious, and "the reactions will be appropriate." Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the disqualification handed to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case was for life. Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the disqualification handed to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case was for life, news channels reported. Sharif had resigned in July after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding office in the Panama Papers case. The verdict was issued unanimously by all five judges of the bench while hearing a case related to the determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution, the Dawn reported. The court had grappled with Article 62(1)(f) which only stated that a lawmaker is disqualified under specified conditions but did not set out the duration of the disqualification. Article 62(1)(f), which sets the precondition for a member of Pakistan's Parliament to be 'sadiq' and 'ameen' (honest and righteous), was the one under which Sharif was disqualified as prime minister last year, the Dawn report added. A bunch of appeals and petitions had challenged the length of disqualification under the article, according to The Financial Express. The Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on the matter on 14 February. At the last hearing, the government had argued that the length of disqualification should be left for the Parliament to decide, not the court, the report added. The judges, however, ruled that according to the Constitution, those who are not "honest" and "truthful" as per law are banned from Parliament for life, Geo News reported. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Jahangir Tareen was among the other lawmakers also disqualified under the said article. Following the verdict, both Sharif and Tareen have become ineligible to ever hold public office. It has been stated in the decision read out by Justice Umar Ata Bandial that the disqualification of any member of Parliament or a public servant under Article 62 in the future will be permanent. With inputs from agencies US president Donald Trump said the United States would only join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade deal his administration walked away from last year if it offered substantially better terms than those provided under previous negotiations Washington/Tokyo: US president Donald Trump said the United States would only join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade deal his administration walked away from last year if it offered substantially better terms than those provided under previous negotiations. His comments, made on Twitter late Thursday, came only hours after he had unexpectedly indicated the United States might rejoin the landmark pact, and amid heightened volatility in financial markets as Washington locked horns with China in a bitter trade dispute. Trump had told Republican senators earlier in the day that he had asked the United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow to re-open negotiations. In his Twitter post, which came during Asian trading hours, Trump said the United States would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to president Obama. We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years! Would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama. We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2018 Policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region on Friday responded to the possibility of the US rejoining the trade deal with scepticism. If its true, I would welcome it, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Friday and before Trumps tweet. Aso added that the facts needed to be verified. Trump is a person who could change temperamentally, so he may say something different the next day, Aso said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, commenting after Trumps tweet, said it would be great to have the US back in the pact though doubted it would happen. Were certainly not counting on it, Turnbull told reporters in Adelaide in South Australia. The TPP, which now comprises 11 nations, was designed to cut trade barriers in some of the fastest-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region and to counter Chinas rising economic and diplomatic clout. Trump, who opposed multilateral trade pacts in his election campaign in 2016 and criticized the TPP as a horrible deal, pulled the US out of the pact in early 2017. He argued bilateral deals offered better terms for US businesses and workers and signalled an intention to raise trade barriers. But Trump is struggling to get support from other countries for his recent threat to impose import tariffs on China and the US farm lobby is arguing that retaliation by China would hit American agricultural exports. Trade experts believe Trump is probably trying to placate his political base in the wake of criticism over the US-China China tariff standoff. Well I think you have to take it seriously but I think there is an enormous chance that this is simply posturing or a tactical decision taken to placate concerned governors and senators from agricultural states that could be affected by China imposing tariffs, said Charles Finny, a Wellington-based trade consultant and a former New Zealand government trade negotiator. I think its very important for people to realize, particularly given this most recent tweet, if there is a negotiation it will not be an easy one. It will take a long time and also there is huge risk around ratification. New process Even before Trumps official withdrawal last year, US participation in the pact was seen as increasingly unlikely due to opposition in the US Congress. The United States entered TPP negotiations in 2008. In 2016, then president Barack Obamas administration abandoned attempts to push the pact through Congress. The other 11 countries forged ahead with their own agreement without US participation, and in the process eliminated chapters on investment, government procurement and intellectual property that were key planks of Washingtons demands. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, noting the progress made by the 11 countries after Trump abandoned the deal, also flagged challenges to the United States rejoining the pact. If the United States, it turns out, does genuinely wish to rejoin, that triggers a whole new process, she told reporters in Auckland. There would be another process and so, at this stage, we are talking hypotheticals. The 11-member pact includes Mexico and Canada, which are in the process of re-negotiating the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States. A Canadian government official said on Thursday there had not been any formal outreach from the United States about the pact. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Trump next week. Japan, a close US ally, is a member of the TPP. Asserting that the Taliban and the Haqqani network still enjoy safe havens in Pakistan, a top US army general on Friday told the lawmakers that it was 'very difficult' to contain the insurgency in Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil Washington: Asserting that the Taliban and the Haqqani network still enjoy safe havens in Pakistan, a top US army general on Friday told the lawmakers that it was "very difficult" to contain the insurgency in Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil. In his new South Asia Policy in August last year, President Donald Trump had called for tougher measures against Pakistan if it fails to cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism. The US also blocked about $2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for its failure to act against terror groups operating from its soil and attacking US forces in Afghanistan. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, said to the end insurgency in Afghanistan, it was important to reduce the threat of terrorism something that can be handled on a routine basis by the internal security forces. "It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has a safe haven in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing. General Milley said the role of Pakistan was key to the solution. "It's important that Pakistan is part of the solution. It's a regional solution. Part of our strategy is a regional strategy. That very much involves Pakistan," Milley said. Responding to a question on reconciliation, he said the Afghan government was on the path right now to establish some sort of political reconciliation with various opponent groups. The US is in support of that effort, Milley added. "So it's important that we realign the forces, that we reinforce the capabilities that we're already doing, and that we regionalise the problem, including Pakistan, and that there's some sort of reconciliation process. At the end of the day, that's how that ends, and it ends successfully, and I believe that's achievable, the general said. Milley said it was in the national security interest of the United States to maintain troops in Afghanistan. One of the American objectives since 2001 has been that Afghanistan no longer was a platform for terrorists to conduct strikes on the continental United States, or in the United States, he said. "That's key. That's why we're there, and that's why we're still there," he said, adding that this can be achieved through a stable Afghanistan. Milley hoped that the Afghan army, the police, the intelligence forces could handle the violent threat against the Afghan government. The winner of the World Press Photo of the Year award and a runner-up in another category were photographs taken at the same moment, when a motorcycle caught fire and a person was set ablaze | #FirstCulture Venezuela's Ronaldo Schemidt, who works with Agence France-Presse (AFP) was declared the winner of the 2018 World Press Photo of the Year award, for his photograph of a man set ablaze. It was taken during the protests in Caracas, Venezuela, demanding that President Nicolas Maduro be removed from his position. The results were announced at the World Press Photo Festival in Amsterdam on 12 April. In the midst of a clash between government forces and protesters, a motorcycle of the Venezuelan National Guard exploded and caught fire. "I felt an intense flash of heat and turned around and saw a ball of fire coming towards me. I didnt know what it was. I just followed it, snapping away without stopping. Then I heard the screams and realised what had happened. Ten seconds and it was over," said Schemidt, describing the experience of clicking this photograph. The subject of the photograph has been identified as Jose Victor Salazar Balza. Surprisingly, the second runner-up spot in the Spot News photos/story category was awarded to a series of photographs taken at the same protest, at the moment when Balza's body was set ablaze. This series was taken by Juan Barreto, who also works with AFP. He managed to photograph the motorcycle, as well as Balza's arms outstretched, as his body catches fire. The other finalists of the World Press Photo of the Year award are Reuters' Toby Melville, Adam Ferguson and Ivor Prickett who do freelance work for the New York Times, and Patrick Brown of Panos Pictures. Brown has won for the photographs he took for the UNICEF of the Rohingya crisis, Ferguson for the portraits he took in Nigeria of the teenage girls enlisted as suicide bombers by Boko Haram, and Prickett for pictures of the battle for Mosul in Iraq. Investors looking for income will find quality investment opportunities in large, fee-based businesses. Infrastructure-related industries are home to many companies with such business models as companies seek to generate predictable long-term cash flows as a reward for the massive up-front capital expenditures required to build and maintain assets such as cell towers, utility distribution networks, and energy pipelines. Two above-average income stocks that generate fee-based business from infrastructure assets are Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) and Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI), which offer shareholders distributions yielding 4.6% and 3.2%, respectively. (If the latter comes through on long-held plans to increase its per-share payout in 2018, then the current yield would jump to 5.3%.) Both handily beat the yield of the S&P 500, but what if investors had to choose just one? Is the broader, global infrastructure portfolio of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners the better bet, or should investors put all their chips on booming North American energy production with Kinder Morgan? The matchup While both companies own energy infrastructure assets, that's about where the similarities end. Brookfield Infrastructure is one of the worlds largest publicly traded owner of energy-distribution networks around the globe, in addition to cell network towers, toll roads, ports, and even timberland. It's one of the few pure-play infrastructure investments available to individual investors -- and it hasn't disappointed. Shares of Brookfield Infrastructure have had no problem beating the S&P 500. In the last 10 years, the stock has more than doubled the total returns of the index, 289% to 132%. Proving the importance of returning cash flow to shareholders, over 115% of the returns in that span have come from the distribution alone. How does it do it? Growth in the last decade was driven by a steady stream of acquisitions in core areas and new markets. After gaining a foothold, additional smaller purchases and upgrades have slowly expanded its footprint over time. For example, Brookfield Infrastructure recently invested $100 million gobbling up toll roads in India, which more than doubled the portfolio. It's also looking to expand its presence in the country's communications industries as well, by bidding on cell towers, an area in which it's already a leader in the United States. Management sees similar opportunities in ports, energy, water utilities, and renewable power industries worldwide. Meanwhile, the total returns of Kinder Morgan were holding their own against the S&P 500 up until 2015 when the management was forced to course correct. Energy prices collapsed, transport volumes dried up, creditors became wary of the pipeline operator's leverage ratios, and the company was forced to slash its distribution to clean up its balance sheet. Shares have dropped 60% in the last three years. The good news for investors is that the hard part is over now. Kinder Morgan met its deleveraging goals (although it still boasts a higher leverage ratio than most peers) and, as transported volumes of oil and gas pick up across its continent-spanning network, is looking to distribute more of its cash flow to shareholders again. That includes boosting the distribution 60% in 2018 and repurchasing $2 billion worth of shares. North America's largest pipeline operator also has an impressive backlog of growth projects. The five-year backlog includes $12 billion worth of projects that are expected to contribute $1.6 billion in annual adjusted EBITDA at full tilt. However, it should be noted that Kinder Morgan recently announced it may pull the plug on the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project in Canada. That's significant because the project made up nearly half of the backlog budget and over half of the expected earnings growth from it. By the numbers Both Brookfield Infrastructure and Kinder Morgan offer above-average distribution yields, but that's not the only factor income investors consider. The ability to grow earnings, increase the distribution, and deliver total returns -- including share appreciation -- over time should not be overlooked. How do the two infrastructure stocks compare? As it turns out, pretty evenly in most metrics. Metric Brookfield Infrastructure Kinder Morgan Market cap $16.3 billion $33.3 billion Distribution yield 4.6% 3.2% Forward P/E 15.2 16.4 Price to book 2.3 1.0 EV to EBITDA 11.8 12.2 5-year total returns 106.9% (51.6%) Kinder Morgan expects to increase its annual distribution from $0.50 per share to $0.80 per share in 2018, which would boost the current yield from 3.2% to 5.3%. That high yield is more likely to be an indication that Wall Street is still undervaluing the company despite its most recent annual report and its future earnings potential, rather than a reflection of the risk involved in the investment, as is often the case with higher yields. That would give the pipeline leader the edge in the matchup when it comes to yield, and an argument could be made that forward earnings and EV to EBITDA are a wash. That said, Brookfield Infrastructure offers a sweet combination of a high yield, growth opportunities, and a consistent track record of creating value for shareholders extending back over a decade. Consistency is an often-overlooked ingredient in success, but a quick look at the company's long-term trends makes its value clear. For instance, Brookfield Infrastructure thinks it can increase funds from operations (FFO) up to 9% per year and drive its distribution 5% to 9% higher per year for the foreseeable future. An established asset base makes that possible, as incremental increases in fees over time boost cash flow generated from existing assets, which fuels further growth and expansion. The better buy is... Brookfield Infrastructure offers a more diversified investment than Kinder Morgan -- and consistent growth over long periods of time is its key differentiator. The global company boasts the ability to tap into emerging markets and piggyback on the expansion of the global economy. While Kinder Morgan has a bright future thanks to North America's rise up the ranks of energy-producing regions, such direct exposure to energy markets presents more risk to shareholders. To be clear, I think both infrastructure stocks are buys, but Brookfield Infrastructure gets the edge for a nearly impeccable track record and higher degree of diversification, both in the industries it serves and geographies in which it operates. Besides, it's pretty difficult to beat 289% total returns in the last decade. Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) has been a major underperformer over the past couple of years in an otherwise very strong banking industry. With its infamous fake-account scandal and other lingering issues, many investors are wondering when, if ever, Wells Fargo will return to being one of the most profitable and efficient banks in its peer group. With that in mind, here's a rundown of its first-quarter results and the progress the bank is making toward its goal of restoring the public's confidence. The headline numbers At first glance, Wells Fargo's first-quarter results look pretty good. The bank's earnings came in at $1.12 per share, which handily beat estimates of $1.06 and represents an 8.7% year-over-year increase. Revenue beat estimates as well, with the bank's $21.93 billion figure coming in $200 million ahead of expectations. However, investors were clearly less than thrilled with the bank's earnings report, as the stock was down by more than 3% following the announcement. So, let's take a closer look at the numbers. Benefit from tax reform First, let's discuss another good data point. Wells Fargo received a pretty strong boost from tax reform, as was widely expected. The bank recorded a $1.37 billion income tax expense for the quarter on pre-tax income of $7.50 billion, which translates to an effective tax rate of 18.3%. When compared with a 27.1% rate in the same quarter a year ago, it's easy to understand why Wells Fargo's return on equity (ROE) of 12.37% and return on assets (ROA) of 1.26% both handily surpassed the industry benchmarks of 10% and 1%, respectively, despite a lack of significant improvement in its business. Still hurting from its scandals Unfortunately, there isn't much else in Wells Fargo's earnings that is giving investors a reason to cheer, aside from the bank's cost-cutting efforts, which I'll get to later on. In fact, unlike most other banks, many of Wells Fargo's numbers have actually gotten worse over the past year thanks to the fallout from its fake-accounts scandal and other lingering consumer trust issues. Just to name some of the key points investors should know: Wells Fargo's revenue fell by $0.4 billion from the same quarter a year ago. This includes a 1% drop in net interest income, which is more troubling during a period of rising consumer interest rates. On a similar note, while most banks have seen net interest margins expand significantly since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates, Wells Fargo's net interest margin has actually declined by three basis points over the past year. Wells Fargo's deposit base has slid by $2 billion. Total loans are down by 1%, or $12.6 billion. The bank's 64.9% efficiency ratio is among the worst of its peer group, and is up (lower is better) from 62% a year ago. Ongoing litigation could change the results Wells Fargo also cautioned investors that that the discussions with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) are ongoing, and that while the two agencies have offered a $1 billion resolution in regards to certain Wells Fargo auto lending and mortgage practices, the final outcome of the case cannot be predicted just yet. In its earnings report, Wells Fargo said that the results in its earnings report might potentially need to be changed: At this time, we are unable to predict final resolution of the CFPB/OCC matter and cannot reasonably estimate our related loss contingency. Accordingly, the preliminary financial results we report today may need to be revised to reflect additional accruals for the CFPB/OCC matter when we file our final financial statements in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC. Expense reductions One way that Wells Fargo plans to boost its profits over the next few years is with expense reductions. Specifically, the bank aims to reduce its ongoing annual expenses by $2 billion by the end of 2018 and by $4 billion by the end of 2019. In the earnings report, management said that this is still a realistic goal. "We continued to make progress on our expense savings initiatives and remain on track to achieve our target of $4 billion in expense reductions by the end of 2019," CEO Tim Sloan said. A turnaround that still has a long way to go To be fair, Wells Fargo completely acknowledges that it's still in the early stages of a turnaround. As Sloan said, "I'm confident that our outstanding team will continue to transform Wells Fargo into a better, stronger company; however, we recognize that it will take time to put all of our challenges behind us." And with the recent Federal Reserve penalty that prohibits the bank from growing its asset size until it has made significant improvements to address its mistakes, the bank's growth should be expected to lag the rest of the sector. Having said that, it's important to realize that Wells Fargo isn't the same bank it was just a few years ago. It's certainly possible that management's efforts to restore trust in the bank will succeed, but investors shouldn't expect it to happen overnight. If the bank is successful, however, the current depressed stock price could seem like a long-term bargain for patient investors. Something is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it. This rule applies to every aspect in the market. Would I pay $9000 for an OBS? No, absolutely not. These trucks are not rare yet, nor are they rare in good shape or decent shape. A regular cab in perfect condition, 4x4 with a rebuilt/upgraded transmission with everything functioning correctly and is all stock(besides maybe exhaust and an upgraded transmission) is what will bring top dollar for a regular cab. I don't consider $9000 top dollar for an OBS. Not even close. You may feel otherwise, but you asked for our opinions. in Phoenix, people ask way too much. Somebody is currently selling a 97 F350 CCLB 4x4 lifted with 52k original miles for $45,000. People like that are stubborn and will never sell their vechile for even half of what they are asking. If you are going to sell a vehicle for more than it cost brand new, than it better be rare, or have some type of special history related to it. It better come with free sandwiches and beer. I would say I'd they have room to go down, it would be obvious. But I get the sense they don't. Like I started off saying, if it's worth $9000 to you then technically it is worth at least $9000 because you paid that for it. A majority of people here wouldn't pay that though. Side note, if you want to make the trip to Phoenix, I'll sell you my 97 F250 7.3 ECLB 4x4 5 speed manual with 330k miles for $5000. I'm going to list it for much more but for forum members or friends I'd let it go for $5000. A sensor problem thats what a Ferrari investigation has found was the reason for Kimi Raikkonen being instructed to leave his pit box too early in last weekends Bahrain Grand Prix, resulting in one of his mechanics suffering a broken leg. There was an issue removing the left-rear tyre when Raikkonen boxed for the second time in Sakhir, meaning pit crew member Francesco Cigarini was unable to fit the new tyre. However, a green light was given to signal the pit stop was complete and Raikkonen duly pulled away, knocking Cigarini to the ground. He was taken to hospital for surgery, having suffered a double leg fracture. Ferrari were handed a 50,000 fine for the unsafe release, which came hot on the heels of Haas's double unsafe release in Australia, with Ferrari Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene saying the team made it a priority to uncover what had happened. The team was hurt, said Arrivabene. We have a person who was injured, so it was in our interest to review the overall procedure. We have a procedure to ensure that the pit stops during the race are done in the most safe mode. In this case we have three factors one involves human control, the other involves mechanical, the other involves [an] electronic device [sensor]. Whats happening there is we have a mishandling of the rear left. It was not perfectly read by the electronic device that gives the green light. We went through all the procedures together with the FIA, making sure that this thing doesn't happen again, and its in our interest, because we care about our people, before anything else. It appears Ferraris system thought the tyre had been changed, as the wheelgun had been engaged and then disengaged. Measures have since put in place in a bid to avoid a repeat scenario. Arrivabene said Cigarini was fine and went back home to Italy on Thursday. He added: I would like to thank our team doctor, the medical staff of the FIA and also the authorities in Bahrain. They immediately granted to us the best doctors in Bahrain to do the surgery and they were assisting us 24 hours [a day], so thanks to all of them. Unsafe releases remained a big talking point in China on Friday, with McLaren the latest team to suffer an issue with Stoffel Vandoorne stopping in FP2 with a suspected loose wheel. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Medieval and once abandoned Mutso village in Khevsureti being rehabilitated - GeorgianJournal US mission to OSCE welcomes Georgias peace initiative regarding it occupied territories - GeorgianJournal WhatsApp Business: How to register, set up and use Features oi-Abhinaya Prabhu You can get to know everything about the new WhatsApp Business app from here. WhatsApp is widely used by many users making it the most popular instant messaging platform. It has over 1.5 billion monthly active users across the world and over 60 billion messages are sent through the app every day. The platform is rolling out several new features so that the users are benefited greatly. One such feature is the WhatsApp Business app. Earlier this year, WhatsApp Business app was launched in India. This app is available for the Android users as of now. This app is quite similar to regular WhatsApp but has a number of features letting businesses communicate with customers effectively. Here, we will see how to register and set up a business profile and use the features. How to Register To create a business profile, you need to first download the WhatsApp Business app on your Android smartphone. Then, sign up using your business phone number as it will be easier for the verification process. Now, create your business profile by filling in the details such as the name of your business, contact details, address, etc. on Settings Business Settings Profile. Messaging options In the WhatsApp Business app, you should go to Settings Business Settings and check the messaging options. There are three options - Away message, Greeting message and Quick replies. Choose one based on your requirement. For instance, if you are unable to reply, you can set away message, on receiving the first message from the customer or after 14 days of inactivity, then you send a greeting with the second option. The quick replies option will be ideal if you frequently reply to the questions asked. How to use WhatsApp Business After the initial set up as mentioned above, you can start using the WhatsApp Business app. The following are some of the ways in which you can use the app. Labels: You can consider adding labels to the conversations. The labels will be helpful when you are interacting with many users. You can set up labels for your customers and label the chats using the same. To be precise, if you want to label a chat as 'new customer', you can make out who the person is even after many days of inactivity. You can add a label from the New Label in the menu button on the chat window. To add labels to a chat, you can choose a label and hit Save. WhatsApp Web and desktop support: What's more interesting is that WhatsApp for Business supports both desktop and Web too. You just have to follow the same set up as you do with the regular WhatsApp app. Customer support: With this app, you can offer one-on-one customer support. If you own a small business, you can send photos, videos, and other attachments to the customers and receive the same as well. This way, your customers can explain their issues clearly. WhatsApp live location sharing feature to Android and iOS Send timely updates: The app can help you send timely business updates to your customers. This way, you can send out information about new products or services. Also, you can create broadcast lists to send updates to a large number of customers. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Lenovo-Moto head Sudhin Mahur quits, Shashank Sharma to lead Indian operations News oi-Priyanka During the second half, players such as Xiaomi was particularly disruptive with an aggressively-priced, broad portfolio taken to market with an effective channel expansion strategy. After serving as the head of Lenovo-Motorola group's mobile business in India Sudhin Mathur has stepped down from his position. He will be succeeded by Asia Pacific head Shashank Sharma, ET reported. According to the report his movement out of the company was on personal grounds and it had nothing to do with the firm's performance in the market. However, industry sources told Gizbot that, "The decision has been taken by the management a week ago due to slow sales in India, especially in the recent quarters." Mathur replaced Amit Boni back in 2017 who was serving as General Manager for Motorola India. "Though many might link his leaving with the shaky performance of the brand, I think he has held the brand stable despite rapid disruptions which have been disrupting for all brands including Lenovo," CyberMedia Research (CMR) analyst Faisal Kawoosa told us. As per Counterpoint report, the competitive landscape has changed significantly in the last year, with the rise of brands such as Xiaomi,OPPO, VIVO in the smartphone segment and players such as Reliance Jio, Nokia HMD and iTel in the feature phone segment - all able to disrupt the market with high-quality and attractively-priced offerings. This helped Xiaomi to surpass the long-time market leader, Samsung, for the first time ever performance ended Samsung's six-year market dominance, a report said. Xiaomi (259 percent), iTel (213 percent), Huawei (165 percent), Vivo (115 percent) and OPPO (104 percent) were the fastest growing smartphone brands during CY 2017, the research firm added. Meanwhile, with an aim to strengthen its retail presence in the country Moto is planning to open 1000 stores across 100 cities by end of 2018. The company has recently announced the opening 100 "Moto Hubs" in Karnataka across the top 8 cities out of which 50 will be in Bengaluru. In addition to this, Moto has announced the opening of 50 new Moto Hubs in Mumbai and 25 Moto Hub stores in Kolkata. Furthermore, Motorola commenced the year 2018, with the opening of 50 new Moto Hubs in New Delhi. The company has also collaborated with Poorvika Mobilesacross 43 cities in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Karnataka and with BigC and Lot Mobile stores across 55 cities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to provide retail access to consumers. Exclusive: Interaction with Sudhin Mathur Managing Director, Motorola Mobility India All Moto Hub stores house the entire portfolio of Motorola devices,including moto e4, moto e4 plus, moto c, moto c plus, moto g families including moto g5s plus, moto g5s, moto g5 plus and moto g5 as well as moto z franchise and moto mods along with accessories like on-ear and in-ear headphones, moto shells and covers. Best Mobiles in India Nubia invites rivals Razer and BlackShark for its gaming smartphone launch News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Nubia shows a warm gesture to its rivals before its gaming smartphone launch. Nubia has announced that it is holding a press event on 19th April where the company will announce the launch of a new gaming-related sub-brand of its own. The new range will come under the moniker "Red Magic" and seems to go in direct competition with the soon to be launched Xiaomi Black Shark gaming product. Nubia has now posted a new image on its social media handle which is addressed to two of its rival gaming brands - Razer Phone and Black Shark. Though this seems like a warm gesture from the company to invite its competitors to the launch event of its first gaming smartphone, only Nubia knows what was the actual reason for the invites. Nubia with its Red Magic aims to unveil a whole line of products that "provide a more complete gaming experience for the masses." The new venture also claims to have put "all possible specs under the microscope" before it started the production of its first smartphone. The company wants to offer "a product to bring all gamers - casual and competitive - together". Besides, ZTE during the MWC 2018 did come up with three prototypes of an unannounced smartphone concept designed with a focus on Android gaming. Further, at a gaming event conducted last month in Shenzhen, Nubia's CEO, Ni Fei also confirmed that the company is planning to develop a gaming phone. The new gaming phone is expected to come with a Snapdragon 845 processor and 8GB of RAM and other high end-features including a display that will offer a high refresh rate. The gaming-related smartphones have started pouring in after Razer entered the smartphone segment. Since there are two gaming devices from Xiaomi and Nubia lined up for the launch, it will be interesting to which device gets the best out of the other. Razer Phone has already set a high benchmark with its gaming capabilities, but Xiaomi or Nubia might have a surprise in store with their respective gaming smartphones. OnePlus 5 vs Honor 8 Pro vs Nubia M2 Which has the best dual-camera setup ! - GIZBOT Speaking of Xiaomi's Black Shark, the device is expected to see the light of day on April 13 and will be the first to go head-to-head with the Razer Phone. The device has been long rumored to be in development with Blackshark Technologies (funded by Xiaomi). Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus users facing display issues already News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus users complaint about its display. Samsung recently unveiled it's Galaxy S9 / S9 Plus to world cramming in top-of-the-line features including an industry first variable aperture camera. Besides, the device is also said to boast one the best displays used in a smartphone. But new reports suggest otherwise. Few Galaxy S9 Plus users have taken to the web to report issues with the way colors appear on their phone's display. According to SamMobile, many complaints on the forums are related to a specific 'black crush.' This is an issue where the display has problems presenting different shades of dark colors - instead of displaying the dark sections of the video, the screen shows black blocks or pixelated images. However, the problem isn't with all the Galaxy S9 Plus units. Fortunately, for users who have encountered the issue, it can be resolved through a software fix. Also, this isn't the first time this issue has been reported on a high-end smartphone. Previously, Google Pixel 2 users also reported the same issue which was later fixed through a software update. Samsung is yet to roll out a fix for the issue, Plus users on the XDA Developers forums were able to improve the screen quality using an app called Screen Balance. This could be a good solution for users until Samsung provides a software fix. Samsung has one of the best displays in the smartphone industry, and this might be a very small hurdle in the way. In fact, companies such as Apple also buys the OLED panels for its iPhone X from Samsung. The South Korean company was expected to rake in around $22 billion in revenue this year by supplying OLED panels to Apple. Since it was the only company that supplied the display panels for the iPhone, they charged a premium amount to Apple. Well, this might not be the same for the next iPhone. Samsung Galaxy S9+ unboxing and quick look After the iPhone X saw a decline in sales and demand, has reportedly forced the company to lower the sales cost and cut down component orders from its suppliers, which also includes Samsung. To make things worse, Chinese manufacturers didn't move to OLED panels after the launch of iPhone X, as Samsung expected. This resulted in excess production capacity for Samsung. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung launches Galaxy J2 Pro without internet connectivity option News oi-Karan Samsung has come up with a smartphone without the ability of internet connectivity as a cure for internet addiction in teenagers. Have you ever imagined a smartphone without an internet connectivity? Then this new launch will leave you to amaze, Samsung has come up with a smartphone without the ability of internet connectivity. South Koren smartphone-maker Samsung has come up with a new lineup called Galaxy J2 Pro for its home country. In the last few years, social media platforms have spread worldwide in a massive speed. There are many people especially teenagers have become addicted to the internet. Shockingly, people feel empowered by the numbers of like on their social media posts. Social media has its pros and cons, sometimes it also leads to harm some individual and put the person in depression, leading to suicide. There are many incidences where people have committed suicide on Facebook live. Samsung has taken a step forward to deal with the internet addiction and launched Galaxy J2 Pro, which doesn't support any 4G, 3G or Wi-Fi connectivity option. Which means there is no browsing option and zero access to social media platforms. The smartphone will feature some basic function like calling, normal SMS along with a dictionary app along with an English-Korea and a language translator. The company believes that the new smartphone will get traction from the senior citizens, as they don't pay for the data tariffs, moreover, the user interface is also user-friendly. Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro Specification Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro will come up with a 5.0-inch qHD AMOLED display with a resolution of 540 x 960pixels. The smartphone is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core processor clubbed with a 1.5GB RAM and 16GB of onboard storage. On the camera part, the phone will house an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing selfie camera sensor. The smartphone is backed by a 2,600mAh battery. The J2 Pro also offers a fingerprint scanner on the home button and runs on some unknown version of Android. The Galaxy J2 Pro will be available for sale at 199,100 won (approx. $186/151/Rs12,140). There are two color variants of the phone black, and gold. Samsung has also announced that the students who are buying the J2 Pro will get a huge discount on Galaxy S or Note flagship if they clear College Scholastic Ability Test in 2019 or 2020. Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung to soon start manufacturing OLED panels for iPhone X's successor News oi-Chandrika The production is likely to begin by May with a threshold of 2-3 million, and more units (nearly the double) will be manufactured in the following month. Apple is expected to launch three iPhones in fall this year. Out of these, one is likely to be the direct successor of iPhone X. While September is still months away, the company will reportedly start production of the 2018 iPhone X model earlier than usual. According to reports from The Bell and ETNews, Samsung will soon start manufacturing OLED panels for the device. The production is likely to begin by May with a threshold of 2-3 million, and more units (nearly the double) will be manufactured in the following month. As we reported earlier, Apple and Samsung are still negotiating over the pricing of OLED panels, with the Cupertino-giant asking the latter to reduce the cost of the panels. Rumors have it, Samsung is is offering Apple Y-Octa panels that are used in the Galaxy S9+. Y-Octa panels are said to be relatively cheaper to produce. A previous DigiTimes report also claimed that Apple would start the trial production of the new iPhones to avoid manufacturing delays that the iPhone X met with. The company wants to ensure that last year's mishap is not repeated. While the 2018 iPhone X model will feature an OLED display, the successors of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are expected to come with LCD displays. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, however, thinks otherwise. According to him, there will be two iPhone models with OLED display, and a third one with an LCD display. Kuo expects that Apple will retain the iPhone X design on its upcoming models. According to him, the two OLED iPhones will feature display sizes of 5.8 inches and 6.5 inches. The LCD model, on the other hand, is said to come with a 6.1-inch display. The analyst further claims that the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will sport a single rear camera, but the OLED models will be equipped with dual camera setups on their back. In terms of memory, the LCD model is said to pack 3GB of RAM, while the OLED models will pack 4GB of RAM. Samsung Galaxy S7: Private Mode, Do Not Disturb, Smart View, Always On Display Explained It is worth mentioning that there are other reports that do not resonate with Kuo's opinions. So we can't draw a conclusion just yet. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications When I was a kid growing up in New Jersey, I had the idea of being an accountant firmly ingrained in my mind. I knew that accounting was a foundational element of business and working in that world would lead to fast success. After my first year of auditing public companies, I became frustrated by not being able to make a bigger difference. Shortly after, I transferred into the Price Waterhouse management consulting group in 1993 and began working on developing new ways to secure internet connected systems. In 1997, I moved to Ernst & Young, and by the time I was 27, I was one the youngest senior managers at the firm, but I felt unfulfilled in my role. It didn't help that I was told I was "too young" to move up to partner. Related: 22 Qualities That Make a Great Leader At that time, my inner entrepreneur was telling me that it was time to leave my job, forgoing my benefits and stability to start my own company. As the CEO of Foundstone, I teamed up with my old E&Y colleagues, didn't get paid for over six months and slept on a bare mattress on the floor of one of our co-founder's houses to get the company running. I knew that cybersecurity was about mitigating business risk, and I built my business around that premise. When the company was bought by McAfee five years later, another career transition followed -- I moved into my next role of general manager and worldwide chief technology officer (CTO) at McAfee. Although I turned down the role two times before accepting the position of CTO, it turned out to be one of the best career moves. It gave me a much better appreciation for how antiquated the industry was. The entire antivirus industry was behind the curve in creating a cloud-native security platform that looked much more like Salesforce and a lot less like Sibel. Once again, I felt that I wanted more. It was mainly my drive to make a change in the industry that led me to seek another new venture. I left McAfee after seven years to begin my next company in the endpoint security space, CrowdStrike, with the mission to stop major breaches and redefine how endpoint security was delivered from the cloud. It's been a wild seven-year ride from a budding startup to a global enterprise, but what I've experienced in my entrepreneurial journey has given me a clear narrative on what I think it takes to be a successful CEO. Related: Why the Best Leaders Act Like Playful Puppies Although my early career path was a bit unconventional -- from accountant to CEO and entrepreneur to CTO of a major organization and back again to being a founder and CEO -- my path has offered me a different perspective than most. Here are my thoughts on the critical success factors that every modern CEO should consider: 1. Become a subject matter expert in your field. Today, many CEOs are "professional CEOs," and often excel at running a business but may not be industry natives. This can limit your ability to anticipate what your customers are looking for and how the market may be evolving. Understanding current and foreseeing future client needs is fundamental to helping your business flourish, as this helps you grow into a trusted advisor to your customer base. A great CEO knows that you need to focus on the client first, and once you are in that strategic advisor role, it can help you expand your network and gain future clientele. Becoming an expert in your respective industry can also guide you toward the future of your field. Knowing what innovations or changes are on the horizon is key to business evolution and staying one step ahead of the competition. Writing a book doesn't hurt either. It will be your best 500-page business card! We used to have a saying at Foundstone, "Do you want the guys who read our book or wrote the book performing your security work?" The answer was crystal clear. Related: Are You Ready to Start a Company? Ask Yourself These 6 Questions. 2. Fail fast; evolve faster. Yes, being fast and aggressive is absolutely critical to a successful startup, especially early on when you need to out-innovate and outsmart your competitors. But, your business cannot get stuck in a rut and stop evolving with the current trends and technologies available to your field. The Silicon Valley mantra of "Fail fast, fail often" rings true for many tech entrepreneurs, but I believe it's equally important to evolve even faster after failures. While good companies are those that can excel quickly, the best companies are those that have a long-term vision and know where they are headed. 3. Hiring the best people is as critical as financials. Business is fundamentally a numbers game through a twofold approach: financials and hiring strategy. Financials are at the heart of every business, and those who succeed in the muddy waters of the business world know that good financial health means you will stay afloat. And since certain business finance fundamentals come down to playing the numbers game well, it's important for the CEO to hire critical members for your team who understand and can perform against this basic principle. When it comes to hiring, a focus on finding the best is better than worrying about building fancy offices. I followed this formula when I founded CrowdStrike in 2011. This is why I've always focused on hiring individuals based on performance as opposed to location. This business model helped my company to rapidly expand worldwide and harness the brain power of the most qualified people. Related: Executives of Yesteryear Would Have Scoffed At These 4 Critical Leadership Skills 4. Create a belief employees can actually get behind -- build your mission. Building a successful company means stress and constant change. In order to navigate transitions successfully, your employees ultimately have to stand behind your mission and value proposition. Most importantly, they need to believe that they are making a meaningful difference for customers. If these beliefs are ingrained in your culture, your employees will be resilient when you inevitably face adversity. In the early stages of starting your brand, companies routinely create mission statements -- what they are trying to accomplish. I didn't want my company to just have a static mission statement but to rally behind a common purpose. I knew from the beginning that we were on a mission to stop the bad guys, period. Ultimately, creating a foundation that truly engages your employees to take action forms a type of culture that employees can truly stand behind. At CrowdStrike we tell everyone we don't have a mission statement -- but we are on a mission. When you have passion, mission and purpose, you have limitless boundaries that unlock immense value to you, your shareholders and most importantly your customers! My journey into entrepreneurship wasn't exactly planned and it hasn't always been easy, but my advice is simple: Education and evolution are critical, always hire the best, and remain steadfast in believing in the change you and your team can deliver. Related Video: Real Leaders Don't Listen to Others -- They Make Their Own Destiny Related: I've Gone From Entrepreneur to the Corporate World and Back Again. This Is What It Takes to Lead a Company. Let Go and Lead: The Patterns That Sabotage Effective Leadership So, You're in Sales But (Secretly) Yearn to be a CEO. Here's How to Make That Happen. Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved There are no more excuses. Were all aware of internet-based threats and have a responsibility to protect our corporate data as well as the data of our customers. That's according to Robert Herjavec, star of Shark Tank and one of the country's most well-known entrepreneurs. He's also the founder and CEO of the Herjavec Group, an internationally recognized cybersecurity firm. Herjavec's advice is as timely as it is crucial: This may be cybersecurity's most sensational year to date. Last year brought government hacks, state-sponsored ransomware, corporate cover-ups and ransoms paid. But the industry's response is far from apparent, with few concrete solutions to these very real problems. Business owners in 2018 are justified in feeling anxious about their companies' vulnerabilities. Still, many organizational leaders remain ignorant of how exposed they are to digital attacks -- until those attacks take place. Even worse are those who are aware of weaknesses but don't take appropriate action. "Be knowledgeable of what assets youve kept online, know if its on the cloud or only on your computer's/companys network and get rid of assets that are not utilized," Herjavec says. "Always keep cyber hygiene top of mind -- keep up with password etiquette, delete old accounts and make sure that when you conduct financial transactions, you use a secure network. Related: No One Is Safe From the Data Breach Epidemic New currencies, new vulnerabilities. There is a sense that cybersecurity -- especially with the advent of cryptocurrency -- is so complicated that institutions are powerless to protect their customers' data. In reality, the past year's breaches follow some very distinct trends. Were still seeing ransomware and malware exploit unpatched networks," Robert Herjavec says. "Cryptocurrency 'mining bots' are the new thing, and were seeing that expressed with web-server compromise, browser hijacking and even web ads that are co-opting your-processor-to-mine (cryptocurrency) coins. We are also seeing a resurgence in banking Trojans. Everyone should be using two-factor authentication wherever possible and using unique and frequently changing passwords everywhere else. We can expect phishing attacks to become more sophisticated as well. With these trends in focus, organizational vulnerabilities can be broken down to a few key challenges. First, leaders must identify recurring and common points of failure. Certain aspects of the data pipeline are crucial to operations and across organizations, and the same weak points exist in each. The silver lining: A common trend in security breaches across industries means many people also are developing solutions to help companies in their field operate very securely. Related: The Major Security Risks Small Businesses Face and How to Defend Against Them Cyber hygiene is key. Email is core to nearly every organization's internal and external functions. Both types, however, pose a security threat. Due to its volume and key role, email has become the weapon of choice for hackers. Symantecs Internet Security Threat Report 2017 reported that one in every 131 emails contains malware -- and that's only one kind of attack associated with email use. Spoofs are even more common. These fraudulent messages fool employees into believing the hacker is a colleague who needs access to proprietary or sensitive information. In a high-profile spoof last year, a hacker tricked the White House's cybersecurity officer into disclosing his own private email address. Business owners can help raise awareness of these scams and encourage healthy skepticism by proactively training their employees on cybersecurity etiquette. You have to educate your employees about security risks and employ some basic technologies to try to prevent ransomware and phishing attacks," Herjavec says. "Dont open a suspicious email when the subject or sender doesnt make sense in terms of your role. Hover over URLs before you click on them to ensure the destination is what is truly presented. Never download attachments without validating the source or its content. Its important businesses also control the use of cloud storage providers and limit data exfiltration within their corporate environments." Related: The Biggest Threats in Your Inbox Every IT leader should be thinking authentication solutions. For example, organizations can implement DMARC authentication to verify all incoming emails are, in fact, from the purported sender. Additionally, companies can purchase email-security applications from vendors that specialize in authentication for enterprises. Businesses also can hedge their expsoure by incorporating other forms of communication. Internal-messaging services often are more secure than email and allow for quick verification of any suspicious content -- without requiring users to reply to a fraudulent message. Information storage: a necessary risk. Information storage is both a necessity and a huge weakness. Most organizations need to house massive amounts of data to comply with privacy regulations, enable daily tasks and facilitate business analyses. Computing has moved largely into the cloud. Keeping data stored in one place, with only one point of failure, no longer is commonplace. However, fraudsters evolve just as quickly as the technology changes. In 2016, Uber leaked data from 57 million of its users and drivers when hackers discovered that Uber developers had published their usernames and private-access keys on Github. This allowed access to Uber's Amazon Web Services-based datastores. Uber reportedly paid the hackers a ransom of $100,000 to keep the leak under wraps. Herjavec strongly suggests that businesses limit access to cloud storage outside the corporate network and ensure their employees understand the basics of "cyber hygiene." This includes how to create complex passwords and rotate them. "Also, its important to have a schedule for inventory analysis across the corp network -- knowing what devices are connected, who is using a personal device versus corporate device, etc.," Herjavec says. "Understanding what the endpoints are at play will ensure that you understand the scope of the risk and what you have control over. Related: Password Statistics: The Bad, the Worse and the Ugly Protect data in motion. Not all data moves within an organization. Static and transmitted information require different protocols. Encrypt data at rest," says Siobhan McNamara, a published researcher and data scientist in the American and European cybersecurity sectors. "Data that is stored and is stationary can be stored and encrypted without breaking the bank. Data storage platforms will offer security measures for data at rest. Be sure to incorporate this into your data plan. Data that flows is more complex and costly to lock down. "Therefore, data that moves between hosts and storage systems and is replicated on various platforms requires a separate security approach. This will depend on the data needs of an organization in question," says McNamara, who is part of the engineering team at Agari. She and her colleagues are designing systems to protect email from malicious messages and phishing attacks. "Storage solutions may encrypt data at the network level, in networking equipment, at the application level, in the database or at the data-set or operating-system level," McNamara says. "Talk to the experts managing your storage solution and explain your data environment. They will create the best security solution depending on how your data moves." Related: Thanks to Blockchain, Decentralization -- and Data Security -- Are the Future Establish safeguards and oversight. Oftentimes, it is simply poor data-management that poses the greatest risk. Organizational error can lead to enormous breaches and be every bit as costly as intentional cybercrime. Saks Fifth Avenue accidentally leaked sensitive data of tens of thousands of customers via a link on its website. Equifax, the credit bureau that centrally stores personal data, recently was targeted in a hack that leaked the social security numbers, birthdays and credit card numbers of more than 145 million Americans. As the story unfolded, it came to light that Equifax executives were aware their infrastructure left the door open to cyber attacks. Yet for months before the breach, they failed to implement an available patch for their version of Apache Struts software. In June 2017, a marketing company working for the Republican National Committee leaked the sensitive data of 60 percent of the U.S. voting population. Deep Root Analytics accidentally stored the information on a publicly available Amazon Web Services cloud server. This included approximately 200 million American citizens home addresses, birthdates and phone numbers -- as well as political views and analyses. Political groups use these analyses to predict where individual voters fall on controversial issues such as gun ownership, stem-cell research and reproductive rights. Earlier this year, the Swedish Transport Agency (STA) released sensitive information on the country's military units and witness-relocation program. The STA had contracted IBM to manage its databases and networks. However, the STA mistakenly uploaded IBM's entire database to cloud servers and then emailed the data to marketers in clear text format. Clearly, each of the above examples represents a data-governance issue. Occasional mistakes are bound to happen, but the sheer scale of these breaches points to pure data negligence. Predictably, these companies and agencies had to deal with public fallout over the lack of respect for data-handling. Related: When It Comes to Adopting the Cloud, You've Got to Secure Company Data Focus on what you do best. Hire an expert for the rest. Data security is a highly specialized field and one that's pertinent to every organization. I always advocate for doing what you do best and trusting experts to support you in your areas where you are not as strong," Herjavec says. "In most cases, youre running a business -- not ensuring security. So youll need to balance some investment in technology with some basic principles in policy to get started. You dont need to outsource your entire infrastructure right off the bat, but I recommend getting feedback from an expert and evaluating outsourced IT solutions to alleviate the pressure and risk. Your job as a business owner is ensuring that security is top of mind, that you make your team aware of the risks and that youre controlling the cyber hygiene policies within your scope of responsibility. Give your organizations data the respect it requires. Trained specialists create the architecture for data pipelines and generate succinct data-governance procedures. This places accountability in one central place and keeps details from falling through the cracks. An effective data-storage strategy will promote security awareness. It also encourage employees and users to consider best practices from technological and process perspectives. The first step is deciding whether your business will best be served by hiring in-house staff or contracting with a independent consulting firm. In either case, look for experts with a proven track record. Weve grown from three people doing $400,00 in sales a year to roughly 300 people doing $200 million in sales a year. We have done so well because of our wide expertise in multiple technologies, our team approach to cyber services (including consulting, identity and managed security services) and our ability to find flexible, customizable solutions to meet our customers needs in the enterprise space. Its been a wild ride over the last 15 years, but were now operating across the U.S., U.K. and Canada. We love what we do and were laser-focused on cybersecurity. This niche is incredibly challenging as the technologies evolve so quickly and threats are always emerging -- but when you love what you do and you love the industry, youre able to attract an incredible team of people. Im very lucky. Related: 4 Security Questions to Ask When Outsourcing IT Operations to Make Sure Your Business Isn't at Risk While there's no way to become 100 percent secure, organizations can take clear action to drastically decrease their vulnerability. Each requires some up-front investment, but it's much cheaper to abate the risk than it is to clean up after a breach. Employing experts and developing a structure around data governance is the first step. Investing in storage platforms with dynamic security options and requiring email authentication will patch all the weak points. In the end, the tools for solid security are within reach. And the time to build awareness is now. Related: Robert Herjavec's Dos and Don'ts: From Cryptocurrency to Cyber Hygiene Distributed Cybercrime is a Growing Threat to Critical Infrastructure 4 Lessons Your Organization Can Take From Atlanta's Ransomware Attack Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) has received a certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance, which suggests it will be released really soon. The model number of the Galaxy A6+ (2018) is SM-A605FN/DS, signifying there will be a dual-SIM version, as we already know. A day ago the phone was spotted in a HTML5 test, which revealed it will have a tall-aspect Infinity Display. We already have a good idea what specs the Galaxy A6+ (2018) and A6 (2018) will carry. The non-plus model will have a 5.6-inch 18:9 2220x1080px display, and an Exynos 7870 chipset with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage. The Galaxy A6+ (2018) adds a few inches for a 6-inch diagonal of the same resolution, it gains 4GB of RAM and likely a Snapdragon 625 chipset. When the two arrive it's rumored they'll be sold in Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Source By Vasia Orion | Published on 2018/04/12 I was highly excited over the potential validity of this lonely piece of news hidden away in the Daum feed, but upcoming OCN drama "The Guest - Drama" does have two buzzkill elements about it. Regardless, the channel seems to be into its religious themes lately, so I suppose this would become the latest installment. Advertisement "The Guest - Drama" (working title) is a drama about a psychic, a priest and a detective who tackle crimes committed by strange powers in the country. I'm not sure if the powers mentioned are of the supernatural variety, but if they are, that detective must struggle a lot. PD Kim Hong-seon-I ("Black", "Voice") is reportedly planning this for the second half of this year, and the casting process is currently underway. Everything sounds exciting, so there must be a catch, right? Well, this will be written by the duo of Seo Jae-won and Kwon So-ra, whose previous joint project was "Entourage". I have never felt my excitement go limp faster. Granted, "Entourage" was their first work together, and the first one in general for writer Kwon So-ra, but it is just too terrible a credit to overlook. Worrying writer pair aside, this could be a fun work if done well, and the combination of Korean shamanism, Christianity and crime hinted sounds interesting. Imagine the clashing that would happen between figures of different approaches to the otherworldly, and a detective hard-bound to our physical reality. At least that's what I hope we would get out of this. For now, I will wait for more widely available news and hope that the writers had some sort of religious epiphany themselves, because I would like to think someone saw potential in them that was definitely not evident in "Entourage". Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings' Sources (1) Published on 2018/04/13 | Source Added episode 14 captures for the Korean drama "Queen of Mystery Season 2" (2018) Advertisement Directed by Choi Yoon-seok-II, Yoo Yeong-eun-I Written by Lee Seong-min-II Network : KBS With Choi Kang-hee, Kwon Sang-woo, Lee Da-hee, Park Byung-eun, Kim Hyun-sook, Kim Won-hae,... 16 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00 Synopsis "Queen of Mystery" tells the story of a prosecutor's wife who's always dreamed of being a detective. After actually solving a case, she ends up in an unlikely crime-fighting duo with a young police captain. Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2018/02/28 More D.J. Olson listens to various people talk during a public hearing held Thursday in Havre City Hall on a complaint filed against the Havre Fire Department. The hearing was held because Olson, along with Havre's local firefighter union, is fighting his termination from the Havre Fire Department. The Havre City Council's Labor Relations Committee heard from the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 601, an attorney for the city and Fire Chief Mel Paulson Thursday during a public hearing on a complaint about the termination of a Havre Fire Department engineer. Dustin "D.J." Olson filed a grievance in January against the department for his termination. The grievance report form says the termination was not for good cause and was the result of an incomplete investigation with no specific evidence supporting the termination. Olson, the grievance report form said, was also not given a required hearing before his termination or the chance to respond to the reasons for his termination. Cody McLain, Local 601 vice president and grievance committee chair, spoke for Olson and Local 601 at the meeting. "The termination is without just cause, there is absolutely no supporting specific evidence to even consider termination or any sort of discipline for that matter," McLain said. He said the termination was a witch hunt prompted by a personal vendetta that Paulson and Havre Mayor Tim Solomon have against Olson, driven in part by Olson's active participation in Local 601. Betsy Griffing, the attorney representing the fire department at the hearing, said Olson was not fired for being an active union member but for misbehavior. She said several investigations were brought against Olson for insubordination toward a supervisor, bullying and harassing a co-worker, falsifying recertification papers for a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians license and not preparing an engine to respond to emergencies by the end of his shift. The grievance is the third filed by Olson against the fire department. McLain said the first grievance was filled in May 2016 because of a reprimand of Olson by then-Assistant Fire Chief Paulson that resulted from a misunderstanding, McLain said. The Labor Relations Committee denied the grievance on a 2 to 1 vote, but the city attorney recommended the department remove the reprimand after six months and it has done so. McLain said the second grievance was filed in 2016 after the department changed promotional policy that prevented Olson from retaking a test he did not pass. The council voted 2 to 1 against the grievance. An arbiter ruled that the city should appoint Olson to the engineer position with seniority and pay grade purposes as of the date of the departments's March retest. McLain said that Solomon and Paulson say the details about Olson's firing are in Olson's termination letter. McLain said the letter just suggests several investigations were brought against Olson and that there is substantial evidence, and that was enough to lead to his termination. No specifics were offered he said. The termination letter says that an internal investigation was underway about an allegation that Olson was insubordinate and disrespectful toward assistant chief Kelly Jones, McLain said. McLain said the incident stemmed from Dec 22, 2017, when Olson handed Jones a bag of Chex mix as a Christmas present. When he was handed the bag Jones thanked Olson, McLain said. He added that Olson then said "you're welcome, that is the least I can do after all you did for me." McLain said that does not violate fire department policy and does not warrant termination. He said that the only witness to the the incident was Captain Jack Trethewey who said in a later interview done as part of the investigation that Olson was not disrespectful or insubordinate. Griffing asked Jones what Olson had said. Jones said that Olson said "that is the least I can (expletive) do after all you do for me." Jones said he had never been addressed like that by a subordinate. Griffing said that when a subordinate says something like that to a supervisor they will suffer repercussions. She said it shows that Olson did not think there would be consequences for his actions. Griffing said that Olson was not a team player and that he bullied and harassed a co-worker to the point that the co-worker resigned from the department. "He basically said I can't deal with this anymore," she said. "Well, Chief Paulson said enough is enough." McLain said the termination letter says that Assistant Police Chief Jason Barkus interviewed Olson about the bullying accusation, and Olson was given a chance to present his position, but no further evidence was provided. McLain said that all that Olson said is that he had a conversation with the co-workers, a department captain, Dec. 22 that resulted with Olson writing a compliant that the captain expressed threatening behavior to him. Griffing said the bullying went the other way and involved recertification papers with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, which the termination letter said Olson falsified. She said the co-worker actually said, "'I will not lie for you, D.J. Olson.' That shows the kind of pressure co-workers felt from Mr. Olson." Griffing asked Paulson how firefighters were recertified. Paulson said during questioning by Griffing that for recertification, firefighters sign up and receive a password and they can log on to enter what they have done in the way of recertification and then forward it to a training officer. The system serves as a check and balance on people's training, he said, adding that a firefighter cannot file their own recertification and has to go through the training officer. Paulson said he investigated the matter and that then-Chief Hedges said he "absolutely did not verify anyone's skills on a Sunday evening and did not log on." McLain said that Olson called the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and the organization said that there was not any problem with the recertifications and that they were not under investigation. McLain said that the policy that Olson was said to have violated did not exist until September 2017. He said that two other firefighters accused of the same violation were given a written reprimand. One of those employees has since resigned, the other has filed a grievance. McLain said a fourth incident on the termination later said that Olson was under an internal investigation for not getting a truck ready to respond to emergencies by the end of his shift. McLain said that the incident happened Dec 25 after firefighters were out fighting the fire at Big Equipment on U.S. Highway 87. The truck was covered in inches of ice, McLain said. He added that Olson had done his best to thaw out the truck. All doors were open and all equipment cleaned. Olson was, however, unsure what was frozen on the inside of the water pump and erred on the side of caution to make sure the truck was properly thawed out, McLain said. McLain said that putting a pump in service before it is properly thawed can be catastrophic, and Olson chose to let the truck thaw. Paulson said that is not what happened. "He did not make any attempt and that was kind of the issue and it was actually brought up by Captain Beau Paulson," Mel Paulson said. Paulson said that when Olson blamed Beau Paulson that he did not do what he told him to do with regards to the truck. Mel Paulson said Beau Paulson then asked Olson if he even attempted to thaw the truck, and Paulson said he and Assistant Chief Jones were standing there when Olson looked at Beau Paulson and said "No, I guess I didn't." "That is quite a bit different from what you heard today," Griffing said. McLain also said that Mel Paulson did not hand over a recording of an interview involving one of the allegations against Olson, despite a promise to do so. McLain said that despite repeated requests to Paulson and the city attorneys, they still have not received a copy of the recording of the interview. Griffing said that material was not provided to the union. She said that early on in the process she had received an email asking for investigative notes. The notes, she said, contain highly sensitive and private information about witnesses who fear retaliation from Olson. "They are afraid of him, that he will retaliate, and I was reluctant to give that to them," she said. Committee Chair Karen Swenson said after the meeting that in the next five days, she and fellow committee members Andrew Brekke and Caleb Hutchins must each write up a statement. The statements will then be collected by Swenson and a recommendation will be written up about whether to uphold or deny the mayor's decision to uphold the termination of Olson. If the committee then decides to uphold the firing and deny the grievance the city and Local 601 would then be able to go to arbitration, she said. Press release Lari Linquist has been selected as one of Havre High School's students of the month for March. The daughter of Dawn Hanson and Rick Linquist, Lari, a senior, has two older siblings, Andrew, 28, and Dane, 22. Lari is a member of the Havre High marching band, pep band and symphonic band, as well as theatre. Outside of the classroom, Lari is a second counselor in her young women's church group. Her hobbies include music, hiking, skating and adventuring. Lari was nominated by Colleen Patera because she "is one of the kindest most thoughtful young ladies I have had the pleasure of getting to know." Patera said Lari "is one of those students who sets the bar high for herself and by doing so, other students in her classes ... follow her lead and work towards that high standard also." After high school, Lari plans to double major in music performance - French horn - and music education at the University of Montana. Delleny Munson is the other March student of the month for Havre High School. Delleny Munson The daughter of Frank and Janna Munson, Delleny, a junior, has three siblings, Brenden, 21, Gerren, 12, and McKensey, 8. Delleny is a member of the Havre High Belle Voix choir, as well as Leadership High School. In addition to her school activities, Delleny works at the movie theatre, babysits and volunteers at her church. Her hobbies include hand embroidery, drawing and playing the piano. Delleny was nominated by Luke Thompson because she "always comes to class with a smile and always knows how to make people laugh." Thompson said Delleny has strong values, confidence and charisma "that makes a huge difference in the classroom." After high school, Delleny plans to attend college in Oregon to get her degree as a nurse practitioner. This Sunday, the halls of Havre Middle School will be filled with community members of all ages as Havre Public Schools thanks the senior citizens of the community for all they have done for the schools. The Salute to Seniors starts with doors opening at noon and brunch starting at 12:30 p.m in the Havre Middle School cafeteria. This event is held to honor the senior citizens in the community who volunteer and contribute to the schools. Some of these volunteers, like community member and former substitute teacher Priscilla Presnell, volunteer because they like being around the kids and watching them succeed. I read with them, help them with math, put bulletin boards up, help with writing, whatever the teacher asks of me, Presnell said. This is the 28th year the Salute to Seniors will be held, said Shelley Southworth, the secretary for the Havre district superintendent. Tiffany Olson, who is in charge of Community Education for Havre Public Schools, said that the school district has been trying to get the word out about the event by having the students bring invitations home, letting the school volunteers know about the event, and sending invitations to the members of the 62+ program operated by the school district. Bear Paw Development Corp. Executive Director Paul Tuss, who has attended previous years Salute to Seniors, said the event is incredibly well-attended and it helps to bridge the gap between the generations. The brunch will be served by district employees and students and will feature student artwork in the entrance, student-made placemats on the tables and student musical performances after the brunch. The featured choirs will be the Havre High School Hi-Liters, Belles Voix, saxophone choir, clarinet choir and the Havre Middle School Treble-aires. Tuss said a definite highlight of the event is the vocal and band performances. He said the seniors at the event appreciate the incredible talent of the music performances. Olson said they want to get the word out about this important event. She said she is happy that every year it gets a little bigger. If you have been out to Havre Animal Shelter, called about a stray animal or seen the man in the blue "Havre Animal Control" shirt, you have probably met Pete Federspiel; the man with the big smile and a passion for helping the Havre community animals. Federspiel took over the shelter in May of 2016 and since then has been a sort of one-man show when it comes to taking care of the Animal Shelter. Federspiel is not only the Animal Control Officer but during the weekdays is the only employee at the shelter. He said on the weekends, though, he does have two part-time employees who come in and clean. Federspiel said the shelter "has been open since about the '70s, maybe older than that." He added that though the shelter has only been open about 40-50 years, "there has been an ordinance with an animal control officer since the 1920s." Federspiel said he decided to take over the shelter when he reached 20 years as a deputy. Deputies are able to retire after 20 years on the force, he said. "When I hit my 20-year mark," he said he thought, "I will start looking for something else to do." "The position came open," Federspiel said, "I applied and here I am." The shelter can take 13 cats and 8 dogs at a time, Federspiel said. If needed, puppies can be put in a kennel together, he added, or in emergencies they can also keep some dogs out back. He said that the average amount of time they house animals is seven days for dogs and 45 days for cats. Federspiel said the shelter only uses euthanization as a last resort. "As long as there is room," he said, "we won't put animals down." He added that the only exception to this is if the animal is vicious or very ill. The shelter primarily tries to only take in cats and dogs but there have been a few exceptions. One time they took in some stray tortoises that were found on the side of the road, and they have also taken in rabbits at times. The shelter tries not to take in too many rabbits, though, he said, because of space. Federspiel said the shelter is always looking for people or families to adopt animals. The process is pretty simple. The person who would like to adopt an animal can come in and pick an animal, Federspiel said. "We have a few questions that we need to ask," Federspiel said, such as if the landlord of their apartment or house allows animals. He added that it is important they make sure the adopter has "a fenced-in yard or some way of keeping the animal contained." The adopter will then sign an adoption agreement. After this, they pay the adoption fee, which is $5 for feral cats going to farms, $50 for cats, and $95 for dogs. The Havre Animal Shelter website also says that animals which have been previously spayed or neutered are offered at a discounted price. Federspiel said that at this time there is nothing particular that they are looking for in adoptive families but the shelter is hoping to eventually get an application put in place that can screen prospective adopters. The shelter not only has their own webpage, which features information on fees, stray animals and animals up for adoption, but they also have a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Havre-Animal-Shelter-991142817601515, that Federspiel updates regularly. "It (Facebook) is an important resource for the shelter," He added. Federspiel said it is especially beneficial for owners who have pets that accidently escaped and were picked up by Animal Control. "Animals can easily be picked up within a few hours (after seen on Facebook)," he added. Federspiel said that he likes to post pictures of the animals on the website but there are certain situations where he will not post pictures. He said he will not post pictures of feral cats up on the site because, he said, he found it may be upsetting to some residents who do not want to see feral cats become barn cats as opposed to house cats. He added that he does not post pictures of stray animals getting adopted because it may cause conflict if the original family sees the post and wants the animal back. Federspiel said that some people do not come back to pick up their stray animals right away because of the costs, which is $20 a day impound fees, or they are afraid they might get a ticket, he said, because they were not keeping the animal in the right conditions. Federspiel said that people have five days to pick up their pet before the animal can be adopted out. Along with running the shelter, Federspiel is also the Havre Animal Control Officer. He said this part of his job entails him investigating cruelty to animals, animals at large and handling city animal ordinances. He added that he doesn't "actively go out and look for unregistered animals," but if they do find one, he said, he handles that. Federspiel said he encourages community members to call the Animal Shelter or the Havre City Police Department if they see an animal being mistreated or in danger. He said that people may be worried if they call about possible animal cruelty and don't personally see anything being done, but Federspiel said he encourages these community members not to be discouraged because Animal Control does check out every call they receive. As far as donations, Federspiel said, they "haven't been actively pursuing donations." He said the reason they don't pursue the donations, is because if the donation sum is not a large enough amount of money, it goes in with the general city fund. Federspiel added that larger sums are welcome because they will be designated to the shelter. Ryan Welch/Havre Daily News He is hoping, he said, that they will be able to ask for donations in the future since he has submitted the paperwork for the shelter to become a non-profit organization. The shelter is happy to take other kinds of donations, such as towels. They are currently gathering towels for the upcoming spay/neuter clinic, June 30-July 1, put on by Spay Montana. Federspiel said if he could ask the Havre community anything it would be to spay and neuter their pets as well as stay up-to-date with vaccinations. He said that he has seen animals get very sick or die from illnesses such as parvovirus and distemper. "Spay, neuter, and shots is the biggest thing," Federspiel said. Press release Professional concert violinist Jack Glatzer will be performing at several locations in Havre April 22 and 23, at the invitation of Mary Stevens of Harp for Healing LLC. Scheduled performances include a concert at St. Jude Thaddeus Church 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22, focusing on the musical and artistic works of Rembrandt and Bach, two of the greatest artistic creators of history. Additional abbreviated performances will be held Monday, April 23: St. Judes Thaddeus Church at 9 a.m. for the students at St. Jude Thaddeus School. Family and the public are welcome to attend. Northern Montana Care Center at 10:45 a.m. Timber Creek Assisted Living Center at 7 p.m. Besides complete technical mastery of their art, Rembrandt and Bach share profound religious and spiritual feeling and understanding. It is very moving to see how this spirit is manifest in such a similar way by juxtaposing the painting and the music. It is truly as if the music is illuminated in the paintings and the paintings are elucidated in the music. Glatzer will demonstrate how the life of Rembrandt is reflected in the magnificent music of the Chaconne - the calling with its search for meaning, the achievement in love and success, and the final and sorrowful years of personal and professional loss. This comparison will be augmented by quotations in the commentary from the Bible - chiefly Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, the Psalms and Corinthians. Jack Glatzer has performed in the major cities of Montana, throughout North America and in over 50 countries, but is very fond of Havre. On previous visits, he has performed at the Chancellor lecture series for Montana State University-Northern, several of the local schools, and given workshops and lessons. The public is invited to attend any or all of the performances. There is no admission charge, but gratuities for the artist are welcome. Last updated 4/13/2018 at 7:43am North Central Senior Citizens Center, April 16-20 Monday Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; bingo at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m; TOPS at 8 a.m.; cards at 1 p.m. Thursday Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Great Falls trip at 8 a.m. Friday Medical transportation will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. but people must make a request at least 24 hours in advance. Pinochle First place, Lois Zinn; second place, Elva Van Desse; third place, Blanche Davis; pinochle, Lynn Ophus March Me... A North Dublin community has pledged to raise more than 125,000 in a drastic effort to stop more than 500 homes from being built in its area. Thousands of euros have already been donated towards a judicial review, following An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for the controversial development beside St Anne's Park, Raheny. This was despite more than 1,000 local objections. The disputed development will be at St Paul's College, Raheny, adjacent to St Anne's Park, and will ultimately lead to the demise of playing fields on the site, which are utilised by many clubs. Pledge The decision, which was made under a fast-track planning process, is subject to 24 conditions. At least 10pc of all homes will be for social housing. Following a meeting at Clontarf Castle on Tuesday, followed by a smaller one on Wednesday, hundreds of people lined up to hand over money or pledge donations for the high-risk case. The total sum raised has not been disclosed, but sources say it's more than enough to fund a barrister to access the case. "We believe this will be in the region of 5,000 but with the donations raised already we can certainly afford this cost," said the source. The next step of the process is said to be 25,000 to accumulate all the necessary paperwork. Objectors have until the end of May to make their application in the High Court on an ex-party basis. Their legal representative will then state the reasons for a judicial review to the judge, who will decide whether to accept or reject the case. If the application is granted it could cost both the developer and An Bord Pleanala more than 125,000 each. But if the case goes against the objectors they could lose the same amount. Last year, An Bord Pleanala saw about 30 judicial review outcomes. Out of these, only two cases were judgments against the board. "We believe we have a very strong case," said Deirdre Nichol, of Clontarf Residents Association. "This is much more than a local issue. Despite unanimous, cross-party opposition to this development, An Bord Pleanala still gave it the go-ahead. "If we don't fight, then what's stopping developers from taking up every bit of green space we have?," she added. Developer Marlet Property Group said: "This development will provide 500 badly needed houses close to Dublin city, making a contribution to alleviating the housing shortage in the capital city. It will respect the wonderful amenity that is the neighbouring St Anne's Park." Bernadette Flynn said her leg went up in the air and she fell A woman who claims she slipped on an alleged grease-like substance in a food hall is suing Marks & Spencer in the High Court. Bernadette Flynn was shopping with a friend for bridesmaid dresses in Dublin when she claims she fell as she walked through the food hall of the Mary Street store. "My leg went up in the air. I went down. I was completely shocked," she said. Ms Flynn said she was crying and embarrassed and could not get up. She said her friend could not find anyone to help, but another shopper helped her up. Ms Flynn (49), of Ropewalk, Ringsend, Dublin, is suing Marks & Spencer Ireland Ltd after the alleged fall on February 6, 2016. She has claimed she hurt her wrist and hip and afterwards had difficulties in relation to domestic activities such as vacuuming and ironing, and she could not blow-dry her hair. Precautions She has claimed there was a failure to take any reasonable steps or precautions for her safety and maintain a safe and adequate system of cleaning of the premises. Mr Justice Anthony Barr was told the claims were denied and Marks & Spencer has also contended there was contributory negligence on the part of Ms Flynn, who it has alleged did not keep a proper lookout. The company has further stated that it cannot understand why Ms Flynn's friend could not find somebody to help after the alleged fall as it said it had 17 people in the area at the time. Ms Flynn said she noticed a skid mark about a foot long on the floor, which appeared to be a cream or grease-like substance. She told Mr Justice Barr she was embarrassed and in a lot of pain, and already suffers from an arthritic condition. She said that after the fall she got a taxi home and phoned the Marks & Spencer store and reported what had happened. She said she was in hospital the next day on another matter when somebody from the store rang her, but she was unable to speak with them. A person from Marks & Spencer rang her a few weeks later. She said she got married a few months later but had been unable to keep up a gym exercise plan devised for the run-up to the wedding. Counsel for Marks & Spencer, Michael Counihan, said the store had no record of a phone call from her on the evening of the alleged accident. The case continues. An application to cover Paddy Jackson's legal fees is due to be heard in Belfast Crown Court next month, it has emerged. Mr Jackson (26) was acquitted of rape and sexual assault last month following a mammoth nine-week trial. Three other co-defendants - including Mr Jackson's Ireland and Ulster Rugby team-mate Stuart Olding (25) - were also acquitted on charges they faced arising from an incident in Mr Jackson's south Belfast bedroom in June 2016. It is understood that Mr Jackson privately funded his defence, and his legal bill amounted to more than 115,000, which he has already settled. Costs However, he is seeking to retrieve this money and has made an application in an attempt to have the costs covered by the Public Prosecution Service. A hearing in a bid to cover the legal costs has been scheduled in Belfast at 2pm on Friday, May 18. Mr Olding had been covering his own legal costs at the start of the trial. However, halfway through the trial his barrister asked that he be granted legal aid for the remainder of the hearing, as he no longer had sufficient funds to cover the costs. After she asked to be provided with evidence of this - such as bank statements - Judge Patricia Smyth granted legal aid for Mr Olding. Meanwhile, organisers of a planned protest outside the home of Ulster Rugby tonight have released details of the event, which coincides with the team's first home game since the verdict in the high-profile trial. Members of the Belfast Feminist Network have organised a protest at the Mount Merrion entrance to the Kingspan ground at 7pm, as fans are entering the stadium for the match against the Ospreys. The group has helped organise a number of protests since Mr Jackson and Mr Olding were found not guilty. The protesters say they have been liaising with police to ensure the protest is lawful and well ordered. Belfast Feminist Network said it was part of "a movement to change how our criminal justice system deals with sexual assault crimes". Last week, 139 people took out a crowdfunded newspaper advert to demand Mr Jackson and Mr Olding never play rugby for Ulster or Ireland again. The advert described the content of social media exchanges involving the pair as "reprehensible". However, an advert in Wednesday's Belfast Telegraph, paid for by fans of Ulster Rugby, called on the club to reinstate the two players to the squad. The full-page advert, funded by more than 100 supporters, described "the social media backlash" against the men as "cyber prosecution". The pair remain suspended from playing while Ulster Rugby carry out an internal investigation into the sexist language used by the players in a series of WhatsApp messages sent in the aftermath of a party at Mr Jackson's house in 2016. Review No decision has been announced on the outcome of an internal review by the IRFU and Ulster Rugby on the playing future of Mr Jackson and Mr Olding. It is understood that the club's major sponsor, Bank of Ireland, is awaiting the results of the high-profile review. In a statement, Bank of Ireland said it has relayed its concerns to Ulster Rugby regarding what it calls "the serious behaviour and conduct issues which have emerged as a result of the recent high-profile trial". On Wednesday, reporting restrictions on the trial were lifted and it was revealed that jurors were unaware there were photographs of additional blood on the sheets of Mr Jackson's bed. His barrister, Brendan Kelly QC, said he had "no intention of saying where this blood came from". A man attacked his brother who he was "feuding" with at a cemetery after the two had visited their dad's grave on Father's Day. Gregory Nugent (57) lunged at his brother, Declan, and assaulted him by grabbing his arm in a scuffle when the pair encountered each other after going separately to the grave. The accused had denied the charge, insisting he had fallen to the ground and had no physical contact with his brother during the incident. Judge John Lindsay found him guilty and put him on a bond to keep the peace for a year. The judge cleared him of a related charge of causing criminal damage to his brother's watch in the same incident. Gregory, of Shanboley Road, Santry, had pleaded not guilty to both charges. "What happened shouldn't have happened, full stop," Judge Lindsay said. "I would say that to both of them." Declan told Dublin District Court he was at Dardistown Cemetery with his wife, Adrienne, and their dog at 5pm last June 18 last. They had just visited his father's grave and were on their way to his father-in-law's grave when he noticed the defendant nearby. Telling his wife not to go near him, Declan "backed off" and took out his phone to record anything that might happen. "He came up to my wife and got right in her face and started saying things to her, derogatory remarks," he said. He began recording and the defendant, "more or less said 'go ahead'." His wife phoned gardai and told them they were being "intimidated". Grapple "He came closer and ran at me, there was a scuffle, he tried to grapple me to the ground, I managed to hold on to my phone," Declan said. He manoeuvred away and the accused instead fell to the ground before walking away. The victim said he was "badly shaken". Adrienne Nugent told the court that she saw the accused and told her husband: "My God, ignore him, he's very dangerous." She said the accused went to attack her first, then pushed her husband, who put his foot out. Gregory then tripped over her husband's leg, she said. The court heard there was a "long, protracted history" between the complainant and the defendant. Gregory told the court he saw his brother and sister-in-law and "they started shouting abuse at me". He claimed he and Ms Nugent walked towards each other and they exchanged insults. He said he walked away as his brother was recording him, "obviously trying to set me up". He maintained they were still shouting abuse at him, so he turned and went towards his brother, but slipped on the gravel. Viewing the camera footage, Judge Lindsay said the accused did not seem to have been moving at any speed that would have rendered him unstable. The audio did not contain any insulting language from the victim and his wife. The judge asked the accused why he went towards his brother. "Just out of temper I supp-ose," he replied. "Honestly, I would say the purpose was to hit him." A drunk man smashed a glass over another man's head in a random attack while they were in the smoking area of a nightclub. Garry Foley (23) left the victim with cuts to the side of his head and ear following the assault. Judge Dermot Dempsey said he wanted the victim to provide a victim impact report and to attend court so he could see his injuries before sentencing. Foley, of The Beech, Clonshaugh Road, Dublin 17, admitted before Swords District Court to seriously assaulting the man at Tamangos Nightclub in Portmarnock last September 17. He was extremely intoxicated when he went into the smoking area, the court heard. The victim was talking to a friend when Foley, who was not known to him, approached and smashed a glass over his head. He was taken by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital where he received treatment for cuts to his head and ear. Foley was detained by security staff before being arrested by gardai. After hearing the evidence, Judge Dempsey said he "won't proceed to finalise the case today as I require a victim impact report and I want the injured party to attend court if he wants to". Compensation Foley's solicitor said the def-endant was willing to pay compensation and could come up with 900 in a week or two. Judge Dempsey said he would not assess an amount of compensation until he saw the injured man. He adjourned the case until next month for the report to be compiled. Scene of the Shooting at a house on Rathoath Drive Finglas At least nine shots were fired at a house, which was previously the headquarters of an on-the-run hitman for the Kinahan cartel, in an early-morning gun attack in north Dublin yesterday. The property, which has been vacant from time to time, has been used by a dangerous Finglas gang which has links to the cartel. The house was also fire-bombed and shot at in a sinister attack last November. A source told the Herald last night that yesterday morning's gun attack at the property is being investigated as part of a bitter criminal feud in the area that has been ongoing for almost a year. The shots were fired through the windows of the terraced house at 6.20am yesterday and are believed to have been fired from a handgun. At least one man pulled up at the house and fired at it, hitting the living room window on the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom window. The gunman then made his getaway, possibly by motorbike. Expand Close Scene of the arson attack in November / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Scene of the arson attack in November Bullet holes were visible in the glass after the shooting and the area was sealed off for a forensic examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau. There were no reports of injuries and it is not thought there was anyone in the house at the time it was attacked. Yesterday's gun attack is just the latest instalment in the bitter Finglas feud, which has seen a number of gun attacks, firearms seizures, violent assaults and numerous damage to property incidents. War Associates of a 30-year-old Finglas drug dealer who has links to the Hutch mob are being investigated for carrying out yesterday's gun attack. His faction has been at war with a rival local mob led by another drug dealer nicknamed 'Mr Flashy', who has links to the Kinahan cartel. 'Mr Flashy' was previously mentored by the on-the-run thug, who is linked to a number of murders. "This row is about drugs turf, money and criminal prestige," a source said last night. After months of relative calm in the Finglas feud, which began after a number of its main participants were locked up, the gang dispute is now "hotting up" again, according to sources. The latest round of tension broke out after the Hutch mob-aligned 30-year-old was the victim of an incident a number of weeks ago in which a brick was thrown through his window. In a revenge action, graffiti targeting a 29-year-old jailed member of the rival 'Mr Flashy' crew was sprayed on walls in the Cardiffsbridge Road area calling him a "cryba", or cry baby, which sources said wrongly implied he was co-operating with garda investigations into the feud. The 29-year-old is understood to be on a special protection regime in jail while he awaits trial on serious charges. As tensions increased, gardai operating in the Finglas and Blanchardstown areas were warned a fortnight ago by their superiors not to approach senior gang members involved in the feud without armed back-up because of the gangsters' easy access to firearms. Then, last Thursday night, officers raided a property in Mulhuddart and discovered a loaded handgun, a small quantity of ammunition and around 10k of cocaine. The target of last week's operation was a small-time criminal who is suspected of having links to the 'Mr Flashy' side of the feud. He has not yet been arrested. It is understood the firearm was to be used as part of the dangerous dispute, which has now escalated because of yesterday's shooting incident. The house which was shot at yesterday had been repaired after last November's early-morning attack, in which thugs fired up to four shotgun blasts into the unoccupied house and then petrol-bombed the property. On that occasion, gangland criminals had placed four metal poles, with six-inch nails welded into them, on either side of the property to prevent emergency services and rival gangsters getting anywhere near the sinister attack. 'Mr Flashy' has taken over a drug dealing patch belonging to his older, on-the-run associate, who fled the country last year. The 38-year-old gangster's home has been raided, and he was arrested and questioned last year about the murder of Eddie Hutch Snr in Dublin's north inner city in February 2016. Gardai have also been investigating if the exiled criminal was involved in the murder of Noel 'Kingsize' Duggan (55), who was shot dead outside his home in Ratoath, Co Meath, a month later. He is also suspected of carrying out the 2014 murder of Stephen 'Dougie' Moran and the botched attempt on John Gilligan two weeks earlier. Last month, the Herald revealed that the exiled 38-year-old had been arrested for a burglary in England and has become addicted to heroin and crack cocaine due to the ongoing pressure of various police forces investigating him. Miracle "He is considered one of the city's most dangerous criminals but he's now taking heroin and is carrying out minor crimes to feed his habit," a source said. It has emerged that despite being arrested in England last month, there is no European Arrest Warrant in place for the gangster, who is facing firearms and other serious charges here. In his absence, a bitter feud kicked-off in Finglas and it has been a "miracle" that no one has been murdered, sources say. Armed garda patrols have increased in the area ever since Hutch gang-linked criminal Glen O'Toole (inset) was arrested in the Ashtown area while on his way to murder 'Mr Flashy' last October. O'Toole (39) was arrested with a loaded firearm, a silencer, a canister of petrol and a Halloween mask by Finglas gardai. He was charged in relation to the arrest but died by suicide in prison a week later, and it is understood he had been threatened by the Kinahan cartel-linked drugs mob before he took his own life. Just days after O'Toole's arrest, the 'Mr Flashy' gang was suspected of shooting up the family home of an innocent member of the Hutch family in a revenge attack. The mob is also suspected of beating up another innocent Hutch family member in a daylight attack in a supermarket car park. In the aftermath of this incident, a teenage Hutch family member fled the Finglas area and went into hiding because of threats against him. In a revenge attack, the 'Mr Flashy' safe house in Finglas was shot at and then petrol-bombed over the local feud. Garda investigations into the arson attack later gave them key information about the gang. A January truce organised between the rival mobs has now broken down. A garda investigation is under way into the posting of a so-called sexual assault list in the toilets of an Irish school. The list was posted in the male toilets of Davis College in Mallow, Co Cork. It asked people to place a tick beside the name of various young women. Shockingly, the list then advised that the young woman who garnered the greatest number of ticks beside her name would be targeted for a sexual assault. All those listed are minors and the matter has now been referred to gardai based at Mallow Garda Station, who are investigating. The teenage girls named on the list are all students at the school. One source indicated that the young women named were very upset by the publicity the incident has generated and worried it would distract from their studies. Last night, the parent of one of the girls involved said she was "distraught". "The minute that the school was made aware of this incident they acted quickly to have this list removed and sat down with each of the students directly affected, including my daughter," the parent said. "Following her conversation with her teachers in the school, she was ready to move on and put this unpleasant incident behind her. Distraught "This is something which was upsetting enough for my daughter at the time, and who now is distraught after hearing about it being talked about across the airwaves." The parent was concerned that, in a small community, "this type of information cannot be kept secret for long". One parent at the school, who is not connected to any of the young women on the list, had told Cork's RedFM there was deep shock at what had happened. Davis College stressed that it was taking the matter very seriously. "The safety and well-being of all of our students is our top priority," principal Stephen Gilbert said. "We are taking this issue extremely seriously, and immediately took steps to address it with both the affected students and student body at large. This work is continuing. "The list was removed the minute we were notified of its existence and we spoke to each of the young ladies mentioned to answer any questions or concerns they had. "We encouraged them - as we encourage all of our students - to come to us with any issues that may be of concern so that we can support them in any way possible." It is understood that if the person or persons who compiled and posted the list are identified, they will face disciplinary action. Not to boar you, but Rome has a problem with wild pigs The BJP often talks about how the partys success in elections is a great ideological victory and the clear message is that politics is just a means to achieve the primary ideological goal of establishing a unitary Hindu cultural nation-state for the country. The BJP differentiates itself from all other political parties because it is firmly committed to pursue its own distinctive ideology. The BJPs main rival, the Congress, has its own distinctive ideology of cultural pluralism, secularism and equal respect for linguistic and religious multiple diverse groups. The BJP has recognised this fact and this is why its leadership has announced that its political goal is to create a Congress-free India. However, at present, the Congress, on its own, cannot politically and electorally compete against the BJP, which is marching forward from Kashmir to North East India. The Congress can effectively challenge its main ideological opponent only if it can form an alliance of like-minded parties committed to the goals of a democratic, secular, parliamentary, plural political system as mentioned in the Constitution. Can the Congress form an alliance of Opposition parties and create a platform for an alternative politics to the ruling BJP? A few facts may be mentioned to substantiate the argument that the prospects for the formation of an alternative political alliance to the formidable BJP do not seem too bright. First, it was expected that the Bihar model of Mahagathbandhan of three parties the Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress which could successfully defeat the BJP in the state assembly elections of 2015 would be replicated at the national level and India will have a political contest between the BJP and an alternative alliance of Opposition parties. The Bihar model collapsed like a house of cards and it was once again proved that unlike the BJP and the Congress, other regional parties and leaders are practitioners of unprincipled and opportunistic politics. Second, the CPI(M) is intellectually, ideologically and politically equipped to understand that Indian politics is polarised between the BJP and the Congress. However, it is not ready to form any alliance with the Congress to oppose the BJP. Third, Mamata Banerjee of Bengal, Naveen Patnaik of Odisha, KC Rao of Telangana and a few others are making an attempt to form a federal alliance of regional and sub-regional parties. On the basis of the experience of such opportunistic alliances, it can be unambiguously stated that this is a non-starter and the politics of equidistance between the BJP and the Congress is completely irrelevant and unrealistic because the BJP, and not the Congress, has emerged as the major political force . Fourth, Mehbooba Mufti of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had the option to form a secular coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir but she decided to form an alliance with the BJP because like all regional bosses, she also knows that alliance with the BJP is beneficial for her. The larger issue is that many regional party leaders do not wish to alienate the party in power because they expect favours from a friendly Centre. Ideology in politics is secondary for these regionalists because they took to the Centre for funds. It can be safely concluded from previous experiences of coalition governments at the Centre that the regionalists have never hesitated to surrender their ideological beliefs, if any, to get benefits by going in for marriages of convenience led by either Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1998 to 2004 or Manmohan Sigh from 2004 to 2014. It seems that it would be quite difficult for Sonia Gandhi to form any firm alternative alliance against the BJP by mobilising a large number of opportunist and unprincipled regionalists. CP Bhambhri taught politics at JNUThe views expressed are personal A toddlers bath water, tears of joy from a newly ordained priest, condensed sweat from a nightclub British artist Amy Sharrocks collects all kinds of water. In 2013 she set up the Museum of Water, a live piece of artwork that travels around the world and invites people to donate water from spit to melted snow in a bottle and discuss what it means to them. The initiative aims to understand why people treasure water and help prepare them for a drier future and climate, Sharrocks told an audience of climate experts, activists and museum curators. For example, we show them how to have three-minute showers to better cope with water shortages, she said at the International Symposium on Climate Change and Museums in Manchester, Britain. Sharrocks is not alone. As world leaders increasingly face up to the fallout of climate change, curators are planning a new wave of museums, devoted to what many consider a defining issue of the times. From Germany to Denmark, Hong Kong to Canada, talk of climate museums is on the rise. The Museum of Water encouraged people to donate water and asked them to discuss what it means to them. (Facebook) In 2015 former civil rights lawyer Miranda Massie created the first US museum entirely dedicated to climate change in New York City, which so far has featured footage of ancient ice cores and live painting of melting Antarctic ice. Climate change is affecting virtually every aspect of our lives, Massie told the conference on Wednesday. But we cant fight the problem with top-down policies alone, we need an engaged public and museums are a way to open peoples minds to what matters, she said. CREATE EMPATHY City planners and experts should use museums to foster empathy in citizens on climate issues, according to Emlyn Koster, director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Museums tend to measure their success on whether visitors have had a good time, but they should make you sad, disappointed, angry make you want to take action, he said. Bridget McKenzie, director of Flow Associates, a London-based consultancy working with arts and science organisations, wanted to raise awareness of the plight of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, which is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. A session at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. (Facebook) So with her team she set up a ghost boat made of old fish nets at the University of Cambridges Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and asked visitors what they would take with them if they were suddenly forced to leave their homes. It was fascinating, she said. People are starting to understand that business as usual on climate means thermogeddon (when the Earth becomes too hot to live on). SCIENTISTS VOICES Museums are not only a way to spark climate action, they can also help scientists make their voices heard, said Jonathan Lynn, head of communications at the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Scientists enjoy huge credibility but if they dont speak publicly about their work they give space to non-scientific groups like climate deniers to fill the debate, he said. US President Donald Trump, for example, has questioned the scientific consensus that global warming is dangerous and driven by human consumption of fossil fuels, and decided to pull his country out of the Paris climate deal. Robert Janes, founder of the Canadian Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice, said many museums choose not to call for climate action for fear of alienating visitors and donors. But thats nonsense the science on climate change is unequivocal, he said. GREEN INSTITUTIONS While museums can be a powerful way of communicating the impacts of climate change, they should also practice what they preach and curb their own emissions, say experts. Elliot Goodger, a museums association representative for the West Midlands in Britain, said that roughly half of cities emissions come from energy use in buildings. Museums have a duty to be energy efficient, for example by using laser lighting for displays or improving their building insulation, he added. New Yorks Massie thinks every museum has the potential to become a climate museum, whether it is entirely dedicated to the issue or just integrates some climate content into its programming. There is no limit to how you can represent climate issues, she said. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more Amid reports that Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah might shift his constituency for the May 12 Karnataka Assembly polls, BJP president Amit Shah said on Friday that this is the first major lead that the saffron party would win the election. Those who were boasting themselves are now being forced to change their constituency, he said, without naming Siddaramaiah. This is the first major lead in the first stage of the poll campaign. We are going to win the election and form the government under the leadership of (state BJP president) BS Yeddyurappa, Shah added. He was referring to reports that the chief minister might contest from Badami in Bagalkot district in north Karnataka, as against his plans to return to the Assembly from Chamundeshwari in Mysuru. Speculation has been rife that Siddaramaiah is looking for another constituency amid reports that it will not be an easy poll battle for him from Chamundeshwari. Making his debut in the Assembly in 1983, Siddaramaiah had got elected from Chamundeshwari on a Lok Dal Party ticket. He has won the seat five times and tasted defeat twice. There is anger among the poor, Dalits, tribals, farmers and others against the Congress government in Karnataka for doing nothing for them, he claimed. Shah assured the people that Karnataka will see development at a rapid pace under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Yeddyurappa in the state. Shah was speaking to reporters after paying tributes to Kittur Rani Chennamma, who had fought against the British, at her memorial. Rani Chennamma was the queen of the erstwhile princely state of Kittur. She had fought against the British rule, leading an armed rebellion against it in 1824. It is an honour to be here to pay my tributes to Rani Chennamma. This place has a glorious past of the first freedom struggle of India, Shah said. The BJP chief is on a two-day tour of Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag and Bagalkote districts since Thursday as part of his sixth round of campaigning. Amidst political attack on him by the Opposition in Uttar Pradesh over an alleged gang rape of a minor girl by a BJP legislator and later death of her father in a judicial custody having been allegedly attacked by the legislators brother, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath visited Ma Baglamukhi temple at Peetambara Shaktipeeth, Datia, more than 400 kilometers north of Bhopal on Thursday morning. Yogi Adityanath spent more than half an hour at the temple where he performed pooja and visited several temples on the premises. There was a tight security arrangement.He landed there on a chopper and from the helipad he reached the temple in a motorcade. He left the temple before noon. Devotees and media persons were not allowed to enter the temple for more than three hours given security reasons as all the four gates of the temple were closed. However, when local journalists hurled a question on him while he was returning as to why the main accused in Unnao gang rape incident the BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was not arrested CM hardly paid any attention to the question while the security personnel present there shoved the journalists, said official sources. I have come from Kanpur along with my wife to have a darshan of Ma Baglamukhi but found the gates closed. When inquired policemen here told me we couldnt be allowed to enter the temple till the UP CM was inside the temple. I have been visiting the temple for a long time but have not scene such a chaotic situation before, said Aniruddh Kumar Dubey, a devot told journalists. Collector in charge, Datia, Ashish Kumar Gupta said the gates were closed in view of VIP security but were opened at regular intervals for visitors to have a dharshan in groups. Pt Chandramohan Dixit, the priest at the temple who helped the CM perform pooja, said, It was his maiden visit to the temple as the CM of Uttar Pradesh. His guru Mahant Avaidyanath also used to come here. The priest said people including politicians visiting the temple had their own wishes which they wanted to be fulfilled with blessings of the presiding deity. However, it was an individual matter close to their heart as to what they pray for. Ma Baglamukhi has immense power to bless people facing any crisis or otherwise, he added. Aaj Datia Madhya Pradesh me Baglamukhi Mandir me Ma Peetambara Shaktipeeth ke darshan kiye, tweeted Yogi Adityanath in the evening. State Congress chief spokesperson KK Mishra said, Peetambara peeth is known for visiting politicians who face any kind of crisis in their life. The timing of Yogi Adityanaths visit to the temple also suggests he went there to seek Ma Baglamukhi Devis blessings to overcome the political crisis he is facing at the moment due to poor law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. However, instead of visiting MP temples he should focus on bettering law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. State BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said, The visit of Yogi Adityanath to the temple was a visit like other devouts visits to the temple. Nothing should be read between the lines. Congress activists in Madhya Pradesh took to the streets on Friday demanding action against BJP MP Manohar Untwal for his indecent remark allegedly against Congress leader Digvijaya Singhs wife, Amrita Rai, a day earlier. A group of Congress leaders, Jai Singh Thakur, Shaukat Husain, Shabana Suhail and Rekha Verma, also lodged a complaint at Kotwali police station in Dewas as activists staged a demonstration and burnt an effigy of Untwal. Untwal, who represents Dewas in Lok Sabha, had targeted Digvijaya Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh, during a BJP protest on Thursday against the Congresss alleged disruption of Parliament. Digvijaya Singh has no shame. He gave nothing to the state, Untwal said and made the controversial remark. He then went on to add that the Congress leader was a mere copy cat. After (chief minister) Shivraj Singh Chouhan (of BJP) performed the Narmada Parikrama (procession), Digvijaya too did the Parikrama, he said. Untwal was not available for comments on Thursday. However, after state BJP president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan criticised his remark, Untwal said his remarks were distorted. He told media on Friday that he had a lot of respect for Digvijaya Singh and also for women and that he didnt make any comment on Digvijaya Singhs wife. Item se mera matlab Digvijaya Singhji ki Narmada Yatra se tha (I meant Digvijaya Singhs Narmada Yatra by the word item), he said. State BJP president termed the MPs remark as uncivilised and said he should have not made such a remark. The BJP respected women and such remarks by anyone in the party couldnt be allowed, he said. This is not the first time that Untwal has been embroiled in controversy. During the Ekatm Yatra in January, BJP MLA from Agar-Malwa, Gopal Parmar had alleged the Untwals men had abused and beaten him following a dispute over who would carry the flag in the procession. In 2013, when the state was facing flak over a number of rape cases, Untwal had argued when the state had a population of 7.5 crore, the rape of 4,500 women was not a big number. (With inputs from Nitin Gupta in Dewas) Giving a major relief to state Congress chief spokesperson KK Mishra convicted on a defamation suit filed by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in 2014 the Supreme Court in its judgment on Friday set aside the judgment pronounced by the court of special judge in Bhopal in November last year. While Mishra hailed the judgment through a couplet and said the courts judgment would give him further strength, the state BJP said the Supreme Courts judgment was based on a technical ground and it has not absolved Mishra of his act of defamation. The state BJP chief spokesperson Deepak Vijayavargiya said the Supreme Court judgment suggested that the defamation was caused by Mishra not against chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan but Shivraj Singh Chouhan in his individual capacity. Mishra would face a legal action for his crime. In this respect, a case will be filed against him after seeking legal opinion. Mishra was sentenced to two years simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs 25000 on November 17, 2017 by the court of special judge, Prevention of Corruption Act, Bhopal on the defamation suit filed by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The suit was filed on June 24, 2014 after Mishra accused the CM and his wife in a press conference that 19 of transport inspectors appointed in Madhya Pradesh were from Gondia (Maharashtra), the place which Chouhans in-laws belong to and that as many as 139 phone calls were made to three Vyapam scam accused by an influential woman in the CM House. The SC bench of justices Ranjan Gogoi, R Banumathi and Mohan M Shantanagoudar said in its judgment a copy of which is available with HT, said, The very initiation of the prosecution has been found by us to be untenable in law. Merely because the trial is over and has ended in the conviction of the appellant and the matter is presently pending before the high court in appeal should not come in the way of our interdicting the same.Consequently, we allow this appeal; quash the impugned prosecution/proceedings registeredand set aside the order dated 17th November, 2017 passed by the special judge, Prevention of Corruption Act, Bhopal. The court also said, The appeal pending before the high court against the order dated 17th November, 2017 passed by the special judge, Prevention of Corruption Act, Bhopal shall also stand closed in terms of the present order. Three persons were arrested by the Bhopal cyber cell on Thursday after data from the social security pension portal of the state government was changed to enrich scamsters, thus endangering the pension of over 37 lakhs pensioners who get old age, widow and disability pension though the portal. Officials of cyber cell, Bhopal, said they have zeroed in on four persons, all of them from Rewa. Three have been arrested, while the fourth accused, the person who arranged for the data, is still absconding. Those arrested are Man Singh, Ashok K Majhi and Kuldeep Singh. The absconding accused is Amit Kesarwani. Officials said in their investigations so far they have found that the scam was going on in 26 districts and details of 720 accounts had been changed and the money was flowing into 12 accounts which were operated by the scamsters. The average pension is around Rs 500 per month and it goes to the poorest section of society. We have identified four persons who are behind the scam, and all of them are from Rewa. The exact quantum of money diverted is not known as we are still gathering details from the bank but it might run into crores, said Cyber Cell Bhopal SP Shailendra Chauhan. The pension portal is managed by the National Informatics Centre and when the portal was launched in October 2017, the officials of the social justice department had claimed that it was a foolproof and transparent system though which pension would go directly to the beneficiarys account in one click, thus cutting unnecessary hassle for the pensioner. The initial irregularity was detected by CEO Janpad Ujjain, Ashok Jain sometime in March. I noticed that some of the pension accounts were not linked with Aadhar and I asked the beneficiaries to link their accounts with Aadhar. However, many of them said that they were not getting the pension even though our data showed that money was being transferred. Further investigations showed that the account into which the money was going was not even held by the pensioners. We immediately informed out seniors who handed over the case to the police. Social Justice department, principal secretary Ashok Shah admitted that the data breech was a serious one. Alertness helped us in getting information of data breach. It is a serious matter and data breach is not possible without any involvement of NICs employees. To disperse the pension of lakhs of dependents is a big responsibility and we cant take the risk of further irregularities. The department will ask a central government recognized agency to hold an audit of software to check the loopholes so that such thing wouldnt repeat, said Shah. fter ending 2017 on a high note, with his film Fukrey Returns garnering great response, actor Varun Sharma is now shooting for his next, Arjun Patiala, which stars Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh in lead roles. While he is enjoying his stint shooting in parts of Punjab, theres another reason hes excited to be a part of the film its the third time that Varun has Kriti as a co-star. The two have earlier worked together in Dilwale (2015) and Raabta (2017). Asked if theres a better comfort between the two, Varun says, Of course, there is a lot of comfort. We know each other really well [now]. We have already worked together twice and this is the third film and its so much fun to be working with her. [Also] With time, you come closer and our friendship has grown with time. Since both of us hail from North India, we have lots in common to talk about. With films such as Heropanti (2014) and Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Kriti has had a fairly successful stint in Bollywood. As a co-star, Varun says that he admires a lot of traits in her. Shes an amazing actor but the way she gets into skin of the character and nurtures it from her heart is outstanding. I feel, she really works hard towards building the character that shes portraying onscreen in terms of body language, mannerism and characteristics. You see, she really works on these little things, says Varun, adding that its a treat to watch her perform in front of the camera. Once she comes on set and gets ready for her shot in front of the camera, she is not Kriti but just that character. Thats one thing I really admire about her. Its a great thing that every actor should follow, as it is supposed to be that way, he signs off. Interact with Monika Rawal Kukreja at Twitter/@monikarawal Rahul Khanna on Friday expressed his joy at his late father Vinod Khanna winning the Dadasaheb Phalke award at the National Film Awards, announced to honour the best in Indian cinema. So proud to hear that my dad has been posthumously awarded Indias highest honour in cinema, the #DadasahebPhalkeAward at the #NationalFilmAwards! Rahul wrote on Twitter. He continued, As we approach his first death anniversary, its such a lovely way to celebrate his life and work because, at his core, he wasnt just an actor but also a lifelong film fan! Khanna is the 49th recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The actor died on April 27, 2017 at the age of 70 after battling cancer. One of the most handsome stars ever to grace the Indian cinema screens, Khanna started off as an antagonist and went on to grow as a performer into the main lead from a supporting actor, after a string of films such as Purab Aur Paschim, Aan Milo Sajna, Sachaa Jhutha and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. So proud to hear that my dad has been posthumously awarded India's highest honour in cinema, the #DadasahebPhalkeAward at the #NationalFilmAwards! 1/2 Rahul Khanna (@R_Khanna) April 13, 2018 As we approach his first death anniversary, its such a lovely way to celebrate his life and work because, at his core, he wasnt just an actor but also a lifelong film fan! 2/2 Rahul Khanna (@R_Khanna) April 13, 2018 The actor had a very successful pairing with Amitabh Bachchan. They worked together in blockbusters such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Parvarish, Reshma Aur Shera, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Zameer, Hera Pheri and Khoon Paseena. He made his Bollywood debut in 1968 film Mann Ka Meet, which was produced by Sunil Dutt, who was reportedly struck by Khannas good looks. The actors real life was as dramatic as his cinematic career. He shocked fans by abandoning his fame to don orange robes to follow Osho Rajneesh to Oregon (US) in 1982. Khanna, however, returned to cinema five years later and it did not take him long to reclaim his position in the industry. A string of hits followed including Insaaf and Dayavan. The actor, who was born in a Punjabi family of textile merchants in Peshawar in 1946, chose Punjab to make his political debut in 1997 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He fought and won from Gurdaspur in Punjab, a seat that he lost only once in 2009 but won again in the 2014 general elections. READ | National Film Awards 2018: Sridevi, Vinod Khanna honoured In 2002, Atal Bihari Vajpayee made him his Culture and Tourism minister. He was later given the External Affairs portfolio. Khanna was active in Bollywood till the very end. His last few memorable screen outings were in Salman Khans Dabangg series and Shah Rukh Khans Dilwale in 2015. Follow @htshowbiz for more Late actor Sridevi, who died in Dubai this February after a sudden cardiac arrest, has been posthumously awarded the Best Actress for her performance in Ravi Udayawars MOM at the 65th National Film Awards. MOM was the third film Sridevi did after she returned to the industry after an almost 15 year hiatus. Announcing Sridevis name, jury head Shekhar Kapur said, The best actress is Sridevi for Mom and I promise you it is not my relationship with her. Every morning when I came here, I would ask everyone to vote once again. I would look at all the actors, talk about them and I would say, there should be not Sridevi, not Sridevi! We used take a vote and it always came back to Sridevi. It was me who fought that it shouldnt be Sridevi. We are all emotionally involved with Sridevi. I used to say, dont give her an award because she died, it is unfair on the other girls. They have also worked hard for 10-12 years, they too have a career. Reacting to the announcement, Mom director Ravi Udayawar said, She deserves it. Im really happy its a great news for me because it was our film. She had done a fabulous job. We all are missing her now. National Film Awards 2018 LIVE: Sridevi Best Actress, Vinod Khanna gets Dadasaheb Phalke Award Sridevi, who made her comeback on the silver screen after 15 years with Gauri Shindes English Vinglish (2012), was last seen in Ravis revenge drama, Mom. She essayed the role of a mother who bends every rule and goes the extra mile to ensure justice for her daughter. She also did Tamil film Puli during her second stint. Sridevi began her Bollywood journey as a child artiste in Julie (1975), and went on to feature as the leading lady in Solva Sawan (1978). It was with Sadma (1983) -- opposite Kamal Haasan -- that gave her recognition in Hindi industry, and she tasted commercial success with Himmatwala (1983). She continued delivering hits like a series of blockbusters, such as Nagina, Mr India, Chandni, Lamhe and Chaalbaaz in the Hindi film industry while she also worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada movies. The 65th National Film Awards were announced on Friday by the jury that included screenwriter Imtiaz Hussain, lyricist Mehboob, actress Gautami Tadimalla, Kannada director P Sheshadri, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Ranjit Das, Rajesh Mapuskar, Tripurari Sharma and Rumi Jaffrey. The jury was headed by Kapur. Follow @htshowbiz for more Kiran Nagarkar is perhaps the only prominent Indian author writing in English to have begun his literary career in his mother tongue, Marathi. He is best known for his novel Cuckold (1997), a work whose initial lukewarm reception, was eventually hailed as a landmark in Indo-Anglian fiction. Your first novel Saat Sakkam Trechalis, (republished in English as Seven Sixes are Forty Three) was written in Marathi and yet you switched to English completely.after this book. The truth is, it was what I now like to call a totally unexpected but happy accident. I had given up Marathi after the first four years of primary school. My father who was in the railways decided to move my mother, brother and me from Mumbai to Pune because of my health. I have no idea why he chose to put me in a Catholic school where the medium of instruction was English. When we came back to Bombay, I got admission in Don Bosco High School and that meant that my entire education continued to be in English till the time I finished my Masters. English was the language of privilege and subconsciously as I grew up I must have realised it gave one special advantages and status. After passing my SSC exams, I joined St Xaviers College where I was a phenomenal misfit. I felt totally out of place. I wore my brothers trousers which did not reach to my ankles, to college. The women in Xaviers were all houris and the young men came in chauffeured cars. I was out of my depth and I broke all kinds of records. I plugged every single subject in the first year terminals except moral science which must have taken some doing. I did even better in finals .... I was so ill I could not appear for the exams. Do take us to the time when you wrote your first literary sentence. I came to know Dilip Chitre who was a leading Marathi poet, novelist and critic of the post-independence era and one of the founders of the Sathottari little magazine movement in Maharashtra. His father used to publish the Marathi highly influential periodical Abhiruchi. Dilip informed me that his dad had asked him to edit the next issue. I came back home that night and wrote my first story, That Man, in Marathi. Why I moved back to my mother tongue will always be a mystery to me. Looking back, that story seems to reflect some of my ambivalent ideas about human beings and their relationship with God. The protagonist is a guy called Toh. The folks around him find him a pain in the butt, and people try to get rid of him but he refuses to die. Is Toh the symbol of mans insatiable curiosity and the spirit of enquiry? They appeal to God to get rid of him. In that story, God is like an Air India maharaja sitting on a throne but his feet do not quite touch the ground. God is patient and ignores the complaints against Toh and asks him to lie down on the floor. Now for the first time Gods feet reach the floor. The night after I wrote that story, I started on my novel Saat Sakkam Trechalis in Marathi. If I had thought a minute about what I was doing, I would never have started writing it. So similarly when you started writing in English, it wasnt a conscious decision. English for you also is not the language of a colonial hangover. Kiran Nagarkar is very lucky to know what his roots are. I am neither this or that. My roots are hybrid. Im a half-baked person and that is never going to change. I wrote Saat Sakkam Trechalis (1974) and a play Bedtime Story (1978) in Marathi. But I also imagined and wrote the Ravan and Eddie (1995) trilogy and Cuckold (1997) and other books in English. Your play, Bedtime Story, partly based on the Mahabharata got you into trouble. Your Draupadi, one of your first striking women characters, does not move along expected tracks. For a 74-page play to have 78 cuts, some of them full page, didnt make any sense to me. Like most Censor Boards, the one in Maharashtra loves the power to say no. That play was about the idea that anything that occurs anywhere in the world, whether in Iraq, Puerto Rico, or in our backyards, you and me are responsible for it. I used four stories from the Mahabharata to make my point. I dont believe that the Pandavas alone were the good guys and the Kauravas the bad ones. The character who plays Draupadi plays Gandhari too. In one scene she gives a earful to her mother-in-law, Kunti. To Yudhishtir, the eldest Pandava who is universally considered Mr Right and the moral centre of the epic, she says If you want to sleep with me, at least have the honesty to say so. Maybe then I might just consider it. As far as possible I have not repeated characters or done the same sort of book again. My Jasoda [also the title of his new book] is not like Draupadi and Draupadi is not like Meerabai. Jasoda is the title of Kiran Nagarkars new novel. (File photo) How did you think of making Bhoj Raj the centre of your novel Cuckold, a tale set in 16th century Rajasthan in the house of Rana Kumbha? It occurred to me one late night that the legendary Meera was a puzzle. She is perhaps one of Indias most famous women, or at least the most well-known woman saint. Even the South delights in her; MS Subbulakshmi has sung her bhajans. Her words are on everyones lips, cinema sings her songs and praises but her husband, the great grandson of Rana Kumbha, is a black hole. He has been completely erased from memory. To put it mildly, I dont think I cared much for Meerabai. She was just a non-stop cluster of cliches in the public imagination. You also have the Amar Chitra Katha version of her history, a hash of history more like it. In its version, Emperor Akbar gives Meerabai a pearl necklace when in reality they had never met. She predated Akbar and so there was no chance of their meeting. How were the reviews? Cuckold took a long time to take off. The reviews over the next few months were very strong and positive but the book died almost instantaneously. One of the most laudatory by [poet and professor] Makarand Paranjype ended with the statement that the only problem with the book was the translation of Meerabais poems. The fact of the matter was that I wasnt translating them at all. I wrote those verses myself which is why a very different persona develops for Meera. While they are important verses in the context of Meeras persona, I am well aware that Im not a poet. Seen the sun today?/ Its gone peacock blue./Looked at my tongue this morning./Same thing. Stark blue./Blue marigolds. Blue ravens. Blue grass./Must be a blue cataract in my eye, I said./ Glanced, by chance at the calendar then./Wish you a true blue birthday, my love./Can gods have birthdays,/Thought they were without beginning or end. A still from Gulzars film Meera (1979), a role played by actress Hema Malini. (File photo) The Meera we know, from her verses and film songs, on the other hand is someone who is absolutely crazy about Krishna and she is willing to take the secondary role. In my verses she is an independent-minded woman with a sense of humour and who is not limited by the fact that she belongs to the so-called weaker sex. This is not the Meerabai we have been handed down over the centuries. Ask him to come fast / Im about to breathe my last / Nothing serious really / Just a routine heart attack / Tell him I died / With one eye openIf he wont come soon,/ Let him come late,/Ill wait./ If it makes him Feel important/ To be inconstant/ Why, of course / Ill indulge him./ Because Giridhar / Lover / Move over / Ive got another. I believe you did not, at first, like the label historical novel being applied for Cuckold. Yet, they are all people of history. What did you think you were writing? Caught again as Dylan Thomas would say. I was so involved with that novel, I was certain I was writing a contemporary novel. And so it never occurred to me that I was writing about the past. Cuckold is also a political novel. Its about who should lead, who is fit to lead, at what moment a leader can rise, that power is about being measured and not rush around flashing ones sword. True. In the beginning the Maharaj Kumar, Bhoj Raj is a conundrum as he sends 10,000 of the enemy soldiers from Gujarat to their death in the quicksands. What we learn in time is that he is perhaps one of the finest students of the Gita and the Gita god. Which is why he doesnt subscribe to the warrior code of the Rajputs that you must never be defeated even if you are wiped out in the process. As far as possible he does not want to sacrifice even a single soldier of his. The Maharaj Kumar is a thinker and a deeply introspective person. Hes not above deceit when fighting with his enemy and prefers to fight when the chances of winning are good. Valour has little meaning for him. Life is precious and he is willing to break rules to preserve it. Kiran Nagarkars Cuckold won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2000. (File photo) Many consider Cuckold the best Indian novel in English not to have won the Booker. Yet it wins the Sahitya Akademi award. How long will we keep saying that if the West approves, or if the West offers 500,000 dollars for a book it must be good and if a million, then it must be twice as good. We had such a fine and unerring eye for analyses and critical insights in ancient times as seen in the Upanishads, Paninis grammar and Vatsayans Kamasutra. Today we seem to take all our cues from the West instead of developing a robust and rigorous spirit of questioning and developing our own critical tradition. For instance why do we call Bhishma Pitamaha? Yes, he did make great personal sacrifices but during Draupadis vastraharan did he utter a word? Did he raise his voice and tell the Kauravas that they were the guilty party and had no business to go to war? Why dont we enquire and grasp what a great man Eklavya was? He was a self-made man. He had no access to the greatest teacher of his times. He took Drona as his symbolic teacher and became a far greater archer than Arjun. And what did he get in return? Dronacharys shamelessly demands his right thumb so that his own pupil Arjun would be regarded as the finest archer in the world. An interesting thing in the novel is that Krishna is turned into a family deity when the house of Mewar considers itself as a descendant of the Sun god and Shiv or Eklingji is the family deity. That is the source of the palpable tension in the book. The Princess (Meerabai) not only disowns her conjugal duties but commits herself to a god who is not the keeper of the family honour. That is where Bhoj Raj emerges as a supreme thinker and politician. Krishna should be his enemy since his wife is carrying on with him, but he grasps the importance of the teachings of this enemy. He understands the wisdom of something that his one time teacher, none other than the Flautist has taught him and which most Rajputs cant fathom: retreat is not defeat or loss. Retreat is nothing but a golden vehicle to buy time and advantage to do better the next time and defeat the enemy. What is the story of your new book, Jasoda? It is, I think, an unflinching look at women whose heroic struggles go mostly unnoticed and unrecognized. In this particular case it is the story of a rural woman and her children in a drought-stricken place. Who are the Indian writers you read? I liked Amitav Ghoshs Shadow Lines. Vivek Shanbhags Ghachar Ghochar is a remarkable understated story and he tells it with such wonderful economy. I think Nayantara Sehgals new novella When the Moon shines by Day is an amazingly insightful work. How she pulls it off in such a brief format tells you what an inventive and terrific writer she is. I also keep going back to Graham Greene. Recently I chanced upon a book i had read decades ago --Mr Norris Changes Trains, [a 1935 novel by the British writer Christopher Isherwood]. It captures the last days of the Weimar republic against the background of Hitler rising to power. It is nothing short of brilliant. Have you ever been approached to turn Cuckold into a film? The most recent offer came a few days ago. Bollywood directors approach you and then ditch you. I think it would make a great series or movie. Shabana would be terrific as Rani Karmavati [the scheming step-mother of Bhoj Raj]. As to Meerabai .... as you can see I am getting carried away. Are you getting to pick the actors? Im sure I wont get to pick anything, not even the story-line if one of my books was to be made into a film. But I wish some of my books could be turned into audio-books. I could read Ravan and Eddie or Cuckold for the visually impaired or anyone who prefers to listen to books rather than read them. What are you working on next? There is no book till it is published .... unless you are living in fantasy land. As you perhaps know I own 100% rights to this property and can tell you I am working on seven, beg your pardon, seventy-seven classics, each one of them Nobel-Prize winning. I remember the time the first Penguin India books came out. I stood in Mumbais now-defunct Strand Book Stall, reading from Nisha Da Cunhas beautiful stories, Old Cypress and then saw Padma Hejmadis Birthday Deathday. Those were the days when I did not buy a book unless I had already read it and knew that it would be something I would want to own for the rest of my life, a belief that only a young man can have. But I promised myself, as someone who dreamed of having a book out, as someone who dreamed of being an Indian writer in English, that I would try and buy as many Indian authors as I could. I already had a stack of strange-looking Jaico paperbacks: Nayantara Sahgal and Kamala Das and Raja Rao but those were second-hand books, bought on the streets. Now I would contribute to my biraadari, I would help my qaum, even if they didnt know I was one of them, by buying their books. That was 1985. Its been a long time and much ink has flowed and I have given up even trying to keep in touch. Were a huge bunch and theres been two Booker Prizes, Arundhati Roys for The God of Small Things and Arvind Adigas for The White Tiger. Were now getting close to what might be called a mature market: we dont just have literary fiction, the epics and the classics in translation; we have genres: theres chick lit and crime fiction and romances written by men and thrillers. We have 65 literary festivals across the country; I was told that one just ended in Amritsar. Mumbai has three or maybe five, I dont know. Universities are organising their own. There are hierarchies now: Jaipur at the top and Kozhikode coming in second with the additional cachet of moral superiority. This is all wonderful. There are times when it is still possible to make discoveries at a literary festival; and by this, I dont mean meeting people, although that is important. I mean, hearing of new voices, realising that the flood of books, the democratisation of print can have its downside: you dont hear the quiet voices among the tumult and the shouting. Author Kiran Desai. Desais book The Inheritance of Loss won the Booker in 2006 (Photo: Jasjeet Plaha / HT) Who is reading? What is more troubling is that no one seems to be reading. After all these years of hosting a huge literary festival, there is not a single bookshop worth the name in Jaipur. I watch the people at the festival bookshop: they seem oddly uncertain of how to deal with the choices. Their hands wander over the books, they pick them up and turn them over and around. They rarely do what people who go to bookshops do: they rarely open the book they are holding and begin to read. Theres a huge amount of publishing going on and this must mean that the books are being sold but to whom? I remember a poet friend of mine looking out at a sparse audience and saying, Well, at least we have each other. So perhaps thats where the books are going. To other writers, perhaps? Youd think that would be a natural market. This happened to me in Shillong, where there were two editions of a wonderful literary festival called CALM which ended when its originator, Sambha Lamarr was taken from us by cancer. A man of mature age came up to me with a sheaf of poems. I would like you to read my poems, he said. What poetry do you read? I asked. Oh, I dont have the time to read poetry, he said airily. Too busy, you know. Then why should I have the time to read your poems? I asked. I thought it was a fair question but he got angry and tucked the sheaf behind his back in a protective gesture and marched off. Later, he complained to Ms Lamarr of the bad behaviour of people from the mainland. Writers who dont read? But who does? The mobile universe The entire nation seems to have taken a leap right over the book and in to the immersive experience of the mobile phone. No science fiction writer ever saw this coming. Everyone who ever talked about convergence assumed it would be the computer as locus; no one thought it would be this handheld device which has now upstaged almost every form of communication and absorbed those left into its clutches. Every so often, then, I am called up by some young journalist who wants to know whether I would object to my books being read on a phone. I say that I dont mind how they are read as long as they are read. This seems needy perhaps; or it may just be that they were hoping for a Luddite response and a rhapsody on tree-corpse-flakes, I dont know. But the thing is theyre not reading on those phones; theyre not even watching cinema. Theyre experiencing the delight of crafting a narrative out of the raw material of their own lives. Let me explain. When I started teaching at the Social Communications Media department of the Sophia Poytechnic in Mumbai, a post-graduate integrated communications course, I would ask my students how they liked to spend their downtime. Twenty-five years ago, it was books and movies, neck and neck. Then the movies won but it was a brief victory. Next came television and now it is social media. At the movies and in a book, the script is written for you and youre a spectator. You may lose yourself in a book, in a movie, you may say you do, but what you are losing is your sense of belonging to your world. You are entering imaginatively another one. With social media, the idea is simple: you are the author of your own narrative. You can tell it the way you want: visually or verbally or audio-visually. You can select those parts of your life which you think are attractive to the world. You can film your birthday party or your pratfalls. You are the auteur. Democracy is here. Come on in, the water is freezing. Jerry Pinto is an award-winning writer and translator. ICICI Bank Ltds board is preparing a plan that includes more public disclosures related to conflict-of-interest allegations against its chief executive Chanda Kochhar with the objective of allaying the growing concerns of its shareholders and restoring their confidence in the bank. The board plans to look afresh at disclosures that the bank has already made after its initial statement failed to assuage shareholders concerns, a person directly aware of the development said, without giving more details. The plan appears to be an attempt to respond to shareholders who are demanding that the board, led by chairman M.K. Sharma, explain why it has given Kochhar a clean chit without first ordering an independent probe. On 28 March, the ICICI Bank board issued a statement reposing its confidence in the corporate governance of the lender and the integrity of Kochhar. ICICIs board was aware of a 2016 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) probe on this issue and considered that information before giving Kocchar a clean chit, added this person, speaking on condition of anonymity. RBI had initiated the probe after a whistle-blower alleged conflict of interest, said this person. The boards efforts come at a time when markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has begun a preliminary enquiry into the alleged corporate governance lapses at the bank. Sebi is looking at three angles: whether there were any disclosure lapses on the banks part; the boards role in decisions regarding loans given to the Videocon group; and independent directors view on the alleged conflict of interest, said another person aware of the matter, requesting anonymity. Kochhar has been in the eye of a storm over the granting of a Rs3,250 crore loan to Videocon group companies because her husband had business dealings with the Venugopal Dhoot-led conglomerate. Sebi has so far sent routine queries to the bank and no specific queries have been sent on the above mentioned lines, said a third person familiar with the matter, also on condition of anonymity. Clarifications have been provided to Sebi with regard to the reports that have appeared in media, said an ICICI Bank spokesperson. He added that Sebi has not asked the bank about the specific details mentioned in Mints queries. Sebi can examine the issue in terms of whether the bank has been making adequate disclosures in consonance with the listing agreement, said J.N. Gupta, co-founder and managing director of Stakeholders Empowerment Services. Even so, the market regulators probe will be hobbled by the fact that the said transactions happened in 2012, when neither the Companies Act nor Sebi norms defined Related Party Transactions (RPT). One of the allegations against the bank is restructuring Videocon loans through a firm which appears to be a related party. But in 2012, RPT was not defined. But there was a concept of person of interest (to the company management), said the third person cited above. The Economic Times reported on Thursday that in 2016, RBI had found no evidence of reciprocal benefit, stating the allegation could not be conclusively established. The newspaper, however, reported that RBI had raised some red flags such as some NuPower Renewables investments coming from a Mauritius-based entity and ICICI Bank not declaring three firms that had dealings with NuPower as related parties. The RBI probe did not reveal any such flow of money from the bank to NuPower (the company owned by Deepak Kochhar, husband of Chanda Kochhar) which could indicate any mala fide transaction by any employee of the bank. The RBI report said disclosures were followed. The board was aware of it and after considering the information, the board supported the banks head and its management. The facts in the report of RBI were stated so clearly that the board never felt the need to do any additional independent inquiry after that, added the first person cited earlier. She (Chanda Kochhar) made all the disclosures about her relations, so all the things coming in the media reports now were already known to the board and after seeing all the disclosures, the board was not required to conduct any further inquiry, added this person. The board is scheduled to meet on 7 May to consider its annual financial results. If Chanda Kochhar quits at this moment amid the ongoing market sentiment, it can be destabilizing for the bank and the stock, making people feel that she is guilty of something, when the fact is that she is not guilty or hiding anything. Let the authorities like CBI and RBI carry out their duties and when such authorities are conducting their studies, we dont think any additional independent inquiry by any agency is required, added this person. To become a global influencer in the next 10 years, India needs to rise as a confident nation willing to deal with the outside world, Ram Madhav, national general secretary of Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, said on Friday. Madhav was one of the panelists in a group discussion on the subject, Becoming a Global Influencer - What India Needs to do in the Next 10 Years, at the Hindustan Times-Mint Asia Leadership Summit in Singapore. Other participants were Congress party MP Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Pavan Varma, national general secretary of the Janata Dal (United). India has to rise as a confident nation. Not just political leadership but the entire spectrum of leadership must be confident leaders. We have to create a nation that is willing to deal with the world outside, Madhav said. Additionally, he said India has to move towards less government, more governance and allow different levels of government to become more independent by empowering them. For Scindia, sustainable growth will be one of the major challenges that India will have to face in the next decade. He also called for a robust foreign policy based on international relations where you make nations believe that their progress is part of your goal. In reaction to Madhavs remarks, Scindia said it is also important for the government to practice what it preaches and respect other peoples views. It is important for us in the government to listen to other peoples views because we are not the repository of all the answers. There is a wealth of knowledge out there and to be able to take that wealth of knowledge and make it part of our progress is one true challenge, he said. India is already a global influence and the challenge in the next 10 years would be how the government can promote not just sustainable economic growth but also social justice, said Varma.Over the next 10 years, the real challenge is how do we marry a vibrant democracy to credible deliverables, he said. The government is open to changing some of the restrictive conditions laid out in the terms of sale for Air India if it finds investor interest in the asset is lukewarm after the May 14 deadline for submission of initial bids. Prior to that, there will be no change to the terms of sale based on claims by companies opting out of the race for the national carrier, according to a government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also, in the event of a material change in conditions, those who have not thrown their hat into the ring before the original deadline, will get a fresh chance, the official said. The idea of going purely by the actual bids received rather than the posturing by potential investors is to make sure the disinvestment in Air India is truly a market driven process. Despite Jet Airways (India) Ltd stating it is not participating in the transaction and InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the operator of IndiGo airline, saying it has no capability to successfully turning around Air India, the government believes the offer will generate sufficient interest eventually. Mostly, investors keep their cards close to themselves till the 11th hour. It is in the last one hour before the deadline expires, they express their interest in any invitation for bids. We will wait and see how many investors show interest. It is not just airlines that can bid for Air India, businesses in other sectors are also free to bid, said the official. Changes required in the terms, if any, will be put together by the transaction adviser EY based on suggestions received and a decision will be taken by a group of ministers chaired by finance minister Arun Jaitley, said the official. The conditions in the information memorandum released by the civil aviation ministry include a three-year lock in period for investment and retaining AI brand for its operations for a number of years to be specified and compulsory listing of the firm. The government is expected to specify the terms relating to protecting employees post the deal in the request for proposals. It also intends to choose qualified bidders for 76% stake in AI, 100% stake in Air India Express Ltd and 50% stake in Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. based on networth and profitability cri- teria by May 28. About 40% of medical students are stressed by their syllabus, teaching methods in classrooms, competition with peers and high parental expectations, revealed a recent study. The department of community medicine recently surveyed 169 MBBS students to find out their perception of stress, its management and effects to academic performance . In todays ultra-competitive environment, students are exposed to more stress than ever, which is either related to studies, examination, peers, teachers or parents, said researchers. While only three students said they dont feel stressed, 101 students had mild stress. Moderate and severe stress was found in 65 students from first and second-year of the four-year MBBS course. The high prevalence of mild and moderate stress emphasises the need for implementing intervention for the students, said Dr Violet Pinto, associate professor and main author of the study. Most students (127) identified high parental pressure and competition with peers (122) as the major reason for stress. Others reasons were vast syllabus (95), nature of teaching (90), involvement in classroom (83) and frequent examinations (39). Dr Alok Singh, additional president of central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), said, Most of the students have their families dependent on them, who expect them to get married and start working soon. It becomes difficult to excel with that kind of existing pressure, said Singh. More than 50% of students said they choose social media to destress. Psychiatrists said rather than depending on social media, the students should invest more time in physical activities or healthy discussions among themselves. Dr Sagar Mundada, psychiatrist, said, Most colleagues or friends of students on social media are doctors, who keep putting up posts about their own achievements. Constant exposure to these posts can aggravate stress, said Mundada. In February, researchers revealed a forensic reconstruction of the oldest known person to have lived in Britain. The 10,000 year-old Cheddar Man holds the secrets to the identity of the first Britons. So there was much surprise and even some consternation when it turned out that this most indigenous of indigenous Brits had curly hair and, of all things, dark to black skin. This is a vexed moment in Britain, and Europe in general, regarding national identity and race. Right-wing forces across the continent are pushing back at what they see as the threat posed by immigrants and multiculturalism. Extremist groups like the English Defence League and Britain First have gained strength in the UK. Like nativists all over the world, they trade on a claim to authenticity, that their mostly white members are the true inhabitants of the land. The rights of whites to the life and direction of the country, they suggest, should be given more weight than those of others. Inevitably, their rhetoric seeps into the discourse of more polite conservative politicians and publications. The past is a vivid and livid obsession of nativists. They see it as their terrain, the bedrock of who they are and what their country is supposed to be. A BBC programme on Roman-era Britain recently attracted their ire by depicting black characters. Critics claimed that it was ahistorical to include blacks in ancient Britain and that this insertion was proof of a politically correct plot to undermine white British identity. Historians pointed out correctly that there is plenty of evidence of Africans and Middle Easterners in Britain then, brought to the island by the Romans. That the fossilised Cheddar Man 8,000 years before the Romans was black is not reason to claim that blacks (or any particular people) are truly indigenous to Britain. But the revelation does make a mockery of the feeble blood-and-soil appeal to indigenousness. The sands of history invariably shift too much to support the claims of nativists. A new, large-scale study on the genetic formation of South Asia and Central Asia is bound to spark a furore of its own. The work of 92 scholars across several continents, the studys findings further debunk the notion that Proto-Indo-Europeans (that is, the first speakers of the language family that would one day span northern India to Europe) came out of India. Hindutva irredentists insist that the culture of the Vedas had to originate in India, not come from elsewhere. Using genetic science, this new study confirms the outlandishness of that theory. The groups that made up ancient India comprised mixtures of South Asian hunter-gatherers (the oldest inhabitants of the subcontinent), Iranian agriculturalists (who appeared in the subcontinent as early as 4700 BCE) and Steppe pastoralists from Central Asia (who moved into South Asia between 2000 and 1000 BCE). Of course, there was movement in multiple directions, not just into the Indian subcontinent; a few outlier individuals found in Turan (the term for the broader area around Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) have South Asian hunter-gatherer DNA. However, the significant arrival of Steppe pastoralists into the Indian gene pool traces conventional understandings of the movement of Indo-Europeans into the subcontinent. The authors claim that their study offers for the first time DNA evidence of large-scale genetic pressure from Steppe groups in the second millennium BCE, consistent with physical archaeological evidence. The study also includes data that suggests current Brahmin groups contain more DNA from these Steppe pastoralists than other caste groups in India. Together, these findings add nuance to the accepted scholarly understanding of the formation of the Indian population, but they reject the Hindutva-espoused idea that the Indo-Europeans had to originate in India. It suggests that Indians like almost every other people in the world are the product of waves of migration. That said, it is much easier to imagine the past than to know it. I confess that I have never been fully convinced by the promise of genetic science, which seems so contingent and liable to change. I also am uneasy with the idea of conflating DNA with culture, your beliefs and customs and language can change no matter your chromosomes. History demands our humility, our recognition of the limits of our knowledge. I always find it puzzling and a little sad how nativists cling to the wishful purity of their vision of the past. We can still be proud of our identities and our sense of place and culture without insisting on its certainty. Why allow yourself to be humiliated by the likely fact of migration? Why let yourself be so wounded by that knowledge? If your sense of self is dependent on insisting that you are a purer and a truer Indian than others, then you have bigger problems than the inconvenient findings of genetic science. Kanishk Tharoor is the author of Swimmer Among the Stars: Stories The views expressed are personal Uttarakhands State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Friday rescued 24 trekkers who were stranded somewhere on the Changshil trekking route in Uttarkashi district, an official said. The trekkers, who belong to Gujarat, Karnataka and some other states, were brought to Balawat base camp, some 215 km from here. Three among them whose medical condition said to be critical were being airlifted till filing of the report. Of 47 trekkers that were stuck on the Changshil route, one died. Eight groups of Hostel Association of India left for trekking early this week to Changshil meadow from Balawat. Due to bad snowfall and severe weather conditions, four groups were stranded at various locations. A 24-year-old trekker, Sumit, from Maharashtra died of exposure to extreme cold and fatigue on April 11. His body was airlifted. The administration informed the SDRF that started the rescue operation. On April 12, another trekker Dilip Kumar, a resident of Gujarat, was airlifted due to critical condition to a private hospital in the state capital. On Friday, 30-year-old Pradeep of Bangalore was also airlifted. Devendra Patwal, SDRF in-charge of Uttarkashi, said, All trekkers have been successfully rescued. Trekkers started from Balawat - which serves as the base camp - have to reach six points to finally reach Changshil. The route passes through Samata, Ghutao, Kali Sankeri, Sunai, Tikuda reaching Changshil. Last year, two trekkers died on Harsil-Kyarkoti-Lamkhaga Pass in Uttarkashi district and another Indian Oil Corporation officer died in Panpatia glacier in Rudraprayag. In 2016, the army rescued two polish trekkers from Gaumukh. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) observed Samrastra Diwas (brotherhood day) in Uttarakhand on Friday, kicking off an eight-month-long campaign to reach out to the schedule castes. Workshops and seminars will be organised during the campaign that will conclude on December 6, the death anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution who was hailed for his contribution towards uplift of Dalits. Inaugurating the campaign in the capital, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and many BJP leaders had meals with Dalits. Some BJP workers said the feast turned out to be a show of strength of party ticket claimants for the urban local body elections to be held soon. The BJP had asked its councillors and ticket claimants to contribute to the feast by giving foods. This led to a massive participation, especially from those seeking tickets, a party worker said on the condition of anonymity. The event was organised in Rajpur, but members of the Dalit community had come from adjoining constituencies of Raipur, Dharamapur, and Mussoorie to participate in the feast. The packets submitted by them (participants) even mentioned their choice of wards for which they are seeking ticket, the party worker said. The meals comprised rice, dal and halwa. Some party workers claimed that desi ghee served to the chief minister during the feast had come from his home. More than 300 schedule caste members gathered at the community hall for the event. Party legislators Ganesh Joshi, Umesh Sharma Kau, Khazan Das, Harbans Kapoor and others sat on the ground and had the meal. BJP state president Ajay Bhatt gave the event a miss. His associates said he had gone to New Jersey, USA on the invitation by an educational institution. Not fully plastic-free The BJP tried to make the event plastic-free, but failed. Food was served on plates and bowls made up of leaves, but disposable glasses were kept for people to drink water outside the hall. Some party members brought food from their homes in polythene bags that were collected for disposal. CM on rape accused UP MLA On the sidelines of Samrasta Diwas, the chief minister said the UP government had formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe rape charges against BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar, which is now taken over by CBI. Legislators have responsibilities and rights. The UP government constituted SIT, and now CBI is looking after the case. Let them probe the matter, he told the media. CBI picked Sengar from his Lucknow residence on Friday morning for questioning. The sudden rains that lashed the state on April 8 have reportedly wreaked havoc in Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts. A large number of farmers in the two districts had reaped the wheat crop and kept in the fields. The rains led to the germination of the wheat grains, resulting in losses, claimed farmer organisations. The organisations have estimated around 20% loss in the wheat production and demanded compensation from the government. The rains were accompanied by heavy winds and hailstorm, which has further damaged the crops. The farmers now have wheat whose grains have germinated and are not fit to be sold in the market, said Purushottam Sharma, the secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha, an organisation of farmers. He said that the state government should compensate farmers for the losses. Congress leader and ex-chief minister Harish Rawat said in Haldwani on Friday that the union government should send a team of agricultural experts to Uttarakhand to assess the crop loss resulting from the rains on April 8. I will continue with the bhajan and kirtan programmes at temples till the government announces compensation to the farmers, said Rawat. He demanded that the government should purchase the germinated wheat grains from farmers, so that they do not sustain losses. On Friday, farmers also gave a memorandum to Nainital subdivisional magistrate (SDM) AP Vajpayee demanding that they be paid compensation for the crop loss. The farmer organisations of Udham Singh Nagar have also demanded that the government assess the losses and provide adequate compensation. State agriculture minister Subodh Uniyal said he is aware of the matter and the sudden rains have caused hardships to the farmers. We would be analysing the matter and also listen to the grievances of the farmers so that they are not at loss, he said. A section of the seer community on Friday criticised the Trivendra Singh Rawat government for promoting liquor in the mountain state -- known as the abode of the gods. Demanding less emphasis on liquor revenue in the state that is home to Chardham and several other religious spots, saints asked the BJP government to review its liquor policy. Bharat Sadhu Samaj, a national-level organisation of Hindu saints, expressed its concern over respective state governments inclination towards increasing revenue from liquor sale instead of curbing and prohibiting it. Bharat Sadhu Samaj vice-president Brahamswarup Brahamchari said Uttarakhand was the land of deities and in every kilometre, it has temples, shrines, ashrams and muths. The state governments excise policy was to make liquor available in every nook and corner of the state, he said. The government should roll back its current excise policy, instead of boosting sales; it should ensure minimum access and availability of liquor, said Brahamchari. Another seer, Satpal Brahamchari, said as per municipal by laws of Haridwar, liquor sale and consumption was prohibited within 5 km periphery of municipal corporation but still a large number of illegal liquor trade was going on openly in the pilgrim city. When liquor is available just a few km away from the city in the excise department allotted vends, then the very law restriction seems futile. Liquor should be totally banned in the whole city and illegal liquor trade should be reined in, said Satpal Brahamchari. Taking a dig at local legislator and cabinet minister Madan Kaushik for his statement that profit was not the motive of the state government but to check the illegal sale of liquor, he said if one fails in checking illegal liquor then it doesnt mean it increases legal sale of liquor. Mahamandaleshwar Swami Harichetnanad Maharaj of Hari Har ashram said in the spiritual city of Haridwar, situated on the banks of Ganga, it would be quite appropriate if total prohibition on liquor was made. Swami Rishiswaranand said under the Bharat Sadhu Samaj, saints will generate spiritual awakening among youth, who have lost their way and are addicted to alcohol and tobacco consumption. Government spokesperson and local MLA Madan Kaushik said the government not promoting liquor. He said the governments objective was to make the excise policy effective and stop illegal liquor trade. Liquor prohibition is in effect in Haridwar and recently administration has carried out an impromptu raid on a shop selling illegal liquor in prohibition zone. We assure the saint community of maintaining sanctity of the city, Kaushik said. - Andhra Pradesh Board of Intermediate Education declared the first year or Class 11 examination results on Friday. Sixty two per cent of the students who appeared have been declared passed. State minister for higher education Ganta Srinivasa Rao declared the results in Visakhapatnam. In all, 4,78,621 students appeared for the first year Intermediate examinations that were held from March 1 to 19. Of them, 2,95,891 students passed the examination. The total pass per cent is 62, the minister said. As in the case of second year results which were declared on Thursday, Krishna district stood at the top with a pass percentage of 75, followed by West Godavari and Guntur districts in the second and third positions. Kadapa ranked last among 13 districts with a pass percentage of 48. The minister, however, did not declare the names of the top rankers of the first year intermediate course as he had done in the case of second year results. We have introduced grading system, instead of marks, from this year. Hence, we are not announcing any ranks, he said. Those who have not passed the examination can appear for the supplementary examinations to be held on May 14. The last date for payment of fee for the supplementary examination is April 21. The candidates can check the results by logging on to the official website, bieap.gov.in and http://www.examresults.net/ap-board-result/inter/ Note: You can also click here to check the results. Off-campus centres, incentives for faculty and cutting-edge courses are some of the additions planned in the 60 institutions across India granted autonomy by the University Grants Commission (UGC) last month. The special status was described by human resource development (HRD) minister Prakash Javadekar as a reward for institutions that have maintained high standards, and as a step towards a liberalised education sector. Among the 60 is Mumbais Jai Hind College, which has been preparing and planning for this day for four years. We can now implement long-pending ideas, says principal Ashok Wadia. We formed a board of academics and involved parents and students in 2014, to figure out what changes could be brought about in courses, syllabus and teaching methods. Based on feedback from industry and the students, Jai Hind introduced certificate courses in Indian cultural heritage and risk management. For the latter, we are involving the multinational accounting company KPMG, Wadia says. With autonomy in place, we now expect to turn these certificate courses into full-fledged diploma ones. We have also been working on adding courses in international relations, travel management and software management, which were highly recommended in our meetings. Also on the cards is a system of ongoing evaluation that will also take into account a students involvement and performance in class. In evaluation, there will also be a greater stress on skills acquired rather than things memorised, Wadia says. Subject matters While some institutes are looking outward and thinking global, others are seeking to cater to the community in ways that are more relevant that templated streams. At Vivekanand College, Kolhapur, there are plans for a course in water, soil and food analysis under the ambit of BSc chemistry. A graduate could then start a consultancy in the district, be professionally empowered and meet a very real need in the community too, says principal, SY Hongekar. Local needs and markets are areas where Mumbais Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, a deemed university, will also be looking to expand its reach. Autonomy will give us the freedom to take an experimental and unconventional approach, says Rajan Saxena, vice chancellor of NMIMS. One such idea is an off-campus centre in under-serviced regions such as the north-east. This could take the form of a new campus or see us reach out to students virtually. In Mumbai, there are plans to extend the three-year bachelor programme. The final year would focus on international markets, Saxena says. At the OP Jindal Global University in Sonepat, Haryana, there is excitement about foreign collaborations too. With autonomy, we will have freedom to recruit more foreign faculty for up to 20% of our positions and this could be a great boost to our effort for academic excellence and quality research, says vice-chancellor C Raj Kumar. There are also plans for new courses in banking and finance, environment and sustainability and science and innovation. The payoff As more institutes are granted autonomy, one area of concern for academicians is affordability. The funds for the new courses, modules and centres has to come from somewhere, and it generally comes from hiked fees. Autonomy will raise the cost of education for students because the new courses have to be self-financed, says Chaman Lal, professor of Hindi at Jawaharlal Nehru University. This should not be the case. The government has a responsibility when it comes to education, which it is trying to move away from. Under this kind of autonomy, all new courses have to be self-financed and a course fee of Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 is likely, adds Rajib Ray, president of the Delhi University Teachers Association. This will also affect the possibility of introducing courses that are not directly market-oriented. A course like philosophy or sociology is unlikely to start in a college that does not have it. Delhi University colleges may stop setting unrealistically high cut-off percentages for admission this year, with states and union territories promising the central government that they would stop the practice of inflating marks awarded in Class 12 board exams, easing the path for entry into undergraduate programmes. Twenty-three states and UTs have so far offered the assurance in response to a request by the government. The latest was Tamil Nadu, which on April 5 sent a letter to the ministry that the exceptions would be in case of ambiguities in a paper or vagaries in the evaluation process. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Daman and Diu and Puducherry will also not inflate marks. The state board of examination has been following the practice of awarding grace marks only to pass the borderline cases. It has been decided to disclose the quantum and policy for moderation on the website as and when the decision is taken, read the letter written by Pradeep Yadav, principal secretary to the government, state education department, Tamil Nadu. In 2016, out of the 188 admissions approved tor the B.Com (Honours) course in Delhis Shri Ram College of Commerce on the first day, 129 students were from Tamil Nadu, including 33 from just one school. The moderation policy allows school boards to give students extra marks. But some state boards used the system to increase the marks of their students, spiking the overall pass percentage and triggering widespread resentment among students of other boards. Students have been deterred by high cut-off marks set by Delhi University colleges that have sometimes touched 100% in recent years, denying many admission seekers entry into the course of their choice. According to officials familiar with the development, a number of states had been waiting for Tamil Nadu to respond before sending their own responses to the human resource development (HRD) ministry. Most of the states have responded and the remaining 13 states and UTs are also likely to send their response now as they were waiting to see Tamil Nadus response, said a senior HRD official on condition of anonymity. In October 2017, school education secretary Anil Swarup had written to the heads of all state education boards advising them to avoid bunching of marks and their spiking. Officials in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) claim that moderation is adopted in cases of ambiguity in question papers and evaluation vagaries, based on statistical analyses. Our students have been suffering in the past as we dont inflate marks artificially. We give grace marks to ensure students with borderline marks are able to pass and to make the system fair. We are not going to inflate marks this year too and are happy others are going to follow it, said a senior CBSE official. The valour and sacrifice of 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army who fought the Afghans in 1897 is now part of the school curriculum. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has included a poem on the historic battle in chapter 20 in the Class-5 Punjabi textbook. On September 12, 1897, 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh had fought to the last man against nearly 10,000 Afghans. So far, this tale of bravery had not been included in school history books in India, while Britain had already included it in their school curriculum. Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh declared holiday on September 12 last year on the day the battle was fought. The 12-line poem with pictures of the battle is on page number 138 of the textbook. The second paragraph of the poem explains how Gurmukh Singh, one of the soldiers, signals to Col Haughton at Fort Lockhart that they are under attack. Haughton states he cannot send immediate help to Saragarhi. The soldiers decide to fight to the last to prevent the enemy from annexing the fort. The last lines of the poem state that the soldiers fought with utmost bravery and courage and died at their posts while defending the fort of Saragarhi. In a separate column with the poem things to remember the chapter reads the 21 Sikh non-commissioned officers and soldiers of other ranks of the battle of Saragarhi, now in Pakistan, were awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award of that time. Board chairman Manohar Kant Kalohia said: Keeping in mind Punjabs historical events, the board has included Saragarhi ki Ladai poem in the Class-5 Punjabi textbook. We have reviewed all the textbooks of the Class 1 to 5 and made efforts in making the required changes in the textbooks. We hope that both teachers and students will like these textbooks and feel proud that they are aware about the Punjabs history. If you dont know the name Tara Sutaria yet, just wait for a couple of months. The 22-year-old is poised to become the breakout star of the newest Student of the Year instalment (aka SOTY 2) thanks to her role opposite actor Tiger Shroff. The Karan Johar film releases on 23 November, 2018. The promotional swirl surrounding a mega release like this means dashing from one press junket to another and more than a couple red carpets to walk and we can hardly wait. Tara already has an Instagram account that is a gold mine of styling ideas and its all a little bohemian-infused and as such, we can expect elegant, sophisticated looks that are tres chic from the starlet. A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Dec 5, 2017 at 1:58am PST Tara consistently turns to a pair of jeans and a plain top or a cute dress as her main look, but we cant think of anyone who does dressed-down cocktail-ready looks like her. So, while we wait for the Student of the Year 2 wagon to start churning, lets take a look at how Taras dressed so far. Weve trawled through her Instagram to track down her best looks to inspire your next OOTD (outfit of the day): From gowns to denims and everything in between. Prepare to be absolutely enchanted. 1. Wearing an eye-catching embellished Nadine Dhody gown in April 2016. A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Apr 18, 2016 at 1:03pm PDT 2. Keeping it cool in a little white dress in August 2016. A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Aug 28, 2016 at 12:50pm PDT 3. Working a glamorous cherry-red strapless dress in December 2016. A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Dec 14, 2016 at 12:14am PST 4. Tara rocking a sheer dress with shimmery detail and an asymmetrical hem in August 2017. A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Oct 16, 2017 at 11:03am PDT 5. Rocking a blush Indian ethnic look and Jet Gems earrings in October 2017. A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Oct 30, 2017 at 7:34am PDT 6. Tara masters the sexy, laid-back vibes in her decidedly relaxed separates the tiniest shimmery black crop top and flared striped pants in November 2017. Birthday ready A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Nov 23, 2017 at 5:28am PST 7. Feminine met edge in Taras street style look, involving blue jeans and a girly white shirt, a fashion staple in every girls closet. A post shared by TARA (@tarasutaria__) on Nov 28, 2017 at 3:36am PST Follow @htlifeandstyle for more The power of the skilled craftsmen is inherent in every hand-crafted and hand-woven beauty one gets to witness. From lush brocade silks that have an innate royal feel, to luminous, featherweight chanderi cottons finely-crafted handloom pieces will always win the creative battle over all things machine made. But, while one loves to invest in artisanal creations, often, it gets difficult to spot the difference between the real and the fake. Experts decode that, as they speak about some of the most popular weaves. So, what really is handloom? By definition, a handloom is an equipment used for weaving, utilising manual power. A loom was a household furniture in ancient Greece, which later became an occupation, says designer Divya Sheth. Adds designer Madhu Jain, A handloom textile is exactly what the word suggests: a hand (or foot) operated loom is used to weave textiles. It is the oldest textile production technique and goes back 2,000 years in India! It is a highly skilled profession. A model in a brocade silk skirt by designer Payal Khandwala. Brocade: Payal Khandwala Its the sheer genius of the technique, its infinite possibilities and the sheer intricacy thats hard not to fall in love with. Brocade is luxurious, looks dramatic, feels soft to touch, its light, and its comfortable. In that sense, it truly unparalleled. Brocade fabric is made on a handloom with the traditional warp and weft, in addition to a third weft that floats above the textile to weave the motifs. This is done typically in a metal thread (zari) but it doesnt have to be (can also be done in silk or cotton). The motifs can be woven in two ways. Fhekuan, where the metal threads go from one edge of the fabric to the other, creating floats on the reverse of the fabric these surplus threads on the back can be trimmed as needed. And, Kadhuan, a more process intensive and tedious way to weave where each motif is woven independently so there are no floats in the back. This makes the fabric comfortable to touch and better to drape, but can also make it far more expensive. Reality check: The best marker is the price. If youre getting one for very little money chances are, its a fake! Brocade saris in silk are expensive to weave. You can ask for certificates now that they have an industry mark. If you are confident, turn it around to see how the weft floats across. But try this only if you have some experience in buying brocade saris and can tell by technique. Some powerloom products can be difficult to spot. I think however, the best way is to buy from a retailer, weaver or a brand that you trust. That you know works with authentic artisans and that is proud about its heritage and cares about the craft. That is really the only way to know that youre not buying a fake. Model Renee in a Banarasi sari by Weaver Story. Styled by Prerna Gauba. (Photo:Amal KS/HT) Banarasi: Ritu Kumar Handwoven Banarasi silk sari is crafted by local artisans and characterised by their gold or silver brocade or zari, the finest quality of silk and opulent embroidery and motifs. Often people fall prey to the low cost fake Chinese made Banarasi sari, mistaking it for a real one. Banaras offers an amazing repertoire of decorative designs ranging from the geometric to highly stylised floral and fauna representationsfrom the late Mughal period, arguably one of the richest eras in Indias history of textiles. The craft was also known for its intricate weaves like the kinkhaabs, gold and silver meenakaari brocades which camouflaged the repetition in the design, thereby giving it the effect of a continuous flowing pattern. Reality check: One of the basic ways one can tell the difference is to simply see the reverse of the sari and check for floats between the grids of warps and wefts on the sari only in a true banarasi will you be able to see this technique. Another way to differentiate is a technique called a kedwa weave which defines a handloom from a powerloom. Actor Tapsee Pannu in a Jamdani sari by designer Gaurang Shah. Jamdani: Gaurang Shah Jamdani, a discontinuous extra weft technique of weaving takes no help from machinery. A hand drawn artwork design is kept under the warp in the loom, and is replicated by the weaver to the finest details. The weaving technique is such that there is no repeat, which means there is a scope for each flower to be a different shape, a different colour or a different texture. Reality check: Remember, Jamdani, a weaving technique, will not have yarn floats on the backside, and moreover the extra weft yarns are interlocked with each other and not cut to make it look like a jamdani. Chanderi: Nishant Malhotra, Founder weaverstory The original weave from chanderi will have two distinct handwoven features. The weave is embroidered (kadha) and there will be no cutting behind the motif, unlike some other clusters. The weaves will have occasional running thread left uncut. Chanderi is mostly woven in cotton and combinations of cotton with silk etc. This makes it more affordable. Also the colours and motif are different as each weaving cluster has its own inspiration and form of depiction of flora and fauna. The loom set up is different and structure allows variation to be faster. Saris are normally made with blends of cotton and silk. This is back of a boota showing embroidery and running weave. Reality Check: The wrap in powerloom will mostly have a synthetic fiber and zari used is plastic so the border will be shinier and less flexible. Paithani: Gautam Gupta Paithani dates back to the 17th century. It was one of the richest weave that India has. A traditional paithani sari with zari can take more than two years to be fully made. The distinctive features are the pallus they are 20-28 inch long with exquisite work. These elaborate pallus have motifs like peacock, and lotus as they are considered auspicious and rich. The saris are made with mulberry silk that is sourced from Bangalore mostly and zari that comes from Surat, even if one uses the same loom, no two paithani saris can look and feel the same. Reality Check: The reverse side of theses saris with be same as the front and if the zari used is not good quality, it will turn dark. when exposed to the sun. One can also test a silk sari by burning the open threads, once they catch fire, nothing will be left as they are biodegradable. Anushka Virk in a patola silk sari by designer Gautam Gupta. Styled by Prerna Gauba. (Photo:Amal/HT) Patola: Madhu Jain Patola is a double Ikat, the most complex Ikat weave. In India, it is woven in Naglonda district of Andhra Pradesh, as well as in Gujarat, where it is known as Patan Patola. Even the finest of Ikat weavers cannot render Patola, unless they have been tutored in the fine balance of dyeing both the warp and weft. To give you an idea of the labour involved: a Patola sari can take up to a year to weave! Globally, only four countries produce double Ikat: Indonesia, Guatamala, Japan, and India. Reality Check: It is important to buy Patola saris from a reliable source. Very few weaver communities are trained to produce these, so it might be a good idea to check the veracity of the claims of the seller. A real patola sari is reversible it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the front and the back. Defining handloom A handloom is an equipment used for weaving, utilising manual power. A loom was a household furniture in ancient Greece. It was a household fashion which later became an occupation. It was carried by a class of citizens called textores from which the modern word textile came. Divya Sheth, designer. A handloom textile is exactly what the word suggests: a hand (or foot)-operated loom is used to weave textiles without the use of electricity. It is the oldest textile production technique which goes back to 2,000 years in India! Handlooms on either pit or frame looms require a deft, practiced hand, and the skill is passed down generationally. It is a highly skilled profession. Madhu Jain, designer Terming the arrest of two doctors of Fortis hospital for medical negligence as a major development in his quest for justice, the husband of the 51-year old victim who died at the Gurugram hospital in May last year, said that he would fight till the end to get closure in the case. Mukesh Ghai, a city resident, had complained to the authorities against four doctors of Fortis hospital for delaying medication for his wife and not following protocol, which she claimed led to her death. The complainants wife Seema Ghai had died on May 12, 2017 at Fortis Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. A case was registered against the accused on February 20, 2018 after a medical board confirmed medical negligence. Gurugram police on Friday arrested the two accused in the case. They were identified as cardiologist Dr Suryanarayan Murthy and emergency officer Dr Vajja Nagaraju. They were held after the police gathered evidence of negligence on their part. Although the two medicos were granted bail later in the evening, Ghai termed it as a routine matter and not a setback for him. There are directives of the Supreme Court regarding the arrest of medicos and these have to be followed, said Ghai, also an additional general manager in RITES Ltd. Apart from that he is also waiting for the police to file the chargesheet and record his statement in the case. Read I 2 Gurgaon Fortis doctors arrested for delay in giving patient medicine The complaint said that in the course of his fight against one of the biggest hospital chains in the country, the he was shocked by the fact that government authorities, including medical officials, refused to act against doctors even after he filed a report against them. What is the point of having such large institutions and authorities when they cant take action against errant doctors even in open and shut cases like mine? he said. The decision to approach the Medical Council of India (MCI) also proved futile for him, as the matter was transferred to State Medical Council where it was pending over the last two-and-a-half months. Despite obstacles, I will fight to the end and approach the highest court in the country till I get the doctors punished, he said. Prior to approaching the medical board and authorities, the complainant said that he had studied almost every Supreme Court ruling on cases pertaining to medical negligence. I have consulted senior lawyers and medical experts in the matter and am confident that justice will be done, he said. The matter is sub judice. We are providing complete support to the authorities concerned, a hospital spokesperson said. Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday tried to allay apprehensions and doubts of residents of villages located near Bandhwari waste treatment plant, but his efforts cut no ice as the villagers said they will not settle for anything less than the relocation of the plant. Khattar said a group of three persons including local councillor will be sent to China to study the functioning of a waste-to-energy plant. We will take a final call on shifting the Bandhwari plant after they return from China, Khattar said while laying foundation stone for the plant at Bandhwari on Friday. As concessions to the village, Khattar announced construction of a 4km road from Sector 58 to Baliawas village, house tax waiver for five years and a directive to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to meet 50% of the domestic electricity expenses of villagers. The waste-to-energy plant is being constructed as per the conditions laid down by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Residents of Bandhwari village met me to discuss the issue and we have decided to take a final decision after three-member group returns from China, Khattar said. The villagers are, however, not enthused with way the things are moving. There is a private school belonging to a BJP leader and the road construction has been announced to facilitate that school. Villagers here have never raised any demand for a road. We will hold a mega panchayat soon to decide the strategy for further protest, Manoj Kumar Bandhwari, a resident of Bandhwari who is one of the members spearheading the protest, said. The residents of seven villages Bandhwari, Dera, Gwal Pahari, Ghata, Baliawas, Behrampur and Mangar (in Faridabad) held a mahapanchayat on Thursday and a silent protest outside the Bandhwari waste treatment plant seeking its relocation and decided to protest during Khattars visit.However, they later decided to call off the protest following an assurance from the CM that the their concerns will be looked into. Read I Gurugram: Villagers call off stir after assurance on Bandhwari plant The villagers said that over 100 residents have died of cancer linked to the contamination of groundwater resources by the waste treatment plant. This is all politics. We have demanded that the plant be shifted 5km away from its present location and the panchayat is ready to give land at the alternate site. What is the problem in shifting the plant to an alternative site? Raja Ram, former panchayat chief of Bandhwari village said. Vaishali Rana Chandra, an environmentalist, said that the freebies have been announced in a bid to induce villagers to call off their protest. It is an eyewash. Majority of villagers are not happy. Waste segregation is a major factor for the success of such plants and several households in Gurugram are yet to adopt the practice. I will write to the chief minister and the Union minster of environment and forest again and urge them to consider the villagers demand, said Chandra, who had a brief chat with Khattar on the sidelines of the event on Friday. Ankit Aggarwal, chief executive officer of Ecogreen Energy Gurgaon Faridabad Pvt Ltd, the concessionaire assigned to set up the plant, said that the plant is being built following all norms and would be completed by December 2019. He said the plant would put an end to waste dumping and waste burning in the open. Two senior doctors of Fortis Hospital in Haryanas Gurgaon were arrested on Friday for a delay in administration of emergency medicines to a 51-year-old woman, who died of cardiac arrest last year, police said. A special investigation team headed by inspector Gaurav Phogat of Gurgaon Police, which was investigating the case, found evidence of medical negligence against cardiologist Dr Suryanarayan Murty and Dr Vajja Nagaraju, emergency officer, for the death of the woman identified as Seema Ghai on May 12 last year. They will be produced in a court in the afternoon, Gurgaon Police spokesperson Ravinder Kumar said. A case against four doctors of the Fortis Hospital was registered on February 20 under section 304 of the Indian Penal Code at Sushant Lok police station on the complaint of the victims husband Mukesh Ghai. Mukesh, an additional general manager in RITES Ltd, said in his complaint that no medicine was administrated to his wife between 1.35am to 9am on May 12, which led to her death. My wife suffered a cardiac arrest at 4.20am and she was shifted to the ICU but no doctors accompanied her, he said in his complaint to the police. The death took place at 9.48am even though the doctors told him that she was recovering. The matter was referred to the medical board after Mukeshs complaint and it gave its report after an inquiry into the matter. The report submitted by the board proved crucial in the investigation as medical experts held that Seema, who was admitted for chest pain, died due to a delay in administration of emergency medicines and found a laxity on part of the doctors treating her. The matter is subjudice. We are providing complete support to the authorities concerned, a hospital spokesperson said. The alleged gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu regions Kathua district has horrified the nation. The charge sheet filed by the crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir police lists the brutality she was subject to from her abduction on January 10 to her murder on January 14. Heres what the charge sheet says: 1) The girl who belonged to the nomadic Muslim Bakarwal community, was abducted on January 10 in Jammu regions Kathua district 2) She was out grazing horses near her home, her daily chore. 3) The girl was held in a temple run by a retired revenue department official Sanji Ram, drugged repeatedly and subjected to multiple rapes, including gang rape. 4) Ram planned the abduction because he wanted to scare the Bakarwals (a nomadic community) and make them move out of the village in Kathua. 5) He allegedly enticed his nephew, a school dropout, into committing the crime. 6) Apart from these two, the other accused are Sanji Rams son Vishal Jangotra, a friend of the nephew, a police sub-inspector, a head constable and two special police officers. 7) The nephew allegedly told Sanji Rams son, Vishal Jangotra, in Meerut over the phone about the abduction of the girl and asked him to come to Kathua if he wanted to satisfy his lust. 8) The policemen helped destroy evidence and cover up the crime in exchange for bribes. 9) On January 14, the nephew strangled her to death and bludgeoned her with a stone to make sure she was dead. 10) Before she was killed, one of the accused asked his accomplices to wait as he also wanted to rape the girl. The Allahabad high court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to arrest Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker charged with raping a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao last year. The bench comprising chief justice DB Bhosale and justice Suneet Kumar asked the central agency to file a status report in the Unnao rape case on May 2 the next date of hearing. The court also said it will monitor the investigation into the case. The court directed the central agency to carry out the investigation strictly in accordance with the law and consider filing an application for the cancellation of the bail granted to other accused in the Unnao rape case. In the FIR lodged last year in connection with rape, the CBI may further investigate the case or reopen it, the court said. The counsel for the state government informed the court that the case has been handed over to the probe agency, which detained Sengar but has not arrested him yet. Sengar was detained early on Friday and questioned at the Lucknow office of the Central Bureau of Investigation. The court on Thursday came down strongly on the state government for not arresting Sengar despite the registration of an FIR registration and said the administrations stand would force it to declare that law and order has collapsed in the state. It asked advocate general Raghvendra Singh if the state government proposed to arrest the legislator. The advocate general replied that he was not in a position to make any statement in this regard and the police would proceed in accordance with law after recording statements of the complainant and witnesses. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh handed over the Unnao rape case to the central agency after coming under attack from its political rivals for allegedly shielding Sengar. Our government will not compromise on this issue, no matter how influential the accused is, he will not be spared, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath told reporters in Jalaun. The girl who has accused Sengar of rape and intimidation tried to kill herself at Adityanaths residence in Lucknow on Sunday. The case sparked further outrage after her father died on Monday of injuries reportedly sustained while in police custody. I want strict action should be taken against him (Sengar) and he should be given severe punishment, the girl told new agency ANI on Friday. The probe agency has asked the Uttar Pradeshs special investigation team to hand over documents related to the Unnao rape case. It has re-registered the three first information reports filed by the state police in the case. Its team was questioning the girl and her family members in Unnao. It will also record the statements of the policemen at the Makhi police station along with the doctors, who examined the teenagers father. This is the best time for Dalit youngsters to turn entrepreneurs as the government has created conditions for meeting their aspirations, believes Milind Kamble, founder of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI). In an interview with Smriti Kak Ramachandran, Kamble, who set up DICCI in 2005 as a one-stop resource centre for existing and aspiring Dalit entrepreneurs, says the policies of the BJP-led NDA government offer complete market support to youth from the communities who are aspiring to create jobs. In the wake of protests that the Union government faces from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities, Kamble, who trained as a civil engineer and is an entrepreneur, said schemes such as Mudra and Stand up India have benefited the marginalised communities. Excerpts: What do you make of the anger that the government is facing from Dalits and Scheduled Tribes? I cant comment on why these perceptions are being created (that the government is anti-SC and STs); if it is political it is not good. We must ask why the protests that happened during the (April 2) Bharat Bandh occurred in BJP ruled states Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and not in West Bengal or the southern states. The reason for the protest is not a government decision, but the Supreme Courts decision to ban automatic arrest under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and the government has filed a review petition against it. As the chairperson of DICCI, what has been the impact of governments economic policies and have they benefitted the SC/STs communities at all? As someone who had worked with the previous (UPA) government as well, I can this supportive towards the SCs and STs. Schemes such as Standup India, setting up of SC/ST hubs (Under ministry of small and medium enterprises), Mudra have all benefited the communities. So far Mudra has benefitted 12 crore people, of this 18% are SC entrepreneurs and nearly 5% are STs. The government is offering venture capital funds of up to Rs 15 crore. The provisions of the public procurement policy 2012, which says 4% of procurement done by ministries, departments and central public sector enterprises will have to be from enterprises owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs, was not being implemented properly before; the last I checked, the procurement figures were at Rs 23 crore. This government is working to address the aspirations of the Dalit youth. This is the best time for Dalit entrepreneurs because there is complete support and an assured market. What is your opinion on the demand for implementation of caste-based reservation in the private sector? There should be reservation in the private sector, but we must ask why has it not been done so far. If political parties are serious about it, why did the previous governments not raise the issue in Parliament? This should not be raised as a political issue, but there should be debate in Parliament. The industry has already said that while they are open to affirmative action and encouraging diversity, they are against reservation. The opposition accuses the government of not creating jobs and not meeting its promises on ending unemployment. No party that comes to power can provide jobs for all. There are 19 crore SC/ST youths in the 18-35 age band; can they all get jobs? We need to handhold nano entrepreneurs. Take for example the work that the DICCI is doing; we have been helping people from SC/ST communities to bid for projects under the Sagar Mala (initiative of setting up and modernisation of mega ports), highways and road construction and for projects floated by the petroleum ministry. We are helping people with sharpening innovative ideas that can be pitched with the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) for the incubation centres. Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the inauguration ceremony of the Dr Ambedkar National Memorial into an all-out attack on opposition Congress on Friday even as he assured his government would not allow the SC/ST law to get affected. The Prime Minister dug into history to allege that the Congress humiliated Ambedkar and maintained that parties who believe in Babasaheb Ambedkar should never be with the Congress. Modis remarks come in the backdrop of widespread Dalit protests that were seen by observers as a sign of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) losing a key support base amid the Oppositions plan to stitch an anti-BJP front in 2019. Days after the Supreme Court banned the immediate arrest of a person accused of insulting or hurting Dalits under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Protection of Atrocities) Act, Modi reminded those present of how his government amended the law to make it stronger. We strengthened the law against atrocities in 2015. We increased the list of punishable offences from 22 crimes to 47. We retained the non-bailable provision for the accused, he said. Dismissing criticism about the Centres delay in filing a review petition in the SC/ST Act, Modi said the process was held up due to holidays after the day of the judgment. No one talks about this. The Congress is only good at spreading falsehood and rumours, he said at the function. The Prime Minister alleged that the Congress sidelined Ambedkar in Parliament, fielded candidates and campaigned against him to defeat him twice in the Lok Sabha election. He added that it was Jan Sangh ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee who helped Ambedkar become a member in the Rajya Sabha. Dubbing the delay in building the memorial in Delhis Alipore, where Ambedkar breathed his last, as the Congress ploy against him, Modi said: The Congress applied full force to wipe off his legacy from Indian history. People who dont kneel down before Congress ecosystem, they dont even get space in books. The PM said Ambedkar vied for a panel to give additional safeguards for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribess in the Constitution but the Congress government did not entertain him. The Congress hasnt changed. Seventy years ago, they didnt move in forming a panel. Now, Congress is stalling the bill to give the OBC commission constitutional status, he quipped. Modi also said government schemes such as Ujjwala, Mudra and Jan Dhan were aimed at the SC/STs. Social justice is not just issue of talks, its our commitment, he said. Ambedkar was given Bharat Ratna when BJP supported the VP Singh government. The Congress refused to install his portrait in Parliament, saying theres no space. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Lucknow late on Friday over allegations that he raped a teenager in Unnao last year. Sengars arrest came after he was questioned for 15 hours following his detention earlier in the day. A senior CBI official said the MLA for Bangarmau in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district was taken from a house in Lucknows Indira Nagar area to the agencys office in Hazratganj around 4am. In a statement, the agency said it had lodged three separate first information reports in connection with the Unnao rape, and the death of the rape survivors 55-year-old father, allegedly after he was assaulted by the MLAs brother. The first FIR is related to allegations of rape on the MLA and a woman, the second is of the June 2017 event in which the teenagers family accused four people of kidnapping and raping her, it said. The third case is related to the alleged attack on the teenagers father on April 3 by the MLAs brother, who was charged him with voluntarily causing hurt after a brawl.The father died on April 9 during treatment while in judicial custody. As criticism mounted against the state government over the case, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said in Kanpur that his government had not deviated from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and will firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. The law is one for all, and the punishment for a crime too will be the same for all, irrespective of who the offender is, he said. His comments came just hours after the Allahabad high court slammed the state government and asked the CBI to arrest Sengar. We are unable to accept the contention of the AG (advocate general) that the accused in the circumstances cannot be arrested. Arrest of the accused is necessarily required to safeguard the majesty of law and the dignity of the prosecutrix, the court said. The disturbing feature of the case is that the law and order machinery and government officials were directly in league and under the influence of Kuldeep Singh, it said. The CBI swung into action on Thursday after the state governments recommended a federal probe. The court will monitor the investigation and asked the CBI to file a status report on May 2, which is the next date of hearing. Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the BJP lawmaker charged with raping a 17-year-old girl last year, is being questioned at the Lucknow office of the Central Bureau of Investigation after being detained early Friday morning. Sengar was detained from a house in Lucknows Indira Nagar and taken to the CBIs office in Hazratganj at around 4am. The CBI has asked the Uttar Pradeshs special investigation team to hand over documents related to the case. GK Goswami, IG CBI, confirmed that the BJP MLA has been called for the interrogation and is likely to be arrested. The girl who has accused Sengar of rape and intimidation tried to kill herself at UP chief minister Yogi Adityanaths residence in Lucknow on Sunday. The case sparked new headlines after her father on Monday died of injuries reportedly sustained while in police custody. I want strict action should be taken against him (Sengar) and he should be given severe punishment, the rape victim told ANI on Friday. The CBI has taken over the probe and has re-registered the three FIRs by the Uttar Pradesh Police. First FIR was lodged on the basis of complaint given by mother of the girl. Second FIR was against father of the girl on the basis of which he was arrested. This FIR was lodged on the basis of complaint given by one Tinku Singh. And third FIR was lodged again on the complaint of mother of girl alleging assault on father of the girl due to which he died later, said a CBI official. The CBI team has reached Unnao and is questioning the girl and her family members. The team will record the statements of the policemen at the Makhi police station along with the doctors who examined the rape victims father. The UP government had suspended two doctors and started proceedings against three others in the case. (With inputs from Rajesh Ahuja in New Delhi) Crimes against women will not go unpunished, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in comments that are being seen as his first public response to the gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old child in Jammu and Kasmhirs Kathua, and a teenagers allegation that a lawmaker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had raped her in Uttar Pardeshs Unnao. The incidents that we have seen in the last few days, they challenge the idea of social justice. In the last two days, the incidents which are being talked about certainly doesnt behove any civilized country. It is shameful, the prime minister said a function to inaugurate a memorial for BR Ambedkar, the architect of Indias constitution. Stating that Indians are ashamed of such incidents, he said they are an insult to sacrifices of Army jawans who have laid down their lives for the country. In any corner of the country, in any state, such incidents shake our human sensibilities. I want to assure that no culprit will be spared. There will be justice and there will be full justice, he promised. I want to assure the country that the Government of India will do everything possible bring these culprits to justice, he said. Modi made the comments even as demonstrations are planned across India to protest the rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua . She was tortured and killed allegedly because the accused wanted to scare away members of her nomadic Muslim Bakarwal community. His comments are also being seen as a reference to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the legislator who was on Friday detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with charges that he raped a 17-year-old girl in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. Modi said Indians have to come together to stop the internal evils of our society. They, who commit crimes against our mothers and sisters, are also sons of a mother. And thats why, (developing) this social sensibilities are our collective responsibility. We have to fight together against these social ills and bring the culprits to justice, the prime minister said. Ever since they began living in the tiny Rasana village of Kathua district around four decades ago, the Bakarwal tribe a nomadic community of Muslim cattle grazers has had strained relations with the Hindu villagers. The Bakarwals allege that Hindu men have been trying to force them out of the village by misbehaving with their girls and kicking around vessels they use to collect water. The Hindus say the Bakarwal Muslims are trying to construct a mosque and often graze cattle on land belonging to them. While these tensions have prevailed for years, a dispute over the burial of an eight-year-old girl, who was allegedly gang raped and murdered in January, further widened the rift. The crime later took a political and communal turn, making matters worse. On the same day that my granddaughters body was found, some Hindus from the village refused to allow the girls body to be buried on a land that has been serving as our burial ground for years. We waited for hours before deciding to bury her in another part of the village late in the night, alleged the girls grandmother. The Hindus of the village, however, said the land was a disputed private property and they ensured arrangements for the burial elsewhere. We were not treated with respect even during a tragedy involving a child, said Mohammad Shafi, a Bakarwal who readied to leave for the mountains with his family and cattle for the next four summer months, an annual practice involving the tribe. Over the years, the rift between the two communities has seen both sides approach the police multiple times. If our cattle ventured into land belonging to Hindus, they would use sharp weapons to maim our animals. Does an animal know the difference between a Hindu and Muslim property? said the murdered girls grandfather. After the girls murder, both sides have been vocal about the crime. A few days ago, Hindus formed a non-political group called the Hindu Ekta Manch. We dont want the situation politicised, but we will stand united for our own safety, said Suresh Sharma, a villager. Earlier in February, a retired government employee who is accused by the Jammu and Kashmir Polices crime branch of masterminding the girls murder had earlier told a news channel that he would neither allow a mosque to be built, nor for the Bakarwals to graze cattle in his fields. He said he was innocent in the murder case, but was arrested by the crime branch a few days later. Earlier, his 22-year-old son and 14-year-old nephew had been arrested for the rape- murder. Ever since the murder, the Bakarwals have been trying to scare us by shouting pro-Pakistan slogans and rattling our gates with iron rods, his daughter alleged. Shafi said the murder and the subsequent activities were part of a plan to oust the Bakarwals from the village. But we will return to this village after four months in the mountains. The village has been our home for decades, he said. A relative of MDMK chief Vaiko attempted self immolation on Friday as protests continued in Tamil Nadu over the non-formation of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) for sharing river water with Karnataka. Sarvana Suresh, 50, a nephew of Vaiko and resident of Virudhunagar, told family members he was going out for a walk, and then in a market, doused himself in kerosene and set himself ablaze. People nearby tried to put out the flames and rushed him to Apollo Hospital in Madurai. He suffered 80% burn injuries. Police are investigating the incident. Vaiko in a statement said that Suresh was distraught over the developments on Cauvery and had set himself ablaze. I have lost hope of his survival. All in my family are suffering as if struck by a thunderbolt, he said. Vaiko also appealed to people not to take their own lives. In Chennai, farmers associations held peaceful demonstration near Chepauk stadium where a few speakers said they would stop paying taxes as neither the Centre nor the state government appeared to be coming to their rescue. The protest pertains to the non-formation of the Cauvery Management Board over sharing of the rivers water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court had in its February 16 verdict had asked the Centre to set up the CMB within six weeks, but the deadline lapsed on March 29, with the Centre failing to set up the board and seeking three months time to do so. Tamil Nadu political leaders have alleged that the BJP-led Centre was acting in favour of Karnataka, which is opposed to the CMB and where Assembly elections are due. The protests had forced organisers of IPL to shift home matches of Chennai Super Kings to Pune from Chennais Chepauk stadium. The Centre is planning to amend a law to ensure death penalty for those who rape children aged below 12 years as outrage continues to pour out over the recent rape cases of minors. Union women and child development (WCD) minister Maneka Gandhi on Friday said she intends to bring the amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act, 2012. Currently, the maximum punishment for aggravated sexual assault on minors under the POCSO Act is life imprisonment. The law came into force in 2012 and deals with sexual offences against those below 18 years. I am deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for death penalty for rape on children below 12 years, Gandhi said. The minister was referring to the case of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, who had been abducted, confined to a temple and gang-raped in January by a group of men, including a juvenile, who wanted to dislodge the girls Bakherwal community from the area. WCD secretary Rakesh Srivastava said they will send the proposal seeking amendment to the law ministry soon. We are in talks with the law ministry. Once they clear it, we will move the cabinet for approval, he said. Recently, the Rajasthan government had approved a bill seeking death penalty for those convicted of raping girls under 12 years of age. Two other BJP ruled states Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have also given the go ahead for a similar proposal. However, in February, Additional Solicitor General PS Narasimha told the Supreme Court, which was hearing a PIL filed by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava seeking death penalty for child rapists, that death penalty is not an answer to everything. Srivastava had filed the PIL seeking justice for an eight-month-old child who was raped. Legal experts said that the government can prescribe death penalty for child rapist. The Indian Penal Code prescribes death penalty for gang rape. If it can be prescribed for gang rape then it can be prescribed for child rapist also. A child under 12 is completely innocent and vulnerable and raping her is the rarest of rare crime and calls for strictest of punishment, said Supreme Court advocate Amit Anand Tiwari. The WCD ministry had debated on seeking death penalty for rapists in 2013 also, following the public outcry over the gang rape and murder of a 21-year-old medical student in which an accused was a juvenile. But beyond discussions, nothing much happened. The brutal crime triggered a nationwide demand for harsher punishment for offenders below the age of 18. Cases of crime against children have been on the rise in the country. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, in 2016 (the latest period for which data is available), 93,344 cases of crime against children were registered across India. India said on Thursday the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will take a decision on the future course of action in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on spying charges, as both the countries have made their submissions before it. India had in September last year submitted its written pleadings to the ICJ in Jadhavs case. In its counter-submission in December last year, Pakistan had rejected Indias plea for consular access to the death row prisoner, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its spy. The submissions have been made by both the sides. The decision on the future course of action is to be taken by the International Court of Justice. Are they going to ask for further submissions or are we moving towards a decision-making process? That is something the ICJ is supposed to decide, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to a question on the status of the case. India had on May 8 last year moved the ICJ for instituting proceedings against Pakistan for violations of the Vienna Convention in the matter of the detention and trial of Jadhav and had requested immediate suspension of the sentence of death awarded to the accused. The ICJ had suspended the death sentence pending final judgement. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence on violence against women and children, saying it was unacceptable and India was waiting for him to speak up. The Congress chiefs comments come a day after he led a midnight march to India Gate to protest the Kathua and Unnao minor rape cases and said it was time for Modi to walk the talk on beti bachao (save the girl child). Directly addressing the Prime Minister on Twitter on Friday, Gandhi also asked why accused rapists and murderers were protected by the state. Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting.#SpeakUp Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 13, 2018 Earlier in the day, he thanked thousands of men and women who stood with him in protesting the rising acts of violence against girls and women and said their battle for justice would not be in vain. Sources said Gandhi also asked party cadres to organise similar protests on Friday in support of protection of women. They said party general secretary (organisation) Ashok Gehlot told all state Congress chiefs to galvanise the cadres in each state and stage candlelight marches at all state and district headquarters. Scores of party workers were joined by Gandhi and several senior leaders on Thursdays protest march in Delhi. The crowds raised slogans demanding justice while several held placards denouncing the Centre and state governments in Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The BJP leads the governments at the Centre and in UP while it is an alliance partner in J&K. In J&Ks Kathua, an eight-year-old girl from a Muslim nomadic community was gang raped and murdered while in UPs Unnao, a 17-year-old accused a BJP legislator of rape. Gopinath Pillai, the father of Pranesh Kumar alias Javed Sheikh who was killed along with Ishrat Jahan in an alleged encounter with Gujarat police in 2004, died on Friday after sustaining injuries in a road accident in Keralas Alappuzha district, police said. According to the police, Pillai, 76, was injured two days ago in Pattanakad when his car was hit by a truck and admitted to a hospital with serious injuries on his head. He was travelling with his brother in the vehicle. It lost control and skidded on the opposite track and subsequently, a truck hit it. We have identified the truck and the driver is in custody, Pattanakad sub-inspector Shajimon said, adding that no foul play was suspected in the preliminary inquiry. Pranesh was killed along with Ishrat, a 19-year-old college girl from Mumbra near Mumbai, Zeeshan Johar and Amjad Rana by officials of Ahmedabad Polices crime branch on the outskirts of the city on June 15, 2004. Gujarat police later claimed the four were Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and out to kill then chief minister Narendra Modi. Pillai fought lengthy legal battles and believed his son was a victim of an extrajudicial killing and that the police were lying about him. He was the first to allege that the encounter was fake and stage-managed to get sympathy for Modi. The former employee of the Bharat Heavy Electricals said Pranesh, who married a Muslim woman and later converted, visited him with his family two weeks before the encounter. The car in which Pranesh travelled to Alappuzha was later found at the encounter site. Pillai, a widower, said in an interview to the Hindustan Times in 2012 that his son converted after he fell in love with a Muslim girl. He said the incident had left deep scars on his life and people ostracised him dubbing the father of a terrorist. He said he was forced to sell his two-acre rubber plantation to fight the case for more than a decade. His daughter-in-law Sajjida and three grandchildren often called on him, he said. The mother of the 8-year-old girl does not know the extent of the brutality her daughter was subjected to from the day she was abducted on January 10 till she was murdered on January 14 in Jammus Kathua district, the father said on Friday. Till date, I have not told my wife about the brutalities unleashed upon our 8-year-old daughter. She is on heavy doses of anti-depressants since January 17the day when she saw badly mutilated body of our daughter, the 40-year-old father of the girl said. The girl from the Bakarwal tribe, a nomadic community of Muslim cattle grazers, was abducted while grazing her familys horses near her home. She was held captive in a temple, sedated and raped repeatedly for a week before being bludgeoned to death. A retired revenue department official planned the crimes against her, says the charge sheet filed by the crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir police, to create fear among her community and get them to leave Rasana village. The brutal Kathua gangrape-murder case, for which eight people have been charged, has polarised the state socially, politically and on communal lines. The grieving family left for the upper reaches, almost a month in advance, following the incident, which has become a thorny issue between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and ally Bharatiya Janata Party. The nomadic tribes of Gujjars and Bakarwals move to the mountains along with their livestock from the plains of Jammu during summers and come down during the harsh winters. My brother-in-law and his wife had lost their three sons and a daughter in a road accident in Mansar a few years ago. To bring them out of pain and agony, I and my wife decided to give our youngest daughter to them and we did so when she was barely one year old, the father said while speaking to this correspondent over the phone. The victims foster parents are shattered again, he said. He said that they too have moved to Sanasar in Patnitop following the brutal gang-rape and murder of the girl. The father said she used to jump into his lap whenever his family visited her foster fathers home. She knew very well that I was his real father and she had an elder brother and two elder sisters but she never wanted to leave her foster parents. She considered them as her parents, he said. The biological father said he and his family were devastated after the death of their daughteryoungest among a son and two daughters. We had no enmity with anyone in Rasana and if our horses had ever damaged crops of someone in the area, they should have avenged the loss by killing me or my horses, But why did they kill my eight-year-old daughter, the father asked. Those who starved, sedated, gang-raped, gave electrical shocks and then brutally murdered my minor daughter should be hanged publicly so that the punishment acts as a deterrent and no other child has to face what my child has faced, he said. He said that instead of seeking justice for his daughter some people were trying to make it a Hindu versus Muslim issue. I have lost my daughter and my brother-in-law and his wife and my family are shattered souls again. This gory incident should not be given a communal colour. We seek justice for my child, he said. Kotak Mahindra Bank on Friday said Vishnu Nandukumar, who triggered a social media furore over his alleged comments against the Kathua rape victim, had been sacked the same day for non-performance. It is extremely disheartening to see such comments being made in the aftermath of such tragedy by anyone including an ex-employee. We strongly condemn this statement, bank spokesperson Rohit Rao said. We have terminated Nandukumar from the services on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 for poor performance, he added. Nandukumar, posted as assistant manager at a branch in Kochi, allegedly justified the killing of the eight-year-old rape victim, saying she would have grown up to be a terrorist. Its better to kill her now otherwise tomorrow she may become a human bomb against India, he allegedly wrote in Malayalam. The vile comment led to a furore on social media, with people demanding action against him. The eight-year-old girl from a grazing family was raped and murdered at Kathua in Jammu region in January this year. (The story has not been modified from its original version) Two BJP ministers in the J&K government who joined the march against the police probe into rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua were misled and misguided, party spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said. She also claimed that Kathua and Unnao rape cases were selectively highlighted to target the BJP and said a similar case in Assam did not get the same prominence. You see their plan, first shout minority minority, then Dalit Dalit, and now women women and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state govts, news agency ANI quoted Lekhi as saying. The Congress, soon, took to Twitter to criticise Lekhi. BJPs MP Meenakshi Lekhis insensitive remark is an insult to Indian citizens standing up for their rights. Her statement reflects her partys regressive ideology. She must take back her words and apologize immediately. A war of words played out with the Congress accusing the BJP of viewing the rape cases through the prism of religion. I strongly condemn the party, which sees even rape on religious and class lines. The person, the party, and the government that looks at rape through the prism of class and religion, has to be criticised, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Karan Singh cited health reasons for not joining Gandhis candle light march on Thursday. The eight-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Jammus Kathua, triggering outrage in the region and elsewhere in India, wasnt enrolled in school. She had just one priority --to ensure that the familys horses, sheep and goats returned to their farmhouse every evening. If any of them was missing, she would run down the rocky terrain through an isolated jungle in search of the animal. Every evening, she would call-count the animals for me. I couldnt get her schooled, but she learnt counting, said her adoptive father, who belongs to the nomadic Bakarwal tribe, in a phone interview. When one of the horses did not return on January 10, she hopped down to the nearby Rasana village. The missing horse returned home a day later, but the girl did not. Her body was found one week later in a jungle close to the village temple. According to the charge sheet filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Polices crime branch on Monday night, the little girl had been abducted, confined to the temple and gang-raped for a week before being killed. Her brutal rape-murder , for which eight people have been charged, has polarised the state socially, politically and on communal lines. She was shy and gentle, but a brave girl who did not fear the dark or the jungles. She spoke little, but she would have certainly revealed the rape to us had her life been spared, said her biological grandfather who lives in a concrete home nestled in the mountains and far from civilisation in nearby Samba district. Her adoptive father always feared separation from his daughter, but he never thought she would be snatched from him forever. He had informally adopted the girl after a tragedy. The man had lost his mother and all his three children to a road accident in Jammus Mansar around a decade ago. The couple was distraught and lonely, said the girls biological grandfather. She had been gifted away when she was only three months old. I had four children and the couple had none. I made the sacrifice to wipe the tears of the couple and bring some joy in their lives, said the biological father over the phone from a location in the mountains. The agreement was that the girl would return to her own home once she entered her teenage years. I would rarely get to meet her, but I waited excitedly to see her grow up. She did not show any interest in returning to us, but I had hopes, said her 16-year-old sister, who lives with her grandparents and is the only child among her siblings to go to school. When I last met her in November, I asked her to return to us. She hid behind her adoptive mother and said her adoptive parents would be lonely and would have no one to look after their cattle if she left them, said her grandmother. The girls relatives said they did not want the crime to be politicised, but wanted her killers to be awarded the same fate that she had faced. We are poor nomads and die earlier than the rich people. But our little girl was too young and innocent to die, her grandfather said. About a decade ago, the girls adoptive father purchased a large piece of land in the middle of a forest on the outskirts of the village. He constructed a three-room house in one corner of the land and cleared the rest to accommodate his animals. His home being the only concrete home of all Bakarwal families in Rasana village, he fenced the entire property using thorned branches. The only house within a nearly 1 kilometre radius, it is equipped with only the basic necessities and does not have electricity or water connections. Though the house has a kitchen, the family cooks on a mud hearth outside. My daughter and the animals were our only property. We never felt unsafe, said the girls adoptive father. After the crime took a political turn, the man left for the mountains with his wife and their animals earlier this week. Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan has blamed Pakistan for the gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua in January. Chouhan, who was participating in a fast organised in Khandwa to protest the washout of Parliaments Budget Session, said, The act (Kathua rape-murder) must have been committed by Pakistans agents to divide people by chanting Jai Shriram. He was responding to reports that slogans of Jai Sriram were raised following the incident. If slogans of Jai Shri Ram were shouted on the rape of the girl, it must be the handiwork of Pakistans agents who want to create differences between us, Chouhan said. Hindus are less than one per cent in Kashmir. They cannot even open their mouths, then how can they shout these slogans? he asked. The BJP leader, however, termed the incident as a blot on humanity. The eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped and held her in captivity in a temple for a week in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir in January. She was allegedly drugged so that she could be raped again before being bludgeoned to death, according to the charge sheet filed by the Jammu and Kashmirs Crime Branch. The law is handling the two rape cases that have shocked India, but there should be no victim shaming, said information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani, as critics attacked the government for being silent about the crimes. Irani was asked to comment on the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Jammus Kathua district and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar being named in a rape case filed by a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district. The girl in Kathua was tortured and killed allegedly because the accused wanted to scare away the nomadic Muslim Bakerwal community from the village. Thousands of members of a radical Hindu group with links to the ruling party have marched to demand the release of the six men accused in the repeated rape and killing of the girl inside a Hindu temple. Hundreds of Hindu lawyers have protested that the men, two of them police officers, are innocent. The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh handed over the Unnao case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after coming under attack from its political rivals for allegedly shielding Sengar. Law agencies and government are taking necessary action. As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming, Irani was quoted by ANI as saying in response to questions about the two rape cases. The Union minister also took on Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his home constituency of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. She slammed as a farce his midnight march seeking justice for the Unnao and Kathua rape victims. Rahul Gandhi earlier stood in support of Gayatri Prasad Prajapati. Its just his compulsion to take a stand this time, but Amethi knows the truth. I have faith that justice will be provided, Irani said. Prajapati, a Samajwadi Party member, was an accused in a rape case of a woman from Chitrakoot. He was arrested and is now out on bail. Prajapati was fielded as a SP candidate for the Uttar Pradesh polls in 2017, when the Congress was in alliance with the party. Irani is the second woman minister of the Narendra Modi government to comment on the two cases. Woman and child welfare minister Maneka Gandhi, in a video message Friday morning, said she was deeply, deeply disturbed and would move an amendment in the law to bring in the death penalty for child rapists. On March 1, 2015, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir with the promise of good governance. Ideologically, the two parties had always been poles part, but the intention was to weld the mandate the PDP won in Kashmir with the backing the BJP received from voters in Jammu to forge a stronger bond between the two regions . Three years later, the fault lines seem to have only widened -- between the PDP and the BJP, between Jammu and Kashmir, Muslims and Hindus, between locals and nomads. That has been exposed by the brutal rape-murder of an eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Muslim Bakrawal community in Jammus Kathua that has triggered tensions in the region. Migration has had something to do with the tensions. Political, social, trade and tourist organizations in Jammu have been protesting against the settlement of Rohingya Muslims, whom they perceive as a security threat, in the region and demanding their deportation. Then theres friction between locals and nomadic tribes who settle there. In the Kathua rape and murder, the crime branch charge sheet attributed the crime to a conspiracy to create fear among the nomadic Bakarwal community and get them to leave Rassna village. Our debates on demographic changes in Jammu had picked up momentum and when a mass movement was just about to begin, this government with a communal agenda sabotaged the movement and changed the narrative. The rape and murder case was totally given a communal colour by the chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.., lawyer Ankur Sharma said. National security advisor AK Doval met one of Chinas top diplomats Yang Jiechi on Friday in Shanghai as the two countries stepped up efforts to smoothen ties ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in June expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two top officials are learnt to have held wide-ranging discussions on the current state of bilateral ties as the two countries attempt to shake off the unease and suspicion generated from the military standoff at Doklam, near the Sikkim border, last year. The two top officials shared their thoughts on the current global and regional hotspots and took stock of the state of affairs in Afghanistan and Myanmar. Doval will be back in Beijing for the SCO summit of national security advisers in May. Yang is currently the director of the central foreign affairs commission (CFAC), a Communist Party of China (CPC) group headed party general secretary, Xi Jinping, that has oversight over the countrys external relations. He is also a member of the partys powerful politburo. Indian diplomats didnt share details about the meeting, which was held in Shanghai and not in the capital Beijing where bilateral meetings are usually held. More bilateral visits are slated for this month with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman expected to visit Beijing. Swaraj is expected to visit China for the SCO Foreign Ministers meet on April 24 and hold talks with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Defence minister Sitharman will also visit China the same time for a bilateral meet as well as the SCO defence ministers meet. Last December, then state councillor Yang had led a team of diplomats to New Delhi for the 20th round of border talks under the Special Representative (SR) mechanism. Yang was then the SR for China while Doval continues to be so for India. Various political leaders on Friday unified in condemning the rape and murder of a minor in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district. Politicians such as former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, Kamal Haasan and Maneka Gandhi expressed their anguish over the disturbing case. The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakarwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. The gory details of the heinous crime surfaced following filing of charges this week. The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. Here is what some of the leaders have said: Omar Abdullah: The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district. Hon PM sir, there isnt a day when we dont hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others, he tweeted. Abdullah requested the prime minister not to let the girl be someone you choose to remain silent about. Kamal Haasan: The actor-politician said he felt angry for failing her. Does it have to be your own daughter for you to understand? She couldve been mine, he tweeted. Haasan, founder-president of Makkal Needhi Mayyam, said he felt angry as a man, father and as a citizen for failing the minor girl. I am sorry my child, We didnt make this country safe enough for you. Ill fight for justice at least for future kids like you. We mourn you and wont forget you, he added. Meenakshi Lekhi:The BJP MP in the Lok Sabha said a fair probe was done in the rape and murder of a minor in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district. A fair probe was done in Kathua case. SIT was formed and 6-7 people were arrested. Also, I would like to say it on record that the Jammu Bar Association president BS Slathia was the polling agent of Ghulam Nabi Azad, said Lekhi. You see their (Opposition) plan is to first shout minority minority, then Dalit Dalit, and now women women and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state governments, she added. Maneka Gandhi: The women and child development minister declared that her ministry intends to amend the POCSO Act, making provision for death penalty in child rape cases. I have been deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the (women and child development) ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act asking for the death penalty for rape on children below 12 years, the minister said in a video message. GA Mir: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chairman asked chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to come clean on the alleged involvement of two of her cabinet ministers in instigating trouble in Kathua region. VK Singh: The minister of state for external affairs on Thursday assured justice to the eight-year-old girl and said we have failed her as humans. But she will not be denied justice. Crimes as heinous as rape have no religion, a lawyer waging a legal battle on behalf of an eight-year-old girl raped and murdered in Jammus Kathua said on Thursday, vowing to ensure punishment for the guilty in the case that has sparked outrage across the country. Deepika Thusoo Singh, 38, is a Kashmiri Pandit whose family migrated to Jammu from their ancestral village Karihama in North Kashmir in 1986, four years before thousands of Hindus left the Valley over fears of attacks by militants. It was after Singh filed a writ petition that the Jammu and Kashmir high court started monitoring the case and the Crime Branch took over investigation into the crime that has sharpened the states religious divide. Singh said she has been threatened by Jammus lawyers who have defended the accused and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Singh said she feels ashamed that slogans like Bharat mata ki jai are being used in support of the rape accused. Its a heart-wrenching rape of a minor girl and we should all remember (that) crimes like this have no religion and colour, she told Hindustan Times over phone from Jammu. We cant raise these slogans for rapists. Singh said she recently got a verdict in favour of a maid who was raped by a sitting judge in Jammu. She was Hindu; how is this minor girl any different than her, she said. The minor victim of Kathua belonged to the Muslim Bakarwal community. Police said the accused had planned the crime to terrorise the community into leaving their homes in Kathua. A human rights lawyer, Singh said she has been given security cover after she wrote to the chief justice of the high court about the alleged threats. A senior lawyer who is spearheading the protests asked me to stop appearing for my cases as the bar association is on strike, she said. He threatened me by saying, yahan gandgi machane ki zarurat nahi (dont spread muck here). A group of lawyers had tried to prevent police from filing the charge sheet in court, accusing the investigators of harassing the Hindu community. If they (lawyers) say the real culprits are being shielded, the onus is on them to name the real culprits, Singh said. They are calling me anti-national and anti-Jammu; I am not an alien, I am from Jammu, she added. Singh also challenged those supporting the accused to contest the investigation in court. If they fought in court, there would have been no TV cameras, no photographers, so who would have seen the drama. So they are hitting the road, she added. Singh said she approached the victims family after reading newspapers reports about the rape in January this year. When I saw the newspaper reports initially, I felt something was not right in this case as police reports said the body was found in a jungle and the clothes were absolutely clean, said the lawyer, a mother to a five-year-old girl. The family is very poor, they are illiterate. They need our support, she said. Singh, married to a retired army officer from Rajasthan, urged the people of Jammu not to fall prey to communal forces. Referring to stringent new laws enacted after the gang rape and murder of a paramedic in a moving bus in Delhi six years ago, she said that post Nirbhaya a lot has changed in the definition of the crime. I realise that people in Kashmir, even the police, are still talking about the old definitions of rape, she added. A group of Supreme Court advocates on Friday morning raised the issue of Kathua rape case before the top court and urged it to take suo motu cognisance of the issue. An eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakarwal community had disappeared from Rasana village in Jammus Kathua district on January 10. A week later, her body was recovered. The police chargesheet says the girl was abducted, confined, brutalised, gang-raped repeatedly, kept sedated and finally bludgeoned to death. Eight people, including a juvenile, have been booked in the incident. Supreme Court advocates led by PV Dinesh told a bench led by the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra that lawyers in Jammu are protesting in support of the accused and had prevented police from filing a chargesheet in the case. They demanded action against the protesting lawyers in Jammu. The court was also told that advocates for the rape victims family were being threatened by the Jammu Bar Association. The court assured the lawyers that it will not hesitate to take up the Kathua rape case provided they placed in writing about the agitation by local lawyers. The SC bench headed by CJI Misra asked Dinesh to furnish material on record with regard to the strike call by Jammu Bar Association to enable it to take suo motu judicial note of the same. Something must come on record. We have nothing on record, the bench, also comprising justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said. The Jammu Bar Association had organised protests against what it calls an attempt to target minority Dogras and implicate them in the incident. They have demanded a CBI probe in the incident. (With PTI inputs) Former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan on Friday said the controversial SC/ST verdict of the Supreme Court was basically wrong as the decision will enable perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. Balakrishnan, the first Dalit to become CJI (January 14, 2007 to May 12, 2010) also said that this decision of the apex court has incited violence. This is probably the first time a decision of the Supreme Court has incited violence among the people. Usually, when violence is there, the Supreme Court intervenes. The people used to accept the verdict. Now people are not in a position to accept the verdict of the highest court of the land. It is something which is strange. This we should understand. The Supreme Court should produce decisions which are acceptable to greater number of people. It should not create violence among the society, he said. Read | What is the controversy over the SC/ST Act? He was delivering the presidential address at a seminar on Supreme Court Judgement on SC/ST Causes, Effects and Solution organised by South Asian Minorities Lawyers Association and Ambedkar Educational Cultural Society. In its March 20 order, the apex court had diluted stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act mandating immediate arrest under the law in a bid to protect honest public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases. Following the apex courts decision, a nationwide bandh was called by Dalit groups on April 2 to protest against the dilution of the Act. At least 11 people persons were killed and hundreds injured in ensuing violence across several states as protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to private and public properties, including police posts. Pointing out the finding of the apex court with regard to abuse of law of arrest in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said that sufficient safeguards were already provided in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in case of arrest of any person. If a person is to be arrested, he should have committed a cognisable offence and the police officer should be satisfied that the person has committed a cognisable offence and the officer should record as per the amendment in the CrPC. So there are sufficient safeguards, he said. Referring to the apex court verdict making it mandatory to get approval of the appointing authority before arresting a public official in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said its implementation was not feasible and the accused will easily get away. How is the appointing authority concerned with the case? Who is bothered about it? The approval will never come. He can very well escape from the clutches of law. This decision will enable such perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. So in that way, the decision is basically wrong, Justice Balakrishnan said. The former CJI, who had also headed the National Human Rights Commission, said there is a perception that the Act is widely misused as most of the cases are either discharged or the accused are acquitted. He said that since the perpetrators of the offence under the Act are socially influential members of the society and the complainants are poor people, a proper prosecution of the accused never happens. Those who commit the offence are socially powerful members of the community. They are influential. The police and the powerful people are not in favour of SC/ST and ultimately the case end in acquittal or discharged. That is why the general impression that the Act is being misused. Its not that the complaint is farce. The complainant is not really able to prosecute the perpetrators who had committed the offence. They are not able to successfully prosecute the persons, the former CJI said. Advocate Mehmood Pracha, who also addressed the event, said that the judgment of the apex court shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of the judicial system. This judgment of the Supreme Court actually shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of our system, most unfortunate is of our judicial system. Because the SC/ST community is totally unrepresented in higher judiciary at least and it is almost non-existent in lower judiciary as well. This is the root cause of all our problems because the judicial minds cannot appreciate the pain and sufferings of the oppressed classes because they have come from the upper classes and caste of the society, Pracha said. He said that the Muslim community of the country should stand with another oppressed community of their times, the Dalits. Rather Muslims should stand ahead of SC/ST community in this fight and I hope if we stand in front of them, they will stand in front of us in our fights. That is the real solution for the problems of this country, he said. (This story has not been modified from its original version.) Security was heightened in parts of Srinagar city on Friday after separatists called for protests against civilian killings. The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, called for protests after the Friday prayers against the death of four civilians during a gunfight in Kulgam district on Wednesday. One soldier was also killed in the encounter. While Geelani and Mirwaiz have been placed under house arrest, Malik has been lodged in Srinagar Central Jail. Mobile internet services continue to remain suspended in South Kashmir areas since Thursday, while the speed of mobile as well as fixed line broadband connections were slashed in other parts of the Valley. Train services between Baramulla and Bannihal towns have been suspended. Educational institutions, banks, post offices and government offices were closed across Jammu and Kashmir due to a public holiday. Public transport remained off the roads in most areas of Srinagar. Inter-district public transport, however, remained suspended. The Supreme Court asked the government on Thursday how it could make a rule to freeze a bank account for not linking it with Aadhaar and said a law that called for the 12-digit unique identification number to be linked to the accounts did not provide for any penal action. A Constitution bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also expressed concern over information surveillance and referred to the recent Facebook data breach to point out that even the Aadhaar data of 1.3 billion people could be used for commercial purposes in the absence of a strong data protection law. The court is hearing a set of petitions challenging the validity of Aadhaar. The query over bank accounts was posed to additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta when he, on the behalf of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), defended rules under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) that say an account ceases to be operational if its not linked to Aadhaar. CJI Misra raised the first question: Can you prescribe an onerous condition like shut the bank account? Justice DY Chandrachud elaborated on the CJIs query, reading out the provisions of PMLA. He said they only asked the government to prescribe a procedure for banks or financial institutions to identify its clients and maintain records. What you have done, in the exercise of power, is to provide for consequences in a penal nature. You say a bank account holder would not be entitled to operate the account if not linked to Aadhaar. Are you authorised to do this under the law, under the rule-making power? The answer will be no because the Act only asks you to prescribe a procedure and not to stop operation of bank accounts, Justice Chandrachud said. Mehta said the penal consequence is a result of non-compliance of the procedure. But Justice AK Sikri suggested that the government had gone beyond its rule-making power. The law does not provide for a penal provision, he said. Mehta submitted that the freezing of bank account was a consequence and could not be construed as a penalty, to which Justice Sikri replied: It is in the nature of penalty. My account is blocked and you deprive me of my money. These bank accounts have been there for years, much before this law came. Identification of customers took place as per the existing law and now you want a new identity. Mehta argued that the purpose behind linkage was to weed out fictitious bank accounts and stop money laundering. But the effect is being felt across the board, even to the 99% who are not into money laundering, Justice Sikri replied. The deadline for the linking of bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers was extended till the time the court reached a verdict in the case. Later, when senior counsel Rakesh Diwedi, appearing for Gujarat government, was explaining the rationale of collecting Aadhaar data, Justice Chandrachud said that in the absence of a robust data protection law it is difficult to stop commercial surveillance and the sharing of information. When we mean surveillance, it is not real or physical surveillance but commercial surveillance, the judge said. He cited the instance of the Cambridge Analytica data mining scandal and said: Today all information in WhatsApp or Facebook is commercially sensitive. Why should somebody intrude on my privacy and keep a tab over the conversation when I share a message with my wife? Our concern is that it will affect a vast number of population and the future generation and how are we going to lay down a law. The CJI asked Dwivedi to explain on April 17 how the Aadhar data will be protected. The Supreme Court on Friday slammed the Centre for harassing short service commission (SSC) women army officers and opposing their plea for a permanent commission (PC). A bench led by Justice NV Ramana found it strange that the government, which gave wide publicity to women fighter pilots recently commissioned in the Air Force, does not want to extend permanent commission to the serving women officers. It gave one week to the government to spell out its policy, refusing three months time sought by the government counsel. Why are you harassing these women officers? This is discrimination, the court told the lawyer appearing for Union ministry of defence. The SC is seized of the Centres appeal against a Delhi high court judgement of 2010, which allowed women joining the army under SSC to opt for permanent commission. Before the HC judgement, women officers retired after 14 years and had no scope of extension while their male counterparts were eligible to receive it after five years. The Centres appeal against the high courts judgement is pending before the SC since 2010. While the SC did not stay the HC order, it had said the relief extending from the 2010 verdict would only be available to those women officers who were in service at that time, leaving out the ones who had already retired. On Friday, Justice Ramanas bench was hearing an application by officers not in service when the 2010 verdict had come. You advertise... women in combat roles, fighter pilots and sea vessels and you are here opposing permanent commission of women officers, he said. As Congress president Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march at India Gate to protest the incidents of rape in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao and Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua, his sister Priyanka Gandhi was visibly miffed after she got pushed by the unruly crowd. Priyanka Gandhi was heard telling the crowd to respect the cause for which they gathered at the India Gate. She also appealed to the crowd to keep calm and march silently. Those who have come here to push people around must go home, she was heard saying. Priyanka Gandhis husband Robert Vadra and her children (son and daughter) were also present. Many were shouting slogans like Modi Bhagao, Beti Bachao as they held candles as a mark of protest. The police had a hard time controlling the crowd (some of them were even drunk) as many had crossed over the barricades and even broke through them. Traffic movement too came to a halt near the India Gate due to the crowd. The SPG too had a very difficult time protecting Rahul Gandhi from the chaotic crowd. Apart from scores of Congress workers, there were also students, people from civil society groups, professionals and mediapersons in the march. Two BJP ministers, who had attended a rally in support of the Kathua rape accused, on Friday resigned from the Mehbooba Mufti government A group called the Hindu Ekta Manch recently held a rally with the Tricolour, opposing the settlement of Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes in Kathua. It also demanded the release of a police officer accused of involvement in the rape and murder of the girl. Earlier, the states minister for forest Chaudhary Lal Singh and minister for commerce and industries Chander Prakash Ganga, both from the BJP, attended the event. An eight-year-old had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The charge sheet filed by the crime branch said that the girl was allegedly abducted, drugged and held in a temple while she was raped repeatedly because the main accused wanted to scare the Bakarwals and make them move out of the village. Political influence, hold over the local electorate and the upper-caste vote appear to be the reasons why Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is accused of raping a minor in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao, has evaded arrest, according to two senior party leaders. One of the senior leaders, who is familiar with the developments but didnt wish to be named, said the decision on Sengars fate was taken during a meeting of BJP chief Amit Shah with the MLAs at the residence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday. Several MLAs opposed the arrest of Sengar. They said he played a crucial role in the victory of the BJP on a number of seats, including Bhagwant Nagar represented by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Hriday Narayan Dikshit, in 2017 assembly election. He again played a key role in ensuring cross-voting by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Anil Kumar Singh in support of the BJP candidate, the leader said. He said Sengar would be crucial in the legislative council elections on April 26. In view of the SP-BSP alliance in the election, every vote will be crucial for the BJP. In Rajya Sabha election, two incarcerated MLAs Mukhtar Ansari (BSP) and Hari Om Yadav (Samajwadi Party) were not granted permission to vote. The same rule will apply on Sengar once he is behind bars, the BJP leader said. Sengar is a four-time MLA. In 2002, he contested assembly election as a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate from Unnao Sadar constituency and emerged victorious. He joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) in 2007 and won from Bangarmau assembly seat. Kuldeep changed his seat to Bhagwant Nagar in Unnao in 2012 and contested election as a Samajwadi Party candidate. Before the 2017 assembly election, he joined the BJP and once again won from Bangarmau seat . He was influential and held sway even when he was with the BSP and the SP. Another senior MLA said on the condition of anonymity that the four-time MLA has exceptional hold over the Unnao region, underlining this as the reason why six MLAs met Adityanath on Wednesday to say that the MLA was being framed. Sengar has maintained that he is innocent and has described the case as a political conspiracy. Sengar hails from upper caste and has the capacity of influencing results on seats falling in his region. His influence and muscle power will be required by the BJP to win Unnao seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he said. A teenaged woman has alleged the MLA raped her on June 4 last year, and that his brother and aides attacked her father on April 3. The father allegedly died of injuries inside jail earlier this week. Sengars arrest appeared imminent late on Wednesday evening after pressure mounted on the state government but he was told he will be contacted if needed. Since then, an FIR has been filed against him. But despite opposition criticism, the BJP has remained defiant. Request all to not play the judge. The case has been referred to the CBI. Lets have some patience and dont jump to conclusions, Uttar Pradesh BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said. BJP leaders Deepti Bharadwaj and IP Singh have also openly criticised the government and said its attitude had tarnished the image of the party. Late on Wednesday, Sengar announced he would surrender at the camp office-cum-residence of the senior superintendent of police (SSP) in Lucknow. At night, he left for the SSPs residence along with his supporters. But he returned soon after, saying he was not guilty and his rivals had hatched a conspiracy. At midnight, the state government recommended a CBI probe into the rape case as well as the death of the womans father in judicial custody. Battle lines have been drawn in Uttar Pradesh as political parties prepare to celebrate Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkars 127th birth anniversary on April 14 with a show of strength aimed at wooing the community which form a substantial voter base. Fearing that the fierce competition between parties might trigger violence, police have sounded a state-wide alert. The caution comes in the wake of recent incidents of tension and violence, such as vandalising of Dalit icons statues and the massive Bharat Bandh protest against the alleged dilution of laws assuring protection to the community from atrocities. The Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning a show of strength at Ambedkar memorial in Lucknow and has painted the town blue by putting up hoardings, posters and banners to mark the occasion. Senior leaders will pay obeisance to Ambedkar and address party workers. A party leader said BSP president Mayawati would attend a programme in New Delhi and office-bearers in Uttar Pradesh have been asked to organise programmes in all the districts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned yatras in all the districts to felicitate senior members of Dalit community, a party leader said. The BJP government had recently ordered inclusion of Ramji as the middle name of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar in all official correspondence. The government also directed installation of Dr Ambedkars portraits in all its offices. The saffron party has also released Rs 35,000 to each district for Ambedkars birth anniversary celebrations. Ambedkar Mahasabha, a non-political organisation, will honour chief minister Yogi Adityanath with the title of Dalit Mitra (friend of Dalits). SP national president Akhilesh Yadav has directed party leaders to celebrate Ambedkars birth anniversary in all the district offices and at public places with fervour. Congress has also planned a series of programmes across the state. Senior party leaders have been directed to attend programmes organised in Dalit-dominated areas. Police have been put on high alert to avert any untoward incident on the occasion. Superintendents of police (SPs) of all the 75 districts have been directed to remain on high alert and deploy extra police force at sensitive spots on April 14, ADG (law and order) Anand Kumar said. The SPs have also been asked to ensure safety of Ambedkars statues in their respective districts, Kumar said. He said intelligence units had been activated to maintain a watch on anti-social elements. A senior police officer said extra force had been deployed in six districts where violence had erupted during Bharat Bandh protest by Dalit organisations. Rapid action force (RAF) and provincial armed constabulary (PAC) have also been put on alert. The SPs have been directed to hold talks with the organisers to ensure peace and harmony, the officer said. Dalit scholar R K Gautam said political parties were trying to claim Ambedkars legacy for vote bank. The BJP is trying to spread its base in Dalit and backward communities while the BSP is trying to maintain its hold on Dalit votes. Political parties are wooing Dalits that constitute 21% of the states population. Their support will be crucial in 2019 Lok Sabha election, he said. When local administration in Bharatpur and Jaipur districts ordered restriction of Internet services for 24 hours beginning intervening night of January 9 and 10, it was the 25th such instance when Rajasthan government had shut down Internet in last four years. This is second highest number of Internet shutdowns ordered by a state. Jammu and Kashmir, with 73 such instances in last four years, leads the table, a tracker website maintained by the Dehi-based non-profit legal services organization Software Freedom Law Centre has revealed. The tracker www.internetshutdowns.in shows that since 2012, Internet has been shut down in different parts of India 165 times. Internet was shut down in Rajasthan eight times in 2018, 10 times in 2017, six times in 2016, and once in 2015. Data for 2014, 2013 and 2012 for the state is not available on the website. Internet services were suspended in Jaipur and Bharatpur on April 10 in view of the anti-reservation bandh called by social media users. The official government line was that the suspension of mobile and Internet services in sensitive areas acts as a precautionary measure to check rumour-mongering. Earlier, following violence in the state on April 2, when Dalits had called for a Bharat bandh to protest an alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Internet was shut down in all districts of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Bharatpur divisions of Rajasthan. The shutdown was also announced in Udaipur, Sikar and Alwar cities. Internet shutdowns have been expressly condemned by the international community, including the United Nations, for violating fundamental human rights such as freedom of speech and expression, said Prasanth Sugathan, legal director of SFLC.IN Through our work, we hope to build a resource pool that will help address the issue of Internet shutdowns through evidence-based and result-oriented dialogues, Sugathan added. We have been tracking instances of Internet shutdowns in India since 2012. We launched a website in February 2017 featuring an interactive compilation of our data alongside various other resources on Internet shutdowns, he said, adding that the website seeks to track incidents of Internet shutdowns across India in an attempt to draw attention to the troubling trend of disconnecting access to Internet services, for reasons ranging from curbing unrest to preventing cheating in an examination. In 2016, SFLC.IN was made the official country partner for #KeepItOn a global campaign against Internet shutdowns spearheaded by Access Now, an international civil society organization that fights for digital rights around the world. Its data on Indias Internet shutdowns feeds into the campaigns worldwide database, and is frequently presented at various Government and policy forums discussing the issue. Through our work, we hope to build a resource pool that will help address the issue of Internet shutdowns through evidence-based and result-oriented dialogues, Sugathan said. The central government had in August last year notified rules to regulate the temporary suspension of telecom services due to public emergency or public safety. The notification issued by the Union ministry of communications, under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, codified the rules as the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. As per the notification, the competent authority for issuing directions to suspend the telecom services in case of Government of India is Union home secretary, and in case of state government, the state home secretary. An officer, not below the rank of a joint secretary can issue such an order in unavoidable circumstances subject to confirmation from the competent authority within 24 hours. Contacted, chief secretary, Nihal Chand Goel, said in Rajasthan, divisional commissioners have the power to shut down Internet. We have directed them to use only when they must use this power. Even in serious law and order situations, these powers should be used only when necessary because the state government values the freedom of expression of our people, he added. As per the Centres notification, the order to suspend the Internet services along with a copy detailing the reasons for the same should be submitted to a three-member review committee led by cabinet secretary in case of Government of India, and by chief secretary in case of state government. It couldnt be immediately clarified if all the 25 cases of Internet shutdowns were reviewed. The state government filed an application in the Rajasthan high court, urging that the judgment in a rape case against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu be pronounced in the Jodhpur central jail considering law and order problems. On April 7, a special SC/ST court in Jodhpur reserved its order for April 25 in the case after the final arguments that stretched for over five months were completed. A minor girl had in August 2013 accused Asaram of rape at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur. The girl, who belonged to Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, was a student living in the ashram. Asaram was arrested on August 31, 2013 and sent to the Jodhpur central jail. Intelligence inputs have indicated that on the judgment day thousands of followers are likely to gather in Jodhpur from different parts of the country. Such followers in huge numbers are likely to disrupt daily activities of local citizens, additional advocate general (AAG) Shiv Kumar Vyas said in the high court. They (followers) may indulge in violence and create serious law and order situation in Jodhpur city. This may cause immense loss of property and human lives. It may seriously impair the functioning of local courts also. During the hearing on Friday, a division bench of justice Gopal Krishna Vyas and justice Ramchandra Singh Jhala asked Asarams counsel Mahesh Bora to submit his reply to the state governments application by Tuesday. The government cited the example of Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two women. The sentence was pronounced in Sunaria jail, Rohtak, after an order from the Punjab and Haryana high court. A special court was set up on the jail premises to prevent violence by his followers. Asarams counsel had given an undertaking in the Rajasthan HC on May 1 last year that no nuisance would be created on the court campus. Asaram will instruct his followers not to enter the court premises, and also not to follow the vehicle carrying the accused persons from the central jail to the court and from the court to the jail, the counsel said. Despite the undertaking, AAG Vyas said, Asarams followers have been creating nuisance during the hearing. On the dates of hearing, when Asaram was taken to the court, a huge crowd used to assemble there and create a difficult situation to maintain law and order. Even on return from the court, the followers used to block the police vehicles in which Asaram was being taken, said police commissioner Ashok Rathore. The police personnel on duty worked hard to maintain law and order. In November 2013, the Jodhpur police filed a charge sheet against Asaram and four co-accused booking them under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Asaram was also booked for human trafficking. Public prosecutor Pokar Ram said the prosecution examined 44 of the total 58 witnesses, while defence examined 31 witnesses. Asaram is also facing a rape case in Gujarat. Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused to grant bail to Asaram in two sexual assault cases. Two Surat-based sisters had lodged separate complaints against Asaram and his son Narayan Sai, accusing them of rape and illegal confinement, among other charges. Facing heat from the Dalit community during April 2 Bharat bandh, the state BJP government and the party have extended an olive branch to the community and started a damage control exercise. The BJP has directed its leaders to spend time with members of the Dalit community and spend nights in the Dalit-dominated villages, besides directing the partys youth wing to organize community dinners with the members of the Dalit community. The state government too is busy preparing to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti on April 13 , in a big way to appease the Dalits. On April 2, a nationwide bandh was called by Dalit organizations to protest against the Supreme Courts ruling that they say dilutes the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The protests turned violent after the demonstrators clashed with law enforcement agencies. Following the violence, police have lodged hundreds of cases against protestors in the state and arrested people allegedly involved in the violence. The police crackdown on the community has created fear among the Dalits, activists say. Despite tracking people who instigated the violence, police are unnecessarily harassing Dalits due to which members of community are living under fear, some of them say. Police are intentionally registering cases against Dalits to harass them, activists say and add that investigations be handed over to an independent probe agency. Considering the situation, state authorities say that no action will be taken against innocent people. Action will be taken against only those who have taken law in their hands and caused disturbance to law and order situation during the Bharat bandh on April 2, they say. With crack down on the members of the Dalit community, the enthusiasm to celebrate for Ambedkar Jayanti, is missing. Every year, members of the Dalit community start preparing for the Ambedkar Jayanti celebration more than a couple weeks ahead but this year, no decision has been taken on the hosting the event. On Thursday, Barmer district collector and police chief held a meeting with the members of the Dalit community along with the leaders of other communities and appealed to the Dalits to celebrate the Ambedkar Jayanti with enthusiasm. Baba Sahab Ambedkar Jayanti Committee members Suresh Jatav, says that this time there is no enthusiasm among the members of the Dalit community about the Ambedkar Jayanti as a large number of people are in jail or are facing police action. Usually members of the community used get support from the authorities for celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti, but this is the first time that authorities have called Dalits and are organizing the annual event, Jatav tells HT. Apart from official efforts, state BJP leaders have directed the partys youth wing to organize community dinners with members of the Dalit community. Swai Kumawat, district president of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha, says they got the direction from the party leadership on April 10, to organize community dinners with Dalits. He, however, refuses to comment on the reason behind the decision. Similarly, party leaders have also been directed to spend time with members of the Dalit community. Barmer BJP parliamentarian Col. Sonaram Choudhary, admitts that Dalit anger is a loss to the party. Following the April 2 incident, members of the Dalit community are living in fear, he says. Choudhary says that he met the chief minister and informed her about the ground situation in the district. People from a specific community are harassing the Dalits by lodging false cases on them, he says. He alleges that people from that specific community have beaten the Dalits during the Bharat bandh and set their vehicles on fire. I have requested the chief minister to direct the officials to take action only against people who are guilty and not to harass the members of the Dalit community, otherwise it will be a big loss for the party, he says. The party has given direction to the BJP MPs to spend a night in villages that have sizeable number of Dalit community, Choudhary says. He further says that he himself met with the members of the Dalit community and assured them that no action will be taken against people who are innocent. A quack, an ex-serviceman, a tax consultant and at least two former Congress leaders are among the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) first list of 10 candidates for Rajasthan elections released on Friday. Announcing the names, the AAPs state coordinator Devendra Shastri said the party will contest all 200 seats. Assembly elections in Rajasthan are scheduled to be held at the end of this year. The AAP will field candidates on all 200 seats. We will have adjustments on some seats, which will be announced soon, Shastri said. The party is expected to announce rest of the names in next 15 days, he added. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Congress are still in the process of forming panels to decide their candidates. The AAP has no representation in the state Assembly. The AAPs first list of candidates comes three days after the party removed Kumar Vishwas as the in charge of its unit in Rajasthan and replaced him with Deepak Bajpai. The party, however, is likely to face flak for fielding 35-year-old Kapil Baria from Kushalgarh constituency in Banswara, a tribal district in southern Rajasthan. As per the profile provided by the party, Baria, a Bheel, has cleared Class 10 and runs four ayurvedic clinics in Kushalgarh. A release from the party said he is commonly known as desi doctor for treating people with herbs. Baria treats people for free, the release added. The party will field 44-year-old Gopal Singh Rathore from Chittorgarh. He was a member of the Congress party from 2004 to 2006 and held the position of district general secretary in partys young wing. Jugal Kishore Sharma, announced as candidate from Jhotwara constituency in Jaipur, also did organizational work for the Congress for a long time. The 42-year-old is an advisor for LIC housing loans and has been a member of AAP since 2013. Shahtri said only those candidates who clear the AAPs 4-C formula will be given party ticket. Detailing the 4-Cs, he said, The character of the candidate should be clean, should not be a criminal, should not be corrupt and should not be communal. On fielding a quack, Shastri said Bari is a young and a popular man in his area. He practices traditional medicine and is popular among the tribal people for providing free treatment, he added. Shastri said the AAP will follow the partys Delhi pattern to decide the issues to be raised in the elections. The party would also begin its Rajasthan Dialogue soon. Our team will come from Delhi and begin the Rajasthan Dialogue soon. We will talk to farmers, women, youth, labour class, traders, and other sections of the society. Based on that, we will finalise the issues to be raised, Shastri said. The party has announced candidates for the seats of Bharatpur, Deeg-Kumher, Chittorgarh, Jhotwara, Kushalgarh, Ladpura, Bhilwara, Anta, Suratgarh, and Nawalgarh. Brief profiles Bharatpur: The party has fielded 55-year-old businessman Sanjeev Gupta. A commerce and law graduate, Gupta is the president of Bharatpur District Traders Association. Deeg-Kumher: The AAP has fielded ex-Serviceman Manudev Sinsini. The 44-year-old is the up-pradhan of Deegs panchayat samiti. Chittorgarh: The party has given ticket to former Congress leader Gopal Singh Rathore, 44, who also unsuccessfully contested as an independent from Banswara assembly in the past. Currently the managing director of Rajasthan Shiksha Prasar Samiti and Rajasthan Vidya Vihar Sansthan, Rathore holds a Masters degree in physical education. Jhotwara: The AAP has fielded LIC housing loan advisor Jugal Kishore Sharma, 42. A graduate, Sharma did organizational work for Congress party for a long time before joining the AAp in 2013. Kushalgarh: The AAP has granted ticket to 35-year-old Kapil Baria. Belonging to the Bheel community, Baria is known as Desi doctor for treating people with ayurvedic medicines. A high school graduate, he runs four ayurvedic clinics. Ladpura: Party has fielded 60-year-old Ampi Chatter. He is a tax consultant and an industrialist. Bhilwara: The ticket has been given to 52-year-old Sunil Agiwal. He is a businessman with a degree in Mechanical engineering. Anta: Ashok Jain Mangrol, a farmer, will contest from here. A law graduate, he was the chairman of Mangrol municipality from 2009 to 2014. Suratgarh: The AAP has fielded 45-year-old Satya Prakash Sihag. With a diploma in electrical engineering, Sihag is a farmer by profession and has been active in farmer movements since 2004. Nawalgarh: The party has granted ticket to 35-year-old Vijendra Singh Dotasara. A science graduate, he played an active role in student politics. . The carcass of the Royal Bengal tiger, that was first caught on camera inside the forests near the erstwhile Maoist belt of Bengals Lalgarh region, was found on Friday, 42 days after it was first spotted on March 2. The carcass was found within a few km of the Madhupur forest where it was first sighted by cameras set up by the forest department. Locals said the tiger injured two villagers at around 10 am on Friday when a group of around 70 tribal people entered the forest to hunt animals and birds as part of their ongoing hunting festival. Before the tiger could escape, villagers attacked it with spears, hatchets and other weapons. The injured villagers, Babul ad Badal Hansda, were taken to Midnapore medical college and hospital. Read: Rajaji tigers straying in Haridwar division, NTCA releases funds for better patrolling Our team has rushed to the spot. I have asked for a report and will explore whether there was any negligence, said Bengal forest minister Benoy Krishna Burman. The carcass was sent for post mortem examination. Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Midnapore division, Rabindranath Saha, earlier said the tiger was a full grown male. In the past few weeks the tiger eluded multiple traps the forest officials laid for it. It also injured a few people and once escaped from a culvert where it was cornered by some villagers on March 30. Read: As wildlife habitats shrink in India, animals are in a losing battle Though local forest officials did not comment on the cause of death of the big cat, villagers pointed to wounds just above its right leg and claimed it was caused by a spear. There were several bleeding wounds, including one in the neck from which part of a spear was still jutting out when the carcass was found. Its an unfortunate incident. There was a possibility of confrontation between the animal and the thousands of locals who live in the area and go inside the forests regularly. But it must be admitted that capturing the tiger was not an easy job, said Atanu Raha, the states former principal chief conservator of forests. I dont think the cat was killed by professional poachers. Local people taking part in the ongoing hunting festival killed it most likely, he added. Read: Tiger on the prowl: Two more fall prey in Pilibhit Shikar utsav (hunting festival) is an integral part of the tribal culture in the Jangalmahal region that covers the forest areas of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts and parts of adjoining Jharkhand state. During the festival, tribal youths enter forests with traditional weapons and hunt down birds and even small and medium-size game. The Bengal government has been trying to discourage the practice to save wildlife but hunting still takes place. The tiger became a headache for the entire administration since thousands of villagers in the backward areas enter the forests in West Midnapore to collect firewood, kendu leaves and mahua flowers. While kendu leaves are used for making traditional plates on which food is served, Mahua is used to prepare a strong local liquor. The tiger killed a few cows in the villages. We were living in fear, said Jangal Mahato, a resident of Melkheria village in the Kantapahari area in Lalgarh. Read: Forest tales: Missing tigers and low tech support hamper conservation On March 8, chief minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that drones be used to locate the elusive cat. But even that tactic proved futile. A full-grown tiger roaming around the area triggered such panic that many roads used to remain deserted, especially after sundown. The administration even deployed police and forest officials during the class 10 and class 12 Bengal board exams last month. The discovery of the big cat surprised many among forest officials, who pointed out the nearest tiger reserve was in Simlipal in Odisha, about 196 km away. Experts ruled out the possibility of the animal straying from the Sundarbans since the mangrove forests in the delta are separated by a number of rivers, national highways and densely populated human habitations. The excise department of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has decided to step up surprise raids on bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels serving liquor without valid licences. We are issuing notices to such outlets after verifying how they are flouting rules, an excise department official said. Excise commissioner Dheeraj Sahu has issued orders that anyone found misusing liquor licences would not only lose their permit but will also put on the blacklist. Several restaurants in the state capital have been issued notices for serving liquor without a valid liquor licence, either temporary or permanent. Under the new excise policy, the government has doubled the fees of occasional bar licences from Rs 5,000 per day to Rs 10,000. Under the new policy, various categories of fees that was earlier there for non-commercial temporary bar licence has been scrapped. Now a consolidated fee of Rs 4,000 per day for temporary noncommercial bar licence would be charged instead of the earlier Rs 1,000 for consuming liquor in house, Rs 2,000 for consuming it in ones lawn, officials said. Over the past year or so I have got FIRs lodged against 7 illegal bars in Lucknow. There are several hotels, restaurants and clubs who take occasional licence and misuse it. We intend to crackdown on them, said excise inspector Vishnu Pratap Singh. For permanent liquor licences too, the fees has been increased by 15% under the new policy. Excise department officials said that several bars and restaurants in upscale Gomti Nagar area were flouting licence rules with impunity. The hotel bar licence is among the major source of revenue for the department. Liquor licence fees differ from one hotel to another, one club to another depending on the number of rooms and its star rating, an official said. For a hotel up till three star rating with 30 rooms, the fees is Rs 8.05 lakh, till 70 rooms the fees is Rs 970 lakh, till 100 rooms it is Rs 10.5 lakh and above 100 rooms the permanent fees under the newlook liquor trade is Rs 12.1 lakh. For hotels with four and five star ratings the fees is Rs 19.30 lakh. In case of clubs, the number of members determines its license fees. The bulbous, colourful sweet potato has long been seen as an artifact of mankinds first ocean voyages, ferried from its home in South America all the way to Polynesia centuries ago.But a controversial new study on Thursday questions that assumption, using the most extensive genetic analysis yet to suggest that the sweet potato was widespread on Earth long before humans came into the picture. Researchers at the University of Oxford say their findings show that sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) originated in South America some 8,00,000 years ago, and that the plant likely made its way to the Pacific island simply by seeds travelling on the wind. We show there is no need to invoke human-mediated transport, said co-author Tom Carruthers, a PhD student at the University of Oxford. Sweet potato evolved before humans so the origin of sweet potato hasnt got anything to do with humans. However, some experts questioned the findings, saying they ignore an ample amount of archeological and linguistic evidence that suggests early Polynesian marine navigators travelled to South America and brought the sweet potato back with them as early as 1000-1100 AD. Palestinian farmers harvest sweet potatoes at a farm in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. (AFP) Largest DNA analysis to date The far-flung sweet potato has long been seen as a sign that indigenous people were capable of crossing the oceans long before Christopher Columbuss 1492 journey. But the notion has stoked debate as far back at the 19th century. Could such voyages really have been possible? The study in the journal Current Biology takes a molecular biology approach to answering the riddle of how the sweet potato made it to the Pacific before Europeans. Using the latest advances in genetic technology, researchers analyzed 199 specimens of modern and historical sweet potato worldwide, along with its wild relatives. One sample, housed at the Natural History Museum of London, came from the Captain James Cooks original expedition to New Zealand and the Society Islands in 1769. By extracting DNA from various specimens, then analysing how much they differ from each other, scientists can figure out how long ago they diverged, or had a common ancestor. The earliest specimen of sweet potato collected from Polynesia has a unique genetic signature suggesting that it diverged from its other samples on the American continent more than 1,00,000 years ago, said the study, describing the evidence as extremely strong that humans had nothing to do with it. Therefore, Carruthers said its more likely that wind dispersal, or seeds hitching a ride on a bird or a clump of sea debris, helped the sweet potato become so widespread on Earth. Other studies Another genetic study in 2013, led by French researcher Caroline Roullier, using a smaller DNA dataset on sweet potatoes, supported what is known as the tripartite hypothesis, which holds that sweet potatoes were dispersed by human travellers in three different waves. The idea is that sweet potatoes were introduced into Oceania by Polynesian natives, then later newly introduced and spread across the Pacific by Europeans on two different routes from Mexico and the Caribbean. Robert Scotland, professor of systematic botany at the University of Oxford, said his teams dataset was far larger than Roulliers, and included more than 600 nuclear genes. But Pat Kirch, an expert in South Pacific archeology at the University of California, Berkeley, disagreed with the Oxford-led study, saying it failed to undermine the tripartite hypothesis. Kirch said that even if the kind of sweet potato found in Polynesia diverged from its relatives in South America more than 1,00,000 years ago, it is still possible that this particular, divergent sample was picked up by Polynesians visiting South America, and brought back with them. Furthermore, the Oxford team fell short of proving that it made its way by wind, he said. To prove natural distribution, they would have to have direct evidence of sweet potato in some kind of paleobotanical context, pre-human. Like pollen, he said. They do not have any evidence like that. He also said the team was thinking quite narrowly, ignoring evidence like radiocarbon-dated fossilised tubers found in Pacific Island archeological sites, and the fact that the Polynesian word for sweet potato is kuumala which resembles kumara, or cumal, the terms in a language spoken by Andean natives. Polynesians were also known to be excellent maritime navigators, equipped with sturdy double-hulled canoes. Dont tell me it is far-fetched that Polynesians made it to South America, Kirch said. A few months ago, people finished a voyage around the world in a replicated Polynesian canoe. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more RAMPAGE Direction: Brad Peyton Actors: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris Rating: 1.5 / 5 Remember King Kong, Godzilla and The Wolf Man? Three such mega-monsters share screen space and destruction duty in this overblown creature feature. Based on a 1980s arcade game of the same name, Rampage sees action star Dwayne Johnson play a primatologist working at a wildlife sanctuary in San Diego. Following a ludicrous set of circumstances, the 6ft-plus man-mountain must not only avert a global catastrophe but also save the life of his former best pal, an albino gorilla gone rogue. To make matters worse, a couple of other genetically mutated animals a ginormous alligator and an airborne wolf have also run amok. The triple threat culminates in a city-level smackdown in Chicago. With the exception of the charismatic Johnson, the human characters are less expressive than the giant ape (a motion-capture performance by Jason Liles). This is Johnsons third outing with director Brad Peyton, after Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and San Andreas, so you know what to expect. The action choreography is pedestrian at best. There are token references to cruelty to animals by way of genetic experimentation. With the exception of the charismatic Johnson, the human characters are less expressive than the giant ape (a motion-capture performance by Jason Liles). At the end of its 105-minute runtime, even the most patient viewer is likely to echo the sentiment of the discredited scientist (Naomi Harris), who moans, I cant believe I survived this. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Almost four weeks after a 28-year-old woman, an MBA graduate, went missing from Grant Road, mystery still shrouds her disappearance in broad daylight. The Mumbai crime branch, which took over the case from DB Marg police on Wednesday, have formed seven teams to trace Kirti Vyas, an MBA graduate. The case was transferred after DB Marg police failed to solve the mystery. According to an officer, the crime branch have begun their investigation to reconstruct the incident. Kirti was dropped by her colleagues, a few minutes away from her house at Grant Road on March 16. Shefali, her elder sister, said, The crime branch have recorded the statements of my family members, including my father and me. I just hope the officers are able to give us some news of my sister who has been missing for 27 days. The crime branch said apart from checking her mobile phone locations and call data records, they have sent teams to various places Kirti frequented such as cafes and restaurants, apart from her workplace, a salon in Andheri (East). Kirti was dropped near Navjeevan Society, which is a fact. However, we are also questioning her colleagues who last saw her, said the officer. Kirti used to leave for work at 8.50am and board the 9.11am Virar fast train from Grant Road railway station, said a family member. When she did not return home till 11pm, her family members called the salon. The family was told that she had not reported for work that day, said another officer from the crime branch. This prompted Kirtis sister Shefali to lodge a complaint with DB Marg police who registered a missing persons case. Shefali said that her sister was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes three years ago and was on a daily medication. Shefali and Kirtis friends have created a Facebook page to trace her. Through CCTV footage, the police learnt that Kirti did not reach the railway station on March 16. In the footage, she is seen walking down the alley from her house to the main road and boarding a Ford Ecosport, which had tinted glasses. Shop owners in the vicinity also corroborated CCTV footage. Investigations led the DB Marg police to the vehicle, which belonged to her colleagues who claimed that they had dropped her near Navjivan Society on Lamington Road. They had gone for a short trip around south Mumbai. According to her colleagues, Kirti was with them for around 20 minutes. When the police checked her call data records, they found that her phone was switched off at Mahalaxmi, an hour after her friends claimed to have dropped her. A sessions court recently acquitted a 50-year-old man who had been accused of raping a minor relative at her residence in Kandivli (East) in 2015. The prosecution had claimed that the girl had been hospitalised after she consumed phenyl in an attempt to commit suicide after being raped. However, the court acquitted the accused after the prosecution failed to prove the charge, as well as the claims that the girl was a minor at the time and that she had consumed phenyl. The testimony presented was not reliable and indigestible, said the court. He had been adopted by her grandparents, and the girl addressed him as uncle. As per the prosecution, he raped her first on March 19, 2015 and then on three more occasions over the next six days. On March 27, she was admitted to the hospital after she consumed phenyl, claimed the prosecution. The first information report (FIR) was lodged the same day. However, the court held that as per the complainants deposition, there was no bleeding at the time of incident. The court said it is not believable that rape was committed at her house, in the presence of her aged grandmother and mentally-ill father. The court also accepted the medical evidence that did not prove rape and the consumption of phenyl. The court held that the conduct of the complainant was not natural as she had not disclosed the incident to her family members until the day the FIR was lodged. On March 29, 2015, the girl eloped and married. The girl said she was 19 at the time of marriage. Noting her admission, the court held it contrary to her charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act which claimed that she was 17 at the time of the incident. A 24-year-old driver of an app-based taxi service and his friend, who allegedly abducted a south Mumbai-based woman in his car early on Thursday and robbed her, have been arrested. The Dahisar police picked up the accused, identified as Niraj Chaudhary, 24, and Rajesh Yadav, 30, within 24 hours of the incident. Chaudhary is a resident of Bhiwandi while Yadav lives in Dahisar area. According to the police, the victim, 24, lives in Colaba area with her husband. She boarded the morning local train from Churchgate and got off at Dahisar station. She was waiting for her friend near the tollbooth around 5am on Thursday for her friend. Police said that the accused, who were drunk, approached the woman and forced her to board the car. They then made the woman call her husband and demanded Rs20,000 from him to let her go, a crime branch official said. The accused then disconnected the call and robbed the Rs10,000 cash the woman was carrying in her purse, her two mobiles phones and threw her out of the car on Ghodbunder road, added the official. She was scared and she returned to her home and narrated the entire incident to her husband. They then registered a police complaint in the evening, said Sachin Gawas, investigating officer and police inspector of the crime branch. After recording the statement of the victim, the police questioned more than 100 drivers who parked their cars and autos near the tollbooth. Chaudhary parked his Ola car near the tollbooth and picked up passengers often. We laid a trap and arrested Chaudhary when he came there at night, Gawas said. One of the Mumbai civic bodys most ambitious infrastructure projects the Rs3, 800-crore Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) has inched closer to reality. According to a source, the Union environment ministrys expert appraisal committee (EAC) has delisted the project in a meeting on Thursday. This means that the GMLR, which involves building twin tunnels of three lanes each under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, an ecologically-sensitive zone, will no more require environment clearance. The move has left environmentalists fuming. This is dilution of the powers of committee that was supposed to protect and preserve the environment. The entire concentration is on development at the cost of environment. But this new order will be challenged, said Stalin D, environmentalist. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will now conduct the environment impact study for three months. According to the BMCs submission to the MoEF, the civic body had asked for a rapid environmental impact assessment (EIA) and had said that the link road is important as it will cut travel time between Goregaon and Mulund by an hour and also considerably reduce congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH). Earlier, the Union environment ministry had asked BMC to conduct an EIA study in not less than 12 months, or three seasons. This had derailed the civic bodys plan to finish the impact assessment study within six months and submit it for approval. The expert appraisal committee had also asked for noise and vibration impact study specific to the burrowing fauna and nocturnal fauna in SGNP also to be conducted over three seasons and not less than 12 months. With delisting of the project the above study will also stand cancelled. Following the order in October, BMC had since then thrice re-submitted the proposal for the committee to reconsider the order. The project came up before the MoEFs expert appraisal panel on industrial areas, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), roads and highways on April 12. The minutes of the meeting are yet to be released. To kick-start the construction of 5.96 km of GMLR, BMC will now need only two clearances one from the states Forest Department and the National Wildlife Board as the road is passing through an eco-sensitive zone. To implement the project, BMC will need to divert 21.5 hectare of forest land, which would be the area of the tunnel under the national park. The project will also involve the chopping of 625 trees. Shekhar and I are from both the same school and college Modern School and St Stephens College, Delhi. I have known him for a long while, said Amitabh Kant, the IAS officer, who distinguished himself, among other things, with his brilliant campaigns for government initiatives like Gods Own Country and Make in India. Shekhar was senior to me, says the CEO of the all-powerful NITI Aayog, about this picture that features the dapper and urbane duo deep in discussion. It was shot at the NITI headquarters. He is a fascinating guy as he has constantly kept himself abreast of new technology, unique innovations and cutting-edge disruptions, he says of the director of films as varied as Mr India, Phoolan Devi and Masoom. I was impressed with his evolution as a person with immense knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning and block chain. Wonder if they swapped stories of college and school days, too? Kebab nights Word comes in that former model, cookery show host and author, the svelte Padma Lakshmi, was in Mumbai this week for a brand endorsement. The lady, who is said to have had a busy schedule filled with shoots and media interactions, found time to fulfil a food craving. Onlookers were surprised to see her walk into the roadside Mughlai eatery in Colaba, Bade Miya, which is just a stones throw away from her hotel, late one evening. The Top Chef host is said to have been with friends when she went to get her fix of the eaterys famous tikkas and rolls, making sure to capture everything she ate on camera. Interestingly, Lakshmi, who when she isnt on camera, prefers vegetarian fare, ordered a roll with extra mixed vegetables in it, while happily sitting in relative anonymity on the Colaba sidewalk on a balmy Mumbai summer evening. FOR THE BIRDS Dept of flying AIBs brilliant spoof on nightmare air passengers, which aired on a TV channel this week and the recent manhandling by Indigo staff of Dr Saurabh Rai, who objected to mosquitoes on his aircraft, has got us thinking about the business of flying. For us, flying is a Zen experience; indisputable evidence that it is better to journey than to arrive. Having said that, who amongst us does not have flying quirks? Ours is queues. We love standing in them. Except: They must be absolutely straight, with every one waiting their turn patiently. A well-formed queue is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. But in India, we have the Queue Vandal. You must have met him/her before. The person whose family honour will not, under any circumstances, allow them to stand in a queue. They either sidle up to your left or right, just close enough behind you, to make you think they might edge you out when you reach the top; or, he/she will try to disrupt the queue by dodging in and out, so that no one can ever accuse them of having stood in line. So, top of our list of flying bugbears are Queue Vandals. Next weeks flying bug bear: Ground staff, who check you in without looking up from their computer screens even once! Congress cubs He is known in Delhi circles as the gatekeeper, given his proximity to AICC president Rahul Gandhi. But his role as a member of RaGas office isnt his only claim to fame. Kaushal K Vidyarthee, 33, was born in a small town in Bihar and went on to graduate with a DPhil degree (the equivalent of a PHD) in Social Policy from Oxford University, as an Inlaks scholar. His education he was also the vice-president of the Oxford University Student Union seemed to have shaped his professional interests in urban planning, poverty reduction and women empowerment, for which he spent two months in East Africa doing field work before joining the Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana the poverty reduction and women empowerment initiative wing of the Rajiv Gandhi Trust. Given his bashful nature, he is seldom spotted in public while accompanying Gandhi during his travel, but is the man to call in Delhi to arrange a meeting with the leader of the Opposition. No surprises then that Kaushal, along with Divya Spandana, who is in charge of Gandhis social media and online re-positioning of the Congress, is said to be part of RaGas inner circle, among those heralding the much-touted Cong Renaissance that is said to be underway. No surprises then that they are the ones to watch closely as the general elections approach. The Kandivli police are currently on the lookout for a 24-year-old who worked as an office bearer and allegedly duped his employer of Rs29 lakh. The accused had been forging signatures of his employer and withdrawing money from the account since April 2016, said the police. He is currently absconding. The 47-year-old complainants husband has a private company, the office of which is located in a mall in Kandivli (West). The accused had been employed with the company for two years, and had been misusing company letterheads and forging cheques throughout the span of his employment. As the accused withdrew small amounts, it did not come to employers notice. On January 25, the complainant discovered that Rs29 lakh had been withdrawn from the companys bank account. One of the cheques bounced, following which the bank contacted the owner. This is when he realized what had been happening. The accused has fled and we are on the lookout for him, said a police official. A first information report (FIR) has been registered by the owners wife under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will), 468 ( forgery for purpose of cheating) and 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation) of the Indian Penal Code. Senior police inspector Mukund Pawar of Kandivali police station confirmed registration of the FIR and added that probe was on to find the accused. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a mute spectator in the Kathua gang-rape case, they are defending the rape accused MLA in Unnao, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Friday. The Kathua rape case, where an eight-year-old was abducted, gang-raped and murdered in a temple in a gruesome manner, has shocked the nation. Local residents, including two BJP ministers, were found protesting in support of the accused. The caste or community of the accused does not matter. What is important is that an innocent girl faced this level of torture. The Centre must handle the matter with seriousness. One because the victim was a little girl and second because the incident took place in Kashmir Valley, where there is already unrest among people. Being a mute spectator can prove dangerous to the Centre, Pawar said, demanding action by the Centre. Commenting on the Unnao case, where the survivors father was found dead in mysterious circumstances, Pawar said, So far, the government has taken no stern action in the case. This is worrisome. The case has shown the real face of the government. People now need to teach them a lesson. Mumbai demands death for rape accused Fifteen citizens organisations, political parties and others held a rally at Azad Maidan on Friday, to demand death for the accused in Unnao and Khatua rape cases. Among the participants were Centre for Promoting Democracy, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy, Bharat Bachao Andolan, Milli Council and Zero Tolerance. Salim Alware, chairman of Muslim intellectual forum, said, We are here to demand that a fast-track court be assigned to hear the cases, and a mass FIR be filed against lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir, who are defending the accused. City-based lawyer Abha Singh who joined the protests demanded stricter punishment for juveniles accused in such cases. The conviction rate for rape accused in India is 28%. This cant act as deterrent for criminals. We need stricter punishment for rapists. Political parties, including the Congress, NCP, and AAP joined the protests. Some citizens were disappointed with the poor turnout. Arun Iyer, assistant professor of philosophy from IIT-Bombay, said, I came to show my solidarity with the victim. It soon turned out to be a general protest against the government. I expected more people to come out in support. The Juhu police used the Find My iPhone application of an iPhone X that was recently snatched from a businessman and arrested a 19-year-old youth who allegedly snatched it. Police said that following the arrest of accused Shahrukh Khan alias Simran , it was found that he has multiple motor vehicle theft cases against him. The iPhone X of the businessman was snatched in March this year, when the victim was walking along the road. The accused, who was driving a bike, snatched the phone and sped away in his motorcycle. Following this, Juhu police started tracking the location of the phone and the roads on which it was taken after it was stolen. A team comprising sub-inspector Biradar, police naik Shankar Kale, Suhas Bhosale, Ajay Salunke and others started working on the case. We went to all the roads where the iPhone was tracked after it was stolen. CCTV camera footage of the all the roads where the phone was being tracked after it was stolen was scrutinised. One man was common in all the footage and we zeroed in on him, said a police source. Police further added that once they zeroed in on the accused, who was seen in CCTV footage riding a KTM bike, they tracked the last location of the phone before it was switched off. We told our informers to keep an eye in that area and to check the households that have a KTM bike parked. Once our informers informed us about the residence of the accused, we raided the house, added the source. The source said that as it was dark when the phone was snatched, they needed to ascertain the identity of the accused as they could not see his face. We knew the colour of the shirt of the accused who was riding the bike. Once we reached the residence, we checked his clothes and found the exact shirt that was visible in the CCTV cameras. This ascertained that he was the snatcher we were looking for, added the source. During interrogation of the accused, police found that the accused was involved in many other motor vehicle theft cases, the source said. A 30-year-old woman was found dead in a lodge at Bhiwandi after she allegedly drank liquor and two bottles of cough syrup, and injected drugs. The cause of the death is a drug overdose, said the police. They refused to name her, to protect her identity. The woman was a resident of Mumbra, and is survived by her two children. The woman had gone to a Bhidwandi lodge with her 26-year-old boyfriend on Monday. The police said the woman consumed drugs to improve her sex life. The woman had injected drugs, consumed two bottles of cough syrup and a bottle of alcohol to enhance her sex life. But she died because of overdose, said a police officer from Thane commissionerate. She had married three people, said the police. The womans first and second husbands deserted her, while the third is a drug addict. The woman was also a drug addict and has two children. She had been living with her parents for the past few months and was in a relationship with the 26-year-old man from Thane. On Monday afternoon, the woman and her friend stayed in the lodge for an hour. Seeing the woman lose consciousness, the man feared and left the lodge. After a few hours, the waiter went to the room and repeatedly knocked on the door, but there was no response. The lodge owner immediately called the police. On breaking the door open, we saw the woman in an unconscious state. We took her to IGM hospital for treatment, where she died, said Gonjari. The police have found cough syrup bottles and an alcohol bottle from the room. They have recorded the statement of her boyfriend. The police lodged an accidental death report at Shantinagar police station. Her father alleged that she had become a drug addict because of her third husband. I almost missed it. Walking down Hill Road, Bandra, where you can spend more in a restaurant than at the fashion stalls outside it, there are enough distractions. I nearly glossed over a billboard advertising a lecture that took place the day before. But the venue seemed interesting a library right on Hill Road, a few steps from Elco Arcade. Youre forgiven if you didnt know about it either. The Bai Ratanbai Gharda Memorial Library is in the basement of Gharda House, a glass-fronted, nondescript building obscured by hawkers and kiosks. THE PLACE Walk in and youll realise its a treat for book lovers. The 10-year-old library is air-conditioned, spotless (none of the dustiness youd associate with book collections), and contains more than 10,500 titles. Bharati Banerjee, the librarian, says between 600 and 800 new books are added annually. There are thrillers, bestsellers, literary classics and the usual get-smart, grow-rich, expand-business books. But if you want to let your mind wander, this is the place. I found art and linguistics books (finally!), huge sections on medicine and world history (more than World Wars!), the complete Lonely Planet series (hurrah!), volumes of poetry and hard-to-find guides to world religion. There are biographies of everyone from Bill Clinton, Richard Wagner and Mao to Kiran Bedi, Nehru and Tilak. THE MAN The library has been set up by a man whose own story would make great reading. Dr Keki Gharda, 88-year-old scientist and Padma Shri, grew up in Bandra, attended St Stanislaus school down the street and is one of Indias brightest minds in chemistry. He started off humbly, creating chemical reagents at home and supplying them to Elphinstone College, where he studied. His first job was manufacturing blue dyes in his 2,000 square-foot rented shed in Vakola in 1964. But something about an imported dye, phthalogen brilliant blue, popularly called German Blue, and used in school uniforms, gave him an idea. Gharda realised it was possible not only recreate the dye, but make it stronger. The new version came to be called Gharda Blue, and, if youll pardon the pun, fast caught on. His company moved to agrochemicals in the 1970s, developing a faster, safer and cheaper way to produce a herbicide than a Swiss company. The method is now called the Indian Process and the company is one of the largest producers of the chemical. Think of him when you look at an Apple product. Gharda developed a polymer that keeps iPhones from overheating. Rare for a chemicals manufacturer, hes not patented any of his unique processes, sharing it with the world. The library honours his mother, who loved reading. It has 250 members, which is good news for you. The books you want will likely be available, you can browse in peace, and its a good reason to be distracted on Hill Road. CHECK IT OUT WHERE: Bai Ratanbai Gharda Memorial Library, Gharda House, Hill Road, near Elco Arcade, Bandra (W) TIMINGS: Monday-Saturday 10 am to 8 pm. MEMBERSHIP: Rs 1,000 annually (plus a refundable deposit of Rs 500). There are discounts for students and senior citizens. To read other Mumbaiwale columns, visit www.hindustantimes.com/mumbaiwale rachel.lopez@htlive.com National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) held a hearing on the protests organised by students at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Following a complaint lodged by a group of students from TISS, NCST heard the views of all stake holders on Thursday. Since February 21 , students at TISS have been protesting against the institutes decision to roll back the fee waiver given to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students, eligible for Government of India Post Matric Scholarship (GoI-PMS) last year. We put our problems forth and are glad that the officials at NCST understood our concerns. A public-funded institute cannot be made unapproachable for any student and NCST reiterated this point, said one of the students who attended the meeting. Apart from students and TISS management representatives, the meeting was attended by officials from University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The NCST heard us and understood the institutes situation. We are doing our best. Whatever more can be done needs to be done by the government, said a TISS spokesperson . In addition, NCST also instructed UGC to increase the number of scholarships available for students from reserved categories. The UGC was instructed to make available more scholarships for students from reserved categories in the future, to avoid such instances, said the student. A group of students at TISS have continued the strike for more than 50 days now. A statue of BR Ambedkar in Richhpal Garhi village of Bisrakh in Greater Noida was damaged on Friday morning, a day before Ambedkar Jayanti. The incident was discovered at 7.30am on Friday morning when residents of Richhpal Garhi woke up and found the statue, in Ambedkar park of the village, damaged. The statue had been in the park for the last 25 years. Few people who were on a morning stroll noticed the nose and ears of Baba Sahebs statue had been damaged. We immediately called the 100 helpline and informed the police, said 28-year-old Kuldeep Singh, a resident of Richhpal Garhi, who works in a bank. Police said that they have lodged a case of vandalism. We have lodged a case against unknown persons for vandalism and defacement of public property. No arrest has been made yet. We are probing the matter, said Akhilesh Tripathi, station house officer, Bisrakh police station. Police had been deployed in the village since April 10 when Bharat bandh was observed by few communities who were demanding that reservations be scrapped. However, villagers said there was no police personnel at the spot. Two policemen were stationed at the park since April 10 but today morning, there was no one, Singh said. With a history of more than 150 years, Richhpal Garhi is situated behind Gaur City-2 housing complex. More than 250 families, belonging to different religions, including scheduled castes and other backward castes, reside in the village. Villagers deny any past incident of tension among residents of the village. There has never been any past incident of tension between any two communities. We just demand that the statue be reinstated with full respect and honour, said 85-year-old Rati Ram, one of the oldest residents of the village. Villagers said that on April 14, they were planning to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti with much fervour. Every year, we celebrate the jayanti with candles, songs and bhandara. Even this year, we had intended to celebrate the jayanti and we will do it anyway, Rajat Kumar, a resident of Richhpal Garhi, said. Villagers said BR Ambedkar holds a special place in this village and in a reflection of that, posters of Ambedkar and Sant Ravidas have been put up outside many households. Residents said that Ambedkar has given them self-esteem and honour. Today, it is because of Baba Saheb that we have started living our lives with respect. Even girls have started going to school because of his teachings. He is our inspiration, Ram said. Superintendent of police (rural) Suniti said that a new statue of Ambedkar was installed in the evening. We have deployed sufficient security in the village and a new statue has been installed. We have spoken to the villagers and they have been extremely understanding in their approach, Suniti said. Lakshmi Singh, the district president of Bahujan Samaj Party, condemned the incident. Such incidents cause animosity among communities and bring anarchy to society. We condemn it, Singh said. The Gautam Budh Nagar traffic police, in association with the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), will start issuing on-the-spot challans against vehicles caught violating traffic rules on the Yamuna Expressway from April 16. We will start on-the-spot challan. With the help of Google map, a vehicle owner will get warning signals if they cross the speed limit of 100 km per hour on the eway. Besides, we have directed the Jaypee Infratech, the operator, to put streetlights on 165 km stretch of the eway and also install crash barrier in phases for the safety of commuters, said Arun Vir Singh, chief executive officer of the YEIDA. Apart from this, Jaypee Infratech has also been directed to take other steps that help reduce accidents. Since it was opened in August 2012, the Yamuna Expressway which connects Greater Noida with Agra has witnessed 4,984 accidents till April 10, 2018. Last week, in a meeting held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath directed the YEIDA, Jaypee Infratech and the police to take effective steps to reduce road accidents. The meeting was held after the Supreme Court ordered the state government to ensure safety of motorists on the expressway. The SC directions came in response to a petition that sought safety for motorists on the eway on which 540 people have been killed in accidents so far. SC will hear the road safety case again on April 20, said officials. According to the plans, the police and the authority has integrated 25km Noida-Greater Noida Expressway with the Yamuna Expressway. Since Noida has an intelligent traffic management system and the Yamuna eway also has high-definition cameras at regular intervals, catching traffic violators wont be tough. If a vehicle crosses the 100km/hour mark, our control room in Noidas Sector 14A and Jewar toll plaza will get a message about the details of the vehicle. When the vehicle will approach the toll plaza executive to pay toll, we will hand over a copy of the challan, said Anil Kumar Jha, superintendent of police (traffic), Gautam Budh Nagar. At present, the police sends challan through post office, which is ineffective as a large number of the postal challans are not received by the vehicle owner. In the last two months, around one lakh over-speeding challans have not been delivered on the addresses mentioned on vehicle registration certificate. To make enforcement better, we have decided to issue challan on the spot, said Singh. A software is installed at the Jewar Toll Plaza to record the speed of every vehicle that runs on the expressway. The speed limit for medium and small vehicles is 100 kilometres per hour (kmph), whereas the speed limit for heavy vehicles is 60 kmph. A painting worker was arrested for allegedly making obscene gestures in front of a Class 2 student at a government primary school in Sahibabad on Wednesday. The police on Thursday lodged an FIR for attempt to rape and slapped provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) against the man identified by the seven-year-old girl, on a complaint by her family. According to the father, the girl had gone to her school on Wednesday where several workers had come to paint the newly constructed toilets. When the girl returned home from school, she told us that she will not go to school. When we asked why, she said one of the painters in the school asked her to fetch a glass of water. When she did, he handed her over a mobile phone and undressed himself in front of her. She threw the mobile and ran away, the girls father said. We took the girl to the school and complained to the school staff. Out of the three painters, she identified one. The school principal called up the police. The village pradhan had also come to the school, her father said. The girl lives with her family girl near the school. Police said they had levied sections of attempted rape (376/511 of IPC) and provisions of the POCSO Act against the man identified as Shamsuddin. We arrested the man and lodged an FIR under IPC section 376/511 and levied provisions of POCSO, RK Singh, station house officer, Sahibabad, said. The girl was sent for medical examination. The painting work was on under the supervision of the village pradhan. Her husband said the accused had been arrested, Vinay Kumar, basic education officer, Ghaziabad, said. The pradhan, Rajkumaris husband Pawan Kumar reportedly supervises development work on her behalf. Painting work was on in the school as we got new toilets constructed. The accused had called the girl to bring some water. It is possible he could have rebuked the girl or she got frightened. The family of the girl approached us to get the matter sorted out. But the girls father himself called the police, the pradhans husband said. A CBI special court on Friday sentenced a former branch manager of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to five years in jail for siphoning off Rs 88 lakh in 2006. CBI special judge Harjit Singh also imposed a fine of Rs 81,000 on the convict, Suresh Kumar Lohan. Other accused in the case, Lohans wife Kamla Lohan, brother-in-law Rajpal, LIC agent Sanjay Dhingra and Hanraj, whose wife was an LIC agent, were awarded three years each. They were booked under Sections 420 (cheating), 419 (cheating by personation), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will, etc), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) of the Indian Penal Code; Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Lohan was sent to a Patiala jail, while the other accused were granted bail. As per CBI, Lohan was an LIC branch manager in Punjabs Nabha from 2004 to 2006, when misusing his official position, he embezzled Rs 88 lakh. Lohan deleted details of policy claims and paybacks already settled, and then generated new cheques that were deposited in the accounts of the co-accused, the CBI contended. The fraud came to light in an audit of the branch that was conducted after two years, following which LIC manager Ruchi Singh lodged a complaint, and the CBI registered a case against Lohan and other accused on December 1, 2006. After the branchs record was cross-checked with that of the head office, it came to the fore that some policy holders were paid twice. Further investigations pointed to the role of the branch manager. Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar walking out of CM Captain Amarinder Singhs office on Wednesday in a huff has exposed the growing wedge between the party and government in the state. Though Jakhar did not skip the partys function to distribute debt waiver certificates to farmers in Sangrur on Thursday, the two did not meet, as the CM gave it a miss. A party MLA said it was the third time in the recent past that the CM had not met Jakhar after scheduling an appointment. Jakhar left not because of being told by the security staff to leave his mobile phone outside, but a feeling that the delay in meeting was deliberate after he reached at the time that Amarinders OSD had allotted, the MLA said, requesting anonymity. Jakhar had sought time to voice growing resentment in the party over public perception of government favouring the Akalis. Last weeks police transfers were the latest provocation. Congress MLAs are questioning why MS Chinna has been removed as the Bathinda IG after being warned by name by SAD president Sukhbir Badal at his Pol khol rallies. Sukhbirs wife Harsimrat Kaur is the Bathinda MP, while his estranged nephew, Manpreet Badal, is MLA of Bathinda (Urban). Most Congressmen are also upset over the CM running his government by proxy, claiming that just a chosen few are in command and Amarinder is favouring them in the ongoing war of attrition. Some MLAs had also expressed anger over plum postings of cops who allegedly enjoyed close proximity to the previous dispensation. The appointment of Sukhchain Singh Gill as commissioner of Ludhiana, Naunihal Singh as IGP of Jalandhar Range and Ranbir Khatra as DIG of Ludhiana has not gone down well with them. Though the 40-odd Congress MLAs who had started a signature campaign to seek probe against former Akali minister Bikram Majithia have since gone silent, they are questioning that why is the government sitting over a report of the STF headed by ADGP Harpreet Sidhu submitted to the high court that said the Akali leader had a role in supply of drugs to two Canadian NRIs. We have to contest elections next year. There is growing public perception that the Congress is just a dummy of the previous regime as they are still calling the shots. We have to think about our political careers too. How do we answer why our government is working at the behest of Akalis? We are losing the perception battle, another MLA said. Most Congressmen are also upset over the CM running his government by proxy, claiming that just a chosen few are in command and Amarinder is favouring them in the ongoing war of attrition. In the power struggle within Punjab Police, Amarinder has shown that DGP Suresh Arora enjoys his confidence. Harpreet Sidhu has been placed under him and the government has also taken back the charge of ADGP of border region from him. The CMs accessibility too remains a sore point in the party. Amarinder has kept party dissenters at bay by keeping the cabinet expansion carrot dangling for more than a year. The rumblings are likely to grow louder once the expansion takes place and dashes hopes of many. Malayalam film Kammara Sambhavam, directed by Rathish Ambat, is finally set to release on April 14. However, days before the Dileep-Sidharth starrer was to release, it has been dragged into a controversy. Many on social media have remarked that the hit song Njano Raavo Irulu Neendi Vannu from the film sounds very similar to the song Sairat Salaji from the hit Marathi movie Sairat, reports Times of India. The song, featuring Dileep and Namitha Pramod, has been composed by Gopi Sunder and the lyrics are by Rafeeq Ahamed. Soon after the said song was unveiled a few days back, netizens were quick to point out that it sounds a lot like Sairats song. Sairat wowed all with its path-breaking story and convincing acting and direction. The Nagraj Manjule-directed Sairat, created history in the Marathi cinema by entering the elite Rs 100 crore club and became a phenomenon as it ran in theatres for over 100 days, especially in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, refuting accusations of plagiarism, music composer Gopi Sundar, told Times of India, This is an accusation that I am used to now and I dont give it undue importance. While checking out any piece of creation, if you want to, you can find similarities with another. I have been working in this industry for the past 23 years and so I am aware of all such turn of events. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Trust the maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma to come out in support of Telugu actor Sri Reddy. Barring Kangana Ranaut, very few voices from the Indian film fraternity have said anything on the ongoing fight by Sri Reddy with the Telugu film industry over the issue of sexual exploitation and harassment. In a series on Facebook posts, Varma threw his weight behind the actor, praising her for her courage to take on the issue of sexual exploitation. Varma even compared Reddy to the legendary queen who died fighting the British, Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi. Varma began by stating how casting couch has existed in the film industry for close to a 100 years. He wrote: Casting couch existed ever since the advent of Cinema a 100 years back ..Not getting into individual allegations Sri Reddy has drawn more attention to the evils of Casting Couch than anyone in the last 100 years and I salute her for that. He added how Sri Reddys nude protest was a wake up call to national and international communities. Those who thought Sri Reddy was wrong in stripping cant deny, Its only that shock which woke up both national and international communities. Sri Reddys mother should be proud of what her daughter achieved for film industry in general and aspiring actresses in particular. He then compared her to the legendary queen of Jhansi, stating how Rani Laxmi Bai used her sword to fight for her kingdom while Sri Reddy had used her body to take on maledom as he put it. To historically compare the victory of Sri Reddy ...Jhansi Lakshmi Bai used her sword as a weapon to fight for her kingdom and Sri Lakshmi Bai used her own body as a weapon to fight the Maledom in the film industry. Telugu actor Sri Reddy, in a dramatic move, stripped on the street to protest sexual exploitation and harassment in Telugu film industry. The move grabbed national and international attention, leading to an outcry. The Movie Artists Association refused to grant a membership to her after the protest and said it would bar any of its 900 registered members from featuring/acting with her. Refusing to back down, the actor had accused prominent people from the industry, including producer Suresh Babus son Abhiram, of taking advantage of her. In this context, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued a notice to both Information and Broadcasting ministry and the Telangana government, calling for detailed reports on the alleged sexual exploitation of women in Tollywood. The commission said that the reported ban on Sri Reddy and warning others from working with her are violation of her right to livelihood and live a life with dignity. Post the commissions intervention, the Telugu film industry decided to revoke the ban on Sri Reddy and also agreed to set up a Committee Against Sexual Harassment (CASH). Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj has left a mark in the Tamil film industry with films such as Pizza, Jigarthanda and Iraivi. All three belong to different genres of filmmaking and received a good response from the audience. As he gears up for the release of his next film Mercury, a silent thriller featuring Prabhudeva in a titular role, he spoke at length about the inspiration behind making a film with no dialogues, convincing Prabhudeva to play a negative role and joining hands with superstar Rajinikanth for his next. Excerpts from a group interaction: Mercury is the first Indian silent film since Kamal Haasans Pushpak. How much did the latter inspire you to make your film? Ive always been a fan of the silent era. The work of Charlie Chaplin and his contemporaries have had a very strong influence on me. Ever since I started making films, Ive always toyed with the idea of making one without dialogues. When I struck upon the idea of Mercury, I believed that it could be made sans any dialogues and thats how everything started. The experience is going to be very unique and Im confident audiences will love the film. Prabhudeva plays a very unconventional role in Mercury, in fact, it is said to be a negative character? Prabhudeva had no inhibitions to play a negative character, but he asked me if we could really pull off a silent film. He asked me if I was sure because making a silent film is no joke. I told him Id do it because I found the idea very challenging and Ive always wished to do the kind of work that challenges and pushes me out of my comfort zone. I chose him because I feel hes a terrific actor who has been mostly used to work in comedies and rom-coms. I believe Mercury has tapped his hidden potential. Audiences are in for a huge surprise. Going by the promos, Mercury looks like a zombie thriller. Apart from the fact that its a silent film, what makes it different from your previous films? All my films so far have been dark comedies. Iraivi was more of a drama with a strong undercurrent about feminism. Mercury is essentially a thriller and the way weve made it will make it a unique experience for the audiences. Apart from the fact that its a thriller, the story shines the spotlight on how corporates have exploited small towns. The inspiration behind the idea has been incidents such as Bhopal gas leak and Mercury poisoning in Japan. Considering this is a silent film, sound must have played a very pivotal role in enhancing the overall viewer experience. Could you talk about the role of sound in the film? I approached (music director) Santhosh (Narayanan) with the first cut of the film. The kind of effort that has gone into the music and sound design (by Kunal Rajan) is unprecedented. A generation of audiences has not experienced a silent film in cinemas and, I believe, this is going to be an experience worth their buck. When Tirru sir read the script and agreed to come on board, half of my burden was already taken care of. His visuals have taken Mercury to the next level in terms of viewing experience. Are you disappointed with the fact that the film is releasing everywhere except Tami Nadu? It is unfortunate that were not able to release in Tamil Nadu. But, were with the industry in this strike and we will respect their decision to not release any new Tamil films. On the bright side, since this is a no-language film, were able to release all over India and even overseas. I hope the film leaves a mark in other industries. More than Mercury, your next film with Rajinikanth has garnered attention in recent times. How did this project materialise? Rajinikanth really loved Jigarthanda and invited me home. We spoke about the film and he told me that he really loved Bobby Simhas negative character. Rajini sir said the character reminded him of his character from 16 Vayadhinile. I told him that I wrote the character keeping him in mind. He joked that if I had him in mind for the character, I should have approached him. It was Pa Ranjiths Kabali that gave me the confidence to approach him. After Kabali, I decided to go and meet him with a story idea. Since he worked with Ranjith, I was confident he will work with me too if he likes my story. He liked what I pitched and asked me to develop the idea. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Andhra Pradesh will attempt to make Amaravati, which it is building with the help of entities from Singapore, Indias best capital city, and one that is bigger and better than the city-state, chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday. Im confident that we will build the best capital in India. Tomorrow, all over the world, people will talk about Amaravati, Naidu said at the Hindustan Times-Mint Asia Leadership Summit in Singapore. With a core area of 217 sq. km, the greenfield capital, which is situated between Guntur and Vijayawada cities, will also have an 8,603 sq.km capital region area. Amaravati has been designed to offer more green and blue spaces that is, more environment-friendly spacesthat will make up 51% of the total space, including 10% water bodies. Based on the timeline of the project, most of the buildings, luxury hotels, universities and central business district will be operational by 2024, according to Naidu, who embarked on the project after the 2014 creation of Telangana state, which will acquire exclusive control of their temporary joint capital Hyderabad in 2024. Singapore has been involved in the Amaravati project since 2014. Two Singapore government-run consultants are also preparing the master plan for the new city in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Naidu acknowledged the role Singapore is playing in making the new city high-tech and world-class.To attract more investors to the new city, Naidu assured transparency in all business transactions, including uploading all investment applications online for easy monitoring. All clearances will be online. Everything will be online. No more harassment, he said. India will record high growth rates for a long time and will focus on its citizens dignity and quality of life, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a speech read out on his behalf at the HT-Mint Asia Leadership Summit in Singapore on Friday. A successful and prosperous India will be an engine for the global economy and a force of good for the world. Because, the ideals of democracy that define our nation also shape the way we engage Asia and the world, he said as he highlighted the continents contribution to global development. The confidence and energy of our people and the strong fundamentals of our economy, tells us that India will sustain high growth rates for a long time. Digital revolution and our focus on inclusion and every citizens dignity and quality of life gives us the strength of belief and confidence in our future, he said. Asias re-emergence and rise are the greatest phenomena of our age of multiple transitionsThis moment of flux in Asia provides us all a huge opportunity, indeed a great responsibility, to chart a steady course towards a cooperative, inclusive and peaceful future, he said. Read | Shift strategies to achieve required level of growth: Singapore deputy PMs advice to India Singapore is a strong strategic partner and Indias gateway to Southeast Asia and the greater East. Singapore is also where the currents of seas, trade, thoughts and culture across the vast continent and maritime arc of the Indo-Pacific region meet - a region indispensable to Indias future and to the shape of the 21st century, he said about the city state which has become an important business partner of India. The Prime Minister also highlighted the ancient links between Singapore and India. The course of Indias ancient links with the East have run through Singaporevisible in the life, landscape and languages of Singapores magnificent diversity. Singapore is Indias second largest trading partner among the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asia Nations. Prime Minister Modi will visit Singapore in June to explore areas of further cooperation and take stock of the progress of their strategic partnership. Modi also praised the efforts of the Hindustan Times in launching an edition of the Leadership Summit in Singapore and said it has been a vibrant platform for conversation between India and the world India is seeking long-term, low-cost funds for the ambitious river linking project aimed at fixing water woes confronting large swatches of the country, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said in a discussion at the Hindustan Times-Mint Asia Leadership Summit on Friday. The governments target of doubling the income of farmers by 2022, Gadkari stressed, cannot be achieved without effective water management. Apart from enhancing river connectivity, the project is aimed at improving drip and pipe irrigation to reduce water wastage. The project envisages linking almost 60 rivers to cut the dependence of Indian farmers on annual monsoon rainfall by irrigating croplands The cost of the project is Rs 8 lakh crores and five of the proposals are ready with me and I am waiting for tender. The cost of these projects is Rs 3 lakh crores and for these projects, I need long term finance, said Gadkari, the minister of road transport and highways, shipping and water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation. Two days ago, I was in South Korea, now I am discussing with Japan and we need low-cost interest because it is an infrastructure and irrigation project. This is going to triple the use of water and it can be a very important project for India, the minister said. Former foreign secretary S Jaishankar is hopeful that China and India will come together, but cautions that it wont be easy. Can China and India come together? I think they can. They should. But it is not easy. It was not easy in the past. I dont think it will be easy in the future because there are really a lot of issues between them, Jaishankar said. Jaishankar joined Wang Gungwu, professor at the National University of Singapore and emeritus professor at the Australian National University, in discussing Asias Emerging Role in the New World Order at the Mint Asia-Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in Singapore on Friday. China and India have commonalities, but have not been able to reconcile their ambitions, values, and interests adequately, and Jaishankar said it is important for larger countries, even as they compete, to find some common ground. Relations between China and India are overcast by memories of a 1962 war over a border dispute that persists to this day and the presence of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in India, where he established a Tibetan government-in-exile almost 60 years ago. In more recent years, the two countries have improved ties in areas such as trade, which has expanded rapidly Wang said Southeast Asian countries can play a big role in enabling China and India to build a future-oriented relationship. As to what role, I do not know but that sense of responsibility must grow within the region, the countries in Southeast Asia must become more aware that they can play that big role in enabling India and China to rebuild a relationship that is modern, progressive, and future-oriented, Wang said. An Asian centre will not happen if China and India will not come together, he said. Wang said assuming that there is a new world order is wrong. We are in a state of confusion, lots of people do not know what could happen next, there is a lot of tension out there so assuming that there is a new world order is the wrong assumption, he said. For his part, Jaishankar said Asia needs a fairer, more consultative, broader kind of world order. We have agreed that the new world order has not come yet. The new order has to be fairer. We need a new world order where there is much more common ground between players, he said. As Britain prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next week, the opposition Labour Party has demanded that the Theresa May government apologise for the countrys historical mistakes in former colonies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government of 52 countries are due to attend the meeting against the backdrop of Brexit and the May government seeking to compensate for some of the ensuing economic losses by enhancing trade with the Commonwealth. There have been demands in the past that Britain apologise for the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre, but it has not been forthcoming, apart from an expression of regret by former prime minister David Cameron during his visit to Amritsar in 2013. Labours shadow international development secretary Emily Thornberry believes the Commonwealth now matters more than ever before, and wants Prime Minister May to use CHOGM to send a wider signal to our Commonwealth cousins that we in the UK truly recognise that the days are gone when our union was described in colonial terms as the British Commonwealth. Writing in the political magazine The House, Thornberry mainly referred to Britains mistakes in the Chagos Islands and the refusal by former prime minister Margaret Thatcher to impose sanctions on apartheid South Africa in the 1980s. She recalled that Cameron had apologised to Nelson Mandela in 2006 for his partys refusal to impose sanctions. I would urge the Prime Minister to approach this summit, and in that same spirit I would like her to start it by saying sorry to the other heads of government, not just for the wrong done to the Chagos Islanders, but for the actions of Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s, she wrote. Labour, she wrote, did not see members of the Commonwealth merely in trading terms, but as full and equal partners. The group will one of the top priorities of a future Labour government, whose foreign policy hinged on multilateralism, internationalism and the centrality of human rights, she added. Thornberry wrote: I believe Theresa May and the Conservative government in Britain also owe an apology to the Commonwealth as a whole and indeed Her Majesty The Queen for ignoring the efforts of every other member 30 years ago to bring apartheid to an end. This great institution (the Commonwealth) does not exist for the benefit of Britain, and even less simply to make up for the post-Brexit hole in our trading balance sheet. It exists for the collective benefit of all its members, and the wider benefit of the world. Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called off a meeting with Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria to protest against alleged rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. The local media reported that the Indian high commission in Islamabad had confirmed Bisaria was to travel to Lahore on Saturday for a three-day visit. He was to meet Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, businessmen and journalists during the trip. Since the meeting had been cancelled, Bisaria will not be visiting the city. On Thursday, National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua said India was trying to shift the focus from the Kashmir issue by targeting innocent civilians along the Line of Control. Former FBI director James Comey, in his book scheduled to be released next week, says US President Donald Trump had seemed fixated about proving false an encounter with prostitutes in Moscow that Russian intelligence had alleged filmed. Comey also compares the Trump presidency to the mob, which he had battled as a young prosecutor, according to portions cited from advance copies of the book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership in multiple media reports on Thursday. As I found myself thrust into the Trump orbit, I once again was having flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview, Comey has written. The former FBI director, who was dismissed by Trump in May 2017, also calls him unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values and compared his presidency to a forest fire. Comey also noted other things, such as the presidents hand was smaller than his and that he has white patches under his eye that stood out against the orange pallor of his skin. Trump hit back with tweets on Friday, calling him a proven LEAKER AND LIAR (and an) untruthful slimeball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. The book makes no explosive revelation but abounds in previously unreported details about encounters in the brief period the two men worked together from the election to the time Comey learnt he had been fired from a news flash on TV during a field visit to California. There are more details of the White House dinner at which Trump asked Comey for his loyalty, and of the meeting at which Trump asked his top FBI official to let go of the probe into then national security adviser Michael Flynns Russia contacts. The first time they discussed the alleged incident with prostitutes was in January 2017, after a briefing of then president-elect Trump by intelligence chiefs in Trump Tower. Comey had stayed behind to tell Trump about the claims made in an intelligence document, now called the Steele Dossier. Steele claimed Russian intelligence had photographed the encounter that took place in a Moscow hotel room in 2013 in which Trump, then just a businessman, had paid prostitutes to urinate on themselves and on the bed that former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama had slept in during their visit. Trump had strongly denied the allegations, asking rhetorically, Comey has written, I assumed whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. Comey writes that Trump wanted the FBI to investigate the allegation to establish it as false. Im a germaphobe, Trump said to him in a follow-up call a few days later, according to Comey. Theres no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way. Trump brought up the golden showers thing four times, Comey noted, adding, he wanted him to understand it bothered him if there was even a one percent chance his wife Melania thought it was true. Comey wrote he had wondered: in what kind of marriage, to what kind of man, does a spouse conclude there is only a 99 percent chance her husband didnt do that? What Comey said about others Attorney General Jeff Sessions: Overwhelmed and overmatched by the job. Former President Barrack Obama: Seeking to reassure Comey in the aftermath of the elections in which the FBI director was accused of tilting the scale against Hillary Clinton, Obama told him: I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability. I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view. A very moved Comey told Obama, Boy, were those words I needed to hear. . . . Im just trying to do the right thing. Hillary Clinton: I have read she has felt anger toward me personally, and I am sorry for that. I am sorry that I couldnt do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made. Former attorney general Loretta Lynch: Had a tortured half-out, half-in approach on the FBI investigation into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server as secretary of state. Les lunettes de marque ne sont pas ce qui manque dans les commerces. Il y en a de toutes les sortes dont les lunettes de [] An Indian man died on Friday at a Japanese immigration detention centre in an apparent suicide, the latest death in a system widely criticised over medical standards, monitoring of detainees and mental health care. Guards at the facility found the man, who was in his 30s, in a shower room with a towel wrapped around his neck, the East Japan Immigration Centre said in a statement. The man, who was not breathing at the time, was administered cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before being taken to hospital, where he was declared dead about an hour later. The cause of death has not been confirmed but was thought to be suicide, said centre spokesman Daisuke Akinaga, who declined to identify the man. He said police were investigating. Kimiko Tanaka, an activist who works with detainees at the centre, said the man had been denied release on Thursday. He had been detained in Japan for around 10 months, she said, citing a detainee on the same block as the source of the information. Akinaga, the spokesman, declined to comment on the mans detention history. The death took the toll in Japans immigration detention system to 14 since 2006. Four of those, apart from the most recent, were suicides. Japans 17 immigration detention facilities held 1,317 people as of Friday, says the justice ministry, which oversees them. A government watchdog, activists and lawyers have criticised the detention centres over the treatment of detainees, medical care and how guards respond to medical emergencies. Last year, a Vietnamese detainee who died at the same centre, northeast of Tokyo, was shown by a government report to have been left lying on the floor for hours before guards called an ambulance. Nepals foreign minister Pradip Gyawali will make an official visit to China about a week after Prime Minister KP Olis state visit of India, reflecting Kathmandus efforts to balance ties with its two powerful neighbours. Gyawali will be in China with a delegation from April 16 to 21 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, the foreign ministry announced here on Friday. This is the first high-level visit from Nepal to China after the formation of the Oli government. At a time when Nepal is under pressure to select projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the signature initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two sides will also discuss high-level exchanges. Nepal has signed on for the BRI but is still struggling to identify projects, leading to China repeatedly expressing its displeasure. Gyawalis visit also aims to lay the ground for Olis upcoming trip to China. Xi also likely to visit Nepal in the second half of this year. Gyawali will meet Wang on Wednesday. Wang will host a luncheon in honour of Gyawali. Reviewing the status of China-funded projects in Nepal, expediting projects under BRI and looking for more areas of cooperation will be part of Gyawalis agenda, according to the foreign ministry. During his last premiership in 2016, Oli had clinched a landmark transit agreement with China, ending Nepals long dependence on India, and allowed Chinese investment in several sectors. Gywali will also meet other Chinese leaders and address a roundtable meeting of Chinese think tanks. He will also travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province, where he will meet local leaders and address a programme at Sichuan University on Friday. After an 11 day sit-in protest that brought parts of Lahore to a standstill, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Friday called off its agitation in several cities following successful talks with the government. All six TLP demands have been accepted, claimed the group, which had earlier occupied Islamabad's Faizabad Chowk for several weeks. A case regarding the killing of party workers during the Faizabad sit-in was also registered. TLP leader Pir Afzal Qadri announced the calling off of the protests while speaking to journalists at Data Darbar after the conclusion of negotiations with a government delegation. The government had been procrastinating over the issue for long, he said. Qadri said much of Pakistan had been left paralysed since the TLP announced its agitation. He added the government had permitted protestors to use loudspeakers for the call to prayer. Qadri said Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah would meet TLP leaders to present an explanation. We will implement the decisions taken by our leadership, Qadri vowed, saying the protests would have spread nationwide had the government not arrived at the negotiating table. Authorities removed transport containers placed on Kala Shah Kaku interchange following the development. Demonstrators started leaving the protest sites as traffic returned to normal. Barriers near Data Darbar were removed as the Babu Sabu interchange, Lahore-Islamabad motorway and GT Road were opened for traffic. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the first unit of the Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Friday, describing the 969-MW venture as a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship. The first unit will produce 242 MW of electricity, and Abbasi told a ceremony in Muzaffarabad that the two other units of the project will be completed within two months, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Abbasi also used the occasion to rake up the Kashmir issue, contending that alleged rights violations by Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir should be seen as challenge for the worlds conscience. He asked the world community to play its role to end rights violations in Kashmir. He also reiterated Pakistans moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people. Pakistan has fought for the rights of Kashmir at every forum for the past 70 years, he added. A Chinese consortium comprising construction giant China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) was awarded a 21 billion yuan contract for building the project in 2007. The project is expected to generate 5.15 billion units of electricity a year and annual revenues of about Rs 55 billion. Some 4,500 people will be employed by the project. Abbasi said his government faced several technical and financial challenges in executing the project but these were overcome. The Indus Waters Treaty provides India with access to the eastern Beas, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan has access to the western Indus, Chenab and Jhelum rivers. Pakistan launched the Neelum-Jhelum project on the Neelum, a tributary of the Jhelum, to counter the competing Kishanganga project in Jammu and Kashmir. Having stayed out of British politics for a long time, former Prime Minister Tony Blair made a comeback after the UKs Brexit vote in 2016. He said on Friday that he is trying to forge vastly different words together to forge a new political centre. I want to reinvigorate the progressive centre in UK politics to shape a world that is post-ideological, said Blair at the first Mint Asia-Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in Singapore. A new centre would be a step in the right direction to combat the rise of populist forces across the UK, Europe, and the US. According to him, Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as US president are a result of the mainstream centrist parties that have failed because they are afraid to speak uncomfortable truths to their public. Challenging the public has become almost something improper. These mainstream centrist parties have been so battered today that they feel they have to follow political opinion, not lead it. No solution can come out of this scenario. A strong centrist leadership would speak directly about the uncomfortable truths and address them pragmatically through politics and policy, he said. Blair is clear about what ails Europe today. Immigration and large-scale migration from the Muslim world is the single biggest driver of EU politics today. You cant simply dismiss it as the prejudice of the right, as it does nothing for the cause. The truth is there is populism in both left and right of centre, he adds. The right blames the immigrants and the left blames the pro-business and trade groups. This is riding the anger, not providing the answers. A progressive, modern and strong centre, according to him, has been vanquished in British politics, and also in most other western societies dealing with immigration. I am serious about remaking the centre-left of British politics. It needs to be redefined so that the millions of disenfranchised people can come back into the political process, he said. President Donald Trump attacked James Comey as a weak and untruthful slime ball on Friday after the fired former FBI director castigated him as an unethical liar and likened him to a mob moss in a searing new memoir. The president fired Comey last May while his agency was investigating potential collusion between Trumps campaign and Russia in the 2016 U.S. election in a move that led the Justice Department to appoint Special Counsel Robert Mueller to take over a probe that has hung over his presidency. This president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values, Comey said in the book due out Tuesday, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters. Trump has often publicly criticized Comey since firing him, but escalated his attacks in response to the book. It was my great honor to fire James Comey! Trump said in one of a series of scorching Twitter messages, adding that Comey - now one of the Republican presidents fiercest critics - had been a terrible FBI director. The tirade followed news accounts of Comeys book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, which paints a deeply unflattering picture of Trump, comparing him to a mob boss who stresses personal loyalty over the law and has little regard for morality or truth. Mueller is looking into whether Trump has sought to obstruct the Russia probe, and Comey could be a key witness on that front. Comey last year accused Trump of pressuring him to pledge loyalty and end a probe involving former national security adviser Michael Flynns contacts with Moscow. James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR, Trump wrote. Trump accused Comey of lying to Congress, but did not specify was he was referring to, and said the former FBI chief should be prosecuted for leaking classified information. Trump has denied any collusion and has called Muellers investigation a witch hunt. Comey is conducting a series of media interviews before the books official release. Copies of the book were obtained by news outlets on Thursday. The interviews are Comeys first public comments since he testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee last June, when he accused Trump of firing him to undermine the FBIs Russia investigation. Just days after Trump fired Comey, the president said he did it because of this Russia thing. Trump has launched a series of attacks since last year against U.S. law enforcement leaders and institutions as the Russia probe pressed forward, in addition to Comey and Mueller. People will rot in hell for besmirching the reputation the integrity and the professional history of these two men, Democratic US Representative Jim Himes said on CNN, referring to Comey and Mueller, himself a former FBI director. In an offshoot of the Mueller probe, Trumps longtime personal lawyers office and home were raided by the Federal Bureau on Investigation on Monday. Really weird In an interview broadcast on Friday on ABCs Good Morning America, Comey discussed his initial encounters last year with Trump, who took office on Jan. 20, 2017. He described Trump as volatile, defensive and concerned more about his own image than about whether Russia meddled in the presidential election. American intelligence agencies last year said Russia interfered in the election through a campaign of propaganda and hacking in a scheme to sow discord in the United States and help get Trump elected. Moscow has denied meddling. Comey said he cautioned Trump against ordering an investigation into a salacious intelligence dossier alleging an 2013 encounter involving prostitutes in Moscow. The dossier was compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele about Trumps ties to Russia and included an allegation that involved prostitutes urinating on one another in a hotel room while Trump watched. Trump denied the allegations and said he might want the FBI to investigate allegations in the dossier to prove they were untrue, Comey told ABC. I said to him, Sir thats up to you but you want to be careful about that because it might create a narrative that were investigating you personally and, second, its very difficult to prove something didnt happen, Comey said. Asked to describe that Jan. 6, 2017 meeting two weeks before Trump took office, Comey said: Really weird. It was almost an out-of-body experience for me. Comey was asked if he believed the dossiers allegations. I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I dont know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, Comey told ABC. Its possible, but I dont know. Comey said the dossiers allegations had not been verified by the time he left the FBI. Before Trump and Comey met alone, U.S. intelligence chiefs briefed Trump and his advisers about the Russian election meddling. What struck him most, Comey told ABC, was that the conversation moved straight into a public relations mode, what they could say and how they could position Trump. No one, to my recollection, asked, So whats coming next from the Russians, how might we stop it, whats the future look like? Comey said. Vous etes confrontes a une infestation par la puce, la punaise de lit ? Voici plusieurs actions qui sont a mettre en uvre pour faire [] Elderly patients who undergo a surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) procedure suffer a considerably higher mortality rate, according to a new study.Researchers at Universite Laval (Quebec City, Canada) conducted a study in 672 consecutive, unselected SAVR patients (mean age 72 years, 61.5% male) undergoing SAVR in order to appraise long-term clinical outcomes, with a focus on structural valve degeneration (SVD), which the researchers defined as an increase in sub-clinical or clinical transvalvular pressure gradient, a decrease in valve area, and/or new-onset aortic regurgitation, as based on echocardiographic criteria. All patients were followed for a median time of 10 years.The results revealed that 432 of the patients (64.3%) died during the study. Older age, left ventricular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation (AF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), greater body mass index (BMI), and diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased mortality risk. Clinically relevant SVD occurred in 6.6% of patients, but 30.1% had subclinical SVD. A specific aortic bioprosthesis was independently associated with clinically relevant SVD, resulting in 83% undergoing reintervention. The study was published in the April 3, 2018, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.The 10-year mortality rate in elderly SAVR recipients of a bioprosthetic valve was considerable, chiefly determined by their older age and the presence of comorbidities, concluded lead author Tania Rodriguez-Gabella, MD. These results provide contemporary data on long-term clinical outcomes and SVD post-SAVR, and they should be taken into consideration when evaluating late clinical outcomes and valve durability after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.Current guidelines recommend either transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or SAVR in patients at high surgical risk, but suggest SAVR over TAVI for lower risk patients. Despite this recommendation, TAVI is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to open surgery, as it does not require thoracotomy or a heart-lung machine. TAVI involves a percutaneous intervention (PCI) via a catheter containing the replacement valve through the groin or chest; the new valve is pushed into the correct site where the surgeon expands it into position. Opinion Article 13 April 2018 The world has already moved online, and what's now making this global interconnected web churn are the numerous data storage facilities housing terabytes of readily accessible information no matter the local access point. We call this 'The Cloud'. Advertisements But before you treat it as a panacea for whatever technology pain point or automation problem your hotel may have, there are two gaping drawbacks to migrating all of your processes online that you would be wise to first understand, especially given the risk for a cybersecurity breach. Loss of Control With cloud-based systems, you are never in total control because it is not your system. Whether the information is housed with Google, Apple or any other major supplier, if they go down, your hands are tied. And please don't shrug this off because of the trust you might have in such large tech companies - it can still happen! Depending on the cloud architecture and how your information is hopping around from server to server, it may take a long time to get your data back or, worse, there may be no data left to recover at all. With on-premise data management, however, system availability is never a problem. Moreover, all this hopping around represents a potential point of breach as you will not have full control over the security of your information. As well, the more middlemen, storage devices, administrators and governing bodies you fold into to this processing chain, the more weak points you are also introducing. The bottom line is that the bigger the cloud you host your data with, the more users there are on the system and the more possible access points there now are. A straightforward hybrid solution for this is to install a local backup for seamless business continuity. This ensures that the moment you lose your connection to the cloud, you can work on an on-premise backup then sync the information once the internet is fully functional again. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks In its most basic form, a Janus or man-in-the-middle attack (MITM) happens when someone impersonates the digital identity of a trusted online authority then, for instance, warning a user that his or her account might be compromised and requesting sensitive details to remedy the situation. Believing that the correspondence is being made on behalf of an official source, victims would then enter their passwords or other private information via what appears to be a secure access point, thereby giving the attacker the key to their email records or online data backups. Phishing is a common form of a MITM attack with the objective being simply eavesdropping or something more malicious like the installation of ransomware. This occurs when a phisher secrets relays or possibly alters the communications between two parties who both believe that they are communicating directly and privately. Every online service you recruit thus presents yet another opportunity for a MITM attack as you are introducing yet another form of communication between the hotelier and the cloud. First, relying on a trusted vendor means that there is now the potential for a phisher to impersonate this supplier. Second, once someone has gained access to your online data systems, it is far easier for them to do damage or delete records. A straightforward example of how a MITM attack might occur at a hotel would be when a guest tries to access the WiFi network. A hacker can create an online portal that looks legitimate and asks for the guest's name, room number and possibly a username or password. It seems trustworthy, but now the phisher has a back door into the guest's system. And worse still, there's already a limited variety of WiFi auditing and vulnerable device collection software available for everyday purchase that allows nearly anyone to perform a MITM intercept. What's on the Horizon As cybersecurity is of tremendous importance to not only safeguard your guest's sensitive credit card information but to also protect your hotel's reputation, the near future will present many possible solutions to the current forms of data breach. However, it's a bumpy road, and in this arms race where hackers are going ever-more creative with their techniques, there will be new problems cropping up that you must also keep in mind. The most relevant issue to follow is the deregulation of online data privacy and net neutrality currently afflicting companies operating in the United States. Unless the European Union which is moving towards increased regulation of the cloud, this rollback has the potential to amplify those kinds of cyberattack addressed above. Next is the act of skimming which was traditionally used by identity thieves to illegally collect data from the magnetic stripes of a debit card, credit card or even those used to manage guestroom doors. Moving towards keyless entry has reduced the likelihood for this old-style form of skimming, but has then presented a more pernicious mutation where hackers can now hijack information via RFID (radio-frequency identification) or NFC (near-field communication) processes. These forms of transactions are considered contactless because they rely on proximity and generally do not require any form of 2FA (two-factor authentication) like simultaneously punching in a pin number. The scary part is that there are tools that can spoof a card's details from as far as 50 yards away. Third is the proliferation of augmented reality (AR) devices which can be used in tandem with a traditional computer monitor to different content display. With AR equipment synced to a set of software protocols, basic security is heightened as you can all but eliminate the problem of shoulder surfing whereby sensitive information will only be projected onto a user's glasses and not onto the big screen's desktop. Lastly, although only tangentially related to cybersecurity, the realm of biometric and intelligent video analysis is worth mentioning as oftentimes any online attack is accompanied by an onsite activity of some sort such as locally accessing your property's WiFi network or leaving a device plugged in. Increased security measures in this regard translate to significantly better real-time facial recognition as well as object analysis. For instance, monitor systems can now tell when someone leaves a bag unoccupied and alert personnel to investigate. Any way you slice it, this will be a hot button topic for many years to come. With the potential for enormous damage, though, it would be prudent for you to keep apace with how cloud technologies are progressing, especially given the fact that they are not as safe as you may have been led to believe. Performance 13 April 2018 HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee -- The U.S. hotel industry reported mostly negative year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 1-7 April 2018, according to data from STR. In comparison with the week of 2-8 April 2017, the industry recorded the following: Occupancy: -2.7 to 68.3% Average daily rate (ADR): +0.7% to US$128.84 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -2.0% to US$88.03 Among the Top 25 Markets, Miami/Hialeah, Florida, reported the highest jump in RevPAR (+34.0% to US$222.00), due primarily to the only double-digit lift in ADR (+23.4% to US$254.81). Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia, experienced the only double-digit increase in occupancy (+11.7% to 70.4%) and the second-largest increase in RevPAR (+19.3% to US$69.40). STR analysts note that performance in many major markets was affected by a drop in group business due to the Easter holiday calendar shift. Overall, eight of the Top 25 Markets reported a double-digit decrease in RevPAR. Chicago, Illinois, reported the steepest decline in RevPAR (-29.9 to US$79.30), due primarily to the largest drop in ADR (-17.0% to US$125.20). Detroit, Michigan, experienced the largest decrease in occupancy (-19.5% to 58.2%), resulting in the second-largest decline in RevPAR (-28.6% to US$54.08). Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia, saw the second-largest decrease in ADR (-12.6% to US$161.86). Performance 13 April 2018 When it comes to travel, one can argue that there are few stones that have been left unturned in Europe, but one of those is certainly Albania. In many ways Albania is the missing part of the Mediterranean tourism puzzle. In this latest report, Sinisa TopalovicandIva Rasica from Horwath HTL, Croatia examine the status quo in Albanias tourism sector, and the reasons why now is the time to invest. Click here to download our report As Khloe Kardashian gave birth to her firstborn in Cleveland, Kylie Jenner took to Instagram to showcase her maternal skills by engaging in a leisurely walk with baby Stormi in their neighbourhood. However, with Jenner being filthy rich, her suburban stroll took place in an ultra-luxurious gated Californian community, donning an outfit that surely defies traditional maternal wear. The beauty mogul wore a minidress that hugged her curvaceous figure in all the right places, showcasing her enviable post-pregnancy body for all her adoring followers. Even Stormi's stroller was decked out in a leopard print, elevating the staple accessory into more fashionable territory. Jenner also took to Snapchat on Thursday to congratulate her half-sister Khloe on giving birth to a healthy baby girl. The post contained a customized filter that read "Kongrats Khloe, it's a girl!" The image also contained a bevy of pink balloons that emphasized her newborn's gender. Kris Jenner also chimed in on the celebratory social media posts by re-sharing a video of Kendall Jenner repeating the word baby with a message that read "When three of your sisters give birth in under a year. Congratulations to @KhloeKardashian on welcoming another girl to the KarJenner clan." When he's not spending time with his toddler Chicago or reportedly making music in Wyoming, you may catch him at your local Applebee's wilding out. Pigeons & Planes have introduced their new YouTube show Delete Your History and recent guest Nick Cannon shared an unforgettable story about Kanye West that has stuck with him to this day. Thinking back to his earlier days, Nick noted that around the time Kanye was about to win his first ever Grammy award, he was speaking to a classroom with Ye at USC. At that point in his career, Nick describes him as "the weird dude that nobody knew that wore funny clothes." During their lecture, Pablo would say something that would forever be engrained in Nick Cannon's mind. Detailing it as a "genius" moment where everybody instantly understood what he was about, Kanye said, "Yo, you ever be at Applebee's, right fam? You be at Applebee's and there's somebody over there making mad noise. And you try to tell them to calm down and they be like 'No, it's my birthday. I'ma make noise because it's my birthday!'" says Cannon in his best impression of the Chicagoan. The actor continued, quoting, "I'm living every day like it's my birthday, fam. It's my birthday!" Apparently, the class began a slow clap immediately after the story was told, finally understanding his aura. This is nothing new from Kanye as he's previously stated that the one thing he wants most out of life is 'dopeness.' As the transcription does not do Nick Cannon's Kanye impression justice, check out the video below for the full story. Just last week Trey Songz was let off the hook for allegedly hitting a woman so hard she suffered a concussion. Andrea Butera accused Trey of assaulting her at a Hollywood party in February and after denying the assault, his case got rejected by the Los Angeles DA's office. He's not fully off the hook yet though, as TMZ reports that his case is still being looked at by the L.A. City Attorney to see if he can be charged with a lesser act of misdemeanor domestic violence. In the meantime, Trey's not laying low during all of this as he was seen posted up with Tory Lanez last night at STORY Nightclub in Miami. The Memories Don't Die rapper had a gig Thursday night and Trey linked up for the event. Tory shared some of his night to his Instagram story and his last video is pretty funny since O.T. Genasis is seen cleaning Tory's windshield. The "Push It" rapper asks for $2 as a joke - we're not sure why it's happening but we'll take it, it's a good one or the Gram. The homie Tory is set to go on tour for his latest album, and he'll be back in Miami on May 11th to begin his three-month stint. Check out his Memories Don't Die tour dates here. Attorney Justin Renshaw stood before a judge and called the Galveston-Texas City Pilots a cartel, seeking to make as much money as possible and exclude other mariners from the esteemed and lucrative task of guiding vessels into the local ports. You dont get to be a GalTex pilot, he said Wednesday in a courtroom in Austin, unless a GalTex pilot wants you to be a GalTex Pilot. His clients, a group of five ship captains, are seeking to compete directly with the Galveston-Texas City Pilots, whose members earn an estimated $400,000 or so a year. Unable to get state licenses, they decided to sue Gov. Greg Abbott and the state-appointed commissioners who oversee the pilots group. It was the first major hearing in whats poised to be a contentious battle, with the judge already chiding attorneys for incivility toward one another. A major theme hinges on the illegality of monopolies in Texas vs. the states right to regulate a critical service for the public good. Even if a monopoly did exist, its authorized by the states interest in safety and the states interest that there not be any accidents between vessels, said Assistant Attorney General John Langley, who represents Abbott and the Pilot Commissioners. RELATED: Simulator gives Ship Channel pilots glimpse into the future Its common for one state pilot group to control a waterway, and this isnt the first time disgruntled mariners have taken the system to court. Cases from Galveston more than 100 years ago failed to gain traction, though Renshaw argues those challenged different issues than the ones he is fighting pro bono. U.S. waterways with two state pilot groups are typically bordered by multiple states, and these associations have agreements for dividing up the traffic. Theres no place where two or more groups of state pilots operate in the same area and compete for assignments, said Paul Kirchner, executive director and general counsel for the American Pilots Association. The mariners Going to court was not the first option for Capts. Jay Heichelheim and Graylin Gant, plaintiffs who live in Galveston and Beaumont, respectively. Both have long maritime careers. Heichelheim, 62, first captained a small crew boat at age 16, gradually earning qualifications to steer larger vessels. Hes worked at a shipyard, learning to get failing, hard-to-steer vessels onto the dry dock, and is currently a tugboat captain. Gant, 55, started on deep-sea fishing boats and later captained supply vessels for offshore oil rigs. Both men are graduates of Hawsepipe University, a grit-and-sweat term referencing the pipe that holds the chain of a ships anchor. Hawsepipe University means we swam over to the anchor chain, crawled up the anchor chain and through the hawsepipe, Heichelheim said. And thats how we got on deck. Theyve both applied multiple times to join the Galveston-Texas City Pilots; Heichelheim was 24 when he first did so. In those days, Heichelheim said, pilot groups across the country were very nepotistic a person made pilot because his father and grandfather were pilots. Much of that has been addressed with anti-nepotism policies, though Heichelheim said pilots still trade votes. If a pilot in Corpus Christi gets a Galveston pilots son into the Corpus Christi group, he alleges, then that Galveston pilot will get his counterparts son into Galveston. Im not saying that this happens all the time, but its another possibility, he said. Illegal monopoly? In February 2015, two years before the lawsuit was filed, Renshaw asked the chair of the Pilot Commissioners how mariners could submit applications to become state-licensed pilots other than joining the Galveston-Texas City Pilots. He was eventually told that mariners must be trained by an existing pilot with that group to get a state license for Galveston County. They could not get that license any other way. Furthermore, there werent published rules in the Texas Register to guide mariners on applying for a state license in the county. RELATED: Ship Channel pilot encourages kids to follow in her wake The lawsuit alleges that the process is completely deferential to the Galveston-Texas City Pilots. It alleges a closed system excluding outsiders and a monopoly that is prohibited by the Texas constitution. Ultimately, the mariners are seeking to change the application process and specific sections of the Texas Transportation Code governing state pilot licenses. Just give us the process by which we could do an application outside of the monopoly, Renshaw told the judge. Yet Jim Brown, a Houston attorney who represents other Texas pilot associations, does not consider the application process to be dictated by the Galveston-Texas City Pilots. These pilots can accept trainees only from a pool of applicants the pilot commissioners have approved and deemed qualified. That provides checks and balances, he said. The Galveston procedures, I would say theyre pretty common, Brown said. Furthermore, Langley argues in court documents that previous court decisions have recognized exceptions to the states prohibition on monopolies. Theyre justified when created by government regulations that protect public health and welfare, such as requiring occupational licenses to practice medicine or law. Courts recognize that allowing pilots to train their own candidates on the waters they will be called upon to pilot ships enhances skill and safe practices important to protecting the public interest, the court document reads. The states oversight of this system is not the fostering of an illegal monopoly; rather it is proper regulation of a critical service and the valid exercise of the states police power in protecting the public and the Texas coast. Renshaw countered that the pilot situation is not like getting a license to practice law because lawyers have the liberty of choosing among myriad firms. It would be comparable to the pilot situation only if there was just one law firm in town through which a lawyer could be licensed and employed. He emphasized that the mariners are not trying to get rid of licensing. They are equally committed to safety, he said. They just want everyone to have the same opportunity for receiving that license. Were not asking to force the courts to give these guys licenses, Renshaw said. Were just asking that they be given a chance on the same footing. Non-discriminatory, non-monopolistic means to apply to get the same license. Federal vs. state Gant and Heichelheim already have a federal pilot license for the waterway on which the Galveston-Texas City Pilots operate. Its a license that the state pilots must also earn from the U.S. Coast Guard. The federal license can be obtained after making a certain number of roundtrips on the waterway and memorizing the ship channel, among other requirements. These licenses determine which ships a pilot can board. State-licensed pilots can guide ships sailing under U.S. and foreign flags. Federally licensed pilots, however, can guide only U.S.-flag ships. You could have the exact same ship, just flying a different flag, Renshaw said. Separately, and after not being accepted into the Galveston-Texas City Pilots, Gant and Heichelheim started pilot businesses to get U.S.-flag ships into port. Some ship owners expressed an interest in working with the federally licensed pilots, but they wanted Heichelheim and Gant to hire more people to assure their ships wouldnt have to wait while the pilots moved other vessels. But the small number of U.S.-flag ships calling on Galveston and Texas City doesnt justify hiring more people. Without being able to do foreign-flag vessels, Heichelheim said, theres not quite enough business to justify building a larger business and hiring people and training people. State pilots argue that a federal license does not prepare mariners to the same level as a state license. Federal pilots often get the qualification as crew members on a U.S.-flag ship. They know the intricacies and quirks of that particular ship, but state pilots must be able to jump on vessels varying in size and quirks. RELATED: Pilots welcome new boats to the Houston Ship Channel Were talking about very, very precise movements that are required every step of the way, said Paxton Crew, the attorney for the Galveston-Texas City Pilots. Crew and his clients joined the litigation despite not being sued directly. Capt. Christos Sotirelis, presiding officer of the Galveston-Texas City Pilots, said state pilots in Texas complete a two- or three-year apprenticeship. They can expect to work 340 days in their first year, and they will have handled nearly 1,000 vessels by the end of their second year. Thats above and beyond the requirements for a federal license. There are a great many skilled mariners, but what sets a local pilot apart in any port, not just ours is an extensive and thorough knowledge of the distinct, sometimes unexpected characteristics of their waterways, he said in an email. The only way to truly understand the way traffic should flow into and out of any port is through extensive training under the guidance of someone who already understands it. Competition The proposition of two competing pilot organizations worries Kirchner with the American Pilots Association. He said it could make waterways unsafe and pilot services unreliable. If pilots are chasing only lucrative ship movements some jobs pay better than others then some ships may be at risk of not getting moved. With only one association, all ships are guaranteed a trained, competent and rested pilot. Competition was among the many topics discussed before Travis County state District Judge Dustin Howell. He was also presented with a plea to the jurisdiction, in which Abbott claims immunity, and several motions for summary judgment. Howell did not release a ruling from the bench but will instead issue a written decision later. RELATED: Texas House committee hears debate on Galveston fog feud Joseph Keefe, editor of Maritime Logistics Professional and MarineNews magazines, said the lawsuit could change the way pilot duties are carried out at all Texas ports if its successful. Is the dispute being watched closely by other ports? Keefe said in an email. I would think so. Representatives for the Houston Pilots and Texas State Pilots associations were at the hearing Wednesday. Heichelheim said he doesnt want to discredit the Galveston-Texas City Pilots. He just wants a chance to do what he loves and to pass along his knowledge to the next generation. We dont want to frown down on the Galveston pilots, Heichelheim said. I think they do a fine job. But I think we could do a fine job, too. We could do the same fine job. andrea.rumbaugh@chron.com twitter.com/andrearumbaugh Todays news headlines frequently present contemporary society as being filled with division and strife. Yet through the eyes of ordinary people, society often looks more like a beautiful tapestry of different colors and designs. Our varied nationalities, races, cultures, philosophies and religious beliefs highlight the magnificence and wonder of humanity. Our diversity should not divide us; instead, it should invite us to move in closer so we can see the good in everyone. As I reflect on the many ways my own life has been enriched through associating with people of different faiths, I see clearly that much of what I know about how to be a devoted Latter-day Saint comes from lessons I have learned from those outside my faith. I have been strengthened by the virtues and values reflected in the lives of the followers of many religious faiths. Here are five ways other religions have touched my life and helped make me a more committed Latter-day Saint: Evangelical Christianitys Focus on Grace During our 12 years in Texas, most of my familys friends have been evangelical Christians, including Baptists, Methodists and non-denominational Christians. How I have loved learning from the strength of their convictions regarding the grace of Jesus Christ. Their commitment to Christ, to the Bible and to sharing their faith with those around them have inspired me and my family. I see so much in their love for the Lord that makes me want to be a more faithful Latter-day Saint. Catholicisms Beautiful Antiquity I have always loved and admired the beautiful antiquity of the Catholic Church. I love the tradition, the ritual and the depth of a faith that traces its roots back nearly 2,000 years to Peter, the chief apostle called and ordained by Jesus Himself. I find so much in Catholicism that makes me want to be a better person, a better Latter-day Saint. Recently, I have admired Pope Francis for his emphasis on love and service. A statement he gave in a 2013 interview has stayed with me: I see clearly that the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds. Judaisms Strength and Its Contributions to Humanity Because Christianitys roots trace back to Judaism, I have always been grateful for the contributions of Judaism to my faith and have appreciated the vast common ground between us. I am also humbled by and feel reverence for the suffering and persecution Jewish people have faced throughout history. In spite of these difficulties and although Jewish people today represent just 0.2 percent of the worlds population, collectively they have been awarded more than 20 percent of the Nobel Prizes ever given! The contributions of Judaism to humanity generally and to western society specifically are incalculable, and there is so much in this ancient faith for which I am thankful. Buddhisms Kindness and Respect for Others Prior to my full-time missionary service in South Korea, I confess I did not know a lot about Buddhism, one of the largest religions in the world, with approximately half a billion followers today. When I was fortunate to become close to many Buddhists during my two years in Korea, I found there was a lot about the way these kind and gentle people lived their lives that I wanted to emulate. I admire their emphasis on learning truth through study and meditation, seeking wisdom, living peaceably with others and striving for enlightenment. Although Buddhism differs from Christianity in fundamental ways, I found in the most basic beliefs of Buddhism a pattern that could help make any follower of Jesus Christ a better and more faithful disciple. Islams Devotion to God and Family It has been an honor to associate with Muslim friends and colleagues over the years, including my friendship with a current colleague who is the faculty adviser of the Muslim Student Association at our university. I have learned that devout Mormons and devout Muslims have much in common. The importance of prayer and fasting, caring for the poor and needy, and devotion to God and family are just a few of the beliefs we share. I also empathize with the plight of so many Muslims around the world who feel their religion is so often mischaracterized and unfairly maligned. I am thankful for the good examples of Muslim friends who have taught me valuable lessons about how to be a more devoted Latter-day Saint. Nate Sharp serves as president of the College Station Texas stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is an associate professor in the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. The nation's intelligence chiefs had just finished briefing Donald Trump on Russia's interference in the 2016 election when FBI Director James Comey stayed behind to discuss some especially sensitive material: a "widely circulated" intelligence dossier containing unconfirmed allegations that Russians had filmed Trump interacting with prostitutes in Moscow in 2013. The president-elect quickly interrupted the FBI director. According to Comey's account in a new memoir, Trump "strongly denied the allegations, asking - rhetorically, I assumed - whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised. He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations." The January 2017 conversation at Trump Tower in Manhattan "teetered toward disaster" - until "I pulled the tool from my bag: 'We are not investigating you, sir.' That seemed to quiet him," Comey writes. Now Playing: Former FBI director James Comey has likened Donald Trump to a mafia boss, in an explosive new book which is set to go on sale next Tuesday. Comey was fired by Trump in May last year. In his memoir he accuses Trump of trying to involve intelligence officers in his own political battles - saying the President is untethered to truth and ego driven. "I found myself having flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob," he said. "The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them world view. The lying about all things, large and small." Comey says he regrets the way he communicated on the FBI investigation into Hilary Clinton's email management during the 2016 Presidential election. "He sort of spent a lot of time really sort of criticizing the Secretary," says Jonathan Lemire White House Reporter. "Only at the end to say 'but we're not finding any charges against her. He wishes he could have done that differently." But Comey maintains he had no choice other than to make the information public. President Trump, meanwhile, has previously accused him of being a showboater. Video: Euronews Trump did not stay quiet for long. Comey describes Trump as having been obsessed with the portion dealing with prostitutes in the infamous dossier compiled by British former intelligence officer Christopher Steele, raising it at least four times with the FBI director. The document claimed that Trump had watched the prostitutes urinate on themselves in the same Moscow suite that President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama had stayed in "as a way of soiling the bed," Comey writes. Comey writes that Trump asked him to have the FBI investigate the allegations to prove they were not true, and offered varying explanations to convince him why. "I'm a germaphobe," Trump told him in a follow-up call on Jan. 11, 2017, according to Comey's account. "There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way." Later, the president asked what could be done to "lift the cloud" because it was so painful for first lady Melania Trump. Then, on May 9, 2017, Trump fired Comey, leading to the Justice Department special counsel's Russia investigation. The discussions about the Steele dossier - which Comey recounts for the first time in his book - are among a number of explosive revelations in "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership," a 304-page tell-all in which the former FBI director details his private interactions with Trump as well as his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. The Washington Post obtained a copy of the book before its scheduled release on Tuesday. In his memoir, Comey paints a devastating portrait of a president who built "a cocoon of alternative reality that he was busily wrapping around all of us." Comey describes Trump as a congenital liar and unethical leader, devoid of human emotion and driven by personal ego. Comey narrates in vivid detail, based on his contemporaneous notes, instances in which Trump violated the norms protecting the FBI's independence in attempts to coerce Comey into being loyal to him - such as during a one-on-one dinner in the White House residence. Interacting with Trump, Comey writes, gave him "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." The result, in Comey's telling, is "the forest fire that is the Trump presidency." "What is happening now is not normal," he writes. "It is not fake news. It is not OK." - - - Comey describes a Feb. 14, 2017, meeting in the Oval Office where Trump asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to clear the room so he could bring up the FBI investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn directly with Comey - a key event in special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's investigation of whether Trump sought to obstruct justice. "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go," Trump said, according to Comey's account of the meeting, some of which he first shared in Senate testimony last year. "He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go." Comey writes that he regrets not interrupting Trump to explain that his plea was wrong. He recalls later confronting Sessions, whom he describes as "both overwhelmed and overmatched by the job." "You can't be kicked out of the room so he can talk to me alone," Comey told Sessions, according to the book. "You have to be between me and the president." Comey also recounts new observations: "Sessions just cast his eyes down at the table, and they darted quickly back and forth, side to side. He said nothing. I read in his posture and face a message that he would not be able to help me." A lifelong Republican until recently, Comey delivers an indirect but unmistakable rebuke of the GOP's congressional leaders as well: "It is also wrong to stand idly by, or worse, to stay silent when you know better, while a president brazenly seeks to undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions that were established to keep our leaders in check." Comey stops short of outlining a legal case against the president, explaining that because he does not know all the evidence he cannot determine whether Trump intended to obstruct justice by firing him and by asking him to back off the FBI's investigation of Flynn. "I have one perspective on the behavior I saw, which while disturbing and violating basic norms of ethical leadership, may fall short of being illegal," he writes. Still, the book is an indictment of Trump's presidency as well as of his character. Each chapter can be interpreted as an elaborate trolling of Trump, starting with the title, "A Higher Loyalty," a subtle reference to the loyalty pledge that Trump sought and did not receive from Comey. Comey describes being bullied as a child growing up in Allendale, N.J. - taunted, body slammed into lockers and given "wedgies." Bullies, he writes, "threaten the weak to feed some insecurity that rages inside them. . . . Surviving a bully requires constant learning and adaptation. Which is why bullies are so powerful, because it's so much easier to be a follower, to go with the crowd, to just blend in." Comey also ruminates on the psychology of liars in an apparent nod to the current occupant of the Oval Office. "They lose the ability to distinguish between what's true and what's not," Comey writes. "They surround themselves with other liars. . . . Perks and access are given to those willing to lie and tolerate lies. This creates a culture, which becomes an entire way of life." - - - Comey defends his handling of the Clinton email investigation, and for the first time details a private assurance he received from Obama following Clinton's defeat. Many Democrats blame Comey for announcing less than two weeks before the election that the FBI was examining a new trove of Clinton emails for possible classified material. Comey writes that Obama sat alone with him in the Oval Office in late November and told him, "I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability. I want you to know that nothing - nothing - has happened in the last year to change my view." On the verge of tears, Comey told Obama, "Boy, were those words I needed to hear. . . . I'm just trying to do the right thing." "I know," Obama said. "I know." Comey also writes that in a post-election briefing for senators, then-Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., confronted him about "what you did to Hillary Clinton." Comey responded, "I did my best with the facts before me." A teary-eyed Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., grabbed him by the hand afterward and said, "I know you. You were in an impossible position," Comey writes. Clinton wrote in her campaign memoir, "What Happened," that she felt "shivved" by Comey. Two days before the election, Comey announced that the FBI had reviewed the new emails and found nothing to change its view that Clinton should not be prosecuted. But in Clinton's assessment, the damage already had been done. Comey, who says his wife and daughters voted for Clinton, includes a message in his book to the would-be first female president: "I have read she has felt anger toward me personally, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry that I couldn't do a better job explaining to her and her supporters why I made the decisions I made." Comey is critical of then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, saying she had a "tortured half-out, half-in approach" to the Clinton investigation and that he considered calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor. One day shortly before the election, Lynch and Comey met privately. Comey writes that the attorney general wrapped her arms around him and implied that she thought he had done the right thing. But as their meeting ended, Comey writes, "She said, with just the slightest hint of a smile, 'Try to look beat up.' She had told somebody she was going to chew me out for what I had done. What a world." - - - The first time Comey met Trump was at the pre-inauguration intelligence briefing. Comey, who is 6 feet 8 inches tall, writes that the 6-foot-3 president-elect looked shorter than he did on television. "His face appeared slightly orange," Comey writes, "with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assumed he placed small tanning goggles, and impressively coifed, bright blond hair, which upon close inspection looked to be all his." "As he extended his hand," Comey adds, "I made a mental note to check its size. It was smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so." Trump was accompanied at the Trump Tower session by his national security team, as well as by political aides Reince Priebus and Sean Spicer, who were slated to become White House chief of staff and press secretary, respectively. Trump asked only one question, Comey writes: "You found there was no impact on the result, right?" James R. Clapper Jr., then the director of national intelligence, replied that the intelligence community did no such analysis. Comey recalls being struck that neither Trump nor his advisers asked about the future Russian threat, nor how the United States might prepare to meet it. Rather, he writes, they focused on "how they could spin what we'd just told them." With Clapper and then-CIA Director John Brennan - both Obama appointees - still in the room, Priebus and other Trump aides strategized for political advantage, Comey writes. The Trump team decided they would emphasize that Russian interference had no impact on the vote - which, Clapper reminded them, the intelligence community had not determined. When the meeting ended, Comey stayed behind with Trump to discuss the salacious dossier. The day before, as Clapper and Comey briefed Obama about Russian interference, the president asked who planned to tell Trump about the Moscow prostitute allegations. Clapper replied that Comey would. Obama "turned his head to his left and looked directly at me," Comey recalls. "He raised and lowered both of his eyebrows with emphasis, and then looked away. . . . To my mind his Groucho Marx eyebrow raise was both subtle humor and an expression of concern. It was almost as if he were saying, 'Good luck with that.' " A week after the Trump Tower meeting, on Jan. 11, Comey writes that Trump called him and said he was concerned about the dossier being made public and was fixated on the prostitutes allegation. The president-elect argued that it could not be true because he had not stayed overnight in Moscow but had only used the hotel room to change his clothes. And after Trump explained that he would never allow people to urinate near him, Comey recalls laughing. "I decided not to tell him that the activity alleged did not seem to require either an overnight stay or even being in proximity to the participants," Comey writes. "In fact, though I didn't know for sure, I imagined the presidential suite of the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow was large enough for a germaphobe to be at a safe distance from the activity." After one week as president, Trump invited Comey to dinner. Comey describes the scene on Jan. 27: The table in the Green Room was set for two. The president marveled at the fancy handwriting on the four-course menu placards and seemed unaware of the term "calligrapher." White House stewards served salad, shrimp scampi, chicken Parmesan with pasta, and vanilla ice cream. Comey writes that he believed Trump was trying "to establish a patronage relationship," and that he said: "I need loyalty. I expect loyalty." "I was determined not to give the president any hint of assent to this demand, so I gave silence instead," Comey writes. "I stared at the soft white pouches under his expressionless blue eyes. I remember thinking in that moment that the president doesn't understand the FBI's role in American life." Trump broke the standoff by turning to other topics, Comey writes, speaking in torrents, "like an oral jigsaw puzzle," about the size of his inauguration crowd, his free media coverage and the viciousness of the campaign. He talked about the Clinton email investigation as in three phases, as if it were a television series: "Comey One," "Comey Two" and "Comey Three." Trump also tried to convince Comey that he had not mocked disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski at a campaign rally, and then turned to the detailed allegations of sexual assault against him. "There was no way he groped that lady sitting next to him on the airplane, he insisted," Comey writes. "And the idea that he grabbed a porn star and offered her money to come to his room was preposterous." And then Trump brought up "the golden showers thing," Comey writes. The president told him that "it bothered him if there was 'even a one percent chance' his wife, Melania, thought it was true." Comey writes that Trump told him to consider having the FBI investigate the prostitutes allegation to "prove it was a lie." As the dinner concluded, Trump returned to the issue of loyalty. "I need loyalty," Trump tells Comey, according to the book. "You will always get honesty from me," Comey replies. "That's what I want, honest loyalty," Trump said, reaching what Comey writes was "some sort of 'deal' in which we were both winners." - - - The two men were back together at the White House a couple weeks later. Comey had dropped by the chief of staff's office to explain to Priebus - whom he describes as "both confused and irritated" - the appropriate way for the White House to interact with the FBI. When they finished, Priebus asked if Comey wanted to say hello to Trump - an ironic gesture, Comey recalls, considering he was just explaining the importance of the bureau's independence. Comey demurred, but Priebus insisted and brought him to the Oval Office, where Trump was stationed behind the Resolute Desk. The president, Comey recalls, "launched into one of his rapid-fire, stream-of-consciousness monologues" - this time about a recent Super Bowl interview with then-Fox News Channel personality Bill O'Reilly in which Trump complimented Russian President Vladimir Putin. "But he's a killer," O'Reilly told Trump. The president's reply: "There are a ton of killers. We've got a lot of killers. What do you think? Our country's so innocent?" Trump fumed to Comey about the media criticism he received. "I gave a good answer," Trump said, according to Comey. "Really, it was a great answer. I gave a really great answer." Trump sought validation: "You think it was a great answer, right?" Comey replied, "We aren't the kind of killers that Putin is." Trump apparently did not take the correction well. Comey writes that the president's eyes changed and his jaw tightened, and Priebus escorted him out. The next month, Trump called Comey to complain about the Russia investigation as a "cloud" that was impairing his presidency and, again, brought up the Moscow prostitutes allegation. "For about the fourth time, he argued that the golden showers thing wasn't true, asking yet again, 'Can you imagine me, hookers?' " Comey writes of their March 30, 2017, call. "In an apparent play for my sympathy, he added that he has a beautiful wife and the whole thing has been very painful for her. He asked what we could do to 'lift the cloud.' " Comey recalls telling the president the FBI was investigating it as quickly as possible, and that he had told Congress that Trump was not personally under investigation, to which the president repeatedly told him, "We need to get that fact out." Two weeks later, on April 11, Trump called Comey again to check on his request to "get out" that he is not under investigation, Comey writes. "He seemed irritated with me," Comey recalls. "I have been very loyal to you, very loyal. We had that thing, you know," Trump told him, according to the book, apparently referring to the loyalty dinner. That was the last time the two men spoke. On May 9, as Comey was talking with FBI employees in the Los Angeles field office, he peered at a television screen and saw a news alert: "COMEY FIRED." Comey describes soon receiving an "emotional call" from John Kelly, then the Homeland Security secretary. "He said he was sick about my firing and that he intended to quit in protest," Comey writes. "He said he didn't want to work for dishonorable people who would treat someone like me in such a manner. I urged Kelly not to do that, arguing that the country needed principled people around this president. Especially this president." Kelly did not resign. Two and a half months later, he was named White House chief of staff. Mark Keough and Greg Parker were not in the room Tuesday when Montgomery County commissioners discussed a toll road project, but the two politicians and the shifting political forces they represent loomed large in the background. Keough is a state representative from The Woodlands who soundly defeated County Judge Craig Doyal in the March 6 Republican primary. Parker is a private citizen who forced Commissioner Charlie Riley into a May 22 primary runoff. Keough and Parker have the support of the hard-right tea party movement, which enjoys considerable influence in one of Texas most conservative counties. Both candidates campaigned against toll roads. Doyal and Riley, along with Commissioner Mike Meador, make up a 3-2 Commissioners Court majority that supports expanding a 3.6-mile section of Texas 249 as a toll road a small piece of the planned Aggie Expressway from Houston to College Station. Commissioners James Noack and Jim Clark who also faces a runoff want the road to be free, in keeping with growing distaste for tolls among conservative Republicans across the state. Considering the possible outcomes of the runoffs and the November general election in this overwhelmingly Republican county, its likely that the 249 toll road will no longer have the support of a court majority next January. But the key votes are taking place now, and Noack is using every strategy in his playbook to block the project until like-minded colleagues join him on the court. I dont know how an outgoing member of court could try to force through an initiative that is so overwhelmingly opposed by county voters, Noack said in a phone interview Thursday, referring to Doyal. I would love to see Judge Doyal work with me to get (the state) to build this road with no toll. On Monday, the day before a scheduled vote on the 249 project, Noack announced he would start a petition drive to force a referendum on the issuance of the $56 million in revenue bonds the countys toll road authority intends to issue to finance the project. He and others who oppose the toll road have cited overwhelming support, in the county and statewide, for a proposition on the Republican primary ballot calling for public votes on all toll roads. If the organizers obtain enough valid petition signatures, financing for the project could not proceed until an election no sooner than November, said toll road authority attorney Rich Muller. In my opinion, that kind of delay would give TxDOT and Harris County the ability under our contracts to take over the project to complete it within the time frame that everybody has agreed upon, Muller said. Harris County and the state are building their sections of the 249 project as toll roads. Noack, in fact, wants the state to take over the Montgomery County portion of the road but not to toll it. Quincy Allen, TxDOTs Houston district engineer, told the Conroe Courier this week that the state would review this request, which has also been made by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. In December, however, Texas Transportation Commissioner Victor Vandergriff told Montgomery County commissioners that without tolls, the 249 project probably would not be completed in our lifetime. Thats unacceptable to the residents who begged commissioners Tuesday for relief from traffic congestion, saying theyd be happy to pay tolls. My husband leaves two hours early to go to work. Two hours! said Crissi Grimm, a Magnolia area resident. If I want to take my son and drop him off in Pinehurst and get to my job at 8 oclock in Magnolia, I have to leave my house at 7 a.m. That is ridiculous. Ginger Russell, a precinct chair who opposes tolling the road, said her frequent requests for a public vote on the issue had fallen on deaf ears. She called on voters to change the course of this dictatorship, concluding her remarks with a plug for Parker. The anti-toll fervor in Montgomery County is consistent with recent statements by top state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Late last year, Abbott and Patrick urged the transportation commission to abandon plans to use voter-approved transportation funds for certain projects that included toll lanes. Doyal, for his part, says hes not a big fan of toll roads, but hes convinced that continuing with the five-year-old plan to toll Texas 249 is the only responsible way forward. Muller said projections indicate that the revenue bonds could be repaid within 10 years, giving the county the option of removing the tolls or reducing them to a level that would cover maintenance. Its purely political, Doyal said of the opposition. I dont know where common sense has gone. Good business decisions get politicized to the point where were battling over something that really doesnt need to be a battle. mike.snyder@chron.com twitter.com/chronsnyder 2 1 of 2 Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Godofredo A. Vasquez / Houston Chronicle Show More Show Less A federal jury Houston Thursday convicted former U.S. Congressman Steve Stockman of being the mastermind behind a wide-ranging fraud scheme, using hefty charitable donations from top-level conservative donors to cover personal expenses and campaign debts. After deliberating more than 15 hours over three days, the jury found Stockman guilty of all but one of the 24 counts brought against him last year. A Harris County judge on Friday ruled there was no reason to move the trials of a sheriff's deputy and her husband who are charged with murder in the chokehold death of John Hernandez at a local Denny's. Defense attorneys for ex-deputy Chauna Thompson - who has been fired from the sheriff's office - and her husband Terry Thompson had asked for a change of venue, and want to move the case to another county because of publicity in the case. State District Judge Kelli Johnson said she was confident that in a county with more than two million jurors that a fair and impartial jury could be seated. READ ALSO: Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell pleads not guilty to federal fraud charges Now Playing: The attorney for the family of John Hernandez, a man allegedly beaten and killed by the husband of a sheriff's office deputy, says a new cellphone video has surfaced of the incident. Video: Chron.com "I find there was no evidence of a dangerous combination against the defendants," Johnson said while making her ruling. "I also find there was no evidence of prejudice against the defendants that would prevent them from getting a fair trial." During a three-day hearing over the past week, prosecutors argued that after 10 days of intense media scrutiny when the Thompsons were arrested last June, that coverage has fallen off. Defense attorneys Greg Cagle and Scott Courtney, who are representing the Thompsons, had argued that video of the event, which has been shown by media across the country, would prejudice a Harris County jury. They unsuccessfully argued that District Attorney Kim Ogg, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen worked together in a "dangerous combination" to get the Thompsons indicted within days of the video surfacing. READ ALSO: Houston woman who abandoned baby near ant pile sentenced Kallinen is representing the Hernandez family in a civil lawsuit and stands to gain financially if he wins the civil case, a task made easier if the Thompsons are convicted, their defense team had argued in a failed effort to remove local prosecutors from the case. Hernandez's death sparked widespread publicity after the video of the late night May 28 deadly encounter was released, with hundreds of protesters marching across downtown Houston demanding that the Thompsons face criminal charges. Terry and Chauna Thompson were both arrested and charged with Hernandez's death shortly after a video showing the married couple restraining him about 11:40 p.m. May 28 in the parking lot of a northwest Harris County Denny's. They both face life in prison if convicted. READ ALSO: Accused gunman cleared in downtown Houston hotel arrest, will get guns back A motion for a change of venue was always a long shot because of the large size of the jury pool. Moving any case, including Houston's most high-profile trials, to another county for trial is practically unheard of over the past decade. The Thompsons' attorneys have maintained that Hernandez initiated the fatal encounter by throwing the first punch. Hernandez died from severe injuries, and bystander video showed Terry Thompson apparently administering a chokehold during the struggle. Former U.S. Congressman Steve Stockman a political maverick once viewed as a champion of right-wing causes was convicted Thursday of masterminding a wide-ranging fraud scheme that diverted $1.25 million in charitable donations from wealthy conservative philanthropists to cover personal expenses and campaign debts. After deliberating more than 15 hours over three days, the jury found Stockman guilty on 23 counts of mail and wire fraud, conspiracy, making false statements to the Federal Elections Commission, money laundering and filing a false tax return. The jury found him not guilty on one count of wire fraud. Stockman, 61, of Clear Lake, who served two non-consecutive terms as a Republican congressman in separate southeast Texas districts, showed no reaction to the jurys verdict. His wife, Patti, watched from the courtroom gallery, as did U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Now Playing: Latest Trending Politics Videos Video: Houston Chronicle Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, called the case a cautionary tale for politicians who might try to use their authority to gain political power. Steve Stockman was on track to be among the next generation of conservative leaders in Texas, formerly a rising star on the right undone by the hubris of ambition and selfish behavior, he said. The House of Cards style antics will almost always catch up to elected officials. No one is above the law and the number of indicted current and former elected officials proves that. Patrick said Stockman abused his position of trust. When public officials use their office to defraud donors and violate federal law, we will hold them accountable, Patrick said in a statement after the verdict. Corrupt officials like former congressman Stockman make it harder for the honest ones to do their jobs. EDITORIAL: We knew Stockman was a kook. Now we know he's a crook. Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ruled that Stockman was a flight risk and ordered him taken into custody. U.S. marshals cleared the courtroom of onlookers before detaining the former lawmaker. Stockman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each of the seven fraud convictions and one money laundering count, with a potential for lesser sentences on the other counts. Sentencing is set for Aug. 17. Two former Stockman aides who pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme were among those who testified against the former congressman, who made an unsuccessful run in 2014 for the U.S. Senate against Republican incumbent John Cornyn. The jury of seven women and five men heard testimony over three weeks from 39 witnesses and reviewed thousands of pages of documents, tracking donations through bank accounts, campaign finance reports, texts, emails and other correspondence. Prosecutors presented a meticulously documented case, featuring flow charts and canceled checks, to illustrate how the two-time Republican lawmaker funneled charitable donations through a series of sham nonprofit organizations and shell bank accounts to spend on an array of personal expenses that included his brothers homemade Advent books, a dolphin-watching trip and an amateur spy operation that trailed a perceived GOP rival around the statehouse in Austin. MORE: Defense says ex-GOP lawmaker Steve Stockman did not orchestrate fraud Stockmans three defense lawyers, who argued at trial that their client did not intentionally commit fraud, said they were disappointed and saddened by the verdict. Its really an unfair situation, attorney Sean Buckley said. We had hoped the jury would conclude that these funds from the donors were paid with the donors knowledge and belief that they would be used to finance Mr. Stockmans political work and his projects. The verdict drew a quick response from the Harris County Republican Party, which noted that Stockman represented his constituents with genuine care and concern. His conviction today in court is a sad and unfortunate conclusion to his life of public service, according to an emailed statement. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they deal with this challenging circumstance. Political life cut short Stockman was arrested March 15, 2017 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport as he was boarding a flight to the United Arab Emirates after being charged in a criminal complaint. Federal charges were also brought against aides Jason Posey, 47, of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Thomas Dodd, 38, of Houston, who pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against their former boss. After his first appearance in federal court, Stockman told reporters he had been targeted for speaking out against the Internal Revenue Service and was a victim of the deep state that allegedly exists within federal agencies. Stockman served in Congress from 1995 to 1997 in District 9 representing an area that stretched from Jefferson, Port Arthur, Beaumont and Galveston to parts of Harris and Brazoria counties. He was defeated in a bid for re-election in 1996. RELATED: 34 surprising facts revealed during Stockmans fraud trial He won a second term in Congress in 2012 to the newly created 36th District, which includes portions of Harris County including Stockmans then-hometown of Friendswood, as well as Liberty, Chambers, Polk, Tyler, Hardin, Jasper, Newton and Orange counties. During that term, he aligned with tea party Republicans and opposed the Affordable Care Act, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and introduced legislation to repeal gun bans at schools. His term was cut short in 2014 when he ran against Cornyn. Shadow charities The criminal probe of Stockman was triggered by investigations by the Sunlight Foundation and the Houston Chronicle that examined a series of 2013 checks that straw donors made to Stockmans tapped-out congressional campaign fund. Law enforcement traced the money from these fake donors back to its source, a $350,000 check to one of Stockmans charities from philanthropist Richard Uihlein, and into bank accounts of the two aides. Uihlein, the head of a Midwestern shipping supplies empire, gave $800,000 to Stockman projects. He testified a $350,000 check was meant to pay for the rehabilitation of Freedom House, a live-in training center for conservative interns on Capitol Hill that never materialized. Uihlein believed his second contribution of $450,000 would cover an independent campaign expenditure related to Stockmans bid for the U.S. Senate. The donor testified he believed the funds would be used for a statewide mailing of fake tabloid newspapers portraying Cornyn as a fan of Obamas national health care policy. Another heavyweight GOP donor, the late Stanford Z. Rothschild Jr., a Baltimore money manager, donated $450,000 to Stockmans charities, but witnesses said the money didnt go toward the broad-based conservative causes that Stockman and Dodd had promised. Instead, Stockman spent it on a variety of personal expenses. Posey, an aide who knew Stockman for decades, testified he wrote checks, set up bank accounts and moved the money as directed by Stockman into shadowy charities, including one called the Egyptian American Friendship Society and another entitled Life Without Limits, supposedly dedicated to helping people recover from trauma. Squandered a golden opportunity Posey testified that he and the former congressman knew they were breaking the law, but Stockman instructed him to push forward, spending charitable money on hotel rooms, plane flights and so-called burner phones for secret conversations. He complied, he said, even fleeing to Egypt at Stockmans request for more than two years when Stockman realized the scheme was under investigation. Testimony from Dodd was also critical, since he dealt directly with Stockmans major donors. He testified he knew the donations were intended for charitable purposes and that Stockman was using the funds for unrelated expenses, including Dodds own credit card debt. The defense called just two witnesses, both of whom were peripheral to the prosecutions allegations. Stockman did not testify. RELATED: One-time aide testifies against former Rep. Steve Stockman Attorney Philip Hilder, who represented Posey, said in the universe of white-collar crime, Stockmans conduct stood out because he was in office when many of the crimes occurred. This was a highly elaborate scheme that was hatched shortly after Stockman was sworn into office in 2013 and continued throughout his term, Hilder said. What makes this unusual is that a member of Congress abused his authority shortly after being given the oath of office, he said. Stockman manipulated his staff and squandered a golden opportunity to represent the constituents in his district who obviously placed faith in him. Gabrielle Banks covers federal courts for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and send her tips at gabrielle.banks@chron.com. The list of men accusing a former Texas state judge and leading figure of the Southern Baptist Convention of sexual misconduct continues to grow. In separate court affidavits filed this month, two men say Paul Pressler molested or solicited them for sex in a pair of incidents that span nearly 40 years. Those accusations were filed as part of a lawsuit filed last year by another man who says he was regularly raped by Pressler. Presslers newest accusers are another former member of a church youth group and a lawyer who worked for Presslers former law firm until 2017. Toby Twining, 59, now a New York musician, was a teenager in 1977 when he says Pressler grabbed his penis in a sauna at River Oaks Country Club, according to an affidavit filed in federal court. At that time, Pressler was a youth pastor at Bethel Church in Houston; he was ousted from that position in 1978 after church officials received information about an alleged incident, according to a letter introduced into the court file. Brooks Schott, 27, now a lawyer in Washington state, says in an affidavit that he resigned his position at Presslers former law firm after Pressler in 2016 invited Schott to get into a hot tub with him naked. He also accuses Jared Woodfill, Presslers longtime law partner and the head of the Harris County Republican Party until 2014, of failing to prevent Presslers sexual advances toward him and others, which Schott says were well-known among the firm, the documents state. Documents recently made public show that in 2004, Pressler agreed to pay $450,000 to another former youth group member for physical assault. That man, Duane Rollins, filed a new suit last year in which he demands more than $1 million for decades of alleged rapes that a psychiatrist recently confirmed had been suppressed from Rollins memory. Rollins also claims the trauma pushed him to the drugs and alcohol that resulted in multiple prison sentences. At the time of the earliest allegation, in 1977, Pressler was still a relatively minor figure in Southern Baptist circles. His rise to power in the Southern Baptist Convention began only after his ouster from Bethel, according to his memoir and court records. In the years after, Pressler worked at Houstons First and Second Baptist churches, was a state representative and served for 14 years as a justice on Texas 14th Court of Appeals. During that period, the SBC moved toward a literal interpretation of the Bible and condemned homosexual behavior. Pressler was also asked in 1989 to head President George H.W. Bushs Office of Government Ethics, though his nomination was later withdrawn. Affidavits for Twining and Schott were submitted this month as part of the suit filed by Rollins against Pressler and eight other defendants, including Woodfill, the Southern Baptist Convention, and Houstons First and Second Baptist churches. In 2016, a psychiatrist concluded that Rollins had suppressed memories of years of rapes and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a direct result of the childhood sexual trauma he suffered, court records show. Rollins and his attorney, Dan Shea, say they initially were not allowed to keep a copy of the 2004 settlement. Shea said the new suit was filed in part because of concerns that Pressler, now 87, might stop making the monthly $1,500 payments he agreed to send Rollins until 2029. An attorney for Pressler did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. A woman who answered the phone at Presslers home said he was unable to talk. A church youth group Twining says he met Pressler at a Houston-area church in the late 1970s, when Pressler was a youth pastor and a prominent Texas state judge. His affidavit does not name the church, but Pressler was a youth pastor at Bethel at the time, according to court documents, Bethel officials and Presslers memoir. Pressler led the group in prayer and, in the manner of evangelical thinking, invited individuals to commit their lives to Christ, Twining wrote. At this time, I looked up to Paul Pressler he was my first youth group instructor, an eminent state judge and a trustworthy older friend. Later that year, Twining said, he started attending an annual mens retreat at Presslers ranch near Austin, where young men of high school and college age comprised the majority of participants and a weekend stay over was the norm. On one such retreat, Pressler told Twining there was a shortage of beds and asked if the two could share a bunk bed, according to the affidavit. I preferred to sleep alone and assumed that Pressler, as the retreats host, was politely inconveniencing himself as well, Twining wrote. One night that weekend, Pressler told me he was cold and then he unexpectedly rubbed his feet against mine under the covers without asking. It struck me as odd, but it was over as soon as it began so I did not say anything and shrugged it off. However, in retrospect and in light of what follows, I now believe Pressler had designs on me early in our acquaintance. By 1977, Twining was preparing for his sophomore year at the University of Houston and Presslers youth group was regularly meeting on Sundays, according to the affidavit. It was normal for the young boys and men to meet Pressler at the River Oaks Country Club, Twining said. Now 59, with a wife, two children and a music career that includes teaching stints at the University of Maryland and New Yorks Tisch School of the Arts, Twining said he still vividly remembers one night in August 1977, when he rode alone with Pressler to River Oaks Country Club. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, he wrote. Normally four to twelve of my peers would car-pool to the club. On the way, I noticed I was his only passenger and asked him who else was going. Pressler told me that we were the only two. I remember that I felt disappointed and that I suspected nothing. Twining then recalls entering the sauna at the club with Pressler alone. I remember being the first to go in and sit down, Twining wrote. Pressler followed, but instead of taking a seat, he halted in front of me. At that moment, he reached out suddenly and grabbed my penis, pumped it, then pulled back his hand quickly. I froze. Shocked, stunned and utterly frightened, I had no idea what to expect next, Twining wrote. I was naked and trapped miles from home and I needed to get to safety. I somehow got out of the sauna, entered the showers and kept beyond Presslers reach. The details of Twinings affidavit are similar to the first abuses that Rollins said he suffered at baths and a whirlpool at the University Club in Houstons Galleria area. Another accuser Brooks Schott states in the documents that he met Pressler in 2016, after Schott was hired as a lawyer at the firm Pressler co-founded with Woodfill. Schott says he was invited to lunch by Pressler in December 2016. He arrived at Presslers home, he says, where he was greeted by Pressler, who was not wearing pants. After dressing, Pressler gave Schott a tour of his office and mentioned a 10-person hot tub at his ranch. Pressler then told me that when the ladies are not around, us boys all go in the hot tub completely naked, Schotts affidavit states. He then invited me to go hot tubbing with him at his ranch. This invitation was clearly made in anticipation that I would engage in sexual activity. Upon returning to the firm, Schott said an office manager told him that Pressler had previously solicited young men at the firm. Schott then complained to Woodfill, according to emails that were filed with his affidavit. If (the office manager) knew of Presslers past inappropriate sexual behavior, I find it hard to believe that you did not know about it, he wrote in a Dec. 9, 2016 email to Woodfill, court records show. Woodfill responded that Pressler was no longer his law partner and that this 85-year-old man has never made any inappropriate comments or actions toward me or any one I know of, court records show. In a subsequent email, Woodfill said that the conduct Schott described is unacceptable and said he would address it with Pressler. In an email on Thursday, Woodfill responded to Schotts assertion, writing that the person described in Mr. Schotts affidavit doesnt match up with the Judge Pressler I know and that Pressler has not been associated with my law firm for over a decade. He also provided a copy of a letter from Schott, written last month, in which Schott offered to sign a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for $35,000. Schott said that included the costs for his moving to Houston, preparing for the bar exam, paying off a lease when he left town and other expenses. Schott resigned from the firm in May 2017. In his resignation letter, which was also submitted to the court, he cites Presslers advances as a key reason for his departure. Alleged incident In a January 2017 letter that was made public as part of Rollins lawsuit, an attorney for Bethel Church, Frank Sommerville, confirmed that the church received information about an alleged incident involving Mr. Pressler in 1978. Upon learning of the alleged incident, the church immediately terminated Mr. Presslers involvement with the youth group and its activities, Sommerville wrote. The Presslers subsequently left the church sometime in late 1978. In his memoir, A Hill on Which to Die, Pressler described the timeline of his departure from the church, writing that he and his wife, Nancy, resigned in 1979 after realizing they could not dedicate themselves to the Southern Baptist Convention while they were members of a non-SBC church. Pressler wrote that he first attended one of the SBCs annual conventions while it was in Houston in 1968, though merely to hear the messages. He attended at least two more conventions before his departure from Bethel, and met more regularly with Southern Baptist leaders in the 1970s. He wrote that in December 1978, God opened the door for me to participate in changing the convention by altering my personal work situation a reference to his earlier appointment to the Court of Appeals, which he said allowed him more time to travel. Later that year and only a few months after his departure from Bethel Pressler wrote that he was challenged by a pastor, who asked him: Are you going to minister to 250 high-school students or 13 million Southern Baptists? I realized that I needed to give up working with the young people who had been very close to my heart, Pressler wrote. We had seen so many trust the Lord and grow in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. robert.downen@chron.com twitter.com: RobDownenChron If you've never taken up catfishing, now's the time to start. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is stocking 18 lakes and ponds across Texas with thousands of channel catfish April 17-20. The agency will continue to stock the waters with catfish every few weeks through early November, according to a news release this week. FISHIN' STORIES: Texas man catches 60-year-old alligator gar in Brazos River The effort is part of TPWD's Neighborhood Fishin' program, where kids 16 and younger can fish without a license. The lakes and ponds getting stocked are in well-lit, easy-to-access parks in areas like Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston and other well-populated areas around Texas. Now Playing: Scientists are studying how a fish species uses its unusual defensive system. Video: GeoBeats Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Texas, Dave Terre, Inland Fisheries Management and Research chief, said. We want to make sure everyone has access, so we are bringing the fish to the people in the places where they largely reside." In the Houston area, Community Park Lake in Missouri City and Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy are two lakes to be restocked with catfish. Southside Lions Park and Millers Pond in San Antonio are also part of the program. Texas fishing licenses vary by day and what type of water the fishing is done in. A resident freshwater fishing package costs $30 while a resident saltwater fishing package costs $35. Texas hunting and fishing license prices are listed on TPWD's website. Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the biggest fish caught in Texas. Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. Follow him on Twitter. WASHINGTON The House Ethics Committee on Thursday called for former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold to honor his pledge to repay an $84,000 taxpayer settlement to end a sexual harassment case. The bipartisan committee, in a unanimous statement, said that while it no longer has jurisdiction over the Corpus Christi Republican, it encouraged him "in the strongest possible terms" to make good on his promise to pay back the settlement stemming from a 2015 sexual harassment case brought by Lauren Greene, a former staffer in his Washington office. Farenthold, who abruptly resigned from Congress a week ago, was not immediately available for comment. His former chief of staff, Bob Haueter, referred inquiries to the Clerk of the House, which did not respond for comment. The Ethics statement, released by Ethics Chairwoman Susan Brooks, R-Ind., and ranking member Ted Deutch, R-Fla, noted that Farenthold "publicly promised to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for $84,000 in funds paid to settle the lawsuit brought against him for claims of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation." They added: "We encourage him in the strongest possible terms to uphold that promise." A spokeswoman for Farenthold told the Chronicle last month that despite his earlier vows to repay the settlement, he was waiting to "on advice of counsel," to see what action Congress would take on pending legislation to reform the way lawmakers offices handle sexual harassment cases. Farenthold, under an ethics cloud since the 2015 sexual harassment case, announced in December that he would not run for reelection, but vowed to repay taxpayers and serve out the remainder of his term. But with the Ethic Committee moving forward this month on the allegations brought by Greene and several other former staffers in his office, Farenthold announced his immediate resignation last Friday, saying "I know in my heart it's time for me to move along and look for new ways to serve." Greene's allegations were originally investigated by the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, which recommended that the Ethics Committee dismiss the case. However the ethics panel, citing the "seriousness of the allegations," kept the case open. The investigation expanded in December after several other staffers went public with complaints about the atmosphere in the office, which Farenthold acknowledged had been unprofessional. The new allegations against Farenthold came amid a series of accusations of sexual impropriety against prominent figures in business, the media, and politics. In announcing that it was dropping Farenthold's case, the Ethics Committee statement said "sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace are serious matters and such conduct should have no place in the halls of Congress." If theres one thing that unites teachers wherever we work, its the desire to be able to do our jobs well for our students, with up-to-date textbooks, class sizes that dont cause chaos and electives that give students a well-rounded education. That takes adequate school funding. Teachers also are united in believing that we shouldnt feel guilty for demanding decent wages and benefits that reflect the professional and often very challenging work we do and the value that should be placed on our profession. But teachers and our students and communities, by extension have been taking it on the chin for years. I have been thrilled and so proud of my teacher colleagues and their supporters in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona and Kentucky, who are using their collective voices to say, Enough is enough; were not going to take it anymore. Why is it that politicians give so much lip service to the importance of education, yet strip education funds from budgets year after year, make teachers beg for a livable wage, dont bother to visit classrooms to see for themselves the consequences of their deep school-funding cuts and then blame teachers when student performance isnt all it should be? In Texas, the courts have refused to rule on whether state school funding is adequate or not, leaving it up to the state Legislature. Using its considerable power, the Legislature has cruelly chosen to shrink state education funding and stick it to local school districts and their students. One unfortunate example is its 2017 vote to end the $118 million grant for pre-kindergarten programs statewide, requiring districts to fill the hole by any means, including diverting funding from other worthy sources. In Houston and around the state, education budgets have been slashed, and the results can be seen in classrooms. We are forced to make do without enough basics; our kids are packed into overcrowded classes, and we need more tutoring and other remedial help for struggling students. And like other states where teachers are rising up, Texas teacher pay and benefits are inadequate. The average teacher salary in Texas is $6,500 below the national average. And when you consider rising health insurance premiums and reduced retirement benefits, teachers overall compensation package is pretty miserable. This affects the ability of school districts to recruit and keep great teachers. True, teaching is a calling, but that doesnt mean employers should take advantage of our passion to provide the next generation with a foundation for the rest of their lives by stiffing us on wages, health insurance and retirement benefits. As teachers, parents, students and supportive community members converge on state capitols with anger that has been seething for years because of defunding and disinvestment, I say, you go! We are witnessing the power of collective voice. Legislators in Austin and local lawmakers shouldnt ignore public consensus for better teaching and learning conditions and, frankly, the very real threat of being voted out of office in November if they continue to ignore the needs of our students. The public is saying loud and clear that it wants great public schools, teachers who are valued and an end to school funding cuts that hurt students, cities, states and our nations future. Anderson is a 31-year Houston public school teacher. With his conviction on 23 felony counts related to the misuse of campaign donations, former Rep. Steve Stockman on Thursday completed his transition from Congressman to convict. We wish this second paragraph could balance his misdeeds with the noble work he did on behalf of the Texans he served, but his solitary legacy consists of two non-consecutive terms in the House of Representatives marked by eccentric behavior, an embrace of conspiracy theories and, we now know, fraud. While Stockman's antics might have pleased his most fervent supporters, East Texas was effectively denied a representative for four years. Consider this long, disgraced political arc as another piece of evidence as to why voters should always choose politicians who put the needs of constituents first. Stockman rode the Gingrich wave to Congress in 1994 when he unseated 21-term Democrat Jack Brooks, and seemed determined to cement his reputation as a fringe politician. Stockman alleged that the 1995 Waco siege was a ploy by the Clinton administration to galvanize support for an assault weapons ban. He suggested the federal government was secretly spying on militia groups, to which he had an affinity. Texas Monthly dubbed him Congressman Clueless. EDITORIAL: Steve Stockman's antics As the Editorial Board wrote in 2013, "voters quickly tired of Stockman's penchant for outrageous remarks, his flirtation with militia types and his shadowy business dealings," and declined to re-elect him. But a rebuke from voters would not keep Ol' Steve Stockman down. In 2012, he won the newly created and Republican-dense 36th Congressional District and soon resumed his old antics. During his interregnum, Twitter was invented, allowing him to gain a following with declarations like "Obamacare is less popular than Chlamydia" and "Obama has no sympathy for unarmed women raped by criminals." He also called for President Obama to be impeached, and circulated a pamphlet to each of his colleagues making his case. To call Stockman an empty shirt would be affront to the dozens of Congressmen and women who make careers avoiding tough decisions in Washington. For a national audience, he voluntarily played the role of the Looney Texas Politician and embarrassed his constituents. Oh, and when a 2013 Chronicle investigation found that Stockman filed bare-bones campaign finance reports and set up a web of 17 businesses in four states and the Virgin Islands, for unknown reasons, Stockman declared that reporters were simply out to get him. We naively hoped we'd heard the last of Stockman after he unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the 2014 Republican primary. But this past March, Stockman was accused of using campaign donations for personal expenses, and it soon became clear that the finance questions that dogged his Congressional career were far more nefarious than the clerical errors he said were to blame. As the Chronicle's Gabrielle Banks reported, federal prosecutors at the trial presented a parade of 39 witnesses who dished on Stockman's misdeeds. Two were former aides who already pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme. EDITORIAL: Stockman knows how to draw attention to himself Prosecutors detailed how Stockman misused $1.25 million in donations to pay for dry cleaning, a hot air balloon ride, amusement park tickets, hotel bills, a trip to a California day spa and a dolphin tour boat ride in New Orleans. He bought plane tickets to South Sudan, donated to an underground Norwegian radio station and gave his relatives $24,000 for "heirloom quality advent books." And it only got more absurd from there. Then there was $32,000 Stockman used to pay for surveillance of three state legislators, including James White, whom Stockman feared would challenge him in a primary. Stockman worried White would win because "Republicans love black conservatives," according to a Stockman text message shared at his trial. So yes, among the services Stockman provided to his constituents was managing a group of amateur spooks who bumbled around Austin with video cameras, recorder pens and microphone watches, recording hundreds of hours of footage which ultimately proved useless. (Maxwell Smart's retainer, apparently, was too high.) We long knew that Stockman was a kook. Now we know he's also a crook. His schemes may have been comically brazen, his goons b-movie inept, but we nonetheless hope Stockman's prosecution serves as a warning to public officials who would seek to scam their donors. As for Congressman Clueless himself, who is scheduled to be sentenced in August, we owe him congratulations on finally getting the popular support he sought. The jury that convicted him was unanimous. Less than 1 percent of babies in Texas are born with some level of hearing loss. That may not seem like much. But it means that up to 1,200 Texas children enter the world each year struggling to hear or completely deaf. Fortunately, the medical community is identifying kids with impaired hearing earlier than ever. Last year, 98 percent of newborns were screened for hearing loss a vast improvement over the 10 percent screened in 1993. RELATED: It isnt hard to do a lifetime of damage to your ears Thanks to new technology, we can act early on the results of those screenings, effectively restore hearing, and allow children to develop spoken language skills. These new technologies allow families to choose how to experience deafness with their children. CEPEDA: Every second counts for babies who need help to hear A quarter-century ago, most kids with hearing loss weren't diagnosed until they were two and a half, when their parents noticed they weren't talking. Children born deaf typically never learned to read past a fourth-grade level. Only well-off families could invest the resources necessary to teach their kids to effectively communicate orally. That began to change in 1999, when the federal government enacted legislation encouraging states to screen hearing in newborns. Texas passed a law that same year requiring doctors to screen for hearing loss in the first 30 days after birth. Early identification opened the door for early intervention, essential for language development. Cochlear implant technology also began to take off in the 1990s. These surgically implanted electronic devices help provide a sense of sound to people who are deaf or have severe hearing loss. As the technology and patient outcomes improved, the FDA gradually lowered the age when children could receive cochlear implants to 12 months. ALSO: Kids hearing aids are a lifeline. Texas insurance doesnt cover them This confluence of events makes it possible for kids born with hearing loss to learn to speak and read at the same pace as their peers. Children who receive cochlear implants develop language skills at rates similar to children without hearing loss especially if they receive them within the first six to eighteen months of life. Studies show that seven in eight of them test at a level commensurate with or above that of their hearing peers in reading comprehension. Anecdotally, some children with cochlear implants fare even better, growing up to pursue careers in fields previously thought off-limits to people who are deaf. The Listening Project, a documentary film that just premiered in Washington, profiles 15 of them including doctors, neuroscientists, business analysts, and musicians. Yet only half of all American children who could benefit from a cochlear implant actually receive one. Compare that to Europe, where nine in 10 receive implants. Many American parents dont know that cochlear implants are an option. That's partially because much of the information provided to parents of newborns who are deaf, particularly in some regions, comes from the Deaf cultural community and the network of schools for the deaf. There's also no clear system or referral pathway to connect eligible candidates with cochlear implant specialists. That's a shame, because cochlear implants are covered by insurance in most states. Indeed, Texas enacted a law last June that requires health insurers to cover cochlear implants when medically necessary. Timeliness is critical because the best outcomes are achieved when children undergo implantation under age two or even under age one. Some people who are deaf and choose not to hear argue that cochlear implants and other advanced hearing technologies deprive children who are deaf of their rich Deaf cultural heritage, as well as immersion in the natural language of the deaf, American Sign Language. But more than nine in 10 parents of children who are deaf have normal hearing. They don't know sign language. They're more comfortable with technology that can empower them to teach their child how to speak, read, and write. Children with cochlear implants still need committed parents and supportive schools to reach their potential. Some will need to use multiple modes of communication, particularly if implanted late or because of other medical and social factors. There is no right way to be deaf. For some families, a cochlear implant and immersion in the world of listening and talking may be best. For others, sign language and a specialized education in the deaf community may be optimal. For still others, a combination of the two may be appropriate. Parents have choices about how to approach deafness with their children. The choices they make will have profound and long-lasting consequences. We in the medical and hearing-loss communities ought to do all we can to furnish parents with the best scientific research so that they can make informed and timely decisions for their children. PALO ALTO, Calif. Doc Searls met with a group of his fellow internet privacy experts one recent afternoon here at the Computer History Museum. On a whiteboard were the words OUTRAGE and MAKE HAY capitalized, underlined and surrounded by lines jutting in all directions like a cartoon BOOM! For the first time in years, their field of expertise was front and center. Facebook had just become embroiled in a controversy over how the political data firm Cambridge Analytica had improperly harvested the information of up to 87 million users of the social network. Seated in a wide circle of folding chairs, members of the group excitedly discussed what they could do next. A lot of geeks in the world are looking at Facebook as a redwood thats starting to fall, said Searls, whose given name is David and who created ProjectVRM, a program at Harvard Universitys Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society that seeks to empower internet users to protect personal privacy. Theyre saying, OK, its barn-raising time.' Hidden data: Hearings shed little light on Facebooks dark matter more techburger Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. See More Collapse The scandal swirling around Facebook and Cambridge Analytica has begun to usher in a new era for this once-ignored community of privacy researchers and developers. After years of largely disregarding their warnings about exactly what companies like Facebook were doing that is, collecting enormous amounts of information on its users and making it available to third parties with little to no oversight the general public suddenly seemed to care about what they were saying. The outcry over data privacy has been so strong that it pushed Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, into testifying on Capitol Hill this week over the companys failures to protect users information. Protesters rallied outside the Capitol during his testimony. Someone even arrived at one of the hearings dressed as a Russian troll. In their own lives, privacy experts are now fielding a spike in calls from their relatives asking them for advice about protecting their personal data. Engineers are discussing new privacy projects with them. Even teenagers are paying attention to what they have to say. For many of the developers, this is the right time to push ahead with testing more privacy solutions, including more advanced advertising blockers, peer-to-peer browsers that decentralize the internet, new encryption techniques, and data unions that let users pool their data and sell it themselves. Others want to treat tech giants more as information fiduciaries, which have a legal responsibility to protect user data. And for the first time, many privacy experts think internet users will be more willing to put up with a little more inconvenience in return for a lot more privacy. Devil in details: I downloaded the info Facebook has on me This is the first blink of awakening of the world to a danger thats been present for a long time, which is that we are exposed, Searls said. Cambridge Analytica is old, old news to privacy folks. Theyre just the tip of the crapberg. John Scott-Railton, who researches digital rights and privacy at the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, said he recently thought back to all the PowerPoint presentations and papers he had given and seen that cautioned about how third parties might access and abuse user data. It didnt stick until now, he said. Now its changed, or at least people nod along when we talk about it. Neema Singh Guliani, legislative counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, recalled years of efforts by the ACLU to get Facebook to monitor how third parties were using data. Yet few paid attention at the time, even though the group specifically called out Facebooks quizzes in 2009. (Cambridge Analytica used a third-party quiz app from an independent researcher to harvest Facebook users data.) The social network has said it will investigate many third-party apps that have had access to large amounts of Facebook users information. Nonetheless, the ACLU is pushing for users to have tighter control over what Facebook apps can do and arguing that Facebook ought to audit its developers. The organization also believes that more privacy protections should be enshrined in law. Were having the conversation now that we should have had over a decade ago, Singh Guliani said. Some privacy experts are prepared for disappointment. There have been privacy scandals before that did not lead to sea changes. For example, Google once collected private Wi-Fi information as it was building out Google Maps. The outrage over that did not have a lasting effect on the Silicon Valley companys massive data collection effort. 87 million: Check to see if your data was grabbed by Cambridge Analytica But this Facebook scandal seems to be enduring even in the new frenetic news cycle. This has kept the national attention for what, three or four weeks now? said Allie Bohm, policy counsel at Public Knowledge, a nonprofit in Washington that works to promote an open internet. It really feels like, hey, we could get some stuff done. One of the reasons it has always been hard to get consumers interested in security and privacy is that the harms were vague and hard to understand. With Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, the harms are identifiable and frightening, said Ashkan Soltani, an independent researcher specializing in privacy and a former chief technologist of the Federal Trade Commission. Much like a car accident, the harms on social media are low-probablility events with extremely variable outcomes, he said. 'So what if my boss saw me doing a keg stand? But all of a sudden the so what if becomes more serious I get denied insurance or my information is used by a nation state actor to manipulate me.' Cambridge Analyticas work, which included using Facebook data to build psychological profiles of voters, tapped into an anxiety many Americans already had over the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. This one stuck because it was Trump, and were looking for someone to blame, said Bruce Schneier, a cryptographer who runs the Schneier on Security blog and wrote Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World. If Hellmanns mayonnaise did this, wed be impressed. Privacy experts said this shift in public opinion was what they had been waiting for, because it is the only way to bring about change. Facebook will not willingly change its policies without pressure from shareholders or regulators, they added. Historically, public opinion is the crucible for era-defining industry change, said Shoshana Zuboff, a professor at Harvard Business School and the author of a forthcoming book about tech platforms and power. If you go back to the rapaciousness and lawlessness of Gilded Age capitalism, it was the slow burn of public opinion that gradually gathered force and ultimately became the driving force that provided cover for dramatic new legislative and regulatory efforts, she said. Public opinion gave the Gilded Age a beginning, a middle, and an end. For Rohit Ghai, president of the cybersecurity firm RSA, whose SecurID technology has become an industry standard for companies protecting access to their internal systems, the change is evident even inside his home in San Jose, California. He previously tried to talk to his 13-year-old daughter about data privacy and social media even providing examples of how much the tech companies know about people and what they can do with that information. She shrugged him off. Then the Cambridge Analytica revelations happened. For once, Ghai said, his teenager came to talk to him. She just asked me about Mark Zuckerberg, he said. Thats a sign. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. Sucheta Pal The minute Sucheta Pal entered her first Zumba class, she knew her quest to find happiness was complete. It would give me the strength not just to battle my issues, but help me do what I was meant to do: connect with people and make them happy. Today, Mumbai-based Pal is a popular face across Asia for her efforts to spread the popular dance fitness programme that originated from Colombia. However not many know that the ZES (Zumba Education Specialist) who started her career out an electronic engineer was actually fighting depression, induced by work stress. Advertisement With its easy-to-follow dance steps that relieve the monotony of a gym workout and pulsating beats, Zumba has grown exponentially in the Indian fitness industry, (after a shaky start approximately 7 years ago). But for Pal, it is more than just an excellent workout. It set her on a path of re-discovery, gave her a successful career and saved her life. Sucheta Pal with her students I was an average 25-year-old living in Mumbai with a stressful 9 to 9 job nothing out of the ordinary, she tells HuffPost India. Except that I didnt realise how unhappy I was with the stress of the job that took a heavy toll on my health and well being. Pals troubles began with a severe attack of Irritable Bowel Syndrome that would afflict her only at work. I couldnt sit in a meeting for five minutes or stand in an elevator with my colleagues. It was very embarrassing, she recalls. The disorder persisted and became severe to the point that it that greatly affected Pals confidence levels and, eventually, led to anxiety attacks. Advertisement I wanted happiness. And my job was doing the opposite of that. The only bright spot in Pals life was a Bollywood dancing class that she taught in her neighbourhood.That one hour was bliss. I was happy and suffered no ailments, she says. But as soon as she was back at work, her troubles came back with a vengeance. Unable to cope, a depressed Pal consumed a bottle of sleeping pills. I woke up in the hospital the next day, and felt terrible physically and emotionally," she says, recalling those harrowing days. "But it also gave me clarity. I wanted happiness. And my job was doing the opposite of that. Pal quit her job, and set out pursuing what she loved. The experience was gruelling. I went from earning Rs 30,000 to Rs 5,000 from three jobs, she says. Pal took classes at the Danceworx academy, transcribed cassettes and managed a small fashion house. Working for an NGO, shed also travel across the city to talk to school principals about the importance of speaking in and teaching English to students. It wasnt easy. Id eat vada pao for meals and travel as cheaply as possible. But it didnt matter. I was happier, at least. Advertisement Pal didn't tell her parents what she was doing. Dance wasnt considered a career, and they would have discouraged me. After all, I could barely afford the vada pao," she says."I discovered a new-found respect for struggling dancers who use the cheapest means to get to different parts of the city to teach and follow their passion. Even after these drastic changes, Pal still felt she hadnt recovered completely. Something was missing, but she couldnt put her finger on it. The only thing I knew for certain was that I was made to do bigger things, connect to people, do something that made them and me happy, she says. Sucheta Pal with Zumba founder Beto Perez In 2009, Pal and her husband shifted to the US where she discovered Zumba by chance and realised that she had finally found her calling. The format of the programme matched my principles. It was about inspiring people, about feeling happy, she says. Once she took to Zumba, Pal didn't look back. I was no longer depressed, there were no panic attacks, instead I started feeling confident (especially as I got fitter) and happy. Pal didnt stop at Zumba; she also took other dance workout certification courses, such as Masala Bhangra and Insanity. If youre nice to people on your way up, you figure out how to network well, youre never alone. Once she had her ZES certification, she began making plans to introduce the programme in India upon her return. She was not prepared for the negativity she initially faced, but took it in her stride. Zumba had already entered India, and people didnt respond well to the fact that a certified ZES from outside was trying to take over the market, she says. I had no support and was alone. Initially, all I could do was let my work speak for itself even though the company had heavy expectations from me about being a leader and a businesswoman who would officially launch this brand in the country. Once again Pal was facing a struggle but she was not deterred. She knew she had been through far worse. It is not worth being a coward. If you have been given a life, go after it with purpose," she says, speaking about the can-do attitude that saw her through. "You are a cosmic blink in the universe, dont take yourself so seriously. According to Pal, the fitness industry in India has a lot of potential but is still developing when it comes to professionalism and expertise. "A lot of instructors take classes without any proper know-how about fitness or nutrition, she says. This often leads to injury, boredom and many things, whereas an excellent instructor with a great regime can heal many health problems. Pal encourages her instructors to take as many fitness and nutrition courses as possible. It is not worth being a coward. If you have been given a life, go after it with purpose. Advertisement Pal finally got her first break at a training session in Pune when a booked instructor from Romania failed to show up after she couldn't get her visa. I didnt have my shoes, because it was so last minute, but went and did the course barefoot anyway, she recalls, laughing. A lady asked for her money back because she was expecting to see a white face. Today she is a trainer with me. Pal loves the fact that it isnt lonely at the top when it comes to the Zumba community. If youre nice to people on your way up, you figure out how to network well, youre never alone. I have a huge support system today, she says. Another important collateral benefit of the fitness programme according to Pal, is that it promotes empowerment. She cites an example: Two Gujarati ladies once came for training, and admitted that they had to fight with their husbands to give them the money [Rs 16,000]. When I spoke to them, their first reaction was that of surprise because they didnt expect me to be as ordinary as they were. Now, they are instructors earning their own money. Having observed their journey from start to finish gives me immense satisfaction. Today, Pal has trained 3,000 trainers, has countless classes and followers, and features in five television programmes. She is inducting 1,000 trainers this year into the Zumba fitness programme. In spite of her busy schedule, Pal claims to respond to every message or email within 24 hours. Its the value system the programme has imbibed in us. Its about the community and our students first, she says. Pal has been witness to a trend, an ongoing one, that fills her with a sense of pride and satisfaction. There are corporate goers who have quit their full-time jobs to teach Zumba and other fitness programmes. They are earning five times the money they were, and are happy, she says. Dance has grown in this country, thanks to visionaries like Shiamak Davar, Ashley Lobo and Remo D'Souza. Television has glamourised it. We have paved the path for ourselves and our children to translate passion into a successful career that gives us bliss instead of just earning money. Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: Vietnamese fishermen still victims of marine disaster April 13,2018 | Source: UCA News But due to their ongoing financial troubles two of their children were forced to drop out of school and work for a living in cities in the south of the country. Hao said many local people have stopped fishing and sought jobs elsewhere. Many can't afford to return to the sea as their boats have been beached for so long, leaving them in poor condition. Tran Dinh Thai, who used to run a fish sauce factory in Thuan An town, said his business had collapsed due to fears of contaminated fish. "We had to close our factory because consumers refused to buy our products out of for fear that we were using fish from polluted waters," said the 54-year-old. He said he used to produce 500 liters of fish sauce each month and employed a dozen people. "We don't know what to do for a living," he said, adding that many people in his community have no job and are sinking into debt. "We need fish not money," said Thai, who was given 22 million dong in compensation due to the waste spill. He urged the government to create jobs for victims of the disaster and encourage consumers to use fish products made by local people. "For the sake of people's health and livelihood, the government must close any plants that are found to be pumping toxic waste into the sea. If not, future generations will bear the brunt," he added. Church marks Formosa disaster Vinh Diocese, which covers the two worst-hit provinces of Ha Tinh and Quang Binh, has blasted the authorities and representatives of Formosa for not doing more. They have "deliberately not announcing any detailed causes of the disaster and its effects on the sea and on human health," said two priests in a statement issued on April 2. It was authored by Father Anthony Nguyen Van Dinh, head of the Justice and Peace Committee, and Father Joseph Phan Sy Phuong, who leads the Committee for Supporting Victims in Vinh Diocese. The statement claimed the government has not provided solutions to restore the marine environment or help cure people who have become ill as a result of the toxic waters. The diocese has called on Catholics to continue their efforts "to bring justice and fairness to victims while marking the second anniversary of the disaster." Priests have been urged to celebrate Masses and organize Eucharist adoration sessions to pray for greater environmental protection efforts on April 15, the same date that the disaster struck. The diocese also asked local Catholics to pray for those who have been persecuted and imprisoned for fighting for victims' rights. At least four activists have been given heavy prison sentences and two more have yet to be tried for their environmental campaigns. The priests urged people to offer material and spiritual support to victims and relatives of the jailed activists. ucanews.com Theme(s): Landing Centres, Others, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Communities and Organisations, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Fisheries Resources. Belize to triple total area of no-take zones by Jewel Fraser April 13,2018 | Source: Seafood Source Belize announced at the recent World Ocean Summit held in Mexico in March that it will expand its no-take areas from three percent to more than 10 percent by the end of 2018. The no-take zones are a kind of marine protected area set aside by government to prevent fishing or mining activities in the designated area, so as to rebuild fish populations and help protect critical marine habitats, according to Belize Fisheries Administrator Beverly Wade. We are a country dependent on our seas for jobs, income, and food. We are taking this step because the culture and health of our communities are intricately tied to healthy reefs and fisheries, Wade said. The expansion of the no-take zones builds on the success of Belize's innovative managed access fisheries program implemented in 2016, which gave fishers and fishing communities control over specific geographic areas for fishing, known as Territorial Use Right for Fishing (TURF), as well as responsibility for helping to manage those areas and observing regulations to ensure sustainability, Wade said. The no-take areas will be managed under that arrangement. These expanded no-take zones combined with sustainable fishing are essential for achieving Belizes objectives for environmental conservation and biodiversity while providing a source of healthy nutrition and food security, and jobs in some of our most vulnerable communities, said Wade. Amanda Leland, the Environmental Defense Fund's senior vice president for oceans, praised Belizes decision. Belize continues to show the world the way forward. With secure fishing rights already established nationwide, expansion of these no-take zones shows how sustainable fishing and protected areas can work together to create healthy reefs and growing fish populations that will provide long-term benefits for the people who depend on them, Leland said. The announced expansion will also help Belize to protect the world's second largest barrier reef, home to more than 500 species of fish, while ensuing its resources help meet sustainable development goals, EDF Director Larry Epstein said. These remarkable efforts in Belize have already demonstrated reductions in illegal fishing, models of community-based co-management of fisheries, and improvements in the health of its valuable coral reef ecosystem, Epstein said. Those looking to invest in countries committed to sustainable fishing reforms should take note. 2018 Diversified Communications. Theme(s): Landing Centres, Others, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Communities and Organisations, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Fisheries Resources. The one that got away: Indonesia seizes illegal fishing boat with 30-km nets by Fergus Jensen April 13,2018 | Source: Reuters Indonesia, acting on a request from Interpol, has seized a fishing boat carrying 600 illegal gillnets that can stretch up to 30 km (18 miles) after it evaded capture in several countries, the Fisheries Ministry said. The vessel, the STS-50, had targeted Antarctic toothfish, the ministry said, a cod species that plays an important role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Gillnetting, which uses walls of finely meshed nets, has been banned in Antarctic waters since 2006 and is described by Australia as posing a huge risk to almost all marine life. Officially stateless, the STS-50 evaded authorities by flying eight different flags at different times, including those of Sierra Leone, Togo, Cambodia, South Korea, Japan, Micronesia and Namibia, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Interpol contacted Indonesia last week with a request to investigate the vessel, Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said in the statement. Navy ship Simeuleu conducted a stop, investigate and detain operation on Friday and successfully seized the vessel, Pudjiastuti said. The vessel had earlier been detained by China but had escaped and was later detained in the port of Maputo in Mozambique before fleeing again, Pudjiastuti said. Prior to its capture off the Indonesian island of Weh in the northwestern province of Aceh, the vessel had also operated under several other names including Sea Breeze, Andrey Dolgov, STD No. 2 and Aida, the statement said. Shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon shows the 54-metre, 452-ton vessel was built in 1985. At the time of its capture, the STS-50 had 20 Indonesian and Russian crew, the statement said. It was not immediately clear what would happen to the crew. Navy deputy chief of staff Achmad Taufiqoerrochman was quoted in the statement as saying the Indonesian crew lacked travel documents and had been at sea for a long time without pay, indicating they may have been victims of trafficking. Fishing for Antarctic toothfish is governed under the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which forbids gillnet fishing and imposes strict rules on catches in the Southern Ocean. We want this to be an example for the world to not compromise with illegal fishing, Pudjiastuti said. Indonesia has destroyed hundreds of foreign illegal fishing boats since 2014 in an effort to protect domestic fish stocks and fishermen. In 2016, Indonesia assisted Interpol in the landmark capture of a giant Chinese-flagged vessel that had evaded Argentinas navy and fled into international waters after it was suspected of illegal fishing there. The same year, Indonesia blew up a giant illegal toothfish fishing vessel that had operated under 12 different names and flown flags of at least eight different countries. 2018 Reuters Theme(s): Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Communities and Organisations, Fisheries Resources, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Others, Landing Centres. Mekong River Commission Warned on Development Impacts to the River by Richard Finney April 13,2018 | Source: RFA The four member countries of the Mekong River Commission today confronted predictions of social and environmental disaster if damming and other development projects in the region are allowed to proceed as planned. The warnings, contained in a 3,600-page report prepared by the MRC Council, point to negative trade-offs between water, energy, and food resulting from the construction of eleven large hydropower dams on the Mekongs main stream, and 120 tributary dams planned over the next 20 years. Fish stocks will be especially hard hit, with an estimated loss of 30 to 40 percent of current fisheries by 2040 and an almost total loss of sediment flow to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam by that same year, according to the report. An April 5 statement by environmental watchdog International Rivers warns that as dams come on line, these impacts are expected to result in a drastic reduction in food security and agricultural productivity, alongside increased poverty levels and heightened climate vulnerability in much of the Lower Mekong Basin. Meanwhile, in an April 5 statement following the third MRC Summit, held this week in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the prime ministers of the four MRC member countriesVietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailandpledged to consider the Councils findings in planning future policy. In a separate statement, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc called however for concrete and timely action, according to an April 6 article in The Phnom Penh Post. Mekong water resources have been degraded both in quantity and quality, the amounts of alluvium and nutrients are decreasing and the ecosystem and environment are seriously deteriorated, Nguyen said, quoted in The Post. These impacts are more permanent and severe in the Mekongs lower basin, and especially in Vietnams delta, Nguyen said, adding that the region now suffers from protracted drought, seawater intrusion into farming land, and the erosion of coastlines and riverbanks. The livelihoods of over 20 million people are under threat, Nguyen said. Dams will proceed Laos meanwhile vowed to proceed with plans to build a string of dams on the Mekong, with Lao National Mekong Committee chairperson Sommad Pholsena saying the countrys hydropower projects are being planned and built in accordance with MRC rules and procedures. The Lao PDR [Peoples Democratic Republic] stands with strong commitment to live in harmony with our neighboring countries, Sommad told MRC delegates in Siem Reap on April 4, according to a report by the Vientiane Times. The Xayaburi and Don Sahong Dams on Laoss Mekong mainstream are now nearing completion, but public information on these projects is still incomplete, International Rivers said in its April 5 statement. At this 3rd MRC Summit, we call on the leaders of the lower Mekong governments to recognize the important findings and recommendations of the Council study and to urge a moratorium on further hydropower construction within the Mekong Basin until a regional study of renewable energy technologies and alternatives is completed, International Rivers said. Dams on the Mekong, which originates in western China, have a particularly adverse impact on downriver countries Vietnam and Cambodia, while their upriver neighbors reap the benefits of hydropower projects, experts say. Theme(s): Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Fisheries Resources, Communities and Organisations, Landing Centres, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Others, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. In just a few short days, professionals will join together in New York for one of the largest business exhibitions in the United States. Their goal? Network and showcase their simulated companies. And as happens in many conferences, they'll share ideas and compete in friendly competitions. But these are no ordinary professionals. These leaders--more than 4,300 of them--are all teenagers who are part of Virtual Enterprises International's Youth Business Summit (YBS). The event, scheduled for April 16-18 on Pier 92 in Manhattan, brings together high school students from nine countries who have created, implemented and operated simulated businesses in their classrooms through the school year. The students, who took on corporate roles and performed duties like payroll and hiring, will have a chance to buy and sell their products and services to the other exhibiting businesses, as well as to regular consumers. Why start people so young? Nick Chapman, President and National Program Director for Virtual Enterprises International, summarizes why it's so important for these teens to participate in simulated business and YBS. "In entrepreneurship, we are encouraged to 'fail fast' or 'fail forward' so that we can figure out what we didn't know sooner, leading to success sooner. I think the same concept applies here. We want students to have the opportunity to 'test drive' various jobs and career opportunities to better understand the world of work before they make important (and expensive!) decisions about where they go to college and what they decide to major in." Amanda Thome, 17-year-old CEO of Essence from Mount ST. Mary Academy (Buffalo, NY), asserts that the program helped her overcome her shyness and become confident about speaking in front of others. "VE has shown me that business is more than sitting at a desk all day," she says. "[...] I thought I wanted to be a teacher because that's what my mom does. But then I got into VE and I saw so many other options and had the chance to try new things and see that I am good at things other than what I had originally thought." Casey McLallen, Vice President Human Resources for TeaTreat Box Co. from JP Taravella High School (Coral Springs, FL) echoes Thome. "[My position] was not originally the position I wanted at the beginning of the school year, but I am glad with the position I ended up with. I think I fit this job and department best, especially after experiencing all this role has to offer." "I chose to participate because I have a passion for business," says 18-year-old Cheryl Ma, COO of Global Goodies from Parkway West High School (Ballwin, MO). "[...] Even though I know I will not pursue science as a career, the general push to learn STEM has made me feel trapped in terms of opportunity for higher learning. So, when I found out about VEI, I was excited that there was such a unique and valuable class that taught me what I was interested in learning." But what specific skills does the experience really teach the teens? What can they carry over to real-life jobs? Chapman claims that participants learn critical elements like how to communicate professionally, lead teams and collaborate. They run staff meetings, conduct evaluations and manage projects. In fact, the VE Career Readiness Framework, developed in partnership with Deloitte, looks at the specific skills and competencies employers are demanding most, mapping them back to the VE experience. The program doesn't just hone soft skills, though--it reveals some of the realities of operations, too. It's an understanding of these realities that arguably gives the students the honest perspective they need to grasp what business is like, for better or worse. "The biggest lesson I learned was that you can't always rely on people to get things done and some people don't have the same drive or motivation as others," says says 17-year-old Diana Alvarado, COO of Scoupalicious Desserts from Elizabeth Learning Center School (Cudahy, CA). "Teamwork is key, and if not everyone is on the same page, things tend to not go well." "The biggest thing I have learned through the class is about all the moving parts and people that make up a business," says junior Hamil Patel, Bank Manager for TeaTreat Box Co. "Nothing gets done without teamwork, and only seeing it firsthand can really show you its importance." And for all you type-A micromanagers out there, Thome admits this gem: "[The program has] taught me better time management skills, and I've learned that I can't do everything myself. I've learned how to delegate, which definitely was not in my comfort zone because even in calss projects I was always the person who just wanted to do it all myself so I knew it was done perfectly. [...] I've learned to rely on my team to take care of the areas they're responsible for. I have a great team around me, and together we get the work done." Not perfect, but still leading a charge for something different Students in the program do see it's flaws. They'd like to see more schools participate, for example, as that would bring even more interaction, and they'd like to improve the arrangement of the competitions to allow more preparation time between events. But they also note that, aside from more traditional options like shadowing, internships or other more general finance classes, it's one of the few opportunities available for hands-on business experience. Chapman highlights what might help more students get involved. "To me, the key to getting more business leaders to support this type of engagement is in getting them to see these programs as an investment in their talent pipeline, rather than philanthropy. When leaders understand these initiatives have a direct impact on their bottom line, it makes their decision calculus a little bit different. In terms of the education community, I think there has been a distinct push nationally to incorporate more career-focused education in K-12 education, which can be seen in the recently implemented legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act. The change is coming, but slowly." Staff writer Zoe Henry discusses how Mark Zuckerberg fared on Capitol Hill this week. Congressional lawmakers grilled the Facebook co-founder over the course of two sessions totaling more than 10 hours, as questions over the privacy and security of users' data on the social network mount. Last month, it surfaced that the political data firm Cambridge Analytica harvested information from as many as 87 million Facebook users to create psychological voter profiles, which it allegedly handed over to the Trump campaign in the run up to the 2016 U.S. election. "We didn't take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and it was a big mistake," Zuckerberg told senators in a prepared statement ahead of Tuesday's session. "It was my mistake, and I'm sorry," he said. Legendary British sketch comic and writer Spike Milligan celebrates his 100th birthday next week. Or, he would, if he werent dead. Death was a recurring theme in the work of the man who sagely observed: All men are cremated equal. He was famously buried in St Thomass Church, Winchelsea, in 2002, under a tombstone bearing the Gaelic inscription: Duirt me leat go raibh me breoite (I told you I was ill). Im not afraid of dying, I just dont want to be there when it happens, he said. I have the body of an 18-year-old. I keep it in the fridge. Spike in old age (John Swannell) Milligan was born in Ahmednagar, India, on 16 April 1918, the son of a British Army captain, and grew up in Pune and Rangoon, Burma, before relocating to south London to attend secondary school. My father had a profound influence on me. He was a lunatic, he recalled. As a young man, he developed a love for jazz and joined the Young Communist League to oppose Oswald Mosleys Blackshirts. He served with the 56th Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery in the Second World War, seeing action in North Africa and Italy and suffering a mortar wound and shell shock at the Battle of Monte Cassino. He would later record his experiences in the memoir, Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall (1971). Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Spike in 1959 (Rex) Like many of Britains post-war entertainers, Milligan got his break entertaining the troops and subsequently joined forces with Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Michael Bentine for BBC Home Service radio comedy The Goon Show (1951-60). The Goons whacky antics proved a huge hit, and Milligan transferred his highly eccentric talents to television, writing and starring in the sketch shows The Idiot Weekly, A Show Called Fred and The World of Beachcomber at the height of the Swinging Sixties, often directed by Richard Lester the man behind The Beatles screen outings. Milligan appeared in films like Postmans Knock (1962), The Bed-Sitting Room (1969) with Peter Cook and Dudley Moore and Ken Russells The Devils (1971) but largely failed to translate his skills to the big screen to the same degree as his fellow ex-Goon, Sellers. Spike with Australian character actor Bill Kerr during rehearsals for the stage version of The Bed-Sitting Room (Getty) He remained a tireless producer of comedy throughout his life, a prolific actor, cartoonist and writer of nonsense verse in the tradition of Edward Lear. He wrote multiple childrens books, further memoirs and the novel Puckoon (1963). One of Spikes last great moments was also one of his funniest: his infamous takedown of Prince Charles in 1994. Presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards, Milligan listened uninterested while host Jonathan Ross read out a glowing message of congratulations from the Prince of Wales. Grovelling bastard, the recipient muttered. Hailed as the Godfather of Alternative Comedy by Eddie Izzard, and absolutely immortal by Stephen Fry, Spike Milligans unique perspective and flair for an absurdist line is there for all to see in the selection of his best quips and one-liners below the first of which is particularly apt for our current age. You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all the people some of the time, which is just long enough to be president of the United States. Money couldnt buy friends, but you got a better class of enemy. I have the body of an 18-year-old. I keep it in the fridge. Im a hero with cowards legs. All I ask is the chance to prove that money cant make me happy. The best cure for sea sickness is to sit under a tree. I thought Id begin by reading a poem by Shakespeare, but then I thought, why should I? He never reads any of mine. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light, but the electricity board said he would have to wait until Thursday to be connected. How long was I in the army? Five foot eleven. I turned and rubbed my hands with glee. I always keep a tin of glee handy. I can speak Esperanto like a native. Is there anything worn under the kilt? No, its all in perfect working order. Milligan is also credited with writing the worlds funniest joke, as established by a study carried out at the University of Hertfordshire by Professor Richard Wiseman in 2001. Taken from an early Goons episode of 1951, the gag centred around a man telephoning for help after discovering a body. It plays out as follows: Michael Bentine: I just came in and found him lying on the carpet there. Peter Sellers: Oh, is he dead? Bentine: I think so. Sellers: Hadnt you better make sure? Bentine: All right. Just a minute. Sound of two gun shots. Bentine: Hes dead. Goth punk legends The Damned have released their latest album Evil Spirits. The Independent caught up with frontman Dave Vanian to talk about the bands apparent immortality, recording with Tony Visconti, and how they found they still have a lot to get off their chests. As we noted in a recent live review, the band have become, if possible, even more eccentric and outrageous as they were when they first formed in the 1970s. At their sold-out show at Koko in London, they ran helter-skelter through tracks from their debut album Damned, Damned, Damned and included a few new ones from Evil Spirits. Vanian, 61, appears to possess a few vampiric traits, and prowls the stage in a long coat, black leather gloves and his slicked-back hair, bellowing the lyrics while Captain Sensible provides a touch of light comedy in his Dennis the Menace getup and frequent cheeky quips to the audience. Read our Q&A with Vanian below: ROC: Hi, Dave. Vanian: Hello there. How are you? ROC: Good, thank you. How are you? Vanian: Still swinging. ROC: Oh, I saw, at the gig at Koko. Vanian: It went really well, considering we did two Londons back to back you never know with those ones. ROC: It was good, it was a really good crowd. You were amazing on stage. Vanian: It seems like a month or two ago now, though. Well, I mean, it was. ROC: The new stuff you were playing sounded brilliant live. Vanian: I wouldve liked to have done more. Its been a weird time with people coming, and going, in the band. ROC: I guess with such a huge back catalogue, you have to decide what youre going to miss out from the old stuff. Vanian: Yeah, but because we spent almost two years doing almost 40 years worth of a back-catalogue set, its nice to break away. Its nice to break away and do a whole pile of new stuff, and then just throw in real good old ones. I like keeping people on their toes. ROC: Its funny Ive spoken to quite a few bands recently that have been saying that. That, even after just 10 years, theres expectations to do anniversary tours, and they dont want to do that. Vanian: You love your back catalogue. But when youre doing a lot of shows with them, you get angsty. I look forward to the freshness of new material you dont know if people are going to like it, or hate it. I like that electricity it brings. If you play the old ones then you know theyre going to cheer, but its nice to throw in songs that they dont know. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up ROC: The great thing on this record is that you still have a lot to say. Vanian: Its amazing, isnt it? Well, for a bunch of old farts. Whenever weve recorded its always felt that way. Its a case of when weve made the music; its for the musics sake. Its not really been youve got to make an album. Theyve just grown organically. I never know how the album will end up sounding. Whenever we decide to make music again, I never know how half the album will turn out. ROC: Youve still got these optimistic-sounding songs about very dark subjects Vanian: Ive never wanted to shout about how bad things are. If you do, then you draw attention to the problem. And if youre offering no solution whatsoever, then it gets a bit boring. It becomes a whole pile of moaning, and you end up depressed. But then, a rich rock star getting on his bandwagon about something he knows nothing about can be a bit like an old guy singing some tune and dancing around like hes twenty again. Its a bit embarrassing, you know? Then, of course, theres people who do great work and alert people to the problems that we all face; but I always feel that theres a lack of optimism, and sometimes optimism will get you through everything. It can be turned into a real positive force. Youre right, there is dark matter because were surrounded by it. But I dont want to sing about oh no, what are we going to do? ROC: If you come away feeling depressed after each track, then it can be a bit redundant. Vanian: I suppose it really depends. I have listened to a lot of music that is considered depressing, and not found it depressing. I used to listen to a lot of Nico years ago, and to me it was romanticised and extremely gothic in the kind of imagery you get from listening to it. So, I dont know. Its your point of view, I guess. But anyway, were not giving them any chance. Optimism is a good thing. ROC: The one stood out for me was Look Left, because it addressed that issue of the bubble a lot of people were in before Brexit and Trump when they felt quite smug and safe, and I havent heard many artists address that side of things. Vanian: Thats important. By accident, or by design, weve managed to tick all of the boxes with this album. There was no criteria of what we were going to write about, but somehow we were all thinking on the same lines really easy. ROC: I also just thought, seeing that live show, it was really wonderful to have a punk band thats still going so well. Vanian: Its difficult if youre very very successful. Weve never really been. Weve had times when weve been comfortable, but never really overly successful where weve had mansions and swimming pools, you know, the Billy Idols. ROC: I imagine youre more castle guys anyway. Vanian: I mean, yeah, after. Nice gothic castle somewhere. I dont think weve ever had the chance to escape that bubble; you kind of live in a rarefied atmosphere, where things dont touch you as much. You live in the real world. When youre in massive bands, you get safe kind of people around, which make sure they dont see the wrong side of things. You can get lost in that bubble. We almost got lost in the Eighties, but it was a different type of bubble then more like, how weird can you be? ROC: I was watching some of your old videos, and it doesnt seem like you changed much since then. Vanian: Nah. And the thing about our shows is that nothing is ever choreographed apart from what I might wear for the evening. Theres no are we going to talk about this?, or are we going to do this?; because I never know what to expect, and the audience know that. We experiment with the songs, sometimes its a straight set, sometimes well talk, and sometimes well have a bit of banter. Its not going to be hello, how are you doing? Lets crack on with the rock n roll every night, like some bands do. For us, were very much a real band, in terms of everything we feel. Everything we feel is public. Its nice to break away and do a whole pile of new stuff, and then just throw in real good old ones ROC: On one of the tracks youre talking about anti-war marches, were you talking about Britain? Because Britain seems to have become quite passive when it comes to protesting injustice, making things happen whereas in the US you just had that massive March For Our Lives. Vanian: Yeah, I think, whats been happening, in terms of support, has been amazing. If we do something like that then everybody needs to be involved. It was surprising that they came out in numbers. With the shooting in Florida, why the hell was that allowed to happen? How many more before they decide that automatic weapons arent a good thing? Its not a hunting rifle; its not designed to keep burglars out; its for one thing only. A hand pistol is different not that I think its a good idea but its different. Trump is ridiculous saying that teachers should be armed. A teacher who is trying to care and educate children, how many teachers should be able to do that? Its ridiculous nonsense that nobody needs. Theyre right in saying that if you ban this, this will happen, but eventually things will even out. Its a difficult situation, but I think the only good thing about the political climate everywhere is that people seem to be more involved and aware again. For a while, especially younger kids and that, people didnt vote because they felt like it was nothing to do with them, or that it wouldnt happen anyway. If theres a real power for people, then you can change things. In England were having problems with the education system teachers have no power, theyre overworked and suffer problems in dealing with special needs children. When the smaller unions close and people strike, it doesnt get enough notice. When people realise that the people are in control I know that its not this way around then things can be done. ROC: Do you listen to much hip hop? Vanian: Not a lot, not a lot. I tend to go back further in time these days, and listen to Twenties and Thirties stuff. I dont dislike hip hop, but I dont have a big knowledge of it. ROC: The reason that I ask is because with you talking about young people, the punk spirit of using music to protest about current issues has sort of translated over to hip hop. Vanian: Over the years theres always been a genre of music that does that. When you think about just before the Second World War, you had all the German cabaret alerting people its a very similar thing. Art is always influenced about whats around it, and you cant help whats there. Ive found that I wrote things on the album, which I wouldnt normally do not fantasy, but more involved with the film world or books Ive read. Plan 9 was basically written about the relationship between James Dean, from an interview about being a vampire, years ago. ROC: Were you reading about anything in particular in the news that got you riled up? Vanian: Just the general mood of things. You cant have your head in the sand. Theres a lot of news that you dont want to hear, but you hear it anyway. As I say, the album needed to be optimistic because everybody has fell into this depression, where you cant trust anybody to do anything. The political world is a different world to be in. Youve got so much corruption around it, regardless of you even trying to do the job. I dont want this album to add to that. The Damned have always had a track where you can dance around the room to it, but then when you listen to the lyrics its like woah, that was kind of rubbish. ROC: I feel like I know what youre going to say already, but with artists speaking out, Billy Bragg for example he feels that he has this responsibility to say something... Vanian: He can say something. Even classical musical did that in its day, it spoke about oppression and things that were happening at the time, even though we dont look at it like that. Theres always going to be that, but if everybody was like that, itd be pretty damn boring. ROC: Thats what I think. Vanian: He [Bragg] feels that way, and he thinks that everybody feels that way. But if, for instance, you look at the music in the Second World War, it was all dance music, all upbeat music because it kept the morale up. It was like yeah, were being bombed, but well finished off kind of thing. Im not putting him down, but Im not a big Billy Bragg fan. I think that if you say youre responsible in that way, then you get people talking about nothing they know about. Im not going to get on a political platform; I dont have the credentials to do that. Of course, everybody has an opinion, but it doesnt mean its a good one. ROC: When I went to your gig, I loved that there were such a mix of generations there, and they were all dressing the same. But you dont see that as often at gigs anymore. Vanian: No. I know, its lovely to see. I love when people get dressed up. Its the one thing I miss. Over the past 10-15 years everyone dresses down. ROC: Do you think its to do with genre? Because people dont belong to a genre anymore, like they used to in the Seventies, Eighties, Nineties, etc? Vanian: I think that everything is so fractured, and instantly available. If someone looks a certain way, you can just buy it off the shelf. You dont get people creating their own styles as much, because people are influenced by certain things that just grown organically. People just decide they like something, and dress up that way its a fad. Its like the people that we called post-punk, who dressed up to go out and then got back in their normal clothes. I mean, Im all for theatre and melodrama. ROC: I dont think anyone would be surprised to hear that. Vanian: It cements the fact that we all wear clothes that are totally impractical. ROC: And you went out to Brooklyn to record Evil Spirits, right, with Tony Visconti? Vanian: I dont like modern production, at all. But there are a lot of similar records, you know. We record the best when we record the old-fashion way. I just love the analogue sound, a mixture of new and old. Ive noticed theres a big swing-back, to try and get the best of both. There were some young producers that I wanted to use, but we couldnt really talk about music because the references that we were using, they didnt really have any knowledge of that stuff. We were on a strict timing as well. We would have had longer with someone else; it becomes quite wearing saying I dont know what that is. I think there was a period in the 60s, where people were striving to sound like theyre using different producers and different styles, and it wasnt the music, it was the sound. I want to go back recording that way. With Tony, we had nine days to record. And, to be fair, he hadnt heard it before then. It wasnt until a month before we went in that studio that we had anything recorded. We did all of this on the strength that we could make an album without any anybody hearing anything. I knew I had ideas, and Captain knew he did, but I think people were worried about what our ideas would be. I know what were capable of, and were quite good at working under pressure. It all came together. We came out with about 20 pieces of music in the end. We picked the best ones, and the ones that were closest to being finished. But we still have these unfinished pieces of music, which is brilliant, because usually you finish an album and everything goes into it. ROC: Thats interesting, compared to a lot of bands who boast about having to cut it down from 70 tracks or more. Vanian: Thats never happened to us. Were usually like, right, what are we gonna do for the next track? When we did 13th Floor, that was written in 24 hours. It was the last track to go on the album. It started because I really like a piano part, and Captain and I started work on it. There was a drummer in it, and he went off thinking that wed only half a track, that it was rubbish and it wouldnt work. So, Captain and I worked all night. We finished at 6 oclock the next morning. The sound of it was one of the best on the album. Captain and I love the experimental track but we didnt have the luxury on this album due to time, unfortunately. Sometimes we find that we write something to complicated. On this track, theres a lot of backing record, a lot of melodies not impossible to do, but different on the record. Standing on the edge of tomorrow works differently live, but it still really works well. Evil Spirits, the new album from The Damned, is out now Paro the furry seal cries softly while an elderly woman pets it. Pepper, a humanoid, waves while leading a group of senior citizens in exercises. The upright Tree guides a disabled man taking shaky steps, saying in a gentle feminine voice, right, left, well done! Robots have the run of Tokyo's Shin-tomi nursing home, which uses 20 different models to care for its residents. The Japanese government hopes it will be a model for harnessing the country's robotics expertise to help cope with a swelling elderly population and dwindling workforce. Allowing robots to help care for the elderly - a job typically seen as requiring a human touch - may be a jarring idea in the West. But many Japanese see them positively, largely because they are depicted in popular media as friendly and helpful. These robots are wonderful, said 84-year-old Kazuko Yamada after the exercise session with SoftBank Robotics Corp's Pepper, which can carry on scripted dialogues. More people live alone these days, and a robot can be a conversation partner for them. It will make life more fun. Plenty of obstacles may hinder a rapid proliferation of elder care robots: high costs, safety issues and doubts about how useful - and user-friendly - they will be. The Japanese government has been funding development of elder care robots to help fill a projected shortfall of 380,000 specialised workers by 2025. Despite steps by Japan to allow foreign workers in for elder care, obstacles to employment in the sector, including exams in Japanese, remain. As of the end of 2017, only 18 foreigners held nursing care visas, a new category created in 2016. A resident approaches humanoid robot 'Pepper' to pat its head during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. (Reuters) But authorities and companies here are also eyeing a larger prize: a potentially lucrative export industry supplying robots to places such as Germany, China and Italy, which face similar demographic challenges now or in the near future. It's an opportunity for us, said Atsushi Yasuda, director of the robotic policy office at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or METI. Other countries will follow the same trend. More than 100 foreign groups have visited Shin-tomi the past year from countries including China, South Korea and the Netherlands. A few products are trickling out as exports: Panasonic Corp has started shipping its robotic bed, which transforms into a wheelchair, to Taiwan. Paro is used as a therapy animal in about 400 Danish senior homes. The global market for nursing care and disabled aid robots, made up of mostly Japanese manufacturers, is still tiny: just $19.2 million in 2016, according to the International Federation of Robotics. But METI estimates the domestic industry alone will grow to 400 billion yen ($3.8 billion) by 2035, when a third of Japan's population will be 65 or older. It's potentially a huge market, said George Leeson, director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. Everyone is waking up to their ageing populations. Clearly robotics is part of that package to address those needs. To nurture the industry, the government is using a two-pronged approach. METI is promoting development, providing 4.7 billion yen ($45 million) in subsidies since 2015. The labour ministry is spearheading the spread of robots, and spent 5.2 billion yen ($50 million) to introduce them into 5,000 facilities nationwide in the year that ended last March. There is no government data about how many care facilities use robots. A caretaker wearing a 'HAL for care support' robot suit pushes a wheelchair at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. (Reuters) Government officials stress that robots will not replace human caregivers. They can assist with power, mobility and monitoring. They can't replace humans, but they can save time and labor, said METI's Yasuda. If workers have more time, they can do other tasks. Most of the devices look nothing like the popular image of a robot. By the government's definition, each has three components - sensors, a processor and a motor or apparatus. Panasonic used government aid to develop Resyone, a bed that splits in two, with one half transforming into a wheelchair. Cyberdyne Inc's HAL - short for Hybrid Assistive Limb - lumbar type is a powered back support that helps caregivers lift people. Those needing walking rehabilitation can grab hold of Tree, made by unlisted Reif Co, which crawls along the ground, showing where to place the next step and offering balance support. SoftBank's Pepper is used in about 500 Japanese elder care homes for games, exercise routines and rudimentary conversations. But some workers find Pepper difficult to set up, said Shohei Fujiwara, a manager at SoftBank Robotics, a unit of Internet conglomerate SoftBank Group Corp. They'd like Pepper to respond to voice commands and move around independently - functions that SoftBank hopes to introduce this year, he said. Cute, furry and responsive, Paro reacts to touch, speech and light by moving its head, blinking its eyes and playing recordings of Canadian harp seal cries. When I first petted it, it moved in such a cute way. It really seemed like it was alive, giggled 79-year-old Saki Sakamoto, a Shin-tomi resident. Once I touched it, I couldn't let go. Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Show all 15 1 /15 Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot 'Pepper' during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Funabashi Hiroshi from A Fun, repairs broken'AIBO's, pet dog robots, at his office in Kasama. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker wearing a 'HAL for care support' robot suit pushes a wheelchair at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot 'Pepper' during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki spends time with 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, which his father used for his rehabilitation at his house in Takahag.i Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident approaches humanoid robot 'Pepper' to pat its head during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker, wearing walking rehabilitation equipment 'Tree', helps a resident with his walking training at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki shows 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, to his bed-ridden mother at his house. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A broken'AIBO', a pet dog robot, waits for repair in A Fun's office in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident touches 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident touches robot seal 'PARO' at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki and his wife take care of his bed-ridden mother as 'AIBO', a pet dog robot walks around at his house in Takahagi. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker wearing a motion assist equipment 'Muscle Suit' carries a resident from a bed to a wheelchair at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, which Yoichi Suzuki's father used for his rehabilitation, is seen at Suzuki's house in Takahagi. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident claps to call 'AIBO', a pet dog robot at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Paro took more than 10 years to develop and received about $20 million in government support, said its inventor, Takanori Shibata, chief research scientist at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. About 5,000 are in use globally, including 3,000 in Japan. But Paro, like most robots, is expensive: 400,000 yen ($3,800) in Japan and about 5,000 euros in Europe. Panasonic's Resyone bed costs 900,000 yen ($8,600) and Cyberdyne's HAL lumbar exoskeleton costs 100,000 yen ($950) a month to rent. Most facilities using them, including Shin-tomi, have relied on local and central government subsidies to help cover the costs. Individuals can also use nursing care insurance to help cover approved products, but those numbers are tiny. And so far, the robots have not reduced Shin-tomi's personnel costs or working hours. We haven't gotten that far yet, said Kimiya Ishikawa, president and CEO of Silverwing Social Welfare Corp, which runs Shin-tomi. We brought them in mostly to improve the working environment, keep staffers from getting back injuries and make things safer. What they have done, he said, is boost the morale of both staff and residents. That's brought a peace of mind among the staff and the residents feel supported, he said. Reporting by Malcolm Foster. Sales of fondue kits have tripled in the past two years at John Lewis stores, and an Oxford University academic believes it could be down to Brexit. Professor Charles Spence, head of Oxford University's Crossmodal Research Laboratory, argues that the revival may be due to Remainers longing to bond with the rest of Europe. The traditional Alpine sets usually consist of a small saucepan (called a caquelon) over a heat for melting the cheese, and dipping forks for dunking bread, meats and vegetables. Of course they can also be used for chocolate fondue, whichis often served with fruits, marshmallows and cake chunks for dunking. And in London, a less traditional peanut butter fondue bar popped up for a few days earlier this year, with both sweet and savoury variations on the menu. But whilst you may argue the rise in fondue set sales could purely be down to more people enjoying dinners at home rather than going out, Professor Spence believes it could be due to global insecurity and nostalgia for simpler times. Writing in the Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, the experimental psychologist said: It may link to current concerns about global insecurity since the fondue can be considered as something of a nostalgic dish for some and a comfort food for many. Cheese fondue originally rose in popularity in the UK in the 1970s. Professor Spence added: One cant help feeling that at a time when the UK is figuring out if and how to separate from the rest of Europe, that this nostalgic food originates from a part of Europe that stands outside the European Union but is still connected with the rest of the EU in much the way that many Brits would hope to achieve. Cheese fondue undoubtedly makes for a fun and delicious dinner party meal, and is certainly an easy way to entertain guests. There are, however, various etiquette rules you need to know: Allowing ones tongue to touch the dipping fork is thought of as rude. Refrain from using any fork other than your own. No double dipping - after a dipped morsel has been tasted, it should never be returned to the pot. In Swiss tradition, if a nugget of bread is lost in the cheese by a man, he buys a bottle of wine for the host, and if such a thing happens to befall a woman, she kisses the man on her left. The thin crust of cheese at the bottom of the caquelon is called la religieuse and is shared by those who succeed in the etiquette. If you fancy making your own, follow this recipe from the UKs oldest cheesemonger, Paxton & Whitfield: Classic Cheese Fondue Recipe Serves 4 Ingredients 600g rindless cheese, grated (Gruyere Reserve, Comte Jeune and Allgau Emmental) 1 garlic clove, cut in half 300ml dry white wine 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp cornflour Ground pepper to taste Method 1. Rub the inside of a saucepan with the garlic clove and discard. 2. Add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer over a medium heat. 3. Place the cheese into a bowl and toss in the cornflour. 4. Add the cheese to the saucepan a handful at a time, stirring continuously until smooth. Continue adding the cheese until it is all melted. A few bubbles are fine but never let it boil. 5. Pour the mixture into a fondue pot and keep warm with the burner. Serve immediately. Serving suggestions Crusty bread, raw vegetables, sausage, grilled chicken, cured meats, cornichons, pickles. Despite the London food scene now being considered one of the best in the world, with Michelin-star restaurants rubbing shoulders with cutting edge eateries, a simple cafe has emerged as the best in the capital. The Lounge Cafe has been revealed as the number one restaurant in London according to TripAdvisor. So we went to see what all the fuss was about. Given its high ranking, I walked along Wembley looking for an edgy, Instagrammable cafe. When I arrived, the places facade surprised me. The cafe shares the Welford Centre building with a community centre and a clinic. Recommended The real reason why restaurants are undercooking your steak The cafes homely atmosphere and good food have brought a wave of tourists to the eatery since it was named best breakfast in Wembley and now best restaurant in London. As soon as I walked in, co-owner Zina gave me a kind, honest smile. Give me a shout when you know what you want, she said. The cafe takes up a corner of the spacious lounge which Zina and Maria have decorated and personalised. Two businessmen sipped coffee on the wooden, shared tables that stretch through the room and a group of girls sat on turquoise sofas during what looked like a breakfast and gossip reunion. The menu was straightforward, written on a giant chalkboard. Ingredients are simple, and it makes a change from having to Google the exotic components of dishes. For only 3.95 or 4.95 for a large, the Lounge Cafe offers a full English breakfast, their most acclaimed dish. They also serve a breakfast burrito with eggs and tomato salsa (4.50), scrambled eggs with smoked salmon (5.50) and a classic: sausage or bacon roll (2.50). Lunch specials were quorn balls and tomato sauce, chicken curry and chilli con carne. However, to make you feel at home, the owners are open to fussy diners. A sign on the wall reads: Have a fancy for something not on the menu? Just ask! They have vegetarian options too. As the sign says, you just have to ask. I peeped through the till, where I could see the inside of Zina and Marias kitchen. I ordered a cappuccino and a full English, embracing the traditional spirit. She sent me back to my table, where I felt like I was waiting for my mums breakfast. Read more Small Wembley cafe named best restaurant in London on TripAdvisor I observed the cafe and waited for my food as I kept asking myself what made this place the best restaurant in London. A regular client suddenly popped in and ordered a coffee. Zina playfully said white, two sugars! as they laughed. They did not seem like customer and owner, they all called each other by their names and greeted each other like old friends. As the word fancy left my mind, authenticity came up, something increasingly hard to find in London, where we always bump into the same food chains. My coffee was brought immediately, sweet by nature and generous in size. I sipped the warming beverage as I looked through the childrens drawings that had been proudly hung on the wall. It was like being in someones family kitchen. One of the drawings read: Thank you for letting us visit it was so fun today. The customers, tourists or locals, clearly embraced the cafes homely spirit as they brought their empties to the counter to help the staff out. There were fresh pink carnations on the tables which I suspect the owners had picked and set out themselves. Food arrived on a large plate, filled with a generous meal that smelled like home. It was served as ones mum would. The point was not to be photogenic, but to be tasty. Two crunchy pieces of toast smothered in butter, a sausage and crispy bacon, one fried egg and an overflowing pool of beans. No big twist on the traditional breakfast, just simple, good quality ingredients. Delicious, fresh and cheap, you cannot really ask for more. Bitcoins recent value surge has led to a flurry of price predictions from experts and analysts, with some suggesting crazy gains for the cryptocurrency in 2018 and beyond. One of the most ambitious forecasts came from billionaire investor Tim Draper, who made his fortune through early investments in internet companies like Twitter and Skype. Mr Draper correctly predicted in 2014 that bitcoins price would rise from $300 to $10,000. Im thinking $250,000 a bitcoin by 2022, Mr Draper told a crowd gathered outside Draper University in California. Believe it, its going to happen. Theyre going to think youre crazy but believe it, its happening, its going to be awesome. $250,000 by 2022, you heard it here first, its going to happen. Bitcoins price at the time of writing is hovering around $8,000, according to CoinMarketCap, down from nearly $20,000 in late 2017. The latest price comes after a dramatic surge on 12 April that saw bitcoin's value jump more than $1,000 in less than an hour. This price trajectory is also anticipated by other analysts, who believe the significant price increases in April could trigger a bull phase in the market, meaning optimistic investors will drive up the value. Bitcoin deflationary characteristics are an indication that in the long run, the market is bullish, Rodrigo Marques, CEO of cryptocurrency investment platform Atlas Quantum, told The Independent. We believe the price could be set to go up and have the potential to reach December 2017 levels again. The price of bitcoin experienced unprecedented gains in April after more than a billion dollars was traded in just one hour. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/ Composite) Olga Feldmeier, CEO of fintech firm Smart Valor, puts the timeline on reaching this price as less than eight months from now. I believe that we will see a comeback to the height achieved at the end of 2017 this year, Ms Feldmeier said. Over the next two years I still predict we could see it reach a value of $100,000. Some well known figures in the cryptocurrency space have been even more optimistic about bitcoins future, with cybersecurity pioneer John McAfee stating in November 2017 that bitcoin would hit $1 million by 2020. Mr McAfee, who founded the eponymous antivirus company and now works at MGT Capital Investments, said he was so confident in his prediction that he would eat his d**k on national television if it proved to be untrue. The bullish predictions have been spurred on by recent positive news surrounding the cryptocurrency. This week an Islamic scholar declared that bitcoin was a legitimate currency and therefore considered halal under Sharia law. This could potentially open up the market to 1.6 billion Muslims around the world who could drive investment and help sustain recent gains. Telegram will be blocked in Russia, a Russian court has ruled. Nobody in the country should be allowed to use the popular messaging app because it will not allow authorities to break into people's messages. Telegram and Russian officials have been stuck in a long argument to try and force the app to give up the encryption keys that keep people's messages safe. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty Authorities argue that it needs access to people's messages so that it can investigate serious crimes like terrorist attacks. Recommended Russia moves to ban Telegram messenger app But Telegram and privacy advocates say that doing so will make all users unsafe and will undermine the technology that keeps messages private as they are sent over the internet. The Moscow court ruled that Telegram will be blocked in Russia until it hands over the keys. It's not clear how the decision to block the app in Russia will affect users in other countries. But it is likely that internet authorities will simply shut off access, meaning that international users will still be able to use the app as normal though not to communicate with people in the country. Telegram, a popular app developed by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, argues that the FSB intelligence service is violating consumer rights, while authorities say the app has been used by violent extremists. The Supreme Court last month threw out an appeal by Telegram against the requirement to provide the data. A woman who sadly died of cancer at the age of 34 arranged for her husband to receive years of handwritten birthday cards following her death. Dr Kate Granger, from East Ardsley near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was a doctor who was awarded an MBE for her services to the NHS and improving care in 2015. In August 2011 Dr Granger was diagnosed with desmoplastic small-round-cell tumour, which is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that tends to occur in the abdomen. Recommended Woman writes letter to her husband asking for his help raising kids Although Dr Granger initially received chemotherapy, she decided to stop treatment in 2012 so that she could carry on her important work in healthcare. On July 23 2016, Dr Granger tragically passed away following her battle with cancer. She wrote a series of touching handwritten birthday cards for her husband before she died, each annotated with the date on which it should be opened. When Dr Grangers husband Chris Pointon turned 41 on April 11, he shared his latest card from his loving wife on Twitter. Dr Kate Granger left handwritten birthday cards for her husband, Chris Pointon, following her death in 2016 (SWNS) To my dearest humpty dumpty, the card read. Into your 40s now gorgeous. Has all the hair gone now?! I love you and always will so much. K. Mr Pointon expressed how heartening it felt to receive the card almost two years since his wife had passed. Such an emotional birthday card to open from my beautiful and inspiring wife, he wrote. She is always with me and wrote cards for me well into the future. Miss her so much. I hope Im doing you proud, my beautiful angel in heaven. Mr Pointons aim in sharing the card on social media was to inspire others who may be suffering from serious illnesses to think about what they could do to ease the pain of their loved ones should they pass away. I knew that I had the card because she had written them before she died, Mr Pointon said about his wifes beautiful gesture. Dr Kate Granger annotated every envelope so that her husband would know which card to open on each birthday (SWNS) Its obviously emotional but the reason I share it is because it gets people thinking. If they are going through something similar, its giving them ideas too. Its a way of keeping the memories alive. Prior to her death Dr Granger ran the #hellomynameis campaign, an initiative backed by politicians and celebrities that encouraged healthcare staff to introduce themselves to patients. Recommended Married couple realise 11 years later they crossed paths once before In 2014, NHS England launched the Kate Granger Awards for Compassionate Care to acknowledge her amazing efforts. A few days before she passed away, Dr Granger managed to raise more than 250,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Centre. Mr Pointon has continued the work of the #hellomynameis campaign, with thousands of NHS staff members and healthcare workers coming together last year to observe the first anniversary of Dr Grangers death with an international #hellomynameis day. Since Dr Grangers death in 2016, more than 110,000 has been raised for charities as a result of the #hellomynameis campaign. David Hieatt only found out that Meghan Markle had worn a pair of jeans made by his company when a newspaper rang up to check they were his. Hieatt and his wife Clare are the co-founders of the Hiut Denim Company in Cardigan in Wales. For almost 40 years, Cardigan was home to a factory that made 35,000 pairs of jeans each week for Marks & Spencer. Then in 2002, production was moved offshore to Morocco to save costs, resulting in the loss of 400 jobs. When Hieatt started scouting about for a location to start a denim company, he realised that Cardigan, which had hundreds of people with decades of experience, was the perfect place. Hiut - a combination of the first two letters of Hieatts surname and the first two letters of utility - has seen such a spike in demand since Markle was spotted in the jeans that many models, retailing at 145 a pair, are sold out until May. Hieatt has spent the morning with an architect who is adapting the old denim factory for Hiut to move back in in June, so they can grow the company fast enough to keep up with demand. Hes brought on two more jeans-makers - called grandmasters for their many years of experience - but Hiut cant hire any more or install their new equipment until it has more space. Its just a beautiful moment, Hieatt says. There are things you hope for and wish for, but when they happen you think, Wow. Its good for the team, its good for the town and you go, Wow, well take that. Hieatt, a former advertising executive, knows the power of a good story. Alongside his wife Clare, he previously owned a clothing company called Howies, which they sold to US firm Timberland in 2006. Hieatt stuck around for a bit after the sale, before he realised he didnt really like someone else running his company. I had a cup of tea, looked around, didnt feel it and sometimes you have to walk away really, he remembers. Id written a plan about making jeans because thats something we did well at Howies, but I was wondering if I wanted to run around the same track twice, Hieatt says. Then I had a call from Gideon Day who was a designer at Howies, and he said, Its not about you, its about the town. The population of Cardigan has fallen since the closure of the original denim factory, while the factory building has stayed almost completely empty, like a monument to the departure of industry. Hieatt, who comes from the nearby South Wales Valleys, was unsure how people would feel about going back to work in the building. Pretty much all the grandmasters were raised in that factory, so they literally went back to the bit of the floor and said, I used to work here. But the move is necessary if Hieatt is going to reach his ultimate goal: The big aim is to get 400 people their jobs back. Along the way, he wants to turn Cardigan into - or back into - a maker town. Were fighting for the right to make and to pass those skills on, he says. We shouldnt give up the right to make. At the moment if were honest its a town thats busy for six weeks when the tourists come but it lost its mojo when the factory closed. The maker movement is growing in the UK. The increasing affordability of technology has put 3D printers, robotics and other connected devices within the reach of entrepreneurs, who are turning hobbies into professions as the job market fragments. Mark Brearley is a professor at the Cass School in London and works for Kaymet, a small aluminium tray manufacturer in Peckham, South London. Kaymet started in the basement of a radio shop in the thirties but was at risk of going bust in the last decade property prices around it rose and councils repurposed land for housing. With Brearleys support Kaymet has returned to growth at a time when many of Londons small business are fighting for the right to fair rent to stay afloat. Brearley, meanwhile, has been keeping a list of makers in London that now stands at almost 3,000. My feeling is that we need to celebrate makers, make them visible and win the public around, at the same time as pushing the policy and decision makers, campaigning and arguing, explaining why a good city has industry, and how such a city can be sustained, Brearley told a meeting of makers in 2017. We need to state our belief that manufacturing is a vital part of our city, indeed of any good city, that should be visible, understood, celebrated and nurtured. In London, the East End Trades Guild has provided a forum for small businesses to stand together against rising rent and other challenges that can quickly make small businesses untenable. Recommended Seven memory skills that will make you smarter In rural areas like Cardigan, survival and expansion depends more on effective marketing. Thats where Hieatt excels. We can get 300 to 400 jobs here if we make a great product and tell the story, he says In effect there is two factories, one is making jeans and one is telling the story - its a content factory, and we have to be as good at telling our story as we do about making jeans. Thanks to the internet, the Hiut story can travel the world. While the old factory wanted to make jeans as cheaply as possible, Hiut wants to sell jeans that are the best quality. The company imports salvaged denim from Japan and organic materials from Turkey. It is also looking at a lower impact product using less water and electricity, from a nature reserve in Italy. A quarter of jeans Hiut sells go overseas. The internet has changed the economics for makers. If they have a great service, it can be shared to a global audience. Thats a radical transformation, he says. This is why I think were living in a golden age. The chief executive of the Berlin Stock Exchange says Brexit may not be as bad as initially thought for UK financial firms. Artur Fischer said on Friday that UK-based banks and City firms could follow the example of US firms trading with EU businesses. When you look at it, its not totally bad, he told the BBC. We would treat the UK like the US for example and we are doing a lot of business with the US, so there are ways to overcome what we call the loss of the passport. Mr Fischer added: If a company based in the UK wants to promote its services in the EU then they need a licence ... and a presence in the EU. There has to be a real operation in the EU which means real control, real management, real people and real processing have to be located in the EU in order to sell services. Denmarks prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen warned Theresa May on Monday that Brexit would create more bureaucracy for businesses trading between the two countries. Brexit has already cost the FCA, Britains finance watchdog, an extra 30m in contingency plans. Shares in shopping centre owner Hammerson tumbled this morning after French group Klepierre abandoned its proposed takeover of the group. The stock was down more than 13 per cent in early trading, after Klepierre said it no longer intends to make an offer for Hammerson, following two rejected bids. Recommended Shopping centre giant Hammerson awaits clarity over rival bid The French firm had initially offered 615p per Hammerson share, which the UK group rejected last month on the grounds that it very significantly undervalued the company. Klepierre followed up this week with a revised offer of 635p per share, bring the deals value to 5bn, which was also rejected. On Friday, Klepierre said it was giving up its pursuit of Hammerson, which owns shopping centres such as Brent Cross, Birminghams Bull Ring and Bristols Cabot Circus, because the British groups board did not provide any meaningful engagement with respect to the increased proposal. With Klepierre backing down, Hammerson is now free to push ahead with its 3.4bn purchase of rival Intu, the owner of Manchesters Trafford Centre, which was put on hold while the company dealt with its own prospective buyer. AJ Bell, investment director Russ Mould, said: By turning down the bid, (Hammersons) management have increased the pressure on themselves to get the tie-up with Intu right. Meanwhile, David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets, added: Retail centres are experiencing a decline in footfall as online shopping continues to rise. Consolidation in the sector may be a way to fend off the pressure, but now Hammerson will have to explore other options to try and buck the downward trend the stock has been in for three years. Shares in Sage are on track for their biggest one-day fall in 25 years after the accountancy software group warned that sales were lower than expected. Shares plummeted 19 per cent on Friday morning before recovering to trade down 13 per cent. Subscription growth for the company's software packages slowed to 25.3 per cent from 30.6 per cent and organic revenue rose 6.3 per cent in the six months to 31 March, down from 7.4 per cent in the same period in 2017. Sage - one of the UK's biggest technology firms - said recurring revenue growth slipped to 6.4 per cent while software and software related services (SSRS) grew 7.1 per cent. The company performed worse than forecast in the Northern Europe and Africa and Middle East regions but registered double-digit growth in North America, while central Europe and Australia performed well. Growth in [the first half of 2018] was lower than our expectations as the pace of execution has been slower than we planned, said Stephen Kelly, chief executive. Sage will announce its full-year results on 2 May. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell said Sage was now in the "unenviable" position of relying on a stronger second half of the year to meet its profit guidance. "Often in this scenario a company fails to make up the shortfall, raising the sceptre of another warning down the line.," he said. The company is blaming the weaker than anticipated growth in recurring revenue and software subscriptions on operational issues. While in theory this means the company remains in control of its own destiny there is minimal detail on how these problems will be fixed, investors will be hoping for greater clarity when the company posts its first half results in May. People hoping to be parents in the UK are being sold false hope by foreign IVF clinics claiming success rates as high as 98 per cent based on highly selective data, the national fertility regulator has warned. These clinics are exhibiting at UK events for couples considering fertility treatment and making claims that no UK IVF provider would be allowed to make, said Sally Cheshire, chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The regulator said it was powerless to regulate overseas clinics, while fertility experts said some clinics are capitalising on the hopes of vulnerable people and could be dangerous if they led with these inflated claims of success. HFEA data on UK clinics in 2016 shows that for women under the age of 35 who have the best odds of getting pregnant through IVF on average each round of embryo implantation has just a 32.5 per cent chance. But one Cyprus clinic, part of the international fertility group Bahceci, says on its website: We have up to 97.82 per cent pregnancy rates thanks to the cutting-edge tests, available in Bahceci in Cyprus. Others, such as the IVF-Cube clinic in Prague, specify a cumulative success rate after one or more embryo transfers of more than 84 per cent. This comes as cash-squeezed NHS groups have been cutting back on the number of cycles of IVF they will offer women. Just 12 per cent of NHS clinical commissioning groups offer the recommended number of cycles many in Essex, for example, offer none and this is pushing more women to go overseas where treatment is half the price. Kate, who asked not to have her last name included, is now 44 and started fertility treatment by freezing her eggs when she turned 40 but was unsuccessful; she later tried IVF with a donor embryo at a clinic in Spain on the recommendations of a UK doctor. She told The Independent: When I went to Barcelona, to try with a donor embryo, I was given a 40 or 50 per cent chance. Health news: in pictures Show all 104 1 /104 Health news: in pictures Health news: in pictures Chlamydia vaccine Researchers in the United States say they have developed a vaccine that can protect against chlamydia the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. Chlamydia is extremely common. There were 208,755 new infections in England in 2013, and around the world an estimated 100 million are infected each year. In around half of men, and 70 to 80 per cent of women who get it, there will be no symptoms. However, in some it can cause pain and if left untreated can lead to infertility. Rex Health news: in pictures Sunshine boosts fertility by a third Exposure to sunlight can boost the likelihood of a woman having a baby much as a third, according to scientists. Couples hoping to conceive may find that heading to sunnier climes may improve their chances, according to experts. Fertilisation rates, live births, and the number of eggs all improved after women were in the sun. Scientists studied the IVF results of 6,000 women over a six-year-old period, and analysed them alongside the weather conditions in the month before women started treatment. imageBROKER/REX Health news: in pictures Watching cat videos boosts energy You may think the time you spend slumped in your pyjamas watching cat videos online is wasted, but a new study has revealed that the funny clips have health benefits. By watching cat videos, viewers boost their energy and positive emotions, and decrease their negative feelings, according to a new study from the Indiana University Media School. Steve Jennings/Getty Images for Civic Entertainment Group Health news: in pictures Cholesterol U-turn - fatty foods might not be bad for us The US government has dropped fatty foods containing cholesterol - long thought to cause heart disease and strokes - from its list of 'nutrients of concern', following the publication of a new report. For 40 years, people have been warned against eating fatty foods containing high cholesterol, such as butter, eggs, red meat, shellfish and liver, because of supposed links to the substance in our blood. But now the US Department of Agriculture plans to revoke their long-standing dietary guidelines and to focus on the amount of sugar people are eating, instead. Chaloner Woods/Getty Images Health news: in pictures Processed 'fruit' snacks contain more sugar than Haribo The vast majority of processed fruit snacks contain higher concentrations of sugar than a bag of Haribo, health campaigners have claimed.Researchers from Action on Sugar said that 80 out of 94 products surveyed contain more than 47g sugar per 100g, with some containing up to four teaspoons of sugar. They said that highlighting the fact these products contained fruit, despite having high levels of added sugar, was misleading parents into believing that they were buying a healthy option. Health news: in pictures Spending half the day on your feet Office workers should abandon their chairs for half their working day to reduce their risk of heart attacks, cancer, or diabetes, according to new guidance recommending people spend at least two hours and preferably four a day on their feet. AFP/Getty Images Health news: in pictures Turns out chocolate doesn't make you lose weight A journalist seeking to lay bare how the research behind fad diets can be meaningless and based on terrible science, has revealed how he tricked international media into believing that chocolate can aid weightloss. Posing as Johannes Bohannon, Ph.D, the research director of the fabricated Institute of Diet and Health, biologist and science journalist John Bohannon ran what he called a fairly typical study used in the field of diet research. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images Health news: in pictures 'Personalised' cancer vaccine A cancer vaccine that is tailor-made to work on individual patients has come a step closer following a study showing that a prototype injection causes the complete control of aggressive tumours in laboratory mice. The therapeutic vaccine works by stimulating the bodys own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Scientists said that it could be a blueprint for personalised cancer vaccines targeted against the specific tumour cells of each individual patient and that they have already begun early clinical trials on seven patients suffering from skin cancer. Getty Images Health news: in pictures Realistic-looking E-cigarettes More realistic-looking brands of e-cigarettes may be less likely to lead people to quit smoking, according to a new study. In a year-long survey, researchers found that, overall, e-cigarette users were no more likely to quit smoking than non-users. However, nearly a third of smokers who used tank-style e-cigarettes every day quit smoking, compared with only 11 per cent of cigalike e-cigarette users, and 13 per cent of non-users. AFP/Getty Health news: in pictures Lariam: Hundreds of British soldiers suffering from mental illness after being given anti-malarial drug The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been accused of knowingly risking the mental health of its own soldiers after new figures showed that nearly 1,000 British servicemen and women have required psychiatric treatment after taking a discredited anti-malarial drug. Psychosis, suicidal thoughts, depression and hallucinations are among the mental-health problems associated with Lariam, also known as mefloquine. But the MoD has rejected all appeals to stop giving the drug to troops posted overseas to the mounting fury of relatives, politicians and retired military figures who fear it could be responsible for an epidemic of psychiatric illness in Britains Armed Forces Health news: in pictures Knuckle-cracking mystery solved The mystery of what happens to make a knuckle crack has been solved thanks to a simple test of pull my finger. In a new study published by the University of Alberta, a team of researchers used MRI video to determine what happens inside a finger joint to make it pop. They observed that the sound is caused by a rapidly forming cavity inside the joint when pulled. We call it the pull my finger study and actually pulled on someones finger and filmed what happens in the MRI, explained lead author Greg Kawchuk. More than just settling a scientific curiosity, the findings bring researchers closer to determining whether or not the ability to crack ones joints is inherent or even healthy. But they are still unclear as to why only some people can crack their joints on demand Jaysin Trevino/Creative Commons Health news: in pictures Prescribing heroin to addicts could be more effective than methadone Prescribing heroin to addicts trying to beat their addiction could be cheaper and more effective than replacement therapy, an expert has claimed. Methadone, a synthetic opiate, is commonly used to wean people off the drug, while other patients are put through detoxification and abstinence programmes. But Professor Martin Schechter, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, said there was overwhelming evidence that these standard treatments do not work for a section of addicts Getty Images Health news: in pictures Tanning beds can harbour herpes and faecal bacteria If the risk of cancer wasnt enough to put you off UV tanning salons, an expert has now warned that the beds can host bacteria and viruses, including herpes. Sexually transmitted infections can be passed from person to person through unprotected sex and genital contact, and herpes can also spread to parts of the body where there is a cut or break in the skin, according to the Herpes Association. Dermatologist Dawn Marie Davis, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic, told Yahoo Health that bacteria and viruses can be found alive on sun beds, despite the heat. She explained that bacterium which lives on the skin is transferred on to the bed, which is then heated but not enough to sterilise the surface Donald Miralle/Getty Images Health news: in pictures DNA changes could explain why autism runs in families Scientists have come up with a possible explanation for why autism appears to run in families suggesting it can be triggered by changes in the chemicals attached to DNA. A study of sperm from 44 fathers of babies who showed early signs of autistic symptoms shows that epigenetic changes to the mens DNA could transmit the condition to the next generation. Epigenetic changes involve modifications in chemicals attached to the DNA molecule rather than mutations to the DNA sequence itself. The changes detected in this study have been linked with abnormal development of nerve cells in the brain Corbis Health news: in pictures Alzheimer's breakthrough Scientists have broken new ground in the search for an Alzheimers cure, discovering a new potential cause of the disease, which it may be possible to target with drug treatments. Experts said the findings, from Duke University in North Carolina, USA, could open new doors in the increasingly frustrated global hunt for a dementia therapy. Researchers at Duke announced that their studies of Alzheimers in mice had thrown up a new process they believe contributes to the diseases development. They observed that in Alzheimers, immune cells that normally protect the brain instead begin to consume a vital nutrient called arginine. By blocking this process with a drug, they were able to prevent the formation of plaques in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimers disease, and also halted memory loss in the mice Getty Health news: in pictures 1 in 3 women will get bacterial vaginosis but are unlikely to know what it is One in three women will get bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge, at some time in their life. However, many women do not know what it is, and can confuse the symptoms for other conditions, such as thrush. Although the causes of BV are not very well understood, it develops when the normal environment of the vagina changes, when there are less of the normal bacteria (lactobacilli), an overgrowth of other types of bacteria, and the vagina becomes more alkaline. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can develop after sex, and any woman might get it including those in same sex relationships and those who have never had sex. Around half of women with BV will not have any signs and symptoms at all, or may not be aware of them. Where there are symptoms, these can include an increase in the usual vaginal discharge, and for it to become thin and watery, change to a white/grey colour and develop a strong, unpleasant, fishy smell, especially after sexual intercourse. Treatment is simple and involves taking antibiotic tablets, either as a single dose or for up to a week, or a cream or gel for use in the vagina for around one week Health news: in pictures Paracetamol can dull positive and negative emotions A chemical found in paracetamol could dull emotional sensitivity, a new study has suggested. Paracetamol is commonly used as an over the counter drug to combat physical pain. However, researchers at the Ohio State University found acetaminophen, the main ingredient found inside it, also reduces how much users feel positive and negative emotions. This means that using Tylenol (paracetomol) or similar products might have broader consequences than previously thought, lead author Geoffrey Durso said. Rather than just being a pain reliever, acetaminophen can be seen as an all-purpose emotion reliever Getty Health news: in pictures Drug made from cannabis could help fight severe epilepsy Hope has been raised for children with severe forms of epilepsy that are difficult to treat after trials of a new drug derived from cannabis showed promise in helping to reduce the number of debilitating seizures suffered as a result of the condition. The study, published by the American Academy of Neurology, tested 213 people, ranging from toddlers to adults, who had severe epilepsy that did not respond to other treatments, using a drug made from a medicinal form of Marijuana. Participants were given the drug containing canabidiol, also known as CBD, a component of cannabis that does not include the psychoactive part of the plant that creates a high, in the form of a liquid. Results released this week show that, of the 137 people who completed the 12-week study, there was a 54 per cent average decrease in the number of seizures the participants experienced. Twenty three people with Dravet syndrome completed the study and found the number of convulsive seizures they experienced had dropped by 53 per cent. Of the 11 participants who stayed the 12-week trial that had Lenox-Gastaut syndrome, they experienced a 55 per cent drop in the number of atonic seizures or drop attacks, which cause a sudden loss of muscle tone and usually happen many times a day Getty Images Health news: in pictures How dangerous is laughing gas The gas can cause dizziness and affect an individuals judgement. It can also in more extreme cases cause unconsciousness and death from lack of oxygen. Regular use can lead to a deficiency in the vitamin B12, if severe can lead to serious nerve damage in some cases, and can also depress formation of white blood cells. Data from coroners reports, compiled by a research team from St Georges, University of London, funded by the Department of Health, claimed that laughing gas was responsible for 17 deaths between 2006 and 2012. There were five deaths, due to asphyxiation resulting from hypoxia (lack of oxygen), in 2010 and one the following year Rex Features Health news: in pictures New breath test could be used to detect stomach cancer Cancers of the stomach could soon be detected using a simple breath test, researchers have said, potentially saving lives by picking up the condition early. A new trial of the tests, which measure the level of compounds in the breath that can point to cancer risk, have proved them to be accurate and cost-effective. Stomach cancer is a relatively rare condition, affecting around 7,300 people in the UK every year. However, the outlook for patients is often poor, because the condition is so rarely diagnosed early enough for successful treatment. Early symptoms, such as indigestion and burping, are the same as for many other minor conditions, so the cancer is often missed until it is too late. The only existing test is an endoscopy, where a tube is inserted into the stomach down the throat Rex Health news: in pictures Eating cheese may help you lose weight A new scientific study has suggested that eating cheese may help individuals struggling to lose weight and contribute to keeping the pounds off. The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry published a study this month that discussed the importance of something researchers labelled cheese metabolism. Scientists from the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University compared urine and faecal samples from 15 men, who consumed a diet featuring milk and cheese or butter but no other dairy products for two weeks. The small test, which was partially funded by the Danish Dairy Research Foundation, found that those who ate cheese (or milk) during the trial had a noticeable different composition of bacteria in their gut Getty Health news: in pictures Prostate cancer detected by dogs New research has supported the idea that dogs could one day be used to sniff out cancer, after a study found that trained German Shepherds were able to detect chemicals linked to prostate cancer from urine samples with incredibly high accuracy. A study carried out by the Department of Urology at the Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre in Milan had two German Shepherds sniff the urine of 900 men, 360 of whom had prostate cancer and 540 who didn't. One dog was successful at identifying prostate cancer in 98.7 per cent of cases, while the other dog achieved 97.6 per cent accuracy. It is the latest research in a series of studies stretching back decades, and boosts the hope that canines could help doctors identify various human cancers and diseases HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images Health news: in pictures Being pregnant like a youth serum for mothers-to-be Being pregnant has a rejuvenating effect, acting like a youth serum on mothers-to-be, new research suggests. As people get older it becomes more difficult for the body to repair damaged tissue. But the sharing of blood between mother and baby appears to help the mother to do this more effectively Getty Images Health news: in pictures Marijuana can kill cancer cells The US government may be starting to officially recognize medicinal benefits of marijuana, as a government-funded research group has released a report claiming that weed can kill cancer cells. The Daily Caller reported the National Institute on Drug Abuse has issued a report that recognizes potential medical benefits of marijuana, something the US government has rejected in its classification of pot as a Schedule I drug along with heroin, LSD and ecstasy Getty Images Health news: in pictures 'Loneliness maps' Maps pinpointing where the countrys loneliest people might live must be used to help focus services to those who are most isolated, according to a new report. The Campaign to End Loneliness, which compiled the report with the University of Kent, warned as it released the document that loneliness and isolation are as harmful to our long-term health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It can also put people at risk of developing dementia, high blood pressure and depression. As many as ten per cent of the older population all or most of the time, according to the charity. And people experiencing severe loneliness may in turn put a strain on the NHS and loved ones, as they are more likely to visit their GP more often, and enter residential care earlier. To help tackle the issue, charities and local services should use existing data to compile so-called 'loneliness maps' which predict where their most lonely resident live, in order to syphon limited resources to the people most in need Getty Health news: in pictures Short people at greater risk of heart attack Short people are at a greater risk of heart attack and there's little they can do about it because the link is genetic. For 60 years scientists had noted a correlation between height and coronary heart disease, which kills 73,000 people a year in the UK. It was thought that social factors that can stunt height, such as poor nutrition in childhood, might explain why petite people were more likely to develop heart problems. But a new study has found that every 2.5 inches difference in height between two people makes the shorter person 13.5 per cent more likely to develop heart disease RF Health news: in pictures HIV breakthrough A new type of HIV treatment involving the transfusion of a synthetic antibody designed to prevent the virus from attacking human cells has shown startling trial results. Patients injected with the antibody saw a 300-fold reduction in their viral load the amount of HIV circulating in their blood. The antibody has been specifically designed to block the key viral protein receptor needed to infect human blood cells. Previous tests on HIV antibodies had produced disappointing results. But the latest clinical trial resulted in a dramatic lowering of the virus, which was maintained for several weeks after the initial injection for some patients. The researchers believe that using synthetic antibodies designed to become attached to the surface proteins on the outer membrane of HIV could provide an alternative form of treatment to anti-retroviral drugs, and may also help to design therapeutic vaccines Getty Health news: in pictures Psychedelic drugs could actually help solve addiction The use of psychedelic drugs is as safe as riding a bike or playing football, according to the heads of a drug research organisation. Scientists say bans on drugs such as magic mushrooms and MDMA are "inconsistent with human rights" and psychedelic drugs are much less harmful to individual users and society compared to alcohol and other controlled substances. They say that over 30 million US adults having tried psychedelics, but "there is just not much evidence of health problems" and that certain drugs could be useful in solving addiction to other, more damaging substances Getty Images Health news: in pictures Low levels of salt in your diet might actually be dangerous For years, the federal government has advised Americans that they are eating too much salt, and that this excess contributes yearly to the deaths of tens of thousands of people. But unknown to many shoppers urged to buy foods that are low sodium and low salt, this longstanding warning has come under assault by scientists who say that typical American salt consumption is without risk. Moreover, according to studies published in recent years by pillars of the medical community, the low levels of salt recommended by the government might actually be dangerous Leonid Mamchenkov Health news: in pictures Female life expectancy drops Female life expectancy has dropped dramatically as older women reap the rewards of lifestyle choices that have seen them drink and smoke regularly. For the first time since 1995 the average life expectancy for women aged 65, 75, 85, and 95 fell in 2012, according to a government report Rex Health news: in pictures Energy drinks fuelling rise in bad behaviour Caffeine-packed energy drinks are fuelling a rise in bad behaviour in the classroom as youngsters consume excessive amounts of these readily available legal highs that could even encourage use of illegal drugs, campaigners warn. Teens are using the drinks to enable them to stay up until the early hours of the morning and then drink two or three cans filled with sugar and caffeine on the way to school to make up for their lack of sleep, said Chris Keates, general secretary of teaching union NASUWT. This is the first time we have seen a significant number of teachers beginning to raise this as a concern, he added Rex Health news: in pictures Chair-bound workers 'should move around every hour' Workers who spend too much time sitting down are being urged to move around more as sedentary lifestyles are likely to increase risks of many health problems. Around 45% of women and 37% of men spend 30 minutes or less on their feet. Nearly two thirds fear that inactivity would have a negative effect on their well-being, a poll of 2,000 workers by the British Heart Foundation reveals today Rex Features Health news: in pictures High fat dairy products reduces diabetes risk Eating four eggs a week reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a third, whilst consuming high fat dairy products can also lower your risk levels. A University of Eastern Finland led study has demonstrated that men who ate four eggs a week had a 37 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who ate just one. The research, which examined the eating habits of 2,332 men, aged between 42 and 60, also found a connection between egg consumption and lowered blood sugar levels Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The New York Culinary Experience Health news: in pictures One in 20 UK parents thinks a packet of crisps counts According to a profoundly disheartening survey by Fruit Heroes, one in 20 parents consider crisps one of the day's much-vaunted five healthy things, and one in 10 don't believe eating fruit is good for you Rex Features Health news: in pictures Three year waits for children Children with mental health problems can wait for more than three years to be assessed and up to nearly two years to receive treatment, according to a report. The number of children being sent to mental health service rose by more than 6 per cent between 2013 and 2014 Getty Health news: in pictures 'Homeopathy is no more effective than placebo' Homeopathic remedies are no more effective than placebo in treating health problems, new research shows. The alternative medicine does not cure any conditions that are chronic, serious or could become serious according to an assessment by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia. Sufferers of some physical and mental illnesses, that are believed to be treatable with homeopathic remedies, are urged to seek medical advice. The council claim that people could jeopardise their health by not taking prescribed and approved drugs Getty Health news: in pictures Sugar tax could save millions A tax on sugary drinks could dramatically cuts cases of diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer, and save the NHS millions every year, childrens health campaigners have claimed. As well as bringing in revenue for the Treasury, a tax of 20 pence on every litre of sugary drink sold in England could also save the NHS 15m a year, research by the Childrens Food Campaign (CFC) said. In 20 years, the impact on diets could prevent 50,000 cases of diabetes, cut almost 9,000 cases of bowel cancer and cut coronary heart disease and stroke by 33,000, it said Getty Images Health news: in pictures Dementia risk can be reduced by improving lifestyle Doctors have the first conclusive proof that changes to lifestyle among the over-60s can slow mental decline raising the prospects of dementia prevention programmes that cut your risk of the disease. The results are significant, as it is believed to be the first randomised and controlled trial to conclusively demonstrate that keeping the body healthy in later life also benefits the brain Getty Images Health news: in pictures Flu is much less common than you might think Adults over the age of 30 typically get flu about twice every 10 years whereas children contract the infection once every two years on average, a study has revealed Tom Merton/Getty Creative Health news: in pictures You're just like your father Genes from your father are more dominant than those inherited from your mother, new research has shown. All mammals are likely to use the majority of genetic material passed down from males, even if offspring look and act more like the mother, according to the study on lab mice by University of North Carolinas School of Medicine Corbis Health news: in pictures Scientists hail discovery of HIV pill A daily pill that can dramatically cut a persons risk of contracting HIV must be made available through the NHS as soon as possible, campaigners have said. Results of a major UK trial of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been described as extremely exciting and a game-changer by leading specialists. The Proud study found that PrEP cut the risk of HIV infection among gay men considered to be at high risk by an unprecedented 86 per cent Getty Images Health news: in pictures Long sleep linked to strokes People who sleep for more than eight hours a day are more likely to have a stroke, research has shown but experts do not know the reason why. A study of nearly 10,000 people carried out at the University of Cambridge found that those who took eight hours on average had a 46 per cent higher than average risk of having a stroke Corbis Health news: in pictures Lung cancer breathalyser to go on trial in NHS hospitals by summer 2015 A new device that could detect lung cancer from a patient's breath is about to undergo clinical trials in NHS hospitals. The Lung Cancer Indicator Detection (LuCID) device could be made available to GPs within the next two years. Owlstone, the firm which developed the device, say it works by detecting chemical traces which indicate a patient may have cancer, meaning it could potentially be used to diagnose the disease early on VOISIN/PHANIE/REX Health news: in pictures Almost a quarter of new psychosis cases linked to strong 'skunk like' cannabis People who smoke super-strength cannabis are three times more likely to develop psychosis than people who have never tried the drug and five times more likely if they smoke it every day. Why cannabis studies are needed The study, by researchers at Kings College London, will fuel calls for politicians and public health officials to take a stronger stance against high potency cannabis, at a time when many campaigners are arguing for marijuana to be legalised. The researchers say there is an urgent need to inform young people about the risks of strong cannabis AFP/Getty Health news: in pictures Scientists attempt to artificially copy polio virus Scientists are attempting to create a cure for polio by creating a synthetic version of the dealy disease. Poliomyelitis, an infectious disease which can permanently paralyse or even kill its victims, affects approximately hundreds each year as efforts by international aid organisations show promise. Scientists from the US and UK hope to create a safe vaccine by mimicking the viral genome, rather than having a tiny portion of the disease present in the vaccine Getty Health news: in pictures Fastest rise in scarlet fever cases for half a century Britain is facing an outbreak of scarlet fever, with infection rates rising rapidly and the disease spreading faster than at any time in half a century. More than 300 new cases of the bacterial infection were reported in England last week, with 1,265 cases registered since the beginning of the year. Often deadly in the Victorian era, it became milder and rarer during the late 20th century. But now the disease which causes a sore throat and fever accompanied by a distinctive rash on the chest or stomach is on the rise again Corbis Health news: in pictures Fears that e-cigarettes are gateway drug as vaping outstrips puffing Twice as many young teenagers are using e-cigarettes than conventional cigarettes and a significant proportion of them are getting their first taste of nicotine from vaping rather than smoking, a study has found. The findings have raised concerns among some experts that e-cigarettes, widely viewed as harmless to health, could be introducing children to the risk of nicotine addiction at an early age and so act as a gateway to smoking Getty Health news: in pictures HRT can increase a woman's chances of developing ovarian cancer Women going through the menopause who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are putting themselves at a greater risk of ovarian cancer, Oxford University researchers have said. Their findings, based on a major review of virtually all existing evidence, suggest the dangers are slightly greater than previously thought, but experts said there was no reason for women to stop taking HRT Rex Features Health news: in pictures Tests begin on 'traffic light pacemaker' that could revolutionise heart treatment Scientists are to begin work on a revolutionary traffic light pacemaker that controls the beating of damaged hearts using blue and yellow fibre optic lights inside the body. Heart attacks and other major cardiac problems can damage the heart muscle, leaving patients vulnerable to dangerous disruptions in the hearts rhythm known as arrhythmia often leading to heart failure. Researchers are exploring whether stem cell-generated heart cells could be implanted to regenerate the damaged areas. But progress has been held back because tests in the laboratory and in a small number of patients have shown that new tissue often fails to beat in time with the remaining healthy heart muscle Getty Images Health news: in pictures Smokers have thinner brain cortex and could have impaired thinking A key part of the brain that is needed for thinking skills is smaller in smokers, new research has found. The findings show that smoking has an impact on brain functioning as well as the heart and lungs. The outer brain layer or brain cortex is thinner in smokers, researchers have found. And while some of the thickness might come back after they quit, that might not happen Getty Images Health news: in pictures Drinking red wine could help overweight people burn fat Drinking red wine could help overweight people burn fat better and improve liver function, scientists in the US have claimed. Authors of a new study cautioned that the effects found would not stretch to weight loss and that the same compounds could be consumed by eating certain red grapes or drinking their juice Reuters Health news: in pictures Common cold 'could be stopped in its tracks' thanks to science breakthrough The common cold could be a thing of the past, as scientists have found a way to "jam" the genetic code. The breakthrough means in the future, it could be possible to stop virus molecules replicating, by stopping them conveying the instructions needed to copy themselves. Researchers at the Universities of Leeds and York used computers to investigate the ribonucleic acid (RNA) structure of a virus molecule, and found a code hidden within its sequence Getty Health news: in pictures Green tea helps kill cancer cells Green tea may help kick-start cycles of cancerous cell death while leaving healthy ones alone, scientists have claimed. A compound found in the tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG could trigger a process of destroying malignant cells, researchers at Penn States Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health have found Health news: in pictures Double chins could be 'cured' without surgery or dieting using new injection A treatment that promises to reduce double chins through a so-called "fatburner" injection could soon be on offer to the public. By injecting a specially formulated chemical known as ATX-101 into the skin, fat cells beneath the skin known as "submental fat" are removed. The procedure claims to contour the area without affecting any surrounding tissue. The drug is a version of deoxycholic acid, the molecule that occurs naturally in the body and helps to destroy fat Getty Images Health news: in pictures Cannabis eases chronic pain better than commonly prescribed opioids Researchers from the Australian National Drug and Alcohol centre found that patients with chronic pain who used the drug said it eased their symptoms better opioid medications, which are highly addictive and can cause accidental overdoses MARCEL VAN HOORN/AFP/Getty Images Health news: in pictures Female genital mutilation Almost 500 newly identified cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) were reported by hospitals across England in one month, according to the latest figures. Despite the apparently high number of FGM cases, no one has yet been convicted for the practice, which has been illegal in the UK since 1985 Getty Images Health news: in pictures Cervical cancer Campaigners are taking selfies of lipstick smudged across their faces after their smear tests to raise awareness over the importance of early cervical cancer detection Jos Cervical Cancer Trust Health news: in pictures Plain packets to be sold The Government has finally decided that cigarettes are to be sold in standardised packages in England. Jane Ellison, the public health minister, told the Commons that regulations would be put to a free vote before Parliament breaks up for the general election in May. The regulations could come into force next year. Rex Health news: in pictures The most dangerous sex position One of the most common sexual positions has also been dubbed the most dangerous by scientists. The woman-on-top position during intercourse was deemed responsible for half of all penile fractures sustained during sex in cases recorded at three hospitals, according to researchers in Brazil Rex Features Health news: in pictures Women may experience more pain during childbirth if their partner is present For many, the role of the expectant father is to provide comfort, reassurance and assistance to their partner at childbirth. A new study however has suggested they may be better off considering to stay well away from the delivery room as their presence could make the process of giving birth more painful. Research by psychologists at University College London, Kings College London and the University of Hertfordshire found that while for some the presence of their partner made no difference in pain experienced, for women who avoid intimacy in their relationship, it made the experience more painful Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Health news: in pictures Lie-in could lead obesity and diabetes People who find it difficult to get out of bed at the weekends are more likely to suffer from chronic health problems such as obesity and diabetes compared to individuals who are up with the lark even when they do not have to go to work, a study has found Getty Health news: in pictures Dentists breach NHS rules with unclear pricing and guidance Some NHS dentists are breaching rules by failing to offer clear pricing information and automatically offering private treatment potentially resulting in patients being overcharged, an investigation has revealed Getty Health news: in pictures A drink a night 'is better for your heart In what may prove to be badly timed news for those struggling to observe dry January, scientists have discovered that having up to seven drinks a week may give you a better chance of avoiding heart failure than people who abstain from alcohol completely. A study published in the European Heart Journal suggests that in middle-aged men, drinking up to seven small glasses of wine or about three and a half pints of beer a week was associated with a 20 per cent lower risk of developing heart failure when compared with teetotallers Getty Health news: in pictures Cancer survival rate soars A record 2.5 million people are now living with cancer or the after-effects of it, threatening a crisis of unmanageable proportions for the NHS, a leading charity has warned. Getty Health news: in pictures A&E waits Waiting times in NHS accident and emergency (A&E) departments across England are at their worst in a decade. Figures released show emergency units are failing to see 95 per cent of patients within four-hour target. Getty Images Health news: in pictures You'll catch a cold In findings which they say give credence to countless maternal warnings about wearing a scarf, experts at Yale University found that viruses that cause the common cold replicate more effectively at the lower temperatures encountered in the extremities of the body such as the nose. Rex Health news: in pictures Rethinking calories Bodies do less work when eating foods that have been softened by cooking - so we keep more of the calories. Stale foods like day-old cooked spaghetti, or pizza, will give you fewer calories than the same foods eaten piping hot. Getty Creative Health news: in pictures New IVF treatment A senior science adviser has warned that plans to allow the creation of so-called three-parent in vitro fertilisation (IVF) babies as early as next year are premature because of unresolved safety concerns about the future health of the children Health news: in pictures Intracellular sigma peptide (ISP) drug to help paralysed people A drug that could eventually help paralysed people regain muscle movement and possibly even walk again has been discovered by scientists in the USA Corbis Health news: in pictures Stroke protection gene Scientists have discovered a gene that protects people from the most common cause of stroke in young and middle-aged people. The gene, which was isolated by studying the DNA of nearly 16,000 patients across the USA and Europe, also reduces the risk of migraines and could lower heart attack risk Rex Health news: in pictures Mediterranean diet to combat obesity Its long been known that a Mediterranean diet is linked to a longer life but it could make for a slimmer one too. Despite featuring food often high in fat and calories, a Mediterranean diet could help to tackle obesity and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes Rex Health news: in pictures Crying is good for you If youve ever thought it strange that you cry when youre happy, then youre not alone - but now scientists have discovered that tears are actually a logical response to joy. A Yale psychologist has carried out a series of studies which show that crying is the bodys way of restoring emotional equilibrium during a period of intense feeling Rex Health news: in pictures HIV could help cure cancer A man suffering with an aggressive form of leukaemia is now in remission after doctors used the HIV virus to target and kill cancer cells. The treatment is the result of two decades of research by Dr Carl June and his team at Penn Medicine, who produced a study on the leukaemia-specific killers Health news: in pictures Drinking while pregnant The official advice from the Department of Health and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) states in its guidelines that women should avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy, or that if they do choose to drink, it should be no more than one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week Rex Features Health news: in pictures A new virus that could make you stupid A new virus has been discovered, but rather than giving you a sore throat, it affects a very different part of the body. According to scientists in the US, the algae virus affects the human brain, and can impair our cognitive functions. Scientists are basically saying theres something we can catch that will make us stupid Getty Health news: in pictures New (STD) gonorrhea found A new strain of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) gonorrhoea which is resistant to a range of antibiotics has been identified in Australia. Known among scientists as A8806, the strain was discovered late last year in a European woman who was travelling in Australia. After she had sex with a new partner, she noticed she had unusual vaginal discharge a week later, and was diagnosed with the STD Photographer REX/CDC/Phanie Health news: in pictures "Kissing bug" disease Researchers at the annual gathering of tropical medicine experts have warned of a deadly "kissing bug"disease from abroad that is threatening world health. Called a silent killer because it's often hard to diagnose in the early stages, chagas is a parasitic infection that can lead to serious cardiac and intestinal complications and even death. It typically spreads through blood-sucking "kissing" bugs that bite on people's faces during the night and is estimated to affect seven to eight million people worldwide Getty Health news: in pictures Caesarean births Babies born through Caesarean section are more likely to develop autism, a new study claims. The surgical delivery raises the risk of the disorder by 23 per cent. Read more: http://ind.pn/1tAjKtU Rex Features Health news: in pictures Cocoa benefits Cocoa can help to slow and even reverse age-related memory loss. Scientists believe that flavanols, the antioxidants inside cocoa beans, can give people in their sixties the memory of a typical 30 or 40-year-old. Read more: http://ind.pn/1DSbWHc Reuters Health news: in pictures Feeling SAD New research has shown that one in three people in the UK suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the findings, women are 40 per cent more likely than men to experience symptoms of the condition sometimes referred to as winter depression. Read more: http://ind.pn/ZPOUlc Rex Health news: in pictures Cough medicine Cough medicines are a waste of money and no better than homemade remedies as there is "weak" evidence that they work, a leading doctor has warned. Read more: http://ind.pn/1wMjRBh Rex Health news: in pictures Crash diets Crash diets can be more successful than gradual weight loss, a new study has claimed, in a major contradiction of current dietary guidance. Read more: http://ind.pn/1DeElXE PA Health news: in pictures Diabetes breakthrough A breakthrough in type-1 diabetes, which affects about 400,000 children and adults in Britain, has resulted from a study showing that it is possible to make vast quantities of insulin-producing cells for patient transplants. Read more: http://bit.ly/1uQKFBL Health news: in pictures Ebola screening Prime Minister David Cameron has defended the decision to introduce enhanced screening for Ebola at major airports and terminals, saying it had been taken on "medical advice". Read more: http://ind.pn/ZykYtD Getty Images Health news: in pictures Cannabis study over 20 years Almost as many teenagers and young adults smoke cannabis as cigarettes, a study of the drugs effects on health has found. Read more: http://ind.pn/1vPar9W RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/Getty Images Health news: in pictures Anti-alcohol pill People who drink half a bottle of wine or more than three pints every night are being offered a life-saving pill to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume. Read more: http://ind.pn/1x5T4ki Getty Images Health news: in pictures Freezing eggs Healthy women who wish to delay starting a family until they are in their forties and fifties should be allowed to freeze their eggs in treatments currently reserved for cancer patients, international fertility experts have said. Read more: http://ind.pn/1vD4j4h Getty Images Health news: in pictures Red wine could combat acne Researchers sayResearchers at UCLA found the antioxidant resveratrol, which can be found in grapes, wine and berries, worked wonders when combined with the traditional acne treatment of benzoyl peroxide. Read more: http://ind.pn/1pHLhmB Getty Health news: in pictures Stub it out Britains ten million smokers are being encouraged to bin the cigarettes as part of the annual Stoptober campaign, which challenges everyone to quit for one month during October. Read more: http://ind.pn/1rqGPzl Getty Images Health news: in pictures The many benefits of olive oil Olive oil could help reverse a patients heart failure "immediately", scientists have claimed. Oleate - the fat found in the golden liquid - could help a diseased heart pump blood more effectively and use body fat as fuel, researchers at the University of Illinois have found. Read more: http://ind.pn/1uz2Zk7 SAIF DAHLAH/AFP/Getty Images Health news: in pictures The Scough The makers of a new scarf claim it could protect its wearers from catching flu this winter. Scough, which uses military-grade technology, embeds masks within their scarves or bandanas so as to look less outlandish to commuters, who the product is marketed at. Read more: http://ind.pn/1qS59nl SCOUGH Health news: in pictures All patients are not equal The Government fund that pays for life-extending drugs for terminally ill cancer patients undermines the NHS principle that all patients are equal, and gives a perverse incentive to drug companies to keep their prices high, a healthcare finance expert has claimed. Read more: http://ind.pn/1qNyJuf Getty Images Health news: in pictures Calorific cuts Soft drinks companies in the US have pledged to help cut the calories that Americans consume from their drinks by a fifth. Drinks giants the Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo Inc. and Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. promised to make the 20 per cent cut before 2025, as part of efforts to tackle the nations obesity crisis and escalating diabetes and heart disease rates. Read more: http://ind.pn/1rlyiLv Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Health news: in pictures Toughest anti-smoking laws France, where a Gauloise once hung from the bottom lip of every actor or intellectual, plans to move to one of the toughest anti-tobacco regimes in the world. As well as strict packaging rules, car drivers and passengers will be banned from lighting up in the presence of children. Read more http://ind.pn/1uN45VQ Getty Images Health news: in pictures Understanding anti-depressants Anti-depressant medication can affect a patients brain in just three hours, according to a new study. It was previously understood that SSRIs affect a patient over a period of weeks. Read more: http://ind.pn/1uQLxFx Getty Health news: in pictures Stress at work People fearful of losing their jobs are 60 per cent more likely to develop asthma for the first time as a result of their stress, according to a major new study. Read more: http://ind.pn/1tWBQpD Getty Health news: in pictures CoppaFeel! launches campaign The charity says the sexualisation of breasts has led to women thinking about their boobs only in terms of size, rather than feel, so they've launched a campaign to show breasts in a non-sexual way for cancer awareness. Read more: http://ind.pn/1v8dA2j Health news: in pictures Could the menopause be eliminated? A pioneering scientist has claimed the menopause could be eliminated within 20 years. Aubrey de Grey, a stem cell scientist, has claimed rapid progress in stem cell and regenerative therapies may mean the current limits on when women are able to conceive and give birth could vanish. Read more: http://ind.pn/1wA1YpS REX Health news: in pictures Blood tests for depression Depression could be diagnosed by a blood test, according to newly published American research, which has found chemicals in the blood of people with the condition. Read more: http://ind.pn/1wm6vw3 PA Health news: in pictures Public transport beats driving Taking public transport instead of driving to work appears to make people happier and helps them to sleep better, according to a new study. It is thought that the exercise taken to walk to the bus stop or station and then the relaxation while travelling helps to make people feel better. Read more: http://ind.pn/1uOiEbR Getty Health news: in pictures Spooning is not good for bad backs For the first time ever, scientists have successfully documented the way the spine moves during sex and discovered how certain positions are better than others when it comes to avoiding back pain. Read more: http://ind.pn/1BtdAxI Corbis Health news: in pictures Why you should wash your hands A virus can spread around a whole building within two hours of coming into contact with just one surface, a new study has found. A team at the University of Arizona, Tucson found that when a virus, for example the norovirus, contaminates a single doorknob or elevator button it spreads rapidly through entire office buildings, hotels or hospitals. Read more: http://ind.pn/1sbjIYh Wikicommons Health news: in pictures Our heads hurt The average Briton spends over a year of their life nursing a hangover - and it takes women two hours longer than men to recover. People will spend on average 315 days of their lives battling with inevitable headaches and nausea caused by a hard nights drinking, Macmillan Cancer Support estimates. Read more: http://ind.pn/1qWVjnF Getty Images Health news: in pictures The V word Half of young women are unable to properly label a vagina on a medical diagram, while 65 per cent have admitted they have a problem simply using the words vagina or vulva. Read more: http://ind.pn/Z4tm4f Thats quite a high figure if youre given that, youre going to go with it and I didnt want to look back and have any regrets. Data from the HFEA suggests that in the UK average birth rates using a donor embryo are around 25 per cent. The average IVF pregnancy rates for women over 40 using their own eggs in the UK, according to HFEA, are just 14 per cent. Though these figures do not account for the fertility of the individual and the skill of the clinic, the HFEA says that techniques in use around the world now are broadly similar and have broadly similar success. Kate, 44, tried IVF in the UK and in Spain but feels clinics need to be clearer with patients about success rates, and support those who are unsuccessful I look back and I was quite naive, I was given lots of information but none made it abundantly clear how low the chances were, Kate said. You are in the clinics hands really. You so want everything to work out for you that you will kind of hear what you want to hear and believe what they tell you. You need to be given really stark information, that this is the reality of getting pregnant. If someone sat me down at the beginning and said this is the stark reality of it all, these are the facts and figures youve left it too late before the amount of emotional stress and the money Ive spent, I may have made a different choice. Kate said that the clinics need to be much more transparent, but equally that there needed to be more support from them and the NHS when IVF does not work. Jayne, from Yorkshire, who also did not want to include her full name, told The Independent that success rates were a factor, but accessing treatment quickly was the reason they had gone and they were successful with IVF in Greece. I did read into success rates and, yes, these were a factor but more important to us was how the clinic worked, other success stories, other peoples experiences, she said. People who are sadly needing fertility treatment do become experts and will read around before jumping into treatment but, equally, we are desperate for success and will consider trying many things. A joint survey by the patient charity Fertility Network UK and Fertility Clinics Abroad found 44 per cent of respondents had been abroad but 93 per cent would consider that option. Half of these respondents said they believed success rates were higher overseas. In the UK clinics are inspected by the HFEA against its code of practice, which specifically says they should not highlight a high success rate that applies only to a small, selected group of patients on their websites. But they can't enforce this against visiting centres from overseas I was at the Fertility Show in Manchester a couple of weeks ago where clinics were advertising selective 98 per cent success rates, Sally Cheshire said at an event by the Progress Educational Trust this week. I challenged every single clinic whose stall I went round, and they said oh you know, its selective data. Prof Adam Balen, professor of reproductive medicine and surgery at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and former chair of the British Fertility Society, told The Independent: I think these shows are dangerous and misleading to the public, and a particularly vulnerable group. While the shows were important information sources for couples, he said he was appalled by some of the claims at Manchester, adding: Theres absolutely no way that a clinic can have a success rate of 90 per cent; even 60-70 per cent. In the UK the success rates of top clinics vary by just a few percentage points, and Professor Balen said he in conjunction with other groups is looking at setting up an alternative event for patients where overseas clinics could be vetted. Were also doing our utmost to get rid of the NHS funding postcode lottery, Prof Balen added. So theres less need for people to look elsewhere and be seduced by promises and false hope into going overseas. A snapshot survey of websites for clinics in Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Spain that exhibited at the show last month found many claiming success rates that were three or four times higher than the UK average. This includes Bahceci and IVF Cube, though the latter says it only provided leaflets and did not have a stand or attend the show. These claims do not always clearly specify the age of the women undergoing IVF, the technique used or how many cycles of embryo implantation they go through before a successful pregnancy. Ms Cheshire said that the HFEA would also be looking at the claims on UK clinic websites although these are absolutely not in the same category as those overseas. At the same event the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Lesley Regan, also warned UK clinics are not immune from using peoples desires to start a family to get them to part with thousands of pounds. I see women and men come in who have been given shoeboxes full of add-on therapies, and have spent thousands and thousands of pounds on non-evidence based treatments. I think [they] are effectively bullied into taking these by many clinics who say, well if you dont do what we say we cant guarantee the results. A warning last year by academics and regulators said expensive and potentially harmful drugs were being given out like Smarties. A spokesperson for IVF Cube said its results are validated every six months, and it offers services at a much more competitive price than the UK with no hidden extras. We do not sell false hope. Our 84 per cent success rate is based on the number of women who have become pregnant from a single egg collection, which can include up to 10-11 eggs. This is clearly stated on our website, they added. Laura Biggs, managing director of the UK Fertility Show, said: We have not been made aware of any specific concerns about the show, but would of course not condone giving anyone false hope and are keen to work closely with the HFEA to ensure all information given is clear and consistent. The Fertility Show is committed to providing credible and accurate information on all areas of fertility and, as such, we regularly review the editorial and exhibitor programme. A spokesperson for Bahceci said: "Regarding our success rate, please note that this figure is the cumulative pregnancy rate after three subsequent treatment cycles of egg or embryo donation, as mentioned on the website and on our leaflets present at the Fertility Show. They added that these were success rates of "up to" 97.82 per cent, and that live birth rates were usually 10 per cent lower than the pregnancy success rate of any given clinic. The Kremlin has accused Britain of staging the Douma chemical atrocity to manufacture a pretext for Western military action in Syria and dupe the international community into turning against the Assad regimes chief ally Russia. The dramatic escalation in the confrontation between London and Moscow came on a day which started with the Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov declaring that it has proof that a foreign intelligence service was involved in the attack. This was followed by Russias ambassador to Britain claiming that a Syrian emergency aid group which has received UK funding could have been responsible. Hours later came the formal charge of British culpability from the Kremlin, with the promise that the supposed evidence will be made public. Mr Lavrov maintained, we have irrefutable evidence that the special services of a state which is in the forefront of the Russophobic campaign had a hand in the staging" of the attack. Speaking at the embassy in London, ambassador Alexander Yakovenko maintained that the White Helmets, volunteers carrying out search and rescue after air strikes, were involved, adding: I am naming them because they have done things like this before. They are famous for staging attacks in Syria and they receive UK money. Then General Igor Konashenkov, spokesman at the defence ministry in Moscow charged: We have evidence that proves Britain was directly involved in organising this provocation. No evidence had been produced by the Kremlin so far to back up the claim of British involvement and the White Helmets have been routinely accused in the past, again without evidence, by the Syrian regime and their allies of being rebel fighters using their aid work as cover. The UK, however, has been accused by Russia since the attempted murders in Salisbury of former MI6 agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia of orchestrating a Russophobic campaign which has led to the expulsion of Russians working under diplomatic accreditation from Western capitals. Mr Yakovenko held the Syrian government had been warning for at least a month that rebels are prepared to stage a provocation with chemical weapons in this very area. He blamed notorious groups like the White Helmets which have received support of the UK government and have been proved more than once to have staged attacks, he said. The narrative of the Syrian regime and Russia appeared to be contradictory with some accounts claiming that the rebels had staged their own chemical attack while others held that Russian chemical monitors who had visited Douma have found no sign of contamination. The Russian defence ministry has produced testimony from medical workers in Douma that a team with video cameras had entered medical facilities and started a panic by claiming there had been a chemical attack. Alexander Yakovenko: No evidence Syrian government was behind chemical attack Condemning what he termed as military action based on a falsehood, Mr Lavrov said: God forbid something adventurous will be undertaken in Syria similar to the Libyan or Iraqi experience. A number of references were made at the Russian embassy press conference to Britains part in the Iraq invasion,m with a montage of Tony Blairs speeches in which he stated his form belief in 2003 that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction to admitting later that they had not actually existed. Moscow, in a statement via the embassy accused the UK of hypocrisy over Douma, saying that it supported an independent investigation while, at the same time, there were worrying reports about London pressing ahead with preparations for the military action against Syria. It said: Military strikes may be used to cover up all evidence, or lack thereof, on the ground. Such a decision, if its taken, is in violation of the international law and the Charter of the United Nations may well mark the latest in a series of the reckless military actions of the UK. The infamous aggression against Iraq in 2003 immediately comes to mind when the then prime minister, Tony Blair, deliberately misinformed the Parliament and the public. It is well known how it ended, with the Chilcot inquiry delivering a condemnatory verdict. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are due in Douma to collect samples which will then be analysed back in Turkey or Jordan. The US Fifth Fleet the naval force for the region which may be needed if there is a substantial military operation, is not due to be off Syria until early next week. Meanwhile French president Emmanuel Macron, who was one of the early drum beaters for military action, and claims that his government has proof of chemical attack in Douma, said he wants more dialogue with Russia after a telephone call with Vladimir Putin to maintain and step up to bring peace and stability back to Syria. Vladimir Putin has warned his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron against ill-considered and dangerous actions in Syria. In a phone call over the escalating situation, Mr Macron expressed his deep concerns with the Russian leader. According to a statement by the French presidency, Mr Macron called for dialogue between France and Russia to continue and intensify to bring peace and stability to Syria. The Kremlin readout said that Mr Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government before conducting a thorough and objective probe". The Russian leader warned against ill-considered and dangerous actions ... that would have consequences beyond conjecture". Both Mr Putin and Mr Macron instructed their foreign and defence ministers to maintain close contact to de-escalate the situation, the Kremlin said. Russian officials both in Moscow and speaking at the United Nations alleged quickly after Saturday's suspected attack that the images of the victims in Douma were fake. A suspected poison gas attack in the suburbs of the Syrian capital, which killed more than 40 people, has drawn international outrage. The US, France and Britain have been consulting about launching a military strike in Syria. France is reported to be one of the strongest backers of a possible strike, which Russia is strongly opposed to. Speaking on French national television on Thursday, Mr Macron said France had proof that the Syrian government launched chlorine gas attacks and had crossed a line that could prompt French air strikes. On Friday, Russias foreign minister said the suspected chemical attack in Douma was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Speaking to reporters, Sergei Lavrov said Russian experts had inspected the site of the alleged attack and found no trace of chemical weapons. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Lavrov said Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication". He said that intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication". The use of blanket stop and search powers has risen four-fold in London amid a spike in violent crime which has seen children as young as 13 stabbed on the streets. The Metropolitan Police commissioner, Cressida Dick, said weapons were too freely available in the capital, where there have been more than 50 murders since the start of the year. Arrests have been made in 43 of the cases, and charges brought in 33, with Ms Dick warning that some investigations were being met with a wall of silence. Police are intensifying efforts to seize weapons including guns and knives before they can be used, increasing stop and searches following several years of decline amid controversy over alleged racial profiling. Section 60 powers, which allows officers to search anyone in a designated area without suspicion if there is a risk of violence, has been used 106 times in London in the past year, up from 23 in the previous 12 months. A total of 1,571 people were searched in the capital using the power between April 2017 until March 2018, compared with fewer than 400 people searched in each of the three previous years, according to figures obtained by the BBC. Chief Constable Sara Thornton, chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, warned last week that a backlash against the controversial powers had gone too far. Amber Rudd claims no link between cuts to police and youth services and spike in violent crime This power may have been used too freely in the past, but the pendulum has now swung too far in the opposite direction, she said, after officers told how they feared being accused of racism during stops. Ms Dick said the Metropolitan Police is finding an increasing amount of weapons thanks to the law and the Sceptre anti-knife crime operation, which saw 199 firearms and 3,751 knives and offensive weapons seized. "Weapons are too freely available on the streets of London and we need to keep taking them off the streets, she added. "Most young people never get involved in crime, most young people are not affected by crime, but in some of our communities there is a very real fear - and indeed for many parents there is a very realistic fear - that a member of their family could get involved and get hurt. Numerous teenagers are among the victims attacked in London so far this year, including a 13-year-old boy who was stabbed in Manor Park, East London on 5 April. Many attacks remain unsolved, including the murder of 19-year-old Kelvin Odunuyi, who was shot in the head while standing outside a cinema in Haringey last month. The drive-by shooting was believed to be part of an escalating postcode war between rival gangs in Wood Green and Tottenham, amid fears the phenomenon is driving tit-for-tat violence across London. Asked why the rate of solved murders has fallen to 72 per cent, the commissioner said it was hard to reach the standard of proof required by courts in many gang-linked killings involving multiple suspects. "A lot of these cases are not classic whodunits - more often than not we have a good idea of who was involved. Proving which one of those people did that is hard, she added. The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Show all 21 1 /21 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo, 18, was killed in a fight in Chislehurst on 10 January 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Hasan Ozcan Hasan Ozcan, 19, was stabbed to death on the Gascoigne Estate in Barking on 3 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Sabri Chibani Sabri Chibani, 19, was stabbed fatally in the chest in Streatham on 11 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Promise Nkenda Lord Promise Nkenda, 17, was stabbed to death in Canning Town on 14 February 2018 Facebook The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lewis Blackman Lewis Blackman, a 19-year-old rapper from Kentish Town, was stabbed to death in Kensington on 18 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Abdikarim Hassan Abdikarim Hassan, 17, was stabbed to death near his home in Camden's Peckwater estate on 20 March - less tahan two hours before another man was stabbed to death nearby Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Kelvin Odunuyi Kelvin Odunuyi, a 19-year-old rapper known as DipDat and Lampz, was shot dead in Wood Green on 8 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lyndon Davis Lyndon Davis, 18, was chased down and stabbed to death in Chadwell Heath on 14 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Tanesha Melbourne-Blake Tanesha Melbourne, 17, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Tottenham on 2 April PA The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Amaan Shakoor Amaan Shakoor, 16, was shot dead in Walthamstow on 2 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Israel Ogunsola Israel Ogunsola, 18, was stabbed to death in Hackney on 4 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, a 17-year-old rapper and aspiring architect, was shot dead in a Kennington Street on 5 May Handout The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jordan Douherty Aspiring rapper Jordan Douherty died of his injuries outside a birthday party in Romford on 23 June Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Katrina Makunova Katrina Makunova, 17, was stabbed to death in Camberwell on 12 July 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Latwaan Griffiths 18-year-old Latwaan Griffiths was fatally stabbed on 25 July and died in hospital after being thrown off the back of a moped in Camberwell Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Guled Farah Guled Farah, 19, was shot in Walthamstow on 22 September Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Ethan Nedd-Bruce Ethan Nedd-Bruce, 18, died after he was shot outside a party at a flat in Greenwich, south-east London, on 22 October. He had also been stabbed, but the gunshot wound was the cause of death. Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jay Hughes Jay Hughes, 15, died was fatally stabbed outside a chicken shop in Bellingham, south-east London, on 1 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Malcolm Mide-Madariola Malcolm Mide-Madariola, 17, was found suffering from a stab wound outside Clapham South Tube station on 2 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 John Ogunjobi John Ogunjobi, 16, died in front of his parents after he was stabbed in Greenleaf Close, Tulse Hill, on 5 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Aron Warren Aron Warren, 18, was found stabbed in a flat block in Greenwich on 8 December and died at the scene Metropolitan Police "Very often nobody wants to tell us anythingthese are hard cases to prove and tragic for the family if we cannot prove them." The rise in stabbings and shootings across London has sparked new initiatives from the government, which has passed more powers to mayor Sadiq Khan so a bespoke response can be formed in London. This week, the Government laid out a new 114-page strategy to combat serious violence, which detailed a range of possible factors including the use of social media to intensify gang wars and changes in the drugs market. Commander Jim Stokley, who heads the Trident gang unit, said officers had held meetings with senior representatives of social media companies about removing content that provokes violence such as YouTube videos. The strategy was heavily criticised for failing to mention the plummeting number of police officers in Britain, which fell to the lowest number on record in September as recorded crime rose by 14 per cent nationwide. Amber Rudd insisted that the governments preferred measure of the Crime Survey of England and Wales shows crime is falling and denied seeing a leaked Home Office document suggesting cuts had likely contributed to rising violence. Research carried out as part of the Serious Violence Strategy said offenders may have been encouraged by the lack of police resources and fall in charge rates. The government has repeatedly refused appeals from police forces for a blanket increase in funding to combat increased demand, violence and the terror threat, while critics have accused Conservatives of fuelling gang crime with cuts to youth services that are vital to prevention work. On Friday, Mr Khan accused the government of taking a wrecking ball to services amounting to almost 70m of cuts across London councils. The Tories have been desperately weak on crime - and as these shocking new statistics show - desperately weak on the causes of crime too, the mayor said. Recommended Pioneering programme leads fight against knife crime in London The only people who are responsible for violent crimes are the criminals. And we need a properly funded police service to target them. "But you simply can't take a wrecking ball to youth services in this way without impacting on crime. A pioneering joint project in Islington that guides teenagers at risk of being drawn into gangs away from criminality into education and work is showing early signs of success, but relies on council investment that has not been mirrored elsewhere. The Home Office has announced a new 11m Early Intervention Youth Fund for community projects and 3.6m for a centre coordinating work against county lines drug gangs, who frequently use children in their work. We need to engage with our young people early and to provide the incentives and credible alternatives that will prevent them from being drawn into crime in the first place, Ms Rudd said earlier this week. I am clear that we must do whatever it takes to tackle this so that no parent has to bury their child. Additional reporting by PA A wealthy Russian whistle-blower may have been poisoned during a romantic meal in Paris, an inquest heard. The "number one suspect" in the death of Alexander Perepilichnyy is seafood he ate during a dinner with his lover in the city, it was claimed. But a "malignant" poisoner at the Japanese restaurant could also be to blame, Coroner Nicholas Hilliard QC was told at London's Old Bailey, where he is trying to establish whether the 44-year-old died of natural causes or if he was murdered. The married father-of-two, collapsed while out jogging near his home in Weybridge, Surrey, in November 2012, the inquest heard. The night before his death, he spent the night with his secret ex-model girlfriend, Elmira Medynska, 28, at the Buddha Bar in the French capital. The Old Bailey has heard he sent back "bad" tempura prawn and ate either sushi or sashimi then vomited repeatedly when he got back to his hotel. Giving evidence on Wednesday, Ms Medynska said: "I think maybe he vomited because it was not good food in the restaurant." Bob Moxon Browne QC, for Legal and General Assurance said: "It seems likely that Mr Perepilichnyy ate something that disagreed with him on the night before his death. That could have been because someone malignantly put poison in his food." Elmira Medynska (social media) The inquest heard that the Russian national was attempting to expose a 150 million money-laundering scheme. Giving evidence, cardiologist Dr Peter Wilmshurst said histamine or scombroid poisoning could result from eating long distance fish and that there were some known cases of people who had died from it. But he added: "It's rarely fatal. Asked if such a food poisoning may have led to the death, he said: "If one accepts he had scombroid fish poisoning that night then dies the next day having had a condition 18 hours earlier. If you cannot find any other reason, that becomes the number one suspect. The big problem is there are so many unknowns." UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA Surrey Police concluded within six months of Mr Perepilichnyys death that there had been no third-party involvement in his demise but subsequent toxicology tests indicated that poisoning may have been a factor. Toxicologist Professor Robin Ferner said, in evidence, there were plants which could cause severe vomiting followed by delayed-action poisoning such as alkaloid Colchicine. None, however, was found in Mr Perepilichnyys body. He added he felt it unlikely that fish poisoning caused the cardiac arrhythmia which killed the Russian. And he told the court that while tests for poisons had been "extensive" they had not been "exhaustive". The inquest continues. Police investigating the death of a Russian whistle-blower lost evidence of threats, multi-million pound bank transfers and links to a major money laundering scheme, an inquest heard. A civilian police translator said she flagged up the material while going through logs taken from the computer of Alexander Perepilichnyy, who died while jogging near his home in Weybridge in November 2012. But two disks which were thought to contain the evidence were later found to be blank with no copies made, Coroner Nicholas Hilliard QC was told at London's Old Bailey. The inquest is trying to establish whether the 44-year-old died of natural causes or was murdered. Lucas Fear-Segal, for Perepilichnyy's life insurers Legal and General, told translator Ekaterina Clarke-O'Connell: "Essentially, the original documents you looked at have gone missing. "It's either the fault of Surrey Police or South East Counter Terrorism Unit (Sectu) and back-up cannot be accessed by Surrey Police so all we have got is you." Asked to recall documents she saw, Ms Clarke-OConnell said: They were work-related to the deceased. We were given trigger words that could show threats, anything unusual, money laundering activities, some names. She added: I have seen large sums of money going in and out of different accounts... If you think to see something suspicious, these large sums of money, as a human, you think something is not right. My job was to flag up something mentioning large sums of money, which I did." Asked to recalled figures, she said sums of 310 were being moved through accounts. She also revealed she found threatening text messages. One demanded Perepilichnyy pay the equivalent of 6,000 in roubles or face prison, she said. Another threatened him not to do anything silly because we have everything under control". Ms Clarke-O'Connell also confirmed she found nothing to indicate the father-of-twos health was of concern. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty At the time he died, Perepilichnyy was helping UK-based Bill Browder's Hermitage Capital Investment to expose a $230 million (142 million) money laundering operation. He was also fighting a legal challenge by a debt recovery firm allegedly led by Dmitry Kovtun, the prime suspect in the killing of Alexander Litvinenko a high-profile Russian defector who was poisoned in London in 2006. But in December 2012, investigating officer Detective Superintendent Ian Pollard told the Home Office that he found no connection between Mr Perepilichnyy and Mr Kovtun. He said he did not know at the time Mr Kovtun was linked to the debt recovery firm Jsa, which brought the lawsuits, adding that he did not make inquiries abroad as "there is no evidence of murder or poison". The inquest had previously heard that Mr Perepilichnyy violently vomited after a restaurant meal with secret girlfriend Elmira Medynska in Paris the night before he died. The inquest continues. Hundreds of people staged a protest outside a hospital caring for terminally ill toddler Alfie Evans, after judges set a date for his life support to be withdrawn. Police were called after crowds gathered outside Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool where the 23-month-old is being treated. His parents who want to discharge the toddler and continue treatment elsewhere, said they had been prevented from from doing so by hospital staff. Earlier this week a High Court judge expressed sympathy for Tom and Kate Evans over their sons condition, but endorsed an end-of-life care plan drawn up by specialists. Alfie, born in May 2016, is in a semi-vegetative state and has a degenerative neurological condition doctors have not definitively diagnosed. His parents, both in their 20s and from Liverpool, have lost legal fights over the toddlers treatment in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and European Court of Human Rights. In February, Mr Justice Hayden ruled doctors could stop treating Alfie against the wishes of his parents, following hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Liverpool. During a follow-up hearing in London, he described what had happened to Alfie has profoundly unfair but set a date and time for his life support to be stopped. Judges have ruled Alfie Evans life support should be withdrawn (PA) A video posted to Facebook on Thursday showed an emotional Mr Evans by his sons hospital bed, holding a letter which he says states he has the right to leave with his child. He said police and hospital staff were stopping him from taking away his son. I have documentation that says I have the right to take my son out of the hospital, I have the right to take my son out of this hospital, he said in the clip, while holding a leaded headed Christian Legal Centre. Mr Evans claimed the documentation allowed him to leave legally and that he has removed the duty of care and given it to their air ambulance company. Alder Hey phoned the police to murder my son, he added. Alder Hey have phoned the police to stop me from taking my son out of the hospital. This is my son. Look at my healthy, healthy young boy who is undiagnosed, who is certainly not dying. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA During the two-and-a-half minute clip he also encouraged people to come to the hospital to stand outside and tell them to release our son in a quiet protest. He added: They have phoned the police over a child... Look how innocent the boy is, look at him, he lies there eagerly waiting for his trip home. How can this come to this? In other clips posted on social media, hundreds of people were seen gathered outside the hospital, holding banners reading Alfies army and chanting let him go. Reports on Twitter suggested up to 1,000 people were at the demonstration, which lasted for more than four hours and ended with Mr Evans leading crowds on a march away from the hospital. Dozens of police officers could be seen in videos posted online, which also showed buses turning back as protesters sat in the road. Merseyside Police confirmed officers had attended the scene and appealed to protesters to be respectful. Taking to Twitter, he force said: We can confirm that officers are at Alder Hey to monitor a peaceful protest tonight, Thursday 12 April. Please note that access to the hospital is currently being disrupted and protesters are asked to be respectful of other patients and visitors trying to access the location. The Independent has approached Alder Hey Childrens Hospital for a comment but none had arrived at the time of publication. The parents of a seriously ill 23-month-old boy are to mount a new legal challenge after judges ruled his life support should be stopped. Tom Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, will ask the Court of Appeal to allow Alfie Evans to continue to receive treatment. The couple, from Liverpool, have already lost fights in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and European Court of Human Rights during a months-long legal battle. Recommended Hundreds protest at hospital over toddler on life support On Thursday, hundreds of people protested outside Aldey Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool after Mr Evans said he should be allowed to take the toddler home. This week a High Court judge set a date for Alfies life support to be switched off, against his parents wishes, after medics said his condition would not improve. His parents want him to be moved to a hospital in Rome or Germany to continue treatment. Appeal court officials said a new hearing had now been listed for Monday. In February, Mr Justice Hayden ruled doctors at Alder Hey could stop treating Alfie following hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Liverpool. On Wednesday, the judge conceded Alfie's plight was profoundly unfair but endorsed a detailed plan put forward by medics for withdrawing life-support treatment. He said the plan could not be published because Alfie was entitled to privacy at the end of his life. Legal advisers representing the couple say they will ask appeal court judges to overturn at least one decision made by Mr Justice Hayden on Wednesday. Court officials said judges had decided that Alfie should continue to receive treatment pending Mondays Court of Appeal hearing. Courts have heard that Alfie, born in May 2016, is in a semi-vegetative state and has a degenerative neurological condition that doctors have not definitively diagnosed. Specialists at Alder Hey said life-support treatment should stop and Mr Justice Hayden accepted medical evidence which showed further treatment was futile. Court of Appeal judges upheld his ruling, while Supreme Court justices and European Court of Human Rights judges refused to intervene. Alfies parents have complained that the state is wrongly interfering with their parental choice. Alfie Evans' dad Tom is cheered by crowd of protestors outside hospital A video posted to Facebook on Thursday showed an emotional Mr Evans by his sons hospital bed, holding a letter which he says states he has the right to leave with his child. He said police and hospital staff were stopping him from taking away his son. I have documentation that says I have the right to take my son out of the hospital, he said in the clip, while holding a leaded headed Christian Legal Centre. Mr Evans claimed the documentation allowed him to leave legally and that he has removed the duty of care and given it to their air ambulance company. During the two-and-a-half minute clip he also encouraged people to come to the hospital to stand outside and tell them to release our son in a quiet protest. He added: They have phoned the police over a child... Look how innocent the boy is, look at him, he lies there eagerly waiting for his trip home. How can this come to this? His appeal prompted hundreds of people to gather outside the hospital holding banners reading Alfies army and chanting Let him go. Police said the protest was peaceful, although some demonstrators blocked nearby roads, bringing traffic to a standstill. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Serena Kennedy said: Although peaceful, the large protest that took place tonight did cause significant traffic disruption and inconvenience for other people trying to access the hospital. I want to remind people to please consider other hospital users, as these delays could have caused serious problems for staff and patients alike. We fully understand what a sensitive and emotional time this is for everyone involved and I would also therefore like to pass on our appreciation for the way in which Alfies family were later able to speak to the crowd and offer assurance and calm. A hospital spokesman said: Last night the hospital experienced significant disruption, due to a large protest concerning one of our patients. We wish to pay tribute to our amazing staff, who worked tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions to manage the implications of this disruption. Alder Hey is a special place with highly skilled staff who dedicate their lives to caring for and looking after thousands of sick and ill children every year. Our priority will always be to protect and look after the welfare of all patients and staff and to continue to provide outstanding care to our patients and families, which we know is recognised by colleagues across the NHS and in the wider public beyond. The only remaining lion tamer in the UK has been banned from using big cats in his shows. Thomas Chipperfield, 28, from Winchester in Hampshire, has two lions and a tiger he keeps in Cannock, Staffordshire and comes from a long line of wild animal trainers. But the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it refused to grant Mr Chipperfield a renewed licence. Mr Chipperfields appeal against the decision was dismissed by North Staffordshire Magistrates Court in January. The court said the appeal was rejected because he would be unable to maintain suitable care plans for the cats and provide written itineraries. The lion tamer said he planned to appeal again and no welfare concerns had been brought up. Speaking to the BBC, Mr Chipperfield said pursuing a second appeal limited what he was able to say, but that he had consistently acted in good faith with my team on the advice given by the circus licensing panel and their inspectors. He added their advice was often conflicting. The use of wild animals in travelling circuses will be banned from 2020, the Government said earlier this year, after animal welfare advocates campaigned to outlaw the practice. The current Regulations expire on 19 January 2020, Defra said in a report. The Government does not intend to renew the regulations as it intends to ensure that a legislative ban is introduced by then. The regulations will then be allowed to expire. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty There are two circuses in the UK which currently have wild animal licences - Circus Mondao and Peter Jollys Circus. The circuses have 19 animals between them: six reindeer, four zebra, three camels, three raccoons, a fox, a macaw and a zebu. A woman was attacked on a London Underground night train for speaking Spanish. The 24-year-old was left with head injuries after she was set upon by two female passengers who pulled her hair during what police described as a vicious assault. They told the woman she should be speaking English in England. The incident which is being treated as a racially-aggravated crime occurred on the Central Line at 3.45am on Saturday. The woman suffered cuts to her face and scalp. A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: The victim a 24-year-old woman was talking to some friends in Spanish. Two nearby women heard her and started shouting at her, saying she should be talking English when in England. They then grabbed her hair and pulled her around by her hair. This resulted in injuries to her scalp and cuts to her face. Men play-fighting on Green Park Tube platform nearly hit by train The women were both black and had braided hair. They were believed to be in their late 20s and one was wearing a brown jacket, while the other was wearing a black jacket. UK news in pictures Show all 51 1 /51 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA The train was travelling from Liverpool Street to Stratford. Officers are looking at CCTV from the stations and would like to speak to anyone who was in the carriage. A competition to be crowned queen of a British seaside town has been opened to boys for the first time in more than a century after no girls put themselves forward. Every year since 1897, Whitstable in Kent has chosen a Miss Whitstable a queen and a number of princesses. The winners take part in a carnival parade, open local fairs and give speeches. Organisers of the towns local carnival waited for two hours as selections were held at Whitstable Castle on Sunday, but no one attended Recommended Tess Holliday reveals distress of competing in teenage beauty pageant Whitstable Carnival Association posted about the lack of interest on its Facebook page, where the competition was criticised for being archaic and sexist. Morag Warren wrote: I wouldnt want my daughter going for this to be honest ... makes me a bit squeamish. A beauty parade for 13 to 16-year-old girls? The carnival could and should be brilliant without this relic. Quite chuffed that Whitstable parents have rejected this. Secretary of the Whitstable Carnival Association, Carol Simmons, said the selection event would be rescheduled and boys would be allowed to enter. She told Kent Online the association had only allowed girls to enter the competition in the past mainly because boys might not want to sit on a float and wave. She said the Miss Whitstable competition was definitely not a beauty pageant, saying successful entrants must have a nice personality, not just a pretty face. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 Arsenals Takehiro Tomiyasu attempts to control the ball during the Premier League match at The Emirates Stadium PA UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA Ms Simmons added: If boys are willing to do it, they will have to conform with our rules and regulations. We cant have people running around all over the place and misbehaving. One former Miss Whitstable, Sophie Goldsmith, said in a Facebook post: All the girls I know that have had the pleasure of representing Whitstable have turned into wonderful, successful people, and most of them attribute some of this to what they learned whilst in carnival. Russian intelligence agencies were spying on Sergei and Yulia Skripal for at least five years before they were targeted with a nerve agent, Britain has said. In a letter to Nato, national security adviser Sir Mark Sedwill revealed that they were the subject of interest from the Kremlins security services since 2013. He said email accounts belonging to Ms Skripal had been targeted by cyber specialists with Russias GRU intelligence agency, where her father was a colonel while passing secrets to Britain as a double agent. Sir Mark said that even after being convicted of espionage and handed over in a high-profile spy swap, Mr Skripal may still have been seen as a target. It is highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination, he added. Only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and the motive for the Salisbury attack. The full letter from Sir Mark to Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg can be seen below: Thank you again for your invitation to me to brief the North Atlantic Council on 15 March regarding the recent attack in Salisbury. I am pleased that we have been able to remain in close contact with you and Nato allies following this attack and particularly grateful for the measures taken by you and many allies in response. As you will be aware, yesterday the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) published their report summarising the analysis of environmental and biomedical samples relating to the investigation into the attempted assassination of Mr Skripal and his daughter. As signatories to the Chemical Weapons Convention, all Nato allies have received the full report and several will take part in next Wednesdays meeting of the OPCW executive council which the UK has called. The OPCWs analysis matches the Defence Science and Technology Laboratorys own, confirming once again the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical of high purity that was used in Salisbury. OPCW have always been clear that it was their role to identify what substance was used, not who was responsible. I would like to share with you and allies further information regarding our assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible for the Salisbury attack. Only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and the motive. First, the technical means. DSTL scientific analysis found that Sergey and Yulia Skripal were poisoned using a specific Novichok nerve agent. OPCWs analysis confirmed the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical. This was found in environmental samples taken at the scene and in biomedical samples from both Skripals and police sergeant Nick Bailey, the first responder. DSTL established that the highest concentrations were found on the handle of Mr Skripals front door. These are matters of fact. But, of course, the DSTL anal ysis does not identify the country or laboratory of origin of the agent used in this attack. A combination of credible open-source reporting and intelligence shows that in the 1980s the Soviet Union developed a new class of fourth generation nerve agents, known as Novichoks. The key institute responsible for this work was a branch of the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikhany near Volgograd. The code word for the offensive chemical weapons programme (of which Novichoks were one part) was FOLIANT. It is highly likely that Novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international chemical weapons controls. The Russian state has previously produced Novichoks and would still be capable of doing so. Russias chemical weapons programme continued after the collapse of the Soviet Union. By 1993, when Russia signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), it is likely that some Novichoks had passed acceptance testing, allowing their use by the Russian military. Russias CWC declaration failed to report any work on Novichoks. Russia further developed some Novichoks after ratifying the convention. In the mid-2000s, president Putin was closely involved in the Russian chemical weapons programme. It is highly unlikely that any former Soviet republic (other than Russia) pursued an offensive chemical weapons programme after independence. It is unlikely that Novichoks could be made and deployed by non-state actors (eg a criminal or terrorist group), especially at the level of purity confirmed by OPCW. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA Second, operational experience. Russia has a proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination. The Owen Report from the UKs public inquiry into the death of Aleksandr Litvinenko concluded in January 2016 that he was deliberately poisoned with Polonium 210, that there was a strong probability that the FSB directed the operation and that president Putin probably approved it. Commenting on other suspected assassinations between 2002-2006 Sir Robert Owen wrote: These cases suggest that in the years prior to Mr Litvinenkos death, the Russian state may have been involved in the assassination of Mr Putins critics and that the Russian state may have sponsored attacks against its opponents using poisons. Since 2006, there have been numerous suspected Russian state-sponsored assassinations outside the former Soviet Union. During the 2000s, Russia commenced a programme to test means of delivering chemical warfare agents and to train personnel from special units in the use of these weapons. This programme subsequently included investigation of ways of delivering nerve agents, including by application to door handles. Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities of Novichoks under the same programme. Third, the motive. Sergei Skripal was a former Russian military intelligence (GRU) officer, convicted of espionage in 2004. It is highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination. We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skripals, dating back at least as far as 2013, when e-mail accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists. We therefore continue to judge that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible. There is no plausible alternative explanation. I would of course be pleased to brief you or Nato allies further regarding this attack. I know that Nato will remain seized of the need to confront the increasingly aggressive pattern of Russia behaviour of which the attack in Salisbury was an acute and recent example. I am copying this letter to the delegations of all Nato allies as well as the delegations of other EU member states to Nato. I will also send a copy to the Office of the high representative of the european union for foreign affairs and security policy. Russia has been spying on Sergei and Yulia Skripal for at least five years and investigated how to launch nerve agent attacks using door handles, Britain has said. In a letter to Nato, national security adviser Sir Mark Sedwill revealed that they were the subject of interest from the Kremlins security services since 2013. He said email accounts belonging to Ms Skripal had been targeted by cyber specialists with Russias GRU intelligence agency, where her father was a colonel while passing secrets to Britain as a double agent. Sir Mark said that even after being convicted of espionage and handed over in a high-profile spy swap, Mr Skripal may still have been seen as a target. It is highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination, he added. We continue to judge that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals, and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible. There is no plausible alternative explanation. An independent investigation by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed that a class of nerve agents known as novichoks were used in the assassination attempt. Police said the substance was put on the front door of Mr Skripals home in Salisbury, poisoning him and his daughter on 4 March, along with one of the first police officers to respond. Salisbury poisoning: Yulia Skripal discharged from hospital Sir Mark said Russia investigated the delivery of nerve agents using door handles in a chemical weapons programme started in the 2000s, when special units were allegedly trained to apply the chemicals. Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities of novichoks under the same programme, he added. The OPCW said it had verified the UKs analysis of the agent used but did not ascribe responsibility, sending the name and structure of the chemical to nations including Russia in a classified report. It noted that the substance used was of high purity a characteristic claimed by the British government to point to state involvement. Sir Mark said the former Soviet Union developed novichok nerve agents primarily at the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikhany, as part of a wider programme codenamed Foliant. It is highly likely that novichoks were developed to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international chemical weapons controls, he added. The Russian state has previously produced novichoks, and would still be capable of doing so. Vladimir Putins government has repeatedly denied any involvement in the Salisbury attack, or breaking the Chemical Weapons Convention, and says all its stockpiles were destroyed. But Sir Mark told Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that Russias chemical weapons programme continued after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and novichoks were being used by the military by the time it signed the convention in 1993. Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack Members of the emergency services in hazard suits fix the tent over the bench where Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury in March 2018. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Sergei Skripal The retired Russian colonel and former double agent for MI6 was in a critical condition in hospital for more than two months after being exposed to novichok in Salisbury. He was given refuge in the UK after being jailed in Moscow for treason. Mr Skripal came to Britain as part of a high-profile spy swap in 2010 in which four men were exchanged for ten Russian "sleeper agents" in the US. In this image he is speaking to his lawyer from behind bars in Moscow in 2006. AP Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Yulia Skripal Yulia Skripal was struck down by a novichok poison alongside her father Sergei. Facebook Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack A police officer stands guard outside a branch of the Italian chain restaurant Zizzi where the pair dined at before falling ill. It was boarded off whilst investigators worked on the building and later found traces of the chemical weapon within it. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack Large areas of central Salisbury were cordoned off by police following the discovery of the Skripals. Traces of nerve agent were also found in The Mill pub. PA Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Nick Bailey Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, rushed to the aid of the Russian ex-spy and his daughter who were targeted with a nerve agent. He was hospitalized after aiding them and didn't leave until three weeks after the attack. Wiltshire Police/Rex Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation - Skripals home Police believe they were poisoned at home, and detectives found the highest concentration of novichok on the front door of Mr Skripals house. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Theresa May visits scene of attack Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May spokes with Wiltshire Police's Chief Constable Kier Pritchard near where the Skripal's were found. Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats over the nerve agent poisoning and suspended high-level contacts, including for the World Cup on March 14. Theresa May told parliament that Russia had failed to respond to her demand for an explanation on how a Soviet-designed chemical, Novichok, was used in Salisbury. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Skripal days before attack Sergei Skripal days before he was exposed to Novichok, that has left him fighting for life. ITV News Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation - military involvement British soldiers were deployed soon after the attack to help a counter-terrorism investigation into the nerve agent attack. One of the places they were asked to help out with was Skripal's home and it's surrounding. They were asked to remove a vehicle connected to the agent attack in Salisbury, from a residential street in Gillingham. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation Personnel in protective coveralls and breathing equipment cover an ambulance with a tarpaulin at the Salisbury District Hospital. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation The investigation extended to the grave of Sergei Skripal's son Alexander in London Road cemetery. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation The Counter Terrorism Policing Network requested assistance from the military to remove a number of vehicles and objects from Salisbury. EPA Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Home Secretary visits scene of attack Home Secretary Amber Rudd visited the scene of the nerve agent attack at the Maltings shopping centre on 9 March. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Yulia Skripal speaks for the first time Yulia Skripal, speaking for the first time, said she felt lucky to have survived the nerve agent attack in Salisbury which left her fighting for life. Ms Skripal said her life had been turned upside down by the assassination attempt. But the Russian national added she hoped to return to her homeland one day, despite the Kremlin being blamed for the attack. Reuters He accused Russia of failing to report its work on novichoks at the time and continuing to develop the weapons after ratifying the convention, alleging that Vladimir Putin himself was involved in the programme in the mid-2000s. It is highly unlikely that any former Soviet republic other than Russia pursued an offensive chemical weapons programme after independence, the letter concluded. It is unlikely that novichoks could be made and deployed by non-state actors such as a criminal or terrorist group, especially at the level of purity confirmed by OPCW. Citing the radioactive poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, Sir Mark said Russia had a proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination. A public inquiry led by judge Sir Robert Owen, which concluded in 2016, said Russia had previously been involved in the assassination of its opponents using poisons. The UK has called a meeting of the OPCWs executive council on Wednesday, which will include several Nato members. I know that Nato will remain seized of the need to confront the increasingly aggressive pattern of Russia behaviour of which the attack in Salisbury was an acute and recent example, Sir Mark said. Ms Skripal, 33, is recovering in a secret location after being discharged from hospital, where her father remains seriously ill. In a statement, she confirmed she had rejected a kind offer of consular assistance from the Russian embassy for the time being. Tensions between Russia and the UK have worsened further over an alleged chemical attack in Syria (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets via AP) (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP) I want to stress that no one speaks for me, or for my father, but ourselves, Ms Skripal said. I am still suffering with the effects of the nerve agent used against us. I find myself in a totally different life than the ordinary one I left just over a month ago, and I am seeking to come to terms with my prospects, whilst also recovering from this attack on me. In a press conference at the Russian embassy in London, Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko expressed doubt over the authenticity of her statement. We didnt produce novichok, we didnt store this novichok, so-called under the Western classification, and it was never in our military forces, he said. The investigation was conducted in the most non-transparent way ... we are not allowed to see our citizens, talk to doctors, have no idea about the treatment the Russian nationals receive. We cannot be sure that Yulias refusal to see us is genuine. We have every reason to see such actions as the abduction of two Russian nationals. The Russian embassy later published its own report into the attack, entitled Salisbury: A Classified Case, that repeated the denials and contained no significant new information. Tensions between the UK and Russia have been heightened further by an alleged chemical attack by its Syrian allies on the rebel stronghold of Douma. The US and France have threatened military action against President Bashar al-Assads forces, who are being backed by Russian air strikes, and cabinet ministers agreed last night on the need to take action against further violations. Thousands of activists will take to the streets on Saturday as part of a national day of action to demonstrate public support for a vote on the final Brexit deal. Several pro-EU organisations have joined forces to mount an attack on the governments Brexit plans with more than 350 events across the country, ahead of the launch of a 1m campaign demanding the opportunity to stay in the EU if the people want to. Remain-backing groups have been emboldened by a recent shift in public support towards staying in the EU, and a number of high-profile figures have come out in favour of a second referendum, including former prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair. A recent poll for the anti-Brexit group Best for Britain found that 44 per cent of people want a vote on the exit terms secured by Theresa May, while 36 per cent were against the idea of a further referendum. However, other polls offer mixed messages on the publics views on reversing Brexit. MPs have been promised a meaningful vote on the final deal after inflicted a humiliating parliamentary defeat on the government. But Ms May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have both ruled out the prospect of allowing a public vote on the terms. As well as flagship events in 12 cities, ranging from Weston-super-Mare to Edinburgh, there will also be thousands of supporters setting up stalls and leafleting in both Remain and Leave areas. Cross-party MPs including Tory Anna Soubry and Labours Chuka Umunna are expected to speak at the launch of the Peoples Vote on Sunday, led by the pro-EU campaign group Open Britain and the European Movement, which is chaired by former Conservative health secretary Stephen Dorrell. James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said: Our largest ever national day of action is all about bringing together the various pro-European groups so that we can speak with one, unified voice, because we know that together we are stronger. It comes as MPs prepare to return to parliament after recess next week, where Ms May faces a number of challenges securing the safe passage of her key Brexit bill through the House of Lords. Labours leader in the upper chamber warned the prime minister the EU Withdrawal Bill will face a rocky road unless ministers bring forward acceptable amendments to the legislation. The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty Angela Smith, writing exclusively in The Independent, said the government could face defeat on the bill at the hands of a coalition of Labour, Tory and other peers, potentially delaying the vital legislation by sending it back to the House of Commons. Diane Abbott has said it would outrageous for Theresa May to pursue military action in Syria without consulting Parliament and give MPs a vote. The shadow home secretary also repeated a claim from Julian Lewis, the chairman of the defence select committee, that military action in the war-ravaged region could end up with the RAF serving as the air arm of the jihadi extremist rebels in Syria. Ms Abbott one of Jeremy Corbyns closest allies was also pressed repeatedly on whether there would be any circumstances in which Labour would back military action in Syria. What we are interested in is an end to the violence and we dont believe that further bombing in this situation, will bring an end to the violence, she told the BBCs Radio 4 Today programme. Her comments come after the Prime Ministers Cabinet agreed to take action to deter the use of chemical weapons in Syria, ahead of an expected military strikes on regime targets.But there was no mention from Downing Street on whether Ms May would consult MPs on any further action and she has repeatedly sidestepped the question in recent days. Ms Abbott said: It would be outrageous for the Government not to bring military action in Syria to Parliament, for Parliament to have a vote. And the Tories used to think like that. The reason they are not doing it is they are frightened they will lose the vote. During the interview, however, Ms Abbott at times struggled to explain Labours position on the demand for an independent UN-led inquiry into the suspected chemical weapons attack. When it was pointed out that Russia has on multiple occasions vetoed such measures, Ms Abbott added: There has to be a political negotiation. We would press on trying to bring people to the table. We believe more bombing is not the answer to the crisis in Syria. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA Pressed on whether there would be any circumstances in which Labour would support military action, Ms Abbott replied: There was a Second World War. Specifically on Syria, she said: There is no evidence to show that further bombing in Syria will make the region more stable. Asked three times if Russia or the United States posed the greatest threat to world peace, Ms Abbott eventually said: Its clear that at this point Russia, its role in Syria, what we believe, beyond reasonable doubt, is its role in the poison gas attacks in Salisbury, is a greater threat to world peace than the United States. Labour has said it will refer the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to parliaments standards watchdog for investigation over mistakes he made in registering his financial interests. Mr Hunt apologised after it was revealed he failed to tell Companies House about his 50 per cent interest in a firm that bought luxury flats on Englands south coast. Failing to disclose interests to the agency is punishable by a fine or up to two years in prison. Mr Hunt only registered his interest in Mare Pond Properties Limited after six months, The Daily Telegraph reported. He also did not inform the parliamentary register of members interests of his share in the business within the 28-day time limit, according to the publication. It is claimed Mr Hunt set up the company with his wife Lucia Guo to buy seven properties in the Ocean Village development in Southampton on 7 February. Jon Trickett MP, Labours shadow secretary for the cabinet office, said in a statement: It appears Jeremy Hunt has taken part in illegal activity in his failure to declare his involvement in a luxury flat investment. This is simply unacceptable, and especially so given the secretary of states position at the heart of Theresa Mays government. Labour will today refer Jeremy Hunt to the standards commissioner to look into this serious breach. He should have had the decency to refer himself rather than sweep this under the carpet. The health secretary said his failure to declare a business interest with both Companies House and the parliamentary register of MPs interests was down to honest administrative mistakes and that he did not gain financially as a result. A spokeswoman for Mr Hunt said: These were honest administrative mistakes which have already been rectified. Jeremys accountant made an error in the Companies House filing which was a genuine oversight. With respect to ministerial and parliamentary declarations, the Cabinet Office are clear that there has been no breach of the ministerial code. Jeremy declared the interest to them after the company was set up. They advised that, as it was a shell company with no assets or value, it should only be registered when it became operational. As such, Jeremy presumed the same rules applied to parliamentary declarations. Although there was no personal gain involved, Jeremy accepts these mistakes are his responsibility and has apologised to the parliamentary authorities. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA A Downing Street spokesman said: Jeremy has rightly apologised for an administrative oversight, and as the Cabinet Office have made clear there has been no breach of the ministerial code. We consider the matter closed. The revelation comes while Mr Hunt is in Tokyo to attend a conference on patient safety. Theresa May is set to inform MPs about military action against the Assad regime, in the same way David Cameron did after a UK drone killed British jihadis in Syria three years ago. Officials see Mr Camerons House of Commons statement, in the wake of the drone strike that killed British Isis fighters Reyaad Khan and Ruhul Amin, as an exemplar for how Ms May can meet her obligations to parliament after action has been taken. Following the state-sanctioned killings in 2015, Mr Cameron set out the legal basis and process which led him to act but did not reveal specific detail of the advice he was given. The development comes as Ms May is expected to press ahead with military action in Syria without giving MPs who return to the Commons on Monday a vote beforehand. The Independent understands that a discussion of matters of international law affecting proposed military action in Syria was held at the two-hour War Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Among the discussion was the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty, signed by Syria, which would have been breached by the Assad regime if it conducted the attack in Douma that has galvanised the West into action. In terms of how Ms May will approach setting out the case to parliament, a senior official said: We have clear precedent at the time of the drone strikes in Syria, when [Mr Cameron] set out the legal basis for our action. Theresa May: Continued use of chemical weapons cannot go unchallenged He didnt disclose the details of any advice that was given, or may have been given, but he explained the legal basis for Britains action. Thats a good precedent for a government to adopt in future when explaining the basis for its actions, as it preserves the importance of lawyer-client confidentiality that advice is confidential unless it is waived and it allows the public to understand the basis upon which the government has acted. Mr Camerons 2015 statement was designed to meet obligations that arose from the Chilcot Inquiry, to investigate decision-making that led the UK into the Iraq War, which identified a lack of involvement of the wider Cabinet and poor clarity over how legal advice was used and who was privy to it. The statement set out issues of international law and significantly for more recent events noted that to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, you could act immediately and explain to the House of Commons afterwards. The then-prime minister set out the process of meetings and individuals involved in the decision-making process that led to the drone strike operation. The source told The Independent that the 2015 action was, as a result, a very different approach from the one that was taken at the Iraq War. Alexander Yakovenko: No evidence Syrian government was behind chemical attack They added: There was a debate, there were questions he was asked, a lot of questions from MPs, and it was a very transparent way of doing it. Its a good example of how government has evolved to take into account and to adopt the recommendations of Chilcot but at the same time to maintain what has to be a level of confidentiality when it comes to some of the detail. Ms May has been under pressure from MPs to give the Commons a vote prior to action being taken in Syria with the US and France. Thursdays post-Cabinet statement made no reference to whether parliament would be given a say on military action. Labours shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said on Friday: It would be outrageous for the government not to bring military action in Syria to parliament, for parliament not to have a vote. And the Tories used to think like that. The reason they are not doing it is they are frightened they will lose the vote. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused PM Theresa May of "waiting for instructions" from US president Donald Trump on how to respond to the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Mr Corbyn also called for an independent UN-led inquiry into the devastating air strike in Douma last Saturday that killed a reported 75 civilians and injured 500 more, presumed to have been carried out by the Bashar al-Assad regime. "Further UK military intervention in Syria's appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict," he said. "The government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. "Even US defence secretary James Mattis has said we 'don't have evidence' and warned further military action could 'escalate out of control'." Rather than looking to Washington for leadership, Mr Corbyn urged the government to have the courage of its convictions and press for a non-partisan investigation into the atrocity. "Ministers should take their proposals, such as they are, to parliament. And Britain should press for an independent UN-led investigation of last weekend's horrific chemical weapons attack so that those responsible can be held to account," he said. "Rather than further military action, what is urgently needed is a coordinated international drive to achieve a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement under UN auspices. The humanitarian priority must be to halt the killing on all sides. "The need to restart genuine negotiations for peace and an inclusive political settlement of the Syrian conflict, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces, could not be more urgent. We must do everything we can, no matter how challenging, to bring that about." Jeremy Corbyn condemns Donald Trump's rhetoric on Syria: 'More war will not save life' Downing Street is currently understood to be planning a co-ordinated response to the Assad regime with coalition allies the US and France, an issue complicated by Russia's support for the Syrian government and the Kremlin's already fraught relations with the international community over the alleged poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal on British soil. President Trump risked inflaming an already tense situation earlier this week when he tweeted that Russia should "get ready" for a coalition missile strike on Syria. Ms May's cabinet met for two hours yesterday to discuss strategy and agreed a need to "take action" after the PM denounced the incident as a "shocking and barbaric act". She later spoke to President Trump who "agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons", according to a Downing Street spokesperson. Ms May is not obliged to seek parliamentary approval before launching a military intervention but Mr Corbyn has insisted that the House of Commons must be consulted before any action is approved. Emmanual Macron says France has prood the Assad used chemical weapons in Syria French president Emmanuel Macron meanwhile declared yesterday that he had definitive proof that chemical weapons were indeed used in the Douma attack. German chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out involving her country's troops in military action in Syria but stressed the need for western allies to maintain a united front. Donald Trump and Theresa May have agreed in a phone call that the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war must not go unchallenged, ahead of expected military action against the countrys government. They spoke having both just held meetings with senior officials and used the conversation to draw attention to their joint view that the regime of Bashar al-Assad is to blame for the recent chemical attack in the town of Douma. But with British, American and French forces either moving into, or already in position, Jeremy Corbyn claimed Ms May was waiting for instructions from Donald Trump in her approach to Syria. As the West stood on the brink of an escalated Middle Eastern conflict today, Mr Trump was due to speak to French President Emmanuel Macron while Russia called for a new meeting of the UN Security Council. After the phone call on Friday, a Downing Street spokesperson said: The prime minister spoke to President Trump about Syria this evening. They agreed that the Assad regime had established a pattern of dangerous behaviour in relation to the use of chemical weapons. They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. They agreed to keep working closely together on the international response. Donald Trump: US will make decision on military action in Syria 'fairly soon' It is possible that an attack could come this weekend, with British attack submarines said to be on standby in the Mediterranean Sea, while RAF fighter jets based in Cyprus could also be used. The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Harry Truman, could be utilised having set sail from Virginia this week, on its way to form part of the largest US task force since the Iraq War. They agreed it was vital that the use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged, and on the need to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime

Downing Street statement on phone call between May and Trump

While Mr Trump said no final decision had been taken on military action yet, the UK Cabinet did give Ms May a green light for action to deter the use of chemical weapons following a two-hour meeting on Thursday afternoon. Every member of the prime ministers top team was said to have spoken during the meeting, which gave unanimous backing to the the need to intervene. But an early attack would intensify domestic pressure on the prime minister, who faces demands from her own back benches and from Mr Corbyn and other party leaders to allow Parliament a vote prior to any action. Former MI6 boss Sir John Sawers condemns Donald Trump's Twitter diplomacy with Russia amid Syria crisis On Friday morning the Labour leader said: Further UK military intervention in Syria's appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. The government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. Mr Corbyn repeated a call for the Commons to be given a vote, with MPs due to return to Westminster on Monday. He went on: Britain should press for an independent UN-led investigation of last weekends horrific chemical weapons attack so that those responsible can be held to account. Rather than further military action, what is urgently needed is a coordinated international drive to achieve a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement under UN auspices. Russia has been granted a request for the United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday for fresh discussions on the potential fallout from air strikes on Syria. Mr Macron, due to speak to Mr Trump on Friday, also laid the ground for action, undertaking a round on interviews in which he said he had proof the Assad regime was responsible for an air strike involving chemical weapons on civilians in Douma. He explained that he would decide on what action to take once all the information had been verified, insisting he would strive to prevent an escalation of conflict across the Middle East. Conservationists are mourning the death of 11 lions that were killed with poison in a national park in Uganda. The three lionesses and eight cubs are thought to be victims of villagers who blame wildlife for killing a cow. The Uganda Wildlife Authority said it was launching an investigation after the pride was found dead at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is believed only 19 lions are now left in the park, and experts warned of potential extinction across Africa. There were immediate calls for domestic animals to be banned from the park and for the authority to compensate farmers whose cattle are killed by big cats in an effort to prevent future revenge attacks on wildlife. Conservationists are worried the lion population in Africa is falling. A 2013 survey found the population had dropped by 30 per cent, and numbers in Uganda are now estimated at 400. The park is one of the last strongholds of the big cats in the country. Wildlife experts also say the lions natural prey is declining, while the number of humans is rising and encroaching on lions traditional roaming areas, leading to greater conflict over land use. The authority told The Independent: Investigations will confirm the type of poison that was used. Investigations should lead to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the people behind this heinous act. But a spokesman denied natural prey was in decline. The challenge is that there are people who graze cattle in the wildlife sanctuary so lions can easily prey on the cows. We have more than enough natural prey for the big cats, he said. Richard Kamara, a ranger with the authority, posted on Facebook: The solution should be that all communities living within the park MUST not have any domestic animal, or else communities be relocated to other areas outside protected area. Mark Jones, associate director of the Born Free Foundation in the UK, said: Ugandas lions face an uncertain future, and cannot withstand these kinds of incidents. "These animals need protecting from revenge killing and poaching through robust law enforcement, efforts to help local people live alongside wildlife without conflict, and ending the trade in their body parts. Recommended Six park rangers shot dead by militia at DR Congo wildlife park "Without robust and swift action, the unimaginable disappearance of lions from Uganda and many other African countries they have called home for millennia, could become a cold reality. Bashir Hangi, communications manager for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said a compensation project existed in that area but the authority hoped to have it enshrined in law. In the area where the lions were poisoned, there is a mechanism of compensating people; we are the people who can testify that they were compensated, he said. We want a harmonious co-existence between wildlife conservation management and communities because we are all stakeholders in protecting wildlife. We are reviewing the UWA Act to put in place punitive measures for poachers, traffickers and all those found guilty of killing wildlife. Also we are proposing to include compensation for people in the Act. So it is still under review until when it is discussed by parliament and passed. The poisonings come just six weeks after the UN's World Wildlife Day focused on big cats and efforts to protect them. The Uganda Carnivore Program, which works to save lions, leopards and hyenas, said: Habitat loss due to human settlement and agriculture development, loss of prey population, and retaliatory killing by humans following livestock depredation are their main threats throughout Africa. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Agricultural encroachment by people is happening along many of the parks boundaries, the group said, creating conflict when crops and livestock take up areas formerly used by wildlife. The Queen Elizabeth National Park, which covers more than 700 sq miles in Kasese district, is home to one of only two populations worldwide of tree-climbing lions. The other is in Tanzania. The authority said in a statement: The minister, tourism, wildlife and antiquities, Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, ED UWA, Sam Mwandha and other officials will address the media and public about the tragic death. This is therefore to invite all the wildlife and tourism fraternity to join in the funeral of our big cats! *#sad_and_tragic_moments* The deaths happened near Hamukungu fishing village in the park, which is a popular tourist destination. Two-thirds of American millennials cannot identify what Auschwitz is, according to a study released on Holocaust Memorial Day which found knowledge of the genocide that killed six million Jews during the Second World War is rapidly fading among US adults, especially those aged 18 to 34. Twenty-two per cent of millennials said they havent heard of the Holocaust or are not sure whether theyve heard of it twice the percentage of US adults as a whole who said the same. The study, conducted by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, interviewed 1,350 American adults in February. Asked to identify what Auschwitz is, 41 per cent of American adults as a whole and 66 per cent of millennials could not come up with a correct response identifying it as a concentration camp or extermination camp. The US Holocaust Memorial Museum says that at least 1.3 million people were deported to the camp, run by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland, from 1940 to 1945 and 1.1 million of them were killed. It was the largest concentration camp among many built by the Nazis during their campaign to wipe out the Jews and other groups. The survey found a low awareness of nations other than Germany where the Holocaust occurred: just 5 to 6 per cent of US adults knew that Jews were killed in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, where 90 per cent of the local Jewish populations were murdered. Just 37 per cent of US adults knew that Jews from Poland were killed; Poland was home to 3.5 million Jewish Holocaust victims. Respondents indicated much more awareness of modern day bias against Jews, with 68 per cent saying antisemitism is present in America today and 51 per cent saying there are many or a great deal of neo-Nazis in the United States today. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Despite the lack of historical knowledge, the survey found a desire for Holocaust education 93 per cent said in response to a question towards the end of the survey that all students should learn about the Holocaust in school. Perhaps because respondents feel that lack of knowledge is a real threat to the future: 58 per cent said they believe something like the Holocaust could happen again. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points. The Washington Post An 80-year-old man has been charged with fatally shooting a man in his front yard after he allegedly recorded himself saying he had committed murder. Tom Pickert, a 39-year-old lawyer, was shot dead in October 2017 in Kansas City, shortly after walking his children to school. David Jungerman, 80, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. A court heard how Mr Jungerman implicated himself when he accidentally recorded himself saying he had killed someone. Prosecutors said he appeared to have forgotten to switch off an audio recorder he had been using. People uh know that I murdered that son of a... he said, the Kansas City Star reported. Before his death, Mr Pickert had won a lawsuit for a client in which Mr Jungerman was ordered to pay out more than $5m. Mr Jungerman had shot two homeless men who he said broke into his business in 2012. Mr Pickert, a father of two, was found dead outside his home the day after a judge ordered that Mr Jungermans property be seized to pay off his debt. Although Mr Jungerman was not initially considered a suspect, a van belonging to him was found, connecting him to the lawyers death, police said. Witnesses had reported seeing an older man with grey hair parking a white van across the street from the victims home on the morning of the shooting. A similar van was seen driving away in the moments after Mr Pickert was shot. Mr Jungerman also reportedly told an employee he had killed a lawyer with a gun and had got away with it, the court heard. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty His lawyer said he emphatically denies the allegations against him. Mr Jungerman is already being held in prison after being accused of shooting a man he suspected of stealing an iron pipe from his building. The bitter fallout between former besties Betty Kyallo and Susan Kaittany has taken another interesting twist. This after the KTN news presenter unveiled her own beauty spot, located a few blocks away from Posh Palace- Bettys previously co-owned business with Susan. Kyallo will on Saturday open the doors to the high-end salon, Flair by Betty, along Lenana Rd, in Kilimani. This comes barely two months after the fallout between the two reached a new low, with Betty storming Posh Palace with cops to arrest Susan. The KTN news anchor, accompanied by two police officers, reportedly sought Susans arrest for confiscating her passport. Apparently, Bettys passport was left in Susans house after the two went on an exotic trip to Thailand in May last year. It is still unclear why Susan retained Bettys passport but it is believed to have been business related. Betty appears to have moved on from all that drama and has brought the competition right at Kaittanys doorstep. Flair By Betty is located at FCB Mihrab building which is a stones throw away from Sifa Towers where Posh Palace is located. The man who killed six people in a Quebec City mosque last year was triggered to carry out the shooting when Canada announced it would continue to welcome refugees after US President Donald Trump implemented his travel ban in 2017. Alexandre Bissonnette, who has pleaded guilty to the January 2017 attack, told police during interrogation that had first started thinking about a potential attack following the 2014 attack on Parliament Hill, and that it became an obsession after the Nice, France attack in 2016 that left 86 dead. The final straw, he told interrogators, came on January 29, 2017, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted a defiant message shortly after Mr Trumps administration announced the travel ban, according to The Globe and Mail. Recommended Canada mosque shooting leaves six dead after gunmen open fire To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada, Mr Trudeau tweeted. That was too much for Bissonnette. I was watching TV and I learned that the Canadian government was going to take more refugees, you know, who couldnt go to the United States, and they were coming here, Bissonnette told interrogators. I saw that and I like lost my mind. I dont want us to become like Europe I dont want them to kill my parents, my family. I had ot do something, I couldnt do nothing, he continued. It was something that tortured me. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty After watching those television reports, Bissonnette went to the Grand Mosque of Quebec City where close to 60 worshippers were finishing up evening prayers. He killed six people and left many more injured in the mosque, firing 48 rounds in a three-minute spree. A video of the police interviewing Bissonnette was played as a part of his sentencing hearing. Donald Trump is exploring the possibility of the US joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, more than a year after signing an executive order withdrawing America from the proposed trade pact. The president said the US would "only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to President Obama". "We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years!" he wrote on Twitter. It comes amid mounting pressure from Republicans in farming states anxious his protectionist trade policies could spiral into a trade war with China that would hit rural America. The billionaire spent the 2016 presidential campaign ripping into the multi-national pact, saying he could get a better deal for US businesses by negotiating one-on-one with countries in the Pacific Rim. But he hinted at the possibility of joining the trade deal in January, when he told the World Economic Forum in Davos he would "do TPP if we made a much better deal than we had". "Last year, the president kept his promise to end the TPP deal negotiated by the Obama Administration because it was unfair to American workers and farmers," the White House said in a statement. The president assigned his top trade advisers, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer and his new chief economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, "to take another look at whether or not a better deal could be negotiated". Mr Trump first disclosed his request on Thursday to a group of lawmakers at a White House meeting on trade. Members of Congress have been pressing Mr Trump to shift course after escalating trade threats, including China's plan to slap tariffs on soybeans and other US crops. The apparent decision comes after the 11 other TPP countries went ahead last month and signed the pact in Santiago, Chile. The agreement is meant to establish freer trade in the Asia-Pacific region and put pressure on China to open its markets to compete with and perhaps eventually join the bloc. It was not immediately clear how committed Mr Trump was to embark on a new path of potentially thorny negotiations. Mr Trump frequently equivocates on policy when faced with opposition, only to reverse course later. James Comey 'compares Donald Trump to mob boss' in ABC News exclusive interview promo "I'm sure there are lots of particulars that they'd want to negotiate, but the president multiple times reaffirmed in general to all of us and looked right at Larry Kudlow and said, 'Larry, go get it done,"' said Ben Sasse, a Republican senator Nebraska. The president has mused publicly about rejoining the deal before, suggesting he would re-enter if he could negotiate more favourable terms. He has not said precisely what provisions he would want changed. It's unclear how willing the other 11 countries would be to reopen the agreement and make concessions to lure the US back, though its economic power would likely be an appeal. "If the Trump administration doesn't pose too many demands, it is likely that the other TPP members will see the value of the bringing the US back into the fold," said Eswar Prasad, Cornell University professor of trade policy. "Undoubtedly, a TPP that includes the US would be stronger and more formidable than one that does not." Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have been renewing their pitches for TPP - rather than Mr Trump's threats of steep tariffs on steel and other products - as a way to counter China on trade. Ron Johnson was among a handful of senators who recently visited China to meet with government and business leaders there. He said it is time to work with a coalition of trading partners to increase pressure on China. Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath of office as his wife Melania (L) and daughter Tiffany watch during inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West Front of the US capital in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jim Bourg: "This photo was shot with one of two remote cameras. The cameras were monitored and triggered remotely and the pictures were transmitted to clients worldwide within minutes of being taken." Reuters/Jim Bourg Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Obama farewell address - 10 January 2017 US President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago on 10 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "In his final days in office, Obama made a visit home to Chicago. As he spoke from the stage to his wife and daughter in the audience, he became emotional when he talked about what they had sacrificed during his time in office. I turned from photographing the Obama women embracing to find him onstage wiping away tears." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 A combination of photos shows the crowds attending the inauguration ceremonies to swear in U.S. President Donald Trump at 12:01pm (left) on January 20, 2017 and President Barack Obama sometime between 12:07pm and 12:26pm on January 20, 2009. Reuters/ Lucas Jackson/Stelios Varias Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Liberty Ball - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Liberty Ball in honour of his inauguration in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "What I see when I look at this picture is the end of a very long day, not to mention weeks and months of preparation by many photographers, editors and network experts and the beginning of everything since." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception - 22 January 2017 US President Donald Trump greets Director of the FBI James Comey as Director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy (L), watches during the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House on 22 January, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "I have covered the White House for 16 years and normally either the President or the pool is in position when an event starts. In this case the President was not where anyone expected him to be. In fact, he was almost blocking the door when the pool came in. We had to scramble to find a position without bumping him or the furniture as he greeted and thanked members of law enforcement for their security efforts during the inauguration. Luckily, he greeted FBI Director James Comey a few seconds after the pool had made its way into the room." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Private phone calls to world leaders - 28 January 2017 US President Donald Trump, is joined by his staff, as he speaks by phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office on 28 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Very early in the Trump administration, weekends were as busy as weekdays. On Trump's second Saturday the official schedule said he would be making private phone calls to a number of world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin. I arrived early and, before sitting down at my desk walked up to Press Secretary Sean Spicer's office. He, too, was just taking his coat off. I gingerly made the suggestion that previous administrations had sometimes allowed photos of such phone calls through the Oval Office windows on the colonnade. To my mild shock, he didn't even think about it twice. "We'll do it!" he said. In truth, I really only expected the Putin call, but we were outside the windows multiple times throughout the day as the calls went on." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway - 27 February 2017 Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway (L) attends as US President Donald Trump welcomes the leaders of dozens of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the Oval Office on 27 February, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "We're often asked how much access we have to the Trump administration, and the answer is we have an awful lot. President Trump himself is very comfortable in the spotlight, and his aides are similarly unfazed by cameras. In this instance, senior advisor Kellyanne Conway was so comfortable in our presence she seemed not to consider the optics of kneeling on a Oval Office sofa to take pictures with her phone." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Angela Merkel heads to Washington - 17 March 2017 Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump hold a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House on 17 March, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Chancellor Merkel made one of the earliest important visits of any US allies to meet Trump in his first months in office. When world leaders give joint news conferences they don't always tend to give each other their full attention - but Merkel watched Trump intently at several key moments, and here seemed particularly rapt." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump welcomes truckers to the White House - 23 March 2017 President Trump reacts as he sits on a truck while he welcomes truckers and CEOs to attend a meeting regarding healthcare at the White House on 23 March, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "The White House organised a listening session with truckers and CEO's of major American companies, regarding healthcare reform. An 18-wheeler tow truck was parked on the South Lawn of the White House and as Trump welcomed the truckers someone invited the him to come and sit in the driver's seat. Trump jumped into the cab and started yelling and pretending to drive - creating one of the most memorable pictures of the year. A lesson learned, always be prepared for the unexpected." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 6 April 2017 US President Donald Trump talks to journalists members of the travel pool on board the Air Force One during his trip to Palm Beach, Florida on 6 April, 2017. Carlos Barria: "During the many trips to President Trump's residence in Florida it is usual to see the president coming to the back of the plane to chat with journalists. During one of the trips to the so called 'Winter White House', Trump had a long talk with reporters while the Air Force One entertainment system was playing one of the latest Star Wars movies. As I was listening to Trump talk I was also looking at the movie waiting for a part of the movie to frame the mood of the day. Of the many scenes, I choose the one with Darth Vader." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office of the White House on 27 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "A day before President Trump's hundred days in office I was part of the team that interviewed the commander-in-chief in the Oval Office. I was only allowed to photograph Trump during the last five minutes of the interview. The time was very tight so I had to move fast as I had pictures in mind that I wanted to shoot. I walked into the Oval Office and saw that the President had printed maps of the country showing areas in red where he won. I raised my hands holding my camera as high as possible to get the best view of the scene using a 16mm wide angle lens." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump reacts as he arrives at Harrisburg international airport, before attending a rally marking his first 100 days in office in Pennsylvania on 29 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to celebrate his hundred days in office with a victory rally. He was in friendly territory as he won with a big difference over his opponent Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, during the November elections. As usual when the commander-in-chief arrives local residents gather to greet him. This time a small group of military personnel attended the arrival. Surrounded by secret service agents Trump walked from the Air Force One and raised his hand in a sign of victory as the crowd cheered him on." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 2 May 2017 White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (L) and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus watch as US President Donald Trump presents the U.S. Air Force Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on 2 May, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "Covering the White House does not just mean covering the President. White House staffers are an important part of the story and their relationship with the President and each other is an indicator of how things are going in the West Wing. The tendency is to focus exclusively on the President once an event starts but I always try to look around to see how people are reacting as things unfold." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Secret Service - 4 May 2017 Secret Service agents use a presidential limousine as cover from spraying water as US President Donald Trump lands via Marine One helicopter in New York on 4 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "The best part of any trip to New York City with the sitting US President is the helicopter ride into Manhattan. The ride out at night can be stunning. Here, Secret Service agents protect themselves from the spray from the East River as Trump lands on the helipad." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures NATO Summit - 25 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron (unseen) before a lunch ahead of a NATO Summit in Brussels on 25 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "One of the best parts of travelling overseas for White House coverage is the chance to see the U.S. president in different environments and (literally) a different light. Here, Trump and his wife came out of the shadows to greet France's President Macron." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump meets Putin at G20 summit - 7 July 2017 US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on 7 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "On July 7, I witnessed one of the most important meetings of President Trump's first year in office. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Germany. The world's eyes were on these two leaders after speculation about Russian interference during the 2016 US elections. We entered the room for less than two minutes, where I took dozens of pictures. But there was this very interesting moment when Trump extended his hand to Putin for a handshake. Putin paused for a second and looked at Trump's hand. That was the picture that I was looking for, a little moment that seemed to say a lot." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures First lady - 8 July 2017 First lady Melania Trump chats with US President Donald Trump during their return from Germany at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 8 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "After President Trump's trip to Germany he arrived back at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. First Lady Melania Trump said goodbye to Trump as she was heading off in a different direction that day. While chatting a breeze blew Melania's hair up in the air." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Made in America product showcase - 17 July 2017 Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House on 17 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "This summer the White House organized an event to showcase 'Made in America' products. All kinds of exhibitors brought their products as the President and Vice President toured the event. One of the companies was Marucci Sport, a manufacturer of baseball bats based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As Trump approached a table full of baseball bats, photographers at the event, including me, rushed to get a good angle hoping that he would pick up a bat. As we predicted, he did. He took one and joked around as though he was hitting something hard. The only thing closer to him right there, was the media." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 25 July 2017 Former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski says hello to reporters as he and White House advisors including Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci accompany President Trump for an event celebrating veterans at AMVETS Post 44 in Ohio, July 25, 2017. Jonathan Ernst: "The most visible person in any White House is naturally the President, followed by the press secretary. But there are also the staff who support them. For those of us covering the Trump administration, there seem to be more compelling figures in the West Wing than ever before. It's crucial to know who's who and why they're important. When I raised my camera and back-pedalled ahead of the group to take this image Lewandowski gave me a hello. I liked the photo, but had no idea it would go a little bit viral, especially since Scaramucci, who was the biggest mover and shaker that week, was hidden back in the pack. But I guess the image catches a glimpse of what it's like to be a West Wing staffer on the road." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Campaign rally - 3 August 2017 US President Donald Trump arrives at a rally in West Virginia on 3 August, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Huntington for one of his usual campaign rallies. While members of his family spoke to the crowd he was waiting under a black curtain to be introduced. Suddenly he walked onto the stage, one of the first frames that I took was of his hand. I set my exposure for the light on the stage hoping to create this dark background and it worked." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Staring into the solar eclipse - 21 August 2017 Without his protective glasses on, US President Donald Trump looks up towards the solar eclipse while viewing with his wife Melania and son Barron at the White House on 21 August, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "On a day when everyone, and I mean everyone, was told not to look at the eclipse without protective glasses, Trump, President of the United States, couldn't help himself." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Harvey - 2 September 2017 US President Donald Trump poses for a photo as he and first lady Melania Trump help volunteers hand out meals during a visit with flood survivors of Hurricane Harvey at a relief centre in Houston, Texas on 2 September, 2017. Photohrapher Kevin Lamarque: "Trump, eager to deliver the image of a hands-on response to Hurricane Harvey, made this visit to a relief centre and obliged this woman with a selfie as Melania continued to work." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House - 15 September 2017 Donald Trump welcomes 11-year-old Frank Giaccio as he cuts the Rose Garden grass at the White House on 15 September. Frank, who wrote a letter to Trump offering to mow the lawn, was invited to work for a day at the White House along the National Park Service staff. Frank was so focused on his task that he did not notice the President arrive to surprise him. He took his father jumping in to grab his attention and point Trump out. Photographer Carlos Barria said: The image of Trump shouting at a kid who is mowing his lawn might have many interpretations in today's politically polarized United States. But for me it was just a kid who loved what he was doing, to the point he almost appeared to ignore the President." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Take a knee - 27 September 2017 A man kneels with a folded U.S. flag as the motorcade of U.S. President Donald Trump passes him after an event at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., September 27, 2017. In September, soon after Trump had made comments condemning NFL players who kneel during the national anthem, he made a day trip to a rally in Indianapolis. Jonathan Ernst managed to capture a man on one knee with a tri-folded flag and was able to use a portion of the sign on the building he was kneeling in front of to track the man down and tell his story in full. US Army veteran Marvin Boatright wanted to send a message against social injustice. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Maria - 3 October 2017 President Donald Trump throws rolls of paper towels into a crowd of local residents affected by Hurricane Maria as he visits Calgary Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Rico on 3 October, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "During an afternoon visit to Puerto Rico for President Trump to survey damage from Hurricane Maria and greet some of its victims, Trump made a stop at a church where food and supplies were being distributed. Among the items were paper towels and Trump, apparently caught up in the moment, decided to distribute some of the rolls." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Jared Kushner - 1 November 2017 White House Senior adviser Jared Kushner sits behind President Trump during a cabinet meeting in Washington on 1 November, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "The role of Jared Kushner has gone through a series of changes. He began front and centre as a high profile adviser, but as time has passed and issues surrounding him have surfaced, he has become more of a background figure." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump in China - 9 November 2017 Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands after making joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 9 November, 2017. Photographer Damir Sagolj: "It's one of those "how to make a better or at least different shot when two presidents shake hands several times a day, several days in row". If I'm not mistaken in calculation, presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump shook their hands at least six times in events I covered during Trump's recent visit to China. I would imagine there were some more handshakes I haven't seen but other photographers did. And they all look similar - two big men, smiling and heartily greeting each other until everyone gets their shot. But then there is always something that can make it special - in this case the background made of US and Chinese flags. The first time it didn't work for me. The second time I positioned myself lower and centrally, and used the longest lens I have to capture only hands reaching for a handshake." Reuters/Damir Sagolj Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 10 November 2017 US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart for Vietnam from Beijing Airport in Beijing, China, November 10, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "There is a Reuters photographer in the tight pool covering the US president for every appearance he makes 365 days a year. This was just one of 32 images of mine that were transmitted on the Reuters wire of President Trump visiting China and Vietnam that day. You never know when a sudden interaction, a gust of wind or a unique facial expression will lead to a striking image that grabs peoples' attention." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures ASEAN handshake - 13 November 2017 Donald Trump registers his surprise as he realises other leaders, including Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, are crossing their arms for the traditional "ASEAN handshake" as he participates in the opening ceremony of the summit in Manila on 13 November, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Having covered a few ASEAN summits, I knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. Not everyone in the room knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. A lot was written about this unscripted moment, and what deeper meaning it might have. The simple truth is that sometimes in life there are unscripted moments." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst "I have to believe President Xi is smiling all the way to regional domination as a result of our pulling out of TPP. I don't think we can get back into the TPP soon enough," Mr Johnson said when talking to reporters about the trip. Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, which was highly critical of US involvement in a pact it viewed as lowering labour and environmental standards, said Mr Trump's reversal on the issue would signal that the president "cannot be trusted on anything," said Lori Wallach, the group's director. The US International Trade Commission, an independent federal agency, has projected in 2016 that TPP would increase economic growth and create jobs, but the gains would be small: After 15 years, the deal would add just 128,000 jobs, an increase of less than a tenth of 1 percent. Exports would increase, but imports would increase more. Agriculture and the business services industry would see gains, but manufacturing output and employment would decrease slightly under TPP. In the meeting with farm state lawmakers, Mr Trump also suggested the possibility of directing the Environmental Protection Agency to allow year-round sales of renewable fuel with blends of 15 per cent ethanol. The EPA currently bans the 15 per cent blend, called E15, during the summer because of concerns that it contributes to smog on hot days. Gasoline typically contains 10 per cent ethanol. Farm state lawmakers have pushed for greater sales of the higher ethanol blend to boost demand for the corn-based fuel. North Dakota governor Doug Burgum said Mr Trump made some "pretty positive statements" about allowing the year-round use of E-15 ethanol, which could help corn growers. The White House meetings came as an array of business executives and trade groups expressed concerns at a congressional hearing about the impact that tariffs will have on their business. Still, there were some supporters, too. "Withdrawing the threat of tariffs without achieving results would be tantamount to waiving the white flag of trade surrender," said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Additional reporting by AP President Donald Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen sometimes taped conversations with associates, according to three people familiar with his practice and allies of the president are worried that the recordings were seized by federal investigators in a raid of Mr Cohens office and residences this week. Mr Cohen, who served for a decade as a lawyer at the Trump Organisation and is a close confidant of Mr Trump, was known to store the conversations using digital files and then replay them for colleagues, according to people who have interacted with him. We heard he had some proclivity to make tapes, said one of Mr Trumps advisers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation. Now we are wondering, who did he tape? Did he store those someplace where they were actually seized? ... Did they find his recordings? Mr Cohen did not respond to requests for comment. Stephen Ryan, an attorney for Mr Cohen, declined to comment. A White House spokeswoman referred a request for comment to Mr Cohen and his attorney. On Monday, FBI agents seized Mr Cohens computers and phones as they executed a search warrant that sought, among other records, all communications between the lawyer and Mr Trump and campaign aides about potential sources of negative publicity in the lead-up to the 2016 election, The Washington Post reported. Investigators were also looking for any records related to adult-film star Stormy Daniels and ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal, who both received payments after alleged affairs with Mr Trump. It is unknown whether Mr Cohen taped conversations between himself and Mr Trump. But two people familiar with Mr Cohens practices said he recorded both business and political conversations. One associate said Mr Trump knew of Mr Cohens practice because the attorney would often play him recordings Mr Cohen had made of his conversations with other top Trump advisers. It was his standard practice to do it, the person said. Legal experts said Mr Cohens taped conversations would be viewed by prosecutors as highly valuable. If you are looking for evidence, you cant do any better than people talking on tape, said Nick Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor. Such recordings would be considered a gold mine, said Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University who specialises in legal ethics. The significance is 9.5 to 10 on a 10-point scale, he added, noting that investigators know that when people speak on the phone, they are not guarded. They dont imagine that the conversation will surface. Federal investigators would not automatically get access to any tapes that might have been seized in the raids. First, the recordings would be reviewed by a separate justice department team and possibly by a federal judge. The review is designed to protect lawyer-client privilege and to be sure that the conversations turned over are within the terms of the search warrant, legal experts said. They noted that the privilege accorded to attorney-client communications does not apply if the conversation was conducted to further commission of a crime or fraud. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Cohen wanted his business calls on tape so he could use them later as leverage, one person said. He frequently noted that under New York law, only one party had to consent to the taping of a conversation, this person added. During the 2016 race, Mr Cohen who did not have a formal role on the campaign had a reputation among campaign staff as someone to avoid, in part because he was believed to be secretly taping conversations. In one instance, Mr Cohen played a recording of a conversation he had with someone else to a Trump campaign official to demonstrate that he was in a position to challenge that persons veracity if necessary, an associate recalled. Mr Cohen indicated that he had something to use against the person he had taped, the associate said. One outside Trump adviser said Mr Cohen may have begun recording his conversations in an attempt to emulate his boss, who has long boasted often with no evidence about secretly taping private conversations. In May, for instance, a report appeared in The New York Times detailing fired FBI director James Comeys account of a one-on-one dinner he had with the president, during which he said Mr Trump asked him to pledge his loyalty to the president and he declined. Shortly after, Mr Trump took to Twitter to cast doubt on Mr Comeys version of events, seeming to imply that he had secretly recorded their encounter. James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press! Mr Trump wrote. At the time, it was unclear whether Mr Trump truly possessed tapes of his conversation with Mr Comey or was simply trying to intimidate the former FBI director. And ultimately, just over a month later, Mr Trump cleared up the mystery by admitting in a duo of tweets that he had not, in fact, recorded Mr Comey. With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are tapes or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make and do not have, any such recordings, he wrote. Recommended Comey reveals Trump was obsessed with lewd claim in Russia dossier Tim OBrien, a Trump biographer and executive editor of Bloomberg View, wrote a column in the wake of Mr Trumps taping claim saying that Mr Comey likely had little reason to worry. In the piece, Mr OBrien recounted that Mr Trump frequently made a similar boast to him. Back in the early 2000s, Trump used to tell me all the time that he was recording me when I covered him as reporter for The New York Times, Mr OBrien wrote. He also said the same thing when I was writing a biography of him, TrumpNation. I never thought he was, but who could be sure? But after Mr Trump sued him for libel shortly after his biography came out, Mr OBriens lawyers deposed Mr Trump in December 2007 during which Mr Trump admitted he had not, in fact, clandestinely taped Mr OBrien. Im not equipped to tape-record, Mr Trump said in the deposition. I may have said it once or twice to him just to on the telephone, because everything I said to him hed write incorrectly; so just to try and keep it honest. The Washington Post James Comey has said it was possible Donald Trump spent time with prostitutes urinating on each in Moscow, a claim originally contained within the Steele Russia dossier and which the president has dismissed as fake news. Mr Comey, who is promoting a new book many believe will dish the dirt on many aspects of his interactions with Mr Trump, said the president was appeared especially worried about elements contained in a so-called dossier that had been collated by a research firm, commissioned by a wealthy Republican donor and then Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. Among the claims in the dossier was that Russian had obtained compromising material about Mr Trump during a visit to Moscow in which he was said to hired prostitutes to urinate on a bed in the citys Ritz-Carlton hotel that had once been slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. James Comey 'compares Donald Trump to mob boss' in ABC News exclusive interview promo In the book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, Mr Comey writes that although Mr Trump had dismissed the accusation as rubbish after it was published by BuzzFeed, after he entered the Oval Office, he became particularly concerned about it. He brought up what he called the golden showers thing, Mr Comey wrote. It bothered him if there was even a one percent chance his wife, Melania, thought it was true. ... He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldnt possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie. I said it was up to him. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Comey was asked about this aspect of the book in an ABC interview that is due to be broadcast on Sunday night, and which a portion of which was trailed on Friday. Honestly, I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I dont know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, he said. Its possible, but I dont know. He said he was shocked when Mr Trump said it would be very damaging for his marriage, if there was even a one per cent change that his wife, Melania, believed it could be true. I remember thinking, how could your wife think there was even a one per cent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other, he said. Im a flawed human being, but there is literally zero chance my wife would think that was true. So what kind of marriage, to what kind of man, does your wife think there is 99 per cent chance it was not true. Mr Trump, who fired Mr Comey and his supporters, have been quick to dismiss the claims contained in the former FBI Directors book. He said on Friday, Mr Comey was an untruthful slime ball who should be prosecuted for leaking classified information. It was my great honour to fire him, he said. He is a weak and unethical slimeball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Twitter Friday: One of the few areas of true bipartisan consensus in Washington is Comey has no credibility. White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said Mr Comey has a revisionist view of history and seems like a disgruntled ex-employee. As President Donald Trump seeks to deny the idea he is looking to fire special counsel Robert Mueller, a growing chorus of voices in Congress are warning the president how bad that would be for the country's democracy and are considering ways to protect the Justice Department-appointed investigator. After an FBI raid on his personal attorney Michael Cohen's office earlier this week, Mr Trump linked it to Mr Muellers investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, calling it a TOTAL WITCH HUNT and claiming that attorney-client privilege is dead. But on Thursday, he was challenging reports that he considered firing Mr Mueller as recently as December. If I wanted to fire Robert Mueller in December, as reported by the Failing New York Times, I would have fired him, Mr Trumps account tweeted Thursday. Just more Fake News from a biased newspaper! Mr Trump also appeared to take on a more conciliatory tone over the investigation, even as reports swirled that an interview between Mr Trump and Mr Mueller, which the president has repeatedly said he is willing to do, looks a far dimmer possibility in the wake of the Cohen raid. I have agreed with the historically cooperative, displayed approach that we have engaged in with Robert Mueller (Unlike the Clintons!), Mr Trump tweeted. I have full confidence in [White House Counsel] Ty Cobb and have been fully advised throughout each phase of this process. His comments came after Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivered a feeble denunciation of the presidents anti-Mueller rhetoric, and after Senator Orrin Hatch the longest serving Republican in the Senate warned that Trump allies who might be telling the president to fire Mr Mueller to cut it out. The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images Anyone advising the president in public or over the airwaves to fire Bob Mueller does not have the president or the nations best interest at heart, Mr Hatchs Twitter account posted. Full stop. I obviously dont think he should do that, Mr Ryan said during an appearance on CBS, referring to firing Mr Mueller. He knows what I think about that. And I think Bob Mueller and the career professionals at the [Department of Justice] should be left to do their jobs. A bipartisan group of senators on that chambers Judiciary Committee have pushed for a vote on a measure that would protect Mr Muellers job by imposing restrictions on the presidents ability to fire him. The Senate measure sponsored by Republicans Thom Tillis and Lindsey Graham, and Democrats Chris Coons and Cory Booker would write into law Justice Department regulations that say a special counsel can only be fired for good cause. The committees chairman, Republican Chuck Grassley, says that the measure could see a vote as soon as April 26. Whether there are legal protections in place or not, firing Mr Mueller could have tremendous political consequences for the president. Political activist groups have already signed up around 300,000 people to be ready for a swift demonstration of anger to any attempt to get rid of Mr Mueller. Those efforts are being spearheaded by the liberal group MoveOn.org, which has a list of planned rallies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico should the special counsel be ousted. Donald Trump could be preparing to put himself above the law. We wont allow it, the groups rapid response plan on the website reads. Our response in the hours following a potential power grab will dictate what happens next whether Congress will stand up to Trump or alls him to move our democracy toward authoritarianism. Several Republicans have indicated they think firing Mr Mueller would be the end of Mr Trumps presidency. At the very least, the decision would give Democrats political cover to pursue possible impeachment charges should they gain control of the House and Senate in November's midterm elections. I think itd be devastating, former Watergate prosecution lawyer Nick Ackerman said of a possible Mueller firing, having seen former President Richard Nixon ultimately resign months after a similar move in 1973. A Massachusetts judge has ruled that ExxonMobil cannot stop a probe into whether the oil giant misled shareholders for decades about the dangers of climate change and its impact on their business. The judge, in a Friday ruling, found that Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has grounds to pursue its civil investigation into the matter even though Exxon is not technically an in-resident corporation. The judgement follows after a federal judge in New York dismissed a similar lawsuit aimed at ending the climate change probe late last month. In that lawsuit, Exxon argued that Ms Healey and her New York counterpart, Eric Schneiderman, were pursuing their climate probes in bad faith. The judge dismissed the argument as "implausible". Recommended Exxon agrees to reveal more details about the impact of climate change "For the second time this month, Exxon's scorched earth campaign to block our investigation has been entirely rejected by the courts. In its decision today, our state's highest court affirmed that Exxon is subject to our laws, and that our office has authority to investigate," Ms Healey said in a statement following the decision. "Now Exxon must come forward with the truth, what it knew about climate change, when, and what it told the world. The people of Massachusetts and people everywhere deserve answers." New York and Massachusetts first began their climate change probes after news reports in 2015 found that Exxon had known for years that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to combat climate change impacts, but did not reveal those concerns to shareholders or the public. Exxon has denied that their public policies were in any way inconsistent with what their scientists' findings that climate change poses a serious risk to its business and to the environment. Climate change protests around the world Show all 25 1 /25 Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Rome, Italy Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators gather in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world People hold hands to form a human chain during a gathering called by ecologist organisations in Marseille, southern France, to protest against global warming a day ahead of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) held in Paris Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during protests on Place de la Republique, ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during a protest on Place de la Republique ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world A group of people perform during a rally to promote climate protection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Climate change protests around the world A protester sits next to his sign that reads 'Monsanto the Devil Incorporated ' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Environmentalists dance during a protest near the Place de la Republique after the cancellation of a planned climate march following shootings in the French capital, ahead of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21), in Paris, France Reuters Climate change protests around the world People protest next to characters dressed as wild animals during a march against climate change near the Monument to the Revolution, in Mexico City AP Climate change protests around the world Protesters carries a banner while they take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People take part in a protest about climate change around New York City Hall at lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a globe during a protest for the global climate day in Lugano, Switzerland Climate change protests around the world Yemenis hold banners as they participate in the Global March for Climate in the old city of Sanaia, Yemen Climate change protests around the world Protesters dressed as Santa Claus take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People gather at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, during the Global Climate March to demand action on climate change telling world leaders on the eve of a crunch UN summit that there is "no planet B". From Sydney to London, humid Rio to chilly New York, at least 683,000 hit the streets in 2,300 events across 175 countries at the weekend, co-organiser and campaign group Avaaz said, calling it the largest number of people to protest over climate change all at once Getty Images Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators participate in the Global March for Climate in Athens, Greece Climate change protests around the world A man wearing a Bernie Sanders mask leads hundreds of demonstrators who marched near City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Patricia Hauser joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a poster of a sick Earth as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators march around City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world A demonstrator holds cut-out of US Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world George Patten holds a sign that reads 'No Fracking Ever!' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Gabrielle Sosa wears 'Rising Sea Levels' sign as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA While Exxon has gone after the attorneys general in New York and Massachusetts, as many as 15 states are involved in investigating the company for potentially misleading the public about climate change. Those states first began their investigations in 2016, shortly after the news reports. At the time, officials in the states came together to sign a private compact not to discuss the Exxon probe with anyone outside of their teams, unless compelled to do so legally. The states said then that their goal was to investigate ways in which they could use federal law to enforce greenhouse gas emissions guidelines, and to investigate whether the fossil fuel industry had broken laws in order to slow or stop the implementation of renewable energy technologies. Former FBI Director James Comey calls Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" in his new book, in which he also describes the presidents leadership as "ego driven and about personal loyalty". Set to be released next week, A Higher Loyalty adheres closely to Mr Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with the president during the early days of the administration and his growing concern about the president's integrity. Casting Mr Trump as a mafia boss-like figure, Mr Comey claims that interacting with the US leader gave him flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. Mr Trump sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him regarding his investigation into Russian election interference, he claims. The president, he says was obsessed with the prostitutes portion of the infamous dossier compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele. It claimed that Mr Trump had watched the prostitutes urinate the same Moscow hotel suite that his predecessor Barack Obama and first lady Michelle had stayed in as a way of soiling the bed. Comey writes that the president tried to convince him it was not true by claiming he was a germaphobe, according to The Washington Post. He later told him: Theres no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way," the newspaper reported. The book includes strikingly personal jabs at Mr Trump that appear likely to irritate the president. The 6-foot-8 Comey describes the US leader as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty He says he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so." Mr Trump fired Mr Comey in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russian meddling in the US presidential election. Mr Mueller's probe has expanded to include whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Mr Comey, an idea the president denies. Mr Trump has called Ms Comey as a "showboat" and a "liar." The Republican National Committee is poised to lead the pushback effort against Mr Comey, who is set to do a series of interviews to promote the book, by launching a website and supplying surrogates with talking points that question the former director's credibility. Mr Trump has said he fired Mr Comey because of his handling of the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's email practices. Mr Trump used the investigation as a cudgel in the campaign and repeatedly said Ms Clinton should be jailed for using a personal email system while serving as secretary of state. Democrats, on the other hand, accused Mr Comey of politicising the investigation, while Ms Clinton herself has said it hurt her election prospects. Mr Comey writes that he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Ms Clinton. But he says he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high profile cases. Every person on the investigative team, Mr Comey writes, found that there was no prosecutable case against Clinton and that the FBI didn't find that she lied under its questioning. Mr Comey's book will undoubtedly be heavily scrutinised by the president's legal team looking for any inconsistencies between it and his public testimony, under oath, before Congress. They will be looking to impeach Mr Comey's credibility as a key witness in Mueller's obstruction investigation, which the president has cast as a political motivated witch hunt. The Associated Press contributed to this report Republicans are planning on pushing back hard against James Comey as he begins his publicity tour next week, hoping to undermine the former FBI director as he embarks on a national book tour. A battle plan to push back, first reported by CNN, includes several actions including paying for digital advertising, sending out talking points to Republicans across the country, and rebranding Mr Comey as Lyin Comey an obvious reference to President Donald Trumps taste for giving snappy nicknames to his rivals. The website set up by Republicans features bipartisan criticism of Mr Comey in the past, including quotes from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in which the three members of Congress suggested Mr Comey was no longer fit to be the head of the FBI. Mr Sanders is registered as an independent Senator, but caucuses with Democrats, and ran for president as a Democrat in 2016. Comey is a liar and a leaker and his misconduct led both Republicans and Democrats to call for his firing, Republican chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement to CNN. If Comey wants the spotlight back on him, we'll make sure the American people understand why he has no one but himself to blame for his complete lack of credibility. The plan includes a three Cs approach, in which Republicans plan on attacking Mr Comeys credibility, revisiting his conduct, and pointing out alleged contradictions. In doing so, they hope to remind Democrats who were furious about Mr Comeys conduct during the 2016 election that they, too, did not care much for the former FBI director at certain times. Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath of office as his wife Melania (L) and daughter Tiffany watch during inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West Front of the US capital in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jim Bourg: "This photo was shot with one of two remote cameras. The cameras were monitored and triggered remotely and the pictures were transmitted to clients worldwide within minutes of being taken." Reuters/Jim Bourg Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Obama farewell address - 10 January 2017 US President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago on 10 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "In his final days in office, Obama made a visit home to Chicago. As he spoke from the stage to his wife and daughter in the audience, he became emotional when he talked about what they had sacrificed during his time in office. I turned from photographing the Obama women embracing to find him onstage wiping away tears." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 A combination of photos shows the crowds attending the inauguration ceremonies to swear in U.S. President Donald Trump at 12:01pm (left) on January 20, 2017 and President Barack Obama sometime between 12:07pm and 12:26pm on January 20, 2009. Reuters/ Lucas Jackson/Stelios Varias Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Liberty Ball - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Liberty Ball in honour of his inauguration in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "What I see when I look at this picture is the end of a very long day, not to mention weeks and months of preparation by many photographers, editors and network experts and the beginning of everything since." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception - 22 January 2017 US President Donald Trump greets Director of the FBI James Comey as Director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy (L), watches during the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House on 22 January, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "I have covered the White House for 16 years and normally either the President or the pool is in position when an event starts. In this case the President was not where anyone expected him to be. In fact, he was almost blocking the door when the pool came in. We had to scramble to find a position without bumping him or the furniture as he greeted and thanked members of law enforcement for their security efforts during the inauguration. Luckily, he greeted FBI Director James Comey a few seconds after the pool had made its way into the room." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Private phone calls to world leaders - 28 January 2017 US President Donald Trump, is joined by his staff, as he speaks by phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office on 28 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Very early in the Trump administration, weekends were as busy as weekdays. On Trump's second Saturday the official schedule said he would be making private phone calls to a number of world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin. I arrived early and, before sitting down at my desk walked up to Press Secretary Sean Spicer's office. He, too, was just taking his coat off. I gingerly made the suggestion that previous administrations had sometimes allowed photos of such phone calls through the Oval Office windows on the colonnade. To my mild shock, he didn't even think about it twice. "We'll do it!" he said. In truth, I really only expected the Putin call, but we were outside the windows multiple times throughout the day as the calls went on." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway - 27 February 2017 Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway (L) attends as US President Donald Trump welcomes the leaders of dozens of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the Oval Office on 27 February, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "We're often asked how much access we have to the Trump administration, and the answer is we have an awful lot. President Trump himself is very comfortable in the spotlight, and his aides are similarly unfazed by cameras. In this instance, senior advisor Kellyanne Conway was so comfortable in our presence she seemed not to consider the optics of kneeling on a Oval Office sofa to take pictures with her phone." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Angela Merkel heads to Washington - 17 March 2017 Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump hold a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House on 17 March, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Chancellor Merkel made one of the earliest important visits of any US allies to meet Trump in his first months in office. When world leaders give joint news conferences they don't always tend to give each other their full attention - but Merkel watched Trump intently at several key moments, and here seemed particularly rapt." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump welcomes truckers to the White House - 23 March 2017 President Trump reacts as he sits on a truck while he welcomes truckers and CEOs to attend a meeting regarding healthcare at the White House on 23 March, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "The White House organised a listening session with truckers and CEO's of major American companies, regarding healthcare reform. An 18-wheeler tow truck was parked on the South Lawn of the White House and as Trump welcomed the truckers someone invited the him to come and sit in the driver's seat. Trump jumped into the cab and started yelling and pretending to drive - creating one of the most memorable pictures of the year. A lesson learned, always be prepared for the unexpected." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 6 April 2017 US President Donald Trump talks to journalists members of the travel pool on board the Air Force One during his trip to Palm Beach, Florida on 6 April, 2017. Carlos Barria: "During the many trips to President Trump's residence in Florida it is usual to see the president coming to the back of the plane to chat with journalists. During one of the trips to the so called 'Winter White House', Trump had a long talk with reporters while the Air Force One entertainment system was playing one of the latest Star Wars movies. As I was listening to Trump talk I was also looking at the movie waiting for a part of the movie to frame the mood of the day. Of the many scenes, I choose the one with Darth Vader." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office of the White House on 27 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "A day before President Trump's hundred days in office I was part of the team that interviewed the commander-in-chief in the Oval Office. I was only allowed to photograph Trump during the last five minutes of the interview. The time was very tight so I had to move fast as I had pictures in mind that I wanted to shoot. I walked into the Oval Office and saw that the President had printed maps of the country showing areas in red where he won. I raised my hands holding my camera as high as possible to get the best view of the scene using a 16mm wide angle lens." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump reacts as he arrives at Harrisburg international airport, before attending a rally marking his first 100 days in office in Pennsylvania on 29 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to celebrate his hundred days in office with a victory rally. He was in friendly territory as he won with a big difference over his opponent Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, during the November elections. As usual when the commander-in-chief arrives local residents gather to greet him. This time a small group of military personnel attended the arrival. Surrounded by secret service agents Trump walked from the Air Force One and raised his hand in a sign of victory as the crowd cheered him on." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 2 May 2017 White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (L) and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus watch as US President Donald Trump presents the U.S. Air Force Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on 2 May, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "Covering the White House does not just mean covering the President. White House staffers are an important part of the story and their relationship with the President and each other is an indicator of how things are going in the West Wing. The tendency is to focus exclusively on the President once an event starts but I always try to look around to see how people are reacting as things unfold." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Secret Service - 4 May 2017 Secret Service agents use a presidential limousine as cover from spraying water as US President Donald Trump lands via Marine One helicopter in New York on 4 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "The best part of any trip to New York City with the sitting US President is the helicopter ride into Manhattan. The ride out at night can be stunning. Here, Secret Service agents protect themselves from the spray from the East River as Trump lands on the helipad." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures NATO Summit - 25 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron (unseen) before a lunch ahead of a NATO Summit in Brussels on 25 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "One of the best parts of travelling overseas for White House coverage is the chance to see the U.S. president in different environments and (literally) a different light. Here, Trump and his wife came out of the shadows to greet France's President Macron." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump meets Putin at G20 summit - 7 July 2017 US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on 7 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "On July 7, I witnessed one of the most important meetings of President Trump's first year in office. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Germany. The world's eyes were on these two leaders after speculation about Russian interference during the 2016 US elections. We entered the room for less than two minutes, where I took dozens of pictures. But there was this very interesting moment when Trump extended his hand to Putin for a handshake. Putin paused for a second and looked at Trump's hand. That was the picture that I was looking for, a little moment that seemed to say a lot." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures First lady - 8 July 2017 First lady Melania Trump chats with US President Donald Trump during their return from Germany at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 8 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "After President Trump's trip to Germany he arrived back at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. First Lady Melania Trump said goodbye to Trump as she was heading off in a different direction that day. While chatting a breeze blew Melania's hair up in the air." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Made in America product showcase - 17 July 2017 Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House on 17 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "This summer the White House organized an event to showcase 'Made in America' products. All kinds of exhibitors brought their products as the President and Vice President toured the event. One of the companies was Marucci Sport, a manufacturer of baseball bats based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As Trump approached a table full of baseball bats, photographers at the event, including me, rushed to get a good angle hoping that he would pick up a bat. As we predicted, he did. He took one and joked around as though he was hitting something hard. The only thing closer to him right there, was the media." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 25 July 2017 Former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski says hello to reporters as he and White House advisors including Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci accompany President Trump for an event celebrating veterans at AMVETS Post 44 in Ohio, July 25, 2017. Jonathan Ernst: "The most visible person in any White House is naturally the President, followed by the press secretary. But there are also the staff who support them. For those of us covering the Trump administration, there seem to be more compelling figures in the West Wing than ever before. It's crucial to know who's who and why they're important. When I raised my camera and back-pedalled ahead of the group to take this image Lewandowski gave me a hello. I liked the photo, but had no idea it would go a little bit viral, especially since Scaramucci, who was the biggest mover and shaker that week, was hidden back in the pack. But I guess the image catches a glimpse of what it's like to be a West Wing staffer on the road." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Campaign rally - 3 August 2017 US President Donald Trump arrives at a rally in West Virginia on 3 August, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Huntington for one of his usual campaign rallies. While members of his family spoke to the crowd he was waiting under a black curtain to be introduced. Suddenly he walked onto the stage, one of the first frames that I took was of his hand. I set my exposure for the light on the stage hoping to create this dark background and it worked." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Staring into the solar eclipse - 21 August 2017 Without his protective glasses on, US President Donald Trump looks up towards the solar eclipse while viewing with his wife Melania and son Barron at the White House on 21 August, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "On a day when everyone, and I mean everyone, was told not to look at the eclipse without protective glasses, Trump, President of the United States, couldn't help himself." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Harvey - 2 September 2017 US President Donald Trump poses for a photo as he and first lady Melania Trump help volunteers hand out meals during a visit with flood survivors of Hurricane Harvey at a relief centre in Houston, Texas on 2 September, 2017. Photohrapher Kevin Lamarque: "Trump, eager to deliver the image of a hands-on response to Hurricane Harvey, made this visit to a relief centre and obliged this woman with a selfie as Melania continued to work." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House - 15 September 2017 Donald Trump welcomes 11-year-old Frank Giaccio as he cuts the Rose Garden grass at the White House on 15 September. Frank, who wrote a letter to Trump offering to mow the lawn, was invited to work for a day at the White House along the National Park Service staff. Frank was so focused on his task that he did not notice the President arrive to surprise him. He took his father jumping in to grab his attention and point Trump out. Photographer Carlos Barria said: The image of Trump shouting at a kid who is mowing his lawn might have many interpretations in today's politically polarized United States. But for me it was just a kid who loved what he was doing, to the point he almost appeared to ignore the President." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Take a knee - 27 September 2017 A man kneels with a folded U.S. flag as the motorcade of U.S. President Donald Trump passes him after an event at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., September 27, 2017. In September, soon after Trump had made comments condemning NFL players who kneel during the national anthem, he made a day trip to a rally in Indianapolis. Jonathan Ernst managed to capture a man on one knee with a tri-folded flag and was able to use a portion of the sign on the building he was kneeling in front of to track the man down and tell his story in full. US Army veteran Marvin Boatright wanted to send a message against social injustice. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Maria - 3 October 2017 President Donald Trump throws rolls of paper towels into a crowd of local residents affected by Hurricane Maria as he visits Calgary Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Rico on 3 October, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "During an afternoon visit to Puerto Rico for President Trump to survey damage from Hurricane Maria and greet some of its victims, Trump made a stop at a church where food and supplies were being distributed. Among the items were paper towels and Trump, apparently caught up in the moment, decided to distribute some of the rolls." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Jared Kushner - 1 November 2017 White House Senior adviser Jared Kushner sits behind President Trump during a cabinet meeting in Washington on 1 November, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "The role of Jared Kushner has gone through a series of changes. He began front and centre as a high profile adviser, but as time has passed and issues surrounding him have surfaced, he has become more of a background figure." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump in China - 9 November 2017 Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands after making joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 9 November, 2017. Photographer Damir Sagolj: "It's one of those "how to make a better or at least different shot when two presidents shake hands several times a day, several days in row". If I'm not mistaken in calculation, presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump shook their hands at least six times in events I covered during Trump's recent visit to China. I would imagine there were some more handshakes I haven't seen but other photographers did. And they all look similar - two big men, smiling and heartily greeting each other until everyone gets their shot. But then there is always something that can make it special - in this case the background made of US and Chinese flags. The first time it didn't work for me. The second time I positioned myself lower and centrally, and used the longest lens I have to capture only hands reaching for a handshake." Reuters/Damir Sagolj Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 10 November 2017 US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart for Vietnam from Beijing Airport in Beijing, China, November 10, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "There is a Reuters photographer in the tight pool covering the US president for every appearance he makes 365 days a year. This was just one of 32 images of mine that were transmitted on the Reuters wire of President Trump visiting China and Vietnam that day. You never know when a sudden interaction, a gust of wind or a unique facial expression will lead to a striking image that grabs peoples' attention." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures ASEAN handshake - 13 November 2017 Donald Trump registers his surprise as he realises other leaders, including Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, are crossing their arms for the traditional "ASEAN handshake" as he participates in the opening ceremony of the summit in Manila on 13 November, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Having covered a few ASEAN summits, I knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. Not everyone in the room knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. A lot was written about this unscripted moment, and what deeper meaning it might have. The simple truth is that sometimes in life there are unscripted moments." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Central to the plan is an attempt to push a narrative that Mr Comeys tenure as the head of the FBI was rife with political contributions. Democrats, they plan on noting, were generally uneasy with Mr Comeys handling of the investigation into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server while serving as secretary of State. Mr Comey repeatedly usurped then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch during that investigation, the Republicans plan on saying, and violated protocol by publicly acknowledging the existence of ongoing FBI investigations. The former FBI director was put into Democratic cross-hairs in 2016 for acknowledging the FBI was investigating the emails, but later said that the bureau had found no indicator of any criminal wrongdoing. Mr Comey later sent a letter to Congress indicating that they were analysing more emails just days before Election Day. Ms Clinton has suggested that she believes Mr Comeys decision to publicly acknowledge that the FBI was analysing a fresh batch of emails cost her the election. Mr Trump fired Mr Comey several months into his presidency, and said at the time that Mr Comeys bureaus investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election was a part of that decision making process. That firing led to the creation of a special counsel to pick up on that investigation, headed by Robert Mueller. Mr Comeys book, A Higher Loyalty, is set to be released Tuesday. Mr Comey is starting his publicity tour Sunday night, with an interview with ABC News George Stephanopoulos. Mr Comey who kept contemporaneous notes of his dealings with Mr Trump has reportedly compared Mr Trump to a mob boss. The Republican plan to aggressively attempt to undermine Mr Comey shows how concerned Mr Trumps allies are that the former FBI director could further damage the presidents public image, but also illustrates the high stakes Mr Comey faces with the new book. Mr Comey has appeared in front of Congress since his firing, but has otherwise remained mostly silent. The book tour is a chance for him to amplify his side of the story, and inform the American public about his dealings with Mr Trump. Close James Comey: 'I don't know if the current president of the United States was peed on by prostitutes in 2013' James Comey has finally published the book on his time with Donald Trump showing the White House in some of its most revealing and damaging hours. The fired FBI director gives an incredibly personal and critical account of the president, including the size of his hands and his panicked reaction to the dossier that claimed there existed a video depicting him engaging in lewd behaviour with sex workers. The book was intended to be released next week. But with parts of it leaking over the last few hours, its contents are now becoming public and the world is finally learning deep secrets about two of the most powerful people in the world. Please allow a moment for the live blog to load Donald Trump repeatedly asked ex-FBI director James Comey about now famous claims of lewd behaviour made in a spy dossier, according to his new book. The dossier had been compiled in advance of Mr Trump's election and became public in 2017. With that, some of the document's more scandalous claims were revealed: including an allegation that the president had engaged in strange behaviour at a hotel in Russia long before his election. The president has been clear in his denial that the allegations in the dossier were untrue, Mr Comey writes. But he appeared keen to prove that it was a lie to his wife Melania, Mr Comey claims, and so asked the FBI if it could prove it was a lie. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters Mr Comey, who was fired by Trump in May 2017, wrote in "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership" that Trump raised the dossier with him at least four times during meetings, the Washington Post said. The dossier was compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele about Trump's ties to Russia, and included an allegation that involved sex workers. Mr Comey writes in the book he described the allegations about Russian prostitutes during a one-on-one meeting. He claims that he told Trump about the dossier because it was the FBI's responsibility to protect the presidency from coercion related to harmful allegations, whether supported or not. Mr Comey said he left out one detail involving an allegation that the prostitutes had urinated on a bed once used by the Obamas. Mr Trump raised the subject again a week later, after the dossier had been made public. He then told Mr Comey, the director writes, that he had not stayed in the hotel and that the most salacious charge could not have been true because, Trump said, "I'm a germaphobe. There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way." Comey writes that Trump raised the issue again, unprompted, during their one-on-one dinner at the White House and it bothered the president that there might be even "a one percent chance" his wife might think it was true. Comey then registers surprise, writing that he thought to himself "why his wife would think there was any chance, even a small one, that he had been with prostitutes urinating on each other in a Moscow hotel room." The book otherwise mostly adheres closely to Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with Trump and his growing concern about Trump's integrity. It also includes strikingly personal jabs at Trump that appear sure to irritate the president. The 6-foot-8 Comey describes Trump as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. He also says he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine but did not seem unusually so." The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. "Donald Trump's presidency threatens much of what is good in this nation," Comey writes, calling the administration a "forest fire" that can't be contained by ethical leaders within the government. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Mueller's probe has expanded to include whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey, which the president denies. Trump has attacked Comey as a "showboat" and a "liar." Additional reporting by agencies As the nationwide fight crackdown on illicit brews continues, the Kikuyu community can heave a sigh of relief after a court ruled that brewing and drinking of Muratina is not illegal. Kikuyu Principle Magistrate D N Musyoka said the traditional brew should be recognised as part of the Kikuyu customs. He noted that the constitution has a mandate to protect the cultures of all tribes in Kenya and no law created can infringe upon those cultural practices. They have to celebrate their traditional rites of passage through various ways and muratina (Agikuyu traditional brew) must form part of the celebrations, Musyoka said in his judgement. The magistrate, however, restricted his judgment only for the purposes of traditional ceremonies such as payment of dowry, marriage, and initiation into adulthood. In the case of the republic against John Ndungu Mbiyu, a muratina brewer, the magistrate found him innocent as he was only tasked by the Kikuyu council of elders known as Kiama to brew the beverage for a traditional ceremony. The brew that had been presented to the court as evidence was returned to the chairman of the council and the ceremony given the go ahead. The bail posted by the accused was returned to him. Almost a year after he fired James Comey, a decision described by his top adviser as the one of the worst mistakes in modern political history, Donald Trump is confronting a series of both hard-edged and salacious accusations levelled by his former FBI director. In the most hotly anticipated book to hit Washington since Michael Wolffs controversial account portraying chaos inside the White House, Comey says in a memoir Trump is both unethical and untethered to the truth. He likens his way of working to that of a mob boss, and claims he is driven by ego and personal loyalty, rather than concern for the country. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organisation above morality and above the truth, Comey writes in A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership. What is happening now is not normal ... It is not fake news. It is not OK. Trump ousted Comey 11 months ago, having grown increasingly angry by his handling of an FBI investigation into Russias alleged interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. The president dismissed him as a showboat, and proceeded to ask officials in the Department of Justice to come up with a reason for firing him. Yet the move one that Trumps then top strategist Steve Bannon said was one of the worst mistakes in modern politics set in motion the recusal of attorney general Jeff Sessions, and the appointment of special prosecutor Robert Mueller, two events that have come to haunt the president during his first 15 months in office. Mueller has so far filed indictments against four former members of Trumps campaign, along with a Dutch lawyer and more than a dozen Russians. Mueller also wants to interview Trump as part of his probe, something the presidents lawyers wish to avoid. Some of the accusations made of the president by Comey were already covered in testimony he gave on Capitol Hill in the summer of 2017. But there is much new material in the memoir, which he is promoting with a 11-city book tour. Having had plenty of time to consider what he wants to say about the man who fired him, Comey who is 6ft 8in says Trump was shorter than he expected with a too long tie and bright white half-moons under his eyes that he suggested came from tanning goggles. He writes that he made a conscious effort to check the presidents hand size, saying it was smaller than mine, but did not seem unusually so. One of the most embarrassing and tawdry sections of the book concerns a claim that was contained within the so-called Trump-Russia dossier, which former British spy Christopher Steele helped compile and which Trump dismissed as fake news when it was published by BuzzFeed in January 2017. Among the claims in the dossier was that Russian had obtained compromising material about Trump during a 2013 visit to Moscow in which he was said to hired prostitutes to urinate on a bed in the citys Ritz-Carlton hotel that had once been slept in my Barack and Michelle Obama. Comey writes that although Trump had dismissed the accusation as rubbish, after he entered the Oval Office, he became particularly concerned about it. Steve Bannon says the firing of James Comey was the biggest mistake in modern political history He brought up what he called the golden showers thing, Comey says. It bothered him if there was even a 1 per cent chance his wife, Melania, thought it was true ... He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldnt possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie. I said it was up to him. Comey was asked about this in an ABC interview that is due to be broadcast on Sunday night one of three major television interviews he is to give and a portion of which was trailed on Friday. Honestly, I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I dont know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, he said. Its possible, but I dont know. He said he was shocked when Trump said it would be very damaging for his marriage, if there was even a one per cent change that his wife, Melania, believed it could be true. I remember thinking, how could your wife think there was even a 1 per cent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other, he said. Im a flawed human being, but there is literally zero chance my wife would think that was true. So what kind of marriage, to what kind of man, does your wife think there is 99 per cent chance it was not true. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Comey also reveals new details about his decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election, according to the Associated Press. He says he regretted his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute the Democratic candidate. However, he says he stands by his decision to go public, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high profile cases. Political observers said they believed the book would have little impact on Trumps popularity among this supporters. It makes no difference at all. The Trump hardcore cult isnt affected by anything, and they believe nothing that is negative about Trump, Larry Sabato, director of the Centre of Politics at the University of Virginia, told The Independent. All Trump has to do is deny the charges. Of course, everyone else [a majority of Americans] believes Comey completely. Whether you like Comey or not, you know Comey is far more believable than Trump, who has been caught in lie after lie. Perhaps because of this, Trump and his supporters have been quick to dismiss the claims contained in the book, which is published by Macmillan and which has an initial print run of 850,000 copies. On Friday Trump called Comey an untruthful slimeball who should be prosecuted for leaking classified information. It was my great honour to fire him, the president said on Twitter. He is a weak and unethical slimeball who was, as time has proven, a terrible director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said: One of the few areas of true bipartisan consensus in Washington is Comey has no credibility. White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said Comey has a revisionist view of history and seems like a disgruntled ex-employee. The publication of Comeys book, which is already top of the Amazon bestseller list even though it is not public available until Monday, comes as Trump is already fighting fires on several fronts. Reports say the president is enraged over a recent FBI raid of his personal lawyers home and office, raising the prospect that he could fire deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, or try to shut down the probe on his own. Trump, along with the leaders of France and the UK, is also debating how best to respond to an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria a week ago, in which up to 50 people were killed. The president has vowed to act, while both Syria and their Russian allies have denied that such an incident took place. One of the reporters who broke the Watergate scandal in the 1970s says that it is clear President Donald Trump is involved in some form of cover up. Carl Bernstein, who investigated former President Richard Nixon's involvement in the Watergate hotel break-in, told CNN's Don Lemon that he thinks the evidence available is clear that Mr Trump is trying to keep something from the public. "It's surreal that the country is at this juncture, and it's a tragedy for the country that we're at this juncture," Mr Bernstein said when asked for his perspective of the two scandals. Recommended Trump warned against firing Mueller "It's very clear that the president of the United States is presiding over a massive cover up," he continued. "It's unclear exactly what he's covering up. But one of the differences between Watergate and this is that people in the Nixon White House largely believed, up until the end, that the president was not, in fact, covering up a great conspiracy. Whereas [for] many, many people in the Trump White House, and many who have left the Trump White House, it is now apparent to them that the president is presiding over a cover up, and a massive attempt to keep the truth from coming out about whatever has transpired." When challenged for evidence of that, Mr Bernstein said that special counsel Robert Mueller's team, in its court filings as a part of its Russia investigation, has left plenty of clues that something is amiss. The comments come less than a week after the FBI raided the offices and hotel room of Mr Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen. That raid was conducted by New York federal officials separately from Mr Mueller's probe, but was based upon findings from the special counsel investigation. The raids were widely seen as being potentially highly damaging to Mr Trump, as legal analysts suggested it would take a huge bar for federal prosecutors to risk violating attorney-client privilege especially if the client is the president of the United States. The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images Mr Trump was reportedly incensed by the raid. It is unclear if his anger will lead to him taking any action against the Department of Justice or the special counsel's office, but Mr Trump himself has commented on the potential that he might fire Mr Mueller after a New York Times report indicated he had considered doing so as recently as December. To fire Mr Mueller, the president would have to ask Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to do so, and it is unclear what Mr Rosenstein would say if asked to get rid of the investigator he himself installed following the firing of former FBI Director James Comey. If Mr Rosenstein refused, Mr Trump could fire the deputy attorney general, and then ask the Justice Department's solicitor general to fire Mr Mueller. Any of those actions would likely meet immediate condemnation, and would likely carry with them a heavy political cost. Nixon himself did something similar in 1973, when he asked both his attorney general and deputy attorney general to fire a special prosecutor on the Watergate investigation. Both refused, and immediately tendered their resignation. That incident, known as the "Saturday Night Massacre", prompted swift public outcry. The courts later deemed the action to have been illegal. Nixon resigned less than a year later. The gang rape, torture and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl in Indian-controlled Kashmir has sparked growing outrage and religious tension across the country. Eight men, all of whom are Hindu, have been arrested in connection with the death of Asifa Bano, who was part of the nomadic Muslim Bakarwal tribe. Bano was grazing her familys horses in Kathua, a district in Jammu and Kashmir state, when she was kidnapped, drugged and sexually assaulted by different men over the course of three days. She was eventually strangled and hit over the head with a stone. The attack took place in January, but the details were only released by police this week. On Thursday night, the president of the opposition Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, let a candlelit vigil in New Delhi demanding justice in the Asifa case, as well as a separate case involving rape allegations against a politician from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Like millions of Indians, my heart hurts tonight, Gandhi wrote on Twitter after addressing an estimated 5,000 people at the vigil at the India Gate war memorial. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. What happened to Asifa at Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished, he wrote. What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child? Six of the men arrested in Jammu-Kashmir, including two police officers, are accused of being directly involved in the attack. Two other policemen were arrested for attempts to destroy evidence. Shortly after the men were arrested, protests spread across Kathua as right-wing Hindu activists and nationalists defended the accused, arguing some police officers who worked on the case are Muslim and cannot be trusted, The New York Times reported. Two ministers from the Hindu nationalist BJP were in attendance at a protest in support of the men arrested. Dozens of women in Kathua organised a hunger strike in support of the accused men. On Monday, Hindu lawyers attempted to prevent police from filing their investigation report at court, saying the inquiry was flawed and the six men accused of direct involvement in the attack were innocent and set up. Police were only able to file the charges after calling for backup. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Anger has erupted against those who have supported the accused men, with the hashtag #JusticeforAsifa picking up momentum on social media across India. Some have likened the case to the 2012 rape and murder of student Jyoti Singh on a bus in Delhi, which sparked nationwide demonstrations against Indias pervasive problem of sexual violence against women. According to investigators, the girls assault and murder was an attempt to force the Muslim Bakarwals to leave the area. They also allege the attack was planned by the custodian of a local Hindu temple, Sanji Ram, who was an opponent of the nomadic tribe. The Times of India reported Mr Ram had been motivating some members of the Hindu community in the area not to provide the Bakarwals land for grazing. This year, the talk has been of a poisoned door handle. Back in August 1995, the focus fell on the mouthpiece of a white telephone. According to court documents, it was from an office phone that banker Ivan Kivelidi and his secretary, Zara Ismailova, received lethal doses of a military-grade poison. Within two days, both would be dead. The gruesome murder is considered a forerunner to the Skripal affair the only other occasion that a poison resembling novichok was suspected in foul play. The bankers murder was eventually pinned on an acquaintance named Vladimir Khutsishvili. According to prosecutors, only Mr Khutsishvili was in Kivelidis office during the hours the poison could have been applied. In their version, the poison, an organophosphate nerve agent, was procured on the black market from a scientist called Leonid Rink. Professor Rink was a star of Soviet science. Born in Leningrad, he worked at the Scientific Research Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology in the closed town of Shikhany, in the southern Saratov region. From 1985, he was a member of the secret team that developed novichok nerve agents. He continued the research up until the mid-1990s. By the time of Kivelidis murder in 1995, Professor Rink was already well-known to law enforcement. A year earlier, he had been suspected and questioned over the sale of military-grade poison to Chechen gangsters. When it came to court, Professor Rink was not the most consistent of witnesses. But by his third statement, the most comprehensive, he accepted he had sold a poison designed for humans to criminals after, he says, being threatened with violence. In total, eight or nine ampoules of this military-grade poison left his secret labs. This was easily enough to kill several hundred, as Professor Rink himself accepted in court. The substance he sold was known to a small circle of people, a government secret and similar in toxicity to [nerve agent] VX, the court documents revealed. The name of the chemical was not mentioned in the documents, but many have since drawn a straight line between it, novichok and the Skripals. Boris Kuznetsov, who initially acted as a lawyer for Mr Khutsishvili before leaving the country, has even claimed the mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy reports included in case documents offered the most physical evidence of the existence of the novichok programme. He said he had passed the reports to British authorities last month. But mystery still shrouds the affair and earlier this week, Professor Rink added to the confusion by disowning his earlier court statements. He had not sold military-grade nerve agents on the black market, he insisted in an interview given to independent Russian publication The Bell. Instead, he had tricked the criminals by giving them rat poison in a controlled handover under the watchful eye of the FSB, Russias security services. He claimed to know nothing of the substance that killed Kivelidi. A number of obvious questions arose from Professor Rinks new assertions. If indeed the substances were sold under the control of the security services, how was it that two people ended up dead? Did that not then mean that the security services somehow knew of, or played a role in the murder? And what does that mean for the poisoning in Salisbury? The Independent has reached out to Professor Rink for comment but was told via an intermediary that he was not prepared to talk. Facts are facts, Mr Kuznetsov told The Independent. Kivelidi was killed with a military-grade poison and Rink, in court, said he said he sold that poison. A man has served eight years in prison for murder. How can you now start denying things? For Mr Kuznetsov, Professor Rinks new testimony was an attempt to place distance between Russia and the poison: If the substance in the Kivelidi spectrums matches the substance found in Salisbury, you can only make one conclusion: the same security agency was involved. Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack Members of the emergency services in hazard suits fix the tent over the bench where Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury in March 2018. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Sergei Skripal The retired Russian colonel and former double agent for MI6 was in a critical condition in hospital for more than two months after being exposed to novichok in Salisbury. He was given refuge in the UK after being jailed in Moscow for treason. Mr Skripal came to Britain as part of a high-profile spy swap in 2010 in which four men were exchanged for ten Russian "sleeper agents" in the US. In this image he is speaking to his lawyer from behind bars in Moscow in 2006. AP Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Yulia Skripal Yulia Skripal was struck down by a novichok poison alongside her father Sergei. Facebook Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack A police officer stands guard outside a branch of the Italian chain restaurant Zizzi where the pair dined at before falling ill. It was boarded off whilst investigators worked on the building and later found traces of the chemical weapon within it. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack Large areas of central Salisbury were cordoned off by police following the discovery of the Skripals. Traces of nerve agent were also found in The Mill pub. PA Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Nick Bailey Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, rushed to the aid of the Russian ex-spy and his daughter who were targeted with a nerve agent. He was hospitalized after aiding them and didn't leave until three weeks after the attack. Wiltshire Police/Rex Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation - Skripals home Police believe they were poisoned at home, and detectives found the highest concentration of novichok on the front door of Mr Skripals house. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Theresa May visits scene of attack Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May spokes with Wiltshire Police's Chief Constable Kier Pritchard near where the Skripal's were found. Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats over the nerve agent poisoning and suspended high-level contacts, including for the World Cup on March 14. Theresa May told parliament that Russia had failed to respond to her demand for an explanation on how a Soviet-designed chemical, Novichok, was used in Salisbury. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Skripal days before attack Sergei Skripal days before he was exposed to Novichok, that has left him fighting for life. ITV News Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation - military involvement British soldiers were deployed soon after the attack to help a counter-terrorism investigation into the nerve agent attack. One of the places they were asked to help out with was Skripal's home and it's surrounding. They were asked to remove a vehicle connected to the agent attack in Salisbury, from a residential street in Gillingham. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation Personnel in protective coveralls and breathing equipment cover an ambulance with a tarpaulin at the Salisbury District Hospital. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation The investigation extended to the grave of Sergei Skripal's son Alexander in London Road cemetery. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation The Counter Terrorism Policing Network requested assistance from the military to remove a number of vehicles and objects from Salisbury. EPA Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Home Secretary visits scene of attack Home Secretary Amber Rudd visited the scene of the nerve agent attack at the Maltings shopping centre on 9 March. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Yulia Skripal speaks for the first time Yulia Skripal, speaking for the first time, said she felt lucky to have survived the nerve agent attack in Salisbury which left her fighting for life. Ms Skripal said her life had been turned upside down by the assassination attempt. But the Russian national added she hoped to return to her homeland one day, despite the Kremlin being blamed for the attack. Reuters But there is, in fact, little agreement on what the Kivelidi spectrum actually shows. Vladimir Uglyov, one of the scientists connected with the novichok programme, has suggested the spectrum matches A-234, one of the secret novichok nerve agents. But other scientists surveyed by The Independent cast doubt on that assertion. According to Vil Mirzayanov, the scientist who first revealed Russias chemical weapons programme to the world, the substance most closely resembles tabun, a nerve agent first developed in Germany. Theres no fluoride in those charts, thats the giveaway, he said. It was possible that the substance represented a newer analogue of the novichok class of nerve agents, he said. Rink was researching new substances to take over from novichok compounds if those were banned. But the spectrum could also be a fake. We dont, of course, know if this spectrum is showing the material obtained on the crime scene. This is Russia. Dan Kaszeta, a London-based chemical defence consultant, told The Independent that the case was yet to be proven. The whole episode could easily have been a novichok. Or not. The Kivelidi case is shrouded in vague information of mixed value and credibility. What the affair does show, however, was that in the crippling poverty of the Russian 1990s, dangerous military-grade poisons did occasionally go walkabout. And it is not likely that Professor Rink was the only scientist unable to resist criminal forces. Mr Mirzayanov himself told The Independent that he was also approached by criminals looking to obtain chemical weapons. Its the first time in telling anybody this, but yes, in 1994, once, I was offered a million rubles to synthesise a poison, he said. It was a very short conversation. I said no. Everyone makes their own choices. When I didnt have money, I went out and sold jeans on the highway. Such revelations undermine British suggestions that the Kremlin was overwhelmingly likely the only Russian actor capable of implementing a chemical weapon attack using novichok in Salisbury. With the substance floating about on the black market, any number of criminal and near-state groups could potentially have that capacity. Three experts surveyed by The Independent agreed novichok-type substances sold in the 1990s could retain lethal potency two decades years later. But even if poison were successfully smuggled into the UK, there are other barriers to it being used in an attack. Its application would, for example, likely require making a suspension with oil, and the substance would be very volatile. This, at the very least, would suggest expert involvement. These suspensions are so dangerous that even the smallest mistake will result in tragedy, says Mr Mirzayanov. Youre bound to have a mistake if you have no experience. And its here that were clearly talking about a state or military level of expertise. Concurrently, poor handling would also affect the potency of any nerve agent. One of the biggest drawbacks of novichok is that it is hydrolysed immediately, said Mr Mirzayanov. In retrospect, only an idiot would choose to use it for a murder in England with its 100 per cent humidity. He added: Most likely, the Skripals were saved by the British weather and its interaction with said door handle. Close Air strikes launched in Syria after chemical weapon attack Joint air strikes by the US, UK and France have set back Syrias chemical weapons capability for years, the US military said. Cruise missiles were fired at three sites in response to what Theresa May called the despicable and barbaric attack in Douma last week that is believed to have killed up to 75 people. Ms May said Bashar al-Assad could face even further strikes if chemical weapons are used again - and the US warned that they were "locked and loaded" if poison used again. US President Donald Trump declared mission accomplished after more than 100 missiles were collectively launched in the early hours of the morning. During telephone conversations on Saturday afternoon, Ms May, Mr Trump and Emmanuel Macron all agreed that the military strikes in Syria "had been a success". Downing Street published a document setting out why it believes military action against the Syrian regime was legal after Jeremy Corbyn described the action as legally questionable. The Russian embassy in the US said it had warned that such actions would "not be left without consequences", adding that insulting President Vladimir Putin was "unacceptable and inadmissible". On Saturday afternoon, the UN Security Council rejected Russia's draft resolution condemning "aggression" against Syria by the US and its allies. Please allow a moment for the live blog to load Russia and Syria claimed most of the missiles, numbering about 110, were intercepted, while the Pentagon said Syrian defences had no effect on the operation. Mr Assad, backed also by Iran, said on Saturday the bombings would increase his countrys resolve to fight and crush terrorism. Ms May said she had authorised British forces to conduct precision strikes against Syria to help degrade its chemical weapons capability. This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change, Ms May said in a statement. It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. RAF Tornado jets bombed a chemical weapons facility 15 miles outside Homs, the Ministry of Defence said. Russia warned of consequences for the US-led military strikes, saying the use of missiles on suspected chemical weapons assets were an insult to Vladimir Putin. A pre-designed scenario is being implemented, Russian ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a statement. Again, we are being threatened. We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences. Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Show all 14 1 /14 Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian woman and children run for cover amid the rubble of buildings. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Smoke rises from buildings following the attack on the village of Mesraba in the rebel-held besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascu. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian man carries a child injured. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured child receives treatment following bombings on several areas of eastern Ghouta. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A child reacts inside a hospital after relatives were injured in the bombing. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian children cry at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air strikes on the Syrian village of Mesraba. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense group extinguishing a store during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A wounded 12-year-old Syrian boy, cries as he receives treatment at a make-shift hospital. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrians carry a wounded man. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured man covered with blood at a medical point. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures People sit a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense running to help survivors. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA Earlier, Russias military claimed to have evidence that Britain had direct involvement in staging the suspected chemical attack in Syria, a charge quickly condemned as grotesque by the UK. Humanitarian volunteers were seriously pressured by the UK to speed up plans for a provocation in eastern Ghouta, Moscows defence ministry suggested. Britains ambassador to the UN condemned the blatant lie as the worst piece of fake news weve yet seen from the Russian propaganda machine. Later, a spokesman for the UK Foreign Office said: These accusations from Moscow are just the latest in a number of ludicrous allegations from Russia, who have also said that no attack ever happened. Emmanual Macron says France has prood the Assad used chemical weapons in Syria This simply shows their desperation to pin the blame on anyone but their client: the [President Bashar] Assad regime It comes as Russia and the United States traded fresh blows during the latest round of talks at the UN Security Council and amid warnings that the world is at risk of full-blown military escalation. The State Department said the United States has proof at a very high level of confidence that the Syrian government of Mr Assad carried out the attack but is still working to identify the mix of chemicals used. Syria is responsible. We are all in agreement, department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters. Additional reporting by agencies A suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria believed to have killed at least 75 people was staged with the help of foreign secret services, Russias foreign minister has alleged. A day before a team from the international chemical weapons watchdog watchdog was set to arrive in Douma, just east of Damascus, Sergei Lavrov said Russian experts have already inspected the site of the alleged attack and found no trace of chemical weapons. He said Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication. He offered no further evidence to back up his claim. Mr Lavrov said intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication. He did not elaborate or name the state, but seemed to be hinting at the United States, Britain or France. Sergei Lavrov says the British government could have poisoned the Skripals themselves In a reference to the US, Mr Lavrov said it would only benefit those who are protected by the ocean... and engage in continuous efforts to stir up the region in order to advance their geopolitical goals. Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Show all 14 1 /14 Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian woman and children run for cover amid the rubble of buildings. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Smoke rises from buildings following the attack on the village of Mesraba in the rebel-held besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascu. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian man carries a child injured. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured child receives treatment following bombings on several areas of eastern Ghouta. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A child reacts inside a hospital after relatives were injured in the bombing. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian children cry at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air strikes on the Syrian village of Mesraba. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense group extinguishing a store during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A wounded 12-year-old Syrian boy, cries as he receives treatment at a make-shift hospital. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrians carry a wounded man. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured man covered with blood at a medical point. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures People sit a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense running to help survivors. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA He also said even the smallest miscalculation in Syria could lead to new waves of migrants. God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience, Mr Lavrov told a news conference. He said ultimatums and threats do not help the dialogue. A team of experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), was travelling to Syria and will start its investigations in Douma on Saturday. Emmanual Macron says France has prood the Assad used chemical weapons in Syria On Wednesday, President Donald Trump warned missiles will be coming in response to the strike. Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers to take action along with the United States and France to deter the Syrian regime from further use of chemical weapons. Mr Trump himself appeared to cast doubt on at least the timing of any US-led military action, tweeting: Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! He met his national security team on the situation in Syria on Thursday and no final decision has been made, the White House said in a statement. We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies, it said. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the Cold war is back with a vengeance, as he issues a warning that the world is at risk of full-blown military escalation over the latest suspected chemical attack in Syria. Speaking during the second meeting of the Security Council this week on the conflict in Syria and possible missile strikes by the West, Mr Guterres said: Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise in the establishment of an accountability mechanism threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation if parties cannot figure out a way to agree on how to investigate the claims of a 7 April chemical weapons attack on the Syrian town of Douma during which 60 people died and up to a 1,000 were injured. Mr Guterres said: "The Cold War is back with a vengeance, but with a difference. The mechanisms and the safeguards to manage the risks of escalation that existed in the past no longer seem to be present." Recommended UN in deadlock after US and Russia vote against each other on Syria In a moment of hope, the Security Council adopted a resolution for a humanitarian pause, he said, adding that unfortunately, no such pause actually took place as Syrians continue to face a litany of horrors. Russia, the main opposition to setting up an independent investigation mechanism within the UN, has said the US and its allies are simply using this diplomatic chaos as a pretext for an attack on Syria. The Secretary-General reiterated his support for an investigation being carried out by the Organisation on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), who sent one team already in the conflict zone with another expected to be there in the next few days. However, Russia has argued specifically over what US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has called an attribution mechanism, an investigation to figure out which party actually carried out the supposed chemical weapons attack. Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya turned the focus to the bellicose rhetoric of the US and Mr Trumps hint at a possible missile strike akin to what took place last April after a chemical attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, adding that not only the use of force, the threat of force, flies in the face of the UN charter. He spared no words of caution to US allies as well, saying: There are those with tacit consent that are...possibly becoming complicit in a possible military misadventure. Mr Nebenzya said the US was, as a result, unworthy of a permanent seat on the Security Council. At the last Syria meeting, both Ms Haley and Karen Pierce, UK Ambassador to the UN, had questioned the credibility of Russias membership to the group as well. Donald Trump: US will make decision on military action in Syria 'fairly soon' The right to sabre-rattle ... Does not exist in international law, Mr Nebenzya forcefully said, adding that setting up the investigation and presenting resolutions in front of the Security Council the US and its allies know will not pass are just part smokescreens the real goal is to oust the Syrian government. He brought up issues of the Iraq war and the US using test tubes as evidence of weapons of mass destruction and justification for defying the Security Council. It is Russias contention that the Douma attack was simply staged by anti-government forces, forces who have an interest in the development of such events and the US is supporting terrorists against the legal government of Syria. He said neither the residents of Douma nor Russian investigators found evidence of an attack and had weighty justification to believe, we have even information to believe, that what took place is a provocation of participation of certain countries intelligence services. Ms Haley, in a response statement said: Im in awe, Vasily, of how you say that with a straight face. In pictures: US missile strike against Syria Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: US missile strike against Syria In pictures: US missile strike against Syria The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) launches a tomahawk land attack missile in the Mediterranean Sea AP In pictures: US missile strike against Syria The United States military launched at least 50 tomahawk cruise missiles at al-Shayrat military airfield near Homs, Syria, in response to the Syrian military's alleged use of chemical weapons in an airstrike in a rebel held area in Idlib province EPA In pictures: US missile strike against Syria Shayrat airfield in Syria Getty Images In pictures: US missile strike against Syria US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile in Mediterranean Sea Reuters In pictures: US missile strike against Syria US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile in Mediterranean Sea Reuters In pictures: US missile strike against Syria President Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., after the US fired a barrage of cruise missiles into Syria in retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians AP In pictures: US missile strike against Syria Syria's President Bashar al-Assad Reuters As US Defence Secretary James Mattis has also repeatedly said, Russia has failed to guarantee the removal of chemical weapons in Syria, and under a 2013 agreement in fact it did the opposite Ms Haley said. The US estimated that the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has used chemical weapons 50 times in Syria with public estimates as high as 200, Ms Haley added. It is Russia alone that used its veto six times to prevent the condemnation of use of chemical weapons in Syria, she noted. We must not stay silent in the face of chemical weapons use in our own time, Ms Haley said as she recounted the horrors of chemical weapons use during the First and Second World Wars. No country can be allowed to use chemical weapons with impunity, she added. Though she agreed with Mr Guterres point that there is probably not a single military solution to the Syrian conflict, at one point you have to do something, she said. She did not address Mr Trumps tweets and public statements threatening to attack, however. Our president has not yet made a decision about possible action in Syria. But should the US and our allies decide to act in Syria, it will be in defence of a principle on which we all agree. All nations and all people will be harmed if we allow [Mr] Assad to normalise the use of chemical weapons, she said. Mr Trump tweeted the attack could happen soon or not so soon at all. France has said it has proof that Mr Assads government used chemical weapons in the attack in Douma. Frances ambassador to the UN, Francois Delattre, told the Security Council that the Syrian governments decision to use chemical weapons again meant they had reached a point of no return. The world must provide a robust, united and steadfast response, he said. Since 2015 France has carried out air strikes against Islamic State in Syria as part of allied forces linked to the US-led coalition, conducting about 5 per cent of total coalition air missions. Mr Guterres urged all members that the norms against chemical weapons must be held. He had warned last year to avoid the situation spiralling out of control the exact situation we face today. Theres often much talk about the worlds most beautiful airports, but what of their runways? A survey of 8,500 aviation fans recently put Donegals in the top spot, thanks to its position skimming the beach, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. And while the list isnt bad, there are a few destinations that didnt make the grade. Here are the 10 airports The Independents travel desk think deserve recognition. Heathrow and London City Whether you are landing at London City or Heathrow, if your pilot makes a final turn to line up for the runway over the centre of the capital on a clear day, you are about to enjoy the most impressive city spectacle anywhere in the world. The approach to Heathrow from the east is the most impressive: sit on the right to get the best view of Canary Wharf, the Shard, St Pauls and the London Eye, with the capitals wealth of parkland also more evident from the air than from the ground. London City airport gives great views of the capital (Getty) For London City from the west, sit on the left as the pilot makes a sharp right turn roughly over Waterloo station, then follows the river to touch down at the Docklands airport. Simon Calder, travel correspondent Innsbruck The same reason that makes this Austrian airport notoriously difficult to land at also makes it one of the most beautiful approaches its surrounded by mountains. Aircraft have to navigate around snowy peaks thousands of metres high before coming to land in the valley, and the views are incredible (as long as theyre not hindered by cloud cover). After you alight, youll see towering pinnacles all around an inspiring way to kick off any trip. Helen Coffey, deputy head of travel The dramatic approach to Innsbruck airport (Getty/iStockphoto) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Gibraltar Apart from London, the best approaches are usually to Category C airports, which require extra pilot training: Innsbruck and Salzburg are two great Austrian approaches, while Madeira is always exciting. But the military airfield at Gibraltar is spectacular whichever way you approach and wherever you sit, with the Mediterranean (from the east) or the Atlantic (from the west) providing the overture to the landing on what was previously the sea. And when you emerge from the aircraft, the Rock dominates everything. Simon Calder, travel correspondent Gibraltar airport runway stretches into the sea (Getty/iStockphoto) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Marseille This airport in the south of France has a runway that sticks right out into the water, making for a pretty descent but even more sensational take-off. Its right on the edge of Etang de Berre, a 155sq km lagoon whose blue waters you can admire as the plane powers towards it along the runway and then steadily ascends above it, offering stellar views. Helen Coffey, deputy head of travel Marseilles runway dips into a lagoon (Getty/iStockphoto) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Lijiang The approach to Lijiang is a bit like Innsbruck but on a grander scale you sweep over vast mountains and then start coming down, with no sense that theyre going to end, and you wonder for a second whether the runway is actually on top of the mountain and then suddenly, as youre so close you can almost make out the grains in the rock, you turn into a valley. Its beautiful, if terrifying for a nervous flyer like me. It feels as if the runways is on top of a mountain when you land at Lijiang (Alamy) Venice Always sit on the right as youre flying to Venice nine times out of 10 (according to a pilot) youll fly in across the lagoon, with a peerless view of the Lido, then Giudecca, and then the city itself. Then you skim low across the water and land parallel with the Byzantine bell towers of Torcello. It makes me well up every time. The views as you land at Venice are incredible (Oliver-Bonjoch) Newquay Im biased because its my local airport but theres nowhere quite like Newquay. Whichever way you land youll have sheep either side of the runway, and depending on the wind youll either approach via the china clay pits of St Austell (fascinatingly ugly) or across the sea. Normally its the former, which means taking off over a cliff, then following the coastline past Newquay, Bedruthan Steps and the Camel Estuary before heading inland. Spot the sheep on the approach to Newquay (Alamy) Genoa Like Marseille and Nice, Genoas runway is on reclaimed land cantilevered over the Med, so you get unparalleled sea views coming in and going out. Whats more, the descent from the mountains behind the city makes for a beautiful contrast. Genoas airport is built into the sea (Alessandro Vecchi) Las Vegas Unlike other big city airports, Vegass is right in the centre of Sin City, and you get incredible views of the Strip as youre flying in and out (forget those expensive helicopter sightseeing flights; just book a window seat). Take-off, too, is pretty spectacular not just the Strip but the national park of Red Rock Canyon, too. As you take-off from Las Vegas you get to see Red Rock Canyon (Alamy) San Francisco SFO is nothing to write home about in itself as an airport but the approach and take-off, which usually takes in the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as the city, the Bay and the Marin Headlands, makes my heart sing every time. Julia Buckley, head of travel Flying into SFO is always a pleasure (Scorewith German) Click here for easyJet discount codes France is currently embroiled in a series of travel strikes that threaten to bring the country to its knees. Emmanuel Macron's government is facing a "spring of discontent" 50 years on from the famous protests of May 1968, as parallel disputes involving the country's key transport players conspire to create nightmarish conditions. An effigy of the young president, in power for less than a year, has already been set ablaze in Nantes at a time when Mr Macron is preoccupied with events in Syria. His approval rating has meanwhile dropped from 57 per cent to 40 per cent since his inauguration. Just 11 per cent of France's workforce is unionised, among the lowest in the EU, but its trade bodies retain powerful voices and are not afraid to risk public ire to defend their rights. Why are French railway workers on strike? The country's railway workers are engaged in industrial action over proposed reforms to the SNCF, the national railway, which will be opened up to competition in 2020 in line with EU requirements. SNCF employees currently receive automatic annual pay rises, receive 28 days of paid annual leave, are allowed to retire at 50 and are entitled to free tickets for family members. These perks will be lost under the contractual reforms proposed, which will mean an end to jobs-for-life for new hires. The SNCF is presently 40bn in debt and operating at a loss of 5,000 a minute. France's rail lines are looking at 36 days of strikes in total, two days out of every five from the period beginning on 3 April and scheduled to run until 28 June. All four of France's main rail unions are involved. In total, 77 per cent of drivers and 34 per cent of staff are downing tools. Why are Air France staff taking action? Air France pilots, cabin crew and ground staff are also on strike - demanding a 6 per cent pay rise given that their wages have been frozen since 2011. The company is currently only offering a one per cent increase with added benefits and have been duly snubbed. As a result, 30 per cent of Air France flights were grounded on Wednesday in a series of rolling two-day strikes: the first took place on 10 and 11 April, with more to follow on 17 and 18 and again on 23 and 24 of this month. What does this mean for British travellers? Eurostar trains between London and Paris have been hit this month as many cross-Channel drivers are SNCF, but the service was running as normal on Friday. On domestic trains, just one in five high-speed TGVs are running, with one in five main lines and two in three regional trains operating normally. Further disruption is expected on Saturday before normal services resume on Sunday. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Flights to Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh from Paris Charles de Gaulle have all been cancelled this month over Air France's action but flights should be running as normal in the run-up to the next round of strikes on Tuesday. Passengers with tickets booked on the dates of the forthcoming round of strikes have been invited to switch to flights taking off between 15 and 22 April and 25 and 30 April. The Foreign Office is meanwhile advising travellers to check with airlines before embarking for the airport. Remember British Midland (later BMI)? Dan-Air, or Dan Dare as the airline was commonly known? British Caledonian? All were excellent independent airlines, and all ended up being bought by a much bigger carrier, British Airways. BA is now the senior partner in the IAG conglomerate, which also includes Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. And IAG has bought a slice of another excellent independent airline, Norwegian, saying: The minority investment is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, including the possibility of a full offer. History suggests that a takeover is likely, and the market seems to think so, too. Had you wisely bought 100 in shares in the Oslo-based airline on Wednesday evening, by Thursday you would be 50 richer. I judge it unlikely that IAG will simply cash in its windfall and walk away. Norwegian is seen as a threat which could be transformed into an opportunity. Gatwick has blossomed into a low-cost, long-haul hub. By midnight on Friday, a procession of Norwegian jets had departed for New York, Seattle, Fort Lauderdale, Singapore, Oakland (the budget gateway for San Francisco), Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, New York again and Buenos Aires Those 10 intercontinental flights represent many seats which need filling. The airline most likely to lose passengers? BA, which also saw its customers poached by the scheduled services of British Midland, Dan-Air and British Caledonian. Like the first two of those carriers, Norwegian is not in the finest financial shape. Its bid to stake a short-haul claim at Gatwick, flying everywhere from Berlin to Barcelona, has not been a great success, and the European network has retrenched largely to a Scandinavian heartland. Flying transatlantic links from Cork, Shannon, Belfast and Edinburgh was a bold move, but has not turned out to be a game changer; on Friday afternoon it was revealed that several routes from these airports would become summer-only to staunch losses. At a time when, unusually, most airlines are raking in cash, Norwegian has built up 2bn in debt, with some expensive new aircraft on the way as the fleet expands to nearly 200 planes by next year. Competition is intensifying, too, with British Airways announcing Economy Basic fares this week, its sister airline Level expanding and Primera Air about to start no-frills transatlantic flights from Stansted. So why would IAG want to start flirting with a rival, rather than sitting back to watch what could prove an uncomfortable summer for Norwegian? Because Norwegian has some appealing characteristics: experience in low-cost, long-haul aviation which could prove valuable as Level expands; some interesting (for IAG) cost-cutting practices, including employing some flight crew on South-East Asian terms; and an order book of attractive new aircraft at pretty good prices. And as BA demonstrated with British Caledonian, Dan-Air and British Midland/BMI: a good way to get rid of an annoying competitor is to buy it. For a perspective of what an IAG takeover might mean, I turned to Laurie Price, who was around at BCal in 1987 when what was described as a merger with British Airways took place. Norwegian is a good match, he says, and speculates that the Scandinavian carrier would be kept as a distinct brand within IAG. Ironically, a differentiated product development at Gatwick is what BA should have done 30 years ago when it paid 250m for British Caledonian. But British Airways did not have the right vision or leadership then. With Aer Lingus aggressively expanding across the Atlantic, and Level spreading its wings as a low-cost, long-haul startup, I wonder if another brand especially one with a narrowly geographic name would work long term? But Norwegians portfolio of Gatwick slots comes into play as well. While permissions to land and take off from the Sussex airport are not as rare commodities as slots at Heathrow, their value will only increase with every year in which a new runway remains unbuilt. The Norwegian slots allow BA to build there, in a proven market, and achieve greater economy of scale. As British Caledonian back office staff in their hundreds found after the British takeover, one result of Norwegian falling into the clutches of IAG would be a swift cull of management with duplicating roles. I hope the people working at the Oslo HQ bought plenty of shares before the price soared. For the passenger, meanwhile, any reduction of competition spells higher fares and less choice. I fear the fares war to Fort Lauderdale will not last long. But as Norwegians founder and chief executive Bjorn Kjos told me: You will always see airlines come and go. Mostly you will see them go. Vehicles belonging to Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya were Thursday evening involved in a road accident in Vihiga County. The accident occurred at Lunyerere bridge along the Majengo-Chavakali road. Confirming the incident, Governor Oparanya said no one was injured. My chase car has this evening been involved in an accident with Amb. Amina Mohameds car near Chavakali township. No injuries have been reported so far. I urge all of you to be calm because we are safe, the Governor tweeted. The Governors head of communication, Dickson Rayori, said the two cars were headed in different directions when the incident took place. Oparanya was en route to Kisumu while Amb. Aminas entourage was heading to Kakamega, It is still unclear what caused the accident but Rayori said the cars were extensively damaged. Oparanya and Amina were unharmed as their cars were not involved, contrary to social media reports. The youngest man to travel to every country in the world wants to make conquering the globe easier for everyone else and he swears it has nothing to do with making money. Twenty-nine-year-old James Asquith, a London banker who had visited all 196 countries by the age of 24, recently launched Holiday Swap, an app which aims to get people to swap homes with other people when they travel. You have a picture of a property and you swipe, Mr Asquith told Business Insider. A lot of people whove used it said I feel like Im on Tinder. However, unlike Tinder, Holiday Swap works on a global rather than local scale, meaning you can see properties on the more than 40 countries across the six continents the app currently covers. Mr Asquith added that you can filter your settings for things like I want a place with a good atmosphere or a young crowd, by country or whatever. When someone matches with you, you get a notification and a pin added to your map, as well as the ability to chat to the user and see their availability calendar. Then you basically have that connection, Mr Asquith said. Say youre going away for a week you might look at your map have 30 cool places [you can go], but the people as well. Its only $1 (0.70p) per bed a night to swap through the app and the users can also request a fully refundable deposit if it makes them more comfortable, money which the app protects. If youre swapping a place but you want to protect against them cancelling on you or you want to protect against damage or whatever, everything is covered on home insurance, but its beyond that as well, he said. We keep the deposit fee in a third party account then its all returned when its done. The new app is now available on both iOS and Android and Mr Asquith says some users have already started swapping. When Business Insider checked out the app, it was clear that a proportion of the profiles are fake. Mr Asquith said these are leftovers from an earlier testing process and are being phased out. He added that profiles are manually vetted, rather than automatically with ID checking like with Airbnb. If a profile doesnt meet the site standards, the moderation team will suspend the account. There are also some pretty nice looking properties already on the app, too, like this one: A social media travel tool The platform works on a global rather than local scale, meaning you can see properties across the six continents which the app currently covers (Holiday Swap/Business Insider) (Holiday Swap) While you have to have a space to list in order to register on the app, its about more than just home swapping. We are aiming to become a fully integrated travel tool that reduces the cost of travel, he said. Another way of looking at Holiday Swap is a social media travel tool, which gives real savings and new experiences to all of us, by taking out one of the largest costs of travel. One of the ways hes aiming to do this is through MyMap, an interactive tool where users can place and browse pins of places to visit and things to do building further on our community feel. The company is also building a guest blog for travel experiences online. The goal is to allow users to find other uses not just through the places they have listed for swapping, but also through their blog posts and travel tips. People may never swap, he said. If Ive matched with someone that looked cool in Toronto, now I know someone there. Youd link out and make that connection. People then might start chatting and not officially swap through the app. He added that ultimately we just want people to be able to use it and to have a tool to actually travel. We dont want people to use it and then shelve it, we [want them to be] actually going and finding cool things and being able to have it in your map. Everyone loves the aesthetics of a map with pins youve travelled to and places you could go to. From cityscapes to sunshine Show all 6 1 /6 From cityscapes to sunshine From cityscapes to sunshine Soak in the beautiful architecture of the Castell de Bellver From cityscapes to sunshine Enjoy contemporary art at Baluard Museu d'Art Modern i Contemporani From cityscapes to sunshine See the sunset from an Arab fortress From cityscapes to sunshine Try some of the Balearic capital's tasty tapas at La Taberna del Caracol From cityscapes to sunshine Discover Palma's picturesque promenades From cityscapes to sunshine Stop for an authentic lunch at Mercat de lOlivar farmers market Making Holiday Swap a billion-dollar company The company has already had partnership interest from large US tech firms, according to Mr Asquith, as well as tour companies, airlines and potential brand ambassadors. However, successful the idea may be, he insists hes not doing it for the money. I will never ever sell this company, he said. What probably will make it a really successful app for lots of people to use is that Im not doing it to flip it and make a lot of money. He added: Airbnb is like a $40-50bn company, Booking.com is owned by Priceline and is a $120bn company. At the end of the day, Holiday Swap will be a billion dollar company, Ill make sure of it, but thatll just be on paper itll be irrelevant to me. In terms of how he plans to make that happen and afford to employ staff Mr Asquith said: Because of the lean nature of our business, we keep our costs down to a minimum and as we are trying to give more power back to travellers in terms of what they see and how they stay, we dont have any great overhead costs. There will be enough money that keeps it there. Take Uber for example. Uber has never made a profit. He added that the $1 per night fee is enough on a global scale for us as a company to continue to invest and pioneer in travel and tech. We already have a decent staff force that is passionate about the brand and the mission, he said. Our mission is to really open up travel to more people and to more places, so all money is put right back into the company to allow us to continue to grow and offer more products to users in the future, of which we have some very exciting ideas. Read more: Barnier: Britain has to follow EU regulations forever if it wants a Brexit trade deal Trump is weighing a massive strike on Syria and it could bring all-out war with Russia Mark Zuckerberg gave his grueling testimony to Congress from a 4-inch booster seat Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2018. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. One of the most interesting aspects of James Comeys highly interesting memoirs is just how fixated Donald Trump apparently was about allegations in Christopher Steeles dossier that he had used prostitutes while on a visit to Russia. The claim that the man who is now the US president had hired the women to urinate at a hotel room in Moscow was the most lurid made by the former MI6 agent, and something which was used at the time by his detractors to discredit the report. Many of the claims made in the Steele document have subsequently turned out to be true. There has not, however, been any proof yet of the golden shower (or the alleged filming of it by the Kremlin) which supposedly took place on the bed once used by Barack and Michelle Obama, who Trump hated. There have been assertions from some intelligence and diplomatic officials that the incident did take place and that Trump had used prostitutes in other occasions in Russia, but these remain unverified. We also know there are allegations that Trump had affairs with a porn actress and others in the US, and that the woman concerned, Stormy Daniels, was paid off for her silence. This was the reason for the raid by special counsel Robert Muellers on the offices of the presidents personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. The investigators were reportedly also looking for a tape in which Trumps advice to a companion on women was grab them by the p***y. Separately, Steve Bannon had claimed that 100 women had been taken care of on Trumps behalf; the number may be a hyperbole, but that is what the Presidents former chief strategist said. All this is still not proof of the Moscow prostitute act, but that is a claim which appeared to have greatly exercised the president. Comey recounts his meeting with the president-elect in January 2017 to discuss the Steele dossier. Trump was quickly focused on the sex. He denied the claim, asking rhetorically I assumed whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised. He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorised the allegations, Comey writes. The conversation, Comey felt, teetered towards disaster until I pulled the tool from my bag: We are not investigating you, sir. That seemed to quiet him. Comeys assurance was technically correct at the time, and had been used by Trump to declare that he is not suspected of any wrongdoing. But since then, of course, the president has become the focus of the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, appointed after Comeys sacking by Trump, into Russian interference in the US election. It seems the president-elect could not stay quiet for long. Just a week after that meeting, he called Comey to talk about the dossier and moved on, unprompted again, to the sex allegations. He was keen to stress that he had not stayed overnight in Moscow and had only used the hotel room to change clothes. In any event, said the man who was about to take over the most powerful job in the world, theres no way I would let people pee on each other around me. Im a germaphobe!. Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath of office as his wife Melania (L) and daughter Tiffany watch during inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West Front of the US capital in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jim Bourg: "This photo was shot with one of two remote cameras. The cameras were monitored and triggered remotely and the pictures were transmitted to clients worldwide within minutes of being taken." Reuters/Jim Bourg Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Obama farewell address - 10 January 2017 US President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago on 10 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "In his final days in office, Obama made a visit home to Chicago. As he spoke from the stage to his wife and daughter in the audience, he became emotional when he talked about what they had sacrificed during his time in office. I turned from photographing the Obama women embracing to find him onstage wiping away tears." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 A combination of photos shows the crowds attending the inauguration ceremonies to swear in U.S. President Donald Trump at 12:01pm (left) on January 20, 2017 and President Barack Obama sometime between 12:07pm and 12:26pm on January 20, 2009. Reuters/ Lucas Jackson/Stelios Varias Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Liberty Ball - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Liberty Ball in honour of his inauguration in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "What I see when I look at this picture is the end of a very long day, not to mention weeks and months of preparation by many photographers, editors and network experts and the beginning of everything since." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception - 22 January 2017 US President Donald Trump greets Director of the FBI James Comey as Director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy (L), watches during the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House on 22 January, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "I have covered the White House for 16 years and normally either the President or the pool is in position when an event starts. In this case the President was not where anyone expected him to be. In fact, he was almost blocking the door when the pool came in. We had to scramble to find a position without bumping him or the furniture as he greeted and thanked members of law enforcement for their security efforts during the inauguration. Luckily, he greeted FBI Director James Comey a few seconds after the pool had made its way into the room." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Private phone calls to world leaders - 28 January 2017 US President Donald Trump, is joined by his staff, as he speaks by phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office on 28 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Very early in the Trump administration, weekends were as busy as weekdays. On Trump's second Saturday the official schedule said he would be making private phone calls to a number of world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin. I arrived early and, before sitting down at my desk walked up to Press Secretary Sean Spicer's office. He, too, was just taking his coat off. I gingerly made the suggestion that previous administrations had sometimes allowed photos of such phone calls through the Oval Office windows on the colonnade. To my mild shock, he didn't even think about it twice. "We'll do it!" he said. In truth, I really only expected the Putin call, but we were outside the windows multiple times throughout the day as the calls went on." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway - 27 February 2017 Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway (L) attends as US President Donald Trump welcomes the leaders of dozens of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the Oval Office on 27 February, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "We're often asked how much access we have to the Trump administration, and the answer is we have an awful lot. President Trump himself is very comfortable in the spotlight, and his aides are similarly unfazed by cameras. In this instance, senior advisor Kellyanne Conway was so comfortable in our presence she seemed not to consider the optics of kneeling on a Oval Office sofa to take pictures with her phone." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Angela Merkel heads to Washington - 17 March 2017 Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump hold a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House on 17 March, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Chancellor Merkel made one of the earliest important visits of any US allies to meet Trump in his first months in office. When world leaders give joint news conferences they don't always tend to give each other their full attention - but Merkel watched Trump intently at several key moments, and here seemed particularly rapt." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump welcomes truckers to the White House - 23 March 2017 President Trump reacts as he sits on a truck while he welcomes truckers and CEOs to attend a meeting regarding healthcare at the White House on 23 March, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "The White House organised a listening session with truckers and CEO's of major American companies, regarding healthcare reform. An 18-wheeler tow truck was parked on the South Lawn of the White House and as Trump welcomed the truckers someone invited the him to come and sit in the driver's seat. Trump jumped into the cab and started yelling and pretending to drive - creating one of the most memorable pictures of the year. A lesson learned, always be prepared for the unexpected." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 6 April 2017 US President Donald Trump talks to journalists members of the travel pool on board the Air Force One during his trip to Palm Beach, Florida on 6 April, 2017. Carlos Barria: "During the many trips to President Trump's residence in Florida it is usual to see the president coming to the back of the plane to chat with journalists. During one of the trips to the so called 'Winter White House', Trump had a long talk with reporters while the Air Force One entertainment system was playing one of the latest Star Wars movies. As I was listening to Trump talk I was also looking at the movie waiting for a part of the movie to frame the mood of the day. Of the many scenes, I choose the one with Darth Vader." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office of the White House on 27 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "A day before President Trump's hundred days in office I was part of the team that interviewed the commander-in-chief in the Oval Office. I was only allowed to photograph Trump during the last five minutes of the interview. The time was very tight so I had to move fast as I had pictures in mind that I wanted to shoot. I walked into the Oval Office and saw that the President had printed maps of the country showing areas in red where he won. I raised my hands holding my camera as high as possible to get the best view of the scene using a 16mm wide angle lens." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump reacts as he arrives at Harrisburg international airport, before attending a rally marking his first 100 days in office in Pennsylvania on 29 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to celebrate his hundred days in office with a victory rally. He was in friendly territory as he won with a big difference over his opponent Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, during the November elections. As usual when the commander-in-chief arrives local residents gather to greet him. This time a small group of military personnel attended the arrival. Surrounded by secret service agents Trump walked from the Air Force One and raised his hand in a sign of victory as the crowd cheered him on." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 2 May 2017 White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (L) and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus watch as US President Donald Trump presents the U.S. Air Force Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on 2 May, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "Covering the White House does not just mean covering the President. White House staffers are an important part of the story and their relationship with the President and each other is an indicator of how things are going in the West Wing. The tendency is to focus exclusively on the President once an event starts but I always try to look around to see how people are reacting as things unfold." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Secret Service - 4 May 2017 Secret Service agents use a presidential limousine as cover from spraying water as US President Donald Trump lands via Marine One helicopter in New York on 4 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "The best part of any trip to New York City with the sitting US President is the helicopter ride into Manhattan. The ride out at night can be stunning. Here, Secret Service agents protect themselves from the spray from the East River as Trump lands on the helipad." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures NATO Summit - 25 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron (unseen) before a lunch ahead of a NATO Summit in Brussels on 25 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "One of the best parts of travelling overseas for White House coverage is the chance to see the U.S. president in different environments and (literally) a different light. Here, Trump and his wife came out of the shadows to greet France's President Macron." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump meets Putin at G20 summit - 7 July 2017 US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on 7 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "On July 7, I witnessed one of the most important meetings of President Trump's first year in office. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Germany. The world's eyes were on these two leaders after speculation about Russian interference during the 2016 US elections. We entered the room for less than two minutes, where I took dozens of pictures. But there was this very interesting moment when Trump extended his hand to Putin for a handshake. Putin paused for a second and looked at Trump's hand. That was the picture that I was looking for, a little moment that seemed to say a lot." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures First lady - 8 July 2017 First lady Melania Trump chats with US President Donald Trump during their return from Germany at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 8 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "After President Trump's trip to Germany he arrived back at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. First Lady Melania Trump said goodbye to Trump as she was heading off in a different direction that day. While chatting a breeze blew Melania's hair up in the air." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Made in America product showcase - 17 July 2017 Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House on 17 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "This summer the White House organized an event to showcase 'Made in America' products. All kinds of exhibitors brought their products as the President and Vice President toured the event. One of the companies was Marucci Sport, a manufacturer of baseball bats based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As Trump approached a table full of baseball bats, photographers at the event, including me, rushed to get a good angle hoping that he would pick up a bat. As we predicted, he did. He took one and joked around as though he was hitting something hard. The only thing closer to him right there, was the media." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 25 July 2017 Former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski says hello to reporters as he and White House advisors including Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci accompany President Trump for an event celebrating veterans at AMVETS Post 44 in Ohio, July 25, 2017. Jonathan Ernst: "The most visible person in any White House is naturally the President, followed by the press secretary. But there are also the staff who support them. For those of us covering the Trump administration, there seem to be more compelling figures in the West Wing than ever before. It's crucial to know who's who and why they're important. When I raised my camera and back-pedalled ahead of the group to take this image Lewandowski gave me a hello. I liked the photo, but had no idea it would go a little bit viral, especially since Scaramucci, who was the biggest mover and shaker that week, was hidden back in the pack. But I guess the image catches a glimpse of what it's like to be a West Wing staffer on the road." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Campaign rally - 3 August 2017 US President Donald Trump arrives at a rally in West Virginia on 3 August, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Huntington for one of his usual campaign rallies. While members of his family spoke to the crowd he was waiting under a black curtain to be introduced. Suddenly he walked onto the stage, one of the first frames that I took was of his hand. I set my exposure for the light on the stage hoping to create this dark background and it worked." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Staring into the solar eclipse - 21 August 2017 Without his protective glasses on, US President Donald Trump looks up towards the solar eclipse while viewing with his wife Melania and son Barron at the White House on 21 August, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "On a day when everyone, and I mean everyone, was told not to look at the eclipse without protective glasses, Trump, President of the United States, couldn't help himself." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Harvey - 2 September 2017 US President Donald Trump poses for a photo as he and first lady Melania Trump help volunteers hand out meals during a visit with flood survivors of Hurricane Harvey at a relief centre in Houston, Texas on 2 September, 2017. Photohrapher Kevin Lamarque: "Trump, eager to deliver the image of a hands-on response to Hurricane Harvey, made this visit to a relief centre and obliged this woman with a selfie as Melania continued to work." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House - 15 September 2017 Donald Trump welcomes 11-year-old Frank Giaccio as he cuts the Rose Garden grass at the White House on 15 September. Frank, who wrote a letter to Trump offering to mow the lawn, was invited to work for a day at the White House along the National Park Service staff. Frank was so focused on his task that he did not notice the President arrive to surprise him. He took his father jumping in to grab his attention and point Trump out. Photographer Carlos Barria said: The image of Trump shouting at a kid who is mowing his lawn might have many interpretations in today's politically polarized United States. But for me it was just a kid who loved what he was doing, to the point he almost appeared to ignore the President." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Take a knee - 27 September 2017 A man kneels with a folded U.S. flag as the motorcade of U.S. President Donald Trump passes him after an event at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., September 27, 2017. In September, soon after Trump had made comments condemning NFL players who kneel during the national anthem, he made a day trip to a rally in Indianapolis. Jonathan Ernst managed to capture a man on one knee with a tri-folded flag and was able to use a portion of the sign on the building he was kneeling in front of to track the man down and tell his story in full. US Army veteran Marvin Boatright wanted to send a message against social injustice. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Maria - 3 October 2017 President Donald Trump throws rolls of paper towels into a crowd of local residents affected by Hurricane Maria as he visits Calgary Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Rico on 3 October, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "During an afternoon visit to Puerto Rico for President Trump to survey damage from Hurricane Maria and greet some of its victims, Trump made a stop at a church where food and supplies were being distributed. Among the items were paper towels and Trump, apparently caught up in the moment, decided to distribute some of the rolls." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Jared Kushner - 1 November 2017 White House Senior adviser Jared Kushner sits behind President Trump during a cabinet meeting in Washington on 1 November, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "The role of Jared Kushner has gone through a series of changes. He began front and centre as a high profile adviser, but as time has passed and issues surrounding him have surfaced, he has become more of a background figure." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump in China - 9 November 2017 Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands after making joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 9 November, 2017. Photographer Damir Sagolj: "It's one of those "how to make a better or at least different shot when two presidents shake hands several times a day, several days in row". If I'm not mistaken in calculation, presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump shook their hands at least six times in events I covered during Trump's recent visit to China. I would imagine there were some more handshakes I haven't seen but other photographers did. And they all look similar - two big men, smiling and heartily greeting each other until everyone gets their shot. But then there is always something that can make it special - in this case the background made of US and Chinese flags. The first time it didn't work for me. The second time I positioned myself lower and centrally, and used the longest lens I have to capture only hands reaching for a handshake." Reuters/Damir Sagolj Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 10 November 2017 US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart for Vietnam from Beijing Airport in Beijing, China, November 10, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "There is a Reuters photographer in the tight pool covering the US president for every appearance he makes 365 days a year. This was just one of 32 images of mine that were transmitted on the Reuters wire of President Trump visiting China and Vietnam that day. You never know when a sudden interaction, a gust of wind or a unique facial expression will lead to a striking image that grabs peoples' attention." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures ASEAN handshake - 13 November 2017 Donald Trump registers his surprise as he realises other leaders, including Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, are crossing their arms for the traditional "ASEAN handshake" as he participates in the opening ceremony of the summit in Manila on 13 November, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Having covered a few ASEAN summits, I knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. Not everyone in the room knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. A lot was written about this unscripted moment, and what deeper meaning it might have. The simple truth is that sometimes in life there are unscripted moments." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Comey decided it was prudent not tell the president-elect that the activity alleged did not seem to require either an overnight stay or even being in proximity to the participants. In fact, though I didnt know for sure, I imagined the presidential suite of the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow was large enough for a germaphobe to be at a safe distance from the activity. A week after his inauguration, Trump invited Comey to dinner at the White House. It was an intimate affair with the table set for two. The president spent some time marvelling at the handwriting on the menu and then turned once again to the many sex allegations against him and his answer to them. There was no way he groped the lady sitting next to him on the aeroplane, and that the idea that he grabbed a porn star and offered her money was preposterous. The next month, Trump is said to have telephoned the FBI chief once more to complain about the Russian investigation and again brought up the matter of the Moscow prostitutes. For about the fourth time, he argued that the golden showers thing wasnt true, asking yet again, Can you imagine me, hookers? In an apparent play for my sympathy, he added that he has a beautiful wife and the whole thing has been very painful for her. He asked what we could do to lift the cloud, Comey writes. That was how some of the interaction apparently went between the new president of the United States and the director of the FBI. It is a revelation of Trumps obsession with and, at the same time, worries about the salacious parts of his life and just one grubby part of a presidency which, to Comey, is shorn of integrity, honesty and morality. In the 290 pages of A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, the former FBI director charges that this president is unethical, and untethered to the truth and institutional values. His leadership is transactional, ego-driven and about personal loyalty. Trumps rule is a forest fire which is doing great damage to America. Comey compares the president to a mafia boss of the type he used to try and put behind bars as a federal prosecutor: The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small. In service to some code of loyalty that puts the organisation above morality and above the truth. We are experiencing a dangerous time in our country, he writes, with a political environment where basic facts are disputed, fundamental truth is questioned, lying is normalised and unethical behaviour is ignored, excused or rewarded. But Comey himself has helped to put Trump in the White House and the creation of this toxic and desperate political environment. Just before the election he announced, as head of the FBI, that he was reopening investigation into Hillary Clintons emails. At the same time he failed to mention that Trump had been under investigation for months over his Kremlin connections. The Clinton investigation came to nothing: but her campaign had, by then, been stymied and Trumps boosted. Comey tries to defend his action over the Clinton investigation. He says President Obama sat alone with him later in the Oval Office and told him: I picked you to be FBI director because of your integrity and your ability. I want you to know that nothing nothing has happened in the last year to change my view. Comey, close to crying, told President Obama, Boy, were those words I needed to hear. . . Im just trying to do the right thing. It is a bit too late for tears now from Comey over Trump, one may think. But this is the second book with hugely damaging revelations, after Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury, about an administration, not even halfway through its term, lurching from one severe crisis to another. Other presidencies would have found it difficult to survive endless storms and this one may not survive either. The Syria conflict Trump is threatening to start or other foreign adventures which may follow are unlikely to provide a distraction forever. During my childhood, when the BNP were still a political force, I remember my mum telling me not to worry. She told me that, when she was younger, it was Enoch Powell that all the minorities were afraid of. Having been invited by the British state to rebuild the country after the Second World War, many first and second generation immigrant families feared being deported in the decades that followed including my own. However, my mum said that history ended up finishing off with Powell and that the same fate would befall the BNP. Time proved her right. The point is, Powell has a toxic and fearsome legacy amongst immigrants who arrived in Britain after 1945; it has continued to this day in the communities he wanted to see repatriated. There is simply no getting over that. So, I find it insensitive and reckless that the BBC has saw fit to broadcast Powells hate-filled Rivers of Blood speech, particularly at a time when we are seeing a resurgence of the far-right. The anger is well-justified and the BBC ought to withdraw the broadcast. Communities like mine should not have to hear the terrorising echoes of his words again. Umaar Kazmi Nottingham West knows best Am I alone I believing that the international community is conflating two separate issues over the current situation in Syria: use of chemical weapons; and the desperate plight of the people of Syria. The use of chemical weapons by any state is unacceptable. But military actions are not appropriate. They do not work. We need an international protocol which mandates a standard response to the use of these vile weapons. In todays world that means economic and trade sanctions. The user would become a pariah state. For Syria the question is, what do the people there want? It is totally wrong for us to foist a solution on them. If we can identify what the people of Syria want, we can plan how to help them. But do we know? How can we know? The current situation smacks of a West Knows Best mentality. Bernard Cudd Morpeth I strongly urge people to oppose any calls to support further military intervention in the already-terrible war in Syria. Britain has been openly involved militarily in Syria since 2015. More bombing or other action can only prolong the cycle of violence and therefore increase the suffering of the Syrian people. It also risks a potentially catastrophic confrontation with Russian forces. The only rational political response is to oppose military intervention from all sides and do everything possible to promote a political solution. I strongly condemn the bombing attacks on the people of Douma in Syria, including alleged chemical attacks. Yet again, the main victims of this war are the ordinary people of Syria, who have now suffered seven years of war which has left many dead, and many more refugees. The attack must not be used to justify more military intervention. I condemn all outside military intervention including that of Russia and Iran. But equally condemn that of our own government and its allies. Already Donald Trump has promised retaliation and there has been a missile attack on a Syrian airfield, by an undisclosed country. France and Britain are likely to support further such action. It is sometimes claimed that the bombing by Assad is the result of the Wests failure to intervene. Nothing could be further from the truth. The West has been intervening directly and through its proxies throughout this war. Britain voted against bombing Syria in 2013, but voted to do so in 2015 and continues its military intervention. Nato member Turkey is intervening in Syria and has launched a massive military attack on the Kurds in Afrin. Oddly enough attacks on the Kurds were the justification used by our country for the first Iraq war. The Middle East has become the site of endless conflict following the war on Afghanistan (allegedly to find Bin Laden who funnily enough was in his house in Pakistan) and of course the second invasion of Iraq in 2003 an invasion I opposed and about which was proved right. It is known now that war was built on lies. I strongly doubt a war with Syria would be any different. In recent months there has been Western bombing in Iraq and Syria, not to mention the Western-backed Saudi war in Yemen. Yes, the West backs one of the worst human rights violators. It is surely the height of hypocrisy for those supporting such wars to now claim their military can help those under threat in the Syrian war. This escalation of war is highly dangerous. The only solution in Syria is a ceasefire on all sides and a political settlement military intervention has already been proved to have failed. David Holdsworth Christian CND Plastic cups Please please please can someone explain to me why Waitrose can get rid of all their so called recyclable cups by this autumn, yes autumn 2018, while chains like Starbucks and Costa have been procrastinating for 10 years? Madness! Suzie Taylor Pitchcombe The most important point about the impending missile strikes in Syria by the US, Britain and France is being missed, despite wall-to-wall media coverage. The purported aim of the attack is to deter President Bashar al-Assad from using chemical weapons as a weapon in the Syrian civil war. But the history of this savage conflict, in which half a million people have died, shows that all sides employ every possible method to kill or maim their enemies. Preventing the use of one type of armament, and that not the most important, will make little difference. The only way to stop the deployment of poisoned gas in Syria is to stop the use of all weapons, by bringing the war to an end. But in the run-up to military action against Assads forces, there is depressingly little discussion about how this might be done. Insofar as there is discussion, it is to the effect that either the air strikes will not change the balance of power on the ground, or they will somewhat weaken Assad and prevent him winning a decisive victory in the war. This is the same old discredited policy that the US and its western allies have pursued for the last five years, since they realised that the armed opposition to Assad was dominated by various al-Qaeda clones, such as Isis and al-Nusra, which would replace him if he ever fell from power. In cooperation with Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, they helped the rebels sufficiently to keep the war going against Assad, but not enough for them to win. As early as August 2012, a report by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Pentagons intelligence arm, stated that the Salafists, the Muslim Brotherhood, and AQI [al-Qaeda in Iraq] are the major forces driving the insurgency in Syria. It is worth reading in full the DIA report which forecasts the possibility of establishing a declared or undeclared Salafist principality in eastern Syria. This was two years before Isis declared the Islamic State. Syria civil war: Footage shows children treated following chemical weapons attack in Douma Some conspiracy theorists conclude that the US covertly supported the rise of Isis and al-Qaeda, but a more credible accusation is that Washington and its allies created the conditions in which they flourished. This was a calamitous error in judgement: when the Syrian army withdrew from northern and eastern Syria in 2012, it created a vacuum that was swiftly filled by al-Qaeda fanatics. Revolt in Syria restarted the sectarian civil war in Iraq. Isis captured Raqqa and Mosul, spread to the rest of the Islamic world and began its terrorist attacks in western Europe. The same catastrophic mistake is now being made again as Western military forces ready themselves to attack Syria. Contrary to the pretence by the governments of the US, UK and France that their great concern is the sufferings of the Syrian people, their actions will simply deepen these because their only likely impact will be to lengthen the war. Even supposing they succeed in doing something to curtail the use of poison gas by Assad, this has so far killed an estimated 1,900 Syrians out of a total of half a million who have died violently since 2011. Ending the war is the only way to reduce civilian casualties, and everything else is hypocrisy and pretence. What is really killing people in Syria is the war which western powers stoked year after year with the intention that neither side would win. Their real concern in firing missiles at Assads forces is as a demonstration of power in the face of defiance by Syria, Russia and Iran. Aside from making this gesture, they do not really want to change the present toxic situation in Syria. This may explain their hesitation in beginning the missile strikes. It is easy enough to condemn the US, UK and France for their past failings, but what could they really do to help Syria? They need to accept in public, as they have long done in private, that Assad, backed by his Russian and Iranian allies, is going to hold onto power. In control of Damascus, Aleppo and the biggest Syrian cities, he is not going to be removed by anything less than a US-led land invasion, along the lines of Iraq in 2003. Out of 16 million Syrians in the country another 6-7 million are refugees are in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan about 12 million are in areas controlled by Assad, two million by the Kurds and the same number in rebel and Turkish-held areas in Idlib province and north and west of Aleppo. His victory is becoming irreversible, but international recognition of it should be conditional on the return to their homes of the refugees, a quarter of the prewar population, along with an internationally monitored amnesty and freeing of prisoners. The Syrian Kurds would like a deal with Damascus giving them regional autonomy, since however much they dislike the Assad government, they are even more frightened of a Turkish invasion. The Kurds fear ethnic cleansing by the Turks and their Sunni Arab auxiliaries from the whole of northern Syria. Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution Show all 10 1 /10 Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution The reconstructed Khaled Bin al-Waleed Mosque is framed by a damaged building, in the old city of Homs AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution Sumaya Bairuty, 38, an English-language teacher who works in the capital Damascus, speaks with The Associated Press while as she walks to her parents house in the war-damaged Bab Dreib neighborhood of Homs AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution Bairuty walks to her parents house AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution A family that returned to live in their apartment inside a heavily damaged building hang their carpets in the sun AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution A car drives through a devastated part of the old city AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution A pigeon keeper watches his pigeons fly from the roof of his home AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution Two people carry goods on a bicycle in the war-damaged neighborhood AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution Children play football in the street AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution It has been almost four years since the last rebels and civilians withdrew from the remaining strongholds in the ancient heart of Homs in Syria AP Inside Syria's obliterated capital of the revolution A man rides his bicycle past a banner showing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad AP Syria is being destroyed because it has become the arena in which international and regional rivalries are fought out. Foreign intervention fuels the civil war and the civil war entraps outside sponsors of local Syrian proxies in their fiercely fought sectarian and ethnic battles. In many ways, the role of foreign intervention in Syria today resembles that of outside powers in the Balkans before 1914. It is a highly dangerous situation. Syrian, Russian, Israeli, US, Turkish, British and French aircraft and missiles will have to manoeuvre to avoid shooting each other down. As in the Balkans a century ago, some of the most violent and embittered people in the world in his case the different sides in the Syrian civil war are in a position to generate friction that could see the coalitions headed by the US and Russia tumble into an unwanted conflict. Negotiations to end the Syrian war in general, not just the side issue of chemical weapons, should be the priority but these are difficult and not just because of the complexity of the issues. The media is to blame for presenting the civil war as a simple fight between evil (Assad) and good (anybody opposed to Assad). This demonisation makes the compromises necessary to bring peace near impossible, because nobody dares be seen shaking hands with the devil. This leaves missile strikes as the only instrument of policy, but these will only escalate and prolong the war without changing its outcome. The European Union should not try to block UK financial firms selling services into the single market, including Ireland, after Brexit, said the deputy governor of the Central Bank. The warning, delivered in a speech yesterday, contrasts with a push elsewhere in the EU including at the Commission, to restrict the so-called City of London banks, insurance and financial clearing sectors' access to the common market after the UK leaves the EU. Central Bank deputy governor Ed Sibley said that after the UK itself, Ireland will be the EU member most affected by Brexit. He highlighted, in particular, risks to the funds industry and to Irish insurance customers if there was "hard or chaotic Brexit" that saw UK and Gibraltar-based insurers cut off from customers here. The insurance sector itself remains "astonishingly" unprepared for Brexit, he said. "Without action, there are risks that UK and Gibraltar-based insurers passporting into Ireland will lose their ability to continue to provide insurance cover, including collecting premiums, making mid-term alterations and negotiating and settling claims on any outstanding insurance contracts - ranging from long-term life insurance policies to annual motor insurance contracts - taken out prior to the UK's departure from the EU." The Central Bank recently asked all the insurance companies it supervises about their Brexit preparations, he said. Of the 197 responses received, 38 said Brexit would have a high impact on their business model and 12 a medium impact. "The remaining 147 - almost three-quarters - think Brexit will have little or no impact on them. Given the level of uncertainty and the range of challenges we have heard about today, this is an astounding number," he said. European regulators yesterday warned all finance firms and their customers to take timely action to plan for Brexit. "Contingency planning should consider timely responses to all potential challenges, such as contract continuity and possible relocations," said a joint report from the EU's banking, insurance and markets regulators. Here, Mr Sibley said retaining cross-border activity between the UK and Ireland should be a goal in Brexit talks. "From an economic and regulatory perspective it is desirable, that some form of sustainable link between the EU and the UK is found. It is important the EU continues to play an active and engaged role in international financial markets and does not introduce barriers to well-functioning markets where key risks can be managed appropriately," he told an event organised by the DCU Brexit Institute. "As regulators, we see enormous challenges ahead, both for ourselves and for the firms that we supervise," he said. Telecoms firm Eir is planning to slash 750 jobs from its workforce by the middle of August. The company announced the plan just days after French billionaire Xavier Niel completed his acquisition of a majority stake in the company. Eir currently has 3,224 full-time equivalent staff, having let go 2,000 workers between 2012 and 2013, and 250 last year. The latest round of job cuts is voluntary and staff accepted for the scheme will receive five weeks' pay per year of service, subject to caps. Newly appointed Eir chief executive Carolan Lennon told staff in a memo yesterday that all the company's workers have a "role to play in helping to improve efficiencies, and cost savings is a key element of this". In its last financial year, Eir generated revenue of 1.32bn and so-called earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (a key financial metric for many firms) of 520m. Ms Lennon said that Eir was planning to simplify its products and business processes to create efficiencies. "In tandem with improving efficiencies, we would also seek to realign our cost base to match the leaner, more agile organisation that we need to be," she said. "Therefore we are now proposing a voluntary, incentivised exit scheme which will be open to the majority of employees across the business." She insisted that the latest wave of redundancies would not affect Eir's ability to deliver its contractual commitments under the rural fibre home scheme which is designed to bring high-speed broadband to such areas. The redundancy scheme will not be open to Eir's workers in the field or those involved in certain critical design, delivery and support services, according to Ms Lennon. All employees are set to receive a personalised financial estimate of what they would be entitled to if they successfully availed of the redundancy scheme. The company is also holding a series of meetings with staff. Trade union Forsa, which represents IT staff, some management grades and clerical officers at Eir, expressed concern at the redundancy plan, which was first revealed by the 'Sunday Independent'. "We're obviously very concerned that more jobs are to be shed from the company," said Forsa assistant general secretary Eugene Quinn. "I am seeking an early meeting to discuss the many implications of today's announcement for workers in the company. Forsa wants to engage with management as soon as possible in order to get a clear picture of the company's future, and put an end to any further speculation." An Eir spokesman said Employment Affairs and Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty, and unions, had been informed of the plans. Earlier this week, Mr Niel assumed control of Eir. The telecoms entrepreneur acquired 65pc of Eir via two companies, NJJ and Iliad. NJJ is Mr Niel's investment vehicle and now owns 32.9pc of Eir. Stock market-listed Iliad owns the remaining stake in Eir that has been bought. Mr Niel owns 52pc of Iliad. He is also now a non-executive director at Eir. The deal valued the equity of Eir at 1.4bn. Senior Eir executives split about 100m from the sale of the telecoms company. Farms and small businesses that straddle the Irish border could be given tax-free status, the Brexit Secretary has said. David Davis said "quite large exemptions" may be granted to businesses that are not given authorised economic operator status - "trusted traders" - to enable trade to continue between here and the Republic. In an interview with Gerard Baker, editor in chief of the Wall Street Journal, Mr Davis said one "area of difficulty" was "very small businesses" straddling the border, such as farms and "tiny" companies. "That is going to have to be addressed. "We think, in the first case by quite large exemptions, so in effect we will give them tax-free status," the Brexit chief added. Irish business leaders and politicians have reacted with skepticism to the idea. Stephen Kelly, the chief executive of Manufacturing NI, said Mr Davis' appeared to be unaware that several of the small businesses operating on the border were "actually quite large." "For instance, the Dale Farm cheese processing plant at Dunman Bridge employs around 80 people but is one of the largest and most advanced in Europe." This could open the door to any business with premises straddling the border benefiting from tax-free status regardless of their size, he added. Neale Richmond, an Irish senator from the ruling Fine Gael party said: "It's an interesting kite to fly, but I don't think it's realistic." "It veers near Bernard Jenkin's suggestion that a blind eye can be turned to smuggling," he added, referring to concerns that the border could become a smugglers' paradise if customs and excise checks are not carried out after Brexit. Mr Richmond added that tax breaks would not help farmers cope with swathes of red tape which could be created by Brexit, as those with a farm that straddles the border could be caught between two separate regulatory regimes. "Animal health standards are a massive issue. An overall customs or trading deal between the EU and the UK must be the aim." Mr Davis also warned that parliament was "unlikely" to sign off the withdrawal deal unless it was a "substantive" agreement. "The withdrawal agreement involves payments of up to 39 billion. It's a lot of money and Parliament is unlikely to sign off such a deal unless we can be pretty substantive what's going to be there in the long run," he said. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] The Board of Ornua has announced the appointment of John Jordan as Chief Executive Designate. John Jordan will assume the role of Chief Executive on 30 June 2018 where he will succeed Kevin Lane who announced his resignation as CEO on 12 December 2017. John is currently CEO of Ornua Foods Europe, Middle East Africa and Asia where he has successfully developed long term strategies to grow Ornuas consumer sales portfolio. His role includes the regional development of Ornuas iconic brand portfolio including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, as well as working with Ornuas retail partners to develop new opportunities in the private label sector of the market. John was previously CEO at DPI Speciality Foods, a division of Ornua and the third largest specialty food distributor in the US. Prior to this he held the position of Marketing Director of Consumer Foods at Ornua, responsible for the strategic direction and development of the Ornua brands portfolio and preceding that held a variety of senior commercial roles within the organisation both in the corporate office and within international subsidiaries. John holds an M.Sc. in Business Administration from Trinity College Dublin, an M.Sc. in Environmental Resource Management from University College Dublin and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Dublin City University. Welcoming the appointment, Aaron Forde, Chairman of Ornua said he was delighted to announce Johns appointment as the next chief executive of Ornua. This follows a comprehensive selection process led by a board subcommittee. John will succeed Kevin at the end of June, facilitating an orderly transition at the Chief Executive level. John has proven leadership skills and brings to his new role a deep knowledge of the organisation, the industry it operates in and proven international executive experience. As Chief Executive, he will continue to develop and drive Ornuas strategic agenda as per our five-year strategy Ornua 2021, to deliver sustainable long-term value for Ornuas members farmer base. My fellow board directors and I look forward to working with John as Ornua enters a new chapter of growth. John Jordan, Chief Executive Designate of Ornua said As we face into the challenges of ongoing market volatility, significant uncertainty surrounding Brexit and other areas of international trade, I am confident that Ornua is well positioned to manage all of this from a position of strength. With a strong platform of financial performance over the past few years and a clear articulation of strategy to deliver growth of 3bn in revenues by 2021, I welcome the opportunity to continue to develop and build on the remarkable performance we have achieved thus far. Cattle in the sheds at Rory McEvoys farm near Mountmellick, Co Laois. Picture Credit:FRank Mc Grath 4/4/18 Long-suffering Irish farmers are set to suffer a little longer from the wind and rain though hope - and a little sunshine and warm weather - is hovering on the horizon. Met Eireann warned that Ireland can expect wind, rain and cloudy weather over the next four days from Ireland's seemingly never-ending winter as the UK, in contrast, swelters in an early spring heatwave. Ireland will have a chance of rising temperatures - and bright sunshine - from next Wednesday. However, it will be a very different story across the Irish Sea where BBC weather forecaster Simon King predicted that temperatures in southern England could soar to between 23C and 25C by the middle of next week as a warm front from North African and southern Europe sweeps north. From Monday, England will bask in glorious sunshine and Mediterranean temperatures. Incredibly, temperatures around London could soar to as high as 25C thanks to the winds from Spain and Portugal. Parts of southern England could actually prove warmer than Spain, Portugal or Italy. Met Eireann stressed that while Ireland will enjoy rising temperatures over the same period, the weather here will prove far wetter. Fodder-hit farmers now face the threat of not being able to get cattle out into fields until the end of April or even early May given the persistent rain. One Cork farmer, Dan Bourke, warned that it will take at least two weeks of good, dry weather to prepare sodden land for grazing livestock. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed vowed that, if necessary, fodder import support measures will remain in place until June. "What we have announced is a financial package until the end of the month (April)," he said. "At the end of the month it will be reviewed and we will continue to support the transport costs with the co-ops for as long as is necessary." "Judging from 2013 it started on April 20 and it continued right up until the June Bank Holiday." "If necessary we will stick with it as long as that." "But obviously we hope that the weather will give us a break as well." The ongoing wet conditions mean it will be at least another two to three weeks before cattle can be let out into fields. Met Eireann said Ireland's weather will remain mild but wet. "The further outlook from Tuesday on is for continued unsettledweather with rain at times but temperatures rising to become warm later in the week," a spokesperson said.. There will be spells of bright sunshine from next Tuesday or Wednesday but Ireland won't enjoy anything like the glorious weather predicted for London, Kent, Essex and Surrey. The next four days will be similarly unsettled. Friday will see some spells of bright sunshine but it will be largelya dull day due to cloud cover. Saturday will prove similarly overcast with the best of the conditionsin Leinster and Ulster. The highest daytime temperatures will be 14C though, as Saturday evening approaches, rain will begin to spread north from Cork, Kerryand Limerick. Sunday will be wet and windy in most parts with widespread rain expected by the afternoon. Some showers on Sunday night will prove quite heavy. Monday will begin to see drier conditions though parts of Connacht and west Munster can expect further heavy showers. Temperatures will begin to rise from Tuesday though spells of sunshine later in the week will be accompanied by showers. Farmers have been urged to take care of their mental health in the same way they would their physical well-being. Paula McGovern, a HSE health care worker, said there was no shame in asking for help or peer support. It comes as many farmers throughout the country are feeling pressure due to the current lack of grass growth, sodden fields and dwindling or no fodder stocks. Ms McGovern told the attendance at a farmer well-being event in Cavan organised by CC Agricultural Consultants and the ICSA that they should develop "flexibility" in their ways of thinking to deal with their day-to-day occupational problems. She said the weather would always continue to be a factor farmers would have to deal with. At a time when many farmers are facing increased feed bills due to the long and harsh winter, Oliver Crowe of the ICSA said the way to solve financial problems was to "talk about them" and not to ignore the billing letters that come through the letterbox. Dr Andrea Costa of Cavan General Hospital stressed that many farmers were prone to every day health problems caused by smoking and drinking. But she urged caution in relation to potential workplace problems such as brucellosis, Lyme disease and Weil's disease. Risk Assessment Pat Griffin of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said the State agencies were providing all the back-up on safety guidance and services needed nationally but ultimately it was down to individual farmers to ensure they had a safe working environment at their farming enterprises. "When was the last time you carried out a risk assessment on your farm?"he asked the 100 farmers gathered at the conference. "You'd do it for a Bord Bia inspection or one from the Department of Agriculture but it's time you did it for yourself," he added. Out of the 24 most recent Irish farm deaths the majority involved people over the age of 60, while children and teenagers also lost their lives. Mr Griffin also showed in stark detail the much greater amount of life changing farm accidents which left farmers wheelchair bound or without limbs. The facts spoke for themselves, he said. Farming was by far the most dangerous work site in Ireland. Kieran McGovern of CC Agricultural Consultants said there were routine precautions which farmers can take to avoid accidents caused by commonplace farm activity like lifting bags of cement or fertiliser or using ladders in farm sheds. His general advice to farmers was to ensure that ladders and mobile scaffolding were fit for purpose. Over the weekend a man in his late 60s lost his life in a farming accident at Moylough, Ballinasloe, Co Galway. The death brings to five the number who have lost their lives so far this year. National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale has aimed a sly dig at Opposition leader Raila Odinga after his visit of former President Daniel Moi. The ODM leader on Thursday visited Moi at his Kabarnet home where they discussed the state of the nation. Hours after the visit, Duale said politicians visiting Moi should not expect to use it as a campaign tool for the 2022 election. He noted that Tiaty MP William Kamket, who welcomed Raila alongside Gideon Moi and Moiben MP Silas Tiren, may have been a bit excited. Congratulations but this should not excite you, the MP said in an address at Parliament. Your visit is just an extension of the handshake. Mr Speaker, today the handshake was in Kabarak it has moved from Harambee House. He added: Those visiting Mzee Moi are allowed to go and tell him pole (sorry) because he served us for 24 years. But those who intend to be in the 2022 race you dont need such visits face we who are on the other side. The Garissa Township MP added that the March 9 handshake between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta will have little impact on the next presidential election. Crude oil storage tanks are seen from above at the Cushing oil hub in Cushing, Oklahoma. REUTERS/Nick Oxford/File Photo US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration may allow the sale of gasoline containing 15pc ethanol year-round, which could help farmers by firing up corn demand but faces opposition from Big Oil. The proposal marks the latest move by the Trump administration to navigate the rival oil and corn constituencies as they clash over the nations biofuels policy. Oil refiners say the Renewable Fuel Standard requiring them to add biofuels into gasoline is costly and displaces petroleum, while the farm sector says the law provides critical support to growers. The Environmental Protection Agency currently bans the higher ethanol blend, called E15, during summer because of concerns it contributes to smog on hot days - a worry biofuels advocates say is unfounded. Gasoline typically contains just 10pc ethanol. Were going to be going probably, probably to 15 and were going to be going to a 12-month period, Trump told reporters during a White House meeting. Were going to work out something during the transition period, which is not easy, very complicated. Earlier on Thursday, EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said the agency has been assessing the legal validity of granting an E15 waiver since last summer and is awaiting an outcome from discussions with the White House, the Department of Agriculture and Congress before making any final decisions. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, said the proposed shift to year-round E15 sales would be very exciting news. It would be a great morale boost for rural America, and more importantly a real demand boost if it can be moved forward quickly, he said in an interview. Under the RFS, the EPA sets the volume of ethanol and other biofuels that must be mixed into the nations fuel supply on a yearly basis - and a move to expand E15 sales could encourage the EPA to set those volumes higher in coming years. Currently, refiners are required to blend around 15 billion gallons of ethanol into the nations fuel annually. Shares of major biofuels producers rose slightly after the announcement. Archer Daniels Midland Co shares gained 2.7pc to close at $45.30. It was unclear, however, whether the move would help the refining sector - which has been lobbying hard instead for a cap on the price of blending credits that refiners must acquire to prove compliance with the RFS. Greater blending of ethanol through year-round E15 sales would theoretically increase supplies of the tradable credits, and thus reduce prices. But at the same time, more ethanol translates to a smaller share of petroleum-based fuel in American gas tanks, which would hurt refiner sales. The American Petroleum Institute, which represents big oil companies, issued a statement opposing Trumps proposal to expand E15 sales, arguing that high-ethanol fuel can damage engines and is incompatible with certain boats, motorcycles and lawn mowers. The industry plans to consider all options to prevent such a waiver. The RFS is broken and we continue to believe the best solution is comprehensive legislation, API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola said in the statement. Refiners shares were mixed after Trumps comments, with Andeavor closing down 2.6 percent at $110.13 and Valero Energy Corp up 0.2 percent at $100.53. Bids for benchmark D6 blending credits slipped to 34 cents on Thursday afternoon, after deals were struck at 37.5 cents ahead of the announcement, a US trader said. Farmers who burned land in 2017 will be eligible for future payments, including in 2018, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has said. It said that following communication with the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and a meeting with Department officials, future payments for farmers who had lands burned in 2017 have been secured. Following the meeting INHFA President Colm O'Donnell stated "that affected farmers will be issued with their 2018 basic payment applications immediately, which includes burned lands excluded from payment under last years scheme. "I am advising all farmers concerned to instruct their agricultural advisor to use the most up to date online maps to make their 2018 BPS application". The farm leader went on to further clarify "that no penalties would apply to their 2017 BPS payments where the amount of land deemed ineligible due to burning is exceeded by other lands submitted by the applicant. "In these cases the balancing 30pc of their BPS payment will issue without penalties in the coming two weeks". He also said that where farmers have received late application forms, a commitment was given by Department officials to assist them and their planners should they require help or seek clarifications regarding the making of a valid 2018 application. Bank of Ireland has appointed Patrick Kennedy has its new chairman. Mr Kennedy's appointment follows the February announcement from Bank of Ireland that Archie Kane was to stand down as chairman later this year. Mr Kane will now retire as Chairman and Governor of the Bank on 31 July. Having joined the board of Bank of Ireland in 2010, Mr Kennedy was appointed Deputy Governor of the Bank in 2015. The former chief executive at Paddy Power Betfair - where he served in role from 2006 -2014, Mr Kennedy has served on a number of committees at Bank of Ireland since joining the bank's board in 2011, including the bank's risk committee, nomination and governance committee, and the bank's remuneration committee. He is also a trustee of the Bank Staff Pension Fund since 2015. Commenting on Mr Kennedy's appointment, Patrick Haren, a senior independent director, who led the succession process, said that Mr Kennedy combines a deep knowledge of the bank with "exceptional commercial acumen gained from a highly successful career in national and international business". "We look forward greatly to working with Patrick as Chairman and Governor, as Bank of Ireland makes progress on its three strategic priorities to transform the bank, to better serve our customers, and to grow sustainably," Mr Haren said. Prior to joining Paddy Power, Mr Kennedy spent seven years working at Greencore, where he was chief financial officer and also held a number of senior strategic and corporate development roles. He was also a non-executive director of Elan Corporation from 2008 to 2013, and Paddy Power from 2004 to 2005. Mr Haren also used the announcement to wish out-going chairman Archie Kane well. "We are very grateful to Archie for his service to Bank of Ireland since his appointment in 2012 and continuing until the end of July. His considerable experience and sound judgement have been of great assistance to the Bank through a challenging period," Mr Haren said. The judge threw out McDonaghs claim which meant the six other claims collapsed with it and were dismissed A businesswoman who claims she was the largest shareholder in the wound-up Bula Resources oil exploration company cannot continue a High Court action for losses she said she suffered arising out of a government-ordered inquiry into the firm in the 1990s. Mary Kieran, who says she owned 3.95pc of Bula's issued share capital, via a company called Chamonix Nominees, sued the Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, the State, and barrister Lyndon MacCann. Mr MacCann was appointed in 1997 by then-Minister Mary Harney, to investigate the beneficial ownership of Bula shares held by the Mir Oil Development company up to November 1996 and by Chamonix Nominees after that date. Mr MacCann found that Bula's chief executive James Stanley had at all times controlled Mir Oil Development. Ms Kieran was among individuals interviewed by Mr MacCann as part of his investigation in 1998. In February 2016, she issued High Court proceedings against the State parties and Mr MacCann claiming, among other things, fraudulent misrepresentation, malicious falsehood and defamation. Ms Kieran claimed Minister Harney wrongly acted under the dictation of Mr MacCann without her own evaluation of the situation on the ground in Russia. She claimed Mr MacCann's report falsely and maliciously characterised a well drilled in the Siberia as "a dud". The claims were denied. The defendants sought to have her action dismissed. The case was heard last month, although Ms Kieran was not able to appear. Yesterday, Mr Justice Charles Meenan dismissed her case as statute barred - or out of time. A High Court judge has set out 11 questions for determination by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) on whether European Commission decisions approving EU-US data transfer channels are valid. The questions were formulated after the judge heard submissions from the sides on her October judgment on proceedings by the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) concerning a complaint by Austrian lawyer Max Schrems that transfer of his personal Facebook data by Facebook Ireland to the US breached his data privacy rights as an EU citizen. The questions raise significant issues of EU law, including whether the High Court has correctly found there is "mass indiscriminate processing" of data by US government agencies under security programmes authorised there and known as PRISM and Upstream. The questions also ask whether EU law applies to the processing of personal data for national security purposes. The CJEU must also decide the extent of a data protection authority's (DAA) power to suspend data flows if it considers a third country is subject to surveillance laws which conflict with EU law. Ms Justice Caroline Costello set out the questions on Thursday in a formal request to the CJEU. Paul Gallagher SC, for Facebook, asked for time to consider that in the context of possibly seeking an appeal against the judge's decision to make a reference to the CJEU in the first place. Michael Collins SC, for the DPC queried whether there was any entitlement to appeal a High Court decision to direct a reference but did not object to Facebook being given a short time to consider its approach. The judge said she was anxious to make the referral but would allow Facebook until April 30 to make its case. Among the questions the CJEU must decide is whether personal data transferred from the EU to the US under existing EC decisions violates personal and data privacy provisions in the EU Charter. The Data Protection Commissioner brought the proceedings against Facebook Ireland, because its European headquarters are here, and Max Schrems, who both opposed a reference for different reasons. Ms Justice Costello agreed to refer the case after concurring with the Commissioner there are "well-founded" grounds for believing the EC decisions approving data transfer channels, known as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), are invalid. Aer Lingus owner IAG has laid bare arguably its most ambitious expansion strategy yet, signalling its interest in buying under-pressure, low-cost transatlantic pioneer Norwegian Air Shuttle in what would be an audacious move. IAG, the airline group headed by former Aer Lingus boss Willie Walsh (pictured), and which also owns British Airways and Spanish carriers Iberia and Vueling, has snapped up a 4.61pc stake in Norwegian and confirmed it's interest in acquiring the entire airline. IAG said it considers Norwegian to be an "attractive investment". "The minority investment is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian," it added. IAG said that no takeover discussions have yet taken place with Norwegian, whose chief executive and founder is Bjorn Kjos. Apart from its long-haul, low-cost operations, IAG is probably interested in Norwegian's short-haul business in Europe - a network that could bolster its defences against Ryanair and Easyjet. IAG, in which Gulf carrier Qatar owns a 20pc stake, added that it has taken "no decision" to make an offer yet and there is no certainty that any such decision will be made. The Aer Lingus owner has pounced on Norwegian as it comes under pressure to prove its low-cost transatlantic and long-haul model. Last year, IAG launched its own low-cost transatlantic carrier, called Level, which has sought to counter the emerging threat from Norwegian. Yesterday shares in Norwegian soared almost 40pc after IAG's statement, giving the airline a market capitalisation of 9.6bn krone (1bn). IAG paid 1.36bn for Aer Lingus in 2015. Norwegian said that the airline had only been made aware of IAG's stake through media reports. "Norwegian had no prior knowledge of this acquisition," it said. "Norwegian has not been in any discussions or dialogue with IAG about the matter. Norwegian believes that IAG's interest in the company confirms the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth." But while Norwegian has rapidly expanded its global network, the rising costs associated with the land-grab plunged it into losses last year. It notched up a 30.6m (298.6m krone) loss in 2017. It made a 116m profit in 2016. Its revenue last year soared 19pc to 3.17bn, but unit costs, excluding fuel, rose 6pc. Analysts say that 2018 is effectively a make-or-break year for Norwegian to prove its model has long-term sustainability. The carrier, whose Dublin-based unit launched flights from Ireland to the US last year, was forced to turn to shareholders last month to shore up its balance sheet. It raised 137m as it warned that the first quarter of 2018 would see it post a larger than expected loss. Irish Residential Properties REIT (Ires Reit), Ireland's biggest private landlord, has appointed Tom Kavanagh to the board of the company. Mr Kavanagh will join as an independent non-executive director with effect from June 1. He is currently a partner at Deloitte Ireland, a position from which he is due to retire on May 31. However, he will continue to provide consulting services to Deloitte until the end of the year. In a statement yesterday, Dublin-listed Ires Reit described Mr Kavanagh as a man with wide-ranging experience in the corporate world as a business adviser, in corporate restructuring, forensic accounting and as an insolvency practitioner. Declan Moylan, chairman of Ires Reit, said that the company was "extremely pleased" to welcome Mr Kavanagh to the board. "We believe that Tom brings wide-ranging business experience and knowledge of the property sector in Ireland and coupled with a significant finance background, will be a valuable addition to our board." Mr Kavanagh's experience includes advising on the restructuring of distressed Irish property assets. In addition, he has served as a director on the boards of a number of private companies, and was a member of the board of the Credit Union Restructuring Board, REBO, from 2012 to 2014. Supply Finance, a Dublin-based fintech company, has raised 4m in funding in Series A funding. The company received investment from European and Asian venture capital firm Finch Capital, and US venture capital firm Fenway Summer Ventures. Founded last year, Supply Finance provides trade finance products to small and medium businesses (SMEs) across Europe through a network of partner brands. It said that it aims to expand access to working capital for SMEs in Europe through its technology, ready access to capital markets, and partnerships with experienced local operators. "Europe's small businesses are too often denied the financial tools enjoyed by large companies, a disadvantage resulting in slower growth," Brian Norton, chief executive and co-founder of Supply Finance, said. "We founded Supply to tip the scales back to even for SMEs." The company said that the capital raise will be used to fund the company's expansion into at least three European markets, starting with Denmark. As part of the announcement Supply Finance said that it has already completed its first partnership with a 1m investment in Omniveta, a Danish lender. Through the Supply Finance partnership, Omniveta is expanding its base and upgrading its technology to provide an increasingly streamlined service to a larger set of customers, a statement from Supply Finance said. In addition, Supply Finance assisted Omniveta in its recent closing of a 7.5m credit facility from Advance Global Capital, a London-based fund manager. "This, coupled with the equity investment from Supply, will enable Omniveta to greatly expand its business in 2018 and beyond," Mr Norton said. Supply Finance was founded by Mr Norton, who was previously co-founder and chief executive of Future Finance, a European-wide student lending business that raised nearly 200m in funding, and Jay Verjee, who has built three SMEs in the last five years. The funding announcement comes during a busy period for Irish tech firms raising finance, with Dublin software firm Intercom officially becoming a tech unicorn (valued at over 1bn) last month, while a young Dublin tech company called Let's Get Checked recently raised 10m in a funding round. Around 100 Irish Life staff protested yesterday outside the firm's Dublin HQ at proposed changes to their pensions plan. In total, about 800 workers who are members of the Unite trade union went on strike. They are protesting at the closure of their defined benefit scheme, which could happen as early as June, and say it would cut some 30pc off their pension. Picket lines were formed from 6am yesterday and continued until 6pm. Peter Gibbons (55) is a business administrator and has been working at the company - which is the country's largest pension provider - for 38 years. He said morale in Irish Life was low. "People are very worried, there's fear," he said. "You'll need to put a contribution of around 30pc in for the shortfall that's going to happen." Upset Sheila Martin, from Dublin 7, has been working at the company for more than 30 years. "We can see that other companies are keeping their schemes open," she said. "I think everybody is very upset that it's come to this and I think they don't want to be in this position." Branch chair of Unite for Irish Life Joe Conroy said the union wanted to sit down with management at the company. A spokeswoman for Irish Life said the company made the decision to end future accrual on the two defined benefit pension schemes. "We believe that this is the right thing to do to ensure that the interests of all scheme members are protected, be they active members, deferred members or pensioners," she said. "The closure to future accrual is designed to protect the valuable benefits built up in the schemes." The representative added that the company remains open to engaging and negotiating with the union on the future defined contribution. Machakos County Governor Alfred Mutua has called for the reintroduction of Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister reintroduced. The Governor further said presidential candidates should also be allowed to vie for other seats as a fallback plan should they fail to clinch the top seat. Kenyan politics is do-or-die, because when a leader fails to clinch a seat they become irrelevant. Let us expand our constitution, let us create more positions like Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and many others to accommodate various leaders so that it does not become do or die, said Mutua. Speaking during the first day of his benchmarking tour of Kakamega County, Mutua noted that the Kenyan system should emulate practices in Western countries such as the United States of America and England where if you go for the presidency and miss, youre still in the government. We therefore want that one can run for presidency and Senator at the same time so that if you miss one you continue with the other, said Mutua, who was flanked by his Kakamega counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya. The County boss further urged leaders not to cling to power but instead pave way for a new crop of leaders. The states National Broadband Plan, which promises to connect 542,000 rural homes and businesses to fibre-grade broadband over the next three years, is to get access to 500m in EU financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The move will give renewed impetus to the project, which has been beset with difficulties over the last two years. This is a huge vote of confidence for our plan and our work to date to bring high speed broadband to every home, business and farm in Ireland through the National Broadband Plan, said the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten. It is hugely significant from an Irish and a European perspective as more than half of the total financing approved by the Board of EIB relates to Irelands National Broadband Plan. While the government has not yet formally awarded the National Broadband Plan project, only one bidder -- Enet -- remains in the running for the states 25 year contract. Last year, Eir pulled out of the contest, claiming the process did not make economic sense for it any longer. Rural premises are expected to see connections under the scheme from early 2019. The government says that access to the state-backed fibre broadband will not cost households and businesses any more than commercial services in urban areas. The EIB is the worlds largest multilateral borrower and lender, providing finance for investment projects that feed into EU policy objectives. Todays announcement provides the potential for better value for money in the cost of the network and allows for sound financial planning by both the public and private sector as we deliver on the National Broadband Plan, said Minister Naughten. The procurement process is now in the final stages and the EIBs announcement provides a significant endorsement of the National Broadband Plan. It brings us a step closer to achieving the ultimate goal of the plan and delivering a personal priority for me, which is access for all, regardless of location, to high speed broadband. David Schwimmer, a former Goldman Sachs stalwart, has been appointed as chief executive of the London Stock Exchange. Mr Schwimmer, 49, who leaves Goldman Sachs after a 20 year career with the investment bank, will join the Stock Exchange group on 1 August. Most recently, Mr Schwimmer served as global head of market structure and global head of metals and mining in investment banking. He began his career at Goldman Sachs in the financial institutions group, focusing on market structure, brokerage and trading, and he also served as chief of staff to then president and chief operations officer, Lloyd Blankfein. In addition, Mr Schwimmer spent three years in Moscow as co-head of the banks business for Russia/CIS. "It is an honour and privilege to be asked to lead London Stock Exchange Group. It is both an iconic institution and a great business," Mr Schwimmer said. "London Stock Exchange has multiple opportunities for further attractive growth across its market leading capital formation, information services and post trade businesses. I look forward to working alongside the groups highly capable management team to continue to deliver value for its customers, employees and shareholders," he continued. His appointment was welcomed by Donald Brydon, chairman of the London Stock Exchange Group, who said that he was "delighted" to announce Mr Schwinners appointment. "David is a leader with great experience in the financial market infrastructure sector, which he has been closely involved in throughout his investment banking career, as well as capital markets experience in both developed and emerging markets." David Warren, interim chief executive and group chief financial officer, will continue as group chief financial officer. In November last year, then chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, Xavier Rolet, stepped down from his position with immediate effect at the request of the board. At the time it was reported that Mr Rolet was stepping down following a boardroom disagreement over his future. He had been expected to leave the role in December 2018. Powerful labour unions at Volkswagen are concerned by a sudden rush by the German carmaker's board to approve sweeping changes, sources said, while 'Handelsblatt' newspaper reported that its finance chief could step down. As part of what could be the biggest shake-up at Volkswagen in a decade, CEO Matthias Mueller is due to be replaced by Herbert Diess, head of VW's core car brand, who has repeatedly clashed with unions over cost cuts. Volkswagen announced the CEO change on Tuesday in a short and cryptic statement, abruptly ending the reign of Mueller who took over at VW a week after it was plunged into its biggest-ever corporate scandal. Other changes before the board include a public stock- market listing of VW's truck and bus division, a management board seat for a labour representative and a reorganisation of its 12 brands into four categories, sources said. Volkswagen's efforts to reform have often been stifled by powerful unions who command half of the seats on the board of directors, and the German state of Lower Saxony, which controls a 20pc voting stake. "Nobody knew anything," a source at one of VW's brands told Reuters. "What's going on there is plain folly." "The way in which changes of such a magnitude were communicated internally is more than questionable," a source close to VW's supervisory board said. Sources close to VW said the controlling Porsche-Piech families and Lower Saxony had decided they could not afford to wait because of the risk of the changes being leaked. They brought a board meeting forward from Friday afternoon for the same reason, the sources said. (Reuters) Visitors to Glasnevin Cemetery will now be able to climb the steps and view Dublin from the top of the OConnell Tower for the first time in more than 45 years. The 55-metre round tower was originally built in the 1850s in honour of Daniel OConnell, known as the Liberator for his work repealing discriminatory laws against Catholics and withdrawing Irelands union with Britain. Now, after decades of being unreachable, the 360-degree view will offer visitors a panorama from the Mountains of Mourne to Wicklow and Meath to Ireland's Eye. It is a view that has not been seen since the original wooden staircase within the tower was bombed to pieces by Loyalists in 1971. The bombing was allegedly in retribution for the bombing of Nelsons Pillar by republicans in 1966. Tower renovations began in 2016 and cost around 400,000 in total, according to Chairman of the Glasnevin Trust, John Green. "Theres no other mausoleum to an individual in Western Catholic Culture like this, royalty aside, so it is something really special that will restore what was the focal point of the cemetery for over a hundred years," Mr Green told the Independent.ie. "O'Connell's vision for Ireland was so inclusive, he treated the whole island the same and he gave us not only a vision of what our country should be like, but also a pathway to that vision which is a peaceful, parliamentary process." Mr OConnells great, great, great granddaughter Emily Lenehan attended the opening of the tower and was able to see her grandfathers legacy be celebrated over 170 years after his death. Ms Lenehan also spoke of the importance of peaceful approaches to policy change highlighted in her grandfather's life: "I think in todays world sometimes we dont listen enough to pacifism so hopefully this will be a reminder to do so in the future. "Its a wonderful achievement for the graveyard and the people of Glasnevin and its taken years to get it to this stage, but its absolutely fantastic and a lovely tourist attraction as well." Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe addressed the crowd of people at the reopening saying the new 198-step staircase "promises unparalleled views" and is "a testament to the man we refer to as the Liberator and one of the seminal figures in Irish political life". To mark the reopening of the OConnell Tower, a time capsule from students attending the OConnell School in Glasnevin was laid at the base to join another time capsule from 1854 that contains medals, documents and other objects relating to OConnells life. Tower tickets go on sale today and are available on www.glasnevinmuseum.ie. Tours of the tower will begin tomorrow, running every ten minutes between 1pm and 3pm with six to eight visitors per tour. These times will be extended after a trial period. A community in Galway is "shaken" as a search resumed today for a swimmer that failed to return to shore yesterday evening The search for the missing man resumed at first light at Salthill. Gardai, the RNLI, two fire service units and the Irish Coast Guard conducted a major search operation yesterday evening, including sea-based searches and an aerial survey by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter R115. The search was called off overnight, but was resumed this morning by volunteers from Costelloe Bay Coastguard, the Irish Coast Guard helipcopter R115 and Galway Bay RNLI. The alarm was first raised by a member of the public at about 5pm yesterday evening. The swimmer is believed to a man in his forties from the Galway area. Councillor Peter Keane of Galway City West told Independent.ie the incident "has shaken the community", but he commended the "incredibly quick" response by all emergency service units. Cllr Keane said: "We dont know exactly what happened to him... but I do know this is unusual." "We have a fantastic community, with very safe waters for bathing and swimming. It has become quite popular to swim from Blackrock to Salthill, so its not unusual to see long-distance swimmers." Cllr Keane also commended members of the public who monitored activity from the shore. "There were so many concerned locals and members of the public out on the beach yesterday," he added. "The community has been very shaken, everyone is hoping he is founds as soon as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends." An Anglo Irish Bank official said he would have to "chat with the rock star" while making arrangements for a multi-billion euro deal with Irish Life and Permanent during the financial crisis, a court heard. The banker, Ciaran McArdle, made the reference to an unnamed colleague during a taped phone conversation played to the jury in the fraud trial of Anglo's former CEO David Drumm. Mr Drumm (51) is pleading not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to conspiring to defraud by dishonestly creating the impression that Anglo's customer deposits were larger than they were. ILP's then liquidity manager Paul Kane was giving evidence about a phone call he had with Anglo's Ciaran McArdle. In a later call, Mr Kane described a deal as "a bit of a rinky dink". Two days later, he told Mr McArdle they had the go-ahead from former group chief executive Denis Casey. The court was shown an email with the subject "Re approval" from Peter Fitzpatrick to Gerry Keenan, ILIM CEO on March 28, 2008. Mr Fitzpatrick said in the mail a transaction had his formal approval and "this is something which the Central Bank is encouraging us to do". The trial continues. A barrister has commenced defamation proceedings against the Minister for Health Simon Harris and FG Senator Catherine Noone over tweets from the politicians after the lawyer had participated in an RTE radio programme. The actions have brought by Benedict O Floinn Bl who claims he was defamed in the tweets after he participated in a panel discussion on the forthcoming referendum on the Eighth Amendment on the RTE radio Show 'Saturday with Cormac O hEadhra.' During the course of the programme, broadcast on March 31 last, Mr O Floinn addressed legal issues relevant to the referendum. Mr O Floinn claims that shortly after the broadcast the politicians tweeted comments that were defamatory, disparaging and damaging to his professional reputation. He claims that comments associated with the politician's tweets formed the basis of a number of media articles that have aggravated the damage he says he has suffered. Efforts to resolve the matter with the Minister and the Senator were not successful and Mr O Floinn issued proceedings seeking damages for alleged defamation. He also seeks orders directing that the tweets at the centre of the dispute be taken down. The actions were lodged with the High Court earlier this week. Former Garda commissioner Martin Callinan told solicitor Gerald Kean that whistleblower Maurice McCabe "had not cooperated in any shape or form" with an internal inquiry into his complaints, the Disclosures Tribunal has heard. The solicitor spoke by phone with the former commissioner several times before a panel appearance on RTE's 'Marian Finucane Show' on Sunday, January 26, 2014. "I mistakenly or otherwise believed the commissioner was somebody beyond reproach," Mr Kean said. The tribunal is looking at allegations that senior gardai were smearing the whistleblower to politicians, journalists and others. Mr Kean said he met Mr Callinan in person only once, at a charity event in Cork. The solicitor said that when he spoke to Mr Callinan before his radio appearance, he was told that Sgt McCabe had not cooperated with an internal Garda inquiry, and he had breached the Data Protection Act. Mr Kean said Mr Callinan asked him not to disclose the fact that they had spoken. Expand Close Maurice McCabe / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maurice McCabe "I was representing my own views, but very much based on the information that was in the public domain since [the previous] October and the information given to me by the commissioner," Mr Kean said of his RTE appearance. Mr Kean said after he came off air in RTE, he was told by a producer that Sgt McCabe had called to complain. Mr Kean said this set off "alarm bells" and he rang Mr Callinan. "He stuck to his guns, he said that's not correct, everything I said is correct," Mr Kean said. "He was standing his ground on the information he gave me, and I was happy to stand my ground based on that information," Mr Kean said. Sgt McCabe later wrote and complained about the comments Mr Kean made on the programme, saying that they left him "upset, annoyed and furious". Mr Kean wrote to the commissioner about the complaint from Sgt McCabe, enclosing the sergeant's letter. "I would be grateful if you could look at the letter that I have received and my proposed draft response," Mr Kean wrote. Mr Kean was cross-examined by Micheal P O'Higgins, who represents An Garda Siochana and Mr Callinan. The barrister said his client had "a clear view" that Sgt McCabe had failed to avail of an opportunity to co-operate with the O'Mahoney internal Garda inquiry into his complaints. The tribunal has heard Sgt McCabe was never asked to co-operate with the probe. Mr O'Higgins also said it was Mr Callinan's position that he did not tell Mr Kean not to mention his name, and that he discussed only facts in the public domain. "No, that's simply incorrect," Mr Kean responded. Mr Kean said he would have loved to have been able to say during the broadcast that his information came to him from the Garda commissioner. The solicitor said Mr Callinan told him Sgt McCabe was a troublemaker, obstructive and difficult. He agreed he had not been told anything about sexual allegations by Mr Callinan. Mr Kean also said he did not recollect speaking to former Garda press officer Supt David Taylor. He said he thought he had spoken to retired Chief Supt Diarmuid O'Sullivan, who suggested he contact Mr Callinan. Mr O'Sullivan told the tribunal he did not recollect speaking to Mr Kean, but if he had been, he would have directed Mr Kean to contact the Garda press office. Phone records show contacts between Mr O'Sullivan and Mr Kean the Saturday before the RTE radio appearance, and on the Sunday afternoon subsequently. A 17-year-old girl who as a young child was attacked and bitten about the lips by a dog has settled her High Court action for 92,000. Aoife Walsh was three-and-a-half when the Jack Russell called Trigger bit her on the lips and swung her from side to side, the court heard. Oonah McCrann SC said the child suffered injuries to her lips and has been left with some scarring including a bulge in the lower lip area and she has difficulty wearing lipstick. She said Aoife was now afraid of dogs . Ms Walsh, of Oldbridge Grove, Lucan, Co Dublin, through her father Liam Walsh, sued the dog owners, Aishling Fagan and Paul Barry, of Oldbridge View, Lucan, as a result of the attack on September 19, 2004. The case was before the court for assessment of damages only. It was claimed there was a failure to keep any or any proper control of the dog when they knew or ought to have known it was dangerous and had the propensity to bite. It was also claimed there was a failure to take any or any adequate steps which would have prevented the accident from taking place. It was further claimed that a dangerous animal had been allowed to roam in a premises where they knew or ought to have known that children would be present. Aoife suffered a number of jagged wounds to the upper and lower lips and was bleeding profusely and rushed to hospital. She was discharged from hospital after two days but it was claimed she was very traumatised by the incident. Approving the settlement Mr Justice Kevin Cross, who examined the scarring, said it was only noticeable when pointed out. A threatening email sent to the Calistoga school district late Thursday is believed to be a hoax similar to one that has been sent to other schools nationwide and internationally, an official said Friday. The anonymous email threat was very similar to the email hoax sent to schools last Sunday night in Sonoma, Lake and Napa counties, as well as many others across the United States, wrote Erin Smith-Hagberg, superintendent of Calistoga Joint Unified School District in a letter to parents and guardians of students. The email we received came from the same sender as the Sunday night threat, and the Calistoga Police Department was immediately notified. Although it was not believed to be a credible threat, police conducted frequent checks of the schools during the night, and were at the school when students arrived for school Friday morning. The maintenance staff inspected all the facilities and teachers were instructed to inspect their rooms. The district also made counseling available to students. The district notified parents and guardians of students through an all-call system and Facebook pages. The email that threatened grisly violence through the use of bombs, shooting and slitting throats had poor grammar and misspellings. A judge has refused to award Ryanair 25,000 damages against an Italian pilot who quit his job for health reasons 10 months after completing an expensive pilot training course. Judge Terence OSullivan said he could not consider making such an award to the airline without first hearing evidence from an Italian legal expert as to whether or not Captain Luca Billettos entitlements under Italian law might be infringed. Judge OSullivan said that although Capt Billetto was not in the Circuit Civil Court to challenge Ryanairs 25,000 claim, a defence had been entered on his behalf by a Giovanni Borgna, Studio Legale, Milano, who had been given power of attorney to represent his interests. Barrister Paul Twomey, counsel for Ryanair, told the court that Capt Billetto, of Via Sempione 11, Bergamo, Italy, in June 2016 had signed a contract of employment with the airline which included an agreement that should he resign his position within a period of five years he would compensate the airline for part or all of the 25,000 spent on his Boeing 737 transition training. Mr Twomey, who appeared with McDowell Purcell Solicitors, said the contract included a clause whereby Ryanair would, by a deferred payment system, deduct 5,000 per annum from Capt Billettos salary over five years until the training cost would be repaid. He would then move up to full salary as a pilot. He said Capt Billetto, based in Bergamo, had resigned on 14th June 2017 in the first year of his employment, only 10 months into his contract, quoting grounds of ill health. He had failed to meet the demand of the airline for repayment of the 25,000 training costs. Judge OSullivan said that although Capt Billetto was not present it was clear from the documents in the case that his attorney Giovanni Borgna had entered a defence on his behalf in which it was claimed that the cost of the training course could not be more than 12,000 and that some money had already been repaid by way of salary reduction to Ryanair during the 10 months of his employment. Mr Twomey said that bringing an expert in Italian law to Dublin to give evidence would be an expensive undertaking and asked if the court would be happy to accept a sworn affidavit by an expert as to the Italian law. Judge OSullivan said the Ryanair contract had been signed by Capt Billetto in Italy. It had been mailed to him in Bergano for signing and return to Ryanairs HQ at Airside, Swords, Co Dublin. The only problem with an affidavit was that if further questions arose there would be no-one in court to answer them. The judge said he had decided he would not be making an order for 25,000 damages against Capt Billetto and would be putting Ryanairs debt collection application back into the legal list. He would not be retaining management of the case and he did not know how another judge would deal with it regarding the matter of direct evidence or evidence on sworn affidavit. It is a substantial amount of money for a young man who is obviously unwell to meet and I am concerned that under Italian law he may have rights that may assist him in meeting the case, Judge OSullivan said. Judge OSullivan said he would prefer that Ryanairs solicitors write to Capt Billetto informing him of the next date the airlines application would be coming before the court and informing him also of what had taken place in court today, Friday April 13. A mother-of-three who forwarded a child pornography clip, showing an infant being raped by a man, has avoided jail. The recording showed a child, aged between two and five years old being raped by a man, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Jadesola Agbalade (51) who is in temporary accommodation at Main Street, Ashbourne, Meath, pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly distributing child pornography on July 20, 2016. Today, Judge Karen O'Connor wholly suspended a two-and-a-half-year sentence, noting Agbalade said she wouldn't have forwarded the clip if she had understood the seriousness of the offence. An explanation was given and is not disputed. This appears to be a once off, an instance of very poor judgement, she said. Judge O'Connor said it was an unusual case in that there was only one clip of child pornography, but noted the material was of a very serious nature. She said a psychological report stated there was no sinister motive on Agabalade's part and that the defendant's life revolved around her family and her church. However the judge said the clip should not have been forwarded because child pornography is a crime perpetrated on vulnerable children often in the poorest parts world. Garda Enda Ledwith told Karl Finnegan BL, prosecuting, that he arrested a man in relation to credit card fraud in July 2017. When this man's phone was investigated the child pornography clip forwarded by Agabalade was discovered. Gda Ledwith said the recording showed a child between the age of two and five being raped by a man. When they phoned the number that had forwarded the clip, Agbalade answered and agreed to meet gardai at Blanchardstown shopping centre. She handed over her phone and admitted receiving the child pornography clip and forwarding it. The defendant told gardai she also sent the clip to a female friend in order to warn her not to leave her young children with her boyfriend. Gda Ledwith agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that Agbalade didn't understand the enormity of the situation when she was interviewed. Mr Bowman said it was a remarkably unusual case in that Agablade hadn't profited from distributing the clip and was not involved in its generation. The court heard no further material was found on two phones owned by the defendant. He said she is a single mother, with no previous convictions, and is originally from Nigeria, who came to Ireland in 2001. There were no concerns regarding Agbalade's fitness as a mother, he said. The court heard she has one teenage child living with her and two adult children who are in university. She will now be a sex offender and as a mother, that is a significant stigma in the community, he said. Judge O'Connor noted the accused cooperated with gardai, pleaded guilty at an early stage and was remorseful. She said the psychological report showed Agbalade had significant difficulties in her own upbringing and her verbal comprehension was low. She directed that Agbalade remain on the sex offenders register for a period of five years. At a previous hearing, a prosecuting garda said that after confusion over a taxi fare, Timmons slammed the passenger door, punched the roof of the car and kicked the side door. A talented" jockey who punched a taxi driver in the face, and tried to gouge his eyes out, has had his community service reduced because his hours of work and study are so extensive. Christopher Timmons (29) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to the taxi driver at Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook on July 24, 2016. At a previous hearing, a prosecuting garda said that after confusion over a taxi fare, Timmons slammed the passenger door, punched the roof of the car and kicked the side door. When the driver got out, the defendant grabbed him from behind, punched him in the face and tried to gouge his eyes out with his fingers. Today, Brian Storan BL, defending, told the court that Timmons is so busy with work and study that a probation service report found he did not have time to complete 200 hours of community service. He is willing, able and anxious to carry it out, but is not in a position to do so, Mr Storan said. Judge Karen O'Connor reduced Timmons' community service from 200 hours to 80, noting he had brought 3,950 to court to compensate the taxi driver he assaulted. She said Timmons, who has one previous conviction, must give priority to his community service, and added he had behaved in a very aggressive manner. Timmons, of The Pines, Castleknock, Dublin, wrote a letter to the court saying he was horrified by his own actions, especially as both his grandfathers had worked as taxi drivers. He said he has given up alcohol as a result of the incident. At a hearing in February 2018, Judge O'Connor said Timmons was more useful to society completing community service rather than being jailed. She said 200 hours was appropriate, pending the completion of a probation service report. In a victim impact statement, the injured taxi driver said he suffered a financial loss and had since changed his job and become a bus-driver. Judge O'Connor said testimonials on behalf of Timmons suggested that this was out-of-character behaviour. She said he has completed a third-level degree, works as a jockey and is now addressing his alcohol issues. The judge said Timmons was clearly a talented jockey with an impressive employment record, who had shown remorse and cooperated with gardai. Creditors of jailed killer dentist Colin Howell are to be repaid at least some of what they are owed after he went bankrupt seven years ago, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal. Howell was made bankrupt in 2011 over a 250,000 289,230) debt to the taxman - a year after he and ex-lover Hazel Stewart were sentenced to life for the double murder in 1991 of his wife, Lesley, and Stewart's first husband, Trevor Buchanan. And while Howell was made bankrupt following a petition by HM Revenue & Customs, other creditors have also come forward with details of what he owes them. Claims from the families of the victims of his crimes are likely to be among the demands on his estate. As well as the families of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan, his estate could face claims from victims who were sexually assaulted at his dental practice in Ballymoney. Howell pleaded guilty to sexual assaults on five women in 2011, following his conviction for murder in 2010. Now a senior accountant at business advisors KPMG - tasked under insolvency law with sorting out the claims on the estate of Howell as a bankrupt - has asked any other creditors who have not yet declared themselves to come forward. Expand Close Colin Howells house / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Colin Howells house A routine notice filed by KPMG says that it intends to "declare a final dividend to the creditors of the said bankrupt" within the next four months. And anyone who hasn't yet given their name and details of the debt has been asked to come forward. And it's expected that the final dividend - or percentage of debts which will be repaid - will be declared at a subsequent meeting of the creditors and trustee. KPMG refused to comment and the Department of Justice - which administers the criminal injuries compensation scheme - would not say whether claims have been made against the estate. A spokeswoman said: "We do not comment on individual cases." Howell's estate is expected to include the proceeds of sale of his former country home in Glebe Road, above Castlerock on the north coast. It was sold two years ago after it had been on the market for around 300,000. However, it's understood to have been sold for below the asking price. Insolvency practitioner John Gordon of Napier & Sons said the length of time taken by the trustee in bankruptcy to settle the claims was likely to reflect the complexity of claims against it, with seven years a long period for the process. Typically it takes two or three years for a trustee to declare a final dividend - if the bankrupt does have enough assets to be sold in order to pay one. He added: "This is a standard notice to creditors from the trustee that he is about to issue a final dividend, and it puts any other creditors on notice." When a dividend is paid, the debts are expunged. But Mr Gordon added that the fact that a dividend was to be paid indicated that there was money in the estate to be paid out. "It's not in every case that there is money to be paid out." Howell lost the NHS pension of nearly 590,000 he would have been in receipt of on retirement. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety stripped him off his financial entitlements after his sexual assault convictions. During Hazel Stewart's trial for murder, it emerged that Howell had pursued hare-brained schemes for making money when facing financial pressures before his confession to the killings. Howell had believed he would land 20m by ploughing his life savings into a diving project to find Japan's war gold, but ended up with only a few silver coins worth 30. The dentist invested 350,000 in the recovery dig in caves in the Philippines only to discover it was a massive scam that only recovered a few brass ammunition boxes. He told Coleraine Crown Court in January 2011 the realisation he had been duped at the end of 2008 was the trigger which led to him confessing. MORE than 40 brand new schools are to be established over the next four years to cater for the growing population. Education Minister Richard Bruton will today announce plans for 26 primary and 16 post-primary schools, most of which will be in Dublin and its extended commuter belt. Half the new primary schools will open in September 2019, predominantly in Dublin, but also in Cork, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath and Leixlip and Maynooth in Co Kildare. Four of the post-primary schools will open in 2019 in Dublin, Galway city, Laytown, Co Meath and Co Wicklow. While todays announcement is concerned with meeting the demand for more schools, deciding what patron body will run them is a separate process. Parents of pre-school children in the areas involved will be asked for their preference and their views will be key to deciding who is awarded patronage. Mr Bruton said an online system was being developed to make it easier and more efficient for parents to register their preferred patron and also their preference as to whether the new school should operate through Irish or English. It is open to any patron to apply to run a new school and, with denominational schools already dominating the landscape, demand in recent years has been overwhelmingly from multi-denominational bodies. Expand Close Planned new schools / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Planned new schools The new schools will open in temporary premises and will have to find a suitable site for a permanent building before going through the planning process. A Department of Education spokesperson pointed out this was the first time the requirement for new schools had been set out over a four-year horizon, which would provide a better lead-in period for the planning and delivery of permanent accommodation. Against that, the school building programme is under pressure from the ongoing creation of more new places than any time in the history of the State, alongside rising land and construction costs and a need to bring long-promised projects for existing overcrowded schools to fruition. While there is great interest in new schools, existing ones may also be expanded to cater for rising enrolments in their neighbourhoods. According to Mr Bruton, about 40pc of extra school places are delivered by extensions and he said the Department of Education was monitoring areas where more accommodation may be required. The minister also said the Department of Education website was also being updated to ensure the current status of existing major projects in the school building programme was updated more regularly and presented in a more user-friendly format. The proposed new schools will eventually cater for about 20,000 new pupils between them, reflecting the surge in enrolments arising from the baby boom that started in the late 90s. Todays announcement comes on top of plans for a new 24-classroom primary school in Dublin 2/4/6 next September, along with five new postprimary schools in Malahide/ Portmarnock, Swords, Dublin 2/4/6, Firhouse, Dublin 24 and Limerick city. Primary enrolments at national level are at a peak, but population growth and new housing in certain locations are driving demand for schools and extensions. Pupil numbers in post-primary schools will rise until 2025, when enrolments are expected to go above 400,000 for the first time in the history of the State. Mr Bruton said the requirement for new schools would be kept under ongoing review A farmer who found the body of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin gave evidence today at the Sessions Court of Margao, South Goa. Today was the second evidentiary hearing in the trial of Vikat Bhagat, who has been charged with murdering and raping the Donegal woman. The 28-year-old was found lying dead with her hands and legs neatly outstretched in an isolated stretch of land between Agonda and Canacona beaches. Prashant Komarpanth, the farmer who found the body on the way to his farm on the morning of March 13, about 150m off of the main road, was the first witness presented by the state. His cross examination, was carried over from the first hearing (on April 6) by the defendants attorney - advocate Arun Brar De Sa. After establishing in the previous rounds of cross examination, that the witness could not be clearly identified in the photos from the crime scene, the attorney resumed the cross examination today, focusing mainly on panchnama (meaning the record of observation by five people) of the crime scene. Panchanama or the mediators report is statement of persons present at the scene of offence, and is a very important piece of documentation for criminal legal proceedings in India. It is used by the courts to check veracity and truthfulness of the action taken by the officers at the scene, and is required to be noted by two independent witnesses at the crime scene. Prashant Komarpanth testified before the court: The photos of the body being taken and the panchanama was completed between 9:30pm - 10pm though the body was left untouched. The police removed the body only by 2pm the same afternoon. The mediators report records all pieces of evidence found at the scene, including a sketch and description of the scene, along with noting the persons present at the scene of offence. All articles are then stored in a sealed envelope to be presented to the court during trial. When asked about the same, Mr. Komarpanth said: I do not know what envelope you are referring to. In fact, all evidence was then saved onto a hard disc. The disc couldnt be presented before the court because of a password discrepancy. Judge Sayonara Telles, who is presiding over the case, ordered the same to be recovered, by the next hearing. Next, the defending attorney questioned him about the location where Danielle's body was found. Komarpanth noted: A secluded stretch of land, off of the highway, is where Danielles body was found. The area is often visited by couples and groups (of tourists). They sit around and drink, and leave empty bottles around. With that the cross examination ended, as the courts set the date for the next hearing on April 24, when the court will call upon the second witness, Mr Stevens. He was one of the mediators at the crime scene who wrote the mediators report. Todays hearing was attended by two of Danielles friends Sun Ithilwen (49), an Australian citizen who works as a yoga teacher, and Deanne Evenrud (40), an American citizen live around the same Canacona area and had known Danielle from her travels in India. While Sun knew Danielle from their travels together in Rishikesh, a hillside town in India, Deanne befriended her at the same Holi party where Danielle was last seen. It was a childrens Holi party that had been happening every year for the last 10 years, till last year! (It was) not the kind of wild tourist parties where everyone would be drinking or doing drugs, said Deanne, outside the court. The accused, Vikat Bhagat, was locally known. Danielle knew him from her previous visits to India and was taking his hep looking for emergency accommodation in the area. The boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, was sentenced to nine-months' supervised probation AN IRISH Life executive said senior management figures were scared sh**less while trades were being done with Anglo Irish Bank during the 2008 financial crisis, a jury heard. Irish Life and Permanents then-head of treasury David Gantly told a colleague at the time the boys were scared stiff and business would have to be discussed boss man to boss man. His taped comments were made after ILP had failed to return a favour by lending millions of euros to Anglo. This was separate to an allegedly fraudulent 7.2bn interbank deal being carried out at the time. The tape was played to the jury in the trial of Anglos former CEO David Drumm. Mr Drumm (51) is pleading not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to conspiring to defraud by dishonestly creating the impression that Anglo's customer deposits were 7.2bn larger than they were in September 2008. He is alleged to have conspired with Anglos former Finance Director Willie McAteer and head of Capital Markets John Bowe, as well as ILPs then-CEO, Denis Casey, and others. The case centres on a series of interbank deposits which circulated between Anglo and ILP in September 2008. The transfers were routed through Irish Life Assurance (ILA), returning to Anglo where they were then treated as customer deposits, which are a better indicator of a banks health. Mr Drumm also denies false accounting, by providing misleading information to the market. ILPs then liquidity manager Paul Kane today concluded his evidence which had begun yesterday. A taped series of phone calls between Mr Kane and officials of both ILP and Anglo was played to the jury setting out how the September 2008 transactions between the two banks were carried out. The calls also featured another deal, requested by Anglo for which ILP had refused to change its credit limits. Mr Kane was heard explaining this to his counterpart in Anglo, Ciaran McArdle, and his own superior ,Mr Gantly. In the first call on September 29, 2008 a day before Anglos end of financial year, Mr Kane was heard telling Mr Gantly: Anglo effectively are short and are looking to borrow 500 euros off us. Mr Kane was then heard speaking to Mr McArdle. I was just saying to the lads, special occasions, I havent had a smoke in three years, Mr McArdle said. No no, Dont have a cigarette. Im shocked here, Mr Kane replied, saying he had tried but failed to get these guys to f**king lend a 100 to yous. Tell them to go f**k themselves, Mr McArdle replied. Tell them to f**k off, dont need it. Mr Kane told him you know where I sit in this and he would say he had to go back and profusely apologise. Mr Kane said he would say nothing else and the jury then heard him reporting back to Mr Gantly, saying: not happy. What did you say to him, you couldnt do it? Mr Gantly asked. Said I couldnt do it. I didnt know how to lie to him, Mr Kane replied. I just had a session with Denis (Casey) like and Peter (Fitzpatrick), and the boys are scared sh**less about like more Denis to be honest with you, Mr Gantly said. Werent scared sh**less last week when we borrowed 820m, Mr Kane said Mr Gantly said he had f**king pointed the same f**king thing out and Mr Kane said it was not the way to do business. You scratch my back and Ill scratch your back, Mr Kane said. Sorry like, clearly these guys are getting scared stiff in the scale of things you know, Mr Gantly said. He spoke about bosses calling each other. It needs to be boss man to boss man you know, Mr Gantly said. The tape was stopped and Mr Kane told Paul OHiggins SC, prosecuting, that Anglo were obviously disappointed that they did not get the credit limit increase for that loan from ILP, given that they had increased their limit for ILP to 820m. There was disappointment we couldnt return the favour that day, he said. In a later call, on October 1, 2008, Mr Kane was heard speaking to Mike DArcy about netting the payments. Mr OHiggins asked Mr Kane what the effect of the September deal was on ILPs liquidity. He replied that it reduced their liquidity ratio, which was seen as worse. Mr OHiggins asked if there was any positive aspect to the transaction from ILPs point of view. No, he replied. Mr Kane agreed he had carried out the transactions from beginning to end, or supervised or communicated with those who did. Although he was later informed that a set-off was not in place for unsecured deposits, during the transaction, we believed that set off was in place. In cross-examination Lorcan Staines BL, defending, said Mr Kane had told the jury neither a 1bn March 2008 transaction nor the 7.2bn September deal had any benefit for ILP. Mr Staines said this might be the small picture but if you looked at the bigger picture, Mr Kanes answer was incorrect. He showed the jury again an email which ILPs number 2, Finance Director Peter Fitzpatrick had sent to approve the March transaction. In it, Mr Fitzpatrick had told colleagues to be absolutely clear, this is something the Central Bank is encouraging us to do and at 30 June we will be beneficiaries of this kind of support. Mr Staines said ILP had been trying to show in its accounts less reliance on European Central Bank Funding. While each transaction might only have benefitted one side, in the big picture they benefited both parties because they achieved the objective of the Irish banks helping each other, Mr Staines said. Absolutely, this was the green jersey agenda, Mr Kane said. He agreed with Mr Staines that he had been under instruction from Peter Fitzpatrick to make sure we didnt do anything operational that would put us in jeopardy. You made the operational decision after the transaction had closed that you would net the payments for operational reasons, Mr Staines said. Yes, Mr Kane replied. Issues had arisen as to whether there was a legally enforceable right of set off, or whether there was an intention to settle net, Mr Staines said. He asked Mr Kane if he was saying there was no intention in advance of the transactions to settle net. There was no intention, no, Mr Kane replied. The trial continues before a jury and Judge Karen OConnor. Joanne Lee, whose body was found in a wardrobe, with former partner Keith Lee THE husband of tragic murder victim Joanne Ball admitted killing her in a detailed hospital bed confession, which he later recounted to gardai. Keith Lee (42) took his own life in his single occupancy cell at Mountjoy Prison yesterday, less than four weeks after he was remanded in custody after being charged with his wife's murder in February. Expand Close Murderer Keith Lee leaves the Criminal Courts of Justice in a wheelchair having jumped from a third-floor balcony. Photo: Gareth Chaney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Murderer Keith Lee leaves the Criminal Courts of Justice in a wheelchair having jumped from a third-floor balcony. Photo: Gareth Chaney It can be revealed Lee gave gardai an account of the events surrounding her murder and claimed he did not realise Ms Ball was dead for many hours after he strangled her in a flat in Ranelagh, south Dublin. It is understood Lee was on a cocktail of illicit drugs when he murdered the 38-year-old while the estranged couple were arguing over an affair that he was having with an American woman. According to the account that Lee gave investigators, the couple were arguing in the Ranelagh Road property and he then left and slept for some time in her car. Lee then returned to the flat in a drug-induced state and the argument between the couple continued before Lee savagely strangled his wife to death. Expand Close Joanne Ball / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Joanne Ball According to his claims, Lee was "so off his head" on drugs he did not realise Ms Lee was dead for several hours. After her murder, Lee kept her body in the Ranelagh flat for up to six days. He wrapped her body in sleeping bags and plastic bags in a wardrobe and also placed a bag over her head. Her body was found when gardai burst into the flat on the afternoon of February 15. Lee jumped from the third-floor balcony, fracturing both his legs and suffering other injuries in the process. His life was saved at the scene by a garda who wrapped his own shirt around arm wounds to stem the bleeding. The killer was then transferred to St James's Hospital, where he was treated for more than a month before he was finally deemed fit enough to be arrested and questioned on March 16. Lee was charged his wife's murder on March 18. He was first sent to Cloverhill Prison before being transferred to Mountjoy, which has better facilities for prisoners in wheelchairs. His body was found in his Mountjoy cell at 8.10am yesterday. Because of his previous suicide attempt, the killer was considered a high-risk prisoner who was under regular observation by jail staff. A senior source said Lee was last seen alive in his cell at 6.30am yesterday. He died in a shower area of his cell but before he killed himself, he had stuffed his bed to make it look like he was asleep. A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said: "An inmate passed away in custody. Foul play is not suspected." Ms Ball's body was found at 3.45pm on February 15, two days after Lee had reported her missing to Store Street garda station. He told officers that his wife became aware a month previously that he'd had an affair with an American woman and had self-harmed. In reality Ms Ball was already dead for a number of days. Investigations later established Lee and Ms Ball stayed in a hotel in Rathmines in the week before her murder and they had gone hill walking in the Dublin Mountains with their dogs on the morning of February 9. This was the last confirmed sighting of Ms Ball alive. Investigations quickly established that Lee was suffering from chronic drug abuse issues in the months before the murder. Audrey, loving wife of Don Heatherington, passed away peacefully on April 9th at the age of 87. She was born in Alberta, Canada and met her husband at the business offices where she held her first job after graduation. Audrey is survived by her husband of 65 years along with their two children, Dean Heatherington (Beverley) and Kim Randick (Kevin). She is also survived by grandchildren, Donald and Courtney Heatherington and Katie and Will Randick. Surviving brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws are: Vernon and Gordon Heatherington, Doreen Rude and Maxine Westerlund all in Alberta, Canada. She also leaves behind many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Audrey was a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of her husbands business career that took them from Calgary to Hartford, then Toronto, and finally the Bay Area. She was very active in charitable and social organizations in every city, including membership in the San Francisco Metropolitan Club. A private graveside service will be held at the Tulocay Cemetery in Napa for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society. A massive 70,000 patients in need of surgery will still languish on hospital waiting lists at the end of this year - despite an injection of 50m to tackle the crisis. The Government is again forced to rely on buying expensive treatments for public patients - mainly in private hospitals - to make even a modest dent in the overall waiting list toll. There are currently 81,500 patients in the queue for surgery - but even if targets are met in 2018 about 70,000 will continue to face gruelling delays next December. Health Minister Simon Harris yesterday defended the limited return for such a high-priced plan, saying around 20,000 public patients will get their operations in private or public hospitals on the proceeds of this top-up funding of nearly 50m. He said: "This year we will see a significant reduction in the number waiting for a procedure. The target is that the overall number will fall to under 70,000 by the end of the year - from a peak of 86,100 in July 2017. "All patients who are waiting more than nine months for a cataract, hip and or knee replacement, tonsils, gastro- intestinal scope or one of other high-volume treatments will be offered surgery in 2018 if clinically suitable." However, the extent to which the Government is losing the battle against hospital queues is borne out by figures showing 63,105 were on the waiting list when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was health minister in 2014. The failure comes despite his pledge to tackle the scourge. Peter O'Rourke, an orthopaedic surgeon in Letterkenny Hospital, described the plan as a "cosmetic" exercise which would benefit private facilities at the expensive of public care. "We need more public beds. The only way waiting lists will go down and stay down is for public hospitals to do more. "When I started 21 years ago, I had a waiting time of six weeks for a joint replacement and six operating lists every four weeks. Now I have two-and-a-half lists every four weeks and a 110 people waiting up to 18 months, all of them in pain." Fianna Fail's Jack Chambers, TD for Dublin West, warned: "This is a drop in the ocean and a reminder to the majority that they will continue to linger for unacceptable periods on Irish hospital waiting lists. "The Minister for Health continues to throw money at the health service with repetitive PR announcements and meaningless targets his Government never meets." There are 692,000 public patients nationwide in some form of hospital queue, including more than 500,000 waiting for an outpatient appointment. There is no good news in yesterday's plan for outpatient clinics and a separate strategy is awaited to bring some respite to these patients Referring to public patients waiting longest for surgery, the plan says the numbers facing delays of more than nine months should fall by 10,000 - but that still leaves another 12,500 waiting. The top-up funding is being managed by the National Treatment Purchase Fund. Mr Varadkar, who opened 75 more beds in University Hospital Galway yesterday, admitted trolley figures are "far too high". He said: "More beds and more staff and more money will not just solve the problem. "We're one of the highest spenders in health in the world - it requires other things as well like clinical leadership, cooperation from unions, work from government and very good management." Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he will look at regulations. Photo: Fergal Phillips New laws to make it easier to sack civil servants are to be drawn up, after years of promises. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is to reform the process for disciplinary actions, dismissals and appeals in the civil service. Fewer than 100 workers were actually dismissed from the civil service between 2008 and 2016. In 2014, the secretary-general of the Department of Public Expenditure, Robert Watt, admitted the process "under which we can exit people is too burdensome, there's too many steps". A review of the civil service disciplinary code has found that the process for managing discipline is unnecessarily complex in comparison with requirements under employment law and practice outside the civil service. "It was determined that in order to streamline the disciplinary decision-making and appeals processes further and to bring civil service practice more in line with external practice, legislative change would be required," a spokesperson for the department said. "The key provisions of the proposed legislative amendments will contribute to the achievement of this priority by empowering managers to manage their staff effectively rather than having all serious sanctions determined at the very top of an organisation." It will be at the discretion of the head of each individual organisation where power to dismiss workers is devolved to. For example, a secretary- general may decide to delegate that power to a principal officer in charge of HR in their department. Figures obtained by the Irish Independent show that only 97 civil servants were dismissed in a nine-year period. The Department of Public Expenditure declined to give the rank or individual reasons for dismissals. However, they said some cases involved ICT breaches, fraud, inappropriate behaviour, under-performance, failure to adhere to sick leave regulations and general breaches of civil service policies. These figures do not include terminations of probationary contracts. While Mr Donohoe has been given the green light from his Cabinet colleagues to draft the new legislation, it is likely to be some time before it is voted on in the Dail. The legislation will also provide for a simplification of the appeals procedure to ensure cases are heard more quickly. The minister responsible for co-ordinating Fine Gael members seeking a Yes vote in the abortion referendum is coming under pressure from the anti-repeal side for sharing a platform with a person who sent a tweet celebrating the death of former TD Peter Mathews. The participation by Culture Minister Josepha Madigan in the Roscommon launch of the Together for Yes campaign has been labelled an "error of judgment" by No campaigners. She is due to speak at the event with Janet Ni Shuilleabhain, an abortion activist who is not affiliated with any organisation. Ms Ni Shuilleabhain previously greeted the death of former Fine Gael TD Peter Mathews by tweeting: "Frankly I am glad he is dead." Mr Mathews was a pro-life activist. In a statement, the Together for Yes campaign said Ms Ni Shuilleabhain would be attending at the event in a personal capacity along with other women sharing their abortion stories. "This referendum is the time for women of this experience to speak about their abortion experiences as a result of the harmful Eighth Amendment and Together For Yes is giving these women a platform to have their voices heard. We should be encouraging these women to tell their stories, not trying to suppress them." Meanwhile, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is taking an official position calling for a repeal of the Eighth Amendment. The Institute took a neutral position during the 1983 referendum when the country voted to insert the Eighth Amendment. According to its chair, Peter Boylan, its members have since seen the "unintended consequences" of the legislation, where it was a "mistake" to introduce it. Dr Boylan testified at the Oireachtas Committee on abortion outlining the medical reasons in favour of a repeal and he also warned of the health consequences of taking illegal abortion pills. He said that when pills are used under medical supervision "they're very safe" but "there are serious dangers" if women take them without medical support, such as a ruptured uterus and serious haemorrhaging. But he said any woman in distress after taking them would be treated with "compassion" and confidentiality by Irish hospitals. Meanwhile, Health Minister Simon Harris said he found it "very frustrating" that those on the No side failed to "grapple" with the reality that abortion was already "here in this country". It was not a case where people were "being asked to vote for or against abortion on the 25th of May, it's about accepting the reality" and putting in place structures to make that safe, including introducing legislation that would make late-term abortions illegal. "There are those who are happy for Irish women to have abortions in Britain while criticising the regime in Britain," he said. "We're proposing a different system. For example, there will be a ban on late-term abortions, unlike in the UK." It comes as Fine Gael junior minister Sean Kyne said he was still undecided on how he'd vote in the abortion referendum, but said: "I am coming around to the very strong case for repeal". He said he would support Government legislation to introduce abortion if the Eighth Amendment was removed by the people in the referendum. Independent Communications Minister Denis Naughten is also undeclared but voted against limited abortion legislation in the past. A Fine Gael senator has said he would resign from the party rather than serve in government with Sinn Fein. Neale Richmond was commenting after Junior Minister for Older People Jim Daly said he had no ideological issue with Sinn Fein working with Fine Gael in government. Speaking to Independent.ies Floating Voter Podcast, Mr Richmond insisted he does not share his Fine Gaels colleague view and would rather quit the party than serve with Sinn Fein. Mr Richmond also discussed the British medias coverage of Brexit negotiations and recent comments by leading UK politicians about Irelands position in the talks. The senator also said he would like to see Irelands neutrality debated along with the possibility of further integration with the EU on security defence. The abandonment of a young Yorkie dog in a zipped plastic bag on a country laneway in Co Longford has been labelled shocking and disgusting by a local councillor. The young male Yorkshire terrier was found in a frozen and traumatised state by a local man in Derryharrow. The man cut open the bag for fear that the dog would suffocate and immediately contacted the ISPCA. The dog, now named Louis, was brought to a local vet for immediate assessment. While the Yorkie suffered no physical injuries, vets were unable to locate a microchip, making it difficult to locate a previous owner. People need to think before they buy pets, its simply not an option to leave them off on their own, its highly irresponsible, Cllr Colm Murray told Independent.ie. There are services for people can no longer house or afford their pets, but to leave them on their own for dead is cruelty of the highest order. Louis is now being cared for at the National Animal Centre for rehabilitation where he will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, neutered, microchipped and responsibly rehomed. ISPCA Inspector Karen Lyons said in a statement: Its disturbing to imagine what this little dog went through and despite his ordeal; Louis is such a kind, loveable and gentle little dog. This horrific act of cruelty is simply appalling. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, it is illegal to abandon any animal and I would like to take this opportunity to remind owners that they have a moral and legal responsibility to provide for the welfare needs of the animals in their care. The matter is currently being investigated by the ISPCA and anyone with information should contact the National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 1890 515 515 or report online here http://www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint. WARMER weather will bring some welcome relief for winter-weary Ireland with temperatures rising to the high teens next week. The UK is expecting a mini-heatwave with the mercury hitting as high as 25C thanks to warm winds from Spain and Portugal. While we won't be basking in quite the same sunshine, the warmer temperatures will offer blessed relief after weeks of cold, wind and snow. Some rain and cloudy weather over the coming days will eventually give way to higher temperatures from next Wednesday as well as long-overdue spells of bright sunshine. Met Eireann said Ireland's weather would remain mild but wet until at least the end of next week. "The further outlook from Tuesday on is for continued unsettled weather with rain at times, but temperatures rising to become warm later in the week," a spokesperson said. Long range forecasts suggest that there will be spells of bright sunshine from next Tuesday or Wednesday, but Ireland won't enjoy anything like the glorious weather predicted for London, Kent, Essex and Surrey in Britain's south-east. That means beleaguered farmers still face doubt as to when they will be able to get their cattle out onto the fields. It is too early to say when we will enjoy a prolonged dry spell, but one Cork farmer, Dan Bourke, warned it will take at least two weeks of good, dry weather to prepare sodden land for grazing livestock. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed vowed that, if necessary, fodder import support measures would remain in place until June. "If we had a normal spring, you'd have cows grazing grass or if you'd a normal late summer and autumn last year you'd have more fodder made," he said. "I do not think it's time to dismantle our ambitions at all. "What we have announced is a financial package until the end of the month (April)," he said. Sunshine "At the end of the month it will be reviewed and we will continue to support the transport costs with the co-ops for as long as is necessary. "Judging from 2013 it started on April 20 and it continued right up until the June bank holiday." The Cork TD said: "If necessary we will stick with it as long as that. But obviously we hope that the weather will give us a break as well." We are surely to envy parts of Britain as BBC weather forecaster Simon King predicted that temperatures in southern England could soar to between 23C and 25C by the middle of next week. From Monday, England will bask in glorious sunshine and Mediterranean temperatures. Parts of the south could actually prove warmer than Spain, Portugal or Italy. Met Eireann stressed that while Ireland would enjoy rising temperatures over the same period, the weather here would be far wetter. And the country will first have to endure an unsettled weekend - today will see some spells of bright sunshine but it will be largely a dull day due to cloud cover. Saturday will prove similarly overcast with the best of the conditions in Leinster and Ulster. Monday will also see some dry conditions though parts of Connacht and west Munster can expect further heavy showers. Temperatures will begin to rise from Tuesday. A MAN has died after he was punched and fell backwards during an apparent road rage incident in Co Wexford. The two men involved in the incident were both lorry drivers in their 50s. The scene of the incident at Rosslare Europort remains sealed off, and a post mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the deceased this afternoon. The two vehicles were being driven into Rosslare Europort shortly before 7pm yesterday when the incident took place as the lorries came close together. The two vehicles were then driven into the port and parked. The drivers of the lorries jumped out of their cabs and came face to face. After an argument in which witnesses said that blows appeared to have been exchanged, one driver fell backwards and hit his head on the ground. The other driver then climbed back into his cab and drove back out of the port, apparently unaware of the injuries sustained by the other. The injured driver, who was Romanian, was found lying on the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, gardai had been contacted and stopped the other lorry a short distance from the port. The driver, who is Irish, was arrested and taken for questioning to Wexford Garda station. He was being detained there last night under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be held without charge for a maximum of 24 hours, excluding rest periods. Efforts are being made to contact the dead mans family after he was identified. The scene was preserved for forensic examination, as part of a Garda investigation led by Supt James Doyle, of Wexford station. Wexford Councillor Ger Carthy offered his condolences to the mans family and friends. "[The] news came as a massive shock. My sympathies of course go out to this mans friends and family. Its deeply concerning that something like this has happened in this locality." Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed a road incident involving two articulated trucks at a location known as Tagoat between 5.30 and 6.15 last night. Jeanderson Castro, one of Irelands promising mixed martial arts stars, bears a big tattoo on the base of his back. Thats far from unusual of course, tattoos are de rigeur now, particularly in sport. But this tattoo is a sketch of a smiling young boy, and Jeanderson regularly is asked who this little boy is. My brother Joel he was only 10 years old. He was a little child, he never got involved in anything bad, Jeanderson tells Independent.ie. He [the shooter] could see by the shadows on the windows that Joel was just a kid. Joel (10) was shot dead at his home on November 21, 2011 in a random attack. The bullet came from the street outside, in through his bedroom window, and hit him in the head. Expand Close Jeanderson Castro with his father Joel in Brazil. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jeanderson Castro with his father Joel in Brazil. Gun violence on the streets of Salvador in Brazil, the twentieth most violent city in the world, had claimed another child victim. I was on a trip with my friends in Brazil and when I came back home Joel asked me how was my holiday, I said good, I had a good time with my friends. I went to bed, and we started to hear faraway sounds of shooting. He was asking me 'what was that?' I said I think its fireworks. And then I said get back to bed, get back to bed, everything will be OK. That was the last time I spoke to him. After that he got back to his room; he was scared of the situation that was happening but he turned off the lights. The moment that he went to turn off the lights, [someone] shot my brother. My dad came running to my room: 'Jean, Jean Jean, its your brother'. Expand Close Jeanderson Castro with his father Joel in Brazil. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jeanderson Castro with his father Joel in Brazil. We ran into his room. He was there on the ground already. The bullet got into his face and the back of his head. The only thing I could do was carry him out... 'dad we need to go to the hospital. He was still breathing. But little Joel finally succumbed. He recalls: In the hospital they cleaned my brothers face, and cleaned the blood off him. The doctor said hes still alive, but I dont know for how long. My mother just lost the power in her legs and she fell on the floor. I wasnt crying because I was in shock. I knew at the moment I was the only one who could support my family, then the doctor came and said, Jeanderson, I need to talk to you. He said youre brother couldnt survive. I started crying, I put my hands on my head, and didnt know what to say. I said 'I will tell my family but I need to see my brother first'. I saw my brother and I saw he had been crying. He was crying? I asked. Yeah he was, but he is gone.' I held my mothers and my fathers hand and told them, and said we need to be strong to face this situation. My dad fell on the ground and was crying. Mam was in shock and she couldnt talk for hours. Jeandersons family are still seeking justice for Joel's killing back home. Four years ago, with his father's support, Jeanderson packed his bags for Ireland, anxious to leave Salvador behind. He craved a better life, and believed he wouldnt find it in Salvador. The still-raw loss of his brother drives Jeanderson today in Ireland. Signed up to BAMMA to fight in the Three Arena on May 12th, his goal is eventually getting signed to the UFC. Ive done martial arts my whole life, and my whole family is involved in sport and community to help people come off the streets. My father teaches capoeira. I did jiu jitsu as well. After the situation with my brother, I said my life is finished. But the sport showed me that anything is possible. I use the sport to bring good times to my life, and to show people its never too late. My father told me no one said its going to be easy. You have to do this for your brother, you have to do this for you.' 'Just ignore the hallway," says the host, as you navigate a dimly lit entrance, clogged with awkward furniture and strewn with cast-off boots. Easier said than done. Hallways are important because first impressions count. A dingy cluttered hallway is a real downer and you'll track that feeling through the rest of the house like mud on your shoes. "Unless you have a space allocated for everything, your hall will always be messy," says Maxi Goodwin, interior designer and co-owner of Inreda Design Shop. "When I'm working on a design for a hallway, the first step is to understand the family dynamic. Do they have children? Are they sporty? Will they bring a lot of bags and shoes into the house? After that, it's mostly problem solving. You have to find the shortest route to order." Coats, shoes, keys, post, and umbrellas all need their proper place. Some families prefer exposed coat hooks; others want their outdoor clothing tucked away. In general, open storage is for the naturally tidy. Hall tables attract clutter. I've learned to live without one, and the entrance hall is tidier as a result. But that only works if you have somewhere else to put your stuff. Potential hall storage solutions from Inreda include the Muuto Stacked storage system (individual components from 99) that allows you to configure an arrangement of modular boxes, and a Folded shelf (from 94), a neatly -designed wall shelf in powdered steel with hooks below. The versatile String storage system also has applications for hallways, but tends to be expensive, as does the Snow range of shelves and drawers (from 1,267) from the Swedish design company Asplund. Expand Close String storage system for hallways by Inreda / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp String storage system for hallways by Inreda If this is your look but not your budget, the Amador (189) and Giro (219) coat racks from Woo Design both offer some storage as well as coat hooks. Ikea's perfectly respectable Pining coat rack and shoe storage bench combo costs 85 while a Stall shoe storage unit with four compartments costs 115. The Ikea Stall range looks very much as though it was "inspired by" Asplund's Snow units, which are well known in Sweden. One of the glorious thing about Swedish interiors is that people aren't snobs, and will happily combine low-cost design from Ikea with design classics that they've had to save up for. Following this example, you might consider that money saved on storage units could be spent on lighting (or vice versa). "Lighting will create the atmosphere," Goodwin says, suggesting that hallways with a single overhead light source don't need to limit themselves to just one light. The E27 pendant (75 from Inreda) by Matias Stahlbom is a simple naked lightbulb suspended on a three-metre cable. This cable, which comes in several trendy colours, can be hooked, looped, knotted or otherwise adjusted to direct the light. And, for another 18, you can buy a "multi-canopy" attachment that allows you to suspended several lightbulbs from the one fitting. The hallway is the first room that you experience when you enter a house, but it's often left unfinished for far longer than the other rooms. "You can live with an undecorated hallway, but you can't function without a bathroom or a kitchen," says Lorraine Stevens of Lomi Design. "That's why hallways get pushed to the bottom of the list." Other, more urgent, jobs get tackled first and the hallway is put on the long finger. "People get around to it eventually." When they do, she finds that her clients fall into two distinct types: those who want an entrance with "a real wow factor"; and people that want whatever they put in their hallway to vanish into the space. "Most people are at one end of the spectrum or the other, with very little in between," she says. Those who want something spectacular often opt for the time-honoured combination of a console with a mirror above. These can be overtly modern, like the Almond console which can be purchased with a mirror that echoes its interestingly angular shape. "That's your traditional option, but it's not traditional in terms of styling. You don't need much more in a space if you put that in." For those in search of colour, the bright yellow Summer console (from 2,972) is a sculptural upright console with a front section that opens down to become a desk. "It's a lovely colour," Stevens explains, "but at this end of the market, people tend to go for classical over quirky and fun." If you were looking for a low -cost console, Ikea's Besta range has several decent options for between 200 and 300. An arrangement of mirrors above a console can work well to expand the perception of space but you can pay what you like for them. The gorgeous Pearl mirrors (1,986) from Lomi are circular with surrounds made of small spheres of turned wood (they give the impression of a cluster of pearls). For a plainer, and very much cheaper, round mirror, the brass rimmed Helen James Considered Circle mirror from Dunnes Stores costs 60 (42cm) or 110 (67cm). These too work well in sequence. Expand Close Flavi coat rack, Woo Design, 179 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Flavi coat rack, Woo Design, 179 While most people who can afford the space prefer a boot room or built-in cupboard to free-standing furniture, Lomi has some very unobtrusive storage options that would work in a narrow hallway. Some of them don't look like cupboards at all! The Camper (2,713), a slim mirrored panel, opens up to reveal hanging space for coats and handbags, while the modular Pitstop (from 1,827) offers almost invisible storage for shoes. They don't store that much and would be ideal for a naturally tidy person, but not for chaotic families or people looking for a place to stash their muddy wellies. For Stevens, the main mistake that people make when it comes to hallways is painting the walls too dark and making the space seem smaller than it is. "Keep it light, bright and inviting," she recommends. "Dark hallways aren't great - you just want to get through them and out the other side as quickly as possible!" See inreda.ie, lomi.ie, ikea.ie, woodesign.ie, and dunnesstores.com. We invite you this Sunday at 10 a.m. as we conclude our study of Ephesians 5: The Armor of God Imperative? Throughout this book, Paul has depicted the believer as one who walks in the Lord. But as we come to the end, he paints the image of the believer as one who stands immovable against the attacks of evil in the world. However, we do not stand alone, but fully equipped by God for this battle. Join us for this very encouraging study. Sunday School/Childcare also at 10. 4149 Linda Vista Ave., Napa. NapaValleyChurch.org. NVCC is a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. A woman in an Irish nursing home wanted to go to the beach to have an ice cream before she died. People ask for very simple things. We sometimes imagine people would ask for the moon. They dont. They ask for simple things. They ask for the sister they havent spoken to. They ask to make a will. To go away on the holiday they never had. They say I want to see the dog. Sometimes the dog can be really important to them. Bryan Nolan, a communications and development coordinator with the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), runs workshops on loss and bereavement. He trains staff in hospitals and residential settings in things like how to communicate with people with dementia or how to deliver bad news to terminal patients. Read More In my experience, people dont ask for the moon [when theyre told theyre at the end of life stage], he tells Independent.ie. One woman in a nursing home wanted to go to the beach to have an ice cream. [Her nursing home] literally pulled heaven and earth apart to get her to the beach. People do extraordinary things. The only way these (wishes) can happen is if theres honesty, and if we ask people what is going on for them at the moment. Peoples biggest fear is, am I going to be in pain? And am I going to be on my own? But unless were actually giving people the information that the end is drawing close, were never going to have those conversations. He added: The stark reality is that when youre dying in Ireland you can be the loneliest person in the world because everybody is going to be talking about you, but nobody is talking to you. We end up isolating the one person we dont want to isolate." Adrian OGrady, station officer at Tallaght fire station, is a complicated grief therapist with the IHF and runs workshops for emergency frontline staff on how to deal with bereaved families. Every day, fire officers and paramedics encounter a death, and often they have to inform a family member of this death. Were getting everything from Sudden Death Syndrome, right up to senior citizens dying and everything in between, from sudden traumatic deaths and people dying in their sleep. Its very hard for a fire fighter to go from the rescuer mindset to a supportive mindset. If you get the breaking bad news right, you start the grieving right. If you get it wrong, youll traumatise a persons grief. Its vital for Dublin Fire Brigades crew to have proper training in how to help families, Adrian explains. We looked at what the areas of stress are for fire fighters and paramedics, and one of the major stresses is breaking bad news, and we devised a breaking bad news lecture series. Members of the public depend on us to help them and support them at their worst moments, and its up to us to do it professionally. There was a gap in the learning, and thanks to the Irish Hospice masters programme, I feel that weve filled that gap. Were more aware of trying to get their family around and what the supports are that they need, the priest, whatever the person might need. Well make that call if the time permits us. If its sudden infant death syndrome in particular, well slow things down and get all the supports the family needs. When youre breaking the bad news of a death of a child to a parents, thats the hardest. You can imagine, the grief goes so deep. Even if its obvious [that their loved one has died], theyre still hoping that youre going to walk in and save them. We dont like those moments ourselves. Were born to save lives. We dont like not rescuing people. To turn around and have to break bad news is difficult for us. Fire officers also receive training in how to deal with death, and critical and traumatic incidents. The recent fire in the Metro Hotel in Ballymun was particularly challenging for fire officers, Adrian explains. The fire in Ballymun, that is outside the normal - we dont normally get that type of fire. Especially after Grenfell going up the steps, we would have been thinking about Grenfell. In the past, doctors might have discussed patients prognoses with their family members. But now the patient is at the centre of these discussions. Children too who have terminal illnesses are now included too, something that represents a big change, Bryan adds. You have a mutual discussion about whats going on, you check how the person is, check how theyre feeling. And its about finding out how to break the bad news in such a way that the person can comprehend it. Weve done a lot of work with kids over the years. We start with the adults because they know their kids. The evidence is that when kids are included, they do an awful lot better. Its not scary for them. Children are much more practical than we are, its the innocence, they want to know all the details and everything thats happening. Bryan remembers one child who was discussing her prognosis with her doctors before turning to her mum and saying, mum you need to step outside now. The child was able to ask all the questions which might have been too painful for her mother to hear. These conversations are hugely difficult. In dealing with bad news and talking to people about their end of life, we do need to go gently. If we keep the person at the centre always, were not going to go too wrong. Then theres safety and security and honesty and truth. Barcelona is a brilliant city break, but it can also be a crowded one. Here's how to give your fellow tourists the slip. Barcelona is one of the world's favourite city breaks. That's no secret, however. From cruise ship passengers to package holidays, bar crawls and new visitors from emerging markets like China, the Ciutat Vella and L'Eixample feel like they're bursting at the seams. This is a problem. Barcelona is due some 7.6 million visitors in 2015 (a similar figure to the entire island of Ireland), leading new mayor, Ada Colau, to put a freeze on new tourist accommodation for at least a year. Large groups have been banned from visiting La Boqueria market. Similar to Venice, locals are frustrated with the sardine-like squeeze, fearing their beloved city centre neighbourhoods could turn into a theme park. So how to explore this enchanting city without making the situation worse? We've got lots of tips in this week's Travel TV (watch above). First, I'd advise travelling midweek and off-peak where possible - saving time and money. Next, book popular attractions like the Picasso Museum and Sagrada Familia in advance online, guaranteeing a time slot for your visit. For less-crowded beaches, look to the further reaches of La Barceloneta (Platja de Sant Sebastia, for instance), or skip the city entirely. Early departures will give you breathing space on daytrips to Montserrat or Girona, and of course, skipping big sights for the outer reaches of El Born, Gracia and Ravel will soon see you almost alone among the locals. Save Expand Close Barcelona / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Barcelona The Sagrada Familia I'm not surprised when travel agents tell me Barcelona is one of the most popular city breaks for Irish tourists this year - a brilliant spread of beaches and daytrips to the likes of Montserrat, Figueres and Girona just add to the attraction. Independent Travel (01 539 7700; travel.independent.ie) has direct flights with Aer Lingus plus four nights in a three-star hotel from 285pp in September and October. Prices for five nights start from 345pp, or you can bag a three-night break from just 245pp. Book here. Splash Expand Close Hotel Neri / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hotel Neri Hotel Neri, Barcelona Fancy a special stay? I chanced upon Hotel Neri (hotelneri.com) on a mosey through the Gothic quarter. The 22-bed property lounges across two palaces, combining exquisite period detail with splashes of modern art and several tables on Placa Sant Felip Neri. Rooms start from around 300 per night, with a 15pc discount for online bookings at least 15 days in advance. The hotel is a member of both Relais & Chateaux (relaischateaux.com) and Mr & Mrs Smith (mrandmrssmith.com). I'm chalking it down for a special occasion... or a lottery win. NB: All prices subject to availability/change. View the latest independent.ie exclusive holiday deals on this destination and from around the world Watch more: Health Minister Simon Harris praised families of those battling Cystic Fibrosis for the success of their campaign for the drug Orkambi to be made available to CF patients, when he opened the national conference in Dundalk last weekend. The annual Cystic Fibrosis conference was held in Dundalk for the first time in decades, with over 200 people from across the country in attendance. It followed the successful campaign spearheaded by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland which had long called for the drug to be prescribed to Irish patients. Locally, Marie and Iain Gallagher, from Ravensdale, who had campaigned on behalf of their son Cathal (11) who has cystic fibrosis, said they were delighted to have seen so many people from across Ireland at the event hosted by the Dundalk CF group. 'It was a great success' said Iain. 'There were 200 in attendance at the Crowne Plaza, which proved an ideal event.' He welcomed the comments made by Minister Harris about the campaign led by CF Ireland last year. 'The Minister highlighted the success of the Orkambi campaign, but added that he hoped it wouldn't have to happen again, and that new treatments would be more free flowing.' Iain added that CF patients also welcomed the plans for a new 'opt out' donor scheme, which he said would be of 'huge benefit' to those in need of a transplant. Speaking at the launch of the Dundalk event, Minister Harris said he was 'really pleased to have been at Cystic Fibrosis Ireland conference.' 'Together we've made big progress in last year. Let's build further on it!' before highlighting 'More exciting plans for 2018 including opt out donor legislation, a new model of care for CF and anew CF unit for Beaumont.' The Minister told delegates at the conference that new figures show that in Ireland life expectancy for people with Cystic Fibrosis has increased significantly. He added that the number of people with CF in employment is up, and that the number of people with CF living independently continues to rise. The number of people with CF married is also up. The Minister said he was 'delighted to now be in a position to try and help improvements to the lives of those with Cystic Fibrosis. Meanwhile, CF Ireland also launched their annual '65 Roses' campaign at the conference. '65 Roses'is a term often used by young children with Cystic Fibrosis to pronounce the name of their disease, and has become the fundraising campaign title. Members of the Dundalk CF group will be in the Marshes shopping centre all day this Friday, April 13th, for the 65 Roses awareness and fundraising day, and are appealing for support. Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine Michael Creed speaks with a delighted Banteer farmer Tony Dunlea, at the Dairygold Branch in Millstreet where food was distributed to local farmers for their cattle which had been shipped in from the UK due to the shortage crisis after recent inclement weather. Photo by John Delea Farmers in Duhallow need at least 10 days of good weather so their land can dry out and the grass that is desperately needed to feed cattle can begin to grow. Boherbue Co-Operative CEO Declan O'Keeffe said: "For us, it is not a crisis yet in this area, but it is getting more critical as time goes on. It will be at least two weeks really before it is solved with the weather. "Even if it stops raining and there is growth, you are talking about a week to 10 days, but as I said it is not a crisis so far." Mr O'Keeffe told The Corkman they had brought in hay and silage from abroad and are also bringing in silage from the eastern part of the country to alleviate local fodder shortages. "We imported hay from the UK and Holland and we also had some loads of silage ourselves. We were getting 30 bales in a load and we were getting two loads per day. We also had a pit of silage locally. We are managing day by day and are coping well here at the moment but an awful lot hinges on the weather," said Mr O'Keeffe. The weather needs to improve for seven to 10 days before farmers will begin to see grass growth. Until that happens their animals will remain dependent on whatever stocks of fodder are left. And they are running perilously low. In what amounts to an almost ominous warning, Declan O'Keeffe emphasises the point: "For now, we are managing well but we may well have to scale up if the weather does not improve. Liam Murphy, who is the Dairygold Manager at Millstreet told The Corkman that they are getting a delivery of between 33 and 40 bales per day, but these are all gone. "Farmers are under pressure and with the weather forecast being bad again for the weekend it will not help matters. Farmers are feeling the pressure because the bottom line is that they can't let their cows out. Everything now is very much dependant on the weather. What we are doing here in Millstreet is trying to make sure that everyone is okay at the end of the day and that they have feed for their cattle," he said. Mr Murphy said like so many more in Duhallow, they are keeping one eye on their fodder stock and one eye on the weather. "Farmers would need a good 10 days of good weather before any growth can be seen. At this stage, they really need that. But for us here in Millstreet, what we are doing is making sure that farmers are looked after," he said. Meanwhile, IFA President Joe Healy said Minister Michael Creed needs to allocate a dedicated budget to farmers to help them through the "fodder crisis". Mr Healy said Minister Creed needs to make a significant fund available towards an Early Warning System that operates locally to help farmers before any welfare problems emerge. Minister Creed last week said his department estimated they had in the region of three weeks' fodder available. "If we didn't get an increase in soil temperature now, it's likely that in three weeks' time we would have additional demand for fodder. What we are looking at now, based on soil temperature, grass growth, we are at about a third of grass growth now in comparison to what we were at this time last year," he said. Minister Creed said he does understand the "frustration" of farmers, who at this time of the year, normally would have cattle out on grass. "And particularly farmers in the south and east who would have expected a much earlier spring. A lot of farmers would anticipate and budget for having cattle out on grass in late February; so I understand the frustration," he said. A relieved Banteer farmer, Eddie Taaffe, collects two bales of food for his 200 cattle at the Dairygold Branch in Millstreet where food was distributed to local farmers for their cattle which had been shipped in from the UK due to the shortage crisis after recent inclement weather. Picture: John Delea Farmers across North and Mid Cork are under huge stress to get fodder and equally so to pay for it as fields continue to be battered by the inclement weather. Billy Cotter, PRO of North Cork IFA, said the situation is verging on critical as farmers become increasingly stressed at the lack of growth. Citing several examples, he referred to one farmer who has " hundreds of cows" but didn't have silage since January - and his herd now requires 30 tonnes per day. "This is hugely costly for that farmer, not to mention the huge stress levels. Cattle haven't been able to graze as grass needs a chance to grow and there is no growth in this weather. It is really starting to verge towards the critical stage now," he said. "There is stress to get fodder and there is equally stress to pay for it," he added. Amongst the despair there has been support locally. Dara Bourke of Kilcorney was one of many farmers who travelled to Dairygold in Millstreet for fodder which was brought in from the UK. He said: "All the fields are waterlogged, we are feeding 112 milking cows, 80 calves and 60 bullocks and even if the weather clears straight away, it will be at least another week before cattle can go out, so the bad weather is a real crisis." Boherbue Co-Operative CEO Declan O'Keeffe said it wasn't yet a crisis for them but was getting more critical as time went on. "It will be at least two weeks really before it is solved with the weather. Even if it stops raining and there is growth you are talking about a week to 10 days." Liam Murphy, who is the Dairygold Manager at Millstreet said they are getting a delivery of between 30-40 bales per day but by the day's end they are all gone. Enniscorthy was transformed into a sea of purple and gold from early on Sunday morning as over 2,000 walkers, joggers and runners arrived in their special t-shirts for this year's Hope & Dream 10. What started out as a small idea for a fundraiser seven years ago with a goal of 5,000, has grown into an absolute monster of community spirit and is rapidly closing in on the 1million mark. R ace Director Michael Jordan says that he is absolutely over the moon with how this year's event went, describing it as one of the best yet with numbers well up on last year. 'The feedback has been just fantastic,' he said. 'We had a total of 2,264 people registered and the vast majority of those would have taken part on the day. We're up at very least 100 people on last year which is astonishing. It can be hard to sustain such numbers, but thankfully we seem to be seeing an upward trajectory still. In terms of the money side of things, I would be quietly confident that we are on target to hit the million euro mark after 7 years. We've lodged 123,000 already and it will take a considerable period of time for all of the money to come back, but I'd be hopeful that we might just make that 1million mark this year, which is not bad going considering it was initially organised as a one-off event to raise 5,000 or so.' As always, the atmosphere on the Promenade on Sunday was absolutely electric. What really added to it, however, was the weather and the purple and gold t-shirts were bathed in glorious sunshine as participants were well and truly warmed up in hilarious fashion by MC Liam Sharkey at the start line. People exchanged hints and tips for lasting the distance from hardened elite runners to glamorous granny's out for a stroll in the fine weather, really adding to the sense of occasion. The sense of community was palpable as everyone had their own reason for taking part. One woman's mother had signed up for the race and began collecting money before she passed away and she was there to finish what her late mam had started. 'That's the special thing,' said Michael. 'Everyone has their own reason for doing it and for some it can be quite emotional. I know of one woman who lost her husband in the past year and I was able to pick her out coming back in and gave her a big hug as she came over the line. Another whole family had lost their sister and did it in her memory. There are a lot of untold stories from the Hope & Dream too.' The amount of work put in by volunteers over the course of the weekend was also outstanding. Michael estimates that around 200 volunteers gave their time freely, from collecting money and handing out sponsorship packs in The Presentation Centre, to getting out at 5 a.m. on the route and putting out barriers etc. 'We had over 200 volunteers,' said Michael. '80 marshals, the Red Cross, Slaney Search & Rescue, the Gardai, the lads on the motorbikes...the list goes on. We had a small army of people. 'We always get new faces getting involved every year, but a lot of the people that are there have been there since day one helping out. I couldn't ask for a better team. Without wanting to single anyone out, this whole thing could never happen with Denise (McDonald, The Hope Centre). 'There's a lot of work that can only be done by one person and she's there to do it. Everything goes through her and there's no way everything could run as smoothly and efficiently without her.' Out on the route, participants were greeted by cheers and words of encouragement from marshals and members of the public as they passed. Signs placed outside people's homes on the route bore words of encouragement. On one of the particularly tough hills, a small group of children stood at the side of the road with a tub of biscuits to give runners that little extra bit of energy to get to the top. These are all small indications of just how much of a community event this has become. It's not just for the participants. It's for everyone. 'I think the people of Enniscorthy and County Wexford can be very, very proud of themselves for how they support this event,' said Michael. 'I think the causes tend to be right and people love how all of the money raised stays local. All of the expenses are paid for in advance of the race so every single cent raised goes to the charities and everything is independently audited. People can take a lot of confidence from that.' In terms of the charities, it is well documented the amazing work that the Hope Cancer Support Centre and Wexford Hospice Homecare do with little or no financial backing. This year they were also joined by Friends of Wexford General Hospital's MRI Now campaign - something which will have positive implications for every family in county Wexford. As the money continues to pour in, it's hard to emphasise enough just how much it will mean to these causes. Michael and his team are extremely grateful to every single person who volunteered, donated, took part, cheered on the runners and did anything at all to contribute to the event's continued success. While the 1million looks to be well in sight, they're not stopping there. Regardless of what the final tally is, the same faces will return to the Promenade once again next year on April 7, rain, hail or shine to do it all over again. To say the ongoing fodder crisis has put strain on farmers, to quote the IFA's north Kerry-based Neilus O'Connor, would be a massive understatement; that it's hit the entire country makes it especially troublesome when compared against similar crises of recent years. O'Connor explained to The Kerryman this week that he's spoken to farmers that have had their herds indoors for some nine months due to the desperate weather that's run since last autumn. As of last Friday, some 25 farms in north Kerry were in need of fodder. The number in the south of the county wasn't far behind. Councillor Dan McCarthy explained that Kenmare mart, which he manages, has been bringing in material since September. Last Friday evening, it received 60 bales of hay. By the time he spoke to The Kerryman, a short time later, just one bale was left in the yard. "All the politicians are shouting about it now," he said. "But I've been on about this since last autumn, that there was going to be a crisis because a lot of the farmers down this side of the country weren't able to cut the silage in July and August." John Brassil TD summed up his own feelings on the situation by expressing his concern for farmers' mental health. Irate ICMSA President Pat McCormack said the crisis had been "completely foreseeable", describing the fodder scheme rolled out earlier this year as hopelessly inadequate. Last week, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced that 1.5million had been allocated for a fodder import support scheme, further illustrating the severity of the crisis. Kerry Group sourced 2,000 bales of hay and 1,000 bales of maize silage from the UK, brought into the county over the course of the weekend, in a bid to ease the crisis. A further 1,000 bales came in from other parts of the country over the weekend, and Frank Hayes has said another 1,000 bales will arrive from the UK in the coming days. Others, such as JJ Costello in Kilmoyley and Michael Flahive in Ballyheigue, opted to open their silage pits to offer a helping hand to farmers in dire need of fodder. Their actions won't solve the crisis - but they've certainly played their part, as O'Connor commented: "They've been exceptional in opening their pits and the value they offered. They didn't look for obscene prices; they were very, very fair in what they've charged. We're forever grateful for their help." Explaining how we reached this point, IFA Kerry Chairperson Pat O'Driscoll, based in Valentia, joined his colleague O'Connor in pointing to the weather - but also to a bad tillage harvest and the nationwide element that has made this an even more problematic situation than shortages of the past. "Since the end of July last year, we've had an awful lot of rain and people have had problems getting crops and silage on their own farms for cattle," he said. "Cows went in earlier this year, and we've had a bad spring on top of that. It's the heavier land in every part of the county that's been worst-affected. "What has compounded the problem is there was a bad harvest of tillage as well, and there was very little straw harvested. People were short of silage already but they'd normally be able to buy straw to stretch out the supply; they haven't been able to do that this year. They have to go out now and buy silage on top of buying meal. The financial pressure is major. There is a lot of stress on fellas. "It's a national problem. In other years it's been in parts of the country, but this year it's been all over the country. Moving fodder around has been a problem. It's been flagged and it's just got worse and worse. Now, nobody could have known the extent it was going to go to, in fairness, but it is a crisis by now. The 1.5 million announced by the government for transport subsidies is welcome, however." One north Kerry farmer, who did not wish to be named, said "It's crazy at the moment. A lot of people talk about '12 and '13, but this is way worse because last year an awful lot of people didn't get their second cut of silage. "Everyone is affected. I don't know what's going to happen in the next week or ten days if it doesn't clear up. If you can source feed, you're not badly off. But if you can't get it, you're in big trouble. "I generally have the cows out the end of March, day and night, no problem at all. But with the cold and the weather this year, you can't have cows out. I know they're bringing in fodder from abroad, but you must acknowledge the amount of cattle that's in every yard around the country now...Since Christmas, I don't know have we had one altogether dry week." With fodder rolling into the county over the weekend, Kerry Group's Frank Hayes said his group has been proactive on the issue and added that similar crises in recent years had boosted their ability to source feed. "We had contacts, in the UK particularly, and we were able to source good-quality fodder directly. We engaged with the same suppliers in recent weeks," he said. "We [Kerry Agribusiness] have 36 stores in our network and we have identified the priority areas where the need is greatest. We're arranging the delivery of these large bales of hay through that network," he added ahead of the weekend's delivery. "We have a text service with individual suppliers, and we've also been active through this channel on this matter. That has resulted in a number of situations where we were able to connect individual suppliers who had surplus fodder to neighbours who required additional fodder. "What's been brought into Kerry so far is to meet the immediate need, but we'll continue to analyse the situation and consult with suppliers to make sure we overcome these difficulties and act as required. "This weekend is one measure. Kerry Group is taking care of the cost involved in sourcing and transportation. The material available will be provided at cost to milk suppliers...Beyond that, our personnel are available to meet suppliers, one-to-one, to discuss their issues," Mr Hayes added. In offering suggestions to ease the financial burden being felt by farmers, Councillor McCarthy called for calm, pointing to a strong market for stock in encouraging farmers with surplus animals to sell: "There's no point in putting themselves under pressure over it," he said "Trying to feed big numbers? There's no point in being at it." Mr O'Driscoll said that anyone with surplus fodder they can afford to sell should make contact with Kerry IFA at (066) 712 3279 to help farmers most in need. He also advised farmers to budget for at least three more weeks and said help is always at hand. "There's a lot of work being done locally," he said. "Kerry Group are doing a lot of work; we've local marts doing work as well in arranging to bring loads in and minimising transport costs," he said. "Everybody is being told to budget for at least three more weeks. Teagasc are arranging clinics as well and people should go in and avail of it, get a budget, and know exactly where they are on their farm. If people are in crisis, there is help out there. You're not alone. Avail of that help." Aside from Kerry IFA, you can contact Kerry Agribusiness at 063 35236, ICMSA at 061 314532, and Teagasc at 064 6632344 (Killarney), 068 21266 (Listowel), or 066 7125077 (Tralee). An online fodder relief exchange register is online at http://info.herdwatch.ie/fodder-relief-exchange A Ballybunion woman who has spent five days and nights on a trolley at University Hospital Kerry this week has hit out at the health service saying that there is "no privacy or dignity" for patients. Debbie Egan from Ballybunion arrived in Accident and Emergency on Thursday morning around 10am suffering from chest pains. It was decided that she should remain in hospital for what a suspected heart condition. She also has an inoperable tumour which is being monitored. She was put on a trolley in the hallway of the emergency department and remained there until Tuesday - a full five days later and more than 100 hours lying in a corridor of A&E. "It was a nightmare. No words can describe it," she told The Kerryman this week. Debbie was told that she would need an MRI, an Echo Scan and a Stress Test - none of which she received on Friday, Saturday or Sunday while she waited on a trolley. "It is a joke. I am still in the main hallway and its Monday," she said from her trolley on Monday evening. She did get some of the necessary tests on Monday. This was after she refused a request to undergo a test in the corridor, where she has been lying in full view. She said that the situation at the hospital is "ridiculous". "It is absolutely disgraceful. There is no privacy and dignity in here." Debbie and her partner, John, said they would have felt safer at home than in the hospital, such was the shortage of staff. "The nurses are under-staffed and under immense pressure. People should feel safe in hospitals as there is medical care on hand but that is not how I felt. I couldn't get any help on Saturday when I needed it. There is no call button on a trolley. I would have felt safer at home," Debbie said. Debbie and her partner, John, complained to hospital management on Monday following their ordeal. Meanwhile, a Killorglin woman who also spent the weekend at University Hospital Kerry, said what she experienced was "unbelievable" She arrived at the hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning with her 88-year-old mother. She was luckier than others as she was on a trolley in a cubicle but she did not receive a bed in a ward until Monday. She said that the hospital was seriously understaffed with nobody available to assist her mother to the bathroom. Two ambulance drivers, who were delivering a patient, came to her aid. "It was a nightmare over there. The staff are worked off their feet," said the woman who did not wish to be identified. Figures from the INMO this week showed that on Monday there was 28 people on trolleys in UHK - one of the highest the hospital has seen. The highest ever number recorded was 35 on February 14. On March 13 there were also 28 people on trolleys. As The Kerryman went to print on Tuesday evening, the HSE had yet to comment on the current situation. Cllr Damian Quigg said this week that the situation at the hospital had reached a "crisis" point. He and other councillors from the Southern Regional Health Forum are to meet with Health Minister Simon Harris to discuss a host of issues and he is seeking this meeting with the Minister as soon as possible. He says that one of the reasons for the current issues at University Hospital Kerry is the lack of a primary care centre in Mid Kerry. The Mitchell sisters Mairead and Aoibheann threw open the doors of their new homes to the public last weekend to thank the people of Sligo for their generous fundraising. That 242,500 was raised within the space of just 12 weeks is testament to the spirit of generosity not only among Sligo people, but throughout the country. News of the sisters' debilitating condition, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), touched the hearts of people "the length and breadth" of Ireland, according to their parents Kathleen and Hilary. Their daughters needed specially adapted and 'future-proofed' homes to cater for their growing needs into the future. A fundraising campaign began on September 26th to help the Mitchell family raise money to build two new separate living spaces close to the family home overlooking Ballisodare Bay on the southern slopes of Knocknarea. As both sisters sat in their respective new homes last Friday, built by Kilcawley Construction contractors, the comparative speed at which their goal was achieved didn't escape them. "We didn't think it would be this soon but we were looking over it last night and it was actually a year and a day since we started planning," Mairead told The Sligo Champion. "I'm lost for words," she added. "We really didn't expect so much goodwill. At the beginning it was hard to actually decide to go out there and talk about our disability, to get it out there," she said. "All my friends know about it and they wouldn't pass a bit of heed of me. We go to town on night's out and I always have my wheelchair with me anyway so it wouldn't matter to me," she said. Their new building shares a front door and then diverges into two identical units, allowing the sisters security but also their own private space. It was designed by their oldest brother Aonghus who took their wishes on board in designing a wheelchair-friendly but stylish home. There are extra wide doors, specially adapted wet rooms off their bedrooms, floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking a joint rear terrace with panoramic views to the south of Ballisodare Bay. The two kitchens are bright, modern and spacious with everything at their level to ensure they can cater for themselves long into the future. "It's really going to help. We can live downstairs while carers and friends and family can move upstairs in time or stay the night. It will be brilliant," said Mairead. "I'm very happy," said Aoibheann, surrounded in her new kitchen by well-wishers coming and going. The family and friends were "up all night" baking scones for the two Open Days last Friday and Saturday. Galway West Independent TD Noel Grealish and Sligo County Council Chief Executive Ciaran Hayes attended the official opening ceremony at 3pm on Friday. Sligo County Council approved a grant of 29,000 to the Mitchells which will be paid to them once they move in. The majority of the cost of the new build was raised through over 30 separate fundraising events in Sligo, Westport (their mother Kathleen's native town) Cork and through their GoFundMe online campaign. Speaking to The Sligo Champion in between welcoming guests, Kathleen couldn't contain her delight: "We are very proud. We are so delighted to have got this stage, we're over the moon," she said. "We have been overwhelmed and heartened by the generosity of people in the community and across Ireland - they have just lifted our spirits," she said. Their decision to go public wasn't easy: "We knew going into the build that we didn't have enough money for to finish it. Lots of people advised us to fundraise and it was very difficult thing for Hilary and I because we were always independent people. But Mairead and Aoibheann were the catalysts in this because they said 'this is for us' so we eventually relented. For the first four weeks it was hard, we felt naked, it wasn't a nice feeling at all," said Kathleen. "And then this fantastic committee was set up here in Sligo along with a small committee in Westport. The whole community came on board and they just lifted us up," she said. "All you could feel from there on was just positivity and goodwill and understanding and generosity and it was a great feeling. without all those people we just would not be here today. "We say a massive thank you to all of those people and everybody who has come on board and helped us," she said. For her girls, Kathleen says the new units are "a safe home." "A place where they have everything at their level on the ground floor. They don't have to do stairs anymore. They don't have obstacles to get into showers. They have their kitchen and all their appliances set up. They have everything that will make them as independent as possible - their washing machine, their tumble dryer, fridge and freezer, everything within their reach and they will be fit to look after themselves. It's going to give them a great independence. I know because of their condition they're going to need some kind of supported independent living but this home is the best that's out there. They will not get better than this. No matter what sort of a disability you have, you will not get better than this," she said. "A huge thank you to Brendan Henry of Kilcawley Construction and to all the talented tradesmen who came in here and created those fantastic spaces," she said. Kathleen also paid tribute to Mairead and Aoibheann's occupational therapist Sinead Duffy: "Sinead was one of those people we couldn't have done this without either," she said. Her husband Hilary, who is the girls' full time carer, joined her side: "It's mission accomplished. It's great. Hopefully it will see them for many's the day," he said. Mairead and Aoibheann will move into their new homes in the next week or so. "We're telling them we're coming down for the dinner," laughed Kathleen, before turning to welcome more well-wishers. Andrew (2nd left) with his mother (left) and aunts on Clare Island before his accident The sister of quadriplegic Andrew O'Malley has vowed to keep pressurising the HSE to provide a suitable home for her brother. Emma McCabe spoke to The Sligo Champion to shine a spotlight on what she sees as the HSE denying him his human rights. He is living in limbo in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, officially "discharged" since 30th of September except he isn't. He has nowhere to go to get the care he needs. Roll back to 1st December 2016. The Mohill, Co Leitrim native had been living in Sligo for a number of years and a regular gym user. Young (31), fit and happy, Andrew was due to start a course in Tourism and Hospitality the following week. His world came crashing down around him when he got hurt, a day the whole family will never forget. "My Mum rang me and told me that Andrew had hurt his back," recalled Emma. "I was heavily pregnant at the time so Mum was only trying to tell me what she had to," she said. The seriousness of Andrew's injury quickly became apparent to medics at Sligo University Hospital and he was transferred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin. His family were called in. "We were brought into the family room and told Andrew had a C3 injury - a complete spinal cord injury," said Emma. She, her oldest brother Sean and their parents were told Andrew would never regain any movement from the neck down. "It was unbelievable," she said, describing their collective shock at the news. He can move his head and neck and has some slight shoulder movement and thankfully, can still speak. "There was a stage when we thought he wouldn't be able to speak but thank God he can. He has his wits about him. He is the same Andrew," said Emma. The gym owner allegedly had no insurance and closed "very soon after his accident" according to Emma with the owner leaving the country. The family sought legal advice to look into getting Andrew any form of compensation but because the person in question has no longer any assets in the country, he cannot be pursued. "We were told initially that someone would take responsibility but there's nothing we can do. He has no form of compensation," said Emma. After six months in the Mater, Andrew was moved to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in June 2017. He was given six hours of physio a week and slowly recovered. A discharge date of 30th September was set, and came, and went without Andrew leaving the hospital. The family are waiting on the HSE to make a decision as to where Andrew can go next.His family claim there are no facilities in Ireland which cater for young people with Andrew's medical problems. "Throughout this whole ordeal Andrew has remained remarkably strong. His mental strength and positive outlook have been inspirational. His physiotherapy sessions have been instrumental in maintaining this positive outlook," says the family on his GoFundMe page. However once the date for his discharge had passed, Andrew was deemed to be 'technically' discharged from the NRH which resulted in his physio being cut from six hours a week to one and a half hours a week. "This is criminal," said Emma. "He has stayed mentally strong all along. He's still positive about life. But I worry about how he's going to stay positive for much longer if his physio isn't increased significantly," she told this newspaper. In the short-term, he needs some form of step-down care and would eventually love to live in some form of an assisted living situation long -term. However, he is a long way away from that. Due to his injury, Andrew now has very weak lungs and often struggles to catch his breath. He is susceptible to chest infections and needs regular intervention by medical staff to clear his airways. He has a tracheotomy for when these emergencies occur. Andrew also has autonomic dysreflexia - this develops in individuals with spinal cord injury, resulting in acute, uncontrolled high blood pressure. This is a life threatening condition and as a result, Andrew must be constantly and closely monitored. Andrew has a very weak swallow reflex. Additionally, his windpipe does not always close when he swallows. Because of this, there is the potential that Andrew could choke on food or even his own saliva. Emma and the family don't know where to turn to next to ensure Andrew has the care he needs. "We don't even know what's available to him. A nursing home is the first step for him anyway, then a more independent setting," she said. "We have applied to every nursing home in the country. All of them said they couldn't cope with his level of needs. They couldn't take him," she said. "If no one is taking him, what's going to happen him?" she said. Andrew's family have been told that it is the first hospital people are admitted to which bears the ultimate responsibility for a patient's care. This means, in Andrew's case, Sligo University Hospital. The one thing the HSE did propose to the family, was sending Andrew back into acute care in Sligo, something they are not happy about. "They are proposing Andrew be returned to ICU at Sligo for the rest of his life," said Emma, "An option we are absolutely not going for," she added. "If I have to life down in front of an ambulance he is not going to Sligo," she said. Emma visits Andrew in the NRH regularly as she works in Dublin and lives in Meath. His parents have also moved from Mohill to Meath. His family would therefore like to see Andrew living on the East coast so they can be close to him. "Ideally we'd like to see him being cared for in Dublin, for practicality. He could get the Dart without relying on expensive taxis," she said. Emma has taken the matter into her own hands since the HSE has left Andrew in limbo for the past six months. RTE Primetime covered his case last week and Emma is doing everything she can to raise awareness and try to get answers from the HSE. She has set up a GoFundMe online campaign which has a target of 1million. So far they've raised over 21,000. Money raised will go towards his medical bills, physiotherapy and safeguarding his future. The Sligo Champion contacted the HSE about Andrew's case and received the following response from a spokesperson: "I can confirm that a referral was received from the NRH for a residential service for Mr. O'Malley. To date the application for Fair Deal Nursing Home funding has been approved, however, due to his considerable care needs the only service locations available to accept him requires a nursing home 'top up' payment. "The business case has been completed which identifies two service options which are being considered. "In addition Mr OMalley requires a motorised wheelchair. The NRH have recently provided the specifications for the chair and the HSE is currently progressing the purchase of same," they concluded. Follow Andrew on social media: www.facebook.com/helpandrewomalley/ twitter.com/HelpAndrewOM To donate directly to Help Andrew O'Malley: Bank of Ireland IBAN: IE73 BOFI 9035 2578 8757 55 BIC: BOFIIE2D If you have any fundraising ideas or would like to organise your own fundraising event, please contact Emma McCabe above. The good news in last years Sudden Oak Death Blitz was a very low rate of infection in the 116 samples collected by the volunteers in Napa. The bad news was higher rates of infection in other counties. To date, the disease has killed more than 5 million oaks and tanoaks in California since its discovery in the mid 1990s, says a press release from Matteo Garbelotto, director of the UC Berkeley Forest Pathology and Mycology Lab. Heavy and lingering rainfall in spring 2017 created increased infection rates but that did not seem to be the case here in Napa County. Why? It could be that conditions in much of Napa County are less favorable to the disease than they are just across the Napa-Sonoma County line and along coastal California. The disease is caused by Phytophthora ramorum, a water-dependent fungus-like organism. It spreads primarily in rainwater dripping from infected bay laurel leaves onto coast live oaks and a few other susceptible tree species. Research has shown that the majority of infections occur when conditions are right: Mild to warm and rainy. Garbelotto has said the drought curtailed the infection rate somewhat but increased rainfall in 2017 gave it more opportunities to spread. These April rains we have just had support increased infection rates. A notice of motion from Cllr Gail Dunne has called for urgent action in tackling the level of erosion taking place at the Murrough in Wicklow town. Cllr Dunne requested that Wicklow County Council provide the members with a detailed report on the coastal erosion that has take place over the last numbers of months at the Murrough. He also asked that members be provided with details of the proposed plan of action and timeframe to further remediate and maintain the coastline in the area. Addressing the meeting, Cllr Dunne said: 'With the recent storms, the Murrough has just gone from worst to worst. People are talking about 10 to 12 foot going missing in the last storm. It has been continuously put on the long finger and the longer it goes on the worse the erosion gets. It's a very special part of Wicklow town and the county. People use it for recreational purposes and walking, lots of clubs use it for training. There's lots of anglers down there. We have carried out some works before but that's just shoving the problem further up the Murrough.' Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Frank Curran informed the meeting that the local authority and Irish Rail would be engaging with one another over a study of the Murrough, with the OPW making a contribution. A consultant will be appointed to carry out the study. Cllr Derek Mitchell welcomed the study and requested that it go form the Murrough as far up as Bray Head. He said: 'It certainly needs to go up that far. There has been significant erosion all along that coastline.' Cllr Mary Kavanagh supported Cllr Dunne's motion and was alarmed at the recent storm damaged caused to the popular coastal walk. 'You can see all the damage Storm Emma caused. It has taken huge chunks just washed away to sea. Around 2 metres was lost. One area is so bad it is exactly in the same position it was two or so years ago when Irish Rail had to go in to save the rail line. Wicklow County Council have to go in very quickly to do some remedial works, otherwise it's a disaster waiting to happen.' Cllr John Snell said it was 'ludicrous' to think that Wicklow County Council had the finances for such works and lambasted a series of TDs, Ministers and MEPs for visiting the site for 'photo opportunities' but never following up with any requests for funding for protection works, especially EU financial support. 'The Murrough has always been the crown in the jewel of east Wicklow, yet I am flabbergasted people are going on about Wicklow County Council putting a sticking plaster over the problem. That won't help. Lots of money has been put into protecting the Murrough over the past 18 months and it has saved a section, but it hasn't saved it all. The reality is we have had Ministers and sitting TDs visiting the Murrough for photo opportunities and then just forgetting about it. We have had an MEP visiting here promising EU money but have heard nothing back since. To call on Wicklow County Council to carry out the work is ludicrous. It will take a lot more than sound-bites and photo opps to protect the Murrough.' Cllr Snell proposed that the Council write to Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and ask for an update on what the plan is regarding protection for the Murrough, as well as asking if any approach over EU funding has taken place yet. When it comes to education, STEM is at the fore of the conversation. Getting more of our young people involved in the fields of Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics is a priority in ensuring our tech stars of tomorrow have the necessary skills to shine. The Irish Government has pledged to make Ireland the leader in STEM education by 2026; a bold target, but one that can be achieved with the right approach and resources. When it comes to educating our students about the possibilities that technology holds, we need to do more than just tell them about it- we need to show them. Students need to be motivated, excited and hands-on. This is why Microsoft has invested 5 million to create DreamSpace, an immersive educational hub that was proudly unveiled yesterday at their new campus at One Microsoft Place in Leopardstown. To signal lift-off at DreamSpace, Microsoft hosted Minister Richard Bruton and sixty students from St. Laurences Boys National School in Stillorgan and Transition Year students from Colaiste Bhaile Chlair, Claregalway. They were the first of the 100,000 students who will participate in the DreamSpace experience over a four-year period that will inspire, excite and educate students about the boundless opportunities technology offers. Forget text books and dry presentations- imagine if our young people had the opportunity get a glimpse of our digital future while using transformative, next-generation technologies. At DreamSpace, theyll be doing just that. Primary school students will come away empowered by their skills and be ready to truly harness the power of technology. Theyll have a first-hand understanding of innovative technologies that will shape our future whilst also learning practical skills. Transition Year students will be immersed in the world of coding and programming, learning essential skills through an innovative digital programme that enables young people to creatively use technology solve societal issues of today and tomorrow. Theyll be introduced to new technology like Artificial Intelligence and how this might impact areas of their life like sport, music and design. These interactive, immersive methods of learning are imperative in showing students their true potential. DreamSpace is indicative of Microsofts commitment to reaching the 2026 target, along with their diverse range of innovative educational streams. They have already inspired 15,000 students through their Hour of Code programme while another 13,500 young people have upskilled via their Youth2Work scheme. By its very nature technology is constantly changing, progressing and growing. No matter what career path students eventually go down it is essential they are equipped with digital skills to succeed. As Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland says, With digital transformation a reality in every aspect of our personal and professional worlds, it is important that young people understand the power of technology at the earliest opportunity. We want them to understand that it is not just the power of technology that is important but rather the power of technology together with their own imagination. The combination of the two will help to shape, change, protect and improve our world and our society for generations to come. We want to ensure that all our young talented people in Ireland understand, appreciate and maximise the role that they can play in the development of their own future. This is crucial in attracting more young people to STEM fields- in particular, our young females. Currently, 30% of girls do not see the relevance of STEM subjects to their lives and to combat this, Microsoft has committed to working with 10,000 females through partnerships like CoderDojo, GirlCrew, FIT and Junior Achievement. Students will come away from DreamSpace with practical, real-life skills. They will be critical thinkers, problem solvers and digital natives. As well as imbuing them with hands-on skills, DreamSpace will also act as a window into their future by showing them just whats possible with technology. It is a place to foster creativity, shape ambition and cultivate new ideas. Simply put, it is where tomorrows innovation begins. DreamSpace is set to become a leading innovation and education hub for young people across Ireland. The team at One Microsoft Place who lead the immersive programme ensure that each session is tailored for age, skills level and the interests of each particular group. Schools or youth groups who would like to experience everything DreamSpace has to offer can register their interest here. Sponsored by: Even the coolest sounding jobs are rarely as good as they sound, except in the case of Sarah Lucey. The 32-year-old from Mallow has been living in Miami for seven years, working as Director of Talent at Liv and Story nightclubs, two of the hottest nightlife destinations in an already blazing city. Story is as iconic a venue you'll find outside Las Vegas or New York: it was an old Hollywood hotspot where Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack would party alongside Elvis and Marilyn Monroe; nowadays the A-list legacy lives on with Beyonce, Jay-Z and Justin Bieber among the visitors. Tables can run from $10,000 a night and that's just for the basic package, but Sarah says you're not just paying for a nice table to sit at but celebrity access. "Theres a lot of celebrities you'll probably see and you'll be listening to people like Calvin Harris or David Guetta," she told The Ryan Tubridy Show on RTE Radio One. "I think people come to Miami, they save all year. My customers wouldn't be coming in extra week, these guys come in, they spend 100k and then theyre saving all year. Thats really vulgar now! "I grew up where celebrity is different for each person. In my house, growing up, my celebrity would be Roy Keane, I'd probably go weak at the knees if I saw Roy Keane or Martin O'Neill." Lucey's lifestyle in The Magic City is leaps and bounds away from her upbringing in Cork where her father works as a butcher, but she says the lessons he instilled in her as a child have stood to her since. "I think business was always in my blood. We always had greyhounds and my father would take me to the track after school. I just love business. I did commerce at UCC, then I went to Smurfit," she says. It was this drive to pursue sales that encouraged her to book a one-way ticket to Miami after a working with her cousin Conor Buckley in VIP Dublin nightclub Krystle. "I got a taste for selling something," she explained. "I researched where to go, it was Miami, Vegas or Ibiza - Ibiza was seasonal, so I booked a one way ticket to Miaim. I had no contacts. I was so hungry and driven, I hounded the bosses of these clubs and I put everything into it. I cut back on drinking, id say my prayers every night, it was what i wanted to do. Video of the Day "People will say, whats Kanye and Kim or Beyonce like. I get on with them well and I will handle them from start to finish because we talk about whats real. We talk about being humbled. I wouldnt push it [religion] on people, but to have faith and know where you came from, it pays my bills, I bought a farmhouse in Cork and thats where I plan to live. This is just to make money and go home." She went on to praise the innately Irish quality of intuition and following her instincts, saying: "The Irish have that in abundance. I've come across so many professionals - smart, educated buinesspeople who just lack emotional intelligence. Were good emotionally and spriaually. We really connect with people and were very warm." As for her day-to-day work, it involves late nights (she wraps up at 5am) and 'minding' superstar guests from start to finish and she takes particular pride in respecting their privacy. "Lets say it's Calvin Harris or Swedish House Mafia, we book them in...in the back end, I'll be negotiating for what I want. If we dont get much notice and theres a celebrty in town who wants to get a bit to eat at one of our restaurants, Ill make sure theyre at ease, that theres security and there's no press around them. Other clubs would expose them but we need longevity so we need them to trust us," she said. She might love her life in Miami, but Cork will always be home to Sarah and she's eyeing up a move to that farmhouse in the next few years. "There's no plan, i just love business. Anything thats open to selling, I'm there and ready," she told the host, adding that sales is all the same technique at the end of the day, regardless of the product. "I think its all in how you sell it and your temperament. My dad gave me a huge chance in life, I remember when i was young at the dog track and a man came ip to my dad and said, 'I want it buy the dog'. He turned around and said Sarah call the price. "It was just the value of selling, its the same with a leg of lamb or a table to Jay-Z. Selling is selling, its in your blood." A new suspect is facing potential charges in the investigation into a 2016 jewellery heist in Paris targeting Kim Kardashian West. A judicial official said the suspect was detained on Tuesday, and is meeting an investigative judge who is expected to file preliminary charges. The official did not identify the suspect or provide other details. Expand Close French police at the residence of Kim Kardashian West in Paris (Michel Euler/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp French police at the residence of Kim Kardashian West in Paris (Michel Euler/AP) Ten people have been charged in the case. The alleged mastermind wrote the reality TV star an apology letter from his prison cell. Robbers allegedly forced their way into the apartment where Kardashian West was staying during Paris Fashion Week, tied her up and stole more than 10 million dollars (7 million) of jewellery. She said the experience made her less materialistic. A television producer has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her sister by drugging her and torching their garage in North Hollywood in a cover-up, police said. Jill Blackstone, who has worked with Jerry Springer, killed her sister Wendy and two of their dogs in the blaze, the Los Angeles Police Department said on Thursday. She was arrested in Baltimore, Maryland, on suspicion of one count of murder and three counts of animal cruelty over the fire on March 14, 2015. Expand Close Jill Blackstone had produced on an episode of a Jerry Springer show / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jill Blackstone had produced on an episode of a Jerry Springer show The LAPD said she drugged her sister before placing her in their garage along with three pet dogs, two of which died when she set the site on fire staging it as an accident. Homicide detectives believe the motive was Jills frustration of being forced to provide Wendy long-term care, as well as the associated financial hardship, a police statement added. Wendy Blackstone, 49, was deaf and partially blind and found with a suicide note, according to reports. A Los Angeles County coroner recorded her death as being from the combined effects of the fires effect on her breathing and of the tranquilliser alprazolam, which can be known by the trade name Xanax. The manner of her death was left undetermined. The district attorneys office filed the charges in March and issued an arrest warrant for Jill Blackstone. Video of the Day She was arrested on Thursday when she checked herself into hospital in Baltimore for a medical condition, the LAPD said. Blackstone, whose age was not provided by police, will now face extradition to Los Angeles where she will appear in court. Racegoer Isabelle Kriastiansen during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse Racegoer Jackie St Claire during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse Miss Edite Ligere during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse Ines Fernandes, from the Dominican Republic, during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse Mrs Max McNeill during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse Racegoer Sara Davidson during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse A racegoer during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 20, 2017 It's billed as the most cilivised event on the British racing calendar, but ths year's Ascot fashion is more risque than regal. The racing event began early this morning and will later see the upper echelon Britain's royal family including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles and Camilla, among others, in the royal box. But in this year's bid to impress and out-dress, racegeors have opted for even more out-there fashion usual with all the weird and wonderful style getting an early show as guests arrived soon after the doors opened. Unlike Aintree in Liverpool which has "style code", the dress code at Ascot, a decidedly more illustrious affair, has been heavily scrutinised for its restrictive rules. Expand Close Racegoers pose before the races at Royal Ascot. Picture: Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Racegoers pose before the races at Royal Ascot. Picture: Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic Formal daywear is required, which means no hemlines should be shorter than your knee or thin-strapped tops, trouser suits needs to be full length and all one colour; jumpsuits are also permitted, but must also fall to the knee or lower (so no rompers). "Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted, the website reads. "Midriffs must be covered. Fascinators are not permitted; neither are headpieces which do not have a solid base covering a sufficient area of the head." Hats are not only allowed, but encouraged, which explains the OTT fashions on display..and the royals haven't even arrived yet. Meanwhile, haute couture designer Isabell Kristensen, among others, has praised the Berkshire race meeting which is as much a social occasion as a celebration of sport. Expand Close Racegoer Jackie St Claire during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Racegoer Jackie St Claire during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse "It's the fabulous tradition of Ascot that keeps me coming back, I love the horses, I like to gamble - although I always lose. It's fantastic to come here and see clients and friends and have a glass of champagne," she told the Press Association. "And I love seeing the fashion, what people are wearing - it's a fabulous fashion show." Video of the Day Stephanie del Valle, the current Miss World, said in her homeland of Puerto Rico she was a big fan of the sport of kings. She said: "I've heard so much about Royal Ascot, my family are all big fans of horse racing and I practically grew up at the race track back home, so coming here is so exciting." Expand Close Racegoer Heidi Lorton-Hill during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Racegoer Heidi Lorton-Hill during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse After the royal arrivals, crowds will pay a minute's silence to pay their respects to those who died in recent events around the UK. Johnny Weatherby, chairman of Ascot Racecourse, said: "We have all been deeply saddened by recent tragic events around the country. Expand Close David Seaman poses with wife Frankie Poultney at Royal Ascot. Picture: Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp David Seaman poses with wife Frankie Poultney at Royal Ascot. Picture: Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic "At the beginning of this important week for racing, we at Ascot Racecourse wish to pay our respects to the victims and offer support to the families who have been so terribly affected." Additional reporting by the Press Association For all the pictures of the action at Ascot, see the gallery here: Streetviews of Bentiu town. Two kids drive on a bicycle behind the MSF Car. Bentiu is the administrative, political and commercial center of former Unity State in South Sudan. Violence over the years has left the town in ruins, with signs of the war everywhere. I HAVE to go to our base in Bentiu Town from the PoC this morning. Its a journey Ive done more times than I can count. I have to lead a meeting for all the staff there on general issues within the project, nothing special. But during the journey I am confronted with three distinct reminders, all pointing to something I had too easily forgotten. As we turn out of the PoC, the road is a terracotta brown washboard, with dried deeper ruts from vehicles having strayed from the established tracks during the rainy season. As the sun rises we drive past a herd of cattle, numerous here in Rubkona - which is the town that lies between the PoC and Bentiu Town. The route is not busy at this time, and there are only a few people we pass as the market starts up for the day. The sights are familiar; small stalls with the same goods on each side of the road, the car workshop with at least one Toyota Landcruiser missing its front, the clothing vendors with a wide variety of vibrant colors hung up outside, and the tea shops with men huddled together on whatever stool or plastic chair they could find nearby. The stalls and buildings dont have two pieces of their construction that are alike. The different scraps of sheet metal and wooden beams are my first reminder of what I had forgotten about this place. Rubkona had been completely destroyed during the fighting in 2014. The various bits that now make up the stalls are the remnants that were left after the destruction, pieced together to try and make a new life. After passing Rubkona, we cross the bridge over the river. Straight ahead is the local petrol station, and the pumps are dry. I assume the last time anyone filled up their vehicle there was before the conflict erupted. Now it is the home of two abandoned military vehicles. I glance to the left and see a tank, a reassuring sight. It has been there since I first came to Bentiu, all painted up with nowhere to go. The tank, along with the multitude of vehicle remnants that sit on each side of the road represent my second reminder. Their twisted carcasses, once burnt out and now becoming orange with rust, sit in stark contrast to the beautiful greenery behind them. I remember my first time going from the PoC to Bentiu Town in February 2016, my driver took it upon himself to tell me how many people had died fleeing in each vehicle. As we reach the outskirts of Bentiu Town, I am confronted with a third and final reminder. Hidden during the rainy season, it is only now, out of the morning mist of the dry season that they begin to appear. Two brick columns stand as ghosts, just off the road. They are not alone. Along the way from the bridge to Bentiu Town there are many. Some facing the road, some facing towards the town, some with broken doors attached. These are the most subtle reminder of where we are; empty gates to homes that are no longer there. Expand Close MSF malaria outreach team attending daily new patients in a tent inside the Bentiu PoC. With the rapid test, patients can be diagnosticated and medicated in minutes. The Bentiu PoC is one of the largest UNMISS protected IDP camp (Internal Displaced People/Refugees) in South Sudan and shelter approx. 115000 people over the last years. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp MSF malaria outreach team attending daily new patients in a tent inside the Bentiu PoC. With the rapid test, patients can be diagnosticated and medicated in minutes. The Bentiu PoC is one of the largest UNMISS protected IDP camp (Internal Displaced People/Refugees) in South Sudan and shelter approx. 115000 people over the last years. Like Rubkona, most of Bentiu Town was also destroyed in 2014. Its residents fled to the PoC site where I now live and work. The constant grind of running our hospital in the PoC along with our activities in Bentiu Town take up most of my day, and as such it is sometimes easy to forget what led MSF to be here in the first place. But while the remnants of the past may easily be overlooked, the effects are clear. The PoC itself is still hosting around 115,000 people, 4 years after initially opening. The majority of the camps residents still live in fear of what might happen if they return home. People are living the past every day they live inside the PoC. Upon its opening in 2014, Bentiu and other PoC sites around the country were applauded for protecting civilians from immediate harm and the effects of the conflict. They undoubtedly saved the lives of thousands of South Sudanese. The PoC in Bentiu was a hellish swamp initially, with residents often having to sleep upright in order not to drown. This was four years ago. However, the situation that residents face now is still dire, and one of limbo. Lives on hold. The conditions outside the camp means that people still cannot return home. Their lives inside the camp bear almost no resemblance to the life they had before. Cattle, for example, are a central component to Nuer culture (the majority of residents in the camp are Nuer) and are completely absent. This means that many of the younger residents in the camp cannot progress in the traditional Nuer way of life through gaining cattle, trading them in for marriage and progressing to adulthood. What we see instead is youth joining various gangs inside the camp, with fighting among them becoming increasing common. We regularly receive spear or machete wounds into our hospital ER needing surgery. But gang clashes inside the camp are usually mirrored by cattle raiding outside the PoC too. One morning, we received some bodies from a recent cattle raid just outside the PoC perimeter. One of our ER staff was helping me move the bodies inside our morgue. We had to open each body bag to identify the deceased. Upon opening the first, he took one look at the body then simply looked straight up at me, and without showing any emotion, told me it was his brother. I have dealt with bringing in bodies and their identification in previous missions. However it was always accompanied with a huge outpouring of emotion. This time, my staffs bluntness and calm were what shocked me most. I dont know the reason for the lack of emotion he displayed, but part of me thinks its just being tired from seeing it over and over again. These things remind us why the people we serve are still in the PoC. Not because they want to be in the PoC, but because if they werent there, they would live in constant fear of death or persecution. Their past is their present, and they cannot escape it. This is what my colleagues and I need to remember on a daily basis. We need to remind ourselves of the reason behind the situation in which we work. With this in mind, my vehicle pulls into the MSF compound in Bentiu Town. Time to start another day of work. Staff first spotted some dug-out earth on Wednesday evening, and later spotted the badger on closer inspection (Ben Birchall/PA) Part of a castle has been closed due to the presence of a very angry badger. The cellar tunnel at Craignethan Castle was shut at around midday on Thursday after staff discovered the unexpected guest. It is thought the animal may have become lost and staff have been trying to lure it out with cat food and honey. The rest of the castle, in South Lanarkshire, remains open to visitors. Beware the #AngryBadger! If you're heading to #CraignethanCastle over the next few days you might find the Cellar Tunnel closed due to the presence of a very angry badger. We're trying to entice it out with cat food & send it home to #chilloot https://t.co/K4C2lA84xD pic.twitter.com/nTuC9VPOuo Historic Scotland (@welovehistory) April 13, 2018 Historic Scotland told visitors about the unusual resident in a tweet, saying: If youre heading to #CraignethanCastle over the next few days you might find the Cellar Tunnel closed due to the presence of a very angry badger. Were trying to entice it out with cat food & send it home to #chilloot. Staff first spotted some dug-out earth on Wednesday evening, and later spotted the badger on closer inspection. The animal is said to have caused some mess, digging up through loose soil into stonework, and staff have been clearing away the rubble. Expand Close Craignethan Castle's cellar tunnel was shut at around midday on Thursday (Historic Environment Scotland/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Craignethan Castle's cellar tunnel was shut at around midday on Thursday (Historic Environment Scotland/PA) The Historic Scotland property, managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), was built around 1530 and has a tower house, ramparts and caponier a stone-vaulted shooting gallery. An HES spokesman said: Weve had to temporarily close Craignethan Castles cellar tunnel due to an unexpected guest. The tunnel was closed around midday on April 12 after our site staff discovered a badger had made itself at home. The castle is surrounded by woodland and we believe the badger may have become lost. Staff have been in contact with local wildlife authorities and have tried to lure the badger out with cat food and honey. The rest of the castle remains open. The female Gorilla Fatou eats a 'rice-cake' to celebrate her 61st birthday at the zoo in Berlin, Germany (Markus Schreiber/AP) Fatou, one of the worlds oldest gorillas and a living legend, is celebrating her 61st birthday today. The sexagenarian, who lives at Berlin Zoo, had a life of adventure before arriving in Germany from the south of France in 1959. Her exact age is not known, but as a youngster, a hard-drinking sailor used her to pay his tab at a bar in Marseille. She eventually made her way to Berlin Zoo and is believed to have been two years old when she arrived. Today, Fatou has been savouring a rice-based birthday cake adorned with blueberries, strawberries and grapes a delicacy which she can only enjoy occasionally due to the high sugar content. Dr Andreas Knieriem, director of the zoo, said: We are delighted to be celebrating Fatous 61st birthday today. She is a living legend and a part of Zoo Berlin history. The gorilla shares her record age with Trudy, another female gorilla who lives in Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas, United States. Fatou, a western lowland gorilla, is one of the few animals at Zoo Berlin born in the wild, and her species is facing the threat of extinction due to poaching and environmental destruction. A surrogate mother has given birth to a baby boy in China - four years after his parents died in a car crash. The deceased pair were undergoing fertility treatments before the fatal accident in 2013. Their parents fought a drawn-out legal battle to gain access to the couple's fertilised embryos, kept in a hospital in the eastern city of Nanjing. The baby boy - nicknamed "Tiantian", or "sweet" in Mandarin - was born on December 9 to a Laotian surrogate, the 'Beijing News' reported this week. Surrogacy is illegal in China, forcing those who can afford it to look for potential options abroad. "He's always smiling. His eyes are like my daughter's, but he looks more like his dad," new grandmother Hu Xingxian, told the state-run newspaper. The grandparents had to clear several hurdles to transport the embryos out of China and prove the paternity and nationality of the baby once it was born. "First we thought of using air freight, but none of the airlines were willing to take the thermos-sized bottle of liquid nitrogen where the four embryos were stored," Liu Baojun, a surrogacy expert who assisted the families, told the newspaper. So the families decided to transport their precious cargo by road to Laos, where commercial surrogacy is legal. The next problem was getting the baby back into China. Children born through surrogacy outside the country need to have a DNA test proving that one of the biological parents is a Chinese national. To get around the issue, the Laotian surrogate mother was brought to China on a tourist visa and the families arranged for her to give birth at a private hospital in the southern city of Guangzhou. The child was kept in the hospital for 15 days, until all four grandparents gave blood and DNA tests, establishing the baby was indeed their grandson and that both parents were Chinese nationals. The ruling that allows parents to inherit frozen embryos created by their children has triggered a wide-ranging debate on Chinese social media. Central Intelligence Agency(WASHINGTON) -- CIA director Mike Pompeo faced a sometimes testy Senate confirmation hearing Thursday in his quest to become the next secretary of state. The 21 members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee lobbed questions at Pompeo on topics ranging from his views on the special counsel investigating alleged ties between Russia and the Trump campaign to a possible U.S. strike in Syria to his stance on gay marriage. Pompeo, who remained relatively calm and collected throughout the grilling, seemed to come away largely unscathed. "The Pompeo I hear today, much more different than some of the Pompeo of the past," Ranking Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey said in his closing remarks. "And so, I'm trying to figure out which is the one that's going to act if he gets confirmed as the Secretary of State. Because some of these things of the past, I could never support. Some of the things you've said here today, I could actually be supportive of. So I hope you can help me understand this as we move forward in your nomination," Menendez said. Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ended the hearing with a show of support. "I plan to avidly support your nomination and confirmation," Corker said. Democrats on the committee questioned Pompeo, known for his hawkish views, on where he stands on major policy issues including military action in Syria, a nuclear summit with North Korea and the fate of the nuclear deal with Iran. Given his tight-knit relationship with President Donald Trump, Democrats wanted to know whether he can put partisan politics aside. "As the Senate considers your nomination to be the presidents top foreign policy advisor, we must ask: will you enable President Trumps worst instincts?" Menendez asked at the top of the hearing. Will you stand up to President Trump and say: No, you are wrong in that view? Or will you be a yes man?" Menendez asked. It was a sentiment even Corker, a one-time Trump critic, emphasized. Corker said "...at times, the president may act or speak impulsively. We have seen that good counsel has led the president to evolve from my perspective to a much better place on a number of important issues, Corker said. "I believe the next Secretary of State must continue to provide such counsel, even when it is difficult. If confirmed, you must continue to provide advice to the president that allows him to view a given situation holistically and not make decisions that focus on the impact to one domestic group or foreign government," he said. Democrats homed in on Pompeo's stance on special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and what he thinks about Trump's threats to fire him. New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen asked Pompeo: "You graduated from Harvard law school, you're an attorney. Do you think special counsel Mueller's investigation is a witch hunt? "Ma'am, I'm going to not speak about any of the three investigations that I have been a participant in today," Pompeo responded. Shaheen pressed him: "Do you think the president has the authority, recognizing your legal background, does the president have the authority to fire special counsel Mueller on his own? "I'm in no position to make a comment on that legal question," he answered. Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, asked, "Do you believe special counsel Mueller's investigation is an attack on our country and all we stand for?" quoting Trump referring to the FBI raid on the office and home of his private attorney Michael Cohen. "I hope you'll take this the right way. As the director of the C.I.A. I've been involved in that investigation," Pompeo said. "Anything I say with respect -- I want to avoid that today. I apologize I can't speak more fully..." When Coons asked, should Trump try to fire Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, "would you resign your post as secretary of state in order to demonstrate that we are a nation of laws, not of men?" Pompeo answered, "Senator, I haven't given that question thought. My instincts tell me no. My instincts tell me my obligation to continue to serve as America's senior diplomat will be more important as increased times of turmoil." Earlier, Menendez asked him whether, as CIA director, Trump had asked him to try to interfere in then-FBI director James Comey's Russia investigation. "Did he ask you to do anything as it relates to that investigation?" asked Menendez. Pompeo answered, "I don't recall. I don't recall what he asked me that day precisely, but I have to tell you I'm with the president an awful lot. He has never asked me to do anything that I considered remotely improper." Pompeo did say he has spoken with Mueller but wouldn't reveal more. Democrats have been quick to point out that his role as the nations top spy is notably different from what would be required of him as the nations top diplomat. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., who met with Pompeo on Monday, was asked by reporters if he came away from their meeting thinking Pompeo was well-versed in world affairs. Cardin simply responded: No. In a couple areas, he professed he did not know the current status, Cardin said, but he went on to say Pompeo was knowledgeable about intelligence issues, and that he hasnt had much time to get up to speed. The Anti-Defamation League has also raised concerns about what it says is Pompeos record of anti-Muslim and anti-LGBT rhetoric. In a letter sent to the committee on Monday, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called on Pompeo to repudiate some of his views. Mr. Pompeos long, documented record of anti-Muslim prejudice threatens to undermine the essential work our Secretary of State does in representing American interests and values abroad, Greenblatt said. In our view, it is essential for the nominee to repudiate his past anti-LGBT and anti-Muslim views and to renounce any associations with anti-Muslim conspiracy-haunted organizations. At the hearing, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker asked Pompeo if he believed being gay is an act of perversion. He also asked Pompeo if he believed every Muslim has an "obligation" to denounce acts of terrorism, and if they are complicit if they don't speak up. Pompeo said he continues to believe gay people should not be allowed to get married. And he said Muslims have an "opportunity" to speak up when acts of violence occur. The path to Pompeo's confirmation as the next secretary of state looks to be razor thin. Most Democrats have already announced they will not support Pompeos confirmation. At least one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, has also said he is voting "no." And with Sen. John McCain still battling brain cancer and away from Capitol Hill, at least one Democrat will have to join with Republicans to see his confirmation through. But before the full Senate will vote on his confirmation, the Foreign Relations panel will also have to weigh in. Its unclear at this time if Pompeo even has the votes to clear the 21-member panel since Paul, as a member of the committee, is a "no." Very few nominations have proceeded without approval from committees, but chamber rules make it possible that the full Senate can still vote on Pompeos confirmation should he receive an unfavorable recommendation or no recommendation at all. If confirmed, Pompeo would replace Rex Tillerson, who was one of the shortest-serving secretaries of state. Trump ousted Tillerson thanks to a fraught relationship further marred by disagreements on major foreign policy issues involving Iran, North Korea, climate and trade, as well as reports that Tillerson had called the president a moron. Meanwhile, Pompeo and Trump are fast friends. While serving as CIA director, Trump requested Pompeo to give him his intelligence briefings in person multiple times per week. Pompeo, who served as a member of the House prior to being named CIA director, was confirmed by the Senate in 2017 in a 66-32 vote, with a majority of Democrats voting against him. Pompeo will once again need a majority vote to secure confirmation in the Senate. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Heather Stanton served on the Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors and has stepped in to help run the organization on a volunteer basis. She said the organization has a cash flow problem, but that she doesnt know if there is also a cash deficit. Vasquez said the counties could play a role in trying to figure out the financial situation. This agency represents two counties, Vasquez said. They may shut down and thats going to impact a lot of people. We think we need to step in and help them get a better understanding of the financial issue. Officials from the counties, state and Area Agency on Aging are looking at two issues: keeping services running through the end of the fiscal year on June 30 and figuring out what happens after that. Participants in the meeting mentioned various options for the long-term. Among them are that the Area Agency on Aging could continue operating in reorganized fashion, another nonprofit could step in to do the job or Napa and Solano counties could form a joint powers authority and take on the job themselves. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the Cold War is back with a vengeance. He said the Middle East is in such chaos that it has become a danger to international peace and security and Syria represents the most serious threat. The UN chief told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that the highly volatile situation in the region risks escalation, fragmentation and division as far as the eye can see, with profound regional and global ramifications. The Cold War is back with a vengeance but with a difference, Mr Guterres warned. He said the safeguards and mechanisms that managed the risk of escalation between the US and the Soviet Union in the past no longer seem to be present. Russia called the council meeting to focus on the threat to international peace and security from possible military action against Syria by the United States and its allies. The recent violence in Gaza has resulted in many needless deaths and injuries.Antonio Guterres But the secretary-general took a much broader view of the often-interlinked factors escalating the chaos and threatening peace in the Middle East. Mr Guterres cited the Palestinian-Israeli divide, the Sunni-Shiite divide evident from the Gulf to the Mediterranean, opposing attitudes on the Muslim Brotherhood and the status of the Kurds, threats to communities that have lived in the region for millennia, and other factors. This multiplicity of divides is reflected in a multiplicity of conflicts with different degrees of interconnection, several of them clearly linked to the threat of global terrorism, he said. Mr Guterres warned that many forms of escalation are possible. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is deepening again, he said. In what appears to be implicit criticism of Israel for its use of force against protesters, Mr Guterres said: The recent violence in Gaza has resulted in many needless deaths and injuries. He also reiterated his call for an independent and transparent investigation of the incidents. In Yemen, which faces the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, Mr Guterres called for a negotiated political settlement to the three-year stalemated war that has killed more than 10,000 people. He said it is also high time to end the Libyan conflict and he said it is absolutely essential to avoid a new conflict between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militia which could be more deadly and destructive than the last war. On Syria, Mr Guterres said: We see confrontations and proxy wars involving several national armies, a number of armed opposition groups, many national and international militia, foreign fighters from everywhere in the world, and various terrorist organisations. He singled out recent confrontations between Iran and Israel in Syria. In this bleak panorama, the secretary-general said he was outraged by continued reports of chemical weapons use in Syria. He strongly backed the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons fact-finding mission to investigate last weekends suspected poison gas attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma, saying the first OPCW team is already in Syria and a second is expected today or tomorrow. The secretary-general urged the deeply divided Security Council, which has been paralysed over Syria, to agree on a new body to determine responsibility for chemical attacks. Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation, Mr Guterres warned, and risk that things spiral out of control. The EU is calling on Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg to give evidence at the European Parliament about the widening data privacy scandal at his company. EU justice commissioner Vera Jourova had a phone exchange with Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg and said Mr Zuckerberg should act on the invitation to come and explain the situation. I advised Ms Sandberg that Mr Zuckerberg should accept the invitation to the @Europarl_EN #Facebook @POLITICOEurope @PoliticoRyan Vera Jourova (@VeraJourova) April 13, 2018 Last week, Facebook acknowledged that up to 2.7 million people in the EU may have been victim of improper data sharing involving political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica. On Friday, Ms Jourova said Facebook was working on an audit of other possibly dangerous apps now. Mr Zuckerberg this week gave evidence before US Congress about the scandal. The United Kingdom has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting next week to discuss the chemical weapons watchdog report that concluded Novichok was used in the attempted murder of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal. "We expect this to be held next week," the British UN office tweeted about the report from Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Meanwhile NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said those responsible for the poison gas attack in Syria must be held accountable and urged Damascus to allow access to the site. "We condemn in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons," Mr Stoltenberg said. "We call on the Syrian regime and its backers to allow full and unimpeded access to international medical assistance and international monitoring. "Those responsible must be held accountable," he said. In response to American threats to attack his regime, Syrian president Bashar Assad said a potential retaliation for the suspected chemical attack would be based on "lies" and would seek to undermine his forces' recent advances near Damascus. Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany would not participate in possible military action in Syria, but supported sending a message that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. Mr Assad said Western countries were lashing out after they lost their "bet" on opposition forces in the eastern Ghouta suburbs of the Syrian capital. Meanwhile, Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war through activists on the ground, reported there were still rebel fighters inside Douma yesterday. But the leaders of Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam), the strongest rebel group in the area, have all evacuated under a deal struck with forces loyal to the Assad regime The Russian defence ministry released a statement followed a chaotic day that saw rebels open fire as fighters were leaving with families under the deal. It appeared designed to ensure the deal remained on track. The Russian ministry said the situation in Douma was "normalising." The Observatory said Russian military had been deployed to reassure thousands of remaining civilians. Yulia Skripal: She and her father Sergei were poisoned with a highly pure strain of Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury, according to analysts. Photo: AP British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson has said the Kremlin "must give answers" after an international watchdog confirmed Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with a "high purity" strain of Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said it had been able to "confirm" the findings of British scientists about the nerve agent. Expand Close Sergei Skripal / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sergei Skripal It represents a significant boost to UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who has said Russia was directly responsible for the attack. Mr Johnson said that only Russia has the "means, motive and record" to have carried out the attack. "We will now work tirelessly with our partners to help stamp out the grotesque use of weapons is this kind," he said. "The Kremlin must give answers. We must, as a world community, stand up for the rules-based order which keeps us all safe. "The use of weapons of this kind can never be justified and must be ended." The OPCW conducted tests on blood samples from the Skripals and an analysis on samples of the agent found in Salisbury. The team also took samples from police officer Det Sgt Nicholas Bailey, who was poisoned after coming into contact with the agent while assisting the Skripals. The report states: "The results of analysis of biomedical samples conducted by OPCW designated laboratories demonstrate the exposure of the three hospitalised individuals to this toxic chemical. "The results of the analysis of environmental and biomedical samples collected by the OPCW team confirm the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury and severely injured three people." The team notes the toxic chemical was of "high purity". British scientists have suggested that only a foreign state would have been capable of producing the nerve agent. It comes as Ms Skripal revealed she has rejected assistance from the Russian embassy, adding: "I want to stress that no one speaks for me, or for my father, but ourselves." The 33-year-old said she has found herself in a "totally different life" as she continues to recover from the attack. The Russian embassy in London said that it doubted the authenticity of the statement and suggested it had been crafted to support Britain's version of events. It is believed British authorities immediately spirited Ms Skripal away to a secure location when she was discharged from hospital earlier this week. The Russian embassy reacted angrily, suggesting in a series of tweets that the Russian national had been taken against her will. The Kremlin has repeatedly attempted to challenge Britain's claims it was responsible for the poisoning of the Skripals. The embassy said it was perturbed by a refusal by the UK authorities to grant Ms Skripal's cousin Viktoria a visa to visit her family. It escalated the war of words, saying in a series of statements posted on social media: "Secret resettlement of Mr and Ms Skripal, barred from any contact with their family will be seen as an abduction or at least as their forced isolation." But Ms Skripal said in a statement: "I have specially trained officers available to me, who are helping to take care of me and to explain the investigative processes that are being undertaken. "I have access to friends and family, and I have been made aware of my specific contacts at the Russian embassy who have kindly offered me their assistance in any way they can. "At the moment I do not wish to avail myself of their services, but if I change my mind I know how to contact them. "Most importantly, I am safe and feeling better as time goes by, but I am not yet strong enough to give a full interview to the media, as I one day hope to do. "Until that time, I want to stress that no one speaks for me, or for my father, but ourselves. "I thank my cousin Viktoria for her concern for us, but ask that she does not visit me or try to contact me for the time being. Her opinions and assertions are not mine and they are not my father's." The embassy later said the statement "raises new questions rather than gives answers" as it was unable to verify it. "The text has been composed in a special way so as to support official statements made by British authorities and at the same time to exclude every possibility of Yulia's contacts with the outer world - consuls, journalists and even relatives," the embassy said in a statement. "The document only strengthens suspicions that we are dealing with a forcible isolation of the Russian citizen." Mrs May has said UK military experts at Porton Down found that they were poisoned by Novichok, a nerve agent developed by Russia, and that the only plausible explanation was that the Russian state was responsible. Daily Telegraph, London Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused the Government of 'waiting for instructions' from US president Donald Trump on what to do over Syria. He said: "Further UK military intervention in Syria's appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict. "The Government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals. "Even US defence secretary James Mattis has said we 'don't have evidence' and warned further military action could 'escalate out of control'." Mr Corbyn added: "Ministers should take their proposals, such as they are, to parliament. And Britain should press for an independent UN-led investigation of last weekend's horrific chemical weapons attack so that those responsible can be held to account. Read More "Rather than further military action, what is urgently needed is a coordinated international drive to achieve a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement under UN auspices. The humanitarian priority must be to halt the killing on all sides. "The need to restart genuine negotiations for peace and an inclusive political settlement of the Syrian conflict, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces, could not be more urgent. We must do everything we can, no matter how challenging, to bring that about." Two men have been arrested after a group of children was knocked down by a car, leaving a girl with a broken neck. Five youngsters, aged between 12 and 14, were standing on a pavement in Stravanan Road in Castlemilk, Glasgow, at around 3.30pm on Saturday March 24 when they were hit by a silver Vauxhall Astra. A 21-year-old man who was crossing the road in front of the children was also injured. The 21-year-old and four of the children were treated for minor injuries while one 14-year-old girl was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Police said that two men, aged 20 and 21, have been arrested in connection with the incident. During investigations on Friday a further two men, both aged 19, and a 20-year-old woman were arrested and charged for allegedly being in possession of controlled drugs, believed to be amphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis with an estimated street value of 11,000, police said. A quantity of cash was also seized. They will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Karl-Erivan, Georg and Christian Haub of the retailer group Tengelmann pose for photographers in the western town of Muelheim, Germany, August 20, 2009. REUTERS/Ina Fassbender/File Photo The family of a German billionaire has given up hope of finding him alive a week after he disappeared in the Alps. The Tengelmann retail group said on behalf of Karl-Erivan Haub's family in a statement that there was no longer any hope for him after a week "in the extreme climate conditions of a glacier area". Rescuers in Switzerland and Italy have spent days searching for Mr Haub, the 58-year-old heir to the Tengelmann empire, in a large area under the Matterhorn peak on the two countries' border. He was last seen last Saturday morning as he headed up a mountain lift with skis and a small backpack. The 58-year-old was training for a ski mountaineering race when he disappeared under Switzerland's famous Matterhorn peak. He was reported missing to police the following morning after he failed to show up at his hotel in the Swiss resort of Zermatt. Tengelmann said the search for Mr Haub's body will continue and the company will pay all costs. "This accident is a terrible tragedy both for the Haub family and the whole family company, and one that is incomprehensible for everybody," spokeswoman Sieglinde Schuchardt said. The search for Mr Haub on both sides of the border involved three helicopters, ground patrols and avalanche rescue teams, with up to 60 people at its peak. It was complicated by bad weather and the fact that it was not clear exactly where Mr Haub was going. Rescuers were combing a huge area under the Matterhorn and some suspected he might have fallen into one of the region's many glacial crevasses. Mr Haub - who was born in Washington state - and his brother Christian have led Tengelmann since 2000. The family's fortune is estimated at over 3 billion euros. Family patriarch Erivan Haub died in March at his home in Wyoming. Tengelmann's main businesses are the hardware store Obi and clothing retailer KiK. It also has large stakes in the Netto supermarket chain and online retailer Zalando. Seven charities, including Oxfam Italy and the Catholic organisation Caritas, claim that in recent weeks French officers altered birth dates on documents to make it appear that the migrants were older than 18. The alleged tactic circumvents international rules that say that under-18s must be given protection and allowed to cross borders to reunite with family members. The rule for adults, by contrast, is that they must apply for asylum and remain in the first EU country they reach - which in most cases means Italy, Spain or Greece. The falsification of documents allegedly took place near the Italian town of Ventimiglia, on the border between the French and Italian Rivieras, where tens of thousands of migrants and refugees, many of them unaccompanied minors, have tried to cross in recent years. "The French police falsify the documents of minors who try to cross from Italy into France," said Daniela Zitarosa, from the charity Intersos. "We have the proof - many dates of birth were modified in official documents. Unfortunately this has become routine. French officials take no account of what the minors tell them and write fake birth dates on refusal-of-entry documents, sending them back as if they were adults." In one alleged case, an Eritrean teenager, whose identity document showed he was born on Oct 1 2001, making him 17, had his papers changed by the police so that his birth date was recorded as Jan 1 2000, making him 18. The charities have sent letters of protest to the Italian interior and foreign ministers as well as the European Commission. The accusations are likely to antagonise already fraught relations between Rome and Paris over migrants and refugees. Daily Telegraph, London Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Pope Francis waves to crowds during this weeks general audience in St Peters Square. He has now admitted to a misjudgment over the Chilean abuse scandal. Photo: Reuters Pope Francis has admitted he made "grave errors" in judgment in Chile's sex abuse scandal. He has invited the victims he had discredited to Rome to beg for their forgiveness. In an extraordinary public letter, the Pope also summoned all Chile's bishops to the Vatican for an emergency meeting to discuss repairing the damage from the scandal, which has badly tarnished his reputation and that of the Chilean church. The Vatican orders such emergency visits only on rare occasions, as when American bishops were summoned in 2002 after the clerical sex abuse scandal exploded in the US, and in 2010 when Irish bishops received a comprehensive Vatican dressing-down for their botched handling of abuse cases. Pope Francis blamed a lack of "truthful and balanced information" for misjudging the case of Bishop Juan Barros, a protege of Chile's most notorious predator priest, Rev Fernando Karadima. The Pope strongly defended the bishop during his January visit to Chile, despite accusations by victims that Barros had witnessed and ignored their abuse. Pope Francis accused the victims of "calumny" for pressing their case against Barros, demanded they present "proof" of their claims and revealed he twice rejected Barros's resignation. "I am convinced he is innocent," the Pope insisted. After causing an outcry, the Pope sent the Vatican's most respected sex abuse investigator, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, to look into the scandal. While his letter did not reveal his conclusions about Barros, Pope Francis made clear he and the bishops have a lot of work to do to turn the Chilean church around. In words that laid bare his simmering anger, Francis said they must "re-establish confidence in the church, confidence that was broken by our errors and sins, and heal the wounds that continue to bleed in Chilean society." But the Chilean bishops insisted they had been truthful to Francis about the need to get rid of Barros - they had proposed he resign and take a year's sabbatical - and victims' advocates said the Pope had only himself to blame, since the accusations against Barros were well-known and well-founded. Karadima was a charismatic preacher who was removed from ministry by the Vatican for sexually abusing minors and sentenced in 2011 to a lifetime of penance and prayer. He had long been a darling of the Chilean hierarchy, and his victims have accused church leaders of covering up his crimes to protect the church's reputation. Archbishop Scicluna and his colleague, the Rev Jordi Bertomeu, spent nearly two weeks in Chile and New York earlier this year interviewing Karadima's victims, who for years have denounced Barros's silence and were stunned by Pope Francis's strong defence of him. In his letter, the Pope thanked the 64 people who testified and had the courage to bare the "wounds of their souls" for the sake of truth. After reading the 2,300-page dossier his envoys prepared, Francis affirmed the victims "spoke in a stark way, without additives or sweeteners, of many crucified lives." "I confess this caused me pain and shame," he wrote. "For my part, I recognise - and so I want it to be faithfully transmitted - that I have fallen in grave errors of judgment and perception of the situation, especially due to the lack of truthful and balanced information. From now on, I ask forgiveness of all those I offended and I hope to be able to do it personally in the coming weeks." Barros' three main accusers said they appreciated the Pope's request for forgiveness and were weighing his invitation. They said they would continue fighting for reparation and forgiveness "until zero tolerance about abuse and cover-up in the church becomes a reality". CALISTOGA An emergency warning siren tested Tuesday, six months and two days after the Tubbs Fire erupted, may one day be the difference in saving lives if Calistoga goes ahead with the purchase of a system that could warn residents of danger and give them a little more time to escape. The town once had a siren, but people got tired of the noise, didnt think the community needed it, and wanted it removed, said Calistoga Fire Chief Steve Campbell. Now those annoying sirens are being re-evaluated as an effective warning system that should never have been removed. Some who attended a recent community forum said they wished there had been a siren blaring the night of the Tubbs Fire. One man said he used his car horn as he was fleeing and was told by neighbors later that his honking was what got them to take notice and leave. Scores of communities are scrambling to get sirens in place again, said people involved with Tuesdays test, conducted in the parking lot adjacent to the Tedeschi Little League Field. Were getting calls from Southern California, Ventura County, Kelseyville, and all over the state of California from those interested in testing or purchasing sirens, said Duncan Scott, western region sales manager for Federal Signal. A team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog is due to begin an investigation into a suspected chemical weapons attack near the Syrian capital Damascus. It comes amid Western threats of retaliation and Russian warnings of the potential for a dangerous escalation in the area. The fact-finding mission from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was expected to head to Douma, where the suspected attack took place and where Russia said rebels had now capitulated to government control. The Syrian government said it would facilitate the missions investigation, which is to start on Saturday. Syria and its ally, Russia, deny any such attack, which activists say killed more than 43 people last weekend. In case you missed it: In response to media queries, the Spokesperson for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirms that the #OPCW Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) team is on its way to #Syria and will start its work as of Saturday 14 April 2018. pic.twitter.com/IZUIpg2DsZ OPCW (@OPCW) April 12, 2018 Speaking at the United Nations on Thursday, Russias UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said the top priority had to be to avert a wider war, and he didnt rule out the possibility of a US-Russia conflict. Speaking to reporters after a closed emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Mr Nebenzia said Russia was very concerned with the dangerous escalation of the situation and aggressive policies and preparations that some governments were making a clear reference to the Trump administration and its allies. We hope that there will be no point of no return that the US and their allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign state, Mr Nebenzia said, adding that the danger of escalation is higher than simply Syria. The Security Council scheduled another emergency meeting for Friday morning at Russias request. The imminent arrival of the chemical weapons inspectors came as rebels in Douma surrendered their weapons and left the town for opposition-held areas in the north. Russias military said on Thursday that Douma was now under full control of the Syrian government after a Russian-mediated deal secured the evacuation of the rebels and thousands of civilians after it was recaptured by Syrian forces. Douma and the sprawling eastern Ghouta region near the capital, Damascus, had been under rebel control since 2012 and was a thorn in the side of President Bashar Assads government, threatening his seat of power with missiles and potential advances for years. The governments capture of Douma, the last town held by the rebels in eastern Ghouta, marked a major victory for Assad. We hope that there will be no point of no return - that the US and their allies will refrain from military action against a sovereign stateRussian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia Hamza Bayraqdar, spokesman for Jaysh al-Islam, the main rebel group that once controlled Douma, said his fighters had all evacuated. They handed over their heavy and medium weapons, as well as maps of land mines and the tunnels they dug, according to Syrian state media. Douma and the rest of eastern Ghouta had been a significant rebel stronghold throughout Syrias civil war and its surrender came after years of siege by Assads troops and a months-long military offensive. It followed weeks of negotiations mediated by Russia that repeatedly were derailed. A truce collapsed last week and the Syrian government pressed ahead with its military offensive. Then came the suspected chemical attack in Douma, followed by international condemnation and threats of military action. Amid conflicting tweets about the timing of any retaliation, US president Donald Trump said on Thursday that an attack on Syria could take place very soon or not so soon at all. On Capitol Hill, US defence secretary Jim Mattis said the National Security Council would be meeting later on Thursday to present Mr Trump with various options, adding that he could not talk about any military plans because an attack is not yet in the offing. President Donald Trump and his national security aides on Thursday discussed U.S. options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a suspected poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow. Worries about a confrontation between Russia, Syria's big ally, and the West have been running high since Trump said on Wednesday that missiles "will be coming" in response to the attack in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, and lambasted Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Trump tempered those remarks on Thursday and even as he consulted allies such and Britain and France, who could join in any U.S.-led strikes on Syria, there were signs of efforts to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!" Trump wrote on Twitter, raising the prospect that an attack might not be as imminent as he seemed to suggest the day before. Trump met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and "no final decision has been made," the White House said in a statement. "We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies," it said. However, US defence secretary James Mattis has said his main concern about a military response was how to stop it "escalating out of control",The Guardian reports this mroning. There is no signal that Trump was cooling to the idea of military action, especially given the high stakes in Syria. U.S. officials noted that Washington was still assessing intelligence and coordinating allies. Expand Close Trump / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Trump Trump spoke to British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday and the two leaders talked about the "need for a joint response to Syria's use of chemical weapons," the White House said. May's office said they agreed on the need to deter Assad's government from further such attacks. Trump was also due to speak with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France had proof the Syrian government carried out the attack near Damascus, which aid groups have said killed dozens of people, and will decide whether to strike back when all the necessary information has been gathered. "We have proof that last week ... chemical weapons were used, at least with chlorine, and that they were used by the regime of Bashar al-Assad," Macron said, without offering details of any evidence. Expand Close Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. Two U.S. officials familiar with an investigation of samples from Douma and the symptoms of victims said initial indications that a mix of weaponized chlorine gas and sarin were used in the attack appeared to be correct. But U.S. intelligence agencies have not completed their assessment or reached a final conclusion, the officials said. Russia, Syria and its other main backer, Iran, have said reports of the Douma attack were fabricated by rebels and rescue workers and have accused the United States of seeking to use it as a pretext to attack the Syrian government. Russia said it deployed military police in Douma on Thursday after the town was taken over by government forces. "They are the guarantors of law and order in the town," RIA news agency quoted Russia's defense ministry as saying. Expand Close Vladimir Putin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vladimir Putin There were signs of a global effort to head off a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin said a crisis communications link with the United States, created to avoid an accidental clash over Syria, was in use. Fears Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow's ambassador to the United Nations, said he "cannot exclude" war between the United States and Russia and urged Washington and its allies to refrain from military action against Syria. "The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," he told reporters. "We hope there will be no point of no return," the envoy said. A team of experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, was traveling to Syria and will start its investigations on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said. It was not clear whether Trump and U.S. allies would wait for the results of the investigation before deciding on a strike. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress he believed there was a chemical attack in Syria, but added a short while later that the United States had not made any decision to launch military action. He also suggested he was examining ways to prevent any strikes from triggering a broader conflict. "I don't want to talk about a specific attack that is not yet in the offing ... This would be pre-decisional," Mattis told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. Moscow is estimated to have dozens of aircraft at its Hmeymim air base in Syria including fighters and bombers, as well as 10 to 15 warships and support vessels in the Mediterranean. The Syrian government and Russian forces in Syria possess truck-mounted surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapons systems. Nervous world stock markets showed signs of recovery after Trump's signal that military strikes might not be imminent. Britain's May won backing from her senior ministers to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. May had recalled the ministers from their Easter holiday for the meeting to discuss Britain's response to what she has cast as a barbaric attack that cannot go unchallenged. Russian ships had left the Tartus naval base in Syria, Interfax news agency quoted a Russian lawmaker as saying. Vladimir Shamanov, who chairs the defense committee of the lower house, said the vessels had departed the base for their own safety, which was "normal practice" when there were threats of attack. Any U.S. strike would probably involve the Navy, given the risk to aircraft from Russian and Syrian air defenses. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS Donald Cook, is in the Mediterranean. Last year, the United States carried out strikes from two Navy destroyers against a Syrian air base after another deadly toxic gas attack on a rebel-controlled area. A woman's obituary has helped US police capture her fugitive son nearly four decades after he escaped from an Oklahoma prison. The US Marshals Service said 58-year-old Stephen Michael Paris was arrested without incident at an office in Houston where he worked under a pseudonym. The agency said investigators tracked him down in Texas after an obituary for his mother listed a son in Houston named Stephen Michael Chavez. Fingerprints confirmed his identity. Paris escaped from the Jess Dunn Correctional Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in October 1981. He escaped after serving about 19 months of a nine-year sentence for drug possession and distribution. He was also featured on the Oklahoma Department of Corrections' "Most Wanted" list. Donald Trump's chief of staff called the US president "dishonourable" over his firing of James Comey, the former FBI chief reportedly claims in his new book. The former FBI chief also calls Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" in his new book, in which he also describes the presidents leadership as "ego driven and about personal loyalty". The president sacked Mr Comey in May, when he was heading an investigation into possible collusion between Russians and the Trump campaign during the 2016 election, saying he was "not able to effectively lead the bureau". Mr Comey was in California on a work trip at the time and only learnt of his sacking when he saw the news break on television. According to the Daily Beast news website, Mr Comey claims in his memoir that John Kelly, who was then head of the Department of Homeland Security, called him within minutes of his dismissal to offer his support. Mr Comey writes that Mr Kelly, now the White House chief of staff, was "emotional" over the manner in which he was fired. He went on to say that he "intended to quit" in protest because "he didn't want to work for dishonourable people", in a pointed reference to Mr Trump. Mr Comey claims to have encouraged Mr Kelly, a retired general, to stay in post, telling him "this president", more than his predecessors, needed people of integrity around him. Mr Kelly's offer to resign has previously been reported, but Mr Comey's comments offer the first confirmation of the story and reveal the fiery comments made by Mr Trump's right-hand man. Mr Kelly is known to have a difficult relationship with the president but the revelations will likely cause further tensions in the West Wing. It comes as the Republican Party launched a smear campaign against Mr Comey in anticipation of his tell-all book, which is expected to be heavily critical of Mr Trump. It takes the form of a website called "Lyin' Comey", which brands the former FBI chief as a discredited, partisan former official. The extensive counter-offensive, funded by the Republican National Committee, also includes digital advertising to be sent to Republicans across the country before Mr Comey's book is published on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mr Trump's nomination for the new secretary of state, to replace the sacked Rex Tillerson, said he could imagine the US launching a ground invasion of North Korea. Mike Pompeo said the US may at some point have to "move past diplomacy" to stop the regime's nuclear programme. However, Mr Pompeo stressed he did not favour "regime change" and wanted to solve the world's crises with diplomatic rather than military means. Daily Telegraph London Thousands of Palestinians have staged a mass protest along Gazas sealed border with Israel, some burning large Israeli flags and torching tyres while soldiers fired tear gas and live bullets. Gazas Health Ministry said a 28-year-old Palestinian man was killed and more than 500 wounded, including scores hit by live Israeli army fire. The death brings to 28 the number of protesters killed in two weeks of border protests. Officials said more than 400 suffered other injuries, including being hit by rubber-coated steel pellets and being overcome by tear gas. Among those hurt was a Gaza journalist who was shot in the abdomen, the officials said. Expand Close Israeli soldiers take position facing the border fence (Ariel Schalit/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Israeli soldiers take position facing the border fence (Ariel Schalit/AP) On Friday, most of the demonstrators assembled in five tent camps several hundred metres from the border fence. Smaller groups moved closer to the fence, throwing stones, torching tyres and burning large Israeli flags. Large plumes of black smoke from burning tyres rose into the sky. Israeli forces fired tear gas, rubber-coated steel pellets and live rounds. The military said demonstrators hurled an explosive device and several firebombs near the fence in what it said was an apparent attempt to damage it. Expand Close Black smoke raises from burning tyres (Khalil Hamra/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Black smoke raises from burning tyres (Khalil Hamra/AP) Footage distributed by the military showed an area of the fence made up of several layers of barbed wire coils. Protesters stuck a Palestinian flag into the fence and affixed a rope, using it to tug at the coils. One man threw a burning tyre into the fence. Rights groups have branded the Israeli militarys open-fire regulations as unlawful, saying they permit soldiers to use potentially lethal force against unarmed protesters. Israel has accused Gazas Islamic militant Hamas rulers of using the protests as a cover for attacks and says snipers only target the main instigators. The marches have been organised by Hamas, but large turnouts on two preceding Fridays were also driven by desperation among the territorys two million residents. Expand Close Palestinian protesters carry away a wounded youth (Adel Hana/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Palestinian protesters carry away a wounded youth (Adel Hana/AP) Gaza has endured a border blockade by Israel and Egypt since Hamas overran the territory in 2007, a year after winning Palestinian parliament elections. The blockade has driven Gaza deeper into poverty, with unemployment approaching 50% and electricity available for less than five hours a day. The marchers are protesting against the blockade, but are also asserting what they say is a right of return of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel. In all, 34 Palestinians have been killed in the past two weeks, 27 during protests. Seven were killed in other circumstances, including six militants engaged in apparent attempts to carry out attacks or infiltrate Israel. Gazas Health Ministry said more than 1,300 Palestinians were wounded by live fire in the past two weeks. The Israeli military has argued that Gaza militant groups are trying to turn the border area into a combat zone, and said it has a right to defend its sovereign border. It said soldiers fire live bullets as a last resort, in a precise and measured manner. Russias foreign minister has claimed a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was fabricated with the help of an unspecified foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov said Russian experts have inspected the site of the alleged attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, and found no trace of chemical weapons. He said Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication. Mr Lavrov, speaking to reporters in Moscow, said: Intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication. He did not elaborate or name the state. Expand Close A medical worker giving toddlers oxygen in Douma (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A medical worker giving toddlers oxygen in Douma (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets/AP) The attack, which killed more than 40 people, has drawn international outrage and prompted the US and its allies to consider a military strike on Syria, something Moscow has strongly warned against. Mr Lavrov reiterated warnings against military action, saying any such adventures would increase flows of refugees into Europe. Neither us nor European neighbours need it, he said. On Thursday, Russias military said Douma had been brought under full control of the Syrian government under a Russia-mediated deal that secured the evacuation of the rebels and thousands of civilians after it was recaptured by Syrian forces. The government, however, said evacuations were continuing and no Syrian government forces had entered the town. Douma and the sprawling eastern Ghouta region had been under rebel control since 2012 and was a thorn in the side of President Bashar Assads government, threatening his seat of power with missiles and potential advances for years. The governments capture of Douma, the last town held by the rebels in eastern Ghouta, marked a major victory for Assad. On Thursday President Donald Trump emerged from a meeting with his national security team without a final decision on how to respond to the suspected chemical attack. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump held a meeting with his team to discuss the situation, but she no final decision has been made. She said US officials are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies. Russias foreign minister has said a suspected chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend was staged with the help of a foreign intelligence agency. Sergey Lavrov did not specify which agency or provide evidence, but he warned the West against proposed military action. The day before a team from the international chemical weapons watchdog was to arrive in Douma, east of Damascus, Mr Lavrov said Russian experts have inspected the site and found no trace of chemical weapons. He added without elaboration that Moscow has irrefutable information that it was another fabrication. Expand Close A medical worker giving toddlers oxygen in Douma (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A medical worker giving toddlers oxygen in Douma (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets/AP) The suspected poison attack by Syrian government forces that allegedly killed more than 40 people has drawn international outrage and prompted the US and its allies to consider a military response. Moscow strongly warned against any strikes and threatened to retaliate. As fears of a Russia-West military confrontation mounted, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his deep concerns over the situation in Syria in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to a statement by the French presidency, Mr Macron called for dialogue between France and Russia to continue and intensify to bring peace and stability to Syria. The Kremlin said Mr Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government before conducting a thorough and objective probe. The Russian leader warned against ill-considered and dangerous actions that would have consequences beyond conjecture. Expand Close Emmanuel Macron has spoken on the phone with Vladimir Putin (Ludovic Marin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emmanuel Macron has spoken on the phone with Vladimir Putin (Ludovic Marin/AP) Mr Putin and Mr Macron instructed their foreign and defence ministers to maintain close contact to de-escalate the situation, the Kremlin said. US President Donald Trump emerged from a meeting with his national security team on Thursday without a final decision on how to respond to the suspected chemical attack. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump held a meeting with his team to discuss the situation, but no final decision has been made. She said US officials are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies. Russian officials alleged quickly after last Saturdays suspected attack that the images of victims in Douma were fake. The Foreign Ministry also claimed that following Syrian rebels withdrawal from the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus, stockpiles of chemical agents were allegedly found there. The ministry also pointed at previous use of chemicals by rebels in fighting with Syrian government troops. Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Mr Lavrov reiterated a strong warning to the West against military action in Syria, saying it would increase flows of refugees into Europe. I hope no one would dare to launch such an adventure now, Mr Lavrov said. Russia has been a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assads government and has helped turn the tide of war in his favour since entering the conflict in September 2015. Syrias civil war, which began as a popular uprising against Assad, is now in its eighth year. A fact-finding mission from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is expected to head to Douma. The Russian military and the Syrian government said they would facilitate the mission and ensure the inspectors security. The Russian military has claimed an alleged chemical attack in Syria was staged and directed by Britain. Volunteer first responders and activists said a chemical attack by the Syrian government killed more than 40 people in the town of Douma, which drew international outrage and prompted Washington and its allies to consider a military response. Moscow warned against any strikes and threatened to retaliate. Expand Close Mr Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) Russian Defence Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov, released statements by medics from Doumas hospital who said a group of people toting video cameras entered the hospital, shouting that its patients had been struck with chemical weapons and causing panic. The medics said none of the patients were hurt by chemicals. Maj Gen Konashenkov said Britain was directly involved in the provocation. Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that Russian experts had inspected the site of the claimed attack and found no trace of chemical weapons. As fears of a Russia-West military confrontation mounted, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his deep concerns over the situation in Syria in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Expand Close Mr Macron has expressed his 'deep concerns' (Christophe Ena/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Macron has expressed his 'deep concerns' (Christophe Ena/AP) According to a statement by the French presidency, Mr Macron called for dialogue between France and Russia to continue and intensify to bring peace and stability to Syria. The Kremlin said Mr Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government before conducting a thorough and objective probe. The Russian leader warned against ill-considered and dangerous actions that would have consequences beyond conjecture. Mr Putin and Mr Macron instructed their foreign and defence ministers to maintain close contact to de-escalate the situation, the Kremlin said. The US ambassador to the United Nations said Donald Trump has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria. Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by Russia that should the US and its allies decide to act in Syria it will be to defend a bedrock international norm that benefits all nations the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons. She said the United States estimates that (President Bashar) Assad has used chemical weapons in the Syrian war at least 50 times. On the suspected poison gas attack on Douma, Ms Haley said: We know who did this. Our allies know who did this. Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups. Donald Trump has issued a full pardon to Scooter Libby, a former top aide to vice president Dick Cheney. Libby, who was Mr Cheneys chief of staff, was convicted of lying to investigators and obstruction of justice following the 2003 leak of the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame. President George W Bush later commuted Libbys 30-month prison sentence but did not issue a pardon despite intense pressure from Mr Cheney. No one was ever charged with the leak. Mr Trump said in a statement that he does not know Libby but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life. The Libby case has been criticised by conservatives, who argue he was the victim of an overly zealous and politically motivated prosecution by a special counsel. Expand Close Trump Pardon / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Trump Pardon Another twist is that the special counsel, Patrick Fitzgerald, was appointed by James Comey, deputy attorney general at the time. Mr Comey later became head of the FBI but was fired by Mr Trump, and has since written a book highly critical of the president. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, while declining at the time to confirm Mr Trumps plans for a pardon, said earlier on Friday that many people think that Scooter Libby was the victim of a special counsel gone amok. Asked if a pardon would be about Mr Comey, Ms Conway said no. Ms Plame said a pardon would send a message that you can commit crimes against national security and you will be pardoned. The pardon was the third for Mr Trump. He granted one last year for former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was awaiting sentencing for contempt of court. Mr Trump also pardoned a US Navy sailor, who was convicted after taking photos of classified portions of a submarine. Conservative criticism of the special counsel in the Plame case echoes critiques of Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading an investigation into Russian election interference, possible coordination with Trump associates and potential obstruction of justice by the president. Mr Trump has called that probe a witch hunt. President Donald Trump has issued a full pardon to Scooter Libby, a former top aide to vice president Dick Cheney, after suggesting he had been treated unfairly by special counsel. Mr Cheneys former chief of staff was convicted in 2007 of lying to investigators and obstruction of justice following the 2003 leak of the covert identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame. President George W. Bush later commuted Libbys 30-month prison sentence but did not issue a pardon despite intense pressure from Mr Cheney. I dont know Mr Libby, Mr Trump said in a statement issued by White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders. But for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life. The White House said a witness against Libby later changed her version of events and noted that he had a decade of public service and an unblemished record since. He had already been reinstated to the bar by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Libby thanked Mr Trump for issuing the pardon. He said that he and his family are grateful and that they have suffered under the weight of a terrible injustice. He added that Mr Trump recognised this wrong and would not let it persist. Expand Close Trump / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Trump Libbys case has been criticised by conservatives, who argue he was the victim of an overly zealous and politically motivated prosecution by a special counsel. Another twist is that the special counsel, Patrick Fitzgerald, was appointed by James Comey, deputy attorney general at the time. Mr Comey later became head of the FBI but was fired by Mr Trump and has since written a book highly critical of the president. The criticism echoes critiques of Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading an investigation into Russian election interference, possible coordination with Trump associates and potential obstruction of justice by the president. Mr Trump has called that probe a witch hunt. Libbys attorneys, Joseph diGenova and Victoria Toensing, issued a statement thanking Mr Trump for addressing a gross injustice they said was inflicted by Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Comey. Mr Trump knows the attorneys and had sought to add them to his legal team defending him in the Russian investigation, but it was determined Mr diGenova and Mr Toensing had conflicts of interest that would prevent them from joining. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway earlier on Friday said: Many people think that Scooter Libby was the victim of a special counsel gone amok. Asked if a pardon would be about Mr Comey, Ms Conway said no. Ms Plame said a pardon would send a message that you can commit crimes against national security and you will be pardoned. The pardon was the third for Mr Trump. He granted one last year for former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was awaiting sentencing for contempt of court. Mr Trump also pardoned a US Navy sailor who was convicted of taking photos of classified portions of a submarine. A US man killed his wife who was also his daughter and their seven-month-old son before taking his own life after the woman broke up with him, according to a 911 call. Steven Pladls mother called police in North Carolina to say she had a disturbing call from her son and to ask officers to check on the well-being of her baby grandson. The mother told police Pladl said he had killed his baby in Knightdale, North Carolina, as well as his 20-year-old daughter and her adoptive father, who were shot in Connecticut. Expand Close Incest Fatal Shooting / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Incest Fatal Shooting Pladls mother said he was upset because the woman had broken up with him. The baby had been born of the relationship between Pladl and his daughter, Katie. I cant even believe this is happening, said Pladls mother, whose name was redacted from the recording of the 911 call released by police in Cary, North Carolina. The woman asked police to check on her grandson, Bennett Pladl. She said Steven Pladl had told her that he left a key under the front mat. He told me to call the police, that I shouldnt go over there, she said. Police found the baby dead, alone in the house. We're trying to make sense of all the factors that led up to this senseless taking of life.Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps Were trying to make sense of all the factors that led up to this senseless taking of life, Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps said. The 911 call came shortly after witnesses in rural western Connecticut reported hearing what sounded like semi-automatic gunfire on Thursday morning. Inside a pick-up truck with the window shot out police found the bodies of Katie Pladl and her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, 56. Pladl had contacted his daughters adoptive family in Wingdale, New York, on Wednesday night and said he would be coming to see them, according to Shawn Boyne, chief of police in New Milford, Connecticut. Katie Pladl and Fusco were shot as they were out running errands. Police said Steven Pladl was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a car across the state line in Dover, New York. Expand Close Incest Fatal Shooting / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Incest Fatal Shooting Steven Pladl and Katie Pladl had been arrested on incest charges in Henrico County, Virginia, in January. Since the arrests, their son had been in the custody of Steven Pladls mother. Knightdale police said the boy was last seen alive by his grandmother on Wednesday night, when Steven Pladl asked to take the child home to Knightdale, telling his mother he planned to speak with his daughter via Skype. Steven Pladl told his wife last year that he had impregnated their daughter and planned to marry her after obtaining a divorce, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. As a child Katie Pladl had been adopted by a family out of state but after turning 18 she reached out to her birth parents through social media and began living with the family. Attorney Rick Friedman, who had been representing Steven Pladl in the felony incest case, said he had breakfast with Pladl only a month ago and had no indication such violence was possible. This really bothers me a lot because nobody ever could have predicted this. If anybody had a remote idea anybody was in harms way there would have been no bond set, he said. There was just absolutely no prior notice anything would happen to these people. As part of the bond requirements, Mr Friedman said, the father and daughter were not supposed to communicate with one another. He said Katie Pladl had been living in New York with her adoptive parents. Kolkata, Apr 13 (IBNS): A matured Royal Bengal Tiger, which was captured on a remotely activated camera in Lalgarh forest in West Bengal's West Medinipur district in March, was found dead inside the same forest on Friday, officials said. According to reports, locals found the tiger's body with severe injury marks in Lalgarh forest and called in the forest guards. A senior official of West Bengal forest department told IBNS, "After receiving inputs that the Royal Bengal Tiger was found dead, we have deputed our staffers and officers to the scene to recover the body." "I heard that several deep injury marks have been spotted in the tiger's body which indicates that it might have been killed by local tribes. After post-mortem, we can confirm how the big cat died," the official added. After local villagers claimed that they found a tiger in the deep jungle, forest department had installed seven cameras in Lalgarh forest and the tiger was captured on a camera twice on March 2 early morning. "Since presence of the tiger was confirmed in Lalgarh forest, our men had tried their best to catch the big cat. But, unfortunately, we failed to rescue it alive," a forest department official told IBNS. (Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Image of the tiger from archive) Kolkata, April 13 (IBNS): American clothing and apparel brand GAP opened its first store in Kolkata at South City Mall, on Thursday. This is GAP's 13th exclusive GAP store in the country and the second adult-only outlet in India apart from the one in Mantri Mall, Bangalore. The 2450sq. ft. store, located in the ground floor of South City Mall, will feature bright chinos, coloured denims, khakis for men, and workwear ankle pants for women, among others, according to the store representatives. Tollywood actress Ritabhari Chakraborty who was present at the launch said, GAP is that kind of a brand that you must have in your wardrobe and its quite affordable too. GAP, with its headquarters in San Francisco, has been operating since 1969, a fact which the company has decided to commemorate by pricing the denims in this Kolkata store at Rs.1,969. In India, Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited is the franchisee for the brand and operates the stores in NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai and Indore as well, apart from making the GAP brand available on Amazon and nnnow.com. Prayag Dani (GAP India Business Head at Arvind Lifestyle Brands) said, We are excited to announce the launch of our first GAP retail location in Kolkata. (Reporting by Sourajit Choudhury, Images by Avishek Mitra) New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): Demanding justice for the alleged Kathua and Unnao rape victims, Congress President Rahul Gandhi led a candle light march in New Delhi on Thursday. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also joined the march. Speaking on the issue, Gandhi said: "This is a matter about the safety of women in this country. This is not a political issue. This is an issue of national importance.The government should do something to ensurer safety of women in the nation." Earlier, he had tweeted: "Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice." Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 12, 2018 Several top Congress leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, took part in the march to the India Gate at the heart of the national capital. On Thursday, Gandhi had condemned the two alleged rape incidents that have left the nation shocked. "How can anyone protect the culprits of such evil? What happened to Asifa at #Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished. What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child?," he had tweeted. How can anyone protect the culprits of such evil? What happened to Asifa at #Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished. What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child? Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 12, 2018 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, on Thursday, said that the law cannot be obstructed by irresponsible actions, after a group of lawyers obstructed the Crime Branch and tried to prevent it from filing a charge sheet against those accused of raping and murdering an eight-year old girl in Kathua town three months ago. The Crime Branch has already filed a charge sheet against eight accused who allegedly raped and murdered the eight year old child in Rasna area of Heeranagar. There have been allegations that some BJP-backed supporters are trying to defend the rapists demanding transfer of case from Crime Branch to CBI. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister tweeted on Thursday: The Law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions & statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track & justice will be delivered. #JusticeForAsifa. Shocking the nation,the minor was held captive by the accused at a temple and later she was raped, mutilated and murdered in Rassana village of Kathua, months ago, crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir police stated. Alleged rape of a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao has also left the nation condemning the incident. Image: Congress Twitter page Lucknow, Apr 13 (IBNS): BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is accused of raping a minor in Unnao town of Uttar Pradesh, was detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday, media reports said. He has been reportedly detained by the probe agency from his residence in Lucknow city. He was detained for questioning just a day after a CBI probe into the alleged rape of the minor was approved. The Allahabad High Court is all set to pronounce its order in the Unnao rape case on Friday. The order is scheduled to be pronounced at 2PM. On Thursday, the court questioned the Uttar Pradesh government for not arresting BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who has been charged with raping a minor girl in Unnaotown of the state. The UP police earlier informed that they won't arrest the BJP lawmaker as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the case. The minor girl had alleged that she was raped by Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the BJP legislator from Unnao, and his brother last year, but the police refused to take any action against them. On Apr 8, the rape victim along with his family tried to commit suicide in front of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow. She also claimed that her family was being threatened after they tried to file an FIR. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was also formed on Tuesday to investigate the case after the father of the girl died on Monday morning at the district hospital. The autopsy report revealed that the father succumbed to septicaemia. According to the postmortem report, the father was not given proper treatment at the judicial custody. The man was in judicial custody after a complaint was filed against his daughter's alleged rapists. Earlier on Tuesday, the brother of Sengar was arrested by the police. New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): Developments in sub-Saharan African exemplified a positive trend globally towards a decrease in the use of the death penalty, Amnesty International said in its 2017 global review of the death penalty published on Friday. While India recorded fewer death sentences, new laws have expanded the scope of the death penalty. Globally, executions and death sentences are sliding and India has contributed to this trend, said Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India. However, there is bad news coming out of India too, with new laws being passed that expand the scope of this cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. Sub-Saharan Africa made great strides in the global fight to abolish the death penalty with a significant decrease in death sentences being imposed across the region. Globally, at least 2,591 death sentences in 53 countries were recorded in 2017, a significant decrease from the record-high of 3,117 recorded in 2016. These figures do not include the thousands of death sentences and executions that Amnesty International believes were imposed and implemented in China, where figures remain classified as a state secret. Research by the Centre on the Death Penalty, National Law University, indicated that courts in India imposed 109 new death sentences in 2017, including 51 for murder and 43 for murder involving sexual offences. This represented a decrease in the total number of death sentences imposed (136 in 2016), as well as in those imposed for murder not involving other offences (87 in 2016). Two new death sentences were imposed for drug-related offences. A total of 371 people are known to be under the sentence of death at the end of 2017. However, worryingly, India is one of only three countries in the world that expanded the scope of the death penalty in 2017 by adopting new laws. At the national level, the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, which provides for the death penalty for hijacking resulting in death, came into force on 5 July 2017. At the state level, the Uttar Pradesh government passed a law on 22 December 2017 that introduced the death penalty for people convicted of dealing in spurious liquor whose consumption led to any deaths. The Madhya Pradesh government enacted a law on 4 December 2017 that would allow for the imposition of the death penalty for the rape of a girl aged 12 or younger. Subsequently, the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Arunachal Pradesh have enacted similar laws. Several child rights groups and activists have written to the National Human Rights Commission opposing the introduction of the death penalty for the rape of children aged 12 or younger. Activists have said these laws endanger child rape survivors, and serve as a distraction from the poor implementation of laws on sexual violence against children. It is high time that the government of India consigns the death penalty to the history books, instead of falsely claiming that it improves public safety, said Aakar Patel. With countries continuing to take steps to reduce and repeal the death penalty well into 2018, the isolation of India and the worlds remaining executing governments could not be starker. Significant progress all around Guinea became the 20th state in sub-Saharan Africa to abolish the death penalty for all crimes, while Kenya abolished the mandatory death penalty for murder. Burkina Faso and Chad also took steps to repeal this punishment with new or proposed laws. The organization recorded a drop in the number of executing countries across sub-Saharan Africa, from five in 2016 to two in 2017, with only South Sudan and Somalia known to have carried out executions. However, with reports that Botswana and Sudan resumed executions in 2018, the organization highlighted that this must not overshadow the positive steps being taken by other countries across the region. Elsewhere in Africa, Gambia signed an international treaty committing the country not to carry out executions and moving to abolish the death penalty. The Gambian President established an official moratorium (temporary ban) on executions in February 2018. In addition to Guinea, Mongolia abolished the death penalty for all crimes taking the total of abolitionist states to 106 in 2017. After Guatemala became abolitionist for ordinary crimes such as murder, the number of countries to have abolished the death penalty in law or practice now stands at 142. Only 23 countries continued to execute the same number as in 2016, despite several states resuming executions after a hiatus. Significant steps to reduce the use of the death penalty were also taken in countries that are staunch supporters of it. In Iran, recorded executions reduced by 11% and drug-related executions reduced to 40%. Moves were also made to increase the threshold of drug amounts required to impose a mandatory death penalty. In Malaysia, the anti-drug laws were amended, with the introduction of sentencing discretion in drug trafficking cases. These changes will likely result in a reduction in the number of death sentences imposed in both countries in the future. The fact that countries continue to resort to the death penalty for drug-related offences remains troubling. However, steps taken by Iran and Malaysia to amend their anti-drugs laws go a long way towards showing that cracks are appearing, even in the minority of countries that still execute people, said Salil Shetty, Secretary General, Amnesty International. Indonesia, which executed four people convicted of drug crimes in 2016 in an ill-conceived attempt to tackle drug crime, did not carry out any executions last year and reported a slight decrease in the number of death sentences imposed. Disturbing trends However, distressing trends continued to feature in the use of the death penalty in 2017. Fifteen countries imposed death sentences or executed people for drug-related offences, going against international law. The Middle East and North Africa region recorded the highest number of drug-related executions in 2017, while the Asia-Pacific region had the most countries resorting to the death penalty for this type of offence (10 out of 16). Amnesty International recorded drug-related executions in four countries China (where figures are classified as a state secret), Iran, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. The secrecy that shrouded capital punishment in Malaysia and Viet Nam made it impossible to determine whether executions for drug crimes occurred. Singapore hanged eight people in 2017 all for drug-related offences and double the amount in 2016. There was a similar trend in Saudi Arabia, where drug-related beheadings rocketed from 16% of total executions in 2016 to 40% in 2017. Despite strides towards abolishing this abhorrent punishment, there are still a few leaders who would resort to the death penalty as a quick-fix rather than tackling problems at their roots with humane, effective and evidence-based policies. Strong leaders execute justice, not people, said Salil Shetty. The draconian anti-drug measures widely used in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific have totally failed to address the issue. Governments also breached several other prohibitions under international law in 2017. At least five people in Iran were executed for crimes committed when they were under 18 and at least 80 others remained on death row, and people with mental or intellectual disabilities were executed or remained under sentence of death in Japan, the Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore and the USA. Amnesty International recorded several cases of people facing the death penalty after confessing to crimes as a result of torture or other ill-treatment in Bahrain, China, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. In Iran and Iraq, some of these confessions were broadcast on live television. Although the overall number of executing countries remained the same, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates resumed executions after a hiatus. In Egypt, recorded death sentences increased by about 70% compared to 2016. Looking forward With at least 21,919 people known to be under sentence of death globally, now is not the time to let up the pressure. Positive steps were taken in 2017 and the full impact will be seen in the coming months and years. However, with some countries taking steps backwards or threatening to the campaign against the death penalty remains as essential as ever. Over the past 40 years, weve seen a huge positive shift in the global outlook for the death penalty, but more urgent steps need to be taken to stop the horrifying practice of state killing, said Salil Shetty. The death penalty is a symptom of a culture of violence, not a solution to it. We know that by galvanizing the support of people worldwide, we can stand up to this cruel punishment and end the death penalty everywhere. Kathua, Apr 13 (IBNS): Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over the Kathua rape case, in which an eight-year old girl was gang-raped and murdered months ago. In a tweet, Abdullah said Modi speaks about things that are important to him but not about those which are significant to others. Abdullah's tweet reads, "Hon PM sir, there isnt a day when we dont hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others. Please dont let #Asifa be someone you choose to remain silent about." Asifa, the minor, was held captive by the accused at a temple and later she was raped, mutilated and murdered in Rassana village of Kathua months ago, crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir police stated. However, several lawyers had stopped the police from registering cases against the accused in the case. After six hours of ruckus, police could file the charge-sheets. A bandh (strike) was also called in Jammu by several lawyers on Wednesday as a protest against the filing of charge-sheets. The Crime Branch has already filed a charge sheet against eight accused who allegedly raped and murdered the eight year old child in Rassana area of Heeranagar. There have been allegations that some BJP-backed supporters are trying to defend the rapists demanding transfer of case from Crime Branch to CBI. Californians deserve a smarter discussion. The starting point shouldnt be the inflammatory argument that this issue pivots on whether the public supports police. It should be public safety. Some state lawmakers and the ACLU cite a 2016 study of 91 U.S. law enforcement departments that showed that those that had a higher standard for allowing the use of lethal force killed fewer suspects and had fewer officers killed while on duty. Theres also evidence that better training can reduce fatal police shootings. The Seattle Police Department, for example, saw a dramatic drop in such incidents after it began using crisis intervention training that emphasized de-escalating dangerous situations. Reform measures like Webers that might foster greater accountability and fairer treatment face an uphill battle unless the unions of police and sheriffs deputies which wield a lot of power in local and state politics are willing to accept change. These unions are right to talk about how difficult it will always be to make split-second life-or-death decisions. But too often, this can mean that any criticism of such decisions is considered out of bounds. Weber has battled entrenched interests before. Her years-long fight with teachers unions over education reform is another example of the daughter of African-American sharecroppers from Hope, Arkansas, taking on the establishment. She may be short on policy victories, but when it comes to expecting accountability from teachers, schools, police officers and law enforcement agencies, the arc of the moral universe is long and bends toward justice. This editorial originally ran in the San Diego Union-Tribune Image: facebook.comManekaGandhiOfficial New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): Reacting to the twin-rape cases in the country, Women and Child Development minister, Maneka Gandhi, on Friday said she will propose death penalty for those who rape children below 12 years of age, media reports said. Maneka said she and her ministry will try to make an amendment in the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, asking for death penalty for rapists who commit the crime on children below 12 years of age. "Am deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua, and all the recent rape cases. I and the ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for the death penalty for the rape of children below 12 years of age" Maneka has been quoted by The Times Of India. The POCSO Act, which came into force in 2012, has been framed to protect children from sexual abuse and harassment and pornography. Asifa, the minor, was held captive by the accused at a temple and later she was raped, mutilated and murdered in Rassana village of Kathua months ago, crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir police stated. However, several lawyers had stopped the police from registering cases against the accused in the case. After six hours of ruckus, police could file the charge-sheets. In another case, BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been charged with raping a minor girl in Unnao town of the state. Guwahati, Apr 13 : The CBI has arrested Swetabh Suman, Commissioner of Income Tax (Audit), Guwahati from Delhi in connection with a case of tax evasion and criminal conspiracy. The central agency has registered a case against the arrested Commissioner of Income Tax. Similar procedures have been initiated against Income Tax Officer (Audit) Pratap Das along with Advocate and Chartered Accountants Ramesh Goenka, Amit Goenka and Jorhat- based businessman Suresh Agarwala. According to CBI officials, in 2017-18, the Commissioner of IT agreed to show undue favours to the Jorhat based businessman by passing a favourable order in an appeal arising out of assessment done in respect of M/S Win Power Infra Pvt Ltd. Swetabh Suman allegedly abused his official position and made attempts to obtain illegal gratification of Rs. 50 lakh from Suresh Agarwala, Director of one shell company for himself and Pratap Das through the Chartered Accountants. An FIR was registered against them. CBI conducted search operations in Guwahati, Jorhat, Nagaon, Delhi, Noida, Shillong, Hojai and some other places and seized Rs 40 lakh and some other incriminating documents. Dr Swetabh Suman was earlier booked by the CBI in a disproportionate assets case in 2005. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS) : Taking suo motu cognisance of the conduct of lawyers' associations in Kathua in the aftermath of the rape and murder incident, the Supreme Court on Friday observed that lawyers can't obstruct access to justice, according to media reports. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra issued notice to the Bar Council of India, Bar Association of Jammu High Court and Bar Association of Kathua court seeking their response, CNN News18 reported. The respondents have been asked to state their stand by April 19. It was hearing a petition filed by lawyer PV Dinesh seeking directions to the striking lawyers and the Bar Council of India to ensure that the rule of law prevails. On Monday, lawyers in Kathua had tried to block the filing of a chargesheet in the rape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua. The top court said it is impermissible under law and ethics to prevent the filing of a chargesheet or oppose the representation of the victims family by a lawyer. The SC bench said every party before any court is entitled to engage a lawyer and if advocates oppose this principle then it would be destructive of justice dispensation system. An eight-year-old girl from the Bakherwal community was abducted, raped and murdered in Rassana village in Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua district in January. The body of the girl was recovered on January, 17 a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. The incident has sent a shockwave across the country triggering a huge uproar. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have filed an FIR against the lawyers who tried to block the chargesheet. A bandh has been called in Jammu by lawyers as a protest against the filing of charge-sheets against the accused who had allegedly raped, mutilated and murdered an eight-year old girl in Kathua town of Jammu and Kashmir, media reports said. ammu Bar Association President, BS Salathia, has been quoted by NDTV, "We have called for a strike and have got support from many organisations. The crime branch team has officers from Kashmir who don't have a good track record. Therefore, we want a CBI inquiry." Meanwhile, the lawyers, who have been demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the case, had earlier stopped the police from filing charge-sheets against the accused. After six hours of ruckus, the police could register cases against the accused. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, said the police have handled the situation competently. Guwahati, Apr 13 (IBNS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four persons, including two Income Tax officials, in connection with a case of tax evasion and criminal conspiracy in Assam. The premier investigating agency arrested Dr Swetabh Suman, Commissioner of Income Tax (Audit), Guwahati from Delhi and Income Tax officer Pratap Das from Assams Hojai district last night in connection with the case. CBI has registered a case against the arrested Commissioner of Income Tax, Income Tax Officer (Audit) Pratap Das along with Advocate and Chartered Accountants Ramesh Goenka, Amit Goenka and Jorhat based businessman Suresh Agarwala. According to the CBI officials, during the year 2017-18, the Commissioner of IT agreed to show undue favours to the Jorhat based businessman by passing a favourable order in an appeal arising out of assessment done in respect of M/S Win Power Infra Pvt Ltd Director Suresh Agarwala's one shell company and Swetabh Suman by abusing official position, made attempts to obtain illegal gratification to the tune of Rs 50 lakh for himself and Pratap Das through the Chartered Accountants. An FIR bearing No.RC0172018A0005 dated11.4.2018 u/s7, 11 & 12 and13(2) r/w Sec 13(1)(d) of PC Act and Section 120B of IPC was registered against them. CBI conducted search operations in Guwahati, Jorhat, Nagaon, Delhi, Noida, Shillong, Hojai and some other places and seized Rs 40 lakh and some other incriminating documents. The CBI had also arrested two other accused persons Advocate and Chartered Accountant Ramesh Goenka and Jorhat based businessman Suresh Agarwala in connection with the case. Dr Swetabh Suman was earlier booked by the CBI in a disproportionate assets case in 2005 as he was allegedly threatening witnesses and tampering with evidence. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): On his way to attend a public function in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday selected Metro as the medium to travel. According to reports, he travelled in a metro train from Lok Kalyan Marg station to travel to 26, Alipur Road. In the function, he is scheduled to dedicate a Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial to the country later. Modi reportedly clicked selfies with the co-passengers. He also interacted with passengers. New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has suggested to state governments to make it mandatory to have proficiency in mother tongue for job recruitments up to Group I level. Addressing a gathering of students, teachers and parents after inaugurating a Computer Laboratory and RO Water Plant at the Andhra University High School in Visakhapatnam, he said that there is a need for cultural renaissance in the country. Culture is a way of life and religion is a way of worship, he added. The Vice President also called for comprehensive reforms in the education system and asked people to return to our roots, heritage, traditions, culture and values. The Vice President said that we must teach our children how to live with nature we have the tradition of respecting nature worshiping trees, animals and rivers. Ethical values should be inculcated in children, he added. The Vice President said that India was once known as the Vishwaguru and people from across the globe used to come and study in ancient centres of learning like Nalanda, Takshashila. He further said that today the world is again looking at India, and our education system must produce youngsters who will be able to confidently face global challenges. Education must empower, enlighten and enhance knowledge, he added. Later, the Vice President attended Sree Venkateshwara Kalyanam at MRC Kakatiya Convention Center in the city, where he called upon people to shun ostentatious weddings. The Vice President said that marriage is a sacred ceremony and there shouldn't be any display of wealth and wastage of food. A country like India cannot afford wastage of food, he added. The Vice President asked people to keep their surroundings clean and take it as a mission to maintain cleanliness at all places. Government alone cannot do everything. Peoples participation, cooperation and involvement are essential in making a city clean and green, he added. New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): A Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and Axis Bank on the Defence Salary Package on Apr 13. The first MoU between Axis Bank and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed on 24 Mar 2015. The current MoU is tailor-made to suit the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. The signing-in ceremony was chaired by the Director General (MP&PS), Lt Gen SK Saini and was attended by the top dignitaries of Axis Bank headed by Mr Sanjay Sailas, President and Head, Retail Banking, Axis Bank. Recently, Indian Army has also signed a MoU with HDFC bank. MoUs are considered for inception and renewal with banks on analyzing their utility and suitability to the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. Army is hoping that this MoU will benefit a large number of serving and retired Army personnel who are having their accounts with Axis bank; and also provide them an opportunity to access modern banking facilities. Under the current MoU, apart from other benefits, the Army personnel will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent total disability cover of Rs 30 lakh and free educational cover of up to Rs 2 Lakh for children between the age of 12 and 20 years. In a message, the President has said, On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, I pay my homage to this icon of our national life, and extend my warm greetings to all fellow citizens. Dr Ambedkar was a multifaceted personality whose impact on our society and nation has remained relevant and will remain relevant. He was an academic and economist, a scholar and moral philosopher, an exceptional legal mind and constitutionalist. Above all, he was an activist for social reform and for legitimate opportunities for women, and a champion of liberty." "Dr Ambedkar waged a life-long struggle for a better and fairer society for a modern India free of caste and other prejudices, ensuring equal economic and social rights to women and to those from traditionally disadvantaged communities. His ideals and his belief in the rule of law found most eloquent expression in the Constituent Assembly. Appropriately, he is considered the Chief Architect of our Constitution which continues to be the guiding light for the Republic of India," said Kovind. He said, "Despite the personal challenges he faced, Dr Ambedkar was remarkably free of rancour and resentment. For this, and for his many social, political and professional contributions, he continues to be a beacon for us. And he shines as a universal symbol of human freedom and individual dignity. It is important to appreciate Dr Ambedkars personality and message in all its dimensions, and not to compartmentalise, as we often do." "Let us draw inspiration from this great figure of history and this great Indian. The best tribute to him would be to build a just, egalitarian and developed India an India that lives up to the republican ethic that Dr Ambedkar shaped and defined for us and for future generations, said he. Srinagar, Apr 13 (IBNS): Two BJP ministers in Jammu and Kashmir, who supported the accused in the rape and murder of minor girl from Kathua in Jammu, have submitted their resignation to the state BJP chief. Highly placed sources said that forest minister Lal Singh and Commerce and Industries Minister Chander Parkash Ganga have submitted resignation to the BJP state party president Sat Paul Sharma. Earlier, taking suo motu cognisance of the conduct of lawyers' associations in Kathua in the aftermath of the rape and murder incident, the Supreme Court on Friday observed that lawyers can't obstruct access to justice, according to media reports. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra issued notice to the Bar Council of India, Bar Association of Jammu High Court and Bar Association of Kathua court seeking their response, CNN News18 reported. The respondents have been asked to state their stand by April 19. It was hearing a petition filed by lawyer PV Dinesh seeking directions to the striking lawyers and the Bar Council of India to ensure that the rule of law prevails. On Monday, lawyers in Kathua had tried to block the filing of a chargesheet in the rape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua. The top court said it is impermissible under law and ethics to prevent the filing of a chargesheet or oppose the representation of the victims family by a lawyer. The SC bench said every party before any court is entitled to engage a lawyer and if advocates oppose this principle then it would be destructive of justice dispensation system. An eight-year-old girl from the Bakherwal community was abducted, raped and murdered in Rassana village in Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua district in January. The body of the girl was recovered on January, 17 a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. The incident has sent a shockwave across the country triggering a huge uproar. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have filed an FIR against the lawyers who tried to block the chargesheet. A bandh has been called in Jammu by lawyers as a protest against the filing of charge-sheets against the accused who had allegedly raped, mutilated and murdered an eight-year old girl in Kathua town of Jammu and Kashmir, media reports said. ammu Bar Association President, BS Salathia, has been quoted by NDTV, "We have called for a strike and have got support from many organisations. The crime branch team has officers from Kashmir who don't have a good track record. Therefore, we want a CBI inquiry." Meanwhile, the lawyers, who have been demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the case, had earlier stopped the police from filing charge-sheets against the accused. After six hours of ruckus, the police could register cases against the accused. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, said the police have handled the situation competently. New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): Amid massive protests nationwide demanding justice in Kathua and Unnao rape cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally broke his silence on Friday and said no criminal will be spared while ensuring justice. Speaking at the inauguration of a memorial for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Delhis Alipur Road, Modi said, "The kind of incidents we have witnessed in last few days are not desirable in any civilized society. The incidents that have been in discussion for the last two days are shameful." He assured the nation that justice will be done. "I want to assure the nation that no criminal will be spared and justice will be done. We all have to come together to stop these criminal acts happening in our society," said Modi. This comes on the same day when Congress President Rahul Gandhi questioned the 'silence' of Modi in the two alleged rape incidents in Kathua and Unnao. The incidents have left the nation shocked. Gandhi said his silence was 'unacceptable'. "Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting," Gandhi tweeted. Gandhi on Thursday midnight led a candlelight protest march against the rape incidents in Delhi. Several top Congress leaders joined the march. Asifa, the minor, was held captive by the accused at a temple and later she was raped, mutilated and murdered in Rassana village of Kathua months ago, crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir police stated. However, several lawyers had stopped the police from registering cases against the accused in the case. After six hours of ruckus, police could file the charge-sheets. In another case, BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been charged with raping a minor girl in Unnao town of the state. The St. Helena Rotary Club is a team of local leaders committed to serving the St. Helena and Greater Napa Valley community. Every year the club raises funds for local nonprofits. A highlight of the Rotarian fundraising year since 2016 has been a Kentucky Derby-themed party on Derby Day to benefit St. Helena Preschool for All. Kind of like a Super Bowl party has to be on Super Bowl Sunday, said Roxann Schaubhut, one of the creators of the event. This year, the Cameo Cinema is the venue for the event, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Tickets are $65 per person. Break out your best hat because there will be a contest for best hat and best male derby style. Bring your checkbook for the silent auction, and an appetite for the Southern food. Be prepared for a good time while you watch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. The first Derby party raised $12,000. The 2017 party raised $14,000 plus a Rotary member contributed an additional $4,500 after the party. This year, Jennifer Lamb and Herb Lamb Vineyards will provide a matching grant of $5,000. For the 2018 school year, St. Helena Preschool for All seeks to raise $100,000. That will provide about 20 scholarships. The average costs for a 10-month program is about $4,500. UN Photo/Loey Felipe New York, Apr 13 (IBNS): Amid the risks of the situation in Syria spiraling out of control, the United Nations chief has appealed to the five permanent members of the Security Council to break the current deadlock on reported use of chemical weapons in the war-torn country. I have also been closely following developments in the Security Council and regret that the Council has so far been unable to reach agreement on this issue, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement issued late Wednesday night. Let us not forget that, ultimately, our efforts must be about ending the terrible suffering of the Syrian people, he added. Mr. Guterres said that he called the ambassadors of the five permanent Council members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States on Wednesday to reiterate his deep concern about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control. On Tuesday, the 15-member body voted on three separate draft resolutions in response to recent allegations of a chemical weapons attack in the Syrian town of Douma. None of the texts garnered enough support. The first draft considered today penned by the United States which would have established a new investigative mechanism for one year, as well as identify those responsible for the use of chemical weapons, was rejected owing to a negative vote or veto from Russia. Similarly, a competing draft penned by Russia which would have established the mechanism for one year as well but would have given the Security Council the responsibility to assign accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, was also not adopted. The Council rejected a third text also proposed by Russia which concerned the work of the fact-finding mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997. Despite the deadlock in the Security Council, OPCW has said that it would shortly send a team to Syria to establish the facts surrounding the incident. On Wednesday, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said that it has received reports that an estimated 500 patients at Syrian health facilities have exhibited signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals, after the shelling of a Damascus suburb over the weekend. WHO has demanded immediate unhindered access to the area to provide care to those affected, to assess the health impacts, and to deliver a comprehensive public health response. New York, Apr 13 (IBNS): United Nations experts have urged Viet Nam not to crackdown on civil society or stifle dissent, after the authorities jailed several human rights defenders for conducting activities to overthrow the peoples government a charge that carries the possibility of the death sentence or life imprisonment. These activities have received rulings, with the founder of Brotherhood for Democracy, Nguyen Van Dai, sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of house arrest. The defenders have two weeks to appeal against the sentences. We are deeply concerned at the way these peaceful campaigners have been treated and in particular, over the use of Article 79 of the 1999 penal code of Viet Nam, which carries the possibility of the death sentence or life imprisonment, the experts said. Two human rights lawyers were arrested in 2015 while attempting to meet European Union delegates before an annual EU-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue. Another four activities were arrested in July 2017 amid a general crackdown on freedom of expression. Created in 2013, the Brotherhood for Democracy consists mostly of former jailed dissidents who set up an online group calling for democracy. The UN experts are particularly concerned that all six were held in pre-trial detention with very limited access to legal counsel, in a clear breach of international human rights standards, and that they were prosecuted in relation to their activities as human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists. In 2017, there was a substantial increase in the number of arrests and detentions of human rights defenders in Viet Nam. We urge the authorities not to crack down on civil society to muzzle dissenting voices and stifle the peoples rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association in violation of the countrys obligations under international human rights law, the experts stressed. The UN experts are Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Jose Antonio Guevara Bermudez, current Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; and David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Jean-Marc Ferre New York, Apr 13 (IBNS): The United Nations and its partners are urgently requesting $111 million in humanitarian funding to assist millions of people in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), including children whose growth has been stunted because they are not getting enough to eat. Humanitarian assistance is a vital lifeline for millions of ordinary people living in DPR Korea, UN Resident Coordinator in the north Asian country, Tapan Mishra, said Thursday. However, funding has been rapidly declining every year, with less than one-third of the amount required for humanitarian programmes raised in 2017, he added. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), amidst political tensions, chronic food insecurity, early childhood malnutrition and nutrition insecurity are widespread in DPRK. More than 10 million people, or 40 per cent of the DPRKs population, are believed to need humanitarian assistance. Insufficient intake of nutrition continues to be a serious concern with more than one-quarter of children stunted. OCHA cited many complex, intertwined reasons for the high rates of undernutrition in DPRK, including, mountainous terrain, with only 17 per cent of land good for cultivation, and farming largely reliant on traditional farming methods. Further, changing weather patterns have left the country vulnerable to droughts and floods, which often result in low agricultural production. People also struggle to access basic services, with a large portion of the population living without a reliable source of safe water and almost a quarter without basic sanitation facilities, contributing to serious health concerns. The Needs and Priorities Plan 2018, released on Wednesday in Pyongyang, outlines the financial needs to cover roughly six million people, including funding for activities to enhance access to nutritious food, healthcare, water and sanitation services, as well as to make communities resilient to natural disasters. Mishra said that last years programme reached more than six million people with aid. Yet, without adequate funding, agencies will be forced to scale-down their life-saving work, with serious impacts on the lives of ordinary people, he stressed. New York, Apr 13 (IBNS): With some 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians dying each year on the worlds roads, the United Nations took a major step to address this tragedy by launching on Thursday a trust fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. Speaking at the UN General Assembly where the launch was announced, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted the opportunities offered by the UN Road Safety Trust Fund. We have a chance to save the lives of millions of people around the world, and to prevent injuries, suffering and the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents, she said, urging all stakeholders to contribute to the Trust Fund and to step up their efforts to achieve global road safety targets. According to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Organizations development arm in the continent, which is also the secretariat for the Trust Fund, every $1,500 contributed to the Fund could save one life; prevent 10 serious injuries; and leverage $51,000 towards investments in road safety. The Road Safety Trust Fund will serve as a catalyst for much-needed progress towards the road safety targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, said Olga Algayerova, the head of UNECE. Dealing specifically with road safety, SDG targets 3.6 and 11.2 aim to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents; and to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems as well as improve road safety for all, respectively. [We] are committed to working with all stakeholders to multiply the impact of global action to improve road safety, added Algayerova. Echoing these words, Jean Todt, the President of the Federation Internationale de lAutomobile and the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, also underlined the importance scaling up of resources to achieve global road safety targets. [The Trust Fund] has the potential to galvanize our global efforts to address the road safety situation, building on the progress made and experience gained over the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, he expressed. The Trust Fund will support efforts along the five pillars of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety, which include strengthened road safety management capacities; improved safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks; enhanced safety of vehicles; improved behaviour of road users; and improved post-crash care. General Assembly urges effective measures to improve road safety Also today, the UN General Assembly the UN body with universal membership of all 193 Member States adopted a resolution on road safety in which it called for a host of measures to prevent road accidents and to minimizing the resulting damage. One of the measures, it urged, the adoption policies and measures to implement vehicle safety regulations to ensure that all new motor vehicles meet applicable minimum regulations for the protection of occupants and other road users, with seat belts, airbags and active safety systems fitted as standard equipment. UN News/Vibhu Mishra UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe New York, Apr 13 (IBNS): Young people are prime targets of extremist recruiters but they can also play leadership roles in fighting terrorism and creating greater opportunities for all, said speakers at a United Nations forum on Thursday called Investing in Youth to Counter Terrorism. I do not agree that young people are the leaders of tomorrow. More and more, they are the leaders of today, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the event. I thank all the young women and men who are stepping up and assuming those responsibilities, he added. Nearly half the worlds population 46 per cent is 24 years-old or younger, Guterres said. Africa and the Middle East have the highest proportions of young people. The radicalization of young people is a source of deep concern in rich and poor countries alike, as poisonous ideas flow across borders at the touch of a button or the tap of a tweet. Terrorist groups exploit social, economic and political injustices to entice young people through false propaganda that glorifies distorted ideologies, while unscrupulous recruiters using social media to lure unsuspecting teenagers down dangerous roads. Guterres observed that violent extremist groups target and invest in young people because they are aware of their potential and their strong desire for change. For her part, the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake, asserted, the fact is, the vast majority of youth are peaceful, and are not in danger of participating in violence. On the contrary, she continued, young peoples resilience is transforming local communities while combating extremist movements. Discussions at the event at UN Headquarters in New York centered on meeting the needs of youth at risk of disempowerment and alienation making them susceptible to extremist narratives and recruitment. If we are serious about prevention, and particularly about preventing conflict, we need to be serious about engaging with and investing in young women and men, underscored the UN chief. We need their involvement and commitment, if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), take effective action on climate change, and create a safer and more peaceful world, he continued. Both the Security Council and the General Assembly have also recognized the importance of engaging youth, and continue seeking ways for their inclusive representation in decision-making in local, national, regional and international institutions. A place at the table An overarching theme of Thursdays meeting was the need to include young people in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, including violent extremism. In calling for the engagement of young people, Guterres described their main needs as: Education, jobs, and vocational training. Investment, interest, role models and goals. Meaningful participation in decisions that affect them. He emphasized that youth have a voice and a place at the table, adding: More than that, we must be prepared to go to their table, sit down and listen. The joint event was sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Norway and Pakistan and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). That office assists Member States in strengthening their capacities to combat terrorism and ensures that counter-terrorism remains a priority across the Organization, in accordance with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. London, Apr 13 (IBNS): The British Cabinet has decided that 'action' is needed to be taken in Syria to "deter the further use of chemical weapons", Downing Street said. In an official statement, Downing Street said British Prime Minister Theresa May said it was a shocking and barbaric act which killed up to 75 people, including children, in the most appalling and inhumane way. "Cabinet agreed that the Assad regime has a track record of the use of chemical weapons and it is highly likely that the regime is responsible for Saturdays attack," said the statement. Following a discussion, Cabinet agreed it was vital that the 'use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged'. The statement further said: "Cabinet agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime." "Cabinet agreed the Prime Minister should continue to work with allies in the United States and France to coordinate an international response," it said. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it has received reports that an estimated 500 patients at Syrian health facilities have exhibited signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals, after the shelling of a Damascus suburb over the weekend. We should all be outraged at these horrific reports and images from Douma, Peter Salama, WHO Deputy Director-General for Emergency Preparedness and Response said, referreing to reports from the agencys health cluster partners a WHO-led team of 118 national and international nongovernmental organizations, UN agencies, national authorities and donors working inside Syria to provide emergency and trauma care, as well as basic health services. According to those reports, patients at health facilities displayed signs of severe irritation of mucous membranes, respiratory failure and disruption to central nervous systems. More than 70 people sheltering in basements have reportedly died, including 43 with symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals. Two health facilities were also reportedly affected by these attacks. These detailed reports from WHOs partners come as the UN Security Council tried and failed on Tuesday to adopt two competing resolutions that would have established a mechanism to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria, as well as another resolution concerning a fact-finding mission in the war-torn country. Despite the deadlock in the Security Council, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the body which investigates allegations of such attacks said yesterday that it would shortly send a team to Syria to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed his outrage at reports that civilians in the enclave are being targeted by toxic agents, saying that any confirmed use of chemical weapons, by any party to the conflict, is abhorrent and a clear violation of international law. WHO meanwhile has demanded immediate unhindered access to the area to provide care to those affected, to assess the health impacts, and to deliver a comprehensive public health response. Since 2012 there have been sporadic reports of chemical events in Syria. Image: UN website Stockholm, Apr 13 (IBNS): Sara Danius, the head of Swedish Academy, the body responsible for awarding the prestigious Noble Prize in Literature, has stepped down from her post, over a failed handling of a sexual misconduct case, reports said. "It has already affected the Nobel Prize quite severely and that is quite a big problem," she told reporters on Thursday. "It was the wish of the Academy that I should leave my role as Permanent Secretary. "I have made this decision with immediate effect," she added. At least 18 woman have made allegations of sexual abuse against Jean-Claude Arnault, husband of Academy member Katarina Frostenson. Arnault has pleaded not guilty. The women came forward with the allegations in November last year, after #MeToo campaign swept Hollywood. Last week, three Academy members, Klas Ostergren, Kjell Espmark and Peter Englund, stepped down from the panel after it decided against removing Frostenson from the panel. However, the body has severed all ties with Arnault, who runs a cultural centre in Stockholm. Image: Mastad/Wikipedia Moscow/Washington: Russia has warned the US over launching air strikes in Syria, saying that it could trigger a war between the two countries. The warning came after US said that it is planning to strike Syria in response to the alleged chemical attack in Damascus earlier this month, which killed dozens. Reports quoted White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders as saying that 'all options are on the table'. However, she said that when it will take place has not yet been finalised. Reacting to the threats, Russia, an important ally of Syria, accused Washington of disrupting international peace. "The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Thursday. Russia's military head has warned that Moscow will target US sites if the latter puts the former's personnel at risk. Meanwhile, in a self-crediting gesture, US President Donald Trump tweeted, "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?'" Contrary to the US' accusations, the Syrian government has rejected all claims, stating that it wasn't behind the attack. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will send experts to Syria, who will start an investigation on Saturday. Joint Western front The US, France and the UK have reportedly backed the former's plan of striking Syria, in response to the alleged chemical attack. France's President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that his soldiers will target Syrian chemical factories. "Our decision will not target allies of the regime or attack anyone but rather attack the regime's chemical capabilities," Macron told a joint news conference with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris. "We will continue sharing technical and strategic information with our partners, particularly with the United Kingdom and the United States. And in the coming days, we will announce our decision," he added. US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to warn Russia. "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" his tweet read. Saudi participation possible During his recent visit to France, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told reporters that Saudi Arabia could strike Damascus if the need arises. Asked if his country will intervene in the growing Middle Eastern crisis, he said, "If our alliance with our partners demands it, we will be present." Unlike his father's conservative approach, Prince Salman, also known as MBS, has been open about reforms. Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has experienced better ties with Israel and has edged past Iran in a number of important areas, including women rights. Russia's dilapidated diplomacy with the West In recent times, commentators have said that Russia's diplomatic ties with the West have worsened. It first emerged after the nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, which took place in UK's Salisbury region. In response, the UK asked 23 Russian diplomats to leave its nation. What followed was an exodus of Russia diplomats from over 20 countries. The US expelled 60 Russian diplomats. Russia retaliated, expelling the same number of US diplomats from the country. Diplomats from the UK too were expelled by Moscow. Image: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe New York, Apr 13 (IBNS): In 2017, about 58,000 Afghan refugees voluntarily returned to their country after decades aboard only to be met with protection risks and significant barriers to long-term reintegration into society, two United Nations agencies working in the Asian country reported on Thursday. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that despite efforts to support those coming back, the greatest challenge lies in a comprehensive, community-wide response that leaves no one behind. In spite of the inherent challenges of returning home after many decades abroad, IOM and UNHCR are working hand in hand to ensure sustainable solutions are provided to returning Afghans, said Laurence Hart, the head of IOM operations in the country. [We] work together to complement each others efforts in areas of high return, with partners and the Government, for greater efficiency and to ensure support to those communities to mitigate protection risks, added Fathiaa Abdalla, the head of the UNHCR office in Afghanistan. Each year, registered Afghan refugees and undocumented Afghans make the decision to return home from Iran and Pakistan, in spite of the difficult situation in Afghanistan. Since 2002, more than 5.24 million registered Afghan refugees have returned more than 58,000 in 2017, according to a new, first of its kind, joint IOM-UNHCR report. Given the scope of the ongoing conflict, high levels of internal displacement, already overstretched services and difficulty finding jobs, returning Afghans face protection risks and significant barriers to sustainable reintegration, said the two UN agencies. UNHCR and IOM have been collaborating closely in the country to assist the returning refugees and undocumented migrants. Together with the Government, they have also been actively coordinating the provision of humanitarian post-arrival and reintegration assistance. With estimates that 280,000 registered refugees and 420,000 undocumented Afghans expected to return in 2018, the two agencies are harmonizing their operations, in particular related to monitoring, reporting and analysis and developing key indicators for displacement and mobility tracking. These estimates depend on a number of factors, including the situation in places of return as well as countries where the refugees and undocumented persons are staying in. UNHCR/Insiya Syed New York, Apr 13 (IBNS): Armed conflict in Afghanistan killed 763 civilians and injured 1,495 in the first three months of this year, the United Nations mission there said Thursday. All parties to the conflict in Afghanistan must do everything in their power to protect civilians from harm, said Ingrid Hayden, the Secretary-Generals Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan. Afghan civilians continue to suffer, caught in the conflict, in ways that are preventable; this must stop now. The 2,258 civilian casualties, documented from 1 January to 31 March by the UN Assistance Mission in the country, known as UNAMA, are at the similar levels recorded in the first three months of 2017 and 2016. Anti-Government elements caused 1,500 civilian casualties, up six per cent from the same period last year. Suicide improvised explosive devices (IED) and complex attacks were the leading cause of civilian casualties a new trend. The Mission found that combats on the ground were the second leading cause, followed by targeted and deliberate killings, explosive remnants of war, and aerial operations. UNAMA / Fraidoon Poya Clase Azul Spirits' is marking its 20th anniversary with special edition, hand-made bottle of their tequila. All of the Clase Azul Spirits bottles, however, could be called special. Each takes takes two weeks each to create and paint, and no two are alike. Inside the bottles is a blend of reposado 100 percent blue agave tequila, aged four months in reclaimed bourbon barrels, then aged an additional four months in reclaimed sherry casks, which blends a special mix from Pedro Ximenez, Oloroso and Amontillado casks. And, according to a press release, when the luxurious Clase Azul tequila is gone, an enterprising person "can get the toolbox out and turn it into a lamp, candle holder, a set of sipping glasses, or a vase for flowers. Another magical feature, the top of the bottle is a bell, keeping the magic inside the bottle." Prices range from $79.99-$1,799. A special collection, a Traves del Tiempo retails for $450,000, and the Causa Azul Foundation donates a portion of the sales to the support of Mexican artists and artisans, providing them with training, equipment for their studios and supplies to as well as the means to take their artworks to exhibition sites. Kabul, Apr 13 (IBNS): At least 10 security officials have been killed in a Taliban attack in Herat province of Afghanistan, local media reports said. The incident took place on Thursday night at the province's Shindand district. Confirming the report, Shindand District Governor Shukrullah Shaker said the attack took place in Larzanak area of the district. Shaker said that a number of officials were killed after a Public Order Police vehicle stepped on a roadside mine. The militants also shelled rockets on the soldiers, killing them. However, Tolo News quoted sources as saying that the death toll was more than 10. The Taliban has not yet commented on the report so far. Earlier this week, at least six people were killed in the same district after a explosive laden cart was detonated by militants. Washington, Apr 13 (IBNS): Days after alleged chemical attack left 70 people killed in Douma, US President Donald Trump has said decision on action on Syria will be made 'fairy soon', media reports said. Trump was quoted as saying by BBC that he and his team were looking "very, very seriously" at the situation in the country. The British Cabinet has decided that 'action' is needed to be taken in Syria to "deter the further use of chemical weapons", Downing Street said. In an official statement, Downing Street said British Prime Minister Theresa May said it was a shocking and barbaric act which killed up to 75 people, including children, in the most appalling and inhumane way. "Cabinet agreed that the Assad regime has a track record of the use of chemical weapons and it is highly likely that the regime is responsible for Saturdays attack," said the statement. Following a discussion, Cabinet agreed it was vital that the 'use of chemical weapons did not go unchallenged'. The statement further said: "Cabinet agreed on the need to take action to alleviate humanitarian distress and to deter the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime." "Cabinet agreed the Prime Minister should continue to work with allies in the United States and France to coordinate an international response," it said. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it has received reports that an estimated 500 patients at Syrian health facilities have exhibited signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals, after the shelling of a Damascus suburb over the weekend. We should all be outraged at these horrific reports and images from Douma, Peter Salama, WHO Deputy Director-General for Emergency Preparedness and Response said, referreing to reports from the agencys health cluster partners a WHO-led team of 118 national and international nongovernmental organizations, UN agencies, national authorities and donors working inside Syria to provide emergency and trauma care, as well as basic health services. According to those reports, patients at health facilities displayed signs of severe irritation of mucous membranes, respiratory failure and disruption to central nervous systems. More than 70 people sheltering in basements have reportedly died, including 43 with symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals. Two health facilities were also reportedly affected by these attacks. These detailed reports from WHOs partners come as the UN Security Council tried and failed on Tuesday to adopt two competing resolutions that would have established a mechanism to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria, as well as another resolution concerning a fact-finding mission in the war-torn country. Despite the deadlock in the Security Council, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the body which investigates allegations of such attacks said yesterday that it would shortly send a team to Syria to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed his outrage at reports that civilians in the enclave are being targeted by toxic agents, saying that any confirmed use of chemical weapons, by any party to the conflict, is abhorrent and a clear violation of international law. WHO meanwhile has demanded immediate unhindered access to the area to provide care to those affected, to assess the health impacts, and to deliver a comprehensive public health response. Since 2012 there have been sporadic reports of chemical events in Syria. Image: UN website Quebec City, Apr 13 (IBNS): Quebec teen, who wants to become a police officer, has started the debate over the wearing of hijab (a veil) while on duty, media reports said. Sondos Lamrhari, 17, told a newspaper that she hopes to wear hijab while on duty if she becomes a police officer. Quebec Justice minister Stephanie Vallee told reporters that she "applauded" the choice of Sondos. However the opposition parties disagree. The opposition parties question the importance of wearing hijab while on duty. They believe religious head coverings have no place in police uniform. CAQ member Genevie Guilbault said no one should be allowed to wear any religious symbols while holding on to a position. Agnes Maltais, the PQs secularism critic told CTV News that when one approaches a police officer, he looks for neutrality. "Welcome to women, [and] welcome to people from elsewhere but everybody must play by the same rules" she told CTV Montreal. The debate over the wearing of hijab seems to take a lead in the election, which will be held six months later. "Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. 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The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others. Rosie Ginday, a famous Indian-origin chef has been extended an invitation to attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming wedding at Windsor Castle next month. Ginday is among 1,200 members of the public to be invited to the wedding that will take place on May 19. missmacaroon.co.uk Also read: Royal Couple Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Will Invite 2,640 General People To Their Wedding Born in the UK to Punjabi parents, Ginday is the founder of 'Miss Macaroon' - a business that makes and sells macaroons and also uses the profits for creating employment training opportunities for the youth. Her company's 'Macaroons that Make A Difference (MacsMAD)' training courses empower long-term unemployed youth to build their confidence and talents to become employment-ready. After the training, the young people graduate from the eight-week course, equipped with a five-year plan, an up-to-date CV, extensive interview practice, industry contacts and help to apply for jobs, reports PTI. twitter/@RosieGinday The marrying royals visited the Birmingham-based enterprise last month where they also got to taste the macaroons. "It's really exciting to receive this invitation and be acknowledged in this way. They are using the occasion to shine a light on organisations working to improve their communities, which is fantastic," said Ginday. afp/getty Also read: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Got Engaged Over Roast Chicken And It's The Cutest Ever Proposal She is looking forward to taking some of her macaroons to share with guests at a picnic that is planned on the wedding day. Ginday was beyond happy to receive a royal envelope inviting her to the royal wedding. And we can't help but feel really happy for her to be recognised for the amazing work she is doing. Scholium Project Prince in His Caves Farina Vineyards 2006 Abe Schoener is a leader in a maverick movement of California winemakers that started in the late-2000s. Schoener had been working Napa at a highly conservative and traditional winery, a place he described as the Acme of the wine world. He noted that the key was to stay within the lines. Everything seemed to b the same recipe per grape. So, Schoener wondered, what would happen if you work with the best people, the best vineyards and excellent terroir and if you are precise and intuitive about your harvest decisions, but you vary in every other way? Scholium Project was born. It looked at California wine and asked why we did it that way. The Scholium Project Prince in His Caves Farina Vineyards 2006 is a Sauvignon Blanc that was skin-fermented for 30 days. The wine takes a different look at Sauvignon Blanc and is a different flavor profile than typically in Napa. It is new, different and a change to what we know, but it references winemaking styles in old world, in places like Northern Italy and Slovenia. As Ray Isle said, You may like the wine, you may not like it, but it makes you think. Recently, a photo of Imran Khan depicted as the Hindu God, Lord Shiva, was posted to a fan page on Facebook. Following its virality on social media, the photo caused outrage among the Hindu community in Pakistan. Now, the matter is allegedly being discussed in the Pakistani parliament. facebook Also read: A Day After Marriage, Legal Trouble For Imran Khan, Probe Against Misuse Of Govt Helicopter Resumes Khan's PTI party members accused Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) of circulating the offensive photo on social media, reported BBC. In the parliament, opposition party PPP's leader Ramesh Lal reportedly accused the ruling party of hurting Hindu sentiments while citing that it went against the country's Constitution. The morphed photo was captioned on Facebook as 'We Love Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif and PML(N)' and was reportedly meant for the supporters of Nawaz Sharif and his party. Many people took to Twitter to slam the photo and demanded strict action to be taken against the Facebook page. If we are equal citizen in pakistan so what is this ? This is not in islam that. We want to take action against this. We are Pakistanis but first we are hindu. I requested to @AsimBajwaISPR @MaryamNSharif @ImranKhanPTI to take action ageist this facebook page pic.twitter.com/eQBEMHe3O1 Kaidar Nath (@NathKAidar) April 11, 2018 Also read: Imran Khan, The Man Who Led Pakistan To Victory In The 1992 World Cup, Denies Having Married A Third Time According to BBC, the Parliament in Pakistan has now ordered the Federal Investigation Agency to investigate the matter. The Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has also reportedly ordered Home Minister Tallal Chaudry to submit a report. Arunoday Singh is an actor who has got recognition for every big or small film. He may not be a popular star, but is the conventional actor we have in B-town. Right now, the actor is basking compliments for his negative role in Irrfan Khans Blackmail. Twitter The actor plays the role of a lover boy who has an extramarital affair with Kirti Kulhari. Arunoday is supremely enjoying all the compliments, but doesnt like to read reviews about himself, I am enjoying the response from the people I know, I genuinely dont read the reviews, but my wife reads it and she said the reviews are good. Twitter When asked why he doesnt like to read reviews, he honestly replied, I am hyper-critical, very sensitive and I just prefer not to read other peoples criticism about my work thats not constructive." Arunoday has been in Bollywood for almost 9 years now, he made his debut with Sikandar(2009). When asked the actor whether he is happy the way his career has shaped off, he answered, I am very proud of myself. It wasnt always easy, I could have given up many many times, but I didnt and so I am grateful to a journey because it made me a better man, I know it sounds cliche, but if I have gotten successful very early, I dont think I would be the man I am today, I quite like the man I am today. Twitter The actor further explains why he didnt become successful despite having the talent, I was very ignorant and didnt know how the networking works. In another way, I am a little reserved and I cant keep pushing people to cast me in their films, I cant constantly meet the directors and remind them to cast me. Also, I was not fully matured when I was in the business, so I think I limited myself in that way. Twitter But today, he says he is confident about himself to do any kind of films and roles, Today, I have the conviction to tell people that I am good enough, now the question is whether they will cast me or not. I dont have to question my ability to deliver because I know I can, you give me a role and I promise I will deliver, there is no pressure on me, I have become little easier on myself. Arunoday is a completely different personality from his films. You read my poems and you exactly know how I am. If I wrote the films, it would show who I am. I am acting in somebody elses film and living somebody elses character, so its a compliment to me when you say that I am not the person what I am in my films, thats my job. But in my poetry and in my life, of course, I am myself, as I person, I would describe myself grounded. Right now, the biggest debate in the film industry is about casting couch, be it Hollywood, Bollywood or south, many actors have come open and spoke about it, Arunoday too had his share to tell us, I think the idea of casting couch is a terrible sign of power and its shameful. If it has happened with somebody they have the right to talk. This kind of behaviour is not accepted and not allowed and one has to be punished. But in my case, I dont think people will dare to ask me because I am very large, I dont think they will feel safe to ask me. Nobody has ever tried to put me on the couch, because they know I can hit that couch on them. Well, we cannot agree more. Twitter Remembering his initial days in Bollywood he said, My initial time was very easy in Bollywood. I came to Bombay after I finished my studies in New York, I worked there in few of the films, but it was very small roles, nothing to brag about. The visas were very expensive there; I didnt have much money to stay there. SO I came back to India and do some odd jobs and go back, then my mother said there are a lot of interesting stuff in Bombay and why dont you go and audition. So I came stayed in a PG and met Sudhir Mishra, where he asked me to audition for his small film and I got that role. I am actually very fortunate despite being an outsider. This, of course, lead us to ask him about nepotism, I think people should take life as it is, not like the wishes to be. And I think life is not fair and it is not supposed to be, you are not supposed to get comfortable. Whether there is nepotism or not nepotism, everybody has to face difficulties. Its not easy to be a star kid, as they have to handle the set of pressure of peoples expectations, while its not easy to be an outsider as they are nobody and will have to start from the scratch its difficult on both sides. Twitter Before ending the interview, we asked what keeps him going everyday he signs off saying, Just the thought that I am not done yet, this is not enough, I want more. We all know about the brutal rape and murder of the 8-year-old girl in Jammu's Kathua. The nomadic girl had gone missing from Kathua district last month and her body was recovered from the Rassana forest on January 17, a week after. The minor, identified as Asifa, was gangraped thrice inside a temple. Yes, you read it right. The same temple where we pray our Goddesses... What is more shocking is the fact that one of the rapist was called from Meerut to satisfy his lust and not only him but also the officer who was investigating the case raped her. Politicians have finally reacted to the crime. Here's what they had to say: People have condemned the heinous act which is beyond the realm of description and politicians too have shown empathy for the family and the poor child who was indeed failed by humanity. But the shocking side of the story is that, despite police arresting the accused, the case has been given a communal colour and the poor child is being denied justice. Lawyers in Jammu recently protested against the arrest of the accused. How can anyone protect the culprits of such evil? What happened to Asifa at #Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished. What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child? Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 12, 2018 It's unspeakable, so I have retweeted others who expressed my outrage better. Sometimes there are no adequate words. The sheer horror of it stuns one into silence. https://t.co/VpRshIpzfQ Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 11, 2018 Has India failed in ensuring justice to its rape victim daughters? This question is lingering in the minds of all thinking citizens of the country. You must be watching and reading news about what is happening in India after two gang rape cases have rocked the nation. In Unnao a woman was allegedly raped by BJP MLA, while her father who went to file the complaint was brutally beaten by his supporters, leading to his death. The second is the cardinal sin that tainted Jammu where an 8-year-old Muslim girl was kidnapped, gang-raped for days and later killed and thrown on the streets by goons. What is more disturbing is the fact that both cases, besides being brutal in nature, is a result of sheer power exercised by the influential people in the society. It is an outcome of the thought process that nobody can touch a 'well connected' person even if he is involved in the most heinous crime humanity has ever seen. Moreover, the selective outrage of the people is always adding to the frustration as it took days and months in two respective cases for the people to wake up and realise how humanity was muzzled in their neighbourhood. Police have arrested eight men, including a retired government official, four police officers and a juvenile in connection with minor's death. This is the 8-year-old Asifa, who was held captive in a Hindu temple for a week, where she was drugged, raped multiple times, and then murdered, with the express purpose of instilling fear in the Muslim community of Jammu and driving them out.#JusticeForAsifa pic.twitter.com/ulRjsLjZ1G Zeeshan Khan (@IbnKhayyam) April 9, 2018 People may be angry, and rightly so. But there are certain realities in India that show how India has failed its daughters. 1. Political patronage and religious hatred justify the crimes The lawyers in Jammu shouting Jai Shri Ram in support of the accused who repeatedly raped Asifa inside a temple premises for days and later killed her show that religious hatred has seeped deep into people psychology and has blinded their humane side. Its beyond shameful that just because the little girl was a Muslim, the accused can be shielded in the name of religion. The system may succeed in shielding the accused as the right wing politics and the system having hand in glove, but Lord Ram must not spare the perpetrators of this cardinal sin. Watch how brutally Unnao rape victim's father was beaten. Look at the horrific injuries on his body. Hear him speak why was he beaten and who were the people involved. But the BJP continues to defend its MLA who is accused of rape. This is #RakshasRaj in UP. #BhajpaSeBetiBachao pic.twitter.com/cBk6sTlypT Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) April 11, 2018 Unnao is no different and there too a daughters sanctity has been tarnished and when her father protested, he too was silenced and allegedly killed by the system itself. Kuldeep Singh Sengar, an upper caste MLA from the BJP ruling the state hasnt been even booked till now and DGP Police, UP was heard saying Manniye Vidayak Ji while addressing him which show the political patronage has already superseded the constitution and justice. I appeal to CM Yogi Adityanath to provide me justice. The DM has confined me to a hotel room, they are not even serving me water. I just want the culprit to be punished: Unnao rape victim pic.twitter.com/swZkXRk7O3 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 11, 2018 The apathy, shown by the system led by BJP and CM Yogi Adityanath in shielding its MLA show that justice is the current the most endangered thing in India. 2. Failure of the government to save party politics The fate of both the cases is likely to get determined by the Right-wing politics. The woman in Unnao has been running from pillar to post for a year now telling that she had been raped, but look, even an FIR was filed ten months later. Her father protested, but the accused made sure that he does not remain alive to take the case further. 3. 'Us versus them' is dividing the nation like never before Our forefathers never fought for independence to see that day where different religious communities are fighting each other and not even sparing the kids. How can people pick up young girls to teach the other community a lesson? This is what apparently happened in Kathua, where, according to reports the girl was raped to instil fear in the minds of a particular community so that they leave the area. This is the last thing that India wants. It wants all its citizens to live together. Similarly, the rape victim's father became an enemy in Unnao. People supporting the accused MLA tried to teach him a lesson and keep him quiet. 4 Beti Bachao appears to be a warning and not a slogan Representational Image Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is the key slogan PM Modi gave to the nation while promising full support to the daughters of India. The two cases show how the leaders who invoke these slogans forget them when their colleagues are found involved in wrongdoings. Whether it's Asifa or the woman in Unnao, the miscarriage of justice will keep happening unless the safety of women is taken as a priority superseding all petty concerns like caste, creed, religion and even political and financial clouts of the people. We hope that the government would ensure the safety of women in the country and the judiciary would ensure that those who rob the women of their modesty get severe punishment. Boeing, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems have come together to manufacture Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter planes in India. An agreement for the project was signed at the defence expo -- DefExpo 2018 -- here on Thursday. Pratyush Kumar, president of Boeing India said, "A new state-of-the-art facility will be set up at HAL in Bengaluru to manufacture the planes and also the next generation Hornet's as per the agreement." The production facility can also be used for other programmes like India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. He said, "The partnership with HAL and Mahindra will enable us to optimise the full potential of public and private sector to deliver next generation fighter planes. afp Together we can deliver an affordable, combat proven fighter platform for India, while adding growth to the Indian aerospace ecosystem." Through the agreement, Boeing has teamed up with HAL which is the only company in India that makes fighter planes and Mahindra is the country's only company that makes commercial planes. Detailing about the partnership, he said, "We talked to more than 400 suppliers and realised that it has to have the best offering from India. Suggestions were taken from the ministry of defence and think tanks. So public private partnership was considered a reliable avenue ." afp S P Shukla, group president, Aerospace and Defence, Mahindra Group and chairman of Mahindra Defence Systems, said: "As one of the largest private sector defence companies, we look forward to support the modernisation of our armed forces and achieving economics of scale in the aerospace and defence sector. The relationship with HAL goes back several years and we have tested our first seven-seater plane at the facility." Small passenger planes made by Mahindra is being used in 31 countries. T Suvarna Raju, chairman and managing director, HAL, said the partnership with Boeing and Mahindra Defence Systems would create an opportunity to develop capabilities of the aerospace industry and strengthen indigenous platforms in India and contribute to the Make in India initiative. The future production would also involve indigenisation content and producing the fighter plane for India. bccl Raju said the agreement for making F/A18 planes would not infringe into the availability of space for HAL in Bengaluru which was planning to step up its Light Combat Aircraft project. As the most advanced and least expensive aircraft per flight hour, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will deliver on Indias need for a carrier and land based multi-role fighter. The Super Hornet not only have a low acquisition cost, but it also costs less per flight hour to operate than any other tactical aircraft in US forces inventory. And with a plan for constant innovation, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will outpace threats and bolster defence capabilities of India. afp The Super Hornet has a long life ahead, with the US Navy making significant investments in the latest evolution, the Block III. Key features of the US Navy Block III. Super Hornet include enhanced network capability, longer range and low-drag with additional fuel tanks, long-range detection with infrared search and track and enhanced situational awareness with a new advanced cockpit system. In a shocking revelation, it has come out that almost all students with speech and hearing disabilities have been sexually molested at Karjat boarding school in Mumbai. According to Mumbai Mirror, two complaints were filed against the caretaker of the school, but the investigation revealed the majority of the children have faced the sexual harassment. The police are in the process of recording the statements of more students. We have so far recorded the statements of seven girls. They are all in the age group of 6 to 13, said Sunita Tanawade, senior inspector of Karjat police station. The police have roped in a sign language interpreter from Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities to get help in the investigation. On Wednesday, the statement of the two victims were recorded along with statements of their mothers and one witness who is a school employee. The girls are able to communicate everything through sign language. Recording one statement takes about three hours as the interpreter first understands them and then tells us. With more victims coming forward, we will add their names to the case. Almost every girl [at the school] was molested, said Tanawade. As per the police, the caretaker assaulted students on several occasions. A few days ago, the two victims named in the case aged 7 and 10 were able to pick out the caretaker from an identification parade, the police said. The investigation has also revealed that the accused had vaginal and anal sex with the victims and police said that he even recorded girls having bath or attending natures call as bathroom didnt have windowpanes. The police said medical examination of the younger victim showed injuries to the hymen. The school authorities have refused to say anything about the crime which has been taking place for months. The school has 40 students, but only eight girls and nine boys stayed as boarders. Students on the rolls are from nearby villages of Karjat and a little farther away. Most parents work as domestic help. The sexual abuse came to fore when students went home for a longer weekend starting March 28. The last sexual assault was on March 27. Police registered a case under section 376 (2) (rape in the custody of a public servant), 377 (unnatural rape), 354 (molestation) of the IPC, and relevant sections of the POCSO Act as well as the Juvenile Justice Act in March 30. He was arrested and sent to judicial custody. The principal and the superintendent of the school were also subsequently arrested, but got bail. Kathua rape case is a twisted story of how disgusting the minds of men in India have become. Luckily, the investigation was carried out by extremely professional officers of the state Crime Branch, who are fearless and transparent. A professional team led by Ramesh Kumar Jalla, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch, carried out the investigation. The Citizen reported that their team had been following the case ever since Asifa was abducted and killed about three months ago, and said that the officer refused to come under any kind of political pressure. Jalla, a Kashmiri Pandit from Srinagar, refused to come under the pressure, and carried out a thorough probe with many arrests, despite protests from some ministers. Jalla and his team uncovered the brutal story of of how the little Asifa was abducted, taken and confined in a temple, raped repeatedly, burnt and tortured, and finally killed. The team of police forces has been firm through the tense months in Jammu and Kashmir. Jalla also has been instrumental in exposing the Hindutva lot who had abducted Asifa to teach the nomadic tribes a lesson, to strike fear amongst the Muslim community and to ensure that her death becomes an example that would deter the nomads from coming down to the Jammu region, reported The Citizen. Jalla was given the space because of the support of the PDP faction of the government with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who promised justice to the girl and her family. The police team and the Crime Branch in particular remained under severe pressure from the right wing forces that dominate Jammu, making it tougher to find the truth and bringing it in the public domain. Choudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, two of the ministers who participated in the Hindu Ekta Manch rally demanding the release of the policemen were actually among the first to be arrested by Jallas team. The lawyers protest more recently tried to block the chargesheet from being filed, but the police team that could do little at that time, returned later to ensure that the document was filed. The chargesheet has clarified the disgusting motives of the rapists that they wanted to make the nomads flee the area dominated by Hindus. The 8-year-old was drugged and raped several times inside the temple, with the alleged mastermind Sanji Ram performing rituals on the little girl. Jalla was assisted by a young police officer Naveed Peerzada, a Muslim officer. Investigating meticulously, startling facts came to light that had escaped the police's initial attempts. Jalla is one officer who proves that the faith in Indian democracy remains strong because of people like him on duty. India Gate was flooded with thousands of protesters holding candles and placards reading Rapists Quit India after the shocking rape and murder case of Asifa Bano in Kathua, J&K and Unnao rape case came to light. Phaansi do, shrieked the protesters unanimously at the protest march. People, infuriated with the lackadaisical approach of the government towards handling the two cases and failure to ensure safety of women in the country, raised slogans against the government and demanded resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Protesters demanding a CBI inquiry in to the rape cases/Shweta Sengar/Indiatimes Congress President Rahul Gandhi led the peaceful protest march to India Gate. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra, Robert Vadra and other senior Congress leaders joined the protest. Protesters at India Gate/Shweta Sengar/Indiatimes Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice, Gandhi tweeted. Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 12, 2018 Protesters demanded justice for the eight-year-old victim in Kathua gangrape and murder case and rape of a teenager in Unnao, in which BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar is the prime accused. Rapists Quits India/Shweta Sengar/Indiatimes At India Gate, Gandhi told reporters that this was a national issue, not a political matter. He added, Wherever we see, women and children are getting raped and murdered. We want the government to act. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led governments Beti Bachao (Save the girl child) slogan was a good step, but we are telling Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should get down to the job and implement it. This was perhaps the most widespread outrage being witnessed over rape cases since the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case. candlelight vigil at India Gate/Shweta Sengar/Indiatimes The prime minister has so far been silent on the Kathua rape and murder case, which has become extremely sensitive over the support that the accused have received from Hindu outfits. The Hindu groups even tried to prevent a chargesheet being filed in the matter. Global warming is as real as it can get. The results of this are expansion of deserts, melting of glaciers, and severe water crises in certain parts of the world. The US-based environmental organisation is working with Deltares, the Dutch government and other partners to build a water and security early warning system that aims to anticipate social instability, economic damage and cross-border migration. reuters In a recent finding, a new early warning satellite system has revealed that India along with Spain, Morocco and Iraq faces the risk of shrinking reservoirs that can lead to taps going dry. It has highlighted poor rains in 2017 to show the shrinking of the Indira Sagar dam in Madhya Pradesh and the Sardar Sarovar reservoir in Gujarat that supplies drinking water to millions, reported IANS. About a dozen other countries face similar situation from rising demand, mismanagement and climate change, said the World Resources Institute (WRI). According to the developers of a satellite early warning system for the world's 500,000 dams, some of these reservoirs shrinking in size could spark the next "day zero" water crisis, the Guardian reported on Thursday. reuters Cape Town grabbed headlines on "day zero". It launched a countdown to the day when taps would be cut off to millions of residents as a result of a three-year drought. Drastic conservation measures have forestalled that moment in South Africa. A prototype is due to be rolled out later in 2018, but a snapshot was unveiled on Wednesday that highlighted four of the worst-affected dams and the potential knock-on risks. reuters Tensions have been apparent in India over the water allocations for two reservoirs connected by the Narmada river. Poor rains last year left the upstream Indira Sagar dam a third below its seasonal average. When some of this shortfall was passed on to the downstream Sardar Sarovar reservoir, it caused an uproar because the latter is a drinking supply for 30 million people. Last month, the Gujarat government halted irrigation and appealed to farmers not to sow crops, IANS reported. WRI expects more such cases to emerge as all the dams are in the mid-latitudes, the geographic bands on either side of the tropics where climate change is expected to make droughts more frequent and protracted. Instagram seems to be taking a cue from parent company Facebook; its building its own tool to let you download your data. In confirmation to Techcrunch, the image sharing platform said its building a data portability tool thatll let users download a copy of everything theyve ever shared on the platform. This tool could let Instagram users find out just how much personal data theyve surrendered to the platform over the years. Its an important step for the company, after Facebook has come under fire for its lax data privacy regulations in the blowback from the Cambridge Analytica scandal. But dont get it wrong, this isnt exactly a gesture of good faith from Facebook-owned Instagram. Its also a requirement for Facebook to be in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU. This piece of legislation will come into effect across Europe on May 15. Facebook is alerting users affected by Cambridge Analytica privacy disaster It requires user data on tech company servers in the EU to be portable, and to not exit Europe. More importantly, it also requires that tech companies comply when users invoke their right to be forgotten, ie when they ask that their personal data be purged from servers. In fact, in his second senate committee hearing in the US yesterday, Zuckerberg confirmed Facebook will abide by GDPR in the EU. However, and only if the US applies legislative pressure or Facebook somehow miraculously tries to do the right thing, this protocol will also be extended to other countries outside Europe in the future. Also Read: How To Limit What Personal Data You're Sharing With Facebook & Protect Your Privacy Online In beverage choices, just like in life, it pays to be curious and adventurous. Every culture has its own distilled alcoholic beverage of choice, whether it is part of a ceremony, to celebrate an event, drown sorrows or just to have a good time. England has gin, Italy has grappa, Mexico has tequila, Venezuela has cocuy, China has baiju, and Japan, for centuries, has produced shochu. Some theories trace shochus roots back to China via Korea, and thats how well view it. Shochu arrived in Japan in the 1640s to the town of Kagoshima, located in Japans South Island of Kyushu. On a recent trip, I got to immerse myself in the rich culture of the South Island in a quest to find out more. To better understand shochu, we must dig into its ancestor, soju. You might have seen soju at a number of establishments, dont have a liquor license but do have a beer and wine permit, which allows to serve alcoholic beverages that are 20 alcohol by volume and below. Soju and some shochu happen to fall in that category. Soju is produced in Korea; the main difference from shochu is the relaxed regulations and styles. You can find some soju examples with flavor added and in some cases even vitamins. Soju is generally flavorless otherwise. A wanted Chinese criminal, accused of economic crimes, was arrested at a music concert in the country this week after facial recognition technology picked him out of the crowd at the venue. According to local reports, the man was attending a Jacky Cheung concert in Jiangxi province, when security cameras spotted and identified him. The man was shocked when the police approached him at the scene, as he had driven 90 kilometres with his wife to attend the concert and felt he was safe in the 50,000-strong crowd. Identified only by his family name Ao, he said he wouldnt have attended the concert if he thought there was a chance he would be identified. Ao was suspected to be involved in an economic crime and was listed on a national online system, a local police officer said. He was very shocked and had a blank face when we caught him. Its another win for Chinas facial recognition technology, which has been put to use for a while now catching criminals at public events. Last year, police managed to arrest 25 wanted criminals at a beer festival when cameras positioned at the entrances flagged them. Zhengzhou police have also been successful in apprehending criminals at crowded train stations, thanks to newly implemented smart glasses with facial recognition software. Theyve so far captured seven suspects wanted in major cases, and 26 others traveling under false identities. In the recent past, China has been steadily ramping up its surveillance methods, using it for security, policing, traffic cams, and even in commercial applications. Heck, the country is even commencing a social credit system in May that will punish citizens possessing a social score with travel restrictions and more. Soybeans Close with Double Digit Losses Barchart - Thu Sep 30, 4:41PM CDT Soybeans gave back all of their pre-report gains on Thursday, ending the session 21 to 28 cents in the red. November contracts had a 46 cent range during the report day session. Soymeal prices ended the... ZSX21 : 1254-2 (-0.14%) ZSPAUS.CM : 12.0999 (-2.19%) ZSF22 : 1263-6 (-0.14%) ZSX21 : 1254-2 (-0.14%) Hog Prices Close Higher Barchart - Thu Sep 30, 4:41PM CDT Thursday hog trading left the board $0.12 to $1.80 in the black. December was the strongest gainer on the day, though is still a $6.20 discount to October and a $1.82 discount to Feb. USDAs National... HEV21 : 91.600s (+0.88%) HEG22 : 87.225s (+1.69%) KMV21 : 110.400s (+1.08%) JBS Foods cited after worker dies in Colorado chemical vat AP - Thu Sep 30, 3:43PM CDT GREELEY, Colo. (AP) Meatpacker JBS Foods Inc. faces about $59,000 in fines after a worker fell into vat of chemicals used to process animal hides and died at one of the company's meat processing facilities... $SPX : 4,307.54 (-1.19%) $DOWI : 33,843.92 (-1.59%) $IUXX : 14,689.62 (-0.43%) Natural Gas Prices Jump on Expectations for Strong Chinese Demand Barchart - Thu Sep 30, 2:21PM CDT November Nymex natural gas (NGX21 ) on Thursday closed up +0.390 (+7.12%). Nov nat-gas prices this morning recovered from early losses and moved sharply higher, and are just below Tuesday's 7-1/2 year... NGX21 : 5.974 (+1.82%) Crude Closes Higher on Dollar Weakness and Chinese Demand Optimism Barchart - Thu Sep 30, 2:19PM CDT November WTI crude oil (CLX21 ) on Thursday closed up +0.20 (+0.27%), and November RBOB gasoline (RBX21 ) closed up +0.0190 (+0.87%). Nov WTI crude oil and Nov RBOB gasoline prices on Thursday settled... CLX21 : 75.38 (+0.47%) RBX21 : 2.1977 (+0.17%) Coffee Closes Higher on Tighter Global Supplies Barchart - Thu Sep 30, 1:45PM CDT Dec arabica coffee (KCZ21 ) on Thursday closed up +0.60 (+0.31%), and Nov ICE Robusta coffee (RMX21 ) closed up +35 (+1.90%). Coffee prices on Thursday closed moderately higher, with robusta recovering... KCZ21 : 194.00s (+0.31%) RMX21 : 2,126s (+0.47%) ^USDBRL : 5.44218 (+0.01%) Emory junior Lamar Greene poses with Emory President Claire E. Sterk on April 11 after she told him that he has been named a 2018 Harry S. Truman Scholar, one of just 59 students selected from around the country. Emory Photo/Video Learn more about scholarships Students interested in learning more about Truman Scholarships and other prestigious awards should contact Megan Friddle in Emory's National Scholarships and Fellowships Program. Find more information or schedule an appointment through the National Scholarships and Fellowships Program website. Lamar Greene, an Emory University junior who has delved into projects to reduce health care disparities from the moment he arrived on campus, has been named a 2018 Harry S. Truman Scholar. He is among just 59 college students across the United States to earn the highly competitive national honor, which is granted to exceptional students in their junior year who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to a life of public service. Greene, a human health major in Emory College who also is completing the concentration in health innovation offered through Goizueta Business School, is Emorys second Truman Scholar in two years. As part of the award, which is administered by the Harry S. Truman Foundation, he will receive $30,000 for graduate study as well as professional development for a career in public service. Through his advocacy for better access to life-saving health care, Lamar has brought positive changes both to our campus community and to the broader Atlanta community, says Emory President Claire E. Sterk, who summoned Greene to her office April 11 to personally deliver the news. He is poised to become a transformational leader in public health, and I cant wait to see what the future holds for him, Sterk adds. The Truman Scholarship will strengthen and support his commitment to creating social change and serving those in need. Making a difference A Gates Millennium Scholar, Greene had planned on becoming a doctor until two events converged in high school to change his focus. For two summers in high school, he studied the risk factors of heart disease, and how to prevent it, as an intern in a cardiovascular lab in his native Richmond, Virginia. That second summer, the very measures he was studying in the lab came to life when his grandmother needed emergency double-bypass surgery. As a black woman, his grandmother was failed by the health care system, Greene says. Health care can focus on prevention, but it should be prevention done well, he says. Its about considering that the people who come into medical facilities have lives, have needs, have context. That human focus and interest in medicine were an ideal fit for Emorys Center for the Study of Human Health, where Director Michelle Lampl recalls Greene arriving ready to fully engage. He dove right into coursework, including Lampls predictive health class, joined the centers Student Advisory Board and joined the centers News Team, writing regularly for the centers blog, DestinationHealthEU. He stands out, she says, for his authentic commitment in and out of class to living a purposeful life and exploring every opportunity available. For instance, after his study abroad experience with the Emory Tibetan Mind/Body Sciences Program, he reflected on how the resiliency of Tibetans in exile could translate to marginalized populations in the U.S. Lamar understands intuitively the value of learning and its application, and he also has a very insightful, personal gift of leadership and commitment to service, Lampl says. I am sure that Lamar Greene will be known for making a difference in his lifetime. Tackling one issue at a time Greenes experience with his grandmother and coursework reinforced his focus on the scientific basis for prevention. His volunteer work with Emorys Resource and Insurance Navigation Group, where he helped low-income patients at Grady Memorial Hospital secure insurance, drove home the value of humanizing the issues. Kevin Humphries Jr., now head of the mens health initiative at the DeKalb County Board of Health, was Greenes supervisor at Grady. He watched him tackle dozens of calls with patients every day, following up to ensure they paid their first premium installment to guarantee coverage. I remember saying, Grady patients are very thankful, and Lamar corrected me saying they are appreciative, Humphries says. I think being appreciative has a bit more dignity than being thankful. Lamar was instrumental in getting insurance for people who are used to getting the runaround, and hes so selfless that he was thinking about their dignity in the process. That humility and focus on mission, combined with his academic talent, propelled Greene to success as the summer health intern at Emorys Office of Health Promotion. Tasked with finding ways to increase the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, for HIV prevention among students, he exceeded the expectation he would simply develop promotional materials and help conduct outreach with campus groups. His lasting legacy: a training session for clinicians working in student health. As a self-described queer black man, Greene wanted the doctors to confront their biases in ways that let them connect with patients and better determine how to prescribe, and increase adherence to, PrEP. He was just a rising sophomore when he conducted the training, which included answering sensitive questions and challenging skepticism from a room full of student health doctors and clinical providers, many of whom began their careers began before he was born. He was remarkable, says Michael Huey, the Student Health Services executive director who has since used part of the training, with Greenes permission, in a presentation to the American College Health Association. For most students, we are a no-cost or low-cost option, Huey adds. By teaching us how to better engage with students and ask difficult questions in a sensitive and open manner, he made a drug that is a game changer for HIV much more accessible to that entire population. Looking ahead Greenes hard work so far has only affirmed his belief that staying positive can help influence change. He stayed upbeat about his focus this week, when the Truman Foundation was expected to announce scholarship winners, by wearing a different health-focused T-shirt each day. He was wearing his shirt featuring the image of Martin Luther King Jr. emblazoned with the words AIDS is a civil rights issue when he met with Sterk. He had little time to bask in the honor before he needed to head to class. He is also working with the Office of Health Promotion on the universitys national college health assessment. The report will be completed this spring, with recommendations planned for each Emory division next fall. Greene will intern at Deloitte Consulting this summer, looking at change management issues to understand the business side of his health care interests. He also must finish his honors thesis, examining racial disparities in maternal health. That work has him thinking about the health inequalities that literally begin in the womb, with chronic conditions more likely among those with a rough start at birth. He is considering applying for graduate study in Stanford Universitys program in community health and prevention research to further examine the issue. He may also take a gap year before graduate school, perhaps studying funding issues in health care or working in the field on various projects. Regardless of his next step after Emory, his goal will be the same. I am really grateful for the Truman Scholarship because it gives me another tool I can use to bring to fruition the change I want to see to the health care system in America, Greene says. We need to humanize the issue of health and seek real change. While the marketplace managed to weather the losses it had suffered last year, most buyers are expected to see their insurance expenses increase in 2018 but the increases will not be as dramatic as projected last quarter. The report also noted that, among the various insurance lines, there will be a mix of price increases and decreases. The key price predictions made by WTW are: Property Non-cat risks: 5% to +5% Cat-exposed risks: +5% to +15% Cat-exposed with losses: +15% to +20% Casualty General liability: Flat to +4% Umbrella: Flat to +4% Excess: Flat Workers compensation: 2% to +2% Auto: +5% to +9% International: 10% to 5% Executive risks Directors and officers: 5% to +5% Errors and omissions: Flat to +5% Employment practices liability: Flat to +5%; +5% to +10% in California; +15% to +30% for media/entertainment: Fiduciary: 7.5% to +5% Cyber 3% to +5% (no claims activity or recent incidents) Political risk Most risks: 2% to flat Terrorism Tier 1 and non-tier 1: Flat Environmental All lines Flat to +20% Navigating this dynamic marketplace demands a strategic approach, and buyers facing renewals should focus on creating submissions using distinguishing data and narratives to set themselves apart from their peers, Peiser commented on the projections. Related stories: The Regan Agency has 35 years of experience and expertise in insuring libraries. Libraries are an invaluable resource for communities all over the country, said Brownyard Group president Tory Brownyard. Our team of insurance professionals is committed to providing peace of mind to librarians by offering the coverage necessary to address their unique risks and protect their assets. By The Cover is a multi-line package program providing commercial property, general liability, auto, inland marine, crime and fidelity coverages. The program features the following coverage: Medical payments for athletic participants Good Samaritan coverage for medical emergencies Abuse or molestation coverage Wage & hour coverage Flood or backup of sewers and drains ($25,000) A release said that the program also offers two optional policies an umbrella policy and a combined directors & officers and employment practices liability policy. The program is initially available in three states: Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York where it will be exclusively distributed through the Regan Agency. Brownyard will eventually roll out the program nationwide next year. Related stories: Marsh has announced the launch of a digital incubator that will focus on developing new products and business models. The incubator, Marsh Digital Labs, was launched within Marshs larger Digital, Data, and Analytics organization. We see artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and other emerging technologies as a transformative opportunity to drive client value, said Sastry Durvasula, Marshs chief digital officer and chief data and analytics officer. With Marsh Digital Labs, we are providing a hands-on opportunity to collaborate with clients on new ecosystems, innovative use cases, and distribution channels that will better help them manage risk and succeed in the new economy. A New Jersey chiropractor whose license was revoked more than 15 years ago is now headed to prison for his role in a medical fraud ring that stole nearly $4 million from insurance companies. Philip Potacco received a seven-year sentence Friday and also must pay $3.5 million in restitution. He had pleaded guilty last November to money laundering, official misconduct and practicing chiropractic without a license. The state attorney generals office has said Potacco used a medical consulting group to recruit accident victims and people who staged car crashes so he could submit bogus insurance claims. He also hired a licensed chiropractor to serve as a front man of a practice Potacco himself ran for five years. The states Chiropractic Examiners Board revoked Potaccos license for misconduct in 2002. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Fraud New Jersey A judge has approved freezing the remaining assets of a former Vermont ski resort owner who is being investigated on suspicion of investment fraud. Michael Pieciak, commissioner of the state Division of Financial Regulation, tells the Caledonian Record the judge granted the states motion Monday to freeze Ariel Quiros assets. Quiros is the former owner of Jay Peak and Burke Mountain ski resorts. He was ordered earlier this year to surrender an estimated $80 million to federal officials. Pieciak says the remaining assets are estimated at between $8 million and $10 million. He says the states asset freeze will go into effect once the federal freeze is lifted. Quiros and his business partner, William Stenger, were accused in 2016 of misusing more than $200 million raised through a federal visa program. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Fraud Massachusetts top court on Friday rejected Exxon Mobil Corps bid to block the states attorney general from obtaining records to investigate whether the company for decades concealed its knowledge of the role fossil fuels play in climate change. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Attorney General Maura Healey had jurisdiction to seek records to probe whether the oil companys marketing or sale of fossil fuel products violated the states consumer protection law. Representatives for Healey and Exxon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Healey, a Democrat, and New York Democratic Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sought records following news reports in 2015 saying Exxons own scientists determined that fossil fuel combustion must be reduced to mitigate the impact of climate change. Those reports by InsideClimate News and the Los Angeles Times were based on documents from the 1970s and 1980s. Exxon contended that the documents were not inconsistent with its public positions. After Healey issued a demand for documents in April 2016, Exxon filed a lawsuit challenging the records request and another case in federal court challenging the probes by her and Schneiderman. A federal judge in Manhattan in March dismissed that case, rejecting as implausible Exxons argument that the attorneys general were pursuing politically motivated, bad faith fraud probes in order to violate its constitutional rights. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston Editing by Phil Berlowitz and David Gregorio) Topics Legislation Climate Change Massachusetts Energy Oil Gas Leading bankers warned on Thursday that Britain is yet to feel the real impact of Brexit which will undermine its status as a global finance center as companies prepare to shift jobs out of London to preserve access to Europes single market. Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein said that while the U.S. bank will keep its new $1.4 billion new European headquarters in London, it might have chosen another location if it had known Brexit was coming. Were still building it, the cranes are working but we might have made a different decision a few years ago, Blankfein told Politico in an interview. The future of London as Europes financial center is one of the biggest issues in Brexit talks because it is Britains largest export sector and biggest source of tax. Rival cities within the EU are battling to draw highly-paid banking jobs and the revenues they bring. As Prime Minister Theresa May plots Britains course for Brexit, Londons financial services industry is scrambling to prepare for losing access to the worlds biggest trading bloc, its biggest challenge since the 2007-2009 financial crisis. The sector accounts for about 12 percent of Britains economic output and pays more taxes than any other industry. Blankfein said companies are taking decisions that may result in less economic activity in Britain although he said that he was surprised at how little effect Brexit has had at this stage. Britain is due to leave the EU next March. I am at least wrong in that I wouldve thought there would be a worse outcome by now, he said. The chairwoman of Spains biggest bank Banco Santander Ana Botin warned that growth in Londons financial center was set to stall due to the turmoil triggered by Brexit. I dont think so many companies or people are going to leave the UK, it is the people that are not coming that we should worry about because the UK was on a huge upward trend and that is not as strong now, Botin told the audience at an event organized by the Wall Street Journal in London. But Britains Brexit minister David Davis was more upbeat. He told a conference in London that the city will retain its crown as Europes financial hub and said the governments plans for immigration after Brexit will not hurt businesses. There is not going to be a mass migration, the critical mass is still going to be here, Davis said. We are still going to be the biggest and most important financial center in the world in five years, in 10 years. (Editing by Keith Weir) Topics Europe London Uk Brexit Specialist insurer Beazley has appointed Lucien Mounier to head its Asia Pacific operations. He moves from Paris where, for the past two years, he has been responsible for managing and growing Beazleys portfolio of cyber and technology business in France, other continental European markets and, more recently, in Asia. Mounier will be based in Singapore, Beazleys hub in the Asia Pacific region, and will be responsible for developing the groups business across the region, working closely with Beazley Singapores principal officer, Byran Lee. Prior to joining Beazley in February 2016, Mounier had held various roles at American International Group, according to his LinkedIn profile. These roles were cyber product leader for France financial lines (September 2014 to February 2016); professional associate financial lines (July 2013 to September 2014), and assistant underwriter casualty & contaminated products (September 2012 to July 2013). Mounier succeeds Gavin Hayes who, after leading the Singapore-based team for the past three years, returns to Beazleys specialty lines division in London. Beazley said it has identified significant growth opportunities in the Asia Pacific region for its specialist insurance products and has expanded its local underwriting and lines of business in response. In October 2017, it launched a comprehensive financial lines suite of products, and has plans to further develop its cyber offering in Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific market is of strategic importance to Beazley. Our 30-strong team in Singapore has grown our business significantly over the past 12 years, and from this base we believe that there are many opportunities for us to expand across our portfolio of specialist insurance products, said Patrick Hartigan, who is responsible for Beazleys strategic growth initiative in the Asia Pacific region. Id like to thank Gavin for his leadership over the past three years and to welcome Lucien to the role, said Hartigan, noting that with Mouniers background in cyber risk, he is exceptionally well-qualified to help us develop this and other products for the local market. Source: Beazley Central bankers have been dubbed masters of the universe for the tools and powers they have acquired since the financial crisis. Some of them now want to play a more active role in the fight against climate change. Monetary authorities are right to be mindful of the way in which climate risk affects their mandate to ensure price stability and guard financial stability. But that is different from seeking to promote the shift to a greener economy, which is the role of government. Last week, central bank governors from the U.K., France and the Netherlands met in Amsterdam to discuss how to adapt regulation to the risks posed by climate change. Together with five other institutions (from China, Germany, Mexico, Singapore and Sweden), these central banks have formed the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS). This group has two objectives: sharing and identifying best practices in the supervision of climate-related risks, and enhancing the role of the financial sector in mobilizing green financing. The first is entirely reasonable and consistent with the central banks traditional role. As Francois Villeroy de Galhau, governor of the Bank of France, said in a speech at the conference, Climate stability is one of the determinants of financial stability. It is only right that financial supervisors take an interest in what is going on. The clearest example concerns the regulation of insurers: Climate change has made extreme weather events such as hurricanes more frequent. Regulators must ensure that the industry updates its models and sets aside enough capital to deal with these growing climate-related risks. To do so, central bankers may need to extend the supervisory horizon beyond their usual time span. Climate change may only pose a threat for the balance sheet some years down the road, but these risks should be assessed now. Villeroy de Galhau argued in his speech that the financial sector should move towards a compulsory transparency requirement, so that companies are forced to provide a snapshot of their climate-related risks. Its an idea supervisors around the world should embrace. The idea that central banks should promote green investment which the central bank group also endorses is more problematic. For a start, the goal could conflict with the main central bank objective of preserving financial stability. For example, if a bank loan to a company which produces renewable energy is given a lower risk weight than now just because it is green, then supervisors would be giving banks the wrong incentive to load up on such assets. To his credit, Villeroy de Galhau said he would be against giving green assets a lower risk weight when establishing capital requirements though its an idea which the European Commission is currently looking at. But the French central banker said he would be in favor of giving higher risk weights to brown assets, which contribute to polluting the environment. He added that these could be included in the so-called Pillar 2 requirements which are set independently by supervisors. This plan would make brown assets dearer to hold in relative terms, but would not change the risk weight which is attached to green assets. The idea is that brown assets would become riskier as the world moves towards a low-carbon economy. The problem with this idea is that it requires more speculation than central banks should be tasked with. What if this shift to a low-carbon economy happens more slowly than anticipated or does not happen at all? Another problem is deciding where to draw the line when it comes to central banks nudging economic actors along: Should central banks also then impose higher capital charges for loans to the gun industry just because they expect that at some stage there will be curbs in a country such as the U.S.? In promoting green investment a central bank would risk overstepping its mandate. By choosing to treat bank loans differently depending on their green credentials, a central bank could also be accused of distorting competition in the economy. This accusation would be particularly dangerous given the backlash central banks are facing. Over the last decade, monetary authorities have pushed their toolkits to the extreme. As a result, they have come under closer scrutiny from voters and politicians, who have questioned their independence and demanded greater accountability. The last thing central bankers need now is to suggest they are seeking to influence policy that should rightly be the preserve of elected officials. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Related: Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers Climate Change QBE North America has hired Kevin Brogan as regional executive Central Region, accountable for the regions profitable growth across QBEs specialized insurance business portfolio, as well as the development of all agent and broker relationships in the region. He is based in Chicago. Brogan will oversee business planning and collaborate with underwriting and claims leadership to deliver better end-to-end risk management solutions, leveraging the applied expertise, customer service excellence and global strength of QBE. With more than 30 years in the insurance business, Brogan is a highly accomplished insurance executive with deep knowledge of the business from both carrier and broker perspectives. He joins QBE from Wells Fargo, where over a span of 10 years he served in a variety of senior leadership roles, most recently head of P&C National Practices and Safehold Special Risk. Prior to Wells Fargo, he served for five years at Marsh as managing director of its Midwest-zone casualty practice and as SVP, Risk Management Casualty. Before Marsh, he was senior vice president Northeast Region at Liberty Mutual. He also held leadership roles at Wausau Insurance, which Liberty Mutual acquired in 1999. Source: QBE North America The work done through GO-E ranges from conducting vision screenings and performing surgeries in underdeveloped countries to training other health care providers and patients in multiple countries. GO-E also travels years to South Georgia to provide to migrant farmworkers children, who lack quality eye care and have higher-than-normal occurrence of eye disease and preventable blindness. Blindness Worldwide Emory opthamology faculty and students have traveled to multiple places as part of our GO-Emory efforts: Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, England, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Peru, and others. EEC is committed to helping reduce avoidable visual impairment as a public health problem because: - 32.4 million people are blind - 223 million people worldwide are visually impaired - The cost is extremely high economically because of medical costs, but also socially because of isolation, job loss, reduced independence, and lack of confidence. The numbers are staggering, but there is hope. More than 80% of blindness worldwide is either preventable or curable. That means vision screenings and proper care can help eliminate or at least reduce some types of blindness. Based out of Emory's Department of Ophthalmology, Global Ophthalmology Emory (GO-Emory, or GO-E) supports a goal that's simple to state, but complex to execute: to help eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. The program in line but what faculty and students have been doing on their own for years traveling to rural areas and abroad to provide emergency care, eye clinics and education but was formed in an effort to organize such efforts. We wanted to come together with one concerted effort rather than have multiple faculty members doing their own things, explains Jacquelyn OBanion, MD, a comprehensive ophthalmologist and assistant director of GO-E. We funnel our goals through the mission of Emorys School of Medicine to help keep focused. Touching Lives Abroad The work done through GO-E ranges from conducting vision screenings and performing surgeries in underdeveloped countries to training other health care providers and patients in multiple countries. Optometrist Farah Gulaid, OD, traveled to Ghana in late 2016 to help provide vision screenings and the group saw approximately 4,000 patients during four days in clinic. We were able to help a large, diverse group of people in the clinic, Gulaid says, but we were also able to teach new things to the workers there. The people dont necessarily have access to health care providers with a wide range of skills. Its nice to know theyll be continuing the work after were gone, that weve helped make a lasting impression on their community. Its also refreshing for physicians to learn new things themselves instead of only being the teacher. Glaucoma specialist Annette Giangiacomo, MD, saw this firsthand during a weeklong trip to Ghana. She worked with two pediatric physicians and three fellows to assess and treat children with glaucoma. Its easy to share your knowledge, especially when theres such a need in other places, she says. I was able to teach them new skills, but they also taught me some things about trabeculotomy techniques. That made it even more rewarding, because I also learned something new. Taking GO-E to Georgia From a GO-E perspective, however, global doesnt always mean international. There are people right here in Georgia who lack access to quality eye care and have higher-than-normal occurrence of eye disease and preventable blindness. One way GO-E is trying to change that is through yearly screenings of migrant farmworkers children in rural South Georgia. Approximately 53,000 migrant seasonal farmworkers live and work in Georgia, but many have limited access to health care. They are at significant risk for eye injury and disease because of their work, so the Farmworker Vision Project (FVP) began in 2014 to address their ophthalmologic needs. Pediatric ophthalmologist Phoebe Lenhart, MD, and others participate in a pediatric vision screening initiative as part of a program organized by the Emory School of Medicine and the Emory physicians assistant program. They screen hundreds of children for vision problems and eye disease, and offer full follow-up exams for children who have problems identified through the screening. Theyre also able to provide children with free eyeglasses through the Georgia Lions Lighthouse. In an effort to keep FVPs work going year-round, several staff workers from the General Consulate of Mexico in Georgia have been trained to provide pediatric vision screenings. The program expanded to include adult eye health screenings in 2015. The Emory group hopes to continue working with the local Consulate to offer greater access to eye care for all migrant workers in the state. This has been a great opportunity to serve a pediatric population with vision needs and limited access to eye care, Lenhart says. Many of Emory Eye Centers faculty and students help care for a completely different population group through the diabetic retinopathy program at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans, and often puts patients at higher risk for blindness and other vision problems. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. Screening for diabetic retinopathy is necessary since people with diabetic eye disease dont inherently have symptoms, explains retina specialist Andrew Hendrick, MD. One eye can develop vision loss that goes unnoticed unless the good eye is closed. The telemedicine program at Grady is intended to catch people who have not been receiving routine eye care so we can help prevent vision loss when possible, he adds. Screening involves taking photographs of the retina that are then interpreted by physicians. The program began in August 2016 and is already successful enough to implement at other Emory Eye Center locations. More than 1,700 people were screened between August and December 2016. Of those screened, 48% had some eye pathology, 27% had diabetic damage to their eyes and 5% had vision-threatening disease, meaning they would have lost their vision if the disease hadnt been found. The year 2020 is coming soon, but OBanion and others who support GO-E are optimistic about their chances of reaching their goal. A 1995 study by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and WHO [World Health Organization] predicted a huge trend toward blindness, she says. But a study in 2010 showed that, despite the growing world population, the prevalence of blindness is decreasing. Were making a difference, locally and internationally. If we keep working together, we can change world health care. A.M. Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to bbb+ from bbb and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) of Hartland Mutual Insurance Co. (Hartland Mutual), based in Minot, North Dakota. The outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) remains stable. The ratings reflect Hartland Mutuals balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Aside from the harsh weather North Dakota faced in 2016, the companys current trend in operating performance is positive, with a five-year average combined ratio that compares favorably with the personal property composite. Due to the companys steady surplus growth, decreasing leverage measures and generally favorable loss reserves, the companys balance sheet also has improved over the past five years. The companys focus on rate adequacy and property inspections has assisted Hartland Mutual in exceeding managements projections, especially in the most current year. While business is written throughout the state, the companys concentration of property in a single state leaves results susceptible to frequent and severe weather-related events, as well as the regulatory and economic environment. Source: A.M. Best Topics AM Best North Dakota A U.S. judge in Philadelphia has ruled that limousine drivers for Uber Technologies Inc. are independent contractors and not the companys employees under federal law, the first ruling of its kind on a crucial issue for the ride-hailing company. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson on Wednesday said San Francisco-based Uber does not exert enough control over drivers for its limo service, UberBLACK, to be considered their employer under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The drivers work when they want to and are free to nap, run personal errands, or smoke cigarettes in between rides, Baylson said. The legal classification of workers has been a major issue for gig economy companies that rely on independent contractors. Uber, in particular, has been hit with dozens of lawsuits in recent years claiming that its drivers are employees and are entitled to minimum wage, overtime, and other legal protections not afforded to contractors. An Uber spokeswoman said the company is pleased with the decision. Jeremy Abay, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said he would appeal the ruling to the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 3rd Circuit would be the first federal appeals court to consider whether Uber drivers are properly classified as independent contractors. Many of the cases filed against Uber have been sent to arbitration, but the plaintiffs in the Philadelphia case were among a small minority of drivers who had opted not to sign arbitration agreements with the company. Last year, a state appeals court in Florida said Ubers drivers were not its employees under Florida law. But state agencies in California and New York have said that they are under those states laws. Baylson in Wednesdays ruling said he was the first judge to rule on the classification of Uber drivers under federal law. His ruling comes about two months after a federal judge in San Francisco said that food delivery workers for Grubhub Inc were not the companys employees. The Grubhub case was the first of its kind against a so-called gig economy company to go to trial. The Philadelphia lawsuit was filed in February 2016. The plaintiffs said Uber failed to pay them minimum wage and overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which only applies to employees. The plaintiffs were seeking to represent all drivers in Philadelphia for Ubers limousine service, UberBLACK. The case is Razak v. Uber Technologies Inc., U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 2:16-cv-00573. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Nick Zieminski) Topics USA Legislation Personal Auto Sharing Economy Contractors Ridesharing Uber Republicans on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on Thursday called for changes to the governments food assistance program for the poor, in a package of long-awaited proposals for the next U.S. Farm Bill that could complicate its passage through Congress. Among the proposed changes is a plan to raise the age to 59 from 49 for able-bodied individuals without dependents who receive food stamps if they meet certain work requirements. About 40 million individuals currently benefit from the program, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The changes are likely to complicate the legislations passage through the Senate. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, a Republican, has warned that the changes to SNAP sought by conservative House Republicans and the administration of President Donald Trump will make it difficult to get the votes needed from Democrats to pass the bill. Farm Bills are massive pieces of legislation providing funding for a broad swath of programs including food aid, crop subsidies, rural development, conservation and efforts to stem the opioid crisis in rural communities. The last bill came into effect in 2014, two years behind schedule, after extensive congressional negotiations and partisan fights over food stamps. Republicans have a slim 51-49 Senate majority and the bill will need 60 votes to pass. Republican changes to the Nutrition Title, which provides food assistance to people with low income, derailed bipartisan committee negotiations earlier this year. TRADE FLOW DISRUPTION The Republican-controlled committee has also called for a $255 million-per-year budget to develop trade opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports. The bill comes at a time when the farm sector, already reeling from years of declining incomes, is struggling to deal with disruption to trade flows, as Trump says he wants to renegotiate better terms for the United States with international partners. The proposals do not contain fresh measures to protect U.S. farmers from the impact of the trade disputes on agricultural exports or imports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is already equipped to deal with any fallout through the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, which allows the USDA to borrow up to $30 billion to protect farm income, according to briefing materials provided by Republican committee staff. Proposals for the new bill also include provisions to renew insurance programs that have proven popular with farmers. ARC VS PLC One of the biggest changes in the previous bill was to shift away from direct cash payments provided to grain growers, to more market-based formulas based on actual crop prices. Farmers had to choose between two options, the price-average formula of Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or the more fixed-price formula of Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and stick with their choice for the five years of the farm bill. The proposed House bill reauthorizes those programs and calls for farmers to make a fresh choice between the two. Analysts have said that many farmers might switch to PLC under the new bill due to the slump in futures markets as payouts under ARC are likely to be smaller. Under the 2014 Farm Bill, the majority of farmers chose ARC, which used a price-average formula to determine payouts, as high grain prices from a drought in 2012 were included in the average used when determining ARC payouts. The new proposal modifies PLC by allowing reference prices for coverage to change when commodity markets rise, which would give higher payments to growers if prices rally. For ARC, the bill calls for payments to be calculated based on actual yield data, as well as the county where farms are located and if fields are irrigated. The bill now enters the mark-up phase, where members of the House Agriculture Committee can propose changes. House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Thursday he would like to see the House pass a bill this spring that includes changes to the SNAP program. The Senate could consider a House-passed bill as is, with changes, or write its own. (Reporting by Mark Weinraub in CHICAGO; Additional reporting by Amanda Becker in WASHINGTON Editing by Simon Webb and Rosalba OBrien) Topics USA Legislation Agribusiness Politics Houston-area officials said during a congressional hearing that they werent aware of forecasts by federal authorities regarding flooding risks from local reservoirs that ended up inundating thousands of homes during Hurricane Harvey. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said concerted efforts were made to ensure all information was shared with both local officials and the public. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas and chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, said after the hearing that the possibility local officials and residents werent given sufficient warning about potential flooding from the reservoirs could be the most disturbing thing that comes out in the wake of Harvey. McCaul said he plans to begin a congressional investigation to get to the bottom of this. I know a lot of these residents are very angry about what happened and they want answers and Congress through an investigation can provide those answers as to who knew what, when and where, McCaul said. Harvey dumped up to 50 inches of rain in some parts of Houston last August, filling the areas two reservoirs Addicks and Barker to capacity and forcing the Corps, which operates the dams, to release water from the structures to preserve their integrity. The water releases ended up flooding thousands of homes downstream of the reservoirs. But upstream of the reservoirs, homes which had been built in areas known as flood pools also flooded during Harvey. During a hearing of the committee, lawmakers discussed whether local officials had been given sufficient warning about the flooding risks from the reservoirs, referencing a Houston Chronicle report from February that stated the Corps had failed to share with the public a forecast ahead of Harveys arrival predicting that Barker and Addicks would flood adjacent neighborhoods. Mark Sloan, emergency management coordinator with Harris County, where Houston is located, told the committee he never saw two forecasts made by the Corps ahead of Harveys arrival that predicted flooding in neighborhoods around the reservoirs. Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle said if he and other officials had been given information of what would occur in these areas, we would have gone in there with our trucks, horns blaring, telling everybody, Get out. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner testified he had been informed about the Corps plan to start releasing water from the reservoirs but told the committee he was not informed the Corps had decided to increase the rate at which it would release water. Col. Lars Zetterstrom, commanding officer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, told the committee that prediction models for the reservoirs were shared with Houston-area officials on Aug. 25 the day Harvey made landfall in South Texas but a day before its rains started inundating the city and that information was shared throughout the storm. The Corps first forecast about flooding from the reservoirs was made Aug. 24, the day before Harvey made landfall, according to documents obtained by the Houston Chronicle. No risk communication program is ever perfect, Zetterstrom said. But we did make appropriate notifications and we did provide the information necessary. Zetterstrom added that the public was also informed through social media, news releases and press conferences. U.S. Rep. John Culberson, a Texas Republican who represents part of the Houston area, said there was inadequate warning to people and the storm highlighted the need for an alert system that can notify residents about impending flooding dangers. Flooding associated with the reservoirs has resulted in federal lawsuits in which thousands of homeowners are seeking compensation from the Corps. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Texas Flood Houston-area officials are planning a campaign to put up two dozen billboards encouraging residents to buy flood insurance after Hurricane Harvey. The Harris County Flood Control District estimates more than 80 percent of the countys 1.4 million buildings lacked flood insurance when the storm devastated the region. The Houston Chronicle reports that the Commissioners Court voted to seek $75,000 in federal grant funds for the billboards. The district gave commissioners examples of proposed billboard messages disproving flood protection myths. One example says hurricane season lasts from June to November, but that flood season lasts year-round. Another encourages residents outside flood plains to buy flood insurance. The move is part of a larger effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to double flood insurance policies over the next five years. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Texas Flood An Arkansas insurance firm owner has surrendered to authorities on warrants in Pulaski County for felony insurance fraud, theft and forgery, the Arkansas Insurance Department announced. Joshua Eric Casada, owner of the Little Rock-based Casada Insurance Group, surrendered following an investigation by the AIDs Criminal Investigation Division. Casada, of Pine Bluff, faces a single charge of Theft of Property exceeding $25,000 (Class B Felony), 11 counts of Forgery in the Second Degree (Class C Felony), and 10 counts of committing a Fraudulent Insurance Act (Class D Felony) for incidents occurring from August to October of 2017. Casada is accused of submitting eleven fictitious and fraudulent premium finance agreements totaling $211,292.70 to the Imperial Premium Finance Corporation (IPFS). The agreements requested premium financing on policies taken out in the name of another insurance company on behalf of some Jefferson County farmers without their knowledge or for entirely fictitious entities. The money was then allegedly deposited in the Casada Insurance Group bank account. The Arkansas Insurance Department had previously revoked the licenses for Casada and the Casada Insurance Group in December of 2017. Source: Arkansas Insurance Department Topics Fraud West Virginia sued Equifax Inc on Thursday for failing to safeguard consumer information of hundreds of thousands of state residents and for delaying alerting the public to a breach that exposed the personal data of about 148 million people, the states attorney general said. The attorney general, Patrick Morrisey, said he filed the lawsuit in Boone County Circuit Court. It was the second lawsuit filed by a state attorney general since Equifax disclosed the breach in September. Equifaxs failure to secure consumers personal information constitutes a shocking betrayal of public trust and an egregious violation of West Virginia consumer protection and data privacy laws, Morrisey said in a statement. Equifax did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Equifax also faces class action lawsuits and investigations by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and various state attorneys general over the data breach. A judge in Massachusetts earlier this month rejected Equifaxs motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by that states attorney general, Maura Healey. The West Virginia lawsuit accused Equifax of taking no action to secure its online dispute portal despite prior warnings of vulnerability within its framework and of failing to recognize that hackers had penetrated its system from May 2017 to July 2017. Morriseys office said the breach exposed the data of more than 730,000 West Virginian residents. The lawsuit seeks $150,000 for each security breach and $5,000 for each violation of the states Consumer Credit and Protection Act. Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Leslie Adler Topics Lawsuits Cyber Virginia Over a year after a tornado tore through an east Mississippi county without warning, the county is installing weather sirens that will extend warning coverage by over 300 miles. The Meridian Star reports that Lauderdale County is spending $176,000 to install 11 new sirens to warn residents before severe weather strikes. Each siren will be located at county-owned fire stations and can be heard within a three-mile radius. Lauderdale Countys District 2 Supervisor Wayman Newell says even with the new sirens, not every county resident will be able to hear storm warnings. Hills, trees and structures can affect how far the sound carries. The sirens will sound when the National Weather Service in Jackson issues a severe weather warning for the area and for periodic tests. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Mississippi Written premium in California workers compensation fell slightly last year, the first time thats happened in seven years, according to a new report out. The Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau released its quarterly experience report on Friday. The report is based on statewide workers comp insurer loss and premium experience through Dec. 31, 2017. The major findings of the report include: California written premium for 2017 was 2 percent below that for 2016. That is the first decrease in seven years. California written premium for 2017 was 2 percent below that for 2016. That is the first decrease in seven years. The projected industry average charged rate per $100 of payroll for policies incepting in 2017 is $2.46, which is 10 percent below that for 2016 and 17 percent below the peak in 2015. The WCIRB projects an ultimate accident year combined loss and expense ratio of 92 percent for 2017. This projection is 5 points higher than that for 2016 as premium levels have lowered while average claim severities increased moderately. Indemnity claims continue to settle quicker, and the ratio of claim closure for 2017 represents a 17-year high. The WCIRB projects indemnity claim frequency for accident year 2016 to be 3 percent below the frequency for 2015. However, claim frequency for 2017 shows a modest increase (1 percent) similar to other recent years. The WCIRB projects the average cost (or severity) of a 2016 indemnity claim to be approximately $77,000, which is 4 percent higher than the projected severity for 2016 following several years of relatively flat severities. Average pharmaceutical costs per claim for the first three quarters of 2017 are 70 percent below the levels from 2012. This is prior to the impact of the new drug formulary effective in 2018, which is expected to further reduce pharmaceutical costs. The average number of liens filed in 2017 is 40 percent below the averages experienced shortly prior to the implementation of the SB 1160 and AB 1244 reforms impacting lien filings. The full report is available in the research section of the WCIRB website. Related: Topics California Workers' Compensation Pricing Trends By Padraig Hoare Cork will have more transatlantic flights to US destinations like New York in the future as more efficient aircraft become prevalent, according to Failte Irelands chairman. Former Ryanair deputy CEO and current chairman of the tourism authority, Michael Cawley, said Norwegian Air Internationals suspension of its winter schedule to Providence, Rhode Island was a temporary blip for Cork Airport. Mr Cawley was speaking as it emerged Aer Lingus owner IAG was not ruling out a bid for Norwegian after buying 4.6% of its shares. Norwegian shares soared more than 47% upon the speculation. Norwegian said it was suspending the Cork-Providence route from this November with a view to returning for the summer schedule of 2019. It also scaled back flights to Providence from Shannon, Edinburgh, and Bergen in Norway. The suspension was met with anger from Irish political and business leaders, who accused Norwegian of using Corks first ever transatlantic flights as bait to gain a licence from the US Department of Transport. Norwegian was finally given the go-ahead after a protracted battle with bipartisan political opposition in the US. Stakeholders from Cork were credited by the airline as providing a persuasive argument for the granting of a licence. Mr Cawley said Norwegians suspension of winter flights was a temporary blip for Cork Airport and that the suspension was due to the airlines own fragility rather than Cork. They are about a third the size of Ryanair in volume terms but 3% of Ryanairs value. They are extremely fragile so they are making decisions that are not necessarily reflective of the destinations, but decisions for the short-term. With the advent of single-aisle aircraft that can fly across the Atlantic, Cork will get its share over time of transatlantic on a more solid basis. It is a temporary blip, he said. The new Airbus A321Neo aircraft have been predicted by aviation experts to give a new lease of life to smaller airports like Cork because of their longer and more efficient range with less fuel used. Airbus currently has over 6,000 orders for A320Neo aircraft and almost 2,000 of the related A321Neo so far. Insiders have said Cork will see more airlines fly transatlantic once the Airbus aircraft become mainstream. Norwegian has used Boeing aircraft for its transatlantic flights. Norwegian said it was unaware that IAG had bought shares in the company until the Aer Lingus and British Airways owner announced it publicly. A spokesman for Norwegian said: Norwegian has not been in any discussions or dialogue with IAG about the matter. Norwegian believes that IAGs interest in the company confirms the sustainability and potential of our business model and global growth. IAG said it considered Norwegian as an attractive investment and said it may bid for it in the future. The minority investment is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian, it said. IAG confirms that no such discussions have taken place to date, that it has taken no decision to make an offer at this time and that there is no certainty that any such decision will be made. Padraig Hoare Direct flights to Asia provides Irish tourism with a burgeoning middle class to exploit, Failte Irelands chairman has said. Michael Cawley, who was speaking at the monthly business breakfast of Cork Chamber in Carrigaline, said the introduction of flights between Dublin and Hong Kong by Cathay Pacific and Chinas Hainan Airlines between Beijing and Dublin was a potential boon to tourism in the Republic. The former Ryanair deputy chief executive said one of the aims of Failte Ireland is to spread tourist visits and spend around the country. One of our targets is to get people out of Dublin...it has had enough tourists for a while, it is time it is spread around, Mr Cawley said. He said the business tourism market was also a lucrative one. for Irish tourism operators. People who come here on business come back as tourists. Once we get them into the country, then we can move them around the country, he said. Overseas tourist spend is up 65% since 2012, with overseas numbers up 43%, he said. There was a danger of imbalance, he added, with attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher becoming overcrowded while unheralded Knowth in Meath was going unnoticed despite having a massive chunk of art from the Stone Age. that was bigger than most other European countries. Mr Cawley warned counties from going on a solo run when promoting themselves, urging stakeholders to work with Failte Ireland who had done all the research. and is happy to share it. Recent calls by tourism organisations to spend millions on marketing was rubbish because proper management was the key factor, not more spending for the sake of it, he said. By Geoff Percival Irish companies have been advised to plan for the worst case scenario regarding the outcome of Brexit. With less than a year to go until Britain formally leaves the EU, a so-called hard Brexit remains the most likely outcome, PwC has warned. The UKs current unwillingness to consider a customs union, and continuing talk of cherry-picking which arrangements it does or does not want to retain, means that a hard Brexit remains too likely for businesses to ignore, said PwC Irelands managing partner Feargal ORourke. The only thing we can be sure of is that disruption and change is inevitable firms need to prepare now for additional costs, border issues, disruption to supply chains and people mobility issues. We, therefore, strongly advise Irish businesses to plan for a hard Brexit scenario taking effect at the end of March 2019, he said. Companies need to immediately start assessing their Brexit readiness, in terms of cash flow, Vat, intellectual property, supply chain and authorised economic operator (AEO) status requirements, said PwC. PwCs warning came as UK Brexit minister David Davis warned that the British government could veto any final deal negotiated with the EU unless it has a substantive idea of what the future trading relationship will look like. Britain is aiming to secure a comprehensive free trade deal with the EU and wants it to be signed shortly after next March, although there is scepticism about how much can be agreed by then. Britains parliament will vote on a formal withdrawal treaty later in the year covering issues such as the divorce bill and citizens rights in a potential flashpoint in the Brexit process. Mr Davis said members of parliament would insist on a lot of detail before signing off on any deal because Britain will have to make a payment of about 39bn (45bn) to the EU to honour its financial obligations to the trade bloc. The withdrawal agreement is... a lot of money, and parliament is unlikely to sign off on it unless we can be pretty substantive about what is going to be there in the long run, said Mr Davis. Elsewhere, Central Bank deputy governor Ed Sibley said, in a speech at DCU, that Brexit could be one of the most significant events to affect the Irish economy and Irish financial services firms in a generation. As regulators, we see enormous challenges ahead, both for ourselves and for the firms that we supervise, he said. Additional reporting Reuters The Irish Coast Guard has been honoured at the People of the Year awards "in recognition of the bravery of the men and women who carry out their duties despite considerable risk to their lives". The event, now in its 43rd year, is Organised by Rehab and will be broadcast live on RTE One from Dublins Mansion House at 9.30pm on Sunday. The award recognises the crew of Rescue 116, who tragically lost their lives off the Mayo coast last March, and volunteer member Caitriona Lucas, who died during an earlier operation. The community of Erris will also be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the search for the missing Rescue 116 crew and the record search conducted. Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 disappeared on March 14th last year when the aircraft had been providing communications support for an offshore medical assistance operation. On board were Capt Dara Fitzpatrick, Captain Mark Duffy and winch team Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith. Hundreds of volunteers, fishermen, and colleagues supported the emergency services in combing the area for the missing crew. The bodies of Dara Fitzpatrick and Mark Duffy were recovered in the subsequent searches. However, despite intensive efforts, the bodies of Ciaran Smith and Paul Ormsby have not yet been recovered. Just six months previously, the Irish Coast Guard community had suffered another loss with the passing of their colleague, volunteer member Caitriona Lucas, who had been participating in a search operation off the coast of Kilkee, Co Clare. Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Operations Manager, Gerard OFlynn, said: The selfless actions of those who put their lives on the line, for the safety of others, means Caitriona, Dara, Ciaran, Mark and Paul will remain an inspiration to us all. Going above and beyond is the norm for members of the Coast Guard service. The fact that these men and women often put their own lives in danger to carry out their duties makes the search and rescue crews such a remarkable group of people. Our colleagues will always be sadly missed and we remain deeply saddened by the depth of this tragedy. I would like to pay tribute to the community of Erris who left no stone unturned in supporting one of the most extensive search and investigation operations ever conducted in the area." Ahead of the awards ceremony, RTE TV hosts Grainne Seoige and Aidan Power met members of the Irish Coast Guard today in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. Some of the people honoured in the past have been: Panti Bliss, Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, Robbie Keane, Maurice McCabe and John Wilson, the Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness, Rory McIlroy, Christy Moore, Paul OConnell, Brian ODriscoll, Joanne ORiordan, Mark Pollock, Katie Taylor and Davitt Walsh. - Digital Desk By Sarah-Jane Murphy A jury has heard that senior bankers in Irish Life and Permanent were scared shitless as transactions were carried out with Anglo Irish Bank in September 2008. Former Head of liquidity at ILP, Paul Kane, told a colleague the boys are scared stiff, adding: It's not the way to do business. You scratch my back and I scratch yours." Today, Mr Kane continued his evidence on day 54 of David Drumm's conspiracy to defraud trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Drumm (aged 51), former CEO of Anglo, accepts that multi-million euro transactions took place in between Anglo and Irish Life & Permanent (ILP) in 2008, but disputes they were fraudulent or dishonest. Mr Kane told the jury that he had personally carried out and supervised the 7.2bn transactions between the two banks from beginning to end. The jury listened to phone calls recorded on Mr Kane's line between him and David Gantley, former head of treasury at ILP. Mr Gantley told Mr Kane about a meeting with Denis Casey and Peter Fitzpatrick, who the jury have heard were number one and number two in command at ILP. I just had a session with Denis and Peter. The boys are scared shitless...Actually more Denis to be honest with you, Mr Gantly said. Mr Kane replied that Mr Casey and Mr Fitzpatrick weren't scared shitless last week when we borrowed 820m. I f**king pointed the same f**king thing out, Mr Gantley said. It's not the way to do business. You scratch my back and I'll scratch your back, Mr Kane replied. Mr Gantley said he believed, These guys are getting scared stiff, in the scale of things adding, It needs to be boss man to boss man. Paul O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, asked Mr Kane what the two men were discussing during the phone call. The witness said that on the day in question, Anglo were disappointed they hadn't been granted a credit limit by ILP. He said that days previously, Anglo had increased ILP's limit to 820m and said there was disappointment that the favour couldn't be returned. During cross-examination, the witness agreed with Lorcan Staines BL, defending, that though each individual transaction between Anglo and ILP in 2008 may have only benefitted one side, the reality was that both benefitted from the reciprocal arrangement. Absolutely, this was the green jersey agenda, Mr Kane said. Mr Drumm (51) of Skerries, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with former bank officials Denis Casey, William McAteer, John Bowe and others to defraud depositors and investors at Anglo Irish Bank by dishonestly creating the impression that deposits in 2008 were 7.2bn larger than they were. The bank's former CEO has also pleaded not guilty to false accounting on December 3, 2008, by furnishing information to the market that Anglo's 2008 deposits were 7.2bn larger than they were. The trial has now entered its 11th week and continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury. A day in the working life of Rory Tallon, CF Patient Advocate with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI). 6.30am Mornings are busy. Having CF means adhering to a strict regime: chest clearance physiotherapy, inhalers, vitamins, nebulisers and medicines. I also have diabetes, so I must manage my blood sugar. 7.30am I get the kids up. Florence, five, attends the local Gaelscoil in Tyrrelstown and Aine, four, goes to naionra. My wife Sarah leaves early so I do the drop-offs. 9am Back at home, I read emails and answer queries from people with CF and families. Many are travel-related. It can be hard to get travel insurance but its important to have a comprehensive policy when travelling abroad, as well as having a European Health Insurance Card. We advise people on options and practical travel tips such as bringing medicines and appliances as carry-on luggage when flying. 10am I follow-up with a parent asking how to ensure their child takes supplemental enzymes with meals at school. Most people with CF need to take enzymes with meals to aid digestion. Older children can get self-conscious about this, and parents ring looking for advice. 11am I respond to a query about counselling. People with CF have access to a psychologist at hospital CF centres but sometimes they would like external support and we provide grants for this. 1pm I head to our Rathmines office. We did a survey on independent living with CF and are finalising the report. It examined aspects of living from education, employment, housing and social welfare supports to travel and mobility requirements. People with CF dont qualify for motoring assistance even though public transport poses a risk of cross-infection, can be too difficult to access or unavailable in a locality. PWCF find it impossible to get life assurance when getting a mortgage. Many adult PWCF live their lives at home with parents. 4pm I meet the fundraising team to discuss the logistics of our national awareness day, 65 Roses Day, on April 13. People can support us by buying a purple rose for 2 in participating shopping centres and Spar stores or donating online. 5pm I head home. Downtime includes a running class at the National Indoor Arena. Its very important with CF to keep your lungs working and your body as strong and fit as you are able. Irish artist Stephen Mooney is one of the main attractions at the Cork Comic Expo in Mahon Point tomorrow, writes Don OMahony STEPHEN Mooney had been working with American comics publisher IDW for a number of years, contributing art to a variety of spin-offs and licenced properties such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Angel, The A-Team, and The Mummy. Then he decided to pitch for a creator-owned title, one he would both write and illustrate. Called Half Past Danger, it would mark Mooneys writing debut. A terrifying prospect, but the Dubliner felt he had put in the hard yards, as he puts it, on the other titles to demonstrate his capability. On the surface the pitch for it was an outlandish one, a pulpy riff on Spielbergian thrills, it was an adventure story set on a pacific island during the Second World War that featured mysterious dames and dinosaurs. Mooney decided to add an extra flourish to the tale by introducing some Irish to Half Past Dangers hero, Tommy Irish Flynn. He clearly has fun with the character, who it must be said, bears more than passing resemblance to his creator. Was this deliberate? Yeah, it is, and I hugely regret it, says Mooney, laughing. I was ah, wouldnt it be so funny if its me in there chasing dinosaurs and punching Hitler on the nose? Just as a wish fulfilment thing of being a kid loving all these pulpy stories. Mooney has mixed feelings about this decision and confides says it wouldnt be something he would recommend to other cartoonists as it a created a lot of painstaking work in getting the expressions right. It turned into a bit of a yoke for my back because that meant as I went on I had to carefully make him look like me all the time which added a load of time to the project. Instead of just sketching out some random looking fellows face I had to do a load of references of myself from all the different angles and doing stupid things and leaping off whatever to make try to keep it consistent. I mean, its funny. I like that people think its cute and all but I did not think that through at all, he says sheepishly. Ive cartooned him up a little bit more as weve gone on. Im being facetious as well. It is funny and people do seem to dig it. But its certainly added more work. The work demands of comics has never fazed Mooney and its an attitude shared by his Irish comic creator peers: Stephen Thompson, Declan Shalvey, Nick Roche, Bob Byrne, Len OGrady, PJ Holden, and Will Sliney. Back in the Noughties they created an online sketchblog under the name Eclectic Micks. That was a big boon because there was a little bit of friendly encouragement and competition at that stage, says Mooney. We pushed each other then to improve so it was a very worthwhile exercise. They also shared a work ethic that impressed their bosses in the top comics publishing companies. We have the whole hilarious Irish Catholic thing like we think if we dont get up and do our job someone is going to take it from us. Weve got that fear. We dont miss deadlines but they all think were great because we do crazy hours and if they ask us to get something done itll always get done, which is an excellent reputation to have, but it also means working every hour God gives you. So its a double-edged sword. When Mooney and his peers were starting out there was perhaps just one or two people across the whole island of Ireland in professional employment in the comics industry. Now theres about a dozen. But just as important as that, there is currently a lively and flourishing indie and DIY comics scene. I think people have seen that its viable. I think a few of the younger heads now have looked at us and seen that weve achieved some sort of modicum of success so theyve realised it is a goer if they put the work in. Whereas before there were no real examples that they could go, well this guys doing it so we can do it. Now theres a fair bit of that. And theres some really good people and theyre really making moves. Mooney cites Corks Chris OHalloran and Dublins Triona Farrell as two examples of young Irish artists making it in the industry. Cork Comic Expo offers an opportunity to meet both the established and up-and-coming Irish comics creators. Theres a real generation now behind us that are coming up and doing some sterling stuff, as good as any we were doing. So I think theres a big future for Irish comics abroad and hopefully at home as well, says Mooney, whose appearance at Cork Comic Expo coincides with the launch of The Dead Hand for Image Comics, a new project created by Mooney and American writer Kyle Higgins with colouring by Irish-based American Jordie Bellaire. Conceived by Mooney and Higgins in 2015, at a time when the former was working for DC Comics on Batman offshoot Grayson, its a somewhat timely publication, a Cold War espionage tale concerning a Soviet Doomsday weapons system. It seems like the zeitgeist, right on the nose, says Mooney. Kyle brings the more realistic political aspect and I bring the action adventure side and it marries really well. Big Bang Comics & Will Sliney present Cork Comic Expo at Mahon Point tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.30am through the day IN the last six years, Donal*, a hospital doctor in his early 30s, has worked in nine different hospitals, in Ireland and abroad. Since 2012, he has also lived in a different county each year, as part of his specialist training. His position seems enviable as a highly paid specialist registrar, he has just a few years to go before becoming a consultant, the pinnacle of his profession. But Donal is not only frustrated and stressed, but also depressed by the emotional, financial, and social toll of his working conditions. The moving around is the most stressful part of my work and training, he says. I own my own house, but I have to rent accommodation wherever Im sent, which is financially stressful. Socially, he says, the temporary work he has no control over where his training scheme sends him leaves him isolated. I am away from my family and girlfriend on a constant basis, he says, adding that the unpredictability of his placements and his long working hours constitute significant stressors. Theres no stability. Youre living out of a suitcase for years. Sometimes, people only find out where their next place of work is to be weeks before theyre expected to start, and thats very stressful. File pic He regularly works every second weekend and has a lot of on-call hours. I do a lot of on-call work. Over the next two weeks, I am doing four 24-hour shifts, plus I have an assignment due for a course Im doing. You dont really get time for normal life things, he says. While his superiors are quite supportive, in that they back you up and its a good training scheme, the system is very isolating. Once he finishes his training, he says, he will emigrate to Canada or Australia. There are better working conditions, a better quality of life, and better pay, plus the freedom to choose what you want to do and where you want to work. I make a joke about how, in just a few years time, hell be living in a prestigious penthouse, overlooking the sunlit waves of Bondi Beach. But maybe not as a doctor, he says. Hes not sure if he can keep going, he says grimly. And, no, hes not joking. One in three Irish hospital doctors are close to burnout, delegates were told at last weekends Irish Medical Organisations annual conference in Killarney. Leo Kearns, chief executive of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, drew a comparison with airline pilots, and the likely impact pilot burnout would have on the airline sector. Leo Kearn How safe would people feel about getting on the plane? You just wouldnt. Yet people think it is OK for doctors. And what are the implications for patients? In Caroline Eltons shocking new book on the medical profession, Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors. Its a graphic expose of the exhaustion, depression, and stress among doctors and it has sent shock waves across the health services. Elton highlights unrelenting problems in Britains NHS, such as massive under-staffing, hideously long hours, and pressure on junior doctors to carry out clinical tasks for which they feel theyre not adequately trained. She references a study of nearly 500 junior doctors by the Royal College of Physicians in Britain, which reported that 70% worked on a rota that was permanently under-staffed: four times a month, doctors completed a full day or night shift without having time to eat; 18% had to carry out clinical tasks for which they had not been adequately trained; 80% felt their work sometimes or often caused them excessive stress; 25% felt their work had a serious impact on their mental health. The stress, and their fears for the impact their poor morale and heavy work-load may be having on patient safety, is stark. But this is not just a problem for the NHS and the HSE. In 2015, a major international study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that the level of depressive symptoms in trainee doctors was extraordinarily high between a quarter and a third experienced significant symptoms. Their training can equip them for dealing with the demands of day-to-day clinical work that one would expect to happen in a well-functioning healthcare system, says Elton. But its not equipping them to cope in a system which is under as much pressure as this. Caroline Elton Rotas are understaffed, people are being asked to carry out clinical duties that they are not trained to do ... There are long hours, lack of a support, and a denial that this can be emotionally demanding work, which can push doctors toward the brink. We have lost sight, she says, of the psychological demands of medical work and the need to support doctors. None of this came as any surprise to several Irish doctors who spoke to Feelgood about working conditions within the Irish health service. On-call is probably the hardest, because of the late-night work, says one former hospital doctor, who is now training as a GP. During the day, youre on a hospital-based team, with a consultant in charge and theres more direct support, but when youre on-call, youre much more autonomous. If youre very junior, there will be a more senior doctor over you, like a registrar, but the registrars are junior enough themselves, yet theyre responsible for whatever happens, and thats huge pressure. Theres a lot of responsibility, and even though there is senior support, it can be remote. The long hours and the frequency of on-call work is very debilitating when I was on medical on-call, 24-hour call was standard. It takes a few days to recover from being awake for 24 hours and youre often going flat-out for that 24 hours, because its really busy. But its not just in hospitals GP practices are under growing pressure, according to Kieran*, who worked for some years in the hospital system, before joining a GP trainee scheme. The stress in the GP sector is in the workload you carry, while, in hospitals, the stress levels are high in terms of the long hours. Many hospital doctors work 12-hour days and then theyll do an on-call on top of that. As a result, he adds, doctors are being driven out of hospital medicine into the GP system, because the GP service is the only speciality where you can have a work-life balance and a family it is structured and very few of us do nights. However, although it is a more predictable working day, a modern GP practice is often extremely stressful GPs are routinely expected to diagnose a patient, take a history, and come up with a treatment plan in 10 minutes. On top of that, we have no access to diagnostics, not even a basic chest x-ray, and this is a huge stressor, he says. And theres no back-up from the hospital system. Its no surprise, then, that so many young GPs are emigrating: a survey published by the Irish College of General Practitioners, in late 2017, showed that almost one in five of recently graduated GPs had already emigrated, while one in three of those currently in training were considering working abroad. There is plenty of work for GPs in Ireland, but a lot of my counterparts have decided to emigrate, because the workload is becoming increasingly difficult, says Kieran, adding that the 38% cut in the income stream from medical-card patients is another major disincentive for doctors considering a community-based medical career. In contrast, he says, in Australia or Canada, GPs can get all the back-up and diagnostics you want, plus the pay is better a career as a GP is now a very unattractive profession in Ireland. Another GP trainee, who did not wish to be identified, says As a GP, you know that a person needs to see a certain specialist or get a certain investigation, but you also know that that investigation or that access to a consultant could take a year or so down the line. Thats a source of stress, because when this kind of thing is routine, you end up with a whole cohort of people whom you know need further investigation or specialist review, but the access to these facilities is not timely for example, in the case of hip replacements or cataract surgery. Theres a huge gap between what is needed and available resources. Because of the ever-dwindling number of GPs the National Association of GPs has warned that the number of GPs in the country has fallen far below international best practice patients are now experiencing increasing difficulty in even getting a GP appointment, he says. And when they do get to see a doctor, they have less time in the consultation than previously, because of the pressure of numbers. There is a huge issue with burnout among doctors, warns Dr Mark Rowe, a GP of 23 years, lifestyle medicine expert, and author of A Prescription for Happiness. He points to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which shows that about 50% of physicians were experiencing symptoms of burnout, he says. Caring is wearing and if you ask any doctor about burnout, theyll ask you which burnout story do you want to hear, says Waterford-based Rowe. You are dealing with increasingly complex cases you could have people on up to 20 different tablets daily. Then, theres the long hours, and the rise in litigation, which is another stressor for over-worked doctors. Systems are far from perfect and mistakes happen, but theres now a culture of hang the doctor out to dry, rather than looking at the system around something. This puts a lot of pressure on doctors the fear of being sued. The lack of resources and lack of access to central services is a major issue. Its not acceptable that people in Ireland have to wait so long to get basic tests. This frustration for patients affects the doctors, says Dr Rowe. A lot of GPs are going to Australia and Canada theyre moving there because of money, but the reason a lot of them are staying is because the systems are much better. In Australia, if someone has a problem, they can have their scans done on the same day and the GP will have the results back that evening and get a specialist to see the patient the day after, he says. Doctors in Ireland work extremely hard and in very difficult conditions, adds Dr Rowe. A doctor can find himself or herself working all the time and neglecting health and key relationships, he warns. At a fundamental level health needs to be valued as a resource rather than as a cost and the people who provide healthcare need to be valued as resources and not just seen as a cost. Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors, by Caroline Elton, a Heinemann hardback, 23.79 Names have been changed Mr Callinan also helped Mr Kean write a response to Sgt McCabe after the whistleblower threatened legal action, alleging that Mr Kean had made horrendous statements on air accusing him criminal and disciplinary offences that were highly damaging to his reputation. Mr Kean told the Disclosures Tribunal yesterday that Mr Callinan had told him Sgt McCabe was troublesome, difficult, and obstructive or words to that effect; that he had refused to co-operate with an internal garda probe into his whistleblower claims and had breached the Data Protection Act by leaking personal details of penalty point recipients to TDs. Mr Kean said he knew now that the criticisms of Sgt McCabe were incorrect and that he had been used by Mr Callinan to promote that view of the Sgt McCabe. Asked if had been sold a pup by the former commissioner, he said: In hindsight, I think you are correct. Mr Kean told the tribunal he had only met Mr Callinan once, at a charity function in his native Cork, before he decided to contact him prior to going on the Marian Finucane Show on RTE Radio on Sunday, January 26, 2014, where he was to be a panellist discussing the news of the week, including the whistleblower controversy. Martin Callinan Phone records show he spoke to Mr Callinan four times the day before the show and once the next morning. He also received a text message from Mr Callinan shortly before the show started. Mr Kean said he wanted clarification from Mr Callinan as to whether it was still the case, as had been claimed by then justice minister Alan Shatter in the Dail the previous October, that Sgt McCabe had failed to co-operate with Garda inquiries into his allegations of wrongdoing. It was on my mind that that might have changed, Mr Kean said. Maybe Sgt McCabe had spent the last three weeks in Garda headquarters giving information. Mr Callinan assured him that nothing had changed and went on to make derogatory remarks about Sgt McCabe and to accuse him of data breaches, although he asked not to be named as the source of this information. Mr Kean said he did not think it odd that the commissioner would speak in such detail to him about the inner workings of the force as he had clearly already briefed Mr Shatter in the same way. Alan Shatter and Martin Callinan Mr Kean said he did not seek other sources to back up what Mr Callinan said because he was just being a panellist, not an investigative journalist. I was brought up in a house where my dad was a Garda sergeant, believing that people like the commissioner were beyond reproach, he said. Mr Kean went on the radio and repeated what he had been told. He said he was shocked to learn after the show that Sgt McCabe had called and said Mr Keans information was wrong and his comments defamatory. He put in a panic call to Mr Callinan straight away but the commissioner stood his ground. Asked by counsel for Sgt McCabe if Mr Callinan had known his information was incorrect, Mr Kean said: I believe so. I believe that he used me to promote a position that supported his stance in the matter and which in my opinion was incorrect, and I ended up in the firing line. On February 6, Mr Kean received a letter from Sgt McCabe referring to his radio comments and asking him to remedy the damage he had caused. He immediately sent it to Mr Callinan together with a draft reply. Mr Callinan did not respond directly but his personal secretary, Superintendent Frank Walsh, met Mr Kean in his office on February 12, bringing with him a handwritten note from the commissioner containing points to add to his reply. The letter subsequently sent to Sgt McCabe included Mr Callinans notes and created a more robust defence than Mr Keans original text. The tribunal heard the proceedings against Mr Kean had since been dropped. Mr Callinan has yet to have his turn to give evidence at the tribunal. Gerald Kean is a celebrity solicitor and bon vivant. He got drawn into the garda whistleblower matter over an appearance on the Marian Finucane radio show in January 2014. At the time, a raging controversy was blowing over an appearance at the Public Accounts Committee the previous week by then garda commissioner Martin Callinan. Sergeant Maurice McCabe was scheduled to give evidence the following week about abuses in the penalty points system. Mr Callinan was known to be vehemently opposed to Sgt McCabes appearance before the committee. Sandwiched between these two appearances, and into the controversy, was Dr Kean. (He signs his official correspondence Dr as he has received an honorary award from a US university.) On the day before his radio appearance, he contacted Mr Callinan. Over the course of a series of phonecalls, the commissioner briefed him about Sgt McCabe. According to Mr Kean, the commissioner described Sgt McCabe as troublesome, obstructive, unco-operative and that he didnt co-operate with an internal garda inquiry into his complaints. Mr Kean also alleges that Mr Callinan told him Sgt McCabe and former garda John Wilson had breached data protection laws. All such allegations would in time be shown to have had no basis in fact. But Mr Kean accepted what he was being told because he believed the commissioner was above reproach. At least three times yesterday Mr Kean stated that he had believed at the time that Mr Callinan was above reproach. Martin Callinan Over the course of that Saturday, there was a series of phonecalls between Mr Kean and Mr Callinan that amounted to nearly an hours conversation. They had only ever met once prior to that, although Mr Kean had invited Mr Callinan to a dinner party at Drayton Manor (apparently the name of the good doctors abode) but the commissioner couldnt make it. Anyway, the outcome of their conversations was that Mr Kean went on the programme, presented Mr Callinans views and opinions without revealing where they had come from, and in the course of doing so defamed Sgt McCabe and Mr Wilson. On air, Mr Kean said he had contacted guards from all over the county, I spoke to 13 or 14 members of the force the previous day, to gauge opinion within the force. You spoke to the head of the force and why didnt you mention that to the people of Ireland? tribunal lawyer Diarmaid McGuinness put it to him. The commissioner asked me not to, Mr Kean replied. He said his extensive opinion gathering within the force was conducted the previous day when he attended his local station in Wicklow about a motor tax issue and he rang some others. The lawyer persisted with his point. The suggestion might be made that you were acting as a surrogate for the commissioner at the time to bolster his position? I didnt see that at the time, Mr Kean replied. I believed I had access to somebody who was beyond reproach. During the programme, Sgt McCabe contacted RTE to point out that untruths were being uttered about him on air. Afterwards, he wrote to Mr Kean. The celebrity solicitor sent a draft of his reply to Sgt McCabe to the garda commissioner. Sometime after that, the commissioners private secretary, Superintendent Frank Walsh, attended at Mr Keans office with some adjustments for the letter. Four paragraphs, composed by Mr Callinan, were inserted into the letter. In order words, a solicitor responding to an accusation that he had defamed a serving garda responded in a missive that was partially composed by the garda commissioner. And Mr Kean did not inform Sgt McCabe or anybody else that he was acting in concert with the commissioner. The Irish Examiner understands that the matter was eventually settled with Sgt McCabe and Mr Wilson through the payment of over 180,000 in damages and costs. Later in yesterdays evidence, Mr Kean claimed that he had been used by Mr Callinan. I believe in hindsight that he used me to promote a position which supported his stance in the matter and which in my opinion was incorrect and I ended up in the firing line. Paul McGarry, lawyer for Sgt McCabe, put it to Mr Kean that he had been provided with information about internal garda matters by the commissioner. Maurice McCabe Did you think it odd? Kean replied: No, hed given it [the information] to the minister a few months before that. That was an odd reply. The witness drew an equivalence between the commissioner providing information about garda matters to the minister for justice with doing so to a private citizen. Mr Callinans lawyer Micheal OHiggins put it to Mr Kean that much of the information was already in the public domain, and that Mr Callinan had not referenced Sgt McCabe personally. He [Callinan] did not disclose any personal information, he did not make any derogatory remarks about Sgt McCabe? the lawyer suggested. Thats not correct, Mr Kean replied. He was followed in the witness box by Noel Brett, the former chief executive of the Road Safety Association. Mr Brett related that he had met with Sgt McCabe about the penalty points abuse and he had referred the allegations to the Comptroller and Auditor General and GSOC. Mr Brett was asked about allegations that he had been involved in a heated meeting with Martin Callinan about Sgt McCabe. He replied that he never discussed Sgt McCabe with Mr Callinan but he had been involved in a heated meeting with the commissioner which had prompted him and chairman Gay Byrne to walk out of the meeting. In my mind, I probably felt I was being treated like that [by Callinan] because I was the one who had made the referral to GSOC and the C&AG, said Mr Brett. The social networking giant says the educational notices are being put up amid attempts to improve the quality of news appearing ahead of the Eighth Amendment referendum next month. The warnings started to go live yesterday. The changes come as the firm also faces global criticism about how data belonging to tens of millions of users was shared with outside firms. The targeted package includes two hours of free parking in the city council-run multi-storey car parks and the waiving of the 5 fee for the citys park and ride bus service, from noon daily, and a marketing campaign. The chief executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty, who announced the measures last night, said she hopes they will bring confidence back to customers to visit the city centre. The city is very much open for business, she said. We have a change in traffic flow between 3pm and 6.30pm every day. Our great city still has everything it had to offer two weeks ago. I would ask the traders to work with us to see if these changes can make a difference. However, she said it will be three months before the full impact of the daily three-and-a-half hour car ban can be assessed. It is understood the support measures could be in place for up to three months. The measures, as first reported by the Irish Examiner yesterday, were unveiled just 24-hours after trader representatives met Ms Doherty to discuss their concerns about the new traffic arrangements. There's never been a better time to indulge in some @corkcitycentre shopping over the weekend with free parking from 12 at the park 'n' ride and 4 hours of parking at @NorthMainCork carpark for an amazing 3.50! https://t.co/mEqeikTWA2 Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) April 12, 2018 The council banned private cars from St Patricks St between 3pm and 6.30pm daily on March 27 to create a time-regulated bus lane on the citys main street. It is a key element of the City Centre Movement Strategy which aims to transform traffic flow in the city. However, several traders said it has led to a dramatic reduction in footfall and turnover, and they had threatened to withhold commercial rates unless the car ban was lifted. Ms Doherty said she was conscious and mindful of their concerns, and spent yesterday finalising the support measures. From 12pm today, customers will be able to use the Black Ash park and ride free, Monday to Saturday. Buses run every 15 minutes. And in the city councils North Main St and Paul St car parks, customers will get four hours parking for the price of two between 12pm and 6pm. Their comments, yesterday, came as two opposition leaders, Micheal Martin and Mary Lou McDonald, signalled they intend raising the controversy when the Dail resumes next week. At a Project Ireland 2040 event in NUI Galway, Mr Varadkar spoke for the first time about the scandal. He said an independent press was fundamental to the workings of any democracy, and that the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) would investigate. I do have concerns. Of course, I do, he said. Im concerned anytime somebodys personal emails or electronic information is accessed by anyone. For our democracy to function we need to have an independent press and we need to have a diversity of press ownership as well and, you know, Im a great believer in that because democracy cant function without a strong and independent media. Whats going to happen now is a government office, the ODCE, is going to initiate an investigation. At least until that investigation is completed, I cant really say anymore. I think it is appropriate that there be an investigation by this government office, the ODCE. Mr Naughten, who has ministerial responsibility for the media, concurred that what emerged was very concerning. Denis Naughten Look, theres absolutely no doubt about it there are concerns in relation to what is out in the public domain at the moment, he said. But there is an investigation ongoing with the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Theres also a second investigation with Helen Dixon [data protection commissioner] and both of those investigations are ongoing at present and I think we need to let both of those investigations take place. I think it is important that theres a differentiation here with the allegations that are made in relation to the board activity and also the work of the employees within the company who are trying to do their work on a day-to-day basis. And I think there needs to be a clear distinction made in relation to that. But lets have the investigations. Lets see what comes out of that. But we have to ensure we have a media in this country that we can all be confident about. It is important for the democratic process and I think its something Ive spoken on, on a number of occasions in the past and its something the Government is actively looking at. Mr Martin and Ms McDonald, meanwhile, are expected to grill Mr Varadkar in response to growing concerns over the scale of the data breach which involves private information and potentially sources of INM workers being examined by an external firm. Ms McDonald said she will also raise the alleged INM data breach issue in the Dail, adding that the matter should be of serious concern to the public. The allegations surrounding Independent News and Media are very disturbing, she said. In preparation for developing a framework to guide the development of the trail, Failte Ireland is to carry out a pilot study on how it can link both the Kerry Way and Dingle Way trails. The outcome of this study will inform the approach for a full-scale trail of the entire 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way route. Research carried out by Failte Ireland has identified walking as a compelling outdoor activity and a means of sightseeing for overseas markets. In particular, the Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Path concept, which it labels a hypothetical consumer experience, came out on top as it presented the opportunity to experience dramatic coastal landscape in a very close up and visceral way for international visitors. One of the key benefits associated with walking tourism is that it is seen as a year-round activity and can help to extend the tourism season. Fresh air = Good mood. Fact. Get outside this weekend on one of these beautiful #wildatlanticway walking trails! https://t.co/z6BVo8y5LI pic.twitter.com/huCgo1Dlm5 wildatlanticway (@wildatlanticway) April 11, 2018 As a result, Failte Ireland is now seeking to appoint a consulting partner to carry out a pilot study of the options and potential remedial works required to link two of Irelands most popular walking routes the Kerry Way and the Dingle Way. The Kerry Way, at 230km, is the longest of the Irish Waymarked Trails. Its a circular route that circumnavigates the Iveragh Peninsula, starting and finishing in Killarney, and also passing through Kerry towns such as Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare. The Dingle Peninsula, the northernmost of Kerrys peninsulas, stretches nearly 50km into the Atlantic Ocean, and is 21km wide at its broadest. It is a circular route beginning and ending in the town of Tralee that takes in all of these elements along the route. The Kerry Way starts and ends in Killarney (214km) and the Dingle Way officially starts and ends in Tralee (162km). At the closest points there is a distance of approximately 43km between Glenbeigh on the Kerry Way and Inch on the Dingle Way. The objective of this pilot study is to look at potential route options that would extend from the Kerry Way at Waterville, along the Coast to Caherciveen and to follow a coastal route to link the two peninsulas and form a linear walking route. Treatment for around 50 procedures, including cataracts, hip and knee replacements, tonsils, varicose veins, and scopes will be provided. The focus on the longest waiters is part of a new action plan published yesterday by Health Minister Simon Harris to reduce waiting lists. This year the HSE will provide 1.14m hospital operations or procedures and the NTPF will provide 20,000 inpatient day case treatments and 4,000 gastrointestinal scopes. Under the plan, the number of patients waiting longer than nine months will fall by 10,000. Mr Harris said the overall number of patients waiting will fall from a peak of 86,100 in July 2017 to under 70,000 by the end of the year. The operations and procedures will be performed in both public and private hospitals where there is available capacity. The Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan 2018 was compiled by the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF. Mr Harris said the plan marks a very important milestone in delivering on the Governments increased investment to tackle waiting lists and added that he would publish a plan to tackle outpatient waiting lists shortly. HSE director general Tony OBrien said the HSE welcomes the funding of 55m that has been made to the NTPF and the funding provided to the HSE this year to tackle waiting lists. Tony O'Brien Meanwhile, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, denied that the opening of a new 75-bed ward block at University Hospital Galway is a public relations exercise. Mr Varadkar had travelled to Galway to open the block and it was pointed out to him that the number of admitted patients awaiting a bed fell from 58 to 26 overnight. It is not a PR exercise; it is a very substantial improvement in the quality of healthcare being provided to the people of Galway and, indeed, people from other parts of the west who use the hospital as well, he said. Mr Varadkar said that trolley figures are too high and that people should not have to wait more than nine hours to be admitted to a hospital bed. However, solving the problem would not be simple but additional bed capacity would help and that was happening. He said a number of hospitals such as Beaumont in Dublin, Cavan General, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth, had all shown that overcrowding could be managed. You need to have a certain amount of additional resources and additional capacity but most of all you need good clinical leadership, co-operation from trade unions and good management, said Mr Varadkar. According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, there were 548 patients on trolleys in emergency departments and on wards waiting for a bed yesterday, a 59% increase on the same day last year when there were 345. Cork University Hospital had 73 patients waiting, the highest number; University Hospital Limerick had 56, and South Tipperary General Hospital had 33. The contractors associated with the construction were as prominent a part of the story as the visiting hours. Advertisements surrounding the newspaper article show Munster Arcade supplied the linoleum, PJ Hegarty & Sons did the construction work and The Dublin Paint and Glass Company supplied all the glass. The first surgeon was John Sengin OConnell, who worked there from 1955 to 1980. Bishop Con Lucey spoke at the opening and was described as a central player in the response to the polio epidemic in 1956. During a four-month period in 1956, more than 550 children in the Cork area were hospitalised during a polio epidemic, mainly in St Finbarrs, but also at St Marys where a plaque was unveiled in 2006. The fascinating history of The Orthopaedic has been captured in an oral history project and a booklet, launched yesterday. The Memories of the Orthopaedic Oral History Project involved 12 months of gathering memories of those who worked at and used the old St Marys Orthopaedic Hospital, led by HSE community health worker Joanne McNamara, in collaboration with the Cork Folklore Project. Contributor Maura OConnell, former matron, (left) who worked at the hospital from 1965 to 1997, with (right) former theatre nurse Fionnuala OGorman looking over a photo (which includes her) from 1994 of a ministerial visit to newly revamped surgical theatres, by Minister for Health Brendan Howlin. Pic: Larry Cummins The project includes audio clips taken from one-to-one interviews. The memories fed into a piece of research called The Ministry of Healing by Tomas Mac Conmara, co-ordinator of the Cork Folklore Project. Ms McNamara said the booklet briefly explores the foundation of The Orthopaedic as a development originally intended to respond to a growing fever concern in the city, to its reshaped focus as a facility concentrated on orthopaedics. Indeed, it was the first hospital in Ireland to undertake a hip replacement operation in 1970. Ms McNamara said that, with the removal of orthopaedic services in 2011, and the announcement of a new health campus at the site, we felt it would be important to capture a sense of the hospitals unique story. This week, the keys to a 13m primary care campus, expected to open in the autumn, were handed over to the HSE. Ms McNamara said they are hoping to include quotes from the interviews on signage at the campus. The interviews can be listened to at the Cork Folklore Project Outreach Hub in the North Cathedral Visitor Centre. The booklet is also available at the centre, and at the HSE Community Work Department, St Marys Rd. Noel Brett told the tribunal that he was later assured by then commissioner Noirin OSullivan that he was not on a list of intercepted phones. Mr Brett said that, in 2012, Conor Faughnan of the AA passed on to him information about irregularities with penalty points. He said he later met with whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe about the issue and contacted the Comptroller and Auditor General and Gsoc as a result. The tribunal is looking at allegations that senior gardai were smearing Sgt McCabe to politicians, journalists, and others. Mr Brett said that, on one occasion, he and RSA chairman Gay Byrne had to walk out of a meeting with former garda commissioner Martin Callinan that had become heated. He said Sgt McCabe was not discussed during this meeting, which covered road safety issues. Gay Byrne Mr Brett said that there were rumours circulating about Sgt McCabe, and youd hear it in the civil service, youd hear it from media people. It was as vague as you cant trust him, hes got issues. Mr Brett said that he told then transport minister Leo Varadkar that there were rumours about Sgt McCabe. He said he did not hear the rumours from garda members. Solicitor Gerald Kean yesterday told the tribunal that statements made on the Marian Finucane RTE radio programme on Sunday, January 26, 2014, were based on information he got from former garda commissioner Martin Callinan. Mr Kean was cross-examined by Micheal P OHiggins, who represents An Garda Siochana and Mr Callinan. Mr OHiggins said his client had a clear view that Sgt McCabe had failed to avail of an opportunity to co-operate with the OMahoney internal Garda inquiry into his complaints. Mr OHiggins also said it was Mr Callinans position that he did not tell Mr Kean not to mention his name, and that he only discussed facts in the public domain. No, thats simply incorrect, said Mr Kean. Gerald Kean Mr Kean said that he would have loved to have been able to say during the broadcast that his information came to him from the garda commissioner. Mr Kean said that Mr Callinan told him that Sgt McCabe was a troublemaker, obstructive, and difficult. Mr Kean agreed that he had not been told anything about sexual allegations by Mr Callinan. Mr Kean also said he did not recollect speaking to Supt Taylor when he was trying to get in touch with Mr Callinan. Tribunal barrister Diarmaid McGuinness SC said the phone records available to the tribunal did not seem to support any contacts between Mr Kean and Supt Taylor. Mr Kean said he thought he had spoken to retired chief superintendent Diarmuid OSullivan, who suggested he contact Mr Callinan. Mr OSullivan told the tribunal he did not recollect speaking to Mr Kean, but if he had been, he would have directed Mr Kean to contact the Garda press office. Tribunal chairman Mr Justice Peter Charleton said it was a very weird coincidence that a telephone conversation between Mr Kean and Mr OSullivan was followed by a phone call between Mr OSullivan and Mr Callinan. The Disclosures Tribunal heard Mr Kean had been briefed negatively about both men by garda commissioner Martin Callinan the day before he appeared on the Marian Finucane radio show, during which the remarks were made. Mr Kean told the tribunal Mr Callinan had told him the whistleblowers had not co-operated with an internal garda investigation and that both had broken data protection laws. A confidential review had found that Scouting Ireland had failed to ascertain if a scout leader, who had allegedly been accused of rape, was fit to act as a volunteer before being reinstated. The man had been suspended after a woman alleged in 2016 that she had been raped by him nine years earlier, when she was 18, on a camping trip. Speaking to the Irish Examiner for the first time since being appointed, Mr Calleary said that the overtures toward Ms McDonald are not just isolated to the comments from junior minister Jim Daly. It is very interesting, he said. It is clear it is not just Jim Daly. You can see there is a particularly warm relationship between Leo and Mary Lou which wasnt there with Gerry Adams. Mr Calleary said Mr Varadkar has nowhere near as hostile a relationship as it was with Gerry Adams. So, there is a definitely a warming of relations between them. He said Mr Dalys close ties and personal friendship with Mr Varadkar is a signal this is more than one minister giving his personal view. Mr Varadkar yesterday denied he slapped down Mr Daly over his comments but said the two parties are not compatible. However, there has been a noticeable thawing in relations, particularly since Ms McDonald has become president. The Mayo TD said that the relations between Fine Gael and Sinn Fein are warmer than they have been in a long time: Jim Daly is close to Leo, no matter what they say. Jim Daly "He was the only Cork man to support Leo in the contest. But there is definitely a warmer relationship between Fine Gael and Sinn Fein now than there has been in a long time. Mr Calleary also ruled out any review of the confidence and supply agreement before the budget, saying that the review of it can only happen once the third budget is passed. He also ruled out any suggestion of an early election before the budget. We have a review clause in November but the budget will determine the tone of that review, he said. The agreement is clear, we will do the three budgets and do the budget after that. "In all honesty, it is the only way to do the review because you have to deal with it in its totality rather than predicting what might come, Mr Calleary added. Asked about his own position he said that while he is now the partys policy director, he will not have a frontline role in negotiations with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe as he did last year, when he was public expenditure spokesman. But he did say he will play a full role in the negotiations within the party: I am not sure I will be in the mainline discussions as I was previously, but I will be centrally involved in the development in policy discussions behind the scenes. He said that he and his party colleagues havent yet spoken among themselves about just how he will operate but he intends sitting down with Barry Cowen next week to hand over. But available land will have to be used more efficiently, with more high-rise, high-density developments likely in appropriate locations, he said. His department is due to issue new building height guidance to local authorities within a matter of weeks, he confirmed. Mr English was speaking yesterday at the official handing over of 52 new homes to families in Knocknaheeny, on the northside of Cork City, which were developed by Deermount Construction in two phases worth 10.2m as part of Cork City Councils ambitious North West Quarter Regeneration Plan (NWQRP) which aims to deliver 650 homes across a vast swathe of the citys northside. Against the backdrop of rising homeless figures and soaring property costs, he also turned the sod on the third phase of the plan which will deliver 47 homes to be built by Murnane and OShea under an 11.8m contract. The key to solving the housing crisis is supply, he said. This is one of 720 such sites around the country. There were about 7,000 social housing units built last year 8,000 this year. Thats how you solve the housing crisis. Rebuilding Ireland wasnt a plan for one year. Its a five-year plan and is ahead of targets in many areas. The new townhouses and apartments handed over yesterday, and which have replaced existing housing in the area, are a mix of two and three bedroom homes, are all A energy rated and feature solar panels to reduce energy bills. Johnny OShea and his wife Margaret, who raised six children in a old council house on nearby Harbour View Rd over the last 45 years, said they were delighted with their new home at Killary Green. The old house was shocking the rooms upstairs were black from dampness, rain was pouring down the walls, subsidence, and the heating, we couldnt heat the place, he said. But the new house its like Buckingham Palace. Its fantastic. Were putting our own touches to it, but Rome wasnt built in a day. Junior Housing Minister Damien English has formally handed over 52 new homes to families in Knocknaheeny #Cork, and turned the sod on 47 more. He insists the delivery of social housing is being ramped up pic.twitter.com/6UzG5oqveS Eoin English (@EoinBearla) April 12, 2018 Local Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould welcomed the homes but he said progress on the overall regeneration project has been painfully slow. I attended my first meeting on this regeneration project 18 years ago and here we are, not even 50% through it, he said. We are waiting on the department of environment to release every penny. It could be another 10 years before the job is finished. They need to give the money to Cork City Council to get the job done. We have land here to build on. Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, also welcomed the new homes but said the investment in bricks and mortar must be backed by investment in supporting social services. The city council has funding approval for another 104 houses in subsequent phases of the CNWQR Plan schemes worth almost 30m. The plans will be advertised for Part 8 planning in the coming weeks. The CNWQR plan plans to deliver 650 homes in the area, as well as a new primary care centre provided by the HSE on the nearby Saint Marys Campus and Cork City Council has also provided a new library. There are currently 361 social housing units under construction across the city. We see media reports of teacher union meetings, where some teachers behave in a manner that could politely be described as ill mannered. Ignorant is the term I would prefer to use. I just cannot understand why any education minister would expose him or herself to the behaviour that has become an integral part of some of the teacher union conferences. I wonder how those same teachers would react if their students behaved in a similar manner in class. I suspect the reaction would not be great, but if this is the sort of example that some teachers are setting for their students, it is inevitable that some students will regard such disrespectful behaviour as par for the course. Teachers have an incredibly important role to play in society and I do firmly believe that the nation that does not treat its teachers properly and with a high level of respect is doomed to failure. Perhaps I have an old-fashioned view of the world, but I would have thought that as role models teachers should not show the example that has become too commonplace at the annual conferences. I understand why teachers would feel aggrieved at the dual pay structure in teaching, but my understanding was that the established teachers at the time sold out on their younger and future colleagues to protect their own positions. Whatever the reality is, it is clear that the dual pay structure will have to be eradicated as soon as this can be afforded. Therein, of course, lies the crux. Apart from the disquiet evident at the teachers conferences, a lot of disquiet was also evident from their medical colleagues over in Killarney. The GP system, in particular, is straining at the edges and represents a fundamental blockage in the healthcare system. If the primary healthcare system is not functioning, as it should, then there is little hope for the rest of the system. GPs are now effectively running the GMS (general medical services) on a free gratis basis (not literally) and this is not a sustainable situation. In addition, it is becoming more and more difficult for GPs to engage in succession planning and many practices are shutting down. Last week demonstrated, very clearly, one of the two very serious challenges facing government. One is, obviously, the increasingly dysfunctional housing market, which is clearly feeding into the unhappiness of many young teachers in particular. The salary of a young teacher is now simply not adequate to get a mortgage and buy a house in Dublin, in particular. The other issue is the intensifying pressure for higher pay in the public sector and increased spending on starved public services. The bottom line is that with the economy now seemingly motoring along and the public finance crisis apparently over, the pressure to raise government spending on everything is intensifying. The reality, of course, and the problem for Government is that the public financial crisis is not over. One of the consequences of our bizarre national accounts and the grossly inflated level of GDP is that the fiscal parameters look a lot better than they really are and this helps fuel unrealistic expectations. At the end of 2017, Irelands government debt to GDP ratio fell to around 70%, which is a pretty manageable level of debt, particularly when viewed in the context of the 120% level that prevailed a few short years ago. However, if one strips out the multinational activities that so distort the monetary size of the economy, the debt level exceeds 100% of real GDP. This is still dangerously high. Fiscal resources are still tight and the pressure for increased spending is virtually infinite. At the same time, there is pressure to reduce the personal tax burden, which includes employee payroll taxes, Vat, excise duties, and the local property tax. It will take serious political strength and courage to manage these pressures. However, it is not clear that we currently have it. New Zealand-based accounting software company Xero has appointed a UK-based entrepreneur, Dale Murray, as a non-executive director on its board. New Zealand-born Murray brings extensive board experience to Xero as both an executive and non-executive director in the private and government sectors in the UK, and has experience in SaaS businesses and as an adviser to, or investor in, a portfolio of start-up companies. Murray has spent the past 22 years in the UK where she co-founded an early-stage SaaS business, Omega Logic, a British mobile telecommunications software company. She received a CBE in 2014 for services to business. Murray served on the Business Taskforce on EU Redtape for the UK Prime Minister in 2013. Xero chair Graham Smith said, To attract someone of Dales calibre is testament to Xeros growing reputation globally and Im very pleased to welcome her to Xero. Weve been focused on recruiting a director from the UK in line with our strategic focus on that market as one of Xeros growth engines. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Security firm Kaspersky Lab says it has been tracking a series of attacks which it has dubbed Operation Parliament where unknown Windows malware is used target high-profile organisations based on what appear to be geopolitical motivations. In a blog post, the company said the attacks had been made on a large number of organisations since early last year and in a number of locations: the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Qatar, Lebanon, Chile, Somalia, Iraq, Morocco, Syria, India, Iran, Canada, the US, the UK, Germany, Israel, Afghanistan, Serbia, Russia, the Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, South Korea and Denmark. The attacks seemed geared towards collecting information from victims who were carefully selected. The attackers are claimed to represent a previously unknown geopolitically motivated threat actor, with Kaspersky not saying if any nation-state was behind the attacks. However, it did not that Operation Parliament seemed to be tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Other characteristics of the attackers are that they appear to have access to additional tools when needed. "(They) appear to have access to an elaborate database of contacts in sensitive organisations and personnel worldwide, especially of vulnerable and non-trained staff," the blog post said. "The victim systems range from personal desktop or laptop systems to large servers with domain controller roles or similar. The nature of the targeted ministries varied, including those responsible for telecommunications, health, energy, justice, finance and so on." The Kaspersky researchers said the attackers had exercised sufficient care to stay under the radar and imitate another attack group from the Middle East. Additionally, care had been taken to verify targets before an attack in order to protect command and control servers. They said targeting looked to have slowed down since the beginning of the year and the targeting indicated that a lot of research was being done before an attack was launched. The malware being used essentially basically provides a remote CMD/PowerShell terminal for the attackers, so that they can execute scripts/commands and receive the results via HTTP requests. Screenshots: courtesy Kaspersky Lab The danger of using software that has reached its end-of-life has been illustrated by researchers at the security firm F5 who found a new campaign targeting Microsoft Internet Information Services 6.0 servers to mine the electroneum cryptocurrency. F5's Andrew Shalnev said in a blog post that the campaign in question targeted Windows IIS 6.0 servers through the CVE-2017-7269 released more than one year ago. The malware in question was named lsass.eXe, presumably in order that it would be confused with the legitimate lsass.exe process. Additionally, the binary was proxy aware and used TLS encryption. Shalnev said practically all the attacks were coming from the US and China, with the malware hosting server located in Beijing within China's Unicom's network. The vulnerability that was being exploited was disclosed in March last year, with the announcement that a new buffer overflow had been found in the IIS 6.0 WebDAV functionality. Proof-of-concept code wasa couple of days later by two Chinese researchers. Shalnev pointed out that IIS 6.0 was mainly a part of Windows Server 2003, though not exclusive to this operating system. "At the time the vulnerability was released, Microsoft announced that the bug wouldnt be fixed since the OS was EOL (end-of-life)," he explained. "Soon after Microsoft published a patch addressing the issue as there were still many servers running that OS, and exploit campaigns were active." He said that once the malware downloaded the cryptocurrency mining script, it was instructed to mine to several pools to this wallet: etnjzC1mw32gSBsjuYgwWKH5fZH6ca45MDxi6UwQQ9C8GJErY3rVrqJA8sDtPKMJXsPuv4vdSyDzGVTVqgAh97GT8smQMoUaQn. But the campaign had not managed to make much money, he noted, pointing out that at the time of his writing the blog post, the attacker had earned about US$99. "This is a very small amount of money earned, given how lucrative most other crypto-mining campaigns are currently, making this campaign appear unsuccessful," Shalnev said. "One theory is that the attacker will change the wallet address from time to time. Another theory is that there arent many IIS 6.0 servers available to exploit left." Google has rolled out updates to Sheets, including the ability to record macros - part of the companys plan to appeal to more business users with it G Suite cloud product portfolio. Macro recording provides a way to automate repetitive tasks within the G Suite spreadsheet tool, potentially saving users hours of duplicated effort. [ Further reading: 10 Smartsheet tips and tricks ] The macro recorder lets users record actions within Sheets and then play them back without writing code. Once recorded, a macro is automatically converted into an Apps Script a Google scripting language derived from JavaScript. This can be later edited to update the macro, rather than forcing users to re-record it completely. It is also possible to write custom Apps Script functions and import them as new macros, Google said. We want to help companies automate work by approaching macros differently: cloud-first, said G Suite product manager Ryan Weber in a blog post Wednesday. As Sheets Macros are built for cloud-based files, users can run the macros while others are working in a sheet without interruption. For example, a finance team having a budget meeting can run macros while reviewing the same spreadsheet, Weber said. The Sheets update comes as Google aims to attract more business users to its productivity suite with new features and products, such as the recently launched Google Hangouts Chat. G Suite now has more than four million paying customers, though Google lags far behind its main rival, Microsofts Office 365, which boasts over 120 million monthly active users. Wayne Kurztman, research director at IDC, said that recent updates to G Suite have positioned Google as a serious contender in the office suite and collaboration markets. While Microsoft still owns the market, IDC sees Google effectively chipping at market share, bit by bit, he said. Googles focus on user experience and functionality improvements, such as the Sheets update, play well to both regular and power users, Kurtzman said. This should be a concern for Office 365, [which] has focused on the regular users first. Other features added to Sheets this week include the ability to add printing page breaks, custom paper sizes, and more options for row and column grouping. It is also possible to add check-boxes in cells, and to group data by time frames - such as week, month or year - in pivot tables. The new features build on Googles recent enhancements to Sheets, particularly involving pivot tables. In December, Sheets gained new A..I and machine learning capabilities, simplifying the management of large datasets. For example, users can ask Sheets questions using natural language and receive suggestions for which type of pivot table to use. That, according to Google, should make the tool simpler to use for non-technical business users. In related news, details emerged about Googles planned redesign of its Gmail web interface. According to several reports Thursday, an email sent to G Suite administrators detailed a range of new features that will become available as part of an early adopter program, including the addition of the Smart Reply function (already present in the mobile version of the application); the ability to snooze emails for hours or days; and access to other G Suite apps such as Calendar from within Gmail. Jazz Ensemble to Present Concert Featuring Special Guest Artist BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Illinois Wesleyan Universitys Jazz Ensemble will present a concert featuring jazz trumpeter and composer John Dearth on Tuesday, April 17 at 8 p.m. in Presser Halls Westbrook Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. The Director of Jazz at the University of Virginia, D'earth has performed and recorded internationally and has worked with artists including Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and Quincy Jones. An avid composer, he has written music for multiple ensembles including the Kronos String Quartet, the Dave Matthews Band and the Great American Music Ensemble, and is a co-founder of the Free Bridge Quintet. Dearth also leads the Charlottesville Swing Orchestra, the one blood jazz/poetry project and his own quartet/quintet. Directed by Adjunct Instructor and Director of Jazz in the School of Music Glenn Wilson, the Jazz Ensemble will also perform works by Thad Jones, Matt Catingub and Mike Kamuf, among others. Comprised of jazz students from a variety of majors at Illinois Wesleyan, the group has toured both nationally and internationally, including tours to Nashville, New York, Italy, the Bahamas and Japan. By Vi Kakares '20 Delays on railroads have eased since mid-March in Chicago, Savannah, and Dallas, after a rough winter filled with delays, detention, per diem, and demurrage fees for shippers. Railroads are rushing to hire employees, lease locomotives, and build sidings to be prepared for the next seasonal wave in the second half of 2018. Summerville's Holocaust remembrance on April 12 was part of the Days of Remembrance observed April 8-15 across the country honoring the lives Reddit Email 126 Shares Committee to Protect Journalists | BeirutThe Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned comments by Israels defense minister over the weekend that appear to justify the killing of Palestinian journalist Yaser Murtaja in Gaza, and called on authorities to hold to account anyone who shot journalists with live ammunition. Murtaja died on April 7 of injuries sustained the previous day while covering protests in Gaza in which at least five other journalists were injured. Journalists are civilians, and security forces have a duty to ensure that they can work safely, CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington D.C. Israeli authorities must thoroughly investigate the killing of Yaser Murtaja, rather than sustain their record of making empty pledges to probe the killing of journalists during conflict and other dangerous assignments. At least 16 journalists have been killed in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since CPJ began keeping records in 1992. According to CPJ research, no one has been held accountable for any of the deaths. Murtaja, a photojournalist and cameraperson for the Gaza-based media production company Ain Media, was injured when a live round hit him in the abdomen while he was covering protests in the area east of Khan Younis city, the local press freedom group Palestinian Center for Media Development (MADA) reported, quoting Murtajas colleague Hossam Hisham Salem who was at the scene. Murtaja died the next day from wounds sustained during the shooting, according to MADA, the regional press freedom group the Journalist Support Committee (JSC), and the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate (PJS). Pictures posted on social media by local journalists and witness testimony from local journalists show that Murtaja was wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet that were both clearly marked with the words PRESS when he was hit. In response to Murtajas death, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that whoever operates drones above IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldiers needs to understand that he is endangering himself, and We have seen dozens of cases of Hamas activists were disguised as medics and journalists, according to local media reports. In a statement released on April 7, the IDF denied that it targets journalists and said the circumstances of Murtajas death would be investigated, news reports said. The IDF did not immediately reply to CPJs email requesting comment. Reuters cited three Palestinian journalists as saying that Murtaja was not operating a drone at the time of his killing. At least five other journalists were injured while covering the protests on April 6: Adham al-Hajjar, cameraman for the Moroccan private broadcaster Medi1TV, was hit by a live round in his left knee in an area east of Gaza City, according to JSC, MADA, Saada, and pictures posted on Facebook by local journalists and friends. Khalil abu Adhreh, cameraperson for Hamas-affiliated al-Aqsa TV, was hit by a live round in his left leg in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, according to his employer, Saada, and JSC. Footage posted on YouTube shows that abu Adhreh, who was a few hundred meters away from the border fence, was filming protesters who were occasionally throwing stones and waving Palestinian flags when he was hit. Freelance photographer Ibrahim al-Zanoun was hit by a live round in his left arm in an area east of the northern Gazan city of Jabalia, according to JSC, Saada, and news reports. Ezz Abu Shanab, editor for the independent local news agency Sky Press Agency, was hit by a live round in his left leg in Gaza city, according to local journalist Saada, and a Facebook post from the editor Abu Shanab. Saber Nureldine, photographer for the European Press Photo Agency, was hit by shrapnel in his head and shoulder while working east of Gaza City, according to a Facebook post from Nureldine and the PJS. According to CPJ research and news reports, at least 10 Palestinian journalists were injured the previous week by live rounds, gas canisters, and tear gas. A report released by Human Rights Watch on April 3 said that Israeli soldiers had orders from senior Israeli officials to use live ammunition against Palestinian protesters even if protesters did not pose a threat to the soldiers or civilians. Via Committee to Protect Journalists Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. - Bonus video added by Informed Comment: AP: Gaza buries journalist killed while covering mass protest Reddit Email 72 Shares By Tom Engelhardt | ( Tomdispatch.com ) | The lessons of history? Who needs them? Certainly not Washingtons present cast of characters, a crew in flight from history, the past, or knowledge of more or less any sort. Still, just for the hell of it, lets take a few moments to think about what some of the lessons of the last years of the previous century and the first years of this one might be for the worlds most exceptional and indispensable nation, the planets sole superpower, the globes only sheriff. Those were, of course, commonplace descriptions from the pre-Trump era and yet, in the age of MAGA, already as moldy and cold as the dust in some pharaonic tomb. Lets start this way: you could think of the post-Cold War era, the years after the implosion of the Soviet Union in 1991, as the moment of Americas first opioid crisis. The countrys politicians and would-be politicians were, then, taking street drugs (K-Street and military-industrial-complex ones, to be exact) and having remarkable visions of a planet available for the taking, as well as the keeping, forever and ever, amen. On a globe without another superpower pre-Putin Russia was a shattered, impoverished shell of the former Soviet Union, while China was still entering the capitalist world, Communist party in tow historys ultimate opportunity had obviously presented itself. And about to ascend to the holodeck of the USS America (beam me up, Dick Cheney!) were historys ultimate opportunists, the men (and woman) who would, in January 2001, occupy the top posts in the administration of President George W. Bush. That, of course, included Cheney who, after overseeing a wide-ranging search for the best candidate for vice president, had appointed himself to the job. As a group, they couldnt have been more ready for Americas ultimate moment in the sun. They had been preparing for it for years and largely came out of the first think tank the Project for the New American Century ever to enter the Oval Office. They had long been in favor of ensuring this countrys unchallenged supremacy by building its already staggering military into a force beyond compare. In doing so, they had no doubt that they would achieve the previously inconceivable: an American geopolitical preeminence, as they politely put it, that would be like no other great powers ever. A Power Beyond Challenge As it happened, their moment came with blinding, thoroughly unexpected speed on September 11, 2001. Their response would be captured perfectly only five hours after the attacks of that day. From the partially devastated Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, already certain that al-Qaeda was behind the strikes, ordered his aides (as one of them scribbled down) to go massive. Sweep it all up. Things related and not. And so they did. What followed would be not just the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, but of Saddam Husseins Iraq, a country completely unconnected to the attacks of 9/11. And not just Iraq either, not in their fevered imaginations anyway (as once again today in the fever dreams of newly appointed National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo), but Iran, too. Not far behind in the sweep-it-up category would come, they were convinced, the rest of the Greater Middle East (still being called in those days the arc of instability little did they know!). In the end, they had no doubt that the rest of the planet would fall in line, too (or pay the price). It was to be a Pax Americana planet for the ages. In the carnage that followed, it was easy to forget just how expansive those fever dreams were. But give them credit: whatever else they did (or didnt do), geopolitically speaking, George W. Bushs crew thought big. Just consider their seminal document of the post-9/11 moment, the 2002 National Security Strategy. Their goal, it stated, was to ensure that the U.S. would build and maintain the countrys defenses (that is, military power) beyond challenge. And keep in mind that they were already talking about a country in, as that document put it, a position of unparalleled military strength. Let that roll around in your head for a second so many years later: on this planet a single, unparalleled military power beyond challenge. That was a dream of dominion that once would have been left to Evil Empires or madmen (or the truly, truly bad guys in Hollywood movies). But in the world as they imagined it then, the one in which only that sole superpower stood tall, how easy it proved to imagine a Great Game with just a single player and an eternal arms race of one. The top officials of the Bush administration were, as I wrote back then, pure fundamentalists when it came to U.S. military power. As President Bush later put it, they considered that military the greatest force for human liberation the world has ever known. Under such circumstances, why would anyone be shy about loosing it to liberate the rest of the planet? In that 2002 document, the Bush administration essentially called for a world in which no other great power or bloc of powers would ever again be allowed to challenge this countrys supremacy. As the president put it in an address at West Point that same year, America has, and intends to keep, military strengths beyond challenge, thereby making the destabilizing arms races of other eras pointless, and limiting rivalries to trade and other pursuits of peace. The National Security Strategy put the same thought this way: Our forces will be strong enough to dissuade potential adversaries from pursuing a military build-up in hopes of surpassing, or equaling, the power of the United States. And the president and his men promptly began to hike the Pentagon budget to fit their oversized fantasies of what an American planetary footprint should look like (a process that, despite everything that followed, has never ended). The Lessons of American War So much of this has, of course, already been buried in the sands of history, but thats no reason for it to be forgotten. Almost 17 years after 9/11, the parts of the planet that the greatest force, etc., etc. was loosed upon remain in remarkable upheaval and disarray, while failed states and terror groups multiply, producing more displaced people and refugees than at any time since the end of World War II. Another great power, China, is rising, and an economically less than great Russia continues to hang in there militarily and strategically by force of Putinian chutzpah. Not surprisingly, American decline has become a topic of the moment. Buy the Book What conclusions, then, might be drawn from the era of folly that led us to this Trumpian moment? Here are my suggestions for five possible lessons from the American experience of war in the twenty-first century: Lesson one: It should have been too obvious to say, but wasnt: Earth cant be conquered by a single power, no matter how strong. Try to do so and youll end up taking yourself down in some fashion. Shakespeare would have been fascinated by the hubris of Americas leaders in these years (and that was before Mr. Hubris Himself even hit the White House). It couldnt be clearer today that the military-first grab for an all-American planet proved strikingly too much for the U.S. to swallow by an Iraqi mile. It never even came close to happening. When the history of American decline is written, perhaps it will be said that never was there a great power whose leaders so effectively took it down themselves simply by wanting too much too badly and by woefully misunderstanding the nature of power on this planet. For Washington, the urge to make Earth into its imperium proved the equivalent of a submarine putting a torpedo into its own bow. Lesson two: In the twenty-first century, military power, even that of the finest fighting force in the history of the world (another presidential descriptor of these years), isnt all its cracked up to be. It doesnt matter how many hundreds of billions of dollars you put into building up and maintaining that military yearly or how many trillions of dollars you sink into its wars and the mayhem they produce. In 2018, the greatest military on Earth turned out to be incapable of ultimately defeating forces that were producing roadside bombs for the cost of a pizza. If you want to measure the effectiveness of the U.S. military, note, for instance, that more than a decade and a half after its Global War on Terror was launched there are al-Qaeda affiliates in far more places than on September 12, 2001; the original al-Qaeda still exists; other al-Qaeda crews are fighting with reasonable success from Yemen to Syria to North Africa; ISIS, while destroyed as a state or caliphate, continues as a guerrilla movement in parts of Syria and Iraq and its branded affiliates have spread across that former arc of instability from Niger and Libya to Afghanistan and the Philippines. Washingtons war on terror, in other words, turned into a war for the spread of terror. Lesson three: Military power is now a force for chaos. Historically, in the imperial ages that preceded this one, such power, while applied brutally and devastatingly, could also be a way of imposing order on conquered and colonized areas. (Hence, say, the British Raj in India or the French military hold on Indochina.) No longer, it seems, not in the wake of the twentieth century wars of liberation and independence in the formerly colonized world. Were now on a planet that simply doesnt accept military-first conquest and occupation, no matter under what guise it arrives (including the spread of democracy). So beware of unleashing modern military power. It turns out to contain within it striking disintegrative forces on a planet that can ill afford such chaos. Lesson four: At least at the imperial level, victory turns out to be a concept from another century. In its wars of recent years, the American military has moved from dreams of victory to an acceptance that its conflicts might be generational in nature to, most recently, the idea of infinite war (that is, war without hope of end or ultimate success). In this way, its top commanders have admitted that, by their own definition, they now live in a victory-less world. Lesson five: Imperial wars do come home, even if in ways often hard to spot or grasp. Indeed, Americas wars of the twenty-first century have been returning to the homeland not as victory but as a kind of defeat, however hard that may be to see. Donald Trump is proof of that. His slogan Make America Great Again implying, as no other politician of his moment dared do, that the country was no longer great rang a bell in the heartland and helped win him the 2016 election. His America First campaign similarly embodied a declinist sensibility, even if not recognized as such. In promoting a presidency that would (again) put American first, Trump reflected what, for so many Americans, was a distinctly twenty-first-century message. Despite those soaring Washington dreams of an all-American planet, this century has proved anything but an America First one in the white American heartland. While citizen tax dollars poured down the drain of those distant wars (and the scams linked to them), the countrys unparalleled global corporate power helped generate profits and wealth beyond compare but mainly for a single gilded class of one percenters. And so the numbers of multimillionaires and billionaires multiplied impressively, creating an ever-widening inequality gap. In those same years, with a helping hand from the Supreme Court, the American political system was turned over, lock, stock, and barrel, to those very billionaires and multimillionaires and their super PACs. Meanwhile, actual investment in this countrys basic infrastructure, in everything that had once made it the most advanced of first world countries, went off a cliff. All of this was felt particularly deeply by the inhabitants of the countrys white heartland, as the future seemed to close in on so many of them. In their own fashion, they had absorbed some intuitive version of the above lessons of recent history, as had Donald Trump. As a result, in election 2016, along with all his tweets, insults, and nicknames, which became the heart and soul of media coverage, he did something far more crucial. He reassured Americans who felt that their lives and those of their children (going into debt for their very educations in ways that once would have been unimaginable) were turning third world on them. This they blamed on both the swamp of Washington and people of color of every sort. In his own distinctive way, Trump reassured them that life in America didnt have to be like this, repeatedly sending them messages of firstness and greatness, as well as anti-immigrant-ness, with convincing fire and fury. Of course, upon entering the Oval Office, our first billionaire president promptly chose a cabinet of billionaires and multimillionaires, while the great achievement of his initial year as president would be to free both corporate America and that same gilded class of yet more financial responsibility for the nation, thanks to his tax reform bill. Meanwhile, he oversaw the expansion of Americas wars in distant lands. None of this should have been slightly surprising. After all, whatever reassurance he may have offered, his campaign was always a The Donald First one. And whatever they thought they were doing, his voters were electing a man whose deepest expertise lay in how to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings smelling like a rose. Now, he seems intent on applying those special skills to peace, war, and the economy. That means, in another year or two, you can count on lessons of American war six through 10 from me. In the meantime, hold on to your hats. Tom Engelhardt is a co-founder of the American Empire Project and the author of The United States of Fear as well as a history of the Cold War, The End of Victory Culture. He is a fellow of the Nation Institute and runs TomDispatch.com. His latest book is Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World. His next book, A Nation Unmade by War (Dispatch Books), will be published in May. Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Alfred McCoys In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S. Global Power, as well as John Dowers The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II, John Feffers dystopian novel Splinterlands, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World. Copyright 2018 Tom Engelhardt Via Tomdispatch.com Reddit Email 158 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The UK-based Arabic language daily, al-Arabi al-Jadid (a secular, left-leaning newspaper helmed by Azmi Bishara from Qatar) reports on the responses of Syria and its allies to sabre-rattling from Trump and from the UK and France. A key advisor to Ali Khamenei, Irans clerical leader, is in Syria to take stock after the military success in retaking the East Ghouta neighborhood near Damascus from Salafi Jihadi rebels. The latter part of that campaign, last Saturday, allegedly involved the use by the Bashar al-Assad government of a barrel bomb loaded with chlorine and a nerve agent, which killed some 70 persons, mostly noncombatants and including children. The gas attack has provoked Donald Trump and the governments of Theresa May in the UK and Emmanuel Macron in France to plan for a possible punitive set of air strikes on Syrian air force facilities. The Iranian adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, said in a news conference with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad that Syria is more prepared than in the past to face what is coming. He charged that the United States directed the launching of the civil war in Syria and took part in it extensively. (The first part of this allegation is not true; the Syrian uprising of 2011 was indigenous, not a CIA covert operation. Once the regime turned it into a civil war by using massive military force on civilian, peaceful protesters, the US did give some billions in aid via Saudi Arabia to some 40 vetted guerrilla groups it said were unconnected to al-Qaeda or extremism. The US role appears to have been much larger than the press reported at the time, but Russian and Iranian investments clearly outweighed it in the end in any case.) Whats left of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 is now a mere handmaiden of secular Baath dictators and neo-imperialist Russian oligarchs. Velayati dismissed Trump, whom many in the Middle East had initially admired on his election, as having become a mere laughingstock. Bashar al-Assad in his remarks warned that a Western strike on his country would accomplish nothing but to destabilize regional security. He complained that every victory Syria gained was met with Western cries and movements in hopes of altering the course of events. They are the ones, he said, who are harming international peace and security. Meanwhile, a Russian spokesman confirmed that Russian and US military officers were using intensively the deconfliction telephone line to ensure that no step is taken that would spark conflict between the two powers. BBC monitoring paraphrases a column by Alexander Atasuntsev and others at the liberal business daily RBC . He quotes retired Col. Andrei Payusov as predicting that any US strikes on Syria would be superficial and affect only minor targets announced in advance. He complained that this sort of US showboating aims at trying to reverse its weakening position in the Middle East brought about by Russian successes. He said that the US would choose targets and bases where there was no chance of hitting Russian troops. Other Russian experts quoted in the article, however, could not rule out the possibility of a clash between the United States and the Russian Federation in Syria. Now thats scary. Bonus video: Sky News: Russia warns it will protect its people in Syria VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Auryn Resources Inc. (TSX:AUG) (NYSE American:AUG) (Auryn or the Company) is pleased to announce drill results from its initial five drill holes at the Huilacollo oxide gold project in southern Peru. Only two conceptual targets adjacent to the existing mineralization were drilled in a short 1,500 meter program completed prior to the rainy season. Numerous targets across the property remain untested. In addition to drilling at Huilacollo, reconnaissance rock sampling at the Tacora target yielded broad zones of oxide mineralization within a 750 meter structural zone. The Tacora and Huilacollo structural corridors present an opportunity to define multiple zones of oxide mineralization. Ivan Bebek, Executive Chairman of Auryn, stated, The Huilacollo project represents a potential low cost oxide mining scenario with accessible infrastructure. These initial holes give us strong indications of the direction of the mineralization as well as the potential for significant expansion. We look forward to resuming drilling once the new pad placements are permitted." Drilling successfully expanded mineralization to the northwest by 100 meters with drill hole 17-HUI-002 intersecting 62 meters of 0.45 g/t Au (including 22 meters of 0.71g/t Au) oxide mineralization from surface and drill hole 17-HUI-004 intersecting 22 meters of 0.2 g/t Au 100 meters to the southwest from hole 17-HUI-002. Although hole 17-HUI-002 encountered lower grades of mineralization, it demonstrates the system is open to the northwest (Figure 1 & 2). These results have identified the potential for expanding surface mineralization to the northwest within the 1.5 kilometer long silica-alunite alteration zone that defines the core of the epithermal alteration system within the northern region of the project. Importantly, the encountered mineralization within these drill holes validates Auryns exploration model of targeting breccia bodies within the silica-alunite alteration system. There are several untested targets in the zone as shown in Figure 1. Significant drill results from the initial five holes are presented below in Table 1. Table 1: Significant Intercepts 2017/2018 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 17HUI-001 34 42 8 0.12 1.0 58 60 2 0.16 0.8 80 82 2 0.12 0.4 104 110 6 0.09 0.5 17HUI-002 0 62 62 0.45 2.7 including 24 46 22 0.71 4.2 120 122 2 0.11 2.9 18HUI-003 1 2 1 0.27 2.0 14 24 10 0.17 1.2 50 64 14 0.12 4.0 102 108 6 0.11 0.9 148 150 2 0.1 1.5 350 352 2 0.26 0.4 18HUI-004 0 22 22 0.20 0.5 18HUI-005 24 26 2 0.11 1.8 44 54 10 0.11 1.7 86 92 6 0.28 3.3 126 128 2 0.10 2.1 206 214 8 0.16 1.5 The known mineralized zone is sub-horizontal in orientation. The estimated true width of these results is between 60 and 75%. Auryn completed reconnaissance sampling of the Tacora and Huilacollo South targets through an initial rock-sampling program. At the Tacora prospect, Auryn defined a 750-meter long corridor of oxide gold mineralization within a northeast trending graben structure (Figure 3). Samples ranged up to 4.98 g/t Au within a 70 meter zone of mineralized samples from current and historical sampling. The samples across this 70 meter wide mineralized zone averaged 0.91g/t Au and demonstrate the continuity and potential to delineate significant oxide mineralization within the 750 meter strike length of the graben (Figure 3). Rock samples are presented below in Table 2. In the Huilacollo South target, significant silver mineralization was sampled in the two areas within the silver in talus fine anomalies that were identified in 2017. These samples were situated within two separate structural zones that measure 1.3 kilometers and 750 meters respectively (Figure 4). Silver values ranged from below detection to 1310 g/t Ag. The 1.3 kilometer long corridor of anomalous silver in talus fines is characterized by higher-grade samples that range from 40 463 g/t Ag. The 750 meter corridor has higher-grade samples that ranged from 40 1310 g/t Ag. Together these zones are interpreted to represent a higher level in the epithermal system with potential to encounter gold mineralization at shallow depths. Significant rock samples from the Tacora and Huilacollo South targets are summarized below in Table 2. Table 2: Auryn Program: Significant rock samples from the Tacora and Huilacollo South Gold Silver 1.91 g/t 1310 g/t 173 g/t 1.44 g/t 1080 g/t 172 g/t 1.43 g/t 827 g/t 155 g/t 1.40 g/t 463 g/t 146 g/t 1.35 g/t 246 g/t 108 g/t 1.31 g/t 235 g/t 97 g/t 1.27 g/t 224 g/t 92.2 g/t 0.95 g/t 194 g/t 0.86 g/t 184 g/t Michael Henrichsen, COO and Chief Geologist, stated, Our exploration thesis of targeting breccia bodies within the well-defined silica-alunite alteration zone has been validated. Several mapped breccia bodies remain to be drill tested that have the potential to significantly expand upon the known mineralization. In addition, the reconnaissance rock sampling at the Tacora and Huilacollo South target zones demonstrate the potential for the property to yield significant new zones of oxide mineralization. Michael Henrichsen, P.Geo, COO of Auryn, is the Qualified Person who assumes responsibility for the technical disclosures in this press release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AURYN RESOURCES INC. Ivan Bebek, Executive Chairman For further information on Auryn Resources Inc., please contact Russell Starr, SVP Corporate Finance at (778) 729-0600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. About Auryn Auryn Resources is a technically driven junior mining exploration company focused on delivering shareholder value through project acquisition and development. The Companys management team is highly experienced with an impressive track record of success and has assembled an extensive technical team as well as a premier gold exploration portfolio. Auryn is focused on scalable high-grade gold deposits in established mining jurisdictions, which include the Committee Bay and Gibson MacQuoid gold projects located in Nunavut, the Homestake Ridge gold project in British Columbia and a portfolio of gold projects in southern Peru, through Corisur Peru SAC. Forward Looking Information and additional cautionary language This release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is information that includes implied future performance and/or forecast information including information relating to, or associated with the acquisition and title to mineral concessions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different (either positively or negatively) from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Companys Annual Information Form and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedar.com and the Companys registration statement on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. Auryn holds its interests in Peru through Corisur Peru SAC, which controls (among other) certain licenses (including the Huilacollo and Banos del Indio projects) that are located within a special legal zone which runs 50km back from the Peruvian border. As a non-Peruvian company, Auryns right to ultimately acquire title over the shares issued by Corisur Peru SAC and to own and/or exploit these licenses requires approval from the Peruvian government. While Auryn is in the process of submitting its applications with respect to the approval and does not currently foresee any legal reason why it would be denied the approval, some risk of denial or delay should be assumed to exist. Historic Grab Samples Tacora Concessions The historic grab samples on Tacora were collected by Falcon Exploraciones S.A.C. in the early 2000s published in an internal report. Auryn has not conducted any due diligence on whether appropriate QA/QC protocols were followed in the collection of these samples, nor can it confirm their accuracy or repeatability. Huilacollo Drilling Intercepts were calculated using a minimum of a 0.1 g/t Au cut off at beginning and end of the intercept and allowing for no more than five consecutive meters of less than 0.1 g/t Au. Analytical samples were taken by sawing HQ diameter core into equal halves on site and sent one of the halves to ALS Lab in Arequipa, Peru for preparation and then to ALS Lab in Lima, Peru for analysis. All samples are assayed using 30g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA25) and multi-element aqua regia digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS41). QA/QC programs using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates and blanks indicate good accuracy and precision in a large majority of standards assayed. Disclaimer The Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. President Rodrigo Duterte threatened Friday to arrest the International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor, who is probing his deadly drug war, telling her to stay away from the Philippines. Fatou Bensouda launched a preliminary investigation in February into allegations that Filipino police were murdering thousands of drug suspects, prompting Manila last month to withdraw from the Hague-based tribunal. What is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty you cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis, Duterte told a news conference in his southern home city of Davao. That is illegal and I will arrest you, he added, according to official transcripts. Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,000 drug suspects who fought back during arrest. Rights groups claim the actual number is three times higher, accusing authorities of murder. In the face of widespread international criticism of its drugs war, Manila has described its withdrawal from the ICC as a principled stand against those who would politicise and weaponise human rights. The ICC has urged Manila to reconsider its decision, while warning that the move does not prevent the tribunal from continuing its investigation into the killings. You, Ms Fatou, do not come here because I will bar you, Duterte said. Not because I am afraid of you (but) because you will never have jurisdiction over my person, not in a million years. The ICC opened in 2002 to try abuses in countries where national courts cannot or will not prosecute. Manila ratified the Rome Statute that created the treaty in 2011, but Duterte has insisted it cannot be enforced in the Philippines on a technicality. Buoyed by high domestic popularity ratings, Duterte has fiercely defended his drug war as a battle to provide security for the nations 100 million people. He has frequently urged authorities to kill drug suspects while promising to protect police from legal repercussions. United Nations war crimes investigators for Syria on Friday underscored the importance of preserving evidence related to an alleged chemical attack in the rebel-held town of Douma. We stress the imperative need to preserve evidence, and call upon all relevant authorities to ensure no party tampers with suspected sites, objects, witnesses, or victims before independent monitors and investigators are able to access the area, the UNs Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, (COI), said in a statement. The COI, established by the UN Human Rights Council, has been regularly compiling evidence of serious international crimes committed in the Syrian conflict since 2011. The panel was the first UN entity to definitively blame Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime for a chemical attack which killed dozens of people in the town of Khan Sheikhun in April 2017. The COI recalled that it has documented 34 incidents of chemical weapons use by various parties to the conflict. It said that it welcomed the fact that the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was deploying to Syria to investigate Saturdays attack in Douma and that Damascus has promised full and unfettered access and freedom of movement to OPCW staff. COI investigators have never been granted access to Syria. Western officials believe chlorine was used in the attack on Douma, the main city in the longtime rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, where the British government now estimates 75 people were killed. Kansas State University design team awarded EPA grant for innovative technology project Friday, April 13, 2018 From left, Kansas State University's Donghai Wang, professor of biological and agricultural engineering, with doctoral students Jun Li, Sarocha Pradyawong, Yizhou Chen and Youjie Xu. The students are members of the university's team in the Environmental Protection Agency's People, Prosperity and the Planet Program competition. | Download this photo. MANHATTAN A design team from Kansas State University has returned from the Environmental Protection Agency's People, Prosperity and the Planet, or P3, Program competition as part of the National Sustainable Design Expo at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, April 7-8, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington, D.C. Kansas State University was among 31 schools selected to receive phase I grants from the EPA program a unique competition open to teams of college and university students working to design solutions for a sustainable future. EPA P3 offers students hands-on experience to bring their classroom learning to life, while also allowing them to create tangible changes in their communities. The annual, two-phased research grants program challenges students to research, develop and design innovative projects to address real-world challenges involving all areas of environmental protection and public health. Phase I serves as a proof of concept, where teams apply for and are awarded a $15,000 grant to develop their idea and showcase their research in the spring at EPA's National Sustainable Design Expo. These teams are then eligible to compete for a phase II grant of up to $75,000 to implement their design in a real-world setting. Members of the Kansas State University team, all doctoral students Youjie Xu, Sarocha Pradyawong and Jun Li, all in biological and agricultural engineering; and Yizhou Chen, grain science are now working on the phase II proposal to be submitted by May 31. Team advisers are Kansas State University's Donghai Wang, professor of biological and agricultural engineering, and Susan Sun, university distinguished professor of grain science. Under the project titled "Fully utilizing biomass for biofuels and chemicals," the team's research focuses on the end goal of increasing ethanol concentration and ethanol yield, as well as developing bio-based adhesives from plant protein and the biofuel byproduct lignin. This design will have significant impact on people, prosperity and the planet through development of environmentally friendly biomaterials; and using green energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions and water use, along with saving energy. "The expo allowed us to showcase our design to a wide audience of federal agencies, industries, science and engineering advocates, and the general public," Xu said. "It was a great opportunity to practice our public speaking skills and science communication to general audiences and build networking with peers from different universities across the nation." "We are proud and pleased to be a recipient of the EPA's P3 phase I grant," Wang said. "Our student team worked hard on this challenge and made a strong presentation in Washington, D.C." 223 Shares Share Years ago, the police brought a middle-aged man to the hospital for evaluation on a day when I was the on-call psychiatrist. Earlier that morning, the man had walked into his psychiatrists office without an appointment asking to see his doctor immediately. When his demand was not met, he caused a raucous in the waiting room, tossing over tables and chairs and alarming the other patients. He refused to leave, and the police were called. When I met him, he was red-faced and incensed. I listened to him rant about his psychiatrist, alleging he was responsible for the breakup of his marriage. During a recent couples session, he claimed, a clinical observation about the couples relationship had prompted the wifes decision to leave. I want to ruin his life the way he has ruined mine! he told me, eyes glaring. Working with the mentally ill requires a unique form of bravery. One must be willing to wade into the intimate and dark recesses of peoples psyches in order to help them even when it gets messy. I knew the mans psychiatrist to be a professional, intelligent and sensitive doctor. My hunch was this: The patients marriage break-up was so impossible for him to accept that he needed someone else to bear the brunt of his shame and rage. My somber task that day was to make a risk calculation. How dangerous was this patient? How likely was it that he would actually harm his psychiatrist? On March 9th, 2018, at the Pathway Home program for returning veterans located on the grounds of the Veterans Home in Yountville, California, Christine Loeber, a social worker and the programs executive director, Dr. Jennifer Gonzales, a psychologist who was six months pregnant and Dr. Jennifer Golick, the programs clinical director, were killed by a former patient. For social workers, psychologists, mental health nurses, and psychiatrists everywhere the Yountville tragedy is igniting conversations about the risks of being intentionally harmed by the very people we are trained to care for. For many reasons, these conversations are hard to have. First, mental health professionals have legal, ethical and moral responsibilities toward their patients. Years of training have us primed to act in our patients best interests. This philosophy is turned on its head when one is deliberately threatened by a patient. All these aspects leave a professional in murky and unchartered territory. Secondly, it is how easily lines can blur. It is true that most individuals with serious mental illness are not dangerous. In fact, these individuals are more likely to be the victim of a violent act than a perpetrator. Still, caring for the mentally ill, by its nature, requires compassion for a clientele whose pathologies can render them mistrustful, belligerent and even hostile. Patience is a must when handling their ambivalence or outright rejection of treatment. Tenacity to hang in there is also needed, even when ones limits are tested by irritable rants. Successful therapists make an empathic commitment to be a faithful companion on a long road to recovery that can be bumpy. For professionals who are invested in caring for their patients, it can be challenging to identify when a situation has progressed beyond business as usual to the realm of threatening. Third, risk calculations about a patients level of dangerousness are complicated. There are no neat algorithms or absolute answers. No blood tests or brain scans that can pinpoint a definitive statistic. Determining risk is as much clinical artistry as it is science. Finally, there are wider systemic problems at play. Persistent lack of funding for mental health services, loss of invaluable resources such as in-patient psychiatric beds and mental health professionals being increasingly required to do more with less are all factors that pose additional threats to the safety of a work environment. Along with being competent in how to diagnose and treat mental illness, todays mental health professional needs to have the stamina and communication skills to continuously advocate for a safe work environment. This is especially necessary when they are caring for patients in large organizations where its easy for the voice of frontline clinicians to be drowned out. Twenty years ago, I was a medical student who was drawn to becoming a psychiatrist but put off by the dangerous aura that whorled around this unique medical specialty. I was fortunate to receive the collective wisdom of mentors who did not shy away from this difficult conversation. They also reminded me of what I had to lose by walking away. The wounds of mental illness manifest in a persons behaviors which to the untrained eye, can be jarring, bizarre and inexplicable. Yet, we mental health professionals are motivated by the challenge of finding keys to unlock the mysteries of the mind and the reward inherent in helping sufferers heal. Mental illness often cuts to the heart of life, interfering with ones capacity to love, create, and work. In alleviating the suffering of the mentally ill, we also heal families and communities too. Mental illness is so stigmatized that sufferers face endless barriers when trying to get help. Those we care for are also often marginalized and misunderstood by society. Advocating for this vulnerable population is a worthy way to spend a career. Today, there are thousands of talented young people who are considering a career in mental health. The tragedy in Yountville may give them reason to consider another path. Even though conversations about the dangers of being a mental health professional are difficult, we must have them. We all have too much to lose if we dont. Shaili Jain is a psychiatrist and can be reached at her self-titled site, Shaili Jain, MD, and on Twitter @shailijainmd. She blogs at The Aftermath of Trauma on Psychology Today, where this article originally appeared on March 19th, 2018. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Kilkenny has resettled 52 Syrian Refugees at three locations around the county and are working to resettle a further 17 people in the coming months. It is planned to resettle groups of up to four households at various locations as opportunities for resettlement arise. The overall objective to resettle 140 Syrian Refugees will take up to 18 months. In a statement, the Council said: To date the families which have been welcomed to Kilkenny since January of 2018 have settled in well and are becoming active members of their new communities. We thank all those who have engaged with the process in any way and in particular those groups and individuals locally who have offered help, support and a warm welcome to our refugees who seek a safe place to live for their families. The Kilkenny People previously revealed that Kilkenny is one of ten local authorities to have a migrant integration strategy in place. In a statement, Kilkenny County Council said: The Irish Refugee Protection Programme commits Ireland to offering families and children, who have been compelled to leave their homes due to war and conflict, a place of safety. Kilkenny forms part of that response and has agreed to resettle 140 Syrian Refugees as part of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. The Council chairs a Statutory Resettlement Committee who have been working together with the Department of Justice and Equality to resettle families in Kilkenny. The local authority added: This process is supported by a Resettlement Worker and an Intercultural Interpreter, which is all funded through the Department of Justice and Equality, to support families in resettlement as well as to support wider, two way, integration for families and communities. Kilkennys number of electric car charging points in the county is woefully low. Green Party spokesperson for local government, Cllr Malcolm Noonan, said that the lack of availability of charging points and in particular fast chargers is limiting the sales of Electric Vehicles in the county. There is only one fast charge point in Kilkenny City; located at Barlo Nissan on the Dublin Road and a woefully low number of charging points around the city and county. People who wish to make an economic and environmental choice to buy an Electric Vehicle are being deterred from doing so, said Cllr Noonan. Kilkenny boasts 17 charge points across the county at places like Callan, Knocktopher, Urlingford, Thomastown and at several locations in Kilkenny City. The counties with fewer charge points are: Leitrim (7); Cavan (10); Longford and Sligo (11); Monaghan and Carlow (13) and Offaly (14). Figures for other counties include: Westmeath (23); Galway (31); Meath (24); Dublin (181); Kildare (32) and Laois (18). Cllr Noonan said that he received a number of complaints from people who own Electric Vehicles in the city who could not find a charging station during the busy tourist season in summer of last year. He added: I would like Kilkenny County Council to work with ESB Networks to find as many locations as possible to install charging stations. "I am aware that some vehicle manufacturers install charging points free of charge in customers homes and this is a progressive way forward. Also I would be wholly opposed to any move by Government to impose a for profit model on the charging stations. They should be free to use to incentivise more people to buy electric vehicles. It makes good economic sense as well as being good for the environment and air quality in our towns and cities. A Waterford murder trial has heard that the accused man was found crouched down behind a wall near his home, shortly after a stabbing in the house. The arresting officer gave the evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial of a 37-year-old father of five, charged with murdering his nephews friend at a party. Tadhg Butler, with an address at Seafield in Tramore, is accused of murdering 25-year-old Michael ODwyer on 10th January 2014. He has pleaded not guilty. Detective Sergeant Shay Keevans testified that he arrived to the Seafield holiday homes that night to find a man being tended to on the ground. He told Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, prosecuting, that this man had a wound to his chest, was very pale and in need of medical attention. After making enquiries as to what had happened, he knocked on Mr Butlers door. He got no reply and tried to open it, but it was locked. He directed that the door would be forced, and he and a number of colleagues then entered the house. Nobody was found inside, but D Sgt Keevans noticed a pool of blood in the hall and an open window at the rear of the living area. A colleague then brought it to his attention that there was a man in a laneway outside. The sergeant went out to the laneway. I went to the end of the wall, and crouched in at the wall was the defendant, Tadhg Butler, he said. D Sgt Keevans arrested the accused on suspicion of assault causing harm to Mr ODwyer The mother of Mr Butlers children also gave evidence yesterday. Mary Burke explained that they were already separated when she went to see him in Cork prison in the days after Mr ODwyers death. She told Mr Vaughan Buckley that he told her that he thought it might end up being manslaughter. He said he didnt remember what happened, he was after drinking whiskey and taking valium, and hed only stabbed the boy once, she testified He said he was very sorry for what had happened, she added. He said he was a very nice boy. Under cross examination by Michael Bowman SC, defending, she denied that she had introduced manslaughter into the conversation. Mr Bowman suggested that his client hadnt wanted to talk about it, but knew that the deceased had been stabbed only once. He said he thought it would be reduced to three years, she said. She refuted the barristers suggestion that she was skewing or misrepresenting what took place because their relationship was at a low ebb and she was happy to have him out of her life. We were already parted, she replied. She also denied saying what she had said because she was angry with him about another matter. That had nothing to do with it, she insisted. You took what you heard, you twisted it and youve given that evidence today, suggested Mr Bowman. No, she replied. The trial continues on Monday before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of six men and six women. A bird's-eye view of the envisioned new Gwanghwamun Square / Courtesy of Seoul City By Kang Seung-woo Seoul City's master plan to expand Gwanghwamun Square at the heart of the capital nearly fourfold is drawing mixed reactions from citizens. Some say the redesign will help the square become another landmark of the metropolitan city, but others are concerned about possible fallout such as traffic jams and wasting of money. The city government and the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) unveiled the 99.5 billion won ($94 million) project, Tuesday, that will nearly quadruple the current area from 18,840 square meters to 69,300 square meters and make it a more pedestrian-friendly public place. Under the plan, the vehicle lanes running in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will be transformed into a pedestrian area, meaning the 10-lane streets on either side of the existing square will be redesigned to a two-way six-lane road in front of the U.S. Embassy and KT headquarters. According to the city government, the construction is planned to begin in January 2020 for completion by May 2021. Also, a new "history square" will be built in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. The biggest stumbling block to the redesign plan is possible increased traffic. Given that more than 5,000 vehicles per hour pass the area, the envisaged lane reduction is feared to trigger massive traffic jams. "I welcome the pedestrian-friendly plan. However, this should be well-planned and should not cause further traffic jams," said Howard Kim, a 44-year-old public relations director. Amid the growing concerns, the city plans to advise citizens to detour to an adjacent lane behind the Sejong Center that will be widened from two lanes to six. In addition, the city plans to ask the central government to include Gwanghwamun on the route of the planned Great Train Express (GTX) A-Line. The GTX lines currently being developed will link satellite cities and the capital. Some are also criticizing the plan as the city already renovated the square in 2009, spending 72.2 billion won. Compared with other districts of global metropolitan cities such as Ginza in Japan and Champs-Elysees in Paris, Seoul's reconstruction is frequent, according to critics. The timing of the announcement is also casting suspicions. Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon announced his bid for re-election as mayor, Thursday, although he denied any connection. The election is scheduled for June 13. "This project has nothing to do with the local elections," Park said, Tuesday, adding the plan has been in discussions with the central government and experts for a long time. Despite such criticism, those who work near the square welcomed the plan. "Gwanghwamun Square has been at the center of Korean history -- from the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom to the modern day. Despite its significance, however, it has been regrettable that the square has been mainly used as vehicle road," said Jin Hyon-ho, 40. "In that respect, I totally agree with the plan to set up a history plaza. In addition, I hope the renovation plan will lead to Gwanghwamun Square becoming an eco-friendly place for children." Dhahran, Apr 13 (AFP) The Gulf crisis, which has seen Qatar isolated by Saudi Arabia and its allies, is not on the table at the upcoming meeting of Arab League states, Riyadh's foreign minister said today. "The solution of Qatar will be within the GCC," or the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council, Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Riyadh ahead of the Arab Summit. He was responding to an AFP question on whether the crisis was on the agenda at the meeting on Sunday, which is hosted by Saudi Arabia and joins 21 of the 22 Arab League member states. Syria has been suspended from the summit since 2011 over the government's role in the war. Qatar has confirmed its attendance at the Saudi summit. The 10-month Gulf crisis pits Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain against Qatar. It is the worst crisis to ever hit the Gulf, home to both the world's largest exporters of oil and natural gas -- Saudi Arabia and Qatar respectively. Riyadh and its allies broke off relations with Doha in June, accusing it of fostering close links with Tehran and supporting Islamist extremists -- a charge Qatar denies. The boycott includes the closure of the small Gulf state's only land border with Saudi Arabia. Saudi media close to the government this week announced the kingdom planned to dig a canal the length of its border with Qatar, to turn its peninsula neighbour into an isolated island. The planned canal, dubbed "Salwa", is "funded entirely by Saudi and Emirati private sector investment under full Saudi authority," Sabq Online Newspaper reported on Monday. The Saudi government has not issued a denial. Kuwait, a member of the GCC, has led mediation efforts in the crisis -- to no avail -- with the support of the United States. US President Donald Trump had initially supported the Saudi-led economic blockade on Qatar, but aides -- mindful of the pivotal role that the Al Udeid Air Base outside Doha plays in US Middle East operations -- have since convinced him to take a more moderate approach. Trump met with the Emir of Qatar at the White House on Tuesday, barely one year after alleging Doha funded terrorism at a "high level" and less than two weeks after meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The president on Tuesday dubbed the Qatari emir a "friend" and "great gentleman". (AFP) AQS (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Apr 13 (AFP) The United States said today it was considering revoking import preferences for India, Indonesia and Kazakhstan over concerns about trade barriers and worker rights. Exports from those countries could lose duty-free access to the US market if the US Trade Representative decides the countries have violated the conditions of the Generalized System of Preferences. "GSP provides an important tool to help enforce the Trump Administration's key principles of free and fair trade across the globe," Deputy USTR Jeffrey Gerrish said in a statement. "We hope that India, Indonesia and Kazakhstan will work with us to address the concerns that led to these new reviews." President Donald Trump has made trade central to his presidency, roiling markets and upsetting fellow Republicans by threatening to impose steep tariffs and scrap trade deals he says have undermined US workers and industry. He has yet to act on his harshest threats, however. The USTR said it has concerns about trade barriers in India and Indonesia "that create serious negative effects on US commerce," thereby violating criteria for GSP eligibility. In addition, the US dairy and medical device industries have complained that India blocks their exports, USTR said in statement. Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO, the largest US trade union federation, has accused authorities in Kazakhstan of denying workers there the right to unionize and has harassed labor organizers. The administration is reviewing GSP eligibility every three years, and later this year will look at countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Western Hemisphere. (AFP) AQS (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dhaka, April 13: The Bangladesh Prime Minister Seikh Hasina has decided to celebrate the Bengali new year by dedicating the day to a good cause. The Prime Minister has said that this year she has decided to eat rice soaked in water (panta bhaat) and dried fish mash (Shutki bhorta) on the first day Bengali New Year instead of the eating the national fish Hilsa, as is the norm. She is doing this as it is breeding season of the fish. According to the Dhaka Tribune, Sheikh Hasina decided to take this initiative after she received an invitation for the New Year celebrations from women residing in Rangpur district. "I will eat panta bhat on Pohela Boishakh (first day of Bengali new year). But with shutki bhorta, not ilish," Dhaka Tribune quoted Sheikh Hasina as saying. Dried fish mash (Shutki bhorta), Hilsa (ilish) fish and rice soaked in water (panta bhat) are three of the most popular foods during the Bengali new year. Bengali New Year, 1425, is celebrated with fervour across Bangladesh and across the world. For the last two years, she has been urging people to stop catching Hilsa fish in order to ensure growth in population of this fish. "I am requesting all of you not to eat ilish to celebrate the Bangla New Year. Do not eat ilish, and discourage ilish fishing," Dhaka Tribune further quoted Sheikh Hasina as saying. Every year starting from March 1, Bangladesh imposes a two-month ban on catching Hilsa in several southern districts to help boost their population. (With Agency Inputs) (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 13, 2018 05:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). For a generation that is continuously glued on the internet, it is going to sound unfair to have to pay extra for it. And for someone who is using it primarily to make money, it is going to hurt more. Bloggers in African countries of Tanzania and Uganda will now have to pay a tax for the usage of social media! The social media users will have to pay extra from July in a bid to raise revenue for the country. On March 16, 2018, the United Republic of Tanzania issued the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations demanding that bloggers must register and pay over USD $900 per year to publish online. Human rights activists are strictly opposing the move and denouncing it as another attempt by President Yoweri Museveni to stifle the freedom of expression. This move will rage people in the country since about 40% of people use the internet. There are certain other restrictions in the publishing of content. According to these regulations, bloggers will have to fill out official regulatory forms and avoid publishing prohibited content including nudity, hate speech, explicit sex acts, extreme violence, content that causes annoyance fake news, and bad language among other restrictions. After Tanzania, Uganda Finance Minister Matia Kasaija this week said they are in the process of introducing a tax for users of platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook Sh5.50 (200 Ugandan shillings) per day. According to this new law, a Tanzanian blogger will have to to pay an annual licence fee of Sh44,000 (1 million Tanzanian shillings). This can definitely impact number of internet users in these country but the Finance Minister believes otherwise. Kasaija was quoted to Reuters, "Were looking for money to maintain the security of the country and extend electricity so that you people can enjoy more of social media, more often, more frequently." The data costs in Africa are already high compared to the rest of the world and this newly levied tax is only adding to the problem. The criticisms have already begun on social media. Its part of a wider attempt to curtail freedoms of expression, Rosebell Kagumire, a human rights activist and blogger, has said to Reuters. It is apparent that the taxes will receive a lot of opposition from the bloggers soon. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 13, 2018 03:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Apr 13, 2018, 3:39pm ET GM cuts hundreds of jobs in Ohio as Chevy Cruze volumes drop GM\'s Lordstown facility produces only the Chevy compact. General Motors will reduce its workforce later this year in the face of falling compact sedan sales, the company announced Friday. Plant leaders at General Motors' Lordstown, Ohio facility informed workers that a shift will be eliminated in mid-June. The cut will effectively eliminate "several hundred" of the plant's almost-3,000-strong workforce, CNBC reports. The plant builds only the Chevrolet Cruze (both the sedan and hatchback variant), leaving little wiggle room for the automaker to avoid cuts. GM eliminated a shift at Lordstown a year ago after Cruze sales slipped almost 17 percent in 2016. Sales only slipped a little more than 2 percent in 2017, however volumes benefited from the addition of the hatchback to the Cruze lineup. Porsche could install EV charging stations in high-end spots Apr 13, 2018, 1:43am ET The company hasn\'t ruled out a Tesla-like reservation system, either. Porsche will introduce the Mission E, its very first series-produced electric car, before the end of the year. The company is making big changes as it prepares to surf the electrification wave. It's notably in the early stages of building a network of charging stations. The idea isn't to rival Tesla's Supercharger network, which covers a majority of the United States. Instead, the German brand will install charging stations in strategic locations across the nation. "We're looking at putting convenience stations at interesting properties that might be a good fit for our customers, whether it's a high-end hotel or a resort. There is potential. They would be built and maintained by Porsche," said Joe Lawrence, the chief operating officer of Porsche's North American division, in an interview with Digital Trends. These charging stations will be compatible with the Mission E's ultra-quick 800-volt charging system. They'll facilitate the task of taking a road trip in an electric car. However, Lawrence added his team's research predicts most owners will charge at home or at the office, where the car can spend numerous hours plugged in if needed. To that end, Porsche will add wireless inductive charging to the Mission E. It's not the fastest way to charge an electric car but it's more convenient than plugging it in. Rival Tesla made waves with its reservation system, which lets early hand-raisers get in line by sending a refundable deposit. Lawrence said the excitement among dealers and customers is palpable and the company hasn't ruled out a Tesla-style reservation system. "That's something we don't have plans for. It doesn't mean that we won't. We'll work together with our dealers on determining whether that's something that will make sense or not," Lawrence replied when asked about the possibility of opening up pre-orders. The Porsche Mission E -- a name that might not make the transition to production -- will make its debut before the end of the year. Sales will begin next year, meaning it will most likely be branded a 2020 model. The biggest hospital in the midlands is badly overcrowded on Friday as patients and staff continue to face trolley waits in the hope of getting a bed. The latest trolley watch figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation today have revealed that 33 people are now awaiting a proper bed at the A&E department in Tullamore Hospital with a total of 68 across all three Midlands hospitals. There are 22 patients on trolleys with a further 11 waiting in already full wards at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. There were 10 patients are awaiting a bed at the Midland Regaional Hospital Portlaoise , while there are 15 in a similar situation in Mullingar. Tullamore had the forced highest number of trollies deployed in A&E or on wards on Friday. Tullamore and Portlaoise are part of the Dublin Midland Hospital Group. There are 16 patients waiting in both St James and Naas General while there are 20 people waiting in Tallaght hospital. Problems have eased at St Luke's Kilkenny where there are 27 people waiting. This down slightly on earlier this week. Tullamore, Kilkenny, Tallaght, St James' and Naas would all be expected to pick up the slack if Portlaoise is downgraded. University Hospital Limerick is the most overcrowded in the country today with 68 people awaiting a proper bed at their A&E department. Nationally today, April 13, 505 patients are waiting for a bed. Saturday's Aintree Grand National will be a bittersweet occasion for Monsignor John Byrne and his family as they gather at the iconic race track in Liverpool to see their horse, Total Recall compete in the gruelling 4 mile race. Eight members of the Byrne siblings comprise the Slaneyville Syndicate, which is based in Tullow. Sadly, this number was originally nine, but Msgr Byrne's sister Catherine died suddenly in January. "Catherine had a huge interest in it," Msgr Byrne told the Leinster Express from Liverpool on Friday morning. "She and her husband looked after the horses in their off time in Westmeath. "It will be a bitter sweet occasion for us." The Willie Mullins trained Total Recall is one of the favourites for tomorrow's National on many lists. Since transferring to Willie Mullins, upon the retirement of previous trainer Sandra Hughes, he has had a very good run. "You need a lot of luck with the Grand National," Msgr Byrne pointed out. "We are hopeful he will get around." "He has had a great season, despite falling three out in the Cheltenham Gold Gup. He has come out of that very well," noted Msgr Byrne. "He had three great wins, including the Ladbrokes Trophy (previously Hennessy Gold Cup) which is the most prestigious handicap race after the Cheltenham Gold Cup." He also won the Munster National in Limerick last October. "He has travelled well and settled in well ahead of tomorrow's race," said Msgr Byrne. Paul Townend will ride Total Recall in the Grand National. Should he win, it would be the second Grand National success for Willie Mullins, 13 years after Hedgehunter won in 2005. Im very happy with the way hes come out of Cheltenham," Willie Mullins told the Irish Times. "Hes been in good form since. I dont know what the statistics are like with that but Im not worried he fell the last day. Hes generally a good jumper. And ground wont be an issue." SEE ALSO ALL THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS SEE ALSO: THE PUNTER'S EYE: Aintree Grand National 2018 Tips and Race Preview A Newbridge man appeared in Naas District Court with a cut over his eyebrow and claimed his had missed his court appearances earlier in the day because he had been abducted and assaulted as he was leaving to come to court. Mark White, 31, with an address listed as 1613 Pairc Mhuire, Newbridge was charged with possession of a penknife on August 5 last at Cutlery Road, Newbridge and he had initially appeared in court on February 22 last. He pleaded guilty on that occasion and Judge Desmond Zaidan had instructed the Probation Service to assess him for community service in lieu of eight months in custody. The matter was then adjourned to yesterday morning. However when the case was called just after 11.30am, Mr White was not present in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. After 4pm yesterday however, he turned up, looking the worse for wear, with what appeared to be bruising on his neck and a cut over his right eyebrow. He was attacked earlier today as he was leaving Newbridge to come to court, solicitor David Gibbons told the court. He was abducted, but he has managed to make his way to court under his own steam to tell you himself. Barrister Aisling Murphy told Judge Desmond Zaidan that Mr White was due to enter rehab in the coming days, to deal with a drug problem he has had. In the meantime, Probation Officer Dermot Lavin told the court that Mr White was not suitable for community service, although he was open to the possibility that that position might change depending on the outcome of his stint in rehab. Mark White has 56 previous convictions and had served the four year sentence for an assault. At his previous court appearance, Mr White had told Judge Zaidan that after he had completed a four year prison sentence he had changed and had cut himself off from his previous friends. Mr White assured the court he had addressed his anger management issues. I have changed. I made a lot of mistakes. When I was in the Garda Station it the was the first time since I was released from prison (several years ago) and hopefully my last." The matter was adjourned to a date in July. A Naas man was found guilty yesterday, Thursday, April 12, at Naas Circuit Court of a charge of assault, of abduction of a child and of being drunk in charge of a child. Paddy Lynch, 38, with an address listed as 1 Our Ladys Place was also charged - but found not guilty - of a charge of assault near Sallins. All of the charges related to November 7, 2016 except for the charge of drunk in charge of a child which was the following day. He was also found not guilty of an assault near Sallins on the same day, and this morning, Friday, a jury of 12 was unable to reach a majority of 10 on the question of whether he was guilty of a charge of obstruction of a police officer. The assault charge that he was found guilty of was on Margaret Doran at Mooretown Drive, Rathcoffey. The matter was adjourned by Judge Sean O Donobhain to next Tuesdays sitting of the Circuit Court for sentencing. Mr Lynch was represented by Junior Counsel Willie Hughes, instructed by David Powderly. He did not appear before the court this morning to hear the jurys verdict on the obstruction charge. Counsel informed the court that he was refusing the get out of the prison transport van. A public meeting is to be held next Wednesday night on the future of the recently-shut Brannoxtown National School as it has emerged that a new patron is to be sought for the school. The Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin, which has been the patron of the school, is to divest from running the national school. The 133-year-old primary, located in Brannockstown village near Kilcullen and Two Mile House, has been hit by falling numbers in recent years, with the last few pupils leaving some six months ago. We have been working for several months to prevent the school from closing. Unfortunately, the closure was unavoidable. The divesting of the school is the best outcome we could hope for, said Conor OToole of Save Our School Brannockstown (SOSB), a group of elected local residents fighting to save the school. A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18, next in Brannoxtown National School at 8.30pm to discuss the schools future with the local community. According to the group, the Archbishop has previously expressed his willingness to divest Catholic schools and SOSB is happy that he has agreed to divest Brannoxtown so that it can flourish under new management. Carrick-on-Shannon based Cora Systems, a leading provider of enterprise project and portfolio management solutions, has been awarded the 2018 Supply Chain Achievement Award at the 2018 Irish Logistics & Transport Awards for the successful and innovative implementations that have helped their clients to drive supply chain efficiencies. "We are really honoured to win this award and to receive recognition of the work weve been doing with our clients across the globe. Companies like Honeywell Building Solutions, who use our solution to manage 30,000+ projects, have been able to significantly streamline their project portfolios with our product. This award will only motivate us to further improve our solution for our clients, said Philip Martin, CEO, Cora Systems. Launched in 2010, The Irish Logistics & Transport Awards are the long-standing benchmark for those demonstrating excellence in the industry. Over 300 logistics and transport professionals attended the black-tie gala dinner at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, which has grown to becomes Ireland biggest annual night-out for the logistics and transport industry. Cora Systems provides enterprise project and portfolio management solutions and services to government agencies and large-scale global organizations, including life sciences, healthcare, and engineering and construction. Every day, thousands of project managers across the world use the Cora platform to manage their portfolio of projects, totalling over $10 billion in value, across multiple locations, dozens of countries and thousands of users. Headquartered in Ireland and with regional offices in Washington, DC and London (UK), Coras client roster includes Allergan, BT, City of London, Honeywell Building Solutions, Teleflex and the UKs National Health Service. For more information, visit: www.corasystems.com. A YOUNG man charged in connection with the seizure of a loaded firearm in the city centre has been granted bail. Paul Sheehy, aged 25, who has an address at Childers Road Apartments, Southern Ring Road, Roxboro faces two charges under the provisions of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. He is accused of possession of a semi-automatic pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition near Colbert Station on April 9. It is alleged the .380 callibre Makarov Pattern pistol and the ammunition were located in a backpack when the defendant was stopped and searched by gardai during an intelligence-led operation. Opposing bail, Garda Sean Twomey said it will alleged the firearm was found in a red New Balance Liverpool backpack which the father-of-two was carrying when he got off a train which had arrived from Dublin. He said one bullet was found in the chamber and that weapon was ready to fire A pair of gloves and a can of WD40 were also found in the backpack. It is the State case the father-of-two was driven to Dublin earlier in the day where he was given the backpack and contents to bring back to Limerick. Garda Twomey said he was concerned Mr Sheehy would not appear in court if released and that he would engage in further criminality. Solicitor Sarah Ryan said her client had put forward a version of events following his arrest and that this had not been contradicted by gardai. Judge Marian OLeary was told the defendant replied he was sorry and that I didnt do it intentionally when he was formally charged. Ms Ryan said her client was willing to abide by any conditions if granted bail. Judge OLeary granted bail subject to an independent surety of 3,000 being approved by the court. If released, the defendant must abide by a number of strict conditions. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the matter. THE Latest head of the Bruff Garda District Superintendent Niall Featherstone will commence his new role this Friday. Since Supt Tom Lundon was transferred to Dublin in October 2011, the area has had three full-time superintendents Alan Cunningham, Feargal Patwell and William Duane interspersed with numerous acting superintendents including Inspectors Luke Conlon, Paul Reidy and Dermot OConnor, amongst others. Chief Supt Gerard Roche said the vacancy in Bruff and why a superintendent hadnt been appointed was raised at the last Joint Policing Committee meeting We made very strong representations to have a superintendent appointed. Im delighted that the commissioner made the appointment, said Chief Supt Roche, who knows Supt Featherstone. He is a good experienced officer, particularly in relation to community policing and crime prevention. That is his speciality area. He worked for the last number of years as an inspector in the National Community Policing Office in Harcourt Square in Dublin. He will fit in ideally in Bruff. That is exactly what is needed out there, that is the type of policing that works best out in areas that are predominantly rural like in Bruff. I am delighted he is coming here, said Chief Supt Roche, who only started in his new position in mid February. But Chief Super Roche has quickly got up to speed. Ive visited every station in the Bruff area and Limerick at this stage. I wanted to know the issues in each area. I wanted to know what was happening on the ground and if you want to know what is happening on the ground you should go out and walk it, said Chief Supt Roche, who praised Insp Dermot OConnor, acting Bruff superintendent for the last number of months. As well as the Bruff district the size of Co Louth getting a new superintendent, there is also extra gardai in the offing. Going forward we will be trying to build up the country districts as well as the city districts. As more people come we hope to put more resources out there, he said. Deputy Niall Collins also welcomed Supt Featherstone. For too long this position has remained vacant. Ive raised this issue on many occasions with the Minister for Justice and also at Limericks Joint Policing Committee meetings. The community living in the Bruff Garda District deserve better and hopefully this latest appointment will allay concerns people have been expressing. For too long its been a case of musical chairs with this senior garda role. The district poses many challenges from a community policing perspective and hopefully now with strong leadership community concerns will be addressed, said Deputy Collins. ITS AN ILL east wind that blows no good and all week farmers from east and west Limerick have been queuing up for imported fodder. There is something very sick as this is the second time in five years that the winter came early and refused to leave just like an unwanted house guest. One man who was in the Cappamore Dairygold co-op store on Thursday evening when imported fodder arrived said he knows a farmer, who declared last summer that he had enough silage for two years. He only has two weeks left now. Cattle were in early and are late getting out. It is unnatural. The first man waiting for a truck full of UK hay to roll in was Mike ODonoghue, Gortnagarde. His story resonates with many. He was out of his own supply and has been buying fodder locally for the last week. Thats running out as well, said the dairy and beef farmer. Mike said it is huge extra expense. The fact that the bad weather has carried so far out into the spring is the issue, said Mike. Con Berkery, manager of the Dairygold store, said they received their fifth load this Tuesday and are expecting one each day for the rest of the week. Demand is still strong but in fairness to the farmers they are working around the clock to keep animals fed. They would nearly feed their animals before they would feed themselves. Even at the fodder crisis meeting on Monday our local vets complimented farmers on how well they are looking after their animals, said Con. He said phones were hopping with requests for fodder. It rang while he was being interviewed by the Leader. We are trying to prioritise the critical ones and then hopefully keep everyone going. Some lads have nothing. They have bought bales from other people. Others might have silage for now but they might not have silage in a weeks time so they are preparing for that, said Con. James Blackwell, Dromsally, said he was nearly out of fodder. It is the same all over. Lads are just hanging on. Its a long winter. It has gone on too long. We just cant get cattle out the ground conditions are just too poor, said James. Dairy farmer Barry Campbell, Towerhill, said he had only two days of silage left. The land is too wet to go out and spread fertiliser and anything that was out there has gone grey. I had the vet out three times recently when I normally wouldnt because animals were getting stomach upsets. We started feeding our first silage on September 18 and that is going to be seven months shortly. It is very serious you have extra feeding costs, veterinary costs and the milk price drop. But fair play to Dairygold, they were very fast to respond, said Barry, who also praised local milk advisor Jack Cahill for helping farmers get fodder. TEACHERS must be given the time to teach as initiative overload and excessive paperwork are taking up huge amounts of time and stifling spontaneity, according to Sexton Street CBS deputy principal Michael OSullivan. Mr OSullivan made the comments during the annual Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) Congress in Killarney. More than 50 delegates from Limerick, including Mr OSullivan, attended this years congress at which pay equality, funding and the curriculum dominated the agenda. Speaking at the INTO Congress, Mr OSullivan highlighted the concerns of teachers in relation to initiative overload. We feel that the time being devoted to actual teaching is being taken away by the numerous initiatives that are coming on stream now, Mr OSullivan told the Limerick Leader. While we have nothing against progress, and a lot of these initiatives have their own merit, theres so many of them being trundled out that it's just creating a stress in the teaching profession. Its not that wed stand in the way of progress but we need to strike a balance. You need to give people time to teach. Paperwork can take teachers anywhere from one to three hours to complete outside of teaching hours, he added. Part of a teachers role is to build up a relationship with pupils. If you are busy, checking notes or seeing if you are reaching milestones, the actual face-to-face contact is reduced. Its a series of ticking boxes, its like jumping through hoops. Meanwhile, secretary of Limerick City INTO Ann McMahon also spoke to delegates about the importance of the Visiting Teachers Service. The service caters for children who are visually or hearing impaired and has provided invaluable support for children and their parents for many years, Ms McMahon said. Pay equality is the unions top priority, INTO president John Boyle told the annual Congress. Young teachers received assurance that they would be treated with dignity and respect in terms of equal pay, he said. Newer teachers have been disproportionately affected by lower pay scales and talks between the Government and the unions, to begin this month, need to focus on ending this two-tier system, he added. Over a career in teaching a 2017 entrant to teaching is set to earn 56,000 less than a 2010 entrant, which translates into annual losses of between 1,400 and 2,500 over a career in teaching, according to Mt Boyle. Is it any wonder so many teachers have moved to other countries where their expertise is valued? Most comparable countries are now spending more per student than they did in 2008 but that Ireland was an exception, he added. Shannon Airport has welcomed the announcement by Norwegian Air International that it will expand its Shannon to New York service from winter 2018. The airline, which began operating from Shannon in July 2017, has confirmed it will begin a new daily service to Stewart International Airport from October 28, next with seats going on sale from today. The news of the move to a daily service further strengthens Shannons long haul connectivity and its position as an important transatlantic gateway. The increased capacity creates a major transatlantic line-up from Shannon Airport. With six airlines operating to seven destinations, Shannon now has its largest number of US services in over 17 years. Winter weekend in New York anyone? For winter 2018 @NorwegianUKI have increased flights to New York Stewart from twice weekly to daily. Making your transatlantic adventure easier than ever! This new daily service commences on 28th Oct 2018 pic.twitter.com/0lZcB00l8M April 13, 2018 Welcoming the announcement Andrew Murphy, Managing Director, Shannon Airport said: This expanded service will give our passengers more choice and opens up exciting opportunities for Irish people to explore amazing parts of the States and for more US visitors to explore our Wild Atlantic Way. We look forward to working closely with Norwegian to ensure the success of the expanded service. It clearly demonstrates Norwegians commitment at Shannon and will bring our transatlantic capacity to 565,000 seats. Matthew Thomas CEO, Shannon Group has also welcomed the announcement: We are delighted to have eight services to seven airports on the US east coast. It proves the Airports importance as a driving force for growth and creates fantastic opportunities for the business and leisure industry along the Wild Atlantic Way. This expanded service is the result of a close collaboration involving a dedicated team of Shannon Airport and Norwegian Air International. It illustrates the huge market there is for the unique Irish tourism product on this side of the island. To have an expanded daily service to New York speaks volumes, too, about Shannons significance in the transatlantic market, he said. Intending passengers can book tickets at www.norwegian.com. IRISH Cement has been granted planning permission to begin the process of phasing out the use of fossil fuels at its plant in Mungret. The company says it plans over the next ten years to replace fossil fuels with alternative fuels such as used tyres and solid recovered waste. Limerick City and County Council granted permission for the controversial development in March 2017 despite a number of public protests. The local authoritys decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by a number of local residents as well as Limerick Against Pollution. There was strong opposition to the 10m plans at a three-day oral hearing at the South Court Hotel last September with businessman JP McManus and former rugby star Paul OConnell among those who attended. In its ruling details of which have just emerged An Bord Pleanala states the proposed development is situated in an established industrial area and is reasonably removed from nearby sensitive receptors. It notes that Irish Cement will be subject to an Industrial Emissions Licence. The Board concluded that the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities in the area or of residential and other property in the vicinity, would not be prejudicial to public health, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, states the decision. In a statement, Irish Cement welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanala This development is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the Mungret factory, which is currently the only cement factory in Ireland not using alternative fuels and one of the last in Europe not to be availing of these fuels, it says. Replacing fossil fuels in cement factories is standard practice throughout Europe, and is line with European, national and regional waste management policy. Irish Cement already uses alternative fuels in our sister plant in Platin, Co. Meath. Irish Cement says The development will reduce the companys dependence on fossil fuels, will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40,000 tonnes per year, and will help recover valuable resources. It will also make the factory more competitive, and support existing and future employment. Reacting to the decision, Limerick Against Pollution said the challenge wil continue against the plans. THE Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has re-iterated government plans to increase the population of Limerick city and its environs to around 150,000 people. Mr Varadkar made his comments at the University of Limerick this Friday before making a presentation to students and other invited guests on the Ireland 2040 plan. The 160m plan was launched earlier this year but the Limerick presentation was postponed until today due to Storm Emma. Our ambition for Limerick in particular is to increase the population of the city and suburbs by 50% over the next 20 years growing the city and suburbs from around 100,000 people to 150,000 people by 2040, said Mr Varadkar. That of course is going to require major investment in infrastructure in projects like the M20 linking Limerick to Cork by motorway, by continuing to support Shannon and the development of Shannon and the zone around that and also, of course, investment in housing and other infastructure, he told reporters while flanked by his local party colleagues, Patrick ODonovan, Tom Neville, Kieran ODonnell and Maria Byrne. Weve already started work on #projectireland2040, and Im here in @UL with @MurphyEoghan @mitchelloconnor and @podonovan telling students what it means for this region and for their future lives pic.twitter.com/Ry9KzKeykS Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) April 13, 2018 Earlier the Taoiseach attended a Fine Gael breakfast briefing at the Castletroy Park Hotel before meeting with some of the cast and Crew of Nightfliers which is currently being filmed at Troy Studios. Postmen of the Skies exhibit to open May 1 at National Postal Museum Apr 29, 2021, 2 AM The cover of the May 20, 1918, issue of Aerial Age Weekly franked with 11 examples of the 24 Curtiss Jenny stamps (Scott C3). Image courtesy of the Smithsonians National Postal Museum. By Linn's Staff The Smithsonians National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., will open a new exhibit and host a first-day-of-issue ceremony and book launch on May 1. The Postmen of the Skies exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first airmail flight. The exhibition, on view through May 27, 2019, invites visitors to step into the exciting and memorable stories of the airmail pilots whose pioneering flights set the stage for todays advanced airmail system and commercial aviation, the National Postal Museum said. One of the objects on display is the May 20, 1918, issue of Aerial Age Weekly, franked with 11 examples of the United States 1918 24 Curtiss Jenny stamp (Scott C3). The magazine was sent by editor Henry Woodhouse to Capt. Benjamin Lipsner on June 3, 1918. The publisher and editors of the Aerial Age Weekly were enthusiastic supporters of airmail, according to the museum. Other items in the exhibit include goggles, leggings, a postal route map, and artifacts from pilots. The blue United States Airmail forever stamp will have a ceremony at 11 a.m. May 1 at the museum. An article about this stamp appears on page 10 of this issue. The first-day ceremony is free and open to the public. Under an agreement with the Smithsonians National Postal Museum and the American Philatelic Society, the museum will host the launch of Stamp of the Century, a book about the famous Inverted Jenny error stamp. The authors, Kellen Diamanti and Deborah Fisher, will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m. to talk with museum visitors and sign copies of their book, which will be for sale in the museum gift store. The authors also will be part of the museums History After Hours program on May 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., for a book talk and signing. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Also, on May 1, the National Postal Museum will present two airmail-themed programs for the public: a scavenger hunt and game time. The self-guided scavenger hunt will direct visitors to artifacts and exhibits throughout the museum that highlight the history of airmail in the United States, including Postmen of the Skies and Airmail in America. The Postal Museum describes the airmail game time as a gallery activity that will feature airmail-themed board games as part of the story of how airmail impacted American pop-culture. Visitors will be able to try their luck and test their skill at some of these vintage and reproduction games at this gallery experience. The National Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, next to Union Station. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed only on Dec. 25. Want to know some wild facts about wildlife? How about these: Penguins cheat on their mates, moose get drunk, and worker ants are known to laze around. There are so many unusual facts out there that zoologist Lucy Cooke, an award-winning filmmaker and National Geographic explorer, wrote a book chock-full of them. And it debuts this Tuesday, April 17. That same day, Live Science will sit down with Cooke on Facebook Live to learn more about her book "The Truth About Animals: Stoned Sloths, Lovelorn Hippos and Other Tales from the Wild Side of Wildlife" (Basic Books, 2018). And to make sure you're paying attention, we'll ask a trivia question during the interview. Then, we'll randomly select five people who answer the trivia question correctly in the Facebook comments, and they'll win a free copy of Cooke's book! [Daring Duos: Photos of Unlikely Animal Friends] Tune in to the interview on our Facebook page at 12:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday (April 17). It will be a great crash course on the 13 species Cooke describes in her book: eel, beaver, sloth, hyena, vulture, bat, frog, stork, hippo, moose, panda, penguin and chimpanzee. The contest rules are below. Don't forget to check Facebook and Twitter for updates on this contest and other live-video events. 'The Truth About Animals' Giveaway Official Rules NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of 50 U.S & DC, 18 or older. Employees, agents, officers & directors of Purch Group, Inc. ("Sponsor"), its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates & advertising & promotion agencies (collectively with Facebook, Inc., Released Parties) & members of their immediate family (spouse, parent, children, siblings & their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) & persons living in the same household, whether or not related, are not eligible. Void where prohibited. Subject to all applicable federal, state & local laws. 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You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor & not to Facebook. Original article on Live Science. U.S. drinking guidelines are too boozy, according to a new study. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 600,000 people in 19 countries, found that drinking more than 100 grams of pure alcohol per week (the equivalent of about seven standard drinks in the United States) was linked to an increased risk of early death during the study period. But many countries have drinking guidelines that consider 100 grams of alcohol a week to be well within the range of "safe" drinking. For example, U.S. guidelines recommend that men drink no more than 196 grams per week, or 14 standard drinks. (For women, U.S. guidelines fall within these recommended amounts, at no more than 98 grams a week.) In Canada, guidelines recommend no more than 136 grams per week for women, and no more than 204 grams per week for men. In the new study, published yesterday (April 12) in the journal The Lancet, researchers concluded that drinking guidelines should be lowered to a limit of 100 grams a week. [Here's How Much Alcohol Is OK to Drink in 19 Countries] "This study has shown that drinking alcohol at levels which were believed to be safe is actually linked with lower life expectancy," as well as other health problems, study co-author Dr. Dan G. Blazer II, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University, said in a statement. The study's findings are in line with new recommendations for safe drinking in the United Kingdom, which recommend no more than six standard U.K. drinks a week for men and women. Researchers have previously found that drinking guidelines vary widely around the world. For that reason, it's a little unclear exactly how much alcohol is "safe" to drink; in other words, it's hard to tell what level is associated with a low risk of health problems and substance disorders. For the new study, the researchers analyzed information from 599,912 people in high-income countries who drank alcohol but did not have heart disease at the study's start. The median follow-up period was 7.5 years. About half the people in the study reported drinking more than 100 grams of alcohol per week, and 8 percent drank more than 350 grams per week. Drinking more than 100 grams of alcohol per week was linked with a lower life expectancy. For example, life expectancy was 6 months lower among those who drank 100 to 200 grams per week, and life expectancy was 1 to 2 years lower among those who drank 200 to 300 grams per week, compared with those who drank less than 100 grams a week. The highest level of drinking in the study more than 350 grams per week was linked with a 4- to 5-year reduction in life expectancy. The study also found that alcohol consumption was linked with an increased risk of stroke or heart failure, as well as an increased risk of death from hypertensive disease (high blood pressure) or an aortic aneurysm. There was no clear threshold below which alcohol consumption stopped being associated with these conditions, the researchers said. In contrast to those findings, alcohol consumption was also linked with a slightly lower risk of nonfatal heart attack. This slightly lower risk of heart attack tied to alcohol consumption must be balanced against the other "serious, and potentially fatal, cardiovascular diseases" linked with alcohol consumption, lead study author Dr. Angela Wood, a lecturer in biostatistics at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, said in the statement. Overall, the public health message of the study is "if you already drink alcohol, drinking less may help you live longer and lower your risk of several cardiovascular conditions," Wood said. The researchers noted that the study tracked people's alcohol consumption for at least a year but did not examine the effect of alcohol consumption over a person's entire lifetime. They also noted that the study was not able to account for people who reduced their alcohol consumption due to health complications. Original article on Live Science. Smoke plumes from Greenland's largest wildfire on record can be seen in this Landsat-8 satellite image from Aug. 3, 2017. VIENNA Last summer, puffs of white appeared in satellite images of western Greenland. These were not patches of snow and ice, but rather plumes of smoke from the island's biggest wildfire on record, burning through miles of thawed peatland. Black carbon particles from smoke plumes can darken Greenlands vast ice sheet, contributing to more heat absorption and more melting. Scientists who studied the wildfire said that nearly a third of the soot landed on Greenlands ice sheet. They warned that much bigger blazes could move through the icy island in the future, and the emissions from these fires could contribute to further melting of the already thinning ice sheet. "I think it's a warning sign that something like this can happen on permafrost that was supposed to be melting at the end of the century," rather than today, Andreas Stohl, a senior scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), told Live Science. [Photos: Under the Greenland Ice Sheet] Stohl and his colleagues presented the results of their study on Wednesday (April 11) here at the annual meeting of the European Geosciences Union. They started studying the wildfire at the end of July 2017, soon after it was first observed. Greenland's largest wildfire on record, seen in this Aug. 3, 2017 satellite image, burned through miles of peatland. (Image credit: NASA Earth Observatory) There was no lightning activity (one of the primary causes of wildfires) prior to the fire, which was located about 90 miles (150 kilometers) northeast of Sisimiut, the second-largest city in Greenland. It is suspected that the blaze was human-caused, though Stohl noted that peat, under oxygen-rich environments, can self-ignite, even at relatively low temperatures. The researchers estimated that the fire burned around 9 square miles (2,345 hectares) of land. The NILU-led team also studied how much of the soot from the fire settled on the ice. "If you consider that Greenland has the largest ice sheet, apart from Antarctica, it immediately triggers some thinking: What happens if some smoke falls down on this ice sheet?" said Nikolaos Evangeliou, another NILU scientist. Using a computer model to simulate how soot would have been carried in the atmosphere, the researchers estimated that about 7 tons of an aerosol called black carbon 30 percent of the total emissions from that fire landed on the ice sheet. This amount of carbon didn't have much of an impact on the ice sheet's overall albedo, or reflectivity, Stohl and Evangeliou said. The wildfire, while unprecedented in size for Greenland, was small in comparison to the wildfires that raged over mainland North America last year. (Record-breaking wildfires in British Columbia in 2017 burned more than 4,600 square miles, or 12,000 square kilometers, according to Canadian news magazine Maclean's.) By sending giant smoke plumes into the atmosphere, the North American fires deposited much more carbon on the Greenland ice sheet than the Greenland wildfire, Evangeliou said. However, the Greenland fire was much more effective at dropping carbon onto the ice sheet, he explained. "If larger fires would burn, they would actually have a substantial impact on melting," Stohl said. And, there's a greater chance of such fires, if more of Greenland's permafrost melts and exposes peat which is actually the early-stage material used in coal formation, and so it burns easily. Perhaps more worrisome, these peat fires can burn underground and unnoticed for a long time. Stohl noted that smoldering peat fires in Indonesia can burn for years before they flare up again on the surface. "We cannot actually be sure that the fires (in Greenland) are out," Stohl said. Original article on Live Science. Beer connoisseurs would certainly give you an odd look if you imbibed your Guinness from a martini glass. But one mathematician says this actually might be the best glass to serve Guinness in because it allows the beer's bubbles to settle faster. William Lee, a professor of mathematics at the University of Huddersfield in England, has studied the unique flow of bubbles in the creamy stout, and recently weighed in on which type of glassware would hypothetically be best to serve the famous Irish beer in. "People think that the Guinness glass is designed to optimize the settling time," Lee said in a statement. "But now we have a better understanding of the theory behind it, we might be able to make an even better glass so that it settles faster. Unfortunately, the ideal shape would look like a giant cocktail glass!" In 2012, Lee and colleagues used computer simulations to explain exactly why the bubbles in Guinness and other stouts appear to sink downward while the beer is settling seemingly defying the laws of physics. (After all, since the bubbles are less dense than the liquid, shouldn't they always rise?) At that time, the researchers determined that the bubbles were indeed obeying the laws of physics they were sinking because of a "circulatory flow," or the current in the glass. That is, the bubbles were still rising relative to the liquid, but sinking relative to the glass due to the circulating flow, which is directed downward at the sides of the glass, and upward in the middle, according to Lee. But what caused this circulating flow? [7 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Health] Lee and colleagues found that it was the shape of the traditional pint glass which is wider at the top than the bottom that produced this circulation. Live Science previously reported that this glass shape allows more bubbles to rise from the middle of the glass than its sides. A higher density of bubbles in the middle of the glass versus the sides creates a "fountain" of upward flowing beer in the middle. And the imbalance in density ultimately results in the circulation downward flowing bubbles at the sides, and upward flowing in the middle. The cocktail glass, with its steeply slanted sides, would allow the bubbles to flow more quickly to the bottom and then rise to the top, according to the Daily Mail. Lee's 2012 paper used computer simulations to show why bubbles flow downward; and now, Lee has confirmed these findings using a mathematical model, which increases the researcher's confidence in the results. A paper describing the model was published in the March issue of the American Journal of Physics. Original article on Live Science. "You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips have got to touch the toe." After losing three toes to frostbite, a recent participant in one of the coldest long-distance races on Earth reached a toe-tally bizarre decision for what to do with the detached digits. During the race, which took place in February in the Canadian Yukon, British competitor Nick Griffiths suffered frostbite so severe that three of his toes had to be amputated. Rather than simply disposing of the toes, he decided to donate them to a remote Canadian bar for use in a signature drink known as the "Sourtoe Cocktail," which famously includes a dehydrated human toe, according to the Toronto Star. [Would You Drink This Mummified-Toe Cocktail?] It all began when Griffiths entered the 300-mile (483 kilometers) division of the Yukon Arctic Ultra, a punishing race across frozen wilderness that takes place along the Yukon Quest Trail. Participants race on foot, sleds and mountain bikes, and temperatures can drop below minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 50 degrees Celsius), according to the race's website. After 30 hours on the trail, with temperatures measured at below minus 40 degrees F (minus 40 degrees C), Griffiths dropped out with evidence of frostbite on several extremities, but the damage was most severe in his left foot. Griffiths got the idea to donate his toes while recuperating in a Canadian hospital, when a nurse showed him video footage of her quaffing a drink containing a preserved human toe, served at a bar called the Sourdough Saloon, in the Yukon Territory, Griffiths told the Star. After hearing her story, he decided to contact the bar staff with the offer of three newly detached toes, which they were pleased to accept, the Star reported. Griffiths' bemused surgeon provided him with the amputated toes in vials of medical-grade alcohol, he told the Star. When not floating in a drink, the Sourdough Saloon's stash of toes is stored in salt. (Image credit: Jean-Francois Bergeron/Enviro Foto) For decades, the saloon has offered its Sourtoe Cocktail to intrepid imbibers a tradition launched in 1973 using a toe that allegedly once belonged to a famous Canadian bootlegger. Patrons arrange to drink the cocktail by appointment and do so under the close supervision of a "Toe Captain." The official toe wrangler ensures not only that drinkers touch the toe with their lips a requirement for receiving an official certificate from the bar for consuming the cocktail but also that they neither steal nor swallow the toe (which has happened more than once, and as recently as last year, Live Science previously reported). The cocktail must contain a minimum of 1 ounce of alcohol and, of course, one human toe. Other than that, the drink's contents are up to the drinker, though the Sourtoe experience often involves a shot of a local beverage known as Yukon Jack 80-proof liquor blended from Canadian whisky and honey, according to the Sourdough Cocktail Club website. More than 100,000 people have sampled the Sourtoe, and in the decades since the grisly drink was first poured, more than 10 toes have been acquired by the saloon operators. Preserved toes are stored in salt when they're not floating in a cocktail. But they don't last forever, and the saloon depends on generous toe-nations such as Griffiths' to keep the Sourtoe Cocktail available for the curious and the brave, Jonny Klynkramer, the Sourdough Saloon bar manager, told the Star. "We always prefer big toes they're the meatiest," Klynkramer said. Original article on Live Science. State Sen. Carlos Uresti, convicted less than two months ago by a federal jury on 11 felony charges, has surrendered his license to practice law in lieu of facing disciplinary action from the State Bar of Texas. Without a license, Uresti will be prohibited from practicing law in the state where he has worked as an attorney for more than 25 years. Uresti, 54, would have been disbarred after hes sentenced June 28, anyway, but he opted to voluntarily submit his resignation March 23. His resignation was accepted by the Bars Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel the same day and then by the Supreme Court of Texas on Tuesday. RELATED: Texas state Sen. Uresti, co-defendant Cain found guilty on all charges in criminal fraud trial The San Antonio Democrat was found guilty Feb. 22 of securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, among other charges, over his involvement in FourWinds Logistics. Uresti has vowed to appeal. His recent motion for a new trial was denied. FourWinds bought and sold sand used for fracking in oil production before going bankrupt in 2015 amid allegations it had defrauded investors. Uresti served as FourWinds outside legal counsel, held a 1 percent ownership interest, and recruited potential investors to enter into joint ventures with the company. Uresti, though, left out pertinent details to get them to invest, including that he stood to get a slice of their profits. RELATED: Uresti was 'my friend, my lover' the government's star witness testifies in criminal trial That lawmaker is facing a prison sentence that could range from eight to 12 years in addition to likely owing millions in restitution to victims, some attorneys have said. Uresti is scheduled to stand trial in October in a separate case where hes accused of of splitting $850,000 in bribe payments with a county judge in Reeves County over a medical services contract at a jail in West Texas. Uresti has denied the charges. In its Tuesday order, the Supreme Court directed Uresti to immediately notify in writing each of his clients and lawyers representing opposing parties of his resignation. He also has to inform the judges in any pending he cases he may have had. RELATED: Cantu told FBI her affair with Uresti began in 2010 with 'sexy' comment, lewd text He must also return any files, papers, unearned monies and other property in his possession belonging to any client or former client, the court ordered. Clarie Mock, a Bar spokeswoman, said it was her understanding that there was one other lawyer who worked in Urestis law firm. So (Urestis) clients should discuss their options with (the other attorney in the office), Mock said. They can determine whether to stay with the firm or to request their files and refund of any unearned fees so they can seek new counsel. The law firms website, Urestilaw.com, is inactive. The Bars Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel said Urestis crimes violated the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys. RELATED: Feds dispute Uresti's take on steamy text messages In February of last year, FBI and IRS agency raided Urestis law offices at 924 McCullough Ave., confiscating documents and other items. Agents spent more than six hours at the offices. Prosecutors recently alleged that following his conviction, Uresti had begun selling furniture, statues and artwork. He also was preparing to list for sale the law office building, prosecutors said. Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra issued an order last month barring Uresti and other family members or representatives from disposing of any of his assets without court approval. His wife, Lleana, has filed for divorce. Prosecutors have said the divorce is an attempt by the couple to protect their assets. Meanwhile, Uresti has resisted calls to resign his Senate seat. The Senate could expel him with a two-thirds majority vote. On Friday, Ezra rescheduled the sentencing of FourWinds CEO Stan Bates from Tuesday to Aug. 27. Bates pleaded guilty to eight felonies in January rather than stand trial with Uresti. Bates public defender requested the continuance to complete further sentencing investigation, according to a court filing. Patrick Danner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | pdanner@express-news.net | @AlamoPD WASHINGTON With bipartisan agreement, members of Congress said this week that Silicon Valley needed to be reined in with new regulations after Facebooks chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, failed to allay concerns over the companys mishandling of user privacy. But time and again, when the most pressing issues have landed on Capitol Hill such as gun violence, school shootings, immigration and border control Congress has declared five-alarm fires only to fail to follow through on major legislation. The current zest for new privacy laws is also likely to stall as lawmakers wrestle with the technical complexities and constitutional vexations sure to emerge with any legislation to control content on the internet. I think we need to be careful, cautioned Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. I think there are a number of different ideas, but I dont think anything has coalesced in terms of a consensus. For the public, watching the many bursts of fireworks from Congress and the quick after-fizzle can be dizzying. But Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., the ranking minority member on the House committee responsible for internet regulation, warned voters not to expect much. I hate to be such a pessimist, but I dont believe the Republicans will end up doing anything, he said. I just dont have any faith in their willingness to regulate to protect privacy in the context of Facebook. Beyond the typical political gridlock that has stymied action in Congress, technology and the companies that sell access to it are particularly protected. The Facebook hearings this week revealed a vast knowledge gap between Silicon Valley and the nations capital, where lawmakers struggled to grasp how the technology works and which problems misinformation, sharing of data to third parties or political biases coded into algorithms needed to be addressed. Inaction does not reflect a lack of will so much as a failure of expertise. Its the first time Ive seen an issue where everybody seemed to be on the same sheet of music, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Thursday. If Congress does not follow through with new rules for internet companies, well look like a bunch of idiots, Graham added. Avoiding that dunce cap will be difficult. Lawmakers will confront Silicon Valleys powerful new lobbying establishment. Facebook, Google, Amazon and Apple now hold the biggest corporate lobbying budgets in Washington and spent a combined $49.7 million in 2017 on direct lobbying, which does not include their outside lobbying trade groups, up 24 percent from the previous year. They have hired top privacy experts into their lobbying troops to defeat privacy and other internet laws. Facebook has said it would embrace some regulation, with Zuckerberg saying this week that rules for internet companies were inevitable. But he also indicated that it would have to be the right regulations, and he was not willing to commit on the spot to several ideas posed by lawmakers. The hearings spurred new momentum for the introduction of privacy laws. On Thursday, Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and John Kennedy, R-La., introduced legislation that would allow consumers to opt out of getting tracked on a site. The bill would also mandate simpler privacy policies. One new bill would restrict data collection of students using classroom technology, and another would require companies to get permission before collecting and sharing user data. That would move the United States closer to rules taking effect in May in Europe. An earlier bill would mandate more disclosure on Facebook advertising purchases. This week, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., introduced the Consent Act, which would require companies to get permission before tracking and sharing data. But even he pointed to Washingtons short attention span. Companies like Facebook, he said, would try to stand in Congress way. They will try to make it more complex than it is, he said. The question is timing, Blumenthal added, pointing to the difficult midterm elections in November and the desire by many legislators to do as little as possible until then. This session, everybody says, is over as far as serious legislating is concerned. Graham, who said regulations were necessary, also acknowledged the pitfalls of moving too fast. Id hate to be the senator that killed an effort to have reasonable regulation, Graham said. But, he conceded, You really need to know what you are signing up for. Beyond the short term, the hearings may have laid the foundation for broader privacy regulations in coming years, analysts said. The most likely action to follow Zuckerbergs grilling is the passage of a bill that requires financial disclosures of political advertising on social media, a law similar to broadcast television and radio political ad disclosures. Narrow regulatory ideas could gain momentum that prevent online location tracking, strengthen privacy protections for children and teens and require stronger disclosures for data breaches. But the governments light hand on Silicon Valley will continue for some time even as the European Union prepares to enact comprehensive privacy rules that limit data collection and push companies to ask permission before sharing information about users. Even if seats in the House and Senate shift after the midterms, any privacy laws would be at least a couple of years away, said Paul Gallant, a technology policy analyst at the Cowen Group. If Democrats win the House in November, the chances of legislation would rise, although a likely Republican Senate would still make passage an uphill battle, Gallant said. Mountain View police released body camera footage Friday of an interaction two officers had with Nasim Aghdam in the middle of the night, roughly 11 hours before the Southern California woman shot three people at YouTubes San Bruno headquarters last week before turning the gun on herself. Aghdam had been reported missing by her family. The video shows two officers trying to determine why her missing persons report listed her as at risk and whether she was a threat to herself or others. The officers questioned her about why she left home, and why she came to Mountain View in particular. Ultimately, they let her go. The April 3 encounter raised questions in the wake of the shooting, especially after Aghdams family members said they had warned authorities that she was angry with YouTube and wondered why police didnt try to do more to stop the attack. Aghdam believed YouTube had been limiting exposure to her videos on animal abuse and veganism for almost a year. Mountain View police disputed those claims, and footage released Friday showed more than a half-hour of audio and video from two body cameras activated around 1:38 a.m. on April 3. An officer was patrolling a parking lot on the 600 block of Showers Drive when he came across Aghdams vehicle and ran the license plate. The plate was linked to a missing-person report in San Diego County, which included a note that Aghdam was at risk. The officer reported seeing a woman sleeping in the back of the car. The officer and dispatch then attempted to figure out what the at risk designation meant. Audio of a subsequent call from Mountain View police dispatch to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department did little to clarify Aghdams status. This doesnt say why theyve put her at risk on here, a Sheriffs Department employee said. Im like, thats a weird entry. Sometimes they do it because theres no prior (history of going) missing. Back in Mountain View, a second officer arrived on scene as backup, and the two woke up Aghdam to question her. She told the officers she had left San Diego County because she and her father were fighting. We dont get along together, so I left them, Aghdam said. She told officers she left two days prior and was trying to get a job in the Bay Area. She said she didnt tell anyone where she went and had left her main cell phone in San Diego. An officer then asked Aghdam if she was taking or should be taking any medications. She answered no. You dont want to hurt yourself, do you? an officer asked. Aghdam shook her head to say no. And you want to hurt anybody else? the officer asked. Aghdam again shook her head. Officers asked if she was suicidal, and Aghdam shook her head a final time. Why Mountain View? an officer asked. I mean, I know its a great city and everything, but... Aghdam said, Im like, I wanted to sleep around here. I wanted to get out of those areas, out of San Diego. I have memories I dont want to have. Start fresh? another officer said. She nodded yes. Officers ended the conversation by informing Aghdam that her father would learn she had been found in Mountain View. The video was not released until Friday because it was part of the San Bruno police investigation into the shooting, Mountain View officials said. At about 12:45 p.m. the same day, Aghdam opened fire at the YouTube headquarters with a 9mm pistol before loading a second magazine and continuing to shoot, police said. Three people were wounded by gunfire, and another person injured an ankle fleeing. Authorities found Aghdam dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. In a statement released Friday, Mountain View police defended their actions when encountering Aghdam the morning of April 3. In this instance, if an individual is cooperative and does not present any sort of threat, continuing to unnecessarily question or delay them can lead to an unwarranted detention. As such, our officers are constantly cognizant of this dynamic and, in this context, look to strike the balance between investigative police work and maintaining the civil liberties of those that they contact, officials said. In a second conversation with Aghdams father about an hour after the encounter, police said, he noted that his daughter had recently become upset about changes on the YouTube platform that had impacted videos she had created on living a vegan lifestyle. But police said he never mentioned any concerns about their daughters behavior, any potential violence she may carry out, or any likelihood that she could be a danger to herself or others. Police did not record the calls because they were made and received on a cell phone, officials said. Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity By Sally Kohn Algonquin. 262 pp. $27.95 --- The bad news from Sally Kohn: We all hate, and if we think we don't, we're lying to ourselves. Kohn's good news: With fearless scrutiny of our personal histories, motives and prejudices, and by connecting with those who are different, we can hate less. To launch this growth, she insists, we must be willing to admit to the biases that fuel our hatred. That hand waving in the air belongs to Sally Kohn, who is volunteering to go first, with her new book, "The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity." She is now forced, however, to scale that mountain with more baggage than she intended to pack. A source's grievance has become public, resulting in an email exchange between Kohn and the source in which the author admitted that she "didn't recheck any of the many many quotes from people in the book." This casts an unfortunate pall over the book, which is packed with accounts of conversations. Kohn is a liberal writer and political commentator - first for Fox News, where she lasted about a year, and then for CNN, where she has worked since early 2013. Before her TV career took off, she spent 15 years as a community organizer. These are a few facts of her career, but her description in the book of who she is gets to the heart of things: "I regularly assume that men are more qualified and knowledgeable on subjects than women are. I often wonder how my female colleagues got their jobs but don't even think to question the credentials of male colleagues. I try to notice it and catch myself and counteract it, but those biases are there. Not to mention the fact that I'm a butch lesbian who dresses in men's clothing and ostensibly benefits from masculine power and privilege because of how I present in the world." She adds: "I catch myself doing it and try not to do it, but if I see a white person in a Mercedes, I don't even think about it. I just assume they're a doctor or a lawyer or whatever. I just assume they're rich. But if I see a black person driving a Mercedes, I notice it and I wonder why they have that car. That's bias. My bias." Kohn is many things, but such passages establish that she is no hypocrite. No finger-waving, no lectures from the mountaintop delivered in the voice of God. She is willing to lay herself bare to help us pry open our own scarred hearts. Kohn decided to write this book because of who she became in the immediate months after the 2016 presidential election. "I truly couldn't fathom that anywhere near a majority of my fellow Americans had voted for Donald Trump, and as much as I tried to pretend to be magnanimous and uniting, I hated them for it. Suddenly, all the partisan nastiness I'd tried to suppress or even solve as a talking head came rushing back to me with even more vengeance. Instead of being a prominent critic of incivility, I felt like I was auditioning to be the poster child for partisan hate." Off she went, navigating the stormy waters of politics and public discourse in search of a better version of herself. Sometimes, the book relies too much on a single person to represent an entire group of people: She writes at length about one conservative friend, one Palestinian activist, one former skinhead. In at least one instance, she has now apologized for quoting someone without that person's knowledge or consent. Aminatou Sow, the "Call Your Girlfriend" podcast host, is described by Kohn in an exchange in a cab - Sow says they used a "car service" - as angrily demanding to know why it's always up to black women to rise above others' abuse. Sow has objected to this depiction of her and to Kohn's failure to ask her permission in quoting her. Unsatisfied after an email exchange with Kohn, Sow took her grievance to Twitter, where she has about 185,000 followers, generating support from prominent writers, including Roxane Gay. Kohn has publicly apologized to Sow, offering as an excuse her inexperience as a book author, which is really no excuse for an author of a book. Kohn's publisher, Algonquin Books, has deleted the passage from digital editions, but it remains in the first print edition. Kohn's admitted failure to double-check quotes with sources calls into question the authenticity of other quotations. In another lapse in judgment, she begins her book with a story about how she bullied a friendless girl in the fifth grade, assigning a hateful nickname that caught fire with her classmates. She ends with another story about this same person, describing what happened when, decades later, Kohn hired a private investigator to find her. Inexplicably, Kohn provides the full name of this person along with details about her current life, essentially victimizing her again. Surely, this person who never sought out Kohn deserved better than this. Kohn is at her best with what seems to be deep reporting. In one of the most riveting sections of the book, she describes in harrowing detail the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, when the Hutu majority massacred about 800,000 Tutsis in only 100 days. She interviews murderers and survivors, and their stories of love and redemption may be hard for some to comprehend, but they are impossible to dismiss. The spirits of the genocide dead cast a long shadow, Kohn warns. "What lessons does the genocide hold for those of us who want to stop the spread of hate in our culture? How can good people be so willingly recruited to serve the interests of hate, even when the consequences are so extreme? I wanted to understand what genocide can tell us about how such intense hate systemically engulfs a whole society and how its spread can be systemically prevented. What I learned is that a combination of long-stewing resentments, explicit dehumanizing propaganda, and official sanctioning of violence fuel explosive hate. A genocide doesn't just spontaneously erupt, even one as ferociously fast-burning as the Rwandan genocide was. The flames are strategically, societally fanned. And what I find deeply troubling about the lessons of Rwanda for the United States and the rest of the world is that the embers of hatred are being stoked in so many places today in so many similar ways. ... Maybe Rwanda and Nazi Germany and Cambodia and the former Yugoslavia weren't bizarre aberrations but merely examples of how any culture in any country might turn monstrous." Sometimes Kohn's naivete cannot be muted. She was "surprised" to discover that Fox's Sean Hannity, one of Trump's most prominent defenders, is "pretty nice." She was "shocked" by the vitriol of so many trolls on Twitter, so she interviewed some of the worst of them, including a 54-year-old woman who had encouraged her to commit suicide, and discovered that they "were not only civil to me but rather nice." Readers should be forgiven for thinking, "So what?" Is hate's harm any less if there's a beating heart behind it? Or does that make it even worse? Occasionally, in her earnestness to find connection, Kohn comes too close to excusing the worst among us. "Terrorists don't see themselves as hateful," "normal" people lynched black people, and most white supremacists start out just looking to belong: "The hate comes later." She is right that circumstances and environment contribute to who we become, but this short book, with its often chirpy and rollicking tone, is not the vehicle for this necessarily deeper exploration. One of Kohn's driving themes is that the opposite of hate is connection. Talking face to face, for example, can make it more difficult to treat the other person as an anonymous enemy. Responding to attacks on social media with questions, she writes, rather than retorts can lower the heat. Sometimes this works; often it does not. Both parties must aspire to better versions of themselves. There is also the question of fairness. She briefly concedes that too often in the pursuit of healing, we expect the oppressed to enlighten the oppressor. This is a grievance that deserves far more discussion. Kohn's book has its lighthearted moments, such as when she offers an "ABCing" approach for holiday gatherings with relatives whose politics differ from ours. A is for "affirm": For example, start your response to an uninformed comment about immigrants with, "I'm also really worried about the economy." B is for "bridge": Find a better word than "but" or "however," which Kohn calls "the Harvard of 'buts.'" C is for "convince": As Kohn explains, "This is where I put whatever I was inclined to spit out in the first place, about how comprehensive immigration reform actually raises wages and working standards for immigrant (BEGIN ITAL)and(END ITAL) citizen workers, or whatever point I wanted to make." Well, why not try? After more than 200 pages of trying to help us overcome all that stunts us, Kohn offers another confession: She is quite the unfinished soul, still. "Personally, I haven't figured out how to stop hating, let alone how to consistently pursue meaningful, mutually respectful connections. I'm constantly catching myself hating someone or something. ... From being pissed at a slow driver and thinking he's Asian. To saying that maybe most Trump voters are deplorable racists. To wondering if the trans person I just met is a 'real woman.' My own hate constantly oozes out in small and big ways. In other words, I haven't arrived at some place of enlightenment. I've simply realized I need to (BEGIN ITAL)turn on the light END ITAL) - and start noticing things differently and trying to be different." Like most of us, Kohn still has plenty of mountain to scale, and to her credit, she does not want to go it alone. The girl she bullied is now a woman offering sound advice in response to Kohn's private Facebook message asking for a forgiveness she would not grant: "Messages such as this cannot absolve you of your past actions," she wrote to Kohn. "The only way to do that is to improve the world, prevent others from behaving in similar ways, and foster compassion." In other words, some things we do or say we cannot take back. The only way forward is to try harder next time. --- Schultz is a nationally syndicated columnist and professional in residence at Kent State University. She is the author of "... and His Lovely Wife." Sharp: The Women Who Made an Art of Having an Opinion By Michelle Dean Grove. 362 pp. $26 --- This book should be better. It should be racy and effervescent and captivating. It should be filled with eye-opening quotes that you can't wait to share with your friends. Instead, a book that explores the professional lives of some of history's most provocative essayists and theorists is slow and a bit plodding and even boring in patches, even though the women who are its subject are none of those things. In "Sharp: The Women Who Made an Art of Having an Opinion," cultural critic Michelle Dean explores the work of a group of female writers who, over the course of their lives, were known for pointed and illuminating commentary. Sometimes they were in agreement on topics such as feminism - mostly in their refusal to swear allegiance to its strict tenets. At other times, they were vehemently at odds or riven by professional jealousy. But they were never dull. Some of them, such as Dorothy Parker and Nora Ephron, have had their work, over time, distilled to a famous phrase or a singular work. They have become pop-culture icons: Parker is recalled for the Algonquin Roundtable, Ephron for her sassy romantic comedies. Others, such as Susan Sontag and Pauline Kael, have been hailed as trailblazers. There are intellectuals such as Hannah Arendt and journalists Janet Malcolm, Renata Adler and Joan Didion. And rounding out Dean's formidable group are critics Rebecca West, Mary McCarthy and Lillian Hellman. They are women who, in their prime, were determined not to be ignored, and they created a body of thoughtful criticism, tough analysis and tart essays. They refused to bite their tongues to make themselves more palatable to a world that expected women to be genteel. These women are smart, rebellious and witty. Who wouldn't have wanted to have cocktails with Ephron, who mused about her breasts, questioned the sisterhood and turned her divorce into a novel that became a movie? Who wouldn't have been invigorated by a little intellectual roughhousing with Arendt, who set a controversial standard for political theory? And yet, in "Sharp," too many of these women feel muffled, their personalities fuzzy - never clearly delineated. Dean admits in her preface that she didn't choose a diverse group of women, which probably explains why their professional lives - as well as their personal ones - often seem claustrophobic and why the narrative at times feels like it's circling in on itself. "It was not so much that these women were always in the right. Nor that they are themselves a perfect demographic sample. These women came from similar backgrounds: white, and often Jewish, and middle-class," Dean writes in her preface. "In a more perfect world, for example, a black writer like Zora Neale Hurston would have been more widely recognized as part of his cohort, but racism kept her writing at the margin of it." While it's true that Hurston's work did not appear in the same East Coast journals as that of her contemporaries and she did not frequent the same parties, she was thinking and writing, nonetheless. And one wishes that Dean had taken more than a cursory glance at what Hurston had to say, or perhaps added someone like Alice Walker, Toni Morrison or Roxane Gay to her list of sharp-tongued writers. Such an addition might have made this book better. But it would not have remedied what makes "Sharp" disappointing. Too much time is given to diagramming the love lives of these women and the ways in which their intimate relationships held them back or propelled them forward. "Over the next few months, [Parker] ran into Hemingway more than once on the Continent, in France as well as in Hemingway's beloved Spain. And she clearly began to grate on Hemingway's nerves. Exactly what happened on that ship, and later in Spain and France as Parker and Hemingway met and talked, is lost." Dean spends a lot of time lamenting these "lost" moments, but really, they don't seem like details worth mourning. "Sharp" is intermittently compelling, most notably when it settles into the story of one of these singular women and spends time not just recounting her background, but giving it context and bringing it to life. It's at its best when it focuses on what made these women significant: their words. It's interesting to hear about the intellectual firepower that Arendt brought to political theory, and the ways in which her devotion to a theoretical and a certain misguided humanism led her into treacherous territory with a late-1950s argument against school desegregation. "To understand the nature of Arendt's objection to school desegregation, you must also understand that by 1959, her political theory took a tripartite view of the world. At the top was politics, in the middle was society, and at bottom was the private sphere. In the political sphere, she conceded, it was not only acceptable but imperative to legislate against discrimination. But Arendt was convinced that the private sphere needed to be protected at all costs from any kind of government intrusion. She was equally certain that the social world should be left relatively alone by the government, so that people could manage their own links and associations with each other." The chapter about Kael is especially engaging in that it tells the story of a writer who did not come into her own, with all the attendant professional and financial stability, until she was nearly 50. And perhaps because Kael's style of writing is far more direct and unencumbered than, say, Arendt's, her words give "Sharp" a needed jolt of light energy. So many of these writers seem to have honed their skills under the indulgent gaze of the editor William Shawn at the New Yorker, at a time when Kael could, in 1967, publish a 7,000-word essay on the film "Bonnie and Clyde." It's easy to make an argument that devoting so many words to the consideration of a pop film would rightfully not be tolerated today. But it is also true that what Kael had to say about it was fascinating because of what the film said about American culture. And in being willing to dissect a film with such thought and in being willing to publish her words, Kael and the New Yorker helped to transform the way in which all of us consume cinema. Malcolm is the last of the writers Dean considers - another New Yorker journalist. But a paragraph from a 1970 essay Malcolm had published in the New Republic has striking resonance today. "In any case, a woman who chooses to put her baby in someone else's care so she can pursue a career shouldn't be hypocritical about her decision and tell herself that she is doing it for the sake of the child. She is doing it for herself. She may be doing the right thing - selfish decisions are often the best decisions - but she ought to see what she is doing and be willing to pay the price in affection that parental neglect often exacts." Nearly 50 years after Malcolm wrote that, there is still a lot to chew over in that paragraph. That female writers could now follow similar routes to prominence is questionable. Compared with today, it seemed that they had so many more outlets not only willing to publish their musings but also to give them the time to sort things out. And it remains unsettlingly true that women of color largely remain at the margin of the intellectual dialogue in whatever form it exists. Still, "Sharp" is buoyed by its subjects. These women broke through. And they offered trenchant observations and analyses that remain relevant and instructive. Fascism: A Warning By Madeleine Albright Harper. 288 pp. $27.99 --- The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America By Timothy Snyder Tim Duggan. 359 pp. $27 --- Fascism is back in fashion. That, at least, is the message that former secretary of state Madeleine Albright wants to convey with her new book, "Fascism: A Warning." In many places, she notes, we see strongmen on the rise, and this authoritarian resurgence is accompanied by a conspicuous surge of ideas from the far right. Racists and xenophobes are popping up in places - university campuses, high political office - where we never expected to see them. So are we experiencing a revival of the most virulent forms of extreme right-wing ideology, of the sort that the West thought it had vanquished back in 1945? Albright believes that answering this question is crucial to understanding the current political moment. The first chapters of her book follow the careers of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler in the 1920s and '30s. Her account gains additional force from her own biography: As a little girl, she had to leave her native Czechoslovakia with her family after the Nazis invaded in 1939. (Her maternal grandmother, who was Jewish, was murdered by the Nazis in World War II.) The rest of the book, in which she melds her travels as secretary of state with ruminations about despots around the world, is decidedly weaker. There's an obligatory feel to these accounts, which include encounters with Hugo Chavez, Slobodan Milosevic, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin. Rather oddly, given the title of her book, she admits that none of these contemporary politicians really qualify as fascists. She's merely using them - and a long chapter at the end, about the worrisome behavior of the current U.S. president - to show what can happen to power-hungry leaders who run roughshod over checks and balances. Almost in passing, she mentions that the Kim family regime in North Korea - she conducted talks in 2000 with Kim Jong Il, the father of the current incumbent there - probably qualifies as the only truly fascist regime in the world today. I happen to agree with her on that. Unfortunately, she never really explains what she means by it. She might have noted that fascists believe that their nations exist in a sort of permanent emergency, constantly facing mortal threats from internal and external enemies. (North Korea? Check.) She could have mentioned that they think society should be defended by organizing it along rigidly military lines (check) and run by a one-party state that serves an all-powerful leader (check). She could have even referred to the excellent book "The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters," by scholar B.R. Myers, who shows that the Kim family regime adheres to an openly racist ideology (largely copied from imperial Japan) devoted to maintaining the purity of the Korean ethnic group against insidious aliens (especially mongrel Americans). But Albright is not willing to get into the delicate business of defining what other sorts of modern political movements might qualify for the f-word treatment. She identifies President Trump, rather cautiously, as the "first anti-democratic president in modern U.S. history." Yet here, too, she shies away from a precise characterization of his beliefs. She notes that the modern autocrats Trump so openly admires borrow from each other: "They walk in one another's footsteps, as Hitler did with Mussolini - and today the herd is moving in a Fascist direction." So how does she know? What are the criteria for the conclusion? At the beginning of her book, Albright notes the widespread confusion surrounding the word "fascist," eagerly wielded by both right and left to tar their opponents. Yet in the end she doesn't add a great deal more to our understanding of what qualifies someone as a modern fascist or how fascism might have mutated to fit current conditions. And that is a pity, because it's just the sort of clarifying discussion we desperately need. Unfortunately, the eminent Yale historian Timothy Snyder doesn't do much better. In his new book, "The Road to Unfreedom," Snyder sets out to explain how Putin's increasingly authoritarian Russia decided to ravage neighboring Ukraine and then turned some of the same tools for sowing chaos and division on Western Europe and the United States. It's a complicated story, so he would have been advised to tell it fairly straight. Instead he opts for hyperbole and academic word games. To cite just one example, "the undesired exposure of private conversations" in a political scandal in Poland "was incipient totalitarianism" - the same kind "that was also on display in the United States in 2016." He never explains precisely what he's referring to in that latter case, but I'm pretty sure it's not the release of the "Access Hollywood" video in which candidate Trump boasted about groping women. Records of private conversations, written down or recorded, have, after all, been part of political intrigue in many democracies. Snyder structures this wildly erratic book around a contrast between what he calls the "politics of inevitability" (represented by neoliberal optimists in the United States and the European Union who allegedly find it impossible to imagine alternatives to what already exists) and the "politics of eternity" practiced by certain authoritarians: "Whereas inevitability promises a better future for everyone, eternity places one nation at the center of a cyclical story of victimhood. Time is no longer a line into the future, but a circle that endlessly returns the same threats from the past." Got it? So, according to Snyder, Leonid Brezhnev "buried the Marxist politics of inevitability, and replaced it with a Soviet politics of eternity." Brezhnev wasn't Stalin, to be sure, but this way of defining their differences makes no sense. And for all his faults, does Trump really qualify as a practitioner of "eternity politics," as Snyder would have us believe? Trump is a demagogue, to be sure, but his boundless solipsism is so fluid that "eternity" seems like the least useful way to describe it. "Eternity rises from inevitability like a ghost from a corpse," Snyder writes. Good to know. This is especially sad because Snyder comes equipped with just the tools - an impressive knowledge of languages and a deep background in European history - that might help us make sense of his story. His description of the pro-Europe, pro-democratic Maidan Revolution in Kiev in 2014, which he witnessed first hand, is quite good. He also traces useful continuities between Kremlin disinformation campaigns and Trump's shameless mendaciousness: "Trump adopted the Russian double standard: he was permitted to lie all the time, but any minor error by a journalist discredited the entire profession of journalism." Russia, Snyder argues, has effectively transformed international affairs by waging a systematic war on the very concept of truth. Other sections are less successful. Snyder attributes some of Putin's most cynical acts to the Russian fascist theoretician Ivan Ilyin. I'm not quite convinced, though, that the Russian president really spends his spare time perusing philosophy - and he certainly didn't need to read a book to come up with a plan for invading Ukraine. The idea that Crimea, which Putin snatched away from Kiev in 2014, naturally belonged to Russia was a fixture of public discussion when I lived in Moscow in the 1990s; the first politician to make hay with it was not Putin but Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov. Nor would many Russians need to consult Ilyin to decide that Russia and Ukraine are essentially the same country, since that has long been a staple of Russian nationalist thought. The French historian Marlene Laruelle argues that Ilyin is just one of a crop of Russian thinkers (some of them relatively liberal, such as Nikolai Berdyaev) that Putin dips into whenever he needs to put a noble frosting on one of his mafia moves. At one point, Snyder leans on Ilyin's philosophy to assert that Putin's response to a crisis was "to imagine Russia as a virginal organism troubled only by the threat of foreign penetration." Funny thing, but I don't recall hearing that in any of the Russian president's speeches. Rather intriguingly, while Snyder seems to conclude that Putin is a thoroughgoing totalitarian, Albright doesn't seem to agree: "Putin isn't a full-blown Fascist because he hasn't felt the need," she observes. I suspect that Snyder is closer to the truth. But I wish that he'd done a far more straightforward job of making the case. The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age By Patrick Parr Chicago Review Press. 286 pp. $26.99 --- In the summer of 1947, at the age of 18, Martin Luther King Jr. decided to join the family business and become a preacher. After spending three years at Morehouse College socializing more than he studied and flirting with becoming a lawyer, he delivered the news to his father, the pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Overjoyed, "Daddy" King had his son ordained and installed him as assistant pastor. At that point, young Martin could have stayed in Atlanta and settled into the comfortable life of a minister destined to inherit his father's pulpit. Instead, he broke more news to his parents during his senior year: He planned to go to a seminary to pursue a bachelor of divinity degree. And not just any seminary: one up North, with a liberal, all-white faculty that prided itself on demythologizing the biblical figures of Moses and Jesus and introducing students to critical thinkers from Saint Augustine to Kant. King's three years at the Crozer Theological Seminary, south of Philadelphia, marked an important turning point in his life and are well worth the exclusive focus they get in this compact, readable and well-researched book. A teacher and freelance journalist with a long-time interest in King, Patrick Parr has mined the papers at the King Center in Atlanta and at Stanford University, as well as archived interviews conducted by Taylor Branch and David Garrow, the authors of the best-known books about King, which devote relatively few pages to the Crozer story. Parr tracked down several classmates of King's, who shared personal memories and took him on a tour of what's left of the campus, which was closed in 1970. Tantalizingly, he also interviewed a white woman with whom King became briefly involved while at Crozer: Betty Moitz, then the 20-year-old daughter of the seminary cook. Parr's most interesting revelations trace King's growth as a preacher and public speaker. Before he arrived at Crozer, his models in that area were his forceful but unpolished father, a smoother rival from another Atlanta church and the distinguished president of Morehouse, Benjamin Mays. At Crozer, King studied preaching every semester with Professor Robert Keighton, a lover of English literature who introduced him to classic sermon forms (with names like "three-points-and-a-poem" and "jewel," in which a theme is examined from every angle), as well as to orating for the radio. But King also received feedback from the Rev. J. Pius Barbour, an African-American pastor at a nearby church who invited black seminary students to his house for home-cooked meals and tough-love critiques, urging them not to lose touch with the call-and-response tradition of their churches while absorbing "the White Man's intellectualism." By the end of his first year at Crozer, King was giving guest sermons at nearby churches and was acknowledged as the finest preacher among his peers, a reputation that later won him election as class president. The "love story" with Betty Moitz, teased throughout the book and in a foreword by Garrow, turns out to be tamer than advertised. From chats in the cafeteria, King's friendship with the cook's daughter, an interior-design student with brunette bangs, graduated to movie dates and kissing on the Crozer campus. But when King mused to Barbour and a fellow black student about the possibility of interracial marriage, they warned about the impact on his future standing in the black community. King immediately "cooled it," as the classmate put it. And how serious King ever was about Moitz is unclear, since Parr mentions three black women he was courting around the same time. Reached by correspondence and then in one interview, Moitz, in her late 80s, described the relationship as two people "madly in love," then simply as "short and sweet." In the end, she concluded what most of King's girlfriends did at the time: that his priority was his career and preparing himself to "return South to help." Presumably, readers will come to a book called "The Seminarian" expecting to discover how three years in divinity school influenced King's religious and political ideas. On this score, Parr offers course catalog descriptions and some vivid stories, but not much in-depth reflection. He relates unpleasant episodes at local diners that stoked King's anger at Northern racism. He identifies the experience that fired King's interest in Mahatma Gandhi: when King went into Philadelphia to hear a speech by Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, the president of Howard University, who had just returned from a trip to India. Parr also documents several cases of King's absorbing new thinkers by lifting their writing verbatim into his papers, a plagiarism habit that went unpunished at Crozer but later caused controversy over his Boston University doctoral dissertation. Yet apart from a paragraph about pool room bull sessions with the professor who introduced King to Reinhold Niebuhr, Parr gives little sense of how shaken and influenced King was by reading the "realist" theologian in his last year at Crozer. On the 50th anniversary of his assassination this month, a new HBO documentary and numerous commentaries have reminded us that King was no Pollyannaish integrationist but a fierce fighter for justice in all its forms, economic as well as legal. In his 1958 book, "Stride Toward Freedom," King discussed how wrestling with Niebuhr's pessimism about the limits of pacifism and the intransigence of collective evil forced him to rethink nonviolence as an instrument - not to change people's hearts, but to confront and expose violently unjust institutions. As King's friend Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel later identified, King's vision of himself as a "drum major for justice" also had much in common with the Old Testament prophets, whom he studied in depth at Crozer. Here, too, Parr offers little analysis, but he does leave readers with a memorable image. As classmates passed King's room in "Old Main," the imposing central building on the Crozer campus, they often heard him rehearsing the delivery of the verse from the Book of Amos that he would invoke again and again over the next two decades, up to the impassioned "Mountaintop" speech he gave the night before his death. "Let justice run down like water," King recited, "and righteousness like a mighty stream!" --- Whitaker is the author of "Smoketown: The Unknown Story of the Other Great Black Renaissance." Show Trial: Hollywood, HUAC, and the Birth of the Blacklist By Thomas Doherty Columbia University Press. 406 pp. $29.95 --- "This is the beginning of an American concentration camp." Those words shook the Washington courtroom as Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo shouted over a slamming gavel. Trumbo was one of many who refused to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigation into communist influence in motion pictures. The Hollywood blacklist is one of the most written about eras of film history but also one of the least understood. Thomas Doherty's illuminating new "Show Trial" presents readers with the tumultuous state of labor relations in the American film industry that led to several investigations into Hollywood, culminating in 1947. As Doherty explains, the relationship between labor and the studios was always strained. During the 1930s and early 1940s, the mob-run International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) kept relations tense. By the end of 1945, less-than-peaceful strikes organized by IATSE and the more radical Conference of Studio Unions (CSU) took center stage. Although Doherty notes that formal support for communism never held much of a base in America, time was ripe for speculation as to who was driving this growing agitation in Hollywood. In the 1930s, House Democrats in Congress investigated radical influence in Hollywood. In 1941, the isolationist Gerald Nye (R-N.D.) accused Hollywood's Jewish studio bosses of war propaganda. While the attack on Pearl Harbor put an end to Nye's investigation, Congress targeted Hollywood again after World War II, this time focusing on possible communist influence in movies. The HUAC examination of Hollywood was a complete media circus. However, as Doherty observes, "the congressional show trial was not a celebrity marriage, a scandalous divorce, or a shocking indiscretion; it was the serious stuff of Communism versus democracy, national security versus freedom of expression." The HUAC investigations split Hollywood into two camps. On one side, the anti-communist Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals found footing with the pro-defense crowd. On the other side, the anti-HUAC Committee for the First Amendment comprised naive yet well-intentioned fellow travelers who would quickly disband when subpoenas turned into jail sentences. The hearings brought to the stand both friendly and unfriendly witnesses. Big names made up a long list of friendly witnesses with studio bosses like Jack Warner, Louis B. Mayer and Walt Disney reading prepared statements. Stars such as Gary Cooper, Ronald Reagan and Robert Montgomery also presented their patriotism to the committee. Unfriendly witnesses subpoenaed to the hearings were largely made up of writers like John Howard Lawson, Alvah Bessie and Trumbo. Ten of the unfriendly witnesses would be found in contempt of court, fined and sentenced to a year in prison before being blacklisted by the film industry. The Hollywood Ten, as they would be known, were the first of a long list of movie industry employees shut out of work for the coming decades. The official blacklist originated from a meeting of powerful Hollywood moguls, producers and industry lawyers at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City in 1947. Motion Picture Association of America president Eric Johnston called the closed-door meeting to discuss the potential consequences of employing known communists. Doherty explains that Hollywood leaders felt they had only two options: "Continue to employ the men and risk the further alienation of the American public - or flat-out fire the ten liabilities." By the end of the hearings, it was clear that most Americans were suspicious of Hollywood. Therefore, if Hollywood wouldn't cut ties with the communists, then the moguls feared moviegoers would simply blacklist the industry. There have been countless studies and articles on the Hollywood blacklist, but most undercut their research by standing against the Hollywood moguls and producers who were in the Waldorf meeting. Doherty is not so quick to throw Hollywood under the bus, as these men were responding to an impossible situation forced upon them by the government. With accessible prose and astute academic insight, Doherty shows us that both the studios and the Hollywood Ten were victims of HUAC. His "Show Trial" is likely to become the standard authority on the genesis of the Hollywood blacklist. --- Yogerst is the author of "From the Headlines to Hollywood: The Birth and Boom of Warner Bros." As the clock was running out on George W. Bush's presidency in late 2008, the president and the vice president edged closer to a showdown. A year earlier, a Washington jury had delivered a guilty verdict in a case against I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff and one of the architects of the Iraq War, Libby was convicted of lying to a grand jury investigating the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame. While his White House was being packed up in boxes, Bush mulled candidates for presidential pardons. Cheney personally pushed for Libby. To the vice president and others in his orbit, Libby's conviction was the product of an overzealous special prosecutor and a liberal Washington jury - a "witch-hunt," as numerous conservative commentators wrote. The vice president pushed hard. "Cheney really got in the president's face," an individual told Time magazine. "He just wouldn't give it up." But Bush was leery of lifting the felony convictions from the former White House official. The issue finally climaxed in a meeting in the final days of the presidency. The relationship between Bush and Cheney - two allies who had piloted the country through the rubble of the 9/11 attacks, and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq - reportedly never recovered. Now President Donald Trump has done what Bush would not. On Friday, he issued a pardon to Libby. "Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life," Trump said. "For years, I have heard that he has been treated unfairly," the president said in a statement. The unfinished business of the Libby conviction has been a longtime rallying point for conservatives, including current members of Trump's administration. The right's narrative about Libby - that he was railroaded by an overreaching, politically driven special prosecutor - syncs with Trump's view of his own predicament, as special counsel Robert Mueller's continues to dig into Trump's world. "A TOTAL WITCH HUNT!!!" the president has tweeted about the Mueller investigation. Libby was a prominent Washington lawyer with blue-chip credentials - Phillips Academy, Yale University, Columbia University's law school. According to The Post, his former political science teacher, the neoconservative Paul Wolfowitz, urged Libby to work in government. During the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, Libby served in both the state and defense departments on foreign policy issues. In the George W. Bush White House, Libby was a close confidante of Cheney. Along with Wolfowitz, Condoleezza Rice and others, he was a key member of the neoconservative clique within the administration pushing for an aggressive expansion of American interests abroad. They were called "the Vulcans." The brainy and brawny ideology was the architecture behind the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Libby's trouble began with the drumbeat leading up to the invasion of Iraq. As The Post previously reported, in January 2003, President Bush used his State of the Union address to justify military action against Saddam Hussein's regime. The president told the country Iraq officials had attempted to purchase yellowcake uranium in Niger. Six months later, the New York Times published an opinion piece by former ambassador Joseph Wilson. In the article, Wilson recounted a 2002 trip he made to Niger to substantiate the allegations, later finding them to be false, The Post reported. On July 14, syndicated columnist Robert Novak penned a column outing Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, as a CIA "operative." The CIA requested a Department of Justice investigation into the naming of Plame as an agent - a breach of classified information. An FBI investigation started into whether Plame's identity was leaked to reporters as political payback for her husband's public challenge to the administration. "My name and identity were carelessly and recklessly abused by senior government officials in both the White House and the State Department," Plame would later say before Congress. By the end of 2003, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself from the case. That left the decision on how to proceed to the deputy attorney general - a man named James Comey. The future-FBI director appointed Patrick Fitzgerald, a U.S. attorney from Chicago, as special counsel. The grand jury investigated the leaks. Both Bush and Cheney were interviewed by Fitzgerald. No one was ever charged for outing Plame, but Libby was charged with federal obstruction of justice and perjury charges for lying to investigators. In March 2007, Libby was found guilty on four felony counts, becoming the highest-ranking White House official convicted since the Iran-contra scandal in the 1980s. He lost his appeal that summer, and a judge sentenced Libby to a 30-month sentence and fined him $250,000. In July 2007, Bush commuted Libby's sentence, saying in a statement he had "respect" for the jury's verdict but found the prison sentence "excessive." The commutation, however, left Libby with the large fine and two years of probation - and teed up the conflict between Bush and Cheney in the last days of the administration. As the Bush team prepared to exit the White House, Cheney continued to urge for a full pardon for his former staffer, giving the cause an "extraordinary level of attention," an insider told Time. Bush was cautious about pardons, an administration official told Time, and Libby failed to meet the president's own criteria. "Pardons tend to be for the repentant . . . not for those who think the system was politicized or they were unfairly targeted." In an Oval Office meeting, Cheney tried once more to persuade the president. According to Time, he argued Libby was a loyal team player who had been made into a political fall guy. Fred Fielding, the White House counsel, argued against the pardon. Bush eventually sided with Fielding. Only months after leaving the White House, Cheney expressed his frustration with Bush's decision. "I was clearly not happy that we, in effect, left Scooter sort of hanging in the wind, which I didn't think was appropriate," he told CNN. Other Bush loyalists also expressed their frustration - including a number who are now in Trump's orbit. "Somebody's going to have to ask President Bush why he went out of his way to say he respected the jury's verdict," John Bolton, Bush's U.N. ambassador and Trump's new national security adviser, said at the time. "If you think it was a miscarriage of justice, then you think it shouldn't have gone to a jury to begin with." Alan Dershowitz, a vocal Trump defender on cable television, also pushed Libby's appellate cause, calling his appeals "serious and substantial" and filing a brief in 2007 asking for Libby to be granted bail pending his appeal. Victoria Toensing and Joe diGenova, the husband-and-wife attorney team Trump considered hiring earlier this year, are also vocal Libby backers. When Libby got his law license back in 2016, diGenova told the Daily Caller: "Comey and Fitzgerald tried to frame Scooter Libby, and they did, but then they didn't get it done. And then of course that idiot George W. Bush didn't give him a pardon." WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has freed about 100,000 immigrants caught at the U.S.-Mexico border in the 15 months since the president took office, newly released government figures show, despite repeated promises to end President Barack Obama's "catch and release" policies. Homeland Security officials say they had to release the migrants - more than 37,500 unaccompanied minors and more than 61,000 family members - because of judges' rulings and federal laws banning prolonged detentions for children, as well as a lack of detention beds. The number of people caught crossing the border illegally dropped to a 46-year low after Trump arrived in the White House, prompting then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, now the White House chief of staff, to declare that "catch and release" had ended. But after apprehensions spiked in recent months, hitting 50,000 in March, Trump called for sending the National Guard to the Mexican border and - for the second time - vowed to stop releasing migrants while they await deportation proceedings that can take years. Federal officials say they are limited by a 2008 anti-trafficking law that bans returning unaccompanied minors to countries other than Mexico and Canada without a hearing, as well as a 1997 legal settlement that limits how long undocumented children can be detained. Officials say about half the border crossers come from Central America. The government often releases parents and children together because detention facilities do not have enough space to keep them in custody. "The Trump administration has their hands tied," said Katie Waldman, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security. Another factor clogging the deportation process is that more migrants are now seeking asylum than in the past. Under federal law, the government cannot deport asylum seekers before their cases are heard in the backlogged immigration courts; many are freed on bond to live and work in the United States. The numbers show the near-impossibility of locking up every person caught crossing illegally, regardless of White House policy. While advocates say the vast majority of border crossers are simply fleeing gang violence and drug trafficking, or seeking a better life in the United States, the Trump administration says freeing them creates a public safety risk. "Those who break our immigration laws have continued to exploit legal loopholes to the detriment of our national security and the safety of the American people," said Homeland Security spokesman Tyler Houlton. Ending "catch and release" was supposed to be Trump's No. 2 immigration priority, after walling off the border with Mexico. As a candidate, Trump excoriated Obama for failing to stanch the flow of border crossers and releasing thousands of them to await deportation proceedings. Days after taking office, Trump issued an executive order that said immigrants should be detained until they could be sent out of the country. But that didn't happen. When Trump summoned the National Guard last week, the White House said in a statement that the government since fiscal 2016 had apprehended 167,000 parents and children but later released most of them, along with more than 107,000 unaccompanied minors. A breakdown of those figures requested by The Washington Post showed that the numbers were slightly higher. About 200,000 families and unaccompanied minors were freed under Obama. Despite the initial decline in border crossings, more than 98,000 were released under Trump, according to statistics from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which releases adults and families, and the Department of Health and Human Services, which takes custody of unaccompanied minors and places them with a parent or guardian. "I think the president has come to realize that we have a Constitution and a Supreme Court that governs how and when people can be detained," said Gregory Chen, director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Conservative groups that support Trump's efforts to curtail illegal immigration have grumbled for months about his continuing to release border crossers. Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, said in December that "smugglers have figured out that the courts have tied ICE's hands and ICE doesn't have the money for detention space. The catch-and-release policy is still in effect." The White House said many released minors - nearly 70 percent of whom are teenage boys - have not shown up for their deportation hearings. "Foreign nationals see how easy it is to enter the United States, and how hard it is for federal immigration authorities to remove aliens who enter illegally," the White House statement said last week. ". . . In the absence of lasting solutions . . . we can only expect the flow of illegal immigration into our country to continue." But liberal members of Congress and civil rights groups say there is no reason to detain minors and families. "It is clear that the Trump Administration would rather jail pregnant women, children and other vulnerable immigrants even though there are safer and more humane alternatives," Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., said in a statement. "This is wrong, costly and betrays our deepest held beliefs and principles as a people." Obama tried to create an alternative to "catch and release" with a refugee program that granted legal residence to minors who had a parent in the country legally. But Trump canceled that program last year. His decision to deploy the National Guard is being praised by immigration hard-liners, who say it is up to Congress to fund Trump's requests for a border wall and more immigration judges, and to change the laws that limit how long minors can be detained. "Congress simply needs to step up," said R.J. Hauman, government relations director at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which favors slashing legal and illegal immigration. "These people want to get apprehended because they know they will be released into the interior of the country." Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, an associate professor of government at George Mason University who has studied immigrant smuggling, said would-be migrants could be deterred by the presence of National Guardsmen. But ultimately, she said, they will base their decisions on whether others continue to win release in the United States. "Initially they will say, 'Let's wait,' " she said. "One is going to try, and then 10 are going to try. And if they're not affected, then they'll continue. Rebranding your business is no small feat, but it has plenty of benefits, such as assisting with product launches, reshaping public images or refreshing a tired image. A successful rebranding campaign can breathe new life into a business and improve overall revenue. Related: After 10 Years of Unprofitability, 2 Breakthroughs Led This Entrepreneur to a $100 Million Brand Not convinced? Global consulting firm McKinsey and Company found that strong brands outperform weak brands by up to 20 percent. While many elements create a brand identity -- such as company name, products and advertising, and public perception -- there is one element that is quintessential to a brand: a logo design. A properly designed logo has the ability to propel your brand into the mainstream and ultimately increase revenue. This applies to ecommerce, too -- a study from Missouri University of Science and Technology showed that consumers spend their first six seconds on a website looking at the logo design, wherever it is, before moving on to the other content on the page. And since consumers are looking for a consistent brand experience on every channel -- social media, website, print and more -- creating a recognizable and beautiful logo is imperative. All of this may seem daunting, but if you didn't nail your logo design the first time, that's okay -- sometimes a business's mission pivots or older design trends just don't hold up in modern times. After all, what was in style in graphic design 20 years ago will not work today. (Remember 1999, when gradients and jump shadows in Photoshop were all the rage?) Related: The 8 Must-Follow Rules for Rebranding Your Company (Infographic) Regardless, plenty of companies, big and small, have been where you are right now. Take BP, for example. Hot on the heels of many oil spills and controversies, the company realized that it needed to earn consumers' trust again and fix its public image in 2000. So, after decades sporting a simple shield logo, it revamped its logo design to create a friendlier, more natural visual identity. This rebranding was successful in every way. The company retained its recognition by keeping its design the same size and same iconic hues of green and yellow. However, the image was modernized with additional shades and white space. In addition, it created a new symbolic shape that represented the new focus of the company. The Helios sun shade symbolizes a focus on nature, telling consumers that BP is now dedicated to its audience and the world. A lowercase "bp" is now placed outside the shape, allowing the sunburst to be more responsive and adaptable to various products, placements, and advertisements. While this logo redesign was pricey (think $200 million), others can be just as successful for a fraction of the cost that the company paid the agency BP used, Landor. Related: The Ultimate Rebranding Checklist for Entrepreneurs And I would know. I myself have been where you are, too. Twice, in fact. When I founded Blue Fountain Media (a midsize digital agency that I recently sold) our slogan was: Springing your ideas to life. And that's what we did -- we took businesses' goals and ideas and transformed them into campaigns and websites and whatever else they needed. I also liked that it was a slight play on "Blue Fountain" and "spring," and that it left us open to working on any project in any industry -- a definite pro for the agency. However, this tagline had its cons as well. Our services and mission were very clear when they stood alone, away from an employee or executive. For example, if a potential client saw that on a business card, she could have been left with more questions than answers in regards to how we could help her company. So, we rebranded to something much more clear: Your partner for digital growth. This second slogan showed value (growth) and our mission -- to be your partner as you expand your brand. While it may not have been creative, it was clear and concise -- something that potential clients were able to understand immediately. This made the new slogan high-value -- something every brand should strive for in all creative elements. Related: Why You Should Launch a Brand, Not a Product I also recently went through this with my new company, DesignRush.com. While our first logo was on the right track, it wasn't dynamic and, honestly, was pretty boring. It certainly didn't embody a digital destination that was mean to showcase top tech trends, marketing tips and beautiful designs. And it definitely didn't reflect the name of the company: DesignRush (emphasis on the "rush"). So we rebranded to a sleeker, racier and more modern typography-based logo. This new logo cycles through five different hues on the website, all of which are gradient from dark to light within the actual logo. This allows us to color-code the website with the logo while maintaining both consistency and an up-and-coming design trend: gradients. Although this rebrand is new, so far, creating a visual identity that represents the mission of the company and the demographic has been met with rave reviews. Should you rebrand? Taking the plunge and rebranding your company is a big risk -- but it's one that can certainly pay off, and has for many companies in the past. If you're unsure of whether or not you should redesign some elements or rewrite some copy to re-engage customers, just refer to this checklist: Are you offering a new product or core service, or rolling out something massive? Do you need to alter your public perception? Is your company heading in a different direction, or does it have a new value proposition? Times change and you have to keep up with them. Is your design just plain outdated? If you answered yes to any of these questions, rebranding may be the perfect effort for your business. Once you make the decision to rebrand, be sure to conduct plenty of research before you change a single thing. Your consumers will tell you exactly what they want from you -- all you have to do is listen. Once you do, you'll be able to strike the perfect balance between recognizable symbol, iconic name and a classic design that will last for years to come. Related: Does Your Company Image Need a Refresh? What to Do When It's Time to Rebrand After 10 Years of Unprofitability, 2 Breakthroughs Led This Entrepreneur to a $100 Million Brand 6 Signs Your Company Needs to Rebrand Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Washington A high-ranking political staffer at the Environmental Protection Agency has told lawmakers he faced retaliation after pushing back against outsized spending demands from Administrator Scott Pruitt for first-class flights, luxury hotels and unusual security precautions. House and Senate Democrats sent letters Thursday to President Donald Trump and Pruitt describing a meeting lawmakers had with Kevin Chmielewski, who was recently placed on involuntary, unpaid leave from his job as EPA's deputy chief of staff for operations. Chmielewski is a Republican who served as a key staffer for the Trump campaign before being hired at EPA last year to help oversee the agency's budget and expenditures. He said he was forced out after questioning Pruitt's spending, including ballooning costs from the administrator's full-time 20-member full-time security detail. The Associated Press reported last week that Pruitt's concern with his safety cost taxpayers about $3 million, as his swollen security team blew through overtime budgets and diverted officers away from investigating environmental crimes. Contradicting Pruitt, Chmielewski also said he has direct knowledge that the administrator personally pushed through massive raises for two close aides Pruitt had brought with him from Oklahoma, where he previously served as state attorney general. Pruitt insisted in a recent television interview that he didn't know about the raises until after they were disclosed in media reports. EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox said Pruitt will respond to members of Congress "through the proper channel." Chmielewski said he was still loyal to Trump but felt he needed to become a whistleblower because "right is right, and wrong is wrong." The letters sent Thursday were signed by five Democrats with oversight authority over EPA: Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, and Reps. Gerald Connolly and Donald Beyer of Virginia. The allegations made by Chmielewski are the latest against Pruitt, 49, whose continued leadership of the environmental agency has been under fire since the revelation two weeks ago that he lived in a bargain-priced Capitol Hill condo tied to a fossil fuels lobbyist. Senate Republicans were moving Thursday to confirm former coal industry lobbyist Andrew R. Wheeler as the second highest-ranking official at EPA. If confirmed, Wheeler would be next in line if Pruitt is forced to resign or is fired. EPA's inspector general is conducting at least five audits scrutinizing Pruitt's spending and other issues. The GOP-led House Oversight committee recently expanded its ongoing probe of Pruitt's travel spending to include his living arrangements. Pruitt has insisted that the $50 a night he paid for the condo was a fair market rate. Chmielewski said he was listening on speaker phone during a call last year in which lobbyist Steven Hart complained that Pruitt had not even been paying that modest rent. Hart is chairman and CEO of the powerhouse lobbying firm Williams & Jensen, which records show has several clients who have received favorable regulatory rulings from EPA under Pruitt. On travel, Chmielewski said Pruitt told him and other EPA staffers the foreign countries he wanted to visit and instructed them to find official reasons for him to go. He said Pruitt also told them he wished to spend long weekends in his home state of Oklahoma and that they should come up with plausible explanations for taxpayers to foot the bill. Pruitt also insisted they book flights on Delta, even though it was not the preferred air carrier for government travel, so the administrator could accrue frequent flyer miles. On a $120,000 trip to Italy, Chmielewski said Pruitt refused to stay in the hotel recommended by the U.S. embassy, leading to excess costs. Pruitt's chief of security spent an extra $30,000 to hire Italian security guards to supplement his already sizable EPA entourage. Chmielewski said he was removed from his job after he refused to retroactively sign off when Pruitt's top policy aide, Samantha Dravis, accompanied the administrator in first class on a trans-Atlantic flight back from Morocco. Dravis, 35, resigned from EPA earlier this month. She was a close confidant of Pruitt's from Oklahoma who was hired at EPA with an annual salary of nearly $180,000. EDWARDSVILLE The Edwardsville Police Department is looking into the possibility of adding electronic motorcycles to its fleet. As discussed at Monday's Public Safety Committee meeting, the department was set to take part in an electronic motorcycle demonstration recently at the public safety facility. Zero Motorcycles will be providing the motorcycle for the demonstration. Edwardsville Police Chief Jay Keeven addressed committee members and said if the EPD likes the electronic motorcycle concept, it may be worth looking into later on. "We have not (had motorcycles in our fleet before). Glen Carbon does have a couple of Harley Davidsons. I know Troy has a Harley Davidson in their fleet," Keeven said. "I like motorcycles for patrol purposes. Case and point, we receive a lot of complaints for running stop signs or speeding in a neighborhood. Quite frankly, in a three-block stretch of roadway, if you park a marked squad car, everybody sees you, so they address their driving behavior accordingly." "We also have red light runners in our community and it's easy and certainly not safe to try to do a three point turn with a squad car in an intersection that has five lanes of traffic going in each direction. Motorcycles are a little more agile for that type of use, although they do come with their own dangers. If you're struck in a vehicle, you have the vehicle to protect you. The motorcycle, like a bicyclist, you do not," he added. With the electric motorcycles, the Zero Motorcycles website states that by going electric, the motorcycles won't have a need to visit gas stations, has no need for oil, no exhaust, has a lighter weight than that of a normal motorbike and several other benefits. Keeven said if the department were to add electronic motorcycles to its fleet, it would require additional trainings for the officers that showed interest. "If we do have officers that expressed an interest, there would be additional training required. I wouldn't put an officer on a motorcycle unless we go through training. Now, the training that the Illinois State Police officers is not with electronic motorcycles. Some of the training that they do is bringing motorcycles up and down stairs, laying motorcycles down when you're moving," Keeven said. "It's a hard course and not everybody passes...but I would still want our officers to go through that police motorcycle safety course." The electronic motorcycles, according to Keeven, would also have a cost savings when compared to the price of a standard police Harley Davidson bike. "The electronic motorcycles are probably going to run you $15 - $16,000 fully equipped," Keeven said. "I think a Harley Davidson police bike is...probably closer to $18 - $20,000. So an electronic motorcycle would probably be a little less expensive." Keeven told committee aldermen Will Krause and SJ Morrison that if the bikes were utilized by the EPD going forward, they'd likely be used for enforcement patrols both on the streets and on the bike trails. He also said the noise wouldn't be significant with the motorcycles, unless officers were going over 30 miles per hour. Aldermen were in favor of looking into the idea and Keeven said if the demonstration goes well, it is an option for the department to consider. "It's a great opportunity to at least see their product and have others see their product," Keeven said. "If it's the direction we want to go in the future here, it's an option for us." A Jersey County man suspected of being involved in the 2010 death of Alton resident Bonnie Woodward was charged Thursday with her death. Roger W. Carroll, who was 45 at the time of Woodwards disappearance on June 25, 2010, was charged in Jersey County with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealing a homicide. He was being held without bail in the Madison County Jail. According to the charges, Woodward was shot with a 9mm Luger on the day she disappeared. Her body was burned in a fire to conceal the disappearance, according to the charges. Woodward, who was 48 when she disappeared, was last seen talking to a man in the parking lot of Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton, where she had been a longtime employee. Her vehicle was found in the lot with its windows down. Carroll was charged in 2010 in Madison County with obstruction of justice after being accused of giving false information about the disappearance of Heather Woodward, Bonnie Woodwards stepdaughter. The younger Woodward later appeared at the East Alton police station. Jersey County States Attorney Ben Goetten said Madison County Lead Assistant States Attorney Jennifer Mudge will serve as special prosecutor in the Jersey County murder case. Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons credited Mudge with getting the case on the front burner again when she suggested going after a number of cold cases, including the Woodward case. She gave it her all, Gibbons said. Authorities said Thursday that Woodwards body was found with the help of several agencies, including Alton police, Illinois State Police and Jersey County deputies. They said officers, and even prosecutors, searched the mud near a tributary of Piasa Creek. Authorities said a bit of information from the public led to new discoveries. Any piece of information brought forward can help solve a case, Alton Police Chief Jason Simmons said. Authorities declined Thursday to discuss whether Heather Woodwards disappearance was connected to the homicide. Most of the world's nations agreed to an historic deal that for the first time will limit emissions from the global shipping industry. After a week of negotiations at a London meeting of the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations body, envoys from 173 countries agreed to cut emissions by at least 50 percent by 2050 from 2008 levels. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. both objected. The accord is a significant step in the fight against global warming. Shipping, the only industry not included in the 2015 Paris climate agreement, would rank as the sixth-largest greenhouse gas emitter if it were a country, according to the World Bank. If left unchecked, that share could account for 15 percent of global carbon emissions by 2050, a five-fold increase from today. "It is likely this target will tighten further, but even with the lowest level of ambition, the shipping industry will require rapid technological changes," said Tristan Smith, a reader at University College London's Energy Institute. Vessels typically burn heavy fuel oil, one of the cheapest but also among the dirtiest fossil fuels. The industry wasn't included in the Paris agreement because each country presented an individual plan to reduce their own emissions, while the seas were left out. Friday's agreement commits to pursuing emission cuts that will be consistent with the Paris deal goals. Reducing the industry's emissions has been a hotly contested issue. One of the most vociferous proponents of emission controls have been the Pacific island nations, where rising sea levels are already swallowing up land, and the rate is expected to increase in the coming decades. Other countries have resisted targets. Oil producing nations including Saudi Arabia have expressed concern about the impact of the measures on their fuel supply business, while some countries have said controls could penalize those that are far from the world's main consumer hubs. Canada, Argentina, Russia, India, Brazil, Iran and the Philippines also raised concerns over the proposals for reasons ranging from worries that targets could have a negative effect on global trade to a lack of sufficient data. "A principle of the IMO is to have no discrimination and that's what differentiates the deal and that's not the IMO's principle," said Jeffrey Lantz, director of commercial regulations and standards at the U.S. Coast Guard and head of the U.S. delegation. This isn't the first time the IMO has tried to be cleaner. Six years ago, the organization adopted design requirements to make new vessels more energy efficient. More than 70 percent of container ships built between 2013 and 2017 exceed the standard, which sets limits on carbon emissions per ship, according to analysis from Transport & Environment, a Belgian NGO. "The IMO should and could have gone a lot further but for the dogmatic opposition of some countries," said Bill Hemmings, shipping director at Transport & Environment. "Scant attention was paid to U.S. opposition. So this decision puts shipping on a promising track." New Jersey lawmakers passed a series of sweeping measures promoting emission-free power, including one that could have utility customers spending more than $300 million a year to rescue struggling nuclear power plants. The bills approved Thursday by the Democratic-controlled legislature revive a long-stalled plan to build a wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City and would require half the state's energy to come from renewable energy by 2030. The nuclear measure would reward reactors run by Exelon Corp. and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. for generating electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The legislation marks a shift from the administration of former Republican Governor Chris Christie, who shunned offshore wind and pulled New Jersey out of a multistate carbon market designed to lower greenhouse gases. But it drew mixed responses from environmental groups, with the Sierra Club calling the clean energy bills "green cover" for the measure to subsidize nuclear power. Jeff Tittel, director of the Sierra Club's New Jersey chapter, called the nuclear bill the "biggest corporate subsidy in state history." He said the proposed 24-megawatt offshore wind farm is too expensive and too close to shore. And he criticized the clean-energy bill for including a cost cap, saying it would make it impossible for the state to meet its own goals. "It really sets back New Jersey's efforts on clean energy and the environment," Tittel said in an interview. The Natural Resources Defense Council was more positive. "New Jersey is showing that economic prosperity and a healthy environment go hand in hand," Dale Bryk, a senior strategic adviser for the organization, said in a statement. If Christie's successor, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, signs the nuclear measure, New Jersey will join a growing group of states including New York and Illinois throwing lifelines to reactors. Cheap natural gas and surging renewables have squeezed reactors' profits, forcing some plants into retirement and pushing others toward the chopping block. Some operators have fought for aid to preserve jobs at the plants. Others have argued they're necessary to achieve clean-energy goals. Shares of Chicago-based Exelon, owner of the largest U.S. nuclear fleet, rose as much as 2.5 percent to $38.72, the biggest intraday gain since March 22. Public Service Enterprise Group rose as much as 2 percent, the biggest intraday gain since March 29. Public Service Enterprise Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Izzo warned investors in February that shuttering its New Jersey reactors would have a "crushing economic impact." The company has two nuclear plants in the state. Reactors outside New Jersey may also be eligible for aid though the measure if they can prove economic hardship and demonstrate that the state's air quality could decline if they shut. The Electric Power Supply Association, a trade group representing generators, called the legislation "deeply flawed," saying it would undermine competition. Murphy has declined to comment publicly on the legislation but told reporters in December that he was "all in" on efforts to keep reactors so long as they are run responsibly. "They are the biggest bridge we've got to the 100 percent clean-energy future," he said. Murphy's press secretary, Daniel Bryan, said the governor was reviewing the legislation. A Feb. 6 report prepared for New Jersey's utility consumer advocate estimated that direct and indirect costs of nuclear aid could total $544 million a year. Separately, the Brattle Group estimated in November that New Jersey consumers would pay $400 million more for electricity annually if Public Service Enterprise's reactors in New Jersey close. Student protesters at New York University who had refused to leave a university building overnight departed peacefully Tuesday after administrators warned them of potential disciplinary action. Protesters said they worried about the possibility of losing housing and financial aid after they stayed overnight in a student center and that their parents and emergency contacts were startled by phone calls from an administrator. "We fully respect students' right to exercise free speech and to protest a university position," said John Beckman, an NYU spokesman. "But disrupting university operations is not the same thing as dissent, and it subjects students to disciplinary proceedings. The university told them repeatedly that it expected them to leave when the building closed at 11 p.m. and that they were welcome to return and resume their protest the following day, but that if they insisted on staying, they could be subject to university discipline proceedings." After a small group of students stayed overnight Monday, they were told the university would begin a discipline process. The protesters left the building Tuesday before it closed. On Wednesday, they were told that because they had not stayed another night, they would not be subject to discipline. For several years, NYU Divest, a student group, has asked the private university's endowment to divest from companies that profit from fossil fuel, for environmental reasons. "Although NYU Divest is not an official student group, the group was accorded multiple meetings with senior university officials - including the president - as well as with trustees during 2015-16," Beckman said. In 2016, the Board of Trustees responded to a resolution passed by the school's University Senate: "There is agreement among members of the board that global warming is real and is a serious transnational problem. And there is no dispute by the board with the general consensus and the overwhelming weight of scientific opinion that human agency is at the heart of climate change," the board's chairman, William Berkley, and NYU President Andrew Hamilton wrote on behalf of the Board of Trustees. They described efforts the university has made toward environmental sustainability and the conversations they had with representatives of the University Senate and NYU Divest. They wrote they had decided not to divest because they believe the university's endowment should not be used for making statements and were not persuaded that such an action would have a significant impact. The challenge of climate change is pressing, they wrote, and they would continue to seek areas where NYU could have "a more tangible impact." Students with NYU Divest and Student Labor Action Movement have continued to advocate for more transparency and a greater voice for students on the board, including a student trustee. Last week, protesters stayed in the admissions office, demanding that trustees hold a two-hour town hall led by students, that the board take another vote on divestment and that a student trustee be added to the panel. When administration officials declined that demand, 19 students intensified their efforts by staying on the stairway of the Kimmel Center for University Life and remaining there overnight. "We were told we would be risking disciplinary action," said Sarah Singh, a senior from New Jersey who is a member of NYU Divest. "We reiterated the fact that we were attempting to hold a trustee town hall." According to protesters, the 19 students were called in to student-conduct disciplinary meetings Tuesday, and they ended their protest. "After meeting with the office of student conduct, several students' parents were called . . . Students received panicked phone calls from parents," Singh said. "Everyone occupying was over 18 and a legal adult, so we felt that was ludicrous on behalf of the university. We are working with different ally groups to spread our shock." Beckman said that NYU doesn't punish students for free speech or dissent and that the school did not threaten students over their housing and financial aid. But he noted some types of discipline, such as suspension, could affect housing and financial aid. "In line with our long-standing practice, we have let the students' parents know that their sons' and daughters' status as students may be affected," he said. Washington Aiming to quell concerns before what is likely to be a narrow confirmation vote, Secretary of State-designate Mike Pompeo vowed Thursday to ramp up efforts against Russia in "each place we confront them." But he dodged when asked whether he supports President Donald Trump's criticism of the federal investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Pompeo, now CIA chief, tread carefully when confronted with several of the president's controversial and undiplomatic statements, focusing instead on his plans to rebuild a depleted agency and restore its influence. Pompeo suggested he did not share all the president's views. "I take a back seat to no one" when it comes to standing up to Russia, Pompeo said. However, when asked if he would resign if Trump moved to scuttle the probe by firing special counsel Robert Mueller or the deputy attorney general to whom he reports, he said no. Pompeo's nomination faces stiff opposition from a handful of Republicans and many Democrats as well as supporters of the Iran nuclear deal, environmentalists and minority rights groups, and his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee appeared designed to blunt their criticism. The CIA chief told senators he has been miscast as a "hawk" despite previous comments savaging the Iran accord and hinting at regime change in North Korea. He maintained he wants to improve the Iran deal and would continue efforts to do so even if Trump withdraws from it. In his testimony, Pompeo confirmed for the first time publicly that he's been interviewed by the team of special counsel Mueller, who is investigating possible ties between Russia and Trump's presidential campaign as well as possible obstruction of justice issues. But he wouldn't answer questions about content of the interview, arguing it would be improper since, as CIA director in charge of overseas intelligence gathering, he has been a "participant" in Mueller's probe. Under questioning, he said he would be unlikely to resign as secretary of state if Trump were to fire Mueller. Lawmakers are concerned the president may seek Mueller's ouster to try to shut down the investigation. Pompeo said, "My instincts tell me my obligation to continue to serve as America's senior diplomat will be more important in times of domestic political turmoil." Throughout the hearing, he drew a sharp contrast between himself and Tillerson, former CEO of ExxonMobil who Trump fired last month. He lamented the "demoralizing" vacancies at the top echelons of the department during Tillerson's tenure and said he planned to fill those vacancies. He cast his close connection to Trump as an advantage that would help him restore the significance of the department. Cheryl Chandler doesn't remember her response to a viral video of her daughter being thrown out of a hospital on a cold night in Baltimore. A friend told her she screamed. "I realized it was Rebecca," Chandler said. "I couldn't make my hands work to call someone." For viewers, the January video of 22-year-old Rebecca Hall getting tossed out of the University of Maryland Medical Center wearing little more than a hospital gown was a troubling example of "patient dumping." For Rebecca's mother, however, it escalated an emergency - one she had lived through many times as her daughter's mental health worsened. Rebecca's life can be measured in hospital stays and 911 calls. Chandler said she pleaded with hospital staff to commit Rebecca, but pleas went unheeded. Privacy laws prevent caregivers from giving information or confirming whether patients were treated. Rebecca is mentally ill, but she is a mentally ill adult. Chandler was in West Virginia when she saw the video. She called the hospital, explaining she wasn't a reporter, but the hospital tried to give her the email of a spokesperson responding to news media inquiries. Next, she tried the Baltimore Police Department. An officer said Rebecca had gone to a homeless shelter. The shelter wouldn't tell Chandler if she was there, so she asked if an officer could check. The officer said the shelter wasn't in his district and told her to call 911. Chandler explained she was out of state but did as instructed, and the operator sent her back to Baltimore police. After additional calls and hours of worry, police confirmed that Rebecca was at the shelter. The next day, her family took her to another hospital, where she stayed until late March. She was sent back to her mother's home for about two weeks, then ended up in another hospital this month, Chandler said, suffering from flashbacks from her time in Baltimore. The latest hospitalization comes after much struggle. In the months before the viral video, Chandler had embraced a new strategy for helping Rebecca: not helping her. "If I'm there, they're more inclined to not do anything," she said of Rebecca's encounters with hospitals and law enforcement. "If I'm there, they are less likely to do their job." --- Rebecca wasn't like her fraternal twin sister, and wasn't like other children, her mother said. She was quiet. She seemed to live in her own world. At Christmas, if she and her twin got dolls, Rebecca was more inclined to play with the box. One time, she twirled around the house for hours, captivated by a plastic hanger. "It was concerning that there could be a cognitive issue," Chandler said. When Rebecca was 4 years old, she was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. Still, for more than a decade, she thrived. She was held back three times in school, but attended the same school with her twin and had access to special education classes. "Being a twin, you always have a best friend," said Rosslyn Taylor, Rebecca's twin. "She was always my best friend. We was always close when we were younger." But in the ninth grade, when Rebecca was 16, she began showing signs of depression and aggression. There were fights at school and suspensions. One day, though her teacher knew she couldn't be asked questions in class, a substitute called on her - and a student called her "retarded." This led to a melee during which the teacher got hit, and Rebecca was exiled to an external education program. Around this time, Rebecca got another diagnosis: bipolar disorder with traits of schizoaffective disorder. Her behavior changed, too. She would wander from the house. She would accuse family members of plotting to kill her, or talk about her upcoming trip to Mars or explain that she had died and come back to life. When her oldest sister got pregnant, Rebecca became infatuated with her belly, and her sister would wake up to find Rebecca standing over her. "When Rebecca is psychotic, she can be kind of scary," Chandler said. "She was in need of a more secure, intense program. She needs someone with her." As children, Rosslyn shared a bedroom with Rebecca, and the twins had private jokes and secrets. They would have long conversations about their future, about whom they would marry. They planned to start families at the same time. No more. "I love her even more, but our relationship has been very difficult because it's something you can't control," Rosslyn said. After her diagnosis, Rebecca began taking medication and, for a few years, did well. She lived in a group home for the mentally ill in Charles County, Maryland, called Pathways, where she had her own apartment filled with stuffed animals and her artwork. She was working toward her GED and, for a time, had a job at Target as a cashier. She went to her mother's home on weekends and for holidays. In 2016, things started to fall apart. "Rebecca realized she was an adult," her mother said. "But she has the mentality of a preteen . . . . She wanted to be more like someone her age." Rebecca started making her own decisions, but they weren't good ones. She started drinking and smoking marijuana. She dated other residents of Pathways. She stopped taking her medication, leading to more manic episodes and violent, paranoid behavior, her mother said. Once fastidious about her appearance, she stopped bathing and caring for her hair. Such behavior wasn't only out of character, her mother said, but it put Rebecca out of compliance with Pathways. After a few second chances, she was kicked out of the program on Christmas Eve 2016, weeks after walking her twin sister down the aisle at her wedding. Pathways Executive Director Gerry McGloin said he couldn't acknowledge whether a particular person received services, but said Pathways works as an advocate for patients, and sometimes patients and families don't agree on what's best. He said Pathways can only do so much for people with mental illness who refuse its services. "They may decide to reject that help," McGloin said. "And you're trying to coax them back into care, but you may not be successful even then." --- For Chandler, bringing Rebecca back home was a challenge. On disability herself, she had to arrange full-time care for her grown child at her Charles County home. "I packed up her room, put it in a UHaul and brought it up to my house," Chandler said. "When the new year came, we started looking for services." If Chandler took Rebecca to a hospital during a manic episode, explaining that her daughter needed help, the hospital staff could ask Rebecca whether she promised to take her medication. If she agreed, she wouldn't get admitted. After all, there was nothing physically wrong with her. Chandler couldn't understand it. Nurses would listen to Rebecca talk about extraterrestrial travel and insist there was nothing they could do for her. Because of privacy laws, she couldn't get basic information about her daughter, and was only able to get legal guardianship in March. "The whole situation was like Homer's 'Odyssey,' " she said. Before she stopped taking her medication in 2016, Rebecca was hospitalized twice, her mother said. After she stopped, she went to the emergency room or was hospitalized about 10 times, and her mother called the police on her three times. Police were as unwilling to intervene as the hospitals, Chandler said. Twice, they refused to take Rebecca to the emergency room. A third time, they took her to the hospital only after she tried to attack a police officer. It seemed like an endless cycle. "If you don't let me coordinate care for her, she's going to end up homeless on the street," she told a caregiver. --- The last time Chandler saw her daughter before she turned up bloodied and half-naked outside UMMC was in October. A private case-management company called after one of Rebecca's hospitalizations and asked Chandler to pick her up. Rebecca was manic, saying the staff wanted to rape and kill her. As Chandler drove her home, Rebecca kept raving. To end the conflict, Chandler dropped her daughter off at a police station, where some officers were familiar with her situation. Two weeks went by. In November, Chandler and Rosslyn, who was in town from Texas, got a call from Rebecca. She was in a group home, she said, but wouldn't tell her family where. A woman who owned the group home also wouldn't reveal the name of the home or its location. "She would tell me 'no,' she didn't want to tell me where she is," Rosslyn said of such calls with her sister. "She wasn't being malicious or anything. She was just in a mental state." A few weeks went by. Rebecca's family didn't hear from her. Even when manic, Rebecca usually stayed in touch - particularly with her twin. In the middle of November, Chandler got a call from the case-management company. Did she know where Rebecca was? Chandler didn't. Why didn't her case managers? Chandler filed a missing persons report, even though she knew police couldn't make her daughter return home. She later traced her daughter's movements - or, at least, some of them. Only Rebecca knows the whole story. Rebecca had gotten in touch with a former case manager who drove her to the Baltimore group home. Somehow, she ended up at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Her mother didn't try to visit. "Rebecca can give consent and within a matter of minutes withdraw consent and there's nothing I can really do about that," Chandler said. "There's times I go to visit her in the hospital and I can't get on the floor." The next time she saw her daughter, the world was seeing her, too. In a January video filmed by Imamu Baraka, a licensed counselor, Rebecca is seen being pushed out of the Baltimore hospital. "So wait, y'all just going to leave this lady out here with no clothes on?" Baraka asks in the video. What happened in the days before Rebecca arrived at UMMC isn't clear. Rebecca would later tell her mother someone at the group home confiscated her belongings and phone, and she wasn't permitted back into the home one night. At some point, she also went to the hospital to keep warm and "slept in tents with strangers," Chandler said. Rebecca's plight was decried as a case of "patient dumping" - a hospital getting rid of people who, for financial or mental-health reasons, are difficult to treat. With few exceptions, the practice was outlawed in 1986. But what looks immoral is not always illegal. "There is certainly an ethical obligation to provide people with the best care available," said Sophie Terp, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Southern California who has studied patient dumping. "One would hope that hospitals would ensure patients be discharged to a safe environment. However, there are circumstances, at times, in emergency departments where people are sometimes discharged after their medical complaints and conditions have been stabilized in a way that is somewhat abrupt." The hospital apologized, mounted an internal investigation and in March was cited by a federal regulator. There are a lot of people to be called to account in how Rebecca was treated, Chandler said. There are hospitals, case managers and emergency responders who she says failed Rebecca. She has a lawyer and is contemplating a lawsuit against UMMC. "Rebecca will be Rockefeller," she said. Then there is social media's army of trolls. As much as Baraka's video helped Rebecca receive quality treatment, it also made her a target. People made fun of her appearance and called her a junkie. And then there is Baraka. Chandler feuded with Baraka after he posted the video of Rebecca on a GoFundMe page, created in 2016, where he says he is raising $250,000 for "the John F. Kennedy Community Counseling Center." He says he plans to build the center in Baltimore to "serve the community as a teaching behavioral health center providing culturally sensitive counseling services," according to the page, which has raised $1,100 in about 18 months. Baraka said he wasn't aware of a conflict with Chandler and pointed out that she thanked him for filming the video at a news conference in January. He also said he had planned to build the community center long before he filmed the video. "I don't have a disagreement with them," he said. "If they have one with me, you have to ask them about that." In the weeks since the viral video, Rebecca and her family have tried to heal. "I have a lot of hate toward the people who dehumanized her, embarrassed her, hurt her," Rosslyn said. "I know Rebecca wouldn't want me to do that. She wouldn't want me to think that way. But it's hard to think that people didn't treat my sister like the beautiful human being she is." --- http://wapo.st/2AVMvYB President Donald Trump's plan to pardon Lewis "Scooter" Libby is the latest signal to his associates that he has the power and inclination to reward those who stay loyal during special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Libby was convicted of four felonies, including obstruction of justice and perjury before a grand jury, related to the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame during his time as Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff. Libby was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $250,000. Richard Painter, who was the chief ethics lawyer in George W. Bush's White House from 2005 to 2007, tweeted: "So what's the message here? Lie to a grand jury to protect political superiors and you will get a full pardon?" Remember, Trump's lawyer reportedly told attorneys representing Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn last year that the president might be willing to pardon his former senior aides if they faced criminal charges stemming from the investigation into Russia's election interference. -- Trump has already rewarded one political ally with a pardon. Last August, the president used the power invested in him by the Constitution to pardon Joe Arpaio. He developed a kinship with the ex-Arizona sheriff when they were prominent leaders of the "birther" movement, which falsely accused Barack Obama of being from Kenya. Arpaio campaigned with Trump in Iowa before the caucuses and stayed loyal to him during the depths of the campaign, which might have been a factor in him losing reelection in November 2016. Arpaio was convicted of criminal contempt of court for defying a federal judge's order to stop racially profiling Latinos. His deputies were detaining people simply because they suspected them of being undocumented immigrants. One reason the pardon was unusual is that it was handed down before Arpaio's sentencing and the appeals process played out. Arpaio thanked the president on Twitter at the time "for seeing my conviction for what it is: a political witch hunt by holdovers in the Obama justice department!'" A decade ago, many conservatives also described the prosecution of Libby as a "witch hunt." "The right's narrative about Libby - that he was railroaded by an overreaching, politically-driven special prosecutor - syncs with Trump's view of his own predicament," notes The Post's Kyle Swenson. "'A TOTAL WITCH HUNT!!!' the president has tweeted about the Mueller investigation." -- There's a Comey connection here: Then-Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself from the Plame affair, which left the decision on how to proceed to then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey. Comey appointed his longtime friend and colleague Patrick J. Fitzgerald to become the special counsel. It was Fitzgerald who convicted Libby. There's no way Libby's defenders haven't put this bug in the president's ear. Trump just called Comey a "slime ball" on Twitter. The ousted FBI director's memoir comes out next Tuesday, and cable news Friday morning is dominated by coverage of what it says: Trump tweeted "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH. He is a weak and..... "....untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst "botch jobs" of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!" -- ABC, which broke the news about Libby, reports that "the president has already signed off on the pardon." Several other outlets, including The Washington Post, quickly got confirmation. Two people familiar with the president's thinking told The Post's Josh Dawsey and Philip Rucker that the pardon has been under consideration for several months. One senior administration official told them that Trump could always change his mind, and the timing for the formal announcement is unclear. -- Bigger picture, Trump continues to be a do-as-I-say, not-as-I-do president. He constantly rails against leaks, yet he's pardoning someone who was convicted of lying about leaking sensitive national security information. Judith Miller, then a reporter for the New York Times, spent 85 days in prison rather than disclose Libby was one of her sources. -- A potential pardon once again puts into stark relief Trump's bitterness toward the career professionals at the FBI and CIA, who the president sees as part of a "deep state" conspiring against him. -- It's also another data point of Trump's disdain for the rule of law. Libby unsuccessfully appealed his conviction. He was convicted by a jury. -- Furthermore, this shows Trump does not believe someone must be contrite to get a pardon. Historically, that's been a requirement or at least a norm. -- The president was late to embrace Libby's cause. When a conservative reporter asked in 2015 if he'd ever pardon him, Trump appeared unfamiliar with the specifics of the case and dismissed the question as "not pertinent." -- In that respect, this might be another indication of John Bolton's growing influence: Proximity is power in any White House, but it's especially true with Trump. Bolton, who started Monday as national security adviser, is close friends with Libby and a longtime Cheney loyalist. A 2009 story in the New York Times quoted Bolton on the record and said he had "broken with the president in recent years, in part over Mr. Libby's case." This may have been in the pipeline for a while, but it's possible Bolton helped seal the deal. Bolton continues to clean house. Deputy national security adviser Ricky Waddell just became the fourth official under his domain to call it quits this week. "Senior White House officials said other personnel changes could happen in the coming days on the National Security Council," The Post's Josh Dawsey and Greg Jaffe report. "One former senior administration official called him a 'steady hand and a workhorse.' But he was not known to have a particularly close relationship with Trump." -- Another longtime, very vocal advocate for pardoning Libby has been attorney Joe diGenova. He was poised to join Trump's legal team last month, but it didn't happen after they had a face-to-face meeting. The two have stayed in touch, though, and diGenova said publicly that Trump should fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein this week - less than 24 hours after speaking with the president. -- Libby avoided serving hard time because Bush commuted his prison sentence, but the then-president saw a pardon as a bridge too far. He resisted intense pressure from Cheney to pardon Libby during the final days of his term, which permanently soured their relationship. Bush was mindful of the blow his father's reputation took for pardoning former defense secretary Caspar Weinberger and five other former government officials involved in the Iran-contra affair after losing the 1992 election. He also remembered the blowback Bill Clinton faced for his 11th hour pardons of politically connected people like Marc Rich in 2001. -- "A pardon of Mr. Libby would paradoxically put Mr. Trump in the position of absolving one of the chief architects of the Iraq war, which Mr. Trump has denounced as a catastrophic miscalculation," Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman note on the front page of the Times. "Mr. Bush assigned White House lawyers to examine the case, but they advised him the jury had ample reason to convict Mr. Libby and the president rebuffed Mr. Cheney's request. Mr. Bush told aides that he suspected that Mr. Libby had thought he was protecting Mr. Cheney, the real target of the investigation. "Mr. Cheney snapped at Mr. Bush. 'You are leaving a good man wounded on the field of battle,' he told him when informed of the decision. Mr. Bush was taken aback. It was probably the harshest thing Mr. Cheney ever said to him during their eight years in office together and was meant to attack Mr. Bush's sense of loyalty to his own troops in a time of war. 'The comment stung,' Mr. Bush wrote in his memoir." -- Apropos of something: Bush agreed to sit for an interview in the Oval Office as part of Fitzgerald's probe. The president fielded questions from Fitzgerald and several assistants for 70 minutes in June 2004. White House press secretary Scott McClellan said at the time that Bush was "pleased to do his part" to assist the investigation. "No one wants to get to the bottom of this matter more than the president of the United States, and he has said on more than one occasion that if anyone - inside or outside the government - has information that can help the investigators get to the bottom of this, they should provide that information to the officials in charge," he said. --- With Breanne Deppisch and Joanie Greve. ZEITOUN, Gaza Strip - Thousands of Palestinians protested at the Israel-Gaza border for the third consecutive week Friday, and Israeli forces fired live ammunition and tear gas, killing at least one person and injuring more than 900, health officials in Gaza said. Israeli military officials had warned Palestinians to steer clear of the fence Friday and deployed drones, tanks and sharpshooters. But the Israeli military said at least 10,000 people demonstrated in five locations. Some attempted to damage security infrastructure, including with firebombs and an explosive device, the army said. At one point, the protesters tried unsuccessfully to fly a firebomb over the border with a kite. Demonstrators burned tires at the border, emitting large plumes of black smoke. It was a tactic, protesters said, to shield themselves from Israeli sniper fire. Some Palestinians, mostly young men, approached the border area east of Gaza City - where an expanse of empty farmland is interrupted by barbed wire and Israeli watchtowers - and some used catapults to send rocks flying over the 10-foot-high fence. Since the demonstrations began last month, Israeli forces have killed at least 28 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The demonstration on Friday was smaller than in the previous two weeks, and the death toll was lower, with the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza reporting one death, that of 28-year-old Islam Herzallah, who died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The health ministry said that at least 968 people were wounded by gunfire and tear gas Friday. The figures could not be independently verified. Rights groups have slammed the Israeli response to the demonstrations, criticizing what they say is an excessive use of force against unarmed protesters. "The Israeli authorities must put an immediate end to the excessive and lethal force being used to suppress Palestinian demonstrations in Gaza," Amnesty International said in a statement Friday. It called for an independent investigation into the military's conduct. Israel has accused Palestinian militants of using the protests as cover for attacks. Farther from the frontier on Friday, families picnicked under tents and listened to speeches and nationalist songs that blasted from loud speakers. Senior officials from the militant Hamas movement that rules Gaza toured the area but stayed several hundred meters from the border. The group, which Israel and the United States consider a terrorist organization, has helped organize the protests. They began last month to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians living in Gaza, which the United Nations has said is on the verge of economic collapse. The protests also have been billed as an effort by Palestinian refugees to claim their right of return. The majority of Gaza's 1.8 million residents are descendants of refugees who lost their land when Israel was established in 1948, and many live in cramped refugee camps that now resemble shantytowns. "We need a solution," said 29-year-old Mahmoud, who was on crutches after he was shot in the leg at a demonstration on Apr. 6. "We have no work, no security. We are miserable." About 80 percent of Gazans rely on international assistance, including food aid, the United Nations says. And the World Bank puts Gaza's unemployment rate at 41 percent. Trade restrictions imposed by Israel and Egypt, which shares a border with the Gaza Strip, have hampered economic growth. A lack of fuel also means that Gazan households receive only a few hours of electricity per day. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in the Gaza Strip since 2009. In the last conflict, in 2014, more than 2,100 Palestinians were killed, according to the United Nations. Sixty-six Israeli military personnel were also killed, along with six Israeli civilians and a Thai national. The Israeli army said Friday it had deployed more troops to the border. A military official who briefed journalists showed footage of a Palestinian gunman approaching the fence to plant an explosive device. It was unclear, however, if the incident took place as part of the demonstrations. Israel says it has seen an uptick in attempted attacks since the protests started Mar. 30. "We do not shoot to kill anyone, only those who are with weapons," the military official said. East of Gaza City on Friday, in the area of Zeitoun, dozens of ambulances screamed past demonstrators, ferrying the wounded to a nearby field clinic. There, 11 doctors and other medical workers treated the injured in a makeshift tent. The majority of victims were treated for tear-gas inhalation, the clinic's manager, Khalil Siam, said. The remaining injuries included gunshots to the legs and wounds from rubber-coated steel bullets. "Even if I lose my neck, I will fight to get our land back," said one of the wounded, 30-year-old Wael Abu Zuweida. A street vendor with a wife and child, Abu Zuweida was injured when a bullet grazed his thigh. "This is the second week in a row he is here," one medic said to chuckles from colleagues as Abu Zuweida was pulled from an ambulance. He suffered a similar injury at the April 6 demonstration. "God will protect us," Abu Zuweida said, as he limped back to the protest with a friend. - - - Eglash reported from Kerem Shalom, Israel. Hazem Balousha in Zeitoun contributed to this report. A top GOP fundraiser and prominent backer of President Donald Trump stepped down from his Republican National Committee post Friday after revelations that Trump lawyer Michael Cohen arranged a $1.6 million settlement with a former Playboy model the donor had impregnated. Los Angeles-based investor Elliott Broidy, who has been a top fundraiser for Trump and the party, issued a statement Friday acknowledging that he "had a consensual relationship" with the woman, who got pregnant. He said he retained Cohen after Trump's personal lawyer told Broidy he had been contacted by the woman's attorney. "It is unfortunate that this personal matter between two consenting adults is the subject of national discussion just because of Michael Cohen's involvement," Broidy said in the statement. RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel said Friday afternoon that she had accepted Broidy's resignation. "Obviously, these developments are new to me," she told CNN. "I have not heard of any of this. Elliott and I spoke earlier today and he tendered his resignation. He doesn't want to be a distraction." McDaniel said she was going to "take a look" at the situation facing Cohen, who continues to hold a top fundraising position at the RNC. "I haven't had a chance to do my due diligence," McDaniel said, adding that she hoped to talk with Cohen in the near future. Neither Cohen nor his lawyer responded to requests for comment on the settlement, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Cohen's role in the secret deal is the latest unexpected twist in a sprawling drama involving top Trump associates. It deepens the scrutiny of the longtime Trump confidant, whose residences and office were raided by the FBI this week. Federal prosecutors revealed Friday that Cohen has been under criminal investigation for months and that they have empaneled a grand jury to probe his business dealings. Investigators are also examining his efforts to tamp down damaging stories about Trump during the 2016 campaign, according to people familiar with the case, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity. The case was originally referred to the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York by special counsel Robert Mueller III, who is investigating Russia's interference in the election. Under terms of the deal negotiated by Cohen for Broidy, who is married, the woman with whom he had an affair is prohibited from talking about the relationship in exchange for payments to be made over a two-year period, according to a person familiar with the details. The deal also allowed the woman to keep the baby, determine paternity and seek child support if she chose to do so. Cohen's work on the Broidy settlement, struck in late 2017, came after he negotiated a deal in October 2016 agreeing to pay $130,000 to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, who alleged that she had a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier. Keith Davidson, the lawyer who represented Daniels at the time, also represented the Playboy model with whom Broidy had an affair. Davidson declined to comment on the settlement. "I can't confirm or deny the existence of such matters," he said. "But I've always acted in my clients' best interests and appropriately in all situations." "Mr. Cohen reached out to me after being contacted by this woman's attorney, Keith Davidson," Broidy said in his statement. "Although I had not previously hired Mr. Cohen, I retained Mr. Cohen after he informed me about his prior relationship with Mr. Davidson." Cohen and Broidy met during the 2016 campaign, when Broidy, a California native and major GOP donor, served as vice chairman of a joint fundraising effort between Trump and the RNC. Until Friday, they both served as deputy national finance chairmen there. Last month, Broidy co-hosted a fundraiser for Trump's reelection campaign in Los Angeles. So far this cycle, Broidy and his wife have contributed $614,000 to Republican campaign committees and the RNC, campaign finance records show. Broidy also serves on the board of the Republican Jewish Coalition, which remained steadfast in its support for Trump during the 2016 campaign, despite criticism from some Jewish leaders, who objected to the then-candidate's retweet of a post widely viewed as anti-Semitic. In the first year of the Trump administration, Broidy was an outspoken advocate at the White House and on Capitol Hill on Middle East issues, particularly the need for action against Qatar, a rival power of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Broidy worked with George Nader, a Lebanese American businessman and power broker in the region who has been working in recent years as an adviser for the UAE, according to people familiar with their relationship. Nader is a witness in Mueller's investigation. In his statement, Broidy said he would "like to sincerely apologize to my wife and family for the hurt that I have caused." "I acknowledge I had a consensual relationship with a Playboy Playmate," he said. "At the end of our relationship, this woman shared with me that she was pregnant. She alone decided that she did not want to continue with the pregnancy and I offered to help her financially during this difficult period. We have not spoken since that time." Peter Stris, an attorney for the woman, who has not been identified, said in a tweet that she had no comment. The Broidy deal reveals new details about the relationship between Davidson, a celebrity lawyer in Los Angeles, and Cohen, Trump's hard-charging fixer in New York. In October 2016, Davidson negotiated with Cohen the confidentiality agreement for Daniels. Cohen, Daniels and Davidson signed the agreement. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has sued to break the agreement, arguing that it is invalid because Trump failed to sign it. Cohen and Trump are seeking to force the matter out of court and into private arbitration, where proceedings are confidential. Davidson and Cohen were also in communication about a third agreement involving former Playboy centerfold Karen McDougal, who was represented by Davidson at the time. McDougal, who says she had a 10-month affair with Trump in 2006 and 2007, sold the rights to her story to the parent company of the National Enquirer for $150,000 in August 2016. She has said she understood that American Media (AMI)was buying her story not to publish it, but to bury it, in what has been called a "catch and kill" arrangement. The day before she signed the contract, Davidson emailed Cohen and told him by phone that the deal was finalized, according to a person familiar with the conversation. McDougal has sued to break free of her contract so she can speak freely, arguing that her story about Trump is "core political speech entitled to the highest protection under the law." AMI has asked the judge to dismiss the case, arguing that the deal is protected under the First Amendment. McDougal is currently represented by Stris, the attorney for the woman who had an affair with Broidy. - - - The Washington Post's Alice Crites and Anu Narayanswamy contributed to this report. AUSTIN Tension continued to mount Friday even after State Board of Education members gave final approval to going forward with a new Mexican-American studies high school elective but refused to keep the class' original name. "Discrimination." "Cloaking bigotry." "Bull." Those are words Marisa Perez-Diaz of the Texas Board of Education used in a statement to describe the board's decision to rename a long-sought-after "Mexican-American Studies" elective course "Ethnic Studies," a decision that has touched off a new wave racial tension. While members of the board voted unanimously to create a high school elective that delves into Mexican-American studies Friday, nine Republicans on the board insisted on renaming the course "Ethnic Studies: An Overview of Americans of Mexican Descent" after David Bradley, a member from Beaumont, said he rejects "hyphenated Americanism." "Today was not a victory, but a slap in the face," said Perez-Diaz, a Democrat from Converse who is Mexican-American, said in a statement Friday. "The time has finally come to call this what it is ... DISCRIMINATION!" In a long press release she posted on Facebook, Perez-Diaz said the board's vote told her and the state's Mexican-American students to identify themselves as "Americans of Mexican Descent." "The time for cloaking bigotry and/or fear of diversity under the guise of 'patriotism' and 'Americanism' is over," she said. "My experience is as American as apple pie, because guess what, my ancestors were on this land well before it was conquered and named America." She went on to call Bradley's opposition to the hyphenated "Mexican-American" term, "BULL! Again, what does that even mean?" Bradley said Perez-Diaz is taking the name-change personally and said Republicans on the board wouldn't have approved the class if it couldn't change the official name. "We're all Americans. I don't go around saying I'm an Irish American or an East Texas Moonshining American or anything else. It's a melting pot and most of the board agreed with that," said Bradley when reached by phone late Friday. "They got what they wanted. They got 99 percent of what they wanted." "If they want to continue antagonizing the board in dealing with this, it could have repercussions," he said, adding that the fight over the course could turn off school districts from taking up the class. "Do you think... honestly, there's going to be a single school district that wants to propose this and deal with this issue because it's become so weaponized. This course isn't going to be used in a single school district after they poison it as they're trying to do now. I don't think they realize that." He added, "They just can't figure out how to say thank you." MORE: State Board of Education strips 'Mexican-American Studies' name from elective In Texas, 52 percent of the state's 5.4 million school-aged children come from Mexican or Latino backgrounds. Advocates expect those numbers to climb to nearly 70 percent of the school-age population by 2050. More than 30 professors, teachers, and students testified before the state board Wednesday, urging members to approve the official adoption of a Mexican-American Studies elective four years after the board originally refused to accept the class. Other advocates for the course said they saw the adoption as a victory but were frustrated the board changed the name. The course is already taught in dozens of schools as a special course, including in Houston Independent School District. Advocates say the class offers Mexican-American students a deeper connection with their history and helps all students understand the contributions of Mexican-Americans have had on U.S. culture. Research shows students who take such courses have higher graduation rates and perform better academically, advocates said. MORE: Texas schools teaching Mexican-American studies even without state-approved textbook State education staff will next review state standards for the course, which the public is invited to comment on over the summer. The board is expected to take a final vote on the standards in September, where members can propose a name-change. While schools can already teach the class, the approval gives schools the state's official endorsement of the course and allows students to take it as an elective beginning in the 2019-20 school year. Andrea Zelinski covers politics for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced they are restricting the sale of Bayer AGs implanted birth control device Essure. The decision comes two years after the agency ordered Bayer to put a serious warning label on the product. Details of the Essure Sale Restriction According to Reuters, the FDA ruled that some women were not being adequately informed of the risks associated with Essure prior to getting implanted. The new restrictions will limit the sale of Essure to healthcare facilities that provide full information about the devices risks and benefits. Among the risks associated with Essure are: Hysterectomy Depression Abdominal pain Abnormal uterine bleeding Device migration Perforated organs Ectopic pregnancy Essure was originally approved by U.S. regulators in 2002, but it received a black box warning in 2016 following thousands of complaints. Essure Subject of ore than 10,000 Lawsuits The FDA decision could prove vital to some 10,600 lawsuits pending against Bayer in the U.S. Those lawsuits allege Bayer was aware of the risks associated with Essure, but failed to warn sellers, doctors, and regulators of the dangers. The FDA revealed in March that is had received roughly 12,000 medical reports concerning Essure in 2017 more than 90 percent of those reports mentioned issues around device removal. Currently, there are an estimated 750,000 women using Essure worldwide with about 70 percent of users based in the U.S. Hurt by a Defective Medical Device? Contact Thomas J. Henry Defective and faulty medical devices have the potential to cause long-lasting and permanent damage in patients seeking treatment for their injuries and illnesses. In some cases, defective medical devices have caused fatal injuries, causing devastation to the victims family. At Thomas J. Henry, we will fight vigorously on you and your familys behalf. We have the legal and financial resources necessary to properly develop your case and take on the large pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. If you or a loved one have been injured by a medical device, call us today attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. 1 Africa threat: Even as Islamic State group fighters flee the Middle East and cause fear across Africas Sahel region, it is al Qaeda that poses the more serious long-term threat, the U.S. militarys special operations commander in Africa said Friday. Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks pointed to last months deadly attack on the army headquarters and heavily guarded French Embassy in Burkina Faso that was claimed by an al Qaeda-linked group in neighboring Mali. Although close to 1,000 members of U.S. special forces are in Africa and a new G5 Sahel multinational force is taking aim at fighters with shifting alliances to the Islamic State and al Qaeda, reversing the worsening security situation will be frustratingly, unsatisfyingly slow, Hicks said. 2 Congo boycott: Congo on Friday took the extraordinary step of boycotting an international conference that reaped hundreds of millions of dollars to help its people, saying the Central African countrys humanitarian crisis has been exaggerated. It later said some aid groups that accept the money would have their activities banned. The rare and possibly unprecedented snub of the U.N.-led pledging conference by President Joseph Kabilas government came amid differing views about the needs of a sprawling country where millions are displaced and hungry during a brewing political crisis. Congos government has insisted the conference hurts the countrys image, and has downplayed the extent of the widespread hunger and displacement. Friday the 13th can mean many things to many people, but these inspirational words posted by Longford's Dr Laura Noonan on her 'Laura's Russian Lifeline' Facebook page should resonate with us all and make us appreciate what we have. 13 reasons why .... to be Grateful on Friday 13th April 1. Spring As I type this (one handed - having an issue with my left hand currently) warm Spring sunshine invades my room like an unusual intruder. I haven't seen sun in so long or really felt fresh air on my skin that it seems like an intruder into my life. But a welcome one into my usually dark hospital room. Cobwebs and streaks I never noticed before appear obvious to me now on the 2 small windows into my room. I have to wonder how I didn't notice them until now considering how long I have spent in this bed staring out the window wishing time away. I started this journey in January in the depths of Winter when it was dark most of the day, certainly it was dark all day in Moscow. How time has sped past while me, an inactive participant in life, lay in various hospital beds. 2. Ice-cream Those of you who know me well will know that there was one food I hated above all others - ICECREAM. Most people probably didn't know or wouldt believe that. However, ice-cream is now my best friend and one of my vehicles to get out of here and home. A minimum of 3 small pots a day aid me (almost) reach a calorie target that is otherwise was outside my reality of ever reaching. I still don't make it but compared to my time in Moscow Im doing pretty good. 3. Moscow, Russia For taking on me, a complex patient carrying huge risk which could have damage their international reputation as a centre if excellence and disrupt their data if it all went wrong. I wont say it has been easy and there haven't been close shaves but Thank you Russia. My memories are hazy, many days I don't even remember but Moscow gave me a chance at life, with my family, that my homeland wouldn't offer. 4. Nighttime Im trying to ease my body back into realising there is a day and a night and at night we usually sleep (unless we a shift workers, owls, vampires etc..) I think it may be starting to get the hang of the concept but I wont get too excited yet. I hope I have the rest of my life to teach this body of mine how to conform to the norm then again maybe I should just let it continue to do its own thing. 5. The North Star No matter where I am in the world the north star is a constant. It is always there , every night, without fail. Some nights one just has to look a little harder for it. It may be behind clouds, just out of ones line of vision but one guarantee is - it is always there to share no matter where in the world you find yourself. I consider it to be almost like my anchor now and can easily calm myself even on spotting her glistening faithfully down on me knowing Im not the only one to look to her for guidance. 6. Modern medicine This one is easy, for keeping me alive so long and giving me a chance to live, love and laugh through many more years I hope. I complain about the poking and prodding ,the side effects, ill effects, hair loss, weight loss/weight gain but the reality is without modern medicine I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't be me and I wouldnt be the mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend etc that I am. 7. Old Friends You are the best friends. Some of you arrived back in my life before you even knew how much I needed you, some never left my side, others came to the call last year when my illness became public knowledge Either way old friends that I still have the pleasure of calling friends are like diamonds, only created under pressure but glisten brighter than anything else. 8. New Friends For those of you who I have only gotten to know recently and navigated the long road to and from Moscow and Dublin to Longford (Im not sure which road feels longer at times) you are my people. You got me where I am today, just please dont disappear. Im afraid I might get lost again. 9. Family Blood is family - or so they say. Family is family. Those who are there for each other beyond all else - they are my family. By blood, water or wifi you are my family and those who walked beside me in these hardest days will never be forgotten. If i can ever return the compliment I will. My husband Archie and my mother have given the ultimate sacrifice for me - their own lives for mine in whatever way I needed to be there for me as I needed. To be my punch bag on bad days and blank canvas to paint my hopes and dreams with on good ones. To take the punches with the kisses and not bat an eye lid at my changing personalities as unpredictable as an April day. To you both I say, stand up, take a standing ovation and a moment in the lime light and I will step to the shadows while you do. 10. Lauras Russian Lifelife Who can ignore the steam train that is Lauras Russian Lifeline. From the day my husband accidentally published it a few days before he planned you have been the driving force that got me to Moscow and back to Dublin. And hopefully very soon back to Longford. From bake sales to charity walks,runs,cycles, from communities getting together to communities battling against one another, each like, share, comment and follow has been part of the independent life taken on by one small Facebook page started one evening last September. Every single donation large or small went directly to the fund. Each event created and ran cost hours in time, energy, hall rentals, premises rentals etc was and still is hugely valued. 11. Faith True to say most will scrunch up their eyes and noses and say faith? Laura saying faith? From we went through our toughest days loosing my dad etc it has been hard for me to have that great faith in God that I had been brought up with. That blind Faith that there is a greater being who loves us all equally and doesnt place on any person more than they can bare. True my faith has been shaken over the years but I think its time I find something to believe in again. To pray to and give thanks to and ask for help of. The photo below I think is a little clue as to the direction I will try to take. Thank you to ta wonderful friend, one of those old friends I talked about who arranged this for me, a lost sheep wandering about inner city Dublin in a hospital gown with an IV pole in my bare feet. 12. The Future I now think I see one. I cant paint it so clearly yet but somewhere past the north star I see a future I might now get to enjoy with all the aforementioned people. I know I will do my future justice once I am given the opportunity to face it head on, healthy and strong. I am acutely aware of the warriors we have lost along this road and who didn't have the opportunity I had to fight, to travel to Moscow, to seek the expertise of those in other countries but I have had that opportunity and in behalf of all those who couldn't I promise to try to honour their memories in how I live. 13. Freya Freya Lilly, the force to be reckoned with, the 5 year old, who has lost 2 teeth in 2 weeks, needs no further words to explain her position here as there are none to do her justice. Freya, I love you to the moon and back baby girl.Just because Im not there doesnt mean your not always with me. You are the only one to have ever heard my heart beat from the inside - don't forget that. You are part of me and I will carry you with me wherever I go. Happy Friday 13th everyone. I have decided to embrace Friday 13th as a day of positivity. I had a really bad start to the day today. I literally couldnt get out of bed for most of the day and I still feel sorry for the poor guy who suggested me sitting out while he was thinking about making my bed.... my mother almost fell off the chair laughing and explained I was feeling unwell today. But from that to an entire 13 reasons why of a different sort..... (anyone with under 20s in the house will get this reference) 13 reasons why life is worth the fight 13 reasons why we should make each day count 13 reasons why we should never give up .... Laura xxx Also read: 'This is the hardest fight of my life', says Longford woman An insight into the types of Longford based criminal case files dealt with by the State prosecutor is revealed for the first time this week. In a series of documents obtained by the Longford Leader under the auspices of the Freedom of Information Act, they also show how much the State has paid lawyers in prosecuting defendants at District and Circuit Court level. Between 2015 and 2017, the taxpayer has coughed up almost 500,000 in bringing suspects before court sittings on behalf of the DPP. Approximately 480,315 was paid out to legal professionals and barristers acting for the State between 2015 and the end of last year. The figures, which were released under Freedom of Information legislation to the Leader, also include payments made to the countys state solicitor offices over the same intervening period. Documents from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) showed an overall payout of 163,172 in 2015. More than 122,000 of this went towards state solicitor fees with the remaining 41,000 going to counsel allowances. The following year saw a slight dip, courtesy of a total distribution of 155,944 in counsel and state solicitor payments. Last year, that figure rose to 161,199. More than three quarters of that total accounted for state solicitor fees while 36,731 went towards counsel allowances. In terms of the amounts and types of files returned by the DPP to Longford and Granard Garda Divisions, almost half last year related to serious assaults and damage to property. Over 40 per cent of files last year were sent back to garda superintendents directing cases to go before a judge and jury at Circuit Court level. Around 30 per cent of cases came back stating that suspects who had been charged had no case to answer. A further 30 per cent, or 20 files carried a direction for various individuals before the courts to be sent forward for trial. An additional 28 cases were eventually heard before Judge Seamus Hughes in the District Court while a further eight files were still pending direction by the end of December. This represented a slight drop on the 85 files sent to DPP Claire Loftus' offices in 2016. The figures also uncover a gradual upturn in the number of files sent for direction involving cases from the Granard Garda District. In 2015, just 19 files were compiled, compared to 49 files in Longford. Within the space of two years, that figure more than doubled to 32, approximately 12 below that of the Longford Garda Division. You may also like to read: REVEALED: Cost of pursuing Longford pig farmer through courts system to cost taxpayers 500k EXCLUSIVE: Taxpayers hit in pocket as Longford courts hand out over 700k in legal aid and DPP costs Longfords Dr Laura Noonan is determined to recover and fight back after she underwent chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in Moscow. The Ballymahon doctor is currently in Dublins Mater Hospital under the care of her haematology team. In March, she updated her Facebook page, 'Laura's Russian Lifeline' with news that she had successfully completed her treatment in Russia and was back on Irish soil. But there have been some struggles with significant medical issues since then. Off to theatre again. Three weeks in hospital in Ireland today. No sign of the door yet. This is the hardest fight of my life. I hope it's been worth it, she said in a Facebook post on March 29. Two days later, however, she shared a bit of good news. Her doctors allowed her to go home to Edgeworthstown for a few hours, which she said was the loveliest surprise. Despite the fact that I woke with a high fever and needed bloods and antibiotics and medications to take down the temp, the consultant said I could go home for a few hours to cheer me up as Im very fed up and Im going to be here for at least another couple of weeks, she added in her Facebook update. It was so nice to see my own house, have a cup of tea just the way I like it and obviously spend time with Archie and Freya! And, she continued, she was thrilled to be home for a milestone event in her young daughter's life. Little Freya had a very big day. She lost her first tooth and is excitedly awaiting her first visit from the tooth fairy! It was fantastic to be there for such a special moment considering I have been in hospital since January! Im glad not to have missed that as I miss so much with being sick and in hospital. Most of Laura's time at home was spent resting and sleeping, she said, but she was glad to feel some sense of normality again and enjoyed her little break from the hospital. Im afraid it will be a while before I actually get home for good, she added. Thanks for the messages and good wishes. I appreciate them even if I dont reply. Im so tired I often fall asleep while replying to people! Laura's illness was reported in early September when her husband, Archie, set up a Go Fund Me account in the hope of raising the 70k needed for lifesaving treatment in Moscow. The money was raised by good-willed members of the community within a couple of days and, in February, the Ballymahon doctor and her husband jetted off to Moscow for her treatment. For updates on Laura's treatment, see 'Laura's Russian Lifeline' on Facebook. You may also like to read: UPDATED: Ballymahon doctor's appeal for lifesaving treatment: 'I want to live a perfectly normal boring life' Nassau DA: Hempstead Woman Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Driving into Group of People Local News, Crime By Long Island News & PR Published: April 13 2018 Shania Buchanan, 24, drove into a group of people, killing one and injuring two others in April 2016, officials report. The Nassau DA reports that Shania Buchanan of Hempstead, 24, has been sentenced for assault and manslaughter. Assault in the First Degree (a B violent felony) Manslaughter in the Second Degree (an C felony) Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (a D felony) Assault in the Second Degree (a D felony) Assault in the Third Degree (an A misdemeanor) Reckless Driving (an unclassified misdemeanor) The trial, before Judge Fran Ricigliano, lasted four weeks and the jury deliberated for approximately a day and a half. Judge Ricigliano sentenced the defendant to 17 years in prison on the Assault in the First Degree charge and five years to 15 years in prison on the Manslaughter in the Second Degree charge. Those sentences will run concurrently. The jury found Buchanan drove wildly through Nassau County streets to join a neighborhood brawl killing Barbara Reid and severely injuring Betty Sanders and Jose Mena in the process, DA Singas said. I hope todays sentence will stand as a reminder that this office will not tolerate the taking of innocent lives by selfish, criminally reckless drivers. DA Singas said on April 20, 2016 at 5:00 p.m., the defendant drove through a crowd of people standing just off the curb on Linden Avenue in Hempstead, killing 56-year-old Barbara Reid and seriously injuring two others. At the time of the incident, the defendant was recklessly driving to the scene where her mother was involved in a fight with another woman. A crowd of 40 to 50 people, including Reid, gathered to watch the fight. The defendant was driving between 60 and 70 miles an hour as she accelerated toward the crowd, first striking 45-year-old Betty Sanders, and then 60-year-old Jose Mena who was on his bicycle. Buchanans 1999 Nissan Pathfinder then hit Reid, ultimately killing her. Mena suffered spinal fractures and the force of the impact snapped Sanders femur and caused muscular damage that will cause her to limp for the rest of her life. The defendant was arrested June 9, 2016 by Nassau County Police. Local News, Business & Finance, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: April 13 2018 Zeldin: "Year after year, Congress kicks the can of our looming debt crisis down the road, swiping trillions of dollars on the country credit card with no way of paying for it." Long Island, NY - April 13, 2018 - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) voted in favor of H.J. Res. 2, which would amend the Constitution to require Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues within each fiscal year. It also requires a true majority of each chamber to pass tax increases and a three-fifths majority to raise the debt limit. H.J. Res. 2 is a constitutional amendment and, therefore, requires a two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate to be enacted. Consequently, this constitutional amendment failed by a vote of 233 to 184. Year after year, Congress kicks the can of our looming debt crisis down the road, swiping trillions of dollars on the country credit card with no way of paying for it. Today, after years of failing to reign in Washingtons out of control spending, our national debt stands at over $21 trillion, which is over $64,000 for every American. It is not us, but our children who are the biggest losers, saddled with more and more crushing levels of debt. However, the buck stops here, and Im not willing to stand idly by as Congress ransoms away our childrens future. Unfortunately, with the failure of this constitutional amendment, it is clear not all of my colleagues feel the same. School & Education, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: April 13 2018 Brooks Calls On State Department Of Transportation For Greater Safety Measures After Bus Carrying 40 Passengers Crashed Into Low Overpass. Long Island, NY - April 13, 2018 - New York State Senator John E. Brooks this morning called upon the NYS Department of Transportation to take swift steps to improve roadway safety on the New York State Senator John E. Brooks this morning called upon the NYS Department of Transportation to take swift steps to improve roadway safety on the Southern State Parkway , following a chartered motorcoach crashing into an overpass Sunday night. The bus, carrying returning high school trip participants and chaperones from JFK Airport to Huntington , crashed into the bridge over the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview. The crash warranted an initial mass casualty incident response by Nassau County emergency services and other first responders from surrounding areas. The bus, restricted from entering onto the Southern State and with a height of 12 feet, attempted to travel under the overpass with a 7-foot, 7-inch clearance. In a letter to the NYS DOT, Senator Brooks wrote, This week, a tragic bridge strike occurred when a coach bus attempted to improperly pass underneath a low-height bridge. In order to reduce the number of bridge strikes, we must prioritize the installation of sensors on low-height entrance ramps. I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in dedicating $4.3 million to the installation of sensors at thirteen sites across Long Island. Senator Brooks added, It is with immediate urgency that we encourage the expedited installation of the remaining eight sensors that would notify the driver that the height of the vehicle does not meet the needed clearance requirements for the overpasses on the roadway...we must take immediate steps to improve safetyand consider additional safety measures, such as clearance bars at the entrance ramps, which would be a low-cost supplement to the ongoing program. Senator Brooks was joined by other elected representatives of constituents who live near and frequently use the Southern State Parkway, including Laura Gillen, Supervisor, Town of Hempstead ; NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, 22nd District; NYS Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino, 9th District; and Debra Mule, Nassau County Legislator, 5th District. The Southern State Parkway is the deadliest state parkway in the country and it happens to run right through the heart of Americas largest township, said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen. While our thoughts remain with the injured and we anxiously wait for the results of the Department of Transportations investigation, this highway remains unacceptably dangerous. I applaud State Senator Brooks and his office for pushing to make our highways and communities safer. Accidents occur more frequently on the Southern State Parkway on Long Island due to its outdated engineering, stated Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. New York State Department of Transportation and local municipalities must take a comprehensive approach in updating the exit and entrance ramps of the Southern State Parkway by expediting the installation of alert technology and other traffic control measures. This technology exists, lets not nickel and dime the safety of our fellow New Yorkers. Assemblywoman Pellegrino said, "My thoughts are with the victims of this weeks Southern State Parkway bus accident. Im praying they all make a full and speedy recovery. I am here today to call on The New York Department of Transportation to push up their timeline on the installation of sensors and alerts on the Southern State to ensure this kind of accident doesn't happen again. The Southern State Parkway is one of the deadliest roads in the country, with this stretch known locally as 'Blood Alley' and it's outrageous to me that's it's taken this long to address the low-standing bridge issue on the parkway, which has been a concern for decades. We are lucky that there were no fatalities this week, but we can't rely on luck alone, we need to act!" In March 1934 Stalin re-criminalised homosexuality across the whole of the Soviet Union. Henceforth anyone involved in homosexual acts could be sent to prison for three to five years. In the early years of the Russian Revolution, however, homosexuality had been legalised but this is something you will find little mention of in the literature produced by the official Communist Parties after 1934. Todays Stalinists, who model themselves on Stalins regime, have a lot of explaining to do. In 1922, homosexuality was legalised in revolutionary Soviet Russia, making it one of the most advanced countries in the world on this question. While Britain or the United States were still incarcerating homosexuals, gay men could live openly with their partners in Russia. England did not legalise homosexuality until 1967, with certain limitations, and full legalisation of homosexuality did not come about until 2000! In the United States, before 1962, homosexuality was considered a crime in every state, punishable with imprisonment; in Idaho one even risked a life sentence. Illinois was the first state to decriminalise consensual acts of same-sex love in 1962, but it was only in 2003 that, finally, homosexuality was no longer considered a crime across the whole of the USA. Spain decriminalized homosexuality in 1979, after the fall of the Franco regime; Canada did so in 1969, as did West Germany, Austria in 1971, Finland in 1971, Norway in 1972, and Ireland in 1993. I am writing a longer series of articles on the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Russia after the October revolution, how homosexuality was subsequently viewed, how the bureaucratic degeneration of the Russian revolution also slowly suffocated the freedoms won by homosexuals, and finally the build up to re-criminalisation in 1934. I will not, therefore deal with these questions in detail here. In the 1930s, after the criminalisation of homosexuality in the Soviet Union, the Stalinist Communist International became permeated with homophobia and in almost all those countries where Stalinist regimes came to power, homosexuality was criminalised, from Eastern Europe, to China, to Cuba. This only began to change under the pressure of the growing gay rights movement, especially on the back of the 1968 movement. This had not always been the case, however. The German Communist Party prior to the rise of Hitler in 1933 was in favour of homosexual emancipation, and it would have been unimaginable to members of that party that, in the mid-1930s, the very same anti-gay laws introduced by Hitler would also be adopted by Stalin. Stalin adopted the same anti-gay laws as Hitler in the mid-30s / Image: public domain A brief look at the 1920s shows that, in the early years, there was a general questioning of the old values that had dominated Russian society under the Tsar. Family law was changed from one of male priority within the family set up, to one of equality between the sexes. Men and women were declared equal, divorce was made easily available, abortion was legalised and so on. It was in this context that homosexuality was also legalised. It is also true to say that there were two trends present in Soviet society in the early days. There was a revolutionary trend that aimed to radically change the structure of society, but there was also an underlying conservative trend, an expression of the remnants of the old society and also the petit-bourgeois nature of the caste of bureaucrats that was beginning to emerge. There were the attempts to build communal kitchens, communal housing, communal laundries, to provide free generalised childcare and many other changes to facilitate the life of women in particular. At the same time, however, the limited development of the economy meant that the resources for all this to become a long-lasting reality did not exist. The isolation of the revolution to one country, and a backward one at that, meant that the leap towards a genuine communist society was not possible, and the other, more conservative trend eventually predominated. The traditional values began to creep back into society. Let us not forget that, especially within the state officialdom, it was the same old conservative petit-bourgeois layer in control. Once the complete isolation of the revolution had become evident, the hope of an international revolution saving the Soviet workers dissipated and was eventually lost in the consciousness of millions of people in the Soviet Union. In these conditions, one observes a change even in the ability to debate different opinions. In the early years there was genuine debate within the press, with sometimes very contrasting opinions being expressed. This was also seen in art and literature. But already from the early years there was another layer, that of the mediocre non-entities, those incapable of independent thought, the sycophants and yes-men and women. This layer was only interested in being seen as the perfect party activist, always carrying out the correct line. This line, however, was no longer to be achieved through genuine open debate, as had been the case when Lenin and Trotsky led the Bolshevik Party. Now the line was to be learnt by rote and passed down from above. In this atmosphere, the conservative views that permeated the bureaucracy slowly started emerging as the only accepted views. This did not take place overnight, but was a process drawn out over several years. More and more conservative views were expressed as the years went by. This was to have a tremendous impact on the treatment of homosexuals. Already, before the actual criminalisation of homosexuality in 1934, the regime under Stalin had been making life more difficult for homosexuals. The fate of Kuzmin The fate of one prominent figure, Mikhail Kuzmin, a famous poet and author, highlights the process. He was openly gay and had written much before the revolution. His most famous work was his 1906 Wings, the story of a young man who discovers his own homosexuality. Kuzmin welcomed the Russian Revolution and became a member of the Presidium of the Association of Artists in Petrograd together with writers such as Alexander Blok and Vladimir Mayakovsky. Mikhail Kuzmin was an openly gay, Russian author who was persecuted for his sexuality / Image: public domain By 1928, however, he enjoyed much less freedom. That was the year of his last public reading at the Institute of the History of Art. Although permission for the event was granted, no advertising was allowed and admission was to be on invitation only. Despite these attempts to stifle the event, on the evening the auditorium was overflowing, with people standing in the aisles and sitting on the floor. Many of those attending were homosexuals. In 1929 Kuzmin published a significant work, The Trout Breaks the Ice, a series of poems on a homosexual love affair. It was to be his last publication, after which none of his works were ever published again in the Soviet Union. But this was not the end of the victimisation of Kuzmin. Kazumin's 1906 book, Wings, is a book about a young man discovering his homosexuality / Image: fair use In 1931 his flat was searched by the security police. Before the police raid, his partner, Yuri Yurkun, had come under pressure from the GPU to inform on Kuzmin. In 1933 Kuzmin sold his diaries to the State Literary Museum. Its director, V. D. Bonch-Bruevich, was questioned as to why he had purchased such uncommonly trashy material, and then a purge of the staff at the museum was carried out. This was all before the actual re-criminalisation of homosexuality in 1934. Kuzmin had the fortune of dying of natural causes in 1936. His partner was not so fortunate. In 1938 he was arrested, interrogated for seven months and then executed on charges of counter-revolution. Counter-revolution in word and deed The 1920s saw a process of gradual bureaucratisation. It was the Left Opposition led by Leon Trotsky that fought to stop this. By the 1930s the Stalinist bureaucracy had a full grip on power and the political counter-revolution was complete. In the process, starting in the late 1920s and all through the 1930s, tens-of-thousands of genuine Bolsheviks were arrested on trumped-up charges, dragged to the gulags and made to work in the most terrible conditions until they literally dropped dead. Others were tortured to force them to confess to the most absurd crimes and then summarily shot. It was literally a one-sided civil war, with the bureaucracy having in its hands all the means to physically eliminate the defenceless oppositionists. All of this was depicted as a struggle against bourgeois counter-revolution. But this was just a means of covering up what they were really doing. In the process of degeneration, a privileged bureaucracy had risen above the workers. While still defending the state-owned planned economy, the bureaucracy snuffed out all elements of the genuine workers democracy that had prevailed in the early years of the revolution. In these conditions no critical thought was allowed. To allow such thinking would have meant a defence of workers democracy, something the bureaucracy could not tolerate. Had the workers had the power to elect their officials with the right of recall and to impose workers wages on those same officials, the bureaucracy as a privileged caste would have been endangered. The bureaucracy created an atmosphere where supposed counter-revolutionaries were to be found in every corner of Soviet society. This was also at a critical moment in the development of the Soviet Union. The negative impact of the forced collectivisation in the countryside was being felt and the bureaucracy was concerned by an actual fall in the population. Thus, everything shifted towards promoting the bourgeois family as the basis for the production and reproduction of labour. With this came the idealisation of motherhood, up to the point where mothers with more than seven children received incentives, very much like what Mussolini and Hitler were doing in the same period. Thus abortion was banned and divorce made less accessible. As we can see, this is the final triumph of the backward traditions of old Russia embodied in the prejudices of the bureaucracy. And these prejudices reached right to the top in the person of Stalin himself. At the same time a big purge of so-called counter-revolutionary elements was taking place throughout the country. The regime of terror was reaching its high point and an atmosphere of suspicion scapegoating was promoted everywhere. The 1934 re-criminalisation of homosexuality In this environment, the clampdown on homosexuals began. As we have seen in the case of Kuzmin, this occurred well before the actual, formal criminalisation of homosexuality. But by 1933 the process had picked up momentum. That year in late summer, for example, 130 men were arrested in Moscow and Leningrad during police raids against homosexuals. Such arrests continued into 1934. As there was as yet no law banning homosexuality, those arrested were accused of other crimes, usually counter-revolutionary activity. One witness stated that the gatherings of homosexuals were madeto appear as counterrevolutionary, Trotskyite, or even Hitlerite. The actual initiative for re-criminalising homosexuality came from the deputy chief of the OGPU, the secret police, G. G. Iagoda in September 1933, when he wrote a letter to Stalin insisting that a law against homosexuals was necessary from the point of view of state security. He presented homosexuals as belonging to a network of counter-revolutionary spies. Stalin was only too keen to act on Iagodas request, passing it onto Kaganovich, a member of the Politburo with an added note that, these scoundrels must receive exemplary punishment, and a corresponding guiding decree must be introduced in our legislation. Second from left: G. G. Iagoda / Image: public domain The note in the archives bears notes of acknowledgement, Correct! L. Kaganovich, and Of course. It is necessary. Molotov. Lazar Kaganovich and Molotov, belonging to the type of mediocre elements now at the top of the party, would have had no qualms in simply obeying Stalin. Had they had such qualms, they would have ended up facing a firing squad at some point. Instead, unlike many old Bolsheviks, they had the luxury of dying of old age! Iagoda then proceeded to draft a text for the law on 13 December of 1933. Just a few days later, on 16 December, the Politburo approved the draft. The very next day the All-Union Central Executive Committee of the USSR adopted the same draft, to be applied by all the component republics of the Union. On 7 March 1934 the draft became law in the USSR, followed on 1 April in the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR). In the process several changes were made to the original draft. Henceforth, men caught in homosexual acts could be arrested and sentenced to between three and five years in prison. In the subsequent years, thousands of homosexuals ended up in Stalins prisons and labour camps. The case of Harry Whyte, a British Communist Before the 1934 criminalisation in the Soviet Union, the Communist parties in Europe had been campaigning for homosexual emancipation, especially in Germany where there was a strong and organised gay rights movement which was to be subsequently brutally clamped down on by Hitler, with many homosexuals ending up in the concentration camps. It is an irony of history that the Stalinist regime denounced homosexuality as a bourgeois depravity, quoting Germany and the Nazis as examples, precisely when Hitler was moving in exactly the same direction as Stalin on this question! An example of the difficulties Stalin had in overcoming concern among European Communist Party members at this reactionary turn in the Soviet Union is provided by the experience of a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain who was working in Moscow at the Moscow Daily News. When he got news of the new law, he wrote a letter to Stalin asking him how he could justify it. (See his letter here: Can a homosexual be a communist?) In the letter, Harry Whyte, who was a gay man living with a Russian gay partner, recounted his efforts to find his partner who had just been arrested by the secret police during raids against homosexuals. In his letter, Whyte pointed out how the new law was cancelling all the progress that had been made in such matters after the revolution. Harry Whyte, reflecting the thinking of a loyal party member, believed that only homosexuals involved in genuine counter-revolutionary activities would be prosecuted, but was very quickly to discover that the law applied to all homosexuals. Stalin had Whytes letter archived, but first added his own note, An idiot and a degenerate, a clear reference to the author of the letter. Although he had the letter archived, such protests from gay Communists alerted Stalin to the need for a propaganda campaign to sway public opinion. Here he called on the help of someone who was more able than himself as a writer, Maksim Gorky, who hurriedly wrote an article, Proletarian Humanism, published in both Pravda and Izvestia in May 1934. The article was a rabidly homophobic text which positioned homosexuality as a western bourgeois disease, even an expression of the demoralising influence of Fascism. And the slogan he raised was, Destroy the homosexuals Fascism will disappear. Krylenko makes clear that all homosexuals are criminals In spite of all this, getting the law applied as firmly as Iagoda had wished for proved difficult. Both in the medical world and the judiciary, 15 years of legalised homosexuality had left their mark. Doctors, psychiatrists and judges had become accustomed to homosexuality being legal. Some even refused to believe that such a law could have been passed. Among this layer there was, therefore, an initial tendency to be lenient on homosexuals. Enforcing re-criminalisation was not as easy as Iagoda hoped / Image: public domain Krylenko, Peoples Commissar of Justice, in 1936, felt the need to explain the real nature of the new law. At a meeting of the Central Executive Committee he explained that homosexuals were class enemies and criminals. In reference to the decriminalisation of homosexuality after the revolution, he explained that legislation had been influenced by thinking in the West which viewed homosexuality as an illness and not a crime. It is worth quoting a section of his speech, which gives a taste of the bureaucracys rampant homophobia: In our environment, in the environment of the workers taking the point of view of normal relations between the sexes, who are building their society on healthy principles, we dont need little gentlemen of this type. Who then for the most part are our customers in these affairs? Workers? No! Declassed rabble. [Mirthful animation in the hall, laughter] Declassed rabble, either from the dregs of society or from the remnants of the exploiting classes. [Applause] They dont know which way to turn. [Laughter] So they turn to pederasty. [Laughter] (Quoted in Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia, by Dan Healey) With his speech, Krylenko made it crystal clear that all homosexuals were to be treated as criminals. In the period of the purges and show trials the repression of homosexuals was severe and was often used to hit dissidents. Once the task of rooting out all potential dissent had been carried out, with imprisonment, labour camps, torture, confessions and executions, the law continued to be acted on, but it seems with less vehemence. Gays were persecuted by the bureaucracy / Image: public domain Stalin would discover, however, that homosexuality cannot be decreed out of existence. The subsequent trials of homosexuals revealed that a gay subculture continued to exist, with known meeting places frequented by gay men. In the same trials, despite the prejudices of the bureaucrats charged with pursuing the law against homosexuality, it emerged that sex between men could be accompanied by genuine emotions of love and care. Incapable of understanding this as a natural human trait, it was explained away as due to some kind of defect in the men that produced a female and a male type. De-Stalinisation and the plight of homosexuals The repression of homosexuals continued right up to the death of Stalin and beyond. Thousands of homosexuals ended up in Stalins prisons and gulags. When he died, they were among the more than two million people condemned to forced labour. After Stalins death, the regime moved to reduce the population of the gulags with an amnesty for many of those held there. But the homosexuals were not included because they were considered common criminals. In fact, while the regime moved away from some of the worst aspects of the Stalinist terror, in the case of same-sex relations repression actually increased. Paradoxically, the forced enclosure of large numbers of men and women in separate camps in the prisons and labour camps actually increased the numbers involved in same-sex love. It seems that one of the things the regime feared upon releasing many of the gulag inmates was that these could infect wider society with the corrupting influence of homosexuality! Thousands of homosexuals were worked to death in gulags / Image: public domain The fate of lesbians was no better. If anything, things worsened for them. Many ended up being treated like political dissidents, declared mentally ill and sent to psychiatric hospitals for treatment, which meant being forced to take medication. Homosexuality would only finally be decriminalised in April 1993 and in 1996 this was confirmed in the drafting of a new criminal code. This was done in the context of the new regime wishing to break with much of the old Stalinist set up, as the bureaucracy moved towards capitalism, and away from the planned economy. Nonetheless, although same-sex relations were formally legalised, in practice life is not easy for gays in contemporary Russia. And there is still a widespread idea that homosexuality is alien to Russian society. Gays and lesbians have still to achieve the same level of freedom as achieved under the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution. As such the legacy of Stalinism is s clear contributing factor to the appalling treatment LGBT Russians face today. How many gay people suffered the humiliation of trial and imprisonment during the long 59-year period in which Soviet law criminalised homosexuality? It is difficult to calculate, with some claiming that up to 250,000 gay men were convicted, although more recent calculations seem to indicate that the real figure was about 60,000. From the 1960s through to the 1970s there was actually an increase in the number of men prosecuted for homosexual activities, the peak being reached in 1977-78 when over 1,300 were convicted in each of those years. The other Stalinist countries Prior to 1933-34, Communist Parties in different countries as we have seen had a position of calling for the emancipation of homosexuals. The German Communist Party, the biggest outside the Soviet Union at that time, had such a position. This was to radically change once homosexuality had been re-criminalised in the Soviet Union. This should not surprise us, as the Communist International and its national sections were no longer that vibrant, living, revolutionary force of the first four world congresses. If one reads the speeches, resolutions and statements of those congresses one will find genuine debate with different opinions expressed by delegates from the various national sections. One will see that the method of Lenin and Trotsky was to debate and convince those delegates that had contrasting views. With the rise of the bureaucracy in the Soviet Union this all changed. Stalins method was that of manoeuvres in the corridors and behind peoples backs. His speciality was calumny and slander. He was far better at organising witch-hunts than debating political ideas. Stalins rise was also the rise of the petty bureaucrat with petty conservative views. In this environment homophobia spread throughout the Comintern, and later, when regimes modelled on the bureaucratised Soviet Union were put in place in Eastern Europe, a similar hostile environment towards homosexuals was created. Homosexuality in most of the official Communist parties became seen as a degenerate behaviour emanating from bourgeois society. This had an enormously negative impact on the struggle against LGBT oppressions and served to sever the LGBT movement from Marxism and socialism for decades. Poland was the only exception, where the old 1932 Penal Code had decriminalised consensual same-sex acts, and that law was carried over into the Stalinist regime after the Second World War. However, in all the other Eastern bloc regimes homosexuality was treated as a criminal offence. Only years later did some of those regimes begin liberalising on the question. The decriminalisation of same-sex acts in Czechoslovakia and Hungary took place in 1962, in Bulgaria and East Germany in 1968, with the exception of Romania, which only decriminalised in 1996, several years after the fall of the Stalinist regimes. In Romania anti-gay legislation was particularly severe, with prison sentences that could be as high as 10 years. In Yugoslavia, which was not a satellite of the Soviet Union, each republic that made up the federation had autonomy in such legislation. Thus Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia decriminalised in 1977, while the other republics did so only after the collapse of the Yugoslav federal republic. Albania, an extremely autarchic regime, decriminalised in 1977, although complete decriminalisation did not take place until 1995, a few years after the collapse of the Stalinist regime of Hoxha. Homosexuality was eventually clamped down upon in Cuba, although attitudes have improved markedly since / Image: public domain In Cuba also, after the coming to power of Castro and also under the influence of the Soviet Union, homosexuality was criminalised. In the immediate aftermath of the Cuban Revolution, many prominent artists and intellectuals of a gay orientation were sympathetic to the new regime, seeing in it the prospect of social justice, including a liberalisation of attitudes towards homosexuality. But within a couple of years all this changed and there was a general clampdown on same-sex acts, with many homosexuals ending up imprisoned. It was only in the mid-1970s that a more tolerant approach began to emerge and in 1979 same-sex acts were legalised. What happened under the Maoist regime is of particular interest because China historically had had a tradition of accepted homosexuality going back to the very early period of its ancient civilisation. No one could claim that homosexuality had no place in Chinese society. It was only in more recent history that this had changed. And after the 1949 revolution, the same homophobic environment prevalent in the Soviet Union was also promoted in China. Maoist China adopted the same approach as the Soviet Union under Stalin, arresting gays and imprisoning them. During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, homosexuals were publicly humiliated and sentenced to long terms in prison. This remained the case throughout the Maoist period and homosexuality was only finally decriminalised in 1997, more than twenty years after Maos death. And it wasnt until 2001, that homosexuality was no longer officially classed as mental disorder. Even then, official attitudes towards same-sex activity were that it was an abnormality. Mao banned homosexuality / Image: public domain Vietnam is very different, where there is no record of homosexuality ever having been criminalised. That does not mean that official attitudes were friendly to gay people. It was often presented as a social evil and at one point there were calls for a law banning same-sex activities, but nothing came of it. Todays Stalinists and Maoists must give an answer As we can see, most of the Stalinist regimes after the Second World War criminalised homosexuality or carried over previous anti-gay legislation into their criminal codes. And most of them, gradually, from the 1960s through to the 1980s, decriminalised homosexuality. In this there were parallels with what was going on in the west. So one could argue they were no worse than what we had in Britain or the United States. But this would be missing one very important point. In 1922, at the time of Lenin and Trotsky, when the Soviet Union was still a relatively healthy workers state and the process of bureaucratic degeneration was only in its very early stages, under Bolshevik power, homosexuality was decriminalised. This placed the USSR in the vanguard internationally, far ahead of most of the more economically advanced countries in the West. And as we have seen, for almost 15 years same-sex relations were free from legal interference. Gay men and women could not be arrested and imprisoned. Today there are still adherents to the Stalinist tradition. The openly hard-line Stalinists still refer to the regime under Stalin as a model. The Maoists who claim Stalin as theirs and only condemn the Soviet Union after his death look to the regime under Mao as their model. They still refer to such theories as the Protracted Peoples War, historically modelled on Maos Long March, and try and apply this to modern, urbanised conditions. This leads to much confusion as to what it actually is. Where in the past it has been applied in practice in highly urbanised areas, such as in Latin America, it has ended up as urban guerrilla warfare totally isolated from the organised working class, and playing a counter-productive role. The same Maoists talk of the future regime they envisage as being one where there is freedom of dissent and unity in action, and they claim this comes from Mao! It is totally outside of historical reality to claim that there was freedom to dissent, either under Stalin or under Mao. They also talk of a future vanguard party in power whose elected representatives would be recallable by the people. Again, where and when was such a basic democratic right applied in Stalinist Russia or Maoist China? All of this is apologia for what was a monstrous bureaucratic regime. It denies historical reality. This doesnt stop some of these Stalinists, in particular latter-day Maoists, from adhering to identity politics, to promote the theory of intersectionality and so on. In doing so, they are very dishonest with their own past. Under Stalin and Mao if you were a gay person not to mention transgender you would suffer terrible treatment, humiliation and imprisonment. Modern-day Stalinists who adopt intersectionality ingore their own historical traditions of abusing and oppressing LGBT people / Image: public domain Other former Stalinists have abandoned any pretence of being Marxist or Communist and have moved over to the camp of bourgeois liberalism, and in so doing have embraced ideas which serve to divide the oppressed, rather than unite them. It is ironic that these people, who in the past would have been apologists of the totalitarian Stalinist regimes, now dress themselves up in the stinking clothes of bourgeois liberalism and prefer that no mention be made of their own past traditions. Those that still define themselves as Stalinists or Maoists, but who today campaign on LGBT issues, have to explain why they adhere to ideas that emanated from a privileged bureaucratic caste that destroyed the many rights won by the workers and peasants in 1917. They have to explain why this bureaucracy, which they idealise as true communists, overturned the 1922 law that decriminalised homosexuality. What role did that play in building communism? The reason they cannot give an explanation is because they do not recognise the fact that there was a bureaucracy which had usurped political power and had broken with much of what the Bolsheviks had fought for. They cannot accept that what came with this was a return to many of the prejudices of the old Tsarist class society. In the process basic, elementary rights, such as the right to an abortion for women, were lost. And in the process gay people were once again demoted to the level of common criminals. We, the Marxists, on the other hand, have every interest in setting straight the historical record. And part of this is establishing the truth of what the October revolution achieved in terms of homosexual emancipation and also how that was destroyed in the process of Stalinist degeneration. --- Note: Below are the main books and articles I read and consulted to establish the facts outlined in this article. They all make for interesting reading, but all of them have their own interpretations of what happened. The common weakness in all of them is a lack of understanding of the process of bureaucratisation which transformed the original Bolshevik regime, based on workers power, into a regime which destroyed workers power. The term Bolshevik is often used to describe the party and the government of the early 1920s as well as the later Stalinist totalitarian bureaucratic regime. Books: Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia, by Dan Healey, University of Chicago Press, 2001 Sexual Revolution in Bolshevik Russia, by Gregory Carleton, University of Pittsburgh Press, 2005 Gay Men and the Sexual History of the Political Left, edited by Gert Hekma, Harry Oosterhuis and James Steakley, Harrington Park Press, 1995 Articles: Can a homosexual be a communist? Harry Whytes letter to Stalin, 1934 Was Homosexuality Illegal in Communist Europe? By Lukasz Szulc, 24 October 2017 China: Information on treatment of homosexuals, published by United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 1 March 2001 A History Of Homosexuality In China by Hayden Blain, Updated: 2 November 2016 Mikhail Kuzmins short novel, Wings, is also available in English, published by Hesperus Press Limited in 2007 Join the International Marxist Tendency and help build a revolutionary organisation to participate in the struggle for socialism worldwide! In order to join fill in this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. MichelleS: I started Paula Quinns The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd. OMG. So in love already just on chapter 4. This is exactly what I needed. Adventure. A wicked wicked hot pirate, the Highland lassie who is s tow-away on his ship with a saucy mouth and a virgin. YES dont laugh people. I used to devour this stuff. And you know what? When done right, it is so freaking awesome. And I love love love Paula Quinn, so this is fabulous. And did I mention the heat? I was having an hour long message this morning and kept thinking, when can I get back to my book? So you know Ive got THAt feeling. And I needed that. A total escape. MichelleS: yipee. I am loving this swashbuckling pirate. Hes so bad! And she is so feisty. This is just fun. And sometimes I need fun. (kind of reminds me of Kresley Coles Captain of all Pleasures, remember that one? adventure from page one? that feel). Anyway didnt want you to miss out on the sexy pirate, If youre in a mood for that 1800s adventure romance. I have to get back to the story. Her daddy and uncle (the Chieftain of the clan) are not happy about her abduction (they dont know she stowed away) and they are coming after him! GASP! And, of course, they just landed in Portugal and the local ladies are all over him like bees on honey and she is not happy! SNORT. Remember loving this stuff? MichelleS: BTW, finished The Wicked ways of Alexander Kidd. Loved it. Exactly what I needed to clean my palate. this heroine is not a wishy-washy girl the total opposite. Maybe thats why I loved it I needed a stubborn wench who slaps pirates when they get too handsy!! HA! Despite lots of finger-wagging, Facebook seems to have avoided serious short-term damage after two days in the Congressional spotlight. From potential regulation to accusations of political bias, a contrite Mark Zuckerberg faced tough questions from lawmakers, but avoided making any major concessions. Facebook avoided much damage, which is probably the best outcome that the company might have hoped for from this event, Pivotal Research analyst Brian Wieser suggests in a note to clients. In large part, Wieser attributed the relative win to a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the Cambridge Analytica issue and related problems among members of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Other analysts agreed with this assessment. advertisement advertisement Fully half the senators [didnt] seem to understand how the internet and digital advertising work, Forrester Researchs Fatemeh Khatibloo writes in a new note. As a result, Zuckerberg was able to dodge questions regarding Facebooks data-collection policies, its virtual dominance of the online ad business and other big issues. Zuckerberg spent an awful lot of time evading questions about how Facebook has cornered the digital advertising market so effectively, Khatibloo noted. Research suggests the bad press isnt cutting into Facebooks bottom line. Indeed, new findings show that Facebooks ad spend through 4C's media planning and buying platform increased 62%, year-over-year -- and specifically week-over-week during the weeks of March 17 (7%) and March 24 (15%). Were seeing continued strength for Facebook advertising, despite the negative headlines, Aaron Goldman, CMO at 4C Insights, comments in a new report. Lon- term, however, Facebook may be heading for trouble. There are ongoing regulatory headwinds ahead, Wieser predicts. Congress is still planning to hold hearings devoted exclusively to Facebooks Cambridge Analytica scandal. That, and the looming implementation of GDPR in Europe next month, suggest more negative regulatory news flow to come, said Wieser. by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, April 12, 2018 Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg didn't just face questions about privacy during this week's hearings on Capitol Hill. Some GOP members also took the opportunity to criticize Zuckerberg for something else entirely -- Facebook's supposed censorship of conservative-leaning posts. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was among the most vocal of Facebook's accusers. "There are a great many Americans who I think are deeply concerned that Facebook and other tech companies are engaged in a pervasive pattern of bias and political censorship," Cruz told Zuckerberg. Facebook "has blocked a post of a Fox News reporter, has blocked over two dozen Catholic pages, and most recently blocked Trump supporters Diamond and Silk's page, with 1.2 million Facebook followers," Cruz continued. "To a great many Americans that appears to be a pervasive pattern of political bias." advertisement advertisement Zuckerberg acknowledged the concern, saying that Silicon Valley "is an extremely left-leaning place." But, he added, he tries to make sure "we do not have any bias in the work that we do." But GOP members like Rep. Joe Barton (Texas), Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee) and Billy Long (Missouri) continued to grill Zuckerberg about the topic, particularly Facebook's treatment of "Diamond and Silk" -- the stage names of African-American siblings Lynette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson, who are known for promoting President Trump in their YouTube videos. Last week, they said their videos had been deemed "unsafe" by Facebook. Zuckerberg told lawmakers the decision about Diamond and Silk was an "enforcement error" that the company was reversing. It's worth noting that some conservatives have accused other Silicon Valley companies of anti-conservative bias. Last year, for instance, Prager University sued Google for allegedly discriminating against conservative clips on YouTube. U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California recently threw out that case, ruling that Google is a private business and is therefore free to treat content on its platform however it wishes. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai also has criticized Silicon Valley companies, including Twitter, for allegedly showing bias against conservatives. "To say the least, the company appears to have a double standard when it comes to suspending or de-verifying conservative users accounts as opposed to those of liberal users," Pai said last year, referring to Twitter. Among other examples, Pai said that Twitter flagged an AT&T blog post about its views on net neutrality as potential spam and prevented users from re-tweeting it. Twitter said the block was caused by a glitch. At this week's hearings, Cruz made the astonishing suggestion that Facebook could lose protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act -- a law that shields websites from liability for illegal content posted by users -- if it fails to act in a neutral manner. "The predicate for Section 230 immunity under the CDA is that you're a neutral public forum. Do you consider yourself a neutral public forum, or are you engaged in political speech?," the senator asked. Zuckerberg said that the company's goal was not "to engage in political speech." He added that he was unfamiliar with the specific language of the Communications Decency Act. People who are more familiar with the law's language say there is no doubt Cruz was wrong. "Online platforms are within their First Amendment rights to moderate their online platforms however they like, and theyre additionally shielded by Section 230 for many types of liability for their users' speech," the Electronic Frontier Foundation writes. "Its not one or the other. Its both." by Larissa Faw , April 13, 2018 Four agencies are bolstering their leadership teams. Walton Isaacson promotes Christine Villanueva to the newly created Chief Strategy and Brand Officer to oversee all branding efforts on behalf of clients, as well as work with the agencys cross disciplinary leadership team on the agencys brand messaging. This new elevation reflects her contributions to the agency's growth. Villanueva, who holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Michigan, first joined Walton Isaacson in August 2016 as senior vice president, head of strategy. Since then, she has been credited with helping develop work for clients including Lexus Black Panther work, NYPD, McDonalds and Nike. "A true pioneer of cross-cultural planning, Christines career has been steeped in both multicultural and broad-based consumer insight work and analytics, says Walton Isaacson co-founder and partner Aaron Walton. She has impeccable credentials, perfect for this position. At the University of Michigan she studied ethnicity and identity, the psychophysiology of emotions, and evolutionary psychology. advertisement advertisement Opinionated is appointing Trish Adams as newly created president to join the executive leadership team of founder Mark Fitzloff, and co-executive creative director Rob Palmer to oversee the Portland, Oregon-based agency. Adams spent the last 21 years at Wieden+Kennedy (WK), where she has held various leadership positions. During her tenure, she has managed accounts including Microsoft, Amazon.com, AOL, Belvedere/Chopin Vodka, Starbucks and P&Gs Eukanuba. This role reunites Adams and Fitzloff, who originally worked together at WK. Fitzloff then launched his own shop last year after departing from that agency. Trish and I have worked together since the Nineties. She is a fantastic leader -- the kind people line up to follow. And she knows how to inspire a team to tackle the most difficult creative challenges, says Fitzloff. Trish is truly one of the most talented account people out there, and with her on board, I feel like anything is possible for Opinionated. MediaLink appoints Nick Manning, ex-Ebiquity, as senior vice president to help the Ascential-owned company expand the advisory firm in Europe, including hiring new talent. He will work closely with vice chairman Wenda Harris Millard, who launched MediaLinks London office in June 2017. Sid Lee Paris is strengthening the agency's collaborations within other Sid Lee locations, as well as with sister kyu agencies and Hakuhodo DY Holdings companies by promoting Alex Pasini to senior vice president, global alliances to oversee the "internationalizing" of the Parisian office. He will also be tasked with ensuring seamless communications with the Sid Lee collective as a whole, as well as coordinate processes with the different agencies in the Hakuhodo group and kyu collective. Eugenie Valletoux, ex-BETC Paris, joins as integration and new business director to work with Pasini to create these synergies between the various entities. by Tanya Gazdik , April 13, 2018 Tourism Australia is launching a campaign in conjunction with Expedia Group Media Solutions that focuses on U.S.travelers. An Australian Adventure, which has just launched on expedia.com in the U.S., aims to leverage the momentum from Tourism Australias tongue-in-cheek Dundee Super Bowl commercial. It further positions Australia as a top destination for American travelers to help shift consideration among competitive destinations. The Dundee teasers and the Super Bowl ad were all about grabbing Americas attention and creating a platform to capture the conversion opportunity for destination Australia, says Lisa Ronson, chief marketing officer at Tourism Australia. advertisement advertisement Online travel agencies play a key part in the U.S. consumers travel journey, from research and planning through to booking, and Expedia Group has the largest share, she adds. With their reach, distribution platform and ability to target, they have exactly the conversion tools we need to capitalize on Dundee and now translate the incredible awareness and interest weve generated into high-yielding holiday bookings, Ranson says. Developed for Tourism Australia by Expedia Group Media Solutions Creative Partnerships team, which acts as an in-house creative agency, the choose-your-own-travel-adventure style of campaign aims to help potential visitors plan and book their perfect trip to Australia. Four state partners, including Tourism Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Visit Victoria, are also participating in the campaign to increase Australias overall presence online. The campaign microsite features a mix of dynamic content, videos, imagery and information to showcase Australias unique landmarks and landscape, welcoming people, nature and wildlife as well as food and wine. Visitors to the microsite simply answer a few simple questions regarding trip duration, traveler type, ideal trip type and interests. They then receive a range of tailored destination recommendations and suggested itineraries for their trip to Australia, along with breath-taking video, imagery, tips and information all designed to drive conversion. We believe in innovation through collaboration and have been thrilled to work with Tourism Australia on this campaign, said Hari Nair, global senior vice president at Expedia Group Media Solutions when discussing the campaign recently at the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Summit in Sydney. The Dundee adverts were highly successful in raising traveler awareness in the U.S. and we are excited to show how Expedia Groups global reach and technology platforms can be used to amplify that awareness, and ultimately, grow U.S. bookings for Tourism Australia. by Melynda Fuller , April 13, 2018 On Thursday afternoon, during what was supposed to be a routine meeting, dozens of Los Angeles Times employees were laid off en masse, due to a change in the companys business structure, the paper reports. Also out is former editor-in-chief Lewis DVorkin. DVorkin was appointed editor of the L.A. Times in October of last year and caused much tension and discord in the newsroom. He was quickly moved to the role of Chief Content Officer of Tribune Interactive. DVorkin was also temporarily put on unpaid leave after NPR reported he had been a defendant in two sexual harassment cases before joining the company. He was later cleared of wrongdoing. Other staff losses came from the newly formed Tribune Interactives Los Angeles-based video and content teams, which worked independently from the paper. advertisement advertisement Just a few weeks ago, Tronc laid off employees at one of its other publications, The Chicago Tribune. On Wednesday of this week, the Tribunes newsroom voted to unionize. The news of The L.A. Times layoffs come as the paper is close to closing a deal with L.A. biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong later this month. Soon-Shiong is also purchasing The San Diego Union-Tribune in the deal. Today, it was reported that Soon-Shiong wants to move the L.A. Times from its home in downtown Los Angeles to El Segundo, 20 miles away from its current headquarters and outside city limits. Separately, GateHouse Media announced it would acquire the Akron Beacon Journal for $16 million from Canada-based Black Press Group Ltd. The deal also includes Ohio.com. As part of the agreement, GateHouse Media will sell its Alaskan assets, which include the Juneau Empire, Peninsula Clarion and Homer News, to Black Press. The Akron Beacon Journal was founded in 1839 as the Summit Beacon and later merged with the Akron Evening Journal in 1897, to become its current iteration. The paper has a daily circulation of 68,000 and has won several Pulitzer Prizes in its history, including for its coverage of the Kent State shootings and a series of anti-Vietnam columns by John S. Knight. GateHouse has amassed a reputation for collecting newspapers then stripping them of staff and resources. According to Crains Cleveland Business, Beacon employees took to social media to express their anxiousness following the announcement, with reporter Katie Byard stating on Facebook: Well we've been sold to Gatehouse, and we have no guarantee of a job will learn soon whether we get an interview and whether we get an 'offer' of a job. 'We are not accepting the labor agreements,' said one of the Gatehouse officials. "Yes, they can do that because it is an asset sale." Black Press owns more than 100 papers in the U.S. and Canada, while GateHouse owns more than 140 newspapers nationwide. Ragweed plants are a common allergen. When a person breathes in ragweed pollen, their immune system may react as if it is an illness-causing substance, and they may experience allergy symptoms. There are 17 types of ragweed that grow in the United States, typically releasing pollen between August and September. Just one plant can release as many as 1 billion pollen grains, which create future ragweed plants and cause significant seasonal allergies. In this article, learn about the symptoms and causes of ragweed allergies, as well as how to treat them and prevent symptoms in the future. Symptoms Share on Pinterest Ragweed plants come in many varieties and may cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing or an itchy throat. A ragweed allergy can cause many symptoms, including: itchy eyes, nose, and throat puffy eyes runny or stuffy nose sneezing difficulty sleeping Ragweed allergy symptoms tend to occur in the late summer to early fall when ragweed pollen starts to spread. Ragweed pollen usually peaks in mid-September. A person may notice their symptoms subside after that time. In addition to these symptoms, a ragweed allergy may irritate the upper airways, leading to coughing and wheezing in someone who has asthma. When and where does ragweed grow? Ragweed tends to grow in rural areas in every state in the U.S. except Alaska. Common sites for ragweed to appear include riverbanks, roadsides, fields, and in vacant lots. Ragweed seeds can stay dormant for 10 years or more and still grow into plants. Types of ragweed include: sage mugwart burweed marsh elder eupatorium groundsel bush rabbit brush Warm temperatures, winds, and humidity all help ragweed growth and transfer the pollen across large areas. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pollen has been found 400 miles out at sea and 2 miles up in the air. Ragweed is particularly resistant to herbicides, making it very difficult for farmers to kill when it is on their land. Ragweed pollen counts tend to be at their highest when the temperatures are warmest during the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Foods to avoid Share on Pinterest Zucchini should be avoided by those with a ragweed allergy. People with ragweed allergies are often also sensitive to certain foods. This is because some plants can contain pollen that is similar to ragweed. The condition is known as oral allergy syndrome. Foods that may cause symptoms in a person with a ragweed allergy include: bananas cantaloupes chamomile tea cucumber honey that contains pollen sunflower seeds zucchini Some individuals may only experience mild symptoms, such as a runny nose or sneezing when eating these foods. People can reduce the effects of oral allergy syndrome by cooking, peeling, or canning the fruits. Causes A ragweed allergy occurs if a persons immune system is sensitive to ragweed pollen. When that person comes into contact with ragweed, their body will release immune system compounds that are called IgE. These compounds are meant to contain the pollen, but they also signal the release of inflammatory compounds called histamines. The histamines go to the areas where the pollen was inhaled, often causing swelling and irritation in the nasal passages. As a result, a person may experience sniffling, sneezing, and itching, usually around the nose and eyes. Diagnosis Doctors can often diagnose a ragweed allergy based on a persons symptoms alone. They will usually ask when they first noticed symptoms and what makes them worse or better. To confirm a ragweed allergy, a doctor can perform skin prick testing. This involves placing a small drop of diluted ragweed pollen on to the skin, then making a small scratch or prick. If a person is allergic to ragweed, they will experience a mild reaction, including swelling, itching, or redness. Another option to confirm an allergy is to have a blood test. A laboratory can test the blood for the presence of ragweed antibodies that indicate an allergy. Treatments Share on Pinterest Avoid drying clothes or sheets outdoors, as they may come into contact with ragweed pollen. Unfortunately, there is no cure for a ragweed allergy. However, there are many treatments available to help manage the symptoms. To reduce ragweed allergy symptoms, a person can: Check pollen counts daily and avoid going outside for an extended time when pollen counts are high. Change their clothes or take a shower after going outside during ragweed season. Keep windows closed when driving and at home. This can help to keep indoor areas pollen-free. Switch indoor air filters to certified asthma- and allergy-friendly HEPA filters. Take anti-allergy medications. These include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Ideally, a person can start to take these medications 1 to 2 weeks before seasonal allergy symptoms start. Use anti-itch eye drops or anti-inflammatory nasal sprays to reduce itching. Refrain from drying clothes on an outdoor line to avoid the clothes picking up pollen. Shampoo pets regularly if they go outdoors to prevent them from bringing pollen indoors. Wash bedding in warm, soapy water once a week to ensure pollen is not lingering on the sheets. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy injections for more severe symptoms. These involve injecting increasingly larger amounts of ragweed pollen to reduce a persons symptoms. Immunotherapy injections can help someone find relief from ragweed allergy symptoms for many years. If a person has a fear of needles, they may be able to talk to doctors about tablets or drops to help reduce allergy symptoms. In todays world, social media is central to our lives. It helps us to stay in touch with our friends, promote our work, and follow the latest news. How do these networks impact our mental and physical health? Is it time to take a break from being permanently online? Share on Pinterest Social media can be helpful and entertaining, but sometimes, it causes more harm than good. Nowadays, we have plenty of social networking sites to choose from, and the options seem to be ever expanding. Many people actually hold multiple accounts, which they may use for different purposes. I, for one, use one platform to communicate with friends and family, and another to stay up to date with the most recent research developments. Sometimes, however, a sense of dread creeps in: what if Im wasting too much of my time reading the news instead of actually writing the news? What if my Facebook friends are doing more with their lives? When these thoughts strike, it feels as though social media is a sort of black hole, sucking up time as well as mental and emotional energy. Would I be better off unplugging more often? And it seems that Im not the only one having these concerns. In speaking to my colleagues in the Medical News Today office, I learned that a similar sense of unease regarding social media was a common denominator. It takes me out of the now all the time, one colleague reported, and several others said that they were worried by social networks echo chamber effects. Also, colleagues who had already said their goodbyes to social media still stand by their decision wholeheartedly. I have stopped using [social media] because of fear of missing out and always being sad about other people doing fun stuff or appearing to do fun stuff, one such colleague confessed. I know that its all a fantasy world but its impossible not to be sucked into it and made to feel as though your life is less fun than others. I am so much happier without [these accounts]. Over the past couple of years, many people especially from the younger generations have been leaving social networking websites. Viral talks from those who left social media for a month or more such as this one suggest that a proper detox has helped them to become more relaxed, focused, and productive. But does scientific research support these anecdotal conclusions? Spoiler alert: yes. And heres what it says. 1. Social media can affect mental health A number of studies have linked social media use with increased levels of depression, anxiety, and isolation. Share on Pinterest Social media lovers have twice the risk of depression, compared with their less enthusiastic peers. Research has revealed that younger and older users alike are in danger of breaking under the pressure of unachievable standards of beauty and success, which are often inherent in the workings of social networking websites. A study published last month found that among children aged 10 who are active on the Internet, social media accounts could have [a negative] impact on well-being later in adolescence and perhaps throughout adulthood, the authors explain. Among young adult users, social media notably increases the incidence of anxiety and depression, according to the results of a sizeable study conducted in 2016. In fact, the researchers saw that users who frequently checked their accounts had a more than twice as high a risk of depression than their less social media-oriented peers. This may partly be due to the fact that social networks create an artificial need to be available 24/7, to respond to messages and emoji reactions instantly. But this attitude creates an unnecessary amount of low-key stress that takes its toll on our emotional well-being. And, despite the fact that such platforms are supposed to enhance our sense of connectedness with other people, research has found that they actually have the opposite effect: they render dedicated users lonelier and more isolated. However, this shouldnt really surprise us. The hyperconnectedness takes place at a superficial level, eliminating all of the extra elements that make communication more valuable and psychologically constructive. Such elements include eye contact, body language, the possibility of listening for changes in our interlocutors tone of voice, or the possibility of physical touch. 2. Online interactions can harm relationships Social media websites can also promote loneliness by harming the quality of relationships in direct and indirect ways. Share on Pinterest Seemingly harmless comments on social media can pull at the wrong strings and drive people apart. Firstly, theres only so much that you can control when it comes to what your friends or often friends share about you on their social media accounts. Perhaps a new acquaintance thinks its funny, for example, to publicly share an unflattering photo of you two at the bar after work. Or, maybe your third cousin is amused by the idea of tagging you in a meme with doubtful implications. Such situations may cause embarrassment at best, but a study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior suggests that these moments can often damage relationships in irreparable ways. We found, explains study co-author Yvette Wohn, that people who tried to remove or justify embarrassing content actually experienced a decline in their relationship with the offender. It may be important for people to know that trying to engage in impression management may also come at the expense of a personal relationship, she adds. However, the things that we post on our personal pages can also have unintended consequences. Throwaway comments, links and quotes shared out of context, or misplaced jokes can all be doubly damaging in a medium that encourages quick sharing and rushed reading. Social media is instant, in some cases can reach millions of people at once, and can even instigate behaviors. We often dont even know who might eventually read it and how it will affect them, warns Nels Oscar, who conducted a study on how social networking websites perpetuate stereotypes. His research focused on what kinds of views about Alzheimers disease were shared through social media, and the findings were shocking. The study saw that 21.13 percent of all Tweets [] used [Alzheimers disease]-related keywords in a stigmatizing fashion. A point many people dont understand when using social media is that their intent is often irrelevant. All people eventually see is the comment, without any other context, and have to deal with the pain it can cause. Nels Oscar 3. Social media can fuel dangerous behaviors Another reason to be wary of how much time we spend on social media networks is because they are designed to make us come back for more. Share on Pinterest Research has shown that what we see on social media can lead us to make poor decisions and form dangerous habits. Last year, researchers in the United States and the Netherlands looked at the degree to which we are conditioned to immediately respond even to simple visual cues related to social media. They found that just seeing the Facebook logo makes people want to go onto the website and look at their feed. In other words, weve learned to just automatically click as if on command, without thinking too much about it. Another set of experiments, conducted a few years earlier, reached an even more worrying conclusion: that the superficial way in which social media teaches us to engage with the world actually fuels irrational behavior. Vincent F. Hendricks, from the University of Copenhagen, and Pelle Hansen, of Roskilde University both of which are in Denmark explain: With the advent of modern information technology, we more often than not base decisions on aggregated public signals such as likes, upvotes, or retweets on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter rather than taking the time to reflect and deliberate ourselves, with possibly severe consequences for democracy. Also, the carefully groomed aspect of what we see on social media can lead us to make harmful decisions, without realizing how dangerous they can actually be. One study from the University of Houston in Texas investigated how and why university students fall into heavy drinking after they misread the posts that their friends share online. Heavier drinkers tend to overestimate how much others are drinking, and they tend to think that they are drinking less than whats normal, notes study co-author Nguyen Steers. But, she adds, When heavy drinkers are confronted with whats actually normal, theyre usually surprised when they realize theyre drinking way above the norm. 4. Our physical health is at risk An over-active social media presence can leave its mark not just on our mental health, as we noted above, but also on our physical health particularly by altering our sleep patterns. Share on Pinterest Our online activities can interefere with our sleeping patterns. A 2014 study of U.S. adults aged 1932 found that the participants checked their preferred social media accounts for over an hour per day, on average, and about 30 times per week. And, 57 percent of these users reported sleep disturbances. The researchers suggest that the reason behind why social media users may experience poor sleep could include: the fact that they feel compelled to be active on these websites at all hours, including late at night the possibility that social media use may promote emotional, cognitive, and/or physiological arousal the fact that exposure to bright screens before bedtime has been linked to disturbed sleep Research published in the journal Acta Paediatrica says that the same holds true for younger users, aged 1120. Of the 5,242 study participants, 73.4 percent reported that they used social media for at least 1 hour every day, and 63.6 percent reported getting insufficient sleep. The impact social media can have on sleep patterns, says senior author Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, is a topic of great interest given the well-known adverse effects of sleep deprivation on health. Alia Bhatt has both baffled and amazed her fans with the fantastic trailer of her upcoming thriller 'Raazi', where she plays the role of a Kashmiri spy called Sehmat. The movie is actually inspired by a real-life story, which makes it all the more exciting. However, she managed to play this role with conviction thanks to her intense dedication in order to get into the skin of the character. While playing a glamorous role usually requires an actor to do nothing more than looking good and convincing on screen with some slick dance skills to boot, portraying a raw character like that of Sehmat requires a whole different kind of effort. And Alia has brought that with her in spades for 'Raazi'. Playing a spy meant that Alia had to learn how to fight and skilfully disarm men in real life and also knowing how the Morse code works. This newly released behind-the-scenes video gives a glimpse of how she managed to nail this entire look and justify the script. The actor even learned how to drive for the role, even though she has never driven in her life. The movie is the story of a Kashmiri woman who marries into a Pakistani family and spies for India. The movie also stars Soni Razdan and Vicky Kaushal and is going to hit screens on May 11th. The gruesome gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl from the Muslim Bakherwal nomad community, inside a temple in Kathua district, has sent shockwaves throughout the country and the world as well. The gruesome details of the pain and trauma the little girl had to go through before getting murdered still sends shivers down our spines. If the culprits behind this monstrous act are punished, the credit will go to Ramesh Kumar Jalla, the Senior Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch), who along with his team is spearheading the investigation and has arrested all the accused. It was Jalla, who uncovered the horrific details of how she was abducted, kept hidden inside a temple, raped repeatedly, and then finally murdered. Thinkstock Photos (For Representation) On one hand, where some people are trying to cover up this heinous crime in the garb of politics and religion, Jalla who is a Kashmiri Pandit from Srinagar, has been working hard to get justice for the victim. Jalla and his team finished their investigation, reportedly in record time and submitted a charge sheet on April 9, 10 days ahead of the 90-day deadline fixed by the High Court. Facebook A Facebook user, Arun Arya shared a post about Jalla and his team's efforts, which since then has gone viral. In the post, he wrote about how Ramesh exposed the culprits. He further added that for Jalla, his duty was supreme and he didn't let extraneous factors distract him. He was under tremendous pressure from the BJP ministers who had also participated in the protest march of the Hindu Ekta March. He is now at the receiving end of the wrath of Hindutva brigade, but he doesn't care. Salute to him. Jalla's fearless and transparent investigation, led to the arrest of the accused, some of them were his colleagues. We need more officers like Jalla, who are the real face of Indian Democracy and keep our faith alive in humanity by ensuring that justice is served. Although Turkish import scrap prices for Northern Europe-origin material were up by $0.59 per tonne week-on-week on Friday after mills returned to buying activity, small decreases were recorded in Indian import prices, Taiwanese import prices and containerized US export prices over the past seven days.After starting the week quietly, Turkish steel producers returned to buying deep-sea cargoes and booked more than 120,000 tonnes of scrap over the past seven days.A steel producer in the Izmir region booked a Baltic Sea cargo, comprising 25,000 tonnes of HMS 1&2 (80:20) at $352 per tonne and 5,000 tonnes of bonus at $362 per tonne cfr on Wednesday.Three deep-sea cargo trades were heard on Thursday, although the deals had been made late on Wednesday, according to market sources.A steel mill in the Marmara region booked a European cargo, comprising 19,000 tonnes of HMS 1&2 (75:25), 5,000 tonnes of shredded and 11,000 tonnes of bonus at an average price of $354.50 per tonne cfr.The same mill also booked a Baltic Sea cargo, comprising 27,000 tonnes of HMS 1&2 (80:20) at $354 per tonne and 8,000 tonnes of bonus at $365 per tonne cfr.Meanwhile, a second steel mill in the same region booked a UK cargo, comprising 36,000 tonnes of HMS 1&2 (80:20) at $354 per tonne cfr. The cargo was scheduled to be shipped by May 20 at the latest.I think [the market] was [at] the lowest level scrap prices could reach, and there will be more bookings from now on, a Turkish source said. Scrap prices will rebound from these values.The Turkish mills have just started May bookings, a Turkish source said on Friday. They still need more scrap and I believe we will hear of more bookings today or Monday.The United States ferrous scrap export market has been caving under downward pressure , with containerized scrap prices slipping on both the East and West Coasts and lower-priced international deals with Turkey prompting exporters in the former region to pre-emptively lower their buying prices.No bulk cargoes have been confirmed sold from either of the US coasts for two-and-a-half weeks, with Turkish mills preferring more affordable cargoes from Europe and the Baltic Sea.The persistently lower price levels to Turkey gave US East Coast exporters the impetus to reduce dock-buying prices, even though they have not made any cargo deals to Turkey in weeks. The average dock prices for HMS 1 scrap in Boston and New York were down by $10-15 per gross ton to $305 and $300 per ton respectively.I think they are just hedging. The exporters are concerned that Turkey will come back to the US market at lower numbers, so they dont want to get stuck with high-priced inventory in the long run, an East Coast processor source said.An export source echoed this view, noting that exporters are reducing their buying prices to maintain their margins. There is still money to be made even if US exporters accept prices in the mid-$350-per-tonne range in their next sales, because the spread between dock-buying and export pricing would be in the range of $40-45 per tonne, he added.I get the sense that a $20 [cumulative reduction] may be [an end point], a seller to the domestic and export sector said. [The exporters] are taking prices down by $20 [per ton] based on European sales to Turkey and not sales to Bangladesh or Egypt they are just dropping their prices and seeing what happens.US exporters on the East Coast were comfortable about lowering their buying prices now that the price of obsolete scrap grades has settled at a modest increase of $10-15 per ton for April in the coastal region. The onset of better spring weather is also drawing more scrap into the supply chain, resulting in improved flows.Prices for containerized shredded scrap imports into India moved downward again this week despite trading conditions improving by the end of the period, market sources told Metal Bulletin.Shredded scrap was said to be available at $380-385 per tonne cfr Nhava Sheva on Friday, with deals heard at the end of the week at $382 per tonne cfr for 12,000-13,000 tonnes of material and at $380-385 per tonne cfr for 500 tonnes of UK-origin material.Deals for shredded concluded earlier in the week were heard at $370-375 per tonne cfr Nhava Sheva.At this point, I dont see any trigger to increase the price of scrap and steel products. My personal feeling is that the upside is a little capped at the moment, one buyer said.Although there was a good amount of market activity this week, one trader told Metal Bulletin that prices needed to drop further to bring more buyers into the market.Markets are shrinking. There is a thought that if shredded prices reach $370 per tonne cfr, there will be lots of booking, he said.And some market traders were taking positions in the market in the belief that prices were about to rise.I feel like this is a buying time, one trader said, with another trader saying that people are waiting for the market to pick up.Import prices for containerized HMS-grade scrap in Taiwan resumed their decline this week , with soft demand continuing to weigh on prices.US scrap was offered at $335-340 per tonne cfr Taiwan this week. There were no offers heard last week, with Taiwan on holiday for the Qingming Festival, or tomb-sweeping day, on April 5 and 6.Deals involving small shipments were concluded at $330-335 per tonne cfr Taiwan, sources said, with buyers submitting bids at $330 per tonne cfr Taiwan.Demand has been thinner because buyers are not willing to purchase large shipments in the spot market, a Taiwanese trader said on Friday.An unclear market outlook is also making market participants hold back.There is no sign that the market has improved. Sellers have also only sold small quantities this week, in case there is an improvement in the spot market soon. While this may happen, because steel futures in China have recovered, there is still no concrete sign that it will, an end-user source said. Turkish domestic ship scrap prices fell slightly with the Turkish lira weakening against the US dollar, while auto bundle scrap prices remained flat, sources said.The downward movement in the weekly ship scrap assessment came after long steel mill Habas reduced its buy price for the material to $350 per tonne delivered, while fellow long steel mill Ege Celik reduced its buy price to $341 per tonne.Cem Turken in Mugla, Carrie Bone in London, Mei Ling Toh in New York and Paul Lim in Singapore contributed to this report. Man admits to sex offender-related charge A Lansing man pleaded guilty in court recently to failing to register with Michigan's Sex Offender Registry and being a second-time habitual offender. Marty Allan Erskine, 40, is scheduled to appear in court next on May 21 for sentencing. His bond was cancelled. Erskine is being represented by Bad Axe-based attorney Dallas Rooney. Man sentenced on cocaine charge A Gagetown man was sentenced to 150 days in jail this week on one count of delivery of a controlled substance-cocaine. Jason Matthew Torres, 44, was placed on probation for a period of 12 months and given credit for 83 days served. The court ordered Torres to serve 28 days immediately and the remaining time will be held in abeyance of his probation. Torres was ordered to pay $130 to the Crime Victims Rights fund, $68 in State Minimum Costs, $60 toward DNA testing and $80 in restitution. He was ordered to complete outpatient substance abuse treatment and must not consume any drugs or alcohol. Torres will also be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Torres was represented by Sebewaing-based attorney Jill Schmidt. Two admit to violating probation A Pigeon man and Kinde woman, in unrelated matters, pleaded guilty to previously violating conditions of their probation. Derrick M. Wolschlager, 22, and Diane M. Powers, 51, are both scheduled to appear in court next on April 23 for disposition. Wolschlager and Powers are both being represented by Bad Axe-based attorney Walt Salens. Man pleads guilty to third OWI An Ubly man pleaded guilty to a charge of operating while intoxicated-third offense during court proceedings this week. James D. Jackson, 40, is scheduled to appear for sentencing June 4. His bond was continued. Jackson is being represented by Bad Axe-based attorney Dallas Rooney. Man stands mute to drug charge An Eastpointe man stood mute to a single count of delivery of a controlled substance and being a third-time offender during court hearings this week. George Luvene, 29, is scheduled to appear for a two-day trial starting June 5. Luvene is being represented by defense attorney Barton Morris. Man receives jail time on theft-related charges A Bad Axe man was sentenced to 30 days in jail this week for single counts of embezzlement and illegal use of a financial transaction device. Bradley M. Brewer, 24, was placed on probation for a period of 18 months and given credit for one day served in each file. Brewer was ordered to pay $130 toward the Crime Victims Rights fund, $118 in State Minimum Costs, $60 toward DNA testing and $845 in restitution. Brewer was ordered to maintain work and cannot have contact with the victim and codefendant. Brewer was represented by Bad Axe-based attorney Dallas Rooney. OLIVER TOWNSHIP Residents of Oliver Township will have a say May 8 about whether changes to the township zoning ordinance passed last year will go into effect. Residents who oppose the revisions say the changes address some aspects of wind development insufficiently, and fail to address others. They didnt change (regulations) enough to really help the people who live here, said township resident Richard Krohn, who sought signatures to get the measure on the ballot. Because theres nothing really stopping (developers) to come back and stick turbines in between the ones weve already got. There were 75 residents who signed the petition calling for the ballot language, which states: Shall the amendments to the Oliver Township Zoning Ordinance adopted by the Township Board on June 6, 2017, be approved? Krohn said those who vote no would be supporting the notion that the township needs to revisit its ordinance. A yes vote would put the changes into effect. Theyve got to make changes in the ordinance to make it safer for the people. Thats the nuts and bolts of it, he said. In the 2017 ordinance, wind turbine tower-to-home setbacks were increased from 1,320 feet to 1,500 feet. But thats not enough, according to Krohn. He noted that the World Health Organization and American Health Organization recommend a 2,500-foot setback. The county even went to 1,640, he said, referring to changes Huron County made in 2015. Those against the townships ordinance changes also say sound limits should be decreased. The township board did not change the ordinances noise limits, which remain 55 db(A). Its way too high, Krohn said, adding the American and world health organizations recommend 35 db (A). Another problem Krohn has with the ordinance is that there is no size limit for turbines. He also objects to ordinance changes removing the good neighbor rule. That required a lease-holding landowner to notify another lease-holding landowner to if, for example, the landowner wants to place a turbine on a neighbors fencerow. Lawrence C. Krohn is the township supervisor, and a distant cousin of Richard Krohn. Lawrence C. Krohn said several residents who are now against removal of the good neighbor rule had problems with it before it was removed. If both property owners have wind contracts, he said, there is no need to notify each other that they are placing turbines near fencerows or property lines. Lawrence C. Krohn said he would approve revisiting the ordinance changes if theres an overwhelming vote against them. But he added he could not speak for the members of the Oliver Township Planning Commission or the remaining members of the Oliver Township Board of Trustees. He noted that if the changes are rejected at the polls, the setback for wind turbines would remain at 1,320 feet. The 2009 ordinance, which call for the 1,320 setback, remains in effect until the vote is decided. Lawrence C. Krohn said the township does not want to open itself up to lawsuits by commercial wind developers by allowing exclusionary zoning. Nobody wants to be sued, he said. Other changes in the 2009 ordinance included allowing solar energy systems, and updates to the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPS). Both the 2009 and 2017 ordinances can be found online at www.olivertwp.net/zoning. BAD AXE -- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, a candidate for governor, made a campaign stop at American Technical Fabricators Thursday afternoon in Bad Axe. Schuette told the Tribune he hadn't seen any wind turbines yet during his tour of the Thumb, but expected to later in the day. The state's renewable energy mandate should stay exactly where it is, Schuette went on to say. "Whether it's in the Thumb or Gratiot County, or other areas, it's always a big issue," he said. "Any increase (in the state's renewable mandate) will have to go through the legislature," he added. "And the governor will be part of that conversation." The current law calls for requiring electric providers to produce 15 percent of their power from wind or other renewable sources by the end of 2021. The law also set a non-binding goal of meeting 35 percent of Michigan's power needs by 2025 through a combination of renewable energy and energy conservation. "I know there's some folks out there who are going to want to spend money to try to influence the election," Schuette said. "They want to increase renewables beyond the level it is right now. I think if you talk to Consumers (Energy) and DTE (Energy) and most business organizations, we got it about right at this point in time." "I think that the real issue is we need to have a blend of renewables, gas, clean coal (and) nuclear. We need to make sure that we have low-cost energy for Michigan's future," he said. Schuette arrived shortly after noon, and toured the facility and talked with workers. He then addressed an audience of local officials, politicians and workers before taking questions. Schuette was born and raised in Midland, where his father was employed at Dow Chemical Co., before his death from a heart attack when Schuette was six years old. Schuette said his values include faith, family, giving back to the community and hard work. "I intend to be Michigan's jobs governor," Schuette said. He noted that one million jobs were lost under former Gov. Jennifer Granholm, and although the state has rebounded, Michigan is still 300,000 jobs short of the number held prior to the recession of 2008. His priorities as governor will be to roll back Granholm-era tax increases; cut auto insurance rates; and increase jobs. Schuette said core jobs needed to build the economy require an emphasis on skilled trades, which would require a "marriage" among high schools, community colleges and workplaces. One audience member questioned how Schuette expects to improve Michigan's roads and infrastructure. Schuette acknowledged that infrastructure is a reflection of the state's ability to compete with and attract business. He said the state should require warranties and guarantees on roads and bridges, and there is a need for quality control in that area. The state also needs a steady stream of revenue for roads and bridges, he said. Tuscola County Commissioner Matthew Bierlein, who recently announced his candidacy for the 84th District in the Michigan House of Representatives, asked Schuette which endorsements he has received. President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and "half of the Michigan legislature" have endorsed him, Schuette said. He also has the support of 50 prosecutors across the state. Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski was in attendance and asked how Schuette's experience in all three branches of government would help him push his agenda. "My friend the prosecutor mentioned that I've served in the executive branch when I was director of the (Michigan) Department of Agriculture; I served in the judicial branch as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals; also in the legislative branch -- both the state of Michigan in the Michigan State Senate -- but also in Washington as a United States Congressman " "It gives me the experience to make sure that we drive our state forward. It's about jobs and paychecks and not getting distracted I'm a governor you won't have to train." Dean Smith asked about the sugarbeet industry, noting that farmers are concerned about the current Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's suit against Michigan Sugar in Bay City. Schuette said he would be a strong voice for agriculture, and added that the suit was a "mistake" and a "bad decision." Others attending the event included Phil Green, also a candidate for the state house in the 84th District, which includes Huron and Tuscola counties; former Huron County Sheriff Dick Stokan; and officials from the Huron County Republican party. Schuette's tour of the Thumb and Saginaw Bay included Zwerk and Sons Farm in Vassar; POET Biorefining in Caro; Twin Ash Farms Organic Processing, LLC, of Snover; Benchwarmers at West Park Inn in Sandusky and Side Tracks Bar & Grill in Lapeer. He planned to finish the tour at the Saginaw County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Apple Mountain Conference Center in Freeland. What started out as a night of bar hopping with friends two years ago has ended with a young woman's murder conviction. Driving home from a night of drinking in her hometown of Oceanside, San Diego County, Esteysi "Stacy" Sanchez's impaired judgement caught up to her in a gruesome scene that eventually led to her second-degree murder conviction last week in San Diego. The incident took place at dawn in June of 2016 when Sanchez, then 29, plowed into 69-year-old Jack Ray Tenhulzen, a homeless man who was reportedly either walking to or from a local soup kitchen. Reports state Sanchez's Pontiac sedan was moving so fast that one of the man's legs was ripped from his torso, flew through the back window and landed on the car's trunk. The rest of his body slammed into the front windshield, shattering it and leaving him impaled in a jagged hole of glass. But that didn't stop Sanchez, who kept driving with the man's body in her car and his severed leg on the vehicle's trunk for another three quarters of a mile until abandoning it in a cul-de-sac near her house and walking home. When police eventually took her into custody two hours after the collision, her blood alcohol level was somewhere between .18 and .19 percent, prosecutors said, and she still had pieces of glass in her hair. Sanchez's attorney, Herb Weston, argued that she was tired and fell asleep, causing the car to veer onto the sidewalk and strike the victim, the San Diego Tribune reported. Weston said his client had kept driving because she "freaked out" when she saw Tenhulzen's body. But the jury was not persuaded by Weston's argument and found Sanchez guilty on April 6 of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Charging a DUI defendant with murder is not typical, as most deadly drunken-driving crashes are charged as manslaughter, unless the defendant has a prior drunken driving conviction, which Sanchez did not have. "I think this sends a message that if you are warned not to drink and drive, and you drink and drive anyway, you may be found guilty of murder," Deputy District Attorney Robert Bruce told the San Diego Union Tribune. Sanchez faces at least 15 years up to life and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 31. Moroccos Agriculture and Fisheries minister Aziz Akhannouch is visiting London where he held talks with UK secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove centering on the impact of Brexit on bilateral cooperation. The meeting was an opportunity for the two ministers to review the relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom in agricultural cooperation, as well as the prospects of this partnership after Great Britains exit from the European Union. The two parties stressed the importance of the Moroccan-British agricultural partnership and expressed their satisfaction at the qualitative leap in trade between the two countries. They also agreed to work to ensure the continuity of the agreements between Great Britain and Morocco during the transitional period following Brexit, in accordance with the draft text agreed between the EU and the United Kingdom at the March 2018 European Council, and to put in place the appropriate agreements after that period. Both ministers expressed confidence in the future of the two countries partnership and in the quality of their trade. They reaffirmed their determination to work to strengthen relations between operators with a view to boosting agricultural trade. Trade between Morocco and the United Kingdom averages 13.8 million dirhams per year (2014-2016). The main products imported from the United Kingdom include potatoes, soft wheat, pressed and cooked cheese and other food preparations. Moroccan food exports to the United Kingdom consist mainly of fresh or chilled tomatoes, citrus fruits, preserved olives and capers. HARTFORD A 38-year-old Middletown man was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment for his role in a central Connecticut cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring, according to a release. Carlos Frizz Roman must also serve five years of supervised release, according to the release from the U.S. attorneys office. This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds, according to the release. The investigation revealed that an associate of Romans was operating a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while the associate was incarcerated in state custody. Roman was a primary distributor of narcotics for the organization, police said. During the investigation, an undercover officer made five controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of crack from Roman. Roman was arrested on April 11, 2017. On that date, he possessed approximately 500 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search of his home revealed a .380 caliber handgun, according to court records. On July 20, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging Roman and 10 other people with various offenses. On Jan. 18, he pleaded guilty to one count of with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Roman has been detained since his arrest. This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month in April. Donating blood is a simple way for those who are short on time to make a life-changing difference. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed to help meet patient needs this spring. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All those who come to donate until May 13 will be entered to win one of three $1,000 gift cards to a national home improvement retailer, courtesy of Suburban Propane. Restrictions apply. More details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Lets-Do-More. Middlesex County blood drives Clinton: April 26 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Andrews Memorial Town Hall*, 54 East Main Street Cromwell: April 24, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Cromwell High School, 34 Evergreen Road; April 28, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Cromwell Middle School, 6 Mann Memorial Drive East Hampton: April 21, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., East Hampton Congregational Church, 59 Main St. Higganum: April 25, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Haddam Volunteer Fire Department, 439 Saybrook Rd./ Route 154 Middletown: April 17, 12:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Wesleyan University Beckham Hall, 45 Wyllys Ave., Beckham Hall; April 18, 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner St Old Saybrook: April 19, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., BLR, 141 Mill Rock Rd E.; April 27, 12:45 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Church of Christ, 366 Main St. How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom HADDAM On April 14, 2018 best-selling author, Russell Shorto will discuss his new book, Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom, which weaves the stories of six historic figures during the American Revolution, including local Haddam legend and freed slave, Venture Smith. The book addresses the significance of individual freedom and rights and how they were the inspiration and catalyst for powerful change. The program will be held at the Haddam Fire Station No. 1 on Saturday, April 14 at 7 p.m. Shorto, author of the best seller The Island at the Center of the World, about the Dutch founding of Manhattan, has won numerous awards for his writing, and his books have been published in 14 languages. The New York Times review notes that with Revolution Song Shorto artfully weaves the stories together and leaves it to the reader to draw conclusions. Amy Chua, Tiger Mom author, stated Brilliant, captivating and fast-paced, Revolution Song is a wonderfully original take on the American Revolution that reads like a thriller. The Kirkus Review noted Smiths story is especially lively. The program, which is free and open to the public, is supported by a generous grant from Connecticut Humanities and sponsored by the Haddam Historical Society, East Haddam Historical Society and First Church Cemetery Association of East Haddam. The program will start at 7 p.m. at the Haddam Fire Station No. 1, 439 Saybrook Road, Higganum. The program is free and open to the public. For additional information call 860-345-2400 or email contact@haddamhistory.org Gazebo concert lineup announced EAST HAMPTON The Joseph N. Goff House board of directors announce the band lineup for the 19th annual Gazebo Concert Series. The concerts are held on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the East Hampton Village Center at the Center School Gazebo. June 28 will feature Four Barrel Billy performing rockabilly, surf, old school 50s rock 'n roll, 60's pop, swing and honkytonk. July 5 will feature the East Hampton High School Jazz Band performing classic jazz standards. July 19 will feature The Modern Riffs performing a combination of jazz, classic rock and swing. July 26 will feature The Dizzy River Band performing an eclectic mix of original music. Aug. 2 will feature Seat of Our Pants performing their own style of folksy music. Aug. 9 will feature Victor Cowles performing classic hits from different eras. Listeners are welcome to bring chairs or blankets and a picnic. Dogs and children are welcome. Local Cub Scouts will be on hand to sell snacks and refreshments. Sponsors are still needed to support this annual concert series. Call 860-205-7376 or mail donations to The Joseph N. Goff House c/o Debi Rotteck, 163 Hog Hill Road, East Hampton, CT 06424. Learn more at http://goffhouseehct.blogspot.com/ Recovery support group meets in Middletown MIDDLETOWN New Life Journey is a faith based recovery support community, comprised of people from all walks of life who recognize that although experiences shape and mold them, they are not limited to or defined by their stories. The group meets on Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. at First Church, 190 Court Street, Middletown. For more information, email Admin@NewLifeJourneyCT.com. Young widows, widowers can attend support group MIDDLETOWN Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center and Middlesex Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care are holding a support group for young widows and widowers. Meetings will be held at the Middlesex Hospital Outpatient Center. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To register, contact Doreen Gagnon at 860-358-2053 or doreen.gagnon@midhosp.org, or Sherry Russenberger at 860-358-6091 or sherry.russenberger@midhosp.org. Algerian officials have for decades indulged in statements claiming that they are not involved in the Sahara conflict. The crash of a plane bound-for the Polisairo-run Tindouf, killing 257 soldiers including Polisairo members, is a further evidence of Algiers military support to the separatist group. The killed Polisario members include former key leaders and officials such as Mohamed Laghdaf, alias Bujumbura, Sheikh Doua Ould Boussif who was member of the Polisario delegation to Algiers and other members of the separatist group, said the Moroccan news agency. The very fact of the presence of Polisario members in an Algerian military aircraft is in itself a proof of Algerias involvement as a party in the Sahara conflict. Following the crash, Algerian authorities rushed to lead the international public opinion astray saying that the Polisario members who died in the tragic incident are refugees who received medical care in Algiers. Yet, they fell short of revealing the fulll list of passengers, which proves the presence of senior Polisario leaders. This crash revealed once more that backing separatism in the Moroccan Sahara is a tenet in Algerias foreign policy to the detriment of the interest of its own people and the aspirations of the people of the Maghreb to an integrated, peaceful and stable region. In his letter to the UN Secretary General, King Mohammed VI made sure to condemn Algerias blatant responsibility in the Sahara conflict, saying that Algiers hosts, arms and backs the Polisario diplomatically. Since the early 1970s, Algeria instigated the Polisario to endorse the separatist thesis in southern Morocco and pushed them to declare an independent republic. It used its oil mantra to buy support for the phony entity at the Organization of the African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union, in a cold war context. Emboldening the Polisario to set up permanent military or civilian structures in the buffer zone east of the Moroccan security wall is an attempt by Algeria to gradually move the Tindouf camps into the area, claimed by the Polisario as a liberated area, but which is in fact a territory handed by Morocco to the UN for ceasefire monitoring purposes. Today, Morocco is not mincing its words. It vowed to quell any breach of the ceasefire if the UN fails to do its job. The conflict this time may not be a limited guerrilla war. If Algeria allows the Polisario to use its territories in a guerrilla war against Morocco, it should brace for a war with Morocco with drastic consequences on the region further undermining the dream of an integrated Maghreb region. A Democratic senator chastised U.S. Army leaders today while pushing for more information involving a British firm that allegedly used U.S. military contracting dollars to buy high performance cars and other luxuries at the cost of American taxpayers. In August 2017, the Defense Contracting Auditing Agency completed an audit New Century Consulting, a military subcontractor. "This audit we know includes questioned costs amounting to over $50 million, including Bentleys, Alfa Romeos, assistant salaries of $420,000," Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said during an April 12 Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. The contracting scandal deals with the "legacy program," an effort to build the intelligence capacity of Afghanistan and Iraq, said McCaskill, who has been involved with the oversight of the program since 2012. "It is so discouraging to me, after all the work we have spent on contracting after the war contracting commission, after all the reforms we have done on contracting, that we have not yet figured out how to get at these abuses," she said. Michael Grunberg, chief executive officer of New Century Consulting, said the company is being portrayed unfairly and that it strives to follow federal acquisition rules, according to an Aug. 9, 2017 report by the Associated Press. McCaskill said she sent a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis last August, demanding more information on the audit. "We are being told we can't get the audit because the audit agency is worried that that, if they publicly disclose some to the audits, that that would discourage contractors in the future because there financial information would become public," McCaskill said. McCaskill then asked Secretary of the Army Mark Esper and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark Milley if they were familiar with the issue and whether they were "actually strategizing" to fix the problem. "Give me some good news about how you view this problem and please tell me that a senator 20 years from now is not going to be sitting here going how in the world are taxpayers paying for Alfa Romeos and Bentleys," McCaskill said. Esper said he is familiar with the case and is working to resolve the issue. "I will tell you in the four months I have been on the job, I have met with contracting command twice; as recently as three weeks ago I had a conversation with my senior acquisition executive. It is something that Gen. Milley and I recognize is a challenge," Esper said. "We need to have clear metrics that hold leaders accountable." Milley agreed that the case represents a serious problem in the contracting community. "What you are describing is unacceptable," Milley said. "It smacks of corruption and criminal activity. It's unacceptable and the people have to be held accountable." Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. US Troops Go to Court Seeking Vaccine Exemption for Those Who've Had COVID-19 The service members want the Defense Department to exempt those with natural immunity from the coronavirus vaccine order. WASHINGTON -- A primary role of the National Guard posted to the Mexico border will be to provide added aerial surveillance, the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection told Congress on Thursday. Speaking at a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan said that the Guard can provide assets that are in short supply in his law enforcement agency. "What the National Guard is going to do is bring significant aviation assets that can close our gap for that surveillance piece at the immediate border," McAleenan said. "It is supportive but it also tells us what's crossing so we can interdict." The three-hour hearing focused mostly on the budget and assets needed for border security, but a few of the Congressmen did take the opportunity to stress their positions about the use of military forces at the border. Rep. Nita Lowey of New York, ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, talked about how Democrats disagree with President Donald Trump's "politization of border security" and questioned the efficacy of deploying the National Guard. "The deployment of the National Guard is yet another misguided and impulsive decision the department (Homeland Security) is being forced to justify while other national security priorities are being stretched thin," Lowey said. "This budget request does not reflect the serious nature of the threats we face." On the flip side, Rep. Steven Palazzo, R.-Miss., said that as a member of the Mississippi National Guard and chairman of the National Guard Caucus, he believes the forces could add exponential value. Palazzo said he participated in a joint task force mission on the border in the 1990s doing surveillance and thought he contributed information that helped in border protection. "I think the National Guard is going to be a huge multiplying force for your agency and securing the border," he said. "They are great for plug and play. So be creative how you use them." Two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs collided last year over the Nevada desert due to insufficient communication over altitude, according to a newly released investigation report. During a night close air support training mission in the Nevada Test and Training Range on Sept. 6, the first mishap pilot, called "Pilot One" in the investigation, did not hear he had climbed too high above his assigned "altitude block," entering space that was designated for "Pilot Two," according to the Accident Investigation Board report published by Air Combat Command on Thursday. "Pilot One climbed above the assigned altitude block during a series of commands and did not hear the audible notification signaling the altitude climb and therefore did not radio-in to deconflict established altitude blocks," ACC said in a release. Pilot Two "did not have line of sight on [Pilot One] when the collision occurred. The midair collision rendered both aircraft uncontrollable and both pilots ejected," the release said. The crash occurred roughly 50 miles away from Nellis Air Force Base. Related content: The night training was designated to get part of the weapons instructor course qualification for Pilot One; Pilot Two was the instructor, ACC said. Both pilots remain in the Air Force and have "returned to flying status" since the mishap, ACC spokeswoman Maj. Docleia M. Gibson told Military.com on Friday. Both pilots, with the 66th Weapons Squadron, 57th Wing at Nellis, sustained minor injuries. Both A-10C aircraft were destroyed upon impact. The cost of the accident is estimated at over $30 million. According to the report, Pilot One said he would fly below 10,000 feet while Pilot Two would stay at 11,000 feet and above. Both pilots had appropriate equipment and gear, including night vision goggles, the report said. But just before 8 p.m. local time, Pilot One climbed roughly 1,500 feet in a 15 minute span into Pilot Two's airspace. The task was to put targets on range during a simulated close-air support mission. According to the report, Pilot One was cross-checking various factors, such as proper weapons delivery for the mission, as well as other aircraft parameters, without noticing he was too high. The collision occurred at about 11,400 feet, the report said. Additional factors were at play, the report said. They included "task over-saturation, misperception of changing environment, breakdown in visual scan, and environmental conditions affecting vision." There were broken clouds in the area, but well above the altitude each pilot was flying, the report concluded. "Based upon the forecast and prevailing conditions, the weather was within pilot limits," it said. "The amount of time or attention spent performing a visual scan of aircraft instruments was not sufficient and did not allow [mishap pilot 1] to identify that an altitude deviation had occurred," Air Force Col. Bruce Munger, president of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, wrote in his summary. Munger and investigators also determined Pilot Two could not see Pilot One's approach and therefore could not avoid the unintentional collision. The crash occurred the same week as a classified aircraft crash on the same training range. Lt. Col. Eric Schultz, 44, died from injuries sustained in an accident in which an unidentified aircraft crashed at the range, located about 100 miles northwest of Nellis. The aircraft was assigned to Air Force Materiel Command and was flying a training mission at the time of the mishap, according to a release at the time. The Air Force has never identified the type of aircraft involved in September's crash. Air Force Chief of Staff. Gen David Goldfein would say only that it was not an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214. The UN Security Council is reportedly planning to confine the Polisario militias to Tindouf to force them abide by the UN ceasefire agreements of 1991 and respect the demilitarized zone in the Moroccan Sahara. Actually, the separatist front has been conducting incursions in the buffer zone for 27 years, in complete violation of the 1991 agreements. According to local daily Assabah, which reported the news, this Friday (April 13), the Security Council is studying ways to abolish the demilitarized zones, located east and south of the security wall, erected by the Moroccan army in the eighties. The aim is to avoid a new war, or even clashes between the Polisario militia and the Moroccan army, as tension has been escalating because of the Polisarios repeated incursions in the buffer zone and as Morocco made it clear that it will no longer tolerate the illegal incursions of these militias in the buffer zone that Morocco had accepted to place under UN control. Morocco made it clear that it would not tolerate any change to the status quo on the ground and that if the militias do not withdraw, it would carry out pre-emptive attacks. In view of the constant danger posed by the Polisario, which repeatedly threatened to put an end to the ceasefire imposed by the UN since 1991, and in view of its repeated incursions in the demilitarized zones of the Moroccan Sahara, placed under the MINURSOs monitoring, the Security Council does not intend to sit idly by, notes the daily. The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has clearly warned the Polisario, in a written message conveyed by his special representative for the Sahara and MINURSO Chief, that its actions and violations of the ceasefire in the Sahara endanger the stability of the entire north-west African region, a very sensitive region given its proximity to Europe, the daily added. The UN Secretary General also conveyed to Algeria which funds, hosts, arms and backs the Polisario diplomatically the concerns of the Security Council members, especially the permanent members who demand the immediate withdrawal of the Polisario militias to their bases in Algeria, Assabah stated. It added that the Security Council members are currently working on a project for the definitive elimination of the demilitarized zones. Confronted with this UN firm warning, the Polisario responded by voicing again its threats to attack Morocco militarily. This development means that the Polisario has lost another battle, the daily noted, explaining that the elimination of the demilitarized zones will be accompanied by either a redeployment of the Moroccan army throughout the Moroccan Sahara, or, if necessary, the positioning of Blue Helmets in the buffer zone. Either scenario will confine the Polisario to the Tindouf camps, ad vitam ternam. The same daily reported in a previous issue that France told Algiers that it would not oppose an armed military operation on the part of Morocco in the buffer zone and that the Security Council could also greenlight air strikes by the Moroccan army in the area. At a meeting in Paris Monday between French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Algerian counterpart Abdelkader Messahel, France warned Algiers against any initiative likely to trigger an armed conflict in the region. According to the daily, the warning was all the stronger that it came shortly before the meeting between the French President Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI. Diplomatic sources quoted by Assabah said that Messahel, upon return from Paris, hastened to gather the chiefs of staff of the Algerian army to tell them that France supports a possible armed intervention of Morocco in the buffer zone to dislodge the Polisario elements. If the Polisario does not withdraw from the buffer zone, as provided for by the ceasefire agreement, Morocco has the right to respond with firmness, the head of French diplomacy told his Algerian counterpart. The warning could not be clearer, noted the newspaper, adding that France, which knows that this area of the southern Mediterranean could easily turn into a powder keg, cannot tolerate the actions of an armed militia. Back in 1945, when she was 15 and first set eyes on her future husband, Pauline Conner didn't think much of the scrawny fellow they were making all the fuss about in town with the parade and the speeches. The great Sgt. Alvin York himself, the Medal of Honor recipient from World War I, had shown up for what the folks in Albany, Kentucky, called the "speakin'" at the Clinton County courthouse to welcome home Garlin Murl Conner from fighting the Nazis. Conner had received the Distinguished Service Cross, four awards of the Silver Star, three purple hearts and an Army battlefield promotion from tech sergeant to first lieutenant. In a conference call with reporters Thursday, that day in Albany in 1945 came back to Pauline Conner. They were tenant farmers in Pauline's family. They didn't have a car, so "Daddy hitched the horse to the wagon and we got in the wagon and went into town to see the parade. Daddy parked the wagon down on what they called Jockey Street," she said. She wasn't quite sure which one he was but "everybody was bragging on what he'd done. I was expecting a giant of a man," she said. But Conner was maybe 5-foot-6 and about 120 pounds at the time. She turned to her mother and said, "My God, Mama, that little guy couldn't have done all of what they said he'd done," Pauline Conner recalled. She would learn the things that Conner had done to earn the respect of the county, but not from him. "It was always other people. He didn't want to say much, didn't want to seem to be bragging. He was very private with his military record," she said. "More than anything, he was proud of his brothers in World War II. He had five brothers, all came back home. I've often wondered how his mother could take that, with six boys in the war," she said. Pauline's mother didn't take to Murl at first, but he was a persistent suitor. He came by the house every day, she said. "Mama said 'you tell him not to come back here no more,'" Pauline Conner said. Finally, Murl said to her: "Let's go get married. I said, 'I don't have any clothes.' He said, 'I'll buy you some clothes.'" They were never parted. In their life together, he was a farmer and also served with the Disabled American Veterans, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion and Kentucky Veterans Affairs. The war stayed with him in ways he could not explain. "I always thought if anybody had PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder], it was Murl. He'd wake up in the night, kind of fighting, because of the nightmares. Lots of times he'd just go outside and sit by himself," she said. Last month, Pauline Conner, now 88, received a phone call from President Donald Trump about her husband, who died in 1998 at age 79. The upgrade of his Distinguished Service Cross had been approved after more than 20 years of bureaucratic and court fights. No date had been set, but Trump was inviting her to the White House to accept the presentation of the Medal of Honor for 1st Lt. Garlin Murl Conner. Pauline Conner said she was stunned by the phone call. "You sound like an old country girl," she said Trump told her. She said she most definitely was. He asked if he should call her husband "Garlin," and she said he went by "Murl." "I've been studying his record and he has a magnificent record," Trump told her. "I'll see you at the White House." She responded, "Tell that beautiful wife of yours [First Lady Melania Trump] to give you a big hug and a kiss for me." Conner, a member of K Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, served 28 months in Europe and the Mediterranean in World War II. He had joined the Army in 1941 and was discharged in 1945. The actions for which he will be awarded the Medal of Honor occurred on Jan. 24, 1945, when he volunteered to run 400 yards through "an intense concentration of enemy artillery" in Houssen, France, according to his DSC citation. As he ran, he unrolled a spool of telephone wire so he could use a field telephone to direct attacks on the enemy, and then directed artillery fire to hold off six German tanks and about 600 German infantrymen. As shells exploded 25 yards from him, he set up an observation post, where he stayed for more than three hours, the citation said. Conner was individually credited with stopping more than 150 German troops, destroying the tanks and "disintegrating the powerful enemy assault force and preventing heavy loss of life in his own outfit," the citation said. The effort to upgrade Conner's award began when Richard Chilton, a former Green Beret, wrote to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records saying Conner should be honored. Chilton had been researching details of his uncle's military career, and he came across Conner, who had served with Chilton's uncle. The Board rejected the initial application for the upgrade in 1997, and also rejected an appeal in 2000. Luther Conner, a lawyer in Albany, Kentucky, and a second cousin of 1st Lt. Conner, said veterans organizations, local lawmakers and others then got together to reverse the rulings. They found three affidavits in the National Archives testifying to Conner's actions on Jan. 24, 1945, and the upgrade was finally approved. "We had such a happy marriage," Pauline Conner said. There was a son, Paul, and now three granddaughters and a grandson, who is currently serving in the Navy. There are two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters. Once she receives the Medal of Honor, "I would like to display it for some period of time" in the Albany courthouse, and then "put it in my lockbox in the bank and take care of it." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. The Air Force may be backtracking from its stated plan to keep the A-10 Thunderbolt II flying until 2030. During a House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land subcommittee hearing on Thursday, Lt. Gen. Jerry D. Harris, the service's deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements, said as a platform, the A-10, beloved among ground troops and attack pilots alike, will remain until roughly that time period. But even as the "Warthog" got funding for brand-new wings in the $1.3 trillion omnibus budget, that doesn't necessarily mean every one of them will be flying until 2030, Harris said. "We will have to get back to you on the groundings per year, per airplanes," Harris said in response to Rep. Martha McSally, a Republican from Arizona and former Air Force A-10 pilot. Related content: "We are not confident we are flying all of the airplanes we currently possess through 2025," Harris said. In their written testimony, both Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the Air Force's military deputy for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition at the Pentagon, and Harris said, "The new wing program will aim to avoid any further groundings beyond 2025 and will ensure a minimum of six combat squadrons remain in service until 2032. In addition to re-winging efforts, the Air Force is exploring ways to augment the A-10 fleet." The Air Force in January said it began searching for a new company to rebuild wings on the A-10 after ending an arrangement with Boeing Co. The following month, it released a request draft for proposal for companies to start envisioning their petitions to re-wing the 109 remaining aircraft in the inventory which need the upgrades. Air Force officials have said the service can commit to maintaining wings for six of its nine A-10 combat squadrons through roughly 2030. McSally said she understood the A-10's need is based on operational tempo, but pressed officials on what Congress needs to do in order for the Air Force to "smooth out" A-10 retirement issues and re-winging efforts past 2025. Even if the A-10s don't fly, Harris said the service will preserve portions of the A-10 as it rotates some into backup inventory, or BAI, status. Harris did not elaborate how many A-10s that could apply to. "We're not going to make a further commitment [on additional wingsets] until we know where we're going with both the A-10 and the F-35," Harris said, referring to the further Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) testing between the two aircraft. A "fly-off" between the two, part of the IOT&E testing, is expected in the near future. The requirement that the two aircraft go up against each other was included as a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2017 amid congressional concerns over plans to retire the A-10 and replace it with the F-35. McSally was one of the architects of the bill's language. "As we are looking at our [combat Air Force] roadmap and where we're going with our modification program, our intent is not to have a grounding that impacts the fleet," Harris said Thursday. "We'll make sure we re-wing enough of the aircraft to have that capability and capacity." McSally said the need was for nine full squadrons -- not the six the Air Force has suggested. "With them being south of the DMZ, deployed to Afghanistan, just coming back from schwacking ISIS, and working with our NATO allies and all that we have on our plate, three active-duty and six Guard and Reserve squadrons for a total of nine, that's already stretching it," she said. "How can we provide that capability to the combatant commanders with only six? I just don't see it," she said. --Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214. The National Archives is looking for help identifying people in several photos taken during John F. Kennedys presidency. Theyve enlisted the help of Flickr and posted the photos there with basic information about when they were taken and what was happening in the picture. We pulled out some of the military photos thinking someone might recognize the faces and provide a name. If you know who these folks might be, follow the links under each picture and post a comment on the photo. Anyone recognize the gentleman at the door? This photo was taken June 7, 1961 and shows the Preident and Under Secretary of the Navy Paul B. "Red" Fay as they were leaving the South Lawn of the White House for the Naval Acdemy Graduation, but the Marine in the photo is unidentifed. If you have an idea, go to the National Archives and post a comment on the photo. In this photo, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy greets guests before a reception for the wives of American Society of Newspaper Editors members in the Blue Room. The gentleman beside her in uniform is unidentified but we assume was asigned to the First Ladys staff. Follow this link to comment if you know who he might be. In this photograph stands none other than Admiral Hyman Rickover, father of the modern nuclear submarine. But the two female service members and the male officer in the background are unknown. Do you recognize them? If so, please post a comment on the photo in this link. We are sure their families may want a photo showing their loved one with Admiral Rickover! This photo features four unidentifed White House Social Aides standing in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House in 1962. There are a few comments on the National Archive page about who they might be, but more information is needed. Looks like regardless of what era you live in, when group photos are taken, there is always one guy with his eyes closed, am I right? This photo shows President John F. Kennedy with representatives of the Womens Army Corps (WAC). We know that the two officers to the left are Captain Alice V. Peters and Major Josephine L. Redenius. The officer to the right of President Kennedy is thought to be Lt. Colonel Helen C Strayhorn, but that is not confirmed. Any thoughts? You dont get salad like the Flag Officer on the right without people knowing your name. This photograph was taken in 1962 during a military reception at the White House. We cant tell from the photo how many stars he has, but its at least two and looks like three. The original picture is here if you think you might know who he is. Were dying to know what was said as this photo was snapped during a reception at the White House in 1962. The couple to the left is White House Communications Agency (WHCA) officer, Captain Jack Rubley, and his wife, Bernice Rubley. They were in the State Dining Room with this unidentified couple to the right on May 15, 1962. If you know who they are will you post a comment at the National Archives and more importantly do you know what they were talking about? The Pirates announced today that theyve selected the contract of right-handed reliever Richard Rodriguez and recalled fellow righty Kyle Crick. Both players were pitching for the teams Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis. To make room on the big league roster, right-hander Clay Holmes and left-hander Josh Smoker were optioned to Triple-A. Pittsburghs 40-man roster was at a count of 38 players prior to Rodriguezs selection, so therell be no 40-man move necessary to accommodate him, and the team can even make another addition without needing to open further space. The 28-year-old Rodriguez, a longtime Astros farmhand, broke into the Majors with the Orioles in 2017 but tallied just 4 2/3 frames with Baltimore at the big league level. Rodriguez, though, has carved up Triple-A hitters dating back to 2015, working to a 2.54 ERA with a 221-to-65 K/BB ratio in in 219 2/3 innings. His strikeout rate has steadily risen on a year-over-year basis, topping out at 10.2 K/9 in 2017, and hes already whiffed nine in five shutout innings this season. Last year with the Os, Rodriguezs fastball sat at 93.8 mph in his brief big league audition. As for Crick, he was one of two pieces acquired in the trade that sent franchise icon Andrew McCutchen from the Pirates to the Giants. The former supplemental first-rounder and top prospect shifted to the bullpen with quite a bit of success in 2017, punching out 12 hitters per nine innings with a 2.76 ERA in Triple-A. That prompted a big league call-up for Crick in San Francisco, where hed go on to log a 3.06 ERA in 32 1/3 innings albeit with much more pedestrian marks of 7.8 K/9 against 4.8 BB/9. Crick averaged 95.5 mph on his heater, though, and was superb at limiting hard contact in his time with the Giants (20.5 percent). The Pirates undoubtedly hope that he can be a viable bullpen weapon in Pittsburgh, as the hard-throwing 25-year-old can be controlled through the 2023 season. Hed allowed one run with five strikeouts and no walks through four innings of relief thus far in Triple-A this year. The Rangers have signed righty Yovani Gallardo to a minor-league deal, per a club announcement. Hell report to Triple-A to begin his second stint with the Texas organization. Gallardo has already spent time with the Brewers and Reds organizations this year. He was cut loose by each, though, after a middling spring with Milwaukee and then a messy three-appearance stint with the Cincinnati organization. Now, the 32-year-old hurler will become the latest notable pitcher to seek a bounce back in Texas. He was acquired by the organization before the 2015 season in a swap that cost the Rangers future closer Corey Knebel. Gallardo originally launched his professional career after being drafted from a Texas high school, so there are multiple connections at play here. That 15 campaign is the last in which Gallardo has been effective. He worked to a 3.42 ERA in 184 1/3 innings for the Rangers, wrapping up an impressive run of success dating back to his debut season of 2007. Since, though, he has managed only 251 frames of 5.81 ERA ball with 6.5 K/9 and 4.5 BB/9. The Chairman of the Morocco-Kuwait Parliamentary Friendship Group, Askar Aouid Al-Anzi, reiterated his countrys support for the territorial integrity of Morocco. This came at a meeting he held this Friday in Rabat with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Habib El Malki. According to a statement released by the lower house of the Moroccan Parliament, Askar Aouid Al-Anzi highlighted the excellent relations between Morocco and Kuwait, and underscored that his country supports the territorial integrity of Morocco. During the meeting that explored ways to develop cooperation between the two countries in various fields, the chairman of the Kuwait-Morocco parliamentary friendship group recalled that Kuwait has invested in the Kingdom a billion dollars in recent years, and is keen on bolstering its investments in various sectors. Habib El Malki, who recalled, for his part, that the two countries share the same values of tolerance, openness and democracy, asserted that the Moroccan people are committed to defend the supreme interests of Kuwait. The House Speaker invited Kuwait to invest more in Morocco, especially since there are important opportunities in the Kingdom, the statement said. James Mad Dog Mattis, voice of reason? Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The White House is on the cusp of starting an illegal war with Syria and risking a broader conflict with a nuclear-weapons state because failing to do so would cast doubt on the credibility of Donald Trumps tweets. That may sound like partisan hyperbole, or a pitch for an Andy Borowitz column. But it is a plain description of the state of American foreign policy, on this Friday the 13th. Earlier this week, the president decided to start his day by announcing, over Twitter, an imminent missile strike against the Assad regime. Since then, Defense Secretary James Mattis has been urging Trump to consider the potential downsides of such an action: Launching an attack of any significance against the Syrian government would put the United States into a military confrontation with Iran and Russia states that are far more invested in propping up Assad than Washington is in removing him. In testimony to the House Armed Services Committee Thursday, Mattis referenced the risk that such a strike could spark a broader conflict, saying, We are trying to stop the murder of innocent people. But on a strategic level, its how do we keep this from escalating out of control if you get my drift on that. Mattiss concerns seem to have made some impression on the president, who tweeted Wednesday that an attack on Syria could come very soon or not so soon at all! But at the end of the day, Trump sees defending the integrity of his Twitter feed as more important than avoiding a third world war: As the New York Times reports, even with Mr. Mattiss urging of caution, administration officials said it was hard to envision that Mr. Trump would not move ahead with strikes, given that he has promised retaliation. In fact, Trump and his new national security adviser John Bolton reportedly see starting a fight with Iran and Russia as a feature of a massive strike against the Syrian regime, not a bug. As the Wall Street Journal reports: President Donald Trump is prodding his military advisers to agree to a more sweeping retaliatory strike in Syria than they consider prudent, and is unhappy with the more limited options they have presented to him so far, White House and other administration officials said. In meetings with Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Mr. Trump has been pushing for an attack that not only would punish the Syrian regime but also exact a price from two of its international patrons, Russia and Iran, a White House official said. Mr. Bolton favors an attack that would be ruinous, crippling some part of Syrian President Bashar al-Assads government and national infrastructure, according to a person familiar with Mr. Boltons thinking. Mr. Bolton doesnt want a reprise of the 2017 attack hitting an airfield that would be up and running in short order, this person said. Of course, the official rationale for such a strike against the Assad regime would not be the president tweeted that he would, but rather, that America has a humanitarian responsibility to deter the Syrian government from using chemical weapons, as the latter allegedly did against civilians in the suburb of Douma last week. But the notion that an American strike would be motivated by a sincere desire to protect the Syrian people and defend international law is patently absurd. To state the obvious: Donald Trump is not a staunch defender of the Geneva Conventions. The man campaigned for the presidency on a promise to reinstate military torture and deliberately murder the wives and children of suspected terrorists. And nothing about Trumps tenure as commander-in-chief has indicated that the latter was a mere rhetorical flourish. The president has loosened restrictions on airstrikes that were designed to minimize civilian casualties and such casualties have, predictably, risen on his watch. More chillingly, a recent report from the Washington Post suggests that Trump personally criticized the CIA for waiting until a terror suspect parted with his family before launching a fatal drone strike against him (ostensibly, the president would have preferred for the agency to kill them all). And the president has displayed no more regard for the Syrian people than he has for international law. As The Atlantics Peter Beinart notes, Trump has all but barred Syrian refugees from our shores after taking in 6,000 displaced Syrians by this time in 2017, America has taken just 44 so far this year. More fundamentally, there is simply no reason to believe that a missile strike would actually deter Assads use of chemical weapons. After all, the White House launched a strike on that very pretense last April, and the Syrian regime has already (allegedly) deployed chemical weapons against insurgents and civilians seven times this year. The logic of these attacks is loathsome but not inscrutable: The Syrian opposition is an existential threat to Assads rule; the United States is not; thus, Assad is willing to deploy chemical weapons to counter the former, even if that means antagonizing the latter. The only way to irrevocably change that calculus would be to persuade Assad to see the U.S. as an existential threat to his regime and the only way to do that would be to fight a bloody war with Iran and Russia. Just weeks ago, Trump was calling for an immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Syria. At that point, Assad was already allegedly using chemical weapons in a routine manner. If the president has gone from believing that countering Assad was not worth keeping a single U.S. soldier in Syria last month to believing that doing so is worth waging a world war, today then his decision cannot be attributed to rational thought, much less humanitarian conviction. In reality, all available evidence suggests that Trump tweeted a declaration of war because the cable news programming he was watching Wednesday morning led him to believe that that was the tough thing to do. For now, Mattis is urging his colleagues to wait until the U.S. can collect more evidence confirming Assads role in the Douma attack and then, if such evidence proves forthcoming, and Americas allies are on board, to execute a symbolic show strike that sends the regime a message without risking a wider conflict. But according to White House officials, the United States is more likely to roll the dice on starting World War 3 because Donald Trump promised to launch a spectacular military strike against Syria in an early-morning tweet. Viktor Orban has transformed Hungary. Photo: Laszlo Balogh/Getty Images So now we know how you do it. I mean how you turn a prosperous 21st-century liberal democracy into an illiberal one, and then into a de facto dictatorship. There are no tanks; no mass arrests of opposition politicians; no coups; no direct assaults on the rule of law; and no new totalizing ideology. There is, in fact, no moment where you can definitively say that the liberal democracy has ceased to exist. But in Hungary, an upstanding member of the European Union, liberal democracy is now dead, pining for the fjords, nailed to the perch, an unmistakably ex-democracy. Last weekends reelection of Viktor Orban, with a supermajority of his own party in parliament, was a watershed. Yascha Mounk explains why: [Hungary] has now completed a process that has mostly remained theoretical until now: It was once a liberal democracy. As Orban undermined the rule of law, dismantled the separation of powers, and massively violated the rights of ethnic minorities, it turned into an illiberal democracy. Now, it is effectively a dictatorship with a thin electoral veneer. The recipe is a familiar one by now. In a society where social mores, especially in the big cities, appear to be changing very fast, there is a classic reaction. More traditional voters in the heartland begin to feel left behind, and their long-held values spurned. At the same time, a wave of unlawful migrants, fleeing terror and deprivation, appear to threaten the demographic and cultural balance still further, and seem to be encouraged by international post-national entities such as the European Union. A leftist ruling party in disarray gives a right-wing demagogue an opening, and he seizes it. And so in 2010, Orban was able to exploit a political crisis triggered by an imploding and scandal-ridden Socialist government, and, alongside coalition partners, win a supermajority for the right in parliament. Once in power, that supermajority allowed Orban to amend the constitution in 2011, reducing the number of seats in the parliament from 386 to 199, gerrymandering them brutally to shore up his partys standing in future elections, barring gay marriage in perpetuity, and mandating that in election campaigns, state media would take precedence over independent sources. He also forced a wave of early retirements in the judiciary in order to pack the courts with loyalists. As Mounk notes, Orban also tapped into deep grievances rooted in Hungarys loss of territory in the 20th century, by giving the vote to ethnic Hungarians in neighboring Romania and removing it from more culturally progressive expats. But it was in response to the migration crisis in 2015, that Orban truly galvanized public opinion behind him. Hungary, as Paul Lendvai noted in The Atlantic, had been deluged with asylum claims: 174,000 in 2015 alone, the highest per capita in the EU. Orban responded by spreading fears of an influx of terrorists and criminals, of a poisoning of Hungarian culture, and expressing visceral nationalist hostility to the diktats of the European Union. Added to all that, of course, was a generous salting of classic central European anti-Semitism. Voters especially in rural areas flocked to him. He further shifted the public discourse by creating and advancing new media outlets that amplified his propaganda, while attacking, harassing, and undermining all the others. He erected a huge fence to keep Muslim immigrants out, and refused to accept any of the 50,000 refugees the EU wanted to settle in his country. His political allies began to get very rich, as crony capitalism spread. By last year, Orban had turned George Soros into a version of 1984s Emmanuel Goldstein an enemy of the state with billboards and endless speeches, demonizing the Jewish billionaire and philanthropist, and vowing to protect the nation from external, malignant forces. It was a potent formula, especially when backed up by the rigging of the parliamentary seats. Last week, in a surge of voter turnout, Orban won almost 50 percent of the vote, but two-thirds of the seats, giving him another supermajority (this time without coalition partners) in parliament, with further chances to amend the constitution in his favor. His voters in the heartland swamped a majority for the opposition in Budapest. One of two remaining opposition newspapers, Magyar Nemzet, shut down on Wednesday after 80 years in print. Orban had withdrawn all government advertising in it. Some wonder whether there will ever be a free election again. If you find many of these themes familiar, youve been paying attention. In the middle of a reaction against massive social change and a wave of illegal immigration, a right-wing party decides to huff some populism. A charismatic figure emerges, defined by hostility to immigration, becomes an iconic figure, and even though he doesnt win a majority of votes, comes to office. His party is further shored up by gerrymandering, giving it a structural advantage in gaining and keeping power, including a seven percentage-point head start in the House of Representatives. That party does what it can to further suppress the vote of its opponents, especially ethnic minorities, and focuses on packing the courts, even rupturing long-standing precedents to deny a president of the opposing party his right to fill a vacant Supreme Court seat. 7 Of President Trump's Dictatorial Tendencies Openly propagandist media companies emerge, fake news surges, while the president uses the powers of his office to attack, delegitimize, and discredit other media sources, even to the point of threatening a company like Amazon. A mighty wall is proposed against immigrants on the border, alongside fears of a mass invasion from the South. Social conservatives are embraced tightly. The census is altered to ensure one partys advantage in future district-drawing. Courts are disparaged and the justice system derided as rigged by political opponents. The difference, of course, is that Orban is an experienced politician, and knows exactly what hes doing. Trump is a fool, an incompetent, and incapable of forming any kind of strategy, or sticking to one. The forces arrayed against the populist right, moreover, are much stronger in the U.S. than in Hungary; our institutions more robust; our culture much more diverse. Our democracy is far, far older. And yet almost every single trend in Hungary is apparent here as well. The party of the left has deep divisions, and no unifying leader, while the ruling party is a loyalist leader-cult. The presidents party is a machine that refuses to share power, and seeks total control of all branches of government. It is propelled by powerful currents of reaction, seems indifferent to constitutional norms, and dedicated to incendiary but extremely potent populist rhetoric. The presidents supporters now support a purge in the Department of Justice and the FBI, to protect the president from being investigated. The president himself has repeatedly demonstrated contempt for liberal norms; and despite a chaotic first year and a half, is still supported by a solid and slightly growing 42 percent of the public. Meanwhile, the immigration issue continues to press down, the culture wars are intensifying again, and the broad reasons for Trumps election in the first place remain in place: soaring social and economic inequality, cultural insecurity, intensifying globalization, and a racially fraught period when white Americans will, for the first time, not form a majority of citizens. History is not over; and real, profound political choices are here again. My hope is that the descent into illiberalism across the West might shake up the rest of us in defending core liberal democratic principles, wherever they are threatened, bringing us to the ballot box in huge numbers this fall, and abandoning the complacency so many have lapsed into. We cannot take anything for granted anymore. What was once a theoretical collapse of a liberal democracy now has a proof of principle. Do not ask when this choice between liberalism and illiberalism will come to America. It is already here. Power, Reason, and Liberalism The much-anticipated podcast discussion between Sam Harris and Ezra Klein, though frustrating at times, was nonetheless clarifying in one core respect. Klein doesnt believe you can discuss the latest scientific arguments about genetics, environment, and IQ without integrating an account of the historical and political context that surrounds them. That means, for Ezra, that any contemporary discussion must defer to the context of the history of white supremacy, and its nefarious abuse of science, and thereby be deemed guilty of racism until proven innocent. What Harris is insisting on, in contrast, is that the science is the science regardless of history, and you can discuss that separately from a discussion of social policy or the past, and that, in scientific debate, the race and gender and identity of the participants are irrelevant, and only the arguments matter. This is, in fact, a central question being debated right now in our culture far beyond the race and IQ debate. Much of the left now holds that structural racism/sexism et al. is so overwhelming that it pollutes the exercise of reason itself. And it further argues that the very premises of debate in a modern democracy that everyone has an equal voice, regardless of their identity must therefore be modified to account for these power differentials. And so Harriss position is flawed because, in Kleins words, it is simply a reflection of tribal bias, i.e., Harris is a white male, merely defending his privilege, not a free mind grappling with data. Indeed, Klein even believes his own engagement is flawed because hes white. All thought, in this view, is filtered first through racial and gender power structures. It has no independent realm. Privilege, in other words, trumps reason, hence the need to check it all times. Indeed, there is no realm in which arguments are simply arguments; they are always to be judged as components of power relations. This is the Frankfurt School made manifest. All discourse is a function of power; and power has to be restructured before any debate can be legitimately had; which means that diversity must come before reason; and that suppression of some voices is required for true tolerance and an actual free debate to exist. Hence affirmative action not to give some disadvantaged but able kids a chance to prove themselves as individual thinkers, regardless of their race, but to resist and overturn the racial power structures that exist on campus, before any truly free discussion can take place at all. Science, for the Frankfurt School, therefore has no real validity as a separate mode of human thought. It is a social construct, like everything else, embedded in whiteness and thereby oppressive in its essence. Or to put it in the language of the protesters at Middlebury: Science has always been used to legitimize racism, sexism, classism, transphobia, ableism, and homophobia, all veiled as rational and fact, and supported by the government and state. In this world today, there is little that is true fact. Indeed. Everything is power. And so scientific inquiries that might buttress the status quo must be stigmatized and suppressed, because they presuppose a world in which truth can be posited beyond power. And of course, in a more modest sense, our environment and our history do indeed affect and structure our discourse. Its only sensible to acknowledge that to a degree. But they do not fully determine it, and cannot fully determine it if we are to retain some trace of the Enlightenment ideas that lie beneath a liberal society. (I think, in fact, that this is more Ezras view, but that he has conceded far too much ground to the radical premises of his fellow-travelers.) There has to be a space left for reason alone, for a free and open-ended review of evidence and data and arguments, regardless of the consequences, irrespective of the racial and gendered identities of the people trying to think things through. There has to be a space where reason can liberate an individual from his or her identity, rather than a world in which identity is fundamental and creates thought. We once constructed a space in liberal society, where that principle was sacrosanct, where ideas could be exchanged in rare freedom, regardless of who offered them, and debated on their merits. And how many universities will soon be left that have that as their animating idea? Beyond the universities? Our broader intellectual culture through all the institutions that sustain it is now being subjected to these same pressures, where race and gender are openly made central to the project of reporting, of thinking, and of writing. Resisting this tendency is not racist or sexist. It is about defending the possibility of a place where ideas matter more than identity. In Defense of Stereotypes And then they came for Apu. In battling against the relentless onslaught of social justice, you have to take solace in a few small acts of defiance. And last week, we had one, as the writers of The Simpsons stood their ground against the attempt to rid their show of funny stereotypes, in particular to reform and remake the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. The usual arguments have been made: Apu foments racism because he was long the sole South Asian figure in mainstream television and does not represent many Indian-Americans, he is voiced by a white (i.e., Jewish) man in a parody of an Indian accent, he hurts people, hes created by people with privilege, the oppression is intolerable, yada yada. We havent yet gotten to the point in the formula where Apu is actually responsible for the deaths of Indian-Americans, but Im sure thats coming. The usual response to this social justice routine is a moderated form of apology, and much public hand-wringing, followed by surrender. Just ask Jeffrey Goldberg. Hank Azaria a totes def lib did the dance: The idea that anybody was marginalized based on it or had a hard time was very upsetting to me personally and professionally. The writers, mercifully, werent such wimps. In an unusual scene, Lisa and Marge looked directly at the camera and complained that one of their favorite childhood books had been put through the PC washer and ended up drab, predictable, and without any character arc. What am I supposed to do? asks Marge. Lisa continues: Its hard to say. Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do? Then she looks at a picture of Apu, on which is scrawled the Bart mantra Dont Have a Cow. And, yes, on cue, Twitter erupted. The one objection to the scene that had a point, it seems to me, is that Lisa is the wrong character to say this. By 2018, surely her do-goody, NPR-listening, 1998, liberal egghead persona would have morphed into a permanently aggrieved racial activist, intent on removing every lamentable obstacle on the march toward boundless diversity. But maybe Lisa, I like to think, is too smart for that (as are many liberals in private). Maybe shes precisely the right person to push back against the lefts latest attempt to police and stymie artists and writers. More to the point, Apu is funny, in part, because he is a stereotype, and because that stereotype largely rings true. Hes a first-generation immigrant, highly educated with a doctorate in computer science, a small businessman who went through a tortuous immigration journey, and hes now a successful and integrated part of Springfield. And, indeed, most Indian-Americans are first- or second-generation immigrants, highly educated, often small business owners, high earners, and skew liberal. So Apu is not an outlier here. And his character has developed quirkily over the years: We know hes vegan, is good friends with Homer, sang in a barbershop quartet, and thinks he is the fifth Beatle. The Simpsons writers have already addressed his being a stereotype by having a scene where his nephew, who speaks in a generic American accent, is embarrassed by him. They finish with a guest appearance from the Italian chef, with a silly mustache and absurdly stereotypical Italian accent. And theres a huge difference between stereotypes that are born out of fondness, and those rooted in hatred. The Simpsons is all about love. Think of Groundskeeper Willie, or Chief Wiggum, or Ned Flanders: how much more stereotypical can they be? And yet how human they are. Or think of two of my favorite characters from South Park: Big Gay Al and Mr. Slave. Theyre both screaming gay stereotypes, but theyre created out of love, and they definitely exist (in less outlandish ways, of course) in reality. I dont know any gays who actually feel hurt by them, and if they are, it says more about their own insecurity than anyone elses alleged homophobia. In fact, one of the reasons I was such an early fan of South Park is because I enjoyed seeing a pop-cultural product recognize that such stereotypes exist, make fun of them, while still coming from an entirely benign place. And stereotypes are only funny when they reveal something true that we try to suppress and almost all the studies of stereotypes in social psychology prove that they are actually, most of the time, dead accurate. (Seriously, check this out.) Comedy particularly needs to be defended against ideologues. Humor is the most resilient enemy of zealotry, which is why so many fanatics have tried to ban or police it, from the original Puritans to the new PC Puritans. I recall George Orwells line that fascism would never happen in Britain because if the Brits saw soldiers goose-stepping down the street, theyd giggle. Hes onto something. And in an increasingly multiracial and multicultural society, stereotype humor is one of the most benign ways to vent racial or gender or religious tension, without degenerating into dangerous bigotry. Laughter always defuses hatred. Its a safety valve and a reality check. That is why some on the left are so exercised about it. For their project in remaking the world, it is, indeed, magnificently problematic. See you next Friday. You gotta peelieve me. Photo: Pool/Getty Images Donald Trump asked James Comey to investigate the allegation that Vladimir Putin possessed a tape of the mogul engaging in erotic, urine-related activities on a hotel bed in Moscow because he wanted to convince his wife that it wasnt true. Or so the former FBI director alleges in his new book. He brought up what he called the golden showers thing adding that it bothered him if there was even a 1 percent chance his wife, Melania, thought it was true, Comey writes in A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, according to the New York Post. He just rolled on, unprompted, explaining why it couldnt possibly be true, ending by saying he was thinking of asking me to investigate the allegation to prove it was a lie. I said it was up to him. According to Comey, Trump made this extraordinary request one week into his presidency, during the same private dinner where he asked the FBI director to pledge personal loyalty to him. By that point, Trump had already lectured Comey extensively on why the pee tape allegations couldnt possibly be true. When the FBI director first informed the president-elect of the salacious, unsubstantiated charges in the Christopher Steele dossier, Trump strongly denied the allegations, asking rhetorically, I assumed whether he seemed like a guy who needed the service of prostitutes. He then began discussing cases where women had accused him of sexual assault, a subject I had not raised. He mentioned a number of women, and seemed to have memorized their allegations. Days later, during a follow-up call, Trump assured Comey, Im a germophobe. Theres no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way. On the night of their dinner, Comey responded to Trumps request for an investigation into pee-gate by suggesting that such an inquirycould create the false impression that the FBI was investigating Trump personally. The president acknowledged that this was a legitimate concern, but persisted in trying to persuade Comey to invest time and energy into proving that such a tape did not exist. Comey writes that he could not understand how Melania Trump could believe that her husband was capable of engaging in such urolagniac activities. In what kind of marriage, to what kind of man, does a spouse conclude there is only a 99 percent chance her husband didnt do that? Comey asks his readers. Photo-Illustration: Daily Intelligencer. Photo: Getty Images. James Comeys book describes a President Trump obsessed with allegations compiled in a dossier by British agent Christopher Steele that he was secretly recorded in Moscow in 2013 paying prostitutes to urinate on a bed that President Obama had slept in. I used to doubt that this episode really happened. I now believe it probably did. I am obviously far from certain, but since Steeles dossier came out, an accumulation of evidence has tipped the balance from unlikely to likely. Lets review what weve learned since the allegation first surfaced. 1. Christopher Steele is credible. Steele isnt just some gumshoe. Hes an experienced intelligence collector whose work has been valued by the British and American governments. His sources seem to be serious, too, including a former top-level Russian intelligence officer still active inside the Kremlin, a member of the staff at the hotel, a female staffer at the hotel when Trump had stayed there, and a close associate of Trump who had organized and managed his recent trips to Moscow. Steele himself has said that probably not every fact compiled in his dossier is true. The dossier was not intended as solid intelligence, but as a collection of leads. Still, the fact that Russia almost certainly murdered some of the sources for his reporting in the immediate wake of the dossiers publication further attests to their credibility. Update: One of the firmest denials Trumps orbit has made of the Steele dossier has been its report that Michael Cohen met with Russian agents in Prague in the summer of 2016. Cohen has produced a passport showing no Czech visit. But McClatchy reports that Robert Mueller has evidence he did go to Prague to meet with Russians then, going through Germany, which would avoid any mark on his passport. In addition to constituting important evidence of collusion between Trump and Russia, this is significant corroboration of Steeles work. 2. Trump is unhealthily obsessed with Obama. Trumps fixation with Barack Obama has been evident since his 2011 humiliation at the White House Correspondents Dinner. But as we have mapped out the contours of Trumps unbalanced psyche over the course of his presidency to date, the centrality of Obama has grown even more evident. He would routinely tell guests touring the Oval Office that the previous president had ignored the room. Obama never used the Oval, but Trump is different, he would say, in his customary third-person. Obama hatred is the lodestar of Trumps often confused policy-making. Its his only real position, a top European diplomat told BuzzFeed last year. He will ask: Did Obama approve this? And if the answer is affirmative, he will say: We dont. Even bizarrely self-defeating actions like sabotaging the health-care exchanges, which will cause premiums to spike right before this Novembers midterm elections, seem to be motivated by a desire to defile his predecessors legacy. Getting prostitutes to pee on the bed Obama slept in seems to be very much in character. Donald Trump Is His Own Worst Enemy 3. Trump has mixed his denials of the pee tape with obvious lies. Comeys account describes Trump denying the pee tape, and, in the same breath, denying things that happened on a tape that has been seen by the entire country: Trump also tried to convince Comey that he had not mocked disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski at a campaign rally, and then turned to the detailed allegations of sexual assault against him. There was no way he groped that lady sitting next to him on the airplane, he insisted, Comey writes. And the idea that he grabbed a porn star and offered her money to come to his room was preposterous. And then Trump brought up the golden showers thing, Comey writes. The president told him that it bothered him if there was even a one percent chance his wife, Melania, thought it was true. Comey writes that Trump told him to consider having the FBI investigate the prostitutes allegation to prove it was a lie. Trump definitely mocked Serge Kovaleski: And very credible accounts from Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal confirm him offering to pay for sex. If you hear somebody deny accusations X,Y, and Z all at once, and you know that X and Y are true, that has some bearing on whether you believe Z is true, also. Trump does not place the pee-tape allegation in some different category from things we know he did. 4. Trumps alibi is at least partly false. Also according to Comey, Trump argued that it could not be true because he had not stayed overnight in Moscow but had only used the hotel room to change his clothes. But reporting by David Corn and Michael Isikoff reveal that Trump did spend a night at the hotel in Moscow where the episode was alleged to have taken place. Why would Trump offer up a false alibi for something that isnt true? 5. Trump is comfortable with gross sexual behavior and can be blackmailed. We know more about Trumps sex life now than we did in November 2016. He has had a lot of affairs. He has gone to great lengths to keep them quiet which is to say, he can be blackmailed. And he is not averse to a sexually unconventional milieu. Corn and Isikoff have added some important reporting about a Las Vegas nightclub where Trump joined some of the entourage he had met with in Moscow: The Act was no ordinary nightclub. Since March, it had been the target of undercover surveillance by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and investigators for the clubs landlordthe Palazzo, which was owned by GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelsonafter complaints about its obscene performances. The club featured seminude women performing simulated sex acts of bestiality and grotesque sadomasochismskits that a few months later would prompt a Nevada state judge to issue an injunction barring any more of its lewd and offensive performances. Among the clubs regular acts cited by the judge was one called Hot for Teacher, in which naked college girls simulate urinating on a professor. In another act, two women disrobe and then one female stands over the other female and simulates urinating while the other female catches the urine in two wine glasses. (The Act shut down after the judges ruling. There is no public record of which skits were performed the night Trump was present.) Again, none of this is proof. All of it is at least somewhat suggestive. The finance ministry has held a meeting with the RBI, banks and state government officials to review the cash availability situation in ATMs across the country, according to a Business Standard report. The meeting was conducted after complaints of cash crunch in a few states. "We held a meeting with RBI officials, banks, and states today (Thursday). There is no apparent cash crunch across states. Bihar and Manipur are facing some issues. Banks have been advised to optimise cash flow at ATMs as well," a senior finance ministry official told the paper. Documents viewed by the Business Standard said the rate of cash withdrawal exceeded cash deposits in banks in a few states, such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. ATMs in north Bihar faced a cash crunch due to issues related to transportation of currency notes between different parts of the state. High rate of cash withdrawals and bank holidays hurt cash availability in Karnataka, the report added. "In Karnataka, there was a high rate of cash withdrawal in recent days. There were bank holidays towards the end of March due to which ATMs were running dry for a short spell," sources told the paper. The cash crunch has been reported from semi-urban and rural areas in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana too. Mumbai and Delhi should not be affected because the size of the currency chests is large. The logo of IHH Healthcare Berhad (IHH) is seen at the Singapore Exchange before its listing, July 25, 2012. Shares of Asia's largest hospital operator IHH Healthcare Bhd opened 9.6 percent higher than its initial public offering price in its Singapore trading debut. IHH, which has a dual listing in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, raised $2.1 billion, making it the world's third largest IPO this year after Facebook and Malaysia's plantation firm Felda Global Ventures Holdings. REUTERS/Tim Chong (SINGAPORE - Tags: HEALTH BUSINESS LOGO) - GM1E87P0SVZ01 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Fortis Healthcare said on Friday that it has received an unsolicited non-binding expression of interest from Malaysia-based IHH Healthcare that offered a price of up to Rs 160 per share for Indias second largest healthcare provider, subject to satisfactory completion of a limited due diligence. As on date, based on publicly-available information and our preliminary analysis, we believe a price of up to Rs 160 per Fortis share to be appropriate, subject to satisfactory completion of a limited due diligence, IHH said in a statement. Our request for such due diligence primarily stems from the inability of the statutory auditors of the Company to opine on its financial position as at December 31, 2017 and regulatory investigations that are currently underway, IHH added. IHH's valuation tops the other two offers that Fortis got from Manipal-TPG consortium and a joint bid from Munjal (Hero) and the Burmans (Dabur). Fortis on Thursday said it received an unsolicited binding offer jointly from Sunil Munjal of Hero and Burmans of Dabur to invest Rs 1,250 crore directly valuing the company shares at Rs 156, while Manipal Hospitals-TPG consortium offered a valuation of Rs 155. IHH said it could provide an alternative transaction construct, which in its view would offer a better option to the Company's shareholders at an attractive valuation. We note that the company has recently entered into an implementation agreement with Manipal Healthcare Enterprises and TPG Capital for a transaction that involves various complex steps over a prolonged period, IHH said. After Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey, India is the fourth home market to IHH - where the group has invested over USD 500 million on acquisitions and currently operates a network of 1,600 beds across 6 hospitals and 3 medical centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai making it to the list of top seven healthcare providers in India. Salil Parekh Infosys Chief Executive Salil Parekh on Friday unveiled a new strategy for the information technology services major, even as the company said it would look for potential buyers for three of its subsidiaries. Parekh said, "The strategy has four pillars: scaling an agile digital business, energising Infosys' core businesses, reskilling employees to help them achieve their aspirations and localising within its operating markets." The company said it would look for potential buyers for its units, Kallidus, Skava and Panaya. The three companies were acquired during the tenure of Vishal Sikka, Parekh's predecessor. Infosys expects the sale of the three companies to be completed by March 2019 and "assets amounting to Rs 2,060 crore (USD 316 million) and liabilities amounting to Rs 324 crore (USD 50 million) in respect of the disposal group have been reclassified and presented as 'held for sale', " the statement read. Infosys will take an impairment loss of Rs 118 crore (USD 18 million) in respect of Panaya, which has been recognized in the consolidated profit and loss for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018. The corresponding write down in the investment value of Panaya in the standalone financial statements of Infosys Ltd is Rs 589 crore (USD 90 million). Separately, Infosys also acquired WongDoody Holding Company, a US-based digital creative and consumer insights agency for about USD 75 million. However, Parekh did not elaborate on a larger merger and acquisition strategy, only saying that the company would "be continuing to look at what will fit in." Parekh, a veteran of French IT company Capgemini, was widely expected to draw from his experience in consulting and IT services in defining a new strategy for the company. Given that he is credited with leading the takeover of i-Gate by Capgemini for USD 4 billion, more clarity on the acquisition strategy will be a key talking point in the coming quarters. LocalBitcoins | This peer-to-peer exchange allows people from different countries to exchange their local currencies to bitcoins. Users post advertisements on the exchange stating their exchange rate and preferred payment method for buying or selling bitcoins. By replying to these advertisements, a trade is opened and escrow protection is automatically activated. Escrow protects both buyer and seller, by keeping the bitcoins safe until the payment is done and the seller releases bitcoins to the buyer. Bitcoins are placed in LocalBitcoins web wallet from where one can pay for their bitcoin purchases directly. However, investors need to be aware of scams as they are dealing directly with other people unlike other stock-like exchanges or centralized bitcoin trading sites. Delhi-based bitcoin exchange Coinsecure has lost bitcoins worth around Rs 22 crore in a security incident on Monday. The company has registered an FIR with the cyber cell of Delhi Police in this regard and has accused its Chief Security Officer to have a hand in it. Informing its customers, the company said that 438.318 bitcoins were allegedly stolen from its wallet by attackers. Coinsecure said that the incident happened while extracting bitcoin gold (BTG) to distribute among its customers. The current issue point towards losses caused during an exercise to extract BTG to distribute to our customers. Our CSO, Dr Amitabh Saxena, was extracting BTG and he claims that funds have been lost in the process during an extraction of the private keys, the company said. The company in the FIR lodged with the Delhi Police said that since the private keys to the wallet are with Saxena, he might have a role in the alleged crime. As the private keys are kept with Dr Amitabh Saxena, we feel that he is making a false story to divert our attention and he might have a role to play in this entire incident, Coinsecure alleged. The incident reported by Dr Amitabh Saxena does not seem convincing to us. In the FIR, the companys CEO Mohit Kalra said that it fears that Saxena might fly out of the country and urged the Delhi police to seize his passport. We are working round the clock to restore services and to try and recover all of the lost funds, and we shall keep all our users posted on the outcome of the details to ensure utmost transparency, the company said. It asked its customers to stand by it and provide help and support in the hour of need. It assured that all its customers who have been affected by the incident will be compensated for their loss from Coinsecures personal funds. McCabe is Comey!! Photo: Pete Marovich/Getty Images Last month, Jeff Sessions fired Andrew McCabe, 26 hours before the deputy FBI director would have qualified for his pension. The official cause of McCabes dismissal was that he had improperly disclosed sensitive information to the news media in the fall of 2016, and then lied to other investigators about having done so. But McCabe insisted that the move was crassly political the Trump administration was simply trying to discredit him, as part of a broader attempt to obstruct and delegitimize the special counsels investigation. In his response to McCabes firing, the president appeared to confirm this charge. Instead of soberly citing findings from the inspector generals report that turned up McCabes (alleged) malfeasance, Trump opted to denounce McCabe for his ties to James Comey and an ill-defined conspiracy within the highest ranks of the FBI. Andrew McCabe FIRED, a great day for the hard working men and women of the FBI - A great day for Democracy. Sanctimonious James Comey was his boss and made McCabe look like a choirboy. He knew all about the lies and corruption going on at the highest levels of the FBI! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2018 On Friday, the inspector generals report that Trump declined to reference became public. It asserts that McCabe personally instructed his aides to provide information to a Wall Street Journal reporter, who was writing an article on internal divisions within the FBI over how to proceed with a probe into the alleged financial improprieties of the Clinton Foundation. Subsequently, McCabe led FBI Director James Comey to believe that he had not approved such media disclosures. And McCabe misled other investigators in a similar fashion. The report claims that even if McCabe had been forthright about his actions, his disclosure still would have violated the FBIs media policy. McCabe disputes that finding, saying that he had full authority to disclose such information. He does not, however, deny that he did in fact authorize FBI personnel to speak with the Wall Street Journal in October 2016. Rather, he insists that he did not wittingly mislead investigators about that subject ostensibly suggesting that the misimpressions cited in the inspector generals report were the products of miscommunication, not mendacity. The report on McCabes conduct is part of a broader inspector generals investigation into the Justice Departments handling of the investigations into Hillary Clintons email server and the Trump campaigns ties to Russia in the run-up to the 2016 election. It it worth noting: The notion that McCabe was fired for nefarious reasons is in no way inconsistent with the inspector generals findings. The Trump administration does not have a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct among Executive branch appointees. Scott Pruitt still has a job. There is no question that McCabes lack of candor would never have cost him his position, if Trump did not regard him as a deep state enemy. And if there were any doubt that the administration is trying to exploit McCabes misconduct to discredit the investigation into Trumps firing of James Comey, the president extinguished it shortly after the inspector generals report landed. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Dilip Buildcon today announced incorporation of five new SPVs for projects worth Rs 6,306.9 crore awarded by National Highways Authority of India. "The company has incorporated five new SPVs (special purpose vehicles) to undertake the new HAM (Hybrid Annuity Mode) projects ," the company said in a filing to BSE. The SPV firms are DBL Nidagatta Mysore Highways, DBL Gorhar Khalrahrnda Highways, DBL Mangloor Highways , DBL Borgaon Watambare Highways and DBL Mangalwedha Solapur Highways, the filing said. The company had said last month it has bagged two projects worth Rs 4,473 crore to be constructed under hybrid annuity mode. Under HAM, the government commits up to 40 percent of a project cost and hands it over to the developer, who has to fund the balance 60 percent with debt and equity. Seed industry body FSII today said investment in agri-biotech sector could be affected following a recent Delhi High Court order dismissing US-based Monsanto's plea to enforce the patent for its BT cotton seeds in India. "While we respect the court's judgement, this order will have wider implications beyond the seed and agri biotech sector," Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) said in a statement. If the patent protection granted to a biotech trait under the Patent Act is superseded by the protection granted to the plant under the PPV&FR Act upon the insertion of the trait into the plant, FSII said, no organisation will invest money in inventing new traits for agriculture. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act was passed by Parliament in 2001 and an authority has been set up for compliance of provisions of this law. A trait, whether GM or non-GM, becomes useful for farmers or consumers only when it has been incorporated in the plant, it added. "There is a need to recognise that organisations have already made significant research investments in the agri-biotech sector. This judgement will severely restrict their ability to license their technologies and will hamper further investments in this sector," FSII said. By adversely impacting innovation, this judgement will deal a severe blow to the interests of the Indian farmers in the long run, the association said. Earlier this week, a bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Yogesh Khanna of Delhi High Court partially allowed the counter-claims of three Indian seed companies that Monsanto does not have a patent for its BT cotton seeds, a genetically modified variant which resists bollworms. The court also upheld the decision of a single judge on the issue of trait fee payable to Monsanto by the three Indian companies including Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd. In recent hearings on Aadhaar, the Supreme Court made two observations one that the demographic data collected from millions of citizens could be a gold mine for commercial firms and the second that biometric data was collected from citizens even before Aadhaar Act came into effect. A bench of five judges, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, is hearing a batch of petitions challenging the legality of Aadhaar. In view of Cambridge Analyticas illegal mining of data of Facebook users, the Supreme Court said there is a need to ensure that data is safely held by requesting entities (the place where one is undergoing Aadhaar authentication), reported Times of India. The court also asked the Centre to detail statutory and proposed steps to prevent UID centres from sharing demographic details of persons enrolled in the system. A bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices A K Sikri, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan said there is need for a robust data protection regime. Justice Chandrachud also said India may have a huge number of poor persons, but their personal demographic data is a huge gold mine for commercial entities". In addition to this, the apex court on Tuesday faulted Section 59 of the Aadhaar Act saying it was badly drafted, reported Economic Times. Attorney General KK Venugopal argued in court, saying while the Aadhaar Act came into effect in 2016, the government started enrolling people under its scheme in 2010. He also said if the court declares all pre-2016 Aadhaar illegal and invalid, then all the biometrics collected from people before that would have to be destroyed. CJI Misra also said, It is very difficult for us to recognise that fundamental rights can be compromised or waived, he said, referring to the deemed consent clause. The first regional conference of eastern states on Water Resources will be held in the city on April 16 to address the outstanding water issues of these states. The conference will deliberate on finding a solution to mitigate intra and intra-basin issues relating to water resources in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, official sources said. Union Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal will participate in the conference, which will be attended by Water Resources ministers and secretaries of the five states, the sources said. The chairman of Central Water Commission will also address the conference. The issue of interlinking of rivers will also come-up for discussion at the conference, the sources said West Bengal has issues like Ganga-Padma erosion, Ghatal Master Plan with an estimated cost of Rs 1238.95 crore for the first phase, non-availability of Central grant under flood management programme for the ongoing flood management projects. Issues pertaining to the unified and scientific control of all the reservoirs, erosion on the banks of river Bhagirathi and non-availability of 100 per cent central grant for 19 anti-erosion work executed near the international border with Bangladesh during the 12th Plan period, may also come up for discussion, the sources said. The four other eastern states also have their own issues, besides inter-state issues of Jharkhand with West Bengal regarding revision of Mayurakshi-Siddheswari-Noonbeel agreement for utilising the water of Mayurakshi river and Siddheswari-Noonbeel river, Barakar-Damodar-Subarnarekha link. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Akash Jain We believe at current valuations, Havells India is fairly priced and has already discounted future growth. At current market price, we expect moderate upside unless there is some buoyant growth and improvement in margin profile. Historically, the company enjoyed significant premium in its valuations owing to its focus on premiumisation, strong brand recall and investment in new product categories. The lower GST rates would also drive earnings growth for the Company. In Q3FY18, earnings were in-line with our expectations. In Q3FY18, topline witnessed a rise of 31 percent and a similar jump in the profits also. The growth was mainly led by consumer durable and lighting & fixture segment which grew by 35 percent and 26 percent YoY respectively largely on account of water heaters, fans and LED segment witnessing strong growth. The companys switch gears segment which was under pressure to quite some time owing tto increasing competition witnessed some revival with a growth of 4 percent YoY was driven by launch of new switches. Cables and wires business continues to be drag. The cables and wires volumes witnessed de-growth in December 2017 quarter. The company is on a drive to improve its retail reach and is evident from the recent initiatives. Havells inaugurated its first retail outlet in Kanpur city. The company is planning to open 30 retail showrooms in Uttar Pradesh by 2020 and is looking to double its business in the state in the next 3-4 years. "Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a steady improvement in power supply availability with renewed focus of the government to push power sector and allied infrastructure projects," Lloyd CEO Shashi Arora said. The company has more than 50 Lloyd exclusive retail showrooms across India. The retail showrooms will offer wide ranges of energy efficient, ultra-modern and durable air conditioners, televisions and washing machines under one roof, Lloyd said. : The author isice-president, Equity Research at Ajcon Global Services. The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has accused its three former employees of data theft and has taken them to Bombay High Court for stealing confidential company data. Indias largest packaged consumer goods firm has named Suyash Chauhan, a former managing director of Unilever Nepal; Hemal Jain, a former head of customer development at HULs center of excellence and Kishor Patil, a former sales and customer manager in the case, as per a Mint report. The company has also asked the court to restrain them from using the stolen data. It has come as the latest development in HULs data theft case, in which the court had allowed an investigation. On March 27, it had ordered the company to engage EY to carry out an audit in the case and directed the consulting firm to submit its report to the court within two week. The HC had also directed the respondents in the case to disclose all the details of confidential and proprietary information they may have in their possession, in any form and restrained them from using or sharing the same in future. It further asked the respondents to file their reply with regard to the case in three weeks. The court will next hear the matter on April 17. Infosys CEO Salil Parekh(C) with CFO Ranganath and CTO Pravin Rao (L) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Salil Parekh, the new CEO of Infosys, Friday announced plans to put subsidiaries Skava and Panaya on sale while reporting the company's fourth quarter earnings. The acquisitions were done under predecessor and first non-co-founder CEO of the company, Vishal Sikka. The Panaya deal had put the company in the eye of a storm last year when founders started questioning corporate governance practices pertaining to the deal. Sikka stepped down in August and Parekh, a veteran of French IT company Capgemini, took over the reins. Infosys, Indias second largest information technology company, reported a 28 percent sequential fall in net profit to Rs 3,690 crore in the Q4FY18, in line with analysts' expectations. The sequential drop in fourth quarter profit was also because Q3 FY18 included positive impact of USD 225 million on account of conclusion of an APA with the US IRS. Company's full year constant currency revenue guidance is at 6-8 percent and dollar revenue at 7-9 percent, which is in line with estimates. However, it revised the EBIT margin guidance downwards to 22-24 percent from 23-25 percent. This will include the impact from revised compensation for FY19 . On the sale of the two subsidiaries Infosys said, "In the quarter ended March 2018, the company initiated identification and evaluation of potential buyers for its subsidiaries, Kallidus and Skava (together referred to as Skava) and Panaya. The company anticipates completion of the sale by March 2019 and accordingly, assets amounting to Rs 2,060 crore (USD 316 million) and liabilities amounting to Rs 324 crore (USD 50 million) in respect of the disposal group have been reclassified and presented as "held for sale." On reclassification, the company has recoganised an impairment loss of Rs 118 crore (USD 18 million) in respect of Panaya in the consolidated profit and loss for the quarter and year ended March 2018. The corresponding write down in the investment value of Panaya in the standalone financial statements is Rs 589 crore (USD 90 million), it added. Infosys also announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WongDoody Holding Company, Inc., a US-based digital creative and consumer insights agency. Dollar revenue growth was at 1.8 percent and in constant currency terms it was 0.6 percent. The company reported consolidated revenue of Rs 18,083 crore for the quarter ended March, compared with Rs 17,794 crore reported in the December quarter. FY18 revenues grew by 7.2 percent in USD terms, 5.8 percent in constant currency terms, with operating margins at 24.3 percent, which was in line with expectations. The company recommended a final dividend of Rs 20.50/- per equity share for the financial year ended March 31, 2018 and special dividend of Rs 10/- per equity share. The company specified its capital allocation policy. The Board has identified an amount of upto Rs 13,000 crores (USD 2 billion) to be paid to shareholders in the following manner; a) A special dividend of Rs 10 per share (USD 0.15 per ADR) resulting in a payout of approximately Rs 2,600 crore (approximately USD 400 million) in June 2018. b) Identified an amount of upto approximately Rs 10,400 crore (approximately USD 1,600 million) to be paid out to shareholders for FY19. I am pleased with our healthy revenue growth, profitability, and cash generation in Q4. Our robust performance is a reflection of the strong impact we have with our clients and the dedication of our employees, said Salil Parekh, CEO. Reacting to the result, ICICI Securities said in a note that earnings with revenue in-line with our expectations while it was better-than-expected on the margin front. However, it said there was a disappointment on the margin guidance front as Infosys has lowered its EBIT margin range. Sanjeev Hota, AVP Research, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas also reiterated Infosys FY19 margin guidance disappointed a little bit considering its additional investments in digital and setting-up onsite delivery centres. "We expect FY19 performance to be better compared to FY18, given expectations of strong growth in insurance and energy vertical along with higher spends from the larger US banks. However, stock price has moved up over 10% on YTD basis and material upside from current the level looks capped," he said. At close, Infosys was quoting at Rs 1,169.00, up Rs 6.75, or 0.58 percent. It touched an intraday high of Rs 1,184.00 and an intraday low of Rs 1,150.20 on BSE today. 1:21 pm Market Update: The market is off its day's high on correction in banks, with the Nifty trading below 10,500 levels. Infosys also lost some gains as investors turned cautious ahead of its March quarter earnings and FY19 guidance announcement. The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 63.82 points at 34,164.95 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 12.60 points to 10,471.30. Nifty Bank, Auto, Financial Services and FMCG indices slipped into the red. 1:10 pm M&A Deals: Corporate India announced mergers and acquisitions worth USD 1.5 billion in March, taking the deal tally for the first quarter of 2018 to USD 18.53 billion, says a report. According to assurance, tax and advisory firm Grant Thornton, March saw 31 M&A deals worth USD 1,499 million, down 92 percent in value terms from the year-ago month when deals worth USD 23,822 million were announced by way of 28 such transactions. The January-March period saw 118 deals worth USD 18,529 million, while the same quarter last year witnessed 105 merger and acquisition (M&A) deals worth USD 27,477 million. Barring the USD 23 billion Vodafone-Idea merger announced in first quarter of 2017, January-March quarter this year witnessed 2.3 times increase in deal values. 1:02 pm FPI Investment Limit: To boost inflows of foreign funds into Indian capital markets, regulator Sebi has decided to raise the investment limit for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in central government securities and corporate bonds in two tranches. It has been decided to enhance limit for investment by FPIs in two tranches from April 12 and October 1. The move is part of an effort by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to push inflow from overseas investors in the country's capital markets. "Limit for FPIs in central government securities shall be enhanced to Rs 2,07,300 crore on April 12 and Rs 2,23,300 crore on October 1, respectively," the regulator said in a circular. Earlier, investment limit for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) was Rs 1,89,700 crore. 12:51 pm Market Update: The market continued to trade higher for the seventh consecutive session after macro data. Investors await Infosys earnings. The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 191.38 points at 34,292.51 and the 50-share NSE Nifty gained 52.80 points at 10,511.50. Technology, banking & financials stocks and Reliance Industries continued to support the market 12:40 pm Europe Update: European equities opened slightly higher as investors brace for earnings reports from US banks. The pan-European Stoxx 600 was 0.15 percent up with most sectors moving above the flatline. In Asia, shares were mostly higher as geopolitical concerns eased. President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday that he had never said an attack on Syria would be imminent. "Could be soon or not soon at all," Trump said. As a result, investors are likely to focus and react to upcoming earnings. JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo will kick off the earnings season, reports CNBC. 12:23 pm Market Update: Benchmark indices extended rally in afternoon, with the Sensex rising 198.88 points at 34,300.01 and the Nifty gaining 57 points at 10,515.70. About 1,464 shares advanced against 931 declining shares on the BSE. : Reliance Infrastructure EPC has received the Letter of Award (LOA) from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for three packages worth Rs 1,584 crore for the construction of Mumbai Metro for the NorthSouth Metro-4 corridor which will run between Kasarwadavali in Thane and Wadala. The stock gained 2 percent. Here are the top headlines at 12 pm from Moneycontrol News' Anchal Pathak 11:55 am Buzzing: Premier Explosives (PEL), active in the field of explosives and solid propellants, and the French defence company NEXTER, specialized in land systems and ammunition have decided to tie-up for manufacturing Bi-Modular Charge Systems (BMCS) in order to respond to the needs of the Indian Ministry of Defence. The stock gained 3 percent. 11:45 am Market Update: The markets remained strong ahead of Infosys earnings, continuing uptrend for the seventh consecutive session. The Sensex is up more than 150 points and the Nifty is trading above 10,500 levels. The Nifty Midcap index extended gains, rising 0.8 percent while all sectoral indices are in the green barring FMCG. Infosys is up 1 percent as analysts expect 2 percent dollar revenue growth and over a percent growth in constant currency revenue. The constant currency revenue guidance by the company for FY19 is expected to be around 6-8 percent. 11:30 am Newgen in focus: PR Savings Bank has recently partnered with Newgen to drive operational efficiency and business growth through customer centricity in its loan approval process. The bank wanted to increase and diversify its loan book growth in two-wheeler and teacher's loan segment through smart engagement model. The bank is now able to link different touch points to provide responsive and high availability system using Newgen's Business Process Management and Enterprise Mobility Framework, the company said. 11:02 am China's Exports Fall: China's exports growth unexpectedly fell in March, the first drop since February last year, raising questions about the health of one of the economy's key growth drivers even as trade tensions rapidly escalate with the United States. March import growth beat expectations, however, suggesting its domestic demand may still be solid enough to cushion the blow from any trade shocks. That left China with a rare trade deficit for the month, also the first drop since last February. The latest readings on the health of China's trade sector follow weeks of tit-for-tat tariff threats by Washington and Beijing, sparked by US frustration with China's massive bilateral trade surplus and intellectual property policies, that have fueled fears of a global trade war. China's March exports fell 2.7 percent from a year earlier, lagging analysts' forecasts for a 10.0 percent increase, and down from a sharper-than-expected 44.5 percent jump in February, which economists believe was heavily distorted by seasonal factors, reports Reuters. 10:50 am NBCC in Focus: NBCC has signed a MoU with Skill Development Institute (SDI), Bhubaneswar for planning, designing and construction of 'Skill Development Institute' on April 12, 2018 amounting Rs 300 crore (approximately) wherein NBCC will work as project management consultant at 7 percent fees. The stock gained a percent. Here are the top headlines at 11 am from Moneycontrol News' Sakshi Batra 10:41 am Order Win: Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group and the largest suppliers of mobility solutions to the Indian Army, has won another critical order from the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The contract is for supplying High Mobility 10x10 vehicles (HMV 10x10). This order will end a long search by the Indian Army, who have been looking for HMV 10x10s to carry the Smerch Rockets, this initial order is worth over Rs 100 crores. The stock price rallied 3 percent. 10:30 am Market Update: Benchmark indices continued to trade higher after macro data, as investors look for Infosys earnings due later in the day. The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 142.69 points at 34,243.82 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 39.30 points to 10,498. The market breadth breadth was positive as about two shares advanced for every share falling on the BSE. 10:20 am Rupee Outlook: Bhaskar Panda of HDFC Bank told CNBC-TV18 that the risk appetite will be back in play after the US President softened his stance both on Syria and ongoing trade war with China. In India, the USD-INR should benefit in the beginning and trade in a range of 65.20-65.35 against the US dollar, he feels. 10:10 am Earnings Poll: Country's second largest software services exporter, Infosys, is set to kick start the March quarter earnings season today. Not just Infosys, the entire IT sector outperformed the benchmark Nifty50 index during the January-March period. It is a seasonally weak quarter for Infosys but analysts expect numbers to be good compared to the previous year. The IT firm gained 8.6 percent and the Nifty IT index was up 7 percent while the Nifty50 fell 4 percent in Q4FY18. This indirectly indicates the sector concerns seem to have bottomed out and there could be better growth going ahead. Analysts on an average expect 2 percent dollar revenue growth and over a percent constant currency growth in Q4 YoY while the constant currency revenue guidance is expected to be around 6-8 percent. Here are the top headlines at 10 am from Moneycontrol News' Anchal Pathak 10:03 am Rupee Trade: After opening higher, the rupee shed 3 paise to 65.29 against the US dollar despite better-than-expected inflation numbers released yesterday. Yesterday, the rupee staged an impressive recovery from its five-month low towards the fag-end and closed higher by 5 paise to close at 65.26 against the US dollar. 9:55 am Emkay Research on Macro Data: IIP growth remained strong at 7.1 percent YoY in February 2018, higher than our estimate of 6.2 percent. IIP in last 4 months have been trending in the range of 7-8 percent. The recovery in growth has also been broadbased and is further accentuated by a lower base. Significant growth in automobiles and in capital goods oriented exports such as machinery has shifted the trajectory of growth upwards. IIP growth in FY19 is likely to escalate further to an average of 6-6.5 percent from FY18E 4.6 percent. While on other hand, Mar18 CPI reading moderated to 4.3 percent YoY from 4.4 percent in Feb18, in line with our expectation of 4.3 percent. However, Q4FY18 CPI at 4.7 percent is a tad higher than RBIs estimate of 4.5 percent YoY. Taking into consideration the lower food inflation and higher core rural inflation, we believe that the rural distress has not yet abated completely. Rise in core inflation and increasing upward risk to overall CPI is likely to prompt RBI to withdraw its Aug17 25bps rate cut. Our expectation for FY19 average inflation is at 5.6-6.0 percent. 9:50 am Market Update: The market continued its upside for the seven consecutive session following positive lead from Wall Street and macro data. The Nifty is inching towards 10,500 levels while the Sensex is up around 100 points. The broader markets also traded in line with frontliners, with the Nifty Midcap index rising half a percent. IT stocks corrected a bit after yesterday's rally, as investors turn cautious ahead of Infosys earnings due later in the day. 9:40 am Company Outlook: Titan told CNBC-TV18 that jewellery business will see 2.5x growth in revenue from FY17 level, by FY23 against FY22 earlier. The company is also targetted achieving uniform customer price revenue of Rs 50,000 crore by FY23 and Rs 40,000 crore for jewellery business by FY23 with 10 percent market share. 9:32 am Market Outlook: Saion Mukherjee of Nomura said current forecasts for their coverage universe translate into an earnings cut of 6.5 percent to FY18 forecast, implying earnings growth of 3 percent (excluding financials), and flat for the overall universe. December 2018 Nifty target of 11,380 implies a 9 percent potential upside from current levels. "We are overweight on financials (particularly retail private banks and insurance), autos, oil and gas, infra/construction and healthcare. We are underweight on IT, consumer staples, utilities and cement," he said. 9:26 am China Trade Surplus: China's trade surplus with the United States surged 19.4 percent on-year in the first quarter, data showed today, as trade tensions between the world's two largest economies simmer. The surplus reached USD 58 billion in January-March, customs bureau spokesman Huang Songping said at a briefing in Beijing. Exports to the US rose 14.8 percent year-on-year, while imports grew 8.9 percent, reports PTI. 9:22 am Acquisition: Reliance Industries said it executed definitive agreements to acquire majority shareholding constituting 72.69 percent (on fully diluted basis) from existing investors of Indiavidual Learning Pvt Ltd (Embibe), a leading AI-based education platform leveraging data analytics to deliver personalized learning outcomes to each student. Reliance has agreed to invest upto USD 180 million into Embibe, (including consideration to be paid for acquiring majority stake from existing investors) over the next three years. Embibe will use the capital over the next three years towards deepening its R&D on AI in education, as well as business growth and geographic expansion, catering to students across K-12, higher education, professional skilling, vernacular languages and all curriculum categories across India and internationally. The founder and CEO of Embibe, Aditi Avasthi will continue in her leadership role and will drive the growth of the business. Disclosure: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. 9:18 am Sectoral Performance: All sectoral indices are in the green, with the Nifty IT, Metal, Auto, Pharma, Bank and Realty gaining up to 0.7 percent. 9:15 am Market Check: Benchmark indices extended previous day's gains, following positive lead from Wall Street and macro data, as investors await Infosys Q4 earnings due later in the day. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 107.15 points to 34,208.28 and the 50-share NSE Nifty gained 27.70 points at 10,486.40. Vedanta, Hindalco, Dr Reddy's Labs, IOC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, TCS, Infosys, HCL Technologies and Axis Bank gained up to 2 percent. Sun Pharma, IndusInd Bank, HUL and Tata Motors were under pressure. Fortis Healthcare, Kwality, Agro Tech, NALCO, HUDCO, BEML, Harrisons Malyalam, Titan Company, TBZ, Madras Fertilizers, RCF, Chambal Fertilizers and Jaiprakash Associates gained up to 8 percent. Also Watch - Markets@Moneycontrol: Nifty likely to open higher; 3 stocks which can give up to 12% return 9:04 am Technical Recommendations: We spoke to IIFL and heres what they have to recommend: Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Limited: BUY| Target 205| Stop Loss 171| Returns 13% IRB Infrastructure Ltd: BUY| Target 302| Stop Loss 258| Returns 11% Balkrishna Industries Ltd: BUY| Target 1388| Stop Loss 1235| Returns 8% Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. 9:02 am Stocks in news: Thyssenkrupp, Tata Steel delay signing of joint venture deal NBCC (India): The company has secured total business of Rs 770 crore for March 2018. HAL, M&M: Boeing partners with HAL & Mahindra to manufacture F/A-18 Super Hornet in India. State Bank of India: CBI Questions DGM Rank Officials From SBI branch In Frankfurt & Mauritius GAIL India: The firm will receive LNG cargo from Gazprom in May Adani Group: The company has entered into multiple tie-ups to further defence business, Hindu Business Line reported. IL&FS Transport: The firm is raising USD 1 billion infrastructure fund under its PE business, Mint reported. Hindustan Unilever: Company appoints Sanjiv Mehta as Chairman 9:00 am Market Check: Benchmark indices were strong in pre-opening following positive lead from Wall Street and good macro data, as investors await Infosys Q4 earnings due later in the day. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 125.36 points to 34,226.49 and the 50-share NSE Nifty gained 56.80 points at 10,515.50. HCL Technologies, Fortis Healthcare, Axis Bank, Maruti Suzuki, RCF, Agro Tech, Kwality, Nelco, JBF Industries, Harrisons Malyalam and TBZ gained up to 10 percent. Dish TV, Petronet LNG and Jet Airways were under pressure. Trends on SGX Nifty also indicated a positive opening for the broader index in India, a rise of 29 points or 0.28 percent. Nifty futures were trading around 10,497-level on the Singapore Stock Exchange. US stocks climbed on Thursday as investors anticipated a strong earnings season and as US President Donald Trumps suggestion that a military strike on Syria may not be imminent ratcheted down geopolitical worries, Reuters reported. Asian shares traded higher early on Friday trade, with Japan and South Korea gaining after US markets gained in the last session. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ticked up 0.1 percent while Japan's Nikkei gained 0.8 percent. South Korea's Kospi added 0.48 percent, Reuters reported. The Nifty50 is expected to open higher on Friday tracking positive trend seen in other Asian markets. The Nifty50 closed 41 points higher at 10458. Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a positive opening for the broader index in India, a rise of 29 points or 0.28 percent. Nifty futures were trading around 10,497-level on the Singapore Stock Exchange. US stocks climbed on Thursday as investors anticipated a strong earnings season and as US President Donald Trumps suggestion that a military strike on Syria may not be imminent ratcheted down geopolitical worries, Reuters reported. Asian shares traded higher early on Friday trade, with Japan and South Korea gaining after US markets gained in the last session. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ticked up 0.1 percent while Japan's Nikkei gained 0.8 percent. South Korea's Kospi added 0.48 percent, Reuters reported. Stocks in news: Thyssenkrupp, Tata Steel delay signing of joint venture deal NBCC (India): The company has secured total business of Rs 770 crore for March 2018. HAL, M&M: Boeing partners with HAL & Mahindra to manufacture F/A-18 Super Hornet in India. State Bank of India: CBI Questions DGM Rank Officials From SBI branch In Frankfurt & Mauritius GAIL India: The firm will receive LNG cargo from Gazprom in May Adani Group: The company has entered into multiple tie-ups to further defence business, Hindu Business Line reported. IL&FS Transport: The firm is raising USD 1 billion infrastructure fund under its PE business, Mint reported. Hindustan Unilever: Company appoints Sanjiv Mehta as Chairman Technical Recommendations: We spoke to IIFL and heres what they have to recommend: Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Limited: BUY| Target 205| Stop Loss 171| Returns 13% IRB Infrastructure Ltd: BUY| Target 302| Stop Loss 258| Returns 11% Balkrishna Industries Ltd: BUY| Target 1388| Stop Loss 1235| Returns 8% Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Global research firm Morgan Stanley has initiated an overweight call on Biocon with a target at Rs 785 per share. The house is of the view that H2 seems to be strong for the company and Mylan with monetisation prospects of biosimilar pipeline improving. The firm expects significant upside from its biosimilar pipeline in 2019-2021. Biocon expects its partner Mylan to launch insulin glargine across various markets in Europe in the second half of 2018. The company didn't specify the Australian launch but said it will happen later this year. Siddharth Mittal, President - Finance of Biocon said that the approval of Mylan and Biocons biosimilar Insulin Glargine, Semglee, by the European Commission is significant as it is the first biosimilar approval in EU from our joint portfolio. It comes close on the heels of Ogivri, our biosimilar Trastuzumab, being the first biosimilar from Mylan and Biocons joint portfolio to be approved in the US. Also, Biocon partner Mylan has entered into a pact with Fujifilm to commercialise Humira biosimilar in Europe. Mylan said its partner Biocon will receive economic benefit through this collaboration. Under the terms of the agreement between the two companies, Fujifilm grants Mylan an exclusive license to commercialise the adalimumab biosimilar in Europe and will receive an up-front fee. At 09:44 hrs Biocon was quoting at Rs 620.35, up Rs 0.70, or 0.11 percent. It has touched an intraday high of Rs 628.90 and an intraday low of Rs 619.00. The share touched its 52-week high Rs 1,044.40 and 52-week low Rs 294.97 on 13 June, 2017 and 25 May, 2017, respectively. Hes thought ahead. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images In Slow Burn, a podcast about Watergate, Slate writer and host Leon Neyfakh tells the story of the dedicated team of prosecutors who worked to contain the fallout of the Saturday Night Massacre. When news reached the lawyers that their boss, special prosecutor Archibald Cox, had been fired by Richard Nixon, many of them dropped everything they were doing and rushed to the office to try to salvage their investigative files, just before FBI agents arrived and sealed the place as if it were a crime scene. Carl Feldbaum, one of the young prosecutors, was there was with his wife. He had a novel idea for how to get key files out of the office: I thought it was the safest thing to give her the evidence, which she stuffed into her jeans, he recalled. Thats not an ideal contingency plan. But those were simpler times, before personal computers and cloud technology and electronic court dockets. Theres no telling what lessons from history Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating crimes associated with Russias interference in the presidential election, has adopted into his own investigative work. But if Donald Trumps latest brooding and seething over the Russia inquiry is any indication, it is entirely within the realm of the possible that the president, a kind of Nixon-in-waiting, may fire Mueller before the investigation gets any hotter. As useless as that would be investigations with a large bureaucracy behind them do not just disappear when the lead prosecutor leaves its the reality of a president who remains ignorant about the firewalls within his own Executive branch. This is not a drill. With reporting by the New York Times that Trump considered ousting Mueller in December and his early-morning Twitter rant on Thursday that he would have fired the special counsel had he really wanted to, were ever so close to what Lawfares Benjamin Wittes calls the moment of actual confrontation a looming reckoning between a sitting president, and one who doesnt really care much about norms or institutions at that, and a well-regarded prosecutor and public servant he hasnt yet been able to fire. But not because its not in his instincts: James Comey, Sally Yates, and Preet Bharara never stood a chance because each knew and recognized that they served at the pleasure of the nations chief executive. And they were gone the moment he said so. But Mueller, who was appointed under statutes and regulations binding on the Department of Justice, and the government as a whole, doesnt operate in the same constitutional sphere as a presidentially appointed officer no matter Sarah Huckabee Sanderss assertion that the president certainly believes in his heart of hearts that he can fire the man probing his Russia connections. Trump believes a lot of things. But right now theres a fierce academic discussion, far from settled by the courts, about what Trump may or may not do with the special counsel. Uncharted though the waters may be, the dominant view among experts is that Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, is the only one with the power to serve as a check on Mueller. The special counsels office said so itself in a recent court filing that characterized Mueller as a subordinate officer within the Department of Justice who is beholden to Rosenstein all the while establishing, as Rosenstein has in public testimony, that he is the one accountable and responsible for the scope of the Russia investigation. That court document, authored in part by a longtime career official who has argued more than 100 cases before the Supreme Court, said nothing about Muellers subservience to Trump, nor could it. The presidents own solicitor general, in a brief filed with the high court in an unrelated, wonky dispute over the constitutional status of administrative law judges, acknowledged how the removal regime that applies to Mueller is supposed to work: The power to remove, being incident to the power of appointment, rests with the appointing authority absent an express statement to the contrary. Later, the same brief adds: Other inferior Officers, whose appointments have been vested in the Heads of Departments, may be removed by those Department Heads who are themselves removable by the President. (Dont let John Yoo convince you otherwise. As Georgetown Laws Marty Lederman shows, hes dead wrong.) Get it? That means no end-runs to giving Mueller the pink slip: Trump must go through Rosenstein, the same way Nixon went through a willing subordinate, Robert Bork, to fire Cox. That there exists a real legal constraint on the president to sack Mueller helps explains why were now hearing the likes of Steve Bannon and other Trump acolytes offer wild suggestions on how to stymie the special counsels investigation up to and including canning Rosenstein, the special counsels true direct supervisor and someone who has backed his work at every step of the way. The White House seems aware that the law is not on its side: CNN reported Thursday that theres a bizarre effort afoot to push out talking points to undermine Rosenstein. Thats the kind of petty thing you do when youre losing on the merits, driving you to dig an even deeper grave of obstruction. Assuming the worst-case scenario of firing Rosenstein or maybe the best, because it would afford Trump the cleanest chance to appoint a crony to assert control over the probe what then? Does it all get shut down and go away? Peter Carr, the special counsels spokesman, declined to comment when asked by New York what conversations, if any, Muellers elite team of prosecutors has had to protect its own work from presidential interference. But its not inconceivable that Mueller has already done his due diligence and has a plan or plans in place in contemplation of his own dismissal. To wit: The multiple FBI raids on Michael Cohens home, office, and hotel room this week overseen by prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys office in the Southern District of New York, which covers Manhattan resulted from a referral from Mueller to that office. Bharara, who used to run the place before Trump showed him the door, acknowledged in his weekly talk show-cum-podcast that the existence of a wholly independent investigation out of a different office puts the Mueller probe, indirectly, on stronger footing. I dont see a way, legitimately or even pragmatically, that you can shut down a separate SDNY investigation once it is started. And boy, it is started, Bharara said, using the acronym for his former office. Because the investigation into Michael Cohen is nonpublic and preliminary and as far as we know, unrelated to the broader Russia investigation theres no way to know what crimes, if any, hell be charged with, or whether hell be charged at all. But it is significant that the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys office has evidence that it received from the Justice Department, which in turn served as a basis to gather more evidence of its own from Cohen directly, and that now Trump himself is so invested in the matter that hes dispatched a lawyer to intervene in a New York case that may turn out to be nothing. Whatever federal prosecutors in New York have on Cohen, the president, or both, is significant enough to keep them on edge. And because the Southern District of New York is renowned for not taking orders from Washington all that easily, this is not something Trump can do much about. The same would be true of the larger investigation, which has a criminal component now playing out in the courts, as well as a counterintelligence one that remains, in great part, a closely guarded secret. NBC News Pete Williams, who has covered federal law enforcement for the better part of the last 25 years, ran through several of the hypotheticals surrounding a Mueller firing and concluded that, in the end, Trump would pay a steep political price but the show would go on. The probe would simply revert to the FBI and the Justice Department, where prosecutors and federal agents would continue the kind of work they were doing before the special counsel was appointed, Williams wrote, matter-of-factly. Paul Rosenzweig, a former senior counsel in Kenneth Starrs investigation into Bill Clinton, more or less landed in the same place. It would come at severe political cost to the president and, quite likely, have relatively little actual effect on the current investigation, he wrote for The Atlantic. Indeed, Muellers office dropped a similar hint about the expected continuity of his work in a recent court filing in the Paul Manafort case, which is being spearheaded by one of his senior deputies, Andrew Weissmann, a veteran of the Justice Department known for his aggressive prosecutorial style. Weissmann, as the filing put it bluntly, is a longtime, career prosecutor with the internal authority to conduct this prosecution, separate and aside from his role in the Special Counsels Office, emphasis mine. You caught that? Separate and aside. Mueller was deliberate from the outset of his appointment in choosing career lawyers and specialists with credentials and security clearances and relevant portfolios within the Justice Department that wont vanish simply because their boss has been fired. Yessiree, Bob: Expect them to keep their heads down and continue the work. And to stay on their investigatory leads, to meet their court deadlines, and to attend any hearings they may be required to attend in the cases now public and active against Manafort, Rick Gates, Michael Flynn, George Papadopoulos, and others that are now docketed with the court system. Trump cant just flush all this work down the toilet. And should blanket pardons be in the offing the only saving grace for an obstructor-in-chief theyre ineffectual to stop potential state charges that may be in the works in New York or elsewhere. All of this should be of great comfort to anyone fearing an impulsive Mueller or Rosenstein firing. Not because it may not happen, but because there are so many levels of government and moving parts and Department of Justice officials to say nothing of the federal judges who are overseeing the active cases working in tandem to ensure that the wheels of the special counsels operation keep turning. Call it the deep state at its finest. Under those conditions, even a Saturday Night Massacrelike ouster, as terrible as that would be, would be insufficient to stop the work already underway. For all we know, there may be already a Leon Jaworskitype replacement for Mueller waiting in the wings. He faithfully picked up where Archibald Cox left off, and we all know how that story ended. Santosh Agarwal The current understanding of Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) is nothing but a concoction of various myths surrounding them. And the misconceptions about ULIPs are the result of rampant mis-selling of these products in the past, when high commissions were available for those distributing them in initial years. Even today, among all the investment opportunities that people take into consideration, the idea of buying a ULIP ranks low, owing to the continued misunderstanding about the products purpose, pricing, returns, ease of liquidity and mode of functioning. Here are common myths on ULIPs that need to be busted this financial year in order to get the benefit of both insurance and investment with better returns. Myth 1: ULIPs are costly When ULIPs were first introduced in the market, they were positioned in a manner that suited to distributors more than customers. Prior to the intervention of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in 2010, a major percentage of the premium paid by customers went towards charges of policy administration, premium allocation and fund management. Regulations by the IRDAI have led to capping of costs that were earlier charged by insurance companies. As opposed to the earlier charges that ranged 6-10 percent, insurance companies now charge as low as 1.5-2 percent. In addition to this, widespread digitisation has resulted in intermediary charges like policy administration and premium allocation being completely eliminated, thus making ULIP a wonderful investment product, one which consumers can trust their money with. Myth 2: ULIPs yield low returns Most investors tend to identify ULIPs as synonymous with traditional endowment plans. This causes them to refrain from putting money in ULIPs, fearing low returns. It is necessary to understand that in ULIPs today, only a minimal percentage of the premium is allocated for payment of the insurance cover, leaving a substantial portion to be invested to earn returns. The quantum of returns, however, depends on the risk appetite of the investors. The nature of returns earned on ULIPs over the past five years can be understood from the following table: Data updated on 17th march 2018 for five year returns. Myth 3: ULIPs carry high risks Many people misconstrue ULIPs to be a risky investment. This is because they believe the premium paid to buy ULIPs is invested in equity funds only. What they do not know is that the money invested in ULIPs is allocated to various funds depending on the risk appetite of the consumer. The investors are asked about the level of risk they are ready to undertake and also informed about the switching options that can be availed to make judicious use of their funds depending on the volatility of the market. Risk-averse customers can choose from a range of debt instruments, government securities and corporate debt instruments that are low in risk and give moderate returns. Myth 4: Market volatility dampens insurance cover Since part of the premium paid is invested in money markets, some customers fear that the insurance cover promised would be reduced due to fluctuations in the markets. The reality is that the amount of life cover remains the same throughout the policy term, irrespective of volatility in the markets. According to IRDAI regulations, the minimum life cover or sum assured in ULIPs is 10 times the yearly premium for policyholders. In case of death of the insured party, the insurance company is liable to pay the promised life coverage or fund value, whichever is more. No mystery surrounds ULIPs. Various features of a ULIP are available on the official websites of insurance companies as well as on the sites of insurance aggregators. Continuous improvement over the past few years have made ULIPs one of the best investment options as they combine the benefits of wealth creation and insurance cover. Though the definition of ULIPs corresponds more with insurance than an investment option, the regulations governing their working have paved the way for a product that today provides systematic capital appreciation over a long term. Premium payment ease, low costs, tax benefits, and free switching from one fund to another to maximise returns as per market conditions, have resulted in ULIPs being looked upon as investment vehicles that fetch high returns, comparable to other financial instruments such as mutual funds (MFs), besides guaranteeing insurance cover free of any additional charges. Telecom operator Reliance Jio is learnt to be in talks with three Japanese banks to raise USD 500 million (around Rs 3,250 crore) in debt. "Reliance Jio is in discussion with MUFG (formerly The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ) , Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to raise USD 500 million," sources in the know of the development told PTI. An e-mail query sent to the company seeking a response remained unanswered. Last month the Reliance Jio board had approved raising of around Rs 20,000 crore in debt. The company has invested over Rs 2 lakh crore in the mobile business which has garnered over 168 million customers. The Mukesh Ambani firm has also signed agreement to buy mobile business assets of Reliance Communications-- the company led by his younger brother Anil Ambani, for around Rs 25,000 crore. The source did not mention the timeline for raising the loan from Japanese banks and said, "The agreement is yet to be signed. Cement live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More In a set back to the proposed out-of-court settlement between Binani Industries and UltraTech Cement, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to terminate Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code proceedings against the former. Binani Industries had received a "comfort letter" from UltraTech, which enabled it to repay the lenders of its subsidiary Binani Cements. In return, UltraTech could acquire 98.43 percent stake in Binani Cements. But Dalmia Bharat, which was declared the preferred bidder during the auction, had contested the move. After Friday's development, Binani Industries has said that it has withdrawn its appeal to the Supreme Court and will go back to the Kolkata bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The bench has a hearing on Monday, April 16. "Binani before the Supreme Court has withdrawn its appeal challenging the interim order dated April 5, 2018, passed by NCLAT, for the reason that challenge to the resolution plan is pending adjudication before the NCLT Kolkata," a source close to Binani Industries told Moneycontrol. Since the appeal was withdrawn before the Supreme Court, the court did not make any observations. Now, NCLT Kolkata will decide on all the pending applications filed by various parties, in accordance with the provisions of the IBC and the law of the land. Binani Industries may now wait for the NCLT to make a decision, before approaching the Supreme Court again. Delhi- based online travel platform EaseMyTrip has achieved a turnover of Rs 2400 crore in the latest financial year, according to Nishant Pitti, CEO and co-founder of the company. "While observing the sales and booking of earlier quarters of the last year we were aiming to achieve a turnover of around Rs 2200 crore. However, we saw a significant rise in the last quarter results. In this quarter, we achieved around Rs 800 crore," he said. B2B is the major revenue driver for the company. Around 48 per cent of the company's revenue comes from travel agents for flight bookings. The B2C segment contributes around 30 per cent of the total business. "One of the emerging segments of the company is the corporate sales and meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE). Both the segments contribute around 12 percent of our business," said Pitti. The airline segment contributes around 70-75 per cent of its business. The company has seen consistent growth without raising any funds from investors and kept the proportions to spend on marketing and sales promotions low. "We didnt spend a lot on marketing or promotional activities rather focused on making user experiences better," he said. It plans to focus on its corporate business for upcoming years and it is also planning to reach out a huge segment of SMEs across tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India. "We have around 1500 companies onboard for corporate business. Around 500 companies among these are doing regular transactions with us. We would also grow our hotel supplier network and partner with boutique hotels and home-stays with good ratings for providing best-staying experiences to our customers," said Pitti. The online travel platform is targeting to expand its business in Tier 2 and 3 cities by opening its branch offices. "We also have plans to open EMT Holiday Hubs in all major cities for increasing revenues from Non-Air Products, including hotels, bus, holiday packages and car rentals," he said. Q3. Which brand would you associate with Drums Foods? Fashion and apparels retailer V-Bazaar is aiming at a turnover of Rs 500 crore by 2020 on the back of its expansion in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, a top company official said. The company, which started its retail operations in May 2016, is aiming to add 15 stores to the current 20 stores in Uttar Pradesh as part of its expansion strategy, V-Bazaar Retail CMD Hemant Agarwal told a press conference here. "We plan to add around 30 more stores by 2020 and take our store count to 50 in Uttar Pradesh by the end of FY 2019-20," he said. The company will invest nearly Rs 450 million to add 23 new stores in tier-II, III and other untapped areas of Uttar Pradesh, he said. Apart from Uttar Pradesh the group plans to open more stores in Bihar and enter Jharkhand this year, he added. Congress The Congress is seeking to take forward the protest against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases and has asked its cadres at state and district headquarters to stage similar demonstrations across the country, demanding justice for the victims. Sources said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has asked party cadres to organise similar protests today in support of protection of women. They said party general secretary (organisation) Ashok Gehlot has told all state Congress chiefs to galvanise the cadres in each state and stage candle-light marches at all state and district headquarters. Gandhi had led a midnight march to the India Gate in the national capital last night asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save and protect the girl child. The Congress has upped the ante against the government over alleged inaction in the Kathua and Unnao rape cases. A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger last year in Uttar Pradesh. The incident came to light when she attempted to immolate herself outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth's residence in Lucknow. In Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old girl had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The chargesheet in the case had revealed chilling details about how she was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, raped inside a place of worship before being killed. The opposition party has also alleged that the accused were being "protected" by the authorities concerned. Gandhi, amid slogans against the BJP and the prime minister during the march last night, had claimed that the women of the country are afraid to go out and the government must ensure their safety. He said Modi's silence over the rising atrocities against women was "unacceptable" and that India was waiting for him to speak up. India strongly believes that its efforts to build oil and gas infrastructure should also benefit its neighbours, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today. Oil and gas are strategic commodities as price variations impact people down to the bottom of the pyramid fuel, the minister said. "We are well aware that just as energy is a key pillar for our economic growth and development, it is also the same for our neighbours. Our government has been following 'Neighbourhood First' in our foreign policy. "We strongly believe that our efforts to build our oil and gas infrastructure should also benefit our neighbours and promote economic development and raise their standards of living. We appreciate the close cooperation of our neighbours in this regard," Swaraj said. The minister was delivering the valedictory address at the IEF Ministerial Meeting. She said India supplies 100 per cent of the domestic requirement of petroleum products to landlocked Nepal since 1974. Last week Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli jointly initiated work on a petroleum product pipeline between India and Nepal. "We are also working with Nepal to increase availability of LPG and natural gas and build an efficient distribution system," Swaraj said. India is engaged with Bangladesh to build a pipeline to supply diesel to Parbatipur and natural gas to power plant at Khulna. Work is also in progress to build LNG terminals, both land based and floating, the minister noted. Also, India supplies 100 per cent of Bhutan's petroleum products requirements. "We are working closely with them to increase LPG penetration based on our own successful Ujjwala programme," she said. The Sri Lankan government has been according priority for enhanced use of gas, she said, adding that in this context, India is engaged in setting up an LNG terminal in that country to introduce gas as an important and sustainable energy source. 10. Kotak Mahindra Bank | Market Cap for the week ended October 30: Rs 3,06,331.09 crore | Loss during the week: Rs 32,570.94 crore. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Kotak Mahindra Bank, the country's fourth largest private lender, has sacked one of its employees after he posted a hate-spewing post on social media relating to the rape and murder of eight-year-old girl from Kathua in Jammu. As India mourns for the child, protesting against the defenders of rapists and urging law to seek justice for the girl and her family, Vishnu Nandakumar from Kerala, now former Kotak Mahindra Bank employee, through a Facebook post justified the horrific act towards the rape victim. Vishnu had written, "Good that she was killed at this age itself. Otherwise she would have grown up and come back as a suicide bomber against India." After several comments condemning his post which went viral, Kotak Bank issued a statement saying, We have terminated Vishnu Nandakumar from the services of the bank on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 for poor performance. It is extremely disheartening to see such comments being made in the aftermath of such tragedy by anyone, including an ex-employee. We strongly condemn this statement. Soon after the post by Nandakumar, who was an assistant manager of the Palarivattom branch of Kotak Mahindra Bank, thousands of people wrote to the bank seeking his termination. People also began downgrading the bank's page on Facebook, giving them one star rating, thereby bringing their overall ratings down on the social media platform. Some also threatened to close their accounts with the bank if he was not dismissed immediately. In fact, a post about debit cards put up by Kotak Mahindra on April 12, which at the time of writing this copy was the last post on their page, has more than 34,000 comments with the majority of them saying 'dismiss him' under the hashtags such as #dismiss_your_manager. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi today said a Smart City should have facilities of play grounds, foot paths for pedestrians, cycle tracks, electronic and bio medical waste management and Information Technology based traffic management system. Modi said Rs 1,000 crore would be spent in the next five years on each of the four cities - Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Bihar Sharif - selected under Smart City project for their development. Addressing a 'Smart City Conclave', he said, the concept behind the smart city is to make the cities a better place to live in. Additional funds would be spent for different departments apart from the funds available under Smart City project, the deputy CM said and added that Centre would spend Rs 3,000 crore on setting up sewerage line and treatment plants in Patna as part of Namami Gange project. Urbanisation is also one of the criteria for development, he said adding that the more the urbanisation, the more the state will be considered as developed. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have the urbanisation percentage of 48 and 42 respectively while the figure is 11 for Bihar, Modi said. Percentage of urbanisation in the country was 31.06 per cent in 2011, he said. It was 11 per cent in 1901 and and is expected to be 40.76 per cent by 2030 in the country, he said. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has recovered from coronavirus. The opposition leader was admitted to the Manipal Hospital on August after he had fever. Later he tested positive for coronavirus disease. (Image: Reuters) M Gautham Machaiah Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah may be a late entrant to social media, but he has more than recovered lost ground through his sarcasm and witty jibes that have sent his opponents scurrying for cover. When BJP president Amit Shah asked for hisaab (accounts) of how central funds were spent, the chief minister responded in a series of tweets, You are not only insulting the people of Karnataka by these silly questions, but also your own opposition leaders in the legislature. Was the Karnataka BJP sleeping for five years? Did they sleep through the 15 legislature sessions where all these accounts were presented, debated and approved? Repeating a lie does not make it true. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not spared when he accused the Karnataka government of being a 10 per cent sarkar. Being the prime minister of the country your words should carry high credibility. I request you to substantiate your allegation of corruption, he challenged. When Modi visited Bengaluru a few days later, Siddaramaiah had installed huge hoardings with pictures of himself across the city, welcoming the prime minister to the No 1 state in India. The Congress govt in Karnataka has failed miserably on all fronts. #10PercentCM @siddaramaiah has nothing to go to the voters except his misrule and misgovernance. The state is in dire need of a govt which can fulfill the aspirations of 6.5 Cr Kannadigas.#ShahInHubli B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 12, 2018 BJPs chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa has also found himself at the receiving end on many occasions. When Yeddyurappa described Siddaramaiah as Mr 10 per cent, the chief minister dubbed him a jail bird who was sent behind bars on corruption charges. Big words from a man who turned Karnataka into the most corrupt state, Bengaluru into a garbage city and ordered firing on farmers. Can you debate on development please? he said as he posed ten questions to the BJP leader. Big words from the man who turned Karnataka into the most corrupt state, Bengaluru into garbage city & ordered goli bar on farmers. Other than baseless allegations what do you have to offer the 6.5Cr Kannadigas? Can you debate development? Please answer questions in this thread. https://t.co/a5AD2N7w6O Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 12, 2018 The controversial circular on fake news by the information and broadcasting ministry, which was later withdrawn, also found a mention at least two times. Recently, when Siddaramaiah was found campaigning with a lemon in hand, the BJP accused him of being superstitious and mocked him for championing an anti-superstition bill in the legislature to demean and criminalise Hindu traditions. The chief ministers reply was stinging, If you spread fake news about our anti-superstition law criminalising or demeaning Hindu traditions, I&B Minister Smriti Irani will hit you with her circular. When BJP general secretary P. Muralidhar Rao, accused the chief ministers advisor Kempaiah of misusing state machinery to transport money to constituencies in government vehicles, Siddaramaiah shot back, Just because the prime minister withdrew Smriti Iranis circular on fake news, you do not get a licence to spread fake news. The chief minister has for long been critical of the Modi government for not waiving farm loans advanced by commercial banks while writing off corporate debts. The BJP was quick to respond, trying to distinguish between a waiver and write-off. Again, Siddaramaiahs reply was cynical, The Karnataka BJP is so spineless that instead of asking the centre to waive farmer loans, it is giving accountancy lessons on Twitter. Siddaramaiah who often refers to Amit Shah with the hashtag #ShahOfLies, has of late been dismissive of local BJP leaders referring to them as kids and young fellows. Who will win Karnataka next month is still far from clear but the chief ministers smarts have meant that the BJP, uncharacteristically, is losing the social media war. (The writer is a political commentator and senior journalist) Teacher protests in Oklahoma produced a pay raise and shifted the fight with Republicans until the November elections. Photo: Scott Heins/Bloomberg via Getty Images Like its predecessor and partial inspiration, the nine-day teachers strike in West Virginia, a nine-day teachers walkout in Oklahoma is ending with some tangible results: a pay increase of roughly $6,000 (with a smaller pay hike for support staff), and some new revenues intended to make higher school funding possible in the immediate future. Most of these gains, however, were made before the actual strike began, as the Republican-controlled legislature (and Republican governor Mary Fallin) tried to head it off. Little or no headway was made on the teachers broader demands for a restoration of prior education funding cuts, to be paid for by a rollback of the tax cuts that the GOP has regularly enacted in this deep-red state. So the teachers leadership decided to pocket the concessions they were offered and focus on changing the political dynamics of the state in this Novembers elections, as the New York Times reports: At a news conference, Alicia Priest, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, characterized the nine-day walkout as a victory for teachers, even as it fell short of its goals. We got here by electing the wrong people to office, Ms. Priest said. We have the opportunity to make our voices heard at the ballot box. Some teachers are unhappy with the decision to stop the strike, which was also motivated by fears that public support for teachers might quickly erode in the face of a deadlock with legislators: An official end to the nine-day strike likely wont end all activity. Teachers in a Facebook group with over 73,000 members vowed to continue protesting despite their unions wishes, and several outspoken educators have announced intentions to run for office. Partial success and continued agitation probably offer an ideal scenario for Oklahomas downtrodden Democrats, who generally backed the strike and after winning four legislative special elections in the state last year, enjoy better electoral prospects in 2018 than theyve had in a good while. Meanwhile, national attention on what has clearly become a national wave of unrest among teachers and education advocates will now focus on Kentucky and Arizona. In the Bluegrass State, restive teachers have not launched a statewide strike, but have forced one round of school closures as they gathered in the state capital to protest a GOP pension reform bill, and could force another one as legislators return from a recess. Conservative Republican governor Matt Bevin championed and signed the bill significantly eroding pension rights for new teacher hires. And for the most part, the states GOP has been dismissive of teacher protests on this and the more general topic of education spending. As in Oklahoma, the battle is being transferred into the electoral arena, as the Louisville Courier-Journal reports: All 100 seats in the House and half the Kentucky Senates 38 seats are on the ballot. Forty-three current or retired educators are running as Democrats for the legislature, party spokesman Brad Bowman said. In Arizona, the moment of truth has not definitively arrived, though teachers are threatening a statewide walkout if a broad range of demands (similar to those of Oklahoma teachers) from pay raises to retroactive education funding restoration are not met. But like their Oklahoma counterparts, Arizonas Republicans seem inclined to preempt any strike with limited concessions. Earlier this week Governor Doug Ducey, who is up for reelection this year, publicly offered teachers a phased-in series of pay raises amounting to 20 percent by 2020, along with some boosts in education funding without, he claims, a tax increase. Teachers want more details before negotiating on this offer (there is a chance the deal will include a scheme to head off a ballot initiative on a potentially explosive school voucher initiative that teachers strongly oppose), but in the end they may, as has been the case in other states, have to decide whether to pocket concessions and move on to electoral activity or go to the mattresses now. All in all, nothing thats happened so far in the wave of teacher unrest in red states will keep it from spreading further. And without question, the broader choice between robust education funding and serial tax cuts will be on the ballot in many states this November. Ravi Shankar Prasad Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said the Modi government's "exemplary record" for the welfare of Dalits and the BJP's popularity among depressed classes had led to a smear campaign by other political parties. Stating that the alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act came through a Supreme Court order on a petition "wherein the Centre was not even made a party," the Law and Justice Minister told reporters that a review petition had been filed. "Our record with regard to welfare of Dalits has been exemplary. The SC/ST Act came into being in 1989. But it was in 2015 when the law was given more teeth by the inclusion of acts such as blackening of face, forcible shaving of head and prevention from riding a horse under its ambit," Prasad said. The BJP has the largest number of MPs, legislators, mayors, zila parishad chairpersons and village mukhiyas from the Schedule Castes (SC) and Schedule Tribes (ST) communities, the minister said. "This has led to jitters among parties, which have always used the weaker section for votes," he said. Lashing out at the Congress, Prasad wondered why B R Ambedkar was not conferred the Bharat Ratna till the V P Singh government was installed with the BJP's support. "On the other hand, we made Ram Nath Kovind -- a Dalit -- the president of the country," he said. Lambasting BSP supremo Mayawati, who has been severely critical of the NDA government on issues relating to Dalits, Prasad cited two orders passed during her tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister directing officials to prevent misuse of the SC/ST Act. He termed these as the "greatest affront to the very social group, which she claims to represent and fight for". On whether the Centre would consider bringing an Ordinance if the review petition is rejected by the Supreme Court, Prasad said "This is a hypothetical question." "We have filed a very strong review petition and we'll ensure that Dalits' interests are not compromised," he said. On demands for including provisions of the SC/ST Act and reservations in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, he said, "Such demands have arisen out of the anxieties triggered by the Supreme Court order." "We would ensure that there is no dilution of the law meant to protect the Dalits and that the implementation of the Act is effective," he said. Defending the BJP's stand against inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians among the Scheduled Castes, Prasad said, "The Constitution clearly states that only those among Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs could be included in the category." "Ambedkar had made such a provision after giving due thought to India's social realities. Inclusion of new groups in the category would lead to infringement of the Dalit rights," he said. On Rahul Gandhi's candle march in New Delhi yesterday in protest against the rape cases of Kathua and Unnao, the Union minister said, "We believe in ensuring justice to the aggrieved, not in polemics." On Jammu and Kashmir minister Tassaduq Sayeed reportedly calling the BJP and the PDP partners in crime, Prasad said I am not aware of this. Hence I would not like to comment. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to win the state of Karnataka in the upcoming Assembly elections. The state will head for polls on May 12 and counting will be undertaken on May 15. Karnataka was the first southern state where the BJP came to power. Over the next one month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, often called as BJPs star campaigner, is expected to address at least 10 rallies. Party president Amit Shah has already criss-crossed the state in multiple rounds of campaigning. The saffron party and its allies are currently running governments in 20 states and Union Territories (UTs). In March this year, the BJP ventured into an uncharted territory, winning elections in Left bastion Tripura and forming governments in Meghalaya and Nagaland along with its allies. The 'Modi Tsunami' The saffron party and its allies have been on a roll since the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power in May 2014. As a result, the political map of India is now splashed with saffron. Prior to the win in the General Election, the BJP was already in power in five states Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Nagaland. However, 2014 was the year that changed it all for the BJP. The party came to power in the Centre with its largest mandate, in what many described as a "Modi Tsunami". The saffron party won 282 seats, while its allies won 54 seats, taking the NDA's tally to 336. Effects of the 'Modi Tsunami' continued to be felt as a "Modi Wave" in the state elections that followed. BJP's ally, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), retained the state of Sikkim in an election that was held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. Another BJP (now former) ally, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), also formed bifurcated Andhra Pradesh's first government. The Modi juggernaut Five months after the General Election, the BJP won 122 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. They formed the government in Maharashtra following a post-poll alliance with NDA ally Shiv Sena. The party also came to power in the northern state of Haryana after winning 47 seats in a 90-member assembly. BJP, along with its allies, secured a majority in the Jharkhand Assembly election shortly after. The party was the second-best performer in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, behind Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party (PDP). A post-poll alliance with the PDP helped BJP come to power in the state. By the end of the year, BJP had extended its reach to 11 states across the country. In 2015, BJP's growth story witnessed two major hiccups when they faced crushing defeats in Delhi and Bihar, in spite of extensive campaigning by the prime minister. While BJP ended a 15-year Congress rule in Assam in 2016, the party failed to make a mark in the other three major state elections West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, BJP supporters were quick to point out that the saffron party did not have adequate reach in those states. In September 2016, Arunachal Pradesh's 47 Members of Legislature (MLAs) from the ruling Congress defected to BJP. The lawmakers were able to prove majority on the floor of the house, helping BJP form a government in the hill state. In 2017, BJP bagged Uttarakhand and won a large mandate in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The party lost in Punjab after two terms of rule along with ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). In Goa and Manipur, the BJP won lesser seats than main rival Congress. But, the party was quick to stitch together an alliance with regional parties and Independents to form a government in both states. The Coup in Bihar In July 2017, Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, resigned from his post and broke his party's 'Grand Alliance' with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. Nitish was sworn in as the new Chief Minister less than 24 hours after he resigned, but this time with the support of the BJP. The following day, Nitish and his new government, formed with the BJP, won the crucial trust vote in the Bihar State Assembly, with 131 legislators voting in favour and 108 voting against. In December 2017, the BJP sprang to power in Himachal Pradesh, riding on a wave of anti-incumbency. Jai Ram Thakur was sworn in as the states chief minister days after the election as their CM candidate, Prem Kumar Dhumal, suffered a shock defeat. After months of bitter campaigning, the saffron party managed to retain PM Modi and party president Amit Shahs home state of Gujarat with a close margin. Congress made serious gains in the state, especially in the rural areas, in what was interpreted by many as sounding of the bugle for state elections to be held in 2018. Wins in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat extended BJPs winning run to 19 states in the country. The close win in Gujarat was followed by a convincing triumph in Tripura in March this year. The saffron party also formed governments in Meghalaya and Nagaland, along with its allies. While the BJP won just two out of 60 Assembly seats in Meghalaya, the party was quick to negotiate an alliance with the National Peoples Party (NPP) who bagged 19 seats to keep out Congress who had won 21 seats. The biggest surprise, however, came from Tripura where the BJP breached the Left bastion convincingly. BJPs tally rose from zero Assembly seats in 2013 to 36 in 2018, out of 60. The CPI (M), led by Manik Sarkar, ended up with just 16 seats. In Nagaland, the party secured 12 seats and dumped its partner Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) to join hands with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). Challenges on the horizon While BJP unlatched itself across the country, the biggest loser was the Congress party, which kept losing state after state. Karnataka is currently the only large state that is being governed by the Congress. The BJP would also be fighting anti-incumbency in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh later in the year along with the north-eastern state of Mizoram, where it will be hoping to make a mark. Technology, education and trade will be the key areas of cooperation that will be discussed between India and the UK when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets his British counterpart Theresa May next week. Modi is scheduled to visit the UK from April 17-20 for the Commonwealth Heads of the Governments Meeting. During the visit, he will hold a bilateral meeting with May on April 18 and also have an audience with Prince Charles. The meeting gains significance as it comes in the backdrop of Britain's decision to exit the European Union. The Brexit "divorce" process is currently underway, and although the UK can strike its own trade deals but they can't be enforced until January 1, 2021. May had visited India in November 2016. Dominic Asquith, the British high commissioner to India, said the UK is keen on an agreement for mutual recognition of academic qualifications with India. A similar agreement was signed between India and France during French President Emmanuel Macron's maiden visit here last month. "Discussions are underway and we would very much like that to happen," Asquith told reporters. The UK is an attractive foreign destination for Indian students. Nearly 14,000 Indian students pursue masters in that country every year. Asquith also sought to assuage India's concerns over the UK's visa policy. In 2009, the UK tightened its immgiration rules and also made regulations post-study visa stringent. "More than half of all our work visas go to Indians," the high commissioner said. Asked about India's concern about pro-Khalistan elements in the UK, he said if there is any evidence of incitement, his country takes it very seriously. "It applies to Khalistan, and it applies to others," Asquith said. The issue is likely to come up during Modi-May talks. Yesterday, during a media briefing on Modi's visit to the UK, K Nagaraj Naidu, joint secretary (West Europe) said Modi and May will launch the India-UK Tech Alliance comprising young CEOs from the two countries. Modi will also address a townhall in the UK. A visit to the three-storey house in London, where Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, lived as a student in the 1920s, is also likely. The property has been acquired by the Maharashtra government. Responding to a question on Indian fugitives staying in the UK, including liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the British high commissioner said the issue was judicial in nature and it was the responsibility of the judiciary. India has sought Mallya's extradition, wanted in an alleged money laundering and fraud case, but he has challenged it in a court in the UK. Talking about trade, Asquith said the trade between India and the UK has increased by 15 per cent in comparison to last year. India is also the fourth largest investor in the UK. The UK was among India's major trading partners during 2016-17 and ranked 16th in the list of India's top 25 trading partners, according to official figures from the Indian side. During his visit to Amritsar last year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan had said that the British government should apologise for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Asked whether any such move is expected during Modi's visit, Asquith said then British Prime Minister David Cameron has already expressed regret over the massacre. "Former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2013 had said the massacre was deep shame for the British history. The British government rightly condemns the events of the time," he said quoting Cameron. The RMS Titanic set sail on April 10, 1912 with around 2,200 passengers on board. It was sailing from Southampton, UK to New York City, US. Since it was a Royal Mail Ship, it was also carrying over 3,000 bags of mail. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) The ship took around two years to construct, with over 3,000 people working ob building it. The construction had cost USD 7.5 million back then approximately USD 300 million in 2017 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Diners were treated well on board the Titanic. The ship was carrying 130,000 pieces of cookware and glassware, 75,000 pounds of fresh meat and 16,850 bottles of wine on board. Pictured here is the main dining room. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) The Titanic's famous Grand Staircase was made of solid English oak. Over 20 expeditions were made to retrieve the passenger's valuables. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Once the ship was hit and evacuation began, an emergency message was sent to the Carpathia, the closest ship around. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Widow and a heiress Margaret Molly Brown helped people get onto boats and coaxed the crew to rescue more people. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Millvina Dean was the youngest passenger on the ship. She was barely two months old at the time! She died at the age of 97 on May 31, 2009. (Photo: Reuters) Pictured here is the violin that belonged to Titanic bandmaster Wallace Hartley, seen on display at Titanic Belfast. It is often thought that "Nearer, My God, To Thee" is the last song the band played. But some historians dispute it. (Photo: Reuters) Source: www.kremlin.ru China poses a strategic challenge to the US, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said today, as top American Senators flagged concern over Beijing's assertive behaviour in both the strategic and trade domain. Pompeo, 54, made the remarks during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of State before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If confirmed, he would replace Rex Tillerson, who was fired by US President Donald Trump last month, to lead the State Department. "China certainly presents a strategic challenge to the United States of America," the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief told members of the Senate. Noting that the Chinese are using "mostly economic tools", Pompeo said the US needs to be prepared to respond across each of those fronts so that it can find the right ground, the right place where it can cooperate with China, where it makes sense for America and in those places where it does not, it can confront them and make sure that it is America's vision -- a democratic vision that continues to provide strength and resources for the world. Pompeo was responding to a question from Senator Marco Rubio, who expressed concern over "assertive Chinese behaviour" in the region. "They (Chinese) have most certainly not embraced democracy. They've actually gotten more autocratic and they have embraced the definition of a world economic order that basically means 'we will take all the benefits of global trade and global economics'. But we do not intend to live by any of its obligations," he said. Rubio said that he personally believes that it was a terrible mistake that leaders in both parties have made. "Now as part of their strategy you see China doing things like trying to create strategic depth in Eurasia," he said. "Their efforts to establish all these different programmes, the belt and road initiative, Silk Road Maritime, Silk Road, they're just efforts - they're not just efforts to create new overland trade corridors, they're efforts to basically make these nations economically, politically and eventually militarily dependent on and vulnerable to China," Rubio said. "And their maritime borders in the South and East China Sea that they feel vulnerable and insecure. They see American allies in Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and so what they're working on now is fracturing our economic and defence alliances in the Indo-Pacific region," he said. That is why the Chinese are investing billions of dollars in building up their Navy and their Air Force to be able to establish air and sea denial to the US military and ultimately make the argument that don't count on America's defence and/or economic partnership because it is just paper, they can't live up to it anymore, Rubio said. Senator Robert Menendez said an "emboldened" China is "asserting itself" in the South China Sea militarily and economically "right here in the Western Hemisphere". Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif was today barred from holding office for life, after the Supreme Court ruled that disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution is for life. The verdict was issued unanimously by all five judges of the bench while hearing a case related to determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution, the Dawn reported. The court had grappled with Article 62(1)(f) which only stated that a lawmaker is disqualified under specified conditions but did not set out the duration of the disqualification. Article 62, which sets the precondition for a member of parliament to be "sadiq and ameen" (honest and righteous), is the same provision under which Sharif, 68, was disqualified on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. Likewise, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified on December 15 last year by a separate bench of the apex court under the same provision. Following the verdict, both Sharif and Tareen have become ineligible to ever hold public office. It has been stated in the decision read out by Justice Umar Ata Bandial that the disqualification of any member of parliament or a public servant under Article 62 in the future will be permanent. Such a person cannot contest elections or become a member of parliament. Citing tragic road accidents in India and Canada, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed termed traffic deaths an urgent global concern as the world body launched a trust fund aimed at spurring action to help save lives in road accidents. During the General Assembly debate on road safety here yesterday, Mohammed said traffic accidents are the number one cause of death of young people and are responsible for keeping millions of people in poverty each year. "Road traffic deaths and injuries have become a serious and urgent global concern. Around 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians die each year, and up to 50 million are injured on the world's roads," she said. "Just in the past week, we have been reminded of the deeply distressing personal realities behind such statistics. Tragic road accidents in Canada and India, to name but two, have left families and communities utterly distraught. I would like to convey my sincere condolences to all affected by these events," she said. The United Nations took a major step to address the tragedy of road accidents by launching the UN Road Safety Trust Fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. Highlighting the opportunities offered by the fund, Mohammed said there is "a chance to save the lives of millions of people around the world, and to prevent injuries, suffering and the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. She urged all stakeholders to contribute to the trust fund and to step up their efforts to achieve global road safety targets. According to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Organisation's development arm in the continent, which is also the secretariat for the trust fund, every USD 1,500 contributed to the fund could save one life; prevent 10 serious injuries; and leverage USD 51,000 towards investments in road safety. "The Road Safety Trust Fund will serve as a catalyst for much-needed progress towards the road safety targets of the Sustainable Development Goals," UNECE head Olga Algayerova said. Dealing specifically with road safety, two Sustainable Development Goals targets aim to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents and to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems as well as improve road safety for all, respectively. "(We) are committed to working with all stakeholders to multiply the impact of global action to improve road safety," Algayerova said. Echoing these words, Jean Todt, the President of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile and the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, also underlined the importance scaling up of resources to achieve global road safety targets. "(The Trust Fund) has the potential to galvanise our global efforts to address the road safety situation, building on the progress made and experience gained over the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020," he said. The trust fund will support efforts along the five pillars of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety, which include strengthened road safety management capacities; improved safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks; enhanced safety of vehicles; improved behaviour of road users; and improved post-crash care. The UN General Assembly also adopted a resolution on road safety, sponsored by Russia, in which it called for a host of measures to prevent road accidents and to minimising the resulting damage. One of the measures, it urged, the adoption policies and measures to implement vehicle safety regulations to ensure that all new motor vehicles meet applicable minimum regulations for the protection of occupants and other road users, with seat belts, airbags and active safety systems fitted as standard equipment. Filipina journalist Jessica Zafra once called the incumbent Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte the[Filipinos] walking, talking, preening, strutting id. Dutertes words are not calculated to impress the voters. He doesnt have to calculate. Hes just saying the words that are already in your head. His appeal goes far beyond the promise of change that had been the cornerstone of his electoral campaign. What made him such an icon among the common Filipinos was that he was, or seemed to be, exactly the person they wanted to become. He is aggressive, blatant, and unapologetic a definite personification of Filipino machismo. However, there is a valid reason why his persona remains something that some Filipino men can only aspire to achieve but never truly channel. Even before he won the elections and assumed office, several rape jokes had been thoughtlessly thrown around exactly what youd expect from a drunk perverted Filipino man, except hes more likely sober during press conferences. During his presidential campaign in April 2016, Duterte talked about an Australian missionary who was raped and killed in a prison riot in 1989, saying that he was mad because of the rape but also because she was so beautiful and the mayor should have been first [to rape her]. His vice president Leni Robredo isnt an exemption to the lewd jokes that he uses to lighten the mood. In another speech in November 2016, he publicly addressed Robredo and voiced how he ogled at her legs whenever theyd meet in office with her wearing short skirts. In May 2017, Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao in an attempt to neutralize all terrorists in the region. He then joked that impunity would be given to soldiers accused of committing abuse, adding that they could rape three women and he would personally claim responsibility for it. In July 2017, he stated that he did not like kids being raped, but that rapists can mess with, maybe, Miss Universe and that if they did, he would even congratulate [them] for having the balls to rape somebody when you know you are going to die. In January 2018, Duterte flew to India for a meeting, where he jokingly mentioned that having 42 virgins can be a tourist come-on for the Philippines an idea he derived from what he claimed to be a belief that radicalized so-called Islamic State militants promise the same incentive to new recruits. He also noted that one of the most (sic) is promising virgins when you go to heaven and that hed like to have the virgins here, not in heaven [but] God may not allow it. Quite recently, when talking about rebels from the New Peoples Army, Duterte said female fighters should be shot in the vagina. This sparked an uproar among local feminists, which the presidents fanatics called as an overreaction to the controversy. These are only some of the remarks that seem to be manifestations of his low regard for women. Lets put this simply: as evidenced by the massive support that this bigoted president continues to gain from die-hard fanatics, a great part of the Filipino community continues to latch onto prejudices. Sexism remains rampant. Gender stereotypes continue to be perpetuated. With the reign of a president who embodies toxic masculinity, what does this mean for the women of the Philippines? These so-called harmless remarks are utterly detrimental to women. Justifying these words of disrespect by regarding them as sarcastic and humorous as the president and his trusty steeds keep on insisting only normalizes the objectification of women. What makes the circumstances even more alarming is how Filipinos continue to defend comments made by Duterte that are obviously insulting to the women of the Philippines. Rape jokes disguise tolerance and promotion of sexual harassment and abuse beneath the veil of humour, inevitably trivializing the weight of rape and violence against women as a crime. If gender equity is to flourish, what we need at this point is for people to stop patronizing rape jokes and people who unapologetically make them, clearly lacking of respect for women. Duterte will be the President of the Philippines for roughly four and a half more years. How many more rape jokes must Filipinas have to endure before Filipinos realize that they are really not jokes at all? Read more on Mookychick: The RCMP conducted a search of Fortress Reals head office in Richmond Hill on Friday morningthe latest development in its investigation into syndicated mortgage fraud. The Globe and Mail is reporting that the RCMPs Integrated Market Enforcement Team executed six search warrants throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The RCMPs Sgt. Herman confirmed the warrants regarded syndicated mortgage fraud, but offered nary an additional detail. However, she inferred charges could be forthcoming. A man who is about to make a lot of money off of helping Donald Trump get elected. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images James Comeys literary debut doesnt hit the shelves until next week, but its juiciest excerpts are already ubiquitous in the fake news media. The most important revelation thus far (as measured by reader interest) is that Donald Trump was obsessed with convincing the FBI director that he would never pay to watch sex workers urinate but was equally concerned with persuading Comey to investigate whether the Kremlin had a tape of him engaging in such an activity, anyway. The most damning excerpt from Comeys memoir, however, has nothing to do with bodily fluids. Rather, it concerns the immediate reaction of the president-elect and his advisers upon receiving their first briefing on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Heres a summary of the relevant passage, from the Associated Press: Comey also writes extensively about his first meeting with Trump after the election, a briefing in January 2017 at Trump Tower in New York City. Others in the meeting included Vice President Mike Pence, Trumps first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, Michael Flynn, who would become national security adviser, and incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer. Comey was also joined by NSA Director Mike Rogers, CIA Director John Brennan and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. After Clapper briefed the team on the intelligence communitys findings of Russian election interference, Comey said he was taken aback by what the Trump team didnt ask. They were about to lead a country that had been attacked by a foreign adversary, yet they had no questions about what the future Russian threat might be, Comey writes. Instead, they launched into a strategy session about how to spin what wed just told them for the public. Comey says he had flashbacks to his time investigating the Italian Mafia as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, thinking that Trump was trying to make us all part of the same family. For my entire career, intelligence was a thing of mine and political spin a thing of yours. Team Trump wanted to change that, he writes. There are only two plausible explanations for this reaction: Trumps team lacked curiosity about the threat of Russian interference because they were complicit in it or else, because they considered protecting the integrity of future American elections to be less important than protecting the president-elects public image. Either way, the incoming administration saw a hostile powers attempt to compromise Americas elections as a public relations problem, not a foreign policy one. From one angle, this tells us little that we didnt already know. The presidents public remarks on Russian interference his denials of its very existence, and myriad attempts to diminish its significance also suggested that he was either complicit in the crime, or far more concerned with protecting the glory of his election than the security of his countrys votes. Nevertheless, Comeys anecdote adds to our understanding of the White Houses attitude toward Russian meddling in two ways. First, it suggests that a myopic disregard for the threat posed by foreign interference in U.S. elections wasnt peculiar to Trump, but rather, common to his whole team. Second, it reveals how shameless the incoming administration was in that myopia. The FBI director is not a crisis PR consultant. Trump, Pence, Flynn, and Priebus could have at least feigned an interest in the aspects of Russian interference that were relevant to Comeys expertise while he was still in the room, even if their overriding concern was ultimately about managing political fallout. The former FBI director interprets this lack of restraint as a deliberate effort to make him feel like one of the guys. But given how the administration proceeded to govern, it seems just as likely that it did not even occur to Trump that he should be concerned with aspects of Russian meddling unrelated to his personal political standing and that his underlings had already been conditioned to put the president-elects narcissistic obsessions above all else. Since that briefing in January 2017, there is no indication that Trumps team grew more interested in safeguarding Americas electoral process. In February of this year, Michael Rogers, outgoing head of U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA, told Congress that the president had never specifically directed him to take any action to prevent Russian meddling in this falls upcoming midterm elections. One of the only significant actions our government has taken to prevent such meddling came last month, at the insistence of congressional Democrats: In the omnibus budget bill, the party secured a $380 million appropriation for protecting American voting systems from cyberattacks. In the weeks since he signed that budget into law, Trump has savaged the legislation, complaining that Republicans had to fund Democratic priorities that were a waste of money. He has never gone into significant detail about precisely which appropriations he finds wasteful, and why. A New Jersey regulator has issued a warning to mortgage industry players in the state to remind participants of the prevalence of fraudulent schemes in wire transfers. Marlene Caride, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance, said in the bulletin that the industries addressed handle millions of dollars in wire transfers every day in connection with mortgage loan transactions in the state. According to the bulletin, wire transfer fraud schemes usually involve techniques to compromise business emails by changing normal wiring instructions to divert funds from the intended recipient to a stranger. These schemes may use social engineering or computer intrusion techniques, such as malware and phishing. As the oil and gas industry increasingly implements digital technologies into its infrastructure and enterprise operations, threats of cyberattack also increase. The threat is very real. On April 2, midstream company Energy Transfer Partners said it was the victim of a cyberattack on its electronic data exchange (EDI) system, which shut down customer service transactions. The company said a day later the system was back up and running. In 2016, SHAPESHIFT wiper malware targeted as many as half a dozen Saudi Arabian organizations, including a petrochemical company. The Saudis also have had to contend with SHAMOON virus, which attempted to wipe computers at Saudi Aramco and RasGas in 2012, 2016 and in 2017. There also has been WannaCry ransomware that affected Microsoft Windows operating systems in May. Among the victims was PetroChina, whose gas station payment systems effectively were forced offline. Critical infrastructure expert Dan Scali of Mandiant Consulting Services said the oil and gas industry should take the threat of cyberattacks seriously. Cyberattacks should definitely be on the radar of the oil and gas companies in terms of their enterprise risk, he told the Reporter-Telegram recently. Mandiant is a division of FireEye, a large cybersecurity company that specializes in protecting and investigating attacks on industrial control systems. One primary threat source comes from nation states. The whole cyber-threat landscape mirrors whats happening in the world, Scali said. What we see is cyberattacks typically are geopolitically driven. I cant think of an industry that would actually have more geopolitical factors and drivers behind it than oil and gas. Given the complexity of geopolitics around natural resources and prices, as well as the significance of petrochemicals and petrochemical products to the normal operation of a society and national infrastructure, it very much puts oil and gas at a risk of the geopolitical winds changing and, thus, organizations in that industry being targeted. Other threat actors are cyber criminals who use tools such as ransomware to encrypt peoples computers and demand a ransom in order to give back control. There are variations of ransomware where the attackers blend more tailored skills around compromising an organizations IT environment and deploy the ransomware more strategically to extort the organization by asking for some sort of financial compensation in order to decrypt their files or get back up and running, Scali said. Threats also can come from inside the company, particularly former employees. Scali gave the example of companies that didnt change the permissions of former employees in a timely manner. The ex-employees logged back into the systems to cause disruption. In one case, smart meters at a water utility were affected. In another, servers that ran critical operations at a manufacturing facility were compromised. Scali says its important to remember that cyberattacks are committed by a person behind a computer, but even though there is a human aspect, finding the culprits is very difficult. One of the things that acts in the attackers favor is the anonymity that the cyber realm provides. Its difficult, but not impossible, to effectively attribute cyberattacks, he said. Companies also can face difficulties in responding to a cyberattack. You have options, Scali said. There are firms like FireEye that specialize in breach response. There are also government and law enforcement agencies that are capable and willing to assist in breach activity, as well. I would say that who you call has a less clear answer in cyberspace than in the real world. That is a key policy question. Working with law enforcement can be challenging because caseloads are high, he said. Areas where oil and gas companies can help protect themselves is addressing the interconnectivity between mission-critical process control systems and general purpose internet technology network. That connectivity can be exploited by factors either intentionally or as collateral damage from something like a ransomware threat, Scali said. Dan Wire, senior communications director at FireEye, said the oil and gas industry is seeing more threats. As you see people move their systems of record online and connect some of these operations technology systems with the internet, and you have more bad actors on the internet with sophisticated tools, people have to be really conscious about how that opens them up to malicious activity. Wire also laid out two major trends. The way things are done as companies try to jump ahead in technology may not involve security as closely as it should, which leaves you exposed and not realizing that you are, he said. The second trend is you have more nation states entering the arena. Every sophisticated, modern nation state is working to develop some sort of cyber capacity. We see the unspoken intentions of nation states get played out in cyber security. Theres going to be more activity. Taking on nation states isnt necessarily a fair fight. You have a nation state with all of its resources picking on an enterprise thats trying to do business and work within legal frameworks, Scali said. We feel good about helping organizations either by trying to be proactive about these problems or, in the worst case, if they are compromised and there is an incident, to minimize the impact if they are compromised and get them back to normal operations. Blue Ribbon Run organizers will celebrate 10 years at Midland Memorial Stadium. The event rose from humble beginnings as a Girl Scout Gold Star project for Claire Nelson and Jayme Shrauner. The event coincides with Child Abuse Prevention Month and now is hosted by the Midland County Child Welfare Board. Nelson, is glad to be back where she started. She and Shrauner were working toward their Gold Star, the highest award in Girl Scouts. Under the guidance of Nelsons mother and troop leader, Patricia Nelson, the scouts created the Blue Ribbon Run. As Girl Scouts, we cant raise money, so the goal for the first event was to raise awareness about child abuse and prevention, Nelson said. Soon after, Nelson moved away to attend Texas Christian University, where she received a degree in marketing at in 2014. After graduation she returned to Midland. In the meantime, the all-volunteer board had taken over the event. I wasnt involved during college, but the board kept improving and growing the event. Its impressive that this project has continued for so long, she said. Blue Ribbon Run X: The Race to End Child Abuse. 8:30 a.m. 1K, 9 a.m. 5K at Midland Memorial Stadium, 2001 W Cuthbert Ave. midlandchildwelfare.com. See More Collapse When Nelson returned to Midland she also returned to the Blue Ribbon Run. Coming back with a career in marketing, I got to see it in a new light and Ive enjoyed being able to grow it through that and social media and use my skills for something that was such a big part of my life, she said. Nelson again is teamed up with her mother, who has been on the board for more than 15 years. Nelson applied her skills to brand the event and develop a logo. The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, Nelsons council, is also partnering with the board and will provide all runners with a box of cookies. Diane Flanagan, Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest CEO said, The most impactful part of Girl Scouting is the earning of the Girl Scout Gold Award. We are so proud to see the success of the Blue Ribbon Run and we hope this project is just one of the many of Gold Award projects that may inspire our girls to reach for the gold. Shrauners mother also is involved. Lisa Shrauner serves as the boards vice chairman. Its so encouraging to see that Claire is still involved with the board and the Blue Ribbon Run, Jayme Shrauner said. Her passion for those affected by child abuse has been clear and unwavering since day one and I hope she will continue making waves in our community with her enthusiasm. Nelson described it all as a true full-circle moment. This started as a Girl Scout project and now its the primary fundraiser for the board, Nelson said. Its great to see how its grown into this community event. Proceeds from the event directly benefit foster children in Midland County. Currently there are 93, according to the Midland County Child Welfare Board. 3 1 of 3 Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Godofredo A. Vasquez / Houston Chronicle Show More Show Less 3 of 3 A federal jury Houston Thursday convicted former U.S. Congressman Steve Stockman of being the mastermind behind a wide-ranging fraud scheme, using hefty charitable donations from top-level conservative donors to cover personal expenses and campaign debts. After deliberating more than 15 hours over three days, the jury found Stockman guilty of all but one of the 24 counts brought against him last year. Central Texas will soon host a huge piece of history when Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is unveiled at Baylor's University's Mayborn Museum Complex. From June 2 to Jan. 6, 2019, history buffs will be able to see artifacts pulled from the wreckage, including luggage, the ship's whistles, floor tiles from first class spaces, a window frame and an unopened bottle of champagne. The exhibit also features a part of the ship's hull, a recreation of the Grand Staircase and a promenade deck complete with frigid temperatures that sets the scene of the fateful April night when the ship sank. President Donald Trump holds up an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership after signing it in the Oval Office of the White House on January 23, 2017. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images At various points in his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump endorsed economically populist policies that were antithetical to conservative orthodoxy among them, a massive infrastructure stimulus, universal health care, price controls on pharmaceuticals, higher taxes on the rich, and an immediate withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Since taking office, Trump has proposed budgets that cut federal spending on infrastructure, championed health-care legislation that would have increased the ranks of the uninsured by 20 million, disavowed his support for letting Medicare negotiate with drug companies, and slashed taxes on the wealthy. Still, you couldnt fairly say that Trump didnt keep any of his populist campaign promises or at least, you couldnt say that until today. One of Trumps first acts as president was withdrawing America from the TPP; on Thursday, he announced that his administration is looking into rejoining the trade pact. In a meeting with farm-state lawmakers and governors this morning, Trump revealed that he had directed his new economic adviser Larry Kudlow, and top trade negotiator Robert Lighthizer, to see if the 11 trade partners we jilted last year would be interested in getting back together. On first blush, this flip-flop looks bizarrely timed. After all, Trump has spent much of the past two months violently defying his partys trade orthodoxy, leveling 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and preparing for all-out trade war with China. In reality, however, Trumps decision to rethink the TPP is a direct consequence of his showdown with China. There were many sound arguments against the version of the TPP that the Obama administration opted to endorse. The agreement would have strengthened patent protections for American drug makers, thereby exporting our nations aberrantly high pharmaceutical prices to the developing world. And it also would have expanded the reach of the Investor State Dispute Settlement Process, a legal mechanism that allows corporations to challenge government regulations that disadvantage their business interests before an arbitration panel whose rulings cannot be appealed. But the geopolitical case for reaching some kind of new trade agreement with our nations allies in the Pacific was always solid: Strengthening our economic ties to such countries would provide the U.S. with a tool for countering the influence of an ascendant China. Trump has ostensibly begun to appreciate that case. Earlier this month, in a bid to punish Beijing for stealing American intellectual property, Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on a long list of Chinese imports. Xi Jinping responded by releasing a list of American products that he will render unaffordable to Chinese consumers via the imposition of 25 percent duties the second that Trump follows through on his tariffs threat. Further complicating matters for the White House, China carefully crafted its tariffs to inflict maximum pain on pro-Trump regions and industries within the United States. Americas farm belt would be especially vulnerable to Beijings threatened duties on American soybeans and pork. This has led agricultural interests to demand insight into the White Houses strategic thinking on such matters. And that has, apparently, led Trump to look for means of strengthening his position vis-a-vis China, and mollifying the outrage of Big Ag. 82% of employment in industries targeted by Chinas retaliatory tariffs is in counties that voted for Trump in 2016. https://t.co/PPQfKqn4dN via @BrookingsInst Doug Henwood (@DougHenwood) April 12, 2018 Rejoining the TPP would accomplish both those objectives. The best thing the United States can do to push back against Chinese cheating now is to lead the other eleven Pacific nations that believe in free trade and the rule of law, Senator Ben Sasse said in a statement praising Trumps decision. Its fitting that Trumps TPP reversal comes the same week that his administration is preparing a potential strike against the Assad government in Syria. There was time when pundits interpreted Trumps rise as heralding a rebirth of paleoconservatism the protectionist, anti-interventionist, and nativist strain of right-wing thought that had last made itself known during Pat Buchanans third-party presidential runs. But as Trump renders his steel tariffs virtually nonexistent through various exemptions, trumpets plans to launch a military intervention in the Middle East on humanitarian grounds, and asks Larry Kudlow to help him ensnare the U.S. in yet another multilateral trade deal, its never been more clear that Trumpism isnt a nationalistic alternative to movement conservatism, but rather, a more ecstatically corrupt, racist, authoritarian, and idiotic take on the GOPs bog-standard creed. Headed to regionals on Friday, Michigan Technological University's Steel Bridge Team prepares for the 31-year-old North American engineering competition by shaving both build time and their team captain's beard. The annual national event, sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), begins with a 10-university faceoff at the 2018 ASCE North Central Regional Competition, this year hosted by Western Michigan University. The specifications change every year. But the criteria for the 1:10 scale model, which replicates requirements for design, construction and performance of a safe and durable full-scale bridge, remain the same: display, stiffness, structural efficiency, construction economy and construction speed. As you might expect with a bridge challenge, there's also always a river. Builders have to work around it. Stepping into the river can mean lost points, as can things like loose or missing nuts and bolts. The four-person build team wears carpenter aprons loaded with extras. Play Michigan Tech Huskies Build a Steel Bridge in Seven Minutes (or Less) video Michigan Tech Steel Bridge Team demonstrates how to assemble a bridge in seven minutes (or less). The Build: Braces, Brackets and Bolts "3-2-1go!" Emma Beachy calls the start during a Monday night build practice. Four students sprint to the assembly area, marked off with blue tape on the brown floor of Michigan Tech's Dillman Hall basement. Two designated runners shuttle the pieces to team members erecting the approximately 150-pound, 17-foot long, four-by-four-foot structure, adroitly grabbingalmost without needing to lookthe braces, brackets, footings and trusses laid out with surgical precision in the taped-off work area. The team strategy for handling a remote staging area for bridge parts? Two runners who can also assemble when they're not handing off pieces to the other two team members. After each build, they evaluate what got stuck, what was tight, what went right and how to improve. "How did it go?" asks mentor Michael Prast, head of bridge design, after the first run of the evening (there will be as many trials as the three-hour practice time allows). "We packed her in good this time," says Weitermann. "Don't be overzealous with the nuts and bolts," says Beachy, who along with Prast is mentoring the build team. "It's important to build it fast and correct." Michael Prast, Head of Design, Michigan Tech Steel Bridge Team "We typically like to have juniors in leadership roles," says Prast. "Seniors continue to mentor but aren't relied upon to lead the team." Knowledge is passed along by transitioning new students into primary positions, rather than relying on the skills of same members each year until they graduate. Jeremy Dziewit, in his third year of competition, leads the build team. It's the second year for Daryn Carter, and the first for LeAnn Brinker and Alec Weitermann. On the next run of the night, Beachy spots a potential rules violation. "You were resting a significant portion of your body on the bridge," she cautions. It's sweaty work. By the third run-through, the team is tired, but establishing a rhythm. The urgency is palpable, but the interactions remain calm and kind. "I'm caught," Dziewit calls, and gets help extricating his t-shirt off a bolt. "I need my truss," Brinker says, as Weitermann hustles to hand off the piece. Another rule: loose bridge parts can't touch the floor. As soon as they stop the clock, the group checks the bridge. "You're missing a nut and bolt," notes Naghtin. Nobody freaks outthey simply deconstruct how it could have been overlooked and how to ensure the error isn't repeated. The bridge will be moved from assembly directly to judging for weight-bearing capabilities, so every fastening point is crucial. Mentors offer more encouragement. Builders are consistently hitting an average time of 8 minutes and 30 seconds. "All your runs today are better than Saturday," Prast tells them. Times have improved steadily since the initial build. "It took us about 30 minutes the first time," says Carter. There was strong motivation to cut build time: when the team hit 7 minutes 30 seconds (last week), team captain Naghtin shaved the beard he's been growing for three years. "I thought it was a fun way to push the team to do better, especially since none of the team had ever seen me without it," he says. "We intend to be building even faster by the time competition rolls around." Bridge Design and Fabrication The nine students at the three-hour build practicesfive nights a week and on Saturdaysrepresent a fraction of the group. There are three teams within the steel bridge team: design, fabrication and build. Design and fabrication phases took place during fall and winter. "The solution to this year's problem was primarily taken care of in the design process, which took us approximately 800 hours in eight weeks. The river is always a challenge to deal with, as its width and placement really affect the constructability of the bridge, one of the biggest considerations in the design process," says Naghtin. This year's problem, as laid out in the official rulebook: design a limited access short span bridge along the lines of Portland's Bridge of the People, the first major U.S. bridge for bikes, pedestrians, mass transit and emergency vehicles. The fictional bridge, spanning the Willamette River, prohibits private motorized vehicles in order to serve communities, without overwhelming outdated roads in the former industrial districts on the riverbanks. As in the real world, restrictions, requirements and challenges abound, from the need to use high levels of recycled content to a smaller work zone, with materials and equipment remotely staged because of development on both sides of the river. The team put in about 1,000 hours in 10 weeks to fabricate the bridge. In comparison, last year's bridge was fabricated in 900 hours over 11 weeks. "The reason for the time increase is because we really wanted to improve the quality of our fabrication, while decreasing the number of weeks it took us to complete fabrication," Naghtin says. There's sometimes confusion, but neither steel bridge nor concrete canoe are Michigan Tech Enterprise Teams, although the timelines and goals of their projects seem similar. "We are simply a student group that has a passion for applying class-related material to real-life situations," says Naghtin. Forty-four students showed up at the first organizational meeting of the year, enticed by the promise of valuable experience in skills including CAD design and welding. From that group, membership stabilized at about 20. The 17 team members headed to regional competition are: Emma Beachy, 2018; Garth Bogart, 2019; Julie Bouwens, 2019; LeAnn Brinker, 2020; Daryn Carter, 2020; Derek Carter, 2020; Kelton Czyzio, 2021; Rachel Duffy, 2019; Jeremy Dziewit, 2018; James Hegel, 2018; Jonatan Hudy-Velasco, 2020; Aaron Kostrzewa, 2018; Gregory Naghtin, 2019; Michael Prast, 2018; Bailey Ramler, 2017; Samuel Rose, 2021; Noah Weichert, 2020; and Alec Weitermann, 2021. Michigan Tech's Concrete Canoe team will also be at regionals in Kalamazoo this weekend. Look for the upcoming story on mtu.edu/news. If the steel bridge team qualifies, they'll head to nationals at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign May 25-26. Follow their progress on the Steel Bridge Team Facebook page. Concrete Canoe Team nationals are June 23-25 in San Diego, California. Huskies Share Engineering Knowledge When you're putting thousands of hours into a project, it's only natural that you'll enjoy meals together, do homework together and socialize. The steel bridge team also does a service project together, helping out a local school that participates in TRAC, a transportation and civil engineering education program by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) designed to enrich science, math and social science classes. "The past couple of years the team has assisted with the MDOT TRAC Bridge program at Houghton Middle School, where seventh- and eighth-graders work in teams to design and fabricate balsa truss bridges used to compete against other schools," explains Michigan Tech Steel Bridge Team Captain Greg Naghtin. "This year all of the teams from Houghton Middle School qualified to compete at the state level, which is a wonderful accomplishment for them, as only a few of the teams qualified last year." Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigans Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior. Dick Cheneys former chief of staff is finally getting the pardon George W. Bush denied him. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images In another gesture to hard-core conservatives that appear to have become routine for the White House in the run-up to the midterm elections, Donald Trump is set to vindicate a right-wing cause dating back to the George W. Bush administration by pardoning former vice presidential chief of staff Scooter Libby. In case that was before your time or its slipped your memory, Libby was Dick Cheneys top staffer, who was convicted in 2007 of leaking the identity of an undercover CIA officer whose husband had displeased the Bush administration, and then lying about it. Here was the report from the Washington Post back then: A federal jury convicted I. Lewis Scooter Libby yesterday of lying about his role in the leak of an undercover CIA officers identity, culminating a four-year legal saga that transfixed official Washington and revealed the inner workings of the White House and the media. After 10 days of deliberations, the 11 jurors found Vice-President Cheneys former chief of staff guilty of four felony counts of making false statements to the FBI, lying to a grand jury and obstructing a probe into the leak of Valerie Plames identity. The jury acquitted him of one count of lying to the FBI about his conversation with a Time magazine reporter. Libby is the highest-ranking White House official to be convicted of a felony since the Iran-contra scandal nearly two decades ago. When Libby exhausted his appeals and was looking squarely at some time wearing an orange jumpsuit, George W. Bush commuted his sentence. But despite furious lobbying from Cheney, W. did not pardon Libby before leaving office, and that left the old warhorse bitterly disappointed: Mr. Cheneys lobbying campaign on behalf of Mr. Libby was far more intense than previously known, with the vice-president bringing it up in countless one-on-one conversations with the president. They said Mr. Bush was unyielding to the end, already frustrated by a deluge of last-minute pardon requests from other quarters. The dispute underscored the raw feelings of Mr. Cheney and other supporters of Mr. Libby, who believed that he was mistreated by prosecutors and ill served by a president who, in their view, failed to return Mr. Libbys loyalty and sacrifice. Its not clear why Trump decided to take up this cold case. As ABC News, which broke the story, noted, Libbys life had pretty much already returned to normal: Since the conviction, Libby has since had his law license restored and former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell restored his voting rights in 2013. Maybe the ascension of Cheneys old ally John Bolton in the White House helped raise the profile of Libbys cause. Or perhaps the fact that he went down for lying to Trumps new institutional enemy, the FBI, is a factor. Libby might also be viewed by Trump as another victim of a special prosecutor a special prosecutor, by the way, who was chosen by then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey. We dont know just yet. But we do know that this is Trumps third pardon, and they do seem to fit a pattern. His first was for the famous nativist Sheriff Joe Arpaio, convicted of defying a federal court order by continuing to racially profile Latinos. The second was for a sailor, Kristian Saucier, who was convicted of taking unauthorized photographs of a nuclear sub on which he served, and whose plight Trump often contrasted on the 2016 campaign trail to the kid-gloves treatment of Crooked Hillary Clintons alleged security breaches. And now we have Scooter Libby, a third pardon beneficiary who is identified with the peculiar enthusiasms of the hard-core political right. Its doubtful the pardon will win Trump many votes, but in the fever swamps of conservative opinion-leaders, it could pay off handsomely. And in the event Dick Cheney comes across any dirt about Trump, its a favor worth its weight in gold. A Jersey County man suspected of being involved in the 2010 death of Alton resident Bonnie Woodward was charged Thursday with her murder, according to The (Alton) Telegraph. Roger W. Carroll, who was 45 at the time of Woodwards disappearance on June 25, 2010, was charged in Jersey County with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealing a homicide. A cuts budget, or a no-cuts budget? Either way, whatever Illinois lawmakers pass before the May 31 deadline is likely to include all of the $5 billion income tax increase passed over the governors veto last summer. The four legislative leaders and Gov. Bruce Rauner met Thursday in the governors office in Springfield to talk about the budgeting process. One thing Republicans said was agreed on was for both the House and Senate to pass an official revenue estimate. The state constitution requires lawmakers to pass a budget that only spends whats estimated to come in for the year. While the Senate has passed a revenue estimate in recent years, the House hasnt. The number typically is a combination of figures from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, the Governors Office of Management and Budget and input from the General Assembly. The Illinois Policy Institute put out a study that showed five of the past 10 years COGFA and GOMBs revenue estimates were off by millions. In fiscal years 2013 and 2014, GOMB under former Gov. Pat Quinn was off by $2.1 billion and $1 billion, respectively. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said it will be easier to get the estimate and a balanced budget. [Rauner is] assuming that the tax increase that he vetoed was obviously needed, Cullerton said. Thats why it was included in his budget. So Im going to assume that he is supportive now of the revenue estimates that he has in his own budget that have the tax increase in place. Rauner said he wants to reform pensions to save money and lower the states flat income tax rate over time. He dismissed the criticism from Democrats that he was being hypocritical for including revenue from the tax increase he vetoed. He called some of the comments from Democrats after the leadership meeting political hyperbole. I vetoed the tax hike, I vetoed the spending bill and now Ive put forward a balanced budget that is truly balanced and Ive proposed a tax cut, but that tax cut is conditioned upon pension reform, if and when that gets approved by the courts, the governor said Thursday. Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said Democrats were not open to reducing rates. We asked [the Democrats], you have the majority, could you pass a budget that allowed for those cuts that we Republicans would like to see in tax rates? and they said no, Brady said.They have a majority, they cant pass a budget. Brady said members from both parties will be meeting to hash out more budget details. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, released a statement after the meeting. If the governors agenda is to push more of his extreme cuts he should stay on the sidelines, Madigan said. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said there needs to be cuts in appropriations. We have to be wise with our spending and I think the goal is we have to scale back, Durkin said. We dont need to spend everything. The states bipartisan government forecasting group estimates the state will bring in $37 billion in revenue for the coming fiscal year. Lawmakers have until May 31 to pass a balanced budget with simple majorities. Many years ago, my two sons and I took a few days and traveled to southern California. We enjoyed seeing some sights in Los Angeles and San Diego. Its was one of those fun things we did Ill always remember. One thing not so fun was our decision to cross the border into Tijuana, Mexico. We had never been to Mexico and thought it would be interesting to visit and then we could say we had been there. We drove to a parking lot just on the border and left our car and took a designated walkway path that led us right into Mexico. We were greeted by lots of taxi drivers who offered us a ride. We climbed into a cab and got our ears full on into the town of Tijuana. The taxi driver was full of expletives about what Tijuana was all about, which was mostly drunkenness and prostitution. It felt like the taxi ride from hell. I was embarrassed for our family and was glad when we could get out of the car. I felt like we had stepped into a scum hole. There was nothing really worth seeing in Tijuana and every other building was a loud bar with lots of men on the street begging us to come in to see the prostitutes. We probably survived our visit maybe an hour hoping to see something worth seeing before we finally found a taxi to take us back to the border. The driver, on the way back, laughed and said, We have nothing here worth seeing or losing. We are not like the United States. We have nothing to lose. When we got out of the taxi, there was a long line of people waiting to get through customs back into the United States. What took only a minute to cross into Mexico took us almost two hours that day to get back into our country. We were so glad to cross back into California. I dont have anything against Mexico. There are lots of beautiful vacation spots and lovely people in that country. I eat breakfast at a place in our town operated by wonderful people from Mexico. However, the taxi driver was right in one point of his comparison between Mexico and America: We are worth something and have plenty to lose in this country. A friend of mine just moved from a Texas border community and was irritated because someone from Mexico came across the border and stole his motorcycle. Ill never see it again, he said. He also told about families he knew close to the border who would never let their children play outside alone. Those families are terrified of their children being kidnapped and taken across the border. They know if that happens they will never see their children again. Use our national guard on the border. Drugs are flowing into our nation from Mexico. People are still crossing illegally. We need to protect our people. Our borders should be crossed legally and people should abide in our country legally. America is worth protecting. Glenn Mollette is the author of 12 books. In January, I wrote about witnesses lying to Congress and getting away with their deceit. Congress has the power of the purse so, theoretically, it may cut off funds to those departments and other offices of the executive branch whose functionaries lie or somehow defy Congress or a committee of Congress. Unfortunately, there seems to be reluctance among members of Congress to cut off funds. Also, those from the executive branch who testify before Congressional committees know full well that Congress cannot have them arrested or charged with contempt of Congress. Congress can only refer cases to the Department of Justice to bring charges against any miscreants who show contempt. I noted in Januarys column George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turleys description of executive branch functionaries who defy Congress as D.C.-made men a Mafia-type designation. A D.C.-made man is someone who has protections within the Washington bureaucracy, one who is unlikely to be prosecuted by the Justice Department because hes one of their own. So whats Congress to do in the face of executive branch contempt? This headline from the April 11 Washington Times caught my eye: Nunes threatens to impeach Wray, Rosenstein over FBI documents. Impeachment of an executive branch civil officer other than the president and federal judges is almost unheard of. I even checked my copy of the Constitution to see if Congress actually has this power. There it was, in black and white: Article II, Section 4: The president, vice president, and all civil officers of the United States shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. According to The Legal Information Institute at Cornell University Law School, Congress has the authority to hold a person in contempt if the persons conduct or action obstructs the proceedings of Congress or, more usually, an inquiry by a committee of Congress. Im no lawyer, but I suspect contempt of Congress is at least a misdemeanor. The House Intelligence Committee requested, without success, an unredacted two-page memo from the Justice Department since last summer. Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes had threatened to impeach the FBI director and the deputy attorney general if they failed to produce the subpoenaed memo. They blinked Wednesday, and Nunes and committee member Trey Gowdy met with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and reviewed the document. If that hadnt happened, Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray could have found themselves out of a job, even though they are D.C.-made men. My point is not to dwell on the Nunes threat or the FBI memo, but rather to focus on impeachment as a congressional tool to bring the D.C. mafia into line. Impeachment is about individuals rather than whole organizations. Using the power of the purse, i.e. cutting off funds to departments and agencies, would be the equivalent of using a sledgehammer to kill a fly. Maybe Nunes has stumbled upon a serious method for dealing with contemptuous D.C.-made men. Jacksonville resident Jay Jamison writes each Friday for this page. There is a fine line between ... In a turnaround, the Ugandan government announced today, Friday that it may take in 500 African asylum seekers from Israel. Israel wants to relocate thousands of Africans, mostly Eritrean and Sudanese, that it says entered Israel illegally. State minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Musa Ecweru, acknowledged the request from Israel during a news conference at the Uganda Media Centre. Asylum seekers in Israel protest against being forcibly deported earlier this year. Photo: atlantablackstar.com The state of Israel, working with other refugee-managing organizations, has requested Uganda to allow about 500 refugees of Eritrean and Sudanese descent to be relocated to Uganda," Ecweru said. "The government and ministry are positively considering the request. The U.N. Refugee Agency says some 4,000 African asylum seekers have voluntarily left Israel for Uganda and Rwanda since 2013, reports both countries have continuously denied. Speaking to reporters Friday, Ecweru denied the existence of any so-called secret deals between Uganda and Israel on the matter. He said applicants for the 500 slots currently being discussed would be rigorously vetted. It had been reported earlier that both Uganda and Rwanda accepted to take in the asylum seekers in return for cash and arms deals. We are processing. The eligibility committee is standing by just to receive the first batch, and well process them through the assessment and those who will meet our criteria will certainly be granted asylum immediately, said Ecweru. He did not offer further details, though he did seem to indicate the relocations to Uganda would be voluntary. Israel is home to about 40,000 African asylum seekers. Most are from Eritrea and Sudan and say they cannot return home for fear of conflict or oppression. Many arrived in Israel between 2006 and 2012. Israels government rejects claims the Africans are refugees, describing them as economic migrants and infiltrators. In January, Israel issued an ultimatum to the single men in the group accept a cash payment of $3,500 (about Shs 12.9 million), a plane ticket to a third country in Africa or face detention and deportation. The Israeli governments plan to begin forced deportations in April has been put on a hold by Israel's Supreme court to give the petitioners more time to argue against the move. According to an article published by media, Haaretz today reported that the visa documents presented in the Supreme court are fake. The documents were reportedly presented as proof by the state that third world countries including Uganda have accepted to take in the asylum seekers. It is further revealed that according to the Population and Immigration Authority, the visas were issued by the Ugandan government, and given by Israel because Uganda does not have an official representative in the Jewish State. According to the report, the document given in Israel states that an official visa would be given to the infiltrators upon their arrival in Uganda, along with an identity card. However the Ugandan officials according to Haaretz questioned the authenticity of the issued documents, saying they haven't been signed by any official. No one wrote this document, its fake, totally fake, said Robert Kanuma, the head immigration officer at Entebbe Airport. It is not true that every asylum seeker receives a visa and an ID card when he arrives, a source in the Office of the President of Uganda told Haaretz. Uganda has an electronic border management system where visitors can apply for a visa and present the relevant documents at any entry point. None of that happened in this case." According to Reuters, during the Supreme court hearing in Jerusalem, when one of the three judges asked the state representatives why Uganda was denying the deal, if indeed there was one, the state said it would provide the court with an explanation in a closed session. The Israeli state has until noon on Sunday to present the Supreme court with a finalised plan for the deportation of the illegal infiltrators. For Uganda, welcoming asylum seekers from Israel could prove to be a touchy subject. The country is already straining to host more than 1.4 million refugees, most of whom have fled conflicts in neighbouring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in just the past two years. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body Auburn University sophomore Elizabeth Farrar will work this summer on a research project in Germany that focuses on the parasites that cause sleeping sickness, a disease deadly to both humans and animals. Farrar is one of only 150 students nationwide selected to conduct undergraduate research in Wurzburg, Germany, this summer as a German Academic Exchange Service Research Intern in Science and Engineering, or RISE, undergraduate fellow. Farrar will spend the summer in the lab of Christian Reuter, a professor of cell and development biology at the University of Wurzburg. She will join a research team investigating the development of African trypanosomes in human skin tissue models. These parasites transmitted by the tsetse fly cause deadly sleeping sickness in humans and also the widespread disease nagana in cattle. Farrar and the rest of the team are conducting this research to learn more about how the parasites are transmitted from the tsetse fly to humans. Farrar, an Honors College student from Lexington, South Carolina, is majoring in biomedical sciences in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, or COSAM, and minoring in German. She was chosen from more than 1,700 applications from the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the U.K. The RISE fellowship is Germanys premier undergraduate award which provides students in the fields of biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering and physics the chance to spend a summer working with research groups at universities and top research institutions across Germany. In addition to conducting undergraduate research, Farrar will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive German language course as well as a scholars' conference in Heidelberg, Germany, in early July. "I am so thankful for the opportunity to take the practical skills I have learned here in COSAM and through the German department and apply them to the challenges of the international research setting in Wurzburg," Farrar said. Farrar has many activities both on and off campus, including her involvement with Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society; volunteering with Mercy Medical Clinic; mentoring with Project Uplift; and tutoring as a Study Partner with Auburns Office of Academic Support. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school to become a physician. "Elizabeth is a shining example of what a student can achieve through smart work and perseverance; she paid attention to detail while keeping an eye on the big picture," said Ameya Kolokar, a lecturer in the Department of Physics. "On the path to success, she also helped others around her achieve higher standards. Her fellowship is well-deserved." For additional information on the RISE Undergraduate Fellowship, contact Paul Harris in the Honors College at paul.harris@auburn.edu. Calaveras Sheriff Rick DiBasilio View Photos San Andreas, CA More questions than answers are still swirling in the aftermath of a motorcyclists mysterious death this past weekend following an apparent shooting incident. According to Calaveras County Sheriff Rick DiBasilio, We are still following up on what leads we have. The problem is that the areais fairly remotethere were no witnesses that we are aware of that have come forward at this time so we are still trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, talking to the victims friends and family members. The deceased, 43-year-old Jack Edward Watts of Manteca, had apparently been riding with friends Sunday afternoon before stopping along the way at a gas station. According to the sheriff, Watts rode ahead of his friends, who came upon him along Highway 26 between Mokelumne Hill and Paloma. As reported here, emergency responders transported Watts to Mark Twain Medical Center but he did not survive his injuries. At this time the Calaveras County Coroners Office is still working to determine the motorcyclists exact cause of death. This past Monday a stretch of the highway was closed to traffic until midafternoon while investigators processed the scene. Arrested Sunday at the scene of the incident on charges of being a felon in possession of a handgun and possession of a controlled substance while armed was 56-year-old Michael Lee Parkerson of Manteca. The sheriff describes Parkerson as an associate of Watts who is not believed to be a suspect in the victims death. When asked if the shooting could be related to gang activity, Sheriff DiBasilio replied that there are many possibilities for speculation, including anything from road rage to a stray round from a hunter. Its hard to tell at this time. We are still checking surveillance footage, he confides, adding that unlike in urban areas, there are far fewer cameras to tap as resources. The sheriff says investigating detectives are still hoping to hear from anyone with video surveillance cameras trained along the Highway 26 corridor at the time of the incident as well as those with possible information that could help fill in missing details. The tip line number is 209 754-6030. Be Wok and Sushi Post-fire Feb 8 2018 View Photos Sonora, CA The Be Wok and Sushi restaurant was shut down for over 9 weeks but owners used the time to not only make repairs but give it a facelift. The doors of the eatery located at 764 Mono Way in Sonora reopened today with the smell of ginger and soy sauce welcoming customers once again. As reported here, on February 7th at around 11:30 p.m. firefighters were alerted to the blaze. Once on the scene crews contained the flames to the kitchen, but the business had smoke damage as well. A call by Clarke Broadcasting today to the restaurant confirmed it was open for business with owner Bonnie You cheerfully answering the phone, Be Wok, were open again! She relayed that the over two month closure was a result of waiting for insurance company money, upgrading to a whole new kitchen, along with outside and inside remodeling. We tried to contact Sonora Fire Chief Aimee New regarding whether a cause has been determined for the blaze, but have not yet received a response. While Hale Countys unemployment rate has been creeping upward in recent months, from a 10-year low of 4.1 percent in December to 4.6 in January and 4.8 in February, another key economic indicator is showing positive signs. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Wednesday he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $651 million in local sales tax allocations for April, 5 percent more than in April 2017. These allocations are based on sales made in February by businesses that report tax monthly. The April 2018 allocations to Texas cities total $149.4 million. Thats 5.4 percent ahead of April 2017, and 6.5 percent above the corresponding 2017 year-to-date total. For counties, current allocations total $41 million. Thats up 11.4 percent from this time last year, with the year-to-date tally up 13.7 percent. For details on April sales tax allocations to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, visit the Comptrollers Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports. Plainview is scheduled to receive an allocation of $288,923.18, this month. Thats a 3.63 percent increase from its April 2017 allocation of $278,779.40. For the year-to-date, Plainviews sales tax payments total $1.318 million. Although a meager 0.4 percent, its an increase nonetheless from the 2017 payments-to-date of $1.312 million. Across the entire Herald circulation, the 15 entities that collect local sales taxes are scheduled to receive payments this month of $535,557.60. That represents an increase of $22,595.67 or 4.4 percent above the $512,961.93 received in April 2017. For the year-to-date, payments in 2018 total $2.444 million. Thats up $22,679.30 or 0.94 percent above the 2017 year-to-date payments of $2.421 million. Nine of the 15 entities saw their month sales tax payments increase for April while six saw their payments decline. The largest increase was posted by Castro County with an increase of $53.26 percent, climbing from $11,235.17 in April 2017 to $17,219.41. Abernathys payment rose 34.08 percent, from $13,456.86 in 2017 to $18,043.31 this cycle. Swisher County also posted a double-digit gain, increasing 20.22 percent. Its payment rose from $11,643.01 in 2017 to $13,998.13 this month. Edmonson recorded the largest decrease at 53.89 percent. Its check fall from $211.88 last year to $89.22 this month. Petersburg saw its payment declined 17.93 percent, from $3,749.29 in 2017 to $3,076.73. Lockney also posted a double-digit drop, of 11.39 percent. Its payment fell from $8,678.57 in 2017 to $7,689.72 this month. Hale County saw its allocation decline marginally this month, falling 0.95 percent, from $110,944.06 in April 2017 to $109,886.39. Its year-to-date is up 1.74 percent, rising from $514,468.58 in 2017 to $523,470.94 in 2018. Current and year-to-date payments, and changes from 2017, for area taxing entities include: --Abernathy, $18,043.31, 34.08%; $62,501.93, 3.54% --Castro County, $17,219.41, 53.26%; $66,695.39, 16.37% --Edmonson, $89.22, -57.89%; $483.65, -51.79% --Floydada, $21,573.00, 4.61%; $98,429.11, -10.05% --Hale Center, $6,645.90, -9.87%; $30,245.09, -6.91% --Hale County, $109,886.39, -0.95%; $523,470.94, 1.74% --Hart, $2,858.68, 8.59%; $13,422.47, 4.17% --Kress, $795.94, 3.17%; $4,275.94, 1.02% --Lockney, $7,689.72, -11.39%; $36,877.72, -7.22% --Olton, $9,986.43, 7.57%; $127,570.49, 6.28% --Petersburg, $3,076.73, -17.93%; $16,029.04, 7.99% --Plainview, $288,923.18, 3.63%; $1,317,653.69, 0.40% --Silverton, $4,825.06, 6.74%; $5,501.09, -74.27% --Swisher County, $13,998.13, 20.22%; $79,243.85, 20.43% --Tulia, $29,946.43, 7.57%; $127,570.49, 6.28% (Bloomberg) -- Michael Cohen, the longtime personal lawyer to President Donald Trump who arranged a nondisclosure payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels, also helped a top Republican donor negotiate a payment to a former Playboy Playmate. The fundraiser, Elliott Broidy, agreed in late 2017 to pay $1.6 million to the woman, who said she had been impregnated by him, according to a person familiar with the matter. Broidy, in a statement Friday, said that he retained Cohen in the matter after the lawyer approached him about it. The agreement was first reported to the Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter. Broidy has stepped down as a deputy fundraising chair for the Republican National Committee -- a position that is also held by Cohen -- according to two people familiar with the matter. The deal prohibited the Los Angeles woman from disclosing her relationship with Broidy, the Journal said. The woman chose to terminate the pregnancy, Broidy said in his statement. I acknowledge I had a consensual relationship with a Playboy Playmate. At the end of our relationship, this woman shared with me that she was pregnant. She alone decided that she did not want to continue with the pregnancy and I offered to help her financially during this difficult period, he said. I would like to sincerely apologize to my wife and family for the hurt that I have caused, Broidy said. It is unfortunate that this personal matter between two consenting adults is the subject of national discussion just because of Michael Cohens involvement. Mr. Cohen reached out to me after being contacted by this womans attorney, Keith Davidson. Although I had not previously hired Mr. Cohen, I retained Mr. Cohen after he informed me about his prior relationship with Mr. Davidson. Davidson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Dennison and Peterson The Broidy agreement used the pseudonyms David Dennison and Peggy Peterson, the paper reported. Those were the same pseudonyms used in the agreement that Cohen arranged for Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. That deal, which Trump didnt sign, is the subject of a continuing arbitration and court battle. The woman alleged that Broidy had paid her for an exclusive sexual relationship, the Journal cited one unnamed source as saying. Broidy has been the subject of media scrutiny since earlier this year, when hackers got access to his email server and revealed that he urged Trump to take positions that would benefit the United Arab Emirates, where a defense company he owns has government contracts. Other disclosures showed he sought to become a paid advocate for Russian companies subject to sanctions, and to end a U.S. criminal probe involving a Malaysian businessman. Cohen Raid Cohens office, home and hotel room were raided by federal agents in New York earlier this week after a referral by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. They reportedly hauled away documents to support an investigation into potential bank fraud, wire fraud and campaign finance violations. The FBI seized records relating to Karen McDougal, the former Playmate who said she had a 10-month affair with Trump, and Clifford, a person familiar with the matter has said. The FBI also searched a safety deposit box and two cell phones, the government said in a filing Friday. A lawyer for Cohen asked a federal judge on Friday to order prosecutors to stop reviewing documents seized during the searches. This was necessary to determine whether any of the records were covered by attorney-client privilege, the lawyer said. The searches are the result of a months-long probe into Cohen and seek evidence of crimes, many of which have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, but rather relate to Cohens own business dealings, the government said in a filing Friday afternoon. (Adds Broidys resignation from RNC in third paragraph.) --With assistance from Chris Dolmetsch Greg Farrell Bill Allison and John McCormick To contact the reporter on this story: Zachary R. Mider in New York at zmider1@bloomberg.net. To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jeffrey D Grocott at jgrocott2@bloomberg.net, Winnie O'Kelley at wokelley@bloomberg.net. 2018 Bloomberg L.P. White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney privately fumed Thursday that his own staff had been leaking confidential information to make me look bad, hours after a federal appeals court questioned whether he could legally run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau while simultaneously heading the budget office. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit expressed support for the presidents legal right to appoint an interim director of the consumer agency. But two of the three jurists Patricia A. Millett and Judith W. Rogers, both Democratic appointees raised doubts about Mulvaneys dual roles, citing the legal provision that created the bureau. The legal question surrounding Mulvaneys appointment stems from a case brought by Leandra English, a former top consumer bureau official who was installed late last year as acting director by the agencys departing director, Richard Cordray. President Donald Trump bypassed English and instead installed Mulvaney, the Office of Management and Budget director, to run both agencies. English sued, claiming she was legally entitled to the title of interim director. The questions about his dual roles came as Mulvaney was on Capitol Hill for a second day, offering a feisty defense of his controversial tenure at the watchdog agency. For two hours, Mulvaney parried questions from Senate Democrats on the Banking Committee about why enforcement actions against shady businesses appeared to have stalled under his watch and why the members of the staff that he installed were receiving such handsome salaries in some cases more than $200,000 per year. Mulvaney defended his actions as lawful, painting himself as a humble bureaucrat and reformer. Im not seeking to undermine the mission of the bureau, Mulvaney insisted, adding that he no longer wanted it to be a regulatory black hole. Just hours after testifying, Mulvaney unleashed a blistering memo to bureau staff members that accused some inside the agency of leaking the outlines of a proposed $1 billion fine against Wells Fargo. The potential fine was reported by Reuters on Monday. I am extraordinarily concerned that some of these leaks might have come from bureau employees, he wrote, according to a copy of the memo forwarded by a person on the distribution list. Mulvaneys memo seemed to offer at least partial confirmation that the Reuters report was grounded, describing the leaked material as confidential information. I recognize that there may well be some (a few? a lot?) of people who work here who arent happy that Im working here. Thats fine, Mulvaney wrote. I also recognize that these folks might be interested in undermining my leadership here, or in quite simply looking to make me look bad. He has instructed the bureaus inspector general to investigate leaks, he said. Mulvaney said he was not seeking to stifle legitimate whistleblowers, but added that he would support any disciplinary and other actions taken against any bureau employees found to have divulged information about investigations. The bureau does not play games, he concluded. The question of Mulvaneys legal ability to run the consumer bureau stems from the provision in the 2010 Dodd-Frank law that created it. The statute mandated that the bureau, which draws its funding from the Federal Reserve, retain complete independence from other federal agencies particularly the Office of Management and Budget, which oversees rule-making for the executive branch. The appeals court, which fast-tracked the case, is expected to release a final ruling which could order Mulvaneys ouster within the next few weeks, according to a person with knowledge of the case. If that happens, Justice Department lawyers, who maintain that Trump has the right to appoint Mulvaney under the 1998 federal Vacancies Reform Act, are likely to appeal the case directly to the Supreme Court. At that point, Trump would face a tough choice: Keep Mulvaney in the post under a legal cloud, pending an appeal, or replace him with another appointee who would most likely face a ferocious confirmation fight. Of all the people in the federal government, Donald Trump chose the one person, Mick Mulvaney, who isnt supposed to run the bureau under the law, said Deepak Gupta, Englishs lawyer and a former lawyer at the watchdog agency. A spokesman for Mulvaney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mulvaney, who has frozen new enforcement cases since taking over the bureau, is required to step down by June 22, under the vacancies law. But he could stay in the job if Trump nominates his successor, remaining in place until a new director is confirmed by the Senate. While Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee largely praised his work, Democrats were unimpressed. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who helped create the bureau, confronted Mulvaney with examples in which he called for the abolishment of the bureau and argued that it was clear from his leadership that he was trying to tear it apart. Youve taken obvious joy in talking about how the agency will help banks a lot more than it will help consumers, and how upset this must make me, Warren said. Youre hurting real people to score cheap political points. President Donald Trump on Thursday outlined changes to U.S. biofuel laws that would allow more ethanol to be used, a nod to farmers caught in the crosshairs of a potential trade war with China, while also offering some relief to fuel suppliers who have complained about compliance costs. Allowing the year-round sale of fuel containing as much as 15 percent ethanol, a blend known as E-15, makes a lot of farmers happy, Trump said prior to a White House meeting with Republican lawmakers from farm states. Were going to also be helping the refineries, he added. Trump has held a series of meetings in recent months to carve out a biofuels deal that satisfies the agriculture and oil lobbies, which also happen to represent two of his most important constituencies: farmers in the rural Midwest and blue-collar workers in industrial areas. The two sides have clashed repeatedly over the Renewable Fuel Standard, a complicated policy that crosses political lines. Oil industry representatives have cited the January bankruptcy of Philadelphia Energy Solutions Inc., the largest U.S. East Coast oil refiner, as evidence that the biofuel mandate is too costly and changes are needed. However, ethanol is immensely popular with farmers because its largely derived from corn. Agricultural interests argue that any weakening now of requirements to use ethanol would compound the uncertainty felt by farmers after China last week outlined a retaliatory tariff on U.S. soybeans. On Wednesday, U.S. Agriculture Department Secretary Sonny Perdue said farmers are feeling anxiety not only from the possible trade war with China but also because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing hardship waivers to some small refineries, allowing them to avoid complying with the RFS. Another issue is the price of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, the tradeable credits used to show compliance with the RFS. Refiners have raised concerns about their cost. Some have asked the Trump administration to cap RIN costs, possibly with the EPA selling a lower-priced alternative: an ethanol waiver credit not tied to a blended gallon. EPA has been assessing the legal validity of granting an E-15 waiver since last summer, EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said in a statement Wednesday. The Agency has been awaiting a clear outcome from the ongoing RFS discussions with the White House, USDA and Congress before making any final decisions or developing any associated regulatory actions. IT services firm Infosys on Friday said it will roll out salary hikes ranging from "mid-single digit to high-single digit" for a majority of its employees. The salary hike will be effective from April onwards. Infosys COO Pravin Rao said, "We are also pleased to announce compensation revision for 85 percent of our employees starting April. For rest of the employees, primarily middle management and senior management, it will be effective 1 July. This is for both onsite and offshore." "Majority of employees in India will get raises from mid-single digit to high-single digit," Rao added. Infosys had a total headcount of 2,04,107 people at the end of 31 March, 2018. While the gross addition stood at 12,329 people, the net addition was of 2,416 employees. Rao said the attrition at the company for the March quarter had increased to 16.6 percent as compared to 15.8 percent in the previous quarter. "However, the high-performers attrition has come down dramatically at 9.4 percent," he added. India's second-largest software services firm posted a 2.4 per cent rise in its fourth-quarter net profit to Rs 3,960 crore, while the revenue increased 5.6 per cent to Rs 18,083 crore. However, the company's net profit on a quarterly basis fell 28.1 per cent. The IT services behemoth had reported a net profit of Rs 5,129 crore in the December quarter and Rs 3,603 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Infosys Q3 FY18 net profit included positive impact of Rs 1,432 crore on account of conclusion of an Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) with the United States' Internal Revenue Service. The company said its revenues from digital offerings stood at $2.79 billion (25.5 per cent of total revenues) for FY18. The IT services firm has guided for 6-8 per cent constant currency revenue growth for FY19. Infosys new CEO and Managing Director Salil Parekh, who concluded his first complete quarter at the IT major, said, "I am pleased with our healthy revenue growth, profitability, and cash generation in Q4. Our robust performance is a reflection of the strong impact we have with our clients and the dedication of our employees. 'Navigating Your Next' is our aspiration of how we will partner with each one of our clients." "We will execute our strategy around the four pillars of scaling our agile digital business which is today $2.79 billion in revenue, energizing our client's core technology landscape via AI and automation, re-skilling our employees, and Expanding our localization in markets su ch as US, Europe, and Australia. In the press conference, Parekh said the company will complete the sale of Panaya and Skava by March 2019. Infosys said assets amounting to Rs 2,060 crore ($316 million) and liabilities amounting to Rs 324 crore ($50 million) in respect of the disposal group have been reclassified and presented as "held for sale". On reclassification, an impairment loss of Rs 118 crore ($18 million) in respect of Panaya has been recognized in the consolidated profit and loss for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018. The corresponding write down in the investment value of Panaya in the standalone financial statements of Infosys Ltd. is Rs 589 crore ($90 million), it said. The company's CFO, Ranganath D. Mavinakere, said the total dividend payout is 30 per cent higher than last year. Infosys has recommended a final dividend of Rs 20.50/- per equity share for the financial year ended March 31, 2018 and special dividend of Rs 10/- per equity share. Infosys also approved a definitive agreement to acquire Wongdoody holding Company Inc, a US-based creative and consumer insights agency for a total conside ration of up to $75 million (approximately Rs 489 crore). For the second time this year, another restaurant owned by a locally renowned San Antonio chef received among the lowest health inspections scores in the city. Tre Trattoria, owned by Jason Dady, was among the 26 restaurants named to this week's list of lowest-scoring establishments, according to city health inspection reports. Dady-owned steakhouse Range was cited in March for various violations. The Italian restaurant, which scored an 84 and is considered an A- by the city health department, lost points on its inspection score for having gnats in the establishment and using household-grade Raid as a form of pest control. The restaurant also risked cross-contamination when it stored bacon and clams on the same level in the refrigerator. SEE LAST WEEK'S VIOLATIONS: San Antonio restaurant inspections: April 6, 2018 To make the Express-News' list of dirtiest restaurants, an establishment must earn a score of 89 or below or anything less than an "A" during a random city health inspection. Elsewhere in the city, two Culebra Meat Market locations earned the distinction as the lowest-scoring establishments of the week. At the location on Guadalupe Street, oxtails were sitting without packaging on a dirty freezer floor, and a rack of ribs without protection was spotted on top of a cardboard box. A city health inspector also cited the restaurant for having mold on its soda runners, meat case and cutting boards, and because an employee was spraying out the meat case while meat was still inside of it. At Matehuala Cafe on Somerset Road, a health inspector observed to-go cups for salsa and pico de gallo stored in a box also holding an employee's hair spray. The San Antonio Express-News examines hundreds of restaurant inspections each week conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environmental Health Services division to bring you the eateries with scores of 89 or below. Restaurants are graded on a 100-point system, where "100" is a perfect score, and demerits are based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each are assigned a demerit score of 3, 2 or 1 points, according to the health division. Scores and demerits listed are only representative of the state of the restaurant at the time of inspection and establishments are surveyed at random. See the other restaurants that landed on this week's list of dirtiest restaurants in the slideshow above. erobinson@mysa.com | Twitter: @eeelizzzabeth Dear Mr. Premack: My mother recently had her will drawn up by an attorney. She gave him the name she has used for years, which is on her social security card, on her marriage license, on her bank accounts, and on her house title. Now that name is on her will. I was at her house and found a copy of her birth certificate, and it lists a different first name (her birth certificate says Eleanor Bonnie as her first and middle names, but she has only used Bonnie forever. Do we have to re-make her will to match her birth name? MEM Names are a fascinating study. We use nicknames, middle names, and pet names only our closest family may know. But legally, there needs to be some consistency. The name a person is given at birth (as shown on the birth certificate) is that persons official name unless 1) that person gets married, or 2) that person changes their name in court following proper legal procedures. Even after a formal name change, proper documentation needs to be provided to financial institutions, employers, Social Security, the state drivers license bureau, etc. before they will change their records. Your mothers name was Eleanor Bonnie at birth, but she has only used Bonnie for years. She even used Bonnie when she got married. That is the key in her situation. A marriage license is a legally recognized name change. If she is listed on the marriage license as Bonnie, then it is legal for her to use the name Bonnie. In fact, most people and institutions likely have no idea that her first name was ever Eleanor. When she eventually dies and her will goes before a judge for probate, the name on her will is reported to the court. The court verifies the name against her death certificate, but also collects the last three digits of her social security number and of her drivers license number. Since those documents (if they had to be used as proof) also show the name Bonnie, and her assets are owned under the name Bonnie, there should be no issue. She does not need to re-make her will. It is good practice, however, to list any variations on a name in the will. She (and you) may sleep better if her will said This is the will of Bonnie [Smith], who is formerly known as Eleanor Bonnie [Smith]. If she is really concerned, it is also legal to do a formal name change before the district court in the county of her residence. A formal name change should not be necessary, but again, if it makes her sleep better then it may be a worthwhile endeavor. Dear Mr. Premack: My mother-in-law recently moved into a nursing home and is applying for Medicaid. All she has is her house, which is under a Lady Bird Deed to protect it from Medicaid Estate Recovery. While she is in the nursing home, all of her income is used to pay for the nursing home. So how does she pay to maintain the house and pay the property taxes? Do we sell the house? Do we rent the house? EW Texas Medicaid regulations do not make allowance for maintenance or taxes on the house. It is a conundrum, since the house will be at risk unless it is maintained. If the house is sold, the net proceeds will be a countable resource which will throw her off Medicaid until the money is spent. If the house is rented, the gross income can be used to pay maintenance and taxes, but the net income counts against her for Medicaid purposes, and may force her to need a Miller Trust. (Also, rental of the house can only be short term because it must be available for her occupancy should she recover from her illness.) At the least, she can apply for a property tax deferral via the Appraisal District, but the taxes plus interest will be due after she dies. She or her properly appointed Agent should meet with a certified Elder Law attorney to explore the pros- and cons- of each option. Paul Premack is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with offices in San Antonio and Seattle, handling wills and Trusts, Probate, and Business Entity issues. View past legal columns or submit free questions on legal issues via www.TexasEstateandProbate.com or www.Premack.com. EAST HAMPTON Three dogs died Thursday afternoon as a stubborn fire gutted a single-family home at 51 South Main St. No others were injured in the blaze, which was called in to a 911 dispatcher at 3:53 p.m. The fire spread a noxious cloud of dirty gray/brown smoke over the neighborhood and required the combined efforts of at least a half-dozen area departments before it was brought under control. I was in the house with my kids when I started smelling smoke, said Jocelyn ONeill, who lives at 33 S. Main St. with her son, 12, and her daughter, 3. At first, I thought someone had lit a campfire in their backyard. But then, lights flashing and sirens blaring, a convoy of East Hampton Fire Department engines pounded down the street headed to the source of that smoke. Incident commander Assistant Fire Chief Peter Freund said he arrived at the fire site within three or four minutes of the alarm sounding. Flames were shooting from the house when he showed up. At least initially, We had lots of steel [engines], but no people, Freund said. The neighborhood is not serviced by fire hydrants, which meant the call went out to other departments for tanker trucks. But as he tried to get a handle of the stubborn fire, Freund said his immediate need was Manpower. Just manpower. At least at first, the bulk of the fire was contained in the rear of the muted red clapboard Queen Anne-style house. The style of the house, with its mix of peaks and dormers, presented unending challenges to firefighters, Freund said. Every time they turned around, there was another peak, and another source of flames that had to be contained. An American flag hung from a pole hear the front door of the house. As they began to break windows to attacks flames in the front room, two East Hampton firefighters paused to first respectfully remove the flag from its holder and spirit it out of harms way. Homeowner John Krom stood across the street from his home, until East Hampton medics convinced him to sit down in a wooden chair brought from the home across the street. When he did, the medics wrapped him in a blanket, lap robe and warming blanket. Krom declined to speak. However, Fonda Engel, who identified herself as a friend of Kroms for the past five years, said, He was just coming home from work when he saw the flames and smoke billowing up from his home. Fighting back tears, Engel said Krom lost a German Shepard, a Chihuahua and a Shih Tzu mix in the fire. The dogs lay at the base of front porch, wrapped in orange tarpaulin before they were removed from the scene. Units from Colchester, Glastonbury, Marlborough, Middletown and Portland all responded to the mutual-aid request from East Hampton. The neighboring unit either came directly to the fire scene or took up positions at East Hamptons three fire stations in case another call came in. Building Official Glen LeConche, staging off site, arrived just after 6 p.m. to inspect the house and determined if any part of it could be saved. Fire Marshal Rich Klotzbier conducted a preliminary inspection of the exterior of the home. After he did, Klotzbier said, the cause remains under investigation. Given the severity of the damage, I asked the state fire marshal to assist us. NEW YORK - President Donald Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen has been under criminal investigation for months by federal prosecutors who empaneled a grand jury to probe his business dealings beyond his law practice, according to a new court filing. Prosecutors revealed the new details about the Cohen investigation after his lawyer appeared in court seeking to temporarily bar prosecutors from reviewing materials that FBI agents seized in a search this week of Cohen's office, home and hotel room. After three separate hearings on the matter Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Kimba Wood said she did not have enough information to issue any ruling on that request. She ordered the lawyers - including Cohen personally - to return to court Monday morning with more details, including a list of Cohen's clients. The Justice Department's 22-page filing states that the recent searches resulted from a "months-long investigation into Cohen, and seek evidence of crimes, many of which have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, but rather relate to Cohen's own business dealings." The government's motion also reveals that prosecutors examined a safe-deposit box used by Cohen - carrying out the searches in part because they feared evidence might be destroyed if they had simply served him with a subpoena. Officials redacted a section in the document explaining why they thought they could not trust Cohen to turn over records willingly. The filing, signed by acting U.S. Attorney Robert Khuzami in the Southern District of New York, also says that while the current investigation was referred by special counsel Robert Mueller III, the New York investigation "has proceeded independent" of Mueller's work. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are investigating whether any crimes were committed as part of an effort by Cohen to squelch damaging stories about Trump when Trump was a presidential candidate, according to a person familiar with the matter. Among the materials sought by investigators in the search were records relating to payments made to adult-film star Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels, and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, two women who allegedly had sexual liaisons with Trump years ago. Prosecutors also say that the president's own statement that he did not know Cohen had paid Clifford may negate any claim of attorney-client privilege on that matter. Authorities revealed that they searched a number of email accounts used by Cohen. "The results of that review . . . indicate that Cohen is in fact performing little to no legal work, and that zero emails were exchanged with President Trump," the filing states. The president does not use email, according to associates. Todd Harrison, an attorney for Cohen, urged the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to let either Cohen's lawyers or a court-appointed special master review the materials seized by FBI agents. But Cohen's lawyers could not immediately say how many clients - or how many documents covered by attorney-client privilege - were at stake, and prosecutors accused Cohen of trying to stall the investigation. "This has clearly been a delay tactic from the outset," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas McKay. Cohen's team, he said, was "delaying a government investigation because they can't come up with the facts to justify their case." Harrison's assertion that Cohen's documents included privileged communications involving Cohen as both an attorney and a client did not, McKay argued, validate that claim. "He's walking back those assertions which were the premise of their motion," McKay said. Wood declined to dismiss Cohen's attorneys' request. "I expect that in return," she said, "there will be a good-faith effort on counsel's part to answer the court's questions." She told Cohen's lawyer to be able to give her by Monday morning a list of Cohen's clients and evidence of their lawyer-client relationships. "You need to be prepared to substantiate that the relationship was an attorney-client relationship," she said. The unusual, high-stakes court hearing Friday also featured an appearance by an attorney representing Trump, Joanna Hendon. She argued that materials obtained from Cohen had to be handled carefully because some could relate to a sitting president. While Trump had the "utmost interest" in ensuring that the process of preserving attorney-client privilege was respected, so did the public - and anyone who has ever sought legal counsel, Hendon said. Whatever the judge decided, Hendon said, would have to "withstand scrutiny for all time." Her client, the president, "as the privilege-holder, has an acute interest in this issue," she said. She added that she was worried about the "appearance of fairness," given the stakes. "He is the president of the United States," she emphasized at one point. McKay replied that the president's attorney-client privilege "is no stronger than anyone else who seeks legal advice." Friday's court hearing was marked by multiple private conversations between the lawyers and the judge. Wood also heard arguments on how to keep the names of "innocent individuals" out of the public legal fight. Another lawyer also sought to make his case during the later hearing: Clifford's attorney Michael Avenatti. When he introduced himself to the judge to ask to be heard, Wood seemed to indicate that she was already aware of his identity. In an interview after the morning session, Avenatti said he wants to make sure "that the integrity of the documents, whatever was seized, is maintained." "We want to ensure the documents do not disappear or that there's a control set that's maintained regardless of who reviews the documents," he added. Avenatti said he thinks that some of the documents obtained from the Cohen search relate to his client. Stephen Ryan, an attorney for Cohen, said in a statement this week that the searches of Cohen's office and residences were unnecessary and that the materials seized are protected by the attorney-client privilege. Searches of lawyers' offices are rare but not unheard of, and prosecutors use what is called a separate "taint team" to review the material and exclude any documents that are covered by the attorney-client privilege. If they find material that does not involve legal advice between a lawyer and a client, or is exempted from attorney-client privilege because it contains evidence of a crime, that material can be turned over to investigators. Cohen is being investigated for possible bank fraud, wire fraud and violations of campaign finance laws, according to people familiar with the matter. In their search Monday, investigators also sought to obtain records relating to Cohen's ownership of taxi medallions - high-value assets that are often used as collateral for loans, according to people familiar with the matter. - - - The Washington Post's Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to this report. After Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury," it's now former FBI director James Comey's turn to release a book that will almost certainly agitate the White House. While there are many takeaways from Comey's book - of which my Washington Post colleagues obtained a copy before its scheduled release on Tuesday - the title already implies a key theme: "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership." Comey doesn't hide where he believes President Donald Trump fits into that title. He describes Trump as an unethical leader and a liar who is driven by his ego and even suggests that the president bears certain similarities to a leader in the Mob, a term that is usually associated with the Mafia. Dealing with Trump, Comey writes, gave him "flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." Let's break down the characteristics of the sort of mob Comey was referring here, based on what we know about the mother of all mobs: the Italian Mafia. 1) "The silent circle of assent" The Mafia relies on circles of enablers - often forced to remain silent - to take control of entire regions or cities. Their strategy to achieve this is multifaceted and ranges from targeting low-level shop owners with extortion schemes such as "protection rackets" to bribing or threatening top officials. Often, the Mafia also offers incentives, such as a reduction of competition, rather than only relying on threats. Known as the "code of silence," Mafia groups like Cosa Nostra have derailed investigations by exerting so much pressure on the victims of their extortion schemes that they refused to cooperate with authorities - if authorities were even willing to launch an inquiry in the first place. When a victim of an extortion scheme came forward in 2015, Italian authorities celebrated the rare revelation as a first in the country and as a possible sign that Cosa Nostra's code of silence may be weakening. In the United States, the code of silence has eroded since the 1980s, as author George Anastasia wrote in an opinion piece for The Post last year: "Many of those who now make the mafia a career choice are driven primarily by economics. These mobsters, unlike earlier generations, never embraced Cosa Nostra as a way of life. For them, it was a business, a way to make money. And when they found themselves under indictment and facing 20 years to life, they made a business decision: How do I cut my losses?" 2) "The boss in complete control" In Italy, organizations such as Cosa Nostra appear to have been more successful at maintaining high loyalty. That's why Mafia leaders have long been known as the "boss of all bosses," or godfathers. While that particular position does in fact not exist in Sicily's Mafia hierarchies, Mafia networks provide their leaders with a unique kind of power over members who pledged allegiance to them. "But how can a boss be sure that his members will continue to be loyal under pressure? That's the big Mafia dilemma which you could apply to Trump," said Federico Varese, a professor of Criminology at Oxford University and author of the recently published book "Mafia Life." He cautioned that any comparisons between Trump's circle and the Mafia were "obviously only metaphorical." But he still agreed with certain assertions Comey made in the book. "It's the case that Mafia bosses have total obedience, but there is always tension within the organization. That's why people get killed," he said. "What we also know from the Mafia - and which may also happen to Trump - is the possibility of betrayal and people defecting from the organization. Especially when there is police pressure, people start to defect," said Varese. 3) "The loyalty oaths" A pledge of allegiance or "oath of loyalty" is frequently depicted in movies but it has only been caught on a real-life camera once. In 2014, Italian police managed to record a secret Mafia initiation rite on camera in the north of the country. In the video, a leader within the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta group can be heard saying that the new members should be prepared to die, should violations of the group's code occur. "Either you poison yourselves or you take this (gun) which shoots. There must always be a bullet reserved; one for you," the leader says, according to the video. All members seen in the video were subsequently arrested. Comey specifically refers to Mafia initiations in his book while describing a key incident during his time as FBI Director under Trump. "I need loyalty. I expect loyalty," Trump told Comey during a dinner, according to the book, as my colleague Philip Rucker writes. According to another quote referenced by ABC, Comey concludes in his book that "the demand was like Sammy the Bull's Cosa Nostra induction ceremony." (Comey was referring to a notorious former underboss in the U.S.-Italian Mafia.) 4) "The us-versus-them worldview" Let's go back to Italy's 'Ndrangheta initiation ceremony that provides some insights into how the group imagined life following the induction. Based on the footage, Italian prosecutor Ilda Boccassini argued in 2014 that the affiliation with the group "is in their DNA and under their skin and they can leave the 'Ndrangheta either by collaborating with the state or through death." What Boccassini meant was that members of such tight-knit groups also develop a strong sense of belonging that comes with a pre-defined worldview. Anyone who doesn't agree with that worldview and the rules defined by the group automatically becomes an enemy. 5) "The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth." Here it seems Comey's ideas about the Mafia may diverge a bit from the experts'. Mafia leaders demand absolute loyalty and of course subordinates will routinely lie to authorities. However within the organization, truth is a must. "Mafia members are meant to lie to the authorities, including about the existence of their group," said Varese. "But they're always meant to tell the truth to the people within the organization, most importantly of course their boss." In other words: At a certain point, people in the inner circle must be ready to tell their boss the truth. --- Video Embed Code Video: Former FBI director James Comey details his conversations with president Trump in his new book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership," which is scheduled to be released on April 17.(Patrick Martin/The Washington Post) Embed code: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and his Democratic primary challenger, Cynthia Nixon, are poised to face their first consequential battle as early as this weekend, as they vie for one of New York's most coveted progressive endorsements: the Working Families Party. The blessing of the small but influential coalition of labor unions and progressive activists is seen as an early test of the depth of liberal unhappiness with Cuomo and the potential energy around Nixon. The party endorsed Cuomo in both 2010 and 2014, although it did so reluctantly four years ago. The party's convention, where a nominee will be formally chosen, is not until next month, but the 200-plus state committee members are gathering in Albany on Saturday and could jump the gun to deliver a shock endorsement, according to a half-dozen party officials. "I'm anticipating there might be a resolution that the party would endorse Cynthia Nixon," said David Schwartz, an influential state committee member from Westchester County. If Nixon were to win the Working Families Party's nomination and run as its candidate in November, and Cuomo were to win the Democratic primary, they would be in competition for voters to the potential benefit of the Republican candidate. Ahead of the party's looming vote, Nixon and Cuomo either personally or through their emissaries have been trying to seal up support. Nixon appealed to state committee members in a roughly hourlong conference call on Wednesday evening, including taking questions ahead of the weekend gathering, according to committee members who were on the call. She has made outreach to the party, which has its own ballot line in New York elections, an early priority. "Certainly anybody running in the Democratic Party should seek the support of the Working Families Party," Nixon said in a brief phone interview earlier this month. Powerful labor allies of Cuomo's are pushing to fill vacant slots on the party's central committee to tilt the governing body in the governor's favor and threatening to withdraw from the party entirely if they fail and Nixon wins the endorsement. "There is a number of vacancies in the party and we want to run people in those vacancies so we can have the full participation of labor," said Hector Figueroa, the president of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, a key labor union in the party that supports Cuomo. Figueroa said he hoped Working Families would at least remain neutral. "Maybe stay out of it," he said. Asked if that stance suggested he was worried that the party was edging toward Nixon, Figueroa said yes. "It's a fair characterization that I am concerned the party will go in that direction," he said. This week, Nixon has rolled out endorsements of progressive groups with close ties to the Working Families Party, including Citizen Action of New York and New York Communities for Change. The respective leaders of both those groups, Karen Scharff and Jonathan Westin, hold leadership posts on the executive board of the WFP and are seen as holding sway over a bloc of committee member votes. In a sign of the overlap, both are also on the board of the Alliance for Quality Education (Scharff serves as chairwoman), an education group. Nixon was once a spokeswoman for the group, and it organized her first event in Albany. Its executive director, Billy Easton, is a key early backer of her campaign and is also a WFP committee member. In the brief phone interview, Nixon would not commit to staying on the Working Families ballot line through November, if she does not win the Democratic Party's nomination. "I appreciate you asking that question," she said. "I'm not going to answer that question." That would be a risk for the Working Families Party, too. If its nominee does not win at least 50,000 votes in the general election, it would lose its guaranteed spot on the ballot in races across the state. Her campaign declined to comment for this story. Four years ago, the fight for the Working Families nomination was among the most contentious moments in the contest between Cuomo and his primary challenger, Zephyr Teachout. Cuomo ended up winning the party's backing, with the help of Mayor Bill de Blasio. The governor recorded a tape now known widely as the "hostage video" making a series of promises that included helping Democrats win back the state Senate, a vow many activists felt he quickly reneged upon. Bruised egos and raw feelings still remain from that episode. "I think it's going to be much harder for the Cuomo faction to seduce us this year," said Sandy Oxford, a Working Families committee member. In 2014, she said she arrived as a supporter of Teachout but flipped to Cuomo after his concessions. There was other fallout. Some labor unions allied with Cuomo withdrew from Working Families because of the process. "The other unions left because they felt the way the party asserted itself in selecting the governor as a candidate was not giving good consideration to the unions," Figueroa said. As for the possibility of his own union quitting this year if Nixon wins the endorsement, he said, "That's a decision that we have to make internally, whether we are going to decide to leave the party or not." Even before Nixon had emerged as a possible challenger, top aides to Cuomo, including his executive secretary, Melissa DeRosa, had begun reaching out to WFP state committee members in February for a series of listening sessions. "It was pretty clear what we were all doing in the room and why," said Blair Goodman, a state committee member who attended one such meeting in Kingston. "I suspect it's sunk in to someone, perhaps Ms. DeRosa or some other senior staff, that we have a state committee and we do as our conscience guides us." Attendees of the sessions said one of the top priorities expressed was to unite Democrats in the state Senate, where a breakaway group of eight lawmakers formed the Independent Democratic Conference and worked more closely with the Republican majority for the last seven years. After Cuomo did help broker such a deal, resulting in the reunification of the Democrats and the dissolution of the IDC earlier this month, he called Bill Lipton, the state director of the WFP, to describe its details, according to people familiar with the call. Tainted, hunted and absconding, Nirav Modi seems to have lost the respect of his close relatives as well. For the first time, one of his closest relatives, brother-in-law Mayank Mehta, in Hong Kong spoke to India Today expressing shock and surprise that the celebrity diamantaire is the kingpin of the Rs 13,600 crore Punjab National Bank loan scam. An India Today team traced the posh Estorial Court housing complex, where Modi was suspected to be hiding in his sister Purvi Mehta's flat. When the India Today team knocked on the door, a person opened it only to shut it immediately saying neither Modi nor Purvi stays there. Surprisingly, Chen Sui Shing, one of the security staff posted at the building, said that she knew Modi as Purvi's brother but did not see him recently. Chen's statement indicates that Modi was either frequenting or staying at the flat and vanished after getting a whiff that he could be traced. The Ministry of External Affairs had approached the Hong Kong authorities seeking his provisional arrest. Later, the India Today team managed to speak to Mayank, who spoke at length about how the scam has affected the family. "We could never imagine [that Modi could be involved in such a scam]. We ourselves are trying to understand the whole issue." According to Mayank, his children are confused as to why Modi is all over the Internet. "Facts are facts and it can't be ruled out. We don't want our family to be connected to this in any way. My children still ask me why uncle is in news on Google?" When asked about his wife, Mayank said, "My wife Purvi is travelling." But before meeting Mayank, the India Today team had sought to speak to the couple over intercom and both of them had spoken to the security personnel. Even Chen confirmed that Purvi was present at her flat. Regarding India's request to Honk Kong seeking Modi's provisional arrest, Mayank said, "Of course, it is the right procedure. The government can search my house. I am amazed that they think he is in my house. This is the last place where he can be." On Modi's uncle and Gitanjali Group owner Mehul Choksi, Mayank said that no one could imagine that both of them would be involved. "We were a close family." Meanwhile, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told India Today in Patna that the government is determined to bring the haute jewellery designer back to India. "No doubt, he will be brought back to India. Already, his assets worth Rs 8,000-Rs 9,000 crore have been seized," he said. (With inputs by Rohit Kumar Singh in Patna) PEORIA (AP) On the evening of March 27 four friends hung out at a Pekin home talking and smoking Spice. By mid-morning the next day, all four were in UnityPoint Health-Methodist suffering from massive bleeding. Later that day the Peoria City/County Health Department and UnityPoint Health officials held an emergency news conference to warn the public about a batch of synthetic cannabis apparently tainted with brodifacoum, a potent anticoagulant designed to kill rats. Since then 118 cases have been reported in Illinois, and three people have died. August Sarver, 37, of East Peoria knew something was wrong soon after smoking the tainted Spice at that Pekin gathering. I actually went home early cause I didnt feel right, he said. I got up at 5:30 the next morning to go to work and it felt like someone was sticking daggers in my stomach. Sarvers friends had gone to the emergency room the night before. One called that morning with terrifying news. My friend said the stuff we smoked last night was bad it had rat poison in it, said Sarver. A trip to the bathroom confirmed his fears his urine was red with blood. Sarver spent the next five days in the ICU, wondering if he and his friends two of whom he has known since high school were going to die. They werent allowed to see each other, so they communicated with their phones. One of the most difficult moments was when he saw his father cry. At one point he heard people talking in the hall about a 22-year-old man who died. It was very scary, he said. When Sarver started using Spice nine years ago it seemed like a smart alternative to marijuana. Its not detected on drug tests, an issue that was keeping him from getting a good job. Its also cheaper and stronger than pot, and at that time it was legal. I would smoke it Downtown on the Peoria riverfront, he said. I smoked it everywhere cause you couldnt get in trouble. It wasnt long, however, until Sarver discovered a serious downside to the synthetic cannabinoid. We didnt realize its addictive. You cant quit, he said. Whenever Sarver tried to quit he become physically ill. It started with giddiness and sweating and soon he was throwing up. After three days of vomiting he would give up. The only way to stop (the sickness) was to take one more hit, he said. Sarver said his friends all experienced the same thing. I havent met one person who smokes Spice socially, he said. Once they start they have to keep going. As the number of victims continues to grow in the last 24 hours three more have been reported in central Illinois its become clear that publicizing the dangers of synthetic cannabis wont be enough to stop the epidemic. Sarver believes people are addicted and cant stop. If you are being told that your friends almost died of it, that they are bleeding out of orifices, if I had been told that before this happened, I probably wouldnt have quit. It has that much control over you. Its a classic example of the insanity of addiction, said Dr. Kirk Moberg, executive medical director Of the UnityPoint Health Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery. There are horrible consequences staring them in the face and they continue to use, he said. Withdrawal symptoms are just the first step even more difficult is treating the addiction itself. Addiction occurs in a different part of the brain, he said. It becomes like a biological drive, as important as drinking water or eating food. As one addict told me, its more important than taking their next breath. Moberg encouraged anyone fighting withdrawal and addiction to call the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery hotline, 800-522-3784. People can also come to the center 24 hours a day. Its located on the UnityPoint Health-Proctor campus in Peoria. Sarver has been off Spice for two weeks. He apparently went through the worst of the withdrawal while at UnityPoint Health-Methodist, but he and his friends are all suffering from mysterious stomach pains, a symptom which could be related to withdrawal, said Moberg. As part of Sarvers treatment for the bleeding disorder, he is being closely monitored and is taking very high amounts of Vitamin K. That will probably go on for about three months because brodifacoum stays in the body for a very long time. If Sarver stops treatment, he would likely start bleeding again. The episode forced Sarver to quit Spice, and he plans to never look back. It scared me straight, I gotta tell ya I will never touch that stuff again. He decided to share his story as a cautionary tale for young people thinking about experimenting with drugs. I want some kid to read this and not smoke Spice, he said. I dont want anyone else to die from this. WASHINGTON - After passing tax cuts and spending that added massively to the deficit, congressional Republicans made a show of fiscal austerity Thursday by voting for a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution. As expected, the measure failed, falling short of the two-thirds vote needed to advance. The vote was 233 to 184. The measure came to the floor a day after House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., surprised lawmakers by announcing plans to retire at the end of the year. Not even its supporters had expected the balanced-budget amendment to pass the House. But congressional conservatives, many of whom opposed last month's $1.3 trillion "omnibus" bill over its excessive domestic spending, nonetheless pushed for the vote, presenting it as a necessary tonic after Congress's recent budget binge. The giant government-wide spending bill has caused a backlash from the Republican base - frustrating President Trump, who voiced displeasure with the bill and briefly threatened to veto it. "It's basically fulfilling your promises," said Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, which secured a commitment for the balanced-budget vote last fall. "I know it kind of looks more showy coming out of response of a lot of the Republican base regarding the omnibus, but this is something in all fairness that had been worked on. And that's why I don't necessarily understand all the criticism, because this has been in the works for some time." The balanced-budget-amendment vote is expected to be followed in coming weeks by a related push by the White House and GOP leaders to take back billions of dollars from last month's $1.3 trillion government spending bill via an obscure process called "rescission." That effort, too, is designed to appease conservatives, but it also appears destined to fail. The criticism of the balanced budget amendment came from Democrats who denounced it as an exercise in political posturing that, if enacted, would result in steep cuts to Medicare and Social Security. "This legislation is a brazen assault on seniors, children and working families - the American people we were elected to protect," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "Make no mistake, this GOP con job has nothing to do with fiscal responsibility." Some Republicans, too, criticized the vote as a pointless performance. Amending the Constitution requires approval by a two-thirds vote in the House and the Senate, as well as ratification by three-fourths of the states. Those are steep hurdles, and the legislation looked just as unlikely to pass the Senate as the House, though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., expressed interest this week in taking it up. "What a joke. What a joke. It is the biggest joke in the world," said Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. "It's a way for people to hide behind making tough decisions. I'm for a balanced-budget amendment, but the way it's drafted, it's just to give people cover. We've got the House, the Senate and the presidency. If we wanted to figure out a way to balance the budget we could do it." Conservative Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., voiced a similar complaint, saying he was concerned that the legislation "may deceive the public into thinking that it is a substantive balanced-budget amendment, which it is not." "In fact, the public should be looking at the spending bills that we just passed, an $800-some-odd-billion-dollar deficit that is projected this year, with a Republican House, Republican Senate, Republican White House," Brooks said. Congress has taken balanced- budget-amendment votes in the past, though not since 2011 - when Republicans were hammering President Barack Obama for presiding over growing deficits in the wake of the global financial crisis. In that instance, neither the House nor Senate voted to advance the measure. This week's vote comes three days after the Congressional Budget Office projected drastically growing deficits, hitting $1 trillion and above starting in 2020, partly as a result of the new GOP tax law and the omnibus spending bill. Actions taken by the GOP Congress and Trump since June are "estimated to make deficits $2.7 trillion larger than previously projected" in the next decade, the CBO said. Given those figures, some Republicans are privately questioning the timing of the amendment vote. "It draws attention to a subject that we shouldn't be drawing attention to," said a Republican lawmaker who spoke on the condition of anonymity to comment candidly on party strategy. "Frankly, the Democrats ought to be making that push, not us." The size of the spending bill has prompted such heartburn and complaints among conservatives that the White House is now working with Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., on a rescissions request that would seek to pare $30 billion to $60 billion from the legislation. But this, too, is dividing Republicans, winning strong support from conservatives but angering members of the spending committees in both the House and the Senate, making its passage through either chamber look questionable. Several Appropriations Committee members noted that last month's government spending bill, needed to stave off a shutdown, was the product of negotiations between Republican and Democratic congressional leaders in each chamber as well as the White House. Republicans sought and achieved major increases in defense spending; Democrats demanded big increases in domestic spending in exchange, and they got that. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., dismissed the rescissions effort in brief comments this week, echoing other appropriators who warned that reneging on the deal would hamstring future negotiations: "Keeping your word is pretty important," Frelinghuysen said. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., another senior member of the Appropriations Committee in the House, said the rescission effort is "unrealistic and dangerous." "I mean, it's hard enough to make a bargain around here. You can't break your word the minute you give it. And that's basically what a rescission package in my view would be." Still, other Republicans said that with tough midterm elections approaching, the party must take steps to energize a GOP base that at this point appears to be lagging behind Democrats in enthusiasm. "We need to start doing things that shows our base that we are really conservative," said Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., who just announced plans to retire. "And as you know there's a lot of our base, and some even moderates, that were upset because of the omnibus. But when you see what the [military] is going through with all these training accidents, we had to do what we had to do, but now we need to show the American people that we're serious about getting our house in order." A clear majority of Americans support special counsel Robert Mueller III's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election and alleged collusion with President Donald Trump's campaign, a Washington Post-ABC News poll finds. The results show backing for inquiries into Trump's orbit on several fronts. Nearly 7 in 10 adults say they support Mueller's focus on possible collusion with Russia. Sixty-four percent say they want the special counsel investigating Trump's business activities. And 58 percent support investigating alleged payments by Trump associates to silence women who say they had affairs with him. The broad public mandate for Mueller's investigation comes as many Trump allies are calling for the president to thwart the special counsel's work. Trump has considered ousting the Justice Department official overseeing the probe, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein - a move that some Trump associates hope would cripple the inquiry. Trump this week blasted the Russia investigation as "never ending and corrupt." The poll was conducted Sunday to Wednesday, with interviews overlapping the FBI's Monday raid of the home and office of Michael Cohen, Trump's longtime attorney. Agents seized communications between Cohen and Trump, as well as records related to a 2016 payment Cohen made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, who claims to have had a sexual encounter with Trump. The Cohen inquiry was opened by the Manhattan-based U.S. attorney's office following a referral from Mueller. Mueller was appointed to investigate any links between the Trump campaign and Russia, as well as any other matter directly arising from that probe. While Mueller has subpoenaed Trump Organization documents related to business activities in Russia, there has so far been no confirmation that his investigation has expanded to cover Trump business activities that do not relate to Russia. There is also no indication that Mueller's team is exploring accusations by women about Trump's personal conduct. Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey in May has also been probed by Mueller and is receiving renewed attention with the release next week of Comey's book and several media interviews surrounding its publication. The Post-ABC poll finds Americans' views of Comey include division and indifference, with 3 in 10 seeing him favorably, just over 3 in 10 unfavorably and the rest offering no opinion. But by 48 percent to 32 percent, Comey is seen as more believable than Trump, and adults disapprove of Comey's firing by a similar margin, though a sizable share chose neither or had no opinion. Views of Comey's firing are heavily colored by partisanship. Almost three-quarters of Democrats, unsurprisingly, disapprove of Trump's decision to fire Comey, while 70 percent of Republicans approve. Half of independents disapprove of Trump's action. Almost half of Democrats, 47 percent, are favorable toward Comey, while most Republicans - 56 percent - are unfavorable toward the former FBI director. Independents are exactly split, 30 percent favorable, 30 percent unfavorable. Support for Mueller's investigation also splits sharply across partisan lines. Over half of Republicans oppose the probing of each subject tested in the survey. A narrow 51 percent majority of Republicans oppose Mueller investigating possible collusion between Trump's campaign and the Russian government in 2016, while 62 percent oppose investigation of Trump's businesses, and 64 percent oppose investigating whether there were hush-money payments to Trump's alleged mistresses. Democrats are more united, with over 8 in 10 expressing support for Mueller investigating each issue. Independents undergird support for Mueller's probe, with 7 in 10 saying he should investigate Russian interference, 65 percent saying he should examine Trump's business activity and 59 percent saying he should probe alleged hush-money payments. Beyond Mueller's probe, a 51 percent majority say the question of whether Trump engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct is an important issue, while 46 percent say it's not. Opinions overall are fairly similar to two decades ago, when Post and ABC polls found nearly half saying repeated misconduct was an important issue for President Bill Clinton. But the partisan balance has flipped. The share of Republicans saying sexual misconduct by the president is an important issue has fallen from 70 percent under Clinton to 25 percent under Trump, while the issue has grown in importance among Democrats, from 38 percent under Clinton to 75 percent under Trump. Men and women differ significantly on two questions about Trump's relations with women. Women are 14 percentage points more likely to say it's important whether Trump engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct, 58 percent compared with 44 percent for men. And women are 15 points more likely to support Mueller investigating hush-money payments to women who say they had affairs with Trump, 65 percent to 50 percent. The Post-ABC poll was conducted April 8-11 among a random national sample of 1,002 adults reached on cell and landline telephones. Overall results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. - - - The Washington Post's Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to this report. Editors note: Once a month, reporter Justin Papp chronicles his efforts to try something new on his path to self-improvement in 2018. In March he took a cooking class at Wakeman Farm in Westport. So far this year he has trained in taekwondo and practiced hot yoga. All of his stories can be found by going online and searching for Thats a First. On the two long foldout tables at Tims Kitchen at Wakeman Farm on a recent Thursday night were four sets of bowls, utensils, cutting boards and produce, each corresponding to a different recipe called for in that nights class, Sheet Pan Suppers. I was one of three men in the 15-person class and of those men, I was the youngest. I was also the only attendee to show up alone. My presence in the class was striking enough that, as the class was splitting into four groups, one woman asked me, in a tone that conveyed both surprise and skepticism, So you just decided to take a cooking class? My group members were Stacey Babson-Smith, of Weston who used to cook often for her children, but does less now that theyve left the house and Gina Fedeli, of Orange, and Sue Redston, of Monroe friends attending their second class at Wakeman who, to their dismay, left the bottle of wine they were to split on Ginas counter. I introduced myself as a reporter, and by way of explaining the concept of my Thats a First column, alerted my group to my gastronomical shortcomings. Obviously, Ive cooked before, but my repertoire is limited. I make myself scrambled eggs every morning, but lunch and dinner are usually ordered out or kept very simple usually some combination of meat, rice and beans. I never follow a recipe, or push myself to make more adventurous meals. So I was intimidated by my groups recipe: skirt steak and broccolini like broccoli, I learned, but with longer stems and less leafy stuff up top with white beans. Nevertheless, my group members were encouraging and seemed to warm to me quickly. The recipe had only three steps. The first was to whisk together the vinaigrette, with garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt and pepper and oil and vinegar, in which the steak would marinate. The second was to lay out the broccolini and white beans on a sheet, over which the steak, on a cooking rack, would broil (third step). While Sue and Gina began the marinade and Stacey read out directions and gathered the necessary equipment, I availed myself of one of the two knives laid out for us and began chopping the garlic, figuring that it was a way to pitch in without jeopardizing the final product. Maybe you should use a different knife, Gina kindly suggested, noticing that Id lost a clove over the table. I switched out my tool for the other at the table. A sharper knife might work better, Stacey opined, returning to the table with a bowl after I had already heeded Ginas advice. Not knowing who or what to believe, I resumed chopping with the original knife. One member of the Wakeman staff walked over and complimented me on my work. I was flattered, though I wondered if she wouldve praised any of the other class members for their mastery of such a simple skill. With the approval of the group and help measuring from Sue, I added the fine bits of garlic to the marinade and, feeling confident that Id found my niche in the kitchen, began hacking at six ounces of oregano. After about 15 minutes, our steak had marinated, our broccolini and white beans had been laid out and we made our way from the two long tables set up in the middle of the room to the front of the kitchen, where we waited for the ovens to free up. Members of other groups finished their broiled halibut with fennel and orange, fish tacos and spaghetti squash puttanesca, respectively. One by one, the dishes came out and Stacey, Sue, Gina and I took our seats to test out the various recipes and chat. We spoke about their kids, work, Sue and Ginas upcoming trip to Iceland and Staceys past trip glamping (glamorous camping) on safari in Botswana. I expressed to them my insecurity at having done only the most menial cooking tasks. If you were at my house, Id be happy to have you take the role of sous chef, Gina assured me. Ill just keep chopping. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 Member nations of the United Nations body charged with regulating shipping on the high seas adopted a first-ever strategy Friday to blunt the sector's large contribution to climate change - bringing another major constituency onboard in the international quest to cap the planet's warming well below an increase of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The strategy embraced by a committee of the International Maritime Organization would lower emissions from container ships, oil tankers, bulk carriers and other vessels by at least 50 percent by the year 2050, versus where they stood in the year 2008. The group also said that emissions from shipping should reach a peak, and begin to decline, as soon as possible. "IMO remains committed to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and, as a matter of urgency, aims to phase them out as soon as possible in this century," the group said. Shipping in recent years has been responsible for around 800 million tons annually of carbon dioxide emissions, according to Dan Rutherford, the marine program director of the International Council on Clean Transportation, who was in attendance for the deliberations in London this week. That means shipping's emissions are 2.3 percent of the global total. "If you counted it as a country, it would be the sixth largest source of CO2 emissions," said Rutherford, noting that 800 million tons of annual emissions is comparable to emissions from the nation of Germany. And ships, by burning heavy fuel oil, create not only carbon dioxide emissions but significant emissions of black carbon, or soot. Black carbon is a short-lived but powerful climate change driver. Moreover, if nothing is done to halt emissions growth in the industry, they are projected to continue to grow and shipping would burn up a significant share of the remaining global carbon emissions allowable under the Paris climate agreement - releasing as much as 101 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions between now and 2075, according to an analysis by Rutherford's organization. "The world's shipping industry has now, for the first time, defined its commitment to tackle climate change, bringing it closer in-line with the Paris Agreement," said Tristan Smith, an expert on shipping and energy at the University College London energy institute, in a statement. Shipping and aviation are two major greenhouse gas producing sectors that have sat rather uncomfortably in the context of the global push to cut emissions under the Paris climate agreement. Both sectors are very difficult to decarbonize, since they rely on energy dense fuels to allow ships or planes travel great distances without stopping. Meanwhile, since they have major international components, they are not the province of any single country to regulate as part of a domestic climate change strategy. Instead addressing their role in climate change has fallen to U.N. bodies like the IMO and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Yet despite the ambition of the current strategy for shipping, Rutherford's group's analysis shows that it may not be strong enough. The group says that to be consistent with the Paris agreement, shipping should emit no more than 17 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from 2015 onward, but that the current agreement implies emissions between 28 and 43 billion tons. (No action at all, meanwhile, could have meant 101 billion tons.) Groups that were pushing for something stronger included small island nations, which have the most to lose if warming exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, since sea level rise for these countries could be devastating. The Baltic and International Maritime Council, the world's biggest shipping consortium, celebrated the agreement. "IMO has done something no one has done before: set an absolute target for emission reductions for an entire industry. It is a landmark achievement in the effort to reduce emissions, and something that every other industry should look to for inspiration," said Lars Robert Pedersen, the group's deputy secretary general, in a statement. For shipping to decarbonize, current fuel oils would have to be replaced by biofuels or perhaps, ultimately, even hydrogen or batteries. But such innovations so far are only being tested out in smaller ships, rather than the largest vessels, said Rutherford. "The largest container ships use a tremendous amount of energy, they're going to be harder to electrify or put hydrogen in," he said. A large emphasis will also certainly be placed on more energy efficient designs to maximize the work performed by current fuels. The current document is only referred to as an "initial strategy." But from here, IMO is expected to move ahead with regulations for global shipping that will gradually require these carbon-saving changes to the industry. Those could include mandatory energy efficiency requirements, speed limits, or other measures. Walmart Inc is likely to reach a deal to buy a majority stake in Indian e-commerce player Flipkart by the end of June in what could be the US retail giant's biggest acquisition of an online business, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. Reuters reported last week that Walmart completed its due diligence on Flipkart and had made a proposal to buy 51 per cent or more of the Indian company for between $10 billion to $12 billion. A deal with Flipkart would step up Walmart's battle with Amazon.com for a bigger share of India's fledgling e-commerce market, which Morgan Stanley estimates will be worth $200 billion in a decade. Local media have reported that Amazon is exploring a possible counter offer for Flipkart. Both sources declined to be named as the talks are private. Walmart will buy both new and existing Flipkart shares, with the new shares expected to value the Bengaluru-based firm at at least $18 billion, the sources said. The price for existing shares would value the firm at about $12 billion, one of the people said. Japan's SoftBank Group, which owns roughly one-fifth of Flipkart via its Vision Fund, is unlikely to sell any of its shares due to the low price being offered for the existing shares, this source said. Reuters has previously reported that early investors such as Tiger Global, Accel and Naspers will likely sell their entire stakes in Flipkart to Walmart if a deal is reached. A deal is not yet finalised, and talks between Walmart, Flipkart and its investors are ongoing, one of the people said. Flipkart also counts eBay, Tencent Holdings and Microsoft Corp among its investors. Flipkart did not respond to a request for comment, a representative for Walmart in India declined comment while SoftBank said it doesn't comment on speculation. BIG INDIAN BATTLE For Walmart, the world's largest retailer known for its superstores, a deal with Flipkart would open up the vast Indian market. Walmart has for years tried to enter India but has remained confined to a 'cash-and-carry' wholesale business amid tough restrictions on foreign investment. It currently operates 21 such stores in India. By comparison, Amazon closely trails Flipkart, which along with its fashion units controls nearly 40 per cent of India's online retail market, according to estimates by researcher Forrester. Flipkart's investors are concerned that any deal with Amazon would run into regulatory hurdles as a combination would have more than 70 per cent of India's online retail market, one of the sources said. Walmart's push into e-commerce comes as Amazon has embraced offline retail, with an affiliate of the Seattle-based company picking up a $27.6 million stake in Indian retailer Shopper's Stop Ltd. In the United States, Amazon also bought high-end grocer Whole Foods Market Inc for $13.7 billion last year. Walmart's investment would give Flipkart not just additional funds to fight Amazon, but also arm it with a formidable ally with extensive experience in retailing, logistics and supply chain management. Former Amazon employees Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal founded Flipkart in 2007 in India's tech hub of Bengaluru. Like Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos, they began by selling books, but have diversified rapidly, including by selling smartphones, such as those made by China's Xiaomi, through exclusive flash sales, and now compete with Amazon in almost all product categories. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has promised a top Senate Republican that he will support congressional efforts to protect states that have legalized marijuana - defusing a months-long standoff between Sen. Cory Gardner and the administration over Justice Department nominees. In January, the Colorado Republican said he would block all DOJ nominations after Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo that heightened the prospect of a federal marijuana crackdown in states that had legalized the substance. Gardner's home state made recreational marijuana legal in 2014. But in a phone call late Wednesday, Trump told Gardner that despite the DOJ memo, the marijuana industry in Colorado won't be targeted, the senator said in a statement Friday. Satisfied, the first-term senator is now backing down from his nominee blockade. "Since the campaign, President Trump has consistently supported states' rights to decide for themselves how best to approach marijuana," Gardner said Friday. "Late Wednesday, I received a commitment from the President that the Department of Justice's rescission of the Cole memo will not impact Colorado's legal marijuana industry." He added: "Furthermore, President Trump has assured me that he will support a federalism-based legislative solution to fix this states' rights issue once and for all. Because of these commitments, I have informed the administration that I will be lifting my remaining holds on Department of Justice nominees." Gardner, who heads the campaign operation charged with hanging on to the Republicans' Senate majority, was irate in January when Sessions revoked guidance from the Obama administration, known as the Cole memo, that had discouraged prosecutors from enforcing federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized the drug. Especially infuriating, from Gardner's perspective, was that Sessions had pledged during his confirmation process for attorney general that he would leave states that had legalized marijuana alone, according to the senator. The January memo from Sessions stated that prosecutors should use their discretion in weighing whether charges were warranted, rather than abiding by the Obama-era guidance. But Trump has held a sharply different view from Sessions on the issue. During the presidential campaign, Trump said in an interview with KUSA-TV in Colorado that he said "it's up to the states" on the marijuana issue. Trump "does respect Colorado's right to decide for themselves how to best approach this issue," White House legislative affairs director Marc Short said in an interview Friday. Gardner held up about 20 Justice nominees, a significant number considering Senate Republicans and the White House have for months accused Democrats of slowing down consideration of other Trump picks. "Clearly, we've expressed our frustration with the delay with a lot of our nominees and feel that too often, senators hijack a nominee for a policy solution," Short said. "So we're reluctant to reward that sort of behavior. But at the same time, we're anxious to get our team at the Department of Justice." A bill has not been finalized, but Gardner has been talking quietly with other senators about a legislative fix that would, in effect, make clear that the federal government cannot interfere with states that have voted to legalize marijuana. "My colleagues and I are continuing to work diligently on a bipartisan legislative solution that can pass Congress and head to the President's desk to deliver on his campaign position," Gardner said. In addition to Gardner's holds, DOJ has faced notable bipartisan pushback from Capitol Hill when it comes to marijuana. Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., wrote to Sessions this week, urging him to back off efforts to curtail medical marijuana research at the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Washington Post reported in August that Sessions' DOJ was effectively hamstringing the agency's research efforts by making it harder to grow marijuana. Separately, former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, announced this week that he was joining the board of directors for a cannabis company and engaged in efforts to allow veterans to access marijuana for medicinal use. He has opposed decriminalizing the substance as an elected official. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump issued a pardon Friday to Lewis "Scooter" Libby, offering forgiveness to a former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney who was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the leak of a CIA officer's identity. "I don't know Mr. Libby," Trump said in a statement, "but for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly. Hopefully, this full pardon will help rectify a very sad portion of his life." In a statement explaining Trump's action, the White House noted that in 2015 one of the key witnesses against Libby recanted her testimony, among other factors. The White House also said that Libby's past government service and his record since his conviction have been "similarly unblemished, and he continues to be held in high regard by his colleagues and peers." Libby was convicted of four felonies in 2007 - for perjury before a grand jury, lying to FBI investigators and obstruction of justice during an investigation into the disclosure of the work of Valerie Plame Wilson, a former covert CIA agent and the wife of former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV. Libby was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $250,000, but his sentence was commuted by then-President George W. Bush. Although spared prison time, Libby was not pardoned. Cheney lobbied Bush aggressively for a pardon for Libby, and Bush's refusal was said to have caused a strain in the relationship between the two men. To the former vice president and others in his orbit, Libby's conviction was the product of an overzealous special prosecutor and a liberal Washington jury. "Scooter Libby is one of the most capable, principled, and honorable men I have ever known," Cheney said in a statement Friday. "He is innocent, and he and his family have suffered for years because of his wrongful conviction. I am grateful today that President Trump righted this wrong by issuing a full pardon to Scooter, and I am thrilled for Scooter and his family." The unfinished business of the Libby conviction has been a longtime rallying point for conservatives, including current members of Trump's administration. The pardon has been under consideration for several months, people familiar with the president's thinking have said. Victoria Toensing, Libby's lawyer, said Friday that Trump called her personally around 1 p.m. to break the news. She said Trump told her Libby was "a wonderful person who got screwed." "Justice called out for it, is what the president said to us," Toensing said. "He was a good guy who got screwed. The facts are compelling." Toensing declined to say what conversations she had with the White House about Libby in recent days and weeks. She and her husband had been in talks to represent Trump in the Russia investigation. Toensing submitted materials to the White House last year asserting Libby's innocence. "Suffice to say, he's thrilled," she said of Libby, who she said had just gotten out of an MRI. Given the nature of Libby's crimes, Trump came under fire from critics Friday after he took to Twitter to accuse former FBI director James B. Comey of leaking classified information and lying to Congress. "On the day the President wrongly attacks Comey for being a 'leaker and liar' he considers pardoning a convicted leaker and liar, Scooter Libby," Rep. Adam B. Schiff, D-Calif., wrote on Twitter. "This is the President's way of sending a message to those implicated in the Russia investigation: You have my back and I'll have yours." Asked whether she thought Trump had been trying to send a message to others aside from Libby with the pardon, Toensing said: "I'm going to tell you what I did before - the merits of the case cry out for a pardon, this isn't just a be-nice pardon. A key witness recanted. This cries out for a pardon." White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Libby's pardon had nothing to do with the Mueller probe. "One thing has nothing to do with the other," she told reporters. The chief federal prosecutor in Libby's case was Patrick Fitzgerald, then the U.S. attorney from the Northern District of Illinois. Fitzgerald is a longtime friend and colleague of Comey, whose new memoir paints a scathing portrait of Trump's character and conduct in office. In a statement released after the pardon, Toensing called out Comey, who was deputy attorney general during Libby's case and appointed Fitzgerald as special prosecutor to investigate the matter. "Our law firm, diGenova & Toensing, was honored to represent Lewis (Scooter) Libby to request a pardon for the injustice inflicted on him and his family by Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald and then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey," Toensing said. She claimed that both Comey and Fitzgerald knew before the investigation began that another person was responsible for the leak. Libby, in a statement released by Toensing, said he and his family were "immensely grateful to President Trump for his gracious decision to grant a pardon," and he criticized what he viewed as "defects" in the justice system that he said were "so evident in the handling not just of my matter." "For over a dozen years we have suffered under the weight of a terrible injustice," Libby said. "To his great credit, President Trump recognized this wrong and would not let it persist." Libby said that others had told him that they would not go into public service after seeing how he was treated because of his government role. "Perhaps one day public service in America will prove less of a blood sport," he said. Fitzgerald criticized the pardon Friday and the idea that Libby was a victim of his investigation. "While the President has the constitutional power to pardon, the decision to do so in this case purports to be premised on the notion that Libby was an innocent man convicted on the basis of inaccurate testimony caused by the prosecution," he said in a statement. "That is false. There was no impropriety in the preparation of any witness, and we did not tell witnesses what to say or withhold any information that should have been disclosed. Mr. Libby's conviction was based upon the testimony of multiple witnesses, including the grand jury testimony of Mr. Libby himself, as well as numerous documents." Trump has rarely used his presidential power to pardon, but last August granted clemency to Joe Arpaio, a controversial Arizona sheriff who had been a longtime Trump ally and campaign-trail companion. Arpaio was found in contempt of court for defying a federal judge's order to stop detaining people simply because he suspected them of being undocumented immigrants. In addition to racial profiling, Arpaio was long criticized for what many in the community decried as inhumane prisons in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. Libby's trouble began with the drumbeat leading up to the invasion of Iraq. In January 2003, President Bush used his State of the Union address to justify military action against Saddam Hussein's regime. The president told the country that Iraq officials had attempted to purchase yellowcake uranium in Niger. Six months later, the New York Times published an opinion piece by Wilson, the former ambassador. In the article, Wilson recounted a 2002 trip he made to Niger to substantiate the allegations, later finding them to be false. On July 14, syndicated columnist Robert Novak wrote a column outing Wilson's wife as a CIA "operative." The CIA requested a Department of Justice investigation into the naming of Plame as an agent - a breach of classified information. An FBI investigation started into whether Plame's identity was leaked to reporters as political payback for her husband's public challenge to the administration. By the end of 2003, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself from the case. That left the decision on how to proceed to Comey. The future FBI director appointed Fitzgerald as special counsel. The grand jury investigated the leaks. No one was ever charged for outing Plame, but Libby was charged with federal obstruction of justice and perjury charges for lying to investigators. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told investigators he was the source for Novak's column. In March 2007, Libby was found guilty on the four felony counts, becoming the highest-ranking White House official convicted since the Iran-Contra scandal in the 1980s. Kyle Swenson and Philip Rucker contributed to this report. . WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at former FBI director James Comey on Twitter, calling him a "weak and untruthful slime ball" who deserved to be fired "for the terrible job he did." "It was my great honor to fire James Comey!" Trump wrote in his first remarks since advance copies surfaced of Comey's upcoming book that includes blistering descriptions of Trump and his presidency. In a pair of tweets, Trump accused Comey of leaking classified information and lying to Congress under oath. And Trump said Comey's handling of an investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state would "go down as one of the worst 'botch jobs' of history." Trump tweeted "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR. Virtually everyone in Washington thought he should be fired for the terrible job he did-until he was, in fact, fired. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH. He is a weak and..... "....untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst 'botch jobs' of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey!" Trump fired Comey in May 2017 in an act that has been under scrutiny by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Trump's tirade came in response to news stories Thursday on leaked copies of "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership," a 304-page tell-all by Comey that describes Trump's presidency as a "forest fire" and portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Among the many revelations is that Trump fixated on unconfirmed allegations in a widely circulated intelligence dossier that Russians had filmed him interacting with prostitutes in Moscow in 2013. In attempt to blunt the impact of the new book, the Republican National Committee is waging a widespread campaign to undercut Comey's credibility, including a new website that dubs the former FBI chief as "Lyin' Comey." The RNC effort was launched in advance of a media blitz by Comey that began Friday morning as ABC News aired segments of a longer interview scheduled for Sunday night. During the segment, Comey said he didn't know whether to believe Trump's denial that he had spent time with prostitutes in Moscow before he became president. "I honestly thought these words would never come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013. It's possible, but I don't know," Comey told ABC's George Stephanopoulos. In the ABC segment that aired Friday, Stephanopoulos also asked Comey if he had disclosed to Trump the source of funding of the dossier, compiled by Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer. Clinton's campaign and the Democratic National Committee helped fund the research. "No, I didn't even think I used the term Steele dossier," Comey said. Stephanopoulos asked if Trump had a right to know about the source of funding. "I don't know the answer to that," Comey said. "It wasn't necessary for my goal, which is to alert him we have this information." The dossier included intelligence suggesting the Kremlin was engaged in an effort to assist Trump's campaign for president. Comey said Trump was most fixated on the allegations about the prostitutes and said that Trump later asked him if he could investigate those claims. "He said if there's even a 1 percent chance my wife thinks that's true, that's terrible," Comey recalled. "And I remember thinking, 'How could your wife think there's a 1 percent chance you were with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow?' I'm a flawed human being, but there's literally zero chance that my wife would think that was true." Some of the early news coverage of Comey's memoir has made a mockery of Trump, including the cover of Friday's Daily News in New York. It's lead headline is "PEE BRAIN!" - a reference to unconfirmed allegations in the dossier that Trump had watched prostitutes urinate on themselves in a Moscow hotel suite. In the book, Comey also writes of some of Trump's physical attributes in an unflattering way. "His face appeared slightly orange," Comey writes, "with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assumed he placed small tanning goggles, and impressively coifed, bright blond hair, which upon close inspection looked to be all his." On Friday morning, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway called the Comey book "a revisionist view of history" and accused the former FBI director of taking "unnecessary immature potshots." The allegation in Trump's tweets about Comey leaking classified information appears to be a reference to Comey passing along to a friend a memo about his interactions after Trump fired him. Comey has said that some of the memos he wrote after meeting with Trump included classified material but that the one he passed to a friend did not. Toward the end of the 2016 campaign, Trump praised "the courage" of the FBI for reopening its investigation of Clinton's use of a private email server - a development Clinton has blamed for her election loss. More recently, Trump has complained that the FBI treated Clinton more leniently than it has treated his associates during the probe into Russian interference in the presidential election. --- The Washington Post's Philip Rucker contributed to this report. Just days after the RBI announced its latest move to ring-fence banks from the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, popular cryptocurrency exchange Coinsecure reported that 438.318 bitcoins worth around Rs 19 crore had been stolen from its wallet. This might, in fact, be the country's biggest bitcoin theft. According to media reports, the theft was exposed when users trading on the platform - which has over two lakh users across the country - complained that they were unable to access their funds in the last few days. Delhi-based Coinsecure then posted an official notification on their website updating users of the situation. "We regret to inform you that our Bitcoin funds have been exposed and seem to have been siphoned out to an address that is outside our control," said the letter to the users, adding that, "Our system itself has never been compromised or hacked, and the current issue points towards losses caused during an exercise to extract BTG to distribute to our customers. Our CSO, Dr. Amitabh Saxena, was extracting BTG and he claims that funds have been lost in the process during the extraction of the private keys." The company suspects an insider job. According to the FIR filed with the Cyber Cell, Delhi, on April 10, the user funds are securely kept in the company's bitcoin wallet, the private keys to which are held by Amitabh Saxena, Coinsecure's Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Mohit Kalra, the CEO. For the uninitiated, bitcoins wallets are digital wallets and a user typically gets a public address and a private key to send/receive coins. According to Investopedia, the public address is where the funds are deposited and received. But even though a user has tokens deposited into his address, he won't be able to withdraw them without the unique private key, which is made up of 51 alphanumeric characters. "As the private keys are kept with Dr. Amitabh Saxena, we feel that he is making a false story to divert our attention and he might have a role to play in this entire incident. The incident reported by Dr. Amitabh Saxena does not seem convincing to us," read the FIR. In light of the above, Coinsecure has requested authorities to seize the CSO's passport so that he cannot fly out of the country. So what exactly happened? According to The Economic Times, the exchange found that all the bitcoins that were stored offline had vanished. It was later found that the private keys were leaked online, leading to the hack. The police reportedly found that the private keys were exposed online for more than 12 hours and are checking if a malware infection led to the hack. The daily added that although the company tried to trace the hackers, it found that all the data logs of the affected wallets had been erased, leaving no clues about where the bitcoins were sent. Coinsecure's website has been shut ever since. Thankfully, users don't have to worry about a hit to their bank balances. In its letter Coinsecure stated, "Irrespective of funds being recovered, we re-assure all our customers that you will be indemnified from our personal funds." Also read: 5 Bitcoin disasters of all time; why it's never safe to invest in virtual currency Holding tens of thousands of students back from progressing to the next grade cost Texas taxpayers an estimated $384 million, according to researchers at Texas A & M University. Researchers said more than 37,000 students across Texas were held back in 2016-2017. With an annual cost of educating a child at $10,360 per student, a study showed keeping students in school an extra year adds up to hundreds of millions of dollars statewide. The focus of the study, however, was not on the financial costs associated with holding students back. Instead, researchers set out to answer two questions: Is grade retention an effective educational intervention? Does it increase or decrease a student's probability of graduating from high school versus dropping out? Held Back: Some Houston-area schools have high retention rates for elementary students Jan N. Hughes, a professor emeritus at A&M, and her colleagues followed 784 Texas school children from first grade until they graduated or dropped out. They found that held back, or retained, students were more likely to drop out than their peers who were able to progress from grade to grade without interruption. "Importantly, these differences between retained and promoted students in risk of dropping out cannot be explained by differences at baseline prior to any student being retained," Hughes said. "Our results show that retention is a cause of dropping out of school and not merely a correlate of later drop out." Texas official: Public colleges 'dropout factories' assertion only part of the story Hughes and her colleagues found another point of concern. She said the way Texas labels students who leave school may under estimate the number who drop out. Of 51 students who dropped out prior to age 17 in Hughes' study, 12 left under exemptions including home-schooling or private education. None of the 12 returned to an accredited school or received a GED in the following 2 years. They were not counted as dropouts in the state's evaluation system. "Pressures on public schools in Texas to report low dropout rates may serve as a disincentive for schools to encourage low performing students to select these programs over home or private schooling," Hughes said. "Students choosing home or private school do not count as 'failures' in the state evaluation of the schools." A Houston Chronicle analysis of state data found some Houston-area schools hold back far more students than the state average. Roughly 75 campuses in the region held back more than 10 percent of students in at least one elementary grade level in the fall of 2015, far above the highest statewide average of 4 percent for first graders. Some schools had retention rates above 25 percent. READ ALSO: 41,000 Texas students affected by STAAR testing computer glitches The man accused of shooting an 8-year-old boy on the Northeast Side turned himself in to police Thursday. Ronald Mathews Jacobs, 22, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to police. AUSTIN The new chief law enforcement officer for Central and West Texas said Thursday that border security, violent crime, public corruption and national security are his top priorities. Before an audience of judges, dignitaries, prosecutors and agents that packed the largest courtroom in Austins federal courthouse, John F. Bash III was formally sworn in as the 33rd U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas four months after he actually took office. The district includes San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Del Rio, Alpine, Midland and El Paso. Bash, 36, highlighted border security as the top priority in the district, which covers 600 miles of border with Mexico and has more than 140 lawyers in the office. He said his prosecutors will take all the criminal cases of illegal immigration that are readily provable. Bash said he understands the immigration debate. But he said the law must be followed and the nation already does much to help immigrants. We are a nation of immigrants, but I dont understand the folks who say we shouldnt enforce the law against people who are literally picked up illegally crossing the border, Bash said. The folks that criticize our enforcement efforts have an obligation to say what those enforcement efforts should look like. He added that he believes we should get tougher on employees who hire undocumented immigrants. Bash added that his directive to focus on his second priority, violent crime, comes from his boss, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who relaunched a get-tough-on-crime initiative called Project Safe Neighborhoods. The program, Bash said, uses data and metrics to figure out where crime is coming from, to identify the bad actors responsible for the disproportionate share of violent crime and we attack them with whatever weve got. Pointing to the February conviction of state Sen. Carlos Uresti at his fraud trial in San Antonio as a landmark case, Bash said his third priority is investigating more cases of public corruption. Bash named the lead Uresti prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Blackwell, as his public integrity coordinator. Uresti was convicted of multiple counts related to his involvement with a San Antonio oil services company that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars. Blackwell also charged Uresti in a case alleging the lawmaker split $850,000 in bribe payments with a county judge in Reeves County over a medical services contract at a jail in West Texas. Uresti faces that trial in October. Bash said his final priority, national security, includes focusing on the theft of intellectual property by foreign governments, like China. The president has talked a lot about this in the context of trade, Bash said. Theres a law enforcement context to that, too. We plan to get very tough on foreign actors, foreign nations who are trying to steal our economic secrets, trying to steal our business secrets, because that is really the lifeblood of our economy. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas recommended Bash to Trump, who appointed him to replace career federal prosecutor Richard Durbin. Durbin, who remains in a nonsupervisory role in the office, served as U.S. attorney since the last political appointee, Robert Pitman, was named to the federal bench in December 2014. Before his appointment, Bash served as a special assistant to Trump and as an associate White House counsel, was an assistant to the U.S. solicitor general from 2012 to 2017 and argued 10 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Bash was also previously a law associate with Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher and served as a law clerk to the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia and to Circuit Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Hes brilliant and quick and has an extraordinary knowledge of the law, said Kavanaugh, who administered the oath to Bash. Bash spent his early childhood in El Paso, where his mother is from and where his father was based for a time while in the Army. His father retired as a lieutenant colonel at Fort Meade, Maryland. Bash graduated from Harvard University in 2003 and received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 2006, both with honors. He met his wife, who grew up in McAllen, while the pair attended Harvard, where she also graduated from law school with honors. Zina Bash is a former staffer for Cruzs presidential campaign who later worked on Trumps presidential transition team. The couple have a 1-year-old daughter, Maria Izabella, or Mabel, and live in Austin. Guillermo Contreras is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | gcontreras@express-news.net | @gmaninfedland Three Mexican fishermen are facing legal trouble after they were caught fishing illegally off the coast of South Texas and authorities found 1,700 pounds of fish in their boat, according to a U.S. Coast Guard News release. A Coast Guard crew spotted the Mexican lancha boat Wednesday morning. On board, they found 734 pounds of shark and 967 pounds of red snapper. The fishermen were detained, according to the release. In a big shock to bitcoin investors, India's major cryptocurrency exchange, Coinsecure, on Saturday said that bitcoins worth over Rs 19 crore (3 million) were stolen from the online wallet. Total 438.318 bitcoins were stolen during the alleged hack. The company in its statement on its website said that "our bitcoin funds have been exposed and seem to have been siphoned out to an address that is outside our control." According to Coindesk, over $490 million were flushed out of the cryptocurrency market due to wallet hacks in 2017 alone. The report says so far, none of the perpetrators of these crimes have been brought to book. Here's a list of 5 biggest hacks that happened in the past one year. Japan's Coincheck Inc hacked in January 2018 ($530 million) On January 26, a Tokyo-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinheck Inc was hacked and around $500 million worth of cryptocurrency NEM was stolen with no trace of the accused. The company neither owned up to the security lapse nor accepted that it was an inside job. Since transactions for all cryptocurrencies, including NEM and bitcoin, are stored in an open ledger system, the company identified around 11 addresses that could have been responsible for the hack. However, the worst part is - nobody could identify who owned these accounts as there's no way to find out the real identity of cryptocurrency owners on blockchain. Parity wallet freeze in November 2017 ($275 million) One of the biggest hacks of 2017, Parity wallet, professionally developed by Parity Technologies, a VC-funded UK-based company, was hacked not by some Trojan or malicious party but a Parity user who accidently found a bug in the system and blocked cryptocurrency ethereum worth over $275 million. The funds could not be recovered and several questions were imposed on the security of cryptocurrencies worldwide. Italy's BitGrail hacked in February 2018 ($170 million) An Italian cryptocurrency exchange BitGrail said on February 11 that around $195 million worth of cryptocurrency Nano was lost due to an online hack. The crypto-exchange was the first one to start trading in Nano, earlier known as RaiBlocks. Around 17 million Nano tokens were stolen. Some people even called it an 'exit scam' as some suspicious moves were observed on the part of the company. Before the hack, BitGrail announced that it would neither accept nor allow withdrawal of some cryptocurrencies, including Nano. Some other measures like the imposition of anti-money laundering norms and the restriction on non-Europeans on the platform also raised questions over the authenticity of the hack. Bitcoin heist at NiceHash in December 2017 ($63 million) Bitcoin mining marketplace NiceHash in December said that hackers stole nearly $63m in Bitcoins from the company. NiceHash head of marketing Andrej P Skraba had said that it was a highly professional attack with sophisticated social engineering. However, later it was found the hackers were able to steal 4,700 bitcoins worth over $63 million by logging in an insider's credentials. The company co-founder Marko Kobal had stepped down as the company chief executive officer after the incident. CoinDash ICO hack in July 2017 ($10 million) Payment and shipment startup CoinDash, which manages, tracks, and analyse your crypto assets, was hacked during the ICO raising last year. The start could only raise $7.3 million before it noticed that all funds were being diverted to a different account. After the hack, the company promised to provide token ward (value in cryptocurrency) to those who had donated the funds. Total $10 million were stolen in the hack. Also read: 5 Bitcoin disasters of all time; why it's never safe to invest in virtual currency During National Library Week, April 8 - 14, your San Antonio Public Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through transformative services, programs and experiences. Library locations are not only sanctuaries for all to explore books or study, they are el corazon de la comunidad (heart of the community) where we gather to vote, have meaningful community discussions and use new technologies to develop our skills and cultivate our passions. This years National Library Week theme, Libraries Lead, is a testament to your library as el corazon de la comunidad that pumps vitality and energy into our great city, keeping information, imagination, and ideas accessible, vibrant and thriving. As a vital community center, the library offers more than 16,000 programs a year across our 30 locations and a collection of more than two million physical and digital materials for you to enjoy. All locations offer free Wi-Fi and computers for your use. Library branches across the city serve as early voting and Election Day voting locations. You can even get a birth certificate for your child at some of our locations. Everyone is welcome at the San Antonio Public Library. Library programs and services are carefully crafted for a variety of ages, abilities and interests and include something for everyone. Literacy and the power that books can bring into our lives is one of the librarys most well-known goals. Beginning with ages 0-5, an early literacy outreach program called Little Read Wagon uses talking, singing, reading, writing and playing to help parents and other caregivers actively engage in developing early literacy skills with the children they serve as partners, each learning from one another. Library early literacy specialists work one-on-one with parents and caregivers, child care facilities, schools, and community-based organizations to empower them with tools that prepare children for school. We also offer bi-lingual story times at many locations. This summer, children and teens, as well as adults, will participate in the librarys annual Mayors Summer Reading Club. For the more than 30,000 children who participate in the reading program each year, keeping up their reading proficiency will ensure greater high school graduation rates. This is particularly important for teens; access to safe and inclusive spaces to explore and experience independence, self-directed learning and digital literacy can be life-changing. Making headway to close the digital divide has brought digital literacy and inclusion efforts to the forefront of what we do. The library has expanded digital literacy courses and curriculum, created a volunteer technology training program, increased scheduled digital literacy programming at library branches, and integrated digital literacy into programming for adult immigrants. The librarys resources contain information from all viewpoints. All 30 locations create opportunities for our residents to connect with experts allowing discussion about important social topics. Libraries serves as hosts and facilitators for programs that address important and current topics including: African-American culture and heritage; the cultural impact and history of Latinos; senior perspectives in art; San Antonios literary history; veterans issues; the accomplishments and experiences of local female business leaders; rights and privileges in the LGBTQ community; the experiences of Holocaust survivors; and STEM in schools are just a few of the topics explored in the past few months. The library also supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through the availability of digital meeting room technology and flexible use spaces at several locations and by working with partners such as San Antonio SCORE to offer free counseling, assistance and support. Through its Jobs & Small Business and Learn at SAPL centers it assists those looking for work. Perhaps the most valuable asset of the San Antonio Public Library is the staff that embodies the true corazon de la comunidad. Please join us during National Library Week and all year long to sign up for your free library card. Feel free to stop by one of our 30 locations, call us at 210-207-2500, or visit us online at mysapl.org. Paul Stahl is the chairman of the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees. NEW MILFORD - A North Carolina man who fathered a child with his biological daughter shot and killed her and her adoptive father in Gaylordsville early Thursday, then took his own life in Dover, N.Y., as police closed in. Meanwhile, authorities visiting the mans home outside Raleigh found the body of the child, who was also dead. New Milford police said they found the bodies of a man and a woman, both dead of gunshot wounds, in a black pickup truck near the intersection of Routes 7 and 55. The drivers-side window had been smashed in, and the bodies were still strapped in their seat belts. The suspect was found shortly afterward in Dover, about 16 miles away, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Police did not identify the suspect or his victims. But police in Knightdale, N.C., identified him as Steven Walter Pladl, 45, the slain woman as his biological daughter, Katie Rose Pladl, 20, and the slain man as her adoptive father, Anthony Fusco, 56. Authorities in Cary, N.C., released the tape of a 9-1-1 call Pladls mother placed Thursday morning. Her son had called her a few minutes earlier, she said, saying he had killed his child, his wife and his wifes father. Pladls mother also said he had called the night before to report that he and his wife had broken up, and that he was heading to New York with their child. Knightdale police said the body of 7-month-old Bennett Pladl was found in a home belonging to his father, but did not say how the boy died. According to Raleigh-area news reports, Steven and Katie Pladl had been charged with incest in February. They had told authorities they planned to marry. News reports also said Katie Pladl was adopted at an early age by a family in Dutchess County, N.Y., and graduated from Dover High School. When she turned 18, she found her birth parents through social media. She went south to meet them, the reports said, and eventually became involved in a relationship with her father, who divorced her mother to join her. New Milford police have not provided details of the shootings in Gaylordsville, but witnesses said the shooter might have used a semi-automatic weapon. Jeff Weinzievl, who lives near the intersection, said he was feeding his horses around 8:40 a.m. when he heard six to eight shots from what he believed to be a semi-automatic weapon. It sound like he emptied out his clip, Weinzievl said. It scared the bejesus out of the horses. A lot of people hunt out here and were used to hearing gunshots, but I knew right away something was wrong with this. It was quite scary. As a precaution, the nearby Sherman School was placed in a lockdown. New Milford police notified area police agencies to be on the lookout for the suspects vehicle, described as a light blue mini-van registered in North Carolina. The car was spotted by a Dutchess County probation officer on Dog Tail Corners Road, east of Berkshire Road in the town of Dover. Police from the Dutchess County Sheriffs Office, New York State Police and New Milford police converged on the vehicle, which was parked with the engine running on the shoulder next to the Ten Mile River. The suspect apparently took his own life as police approached. Britains Daily Mail published an extensive story about the incest case in February, based largely on interviews with Alyssa Pladl, Katies biological mother and Steven Pladls former wife. In the story, Alyssa Pladl said she had always hoped to reunite with the daughter she gave up for adoption, and was at first happy when Katie joined their family, which now included two younger siblings. But she was disturbed that her husband insisted on sleeping on the floor in Katies room, and horrified to read in her 11-year-old daughter's journal early in 2017 that Katie was pregnant and Steven was the father. The 11-year-old described her father as Satan and said the baby would be a half-demon, the Daily Mail reported. Excerpts from the journal included in the Daily Mail story show the 11-year-olds revulsion at her father. He'll go to hell, but he won't be the one getting tortured, he'll be the one torturing people, she wrote. dperrefort@newstimes.com Former Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski has found a new home. Janikowski signed a free-agent deal with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday. ESPN reported it as a one-year deal. Janikowski, 40, became a free agent in March when the Raiders chose not to re-sign him after 18 years with the franchise. Janikowski departed as the Raiders all-time leader in games played (268) and points (1,799). He did not play last season because of a back injury. If healthy, Janikowski represents a potential replacement for the Seahawks for Blair Walsh, who was not retained after making 21 of 29 field goal attempts last season. Seattle also signed former Jaguars kicker Jason Myers, the only other kicker currently on their roster, in January. If Janikowski makes Seattles roster, the Raiders would see him twice this season, though not in Oakland. The Raiders play the Seahawks in their preseason finale (either Aug. 30 or 31) in Seattle and in London on Oct. 14. Matt Kawahara is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mkawahara@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matthewkawahara Junior police officers are reportedly sulking with governments recent decision to drastically reduce the number of roadblocks across the country, are resisting new duties such as foot patrols. The bitter cops are choosing instead to spend time at stations chatting on WhatsApp platforms according to a senior police officer. A decision was made last December to reduce the number of police roadblocks across the country following a national outcry that they were unnecessary and had become a menace as police officers manning them were extorting motorist. According the officer commanding Marondera district, Superintendent Khama, the decision has proved to be unpopular with junior police officers who are resisting orders to patrol the streets and are instead spending time in their offices chatting on social media platforms. Khama was addressing police officers in Marondera town this week at the launch of the Police Visibility Patrols, a programme that seeks to encourage junior police officers to embrace foot patrols. You cannot do selective duties. One cannot choose which work to do or not to do. We should not even shy from our work, he said. Leaving an area of patrol without permission, loitering or sleeping in ones car whilst on duty will not be able to reduce crime. Police officers are remaining in the comfort of their offices, busying themselves on WhatsApp platforms. The senior cop said having police officers on the streets and known crime prone areas would reduce the crime rate in the country. Remaining stuck in our offices will not help an elderly woman being harassed by touts some 500 metres from the police station, he said. Those who made the mistake of taking the police oath should submit their resignation papers. That would help the nation. The ZRP should not be home for desperate jobseekers. Only those committed to duty should remain as police officers. The days of undisciplined officers are numbered while the days of the disciplined officers are surely guaranteed. We have sufficient artillery to deal with them. Be proud of foot patrols The ZRP chief urged the police officers to be proud of their foot patrols, have good cheer and be gracious to members of the public. He also asked his juniors to exercise restraint and not to assault offenders and show respect at all times. NewZimbabwe Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News - Nigeria has reacted to the plane crash in Algeria, commiserating with the government of the country - A military plane crash near the Boufarik military airport in Algiers recently claimed lives no fewer that 257 - The plane was heading to Tindouf, an area on Algerias border with Western Sahara, but crashed on the airports perimeter, Algerias defense ministry said President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Algeria over military plane crash near the Boufarik military airport in Algiers which claimed the lives of 257 people. The presidents senior special adviser on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this on his twitter handle on Thursday, April 12. "On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President @MBuhari commiserates with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the people of Algeria on Wednesdays military plane crash near the Boufarik military airport in Algiers which claimed many lives. "The President also extends deepest condolences to the families and friends of bereaved Algerians and other nationals, who are in sorrow because of the tragedy," he wrote. READ ALSO: Electronic voting will not be used in 2019 - INEC chairman Legit.ng recalled that officials said no fewer than 257 people including members of Western Saharas Polisario independence movement were killed when a military plane crashed in a field outside Algerias capital on Wednesday, officials said. Television footage showed crowds gathering around the smoking and flaming wreckage near Boufarik airport southwest of Algiers. A line of white body bags could be seen on the ground next to what media said was a Russian Ilyushin transport plane. A member of Algerias ruling FLN party told the private Ennahar TV station the dead included 26 members of Polisario, an Algerian-backed group fighting for the independence of neighboring Western Sahara a territory also claimed by Morocco in a long-running dispute. The plane was heading to Tindouf, an area on Algerias border with Western Sahara, but crashed on the airports perimeter, Algerias defense ministry said. Tindouf is home to thousands of refugees from the Western Sahara standoff, many of them Polisario supporters. UN attempts to broker a settlement have failed for years in the vast desert area, which has contested since 1975 when Spanish colonial powers left. Morocco claimed the territory while Polisario established its self-declared Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic there. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Algerias defense ministry issued a statement expressing condolences to families of the victims. In February 2014, an Algerian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules crashed in a mountainous area in eastern Algeria killing 77 passengers and leaving one survivor. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that unknown gunmen reportedly attacked and killed a Syrian businessman, Ahmed Abu Areeda, in Kano state on Tuesday, April 10. It was reported that the mans son, Muhammad Ahmed, was also abducted. Victims of herdsmen killing buried in Benue state - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit Welcome to 'OZ' - The 'Other' Side of the Rainbow!! Some posts may be seen as offensive. Posting is at 10AM, Noon and 2PM CST daily. Up to 12 days of posts on the main page. The archives have more. You can forward posts by clicking on the envelope at the bottom of the post. Enjoy your stay! *** If you need to contact me, or have a copyright issue, please use the "Contact The Wizard" form on the left side of 'OZ'. Original source and author is cited and credited in each post where possible. *** - The Senate went into a rowdy session after a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator from Abia state, Eyninaya Abaribe, described President Buhari as incompetent - Abaribe had moved a motion reacting to explanations given by highly ranked security personnel on the matter of herdsmen versus farmers clashes - Ahmed Lawan, majority leader, cautioned the Abia state lawmaker The plenary session of the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, April 12, became rowdy over alleged incompetence of President Muhammadu Buhari to address the spate of killings by armed herdsmen by a senator. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South senatorial district, raised a point of order citing Order 43 to make reference to the conflicting reasons given by high security personnel in the current administration for the herdsmen/farmers clashes. He said the inspector general of police attributed the herdsmen killings to varying laws in different states, while the minister of defence said it was as a result of blockage of movement for cattle in various states. According to The Punch, Abaribe noted that the latest was from Buhari who during his current official visit to the United Kingdom said that the killer herdsmen were from Libya. READ ALSO: Fayose is the most wasteful governor in Ekitis history - APC governorship aspirant He said the admittance by the president that Nigeria had been invaded by external forces confirmed his previous claims that Buhari was totally incompetent. Senator Ahmad Lawan, the majority leader interrupted the lawmaker to raise a point of order, asking Abaribe to withdraw his derogatory comments on Buhari and apologise for his statements. Legit.ng previously reported that the National Food Security Council warned that if efforts are not intensified to create cattle ranches or provide better security against rustling in the country, the deadly clashes between farmers and herdsmen could worsen by 2019. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app According to The Nation, the warning was given on Monday, April 9, during a meeting at the Presidential Villa which was chaired by the Kebbi state governor, Atiku Bagudu. The Council urged President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly approve the establishment and training of agro-rangers who would serve as a special unit to assist security agencies check the clashes between herdsmen and farmers. Nigerian herdsmen vs Nigerian farmers - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Kayode Fayemi, the minister of mines and steel, has written APC national leadership over his governorship ambition - Fayemi is the immediate past governor of Ekiti state - The minister's aide, Yinka Oyebode, said his principal would formally make his official declaration on Saturday, April 14 The minister of mines and steel, Kayode Fayemi, has officially notified the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governors elected on the platform of the party of his intention to contest the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti. Premium Times reports that Fayemi, who is the immediate past governor of Ekiti state, gave the notification on Thursday, April 12, after a tour of local governments in the state. READ ALSO: 2019: Mass defection may hit APC over Buhari's second term declaration - Sources Legit.ng gathered that a statement signed by his special adviser on media, Yinka Oyebode, on Thursday, April 12, said the minister would formally make his declaration on Saturday, April 14. According to the statement, Fayemis letter conveying his intention to run was addressed to the national chairman of APC, John Oyegun; national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu; former interim national chairman of the party, Bisi Akande; all traditional rulers in Ekiti state; his colleagues in the Federal Executive Council (FEC); former and serving governors elected on APC platform, as well as prominent sons and daughters of Ekiti. The minister had on April 2 hinted of his plan to run for the partys ticket during the quarterly meeting of the Ekiti APC leaders at his Isan Ekiti country home. Oyebode said the minister held meetings with local government and ward executives as well as elders of the party during the tour of the 16 local government areas. The tour had kicked off on Monday in Efon local government, and ended in Oye local government on Thursday. Fayemi, in the letter said his decision to join the governorship race was informed by the need to join other patriots to rescue the state from the grip of the current insensitive and incompetent PDP-led administration, that had plunged the state and its people into unimaginable misery and poverty. My mission in public life which has always centered on transforming the material conditions of our people has always revolved around these three imperatives breaking the yoke of ignorance that keeps our people down; liberating them from ill-health and other limitations that restrain them from achieving their potentials; and breaking the stranglehold of poverty which keeps people from living full creative lives. In practical and policy terms, this for me has always meant prioritising social investments in education, healthcare and other social interventions that reduce the cost of living, while raising the quality of life", he said. The vice chairman, south-west, of the APC, Segun Oni, who served as governor before Fayemi, is also seeking the APC ticket to run for governor. The number of aspirants seeking the APC ticket has risen to about 35, raising fears that the contest might mark a dangerous turn for the primaries. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! However, the party leadership had maintained that it would provide a level playing field for all aspirants as a step to minimising discontentment during and after the primaries. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, declared on Monday, March 19, that the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti is a must-win for his party as he visited the state. President Buhari on 2019 presidential election: will you vote for him? | - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Senator Shehu Sani has declared his intention to contest for the Kaduna state governorship election. The senator representing Kaduna central made his intention known on Thursday, April 12, when accusing the Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of conspiring with the Nigerian police in an attempt to blackmail him. In a Facebook post written in Hausa but translated by Legit.ng to English, the lawmaker alleged that he had received a report about conspiracy being cooked by the Kaduna state governor against him and insisted that the conspiracy will fail. READ ALSO: Breaking: Senate suspends Omo-Agege for 90 days, disbands Buhari support group in the House Sani asked Nasir El-Rufai to prepare to pack out of the government house. The lawmaker alleged that the autocratic government oppressing the poor people of Kaduna state has come to an end. Read Senator Sani's post below: Legit.ng had earlier reported that the Kaduna state police command named Senator Shehu Sani as a person of interest in an ongoing investigation relating to a case of criminal conspiracy and culpable murder. PAY ATTENTION: Read the best news on Nigerias #1 news app The police commissioner in the state, Austin Iwar, has asked the senator to appear on April 30 at the command headquarters in Kaduna for questioning over the issue. Iwar said the invite is to enable the police fairly and timely conclude investigation into the matter. The letter from the police was reportedly delivered to the senator through the clerk of the National Assembly, while copy of the letter was also forwarded to Senate President Bukola Saraki. The police commissioner has insisted that the case against the senator was not politically motivated. Lets talk about salaries of Nigerian senators | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The EFCC arraigned three suspects over an alleged N267.49 million fraud - One of those arraigned is a former speaker of the Taraba state House of Assembly - The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges against them The Gombe zone of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, April 12, arraigned the trio of Hon Mark Bako Useni, Hassan A Abubakar and John Danjuma Ali before Justice Filibus Bitrus Andetur of the Taraba state high court, Jalingo. They were arraigned on four count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, corruptly procures benefit to public officers, corrupt demand by persons and corruptly receiving monetary benefit. It was learnt that while Mark Bako was a former speaker, Taraba House of Assembly and serving member representing Takum constituency in the state, Hassan A Abubakar and John Danjuma were head of administration, INEC, Taraba state and retired staff of the electoral body respectively. The arraigned ex-speaker. Credit: EFCC READ ALSO: Breaking: Senate suspends Omo-Agege for 90 days, disbands Buhari support group in the House Legit.ng understands that Mark Useni allegedly received the sum of N45 million on his behalf and that of Arc Darius Ishaku, the then PDP governotorial candidate in 2015 election, while John and Hassan reportedly corruptly received N267.46 million through Fidelity Bank Plc in order to corrupt public officers working with INEC Taraba state. All the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charge read against them. In view of that, the prosecution counsel, Abubakar Aliyu asked for a date for trial as well as prayed the court to remand the accused persons in prison pending trial and bail application. One of the trio arraigned. Credit: EFCC While adjourning the case to June 26, 27 and 28, 2018, Justice Filibus also granted bail to all the accused persons pending the hearing of their bail applications. The decision of the Judge was hinged on the fact that the EFCC had granted them administrative bail during investigation. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The conditions for the bail is for self-recognizance for Mark as well as to deposit the sum of N500,000 cash in court and property while others are to deposit the sum of N500, 000.00 each and one reliable surety each with landed property. All the properties must be covered by CofO without any incumberance. Legit.ng earlier reported that the Gombe zonal office of the EFCC arraigned one Maduako Ugonma Chinomso before Justice Abubakar Jauro of the state high court on two count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence. Madueke, a serving corps member posted to Kaduna and later redeployed to Akwa Ibom state was reportedly arrested at Uyo by the EFCC operatives following a petition by one Yusuf Idris of Tumfure quarters in Gombe stated. Offa bank robbery: Why some residents were shot by armed robbers on - Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Professor Yemi Osinbajo says 300,000 very poor Nigerians benefit monthly from the N5,000 monthly programme - Osinbajo says the beneficiaries cut across party lines - According to him, the government had so far invested about N2.4 billion of the social investment programmes' funds in Abia state Nigerias vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has revealed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration pays N5,000 monthly to over 300,000 of the poorest families across the country totaling up to N1.5 billion. Daily Trust reports that Osinbajo said the payment was being done without discrimination along party lines. The report said the vice president spoke in Umuahia at the launch of Abia state Tele-Health support centre, adding that the federal government was giving loans to over 300,000 traders and artisans and feeding 125,624 pupils in 742 schools. READ ALSO: Breaking: Senate suspends Omo-Agege for 90 days, disbands Buhari support group in the House We have 1,569 cooks in total; for micro-credit loans under our GEEP scheme, we have given loans to 7,585 small businesses, he said, adding that the government had so far invested about N2.4 billion of the social investment programmes' funds in Abia state. And specifically in healthcare, we have the Saving One Million Lives Initiative, which has made available $1.5 million to each state government - including Abia state - to improve the quality of basic healthcare available especially to our women and children. Health insurance is the most effective way of ensuring access to healthcare when needed and at the same time funding our healthcare system, and ensuring that healthcare personnel are well rewarded. This commitment has meant two things. First is President Buharis determination to break from the past where the federal government only supported states where the party in office was their own. At the inauguration of the NEC in 2015, he publicly declared that our own NEC will assist every state because poverty in our nation is no respecter of ethnic group, religion or party affiliation. Consequently, as of today the federal government has supported states without discrimination along party lines to the tune of N1.91 Trillion. "The second is that the federal government has prioritized social and economic policies and programmes that will bring the greatest benefit to the greatest number of our people. We have examples of these in our social investment programmes. Today, we are feeding 7.5 million children in our home-grown school feeding programme in 22 states. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app We have employed 200,000 graduates in our N-Power scheme, 300,000 more are waiting to be formally engaged. Every single local government in Nigeria is covered, Osinbajo added. According to him, the creation of the Abia state Tele-Health support centre would reduce the time spent travelling in search of healthcare, or waiting in line to see a doctor in healthcare facilities and close the access-to-healthcare gap between urban and rural areas. It will also make Abia state standout, within and outside Nigeria, as a forward-looking, people-centred state; one that is open to new ideas and to life-changing innovation, he said. Legit.ng earlier reported that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited Abia state in the eastern region of Nigeria where he received a chieftaincy title as the 'Enyioha 1' from traditional rulers. Buhari to Contest for Presidency in 2019! Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nigeria Nigerias police authority in Kano state has confirmed that its men rescued an abducted Syrian teenager, Muhammad Ahmed, who was kidnapped by some gunmen that ended up killing his father, Ahmed Abu Areeda, in the operation. Daily Trust reports that the 14-year-old Syrian teenager was abducted on Tuesday, April 10. The report said the late Areeda was shot dead by the gunmen as he tried to resist the abduction of his son. READ ALSO: Breaking: Senate suspends Omo-Agege for 90 days, disbands Buhari support group in the House The police public relations officer, SP Magaji Musa Majia, confirmed the rescue of Mohammad saying no ransom was paid. The boy was rescued hale and hearty and he was taken to hospital for check-up, he said. Legit.ng earlier reported that unknown gunmen reportedly attacked and killed a Syrian businessman, Ahmed Abu Areeda, in Kano state on Tuesday, April 10, while Muhammad Ahmed was also abducted. It wad learnt that the tragic incident happened when the deceased, accompanied by two of his children, went to the Kano state office of the Nigerian Red Cross Society on Hospital road to pick his car. An eyewitness claimed the gunmen were waiting for him at the location. He said: He closed his shop around 8pm and went to pick his car at the Red Cross office compound where he parked his vehicle. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app "Unfortunately, the gunmen, who parked outside the office in a green Peugeot car, with tinted glass, were apparently waiting for him. Some of them followed the deceased into the compound while others remained behind." Offa bank robbery: Why some residents were shot by armed robbers. Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - The Taraba state governor, Darius Ishaku, has informed the Army panel investigating the comments made by Gen TY Danjuma, that the state is fully behind the former chief of army staff - The governor also chided troops in the state for mistreating citizens and disarming them of petty arms while ignoring those with lethal weapons - The Army panel sympathised with the governor and people of the state, and pledged to carry out a transparent and unbiased investigation into the matter Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state on Thursday, April 12, threw his weight behind the recent statement by a former Chief of Army Staff, Theophilus Danjuma, which accused the Army of colluding with armed bandits and a called for self- defence by citizens, NAN reports. Legit.ng gathers that Ishaku disclosed this when he hosted the probe panel set up by the chief of army staff, Tukur Buratai, a lieutenant general, to investigate the recent allegation made against the Nigerian Armed Forces by the elder statesman. We in Taraba are fully behind what Danjuma said on self defence. As an ex-army general with a high reputation, I think that call deserves to be looked into and not to be criticised because he spoke the minds of everyone in Taraba and indeed all Nigerians," he said. He described the coming of the committee as timely, assuring them of a conducive working environment to succeed in their assignment. READ ALSO: Police rescues Syrian teenager kidnapped in Kano Ishaku explained that the frequent attacks by herdsmen led to the promulgation of the open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law after consultations with stakeholders. He decried the activities of soldiers in Taraba state who, he noted, were going about mistreating citizens and disarming them of petty arms while ignoring those with lethal weapons. The governor debunked the claim by the military that his government did not complain about all that was happening in the state. According to him, he had visited the president, the vice president, as well as written several letters on the alarming situation and therefore the claim couldnt have been true. Earlier, chairman of the Army Probe Panel, John Nimyel, a retired major general, sympathised with the governor and people of Taraba over the loss of lives and property in the state. He told the governor that they were in the state to ascertain facts on the comments made by Danjuma, a retired lieutenant general, so as to enable them come up with ways the Army can serve the country better. According to him, members of the committee were selected based on their past track records of excellence and pledged the determination of the panel to be unbiased, free and transparent in their assignment. The statements by Danjuma has indeed cut short the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria which cannot be ignored. If the Nigerian Army will continue to earn the trust and respect of the people of the state and indeed Nigerians it must investigate such a statement. We will do our best and visit all the three senatorial districts and interface with traditional rulers, stakeholders and government representatives so as to come out with a decision as regards the allegations raised by the general, he said. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Middle Belt group accused Gen Theophilus Danjuma, and the governor of Taraba state, Darius Ishaku of fueling armed conflicts in the state. The group, while speaking at a press conference in Abuja, said that Danjuma is using his international connections in collaboration with some governors in the region to import weapons and arm local militia that have been perpetrating mayhem in the region. TY Danjuma, Nigerian Army and the herdsmen crisis - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng News - The PDP national chairman, Uche Secondus, has stated that President Buhari would be defeated by his partys presidential candidate - Secondus chided the APC led government for failing to deliver its promises - He listed the economy, unemployment and herdsmen crisis as reasons why the ruling party would be booted out by Nigerians in 2019 - According to him, the PDPs candidate will beat the APC candidate, even if it is Buhari, by a wide margin The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that any candidate the opposition party fields for the 2019 presidential election would defeat President Muhammadu Buhari, Independent reports. Speaking in Abuja, the nations capital, on Thursday, April 12, the PDP chairman opined that there is no way Nigerians would give their votes to Buhari in 2019; as the present administration had failed to deliver majority of its promises. READ ALSO: EFCC arrests bank MD who allegedly stole N11.4bn; bought 134 buses, 20 houses Legit.ng gathers that Secondus listed economic recession, high rate of unemployment, insecurity, high cost of living, daily job losses, and lopsided anti-corruption war as some of the problems the APC government had foisted on citizens. He stated: I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that we will present a credible presidential candidate that will be acceptable to all Nigerians. Such candidate will emerge through a free, fair and credible democratic process. I am confident that whoever flies the flag of our party will defeat the presidential candidate of APC, including President Buhari, because I dont see Nigerians voting the APC back to power. They have failed in all their promises. In fact, it was a colossal failure and they themselves know that they have disappointed Nigerians. They promised one naira to a dollar, today it is N362 to a dollar. They said if Buhari becomes president, fuel will be sold at N40 per litre. Today, fuel is being sold at N145 per litre and above N200 in some places. They visited hunger and untold hardship on the masses. The economy today is in a shambles. People are losing jobs on a daily basis. Unemployment rate is on the highest level and killer herdsmen are on the rampage. They have failed virtually on all that they promised. So, why will any sane person ask them to continue in another four years? Nigerians have experienced both APC and PDP and they can see that the difference is very clear. Of course, we made some mistakes but we were humble enough to admit it and promised to right the wrongs in the future. So, I am optimistic that our candidate will beat the APC candidate, even if it is Buhari, by a wide margin; but we are appealing that the election should be free and fair. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Lauretta Onochie, personal assistant on social media to President Muhammadu Buhari, stated that there is no northerner alive who can defeat the president in 2019. She made the comment on her Twitter handle, @Laurestar. Onochies statement was in agreement with a similar quote by an Abuja-based lawyer and lecturer, Daniel Bwalla. She further agreed with Bwalla that in terms of the national convention of the PDP, the opposition party was done and dusted. President Buhari on 2019 presidential election: will you vote for him? - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Three states, Kogi, Anambra and Enugu are allegedly fighting over ownership of oil wells - Senator Chukwuka Utazi says the federal government realised that it was an error to refer to Anambra as oil-producing state and withdrew the status - However, Senator Andy Uba said what his colleague is saying is not correct - Bukola Saraki referred the matter to the committee on petroleum with an order to turn in its report in two weeks The Senate has mandated its committee on petroleum (Upstream) to investigate alleged renewed agitation over ownership of oil wells being claimed by Kogi, Anambra and Enugu states. This followed a point-of-order raised by Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu-PDP) at plenary on Thursday, April 12. Referring to order 43, the lawmaker alleged that Anambra government had used one of its appointees, Prince Emu, to grant an interview, stating that Anambra was an oil-producing state, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. READ ALSO: Female NYSC member is in detention for alleged fraud Utazi said that the federal government realised that it was an error for former president Goodluck Jonathans administration to refer to Anambra as oil-producing state and withdrew the status. According to him, withdrawal of ownership status from Anambra follows the fact that the state has not been confirmed as oil-producing. He sought the intervention of the upper chamber in the matter to stem brewing crisis among the three states laying claim to the oil wells. Utazi said: President and distinguished colleagues, the oil producing status on Anambra state has since been withdrawn. This is already brewing violence among communities laying claim to the oil wells. We know what we did in the past to restore peace among those warring communities and election period is around the corner and we do not want any crisis." PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app In his contribution, Senator Andy Uba (Anambra-APC) insisted that Anambra was an oil producing state, saying, what my colleague, Utazi, is saying is not correct. They said any state that produces 120,000 barrels of oil per day is qualified as an oil-producing state and that is why Anambra was conferred with that status." In his remarks, president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, referred the matter to the committee on petroleum (Upstream) with an order to turn in its report in two weeks. Meanwhile, the Senate has suspended Ovie Omo-Agege, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator from Delta state, for 90 legislative days. The upper legislative chamber took the decision after it considered a report by its ethics committee, The Cable reports. The committee had recommended that the senator be suspended for 181 days but the senate reduced it after pleas from lawmakers. Omo-Agege was one of the senators who kicked against the election reordering bill. Although, he apologised for his stand he still went to the court to get a restraining order against any move by the senate to suspend him. Lets talk about salaries of Nigerian senators | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nigeria Engineered protests would not be allowed: Qamar Bajwa ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Thursday that engineered protests would not be allowed to reverse the gains of counterterrorism operations and cautioned the nation against forgetting sacrifices of real heroes. The army chief was speaking to notables in Peshawar and at an investiture ceremony at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Gen Bajwa did not name the social movement for the rights of Pakhtun people, Pakhtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), but it was abundantly clear from his remarks, which included references to PTMs demands for clearance of mines and removal of check-posts, that he was referring to their protests. Apparently, the army chief was forced into giving his position on the protests after leaders of some mainstream political parties, including Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, expressed their support for the PTM protests that are being seen as a movement for the rights of Pakhtuns. The PTI chief had also said that he would raise the PTM concerns with Gen Bajwa. The movement was initially launched in protest against the extra-judicial killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud in Karachi and for getting justice for the slain young man. A 10-day-long protest held in Islamabad to press for the arrest of suspended SSP Rao Anwar, who is allegedly involved in Mehsuds killing, earned the PTM sympathies from all sections of society, encouraging leaders of the movement to expand their agenda to include other grievances of Pakhtuns. The military was initially receptive to their demand of seeking justice for Naqeebullah, but later became critical of the motives of its leadership, especially after the movement got support from Kabul and some other world capitals. These concerns got reinforced when PTM leaders talked about seeking international guarantees for redressal of their grievances and taking their issues to the United Nations and appealing to the global society. Speaking about PTMs demands for removal of what they call mines and check-posts, Gen Bajwa said: Measures to facilitate general public at check-posts without compromising security and clearance of unexploded ordnance were already in process on completion of kinetic operations. He, however, cautioned against haste in the process. No one is more interested than security forces to have such peace and stability environment which allow their complete de-induction. However, threat is still residing across the border and some disorganised residual potential including the ones morphed into Afghan refugees. Therefore we still need to move with caution. Notwithstanding genuine problems of peaceful citizens, he maintained that militarys concern was that no anti state agenda in the garb of engineered protests etc aimed at reversing the gains achieved at heavy cost in blood and national exchequer succeeds. At the ceremony at the GHQ, Gen Bajwa regretted that no sooner had peace returned to Fata than a movement was started. On this occasion, he warned against forgetting the sacrifices of real heroes, who laid down their lives for the country, saying nations that forget their heroes were wiped off. He also pointed to the limited ability of our nation to remember history. - The Nigerian Army has been commended for setting up a board of inquiry on the call to self-defence made by Theophilus Danjuma - The Middle Belt Conscience Guard said the Army and its leadership has shown its commitment to professionalism - It also warned that all precautions necessary must be taken to insulate the panel from undue interference A group has commended the Nigerian Army and the chief of army staff, Tukur Buratai, over the recent board of inquiry commissioned to investigate the call to self-defence made by Theophilus Danjuma. The group, the Middle Belt Conscience Guard (MBCG), said the setting up of the panel and Buratai's pledge not to spare any personnel found to have compromised in their services to the country is reassuring. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, April 12, the MBCG's national convener, Raymond Enero, said the Army's action is also a confirmation of the professionalism and discipline of its current leadership. Enero expressed satisfaction that the panel chaired by retired Major General John Nimyel and other individual will have no attachment or hold any sentiments prior to its constitution. READ ALSO: Call to self defense: We are fully behind TY Danjuma - Taraba governor tells Army, chides soldiers for mistreating citizens He however, warned that all precautions necessary must be taken to insulate the panel from undue interference and influence that could jeopardize its objectivity and ability to uncover the truth as intended. Enero said the group has noted that certain individuals have initiated moves to hamstring the panel or corral it into returning a damning verdict against troops. He also called on civil society organisations and all other interested parties to give the panel the necessary cooperation it needs to do its work. "Given the track record of the Army under the present leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai and its strict adherence to rules of engagement that conform to international standards, it is inconceivable that troops deployed to safeguard life would be involved in wanton destruction of same. "Conversely, it is equally inconceivable that an elder would brazenly lie in the twilight of his life irrespective of what is at stake. It was therefore pertinent that the truth is established so that Nigerians can decide what is to follow," Enero said. READ ALSO: Fraudulent bank MD lands in hot water as he is arrested by EFCC for using N11.4bn stolen funds to buy 134 buses, 20 houses Also commending Buratai, Enero said the chief of army staff has in the past inaugurated a Human Rights Desk in the Nigerian Army and later set up the department for civil/military relations which are pointers to how the interest of citizens have been treated as paramount He urged Nigerians, particularly opinion leaders, not to inflame the polity by unduly politicizing sensitive security issues, stressing that politics should be played in the arena of politicking while the safety of citizens must not be pawned to gain political mileage. Legit.ng earlier reported that the Taraba state government has thrown its weight behind Danjuma's call for self-defence among the people. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The state governor, Darius Ishaku while hosting the panel said the people of Taraba are fully behind Danjuma's call. He said the former chief of army staff is a man of high reputation and his call deserves to be looked into and not criticised. TY Danjuma, Nigerian Army and the herdsmen crisis - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nigeria - The PDP national chairman, Uche Secondus has accused APC and INEC of working to truncate Nigeria's democracy - He told the EU team who visited the party's secretariat on Thursday, April 12 - The PDP boss said that the ruling APC is not ready to conduct a free and fair election in 2019 The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, on Thursday, April 12, told a European Union (EU) delegation in Abuja, that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were working to truncate Nigeria's democracy. Legit.ng reports that Secondus who spoke at the PDP secretariat during the EU team's visit led by Ketil Karlsen, said indicators on ground showed that the party was not preparing to conduct free and fair elections in 2019. READ ALSO: Call to self defense: We are fully behind TY Danjuma - Gov Ishaku In a statement signed by his special assistent on media, Ike Abonyi, the PDP boss claimed that the government and its agencies were likely to rig the general polls. He said: "What we see is marshal system of framing up opposition leaders and trying to intimidate them. They are not ready to observe the rule of law and there is no democracy without rule of law "We conducted elections in 2015, the party and the presidential candidate did not go to court, we had smooth transition because we believe in the rule of law. "Nigeria as the largest black nation in the globe cannot afford crisis because of the huge effect it would have in the continent and the entire global democratic community if democracy is truncated." Secondus also appealed to European Union and other international partners to keep a watch on Nigeria ahead 2019 and put pressure on the government and INEC for a free, fair and credible election. He said that the European Union's visit is coming at the appropriate time given that President Muhammadu Buhari has just indicated interest to re-contest for a second term in 2019. Secondus also stated that the PDP is mobilizing its members and other Nigerians ahead of the election through its rebranding project that is targeted at youths and women. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that any candidate the opposition party fields for the 2019 presidential election would defeat President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari on 2019 presidential election: will you vote for him? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Bishop Owen Nwokolo of Niger state says there are fears concerning the attacks by herdsmen and Boko Haram - Nwokolo of the Anglican Communion pleads for the release of Leah Sharibu - He wants Christians across the country to be vigilant The Anglican Communion, Niger state diocese is lamenting the continued detention of Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram insurgents saying this is raising more fears that the violent activities of the terrorists and herdsmen is aimed at Islamising Nigeria. Vanguard reports that Bishop Owen Nwokolo of Niger, who spoke to journalists in Onitsha, said he was not comfortable with the fact that weeks after the release of her colleagues, Leah Sharibu still remained held by Boko Haram insurgents. READ ALSO: Female NYSC member is in detention for alleged fraud The bishop urged Present Muhammadu Buhari to prove Nigerians who have that belief wrong, by ensuring the immediate and unconditional release of the school girl. He said: One question the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government of Muhammadu Buhari has failed to address is why Leah was not released with her school mates? Nigerians should be vigilant, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen agenda is to Islamize Nigeria, and Christians should protect themselves and defend their faith and the churches. "What is being done in this present federal government of Nigeria, points to the irrefutable fact that there is a grand plan to Islamize Nigeria. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng earlier reported that the lawmaker representing Yobe East in the Senate, Bukar Ibrahim, said that "very serious negotiations" are ongoing to ensure the release of Leah Sharibu, one of the girls abducted by Boko Haram from Dapchi, Yobe state, on Monday, February 19. Sharibu was kept in captivity after Boko Haram returned the abducted schoolgirls. Five of the girls lost their lives in captivity. Offa bank robbery: Why some residents were shot by armed robbers. Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Senator Ojudu said he was focused on the Ekiti gubernatorial seat - The presidential aide denied rumour that he was being backed by President Buhari - However, he noted that President Buhari was a father to all politicians Senator Babafemi Ojodu who is the special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on political matters has denied claim that he is being backed by the president for the Ekiti gubernatorial ticket. Ojudu who is contesting for Ekiti governorship seat said he has done enough for himself to deserve the position. Vanguard reports that Ojudu made this comment when he picked up the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, April 13. READ ALSO: Call to self defense: We are fully behind TY Danjuma - Gov Ishaku He said: Let me say this, I am not the Presidents candidate. Im nobodys candidate. The president is a father to all of us. I have a history in this country. I started fighting the military at the age of 27. I wrote my first will at the age of 29. I was locked up 15 times between 1993 and 1998. I am a man of myself. I fought Babangida, I fought Abacha, I fought Obasanjo, I campaigned for democracy, I campaigned for good governance, I campaigned for human right and I suffered for it. I was in prison for nine months, I wore one cloth for nine month. That cloth I wore for nine month is in the museum at the epicentre of Ekiti state. So, at my level, at 57, I am not a crippled, I am not a baby, I dont need crutches, I do have to be Presidents candidate. In fact, I am coming too late. I have enough knowledge and education to be President of this country. Therefore, it is an insult to say somebody is carrying me, I dont need anybody to carry me. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app President Buhari is our leader, he is our president and he is the leader of our party. If you know him very well, hes a fair-minded person. If I decide today, if his wife is from Ekiti and shes in this race with me, President Buhari will still be fair to all of us. Thats the man I know. So, perish that thought. If anybody comes to you to say, he is being backed or presented by the President, know that person is a bloody liar. Meanwhile, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, declared on Monday, March 19, that the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti is a must-win for his party as he visited the state. Oyegun, who was in the state on membership drive, reportedly addressed leaders and members of the party in the state at an interactive forum emphasizing that the party would deploy every available resource to win the election which holds on July 14. Nigerian Tribune reports that Oyegun told the members that the delegates list for the party primaries was ready. Not Too Young to Run Bill: Nigerian youths march to Aso Rock in support (Nigeria News) | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - An Akure lawyer threatened to sue AAUA if it does not reduce its tuition fees - The lawyer said increasing the tuition fees is a way of converting the university into a private institution An Akure lawyer and rights activist, Morakinyo Ogele, has said the new fee to be paid by students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko is not only outrageous but also a way of converting the university into a private institution. The Nation reports that the activist lawyer alleged that the pro-chancellor, Dr Tunji Abayomi, had been making inflammatory statements without being cautious of the fragile situation. Ogele said: Dr Abayomi is my friend. He canvassed for free education at all levels in the past. The proposal of the council of the university in respect of this fee has not been ratified by the government. We are calling on Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu not to accept or give consent to this outrageous increment. Accepting the proposal of the tuition fee increment will force out many students from the institution. It will increase insecurity. Many of us, including the governor and Dr Abayomi enjoyed free education at all levels. It is incumbent on the council of AAUA (Adekunle Ajasin University) to see that education is affordable by the indigenes. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app He gave the governing council a seven-day ultimatum to reduce the fees to N50,000 per session, failing which he would head to court. Legit.ng previously reported that Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) asked the authorities of the University of Ibadan (UI) and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) to immediately reverse the fee hikes at the institutions or face legal action. According to a statement by its deputy director Timothy Adewale, the human rights organisation said the fee hikes would have discriminating effect against disadvantaged students who may be unable to pay the new fees. The organisation said the inability of the students to pay the fees would result in an absolute deprivation of a meaningful opportunity for them to enjoy educational benefits. Benue IDPs: Education amidst crisis | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Prince Dayo Adeyeye, a former national publicity secretary of the PDP has accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of imposing his candidate for the Ekiti governorship primary - Adeleye said that all the governorship aspirants in the state has formed an alliance against the governor - He said that Fayose has created an atmosphere of fear in the state Prince Dayo Adeyeye, an ex-minister of state for works, has said that all the governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti have resolved to form a force against Governor Ayodele Fayose's candidate for the state's primary. The governor has named his deputy Kolapo Olusola, as his preferred candidate for the election which has been slated to take place on Tuesday, May 8, the Punch reports. READ ALSO: Nigerian Army nabs armed bandits in Kaduna state Adeyeye, a former national publicity secretary of the party, spoke newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, April 12, during his visit to the national headquarters of the party to submit his nomination form. Adeyeye stated: All the aspirants are collaborating and we are working together and I believe at the end of the day one will win. Actually, we are contesting against the governor. The chance of a free and fair process is that it is the national that will conduct (the primary) not him (Fayose) as he has created an atmosphere that tends to make party members afraid to associate with other aspirants different from the governors choice. He also gave conditions for the acceptance the outcome of the primaries. Adeyeye also remarked: If it is free and fair, open and transparent with our genuine complaints addressed, we are going to accept if everything is clear. The former minister decried the governor's attempt to impose his deputy on the party, saying: The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, in September last year, said he had chosen his governorship candidate for the party. Even the candidate said everything was over. We laughed and said that was not possible. Our party has a constitution and we believe that we should follow the constitution of the party. But I am happy that it has been disregarded and we are going for primary. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Adeyeye stated that the governors position had created fear in Ekiti by making so many party members so afraid to associate with other aspirants apart from the one he anointed. But we are not bordered about all this, we are still confident that we are going to win. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Concerned Ekiti Patriots (CEP) had alleged that Governor Fayose was planning to retrench a total of 3,500 workers from the states civil service. The CEP warned the governor to immediately jettison the idea to avoid facing the wrath of the people of the state. Governor Fayose warns Nigerian youths ahead of 2019, tells them what to do - oN Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Educators in Australia have warned students against the usage of digital devices at night - The educators said that using digital devices at night affects sleeping habits of students and damages their health - They noted that schools have a huge role to play in teaching children about creating balance in their life Australian educators on Friday, April 13, warned that using digital devices at night affects the sleeping habits of students and damages their mental health. Liz Bobos, co-president of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Principals Association, said the trend is causing children to act like device vampires with disrupted sleep cycles that see them sleep through much of the school day. READ ALSO: Hope for African farmers as AfDB earmarks $200m to promote agriculture Bobos said: We tuck our children into bed, we read them a story, we say goodnight and we assume that eyes are shut but theres no guarantee that happens." She said that schools had reported an increase in referrals to psychologists but many youth mental health programmes did not treat children younger than 12, NAN reports. Legit.ng notes that Sarah Blunden, director of the Australian Centre for Education in Sleep, said that the blue light emitted by mobile devices delays the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, disrupting the bodys circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep cycles. She said: Because our circadian clock does have a distance to run, because we go to sleep later, we are alert later. If you have a disrupted circadian clock, one that is delayed, but also one that is different day to day, you are more likely to have an emotional lability, that is, a much more volatile emotional state. Youre more likely to be depressed or have waves of depression or anxiety." Bobos said schools and parents needed to coordinate to ensure children were using technology appropriately. She added: Schools have a huge role to play in teaching children about creating balance in their life. There are apps that parents can put on their own phone that dont restrict children from accessing technology, but allow parents to know what apps their children are accessing, so parents can have a conversation with their kids. Theres a real opportunity for parents to educate children there." PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, described internet as one of the threats facing Nigerian, describing it as a theatre of war in the 21st century. Osinbajo said it had become the platform for articulation of terrorist activities as well as offensive expressions and tasked the military to see the cyberspace as a conventional battle field to which it must deploy forces. Who should be held responsible for exam malpractice? Student, teacher or parents? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - A Nigerian woman has been invited to the royal wedding of Prince Harry - According to sources, she is reportedly the only Nigerian woman invited to the grand occasion - This is coming after the couple requested for half of their guests to come from a range of backgrounds and ages Just like their relationship, the wedding of Prince Harry and actress, Meghan Markle is definitely one that is meant to stand out. With the couple breaking several royal wedding traditions, many people just can't wait to see how the wedding pans out. While the couple is still making the news for a lack of UK and foreign politicians on the official guest list, including Donald Trump and ex-president, Barack Obama, Prince Harry and Meghan have invited a Nigerian woman among may other 'ordinary' members of the public. Identified as Pamela Anomneze, the Nigerian-born Londoner has been listed as one of the 1,200 favoured guests to attend the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, scheduled for May 19. READ ALSO: Nigerian man surprises his girlfriend with a proposal during NYSC POP in Enugu Pamela Anomneze Source: Isabel Infantes/PA Pamela, who works at the Studio 306 Collective helping people with mental health problems, revealed she felt excited and overwhelmed to be one of the chosen guests. Describing the royal couple as the "world most beautiful couple, she said, I got an email informing me, and I thought it was an April fools prank, adding that the honour was truly unbelievable. READ ALSO: Nigerian lady gives birth to baby girl after 13 years of being childless, says thank you Jesus The mother of 3 also stated that she will be taking her 15-year-old son, Jude Anomneze-Collins, as her plus one, after he made a heartfelt plea to attend alongside her. She said: He used to watch Suits. When I came home and informed him of the invite, he was down on his knees begging to go. He said, Oh mum, just to get a glimpse of Meghan Markle!' On what she would wear to the royal occassion, she said she may wear a colourful outfit traditional Nigerian outfit, but will leave the decision up to her colleagues at the Studio 306 Collective. Speaking on the reason behing Prince Harry's lack of politicians on the wedding list, spokesman for the Kessington palace said, It has been decided that an official list of political leaders both UK and international is not required for Prince Harry and Ms Markles wedding.Her Majestys Government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by the Royal Household." PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Top 5 reasons Nigerian women are special on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Human rights activist, Femi Falana, wants the Shi'ite group to continue to protest the detention of their leader - Falana says the protest by the Islamic group is legitimate - He laments the flouting of court orders even though Nigeria is in a democratic dispensation Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has reportedly urged the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, to continue protesting for release of Sheik Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky. The Nation reports that El-Zakzaky has been in detention for many months after a clash between his loyalists and the Nigerian Army. Falana said: I am impressed with your courageous and peaceful protest. Your action is justified under the constitution, which guaranteed the fundamental rights of every citizen to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. READ ALSO: FG bothered as ICC steps up investigation of 8 cases against Nigeria - Malami Your action is legitimate because it is a protest against impunity arising from the executive lawlessness of the federal government. Your demand is in order because it is in line with the tenets of the rule of law. Please keep it up. When we were fighting for the restoration of democratic rule under brutal military dictators, I never thought that court orders were going to be treated with disdain by elected governments. It is particularly painful for me that court orders are disobeyed under the current political dispensation, whereas under the Buhari/Idiagbon military junta, court orders for the release of victims of the obnoxious decree No 2 of 1984 were complied with." He called on lovers of democracy not to allow the Buhari administration disobey the judgments of competent courts, saying the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice G. O. Kolawole, ordered Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzakys release, and his wife, and awarded them N50 million damages. The lawyer said the court also ordered the government to provide them with a suitable accommodation since the Army and the Nasir El-Rufai regime demolished and burnt their home on December 15, 2015. "Those orders which were granted on December 2, 2016 have been ignored by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which claims to operate under the Rule of Law. It is an irony that President Buhari is in charge of a civilian government that is detaining people without trial. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app "I laud you for your resolute and principled determination to secure the release of your leaders and others. Please continue the protests until you succeed in compelling the government to comply with court orders, Falana said while addressing members of the sect in Abuja on Thursday, April 12. Zakzaky was arrested in 2015 after some of his supporters were involved in a clash with soldiers in Kaduna state. He has been in detention despite repeated calls for his release and a court order setting him free. In January, Legit.ng reported that there was tight security at the Unity Fountain following a daily sit-out by a group, Concerned Nigerians. Hundreds in the crowd, mainly members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) were protesting the prolonged detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Members of the group led by the convener of the Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju and ace presenter and musician, Charles, Oputa also known as Charly Boy demanded for the unconditional release of El-Zakzaky. President Buhari on 2019 presidential election: will you vote for him? | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng PPP,PML-N opposes online voting system ISLAMABAD: Major political parties, particularly the PML-N and the PPP, have opposed the introduction of an online voting system which would benefit 7.9m overseas Pakistanis in the upcoming general elections. Prepared by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), the software for the online voting was presented to the Supreme Court on Thursday. Nadras presentation demonstrated how the Rs150 million online system could benefit the overseas Pakistanis. However, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) also expressed reluctance to decide hastily on the matter, highlighting the need to test the software by conducting mock elections to weed out security concerns. Experts from renowned institutions have also expressed apprehension regarding the systems security from attacks by hackers. Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, who is heading a three-judge SC bench, observed that the court did not want to pollute the election system that may create doubts in the process, and hinted at appointing a taskforce of experts for re-verification so that the system can run smoothly and without any threats. Casting votes is a sacred right, Justice Nisar observed, and asked the experts to assist in validating the programme. The final decision to approve the mechanism for voting by overseas Pakistanis has to be made by parliament, he said. In the meantime, the ECP will seek output from IT experts to find loopholes in the new system. The court had taken up a set of petitions moved by PTI Chairman Imran Khan and a group of citizens, including solicitor Mohammad Dawood Ghaznavi, Farhat Javed and others pleading that the denial of the right to participate in the democratic process for overseas Pakistanis was a refusal by the government to carry out its constitutional obligation. Instead of courtroom No1, the presentation was held in the SC auditorium in the presence of political parties representatives, experts and television cameras. Nadra Chairman Usman Yousuf Mobeen explained before the court how the authority had developed the software in collaboration with the ECP. The software would allow overseas Pakistanis to vote in their home constituencies according to the voter list from home, using internet-connected devices such as a computer, smartphone or tablet. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed from the PML-N asked the court not to experiment with the system in the upcoming elections, which would be bitterly contested. He also invited the courts attention towards concerns expressed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding electronic manipulation in the 2018 general elections. On a lighter note, the chief justice observed that Senator Hussains opinion would have been different had it been solicited three months ago. However, he conceded that the ECP was overburdened with 1,286 litigations on the delimitation of constituencies alone. PPPs Naveed Qamar agreed with Senator Hussain, saying the online voting software should be made ready for the next elections after 2018, which should be held after biometric verification. Meanwhile, PTIs Arif Alvi cited the example of Brazil, where he said such a system had been a success. MNA Usman Kakar asked the court to first extend the right of franchise to those who were not allowed to cast their votes, such as women in Fata. Taha Ali from the National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust)s School of Electrical Engineering told the court that countries such as the United States, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and France had rolled back similar software because the systems were hacked by manipulating over 60,000 online votes. He emphasised that any online system could be hacked. Another expert from Pakistan Television expressed a similar opinion. During the presentation, the Nadra chairman also conceded that no system was foolproof but added that precautions had been taken in the system against threats. - Seria A side AS Roma have invited Nigerian on air personality Mark 'Dsoulja Otabor to Rome - Roma hope to sign the ace broadcaster over his amazing commentary on radio in their record breaking comeback over Barcelona in the Champions League - The Seria A outfit took to their official Twitter handle to offer Otabor a job at RomaTV Seria A side AS Roma have reportedly invited Nigerian on air personality Mark 'Dsoulja Otabor to Rome so they can sign him to RomaTV over his amazing commentary skills. Otabor was in a fenzy mode on air when Roma completed an astonishing comeback victory over favourites Barcelona in the Champions League and he was literally shouting in happiness during his live commentary program on the radio. READ ALSO: Juventus open communication with Man United attacker Martial Roma in acknowledgement posted a video of the ace broadcaster during his now viral video with the caption " Return flights booked to Lagos to sign @MarkOtabor for @romatv #FireInTheBooth" PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone As at the time of filing this reports friends and well wishes have stormed the Twitter handle of Otabor to congratulate him on his latest achievement and he acknowledge them by replying "thanks." Legit.ng previously reported that it was one of the biggest comebacks in the Champions League as Roma who were down by 4-1 to Barcelona in the first leg, won the second leg by 3-0. The fans at the Stadio Olympico were given a good performance on the night as Roma qualified into the last four of the Champions League. Who will win the champions league? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has again restated his calls for restructuring of Nigeria - Abubakar, who is one of the PDP presidential aspirants in 2019 election, said that devolution of powers to the lower tiers of government is the solution to Nigeria's problems - He said the countrys unitary federalism has also been characterised by too much government involvement in economic and other activities A former vice president Atiku Abubakar has restated his calls for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation and the devolution of powers to the lower tiers of government. This Day reports that he also urged the countrys leaders to follow the letter and spirit of federal character and other affirmative action policies to help manage distributive conflicts until such a time when the country has done enough to enhance production in order to reduce the scarcity that drives the conflicts over distribution. READ ALSO: Buhari's minister Shittu drags sacked aide to court, demands N2.2billion damages Legit.ng gathered that in his presentation on Wednesday, April 11, in Abuja at a symposium on 'federalism, diversity and nation-building Tackling the challenges of integration in Nigeria', organised by the institute of governance and social research, Atiku argued that: if we restructure our federation, make compromises, and govern better, we will have a greater chance of transforming our diversity into a national asset. He noted that enduring changes to the countrys structure and redistributive systems can only come about through negotiations and compromises by leaders of the diverse groups and zones, adding that with a spirit of give and take, the capacity to empathise, to walk in the others shoes, compromises will be easier. He said the countrys unitary federalism has also been characterised by too much government involvement in economic and other activities. According to him, the country now has federal roads, schools, and hospitals, in addition to business investments that the federal government embarked upon. He stated that the country is a diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with three dominant groups in three geographic regions each with many minority groups. Atiku noted that none of the three major groups and neither of the two main religions has overall dominance in the country. Speaking on what should be done, the former vice president stated that: So, we need to step back, agree on what the centre must do and what can and should be devolved to the lower tiers of government We must devolve powers and responsibilities to the federating states. Much of what is currently in the exclusive legislative list need to be moved to the concurrent List. We dont need federal roads, federal hospitals, and federal schools. "They should be transferred to the states along with the funds expended on them. At best the federal government may establish regional centres of excellence in medicine and research in each of the geo-political zones, which can act as models for state governments. "The federal government should hands-off the administration of local governments. States should have the power to create as many local governments as they wish or to not create any. With the devolution of power to state governments, people in each state would know who to hold responsible if their roads are not fixed and if their hospitals have no medi.cation, he explained. According to him, the devolution of powers to states must extend to political parties, adding that political parties should not behave in a unitary manner and expect a robust democratic federal system for Nigeria. Having the party headquarters in Abuja dictate to state (and even local government) branches even on purely local matters is not healthy for democracy and federalism. Such high-handedness promotes corruption and impedes attention to minority interests and local peculiarities. "We need to also follow the letter and spirit of such existing mechanisms as federal character and other affirmative action policies to help manage distributive conflicts until such a time when we do enough to enhance production in order to reduce the scarcity that drives our conflicts over distribution. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app "Inevitably in federal systems, component units will bicker over the distribution of resources, including revenues, location of investments and other opportunities. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, said that Nigeria could be restructured in six months and identified the issue of resource control as preventing this move. Watch a video below of Nigerians speaking about restructuring - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The Nigerian Customs Service raided a house in Sokoto and recovered exotic vehicles - The house reportedly belonged to a high-ranking politician - The exercise lasted several hours and was backed by the Army Operatives of the Sokoto Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service have reportedly carried out a raid in the house of a high-ranking politician in Sokoto state, resulting in the recovery of 160 exotic cars. According to Daily Trust, the vehicles included SUV Lexus jeeps and Toyota Avensis cars. READ ALSO: Illegal brewery where malt, stout is produced uncovered in Lagos (photos) A witness reportedly claimed the vehicles were 160 although a customs official claimed the vehicles were less than 100. According to a witness, the vehicles were discovered in a fenced house at Ruggan Waru area along Aliyu Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto. The source said: The vehicles were not brought at the same time. They brought them in pieces and in the night. You will hardly see the place opened in broad daylight. The source said the exercise lasted for hours and that the customs officials were backed by soldiers. Mai lafiya who is the spokesperson of the Nigerian Customs said the area comptroller would soon address the public. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Meanwhile, tension was triggered in Daddara village, in the Jibia local government area of Katsina state after some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), federal operations unit, allegedly shot dead a man in front of his fathers shop. The victim was identified as Amiru Abdulaziz. The Punch reported that the customs officials had intercepted some men who packed bags of suspected smuggled rice in a vehicle. After seizing the rice and the vehicle, officials allegedly opened gunfire to suppress any possible retaliation from the smugglers. Abdulaziz was reportedly hit by a stray bullet in the process. Police parade gang leader of Badoo Cult group in Lagos On Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng Workers of the police service commission on Abuja on Thursday, April 12 decried through protest the presidency's move to appoint former police officers as the heads of the service, adding that working with the them has proven difficult because of their background The federal government's decision to appoint retired officers as heads of the police service commission has been condemned by workers of the force. The protesting workers, who besieged the National Assembly premises in Abuja, demanded that the FG put an end to the practice, referring to it as illegal, the Punch reports. READ ALSO: Ooni, Oluwo settle rift as Osun traditional rulers meet in Ife On the platform of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, PSC chapter, the worker said that going by the Act establishing the commission, a civilian should be appointed as the commissions chairman, and not a retired police officer who may have bias for the police. The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions, such as Police Service Commission is not a retirement resort for ex-police bosses, Mr President, please give us a civilian chairman and FG, respect the constitution and appoint a civilian chairman for PSC. Umar Sharubutu, the chairman of the union, said it had been tough working with the former police officers heading the commission because of their background. He said: Why we are here today is to address an issue which has been bothering us for the past 10 years. It is wrong constitutionally to have an ex-police boss heading the commission. This is because the commission, by the Act enabling the commission, is defined as a civilian oversight body on the police. To represent the interests of the police, you have a Commissioner of Police 2 appointed on the board to serve as an adviser on technical issues relating to the police. So, the appointment of a former police boss as a chairman of the board is a duplication of interest. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! We have tried to work with these former police bosses but it is simply difficult to work with them because of their background. We will resist, in the most lawful manner, the appointment of another former police boss to head our commission. In his address to the protesters, the permanent secretary of the PSC, Musa Istifanus, urged them to return to work as their complaints had been taken note of. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the authorities of the Nigeria police force were allegedly planning the promoting Danjuma Mohammed Ibrahim, the deputy commissioner of police believed to had ordered the 2005 shooting of five Igbo traders and a young woman in the Apo area of Abuja. Are Nigerian Policemen the worst in the world? On Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Newspaper - Femi Adesina has blasted some Nigerians for their misinterpretation of President Buhari's statement Buhari had told Justin Welby that renew herdsmen's killings was as a result of the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region - The statement has met with widespread criticism in Nigeria Following the widespread criticism that followed President Buhari's statement about the influx of trained fighters from Libya posing as herdsmen to the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Welby in London, presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina has blasted some Nigerians for their misinterpretation of the statement. Adesina who described Nigerians who misinterpreted the statement as intellectually lazy argued that a simple investigation would have shown that the death of Muammar Gaddafi of Libya was responsible for the proliferation of small arms all over Africa. READ ALSO: Offa robbery - Police release names of 12 arrested suspects The presidential spokesman in a statement on Facebook said: Since President Muhammadu Buhari met with the Archbishop of Canterbury in London on Wednesday, and spoke on the likely impact of gunmen trained by former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, on the killings by herdsmen in Nigeria, some people have virtually flown off the handle, ululating as if wailing was going out of fashion. They twisted the meaning of Mr President's words (yes, some people twist everything, even the words of God; 2 Peter:3, 15,16). They claimed he was blaming Gaddafi, long dead, for the killings in Nigeria. But let's see the vacuousness and intellectual laziness in the twist they have given what President Buhari said, out of sheer malice and evil hearts. Sadly, even a Senator was involved in the sickening display of poisonous heart. That's what you get when small minds get into high places. Here's what Mr President told Archbishop Justin Welby: "The problem is even older than us. It has always been there, but now made worse by the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region into different parts of the West African sub-region. These gunmen were trained and armed by Muammar Gadaffi of Libya. When he was killed, the gunmen escaped with their arms. We encountered some of them fighting with Boko Haram. Herdsmen that we used to know carried only sticks and maybe a cutlass to clear the way, but these ones now carry sophisticated weapons. The problem is not religious, but sociological and economic. But we are working on solutions." "The problem is even older than us," said President Buhari. If anybody is not challenged with simple understanding of English language, does this mean pre-Gaddafi? The former Libyan leader was born in 1942, and killed in October 2011, making him 69 years old at the time of his death. So, did he cause clashes between farmers and herdsmen, which the President said was older than most living Nigerians? Only rabidly mischievous minds can conceive such. "It has always been there, but now made worse..." If you say something has been exacerbated by a factor, does it mean such factor is the cause? Simply illogical." The president talked about the influx of militia trained, armed and used by Gaddafi, who now dispersed into different countries, including possibly Nigeria, after the Libyan strongman's death. Are some people claiming ignorance of such development, despite it being global knowledge? So deep must be the ignorance of such people. Simple research will show them the Libyan influence on proliferation of small arms all over Africa, after Gaddafi's death. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The president then talked about the herdsmen we used to know, who carried just sticks, and at worst a cutlass, saying those armed with sophisticated weapons were unknown to this clime. Is that not true? If herdsmen have suddenly turned murderous in a country, it calls for all sorts of interrogation, including intellectual, as to what may have gone wrong. The causes could be multifarious. And solutions must be jointly proffered. A president has sensitive security reports available to him. President Buhari gave another vista from which the herdsmen/farmers clashes could be considered, but rather than be reflective and do critical interrogation, the wailers engaged in their pastime: they began to wail, including senators and people who should naturally be level headed and examine issues dispassionately. Very sorry. "But we are working on solutions," President Buhari told the cleric. They ignored that. It holds no meaning for them. They are interested in problems, not solutions. Problems serve their pernicious interests more. Pity! That is what hatred does to the heart. It stunts the mind and poisons the soul. Such heart plays petty partisan and divisive politics with every matter. It is what President Buhari at that meeting called "irresponsible politics." And as we head for general elections next year, much more of it would be seen, except such people reform, and put on their thinking caps. The tendency now is to twist and slant every word from President Buhari in the negative, all in a bid to demean, de-market, and demonize him, and make him unattractive to the electorate. But those who do it are to be pitied. Sensible Nigerians know what the President is doing for the country, and would queue behind him at the polls next year. At the end of it all, the detractors would be holding the short ends of the stick, and looking small, forlorn and disconsolate. Where would they then hide their faces? The statement concluded. Legit.ng had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari while meeting the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Welby in London on Wednesday, April 11, said the herdsmen-farmers crises is older than his administration. The president said this while responding to his guests comment on the clashes between herdsmen and farmers in different parts of Nigeria. President Buhari on 2019 presidential election, will you vote for him? | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Another Nigerian has reportedly been killed in South Africa - The victim, Okoro, was allegedly shot in the head by a South African police officer - No fewer than 117 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since February, 2016 The Nigerian community in South Africa has again been thrown into mourning, following the latest extra-judicial killing of a Nigerian in that country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the killing of Mr ThankGod Okoro, 30, from Ogbaku in the Awgu local government area of Enugu state, is the latest in what has been described as recurring pre-meditated murders of young Nigerians in South Africa. Records show that no fewer than 117 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since February, 2016. READ ALSO: Offa robbery - Police release names of 12 arrested suspects Unofficial estimates put the number of Nigerians residing in South Africa at about 800,000 majority of whom are young people. The victim, Okoro, was allegedly shot in the head by a South African police officer. Credit: NAN The publicity secretary of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Habib Miller, who is based in Pretoria, confirmed the killing of Okoro in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Friday, April 13. He said that Okoro was allegedly shot in the head by a South African police officer. The union is not happy with the latest murder of ThankGod Okoro on April 9 by a member of the South African Police Flying Squad at Hamburg, Florida West Rand in Johannesburg. The officer, who shot Okoro claimed that the young man attempted to stab him during a stop-and-search operation. Miller said that the acting president of the Nigeria Union, Mr Joshua Ogade, and the head of the unions legal team, Mr Omoreige Ogboro, had visited the area Okoro was killed to gather information on the incident. Our team has gone to the Florida police station to ensure that due process is followed in an attempt to seek justice on the killing. The Independent police investigative directorate has been notified of the killing of Mr Okoro, Miller said that the police in Florida state had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the killing of the Nigerian. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The spokesman said, however, that the union learnt from investigators that the trigger-happy police officer had boasted few weeks before the incident that he would kill Okoro. He pleaded with the South African authorities to wade into the matter to discourage wanton killing of Nigerians by policemen in the former apartheid enclave. Anyone suspected or found on the wrong side of the law should be arrested and tried at the appropriate court rather than killing Nigerians extra-judiciously, he said. Legit.ng had reported that the Nigeria Union in South Africa said on Wednesday that two Nigerians were shot dead in Western Cape Province of that country. Mr Mike Ibitoye, the chairman of the Union`s chapter in the province, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Cape Town, South Africa, that the Nigerians were shot by unidentified assailants. Nigerians protest against Xenophobia on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit By Gaius Publius, a professional writer living on the West Coast of the United States and frequent contributor to DownWithTyranny, digby, Truthout, and Naked Capitalism. Follow him on Twitter @Gaius_Publius, Tumblr and Facebook. GP article archive here. Originally published at DownWithTyranny Yemen civilian deaths amid Saudi Arabia-led war rise as U.S. Senate approves arms deal with Saudis (source). The Houthis are predominately Shia-led. Saudi Arabia, Sunni-led, with major U.S. support, is killing them. Two data points to keep in mind as you contemplate the next Middle East escalation or rather, as you contemplate the effects of the escalation while others contemplate the escalation itself. You and your preferences are not a factor in their contemplation; they will wage war when and as they choose. First this, from Pentagon chief James Mattis at the end of February 2018 via Newsweek (h/t Twitter friend Boris Dirnbach): Now Mattis Admits There Was No Evidence Assad Used Poison Gas on His People Lost in the hyper-politicized hullabaloo surrounding the Nunes Memorandum and the Steele Dossier was the striking statement by Secretary of Defense James Mattis that the U.S. has no evidence that the Syrian government used the banned nerve agent Sarin against its own people. This assertion flies in the face of the White House (NSC) Memorandum which was rapidly produced and declassified to justify an American Tomahawk missile strike against the Shayrat airbase in Syria. Mattis offered no temporal qualifications, which means that both the 2017 event in Khan Sheikhoun and the 2013 tragedy in Ghouta are unsolved cases in the eyes of the Defense Department and Defense Intelligence Agency. Regular readers of our reports were alerted to this deception as early as last April. Among the many pieces presenting contrary evidence was this one. Next this, from NJ Star-Ledger columnist Paul Mulshine on Trumps recent about-face on war with Syria (via email from Kevin Fathi): Trumps getting awful advice from the foreign-policy swamp On Sunday I got a call from Mike Doherty. The current state senator and former U.S. Army officer was livid about President Trumps about-face on Syria. In the 2016 campaign, his major promise was ending these stupid foreign wars, said the Warren County Republican. If he breaks that promise with his base, I think hes finished. As of early last week, Trump sounded like he was sticking to his promise to pull U.S troops out of Syria. On Tuesday, he met with his generals in what was supposed to be a private meeting on the issue. On Wednesday, leaks from that meeting were widely reported in the press. The reports said his call for a rapid withdrawal of troops from Syria faced unanimous opposition from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, the State Department and the intelligence community. There are two points made above. One, Trumps about-face reportedly occurred as a result of unanimous opposition from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, the State Department and the intelligence community. And two, note the other point made by Mike Doherty, the New Jersey state senator quoted above: In the 2016 campaign, his major promise was ending these stupid foreign wars, said the Warren County Republican. If he breaks that promise with his base, I think hes finished. In other words, in one Republicans opinion (who, by the way, was the first prominent politician in New Jersey to back Trump according to the same article), Trump breaking his stop-stupid-wars campaign pledge will hurt him with his base. (Im less certain of that than Doherty is, but well see. There are certainly other such rumblings on the right.) Finally, the proposed escalation in Syria could put us in direct, armed conflict with the Russians. From former Green Beret Pat Lang as quoted in the article: I got an assessment of just how dangerous when I talked with another former Army officer with whom I like to discuss current events. This time it could easily get out of hand, said Pat Lang, a former Vietnam Green Beret who later spent a couple decades in the Mideast. (See this debunking of the co-called white helmets on his site.) Back in 2013 the war was mainly between the Syrian government and the rebels. Now Russia is a major supporter of the Syrian government. The Russians have made it very clear that if we attack Syria again that theyre going to fight our attack, Lang said. There will be a war between the United States and Russia over Syria. From the linked report, heres that Russian statement: Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Monday that Moscow has warned the United States of grave repercussions if it carries out an attack against Syrian government forces over reports of a deadly chemical weapons attack. If no one backs down, U.S. and Russians troops and pilots could start killing each other in Syria. About the Self-Styled, PR-Created White Helmets The nicely named white helmets (could they hope for a better brand?) are suspected of lying-with-an-agenda by many of those not in favor of this war. This means, of course, theyre praised on corporate-owned cable news. More critically, Rick Sterling writes this, from a longer piece at Robert Parrys Consortium News (emphasis added): Not only do they only operate in rebel-controlled areas but they are a source of propaganda about the war, indeed their very existence is an element in the larger propaganda campaign to rally international support for a regime change war in Syria. The White Helmets brand was conceived and directed by a New York-based marketing company named The Syria Campaign, which itself was incubated by a larger politically oriented marketing company called Purpose. Along with managing the online and social media promotion of the White Helmets, the Syria Campaign has parallel efforts in support of regime change in Syria. One of these efforts has been to criticize United Nations and humanitarian relief organizations that supply aid to displaced persons living in areas protected by the Syrian government. If thats true, its damning, both for them and those who, for their own reasons and interests, promote them. Which means theyre praised on corporate-owned cable news. Conclusions From all this we can conclude: Defense Secretary James Mattis, knowing the evidence for the Trumps 2017 Tomahawk missile strike was ginned up, still wants war with Syria. The entire foreign policy and military establishment also wants war the Joint Chiefs, the State Department and the nations security services, presumably the CIA, DIA and FBI among them. We will indeed end up fighting Russians if Trump keeps his word and the Russians keep theirs. That fact seems to stop no one on our side. In other words: The world just got less safe. The bipartisan DC establishment pretty much wants it that way. Questions Will Democrats or enough of them join with Trump to make the war bipartisan? Remember, Clinton was the hawk in the Obama administration. Reports she wanted a wider Syria war are not hard to find. At what point will our widening war come home, a war against Shia Islam, fought, among other reasons, to fulfill the desires of Israel and Saudi Arabia? In other words, when will Americans, us and our elites, reap what we sow? And finally, will Rachel Maddow weep tears of joy at the thought of a shooting conflict with Russia, or will she suddenly fly above the fray, waving careful flags of high-minded caution, after lighting the fires that caused it? (That is not it at all, I hear her say, that is not what I meant, at all.) Stay tuned. The American people may not favor this war though I cant see the unwashed (those of us with non-political lives) being much opposed. Yet should it come home, theyll surely pay most of the price and no doubt be thanked for their service after their deaths by those in the safe seats at corporate-owned cable news. Is it any wonder that nuclear power scares people? The word nuclearalone conjures up a parade of terrors: the sinister radiation, the whiff of apocalypse, and the tendency to go boom. Those are the obvious sci-fi horrors. But nuclear power comes with plenty of other risks that arent so obvious: the hazards of uranium mining, the fouled water, and the radioactive waste. So do these horrors mean nuclear power shouldnt be part of our tool kit for fighting climate change? After all, it doesnt produce greenhouse gases. Thats why some have pushed to keep existing nuclearpower plants open, and even build more. Often, nuclear nightmares are considered in isolation rather than weighed against the alternatives. Nobody, for instance, wants to get stuck with nuclear waste that stays radioactive for 10,000 years but perhaps some would prefer that to coal waste, which contains mercury and lead and remains toxic forever. When it comes to nuclear power, the risks appear right from the beginning of the processwith uranium mining. And they continue to pop up throughout the nuclear life cycle, from enrichment and reactor operation to the radioactive waste at the end. Its a process fraught with hazards. Mining When I started asking around about reasons to oppose nuclear power, I was surprised by how the history of uranium mining kept coming up. Theres a reason for this: Its appalling. The writer Peter Hessler visited the uranium towns of Utah and Coloradoand met men breathing through oxygen respirators and women who had buried miners after they suffered agonizing deaths. One described her uncles decline to Hessler: His lungs just crystallized and he was spitting up this bloody stuff. They told us it was parts of his lungs. During World War II, the U.S. government began digging for uranium throughout the Southwest to create the first atomic bombs. Officials saw early on that the work posed a hazard, says Stephanie Malin, a sociologist at Colorado State University, but they didnt tell the miners or the people living in the surrounding communities. After all, they were making a secret weapon. They made recommendations better ventilation in the mines, radiation monitors, Malin says. But these recommendations were made in classified public health documents in the 1950s. The government responded by not doing anything until the 1970s. Meanwhile, people living downstream drank water seeping out of the mines, full of radioactive isotopes. Cancer clusters began to emerge, Malin tells me. Many uranium mines were on the Navajo Nation, a 27,000-square-mile territory in northern Arizona and New Mexico. And this isnt just ancient history. An undetermined amount of uranium mines still exist on native lands, and the government hasnt finished cleaning up the ones we know about, says Cecilia Martinez, executive director of the environmental justice group, Center for Earth, Energy, and Democracy. The federal government has fairly sophisticated clean-up plans, but politicians have refused to provide the money needed to carry them out, says Cindy Vestergaard, who studies the uranium supply chain at the Stimson Center, a nonpartisan think tank. Mining today is much safer than it was during the Cold War, Vestergaard says. It takes at least a decade to complete all the environmental- and social-impact assessments needed before you start a new mine. One thing I can say about mining is that its radically different than it was in the 50s and 60s, Vestergaard says. So minings much safer, but thats not the same as safe. Studies have found increased risks ranging from lung cancer to diabetes in communities near uranium mines(though theres not enough evidence to prove that mining is the cause). Other studies have suggested that modern-day minersare more likely to get sickthan white-collar workers. Mining of all kinds scars the land and puts people in danger. Coal and tar sands mining cause the same problems on a larger scale. Even renewable power relies on people unearthing the cobalt, indium, and other materialsfor solar panels and batteries. There are bits of radioactive material scattered throughout the earths crust, and when you excavate tons and tons of rock, youre going to get exposed to a lot of it. As a result, the people digging up the elements required to make solar panels collectively get a little more radiation thanthe people mining an equivalent amount of uranium. Blasting out the iron ore needed to build wind turbines and generate the same amount of power exposes miners to a little less radiation. Whether any of this radiation is harmful depends on how its spread around. The earth, bananas, and airplane trips give us small, harmless doses of radiation all the time. But a giant dose can kill. A United Nations reportfound that individual uranium miners are exposed to roughly 4 percent of the federal limit of radiation for x-ray technicians and other workers who deal with radiation. Nuclear War? After uranium ore is milled into yellow cake, it goes through an enrichment processwhere centrifuges spin uranium to transform it into nuclear fuel. Keep that fuel spinning longer, and it eventually turns into the stuff that can level cities. So you cant separate nuclear power from nuclear war. The crucial link in this connection between energy and weaponry is the enrichment process, not the reactors. You cant build a warhead with nuclear-reactor fuel. You need to enrich it further. So as long as new reactors get their fuel from existing enrichment facilities, it doesnt increase the risk of nuclear proliferation, says Matthew Bunn, a nuclear policy analyst at Harvard. As long as we keep control of enrichment and reprocessing, nuclear power can spread without spreading nuclear weapons, Bunn explains. Theres no guarantee that the United States and its allies will be able to keep control of the technology needed to concoct weapons-grade uranium. Saudi Arabia, for instance, is trying to make a deal to have the United States, Russia, or China build it a nuclear power plant. But Saudi Arabia refuses to say that it wont then build the infrastructure needed to create nukes. Sometimes, governments say they want to develop enrichment technology to generate their own fuel when they actually want to start making warheads. Iran, for instance, has insistedthat its only enriching uranium for reactors, but the fact that it built a secret enrichment plant and says it could produce weapons-grade uranium within a week suggests that something else is up. You dont need weapons-grade fuel to cause a disaster. Nuclear experts also stress over the possibility of a terrorist attack. In 1982, after training for 10 years, an anti-nuclear activist named Chaim Nissim shot five rocket-propelled grenades at the Superphenixnuclear plant on the Rhone River in France. The reactor was still under construction, so there was no danger of a meltdown. The grenades damaged the outer concrete shell but not much else. Nuclear experts are sure that terrorists have considered attacking working plants with the aim of causing a meltdown. So facilities need security: guns, guards, and gates. You need to make sure you have enough security that so bad guys dont do what the tsunami did to Fukushima cutting off the power and disabling the backup power to start a meltdown, Bunn says. Most nuclear plants have so much security that terrorists look elsewhere, at a dam or a chemical plant instead, he says. It appears to be working so far. There hasnt been an attack on a civilian reactor since Nissims attack 36 years ago. Lets continue our tour of things that can go wrong in the nuclear fuel cycle. After getting enriched, fuel goes to the reactor, and thats where you run the risk of meltdowns. Meltdowns In the middle of the night on April 26, 1986, workers shut off the safety systems to run a test on the Chernobyl plant, in the Soviet Ukraine. Something went wrong. The reactor ramped up to 100 times its normal power, heating the steam in its pressurized system until the reactor exploded through the roof of the building around it. A fishermanreported seeing a blue flashin the sky from the reactor. People 60 miles away felt the ground shake. Two workers on site were killed by the explosion, and others would die from radiation exposure. Scandinavian countries began reporting higher radioactivity readings. There have been three high-profile accidents since nuclear plants started running in 1951, and Chernobyl was the worst. Besides the two killed by the explosion, 28 workers diedfrom acute radiation poisoning. Estimates of the total number of deaths in the years since varies wildly as a result of basic methodological disagreements over how much radiation increases your likelihood of cancer. The World Health Organizations reviewcame up with an estimate of 4,000 to 9,000 deaths. And then theres the Fukushima meltdown, which caused no direct fatalities. A 2017 report from the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation concluded that health effects to the general public from radiation were almost nil. The committee expects to see two or three more cancerous tumors among the 173 workers most exposed to radiation. The evacuation of 110,000 people, however, led to 1,600 deaths. Scientists reassessed the disaster response and concluded that, even with the risk of radiation, locals would have been better off stayingput. Three Mile Island, a reactor just south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, partially melted down in 1978. No one was killed in the accident, and there was only a small release of radiation. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the accident had no detectable health effects on plant workers or the public.But it may have been enough to increase the risk of thyroid cancer among people exposed, according to one study. Nuclear disasters are terrifying. They capture the attention of the world. Fossil fuels, in contrast, are quiet and insidious. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels, for instance, kills some 200,000 Americansevery year. Calculated in terms of deaths per units of electricity generated, nuclear is among the safest forms of energythat comes from industrial plants. Usually, when weve shut down a nuclear plant, or decided not to build one, its led to a greater reliance on fossil fuels. When Germany started shutting down nuclear reactors in 2011, its progress stalled in reducing emissionsand weaning itself off coal. As the environmentalist Mark Lynas pointed out in his book, Nuclear 2.0, when Japan shut down its nuclear plants after Fukushima, it started burning more natural gas and coal. Looking at the air pollution mortality figures strongly suggests that it is untrue to say that nobody will die because of Fukushima, Lynas writes. People will die; but not from radiation. Their lives will instead be shortened because of an increased reliance on fossil fuels due to post-Fukushima nuclear fear. Still, Harvards Bunn tells me I shouldnt let the whiplash between my assumptions and the facts make me too bullish on nuclear. Its been relatively safe only because weve been so careful. It requires human excellence, Bunn says. Yes, its much better today than it was before Fukushima and its dramatically better today than it was before Three Mile Island but we need continuous improvement. He adds that countries need to put in place focused incentives to get energy officials and others to point out the weak points in the technology though he admits that such critics dont tend to be very popular. Countries with a lot of corruption, countries that lock up whistleblowers, they just shouldnt have nuclear power, Bunn readily admits. Waste Even if you manage to avoid disasters, at the end of this process you will always end up with nuclear waste. I really thought that the waste was something like green goo seeping through barrels, like you see in cartoons, but its actually all solid, just metal rods holding spent uranium. The rods go into a pool of water, and then, when radioactivity has cooled off somewhat, into metal and concrete containers filled with helium. These dry casks stay at the power plants where workers can keep an eye on them, and it seems to work pretty well. Since the first casks were loaded in 1986, dry storage has released no radiation that affected the public or contaminated the environment, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Of course, the strongest container cant last forever, and nuclear waste remains radioactive for as long as 10,000 years. If society abandons these dry casks, rather than maintaining and replacing them for perpetuity, they will eventually erode and expose the surrounding area to radiation. Theres no perfect solution for spent fuel, but theres no perfect solution for any kind of energy waste, Stimson Centers Vestergaard says. We currently have around 400,000 tons of nuclear waste globally, she says. Compare that to coal power, which produces nearly 100 times that much waste every year in the country of South Africa alone. These other forms of waste arent nearly as well-controlled as nuclear. According to a comparison made in Scientific Americanby the science writer Mara Hvistendahl, the fly ash emitted by a power plant a byproduct from burning coal for electricity carries into the surrounding environment 100 times more radiation than a nuclear power plant producing the same amount of energy. Takeaways Id gone into this analysis hoping I could put all these risks into economic terms give them a dollar value, and see if this increased cost simply made nuclear prohibitive. But when I ask Bunn about that he says, Thats the wrong way to think about it. Bunn offers up a simple rubric for thinking about nuclear risk: (a) the risk is often exaggerated, (b) there are options we should be taking to reduce the risk, but (c) the risk cant be reduced to zero, he wrote in an email. In the past, policymakers weighed the risks and doled them out in a way that fell disproportionately on the Navajo and other communities of color. In the future, nuclear plants will only succeed when communities weigh the risks for themselves, and decide they want them, Vestergaard says. Countries are realizing that we cant just go in and build these things, she says. Chinese officials learned this the hard way in 2013, when they decided to build a 500-acre nuclear fuel production park in the industrial Pearl River delta. The government often bulldozes through local objections to development, but in this case the locals won. The community went, Nope. And the government said, Were still doing it, and the communities said, Nope, youre not. And the government said, Oh, I guess were not, Vestergaard explains. Contrast that with the underground repository for nuclear waste that recently opened on Olkiluoto Island, Finland. In that case, officials found a community that was open to the idea, then let locals shape the project. Countries need to educate and work with the people, Vestergaard says. It doesnt matter if its a mine or a waste repository or a nuclear power plant: If you dont have community support, you arent going anywhere. NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller underscored the Alliances strong support for Ukraine during a two-day visit to Kyiv this week. Addressing the Kyiv Security Forum on Friday (13 April 2018), Gottemoeller welcomed Ukraines progress on its reform agenda and stressed the importance of sharing experience and best practices in countering hybrid warfare. The Deputy Secretary General explained the steps NATO is taking to better deter and defend against hybrid or asymmetric threats. We must be more aware and alert, we must be resilient to attacks and we must be ready to respond, she said. Gottemoeller also addressed Russias attempts to undermine international law and welcomed Ukraines solidarity with NATO Allies in responding to the Salisbury attack. During her visit to Kyiv, the Deputy Secretary General met with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Minister of Education and Science Lilia Hrynevych, Deputy Minister of Defence General Anatoliy Petrenko and other senior officials. Later today, she will meet with Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Kostyantyn Yeliseyev. On Sunday, 15 April and Monday, 16 April 2018, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will travel to Turkey. On Monday, the Secretary General will have a meeting with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He will also meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu, and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Nurettin Canikli. Media Advisory 16 April 2018 13:30 (local time) Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs The press conference will be live streamed on the NATO website. Still and video imagery will be available on the NATO website after the event. Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress, @NATODepspox and @jensstoltenberg.) The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will visit the Netherlands on Thursday, 19 April 2018. The Secretary General will meet with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Mark Rutte, the President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Khadija Arib, and the President of the Senate, Ms. Ankie Broekers-Knol. The Secretary General will give a lecture at the Leiden University College The Hague, delivering remarks and taking questions from students. At Leiden University, he will also meet with former NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Media Advisory 14:50 Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the Prime Minister 16:30 Lecture at Leiden University College The Hague: How NATO Adapts to a Changing World The joint press conference and the lecture will be livestreamed on the NATO website. Still and video images will be available from the NATO website after the event. Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress, @NATODepspox and @jensstoltenberg.) The NATO Deputy Secretary General, the Honourable Rose Gottemoeller, will visit Sweden on Sunday, 15 April and Monday, 16 April 2018. Ms. Gottemoeller will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Margot Wallstrom, the Chairman of the Defence Committee, Mr. Bjorn von Sydow, and other senior officials. On Monday 16 April, the Deputy Secretary General will attend the Stockholm Forum on Gender Equality, where she will participate in a panel discussion on Whose security? Gender and Global, Regional, National and Individual Security. The Deputy Secretary General will also deliver remarks. More information on the Stockholm Forum on Gender Equality can be found here: http://genderequalworld.com/ Still images will be available on the NATO website after the event. Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter (@Gottemoeller). Also follow us at (@NATOPress). ROSE GOTTEMOELLER [NATO Deputy Secretary General]: Oh, truly I'm glad to be back on this podium. I remember so well being here last year for this conference and the day the very day I was here the visa-free regime was announced for Ukraine. It was a very exciting day, a very exciting session, and this is a very exciting conference. So, I want to thank you again, Mr Yatsenyuk, for inviting me today. It's quite an honour to be here and good to have a chance to talk to you. Because there has been a lot of progress toward reform in the last year. I wanted to take note as I open my remarks, about the law on national security that has passed its first reading now and that is a very important step. Of course, we at NATO hope that all of the basic principles, the important principles and ideals that are so important to Ukraine's democratic path will be incorporated in the final version, but we are heartened by the passing of the first reading of that bill. And beyond that bill, which is really, you know, part of NATO's core business, our experts have been working with your experts on it, but beyond the national security and defence arena, reforms have also been moving forward in other important areas; health, education, the welfare of the Ukrainian people, and it's impressive for me to have an opportunity to catch up on this as I am here in Kyiv. And I really want to say that it's been evident from the past year that there has been this kind of stability for a serious working environment here in Kyiv and really hope, from where I stand, that there will continuing opportunities to move forward across the reform agenda. It is so very important to continue that serious working process. But here this morning, our emphasis is to talk about the fog of peace and war. And indeed Clausewitz's old dictum about the fog of war has been clouded, because of Russia's use of hybrid, or as we call them sometimes, asymmetric techniques. This has created a fog of neither peace nor war, but of constant crisis and destabilisation. And, in the Donbass, sadly, hot conflict. Cyber-attacks, disinformation, election interference, the use of nerve agents every day these dangers confront us now, with the goal of sowing disunity and breaking our resolve. No-one knows this better than Ukraine, who has been battling these techniques non-stop for the past four years. I know Ukraine has learned a lot about how to fight back. One expert told me last evening that Ukraine has now been more or less vaccinated against disinformation, prepared with the right anti-bodies to fight back. And I think that was a very important comment and I wanted to say how much NATO is looking forward to learning from your experience. We have been very glad in the past year that the joint NATO-Ukraine hybrid warfare platform, this is a platform that is focused on countering hybrid warfare, has been formed. And it's really an important element of how NATO can learn from your experience and learn from the best practices that you have put in place. A core question for us to discuss this morning is what we can do to deter and defend against hybrid or asymmetric threats. The core answer I think lies in this direction: we must be more aware and alert; we must be resilient to attacks, and; we must be ready to respond, perhaps asymmetrically. Let me give you a few examples, just to flesh out what I'm talking about. First of all, we must be more aware and alert; NATO has done a lot to reform our intelligence organisation over the past few years, and one of the key steps we have taken is to form a cell that is focused on the hybrid threats. Working very closely with the EU, by the way, who has also put in place such a cell. That is very, very important, to have that flow of intelligence information and to have intelligence-sharing. We have appreciated the work that Ukraine has been doing to share intelligence with us and we truly have benefited from that. It's building up a common awareness of what these threats are, what they can mean, how they can develop and how they can evolve. All of this is very important. In addition to which, we are I think making better use of open sources, alertness to patterns in the media, including social media. And these patterns, as we recognise them and understand them, they're already bearing fruit in how we react. I will steal I hope the Minister of Defence of Lithuania won't mind me stealing an example from Lithuania's experience. You all of course remember the situation with Lisa in Germany, two summers ago, when there were stories out about a young girl of Russian origin being raped by immigrants in Germany, Muslim immigrants. Suddenly this very same story, which in the end had no truth to it, it was proven to have no truth to it, but really, really caused a lot of difficulties in Germany. Suddenly this story, or a version of it, appeared in Lithuania, with a young girl being assaulted by incoming German troops, serving in the battlegroup. And it was very interesting that the Lithuanian media immediately said, wait a minute, this is part of a pattern, we recognise something is not right here. Immediately dove into it and were able to uncover that there was no truth to the matter. So, it's just another point I want to make, and it's for all our press friends around the room, it's up to you too - Jens Stoltenberg likes to make this point a lot - it's up to you too to look critically at these stories and to try to dig down deep, if there is something in the pattern of the story that doesnt seem right. We need to fight actively against disinformation and propaganda. Now, another area where I think we can continue to work successfully together is crisis management. We need to establish procedures then we need to exercise them regularly, so we can understand how good our decision-making is and we can recognise where there are gaps. We have had some very good crisis management procedures developed in recent years. We are ready to share these with partners. We are working to share them already with Ukraine and training and the exercising together with you will be very important. Another part of managing crises has been to share information and we have been delighted at the degree to which countries in the Alliance, but also partners, have been willing to share information about crises as they unfold, as in the past several weeks the UK has regularly shared very serious and very detailed information about the Skripal case. So, information-sharing, consultation, crisis management, it's all part of the same picture. Now, resilience across the board; I cannot talk more seriously about this matter in the cyber realm, to defend against attacks, energy security; to force back against the dominance of any single actor, such as Gazprom, and, I am sad to say it, CBRN response, Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear. We have to paying attention to the matter of CBRN resilience these days, and I think this too is an important area where our partners, as well as the Allies, can make an important difference, because clearly Ukraine has a lot of experience in the CBRN resilience realm. So, it's a very important area to work, but I am not happy, after all these years of struggling against weapons of mass destruction in so many ways, all of us working to reduce and eliminate chemical weapons, biological weapons, nuclear, radiological threats, that we must be concerned again about CBRN resilience. And that is a point I wanted to really underscore for you, that one of the great negative aspects of what Russia has been doing in recent years is this assault on the rule of international law and the important international regimes and treaties that have provided for so much predictability, and also for reductions and elimination of weapons of mass destruction. So, this is a very extraordinarily serious matter. Now finally, I think we must be ready to respond and perhaps do so asymmetrically. So, as I wrap up, I just wanted to make one remark and that is to express our appreciation and gratitude that Ukraine joined, together with all the Allies and many of our partners, in the response that the UK asked us to develop to the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, with a nerve agent. And so, when Ukraine decided to expel 13 Russians from the representation here, it joined with many Allies, and with the NATO institution itself. We removed the accreditation of several seven rather, Russians who were in the Mission to NATO, and Sec Gen decided not to extend accreditation to three more who had requested it. So, a total of ten Russian diplomats ended up not either not being able to come to NATO or having to leave Brussels and leave our headquarters. And we have taken steps now to lower the number by ten of the ceiling of those in the Russian Mission at NATO. So, all of us have taken steps of that kind. We really appreciate Ukraine's solidarity and working together with us. It's that unity of response that I think has made an impression on the Kremlin, has made an impression on Moscow. So, we will see where it goes. But these are all steps I think we need to continue thinking about how to develop in a decisive way, as we move forward. So, thank you very much for your attention. I appreciate the opportunity. I'm feeling pretty all powerful up here on this box, so maybe I'll return to answer your questions. Thank you very much. General Petr Pavel, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visited Ljubljana10 and 11 April 2018. During his visit, the Chairman met with the President of Slovenia, His Excellency, Borut Pahor, the Minister of Defence, Ms Andreja Katic, the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Major General Alan Geder, the Committee of Defence of the National Assembly, as well as other high ranking military and political officials. In his meeting with President Pahor, discussions centered on NATOs continued adaptation and Slovenias contribution to euro-Atlantic security. General Pavel stated The Western Balkans is a region of strategic importance for NATO. Slovenia plays an important role in the region by increasing the stability and security in this region which benefits stability and security in Europe. Speaking with Ms Andreja Katic, General Pavel commended Slovenia for increasing its defence spending and the progress it has made. The Chairman stressed that it was not just about spending more but investing in key capabilities, and contributing to NATO missions and operations. Major General Geder and General Pavel focused their discussions on NATO Operations, Missions and Activities. They noted that the Alliance needs to continually be prepared to counter any threats from any direction and the importance of interoperability between Allied and Partner forces. The Chairman used the opportunity to thank Slovenia for its important contributions to NATO. He stressed Slovenia helps build stability in Kosovo and throughout the Western Balkans with hundreds of troops in our KFOR mission, Slovenian troops also participate in our training mission in Afghanistan as well as to the enhanced Forward Presence multinational NATO battlegroup in Latvia While in Slovenia, the Chairman also received briefings at the General Staff on the status of the Slovenian Armed Forces, their operations and future plans as well as the NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence. General Pavel delivered a presentation to the Minister of Defence senior officers on Challenges for NATO - today and tomorrow. (Natural News) After months of being denied the drugs needed for lethal injections, the state of Oklahoma will turn to nitrogen gas instead. This will make it the first U.S. state to carry out the death penalty through this method. The announcement was made at a news conference by Oklahoma State Attorney General Mike Hunter and Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh. Speaking before reporters, Hunter said that everything was still in the preliminary stage as there are no known execution protocols on nitrogen gas usage. Once finalized, however, the primary method of execution would be nitrogen hypoxia, or asphyxiation by breathing in physiologically inert gases. An odorless and colorless gas, nitrogen makes up a massive portion of the air breathed in by humans. Nitrogen becomes extremely dangerous on its own. According to LiveScience.com, pure nitrogen kills by displacing oxygen in the lungs. This, in turn, can lead to unconsciousness in the span of one or two breaths. Within five minutes, brain cells will begin to die off due to oxygen deprivation, and death can follow soon after. Nitrogen hypoxia most often applied to self-administered and assisted suicide by way of a suicide bag. Also known as an exit bag, this euthanasia device consists of a plastic bag and a drawcord. Nitrogen hypoxia has been studied as a means of suicide and as it relates to pilots for decades and its benefits are its not a complicated medical procedure, nor does it require pharmaceuticals that might be restricted in supply, Michael Copeland, assistant professor of criminology at East Central University in Ada, explained to OklahomaWatch.org. The promise of a rapid demise is what prompted Oklahoma legislators to endorse nitrogen gas inhalation as the backup execution method in 2015. This occurred as a result of the state waiting for the U.S. Supreme Courts rulings on how they performed lethal injections. I believe in justice for victims and their families, and in capital punishment as appropriate for dealing with those who commit these crimes. Using an inert gas will be effective, simple to administer, easy to obtain and requires no complex medical procedures, said Hunter. Currently, there is no set date for these executions. No execution protocols regarding nitrogen hypoxia exist, meaning that state officials have only recently undertaken developing them. Though, as per Allbaugh, delivery of nitrogen gas will most likely be through a mask. Furthermore, the lawsuit filed by death row inmates stipulates that no execution date will be settled upon until 150 days after the protocol has been developed, which in itself is expected to take about 90 days at the least. Will history repeat itself? Response to the announcement has been swift. Dale Baich, an attorney for 20 of Oklahomas death row inmates, has criticized the move, stating: Instead of following the recommendations of the Oklahoma Death (Penalty) Review Commission, the attorney general and Department of Corrections took a different course by adopting this new method of execution. Oklahoma is once again asking its citizens to trust its officials as they learn on the job through a new execution procedure and method. How can we trust Oklahoma to get this right when the state has the recent history that reveals a culture of carelessness and mistakes? In the last five years, Oklahoma has gained a small level of infamy after the occurrence of two high-profile, botched executions. The first was Clayton Locketts execution in 2014. Lockett, who had been convicted of kidnapping, murder, and rape, was injected with a combination of midazolam, vecuronium bromide, and potassium chloride. Though declared unconscious at first, Lockett began to struggle after three minutes and continued to do so for over 40 minutes before finally succumbing to a heart attack. (Related: Ohio slowly executes man with agonizing experimental lethal injection that almost didnt work.) The second was Charles Warners execution in 2015. Warner, who was charged with the rape and murder of an 11-month-old girl in 1997, was given potassium acetate instead of potassium chloride. His entire execution lasted a lengthy 18 minutes. While Warner was said to have showed no signs of distress, his last words before dying were: My body is on fire. Oklahoma has not carried out any executions since Warners death. Visit Shootings.news to read up on more news stories revolving around crime and punishment. Sources include: LiveScience.com OklahomaWatch.org (Natural News) The debate over privacy versus security is one that dates back hundreds of years, really to the inception to the United States itself. Ben Franklin, for example, once famously declared that, those who would give up their liberty for some security deserve neither liberty nor security. Others strongly disagree, arguing that surrendering some liberty is necessary so that the government can ensure safety and security for all. This debate is arguably more vigorous today than it ever has been, considering the emergence of the Internet and advancements in technology. Many people are likely unaware of this, but police commonly use Google to gather information on and ultimately track down criminal behavior. According to Googles own Transparency Report Help Center, A variety of laws allow government agencies to investigate regulatory violations or criminal activity. Google receives requests for user data from government agencies investigating criminal activity, administrative agencies, courts and others. Google explains further that law enforcement can submit data requests to Google, Inc. in person, via fax, regular mail, email or through Googles online Law Enforcement Request System (LERS). As far as the types of data that Google discloses to government agencies, Google states that information is typically requested from four services: Gmail, YouTube, Google Voice and Blogger, each of which provides law enforcement with unique data. With a court order to examine an individuals Gmail address, for instance, law enforcement may obtain non-content email header information, while a search warrant to examine an individuals YouTube account may grant law enforcement access to copies of private videos or private message content. In the past, law enforcement has used information from Google to help them track down criminals and bring them to justice. Just last month, WRAL.com reported on two seemingly unrelated cases that occurred back in 2015 and 2016 in which law enforcement was able to convince a judge to order Google to hand over account identifiers on every single cellphone that was in the area of the crime scenes during certain times on the days that the crimes took place. In at least four investigations last year Raleigh police used search warrants to demand Google accounts not of specific suspects but from any mobile devices that veered too close to the scene of a crime, WRAL News reported, adding, These warrants often prevent the technology giant for months from disclosing information about the searches not just to potential suspects, but to any users swept up in the search. (Related: Google is recording everything that you search and say). Its very easy to look at this and come to the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with a system that helps law enforcement track down criminals and bring them to justice using information from the Internet. There is, however, some legitimate concern over privacy rights being violated, not for criminals but for average, everyday American citizens. WRAL News made it clear that at least four investigations this year that have been conducted by Raleigh police have examined the personal information from any mobile device that was close to the crime scene. This means that hundreds of American citizens even those who did nothing wrong had their data disclosed by Google and their constitutional privacy rights violated. (Related: Googles latest assault on your privacy comes in the form of a tiny smart camera designed to autonomously monitor and document your every move.) As a country that deeply values both liberty and security, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies and Google should look for better and more efficient ways to both use technology to track down criminals while simultaneously respecting the constitutional rights of the American people. There needs to be a balance, as choosing one over the other can be disastrous. Sources include: Support.Google.com WRAL.com (Natural News) There have been a lot of stories about tigers and other predators attacking people and livestock. While this may have created a negative perception of tigers, a new study asks us to reconsider: In a paper in the journal Biological Conservation, researchers from Bhutan found that farmers and livestock can actually benefit from having tigers live near them. Tigers that live in the deepest habitats push two other predators leopards and dholes (a type of wild dog) away and closer to human villages and agricultural places. Despite the setup, this doesnt endanger the people and the livestock. In fact, leopards and dholes prey on smaller plant-eating animals like wild pigs that consume the farmers crops. The crops and the farmers who planted them win in the end. It also allows livestock to thrive as well. In Bhutan, domestic animals usually roam the forests surrounding the villages. Youd think these tigers would prey on livestock when they enter forests, but there arent a lot of tigers left in the area. Moreover, leopards and dholes, which should be the main predators, have already been pushed towards croplands where there are fewer livestock animals. The result an overall reduction in livestock losses. Livestock and crop losses are two big issues faced by the agro-pastoralists in Bhutan, explained lead author Phuntsho Thinley, who is also a principal research officer with the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research in Bhutan. I wanted to study the core underlying causes of the issues in order to devise pragmatic solutions. Thinley and his colleagues surmised that the presence of a tiger would drastically lessen crop damage due to herbivores. That means adding $450 a year in each familys pockets. Livestock losses would also go down to an average of 2.4 animals per farm, or a savings of $1,120 a year. Since per capita income of Bhutan is around $2,200, thats an economic windfall from the tigers. The good news is, the Bhutan government is using the results of Thinleys studies to help local farmers. He says that the national government is including his recommendations in its environmental conservation plans. John Goodrich, senior tiger program director for Panthera, a global wild-cat conservation organization, also finds the study useful and thinks it could be applied elsewhere. For one, it could take the blame off tigers for livestock losses. It could also reduce the snares around crops which traps not just herbivores but anything that comes near. The study is also a big boost to tigers, whose numbers are dwindling no thanks to poaching and habitat loss. In the last 80 years, three of the original nine subspecies of tigers have become extinct: The situation has grown so bad, all wild tigers may become extinct in the next decade. (Related: Your toilet or tissue paper may be contributing to extinction of tigers.) Practical ways to save the tiger How then, do you save this big cat from the brink of extinction? Here are some ways you can help: Spread the word Let others know that the tiger and its habitat are in danger and that the animals need help. You can hold forums (or join existing ones) on the web to discuss and exchange ideas on tiger conservation. Let others know that the tiger and its habitat are in danger and that the animals need help. You can hold forums (or join existing ones) on the web to discuss and exchange ideas on tiger conservation. Be a good tourist Enjoy the wilderness, but dont disturb or harm it in any way. Follow the rules and guidelines in tiger reserves. Enjoy the wilderness, but dont disturb or harm it in any way. Follow the rules and guidelines in tiger reserves. Reach out to policymakers Send polite emails to decision-makers who can help conserve the tiger population. Contact your local officials as well. Send polite emails to decision-makers who can help conserve the tiger population. Contact your local officials as well. Reject tiger trade Dont buy tiger parts and items from tiger derivatives. When you save tigers, you also help farmers and livestock growers earn more. You not only help save a species from extinction, but you also help an entire community. Read Discoveries.news for more fascinating scientific discoveries. Sources include: ScientificAmerican.com WWFIndia.org TigersinCrisis.com (Natural News) The conventional treatment for mental disorders uses various synthetic medications to suppress the faulty processes. These drugs have numerous negative side effects, so an article by American Herbalists Guild recommends plant-based supplements that can assist emotional balance. These supplements are rich in adaptogens, which are natural substances that calm the body. Many of them are nervines, plant remedies that directly benefit the nervous system. Valerian balances and regulates the autonomic nervous system, resulting in heightened calm. It soothes the panicking condition of the acute or chronic psychotic state, especially if the patient is inclined toward violent reactions, and it also helps insomniacs sleep faster. Passion flower is recommended for people who are grieving or suffering from actual palpitations. It works well with valerian. Milky oats is not just a gentle and reliable nerve tonic. Its also quite nutritious, which aids the recovery of many patients who cannot eat properly. Furthermore, it is reputed to help reduce addictions to drugs. Milky oats are recommended for people who have undergone an acute crisis, such as the convalescent stages of mania or psychosis. (Related: Huge victory for natural medicine in Australia as nation rejects pharma-engineered attempt to outlaw nearly all herbs.) Adaptogenic herbs and nervines alleviate worries Hypericum perforatum or St. Johns Wort may help with psychiatric and neurological conditions. Tonics made from this plant relax the limbic system and alleviates mild and moderate cases of depression. Black cohosh is a complement to Hypericum in that it helps alleviate the deep, dark depressions associated with certain types of psychosis. Its also known for its use by women to lift their mood and help them focus during PMS or menopause. Kava comes from the South Sea Islands. A drink concocted from its roots was served during gatherings to heighten consciousness and encourage people to be more open to each other. It greatly lifts moods and is a good partner with black cohosh. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) invigorates brain and nervous tissue. Acknowledged by Ayurvedic medicine, it improves concentration, increases calmness, clears the mind, and aids memory. Dr. Vasant Lad says Gotu kola balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain, thereby reducing bipolar and schizophrenic states. It also supports the immune and adrenal systems for better stress adaptation. Tinctures made from the spiny devils club (Oplopanax horridum) are said to increase self-confidence in patients who suffer from anxiety. Oplopanax helps regulate blood sugar, thereby alleviating emotional symptoms linked to unstable plasma glucose. Similar adaptogenic herbs include Eleutherococcus and licorice, with the latter also supporting liver function. Panax ginseng stimulates patients with catatonia, severe depression, or indolence. Herbs that support metabolism, digestion, and emotions A strained metabolic system can cause or worsen mental conditions, and so can gastrointestinal issues. Addressing liver, kidney, and stomach problems can improve the symptoms of mental issues. Dandelion root, Oregon grape root, milk thistle, juniper, and gentian can support digestive functions and absorption of nutrients. There are also highly-nutritious alternatives herbs that restore bodily function by detoxifying blood like burdock, red clover, and nettles. There are also specific herbs used for psycho-emotional disorders. For instance, the smoke from burning sagebrush contains volatile oils that are cleansing and antidepressant. It has the added bonus of killing parasites. As for flower essences, theres one for every aspect of the emotional sphere. Bach flowers mediate acute panic and terror, while clematis helps bring people out of vacant states. Gorse, mustard, and sweet chestnut relieve feelings of anguish, deep despair, and depression. Oregon grape and aspen do the same for paranoia, as does cherry plum for desperation and fear of impending insanity. Learn more about herbal supplements at AlternativeMedicine.news. Sources include: AmericanHerbalistsGuild.com [PDF] NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov An initiative to split California into three states has received enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, its author says. Venture capitalist Tim Draper said backers of what he has dubbed "CAL 3" would submit petitions with more than 600,000 signatures to election officials next week. The initiative needs signatures from 365,880 registered voters -- 5 percent of the total votes cast for governor in the 2014 election -- to qualify for the ballot.[[453714573,C]] "This is an unprecedented show of support on behalf of every corner of California to create three state governments that emphasize representation, responsiveness, reliability and regional identity," Draper said. Splitting California into three states would require congressional approval. One proposed state would be called California or a name to be chosen by its residents after a split. It would consist of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and San Benito counties. A second state, Southern California or a name to be chosen by its residents, would consist of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Fresno, Tulare, Inyo, Madera and Mono counties. The remaining 40 counties would be part of the state of Northern California or a name chosen by its residents. Draper said he conceived the initiative out of a belief that "the citizens of the whole state would be better served by three smaller state governments while preserving the historical boundaries of the various counties, cities and towns."[[479522393,C]] Steven Maviglio, a longtime Democratic Party political consultant who was a co-chair of the effort to oppose Draper's 2014 initiative to split California into six states, told City News Service, "Splitting California into three and creating three new governments does nothing to solve our state's challenges other than tripling them." "CAL 3" has no connection to efforts to have California secede from the United States. [[453673263, C]] Hundreds of students at California Polytechnic State University held an emergency town hall at the San Luis Obispo campus to denounce racism and intolerance after social media posts showed a fraternity member in blackface and others dressed as gangster stereotypes and throwing gang signs. The Tribune reports that students demanded action during the meeting Monday night. The Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity has been placed on interim suspension while the university reviews the situation. Cal Poly Dean of Students Kathleen McMahon says in a news release that racism and hate are unwelcome and the university is focused on enhancing diversity. In a statement to the school newspaper, the Mustang News, the fraternity said it was sorry and embarrassed for failing to recognize the racial impacts this brought forth. The statement says the photo was taken at a fraternity event Saturday. The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, is wooing Czech investors to the agricultural sector in Ghana. He has told Czech investors that Ghana has some of the best policies for foreign investors and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity to invest in the countrys agricultural sector. Dr Akoto was addressing a Czech Republic-Ghana agro-food business forum at the ongoing TECHAGRO 2018 exhibition in Brno in the Czech Republic. The exhibition, which is a specialised agricultural fair, has brought together 732 exhibitors from European countries who are showcasing cutting-edge technology in agriculture and the agricultural value chain. On display are heavy-to-light-duty agricultural machinery, the latest farming technology and innovations, as well as modern processing methods of farm products. There are also on display modern storage and preservation methods for foodstuffs and processed food items, animal husbandry, as well as animal products. Open invitation Dr Akoto explained that the Ghanaian delegation was in the Czech Republic and particularly at the fair to attract the Czech business community to invest in Ghanas agricultural sector. He, consequently, threw an open invitation to the business community in the Czech Republic to consider venturing into partnerships with their Ghanaian counterparts in the various aspects of the agricultural value chain in Ghana. Policies to protect investors On the policies in place for foreign investors, Ghanas Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Madam Virginia Hesse, told the investors that there were three institutions in place in Ghana to assist investors the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Free Zones Board. Ghana Embassy She assured the investors of protection for their investment, adding that they would not regret investing in Ghana because doing so meant investing in the whole of West Africa. She said the Ghana Embassy in the Czech Republic was ready and prepared to assist any Czech investor who had plans to invest in Ghana. In a remark, the Czech Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Margita Fuchsova, said the visit by Dr Akoto was significant because he was the second Ghanaian Agriculture Minister to visit the Czech Republic, after the first visit to that country by a Ghanaian Agriculture Minister 55 years ago. She said Ghana and the Czech Republic had long-standing relations which had opened various opportunities for the two countries to attain their development goals. Trade Making a presentation on trade between the two countries, a representative from the Trade and International Corporation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Ms Tereza Cerna, noted that Ghana was not among the 10 top African countries that traded with the Czech Republic. She, therefore, stressed the need for the two countries to intensify their trading activities to change the status. Source: Graphic.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A South Bay man gained the attention of police agencies after being on several babysitting sites with different profiles. He appears as 24-year-old Victor M. with four years of experience on one site and as Alex M. with 10 years of experience on another. Thats scary, said parent Eugene Withrow, I already have trouble trusting people. Authorities found two other profiles from the same man on two other babysitting sites, one being the popular Care.com. The company said they spoke with local police and are in the process of removing the mans profile from its site. We have a dedicated safety team that reviews every care provider profile for suspicious and inappropriate content and investigates job posts, profiles and messages that are flagged by members as objectionable, the company said in a statement. Other sites like Sitter.com alert parents to conduct their own background checks before hiring anyone. Im just not sure, you know, whats going on, said parent Rachael Ishaya, You can look as much as you can, as far as background. Police say the bottom line is parents should always know who is going into their home and who might be taking care of their children. A Chicago woman claims police raided her home searching for a man who doesnt live there and who she says she doesnt know. Chardanee Thompson, who lives in the citys Washington Park neighborhood on the South Side, said police ransacked her apartment after appearing with a warrant for a man she doesnt know about 9:26 p.m. Tuesday night. She was not home at the time of the alleged raid. She originally thought she had been robbed, she said. Chicago police said they were looking into this Thursday night and would have more details Friday. "We take this seriously and have (a) process to repair damaged dwellings if that's what occurred," department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in an email. Thompson says officers took her money for her car note, rent and food and refuse to return the $1,200 in cash. The warrant says she has to go to court to get back any belongings taken by police. They also took an unopened envelope with her application for a firearm owner identification card. Thompson said a cop left a card with their number on it for her with the buildings managers. When she went to the department with the managers, she said, officers there gave her a narcotics number that provided her with no answers. Former FBI director James Comey is coming to Chicago to promote his new memoir that chronicles his government career, including his time with President Donald Trump. Comeys local appearance, set for April 20 at the 1,500-seat Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St., is part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. The event quickly sold out and the waitlist is full, according to the Chicago Humanities Festival website. A handful of resale tickets for the event are going for $500-$1,000 each on StubHub, well above the face values ranging from $35 for students and teachers to $60 for the general public. Comeys book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, And Leadership, releases next Tuesday but has already garnered a huge amount of attention as early excerpts have been published. In the book, Comey refers to Trump as unethical and untethered to truth, the Associated Press reported Thursday. Trump on Friday unleashed a series of tweets calling Comey a weak and untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. Trumps sudden May 2017 firing of Comey drew intense criticism from critics. The former director gave a live televised testimony to the U.S. Senate a month later, drawing 19.5 million viewers. An Indiana parolee was charged with shoving packages of meat and cans of V8 juice down his pants at a grocery store, the Times of Northwest Indiana reports. John Kale, 44, of Hobart, was charged with theft after police said an employee of Strack & Van Til caught him sticking the products in his pants. An employee told the cops there had been issues with meat being stolen from the store recently during the morning shift. Police arrived at the store, which is located in the 900 block of West Old Ridge Road, and arrested Kale for the alleged meat and juice thefts. It was not immediately clear what Kale was on parole for at the time of his arrest. The superintendent of West Haven Schools says the district is considering cutting staff in response to the mayors proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. The West Haven budget will not be finalized until next month and no layoff notices have been sent. But Superintendent Neil Cavallaro told NBC Connecticut that he and the Board of Education are facing tough decisions with the upcoming budget. They asked for an additional $1.7 million in funding, but Mayor Nancy Rossi said she can only allocate an additional $400,000, as the city faces a $9 million shortfall through next year. Louise Martone runs a small business in West Haven and has had two children go through the citys school system. I love the town I just think that unfortunately we found ourselves in a situation where there needs to be some cuts, Martone said. Shes now on the City Council, serving as the chairwoman of the Finance Committee. I think every elected official including the mayor should take 10 percent cut, it should go all the way down, listen Im a council person, Id forgo my pay, she said. Cavallaro said district staff has made concessions in recent years. We have several unions went at least two years without a pay increase, our teachers went into a new medical plan which saved the district and the city some money, he explained. But with only so much wiggle room in next years budget, teachers could be impacted, and there could be layoffs. Cavallaro said asking staff to take furlough days may be an option to avoid more drastic cuts. We would go to any one of our unions and say look in lieu of layoffs which you consider whatever we come up with, he told NBC Connecticut. Martone offered some advice. He should look at his line items and stay away from the teachers and paras, she said. And Cavallaro has a message for West Havens teachers. I dont want anybody on my staff now to start looking for jobs in other districts because I feel like Ive got a great staff, he said. Right now the mayor is not proposing a tax increase. When asked if shed consider taking a pay cut, she said shes reduced staff in her office and did not take the citys health insurance. The mayor also said shell continue looking to make cuts from city operations in hopes of avoiding teacher layoffs. The Middletown City Council voted Thursday to tear down a downtown parking garage that was forced to shut down earlier this year due to unsafe conditions, but the solution to that safety problem creates a new problem a lack of available parking space. The parking arcade once offered 300 parking spaces. Parking Director Geen Thazhampallath said the city closed the bottom level almost two years ago due to safety concerns. The top level, about 175 public spots, was forced to close in early March. Residents who spoke to NBC Connecticut said a solution for the parking problems cant come soon enough. Where are we going to park? We went up and down the street and kept thinking that we saw spots but they were handicapped, said Essex resident Shelia Myers. Residents and visitors alike all know finding a spot to park in downtown Middletown can be a struggle. It can be frustrating. You want to go this place and youre wondering if you can find a spot there, Middletown resident Justin Olson said. But city officials said they had no choice but to shut the parking arcade down. Over the last 10 years the garage started to deteriorate. Concrete would crumble and fall from the upper level of the garage, and water would seep into electrical boxes causing sparks and joints were wearing out fast. From some parts of the lower garage, the sky is visible. Middletown Parking Garage Forced to Close Id rather have people frustrated than have somebody die in a catastrophic accident, said Middletown Mayor Dan Drew (D) At a special City Council meeting members voted to approve $750,000 to be spent on the takedown of the deteriorating structure. You saw what happened in Florida a couple weeks ago Im not going to take any chances. Im not going to take any chances. Im not going to have that responsibility of seeing someone get hurt because we didnt do the right thing because we were afraid of some backlash, Drew said. The council issued bonds of an equal amount to cover the appropriation of the funds for the project. Some councilmembers expressed concerns over the process leading up to the vote and wonder about the projects execution. But the mayor said for safetys sake, now is the time to act on the issue. At the end of the day this is our responsibility and were not going to play around with peoples lives, Drew said. Drew told NBC Connecticut he wants to begin the demolition process as soon as possible. He said theyll be asking the City Council for a bid waiver for the project. In the meantime, to make up for ome of the lost parking, theyll be adding street parking spaces. This time of year, many Connecticut residents are keeping a close eye on their mailboxes for that all-important tax refund. But what do you do if it doesnt show up? When Katherine Asselin realized she hadnt seen her return after filing early, she said she was beyond frustrated with her bank. Its incredibly upsetting, Asselin said. The Danbury resident waited for her $1900 tax refund to appear in her Bank of America account. She reviewed her refund documents and discovered on her tax form, she had mixed up two numbers on her checking account. Im kicking myself, Asselin said. I realize, its my mistake. I own that. I fully understand that. Asselin went on IRS.gov and checked their refund tracker. The service indicated the refund was deposited, except it wasnt put into her bank account. I dont know where it went at that point. I had no idea whose account it went in to, Asselin said. She called her bank where a representative told her to call the IRS. The IRS pointed her back to the bank. Ive spent numerous hours on the phone with Bank of America with the IRS trying to track it down to see what my options are, Asselin said. Asselin said a bank employee told her the money went into someone elses account. The bank said it did what she told them to do. A Bank of America spokesperson told NBC Connecticut Responds: The bank does not have the authority to reverse transactions that were performed correctly according to the instructions of the sender. If the account number Asselin entered was invalid, the bank would have rejected the deposit and returned the money to the IRS, which would then cut her a paper check. Its unfortunate that this person hasnt come forward and said something about it, because in that case Bank of America would be able to do something, Asselin said. The IRS initiated a trace on her refund, but it told her that could take months. At this point, Asselin just wants her money. Those are my taxes, Asselin said. I worked really hard for that. Asselin said shes planning to file a police report while the IRS tracks down her tax return. Global warming is likely slowing the main Atlantic Ocean circulation, which has plunged to its weakest level on record, according to a new study. The slowdown in the circulation a crucial part of Earth's climate had been predicted by computer models, but researchers said they can now observe it. It could make for more extreme weather across the Northern Hemisphere, especially Europe, and could increase sea level rise along the U.S. East Coast, they said. The slowdown also raises the prospect of a complete circulation shutdown, which would be a dangerous "tipping point," according to a study in Wednesday's journal Nature. Such a shutdown was the premise of the scientifically inaccurate 2004 disaster movie "The Day After Tomorrow." Study authors said a collapse is at least decades away but would be a catastrophe. "We know somewhere out there is a tipping point where this current system is likely to break down," said study co-author Stefan Rahmstorf, a climate scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. "We still don't know how far away or close to this tipping point we might be. ... This is uncharted territory." Some other scientists are skeptical, citing a scarcity of data. The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, called AMOC, is a key conveyor belt for ocean water and air, creating weather. Warm salty water moves north from the tropics along the Gulf Stream off the U.S. East Coast to the North Atlantic, where it cools, sinks and heads south. The faster it moves, the more water is turned over from warm surface to cool depths. "This overturning circulation redistributes heat on our planet," said study lead author Levke Caesar, a physicist at the Potsdam Institute. "It brings heat from the tropics to the high latitudes." The Caesar study and another one published in the same issue of Nature by a different team indicate that the Atlantic's circulation is the weakest it's been in about 1,500 years. And the slowdown is intensifying. Since the middle of the 20th century, the speed at which the ocean moves water in the AMOC has dropped 15 percent, the study found, using cold subpolar water temperatures as an indirect measurement. And it has plummeted in recent years, the study concluded. The Gulf Stream, the warm water current where hurricanes can power up, historically veers away from the United States around the Carolinas or Virginia. The Gulf Stream now hugs closer to coast around New York, and there's a significantly warmer bulge around Maine related to the circulation slowdown, Rahmstorf and Caesar said. The northern U.S. Atlantic coastal waters have warmed faster than most parts of the ocean in recent decades, researchers said. Scientists blame global warming in a couple of ways. Warmer water lessens the amount of cooling and makes it harder for the water to sink and turn over. Ice sheets and glaciers in Greenland are melting and the fresh water is pouring into the area where the water turns over, making it less salty, less dense and therefore less likely to sink. There's also more rain and snow in northern areas and more evaporation in southern areas, altering the flow, Rahmstorf said. "It's a slow change at the moment, but we're changing it," Caesar said. "One danger is in the unknown of what will happen. We should expect changes." Rahmstorf and Caesar looked at an established cold patch about 2 million square miles (5.2 million square kilometers), or the size of India and Mexico combined as the indirect measurements for the speed of the AMOC, calling it a fingerprint of the ocean circulation. It's clear that the circulation is weakening, said Colorado State hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach, who wasn't part of the studies. Decades ago, that would have meant weaker Atlantic hurricane activity, but that hasn't been happening and it could mean there is a difference in weakening in winter and summer, he said. Andreas Schmittner at Oregon State University, who also wasn't part of the studies, said the Potsdam group's analysis makes sense, adding that as the world emits more greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels, we can expect it to slow further. But MIT's Carl Wunsch said that the paper's "assertions of weakening are conceivable, but unsupported by any data." And Kevin Trenberth of the National Center for Atmospheric Research said his recent work faults regular cycles in the atmosphere more than the ocean. He said the Potsdam study doesn't explain year to year variability, while atmospheric cycles do. Rahmstorf said his study averages data over a decade at a time to render year-to-year changes less meaningful. The work shows that it is ocean circulation that drives the changes in atmosphere, not the other way around, he said. Firefighters in Plano are battling a house fire on the 1300 block of Auburn Place.[[479557373, R]] When Texas Sky Ranger arrived Thursday afternoon, heavy flames were showing through the garage of the two-story structure. All of the residents are out of the home and no injuries have been reported. Fire officials said the fire had spread into the attic and that firefighters were fighting the fire with handlines and from a ladder truck. After beating the flames back and nearly gaining control of the fire, it appeared to regain strength after spreading further through the attic. Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As this story is developing, elements may change. What to Know Officer Sean Gannon, a member of the K9 unit at the Yarmouth Police Department, was serving a warrant a Marstons Mills home when he was shot The 32-year-old was taken to Cape Cod Hospital where he later passed away Following a standoff, police arrested Thomas Latanowich, 29. He is being charged with murder. Latanowich has had more than 100 prior arrests A police officer was shot and killed while serving a warrant at a Cape Cod home on Thursday afternoon. Officer Sean Gannon, 32, a member of the Yarmouth police K9 unit, was serving a warrant at a home on Blueberry Lane in the Marstons Mills area of Barnstable when he was shot. Gannon was taken to Cape Cod Hospital, where he later died. Gannon's police dog Nero was also shot. He underwent emergency surgery and is recovering at an undisclosed location on Cape Cod. Police Pay Tribute to Fallen Yarmouth Officer "With deep sorrow and heavy hearts the Yarmouth Police Department reports the loss of Officer Sean Gannon," the department wrote on Facebook Thursday night. "I treat all of my officers like they are my own sons and daughters," Yarmouth Police Chief Fred Fredrickson said. "To lose one is like losing my own." The suspect, 29-year-old Thomas Latanowich, of Somerville, was taken into custody after a standoff with police. Sharon Ellis, who lives on Blueberry Lane, looked out her window Thursday and saw three people enter the home where the shooting took place. The next thing she knew, there was chaos. "We did hear what I believed to be a couple of gunshots," she said. "It was all kinds of crazy." Latanowich has been charged with murder in Gannon's death. He was ordered held without bail at his arraignment Friday in the First District Court of Barnstable. When Latanowich was arrested in December of 2016 and charged in a non-fatal stabbing, Yarmouth police described him as a "notorious and violent criminal" with over 100 prior criminal charges in Massachusetts. A warrant was issued for his arrest last week after he violated his probation by being absent for a home visit and missing drug test. Yarmouth Police Fellow police departments and other public officials have been showing their support for Gannon, his family members and his colleagues on social media. Gannon's cruiser is on display outside the Yarmouth Police Department, covered in black-and-purple bunting. A makeshift memorial has been set up in his honor, and flags at the station are flying at half-staff. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Officer Gannon," Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement Thursday. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Yarmouth Police Department after this tragic loss. The Commonwealth is blessed to have courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day." Some concerned parents of the State Experimental M/A Basic School in Kumasi, have expressed concern over an attempt by the school authorities to prevent the introduction of the government school feeding programme in the school. They have resolved to petition the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to probe the issue. Additionally, they would use every legal means to stop the school authorities from blocking the government initiative to relieve them of some of their financial burdens. Mr Jacob Akombilla, spokesperson for the group told the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi that the parents were determined to go all out to ensure the introduction of the programme and stop the compulsory payment of canteen fees in the school. We are petitioning the Ministry of Education to probe this issue since parents are being forced by the authorities to pay canteen fees for their wards, Mr. Akombilla, stated. He said the compulsory payment of canteen fees had over the years, been a source of financial burden on parents in their quest to meet the educational needs of their children and the selection of the school to participate in the government school feeding programme therefore, came as a big relief to both the children and parents. Mr Akombilla indicated that the parents were baffled at the way the school authorities were trying to prevent the introduction of the programme and rather, wanted to compel them to continue to pay for the canteen fees. We find this to be unlawful and we have resolved not to give in to the pressure from the authorities, he said, adding that anything otherwise would receive resistance by the parents. When contacted, Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Georgina Biney, denied that they were against the introduction of the school feeding programme. Officially, the School Feeding Programme Secretariat has made it known to the authorities of their intention to add our school to educational institutions benefiting from the programme, and we have no objection to that, she stressed. On the payment of the canteen fees, Mrs. Biney admitted that since 1960 when the school was established, it had been its policy for parents to pay for canteen fees for their wards. This, she said, formed a component of their school fees and that parents were already aware of this policy. Mr. Mark Ofori, Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the GES, reacting to the issue, said the GES had taken the issue up and were investigating for the right thing to be done. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video More victims came forward Thursday in the case of a man selling sick puppies to people over the internet. Dozens of animals were seized from a High Desert man's home Wednesday after he was accused of running a puppy mill and selling sick puppies for high prices across SoCal. Officers with the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley executed a search warrant at the Phelan home of Rick Kenney. The man calls himself a pastor on his Facebook page. Investigators believe the man and his family sold dozens of sick dogs to people all over Southern California. At his Phelan home, dozens of animals were found living in filthy conditions. Since the story originally broke on NBC4, the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley said more and more people have been calling claiming they are also victims. One of those victims is May, a woman who said she is a victim of buying a sick puppy. She didn't want to share her full name because she is afraid for her safety. "Once I held that dog, I completely fell in love," she said. May recently bought a puppy she named Caitlin from a seller on the internet. Days later, May said Caitlin got extremely sick and took her to a vet. "[She] tested positive for a giardia," May said. Caitlin had a parasite that while common, does causes severe diarrhea. After spending about two thousand dollars and many sleepless night. "I didn't sleep one second," May said. Caitlin pulled through but May said when she tried to contact the seller, she found out he used a fake name and number. Kenney was found to be a convicted felon who was arrested Wednesday for allegedly possessing a firearm. The arrest happened during the search at his Phelan. Officers seized more than 30 dogs as part of an ongoing puppy mill investigation. This isn't the first time these family members have been accused of selling sick animals. NBC4 reported in 2011 that Kenney's wife, Trina Kenney, was convicted in for selling sick horses on the internet. The NBC4 I-Team reported she was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison. May hopes for a similar result in the puppy mill case. "Selling sick puppies; it's just horrible, horrible," May said. There are nearly two-dozen victims claiming to have a sick puppy. A TV producer who once worked on "Jerry Springer" was arrested Thursday on suspicion of murder in connection with her partly blind and deaf sister's 2015 slaying in Studio City, the Los Angeles Police Department said. The Los Angeles Police Department in cooperation with Baltimore police arrested Jill Blackstone on suspicion of murder and three counts of animal cruelty early Thursday at a hospital in Maryland. Homicide detectives contend that Blackstone, who also worked on shows like "Divorce Court," "The Tony Danza Show" and "Family Court with Judge Penny," drugged her sister, Wendy, on March 14, 2015. They then said she put Wendy, who was deaf and partially blind, and three pet dogs in a garage before setting it on fire, police said. Wendy Blackstone, 49, reportedly appeared to have left a suicide note, and was found in the carbon monoxide-filled garage. NBC4 reached out to the coroner's office, but had not received comment. Jill Blackstone was reportedly arrested in the days following the death. Prosecutors, however, declined to file any charges, and she was released. After a lengthy investigation, detectives now say Jill staged the death to look like an accident after growing frustrated with caring for her sister, and the subsequent financial burden. The complex investigation, which included numerous interviews and forensic evidence, ultimately led to an arrest warrant for Blackstone in March of 2018. She was in the custody of Baltimore police, and awaiting extradition. A Mexican-born veteran who was twice deported and waged a years-long fight to return to the U.S. became an American citizen Friday in a ceremony in San Diego. "The citizenship only validates what Ive always felt in my heart: Im a proud American patriot," Hector Barajas-Varela said to cheers from supporters and veterans groups outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) building. Barajas-Varela was sworn in at a private naturalization ceremony surrounded by loved ones, a move made possible by Gov. Jerry Browns pardon of a criminal offense last year. "I want to thank Gov. Jerry Brown for this historic pardon, which was my biggest barrier," Barajas-Varela said. "He showed that California has upheld its values and is supportive of immigrants like me." Barajas-Varela was departed in 2004 after serving two years in prison for shooting at an occupied vehicle in 2002. He made his way back to the U.S. before being deported again in 2010. Last month, Barajas-Varela learned he was granted U.S. citizenship. Brown removed a major obstacle to citizenship by pardoning him last year, noting his distinguished military service and advocacy work. "I'm in the United States," Barajas-Varela said in a Facebook Live post shortly after crossing the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Before crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a crowd of friends, community members and other deported veterans gathered for a sendoff outside the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, which Barajas-Varela founded in 2013. "All the brothers that are still here, you know, we have the motto of 'leave no man behind.' But, I told you guys I wish could take you take you guys with me." Barajas-Varela said choking back tears, to which a man in the crowd replied, "well get there, buddy." He then departed Tijuana en route to downtown San Diego, where he would pledge his allegiance to the U.S. and be sworn-in as an American citizen. During his eight years living in Tijuana, Barajas-Varela worked directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in San Diego to launch the Deported Veterans Support House health clinic. Through the clinic, he helped dozens of veterans receive benefits, including psychological exams, employment counselors and help from lawyers. "My biggest dream is to see all my brothers and sisters go home to the country theyre willing to die for," Barajas-Varela said Friday. He is believed to be the first deported veteran that has been granted U.S. citizenship. His story is bringing hope to other deported veterans and veterans stateside facing deportation proceedings. "Now finally we can say 'yes,' he has opened the doors for the other veterans," said Manuel Valenzuela, a veteran facing possible deportation. Valenzuela vowed to Barajas-Varela that he would make it to San Diego for his U.S. arrival, and made the trip from Colorado Springs to follow through on a promise he made nine years earlier when the two first met. Valenzuela told NBC 7 after the ceremony the two will go to church together. Barajas-Varela was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, and arrived in the U.S. with his parents when he was 7. He grew up in the U.S. and enlisted in the Army in 1995. He received numerous accolades and awards, including the Army Commendation Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 2001. Following his service in the Army, Barajas-Varela said he had difficulty adjusting to civilian life. He became addicted to drugs, and in 2002, was sentenced to two years in prison and nearly a year in detention after he pleaded no contest to shooting at an occupied vehicle. Once released, he was placed in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who deported him to Nogales, Sonora. In an interview with the Associated Press, Barajas-Varela said that he was unable to adjust to life in Mexico, a country he was unfamiliar with, and made his way back into the U.S. before being deported again in 2010. Barajas-Varela is eager to change his circumstances this time around. "Im an all-American patriot I proudly serve my adopted country as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. I believe I am no less of an American because of the mistakes that Ive made," he said Friday. He plans to serve with the Deported Veterans Support House for one more year before returning to his family. He wants to go back to school, continue supporting the community and put his daughter through college. What to Know Aug. 25 and 26, 2018 Los Angeles Convention Center Pre-sale begins at midnight on Friday the 13th Though there may be plenty of sunshine for the flowers, and breezes for the butterflies to ride, and warm mornings for all of the budding trees, there really is no rest for the wicked. Not even in April. At least, not with an April that happens to have a Friday the 13th. And all of those spring-sweet sunbeams and bird calls can't dispel some of the diabolical happenings brewing around Southern California, happenings that are very much oriented to a holiday that is still several months away. ScareLA, though, a mega-mondo-monstrous convention devoted to preparing for that particular holiday, traditionally arrives a couple months ahead of Halloween, all to give fright fans time to work on their yard haunts, their ghost make-up, and their spooky costumes. "A couple of months ahead of Halloween" is still a couple of months out from mid-April, but no matter: ScareLA has its telltale heart set on getting this eerie party started, and, to help that, it just announced the dates of its 2018 eek-tacular: Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26. The place where it will all hauntingly happen? Go over the cobwebby hill, and past the creepy castle, and arrive at the Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall K. Tickets? It's still early, but there's a pre-sale on, right at midnight on Friday the 13th. That's midnight at the end of the day on April 13, as Friday monstrously melds into spook Saturday. How to find the code you'll need for this dastardly deal? Sign up, now, to get in the loop. No need to pass the creepy castle or run through a forest of cobwebs: This site has what you need. What to Know Pennsylvania police officers shot and killed a man wanted in the slaying of a Florida trombone player. Caroline Morton-Hicks was gunned down after she left orchestra practice in February. Pennsylvania authorities say a man wanted for gunning down a Florida trombone player as she left orchestra practice has been killed after he pulled a gun on officers trying to make a traffic stop. State police say troopers tried to stop Steven Brooks late Thursday for erratic driving in South Strabane, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Pittsburgh. They say the 45-year-old St. Petersburg, Florida, man drove off the wrong way down Interstate 70 before crashing into a bridge support column. Brooks then fled on foot and scaled a fence before pulling out a gun. Authorities say he refused orders to drop the weapon and was shot. A manhunt had been underway for Brooks since the February killing of Caroline Morton-Hicks. Police in Madison County, Alabama, say Brooks was tracked to a home there. That led to a standoff with police Wednesday night, but he managed to flee. Special Counsel Robert Muellers office and President Donald Trumps legal team are now proceeding with strategies that presume a presidential interview will likely not take place as part of the Russia investigation, after months of talks between the two sides collapsed earlier this week, according to multiple people familiar with the matter, NBC News reported. On Monday, Trumps lawyers were discussing a possible interview with Mueller's team and had begun to hash out the final sticking points, including the timing, scope and length, according to people familiar with the discussions. One person familiar with the strategy said the presidents lawyers had over the weekend sought to expand his legal team to include individuals who would prepare him for an interview. Another person familiar with the matter, however, said preparations had not yet gone that far. But the prospects for a presidential interview dramatically dimmed once the FBI raided the home, office and hotel room of Trumps long-time personal lawyer, Michael Cohen on Monday, these people said. President Donald Trump on Saturday declared "Mission Accomplished" for a U.S.-led allied missile attack on Syria's chemical weapons program, but the Pentagon said the pummeling of three chemical-related facilities left enough others intact to enable the Assad government to use banned weapons against civilians if it chooses. "A perfectly executed strike," Trump tweeted after U.S., French and British warplanes and ships launched more than 100 missiles nearly unopposed by Syrian air defenses. "Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!" His choice of words recalled a similar claim associated with President George W. Bush following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Bush addressed sailors aboard a Navy ship in May 2003 alongside a "Mission Accomplished" banner, just weeks before it became apparent that Iraqis had organized an insurgency that tied down U.S. forces for years. The nighttime Syria assault was carefully limited to minimize civilian casualties and avoid direct conflict with Syria's key ally, Russia, but confusion arose over the extent to which Washington warned Moscow in advance. The Pentagon said it gave no explicit warning. The U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John Huntsman, said in a video, "Before we took action, the United States communicated with" Russia to "reduce the danger of any Russian or civilian casualties." Dana W. White, the chief Pentagon spokeswoman, said that to her knowledge no one in the Defense Department communicated with Moscow in advance, other than the acknowledged use of a military-to-military hotline that has routinely helped minimize the risk of U.S.-Russian collisions or confrontations in Syrian airspace. Officials said this did not include giving Russian advance notice of where or when allied airstrikes would happen. Russia has military forces, including air defenses, in several areas of Syria to support President Bashar Assad in his long war against anti-government rebels. Russia and Iran called the use of force by the United States and its allies a "military crime" and "act of aggression." The U.N. Security Council met to debate the strikes, but rejected a Russian resolution calling for condemnation of the "aggression" by the three Western allies. Trump's U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, told the session that the president has made it clear that if Assad uses poison gas again, "the United States is locked and loaded." Assad denies he has used chemical weapons, and the Trump administration has yet to present hard evidence of what it says precipitated the allied missiles attack: a chlorine gas attack on civilians in Douma on April 7. The U.S. says it suspects that sarin gas also was used. "Good souls will not be humiliated," Assad tweeted, while hundreds of Syrians gathered in Damascus, the capital, where they flashed victory signs and waved flags in scenes of defiance after the early morning barrage. The strikes "successfully hit every target," White told reporters at the Pentagon. The military said there were three targets: the Barzah chemical weapons research and development site in the Damascus area, a chemical weapons storage facility near Homs and a chemical weapons "bunker" a few miles from the second target. Although officials said the singular target was Assad's chemical weapons capability, his air force, including helicopters he allegedly has used to drop chemical weapons on civilians, were spared. In a U.S. military action a year ago in response to a sarin gas attack, the Pentagon said missiles took out nearly 20 percent of the Syrian air force. As of Saturday, neither Syria nor its Russian or Iranian allies retaliated, Pentagon officials said. The U.S.-led operation won broad Western support. The NATO alliance gave its full backing; NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels that the attack was about ensuring that chemical weapons cannot be used with impunity. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the attack "necessary and appropriate." In his televised address from the White House on Friday evening, Trump said the U.S. was prepared to sustain economic, diplomatic and military pressure on Assad until the Syrian leader ends what Trump called a criminal pattern of killing his own people with internationally banned chemical weapons. That did not mean military strikes would continue. In fact, Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said no additional attacks were planned. Asked about Trump's "Mission Accomplished" assertion, White said it pointed to the successful targeting of three Syrian chemical weapons sites. What happens next, she said, is up to Assad and to his Russian and Iranian allies. Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, said the allied airstrikes "took out the heart" of Assad's chemical weapons arsenal. He said the missiles hit the "sweet spot," doing the expected level of damage while minimizing the unintentional release of toxic fumes that could be harmful to nearby civilians. When pressed, he acknowledged that some unspecified portion of Assad's chemical arms infrastructure was not targeted. "There is still a residual element of the Syrian program that is out there," McKenzie said, adding, "I'm not going to say they're going to be unable to continue to conduct a chemical attack in the future. I suspect, however they'll think long and hard about it." Assad's Barzah research and development center in Damascus was destroyed, McKenzie said. "It does not exist anymore." A former officer in Syria's chemical program, Adulsalam Abdulrazek, said Saturday the joint U.S., British, and French strikes hit "parts of but not the heart" of the program. He said the strikes were unlikely to curb the government's ability to produce or launch new attacks. Speaking from rebel-held northern Syria, Abdulrazek told The Associated Press there were perhaps 50 warehouses in Syria that stored chemical weapons before the program was dismantled in 2013. Vice President Mike Pence, in Peru for a meeting of regional leaders, said "there will be a price to pay" involving military force if Syrian chemical weapons are used again. Disputing the Russian military's contention that Syrian air defense units downed 71 allied missiles, McKenzie said no U.S. or allies missiles were stopped. He said Syria's air defenses were ineffective and that many of the more than 40 surface-to-air missiles fired by the Syrians were launched after the allied attack was over. He said the U.S. knew of no civilians killed by allied missiles. McKenzie said 105 U.S. and allied missiles were fired, of which 66 were Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from aboard three U.S. Navy ships and one Navy submarine. U.S., British and French attack aircraft, including two U.S. Air Force B-1B strategic bombers, launched stealthy, long-range missiles from outside Syrian airspace, officials said. A global chemical warfare watchdog group, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, said its fact-finding mission would go as planned in Douma. Russian leader Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the Kremlin's skepticism about the allies' Douma claim, saying Russian military experts had found no trace of the attack. He criticized the U.S. and its allies for launching the strike without waiting for international inspectors to complete their visit to the area. But British Prime Minister Theresa May said there was little doubt the Syrian government used a barrel bomb large containers packed with fuel, explosives and scraps of metal to deliver the chemicals at Douma. "No other group" could have carried out that attack, May said, adding that the allies' use of force was "right and legal." Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report. What to Know A baby was found dead in a roller suitcase on the PATH train tracks in Jersey City Wednesday, authorities say The child, initially believed to be three months old, is now estimated at about a year old, sources say Chopper 4 footage from over the scene showed investigators gathered on the tracks underneath the Tonnelle Avenue overpass near Newark Avenue An initial autopsy has been completed on the dead baby who was found wrapped in a blanket in a roller suitcase on PATH train tracks in New Jersey on Wednesday, and the girl appears to be months older than investigators first estimated, law enforcement sources tell News 4. While a clear cause of death couldn't initially be determined, sources say the baby girl, initially estimated to be about three months old, was actually much bigger. She's now believed to have been about 10 months old, and had been dead for several days. There are no visible signs of trauma on the baby, who was carefully placed, fully clothed, into the suitcase, sources said. The girl may have been hispanic or African American; investigators are sending pictures of her to state police for a sketch to release. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office is asking for the public's help to identify the child. The disturbing discovery on the Newark-bound side of the Jersey City-Journal Square station has "rattled" even the most veteran homicide detectives, who are now working backwards to try to retrace the steps of whoever abandoned the child in hopes they may find some surveillance video, sources said. There were two suitcases where the baby was found -- one dark, one pink. She was found in the pink one. Chopper 4 footage from over the scene showed investigators gathered on the tracks underneath the Tonnelle Avenue overpass, near Newark Avenue. They appeared to be focused on a flipped-open suitcase on the side of the tracks. The Hudson County prosecutor's office confirmed on Twitter that its homicide unit and Port Authority police are investigating. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information on the case should call the Hudson County Prosecutor's Homicide Unit at 201-915-1345. What to Know The mother of a woman whose dismembered body was found in in a park said "if she was a Caucasian child someone would have been locked up" The body of the woman, 26-year-old Brandy Odom, was found dismembered in Canarsie Park on Monday; other body parts were on Tuesday No arrests have been made in the case The mother of a woman whose dismembered body was found off a Brooklyn park earlier this week criticized the NYPD, saying that if her daughter were white an arrest would have already been made. Speaking at a vigil for her daughter in Canarsie Park on Thursday, Nicole Odom said she was frustrated the NYPD hasn't given her more details after the discovery of Brandy Odom's limbless body on Monday. The mother contacted police after hearing about the body in the park, telling investigators about a distinctive tattoo -- the word "chocolate" -- on her left breast. "They don't care," she said. "They move slower when it comes to African Americans. But if she was a Caucasian child somebody would be locked up already." The NYPD on Thursday disputed Nicole Odom's charge, telling News 4 detectives were aggressively investigating the case as they would any other New Yorker. A $12,000 reward has also been posted for information leading to her killers arrest and conviction. Still, the mother made pleas directly to the killer -- who she called "an animal" -- as she visited the park where her daughter's body was dumped for the first time. "If you have any sympathy in your heart for my daughter, my family, her friends, her uncles, please just come forward and give yourself up," she said. Nicole Odom had contacted police after learning about the body in the park. After identifying the tattoo, detectives gave the mother a photo, which she positively identified as Brandy Odom. Police said the 26-year-old had never been reported missing before her body was discovered: she was "very independent" and sometimes left for days at a time, they said. It's not clear if she had a romantic partner, or how long it had been since her family heard from her this last stretch. Police are urging the public with any information on Odom to contact them. Officials have been on the park grounds since Monday investigating the discovery of the woman's torso. Investigators later found a leg, then several bags containing body parts. Police would not say what kind of body parts were inside the bags, but cops believe they are all part of the same person. It's not clear at this point how Odom may have died or who is responsible for her death. A woman walking her dog first made the grisly discovery of the torso, about 15 feet off the edge of the pedestrian path. The torso had been found face down, covered in leaves but not buried, law enforcement sources say. It's not known how Odom's body ended up there or how long she had been there. A medical examiner will determine Odom's cause of death. Anyone with information about the woman's death should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. What to Know Former FBI Director James Comey blasts President Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" in a sharply critical new book Cities like Baltimore are feeling the financial squeeze as they rely on naloxone to try and counteract rising overdose rates Cannes Film Festival organizers unveiled the 18 movies competing for the Palme d'Or prize next month Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here. In New Book, Comey Blasts Trump's Presidential Leadership Former FBI Director James Comey blasts President Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" in a sharply critical new book that describes Trump as fixated in the early days of his administration on having the FBI debunk salacious rumors he insisted were untrue but could distress his wife. In the forthcoming book, Comey compares Trump to a mafia don and calls his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty." He also reveals new details about his interactions with Trump and his own decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election. He casts Trump as a mobster-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him personally regarding his investigation into Russian election interference. The book adheres closely to Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with Trump and his growing concern about Trump's integrity. It also includes strikingly personal jabs at Trump that appear sure to irritate the president. The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. President Trump Plans to Pardon Libby in CIA Leak Case President Trump plans to pardon I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the onetime chief of staff to former Vice President Dick Cheney, an administration official told NBC News. Libby was convicted in March 2007 of lying to authorities and obstructing the investigation into the 2003 leak of a CIA operative's identity. President George W. Bush later commuted the sentence, sparing Libby from a 2 1/2-year prison term in the CIA leak case. Bush, however, did not grant a pardon. At his sentencing a decade ago, Libby's lawyers wrapped their client in the flag, but the tactic didnt work. In the end, U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton said Libbys lies in the Valerie Plame affair outweighed his public service, from the Cold War to the Iraq war. Walton sentenced Cheneys former chief of staff to 2 years in prison for lying and obstructing the CIA leak investigation the probe that showed a White House obsessed with criticism of its decision to go to war. Trump Puts Off Syria Strike Decision, Will Talk to Allies President Trump put off a final decision on possibly military strikes against Syria after tweeting earlier they could happen "very soon or not so soon at all." The White House said he would consult further with allies. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned such an attack carried the risk of spinning out of control, suggesting caution ahead of a decision on how to respond to an attack against civilians last weekend that U.S. officials are increasingly certain involved the use of banned chemical weapons. British officials said up to 75 people were killed. The White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said in a brief statement after Trump met with Mattis and other members of his National Security Council: "No final decision has been made. We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies." Sanders said Trump would speak later with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Although Mattis noted that military action carried risks, he also emphasized that Syrian use of chemical weapons should not be tolerated. And he insisted it remains U.S. policy not to be involved directly in Syria's civil war. In Opioid Epidemic, Some Cities Strain to Afford OD Antidote On a Baltimore street corner, public health workers hand out a life-saving overdose antidote to residents painfully familiar with the ravages of America's opioid epidemic. But the training wraps up quickly; all the naloxone inhalers are claimed within 20 minutes. Cities like Baltimore are feeling the financial squeeze as they rely on naloxone to try and counteract rising overdose rates. Some hard-hit communities across the country are struggling to pay for dosages even at reduced prices. With more overdoses driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil so potent it's used as an elephant tranquilizer naloxone remains pricey enough that Baltimore's health department is rationing supplies, stretching a dwindling stockpile of inhalers. Last year, the city distributed more than 25,000 doses, up from about 19,000 in 2016. In Charleston, West Virginia, the health department reported it has only 159 doses remaining, most allocated for community classes in coming days. A two-dose carton of Narcan a brand name for naloxone inhalers has list prices of about $125. Spike Lee, Godard Films to Compete at Netflix-Free Cannes The director of the Cannes Film Festival called the allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein "an earthquake" for the movie industry but he said the quality of films, not gender quotas, remained the top factor in selecting this year's lineup. Organizers unveiled the 18 movies competing for the Palme d'Or prize next month, with a lineup that includes new movies by Spike Lee and Jean-Luc Godard. "The world is not the same anymore," Thierry Fremaux told reporters, referring to the Weinstein scandal. "But the movies we selected have been chosen for their intrinsic qualities. There will never be a positive discrimination." Although Fremaux said he recognized the importance of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, he said the selection process for the festival should not include gender quotas, and that all the female directors he has spoken with agreed with him. Only three female directors Nadine Labaki, Alice Rohrwacher and Eva Husson are on the list of 18 competing movies. Fremaux said a fourth female filmmaker could be added to the competition before the May 8-19 event starts on the French Riviera. What to Know Amid subway delays Thursday morning, one woman in Brooklyn was especially distressed as she screamed on a stuck train, video shows She wailed, "I'm gonna be LAAAAATE!" then proceeded to scream about having to get to her internship Other riders appeared momentarily startled; one bystander on the platform is heard muttering, "This woman needs to chill" The panicked wail heard around the subway station could easily have been the rallying cry of so many New Yorkers taking the subway on any given day: "I'M GONNA BE LAAAAATE!" Sports writer Adena Andrews captured the commuter's startling scream while stuck at the Nostrand Avenue C train platform in Brooklyn Thursday morning. A police investigation was delaying trains on the A and C lines, and Andrews, standing on the platform, recorded video of a packed subway car with its doors open during the morning rush. MTA Conductors Spill 10 Secrets of the NYC Subway System Suddenly, the anguished wail rings out, alarming straphangers. Andrews said the screaming woman was buried inside the crowded car, so she couldn't see her. But everyone could definitely hear her. Someone on the platform is heard muttering, "This woman needs to chill." An anonymous woman is drawing criticism after this video of her trying to get onto an already packed train went viral. The hysterical rider continues, screaming, "I've gotta get to my internship!" By then, it appears her fellow commuters have settled back into their bored subway stares and are unfazed as she continues to lash out. An MTA conductor announces over the loudspeaker that the train is delayed because of a police investigation at another station along the line. [NY ONLY DO NOT NATIONALIZE]5 Tri-State Neighborhoods (None in Manhattan) Land Among 20 Richest Zip Codes in America, Bloomberg Says This does not appease the late intern. She screams in response, "I hate police investigations, I HATE IT!" "It's VERY ANNOYING," she cries. These Countries Have the Highest Threat Levels for Traveling, According to the U.S. Department of State Andrews said she waited on the subway platform for about 30 minutes before giving up on the train. She regularly gets delayed from her subway stop at Nostrand Avenue, and the commute's gotten so bad that she says she's decamping for New Jersey. "My commute is the worst part of my day sometimes," she said. "I'm a native New Yorker so leaving for New Jersey is hard." Crowded, delayed subway trips have become the unfortunate norm for New Yorkers, a symptom of decades-long neglect in the transit system. The frustration was evident in a recent live Twitter Q-and-A with the new chief of NYC Transit, Andy Byford. A sweeping $836 million plan to stabilize the subway was announced last summer, and Byford says he's working to upgrade signals, switches and other equipment, along with renovating old stations and improving communication among operations, rail control and customers. 10 Unbelievable Complaints of Bad Behavior by New Jersey Toll Collectors A man who had an incestuous relationship with his daughter and fathered a child with her shot and killed her and her adoptive father in a pickup in New Milford, Connecticut on Thursday and then killed himself in New York, police said. The child, a 7-month-old boy, was found slain in North Carolina. The man, 43-year-old Steven Pladl, and his daughter, 20-year-old Katie Pladl, had been arrested on incest charges in January and the baby boy, who was found dead in the bathroom closet of a home in Knightdale, North Carolina, was their biological child, a lawyer for Steven Pladl said. Knightdale police Chief Lawrence Capps said, Were trying to make sense of all the factors that led up to this senseless taking of life. He said his understanding is that Steven Pladl had gone to New Milford for the specific purpose of making some confrontations. It appears from a 911 call Steven Pladl's mother made that Katie Pladl had broken off the relationship with Steven. The investigation in Connecticut started when officers responded to reports of gunfire around 8:40 a.m. in New Milford after receiving 911 calls. "Somebody just went by and shot this guy in the truck," a man who called 911 said. He told dispatchers he saw the shooting and the shooter was in a light blue minivan with North Carolina plates. "We were pulling up to a stop sign. He went around ... these two were behind him. As soon as he opened fire and shot these two people, he went up and around them," the caller said. Police found two victims -- Katie Pladl and her adoptive father, 56-year-old Anthony Fusco -- inside the pickup with a window shot out, police said. Both died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. New Milford resident Jeff Weinzievl, who lives near the intersection where Katie Pladl and her adoptive father were found, said he was feeding his horses when he heard eight shots from what sounded like a semi-automatic weapon. Investigators were searching for Steven Pladls vehicle, a Honda Odyssey minivan, when he was found dead inside it several miles away in Dover, New York. Police said his death appeared to be self-inflicted. Around the time the shooting was reported, police in Knightdale found the body of the baby, Bennett Pladl. Steven Pladls mother had called police shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday, asking them to conduct a welfare check on the Knightsdale home after a disturbing phone conversation with her son, Capps said. The woman had custody of her grandson since Steven and Katie were arrested in January and the baby was last seen alive at 8 p.m. Wednesday night. She told police Steven Pladl had just picked his infant son up from her and told her that he and the baby were going to Skype with Katie that evening, according to police. Steven Pladl then called his mother just before midnight and told her he was taking the baby to see Katie in New York, police said. The next time Steven spoke with his mother was around 7 a.m. Thursday and he said that he and the baby were almost in New York. Stevens final call to his mother was at 8:45 a.m. and revealed chilling details. He said hed just killed Katie and her adoptive father, police said. When she asked about the baby, Steven told his mother hed killed his son and left the body in his house, according to police. Stevens mother then immediately called 911. My son just called me and he told me ... oh God. He killed his baby and hes in the house, the woman told dispatchers. When police went to the North Carolina house, they found the infant's body in a bathroom closet. No one else was in the home. Yesterdays events were sad and devastating, Police Chief Lawrence Capps, of Knightdale, North Carolina, said in a statement. We may never understand the mindset or motives of Steven Pladl, but we do know his actions have shattered the lives of countless people. We pray the families affected are able to find some measure of comfort and peace as they work to cope with this senseless tragedy. Virginia attorney Rick Friedman, who had been representing Steven Pladl in the felony incest case, said he had breakfast with Pladl only a month ago and had no indication that such violence was possible. This really bothers me a lot because nobody ever could have predicted this. If anybody had a remote idea anybody was in harms way there would have been no bond set, he said. There was just absolutely no prior notice anything would happen to these people. As part of the bond requirements, Friedman said, the father and daughter were not supposed to communicate with one another. He said Katie Pladl had been living in New York with her adoptive parents. It's not clear why Katie and Fusco were in Connecticut, but police believe they were running errands. People who lived near Fusco in Wingdale, New York, described him as a great neighbor. He would do anything for anybody. He really would. Just a super guy. Super, super. I don't know we're going to go on without him. I really don't, Gloria Caple said. A man was pulled to safety in a dramatic rescue Friday after his vehicle plunged into the Pacific Ocean off a cliff near Devil's Slide in San Mateo County. The gray minivan went over the cliff off the picturesque Highway 1 at Montara State Beach, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The van fell approximately 150-175 feet before it hit the ocean, Cal Fire Battalion Chief David Casgrave official said. Helicopter video showed officials hanging to the side of the cliff, with one rescuer rappelling down the cliff and returning to the street with a man wearing a red shirt as ocean waves pounded the smashed vehicle. Chief Gasgrave said the driver lost control of the car before it went over the edge. A witness called 911 and officials were able to rescue the driver, who was the only person in the vehicle. It wasn't immediately clear how the driver lost control of the van. The man suffered non-life threatening injuries and appeared to be walking. He could be seen limping toward the ambulance. He was transported to San Francisco General Hospital where he's recovering from minor injuries and hypothermia, officials said. Devil's Slide is a steep, rocky coastal promontory located about midway between Montara and the Linda Mar District of Pacifica. It is characterized by eroded slopes. Constance Wilson is angry. Shes angry that her grandson is no longer with her. Shes angry that his accused killers still havent been convicted. And shes angry at Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for the role that she believes he played in delaying justice for her family. I dont trust him, she said. He put the same people back on the street. Her grandson, Philadelphia Police Sgt. Robert Wilson III, visited a North Philadelphia GameStop on March 5, 2015, to buy a video game for his son. Two gunmen entered the store and announced a holdup. Wilson tried to thwart the robbery and died after a shootout with the suspects. More than three years after Wilsons death, Constance Wilson is still waiting for the men accused of killing him to go to trial. Both Carlton Hipps and Ramone Williams are charged with murder, conspiracy, robbery and a long list of related charges. Last month, the accused men's defense team asked a Philadelphia judge for additional time to prepare their case. Prosecutors did not oppose the request and a new pretrial hearing was set for June with a two-week jury trial expected to start in November. The delay outraged Wilsons family. "What good is he doing?" That question triggers dramatically different answers depending on who you ask. And its a question that Krasner answered himself during an interview with NBC10 as he reflected on his first 100 days in office. During his campaign for district attorney, Krasner promised to change the system by reducing mass incarceration, to fight corruption by bringing transparency to his office and to battle injustice by ending cash bail for low-level offenders. But several families of victims question whether Krasner's crusade interferes with his duties as the city's chief prosecutor, the top official in charge of punishing crime. Krasner argues that his continued commitment to social reform is, in fact, the most effective way to fight crime. "We have to be willing to be smart, not just political, when it comes to crime, he said. Being smart, according to the district attorney, includes investing money into education and drug and mental health treatment rather than placing people in jail for non-violent offenses. The 16-year-old who is still in school is not the one who is most likely to go pick up a gun and go kill somebody, he said. Its been 100 days on the job for the new face of justice in Philadelphia. District Attorney Larry Krasner is getting national attention for his approach to crime. When asked if the artwork was recently displayed for the commemoration of King's death, Krasner's spokesman, Ben Waxman, answered simply: "They're always there." Born in 1961 in St. Louis, Missouri, to a World War II veteran father and a Christian minister mother, Krasner attended public school in Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Chicago and then attended Stanford Law School, where he focused on indigenous rights, homelessness and poverty. After graduating in 1987, he returned to Philadelphia and became a public defender. In 1993, Krasner opened his own law practice in Center City that specialized in criminal defense and civil rights. He sued the Philadelphia Police Department more than 75 times on corruption and physical abuse charges. His reputation as a social justice activist was one reason for Krasner's 75 percent margin of victory in last years closely watched district attorney race. Krasner vowed to bring sweeping reforms and transparency to an office plagued by the scandal surrounding former District Attorney Seth Williams, who was convicted on corruption charges and sentenced to prison time. He wasted no time reshaping the 600-person-strong office. More than 30 staff members were either fired or resigned within three days of Krasner's tenure. He also implemented new policies, including ending cash bail for low-level offenders, requiring prosecutors to reveal the cost of incarceration before sentencing and dropping criminal charges on 50 marijuana possession cases. Those policies, he said, were part of a larger goal to end mass incarceration. In March, a leaked memo showed Krasner instructing prosecutors to stop charging for "any amount" of marijuana possession and some cases of prostitution. Krasner's policies drew national headlines and praise from left-leaning progressives as well as criticism from hard-liners who labeled him an enabler of criminals. But speaking to NBC10, Krasner emphatically rejected the notion that he was soft on crime. Come on now the criticism youre repeating is coming from people whose administration had a higher rate of violent crime last year than we have right now, he said. Despite his reputation as an impassioned reformer, Krasner is calm and composed in person, already comfortable in the media spotlight having drawn the attention of prominent leaders throughout the country. At the mention of Gerard Grandzol, however, he choked back tears. The 38-year-old community activist was shot and killed in front of his 2-year-old daughter in September. Krasner described Grandzols "horrifying" murder as an "absolutely crushing tragedy." The accused shooter was 16 years old at the time of Grandzols death. In March, the suspects defense attorney requested that he be tried in juvenile court. Grandzols widow and family supporters pleaded for Krasner to prevent that from happening. NBC10 Yet despite his personal opposition to the death penalty, Krasner's office said in March that the case remained a capital one at that time. It is currently under review by a committee that will determine the most appropriate sentence to seek. That committee will send Krasner their recommendation and he will make a decision, though it wont be a political one, Krasner said. "I have a duty here that I will complete," he said. "But theres nothing inconsistent about pursuing your duty and having a personal opinion that the death penalty is a bad thing." Krasner is part of a current wave of elected officials nationwide who are rethinking the ways their offices pursue justice. At the beginning of 2017, New Jersey essentially ended cash bail, a move that Krasner implemented here in February. He argued that requiring people to post bail for minor crimes like driving under the influence and retail theft unfairly targets those who cant afford to pay to keep themselves out of jail. John Hollway, the executive director of Penn Law's Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice, said Krasner is embracing a 21st-century role of prosecutors as crime reducers. In the 1980s and 1990s, the prevailing trend for law enforcement was based on the so-called "broken windows theory" developed by two criminologists. The theory is that stemming the rise of minor crimes, from subway turnstile jumping to burglary, could lead to suppression of more violent crime. The approach evolved following decades of police departments, including Philadelphias under police commissioner and Mayor Frank Rizzo, aggressively hunting criminals and pursuing tough prison sentences. Now, however, the theory has been criticized, and lawmakers such as Krasner are taking a more holistic approach by focusing on the big picture before sending offenders to jail. Some people, the thinking goes, could be better served through social services than prison time. "If youre going to send somebody away for two years, it should be worth it," Krasner said. "If youre going to send them away for 50 years ... it should be worth it." This can seem counterintuitive to victims of crime who want to see harsher forms of justice. Its a very natural, emotional reaction to want to punish people for committing crimes, Hollway said. Sometimes an eye for an eye seems just. The question is whether incarcerating somebody will reduce crime. Krasner doesnt necessarily believe so, which is why he is now requiring prosecutors to reveal the cost of sending an offender to prison during sentencing. The policy, Krasner argued, actually supports victims because it reveals "the social cost" of a crime and helps focus resources on violent offenses. It's too soon to tell whether his reforms will change Philadelphia's criminal justice system. From July 2015 to December 2017, Philadelphias jail population decreased 25 percent, according to the citys Office of Criminal Justice. Officials attribute that success to policies rolled out after Philadelphia received a $3.5 million grant from the MacArthur Foundation in 2016. The money went towards decreasing reliance on cash bail, implementing police diversion programs and providing early bail review for pretrial defendants, among other initiatives. Since Krasner took office, the jail population fell 9 percent. It is currently hovering around 5,500, according to the city's Office of Criminal Justice. "This could be attributable to a number of factors, including new policies and initiatives across the citys criminal justice system," Julie Wertheimer, from the Office of Criminal Justice, said. Like the prison population, Philadelphias homicide rate is down from this time last year. Philadelphia Police Capt. Sekou Kinebrew, the department's spokesman, credits many things working in tandem, such as building a better relationship between communities and law enforcement. That relationship extends to the district attorneys office. Kinebrew told NBC10 he speaks with Krasners staff at least once a week. Yet one of Krasners harshest critics is Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby, who labeled the district attorney as "anti-police." After Krasner spoke to cadets about the use of unnecessary force, McNesby accused him of endangering the lives of officers through his ridiculous and dangerous presentation. The statement was refuted by Krasners spokesman in a series of tweets. McNesby did not respond to multiple interview requests for this story. During his interview with NBC10, Krasner denied being at odds with law enforcement, saying he has an "excellent relationship" with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross. He also cited his efforts to keep more officers on the street. Kinebrew confirmed that Ross and Krasner have met, and that the two offices continue to work closely together. Yet the anti-police accusations leveled against Krasner have been bolstered by the recent criticisms from Sgt. Wilsons family. Not only did they accuse him of slowing down the murder case, they also questioned his previous relationship with Michael Coard, a defense attorney for one of the suspects and a member of Krasners transition team. The district attorneys spokesperson said that Coard and Krasner have not spoken about the case since he took office. Lets understand, [the case is] three years old, Krasner said. The prior administration had all those other years and they did not succeed at getting it to trial despite all the chest-beating. Krasner added that his office will be careful to not go to trial unprepared, which could lead to a case being overturned. He also insisted that he met with Wilsons family members personally to speak with them. Ultimately, Krasner believes the impact of his social reform will lead to justice for Wilson, Grandzol and other victims of violent crime. We have to do things that actually work," the district attorney said, "not just talk tough. Krasners activist approach to crime reduction is ambitious. Its long-term effectiveness remains to be seen, however, and will not only define his legacy, but also Philadelphias future. What hes trying to do is really exciting and really difficult, John Hollway from the Quattrone Center said. Hes trying to improve and modify the culture. Not just the district attorneys office but the entire criminal justice system. To the law enforcement side, he has to show that he can protect. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correctly reflect the status of the Wilson case in March. It was a capital case at that time, Krasner's office said. Group prods state on bid to close immigrant detention center By ALEXANDRA VILLARREAL, Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) Lawyers for asylum-seeking families being held at a detention center in Pennsylvania are petitioning to intervene in a case that will determine whether the facility can keep its license, arguing the state should move faster to shut it down. The Berks County Residential Center, north of Philadelphia, is one of three family detention centers in the United States that hold children and parents who have entered the country illegally. The low-security facility is run by the county through a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The center's population has fluctuated as some detainees have been freed and others have been deported. Advocates estimate it still holds around 30 families, including children as young as 1. Aldea the People's Justice Center, a nonprofit group representing the detainees, filed a petition this week to intervene on behalf of current and former residents as an administrative law judge considers whether the center qualifies for a license. In 2016, the state Department of Human Services decided against renewing Berks' child residential license, on the grounds that adults could not also live in such a facility. But a judge last year ruled the decision was arbitrary and the result of political pressure, and he ordered the license restored. He said the state had always understood that adults lived with children at the center, first licensed in 2001. The state is disputing the decision was arbitrary and is asking the judge to reconsider his ruling. Aldea also is seeking the right to present evidence in the case in support of a swift closure. They argue that because the state oversees the facility, it cannot effectively litigate on behalf of the residents over the license. "This is just an issue of looking out for the people who are detained there, making sure that their needs and their interests are represented," Aldea member Carol Anne Donohoe said. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who took office in 2015, has urged that the families be moved to community settings. Immigration and Customs officials said in a statement that the agency "takes very seriously the health, safety and welfare of those in our care," and it pointed to last year's decision that the license revocation was unwarranted. The Department of Human Services has investigated every allegation made against the center and "to date has not found cause that would warrant emergency closure," agency spokesman Colin Day said. "The facility continues to operate while pending appeal, as is its right to due process," Day said. Aldea's advocates presented 360 pages of evidence in support of their claims. They argue it's unlawful for minors to be held with adults at a child residential facility, and they allege instances of medical neglect. The petitioners maintain that DHS could shut down the center during the appeals process. "They have the power to terminate the license and not consent to the ongoing use of the facility while the appeal is pending," said Elizabeth Simpson, senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild and co-counsel on the petition. "Berks is really running a prison for children," she said. "I think that it violates human riLawyers for asylum-seeking families being held at a detention center in Pennsylvania are petitioning to intervene in a case that will determine whether the facility can keep its license, arguing the state should move faster to shut it down. Lawyers for asylum-seeking families being held at a detention center in Pennsylvania are petitioning to intervene in a case that will determine whether the facility can keep its license, arguing the state should move faster to shut it down. The Berks County Residential Center, north of Philadelphia, is one of three family detention centers in the United States that hold children and parents who have entered the country illegally. The low-security facility is run by the county through a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The center's population has fluctuated as some detainees have been freed and others have been deported. Advocates estimate it still holds around 30 families, including children as young as 1. Aldea the People's Justice Center, a nonprofit group representing the detainees, filed a petition this week to intervene on behalf of current and former residents as an administrative law judge considers whether the center qualifies for a license. In 2016, the state Department of Human Services decided against renewing Berks' child residential license, on the grounds that adults could not also live in such a facility. But a judge last year ruled the decision was arbitrary and the result of political pressure, and he ordered the license restored. He said the state had always understood that adults lived with children at the center, first licensed in 2001. The state is disputing the decision was arbitrary and is asking the judge to reconsider his ruling. Aldea also is seeking the right to present evidence in the case in support of a swift closure. They argue that because the state oversees the facility, it cannot effectively litigate on behalf of the residents over the license. "This is just an issue of looking out for the people who are detained there, making sure that their needs and their interests are represented," Aldea member Carol Anne Donohoe said. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who took office in 2015, has urged that the families be moved to community settings. Immigration and Customs officials said in a statement that the agency "takes very seriously the health, safety and welfare of those in our care," and it pointed to last year's decision that the license revocation was unwarranted. The Department of Human Services has investigated every allegation made against the center and "to date has not found cause that would warrant emergency closure," agency spokesman Colin Day said. "The facility continues to operate while pending appeal, as is its right to due process," Day said. Aldea's advocates presented 360 pages of evidence in support of their claims. They argue it's unlawful for minors to be held with adults at a child residential facility, and they allege instances of medical neglect. The petitioners maintain that DHS could shut down the center during the appeals process. "They have the power to terminate the license and not consent to the ongoing use of the facility while the appeal is pending," said Elizabeth Simpson, senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild and co-counsel on the petition. "Berks is really running a prison for children," she said. "I think that it violates human rights." Pennsylvanians have until the close of business Monday to register if they want to vote in the May 15 primary, but they can sign up online. Voters must be registered with the Democratic or Republican parties if they want to cast ballots to help pick the major parties' nominees. This year's elections include governor, U.S. senator, Congress, half the state Senate and all 203 state House seats. There are also special elections to fill vacancies in the state House created by the departures of former state representatives Matt Baker of Bradford County, Brandon Neuman of Washington County and Scott Petri of Bucks County. Get Registered to Vote: Click here to get registered to vote in Pennsylvania. Voters in New Jersey have until May 15 to get registered to vote in the June 5 primary. Click here to get registered in NJ. Voters in Delaware have until May 25 to switch political parties. The voter registration deadline for new voters in Aug. 11. Click here to get registered for the Sept. 6 primary. Mexican authorities confirmed Thursday that a body recovered at a beach north of Rosarito is that of a 9-year-old boy who was swept to sea on Easter Sunday. Erick Gilbert Ochoa was swimming with three other children at Playa El Bebe in Rosarito when a strong current pulled them into the ocean. One of the children managed to get to shore safely, but Ochoa and a girl recently identified as his neighbor were swallowed by the sea and drowned. The girls body was recovered minutes later. Ochoas body was found Thursday at San Antonio del Mar Beach, nearly 10 miles north of where he went missing. Search crews had been looking for Ochoa as far north as Imperial Beach. The boys sister, Hilary Alarid, helped organize a volunteer rescue team on the U.S. side of the border with a plea for help posted to Facebook. Carmina Torres saw Alarid's call for help and joined the search because she felt compelled to help the family. "I think a lot of people like me, when you have children, you relate to the pain and despair of not finding your child," Torres said. "And that was what motivated me to help." Alarid said she was glad community members noticed her video and came to her aid. "I made that video -- didnt think it was going to get that viral. Im glad it did so I can get help," Alarid said. "Some of them I dont know and I just met right now, and I'm really glad theyre here to help me." Former dictator Efrain Rios Montt, who seized power in a 1982 coup and presided over one of the bloodiest periods of Guatemala's civil war as soldiers waged a scorched-earth campaign to root out Marxist guerrillas, died on Sunday, his lawyers said. Lawyer Jaime Hernandez said the family told him the 91-year-old died of a heart attack. Another of his attorneys, Luis Rosales, said he "died in peace, surrounded by his family." Echoing Rios Montt's longstanding, angry denials, Rosales said, "Here (in Guatemala) there was no genocide." A U.N. truth commission determined that some 245,000 people were killed or disappeared during Guatemala's 1960-1996 civil war, with the vast majority of the killings attributed to the army or pro-government paramilitary groups. Tens of thousands of those deaths came during Rios Montt's 17-month rule. Rios Montt was convicted in 2013 of genocide and crimes against humanity for the massacre of 1,771 indigenous Ixil Mayans by security forces under his command. But the ruling was swiftly set aside and a new trial ordered, dismaying human rights activists and victims who long sought to see him punished for atrocities. In October, his trial on genocide charges resumed behind closed doors after being suspended for more than a year while his lawyers argued that he was too senile to participate, with no memory and unable to make decisions. An ex-general known for inspiring fear and giving speeches at a near-shout, Rios Montt was later a longtime member of congress and one of the most influential figures in Guatemalan politics for more than three decades. Born June 16, 1926, in the city of Huehuetenango, in western Guatemala's highlands, Rios Montt grew up in a conservative Roman Catholic family. He entered the army in 1946 as a cadet and, over a long career, held nearly every military post there was: troop assistant, platoon commander, instructor, defense secretary. He attended the U.S. School of the Americas in the 1950s, and became a brigadier general in 1972. Rios Montt first ran for president in 1974 but lost amid allegations of electoral fraud and was sent to the Guatemalan Embassy in Spain as military attache. In March 1982, he seized power in a military coup and promptly suspended the constitution, disbanded congress and set in motion a ruthless counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths. According to a U.N. truth commission, the worst atrocities of the 1960-1996 Guatemalan Civil War took place during his rule. Nonetheless he continued to receive the support of the United States, where President Ronald Reagan called him "a man of great personal integrity and commitment." Rios Montt's government was known for summary trials of suspected subversives, and for moralistic Sunday night TV messages from the strongman who had become a born-again evangelical Christian. "A man who has two women is a pig; a woman who has two men is a hen," he said in one, using slang that translates roughly as a woman of loose morals. In power, Rios Montt alienated a broad spectrum of society. Much of the military was upset by his shake-ups of the hierarchy, businesspeople were irked by his economic policies and many Catholics disliked his fervent Protestantism. That led to his ouster by another putsch in August 1983 headed by his own defense minister. However he remained popular among many for his social welfare initiatives and for the relative peace his "iron fist" approach brought to some regions. In 1985, a clause was added to the constitution barring him and his progeny from seeking the presidency. But Rios Montt remained in politics, founding a new conservative party in 1990 and entering congress a decade later when political ally Alfonso Portillo was elected president. In 2003, Rios Montt was finally able to make another run for president after the Constitutional Court allowed his candidacy. He came in a distant third in part due to scandals under the government of Portillo, who would later plead guilty in the U.S. to laundering millions of ill-gotten dollars through American banks. For years Rios Montt enjoyed immunity from prosecution as an elected member of congress. That changed when he lost re-election in 2011 and was ordered into house arrest. After more than 100 legal appeals were exhausted, his 2013 trial was seen as a historic opportunity to hold a Latin American dictator responsible for abuses committed on his watch. Dozens of witnesses testified about rapes, massacres, forced displacement and other crimes by soldiers that, prosecutors argued, Rios Montt either ordered or must have known about. Smartly dressed in a suit and shoes polished to a shine, the former general vehemently maintained his innocence: "It was never my intention or my goal to destroy a whole ethnic group. ... I never ordered attacks on a specific race." Rios Montt was convicted and sentenced to 80 years. But practically before the ink on the ruling had time to dry, the ruling was tossed over trial irregularities and a new proceeding ordered. With Rios Montt by then in his late 80s and reportedly suffering from heart disease and spinal problems, human rights watchdogs feared the setback meant he would never be convicted. At a hearing in January 2015, he was wheeled into court on a gurney ashen-faced, clad in pajamas, covered with a blanket and wearing dark sunglasses. It was a far cry from the man Guatemalans knew: diminutive of stature but with a booming voice, commanding presence and penetrating gaze. A three-justice panel ruled that one of the judges had to recuse herself, delaying the retrial yet again until it resumed, never to be concluded, in October. Rios Montt was married to Maria Teresa Sosa and had three children: Adolfo, who joined the army, participated in his father's coup and was killed in 1984 in a rebel downing of a military helicopter; Zury, who was elected to Guatemala's congress and in 2004 married then-U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.); and Enrique, who also went into the army and served as defense minister. On Christianity's most joyful day, Pope Francis in his Easter Sunday message called for peace in a world marked by war and conflict, "beginning with the beloved and long-suffering land of Syria," and extending to the entire Middle East, the Korean peninsula and parts of Africa affected by "hunger, endemic conflicts and terrorism." Francis reflected on the power of Christianity's core belief that Jesus rose from the dead following crucifixion in his formal "Urbi et Orbi" Easter message delivered from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to a packed square below. The pontiff said the message of the resurrection offers hope in a world "marked by so many acts of injustice and violence." "It bears fruits of hope and dignity where there are deprivation and exclusion, hunger and unemployment; where there are migrants and refugees, so often rejected by today's culture of waste, and victims of the drug trade, human trafficking and contemporary forms of slavery," the pope said. He called for a "swift end" to carnage in Syria, demanding that aid be delivered to the needy there and calling for "fitting conditions for the returned and the displaced." The pope also urged reconciliation in Israel and hoped that mutual respect would "prevail over divisions" in Yemen and the entire Middle East. Turning to Asia, Francis hoped that talks underway could bring peace to the Korean peninsula, urging "those who are directly responsible act with wisdom and discernment to promote the good of the Korean people." For Ukraine, the pope urged more steps to bring harmony to that divided nation. He also called for peace in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging the world not to forget victims of conflict, especially children. "May there be no lack of solidarity with all those forced to leave their native lands and lacking the bare essentials for living," said the pope who has often championed the cause of migrants and refugees. The church's first pontiff from Latin America cited in particular the problems in Venezuela, voicing hope the country would "find a just, peaceful and humane way to surmount quickly the political and humanitarian crises that grip it." Earlier, tens of thousands of faithful underwent heavy security checks to enter St. Peter's Square to participate in Easter Sunday Mass celebrated by the pope, followed by his "Urbi et Orbi" message ("to the city and the world"). Security precautions included bag checks and metal detector wands for everyone entering the square, while the main avenue leading to the Vatican, as well as smaller adjoining streets, were closed to traffic. Francis opened Easter festivities with a Tweet to his global flock: "Our faith is born on Easter morning: Jesus is alive! The experience is at the heart of the Christian message." Elsewhere, hundreds of Christians marked Easter by flocking to Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where they believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. A man convicted of sexually abusing a young girl nearly 20 years ago was found dead in his jail cell Thursday night, hours after police named him as a person of interest in the disappearance and death of his victim's mother. Montgomery County police on Thursday identified Fernando Asturizaga, now 51, as a person of interest in the death of Alison Thresher. A guard found Asturizaga unresponsive in his jail cell at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland, about 8:45 p.m., police say. He was then pronounced dead. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Service said it appeared Asturizaga took his own life. A medical examiner will release the official cause of death. Asturizaga had been serving a more than 100-year sentence for sexually abusing Thresher's daughter. Thresher, 45, disappeared from her Bethesda apartment in the 4500 block of Sangamore Lane in May 2000. The Washington Post copy editor's car was found the next day, about a mile away near the C & O Canal trail. Her body was never found. In 1999, Thresher was in the middle of a contentious divorce and was concerned about grooming behavior Asturizaga was exhibiting toward her daughter, Hannah Thresher, police said Thursday. Asturizaga was her daughter's Spanish teacher, and Alison Thresher's ex-husband employed him as a babysitter for their children. Alison Thresher wrote letters to Asturizaga, her daughter's school and her attorney voicing her concern about the "inappropriate relationship" between Asturizaga and her daughter, police say. Despite her concerns, Asturizaga was still allowed to babysit her children when they were in her ex-husband's custody. In February 2000, Alison Thresher got into an altercation with Asturizaga outside her ex-husband's home about his continued contact with Hannah Thresher, police say. Alison Thresher was last seen May 23, 2000, after having dinner with her parents. She had been scheduled to start a new job with The Washington Post the next day, but early that morning, a neighbor reported hearing cries coming from her apartment. A short time later, a man was seen running through the neighborhood where her car would later be found. "A few months later, when I expressed frustration at his lack of empathy towards my grief over the loss of my mother, FA [Fernando Asturizaga] said to me: 'I thought things would be easier for us now that she's gone,'" Hannah Thresher said during a news conference Thursday. In 2010, Hannah Thresher told police about the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Asturizaga from 1999 until 2001. When the abuse began, Asturizaga was 32 years old; Hannah Thresher was 10. Asturizaga was convicted on multiple counts of child abuse and rape and was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison in 2012. He refused to talk to police about Alison Thresher's disappearance after his arrest. "That man was by definition a sociopath. He was almost a professional at infiltrating groups of people, schools, especially anywhere with a child," Alison Thatcher's son, Sam Thresher, said at the Thursday news conference. Sam Thresher, now 28, said he has a service dog because of the trauma he experienced after his mother's death. The lead detective in Hannah Thresher's case was later transferred to the cold case unit and asked to reopen the investigation into Alison Thresher's death in 2016. Based on recent DNA analysis, police now believe Alison Thresher was murdered inside her apartment and that her body was taken to an unknown location. Police say the suspect tried to destroy evidence at the scene. Police say the investigation into Alison Thresher's disappearance and death is ongoing. No additional details about the case will be released at this time. Anyone with information about her death is asked to call police at 240-773-5070. Asturizaga was housed in the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is investigating Asturizaga's death. Montgomery County cold case detectives responded Thursday night to the correctional facility where Asturizaga died and are coordinating with their investigators and officials, police said. "As with all inmate deaths, the departments Internal Investigative Division is investigating along with Maryland State Police. The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will make the final determination on the cause of death, a corrections department spokesperson said. A man serving more than 100 years in jail for the rape and abuse of the daughter of a Washington Post employee who vanished in 2000 was identified by police as "a person of interest" in the woman's disappearance. Alison Thresher, 45, went missing 18 years ago from her Bethesda apartment. In 2001, Montgomery County police ruled her disappearance a homicide. Detectives on Thursday named Fernando Asturizaga a person of interest in the case. Police have not found Thresher's body. Asturizaga was the girl's Spanish teacher and also worked as a babysitter for Threshers estranged husband, following their separation. Here is a timeline of events police constructed leading to Thresher's disappearance: April 28, 1999: Thresher writes a letter to Fernando Asturizaga urging him to cut off all contact with her daughter, Hannah. June 9, 1999: Thresher writes a letter to Friends Community School in College Park where both of Alison Thresher's children attended school. She writes of her concern about the "inappropriate relationship" that Asturizaga is having with Hannah. July 1, 1999: Thresher writes a letter to her attorney noting that other parents have shared their concern about Asturizaga and his relationship with their daughters. January 2000: Thresher calls Asturizaga to complain about Asturizaga and his relationship with Hannah. Asturizaga still babysits Hannah while she is in her fathers custody. February 2000: "An altercation" between Thresher and Asturizaga takes place outside Threshers ex-husbands house. They argue about Asturizaga continuing to be Hannahs babysitter. March 18, 2000: Thresher writes in her journal: "Mad about my thoughts about F (Fernando)" and "Many people have concerns about male babysitters-teenagers." May 23, 2000: Thresher leaves her parents' home after they have dinner there. Two hours later, she speaks with a friend on the phone and at 11:51 p.m. and 12:17 a.m. she sends an e-mail to a friend. May 24, 2000: Thresher does not report to work at The Washington Post. May 25, 2000: Thresher's sister reports to the Montgomery County Police Department that she is missing. Police find Thresher's car on Broad Street in Bethesda. 2010: Thresher's daughter Hannah comes forward to police, saying she and Asturizaga had a sexual relationship when she was a student and he was a teacher from about 1999 to 2001. When the abuse began, Asturizaga was 32 and Hannah was 10. 2012: Asturizaga is sentenced to more than 128 years in prison on multiple counts of child abuse and rape. He refuses to talk to police about Threshers disappearance. 2016: With Thresher presumed dead, the lead detective on her case asks to reopen the investigation. April 12, 2018: Police hold a news conference asking for the public to contact them with any tips on Thresher's disappearance. Hours later, a guard at Western Correctional Institution in Maryland finds Asturizaga dead in his jail cell. Anyone with information about Thresher's death is asked to call police at 240-773-5070. Detectives are also asking that anyone who may have been victimized by Asturizaga call police. What to Know The Prom Shop at Fair Oaks Mall offers free prom dresses for high school students in the area. The concept started in a business and marketing class that Centreville High School teacher Miranda Schick teaches. Students just have to bring a student ID or school document with their name and photo ID and check in at the desk in the front of the shop. In many ways, The Prom Shop at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia, resembles its competitors. Dresses different in color and design line the room, with a size sign sitting at the front of every rack. But when the high school students select the dress they want to wear to the big dance, the price tag is missing. Now in its 12th year, the shop doesnt charge for any of its merchandise. Starting Friday, students will be able to pick from the range of donated new and lightly worn dresses without having to worry about the cost. The concept started in a business and marketing class that Centreville High School teacher Miranda Schick teaches. Community service can be fun and rewarding, she said. The girls have a blast going through all the dresses and setting up the shop. It was a good way to tie in community service and what were learning in the class to create a fun experience. The dresses are available to all high school students in the region. Students just have to take a student ID or school document with their name and photo ID and check in at the desk at the front of the shop. Teacher volunteers help run the shop, which is set to be open for three weekends leading up to prom. "There's no intimidation that should happen, because you won't know anyone there at the time and nobody will know that you came, Centreville High School junior Joanna Manoleras said, You should just go and enjoy yourself and have fun." When it comes to prom preparations, students often pay for transportation, dinner and having their hair and makeup done. So they appreciate The Prom Shop, which makes things a little cheaper. Girls, we want our hair, our nails and sometimes our makeup done, Centreville High senior Madi Van Derlip said. And of course the dress. Thats probably the biggest slice of your budget that youre going to have to deal with." Federal prosecutors revealed on Friday that their probe of President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, involved suspected fraud and the attorney's personal business dealings and was going on long enough that investigators had already covertly obtained his emails. The details in court papers came as lawyers for Cohen and Trump sought to block the Department of Justice from examining records and electronic devices, including two cellphones, seized by the FBI on Monday from Cohen's residences, office and safety deposit box. The raids enraged Trump, who called them an "attack on the country." Trump, a Republican, sent his own lawyer to a hastily arranged hearing before a federal judge in Manhattan to argue that some of the records and communications seized were confidential attorney-client communications and off-limits to investigators. Prosecutors blacked out sections of their legal memo in which they described what laws they believe Cohen has broken, but the document provided new clues about an investigation the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan had previously declined to confirm existed. "Although Cohen is an attorney, he also has several other business interests and sources of income. The searches are the result of a months-long investigation into Cohen, and seek evidence of crimes, many of which have nothing to do with his work as an attorney, but rather relate to Cohen's own business dealings," said the filing, signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas McKay. Prosecutors said they took the unusual step of raiding Cohen's residence and home rather than requesting records by subpoena because what they had learned led them to distrust he'd turn over what they had asked for. "Absent a search warrant, these records could have been deleted without record, and without recourse," prosecutors wrote. The document was filed publicly after lawyers for Cohen appeared before U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood to ask that they, not Department of Justice lawyers, be given the first crack at reviewing the seized evidence to see whether it was relevant to the investigation or could be forwarded to criminal investigators without jeopardizing attorney-client privilege. Trump attorney Joanna Hendon told the judge that the president has "an acute interest in these proceedings and the manner in which these materials are reviewed." "He is the president of the United States," she said. "This is of most concern to him. I think the public is a close second. And anyone who has ever hired a lawyer a close third." McKay, the assistant U.S. attorney, told the judge that he believed the proceedings were an attempt to delay the processing of seized material. "His attorney-client privilege is no greater than any other person who seeks legal advice," he said. Cohen's lawyers, Todd Harrison and Joseph Evans, rejected that argument in a legal memo. They also asked that certain documents related to the case remain sealed to protect the privacy rights of "innocent third parties" who would be subjected to a media circus if their names became public. "The documents seized by the government are uniquely sensitive because they contain documents relating to privileged communications between the President of the United States and his personal lawyer," they wrote. "The retention of such privileged information from the President presents not only routine attorney-client privilege and attorney work product issues, but also creates constitutional concerns regarding officers of the Executive Branch rummaging through the private and privileged papers of the President." Cohen wasn't present for the hearing. The judge, who didn't immediately rule, ordered him to appear at another court hearing Monday on the issue to help answer questions about his law practice. In forceful language, prosecutors struck back at claims by Trump and others that the Monday raids violated the attorney-client privilege between Trump and Cohen or amounted to an improper extension of the work of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. As part of the grand jury probe, they wrote, investigators had already searched multiple email accounts maintained by Cohen. Those emails, they said, indicated that Cohen was "performing little to no legal work, and that zero emails were exchanged with President Trump." "This court should not accept Cohen's invitation to make new law and convert a duly authorized search warrant into a subpoena," prosecutors said, calling it a "dangerous precedent" to let defense lawyers delay a probe "in a case of national interest." In a footnote, prosecutors wrote that although the investigation was referred to prosecutors by Mueller, it was proceeding independently. Meanwhile, Cohen also fought back on another area of the special counsel's probe Saturday. On Twitter, he denied a McClatchy report from the previous day that said Mueller had evidence Cohen had made a summer trip to Prague during the 2016 campaign. He tweeted: "Bad reporting, bad information and bad story by same reporter Peter Stone @McClatchyDC. No matter how many times or ways they write it, I have never been to Prague. I was in LA with my son. Proven!" The report cited two anonymous sources. The alleged 2016 Prague trip was a subject of the dossier by ex-spy Christopher Steele. People familiar with the investigation of Cohen's dealings have told The Associated Press the searches carried out Monday sought bank records, records on Cohen's dealing in the taxi industry, Cohen's communications with the Trump campaign and information on payments made in 2016 to a former Playboy model, Karen McDougal, and a porn actress, Stephanie Clifford, who performs under the name Stormy Daniels. Both women say they had affairs with Trump. Clifford's lawyer, Michael Avenatti, spoke briefly in court. Outside court, he said: "We have every reason to believe that some of the documents seized relate to my client." Avenatti said it's "very possible" that the porn actress would show up at Monday's hearing. He then followed with a suggestive tweet that "the weather forecast for Mon looks very Stormy." Public corruption prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan are trying to determine, according to one person familiar with the investigation, if there was any fraud related to payments to McDougal and Clifford. Cohen has denied wrongdoing. McDougal was paid $150,000 in the summer of 2016 by the parent company of the National Enquirer under an agreement that gave it the exclusive rights to her story, which it never published. Cohen said he paid Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her silence about her claim to have had a one-night-stand with Trump. The White House has consistently said Trump denies either affair. Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo in Los Angeles, Tom Hays in New York and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report. Massachusetts gambling regulators held a public hearing on Thursday to decide if casino mogul Steve Wynn should be removed from the license his company received to operate a resort casino under construction near Boston. The regulators did not reach a decision and will meet again in two weeks. In the letter to the gaming commission made public on Thursday, an attorney for Wynn wrote that his client has divested from "all ownership interests" in Wynn Resorts. Wynn resigned as chairman and chief executive of the company in February after sexual misconduct allegations against him surfaced. Attorney Brian Kelly argues in the letter that Wynn should no longer be subject to a review of his ``suitability'' for the Wynn Boston Harbor Project. Massachusetts State Police have arrested one man and are still looking for two other suspects in connection with an alleged kidnapping on Thursday night. State police said they were notified by Lawrence police around 11:20 p.m. that they were looking for a gray Dodge Caravan in connection with the alleged kidnapping of an adult man. Two of the suspects allegedly showed weapons. The minivan was located a short time later on Granada Way in Andover but two suspects fled on foot. Authorities searched the area with a state police Air Wing and K-9 units but could not locate the suspects. A short time later, state police troopers located and pursued a black Chrysler 300 on Route 110 in Lawrence that was believed to be related to the incident. After a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped at about 12:22 a.m. and three suspects jumped out. Procopio said Joel Aguilar, 37, of Lowell, was captured and will be charged by state police with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. A firearm and a knife were found on his person. He faces additional charges out of Lawrence. The two other suspects remain at large. A Massachusetts police department and the surrounding community are mourning the loss of an officer who was fatally shot in the line of duty Thursday afternoon. Thirty-two-year-old Yarmouth K9 Officer Sean Gannon was serving a warrant at a home on Blueberry Lane in Marston Mills when he was shot. Gannon was taken to Cape Cod Hospital, where he later died. Gannon's dog, Nero, was also shot. Dennis Veterinary Hospital posted on Facebook that Nero was shot in the face and neck but has been stabilized and faces surgery Friday, although he is "not out of the woods." The alleged shooter, Thomas Latanowich, 29, was taken into custody after a standoff with police. He was ordered held without bail following his arraignment Friday at the First District Court of Barnstable on a murder charge. Yarmouth Police Chief Fred Fredrickson said Gannon was an 8-year veteran of the force and had a promising career ahead of him. He was married and a graduate of Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth and Westfield State University. "Sean, remarkable young man. We refer to him as the Tom Brady of the Yarmouth Police Department,'' Frederickson said outside of court. "He's gone. He died doing what he loved. He's going to be sorely missed." The police chief said he is devastated over the loss of his officer. "I treat all of my officers like they are my own sons and daughters, and to lose one is like losing my own," Fredrickson said. Area residents who learned of Gannon's death said they were completely shocked. Some stopped by the police department to drop off flowers. "I just figured I had to do something. I don't know Sean. I don't know his family," resident Cheryl Davis said. "These police officers need all the support that they can get from everyone." "Sean was one of those kind of guys you'd see on the street, he'd smile and say hello to you," said James Saben, who knows Gannon's family. "He's been involved in a lot of Cape Cod young professionals organizations. It really hits not just the town of Yarmouth, but the Cape as a whole, because the two of them have touched so many people." Residents were also disturbed to learn that the suspect has a lengthy criminal history that includes more than 100 prior arrests. "I'm just saddened that someone who has 111 charges against him can go free. The system has failed so many people," said a resident who did not want to be named. "It's just a dangerous, dangerous situation. You never know when you arent going to come home." Several Massachusetts police departments have expressed their sorrow over the loss of Gannon both online and in written statements. Gov. Charlie Baker said he conveyed his condolences in a phone conversation with Frederickson on Friday. "The sadness and heartbreak that carried in his voice says it all," Baker said. "This is an incredible tragedy and a huge loss, and we all expect justice to be served for this heinous crime and trust that our judicial system will hold his murderer accountable to the highest degree." Baker held a moment of silence for Gannon before a news conference on Friday in which he signed a bill approved by the Legislature that calls for major reforms in the state's criminal justice system. Baker also ordered all U.S. and state flags on state buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen officer. The Yarmouth Police Foundation is accepting donations for Gannon's family. For more information, go to www.yarmouthpolicefoundation.org. A Chittenden County educator denied accusations he violated the trust and privacy of a 17-year-old girl at Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington, Vermont. The attorney for 31-year-old Brian Lynam of Burlington entered a not guilty plea to a voyeurism charge Thursday. A student at the private Catholic school told the campus resource officer last month he saw Lynam, a music teacher, secretly trying to stretch his cell phone camera toward the buttocks of the girl as she walked up stairs in a skirt Lynam following behind her. Police said surveillance footage from inside the school shows the suspect trailing the student, with his cell phone illuminated, into a stairwell. There was not a camera trained on the stairs where the inappropriate photograph was allegedly snapped, according to police paperwork. Rice Memorial High School placed Lynam on administrative leave last month. The school declined to speak with necn Thursday, saying it had no further comment at this time. Last month, Rice said it was focusing on assisting students and other staff through a stressful time following the shocking accusations. In investigative paperwork made public after Thursday morning's hearing, detectives wrote that evidence from Lynam's phone shows he was likely trying to take pictures of girls at Rice on a regular basis. That evidence included other photos taken from odd angles that police said matched the interior of Rice Memorial High School's hallways and stairwells. South Burlington officers said that in an interview with them, the music teacher claimed he took no such photos. After securing a search warrant, detectives said they found hard drives and other devices that allegedly contained pictures peering up girls' skirts and with close-ups of their bodies in tights. Investigators did not specify in paperwork filed with the court where those stored files of girls came from. Police also documented a 2014 journal entry from Lynam which they said they found in their search of his home. In the diary, police said Lynam described needing to talk to a therapist writing of a "fetish for voyeur situations," and adding, "I keep track of all sightings that arouse me sexually many documented by date and time." Cathleen Barkley heads HOPEWorks, a Burlington-based nonprofit that advocates for survivors of sexual crimes and works to end sexual violence. She spoke with necn about the case last month. "I hope that they're able to find support in each other and in the broader community and in their families," Barkley said of any potential victims of alleged voyeurism by Lynam. "And that people are believing their stories and lending them support and really condemning these actions so they don't feel like they're alone or at fault in any way." The teacher pleaded not guilty to one charge of voyeurism, and the court ordered him to stay away from the Rice campus and from the alleged victim. Lynam and his defense attorney, Paul Volk, both declined to comment to necn as they left the courtroom Thursday refusing to respond to a question about whether the teacher planned to resign his job. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington said it will continue cooperating with law enforcement, should officers need any more help in their investigation. Cromer Methodist Church to host modern art exhibition 2018: One of the Britains most important collections of modern religious art, the Methodist Modern Art Collection, will be on display in Cromer this summer, coinciding with the towns carnival. This unique collection of art featuring biblical themes and narrative has toured the UK and abroad since its inception over 50 years ago. The management of the collection is deputed to a body of trustees, whose primary aim is to enable people to connect their faith to art, and also to encourage people outside the Church to consider the Christian message presented through the medium of art. The collection will be on display at the Community Matters Cafe, Hall Road, Cromer and at the Methodist Church, West Street next door, from August 7 to 17. The regular visitors to the Community Matters Cafe will have a special preview and lunch on Monday August 6. The exhibition will be complemented by art workshops and reflective sessions as well as traditional bible studies, all of which will be free and open to all, with no booking required. The church hopes that the Methodist Modern Art Collection will provide an opportunity for a whole range of conversations about faith, Jesus and the human condition. Visit the Art Collection website, here . The above images are copyright and are courtesy of the Methodist Modern Art collection. For more on this story, visit the North Norfolk News website . Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk? A group of Christian leaders in Norfolk is inviting churches to help launch a prayer group for the Armed Forces. A group of Christian leaders in Norfolk is inviting churches to help launch a prayer group for the Armed Forces. Pathways Tenancy Engagement Worker YMCA Norfolk is looking for a Pathways Tenancy Engagement Worker to work closely with service users by providing them with support to help them successfully manage their new, long term, secure tenancies. Read more Norfolk's nonagenarian seamstress makes dresses for Jordan Anna Bayles, a 96-year-old dressmaker from Wymondham, has sent her latest consignment of clothing as gifts to Christian refugees in Jordan. Read more Matthew Projects needs a Unity Service Manager The Matthew Project is seeking to recruit a new Service Manager for its Young Peoples Integrated Substance Misuse Service (Unity) in Norfolk, funded by Norfolk County Council Public Health. Read more Blue light services visit Dippy at night There are just under five weeks left of Dippy the dinosaurs stay at Norwich Cathedral and a spectacular farewell is planned with emergency services workers invited to a very special preview of the event. Read more Update with God before shutting down Ruth Lilley explains that some of the necessary housekeeping practices that keep our computers functioning correctly may have equivalent applications for our spiritual health. Read more Norwich event to explore sustainable futures Jonathon Porritt will be among speakers looking at sustainable futures at an event leading up to the COP 26 conference on Climate Change in Glasgow. Read more Great value residential centre in East Anglia Belsey Bridge residential centre offers fully catered group retreats in comfortable budget accommodation from only 40 per person per night Read more King's Lynn Pastor upcycles his mission to the homeless After serving for fourteen years as Pastor at Cornerstone King`s Lynn Baptist Church, Kevan Crane has taken on a new role serving the homeless. He explains his unusual journey of faith. Read more Perseverance brings rewards Andrew Frere-Smith has discovered the joys of DIY, but has realised that the best results are obtained when following the advice of James in the bible. Read more Hubb.church can help your church flourish on the web The Christian Cambridge-based web technology company which has supported the Network Norfolk website for the past 16 years has rebranded its church website, communications, administration and finance platform. Read more 'Visions of Salvation' Julian retreat The Friends of Julian of Norwich present 'Visions of Salvation', a two day in-person and online retreat taking place on October 29 and 30. Read more SOUL Church set to start work on 1,200-seat site SOUL Church is set to start work on its purpose-built new 1,200-seater church building, designed to be a welcoming home for the people of Norwich. Read more Dippy's Norwich visit inspires 9,000 planet pledges Dippy the dinosaurs visit to Norwich Anglican Cathedral has inspired more than 9,000 pledges to protect the planet. Read more Gorleston church reaches out to toddlers Gorleston has a new parent / carer and toddler group which starts this week at St Mary Magdalene Church as part of their outreach into the community. Read more Norwich FGB's explosive dinner invitation An invitation has been issued to hear the explosive testimony of Norfolk farmer Colin King at the next dinner of the Norwich FGB, at the Mercure Hotel in Norwich, on Monday October 18. Read more Norwich drug worker takes a dive with her client A remarkable substance misuse worker from the Matthew Project is heading for the skies with her teenage client. Read more Tributes paid to Norwich Mothers' Union president The Diocese of Norwich Mothers Union has announced the sad death of its "dedicated" President, Val Ovenden. Past President Marguerite Phillips pays tribute. Read more Internet-based virtual private networks rose to popularity in the 1990s by providing cost-effective connections securely across an insecure internet, and along the way VPNs have provided the impetus for todays SD-WAN technology. VPN definition The definition of a virtual private network (VPN) is creating a secure network over network transport that is less secure, such as the internet. VPNs are used to connect two or more nodes in a network and are most commonly used to connect individual users machines to sites or to connect sites to sites. Its possible to connect users to each other, but the use case for that is very limited so such deployments are rare. A possible use case is to connect things to a network, and while this is uncommon today, there will likely be an uptick in device-to-network VPNs as the Internet of Things (IoT) grows. Remote access VPNs Remote-access VPNs are the most common type and allow users to access company resources even when they are not directly connected to the corporate network. Remote access VPNs are typically temporary connections and are shut off when users have completed whatever task they were working on. To ensure privacy, a secure tunnel is established between the users endpoint such as a laptop, mobile device or home computer. Establishing calls for some sort of authentication passwords, tokens, biometric identification. Sometimes usernames and passwords are embedded in VPN software located on the users endpoint to make connecting easy for the user, but theres always some form of authentication. Benefits of remote-access VPNs The upside of using remote-access VPNs is that workers can connect to any company resource regardless of where they are and without a dedicated physical circuit. This reduces costs but also enables connectivity where it wasnt possible before. Remote-access VPN example A partner at a law firm may wish to access client files stored on a shared server remotely. Its possible the company could connect the partners home to the company network using a dedicated private line but that could be very expensive. In this case, a VPN would be an excellent alternative as it enables the lawyer to connect virtually over his home internet service. If the partner is travelling to a conference in a different city, there would be no feasible way to connect the attorney over a private connection, so a VPN over a temporary internet service would enable reaching the shared server, making it a critical business tool for the law firm. Remote-access VPN challenges The downside of remote access via VPN is that performance can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These include the internet service being used, the encryption method and the endpoint the user is connecting from. For example, a worker connecting via fiber to the home is likely to have significantly better performance than when establishing a VPN session from a hotel over shared Wi-Fi. Unfortunately for workers, little can be done to improve performance as these issues are often well beyond the control of the companys IT department. Any corporate service can be accessed via a remote-access VPN, and most will run just find but applications that consume large amounts of bandwidth, such as video, or have low-latency requirements, like voice over IP (VoIP), may perform very erratically. IPSec vs. SSL VPNs Remote-access VPNs most commonly use IPSec or secure socket layer (SSL) to securely tunnel users to company networks with one significant distinction between the two. IPSec VPNs allow workers to access all company resources as if they were in the office. So all shared drives, applications and other assets are visible. SSL VPNs typically provide connectivity to a single application, rather than the entire internal network. SSL VPNs have become increasingly popular because the SSL protocol requires fewer compute resources and gives IT more control over what remote users can or cannot see. Limiting access to a specific set of applications can protect the organization in the event the users device is breached. SSL VPNs and IoT The internet of things consists of a broad range of devices, many of them sensors that are used in corporate networks, from monitoring and controlling building systems to gathering data about machines in manufacturing plants. A common demand is that these devices be able to communicate with the company network, and SSL VPNs would be an ideal way to do that. They could be configured to restrict access to everything except the services the IoT device needs to perform its functions. Diminishing need for remote-access VPNs As software as a service (SaaS) grows increasingly popular, the requirement for IT to provide remote access VPNs diminishes. Applications and data are moving from company data centers to the cloud, and users can access the services directly. Having to VPN to and then through the company network can degrade the experience. Site-to-site VPNs Site-to-site VPNs connect locations, typically branch offices, to the company network. With site-to-site VPNs, the connections are established and terminated on a networking device, most commonly a router, firewall or dedicated VPN appliance, but not on end-user devices such as laptops and desktops. One reason to implement site-to-site VPNs is similar to the reason network professionals implement remote access VPNs: its too expensive or impractical to connect the site with a dedicated leased line. Site-to-site VPN example Consider a US-based consulting firm that decides to open a remote office in Japan with three people in it that need to access a shared file server, e-mail and other company resources. In this case, the network demands arent overly high, so a dedicated connection does not make sense. The company can purchase a local internet connection and create an internet-based VPN that connects the two locations, saving literally thousands of dollars per month. However, Internet based VPNs are complex to set up and lack agility. Making changes to internet VPNs can be very challenging in medium-to-large networks. Also, because Internet connections are being used, application performance can be erratic depending on network congestion and other factors. Site-to-site MPLS VPNs Another type of site-to-site VPN is connecting to a carrier-provided MPLS cloud instead of the public internet, offloading establishment of the VPN connections to the provider. The service provider creates virtual connections between sites across its MPLS network. The primary advantages of this type of VPN are network agility and the ability to mesh the network. In a typical site-to-site network, each branch is connected to the data center, and any branch to branch traffic flows through that central hub. With meshing, branches connect to each other directly without going through the hub. This direct connectivity may be necessary for video conferencing and other bandwidth-intensive and delay sensitive applications, and MPLS VPNs are ideally suited for this use case. The negative to MPLS VPNs has always been cost. Private IP services, like MPLS are very expensive, particularly for international connections. VPNs and SD-WANs SD-WANs have been red hot of late with network professionals because they provide the cost benefits of Internet based VPNs with the performance and agility of MPLS VPNs. With an SD-WAN, organizations can replace at least some of their high-price MPLS circuits with more economical internet connections and use the optimization and multi-path capabilities of an SD-WAN to ensure performance stays high enough for each workload. Also, because the control element of an SD-WAN has been decoupled from the underlying infrastructure, the network can be configured through a centralized portal. Making changes to an SD-WAN can often be done with just a few mouse clicks. VPN technology has been around for decades and SD-WAN should be thought of as the next major evolutionary step for the technology. Last week, I received an email from Checkfluid, an Ontario, Canada-based enterprise that builds oil quality sensors and oil sampling valves for equipment condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. Like all executives who contact us with good Internet of Things (IoT) questions, Checkfluids President Mike Hall was asking my opinion of best-in-class IoT platforms to power his company's journey into IoT. As we start the product development process, it is important to make the best IoT platform choice possible as this decision could be with us for a long time, stated Hall. As we know, identifying a high quality, scalable, easy-to-use IoT platform makes a huge difference in an enterprises IoT deployment. Cambridge Sound Management recently had a similar question for us. This Waltham, Massachusetts-based business designs and manufactures next generation sound masking solutions. With an established line of products for enterprise customers, Cambridge Sound recently launched an IoT product for consumer markets. Its CEO Christopher Calisi knew the value of an IoT platform to its overall IoT solution when he said, The IoT platform you select can dictate many other decisions in the product development process. A best-in-class platform allows Cambridge Sound to offer new services to its customers. But it was important to Calisi to have a platform that provided reliability, security and the ability to scale. The answer to Halls and Calisis questions about a best-in-class IoT platform almost invariably leads to a second, more challenging question, namely, What individual microservices of an IoT platform are necessary to make Checkfluids and Cambridge Sounds connected products successful? One size does not fit all in the world of IoT platforms. Engineering and development teams need more detailed IoT platform information to quickly and economically build a platform-based solution to connect products to the IoT. Understanding the microservices that underpin IoT platforms help decrease time-to-market and ease IoT adoption for small and large enterprises. So how do we answer this question about the microservices underpinning IoT platforms? Which platform is best for all the small and large enterprises considering IoT? With 100s of self-proclaimed IoT platforms in the market, the only way to truly know each platform is to use it yourself. At MachNation, the industry analyst firm of which Im the president, we have decided to test IoT platforms in our MachNation IoT test environment (MIT-E). Its in this hands-on test environment where we compare the features and usability of IoT platforms to fully understand each platforms microservices. By completing hands-on tests, we are able to provide more detailed advice to enterprises looking to adopt IoT platforms. In this short blog, I cant possibly identify the best IoT platform for all enterprise deployments worldwide. However, to help companies better understand IoT platforms, here are the top 6 categories of IoT platform microservices that matter for IoT platform selection and why they are important. Access control Access control is the system of identity verification and permission management for all platform-connected elements including APIs, administrator or operator interfaces, devices, stored and in-transit data, and any other platform service. Access control helps to ensure security of a platform and IoT solution. And, according to MachNation research, security concerns are the top reason why enterprises do not adopt IoT solutions. Data management Data management is defined as the capabilities within an IoT platform to ingest, store, manage, and forward data received from platform-connected IoT devices. Data management helps users effectively move data from IoT devices to northbound applications. This core components of an IoT platform provides the pipes to make sure the solution is functioning well. Device management Device management refers to the ability of a platform to provide lifecycle management functionality including device onboarding, deployment of software and firmware updates, and configuration of managed devices for connected devices. Device management helps users deal with the challenges of managing heterogeneous device deployments at scale. Event processing Event processing refers to the ability of an IoT platform to execute actions or provide notifications based on administrator or operator configured rules or triggers. Event processing allows users to automate actions that will take place under certain device or application scenarios. Without this capability, enterprises would have to resort to manual inspection of data to execute actions across a set of devices or applications. External integration External integration is the capability of an IoT platform to interface and share data with off-platform or third-party applications, services, or systems. IoT platforms are often connected to many off-platform applications, so having a predefined way to execute the most common integrations saves enterprises development time and money. Monitoring Monitoring is the capability of an IoT platform to trigger events, evaluate device status, and follow ingested data streams. Platform capabilities for monitoring should include both aggregated and drill-down views, and typically include operator- or administrator-facing dashboards and other graphical interfaces. Monitoring capabilities allow enterprises to evaluate and take actions on IoT platform activities. In order to make good, long-term decisions about IoT platform adoption, large and small enterprises need to understand the categories of microservices that matter most to their selection, deployment, and ongoing operational decisions. And enterprises need to complete hands-on tests of platforms like we do in MachNations MIT-E, to make sure the platform selected has the strong microservices required for proper enterprise deployment. As Hall from Checkfluid recognized, The IoT and Industry 4.0 landscape is becoming more and more complex and confusing every day. Understanding what is commercially available will help with product development to know what is possible and what is not. [Disclosure: Checkfluid and Cambridge Sound Management are customers of MachNation MIT-E.] The University of Kansas Cancer Center will present preclinical evidence supporting Ciclopirox Prodrug (CPX-POM), an anti-cancer agent currently in Phase I clinical trials, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2018 Annual Meeting in Chicago. Ciclopirox Prodrug was discovered by researchers at The University of Kansas Cancer Center and KU's Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation (IAMI). Scott Weir, PharmD, PhD, associate director for Translational Research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center and director of IAMI, will present a poster entitled "Bench-to-bedside translation of ciclopirox prodrug for the treatment of non-muscle invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer," from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday April 18 (Abstract No. 5882 / 29; Poster Section 39, Exhibit Hall A, McCormick Center South). Link to abstract: http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4562/presentation/6744 CicloMed LLC is leading the development of CPX-POM for the treatment of bladder cancer. CicloMed was formed as a public-private partnership between BioNOVUS Innovations LLC and IAMI in 2016. "The poster at AACR 2018 summarizes preclinical proof of principle data for Ciclopirox Prodrug supporting investigation of this agent as a potential treatment in bladder cancer. Based on evidence presented at AACR and other data, CicloMed is now conducting a first-in-human clinical trial of CPX-POM to characterize its safety, dose tolerance, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in patients with advanced solid tumors. We look forward to reporting further progress," said Tammy Ham, president and chief executive officer of CicloMed LLC. The Ciclopirox Prodrug poster describes evidence generated from in vitro experiments on high-grade human bladder cancer cell lines, as well as in vivo preclinical studies conducted in a validated mouse model of bladder cancer. The evidence Weir will present suggests Ciclopirox Prodrug inhibits progression of non-muscle invasive to muscle-invasive bladder cancer. "Through our unique public-private partnership, Ciclopirox Prodrug has advanced from the laboratory bench to an ongoing first-in-human Phase I trial in cancer patients," said Roy Jensen, MD, director of KU Cancer Center. "The partnership with CicloMed is helping our NCI-designated Cancer Center fulfill its vision to discover and advance promising new cancer treatments to patients." More than 500,000 men and women are living with bladder cancer in the United States. Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Americans and the fourth most common cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, about 81,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in 2018, and more than 17,000 deaths are expected this year. A medical device coated with new bacteria resistant materials, discovered by a team at the University of Nottingham, has been approved for use by hospitals in the UK and Europe. The specially coated urinary catheter has just been awarded a CE mark. Devices are about to be trialed in 6 hospitals across the UK. The trial will help to determine whether promising laboratory results translate into significantly reduced infection rates and lower costs for patients needing a catheter. The bacteria resistant materials discovered in 2012 by a scientists in the Schools of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, have been developed for medical use by the Cambridgeshire company Camstent. Meanwhile research, funded by Wellcome, to understand why these materials work is going into the final phase. Morgan Alexander, Professor of Biomedical Surfaces, who led the team funded by a Wellcome Trust Translation Award that made the initial discovery said: "This has gone all the way from the discovery of a new class of materials that no one could have predicted all the way to clinical trials and that's a massive achievement. This is only the second medical product to ever come out of this type of high throughput materials discovery that I am aware of and although the new CE mark is for urinary catheters only we have had a lot of interest from companies who manufacture other medical devices. This is an exciting time." Dr Dave Hampton, Chief Technical Officer, at Camstent said: "Catheter acquired urinary tract infections account for 38% of all hospital acquired infections prolonging the time patients spend in hospital and costing many of them their lives. These infections also cost the healthcare systems around the world billions in unplanned care, increased medication and congested waiting lists. The research published by the University of Nottingham presented us with a possible solution to this problem and it's exciting to now have a product reaching clinical trial, it's a real landmark moment for the project." Paul Williams, Professor of Molecular Microbiology in the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences said: "In the context of antimicrobial resistance these materials could be a major breakthrough. Millions of urinary catheters are used every day around the world and anybody who has a catheter for longer than a week is likely to get an infection." Medical device associated infections Medical device associated infections can lead to systemic infections and device failure, costing the NHS over 1bn a year. Many commonly used devices including urinary and central venous catheters are susceptible biofilms that are essentially bacterial 'slime cities'. This lifestyle protects bacteria from the bodies' natural defenses and antibiotics. Back in 2012 the Nottingham team discovered a new group of structurally related polymers that dramatically reduced the attachment of pathogenic bacteria (including Pseudomonas, Proteus, Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli). These new materials prevent infection by stopping biofilm formation at the earliest possible stage -- when the bacteria attempt to stick irreversibly to the device. The discovery was made with the help of experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) -- who initially developed the materials micro-array process by which thousands of unique polymers could be screened simultaneously. Discovery and development Professor Alexander said: "We do materials discovery, Camstent have done the product development. Between the point our team discovered this material and tested it on a little tube in the lab to Camstent developing a coated device there have been a host of important optimization experiments. We needed to get the coating to the appropriate flexibility, get it to stick and then safety tested and manufactured ready for clinical trials." The process of getting CE approval so these new materials could be tested on humans involved many well documented repetitive experiments to ensure they work and they are safe. Camstent have put them through a detailed manufacturing quality process to test the coating, packaging and sterilization process. Dr Hampton said: "As well as rigorous safety tests the production process has to be tested to ensure it works and there are no faults in the manufacture and we have to ensure the devices remain sterile in the packaging. We are very confident that we have reached a stage where patients will benefit from using this new device as opposed to the traditional uncoated or silver impregnated ones and we are very excited to see the results of these trials and move onto the next stage of the process. " Analysing the results To test whether the materials are working properly the used catheters will be sent to the University of Nottingham where they will be examined for signs of biofilm formation by Professor Williams and his team. Potential for other medical devices Having licensed the materials for use in urology the team at Nottingham are now looking to use their materials on other medical devices. As well as catheters these include endotracheal tubes used to help unconscious patients breath and contact lenses. The coating could also be used for implants such as cochlear implants, prosthetic joints and dental products. Still more questions to answer With the discovery of new group of materials like these come big questions and Professor Morgan and his team still have some to answer. Professor Alexander said: "We know how these materials work but the more complex question is why they work. If we can understand the mechanisms involved we can expand the application of these polymers, eg into implants and other devices. The Wellcome Trust Senior Joint Investigator award that Profs. Alexander and Williams have currently is helping us to discover why bacteria dislike our polymer surfaces so much." Dr Tim Knott of Wellcome's Innovations team said: "Innovative approaches to tackling the spread of infection are vital to stop the rise of drug-resistant infections. Often called superbugs, they already kill 700.000 people each year worldwide. This new material could be hugely important in helping prevent spread of potentially deadly infection and in addressing an urgent global health problem. Reducing infection is vital for patients and for healthcare systems across the world. Wellcome is committed to tackling drug-resistant infections and we look forward to the clinical trial for this exciting medical innovation." A Purdue University-patented technology shows promise in using microscopic bubbles filled with oxygen to help with various medical treatments, including improving cancer therapeutics and helping wounds heal faster. Samara Biotech LLC, a Purdue startup, has developed an easy-to-use method to inject oxygen "nanobubbles" intravenously so they can be targeted precisely at wounds or cancerous tumors. The bubbles do not actually do the therapies, but enhance other therapies, such as improving chemotherapeutics or radiation efficacy, said Pushpak Bhandari, Samara Biotech founder. "It's an oxygen delivery system at its core that can be applied toward many diseased states," Bhandari said "Oxygen is critical in almost every biological process, so this helps in a variety of ways." Studies have shown that a lack of oxygen in tumor cells changes how cells function, contributing to cancer growth. Low oxygen, or hypoxia, is a major challenge in treating some cancers because it is common in a majority of malignant tumors. Tumor cells are starved of oxygen, causing them to become resistant to conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. This can lead to a need to increase radiation doses or chemotherapy concentration, which often adversely affects patients. The nanobubble shells disintegrate inside the tumor cells, increasing the cellular oxygen levels. The release of oxygen inside the hypoxic cells destabilizes the hypoxia-driven pathways and inhibit tumor growth, Bhandari said. "Normal cells are two to three times more receptive to cancer therapies compared with hypoxic cells," he said. Early testing published in the journals Scientific Reports and ACS Nano shows that the oxygen nanobubbles are effective in significantly delaying tumor progression and improving survival rates in clinical trials. The nanobubbles can be guided precisely to a tumor using an ultrasound beam, which can lead to better efficacy while using a 50 percent lower concentration of a chemotherapeutic drug. "The ability to precisely steer oxygen nanobubbles offers considerable promise for a wide range of biomedical applications," Bhandari said. Bhandari believes the oxygen nanobubbles could be particularly effective against brain cancer, bladder cancer and certain sarcomas that are most common in bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat and blood vessels. Bhandari, who earned a doctorate in biological engineering from Purdue in 2017, also believes the oxygen nanobubbles can be more effective at treating wounds than a hyperbaric chamber or topical oxygen therapy because the nanobubbles can be more precisely targeted. Bhandari is continuing to look at other wound-healing applications, saying the method could be used to treat complications from diabetes and other illnesses. He plans to begin his cancer studies in dogs initially because nearly half of all dogs die of cancer. He said he will be dealing only with naturally occurring cancer in dogs and hopes those studies will help advance and speed the research into human cancers. He said he has been working with Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine. The oxygen nanobubbles also act as contrast agents for ultrasound imaging, allowing researchers to create highly sensitive, highly reliable detection agents to monitor therapy. Bhandari started Samara Biotech in 2015, taking the name from a winged seed that allows the wind to carry it further from the parent. He said in Eastern philosophy it also connotes the circle of life. The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization filed a patent on the technology. The Purdue Foundry and the Purdue Research Foundation have been working with Bhandari to commercialize his research. "We're looking for potential strategic partners," Bhandari said. "We want to get the word out that there is a new technology that been evaluated quite well for a lot of different applications and we're looking for more." New research shows that people who habitually stay up late and wake up late are at risk of shorter lives compared to those who follow the old adage early to bed and early to rise The study titled, Associations between chronotype, morbidity and mortality in the UK Biobank cohort, was published in the latest issue of the journal Chronobiology International. Image Credit: Dotshock / Shutterstock The new study, from researchers at the University of Surrey, found that Britons who are habitually late sleepers have a 10 percent higher risk of dying early. The study included 433,000 people and followed them up for up to 6.5 years. Study co-author Malcolm van Schantz says that this is an important public health issue and should not be ignored. Kristen Knutson associate professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who was a co-author said that this was a morning lark world and night owls may thus suffer from ill health. The team of researchers looked at these population aged between 38 and 73 years and gathered their data from a public database the UK Biobank cohort. The participants called themselves one of the three types Definitely a morning person (27 percent of them) More a morning person than evening person (35 percent) More an evening than a morning person (28 percent) Definitely an evening person (9 percent) Other parameters and lifestyle habits were also taken into account. This included their socioeconomic status, body mass index and smoking habits. For 6.5 years the population was followed up and a total of 10500 deaths were reported during that time. Group 4 who were mainly evening persons were at a 10 percent higher risk of death compared to the group 1 who were morning people. Further psychological problems, diabetes, breathing problems and inadequate sleep was one of the major problems of the night owls. These individuals were more likely to smoke more, consume more coffee and alcohol and use illegal drugs of abuse that further raised their risk of health problems. Knutson explained that these people have an internal biological clock that was not in sync with the external environment and this was causing the problems. She added that these problems included stress, eating unhealthy and at wrong time, inadequate exercise or sleep, drugs or alcohol abuse etc. She said people were more prone to indulging in unhealthy behaviours and habits if they were awake by themselves at night unable to sleep. Schantz said that the evening types should be advised to finish their work earlier. They should be counselled he said, to cope with the higher effort of keeping their body clock in synchrony with sun time. Authors explain that some people have a natural tendency to sleep late and wake up late and 40 to 60 percent of a persons circadian rhythm is genetically determined. They could be conditioned by being exposed to early morning light and not being exposed to lights at night. Good sleep hygiene helps in improving early sleep habits. Researchers at the University of Sydney have established a method to identify individual nanoparticles released by human cells, opening the way for them to become diagnostic tools in the early-detection of cancers, dementia and kidney disease. Extracellular vesicles such as exosomes transport vital information between cells. Image courtesy of Abcam.com The particles, known as extracellular vesicles, or EVs, are routinely released by cells and play a central role in cell communication, sharing vital information such as DNA, RNA and proteins. This really is at the cutting edge of our knowledge of cellular development, said Associate Professor Wojciech Chrzanowski, co-author of a new paper on EVs published in the Royal Society of Chemistrys Nanoscale Horizons. EVs could not only be used to identify cellular pathologies but because they carry essential information about cell development, we could engineer them for purposes of tissue repair. Associate Professor Chrzanowski from the University of Sydney Nano Institute and the Faculty of Pharmacy said the ability to identify individual EVs will provide biomarkers for diverse diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular, kidney and liver disease as well as dementia and multiple sclerosis. He said it will also allow scientists to engineer EVs for use in tissue regeneration and help start a new chapter in stem-cell therapies and regenerative medicine. The human body naturally directs EVs from stem cells to damaged tissue to assist in its repair. By harnessing this knowledge, we could create a new generation of cell therapies, said Associate Professor Chrzanowski, who is the industry theme leader for Health and Medicine at Sydney Nano. Understanding the particular nature of EVs is therefore essential for developing their application for diagnostics and therapeutics. For instance, early-stage cancerous cells release EVs that indicate the presence of malignant tissue in the body. The study of extracellular vesicles is a relatively new field. It is only in the past decade that it has been known that cells communicate and transfer molecular and genetic information using EVs. The full potential to harness this knowledge for biomedical use has been hampered due to difficulties in establishing the heterogeneous nature of EV populations. Until now, they have only been analyzed as large-scale populations with insufficient sensitivity. Lead author of the paper, doctoral candidate Sally Yunsun Kim, said: To unlock the true potential of EVs, what is needed is a new approach to unequivocally define nanoscale differences at a single EV level and that is what we have done. This is because it is the individual nature of the EVs as released by cells affected by cellular morphology, genetics and environment that give them their agency in human tissue repair. Ms Kim, Associate Professor Chrzanowski and their team have developed a way to identify individual EV nanostructures, through examination of human placental stem cells provided by co-author Dr Bill Kalionis from the Royal Womens Hospital in Melbourne. In the Nanoscale Horizons paper the team details a new method to identify the nanoscale composition of EVs using resonance-enhanced atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). This involves isolating singular EVs, thermally agitating them and then reading the particular signal or fingerprint from this thermal activity using a 20-nanometre-wide detector. Ms Kim, said: We can do this using small amounts of human material, such as blood or urine samples. When cells create EVs they are spread throughout the body. Associate Professor Chrzanowski said this ability to determine the particular nature of EVs will also allow scientists to continue fundamental research into how and why EVs are created by cells. This is a new and exciting field for biomedical research. And Australia is playing a leading role in this area, said Associate Professor Chrzanowski, who is a joint organizer of an international conference on extracellular vesicles that will take place in Sydney in November. The best people in the world will be here sharing their knowledge in a field with such promise for biomedical treatments, he said. By Matt Pullen TradeShow Talks with Aurora Biomed Hall A1, Booth 501 Tell us about the company and why you are attending Analytica? Related Stories Insights from the Shunde Biomedical Industry Investment Promotion Conference We're Aurora Biomed and we are attending Analytica so we can expand into new markets, mainly in Europe, and we're actually here looking for new distribution channels. What products are you highlighting at Analytica? At this show we're promoting our ion channel reader, which is for precision medicine, drug safety and toxicity by analyzing ion transport for pharmaceutical companies, and research for ion channels. What makes this product different from anything else on the market? Our ion channel reader a very unique product, with nothing else on the market as of today. We are market leaders in this area, and we have been hosting a conference for the last 13 years on this topic. We invite everyone that's associated with this type of research to the conference, so we have quite a few other suppliers who attend. Our conference is usually run in Vancouver, Canada, in June every year, but this year we are hosting it for the second time in Guangzhou, China, in November 2018. Weve seen that there's a lot of growth in the Southeast Asian and the Chinese market. Which industries will benefit from this product? We have a wide range of product lines, which are being used in all types of research laboratories, such as environmental, pharmaceutical and biotech, and we also serve the academic market. However, our focus right now is mainly on pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Researchers have devised optical tweezers made up of laser beams that could be used to manipulate and move tiny atoms to align them to form single molecules. This is a breakthrough and has been done for the first time by scientists from Harvard University. The work report was published in a study in the latest issue of the journal Science. According to the researchers, this is the first time a device has been made that could make designer molecules which are built like building blocks one atom at a time. Until now making molecules meant putting atoms or molecules in close proximity and hoping that they would react with each other by colliding. The final outcome of such random pairings would then be analysed to see if the desired molecule is created. This laser tool now can make molecules perfectly and as per need. For this study the team got hold of two single atoms - sodium and cesium using two different optical tweezers or beams and brought them close to create a single molecule of sodium cesium (NaCs). Molecules created in this manner can be highly selective and precise. More diverse and complex molecules that are to be used for quantum information applications and quantum computing can also be synthesized using this technique say researchers. Lee Liu - a PhD student at Harvard University, and colleagues in this study thus worked with just two atoms. Both the atoms were laser-cooled to absolute zero, or minus 273 degrees Celsius. This was because any warmer and the atoms would be moving around too much to be caught in the beams. The atoms were moving about when the laser beams with their small packets of energy called photons were used to stop them in a place. The wavelengths of the two laser beams that carried the atoms were different. One atom of sodium and cesium were then caught from the ultraclod cloud the researchers explain. The different wavelengths of the beams ensured that they would be specific for each of the atoms. The final NaCs molecule that they created was in an excited state they said. The team looked at this new molecule using spectroscopy and found that it had some unique properties that were not known before. Liu said, Every high school student of chemistry, looking at a textbook, sees 'A plus B equals AB' For the first time, we've been able to do this in the lab. Last a month a teenager died in Kheriakani district of Odisha after an old Nokia 5233 phone exploded while she was on a call with a relative. According to news reports, the teenager named Uma Oram had plugged in the Nokia 5233 phone for charging while she was talking. HMD Global, the new caretaker of the Nokia brand, was quick to issue an official statement and side-line itself from the incident as the mobile phone in question was not manufactured by them. The tragic incident is a brutal reminder of the fact that mobile phone batteries are highly unpredictable and it is very dangerous to talk over the phone while charging it. Having said that, this is something almost every mobile phone user does. Advertisement While we have not been able to independently verify the facts of any of these reports, we can confirm that the mobile phone in question was not manufactured or sold by HMD Global, the new home of Nokia phones, set up in 2017 to create a new range of Nokia devices," HMD Global said in a press statement. Surprisingly, the Nokia 5233 mobile phone is still sold by Nokia and is currently available on Amazon.in for a price of Rs 2,999. So, if the phone is still being sold under the Nokia brand, who is actually responsible for its customer support? The old Nokia branded phones were sold officially by Microsoft Mobile which also sold the Lumia series Windows OS phones. But Microsoft had later sold the Nokia brand to HMD Global and Foxconn. Also read: Apple iOS 11.3 Update is Turning iPhone 8 With Third-Party Screens Useless Advertisement According to the official statement in May 2016, Nokia Technologies had granted HMD Global Oy (HMD), based in Finland, the exclusive global licence to create Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets for the next 10 years. Under the pact, Nokia Technologies will receive royalty payments from HMD for sales of Nokia-branded mobile products, covering both the brand and the intellectual property rights. After HMD Global took over the brand Nokia, the first phones it had launched were Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM on December 13, 2016. For the laymen, this means that any Nokia phone launched after May 2016 makes HMD Global responsible for the customer support. With Microsoft Mobile out of the equation, who is responsible for the customer support of older Nokia phones? Also, why are old Nokia phone still being sold in the market? A quick search on both Amazon.in and Flipkart will reveal that not just the Nokia 5233, all popular old Nokia feature phones are being sold. In fact, there is a 'Nokia' keyword page on Amazon.in that are selling old as well as new Nokia phones (manufactured by HMD Global) making it difficult for buyers to choose what to buy and what not to buy. And if old Nokia phones are easily available on popular e-commerce websites, just imagine the situation in retail shops in rural areas. Despite the Android rush in India, feature phones continue to be in demand. Nokia had a created a niche for itself in the feature phone market in the early days and consumers still continue to praise the good old Nokia days in India. Now this influences the purchase decision of consumers who are not much aware of the current happenings in the mobile industry. Another concern in buying old Nokia feature phones is that these devices can either be from the old stocks or could be duplicates. While consumer would still want to buy an old Nokia 6600 phone, there is no guarantee that if its the original phone or not. And, of course, the Nokia branding is put for the namesake. Also read: Facebook's Zuckerberg Unscathed by Congressional Grilling, Stock Rises >So, here is the list of feature phones from Nokia now sold by HMD Global that are a good buy. HMD Global is responsible for the sale and customer support of the same. Any other Nokia feature phone apart from the ones mentioned in the list has no guarantee from HMD Global. Consumers are advised not to buy any other old Nokia feature phone. Nokia 130, Nokia 130 Dual SIM, Nokia 130 Classic, Nokia 216, Nokia 216 Dual SIM, Nokia 222, Nokia 222 Dual SIM, Nokia 230, Nokia 230 Dual SIM, Nokia 105, Nokia 105 Classic, Nokia 105 Dual SIM, Nokia 150, Nokia 150 Dual SIM, Nokia 3310, Nokia 3310 3G, Nokia 3310 Dual SIM, Nokia 8110 4G Also note that all Nokia smartphones made by HMD Global run Android operating system. There are officially no smartphones from Nokia that run on Windows operating system. Consumers are advised not to buy old Nokia Lumia smartphones running Windows OS. Nokia Android smartphones made by HMD Global are: Nokia 1, Nokia 2, Nokia 3, Nokia 5, Nokia 6, Nokia (2018), Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 8 and Nokia 8 Sirocco. A quick search on Amazon.in will reveal these old Nokia phones: Nokia E63, Nokia 6600, Nokia E71, Nokia 1600, Nokia Asha 311, Nokia E5, Nokia E72, Nokia C5, Nokia 5233, Nokia Asha 501 and others. In fact, you can search and buy any old Nokia phone. It is advisable that consumers avoid buying them. WATCH VIDEO: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Gives Testimony Before Congress - Highlights New Delhi: It is probably the biggest bitcoin theft India has ever seen. Bitcoins worth over Rs 19 crore have been siphoned off from Coinsecure, one of the biggest Bitcoin Exchanges operating in India. The company blames their CSO Dr Amitabh Saxena for the theft on a declaration made on their homepage. On the basis of the complaint given by Coinsecure, CyberCell of Delhi police has registered an FIR under section 66 of IT Act and the relevant sections of Indian Penal Code. In their complaint, Coinsecure has told the Delhi police that on 9th April 2018 "we were informed by our CSO, Dr Amitabh Saxena that 438.318 bitcoins (worth Rs 19 crore-Approx) were stolen from our company's wallet due to some attack". The complaint goes on to say that the company feels that "he is making a false story to divert our attention and he might have a role to play in this entire incident". The director of the company Mohit Kalra has also requested the police to seize his passport so that he cannot flee the country. Kalra had founded the company in 2014. Apart from him, it was only Dr Saxena who had the private keys to the exchange's main wallet. They were on the verge of moving into 'multi-coin architecture' where they would trade in other crypto currencies as well, apart from Bitcoin. This is certainly a huge setback for the company. The company has assured its customers that they will be 'indemnified from our personal funds' if Coinsecure doesn't manage to get back the lost currencies. Though this is the first major theft from a crypto exchange in India, these kind of thefts are not uncommon across the world. In January, a Japanese crypto exchange Coincheck was hacked and Cryptocurrency worth $ 530 million was stolen from there. In December, NiceHash, a Slovenian cryptocurrency cloud mining marketplace, was hacked off $ 70 million in a coordinated highly professional cyber attack. In India, the Coinsecure theft has come at a time when Reserve Bank has barred banks and financial institutions from dealing in cryptocurrencies. It had also decided to ring-fence the "RBI regulated entities from the risk of dealing with entities associated with virtual currencies". This led to a number of small investors offloading their Bitcoins and converting them to rupees. Many of those, whose money is now stuck wanted to move out of the Bitcoin market. New Delhi: A parliamentary panel will grill finance ministry officials on April 17 amid rising NPAs, incidents of fraud and governance lapses in the banking sector. The Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily, had last met on March 9 in the aftermath of the over Rs 13,000 crore fraud in Punjab National Bank. It had then asked the ministry to institute a comprehensive enquiry encompassing systemic elements in the case and submit its report within a month. "The Standing Committee is scheduled to meet finance ministry officials on April 17 and challenges in the banking sector, including NPAs and stressed assets, would be discussed," an official said. As per RBI's Financial Stability Report, gross non-performing asset (NPA) ratio of public sector banks was at 13.5 per cent at the end of September, 2017, 1 percentage points higher than six months ago. The government had in February announced a Rs 2.11 lakh crore recapitalisation plan for PSU banks to revive the banking sector. The meeting assumes significance since the sector is dealing with governance issues also at two private sector banks -- ICICI and Axis. S&P Global Ratings had earlier in the day said that the recent issues in private sector banks reiterate the need to improve risk management, and maintain strong governance practices. Chanda Kochhar, the managing director and CEO of the country's leading private sector lender ICICI Bank, is currently under investigation for an alleged conflict of interest associated with the bank's loan to the Videocon group in 2012. Recently, the board of private sector lender Axis Bank has sought RBI nod for the reappointment of managing director and CEO Shikha Sharma for six months ending December 31, 2018. This is after the central bank declined an earlier proposal to give her a three-year term ending June 30, 2021. According to reports, the RBI's unwillingness to approve the initial request of three years was due to a number of risk management and governance issues that have emerged at the bank over the past year or so. These include a deterioration in asset quality and underreporting of nonperforming loans, S&P said. Art imitates life. Life imitates art. Every time a Bollywood movie is played on the big screen, the audience is reminded that-- "All names, characters and incidents portrayed in this film are fictitious. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental." However, there are people who have over the years taken inspirations from such works of fictions and turned them into reality to commit heinous crimes. Remember when an Indian man accused of stalking two women in Australia escaped conviction after he argued that he was influenced and conditioned by Bollywood movies to believe that pursuing a woman would eventually cause them to fall in love? We have compiled a list of Bollywood movies that were imitated in real life to break the law. 1) Hindi Medium (2017) Last week, a businessman in Jawahar Nagar was apprehended after his son was admitted to Sanskriti School in Chanakyapuri in the quota for economically weaker sections, without anyone getting a wind of it for nearly three years. According to a report in The Times of India, accused Gaurav Goel, showed his address as Sanjay Camp, a slum near Chanakyapuri, for his elder sons admission in 2013. He put down his annual income as Rs 67,000 by allegedly forging his income documents. The voter cards and birth certificates too were forged. Goel had told the school that he was working at an MRI centre. The story began to unravel when this year Goel pushed for the admission of his second child under the sibling quota. Although the movie itself was made several years after the crime was committed, it is too hard to ignore the eerily similar plot of Hindi Medium in which Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar ditch their lavish lives and start living in slums to get their daughter admitted in the top "English Medium" school. 2) Darr (1993) Snapdeal employee Dipti Sarna's abduction made national headlines in 2016 after the main accused and kidnapper Devendra said that he took inspiration from the 1993's Bollywood film Darr in which Shah Rukh Khan played a stalker. Devendra made an elaborate plan to abduct the girl and then win her love. According to SSP Ghaziabad Dharmendra Singh, several of his accomplices helped in the abduction, but none of them knew what he was up to. After several foiled attempts, Devendra successfully abducted Dipti, took her to a stranded location, took "care" of her and gave her food and tried to create a heroic image for himself, saying his motives were different and that he was, in fact, trying to save her. The next morning Devendra dropped Dipti to the Sangla Kala station. He told her they should get married and move to Nepal and settle there. "Are you going after making a friend or an enemy?" he asked her. You can read the entire transcript of SSP Ghaziabad Dharmendra Singhs press conference here. 3) Special 26 (2013) In another Bollywood-inspired incident, armed robbers posing as CBI officials struck a Muthoot Finance branch in Hyderabad and left with 40kg of gold. They entered the branch claiming to be CBI officials, and they were armed, a senior police official said. "First one of them dressed as a traffic cop went inside and said officers from the CBI have arrived. Then another one posing as a CBI official said they were there for a search after receiving information that people were converting black money into gold post demonetisation," Cyberabad CP Sandeep Shandilya said. The modus operandi seemed very similar to the plot of 2013 movie Special 26 starring Akshay Kumar where a group posing as CBI officials raids a jewellery in Mumbai. The film itself was inspired by the 1987 Opera House Heist at a Mumbai branch of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri (TBZ) Jewellers. While leaving, the robbers also took with them the CCTV system at the branch. Employees and eyewitnesses told the police that they had dressed like officials and spoke Hindi and English. 4) Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) More than a dozen of crimes have been reportedly committed after being inspired by Rajkumar Hirani's blockbuster hit Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. starring Sanjay Dutt. In 2017, two men were held from Gurugram for appearing on behalf of an aspirant in an exam to recruit primary teachers. A year back in 2016, 12 impersonators were held for appearing in the Uttarakhand Ayurveda Pre-Medical Test. In 2012, the Crime Branch busted a racket involving entrance examinations to the postgraduate course at AIIMS. The modus operandi involved scanning question papers using high-end mobile phones and feeding answers to candidates via Bluetooth, reported Indian Express. 5) Bunty Aur Babli (2005) Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan successfully pulled off con after con, looting rich people dressed as local guides, religious priests, business partners, even fake selling Taj Mahal at one point in Yash Raj Films' Bunty Aur Babli. Taking inspiration from the movie, a man and a woman took to crime to make quick money. The two were involved in over two dozen cases of attempt to murder, theft, robbery, snatching, assault and attacking policemen on duty, reported TOI. After committing a number of snatchings in the city in 2013 and 2014, Jagjeet and the woman were arrested. During interrogation, they had told the police that they were inspired by the movie, the report further said. After the two got bail, they continued with their criminal activities. Jagjeet was later arrested in 2017, while the woman is still on the run. 6) Shootout At Lokhandwala (2007) Narrating an incident to TOI, Kunwar Raghvendra Pratap Singh, incharge of Women's Power Line 1090, shared a story about a boy from Meerut who was inspired by Vivek Oberoi's character in 2007's Shootout At Lokhandwala. A 15-year-old was kidnapped by his classmates by a group of students who later called up the boy's father and demanded 50,000 for ransom and later brutally murdered the victim. Only during the investigations, it was revealed by the accused that he was so impressed with actor Vivek Oberoi's character in the film Shootout At Lokhandwala, that he was inspired to commit a similar crime. The young boy also had the movie stored on his mobile and watched it every day, trying to imitate Oberoi's mannerisms, TOI reported. 7) Khosla Ka Ghosla! (2006) The Crime Branch busted a gang of cheats in 2013 who duped people by selling them plots belonging to the DDA in New Delhi. Taking inspiration from Kishen Khurana (Boman Irani), from the popular satire-comedy Khosla Ka Ghosla!, DDA employees resold plots by forging documents. Police said the modus operandi adopted by the gang appeared to have been inspired by the popular film. New Delhi: Three people were arrested for allegedly conspiring to kill Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi at the behest of gangster Dawood Ibrahim, police said in New Delhi on Friday. The three accused -- Salim Ahmed Ansari (42), Abrar (36) years and Arif (38) -- were arrested from Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr by the Delhi Police Special Cell, they said. A Delhi court later on Friday sent the three men to five days police custody. In January, Rizvi had written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in which he claimed that madrassas bred terrorists and demanded that the Islamic institutions should be shut. In the letter to the prime minister, Rizvi had demanded that madrassas be replaced by schools affiliated to the CBSE or the ICSE which will offer students an optional subject of Islamic education. Later in the month, he had approached the Lucknow Police alleging that he had received a threat call from a man claiming to be an aide of gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Rizvi had reported to the police that the caller said he was threatened for his stand on madrassa education and other issues. Earlier, He had also expressed support in building of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Delhi Police said that during the past few months, they had received inputs that Chotta Shakeel, under the directions from gangster Dawood Ibrahim, had been planning some subversive activities in India. Subsequently, it was learnt that one Salim from Bulandshahr had recently returned from Dubai and was in constant touch with Dubai-based underworld operatives, said PS Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell). The activities of Salim were monitored which revealed that Salim along with his associates Arif and others was planning to kill Rizvi. The group had convened a meeting in Delhi in March for this purpose and from here they had gone to Lucknow to recce Rizvi's office. After the observations, they had informed their handlers in Dubai, who then directed them to procure arms and ammunition for the attack. They contacted Abrar for procuring arms and ammunition through him, said the officer. Salim was paid 3000 dirham for buying arms and ammunition and had been promised more money when the work was done, the police added. Yesterday, a team of Special Cell of the Delhi Police nabbed the accused from Bulandshahr, UP. Arms and ammunition and mobile phones used by the accused to communicate with their handlers in Dubai were recovered from them. Salim was the leader of the group. In 1992, he was arrested in a snatching case in Bulandshahr and remained in jail for about 20 days. He was again arrested in 1994 in two cases of robbery and snatching. This time he remained in Bulandshahr Jail for about two-and-a-half months. After being released from jail, he went to Mumbai and was arrested there in a robbery case and remained in Arthur road jail for about four years. He procured a passport without disclosing his criminal involvements and went to Riyad and stayed there from 1998 to 2001. In December 2017, he went to Dubai on tourist visa for three months where he met an associate of Chhota Shakeel who works for D-company. He tasked Salim to carry out assassination of Rizvi, the police said. In February, Salim called Arif from Dubai and informed him about this conspiracy. Arif was in dire need of money so he readily agreed to join Salim, they added. Srinagar: The gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua wasn't like the other horrific cases that callous netas often attribute to raging hormones. It was a rape inflicted with purpose, to fulfil an agenda, instil fear and drive away a few nomad families from their lands. The Kathua rape here was deliberate and used as a weapon. The minors rape was plotted for months. The characters, target and place of crime was chosen carefully to avoid suspicion. Deep down, it was committed to send out a chilling message to Bakerwals move out or it will get worse. And once the barbarity culminated with the murder of the girl, at every level, money, muscle, politics, region, religion, polarisation and even flags were used to subvert justice. Worse, some cops, legislators and even ministers played wilful partners to help fulfil the communal agenda. A look at the charge-sheet filed by the Crime Branch gives gory details about the alleged detailed scheming by Sanji Ram, a former revenue officer. The 60-year-old is alleged to have seen to it that the rape and murder cases were buried. He allegedly offered bribes on multiple occasions to police, used BJP MLAs and senior ministers to throw their weight and put pressure on the Mehbooba Mufti government to go either slow with the probe or transfer it to CBI. The leaders called the crime branch investigations as unfair and going against the nationalist forces. They openly supported the Hindu Ekta Manch, the front which mobilised support against the Crime Branch and used the Tricolour to make their point. Investigation points to out how the girl was held captive, drugged, beaten up inside a temple and repeatedly raped. Invites to rape the minor were also sent allegedly by a juvenile accused who abducted the girl in the Rassana jungle to his cousin who arrived in Kathua the next morning from Meerut to violate the girl. The captors starved and sedated the minor before strangulating her with a chunni. Her head was banged against a stone to snuff out her last breath. Ram, the main accused and custodian of the devisthan, his nephew and an SPO named Deepak Khajuria reportedly had regular feuds with the Bakerwals. On the fateful day, January 10, the victim was taking horses for herding as usual, but when she did not return home, the family started searching. Later, they reported the girls absence to police, who searched the area but failed to trace the child. On January 17, the girls mutilated body was found in the bushes with the same clothes she was abducted in. Her face and head were slightly bloated and body parts, including genitals, bore marks, said the girls aunt who gave her the ritual bath. The family cried for help, but literally ran against a wall to get justice till the Crime Branch started the investigations, which was also monitored by the court. Investigation suggest the crime was committed with an aim to displace the minorities from the Rassana hills. Political parties, members of the Bar, civil society groups and a few pro-Hindutva social outfits in Jammu have been vociferous about "deliberate demographic changes" in the Jammu region. Talib Hussian, a tribal leader in Jammu, fears that the harassment of Gujjars and Bakerwals will continue in the run-up to the General Elections next year. He says there is huge planning underway to drive the nomads out. He has been at the forefront of demanding forest rights for the nomads in line with Central Forest Rights, but the BJP has opposed it more than once in the Cabinet and Assembly. It is for this reason that the friction between majority and nomads has accentuated. These days, the two communities don't see eye to eye. The population of the tribals is less than 4 percent in lower Jammu plains where these experiments, according to Hussian, are on. The Ekta Manch group that alleged harassment of the majority community by the Crime Branch officials had earlier taken out a march that was supported by senior ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga. The manch had marched with the Tricolour in their hands in defence of the accused. When protesters hit the streets, Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh, who is also the local MP, did not extend a word of sympathy for the victim. He, in fact, said there was no harm if the case was handed over to the CBI. When the Crime Branch took over the case from the Special Investigation Team and Kathua police, there was every effort made to botch-up the investigation. Heeranagar police, who initially investigated the case, have been accused of destroying crucial pieces of evidence. The blood-soaked clothes of the girl were washed just hours before they were sent for forensic test. A Sub-Inspector and constable, now arrested, had allegedly destroyed evidence. Additionally, they have been charged with taking bribe from Ram for subverting investigations and to protect his son and nephew. Initially, the hospital, too, delayed the post-mortem report, allegedly on the instructions of the higher ups. Police laxity to trace the girl when the missing persons report was lodged initially, cost the Bakerwal family dearly. Police failed to protect the crime scene and it was the investigators' plain luck that they could lay hands on some crucial bits of evidence. As far as lawyers in Kathua go, they blocked the court on Monday and stalled the filing of chargesheet by many hours. Their counterparts, the Bar Association in Jammu, gave a bandh call on Wednesday, but the Chamber of Commerce refused to abide by it. Also the chapters in Pir Panjal and Chenab delinked from the Bar. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been under fire for not proactively pursuing justice in the case. She also failed to act against the two BJP minister who joined the rally in defence of the accused. If coalition compulsions prevent her from doing so, she should speak to the central leadership. She has promised justice to the minors family. Now she needs to walk the talk. Beijing: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday held talks with top official of China's ruling CPC Yang Jiechi in Shanghai, the Indian Embassy here said, the second meeting between the two officials after the last year's Dokalam stand-off. Doval's meeting with Yang, the Politburo member of the CPC, comes ahead of several key dialogues between the two countries, which are trying to reset the ties after the last year's 73-day long stand-off at Dokalam. The Indian Embassy in a brief statement said that Doval and Yang, both special representatives of the India-China boundary talks, held talks, but gave no details about the meeting. Yang is also Director of Foreign Affairs Commission. Till last month, Yang was the State Councillor of the CPC, a top diplomatic post. He was replaced by Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. Wang will hold the dual posts of State Councillor and Foreign Minister in a major reshuffle of top officials. This is the second meeting between Doval and Yang after the Dokalam stand-off. Yang attended the 20th round of boundary talks between the two countries in Delhi in December last year during which both sides decided to reset the ties with more interactions. Since December, the two sides are trying to iron out differences on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China blocking the efforts to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. The two countries are preparing for a series of high-level interactions leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in June. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on April 24 to attend different meetings of the SCO and interact with their counterparts from the member states. The eight-member SCO, in which India was a latest entrant along with Pakistan, is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao. The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which is focused on anti-terrorism cooperation is holding a host of ministerial and officials' meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the grouping. SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers meetings are also scheduled on April 24 and almost around the same time, according to officials here. Both sides attach lot of significance to these meetings to reset the ties as they were taking place after President Xi Jingping has commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect continuing in power for life following the removal of two-term limit for the president. The Board of Intermediate Education Andhra Pradesh BIEAP announced Andhra Pradesh Intermediate first year result 2018 (class 11) on April 13 at 12:47 pm. The Board of Intermediate Education Andhra Pradesh BIEAP announced the AP Intermediate First Year Results 2018 on its official website bieap.gov.in. The AP Inter 1st year exams took place from 28 February to 17 March 2018. Around 457,292 candidates registered for the AP Board Inter-II exams 2018. To check the AP Inter 1st year Exam Result 2018, Students can also visit results.nic.in, examresults.net The Board of Intermediate Education Andhra Pradesh BIEAP Intermediate first year result 2018 was announced by Ganta Srinivasa Rao. Number of Students: 498621 Pass %: 62% Top regions Krishna: 70% West Godavari - 67% Guntur: 65% Lowest pass regions Cuddapah: 48% Srikakulam: 55% Anantpur: 51% Students need to follow the steps to check their AP Intermediate first year result 2018 Step 1: Click on the official website bieap.gov.in Step 2: Look for the link which says Andhra Inter 1st year Results 2018 Step 3: Click on the link and fill up all the details to get your Andhra Inter I Results 2018 Step 4: Enter your Roll number and other required details Step 5: Click on Submit Step 6: Download the result and take a print out for further reference Students can get Andhra Inter First Year Result 2018 on Mobile via SMS. Andhra Inter 1st Year Results 2018 or AP Inter First Year Result 2018 or AP Class 11 Result 2018 SMS - APGEN1 REGISTRATION NO to 56263 New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan on Friday said the controversial SC/ST verdict of the Supreme Court was "basically wrong" as the decision will enable perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. Balakrishnan, the first Dalit to become CJI (January 14, 2007 to May 12, 2010) also said that this decision of the apex court has incited violence. "This is probably the first time a decision of the Supreme Court has incited violence among the people. Usually, when violence is there, the Supreme Court intervenes. The people used to accept the verdict. "Now people are not in a position to accept the verdict of the highest court of the land. It is something which is strange. This we should understand. The Supreme Court should produce decisions which are acceptable to greater number of people. It should not create violence among the society," he said. He was delivering the presidential address at a seminar on "Supreme Court Judgement on SC/ST Causes, Effects and Solution" organised by South Asian Minorities Lawyers' Association and Ambedkar Educational Cultural Society. In its March 20 order, the apex court had diluted stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act mandating immediate arrest under the law in a bid to protect honest public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases. Following the apex court's decision, a nationwide 'bandh' was called by Dalit groups on April 2 to protest against the dilution of the Act. At least 11 people persons were killed and hundreds injured in ensuing violence across several states as protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to private and public properties, including police posts. Pointing out the finding of the apex court with regard to abuse of law of arrest in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said that sufficient safeguards were already provided in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in case of arrest of any person. "If a person is to be arrested, he should have committed a cognisable offence and the police officer should be satisfied that the person has committed a cognisable offence and the officer should record as per the amendment in the CrPC. So there are sufficient safeguards," he said. Referring to the apex court verdict making it mandatory to get approval of the appointing authority before arresting a public official in such cases, Justice Balakrishnan said its implementation was not feasible and the accused will easily get away. "How is the appointing authority concerned with the case? Who is bothered about it? The approval will never come. He can very well escape from the clutches of law. This decision will enable such perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law. So in that way, the decision is basically wrong," Justice Balakrishnan said. The former CJI, who had also headed the National Human Rights Commission, said there is a perception that the Act is widely misused as most of the cases are either discharged or the accused are acquitted. He said that since the perpetrators of the offence under the Act are socially influential members of the society and the complainants are poor people, a proper prosecution of the accused never happens. "Those who commit the offence are socially powerful members of the community. They are influential. The police and the powerful people are not in favour of SC/ST and ultimately the case end in acquittal or discharged. That is why the general impression that the Act is being misused. It's not that the complaint is farce. The complainant is not really able to prosecute the perpetrators who had committed the offence. They are not able to successfully prosecute the persons," the former CJI said. Advocate Mehmood Pracha, who also addressed the event, said that the judgment of the apex court shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of the judicial system. "This judgment of the Supreme Court actually shows the deep-rooted casteist mentality of our system, most unfortunate is of our judicial system. Because the SC/ST community is totally unrepresented in higher judiciary at least and it is almost non-existent in lower judiciary as well. "This is the root cause of all our problems because the judicial minds cannot appreciate the pain and sufferings of the oppressed classes because they have come from the upper classes and caste of the society," Pracha said. He said that the Muslim community of the country should stand with another oppressed community of their times, the Dalits. "Rather Muslims should stand ahead of SC/ST community in this fight and I hope if we stand in front of them, they will stand in front of us in our fights. That is the real solution for the problems of this country," he said. New Delhi: The Centre and state governments are sitting over a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore, collected under various orders passed by the Supreme Court in environmental matters. The top court has now sought to know how this money is supposed to be utilised while making it clear that governments cannot spend it on construction of roads, colleges, etc since the corpus is specifically meant for environment-related purposes. The money has been collected under heads such as compensatory afforestation fund, funds for wood-based industries, environment cess and those collected in illegal mining cases. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur was informed about the estimate of monies collected by Centre and state governments by amicus curiae ADN Rao. "On a rough estimate given by learned amicus curiae, it appears that there is an amount of up to Rs 1,00,000 crore that is lying with the Government of India and the States and Union Territories under various Heads consequent to orders passed by this Court from time to time," noted the bench. The court then directed the Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to make a compilation of all the funds and the amount lying in each of those funds as on March 31, 2018. The Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the bench said, is directed to give some indication on how the amount of up to Rs 1,00,000 crore is intended to be utilised and "areas where it should not be utilised". "Considering the huge amount involved, we expect the Secretary to take up the matter very seriously and with due sincerity," said the bench in its order on April 10. It further sought presence of chief secretaries of Odisha and Meghalaya before the Court on May 9 to explain for their lapses. The Odisha government collected money through a court-mandated Special Purpose Vehicle for Scheduled Area Development of Lanjigarh Project arising out of mining matters. The bench noted that a lot of amount is being used for purposes that have nothing to do with the benefit of the people for whom the fund was created. "...for construction of roads, renovation of colleges, etc. These works are a part of the job of the State Government and the money collected which was expected to be used for the benefit of the people cannot be used for these purposes," maintained the bench. Similarly, in case of Meghalaya, the court noted that the affidavit was very casually drafted and it gave an indication that the money was simply kept in a bank account instead of using it for welfare of people. The bench therefore has summoned the chief secretaries of both the states. The bench had in December sought an estimate of the funds collected by the governments under its orders and the manner of utilising it. Rao adduced the estimate pursuant to this order. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday took umbrage when an attempt was made to raise before it the issue relating to the unprecedented January 12 press conference by the four senior-most judges, who had accused the Chief Justice of India (CJI) of arbitrarily allocating cases. While hearing a PIL challenging the existing roster system and powers of the CJI to allocate cases, a bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan made it clear that it was not concerned with the issue of the presser for "many reasons and obvious reasons". "We are not going to go into it. We are not concerned with it for many reasons and obvious reasons. Do not say all this. Do not bring it here," the bench told senior advocate Dushyant Dave, who was representing Bhushan. The observation by the bench came after Dave said, "Four of your colleagues have publicly took note of the failure of the system." When the bench referred to the apex court verdicts which held that the CJI is the "master of roster", Dave said a judgement passed earlier this week was in his favour. Bhushan's counsel raised the issue of allocation of cases in the apex court and said that matter was listed contrary to the rules of the Supreme Court. "This court is the bedrock of the Constitution," he said, adding that the registry should follow the Supreme Court rules stipulating the procedure for listing of cases. Dave claimed that an apex court judge, who had served as a CJI for two weeks, had listed several business matters before himself and gave reliefs. He said that after his retirement, the apex court had to reverse many of his orders. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said they were concerned about the institution and they were not permanent fixtures here. To this, Justice Sikri said, "We will retire, but you are a permanent fixture". In his PIL, Shanti Bhushan has stated that the "master of roster" cannot be unguided and unbridled discretionary power, exercised arbitrarily by the CJI by hand-picking benches of select judges or by assigning cases to particular judges. The petition said the CJI's authority as the master of roster is "not an absolute, arbitrary, singular power that is vested in the chief justice alone and which may be exercised with his sole discretion". It said that such an authority should be exercised by the CJI in consultation with the senior judges of the Supreme Court in keeping with the various pronouncements of the court. Thiruvananthapuram: MR Gopinath Pillai, the father of Javed Ghulam Sheikh alias Pranesh Kumar Pillai, who was killed in an encounter by Gujarat police, died on Friday after succumbing to injuries suffered in a road accident. Gopinath Pillai was one of the petitioners in the Gujarat fake encounter case in which Gujarat police killed Ishrat Jahan, Javed Sheikh and two others. The accident took place at Vayalar Junction on NH 66 on Wednesday at 6.15 am when 77-year-old Pillai, a native of Thamarakkulam near Charamoodu in Alappuzha, was being taken to a private Medical college hospital in Kochi by his relatives for a medical check-up. According to police, the accident occurred when a lorry rammed a car driven by Madhavan Pillai, brother of Gopinath Pillai. "The Maruti car in which Pillai was travelling up North when it skidded off the road while a car in front applied a sudden break. Just then a truck speeding behind hit Pillais car. He suffered injuries and was shifted to a hospital in Ernakulam," Pattanakkad Sub Inspector B Shajimon told News18. Madhavan Pillai survived the accident. Gopinath Pillai was undergoing treatment for his ailments at the private hospital in Kochi where he breathed his last. His son, Pranesh Kumar fell in love with his neighbour Sajida alias Ishrat Jahan when he was in Pune, and they married after his conversion to Islam with the new name of Javed Ghulam Sheikh. On 15 June 2004, four people - Ishrat Jahan, Javed Ghulam Sheikh Amjad Ali Rana and Zeeshan Johar - were killed by the police in an encounter. Gujarat Police claimed the four were Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives on a mission to assassinate Narendra Modi, the chief minister of Gujarat. An encounter case that was registered in Gujarat initially accused officers of the Ahmedabad Police Crime Branch and members of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB) jointly having carried out a staged encounter killing by shooting four people. Gopinath Pillai had filed a case regarding the incident in order to prove his sons innocence. He had visited Gujarat several times in connection with the evidence in the case. He had also opposed the discharge application of PP Pandey, who was named an accused in the alleged murder. "Pandey's discharge will obstruct the uncovering of the conspiracy to murder the present respondent's son and others, and will hinder the trial court from arriving at the true facts," Pillai was quoted by media outlets. Seven policemen including senior IPS officers P P Pandey, D G Vanzara and G L Singhal were accused of for kidnapping, murder and conspiracy. On February 21, a special CBI court in Ahmedabad discharged retired Gujarat DGP PP Pandey in the case. New Delhi: Rain in several parts of the region over past week combined with hailstorm has spelled doom for farmers who were ready to harvest lush ripe wheat crop on Vaisakhi, the annual harvest festival of the region. While authorities say the damage was partial and in few pockets only, farmers claim flattening of crops in several parts has damaged standing wheat crop in the state. Gurjit Brar, Information Officer, Department of Agriculture, Punjab, says overall there will be no impact of the rain on the yield as the crop had not ripened completely. Damage reported is in a few pockets only. The loss could have been more in case of water logging or hail storm in more parts of the state. Instead the cold spell got extended a bit due to rain which has helped the crop. Sowing of wheat was already late by a fortnight or so thus the crop had not fully ripened as a result of which the wheat grains did not fall off the straw. Even harvest of the crop is delayed by a week or so. Overall the loss is partial. Weather prediction is for a clear sky ahead. Farmer unions on the other hand are demanding that the state procurement agencies should not deduct from MSP because of moisture content in wheat crop. Jalandhar and Cotton Belt of Mansa, Bathinda have suffered damage due to rain. Standing crop in these areas has flattened due to hail storm, winds accompanying the rain. Jagmohan Singh, Secretary, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) says, Wheat crop had ripened up to 90% in the state. Rain and wind has flattened the standing crop in the Cotton Belt of Mansa and Bathinda and has caused heavy damage in the Doaba or the Jalandhar belt of Punjab. Recent rain will lead to discolouration and moisture content in the wheat produce because of which it will be graded lower at the time of procurement. We demand that the government must pay the same MSP for such crop also to help the farmers, he said. Jagmohan also said that the wheat straw which is used to feed farm animals after the harvest has also been damaged because of the rain. Against government claims, he says only 10% wheat was sown late while 90% of the crop was ready for Vaisakhi harvest. New Delhi: Over a billion people across the globe were suddenly thrown into a tizzy after the story on a data-mining firm lifting Facebook profiles to sway elections came to light. While the debate over social media giants ability to protect users privacy is still going on, the bigger question on online security looms. Fear of cyber attack, online siphoning of money and hacking of personal data have often perturbed people. We are frequently reminded to not download any unknown app or play those Facebook quizzes or open those sleazy emails which keep sneaking into our inbox. But do you know that even a visit to a seemingly harmless looking website can compromise you completely? According to the latest Microsoft security updates, there are at least five critical vulnerabilities in your Windows operating system which allows a hacker to get access to your computer by just luring you to visit a website. As per the update, a remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who successfully exploits the vulnerability could take control of the affected system. The attacker can then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If you have administrative user rights then the impact on your system would be even greater. The good news is Microsoft has released its April Patch Tuesday, which addresses these vulnerabilities in Windows operating systems and some of the other products. Patch Tuesday or Update Tuesday is an unofficial term used to refer to when Microsoft releases security patches for its software products. But those who do not patch up their software can be in for some trouble as this can be exploited by both Web-based attacks and even file sharing attacks. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker can host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this loophole and then convince users to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, he would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email or an instant message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email. In a file-sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file designed to take advantage of and then convince users to open the document file. Thus if you are a windows user, it is best advised to update the Patches as soon as you can. This will not ensure that you can never be hacked but would at least heighten the level of deterrence. Kathua: When Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, senior Congress leaders and hundreds of protesters marched to the India Gate holding candles, seeking justice for the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim, Bhanwari Lal in one corner of Jammu city remained glued to his television screen, watching in disbelief. Surprised by the late night protests in the heart of the countrys capital, Bhanwari, a man in his late fifties who runs a textile shop in the Jammu city, called his friend Om Mahajan to check what was happening. When the march was over, the two friends got into a late night discussion over the brutal rape and murder case that jolted the conscience of every common Indian three months after the incident took place. Congress is trying to make it a political issue. These things happen all the time, Om remembers his friend Bhanwari telling him over the phone. Ten hours later, both Om and Bhanwari were again discussing the midnight protests while sitting inside a small makeshift dhaba and enjoying their morning tea. Bhanwari was still stuck to his belief. Its a witch hunt against us. Why doesnt the CBI probe this? Bhanwari suggests. On the other hand, for Om, Thursdays midnight march meant a lot. He sees the continuous outpour of solidarity for the victim and her family as a ray of hope. It was a manifestation of the fact that something is rotten in the system and that culprits who commit such heinous crimes need to be punished according to the law, said Om, a pharmacy owner. Listening to the two friends and their opinions on the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl belonging to the minority Gujjar community in Jammu, the two extreme narratives playing out in the region is quite noticeable. However, the reason behind these responses are varied. For Bhanwari Lal, the issue is nothing more than a well-hatched conspiracy to make Jammu like Kashmir and create a law and order situation here while others call the probe motivated and meant to target the majority community of Jammu. Some even say the incident was bound to happen given the fact that the Gujjar community would take part in cow slaughtering and drug trafficking in the area. Much of these opinions stem from a section of lawyers at the Jammu Bar Association (JBA). One lawyer who wished to remain anonymous, went to the extent of saying, Gujjars deserve this. If they thought they can walk like kings over our land, then they are mistaken. They must have done something that the accused took such a drastic step, the lawyer added. Jammu-based tribal leader Talib Hussain has been at the forefront of demanding forest rights for the Gujjars in line with Central Forest Rights. He had earlier voiced concerns over the alleged discrimination and harassment of the Gujjar community in Kathua. He believes, The gruesome crime could be a result of the hatred some people have against the Gujjar community. A young professor at Jammu University agrees with Talib. He says that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in alliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the tribals of Jammu have been threatened and intimidated. Last year we saw Gujjars being troubled by some BJP leaders. Even the chargesheet in the Kathua case has mentioned that the crime was carried out to instill fear among the Gujjar community, the professor said. However, people at the other end of the public discourse dont buy this argument. Himanshu Kumar, a 21-year-old Hindu Ekta Manch member rubbishes the claims. He was part of the rally carried out by the Ekta Manch on March 4, which demanded the case be transferred to the CBI, alleging that the Crime Branch probe was concocted and unfair. The people who have been arrested were tortured and beaten up. How can so many people rape one girl? Himanshu questioned. A similar argument was presented by the Hindu Ekta Manch president and BJP State Secretary, Advocate Vijay Sharma. He claimed the police has written a made-up story in the charge sheet, which can never be established on ground. This is a conspiracy. You want me to accept that a father and son planned the rape and murder of a girl? We dont accept this investigation, Sharma said. He also questioned the facts that were presented by the Crime Branch in the chargesheet. He claimed, It is impossible to keep a minor girl at the Devisthan given the number of people who visit the temple every day. Some Kashmir-centric parties want to make this an issue. Why is the government fearing a CBI probe? Sharma added. Interestingly, Hindu Ekta Manch was launched only in reaction to an agitation by the Bakerwal community that the rape victim belonged to. This was a day after her dead body was found on January 17. Arguments such as these have largely angered the people from the Gujjar community. Many students from the community when asked about these opposite narratives, said that this is a continuous harassment by some people who want Gujjars to be driven out from Jammu. Eight people were involved in raping and killing a minor girl. People who are supporting them or calling the probe a conspiracy are no less than the accused, said Saleem Beigh, a tribal student from Kathua who studies history at Jammu University. New Delhi: A day after leading a midnight candlelight march protesting the Kathua and Unnao rape case, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Modi over his silence on violence against women. Rahul said the PMs silence was unacceptable and that India is waiting. He said it was time for Modi to walk the talk on 'beti bachao' (save the girl child). Directly addressing the PM on Twitter, Gandhi also asked why accused rapists and murderers were "protected" by the state. Mr Prime Minister, your silence is unacceptable. 1. What do YOU think about the growing violence against women & children? 2. Why are accused rapists and murderers protected by the state? India is waiting.#SpeakUp Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 13, 2018 Earlier in the day, Rahul thanked "thousands of men and women" who stood with him in protesting the rising acts of violence against girls and women and said their battle for justice would not be in vain. Gandhi was joined last night by his sister Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra and scores of Congress leaders, party workers and others, some carrying candles and placards against the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir while demanding urgent action against the perpetrators of the two incidents. In Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community disappeared near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. In Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, a teen alleged that she was raped by ruling BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was detained for questioning early today. She alleged she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. After filing of the case, her father was booked by the police under the arms act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. I am the person who organised Bharat bandh. This is how Ashok Bharti introduces himself. Bharti, a Dalit born in Rajaram Basti near Jama Masjid in old Delhi, was one among seven children of a father who worked as a tailor and mother who used to sew bags to make ends meet. He went on to study in Australia on Ambedkar National Overseas fellowship, became a fellow at Ashoka University and left his job in 2007 to take up Dalit activism full-time. He is now planning another round of protests on August 15, about which he doesnt say much except that the protests during Bharat bandh will pale in comparison to what were planning this time. Bhartis role as the head of National Confederation of Dalit Organisations (NACDOR) in organising the April 2 protests was recently discussed at Multi Agency Centre (MAC) the hub of the countrys various intelligence communities, a report published in Firstpost.com said. Speaking to News18.com, he challenged the government to implement reservation in private sector by August 15 or prepare for unprecedented Dalit anger. He also had a message for BSP chief Mayawati. This is not Mayawatis preserve anymore. She better fall in line. Edited excerpts: What was it about the March 20 Supreme Court order which banned immediate arrest of a person under SC/ST Act which infuriated Dalits across the country? The judicial system in this country has failed Dalits and Adivasis time and again. In this case, the fundamental principle of justice is that unless you hear the affected party, you cannot decide on its fate. Right from 1990s, the higher judiciary has been deciding and affecting the life and livelihoods of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes without hearing their perspective and without consulting even National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The two-member bench of the Supreme Court on March 20 passed an order that directly affected the lives of 30 crore people. Did the SCs and STs not have a right to present their views on the subject? According to the principles of natural justice, the answer is yes. Another fact that has antagonised Dalits is the exclusive nature of Indias judiciary. There are historical reasons for Dalit anger spilling over. There are hardly any SC/ST judges in the Supreme Court. The apex court has just one female judge right now, and the representation of minority communities is also scarce in the highest court of India. Our top-most court has mostly upper caste, upper class judges. The government must now act to ensure representation of SC/STs in judiciary. Since judiciary is not reforming and we cant wait for reforms in judiciary for the next 100 years, Parliament should enforce our representation through a bill in the Monsoon Session. If you indeed organised the Bharat Bandh protests, how were you able to mobilise so many people in such a short time? I cant tell you much except that the Dalits were ready to come out and express themselves and I just facilitated them. But let me add here that no political party in this country, BJP or Congress or BSP, has the slightest clue about the sort of resentment brewing among Dalits in the country right now. A new crop of grounded, firebrand leaders have just taken over the Dalit community. This is not Mayawatis preserve anymore. She and the rest better fall in line or fall out of our way. Are you planning any protests on April 14 or beyond? There is massive insecurity among Dalits in India after the March 20 Supreme Court order. We believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking at an unprecedented situation as far as Dalit anger in India is concerned. We have made certain demands and if theyre not met by August 15, when PM Modi usually makes new policy announcements, we will start a countrywide agitation which will pale even Bharat Bandh protests. So what are the demands? We want the government to withdraw all cases against Dalits which were lodged against them for expressing their anger through democratic means. Thousands of Dalits in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and in other states have been implicated in false cases. These cases need to be withdrawn and prosecution stopped against them immediately. If state governments can withdraw cases of rape and rioting against their MLAs, they can certainly withdraw false cases against us. Secondly, we have requested the government to resolve all pending issues on welfare of tribals, SCs and STs on or before August 15. The government needs to implement reservation in private sector, reservation in judiciary, ensure our inclusion in army, greater representation in police and ensure proportionate allocation of Budget as per the population of SCs and STs. The government also needs to withdraw its UGC order immediately. Reservation in private sector has been quite a controversial issue in India... It is not us but Indias private industries that promised to take steps in this direction. In 2006, the Confederation of Indian Industry came out with a report promising affirmative action as far as the representation of SCs and STs is concerned. More than a decade has passed since. The government needs to find out why no steps have been taken so far on this. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated what is probably the countrys first ever Ambedkar Museum in the national capital. Sources at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment told News18 that the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) was keeping a daily track of the development on the project, foundation for which was laid by Modi two years ago in 2016. Everything related to Ambedkars life will be there in digital form. His work in formulating the Constitution, his inclination towards Buddhism and his life, sources at the ministry told News18, adding that the PM was taking keen interest in the project since it will be touted as their symbol of support for the cause of Dalits. Situated opposite Vidhan Sabha on Alipur Road, the structure was once the home of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar. The house was demolished and was turned into Ambedkar National Memorial in 2003. The BJP government announced, in 2014, that it was planning to convert it into a museum. Construction at the site is going on in full swing. The entire structure has been designed in the shape of a Constitution. The premises have a replicas of Sanchi Stupas Northern Gate. Sources at the ministry also said that the building will have a statue of Gautam Buddha, keeping into consideration Ambedkars inclination towards Buddhism. News18 has also learnt that the structure will also house a meditation hall and the entire making of the Constitution will be shown in digitalised form across the wall. The structure will also screen speeches of the Dalit icon. Modi, in the recently concluded Parliament session, said that his government was working on the path shown by Ambedkar. The inauguration of the museum holds more significance at the moment as it comes barely weeks after at least nine people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh while thousands others were detained by the police and scores injured during massive protests over the Supreme Courts alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act. Bhopal: With the memories of blazing farmers stir of last year still fresh in memories of MP residents, Bharatiya Kisan Union has again announced to undertake another stir from June 1. Accusing the MP government of not fulfilling promises made to the peasants last year, the Kisan Union will launch an agitation of indefinite nature. Madhya Pradesh witnessed massive violence after five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur on June 6. Another injured in police assault had died later. Wary of what transpired last year during the ten-day stir, BKU State General Secretary Anil Yadav claimed that the stir would be peaceful, but if the state government ropes in organizations including Bharatiya Kisan Sangh or other affiliate organization against the agitation, the government would have to take the onus of the untoward incidents, if any. CM Shivraj last year made announcements like formation of Agri-Marketing Commission, withdrawal of cases slapped on farmers, punishment to those responsible for the killing of six farmers and others, but nothing happened in one year, alleged Yadav. As part of the agitation seeking better yield and loan waiver for farm products, among other demands, the farmers would disrupt supplies of fruits, grains, milk and other products to cities from June 1. On being asked who was responsible for the violence last year, especially the killing of six farmers in Mandsaur, the BKY leader categorically shifted the onus on MP government. He said the state government tried deflating the protest by inking a pact on farmers behalf with Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (affiliated to RSS) in Ujjain. As BKS had announced to withdraw agitation, the protests had turned violent, he claimed. He also blamed Bhavantar Bhugtan schemes for being primarily responsible for farmers woes in MP as it led to a nosedive in the prices of farm products and claimed that MP was number one in farmers suicides. Last time Rashtriya Kisan Mazdur Sangh president Shivkumar Sharma Kakkaji joined the protest at a latter stage and we urge him to join hands with us from the start this time, Yadav asserted. The ten-day farmers stir had gone violent last year after killing of farmers in Mandsaur and CM Shivraj undertook a fast against the violence. Chouhan ended his Peace Fast on June 11, as violence ebbed and announced a slew of measures, including better procurement prices for farm products, formation of kisan bazaars, formation of State Landuse Advisory Committee, scientific method for milk procurement on the lines of corporate giant AMUL, implementation of Swaminathan Committee recommendations, among others. New Delhi: The gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh have brought back memories of December 16, 2012 gang-rape in Delhi, which had triggered massive protests across India and led to tougher laws against rape. As anger mounts again, the mother of Nirbhaya, the name given by protesters to the physiotherapist who was brutally raped and thrown out of a bus five years ago, says only a strong judicial system can deter rapists, ensure police dont botch-up probe and stop netas from politicising such crimes for electoral gains. We have a weak judicial system. Rapes happen every day, but the accused get no punishment. If one goes to jail, the case goes on for years till they get the punishment. These incidents prove that we are still where we were back in 2012, when Nirbhaya was raped and murdered, she told News18. Nirbhaya's mother feels that if those convicted for raping her daughter were hanged by now, then the girls of this nation would be safe. Three months after the December 16 gang rape, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 was passed after recommendations by judicial committees. The definition of rape was changed and age of consent for women was raised to 18, among other changes. But, has there been a proper implementation of the laws? Nirbhayas mother says that whatever changes happened, happened only on paper. Cases happened, media focused on them for two days and then they were forgotten. No one is scared of the law today as an accused knows that after two or four years, they will be acquitted. The fault lies with our police, law and government, she said. Police personnel are also among eight people arrested in the Kathua rape case. According to the chargesheet, the officials allegedly asked the others to wait before killing the child because they wanted to rape her one last time. Who will give us the security if our protector turns attacker? Police and government are not changing. The political parties are busy saving their vote banks, power and seats, said Nirbhayas mother. She added that politicians were playing the usual blame game instead of coming up with solutions. She said the Kathua rape case, too, has been politicised and communalised in order to divert the attention from the main issue. It has been communalised to put an end to the case. Political parties try to score brownie points with politicising such issues, she said. The only sufferers of rape are the girl and her family and no one else. It does not affect anyone else. During Nirbhaya case, the media and society raised their voice and maybe that's the reason why the case progressed so far or else even that would have been stalled. It's been a year since the judgment in Nirbhaya case, but still the accused has not been hanged, she said. She said that while her family has been running from pillar to post for the last four years, sometimes for hearing, and sometimes for review petition, its not the same when politicians become the accused. When we seek justice, we are sent from trial court to High court to Supreme court. But when it comes to politicians, the authorities cite lack of evidence, she said. Asha Devi said that theres urgent need for a better system in placeboth at the investigation and at the judiciary level. We elect MPs and MLAs, thinking they would benefit us but if they themselves commit rape, how can we save our girls? What happened to beti bachao and beti padhao? There is a rape victim who almost killed herself while fighting for justice, her father has died in custody. The police and the government are inactive when it comes to taking action against the accused political leader, she said. She said that the law, the police and the government are jointly responsible for the state of affairs today. New Delhi: In his first comments, albeit indirectly, on the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday assured the country that "no culprit will be spared" and that "our daughters will definitely get justice". "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," said PM Modi. The PM highlighted the fact that he was the first one to question parents for not keeping a tab on why the sons were returning home late. Modi said it is always the girl child who gets questioned, but the boys need to answer as well. Earlier today, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had urged the PM to break his silence as it was unacceptable. Gandhi said "India is waiting for him to speak. On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi led a midnight candlelight march protesting against the Unnao and Kathua rape cases. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah too, in a tweet, said, "Hon PM sir, there isn't a day when we don't hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others." Abdullah requested the Prime Minister not to let the girl be "someone you choose to remain silent about". In Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community disappeared near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. In Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, a teen alleged that she was raped by ruling BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who has been arrested on Friday evening. She alleged she was raped by the MLA at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. After filing of the case, her father was booked by the police under the arms act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. Washington: An inter-agency search and rescue team in California on Friday recovered parts of a vehicle from a river in which a missing Indian family was travelling last week. Personal belongings of the four members of the Thottapilly family from Santa Clarita in California, who were believed to be travelling through Humboldt and Mendocino County on US-101 while on a vacation, were also found by the team over a two-day period on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sandeep Thottapilly, 41, vice president of the Union Bank on Santa Clarita, and his wife Soumya Thottapilly, 38, were on a road trip along with their two kids Siddhanth, 12 and Saachi, nine in the maroon Honda Pilot (No Plate California 7MMX138) from Portland, Oregon to San Jose in Southern California, during which they went missing on April 5. Later, Mendocino County Sheriff declared them as missing persons. Between the two search days, the Swift Water Rescue Teams were able to cover approximately 12 miles of the Eel river, just north of the town of Leggett in California. The vehicle is reported to have submerged in the river around 1:10 pm on April 6. "The teams were unsuccessful in locating the vehicle or any occupants from the vehicle. They were able to locate numerous items that appeared to have come from a vehicle body and interior," the Garberville office of the California Highway Patrol said. It said several items were identified by the family members of those missing. "Some of these items were consistent with a Honda vehicle. Also located were various personal items that were consistent with a family travelling on vacation. Several items have been positively identified, by the family members, as belonging to the Thottapilly family," it said. "These items were of a personal nature and will not be described further at this time, but it does confirm the fact the vehicle that was seen going into the river was that of the Thottapilly family," the California Highway Patrol said. A joint press conference of the Mendocino County Sheriff and California Highway Patrol has been scheduled to discuss further about the investigation. The Mendocino County Sheriffs Office has been in contact with numerous other county dive teams and technical rescue responders that can be called upon, when the vehicle is located, to assist with recovery of the vehicle. Once recovered the California Highway Patrol will conduct a complete mechanical inspection of the vehicle as part of the accident investigation. The Swift Water Rescue Teams conducted a bank search as well as some limited "probing", a technique using a long pole being probed underwater to see if the vehicle or anything metallic could be located. According to the highway patrol, the teams accessed the river in inflatable boats and on 'River Boards', a small floatation device designed to allow full access under overhanging trees or tight areas not accessible by boat. The Humboldt County Sheriffs Office also assisted with the use of their jet boat with side scan sonar system. According to the San Jose Police Department, the Thottapilly family was supposed to have arrived to visit a friend in the San Jose area on April 6 but did not make it as scheduled. The family was last heard from in the town of Klamath, Del Norte County, on April 5. The California Highway Patrol developed information that the family were travelling in a family vehicle, a 2016 maroon Honda Pilot. The family was officially reported as missing to the San Jose Police Department on April 8. Sandeep grew up in Surat city in Gujarat and settled down in the US over 15 years ago Indore: Three men have responded to an advertisement seeking a match for Geeta, a deaf-and-mute girl who returned from Pakistan after accidentally landing in that country when she was a child. A social activist in Indore, who is involved in the search for her long-lost parents, has put up a post seeking bridegroom on Facebook. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj -- who was instrumental in bringing Geeta back -- asked him to look for a match for Geeta, claimed Gyanendra Purohit, the activist. "I met Swaraj on April 8. She asked me to search for Geeta's long-lost parents, and also to look for a right match for her," he said. He put up a post on a Facebook page, originally created to search for Geeta's parents, on April 10. The advert' said they were looking for a "good and smart deaf boy", age above 25 years, for "India's daughter Geeta". It also made it clear that it is Geeta who would decide on the proposals, and the Union government would take further steps. The post elicited response from three men. One of them is from Madhya Pradesh, while other two are from Gujarat and Delhi, respectively, Purohit said. He has informed the Ministry of External Affairs about these responses, he said. Geeta is staying in a facility run by Muk-Badhir Sangathan, an NGO, here. The MP Social Justice Department is her caretaker. Geeta was found alone aboard the Samjhauta Express at Lahore when she was seven or eight years old. It is surmised that she accidentally boarded the train somewhere in India. Karachi-based Edhi Foundation took care of her while she lived in Pakistan. She returned to India in 2015. So far more than ten couples from different parts of India have claimed that Geeta is their lost daughter, but none of them could establish the claim. New Delhi: As Congress chief Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march on Thursday to protest for justice in Kathua and Unnao rape cases, his sister Priyanka Gandhi was pushed and shoved by some in a chaotic crowd, prompting her to ask people to think about the cause for which they had assembled. "Those who are here to push around people must go home. Now please maintain calm and walk silently," an angry Priyanka told the crowd. "Think about the cause for which you have come here," she said. Her husband Robert Vadra, who was also present in the protest march to the India Gate, said the country needs a change where women could feel safe. A huge crowd gathered for the march, led by Gandhi, against the rapes of minor girls in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, and Kathua Jammu and Kashmir, where slogans were raised against the Modi government. Announcing the march, Gandhi had tweeted on Thursday evening, "Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does." Earlier in the day, Gandhi had expressed anguish and shock on the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, and attacked the BJP government in UP for failing to act against its MLA, who is an accused in the Unnao rape case of a 17-year-old girl. "How can anyone protect the culprits of such evil? What happened at #Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished. What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child?" he said. The Congress leaders present at the protest march to the India Gate, which in the past has seen a huge protest in the Nirbhaya rape case, included Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Salman Khurshid, Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken, Sushmita Dev, Haroon Yusuf, Randeep Surjewala and Ambika Soni. Azad said the Modi government was sleeping and those facing the biggest threat were the daughters of the country during the current regime. Several Congress leaders also poked fun at the Modi government's Beti Bachao slogan, saying the daughters were not safe in the country. DPCC President Ajay Maken said, "Atrocities are being committed against women in the country and the government is sleeping. The BJP is not only involved directly, it is also protesting in favour of the culprits and stopping law enforcement agencies from doing their job. It is a sad state of affairs." (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: The two BJP ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir government, Chandra Parkash Ganga and Lal Singh, who defended the men arrested for raping and murdering an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, submitted their resignations to state BJP president Sat Sharma on Friday evening. The BJP, while confirming the resignation of two ministers, said that the party legislature meeting will decide the fate of both the ministers on Saturday. When we met people they put forward a demand of CBI inquiry, we had simply put it across being people's representatives. Now, such a perception is being created that I deemed it fit to tender my resignation (as J&K Minister), said Lal Singh. The development comes soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at an event to inaugurate the BR Ambedkar memorial in the national capital, said that no criminal will be spared and justice will be done to daughters of the nation. "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," said PM Modi. BJP general secretary Ram Madhav blamed the Congress for politicising the issue. We actually acted very fast, state government and police acted swiftly. Congress is trying to politicise the issue, I am accusing Congress of being behind the agitations in Jammu, said Ram Madhav, BJP general secretary. Ganga and Singh had earlier hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the case. Opposition parties National Conference and the Congress had demanded that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti should sack the two ministers. The PDP came out with a strong statement blaming the Centre and "hawkish and communal" elements in the BJP for failing the purpose of the alliance between the two parties in the state. The statement signed by its senior leader Nizamuddin Bhat, a close aide of the chief minister, said, "The conduct of communal and hawkish elements in BJP is giving serious blow to PDP's expectations on Kashmir and New Delhi's own attitudes are failing the purpose of alliance between the two parties." BJP leader Ram Madhav though denied any trouble in the alliance over the resignation of ministers. There is no trouble in alliance as such, we are in touch with Mehbooba Mufti Ji, she is of the view that on the minsters issue (Lal Singh & PC Ganga) BJP should take a stand. PM also advised us to take appropriate action to send a right message to people, Ram Madhav. The girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, had disappeared from a spot near her house in Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team of Crime Branch, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable and a Sub-inspector, who were charged with destroying evidence. Jammu has been on tenterhooks since the brutal rape and murder, with a group Hindu Ekta Manch siding with the accused and lawyers obstructing the submission of chargesheet in the court. State Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Nirmal Singh has defended the investigation by the crime branch into the rape and killing of the girl, saying it was a court-monitored probe. Earlier today, the Supreme Court stepped in to warn the lawyers in Jammu that they cannot obstruct the process of law, while the Delhi High Court restrained the media from revealing the identity of the victim by any means. The top court took umbrage against the lawyers body of Kathua and Jammu for obstructing the way of the counsel of the victim's family in the trial court, saying that advocates' bodies have a solemn duty to not obstruct members of legal fraternity representing the parties. In a related development, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief S P Vaid asserted that all necessary steps will be taken to provide protection to the family members of the eight-year-old girl, who was raped and killed in Kathua, and the witnesses in the case. New Delhi: Bangarmau BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused to raping an 18-year-old woman in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao, was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from his Lucknow residence in the wee hours of Friday. Sengar was picked up from his home around 4:30 and is being questioned by the CBI, an official told News18. The investigating agency also registered three separate cases late on Thursday after the case was taken up by the CBI following a notification by the Personnel Ministry, news agency PTI stated. The decision to hand over the twin cases, of the alleged rape of the woman and the custodial death of her father, was taken after the Special Investigation Team constituted under Additional Director General of Police (Lucknow zone) to look into the matter submitted its report to the government. The MLA was booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and POCSO at Unnaos Makhi Police Station on Thursday morning, hours after he made a dramatic appearance before the police but refused to surrender. The matter came to light after the woman attempted suicide outside the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, triggering a massive row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. Later, the state police had arrested her father who died in judicial custody with autopsy suggesting several injuries on his body. A relative of Sengar was quoted by news agency ANI claiming that the family itself demanded a CBI inquiry in the matter. Unnao Rape Case: We ourselves had demanded a CBI inquiry. This morning CBI came & asked us to come to the CBI headquarters as they wanted to talk: Prakhar Singh, relative of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar pic.twitter.com/oxMBmXGXFu ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 13, 2018 A day earlier, the Allahabad High Court came down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh government and asked whether it proposes to arrest accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. A bench of Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar, heard the matter in detail and will pronounce its order on Friday. The court also questioned the conduct of the police in the case, saying that the law and order situation seems to have collapsed in the state. New Delhi: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday evening. The arrest comes hours after Allahabad High Court ordered the agency to "arrest, not detain" the BJP MLA. The court directed the CBI to carry out investigation strictly in accordance with law and to consider filing an application for cancellation of bail granted to other accused in the case. The court said that it will monitor the probe and asked the authorities to submit a progress report in the matter by May 2. The bench passed the order on a letter written by senior advocate Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi demanding a court-monitored investigation of the incident and treated it as a PIL. The MLA was taken into custody by CBI from his Lucknow residence in the early hours of Friday. Taking a strong objection to the UP government's submission that Sengar would not be arrested on mere registration of the FIR, the court said this approach is "not only appalling but shocks the conscience of the court in the backdrop of the instant case." Faced with the embarrassment of its own MLA being involved in the case, the state government had referred the matter to the Centre yesterday for CBI probe -- a day before Allahabad High Court was to pronounce its order. Sengar, a four-term MLA, enjoys immense clout cutting across party lines in the rural areas around Unnao district, a semi-urban area about 70 km from Lucknow. As the Opposition upped the ante accusing the ruling BJP of shielding perpetrators of heinous crimes against women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that no criminal will be spared and justice will be done to daughters of the nation. At an event to inaugurate the B R Ambedkar memorial in the national capital, Modi said, "I want to assure the nation that no criminal will be spared. Justice will be done. Our daughters will get justice" -- an apparent reference to rape cases in Unnao and Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir)." Facing flak over the delay in taking action against his MLA in the nearly year-old rape case, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government will not deviate from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and that it would firmly deal with criminals, no matter how influential they might be. The decision to hand over the twin cases, of the alleged rape of the woman and the custodial death of her father, was taken after the Special Investigation Team constituted under Additional Director General of Police (Lucknow zone) to look into the matter submitted its report to the government. In another development, Medical Superintendent and Casualty officer at Unnao District Hospital were suspended and a departmental inquiry was initiated against three other doctors. Lucknow: After being taken into CBI custody on Friday morning, Bangarmau BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar said that he arrived at the investigating agencys head office in Hazratganj on his own, and asked the media to confirm it with an officer. Main khud aaya hoon. Adhikari se pooch lo, he told reporters, while being taken inside CBI head office situated in the heart of the state capital. The CBI took over investigation into the three cases referred by the Centre on the request of the Uttar Pradesh government. The cases pertain to the alleged rape of the 18-year-old woman, her father's killing and a case of Arms Act slapped on her father following which the local police had arrested him. Immediately after the cases were referred to the investigating agency, a CBI team arrived in Lucknow at 9 pm on Thursday and registered an FIR against the accused legislator following the examination of documents. The team then raided Sengars official residence in posh Dalibagh colony around 11 am, but the MLA was not present there, following which the officers went to Mayo Hospital in Gomti Nagar where the legislators wife is admitted. After meeting his wife, the team left and landed at the residence of Sengars relative in Indira Nagar from where the MLA was taken for questioning. While Sengar was being interrogated by a team of seven CBI officers, he complained of high blood pressure and requested the investigating agency for a medical check-up, a source close of the MLA said. Speaking to News18, Sengars nephew Prakhar Singh said, We had demanded the CBI inquiry after which the CBI team reached our Indira Nagar residence, and asked my uncle to come to their head office as they wanted to talk about the Unnao case. The decision to hand over the twin cases, of the alleged rape of the woman and the custodial death of her father, was taken after the Special Investigation Team constituted under Additional Director General of Police (Lucknow zone) to look into the matter submitted its report to the government. The MLA was booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and POCSO at Unnaos Makhi Police Station on Thursday morning, hours after he made a dramatic appearance before the police but refused to surrender. The matter came to light after the woman attempted suicide outside the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, triggering a massive row over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh. Later, the state police had arrested her father who died in judicial custody with autopsy suggesting several injuries on his body. New Delhi: As the heinous rape and murder of an eight-year-old continues to haunt the nation, the eight men who have been charge-sheeted for committing the offence reveal an act, sinister like none. These men are accused in the gang-rape and murder of a nomad girl. The prime motive behind the offence is being alleged to drive out the nomadic community of Bakerwals out of the Rassana area of Kathua. List of accused in the Kathua rape case: Sanji Ram, 60: Ram is a retired revenue official. He is alleged to be the main conspirator who incited his nephew, an alleged minor, to abduct the eight-year-old girl as revenge from the Bakerwals. The purpose was achieved by reminding the boy of an insult mete out by the nomadic community to the minor boy. The minor was the one who arranged to keep the eight-year-old locked up inside the temple where she was abducted and raped. Sanji Ram's nephew, 15: The minor boy, as mentioned, was incited to commit the rape and conduct the abduction as a revenge on the Bakerwal community. Rams nephew had raped, strangulated and smashed the girls face with a stone post her gang-rape. Sanji Ram. Parvesh Kumar, alias Mannu: Kumar is a friend of Rams nephew and is known to have played a critical role in the abduction and gang-rape by helping the minor. Vishal Jangotra: Jangotra is Sanji Ram's son who is currently studying in Meerut. He is accused to have raped the girl along with Ramji's minor nephew. The nephew had called Jangotra to the temple in case he wanted to 'satisfy his lust'. Deepak Khajuria: A special police officer who allegedly raped the eight-year-old 'one more time before she was killed'. Deepak Khajuria. Sub-inspector Anand Dutta and head constable Tilak Raj: They tried to destroy evidence and are also said to have washed the girl's dress to help the accused avoid being arrested. Surinder Kumar: Special police officer. Witnesses have confirmed that Singh was seen at the scene of the crime. Reality television stars, socialites and entrepreneurs Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian are living a life that most of us can only dream of. From becoming social media superstars, fashion icons to being 'brand names' worth millions, the two oldest Kardashian sisters have been on a roll. Recently, the two were seen taking time off to enjoy some sibling time at the scenic Turks and Caicos islands, located in the middle of the Atlantic, known for their tropical climate and stunning beaches. The two sisters, known for documenting their lives on social media for their fans and followers, took to Instagram to post pictures from their vacay too. And we must agree, a look at the photos will leave you not just wanting for more but somewhere also a little envious of the amazing time the two are spending in the spectacular destination. In one of the photos that Kourtney shared, she can be seen sporting a minuscule white co-ord set with her hair pulled back and tinted sunglasses on, super excited for her for a bike ride in the island destination. Take a look. good morning, island A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Apr 8, 2018 at 8:17am PDT In a few other photos that Kourtney shared of herself, she can be seen looking sizzling hot in a gold bikini, posing for the shutterbugs, enjoying some beach time. sporty spice A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Apr 9, 2018 at 12:52pm PDT A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Apr 9, 2018 at 1:46pm PDT Honey Ryder A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Apr 9, 2018 at 1:56pm PDT However, like most times, it's Kim who stole our hearts away. Clad in a fiery red Chanel bikini, Kim lay on her mat, flaunting her well-toned bod and oiled-up tan skin. Take a look. A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Apr 9, 2018 at 3:31pm PDT In another photo that Kim shared, she can be seen sporting a black bikini, her hair tied in boxer braids, soaking in the sun under a clear blue sky and equally clean and blue beach water. Take a look. A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Apr 9, 2018 at 7:17pm PDT The two sisters were seen spending some quality time together, taking a walk along the beach as the paps clicked them looking stunning as ever. Take a look. my sibling A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Apr 10, 2018 at 9:06pm PDT Kim and Kourtney are giving us major travel and sibling goals all at once. What do you think of their photos? Tell us in the comments section below. Where is Europe's enfant-terrible? Why, Lars Von Trier, of course. The last that I heard of this provocative, controversial Danish director was that he was building a house. And he called it The House That Jack Built. The movie was in the running for 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival set to raise its curtain on May 8 but did not figure in the list which the General-Delegate of the 12-day event on the French Riviera, Thierry Fremaux, announced in Paris on April 12. Of course with only 18 titles listed in Competition and a mere 15 in A Certain Regard, there is still place for Jack, because the total number in both these categories is between 40 and 45. So, all those fans of Von Trier and his strong cinema more so all those who love the auteur's tongue-in-cheek utterances with global ramifications need not despair. No yet. Now, why does Von Trier become special? Seven years ago, soon after screening his Competition movie, Melancholia, at Cannes, he addressed a Press conference where he quipped jocularly that he was a Nazi sympathiser. Half the world rose in disbelief and distress, and bayed for Von Trier's blood. The Festival was in a dilemma. The man was, after all, a star helmer, but given the kind of pressure which was exerted, the Festival had to declare him persona non-grata. He was asked to leave Cannes. Von Trier felt foolish, and in what seemed like sheer childishness, went around for a while with a band over his mouth, implying that he would not speak any more. But then, let us not forget that he was European, one of Cannes' own men, and Fremaux soon forgave him and said that he was welcome back. So, it was widely assumed that The House That Jack Built with Matt Dillon as a serial killer who goes about a 12-year murdering spree in the 1970s and 1980s America will be part of this year's Cannes. Fremaux of course left open the chances of Von Trier being in Cannes. "We'll know in a couple of weeks, I hope so," said Fremaux at the end of the Press conference raising the prospect that Von Trier's latest creation could follow the likes of Ruben Ostlund's The Square, which was a late addition to the 2017 lineup, and went on to win the Palme d'Or. Those who had a chance to take a sneak peak into The House That Jack Built said that the film was extremely brutal and violent, comparing it to Von Trier's sexually graphic Antichrist, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe. But then this is Von Trier. He always shocks on screen as well, as I have been seeing. In 1996 he won the Grand Prize for Breaking The Waves. It was one of his very best, I think, and was all about how a woman is encouraged by her handicapped husband to have sex with strangers. The movie was a curious mix of religion and sex each egging the other to push ahead. In 2000, Von Trier clinched the Palm dOr for his Dancer In The Dark with Bjork winning the acting trophy. Recently, she accused her director of sexual inappropriateness. Earlier, some actresses had made disparaging remarks about Von Trier's production house, Zentropa. They averred that the auteur was known to treat women shabbily and was guilty of sexual misconduct. Of course, I do not know the truth, but Von Trier can be a strange man. Prone to depression and mood swings which he himself had admitted he can be difficult and scandalous. But then, as some would argue , these are what make Von Trier so exciting. And, imagine a Cannes without salacious stories. Like , for instance, in its early years, when an American starlet let her top slip before allowing a much married actor to help her regain her lost modesty! It gave a a titivating photo opportunity for all those shutterbugs on the beach. The sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea have been the scene of many such events: time was when bare-chested girls would play games on the beach. Time was when some of them would strip on the sands for photographers out there to make a quick buck. The girls would hope that the pictures would catch the eye of some casting director. All this is now gone. Sex is now passe. Even the cinema which Cannes shows is far more sober than what it was in my early years there. What now gets Cannes on a delirious high is men like Von Trier, and with him around, there is never a dull moment. So, here is hoping that he will troop into Cannes (by road, because he is mortally scared of flying) with Jack and his House! Members of Indian film fraternity have condemned the two rape incidents -- in Kathua and Unnao -- which have sent shockwaves across the country. After Sonam Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Richa Chadha and Vir Das expressed their anger and disgust over the gruesome Kathua case, more celebrities have weighed in their shock over the horrid incidents. Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor among others demanded severe punishment for the "blood-curdling barbarism" and mourn the death of humanity inside a religious place. They even expressed their disbelief over the support rapist are getting in the name of religion and politics. An eight-year-old girl's body was recovered from Rassana forest in Kathua district of Jammu on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. She was held captive inside a temple, and was sedated before being raped and murdered. In Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, a case involving the alleged gang rape of a girl by a BJP legislator and others, and the death of her father in police custody, has come to light. Here's what the celebrities tweeted: Kamal Haasan: Does it have 2 b ur own daughter fr u 2 understand? She couldve been mine. I feel angry as a man, father & a citizen fr failing Asifa. I m sorry my child v didnt make this country safe enough fr U. Ill fight fr justice at least fr future kids like u. V mourn u & wont forget u Does it have 2 b ur own daughter fr u 2 understand? She couldve been mine. I feel angry as a man, father & a citizen fr failing Asifa. I m sorry my child v didnt make this country safe enough fr U. Ill fight fr justice at least fr future kids like u. V mourn u & wont forget u Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 13, 2018 Prakash Raj: #UnnaoCase #Asifa ..as a parent my heart screams in pain...how much more will we tolerate as a society.. how long will we be silent to such acts of communalising crimes..when will our conscience wake up to question..to fight..and put an end to this communal narrative #justasking A 8 year old is drugged, raped & murdered and another one is fighting for justice for herself and the death of her father in custody. We have a choice either raise your voice or be a silent spectator. Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone.#Kathua #Unnao Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 12, 2018 Nimrat Kaur: Equal rights/ gender bias/ pay disparity all seem like such distant, first world concerns. Let's begin with addressing the unmentionable horrors of the absense of humanity. The only way forward, if at all, from this blood curdling barbarism is justice. Heartbroken and aghast. Asifa. Equal rights/gender bias/pay disparity all seem like such distant, first world concerns.Lets begin with addressing the unmentionable horrors of the absense of humanity.The only way forward, if at all, from this blood curdling barbarism is justice.Heartbroken and aghast. #Asifa Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) April 12, 2018 Sanjay Dutt: We have failed as a society! Being a father, I am shaken and filled with anger reading about what happened to a 8 year old kid. My heart goes out to Asifa's family. I refuse to accept we really let THIS happen. Justice has to be served NOW. #JusticeforAsifa We have failed as a society! Being a father, I am shaken and filled with anger reading about what happened to a 8 year old kid. My heart goes out to Asifa's family. I refuse to accept we really let THIS happen. Justice has to be served NOW. #JusticeforAsifa Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) April 12, 2018 Anil Kapoor: Questioning humanity and all that is righteous in this world. Justice has to be served. #Asifa Questioning humanity and all that is righteous in this world. Justice has to be served. #Asifa https://t.co/spgADzQBhG Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) April 12, 2018 Tisca Chopra: So pained to read about Unnao and Kathua rapes... How strongly the government responds will be its true test. At least I won't vote for them coming elections if they don't take action this time. So pained to read about #Unnao & #Kathua rapes.. how strongly the government responds will be its true test @PMOIndia .. at least I wont vote for them coming elections if they dont take action this time.. Tisca Chopra (@tiscatime) April 12, 2018 Tammannah Bhatia: An 8-year-old raped in J&K. A 16-year-old raped and a protesting father beaten to death in order to protect the rapist. Where is this country headed? How many Nirbhayas need to be sacrificed before reforms are made. A country that can't keep its women safe is a country with a rather regressive mentality that needs therapy. Does it have 2 b ur own daughter fr u 2 understand? She couldve been mine. I feel angry as a man, father & a citizen fr failing Asifa. I m sorry my child v didnt make this country safe enough fr U. Ill fight fr justice at least fr future kids like u. V mourn u & wont forget u Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 13, 2018 Renuka Shahane: The religion of the victim and the religion of the rapist should never matter! It is of no consequence! Rape is a crime against humanity! Appalled that some people can actually support rapists! Shocked beyond belief! RIP humanity! The religion of the victim and the religion of the rapist should never matter! It is of no consequence! Rape is a crime against humanity!!! Appalled that some people can actually support rapists! Shocked beyond belief! , RIP humanity!!! Renuka Shahane (@renukash) April 12, 2018 Swara Bhasker: Revolting! Kathua. Ranvir Shorey: If these people had an iota of reverence and respect for Hinduism, they'd be up in arms against the people who used a temple to torture, rape and murder a child! These are slogans to be used when the people who have committed these crimes are hanged! Utterly appalling that slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' are being used to defend perpetrators of heinous crimes. These vicious beasts will destroy India and Hinduism. Unnao and Kathua. Utterly appalling that slogans like Jai Shri Ram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai are being used to defend perpetrators of heinous crimes. These vicious beasts will destroy India and Hinduism. #Unnao #Kathua anvi_ hoe_ (@RanvirShorey) April 12, 2018 These are slogans to be used when the people who have committed these crimes are hanged! anvi_ hoe_ (@RanvirShorey) April 12, 2018 If these people had an iota of reverence and respect for Hinduism, theyd be up in arms against the people who used a temple to torture, rape and murder a child! anvi_ hoe_ (@RanvirShorey) April 12, 2018 (With inputs from IANS) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu, Gitanjali Rao Director: Shoojit Sircar October, directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a thoughtful, meditative film about love, grief, mortality, and the making of a man. When a freak accident puts a young girl in hospital, the incident has a life-altering impact on her co-worker. Varun Dhawan plays Danish aka Dan, an immature twenty-something-year-old who works as a trainee at a Delhi five-star hotel along with several others, including Shiuli (newcomer Banita Sandhu) whom he knows as any other colleague. But her fatal condition following a mishap affects him much more than it does the others, and he singularly commits himself to her recovery. Its a thin idea, but Juhi Chaturvedis script brings nuance and beautiful complexity to this premise. The fact that Dan and Shiuli who are not at all alike, and are barely even friends become unexpectedly connected by something that resembles love is communicated without fuss or fanfare. This is a film that asks to be felt. Very little actually happens during the course of its running time. A lot of it is about waiting on the part of both the characters on screen, and us, the viewers. Yet the languid passage of time conveyed through the change of seasons is crucial to the experience of the film. The pace is deliberately slow, as if Shoojit wants us to feel every excruciating minute of watching a loved ones life hanging by a thread. There is great sadness at the heart of October. I watched much of the film choked with emotion, and when it was over I wanted to be alone. Its likely that some may feel the film ends too abruptly, or that characters and narrative threads are left without closure. But that is by design. Shoojit and Juhi have crafted a film that makes no grand announcements. There is no spoon-feeding, there are no manipulative music cues. Like life itself, the events in the film creep up on us without warning. Our window into the world of the film is through its characters. Varun Dhawan strips away the affectations of the Hindi film hero to play Dan, whom we first meet as a permanently irritable fellow in a job where he has no business being anything but polite. Dans awakening, his coming of age, is conveyed through a nicely realized performance from Varun, whose sincerity is unquestionable. Lighter moments, like his exchanges with a nurse, bring much-needed respite in a grim, mostly quiet film. Banita Sandhu lets her big, beautiful eyes do most of the work for her, and it is again by design that we know so little of Shiuli and whats in her heart even when the movie ends. Offering a deeply affecting performance as Shiulis mother, Gitanjali Rao is a portrait of grief, her face a canvas that reveals the progress and deterioration of her daughters condition. The other invisible character in October, and just as effective, is the strong sense of atmospherics. The evocative cinematography, a keen attention to detail, the unflashy score, and the unhurried pacing all work together to transport us to the world of these people, and to deliver a kind of immersive sensory experience that is unique to this film. Unlike the case with Shoojit and Juhis previous collaborations Vicky Donor and Piku, the mood in October is decidedly somber; theres very little to laugh about. Be warned the overwhelming sadness will take a piece out of you. If you allow it though it has the power to change the way you look at love and life. Im going with three-and-a-half out of five. Rating: 3.5 / 5 What's your reaction to October? Write your review of October Before understanding the contribution of Sangh in dealing with the question of caste in India, let us look at another cadre-based organisation and understand how and where it failed. The Marxists started their work in this country by working with the downtrodden, oppressed, and deprived sections of the country. To work with the poorest of the poor was their self-professed political objective. They reached out to the masses and began their training by de-classing them. Marxists had to learn not to belong to any specific class of the society. And through their work they were undoubtedly able to gather a substantial Dalit following over the years. Kerala is a good example. Here the Ezhava community, which had faith in Narayana Guru, over time started believing in the Left as well. Together with the communists, the Ezhavas challenged the authority of the upper-caste Nair community, patronised traditionally by Congress. But Ezhavas warmed up the idea of communists not because they had specifically set out to support the Dalit community. The communists got their support in their larger cause of class-struggle. Lets take another example. Financially, the most deprived in India are landless labourers. Their condition is abysmal when compared to the richest section of the society. Marxists will not tire of emphasising this class divide and will repeatedly promise their support to this most deprived section of the society. But this is only half the truth. The other half is that 70% of these landless labourers are Dalits. Being a Dalit landless labourer is worse than being a just landless labourer. This is a distinction that the Left has never understood or acknowledged. Marxists are one of the many cadre based organisations in this country that have always evaded the question of caste in our society. The financial disparity the divide between the rich and the poor has only come about in India in the last few decades. But the social divide in our society the hierarchy of caste is a millennia old problem. Burying ones head in sand and pretending that this huge social disparity doesnt exist will not yield anything. Marxists never understood this. De-classing people was not enough. Sangh has its own understanding of this issue. Since everyone is born from the same God, we believe, we cannot consider one inferior to the other. It was at our behest that Hindu saints, following the Meenakshipuram conversions, had proclaimed. (Thousands of Dalits converted to Islam in Tamil Nadus Meenakshipuram in 1981) Hindavaha Sodaraha Sarvey Na Hindu Patito Bhavet Mama Deeksha Hindu Raksha Mama Mantra Samaanata (All Hindus are brothers No Hindu is inferior My duty is to protect Hindus Equality is my motto) This is the training that we received in our Shakhas. The very social reform that we have been bringing to this country deals with the issue of caste on a fundamental basis. Treating the fellow swayamsewak as a brother is one of the initial principles taught at the Shakhas. When we eat together at the Shakhas we dont know which caste the person sitting next to us is from. Similarly, when we fall-in-line we stand in ascending order of our heights not our castes. Swayamsewaks are taught not to believe in untouchability or in caste hierarchies. This is why Mohan Bhagwatji has called for One temple, One well, One crematorium in every village. Sangh has, in fact, been calling for this since 1940. I was once in conversation with Jayprakash Narayan and our subject turned towards the topic of communal politics. He accused everyone in the Sangh, including me, of being communal. When I asked him the reason, he said none of the 1200 pracharaks in the Sangh were Muslims. When I asked him in return how many Muslims he had in his organisation Sarvodaya he was baffled to find out the number. Only 2! Sure we may be communal, but the secular principles of two people in this country Gandhiji and you cannot be questioned I think. So tell me why do you have so few Muslims in your political organisation? I asked him. When he couldnt answer, I told him that to understand our intentions, objectives and achievements, we needed to look beyond statistics and numbers. At many places Dalits have risen through the ranks in Sangh. At some places they are also serving as Prant Prachaaraks. But we dont go out of our way to find out their numbers. We dont promote an organisation like this. Social reform is a silent, time taking exercise that requires lots of patience. This is why in 1940s Ambedkarji was also associated with the Sangh. He used to meet and be in touch with several members of the Sangh. Among others, he was especially close to Dattopant Thengadiji. He had told Dattopantji, I know about the work and discipline of the Sangh. I am also pleased with your work. But the number of Shakhas you are running and the manner in which you are expanding the Shakhas is not suitable for me. He had told Dattopantji that Sanghs work will put his social movement back by several years and this was unacceptable to him. I want to give this community some direction within my own lifetime. I want to fight not just the system of varna, through which we are abused regularly. I also dont want us to fall prey to religions born outside the country. This is a conversation that Ambedkarji had with Dattopantji that he has mentioned in his book titled Babasaheb Ambedkar. The agony of Ambedkarji, who came from an oppressed caste, was understandable. It is important to understand it and not to denigrate it. In 1980s Balasaheb Deoras was presiding over a meeting in which a proposal of reservation was forwarded. Many in the senior ranks were confused about this topic. To be able to think beyond ones caste and class is not easy after all. Balasaheb told all the people there, Forget your castes for a moment and then think of this issue. Try to imagine yourselves living in the environment, the surroundings in which the people whose lives will be affected through this change, live. First live that experience and then decide whether reservation is or isnt a useful tool to get out of those surroundings. The presidents resolution was passed without a comment. Balasaheb had once made another interesting remark which has been my guiding principles on this topic. When the movement for reservation was going strong in Bihar in '78, Balasaheb made two remarks Those who demand reservation only on basis of caste are suffering from casteism, and those who demand reservation only on the basis of financial condition are ignoring the unfortunate, thousand year old history of our country. An ideal balance needs to be struck between social justice and social harmony. The Shanti Bhushan formula, which was implemented in Bihar with cooperation from Karpori Thakur and Chandra Shekhar, is a suitable model for this. Golwalkarji had said that the misfortune of our times is that political parties for their benefit have kept on boil the issue of casteism constantly. When the flames begins to flutter, more timber is brought and the fire burns bright again. The unfortunate manner in which some political parties have, in the name of benefitting the oppressed classes, kept burning the fires of casteism has been a big impediment in social reform. It is true that our efforts havent touched all sections of the society in a way we would like. I have to admit that we have lacked here. A lot of poison is also being given by casteist parties. But as my mentor used to tell me, Dheere dheere jaldi chalo. We have to walk fast in order to catch up with the times, but not pace ourselves beyond control. (K N Govindacharya is a former RSS idealogue. Views are personal) As told to Suhas Munshi New Delhi: Dubbing the BJP's protest on Parliament impasse as a "drama", the Congress on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "silence" on the Unnao and Kathua rape cases and asked whether he would observe a fast on the rising crimes against women under BJP rule in the country. The Congress demanded that Parliament be reconvened to discuss key issues, saying time has come for the prime minister and the BJP to "repent and apologise" to the people instead of indulging in "theatrics of a farcical fast (upvaas)", and that the ruling party was on its way to 'sanyaas' (retirement) and later 'vanvaas' (exile) in 2019. Congress spokesperson Kapil Sibal asked why the accused BJP MLA in the Unnao gangrape case was yet to be arrested, and alleged that the Uttar Pradesh chief minister was "protecting" the lawmaker . Sibal alleged that Modi was "not serious" about rising crime against women in the country and cited National Crime Records Bureau's numbers to substantiate his charge that atrocities against women, including rapes, were "highest" in BJP-ruled states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. He questioned whether the prime minister will observe a fast to register his protest against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on inaction against the BJP MLA accused in the Unnao rape case. The BJP held a country-wide fast on Thursday to corner the opposition on washout of the Budget session of Parliament. "At a time when girls in the country are being attacked, the fast is just aa 'jumla' (rhetoric)," he said, adding, "Don't do such politics. This is not the time to stay silent but to speak up. This is not the time to observe a fast, the country wants to hear the 'Mann ki baat' of the prime minister." He said the prime minister should come forward and "say that he is observing a fast against the BJP-ruled state government over the protection" it is giving to an MLA accused of rape. "If you remain silent, the public will also remain silent and tell you their 'Mann ki Baat' in 2019 elections," he said. "The 'Beti Bachao' slogan given by the prime minister now seems like a warning...Do you want to give the message to every family that you should hide girls, not save them. If you don't hide them, this will happen," he said while referring to the rapes in Unnao and Kathua. Congress communications incharge Randeep Surjewala termed the BJP's fast as "farcical" and wondered when would the prime minister talk of "Jan ki baat (people's talk), instead of jumlas and rhetoric and managing headlines". "A farcical fast by a fascist BJP. PM Modi remorse for failing India can only be through a 'Penance Upwaas'! (Sic) "Facing imminent defeat in Karnataka in May 2018 and LS in 2019, PM Modi and Amit Shah, are enacting an absurd drama of 'photo-ops' and 'headline management'," he tweeted. "Time for 'Upvas Ka Jumla' over! Time for 'Sanyaas' (retirement) from power begins and will culminate into 'Vanvaas' (exile) in 2019!," Surjewala said. Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma demanded that Parliament be reconvened to debate and legislate on key issues He accused the BJP of "orchestrating" disruptions in Parliament to avoid a debate on issues such as the multi-crore-rupee bank scam involving Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the CBSE paper leak, the SC/ST Act issue and farm distress. "It is time for the prime minister and the BJP to reflect, repent and apologise to the people of the country instead of engaging in the theatrics of a farcical fast. Let the government reconvene Parliament to debate and legislate," he told PTI. Sibal said people of the country are not interested in knowing about the PM 's fast but his stand on "rising" crime against women in the country. "Unfortunately the manner in which the prime minister has conducted himself suggests that he is not serious about the kind of things that are happening in this country," he said. Sibal questioned the prime minister's silence on Kathua and Unnao rape incidents, saying Modi talks of Mahatma Gandhi but the latter never remained silent on such issues. He also took a dig at Amit Shah, saying "he will only talk about animals and trees and things like that. What will he talk about? He is an animal lover, it is quite clear." Congress general secretary Mohan Prakash said, "It is the arrogance and hypocrisy of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP that they are observing fast today. The BJP's fast is a copy of the Congress' protest of few days ago." "Whenever a party (in power) tries to copy programme or protest of any other party, it marks the farewell of the ruling party. It also proves that the BJP-led government is tired. The BJP is not going to win the 2019 general polls," he claimed. Lucknow: Taking a jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and opposition parties, BJP MLA Surendra Singh said that the masters of opposition parties are anti-national and the 2019 elections will be a contest between Islam and Bhagwan. The masters of opposition parties are in Islam or in Italy. Next elections are going to be Pakistan vs Hindustan. I want to tell you that 2019 Elections are going to be Islam vs Bhagwan. Now the people of the country will have to decide whom will they elect in 2019, Islam or Bhagwan, the MLA said. Earlier, the BJP MLA was served notice by the National Commission for Women over his comment on Unnao Rape Case. Defending the rape-accused BJP MLA from Banagarmau, Unnao, Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the BJP MLA from Bairia had said, I am speaking from psychological point of view, no one can rape a mother of three children. This is not possible. This is a conspiracy against Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Speaking on the issue, BJP Spokesperon, Rakesh Tripathi said, The party does not approve of such statements and we condemn it. The MLA should have avoided giving such statement, the party leadership will take cognisance of the issue. Our government speaks of sabka saath, sabka vikas, we do not want to divide people on the basis of religion. The action will be taken against the MLA by the leadership, he has already been warned before for controversial statements. Hitting out at the BJP, SP Spokesperson Anurag Bahdauria said, The BJP should be ashamed of its MLA and should throw him out. They have just one reply for all the wrongs; they have always been blaming opposition and especially the Samajwadi Party. These people want to divide the nation on the basis of religion. I challenge them to file a sedition case on their MLA. Voters pose outside a polling booth in Karnataka. People were seen standing in queues to cast their votes in the early hours itself, factoring in that the temperature may go up later in the day. Also, it has been raining in different parts of south interior Karnataka for the last couple of days during the evening hours. Senior citizens were seen in good numbers standing in queues at various polling stations to cast their votes early. State BJP chief and party's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa, and Pradesh Congress Committee G Parameshwara were among the first to cast votes in Shikaripura in Shivamogga and Yaggere in Tumakuru respectively. Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda along with wife Chennamma cast their votes at Paduvalahippe in Hassan district. Film actors Ramesh Arvind, Ravichandran, also scion of Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar were among the prominent personalities to cast their votes early today. There are reports about delay in polling due to some technical issues with the electronic voting machines (EVMs) from different parts of the state. Election for the Jayanagara seat in Bengaluru has been countermanded following the death of BJP candidate and sitting MLA BN Vijaykumar. The Election Commission has also deferred the polls for Rajarajeswari Nagar constituency to May 28 after a massive row erupted over a large number of voter ID cards being found in an apartment. Suspecting something fishy, both Congress and BJP have pointed accusing fingers at each other in the matter. "Today people of Karnataka are standing in queues to create history & show the nation the way to liberal, progressive, peaceful & compassionate politics & governance. I thank them for their support & wish them well," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted. Over 2,600 candidates are in the fray-- more than 2400 men and and over 200 women. The total voters including service electors according to the 2018 final rolls are 5,06,90,538, of whom 2,56,75,579 male voters, 2,50,09,904 female and 5,055 transgender voters. Officials said 58,008 polling stations have been set up across the state, of which 12002 have been designated as "critical", with over 3,50,000 polling personnel on duty. Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of polls that will go on till 6 pm. "82,157 people have been deployed for poll duty that includes DSPs, home guards and civil defence, and forest guards and watchers," Karnataka DGP Neelamani N Raju said. This also includes about 7,500 personnel from states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Kerala and Goa, she said, adding, central forces have been deployed. One among the interesting aspects of this election is that four candidates who have served as Chief Minister of Karnataka are in the fray-- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (Chamundeshwari and Badami), B S Yeddyurappa (Shikaripura), H D Kumaraswamy (Chennapatna and Ramanagara) and Jagadish Shettar (Hubli-Dharwad Central.) Thiruvananthapuram: The horrific rape-murder of an eight-year-old has no doubt sent shockwaves across the nation. But in Kerala the anger is so palpable that it has now spawned a campaign to boycott the BJP. Overnight, notices have sprung up in front of homes and buildings. The text on them varies, but they all have the same message. "There are young girls in this house. BJP cadre please stay outside the gate," read one banner. These posters have even come up in election-bound Chengannur, where the BJP was hoping to reap dividends. Some posters clearly say, "BJP supporters seeking votes please leave your pamphlets out." The photos of these posters are being widely shared with the hashtag #BalatkariJanataParty. Updates from chengannur Kerala, where Bypoll is going to be held soon: "This house has girls aged less than 10 years. BJP people may kindly not enter here asking for votes".#BalatkariJanataParty pic.twitter.com/IKais8zZi1 Suvarna Haridas (@HaridasSuvarna) April 13, 2018 Leave your leaflets outside the gate. Vote-seeking BJP members please do not enter the house, we have under-10 girls Malayalis are posting pictures of variants of this poster on Facebook, as a protest against #BalatkariJanataParty and #RapeSevaSangh pic.twitter.com/PGMx50f3Ts The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) April 13, 2018 The saffron dhoti-clad, wrist thread and tilak sporting BJP supporters or 'Sanghamitras' are now being made pariahs in the state. It is unclear who is behind the latest campaign. Ironically, Kerala is no stranger to perversity and sexual exploitation of minors. Only on Thursday, an accused in Kollam was given 20 years rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a 10-year-old child. BJP workers being painted across the board being paedophiles is unfair. But on their part the 'sanghis' have not made any friends by finding every excuse to justify/quasi-justify the horrific Kathua incident. Kotak Mahindra Bank has had to terminate an assistant manager of their branch in Kochi, after Vishnu Nandakumar tweeted this about the child: "It is good that she was murdered at this young age. Else, she would have grown up to be a suicide bomber." That comment by Vishnu Nandakumar caused a backlash against the bank's Facebook page with thousands downgrading the page's star rating. It is evident that the Kerala polity has been deeply split. The Kerala BJP has some serious image re-building to do thanks to the alleged criminality of some Jammu brethren. Chennai: Amid continuing protests over Cauvery issue, the ruling AIADMK, which is largely friendly with the BJP-led Centre, on Friday said the NDA government should change its attitude in respect of Tamil Nadu. Citing the widespread protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tamil Nadu visit on Thursday over the Cauvery issue, AIADMK mouthpiece "Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma," said it was because of the Centre's "failure to be impartial". "How the black (an apparent reference to black balloons and black flags marking the visit of Modi) has come..? Tamils are on the boil as the Centre failed to maintain its impartiality," the daily said. Listing out issues, including Tamil Nadu's plea for exemption from NEET, and cyclone relief but avoiding a direct reference to Cauvery issue, a write-up in the daily said how people will not be angered if such 'betrayals' continued. "Without waiting anymore, it will be good if the Central government changed its mindset, and avoided partiality," the daily said. If this was not done, "it will lead to cracks in unity and integration," (of the nation), it warned. A slew of black flag protests and release of black balloons across the state over the Cauvery issue marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's one day visit here for the DefExpo and another function. DMK and several other parties and pro-Tamil outfits staged the protests over Centre's 'inaction' to constitute the Cauvery Management Board. The opposition parties have also been attacking the AIADMK government of not exerting adequate pressure on the Centre. Lucknow: Breaking his silence on the Unnao rape case, in which one of his party MLAs is the accused, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said his government had not deviated from its zero-tolerance policy on crime and corruption. "As soon as the matter came to the notice of the government on April 9, we immediately constituted an SIT (Special Investigation Team) and initiated action in the matter...the policemen and doctors found guilty in the SIT report were suspended," he told reporters in Chitrakoot. "We have referred the matter to the CBI...our government will not compromise on the zero-tolerance policy it has followed against crime and corruption since the beginning. We will firmly deal with criminals, however influential they might be," Adityanath said. Senior Uttar Pradesh minister and spokesperson of the state government Siddharth Nath Singh said the law will take its own course and lashed out at the opposition for "shedding crocodile tears" on the issue of women's safety. The process of recommending a CBI inquiry was promptly completed, the central probe agency had already taken over the case and detained the accused MLA for questioning, he pointed out. Slamming the political opponents of the BJP for raising an accusing finger at the Uttar Pradesh government for the "delay in the MLA's arrest", Singh recalled how the then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had "shielded rape-accused minister" Gayatri Prajapati. He also referred to Samajwadi Party (SP) patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks -- "Should a rape accused be punished with hanging? Boys are boys, they make mistakes." "Those who are raising a hue and cry are shedding crocodile tears for women...those who held a candlelight march last night should remember that the 'tandoor case' had taken place during their government and what all were done by their men," Singh said. He was referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhi taking part in a candlelight vigil in New Delhi last night to protest the growing incidents of violence against women and former Youth Congress leader Sushil Sharma serving a life term in the sensational murder case of his wife, Naina Sahni, in which the body of the victim was disposed of by putting it in the tandoor of a restaurant in the national capital in July, 1995. Digital security firm Gemalto in its latest report has claimed that 3.24 million records were stolen, lost or exposed in India in 2017, 783% increase from 2016. Globally, 2017 was the first year publicly disclosed breaches surpassed more than two billion compromised data records since the Gemalto Breach Level Index began tracking data breaches in 2013. Over the past five years, nearly 10 billion records have been lost, stolen or exposed, with an average of five million records compromised globally every day. Of the 29 data breach incidents in India in 2017, identity theft represented the leading type of data breach, accounting for 58% of all data breaches. Malicious outsiders remained the number one cybersecurity threat last year at 52% of all breach incidents. Companies in the retail, government and financial services sectors were the primary targets for breaches last year. Also read: Zuckerberg Flubs Details of Facebook Privacy Commitments The major cybersecurity highlights of 2017 according to Gemalto include: - Human error a major risk management and security issue: Accidental loss, consisting of improper disposal of records, misconfigured databases and other unintended security issues, caused 3.7 million records to be exposed. - Identity theft is still the number one type of data breach: Identity theft was 77% of all data breach incidents. - Nuisance attacks: The number of records breached in nuisance type attacks which were not seen in 2016 have started to happen in 2017. Such attacks have compromised 200 million records this year. The Breach Level Index defines a data breach as a nuisance when the compromised data includes basic information such as name, address and/or phone number. The larger ramification of this type of breach is often unknown, as hackers use this data to orchestrate other attacks. Also read: What is Blockchain? The Technology Behind Bitcoin Explained Data Breaches by Type Identity theft was the leading type of data breach, accounting for 77% of all incidents in 2017. The second most prevalent type of breach was access to government data (28%). The number of malicious outsiders increased the most for nuisance type of data breaches (488%) which constituted 98% of all compromised data. Data Breaches by Industry In 2017, the industries that experienced the largest number of data breach incidents were government (28%), retail (21%), education (17%) and healthcare (7%). In terms of the amount of records lost, stolen or compromised, the most targeted sectors were government (62%) and technology (37%) Data Breaches by Source Malicious outsiders were the leading source of data breaches, accounting for 52% of breaches, however making up 98.8% all compromised data. Malicious insider breaches were 14% of the total number of incidents, however this breach source experienced a dramatic increase (33%) in the number of compromised or stolen records from 2016. Also read: Motorola Moto G6 Play Revealed Ahead of April 19 Launch US-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) on Thursday announced that it will start building the first of two test tracks at its facility in Toulouse, France. Hyperloop, an idea from Tesla CEO and SpaceX Founder Elon Musk, envisions a transportation system which proposes to propel a pod-like vehicle through a near-vacuum tube at nearly 1,100 km per hour and above. The first phase includes a closed 320-meter system that will be operational this year. In addition, a second full-scale system of 1 km elevated by pylons at a height of 5.8 meters will be completed in 2019. Also Read: What is Blockchain? The Technology Behind Bitcoin Explained "Five years ago we set out to solve transportation's most pressing problems; efficiency, comfort and speed. Today, we take an important step forward to begin to achieve that goal," said HyperloopTT CEO Dirk Ahlborn. Both systems are fully upgradeable and will be utilised by both HyperloopTT and partner companies. "We have pioneered the technology, proved feasible and insurable by the world's largest reinsurance company, Munich RE. We have agreements in place in nine countries where we're working on feasibility and regulations," said Bibop Gresta, HyperloopTT Chairman. Also Read: Google Engineer Developing Tool to Spot Fake Video HyperloopTT has signed agreements in the US, India, Slovakia, Abu Dhabi, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Brazil and Korea. India's first Hyperloop transportation facility is likely to be introduced in Andhra Pradesh, connecting Vijayawada with upcoming state capital Amaravati. The state government is currently studying the feasibility of the project and if introduced, the 40 km distance between the two cities can be covered in just six minutes. If the Hyperloop line is completed, people can travel from Bengaluru to Chennai in 20 minutes. The 1,102 km Mumbai to Chennai via Bengaluru line will cover the distance in 50 minutes. HTT has a research centre for freight and logistics in Brazil and a facility in Toulouse where it will deliver the first full-scale passenger capsule. "Hyperloop is no longer a concept; it has become a commercial industry," Gresta added. Watch: Xolo Era 3X Review: Ease-of-Use is The Biggest USP Lenovo-owned Moto is gearing up to launch the new Moto G6 series which includes the Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus and Moto G6 Play. Before the official launch on April 19, the product details have been leaked online. Now another image of the Moto G6 Play has been revealed which confirms the specs that got leaked earlier. Also read: Zuckerberg Flubs Details of Facebook Privacy Commitments The Moto G6 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor and is expected to come in two RAM/storage versions3GB RAM/ 32GB storage and 4GB RAM/ 64GB internal storage. Both the variants will come with a microSD card slot and has a 5.7-inch Full HD+ display. There is a dual-lens camera module (12MP+5MP) at the back along with a 16MP selfie camera and is backed by a 3,000 mAh battery. The leaked image of Moto G6 Play. (Image: SlashLeaks) On the other hand, the bigger Moto G6 Plus will have a 5.93-inch Full HD+ display with an aspect ratio of 18:9. It is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset. Also, there will be a 6GB RAM version as well and a bigger 3,200mAh battery. The rest of the specifications are similar to the Moto G6. Also read: What is Blockchain? The Technology Behind Bitcoin Explained Motorola will also launch another phone called the Moto G6 Play in the 2018 lineup of Moto G series. The device will focus on providing better battery life with a 4,000mAh battery. The smartphone will offer a 5.7-inch HD+ display with an aspect ratio of 18:9 and is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 427 processor. The Philippines' privacy watchdog said on Friday it has started investigating Facebook over a data breach involving British firm Cambridge Analytica that affected more than a million Filipino users of social media. The move follows a decision by European Union privacy watchdogs to look deeper into the harvesting of personal data from social networks for economic or political purposes. Outside the United States, the Philippines had the largest amount of user data acquired by Cambridge Analytica, with 1.17 million accounts in the country affected, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said last week. Also Read: Google AI Can Focus on Individual Speakers in a Crowd In a letter to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, dated April 11, the NPC said it would look into how Facebook shares personal data of Filipino users with third parties, and demand concrete action to protect their data privacy rights. "We are launching an investigation into Facebook to determine whether there is unauthorised processing of personal data of Filipinos, and other possible violations of the Data Privacy Act," it said in the letter, made available to the media on Friday. A Facebook spokesperson said the company is committed to protecting people's information and is engaged with the Philippines' privacy watchdog. "We've recently made significant updates to make our privacy tools easier to find, restrict data access on Facebook, and make our terms and data policy clearer," Facebook said. Recent research has shown Filipinos to be among the most active social media users in the world, spending on average more than four hours a day on platforms like Facebook. Facebook has admitted that personal data of nearly 87 million users was improperly accessed by Cambridge Analytica, which has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients. Also Read: Motorola Moto G6 Play Revealed Ahead of April 19 Launch A Hong Kong newspaper has said several people involved in President Rodrigo Duterte's 2016 election campaign had met in 2015 with Alexander Nix, the now-suspended chief executive of Cambridge Analytica. Those officials said the meeting with Nix was during a lunch break at an information technology seminar in Manila and there has been no contact since. The president's spokesman said on Tuesday that Duterte's election campaign did not rely on information bought from anybody, nor did it hire Cambridge Analytica's services. Also Read: Hyperloop Starts Construction of Its First Test Track in France Duterte, a former mayor from outside of the sphere of national politics, successfully tapped Filipinos' insatiable appetite for social media to help him win a 2016 election by a huge margin. His office uses social media with gusto, courting popular bloggers, in some cases hiring them, to promote Duterte and discredit his opponents, and amplifying the message through "shares" and "likes". Duterte, however, has said he does not need social media, and on Friday denied any links to Cambridge Analytica. "Why will I pay those Cambridge fools to work on my campaign? I could have lost with that," Duterte told reporters. Watch: Xolo Era 3X Review: Ease-of-Use is The Biggest USP A U.S. judge in Philadelphia has ruled that limousine drivers for Uber Technologies are independent contractors and not the company's employees under federal law, the first ruling of its kind on a crucial issue for the ride-hailing company. U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson on Wednesday said San Francisco-based Uber does not exert enough control over drivers for its limo service, UberBLACK, to be considered their employer under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The drivers work when they want to and are free to nap, run personal errands, or smoke cigarettes in between rides, Baylson said. Also Read: NASA's New Planet Hunting Probe Set to Search For Alien Life The legal classification of workers has been a major issue for "gig economy" companies that rely on independent contractors. Uber, in particular, has been hit with dozens of lawsuits in recent years claiming that its drivers are employees and are entitled to minimum wage, overtime, and other legal protections not afforded to contractors. An Uber spokeswoman said the company is pleased with the decision. Jeremy Abay, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said he would appeal the ruling to the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 3rd Circuit would be the first federal appeals court to consider whether Uber drivers are properly classified as independent contractors. Also Read: Zuckerberg Flubs Details of Facebook Privacy Commitments Many of the cases filed against Uber have been sent to arbitration, but the plaintiffs in the Philadelphia case were among a small minority of drivers who had opted not to sign arbitration agreements with the company. Last year, a state appeals court in Florida said Uber's drivers were not its employees under Florida law. But state agencies in California and New York have said that they are under those states' laws. Baylson in Wednesday's ruling said he was the first judge to rule on the classification of Uber drivers under federal law. His ruling comes about two months after a federal judge in San Francisco said that food delivery workers for Grubhub Inc were not the company's employees. The Grubhub case was the first of its kind against a so-called gig economy company to go to trial. Also Read: Uber Expands Settlement With US FTC Related to Cyberattack The Philadelphia lawsuit was filed in February 2016. The plaintiffs said Uber failed to pay them minimum wage and overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which only applies to employees. The plaintiffs were seeking to represent all drivers in Philadelphia for Uber's limousine service, UberBLACK. The case is Razak v. Uber Technologies, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Watch: Xolo Era 3X Review: Ease-of-Use is The Biggest USP Over two days of questioning in Congress, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg chief revealed that he didnt know key details of a 2011 consent decree with the Federal Trade Commission that requires Facebook to protect user privacy. With congressional hearings over and no immediate momentum behind calls for regulation, the biggest hammer still hanging over Facebook in the U.S. is a fresh FTC investigation. The probe follows revelations that pro-Trump data-mining firm Cambridge Analytica acquired data from the profiles of millions of Facebook users. Facebook also faces inquiries in Europe. The 2011 agreement bound Facebook to a 20-year privacy commitment , and any violations of that pact could cost Facebook a ton of money, even by its flush-with-cash standards. If Zuckerbergs testimony before Congress is any indication, the company might have something to worry about. Also Read: What is Blockchain? The Technology Behind Bitcoin Explained Zuckerberg repeatedly assured lawmakers Tuesday and Wednesday that he believed Facebook is in compliance with that 2011 agreement. But he also flubbed simple factual questions about the consent decree. Congresswoman, I dont remember if we had a financial penalty, Zuckerberg said under questioning by Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette on Wednesday. Youre the CEO of the company, you entered into a consent decree and you dont remember if you had a financial penalty? she asked. She then pointed out that the FTC doesnt have the authority to issue fines for first-time violations. In response to questioning by Rep. Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, Zuckerberg acknowledged: Im not familiar with all of the things the FTC said. Zuckerberg also faced several questions from lawmakers about how long it takes for Facebook to delete user data from its systems. He didnt know. The 2011 consent decree capped years of Facebook privacy mishaps, many of which revolved around its early attempts to follow users and their friends around the web. Any violations of the 2011 agreement could subject Facebook to fines of $41,484 per violation per user per day. To put that in context, Facebook could theoretically owe $8 billion for one single day of a violation affecting all of its American users. The current FTC investigation will look at whether Facebook engaged in unfair acts that cause substantial injury to consumers. Also Read: Smartphone Addiction Similar to Substance Abuse: Study David Vladeck, a Georgetown University law professor who headed the FTCs bureau of consumer protection when Facebook signed the deal, said in a blog post this month that Facebooks argument that it didnt violate the deal are far-fetched. Two days of testimony didnt change his mind. Most of the reforms Facebook has talked about in the past couple of weeks proposed safeguards that should have been in place years ago, he said by email on Wednesday following 10 hours of Zuckerbergs testimony. At issue are at least three sections of the decree . The first requires that users give affirmative express consent any time that data they havent made public is shared with a third party. Facebook also has to tell users what data will be shared, who the third parties are, and explicitly note that the sharing exceeds their privacy-setting restrictions. In my view, these requirements were not met, Vladeck said. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada made a similar point Tuesday, arguing that user consent couldnt have been buried in their privacy settings. It had to be something very specific. Something very simple, she said. And that did not occur. Had that occurred, we wouldnt be here today talking about Cambridge Analytica. A second portion of the decree forbids Facebook to share user-deleted data with third parties after 30 days, assuming the information was stored on servers under Facebooks control. The third and broadest part binds Facebook to a comprehensive privacy program vetted by an outside auditor. The question raised there is whether Facebook acted reasonably and quickly when it found out there may have been breaches of the deal, according to law professor William Kovacic of George Washington University, who served as an FTC commissioner when Facebook was being investigated but left before the settlement was announced. Facebook has argued that it only shared data that was made public by users, or permitted by their privacy settings. Zuckerberg said Wednesday that audits it committed to never turned up problems. Was it deliberate? Was it inadvertent? Was there a dramatic lack of care? Kovacic said. Everything depends on how they go through this painstaking process of looking at what Facebook promised and what it actually did. The largest fine the FTC has ever imposed in a privacy case was a $22.5 million award in a settlement with Google in 2012. Kovacic said the investigation could take several months. If a case is brought, it would be prosecuted by the Justice Department. Watch: Xolo Era 3X Review: Ease-of-Use is The Biggest USP Manila: President Rodrigo Duterte threatened on Friday to arrest the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, who is probing his deadly drug war, telling her to stay away from the Philippines. Fatou Bensouda launched a preliminary investigation in February into allegations that Filipino police were murdering thousands of drug suspects, prompting Manila last month to withdraw from the Hague-based tribunal. "What is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty... you cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis," Duterte told a news conference in his southern home city of Davao. "That is illegal and I will arrest you," he added, according to official transcripts. Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,000 drug suspects who fought back during arrest. Rights groups claim the actual number is three times higher, accusing authorities of murder. In the face of widespread international criticism of its drugs war, Manila has described its withdrawal from the ICC as a "principled stand against those who would politicise and weaponise human rights". The ICC has urged Manila to reconsider its decision, while warning that the move does not prevent the tribunal from continuing its investigation into the killings. "You, Ms Fatou, do not come here because I will bar you," Duterte said. "Not because I am afraid of you (but) because you will never have jurisdiction over my person, not in a million years." The ICC opened in 2002 to try abuses in countries where national courts cannot or will not prosecute. Manila ratified the Rome Statute that created the treaty in 2011, but Duterte has insisted it cannot be enforced in the Philippines on a technicality. Buoyed by high domestic popularity ratings, Duterte has fiercely defended his drug war as a battle to provide security for the nation's 100 million people. He has frequently urged authorities to kill drug suspects while promising to protect police from legal repercussions. Geneva: The prominent Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, who is in French detention over several rape allegations, is facing a new accusation of rape, this time in Switzerland, a Swiss daily reported Friday. A Swiss woman is pressing criminal charges against Ramadan, 55, alleging he raped her and held her against her will for several hours in a Geneva hotel room a decade ago, the Tribune de Geneve (TdG) daily reported. When contacted by AFP, the woman's lawyer Romain Jordan confirmed that criminal charges had been filed in Geneva on Friday, but said he did not want to make any further comments at this stage. "We are confident in our case," he said. The alleged victim, who was not identified, is not the first to accuse Ramadan. The prominent TV pundit and Oxford University professor, whose grandfather founded Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood movement, was detained by a French court in February over charges that he raped two Muslim women in France. A third woman has since made further allegations of rape. Ramadan denies all the charges. One of European Islam's best-known figures, he has dismissed the accusations against him as a smear campaign by his enemies and his lawyers argue there are inconsistencies in the women's accounts. In the fresh case, TdG reported it had seen a 13-page transcript of the alleged Swiss victim's testimony, in which she accused Ramadan of attacking and raping her in a hotel room in 2008. The woman, a convert to Islam who was around 40 years old at the time, had been having family difficulties and had sought out the eminent Muslim scholar who like her grew up in Geneva, according to the paper. After meeting him at a book signing in Geneva in 2008, she had begun corresponding with him via social media and voiced interested in attending a conference he was planning in the city. But as the conference was private, she said Ramadan -- who is also a Swiss national -- had offered to meet her for coffee and what she thought would be a recap of the event. Instead, he lured her up to his hotel room, where she said he attacked her, raping her and holding her in the room for hours, TdG reported. "I was afraid I was going to die. I was terrified and paralysed," she said in the testimony, according to the paper. The woman, who said she had been too afraid at the time to go to the police, said she had been emboldened to step forward now by the large number of women who have accused Ramadan of sexual misconduct, TdG said. Moscow: Moscow on Thursday said it feared the UK had forcibly detained Yulia Skripal, who was poisoned along with her father in England last month and on Wednesday refused Russian consular assistance. "We have every reason to believe this could be a question of the deliberate, forcible detention of a Russian citizen or possibly their coercion into a staged announcement," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Yulia Skripal was discharged from hospital on Monday, more than a month after the March 4 nerve agent attack in the English town of Salisbury which has sparked a global diplomatic crisis. While her whereabouts are unknown, Skripal said she is being supported by police officers who are keeping her informed of their high-profile investigation. On Wednesday she said she did not currently wish to take up an offer of consular assistance from the Russian embassy, according to a note released by London's Metropolitan Police. Yulia Skripal was visiting her father when the attack took place. Sergei Skripal was imprisoned in Russia for selling secrets to British intelligence in the 1990s but was exchanged in a spy swap in 2010. London blames Moscow for the attack, an accusation vehemently denied by the Russian government which has requested access to the Skripals as Russian citizens. Sergei Skripal's niece, Viktoria Skripal, has spoken to Russian media about the poisoning and last week saw her application to visit the UK rejected, with officials saying it did not comply with immigration rules. Yulia Skripal on Wednesday cast doubt on her cousin's account, saying: "Her opinions and assertions are not mine and they are not my father's." New Delhi: Pakistans Supreme Court dashed former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs hopes of returning to power on Friday, ruling that the disqualification handed to him last year in the Panama Papers Case was for life. A report in Dawn.com, said the disqualification under Article 62 (1)(f) of Pakistans constitution is for life. Article 62(1)(f), which sets the precondition for a member of Pakistans parliament to be sadiq and ameen (honest and righteous), was the one under which Sharif was disqualified as PM last year. The verdict was issued unanimously by all five judges of the bench while hearing a case related to determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution. Sharif, a three-time prime minister, was ousted by the judiciary in July 2017 over corruption charges which he is currently facing in Pakistani courts. Friday's ruling addressed an ambiguity over Sharif's disqualification and whether he was barred from office for life or a specific period. Sharif has denied any wrongdoing and has blamed "hidden hands" for his dismissal. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen was disqualified on December 15 last year by a separate bench of the apex court under the same provision. Following the verdict, both Sharif and Tareen have become ineligible to ever hold public office. Reacting on the judgment, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that he believes people of Pakistan should make such decisions about the fate of politicians. I am of the belief that its the people of Pakistan who should make such decisions about the fate of politicians. Unfortunately it is PTI & PMLN themselves who have forced the judicialization of our politics. Naehal Nawaz & Tareen must now face the consequences of their actions. BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) April 13, 2018 It has been stated in the decision read out by Justice Umar Ata Bandial that the disqualification of any member of parliament or a public servant under Article 62 in the future will be permanent. Moscow: The Russian military on Friday said it had proof that an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria's Eastern Ghouta was staged on orders from London. Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said the military had "proof that testifies to the direct participation of Britain in the organising of this provocation in Eastern Ghouta." He said Britain had told the White Helmets, who act as first responders in rebel-held areas, to fake the suspected chemical attack in the town of Douma. London put "powerful pressure" on the civil defence organisation, Konashenkov said. He said the attack was staged on April 7 to coincide with military action by Syrian government forces, after the rebel group Jaish al-Islam that long controlled Eastern Ghouta carried out shelling of Damascus from April 3 to 6. Russia has repeatedly accused rebels of staging or spreading rumours of chemical attacks, but the involvement of Britain is a new claim. It comes as London has blamed Moscow for a nerve agent attack on a former double agent and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury last month. In March Russia's General Staff said that rebels were planning a "provocation" in Eastern Ghouta with women and children set to play victims of a chemical attack. President Vladimir Putin later referred to this claim, saying on April 4 that Russia had "irrefutable proof" that rebels were planning an attack with "poisonous substances". Washington: Asserting that the Taliban and the Haqqani network enjoy safe havens in the border regions of Pakistan, a top US Army General today told the lawmakers that it was very difficult to contain insurgency in war-torn Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil. "It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has safe haven in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he said to the end insurgency in Afghanistan, it was important to reduce the threat of terrorism something that can be handled on a routine basis by the internal security forces. "In order to do that, you have to essentially do several things. You mentioned Pakistan. That is key. It's important that Pakistan is part of the solution. It's a regional solution. Part of our strategy is a regional strategy. That very much involves Pakistan," Milley said. Responding to a question on reconciliation, he said the Afghan government was on the path right now to establish some sort of political reconciliation with various opponent groups. US is in support of that effort, Milley added. "So it's important that we realign the forces, that we reinforce the capabilities that we're already doing, and that we regionalise the problem, including Pakistan, and that there's some sort of reconciliation process. At the end of the day, that's how that ends, and it ends successfully, and I believe that's achievable, the General said. Milley said it was in the national security interest of the United States to maintain troops in Afghanistan. One of the American objectives since 2001 has been that Afghanistan no longer was a platform for terrorists to conduct strikes on the continental United States, or in the United States. "That's key. That's why we're there, and that's why we're still there," he said, adding that this can be achieved through a stable Afghanistan. "So what does that look like? It means that the armed opposition, the Taliban, Haqqani network, Al-Qaida, ISIS, K and all these other groups are reduced in terms of capability that they no longer present an existential threat to the regime in Kabul, and that the Afghan National Security Forces are at large," he said. "Their army, their police, their intelligence forces can handle the violent threat against the regime at a level that is something akin to crime or banditry," Milley said. Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has asked his trade advisers to look at rejoining the Trans Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade pact he withdrew the United States from last year, White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said. Republican senators met with Trump on Thursday and he told them that he has asked United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow to re-open negotiations. "The president has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year," Walters said. The TPP had aimed to cut trade barriers in some of the fastest-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region and to counter China's rising economic and diplomatic clout. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the pact in early 2017, citing concerns about jobs. Even prior to Trump's official withdrawal, U.S. participation in the pact was dead due to opposition in the U.S. Congress. The United States entered the TPP negotiations in 2008 and took until late 2016 for the then-Obama administration to abandon its attempt to push the pact through Congress. "It is good news that today the president directed Larry Kudlow and Ambassador Lighthizer to negotiate U.S. entry into TPP, Senator Ben Sasse, a pro-trade Republican, said in a statement after the meeting between Trump and the senators. At his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of Trump's next secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo was asked about reports that Trump planned to re-engage on TPP and replied: That news was news to me. However, Pompeo said he had supported TPP as a member of Congress and added: There is an economic component to what China is trying to do. We need to be engaged. There is a diplomatic component to the economic activity as well. We need to be deeply engaged there, and Im confident this administration will do that." Since the U.S. withdrew from the TPP talks, the other 11 countries have forged ahead with their own agreement, and in the process eliminated chapters on investment, government procurement and intellectual property that were key planks of Washington's demands. The pact includes Mexico and Canada which are renegotiating the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States. When asked to comment on Thursday's comments on the TPP, a Canadian government official said there had not been any formal outreach so it was not possible to speculate on what a new pact would look like. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Trump next week. Japan, a close U.S. ally, signed up for the 11-country trade pact. During his election campaign in 2016, Trump was frequently sceptical of the value of multilateral trade pacts, arguing instead that bilateral deals could offer better terms. But Trump is struggling to get support from other countries for his recent threat to impose import tariffs on China and the U.S. farm lobby is arguing that retaliation by China would hit American agricultural exports. 404 We're sorry! The page you were looking for couldn't be found. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Meet 112-year-old Masazo Nonaka from Japan certified as world's oldest man Tokyo : Masazo Nonaka, a 112-year-old Japanese man residing in the country's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, was recognised as the world's oldest living male, Guinness World Records said on Tuesday. Born on July 25, 1905, Nonaka received a certificate from Guinness World Records, Xinhua news agency reported citing the local media. He was also presented with an award and a cake from the Mayor of the Ashoro town where he was born and lives currently with his family. Nonaka said he enjoys watching sumo wrestling on TV and listening to music. His home is also a hot spring inn dating back more than a century that Nonaka used to run with his wife. "Nonaka's achievement is remarkable," Guinness World Records' editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said, adding, "he can teach us all an important lesson about the value of life and how to stretch the limits of human longevity". Koki Kurohata, Nonaka's great-grandson said: "He has not been receiving nursing care at a facility and has a clear brain. He's really amazing." His granddaughter Yuko said that her grandfather enjoys relaxing in the hot spring once a week and has a sweet tooth. Following the death of Jamaican Violet Brown aged 117 in September 2017, Nabi Tajima, a 117-year-old Japanese resident of Kagoshima Prefecture, was likely to be recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living woman. DANBURY One local educator recently got the ear of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on school safety issues in the wake of the shootings in Parkland, Florida. Last week, Danbury High School Assistant Principal Fallon Daniels was one of seven educators from schools across the country to meet with DeVos in Washington, D.C., to discuss the potential rollback of school discipline guidelines established under President Barack Obama. Critics have said those guidelines discourage schools from referring troubled students to law enforcement, but advocates argue they are designed to help curb higher rates of suspensions and expulsions for students of color. Daniels and Danbury school officials agree with those advocates, and she made the case to DeVos in person. I was able to give Secretary DeVos an understanding of the importance of working with students and understanding social-emotional development and the significance of doing that before going straight into consequences and assigning consequences, she said. We talked about the diversity of schools and where we are in Connecticut and how progressive weve become in making sure we respond to the needs of all students. Daniels gave an update on her trip to the school board on Wednesday, adding that she invited DeVos to visit Danbury High but has not heard back. Board members and Superintendent Sal Pascarella lauded her for the meeting. It was very special, Pascarella said of Daniels conversation. I think they need to be attentive to that. It seems to get lost in some of the other stuff that isnt a problem, so I appreciate that message. zach.murdock@hearstmediact.com Springfield Bank of Illinois pulled out of working with legal medical marijuana companies in the state this month, leaving many businesses working on a cash-only basis while scrambling to find another banking partner. The bank tied the move directly to actions taken by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier this year, rescinding Obama-era rules that essentially kept the federal government from interfering in states where marijuana is legal. Meanwhile, in Canada, just the opposite is happening. The Bank of Montreal already is involved in two deals with legal marijuana companies and TD Bank Group is considering involvement as the country prepares to make cannabis legal nationwide this summer for both medical and recreational use. TD Bank Group CEO Bharat Masrani told The Canadian Press that national legalization is an important data point. He said TD Bank Group is actively studying cannabis investment in the cannabis industry. Both TD Bank Group and the Bank of Montreal are among the Big Five banks in Canada. Related: Baby Boomers Support Medical Marijuana but Skeptically Actions Backing Words The interest of Canadian banks in backing the legal marijuana industry took off in January, when the Bank of Montreal backed a $175 million stock-purchase deal to raise cash for Canopy Growth. Technically, the Bank of Montreal did the deal through a subsidiary, BMO Capital Markets, along with co-lead underwriter GMP Securities. Based in Ontario, Canopy is Canadas largest licensed producer of medical marijuana. Importantly, they have no business dealings in the U.S. Speaking about the potential of entering deals with cannabis companies, Masrani said TD Bank Group will not consider any deals with companies that have a presence in the U.S. A few weeks after the Canopy Growth deal, BMO Capital Markets was named in a similar deal involving marijuana producer Cronos Group. Related: How to Stand Out From the Crowd: Entrepreneurial Lessons from Jeff the 420 Chef Meanwhile, In Springfield. Legal medical marijuana companies in Illinois may now have to deal in cash after the main bank for the industry, the Bank of Springfield, announced it was pulling out of the industry. The decision came after Sessions' decision to rescind the Cole Memo. It is one of the few concrete consequences, so far, of Sessions actions. To be fair, the Bank of Springfield was something of an aberration. Most banks have refused to extend services to the marijuana industry because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. Frustrated leaders in California are even considering setting up a state-run bank to serve the industry. There were about $8.5 million in medical marijuana sales in Illinois in February alone, according to state numbers quoted in the Chicago Tribune. Ross Morreale, co-founder of Ataraxia, a company that runs a cultivation facility and co-owns three dispensaries, told the Tribune: This is the closest weve been to being without banks in Illinois in this industry which isnt good. It makes everything more difficult. For the bank, it was a process of doing a risk assessment given Sessions action. The bank could not jeopardize customers working with businesses in the legal gray zone, a bank spokesman told the Tribune. To stay up to date on the latest marijuana related news make sure to like dispensaries.com on Facebook Related: A Tale of Neighboring Countries and Their Very Different Legal-Marijuana Banking Systems How to Stand Out From the Crowd: Entrepreneurial Lessons from Jeff the 420 Chef Baby Boomers Support Medical Marijuana but Skeptically Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Telegram has already raised $1.7 billion from two private sales and will be able to raise billions more in private sales. Telegram may not bother to have a public ICO. Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging service. Telegram client apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows NT, macOS and Linux. Users can send messages and exchange photos, videos, stickers, audio and files of any type. Telegram was founded by the Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov. The service also provides APIs to independent developers. In March 2018, Telegram stated that it had 200 million monthly active users. Telegram would have satisfy more regulations and have increased administrative overhead for a public sale. * a know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering verification process to be able to sell to everyday investors * Telegram would have to have more extensive investor relations Telegram will be able to raise more money with more private sales. If private sales can raise billions then it may not be necessary to go public. Uber raised about $23.5 billion through private investors. The last $10 billion round was a down round. Know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) verification * The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to prosecute ICOs which are held without KYC procedures. * cryptocurrency exchanges are beginning to exclude cryptocurrencies that did not properly implement KYC processes. Verification and Anti-money laundering ID Verification: Determine if an identity document (passport, ID card or drivers license) is authentic and belongs to the user. Identity Verification: Ensure the person behind a transaction is who they say they are. Document Verification: Capture, extract, and verify data from supporting documents such as utility and bank statements as an additional layer of identity proofing needed to know the true identity of your investors. Bebeto Matthews / AP A Norwalk man was sentenced to 9 months in prison for failing to pay nearly $600,000 in taxes while chief financial officer of a company whose creator inspired the Soup Nazi character on NBCs Seinfield. Robert N. Bertrand, 63, was CFO of Soupman Inc. based in New York City, which licensed recipes from chef Al Yeganeh for its Original Soupman label. The soup line is carried in some 7,000 grocery stores nationally, with the Original Soupman also operating takeout counters including at Mohegan Sun in eastern Connecticut. HARTFORD Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim thinks if Hartford is going to receive millions in state debt assistance, his city should get more money from the state, too. Its a message hes repeated ad nauseum of the past several weeks, especially as Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and some legislators appear at odds over whether the Hartford commitment made in an October state budget is for two years or for two decades. Malloy, for his part, has responded to the appeals of the mayor who is a Democratic candidate for governor with equal consistency: no oversight, no more money. I know that people are saying that they want to get the same treatment as Hartford has gotten, he said Friday, but when we tell them that that would mean the state government in essence would review and approve their municipal budgets, review and approve their financial plan, approve contracts and by the way exercise the ability to reject those contracts and limit a communitys ability to take on additional debt, we have not had people whove asked for that. Ganims latest effort was a letter sent Thursday to the state Office of Policy and Management proposing a deal. He suggested the cash-strapped state hand his cash-strapped city $20 million each of the next two years and issue $300 million in bonds to retire Bridgeports remaining interest on outstanding bonds. In return, the city would pay back the interest on the state bonds and use the funds to reduce property taxes and fund youth programs and education. The largest city in the state of Connecticut is receiving less than half the aid per capita of our sister city of Hartford, Ganim wrote. But despite the fact that 15 percent of the citys budget is debt payments and its mill rate is 54, Bridgeport does not need oversight like its sister city, Ganim said. Bridgeport is viewed as one of the best run cities in the country posting balanced budgets despite these enormous financial challenges, Ganim said. Speaking to press at the Capitol Friday, Malloy responded If the mayor would like to put Bridgeport under MARB (Municipal Accountability Review Board) control, we can have those discussions... on the other hand, if you are talking about additional dollars for their education system, Im all in. Kelly Donnelly, communications director for Malloys office, said his education reference referred to the governors desire to increase education cost sharing grants for Bridgeport and other urban schools, and was not in support of Ganims proposed grant. The state agreed to pay Hartford $40 million in 2018-19 in its budget. A refinancing agreement between the city and its bondholders also included a pledge from the state to provide debt payment assistance for the next two decades; that could approach $550 million. The goal is to prevent the capital city from defaulting on its debt, which lawmakers say would be bad for the whole state. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson HAMDEN The community is invited to help craft a mosaic tile mural to adorn the Hamden Youth Services Bureau, as coordinator Susan Rubino kicks off an effort to bring public and youth-driven art to town. Rubino said Friday she had been struck by the thought of bringing public art to Hamden, inspired by what had been done elsewhere, considering it a chance to bring vibrancy to the city and allow people the opportunity to express ownership of their environment. As an initial step, with the help of Arts for Learning Connecticut and a grant from the town, she created a plan to put a mural on the brick wall near the Pine Street entrance of the Youth Services Bureau. I wanted it to be something abstract and not just something corny that youd look at, like a bird or a dragon ... and youd look at in a few years (and say) ah, Im sick of looking at that, said Rubino. We just wanted it just be something fun but designed by the kids, which is the cool part. Young people participating in an afterschool program at the bureau drew and doodled a design, which was refined into the look of the mural-to-be by a digital artist. The results are kaleidoscopic bright yellow and white hearts and circles. Now, Rubino is asking for the community to help bring it to fruition young people and staff will be cutting and placing the tiles of the mural onto plywood at the Keefe Community Center from April 17 through 20, and those interested are asked to come by and help. Theres a lot of work to do, so we need volunteers, said Rubino. Rubino said she hopes this is the first step of a larger effort to create public art in Hamden, with designs spurred and crafted by the community. Other town officials have bought in, she said. Ideas include chalk designs outside of the bureau, using work from the chalk festival at Hamden High School and creating art in crosswalks a thought endorsed by Police Chief Thomas J. Wydra. We want to build on this. We want to fill the whole town of Hamden with public art, said Rubino. We want the publics ideas. Im excited about it, it was originally my idea, but I dont want it to be all about my ideas. She hopes people, including the youth, come forward with suggestions perhaps to decorate a bench or create a mural on an abandoned building. I want (residents) to feel a part of the community that they have a say in how their town looks, that were open to hearing ideas... we want everything to be transparent, and we want everyone to kind of have a say in it not dictate, said Rubino. I hope it brings a sense of community, buy-in, the importance of our young people and giving them a voice. There is value to art, she said as a form of expression, of beauty, and an additional part in the life of a place. Art is its life. Theres a lot of kids that, they need art its a form of expression, that maybe they dont have the words to express, but they could express it through their art, and its beauty, and its culture. Its a sign of the times, said Rubino. It just adds another layer, besides the brick-and-mortar, the buildings, the stores, the houses but public, being out in the open, for all you dont have to go into a museum. Residents are asked to come by the Keefe Community Center and help with the mosaic tile mural on April 17, 18 and 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from noon to 7 p.m. on April 19, according to a flier for the event. The annual SoHa Kid SpringFest, featuring games and attractions for young people, will be held during the effort, on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com NEW HAVEN Two months after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings in Parkland, Fla., the ninth-deadliest mass shooting in American history and the highest profile school shooting since Sandy Hook in 2012, many students across the nation are still on edge about school safety. Although Congress has yet to pass any major gun legislation since the events in Parkland, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., visited Hill Regional Career High School Friday to observe a program that he believes is helping to make schools safer. Blumenthal said he learned about Career High Schools Youth Mental Health First Aid training program when he visited the school on the day of the National School Walkout in March. Its a tribute to New Havens school system and its administrators that they have seized upon this program, he said. The pilot program, which is composed of 17 students within the schools health and science track, is designed to create student ambassadors for good mental health practices. Susan Graham, a contractor with the Connecticut Network of Care Transformation, said the program is the boots on the ground of legislation Blumenthal has successfully sponsored to put more resources into mental health education in schools. Everyone in the room has mental health, she said. We can be really well or in recovery. Senior DeAsia Ramos said she has come to observe the difference between how people react to mental health problems and physical health problems. She said she attended school the day after she had a death in her family, and some of her teachers did not treat her kindly and made assumptions about her intentions when she could not engage with her learning. Had she shown up on crutches, she said, the reaction would have been different. Theres a stigma associated with mental health, Blumenthal agreed. The main takeaway students gained from their training is an acronym that sounds like seaweed, but actually represents helpful advice for addressing mental health conflicts: ALGEE. From the training, students are trained to assess for suicidal or self-harm ideation, listen non-judgmentally, give reassurance and encourage mental health services and productive self-help practices. Kamron Prescott, a junior, said after she lost a family member to suicide, it spurred her to begin thinking less about her own emotional well being and more about everyone else. Cheyenne Stewart, a senior, said knowing someone is paying attention to your needs can make all the difference, shes learned. We need more kids to know its OK to not be OK sometimes, she said. Students role-played several scenarios, including a parent speaking with her young son with behavioral issues. When asked non-judgmentally whether something was bothering him, he shared that he felt left out of family activities. Blumenthal said he was impressed that the scenarios werent scripted; Tylese Salters, a senior who played the role of the boy, said she merely put herself in the characters shoes. Health teacher Rosalba Zajac said the students received eight hours of mental health training; it was so effective, she said, that there are plans to incorporate it into school curriculum in the future. My goal is to have all seniors, before they leave, to have not just CPR certification but also mental health training as well, she said. Superintendent of Schools Carol Birks said school officials must make a conscious effort to be aware of academic needs, but also social-emotional needs. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com HARTFORD State Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., D-Branford, and U.S. Reps. Lonnie Reed, D-Branford, and Noreen Kokoruda, R-Madison, announced Friday the State Bond Commission has approved $1 million grants for both the James Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford and the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library in Madison to help cover the cost of renovations and expansions at the two libraries. The State Bond Commission approved the library bonding at its meeting Friday morning in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Kennedy, Reed and Kokoruda are longtime supporters of the libraries and have asked Gov. Dannell Malloys administration for the release of state bond funds. I see our public libraries as the soul of our communities, as places for people to come together not to sit in silence, but to share and learn in a vibrant and exciting social atmosphere, Kennedy said in a statement. These state grants will help Blackstone and Scranton achieve that mission. The James Blackstone Memorial Library expansion and renovation costs are expected to top $5 million, of which the state aid will cover about 20 percent. The E.C. Scranton Memorial Library expansion and renovation costs are expected to top $13 million, of which the state aid will cover about 7 percent, according to the release. In the release, Reed said the Blackstone Library is a center for community life, with the construction bond helping to fund an addition to provide much-needed spaces, especially designed for teenagers and children. She said the new wing will host ongoing education programs and also make the library much more accessible to people with disabilities. The Branford community makes great use of the Blackstone library, with over 11,000 registered cardholders and nearly 600 visitors daily, said Blackstone Memorial Library Director Karen Jensen in the release. The $1 million state grant will support a $5.2 million project that will make the building more accessible and adapt the interior to accommodate 21st century technology and community needs, based on best practices and emerging library trends. Meanwhile, Kokoruda said in the release the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library is a historic building and integral part of the Madison community. These funds will be used to fulfill their much-needed improvement goals, she said. I want to thank the state of Connecticut for working with the library in an effort of improving the quality of life for Madison residents of all ages. In the future, I hope that Madison voters will join me in supporting this important historic asset, Kokoruda said in the statement. This additional million dollars that Senator Kennedy and Representative Kokorouda were able to procure for us is such a surprise and so welcome, said Scranton Memorial Library Director Beth Crowley said in the release. This will be great for our own fundraising initiative, and it means so much to the community to have this show of support from the state. About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profile Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Motion-Capture Actor and NYFA Grad Jason Liles Stars in Rampage with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson April 11, 2018 At 69, New York Film Academy (NYFA) Acting for Film alum Jason Liles has said he was sometimes told that he was "too tall" for Hollywood. Yet the Tennessee native never gave up. Now, Liles stars as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnsons best friend, the giant albino gorilla George, in Rampage, a major blockbuster released worldwide April 13. DJ @TheRock on @JimmyKimmelLive last night talking about how we used motion capture working with @weta_digital to create George. Thanks for the support and love, DJ. Means a lot, bro. @rampagethemovie releases worldwide next week on April 13th!!! pic.twitter.com/7NOOUJchmA Jason Liles (@theJasonLiles) April 4, 2018 Special shoutout to @ArtLewinBespoke for dressing me in an INCREDIBLE suit for the world premiere of @rampagethemovie. I knew Id have to look my very best if I was going to be in front of the whole world standing next to the big man DJ @TheRock and I trusted Art 100%. The best. pic.twitter.com/1TU7IIzx40 Jason Liles (@theJasonLiles) April 6, 2018 The young actors indomitable enthusiasm, hard work, and unique physique have served him in good stead. He has established himself as a major player within the highly specialized world of motion capture acting, starting out playing multiple aliens inbefore booking Netflix's, where he portrayed the death god Ryuk, voiced by Willem Dafoe To prepare for the physically and emotionally challenging lead in, Liles studied gorillas for more than a year to perfect their physicality, expressions, and habits. Dwayne Johnson has paid tribute to Liles talent and dedication multiple times, praising him on Twitter as well as the talk show circuit to shed light on the incredible acting chops required for a successful motion capture performance:Along with carving out such an impressively successful niche, Liles has already established himself as a generous and inspiring mentor for aspiring visual and performing artists. Just last fall, he visited the New York Film Academys New York City campus as a Guest Speaker, staying after hours to share his experience and answer questions for fellow NYFA students."Be the CEO of your life," Liles advised . "I stopped waiting for somebody to do something."As Liles celebrates the international opening of, he shares even more wisdom to his growing social media following:The New York Film Academy is excited to congratulate Acting for Film alum Jason Liles for his work in, opposite Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Never forget. The Holocaust is fading from memory in the U.S. Many Americans do not know basic details, like the number of people killed or what Auschwitz, above, was. [The New York Times] The first woman to lead the Swedish body that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature was forced out, the latest twist in a sexual misconduct scandal that has reached the highest levels of government. [The New York Times] The Swedish authorities arrested a Tibetan man on charges of spying for China. Suspected of gathering information on Tibetan refugees, he faces up to four years in jail. [The New York Times] A Greek fighter jet crashed, killing the pilot, after an encounter with Turkish aircraft that violated the countrys airspace, Greek officials said. Ankara denied that any of its jets had been in the area. [The New York Times] The British scientist who created Dolly, the first clone of a sheep and a key to new research into Parkinsons, revealed that he has the disease himself. [The New York Times] Italian charities accused the French border police of falsifying migrant childrens birth dates in order to send them back to Italy. [The Guardian] Avoiding that dunce cap will be difficult. Lawmakers will confront Silicon Valleys powerful new lobbying establishment. Facebook, Google, Amazon and Apple now hold the biggest corporate lobbying budgets in Washington and spent a combined $49.7 million in 2017 on direct lobbying, which does not include their outside lobbying trade groups, up 24 percent from the previous year. They have hired top privacy experts into their lobbying troops to defeat privacy and other internet laws. Facebook has said it would embrace some regulation, with Mr. Zuckerberg saying this week that rules for internet companies were inevitable. But he also indicated that it would have to be the right regulations, and he was not willing to commit on the spot to several ideas posed by lawmakers. The hearings spurred new momentum for the introduction of privacy laws. On Thursday, Senators Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, and John Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana, introduced legislation that would allow consumers to opt out of getting tracked on a site. The bill would also mandate simpler privacy policies. One new bill would restrict data collection of students using classroom technology, and another would require companies to get permission before collecting and sharing user data. That would move the United States closer to rules about to take effect next month in Europe. An earlier bill would mandate more disclosure on Facebook advertising purchases. Mr. Zuckerberg said this week that the company would make tools for the European privacy rules available for all users, but Facebook has not specified if stronger privacy would be the default for global users. Other internet and online advertising firms have criticized the European rules known as General Data Protection Regulation as onerous. Nevertheless, the creation of any regulations in coming months is doubtful. Most lawmakers said in the hearings that they were concerned about privacy and foreign interference on social media during the 2016 election. But several Republicans also expressed anxiety over regulations that could slow the growth of Silicon Valley, a beacon for the American economy. Those numbers put Mr. de Blasio in an uncomfortable position since he had campaigned for mayor on a promise of greater police accountability and, as a city councilman, sponsored a bill giving the civilian oversight board more power. Not since the former commissioner Raymond W. Kelly was at loggerheads with the oversight board over stop-and-frisk tactics have the police departed so often from the boards proposed penalties. Richard D. Emery, chairman of the oversight board from 2014 to 2016, said: The C.C.R.B. very quickly becomes irrelevant because its no longer a meaningful part of the disciplinary process, and is just a palliative to people who complain with no real consequence. The Police Department has rejected the recommendations of the review board even as the board pursues lighter penalties. The board sought the most serious punishment, which leads to a trial process, against only 11 percent of officers with a substantiated allegation last year, down from 66 percent of such officers in 2013. Instead, the board is more often recommending command discipline, which can mean anything from the officers getting guidance from a commanding officer to the officers forfeiting up to 10 vacation days. Review board officials have said a 2014 expansion of their disciplinary options allowed them to tailor proposed penalties to an officers conduct. Mr. Emery has also said reducing proposed penalties was meant to persuade the police to accept more of the boards recommendations. But at the same time, the police started channeling their disagreement into reconsideration requests in 2014. By the second half of 2016, the police took an average of 264 days to lodge a challenge, severely prolonging cases. Some critics have always said that process was needlessly accommodating of a department that already controlled final outcomes. The police commissioner has the final say over all verdicts and penalties. The review board tightened its rules further in February, giving the police 30 days to challenge recommendations, with some exceptions. It isnt every day that a chance comes along to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in poverty in a single stroke. Yet Mayor Bill de Blasio has been handed just such an opportunity, with the proposal to offer half-price MetroCards to the 800,000 New Yorkers living at and below the federal poverty line. The current price of a monthly MetroCard $121 is a costly burden for these residents, who rely on public transit more heavily than others but spend far greater portions of their income than better-off New Yorkers to ride city subways and buses. The proposal from the newly elected City Council speaker, Corey Johnson, would bring much-needed relief. Under the plan, the city would spend about $212 million to offer half-price MetroCards for these New Yorkers, money that would be included in next years budget. Council officials say the funding would be enough to serve the 360,000 low-income residents expected to take advantage of the discount. The City Council would also like to offer the benefit to military veterans who live in New York City and are enrolled in college. Blame it on God, or the fates, or to use the metaphor of choice here the stars. But when Billy meets Julie in the heartfelt, half-terrific revival of Rodgers and Hammersteins Carousel which opened on Thursday night at the Imperial Theater, you can tell theyve been felled by a force beyond their comprehension or control. Look at the dazed, questioning expressions on the faces of Billy Bigelow (Joshua Henry), the restless carnival barker, and Julie Jordan (Jessie Mueller), the homebody mill worker, as they sing that greatest of all ballads of romantic ambivalence, If I Loved You. Theyre scared, all right, him especially. You sense that if they do get together and though theyve just met, its already a done deal its going to end in tears, and they know it. But to borrow a lyric from a later song in this ravishingly scored musical from 1945, Whats the use of wondrin? Erotic attraction, as cruel as it is transporting, is not to be denied. The tragic inevitability of Carousel has seldom come across as warmly or as chillingly as it does in this vividly reimagined revival. As directed by Jack OBrien and choreographed by Justin Peck, with thoughtful and powerful performances by Mr. Henry and Ms. Mueller, the love story at the shows center has never seemed quite as ill-starred or, at the same time, as sexy. The most magnetic performance on the Harvey Theater stage, however, is that of Paapa Essiedu as Edmund, the cunning bastard son of the Earl of Gloucester (David Troughton). A rising star in Britain, Mr. Essiedu brings to the role a cold deliberateness, a chillingly vacant stare. This Edmund is a sociopath incapable of empathy, a man executing Machiavellian calculations when everybody around him is governed by impulses. (Its worth noting that shortly after this Lear is over, Mr. Essiedu will travel to the Kennedy Center in Washington to take on the title role in Hamlet.) In early scenes with Edmunds excitable father, you see right away that Gloucester does not stand a chance. You can also see why Edmund would appeal to Lears daughters Regan (Kelly Williams) and Goneril whom an especially fine Nia Gwynne makes rather sympathetic. The grown children, in fact, are the most compelling element in a show that one might partly describe as a cautionary tale about fatherhood gone horribly wrong. Gloucester is all too quick to believe Edmunds lies and cast off Edgar (Oliver Johnstone), the son who actually loves him. And that I started rooting for Goneril and, to a lesser extent, Regan is indicative, perhaps, of the unconscious influence of our current national mood. After all, the sisters may have endured Lears arbitrary whims for years, and they have seen him reject his youngest daughter, Cordelia (Mimi Ndiweni), after she refused to praise him. When they turn against their progenitor in Regans case, with a vengeful glee their actions are that of cruel villains, but villains you understand. Both patriarchs realize and regret their folly, but only after ordeals that involve Lear enduring the least effective storm scene I have ever seen staged, and Gloucester getting enucleated. Their amends are not too little, but in Lears case, they certainly are too late. The Tony Awards had some doubleplusgood news for the producer Scott Rudin on Thursday. Five months after having declared last summers production of 1984 ineligible for awards consideration because Mr. Rudin had denied a member of the Tony nominating committee access to the show, awards administrators said it was back in contention. They offered no explanation for the change. The play initially was barred from consideration after Mr. Rudin, one of the lead producers, had declined to allow the nominator Jose Antonio Vargas, an immigration rights activist and writer, to see the show, apparently because of concern about Mr. Vargass prior writings. But Mr. Vargas has since recused himself from this years voting because he missed another show, which appears to explain the decision to allow 1984 back in the race. The play is Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillans adaptation of the George Orwell novel. The chief executive of Backpage.com, the sex advertising website recently seized by the federal government, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges in California and Texas, and officials unsealed plea agreements made last week in federal court in Arizona. The chief executive, Carl Ferrer, pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy and three counts of money laundering in California, and to money laundering in Texas, the states attorneys general announced. Additionally, the company pleaded guilty to human trafficking in Texas. The state-level pleas were required by the federal plea agreements Mr. Ferrer and Backpage entered on April 5 in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. In news releases on Thursday, Attorneys General Xavier Becerra of California and Ken Paxton of Texas described them as major victories in combating human trafficking. In his federal deal, Mr. Ferrer, 57, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to facilitate prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce, and conspiracy to engage in money laundering, acknowledging that he had long been aware that the great majority of the advertisements on Backpage for adult and escort services were actually advertisements for prostitution. The publisher of The National Enquirer faced new claims on Thursday that it violated campaign finance laws after news outlets reported that the company paid $30,000 to a Trump World Tower doorman peddling a salacious allegation about President Trump. The watchdog group Common Cause filed complaints with the Justice Department and the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, saying the 2015 payment, for a tip that never resulted in a published story, was intended to influence the 2016 election. Common Cause previously filed similar complaints about a $150,000 deal the tabloid news company struck for the rights to the former Playboy model Karen McDougals story of an alleged affair with Mr. Trump which it never ran and over the $130,000 that the presidents lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, paid to the pornographic-film star Stephanie Clifford for her story about an affair with Mr. Trump. The new complaint was based on reports that the doorman, Dino Sajudin, was peddling an unsubstantiated allegation that Mr. Trump had fathered a child with a Trump Tower employee in the late 1980s. American Media Inc., The Enquirers publisher, ordered a halt to reporting soon after it paid $30,000 for Mr. Sajudins story, effectively silencing him, according to the reports. Saying it had achieved all that it could with a walkout, Oklahomas largest teachers union on Thursday called for educators to return to the classroom and to shift their efforts to supporting candidates in the fall elections who favor increased education spending. At a news conference, Alicia Priest, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, characterized the nine-day walkout as a victory for teachers, even as it fell short of its goals. In a deep-red state that has pursued tax and service cuts for years, teachers won a raise of about $6,000, depending on experience, while members of schools support staff will see a raise of $1,250. But the biggest pieces of legislation passed before the walkout, not during it, and Ms. Priest acknowledged that many of the protesters demands for more schools funding would not be met, because, she said, Republicans in the State Senate would not consider additional revenue sources. Four months later, Mr. Trump abruptly fired Mr. Comey, setting in motion a cascade of political and legal consequences that led directly to the appointment of Robert S. Mueller III as special counsel overseeing the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Mr. Comey and Mr. Trump have been engaged in a verbal war with each other, often on Twitter, since then. The 304-page memoir by Mr. Comey is the only firsthand, insider account to emerge so far by a former Trump official describing what it was like to work in the chaotic early days of the administration. In it, Mr. Comey, a veteran law enforcement agent, writes unsparingly about Mr. Trump, calling him a tempestuous president whose connection to honesty was tenuous at best. This president is unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values, Mr. Comey writes in the book, saying his service to Mr. Trump recalled for him the days when he investigated the mob in New York. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth. With the books release set for next week, Mr. Comey is planning a media blitz, beginning with an intensely hyped interview with ABC News that is set to air Sunday night. Republican allies of Mr. Trumps have already set in motion a counteroffensive, creating a Lyin Comey website aimed at discrediting the former F.B.I. chief. Mr. Comeys book does not include dramatic new revelations about the Russia investigation itself, which is continuing. But Mr. Comey does not pull punches as he provides rigorous detail pulled from his contemporaneous notes about his charged interactions with Mr. Trump during the transition and in the White House. Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, went from this: Ill do anything to protect Mr. Trump. They say Im Mr. Trumps pit bull. Ive stood by him, shoulder to shoulder. To this: Shock waves after President Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen ... Michael Cohen, pleading guilty and implicating the president ... ... possibly the worst day in Donald Trumps presidency thus far. So why did one of Trumps most trusted advisers flip? Cohen was known for being Trumps fixer and biggest defender. If theres an issue that relates to Mr. Trump that is of concern to him, its of course of concern to me. And I will use my legal skills within which to protect Mr. Trump to the best of my ability. In April, the F.B.I. raided Cohens office after he became a target in special counsel Robert Muellers investigation. Trump was quick to come to Cohens defense. But once the investigation zeroed in on Cohen, the lawyer began to change his tune. My wife, my daughter and my son have my first loyalty and always will. I put family and country first. In July, Cohen released audio from a conversation with Donald Trump that he secretly recorded two months before the 2016 election. The two appear to be discussing payments to a former Playboy model who said she had an affair with Trump. [Cohen and Trump speaking] Heres when things between Trump and Cohen began to publicly fall apart. I expected something like this from Cohen, hes been lying all week. I mean, for two hes been lying for years. Theres nobody that I know that knows him that hasnt warned me that if his back is up against the wall, he will lie like crazy, because hes lied all his life. On Aug. 21, Cohen pleaded guilty to violating federal campaign finance laws and said President Trump directed him to make payments to two women during the 2016 campaign to avoid a potential sex scandal. Cohens lawyer suggested he knew more. Mr. Cohen has knowledge on certain subjects that should be of interest to the special counsel and is more than happy to tell the special counsel all that he knows. Trump tried to play down the momentous admission via Twitter. Mr. Libbys prosecution became a symbol of the polarizing politics of the Iraq war during the Bush administration. Ms. Wilsons husband, Joseph C. Wilson IV, was a former diplomat who wrote an op-ed article in The New York Times in 2003 implying that Mr. Cheney ignored evidence that argued against the conclusion that Iraq was actively seeking to build nuclear weapons. To undercut Mr. Wilsons criticism, administration officials told reporters that he had been sent on a fact-finding mission to Niger because his wife worked for the C.I.A., not at the behest of Mr. Cheney. But federal law bars the disclosure of the identities of C.I.A. officials in certain circumstances and the leak prompted a special prosecutor investigation. Charged with lying to investigators about his interactions with journalists, Mr. Libby insisted he simply remembered events differently. But his version of events clashed with the testimony of eight other people, including fellow administration officials, and a jury convicted him. Mr. Bush decided that the prison sentence was excessive, but he said he would not substitute his judgment for that of the jury when it came to the question of Mr. Libbys guilt. Mr. Libbys advocates argued that Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the special prosecutor, went too far because he had already discovered that the first administration official to disclose Ms. Wilsons identity to a journalist was Richard Armitage, the deputy secretary of state in Mr. Bushs first term, who was not charged. They also argued that Ms. Wilson was not undercover at the time and her employment was well known. Ms. Wilson has denied that she recommended her husband for the mission to Niger and said her career as a C.I.A. official was over in an instant once her identity was leaked. The case tested the limits of journalistic independence. Judith Miller, then a reporter for The Times, went to prison for 85 days rather than disclose that Mr. Libby had discussed Ms. Wilson with her. She was freed after Mr. Libby released her from any promise of confidentiality. The issue became a major point of contention between Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney in the last days of the administration in late 2008 and early 2009. Mr. Cheney repeatedly pressed Mr. Bush to go beyond his commutation and issue a full pardon, bringing it up so often that the president grew irritated by the matter. Mr. Bush assigned White House lawyers to examine the case, but they advised him the jury had ample reason to convict Mr. Libby and the president rebuffed Mr. Cheneys request. Mr. Bush told aides that he suspected that Mr. Libby had thought he was protecting Mr. Cheney, the real target of the investigation. WASHINGTON As President Trump continued to seethe over F.B.I. raids this week on the office and hotel room of his longtime personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, a chorus of his supporters have been publicly urging him to fire Rod J. Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general who signed off on the move. The clear idea behind the suggestion which Mr. Trump is also said to be weighing is that ousting Mr. Rosenstein would enable the White House to put the criminal investigations encircling the presidents associates on a tighter leash, or even to shut them down. Here is a look at some of the issues at stake. Why is Mr. Trump angry at Mr. Rosenstein? A longtime Justice Department official, Mr. Rosenstein was not part of Mr. Trumps inner circle before Attorney General Jeff Sessions persuaded the president to designate him as deputy. After Mr. Sessions recused himself from investigations related to the 2016 election, Mr. Rosenstein became acting attorney general for those matters. He appointed Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel, to scrutinize ties between the Trump campaign and Russias interference in the election. He signed off as Mr. Muellers focus expanded to whether Mr. Trump committed obstruction of justice and whether Mr. Trumps onetime campaign manager, Paul Manafort, committed crimes related to his work for Ukraines pro-Russian government. Mr. Rosenstein also approved the decision to get search warrants for Mr. Cohens files. STOCKHOLM The first woman to lead the body that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature was forced out on Thursday, a stunning casualty in a sexual abuse and harassment scandal that has threatened to sully one of the worlds most acclaimed cultural honors. Since 2015, Sara Danius, a literary scholar and the first woman to lead the body, had been the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, which was created in 1786 and has awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature since 1901. She was ousted on Thursday from her role as permanent secretary the de facto public face of the literature prize as part of a feud that has bitterly divided the academys board. It has already affected the Nobel Prize quite severely, and that is a big problem, an emotional Ms. Danius told reporters Thursday evening, accompanied by an ally, the author Sara Stridsberg, who has also threatened to quit. The scandal has reached the highest levels of the government. Its up to the academy to restore faith and respect, the prime minister, Stefan Lofven, told reporters on Thursday. Its a very important issue for Sweden, and therefore it is important that this institution works. BENGHAZI, Libya Pulverized buildings daubed with the names of fallen fighters line the ghostly seafront in Benghazi, Libyas second largest city. Land mines and booby-trapped bodies are scattered across the rubble. At night, men huddle over bonfires piled with broken furniture. This picture of devastation is what victory looks like for Gen. Khalifa Hifter, the military strongman whose forces routed the last Islamist militias from Benghazi in December. After three years of grinding combat, and with the help of foreign allies, General Hifter now controls most of eastern Libya and has become the most powerful if polarizing figure in a fractured landscape. Now, as he aims to consolidate and expand his power, he is looking to woo the Trump administration. In December, he hired a firm of Washington lobbyists to burnish his image as a potential future leader of his country, and to counter critics who denounce him as a crude warlord. He has already allowed the C.I.A. to establish a base in Benghazi a low-key American return to the city after Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens was killed there in 2012 and a handful of American Special Forces operators are present at an air base near the city, American officials said. United States publishers have long coveted the European market, and with Britain scheduled to formally part ways with the union by March 2019, some are gearing up for an invasion. A warning flare of sorts was fired last fall at the Frankfurt Book Festival, when Simon & Schusters chief executive, Carolyn Reidy, told an audience that, after Brexit, the argument the British have used to grab Europe as an exclusive market will then be over. Thats about as close to a public declaration of hostilities as you can expect. The battle for Europes book market is already being fought quietly wherever author contracts are drafted. These contracts always include a list of territories where publishers want exclusive rights of distribution. More and more often, the list now drafted by American publishers includes the European continent. Patrick Walsh, a literary agent based in London, has seen Europe included in early drafts of two deals with United States publishers. In both cases, the publishers argued that by the time the book was in stores, Britain and the European Union will have parted company. In both cases, Mr. Walsh pushed back, suggesting that it was too early to know how Brexit would play out, and the codicil was removed. It was a relatively friendly opening gambit, he said. But Im absolutely certain were going to see more of this. Much of the talk here about the terms of Britains divorce from Europe has centered on banks, real estate and blue-collar industries like fishing and mining. But the creative sector is also bracing for change and fretting about life after Brexit. Few are as worried as the roughly 30,000 people employed by the British book business. Part of it is a concern that Britain will cease to serve as one of the worlds great cultural hubs. London in particular has been a huge attraction for foreign artists in fields like contemporary dance and theater. Foreign business associations in China have spoken out. In November, the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce said it was concerned about proactive calls on foreign-invested companies to promote the development of the Communist Party of China within companies. The European Chamber of Commerce has called such incidents a great concern that would represent a significant change from the legal framework under which joint ventures were negotiated and under which they have been operating successfully for decades. The creeping influence of the party in foreign offices and factories is a sensitive subject in a country where the party seems ready to punish anyone who questions its widening influence. Many companies are loath to discuss the issue. Cummins, for example, declined to comment on the changes to its joint ventures articles of incorporation that gave the party greater power. Cummins had not experienced any challenges or impact due to the structure we have in place and the role of the Chinese Communist Party, a spokesman said. Cumminss Chinese partner, Dongfeng Motor Group, has recently taken steps to intensify the partys activities at its other joint ventures, according to an article last year from Xinhua, Chinas official news agency. They include ventures with Peugeot Citroen, the French automaker; Honda, of Japan; and Dana, the American auto parts maker. Dongfengs other partners, like Peugeot and Dana, did not respond to repeated requests for comment. A Honda spokesman declined to comment about its partnership with Dongfeng. However, the Honda spokesman confirmed that the party claimed a more assertive role in another joint venture with a different Chinese company, GAC Group. GAC, an automaker owned by Guangzhou Automobile Group, is pushing its joint ventures to change their articles of association to give the party a greater role, a spokeswoman said. In addition to Honda, it has joint ventures with Toyota and Mitsubishi, both of which declined to comment. Nuveen, sponsor of the Nushares E.S.G. Emerging Markets Equity E.T.F., constructs its index differently, but it, too, aims to cut the number of air polluters in the portfolio by favoring companies with lower carbon-dioxide emissions. E.S.G. investors expect low carbon, and standard E.S.G. screens wont necessarily give you that, said Martin Y. G. Kremenstein, head exchange-traded funds for Nuveen. Over the last five years, emerging markets have chugged upward, with MSCIs conventional index gaining an annualized average of 4.99 percent. In the first quarter, the index gained 1.42 percent. MSCIs Emerging Markets E.S.G. Leaders Index has outpaced its peer rising an annualized average of 8.6 percent over the last five years, though only 1.01 percent in the first quarter. When Mr. Varco, of Cambridge Associates, did his study, he didnt dig into precisely why companies in the E.S.G. index might excel or, conversely, why ones in the conventional index might lag. But he said one reason might be that state-owned enterprises, like Brazils Petrobras, where a prominent bribery scandal has implicated dozens of government officials, loom large in the standard index. These outfits are often not run as well as their nonstate kin, he said. Managers of actively managed funds echoed his assessment. The MSCI index includes a lot of energy state-owned enterprises, said Elena Tedesco, a portfolio manager of the Calvert Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Those companies tend to have very poor governance they allocate capital to fulfill political goals. The Russian gas companies, for example, dont have a strong reputation for creating value for shareholders. Theyd rather build a pipeline to fulfill a political need. Gazprom, the giant Russian natural-gas producer, is majority state-owned and a part of the standard index. Leon Eidelman, the lead manager of the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Equity Fund, is even more broadly skeptical of state-owned companies and their aims. The Chinese state doesnt work for you, he said. It works for itself. Its goals and incentives arent aligned with those of minority shareholders. Two Chinese state-owned enterprises China Mobile and China Construction Bank are among the top 10 constituents of the standard index. Put differently, the problem with state-run companies, besides potential political agendas, is governance. They dont have procedures in place, as developed-world public companies typically do, to ensure that minority investors are treated fairly and have access to all the information they need about company operations, investments and finances. Concentrated funds put only their best ideas into the portfolio and tend to stick with them, he said. They can be more volatile, as they are driven by a smaller number of stocks and tend to be more concentrated in certain sectors. That may give any of them a chance to beat the market. Diversified portfolios, in contrast, may not deviate much from benchmark stock indexes, he said, and so are more likely to lag a considerably cheaper Vanguard index mutual fund. The potential to substantially outperform allows providers of focus funds to charge more money. The average focus fund has annual expenses of 1.06 percent, compared with 0.98 percent for the average actively managed stock fund, according to Morningstar. Focus funds also typically have smaller asset bases, providing fewer economies of scale. Concentrated funds start off deeper in the expense hole and have a deeper expense gap to traverse, Mr. Davis said. If you bet on the right one, your upside potential is all that much greater. Investors choose to make that bet. If they choose well, the expense ratio doesnt really matter. If they dont, the additional expenses will add insult to injury. There have been clear, consistent winners among focus funds, even if their inherent volatility can cause periodic weakness. Many names appear on several lists of top concentrated portfolios this year and over one, three and five years, with seven funds on all four. One of those, Guinness Atkinson Global Innovators, maintains a portfolio of about 30 stocks. They are often the same ones because the managers like to hold positions for many years. As the funds name suggests, its managers try to identify companies that use innovation to drive their growth, said Matthew Page, one of those managers. We believe that, ultimately, companies like that should outperform because theyre smarter and better than their average peers. That means higher growth prospects and profits. Michael W. Ferro Jr., the former chairman of Tronc, has agreed to sell all of his shares in the company, ending his relationship with the embattled newspaper publisher. Just months ago, Mr. Ferro had envisioned the company, whose publications include The Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun and, for the moment, The Los Angeles Times, as a media powerhouse with global ambitions. But Mr. Ferros decision to sell his shares representing more than 25 percent of the company signifies the further decline of Tronc. A newsroom rebellion at The Times helped lead to its pending sale and a similar revolt happened at The Tribune, whose journalists went public this week with a unionization effort. Troncs chairman, Justin Dearborn, sent an email to employees on Friday saying that the move was a private transaction and did not alter our business strategy or the pending sale of the California News Group, which includes The San Diego Union-Tribune and smaller publications, along with The Times. Negotiations over the sale of The Times, to Patrick Soon-Shiong, a billionaire medical entrepreneur, have dragged but the deal is still expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Dr. Soon-Shiong addressed The Times newsroom in person for the first time on Friday, and employees expressed optimism about his pending ownership. In the first quarter, as the S.&P. 500 sputtered to a 1.2 percent loss and many sectors sagged, the managers of three of the top-performing mutual funds scooted ahead by betting on growth stocks and Latin America. Christopher J. Bonavico, of the Jackson Square SMID-Cap Growth Fund, said he and his co-manager, Kenneth F. Broad, are growth-stock Sherlocks who investigate companies with a value-investor mind-set. Were looking for growth in the intrinsic value of the business, Mr. Bonavico said. A lot of traditional growth investors just want high-revenue growth and earnings-per-share growth. But thats not enough to tell you whether something is a good business. We want to see a good return on invested capital and good free cash flow. They sleuth among small- and mid-cap outfits and shy from the tech giants, like Alphabet and Amazon, that have felt so much investor ardor over the past several years. Instead, theyve toted up gains in holdings as diverse as Dunkin Brands Group and Wix.com. When Mick Mulvaney was named acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in January, several critics expressed outrage over the appointment. But only two went to court to try to block it. The first was Leandra English, the deputy director, who was passed over for the top job when her boss, Richard Cordray, stepped down. And the second was the Lower East Side Peoples Federal Credit Union, a nonprofit financial cooperative, whose modest size just $54 million in assets belies both its public profile and the scrappiness of its chief executive officer, Linda Levy. (Both legal actions were dismissed, and Mr. Mulvaney remains in place at the consumer bureau.) This wasnt the first time the credit union took on the establishment. Most notably, it acted as the bank for Occupy Wall Street, which sprang up in 2011 in protest over the financial crisis. People were donating money to Occupy Wall Street, and they had no idea where to put it, Ms. Levy, 64, said. So they opened an account here. Banh mi is, after all, a hybrid, with French colonial roots. The French eventually pulled out of Vietnam, and for the most part, local flavors replaced Gallic ones. But the baguette, mayonnaise and liver pate remained. Shops specializing in the sandwich are fairly easy to find in New York City, but all are not created equal. Much of their success lies in the bread: ideally a sandwich roll or baguette, with a crisp crust and fluffy interior, and always heated. When I was in Vietnam a few years ago, the bread was warmed over hot coals, kept behind the counter for that specific task. But at home, you might use your oven, and a kaiser roll, a small ciabatta or a bolillo from a corner bodega. Or look for an old-fashioned airy baguette from a French bakery (not the denser, new-wave type). Anne Wilkes Tucker was granted special access to the Library of Congress photographic archives of over 14 million pictures and has curated an exhibit featuring more than 440 images at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles. Ms. Tucker, the curator emerita of Houstons Museum of Fine Arts, chose a wide array of mostly rare and never before exhibited images that highlight the collections breadth and depth for the show Not an Ostrich: And Other Images From Americas Library, which opens April 21. Ms. Tucker spoke with James Estrin, and their conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity. Q: How did this show come to be? A: The idea of the show was to represent the Library of Congress collection. By the time I got invited to be the curator, the Annenberg Center had already decided that the show would not be original prints, but would be images on a screen. And they wanted me to pick at least 500 photographs that were previously uncataloged. So all of this was totally new to me. My whole life, I was thinking linearly, on walls or in books. So, for a year and a half, for a week to two weeks every month, I went and sat in the Library of Congress. Given the originality of her oblique style, near-documentary fascination with large families and taste for depicting provincial inertia, Ms. Martel both excites and confounds viewers. Her vivid, elusive movies are observational and fragmented, agitated and entropic in equal measure, populated by accident-prone characters notable for their absence of self-awareness. It is tempting to attribute Ms. Martels intimacy and ease in directing ensemble casts to her own experience. Raised in Salta, a city tucked in Argentinas northwest corner at the foot of the Andes and the edge of the rain forest, she was one of seven siblings, and, she said, the child charged with making her prosperous familys home movies. The films of Ms. Martels so-called Salta Trilogy La Cienaga, which established her reputation when it was shown at the 2000 Berlin Film Festival; and The Holy Girl and The Headless Woman, which had their premieres in competition at Cannes are dryly comic and, at times, horrifying domestic dramas. Their stories develop as if in a hothouse, from a compost of recurring riffs and seemingly unrelated microincidents. Set mainly at a medical convention held in a dilapidated family-owned hotel, The Holy Girl (2004) details a teenagers self-appointed mission to redeem the middle-aged doctor who rubbed up against her in a crowd. The Headless Woman (2009) concerns a well-off matrons addled response to an automobile accident in which she may or may not have hit something or someone. But developers such as Related and Gotham Construction have argued that the labor agreements did not provide anywhere near the savings the unions had promised. And union contractors have continued to lose work to nonunion builders, especially in residential construction, although they remain dominant on large office buildings and public works. This has gone from one of the most highly unionized sectors of the American economy to one where huge chunks of it now operate on a nonunion basis, said Joshua B. Freeman, a labor historian at the City University of New York. Theres been a slow chipping away of union clout. Increasingly, developers who had customarily done all-union jobs have turned to open shops, in which union contractors compete against nonunion outfits for work. At the Times Square rally, Bryant Nunez, a Marine veteran and a second-year apprentice with the ironworkers union, said, The nonunion guys are taking our work. Its pretty much a bread-and-butter issue for me. Related insists that its intention is not to break the unions, but to hold unions to their agreements. The company says that some have not made negotiated changes, like having work crews include more apprentices, paid at a lower wage, in order to bring costs down. Last year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo sided with the construction unions, insisting that developers participating in a citywide affordable housing program must pay minimum wage rates that the unions argued would allow them to better compete for work. But it is not clear that the change has resulted in the unions getting more work on residential projects. Although Related has been the most aggressive in its approach to the unions, the industrys powerful Real Estate Board of New York has also taken up the cause. The unions, said John Banks, president of the board, have chosen to try and apply pressure through the political process and aggressive public theatrics, rather than reform of their work rules and benefit structure. These futile efforts will result in such unions losing even more market share. The wife of the man I had come to visit came to the door, and when I told her what I wanted to see him about, she said: I wish you wouldnt. Its very painful. The kids dont know about this. She went to find him, the main person of interest. Those at Cornell found him strange. Awkward, standoffish, impossible to penetrate. Mr. Freeman, the family medicine physician, recalled him as a mamas boy type who adjusted imperfectly to college. No one, though, seemed to know anything about his grades. He stayed up late playing bridge, as did Mr. Freeman. I dont remember him saying much other than, I bid two clubs, he said. In 1966, Mr. Heumann, the technical writer, accompanied him to his familys Brooklyn home for Thanksgiving. He recalls odd exchanges. His father, a garment worker, mentioned how disappointed he was with his son. At his age, he said, he was running all over New York having a grand time. Sadly, his son wasnt adventuresome. Two months before the Res Club fire, the man and some classmates painted a house for a family who had been burned out in a pre-dawn fire. What else is known? In a police document harvested by Mr. Fogle, David Katz, a first-year Phud, told an investigator that he had seen the man playing with matches and saw matches and caps for a toy pistol in his suitcase. He also told the police that the man lied about being at home on Eddy Street (the location of the third fire) the night of the Watermargin fire, because he looked for him and couldnt find him. He discovered the shower running in an empty bathroom. In the police file is a letter the mans mother wrote to Cornell saying that her son was under immense pressure and having difficulties and needed a break. Mr. Showalter told me that he reported to the police that he and other Phuds suspected him of setting the minor fires that preceded the fatal fire, since they had seen him fooling with matches. I mentioned that to him and he said emphatically, at the top of his lungs, Thats a terrible thing to say about anybody, Mr. Showalter said. After Watermargin, according to police records, the man declined to take a lie-detector test or talk to the police without a lawyer. And the new identity. The man told the State Police in 2015 that he changed his name because of friction with his parents and wanted to disconnect from them and not be found. The officer, according to a fellow investigator, didnt believe him. It would have been unusual to do so at age 19. And the man had visited his family since then. Boarding a New York City subway is a test of your patience, said Mark Taitt, who endures a twice-daily commute between Brooklyn and the Bronx. There are the surging crowds and the regular mechanical malfunctions that make delays routine. And then, as he witnessed during the Thursday morning rush, there is the occasional spasm of violence, which can really snarl service, and in this case, set off a high-level governmental squabble. Andy Byford, the new president of New York City Transit, took issue, quite publicly, with the Police Department shutting down service for 90 minutes while officers investigated a fight that had unfolded aboard a Manhattan-bound A train. I very much appreciate what the police do, Mr. Byford told a gaggle of reporters afterward. But we shouldnt have been at stand for that long. United States influence in the region lingers, of course. The United States remains Latin Americas largest trading partner. Despite the pivot to China, certain countries have resisted its dominion, wary of Chinas thirst for raw materials and its lax environmental standards. President Mauricio Macri of Argentina, breaking from his predecessor, has sought warmer ties with the West. And however strong Mr. Trumps xenophobic rhetoric may be, Latin America is intimately tied to the United States by immigration. Remittances from the states to the region amounted to $74 billion in 2016, a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year. Its not too late for Mr. Pence to quietly strengthen those ties. He could listen to the concerns of pro-business leaders, such as Mr. Macri and President Sebastian Pinera of Chile, who may ask for a return to more open trade policies. He can put something concrete behind Mr. Trumps apparent willingness to re-enter the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an agreement that includes three Latin American countries and serves as a countermeasure to China. He could signal the administrations openness to ending the ban on American business transactions with the government-led group that oversees the Cuban economy. That policy, criticized even by Republicans, is likely to harm average Cubans more than the inner circle of Cuban leadership. This is a good moment for a few friendly gestures. Some of Chinas splashiest megaprojects, including a transcontinental railway from Brazil to Peru, a high-speed railway in Mexico and an interoceanic canal project in Nicaragua, have run into trouble. Germany has already emerged as a potential investor in the stalled Brazil-Peru railway. Meanwhile, Chinese firms have begun to expand into sectors other than natural resources and transportation, particularly into energy infrastructure projects in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador, as China makes good on Xi Jinpings pledge to deliver $250 billion in direct investment and $500 billon in bilateral trade by 2025. Mr. Xi has backed that lofty promise by visiting Latin America three times in his first three years in office. The Chinese president doesnt have a seat at the table for the Summit of the Americas, but he doesnt really need one. Berlin After years of Angela Merkels formless centrism and the rise of the far right, is German conservatism making a comeback? Last Saturday the Werteunion, or Union of Values, met in the small town of Schwetzingen, near Heidelberg, to adopt what its members called the conservative manifesto. Their mission: taking back their party from Ms. Merkels faction and redirecting it to its traditional, conservative roots. The Werteunion was founded in March 2017, but the event in Schwetzingen, the groups first national meeting, was also the first time most people in Germany had heard of it. Whether it gains traction, and whether its principles change as it grows, remain to be seen. But theres no argument that the Werteunion fills a hole in the political landscape, and responds to the rightward tilt of many voters. Its not too early to ask: Will the Werteunion render the resurgent far right obsolete? Or will it legitimize it? Alexander Mitsch, one of the Werteunions founders, is typical of the new German conservative. He joined the Christian Democrats in the early 1980s, he told me, when Helmut Kohl first became chancellor. He engaged in local politics, but left when his career in the private sector took off. Flash forward to the fall of 2015, when the images of tens of thousands of migrants and refugees crossing the German border became daily television fodder. Mr. Mitsch said he felt that the state was failing, and that he needed to act: I did not want my children to ask me one day, Dad, you knew back then, so why didnt you do anything? A waiver of their bank debt was among the key demands of the marchers in Mumbai. It would cost the state $5.23 billion about $758 each for 6.9 million farmers. Another key demand was from farmers from the indigenous tribal communities who have for generations cultivated forest lands that are not officially vested in their names. They seek the implementation of Indias Forest Rights Act of 2006, which could confer them title deeds to those lands. And the marchers, like all farmers across India, demanded minimum support prices for their produce at levels that governments have long promised. Prices received by farmers have seen repeated collapses. Dependence on the monsoon has been joined by an even sharper vulnerability to a rigged market. A severe water crisis, often driven more by unequal access than by poor rainfall, has further damaged agriculture. The census in 2011 showed that for the first time since Indian independence in 1947, urban India added more people to its population than rural India did. Millions have left their villages for other villages, small towns and cities in search of jobs that are not there. As many male farmers moved out of their villages, the burdens of female farmers rose in ways numbers cannot capture. Between 1995 and 2015, the National Crime Records Bureau logged over 300,000 farmer suicides. Successive governments have connived at and hastened the corporate hijacking of Indian agriculture, privileging the profits of a few over countless livelihoods. Millions of poor rural Indians whose transactions are almost entirely in cash were badly hurt after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2016 banned two bills that account for a vast majority of all currency in circulation and decided to introduce new bills. The expansion of existing bans on cow slaughter wrecked the livelihoods of millions of farmers who bought and sold cattle. Rural Indias deepening distress unfolds against the canvas of policy-driven inequality over the past two decades. The roughly five-member Indian farm household, according to the National Sample Survey Organization, a federal data collection agency, had an average monthly income of $99 in 2013. The number of Indian billionaires on the Forbes annual list rose from 55 in 2011 to 121 in 2018. The collective net worth of our 121 billionaires was estimated by the magazine to be $440.1 billion, equal to roughly 22 percent of Indias gross domestic product. We now rank fourth in the world on the Forbes billionaires list and 131st on the United Nations Human Development Index. The net worth of Indias richest man, Mukesh Ambani, rose to $40.1 billion on the 2018 Forbes billionaires list from $23.2 billion in 2017. To cumulatively make the amount Mr. Ambani added to his income in a year, 18.7 million rural Indians working under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the countrys flagship employment program, would have to work for 12 months without a day off. Mr. Trump spotted opportunity in the injured dignity of the Republican base and the feckless irrelevance of the establishments agenda. He told Republicans shaken by the reality and risk of downward mobility that they were the only Americans who counted, and that they had been cheated and betrayed. He promised never to cut their Social Security or Medicare, and expressed admiration for single-payer health care. He took their side against immigrant rapists, murderous jihadis, plundering trade deals, dangerous city people and disloyal, condescending elites of all parties and persuasions. He promised to use his billionaire superpowers to rig the economy to their advantage. It didnt matter that he is a transparently corrupt, bigoted, sexually abusive, compulsive liar. He offered the dignity of recognition, promised to fight, and won. Mr. Ryan, who had dreamed of building a more inclusive party, was sincerely horrified by Mr. Trumps divisive white-identity politics. But there wasnt anything he and the Republican establishment could do about it. They had nothing with which to fight the towering inferno of resentment they had kindled through their arrogant, ideologically driven indifference to the pressing needs of the people they claim to represent. As soon as Mr. Trump clinched the nomination, Mr. Ryan became as tame as a poodle. Congressional leaders hoped that Mr. Trumps need for political cover might make him tractable, and that unified government would enable them to finally set America on the path to broad-based prosperity through tax cuts, entitlement reform and the replacement of Obamacare with something no one had bothered to work out. But the Republican majority was crippled from the start by the fundamental conflict between a government-shrinking agenda and the immediate material interests of Republican voters. Thus, the only thing Mr. Ryan has to show for his meekness in the face of Mr. Trumps corruption and bigotry is an enormous tax cut that leaves the level of government spending basically untouched, except for interest payments on the debt, which the Congressional Budget Office now estimates will outstrip annual military spending in five years. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump is bulldozing congressional Republicans into a mass grave. Democrats outnumber Republicans, so the latter depend on a sizable turnout advantage to win elections and sustain minority rule. But Mr. Trumps brand of scapegoating demagogy, which Mr. Ryan as speaker has done nothing but enable, is a turbocharged Democratic turnout machine that converts swing districts into Democratic seats and converts enormous Republican advantages into razors edge contests. Barring a miracle, Republicans are going to lose their House majority, and even their Senate majority, once thought untouchable, is no longer safe. So Mr. Ryan has cornered himself, and his party. The Republican base wont buy what hes selling, unless its awkwardly grafted onto white-identity populism, which is a self-annihilating strategy for mobilizing Democrats to the polls. The forthcoming implosion of Mr. Ryans party, and his imminent retreat to Wisconsin, illustrates the danger of hidebound ideological overconfidence. Party elites in the grip of dogma cant see the point of checking in with the people they represent and are blind to new problems the partisan catechism is not equipped to comprehend. If a decent Republican Party one day rises from the devastation Paul Ryan practically invited Donald Trump to inflict, it will be one that has stopped legislating for an imaginary world of self-financing tax cuts, having rediscovered and realigned with the basic interests of aging and working-class white suburban and rural American voters. It will take their woes seriously, and nurture their welfare, not their grievance. To the Editor: Re Its Not Too Late, Mr. Ryan (editorial, April 12): Paul Ryan is under no obligation to prove his moderate conservative bona fides to The New York Times. They are sound. His departure is a great loss. He worked as hard as he could for the common good and for the Republican Party, in dispiriting circumstances. He appears to be a truly good man. I wouldnt believe every politician who said he was leaving office to spend more time with his children, but I believe Mr. Ryan. Maybe he will return to the public sector when his children are off to college. By then, we can hope that the party has recovered its soul and remembered what it is champion of the private sector and free trade, welcoming to newcomers from beyond our borders and mindful of its own business on culture war matters. MARGARET MCGIRR GREENWICH, CONN. To the Editor: Paul Ryan says he is leaving the House so he can spend more time with his kids. Someone should remind the speaker that thanks in some part to G.O.P. legislation, many parents have multiple jobs to make ends meet, causing them to leave their home before their kids awaken and return after they are asleep. I guess they can relate to Mr. Ryans dilemma. But this narrow view of the presidents options rests on a misunderstanding of basic constitutional principles. Ever since the founding, presidents, Congresses and the Supreme Court have recognized that the chief executive has constitutional power to remove executive officers. As James Madison noted in 1789: Is the power of displacing an executive power? I conceive that if any power whatsoever is in its nature executive, it is the power of appointing, overseeing, and controlling those who execute the laws. In Myers v. U.S. (1926), the Supreme Court observed it was natural, therefore, for those who framed our Constitution to regard the words executive power as including the power to remove executive officers. A regulation issued by the Justice Department should not be read to limit the presidents constitutional power to remove officers. Otherwise, a mere cabinet officer could prevent future presidents from exercising the constitutional authorities of their office. The chief executive commands the attorney general, not the other way around. A bipartisan group of senators are currently mulling a proposal to prevent the president from firing Mr. Mueller except for cause, and to allow the courts to review his removal. The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled the bill for a possible vote next week. But any law that prevents the president from removing executive officers would be constitutionally problematic. In his lonely dissent in Morrison v. Olson (1988), Justice Antonin Scalia noted that independent counsels would become unhinged Inspector Javerts. Frequently an issue of this sort will come before the Court clad, so to speak, in sheeps clothing, Mr. Scalia wrote. But this wolf comes as a wolf. Mr. Scalia had in mind the Iran-contra investigation, which attempted to criminalize a separation of powers dispute between the executive and legislative branches over foreign policy. In the following decade, Democrats belatedly saw the light, too. Ken Starrs investigation of Bill Clinton lasted for years, consumed enormous resources, and resulted in few convictions. By the end, Congress allowed the independent counsel law to quietly die. Resurrecting this Frankenstein would once again strike a blow at the separation of powers, which protects individual liberty as surely as the Bill of Rights itself. It would also let Congress off the hook for conducting a vigorous probe and possible impeachment the constitutional texts only device to punish a sitting president. Mr. Trump can short-circuit the Senate and shift the political momentum in his favor. Rather than fire Mr. Mueller, the president should promise his honest and complete cooperation with his nemesis, including agreeing to a one-on-one interview. But Mr. Trump should also make clear that the special counsel must keep to his mandate Russian meddling in the 2016 elections and forget the unrelated payments to various mistresses, which, however sordid, do not relate to that investigation. If Mr. Mueller does not bring the investigation to a swift conclusion, Mr. Trump could then consider using his favorite line: Youre fired. We are tethered to a buffoon. He rages and veers, spreading ugliness, like an oil slick smothering everything in its viscous mantle. Hes about to bomb Syria. Hes not about to bomb Syria. His attention span is nonexistent. He attacks the foundations of our Republic: an independent judiciary, a free press, truth itself. His cabinet looks terrorized, the way Saddam Husseins once did. President Donald Trump is dangerous. The main things mitigating the danger are his incompetence and cowardice. We live in a time that teaches how outrage can turn to a shrug, how the unthinkable repeated over and over can induce moral numbness, how a madmans manic certainties can overwhelm reason. He is very busy; people resist; he opens another front; people shake their heads. Its hard to remember on Friday what happened on Monday. Trumps is the unbearable lightness of the charlatan. Disorientation spreads. Trumps main war, beyond all the military bluster, is on truth. This reflects his instinct for the jugular: Once the distinction between truth and falsehood disappears, anything is possible. There are plenty of examples these days, from Moscow to Budapest, of how democracies can be manipulated to the point where they can yield only one result. This is Trumps objective, and for it he needs a weakened Justice Department, a weakened press and an American public that will believe anything. He has had setbacks but is stubborn. In the mid-1930s, when the world was hurtling toward disaster, Robert Musil, the Austrian author of The Man Without Qualities, wrote this on the nature of civilization: That which we call culture presumably does not directly have the concept of truth as a criterion, but no culture can rest on a crooked relationship to truth. This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday. Another day, another dizzying array of Trump news. The president glibly tweeted about bombing Syria. He talked about reversing a centerpiece of his own trade policy. The contents of the James Comey book began to emerge, with new details about the pee tape. And news broke that the National Enquirer apparently killed a story about President Trump fathering a child with his housekeeper. Given all of this craziness, today seems a good day to tell a story that Ive been wanting to share with you for awhile: For a recent column, I did some retrospective reporting on last years Alabama Senate campaign. During that race, the progressive group Priorities USA came up with a series of political messages and then ran online surveys to see which advertisements resonated with voters. The goal was to see which were most and least likely to motivate African-Americans to turn out and vote for Doug Jones, the Democrat running against Roy Moore. Priorities USA had a long list of potential themes to choose from: Moores history as an accused molester; his ties to white supremacists; his opposition to Obamacare; Doug Joness endorsements from civil-rights leaders; and more. INTERNATIONAL An article on Tuesday about evidence that Syrian forces led by President Bashar al-Assad targeted foreign journalists misidentified a group that aims to build war-crimes cases against the Syrian government. It is the Commission not Committee for International Justice and Accountability. An article on Thursday about the inquiry into the cause of a highway accident in Saskatchewan misstated the name of a Canadian federal department. It is Transport Canada, not Transpost Canada. NATIONAL Because of an editing error, an article on Thursday about Mike Pompeos ascent to the role of secretary of state misstated Mr. Pompeos role on the House Intelligence Committee after the Benghazi attacks in 2012. He was a member of the committee, not its chairman. An article on April 5 about candidates running for Paul D. Ryans seat in Congress misstated the support the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee provided to Randy Bryce, a candidate seeking the partys nomination in the race. The committee has targeted Mr. Ryans district, but has not endorsed in the Democratic primary. On todays episode: Helene Cooper, a Pentagon correspondent for The New York Times. Background reading: The attack on a Damascus suburb has drawn the threat of an American retaliatory missile strike. What really happened in Douma? A strike in response to a suspected chemical attack would come with risks that worry military planners and diplomats, and a new intervention in a combustible region could have unintended consequences. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis demanded evidence of the Syrian governments role in a suspected chemical attack to justify military action and to mute Russian criticism. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if youre interested in advertising with The Daily, write to us at thedaily-ads@nytimes.com. How do I listen? If you dont see an audio player on this page or to subscribe to The Daily for free, follow the instructions below. But homes still need to be priced realistically to move, he said. One that he sold last year was an 8,200-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom Queen Anne-style house built in 1892, which was listed for just under $1.5 million in 2016 by another agent. It sat on the market for nearly a year before Mr. Kelly sold it last April for $879,000 to Andrew Berens, a biotechnology analyst at Morgan Stanley in New York. Dr. Berens, 52, a former physician with two sons, 9 and 11, has had a weekend house in the area since 2006, and was upsizing. We like the proximity to Tanglewood and the proximity to the mountains, he said, noting that his sons ski every winter weekend at the nearby Butternut resort. I thought it would be a great place for the kids to grow up having access to, rather than playing video games. New residential developments are also beginning to creep into downtown Great Barrington, with projects like Powerhouse Square on Bridge Street, a mixed-use project under construction that will house the Berkshire Co-Op Market and 22 condominiums priced from $325,000 to $925,000. There is also 47 Railroad, designed by the Manhattan-based INC Architecture & Design, with five commercial spaces (including a new restaurant for the British chef Annie Wayte) and 13 luxury rental apartments with big-city prices, ranging from $1,900 to $3,500 a month. It will welcome its first residents next month. For the 13 apartments, Ive got a waiting list of 49 people, said Ian Rasch, 41, a former New York developer who co-founded Framework Properties, the Great Barrington-based company that is developing 47 Railroad. Probably 65 to 70 percent are New York City people. Mr. Rasch and his wife, Jade-Snow Carroll, 39, a graphic designer, left New York for Hillsdale, N.Y., in 2009, but are now working with INC to renovate a farmhouse and build a new home for their family in the Berkshires town of Egremont. They are part of a new generation of urban transplants and second-home hunters who are following in the footsteps of Herman Melville, Edith Wharton and Daniel Chester French, all of whom had homes in the Berkshires more than a century ago, which can still be visited today. The difference, this time around, is that there is so much more to see and do. There are new distilleries, breweries and farm-to-table restaurants its such a movement, said Mr. Firth, of the Prairie Whale. People are doing this stuff because it makes them feel good. And feeling good is the new rich. The number of Americans diagnosed with blindness or low vision, which is defined as having an uncorrectable vision loss that interferes with daily activities, is steadily growing. There were more than 3.3 million people over 40 who were blind or had low vision in 2004, a figure expected to double by 2030 because more people will be diagnosed with diabetes and other chronic diseases, and the nations population is rapidly aging, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other practical household changes include using solid colors for floors or kitchen countertops instead of patterned tiles or designs to make it easier to find things that have dropped. You take for granted how easy it is to clean something up when you have your vision, said Gerald Hayes, who became legally blind about nine years ago due to complications from glaucoma. Mr. Hayes, 74, said he liked to keep clear paths in the living room of his one-bedroom apartment in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to avoid tripping. I know exactly how many steps it takes from my front door to the living room chair, but I certainly dont need things in my way, he said. BEIJING Deng Yufeng wanted to create art that prods people to question their lack of data privacy. What better way, he reasoned, than to buy the personal information of more than 300,000 Chinese people off the internet and display it in a public exhibition? The police did not appreciate the irony. Last week, the authorities in the Chinese city of Wuhan shut down Mr. Dengs exhibition in a local museum after two days and told him that he was being investigated on suspicion of amassing the information through illegal means. Mr. Dengs project coincides with a growing debate about the lack of data privacy in China, where people are starting to push back against tech companies and their use of information. Online brokers regularly, and illegally, buy and sell personal information online. Chinese people are often bombarded with calls and text messages offering bank loans or home purchases that seem too personalized to be random. Mr. Deng, a 32-year-old artist based in Beijing, said he hoped to get Chinese people to question that everyday scenario. BERLIN The director of Berlins storied Volksbuhne theater, Chris Dercon, quit on Friday, after months of heated debate that saw the building occupied by left-wing activists who opposed his appointment as a betrayal of the theaters roots. Klaus Lederer, Berlins senator for culture, said in a statement that Mr. Dercon would leaving his position immediately, citing a failure of the Belgian-born directors vision for the Volksbuhne to work out as hoped for in the roughly six months that he led the theater. We all agreed to make a new start possible, Mr. Lederer told reporters on Friday, after informing theater employees of the decision, which he said was reached on Monday, after realizing that the Volksbuhne was facing a difficult situation. Within hours of the announcement, bright yellow posters saying Bye Chris in black gothic lettering appeared in the subway near the theater and were pasted over billboards advertising upcoming productions. Not long ago, when Mr. Staser suspected someone had been stealing, he held the culprit with a Taser at a stores front door until the police arrived. He said he once followed another man on foot for about 45 minutes, trying to talk to him about issues of accountability for his actions, even though the stolen goods, valued at about $1,500, had been dropped at the stores door. Mr. Staser only ended his pursuit after the man desperately waved a $20 bill at a passing motorist, climbed into the car and raced off. Mr. Staser said he knows that he might one day cross a line and put himself at risk. The culprits are almost all much younger than he is, for one thing. Ive got to stop chasing these guys, he said, shaking his head. Anchorage, a city with nearly 300,000 residents, has long had its share of rough edges, including patterns of homelessness and transience, with people here for a while, then gone. In interviews around the city, people said they still felt safe walking around, day or night, but the need to lock doors a new imperative here has left them unsettled. Anchorage set a record for homicides last year, with 35, though violent crimes overall were up only slightly, according to the F.B.I. Some other American cities have far higher per capita rates of killings, but Alaskans say the uptick in property crime is still palpable. The Anchorage Police Department says auto thefts jumped by 52 percent in 2017 over the previous year. In the first two months of 2018, the numbers were up again 27 percent over the same period last year. The city went from having the nations 47th highest rate of auto theft per capita in 2015 to the sixth highest in 2016, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, an insurance industry-funded group. Some people here attribute the rising crime to an increase in opioid addiction and an economic downturn. The states unemployment rate, 7.3 percent in February, was the highest in the nation, as the states oil industry has sputtered. The State Legislature also overhauled the criminal justice system in 2016, reducing penalties for some property crimes. There isnt just one thing, Justin Doll, the Anchorage police chief, said. Chief Doll said that new hires have brought the department to its highest staffing ever, with 435 officers, giving him hope that the crime trend can change. Arrests for car theft have also increased, he said, adding: To me that suggests were starting to have an impact. For nearly a week, investigators in Northern California have been searching for a family of four who vanished during a road trip. Finally, the rain-swollen river where the rescuers have been focusing their search has given up its first clues, the authorities said. On Friday morning, searchers located the body of an unidentified adult woman about seven miles north of the reported crash site, the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Previously, personal items that were consistent with a family traveling on vacation as well as parts from a car that belonged to the missing family had been plucked from the fast-moving waters of the Eel River, which winds through five counties for nearly 200 miles. It does confirm the fact the vehicle that was seen going into the river was that of the Thottapilly family, the California Highway Patrol said late on Thursday. Conditions in the Eel River, engorged with several days worth of rainfall, had hampered the search effort. But its waters may have begun to recede. Other lawmakers have said the scandal is a distraction from his work as governor, his political future has crumbled and the process is causing anguish for his wife and children. I am very worried as a family man about the effects that this has on his family, Mike Kehoe, the Senate majority leader and a Republican, said. The governors political career might have two-and-a-half years on it at best, but hes going to have a family for life. What does he say happened? Mr. Greitens acknowledged having a consensual extramarital affair, issuing a statement together with his wife, Sheena shortly after delivering his State of the State address in January. He has portrayed the issue as a personal matter, not a legal violation, and his lawyers have pushed back vehemently against suggestions of criminal behavior or coercion of any kind. Mr. Greitens has dismissed the legislative committees report, which quoted extensively from the woman he had a relationship with, as tabloid trash. He called the investigation into his behavior a political witch hunt. He declined to answer questions before the same legislative committee she spoke to; his lawyers said he would be willing to answer their questions after the invasion of privacy charge against him was resolved in court. On Thursday, he seemed to relish the prospect of having that case heard next month. In 32 days, he said in a statement, a court of law and a jury of my peers will let every person in Missouri know the truth and prove my innocence. Who has called on Mr. Greitens to resign? Pretty much everybody in Missouri politics. After the release of the 24-page report this week from thelegislative committee, dozens of legislators and other elected officials Republican and Democrat reiterated calls for Mr. Greitens to step down. They include Josh Hawley, the attorney general of Missouri and a Republican; Senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat; Mr. Kehoe, the Senate majority leader; and even financial backers like David Humphreys, a businessman whose family was one of Mr. Greitenss top donors, giving him more than $2 million during his run for governor. Does anyone still support Mr. Greitens? An inner circle of advisers to the governor, including several strategists and donors, were said to be urging Mr. Greitens to resist calls to resign. Some evangelical leaders, who supported him in 2016 along with an overwhelming number of the states white evangelical voters, said they had maintained their support for the governor. Brandon Park, the lead pastor at Connection Point, an evangelical church in Raytown, Mo., affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, said he did not think Mr. Greitens should resign. He supports the governors anti-abortion positions, and he says evangelical Christians respect him for his policies. I see a lot of these personal attacks both on Trump and Greitens as a way to take away attention from the ideals that matter most to evangelical Christians, he said. It does seem to be a little bit of a witch hunt. WASHINGTON The Justice Department inspector general delivered to Congress on Friday a scathing report that accused Andrew G. McCabe, the former F.B.I. deputy director, of violating the federal law enforcement agencys media policy and then repeatedly misleading investigators about his actions. The inspector general found that Mr. McCabe, 50, had lacked candor on four occasions when questioned by investigators and faulted his decision to authorize the disclosure of information to a reporter with The Wall Street Journal in October 2016 as self-serving. In a point-by-point rebuttal of the report, Mr. McCabe said that he had full authorization to share this information with the news media as deputy director and that he did not intentionally mislead investigators. He also argued that his decision to release information about an investigation into the financial dealings of the Clinton Foundation was justified and in the publics interest. Mr. McCabe, a 21-year F.B.I. veteran, was fired in March after Attorney General Jeff Sessions rejected an appeal that would have let him retire with a full government pension. WASHINGTON President Trumps advisers have concluded that a wide-ranging corruption investigation into his personal lawyer poses a greater and more imminent threat to the president than even the special counsels investigation, according to several people close to Mr. Trump. As his lawyers went to court in New York on Friday to try to block prosecutors from reading files that were seized from the personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, this week, Mr. Trump found himself increasingly isolated in mounting a response. He continued to struggle to hire a new criminal lawyer, and some of his own aides were reluctant to advise him about a response for fear of being dragged into a criminal investigation themselves. The raids on Mr. Cohen came as part of a monthslong federal investigation based in New York, court records show, and were sweeping in their breadth. In addition to searching his home, office and hotel room, F.B.I. agents seized material from Mr. Cohens cellphones, tablet, laptop and safe deposit box, according to people briefed on the warrants. Prosecutors revealed in court documents that they had already secretly obtained many of Mr. Cohens emails. Mr. Trump called Mr. Cohen on Friday to check in, according to two people briefed on the call. Depending on what else was discussed, the call could be problematic, as lawyers typically advise their clients against discussing investigations. WASHINGTON Vice President Mike Pence has hired Jon Lerner, a veteran Republican pollster who is a deputy for the United Nations ambassador, Nikki R. Haley, as his national security adviser, a spokeswoman for Mr. Pence said on Thursday evening. Mr. Lerner will continue to work with Ms. Haley while advising Mr. Pence full time, according to Alyssa Farah, the vice presidents spokeswoman. The unusual arrangement, reported on Thursday by The Washington Post, gives Mr. Pence and Ms. Haley a single key voice on national security. The move comes during a week of major upheaval for President Trumps own national security team. John R. Bolton took over as national security adviser on Monday and immediately began shaking up the ranks, pushing out Thomas P. Bossert, the presidents chief adviser on homeland security, on Tuesday. On Thursday, Mike Pompeo, the C.I.A. director whom Mr. Trump has nominated for secretary of state, underwent a Senate confirmation hearing. Mr. Zuckerberg, would you be comfortable sharing with us the name of the hotel you stayed in last night? Um no. If youve messaged anybody this week, would you share with us the names of the people youve messaged? Senator, no, I would probably not choose to do that publicly here. I think that may be what this is all about. In 2015, we heard the report that this developer Aleksandr Kogan had sold data to Cambridge Analytica. Did you or senior leadership do an inquiry to find out who at Facebook had this information and did they not have a discussion about whether or not the users should be informed back in December of 2015? Senator, in retrospect, I think we clearly view it as a mistake that we didnt inform people. And we did that based on false information that we thought that the case was closed, and that the data had been deleted. So there was a decision made on that basis not to inform the users. Is that correct? Thats my understanding, yes. I assume Facebooks been served with subpoenas from the special counsel Muellers office. Is that correct? Yes. Actually, let me clarify that. I actually am not aware of a subpoena. I believe that there may be. But I know were working with them. Thank you. If I buy a Ford and it doesnt work well and I dont like it, I can buy a Chevy. If Im upset with Facebook, whats the equivalent product that I can go sign up for? The average American uses eight different apps O.K. to communicate with their friends and stay in touch with people O.K. ranging from text apps which is to email. Which is the same service you provide. Well, we provide a number of different services. Is Twitter the same as what you do? It overlaps with a portion of what we do. You dont think you have a monopoly? It certainly doesnt feel like that to me. O.K. [audience laughs] Do you need to look behind shell corporations in order to find out who is really behind the content thats being posted? And if you may need to look behind a shell corporation, how will you go about doing that? How will you get back to the true, what lawyers would call beneficial owner of the site that is putting out the political material? So what were going to do is require a valid government identity and were going to verify the location. So were going to do that, so that way someone sitting in Russia, for example, couldnt say that theyre in America and therefore able to run an election ad. But if they were running through a corporation domiciled in Delaware, you wouldnt know that they were actually a Russian owner. Senator, thats thats correct. WASHINGTON The Trump administration, which has been on the verge of a trade war with China, opted on Friday not to label the country a currency manipulator, breaking a key campaign promise by President Trump to punish a government he has called the greatest currency manipulators ever. The Treasury Department, in its biannual currency exchange report, scolded China for its lack of progress in reducing the bilateral trade deficit with the United States, but did not find that it was improperly devaluing its currency, known as the renminbi. Treasury is strongly concerned by the lack of progress by China in correcting the bilateral trade imbalance and urges China to create a more level and reciprocal playing field for American workers and firms, the report said. It was the third time since Mr. Trump assumed the presidency that the Treasury Department opted not to accuse China of improper meddling. China has long maintained a strong grip on the value of its currency and, for years, weakened it compared with the dollar to make Chinese products cheaper to sell in the United States and other countries. More recently, China has made a big show of gradually loosening its grip, an effort meant to mollify critics like Mr. Trump and experts who have long urged Beijing to let markets fix financial problems in the worlds second-largest economy. The pardon was only the third of Mr. Trumps presidency but amounted to a dramatic coda to a politically charged case that once gripped Washington and came to embody the divisions over the Iraq war. Mr. Libby, who goes by Scooter, was seen by his critics as an agent of a war built on false intelligence about weapons of mass destruction and by his friends as a scapegoat for a special prosecutor who was actually trying to bring down Mr. Cheney. Mr. Libby has long maintained his innocence, arguing that his conviction rested on a difference of memories. President George W. Bush commuted his 30-month prison sentence while refusing to give a full pardon, saying he respected the jurys verdict. But Mr. Libbys hopes of overturning his conviction took a turn in 2015 when Judith Miller, a former New York Times reporter and a key witness at his trial, recanted her testimony, and a year later a court reinstated his law license. Victoria Toensing, a lawyer and friend of Mr. Libbys, said on Friday that she brought his case to the attention of the White House Counsels Office over the summer. Ms. Toensing and her husband and law partner, Joseph diGenova, were briefly set to work for Mr. Trump as private lawyers last month until they backed out, citing a client conflict. Ms. Toensing would not indicate whether she discussed Mr. Libby directly with Mr. Trump, but she did say that the president called her on Friday to notify her that he had signed the pardon. She then called Mr. Libby to give him the news, but he had just undergone an M.R.I. for a back problem and was a little hazy, so she told his wife, Harriet. Its taken a long time to get the right thing to happen, Ms. Toensing said. As a former prosecutor and as a defense attorney, Im appalled by what happened. LIMA, Peru Marxist rebels have killed two journalists and their driver abducted near the southern border of Colombia and Ecuador, President Lenin Moreno of Ecuador said Friday. The three a reporter, Javier Ortega; a photographer, Paul Rivas; and their driver, Efrain Segarra were working for El Comercio, a large daily newspaper in the Ecuadorean capital, Quito. They were kidnapped on March 26 on the border of Colombia and Ecuador, according to the newspaper. We have information that confirms the deaths of our countrymen, said Mr. Moreno at a news conference in Quito. Its been confirmed that these criminals, it appears, never wanted to return them safe and alive. The bloodshed highlights problems ahead for governments in both countries, which in 2016 celebrated the signing of peace accords between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, and the Colombian government. His dedication to becoming fluent distinguished him from other foreigners. They said, If you speak Japanese, they will put you in meetings and on committees and thats not interesting, he said. Many foreigners, he added, spend too much time among ourselves. Dr. Sacko said he had hoped to return to Mali someday, but after a military coup in 1991, his employment options were limited. As he pursued a doctorate in Japan, he worked to understand a culture where people can say the exact opposite of what they mean. You dont always catch things from the meanings of the words, he said. You have to go deeper. Along the way, there were some misunderstandings. After hosting a few parties at his apartment, his neighbors remarked that he and his friends always seemed happy and that they were envious. Dr. Sacko urged them to join his next party. Instead, they called the police. The police said, You are too noisy, Dr. Sacko recalled. And I said But my neighbors like that! He applied for a job at Kyoto Seika, which specializes in the arts, and started as a lecturer in 2001. Colleagues say that over the years he has worked very hard to adapt to Japanese social codes while also retaining his own sensibility. He deeply understands Japanese culture and the way of thinking, said Emiko Yoshioka, a professor of art theory whom Dr. Sacko appointed as vice president at Kyoto Seika. But he also is able to poke fun at the fact that he is a foreigner. SEOUL, South Korea The police on Friday began looking into accusations that a sister of Korean Airs infamous nut rage heiress physically abused an advertising executive, insulting him and hurling water in his face during a business meeting. Cho Hyun-min, 35, is a younger sister of Cho Hyun-ah, a Korean Air vice president whose 2014 tantrum over how macadamia nuts had been served to her in first class made the company a target of ridicule and outrage, in South Korea and elsewhere. Both women are daughters of Cho Yang-ho, the airlines chairman. In the nut rage incident, Cho Hyun-ah used abusive language, threw documents and even made flight attendants kneel and beg for forgiveness for serving the nuts without first asking her and in an unopened package, rather than on a plate. Still not satisfied, Ms. Cho ordered the Korean Air plane back to its gate while it was taxiing at New Yorks Kennedy International Airport so she could have the chief flight attendant removed. She was sentenced to one year in prison by a South Korean court for violating airline safety laws. An appeals court later released her after reducing her sentence to a suspended term. BEIJING As trade tensions with China escalate, President Trump has found new appeal in a regional trade pact he once called a rape of our country. The pacts members including some of Americas most stalwart allies might not make it so easy to come back. Officials in Japan, Australia and New Zealand reacted coolly on Friday to Mr. Trumps remarks that he would be interested in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership after rejecting it so publicly just a year ago. While the United States would significantly bolster the pact if it signed up, its entry would require intense negotiations and current members will expect significant concessions from the American side. Comparing the multicountry trade agreement to a glasswork, Yoshihide Suga, Japans chief cabinet secretary, cautioned against any efforts to change it to accommodate Mr. Trump. Russia has been researching the application of chemical agents to door handles as a way to assassinate its enemies, and has been training personnel from special units to carry out such attacks, said Mark Sedwill, Britains national security adviser, on Friday in a letter to the secretary general of NATO. Mr. Sedwills letter, the most detailed account of British intelligence on the subject to be shared with the public to date, also reported that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia was closely involved in the chemical weapons program beginning in the mid-2000s. During that period, the letter claims, Russia was secretly developing the nerve agents known as Novichok that British officials say were used in the March 4 attack on Sergei V. Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, in the quiet cathedral city of Salisbury, England. Russian officials have strenuously denied producing Novichok or carrying out the attack, which has brought relations between Britain and Russia to a post-Cold War low. LONDON It has been widely denounced as one of the most divisive and racist public addresses made by a British politician in modern history. Enoch Powell, a Conservative member of Parliament, gave what became known as the Rivers of Blood speech in 1968. In it, he attacked racial integration as a ludicrous misconception and a dangerous delusion, and predicted that in 15 or 20 years time, the black man will have the whip hand over the white man. On Saturday night, the BBC will broadcast the entire text on radio for the first time read by the actor Ian McDiarmid, who is famous for playing the Star Wars character Emperor Palpatine as part of a program analyzing the speech and its impact 50 years after it was delivered. The BBCs decision has sparked widespread criticism and has been denounced as an incitement to racial hatred at a time when far-right nationalism, xenophobia and racism are on the rise in Britain and other parts of Europe. We could have gone further, he added. Its a disappointment. The proposed law would make it possible for minors under 15 who have intercourse to prove that an adult took advantage of them, that they did not consent and that therefore they were raped. It would also extend the statute of limitations for bringing rape charges to 30 years from 20. Frances law prohibiting adults from having sexual contact with minors under 15 carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros, about $92,000. The new law would increase the penalty to 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros, about $184,000. The legislation could be amended when it is debated in Parliament in mid-May. The problems with how France prosecutes sexual violence involving minors go beyond the wording of any laws, jurists and legal experts say. Rape charges can take as many as eight years or more to go to trial and are heard by juries, who tend to judge women and girls more harshly than do magistrates or judges who hear cases involving the lesser crimes of sexual contact and sexual assault. And it is common to see the character of the girls or women (or in smaller numbers, boys) put on trial, rather than the actions of the men. The result is that lawyers for rape victims who are minors often accept a lesser charge like one of sexual contact or sexual assault that does not include rape to avoid having the client further traumatized by having to testify before a jury and potentially seeing the attacker acquitted. There is such frequent bias against the women and girls on the part of juries that convictions can be almost impossible, unless you have a client who is as white as a goose, said Ms. Durrieu Diebolt, the lawyer for Sarah, the 11-year-old in the Pontoise case. (The girl has been widely identified in the news media by the given name Sarah, but her full name has been withheld.) The country, he said, now has one of the more expansive counterterrorism laws in Europe, and in the last few years they have only added to it. That prosecutorial energy reflects the public preoccupation with terrorism and the extent to which France still feels itself under threat. We are fighting against Salafism, that is to say extremism, religious fundamentalism, President Emmanuel Macron said in a television interview this week. I want to be very clear about this: This is a problem in our country. Yet, if anything, the trial this week confirmed that it is French societys marginals, the unemployed and the psychologically unstable, who are particularly prone to sudden bursts of radical Islamization and not its Muslim pious. The continuing debate in France between these two explanations for jihad has not been resolved, but real-life incidents consistently throw up more examples of the former than the latter. And so it was at this weeks trial. The ambience was very much in favor of the Islamic State, one of the defendants, Hamza Mosli, 29, who lost two younger brothers in Syria, testified. Having sprung to prominence, Lunel was invaded by journalists around that time, even as officials and citizens professed shock and disbelief that 20 sons of the town had left for jihad, at least eight having died. The imam at the mosque was censured for not taking a firmer stand against the departures. MOSCOW A Moscow court cleared the way on Friday for the government to ban Telegram, the messaging app, over its failure to give Russian security services the ability to read users encrypted messages. Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications and technology watchdog, had asked the court for the authority to block the app, and for the ban to take immediate effect. It took the court all of 18 minutes to grant the request, after scheduling the hearing just one day before. Telegram had ordered its lawyers to skip the hearing in protest of the hurried process. The ruling came a month after Telegram lost a lawsuit it brought against the Federal Security Service, or F.S.B., Russias powerful and secretive security agency, which had demanded access to messages. The Kremlin pushed through a sweeping antiterrorism law in 2016 that mandated providing the security services backdoor access to encrypted applications, among other measures. Telegram said last month that it now has 200 million active monthly users, many of them in the lands of the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. Because of its strong privacy protections, it has long been a favorite of the Islamic State and other extremist groups. GAZA CITY Thousands of Palestinians made their way to the fence separating Gaza from Israel again on Friday, and Israeli soldiers again repulsed repeated attempts to cross or damage the barrier with tear gas and live fire, wounding hundreds. By nightfall one man was reported killed in the demonstrations, which had claimed dozens of lives on the two previous Fridays. Nearly 1,000 protesters were wounded, including 223 from gunshots, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Tear gas sufferers included 10 nurses and paramedics in the southern city of Khan Younis. Islam Herzallah, 28, of Gaza City, was shot in the abdomen and killed, bringing the overall death toll to 35. At the Shejaiya protest site east of Gaza City, where Mr. Herzallah was shot, demonstrators again used thick smoke from burning tires as cover, successfully dismantling an Israeli barrier of coiled barbed wire before retreating when Israeli soldiers shot at them. In seven years, the casualties of Syrias civil war have grown from the first handful of protesters shot by government forces to hundreds of thousands of dead. But as the war has dragged on, growing more diffuse and complex, many international monitoring groups have essentially stopped counting. Even the United Nations, which released regular reports on the death toll during the first years of the war, gave its last estimate in 2016 when it relied on 2014 data, in part and said that it was virtually impossible to verify how many had died. At that time, a United Nations official said 400,000 people had been killed. But so many of the biggest moments of the war have happened since then. In the past two years, the government of President Bashar al-Assad, with Russias help, laid siege to residential areas of Aleppo, once the countrys second-largest city, and several other areas controlled by opposition groups, leveling entire neighborhoods. Last weekend, dozens of people died in a suspected chemical attack on a Damascus suburb, prompting the United States, Britain and France to launch retaliatory strikes against Syrian targets early Saturday. The Russian envoy also asserted that Russia, Mr. Assads biggest ally, had done far more than the West to achieve peace in the Syria conflict. He accused Washington of having adopted a categorical policy to unleash military force against Syria and contain Russia. Mr. Trumps threats of a strike on Mr. Assads forces, the Russian envoy said, were unworthy of a permanent member of the Security Council. Ms. Haley said she was incredulous at Mr. Nebenzyas defense of the Syrian government and his overall portrayal of events. Im in awe of how you say what you say with a straight face, she told the Russian ambassador. Ms. Haley called the use of chemical weapons in Syria a violation of all standards of morality. Referring to the Douma assault, Ms. Haley said: We know who did this. Our allies know who did this. Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups. Her criticism of Russia and Syria was echoed by the envoys of Britain and France, who collectively form the brunt of the Western diplomatic response. Ambassador Karen Pierce of Britain said her government believed Mr. Assads forces had used chemical weapons consistently, persistently, over the past five years. So what made the two jobs different? Ms. Gramlich has no idea, and she said she had not been able to get an explanation from FedLoan that made any sense to her, though one representative told her in December that a rule had changed. I was flabbergasted, she said, while describing being passed from department to department. I worked for the state for 13 years. I know bureaucracy. This is not my first rodeo. But at one point, I lost it, just sobbing, wondering what I was going to do. These borrowers are not alone. As of 2016, according to FedLoan data that the Department of Education used in a presentation, FedLoan had processed 1,068,888 employer certification forms and rejected one-third of them. Of those rejected, 21 percent presented an unqualified employer, though its not clear how many were close calls, as the National Association of Social Workers may have been. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a scorching report last summer about an array of public service loan forgiveness messes. It noted that some borrowers reported months of delays in getting answers about certification form questions. One complainant reported that his form was rejected because of employer ineligibility while his co-workers was approved a week later. As for that litigation I mentioned before, one lawsuit over certification problems does shed some light on these matters. The American Bar Association and four individual borrowers, some of whom experienced the same FedLoan flip-flop as Mr. Francum, sued the Department of Education in late 2016. In a brief last year, the department, opining on the topic of whether people can rely on FedLoan not to change its mind, said that any response from FedLoan does not reflect a final agency action on the borrowers qualifications for forgiveness. In other words, that certification form is by no means certain. Which is pretty rich, given that the Department of Education introduced the forms several years ago precisely because so many people were confused about whether their employment qualified. So good luck to you if you work for, say, a 501(c)(6) and want some financial certainty in your life. (I know of no employees of a 501(c)(3) organization whose employment was rejected, and the Department of Education website indicates that none of them should be. Please get in touch with me if it has happened to you.) And no, FedLoan will not precertify a job before you apply. Nor will it allow a forward-thinking employer to send in a job description for preapproval before trying to hire someone. Once upon a time, FedLoans website encouraged employers to brag to prospective employees about current workers who had received certification, but that ended quickly once the American Bar Associations dumbfounded lawyers pointed it out in a legal filing. That suit shows no sign of settling soon. So people like Ms. Gramlich wait and wonder. Ive been advocating for less fortunate populations my whole adult life, and here I am one of those people now, she said. And I cannot get out of this mess. Mr. Jaquette is an assistant professor at U.C.L.A. Ms. Salazar is a doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona. Mr. Jaquette is an assistant professor at U.C.L.A. Ms. Salazar is a doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona. Colleges like to tout their commitment to diversity, but the way they recruit students tells a different story. For example, the typical high school visited by Connecticut College during recruitment events was richer and whiter than the typical high school they didnt visit. An analysis of 41 other colleges and universities shows a similar trend: high schools that were visited for recruiting events tended to be whiter and wealthier than schools that were not visited. The findings come from newly collected data on high school recruitment visits, when colleges send representatives across the country to court potential students. We gathered data on these visits throughout 2017 for 150 colleges and universities. (The data does not include other forms of recruitment like brochures, emails and visits not posted online. It also cannot account for instances where a high school may lack the capacity to host recruitment events.) Knowing which high schools receive recruiting visits is important because debates about access to higher education often focus on students abilities but ignore how colleges identify and prioritize prospects. A study by Meagan Holland at the University at Buffalo found recruitment visits arent merely an indicator of each colleges priorities; they also influence where students and particularly first-generation students apply and enroll. The study found that many smart kids from less affluent backgrounds are sensitive to feeling wanted, often attending colleges that took the time to visit. High Schools Receiving Visits Were in Wealthier Neighborhoods Median neighborhood income for ... Typical skipped high school Typical visited high school Stony Brook U. $68.5k $110.8k Rutgers U.New Brunswick $67.0k $117.6k U. of MassachusettsAmherst $66.3k $109.8k North Carolina State U.Raleigh $65.8k $73.9k U. of CaliforniaIrvine $64.8k $73.4k U. of Kansas $63.9k $87.3k U. of PittsburghPitts. Campus $63.4k $103.9k U. of South CarolinaColumbia $63.1k $95.7k U. of Georgia $63.0k $87.8k U. of Colorado Boulder $62.7k $105.6k U. of CincinnatiMain Campus $62.6k $95.0k U. of CaliforniaBerkeley $62.6k $94.3k U. of NebraskaLincoln $61.2k $77.6k U. of Alabama $59.7k $88.2k U. of Arkansas $59.1k $76.6k Southern Illinois U.Carbondale $55.9k $68.4k Median neighborhood income for the typical high school that was ... Skipped Visited $110.8k Stony Brook U. $68.5k Rutgers U. New Brunswick $117.6k $67.0k U. of Mass. Amherst $109.8k $66.3k North Carolina State U.Raleigh $73.9k $65.8k U. of California Irvine $73.4k $64.8k $87.3k U. of Kansas $63.9k U. of Pittsburgh Pitts. Campus $103.9k $63.4k U.S.C. Columbia $95.7k $63.1k $87.8k U. of Georgia $63.0k U. of Colorado Boulder $105.6k $62.7k U. of Cincinnati Main Campus $95.0k $62.6k U. of California Berkeley $94.3k $62.6k U. of Nebraska Lincoln $77.6k $61.2k $88.2k U. of Alabama $59.7k $76.6k U. of Arkansas $59.1k Southern Illinois U.Carbondale $68.4k $55.9k The clearest finding from our study is that public high schools in more affluent neighborhoods receive more visits than those in less affluent areas. Only about a third of households across the country earn more than $100,000 annually, but nearly half of high schools receiving visits by private colleges and universities were in neighborhoods where average incomes were higher. Connecticut College visited neighborhoods with an average median household income of $121,578. Private colleges also disproportionately visited private high schools over public high schools. Andy Strickler, dean of admissions at Connecticut College, said the school targets high schools that have historically provided students, or other schools that have a similar profile. He said there was a good reason Connecticut College doesnt always visit other areas: Theres a trend for these students to stay closer to home for college. While public research universities visited rich and poor neighborhoods nearly equally when recruiting in their home states, they visited the same affluent high schools targeted by private colleges when recruiting elsewhere. Most public colleges also visited far more high schools out of state than in-state. The median income of areas where the University of Pittsburgh recruited out of state, for example, was $114,000, compared with $63,000 for areas that were not visited. Average median income for the typical visited high school ... In-State Out-of-State Rutgers U.New Brunswick $112.6k $119.6k Stony Brook U. $104.9k $114.9k U. of MassachusettsAmherst $95.8k $116.4k U. of CaliforniaBerkeley $86.3k $104.5k U. of PittsburghPitts. Campus $79.1k $114.7k U. of Colorado Boulder $75.0k $115.0k U. of CaliforniaIrvine $68.6k $90.1k Southern Illinois U.Carbondale $68.1k $69.8k U. of Kansas $66.6k $96.0k U. of CincinnatiMain Campus $64.4k $106.0k U. of NebraskaLincoln $63.2k $85.1k U. of Georgia $63.0k $103.2k U. of Alabama $54.7k $90.4k U. of South CarolinaColumbia $53.2k $104.4k North Carolina State U.Raleigh $52.0k $122.9k U. of Arkansas $46.9k $87.4k Average median income for the typical visited high school ... In-State Out-of-State Rutgers U. New Brunswick $112.6k $119.6k $104.9k $114.9k Stony Brook U. U. of Mass. Amherst $95.8k $116.4k U. of California Berkeley $86.3k $104.5k U. of Pittsburgh Pitts. Campus $79.1k $114.7k U. of Colorado Boulder $75.0k $115.0k U. of California Irvine $68.6k $90.1k Southern Illinois U.Carbondale $68.1k $69.8k U. of Kansas $66.6k $96.0k U. of Cincinnati Main Campus $64.4k $106.0k U. of Nebraska Lincoln $63.2k $85.1k U. of Georgia $63.0k $103.2k U. of Alabama $54.7k $90.4k U.S.C. Columbia $53.2k $104.4k North Carolina State U.Raleigh $52.0k $122.9k U. of Arkansas $46.9k $87.4k The attention public universities lavish on wealthy out-of-state schools is a response to state policy. Over the past decade, many states have cut funding for higher education, forcing public universities to become more dependent on tuition revenue. Research shows that public universities responded by enrolling more out-of-state students, who often pay two to three times more than state residents. And of course, only well-off students can afford that. When Boulder visited the Chicago metro area, it did not tend to visit schools like East Chicago High School, where only 2 percent of students are white. Joshua Lott for The New York Times Some people argue that poor students and students of color are less likely to attend college because they have lower grades or standardized test scores. But we found that colleges and universities tended to avoid visiting schools in poor areas even when those schools had a large number of students who had performed well on tests. For example, when the University of Colorado Boulder visited public high schools in the Boston metropolitan area, it focused on schools in wealthy communities but skipped many poorer schools that had higher numbers of students scoring proficient in math. In their out-of-state visits, our data also suggest, public universities were more likely to visit predominantly white public high schools than nonwhite schools with similar levels of academic achievement. For example, the University of Colorado Boulder visited Dover-Sherborn Regional High School, which is 88 percent white and has about 154 students with proficient math scores, according to the federal Department of Education. But it did not visit Brockton High School, where just 21 percent of students are white but about 622 students have proficient math scores. In order to be good stewards of our funding, we consistently recruit at schools that have historically given us applications, said Colleen Newman, admissions director at Boulder. Given our limited funding, we are unable to expand our traditional recruitment efforts to all regions and all high schools that have academically talented students. Recruitment Is Big Business A recruiter for the University of Alabama speaks to prospective students at a college fair run by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, at Suffolk County Community College on Long Island. Michael Nagle for The New York Times Colleges dont treat recruitment lightly. Its big business for colleges and the firms they hire. Most colleges identify prospects by purchasing lists of students and their backgrounds from the testing agencies College Board and ACT. They can also hire enrollment management consulting firms, which integrate data from the university with data on schools and communities. This helps them decide which schools should be visited and which should be targeted with emails and brochures. One consulting firm we spoke with even knows information about individual students such as their family income and net worth, and the value of their home. If colleges have all this data, why arent they better at targeting talented poor students and students of color? The most common explanation is that there arent enough of them applying (the so-called achievement gap). Another explanation we hear is that talented students dont apply because they dont have the right guidance (called under-matching). These explanations assume that doubling the number of high-achieving students who apply would automatically double enrollment. But this treats universities as though they are passively receiving applications, when they are actually actively seeking and encouraging certain applicants over others. Our data suggests universities are determined to court wealthier students over others, and they expend substantial resources identifying and reaching them. There are many students from poor communities who get excellent grades but end up going to a community college because no one bothers looking for them. If colleges are serious about increasing socioeconomic and racial diversity, they should look for merit everywhere, not just in wealthy, white communities. Ozan Jaquette is an assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies. Karina Salazar is a doctoral candidate at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Arizona. A suspected chemical attack that killed dozens of Syrians in Douma, a rebel-held town near Damascus, drew promises of retaliation from President Trump days after he instructed his military commanders to quickly end American involvement in Syria. Douma, April 7, 2018 Eastern Ghouta, Jan. 22, 2018 Khan Sheikhoun, April 4, 2017 Aleppo, Dec. 10, 2016 Ain Tarma, Aug. 29, 2013 Eastern Ghouta, Aug. 21, 2013 Clockwise from top left: Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, via Associated Press; Mohammed Badra/European Pressphoto Agency; Ammar Abdullah/Reuters; Shaam News Network, via Agence France-Presse Getty Images; Reuters; Ghirh Sy/European Pressphoto Agency But if chemical weapons were used in the attack which Mr. Trump blamed on the Syrian government as well as its Russian and Iranian allies it would be the latest in a string of such attacks in Syria in the last five years. Syria, Russia and Iran all denied that the Syrian government used chemical weapons. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic says it has confirmed at least 34 chemical attacks since 2013, many of which it said used chlorine or sarin, a nerve agent, and were conducted by the Syrian government. The commission, which is currently investigating the attack on Douma, is an independent body established by the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate human rights violations in Syria. Hasaka Sheikh Maqsood Saraqib Raqqa Aleppo Kafr Zeita Latakia Tamana Deir al-Zour Khan Sheikhoun SYRIA Homs Palmyra 50 MILES Chemical Attacks Confirmed in Syria Douma An attack here killed about 70 people on April 7 Sarin Damascus Chlorine A 2013 sarin attack in Ghouta killed 1,400 people Chemical not specified The U.S. launched a strike against a Syrian air base in response to this sarin attack on Khan Sheikhoun. At least eight attacks were confirmed in April 2014 2013 2014 2015 Data unavailable 2016 2017 Hasaka Sheikh Maqsood Saraqib Raqqa Aleppo Kafr Zeita Latakia Tamana Deir al-Zour Khan Sheikhoun SYRIA Homs Palmyra 50 MILES Douma An attack here killed about 70 people on April 7 Chemical Attacks Confirmed in Syria Sarin Damascus A 2013 sarin attack in Ghouta killed 1,400 people Chlorine Chemical not specified The U.S. launched a strike against a Syrian air base in response to this sarin attack on Khan Sheikhoun. At least eight attacks were confirmed in April 2014 2013 2014 2015 Data unavailable 2016 2017 Hasaka Sheikh Maqsood Saraqib Raqqa Aleppo Latakia Kafr Zeita Tamana Deir al-Zour SYRIA Khan Sheikhoun Palmyra 50 MILES Douma An attack here killed about 70 people on April 7 Chemical Attacks Confirmed in Syria Damascus A 2013 sarin attack in Ghouta killed 1,400 people Sarin Chlorine Chemical not specified 2013 2014 2015 Data unavailable 2016 2017 Chemical Attacks Confirmed in Syria Aleppo Tamana Kafr Zeita SYRIA Douma 100 MILES Sarin Damascus Chlorine Chemical not specified 2013 2014 2015 Data unavailable 2016 2017 The New York Times | Source: Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic It is likely that there have been more than these 34 confirmed chemical attacks in Syria. Rolando Gomez, a spokesman for the United Nations Human Rights Council, said that the commission was unable to verify reports of chemical attacks in 2015 because of a lack of access during that time. Human Rights Watch has reported that there have been 85 chemical attacks since 2013, based on its analysis of reports verified by various sources, including United Nations investigations and Amnesty International. And the American ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki R. Haley, accused the Syrian government on Friday of using chemical weapons at least 50 times since 2011. Syrias widespread use of chemical weapons against civilians is relatively unusual, Emma Ashford, a research fellow with the Cato Institute, said in an email. Chemical weapons are far more effective as a tool of terror than as a battlefield weapon, she added. The use of chemical weapons in Syria has drawn widespread condemnation and media coverage since an Aug. 2013 sarin attack in Ghouta killed 1,400 people. Less than a month later, the Syrian government signed the Chemical Weapons Convention under pressure from the United Nations Security Council. President Barack Obama was criticized at the time for not directly retaliating militarily even after he had drawn a red line around chemical weapons use. Then, in April 2017, sarin was used again in an attack on Khan Sheikhoun, in northern Syria, that killed more than 80 civilians. Mr. Trump ordered missile strikes on a Syrian air base in response and, since then, there haven't been reliable or verified reports of the Syrian government again employing sarin gas, Sam Heller, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said in an email. But neither Mr. Obamas diplomatic approach nor Mr. Trumps strikes worked to stop Syrias use of chemical weapons. According to the commission, the Syrian government has continued to use chlorine as a weapon, seemingly without consequence. (Chlorine is much less toxic than sarin and therefore draws less attention.) If Mr. Trump strikes again as he has promised, this time the reaction will be larger by all accounts but I dont think the outcome will be different, said Aaron Stein, a resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a think tank. More than 120,000 civilians have been killed by violence, mostly by conventional, nonchemical weapons, in Syria since 2011, according to the Violations Documentation Center. Yet it seems like the international community is primarily concerned with preserving the taboo over the use of chemical weapons, not with civilian deaths, Ms. Ashford said. Aldi has announced it is seeking applications from Offalys small to medium Irish food and drink producers to enter their products to win a place on its new Grow with Aldi supplier development programme. Aldi is investing 500,000 in the new programme to give up-and-coming Irish food and drink companies the chance to supply all 130 Aldi stores during a special Irish Food Market promotion in August 2018, and potentially secure a permanent place on its shelves with a long-term contract. Aldi will select up to 50 of Irelands and Offalys best new artisan products to take part in the promotion, with each supplier providing a guaranteed volume of their product. Up to five of the products will be given the opportunity to become core line Aldi listed products, winning a contract to be sold in Aldis Irish stores year-round. Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi has been designed to help small to medium Irish food and drink businesses secure a retail listing. Participants will receive tailored mentoring and bespoke workshops with Aldi buyers and Bord Bia technical experts, teaching them the skills to help grow and develop their product and business. Speaking at the launch, Giles Hurley, Group Managing Director Aldi Ireland, said: We know there are fantastic products from emerging businesses in Offaly and we want to make it easier for them to get our shelves. We have always led the way with Irish sourcing and supporting Irish food and drink companies, having developed long-term partnerships with over 175 Irish suppliers throughout the country." "Last year we increased our support for small Irish suppliers by significantly reducing their payment terms. In October we were joined by over 400 of Irelands leading food and drink companies at our Irish supplier conference, where we outlined our plans to invest further in our Irish sourced product range and the fantastic opportunities available to small and medium producers to partner with Aldi and supply our stores in Ireland and abroad. Our Grow with Aldi supplier development programme is the next step in our commitment to buying Irish. For a lot of small food and drink businesses, trying to secure a listing with a major retailer puts huge pressure on their team. Recent research by Core Research found that provenance is of huge importance to Irish consumers when purchasing groceries. When questioned on what are the most important factors when making grocery purchasing decisions, one in two (47%) answered that the products are made in Ireland, while 78% of Irish shoppers said they always choose an Irish made product over a similar imported option. The survey also revealed that two out of three (66%) consumers now associate Aldi with selling, locally produced Irish food. Aldi spent over 700m with its 175 Irish suppliers in 2016, while over 50% of Aldis grocery range is sourced from Irish producers, suppliers and manufacturers. Commenting on the programme, Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO said: "We know from our extensive research the importance Irish people place on the availability of locally sourced products. Grow with Aldi will help meet consumers appetite for Irish products and I encourage our smaller Irish producers to get involved. It is a comprehensive programme that provides the platform for companies to develop and expand their businesses exponentially. Food and drink companies in Ireland with ambitions to take their product from concept to shelf and see it stocked in Aldis 130 Irish stores can apply for the Grow with Aldi supplier development programme by contacting grow@aldi.ie. Further details are available at www.aldi.ie/grow. As Modi led nationwide fast, Maharashtra BJP leaders caught chomping on chips, sandwiches India oi-Staff By Oneindia Staff Writer The BJP was left red-faced after two of its legislators were caught snacking in the midst of a fast in Maharashtra. The incident was reported on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a nationwide fast on Thursday to protest the disruptions in Parliament. This came as an embarrassment for the BJP as the party had three days back condemned the Congress when some of its leaders were seen eating at a restaurant prior to a fast on Monday. The BJP legislators Bhimrao Tapkir and Sanjay Bhegade were filmed when they were seen breaking their fast midway during an official meeting that was convened in Pune. They were caught snacking on sandwiches and chips. The BJP leaders kept mum even as television channels aired the clip that had gone viral on the social media. Maharashtra Congress President Ashok Chavan said that the "drama of fasting will not work anymore" as the people are no longer interested in government's false promises. In Pune, the BJP leaders were seen enjoying snacks in the middle of the fast... elaborate arrangements were made for serving snacks before launching the 'fast' and after completing it. This 'fast' is just a farce," Chavan said dismissively during a media interaction. "If somebody eats three hours before a fast, BJP finds it objectionable, but it is okay for them if they eat during the fast. The reason behind today's fasting programme is bogus, the sentiments are bogus and the fast itself is bogus," said state Congress Spokesperson Sachin Sawant. BJPs nationwide fast will result in its sanyas in Karnataka: Surjewala India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The decision to recommend religious minority status for the Lingayats was backed by Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. He said that it was bona fide and a historically proven aspirational demand that had been addressed. Surjewala, however, ducked a question in which he was asked if Siddaramaiah is the chief ministerial candidate of the Congress in Karnataka. He said that Siddaramaiah is the captain of the team and an opening batsman. It is under his leadership that the Congress will fight the May 12 Karnataka assembly election, he also said. Commenting on the nationwide fast led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that it would result in the BJP's sansyas in the Karnataka election. "The time for upvas (fasting) is over. The time for sanyaas from seat of power begins with a defeat in Karnataka and culminate in vanvaas in 2019," Surjewala told reporters. "It's an absurd drama of photo-ops because Modi had breakfast on-board his flight and Shah had lunch after upvas. For a party that disrupted 66.88% of the total functioning time of the previous Lok Sabha (2009-14) and wasted 250 functioning hours of the Budget session by engineering disruptions, Modi and the BJP should tender an unconditional apology for dishonouring democracy," Surjewala said. Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15 Nagaland to impose partial lockdown from April 30 to May 14: Here's what will stay shut and open CM Neiphiu Rio says Naga political issue partially resolved India pti-PTI Kohima, Apr 13: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Friday that the negotiating parties have resolved the "contentious matters" related to the age-old Naga political issue, but the "symbolic matters" continue to be a "stumbling block" in arriving at a final solution. "What I am aware of is that the contentious issues, such as 'Naga integration', have been resolved, but the symbolic issues are the actual stumbling block," Rio told reporters outside the State Civil Secretariat. To a question on "Naga integration", Rio said the Centre has made it clear that Nagas have the "legitimate right" to be integrated, but a democratic process has to be followed. "I am not going into details, but when one says symbolic issues it may refer to flags and passport," he said. The Centre had signed a ceasefire agreement with the NSCN(IM) in 1997. Several rounds of peace talks were held between the two sides subsequently. A Framework Agreement between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) was signed on August 3, 2015, in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apart from the NSCN(M), six other Naga nationalist political groups (NNPGs) have joined the dialogue last year. With the NNPGs joining the talks now, all Naga groups need to make joint efforts to come up with a solution, Rio said. The Centre's representative and the Naga groups had initially decided to resolve all differences before the recently held Assembly elections, Rio said, adding that now, there is no certainty over the time they might take to "come to an understanding". If the negotiating parties want a solution, they should "sort out the possibilities", the CM claimed. Asked whether any solution to the Naga political problem would be acceptable without the involvement of NSCN(K), another Naga group based in Myanmar, Rio said, "I am not the authority to speak about the matter." I strongly feel that Nagas in India, spread across four states, should come together and Myanmar Nagas should seek a separate settlement. One country cannot take decisions for another country, he added. PTI Congress opposed to two seat contests by Siddaramaiah, Parameshwar India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The Congress high command is said to have put the brakes on candidates who want to contest from two constituencies in the Karnataka assembly elections. This would mean that both Siddaramaiah and Dr. G Parameshwar who have been wanting to contest from two constituencies will not be permitted to do so. The move comes amidst reports of Siddaramaiah wanting to contest from the Chamundeshwari and Badami constituency. The high command has left it to him to decide on which constituency he would want to contest from. Siddaramaiah was inclined to contest the Chamundeshwari seat, but he was advised to chose Badami as the former was not a safe bet for him. Siddaramaiah would make his choice and tell the high command by Friday. The Central Election Committee of the Congress is meeting in New Delhi today at 10 am to finalise the list of candidates for the May 12 election. Siddaramaiah feels that contesting from Chamudenshwari would also help his son win the election from the neighbouring seat in Varuna. Parameshwar, on the other hand, had planned on contesting from Korategere from where he lost in 2013 and Pulakeshinagar in Bengaluru. However, sources say that Parameshwar would only contest from Koratagere. This would mean that the Congress would field either Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, the sitting MLA from Pulakeshinagar or former MLA Prasanna Kumar. The Congress is of the opinion that if two seat contests are allowed then there would be similar demands from others. Moreover, the Election Commission of India has urged the Supreme Court to ban this practice. Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15 Dawood aides who plotted to kill Shia Waqf Board Chairman Rizvi arrested India oi-Deepika By Deepika Delhi police today arrested three people on charges of conspiring to kill Shia Waqf Board Chairman Wasim Rizvi on behest of Dawood Ibrahim. The aides, identified as Arif, Abrar and Saleem, were arrested on the behest of inputs provided by the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Three arrested on charges of conspiring to kill Shia Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi on behest of Dawood Ibrahim, DCP Special Cell (Delhi) was quoted as saying by ANI.Weapons were also recovered from all three of them. In June, Rizvi had lodged an FIR in the matter under section 507 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that pertains to criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication, said that an unknown person calling himself an aide of Ibrahim with a Nepal based cellular number had called him late Saturday night. In his FIR with the Saadatganj police station in Lucknow, Rizvi mentioned that the unknown man on the other side of the phone said that it was because Rizvi is getting Muslims killed because of his statements, that both his and his family's life is under Ibrahim's radar. Rizvi claimed that he had recorded the entire conversation on his mobile phone and was ready to produce it if needed. In January, Rizvi wrote a letter to PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath to bring all Islamic religious institutions under the ambit of general education system. 'Demonetisation was not a good idea', says Raghuram Rajan India oi-PTI RBI's former governor Raghuram Rajan has said that he had made it quite clear to the government that the demonetisation was "not a good idea" and that its implementation was "not well-planned" since 87.5 per cent of the currency was being demonetised. On November 8, 2016, the Centre banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to curtail the shadow economy and crack down on the use of illicit and counterfeit cash to fund illegal activities and terrorism. Speaking at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, 55-year-old Rajan rejected the claim that the Reserve Bank of India had not been consulted by the government before it went ahead with the demonetisation. He, however, reiterated that the move to cancel 87.5 per cent of the currency value was "not a good idea". "I didn't ever say that I wasn't consulted (on demonetisation). In fact, I have made it quite clear that we were consulted and didn't think it was a good idea," said Rajan who is currently the Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. He said demonetisation "was not a well-planned, well thought-out, useful exercise and I told the government that when the idea was first mooted." He added that any macro-economist would say that if 87.5 per cent of the currency is being demonetised, then it better be made sure that a similar amount of currency is printed and ready to be put back in circulation. "India went into it without having done that. It had a negative economic impact but also the idea was that somehow people who had money stored in their basements without having paid taxes on it would overnight see reason and come to the government and say sorry we were hiding this stuff, let me pay taxes on it," Rajan said, calling it a "naive view". "Anybody who knows India, knows that very quickly we find ways around the system," he said, adding that with "essentially" all the money that was demonetised coming back into the system, the exercise did not have the direct effect that was sought. While the long term impact of demonetisation is yet to be seen, its negative economic impact included people not having currency, not being able to pay and economic activity plummeting especially in the informal sector. "There may be some longer term impact that people think that if this sort of thing happens then the government is serious about collecting taxes. There may be greater tax payments but we still have to see strong evidence that that is true," he said. Rajan also expressed concern that a lot of people probably lost their jobs due to demonetisation but that has not been counted well as it would be mostly in the informal sector. "The positive impacts (of demonetisation) are out there in the future. We have no idea whether they will be important. To my mind it was not a policy that was useful at that time," he said while speaking at the 2018 Albert H Gordon Lecture on the topic Leverage, Financial Crises, and Policies to Raise Economic Growth. To a suggestion that demonetisation could have positively impacted growth, Rajan said: "you would have to find a new economic theory to explain how it helped the economy". He said most estimates of the cost of demonetisation vary between 1.5-2 per cent of the GDP. "It would be a really die-hard government advocate who would say that the growth benefits of demonetisation were immediate," he said. "Most of the supporters of the move would say that the benefits of the move are coming by changing the incentive to pay taxes. I would say yes, we will have to wait and see whether that in fact is true," he said. Rajan, who joined the RBI in September 2013 when the country was facing its worst currency crisis since the 1990s, left the organisation after completing his three-year term in September 2016. PTI 'In the name of 'gau raksha', communal tension is being created' Don't politicise Kathua rape and murder case: Smriti Irani India oi-Deepika By Deepika Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday urged the opposition parties not to politicise the Kathua rape and murder case that has triggered communal tension in Jammu and Kashmir. "Law agencies and government are taking necessary action. As a woman, I believe and request there should be no victim shaming," ANI quoted Smriti Irani as saying. The BJP government is drawing a lot of flak over rape of a minor in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, and Unnao rape case, which allegedly involves BJP MLA, Kuldeep Senger. On Thursday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi observed a candlelight vigil on the midnight intervening at the India Gate in New Delhi to register his protest against the growing incidents of crime against women. Rahul, who was joined by several senior Congress leaders, took to Twitter to invite people to join the vigil. Gandhi earlier said the "unimaginable brutality" cannot go unpunished, and called the violence against the child a crime against humanity. He was referring to Kathua gangrape in which an 8-year-old girl was raped and killed. The Kathua rape and murder was a gruesome act in which an 8 year lost her life. The Jammu police have filed its charge sheet in the case and details the most horrific crime one has seen in recent times. Following the charge sheet, protests had broken out in which some sought to defend the accused persons. The Jammu police say that the primary intention of the murder was to frighten the Bakarwal community to which the girl belongs. The intention was to dislodge the nomadic tribe, the police said. Meanwhile, An FIR has been registered against rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger on Thursday at the Makhi police station in Unnao. The case was registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (including Section 376 for rape) and POCSO Act. The four-time lawmaker and his brothers allegedly gang-raped the girl in Unnao - who later attempted suicide outside Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow on Sunday. 'Encounter sites not marriage venues, stay away', advises J&K police chief India oi-Staff By Oneindia Staff Writer Bullets do not distinguish between a stone pelter and terrorist and civilians thronging encounter sites are responsible for their deaths, Jammu and Kashmir police chief, S P Vaid. The police chief once again urged youth to stay away from such places as they were not marriage venues. "Nobody wants civilian deaths and the police and security forces are pained at such incidents", he emphasised. "We have been appealing to young boys to stay away from encounter sites. A bullet does not distinguish between a stone pelter and a militant. It has a trajectory to hit. They are responsible for their own deaths. They should not come to encounter sites", Vaid said in a live Twitter question-answer session today. He was replying to a question posed by one Tajamul Wani about civilian deaths in gunfights. The strong words from the senior officer came a day after four civilians were killed in the crossfire in an encounter in Kulgam district. An Army-man also lost his life in the line of duty while the three militants managed to flee after civilian casualties increased. No citizen of India would like any civilian killing. We have been repeatedly requesting people not to come near the encounter sites when bullets fly whether from the militants or from the Army, from paramilitary force and police. They have a trajectory. They will not look for the chest of a particular person. They can hit anybody so it is advisable not to come near the encounter sites," DGP Vaid said. It pains me most and pains all the forces when a civilian dies, he added. "Our effort is not even a single civilian should get hurt, but they have no business to be there. Marriage of the militant is not going on. Why are these boys coming near the militant encounter sites," he lamented. On the pendency of amnesty for stone pelters against whom FIRs were to be withdrawn, he said the police had already moved the concerned courts in such cases. In some of the cases parents were supposed to come and approach police stations and give an undertaking, he added. To a question about a solution of the Kashmir problem, he said violence was not the answer. "I personally feel that the gun is not the solution. Everybody concerned including our neighbour (Pakistan), and only way out is to sit together and talk it out and sort it out and gun is not a solution and violence is not a solution", he said. Vaid said his most challenging task was posted the Burhan Wani episode because as Special DG law and order to deal with the situation. On the internet blockades, the DGP said "my effort is to minimum disruption of the internet. I am totally against it. But let me tell you there is mischief and misuse of it to spread hatred and false propaganda. This is what we want to prevent". "We want the minimum disruption of education of children from Kashmir valley and we will ensure it", he added. Karnataka opinion poll: Congress 90-101, BJP 78-86, JD(S) 34-43 India oi-Vikas By Vikas If the predictions of India Today-Karvy opinion polls are to be believed then Karnataka is heading for a hung assembly in the elections scheduled to be held on May 12. According to the India Today opinion poll, the Congress is likely to bag anywhere between 90-101 seats, while the BJP may bag between 78-86 seats. The JD (S) may win between 34-43 seats while the others may win around 4-7 seats. As per the opinion poll, the difference between the vote shares of the BJP and the Congress is just 2%, which according to some experts should be a cause of concern for the Congress. Congress is likely to get 37% vote share while BJP may get 35%. Karnataka Assembly has 224 seats and majority mark to form the government is 113. With exactly a month left for Karnataka Assembly elections, the opinion poll has revealed that 38% of the respondents have rated incumbent CM Siddaramaiah's performance as good. Of the total respondents, 29% have also rated his performance as poor. Getting into the details of findings of the poll, 28% have rated Siddramaiah's performance as good while 10% have rated him as very good. Respondents have indicated that Lingayat issue is a major one that would influence the elections. Lingayats constitute 17% of Karnataka's population. 52% have said that Lingayat issue is a major issue, while 20% have said that it is not a major issue. Karnataka is a state where the anti-incumbency has played a major role in the past. Voters of the state have not given any government a second chance in a long time. The Congress has been claiming that there is no anti-incumbency and that people of Karnataka are firmly behind Siddaramaiah. The poll has predicted that Siddaramaiah is the top choice of the respondents for the CM's post. 33% of the respondents rated Siddaramaiah as their top choice, while BJP's Yeddyurappa is at second place with 26% respondents voting for him. The JD (S)'s HD Kumaraswamy has emerged third best choice for CM with 21% respondents voting for him. [India Today opinion poll: Siddaramaiah seems to be beating anti incumbency, 38% rate him as good] Several factors are in favour of Siddaramaiah as per the opinion poll. Supreme Court's recent verdict in the Cauvery river sharing matter was in favour of Karnataka. The recent ruling reduced the amount of water that Karnataka used to release for Tamil Nadu. 49 % of the respondents have said that the SC verdict would benefit the Congress, while 34% have said to no to it. 17 % have also opted for 'don't know' or can't say. Siddaramaiah has also made some astute political moves in the last two months. In February, he sent a proposal to the Centre for a separate Karnataka flag 'Nada Dhwaja', a move aimed at portraying his government as pro-Kannada. The move was welcomed by several Kannada groups. Siddaramaiah cabinet recently approved separate religion status to the Lingayat community, a move aimed at splitting the BJP's traditional vote base. BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa is a strong Lingayat leader and when had quit the BJP in 2013, the saffron party had fared badly in the elections. The proposal for separate religion status for the Lingayats is now in the Centre's court. Karnataka: Will Congress not allow Kumaraswamy to be CM for full 5-year term? Is it chief minister Kumaraswamy or chief manager of Congress Ktaka ATM? BJP has an answer All is well between Congress, JD(S)? Kumaraswamy meets Rahul as Karnataka waits for full cabinet India oi-Madhuri It surely was a gruelling election which had all the essence that one could have asked for. Karnataka witnessed all the big wigs from all political parties hitting the campaign trail for the May 12 Karnataka elections. We hope you enjoyed out LIVE coverage of the elections. Thank you for staying tuned with us. Newest First Oldest First Election observer conducted a raid in Banaswadi area and seized Rs 19 lakh along with voter list and other election related materials. FIR registered. RR Nagar MLA Muniratna ran his constituency like an independent Republic where rule of law had no place. People were harassed and abused. False cases were filed against political opponents. Finally, seems like karma has caught up with Muniratna. Massive blow to Siddaramaiah, says BJP. Victory for Democracy! EC orders countermanding of RR Nagar polls after court ordered FIR against Congress candidate Muniratna Naidu for creating more than 10k fake voter ids. With Siddaramaiah's money bag, Muniratna in the dock, Congress is in a big soup in Karnataka, tweets BJP Karnataka. Polling in RR Nagar has been deferred. Polling to now be held on May 28 and counting on May 31. Earlier this week 9746 voter IDs were seized from a flat in the area. According reports, IT sleuths and district election commissioner conduct raids at Congress candidate Ashok Kheny's residence in Bidar. Kheny is contesting from Bidar South constituency. RSS ideologue Ram Madhav, says, "Karnataka Elections 2018 is an important election. Both parties, namely BJP & Congress have invested heavily in it. I am certain that BJP will be in a comfortable position & will get simple majority & will form the government in the state." Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) & Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) being dispatched from Smt. Kamala Bai Educational Institution to polling booths. The Congress has sought for the lifting of the ban on telecasting the Sriramulu video in which he is alleged to be discussing a pay off with a Supreme Court judge to bail out Janardhan Reddy in the illegal mining scam. Law and order is completely under control says Neelamanu Raju, Karnataka state police chief. 22,000 home guards have been deployed for security, she says. BJP MP, Prathap Simha urges EC to monitor religious places on polling day. He said that political parties would use these places to lure voters as there is no restriction on gathering there. Security has been tightened across the state ahead of polling to be held tomorrow. In Bengaluru, 14 additional commissioners, 1 joint Commisioner and 16 DCPs will oversee security. EC officials seize Rs 20 lakh unaccounted cash from a house in Bagalkote. The money was seized from the house of a man named Sandeep Maji. A Congress delegation has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. The Congress has accused both of misleading people and launching personal attacks. Minister Viany Kulkarnis close aide raided by IT officials. Prashanth Kekare whose house was raided was taken into custody. Congress submits memorandum to the Election Commission regarding allegations of bribery of a Judge by BJP candidate B Sriramulu Income Tax Department conduct raids at house of Congress candidate Satish Sail's close associate Mangaldas Kamat in Ankola. According to reports, IT officials raid Prashant Kekare, a close associate of Congress minister Vinay Kulkarni in Dharwad. I-T sleuths raid a house belonging to a doctor in #Mangaluru. I-T officials scrutinise documents. EC officials seize innova car carrying unaccounted cash amount of around Rs 17 lakh in Devanahalli. Poll officials seize Rs 2.17 crore unaccounted cash in Molakalmuru, Chitradurga. Close associate of Congress leader Ramanath Rai, Kachigudda Sanjeev Kumar, allegedly attacked in Bantwal; 4 others including Kumar's wife injured, 2 cars damaged. Police arrest 2 men for trying to bribe voters at Chikkodi in Belagavi. Accused allegedly tried to bribe voters in favour of Rayabagh BJP candidate Duryodhana Aihole. The EC has directed television channels not to air the Sriramulu video in which allegations of him bribing a judge to bail out Janardhan Reddy was made. The direction comes hours after State Home minister Ramalinga Reddy called what the Congress described as an 'explosive press conference' and released the video clippings which were in circulation on social media. Congress claimed the 'sting operation' revealed that alleged attempts were made to bribe to seek a favourable verdict for Reddy. The party alleged that just one day before the then CJI retired, he passed an order in a case related to Reddy brothers' Oblapuram Mining Company. Here are some tips to vote if you do not have a voter ID card. You can vote as long as your name is on the electoral roll. If you do not have a voter ID, then alternative ID proofs can be carried. They are Passport, Driving License, Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt PSUs/Public Limited Companies, Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, MNREGA Job Card, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour, Pension document with photograph,Authenticated Photo Voter Slip issued by the election machinery, Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs. The big fear among the candidates especially those contesting from Bengaluru is that polling day is a Saturday. Bengalureans who have this habit of complaining about everything ironically are the worst when it comes to voting. They need to shrug off their weekend mode and go out and vote. In the 2013 assembly the voter turn in Bengaluru was 57 while in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls it was 54. Those are poor numbers. The Income Tax Department (ITD) today said that at Rs 37.33 crore, it has seized "six times" more cash and jewellery in poll-bound Karnataka this time as compared to the last elections in 2013. The poll campaign, for the 224-seat Assembly to be held on May 12, ended today. "From the beginning of the code of conduct period on March 27 to till date, the department has seized unaccounted cash of Rs 31.50 crore and unexplained jewellery worth Rs 5.83 crore. This is nearly six times the seizure made by the department in the last state assembly election in 2013," the department said in a statement. "The seizures are likely to further go up in the last days of electioneering," it added. Even in case, if the EC is able to ascertain that attempt was made to stop people from voting, it can cancel the poll. If the EC finds that a fraud was involved, it could even cancel election to the constituency. The Commission, the sources said, deliberated on the issue and decided to seek more information from the state election adminstration before arriving at a conclusion. The Election Commission tonight deferred a decision on the recovery of nearly 10,000 voter I-cards from a flat in Rajrajeshwari Nagar assembly seat of poll-bound Karnataka even as it sought fresh information from the state election machinery. The Election Commission of India has proposed 450 women-friendly booths. Known as Pink or Sakhi booths, these booths would be run by women only. A team of the EC is on a three day visit to Karnataka. Arrangements such as ramps, wheel chairs and magnifying glasses are also being made to ensure that differently abled persons have a smooth voting experience. Congress will have 35 manifestos. The manifesto committee headed by senior Congress leader, Veerappa Moily is already ready with the draft and the same will be released in another 2 weeks. The manifestos would be district and administrative region wise. There would be one common manifesto for the entire state. P.Muralidhar Rao, National BJP General Secretary and Karnataka in charge and N.Ravikumar, state General Secretary will address media at BJP media centre, Malleshwaram in Bengaluru. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on April 4 visited the Lingayat seminary Siddhaganga Mutt and met the 111-year old seer along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and KPCC President G Parameshwara. Gandhi's visit comes against the backdrop of the Siddaramaiah government's move to recommend to the Centre grant of religious minority status to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats, who are politically powerful. Kannada actor, Sudeep who recently met with JD(S) chief, H D Kumaraswamy has now called on Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah at his residence. There has been a big push to rope in cine stars into this campaign. Following Sudeeps meeting with Kumaraswamy there were speculations of him either joining the party or campaigning for it. Rahul Gandhi accuses Narendra Modi of disrespecting various institutions by having RSS men sitting in every ministry and giving orders. He said if voted to power, Congress would free these institutions of RSS control. "I don't know if you all know that in every single minister's office, there is an RSS man sitting and giving orders. So what can you expect.... nothing but disrespecting the institutions. The banking system of the country has been demolished by having this structure. "18 lakh people are missing from the voting list. We met with the Chief Electoral Officer and urged him to look into it", said Congress spokesperson, Brijesh Kalappa. "At least 18 to 20 lakh names have gone mysteriously missing. It appears as though only members of a particular community find their names missing in the list", Kalappa said. "EC told us that there is still time to rectify this until April 14," he further added. Lies and only Lies! See how @RahulGandhi fictitiously revokes the SC/ST Act to incite hatred in society. pic.twitter.com/4vcnM0zltM Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 5, 2018 BJP President Amit Shah attacks Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his latest tweet, says "Lies and only Lies". He claimed that the Congress president was "lying and fictitiously revoking the SC/ST Act to incite hatred in society." Karnataka Congress on Thursday tweeted saying, "Thank you Amit Shah for speaking the truth yet again. You are turning out to be our Star Campaigner! Karnataka's Silk production hit an all-time high in 2016-17. Major cocoon markets have been modernised & integrated with e-Mandi platform." Manickram Tagore, Secretary, All India Congress Committee, denied reports suggesting announcement of chief ministerial candidate on April 15. He tweeted, "I am surprised that I was misquoted in an article @thenewsminute about things I have neither said nor implied. Thank you @dhanyarajendran for immediately stepping in and clarifying the same and removing this article." Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, wife of late Srikantadatta Narsimharaja Wadiyar, on Thursday ruled out her entry into politics. I am not entering politics. I have been saying this for a long time. I have no interest in contesting elections, she told the media persons as she ended speculations over her possible entry into politics. Amit Shahs visit, which came ahead of the state assembly elections had attracted unnecessary media attention, she felt. The scion of the erstwhile royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar too had no interest in joining politics, she added. Senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa on Thursday 'advised' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to contest from Chamundeshwari Constituency or face a defeat. Taking a dig at Siddaramaiah's statement to the effect that BJP and JDS have joined hands to defeat him from Chamundeshwari segment on the fringes of Mysuru city, the BJP leader said that by making such a statement Siddaramaiah had conceded his defeat. ''When such is the case why should he contest? That too when he has stated that this is his last election?" he asked. BJP General Secretary, incharge of North East and J&K Ram Madhav has been roped in for Karnataka and is looking at crucial aspects of BJP campaign. Madhav has been tasked to push for a decisive shift in BJP campaign efforts and work towards a repeat of Tripura type performance in Karnataka. He held a series of meetings in Bengaluru today with top Sangh functionaries, intellectuals and civil society members, reports ANI. The BJP's first list of candidates for the Karnataka assembly election 2018 is ready. The party has finalised the names of 130 candidates and would release it soon. The BJP has roped in its Tripura architect Ram Madhav for the Karnataka elections. Sources say he met with several eminent persons in the city to discuss the election strategy. Madhav who is the national general secretary will spend a considerable amount of time in the state, sources say. VS Ugrappa, MLC and Minister Sri HM Revanna to hold press conference at 1:30pm on Friday at KPCC Office today. The party claims that the leaders will give "Breaking News against BJP". The Ministry for Home Affairs has stayed clear of the Lingayat religious minority status issue. The issue is beyond it jurisdiction and the Ministry of Minority Affairs would look into it. An MHA spokesperson said that a decision to this effect would not be taken anytime soon as the model code of conduct is in force in Karnataka. We will win 150 seats in the elections. We will provide good and clean governance. We have to realise Narendra Modis and Amit Shahs dream of a "Congress mukt Bharat. Let also ensure that Karnataka is Congress mukt", B S Yeddyurappa said. "People are in distress because of Congress. Crime rate has gone up, farmers have committed suicide. The only solution to all these problems is the BJP", he also said. Karnataka Assembly Elections: Chamrajpet constituency in Bengaluru set to witness an interesting battle. Zameer Ahmed who quit the JD(S) to contest on Congress ticket while Altaf Khan who quit the Congress to quit on JD(S) ticket. The BJP will field a strong candidate to take advantage of the split in Muslim votes. Will the trick pay off? Let us wait and see. Congress MLC, V.S. Ugrappa and Minister Sri HM Revanna to hold press conference at 1:30pm on Friday at KPCC Office today. The party claims that the leaders will give, "Breaking News against BJP". LED van for BJP campaigning will be inaugurated at Bashan Circle in Bengaluru by B.S.Yeddyurappa, P.Muralidhar Rao, Shobha Karandlaje and other leaders today at 2.30 p.m "I will contest from Chamundeshwari constituency and I will definitely win," says CM Siddaramaiah in Mysore. "Son Dr. Yateendra will contest from Varuna constituency if only party high command decides," he said. CM Siddaramaiah visits famous Lingayat mutt in Suttur. Seeks blessings from the seer. The Election Commission of India has sacked Home Ministry Advisor Kempaiah. This action comes in the wake of JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda complaining to the poll body that Kempaiah was using government vehicles to transport money for the elections. Congress leaders begins press conference at KPCC office in Bengaluru. MLS VS Ugrappa releases 3 Income Tax documents against BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa. The party alleged that Yeddyurappa is involved in Rs 1033 Cores scam. Yeddyurappa as CM issued a tender worth Rs. 1033 cr to RNSIL in Upper Bhadra Project. IT Depts order dated 28/03/2016 after a seizure operation states that Sunil(V.P,Finance,RNSIL) has on oath & based on diary jottings admitted to have paid bribe to BSY: MLC Ugrappa#BSY420 pic.twitter.com/WyydHmT00O Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) April 6, 2018 Congress levels graft charges on BSY These are not our documents. This is an order against Shri Yeddyurappa by the Income tax department under the Central Govt. Yeddyurappa has even paid a fine for non-declaration, which is in itself an admission of guilt of receiving Rs. 4.11 crore bribe, Karnataka Congress quoted MLC Ugrappa as saying. Former TV journalist and MP Tejaswini is expected to take on HD Kumaraswamy in Ramanagara on a BJP ticket. BJP state general secretary CT Ravi demanded that Jignesh Mewani be barred from entering Karnataka till voting day on May 12. This comes a day after Dalit leader Mevani advised people to disrupt Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming rally on April 15. Mevani called for people to enter Modis rally, throw chairs in the air and question the prime minister's promise to generate two crores worth of employment in the state. He said that if Modi does not answer, then he should be asked to leave and take shelter at a Ram Mandir in the Himalayas. Mevani is currently in Chitradurga and he has been appealing to all Dalit groups in the state to not vote for the BJP in the assembly elections. Amit Shah said on Friday he is a Hindu Vaishnav, refuting Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiahs claim that the BJP chief is a Jain. Amit Shah is a Jain. He needs to clarify first whether he is AHINDU. Jain is a separate religion. How can he talk about me like that, Siddaramaiah had said. Kathua rape case: No problem in BJP-PDP alliance, says Ram Madhav India oi-Vikas By Vikas Hours after two BJP ministers resigned from the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet for allegedly supporting the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case, senior party leader Ram Madhav said that there was no problem in the PDP-BJP alliance in the state. Jammu and Kashmir ministers, Chaudhary Lal Singh and Chandra Prakash Ganga, who had drawn criticism from all quarters over their participation in a rally in support of the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case, submitted their resignations to state BJP president on Friday (April 13). "There was some amount of indiscretion on the part of our two ministers. Coming under the pressure of local public they spoke at a gathering in this context," Madhav, who is BJP In-Charge of Jammu and Kashmir, told ANI. "We took a serious view of it and asked the ministers to take a decision on their own on the matter. And, the ministers have submitted their resignation letters to the state president and we will take appropriate action tomorrow," he added. Forest Minister Chaudhary Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash had attended the rally. Opposition National Conference and the Congress had demanded that Mehbooba sack the two ministers. "There is no trouble in the BJP-PDP alliance. We are in touch with J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is of the view that the BJP should take a stand on these two ministers and PM also advised us to take appropriate action to send a right message to people," Madhav said. [Kathua gangrape: 2 BJP ministers resign from J&K cabinet] The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. The gory details of the heinous crime surfaced following filing of charges. The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, April 14, 2018, 1:34 [IST] Kathua, Unnao rape cases: Why PM Modi's silence is deafening India oi-Maitreyee New Delhi, April 13: When the most eloquent man in the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his oratory skills, goes silent on two of the most horrendous rape cases the nation has witnessed in the recent times, it speaks volumes about the total collapse of administration in the country. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers in Jammu and Kashmir openly supported the accused in the Kathua rape case, in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao incident, the alleged perpetrator of the crime is none other than BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is yet to be arrested. In spite of the direct involvement of BJP and right-wing men in both the cases where human bestiality will put even animals to shame, Modi on Thursday was seen in the high-profile defence expo in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Modi spoke on various issues in the southern city, but he remained mum on the rape cases when protesters on roads and social media soldiers demanded answers from him. The unfortunate unfolding of both the rape cases--one, where an 8-year-old girl in Jammu's Kathua was kidnapped, drugged, gang-raped and killed to instill fear in people belonging to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community by eight men in January, and the second, in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, where a 16-year-old girl was raped last year by the BJP MLA but the authorities failed to give her justice till date--can't be brushed under the carpet. The agony of the teenager in Uttar Pradesh has been further aggravated, after the girl's father died in the police custody because of the brutal physical assault on him by the accused MLA's brother. Both the crimes showcase how rape is used as a tool to silence people belonging to the minority community (in the Kathua incident) and how powerful people like Sengar (in Unnao case) can move scot-free even after an FIR was registered against him. The two shameful cases will surely be remembered in the future where power and politics joined hands to kill the justice system which is otherwise accountable to women/girls. It is a well-known fact that the PM remains silent on all unpleasant episodes that have hit the country in the last four years of the BJP government. Modi spoke only to woo young voters before their board exams, but he remained stoically silent when CBSE question papers were leaked threatening to damage the career of lakhs of children. Similarly, Modi spoke on the birth anniversaries of Dalit icons but remained quiet when Dalits were killed during the nationwide protests to oppose the alleged dilution of the SC/ST act recently. Again, Modi always 'stands tall' to talk about his pet project, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the girl child, educate the girl child) during public events. Now, when the nation is asking him to at least condemn the heinous crimes against the minors, the PM seems to be too detached from the ground reality. The PM's silence is not his lack of awareness about the happenings in the nation. Like all, Modi knows the direct involvement of his own party colleagues and their continuous attempts to subvert the justice system in both the cases. By turning his back on crimes against women/girls, Modi in a way gives an impression about his government's tactical support to the accused. Like Modi, till yesterday, most of his cabinet ministers and opposition leaders were silent over the rape cases. Till now, not a single BJP woman minister in the Modi cabinet has spoken about the horrific crimes against the humanity. Perhaps, for them saving their ministerial berths by avoiding any sort of confrontation with their party is more important than speaking on behalf of the country's women. It is only Union minister VK Singh who condemned the rape and killing of Kathua girl on Thursday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also silent before he was nudged on social media to break his maun vrat (vow of silence) too. On Thursday, Rahul tweeted and lead a midnight candlelight march to protest crimes against women in the national capital. Next time when Modi will speak during a well-organised PR event on women, India's betis won't be able to bear his words, as the chowkidar has not only failed to ensure their safety but betrayed them when they needed him the most. On Friday too, a shell-shocked nation is talking about Kathua and Unnao rape cases. They expressed their anguish on social media over the cruelty and injustice meted to the girls. 'Will amend POCSO Act to bring death penalty for rape of minors': Maneka Gandhi India oi-Deepika By Deepika Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on Friday called for amendments in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and demanded death penalty on those convicted of raping minors. In a video shared by the ministry, she said she was "deeply, deeply" disturbed by the Kathua rape case. Her ministry would move a cabinet note on Monday to amend POCSO, the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act, she said. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday announced to enact a new law to make rape of minors punishable by death. "We will never ever let another child suffer in this way. We will bring a new law that will make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors, so that little girl's case becomes the last," Mehbooba tweeted. The 8-year-old was abducted, raped and murdered in Rassana village in Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua district in January. The body of the girl, from the Bakarwal community, was recovered from Rassana forest in Kathua on 17 January, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had filed an FIR against lawyers of Jammu who tried to prevent Crime Branch officers from filing a charge sheet in a court on Monday in connection with the Kathua rape and murder case. The chargesheet was filed amid protests by a group of lawyers who attempted to stop crime branch officials from framing charges. Eight people, including two special police officers, have been arrested in connection with the crime. The crime has triggered communal tension in the state, with many lawyers in Hindu-dominated Jammu region protesting against police and demanding a CBI probe. 'No matter how influential accused is, he will not be spared': CM Yogi on Unnao rape India oi-Deepika By Deepika Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday vowed to act against the detained BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl in Unnao district. Yogi said, "Investigation has been handed over to the CBI. I believe the CBI would have arrested the MLA also. Our government will not compromise on this, no matter how influential the accused is, he will not be spared." Earlier in the day, The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday detained BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar who has been accused with the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh, an official said. Sengar, an MLA from Bangarmau seat in Unnao district, is being questioned at the CBI headquarters here. The horrific crimes in Kathua and Unnao have led to massive outrage across the country with protests being organised in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh and other places. The four-time lawmaker and his brothers allegedly gang-raped the girl in Unnao - who attempted suicide outside Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow on Sunday - and are also accused in the custodial death of the victim's father. Her father was held by the UP police later that day. Pappu Singh, aged around 50, was allegedly roughed up by Senger's brother Atul Singh and his aides following which he died. Our daughters will definitely get justice: Modi on Kathua, Unnao rapes India oi-Vikas By Vikas Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (April 13) finally broke his silence on the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, for which his government has drawn widespread criticism. Modi said that culprits would not be spared, adding that society should be ashamed of such incidents. "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society, we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," Modi said at Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi. Modi also launched a scathing attack on the Congress over the way the grand old party treated Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar post-independence. "Congress used all its power to remove any mention of Baba Saheb from the country's history. This is the bitter truth of history that when Baba Saheb was alive, Congress left no stone un-turned to insult him," he said. "Baba Saheb would not have imagined that after independence govt with a working culture of 'latkana, atkana and bhatkana' will come to power. In the last 4 years our govt has re-started work on programs & schemes that have been pending for many-many years," he added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi observed a candlelight vigil on the midnight intervening Thursday (April 12) and Friday (April 13) at the India Gate in New Delhi to register his protest against the growing incidents of crime against women. Gandhi earlier said the "unimaginable brutality" cannot go unpunished, and called the violence against the child a crime against humanity. He was referring to Kathua gangrape in which an 8-year-old girl was raped and killed. The BJP government is drawing a lot of flak over rape of a minor in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, and Unnao rape case, which allegedly involves BJP MLA, Kuldeep Senger. The Kathua rape and murder was a gruesome act in which an 8 year lost her life. The Jammu police has filed its charge sheet in the case and details the most horrific crime one has seen in recent times. Following the charge sheet, protests had broken out in which some sought to defend the accused persons. The Jammu police say that the primary intention of the murder was to frighten the Bakarwal community to which the girl belongs. The intention was to dislodge the nomadic tribe, the police said. [Kathua, Unnao rape cases: Why PM Modi's silence is deafening] Meanwhile, an FIR was registered against rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger on Thursday at the Makhi police station in Unnao. The case was registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (including Section 376 for rape) and POCSO Act. The four-time lawmaker and his brothers allegedly gang-raped the girl in Unnao - who later attempted suicide outside Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in Lucknow on Sunday. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 13, 2018, 20:47 [IST] Thanks to Bollywood for raising its voice to demand justice for Kathua, Unnao rape victims India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff When the political class has ashamed us by maintaining a stoic silence till Thursday over the horrendous rapes of two minors in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, Bollywood needs a special mention for speaking against crimes against women/girls without mincing any words. India's Hindi film industry stood united to demand justice for an 8-year-old girl from Jammu's Kathua, who was kidnapped, drugged, gang-raped and killed by eight men in January to instill fear in people belonging to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, and 16-year-old teenager from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, who was allegedly raped last year by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Bollywood lending its voice to demand justice for the victims holds a lot of weight as film personalities are powerful and influential people in the country. When film stars speak, the nation listens to them. Their support for justice for Kathua and Unnao rape victims will surely jolt the establishment to book the culprits at the earliest. The details pertaining to both the cases have shocked the entire nation as protest marches have been held to demand exemplary punishment for the accused in both the cases. Celebrities such as Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Javed Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor Abhishek Bachchan, Swara Bhasker and Hansal Mehta, among others took to social media to condemn the two brutal incidents. After large-scale condemnation, Maneka Gandhi, the Union women and child development minister, on Friday finally broke her silence and said that her ministry would move a cabinet note on Monday to amend the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act to ensure death penalty for those who rape minors. Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also silent before he was nudged on social media to break his maun vrat (vow of silence) too. On Thursday, Rahul tweeted and lead a midnight candlelight march to protest crimes against women in the national capital. Here are some tweets from Bollywood personalities: Imagine what goes through the mind of an 8 yr old as she is drugged, held captive, gang raped over days and then murdered. If you dont feel her terror, you are not human. If you dont demand Asifa get justice, you belong to nothing. Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) April 12, 2018 Ashamed appalled and disgusted by fake nationals and fake Hindus. I cannot believe this is happening in my country. https://t.co/V8tKoo6viX Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) April 12, 2018 All those who wish justice for women should stand up and raise their voices against the rapists and their protectors in Unnao and Kathua . Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) April 11, 2018 How many more children like baby Asifa will be sacrificed at the intersect of religion & politics? How many more children will have to suffer unimaginable crimes before we wake up? Im disgusted. Its time for swift action. We owe it to Asifa and to humanity. #justiceforAsifa. PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 12, 2018 Unnao rape: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar detained for questioning India oi-Vicky Nanjappa BJP MLA, Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been detained for questioning by the CBI in connection with the Unnao rape incident. The move comes a day after the High Court came down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh government and asked if it planned on arresting the MLA. A bench of Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Suneet Kumar, taking cognisance of the gangrape case on a letter to the court by senior lawyer Gopal Swaroop Chaturvedi, heard the matter in detail and will pronounce its order tomorrow. The court also questioned the conduct of the police in the case, saying whom will a victim approach to register a complaint. The court then asked the Advocate General whether the government proposes to arrest Sengar. Singh said that he was not in a position to make any statement in this regard and police will proceed in accordance with the law only after recording statements of the complainant and witnesses. The court referred to the SIT report and said, "according to it, medical officers and police officers, all were hand in glove with the accused to save them and you acted on this report against those officers but for arresting rape accused you need to do further investigation." "Police was not ready to register FIR of the minor rape victim. In spite of the SIT report, you are repeating that we can only take any action after further investigation if this is the conduct of the police in the state, whom will a victim approach to register a complaint. If this is the stand you are repeatedly taking, then we will be forced to observe in our order that 'law and order has collapsed in the state'," it said. In Karnataka coalition, why Congress has more to lose and JD(S) gains Lingayats vs Veerashaivas: Congress has no magic wand and the ghost will continue to haunt it Why religious minority status for Lingayats has done less good and added more confusion India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar Ever since Karnataka CM recommended for separate religion status to Lingayats a sense of confusion is prevailing among the community. The decision by a government headed by a non-Lingayat leader from the Congress party- at a time the community is known to backing BJP- a month ahead of assembly elections has raised doubts in the minds of the dominant community of Karnataka. Senior BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, former chief minister of Karnataka is opposed to the separation between Lingayat and Veerashaiva communities. Yeddyurappa claims the Lingayats and Veerashaivas are one and the same community, both of which belong to Hinduism. People who keep abreast of current affairs and the masses alike interpret and understand Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's move in their own capacity. Above all, the Lingayat seers call for support to the Congress in the elections has aroused curiosity amongst pundits and the people about the electoral gains to the grand old party. A man who runs a tea-stall and his group of friends in Basava Kalyan, which holds historical significance for Lingayats, view the Congress government's move as "an attempt to divide the Lingayat community. And Siddaramaiah is a backward class (AHINDA) leader who cannot woo Lingayats by this move." Coming to Bidar, where the first rally demanding independent religion took place in July 2017, a middle-aged who runs a restaurant in the city pointed what the issue of Lingayat movement is lacking. He says, " The Lingayat rally in the city was politically backed, not spontaneous by common people. The issue is the creation of Lingayat seers and politicians." Further, he recalled the Mandal commission movement to his justify his understanding of public support to a cause." About swamijis call to support Congress party in the elections, he says, "Only followers and disciples will listen to them, not voters." Certainly, there is confusion among the community about the cultural differences between Lingayat and Veerashaiva communities and the differences between Lingayats with respect to Hindu religion. Also, it is naive to expect immediate political dividends in the upcoming elections. In fact, candidate, his/her ability to win the election, his/her caste and money power play decisive roles in this election like previous elections. Dr. Harish Ramaswamy, Professor of Political Science from Dharwad, explained the current scenario in which people are going through. He explains why there is confusion among common people regarding the issue. "The discourse of Lingayat religion is happening at the intellectual level. At the ground level, the confusion prevails whether a person is Lingayat or Veerashaiva. Broadly, people proclaim themselves as Lingayat," Harish Ramaswamy said. About the electoral gains, he said, "The idea of Congress to have a separate religion of Lingayats is not in terms of electoral gains, it is in terms of how the opinion transforms itself." He asserted that the issue still is an intellectual debate. For instance, all the religions separated themselves with this kind of thinking initially, whether it is Jain or Sikh religions. "The ideas have to mature, originate, take a shape and later consolidation process takes place," he opined. " Everybody knows it is a political decision. I personally think they (Congress) have taken a knee-jerk action to prove its commitment to the community." Will the Lingayat community- the conglomeration 99 subcastes- go with Congress to return the favor? Will they consider it as a strategy to divide the community? or Will the Congress benefit from the confusion among Lingayats? Only the poll results will reveal the positive or negative effects of this big Lingayat gamble played by Siddaramaiah. Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15 Centre renames 2 prominent institutes after Sushma Swaraj on the eve of her birth anniversary SCO summit: Sushma, Sitharaman scheduled to be in Beijing on April 24 International pti-PTI External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are scheduled to be in Beijing on April 24 to attend different meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and interact with their counterparts from the member states. The eight-member SCO, in which India was a latest entrant along with Pakistan, is due to hold its summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit and also hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Ahead of the summit, the organisation which is focused on anti-terrorism cooperation is holding a host of ministerial and officials' meetings to work out a firm agenda for the summit to provide a new direction to the grouping. SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers meetings are scheduled on the same day on April 24 and almost around the same time, according to officials here. The visits of Swaraj and Sitharaman are the first high-profile visits by Indian ministers after last year's 73-day long standoff at Doklam. The two ministers are expected to hold bilateral meetings with their Chinese and other counterparts. Since December, the two sides are trying to reset the relations and looking to iron out differences on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China blocking the efforts to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. Besides the two ministers, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is also expected to visit China in the coming weeks. Both sides attach a lot of significance to these meetings to reset their ties as they were taking place after President Xi has commenced his second-five-year tenure last month with the prospect of continuing in power for life following the removal of the two-term limit for the president. PTI Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. This piece was reprinted by OpEdNews with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. From Consortium News One interesting and completely undeniable fact that we don't talk about nearly enough is how Syria has been a target for regime change by the US-centralized power establishment since long before the uprising in 2011. Proponents of US military interventionism in Syria will avoid addressing this known fact like the plague. They're more than happy to dispute claims about false flags and the White Helmets, but if you start asking them "Hey don't you think it's a little odd that the government we're all freaking out about right now just so happens to be one that's been a target for regime change by US defense and intelligence agencies since long before any of this started?" they get real squirmy all of a sudden. It's true though. Let's go over five key items in the mountain of evidence for this, starting with the most recent and working our way backward: The Roland Dumas Statement Roland Dumas is the former Foreign Minister of France, and he stated that he was made aware of the violence in Syria in 2009, two years before it started. "I'm going to tell you something," Dumas said on French station LCP. "I was in England two years before the violence in Syria on other business. I met with top British officials, who confessed to me that they were preparing something in Syria. This was in Britain not in America. Britain was organizing an invasion of rebels into Syria. They even asked me, although I was no longer minister for foreign affairs, if I would like to participate. Naturally, I refused, I said I'm French, that doesn't interest me.'' ''This operation goes way back. It was prepared, preconceived and planned," Dumas added. Prepared, preconceived, and planned. The 2006 William Roebuck Cable A December 13, 2006 cable published by WikiLeaks reveals how five years prior to the beginning of the violence, the US government (USG) was seeking out weaknesses of the Assad government which could be exploited to undermine it. William Roebuck, an official at the US embassy in Damascus, said this in his summary of the cable: "We believe Bashar's weaknesses are in how he chooses to react to looming issues, both perceived and real, such as the conflict between economic reform steps (however limited) and entrenched, corrupt forces, the Kurdish question, and the potential threat to the regime from the increasing presence of transiting Islamist extremists. This cable summarizes our assessment of these vulnerabilities and suggests that there may be actions, statements, and signals that the USG can send that will improve the likelihood of such opportunities arising." This excellent Truthout article from 2015 goes into further details about the cable's examination of the ways Syria and its relationship with Iran could be undermined, and documents the recurring theme of the US government's plan to provoke a rash overreaction from Assad against the various oppositional factions in Syria using psyops to foment paranoia about coup plots. The theme of Assad "overreacting" to demonstrations in 2011 has been loudly trumpeted by the western mass media ever since the violence erupted, which the US and its allies were involved in creating from the very beginning. The General Wesley Clark Statement General Wesley Clark made the following statement on Democracy Now in 2007 about a conversation he had with a general in 2001: "About 10 days after 9/11, I went through the Pentagon and I saw Secretary Rumsfeld and Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz. I went downstairs just to say hello to some of the people on the Joint Staff who used to work for me, and one of the generals called me in. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. After reaching a low of 36 percent, Trump's approval rating has gradually inched up to 40 percent. On the Left Coast his (historic) low remains a source of amazement because we rarely hear anyone speak favorably of Trump. Nonetheless, after 15 months in office, and a series of epic blunders, Trump has held onto his base. What explains this? Until recently, my primary source for understanding Trump supporters was an excellent book by UC Berkeley Sociology professor Arlie Hochshild, "Strangers in Their Own Land." Hochschild conducted a five-year study of Louisiana Tea Party voters who eventually became Trump supporters. Hochschild details their "deep story," a narrative shared by her interviewees: "You are standing in a long line leading up a hill, as in a pilgrimage. You are situated in the middle of this line, along with others who are also white, older, Christian, and predominantly male... Just over the brow of the hill is the American Dream, the goal of everyone waiting in line. Most in the back of the line are people of color... Look! You see people cutting in line ahead of you! You're following the rules. They aren't. As they cut in, it feels like you are being moved back... Who are they? Women, immigrants, refugees, public sector workers -- where will it end?" There's a blues song with the title, "I've been down so long that down looks like up to me." It seems to me that the voters Hochschild interviewed have been screwed over for so long that they're profoundly disoriented. Grasping for a lifeline, they latched onto Trump. Recently, academics have studied this phenomenon. In their paper, "Make America Christian Again: Christian Nationalism and Voting for Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election" (https://academic.oup.com/socrel/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/socrel/srx070/4825283? ) sociologists Andrew Whitehead, Joseph Baker, and Samuel Perry conclude that for many Trump supporters, "voting for Trump was... a symbolic defense of the United States' perceived Christian heritage." Whitehead, Baker, and Perry used data from the latest Baylor Religion Study (.baylor.edu/baylorreligionsurvey/doc.php/292546.pdf ) to unearth the core beliefs of white evangelical Christians -- 80 percent of whom voted for Trump. After controlling for factors such as party affiliation and religiosity, the sociologists identified six questions as measures of Christian Nationalism: The first is "the federal government should enforce strict separation of church and state." Christian Nationalists reject this because they believe that the United States has a special relationship with the Christian God; there's a covenant for a Christian nation. While Christian Nationalists reject separation of church and state, they respond positively to these five notions: "The federal government should declare the United States a Christian nation." "The federal government should advocate Christian values." "The federal government should allow the display of religious symbols in public spaces." "The success of the United States is part of God's plan." "The federal government should allow prayer in public schools." Christian Nationalists support Trump because they believe he supports these notions. (In addition, the Whitehead, Baker, and Perry study found profound anti-Muslim attitudes among the Christian Nationalists; for example, agreement with the statement, "Muslims endanger the physical safety of people like me." Trump appears to harbor the same sentiments.) That explains why Christian Nationalists have stuck with Trump through 15 tumultuous months in office. In an interview with the Huffington Post ( https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/researchers-discover-common-thread-between-evangelicals-who-voted-for-trump_us_5abbd15ae4b04a59a313c5ea) one of the study researchers, Andrew Whitehead, noted that since his election Trump has given Christian Nationalists direct access to the White House and this has led them to forgive his conduct: "They believe God can use anyone, 'even a thrice married, non-pious, self-proclaimed public playboy,'" to form a Christian nation]. "For Christian nationalists, the end goal is a society that favors Christianity in various aspects... How that project is achieved is of little consequence to them." While "Strangers in their own land" doesn't directly address Christian Nationalism, many of Arlie Hochschild's subjects participated in the evangelical Christianity that Whitehead, Baker, and Perry identify as the source of Christian Nationalism. (And Hochschild's subjects who don't seem particularly religious appear to share the same worldview as their neighbors.) Two of Hoschschild's observations seem particularly relevant. The first is that the Louisiana Trump supporters have no confidence in government to fix their problems. The second is that they place their confidence in business. Hochschild observed that her subjects "identify up with the 1 percent." They believe that big business, not big government will provide the solutions to their problems, whether they are meaningful employment, healthcare, or environmental pollution. (This derives from the Calvinism that underlies white evangelical Christianity.) They voted for Trump because they saw him as a successful businessman. Vice President Mike Pence has an important role because he's a Christian Nationalist (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/01/gods-plan-for-mike-pence/546569/ ). Pence has been responsible for many of the initiatives that the Christian Nationalists held dear: the effort to flood the courts with conservative judges; the drive to restrict abortion rights and defund Planned Parenthood; the effort to provide Federal funding to church schools; the drive to restrict immigration; etcetera. As long as Mike Pence stands by Donald Trump then Trump will have the support of the hard-core component of his base -- Christian Nationalists. And when Pence steps away, and Trump falls, Pence will become President. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. "Nothing will say more about who we've become as a nation than if a torturer is allowed to head the CIA" (Peter Van Buren, 2018) In 2002 Haspel, known to CIA colleagues as "Bloody Gina ," was working for Jose Rodriguez, the man in charge of implementing the torture program at secret locations around the world. Her cable, "Turning Up the Heat in AZ Interrogations," recommended torturing Abu Zubaydah , whom the CIA was interrogating at a "black site" in Thailand. Andrew Sullivan reported in New York Magazine (4/6/18) that, "Three months after [Haspel's]cable . . . Zubaydah was waterboarded 83 times. Haspel reported at one point that the CIA team conducted a 'dress rehearsal " which choreographed moving Abu Zubaydah in and out of the large and small confinement boxes, as well as use of the water board.'" As Raymond Bonner explains, the brutality was pointless "because he was not a member of al-Qaida, and had no knowledge of any plots against the United States." Pro Publica has retracted its earlier report that Haspel was "chief of base" in Thailand while Zubaydah was tortured. But it and the New York Times affirm that she was in charge of the base during the subsequent interrogation of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri. He was waterboarded three times, left nude in a "standing sleep deprivation position with his aims affixed over his head," threatened with mock execution by pistol and power drill, confined in a coffin-like box, forcibly bathed and scrubbed on his anus and in his mouth with a stiff-bristled brush, and had his body forced backward in a kneeling position until he screamed. In 2005, according to John Rizzo, (then) CIA acting general counsel, Jose Rodriguez and his chief-of-staff Haspel engineered the destruction of 92 videotapes of the interrogations of Zubaydah and al-Nashiri. They "were the staunchest advocates inside the [CIA] building for destroying the tapes," Rizzo wrote in his 2014 memoir, Company Man: Thirty Years of Controversy and Crisis in the CIA."On the edges of meetings on other subjects, in the hallways, they would raise the subject almost every week" (BuzzFeed NEWS,3/28/18). Rodriguez and Haspel destroyed the torture tapes in violation of a court order and the repeated instructions of the Bush administration. Gina Haspel and Jose Rodriguez have gone unpunished despite committing war crimes and covering them up. Instead, Gina Haspel has now been rewarded with a nomination to head the CIA. This 2007 campaign statement by Sen. John McCain shows how far we've sunk since the years following WWII: " ... following World War II war crime trials were convened. The Japanese were tried and convicted and hung for war crimes committed against American POWs. Among those charges for which they were convicted was waterboarding." The UN Convention Against Torture was signed by Ronald Reagan in April 1988 and ratified by the United States in October 1994. Two of its provisions explicitly rule out the excuses that have been offered for Haspel's conduct: Art. 2.2. No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture. Art. 2. 3. An order from a superior officer or a public authority may not be invoked as a justification of torture". Our ruling class is averse to prosecuting its members for crimes. During the eight years of the Obama administration, only one low-ranking Wall Street executive has been convicted for the widespread fraud that led to the financial crisis of 2007-08, the most severe since the Great Depression. No one at GM went to jail for knowingly selling cars with defective ignition switches that caused 124 deaths. And no high-ranking government official has been prosecuted for documented acts of torture in violation of international and U.S. law. This indulgence toward upper-class felony contrasts with our swelling population of lower-class prisoners. On any given day we have 2.3 million people locked up, 80,000 of whom are in solitary confinement (arguably a form of torture). We have the highest incarceration rate in the world. The rule of law means that every person, regardless of political or economic status, is bound by the same set of laws. It is the foundation of our constitution and of any just society. The rule of law is always vulnerable to the demands of rich and powerful people who believe they are entitled to impunity. Their demands are harder to deny when economic inequality is as extreme as it is in today's America. Billions of dollars in personal wealth translates into a great amount of raw political power. If these people regularly get their way, our society becomes fundamentally corrupt. If we as a nation are not ruled by laws, then we are subject to the will of a powerful minority of billionaires and their elected servants. Lawlessness in government means being governed by force, by the threat of punishment from those who control our police and armed forces. Torture is perhaps the purest expression of the brutality of power unchecked by law--power wielded by a government that has lost its respect for those it governs. It is a brutality which Donald Trump seems to savor. As he said on the campaign trail, "I would bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding." It was entirely in character for him to nominate Gina Haspel. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. The coolest award I could ever receive #evn12 (Image by joebeone) Details DMCA I expect to be fed tons of propaganda from the major networks, but I never believed that anyone with any sense of dignity or scruples could lie so blatantly to the American people. I can't believe that of all the major networks the only person who reported the truth was Tucker Carlson on Fox News. I hope Donald Trump was watching. The rest of the so-called "news" people went along with the government's official story that Syria used chlorine gas on its own citizens. This is not the first time that America has lied about Bashir al-Assad using chemical weapons and poison gas on his own citizens. This is the third time, the two times before this it was proven on investigation that the rebels that we support with our tax dollars were the ones who used poison gas on Syrian civilians. Currently, American warships including aircraft carriers and Aegis missile ships are enroute to the Syrian coast. There also reports of French and English warships heading towards the coast of Syria This has caused Russia and China to send their warships to the Syrian coast. The president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin has asked everyone involved to wait until this incident is investigated. The American government has claimed that the Syrian government has closed off the area and will not let any investigation team in. Frankly, I don't believe it. The truth is, I have a tough time believing anything that comes from the American government. Time and time again the American government has lied about almost every situation in the Middle East. They lied us into a war with Iraq, they destroyed Libya and now they want to destroy Syria and get rid of Bashar al-Assad because the Saudis want to put in a pipeline for natural gas. This pipeline would send natural gas to Europe through Syria and Turkey. The Syrian government does not want this pipeline to run through their country because it would undercut the price of natural gas that the Russian Federation ships to Europe. This is what it's all about, and it's not only a natural gas pipeline, a huge deposit of oil, one of the largest oilfields ever found, has been discovered in the Israeli occupied section of the Golan Heights. This crisis is not about the Syrian government gassing its own people. The United States does not care about the deaths of 60 Syrian citizens. While the United States government decries this so-called gas attack, they are arming the Saudis in Yemen that are bombing women and children daily in a war that the United Nations reports is causing one of the largest famines in recent history. The American government doesn't seem to care about the deaths that are caused by supplying weapons and logistical support to the Saudi Air Force. The American government didn't seem to care about the deaths they caused and Libya when they performed their regime change. I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but the United States doesn't care about killing people if it's in America's interests. The United States kills more people than any other nation on earth. This isn't just about the pipeline and the oil in the Golan Heights, this is way for Donald Trump to get the focus off the Mueller investigation. This situation is intolerable and against everything our nation supposedly stands for, things like self-determination for other nations and having a government that does the will of his own people. When I watch the major networks beat the war drums at the behest of the Trump administration and the deep state, I can't believe the depths that this nation had sunk to. I believe that Congress must intervene and do their duty under the Constitution. Syria is not a direct threat to the security of the United States Under article 1 section 7, the power to declare war is given to Congress and not the executive branch. The President is not authorized to use military force on a sovereign nation unless there is a clear and present danger. If Donald Trump attacks Syria, he is in violation of the Constitution and he should be arrested and put on trial. The government of Syria is not a clear and present danger to the United States This won't happen because most of the people in Congress are beholden to defense contractors and the corporate state. I believe that Congress no longer represents the will of the American people and it is incumbent upon the people of the United States to intervene and change the way the nation's business is done in Washington DC. If it takes mass protests and civil disobedience, so be it. If it takes a revolution to change the direction of the United States, then so be it. The alternative is a nation engaged in continuous warfare and death while we spend half the nation's budget on the US war machine. This endless war must stop, and the people of the United States are the only ones who can stop it. I am tired of hearing about Russia doing this and Russia doing that. I don't believe that the Russian Federation is responsible for the death and destruction that is happening in Syria, I believe it is United States and Saudi Arabia funding rebel groups like Al Qaeda and Al Nusra and other Islamic fundamentalist groups that are fighting the Syrian government and being funded with American tax dollars. It is the United States and Saudi Arabia along with other Gulf states that fund those groups trying to topple the Syrian government. This is common knowledge and the United States government is lying when they say they send troops to fight Isis. It is Russia that is fighting Isis. The United States is on the wrong side of history. Enough is enough and as I write these words I feel that it may be too late. The American government must take a timeout and reconsider exactly what is at stake in this coming conflict. In the chaos that is war, all it takes to one miscalculation, one excited soldier pulling the trigger or toggling a missile and the result could be catastrophic. Is it worth chancing the destruction of mankind in a nuclear holocaust? As events unfold, this is not conjecture, this is a strong possibility. If there was ever a time to rise and change the direction of the United States, this is certainly the time. God bless the people of the United States. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. "The statute as I understand it...gives the District...the responsibility and authority of oversight" - LAUSD Board Member George McKenna Last November, 20 charter schools refused to include District Required Language in their charter petitions. As a result, the LAUSD Charter School Division took the rare step of recommending that 14 of these charters be rejected by the LAUSD School Board. The crisis was avoided in last-minute negotiations that took place out of the view of the public. This agreement granted "charters some, but not all of the changes to the 'district-required language' that they'd initially sought". It also gave the School Board final say over the District Required Language. It's important to note that the present Board is currently controlled by a majority bought and paid for by the CCSA. At last week's Board meeting, the results of the millions of dollars in campaign spending by the CCSA was on full display as a working group presented a "list of district policies to which charter schools are subject". This working group consisted of representatives of 13 charter schools. It also included the CCSA, whom Board Member Scott Schmerelson correctly described as a lobbying organization. As Board Member George McKenna pointed out, principals from District operated schools were not included, even though they have to deal with issues, like Prop 39 colocations, that are caused by the expanding charter community. Public school teachers were also not represented. Neither were parents, whose children are ultimately affected by these policies. Giving the charters exclusive input into the rulemaking process was not enough for the CCSA owned Board Member Nick Melvoin who asked what a charter could do if they did not want to consent to the new DRL. Kelly Gonez spouted another CCSA talking point by claiming that passing the recommendations would increase transparency relating to how the District oversees charters. This ignored the fact that the District Required Language was already published on the District Website and available to the public and for anyone wanting to open a charter. Interim Superintendent Vivian Ekchian touted the "collaborative dialogue" and said that "we are much closer to a place of common understanding about the [district] policies that apply" to charters. Frances Gipson, the District's Chief Academic Officer, claimed that the results provided a "neutral perspective" even though they did not include any input from individuals or organizations that are not affiliated with the charter industry and there was no collaboration with the stakeholders of the District. The charters were simply asked how they would like to be regulated. The Board voted unanimously to approve the rules written by the charter industry. The fox is officially in charge of the henhouse. (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA "The CCSA is a stakeholder in our district." - Charter Schools Division head Jose Cole-Gutierrez ____________________________________________ Carl Petersen is a parent and special education advocate, elected member of the Northridge East Neighborhood Council and was a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race. During the campaign, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action and Dr. Diane Ravitch called him a "strong supporter of public schools." His past blogs can be found at www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. (Article changed on April 14, 2018 at 16:03) Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. I'm a millennial, and I vote. As such, a recent article published here on OpEd got my attention. I won't hold you in suspense: The Millennial Party dares to suggest that my generation could form its own party, elect its own candidates, and make some much-needed reforms to America's broken system, including the granddaddy of reforms -- gun control. "The Millennial Party" is daring because, as some of the comments show, ripping on millennials is the safe, accepted trend, while articles that are enthusiastic about millennials typically have some sort of caveat. I feel that the idea "The Millennial Party" broaches is worth more than a comment, it's worth an article from someone who is entrenched in this issue. First, not to rain on anybody's parade, but the Parkland protesters are Gen Z kids, not millennials. My guess is the author chose to concentrate on millennials because of our visibility in the media and the workplace. Millennials are a popular subject. Generation Z is still coming of age, so to speak, when it comes to media attention. A simple Google search shows just over 9 million results on Generation Z, and over 14 million on millennials. It's easy to focus on millennials because that's where the primary focus is. Second, it's naive to think a single generation -- millennials -- will bring about gun reform. This represents a misperception of millennials, and is indeed part of the stereotyping we see from all sides. Every generation has its stereotypes, so a broad stroke that characterizes millennials as sympathetic to a revolution is understandable. Really, it's flattering; but I'm a disillusioned millennial who can attest to the truth of these traits I'm about to reveal to you, traits that I think are anathema to a gun control revolution spurred on only by millennials. Here are some the traits that generally characterize the millennial generation: -- A Pew study found that, like all generations preceding them, millennials value family the most. In terms of identity, what sets millennials apart is their embrace of technology. Generation X is actually slightly more dissatisfied with the state of the nation than millennials. -- Student loan startup Earnest points out that millennials are actually very traditional in their views on adulthood: more than half view having a steady job and owning a home as signs of adulthood. -- Polls show that millennials are not statistically different than older generations when it comes to gun control. About 57 percent of people in other generations want stricter gun laws, while about 58 percent of millennials do as well. And, millennials are more conservative than other generations when it comes to "banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines." Millennials are open to change, but we're more cautious and conservative than you'd expect. Yes, a great many came out in support of Bernie Sanders, but not enough to push him over the top against Hillary. So far, other generations who support stricter gun laws to an equal measure as millennials haven't been able to vote in the representative to make it happen. That's why I said we need social enterprises to step up and take on the NRA. The political machinery at work is just too powerful, and millennial voters are too caught up with paying off debts and staying sane to make the difference right now. Let me make this clear: millennials are desperately trying to stay sane in a system we feel is driving us insane. We don't really believe in capitalism, but at the same time we like the gadgets it gives us. If you ask me, that's a recipe for insanity. I, for one, am a progressive millennial who votes and is aware of the following: mass shootings are a mental health issue, and when it comes to guns and public health, Congress has consistently blocked funding for the Centers for Disease Control to research this issue since the 90s. We need to vote in a Congress that will at least fund research. I'm not naive enough to think that guns themselves are the problem, it's the people who shoot them. Unfortunately, our society breeds this type of social breakdown. Anyone who is an outsider is spurned from day one. Here's the thing: Gen Z will help other progressives like myself vote in the reps to pass the right laws. "The Millennial Party" identified the Parkland protesters as important agents of change. These are Gen Z kids taking agency at a young age. Researcher Morley Winograd points out that Gen Z values compromise, and they're adaptive; "they take the problems that were brought to light by their predecessors and try to work them out." Millennials aren't the only generation that has brought the gun problem to light. But millennials have the numbers and the keys to America's future, and Gen Z is the adaptive generation that will work with us to institute change. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. The Turning on Russia Series Boris Yeltsin gets the last laugh when he picked Vladimir Putin to become president. (Putin taking the Presidential Oath, 7 May 2000) (Image by Presidential Press and Information Office, Author: Presidential Press and Information Office) Details Source DMCA "Stanley Fischer, the 73--year-old vice chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, is familiar with the decline of the world's rich. He spent his childhood and youth in the British protectorate of Rhodesia" before going to London in the early 1960s for his university studies. There, he experienced first-hand the unravelling of the British Empire" Now an American citizen, Fischer is currently witnessing another major power taking its leave of the world stage" the United States is losing its status as a global hegemonic power, he said recently" The U.S. political system could take the world in a very dangerous direction..." A Shrinking Giant , Spiegel Online, 9/11/2017 With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the creation of the so called Wolfowitz Doctrine in 1992 during the administration of George Herbert Walker Bush, the United States claimed the mantle of the world's first and only Unipower as well as its intention to crush any nation or system that would oppose it in the future. The New World Order foreseen just a few short years ago becomes more disorderly by the day, made worse by varying degrees of incompetence and greed emanating from Berlin, London, Paris and Washington. As a further sign of the ongoing seismic shocks rocking America's claim to leadership, by the time Stanley Fischer's interview appeared in the online version of the conservative German magazine Der Spiegel, he had already announced his resignation as vice chair of the Federal Reserve; eight months ahead of schedule. If anyone knows about the decline and fall of empires it is the "globalist" and former Bank of Israel president, Stanley Fischer. Not only did he experience the unravelling of the British Empire as a young student in London, he actually assisted in the wholesale dismantling of the Soviet Empire during the 1990s. As an admitted product of the British Empire and point man for its long term imperial aims, that makes Stanley Fischer not just empire's Angel of Death, but its rag and bone man. Alongside a handful of Harvard economists led by Jonathan Hay, Larry Summers, Andrei Shleifer, Anatoly Chubais and Jeffry Sachs, (the Harvard Project) Fischer helped to throw 100 million Russians into poverty overnight - privatizing, or as some would say piratizing - the Russian economy. Yet, Americans never got the real story because a slanted anti-Russia narrative covered the true nature of the robbery from beginning to end. As described by public policy scholar and anthropologist Janine R. Wedel in her 2009 book Shadow Elite, "Presented in the West as a fight between enlightenment Reformers trying to move the economy forward through privatization, and retrograde Luddites who opposed them, this story misrepresented the facts. The idea or goal of privatization was not controversial, even among communists" the Russian Supreme Soviet, a communist body, passed two laws laying the groundwork for privatization. Opposition to privatization was rooted not in the idea itself but in the particular privatization program that was implemented, the opaque way in which it was put into place, and the use of executive authority to bypass the parliament." Intentionally set up to fail for Russia and the Russian people under the cover of a false narrative, she continues "The outcome rendered privatization 'a de facto fraud,' as one economist put it, and the parliamentary committee that had judged the Chubais scheme to 'offer fertile ground for criminal activity' was proven right." If Stanley Fischer, a man who helped bring about a de facto criminal-privatization-fraud to post-empire Russia says the U.S. is on a dangerous course, the time has arrived for post-empire Americans to ask what role Stanley Fischer played in putting the U.S. on that dangerous course. Unknown to Americans is the blunt force trauma Stanley Fischer and the "prestigious" Harvard Project delivered to Russia under the leadership of Boris Yeltsin during the 1990s. According to The American Conservative's James Carden"As the Center for Economic and Policy Research noted back in 2011" 'the IMF's intervention in Russia during Fischer's tenure led to one of the worst losses in output in history, in the absence of war or natural disaster.' Indeed, one Russian observer compared the economic and social consequences of the IMF's intervention to what one would see in the aftermath of a medium-level nuclear attack." Neither do most Americans know that it was President Carter's national security advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski's 1970s grand plan for the conquest of the Eurasian heartland that boomeranged back to terrorize Europe and America in the 21st century. Zbigniew Brzezinski spent much of his life undermining the Communist Soviet Union and then spent the rest of it worrying about its resurgence as a Czarist empire under Vladimir Putin. It might be unfair to say that hating Russia was his only obsession. But a common inside joke during his tenure as the President's top intelligence officer was that he couldn't find Nicaragua on a map. If anyone provided the blueprint for the United States to rule in a unipolar world following the Soviet Union's collapse it was Zbigniew Brzezinski and if anyone could be said to represent the debt driven financial system that fueled America's post-Vietnam Imperialism, it's Stanley Fischer. His departure should have sent a chill down every neoconservative's spine. Their dream of a New World Order has once again ground to a halt at the gates of Moscow. Whenever the epitaph for the abbreviated American century is written it will be sure to feature the iconic role the neoconservatives played in hastening its demise. After emerging from their Marxist/Leninist cocoon after World War II their movement helped to establish the Cold War. And from the chaos created by Vietnam they set to work restructuring American politics, finance and foreign policy to their own purposes. Dominated at the beginning by Zionists and Trotskyists but directed by the Anglo/American establishment and their intelligence elites, the neoconservatives' goal was to deconstruct the nation-state through cultural cooptation and financial subversion and in that they have been overwhelmingly successful. From the end of World War II through the 1980s the focus of this pursuit was on the Soviet Union, but since the Soviet collapse in 1991, their focus has been on dismantling any and all opposition to their global dominion. Shady finance, imperial misadventures and neoconservatism go hand in hand. The CIA's founders saw themselves as partners in this enterprise and the defense industry welcomed them with open arms. McGill University economist R.T. Naylor, author of 1987's Hot Money and the Politics of Debt , described how "Pentagon Capitalism" had made the Vietnam War possible by selling the Pentagon's debt to the rest of the world. "In effect, the US Marines had replaced Meyer Lansky's couriers, and the European central banks arranged the 'loan-back'" Naylor writes. "When the mechanism was explained to the late [neoconservative] Herman Kahn -- lifeguard of the era's chief 'think tank' and a man who popularized the notion it was possible to emerge smiling from a global conflagration - he reacted with visible delight. Kahn exclaimed excitedly, 'We've pulled off the biggest ripoff in history! We've run rings around the British Empire.'" In addition to their core of ex-Trotskyist intellectuals early neoconservatives could count among their ranks such establishment figures as James Burnham, father of the Cold War Paul Nitze, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson, Jeane Kirkpatrick and Zbigniew Brzezinski himself. From the beginning of their entry into the American political mainstream in the 1970s it was known that their emergence could spell the end of democracy in America and yet Washington's more moderate gatekeepers allowed them in without much of a fight. Peter Steinfels' 1979 classic The Neoconservatives: The men who are changing America's politics begins with these fateful words. "THE PREMISES OF THIS BOOK are simple. First, that a distinct and powerful political outlook has recently emerged in the United States. Second, that this outlook, preoccupied with certain aspects of American life and blind or complacent towards others, justifies a politics which, should it prevail, threatens to attenuate and diminish the promise of American democracy." But long before Steinfels' 1979 account, the neoconservative's agenda of inserting their own interests ahead of America's was well underway attenuating American democracy, undermining de'tente and angering America's NATO partners that supported it. According to the distinguished State Department Soviet specialist Raymond Garthoff, de'tente had been under attack by right-wing and military-industrial forces (led by Senator "Scoop" Jackson) from its inception. But America's ownership of that policy underwent a shift following America's intervention on behalf of Israel during the 1973 October war. Garthoff writes in his detailed volume on American-Soviet relations De'tente and Confrontation , "To the allies the threat [to Israel] did not come from the Soviet Union, but from unwise actions by the United States, taken unilaterally and without consultation. The airlift [of arms] had been bad enough. The U.S. military alert of its forces in Europe was too much." In addition to the crippling Arab oil embargo that followed, the crisis of confidence in U.S. decision-making nearly produced a mutiny within NATO. Garthoff continues, "The United States had used the alert to convert an Arab-Israeli conflict, into which the United States had plunged, into a matter of East-West confrontation. Then it had used that tension as an excuse to demand that Europe subordinate its own policies to a manipulative American diplomatic gamble over which they had no control and to which they had not even been privy, all in the name of alliance unity." In the end the U.S. found common cause with its Cold War Soviet enemy by imposing a cease-fire accepted by both Egypt and Israel thereby confirming the usefulness of de'tente. But as related by Garthoff this success triggered an even greater effort by Israel's "politically significant supporters" in the U.S. to begin opposing any cooperation with the Soviet Union, at all. Garthoff writes, "The United States had pressed Israel into doing precisely what the Soviet Union (as well as the United States) had wanted: to halt its advance short of complete encirclement of the Egyptian Third Army east of Suez" Thus they [Israel's politically significant supporters] saw the convergence of American-Soviet interests and effective cooperation in imposing a cease-fire as a harbinger of greater future cooperation by the two superpowers in working toward a resolution of the Israeli-Arab-Palestinian problem." Copyright - 2018 Fitzgerald & Gould All rights reserved Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From Smirking Chimp House Speaker Paul Ryan announced on Wednesday that he won't seek re-election to his Wisconsin First Congressional District seat. Facing a serious challenge from two Democrats -- Randy Bryce and Cathy Myers -- he may have worried that he couldn't win re-election. But he certainly knows that the Democrats may win a majority of House seats in November, which would mean that he would lose the Speaker's gavel. The 48-year old Ryan is one of a record number of Republican incumbents, many from once-safe GOP districts, who recently decided to retire rather than risk defeat. Ryan's exit makes it likely that more Republican lawmakers will follow suit. Ryan's demise is quite remarkable, given his trajectory as the Republican Party's up-and-coming star. First elected in 1998 at age 28, making him the chamber's second-youngest member, he rose quickly through the ranks, becoming the chair of the House Budget Committee. He went on to serve as Mitt Romney's vice-presidential running mate in 2012 and later headed the House Ways and Means Committee. In 2015, Ryan orchestrated a successful campaign for Speaker, claiming that he'd be a bridge-builder between the so-called "establishment" and "Tea Party" wings of the Republican Party -- the only guy who could save the GOP from self-destruction. But during his tenure as Speaker, the party's right wing grew bolder -- with Ryan's support. Reluctantly tethered to President Trump, he never figured out how to join forces with the erratic president to craft a legislative agenda. His only signature accomplishment as Speaker was passage of the regressive tax bill. On other matters, such as repealing Obamacare or devising a conservative anti-poverty plan, Ryan's leadership was a total failure. Only in the wacky world of the modern Republican Party could Ryan be seen as a voice of reason or even, according to the party's Tea Party wing as "too far left," as the New York Timesreported in 2015 when he was campaigning for Speaker. As part of that campaign, Ryan carefully cultivated the image of being a serious "thinker" and "policy wonk" and, for the most part, the mainstream media took the bait. When Romney introduced Ryan as his running mate in 2012, he described the Wisconsin Congressman as the "intellectual leader of the Republican Party." In the conservative magazine Commentary, James Pethokoukis wrote that "It's probably safe to assume that no elected official in America understands the ins and outs of the labyrinthine U.S. budget the way Paul Ryan does." Endorsing Ryan's self-image as a broker between the GOP's major factions, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat described him as a "moderate conservative." But it is hard to imagine attaching the words "moderate" or "moderate conservative" to Ryan on any issue except his clothing preferences and his haircut. Let's start with Ryan's outrageous hypocrisy. Ryan worships at the altar of novelist Ayn Rand, the philosopher of you're-on-your-own selfishness, whose books have been required reading for his Congressional staffers. Like Rand, he consistently demonizes people who improve their lives with the help of government. Ryan seems to be unaware of how much his own family and his own financial success has been influenced by "big government." Despite Ryan's persistent attacks on government spending, his family's construction business has been anchored in building roads on government contracts. Despite his worship of private-sector entrepreneurs, he's spent his entire career as a government employee. Despite being a crusader against anti-poverty programs, Ryan is a millionaire who made his money the old-fashioned way: by marrying a woman who inherited a fortune. In his speech to the GOP convention in Tampa in 2012, where he accepted Romney's invitation to join the GOP ticket as its vice presidential candidate, Ryan told a story about how, after his father's death, his mother "got on a bus every weekday for years, and rode 40 miles each morning to Madison." Ryan said: "She earned a new degree and learned new skills to start her small business. It wasn't just a new livelihood. It was a new life. And it transformed my Mom from a widow in grief to a small businesswoman whose happiness wasn't just in the past. Her work gave her hope. It made our family proud. And to this day, my Mom is my role model." Ryan meant this as a celebration of his mother's lift-herself-by-her-own-bootstraps spirit. He didn't seem to realize that the bus was a public service, that the road was built and maintained by government, and that the University of Wisconsin in Madison is a public institution. Yet Ryan released budget plans to slash funding for public education, roads, and public services that are the investments we need to lift people out of poverty and strengthen our economy. Reporters seemed bamboozled by Ryan, who has claimed to be a both a budget expert and something of a social philosopher. But he turned out to be just a slick talker who appears to have flunked basic math in high school or college, because his budget numbers never add up. During the 2012 campaign, reporters kept asking Ryan to explain his draconian budget, but he could never provide a coherent answer. His stump speech was little more than warmed-over babble about the evils of "big government," the importance of being "self sufficient" and the dangers of people becoming dependent on government instead of lifting oneself up by one's bootstraps. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. The huge unpopularity of President Trump, combined with the Republican agenda of destruction, appear to be freeing the vast majority of Americans from their prolonged state of apathy. This awakening has triggered a Blue Wave that, as it continues to gather momentum, will erupt into a tsunami that will engulf the Republican Party in the November elections. In recent state and local elections across America Democrats have been hugely successful in defeating Republicans, even in states and districts that Trump won easily in the presidential election. The youthful Conor Lamb scored a stunning win in Pennsylvania right in the heart of Trump country. Democrats won governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey. Doug Jones overwhelmed Republican candidate Roy Moore in the Alabama special senatorial election. It looks as if the people's revolution that Sen. Bernie Sanders talked about is becoming a reality; now it's called a Blue Wave. As it grows in power Republicans are in an increasing state of panic. Thirty eight Republicans in the U.S. House, including Speaker Paul Ryan, have decided to either resign, retire, or just not seek reelection. We might call that running for the hills or, perhaps, rodents jumping off a rapidly sinking ship. For some reason Republicans seemed to think that they were in permanent control of this government and that no matter how egregious their actions were Americans would remain locked in their state of apathy and let them do as they wished. Just how very arrogant and stupid can they be? I guess they never heard the words payback or blowback but that's exactly what they are going to get in just a few more months. Why are the Republicans in this political dilemma in which this Democratic Blue Wave is going to engulf them? Well, if your positions on the most important issues facing America are in direct opposition with those of most Americans, then you are racing down the road to a political disaster. Let's take a look at what these Republicans could and should have done while they have had power over the Congress and did basically nothing. To some continuing to talk about them may be boringly repetitious but that's what we must do or they will continue to fester. Republicans have completed failed to take action on the nation's Infrastructure, the heart of America's commerce, the condition of which grows worse every day. Their excuse for not doing so is that they cannot come up with the funding. Well maybe that's because they gave away $1.5 trillion in tax cuts to the richest Americans. And, secondly, they poured billions more into the machinery of war, into the already greatly bloated military budget. Climate change? What about it? It's no more than a hoax to them, the climate's fine and all those many thousands of climate scientists are just a part of a large plot intended to do great harm to the corporations who supply the world with petroleum. So, just forget about climate change. How about the need to develop new sources of energy, primarily solar power, the most powerful source of energy in this part of our universe; energy which must someday completely replace fossil fuels? Well, they are not at all interested since the oil industry they support is doing very well and fracking is on the rise. Why waste time on solar? Education in America is at one of the lowest points in our history. Our system, when ranked against all the other developed nations, comes out as average at best. Here's an example of a missed opportunity there for the taking. There are some 6 million unfilled jobs in the manufacturing sector which need highly skilled technicians in robotics and computer controlled manufacturing operations. Why can't companies find qualified workers? Well, the many thousands of vocational and trade schools that we once had in this country are almost non-existent. Are Republicans leading the efforts to reestablish them to offer courses in these technical skills? I doubt if they even are aware of this great need. And if they were, they wouldn't do anything anyway. Healthcare is not even on the Republican list of priorities. We don't have one healthcare system that covers every American such as all the other developed nations of the world have; instead, we have 5 separate systems; private medical coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare and the VA, the Veterans Administration. This is a convoluted system that is not effectively coordinated. Hospitals, doctors, providers and others are drowning in masses of paperwork. The overall cost of these systems to this country is regularly estimated to be double of that of other developed nations. Something should be done and soon but nothing is happening; and a large number pf Americans remain without any coverage. Do Republicans care in the least? Right at the top of America's most critical problems are the continuous mass shootings in which our children are being gunned down like animals. Republicans watch one after another of these acts of domestic terrorism take place and, no matter how horrific they are, they look the other way and refuse to take measures to strengthen gun control laws and ban all assault weapons, bump stocks, and large ammunition magazines. When they value their guns more than the lives of our children then they are the lowest form of human being on this planet. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From Counterpunch As a failed businessman, saved by business bankruptcies which he called a "competitive advantage," Donald Trump believed in chaos as a strategy. Unfortunately, chaos and foreign policy don't mix. Chaos may bring war. And tragically, military aggression can explosively boomerang back to the U.S. mainland. On April 3, Trump declared he was going to pull soldiers out of Syria. After the recent alleged chemical attack on Syrian civilians outside of Damascus, Trump threatened his friend, Vladimir Putin, saying he will pay a price, and that the military response will "be very, very tough." Being deliberately unpredictable and keeping your adversary off balance may work for real estate deals in New York, but for potentates and armed groups it is a formula for fast accelerating uncontrollable disasters. This flailing approach -- implying the use of military violence -- may please super warhawk, madman John Bolton -- Trump's unconfirmed National Security Adviser yet to receive a top secret security clearance from the FBI -- but it appalls many retired military, national security, and diplomatic officials who served in high positions under both Republican and Democratic presidents. Why don't more ex-officials speak up? It is simple patriotism to forewarn the American people about the gathering storms of military interventions. We are fortunate that a few patriots -- such as retired colonels Larry Wilkerson and Andrew Bacevich -- stand tall and speak out about the unwarranted or unwise use of military force. But where are James Baker, Brent Scowcroft, Colin Powell, and a slew of former Obama administration officials who are silently tearing their hair out over the daily news reports? There is a strange tradition in our country of former public officials shutting up when they shouldn't. I call this tradition an indulgence America cannot afford. Our country needs former public officials to stand up and speak out. Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and the dozens of former cabinet and sub-cabinet Senate confirmed government officials need to publicly challenge the Trump's autocratic attacks on proven practices benefiting people under the rule of law. Our country is seeing rollbacks of rights and protections while the rich and powerful play with its seized riches and misappropriated delegated powers, which belong to the sovereign people. Recently, several former EPA heads from previous Republican and Democratic Administrations have protested against EPA marauder Scott Pruitt's unleashing toxic pollutants into the bodies of America's children, women, and men. Recently David Shulkin, the fired head of the Veterans Administration, took Trump to task on TV and in an op-ed in the New York Times. There have been other modest displays of resistance to some of Trump's depredations by some ex-officials. By and large, however, the widespread silence among them is shameful. Former leaders should know better. Whether they retire, resign, or are fired from their positions, these experienced and aghast Americans dwell in a self-imposed state of vanguishment. I call on them -- mostly well-off with available time -- to return to the fray and band together on the matters related to their knowhow and knowwho. Taxpayers have invested much in their shelved expertise and judgment. Call them ex-Obamaites and reformed ex-Trumpsters. They can raise funds to open full-time advocacy offices in Washington that reach out to the country. Trump is wreaking havoc on the American people as workers, consumers, buyers of medicine, breathers of air and drinkers of water, as taxpayers against waste and spreading corruption, and as children in serious need. These outrages must be counteracted by people who can get their calls returned, get on the mass media, and mobilize the caring public into sturdy citizen challengers of our hijacked federal government before the November elections. This entreaty is to people who need no mind-changing about the Trump regime. They know what is happening, where the destructive trajectories are heading, and dislike it intensely. I've heard enough about their expressions of private dread to urge former public servants to stand up for their country's well-being -- nothing less is at stake! Democracies die in many ways. But in the 19th century, political philosopher John Stuart Mill delivered a warning for the ages, "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." If any retired high officials wish to discuss the above plea on my weekly radio show, please use the contact sheet provided on the website. Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From Alon Ben-Meir Website (Image by Artwork by Michael Anderson and Sam Ben-Meir) Details DMCA The ongoing Palestinian demonstration along the Israel-Gaza border has turned out to be, not surprisingly, violent. More than 30 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured. If these demonstrations continue through May 15 (Israel's 70th anniversary) as planned by Hamas, scores more Palestinians will likely be killed, while increasing the probability of Israel invading Gaza for the fourth time in an effort to end the crisis. Regardless of how this conflagration ends, however, the biggest losers are the Israeli and Palestinian people. What is truly sad is that when the dust finally settles, the dead are buried, and the wounded heal, nothing will have fundamentally changed on the ground. The mutual psychological and emotional scars, resentment, and hatred will continue to consume both sides from within, with even greater intensity. It will be only a question of time when the deadly violence will resume. The blame rests entirely on the corrupt and misguided Israeli and Hamas leaders who have been dangerously misleading their publics, fearing for their own political survival rather than the welfare and security of their respective communities. The internal crisis in Gaza is sickening and goes beyond the pale of human misery. Poverty is rampant, clean drinking water is scarce, sewage flows into the streets, infrastructure is crumbling, electricity is infrequent, medical care is lagging, joblessness is debilitating, education is substandard, and hopelessness fills the air. Instead of focusing on these appalling social and economic ailments and alleviating the public's suffering, Hamas is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into building tunnels, procuring and manufacturing weapons, and training thousands of fighters to fight yet another losing war. Its leadership is peddling a distorted narrative to mislead the public, promoting resistance against Israel as the way for their people to find salvation. Hamas wants the blockade to be lifted but is unwilling to renounce violence as a tool by which to achieve its political objective to create a Palestinian Islamic state. It is demanding the Palestinian refugees' right of return, knowing that such a demand is a non-starter -- no Israeli government, regardless of its political orientation, will ever consider it, as it would obliterate Israel's Jewish character. To reinforce its political agenda, Hamas' charter openly calls for Israel's destruction, knowing full well that such a goal is nothing but a pipedream that plays into the hands of Netanyahu's right-wing government. Besides, should Hamas ever threaten Israel's existence, it will not survive another day. To be sure, Hamas blames Israel for the Palestinians' plight while making absurd demands purely for public consumption, knowing that none of their claims will ever come to fruition given Israel's rejection of any concessions, so long as Hamas sticks to its positions. The Netanyahu government's policy toward Hamas does not fare much better. It is based on the premise that Hamas is simply an irredeemable group of Islamic militants, and blames the miserable conditions in Gaza on its leadership. As such, Netanyahu and his partners found it convenient to assume no responsibility, knowing that the status quo cannot be sustained and that the current violent confrontation was all but inevitable. Nevertheless, the Israeli government did little to alleviate the situation and linked any easing of the blockade to Hamas' laying down their arms, recognizing that such a demand is tantamount to surrender that Hamas will never accept. Besides, Netanyahu and his hardline coalition partners resigned themselves to the notion that violent eruptions in Gaza will occur time and again, and Israel's only option is to quell it by force and wait for the next round. Finally, to gain public support, Netanyahu, who is a master manipulator and fearmonger, gives much credence to Hamas' occasional public protestation that its ultimate goal is to establish an Islamic state that will control all of mandated Palestine, Israel included. The problem is that neither the Netanyahu government nor Hamas are willing to accept the reality on the ground -- coexistence -- which is not subject to change short of a catastrophic event. The question is how to go about finding a solution to their conflict in the context of the inevitabilities on the ground. Given that the subhuman conditions in Gaza are intolerable and that violence is bound to explode time and again, Israel should be concerned about its moral responsibility as well as its national security. For Hamas, time is running out; they can no longer ride on the backs of the poor, despondent, and despairing Palestinians and place the blame solely on Israel. The majority of Palestinians in Gaza no longer buy into that argument. They want relief, and they want it now. I doubt very much if at any time in the foreseeable future Hamas and the PA can find a common path that could lead to the establishment of a functioning Palestinian state. For this reason, instead of exploiting Palestinian disunity, the Netanyahu government should turn its attention to Hamas and deal with it as a separate entity in Gaza. Indeed, Hamas is separated both ideologically and geographically from the PA and the West Bank. It is functioning in Gaza like a state and Israel should recognize it as such, regardless of the ultimate disposition of the West Bank. What is needed then is a process of reconciliation between Israel and Hamas, which must begin with the cessation of all hostilities. If Hamas wants to have the blockade lifted, it must first renounce violence. The lifting of the blockade will have to be gradual but consistent and correspond to Hamas' behavior. Hamas should demonstrate that its renunciation of violence is permanent by ending the building of tunnels and the continuing augmentation of its arsenals. Indeed, only a fool among Hamas' leaders believes that Israel would otherwise lift the blockade even partially while Hamas continues to threaten its very existence. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From Hightower Lowdown S ome are born with good luck, but Lady Luck didn't bless me until I was 30 years old. She arrived in the form of a petite bundle of feistiness, inherent smarts, political savviness, personal warmth, playfulness, and beauty-- named Susan DeMarco. On the first of April -- after some 45 years of teaming up in progressive/ populist battles against the big shots, bastards, and bullshitters who always try to run roughshod over workaday people and our democratic values -- DeMarco slipped away from me and all who loved her. I was alone with her when she drew her last breath, 18 hours after I asked the hospital to honor her previously-written directive that all life-support tubes be removed from her body. Crushingly sad, of course, yet deeply rewarding, for she not only conquered the blood clot that had slammed into her brain, but also our society's high-tech medical imperative that she be held captive in her own damaged body. And how very DeMarco that she managed to "fly away" on the 1st, which was both Easter Sunday and April Fools Day! Tributes and heartfelt reminiscences have poured in from all over -- she would've been amazed that so many people appreciated her, her work, her assistance, and/or her example. One longtime Texas friend summed up the New Jersey native with the highest of Texan accolades: "She was mighty fine." Even in death, DeMarco sent one last message of love to each of us, showing by example the importance of controlling one's own end time. She was able to die as she wanted only because she had previously signed three essential legal documents stating her wishes and empowering me to allow the hospital to let her die as she wished: (1) Durable Power of Attorney, (2) Declaration of Guardian, and (3) Advanced Directive to Physicians. Life comes at us fast, often including an abrupt end of life. If you've not yet taken charge of that time for yourself, there are two useful resources to guide you... First, a recent Medicare provision reimburses your own doctor for spending time during your physical exams to tell you about, discuss, and assist you -- free of charge -- with "Advance Care Planning." Second, a how-to book titled Age Your Way -- written in plain language by a Registered Nurse, Debbie Pearson -- provides easy-to-follow info on the process. Oh, one more thing I learned from my Dying-With-DeMarco experience is that it's not enough to have signed the end-of-life documents -- you also need someone who knows where they are when the time comes. Hospital officials cannot take your word that the documents exist. As I frantically attacked her "filing system" -- i.e., unmarked stacks of stuff -- I could hear her saying, "Come on, Hightower, time to go!" But, luckily, they were found, and because of that, she was able to depart on her own terms. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From The Hill With a bitterly divided nation facing a constitutional crisis of epic proportion, as President Trump stands on the brink of repeating the Saturday Night Massacre of Richard Nixon, with liberal democracy under attack from a hostile foreign power that seeks to elect our presidents through covert action, every living former president should come together to release a joint statement in defense of the integrity of the Department of Justice and special counsel Robert Mueller. Addressing a George W. Bush Institute event in October in New York, former President George W. Bush, who I never supported throughout his public life, gave one of the most profound and important speeches in modern American history. Without naming the current occupant of the White House, President Bush offered a sweeping and powerful critique of the Trump presidency and championed core values of freedom, democracy and human rights that have united Americans since 1776. That speech, on that day, on those matters, could have been given by presidents named Jefferson and Adams, or Kennedy and Reagan. As the current occupant of the Oval Office refuses to unequivocally condemn the attack against our democracy by a successor to Soviet dictators, and falsely accuses whose who lead investigations of that crime of attacking our democracy, Bush in his speech warned against foreign aggression -- including cyberattacks, disinformation and financial influence -- that attacks our democracy and subverts our elections. Bush, in his speech, condemned a political discourse of casual cruelty that has often taken hold in our democracy, and a politics of bullying and prejudice that emboldens bigotry and bitterly divides a citizenry whose heirs are Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Martin Luther King Jr. in a nation where people of every race, religion and ethnicity should be universally respected as fully and equally American. Every living former president should join together in a united statement that upholds these values that are as old as the Declaration of Independence, and as young as Martin Luther King Jr.'s granddaughter telling a rally of students in Washington that her dream is to be part of the next great generation that makes life safe for our children in our schools. Bush spoke of the Prague Charter, signed by believers in human rights and freedom such as Vaclav Havel and Natan Sharansky, who risked their lives for a worldwide cause that is under attack today and knows no limit of borders or time. Whatever their other differences, all living former presidents should join together to reiterate their unyielding faith in this timeless cause. Today, American democracy is under attack from a hostile foreign power. Those who seek to investigate and defeat this crime are under attack from the current occupant of the Oval Office who treats the administration of justice as a weapon to wield against political opponents and has fired, threatened or condemned leaders of investigations seeking to protect and defend America against this crime. Bush warned in his speech that our politics have become vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication. When the current occupant of the White House says bad blood with Russia is caused by fake news and a corrupt Russia investigation headed up by Democratic loyalists, he is lying. If he fires those leading the investigations, he will rip the country apart and create the greatest constitutional crisis since the Civil War. Every living former president should rise together to warn in a loud, clear and unified voice that the investigation of the crimes against our democracy must remain intact, unimpeded and unobstructed. Whatever my past disagreements with him, when Bush gave his speech in New York he was speaking great truths in his finest hour. As the current occupant of the Oval Office stands on the brink of historically disastrous actions that would do great damage to America, all living former presidents should speak out loudly and clearly together, as one, which would be one of America's finest hours Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From Paul Craig Roberts Website The criminally insane governments of the US, UK, and France are sending a flotilla of missile ships, submarines, and an aircraft carrier to attack Syria in the face of Russian warnings. What is the likely outcome of this outrageous act of aggression based entirely on an orchestrated and transparent lie, an act of reckless aggression that is more irresponsible and more dangerous than anything done by the demonized Nazi regime in Germany? There are no protests from European governments. There are no protesters in the streets of European and US cities. Congress has not reminded Trump that he has been given no authority by Congress to launch a military attack on a sovereign country that is likely to ignite a war, possibly World War 3. Everyone seems content with the prospect of the end of the world. The moronic American presstitutes are egging it on. Here are possible outcomes: (1) The Russians, trapped in the deluded belief that facts and evidence matter to the West and that common sense will prevail, accept the attacks. This outcome is the most dangerous of all, because this outcome will encourage more attacks until Russia is backed into a corner and has no alternative to a direct nuclear attack on the US. (2) Russia takes the initiative in the brewing conflict and escorts the US missile ship, USS Donald Cook, out of attack range of Syria before the attack flotilla arrives and declares a perimeter line beyond which the Western flotilla becomes target for attack. This should force a showdown between Trump's warmonger government and the US Congress that would challenge Trump's ability to unilaterally commit the US to war. (3) Russia escorts the Donald Cook away from the scene and simultaneously wipes out the military capabilities of Saudi Arabia and Israel, removing Washington's ground-based allies in its attack on Syria, thus loading the odds in Russia's favor, and making it clear that Russia is going to pre-empt an attack, not respond to one. (4) Russia, in the deluded belief that it must prove itself in the right, accepts the attack and its unpredictable damage before responding. This outcome is almost as bad as the first, as this lets the war start in contrast to options (2) and (3) which have some possibility of preventing a US/Russian confrontation by forcing common sense on the Americans. (5) Senior German politicians inform Merkel that Britain and France's support of the US strike on Syria could commit NATO to a war with Russia. Germany has had one devastating experience with the Russian military and does not need another. They could pressure Merkel to withdraw Germany from NATO. The resulting consternation/confusion would likely halt the US attack on Syria/Russia. (6) The US Joint Chiefs of Staff could easily and honestly conclude that in the event of a Russian response to an attack on Syria, the entire flotilla could be lost, carrier included, inflicting a humiliating defeat on US arms, and that in view of this possibility, the Joint Chiefs recommend against the announced attack. Possibly this has occurred and explains Trump's latest tweets, which suggest that doubts might have entered Trump's mind. Even if a hopeful outcome such as (5) and (6) occurs, we are left with the dangerous situation that some elements in the US and UK governments were able to orchestrate two events -- the alleged Skripal poisoning and the alleged Assad chemical attack -- and use the events to leverage unsupported accusations against Russia and Syria as justifications for an illegal military attack on a sovereign country. That such an outrageous orchestration is possible proves that there is no democracy or constraint on government in the US and UK. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From Truthout Donald Trump says the United States is about to bomb Syria, and Russia has vowed to shoot down US aircraft with missile defenses in response. With John Bolton, the new national security adviser and infamous enemy of the United Nations by Trump's side, diplomacy is not in the cards. Although there has been no independent investigation, Trump is blaming Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for an alleged chemical attack on Saturday in Douma, a suburb of Damascus, that killed 49 people. As he did before bombing Syria with Tomahawk missiles one year ago -- also in retaliation for an alleged gas attack -- Trump is rushing to judgment about who was responsible. And once again, the military force that he's threatening to use now would violate both the War Powers Resolution and the UN Charter. Moreover, as a group of international law experts, including this writer, noted in a statement, "an act of violence committed by one government against another government, without lawful justification, amounts to the crime of aggression: the supreme international crime which carries with it the evil of every other international crime, as noted by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg in 1946." Bombing Syria could also lead to a dangerous confrontation with Russia. Trump tweeted early Wednesday morning: "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Yevgeny Serebrennikov, first deputy chairman of Russia's upper house's Defense Committee, said Sunday that Russia would immediately respond to US airstrikes in Syria. "A military intervention under far-fetched and fabricated pretexts in Syria, where there are Russian soldiers at the request of the legitimate Syrian government, is absolutely unacceptable and could have the most dire consequences," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Both Syrian and Russian authorities denied that Assad was responsible for the chemical attack. Assad has already taken back from the rebels over 90 percent of Eastern Ghouta, which includes Douma, so it seems unlikely he would attack Douma. Moreover, Trump announced last week he intended to withdraw US troops from Syria. It is thus counterintuitive to conclude Assad would have launched a gas attack in Douma. On April 6, 2017, Trump bombed Syria after declaring that Assad had used sarin gas at Khan Sheikhoun two days earlier. Assad had denied ordering the attack. But the Trump administration ignored all dissenting voices. Assad's responsibility for the 2017 attack has never been definitively confirmed. Indeed, on February 8, Defense Secretary James Mattis admitted the United States had "no evidence" that the Assad government used Sarin against the Syrian people. Trump said the United States is "getting clarity" and "some pretty good answers" about who was responsible for the Douma attack. But no independent investigation has yet been done. Nonetheless, Trump has signaled that he's about to authorize the firing of missiles at Syria. That would be illegal and potentially catastrophic. The War Powers Resolution, passed by Congress in the wake of the Vietnam War, permits the president to introduce US troops into hostilities or imminent hostilities only when Congress has declared war, when Congress has passed "specific statutory authorization" for the use of military force, or when there is "a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces." None of these three prongs is present to justify the use of military force in Syria. Congress has neither declared war nor passed legislation authorizing a US attack on Syria, and Syria has clearly not attacked the United States or US armed forces. As a result, a military attack on Syria would run afoul of the War Powers Resolution. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market Analysis By Product, By Distribution Channel, By End User, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 To 2023 http://www.qyreports.com/request-sample/?report-id=52709 http://www.qyreports.com/ask-for-discount/?report-id=52709 www.qyreports.com Smart meters can keep a track of energy and water consumption levels and can exchange data over communication networks. These smart meters can track the real-time consumption of resources in the facility at any time and allow users to make use of energy efficiently with saving money and prevent carbon emissions. These meters also display power consumption to users for industries to optimize their energy costs and schedule distribution of loads throughout the day and season. Moreover, to analyze the water quality, smart meters provide data that can be synced with multipurpose detection sensors, flow meters, and networks of water quality monitoring.This statistical surveying research report on the Global IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market is an all-encompassing study of the industry sectors, up-to-date outlines, industry development, drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It contains an analysis of late augmentations in innovation, Porters five forces analysis and progressive profiles of hand-picked industry competitors. The report furthermore articulates an analysis of trivial and full-scale factors indicated for the new and tenured candidates in the market along with a methodical value chain exploration.Global IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market to grow at a CAGR of +17% by 2022 Along with Major Regions Analysis and Revenue Analysis Forecasts to 2023Top Key Vendors in Market: Libelium, Trimble, Valarm, A.T.E, SenseGrow, Semtech, Tibbo, BacsoftGet Sample Copy Of this Report @The initial section presents the industry overview of the IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market. This part of the study encompasses the specifications and definition of the market. In addition, the types of the machines have been detailed. The application areas of the market come next in the study. The dynamics impacting the development of the Global Market such as the drivers, challenges, opportunities, and trends are also described in detail in this research surveying report.The competitive landscape of the Global IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market is discussed in the report, which also includes the players market share. The report profiles some of the leading players in the global market for the purpose of an in-depth study of the challenges faced as well as growth opportunities in the market. The report also considers the approaches implemented by the main corporations to sustain their hold on the industry. The business synopsis and financial synopsis of each of the companies have been examined.Get Reasonable Discount on This Premium Report @The report provides both, qualitative and quantitative research of the Global IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market, as well as incorporates worthy insights into the balanced scenario and favored development methods adopted by key competitors. Distinctive distribution channels and slants inclined to bear fruit in the 2018-2023 forecast period have been bestowed in the report to permit readers to plan captivating strategies.On the basis of geographical regions, the Global IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market is segmented broadly into Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The global market is still in its exploratory stage in most of the regions but it holds the promising potential to flourish steadily in coming years. The major companies investing in this market are situated in Canada, U.K., and the US, India, China and some more countries of Asia Pacific region. Consequently, Asia Pacific, North America, and Western Europe are estimated to hold more than half of the market shares, collectively in coming years.In the last sections of the report, the manufacturers responsible for increasing the sales in the IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market have been presented. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the technology and product type introduced by each of these manufacturers also form a key part of this section of the report.Table of Content:Global IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market Research Report 2018-2023Chapter 1 IoT In Portable Water Monitoring Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market ForecastChapter 13 AppendixAbout QYReports:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com Informative Report on Aviation & Defense Cyber Security Market Trends, Analysis by Regions, Type, Application, Market Drivers, Restraints Forecasts to 2023 https://www.itintelligencemarkets.com/request_sample.php?id=1492 https://www.itintelligencemarkets.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=1492 https://www.itintelligencemarkets.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=1492 The Aerospace Cyber Security Solution is a suite of software designed to protect aviation networks, computers and databases from cyber-attacks and unauthorized access. As the global aviation industry thrives and increasingly relies on information technology (IT) solutions and digital technologies to meet changing consumer groups and consumer preferences, cybersecurity has become a serious and pressing problem. Cyber attackers are becoming more and more sophisticated in attacking aviation systems. Companies in the aviation market are doing their best to fully protect their systems to ensure smooth operation and high quality of service for their consumers.The Global Aviation & Defense Cyber Security market report is a comprehensive overview of the market covering various aspects such as product definition, various parameter-based segmentation, distribution channels, supply chain analysis, and common vendor environments. Through proven research methods, we collect thorough information that identifies the source. Aviation & Defense Cyber Security Information about the market can be accessed in a logical format in a smart format. There are graphs and tables in place to help readers get a better view of the global Aviation & Defense Cyber Security market.Get Sample Copy Of this Report @Companies Profiled in this report includes: Cisco Systems, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Raytheon Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and BAE Systems plc.The report also includes the industry value chain, market size and Potter's five-force analysis of the Aviation & Defense Cyber Security market. It outlines the company, products, services, financial analysis, and key developments of major players in the market. All percentage shares, splits and failures were determined using secondary sources and verified by major sources. This report also focuses on the various drivers and constraints that currently affect the market, hindering the challenges of market growth and opportunities for market growth.Global Aviation & Defense Cyber Security Market projected to grow at CAGR of 9.34% from 2018 to 2023This report is an extension of our previous research on the Aviation & Defense Cyber Security market and is expected to provide valuable insights impacting the growth of this market across the globe. Our research report on Aviation & Defense Cyber Security market offers our clients an overall understanding of the competitive scenario and help them make better business decisions.Get Reasonable Discount on This Premium Report @Based on geographical areas, the world Aviation & Defense Cyber Security markets are broadly divided into Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific. The world market is still in exploration in most areas, but it has the promising potential to grow steadily over the next few years. The major players investing in this market are in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, China and some Asia Pacific countries. As a result, Asia Pacific, North America and Western Europe are expected to account for more than half of the total market share over the next few years.At the end of the report, a manufacturer is announced who is responsible for increasing sales in the Aviation & Defense Cyber Security market. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of manufacturing base, basic information and competitors. In addition, the technology and product types introduced by each manufacturer are also an important part of this section of the report.To get more information, Ask for Sample PDF illustration with TOC, Tables, Figures and Charts @Table of Content:Global Aviation & Defense Cyber Security Market Research Report 2018-2023Chapter 1 Aviation & Defense Cyber Security Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market ForecastChapter 13 AppendixAbout Us:We at IT Intelligence Markets conduct intensive market research and generate detailed reports about the products and services offered in the IT domain. Our team is devoted to providing custom reports that are taylor-made to suit the customers requirements. We make sure to keep our customers updated with the latest market dynamics as IT industry is undergoing sea change intrinsically & extrinsically by forces such as regulatory fluctuations, rapidly evolving consumer preferences, and newer technologies. Not only do our market research analysts scrutinize market requirements but also track competitors relentlessly for obtaining the most updated scenario of the market.Contact Us:Name: Vijay TannaCompany: It Intelligence MarketsAddress: Survey No-9/4, Flat# 6, Panchshil Park, Ganpati Marg, Nigidi, Pune 411044Mail Id: sales@itintelligencemarkets.comContact No: +91 705-760-0700 Market Size of Epoxy Resins Paints Market, Forecast Report 2014 - 2020 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-168 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-168 www.futuremarketinsights.com Epoxy resins which are also known as polyepoxides belong to the category of reactive prepolymers and polymers that contain the epoxide group. Epoxy resins are one of the most versatile compounds that are widely used in the orthophthalic and polyester family. Epoxy resins usually react either with themselves or with other co-reactants which include phenols, acids, alcohols, polyfunctional amines and thiols among others. Epoxy resins are either low molecular weight pre-polymers or high molecular weight polymers which usually contain at least two epoxide groups. The epoxide group is also known as oxirane and glycidyl group. The raw material required to industrially manufacture epoxy resins are largely derived from petroleum.However, some of the plant derived sources are becoming popular in manufacturing epoxy resins. Epoxy resins being polymeric or semi-polymeric materials and thus, are rarely exist in their pure state. Epoxy resins are known for their excellent electrical, mechanical and heat resistance properties. The epoxide content in the epoxy resins is the most crucial factor which determines the characteristics of epoxy resins. Different grades of epoxy resins are usually blended with various additives, plasticizers and fillers. Epoxy resins find wide range of applications in paints and coatings, electrical and electronic components and structural adhesives manufacturing industries. The paint and coatings industry is one of the major applications of the epoxy resins market.Request Report Sample@Growing population coupled with changing lifestyle is expected to boost the overall growth of the construction industry. The growing construction industry is expected to augment the growth of the paints and coatings industry. The paints and coating industry is expected to further grow owing to the rising demand from the automobile industry. The rising demand for high end luxury automobiles is further expected to enhance the overall growth of the paints and coatings industry. Thus, the growing paints and coatings industry is expected to drive the overall growth of the epoxy resins market. Epoxy resins are w9idely used by the paints and coating industry on the heavy duty metal substrates. In addition, paints and coatings containing epoxy resins use less energy than that compared to other heat-cured powder coatings. Moreover, paints and coatings containing epoxy resins are also considered environmental friendly than other chemicals.Asia Pacific is the largest manufacturer of epoxy resins owing to the presence of large manufacturers in China. The presence of many manufacturers coupled with their huge production capacities is expected to boost the overall growth of the epoxy resins market. Europe is one of the major consumers of the epoxy resins market. Epoxy resins being environmental friendly are further expected to augment the overall demand in the market. The demand for epoxy resins is gradually growing in North America. Thus, the growing consumer awareness towards environment friendly products coupled with the presence of stringent environmental regulations is expected to further boost the overall growth of the market.Visit For TOC@Momentive Performance Materials, Kukdo Chemical (South Korea), Huntsman Corporation (U.S.), The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), Atul Ltd (India), Sika AG (Switzerland), Cytec Industries Incorporation (U.S.), DuPont (U.S.), 3M (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Ltd, NAMA Chemicals (Saudi Arabia), LEUNA-Harze GmbH (Germany), and Spolchemie A.S. (Czech Republic) among others are expected to some of the major participants of the global epoxy resins market. The companies are mainly focused towards developing bio based epoxy resins in order to comply with the stringent environmental regulations.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) Market to Witness Steady Growth through 2014 - 2020 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-238 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-238 www.futuremarketinsights.com Static random access memory (SRAM) is a type of semiconductor memory. It uses bistable latching circuitry for storing bits. It is static in nature i.e. the data bits are stored till the power is supplied. The SRAMs are comparatively more expensive than DRAMs, thus are mostly used in the applications where high efficiency and performance is needed. Some characteristics such as bandwidth, power efficiency make SRAMs ideal for the electronic appliances such as cell phones, digital cameras and electronics user interfaces. Some of the general uses of SRAMs are workstations, computers, routers and other peripheral equipments such as CPU (central processing unit) caches, CPU register files, router buffers and hard disk buffers, among others. Printers and LCD (liquid crystal display) screens also use SRAM to save the preview of the image printed or displayed.Emerging high performance network applications, increasing demand and applications of the embedded SRAMs, and increasing demand for faster cache memories are some of the factors responsible for the growth of SRAM market. Faster switching time, power efficiency and high endurance as compared to traditional RAM, effective replacement for the traditional memory technology and increasing application base are some of the driving factors for the SRAM market. However, its larger cell size (up to six transistors for a single bit) makes it impractical for applications requiring large memory. Further, high cost incurred in designing and low stability in harsh condition is some other challenges to the growth of SRAM market. Neural networks and flexible electronics are emerging opportunities in SRAM market. The market for cellular RAM is increasing at growing rapidly and use and application of SRAM in cellular devices is expected to boost the market in coming time. Flash memory market can be replaced by SRAMs in upcoming years and players have opportunity in this filed.Request Report Sample@Static random access memory is segmented on the basis of type of flip-flop used, transistor type, features, functions, product types, applications and geography. Binary SRAM and ternary SRAM are the two broad segments of the SRAM market on the basis of flip-flop type. On the basis of transistor type the SRAM market is segmented into bipolar junction transistor and MOSFET (metaloxide semiconductor field-effect transistor).on the basis of features the SRAM market is segmented into ZBT (zero bus turnaround) SRAM, syncBurst SRAM, DDR (double data rate) SRAM and quad data rate SRAM. SRAM market is segmented on the basis of products into, asynchronous SRAM, PSRAM (pseudo SRAM), nVSRAM (non volatile SRAM) and others. On the basis of end-use application SRAM market is segmented into communication industry, computer /IT sector, consumer electronics industry and automotive sector, among others. China, Taiwan, Singapore, India and Malaysia are some of the countries holding huge potential for SRAM market.Visit For TOC@Some of the key vendors in static random access memory (SRAM) are Micron Technology, Inc., Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc., Powerchip Technology Corporation, Integrated Device Technology, Inc. Cypress Semiconductor, Everspin Technologies, Inc., Intel Corporation, Sony Corporation, Samsung Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics N.V., GSI Technology and Integrated Device Technology, Inc among others.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: New Research Report on Utility Analytics and Energy Analytics Market, 2014 - 2020 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-232 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-232 www.futuremarketinsights.com To take an advantage of new opportunities, utility and energy companies are transforming their systems into smarter energy systems which will feature a two way flow of information and energy. But there is increasing pressure on the companies to deliver consistent and cost effective sources of energy at the same time keeping environmental concerns in mind.The market for utility analytics and energy analytics can by segmented by different solutions and technologies available, by various applications which includes meter operation, load forecasting, demand response, revenue protection and distribution planning. The market can also be categorized based on type of deployment which includes cloud, hybrid and on premises.Request Report Sample@The market is growing on the back of the factors such as rising demand for energy, need for the greener environment and rising demand from the consumer to know their energy consumption pattern. The market is estimated to grow at a double digit growth rate in the years to come. North America is expected to be the biggest market in terms of revenue generation, followed by Europe.Visit For TOC@Companies to take an advantage in the market must insights into performance and usage across the network to take extra effective decisions. Some of the major participants of the market are Oracle, Siemens, IBM, ABB and Schneider, with their strong portfolios in energy analytics. Apart from these many others players are entering the market offering energy analytics solution which shows the huge potential of the market at present as well as in future also.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: ASEAN Hard Luxury Goods Market to Witness Steady Growth through 2014 - 2020 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-as-106 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-as-106 www.futuremarketinsights.com Luxury goods comprises of products such as accessories, footwear, apparel, watches and others which are quite expensive and target those consumers who belongs to premium class. The market for luxury goods consist of three types of end consumers, which includes kids lying between the age of 0-12 years, teenagers belonging to the age group of 13 to 19 years and the rest lies in adult group. Luxury goods market can also be segmented on the basis of application which includes soft luxury goods and hard luxury goods. Soft luxury goods includes designer apparel and leather goods such as hand bags and others, which is easily available for the customers in the hypermarket stores or directly operative outlet. Whereas hard luxury goods comprises of jewellery and premium watches. The hard luxury goods are offered to the consumers through premium class outlets, stores or sell out through internet.Thus the market for hard luxury product is also segmented on the basis of mode of distribution channel used for offering products to the consumers. The mode of Distribution channel is segmented into retail outlets, sell out through internet, companys brand outlet and others. Among all these distribution channel online retailing is expected to be most preferred mode for distribution in the forecasted period. This is due to consumer convenience preferences and availability of the products at lower price. Furthermore, the second most preferred mode is expected to be the companys brand retail outlets as they provide better offerings at less price.Request Report Sample@Globally, the demand of hard luxury goods are showing robust annual growth of 10% to 12%.North America and Europe is the highest contributor in the market share of hard luxury goods market. Increasing demand of accessories coupled with rising middle class disposable income has supported the growth of emerging markets in Asia-Pacific. It is expected to account for the fastest CAGR growth as compared to other regions. Among all the countries in Asia Pacific China is expected to be the most lucrative market followed by Japan. India is also expected to show a healthy growth in the forecasted period by registering a single digit CAGR growth. Whereas in ASEAN region Singapore is expected to be the most dominant market. The rising growth for hard luxury goods in Singapore is supported by the new entrants of jewellery brands and rising sales of watches. Rapid urbanization coupled with increasing disposable income in Thailand and Malaysia is predicted to boost the customer base and prominent contributor in the revenue of hard luxury good market in ASEAN region followed by Indonesia and Philippines.Expanding middle class income group coupled with the urge of consumers for premium class products are the key drivers for the market growth of hard luxury goods in ASEAN region. Moreover, wide varieties of product offerings in each segments and continuous innovation and product launch is also expected to influence the consumers of ASEAN region to fuel the market growth of hard luxury goods in the forecasted period.Visit For TOC@However, the market of hard luxury goods in ASEAN region possess some restraining factors. This includes the weak distribution channel and limited availability of the products. Furthermore, the consumers perceives these products as quite expensive and also it is considered as a premium class product and not an absolute necessity.The key international market players for hard luxury goods operating in ASEAN region includes Gianni Versace S.p.A., LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, Prada S.p.A., Hermes International SCA, Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A, Prada S.p.A, Ralph Lauren Corp, Christian Dior SE, Gucci, Rolex SA, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton Malletier, Tod's S.p.A. and others.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: India Air Treatment Products Market Value Chain and Forecast 2014 - 2020 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-in-246 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-in-246 www.futuremarketinsights.com The air treatment equipment includes those products which modify or change the technological characteristics and properties of air. This modification may include the treatment of harmful gases present in the air, increasing or decreasing the air temperature, compressing the air, removal of harmful microorganism from the air, increasing or decreasing the air pressure, removal of extreme odours and others. The air treatment equipment includes air compressor, air dryers, air washers, air filters, injectors and others.?On the basis of application the air treatment products are available for both industrial and domestic use. It is also used for roadways vehicles, waterways vehicles such as for ships, marines, and also for airways such as in aeroplane, spaceship, fighter plane and others. For domestic use air treatment equipment are offered to the consumers in the modified form and available in the consumer durable products for their convenient use. The air treatment consumer durable product includes hot air blowers, air conditioners, automatic washing machine, microwave, oven, automatic washer dryers, hair dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and others.On the basis of domestic use the air treatment products is sub-segmented into air conditioner, air purifier, humidifiers and dehumidifiers and others. Among all these sub-segments air purifiers are further sub-segmented into air filters purifiers, ionizing purifiers, ozone generators, adsorbents and others. Whereas air conditioners is sub-segmented into room air conditioners, split air conditioners, window air conditioners and others.Request Report Sample@Globally Asia-pacific is considered to be the highest market for the air treatment products followed by North America and Europe. In Asia Pacific China, India and Japan represent ample opportunities for players in this market. This growth in these countries is supported by increasing number of health conscious consumers and rising disposable income of the consumers.Among all these countries, India accounted for low growth for air treatment products in 2011 due to economic slowdown. Moreover, the demand of air conditioner segment also registered less growth as monsoon arrived early in the country. However, the market growth for air treatment product showed a positive growth in 2013 due to rise in country economic condition and urge of the consumer for better and healthier life. It is expected that India will show a potential growth for air treatment products in the forecasted period. This growth will be supported by rise demand for air conditioners in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and others due to rise in heat and temperature. It is expected that air conditioner will occupy the largest position of the pie as the consumers in India are making their switch from ceiling fans or table fans to air conditioner. Among all the sub-segments of air conditioner, split air conditioner is expected to show the highest growth. Furthermore, it has been found that awareness among the consumers for purified air will also fuel the market growth for air treatment products in India. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat is expected to support the growth of air purifiers as these states possess large number of industries.Visit For TOC@In India, high entrant of manufacturing industries, outsourcing companies and rise in commercialization are some of the major drivers supporting the market growth. In addition, increase in number of health consciousness among the consumers coupled with rising disposable income is also expected to fuel the market growth for air treatment products in India.However, the market of air treatment products in India possess some restraining factors. This includes lack of awareness among the consumers regarding the product such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers and others. Additionally, the consumers perceives these products as quite expensive and also it is considered as a luxury product and not an absolute necessity.The key players for air treatment products in India includes Bajaj Electricals Ltd, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd., Usha International Ltd., Panasonic Corp, Atlas Copco AB, Eureka Forbes, OSIM International, SANYO Electric Co ., Ltd and others.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Thermoset Molding Compound all-inclusive Overview of Market by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1430 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1430 https://www.tmrresearch.com/thermoset-molding-compound-market Global Thermoset Molding Compound Market: SnapshotIn the current past, thermosets have turned out to be superb trade for metallic or metallic components as they provide highly valuable properties, for instance, mechanical quality, high temperature resistance, compound resistance, electrical protection, and different other advantages. Swift urbanization is having a positive impact on many industries wherein lightweight and solidness of the items are fundamental needs in terms of product. Therefore, the demand in the worldwide thermoset molding compound market is anticipated to grow at an exponential rate in the years ahead.The expanding requirement for security and safety in aerospace and transportation industries is an essential driver of the global thermoset molding compound market, as thermosets offer quality and sturdiness other than being lightweight. The requirement for financially suitable material to supplant heavy metals, expanding requirement for thermally steady and resistance to corrosion, and easy production of complex are some of the various dynamics pushing the growth of the worldwide thermoset molding compound market. On the other hand, fluctuating prices of crude oil and stringent administrative strategies relating to thermoset resin are anticipated to inhibit the development rate in the upcoming years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Some of the key end users of thermoset molding are aerospace, electrical and electronics, and most of all automotive. The automotive industry is the probable leading end user owing to the use of thermoset molding in the manufacturing of interior and exterior automotive components.Global Thermoset Molding Compound Market: OverviewIn the recent past, thermosets have become excellent replacement for thermoplastic or metallic components as they offer highly useful properties such as mechanical strength, high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and other benefits. Rapid urbanization is reflecting positively on several industries wherein lightweight and durability of the products are essential. As a result, the demand in the global thermoset molding compound market is projected to expand at a robust rate during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.This report on global market for thermoset molding compound is an all-inclusive overview of the current condition and based a thorough analysis of all the factors that my influence the demand in the near future, it estimates the state of the market until 2025. This report has been prepared to act as an information guide for targeted audiences such as thermoset molding compound manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, raw material suppliers, end-use industries, and investment research firms. The hallmark of the report is its section on company profiles, wherein a number of prominent players currently active in this market have been overviewed for their market share, operating business segments, business performance, and key strategic moves and recent developments.Request TOC of the Report @The global thermoset molding compound market can be segmented on the basis of resin type into phenolic, epoxy, polyester, and other resins, while on the basis of application, the market can be categorized into aerospace, electrical, automotive, and others. Geographically, the report studies the potential of the market in the regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.Global Thermoset Molding Compound Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe increasing need for safety in transportation and aerospace industry is the primary driver of this market, as thermosets offer strength and durability besides being lightweight. The need for economically viable material to replace heavy metals, increasing need for thermally stable and resistance against corrosion, and ease in production of complex shapes are some of the other factors augmenting the demand the global thermoset molding compound market. Conversely, volatility of crude oil prices and stringent regulatory policies pertaining to thermoset resin are expected to hinder the growth rate during the forecast period.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Among all the resin type segments, polyester resin has maximum demand, owing to its property of remarkable flexibility and increasing application in automotive body panel. Polyester resin thermoset molding offers excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals at room temperature such as gasoline, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, and glycols. Among the end-use application, the electrical and electronics segment continues to be most lucrative as thermoset molding compound are used for various types of electronic packages such as transistors, capacitors, memory devices, and central processing units (CPUs).Global Thermoset Molding Compound Market: Regional OutlookCountries such as China and India have become manufacturing hubs for several end-use industries in the recent past. This factor makes this Asia Pacific the most important regional market for thermoset molding compound. The growing economy, low cost labor, and escalating demand for low-maintenance products are some of the factors augmenting the demand from Asia Pacific region.Companies mentioned in the research reportThe report identifies Eastman Chemical Company, Ashland Global Holding Inc., BASF SE, Hexion Inc., Huntsman Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Kolon Industries Inc., Plastics Engineering Company (Plenco), Kyocera Chemical Corporation, and Rogers Corporation as the key players in global thermoset molding compound market. Product development, collaboration and partnerships, and regional expansion are the key strategies adopted by these players to maintain their stronghold over the market. Some of the other notable players are Hitachi Chemical Company Ltd., Chang Chun Plastics Co. Ltd., Cosmic Plastics Inc., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), and Jiangsu Tianxin Chemical Co., Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Dry Molasses Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth through 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=29507 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=29507